Mount Vernon-Lee Chamber of Commerce to Install New Chairman; Following a national search, the Board of Directors of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce announced today that Candance Brake will be the new President and Chief Executive Officer of the organization; Simon Sinek to present at Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce Speaker Series; Benton, Arkansas Chamber of Commerce 2015 Community Profile & Membership Directory; Michigan Chamber Foundation To Launch Young Entrepreneurs Academy Pilot Program In Lansing In Fall 2015; Oakland Chamber Network has announced its 2015 leadership team; Indianapolis Indians Named One of The “Best Places To Work In Indiana”; Opponents of trade expansion ignore the facts, says U.S. Chamber of Commerce CEO in Grand Rapids speech; Chamber Best practices: Fon Du Lac Area Chamber Gift Certificates; Southaven Mississippi Chamber Top 10 Reasons to Join the Chamber; Friday: 157 Rules for Executive Success in Organization Management (and your Chamber of Commerce) by Patrick McGaughey

Happy Friday Chamber world! Today is going to be a GREAT day!

Mount Vernon-Lee Chamber of Commerce to Install New Chairman

Sean O’Connell looks to expand and increase dialogue among membership.

 In his 30 years as a certified public accountant with the firm PBMares, Sean O’Connell has worked in Harrisonburg, Fredericksburg and spent close to the last decade in northern Virginia. In becoming involved with the 60-year-old Mount Vernon-Lee Chamber of Commerce, the biggest difference he saw was the first two locations each had regional chambers with vast footprints.

#“In Fairfax County, there are over eight different chambers of commerce because the area is so diverse,” said O’Connell, referencing everything from mom-and-pop shops and other retail to restaurants and Walmart. “It would never be served by one chamber.”

#He acknowledged the greater Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce, but whereas they’re geared more to larger bus, “we’re typically more connected to owner-managed businesses,” he said.

#O’Connell was formerly president of the Mount Vernon Lee Chamber of Commerce but took on the role of chairman at the beginning of February. He’ll be installed formally at the group’s March 11 “Biz Breakfast” networking event at Belle Haven Country Club, featuring commentary from the new Hilltop Village Center Wegmans store manager Mike Dempsey and service manager Matt Spath. Read more: Connection Newspapers

Following a national search, the Board of Directors of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce announced today that Candance Brake will be the new President and Chief Executive Officer of the organization

"I am excited for the Chamber as well as for the Greater Owensboro business community," said Chairman Mark Martin. "The Search Committee as well as the entire Board of Directors were unanimous in our decision to offer the position to Candance."
Candance Brake most recently served as the Executive Director of the Green River Area Community Foundation in Owensboro. Brake previously held the position of Executive Vice President of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce. Brake was a City Commissioner for the City of Owensboro from 2004 until 2010 and served as Daviess County Deputy Judge/Executive from 1995-2000. She started her professional career in 1994 as the Chamber Programs Manager. Read more: surfky.com

Simon Sinek to present at Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce Speaker Series

 The Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce has announced that it will be hosting a speaker series showcasing renowned leadership expert and best-selling author, Simon Sinek on Tuesday, May 5, 2015.  The presentation will take place from 7:30 - 9:30 a.m. at Community Christian Church - Yellow Box, 1635 Emerson Lane in Naperville.

Sinek is best known for popularizing the concept of “Why”- the belief that people don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it.  He teaches leaders and organizations how to inspire people. With a bold goal to help build a world in which the vast majority of people go home everyday feeling fulfilled by their work, Sinek is leading a movement to inspire people to do the things that inspire them and inspire others. 

With the second most watched talk on Ted.com, many organizations and companies have used his speeches as a guideline for curriculum and leadership training.  Sinek’s unconventional and innovative views on business and leadership have attracted international attention and have earned him invitations to meet with an array of leaders and organizations, including Pfizer, NBC/Universal, jetBlue and local entrepreneurs. Sinek has also had the honor of sharing his ideas at the United Nations, the United States Congress and with the senior leadership of the United States Air Force and United States Marine Corps.

“As a five-star accredited chamber of commerce, it is our goal to provide our Members with five-star programming,” said Nicki Anderson, President & CEO of the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce. “Bringing someone of Simon Sinek’s caliber to Naperville, not only helps our Members but the community as well. We hope that attendees will draw on Simon’s insights and inspiration.”

To register, contact the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce at 630.355.4141 or visit www.naperville.net. 

Benton, Arkansas Chamber of Commerce 2015 Community Profile & Membership Directory

Our newest publication, the Benton, Arkansas Chamber of Commerce 2015 Community Profile & Membership Directory is available at the Benton chamber today! Thanks to Jerry Beaty, Amy McCormick and Gary James for their work in putting this together!

For further information information about your chamber's map or publication needs, please email me at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633.

Michigan Chamber Foundation To Launch Young Entrepreneurs Academy Pilot Program In Lansing In Fall 2015

The Michigan Chamber Foundation is pleased to announce its partnership with the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!), a nationally-recognized innovative program that transforms local high school students into real entrepreneurial successes. The Michigan Chamber Foundation will launch a pilot YEA! program in the Lansing area in the fall of 2015. 

"One of the most interesting components of the YEA! program is the actual 'behind the scenes' knowledge that local business leaders are able to share with students," said Bob Thomas, Executive Director of the Michigan Chamber Foundation. "This experience is something they will be able to apply to any field they choose to enter, and will provide them with the necessary skills to become future leaders of their industries."

YEA! is a cutting-edge program that takes students in grades 9-12 through the process of starting and launching a real business over the course of an academic year. By the end of the class, students own and operate fully formed and functioning businesses, which may be carried on after their graduation from the program.

"YEA! aims to teach students at an early age how to make a job, not just take a job," noted Thomas. "It is the only pre-college program developed by an entrepreneur, at a university, with support from a major entrepreneurial foundation – the Kauffman Foundation – and the US Chamber of Commerce." Read more: Michigan Chamber

Oakland Chamber Network has announced its 2015 leadership team



The Oakland Chamber Network, a collaboration of 28 chambers of commerce in Oakland County, has announced its 2015 leadership team, with Auburn Hills Chamber Executive Director Denise Asker serving as president for a one-year term. The team of executive directors from five area chambers includes: Marie Hauswirth, executive director, Waterford Area Chamber of Commerce; Ara Topouzian, president/CEO, Troy Chamber of Commerce; Tanya Markos-Vanno, executive director, Southfield Area Chamber of Commerce; and Keri Valmassei, executive director, Madison Heights/Hazel Park Chamber of Commerce. Source: Oakland Press

Indianapolis Indians Named One of The “Best Places To Work In Indiana”

Organization Honored For Second Straight Year By Indiana Chamber of Commerce

The Indianapolis Indians have been named one of the “Best Places to Work in Indiana” by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce. The Indians organization, which was also chosen for the award in 2014, is the only Indiana sports franchise to be selected among the 100 award recipients.
“The Indians organization is honored to once again be chosen as one of the Best Places to Work in Indiana,” said Indians General Manger Randy Lewandowski. “The positive, healthy and inclusive work environment, created by our employees, translates directly to the experience we provide our fans, and helps Victory Field to continue to be Downtown Indy’s summertime destination for affordable and memorable family fun.” Read more: kokomoperspective.com

Opponents of trade expansion ignore the facts, says U.S. Chamber of Commerce CEO in Grand Rapids speech

Opponents of expanded trade opportunities are simply not informed about the benefits, U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Thomas Donohue said in a speech to the Economic Club of Grand Rapids on Monday, Feb. 23.
"Right here in the Grand Rapids area, more than 130 companies are exporting $6.8 billion in goods and services all over the world," Donohue said in a speech delivered at the Ambassador Ballroom of the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel.
"Few areas of the country rely more on American exports than Michigan. Trade already supports 1.2 million Michigan jobs and the state's exports rose by more than 70 percent in the past five years," said Donohue, reminding the local audience that Amway Corp. generates most of its sales overseas.
"When it comes to the benefits of trade, American workers are among the biggest winners," said Donohue. "Commerce with our trade agreement partners supports more than 17 million American jobs." Read more: M LIVE

Chamber Best practices: Fon Du Lac Area Chamber Gift Certificates

Each year, the Association of Commerce issues more than 20,000 gift certificates that are redeemable only at AC member businesses. The gift certificates can be purchased by anyone, and they're very popular among local businesses for bonus/rewards programs. They can be purchased at the AC office in any denomination of $5 or more. Each certificate comes with a list of businesses that will accept them; the membership list also is available online by clicking here. The AC charges no administration fee for this member service; annually, the gift certificates retain at least $2.5 million to the local economy.

How to Purchase

Buy Online: Gift certificates are now available for purchase online – pay by credit card to have your order ready for pick-up at the AC or have it mailed to you or plan to pay and pick-up your order at the AC. To get started click the “Purchase Online” link below. To take advantage of this offering simply select “Pay by Credit Card” when you are directed to the “Payment” option. You will be directed to a secure site, which allows you to provide your credit card information and complete your AC purchase.
Call Ahead or Order at the AC: Gift certificates are available at the AC (207 N. Main St., Fond du Lac) during office hours (M-Th, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; Fri 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.). For your convenience, use the form below for large orders; they'll be ready for you when you walk in the door. Or call us at (920) 921-9500 to place your order by phone.

• Purchase On-Line
  • NOTE: The AC office will be closed December 24, 2014 through January 1, 2015.  The office will reopen at 7:30 a.m. on Firday, January 2, 2015.  Any orders made will not be processed until that time.  The last day to pick-up gift certificates before the holidays will be Tuesday, December 23 (7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.).
• Large Order - Fax Order Form

Use Them For

• Outstanding employees 
• Recognition awards
• Safety awards
• Holiday & special occasion gifts
• Sales goal prizes
• Bonuses
• Supports the local economy
• Great referral tool

Redeem Them At

• Accepted at nearly 900 AC member locations – For a complete list of participating AC member businesses CLICK HERE.
• Processes just like a check

Southaven Mississippi Chamber Top 10 Reasons to Join the Chamber

 

 

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

RULE #59      Never cancel employee evaluation meetings

 

Greater Williamsburg Chamber & Tourism Alliance event: Iron Chef Meets Taste of Williamsburg; Chamber interest: Wal-Mart wage move mirrors state attitudes; Chamber interest: Heard on the Street: Viking cruise ships coming to Mississippi River; Chamber news: Lansing Michigan named 4th-best affordable place to live on national list; Chamber heart: Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership Initiative Connects Volunteers; Sturgis Chamber preparation: Campgrounds, visitor inquiries expand to match Rally crowd expectations; Ed Dowd returns to Mattoon Illinois Chamber board president position; Midwest U.S. Chamber Advocacy Resources Available For Your Chamber; Hardin County (Kentucky) Chamber 2015 Legislative Priorities; Chamber event: Marshfield Agri-Business Committee Selling Banquet Tickets; Elk Rapids Michigan Names New Chamber Head; Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation (Leadership)

Good morning Chamber world! Today is going to be a GREAT day!



Iron Chef Meets Taste of  Williamsburg -

Greater Williamsburg Chamber &Tourism

Alliance event

The Greater Williamsburg Chamber & Tourism Alliance is joining with the Williamsburg Area Restaurant Association to bring Iron Chef Meets Taste of Williamsburg on April 29^th at Colonial Heritage Club. The two organizations wanted to bring this combined event to the community to help promote area restaurants to not only locals, but the many tourists that visit the destination. “We are thrilled to work in partnership with WARA to bring an amazing culinary experience to our residents and visiting guests,” said Karen Riordan, CEO of the Alliance. Noreen Graziano, President of the Williamsburg Area Restaurant Association, said, “I look forward to working together with the Greater Williamsburg Chamber and Tourism Alliance and feel it is going to be a great event!”

This will be the 22^nd year for Taste of Williamsburg, the 6^th year for the Iron Chef Wine and Food Expo, and the first year the two are blending together to form one big culinary extravaganza! The Taste of Williamsburg event offers member food and beverage establishments of the Alliance the opportunity to showcase their talents to the community. The highlight of the evening features the presentation of several prestigious awards to four winning participants judged by a respected panel of judges and the attendees. The Iron Chef event offers a chance for spectators to watch 3 teams of celebrated area chefs battle it out in the arena to prepare mouthwatering dishes that are judged by an esteemed panel of judges. Tickets will go on sale in the coming weeks. More information: Patrick Quinn - 757.476.6820 - Greater Williamsburg Chamber and Tourism Alliance

Wal-Mart wage move mirrors state attitudes

Arkansas-based retailer Wal-Mart's announcement Thursday of its plans to raise its entry level wages to $10 per hour by next February mirrors movements both at the federal and state level to increase the minimum wage; and, the ripple-effects locally are expected to remain uncertain for some time.

Two key local business observers agree that there will be some upward pressure on entry and minimum wage level positions in Hope as a result of the move.

“I haven't heard anything about it today from any local merchants,” Hope/Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Mark Keith said Thursday.

What that tells Keith is there is no surge of concern locally.

“I can understand how that would be if you had to go from minimum wage to $10 per hour for many people; that would be challenging,” he said. - See more at: Hope Star


Chamber interest: Heard on the Street: Viking cruise ships coming to Mississippi River


Will Viking cruise ships be seen in Winona and Red Wing soon?
The Swiss-based Viking River Cruises has announced it will build six cruise ships, each capable of holding up to 300 passengers, to cruise American rivers, including the Mississippi River as far north as St. Paul.

It announced it will make New Orleans its home port for cruises expected to begin by late 2017, The Associated Press reports.

Marion Fitschen of visitor/member services of the Red Wing Chamber of Commerce, said she has been told a Viking ship will stop at the historic city. "I'm sure they are planning to stop here," she said.

It will be great for Red Wing because when cruise ships, such as the replica paddlewheelers, stop now, people come to the levee to see them. And passengers get off the ships to tour the town or shop in the downtown, she said. Read more: PostBulletin.com


Chamber news: Lansing Michigan named 4th-best affordable place to live on national list

Michigan's capital city is home to considerable amenities and affordable living, which landed it on Livability.com's Best Affordable Places to Live 2015 list.

Editors looked at three main economic factors: cost of living, median household income and median home value. But they also factored in their own "LivScore," which considered things like cultural amenities and entertainment options.

Lansing came in as the fourth-best affordable city in the United States.. The cost of living in Lansing is 8 percent below the national average, according to The Council of Community and Economic Research. Housing prices are also lower than average.

According to data from Zillow.com, Lansing's median home sale price is $88,000. Surrounding places are more expensive -- East Lansing has a median sale price of $172,169, Okemos is at $173,675 and DeWitt Township is $167,080.Read more: M Live

Chamber heart: Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership Initiative Connects Volunteers

The holidays have passed, but the spirit of giving—or more precisely, giving back—remains in Jackson, thanks in part to a new initiative of the Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership.

#On Feb. 17, the GJCP unveiled Volunteer Greater Jackson Center with an event at Millsaps College. The volunteer center is one of a series of projects in Greater Jackson Vision 2022, a 10-year long-range plan for the Jackson metropolitan area.

#"We are not just Jackson. We are Hinds, Madison and Rankin counties," Volunteer Greater Jackson board President Crisler Boone told the audience.

#When it opens, chamber officials say the center will provide a space where people looking for opportunities to volunteer can get hooked up with area nonprofits. Boone explained how the center will work:

#"Say I'm a volunteer, and I'm looking for, say, something in education or health care, I can go to (the center's) website, log into the database, and I can say, 'I'm available on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 2 to 5 and I'm interested in health care and education.' Then the nonprofits in one of those areas will get on there and match me up with a healthcare opportunity."

#The chamber received a grant from Volunteer Mississippi totaling $46,700 to seed the project. In addition to establishing the website, some of the funds will go toward setting up an office for in-person volunteer consultations. Kristian Beatty will serve as director of the center, which will be housed in Millsaps' Murrah Hall. Read more: Jackson Free Press






Sturgis Chamber prep: Campgrounds, visitor inquiries expand to match Rally crowd expectations


With the 75th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally just months away... preparation is in full swing day and night to make sure everything is ready for what is expected to be a record setting year.

Campgrounds are expanding, performers' names are being released, and hotels are filling up.

The Sturgis Chamber of Commerce says they are still trying to wrap their head around just how big this year's rally is expected to be, and the visitor inquiries are up to match that expected increase in attendance.

Executive Director Heidi Kruse says, "We have a number of calls, many of them are first timers who are saying, 'We got a group together, we've never been to the rally before, we're excited to join you.' They just want to see it this year because it's going to be an anniversary year. Read more: KEVN Black Hills FOX

Ed Dowd returns to Mattoon Illinois Chamber board president position
The new president of the Mattoon Chamber of Commerce board already has experience heading this group and the annual Business Expo.
Ed Dowd, manager of the Staples store in Mattoon, served as board president in 2006 and has been in charge of the Business Expo at the Cross County Mall for the last 15 years.
"He will do great. You just can't ask for a better leader in that regard," said Donna Kastl, who recently completed her one-year as board president. She said Dowd is very logical about how he goes about his work, but also has a kind heart for working with others.
Dowd is set to take part in the Mattoon Chamber's annual dinner tonight at the Days Inn and is already looking forward to the 2015 Business Expo, scheduled for Oct. 1 at the mall.
The Business Expo has been drawing an average of 60 vendors each year in the recent past, Dowd said. Event organizers hope to get participation back up to 75 vendors this year, he said. Read more: Journal Gazette & Times-Courier

Midwest U.S. Chamber Advocacy Resources Available For Your Chamber

As you plan your Chamber programming this year, the U.S. Chamber Great Lakes Regional Office is here to help local chambers across Indiana. Here are a few ways their team can assist as you fill your 2015 calendars:

Legislative Updates - Their staff members are always available to address your chamber’s governmental affairs committee and/or monthly membership breakfasts or luncheons to update your members on issues before Congress and how they could impact the business community in your region.

Member of Congress Meet and Greets - Consider hosting informal meet and greets for your new and returning Members of Congress to provide them opportunities to interact with your members and give an overview of their priorities for the 114th Congress. These events could be at your chamber or at a member business you’d like to showcase. The U.S. Chamber's staff can help you schedule one of these in the next few months.

Government Affairs Training - Is your chamber ready to get more involved in advocacy? The U.S. Chamber's Governmental Affairs Chamber Training (GoACT) presentation is designed to educate your board/committee on best practices and ways to be better advocates for issues of concern. This short presentation is a great way to introduce or reiterate the importance advocacy plays as a program of work for a local chamber.

For more information, call the U.S. Chamber's Great Lakes Regional Office at 312-386-7796 and ask to speak with Ben, Cholly or Maggie. Source: Indiana Chamber Executives Association


Hardin County (Kentucky) Chamber 2015 Legislative Priorities


KY Chamber Issue Description


LIFT – Local Option Sales Tax: Support local option flexibility

The Chamber supports an amendment to the Kentucky Constitution that would allow cities and counties the choice, with voter approval, to enact a local sales tax with a sunset provision, dedicated for the funding of transformational local projects.


Enact right-to-work legislation

The Chamber strongly supports legislation to prohibit requiring any worker to join a union as a condition of employment. We believe union membership should be a matter of personal choice, and the freedom not to affiliate with a labor union is no less deserving of protection than the freedom to affiliate. States with right-to-work laws report faster per capita

Income growth, faster growth in manufacturing and non-agricultural jobs, greater capital expenditures, lower unemployment and fewer work stoppages. As Kentucky struggles to recruit new businesses and to retain existing and expanding businesses, Kentucky’s failure to enact right-to-work legislation has allowed the Commonwealth to cede competitive ground to other states.

In fact, Kentucky is the only southern state not to have enacted right-to-work legislation, and, with Indiana and Michigan’s new right-to-work laws, stands as a conspicuous outlier in this much needed area of reform. Read more: Hardin County Chamber of Commerce


Chamber event: Marshfield Agri-Business Committee Selling Banquet Tickets

The Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry's Agri Business Committee will be sponsoring its 9th Annual Agri-Business Banquet on March 9 at the Marshfield Eagles Club.

A social hour will begin at 6:30, followed by the meal and program at 7:30.

This event will honor and recognize several people that impact the agriculture industry in the area. Awards will be presented... Read more: WisconsinAgConnection



Elk Rapids Michigan Names New Chamber Head

The Elk Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce has hired Tom Kern of Traverse City as its new executive director. He replaces Misty Youngson, who left the organization last fall.

Kern recently returned to Traverse City from Steamboat Springs, Colo., where he was CEO of the Chamber Resort Association there. He also previously held CEO and COO positions at the chambers in Lawrence, Kansas; Fairfax County, Virginia; and Cincinnati, Ohio. Read more: Traverse Ticker


Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation (Leadership): 

  “Contrary to popular opinion, leadership is not a reserved position for a particular group of people who were elected or appointed, ordained or enthroned. Leadership is self-made, self-retained, self-inculcated and then exposed through a faithful, sincere and exemplary life.” ~ Israelmore Avivor

*Forbes 49/50

Fort Smith Chamber Day 2015 - Friday, February 27 - Fairfax Chamber News: 2015 Greater Washington Innovation Awards Finalists Announced; Southwest Indiana Chamber Launches Family Business Alliance; Naperville (Illinois) chamber panel: Diversity brings 'something amazing' to business; Chamber beatification: New visitors center opens in downtown Chippewa Falls; Chamber's Dave Adkisson: Bill would make Kentucky more competitive; Michigan Chamber appreciation: Governor's Budget Focuses on Skilled Trades; The Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership February WIN Meeting; Rapid City Chamber interest: - The Social Media contest for the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Expansion has begun; Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation: (Attitude)

Good morning Chamber world! Today is going to be a GREAT day!



Fort Smith Chamber Day 2015 - Friday, February 27

The Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce 2015 Member Directory, Community Profile, and new Membership Plaques will be available on Friday, February 27. This day has become known as CHAMBER DAY, where members/volunteers help us distribute these items to our members all over the region. 

Last year, over 900 membership plaques and directories were delivered by volunteers!! In addition to being FUN, this day is also a great way to get out into the community and network with other members. We will have snacks and prizes for our volunteers as well.

If you would like to volunteer anytime on Friday, February 27, please email our office by clicking HERE or call 783-3111.

Fairfax Chamber News: 2015 Greater Washington Innovation Awards Finalists Announced

Winners to be Announced Live at Inaugural Awards Gala April 20^th

Tysons Corner, Va. –The Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce (Fairfax Chamber) has announced the finalists for the 1^st Annual Greater Washington Innovation Awards, the premier event celebrating the thought leadership, innovation, and creativity of the individuals and organizations in select industries in the Greater Washington metro area. The winners will be announced live at an April 20^th awards gala at the Hyatt Regency Reston.

In addition to recognizing the most innovative organizations in the region, the awards will also honor an Innovator of the Year and a Lifetime Innovator. Honorees will be announced prior to the April 20^th awards gala.

“The 2015 Greater Washington Innovation Awards Finalists represent the most innovative companies in our region,” said Jim Corcoran, Fairfax Chamber president and CEO. “This was a highly competitive process and those companies that emerge as finalists have a great deal to be proud of.”

This year’s finalists are:

Tech Innovator of the Year

·         AES Energy Storage

·         Clarabridge

·         The George Washington University

·         Leidos

·         Protenus, Inc.

·         Qore Performance

Public Sector Innovator of the Year

·         Fairfax County Office of Public Private Partnerships

·         Northern Virginia Community College

·         Transurban

·         Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority

Professional Service Innovator of the Year

·         Cordia Partners

·         Cove

·         FSR

·         Wells+Associates

Hospitality, Tourism & Entertainment Innovator of the Year

·         Founding Farmers

·         Hilton Worldwide

·         Kalibiri Labs

·         Washington Nationals Baseball Club

·         Wolf Trap Foundation for Performing Arts

Health & Life Sciences Innovator of the Year

·         Children’s Science Center

·         Inova Fairfax Hospital

·         Kaiser Permanente

·         MARS Symbioscience

·         Origent Data Services, Inc.

Marketing & Advertising Innovator of the Year

·         AOL

·         InGo, LLP

·         Leidos

·         Reston Limousine

More information about the Innovation Awards can be found at www.fairfaxchamber.org.

Southwest Indiana Chamber Launches Family Business Alliance

The Southwest Indiana Chamber today announced the launch of its new Family Business Alliance. The initiative, which is targeted toward family-owned businesses in Southwest Indiana, is a partnership between the century-old regional chamber of commerce and the Southwest Indiana Small Business Development Center (SW-ISBDC).
Check out the Family Business Alliance page>
“In Southwest Indiana, we are known for our industriousness and innovation. Family businesses in our region are key drivers in both areas,” said Southwest Indiana Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer Christy Gillenwater. “Our new Family Business Alliance provides an infrastructure that will simplify access to the unique resources needed by family enterprises.”
With a goal of supporting the prosperity and growth of family enterprises, the Southwest Indiana Chamber Family Business Alliance will host events featuring both nationally recognized and local industry experts. Family Business Alliance-hosted seminars and workshops on topics of common interest will provide education, build awareness, provide networking and encourage dialog among leaders of family businesses.
Greg McCann, founder of the Family Enterprise Center at Stetson University, will speak at the first Family Business Alliance event. An innovator in the field of family business, McCann will present “Developing a Plan for Your Family Enterprise: A New Way of Looking at Your Family Business and Managing Change” on Wednesday, April 8 from 8 a.m. to noon at Evansville Country Club. The cost to attend the event is $75 per person, or $60 per person for two or more guests from the same company. Register for the event online (here) or by contacting Karina Hampton, Southwest ISBDC office coordinator, by email or phone at 812-425-7232.

Naperville (Illinois) chamber panel: Diversity brings 'something amazing' to business

Diversity can come in any number of forms -- race, age, gender, religion, nationality, sexuality, politics, perspective -- and panelists at a Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce event Monday encouraged business people to embrace them all.

Welcoming diverse characteristics among employees and business partners brings a variety of ideas, which leads to success, panelists said.

"The world is changing and requiring us to embrace perspectives different from our own," said Mario Lambert, director of sales for a contract employee management company called Populus Group and former president of the DuPage County NAACP. "It's hard to do that if you don't have the right diversity of perspective and thoughts and creativity." Read more: Daily Herald

Chamber beatification: New visitors center opens in downtown Chippewa Falls

The brand-new Visitors Center at 1 N. Bridge St. in Chippewa Falls has had its doors open for only a short while and the beautifully designed building still has that just-moved-in-smell – a smell of hope, happiness, and prosperity.
The Chippewa Falls Area Chamber of Commerce began the process of creating a new space as part of the Chippewa Falls Downtown Riverfront Plan, an expansive community initiative set to bolster the downtown area with a beautiful riverfront park. “Since 2007, the city has been working on the redevelopment of the downtown riverfront area,” said Mayor Greg Hoffman. “I see the Chamber and Visitors Center relocation as the next step in a process that will further enhance the new entrance into the downtown. The council and the community are excited to see this happen.”

“I see the Chamber and Visitors Center relocation as the next step in a process that will further enhance the new entrance into the downtown.”  – Chippewa Falls Mayor Greg Hoffman

The new 5,000-square-foot Visitors Center – which is located kitty-corner from its predecessor – was designed by CBS Squared and built by Heartland Contractors. The welcoming building, with its beautiful wall fountain and simple elegance, boasts multiple meeting spaces for Chamber members and will hold a plethora of information for the 15,000 visitors who are expected to pass through the center in the coming year. Read more: VolumeOne

Chamber's Dave Adkisson: Bill would make Kentucky more competitive

Kentuckians should support Local Investments for Transformation

The global competition for talent is fierce. The Kentucky Chamber of Commerce is committed to improving the commonwealth to attract top talent. One way to do that is to give local communities tools to invest for their future opportunities and growth.
Over the past several years, the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce and over 45 other civic, government, economic development, and other business organizations have been championing an initiative called Local Investments for Transformation (LIFT) or Local Option. This would bring Kentucky in line with some 37 other states that allow for greater local control when it comes to investments.
Democratic House Speaker Greg Stumbo and House Republican Floor Leader Jeff Hoover are leading a bipartisan effort to enact this important legislation. There is growing bipartisan support for LIFT in Frankfort, which was evident when the House voted to pass the bill.
Very simply, LIFT would allow citizens to invest in specific hometown capital projects. It would give voters a say on whether they want to pay for new community infrastructure and economic development. It would be the right to vote—up or down—on those projects and their costs via referendum. If the voters say “yea”, the project moves forward. A temporary local sales tax of no more than one percent would be instituted, and then would expire once the project and its costs are paid for. If local voters say “nay”, the project and the levy does not happen. Lane Report

Michigan Chamber appreciation: Governor's Budget Focuses on Skilled Trades

Governor Snyder’s Fiscal Year 2016 budget proposal includes nearly $36 million in new investments for skilled trades training, enhanced educational opportunities and college and career planning. Combined with existing programs, the Governor’s proposed budget would include more than $83 million for career and technology education and skilled trades initiatives.

The budget focuses on three primary opportunities: 1) Increasing opportunities for students to pursue career choices via a five-year high school program that allows students the opportunity to earn a high school diploma and either an associate degree, technical certification, transferable college credits or participation in a registered apprenticeship; 2) Providing individuals with opportunities to improve existing skills and learn new in-demand skills, matching individuals with apprenticeships and potential employees; and 3) Improving access to planning tools and information about career planning in Michigan’s high schools.

The Michigan Chamber appreciates the Governor's focus on closing the skills gap by developing a new generation of graduates with a technical education or skilled trade and we look forward to diving deeper into the budget details as they are released and considered by the Legislature. Read more: Michigan Chamber

The Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership February WIN Meeting
The Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership is pleased to announce that our February WIN meeting will feature guest speaker, Terry Sensing, RN with St. Dominic’s Hospital & Coordinator for Healthy Heart.    
Terry will be discussing “Women and Cardiovascular Disease" and the risks related to women in particular and ways to prevent heart disease.  Terry will be challenging women to take an active role in promoting heart healthy lifestyle changes in their own lives, as well as the lives of their family and community.  Terry discovered her passion for educating people about heart disease at St. Dominic’s, where she has been employed for the past 15 years.
WIN is a professional network group that advocates and encourages women to take advantage of the many opportunities available to today’s professional woman.  The cost to attend WIN is $18 and can be paid via credit card by pre-registering at the chamber office OR by cash or check on the day of the event. More information:  Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership


Rapid City Chamber interest: - The Social Media contest for the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Expansion has begun.

Social Media Contest  The Social Media contest for the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Expansion has begun. The contest is posted on the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Expansion  Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Please share the poster and list of themes below to anyone who you think might be interested in participating. Let's have some FUN and get our voices out there! Jump on social media and use our hashtag #takethetownrc to participate in our photo/video contest. Check out the themes below, and add your voice to the movement.   1: Why will you "VOTE YES" on March 10th for the new Civic Center Expansion? Post a photo or video with your answer, and nominate 3 people to share the same. 2: Show us your best group photo with a "VOTE YES" sign or logo. 3: Spell out "YES" to show us how you will vote on March 10th. Get creative!! Use people, graphics, objects, whatever you can find! 4: Who / What do you want to see at the Civic Center? Dream big! Post photos or videos of events you have been to or events you want to see in our town. 5: What do you love about Rapid City? Post photos or videos of the things you love most about our town and the surrounding Black Hills. 6. Show us you voted today (early voting now or up until up March 10) Post your photo to TAKE THE TOWN RAPID CITY! Rock a selfie that shows us that you want your voice to be heard! Be sure to include the hashtag #takethetownrc in order to enter the contests! The entries with the MOST LIKES by March 10 will be awarded prizes! To check out all the entries on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, pop over to our  page! http://takethetownrc.com/social-media-contest-takethetownrc/  Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation: (Attitude) "Being willing makes you able."  - Rhonda Britten