Kentucky: Congressman Andy Barr speaks before Winchester-Clark County Chamber of Commerce; Michigan: Frankenmuth Chamber gauging interest in shared office space for small businesses; Indiana: Gap between Indiana wages, living costs grows; Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry says State Revenue department has gone too far; Paragould, AR Chamber: City of Paragould, EDC hosts cleanup week; Greater Spokane Incorporated (GSI) Hires Steve Stevens as CEO

Kentucky: Congressman Andy Barr speaks before Winchester-Clark County Chamber of Commerce
The economy and job growth were the focus of a speech by U.S. Rep. Andy Barr at Tuesday’s Winchester-Clark County Chamber of Commerce Public Policy Luncheon at the Clark County Extension Office.
Barr represents Kentucky’s Sixth District, which includes Clark County, and has spoken in Winchester several times.

Without job growth and debt reduction, the economy will never completely recover from the recession that began in 2008, Barr said. While some recent figures have indicated unemployment is actually decreasing, Barr said those numbers are misleading because many people have simply stopped looking for work. Read more: Winchester Sun

Michigan: Frankenmuth Chamber gauging interest in shared office space for small businesses

The Frankenmuth Chamber of Commerce and the Frankenmuth Economic Development Corp. invite area entrepreneurs, small business owners, freelancers and others to discuss the possibility of and gauge interest in a "coworking" space for the region. Read more: M LIVE

Indiana: Gap between Indiana wages, living costs grows

Indiana Chamber of Commerce President Kevin Brinegar acknowledged the tug-of-war between the quantity and quality of positions but noted that jobs are jobs.
“We need to focus on growing and attracting jobs, period,” Brinegar said, “but we also need to recognize we need to maintain a focus on the quality of jobs so we can reverse this trend” of weak wage growth. Read more: Pal-item.com

Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry says State Revenue department has gone too far

The Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) has gone too far in recent audits, said Tracy King, vice president of governmental affairs for the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, during a press conference. The press conference was called by several Missouri lawmakers to highlight concerns about the way the Missouri Department of Revenue is handling small business sales tax issues. During the press conference T.J. Rehak, a small business owner from Lee’s Summit, recounted how an audit by the Missouri revenue department nearly put his gymnastics center out of business.Read more: El Dorado Springs Sun

Paragould, AR Chamber: City of Paragould, EDC hosts cleanup week

Rachel Simpson / Daily Press | Posted: Tuesday, April 15, 2014 

Paragould Mayor Mike Gaskill signs a proclamation Tuesday morning designating the week of April 21-26 as "Clean Up Paragould Week" through a city-wide cleanup effort throughout the week in conjunction with the "Great American Cleanup" and the "Keep Arkansas Beautiful" programs. Local coordinator Harry Truman Moore (left), Main Street Paragould Director Gina Jarrett (center) and Paragould Chamber of Commerce Director of Economic Developement/CEO Sue McGowan (right) were present for the proclamation.

Greater Spokane Incorporated (GSI) Hires Steve Stevens as CEO

The Greater Spokane Incorporated (GSI) Board of Trustees announced today that it has officially appointed Steve Stevens, CCE as the organization’s new President and CEO, effective July 1. GSI worked with Waverly Partners, LLC, which conducted a national search following current CEO, Rich Hadley’s announcement that he would retire on May 9.
Stevens has 30 years of experience in small business management, international trade, state chamber advocacy and bi-state regional chamber executive leadership. He most recently served as President and CEO of the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce - a 1,800-member chamber of commerce serving three counties in the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area.

“The search committee strongly feels Steve has the right mix of talent and experience in our highest priority areas.  He rose to the top of the candidate pool,” said Linda Elkin, incoming Chair of GSI and search committee co-chair. “We are looking forward to working with Steve and welcoming him and his family to Spokane.  His level of experience will continue the momentum of moving our community forward, and he will take GSI to the next level.”

“I found the people, communities and businesses of Spokane to be extraordinary as we considered making this our home”, said Stevens.  “It is quite obvious that this is a cohesive community made up of many partners, all willing to work hard to make their region great.  I cannot tell you how thrilled I am to be joining this dynamic team of business and community leaders, as well as leading this talented staff, in their work”, he said.

Stevens and his wife Marilyn will relocate to Spokane to begin work at GSI. He has two sons – Stewart is at the University of Kentucky in Lexington and Logan is at Virginia Tech University in Blacksburg, Virginia.

Chamber of Commerce Executives of Missouri AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE; #chamberscholarships - Michigan Chamber Northwood University Scholarship - #BestChamber Practices: --- Evaluating the Effectiveness of Digital Communications: How the government does it... Best Practices from Canadian, UK, and US Government Communicators; Famous #Chamber of Commerce Quotations: (Participation)

Each year CCEM honors some outstanding programs and publications from our membership through the Awards of Excellence. Keep this application in mind as you are out in your community doing excellent things!

In an effort to honor, reward and celebrate the achievements of the outstanding work of the chamber professionals in the state of Missouri, we are pleased to announce the 10th Annual CCEM Awards of Excellence. This program will not only showcase the efforts of the chambers around the state, it is our hope that this program will give them the confidence to continue their professional development by participating in the ACCE Annual Awards for Communication Excellence.

Timeline for Participation

 
Summer – Call for Entries
An official call for entries will be publicized to all Chambers participating in the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Missouri.

August 10 – Entry Deadline
See the entry requirement and guidelines for a complete list of entry requirements. Absolutely no entries will be accepted after the deadline.

CCEM 2013 Scolarships/Awards of Excellence Application

Michigan Chamber - Northwood University Partnership and Scholarship

The Michigan Chamber of Commerce and Northwood University have a shared goal of strengthening Michigan’s business climate through effective leadership. As Northwood University develops future leaders of a global, free-enterprise society, the Michigan Chamber promotes conditions favorable to job creation and business growth in Michigan.

$1,000 Scholarship - For Michigan Chamber Members Only!

Our partnership will provide a $1,000 Northwood University scholarship to first-time students who are full-time and living on the Midland Campus. To qualify, applicants must be an employee – or the spouse/child of an employee – who works for a Michigan Chamber of Commerce member in good standing.
This tuition scholarship is renewable annually as long as the recipient continues to meet the Michigan Chamber of Commerce membership qualifications and Northwood University eligibility criteria. Read more: Michigan Chamber of Commerce
Click here for the scholarship request form.

#BestChamber Practices: --- Evaluating the Effectiveness of Digital Communications: How the government does it... Best Practices from Canadian, UK, and US Government Communicators

May 15 @ 11:00 AM

- 12:00 PM
How do you measure the success and effectiveness of your communications? Online or offline, how do you prove that your recent campaign truly helped your department or agency achieve its mission or goals?
Around the world, government communicators are facing a rapidly changing media landscape with new opportunities, and new challenges. Evaluating the impact and success of your communications activities has become far more than a “nice-to-have.” It is critical in determining if those activities assisted your department or agency in achieving distinct and measureable objectives and better communication outcomes for your audience. It is also critical to your credibility and perceived effectiveness as a communicator.
Sound familiar?
Join leading Canadian, U.K., and U.S. experts for a one-hour discussion on analytics, metrics, evaluation methods, and program performance measurement for government communicators. Miguel Gomez, Paul Njoku, Elayne Phillips, Karine Goneau-Lessard and Lori Fraser will share best practices and answer questions. Register today!

Agenda

1. Plan to evaluate – how to build measurement in as part of the planning process, how to benchmark early on and measure where you are before you start so that you can easily evaluate at the end.
2. Best practice for developing an evaluation strategy, setting realistic goals and demonstrating the success of the activities.
3. Measuring the right metrics – how to focus on what is important and what will demonstrate a real difference.
4. Reporting, alerting and sharing the results within the organization and sometimes externally.
5. Lessons learned – how to compare what you have achieved against the starting point position, how to sample the often huge volume of noise and the best ways to report internally so everyone can share the insight gained.

Get more information: DigitalGov

REGISTER NOW

Famous #Chamber of Commerce Quotations: (Participation)


“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” ~ Margaret Mead

Source: Forbes 25/50

NEIdeas - A Good Idea from a Business in Detroit, Hamtrack or Highland Park Could Get Your Business a Share of $500,000; Why I #lovemychamber Little Rock, Arkansas - Part 3 of Three; The Coming Jobs and Skills Shortage: A $300 Signing Bonus at this McDonalds; Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation (New Program Development)

NEIdeas - Rewarding Ideas for Business Growth - 

Open to Existing Businesses in Detroit, Hamtramck, and Highland Park. 

A great idea can help a good business grow.  NEIdeas is a program that celebrates existing businesses in Detroit, Hamtramck, and Highland Park – rewarding those with the best ideas for growth. NEIdeas will reward a total of $500,000 in cash awards to over 30 existing businesses in 2014.

NEIdeas has two types of awards, the $10k Challenge and the $100k Challenge - but the program is about more than just the money. NEIdeas is about connecting small businesses to the resources they need to grow. Over 54 small business support organizations in the City of Detroit are ready to help make your idea a reality. What’s your idea? Maybe it’s as ambitious as Berry Gordy’s Motown or maybe it’s as simple as one more barbershop chair. Whether you sell records or cut hair, bake bread or brew coffee, fix cars or build computers – sometimes you just need an extra hand to grow.

NEIdeas will begin accepting applications on May 8th.

NEIdeas is a program of the New Economy Initiative (NEI) and the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan (CFSEM), operated with assistance from Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC).

NEIdeas: Rewarding Ideas for Business Growth is made possible through the support of foundations and corporations. Funders to date include:

Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan (Detroit)
Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation (Southfield)
Ford Foundation (New York)
Hudson-Webber Foundation (Detroit)
W.K. Kellogg Foundation (Detroit)
John S. and James L. Knight Foundation (Miami)
The Kresge Foundation (Troy)
McGregor Fund (Detroit)
Charles Stewart Mott Foundation (Flint)
Skillman Foundation (Detroit)
The William Davidson Foundation (Troy)

---

Why I #lovemychamber Little Rock, Arkansas - Part 3 of Three

What's in it for Chamber?

Right at 75% of our over 2,000 members have 25 employees or less. But there's strength in those numbers. From single proprietorships to the largest employers in the region and the hundreds in between, when business speaks with one voice, the public sector cannot ignore the private.

As a private, member-supported, 501(c)6 organization, the Little Rock Regional Chamber receives no dedicated public funds. Therefore, none of the Chamber's work on behalf of the business community and region would be possible without our members' annual, sponsorship and economic development investments. Investment in the Chamber is not a charitable contribution, but a legitimate business development expense.

Our competition is not El Dorado, Jonesboro or Northwest Arkansas. It’s Dallas, Nashville and Oklahoma City. In order to effectively compete, we must marshal our resources with a strong, unified and broad-based business community.

What's in it for Region?

As America, and indeed the world, emerge from the greatest economic challenges in generations, the strength, diversity and resilience of our Central Arkansas economy cannot be taken for granted.

For the second year in a row, the Brookings Institution named the Little Rock region's economy America's fourth strongest. And yet, only one organization goes to work every day focused on leading the economy of the region, without regard to political, geographic or historic boundaries. For the Chamber, like your business, it's all about the marketplace – one million people within a 50-mile radius, experiencing and building unique communities and neighborhoods, but united by a common, globally recognized brand – Little Rock.

The results are historically unprecedented. In the past seven years, the Chamber has had a direct role in the creation of over $1.55 billion new capital investment, over $459 million new annual payroll, and over 12,000 new jobs. Put simply, when you do business with an employee of Welspun, LM Wind Power, HP or Caterpillar, or any number of other companies, your investment in the Chamber helped create that opportunity.

Here are just a few of the highlights our members' investment has accomplished in the past seven years:

Locations
Welspun
Saint-Gobain
Caterpillar
Schulze & Burch
HP
LM Wind Power

Retentions/Expansions
Dillard's Internet Fulfillment Center
Southwest Power Pool Headquarters
Windstream Headquarters
Allied Wireless Communications Headquarters
Dassault Falcon Jet Expansion

Advocacy
Campaign for Little Rock's Future
Little Rock Technology Park Authority
Issue Nos. 2 (Usury) and 3 (Super Project Amendment)
Amendment 82 (Super Project)

Talent Development
Arkansas Production Alliance (arfilm)
Create Little Rock (Young Professional Talent Initiative)
Arkansas River Cities Sports Commission
Leadership Greater Little Rock

Join the Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce today by contacting Graham Cobb, (Chief Operating Officer), 501.377.6007.

The Coming Jobs and Skills Shortage: A $300 Signing Bonus at this McDonalds

While much of the rest of the country struggles under a recession and a 6.7 percent unemployment rate, North Dakota’s unemployment rate has remained steady at 3.3 percent; unemployment in Dickinson in March was 1.8 percent. The hiring crunch has put companies in competition to attract workers. McDonald’s offers a $300 signing bonus in addition to a $11 an hour starting salary for its food prep and crew team, according to their website. The Taco Bell off of Highway 22 boasts “top wages” on its billboard. Read more: Prairie Business

Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation (New Program Development):

If you want to increase your success rate, double your failure rate.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/t/thomas_j_watson.html#Dliml1sMPhBMRi0j.99

If you want to increase your success rate, double your failure rate.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/t/thomas_j_watson.html#Dliml1sMPhBMRi0j.99

 " If you want to increase your success rate, double your failure rate.

Thomas Watson, founder of IBM 

Why I #lovemychamber Little Rock, Arkansas - Part Two/Three - Michigan Chamber Voted Best Advocacy Organization; Kentucky General Assembly Session ends with many issues unaddressed; #bestchamber Affinity Programs: Pet Insurance (A affinity program with legs)

Little Rock Regional Chamber 

Business Development

While Chamber investment offers immediate, continuous marketing all day, every day, for a full year, getting involved gives you ongoing access to the most extensive business development network in Central Arkansas. With continuous opportunities to forge and deepen business relationships, your investment of time will produce unlimited dividends. Further, the Little Rock Regional Chamber affords its members constant contact with the people, resources and information which will help grow your business. Your investment of time will produce unlimited dividends from:

• Six-week Introductory Subscription to ConnectForLunch, Chamber’s Exclusive Face-to-Face Networking Service
• Ninety Days Free Leads Group Membership, Admission to Most Chamber Business Development Events (Monthly Monday, Little Rock Live/Business After Hours, Speed Networking, etc.)
• Assignment to Chamber Ambassador Member Mentor
• Unlimited Volunteer, Member Group, Event, Marketing Opportunities

Credibility

You're already a part of the business community. Become one of its leaders by joining an inclusive network of over 2,000 businesses and organizations leading the region's economic development and providing its Voice of Business. 

• Member Plaques (Shelf, Decal, Electronic)
• Since 1866, a century-and-a-half of Business and Community Leadership
• One of the Oldest Chambers West of the Mississippi
• Oldest Nonprofit in Arkansas
• Fifth Oldest Business/Organization in Region
• 14th Oldest Business/Organization in State

Access

The Little Rock Regional Chamber affords its members constant contact with the people, resources and information which will help grow your business.

• Members-only Use of Finest Chamber Headquarters in Nation
• Ongoing Business Services of 16-Member Professional Staff
• Regular Access to Business, Governmental Leadership
• After First Year - and each year thereafter - Small Group, Annual 12 @ 12 Leadership Lunch with Chamber President & CEO, Fellow Members

Source: Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce 

Michigan Chamber Voted Best Advocacy Organization

No advocacy group is more effective than the Michigan Chamber of Commerce.
In separate, independent surveys of lawmakers, executive branch officials, lobbyists and association executives, the MIRS and Inside Michigan Politics newsletters consistently have ranked the Michigan Chamber as the most influential organization in the State Capitol. These Lansing insiders know the Michigan Chamber of Commerce is on the job every day, standing up for job providers and their employees.
The Michigan Chamber has ranked as the top single-issue lobbying organization in every Inside Michigan Politics survey conducted to date (in 2010, 2005, 2000, 1995, 1993 and 1987), outworking every other trade association, union and special interest group with a presence in Lansing. In the last three IMP surveys, the Chamber has even outperformed large, multi-client firms to be named the No. 1 overall lobbying organization.
The MIRS/EPIC-MRA State Capitol Survey has echoed those findings. MIRS ranked the Michigan Chamber as the top single-issue or association lobbying organization in each of its five polls of Lansing insiders (in 2013, 2011, 2009, 2007 and 2004).

Source: michamber.com

Kentucky General Assembly Session ends with many issues unaddressed

The 2014 session of the Kentucky General Assembly came to an abrupt end at midnight last night, the constitutionally-mandated end of session. Lawmakers were literally left standing on the House floor in the middle of a debate on how to address the heroin epidemic when the clock struck midnight. Senators were also standing on the Senate floor waiting to see if any additional bills would make it before the deadline. Despite having 60 days every even-numbered year, lawmakers routinely find themselves debating issued until the last moment and important measures fail as they are pushed later and later in session and eventually remain unaddressed as the clock strikes midnight.
After a flurry of activity for the final two days of session, there were a handful of good bills passed and several bad ideas thwarted, but many good bills fell victim to the legislative process. 
Read about the good bills that passed and the good bills that failed: Kentucky Chamber

#Bestchamber Affinity Programs: Pet Insurance (A affinity program with legs)

Want coverage that pays you back for the preventive care your pet gets every year? This smart plan is for employees like you.

• Wellness exams, tests and more
• Vaccinations
• Nail trim
• $350 in annual benefits
• Visit any veterinarian—even specialists and emergency providers
• Plans to fit your needs and your budget

Source: Las Vegas Metro Chamber

Chamber Executive Ongoing Education Weekly New Idea - The Slight Edge: Turning Simple Disciplines into Massive Success by Jeffrey Olson; Snyder Visits Cadillac Chamber to Talk about Jobs, Business; Why I #lovemychamber Little Rock, Arkansas - Part 1 of Three Parts

Why is it that some people live the life they’ve always dreamed of, while others watch from the sidelines as their own dreams gather dust? Is it luck, or an elusive quality that only some people are born with? Neither. Everything you need to live your own dream is contained between the pages of a simple book.
It’s called The Slight Edge, and it’s NOT a self-help gimmick or motivational tool. It simply shows you how to create powerful results from the simple daily activities of your life, by using tools that are already within you. Once you’ve got it, then you will discover how your philosophy…creates your attitude…creates your actions…creates your results…creates YOUR LIFE! And your life will never be the same again.

Source: Slight Edge

Snyder Visits Cadillac Chamber to Talk about Jobs, Business

CADILLAC — Friday morning at the Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce 37th Annual Governor's Breakfast, Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder encouraged Cadillac-area residents to “keep their foot on the gas” and keep the state’s economy growing.

“Now is not the time to be content nor complacent about what has been accomplished,” Snyder said. “Now is the time to stay on the gas and push that accelerator even harder and faster because the opportunity is to do even better.”

The governor spoke to a crowd of business owners, students and other community members on the importance of manufacturing, agriculture and tourism. The governor said Friday morning that he is confident Michigan's economic future will depend on those three industries. Read More: Cadillac News


Why I #lovemychamber - Little Rock, Arkansas - Part 1 of 3 Parts

What's in it for You?

Exposure

Because of the ubiquitous "chamber of commerce" name, the first place prospective business and residential newcomers, visitors and new and prospective members turn is LittleRockChamber.com, where member information was displayed over four million times in the past year. That’s up one million over the previous year. With the launch of LittleRockChamber.com/mobile, that number is sure to increase exponentially.

By simply investing, members automatically receive the following, whether they get involved or not:

• Listing, Website, Google Map, Spam-protected Email on LittleRockChamber.com, where member information viewed over four million times in past year
• Listing on LittleRockChamber.com/mobile for iPhone, Droid, Blackberry, featuring Directory, News, Events, Coupons, Contact
• Opportunity to be an arfilm Preferred Vendor on ArkansasProduction.com
• Chamber-produced Ribbon Cutting, with Photo Featured in Little Rock Business Quarterly Magazine and Chamber Social Media (Facebook.com/LRChamber, Twitter.com/LRChamber)
• Owner/CEO :30 Second Commercial on YouTube.com/LRChamberPersonally-delivered Chamber Shelf, Decal, Electronic Member Plaques
• New Member Link in Weekly Business E-News, Icon on Listing (13 Weeks)
• Listing on Outdoor Daktronics Screen (One Month)
• New Member Listing in Little Rock Business Quarterly Magazine, Annual Report
• Opportunity to Receive, Offer M2M (Member-to-Member) Benefit Coupons
• Opportunity to Add Event(s) to Member Events Calendar
• Opportunity to Use BusinessConnect to Compete for Business and Have Fellow Members Compete for Yours
• Subscriptions to Weekly Business E-News, Little Rock Business Quarterly Magazine, Annual Report, Capital Assets: Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce Business GuideMembers-only Access to Website to View Referrals, Search for Main Contacts, Pay Outstanding Invoices

Source: Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Affinity Program: Bolingbrook Chamber of Commerce's Payroll & HR Services Program; 5 takeaways from the Saginaw Chamber's 151st annual meeting; Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotations: Dale Carnegie

Bolingbrook Chamber of Commerce’s Payroll & HR Services Program:

Paying your employees to help you grow your company is a good thing, paying too much is a problem! The Bolingbrook Area Chamber of Commerce has launched a program that will lower your payroll costs while improving your service with a local connection.

Our program can offer customized service and scheduling, so if you don’t see what you’re looking for or need some assistance in figuring out what your costs would be please contact Michael Carpanzano,
President & CEO, at (630) 226-8420.

We have partnered with AmCheck, a national company with a locally owned franchise. As a result we maintain a lot of flexibility and service-orientated control in the program. With more than 30 years of combined experience in the largest payroll and HR companies in the world, AmCheck’s owners, Mark Weaver and Bryan Headley, have the experience and knowledge to guide you in the right direction.

Contact the Chamber today to receive a no obligation quote today! We are certain you will be satisfied with the cost savings and the service!


For more information call (630) 226-8420.




 5 Takeaways from the Saginaw Chamber's 151st Annual Meeting

About 400 businessmen and women gathered Friday, April 11, for the 151st annual meeting of the Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce. The event, which included awards presentations, lunch and a keynote address took place at Apple Mountain.
“It’s kind of a report to our members,” Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce President Bob Van Deventer said of the annual meeting. “We’re such a volunteer-driven organization. … It’s a great opportunity to recognize the volunteers.”
Here’s a look at this year’s award winners:

• President’s Award: Anthony Taylor, Tri-Star Trust Bank
• Ambassador of the Year Award: Terianne Carey, Rex Corp.
• Ed Dornseifer Spirit of Ambassadorship Award: Kristen Wenzel, Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works!
• Diplomat of the Year Award: Kevin Scorsone, Chemical Bank
• Chamber Challenge Award: Covenant HealthCare
• Chairman’s Award: Leslie Bilodeau, Brown & Brown of Central Michigan

Sen. Arlan Meekhof, 30th District, and Republican Majority Floor Leader, was the keynote speaker.

Here are five takeaways from the annual meeting: Read more: M LIVE


 Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotations:

You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you. - Dale Carnegie

 

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. 

The Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Could Name its Next President as early as Next Month: Three Finalists have been Selected and will Visit the Region in the Coming Weeks; Tornado Relief Grants Deadline Extended to May 1; Indiana Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann meets small business owners in Goshen; Jefferson City Chamber and the Central Missouri Innovation Campus; The Mission and Vision of The Malvern/Hot Spring Chamber; Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation: Mission and Goals

This time next month, the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce could be naming its next president. Three finalists have been selected for the top job at the influential business advocacy group. Each will visit Northern Kentucky in the coming weeks, and the search committee could make its pick as soon as May 6. Read more: Cincinatti.com

Tornado Relief Grants Deadline Extended to May 1

Residents affected by the tornado who still need assistance can apply for monetary grants until May 1, 2014. Since the November 17, when a tornado rolled through central Illinois communities leaving destruction in its wake, over 159 people have applied for these grants, and to-date, over $168,000 in aid has been given out in one-time grants to families and individuals affected by the storm disaster. From now through May 1, disaster victims can still receive up to $1,500 to help with a mortgage payment, expenses for temporary housing or a rent payment. Read more: Peoria Chamber

Indiana Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann meets small business owners in Goshen

After stopping in South Bend, the lieutenant governor visited local entrepreneurs at LaunchPad downtown. She says there seems to be a sense of optimism among young professionals working in collaborative work spaces like the one above the Goshen Chamber of Commerce. Read More: Elkhart Truth

The Central Missouri Innovation Campus 

The Central Missouri Innovation Campus (CMIC) is for highly motivated students who have an interest in pursuing an exciting career in Information Technology.  The CMIC program provides funds for qualifying students to gain IT skill sets that are relevant to the needs of local employers.
Education for the Future- There's never a dull moment with a career in Information Technology.  This ever-evolving field relies on IT professionals to support and maintain the latest equipment and technology.  This reliance will continue to grow and ensures that CMIC graduates are training for relevant and exciting careers.

A Degree in Less Time – Read more: Jefferson City Chamber - Central Missouri Innovation Campus

The Mission and Vision of The Malvern/Hot Spring Chamber

The community based mission program for the Malvern/Hot Spring County Chamber of Commerce is to be a catalyst to define, develop, and sustain community excellence by identifying significant issues and recommending strategies and initiatives necessary to enhance the quality of life and to expand economic vitality through mutual collaboration among citizens, business, industry and education.

Strategy I
Collaborate for educational excellence and lifelong learning opportunities.
Strategy II
Improve our key transportation assets.
Strategy III
Greatly enhance the amenity value of the county.
Strategy IV
Capitalize on our industrial economy.
Strategy V
Strive to achieve county-wide intergovernmental cooperation.
Strategy VI
Promote Malvern and Hot Spring County widely and aggressively.

Read More: Malvern/Hot Spring County Chamber of Commerce

Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation: Mission and Goals -

If you don't know where you are going, any road will take you there. - Lewis Carroll, author of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

 

It's Time to Evaluate Paying Your Interns or It Could Cost You!

Posted: 16 Apr 2014 07:42 AM PDT

Businesses are finding out the hard way that not paying their interns properly could cost them everything. Federal and State agencies have launched investigations and lawsuits against businesses that are not paying or not properly paying these interns, which has resulted in numerous lawsuits being filed to collect those wages. Webinar: Read more: Illinois Chamber

Source: Illinois Chamber Education email

Free Business Resource for Small Business:

Connect to today's business and small business news on Reuters.com. What an entrepreneur needs to know now for small business...  Reuters Small Business Resource Center

Obama to announce $600 million U.S. job-training initiative

(Reuters) - President Barack Obama will announce an initiative on Wednesday to devote $600 million to address a central challenge of today's economy: How to train workers for skills they need for jobs that are open but hard to fill.
American companies will need 522,000 software developers and computer programmers over the next 10 years as well as nearly 110,000 pharmacists, 224,000 electricians and 941,000 customer service representatives, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Read more: Reuters

 

Chamber Best Practices - Golden Apple Awards - Recognizing Greater Lafayette's Finest Teachers for 27 Years!; Create Your Own Business Plan - Illinois Institute of Technology, Wheaton, IL;SBDC Michigan Offers Venture Plan Online Courses; Federal Advocacy Links

The teachers are nominated by students, parents and colleagues. These awards recognize and celebrate the positive contributions of educational leaders in Tippecanoe County, and alternate each year between middle/high school teachers and elementary schools. The five winners are selected by members of Golden Apple Education Committee of the Chamber Council. 

Congratulations to this year's Golden Apple Winners:

Mike Etzkorn, McCutcheon

Abi Bymaster, McCutcheon

Michael Bennett, Lafayette Jefferson

Phil Pusey, West Lafayette

Minshen Ho, West Lafayette

The 2014 Golden Apple Awards will be on April 29, 2014 at the Best Western Executive Plaza. More Info: Greater Lafayette Commerce

Create Your Own Business Plan - Illinois Institute of Technology, Wheaton, IL

A unique workshop which is back by popular demand. It's a chance for you to create your own business plan under the tutelage of SCORE's experts. This is a six session series that meets on Fridays, May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 and June 6 from 10:00 AM -12:00 PM at the IIT - Rice Campus. Students will develop and review all the key sections of their own business plans. Students should anticipate homework. Participants will be provided with individualized support by SCORE mentors before during and after class as needed. Classes are at: Illinois Institute of Technology - Rice Campus, 201 East Loop Road, Wheaton, IL 60189. Register Now!

SBDC Michigan Offers Venture Plan Online Courses

Venture Plan Online

This 8-week online workshop guides you through the business planning process. You’ll have online access to small business experts, business planning software, and a valuable pipeline of resources to help you complete your business plan.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND:
Both current and future business owners who need to develop or update their business plans.
THE RESULTS:
Upon finishing the course, you will have: 
•   A complete business plan
•   Continued access to a SBDC business consultant in your area
•   A pipeline of valuable resources to launch or grow your business

THE DETAILS:
This 8-week online program utilizes a variety of tools to facilitate the course and assist you in building and updating your business plan, including:
•   Hour-long, live webinar sessions led online weekly by business and industry experts
•   Video and textbook resources for additional learning
•   Program-specific business planning software through Palo Alto
•   Consultant to work directly with you as you develop your business plan

THE COST:
This course is being offered for only $149 (list price is $450). 

The course is available at no cost to Veterans by calling 616-331-7370 or emailing sbdc@gvsu.edu. 

More Info: SBDC Michigan

Source: Michigan Small Business Development Center

Federal Advocacy Links

• The White House
• U.S. Senate
• U.S. House of Representatives
• Supreme Court of the United States
• Department of Labor
• Department of Commerce
• Small Business Administration
• Internal Revenue Service

Chamber Executive Ongoing Education weekly New Idea: Duct Tape Marketing John Jantsch; Finalists for 2014 Entrepreneur Award announced; Muskegon-area winner to be named April 16; Multi-Chamber Regional Business Expo & Restaurant Showcase at Sears Centre

In his new book Duct Tape Marketing,  author John Jantsch teaches anyone who needs to sell for a living how to think like a marketer and sell like a superstar. Does your business need more leads, sales and control of your marketing?

Get off the marketing event of the week syndrome and learn how to approach your marketing like a system.
Learn the master principles and marketing strategies from someone who has helped thousands of small business owners grow their businesses with a proven step-by-step system.

Finalists for 2014 Entrepreneur Award announced; Muskegon-area winner to be named April 16

Three entrepreneurs and five student "young entrepreneurs" have been nominated for the 2014 Entrepreneur Award of the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce. The winner for each category will be announced at the 2014 Entrepreneur Luncheon from noon-1:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 16 at Watermark 920, 930 Washington Ave. Read More: M LIVE

Multi-Chamber Regional Business Expo & Restaurant Showcase at Sears Centre

The April 10th afternoon event had an excellent turnout and B-to-B booths completely lining the corridors of the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates. Regional Business Expo exhibitors included Village Bank (Wintrust), PNC Bank, Verizon and Comcast Business. Local media companies included the Chicago Tribune and the Daily Herald. Hub 83, a shared office space company located less than a mile away was also present.

Great food was available at the restaurant Showcase from Gordon Food Service, Morettis, and many other local restaurants. The sausage from the HoffBrauHaus was terrific. The event lived up to its advance billing as one of the largest multi-chamber business-to-business events! It also was an opportunity to network with area professionals. Barbara Ryan of the Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Jon Ridler of the Arlington Heights Chamber were on hand providing exhibitor support and answering attendee questions.

 

Chamber Releases Top Recommendations for K-12 Academic Standards; Social Media Checklist; 6 takeaways from Saginaw business talk with Lt. Gov. Brian Calley; 24th Annual Arkansas Small Business Awards Luncheon Set for May 1st; Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotes: Glenn Shepard

Indiana Chamber Releases Top Recommendations for K-12 Academic Standards

The Indiana Chamber of Commerce has taken a comprehensive look at academic standards in the state and beyond, producing suggestions to help elevate Indiana’s well-regarded standards to an even higher level.Early this year, the Indiana Chamber commissioned a detailed comparison of Indiana’s current standards (approved in 2010) and previous standards along with those from Massachusetts – which added state-specific adjustments to the Common Core State Standards base – and from two states (Virginia and Texas) that did not adopt Common Core. Read More: Indiana Chamber

Social Media Checklist

Arkansas's Small Business and Technology Development Center's Small Business Social Media Checklist can help small business owners think through why and how to participate in social media.


6 Takeaways from Saginaw Chamber Business Talk with Lt. Gov. Brian Calley

The so-called “skills gap,” the role agriculture plays in the region's economy and manufacturing in Michigan were just a few of the topics Lt. Gov. Brian Calley, Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Director Steve Arwood and select Saginaw business leaders discussed at the Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce.
The panel of leaders Wednesday, April 9, included Herb Spence, president of Spence Brothers; Dick Garber, president of Garber Management Group; Dr. Samuel J. Shaheen, president of SSP Associates; Tim Hausbeck, president and chief executive officer of Hausbeck Pickle Co. Read more: M LIVE

24th Annual Arkansas Small Business Awards Luncheon Set for May 1st

The State Chamber/AIA will host the 24th Annual Arkansas Small Business Awards Luncheon from
11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. on Thursday, May 1st at the Holiday Inn Presidential in Little Rock. This event honors recipients of awards presented by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

If your company is interested in being a sponsor for the Small Business Awards Luncheon or for
more information, contact Jeff Thatcher at 501-210-4205 or
jthatcher@arkansasstatechamber.com. Read more: Arkansas State Chamber

Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotes:

If You'd Wear It to the State Fair, Don't Wear It to Work

Glenn Shepard