Arkansas Chamber Of Commerce Planning June Trip To Cuba; Joseph Henning Named 2014 Illinois Chamber Executive of the Year; Indiana Chamber Top Ten Employer: Centier named top workplace and is hiring; Chamber Tweet of the Day: Kentucky Chamber; Wisconsin Commerce and business groups optimistic about prospects in 2015; Missouri Chamber: Long-term policies for job creation should be the focus of the 2015 Legislative Session; Minnesota chamber: Good job advice for families, students; Chamber concern: A Kansas Town Rallies for a Modest Lifeline: A Local Grocery Store; Chamber partnership: Governor Branstad Recognizes Urbandale as Eighth Connect Iowa Certified Connected Community; 5 scary excuses that are keeping you from starting a business (but shouldn't)

Arkansas Chamber Of Commerce Planning June Trip To Cuba

Before Wednesday’s presidential announcement opening up relations with Cuba, the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce was planning a networking trip to the communist island nation. Now, the excursion may take on a world of new meaning.

The state chamber, in partnership with Chamber Explorations, is offering members the chance to travel to Cuba from June 2-8, 2015.

"The ‘Discover Cuba’ trip is designed to create a great travel experience with a networking opportunity that is unlike any other," the chamber said in an email to members on Thursday. The 7-day itinerary includes a trip to a Cuban tobacco farm, cigar factory, Ernest Hemingway’s farm, a tour of Old Havana, and meetings with artists and sports figures.

Chamber officials set their original goal for the trip at 35 travelers. That may grow thanks to Wednesday’s announcement from President Obama to move towards normalizing diplomatic and economic relations between the United States and Cuba. Read more: UALR Public Radio

Joseph Henning Named 2014  

Illinois Chamber Executive of the Year

Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Joseph Henning has been named the 2014 Illinois Chamber Executive of the Year by the Illinois Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. Henning, who lives in Aurora and has served as CEO since 2005, was recognized for his long-term professional achievements and a career hallmarked by professionalism, leadership and ethical conduct.

Indiana Chamber Top Ten Employer: Centier named top workplace and is hiring

One of the best banks to work for in the country is local and hiring. American Banker, one of the banking industry's leading trade publications, named Merrillville-based Centier Bank one of the top 20 banks in the country to work for. Centier, the largest privately owned bank in Indiana, placed 17th in the magazine's second annual national ranking.

The large community bank, which has $2.5 billion in assets and 678 employees, is currently looking to fill around a dozen positions in Northwest Indiana. 

Current openings posted on the company's website include openings in Merrillville, Valparaiso, Hammond, Dyer and Winfield. Available jobs include teller, mortgage loan originator, wealth management officer, associate investment representative, and group manager. Read more: NWI Times

Chamber Tweet of the Day: Kentucky Chamber

Kentucky Chamber ‏@KyChamber 16m16 minutes ago

On the blog: before the new year, check out list of bills pre-filed ahead of the 2015 session http://kychamberblog.com/2014/12/31/many-big-bills-pre-filed-ahead-of-the-2015-session/ …

Wisconsin Commerce and business groups optimistic about prospects in 2015

Chamber of Commerce officials in Wisconsin are optimistic about the state’s business climate in the upcoming New Year.

Jim Morgan is president of the Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce Foundation and says just released survey results show Wisconsin chamber of commerce executives expect increased economic growth in the coming year. According to Morgan, “They’re very optimistic about the direction in which the state is going, they’re beginning to see a little bit of growth in their communities.” 87% of chamber officials think the state’s economic future is on the right track, and 91% say Wisconsin is pro-business and that recent reforms are working. Morgan said the only real concerns are a shortage of qualified workers; followed by concerns over healthcare costs and taxes. Read more: WBDL.com

Missouri Chamber: Long-term policies for job creation should be the focus of the 2015 Legislative Session

Much has changed in Missouri since legislative leaders closed the 2014 Legislative Session in Jefferson City.  During the summer and fall, political campaigns dominated televisions and newspapers. Sadly, in August the focus shifted to stories of violence and protests – stories that have continued to dominant media in Missouri and around the nation. Many wonder how the newly elected General Assembly and the lessons learned from the unrest in Ferguson in 2014 will impact the upcoming 2015 Legislative Session.  With this backdrop, Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry believes, now more than ever, that long-term policies for job creation should be the focus of Missouri’s policy makers.

“Missouri is stronger when everyone who wants to work can find a job,” said Daniel P. Mehan, Missouri Chamber president and CEO. “And Missouri will create more jobs when we improve the business climate in which our job creators – Missouri’s employers – operate.  We can’t downplay the complexity of social problems that have moved to the forefront in recent months.  However, creating more job opportunities can make a difference and is within reach this legislative session.” Read more: Missouri Chamber

Minnesota chamber: Good job advice for families, students

Families, high school students and educators would be wise to spend five to 10 minutes reading Bill Blazar’s recent comments about jobs in Minnesota. Blazar is interim president of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. In December, he described the large and growing number of technical jobs available now and in the future. His presentation is found here: http://bit.ly/16MeETd.

Blazar’s comments came in a presentation to Civic Caucus, a non-partisan group that discusses key Minnesota challenges and publicizes possible solutions.

He stressed, according to Civic Caucus, “how important it is for parents and students alike to recognize income potential from occupations requiring technical training.” Blazar pointed out: “A person with a high school degree can become licensed for operating heavy equipment with less than a year’s training and make a very good wage. Some who choose this route could later decide whether to pursue a four-year college degree.” Read more: HometownSource.com

Chamber concern: A Kansas Town Rallies for a Modest Lifeline: A Local Grocery Store

Here in southwest Kansas, where small communities have struggled since the Dust Bowl to retain businesses and residents, a town’s viability is measured by what has not yet closed. Losing a post office is considered the kiss of death. Losing a school can be a terminal diagnosis.


But losing a grocery store, as Plains did in 2001, is a problem that, while not necessarily lethal, is most certainly cause for concern.


“A grocery store is the heart of the town,” said Jeanne Roberts, who is leading the effort to open a new shop. “In small towns, it’s the social gathering place. And when you don’t have that social gathering place and you’re going outside, then you don’t feel connected. Read more: New York Times

Chamber partnership: Governor Branstad Recognizes Urbandale as Eighth Connect Iowa Certified Connected Community

Today, Governor Branstad, Connected Nation President Tom Ferree, and local officials recognized Urbandale for becoming Connect Iowa’s eighth Certified Connected Community in the state and completing its technology action plan. The City of Urbandale and the Urbandale Chamber of Commerce worked to move this initiative forward.
“We are pleased about Connect Iowa's effort and the collaboration it has engendered among the different agencies throughout the region,” said Branstad. "Lt. Governor Reynolds and I are passionate about increasing access, adoption, and the use of broadband technology in Iowa. I commend Urbandale on completing the extensive assessment and planning process in order to be recognized as a Certified Connected Community. I am confident that the community will use this designation to increase the robust economic development efforts in Urbandale.”
The City of Urbandale has been working since January with Connect Iowa on the Connected Community Engagement Program. This initiative assesses the local broadband landscape, identifies gaps, and establishes goals and objectives to increase broadband access, adoption, and use for families, organizations, and businesses throughout the community. The City of Urbandale was able to meet the point requirements necessary to achieve the Certified Connected Community status.

Read more: Virtual Strategy Magazine

5 scary excuses that are keeping you from starting a business (but shouldn't)

                 

Are you thinking about starting a business?
If you’re like many people, starting a business is a cherished dream. Sure, you can see yourself doing what you love and creating something for yourself and your family.
But maybe the actual step forward eludes you.
What’s stopping you is fear. It’s understandable to be apprehensive about such a large investment of time and money with no guaranteed success, but these fears must be overcome so you can at least give it a try.
Here are five fears or excuses that shouldn’t keep you from realizing your dreams.

1.  “I don’t know anything about starting a business.” Read more: Daily Herald Business Ledger