Jane Abe of Aurora Regional Chamber is one of four in the United States to receive the top ACCE Diamond Level 2015 Lifetime Sales Achievement Award; Lynchburg Regional Chamber and Economic Development Entities Vote to Combine Lynchburg Regional Chamber and Economic Development Entities Vote to Combine; Sheboygan County Chamber's Betsy Alles: Marine Sanctuary designation would be a huge win; Chamber interest: Greater Lansing’s Bus Rapid Transit plan stays on track; La Porte Chamber of Commerce to host New Teachers Welcome Luncheon on August 6, 2015; Chamber event: Coastal communities enjoy Taste of Culture in the Quarter; Chamber event: Coastal communities enjoy Taste of Culture in the Quarter; Chamber fundraiser: Perry County 'Monopoly' game features covered bridges, businesses and nonprofits; Robert Clinton Cayce, former Kentucky chamber director, remembered for civic engagement; Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation: (Kay Rial Bates, McHenry Chamber)

Jane Abe of Aurora Regional Chamber is one of four in the United States to receive the top ACCE Diamond Level 2015 Lifetime Sales Achievement Award 

Jane Abe, Membership Director at the Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce will be honored in August at the ACCE Convention in Montreal. Jane will be receiving the highest level ACCE Diamond Level 2015 Lifetime Sales Achievement Award for $1.5 Million in Sales during her Chamber Career. She achieved that top level of all Lifetime Sales Achievement Awards after 18 years in chambers throughout the Chicagoland area. 

With more than 18 years in the Chamber industry, Jane brings great experience to the area of sales, client relations, leadership and national involvement/recognition to Chamber world. She most recently served as Vice President, Business Development, with the Downers Grove Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry where she oversaw all membership recruitment, development, retention, major advertising and marketing programs. Prior to the Downers Grove Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Jane was President of the Wheaton Chamber of Commerce introducing new programs and increasing members and event attendance during her leadership.

For more than nine years, Jane was  Vice President, Membership, for the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce, a period in which the Chamber saw its major growth - membership increased from 1,100 members to 2,100 members; new membership revenue increased by 138%; the Chamber conducted 17 membership campaigns and established special events, seminars and task forces especially for new members.

In November, 2012, she received her ACE (Accredited Chamber Executive) from the Illinois Association of Chamber Commerce Executives (IACCE).

Jane has been a leader in the "Circle of Champions" division of American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) - a program designed to connect, recognize and educate chamber sales professionals - for more than seven years.She was presented the Top Sales Award winner every year from 2002 to 2006.  In 2002, she received the "Gold" Lifetime Achievement Award and in 2004 received the "Million Dollar Circle" Lifetime Achievement Award.  

In July of 2002, Jane completed the fou- year Institute for Organization Management program through the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, a professional development program for nonprofit leaders. She currently serves on the Board of Regents for the Southeast site.

Lifetime Sales Achievement Awards

Recognizing lifetime achievement in chamber membership sales

Diamond—(over $1.5 million in sales) Jane E. Abe, Aurora (Ill.) Regional Chamber of Commerce Vance Adams, Las Vegas Metro Chamber of Commerce Mike Hylton, Indy Chamber of Commerce (Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce) Roya Khavari, Las Vegas Metro Chamber of Commerce Read more: Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives

Lynchburg Regional Chamber and Economic Development Entities Vote to Combine

The 2,000 square miles surrounding Lynchburg has been identified as an area in need of broadband Internet, a service key to economic and educational growth in the region.

Two entities who have been working towards the same goal are teaming up to quickly achieve their vision for South Central Virginia.

Saturday the Lynchburg Chamber of Commerce said in a statement that an 18 month process involving the boards and staff of both the Lynchburg Regional Chamber and the Region 2000 Business and Economic Alliance has culminated in affirmative votes of both boards to combine both entities to strengthen community and economic development in the region.

“It’s a new day for regional community and economic development initiatives and we’re adapting to ensure we’re competitive in the global economy. “  states Chamber Chairman, Jim Richards

“I’m pleased at the level cooperation and collaboration in our region that has resulted in this thoughtful decision. The goal is to proactively create an ecosystem that favors regional economic performance as well as proactively grows and sustains our healthy business climate” comments Chair of the Alliance, Larry Jackson. Read more: WSLS 10


Sheboygan County Chamber's Betsy Alles: Marine Sanctuary designation would be a huge win
During my four-mile walk last evening, at least 200 people were out walking, skating, running or biking on the lakefront and soaking up the remains of a perfect summer day.
People were in the water on stand-up paddleboards or playing Frisbee, volleyball — even swimming.
I am quite sure I had a smile on my face the entire time — we all did — and most of these revelers live close by.
There is nothing that compares to a shimmering summer day on the Sheboygan lakeshore. We are so fortunate.
We all have our fingers crossed that the second Great Lakes NOAA National Marine Sanctuary will become a reality along our lakeshore for many reasons. The establishment of the sanctuary will, among other things:
•Preserve and protect the maritime heritage that exists beneath the surface — the shipwrecks that connect us to the history and lore of the lakes.
•Increase appreciation of this unrivaled natural resource and the riches Lake Michigan holds in trust for generations to come.
•Draw greater attention to the need to cherish and protect our Great Lakes, the largest collection of fresh water in the world. Read more: Sheboygan Press

Chamber interest: Greater Lansing’s Bus Rapid Transit plan stays on track

A $155-million proposed Bus Rapid Transit system that would connect Lansing, East Lansing and Okemos by way of Michigan Avenue, Grand River Avenue and Marsh Road appears closer to reality.
This 8.3-mile route with a proposed 27 stops would replace the Capital Area Transportation Authority’s current Route 1 from downtown Lansing to the Meridian Mall and could be complete in 2018. Results from this plan’s environmental assessment study are expected to be shared at a public hearing this fall.
“I’ve been saying all along that this project is a process,” said Debbie Alexander, CATA’s assistant executive director. “We take one step at a time and evaluate.”
Greater Lansing’s BRT would provide bus service every 10 minutes during morning peak hours and every six minutes in the evenings. During off-peak periods, service would be available every 7.5 to 10 minutes. Fuel-efficient hybrid buses would run in dedicated center and side lanes along the route.
The proposed route connects seven of the region’s activity centers: the State Capitol, the downtowns of Lansing and East Lansing, Michigan State University, Meridian Mall, the Cooley Law School Stadium district and Sparrow Hospital. Read more: Lansing State-Journal

La Porte Chamber of Commerce to host New Teachers Welcome Luncheon on August 6, 2015

Please join us in welcoming and celebrating new teachers and administrators from the local area at the New Teachers Welcome Luncheon on August 6 at 11:00 a.m.
All Chamber members and their employees are invited to attend the event, which includes a buffet lunch at the Silver Palace, 1719 State Street in La Porte. Members can sponsor an educator for a cost of $25 per person and also attend the luncheon at a cost of $25 per person. Event sponsorships are available for $30.
Chamber members are also invited to provide coupons or promotional items to be given to new teachers in a welcome packet. If you wish to donate to the welcome packets, feel free to drop off 55 of the items at the Chamber or call 219.362.3178.   Click here to register

Chamber event: Coastal communities enjoy Taste of Culture in the Quarter

Saturday was the first of a series of events full of history, culture and heritage in Gulfport. The series is called Taste of Culture in the Quarters. It’s put together by the Biloxi-Gulfport Black Chamber of Commerce, the Biloxi-Gulfport Cultural Heritage Tourism Society and Ms. Audrey's Southern Kitchen and Catering.

"Turkey necks and we have this Cajun, Louisiana style potatoes," one food vendor yelled out while fixing a plate for a guest.

Of course, good southern cooking brings crowds, but food wasn't the only thing to get a good taste of at Saturday's big event in the Quarters.

"We tried to bring in all of the different businesses here together under one roof to be able to do tasting of the stuff of what everybody's doing over in this area," Ms. Audrey said.

From food and clothes vendors to people just out having a good time, there was a taste of something from everywhere along the Coast for everyone. After all, that was the point of the event.

"We want to make sure that people know that there's something good happening in all of our communities. So, this is not just about the Quarters. This is about the whole Mississippi Gulf Coast," said Claudette Walker, with the Biloxi-Gulfport Chamber of Commerce. Read more: WLOX

Chamber fundraiser: Perry County 'Monopoly' game features covered bridges, businesses and nonprofits

When passing "go" in the Perry County version of the Monopoly board game you make some extra money.

On the "Perryopoly" board players receive $300 instead of $200 when passing go.

The Perry County version of the classic board game Monopoly is being sold by the Perry County Chamber of Commerce as a fundraiser. It will be unveiled at the chamber's booth at the Perry County Fair, Aug. 18-22 for $26.95 and then will be sold at local retailers later in the fall.

"Our members thought it was a great opportunity to be a part of a keepsake as well as to promote the county," said Rhonda Campbell, executive director of the Perry County Chamber of Commerce.

The game is produced by Express Printing of Michigan.

Campbell said she received an email from the business, took the idea to the chamber board and "everybody loved it."

Each space on the game board is a member of the chamber – such as Marysville Lions Club, Juniata Valley Bank and the Ranch House Restaurant. You could build a house on Newport Beverage or a hotel on Hall's dairy.

When a player lands on Cocolamus Creek Disposal Recycling, the cost is $75. At Robert W. Morris & Company, the bill is 10 percent or $200. Read more: Penn Live

Robert Clinton Cayce, former Kentucky chamber director, remembered for civic engagement

Robert Clinton Cayce, who had been a long-time leader in many civic organizations, his church and a successful businessman, died Sunday at Christian Health Center following a brief illness. He was 85.

Cayce, a resident of Cayce Meade Drive, had served as chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Cayce Mill Supply Co. from 1952 until 1998, as chairman of the board for First Federal Savings and Loan, and as director of Lincoln National Bank, Bank One of Kentucky and Firststar Bank following the merger of First Federal.

He also served for 25 years as a director and former chairman of the board of the Kentucky New Era until he retired in 2013.

“Mr. Cayce was a mentor and someone for whom I will always be grateful,” said Taylor Hayes, New Era publisher. “His contribution of time, leadership and thought-provoking ideas over 25 years of service as a board member were instrumental in this company broadening its scope through acquisitions and digital media development.”

Following his graduation from Hopkinsville High School in 1948, Cayce enrolled in the University of  Kentucky where he earned a degree in business administration in 1952. At the university, he was a member of Sigma Nu fraternity and the university’s divisional commander.

Cayce was a former director of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce and a former president of the Hopkinsville Chamber of Commerce in addition to being a former director of Pennyrile Homebuilders. Read more: Kentucky New Era


Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation: (Kay Rial Bates, McHenry Chamber)

Favorite Quote: “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”

These words are attributed to the wisest man who ever lived, King Solomon, and very aptly applies to how people grow through involvement in the McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce.

From Mc Henry Area Chamber of Commerce website – Kay Rial Bates, President