Indy Chamber announces export assistance grant program supported by JPMorgan Chase & Co.; Kyndle Tech Tuesday to focus on cybersecurity threats to businesses; Lake Zurich Area Chamber of Commerce Event: Primary Elections Candidates Forum; Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce 2016 Business Directory and Resource Guide; $10,000.00 Grant Award to be Given at "Night For Nonprofits" Event Hosted by Lafayette Oxford Foundation for Tomorrow (LOFT); Joseph R. Fabiano II named chairman of Michigan Chamber of Commerce; Sparta Area Chamber of Commerce Career Fair; Virginia Chamber issue: Coalition praises governor for support of pipeline; Town Square Publications Chamber of Commerce Membership Directories, Community Profiles, Re-Location Guides and Custom Maps

Happy Monday, Chamber World! It's going to be a GREAT day!


Indy Chamber announces export assistance grant program supported by JPMorgan Chase & Co.

THE INDY CHAMBER, WITH SUPPORT FROM WITH JPMORGAN CHASE, ANNOUNCED A NEW PROGRAM OFFERING COMPETITIVE GRANTS TO FIRMS WITH PLANS TO PURSUE INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMERS. WITH A $200,000 DONATION FROM JPMORGAN CHASE, THE GOGLOBAL EXPORT ACCELERATION GRANT PROGRAM WILL TARGET SMALLER COMPANIES, PROVIDING UP TO $5,000 IN MATCHING FUNDS TO COVER BUSINESS AND MARKETING COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH NEW EXPORT ACTIVITY.

The GoGlobal program was announced today at the Indy Chamber’s Global Indy Luncheon at the Indianapolis International Airport. 

The Indy Chamber has made international trade a top economic development priority, working closely with The Brookings Institution and JPMorgan Chase through their Global Cities Initiative – a program that includes 28 U.S. metro areas with strong regional cooperation and global momentum to capitalize on opportunities in world markets.

“The expertise of Brookings and support of JPMorgan Chase have been invaluable in putting together new plans for increasing exports and attracting foreign investment,” said Michael Huber, president and CEO of the Indy Chamber. “We’re building a support system that helps companies step-by-step become successful exporters; the new GoGlobal grant program will give businesses a head-start on this effort.” Read more: Indy Chamber

Kyndle Tech Tuesday to focus on cybersecurity threats to businesses

Michael Ramage, director of the Center for Telecommunications Systems Management at Murray State University will be the presenter at the next Kyndle Tech Tuesday luncheon on March 1.

Michael Ramage

Ramage will focus on four topics related to cybersecurity: Examining the mind of a hacker; overview of current threats in cybersecurity; how to use passwords to improve your business’s security position; and tips, tools and actions to improve security.

Ramage earned a master’s of science from Murray State University, holds an information assurance graduate education certificate from Purdue University and is currently pursuing his doctorate of philosophy in technology management from Indiana State University.

At the end of the luncheon Kyndle will give away one free year of Microsoft Office 365. Read more: Lane Report

Lake Zurich Area Chamber of Commerce Event: Primary Elections Candidates Forum

Despite starting at the early hour of 7am, the Lake Zurich Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed a nice crowd to the 'Primary Elections Candidates Forum'. Held at Concorde Banquets in Kildeer, this platform was a great opportunity to hear the different viewpoints of several candidates, on a variety of topics. It was very well attended.

The Candidates . . . Dan McConchie, Matt Stanton, Casey Urlacher, Martin McLaughlin, Amanda Howland, Robert Marshall and Gordon Kinzler.

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 help and direction 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.


$10,000.00 Grant Award to be Given at "Night For Nonprofits" Event  Hosted by Lafayette Oxford Foundation for Tomorrow (LOFT)

On Thursday, August 18^th, 2016, Lafayette Oxford Foundation for Tomorrow (LOFT) will host a "Night for Nonprofits" event at the Powerhouse from 6:00pm-9:00pm, featuring public presentations of grant proposals and an audience vote to select a $10,000.00 grand prize grant-winner.

Any Lafayette County 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is eligible to participate and submit a proposal on how they would utilize the grand prize grant award to improve the quality of life in the Oxford-Lafayette community.

A formal Request for Proposal (RFP) will be released March 1^st, 2016 and the deadline for applications is March 31^st, 2016.

By April 30^th, 2016, LOFT’s grants committee will select a group of semi-finalists.   To advance further in the competition, the semi-finalists must attend a grant workshop hosted by LOFT.

From this workshop, the semi-finalists will have an opportunity to revise their grant application for the next round of the selection process.    LOFT’s grants committee will then select a group of finalists to compete for the $10,000.00 award on the night of the event.     

Remaining semi-finalists, while no longer in the running for the $10,000.00 prize, will be invited to the event to showcase their organization and good work in the community, as well as receive a portion of the event's proceeds toward their efforts.

On the night of the event, the finalists will be responsible for formally presenting their proposal to the audience.    The finalist receiving the most votes from audience members will then win the $10,000.00 prize.

Participation in the "Night for Nonprofits" event does not preclude any nonprofit organization or proposal from also being submitted during LOFT’s regular annual grant cycle process, which opens for applications May 1, 2016.   Additional information on LOFT's regular grant program can be obtained at www.loftms.org/grants.

For more information regarding the application to participate in the “Night for Nonprofits”, questions can be directed to Jody Holland, Executive Director, 662.418.1936 or loftdirector@gmail.com. Furthermore, one can find specific information regarding proposal submission, grant applications, and criteria for the “Night for Nonprofits” event at  www.loftms.org/nightfornonprofits .

Joseph R. Fabiano II named chairman of Michigan Chamber of Commerce

Joseph R. Fabiano, II, was named chairman of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

Fabiano is principal of Fabiano Brothers Inc. in Bay City. He replaces Denice M. LeVasseur, president of LeVasseur & DeFrank, PC, Southfield, who will become the immediate past chair.

"Joe is an experienced and dedicated volunteer leader and successful owner of one of the largest beer and wine distributorships in the Midwest. We look forward to working with Joe as board chair in the coming year," Michigan Chamber President & CEO Rich Studley said.

The Michigan Chamber's Executive Committee consists of seven vice chairs, each representing a different geographic region. 

Frederick A. Edmond, President & COO of Frankenmuth Insurance Co. in Frankenmuth, was elected the new vice chair for District III (East Central); and Arnaldo R. Rodriguez, Founder of Technical Professional Services, Inc., in Wayland, was elected as a new vice chair for District IV (Southwestern). Read more: M Live

Sparta Area Chamber of Commerce Career Fair

The Sparta Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting a career fair In partnership with the Sparta School District at the Sparta High School on Thursday, March 10^th. As the economy continues to improve and more of our baby boomers retire, it is apparent, that as a community, we need to do our part to mold our future workforce to meet our continuing demands for our current and future workforce.
Coming from a small town, I remember hearing, “I can’t wait to leave this town. There is nothing here for me.”  We would like to educate today’s youth on all the opportunities available in and around the Sparta community to potentially entice them to build their careers here and also to educate them on the variety of opportunities out there. For example, someone may look at my business and say, “They only offer temp jobs.” When in reality, internally, we hire Human Resource Professionals, Marketing Professionals, Management (to name a few) and we place entry level to executive level positions in temporary roles as well as in Direct-Hire positions. This Career Fair is a chance for you to showcase your company and the variety of opportunities you offer while educating today’s youth on how to become a productive employee in today’s world.
From 10am to 3 PM, we will be open to the high school students. We will have some keynote speakers and some breakout sessions in the morning. If you can assist with either of these, please let us know. If you cannot join us in the educational portion in the morning, set-up will be from 11:40-1PM for the more traditional Career/Job fair. After school is released, we will open the venue to the public so other job seekers in the community can join us and explore opportunities with the businesses and colleges that have set up booths with us.
A career fair is a venue in which students and employers/colleges can exchange ideas and information about employment/educational opportunities. Some employers/educators actively recruit at career fairs, while others participate in order to learn what skills and perspectives students can offer their organizations. Participating students can explore a range of career paths, network with prospective employers/colleges, and practice essential professional skills.

• Educating students about the job search process and the necessary skills for success.
• Teaching students strategies for conducting an effective job search--from building and writing a strong, effective resume to preparing for an interview.
• Partnering with private and public sector employers on behalf of our students to further their careers;
• Creating opportunities for students to experience the “world of work” through internships, co-ops, and job shadowing experiences.
• Empowering students to understand career choices and to manage their professional lives.

We are also interested in scheduling a time to have students/public tour various facilities in the Sparta area. If your company would like to offer a tour to these individuals, please let us know. More info: Sparta Chamber

Virginia Chamber issue: Coalition praises governor for support of pipeline

Recently, members of the EnergySure Coalition, a diverse group of 189 businesses, labor organization and other local, state and national groups sent a letter to Gov. Terry McAuliffe, thanking him for his continued support of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline. The letter highlights the significant economic benefits of the proposed 550-mile, $5 billion pipeline project that would deliver natural gas from wells in Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

It is expected to generate more than 17,000 jobs, $2.7 billion in economic activity and $4.2 million in average annual local tax revenue during construction. In Virginia alone, construction will support 8,800 jobs and result in $1.4 billion in economic activity.

“This project will open the door to bringing new industry to the state of Virginia,” said President of the Virginia State Building and Construction Trades Matt Yonka. “If you have the power source, you have the ability to build more and bring more industry.”

Barry DuVal, president and CEO of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, concurred.

“The Atlantic Coast Pipeline will improve Virginia’s economic competitiveness and help diversify our economy,” he said. “Ready access to affordable, clean natural gas will help existing Virginia businesses expand and attract new employers to the Commonwealth.” Read more: TidewaterNews.com

Town Square Publications Chamber of Commerce Membership Directories, Community Profiles, Re-Location 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.

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

Lansing Regional Chamber Education Initiative: Michigan’s $37.1 billion insurance sector could draw more industry players to state; Michael Seitz: La Porte Chamber fully supports HB 1001; Aurora Regional Chamber: Join Us for the Regional Economic Pulse Lunch on March 16; Chamber enthusiasm: Janesville's entire downtown could become a TIF district; The Greater Williamsburg Chamber & Tourism Alliance invites Chamber and Community Members to a Beachfront Vacation in Costa del Sol, Spain; Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce 2016 Business Directory and Resource Guide; Chamber news: Sign up for Natchez Color Dash; Northern Kentucky’s Jordan named Director of Special Projects for Education and Workforce Cabinet; Town Square Publications Chamber of Commerce Membership Directories, Community Profiles, Re-Location Guides and Custom Maps;

Happy Friday Chamber World! Have a GREAT weekend!

Lansing Regional Chamber Education Initiative: Michigan’s $37.1 billion insurance sector could draw more industry players to state

Tim Daman, Lansing
Regional Chamber

A statewide analysis of the insurance industry’s $37.1 billion economic impact provides a basis to lure more players to Michigan, as well as highlights the need for training new talent to replace an aging workforce.

The insurance industry directly employs 41,000 people in Michigan and overall supports 114,000 jobs directly and indirectly, according to the analysis by the Anderson Economic Group of East Lansing.

But an aging workforce requires insurance companies, agents and educators to work even more collaboratively to attract and train young talent to replace people who will retire over the next decade.

“The insurance industry has a very aging population,” Michigan Association of Insurance Agents CEO Bev Barney said during a recent legislative hearing on the insurance industry’s economic footprint in the state. “We know we need young people and new blood (coming) into our industry, and that training does not happen overnight.”

Barney cited an association study that indicated as much as 55 percent of the industry’s workforce in Michigan may retire in the next four to seven years. Other reports cited during the legislative hearing from the Insurance Institute of Michigan estimate that 40 percent of the insurance professionals will reach retirement age within the next decade.

Either way, that will create 45,000 to 63,000 job vacancies in the years ahead, making talent recruitment and training a big issue for an industry that today’s younger generation doesn’t view as particularly glamourous, Barney said.

“What we like to tease in the insurance industry is we don’t look very sexy. Our industry is not attractive to young people,” Barney said. “Until they’re in it and see what we do and how we serve, they’ve not thought of insurance.”

Barney was among the speakers to address a joint meeting of two state House and Senate committees to review the Anderson Economic Group study on the industry’s presence in the state.

The study found that property and casualty carriers in Michigan collectively paid $3 billion in wages in 2014 and together spent another $3.3 billion on goods and services. Carriers two years ago also paid $13 billion in commissions to agents across the state and $50 billion in insurance claims, as well as $500 million in state and local taxes, according to the analysis.

BROAD IMPACT

In grooming new talent, both Barney and Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce CEO Tim Daman offered a number of examples where carriers, schools and universities collaborate to introduce the industry to students and offer training for entry-level positions.

Farm Bureau Insurance in Lansing, for instance, works with Olivet College and the Eaton Intermediate School District on a program where high school students earn college credit, serve internships, job shadow professionals, and receive on-site instruction at the insurance company. The Insurance Institute of Michigan has similar initiatives going on in Ingham County and Flint. 

In another example that Daman cited, Jackson National Life opened the $12 million Jackson Zone development center in 2013 in downtown East Lansing in a move to work closely with Michigan State University students.  See more at: Mi Biz

Michael Seitz: La Porte Chamber fully supports HB 1001

Michael Seitz,
La Porte Chamber

Indiana is known as “the Crossroads of America.” Yet, 16 percent of our major roads are in poor condition. On average, Hoosier drivers pay $366 in repairs annually on their vehicles due to the conditions of Indiana’s roads.

The governor and state legislature have made road funding the focus of the 2016 Legislative Session. Their leadership is greatly appreciated on this issue. Differences remain between the two houses of the legislature and Governor Mike Pence’s administration.

Time is of the essence if we want to stay ahead of our infrastructure issues in this state. The average annual shortfall on transportation funding has been documented to be $1 billion annually for state and local governments.

House Bill 1001 would increase funding by about $880 million in its first year, and around $450 million annually on a long-term basis. To achieve these increases in funding, the bill implements a retroactive index on fuel taxes of four cents a gallon to restore lost buying power, directs excess general fund reserves to road funding uses at the end of budget year 2016, shifts most of the sales tax on gasoline sales to road funding and makes it easier for local governments to raise funds for local road projects. Read more: The News-Dispatch

Aurora Regional Chamber: Join Us for the Regional Economic Pulse Lunch on March 16 

The results are in. The analysis has begun. Join us Wednesday, March 16, for the reveal of this year's survey of the business community and how it feels about the state of our region's economy. 

In partnership with our sponsors and community supporters, the results will be used to provide a stronger support system for business owners, entrepreneurs, and employers in the great Aurora region. We want to thank our presenting sponsor Old Second National Bank as well as our program sponsors - SALT and Invest Aurora. 

The results will be shared during a networking lunch at Stonbebridge Country Club on Wednesday, March 16, at 11:30 a.m. 

Chamber enthusiasm: Janesville's entire downtown could become a TIF district 

John Beckord,
Forward  Janesville

In these nascent stages of the ARISE plan, which aims to overhaul Janesville's downtown into more of an attraction, City Hall is preparing to deploy most any strategy it can to gather the resources to help it along.

There's already been talk about grant funding, building private partnerships and perhaps establishing a business improvement district. And now, the city is getting ready to unfurl another play out of its game plan: turning all of Janesville's downtown in a tax incremental financing district.

Following a year in which the city created seven industrial TIF agreements, those at City Hall want to build a district that could potentially span from Traxler Park to Hedberg Public Library and from Five Points up to Wisconsin Street.

Grant funding and the creation of a business improvement district, up in the air though they are, have the potential to give ARISE a kick, but probably not to the extent that a TIF district could. TIFs can help spur improvements in public and private infrastructure, rather than just be a vehicle for marketing, beautification or building small-scale amenities.

“We're putting our money where our mouth is,” said Gale Price, the city's economic development coordinator, who is helping to craft the TIF proposal that could be in front of the city council by May.

TIFS AND THE DOWNTOWN

Price said city staff has been working on a TIF proposal for downtown since fall 2015 and has hired the assistance of a consulting firm for a feasibility study.

The trick behind any TIF is to determine how much interest in private development there is in a given area and whether that development would occur only if a TIF district were to be created.

TIF districts are formed to increase property values, offer incentives for redevelopment projects and attract employment opportunities.

Every property within the TIF boundary has its value recorded. The city then undertake efforts to improve those property values. As the values go up, the city keeps all of resulting additional property tax revenue rather than sharing it with other taxing jurisdictions, such as school districts and the county.

To help raise property values, the government could issue bonds for incentive programs to spur private development, redevelopment or construction. Or the city could acquire properties, knock down any blighted buildings and put a more readily-usable property back on the market.

All of that new property tax revenue from within the TIF district is kept in a special fund. That money can only be used to pay off bonds or pay for public infrastructure improvements within the TIF.

When everything is paid off, the TIF dissolves and all taxes from the district are again spread among taxing jurisdictions. TIFs are intended to pay for themselves and create a permanent increase in the property tax base.

For Janesville's downtown, Price believes there's plenty of opportunity for redevelopment. A TIF that lasts 27 years in that area could help throw around millions of dollars in development.

The Rock River has long been an afterthought to downtown, something development has turned away from unless it involved building a parking structure atop it. But the ARISE plan wants to reverse course and emphasize the river as a central attraction.

That means in the years to come Main Street businesses, whose backs now face the river, may want to reorient their buildings to create a better relationship with the water. The ARISE plan also calls for various improvements to roads and other pieces of infrastructure in the downtown.

“Well, how do you do that?” Price asked. “Through TIF, we can create programs to do that.”

This new TIF would not be the first that the downtown area has seen. In the 1990s and 2000s, five smaller TIFs were created in the area, covering spots such as the Five Points intersection, Mercy Hospital,  Hedberg Public Library and two others that cover small portions of the downtown's eastern half.

Price said those TIFs played a role in redeveloping the the Bennison and Lane building, the Armory, 101 Milwaukee and others. It's possible those TIFs could co-exist with a new one that blankets downtown, but Price hasn't reached a conclusion yet.

ALL IN ON DOWNTOWN

There is little reason to believe there would be any backlash toward creating a TIF district in the downtown. Unlike another funding strategy being considered, a business improvement district, a TIF would carry less potential for controversy.

Business improvement districts also are geographically-constructed mechanisms, but rather than the city investing in development, property owners pay an additional tax to pay for services, such as advertising or events or beautification to benefit the designated area.

Additional taxes tend to be a harder sell. Downtown business improvement district proposals failed in Janesville in 2003 and 2008.

Barry Badertscher, recently the vice chairman of the Downtown Development Alliance, expressed quite a bit of confidence in a TIF's potential. Conversely, he is someone that has been skeptical about a business improvement district.

“You don't see a whole lot of non-successful TIFs,” he said. “Sometimes the taxpayers think it's corporate welfare, but if you look at it, the majority of the time TIFs do what they're supposed to do, and I have no doubt that it would work out for downtown, too.”

John Beckord, president of Forward Janesville, said “there's a lot of enthusiasm” for a downtown TIF. He said it could go a long way in advancing ARISE.

- See more at: Gazette Extra

The Greater Williamsburg Chamber & Tourism Alliance invites Chamber and Community Members to a Beachfront Vacation in Costa del Sol, Spain

Karen Riordan, Greater
Williamsburg Chamber

Williamsburg, VA – The Greater Williamsburg Chamber & Tourism Alliance has announced today that it will be offering an incredible trip to the Costa del Sol, Spain in October 2016 and is inviting Chamber members, family and friends to join in on this once in a lifetime experience. Board a flight with us to Spain’s beautiful Mediterranean coastline, Costa del Sol. Enjoy 7 nights in First Class accommodations at a beachfront hotel that includes daily breakfasts and 5 dinners. This vacation offers travelers the chance to relax on the beaches of Spain and tour the picturesque cities. This trip includes four amazing tours to: Ronda, Malaga, Seville, and Granada. In Ronda you’ll see sights like the Plaza de Toros Maestranza and the Church of the Holy Spirit. Travel into Malaga, one of the oldest cities in the world, where Picasso was born and experience art around every turn. Marvel at the Alcazar Palace, an 800-year-old palace-fortress of the Arab kings and explore the old Jewish quarter of Santa Cruz on your tour of Seville. And finally discover Granada and explore the lush gardens of the Generalife, the summer palace of the Kings of Granada, and marvel at the Nasrid Palace, constructed around the Myrtle and Lion Courts in the 14th century. As an added BONUS, if you book before April 1, 2016, you will receive a free tour to Mijas. Here you will be greeted by lovely whitewashed houses and spectacular views over the coast and countryside. Mijas is one of the most picturesque villages in Andalusia seated 1300 feet above sea level.

“This is truly an amazing opportunity to participate in an international journey to the irresistible Costa del Sol in Spain, where program participants can experience the country’s culture, learn about its business climate, and make new friends,” said Karen Riordan, President & CEO of the Greater Williamsburg Chamber & Tourism Alliance

Space is limited, so act fast. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to visit the beautiful Costa del Sol in Spain, exchange ideas with local business representatives, make new friends, and build new memories. The early bird booking window is up until April 1^st.

This tour is being offered by Chamber Discoveries. There will be an informational session with a representative from Chamber Discoveries on April 14^th at 6:00pm at the Alliance.  For more information or to register for this trip, please visit our website at williamsburgcc.com/programs/chamber-travels-abroad, call the Greater Williamsburg Chamber & Tourism Alliance at (757) 229-6511, or email Patrick Quinn at patrick@williamsburgcc.com.

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 help and direction 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.

Chamber news: Sign up for Natchez Color Dash

Looking for a fun family event in Natchez? What about a unique way to gather a group of friends this spring? On May 14, Natchez will host its first ever Color Dash. Color Dash is a 5K fun run that will be held throughout the streets of downtown Natchez. But what makes this different from a regular 5K? By the end of the fun run, you will be covered in all kinds of colors!

Natchez Young Professionals and Leadership Natchez, both parts of the Natchez ­Adams County Chamber of Commerce, have joined together to bring you this amazing event! A Natchez Tricentennial sanctioned event, the Color Dash will be one of the most unique things to happen this year!

If you are looking for a family­friendly event in Natchez that will be fun and healthy, then the Color Dash is the thing for you! So how does it work? You start the dash, or walk if that is more your speed, by wearing white (a white t­shirt is included in your registration package). Then, as you proceed through the course, you are splashed with either blue, green, yellow, orange or pink powdery­goodness that is 100­percent non­toxic, food­grade cornstarch and coloring!

The race will end inside of River Stock, the outdoor concert held on the Esplanade at the corner of Broadway and High streets overlooking the Mississippi River. The race will conclude with a Color Explosion just in time for the first band to begin River Stock! Read more: Natchez Democrat

Northern Kentucky’s Jordan named Director of Special Projects for Education and Workforce Cabinet

Rick Jordan knows something about workforce development.

As vice president of LSI Graphic Solutions in Erlanger, Jordan was one of the leaders in the effort to develop a quality workforce in the advanced manufacturing industry. He recognized years ago that expansion of Northern Kentucky operations by companies in the industry, coupled with looming retirement of baby boomers, would create a gap in the pipeline of qualified workers.

In 2011, a coalition of Northern Kentucky advanced manufacturing leaders that included Jordan, armed with just a $65,000 grant, began working with Gateway Community and Technical College to help build that workforce.

The Northern Kentucky Industrial Park Industry Partnership was instrumental in developing the spirit of cooperation that has fueled apprenticeship programs and collaborative efforts, such as Kentucky FAME, throughout the state.

Jordan, who retired from LSI Graphic Solutions after 20 years, now looks forward to a new challenge. He has been named Director of Special Projects for the Kentucky Education and Workforce Cabinet.

“I am excited about this new position in the Education and Workforce Cabinet,” Jordan said. “One of the major areas of focus will be increasing the required technical skills of Kentuckians to meet the ever changing job requirements of Kentucky companies so that the pipeline shortages will be filled.”

Jordan, who lives in Walton with his wife Vicki, will manage the successful Kentucky Work Ready Communities Program and will be involved in a number of other special projects that are in the works.

Jordan attended Franklin and Ohio State Universities after serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

His career has spanned more than 43 years, involving a number of management duties which also included manufacturing operations. He has held management positions with the Tappan Appliance Company, the Chef Company, and as Vice-President with the Maytag Corporation. Read more: Northern Kentucky Tribune

Town Square Publications Chamber of Commerce Membership Directories, Community Profiles, Re-Location 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, 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

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

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

RULE #130    Membership still has its privileges!

#BestChamber Practices: Skokie Chamber: Multi-Chamber Networking Program; Kentucky Chamber: Unfunded Pension Liability: How bad is it?; News and Tribune a finalist for One Southern Indiana awards; Culpeper Chamber of Commerce: Your Chamber Investment helps to Plant a "Business Friendly Forest"; Mississippi Economic Council: ‘Excelerating’ state focus of luncheon; Rapid City Area Chamber of Commerce 2016 Community Guide & Membership Directory; Cornerstone Alliance, Cornerstone Chamber Of Commerce Honor Businesses; Fox Cities Chamber Event: Wisconsin Select 401(k) to launch Tuesday; Town Square Publications Chamber of Commerce Membership Directories and Community Profiles

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



#BestChamber Practices: Skokie Chamber: Multi-Chamber Networking Program

Howard Meyer, Skokie Chamber

Howard Meyer, Executive Director of the Skokie Chamber, has run several "Mega-Connect" networking events with other North Shore and Northwest chamber professionals. Speed Networking Events offer you a wonderful opportunity to meet many people form other chambers of Commerce in quick succession. But sometimes they can be overwhelming. In order for these events to be successful, for you, follow the rules, follow the script and be concise without going over your three minute limit per person. Thank you and happy networking!

How this works… (6 to 10 People at each table)

1. Each person has a name tag with their table rotation listed.

2. We have tried to separate you so industries are not duplicated at each table, however due to the numbers present at today’s function, please understand if there is an occasional duplication. - Remember in the chamber world, we are all colleagues, not competitors.

3. The moderator will announce each rotation, please proceed to the table number printed on your name tag.

4. Once at your table, assign a time keeper.

5. Each participant will have three minutes to introduce themselves. We have provided a script for your convenience. You do not need a script if it does not reflect the needs of you or your company.

6. The moderator will give a five minute warning before each table rotation.

7. There will be a five minute passing period in between each rotation

8. There will be (X) table rotations for today’s program (Three table rotations would be a good meeting’s worth.)

9. Please feel free to stay at the conclusion of the speed networking program so you can continue to make conections!

Introductions

1. Your Name
2. Name of Your Company
3. What is Your Position With Your Company
4. What Does Your Company Do…
5. What makes You or Your Company Unique
6. You Should Do Business With Me Because…
7. Chamber Member (X) Recommends Me
8. A Good Business Lead For Me Is…

More information: Skokie Chamber



Kentucky Chamber: Unfunded Pension Liability: How bad is it?

If all 4.3 million Kentuckians were asked to pitch in to fix the 36 billion pension deficit, it would take $8,268 from every man, woman and child in the Commonwealth.

A July 2015 report by the Pew Charitable Trusts compared state pension funding levels for all 50 states. (The Public Sector Retirement Systems Project at Pew annually tracks state pension funding and has advised the Kentucky General Assembly on pension reform.) Kentucky ranked 49 out of 50 states—only Illinois ranked lower. The report found the national average state pension funding level to be 71.8%. Kentucky’s combined funding level for all its systems was only 44.2%.

To put this in a different perspective: Kentucky’s total unfunded pension liability of $36.4 billion in FY 2015 was more than three and a half times the total General Fund tax revenue the state collected in that entire year. More Information: Kentucky Chamber

News and Tribune a finalist for One Southern Indiana awards

Wendy Dant Chesser

The News and Tribune is a finalist for one of One Southern Indiana's annual business awards.

One Southern Indiana — the chamber of commerce and economic development organization for Clark and Floyd counties — on Wednesday announced finalists for the 2015 “ONE” Awards and invited members to vote for their favorite businesses. The ONE Award is a reinvention of the Southern Indiana Business Awards and recognizes the finest 1si member in one of four categories, according to a press release.

The News and Tribune, with offices in New Albany and Jeffersonville, is a finalist for Business of the Year with 50 or fewer employees.

The finalists were chosen by an independent panel of judges and were selected based on criteria of business history, community involvement, response to adversity, newly created opportunities and innovation in products or services.

Members of the community will have an opportunity to cast their vote for the business they think is most deserving by clicking here.

Online voting ends Tuesday, Feb. 16, at noon and will count for 10 percent of the nominees’ final score. Winners will be announced at the event March 17 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at Huber’s Orchard, Winery and Vineyard’s Plantation Hall in Starlight. Tickets for the event are on sale.

“This year’s event is going to be special,” said Wendy Dant Chesser, president and CEO of 1si in the release. “Our members have input on our awards through online voting, which can change the leader boards significantly. Our goal is to provide an event in which the audience both participates and has a stake. Read more: News and Tribune

Culpeper Chamber of Commerce: Your Chamber Investment helps to Plant a "Business Friendly Forest"

By Debbie Stohlman on January 18, 2016

I have always had a special place in my heart for trees. I love all trees; the varieties that remain evergreen as well as those that turn beautiful colors each autumn. My childhood backyard was filled with majestic oak trees draped with moss, scattering acorns everywhere. I loved them as well, even while admiring from afar with my arm in a cast after falling from a branch a bit too high.  Trees are amazing things; beginning as an acorn or the smallest seed, over time – if conditions are right – they will grow strong and tall.

Recently, someone shared a quote with me on an unusually busy day at the office. With the proliferation of social media, we all frequently receive the multi-forwarded email that contains interesting tidbits, nuggets of wisdom, and inspirational quotes. Mostly, I quickly read them and hit the delete button. However, from time-to-time, there is gold to be mined in those emails.  The quote I’m mentioning here seemed to be exactly what I needed to hear that day – “It is a wise man that plants a tree under whose shade he will never sit”- a powerful affirmation to be sure. I was drawn into it pondering what message the originator was trying to convey. Read more: Culpeper Chamber

Mississippi Economic Council: ‘Excelerating’ state focus of luncheon

— From what he called the best view in Mississippi, Blake Wilson of the Mississippi Economic Council painted a picture of economic improvement in the state. The president and CEO of the state’s chamber of commerce presented a vision for prosperity Tuesday during a luncheon at the Hotel Vue. In laying out MEC’s vision, Wilson started out by polling the audience on whether the audience believed their children or grandchildren would be able to remain in Mississippi to find good paying jobs. The vote was close, but 48 percent said yes, compared to 44 percent believing the future good jobs are still out of the state.

“That’s a major improvement from five years ago, and it’s the same across the state,” Wilson said. “About 62 percent thought their children or grandchildren would have to leave. “You can see that people are feeling more positive about the economy than they were five years ago. Still, 44 percent is high, and we’re going to have to work on that.”

The MEC focused on a top two — workforce and transportation — to bring the state up. Wilson presented four priorities to go with those focuses: Excelerate Mississippi, appointed superintendents, phasing out the franchise tax and increased workforce funding. Wilson said Mississippi’s state, county and city roadways are crumbling and the bridges are dangerous.

With Excelerate Mississippi, the MEC has studied the impact of every driver of the registered vehicles in Mississippi paying 37 cents a day, which would add to a $1.45 in savings over time through car maintenance. It would also be enough to fix the problem with the roads. Read more: Natchez Democrat

Rapid City Area Chamber of Commerce 2016 Community Guide & Membership Directory

The Rapid City Area Chamber of Commerce 2016 Community Guide & Membership Directory is available at the Rapid City Chamber today! Thanks to Linda Rabe, Kristina Simmons and the chamber team for their help and direction 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.

Cornerstone Alliance, Cornerstone Chamber Of Commerce Honor Businesses

The area’s top businesses and executives are basking in their awards from Cornerstone Alliance and the Cornerstone Chamber of Commerce. The organizations held their annual Business Recognition meeting as a breakfast meeting for the first time today at the Mendel Center on the campus of Lake Michigan College. Colson Group USA received the Manufacturing/Distribution Large Business Award from Cornerstone Alliance, Pero Family Farms Food Company LLC was honored with the Food Processing Large Business Award, and former LMC President Dr. Bob Harrison received the Merlin Hanson Exemplary Business Leader Award. Cornerstone Chamber of Commerce named United Federal Cedit Union its Large Business of the Year, with the Entrepreneur of the Year awards going to Whightman & Associates and Lindberg/MPH.

Here is the full list of awards from both organizations.

Cornerstone Chamber of Commerce:

SILVER STAKE AWARD WINNERS
Silver Stake Award winners have either created 25 new jobs, or increased sales or unit volume by 25%, or expanded their facilities by 10%, or increased capital investment by at least $100,000. The Silver Stake recipients were:
• Prism Environmental Services
• B&L Information Systems

GOLD STAKE AWARD WINNERS
Gold Stake Award winners have either created 50 new jobs, increased sales or unit volume by 50%, expanded facilities by 25% or increased capital investment by at least $200,000. The Gold Stake recipients were:
• Pearson Construction Company
• LakeHouse Restaurant & Bar

PLATINUM STAKE AWARD WINNERS
Platinum Stake Award winners either created 100 new jobs, increased sales or unit volume by 100%, expanded facilities by 50%, or increased their capital investment by at least $300,000. The Platinum Stake recipients were:
• Zoup!
• Williamson Employment
• Mid-West Family Broadcasting
• Abonmarche Consultants Inc
• Honor Credit Union
• JohnsonRauhoff
• United Federal Credit Union
• Elwood Staffing
• Wightman & Associates, Inc.
• Mosquito Squad of Southwest Michigan
• OnStaff USA
• Express Employment Professionals

ENTREPRENUER OF THE YEAR AWARD
The 2015 Entrepreneur of the Year Award (Manufacturing Sector) recognized Lindberg/MPH
Lindberg/MPH, a division of parent company Thermal Product Solutions, LLC supplies capital equipment to a diverse customer base representing automotive, aerospace, defense, materials processing, die casting, electronics, commercial heat treating, agriculture and transportation. Read more: WSJM

Fox Cities Chamber Event: Wisconsin Select 401(k) to launch Tuesday

Wisconsin Select 401(k) Program will launch Tuesday with a 10 a.m. presentation at Riverview Gardens Community Center, 1101 S. Oneida St.

The retirement plan platform was created with the goal of keeping investment fees and careers in Wisconsin. It’s an employer-sponsored retirement plan that uses in-state investment managers, administrators, advisors and plan fiduciaries.

“Wisconsin employers are currently sending nearly $3 billion a year to Wall Street firms when we could easily keep much of this revenue in our state,” said Mark Scheffler, CEO of the Appleton Group, the investment firm that is the program’s sponsor and plan fiduciary.

Tuesday’s event is co-hosted by the Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Read more: Post Crescent

Town Square Publications Chamber of Commerce Membership Directories and Community Profiles

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