Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Chamber interest: 2015 Best Places to Work in Kentucky Rankings Announced; Chamber innovation: Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce creates new partnership and promotional campaign with Groupon; Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce Holding Training Blitz in May for Small Businesses; Fort Smith Chamber success - 2015 Business Chamber Expo & Job Fair Friday, May 1 at the Fort Smith Convention Center - All booth spaces sold out! Bolingbrook (Illinois) Area Chamber of Commerce Directory available today; Hillsdale County chamber interest: Boot camp to develop young entrepreneurs; Clinton County Chamber: Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Discussions Continue at Ivy Tech; Cottage Grove, Wisconsin: News of potential hotel causes excitement at chamber meeting; Natchez-Adams County (Mississippi) Chamber History


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



Chamber interest: 2015 Best Places to Work in Kentucky Rankings Announced



Edward Jones, Your Community Bank and River Road Asset Management take top honors

Frankfort, Ky. (April 14, 2015) –  Edward Jones, Your Community Bank and River Road Asset Management were ranked the 2015 Best Places to Work in Kentucky by the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce and Kentucky Society for Human Resource Management (KYSHRM).
During the Eleventh Annual Best Places to Work in Kentucky awards ceremony, presented by the Kentucky Career Center and USIDES State Information Data Exchange System, over 1200 attendees joined in celebrating the 90 Kentucky companies who were recognized for their commitment to focus, measure and move their workplace environments toward excellence.
Winners were selected from 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 is based on an assessment of the company’s employee policies and procedures and the results of an internal employee survey, administrated by Best Companies Group.
River Road Asset Management, the number one small company, is located in Louisville and is an institutional investment management firm founded in April 2005 that manages more than $8 billion in assets. This is the fifth year River Road has been named to the Best Places to Work in Kentucky list and a second-time winner in the small company category.
Your Community Bank, the top winner in the medium company category, is a banking organization that provides loans, deposit accounts, treasury management, and other financial products to both businesses and consumers. This is the third year that Your Community Bank has made the list.
Edward Jones, the winner of the large company category, is a full-service brokerage firm and private partnership that serves individual investors. The community-based investment firm prides itself on the commitment to tailored strategies and building relationships between financial advisors and their clients. Edward Jones has made the list for 10 years.
The Kentucky Society for Human Resource Management (KYSHRM) state council and the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce are proud to host the Best Places initiative, as both organizations support the value of workplace excellence as a key component in moving Kentucky forward.
“Human resource professionals lead their organizations through effective strategic planning and creativity that impacts company’s bottom lines. The Best Places to Work in Kentucky initiative highlights these professionals and workplace standards across the Commonwealth,” said KYSHRM Chair, Susan Simmons, SPHR.
According to Kentucky Chamber President and CEO, Dave Adkisson, “in order to make Kentucky’s economy thrive, we must be able not only to educate and employ Kentuckians here, but we also must entice those from out-of-state to work here. The Best Places program does just that.”
For more details about Best Places to Work in Kentucky, visit www.bestplacestoworkky.com
To download a PDF of the entire list, please click here
To view the 2015 Best Places to Work in Kentucky Magazine, please click here.

Media Contact:
Jessica Fletcher
Director of Communications
Kentucky Chamber
502-848-8731
jfletcher@kychamber.com




Chamber innovation: Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce creates new partnership and promotional campaign with Groupon.


I am writing you to announce an exciting new partnership and promotional campaign with Groupon. This partnership will spotlight individual Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce (LPCC) member businesses while promoting the Lincoln Park business community. Groupon has 2.8 million active users in the Chicagoland area, including 30,000 users who reside in the 60614 and five surrounding zip codes. This partnership provides an unparalleled marketing opportunity for our members and the LPCC.

Together with Groupon, we will be working with members in the industries that have shown the greatest success with past Groupon deals to create an engaging campaign that will get your business in front of active, loyal and future customers. This program is part of Groupon's commitment to highlight the best things to eat, see and do in distinct neighborhoods. In each campaign Groupon offers a bundle of services that help drive customers into featured businesses.

We have worked closely with Groupon to develop a partnership that collectively meets the goals of our members, the LPCC and the Groupon team. The rewards of this partnership are mutually-beneficial and we're excited to be just the second community featured in this program that spotlights neighborhoods (Edgewater was the first, check out this video for more on their experience with Groupon). For businesses, it is important to note that the campaign will showcase the value of a business and their products through special packages and experiences, rather than deep discount offers only.  Read more: Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce





Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce Holding Training Blitz in May for Small Businesses
The Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce (VPCC) is pleased to announce it will host a series of 13 seminars at its Hampton offices in May on a wide range of topics as part of its "Small Business Training Blitz."

The seminars are part of the VPCC's commitment to connect business with opportunity and engage business owners, helping them grow.

The Peninsula is home to 14,000 small businesses and the training blitz is a way for the VPCC to call attention to its education and training mission, said Chamber President and CEO Mike Kuhns, noting that May 4-8 is also "National Small Business Week."

In Virginia, small businesses are at the core of its future.

According to the New Virginia Economic Strategic Plan, a report commissioned by Gov. Terry McAuliffe and released late last year, Virginia's economic future will rely in part on the public sector diversifying the economy, which includes attracting and growing businesses and supporting start ups and small firms that help create opportunities for the Virginia workforce.

The VPCC Small Business Training Blitz was designed, Kuhns said, to provide small businesses the resources they need to continue to thrive and grow their companies, creating more opportunity in the community.

The range of seminar topics stretches from cybersecurity to marketing, accounting to stress management, networking to human resources. Presenters for each seminar hail from small businesses themselves, Kuhns said, making them uniquely qualified to lead the training.

The seminars require pre-registration and include:

-"Look Before You Leap" on evaluating home-based businesses, held May 6 from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The cost is $10 for VPCC members and $15 for non-members;
-"HR and Small Business: What You May Not Know," held May 8 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The cost is $25;
-"Understanding Cybersecurity for Small Business," held May 11 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.The cost is $25;
-"60 Seconds to Connect," held May 12 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The cost is $25;
-"Strategic Planning: Communications and Marketing," held May 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The cost is $25;
-"Challenges to Professional Development," held May 14 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. The cost is $25;
-"Search Engine Marketing - Beyond the Basics," held May 15 from 10 a.m. to noon. The cost is $25;
-"Manage Our Stress," held May 19 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. The cost is $25;
-"LinkedIn Pictures and Profile Reviews and Training," held May 20 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The cost is $75;
-"How Smart Leaders Create An Engaged Workforce," held May 21 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. The cost is $25;
-"Quick Books," held May 22 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lunch is provided and the cost is $69 for VPCC members and $89 for non-members;
-"Consumer Path," held May 28 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. The cost is $25;
-"Accounting and Small Business Tax," held May 29 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The cost is $25.

For information or to sign up for one or more of the seminars, visit the VPCC calendar page. Questions? Email Jackie Shapiro at the VPCC at jshapiro@vpcc.org




Fort Smith Chamber success - 2015 Business Chamber Expo & Job Fair Friday, May 1 at the Fort Smith Convention Center - All booth spaces are sold!!!

We are looking forward to another successful Business Expo and Job Fair this year at the Fort Smith Convention Center on Friday, May 1, 2015.
The EXPO is currently FULL. All booth spaces have been sold! There is no charge to attend the Expo. All members and the general public are invited to attend. 

If you need assistance or have questions, please call Melissa Curry at 479-783-3111 or email her.

May First Friday Breakfast will be held AT THE EXPO in the Fort Smith Convention Center at 7:30a.m. Click HERE for all the details and to RSVP. Space at the FFB is limited so please RSVP!




Bolingbrook (Illinois) Area Chamber of Commerce Directory available today

Our newest publication, the Bolingbrook Area Chamber of Commerce 2015 Directory is available at the Bolingbrook Area Chamber today! Thanks to Kevin O'Keeffe and his chamber team for their work in putting this together!







For further information about how Town Square Publications (www.townsquarepublications.com) can help you accomplish your chamber's map or gloss publication needs, please email John Dussman at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633.

 

Hillsdale County chamber interest: Boot camp to develop young entrepreneurs



Young entrepreneurs from Hillsdale County will have the opportunity to participate in a hands-on business boot camp in May.

The event — the first of its kind in Hillsdale County — is geared towards sophomores, juniors and seniors from area high schools.

Connie Poisson, president of Junior Achievement of Michigan Edge, said she is excited about the event after the success of last year’s event in Jackson County.

JA of Michigan Edge partnered with Spring Arbor University to host last year’s event. This year’s Hillsdale County event is sponsored by Hillsdale County Chamber of Commerce, Spring Arbor University, JA of the Michigan Edge Inc., Jackson College, South Central Michigan Works! and MSU extension.

The event is geared towards high school students who are creative and have an aspiration to become an entrepreneur. It will be held at Jackson College’s LeTarte Center in Hillsdale. The final day of the conference will be at the Michindoh Conference Center. Read more: Hillsdale Daily News

Clinton County Chamber: Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Discussions Continue at Ivy Tech


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The Clinton County Chamber of Commerce is focused on the future and present of our workforce. These photos are from the Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Discussion meeting held at Ivy Tech Frankfort on the 21st. The Chamber organizes this meeting to make sure the human resource needs of our industrial park are known by educators, local government and other labor focused parties.  The number one issue stated by many parties was attendance.  Our employers large, medium and small want workers to show up on-time and consistently.  That is just one one of the issues facing our workforce.  Call the office at 765-654-5507 with questions or concerns.    Clinton County Chamber of Commerce


Cottage Grove, Wisconsin: News of potential hotel causes excitement at chamber meeting



A hotel in Cottage Grove?
Excitement was clearly in the air at the Cottage Grove Chamber of Commerce meeting March 26 when village officials discussed that possibility when they provided businesses with an economic development overview from 2014.
Village Administrator Matt Giese said discussions about a hotel north of Interstate 94 and west of the park-and-ride lot have gained momentum in 2014 and early 2015.
“Multiple landowners in the village and village staff have all had conversations with hotel developers in 2014 and early 2015, indications that interest is stronger than in the past,” he said.
Chamber President Mike Millage said a hotel is often asked about during the Wisconsin Rugby Club season, in which home games are played in Cottage Grove. Other business leaders agreed that there is a need for a hotel in the community. Read more: hngNEWS.com


Natchez-Adams County (Mississippi) Chamber History

The History of the Chamber of Commerce is the story of progress in our community.
Many have worked steadfastly at tasks which have been long forgotten, many others have worked on successful projects which will always be remembered. The combined efforts of all have made the Natchez-Adams County Chamber of Commerce the catalyst for progress in Natchez and Adams County.

This brief look at some of our accomplishments during the first 75 years will help us realize that the chamber of Commerce has always been leading the way to a better life for Natchez and Adams County people.

1908 - 1919

  • June 15, 1908, Natchez Chamber of Commerce was formed, initiation fee was $5.00 and the annual dues were $24.00
  • Instrumental in organization of businesses in early 1900s. These were the Natchez Canning Company, The Natchez Broom Company, W. H. Dameron Cemetery, Aerkosky Meal and Feed Mill, and Rucher Cement Works.
  • Active in promoting the construction of a park for the Natchez Bluff.
  • Played an integral part in the construction of the Winnsboro Highway which today is still and important entrance to our city.
  • During WWI, the chamber building was the headquarters for almost every important meeting including the Red Cross, YMCA, Salvation Army.

1920-1929

  • Endorsed a $35,000 bond issue for a project which became the Wilkinson County Bridge which stands on U S Hwy 61 South today.
  • Started the movement for Highway 84 from Washington to Leesdale later to become a part of the Lone Star Trail. The highway would connect Los Angeles, California with St. Augustine, Florida.
  • Responsible for construction of a walkway made of concrete from the ferry dock of the river to Natchez on top of the hill.
  • Promoted trade, established uniform closing hours and holidays, and made trips to neighboring towns to pro-mote business.
  • Petitioned successfully for the completion of Leesdale road, Highway 84 and the highway to Wilkinson County which became Highway 61 South.

1930-1939

  • Established a bureau for local unemployment.
  • Negotiated with the Illinois Railroad to bring Easter Tourists to Natchez for the Garden club Pilgrimage, and Mardi Gras tourists to Natchez en route to new Orleans.
  • Staged the first Santa Claus Parade.
  • Helped to obtain million dollar high power line due to lobbying efforts of the Chamber Worked with Armstrong Tire company to build plant in Natchez

1940-1949

  • Assisted in getting airport gains approval, $600,000 allocated to the project.
  • Helped to make it possible for Post Office to have new building constructed
  • Produced a 67 page brochure promoting the economic advantages of locating industry in Natchez Worked with representatives of Johns-Manville company and International paper Company to locate plants in Natchez
  • Helped to secure a bridge spanning the Mississippi River to connect Natchez and Vidalia.

1950 - 1959

  • Pressed for construction of connecting link to river bridge which later become known as John R. Junkin Drive.
  • Lobbied for legislation necessary to enable construction of port facility.
  • Through a study, recommended combining charitable organizations into one thus the beginning of the United Way.
  • Urged passage of a bond issue for construction of a hospital, Jefferson Davis memorial Hospital.

1960 - 1969

  • Formed the Adams County Industrial Development council which began to market Natchez and Adams
  • Worked for the passage of a bond issue for a new library.
  • Promoted downtown development and pushed for free parking.
  • Lobbied for four-lane across the Mississippi.
  • Recommended that four year college locate in Natchez.

1970-1979

  • Advertised Natchez with a "Salute to Natchez Week" in Jackson, visiting local civic and professional clubs.
  • Promoted Natchez as a film center and secured movies "Huckleberry Finn" and the "Autobiography of Miss Jame Pittman," formed the Natchez film commission.
  • Helped in the restoration of Jefferson College, Grand Village, and promoted a State Park.
  • Wrote letters to International Paper Company to campaign for the Woodlands Division headquarters which become instrumental in keeping the division in Natchez.
  • Started Tourist Information Center.

1980 - 1989

  • Along with the Natchez Trace Parkway Commission, helped to secure the Feltus House on the bypass for use as a State Tourism Center.
  • Entered Key Community program and encourage Industrial Development to develop Foster Mound Industrial Park.
  • Created Natchez Tourist Council to join forces to promote Natchez activities.
  • Supported the development of Natchez Mall, restoration of the Eola Hotel and other downtown buildings, Formation of the Natchez Arts commission, and Downtown Business Association.
  • Started the "Natchezian Award" Utilized forums to bring groups together to deal with boycotting of businesses.
  • Formation of leadership Natchez to identify, orient, and develop future leaders of the community.

1990-1999

  • Interacted with the school system in a round robin discussion to help foster relationships and encourage communication.
  • Changed the Mission statement to make the Chamber an independent voice for business.
  • Formed Unification Committee to facilitate racial harmony.
  • Raised funds to develop a campaign to bring business to Natchez

2000-2008

  • Raised $40,000 to promote the sale of the International paper Site.
  • Secured a $20,000 grant from the Mississippi Department of Transportation for the tree planting along the highway coming into Natchez.
  • Created the Community Alliance Committee to foster better communication among a variety of entities.
  • Worked together with Economic Development to take the lead on Tort Reform in Mississippi.
  • Started "Shop Natchez First" campaign to help keep local dollars at home during the holidays.
  • Educated public on Tourism tax which created funding for marketing Natchez.
  • Provided forums with both city and county to communicate to the public which lead to a future combined meeting of city and county officials to discuss recreation needs of the community

Read more: Natchez-Adams County Chamber of Commerce


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