Grand Rapids Area chamber: Build a Better Board with Diversity
Corporate and non-profit boards of directors are vital to the success and leadership of their organizations—and the best way to maximize the benefit boards have on your organization is to diversify, diversify, diversify.
How? You need to attract the rare, the unusual, and the overlooked by deepening your network and ultimately making your board inclusive and welcoming.
Here are five steps to take today.
1. Perform a diversity audit and embrace where you need to grow.
Are there any stakeholders in your business or non-profit that are conspicuously not present? Take a moment to ask your board of directors about their backgrounds—race, gender, expertise, educational background, etc. Set some goals and start seeking to fill the gaps on your board before the next seat opens.
2. Make an intentional, ongoing effort to become and remain diverse.
Learn to make finding diverse partners and potential board members part of what you do every day. Live it in your DNA as an organization. Invite your board and staff to always be thinking: “Who else could be represented? Who can we invite?”
3. Focus on the skills the board needs to meet its strategic priorities.
A strong board is one that makes your organization better, your business more profitable. They do that by providing the expertise, insights, ideas, and solutions you actually need. Look for diverse experts within the specialties you want to place on your board.
4. Aim to create a critical mass.
People work better when they feel they fit in, so look for ways to ease the tension and find commonality. Get to know each other as a board during off site retreats or informal gatherings, and encourage diverse board members to sit on or lead special committees. This will help board members feel open and able to speak up with ideas or a dissenting opinion.
5. Measure results of diversity by its impact.
A board should engage staff to align diversity efforts to the organization’s mission, mandate and activities. Take stock of the impact your inclusion efforts are making. Celebrate the success and keep working towards new goals and setting new strategies to keep momentum going.
Recognize your role in creating diversity. You can become an exceptional board, banish group think, and empower organizational and systems-level solutions—all by inviting disparate perspectives to the table.
This Smart Business resource article was first featured in the October 2016 edition of The Chamber News, written by AliciaMarie Belchak, Senior Communications Specialist at the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce. Visit www.grandrapids.org/business-advice to find more thought leadership like this.
#BestChamber Practices: #letsgetlocal: Marion Chamber: Let's Get Local for the Election
EMPLOYER to EMPLOYEE MESSAGES
Oct. 17 – Kickoff Email
FROM: Employer
TO: Employees
SUBJECT: Let’s Get Local 2016
DATE: October 17
TO: Employees
SUBJECT: Let’s Get Local 2016
DATE: October 17
The Presidential election has taken up most of the airwaves, and there hasn’t been a lot of talk about all of the other races taking place this year. Did you know that 45 of the nation’s 100 largest cities are holding municipal elections? And that over 80% of the country’s State Legislative seats are up for grabs?
While the Presidential contest is important and the outcome will play a large role in the future of our nation’s policy, it’s not the only race on the ballot. We know that some of you may be turned off from politics – we’ve all seen the mudslinging and infighting on both sides of the aisle. But it’s important to remember, that even if you uncertain about voting for the presidential candidates, there are a lot of other things to consider.
Local and state officials have a direct impact on your daily life. These positions range from Tax Commissioner to Sheriff and Judge to State Senator. There are over 13,500 school district governments. And that’s just the start - there’s a lot happening in your county and state.
So, Let’s Get Local this year. We hope you’ll vote for everything on the ticket, but if you don’t want to, that’s okay. You can vote for all or just a few. But, every vote counts and makes a difference. To learn more, visit www.illinoisprosperity.org
Are you in?
Facebook: We know that the presidential race has been the major focus this election season, but there are a lot of other races to consider. Let’s get local this year and make an impact at all levels of government. You can vote for one race or all, but make a point to vote this year. To learn more visit www.illinoisprosperity.org #employeesvote #letsgetlocal
Twitter: Let's get local this election! Maybe the presidential race isn't your thing. But there is so much else on the ballot #letsgetlocal .
Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce 2016 Business Directory and Resource Guide
The Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce 2016 Business Directory and Resource Guide is available at the Virginia Peninsula Chamber today! Thanks to Mike Kuhns, Suzy Johnson and the 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.
FREDERICKSBURG – The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce will hold its third Local Legends event, recognizing four area business leaders retiring this year.
The honorees this year are G. William “Billy” Beale, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Union Bankshares Corporation, Ron Branscome, Executive Director of Rappahannock Area Community Services Board (RACSB), Karen Hedelt, Director of Economic Development & Tourism for the City of Fredericksburg, and Dr. David Sam, President of Germanna Community College.
The celebration will be held on Tuesday, November 1 at Jepson Alumni Executive Center starting at noon.
“This is a way to recognize the business and community contributions of the honorees,” said Susan Spears, Chamber President & CEO. “These leaders have made outstanding contributions to their organizations as well as the broader community. They are our local legends.”
Billy Beale will step down as CEO on January 2, 2017. Beale has served as President and CEO of Union Bankshares Corporation (and its predecessor companies) since 1991. He has served on the Board of Directors since that time. During his tenure, bank assets have grown to $8.1 billion from $180 million, representing a compounded annual growth rate of 16.5%. Total shareholder return through August 5th has been 858%. Beale started his banking career in Texas after receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from The Citadel. Prior to relocating to Virginia, he graduated from the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University.
RACSB Executive Director Ron Branscome will retire June 30, 2017, after guiding the public behavioral health and developmental services agencies for more than 30 years. Branscome first came to Fredericksburg in 1974 to coordinate a Developmental Disabilities Grant project for the Association for Retarded Citizens – Rappahannock, which established a community-based system of care for mentally retarded citizens in Planning District 16. As director of this division, Branscome implemented services such as a case management program to improve care for individuals served and an infant development program to provide therapy and training for infants and toddlers with developmental delays and their families. He also oversaw the creation of a day support program, Rappahannock Adult Activities. For these efforts, he was named the Employee of the Year of the now Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. Today RACSB employs 266 full-time and 134 part-time employees and serviced more than 11,000 mentally ill patients in 2015. In addition to its role as a community service provider, RACSB is a contributor to the local economy. In 2015, RACSB provided 514 jobs, paid $23 million in employee compensation, and spent $9 million in total output/expenditures. It is estimated these direct outputs may have supported 164 additional jobs, $12.9 million in additional labor income, and $4.9 million in additional economic output.
Karen Hedelt joined the city staff in 1981 as a communication coordinator. In the ensuing years, she served as the department’s public relations and marketing manager, acting director, and director of tourism. She was named the director of the Department of Economic Development and Tourism in 2010.
While her job requires Hedelt to represent the city on a myriad of commissions, task forces, committees, and boards, she is equally comfortable behind the scenes of tourism and economic development initiatives. Since 2010, Hedelt oversaw the creation of innovative business districts and incentive programs to encourage business growth. New tourism and economic development websites have been introduced, making it easier for tourists and businesses to learn about Fredericksburg’s assets. She was an early and strong supporter of the city’s Main Street program. She left her post on August 1.
Dr. David Sam will retire on June 30, 2017, after 10 years at the helm as Germanna’s fifth president. During Sam’s time as president of Germanna Community College, the school’s total student headcount has increased more than 60 percent, the Fredericksburg campus in Spotsylvania was expanded, and new centers in Stafford and Caroline counties were added.
When he started in March 2007, Germanna enrollment hovered around 7,542 but rose to 12,317 during the 2015-16 school year. Together, Sam, 66, and the late Rick Brehm, his vice president for administrative services, steered Germanna through the recession without layoffs despite the budget cuts.
Tickets price is $35/pp and can be purchased by calling Chamber office 540-373-9400.
Media Contact: Dawn Haun, Communications Director - (540)373-9400, Dawn@fredericksburgchamber.org
Chamber Leadership: Golden Triangle Leadership Class Selected
Paducah to Host Global UNESCO Cities in 2017
Representatives from more than 20 cities and 11 nations across the globe will be descending upon Paducah in 2017 for a first ever annual global meeting of Creative Cities of Crafts & Folk Art.
Paducah representatives Mary Hammond, Executive Director of the Paducah Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Bonnie Browning, Executive Show Director of the American Quilter's Society, recently participated in the tenth annual meeting of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Creative Cities' Network in Östersund, Sweden.
Paducah presented an invitation to the fellow UNESCO Creative Cities of Crafts & Folk Art to meet in Paducah in September 2017 to share strategies of incorporating the arts in building identity and strategic development. This first formally-designated annual meeting of the thematic area will be hosted by the City of Paducah in partnership with the Paducah Convention & Visitors Bureau, Paducah Economic Development and the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce.
Laura Oswald, Marketing Director with the Paducah Convention and Visitors Bureau, tells West Kentucky Star that further details regarding the length of the meeting, and locations that will be used to facilitate the meetings are still being worked out. Oswald says they will be working with local businesses and vendors to make sure the representatives from around the globe will get a full view of what Paducah has to offer.
In addition to the 20 global cities being invited, Oswald says the U.S. art cities of Austin, Detroit, Tucson, Iowa City, and Sante Fe will also be invited to attend the meeting. Paducah was designated as a UNESCO Creative City in 2013.
"We are excited to host ambassadors from Creative Cities around the world in 2017," said Mayor Gayle Kaler in a written press release about the event. "The relationships we have formed within the UNESCO Creative Cities Network have opened up doors into other cultures, promoted international cooperation and allowed us to expand and promote our own creative initiatives. We look forward to this unique opportunity for Paducah to showcase its innovations on a global platform."
"Every Annual Meeting of the Creative Cities Network represents an opportunity to strengthen the ties between its members," said Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO in a written press release about the event. "The network today comprises 116 cities in 54 countries and its diversity enhances its cooperation potential. The network is a unique platform that helps place culture, creativity and innovation at the heart of sustainable urban development in the spirit of the 11th Goal of the 2030 Agenda." Read more: Western Kentucky Star
October is Manufacturing Month in Wisconsin and the Fort Atkinson Area Chamber of Commerce is celebrating all things manufacturing with the intent of inspiring the next generation of manufacturers.
As part of its workforce development efforts, the Fort Atkinson chamber will be providing a tour of Fort Atkinson’s largest employers to area college students on Friday, Oct. 21.
The purpose of the tour is to inform students of the career potential at companies in Fort Atkinson, and encourage them to apply for available internships, apprenticeships and summer job opportunities in the spring. Participating manufacturers include Nasco International, Spacesaver Corporation, Jones Dairy Farm, OSI Fort Atkinson and Digi-Star, LLC.
There is no cost to students and the tour is limited to the first 30 participants. Students can register through their instructors, online at www.fortchamber.com or by calling the Fort Atkinson chamber during business hours at (920) 563-3210.
In recognition of Manufacturing Month, the chamber is celebrating “Made in Fort” products from local companies to highlight the economic impact of manufacturing in the area on its website and Facebook page. Followers are encouraged to check back frequently as posts are made throughout the month.
Links to statewide manufacturing events and career opportunities in Fort Atkinson can be found athttp://www.fortchamber.com. Read more: Daily Union
Twitter: Let's get local this election! Maybe the presidential race isn't your thing. But there is so much else on the ballot #letsgetlocal .
Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce 2016 Business Directory and Resource Guide
The Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce 2016 Business Directory and Resource Guide is available at the Virginia Peninsula Chamber today! Thanks to Mike Kuhns, Suzy Johnson and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!
 |
| Virginia Peninsula Chamber |
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.
Terre Haute Chamber event: Senator Coats: Nation must address its debt
Tax, regulatory and fiscal reform needed
Six years ago the nation’s debt was front and center in elections.
Now?
“I don’t hear our candidates talking about that right now, but that is what they are going to face,” U.S. Sen. Dan Coats told members of the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce at a luncheon Tuesday at Indiana State University.
The gross U.S. federal government debt is now estimated at $19.4 trillion, according to the fiscal year 2017 federal budget, said the Indiana Republican. That is an increase from about $7.7 trillion in 2005.
Coats, who did not seek re-election and will complete his term in three months, is chair of the U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee.
“We are only growing at half the rate that we have traditionally grown after recessions. It is keeping people out of work. We are not getting enough meaningful work for people,” Coats said. “The world is kind of in transition in terms of digitization of everything and automation of everything and so these are challenges for the future.
“I have talked about tax reform, regulatory reform and fiscal reform as the three pillars of things that have to be dealt with... Whoever wins this election is going face these issues and it will have an immense impact on the future of children, our grandchildren and the future of this country,” Coats said.
Coats said he was making a final tour of Indiana visiting cities he has represented since 2011.
Coats first served as U.S. senator for Indiana from 1989 to 1999. He also served as a U.S. Representative, in Indiana’s 4th congressional district, from 1981 to 1989.
Prior to addressing the Chamber of Commerce, Coats said he has seen changes during his political career, especially in election financing.
“When I first ran, you raised money from people in your state, you had state supporters, it was a modest amount of money and you had TV commercials,” he said.
“Today, it is outside groups with unlimited money that they can pour in and say whatever they want to say about a candidate. And the demand (is) on the members, who have to spend so much time raising money, instead of legislating. One thing I will not miss at all is asking people for money,” Coats said. Read more: Tribune Star
Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce will hold its third Local Legends eventFREDERICKSBURG – The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce will hold its third Local Legends event, recognizing four area business leaders retiring this year.
The honorees this year are G. William “Billy” Beale, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Union Bankshares Corporation, Ron Branscome, Executive Director of Rappahannock Area Community Services Board (RACSB), Karen Hedelt, Director of Economic Development & Tourism for the City of Fredericksburg, and Dr. David Sam, President of Germanna Community College.
The celebration will be held on Tuesday, November 1 at Jepson Alumni Executive Center starting at noon.
“This is a way to recognize the business and community contributions of the honorees,” said Susan Spears, Chamber President & CEO. “These leaders have made outstanding contributions to their organizations as well as the broader community. They are our local legends.”
Billy Beale will step down as CEO on January 2, 2017. Beale has served as President and CEO of Union Bankshares Corporation (and its predecessor companies) since 1991. He has served on the Board of Directors since that time. During his tenure, bank assets have grown to $8.1 billion from $180 million, representing a compounded annual growth rate of 16.5%. Total shareholder return through August 5th has been 858%. Beale started his banking career in Texas after receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from The Citadel. Prior to relocating to Virginia, he graduated from the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University.
RACSB Executive Director Ron Branscome will retire June 30, 2017, after guiding the public behavioral health and developmental services agencies for more than 30 years. Branscome first came to Fredericksburg in 1974 to coordinate a Developmental Disabilities Grant project for the Association for Retarded Citizens – Rappahannock, which established a community-based system of care for mentally retarded citizens in Planning District 16. As director of this division, Branscome implemented services such as a case management program to improve care for individuals served and an infant development program to provide therapy and training for infants and toddlers with developmental delays and their families. He also oversaw the creation of a day support program, Rappahannock Adult Activities. For these efforts, he was named the Employee of the Year of the now Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. Today RACSB employs 266 full-time and 134 part-time employees and serviced more than 11,000 mentally ill patients in 2015. In addition to its role as a community service provider, RACSB is a contributor to the local economy. In 2015, RACSB provided 514 jobs, paid $23 million in employee compensation, and spent $9 million in total output/expenditures. It is estimated these direct outputs may have supported 164 additional jobs, $12.9 million in additional labor income, and $4.9 million in additional economic output.
Karen Hedelt joined the city staff in 1981 as a communication coordinator. In the ensuing years, she served as the department’s public relations and marketing manager, acting director, and director of tourism. She was named the director of the Department of Economic Development and Tourism in 2010.
While her job requires Hedelt to represent the city on a myriad of commissions, task forces, committees, and boards, she is equally comfortable behind the scenes of tourism and economic development initiatives. Since 2010, Hedelt oversaw the creation of innovative business districts and incentive programs to encourage business growth. New tourism and economic development websites have been introduced, making it easier for tourists and businesses to learn about Fredericksburg’s assets. She was an early and strong supporter of the city’s Main Street program. She left her post on August 1.
Dr. David Sam will retire on June 30, 2017, after 10 years at the helm as Germanna’s fifth president. During Sam’s time as president of Germanna Community College, the school’s total student headcount has increased more than 60 percent, the Fredericksburg campus in Spotsylvania was expanded, and new centers in Stafford and Caroline counties were added.
When he started in March 2007, Germanna enrollment hovered around 7,542 but rose to 12,317 during the 2015-16 school year. Together, Sam, 66, and the late Rick Brehm, his vice president for administrative services, steered Germanna through the recession without layoffs despite the budget cuts.
Tickets price is $35/pp and can be purchased by calling Chamber office 540-373-9400.
Media Contact: Dawn Haun, Communications Director - (540)373-9400, Dawn@fredericksburgchamber.org
Chamber Leadership: Golden Triangle Leadership Class Selected
The Columbus Lowndes Chamber of Commerce is currently leading its 2016-2017 Golden Triangle Leadership (GTL) class. GTL is sponsored by the Columbus Lowndes Chamber of Commerce, Greater Starkville Development Partnership, and the West Point Growth Alliance. This program is designed to bring leaders of the Golden Triangle together in order to strengthen the bond and development between all three regions
.The 2016-2017 class consists of Anna Kathryn McGill of Express Pros Employment, Ben Upton of Cadence Bank, Brad Jones of Renasant Bank, Christee Holbrook of Graham Roofing, Colin Krieger of REMAX, Cory Lucius of Shelter Insurance, David Vega of Bancorp South, DeLorean King of Community Couseling Services, Deloris Doss of City of West Point, Emily Ferril of Palmer Home for Children, Hannah Nail of Curtis Optometry Clinic, James Hazard of BankFirst Financial Services, Jennifer Miles of MUW, John Jefferson of Community Counseling Services, Jory Tally of WCBI, Julie Goodin of Waste Pro, Joshua Carroll of East Mississippi Community College, Mathew Dowell of GTR Airport, Robert Greathree Jr of Columbus Housing Authority, Sherman Berry of Cadence Bank, Saunders Ramsey and Zach Foster of Neel-Schaffer, and Zack Plair of the Commercial Dispatch.
GTL will have one session each month from October through June. These sessions are designed to offer a comprehensive, interactive experience for the participants and for them to learn about pertinent issues with our region, have networking opportunities with business leaders, and gain knowledge about our community. GTL is open to anyone ages 20-65 who want to get involved in their community and the cost of the program is $500, which is normally covered by the employee’s business. Read more: WCBI-TV.comPaducah to Host Global UNESCO Cities in 2017
Representatives from more than 20 cities and 11 nations across the globe will be descending upon Paducah in 2017 for a first ever annual global meeting of Creative Cities of Crafts & Folk Art.
Paducah representatives Mary Hammond, Executive Director of the Paducah Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Bonnie Browning, Executive Show Director of the American Quilter's Society, recently participated in the tenth annual meeting of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Creative Cities' Network in Östersund, Sweden.
Paducah presented an invitation to the fellow UNESCO Creative Cities of Crafts & Folk Art to meet in Paducah in September 2017 to share strategies of incorporating the arts in building identity and strategic development. This first formally-designated annual meeting of the thematic area will be hosted by the City of Paducah in partnership with the Paducah Convention & Visitors Bureau, Paducah Economic Development and the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce.
Laura Oswald, Marketing Director with the Paducah Convention and Visitors Bureau, tells West Kentucky Star that further details regarding the length of the meeting, and locations that will be used to facilitate the meetings are still being worked out. Oswald says they will be working with local businesses and vendors to make sure the representatives from around the globe will get a full view of what Paducah has to offer.
In addition to the 20 global cities being invited, Oswald says the U.S. art cities of Austin, Detroit, Tucson, Iowa City, and Sante Fe will also be invited to attend the meeting. Paducah was designated as a UNESCO Creative City in 2013.
"We are excited to host ambassadors from Creative Cities around the world in 2017," said Mayor Gayle Kaler in a written press release about the event. "The relationships we have formed within the UNESCO Creative Cities Network have opened up doors into other cultures, promoted international cooperation and allowed us to expand and promote our own creative initiatives. We look forward to this unique opportunity for Paducah to showcase its innovations on a global platform."
"Every Annual Meeting of the Creative Cities Network represents an opportunity to strengthen the ties between its members," said Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO in a written press release about the event. "The network today comprises 116 cities in 54 countries and its diversity enhances its cooperation potential. The network is a unique platform that helps place culture, creativity and innovation at the heart of sustainable urban development in the spirit of the 11th Goal of the 2030 Agenda." Read more: Western Kentucky Star
#BestChamber practices: Fort Atkinson Area Chamber: Spots for student tours of Fort manufacturers open
October is Manufacturing Month in Wisconsin and the Fort Atkinson Area Chamber of Commerce is celebrating all things manufacturing with the intent of inspiring the next generation of manufacturers.
As part of its workforce development efforts, the Fort Atkinson chamber will be providing a tour of Fort Atkinson’s largest employers to area college students on Friday, Oct. 21.
The purpose of the tour is to inform students of the career potential at companies in Fort Atkinson, and encourage them to apply for available internships, apprenticeships and summer job opportunities in the spring. Participating manufacturers include Nasco International, Spacesaver Corporation, Jones Dairy Farm, OSI Fort Atkinson and Digi-Star, LLC.
There is no cost to students and the tour is limited to the first 30 participants. Students can register through their instructors, online at www.fortchamber.com or by calling the Fort Atkinson chamber during business hours at (920) 563-3210.
In recognition of Manufacturing Month, the chamber is celebrating “Made in Fort” products from local companies to highlight the economic impact of manufacturing in the area on its website and Facebook page. Followers are encouraged to check back frequently as posts are made throughout the month.
Links to statewide manufacturing events and career opportunities in Fort Atkinson can be found athttp://www.fortchamber.com. Read more: Daily Union
Town Square Chamber Membership Directories, Community Profiles, Guides and 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.
Town Square Publications parent company, Paddock Publications, has over 100 years’ experience of print product development and dedicated customer service in communities throughout the Midwest. Our experience allows Town Square Publications to offer you attractive royalty and non-dues revenue share streams, provide direct distribution of your custom designed printed publications, including digital and mobile integration, and all with the quickest turn-around times available in the industry. Town Square also offers multi-media maps in both print and online formats, both with our No-Cost guarantee. 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 chamber publication or map proposal, Contact Town Square Here
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