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