Shooting survivor Vicki Gardner doing better, Chamber works on Community Center fundraiser; Muskegon-Lakeshore Chamber assistance: Cruise ship docks in Port of Muskegon; Most MMAC economic indicators point upward in July; Wauconda Chamber seeks new directors; Ocean Springs Chamber is seeking Volunteers for Peter Anderson Festival; Rittenhouse Senior Living and Portage Chamber of Commerce Hold Classic Car and Motorcycle Show for a Good Cause; Christian County Chamber Announces Lanita Wilson as Vice President of Community Affairs; Friday: 157 Rules for Executive Success in Organization Management (and your Chamber of Commerce) by Patrick McGaughey;

Shooting survivor Vicki Gardner doing better, Chamber works on Community Center fundraiser

The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce is setting up a fundraiser for shooting survivor Vicki Gardner. It's an effort to raise money for what they are calling, "Vicki's vision."

Before last week's shooting, Vicki Gardner had already begun discussing plans for building a community center and bringing more activities to Smith Mountain Lake. Chamber president, Troy Keaton tells WDBJ7 this is a vision Vicki had for a long time and they are going to make sure it happens.

"Vicki does not want this one terrible act to define the lake. She really wants something positive to come out of it," Keaton said.

Keaton says Gardner is passionate about making the lake community a better place and he doesn't see why it should change now.

"We expect the beauty, the vibrancy and the wonderful community at the lake will overcome the negativity of this one tragedy. That's what Vicki would want," Keaton said.

Gardner had been making plans for Smith Mountain since she started working for the chamber 13 years ago. Read more: WDBJ.com

Muskegon-Lakeshore Chamber assistance: Cruise ship docks in Port of Muskegon

 

A cruise ship moored at the Mart Dock in the Port of Muskegon Wednesday morning, Sept. 2 after reportedly having problems making a stop in Holland.

The 100-stateroom Pearl Mist is believed to be the first cruise ship to stop in the Port of Muskegon since cruise ships started running the Great Lakes in the late 1990s.

"It's kind of a nice way to show off Muskegon," said Muskegon County Board of Commissioners President Terry Sabo. "I am really excited."

The ship was set to stay until mid-afternoon after fueling up and a day trip by passengers.

Most of the passengers who came ashore in Muskegon boarded charter buses -- complete with Dutch-costumed tour guides – for the 50-minute drive into Holland. Several people got onto trolleys prepared by the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce, or walked the three or four blocks into downtown Muskegon.
Gene and Dianna Howe of Arkansas walked out onto the balcony of their stateroom to see their surroundings. The couple said they planned to walk around downtown Muskegon later. Read more: M Live

Most MMAC economic indicators point upward in July

Most of the economic indicators tracked by the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce improved in July over year-ago levels, according to the latest regional monthly economic report from the MMAC.

July was the 42nd consecutive month that more than half of the indicators tracked by the MMAC registered year-over-year improvement.

“In aggregate, local economic indicators continue to move forward, mostly at a modest pace,” said Bret Mayborne, the MMAC’s economic research director.

Highlights of the report:

• Nonfarm job levels averaged 858,500 in July, a 1.6 percent increase over year-ago levels. Six of 10 major industry sectors posted year-over-year job increases, with the business and professional sector posting the strongest gain, up 4.3 percent.

• Metro Milwaukee’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate averaged 5.2 percent in July, down 1.1 percentage points from a year ago. The area’s July unemployment rate is lower than the national rate of 5.6 percent, but higher than the state rate of 4.5 percent. The number of unemployed in the area was 42,900 in July, down 18 percent. New unemployment compensation claims fell 6.9 percent to 4,782. Read more: BizTimes.com

Wauconda Chamber seeks new directors

The Wauconda Area Chamber of Commerce is accepting applications to fill five seats for the chamber's board of directors. To be considered for the 3 year term, applicants must be an active member of the chamber for one full year and must agree to accept the responsibility of a directorship. Monthly meetings are held on the second Monday at 4:30 p.m. at the chamber Office. No director who has been elected to serve two complete 3-year terms is eligible for election for a third consecutive term. The nominating committee will review applications and present a slate of candidates to the board at the Sept. 14 board meeting. Deadline for applications is 10 a.m. Sept. 7. for more information, contact the chamber at (847) 526-5580. Read more: Daily Herald

Ocean Springs Chamber is seeking Volunteers for Peter Anderson Festival

Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce-Main Street-Tourism Bureau is seeking volunteers for the annual Peter Anderson Arts & Crafts Festival, Nov. 7-8 in downtown Ocean Springs.

Each year, volunteers help with the festival, which draws 400 artists and crafters and 150,000 visitors to the city.

Volunteer positions include working the information booths, artist hospitality, set-up, entertainment area and children's art contest area. First-time volunteers will be invited to a pre-festival orientation session. Read more: Sun-Herald


Rittenhouse Senior Living and Portage Chamber of Commerce Hold Classic Car and Motorcycle Show for a Good Cause

Fellow Chamber member Jason Kosiara of Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance came to Rittenhouse Sales and Marketing Director Judy Kukelka with an idea for an auto show. Kukelka agreed readily.

“We’re always trying to find different events and activities for our residents. And they, of course love the old classic cars and motorcycles.”

They need to decide on a program to donate the proceeds to. After some deliberation, they chose the Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber has helped Rittenhouse a lot in the past and they were excited about the opportunity to give back.

“It was a win-win for us. It was a way for us to give back to the residents, but also give back to the community.”

“We need to get everybody else to jump on board with them,” says the Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce, Lou Gagliardi, “and start helping the Chamber out. We want to grow, to be bigger and better.” Read more: Portage Life

Christian County Chamber Announces Lanita Wilson as Vice President of Community Affairs

The Christian County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Lanita Wilson as Vice President of Community Affairs.

Wilson has held the position of Director of Workforce and Education Development since 2012. As Vice President of Community Affairs, she will continue to direct the efforts of the Workforce and Education Committee, as well as, overseeing the Community Vision Plan and responsibilities held previously by Yasamin Ausenbaugh.

Community Vision Plan Chairman, David Ptaszek, shared, "I've worked with Lanita through the Community Vision Plan and have nothing but the utmost respect for her. She has been offered and accepted this position at the Chamber. With the recent addition of Kelli Pendleton as our new Chamber President and CEO, along with Lanita accepting her new role, we have a much stronger Chamber of Commerce." Read more: SurfKY.com

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

RULE #119      Publish more pictures than words