34th annual Detroit Regional Chamber Mackinac Policy conference: Detroit's economy, entrepreneurship on agenda at 'Davos of Michigan'; Doug Whitley's 13 years at the helm of the Illinois State Chamber of Commerce; Lyerla to lead Neosho Area Missouri chamber; New Small Business Guide To Twitter; Who is the National Ombudsman? Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotations: (Leadership)

Some 1600 people are expected to travel to picturesque Mackinac Island in northern Michigan this week to begin the 34th annual Detroit Regional Chamber Mackinac Policy conference. The three-day event features workshops with Michigan’s top business, government and academic leaders, who will discuss ideas for entrepreneurship, STEM education and the economic transformation of Detroit and the region. Get more information: PBS NEWSHOUR

Doug Whitley's 13 years at the helm of the Illinois State Chamber of Commerce
From weeding bean fields, to seriously exploring a run for governor, to becoming one of the most influential business leaders nationwide, Doug Whitley of Batavia is spending his final month as president and CEO of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce after 13 years at the post. But retirement doesn’t mean he’ll quit altogether. Read more: Daily Herald Business Ledger


Lyerla to lead Neosho Area Missouri chamber

Lauri Lyerla, who began duties as the interim executive director of the Neosho Area Chamber of Commerce April 1, succeeding former chamber director Shana Griffin who resigned effective March 31, was tabbed by the board of directors Thursday to be the new leader of the association of Neosho area businesses, industries, agencies and organizations.

Eric Norris, chamber president, said the board of directors conducted a nationwide search for Griffin’s successor. Read more: Neosho Daily News


New Small Business Guide To Twitter 
Whether you want to build your Twitter strategy or expand your marketing skills, this interactive guide will let you navigate to the topics that are most relevant to your business.
View the guide. 

Who is the National Ombudsman? 

The Office of the National Ombudsman assists small businesses facing unfair or excessive federal regulatory compliance or enforcement issues such as repetitive audits or investigations, excessive fines, and retaliation.

As an impartial liaison, the Office of the National Ombudsman directs reported regulatory fairness matters to the appropriate federal agency for high-level fairness review and works across government to address those concerns, reduce regulatory burdens, and help small businesses succeed. Read more: SBA.gov

Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotations: (Leadership)

“Leadership is the art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.” ~ Dwight D. Eisenhower