Friday, August 29, 2014

Great legislative/chamber teamwork! Missouri Chamber priorities become law this week; Indiana Chamber Of Commerce Names Bloomington Community Of The Year; Chicagoland Chamber's "Small Business Chicago": A Hub For Entrepeneurs and Business Owners; Norman Chamber of Commerce announces Leadership Class; Tweet of the day: Rich Studley, Michigan Chamber; Chamber Event: Chiefs, KC business community celebrate new season; Chamber Testimony: SD lawmakers explore highway funding, user fees; Ferndale, Michigan Chamber of Commerce gets new executive director; Montevideo, Minnesota Area Chamber: Getting ready for a fantastic fall; New Iowa Lakes Corridor director focuses on growth; How-To Certify Your Small Business by Registering as a Government Contractor; Friday: 157 Rules for Executive Success in Organzation Management (and your Chamber of Commerce); Chamber Directory

Great legislative/chamber teamwork! Missouri Chamber priorities become law this week


Each year in Missouri, on Aug. 28, the majority of bills passed by the general assembly become law. This year, several priorities of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry will become effective on Aug. 28, helping Missouri employers better compete.
“Each year, it seems like new challenges emerge that threaten our state’s businesses and their ability to grow and create jobs. If it’s not a national recession or the threat of increased federal regulations, it’s the many state issues we saw emerge recently including fraudulent unemployment claims, massive unemployment insurance debts and patent troll scams,” said Dan Mehan, Missouri Chamber President/CEO. “We thank the leaders in our General Assembly for staying current and continuing to address these problems as they arise.” Read more: Missouri Chamber

Indiana Chamber Of Commerce Names Bloomington Community Of The Year

The Indiana Chamber of Commerce has named Bloomington the 2014 Community of the Year.
Chamber officials point to Bloomington’s cultural, arts and recreational attractions, which they say are impressive for a city of its size, as reasons for choosing Bloomington out of a pool of 20 applicants.
“Bloomington really stood out for the educational activities, the development of technology, the development of medical bio-sciences cluster that is here that’s providing jobs and technology breakthroughs as well as the quality of life that you have here in Monroe County,” Indiana Chamber of Commerce President and CEO and Bloomington native Kevin Brinegar says. Read more: Indiana Public Media


Chicagoland Chamber's "Small Business Chicago": A  Hub For Entrepeneurs and Business Owners

 
From Theresa E. Mintle, President & CEO - Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce
 
I am excited to announce the launch of Small Business Chicago, a central hub providing resources and connections for small businesses.
The timing on this is no coincidence. We know this is important to our members, as 73 percent of the respondents in our recent Member Survey said small business development should be a priority of the Chamber and 60 percent said they want us involved in addressing obstacles to starting and running a business.
The program features new membership programs and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the Chicagoland Chamber, which provides free, one-on-one business consulting for entrepreneurs and existing business owners.
More than 99 percent of businesses in Illinois are small businesses. Between our specialized programs and the SBDC, we are building a solid foundation for these businesses to equip themselves with the tools to grow and strengthen the local economy.
Whether you’re launching a new company, currently running a small business, or interested in getting involved with the program, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Director of Small Business Katie Hamilton at 312.494.6734 or khamilton@chicagolandchamber.org
 

Norman (Oklahoma) Chamber of Commerce announces Leadership Class

Thirty Norman residents have been chosen to participate in the Chamber’s 34th Leadership Norman class. The program is designed to identify and motivate emerging leaders through development of their potential for community leadership. During the next several months, participants will attend 15 interactive sessions covering a variety of topics including communication, education, personal leadership, quality of life issues, city and state government, health care and economic development. Class members will also be given the opportunity to serve area nonprofits. Read more: Norman Transcript

Tweet of the day: Rich Studley, Michigan Chamber

More talk, no action. MIRS News reports: MI Senate "work group" on fixing the roads met Thurs. Boldly decided to meet again next month.

Chamber Event: Chiefs, KC business community celebrate new season

About 800 people showed up at this year's Kansas City Chiefs Kickoff Luncheon, hosted by the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, the biggest turnout ever.
The event is designed to give the local business community an opportunity to show appreciation for the Kansas City Chiefs, and for the team to thank the business community for its support over the past 50 years. Read more: Kansas City Business Journal


Chamber Testimony: SD lawmakers explore highway funding, user fees

Members of a legislative committee tasked with studying how to best fund state and local highways started gathering ideas Wednesday, including considering increasing some user fees as an option to help fund South Dakota's roads.
The Highway Needs and Financing Committee met Tuesday and Wednesday at the state Capitol. Republican Sen. Mike Vehle, chairman of the committee, said the state could look at a 10 percent increase to the license fee for drivers. He suggested such potential legislation as lowering the gas tax from 22 cents per gallon to 20 cents while adding a 3 percent excise tax on fuel over two years.
"I'm willing to look at a lot of other things, but we've got to get started somewhere," he said. Read more: Watertown Public Opinion

Ferndale, Michigan Chamber of Commerce gets new executive director

Seven people interviewed to become the new executive director of the Ferndale Area Chamber of Commerce, but after Marina Glagolev showed up it was a done deal.
“She walked out of the room and we all said, She’s it,” said Carol Jackson, interim executive director. “She’s a very powerful yet genuine person. She can talk to anyone from a blue collar person up to a CEO.”
Glagolev, a Birmingham resident, steps into the job Monday. Read more: Oakland Daily Tribune



Montevideo, Minnesota Area Chamber: Getting ready for a fantastic fall

In September we will be working diligently on our upcoming Annual Fundraiser scheduled for October 24, at The Hollywood on Main. This year’s focus is a beautiful, fun night of dining and entertainment featuring the ever exceptional silent auction, awards for upstanding businesses, committee and community leaders, and bringing back by popular demand Dueling Pianos! Please watch for the Chamber team to be visiting with you soon to hear and request your input for nominations, and contributions of advertising awareness for your local business gaining exposure through this night of community celebration! Read more: Montevideo American News

New Iowa Lakes Corridor director focuses on growth

He started in southeast Iowa spending time building up organizations and the chamber of commerce there, with no intentions of ever leaving his hometown, let alone moving to a place four hours away. "I really never had an intention to move outside of Mt. Pleasant, I was content there. However when I saw that the Iowa Lakes Corridor had an opening I started to look more into the area," the new director of the Iowa Lakes Corridor Kiley Miller said. "What I saw when I looked into the area were several things that attracted me to the position." Read more: Storm Lake Pilot

How-To Certify Your Small Business by Registering as a Government Contractor

Are you a small business owner interested in making the federal government one of your next customers?

Then you can benefit greatly from certifying your business first.
Many government agencies require that a certain percentage of its work is  set aside for small businesses (and woman-owned, veteran-owned and more), so certifying your business can help you successfully compete for government contracts. These resources can help:

Friday: 157 Rules for Executive Success in Organzation Management (and your Chamber of Commerce)

RULE # 11 --- Never recruit board members to appease them - Patrick McGaughey   


Chamber Directory

For a free estimate regarding a chamber map, community profile or membership directory, call John Dussman at (800)-600-0134 or email jdussman.vp@villageprofilemail.com. If your chamber has 500 members or more, please ask about our no-cost option.

Thursday, August 28, 2014

St Louis Regional Chamber holds Regional Broadband Summit Sept. 11. 2014; Kansas 2014 Congressional Summit September 5, 2014; Chicagoland Chamber: Top 10 Trends for a Successful Illinois: Looking Forward to 2015; Chamber banners: 'Welcome to Byron' flags fly high; Dennis Miller to headline Indiana Chamber Annual dinner.; Arkansas chamber: 26 youths participate in PCCUA's manufacturers' camp; State Chamber of Oklahoma: Railroad Crossing Improvements Address Safety Concerns; Chamber Heart - Best Event: - Aurora Regional Chamber, IL Cardboard Boat Race for United Way; Tweet of the Day: @DetroitChamber - Entrpeneurs; Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation (Attitude):

St Louis Regional Chamber holds Regional Broadband Summit Sept. 11. 2014

Access to high-speed broadband is an increasingly important factor for companies choosing where to launch, locate, or expand. It figures in more and more personal location decisions, as well. This summit will be the launching point to bring high-speed broadband to a competitive level in St. Louis and support the effort to make St. Louis a Top Ten region. Your voice and your input are an important part of this effort.

Please join us in the auditorium at Centene Corporate Plaza for an in-depth overview of high-speed broadband and its game-changing attributes for businesses, and the communities in which they reside. Our lineup of speakers includes the former director of the National Broadband Plan,the CEO of a Cleveland-based organization focused on broadband since 2003, and a leader in Chattanooga’s city-wide rollout of Gigabit broadband in 2011. We’ll also take an in-depth look at our existing fiber infrastructure throughout the region with a focus on challenges and opportunities for quick wins. We’ll begin at 7:15am with coffee and a bit of networking and the program will begin at 8am, concluding just before noon. Seating is limited and RSVPs are required, so please click here to reserve your seat. Read more: St Louis Regional Chamber

Kansas 2014 Congressional Summit  September 5, 2014
On Friday, September 5 the Kansas Chamber and Wichita Metro Chamber are hosting the 2014 Congressional Summit at the Hotel at Old Town in Wichita.  Join us from 12:00pm-3:00pm for a Federal Delegation Forum (lunch is included).  Click the link below to register today and don’t miss out on this chance to interact with your federal delegation! Location: Hotel at Old Town, Wichita, KS Click here to register now!

Chicagoland Chamber: Top 10 Trends for a Successful Illinois: Looking Forward to 2015

Theresa E. Mintle
President & CEO, Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, Chicago, IL

Illinois is under tremendous competitive pressure from our neighboring states that have more
business-friendly environments. We are all striving to find the smartest ways to help our economy
grow, add jobs and build a prosperous future for Illinois. We’ll explore the challenges and
opportunities for business owners and leaders in this lively and candid panel discussion.
• Learn the Top 10 Trends in business for Illinois going into 2015- including small business,
industry and public policy.
• Hear real-world advice on what your business can do to improve both your company’s outlook and the future of our region. Learn More: Illinois CPA Society

Chamber banners: 'Welcome to Byron' flags fly high

It's been a long time coming, but the "Welcome to Byron" banners are finally completed and displayed.

The designing, building, and placing of the new town flags has taken months, but the process is finally complete. On Tuesday, Aug. 12 the banners were put up on various light poles around town. With two different banner styles, one exclaiming "Welcome to Byron" and another with "Byron Area Chamber of Commerce," the streets now have a different feel to them. The light posts that were once bare are now decorated with colorful banners. The Byron Review

Dennis Miller to headline Indiana Chamber Annual dinner. 

Check out Matt Ottinger's Q & A with Dennis in the September/October Biz Voice here:

Arkansas chamber: 26 youths participate in PCCUA's manufacturers' camp

The manufacturing industry will experience a massive shortage of trained workers as the baby boom generation retires. Giving area students some insight into what the future holds for workers in high-tech careers, the Young Manufacturers Academy (YMA) was held at Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas (PCCUA) this summer to create an awareness of manufacturing careers.
To the theme of “Dream it; do it,” the camp was co-sponsored by PCCUA and the Phillips County Chamber of Commerce with the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce, which provided the funding. Haas Automation Inc., Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas, Woodruff Electric Cooperative, Entergy, Central Moloney, Langston Companies, Stant USA, and Associated Industries of Arkansas Companies provided program support. Read more: Helena Arkansas Daily World




State Chamber of Oklahoma: Railroad Crossing Improvements Address Safety Concerns

Governor Fallin, ODOT to be commended for addressing transportation needs

Today’s announcement that the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) will be addressing a backlog of railroad crossing improvements around the state is welcome news to the business community. The plan will address more than 300 crossings in the state with an infrastructure investment of $100-million.
“For many years, Oklahoma faced a mountain of deficient bridges and dangerous rail crossings,” said State Chamber of Oklahoma President and CEO Fred Morgan. “Governor Fallin and Department of Transportation officials are to be commended for their work in addressing both of these areas to the benefit of all Oklahomans.” Read more: State Chamber of Oklahoma

Chamber Heart - Best Event: - Aurora Regional Chamber, IL Cardboard Boat Race for United Way

Join hundreds of your friends and neighbors as Fox Valley United Way kicks off its 2014 – 2015 fundraising campaign with the 12th Annual Cardboard Boat Race at Phillips Park's Mastodon Lake in Aurora. There will be lots of music, food and family fun. Activities began at 10:00 a.m. and awards are presented at noon, including "Most Spectacular Sinking." Check out the Caterpillar "CATfish"!

 
 
Tweet of the Day: @DetroitChamber - Entrpeneurs

entrepreneurs, looking for a great funding opportunity? Apply now to pitch your idea, Oct. 17: --- Here's more information:

Submit your fundraising materials to be considered for the premier funding offering for high-growth companies – from seed to exit. Ongoing funding opportunities include access to Astia Angels, Astia Venture Lunches (60+ accredited investors in Silicon Valley, New York & London) and Astia expert community screening which provides your company visibility in front of domain experts and potential investors from around the world.

Please be sure to read the Qualification Criteria and include a robust Executive Summary (click here for details).

Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation (Attitude):

“If you want something you’ve never had, you’ve got to do something you’ve never done.”
 ~Unknown  

www.EmilysQuotes.com

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Detroit Chamber Tweet Contest going on now: "What are some of your favorite businesses in Detroit?";Chamber news: North Dakota: Legendary Among States; Missouri: New Chamber President on Springfield’s Future, Right to Work; Chamber non-dues revenue: Barrington IL Area Chamber of Commerce: Are you ready for some football?; Chickasha Chamber State of Education breakfast discusses visions for future; Minneapolis Regional Chamber event: Huddle with the Vikings! Little Rock Chamber's Chesshir: Startup Ecosystem Can Bring Downtown to Life; McCook Area Chamber Nebraska reviews top priorities; Murphyboro, IL Chamber Event: Blues Festival set for September 21; Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation: (Your Life's Goals )

Detroit Chamber Tweet Contest going on now: "What are some of your favorite businesses in Detroit?"

Description: Starting Monday, August 4, the Chamber will begin accepting responses to the question: “What are some of your favorite businesses in Detroit? Why? Enter to win a $5 @GiftDetroit313 gift card.”
How to Enter: Tweet at the Detroit Regional Chamber (@detroitchamber) the answer to the question in 140 characters or less.
For example, “@detroitchamber Lafayette Coney Island because they have the world’s best coney!”
On Friday, August 29, at 5 p.m., five tweets will be randomly chosen to receive $5 Gift Detroit certificates that can be redeemed at any of the 50 local businesses participating in the program. Winners will be direct messaged and will have 48 hours to respond. Prizes will be mailed to the lucky winners.
Prizes: $5 Gift Detroit certificates to 5 winners
To learn more about Gift Detroit or to purchase Gift Detroit certificates, click here.

Chamber news: North Dakota: Legendary Among States

Residents highly satisfied with economy, education, air quality

 "Oil boom" is probably the first phrase that comes to mind when one thinks about North Dakota. Yet North Dakotans see their state as much more than oil. They are highly satisfied with their schools, their air quality, their ability to find a quality job, and their overall standard of living.Read more: Gallup Politics

Missouri: New Chamber President on Springfield’s Future, Right to Work

The new president and CEO of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce is expected to be in place this fall. On Wednesday, the Chamber announced the appointment of Matt Morrow to the post. KSMU’s Alissa Zhu spoke with the Bolivar native and has this report. Morrow attended college in his home town at Southwest Baptist University. A radio broadcaster in the 1990s, Morrow then expanded his horizons to politics.

He worked as an aid for then-Missouri Senator John Ashcroft and lived in Washington D.C. for a number of years, returning to Missouri to serve as the CEO of the Homebuilders Association of Greater Springfield. Morrow held the position for 12 years before accepting the position of executive vice president and CEO of the Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders. More: KSMU Ozarks Public Radio

Chamber non-dues revenue: Barrington IL Area Chamber of Commerce: Are you ready for some football?

Get Your Monday Night Football  Raffle Books Before September 8! Kick-off is September 8 for the 2014 Monday Night Football season, so be sure to stop by the Chamber office this week to get your MNF Raffle Books! Every week of the season gives you a chance to win $50 - and $100 for the Super Bowl!
The Monday Night Football raffle brings you and your friends added fun and excitement throughout the season for just $20 per book. And you don't even have to keep track of the scores - we do it for you! If your book is a winner, we'll mail your check the week immediately following the game.
 

Chickasha Chamber State of Education breakfast discusses visions for future

Visionaries in the local education and business worlds met for breakfast on Monday morning to discuss education in Oklahoma.
The Chickasha Chamber of Commerce hosted a "State of Education" breakfast a the Canadian Valley Technology Center. The speakers were three leaders from the prominent schools of Chickasha: Dr. John H. Feaver, University of Science and Art Oklahoma President, David Cash, Superintendent of Chickasha Public Schools and Dr. Greg Z. Winters, Superintendent of Canadian Valley Technology Center. Read more: The Express-Star

Minneapolis Regional Chamber event: Huddle with the Vikings!

Join the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce and Meet Minneapolis for breakfast with the Minnesota Vikings. Radio personality Paul Allen will interview players Greg Jennings and Brian Robison about the current season of play and working for a new coach.  Executive Vice President & General Manager, Rick Spielman will comment on the state of the organization, plus an update on the new Minnesota Multi-Purpose Stadium by Lester Bagley. Get information: Minneapolis Regional Chamber


Little Rock Chamber's Chesshir: Startup Ecosystem Can Bring Downtown to Life

Jay Chesshir wants to see the Main Street corridor in Little Rock return to the bustling days when downtown was the center of commerce in the city.
It's well on its way. The nascent Main Street creative corridor and Little Rock technology park are revealing signs of life, but Chesshir, president of the Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce, believes the continued development of Little Rock's burgeoning tech-based startup ecosystem can help get it there.
The major players in his big-picture vision include resources such as Innovate Arkansas, the Arkansas Venture Center, the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub, the ARK Challenge startup accelerator, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, the BioVentures incubator at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Arkansas Children's Hospital Research Institute and the National Center for Toxicological Research in Jefferson, which is working with the state's research-producing universities to commercialize its federal research.Read more: Arkansas Business

Indiana Chamber Names New Research and Foundation Leader 

A fundraising professional with recent ties to Ball State University is the new executive director of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

Christy Huston had been serving as director of development for the Miller College of Business at Ball State. In that role, she worked as a foundation fundraiser for the College. Previously, she was the executive director of a local K-12 education foundation and director of development of a statewide nonprofit organization.
This is Huston’s second stint with the Indiana Chamber, having lobbied for the organization on economic development issues from 1988-1995. A Brownsburg resident, Huston holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Indiana University.
“Christy has worked extensively with donors, frequently teaming with the dean of the Business School and recently retired President Gora. She brings extensive experience in foundation fundraising and administration, plus possesses a strong understanding of pro-jobs, pro-economy public policy. We are thrilled to welcome her back in this important position,” says Indiana Chamber President and CEO Kevin Brinegar. Read more: Indiana Chamber

McCook Area Chamber Nebraska reviews top priorities

The McCook Area Chamber of Commerce board of directors will take another look at the chamber's goals, mission statement, and overall direction at their next meeting in September.
The makeup of the chamber board is continually evolving, as well as recent changes in staffing at the Chamber office.
For that reason, it is very important that the board set clear priorities for staff, according to Chamber Director Tacie, Fawver.
She encourages any chamber member to share their ideas with her or with a chamber board member. The board will also be reviewing feedback from a 2012 survey of chamber members to assist in the goal-setting session.Read More: McCook Gazette

Murphyboro, IL Chamber Event: Blues Festival set for September 21 

The Murphysboro Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with the Southern Illinois Blues Society, is happy to announce the Murphysboro Riverside Blues Festival.

The festival is scheduled for Saturday, September 21 at the historic Riverside Park Bandshell in Murphysboro. The Festival will feature over eight hours of American blues music. Read more: Murphysboro American

Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation: (Your Life's Goals )

Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?  Poet Mary Oliver

 

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Chamber Executive Ongoing Education Weekly New Idea: Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown; Chamber good news: Grand Rapids launches $40M rapid bus system; Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation: (Leadership); Tweet of the Day: MaggieSheely @MaggieSheely - Great to be South Bend this am; Any column ideas for St. Peter Minnesota Chamber?; Chamber Education: SBA Illinois District Office International Trade Webinars; Chamber Event: Oklahoma needs women in leadership; Chamber news: Floyd named ‘Kentucky Work Ready Community in Progress’; Chamber Education: Livonia, Michigan Schoolcraft College SBDC Offers Tool Kit Series, Friday Mornings In September; Chamber Education: Livonia, Michigan Schoolcraft College SBDC Offers Tool Kit Series, Friday Mornings In September; Chamber volunteers: MO American Water to fund seven major watershed-improvement projects; Chamber history: When Sputnik Crashed in Wisconsin - Half a century later, the town of Manitowoc commemorates its biggest day ever.

Chamber Executive Ongoing Education Weekly New Idea: Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown

Have you ever found yourself stretched too thin?
Do you simultaneously feel overworked and underutilized?
Are you often busy but not productive?
Do you feel like your time is constantly being hijacked by other people’s agendas?
If you answered yes to any of these, the way out is the Way of the Essentialist.

The Way of the Essentialist isn’t about getting more done in less time. It’s about getting only the right things done.  It is not  a time management strategy, or a productivity technique. It is a systematic discipline for discerning what is absolutely essential, then eliminating everything that is not, so we can make the highest possible contribution towards the things that really matter. 
By forcing us to apply a more selective criteria for what is Essential, the disciplined pursuit of less empowers us to reclaim control of our own choices about where to spend our precious time and energy – instead of giving others the implicit permission to choose for us.
Essentialism is not one more thing – it’s a whole new way of doing everything. It’s about doing less, but better, in every area of our lives. Essentialism  is a movement whose time has come.

Source: Barnes & Noble

Chamber good news: Grand Rapids launches $40M rapid bus system

Grand Rapids on Monday launched a $40 million rapid transit bus system that connects the city center with southern suburbs.
The 9.6-mile Silver Line Bus Rapid Transit system kicked off with free rides to attract commuters.
"This is important today for symbolic reasons," Mayor George Heartwell told WZZM-TV at a ceremony marking the service's start. "We're the first in the state of Michigan to have bus rapid transit. We are looking toward the future. We're not stuck in the past, we're not even stuck in the present." Read more: Crains Detroit Business

Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation: (Leadership) "Nothing is as powerful as an idea whose time has come." Victor Hugo 


Tweet of the Day:





MaggieSheely @MaggieSheely

Great to be South Bend this am w/@IndianaChamber, @sjchamber for @jackiewalorski endorsement event. @USChamberAction pic.twitter.com/a7nUDk9eFM



08:23 PM - 25 Aug 14







Any column ideas for St. Peter Minnesota Chamber?

The St. Peter Area Chamber of Commerce is given the opportunity to write columns for a couple of publications each month. That’s awesome, because there is so much about which to write. We could write a column headlined, “What’s up with the Pearly Gates?” That’s a question we get almost daily from visitors, along with queries like, “Why aren’t the Pearly Gates open?” Read more: St. Peter Herald

Chamber Education: SBA Illinois District Office International Trade Webinars

SBA is committed to helping small business understand the possibilities of growing revenues and jobs through increased international trade.
During the months of August and September SBA's Illinois District Office will offer four 45-60 minute webinars on the topics below. Each webinar will conclude with a question/answer period during which participants can ask questions of the presenter.
September 17 - 12:00pm - 1:00pm Export Pricing, Tax and Accounting Options
Visit the links above to register for one or more of the webinars.

Chamber Event: Oklahoma needs women in leadership

Past and present elected officials set partisan politics aside and talked about the importance of women in leadership at the Norman Chamber of Commerce luncheon on Friday.
Former Lt. Governor Jari Askins, state representatives Lee Denney and Leslie Osborn, and Norman Mayor Cindy Rosenthal comprised a panel that responded to topics ranging from how they got involved in politics and public service, to the major issues facing them today. Read more: Norman Transcript

Chamber news: Floyd named ‘Kentucky Work Ready Community in Progress’

Gov. Steve Beshear announced last week that Floyd County has been certified as a Kentucky Work Ready Community in Progress.
The Kentucky Work Ready Community 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. Read more: FloydCountyTimes.com

Chamber Education: Livonia, Michigan Schoolcraft College SBDC Offers Tool Kit Series, Friday Mornings In September

The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Schoolcraft College will be offering a new series of classes in September specifically designed for small business owners.  It is called the Small Business Tool Kit Series and will run on Friday mornings from 9 am – noon for the month of September.  Each week will feature a different topic and be taught by a subject matter expert: More info: SBA.gov

September 5 - Management (One-Page Strategy) 
September 12 - Marketing (Corporate Voice)  
September 19 - Legal (Hiring and Firing; Protecting LLC Status)
September 26 - Technology (SEO for the CEO) 

Chamber volunteers: MO American Water to fund seven major watershed-improvement projects

On Monday, Aug. 5, Missouri American Water announced that seven local watershed-related projects will receive funding from the company's annual Environmental Grant Program.
These grants are part of American Water's national Environmental Grant Program, which began in 2005. The grants support innovative, community-based environmental projects that improve, restore and/or protect watersheds and community water supplies through partnerships...

Table Rock Lake Community Service, Inc. will restore native trees and shrubs destroyed during a highway widening project in Kimberling City. "Replant Kimberling" will use volunteers from the Table Rock Lake Chamber of Commerce and Kimberling City Parks and Recreation. Read more: Water World

Chamber history: When Sputnik Crashed in Wisconsin - Half a century later, the town of Manitowoc commemorates its biggest day ever.

It came from outer space…. and crashed down in the middle of a street in Manitowoc, Wisconsin.
That surely sounds like the start of a sci-fi movie. But half a century ago, the town was on the receiving end of a 20-pound smoldering hunk of the Soviet Union’s five-ton Sputnik IV satellite.
Media reports from the September 6, 1962 event say there were no eyewitnesses, but “there are hundreds if you ask now,” says J. Gregory Vadney, executive director of the Rahr-West Art Museum, which hosts the festival. Vadney says he heard there were “two police officers on routine patrol when they spotted the piece in the street. They believed it to be a metal ingot from one of the local manufacturing plants, speculated that it fell off a truck, and left it. Following patrol, they returned to the city police station, where they heard that a search had been called for the Sputnik IV spacecraft” and suddenly realized what they’d found. Read more: Air & Space Magazine 


Monday, August 25, 2014

Salina, Kansas Journal - Chamber brings it all together; Chamber event: Cheeseburger in Caseville: More than 55,000 turn out for one of Michigan's craziest festival parades; Chamber news: Indiana, Kansas, Illinois Kentucky and Michigan showing excellent economic growth above 3.0%; Jeremy Stratton, the President of the El Dorado Arkansas Chamber of Commerce: Helping Our Entrepeneurs and Small Businesses; Chamber news: Illinois Governor Quinn Announces $5 Million Capital Investment in Kankakee Community College; Chamber Partnership: Northern Kentucky River Cities Prepare to Show Off Assets, Possibilities to Legislators; Chamber Meeting: OKC Schools Superintendent Challenges Business Leaders To Step Up; Two Iron Range professionals to serve on Minnesota Chamber of Commerce Board; City, Fulton Missouri Chamber reach agreement; U.S. Automotive Suppliers Webinar Sept 10: Meet with prominent business executives in the Mexico automotive industry; Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation (Attitude)

Construction work is beginning on the Kansas State University-Bulk Solids Innovation Center. If you drive past 607 N. Front St., you will see groundwork progressing for this new research center. Bulk solids are any dry powders or granules such as flour, grain, chemicals and plastic pellets. Industry uses them as raw materials in most of the manufacturing plants around the world, and they have regular problems when they need to convey the materials or get them to flow consistently out of silos or hoppers. Imagine, for example, your dismay at breakfast if your donut manufacturer's powdered sugar had stopped flowing in his bakery, or if your coffee tasted lousy because the beans had been broken to pieces before they were roasted.Industry has the need to reduce problems and improve their efficiencies when handling bulk solid materials. Salina is uniquely suited to address this need because of our combination of cooperative university, industry and government entities. K-State Salina will lead the student and business education aspects, and K-State's campuses in both Salina and Manhattan will use this center for research. We have great local companies that manufacture valves and conveying systems for this industry and sell them globally. And our city, state and federal governments have provided vital support for the project.
But despite the need and Salina's unique ability to meet the need, this project would not have happened without the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce's ability to coordinate all of these entities and get them to work together. This is one of the strengths of our local chamber -- they knew the right people at the correct level of every entity and were adept at getting them to work in the same direction. Read more: Salina Journal

Chamber event: Cheeseburger in Caseville: More than 55,000 turn out for one of Michigan's craziest festival parades

More than 55,000 revelers donned festive hats, beads and tropical attire for the Parade of Tropical Fools on Wednesday, Aug. 13, as part of the 16th annual Cheeseburger in Caseville festival.

The parade, considered a highlight of the 10-day event aimed at channeling the vibe of Jimmy Buffett, included about 90 floats from businesses, organizations, political candidates and families. Read more: M Live

Chamber news: Indiana, Kansas, Illinois, Kentucky and Michigan showing excellent economic growth above 3.0%

Quarterly Gross Domestic Product by State, 2005–2013 (Prototype Statistics)

qgsp0814_fax
  • The quarterly GDP by state prototype statistics for 2005-2013 provide a more complete picture of economic growth across states as they evolve from quarter to quarter.
Get more information: Bureau of Economic Analysis


Jeremy Stratton, the President of the El Dorado Arkansas Chamber of Commerce: Helping Our Entrepeneurs and Small Businesses

Check this out!  We often receive inquiries from our local companies and entrepreneurs who are seeking help to expand and/or start a business.

Startup El Dorado Entrepreneur Resource Center is the first of its kind in South Arkansas.  SEERC's (http://www.startupeldorado.com/#) mission is to connect entrepreneurs with critical resources that are needed to launch or grow a business.  They provide entrepreneurial resources such as information on business permits and licenses, business planning, marketing, funding and more for a successful business.

In addition to Startup El Dorado Entrepreneur Resource Center, the Arkansas
SourceLink website (http://www.arksourcelink.com) provides small business owners and entrepreneurs with links and connections to the resources that are needed to be successful. Information can be found on the following areas:
  • Marketing                        
  • Grants and Incentives
  • Starting a business
  • Legal aspects for small business
  • Accounting/finance
  • Small business funding sources 
Arkansas SourceLink is a part of the Arkansas Capital Corporation Group.  Arkansas Capital (http://www.arcapital.com) is known for providing small business lending.  They have more than 1,100 loans to Arkansas Companies totaling over $450 million.

For more information, please contact Aaron Harris, the Entrepreneurship Coordinator at Arkansas SourceLink at 501-374-9247, or harris@connect-arkansas.org.

Chamber news: Illinois Governor Quinn Announces $5 Million Capital Investment in Kankakee Community College


New Addition to Train Students in Green Energy and Other Emerging Technology Fields

Governor Pat Quinn announced a $5 million state investment to build the Advanced Technology Education Center, a 21,000 square-foot addition at Kankakee Community College (KCC) that will enhance learning opportunities in green energy and other emerging technologies. The project will also create construction jobs and drive local economic growth. Today's announcement is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to ensure that all people have access to a quality education. Read more: Economic Alliance of Kankakee County

Chamber Partnership: Northern Kentucky River Cities Prepare to Show Off Assets, Possibilities to Legislators

Some Frankfort power players will be wined and dined in Northern Kentucky, and then a day's worth of brags and wants will be laid out for them.
Some of Northern Kentucky's most influential people have been busy practicing together for the occasion, gathering upstairs at Southbank Partners, eye level with the World Peace Bell, going over notes and making sure their timing is perfect.
The Kentucky General Assembly's Appropriations and Revenue Committee will officially conduct one of its traveling sessions in Covington on August 28 and local leaders are seizing the opportunity on what they call "Developer's Day", a chance to show off the positive developments happening in the cities of Covington, Newport, Bellevue, Dayton, Ft. Thomas, and Ludlow. Read more: River City News

Chamber Meeting: OKC Schools Superintendent Challenges Business Leaders To Step Up

The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce hosted its State of the Schools today, where Neu spoke candidly about the need to improve schools. And business leaders were listening.
“It's the last critical step for our city to be the best place for us to live and for our children to stay, to hire as business. So for businesses to be successful, we really and truly need businesses to step up and support our education reform now,” said Teresa Rose with the OKC Chamber of Commerce. Read more: News9.com

Two Iron Range professionals to serve on Minnesota Chamber of Commerce Board
Two Iron Range professionals with ties to the mining industry on the Iron Range will serve on the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
Larry Sutherland, general manager at U.S. Steel-Minnesota Ore Operations in Mountain Iron, was recently elected to the board. He is a resident of Grand Rapids.
LaTisha Gietzen, vice president of environmental, governmental and public affairs at PolyMet Mining in Hoyt Lakes, was recently re-elected to the board. She is a resident of Mountain Iron. Read more: Hibbing Daily Tribune

City, Fulton Missouri Chamber reach agreement
The city of Fulton and the Chamber of Commerce have reached an agreement on replacing former Chamber Director and Tourism Director Heather Bennett, and separating the two departments from the previously combined partnership.
After nearly two months of discussion, the Fulton City Council agreed to a $13,500 stipend for at least one year to the Chamber, with a second year allocation still available pending a review of its operation under the control of a new executive director. Read more: Clinton Herald

U.S. Automotive Suppliers Webinar Sept 10: Meet with prominent business executives in the Mexico automotive industry.

This B2B forum enables you to self select target OEMs and Tier 1 & 2 suppliers for private, pre-arranged business development meetings. This is a unique forum you won’t want to miss.

Why Attend? Maximize your time over 2 days through pre-arranged 1-on-1 meetings with purchasing, operations, supply chain reps of participating OE and Tier 1 suppliers. Confirmed participants include:Ford – General Motors- Audi – BMW – Bosch – Continental -– Honda –Mazda – Nissan – Siemens – Toyota – Volkswagen

• Mexico is in the top 5 of the world’s largest automobile exporters and still expanding
• In 2011 light vehicle production reached historical records with 2.55 million vehicles, and more than 48 car and light truck models
• Mexico’s auto/truck manufacturing base includes 22 manufacturing plants


WEBINAR - Learn more about Selling into Mexico’s Automotive Supply Chain and Automotive Meeting Queretaro on Sept 10 and Oct 29 @ 11:00 EST.

Discussion features:

• U.S. Embassy, Mexico City, Automotive Specialist
• Tier 1 Supplier operating in Mexico
• Past Automotive Meetings Queretaro participant
• Advanced Business Events, organizer of the program

Register for the Webinar! http://1.usa.gov/1mKCajL
Date: Sept 10 and Oct 29 at 11 AM EST; 8 AM PST
Cost: NO CHARGE
Venue: Your Computer
Automotive Meetings Queretaro
February 23-25, 2015

Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation (Attitude): 



“Replace the word can’t with can. Know that you can, believe that you can, and know with ALL of your heart that you will. You will succeed in spite of any obstacles that may try to hinder you! There’s so much power in having a positive attitude, positive mindset, and positive outlook.”
Stephanie Lahart

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