Chamber Executive Ongoing Education Weekly New Idea: The Five Keys to Mindful Communication: Using Deep Listening and Mindful Speech to Strengthen Relationships, Heal Conflicts, and Accomplish Your Goals Susan Gillis Chapman; Michigan Lt. Governor Calley Signs PPT Bill at Chamber Member Van's Pattern Corp.: What are the Three Local Businesses You Can't Live Without?; MAKO Chamber Executive Conference is Set To Begin Sunday, April 27th

Good communication is essential to any healthy relationship, whether it's between spouses, family members, friends, or co-workers, and mindfulness-the practice of nonjudgmental awareness-can help us communicate more effectively and meaningfully with others in our personal and professional lives. Here, Susan Chapman, a psychotherapist and long-time Buddhist practitioner, explains how the practice of mindfulness awareness can change the way we speak and listen, enhance our relationships, and help us achieve our goals. Chapman highlights five key elements of mindful communication-silence, mirroring, encouraging, discerning, and responding-that make it possible for us to listen more deeply to others and to develop greater clarity and confidence about how to respond. Other topics include:
. identifying your communication patterns and habits;
. uncovering the hidden fears that often sabotage communication;
. staying open in the midst of difficult conversations so that we can respond wisely and skillfully;
. and learning how mindful communication can help us to become more truthful, compassionate, and flexible in our relationships.

Michigan Lt. Governor Calley Signs PPT Bill at Chamber Member Van's Pattern Corp.

...the Grand Rapids Chamber was honored that Lt. Governor Calley chose member Van’s Pattern to sign pieces of the Personal Property Tax (PPT) Reform and Local Revenue Stabilization package.

 

The PPT was an outdated tax that put Michigan businesses at a disadvantage. The bipartisan package signed today creates a system that doesn’t penalize companies for investing in the state and provides a stable revenue source for communities to provide necessary services to keep residents safe and maintain a high quality of life.

Read more: Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce

What are the Three Local Businesses You Can't Live Without? 

Buy Local Santa Monica has issued a Challenge to name three local businesses the residents can't live without. It looks like a great way to encourage residents to keep their dollars local. 

MAKO Chamber Executive Conference is Set To Begin Sunday, April 27th 

 This is an annual four state conference that includes Chambers of Commerce's from Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, and Oklahoma. Learn from attendees, keynote speakers, and specials guests. Read more: Chamber of Commerce Executives of Missouri