Chamber of Commerce Daily News

Town Square Publications (https://www.townsquarepublications.com) publishes two hundred world class turn-key chamber directories, community guides and maps annually at no cost to the chamber of commerce. We are Employee-Owned & part of the Daily Herald Media Group.149 years old and thriving through innovation daily. Chamber of Commerce Daily News follows chamber news, education, economic development, chamber jobs, and other related chamber issues/events. Best, John Dussman

Friday, January 29, 2016

Traverse Area Chamber of Commerce 2016 Annual Celebration; Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce 2016 Business Directory and Resource Guide; This Week is Visit Oxford's Third Oxford Restaurant Week; #BestChamber Practices: New Castle – Henry County Chamber Legislative Forums; GLMV Chamber sets LinkedIn seminar; Greater Reston Chamber to Host Corporate Social Responsibility Breakfast; Frankfort Area Chamber interest: Sower Latest Mayoral Candidate; Gov. Walker hires Wausau's Lon Roberts for top job; Town Square Publications Chamber of Commerce Membership Directories and Custom Maps

Good morning Chamber World! It's going to be a GREAT day!

Traverse Area Chamber of Commerce 2016 Annual Celebration

A big year for a big Northern Michigan town and only one night to sum it all up.

Local businesses, organizations and lawmakers came together at Friday night's Traverse Area Chamber of Commerce 2016 Annual Celebration.

Chamber Executive Director, Laura Oblinger, says, “The chamber has always found it important to take that time to recognize the successes of the past year and look forward to the next.”

But this event is not just a celebration, it's an opportunity.

Oblinger says, “Tonight's a perfect example of building relevant connections with other business people that will help grow your business through those connections.”

CEO of Chateau Chantal Winery, Marie-Chantal Dalese says, “For someone that has a business somewhat outside of downtown Traverse City, it really gives me a chance to meet a lot of other business owners to gain some guidance in perspective and learn from those other business leaders.”

Regardless the size of the business, everyone in the room shares the same goal for the new year.

Communications Director of Team Elmer’s, Tonya Wildfong, says, “As a community big or small, we all have the same interests; trying to help, trying to strengthen each others' business and trying to grow Traverse City as a community.”

The chamber is glad the celebration can do that for its community. Read more: 9 & 10 News

Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce 2016 Business Directory and Resource Guide

The Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce 2016 Business Directory and Resource Guide is available at the Virginia Peninsula Chamber today! Thanks to Mike Kuhns, Suzy Johnson and the chamber team for their work in putting this together!

Town SquarePublications (www.townsquarepublications.com) can help you accomplish your chamber's gloss map, directory, community profile or publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633.

This Week is Visit Oxford's Third Oxford Restaurant Week

Nothing brings people together like food! The Chamber of Commerce salutes Visit Oxford this week as they celebrate three years of Oxford Restaurant Week. Many of Lafayette County's most treasured restaurants are ready to dish up delicious food at fantastic prices during Layette County most anticipated culinary week.

Oxford Restaurant Week runs all this week through Saturday, January 30. You will need to print out the coupons below or pick up your coupon card at the Visit Oxford Visitor Center or Oxford-Layette County Chamber of Commerce. Proceeds will benefit Oxford Food Pantry. What a great opportunity to help out a charity right here in Oxford!

After a snowy weekend have you got a case of the Monday blues? Do you need a hot cup of coffee to get your morning going? Stop by High Point Coffee and show them your coupon card to receive your discount for Oxford Restaurant Week. Need an idea for lunch? Head over to Newk's, My Michelle's or Proud Larry's. Help us support Oxford Food Panty every day this week and try something new every day.

#BestChamber Practices: New Castle – Henry County Chamber Legislative Forums

Come and hear from our legislators at the Chamber's Third House Forum. Register today!

Event Invitation

Third House Forum 2016- Lunch with our Legislators

Please join us to learn about the 2016 legislative sessions from State Representative Tom Saunders, State Senator Jean Leising and State Senator Doug Eckerty.

Date:		February 12, 2016
Time:		11:30 AM - 01:00 PM EST
Website:		New Castle Henry County Chamber
Location:		Grace Baptist Church 2649 Q Ave New Castle, IN 47362
Contact:		Call: 765-529-5210
Email:		assist@nchcchamber.com
Date/Time Details:		Registration begins at 11:30am with program at noon.
Fees/Admission:		Chamber members: $15 Future Chamber Members: $18

Click Here for More Information

GLMV Chamber sets LinkedIn seminar

The GLMV Chamber of Commerce will host a marketing seminar "Jumpstart Your LinkedIn" from 8-11:30 a.m. Feb. 17 at Community High School District 128, 50 Lakeview Parkway, #104, Vernon Hills.

The speaker will be Bruce Bixler, master practitioner and LinkedIn specialist. Bixler is well recognized for his LinkedIn expertise! You'll learn how to use, improve and optimize the world's largest professional network, for more traffic, referrals, connections, and success. Roth Sales Enhancers is sponsor of the event.

Cost is $15 for members in advance, $20 for nonmembers and at the door. For more information and to register, call (847) 680-0750 or email info@glmvchamber.org. Source: Daily Herald

Greater Reston Chamber to Host Corporate Social Responsibility Breakfast

The Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce is hosting a breakfast focused on how businesses can give back to the community. The event: 2016 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Breakfast: Giving Back and Making an Impact! will be held on Friday, January 29, 2016 from 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM at the Sheraton Reston Hotel, located at 11810 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston.

This year’s panel includes prominent local leaders and experts who will share best practices, current trends and research, and real examples of how organizations of all sizes have made an impact in their communities by giving back. Attendees will be encouraged to participate in the discussion.

Some of the speakers include:

-Patti Stevens, Fairfax County Office of Public-Private Partnerships

-Eileen Ellsworth, Community Foundation of Northern Virginia Read more: Patch.com

Frankfort Area Chamber interest: Sower Latest Mayoral Candidate

Frankfort City Commissioner John Sower filed Monday as the latest candidate for this year’s mayoral election.

He’ll face incumbent Mayor Bill May and challenger Tim Childers in a primary this May to narrow the field down to two, ahead of this November’s general election.

Sower, who served as Frankfort mayor from 1980-1983, said his priorities include reducing drug use and crime, implementing the 10-year plan for stormwater mitigation, retrofitting the Capital Plaza area for mixed-used residential and commercial development and strengthening ties between the community and Kentucky State University.

“In the time that I have served as city commissioner, I am pleased with what has been accomplished and I have the energy and desire to do more,” Sower said. “I am particularly proud of the effort to clean up and further beautify Frankfort and the advances made in historic preservation for both residential and commercial owners. I am also proud of the long work begun to mitigate storm water damage to our neighborhoods.”

Sower said his return to local government is in response to calls to move the city forward.

“Working hand in hand with the [Frankfort Area Chamber of Commerce], Downtown Frankfort Inc., Kentucky Capital Development Corporation and other community partners, together, we can generate more jobs and provide a community that will not only retain its high school and college graduates, but will attract more people that want to call Frankfort home,” Sower said.

Mayor May filed for re-election earlier this month, and told The State Journal he will be releasing more information about his platform later this week. Read more: State-Journal

Gov. Walker hires Wausau's Lon Roberts for top job

Gov. Scott Walker announced Thursday that he has appointed a man with central Wisconsin ties to a top administrative position in the state.

Lon Roberts is now secretary of the Department of Financial Institutions.

Roberts retired in December as a partner and shareholder at Ruder Ware law firm in Wausau, according to a release from the state. He served as president of the business and focused on business and commercial law, primarily in the areas of corporate mergers and acquisitions, finance, lending and private equity capital transactions.

He was president of the Grand Theater Foundation and past president of the Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce. He also serves on the Wisconsin Law Foundation and has annually received the Best Lawyers in America recognition for Corporate Law and Mergers & Acquisition Law since 2007.

Walker appointed Roberts as the chairman of the state's Investment Board in 2012 and as a committee member of the Judicial Selection Advisory Committee in 2011. Read more: Stevens Point Journal

Town Square Publications Chamber of Commerce Membership Directories 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.

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Thursday, January 28, 2016

#BestChamber practice: Free Speakers service proves 'good free stuff' is real; Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce 2016 Business Directory and Resource Guide; Grand Rapids Area Chamber Event: 2016 Transportation & Mobility Summit; Chamber event: State of the Village: Mayor optimistic on Plainfield's economic position; Leadership Lafayette class of 2016 named; Nancy Simpson Takes Over as Executive Director of the Greater Portage Chamber of Commerce; Gov. Bevin taps former Louisville GOP chair and Kentucky Chamber of Commerce public affairs VP for cabinet appointments; LaCrosse Area chamber concern: Local businesses in need of employees; Town Square Publications Chamber of Commerce Membership Directories

Good morning Chamber World! It's going to be a GREAT day!

#BestChamber practice: Free Speakers service proves 'good free stuff' is real

Andy Richardson of Naperville admits the emails he sends about the service he runs at FreeSpeakers.org can look "a little spammy."

Recipients sometimes skip over his messages about the pro bono speakers' bureau, thinking they're some marketing scam or a bait-and-switch ploy.

But they're not. The 150 Chicago-area speakers with profiles onFreeSpeakers.org really offer their expertise without a fee in a community service project that has been growing for the past 20 years.

"This service is a win-win," Richardson said. "The speakers have a lot to share and are giving back to their community and they're also doing networking and marketing and being known as an expert. And the groups have a tremendous need for speakers and to bring new knowledge into their organizations."

Richardson said his mother and business partner, Ginny Richardson of Ginny Richardson Public Relations, created the free speakers' bureau out of a small list of personal contacts, people she suggested when she heard someone was in need of a speech.

The service recently redesigned its website and launched a second bureau in Milwaukee as part of an expansion that Richardson says will bring the wealth of free speeches to Indianapolis, St. Louis, Des Moines, Columbus, Cleveland, Detroit and Minneapolis.

Community groups such as Rotary, Exchange and Kiwanis clubs often struggle to find presenters to enlighten and enliven their lunches, Richardson said.

Some of them face requirements to bring in a new speaker every week and others are working to book presenters with nearly nonexistent budgets.

When club leaders find FreeSpeakers.org, Richardson said they can search for speakers presenting on 220 topics in categories of business, educational, entertainment, financial, health and fitness, miscellaneous, motivational and self-improvement.

Clicking the "request this free speech" button begins the process of scheduling the presentation. Read more: Daily Herald

FreeSpeakers.org offers 150 Chicago-area experts willing to give talks without a fee on more than 220 topics. Categories include:

• Business
• Educational
• Entertainment
• Financial
• Health and fitness
• Miscellaneous
• Motivational
• Self improvement

Users can search by topic, click the "request this free speech" button and fill out a contact form to book the speaker.

Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce 2016 Business Directory and Resource Guide

Grand Rapids Area Chamber Event: 2016 Transportation & Mobility Summit

The way we transport people and goods throughout our region is changing, and new business models and technologies are disrupting the status quo. Learn about trends in driverless technology, logistics, transportation flexibility, and future challenges influencing transportation during the 2016 Transportation & Mobility Summit.Our first keynote speaker, Lauren Isaac of Parsons Brinckerhoff, will provide insight on driverless technology and the impact it will have on government, communities and the industry.

Lauren was awarded a fellowship that supports innovative research to explore the government's role in driverless vehicles and is developing a "how-to" planning guide for local and regional governments. She is a national speaker and works with projects involving advanced technologies to improve mobility in cities.

The summit will also feature an expert panel including representatives from Uber, HNTB, Supply Chain Solutions, Downtown Grand Rapids, Inc. You will also hear from Michigan Department of Transportation Director Kirk Steudle on how the State is planning for the future.

Whether you are a government, community or industry leader, you won’t want to miss this exciting half-day summit! Grand Rapids Area Chamber

Chamber event: State of the Village: Mayor optimistic on Plainfield's economic position

Plainfield Mayor Michael Collins touted the village’s strong economic and cultural positions to attendees of the Plainfield Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual State of the Village address Wednesday afternoon.

In addition to mentioning the village’s progress on development and relieving Plainfield’s railway issues, Collins discussed further plans for 2016 during the event at Whitetail Ridge Golf Club in Yorkville.
“The future of the village looks very promising for ’16,” Collins said.
Recapping 2015
Collins said many facets of the village have achieved success and awards that have decreased insurance costs and made Plainfield a better place to live and work.
Financially, Collins noted that the village has just about maintained its tax rate for seven years, and the village’s water loss rate is reduced to a record low of 2 percent. Read more: Herald News

Leadership Lafayette class of 2016 named

Emerging community leaders of Oxford and Lafayette County are set to complete the 2016 class of Leadership Lafayette.

Put together annually by the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce, the nine-month program is full of training sessions and activities for professionals to build their leadership skills and learn more about the community.

In addition to the sessions, everyone will participate in a community-based project.

Among the participants this year is the Oxford EAGLE’s advertising director, Nikki Paine.

“As the hometown paper of the L-O-U community, I have always felt that it is important for our employees to take an active role in our community,” said EAGLE Publisher Tim Phillips. “I’m proud of the diversity of the clubs and organizations that our employees have decided to make a part of their life. Advertising Director Nikki Paine will do a tremendous job with Leadership Lafayette and will learn a great deal in what it takes to make a great community that we live in prosper. While in Leadership Lafayette, she will learn to work as a team on a worthwhile project that will enhance our community.” - See more at: Oxford Eagle

Nancy Simpson Takes Over as Executive Director of the Greater Portage Chamber of Commerce

This week, the Greater Portage Chamber of Commerce welcomed Nancy Simpson as their new executive director of the organization. Simpson, who has been with the Chamber since 2013, moved from her previous position as General Manager with the departure of Lou Gagliardi from the organization.

The Chamber’s Executive Committee came together and made the formal recommendation to make Simpson the new executive director and it was made official by a unanimous vote on Friday by the Chamber Board of Directors.

Simpson, originally from Calumet City, Illinois, moved to Portage in 1997 with her husband. She spent six years with the Portage YMCA where she gained experience working with staffing, member services, oversight, event management and budgeting. During that time she sat on the Chamber Board before eventually moving over to the Chamber full time to become General Manager. Read more: Portage Life

Gov. Bevin taps former Louisville GOP chair and Kentucky Chamber of Commerce public affairs VP for cabinet appointments

A little over a month into office and Gov. Matt Bevin continues to fill out the members of his inner circle.
Late Tuesday, Bevin’s office announced Nathan Haney, the former head of the Jefferson County Republican Party, will serve as deputy secretary of the Executive Cabinet, and Bryan Sunderland, the vice president of public affairs for the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, has been named legislative director.
In a statement, Bevin said he was excited to name the two “key appointments.”
“Nate Haney brings a high degree of business and relationship skills necessary to manage the diverse set of issues that the Executive Cabinet oversees,” Bevin said. “Bryan Sunderland, with more than a decade of experience driving policy, is highly regarded around the state for his legislative expertise and effectiveness in Frankfort. Both of these men will be an asset to our office as we work together on solutions that will benefit all Kentuckians.”
Haney stepped down from his role with the Jefferson County GOP to serve as managing partner and owner of Haney and White Enterprise, LLC. According to a news release, Haney holds a Master’s of Business Administration from the W. Fielding Rubel School of Business at Bellarmine University, a Juris Doctor from the Brandeis School of Law at the University of Louisville and a Bachelor’s of Political Science with an emphasis in Law and Public Policy from the University of Louisville.
“I am honored to have this unique opportunity to serve Kentucky and realize a dream,” Haney said. “I look forward to helping further Governor Bevin’s agenda and working with a great statesman in Secretary Brinkman.”
For the last 10 years Bryan Sunderland has worked for the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, most recently he has served as senior vice president of public affairs. Read more: myCN2

LaCrosse Area chamber concern: Local businesses in need of employees

'Now Hiring' signs can be found throughout the La Crosse area.

Vicki Markussen, Executive Director of the La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce said there is certainly a need for employment.

"Demand is very high for anyone wanting to work part time. I think there's a misnomer out there that people think they can't find part time work, but from a vast array of industries, I have heard our ideal person would be someone who wants to work nine to three. I think there are a lot of employers out there that are willing to be flexible if they find someone that's just willing to work," said Markussen.

She added that retailers, restaurants, and manufacturers are all in need of employees.

"The difficult thing that we have in our area is we have about three point one to three point two percent unemployment and three percent is considered fully employed. So when you have businesses that do not have positions filled, that means that they are not seizing their full growth potential. So this area could be booming if we could get these positions filled," added Markussen.

With the baby boomer generation retiring, a loss in positions is creating openings in various area. Read more: WXOW.com

Town Square Publications Chamber of Commerce Membership Directories

Town Square Publications parent company, Paddock Publications, has over 100 years’ experience of print product development and dedicated customer service in communities throughout the Midwest. Our experience allows Town Square Publications to offer you attractive royalty and non-dues revenue share streams, provide direct distribution of your custom designed printed publications, including digital and mobile integration, and all with the quickest turn-around times available in the industry. Town Square also offers multi-media maps in both print and online formats, both with our No-Cost guarantee. More information: Town Square Publications
To request your publication proposal, Click here

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Loudoun Chamber Community Leadership Awards Announced; Kentucky Chamber CEO talks right to work and prevailing wage on KET; The Chamber of Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Ferrysburg to present 2016 economic forecast on Jan. 28; Lake Zurich chamber to host candidate forum; Chamber Spotlight: Grow Your Business --- Jackson County welcomes 127 new members; seminars. Read more: Gulf Live Crossroads Regional chamber event: Launch NWI event brings state and small business together; 'Discover Wisconsin' to feature central Wisconsin; Town Square Publications Chamber of Commerce Membership Directories and Community Profiles

Good morning Chamber World! It's going to be a GREAT day!

Loudoun Chamber Community Leadership Awards Announced

The Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce announced the winners for the 2016 Loudoun Community Leadership Awards, which honor the businesses and community leaders that have shown true leadership and commitment to support the Loudoun community and its citizens, according to a Loudoun Chamber release.

Finalists were chosen in four categories: Large and Small Businesses, Executive Leaders and Young Professionals. These finalists were chosen by a panel of Loudoun’s top business and non-profit leaders. The top honorees were announced at the Chamber’s 2016 Annual Meeting and Community Leadership Awards Ceremony January 21, 2016 at the National Conference Center in Lansdowne.

“Loudoun County is truly privileged to have so many outstanding leaders and organizations that are willing to invest their time, talent and treasure to serve their community. The Loudoun County Chamber is privileged to honor these great Community Leaders for the hard work and valuable contributions they have made to make Loudoun a world-class community to live, work, raise a family and grow a business,” said Chamber President & CEO Tony Howard.

Here are the winners:

Community Leadership Awards finalists in the Young Professionals category are:
· Lisa Herndon Broyhill, WINC-FM
· Katie McAuliffe Campbell, Wells Fargo Advisors
· Rusty Foster, Bow Tie Strategies – winner!
· Browning Herbert, Middleburg Bank

Read more: Patch.com

Kentucky Chamber CEO talks right to work and prevailing wage on KET

Kentucky Chamber President and CEO Dave Adkisson spoke about the need for right to work legislation in the state and the challenges behind prevailing wage on KET’s Kentucky Tonight on Monday. On the program, Adkisson appeared beside Julia Crigler of Americans for Prosperity, Bill Londrigan, president of the Kentucky State AFLCIO, and Anna Baumann, research and policy associate at the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy to discuss the issues of right to work and prevailing wage. Adkisson said states that have passed right to work legislation, which allows an individual to choose whether or not they want to be a member of a union, tend to have faster job growth. Adkisson added passing right to work in Kentucky would generate thousands of new jobs each year for the commonwealth. “The business community considers the designation of right to work as a strong signal that a state is open for business,” Adkisson said. Read more: Kentucky Chamber

The Chamber of Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Ferrysburg to present 2016 economic forecast on Jan. 28

Wondering what the future holds for the economy of Northwest Ottawa County?

The local Chamber of Commerce will host an event on Thursday, Jan. 28, that’ll gaze into that crystal ball to find the answer.

The 2016 Economic Forecast for Northwest Ottawa County breakfast will take place at the Grand Haven Community Center from 7:30-9:30 a.m. It will provide a business outlook of West Michigan’s economic conditions and regional performance.

“It’s an annual event that we do,” Chamber of Commerce President Joy Gaasch said.

The event features George Erickcek from the W.E. Upjohn Institute. Gaasch said Erickcek has a vast knowledge and experience in conducting economic impact studies and has prepared employment forecasts annually for each of the West Michigan region’s six metropolitan areas.

“We’re really excited that George is coming back to deliver the economic forecast for us,” Gaasch said. “We’ve been having George here probably since the early 2000s.”

Gaasch noted that she’s particularly interested to hear what the presentation entails this year because of recent changes over the past several years to the area’s metropolitan statistical area.

“Up until recently, we were a part of the Holland-Grand Haven MSA,” she said. “That changed to a much larger MSA.” Read more: Grand Haven Tribune

Lake Zurich chamber to host candidate forum

The Lake Zurich Area Chamber of Commerce will host a candidate forum from 7 to 9 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 28, at Concorde Banquets, 20922 N. Rand Road, Kildeer. Candidates running for the 6th Congressional District, state Senate District 26 and Lake County state's attorney seats will be in attendance. Light breakfast included. A $5 donation at the door is encouraged to help offset the cost of the food. RSVP required by Jan. 25. Call (847) 438-5572 or visitlakezurichchamber.chambermaster.com/eventregistration/register/6957 to register.

Chamber Spotlight: Grow Your Business --- Jackson County welcomes 127 new members

This year the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce has welcomed 127 new members. Together the membership has accomplished many things through the five Chamber Issue Manager Groups and community events. There are many opportunities for people to grow their business in 2016, through the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce.

The Chamber is starting its annual Community Business-to-Business Membership Drive in February. This will coincide with the start of the 2016 Façade Grant Program—grants that are available to members of the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce.

What are some upcoming events and deadlines for the Chamber?

• Leadership Jackson County Kickoff: Jan. 22

• 2016 Community Business-to-Business Membership Drive: Feb. 23-25

• Taste of Jackson County: March 1

• Jackson County Industrial Trade Show: March 22; Booths and sponsorship opportunities are available.

• 2016 Façade Grant Program: The deadline is March 15.

• Explosion of Excellence Scholarship Program: Scholarship contributions are now being accepted.

• Entrepreneurship 101: 2016 Small Business Seminars: Register today for these free seminars. Read more: Gulf Live

Crossroads Regional chamber event: Launch NWI event brings state and small business together

Area business owners will be able to meet the state's connections to contracts and no-cost consulting during Launch NWI, an entrepreneur-focused event to be held Jan. 22.

The event, presented by Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with the Northwest Indiana Small Development Center, starts at 11:30 a.m. at the Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza, 800 E. 81st Ave. in Merrillville.

Registration is required and must be made by 4 p.m. Friday. Register online athttp://public.crossroadschamber.org/events/details/launch-nwi-2230.

Cost is $25 per person.

"There will be a number of speakers with topics of interest to any small business person," said Lorri Feldt, regional director of NW-ISBDC and one of the speakers at the event.

She said the ombudsman could help local business owners cut through the red tape they might encounter with an expansion or other project and other sources could help connect businesses with state, local and federal government agencies that might be able to use the business' services or products.

"This is the first time in a long time that a group of resources will be available in a panel setting like this," Feldt said.

Other scheduled speakers include Jacob Schpok, state director of Indiana Office of Small Business and Entrepreneurship; Shane Spencer, state director of Procurement Technical Assistance Center; and Erik Scheub, the state's small business ombudsman. Read more: Chicago Tribune

'Discover Wisconsin' to feature central Wisconsin

The nation’s longest-running tourism TV show, "Discover Wisconsin," and its hosts Mariah Haberman and Jake Zimmermann will showcase a handful of communities located along the Wisconsin River.

The episode, called “Wisconsin River Communities — Along the River’s Edge,” will highlight destinations and recreational opportunities in Tomahawk, Merrill, the Stevens Point area, Adams County and the city of Portage.

The program will air locally at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 6 on WAOW Chanel 9, and may also be streamed online at discoverwisconsin.com. A premiere party is scheduled for 5 p.m. on Feb. 5 at the Adams Theatre in Adams. The event is free and open to the public.

The episode was produced in partnership with the Tomahawk Area Chamber of Commerce, Merrill Area Chamber of Commerce, Stevens Point Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, Adams County Chamber of Commerce, and Portage Area Chamber of Commerce.

In the episode, Haberman and Zimmermann set out to explore destinations situated along the river’s edge. Haberman makes her first stop in Tomahawk, where she uncovers the popularity of waterskiing in the area with Keith Hansense, vice president of the Kwahamot Water Ski Club. She then joins a few local water-skiers on the river and later, kayaks with Michele Flohr, owner of Changing Gears. Read more: Stevens Point Journal

Town Square Publications Chamber of Commerce Membership Directories and Community Profiles

Monday, January 25, 2016

Geneva Chamber has plenty ahead in 2016; Bowling Green Chamber recognizes four volunteers for 2015; Lindsay Bloos takes over Madison Area Chamber; Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce announces 2016 Board of Directors; East Mississippi Business Development Corporation President Optimistic About Future; Lansing Regional Chamber Hires Eric Dimoff as Director of Marketing and Communications; Sheboygan County chamber concern: Work together to address workforce issues; Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories, Community Profiles, Re-Location Guides and Custom Maps

Good morning Chamber World! It's going to be a GREAT day!

Chamber chat: Geneva Chamber has plenty ahead in 2016

Personally, it takes me some time to get used to a new date. For a few weeks in January, I will continue to write the year 2015 on everything. After all, for 12 months, I have written 2015. Habits are hard to break.

However, at the Geneva Chamber of Commerce, even if I still am writing 2015, we have been thinking about 2016 for quite some time. Dates are already set for our four festivals and a few other events. Thinking about ways that we can enhance these events, while complementing favorites already in place, is a never-ending topic in our office. Producing high-quality festivals is always top of mind, and – in order to do that – there are many balls to juggle.

So, what will 2016 bring to the Swedish Days Festival (June 21 to 26), Geneva Arts Fair (July 23 to 24), Festival of the Vine (Sept. 9 to 11), Christmas Walk (Dec. 2) and House Tour (Dec. 2 to3)? Mark the dates on your calendar so you don’t miss any of the surprises this year.

But first up is the second Geneva Restaurant Week. This year, your taste buds will thank you Jan. 25-31. No coupon or ticket is necessary. Just visit the participating restaurants (found at www.genevachamber.com/restaurant_week_in_geneva.php) and tell your server that you desire the Restaurant Week menu. Some of the items will be available only during that week. What a yummy way to end January! Read more: Kane County Chronicle

Bowling Green Chamber recognizes four volunteers for 2015

Ann Elliott said Wednesday morning that she doesn't experience many big surprises.

Elliott of Crye-Leike Executive Realty in Bowling Green recalled Wednesday that when she was 16 and growing up in West Virginia, her parents took her out for dinner and dancing for a big surprise on her birthday.

Elliott now can add another big surprise to her list: 2015 Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year.

"You have to have a passion for it; it's a lot about what your parents did," Elliott said Wednesday about volunteering following the awards program at the chamber offices on College Street. "All the people you meet – it's just like family."

Elliott, Sue Parrigin, John Dix and Rebecca Lee all were honored by the local chamber for their volunteer efforts.

Parrigin was named 2015 Ambassador of the Year, Dix was selected as 2015 Board Volunteer of the Year, and Lee received the new Bowling Green Young Professional of the Year award. Read more: Bowling Green Daily News

Lindsay Bloos takes over Madison Area Chamber

Madison Area Chamber of Commerce officials announced Thursday the resignation of the organization’s executive director as well as a successor to the top job.

Trevor Crafton submitted his resignation as executive director, which will be effective Jan. 22. The Chamber’s Board of Directors has named Lindsay Bloos as Crafton’s successor.

Crafton served on the Madison Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors from 2010 to 2012 before being named the executive director in November 2012. During his three years as executive director, Crafton reported record numbers of memberships at the Chamber and other record numbers and participation to the annual Chamber-sponsored Soup, Stew, Chili and Brew.

“It has been a pleasure to work for and with the Jefferson County business community,” Crafton said in a release. “My time here has shown me how relevant the Madison Area Chamber of Commerce is for Southeastern Indiana.

Bloos has worked with the Madison Area Chamber of Commerce since 2013, serving as the finance and marketing manager.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Trevor at the Chamber,” Bloos said in a release. “He is passionate about everything he does, and that is contagious. I am excited for this new challenge and eager to serve the members of the Madison Area Chamber of Commerce and our community.”

Chamber Board President Dan Wright of FPBH Inc. noted the board feels confident that the transition in executive directors will go well and without issue. Read more: Madison Courier

Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce announces 2016 Board of Directors

The Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of commerce is pleased to announce the 2016 Board of Directors.

Anne Marie Green, 2016 board president, has worked for Roanoke County since 2000 serving in various roles including the director of community relations/public information officer, director of general services, acting director of human resources, and currently the special assistant to the county administrator. She has a law degree from Columbus School of Law in Washington, D.C.

Green is active in the community, participating as a member of the Virginia Local Government Managers Association, International City Manager's Association, Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce, Roanoke Valley Resource Authority, Roanoke Regional Public Works Academy, Public Relations Society of America, Blue Ridge Chapter and the Star City Canine Training Club.

Fellow officers are 1st Vice President Toni McLawhorn of Roanoke College, 2nd Vice President Teresa Hamilton Hall of Appalachian Power, Treasurer Dave Prosser of Freedom First Credit Union, secretary Caroline Goode of the Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce and past president Adam Bruce of Yokohama Tire Manufacturing Virginia. Read more: Roanoke.com

East Mississippi Business Development Corporation President Optimistic About Future

Economic

Development is important for the infrastructure of a region. Companies who are looking to locate to an area look at certain data and how a region pitches themselves to a company.

"We can't wait on it to come to us, we have to pursue this kind of work that we're trying to get," East Mississippi Business

Development Corporation President Bill Hannah said.

Hannah says bringing new development to the region requires hard work on both sides of the table.

"We have to form our team, our regional team, we have to develop our regional data

because it's not out there," stated Hannah. "We have to come up with data to sell ourselves with."

Hannah says typically companies begin the search for a new location objectively, starting with The South and then working down to a specific location. He says then, when companies have potential candidates, they switch to a subjective view and start looking at the people and their culture

.

"We have to have our best players playing in the game," said Hannah. "So, whether it's legislatures, MDA, or our local leadership, we have to form this team, it's very fundamental." Read more: WTOK.com

Lansing Regional Chamber Hires Eric Dimoff as Director of Marketing and Communications

The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC) has announced the hiring of Eric Dimoff to the position of Director of Marketing and Communications. In his role, Eric will be responsible for the Chamber’s public relations, event marketing, social media, and website content.

“Eric’s expertise will be an integral part of our member outreach and communication, and we are excited to have him direct our aggressive communications efforts,” said Kristin Beltzer, LRCC executive vice president and chief marketing officer. “Eric’s skill set and experience make him a great addition to our team.”

Eric previously served Marketing Resource Group (LRCC Member) as an Account Executive managing internal and external communications for clients for more than seven years. He has experience in communications, marketing, public relations and branding. Eric graduated from Michigan State University in 2009 with a degree in communication. He has extensive experience in graphic design, social media, writing and editing, media relations, website management and strategic communications. Read more: Lansing Regional Chamber

Sheboygan County chamber concern: Work together to address workforce issues

At the city council meeting Monday, Dane Checolinski presented the new Workforce Development Program “Someplace Better.”

This campaign is a collaborative effort between the Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce and the Sheboygan County Economic Development Corporation to help our businesses attract workers and sell Sheboygan County as a great place to live and work.

Sheboygan County has jobs. In fact, we have more jobs than available workforce. There are listings for 2,400 jobs in the county. More than 35 percent of available jobs require four-year education, but many companies offer entry-level jobs covering all aspects of training investment and compensation levels for full-time employment that start at $35,000 per year.

Only 5 percent of these jobs are for part-time or seasonal employment. Sheboygan County still offers the American Dream. Last year, data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics cited the City of Sheboygan had 33.1 percent of its population employed in manufacturing. That percentage was tied for third place in the nation for the percentage of manufacturing employment in a city.

With the launch of this new brand, we know our work has just begun and we can’t do it without you. We all need to work together to address our workforce issues so we can remain a vibrant and growing community. At a press conference a few weeks ago, when “Someplace Better” branding was unveiled, Chamber Executive Director Betsy Alles noted “Sheboygan residents are rather humble. But for this effort to bring results for area employers, we all need to boast a little about the great community that we enjoy here in Sheboygan County.” read more: Sheboygan Press

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