Murray-Calloway County Chamber news: Aaron Dail Appointed to Kentucky Prosecutors Advisory Council
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| Aaron Dail, Murray-Calloway County Chamber |
Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin has appointed the head of the Murray-Calloway County Chamber of Commerce to a council for overseeing logistics of state prosecutors.
Aaron Dail will serve on the Prosecutors Advisory Council representing non-attorney citizens.
Bevin appointed six new members to the council.
Dail replaces Karen Bailey of Lexington.
Dail replaces Karen Bailey of Lexington.
The nine-member PAC is chaired by the Attorney General and consists of three Commonwealth Attorneys, three County Attorneys and two citizen members. Read more: WKMS.org
Q&A: Janice Karcher Vice President of Economic Development, Flint and Genesee Chamber of Commerce -
Before Flint made international news for its water crisis, the city and its surrounding area was experiencing somewhat of a comeback as unemployment fell and the region worked to diversify its economy. Now that the area is in the throes of one of the worst public health crises in American history, many Flint area businesses have been affected economically as well, according to Janice Karcher, vice president of economic development for the Flint and Genesee County Chamber of Commerce. Karcher spoke with MiBiz about her organization’s goals and how she hopes broader economic development strategies will result from the crisis.
How do you compare the economic conditions in the Flint area to the rest of Michigan?
Flint had to work harder at diversifying. That’s certainly been part of our goal to deliver support for our companies who may have historically been very focused on the auto industry. (We’re) supporting their goals to enter new markets and identify new customers. We’re also seeing a continued growth of destination health care and higher ed, with international student enrollment on the upswing. A number of specialties within our medical systems are attracting patients from outside the area.
How does the crisis presented by the lead-tainted water impact your organization’s economic development efforts?
Obviously, there’s a real impact in the effect that the water situation is having and it still remains to be fully defined in terms of the health implications of the water on the families of the city. We’ve seen from the survey work and the direct work we’ve done with businesses in the area that it’s really kind of had a two-pronged effect on them.
What do you mean by that?
It’s an unanticipated cost of the purchase of filters and bottled water, as well as just kind of a general economic slowdown based on people’s concerns about the water. Those two things have been the primary focus of our efforts with our businesses.
How is the perception impacting business attraction or retention efforts?
It certainly requires a lot more explaining with companies who do make contact with us. And on the other hand, we’re anticipating that there are projects that have been lost that we never knew about because they have not felt comfortable to reach out and get more information about the situation. But we are finding — and this is especially true for restaurants that really rely on the foot traffic and the confidence of the consumer — a lot of our restaurants and businesses are now receiving water tests with non-detectable levels and they are posting those on the front doors and really trying to get the word out that their water systems are back to normal.
As various levels of government continue to work on solutions to the crisis, does the Chamber envision a broader economic development plan for Flint being part of that?
The full commitment here is that (we need) to really ensure that the community comes out in a better situation than it was before this water crisis. There are a lot of needs in the community and there is an opportunity to tap into support for things that certainly help address economic and employment issues that have been affected by the water, but are bigger than the water situation.
How do you envision that working?
- See more at: Mi BizDaviess County chamber: Still time to be involved in state bicentennial projects
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Samantha Bobbitt,
Daviess County Chamber |
It's a big year for Daviess County and the Hoosier state and at least one local is hoping to get as many people involved in the celebration as possible. Samantha Bobbitt, executive director of the Daviess County Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau has been busy over the last several months helping the Daviess County community to get involved in the Indiana Bicentennial projects, in addition to her efforts with the county projects.
"I'm working hard to do what's necessary to have each of the large events and festivals in Daviess County approved as endorsed Legacy Projects," said Bobbitt adding so far the White River Valley Antique Association Antique Show, Montgomery Ruritan Turkey Trot and Washington Carnegie Public Library 200 Book Challenge have already received Legacy Project endorsement so they can be recognized as official Indiana Bicentennial events.
"I'm working hard to do what's necessary to have each of the large events and festivals in Daviess County approved as endorsed Legacy Projects," said Bobbitt adding so far the White River Valley Antique Association Antique Show, Montgomery Ruritan Turkey Trot and Washington Carnegie Public Library 200 Book Challenge have already received Legacy Project endorsement so they can be recognized as official Indiana Bicentennial events.
From assisting festival organizers in obtaining Legacy Project status to recruiting torch bearers for the Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay, Bobbitt is now working on finding county schools to help decorate the bison as part of the Indiana Bison Art Project or Bison-tennial project organized by the Indiana Association of United Ways.
"I'm working with WestGate Academy and they have graciously allowed our bison to be housed at their facility until we award the winning project from those submitted from our high school art classes," said Bobbitt, adding the 5-foot-tall bison will find a home somewhere in the county where it can be on display after it's decorated. "We hope that teens will find the project something they want to take part in. In 50 years, we want them to have the memories we are making by celebrating our bicentennial."
Bobbitt said the Visitors Bureau board will jury the designs and pick one school as the winner and schools interested in participating should contact the chamber sooner rather than later.
“The winning school will be allowed to decorate the bison fully funded by the Daviess County Visitors Bureau. The limit is $2,000," said Bobbitt, of the public art project that also earned the Legacy Project status. "We're hoping to have the design complete by Memorial Day and our bison will make an appearance along the Bicentennial Torch Relay route that will pass through the county on Sept. 13, as well as other events that lead up to Indiana's Bicentennial Statehood Day on Dec. 11 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds." Read more: Washington Times Herald
Chamber delight: Port of Virginia has big plans for rebranded Port of Richmond
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| Kim Scheeler, Greater Richmond Chamber |
Historically, there was a tendency to consider the Port of Richmond “this little thing over here that didn’t really matter,” said Kim Scheeler, president and CEO of the Greater Richmond Chamber, addressing an assemblage of state and local government officials, politicians and business leaders during a lunch at the chamber’s downtown offices on Wednesday.
That, officials say, is changing.
Scheeler was introducing Port of Virginia CEO and President John Reinhart, who was about to deliver the first-ever State of the Port Address in Richmond.
The occasion included plentiful plaudits for Richmond Mayor Dwight Jones for turning over Richmond’s port, now rebranded as the Richmond Marine Terminal, to the Port of Virginia via a 40-year lease that was approved by City Council last year and began last month.
“Thanks to him and the members of the City Council we now have a great opportunity in this region to drive some economic development,” said Scheeler, who added that the chamber has assembled a task force to help aid development in and around the terminal. “And because of his leadership and his vision, what was once a faltering asset for the city has now become a huge catalyst to drive some economic development in this region.” Read more: Richmond.com
Gulfport Chamber of Commerce Announces Small Business Grant Applications Available now
GULFPORT – The Gulfport Chamber of Commerce announced this week that applications for the Small Business Grant Program are now available. Grants ranging from $250 up to $1,000 will be awarded to selected businesses in Gulfport who meet the specified criteria, and provide adequate documentation supporting their grant request.
The application must be received at the Gulfport Chamber of Commerce office no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, September 10. Any applications received after the due date will not be considered, including those received in the mail. Completed applications may be faxed to 228-604-0105 or dropped off in person/mailed to: 11975E Seaway Road, Gulfport, MS 39503.
Lake County Multi-chamber Event: Regional Connections
Join us for Regional Connections and get connected with members from other chambers! Regional Connections is presented by State Bank of the Lakes, a Wintrust community bank. This multi-chamber networking event is designed to connect people from around our region and is beneficial to everyone doing business between Milwaukee and Chicago, and for those who would like to!
Registration and open networking start at 11:00 a.m., lunch at 11:30 a.m., followed by speed networking. Afterwards, there will be time to chat and make appointments with your new connections. Make sure to bring a lot of business cards!
Chambers from NE Illinois and SE Wisconsin are invited to participate. Current participating Chambers include: Antioch, Kenosha Area, Lake County, North Chicago, Racine (RAMAC), Round Lake Area, Union Grove Area, and Waterford.
Fox Cities Chamber to host workforce forum
The Fox Cities Chamber will host its first workforce event, The Forum 2016: Investing In People, on April 12.
The half-day event features business, education and community leaders discussing best practices in developing and maintaining a thriving workforce in the Fox Cities.
The event runs 7 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.April 12 at the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel in downtown Appleton.
“This is going to be a very important day for our community. Our goals at the chamber include investing in people, strengthening business and inspiring community. The Forum will tie together these three objectives so we can determine the challenges in our area and strategize the best solutions to develop, attract and retain our workforce,” said Shannon Full, chamber president and chief executive officer.
Keynote speaker Jeff Sachse, director and senior economist for the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, will give an overview of critical needs facing the Fox Cities economy and how collaborative partnerships can build the talent pool.
The event continues with additional speakers, breakout sessions and a panel discussion. Read more: Post Crescent
The half-day event features business, education and community leaders discussing best practices in developing and maintaining a thriving workforce in the Fox Cities.
The event runs 7 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.April 12 at the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel in downtown Appleton.
“This is going to be a very important day for our community. Our goals at the chamber include investing in people, strengthening business and inspiring community. The Forum will tie together these three objectives so we can determine the challenges in our area and strategize the best solutions to develop, attract and retain our workforce,” said Shannon Full, chamber president and chief executive officer.
Keynote speaker Jeff Sachse, director and senior economist for the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, will give an overview of critical needs facing the Fox Cities economy and how collaborative partnerships can build the talent pool.
The event continues with additional speakers, breakout sessions and a panel discussion. Read more: Post Crescent
#Chamber news: Tax Resources for #Small Businesses
Tax season is fast approaching and businesses have to think about tying up loose ends well before the typical April 15 deadline. Some small business owners choose to hire an accountant for all of their bookkeeping, others prefer a "do-it-yourself" approach. If you need some resources or direction for your tax questions, here are a few that might be helpful as you anticipate deadlines and requirements for your business.
* Small Business Administration (SBA) is a great resource for tax information
* IRS Small Business & Self Employment Tax Center
* Tax Calendar for Businesses & Self Employed
* Illinois Department of Revenue for your State taxes and sales tax payments.
* Tax resources available at Arlington Heights Memorial Library
* QuickBooks or Wave are both indispensable and can be shared with your accountant or makes reporting easy for your own filing.
* Turbo Tax is a great tool if you're filing on your own.
* H&R Block has software too for the do-it-yourself filer.
While you might be tempted to charge full speed ahead, always seek advice from a tax professional as your business grows! Source: Arlington Heights Memorial Library
Town Square Publications Chamber of Commerce Membership Directories, Community Profiles, Re-Location Guides and Custom Maps
Town Square Publications, a division of the Daily Herald Media Group, is a national chamber custom publishing group that specializes in developing partnerships by producing high-quality print and digitally integrated publications along with other added value programs dedicated to creating relevancy for local chambers of commerce and other membership focused organizations interested in raising non-dues revenues.
More information: Town Square Publications
Chambers of Commerce and member focused organizations serve as a valuable resource in the local marketplace. The networking opportunities and representation with a wide variety of diverse businesses in your community is the catalyst of a successful organization. For further information about Town Square's publishing partnership with chambers of commerce and our No-Cost guarantee and Earned Revenue Share Program, To request your publication proposal, Click here
The Green Lake County Chamber of Commerce 2016 Guide & Map is available at the Green Lake County Chamber! Thanks to the Green Lake County chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!
Town SquarePublications (www.townsquarepublications.com) can help you accomplish your chamber's gloss map, directory, community profile or publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633.
Friday: 157 Rules for Executive Success in Organization Management (and your Chamber of Commerce) by Patrick McGaughey
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#139 Survey members with what we are
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