Grand Rapids Chamber's 2014 Spring Advocacy event will feature former Michigan Governor John Engler on April 15th; The Importance of Technology for Today's Small Business - Theresa Mintle, President's Corner, Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce; Missouri State lawmakers hold annual State of the District Address for Kirksville Chamber; Arkansas Business And Agriculture Leaders Push For Immigration Reform

The Grand Rapids Chamber’s 2014 Spring Advocacy event will feature keynote speaker Governor John Engler. Join us to hear about the latest on immigration reform, the minimum wage, unemployment, how American business is positioned for the 21^st Century, tax reform, trade authority and the upcoming 2014 elections.   
Governor Engler is currently serving as president of the Business Roundtable, an association of chief executive officers of leading U.S. Corporations with a combined workforce of nearly 16 million workers and more than $7 trillion in annual revenues. 
As president of the Business Roundtable, Engler brings CEO experience and insights as he works to address challenges facing the United States, including global competitiveness, innovation, economic growth and job creation.  In his role, Engler has emerged as a preeminent voice for regulatory restraint and transparency – working at the state and federal levels to establish sound public policy and a business environment for a thriving U.S. economy. 
Engler’s impressive background includes three-terms as governor of Michigan, six years as president and CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers, and twenty years in the Michigan Legislature. For more information: Grand Rapids Chamber

The Importance of Technology for Today's Small Business - Theresa Mintle, President's Corner, Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce

The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce is passionate about finding better ways to build small business success.  In today’s business environment, it is essential to our region’s future that we have conversations about how to best achieve job creation, improved wages and stronger business growth. Small business success is at the heart of this conversation. Read more in the President’s Corner:

Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce

Missouri State lawmakers hold annual State of the District Address for Kirksville Area Chamber


The Kirksville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Governmental Affairs Committee hosted the annual State of the District Address Thursday morning at the Adair County Annex Building. Senator Brian Munzlinger was in attendance along with State Representatives Nate Walker and Craig Redmon. The three presented an outline of the current legislative agenda. Read more in: Heartland Connection

Arkansas Business And Agriculture Leaders Push For Immigration Reform

A new study by the Partnership for a New American Economy suggests labor shortages are increasing the reliance on imported produce and slowing economic growth in Arkansas. Speaking to reporters Wednesday, heads of chamber of commerce groups, the Arkansas Farm Bureau and the Economic Development Commission, said it shows the need for the U.S. Congress to pass meaningful immigration reform.
The study (which can be downloaded here as a PDF) says more fresh produce is imported into the U.S. today than ever before. “This report mirrors what we have heard from our members and businesses, as well as elected leaders across the state, that our existing immigration system unnecessarily strains our ability to grow the economy to compete and bring new business and industry to Arkansas,” said Randy Zook, president and CEO of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce. Read more at: WUAR Public Radio