Chamber event: Missouri Best Places to Work Conference next week

Missouri Business and the Missouri Chamber of Commerce will host the Best Places to Work Conference Oct. 23 at the Reynolds Alumni Center on the University of Missouri’s campus. The program, which will begin with registration and breakfast at 7:30 a.m. and will end around 5 p.m., will feature presentations from Missouri’s top executives on how to attract and retain employees and create a positive work environment.
Speakers include University of Missouri System President Tim Wolfe, Build-A-Bear Workshop founder Maxine Clark, and Shane Mayes, founder and CEO of Onshore Outsourcing. Panels cover topics from training new employees to creating incentives for employees to getting employee feedback. The winning companies of the Best Places to Work Award will also be presented at the conference. This year’s recipients are Onshore Outsourcing, Big Cedar Lodge, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica Inc., Veterans United Home Loans, Graybar and Burns & McDonnell. Read more: Columbia Business Times

Rapid City Area Chamber of Commerce recognizes local professionals

It was a big night tonight for the Rapid City Area Chamber of Commerce as business people celebrated the 128th Annual Meeting. More than 400 business people got together Saturday night to recognize the achievements of Rapid City professionals. The theme this year was "Creating a Community of Big Possibilities."

Three awards were given out: Ray Hillenbrand received the George award, Anya Mueller received the Young Professional Award and Michelle Lintz was presented with the Black Hills Hero Award.
Also the outgoing Chamber Chair Bryan Vulcan presented the incoming Chair Marnie Herrmann with the gavel of leadership.
Linda Rabe, president and CEO of the Rapid City Area Chamber of Commerce, says it’s a special annual event. "A lot of times we don't take time to really celebrate the success that we've had,” Rabe said. “And as you look around our community, our community is growing and thriving and we are excited to give away these three really special awards.” Read more: KOTA TV - Rapid City

Springfield Chamber (IL) leaders study Indiana city’s downtown revitalization

A recent trip by Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce officials and business leaders to Columbus, Ind., could pay future dividends for Springfield’s downtown.
“We went there to see their nationally recognized workforce education program and downtown revitalization — some of the things Springfield is working on,” said Mike McDorman, chamber president and CEO.
The Indiana city was chosen to study because while it’s slightly smaller in population than Springfield, McDorman said it’s similar in terms of demographics and economic factors, and competes with larger communities.
The largest employer there is Cummins Diesel. The company has been a driving force in revitalizing the community, McDorman said, even paying to bring in internationally acclaimed architects to design buildings there.
“They have incredible mid-century architecture,” McDorman said. Read more: Springfield News-Sun

Chamber opening: Von Maur opens its first Oklahoma location

From inside Vast, dining at the restaurant atop the Devon Tower, the Von Maur family surveyed the twilight the night before their 30th store was set to open. They were impressed: by the view and Oklahoma City.
Grand opening ceremonies were held Saturday morning at Quail Springs Mall in the space formerly occupied by Sears. Now, it’s home to Von Maur’s first location in Oklahoma.
People gathered before the store opened as Mayor Mick Cornett joined the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce in welcoming Von Maur to the city. And while the mayor talked about Oklahoma City’s growth and its friendly residents, the Von Maur family echoed those statements through their initial experiences. Read more: NewsOK.com

Chamber Tweet of the Day: Indy Chamber

‏@IndyChamber

Get your business global. Learn the ins and outs at #GlobalIndy's Export Bootcamp Oct 30 http://bit.ly/1BJjrxb

Minnesota chamber issue: Ag, mining, labor and business coalition calls for action on pipeline

An unprecedented coalition of agriculture, mining, labor and business groups delivered a resolution to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission calling on the agency to expedite the review of Sandpiper pipeline project routes. Following a September meeting held under the auspices of the Minnesota Agri-Growth Council.

Agri-Growth, Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, Minnesota Grain and Feed Association, American Crystal Sugar Cooperative, Iron Mining Association of Minnesota, United Association, Union of Plumber, Fitters, Welders and Service Techs, Minnesota Forest Industries, Minnesota Petroleum Marketers Association, the Minnesota Petroleum Council (API), Midwest Food Processors Association, Minnesota Retailers Association, and the Minnesota Service Station and Convenience Store Association agreed to urge action by the MPUC. Read more: Agri-News

Clean Harbors Hosts Groundbreaking of New El Dorado Incineration Unit

Clean Harbors, North America’s leading provider of environmental, energy and industrial services, is hosting a groundbreaking ceremony for its new incineration unit today at 1:30 p.m. at 309 American Circle in El Dorado, Ark. Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe will join Clean Harbors’ business leaders, facility management and community representatives from El Dorado to mark the start of construction of the state-of-the-art industrial waste destruction unit, which will enhance the country’s environmental protection infrastructure and marks the first time in almost 30 years that new incineration capacity has been constructed in the United States.

On the Move:

Mary Engelman, Executive Director of the Greater Farmington Area Chamber of Commerce

Mary Engelman was named director of government affairs and public relations at OpTech, a Troy-based information technology, engineering and healthcare workforce solutions provider. Engelman formerly worked as the executive director of the Greater Farmington Area Chamber of Commerce. Read more: Oakland Press

Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotations (Attitude):

“Peace is the result of retraining your mind to process life as it is, rather than as you think it should be.” - Wayne Dyer

Chamber of Commerce Daily News

Thursday, October 23, 2014