Deadline for Orion Area (Michigan) Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Resumes Extended Until February 26, 2016; Hampton Roads Chamber CEO Bryan K. Stephens: The Case for GO Virginia; EMBDC Awards: Students Make It to Head of the Class; New Bowling Green chairman takes gavel at chamber dinner; Chamber interest: Elkhart company expanding in Mishawaka; Greater Beloit Chamber Ambassadors grant: Caritas offering new services; New Lenox Chamber of Commerce Partnership: State of the Village Address

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

Deadline for Orion Area (Michigan) Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Resumes Extended Until February 26, 2016

As you know, Alaina is leaving the Chamber in March to begin her position with Urban Air and Legacy Center. We have begun the search for her replacement. To fill this position, we are seeking a full-time Executive Director. The salary range offered is $37,000 to $45,000 depending on experience. If you are interested in this position, apply here. Application and assessment must be completed by February 26, 2016. See job description for detailed information.

Executive Director Job Description

Hampton Roads Chamber CEO Bryan K. Stephens: The Case for GO Virginia

Bryan K. Stephens

WHILE THE NATION’S economy is rebounding from the recent recession, the economic recovery in Virginia — and Hampton Roads, in particular — has been sluggish. A recent Old Dominion University report showed Hampton Roads’ gross regional product, once growing faster than the national GDP, has flat-lined. Among major metropolitan areas, Hampton Roads grew only 0.46 percent in the past year. That’s less than a third the rate in Richmond, and far below comparable cities like Jacksonville, Fla., or Nashville, Tenn.

Many of the economic pressures facing our region result from our long-standing overdependence on federal spending. More than 40 percent of the regional economy is driven directly or indirectly by national defense. With sequestration and federal budget uncertainty, that spending is decreasing in Hampton Roads, causing job cuts and economic stagnation.

Clearly, we must better leverage our regional assets through economic diversification. Only by attracting new private businesses in growing sectors will we improve our economy.

Recognizing that Virginia is a diverse state, with economic challenges and opportunities that vary from region to region, leaders in business, government and education teamed up to announce the creation of “GO Virginia,” a bipartisan grassroots initiative to provide state incentives for private-sector focused collaboration and innovation. GO Virginia calls for a bottom-up approach in which each region identifies the highest priority opportunities. Read more: The Virginian-Pilot

EMBDC Awards: Students Make It to Head of the Class

Some local students were recognized for their outstanding work in the career and technical fields Tuesday.

The East Mississippi Business Development Corporation presented its Head of the Class awards to students at Ross Collins Career and Technical Center.

The two students chosen were designated the best overall student and the most improved student.

"There is a great need in our workforce for students who are in career and technical programs," said Rob Smith, director at Ross Collins Career Center at Meridian High School. "And the inspiration the EMBDC is giving us through their awards really gives us the extra edge to promote and to be able to further the careers of these students." Read more: WTOK

New chairman takes gavel at chamber dinner

Ron Bunch

Outgoing chairman Adams recognized at annual event

The Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce’s 81st annual dinner Thursday at Sloan Convention Center was on a timer and set to music.

The chamber set a large digital clock at 50 minutes and quickly recognized outgoing chairman Tommy Adams and incoming chairman Mark Iverson, plus saw Warren County Judge-Executive Mike Buchanon swear in the new chamber officers and ambassadors.

The dinner ended with 43 seconds to spare.

Western Kentucky University’s Vocal Spirit a capella group provided transitions between various portions of the program, at one point serenading women chamber ambassadors and chair-elect Robbin Taylor while the women sat on stage.

During a recognition of Independence Bank, the men broke out in harmony to start “The Star-Spangled Banner,” ending with the company’s tag line “revolution.” Also honored during the spotlight segment were US Bank, M&L Electrical Inc. and Bluegrass Supply Chain Services.

The more than 600 guests heard outgoing chairman Adams thank chamber staff and members for support in 2015. The chamber had a banner year in 2015 with $943 million in capital investment and the creation of 1,040 jobs in southcentral Kentucky. The chamber also ended the year with 1,232 chamber partners, a record.

Adams said assuming chairmanship of the chamber in 2015 showed him how much he didn’t know about Bowling Green and Warren County. He met new acquaintances at ribbon-cuttings and “had a lot of fun” serving in the post, he told the dinner guests.

Adams said Charles Moore of Charles A. Moore Insurance introduced him to chamber activities years ago and encouraged him to get involved.

“Charlie Moore loved the chamber,” Adams said.

Adams participated in the gavel-passing ceremony with incoming chairman Iverson, and several past chairmen lined the front of the stage.

Adams expressed confidence in his successor.

“If you know Mark, the chamber is in good hands,” Adams said.

Iverson said he’s a blessed man who’s fortunate to live in Bowling Green and he receives compliments about Bowling Green from visitors. He said faith has brought him to his current place in life and he praises God “from whom all blessings flow.”

Iverson said Bowling Green and southcentral Kentucky benefit from what he called “a secret sauce.”

“It’s you!” he said, looking out in the audience. “You look to find solutions for the common good. I hope 2016 looks a lot like 2015.”

The chamber executive committee includes Ron Bunch, president and chief executive officer; Iverson, chairman; Taylor, chair-elect; Adams, past-chairman; and vice presidents Steve Davis, Joy Rogers, Dave Tatman and Eric Walker.

Chamber interest: Elkhart company expanding in Mishawaka

Patrick Industries, an Elkhart-based company that makes parts for recreation vehicles and manufactured housing, is poised to expand into a vacant building in Mishawaka.

The Mishawaka Common Council approved a tax abatement for Patrick Industries on Monday night.

According to council documents, Patrick Industries plans to spend $915,000 to buy new woodworking equipment and other technology to outfit a 99,000-square-foot building it will lease at 1241 E. 12th St. The company also is leasing an adjacent building, with 40,000 square feet of space, at 1141 E. 12th St.

The investment is expected to create 84 new jobs with an average wage, excluding benefits and overtime, of $16.91 per hour.

Patrick Industries' expansion is indicative of the growth the RV industry has experienced over the past few years.

The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association reported last month that RV companies shipped more than 374,000 units in 2015. That was the highest annual shipment total since 2006.

About four out of every five RVs are made in Indiana, according to the RVIA, and Elkhart County is the industry's hub. Some RV-related companies have opened facilities in Elkhart's neighboring counties in recent years to access available manufacturing space and different labor markets. The unemployment rate in Elkhart County is under 4 percent.

"Elkhart County continues to be the world center for that industry, and they have had to look out in all directions to expand," said Jeff Rea, president and CEO of the St. Joseph County Chamber of Commerce. "It shows how interconnected our regional economy is." Read more: South Bend Tribune

Greater Beloit Chamber Ambassadors grant: Caritas offering new services 

Caritas, 2840 Prairie Ave., has some exciting new arrivals including a new diaper bank, birthday bags and new website, Executive Director Donna Ambrose revealed recently.

Thanks to a $2,500 grant from the Stateline Community Foundation, Caritas now is offering a new diaper bank. Although Caritas would offer diapers from time to time in the past, it’s recently dedicated a full room to them.

“Lack of diapering is a serious health issue,” Ambrose said.

In addition to children getting diaper rash or risking infection if they are in their dirty diapers too long, many day cares require a full day’s supply of diapers. With a typical baby or toddler going through eight to 12 diapers a day, the need for diapers continues to be a struggle for many parents.

“If you are a single woman and don’t have enough diapers, you could get denied at day care and could lose your job,” Ambrose said. “It’s a very real threat for a lot of people.”

Cloth diapers are usually not realistic for those in poverty as laundromats won’t allow cloth diapers. In addition, many Caritas clients don’t have washing facilities in their homes. Furthermore, many day cares won’t accept cloth diapers.

Thanks to the diaper bank, clients will be able to obtain a package of diapers, wipes, diaper cream and other resources monthly. Parents can also provide two additional names of people to pick up diapers. Ambrose noted many grandparents are babysitting or even raising babies and small children.

Diapers will continue to be in strong need as the overwhelming majority of clients at Caritas are women. Caritas is partnering with Zonta Club of Beloit to transform the new diaper bank room into a gender neutral nursery.

Thanks to a $500 grant from the Greater Beloit Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors, Caritas now is offering birthday bags as well. Anyone with a child under age 10 who has a birthday within that month can select a bag with cake mix, frosting, cake mix flavor, candles, paper plates, cups, napkins and party favors.

“Birthday cakes are something people take for granted. It’s a little costly and above and beyond groceries for some,” Ambrose said. Read more: Beloit Daily News

New Lenox Chamber of Commerce Partnership: State of the Village Address

Date: February 25, 2016 Time: 7:00 AM - 10:00 AM

In an effort to better serve the needs of the business community, the Village of New Lenox and the New Lenox Chamber of Commerce will be partnering together on Thursday, February 25 on a State of the Village address.

Schedule of Events
7:00 AM - 7:30 AM     
Registration/Networking
A light breakfast will be provided

7:30 AM - 10:00 AM     
Presentation
Highlights: Redevelopment of Rt. 30, Metra Station, Nelson Road Extension, and more!
Q&A to follow

The event will be free to attendees, with opportunities for Chamber businesses to advertise in a program to be 
distributed at the event. Click here for advertising information. Read more: New Lenox Chamber 

Town Square Publications Chamber of Commerce Membership Directories, Community Profiles, Re-Location Guides and Custom Maps 

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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