Multi-chamber luncheon: Cubs owner Tom Ricketts says World Series prediction not 'completely crazy'; The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce Plans 14th Annual Educators of the Year Awards Event; 2015 Boyne Area (Michigan) Chamber of Commerce award winners; Chamber interest: Leadership Arkansas Class IX Will Continue with Session IV; Chamber news: Best Places to Work in Kentucky winners announced; Charlottesville Chamber issue: New Bill Proposal Aims to Help Businesses Keep Track of Taxable Items; ALAN TURNER: Former Chamber president: Tulane’s Sherry Chance has a passion for education; Chamber inspiration: Thirty-foot-tall snowman returns to Minocqua; Friday: 157 Rules for Executive Success in Organization Management (and your Chamber of Commerce) by Patrick McGaughey

Multi-chamber luncheon: Cubs owner Tom Ricketts says World Series prediction not 'completely crazy'

Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts said Tuesday that a national sports publication's prediction of his team winning the World Series may not be that far off.

And unlike previous years' prognostications, Ricketts brought a PowerPoint presentation to his address to suburban business leaders that explains why he thinks the Sporting News isn't "completely crazy."

"We don't like the 'predict, predict, predict' stuff, but I'm telling you that it's been several years in the making," Ricketts said during a multi-chamber luncheon at the Avalon Banquets in Elk Grove Village.

"We've built a very strong foundation for our team, and we're going to keep getting better and I do believe we're going to win our division and get to the playoffs this year.

"We'll be saying, 'Cubs win' a lot more." Read more: Daily Herald

The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce Plans 14^th Annual Educators of the Year Awards Event

The recipients of the 14^th Annual Educators of the Year awards were announced today by the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce’s Franklin Initiative.
This year, ten individuals and one educational program will be honored at the community celebration which recognizes the best teachers and programs in accredited schools across Monroe County. The awards dinner is scheduled for February 18 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Presidents Hall in Indiana University’s Franklin Hall.

Since 2001, The Chamber’s Franklin Initiative has supported excellence in education with the annual awards ceremony. In addition to nine educators who will receive an Outstanding Educator Award, Bloomington High School North’s Pat Wilson will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for her outstanding longtime commitment to education. Wilson, Department Chair for Social Studies, was awarded an Outstanding Educator Award in 2011. Read more: Greater Bloomington Chamber

2015 Boyne Area (Michigan) Chamber of Commerce award winners

The Boyne Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual meeting was Thursday Jan. 22 at Boyne Mountain.

During the annual banquet gala, Boyne Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jim Baumann announced this year’s chamber award winners.

Volunteer Award

The Volunteer of the Year award goes to Nancy Cunningham. Nancy’s patient determination over several years on behalf of the Friends of the Boyne River has given the community the new Boyne River Nature Area, which can be accessed from Lexamar Drive in the Boyne City Industrial Park.

Nancy found grant funds to construct a beautiful hiking trail, complete with boardwalks and an erosion-prevention rain garden.

Community Pride Award

The winner of the Community Pride Award is the Boyne Thunder Committee.

Over the last 10 years this committee, through organizing and managing this July event, has raised more than $300,000 for Camp Quality and more recently Challenge Mountain.

Boyne Thunder has become the third largest boating poker run in the nation and one of the greatest summer tourism events in Northern Michigan. Read more: Boyne City Gazette

Chamber interest: Leadership Arkansas Class IX Will Continue with Session IV

Class IX will continue with Session IV – South Arkansas Economy, on January 15-16 in Texarkana Other planned sessions include: Session V – Northwest Arkansas Economy/Education, March 19-20 in Fayetteville Session VI – Northeast Arkansas Economy/Agriculture, May 13-15 in West Memphis/Blytheville Session VII – Education/Central Arkansas Economy/Leadership Arkansas Class IX Graduation, June 18-19 in Central Arkansas Leadership Arkansas Class IX, a program created and operated by the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/Associated Industries of Arkansas, is presented by ARcare. Class IX sponsors include Southland Park Gaming & Racing and Walmart Stores, Inc. If your company or organization is interested in sponsoring any of the planned Leadership Arkansas Class IX sessions, please contact Bill Watson at 501-802-1740 or bwatson@arkansasstatechamber.com. For more information on Leadership Arkansas, contact Susie Marks at smarks@arkansasstatechamber.com or 501-210-4206.

Chamber news: Best Places to Work in Kentucky winners announced

The Kentucky Chamber of Commerce and the Kentucky Society for Human Resource Management (KYSHRM) announce the companies that have made the 11th Annual Best Places to Work in Kentucky list, presented by Kentucky Career Center and the State Information Data Exchange System (SIDES). The winner rankings will be announced at an awards dinner Tuesday, April 14, 2015, at Heritage Hall in the Lexington Convention Center.
Winners from across the state have been selected in three categories: small companies of 15-149 employees, medium companies of 150-499 employees and large companies consisting of more than 500 employees (categories based on number of U.S. employees, only Kentucky employees surveyed). The selection process, managed by Best Companies Group, is based on an assessment of the company’s employee policies and procedures and the results of an internal employee survey.
The competition is a multi-year initiative designed to motivate companies in the Commonwealth to focus, measure and move their workplace environments toward excellence. Numerous studies show a strong correlation between profitability and creating a good place to work. The Best Places to Work in Kentucky initiative is based on FORTUNE magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work for in America” list.

 

Charlottesville Chamber issue: New Bill Proposal Aims to Help Businesses Keep Track of Taxable Items

A new bill is moving forward in the Virginia General Assembly that aims to make it easier for businesses to pay their personal property taxes. Supporters of the bill say it will save businesses lots of time in tax preparation.
The bill would allow businesses to estimate the value of items they own, rather than having to itemize each one.
Delegate Steve Landes, who represents Virginia's 25th District, said that the Charlottesville Chamber of Commerce has brought the issue to his attention. Read more: NewsPlex.com

ALAN TURNER: Former Chamber president: Tulane’s Sherry Chance has a passion for education

Sherry Chance was born in Florida and spent several years in Alaska, which is probably about the biggest contrast one can imagine.  It wasn’t until she arrived in Mississippi, though, that she finally felt she had “come home,” and she’s lived in the Magnolia State for the past 24 years.
In her role as director of Tulane University’s Madison campus, Sherry has seen the enrollment grow to over 300 students, most of whom are working people in the 29-39 age range.
“But we’ve had students as young as 18, all the way up to 81,” she said with a smile.  “About 60 percent of our students are women, and almost all work and attend evening sessions.”
She points out that one important goal of Tulane in Madison is to provide an affordable and convenient opportunity for working folks to go back to school and complete their education.
“Actually, our tuition here is roughly a quarter of what it would cost to attend the university in New Orleans,” she said.
What she loves is making a difference in the lives of her students. Read more: Mississippi Business Journal

Chamber inspiration: Thirty-foot-tall snowman returns to Minocqua

According to the Minocqua Chamber of Commerce, building giant snowmen is a Minocqua tradition.
"The snowman had been built for a number of years, dating back to the sixties, I believe," said Krystal Westfahl, the executive director of the Minocqua Chamber of Commerce.
But last year, the snowman wasn't built because of weather and several other factors.
"We've had a lot of people say, 'Will you please bring back that big snowman? It's so cool'," explained Westfahl.
So when snow fell this year, the Minocqua Chamber of Commerce got busy.
"We had a little bit of a challenge trying to find a spot this year. We have a bunch of events happening downtown so the chamber decided, let's just do it," Westfahl said. See picture & read more: ABC 9 WAOW.com


Friday: 157 Rules for Executive Success in Organization Management (and your Chamber of Commerce) by Patrick McGaughey
    

RULE #49      Avoid being the last to leave

Leadership Kentucky Names Janice Sword Way President; Chamber executive Joe Henning an advocate for business and unabashed fan of Aurora; Chamber Speaker: MSU forum to address Michigan’s economic future; Chamber interest: Changes afoot for Bedford-area (Virginia) farmers market; Chamber economic development: Arkansas facility adding 120 jobs along with renovations, new equipment; Rhinelander (Wisconsin) Chamber dinner draws a crowd; Zionsville Chamber Presents Annual Awards; Mississippi Economic Council Legislative Scrambler

Leadership Kentucky Names Janice Sword Way President

Janice Sword Way, a graduate of the 1987 Leadership Kentucky program has been named as the new President of Leadership Kentucky. Since 1984, Leadership Kentucky has been devoted to motivating, promoting, and advancing active and emerging leaders in Kentucky.

Way comes to Leadership Kentucky from St. Elizabeth Healthcare in Northern Kentucky where she was Assistant Vice President of Development. During her 25 years at St. Elizabeth and The St. Luke Hospitals (before the two hospital systems merged), Way served as Director of Public Relations and Marketing, supervised community and legislative relations and led the St. Luke Community Foundation as Vice President. Earlier in her career, she was a producer and on-air talent for WKYT-TV and Kentucky Educational Television (KET) in Lexington, Kentucky, WYMT-TV in Hazard, Kentucky and WBIR-TV in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Way has served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce where she chaired numerous committees over the years. She also chairs the Northern Kentucky Board for KET and serves on several regional committees. She was named an Outstanding Woman of Northern Kentucky and won the Walter Pieschel Award from the Northern Kentucky Chamber for her volunteer efforts. She is a certified fundraising executive, having attained her CFRE designation in 2013. Read more: Leadership Kentucky

 

Chamber executive Joe Henning an advocate for business and unabashed fan of Aurora

Chamber executive Joe Henning works hard to make sure the city he loves succeeds.

 
Joe Henning says he's a shy guy who finds it hard to talk about himself.
But his work on behalf of the Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce for the past decade has made him well-known among businesses in the Fox Valley area, local elected officials and educational institutions, and chamber officials on the state and even national levels.
Henning, president and CEO of the Aurora chamber that he has led since 2005, was named the 2014 Illinois Chamber Executive of the Year late last year by his peers in the Illinois Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives.
"I was completely surprised. It was a great honor," said Henning, who serves with the Aurora chamber full-time. "It's something I love doing."
A Kendall County native and Aurora resident since 1998, Henning didn't seek out the chamber job. He had a background in organizational development, had worked in health care for 15 years and was employed with a nonprofit school in Elgin when he received a recruiting call. Read more: Daily Herald



Chamber Speaker: MSU forum to address Michigan’s economic future 

 
Cultivating workforce talent, boosting economic development opportunities and further developing Michigan’s assets such as the international border could help position the state as an economic power. Some of Michigan’s leading economic and business minds are expected to discuss these and other priorities for 2015 and beyond at a public forum this week hosted by Michigan State University’s Institute for Public Policy and Social Research.
The Jan. 21 event is free and open to the public.
The forum comes as the Michigan Legislature begins a new two-year session with new faces and new leaders who have pledged to work together to avoid gridlock. State officials currently are dealing with a projected budget deficit of more than $300 million.
However, Michigan's unemployment rate dropped to 6.7 percent in November, the lowest rate in nearly nine years, and many officials are optimistic the state and national economies will continue to grow.
Those speaking more about Michigan’s economic future include:
Richard Studley, chief executive officer of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce. Read more: MSUToday

Chamber interest: Changes afoot for Bedford-area (Virginia) farmers market

Management changes are expected this season for the Bedford-area farmers market.
A presentation by the interim market committee this week is expected to center around a more permanent management team and a part-time manager to run the Bedford Farmers Market, which is held Friday mornings starting in April.
The proposal compiled input from a November public forum, a survey with 400-plus responses and committee meetings. It will be presented at 6 p.m. Thursday at Bower Center for the Arts. Anyone interested is encouraged to attend and provide input.
“My sense is certainly people ought to come to this and share their thoughts and ideas and be willing to hear others’ thoughts and ideas,” said Scott Baker, Bedford County’s Virginia Cooperative Extension agent. He serves on the committee in advisory capacity. Read more: The News & Advance

Chamber economic development: Arkansas facility adding 120 jobs along with renovations, new equipment

Hanes Brands (NYSE:HBI) today announced it is expanding its manufacturing facility in Clarksville, Arkansas. The company plans to invest more than $1.4 million in building renovations and new equipment. As part of the expansion, the company plans to add 120 new jobs, bringing total employment at the facility to 570 people. More than 85 percent of the plant's current employees have at least ten years of service with the company
HanesBrands' Clarksville facility primarily produces sheer hosiery along with some seamless bras. It is one of the largest hosiery knitting facilities in the world.
The expansion is a result of the company's effort to bring manufacturing of department store and fashion hosiery back to the United States. The plant already makes the company's hosiery for mass retailers, including Walmart. The hosiery line moving to Clarksville was previously manufactured at a facility in Honduras. See more: THV 11


Rhinelander (Wisconsin) Chamber dinner draws a crowd

 

Rhinelander Chamber of Commerce members gathered at Holiday Acres for the annual dinner Thursday night. Executive Director Dana DeMet spoke to the group and summarized what he said was a successful year. Dessert items were auctioned off, raffle and silent auction winners were announced. The evening was capped off with the presentation of community awards. - See more at: Star Journal

Zionsville Chamber Presents Annual Awards

Several individuals and a local business were honored at the Zionsville Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Banquet in front of a record crowd on Friday January 23 at the Palomino Ballroom. Sherman Burdette from Fox 59 Morning News emceed the event and Craig MacFarlane, often referred to as the world's most celebrated totally blind athlete served as the keynote speaker.
The Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Drew Hobick, a Zionsville high school student and member of the Zionsville Alpha Leos Club.
The Dahlia Excellence in Service Award was presented to Linda Cleveland from Old National Bank in Zionsville. The Dahlia recognizes a deserving employee of a Zionsville business.
The Community Service Award was presented to Bart Colvin, Post Commander of American Legion Post #79. The Community Service Award recognizes the efforts of institutions or organizations toward the betterment and growth of the community.
The Town Crier was presented to Captain Doug Gauthier, of the Zionsville Police Department. The Town Crier recognizes those persons who made outstanding contributions to the town of Zionsville. Read more: Inside Indiana Business

Mississippi Economic Council Legislative Scrambler

Second Legislative Scrambler to Focus on Transportation

Simmons		Johnson

MEC will hold its second Legislative Scrambler on Wednesday, Feb. 4, at the Mississippi Museum of Art.  The meeting will focus on Transportation, and will feature Sen. Willie Simmons, Chair of the Senate Highways and Transportation Committee and Rep. Robert L. Johnson III, Chair of the House Transportation Committee. You can attend in person, or dial in by calling 800-771-7943. Click Here to Register

Entrepreneur Larry Hines brings experience, low-key approach to chair position with Muskegon Chamber; Indiana Chamber endorses Pence's education plan; Best Chamber Practices: Heber Springs named Volunteer Community of the Year; Jackson County Board Member Jim McIngvale named to MGCCC Board of Trustees; Chamber Award: Fort Atkinson’s Wisconsin Packaging Corp. feted; Barrington-area chamber sends good vibrations at gala; Hundreds Come Out In Support of Fort Eustis Personnel, Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce Reports; Ryan Craig new face of Logan County Chamber;

Entrepreneur Larry Hines brings experience, low-key approach to chair position with Muskegon Chamber

Larry Hines knows a thing or two about running a successful operation.
Hines, the president and founder of Hines Corporation, a holding company which owns industrial manufacturers in Michigan, Ohio and Minnesota, was recently named board chair of the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce.
It's a position chamber leadership has wanted him to hold for a long time, but as far as Hines is concerned, he won't have to do much.
"The chamber is a very well-structured and organized chamber," he said. "So in that regard, I don't have to bring much to the party. It's been in place for 123 years so it's a very well-established organization. They've been doing a lot of things that need to be done for a long time." M LIVE

Indiana Chamber endorses Pence's education plan

The Indiana Chamber of Commerce doesn't usually consider endorsing a proposed legislative agenda, focusing instead on individual bills filed by legislators. However, because of the vital role education plays in Indiana's future, the Indiana Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee recently voted to endorse Gov. Mike Pence's education agenda for the 2015 legislative session.
The agenda represents an important step toward increasing the focus of Indiana's K-12 education system on our state's young people and allowing them to prosper through high-performing teachers and schools.
Several of the governor's proposals clearly put Hoosier students first, including raising the base funding per pupil, developing a better approach to turning around failing schools, expanding performance-based funding and lifting the dollar cap for school choice. Read more: IndyStar.com


Best Chamber Practices: Heber Springs named Volunteer Community of the Year

As many times as Heber Springs has been named Volunteer Community of the Year — more than a dozen — it never gets old, said Ina Brown, special projects manager for the Heber Springs Area Chamber of Commerce.
The award was presented by Gov. Asa Hutchinson at a luncheon on Jan. 15, during an Arkansas Municipal League Conference at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock.
“It’s all so much fun. It was presented by the governor — I shook the governor’s hand twice,” Brown said with a laugh.
She said Heber Springs has received the honor, “15 or 16 times,” but not consecutively. The Arkansas Volunteer Community Awards are sponsored by the Governor’s Office, the Arkansas Municipal League and the Arkansas Department of Human Services Division of Community Service and Nonprofit Support. Read more: Arkansas Online

Jackson County Board Member Jim McIngvale named to MGCCC Board of Trustees

James W. "Jim" McIngvale, of Pascagoula, has been named to the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Board of Trustees.
McIngvale takes the place of retired board member Jim Epting and will represent Jackson County.
Currently the director of Government and Community Affairs at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, McIngvale has worked with the shipbuilder for 38 years.
He began his career in the public relations department of Litton Ingalls Shipbuilding in 1977. He received his bachelor's degree from the University of Mississippi in 1976, majoring in political science and journalism. Read more: GulfLive

Chamber Award: Fort Atkinson’s Wisconsin Packaging Corp. feted

A company that thinks outside — and inside — the box was recognized Wednesday by the Fort Atkinson Area Chamber of Commerce.
Gathering at the Fireside Dinner Theatre for its 116th annual dinner meeting Wednesday, the chamber presented its Economic Contribution Award to Wisconsin Packaging Corp. and its president, Fred Negus Jr.
The honor is given to an individual, business or organization that has contributed to, and promoted the objectives of, the chamber in support of the community.
“This award was created in 1973, and is regarded as the chamber’s most prestigious recognition,” said 2015 chamber President Jeff Theder. “Past recipients include some of our largest employers who have positively impacted job creation, and individuals who have had a vision of growing their own companies, as well as our business community, overall.” Read more: Daily Union

Barrington-area chamber sends good vibrations at gala

More than 200 business and community members gathered Thursday night for the second annual Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce Gala and Silent Auction.

The theme of the event, held at the Stonegate Conference & Banquet Centre in Hoffman Estates, was "good vibrations," which Chamber President and CEO Suzanne Corr said reflected one of the chamber's missions, to give send good vibrations into the local business community.

"One of the most powerful thing the chamber does is it connect people," Corr said.

"Every event is about providing members with the opportunity to make positive business relationships."

The Business Excellence Award went to Norton USA of Barrington. Dennis Kelly of FGMK Insurance won the Volunteer of the Year Award. The chamber's Rookie of the Year Award went to Jason Tennyson of Liberty Mutual. Charlotte Neault of Barrington Bank & Trust, who has served as the chamber's chairman of the board, won the BACC Leadership Award.

A new honor, called the Young Entrepreneur Awards, went to the Barrington High School students who formed a company called FMB Technology as part of their business incubator class. Read more: Daily Herald

Hundreds Come Out In Support of Fort Eustis Personnel, Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce Reports

The Fort Eustis community listening session held this month drew nearly 330 members from the community, including 80 who viewed live-streaming and business and civic leaders, elected officials, small business owners, association leaders, and educators. Their presence alone sent a message they are concerned about the potential 4,100 personnel cuts that could happen at Fort Eustis as part of the U.S. Armys budget reductions across the country.
Hampton Roads is a pleasant place to live, with a superb quality of life, a moderate cost of living, a temperate climate and arguably the worlds finest ice-free, deep water port year round, said retired Navy Rear Adm. Craig Quigley of the Hampton Roads Military and Federal Facilities Alliance. Quigley was among roughly one dozen who addressed the group. It is 200 miles from our nations capital. It has superb academic facilities at every level, and most importantly, a patriotic and dedicated workforce. Not only should the Army consider maintaining the status quo here, this is where reallocated unites should be brought. Thats my message to take back to Army leadership. Read more: ITBusiness.net

Ryan Craig new face of Logan County Chamber

Ryan Craig is the new face of the Logan County Chamber of Commerce. Craig will be replacing long-serving director Lisa Browning, who resigned her position after 24 years with the Chamber, taking a job with the WRUS Radio station.
“I am excited about the opportunity to work with the Logan County Chamber of Commerce, its members and the community, and to continue the fine tradition and purpose the Chamber holds,” said Craig.
Craig is the owner and publisher of the Todd County Standard in Elkton. He is a graduate of Western Kentucky University with a bachelor’s degree in both public relations and history. He is a former reporter for the News-Democrat & Leader, as well as a copy desk chief of the Kentucky New Era in Hopkinsville and page one designer for the Leaf-Chronicle in Clarksville, Tenn. Read more: NewsDemocratLeader.com

Chamber Executive Ongoing Education Weekly New Idea: Playing Big: Find Your Voice, Your Mission, Your Message - by Tara Mohr; Naperville Chamber luncheon: Pradel praises 'teamwork' during his 20 years leading Naperville; Plymouth (Michigan) Chamber focus: Plans for high-tech business park taking shape; Chamber event: Officials: Virginia needs to continue diversifying its economy; Indiana Chamber Comments on Governor Pence’s State of State Address; Arkansas State Chamber - 21st Annual Business Forecast Luncheon set for Friday; Chamber assist: Kentucky schools benefiting from program with support of business community; Chamber support: Paralympic Nordic Ski World Championships Open in Cable, Wisconsin; Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce Professional Development Series 2015

Chamber Executive Ongoing Education Weekly New Idea: Playing Big: Find Your Voice, Your Mission, Your Message - by Tara Mohr

A groundbreaking women's leadership expert and popular conference speaker gives women the practical skills to voice and implement the changes they want to see--in themselves and in the world
In her coaching and programs for women, Tara Mohr saw how women were "playing small" in their lives and careers, were frustrated by it, and wanted to "play bigger." She has devised a proven way for them to achieve their dreams by playing big from the inside out. Mohr's work helping women play bigger has earned acclaim from the likes of Maria Shriver and Jillian Michaels, and has been featured on the "Today "show, " CNN, " and a host of other media outlets.
Sheryl Sandberg's "Lean In" gave many women new awareness about what kinds of changes they need to make to become more successful; yet most women need help implementing them. In the tradition of Brene Brown's "Daring Greatly," "Playing Big" provides real, practical tools to help women quiet self-doubt, identify their callings, "unhook" from praise and criticism, unlearn counterproductive good girl habits, and begin taking bold action.
While not all women aspire to end up in the corner office, every woman aspires to something. "Playing Big" fills a major gap among women's career books; it isn't just for corporate women. The book offers tools to help "every" woman play bigger--whether she's an executive, community volunteer, artist, or stay-at-home mom.
Thousands of women across the country have been transformed by Mohr's program, and now this book makes the ideas and practices available to everyone who is ready to play big. Read more: TaraMohr.com

Naperville Chamber luncheon: Pradel praises 'teamwork' during his 20 years leading Naperville

Naperville Mayor George Pradel's 20th and final State of the City address on Monday was an ode to the philosophy that carried him through two decades at the city's helm: teamwork.

The speech before a crowd of 500 at a Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon was part flashback and part celebration as Pradel illustrated the ways he has remained committed to the same ideals of leadership and service he adopted when he began as mayor in 1995.

"In my very first State of the City speech I said the following: 'We will continue to maintain the quality of life you expect by providing the highest level of service through a spirit of teamwork,'" Pradel said. "We've lived those words every single day for the past 7,211 days."

During that time, Pradel said he has led the city "my way," with plenty of praise and pride and always a smile. Read more: Daily Herald

Plymouth (Michigan) Chamber focus: Plans for high-tech business park taking shape

Plans are taking shape for a new advanced-technology business corridor along Five Mile in Plymouth and Northville townships.
Officials in the two communities, working with state and Wayne County elected and economic development officials, have formed the Michigan International Technology Center to market some 800 acres on either side of Five Mile between Beck and Napier, property they say is ideal for firms in the high-tech, life sciences and automotive fields that are looking for Detroit-area locations.
“It’s an exciting first step,” Plymouth Township Supervisor Richard Reaume said, one that took about 14 months of discussion to reach.
Parcels could be available later this year, Reaume said, though major construction isn’t likely until next year. Several firms, which he declined to name, have already shown an interest, Reaume said.
In a joint announcement, Reaume and Northville Township Supervisor Robert Nix said the acreage could support up to 5 million square feet of facilities, $620 million in investment and more than 9,000 jobs. The MITC, Reaume said, will be asking the Michigan Department of Transportation and Wayne County for upgrades to Five Mile in that area. Read more: Hometown Life

 

Chamber event: Officials: Virginia needs to continue diversifying its economy

To illustrate how Virginia must reduce its dependence on government-related jobs to remain economically competitive, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones gave a sports allusion.
“Our big risk is similar to that of the Denver Broncos,” Jones told Tysons Regional Chamber of Commerce members at a Jan. 23 breakfast meeting in Merrifield. “If Peyton Manning has a good day, Denver can’t be beat. If Peyton Manning has a bad day, they can’t beat Langley High School.”
The Department of Defense is Virginia’s biggest employer, and 13 of the commonwealth’s top 20 job providers are governmental agencies or public-sector contractors, Jones said. Last year, Virginia was ranked 48th nationally for economic growth, ahead only of Maryland and the District of Columbia, which ranked 49th and 50th, respectively. Read more: Leeburg Today

Indiana Chamber Comments on Governor Pence’s State of State Address

Indiana Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Kevin Brinegar comments on Governor Pence’s State of the State address:

"We agree with the Governor that many accomplishments over the last decade have distinguished Indiana as a place for companies to relocate, bring jobs and make investments. But more importantly, we agree that there is a lot more work to do to both keep pace and to stand out from the rest. We need to be bold and move farther faster in order to reach the goals in ​Indiana Vision 2025 (the Indiana Chamber's long-range economic development plan for the state; http://www.indianachamber.com/2025).

"We particularly applaud the Governor's focus on career and technical education. In addition, there needs to be an emphasis on retraining our adult workers so they can secure the higher skilled jobs that are available and pay higher wages. Read more: Indiana Chamber

Arkansas State Chamber - 21st Annual Business Forecast Luncheon set for Friday

Twenty-First Annual Business Forecast Luncheon Slated for January 30th The Center for Business and Economic Research in the Sam M. Walton College of Business will present their 21st Annual Business Forecast Luncheon from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. on Friday, January 30th at the John Q. Hammons Convention Center, which is located in the World Trade Center District in Rogers. For ticket information, click here or call 479-575-4151.Register here: Arkansas State Chamber

Chamber assist: Kentucky schools benefiting from program with support of business community

As Kentucky continues to seek to find ways to improve education in the state, the Kentucky Chamber Foundation’s Leadership Institute for School Principals has proudly graduated another group of educators who will take their new skills home to their districts.

Since the start of the program in 2011, the Kentucky Chamber Foundation has raised and spent more than $2 million to help principals in the state receive CEO-level leadership training at no cost to the educator.

The Leadership Institute for School Principals uses the generous donations of individuals and businesses across the state to allow principals to attend for free a three-day session in Greensboro, North Carolina and another four day training at the Kentucky Chamber headquarters where they are trained by a nationally acclaimed provider of executive education. Read more: kychamberblog

Chamber support: Paralympic Nordic Ski World Championships Open in Cable, Wisconsin

Opening ceremonies are taking place Friday night for the Paralympic Nordic Ski World Championships in Cable, Wisconsin.
Events include sprint and distance cross country ski races, and biathlon that combines skiing and target shooting.
Event support chief and Cable Chamber of Commerce Director James Bolen is expecting thousands of spectators this weekend.

“It’s going to be an extremely busy 10 days.  So there’s a lot of people around, there’s a lot of traffic.  We have about 20 countries here competing, so you see a lot of national flags and team jackets and stuff – it’s a really cool international event.” Read more: WXPR.com

Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce Professional Development Series 2015

The first in the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce Professional Development Series 2015 is "Workforce Motivation" from 8 to 9 a.m. Thursday.
It will be at the Knight Nonprofit Center, 11975 Seaway Road, Gulfport, and admission is free.
Cindy Duvall with Mississippi Power Co. will present a program about how engagement, taking action and strategic productivity can reshape your professional future. Read more: SunHerald.com

Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce Leadership Academy Begins Next Month; Chamber news: 2015 Michigan State of the State Address Recap; Ariens Company Chairman/CEO Re-elected Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce Chair; Charlottesville Police Chief Longo Speaks at Leadership Charlottesville Alumni Association; Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber event: Pam Meinzinger: You've got 3 seconds to make them take you seriously; Conway (Arkansas) Chamber's 2015 Annual Meeting set for March 19; Chamber Tweet of the Day: Indy Chamber; Arlington Hts. chamber inducts new leader, celebrates 2014; Kentucky Chamber of Commerce praises Daviess County; Chesterfield (Virginia) Chamber Annual Gala: Evening full of surprises; Chamber ambassador: New officers elected for Young Professionals of Jasper County

Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce Leadership Academy Begins Next Month

The Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce Leadership Academy is offered to representatives of member businesses and organizations and is designed to prepare a select group of qualified candidates for future leadership roles in the Aurora area. This program focuses on the unique strengths of our community and encourages a diverse mix of participants to engage in our community's success. Again this year, we are partnering with the Quad County African American Chamber of Commerce to provide the opportunity to a wider audience.

Established in 1979, the Aurora Chamber's Leadership Academy has a rich history of providing confidence, knowledge, professionalism, and strong leadership skills that not only benefit the attendee but also their employers. The goal is simple: To create a development opportunity for graduates to serve and enhance themselves, their employers, and the community.

For more information and application, visit the Aurora Regional Chamber website.

Chamber news: 2015 Michigan State of the State Address Recap

This week Governor Rick Snyder delivered his fifth State of the State address. The full video can be accessed here.

As with previous years, Snyder began his speech by highlighting some of Michigan's key accomplishments since he took office.

• More than 300,000 private-sector jobs have been created since December 2010.
• 86,000 manufacturing jobs have been created since December 2010 - the most in the U.S.
• Food & Agriculture is now a $101 billion-a-year industry.
• Michigan's motor vehicle production has increased 48.2% since 2010.
• Over 500,000 low-income, working residents are enrolled in Healthy Michigan.

A lot was accomplished in 2014 on many issues the Chamber advocated for, but there is more work to be done, especially in the areas of transportation and talent. Governor Snyder spoke on key items he would like to see gain movement in the new year.

Read more: Grand Rapids Area chamber

Ariens Company Chairman/CEO Re-elected Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce Chair

Ariens Company Chairman/CEO Daniel T. Ariens has been re-elected chairman of the Board of WMC, the state’s chamber of commerce and largest business association. Robert D. Kamphuis, Chairman/President/CEO of Mayville Engineering Company, Inc., was re-elected Vice Chair at the WMC Annual Board Meeting at the Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee.
“WMC will advance a comprehensive policy agenda aimed at creating jobs in our state,” said WMC President/CEO Kurt R. Bauer. “Under Governor Scott Walker’s leadership and with the pro-business Legislature, our state has seen tremendous improvements in our business climate through tax cuts, regulation relief, lawsuit reform and much more. We need to continue this era of reform and push for even greater economic opportunity through pro-growth public policies.” Read more: Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce


Charlottesville Police Chief Longo Speaks at Leadership Charlottesville Alumni Association

Charlottesville's police chief says he's learned some valuable lessons in the past year. Chief Tim Longo gave the keynote address at the Leadership Charlottesville Alumni Association luncheon Wednesday afternoon. The chief spoke about the department's efforts in the search for missing University of Virginia student Hannah Graham, and what he learned through the emotional process.

"We've learned just this past year the importance of perseverance and tenacity, and how that pays off particularly in my job," Longo said.Chief Longo also expressed his desire to maintain strong ties between police and the community.

LCAA was formed in 1982 by the city's Chamber of Commerce as a community building program. Read more: NBC29.com

Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber event: Pam Meinzinger: You've got 3 seconds to make them take you seriously

Pam Meinzinger, general manager at Gulfport Premium Outlets, is concerned about the way women are dressing for work. On Friday, she gave women entrepreneurs a plan for how to dress for success.
"I think that casual Friday has gone over the top," she said. She told the women at the workshop nothing will erode their credibility in the workplace so much as showing too much cleavage or wearing too-short skirts.
"How you dress, how you package yourself, is huge," she said. It may not be fair, but perception is reality, Meinzinger said, and a first impression is formed in the first three seconds.
"I think it's absolutely true," said Shelly Fox with the Knight Nonprofit Center, who attended the workshop.
Shelley Kish, an architect with HK Design in Gulfport, agreed and said women are judged on their appearance more harshly than men.
Women Entrepreneurs, a group of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce, met at the outlets to get professional advice and see the latest business fashions modeled by managers of some of the outlet stores.

Read more here: http://www.sunherald.com/2015/01/23/6034176_meinzinger-youve-got-3-seconds.html?rh=1#storylink=cpy

Read more: SunHerald.com

Conway (Arkansas) Chamber's 2015 Annual Meeting set for March 19

With close to 1,000 business and community leaders in attendance each year, Annual Meeting is the largest business event in Conway.
The 2015 event, organized by the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce, is scheduled for March 19 at the University of Central Arkansas’ HPER Center. Tickets and sponsorships are available now.
An awards ceremony recognizing individuals and businesses that have made a difference in Conway over the past year is one of the highlights of Annual Meeting. The Conway Area Chamber is accepting nominations for the following categories:
The Distinguished Service Award is the Chamber’s highest form of recognition. Established in 1957, this award is presented annually to an individual or group who has rendered special service for the benefit of the community. Candidates have demonstrated an active leadership role for the betterment of the community through their involvement in business, civic and social service organizations.Read more: Log Cabin Democrat

Chamber Tweet of the Day: Indy Chamber




Indy Chamber ‏@IndyChamber 31m31 minutes ago

It's not too late to network with #Indy's finest over breakfast. Join us Wednesday at Conexion! http://ow.ly/HWRTW

Arlington Hts. chamber inducts new leader, celebrates 2014

Arlington Heights had a positive year for business in 2014, according to the chamber of commerce, but officials are expecting and even better year in 2015.

More than 200 members of the Arlington Heights chamber celebrated the past year's accomplishments and inducted the next board president at the annual installation dinner at the Doubletree by Hilton Chicago-Arlington Heights on Thursday night.

In 2014, 114 new businesses opened in Arlington Heights, bringing in 896 new employees, said Mayor Tom Hayes. The new retail sales from those businesses are expected to bring in $55 million during 2015, he said.

"The theme for last year was 'Carpe Diem,'" said outgoing board President Jim Bertucci. "Not only did you guys seize the day, but you seized the year. It's going to be a great year in 2015." Read more: Daily Herald

Kentucky Chamber of Commerce praises Daviess County

The Kentucky Chamber of Commerce is praising Daviess County for exceeding job growth in the state.
In a recent study released by the chamber employment in the county increased over 6.5% since the recession. That's higher than the state's percentage at just over 5.5%
Officials with the Owensboro Economic Development Corporation say with the increase in jobs, wages have also gone up. They say a lot of the growth has to do with county leaders taking a pro-active approach. Read more: 14news.com

Chesterfield (Virginia) Chamber Annual Gala: Evening full of surprises

The Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce held their annual gala last Thursday. The event chaired by member Carol Nitz with Networking Technologies and Support, Inc., was held at the Double Tree by Hilton. Black, white and silver attire was encouraged, but I do not believe everyone received the memo. Members were donned in an array of colors. Read more: Village News

 

Chamber ambassador: New officers elected for Young Professionals of Jasper County

The Young Professionals of Jasper County elected Danielle Rogers, Natalie Umsted and Nathan Unsworth as their new officers for 2015 at their January membership meeting.
“Installing new officers is a great way for the YPJC to start 2015,” said Kristin Titus, outgoing president for the YPJC. “Danielle, Natalie and Nathan excel in leadership, community involvement and professionalism. They will work well with one another and with our members to continue to provide events and social gatherings for the young professionals in our community.”
Rogers will serve as the organization’s president. Rogers works for The Vernon Company as Communication & Training Coordinator. She’s also active as a board member of the Newton Main Street Partnership, and is a member of the City of Newton’s Planning & Zoning Commission, the Drake University Central Iowa Young Alumni Committee and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa — Jasper County.
Umsted will serve as the organization’s vice-president. Umsted is the Management Analyst for the City of Newton. She’s also active as a board member of the Centre for Arts and Artists, an ambassador for the Greater Newton Area Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the International City/County Management Association and the Iowa City/County Management Association. Read more: Newton Daily News

Read more here: http://www.sunherald.com/2015/01/23/6034176_meinzinger-youve-got-3-seconds.html?rh=1#storylink=cpy

Grand Rapids Chamber event: Team Rubicon's co-founder tells West Michigan about the importance of veteran volunteers; Illinois Chamber Goals Will Be Front and Center; Prince William Chamber Executive Forum: Kaine optimistic about federal budget, managing sequestration effects; Mississippi Chamber interest: Senate transportation chair seeks emergency money for roads, bridges; International veteran of entrepreneurship visits University of Arkansas-Little Rock campus; Buffalo Grove-Lincolnshire chamber honors its best of the year; Michigan City Area Chamber of Commerce announces 2015 board, officers; Chamber news: View of Kentucky economy varies among political leaders; Iowa economic development leader gets fifth bonus from state; U.S. Chamber initiative: Hiring Our Heroes job fair for military veterans, spouses set for Detroit with up to 75 employers; Friday: 157 Rules for Executive Success in Organization Management (and your Chamber of Commerce) by Patrick McGaughey

Grand Rapids Chamber event: Team Rubicon's co-founder tells West Michigan about the importance of veteran volunteers

Even before he spoke, Marine Sgt. Jake Wood drew a standing ovation Tuesday from hundreds of those in attendance at a Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon.
Wood served two tours in Iraq as an infantry squad leader and sniper scout.
The 6'6" Wood charmed with his self-deprecating humor that downplayed both his college football and military careers.
Despite earning a full athletic scholarship to the University of Wisconsin, Wood said the experience taught him he wasn’t meant for football. Still, the offensive lineman was twice selected to the Academic All-Big Ten football team. Read more: M LIVE

Illinois Chamber Goals Will Be Front and Center

Message From the President - January 12, 2015

Today marks the beginning of the Rauner Administration in Illinois state government. While the first day is mostly ceremonial, we will hear glimmers of what’s ahead as the week
progresses. The Illinois Chamber supported Bruce Rauner in his campaign, and now the
heart of this new era starts beating.
The bottom-line goal that the Chamber is pushing for is fiscal stability in the Land of
Lincoln. The days of overspending must end. We need a balanced budget that addresses the
growth issues that will help Illinois move forward: infrastructure, business-friendly policies,
and a close eye on ballooning programs.
It will be good to have an ally in the Governor’s mansion. Gov. Rauner knows what it’s like
to run a business in Illinois, and we are encouraged that his administration understands our initiatives. Read more: Illinois Chamber


Todd Maisch
President & CEO
Illinois Chamber of Commerce

Prince William Chamber Executive Forum: Kaine optimistic about federal budget, managing sequestration effects

U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine said he is optimistic that Congress will pass a budget this year that reduces the effects of sequestration while containing the growth of the national debt.
Kaine, a Democrat from Virginia, addressed about 50 local business leaders Thursday morning at the Prince William Chamber of Commerce’s Executive Forum, at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville.
Kaine told the audience that when he was first appointed to the Senate Budget Committee, he wasn’t sure he wanted the assignment because, as he said, “why be on a committee that has one job and you’re not doing it?” Read more: InsideNoVA

Mississippi Chamber interest: Senate transportation chair seeks emergency money for roads, bridges

In a move he acknowledges is a long-shot, the chairman of the Senate Highways and Transportation Committee is asking legislators to approve $300 million for timely repairs on state highways and bridges and an additional $100 million for locally maintained roads and bridges.
Sen. Willie Simmons, a Cleveland Democrat, wants the money to be part of the state’s general obligation bonding.
His legislation, Senate Bill 2028, is in the Senate Finance Committee.
If allocated, around $40 million of the $300 million would go for replacing posted bridges on the Delta’s Highway 6 between Batesville and Clarksdale.
His bill limits draws on the $300 million for state roads and bridges to $150 million a year and to $50 million a year on the $100 million State Aid portion. Read more: Mississippi Business Journal

International veteran of entrepreneurship visits University of Arkansas-Little Rock campus

A veteran of national and international entrepreneurship programming recently spoke to a group of community leaders in research and innovation at the UALR Bailey Alumni Center about research opportunities in central Arkansas.

Judith Cone, of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill speaks at UALR. Judith Cone, special assistant to the chancellor for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, led a discussion that included participation by UALR research faculty engaged in innovation and commercialization. UALR Chancellor Joel Anderson and Provost Dr. Zulma Toro also attended the presentation.

“Innovation is not a synonym for creativity,” Cone said. “We have a fiduciary responsibility to use our money to better society.” Cone offered a definition of innovation focused on providing creativity, value, and execution. She said universities offered a great place to innovate because of their preponderance of faculty resources and research. Read more: UALR

Buffalo Grove-Lincolnshire chamber honors its best of the year

The Buffalo Grove Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce honored its top directors, businesses and business leaders this week in the annual awards luncheon.

Held at the Arboretum Club in Buffalo Grove, the event also served to introduce new Executive Director Roger Sosa, and bid farewell to the retiring Lynne Schneider, who led the organization for 25 years.

The 2014 award winners are:

• Director of the Year, Larry Wankovsky: Wankovsky, of Triple J Ventures, was a major force in the merger between the Buffalo Grove and Lincolnshire chambers; a member since 1995 and on the board since 2003. He has been a chamber Ambassador, has served on the Golf Outing and Taste of Lincolnshire committees and volunteered at the Buffalo Grove Days Beer Garden. For the chamber, he has been a director, vice president, executive vice president and interim president.

• Member of the Year, Annette Brumby: Brumby, of Momentous Identity Solutions, joined the chamber only last year, but has become fully involved in a short time. She has been a member of the Business Advantage Network and the Marketing and Business Connection Expo committees, and assisted in the branding of the chamber with logos and the website. Read more: Daily Herald

Michigan City Area Chamber of Commerce announces 2015 board, officers

The Michigan City Area Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed new board members and elected officers for 2014.

Scott Mundell (Franciscan St. Anthony Health) was appointed chairman, William Kaminsky (Newby, Lewis, Kaminsky & Jones) as chair-elect, Cynthia Roberts (Purdue University North Central) as secretary and Kevin Mazur (Crowe Horwath LLP) as treasurer.

New board members for 2015 are Stephanie Oberlie (Harbour Trust & Investment Management), Rodney Bensz (B&E Marine), Leif Erickson (Blue Chip Casino), Charlie Keene (General Insurance Services) and Sean Mitchell (ServPro of La Porte County). Read more: Michigan City News-Dispatch

Chamber news: View of Kentucky economy varies among political leaders

The condition of Kentucky's economy depends largely on which political leader happens to offer the prognosis — and maybe which part of the state is being assessed.
A gloomy picture comes from incoming Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., who blames the Obama administration for hard times in his home state's eastern coal fields. Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear, meanwhile, trumpets a statewide economy in recovery, pointing to shrinking unemployment and growing business investments.
In a recent Associated Press interview, McConnell said the Environmental Protection Agency "has created a depression in my state and it's done a lot of damage to the country all across the country with these efforts to essentially eliminate coal-fired generation."
Other factors have staggered Appalachian coal businesses, including higher production costs and competition from other coal basins and sources of energy. U.S. utilities increasingly have switched from coal to natural gas to generate electricity.
Coal-mining employment in eastern Kentucky plunged by more than 7,000 jobs in 2012 and 2013 as production fell by nearly 50 percent, according to industry figures. Other businesses relying on the circulation of coal income were hurt. Employment and production were relatively flat in the past year. Read more: Kentucky.com

Iowa economic development leader gets fifth bonus from state

Iowa’s top economic development officer has received more than $150,000 in bonuses over the past four years, with the latest bonus requiring her to stay through June.
Debi Durham has received five $30,700 bonuses since she took over leadership of the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) in November 2010. The pay pushed Durham’s fiscal 2014 compensation to $185,096. The state-mandated salary range for her position is $100,840 to $154,300.
“Your strengths as director, including a broad knowledge of business and community development, government, marketing and communications, help us to keep our leadership agenda moving forward,” Matt Hinch, Gov. Terry Branstad’s chief of staff, wrote in a June 2 letter approving the bonus.
Hinch’s letter gives Durham credit for Microsoft expanding its West Des Moines data center and WebFilings, an Ames company now called Workiva, adding more employees.
Private companies have guaranteed $9.5 billion in capital investments in Iowa since January 2011, according to an IEDA report. The state has provided firms $411 million in incentives during the same period. Local governments sweeten the pot with local tax breaks and perks. Read more: KCRG.com

U.S. Chamber initiative: Hiring Our Heroes job fair for military veterans, spouses set for Detroit with up to 75 employers

Up to 75 employers, ranging from Quicken Loans and Sears to Verizon Wireless and DTE Energy, will be on a mission Feb. 7 in Detroit to hire as many military veterans and their spouses as they can.
Companies will take part in a Hiring Our Heroes job far that, as of Wednesday afternoon, already had commitments from at least 42 companies ready to fill positions. The employers are expected to have jobs of all ranks and for various levels of experience.
The event, at the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, will offer a free employment workshop at 8:30 a.m. Feb. 7 focused on resume writing, interview skills, and job search techniques for all military members and their spouses.
The workshop will then be followed by a job fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Dingell VA is located at 4646 John R. in Detroit.

Friday: 157 Rules for Executive Success in Organization Management (and your Chamber of Commerce) by Patrick McGaughey

RULE #46 - Never print or post a picture with a glass… of anything