Transcript from IL Chamber of Commerce CEO Todd Maisch on fixing Illinois - Andrew Busch's Engage; Chamber news: Arkansas CEOs optimistic about improving economy; Chamber news: Savings on the way for Oklahoma employers in 2015!; Kentucky Perspective: Public-minded leaders matter; One Southern Indiana chamber chief asks state to help ease toll burden on businesses; Chamber honors Waseca County News with Roots award; KC Chamber honors women for local influence; Chamber event: 35th Annual Winter Games chair & co-chair announced; Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation (Leadership):

Transcript from IL Chamber of Commerce CEO Todd Maisch on fixing Illinois - Andrew Busch's Engage

Last Friday, I did a show on the worst run state in the union according to Moody’s and S&P: Illinois. One of the guests I had on was Illinois Chamber of Commerce CEO Todd Maisch to discuss what they would like to see from the next governor of Illinois to create economic growth and jobs. Below is the transcript. Note, the Chamber was surprisingly optimistic on the outlook for bi-partisan IL tax reform. Read more: Andrew Busch

Chamber news: Arkansas CEOs optimistic about improving economy

The latest survey of more than 150 Arkansas company leaders indicates an improved outlook for the rest of 2014 on the sales and hiring front, as well as expectations that economic conditions will improve in the last half of the year.

Talk Business & Politics — in conjunction with the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and consulting group CEG Partners – released its second “Business Leaders Confidence Survey,” which captures opinions on the future direction of Arkansas economic conditions. The Greater Little Rock Chamber of Commerce also aided in this latest survey. Read more: The City Wire

Chamber news: Savings on the way for Oklahoma employers in 2015!

Most Oklahoma employers can expect to pay lower unemployment taxes in 2015.  Tax rates for all Oklahoma employers will be dropping to the minimum rate available for that individual employer due to a stronger unemployment insurance (UI) trust fund and lower UI benefit payments over the past few years.  These lower tax rates are estimated to save Oklahoma businesses between $120 million and $130 million next year.  Last year saw a similar drop in rates resulting in savings of $170 million for 2014. Contact  Mike Seney Oklahoma State Chamber

Kentucky Perspective: Public-minded leaders matter

The recent death of Bill Sturgill, a Kentucky leader of the first order, prompts a realization that a generation of our commonwealth’s most highly regarded visionaries is quickly leaving the scene. Mr. Sturgill wore many hats in the public and private sectors, and his passing is a loss to the people of Kentucky.

Long before he was in Gov. John Y. Brown Jr.’s executive cabinet as secretary of energy and agriculture at a salary of $1 a year, Sturgill was a consummate businessman in the coal, lumber, equine and tobacco industries. More than anything, he knew how to share. He generously shared his labor, time, energy and money to advance the state of Kentucky. His endowments to the University of Kentucky and his service as chairman of its board of trustees confirm his dedication to quality education, and as chairman of the Kentucky Racing Commission he established a strong leadership position in the Thoroughbred industry. His altruism and philanthropy benefitted the state’s key industries and educational endeavors. Bill Sturgill will be missed.

W.T. Young is another key Kentucky leader to pass away in recent times... Read more:  Lane Report

One Southern Indiana chamber chief asks state to help ease toll burden on businesses

The Southern Indiana chamber of commerce is asking state officials to consider changes to traffic and toll plans in an effort to ease the Ohio River Bridges Project's financial burden on local businesses.

The president and CEO of One Southern Indiana, which represents Clark and Floyd counties, sent the suggestions in a July 30 letter to the Indiana Finance Authority, the agency in charge of the project's financing.

Among the recommendations, based on input from chamber members, are limiting the Clark Memorial Bridge to passenger cars and trucks and restricting the span to one-way traffic during rush hour periods, Wendy Dant Chesser wrote. Read more: WDRB.com

Chamber honors Waseca County News with Roots award

The Waseca Area Chamber of Commerce presented Waseca County News Publisher Julie Frazier with its Roots Award honoring the publication's longevity. The paper is celebrating its 150th anniversary. (Photo courtesy of the Waseca Area Chamber of Commerce)

KC Chamber honors women for local influence

The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce announced its 2014 Athena Award recipients on Tuesday, with two local businesswomen selected for their professional leadership and community involvement. Betsey Solberg, executive consultant for FleishmanHillard Inc.'s Kansas City office, and Marshaun Butler, vice president of Children's Mercy South and regional hospitals, joined a list of more than 6,000 honorees from the award's 30-year history. Read more: Kansas City Business Journal

Chamber event: 35th Annual Winter Games chair & co-chair announced

The Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce that Alison Schmitz will serve as the chairperson of the 2015 University of Okoboji Winter Games. To assist her with the various responsibilities, Ali has chosen Nick Stauss to serve as her co-chair. Read more:

Dickinson County News

Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation (Leadership):

“It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.” - Harry S. Truman 

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