Monday, November 30, 2015

31st Annual Meeting of the Hampton Roads Regional Chamber of Commerce; #BestChamber practices: Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce holds workshop for would-be politicians; Plainfield Area Chamber purchases new location in downtown Plainfield; HamletHub chats with Ridgefield Chamber's new Executive Director; Kenosha Area Chamber looks to expand school-business partnership; Frankfort Area Chamber Event: Investments to Infrastructure Could Move the Economy By Water; #BestChamber Practices: Greater Elkhart Chamber: Business and Education Partnership Award Nomination; Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories, Community Profiles, Re-Lo Guides and Custom Maps


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


31st Annual Meeting of the Hampton Roads Regional Chamber of Commerce



The 31st Annual Meeting, the Chamber’s premier annual event, will be one of the largest
gatherings of business leaders and elected officials in Hampton Roads.

The Chamber will recognize outgoing and incoming volunteer leadership and present its Volunteer of the Year Award.


 

This year's keynote speaker will be Former Virginia Governor L. Douglas Wilder.  Governor Wilder was the first African-American to be elected as Governor of Virginia, serving as the 66th Governor of Virginia from 1990-1994. Governor Wilder, always outspoken and insightful, will be discussing the economic and political climate in Virginia.  He will also be signing his book, "Son of Virginia: A Life in America's Political Arena" after the event.

WHEN:           Wednesday, December 9, 2015
11:30am (Registration and Networking), 12-2pm (Lunch & Program)

WHERE:        Virginia Beach Convention Center
1000 19th Street
Virginia Beach, VA 23451





#BestChamber practices: Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce holds workshop for would-be politicians


A first stop for would-be politicians, the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce will host a Candidate Information Workshop Nov. 19 for those interested in running for public office.
The workshop, which is open to the general public, will introduce attendees to the local political process.
All who may be interested in running for school board, village, township, city, county and state level positions now, or in the future, are encouraged to register to attend. There is a $15 charge per person.
"The Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce encourages citizens who are concerned about the progress of our community to become involved," said Cindy Larsen, president of the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce.
The nonpartisan workshop will give a general overview of campaign rules, marketing, fundraising, the policymaking process and understanding local issues.
Experts and community leaders will give presentations and lead interactive discussions. Read more: M LIVE



Plainfield Area Chamber purchases new location in downtown Plainfield
Plainfield Area Chamber of Commerce is moving to a new, more central location on Lockport Street in downtown Plainfield.

Right now, the chamber is located at 24047 Lockport St. Suite 109 and will move to 21409 W. Lockport St. The move is right down the road, but a necessary one.

Executive Director of the Chamber, Tasha Kitson, explained that a move has been talked about for years.

“They’ve talked numerous times about finding a building the Chamber can find to put their footprint on and purchase,” Kitson said.

She added that the Chamber is “very, very excited” about the move.

The new location has its front door directly on Lockport Street, which Kitson said “made a lot of sense.”

She said that the move will be better in the long run, and it keeps the Chamber in downtown Plainfield, which is logical since the Chamber does many events downtown.

Kitson added that a huge part of the Chamber is involvement in the community, and staying downtown allows them to stay a large part of Plainfield. Read more: The Bugle



HamletHub chats with Ridgefield Chamber's new Executive Director




Ms. Jennifer Zinzi is the new face of the Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce,  taking over the role of Executive Director from Ms. Susan Dighton who stepped down just a few months ago. I had the pleasure of interviewing Jen about her new role and future plans for Ridgefield and the Chamber.
How does it feel being named Executive Director of the Chamber and why did you say yes to the job?
Answer: I am thrilled to have been selected for the Executive Director role here at the Chamber. I know there were other very well qualified candidates and the fact that the board has this confidence in me is truly an honor.  It was very easy to say "yes" because I have a passion for Ridgefield and this job fits my personality to a tee.  Engaging businesses and supporting the community is my forte and this is a natural fit!
What do you hope to accomplish as Executive Director?
Answer: As the director of the Chamber I hope to accomplish several things in the next year: Complete our new website conversion which will also be the official tourism site for the town, employ social media more vigorously to promote our members, events and community happenings as well as further develop deeper relationships with other town groups and organizations as we work toward common goals. The common thread is we all love this town!!
Talk to me about your history with Ridgefield and how you first connected with the town.
Answer:  I first came to Ridgefield for a short time in 2004 where I managed the Wachovia (now Wells Fargo office.)  In 2007 I returned as the branch manager for Union Savings Bank where I became actively involved with many organizations.  I fell in love with the philanthropic mindset here and truly enjoyed being active.  You could find me walking dogs at ROAR at 5am or at a committee meeting for many other events in the evening.  It was through these activities that I really connected with the town and people. Read more: HamletHub.com


Kenosha Area Chamber looks to expand school-business partnership

The Kenosha Area Chamber of Commerce, in an attempt to expose more students to business and career opportunities, is expanding its after-school Business and Education Partners Program to include more businesses and students.
AT&T is continuing its support of BEPP with a $5,000 donation to fund the program for the upcoming spring semester. The grant is through the AT&T Wisconsin Innovation & Investment Award program.
Originally established to connect Kenosha County high school freshmen to institutions of higher learning and local manufacturing businesses, the program will be expanded to include all high school grades.
BEPP offers students an opportunity to participate in a five-week program where they work on projects and learn about local colleges and manufacturing companies. Read more: Kenosha News

Frankfort Area Chamber Event: Investments to Infrastructure Could Move the Economy By Water

Frankfort/Franklin County could draw new organized river tours from as far away as Louisville and Cincinnati, Ohio, according to reports from the Kentucky River Authority. That influx could bring thousands in potential new revenue to the community. 
More than 1,800 boats and 6,100 passengers have traveled through Frankfort’s locks on the Kentucky River since the barriers reopened for traffic earlier this May, Jerry Graves, executive director of the Kentucky River Authority reported Friday at a Frankfort Area Chamber of Commerce meeting that gauged business and industry leaders’ views on how to best drive public policy.
Despite the high water and swollen banks that proved problematic for Kentucky River recreationists in July, Graves said the rejuvenated river has proven to be an economic booster for the area.
“It’s opened up an avenue for tourism,” Graves said. 
While the previously inoperable locks had choked local river traffic for nearly the past decade, Graves says there’s been renewed interest from a Cincinnati-based enterprise to bring a paddleboat tour to Frankfort. The Spirit of Jefferson, a Louisville-based sightseeing-riverboat cruise could also dock here next year, Graves said, bringing several hundred passengers. Read more: State Journal



#BestChamber Practices: Greater Elkhart Chamber: Business and Education Partnership Award Nomination

The Greater Elkhart Chamber
Education/Career Development Council
Business and Education Partnership Award


The Business and Education Partnership award is given to recognize Chamber Member for profit and non-profit businesses that have demonstrated an ongoing relationship with a school in the Elkhart Community through use of time and resources.  Nominations are received and evaluated by the Education/Career Development Council of the Greater Elkhart Chamber.  Candidates are judged using the following criteria: 
  1. Duration of commitment:  Emphasis will be given to businesses that have maintained an on-going relationship with a school or a program.
  2. Use of time:  Emphasis will be given to partnerships that have made a commitment of time rather than a strictly monetary commitment.
  3. Impact on students:  Consideration will be given to partnerships that have the greatest impact on students.
Guidelines:
  • Schools will be asked to nominate Chamber Member businesses that meet the criteria for the award.
  • All Elkhart County school districts within the area served by the Greater Elkhart Chamber will be invited to participate.
  • The Education/Career Development Council will evaluate the nominations and select a quarterly winner.
  • In addition to the award, the business will receive media exposure through the Chamber newsletter and local media. Get application: Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce

Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories, Community Profiles, Re-Lo Guides and Custom Maps 

Town Square Publications, a division of the Daily Herald Media Group, is a national chamber custom publishing group that specializes in developing partnerships by producing high-quality print and digitally integrated publications along with other added value programs dedicated to creating relevancy for local chambers of commerce and other membership focused organizations interested in raising non-dues revenues.

Town Square Publications parent company, Paddock Publications, with over 100 years’ experience of print product development and dedicated customer service in communities throughout the Midwest, allows Town Square Publications to offer you attractive royalty and non-dues revenue share streams. More information: Town Square Publications

Chambers of Commerce and member focused organizations serve as a valuable resource in the local marketplace. The networking opportunities and representation with a wide variety of diverse businesses in your community is the catalyst of a successful organization. For further information about Town Square's publishing partnership with chambers of commerce and our No-Cost guarantee and Earned Revenue Share Program, To request your publication proposal, Click here

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