Chamber Executive Indiana Digest February, 2016

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

Valpo Chamber and Indiana Commerce heads pitch Northwest Indiana in Chicago

Moving a business to Indiana can result in big cost savings, Secretary of Commerce Victor Smith told a crowd Wednesday at the Real Estate Publishing Group's Commercial Real Estate Forecast in Chicago's Loop.

How big?

Hoist Liftruck, which recently relocated its forklift manufacturing operations from Bedford Park to East Chicago, told Smith it expected to save $1,000 a year per worker on workman's compensation costs alone.

"Do the math," Smith said. "With 500 workers, figure out how much accumulated cash that would add to a balance sheet over a decade. That's generational money."

Indiana currently has the second lowest workman's comp expenses in the nation but should have the lowest next year, after Indiana paid $320 million into it, he said.

Smith, the Northwest Indiana Forum and other local economic development officials spoke at a private luncheon, which was attended by dozens of developers, site selectors and commercial real estate brokers. They had just listened to Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner and others at the conference event itself, which attracted hundreds of real estate developers from all over Chicagoland.

Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce President Rex Richards talked up his city, highlighting how it recently won Google's eCity award, landed a $270 million Pratt plant, and has $2 million in cash reserves.

"(Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner) talked earlier about how he was trying to build that culture," Richards said. "Well, we've been living that culture." Read more: NWITimes

Crossroads Regional Chamber interviewing couples for Marriage Mill wedding

The Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce hosts the annual Marriage Mill wedding on June 17 and is looking for one couple to get married.

The casual ceremony is at 6 p.m. at the bottom of the stairs in front of the historic Old Lake County Courthouse. The couple is treated to a reception in the rotunda in the lower level of the courthouse, where guests are served complimentary cake and sparkling juice.

The newlyweds receive a one-night stay and breakfast at the Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza.

Prospective couples who would like to be interviewed for the wedding should contact Lee Hartsell at lee@crossroadschamber.org or call (219) 769.8180. Read more: NWI Times

Important note to share from Jim Baumann, Executive Director of the Boyne City, Michigan Chamber of Commerce:

(Hi John), Wondering if you might post this on your blog or a future newsletter?

Would you like to live and work in a cool little town - Boyne City, population 3,700, in Northern Michigan? Your office would be in a log cabin on the waterfront of Lake Charlevoix. Jim Baumann has had this great job for nearly 8 years and will be retiring in early November. We're looking for my replacement and would like to start interviewing in March so the new person could work with me for awhile during a transition period. You'd also get to hire your own Associate Director - we're holding the position open with some part-time people for awhile. That's the staff - two. Budget is $150k, healthy reserve fund, 360 members, great board, great community where everyone works well together. Job description: http://bit.ly/1nv1eDb

Thanks!

Jim Baumann

Glick Fund Grant will Support Indy Chamber's Small Business Growth Push

The Indy Chamber's Business Ownership Initiative (BOI) has received a $114,250 grant from The Glick Fund, a fund of the Central Indiana Community Foundation, both organizations announced today. BOI and the Indy Chamber's Entrepreneur Services division offer an array of resources for the region's small and start-up enterprises, including microlending, technical assistance and educational programs, and free one-on-one coaching in English and Spanish for business owners.  

The Glick Fund grant will help BOI implement a system for tracking the success of these services, measuring their economic impact in business survival and growth rates, job creation, new capital investment and more. Remaining funds will support coaching for small employers and entrepreneurs. BOI coaches have provided more than 4,000 hours of free expertise to local companies since 2013. 

"The Glick Fund's continued commitment to our small business community has been truly transformative," said Carrie Henderson, president of BOI. "There's an old business adage that 'you can't manage what you can't measure' - this grant will help us measure our efforts and make a bigger difference for the homegrown companies that drive most local employment and investment." 

The latest gift from the Glick Fund - a longtime supporter of BOI and the Indy Chamber - comes as their microloan program is expanding through a new partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration. As an official SBA microlending intermediary, BOI has access to as much as $5 million in federal funds to make modest loans - typically in the low-five figures - to support young companies that may not meet typical banking standards or have connections to other capital sources. This potentially triples its current lending pool. Read more: Indy Chamber

Chamber interest: Elkhart County getting business court

Indiana is creating six new courts that will specialize in resolving the complex disputes that often arise involving some of the state’s businesses.

Elkhart County Superior Court 2 Judge Stephen Bowers will preside in a local commercial court pilot project along with judges in Allen, Floyd, Lake, Marion and Vanderburgh counties. The pilot project has been authorized by the Indiana Supreme Court.

Those judges will begin hearing cases June 1 in which the parties have agreed to have disputes resolved through the specialized docket.

“The pilot project has the potential to be helpful in the judicial system of Indiana to help all court users by improving court efficiency,” Bowers said. “It will allow business and commercial disputes to be resolved more efficiently. It will enhance the accuracy, consistency and predictability of decisions in business and commercial cases. This will help businesses by providing a fairer and faster result of business and commercial law disputes and enhance economic development in Indiana.”

Bowers said the cases will be handled in Superior Court 2 along with other cases on his calendar at the beginning of the program because there just isn’t enough cases or funds to keep one judge in each county just for business disputes.

Law clerks will need to be hired for the pilot program.

“I think in the short run, the law clerks will be contracted to work with specific commercial courts,” Bowers said. “I think it will be dealt with grants at the beginning.”

Greater Elkhart Chamber President/CEO Kyle Hannon said a fair, but streamlined court process for businesses will be very important for the business community.

“The easier it is for them to settle legal proceedings so they can get back to doing business helps the economy,” Hannon said. “Once we prove this process works, and it is shown that Elkhart County continues to be an excellent place to operate a business, that will eventually be another business-attraction tool.” Read more: Goshen News

Chamber Executive Ongoing Education Weekly New Idea: Get Out of Your Own Way by Robert Cooper

A Powerful Road Map for Surpassing Everyone’s Expectations

Break through your self-imposed limitations by learning how your own brain can be your biggest obstacle—or your greatest ally.

You’d expect your brain to be an always-reliable ally in your quest for a successful, satisfying life, but surprisingly the opposite is usually true. That’s because your brain is pretty much the same model your ancestors were using thousands of years ago when mere survival was everyone’s primary goal. It tells you now what it told them then: Play it safe. Avoid risk. Evade confrontation. Don’t venture outside the territory you already know. And never break the habits that have gotten you this far.

Coming at just the right time to help you deal with the growing demands of our pressure-packed, fast-changing world, Robert Cooper’s Get Out of Your Own Way helps you understand what’s going on in that head of yours. Once you know what really drives you, you can switch off the counterproductive parts of your brain, engage the helpful parts, and set out on the path to accomplishing what everyone else thinks you can’t. Based on more than two decades of worldwide research, Get Out of Your Own Way shows you the five keys for making the choices that let you engage and triumph over the realities of today’s world:

• Direction, not motion

• Focus, not time

• Capacity, not conformity

• Energy, not effort

• Impact, not intentions

Filled with wonderful stories—about everything from the note written by one of the author’s ancestors upon leaving Dublin for America in 1829 (“On the horizon is where hope lives . . . I am going there”) to the unlikely exploits of the world record–setting Jamaican bobsled team—this groundbreaking book confirms that the next frontier is not only ahead of you, it’s inside of you . . . and what everyone else thinks is impossible isn’t. Read more: Barnes & Noble

#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

Register Online

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

Chamber issue: IndyGo: Reliable Transit is 'Baseline Expectation'

The vice president of government relations with the Indy Chamber says the organization is very supportive of changes IndyGo is proposing to expand public transportation throughout the state's largest regional economy. Mark Fisher, who also serves on the board of the public transportation corporation, says the IndyGo Forward plan will boost the reach and access of the service and make it more convenient for the "people that make our city run." Public input sessions will begin Friday and run through the rest of the month.

He says a solid mass transportation system helps with talent attraction, as well as supports the existing work force. "Certainly, the Millennial generation is looking for more livable, walkable communities. They want to be able to live in a city and not necessarily have a car or maybe if they're in a dual-income household, maybe only have one car, so they're looking for some options, Fishers tells Inside INdiana Business. "It really is a baseline for Millennials as they're comparing cities." He believes a strong system is an expectation for the generation that has become the largest group in the work force. "It's not something that they are looking to go to a city and help build one up." Read more: Inside Indiana Business

Lake Zurich Chamber of Commerce 2016 Community Guide & Membership Directory

The Lake Zurich Area Chamber of Commerce 2016 Community Guide & Business Directory is available at the Lake Zurich Area Chamber today! Thanks to Dale Perrin 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 guide or publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633. 

Greater La Porte Chamber Of Commerce Awards Members, Welcomes Rep. Jackie Walorski To Speak At Annual Meeting

On Friday, the Greater La Porte Chamber of Commerce held their Annual Meeting at the Conference Center of the Best Western in La Porte near Pine Lake. At the meeting, the Chamber of Commerce presented members and guests with their 2015 Annual Report as well as Chamber awards for Ambassador of the Year and Business Person of the Year. Also featured at the event was an address from Representative Jackie Walorski from Indiana’s 2nd District.

“Today is our annual luncheon that’s required by our bylaws to hold an annual meeting and make a report about our activities this year,” said Chamber President, Michael Seitz. “We’re pleased to have Congresswoman Jackie Walorski as our featured speaker here today. In the last year and a half we’ve had the Governor, U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly, and now we have U.S. Representative Jackie Walorski.”

“Jackie is a longtime Hoosier,” Seitz said. “I’ve known her for around 25 years and she is dedicated to her career helping Hoosier families. She’s grateful to serve the people of Indiana’s 2nd District in the 114th Congress where she serves on the House Armed Services Committee, Veteran’s Affairs and the Agriculture Committee. Using some Hoosier common sense, Jackie welcomes the opportunity to work across the aisle to get our fiscal house in order and create American jobs.” Read more: LaPorte County Life

St. Joseph County CEO Jeff Rea: Do we expect too much from elected officials?

Our expectations of our elected and appointed leaders are great, and they should be. At the same time, I think those expectations can be unrealistic.

Do more with less. Fix that deficit but don’t cut those important things. Adjust to rising costs, but make sure it doesn’t cost more. Educate our kids. Fix our roads. Keep my neighborhood safe. Provide quality recreational opportunities at little to no cost. Make sure you’re open at hours that are convenient.

We see those expectations playing out in the daily news as the community wrestles with change. The sale of the Elbel Golf Course is a good example. The city has looked to sell the course that is outside the city and has been a drain on the city budget. Opposition has gathered to stop that action and opposes any sale or lease, though no plan includes revenue to fund any different path.

We’ve seen it play out in many other examples, ranging from bus routes to library hours, from after-school programs to vote centers, from police protection to 911 service. We demand great things from our government and from our schools. It costs money to deliver those things citizens demand. Read more: South Bend Tribune

Chamber Note from Rex Richards, President, Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce:
December 18, 2015
John, I want to thank you for an outstanding map which you produced for our Valpo Chamber.
In my 43 years as a CEO in the chamber field, it was the smoothest project I have ever seen done. You made all the deadlines, your print quality and cartography were second to none. And of course you paid us in exactly the time frame you said you would so we could count the Royalty Check towards our current year revenues.
Life is very good when dealing with Town Square Publications.
You have the right of first refusal on our next map. You are a great partner for our chamber, We are living proof that a printed map is still very much in demand by both advertisers and consumers.
It would be my pleasure to recommend Town Square Publications as a firm Chambers and Tourism Bureaus should use when considering a printed map or other print publication.
Sincerely,

Rex G. Richards CCE

President, Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Chuckle - Wacky Wednesday Weirdest Chamber Requests

“Where do I buy goldfish?”

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

Elkhart Truth Editorial: Elkhart must retain economic development position

The departure of Barkley Garrett, Elkhart’s economic development manager, provides Mayor Tim Neese with the opportunity to take a fresh look at how the city is working to attract and retain businesses. Since Neese is only one month into his term, and because he’s making changes in other departments, it’s certainly appropriate that he takes a look at Elkhart’s economic development efforts to see if there’s a need for change.

Under no circumstance should the city eliminate the position of economic development director. This is a key role that needs to be filled by an aggressive individual with a strong economic development background who will solely represent the city's interests.

Garrett, who held the post for six years, left Elkhart last week to take a job as executive director of the Southwestern Michigan Economic Growth Alliance, a nonprofit group that promotes economic development in that region.

With Garrett leaving, Neese said he plans to “re-evaluate” how the city pursues economic development, and he dropped hints about possible partnerships with the Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce or the Economic Development Corp. of Elkhart County.

There’s nothing wrong with talking to those entities and others about ways to work together to strategically pursue economic development in the city and region. In fact, better collaboration would likely play a key role in getting more businesses to start, relocate or grow in Elkhart.

However, the city needs someone whose sole job is to work with companies, developers and others to make the case that Elkhart is the right place for their businesses. The city needs an outgoing, proactive individual who is connected enough to know when developers and executives are at the early stages of searching for a place to do business, and will quickly pursue those projects as soon as they’re in the pipeline. Read more: Elkhart Truth

Nominations being accepted for Michiana Forty under 40

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2016 Michiana Forty under 40 class.

The 2016 honorees will represent the 10th Michiana Forty under 40 class, with 360 leaders already receiving recognition. (See the 2015 honorees)

The award shines a spotlight on 40 of the area's most talented young executives and professionals who demonstrate career success and community engagement.

Nominees should live and work in LaPorte, St. Joseph, Elkhart, Stark or Marshall counties in Indiana or Cass or Berrien counties in Michigan.

They should demonstrate: initiative and dedication in pursuing their career; proven success and achievement in their job/career; involvement in civic, charitable and/or religious organizations; passion for their community; and be under the age of 40 on May 6.

This program is an annual collaboration among the St. Joseph County Chamber of Commerce, the Young Professionals Network South Bend, Gates Automotive, Community Foundation of Elkhart County, the South Bend Tribune and other area partners. Read more: South Bend Tribune

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

#BestChamber Practices: La Porte Chamber of Commerce - Speed Networking Event

Join the Greater La Porte Chamber of Commerce at Open Door Coworking for a Speed Networking event! On February 11th, come to 1705 State Street at 5:00 p.m. for a chance to network with many people in a fun, exciting way.

This is a face-to-face networking event, giving attendees a chance for introductions and questions. Participants will speak one-on-one with other participants, switching spots after a set amount of time. Once the speed part is over, there will be time later for people to reconnect with those they wanted to talk to in more detail. Be sure to bring business cards so you can maintain new connections after the event.

A $5 donation is suggested for this event with proceeds going to the La Porte Jaycees. The Jaycees is an organization that provides leadership training opportunities for its members through the projects and programs the members plan, organize, and conduct in both the community and chapter. Both young women and men ages 18 through 41 are eligible to be members. Read more: La Porte Chamber

Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce president Jay Julian resigning

The leader of a pair of area economic development groups will leave his post in September.

Jay Julian, who has served as president and chief executive officer of the Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce since July 2009, is resigning to join his wife, Leisa, in Kansas. Leisa Julian was hired as the chief financial officer and vice chancellor at University of Kansas on Jan. 12 and will begin her post in mid-February.

"I've informed both (my boards) I'll be resigning at the end of our fiscal year," Jay Julian said. "I'll help launch our capital campaign and ... I'll stay here to help make for an easier transition for my successor."

Both the chamber and the city-county Economic Development Alliance, for which Julian is chief economic development officer, are expected to determine courses of action in the coming weeks.

Julian, a Marion native, said the capital campaign funds the alliance's Vision project and is a crucial part to the road map for the area's future. Read more: The Star-Press

Top Five Daily Postings in the last month at Midwest Chamber of Commerce blog – click to go there or Google search “Midwest Chamber of Commerce blog”

Virginia Peninsula Chamber Blockbuster Hire Penins... Jan 20, 2016	137
Happy Friday, Chamber World! It's going to be a GR... Feb 5, 2016	98
Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce Executives announces... Jan 21, 2016	83
Crossroads Regional Chamber interviewing couples f... Feb 8, 2016	79
Happy Friday Chamber World! Have a GREAT weekend! ... Feb 12, 2016	76

Last Month’s Stories

 

South Bend region one of three chosen for $42 million Indiana Regional Cities grant WNDU

Michigan City Chamber announces new leadership, Mary Jo Orlowski

Kosciusko County Chamber Has New Leader, Rob Parker Kosciusko County Chamber

Elkhart leaders applaud Regional Cities funding announcement during gathering at Lerner Theatre Elkhart Truth

Chamber Executive Ongoing Education Weekly New Idea: (Winter Reading) The Answer - Grow Any Business, Achieve Financial Freedom, and Live an Extraordinary Life Simon & Schuster

157 Rules for Executive Success in Organization Management (and your Chamber of Commerce) by Patrick McGaughey RULE #122    Think of inactive members as Patriots.

Greensburg Decatur County Chamber good news: Indiana continues lowest unemployment levels since 2001 Greensburg Daily News

St Joseph County Chamber Year in Review: Poised for even more progress in 2016 South Bend Tribune

Lakeshore Chamber event: Hoist Liftruck could employ up to 500 workers in East Chicago  NWI Times

Batesville Area Chamber serves as tourism hub Batesville Herald Tribune

Kelsie J. Holt Named Director Of Talent, Education & Workforce For Greater Bloomington Chamber Of Commerce WBIW.com

St Joseph County Chamber CEO Jeff Rea: TIF money helps us all South Bend Tribune

If you would like delivery of a new gloss Chamber directory or gloss community map in  August/September 2016, please contact me at your earliest convenience.

Best,

John

John Dussman | Chamber Manager
jdussman@tspubs.com | 847-427-4633 | Town Square Publications
Daily Herald Media Group
155 E. Algonquin Road | Arlington Heights, IL 60005

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If you know of a chamber news item  that you would like to be included in the CHAMBER EXECUTIVE INTELLIGENCE REPORT or the MIDWEST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE blog, please email me at jdussman@tspubs.com or call me at (847)-427-4633. Thank you.