#LoveMyChamber --- Return on Investment from my Annual Chamber Membership - Reason 16 - Finding Meaning and Relevance

Business owners have limited time and resources. But they can maximize the time they have through the chamber of commerce. By joining your local chamber of commerce, multiple avenues spring up to make an impact on your local community, your region, or your state. There is a world of opportunities to make your input count. The decision on which to join is up to you! Here are a few areas:

On the Local Level: 

Chamber Ambassador - an elite corps of area business people serving as advocates for the Chamber and the business community.  This is still the easiest and fastest way to meet everyone on the business community.

1. Greets new members and attends functions .
2. Retaining current members by public relations calls.

Business Issues -  Who has your voice, and is it being heard?

1. Monitors legislative issues that affect small businesses. 
2. Develop grass roots coalition on local issues.

How many other areas of interest fit your needs?
 
Women in Business
Under 40 in Business
Community Operations 
Education Task Force
Workforce Development and Training Task Force
Area Promotion Committee
Economic Development Committee
Membership Committee 
Finance Committee
Golf Committee
Business Leads Committee
Health Care Council

On the Regional Level: 

County Leadership
Transportation Committee
Tourism -
Environment
Energy and Natural Resources
Importing-Exporting and International Relations

On the State Level: 

Legislation
Workman's Compensation
Health Care
Taxation
E-commerce

On the National Level
Public Affairs
Legislation
Taxation
Homeland Affairs
National Defense
Regional & National Logistics


Reasons to #LoveMyChamber: The Chamber Membership Value Proposition - Chamber of Commerce annual dues: Around $250. Value of the Chamber of Commerce benefit #16 - Immediate involvement in Meaningful and Relevant work to aid your business; $1,000 - Return On Investment Features #1-#16 = $10,300; Total Return On Investment for Annual Chamber Membership - 4120%.

Position: President Greater Seymour Chamber (Indiana); Deadline is January 10th, 2014

Position:  President
Greater Seymour Chamber

The Board of Directors and the Search Committee for the Greater Seymour Chamber of Commerce have announced that they will be accepting applications to fill the position of Chamber President upon the 2014 retirement of Bill Bailey, current Chamber President.

The President is the Chief Executive and Administrative Officer of the organization. Duties are subject to the direction of the Board of Directors. The President is responsible for the full range of Chamber activities, including the coordination of the program of work, organizational structure and procedures, motivation of volunteers, income and expenditures, maintenance and growth of membership, employment and supervision of staff, interpretation of policy and maintenance of quarters. The President is the "public relations officer" for the organization and the entire community.

A Bachelor's degree is preferred with three to five years of management and marketing  experience preferred. Candidate must possess the ability to work in a team environment and have knowledge of financial statements & accounting procedures. Successful candidate will have excellent verbal /written communication skills and public relations skills coupled with the ability to influence others in a positive manner. General knowledge of Microsoft Office applications is preferred. Social Media and website editing skills are preferred. Applicants with a working knowledge of Chambers of Commerce or nonprofit organizations including the principles of volunteer management and program administration preferred.

Additional information can be found on the  Chamber's website. Letters of interest and resumes must be sent to:  

Indiana Chamber Executives Association
PO Box 377
Hanover, IN  47243   Electronic applications can be submitted to info@iceaonline.com with Seymour Chamber entered as the Subject.

Resumes must be received no later than January 10, 2014. 

Source: www.ICEAonline.com  website

#Chamber Best Practices - St. Joseph County (South Bend, Indiana) Chamber of Commerce - Talent Development

The cost of labor (#1) and highly skilled workers who have the right stuff (#3) are critical factors for companies looking for new locations, according to Area Development Online Survey Results, which has curated content from around the web focusing on all aspects of site selection, facility planning and economic development.
The St. Joseph County (Indiana) Chamber of Commerce in South Bend provides an exceptional program that serves as a key part of their Workforce Development initiatives. -----

internSJC Talent Engagement Program

Employers:
Access IndianaIntern.net to post your internship opportunities.
Intern Candidates:
Access IndianaIntern.net to view internship opportunities.

The Program
The St. Joseph County Chamber of Commerce’s internSJC program is designed to increase the quantity and quality of experiential learning
in St. Joseph County. Our goal is to provide students with real-world experience that could lead to full-time employment and give companies
access to talented and enthusiastic young people.
The Chamber recognizes how important the development of talent is to our local economic development effort and believes our community needs:

• A better-orchestrated effort to recruit bright, new talent to our region.
• An avenue to help retain graduates from our local higher-education institutions.
• A mechanism to help local high school students who went away to college connect with employers when
  they return home.
• To increase the visibility and attractiveness of our community to young professionals.

There is significant room to grow internship opportunities in our community and retain top talent. By combining the Chamber of Commerce’s business connections, the universities’ student relationships and the existing online resource Indiana Internnet, St. Joseph County can attract more young professionals to the area and better fulfill the needs of local employers.
Through internSJC, the Chamber will work with employers to guide them through internship creation, help with the interview and hiring process, assist
with issues the employer may encounter and provide networking opportunities for interns. The community will utilize the established site IndianaIntern.net online as the tool whereby employers would post jobs and students would apply for a position.
Why Become Involved in an Internship Program?
An internship is a structured and supervised experiential learning opportunity that provides students with practical experience in their chosen fields. Internships illustrate classroom relevance in the professional world. Beneficial for both students and employers, internships offer career exploration and skills application for students and provide employers with workers who are creative, enthusiastic, able to assist with projects and open for mentorship.
Transitioning interns into full-time hires is also a proven time and cost-saving recruiting method. Hiring an intern is a great way to “test the waters” while you get to know an intern’s skills and abilities. If your company decides to hire a full-time employee, you should know that internship programs are  proven way to reduce recruitment time and expenditures.

Why Hire an Intern?

• Interns can:
• Complete project work that may be on the backburner
• Increase productivity
• Reduce recruiting costs
• Bring fresh, innovative perspectives to your organization

Hosting an Intern Can Allow You To:

• Mentor and cultivate our future workforce leaders
• Provide a student with a rich learning experience
• Influence school curriculum
• Encourage students to stay in their local community
• Gain short-term talent
• Increase diversity within your organization
• Offer management experience to employees working as intern supervisors
• Provide full-time employees more time to focus on important tasks
• Remain competitive within your industry
• Use social media to connect with target audiences
• Market your company via word of mouth
• Begin training potential full-time employees (more than 50% of interns accept an employment offer from their
  host company!)

And not to mention, hosting an intern is a rewarding experience. It is a great way to give back to your community because your company contributes to an intern’s personal and professional development. Source: indianaintern.net
Contact:
Kate Lee
Director, Talent Engagement
574.400.4030
klee@sjchamber.org

Source: SJC website

#chamber Famous Quotes from Chamber of Commerce Professionals

"May 2014 be the best year you've ever had."

--- Bill Bailey,
Retiring President of the Greater Seymour, Indiana Chamber of Commerce

#Chamber Executive Ongoing Education New Idea - Crucial Conversations - Tools for Talking When Stakes are High - by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan and Al Switzler

 

This book should be the "first read" for every chamber executive facing a change of environment. whether it is the annual shift in the make-up of their board of directors, or the leadership transition with a new chamber of commerce. No book or course could prepare you better for the conversations that precede change. - John Dussman

 -----

Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High

Get unstuck with best practice skills for high-stakes interactions.

The authors of Crucial Conversations didn’t set out to write a book on communication; rather, they began by researching the behaviors of top performers. They found that most of the time, top influencers were indistinguishable from their peers. But as soon as the stakes grew high, emotions ran strong, and opinions differed, top performers were significantly more effective. What the authors observed during this study and captured in this runaway bestseller is a distinct and learnable set of skills that produce immediate results.

Source: Vitalsmarts.com website

#chamber Affinity Programs - Auburn Hills Michigan Chamber of Commerce - Members Receive a Free Discount Drug Card - Savings up to 75%

Prescription Drug Savings Card Program

Auburn Hills Chamber of Commerce is proud to offer its members and their family/friends a free discount drug card. After requesting the card from the Chamber, simply print and receive savings of up to 75 percent at over 56,000 pharmacies across the country (savings average around 30 percent). This card is especially helpful if you are uninsured or underinsured. However, even if you have insurance, you can still use this card to get a discount on non-covered drugs. All prescriptions processed through the program are completely confidential (no name required on card)!

This program also includes discounts on Eyeglasses, Hearing, Diabetic Supplies, Dental, and more. You can print as many cards as you need. Please feel free to forward this card to your friends and family. It is pre-activated and can be used immediately! If you have any questions about this member savings program, call the Chamber at 248.853.7862 or email info@auburnhillschamber.com.

#Chamber Best Practices - Leadership Missouri is Seeking Nominations

The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry Education Foundation's premier program, Leadership Missouri, is seeking Missourians who are willing to take a leadership role in improving their organizations, their community and our state.  We need your help.  Do you know someone in your community, your profession, or your social circle who would be a candidate?    Leadership Missouri is a seven-month program that focuses on challenges and opportunities specific to Missouri.  Leadership Missouri graduates will: -  Enhance Missouri's future.  Leadership Missouri graduates gain aspirations to serve in public office, on local or state boards, community or regional planning committees, trade associations and more.    -  Gain access to an essential network.  Leadership Missouri graduates are part of a diverse network of leaders with heightened abilities to resolve problems, build community relationships and collaboration. They are invaluable resources to their organizations, community and state.    -  Gain valuable insight.  Each generation of Missourians need leaders who intimately understand the state's challenges and opportunities.   Leadership Missouri class participants get a view of our state that most Missourians never see.  The program focuses on the issues facing Missouri and the leaders responsible for responding to those challenges.    The make up of each year's class represents leaders from a variety of occupations, civic involvement and geographic locations.    The Leadership Missouri 2014 application process is underway and we ask for your help in identifying the future leaders of Missouri.

1. Nominate someone in your profession,  community or social circle.  We will notify them by letter that they have been nominated to participate in Leadership Missouri 2014 and include the schedule and application.  NOMINATION FORM   OR If you know a future leader in your profession, community or social circle, forward the link below which includes the agenda and online application.   LEADERSHIP MISSOURI 2014 Thank you for your continued support. From a Leadership Missouri Participant -  "Leadership Missouri is ideal for anyone looking to expand their knowledge of Missouri, expand the networking contacts around the state, and market themselves and their business. In addition, participating members have the opportunity to meet industry leaders, elected officials, and get the chance to tour behind the scenes activity of industry, education, and government in ways that few people see. I also look forward to actively participating in Leadership MO Alumni and continue to meet industry leaders and stay abreast of what is going on in Missouri. I currently stay in contact with my Leadership Missouri classmates and look forward to a long sustained relationship with the fantastic individuals." Brian S. Gerau Executive Director Jackson Chamber of Commerce Leadership Missouri Graduate 2010 LMA Board of Director John Dussman is Midwest Manager for VillageProfile.com, working with chambers in Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana,  Kentucky, Michigan and Missouri. More than 1500 U. S. Chambers of Commerce have trusted Village Profile  to produce their Membership Directories, Community Profiles, Economic Development magazines and  Chamber of Commerce Maps. Contact John at jdussman.vp@villageprofilemail.com or (800)-600-0134 x239.

#LoveMyChamber --- Return on Investment from my Annual Chamber Membership - The Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC)

Confidential Business Consulting with Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center business plans, small business loan assistance and financial packaging.

The Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC) has four teams of consultants to provide services to Michigan’s existing, growing, technology-based and start-up companies. These teams are:

The Small Business Team
Our expert staff of experienced small business consultants is available in each of our 11 regions covering all 83 counties in Michigan. Every consultant is certified in small business counseling and has years of success working with small businesses. Our small business team is dedicated to assisting our clients with one-on-one counseling sessions, training and market research assistance.

The Business Growth Team - A statewide team of award winning specialists with extensive business experience

• Diversifying markets
• Increasing profitable sales
• Conduct industry and market research
• Improve management and operational effectiveness
• Complete long-term strategic plan
• Implementing and accountability support
• Specialized consulting

The Export Specialist Team

The statewide SBTDC Export Specialist Team includes experienced business counselors with international business expertise. The team assists companies in a number of crucial areas targeting increase in export sales:

• Export diversification planning focusing on identifying and penetrating new markets
• Fiscal fitness analysis to ensure financial strength in order to pursue exports
• Loan packaging for submission to banks
• Management and operational effectiveness assessment
• Strategic plan preparation
• International search engine optimization (SEO) report for qualifying clients

The Technology Commercialization Team -
Advanced Tech Companies

The Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center offers commercialization services to technology companies across the state. This is an initiative funded by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation that enables entrepreneurs to bridge the gap between technology development and commercialization.
Tech Team

The Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center Tech Team is a state funded initiative that enables entrepreneurs to bridge the gap between technology development and commercialization. Our statewide team consists of nine consultants with proven track records of technology commercialization.

We focus our efforts in three key areas:

• Access to capital
• Access to resources
• Strategic planning and execution

The Tech Team served over 300 clients in 2011 who attribute MI-SBTDC consulting to playing an important role in the $53,232,960 capital they raised, and the 169 new jobs they created.
Business Accelerator Fund

The Business Accelerator Fund is a 2 year, $3 million fund that may be accessed by participating business accelerators statewide to provide specialized business acceleration services to companies commercializing advanced technology. The services are provided by specialists that are recruited based on the company needs and help companies achieve important milestones such as raising capital or securing a first customer.
Emerging Technologies Fund

Managed by the MI-SBTDC, the Michigan ETF provides commercialization funding to match federal Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer awards for technology-based Michigan companies. The Michigan ETF matches 25 percent of phase I awards up to $25,000, and 25 percent of phase II awards up to $125,000. The ETF awards are grants and award dollars must be used to help bring Michigan projects to commercialization.
Do you have a Technology Company?

A business in which research and development brings forth an innovative product or process. The innovation typically involves intellectual property that contributes to a strong competitive advantage in the marketplace, and serves as a foundation for a high rate of growth. More on the Definition of a Tech Company

The Michigan 21st Century Jobs Fund Initiative focuses on these categories of competitive edge technologies:

• Advanced Automotive, Manufacturing, and Materials Technology
• Agricultural Processing
• Alternative Energy Technology
• Homeland Security and Defense Technology
• Information Technology
• Life Sciences Technology -

Specializing in Growth Company AssistanceThe SBTDC provides a full range of services to growing businesses that includes not only strategic needs assessment (SNA) and market analysis but also ongoing strategy development, financial analysis and access to capital.

For more information, contact Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center State Headquarters at Grand Valley State University - 1020 L William Seidman Center
50 Front Avenue SW - Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Phone: 616.331.7480
Fax: 616.331.7485
Email: sbtdchq@gvsu.edu

Source: Multiple Sources, including Michigan SBTDC website

Reasons to #LoveMyChamber: The Chamber Membership Value Proposition - Chamber of Commerce annual dues: Around $250. Value of the Chamber of Commerce benefit #15 - Teams of Michigan consultants to assist your technology or start-up company; $2500 - Return On Investment Features #1-#15 = $9300; Total Return On Investment for Annual Chamber Membership - 3720%.

The Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC) has four teams of consultants to provide services to Michigan’s existing, growing, technology-based and start-up companies.  These teams are: 

• The Small Business Team                              
• The Business Growth Team
• The Export Specialist Team
• The Technology Commercialization Team

Specializing in Growth Company Assistance

The SBTDC provides a full range of services to growing businesses that includes not only strategic needs assessment (SNA) and market analysis but also ongoing strategy development, financial analysis and access to capital.

- See more at: http://misbtdc.org/#sthash.lAScNth6.dpuf

#Chamber Executive Ongoing Education New Idea - The Coming Jobs War by Gallup CEO Jim Clifton

In The Coming Jobs War, Gallup Chairman Jim Clifton boldly asserts that job creation and successful entrepreneurship are the world’s most pressing issues, outpacing runaway government spending, environmental degradation, and even the threat of global terrorism.

The book is grounded in findings from Gallup’s World Poll, which reveals implications of the jobs war on everything from economics to foreign policy to America’s moral authority in the world. And it offers a prescription for attacking the jobs issue head-on. Clifton says the solution to creating good jobs must be found in cities, not the federal government. Promoting entrepreneurship and job creation must be the sole mission and purpose of cities’ leaders.

Winning the jobs war requires all hands on deck, and failure is not an option, especially for the U.S., which has been the global leader in promoting freedom and entrepreneurship. America’s place in the world is at stake, with other countries poised to surpass a sputtering U.S. economy growing at only 2% annually.

While the statistics are dire, Clifton remains optimistic about America’s ability to win the jobs war. The Coming Jobs War offers a brutally honest look at America’s biggest problem and a cogent prescription for solving it.

Source: Multiple websites, including Amazon

The #Chamber of Commerce and the Midwest Work Ready Communities in Kentucky and Missouri

State of  Kentucky

Having a work force with the right skills and being able to document that fact is becoming more important to counties in Kentucky as they compete for employers.

Kentucky Work Ready Communities certification is sponsored by Kentucky Workforce Investment Board and Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet. The initiative is "part of Kentucky's overall strategic plan to transform the workforce development system," according to the workready.ky.gov website.

In Mason County, Vicki Steigleder, executive director of the Maysville-Mason County Area Chamber of Commerce has taken on the responsibility of coordinating a committee and data for the Work Ready Communities initiative.

Read more about Work Ready Communities here from the Ledger Independent.
 The Kentucky Work Ready Community program has the ability to transform a community. It encourages counties to take a credible inventory of the current and future workforce, identify the gaps and carry out strategies to achieve a more knowledgeable, trained workforce. Find more information on the Kentucky Work Ready Communities  website.
 State of Missouri
 Missouri also was chosen to be one of seven states in the country to implement the Certified Work Ready Communities (CWRC) initiative. Participation in CWRC is voluntary and guided by key community leaders (local elected officials, economic development, business leaders, chambers, educators, and workforce development). Whether your county is large or small, you will be able to attract, retain, and develop a workforce with the education and foundational skills to succeed in the 21^st century by utilizing the National Career Readiness Certificate.

By strengthening your local workforce your community can prosper and grow.

A certified Work Ready Community means your local county has job candidates in the pipeline with high-demand skills proved by the National Career Readiness Certificate. It also shows that local employers care about hiring the best and brightest your region has to offer.

• Any county in Missouri may apply
• No unit smaller/larger than a county may apply
• Organize locally by county
• No cost to apply 

Achievement of Certified Work Ready Community status recognizes that:

A county can provide and deliver a quality workforce with the skills employers need to be “work ready”

Goals have been met for individuals in the local workforce earning a National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC)

Goals have been met for local business engagement-  
either recognizing, preferring or recommending the NCRC

Each Team must include a member from the following:

• Local Business
• Economic Development
• Chamber of Commerce
• K-12 Education
• Community College
• Local Elected Official
• Local Workforce Investment Board 

Contact CWRC coordinator cwrc@ded.Mo.Gov  or  573-522-2744

http://ded.mo.gov/getcertified

Illinois, Michigan and Indiana are also participants in ACT Certified Work Ready Communities. Get more information about ACT Certiifed Work Ready Communites  here. Information by county is also available here.

 

 

 

Is Your Chamber Looking to Attract Top Flight Expanding Companies? Here are the Top Seven Factors Companies Consider!

2012 Top Site Selection Factors

1. Workforce skills
2. State and local tax structure
3. Transportation infrastructure
4. Flexibility of incentive programs
5. Utility infrastructure
6. Land/building costs and supply
7. State economic development strategy

From Site Selection magazine

Is Your #Chamber of Commerce a Member of the US Chamber of Commerce? - Get This US Chamber #affinity Program - Sams Club

  

Receive up to a $25 gift card with your new or renewed Sam's Club® Membership

As a U.S Chamber member, when you join or renew at Sam's Club as a Business Plus^® Member, you'll receive a $25 gift card (non-Plus new or renewing Members receive a $10 gift card).

As a Sam's Club Member, you'll find exceptional values on products for your home and business - restaurant quality food, office supplies, cleaning items and name-brand electronics, just to name a few - that can more than pay for the $100 (plus tax in some places) annual Membership fee. 

For an expanded selection of office supplies visit www.samsclub.com and see more ways Sam's Club can save you more for your business

Find the Sam's Club nearest you!

Discover values beyond the merchandise:

• Valuable services: Including Merchant Payment Processing, Health and Wellness Solutions for employees, and additional cash back with a Sam's Club Discover Card.
• Three Membership cards: a personal card, a card for a household member (over 18 years of age) and a company card.
• No minimums, no contracts: Get what you need, when you need it.
• 100% Satisfaction Guarantee: If you are ever dissatisfied with merchandise or Membership, we'll give you a full refund.

Shop when it's convenient for you:

• Open seven days a week
• Early Shopping Hours: Our early-morning hours let you avoid the crowds Monday through Saturday.
• Order online: With Click 'n' Pull®, you can order by 5 p.m. and we'll have it ready to pick up anytime the next day.

Click here to access the certificate especially for U.S. Chamber members valid through December 31, 2013. Present it, along with proof of your current Chamber membership, at the Member Services Desk at your local Club to receive up to a $25 Gift Card when you join or renew.

Questions about purchasing and inventory? Check out our toolkit.

For more information, call 888-746-7726 or visit www.samsclub.com

Source: US chamber website

The Coming Jobs Talent Shortage: It's Local, It's National and It's Now.

Jim Clifton wrote The Coming Jobs War in 2011  His perception was the biggest problems facing America was not the runaway government spending, environmental problems or terrorism. The biggest issues are job creation and successful entrepreneurship. Written during one of the worst recessions America has ever been through, the idea we might have any shortage of potential employees seemed far-fetched. Only two years later...

Consider this information from K.C. Belitz, president of the Columbus Area (Nebraska) Chamber of Commerce.

"The chamber continues to hear from local employers who are experiencing challenges in finding enough of the right talent. In fact, yesterday the Nebraska Department of Labor search stopped looking when it reached 500 listings, representing 809 job openings, within 10 miles of Columbus. Considering there (are) only 549 people on unemployment in the county, well, obviously that’s a challenge."

Read the entire article on Talent Shortage in the Columbus (Nebraska) Telegram.

Chambers of Commerce across America looking to create economic success in their area of influence need to have one arm in Economic Development, while the other arm is in Workforce Development. Having one without the other will quickly be a recipe for unrealized goals. It's two additional tasks on a full agenda for your local chamber of commerce executive.

---

John Dussman is Midwest Manager for VillageProfile.com, working with chambers in Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan and Missouri.  Contact John at jdussman.vp@villageprofilemail.com or (800)-600-0134 x239.

#LoveMyChamber - The Return on Investment on my Chamber Dues - The Shop Local Program

Use your chamber membership directory and patronize the Chamber's member businesses. Be sure to inform them of your membership and their business will come back to you. Many chambers offer the "Chamber Check/Credit Card"  program. The "Chamber Check/Credit Card" program encourages community members to shop local at out member businesses.

The Warrenton Missouri Chamber received the Award for Excellence from the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Missouri for our “Think Local, Be Local, Buy Local” campaign. This campaign
promotes all businesses in the community and encourages doing business in the Warrenton
area. Jan Olearnick, executive director of the Warrenton Chamber of Commerce spearheaded a campaign with the local newspaper to put door hangers on every house in the Warrenton area. Billboards and other promotional messages were also used.

The Lee's Summit Chamber (lee's Summit, Missouri) and president Nancy Bruns used a $5,000 budget from the village to lead a campaign to "Keep Your Money Where Your Heart Is". Residents brought in three (original) receipts from local businesses for a chance to win a $1,000 local Shopping Spree. Village officials got a big return on investment when local sales receipts for the contest period totaled almost $400,000.

Maureen Martino, executive director of the Lakeview East Chamber (Chicago, Illinois) led a chamber debit card program that produced over $500,000 in annual local store and entertainment spending. The spending also could be tracked by individual member. The card could also be reloaded by visiting the chamber. One added benefit of using the chamber debit card: the Lakeview East chamber collaborated with the city of Chicago to allow the chamber card to be used for Chicago parking meters, a huge convenience for local shoppers in a busy neighborhood.

Become a chamber member - get more business!

Source: Meeting notes, CCEM Fall 2013

Reasons to #LoveMyChamber: The Chamber Membership Value Proposition - Chamber of Commerce annual dues: Around $250. Value of the Chamber of Commerce benefit #14 - the Shop Local Program; $500 - Return On Investment Features #1-#14 = $6800; Total Return On Investment for Annual Chamber Membership - 2720%.

---

John Dussman is Midwest Manager for VillageProfile.com, working with chambers in Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan and Missouri. More than 1500 U. S. Chambers of Commerce have trusted Village Profile to produce their Membership Directories, Community Profiles, Economic Development magazines and Chamber of Commerce Maps. Contact John at jdussman.vp@villageprofilemail.com or (800)-600-0134 x239.

#Chamber Executive Ongoing Education Weekly New Idea - The Secret by Rhonda Byrne

If you don't like the life you have now, create the life you want. This was one of the early recommendations of the Oprah Winfrey Book Club. This is a worthwhile read around the holidays, a positive upbeat book to start off the new year.

----

The Secret by Rhonda Byrne

The Secret has been passed down through the ages... coveted, hidden, lost, stolen, bought for vast sums of money, and known by some of the most exceptional people who ever lived: Plato, Galileo, Da Vinci, Beethoven, Edison, and Einstein, to name but a few. The Secret book reveals how you can change every aspect of your life. You can turn any weakness or suffering into strength, power, unlimited abundance, health and joy. Everything is possible, nothing is impossible. There are no limits. Whatever you can dream of can be yours, when you use The Secret.

Source: Secret website

Where Do You Find Small Business Funding? Not Where You Think.

Posting this article, with one additional note. If you are looking for small business fuding from a bank, please also check out the SBA lender rankings for financial institutions in your state or region. A list of the Top 25 Lenders nationally is at the bottom of this article. You can also use the SBA Loan Search Tool to identify the types of loans that may be available to you. - JD

Small Business Financing is Available - Just Not Where You're Looking

Posted by Ty Kiisel on forbes.com, 9/24/13 - Last week I read an interesting piece Charles Green published on the Coleman Report referencing Pepperdine University's quarterly Private Capital Access Index for the second quarter of 2013. The report suggests and Green points out that where many small business owners are looking for capital isn't where they're finding it. This is very consistent with what we observe at Lendio. Although where small businesses are looking for financing isn't much of a surprise, where they're finding the money they need might be. Where are they looking?

59% are looking at the bank

57.2% turn to business credit cards

49.9% access their personal credit cards

48.4% sought out a personal loan

44.2% went to friends and family

It shouldn't be a surprise that most small business owners still feel like the local bank is the first stop they should make when looking for a loan. In fact, 63% of the survey respondents answered the most likely source of financing would be the bank. However, it doesn't take too many rejections before they turn to other sources like their credit cards or a personal loan-or simply stop looking for financing all together.

You might be interested to know that the successes survey respondents were having fell out in the opposite order when compared to where they were looking:

71% found success with friends and family

58% used their personal credit cards

57% used trade credit

54% used business credit cards

27% found success at the bank

With a few exceptions . . . far too many banks (in my opinion) are moving upstream to bigger businesses and hopefully bigger profits, leaving the small businesses you and I identify with out in the cold. Unfortunately, most small business owners, 63%, pin their hopes on a system that is leaving them behind.

Nevertheless, I don't believe the needs of most Main Street businesses are met by equity funding or the same machine that funds big business-or even the bigger small businesses funded with the Small Business Administration's (SBA) 7(a) loan program. I do believe the biggest job creator in the country (small Main Street businesses) deserve more than lip service from the financial industry and maybe even the SBA.

I'm a big fan of making more capital available to Main Street. And, in some instances, a dismal 27% of the time, business owners are able to find the funding they need from the local bank. The rest of the time, business owners are either turning to alternative funding sources or have abandoned their search for financing all together. I think the Pepperdine report brings into focus the disparity between many small business owners' expectations, the banking industry's claims, and the reality of small business lending.

Granted, alternative financing is more expensive than a traditional loan at the bank. Even though those costs are coming down, non-bank financing still comes at a premium. However many small business owners, when given the choice, will choose expensive financing to no financing.

I'm not suggesting that alternative financing is the man on the white horse that will save small business-I don't believe there is such a thing-but I am suggesting that used wisely, and with discretion, alternative financing is a valuable resource for short-term infusions of capital to fuel growth or help a business owner over a cash flow bump.

Source: Illinois Small Business Development Center at Elgin Community College - email 12/3/13

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Lender	Number of Loans	Gross Approval Amount
Wells Fargo Bank, National Ass	3,481	$ 1,471,396,700
U.S. Bank National Association	2,519	$ 639,496,900
Live Oak Banking Company	609	$ 593,051,300
JPMorgan Chase Bank, National	3,637	$ 486,000,900
The Huntington National Bank	3,062	$ 465,382,300
Celtic Bank Corporation	619	$ 301,838,400
Ridgestone Bank	300	$ 289,310,800
BBCN Bank	271	$ 218,659,300
Seacoast Commerce Bank	278	$ 217,280,600
Compass Bank	1,073	$ 214,689,300
Noah Bank	169	$ 211,961,500
Newtek Small Business Finance,	208	$ 199,246,100
Wilshire State Bank	315	$ 177,086,000
TD Bank, National Association	533	$ 176,283,000
SunTrust Bank	252	$ 174,641,900
Bank of the West	230	$ 163,598,400
Manufacturers and Traders Trus	1,156	$ 162,816,000
Commonwealth Business Bank	156	$ 140,584,300
KeyBank National Association	503	$ 139,785,300
Republic First Bank d/b/a Repu	111	$ 136,522,100
Sterling Savings Bank	250	$ 126,154,600
Hanmi Bank	86	$ 125,869,000
Open Bank	111	$ 122,532,100
CertusBank, National Associati	78	$ 121,838,600
Fifth Third Bank	177	$ 114,018,100

http://midwestchamberofcommerce.blogspot.com/ 

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#chamber Famous Quotes from Chamber of Commerce Professionals

"When you hit that wall and start stressing over finding that next customer, call me and we'll find them together."

Cheri Sisson, Executive Director of the Hoffman Estates Chamber of Commerce (Illinois)

#Chamber Affinity Programs - One Southern Indiana Chamber and Economic Development Affinity Program from Heartland Payment Systems

One Southern Indiana endorses Heartland Payment Systems®, one of the nation’s largest payments processors, for 1si member’s secure card processing and payroll solutions. 1si selected Heartland because of Heartland’s industry leadership, value, savings and peace of mind Heartland brings to 1si members. Heartland is endorsed by 250+ state and national trade associations and chambers of commerce. With Heartland, 1si members will receive:  One source for direct processing of ALL major card brands – Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover Network: One deposit with fast access to funds (next business day if terminals are settled by 5:00 pm EST) One clear, easy-to-read statement One point of access to account information One call for customer service One point of access and bundling options for all electronic payment solutions– including secure credit card processing, loyalty marketing and payroll solutions. True interchange-plus pricing: all bankcard interchange and fees assessed by the card brands are passed through to business owners without mark-up of any kind. Round-the-clock dependable service through a dedicated field service team and toll-free live support 24/7/365 Fully integrated terminals and software Proprietary, state-of-the-art technology Best-in-class data payment card security utilizing Heartland’s E3™ end-to-end encryption solution. E3 protects credit and debit card data from the moment of card swipe or key entry and through the Heartland network — not just at certain points of the transaction flow. E3 is easy and cost-effective to implement, with no extra or recurring charges. Education and merchant advocacy: Heartland founded MerchantBillofRights and GetYourDurbinDollars to promote fair credit/debit card processing practices on behalf of small and mid-sized businesses. To learn more about Heartland’s products and services call Heather Bouvier (502) 609-9473 emailHeather.Bouvier@e-hps.com and visit HeartlandPaymentSystems.com/YourIndustry. For more information about One Southern Indiana and Economic Development, visit One Southern Indiana Doing business is all about making connections – connections to current and potential customers, ideas, and funding. From Indianapolis down to Frankfort, One Southern Indiana is the connector for businesses throughout the region (Louisville and Southern Indiana metro areas) and is driven to provide tailored growth strategies and solutions that help businesses expand regionally and succeed in today’s global economy. Source: One Southern Indiana Website

#chamber Best Practices --- Braggin' Rights and Something To Be Proud Of

The Cornerstone Chamber (Benton Harbor, Michigan) has a page on their chamber website called Braggin’ Rights. After reading a few of the recognition awards their members have accumulated over the past few years, this feels like a community on the move. Every chamber should have a page like this that highlights the achievements of their chamber members and businesses to be proud of in their membership. Contact Regina Ciaravino for more details at the Cornerstone Chamber.

Braggin’ Rights

BUSINESS

National Federal Credit Union of the Year
United Federal Credit Union - 2013

CR Magazine Best Corporate Citizens
Whirlpool Corporation - ranked 42nd - 2013

Forbes Magazine's World's Most Reputable Companies
Whirlpool Corporation - ranked 43rd - 2013

Gallup Great Workplace Award
Fifth Third Bank - 2013

Credit Union National Association (CUNA) Marketing & Business Development Council (MBDC) - Diamond Award
United Federal Credit Union - Point of Sale Category - 2013

Credit Union National Association (CUNA) Marketing & Business Development Council (MBDC) - Diamond Award
United Federal Credit Union - Brand Awareness Category - 2013

DiversityBusiness.com - Top 500 Women Owned Businesses in the U.S.
CE Competitive Edge - 2013

Truven Health Analytics - Top 100 Hospitals
Lakeland HealthCare - 2013

Michigan Credit Union League - Outstanding Credit Union of the Year
United Federal Credit Union - 2013

National Association of Federal Credit Unions - Marketing Award for Best Lending Promotion
United Federal Credit Union - 2013

U.S. News & World Report - One of the Best Nursing Homes in the State of Michigan - Five Star Rating
Royalton Manor - 2012

Harbor Shores Resort -- 50 Best Master-Planned Communities in the United States  -- "Where to Retire" Magazine Jul/Aug 2011

Michigan Floral Association Retailer of the Year
Crystal Springs Florist & Greenhouses, Inc. - 2011

DiversityInc Magazine's Top 50 Companies For Diversity
Whirlpool Corporation - 2011

Corporate Responsibility Magazine's 100 Best Corporate Citizens
Whirlpool Corporation - 2011

Fortune Magazine's World's Most Admired Companies
Whirlpool Corporation - 2011

Associated General Contractors of Michigan (AGC) 2010 Build Michigan Awards
Pearson Construction - 2011

Golf Club at Harbor Shores -- Golf Digest Environmental Leaders in Golf Award -- Golf Course Superintendent Association of America -- 2011

Insurance Journal - Top 100 Agency's
HUB International - 2011 (Ranked/Rated #2)

www.americasbestonline.com "Best Chocolatiers in America"
The Chocolate Garden - 2010

J.D. Power and Assocites U.S. Full Service Investor Satisfaction Studies "Highest in Investor Satisfaction with Full Service Brokerage Firms"
Edward Jones - 2009 & 2010

FORTUNE Magazine "100 Best Companies to Work For"
Plante & Moran PLLC - 12th Consecutive Year - 2009

Forbes and Audit Integrity 100 Most Trustworthy Companies
1st Source Bank - 2009

Top 150 Performing Banks in the country by Bank Director Magazine
1st Source Bank - 2009

124th Michigan Association of Fairs & Exhibitions - Best of Show, Website Home page, Advertising Specialties & Merchandise, Printed Promotional Material: Fair Book
Berrien County Youth Fair - 2008

ArtServe Michigan/Arts & Cultural Organization Award Honoree
Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra - October 2008

Business Week Magazine -- September 2008
Whirlpool Corporation -- Top 50 (#46) "Best Places to Launch a Career"

South Bend Tribune Readers Choice/Michiana's Favorite Home Builder
Weiss Homes, Inc. - 2008 (6th Consecutive Year)

DiversityBusiness.com Top 500 Women Owned Business in the United States
CE Competitive Edge -- 2008 (2nd Consecutive Year)

National Home Furnishings Association - Retailer of the Year - Under $10 million in Annual Volume
Great Lakes Home Furnishings - 2008

North American Pizza & Ice Cream Show - Pizza Pizzazz - 1st Place
Capozio's Inc. - 2008

#1 in Small Business Lending for Berrien County based on 2006 CRA Data released by the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) - August 2007
Chemical Bank - 2007 

One of the Most Dependable Executive Search Firms & Staffing Agencies in the Great Lakes Region by Goldline Research
Wood Temporary Staffing - 2007 

Ratebeer.com - Top 100 Brewers in the World
The Livery (#51) - 2007 

DiversityBusiness.com Top 500 Women Owned Businesses in the United States
CE Competitive Edge - 2007 

Michigan's Top 50 Companies to Watch for 2007
Smith-Dahmer Associates, LLC
Freedom Finishings, Inc. 

David J. Brugger Grassroots Advocacy Award for Public Telelvision, February 2007
Pat Moody, Cornerstone Chamber of Commerce

Platinum Hospitality Award by Choice Hotels
Comfort Suites of St. Joseph - 2006 

Best of Brand Award by Choice Hotels
Comfort Suites of St. Joseph - 2006 

CareScience recognized top 1% of U.S. hospitals for excellence in outcomes, patient care and patient safety
Lakeland Regional Health System - 2006 

Governor's Award of Excellence - for Improving Care in the Hospital Setting
Community Hospital, Watervliet - 2006 

The Detroit News
Annual List of Michigan's Best - The Livery, Benton Harbor, 3rd Place - 2006

Fortune Magazine
One of the Country's Best Places to Work - Plante & Moran LLP, St. Joseph

INC. Magazine
500 Fastest Growing Private Companies - Peoplelink Staffing, St. Joseph - Fall 2005

Diversity Inc. Magazine
Leader in Diversity & Inclusion - Whirlpool Corporation, Benton Harbor - 2005

Business Ethics Magazine
100 Best Corporate Citizens - Whirlpool Corporation, Benton Harbor - 2005

COMMUNITY

Coastal Living Magazine - America's Most Underrated Beach Towns
#3 - St. Joseph - August 2011

Midwest Living Magazine -- January 2011 edition
Silver Beach Carousel in St. Joseph named 6th Best Place in the Midwest to Play -- 2011

Martin Prosperity Institute
Berrien County named 6th Best Place in the U.S. to be a Kid on Christmas -- 2010

CNNMoney.com 6 Terrific Towns on the Water
Silver Beach - September 2009

Delta Airlines Sky Magazine
Silver Beach recognized as one of six "Great Escapes" - July 2009

Shore Magazine, the Best of Downtown
City of St. Joseph - 2009

American Society of Civil Engineers - West Michigan Chapter - 2008 Project of the Year
Benton Harbor Arts District Infrastructure Project - 2008

Business Review West Michigan
St. Joseph's Silver Beach - Development of the Year - 2008

Money Magazine & CNNMoney.com
Best Places to Retire 2008 -- 6 Terrific Towns on the Water (We're #5!)

The Detroit Free Press
Michigan's Most Romantic Location - St. Joseph - 2006

Fine Living (On Television)
10 Perfect Summer Getaways - St. Joseph - 2006

Money Magazine
A Top 10 Community for Shortest Commutes in America - 2006 

Golf Digest Magazine
A Top 20 (#18 of 330) Best in America Community for Golf - 2005

Inc. Magazine
A Top 270 Community to Do Business In

Parents Magazine
A Top 10 Best Family Beach at St. Joseph's Silver Beach

Visit the Braggin' Rights Page Cornerstone Chamber of Commerce

Source: Cornerstone Chamber of Commerce website
----------

John Dussman

Midwest Manager

www.villageprofile.com

800-600-0134 x239

Cell: (312)-320-8852

33 N. Geneva St.; Elgin, IL 60120

jdussman.vp@villageprofilemail.com

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