#BestChamber Practices - Websites Highlighting Economic Development with Key Information (Demographics, Buildings, Sites, Incentives) Attracts Site Selectors; Positive Words Lead to Positive Results; Exporting: MEDICA 2014, the World's Largest and Most Prestigious Medical Technology and Equipment Show; Report: Indiana School Counseling Not Meeting Postsecondary Needs of Students; Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotations: (Leadership)

Jeremy Stratton , President & CEO of the EL Dorado, Arkansas Chamber of Commerce wrote the following in a recent email.  The information highlights that to be a successful chamber of commerce, you also need to have both arms in economic development.  "The best way we can market El Dorado and Union County to economic development projects in today's world is through a comprehensive website that includes all of our sites, buildings and demographic information. Right now, we have a great tourism and relocation website; we need to enhance it with key demographic, building, site and incentive information. When beginning a site selection for a new plant location, the first place a company or consultant researches is the Internet. Consultants and company officials will pre-screen among thousands of communities to see which ones have the real estate they need for their operation. If we have property that meets their needs, the company and/or site consultant will visit our community. Thus, it is paramount that we show our properties on our website in a very conspicuous and well organized manner." Here are five websites Jeremy recommends for chamber economic development (and the last three from me). Crossett, Arkansas Jonesboro, Arkansas Greenville, South Carolina Wichita Falls, Texas Danville, Virginia Ashland Alliance One Southern Indiana   Jefferson City Chamber
Editor's Note: The best place to start economic development is with the existing businesses in your chamber. Once you have met their needs and built awareness of local site development and expansion possibilities, regional and state training, exporting opportunities, and growing their businesses through financing and incentives, then expand your horizons with open arms for economic development. Positive Words Lead to Positive Results “You are what you eat.”  How many times have you heard that line? But according to a recent book “Genuine Happiness”, your health may depend more on what you say. Saying positive words like: Morning Fabulous Helpful Share Running Forward Great Interesting Lunch Discussion Seems These words had a positive effect on your health. People that said these words (as a group) in social media demonstrated a more positive attitude, and geographically correlated to areas with lower heart attack rates. Conversely, areas with constant references to negative words and attitudes mirrored area of high stroke and heart attack rates.

Exporting: MEDICA 2014, the world's largest and most prestigious medical technology and equipment show

MEDICA 2014 is the largest and most prestigious medical technology show in the world, with over 5,000 exhibitors, and over 135,000 international visitors. The U.S. Commercial Service's Corporate Executive Office (CEO) Program provides a unique way for U.S. firms to optimize their participation in this show. Showcase your products and services to over 135,000 "trade only" visitors from 110 countries; meet the potential partners, agents, distributors and buyers; and close business deals without the expense of an exhibition booth. For more information, visit Export.gov or contact: Christian Koschil (Chicago) Christian.Koschil@trade.gov ;

Report: Indiana School Counseling Not Meeting Postsecondary Needs of Students

A new report commissioned by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce Foundation finds that school counselors are not able to meet the range of postsecondary needs of students, due in large part to a stagnant system and a variety of situations often out of their control.
“What we have is a counseling issue, not an issue with the counselors,” explains Indiana Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Kevin Brinegar. “In fact, the vast majority of counselors in the survey said they would like to spend more time providing college and career guidance.” Read more: Indiana Chamber

Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotations: (Leadership)



“Management is about arranging and telling. Leadership is about nurturing and enhancing.” ~ Tom Peters