Altus Chamber, Economic Development Corp. name Bush as new CEO; Louisiana Chamber of Commerce members hear from Missouri state representative; Michigan Businesses push for Proposal 1; Gov. Beshear awards Kentucky Work Ready Communities certification to Clark County; SBA: Social Media Marketing Made Simple; Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation: (Leadership)

After a nationwide search, members of the Boards of Directors of both the Altus Chamber of Commerce and the Altus Southwest Area Economic Development Corporation determined that the most qualified, most promising candidate was one who is actually a product of the Altus community itself. The search committee selected Brian Bush to serve as the new Chamber of Commerce CEO, where he will serve simultaneously as head of the economic development efforts. In addition to managing the operations of the Chamber of Commerce, Bush will work closely with community, educational and business leaders to further the economic growth of Altus and create an environment where businesses can succeed. Read more: Altus Times

Louisiana Chamber of Commerce members hear from Missouri state representative

One of Louisiana’s key potential industry sectors is also important to the state of Missouri, according to State Rep. Jim Hansen.
Hansen was the guest speaker at the June 2 meeting of the Louisiana Area Chamber of Commerce, held at Pike County Memorial Hospital. At the meeting, Hansen said that tourism is big business for the state and that approximately $3.50 is brought in for every dollar spent in tourism. Read more: Louisiana Press Journal

Michigan Businesses push for Proposal 1

Supporters of August ballot issue want tax on equipment eliminated

Proposal 1 would eliminate Michigan’s personal property tax if voters approve it in the Aug. 5 primary election. Despite how it is referred to, it is not a tax on homeowners. The tax is levied only on Michigan businesses’ equipment. It’s also a tax that has been criticized in some quarters for hurting existing businesses’ ability to expand and the state’s ability to attract new businesses and new jobs. Proposal 1 would preserve the Legislature’s already approved four-year personal property tax phaseout and the exemption given this year to businesses with less than $80,000 in cash value. Read more: Observer & Eccentric


Gov. Beshear awards Kentucky Work Ready Communities certification to Clark County

Governor Steve Beshear announced today that Clark County has been certified as a Kentucky Work Ready Community. The certification program from the Kentucky Workforce Investment Board (KWIB) and the
Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet assures employers that a local workforce has the talent and skills necessary to staff existing jobs and to master the innovative technologies new jobs will require.
“We are excited that Clark County has achieved Kentucky Work Ready
Communities status and we look forward to certifying many others in the future. Work
Ready status is not an easy accomplishment. Clark County leaders are to be commended
for working together to achieve this goal,” said Crystal Gibson, chair of the Kentucky
Work Ready Communities Review Panel and vice president of Public Affairs at
Citigroup. Read more: Winchester Kentucky Chamber

Social Media Marketing Made Simple

Tuesday, June 24, 2014 2:00 PM Eastern Time (View in your timezone)

In the old days, businesses relied on “word of mouth.” Now, social media marketing is the new word of mouth. Social Media Marketing Made Simple, the second of our two-part live webinar series for small businesses, gives you proven, easy success tips you can use right away. Throughout the session you’ll build your own social marketing plan, and get answers to your questions.

In 60 minutes you’ll know:

• How each of the major social networks- Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram and Google+ -can help your organization
• How to drive new business and win new customers
• Simple ideas so you can always have something to say

Register here: SBA

Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation: (Leadership)


“Leadership should be more participative than directive, more enabling than performing.” ~ Mary D. Poole