Shopping Locally Can Hold Down Property Tax Bills by Commissioner Dan Patlak

Written by Commissioner Dan Patlak
Cook County Board of Review

Every community has their own collection of small businesses, many of them family owned and operated.  We consider them as fixtures in our neighborhoods and it is painful to see them struggle in this tough economy.  They face relentless competition from big box stores and on-line shopping.  Shoppers are always looking for bargains and local merchants find it difficult to fight a pricing war.  Loyalty to community and friendly service seem to be the most important characteristics of the successful local business, however, you have another important reason to shop locally: supporting your local businesses will keep your property taxes down.

It's easy to understand that sales taxes collected locally will help your local governments, but property tax help is more complicated.  Residential property owners and businesses share the property tax burden.  The higher the assessed value, the more you pay in property taxes.  Commercial property owners have a higher level of assessment than residential and will pay two and a half times as much for the same market value of property.  Theis variation in assessment is a Cook County phenomenon and puts tremendous pressure on our Cook county businesses that are close to a bordering county.  That is why the effort of Cook County Board President, Toni Preckwinkle, to bring down the sales tax is so important.

Commercial property is valued according to the income they produce, so when struggling businesses in Cook County close, they reduce the property value and the amount of taxes paid for that property.  The assessed value of a commercial property is determined by the rent that is collected by the property owner.  When a store front is vacant, the rent revenue stream is diminished.  Since the taxing bodies are not lowering their levies, all the property owners that are left pay the lost tax revenue.  For example: if a five-store strip mall that has five businesses paying an equal amount of rent then loses two businesses, the property owner can lose 40% of his income and be entitled to a 40% reduction in his assessed valuation for that property.  Pay attention to those empty storefronts in your community.  We are all paying that share of property taxes.

So when your local Chamber of Commerce encourages you to buy locally, remember that driving out of town to save a little money may cost you in your property tax bill.  Save your local stores and save yourself some property tax costs.

For questions, please call the Board of Review at (312) 603-3644.

Source: West Suburban Chamber of Commerce website

#LoveMyChamber - The Return on Investment on my Chamber Dues --- Every Tuesday - Tax Deduction

Membership Investment Schedule

Your dues investment provides the revenue to operate the Chamber’s Administrative budget. We pledge to use it wisely. Please use this schedule to determine your fair share investment. Membership dues in the Chamber of Commerce may be tax deductible as an ordinary and necessary business expense. Dues paid to the Chamber are not a charitable tax deduction for federal income tax purposes. The Chamber is not a charity, but serves as an advocate organization for area businesses. (From the  Gaylord Area (Michigan) Chamber of Commerce website).

What You May Deduct

You may deduct costs for dues to professional organizations and those organizations which you can show are necessary to conducting your business. For example, your dues to the Chamber of Commerce are deductible if you can show that your Chamber membership allows you to promote your business.

You may deduct dues you pay to:

1. Boards of trade
2. Business leagues
3. Chambers of commerce
4. Civic or public service organizations
5. Professional organizations such as bar associations and medical associations
6. Real estate boards
7. Trade associations

Source: Jean Murray, About.com

The Chamber membership Value Proposition - Chamber of Commerce annual dues: 

Around $250. Value of the Chamber of Commerce benefit #12 - Probable Tax Deduction; $100 - Return On Investment Features #1-#12 = $5800; Total Return On Investment for 

Annual Chamber Membership - 2320%.

Top Kentucky Small Business Lenders - Over $150 million in SBA Loans

The Kentucky SBA Lenders Conference Committee, Inc. held the 2013 Kentucky SBA Lenders Conference at Churchill Downs in Louisville, KY on November 22.  SBA lenders and Resource Partners from across the state ended the event to acknowledge the 647 SBA loans for almost $155 million in FY2013, recognize top SBA lenders and participate in professional development sessions throughout the day. 

(Top performers, by category and by # of loans and dollar amount), include the following:

Top Regional Lenders 2013
U.S. Bank, N. A.                                             81                     $ 17,005,700
The Huntington National Bank                          45                      $  4,955,600
JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A.                           30                      $ 5,123,800

Top Community Lenders 2013
Community Trust Bank, Inc.                             77                    $  10,263,700
Traditional Bank, Inc.                                       18                    $  10,625,100 
Stock Yards Bank & Trust Co.                          17                    $    7,230,000

Top Certified Development Lenders 2013
Capital Access Corporation                              18                     $  10,628,000
Hamilton County Development Co.                      7                     $    3,465,000
Community Ventures Corporation                       7                     $    3,021,000

Top Micro Lenders 2013
Community Ventures Corporation                      92                    $        434,810
Mountain Assoc. for Comm. Econ. Devel.          31                    $        410,965        
Kentucky Highlands Investment Corp.                27                    $        766,850

 Source: SBA Region 4 News

From:  

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

 follow me for chamber news/events

state/national continuing education

Chamber Map - Chamber Directory Request For Proposal (RFP):

http://www.vp-mobile.com/form-joe/contact.html

#Chamber Executive Ongoing Education Weekly New Idea - Secrets of Savvy Networking - By Susan RoAne

Secrets of Savvy Networking Susan RoAne In this era of super-communications, making it means making connections--and putting those connections to work.

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More detailed description:

In this era of super-communications, making it means making connections--and putting those connections to work.

Now ace business consultant RoAne presents a practical, detailed guide that offers solid nuts-and-bolts advice, sound strategies, and handy tips on improving people skills, expanding resources, and effectively exchanging ideas, advice, and information.

RoAne is the bestselling author of How to Work a Room.

This book was listed on the Springfield Area (Missouri) Chamber of Commerce business book ideas on networking.

#Chamber - The Social Media Quick Start Guide: Change from a Newbie into a Social Media Guru

Steve Robinson is Constant Contact’s educational marketing expert in the Midwestern United States (IL, IN, KY, OH, & MI) and Area Director for the Midwest and Canada. Steve has more than 30 years experience supporting small business, with a background in small business marketing, management and development. He has helped thousands of small businesses, associations, and nonprofits develop and implement effective email marketing, social media, online survey, and engagement marketing strategies.

I ran into Purdue University graduate Steve a few weeks back at the Michigan Association of Chamber Professionals Conference at Crystal Mountain Resort (one of Michigan's finest golf and ski resorts) in Thompsonville, Michigan. We talked prior to his hour long presentation on social media. Social media marketing is important for your business. Maybe you’re already doing it, or maybe you’re looking for the best way to get started. One of the topics we discussed was an easy way to turn a social media newbie into a chamber-ready social media guru without going back to school for three years.

Good news! The folks at Constant Contact have created a simple collection of guides to get you building online social connections fast, in a way that’s super easy There is a free online social media education module available to anyone at www.socialquickstarter.com . Check it out or some of the links below to try it out.

All of the contents listed below are available free by clicking on this Social Media Quick Starter

• Social Media 101 (4 chapters)
• Facebook (21 chapters)
• Twitter (17 chapters)
• LinkedIn (14 chapters)
• Beyond the Big Three: How Some of the Newer Social Networks Work (2 chapters)
• Blogging (3 chapters)

• YouTube (9 chapters)
• Ratings and Reviews(6 chapters)
• Location-Based Services(7 chapters)
• QR Codes (3 chapters)
• Email Plus Social Media Marketing (5 chapters)

Contact Steve Rinson for further information or with social media questions at srobinson@constantcontact.com 

#Chamber Affinity Programs - Credit Card Processing Services

Credit card processing services are one of the numerous affinity program benefits offered by your local chamber of commerce. Below are four examples of credit card processing programs offered by chambers in different states.

Boulder, Colorado Chamber of Commerce: 

Merchant Services Credit Card Discounted Processing with Affinity program member AdvoCharge

AdvoCharge has relationships with several merchant service processors, not just one, and works with their clients to pair them with the processor that best meets their needs.  Rates are established at cost for the merchant, and AdvoCharge is compensated with a flat monthly fee equal to 10% of the savings they are able to generate for their customers compared to the fees charged by the merchant's previous credit card processor.

Chamber members working with AdvoCharge get the added benefit of an additional 10% discount off of AdvoCharge's already very low fees.  

Call our Business Development team to learn more at 303.442.1044.  Or emailmemberservices@boulderchamber.com

Sarasota, Florida Chamber of Commerce



Discounted Credit Card Processing Services - Chamber members receive numerous benefits including: the application fee waived, no monthly fee or minimum feel as well as the online reporting fee waived. Contact Nancy Walker for more information at (941) 351-7477 or nancy.walker@firstdata.com



Chicagoland (Illinois) Chamber of Commerce: 

Premier Payment Systems and the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce have designed a merchant processing program to help all Chamber Members save money on their credit card processing.

We are so confident in our ability to lower your processing fees that we have created the $500 Chamber Challenge. Simply send us your last 2-3 months credit card processing statements from your current provider and we will run a free analysis showing you what you are paying with your current provider and what you can be saving by switching to Premier. The analysis is absolutely free and there is no obligation to switch to Premier once it is complete. If we cannot show you a savings on your processing, we will write you a $500 check for your time. Members who do not currently accept credit cards at their business but are interested in our program can contact David Shannon to find out how Premier can help you! Services Provided: • Merchant Accounts • Electronic Invoicing • Payment Gateway • Virtual Terminal • Smart Phone processing • Quick Books Sync Pay St Matthews Area Chamber of Commerce (Louisville, Kentucky): CARD PAYMENT SOLUTIONS Isn’t it about time that credit card acceptance and processing was affordable? CARD PAYMENT SOLUTIONS continues to set the bar in the credit card processing world by offering MORE for less to all of our St. Matthews Chamber of Commerce members with their exclusive affinity partnership. We are the LOCAL processor providing you with DIRECT, FACE-to-FACE customer service, reps dedicated to every detail of your processing arrangement, and benefits that outweigh even the closest competitors, including: ·         FREE STANDARD EQUIPMENT (Mobile, E-Commerce, Retail, Restaurant, etc.) ·         NO CONTRACTS ·         NEXT DAY FUNDING ·         ACCESS TO 500+ SPECIALITY RATES TO SET YOUR BUSINESS APART FROM THE REST! ·         IN A CURRENT CONTRACT? YES, WE CAN HELP! ·         WE ACTUALLY CARE ABOUT YOUR PROCESSING AND PROACTIVELY LOOK FOR WAYS TO SAVE  YOU MONEY! YOU ARE NOT A NUMBER TO US. So what’s the next step? WE OFFER FREE, NO OBLIGATION, SIDE-BY-SIDE QUOTES. Shoot us over a statement from your current processor and we will do a full analysis to see how you can save money and process more effectively! Don’t process yet? Give us a ring, we can offer a blind quote to you and give you the facts about processing.  Look forward to talking to you! JP DAVIS 502.533.5929 CELL           812.650.4320 FAX        812.364.6326 OFFICE JP@CARDPAYMENTSOLUTIONSUSA.COM Sources: Multiple, including chamber websites on today's date. --- John Dussman is Midwest Manager for VillageProfile.com, working with chambers in Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan and Missouri. More than 1500 Chamber of Commerce all over the United States have trusted Village Profile to produce their Membership Directories, Community Profiles, Visitor Maps and Publications, Economic Development magazines and Chamber of Commerce Maps. Contact John at (800)-600-0134 x239.

Berwyn (Illinois) Microloan Program - Loan Decision Within 4-6 Weeks, up to $10,000.

The Commercial Loan Program and Microloan Program, administered by the Berwyn Development Corporation, are partnerships between the City of Berwyn and seven local community banks to provide alternative sources of financing to our growing business community.

The programs were developed as an incentive to new and existing commercial property owners and business tenants who are seeking capital for their Berwyn business. All loans, which are subject to review and approval, are structured similar to standard bank loans and can be used for acquisition, build-out, equipment and working capital. The Microloan Program is an expedited process, loan decision within 4-6 weeks, with funds to not exceed $10,000.

If you would like more information, or you are interested in applying for a commercial loan, contact Tony Griffin or call 708.788.8100.

Source: Berwyn DC website

#Chamber Best Practices: State Chamber Executive Professional Organizations Offer Ongoing Education, New Insights, Scholarships

Courses are available throughout the year on topics like professional staff networking and education in marketing and communications, membership recruitment and retention, program development and financial responsibility. Community and statewide recognition can be earned through an awards program that measures organization excellence, performance and service.There is access to state and national education programs including the Institute for Organization Management. In Illinois, up to $5000 is available annually for professional development scholarships to be awarded to members of the IACCE. -Dave Hinderliter of the Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce and a member of IACCE offers this thought:

"No matter how long you have worked in the chamber business, you still have lots to learn. Why not consider continuing your education by participating in one of the training options made possible by your membership in IACCE? DO IT OR LOSE IT!"

Professional contacts by state are:

Illinois - Lisa Weitzel - Illinois Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (IACCE)

Indiana - Shelli Williams - Indiana Chamber Executives Association (ICEA)

Missouri - Ann Kleffner - Chamber of Commerce Executives of Missouri (CCEM)

Michigan - Bob Thomas - Michigan Association of Chamber Professionals (MACP)

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John Dussman: email - jdussman.vp@villageprofilemail.com 

#lovemychamber A Welcome Packet (and a cash mob?) for Your New Business - The Return on Investment on my Chamber Dues --- Every Tuesday - Reason #10

So you're opened your new business...what's next?

Your local chamber of commerce supplies you with a list of key people at local businesses, membership information for local business organizations, (as well as the Chamber of Commerce), research information that's available fast at a great price (many times free), phone numbers and email addresses for local and county government officials. How many other great business resources can your chamber provide you like SCORE, SBDC, and SBA? Quite a few! 

Looking for ways to put your business on the map? How about a ribbon cutting? Have you ever heard about a well-orchestrated chamber cash mob? Chambers have been organizing cash mobs for local businesses for the last several years. It's a great way for a new business to feel a part of the community, owners of new businesses get to meet people (while still minding the store), and something to look forward to during a difficult start-up period.

If you don't know the rules, here are the rules, courtesy of Cash Mobs.


Cash Mob Rules

Here are the rules we’ve developed for running cash mobs.

1. The mob date and meeting location must be announced at least a week in advance. 
2. The amount to spend will not be more than $20, although people can spend more if they wish. 
3. The business must have products that cost less than $20 for both men and women. 
4. The business must be locally owned and independently operated. 
5. The business owner must give back to the community in some way. 
6. The business owner must approve the Cash Mob before the mob is announced. 
7. The business must be within one block of a locally-owned watering hole. 
8. Cash Mobbers must join us for celebratory drinks after the successful mob. 
9. The Cash Mob will occur during the evening on a weekday or on a weekend. 
10. Pictures will be posted to the blog after the Cash Mob. 
11. Parking or public transportation must be available. 

At the mob, there are three rules:

1. Spend $20; 
2. Meet three people you didn’t know before; 
3. HAVE FUN!!! 

The Chamber membership Value Proposition - Chamber of Commerce annual dues: 

Around $250. Value of the Chamber of Commerce benefit #11 - A Welcome Packet 

and new customers for a company open three months; $500 - 

Return On Investment Features #1-#11 = $5700; Total Return On Investment for 

Annual Chamber Membership - 2280%.

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John Dussman jdussman.vp@villageprofilemail.com

Tornado Relief Effort

From the Plainfield Area (Illinois) Chamber of Commerce:

With this weekend's past storms the Plainfield Area Chamber of Commerce and both Heartland Bank & Trust locations in Plainfield would like to be a donation drop off site. 

Below you will find a list of items that are needed for communities not only in Coal City but also Washington IL. Heartland Bank & Trust has two office locations in Washington IL and would like to help out not only their employees but the community. We will be accepting donations all week and will have the items taken down this week.  

Thank you for your support.

These are the items needed that I have gathered from the Tornado Relief web page so far:

• Sun Screen
• Personal Protection Equipment (gloves/dust masks etc.)
• Personal Hygiene items
• Storage Tubs and Bags
• Cleaning Supplies
• Batteries
• Camera's (for insurance claim filing)
• Cell Phone Cards
• Gas Cards
• New Clean Socks
• Diapers
• Formula
• Water
• Pet Food
• Pet Crates
• Litter
• Plastic and Ropes (for roofs and closing up openings)
• Diapers
• Kids Toys and Books
• Flash Lights
• Vitamins (un-open)
• Blankets

Source: PACC email - For further information, contact the chamber.

#Chamber Executive Ongoing Education Weekly New Idea - IQ vs. EQ - Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ by Daniel Goleman

Everyone knows that high IQ is no guarantee of success, happiness, or virtue, but until Emotional Intelligence, we could only guess why. Daniel Goleman's brilliant report from the frontiers of psychology and neuroscience offers startling new insight into our "two minds"—the rational and the emotional—and how they together shape our destiny.

Through vivid examples, Goleman delineates the five crucial skills of emotional intelligence, and shows how they determine our success in relationships, work, and even our physical well-being. What emerges is an entirely new way to talk about being smart. 

The best news is that "emotional literacy" is not fixed early in life. Every parent, every teacher, every business leader, and everyone interested in a more civil society, has a stake in this compelling vision of human possibility.

Win $10,000 and a Whole Lot of Recogniton as the U.S. Chamber Small Business of the Year

DREAM BIG AWARD

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce knows firsthand that small businesses are the backbone of American free enterprise, representing more than 99% of all employers and creating 66% of all new jobs. We are proud to provide special recognition to the small business community by hosting the Small Business of the Year Awards program, sponsored by Sam’s Club®. 

Do you know a deserving small business? Do you wish to highlight your own business achievements? If the answer to either of these questions is yes then submit your online nomination or application today.

Be sure to add no-reply@wufoo.com to your contacts.  Confirmation emails for nominations and applications are often caught by spam filters.

Award | Timeline | Eligibility | Criteria | Application Information

Community Excellence Award | Levels of Recognition | FAQs | 2013 Winners  

The Award

The DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Sam's Club®, celebrates the success of small business and honors its contributions to America’s economic growth.  This is a chance to win a $10,000 cash prize and gain national recognition for your business!  The winner, 7 regional finalists, and 100 Blue Ribbon winners will be acknowledged on June 12 during America’s Small Business Summit in Washington, D.C. 

2014 Awards Program Timeline

January 6, 2014: Nomination Submission Deadline

February 3, 2014: Application Submission Deadline

March 18, 2014: Blue Ribbon Winners Announced

March 19-28, 2014: Community Excellence Award Voting Period

April 16, 2014: Regional Finalists (7) Announced

June 12, 2014: DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award Winner Announced

Congratulations to our 2013 DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year!

Congratulations to the Praetorian Group for winning the 2013 DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Sam's Club. Their hard work and exemplary business practices make them true leaders in the American business community.  Click here for more information on all of last year's winners.

Source: US Chamber

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

http://midwestchamberofcommerce.blogspot.com/ 

 follow me for chamber news/events

state/national continuing education

Chamber Map - Chamber Directory Request For Proposal (RFP):

http://www.vp-mobile.com/form-joe/contact.html

Visit Communities Across America: http://www.villageprofile.com

#Chamber Affinity programs - Energy Savings from Ameren, AEP Energy and Affordable Gas & Electric Company

Multiple Illinois Chambers of Commerce negotiated on behalf on their members to obtain better energy costs last April . Two of the chamber involved were the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce in Mount Vernon, IL, and the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce. The managing partner of the program is Affordable Gas & Electric. The energy provider is Ameren Energy.  The group is looking for additional chambers to join their group in Southern Illinois that are in the Ameren service area. To join, you must be a member of the Chamber of Commerce.  The program is for both businesses and individuals. Thirteen chambers are now involved in this program. Here is additional information from the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce website. 

Opt-in Electricity and Natural Gas Aggregation For Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce Members

The Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce and Affordable Gas and Electric have teamed up to offer chamber members this exclusive opportunity to save BIG on their electricity and natural gas bills.

This program is projected to save participating chamber members throughout Illinois over $3,000,000 annually!

Program Eligibility Requirements:

• You must be a member of the Chamber
• You must be in the Ameren Illinois or ComEd/Nicor Utility Zones
• If you are under contract with another Retail Supplier, it must be set to expire within 6 months of the date you submit this form

You can get additional information by contacting the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce

Another affinity program available to chamber members of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce in northern Illinois is AEP Energy. Here is additional information from the chamber website:

Save money on your energy bill! Fax or email a recent copy of your utility bill to expedite the request to Adon Navarette, anavarette@aepenergy.com or fax your bill to (312) 488- 5049.

Chicago-based AEP Energy's mission to "help customers use less energy and spend less for it" has made us one of the fastest-growing energy suppliers in the United States, repeatedly recognized by Inc. Magazine on its annual Inc. 500 | 5000 list of fastest-growing companies. AEP Energy can turn your monthly electric bill into a competitive advantage for you by using a customized approach to electricity procurement and management. We offer a variety of energy products for businesses of any size and provide unparalleled expertise in choosing the right energy product to fit your risk and price preference. Electricity Supply Making the switch to AEP Energy couldn't be easier: -No switching fees -No visit required -No interruption in power delivery -Same reliable delivery service from your utility

More information is available at the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce.
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Chamber of Commerce news, events, jobs, ongoing education from http://www.villageprofile.com National Publisher of quality chamber directories, maps, smart phone apps for non-dues revenues. Midwest United States. John Dussman is Midwest Manager for VillageProfile.com, working with chambers in Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan and Missouri. More than 1500 Chamber of Commerce all over the United States have trusted Village Profile to produce their Membership Directories, Community Profiles, Visitor Maps and Publications, Economic Development magazines and Chamber of Commerce Maps. Contact John at (800)-600-0134 x239.