Midwest Economic Growth Improved in February; Chamber good news: Elkhart community reacts to Concord Mall plan; Batavia Chamber Women in Business Event: “Essentials for your Business Toolbox - Integrate Your Social Media with your Marketing”; Green Lake County Chamber of Commerce 2016 Guide & Map; Michigan’s Twelfth Annual Small Business Awards Program Announces 2016 Winners; Chamber group: Hampton Roads young professionals support light rail expansion, survey says; Greater Beloit Chamber of Commerce Legislative luncheon planned at Glitz & Go; KYNDLE Brown Bag Series Lecture to Focus on Getting the Most Out of High Deductible Health Care Plan; Vicksburg-Warren County Chamber event: Mississippi helping entrepreneurs, retirees;

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



Midwest Economic Growth Improved in February

The Midwest Economy Index (MEI) moved up to +0.07 in February from –0.09 in January. The relative MEI fell to +0.54 in February from +0.73 in January. February’s value for the relative MEI indicates that Midwest economic growth was somewhat higher than what would typically be suggested by the growth rate of the national economy.

The MEI is a weighted average of 129 state and regional indicatormeasuring growth in nonfarm business activity from four broad sectors of the Midwest economy: 1) manufacturing, 2) construction and mining, 3) services, and 4) consumer spending. It encompasses the entirety of the five states in the Seventh Federal Reserve District (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, and Wisconsin). Read more; Chicago Fed

Chamber good news: Elkhart community reacts to Concord Mall plan

The Elkhart community is reacting to the redevelopment plans for Concord Mall. 

It’ll be transformed into an outdoor shopping dining and entertainment hub like nothing else in Michiana. 

Some are seeing dollar signs while others are upset about this change.

“It was great to hear it on the news yesterday night,” frequent shopper Bob Roche said.

Within the next two years, the mall will turn into the Concord Towne Center, with a $50 million renovation completely changing the layout of the mall from indoor to outdoor based, adding new shops and dining,

“I think it would be nice for the Concord Mall to grow and help the community,” Roche said.

That’s exactly what the Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce wants to happen.

“It will help. It adds another shopping corridor for residents also, for people who want to visit Elkhart,” Kyle Hannon, president of the Chamber of Commerce said.

Bringing those visitors in is a big goal for the Chamber of Commerce. Read more: ABC 57 News

Batavia Chamber Women in Business Event: “Essentials for your Business Toolbox - Integrate Your Social Media with your Marketing”


The Mission of the Batavia Women in Business is to provide networking, education and philanthropy opportunities for women in business.

We meet on the second Tuesday of every other month, on the even months, at various locations. The format is a luncheon with guest speakers on various topics of interest to people in business.

There is no fee to join the Batavia Women in Business if you are a Batavia Chamber of Commerce Member, and we are open to ALL chamber members. Participation is not limited to women only. Next event

April 12 • 11:30 - 1:00

Eagle Brook Country Club
2288 Fargo Boulevard
Geneva, IL 60134
Vision Force Marketing

Topic: “Essentials for your Business Toolbox - Integrate Your Social Media with your Marketing”
Read more: Batavia Chamber



Green Lake County Chamber of Commerce 2016 Guide & Map

The Green Lake County Chamber of Commerce 2016 Guide & Map is available at the Green Lake County Chamber! Thanks to the Green Lake County 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.

Michigan’s Twelfth Annual Small Business Awards Program Announces 2016 Winners

Nearly 60 businesses will be honored May 5^th during National Small Business Week; honorees
recognized for role in growing Michigan’s economy and creating jobs

MICHIGAN – Small business owners and supporters are coming from all across the state to show their support for Michigan’s growing companies on Thursday, May 5th at the Twelfth Annual Michigan Celebrates Small Business awards dinner.

“Michigan Celebrates Small Business embodies Michigan’s entrepreneurial spirit,” says Jennifer Deamud – Associate State Director of the Michigan Small Business Development Center. “The program shines an important spotlight on the success of Michigan’s small business community.  The awardees being honored have played a significant role in growing Michigan’s economy and creating jobs.”

Michigan Celebrates Small Business (MCSB) is the state’s premier awards program celebrating small business excellence. Over 60 businesses, including the 2016 Michigan 50 Companies to Watch, will be honored during the awards dinner. Awardees, guests, and small business supporters will gather for a cocktail reception, keynote speaker, and the awards dinner, which will be held at the Lansing Center in Lansing, MI.

The awards program will occur during National Small Business Week, May 1-7, drawing extra attention to Michigan’s role in stimulating the national and global economy.

The following companies will be honored at Michigan Celebrates Small Business:

·         Main Street USA Award: Mrs. Glee’s Foods, LLC – Hillman

·         Innovation Award: ContentOro – Ann Arbor

·         Government Contracting Award: Central Lake Armor Express, Inc. DBA Armor Express - Central Lake, MI

·         Michigan Small Business SCORE Counselor of the Year: Allen Wilson – Muskegon

·         Michigan Small Business SBDC Consultant of the Year: Denise Hansen – Escanaba

·         Michigan Small Business Exporter of the Year & Regional Winner: Firstronic LLC – Grand Rapids

·         Michigan Women Owned Small Business of the Year: Motawi Tileworks – Ann Arbor

·         Michigan Veteran Owned Small Business of the Year: Contract Professionals, Inc. – Waterford

·         Michigan Small Business Person of the Year: RB Construction Company – Sterling Heights

The following companies will receive the Michigan 50 Companies to Watch Award:

·         Advaita Corporation – Plymouth

·         Abcor Partners LLC – Holland

·         Afia Inc. – Ann Arbor

·         Millendo (previously Atterocor, Inc.) – Ann Arbor

·         Avomeen LLC – Ann Arbor

·         Banza LLC – Detroit

·         BizStream, Inc. – Allendale

·         Bromberg & Associates, LLC – Hamtramck

·         Cash n Carry Flooring LLC – Traverse City

·         DeNovo Sciences – Plymouth

·         Chester Limited Inc. – Orion

·         Clarity Communication Advisors – Southfield

·         Coastal Automotive LLC - Rochester Hills

·         Code Blue Corporation – Holland

·         Collage.com, Inc. – Brighton

·         RetailCapital, LLC – Troy

·         Energy Design Service Systems, LLC - Whitmore Lake

·         Firebolt Group Inc. – Wixom

·         foodjunky, Inc. – Detroit

·         Goldfish Swim School Franchising, LLC – Birmingham

·         Hayhoe Asphalt Paving LLC – Holt

·         Image Data Conversion, LLC – Saline

·         Inmatech, Inc. - Ann Arbor

·         Innereactive Media, LLC - Grand Rapids

·         IP Consulting Inc. – Kentwood

·         ITC, Incorporated – Holland

·         JMC Electrical Contractor, LLC - Clinton Township

·         Local Orbit, Inc. - Ann Arbor

·         Recruitment Management Consultants, LLC - East Lansing

·         MMI Engineered Solutions, Inc. – Saline

·         Modustri LLC - Grand Rapids

·         Mopec, Inc. - Oak Park

·         Mount Bohemia - Lac La Belle

·         Neuvokas Corporation – Ahmeek

·         Parjana® Distributions, LLC – Detroit

·         Public Lumber Company – Detroit

·         CJB&G LLC - East Lansing

·         Red Level Networks, LLC – Novi

·         RightAnswer.com, Inc. – Midland

·         RightBrain Networks - Ann Arbor

·         Service First Logistics Incorporated - Auburn Hills

·         Smart Bottoms Inc. – Ada

·         STEWART Industries LLC - Battle Creek

·         Three Speed Ales, LLC – Frankfort

·         The Service Professor, Inc. - Grand Rapids

·         Tome, Inc. - Royal Oak

·         Truscott Rossman Group, LLC – Lansing

·         Verdeterre Contracting, Inc. – Canton

·         Atriage Software LLC – Okemos

·         ZeroBase Energy LLC – Ferndale

“Having seen almost 500 percent growth in the past year, Smart Bottoms is honored and excited to be recognized as a 2016 Michigan 50 Company to Watch,” commented Christy Malone, President of Smart Bottoms Inc.  “We are grateful for the support the State of Michigan provides to its small businesses as we all work together to create more jobs and opportunities within the state.”

Tickets are available for $135 per person or attendees can reserve a table of eight for $900. Tickets can be purchased online at www.MichiganCelebrates.biz or by calling (800) 362-5461.

Michigan Celebrates Small Business is a partnership of the Michigan Small Business Development Center (Michigan SBDC), Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the Edward Lowe Foundation, Small Business Association of Michigan, the U.S. Small Business Administration and Chris Holman.

The Michigan SBDC is the managing partner of Michigan Celebrates Small Business in 2016. In the twelve year history of Michigan Celebrates, the Michigan SBDC was the managing partner ten of those years.

Michigan Celebrates Small Business is made possible with the generous support of PNC Bank, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, DTE Energy, Accident Fund, Clark Hill, Rehmann, Varnum Law, Michigan Credit Union League, Consumers Energy, and Dynamic Edge, Inc.

For more information regarding Michigan Celebrates Small Business contact Jennifer Deamud, Executive Director of Michigan Celebrates at the Michigan Small Business Development Center – deamudj@gvsu.edu or (616) 331-7482. More information: Michigan Celebrates Small Business

Chamber group: Hampton Roads young professionals support light rail expansion, survey says

tHRive, the young professionals group of the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce, overwhelmingly supports the light rail extension to Virginia Beach, according to a member survey.

The survey distributed via email and social media asked, "Do you support light rail expansion into Virginia Beach?" And 92.5 percent of 361 respondents said yes, according to a news release.

“THRIVE has heard from its members and can officially take a stance for the expansion of light rail,” tHRive Chairwoman Julia Rust said in a news release. “Our region is taking steps to create a better tomorrow and bringing light rail to Virginia Beach will be a huge step towards improving the region’s infrastructure. Extending across city borders establishes sustainable strategic growth initiatives, will enhance our quality of life and is one step closer to regionalism, all of which will benefit millennials.”

tHRive has 1,172 members. Young professionals between 21 and 39 years old can join for free. For more info, visit www.YPtHRive.org.  Read more: Daily Press

Greater Beloit Chamber of Commerce Legislative luncheon planned at Glitz & Go

BELOIT — A Legislative Luncheon with featured speaker U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan, D-Madison, will be held starting at 11:30 a.m. Monday at Glitz & Go, 3311 Prairie Ave.

The event is presented by the Greater Beloit Chamber of Commerce to give members an opportunity to get an update on legislative matters.

The cost for the event is $15 for chamber members and $25 for non-members. Read more: Beloit Daily News


KYNDLE Brown Bag Series Lecture to Focus on Getting the Most Out of High Deductible Health Care Plan

Capitalizing on your high deductible health care plan will be the focus of Kyndle's next Brown Bag Series lecture scheduled for Monday, March 28.

The presentation will be made by Jennie Bailey-Whitledge and Stacy Sorensen with Heritage Federal Credit Union.

Bailey-Whitledge has a bachelors degree from the University of Southern Indiana and over four years of experience in the financial services industry. She also has several years in the healthcare and insurance industries. Bailey-Whitledge resides with her family in Henderson County.

Stacy Sorensen has been with Heritage Federal Credit Union for over three years working as a Business Development Specialist and holds the designation of Certified Financial Counselor, specializing in consumer deposit and lending products and services, with an emphasis on Health Savings Accounts. Prior to joining the Credit Union Sorensen was employed in the advertising and insurance sales industries. Heritage Federal Credit Union serves Henderson County in Kentucky, Posey, Vanderburgh and Warrick Counties in Indiana. The Credit Union has been educating the community including individuals and businesses regarding Health Savings Accounts over the last several years. Read more: SurfKY.com

Vicksburg-Warren County Chamber event: Mississippi helping entrepreneurs, retirees


Mississippi is aspiring to become a place where entrepreneurs, retirees and communities can flourish.

Three representatives for the Mississippi Development Authority spoke at the monthly Vicksburg-Warren County Chamber of Commerce luncheon Wednesday at the Vicksburg Convention Center.

Deputy director of the asset development team Sonny Thomas described the work MDA does through its 17 divisions and what their objectives are for the state.


He said Glenn McCullough, executive director of the MDA, has a goal to outperform Mississippi’s neighboring states on a smaller budget.

“We get more bang for our buck,” Thomas said. “Their budget is almost double ours, but we are able to get out and do it. We’ve done it with a reduced workforce.”

The asset development team has worked to map Vicksburg’s assets as well as other communities in the state. The team’s newest mission is to develop an ambassador program working with local communities through Entergy, Tennessee Valley Authority and Mississippi Power.

- See more at:Vicksburg Post

Town Square Publications Chamber  Directories and Community Profiles

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. 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

Chamber Executive Mississippi Digest  

March, 2016

Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership Announces Total Resource Campaign

Duane O'Neill,
Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership

Duane O’Neill, President & CEO, Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership announces Alon Bee, Regions Bank as chairman of the Chamber’s first annual Total Resource Campaign. This 10-week revenue generating effort kicks off on February 9, 2016 to reach a goal of $480,000 by April 19, 2016. The Total Resource Campaign will create 20 teams of volunteers under the leadership of five Vice Chairs: Harry Walker, Trustmark National Bank; Joseph Moss, BancorpSouth; Johnny Maloney, Cowboy Maloney’s Electric City; Donna Sims, BankPlus and Noel Daniels.

These Vice Chairs recruit volunteers to market sponsorships to Chamber events and publications, while also seeking new members for the Chamber. The all-volunteer Campaign consists of more than 625 sponsorships available during the Campaign. Volunteers assist companies with choosing options best suited to meet the organization’s marketing needs.



“The TRC offers excellent exposure for companies both at the Chamber’s events and within our signature publications,” said Donna Sims, Chairman of the Board, Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership. Teams are currently being formed for the campaign.



“The Campaign is a great way for volunteers to meet our area’s top community leaders and business owners while working directly with many of the Chamber’s most dedicated leadership,” suggested Alon Bee, Chairman for the 2016 TRC, “so please call Debi Green, TRC Coordinator and Executive Director of Membership at 601-948-7575 to take advantage of this great opportunity to get involved.” Contact: Debi Green, Executive Director of Membership

dgreen@greaterjacksonpartnership.com, 601-948-7575

Mississippi Economic Council: ‘Excelerating’ state focus of luncheon

Blake Wilson, MEC

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

Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber Celebrates 28 Years of Leadership, Announces 2016 Class

Oxford, Miss. ‑‑ The Oxford‑Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce kicked off its 2016 class of the Leadership Lafayette program in January and will run through September. The program began in 1988 and celebrates 28 years of leadership with this year's class.

“I am very excited about this year’s program,” said Torie White, Leadership Lafayette chair. “They are a remarkable group, and we anticipate the work they will do through their projects will enrich our community. We are also eager to see them use their skills to get involved in different facets of the community beyond the program.”

  

The 2016 class includes: Cade Clanton, Hayden Fiduciary Management Firm; Reggie Clayton, Titanium Services, LLC; Lisa Coleman, The Salvation Army; Seth Gaines, City of Oxford Park Commission; Allison Garner, FNC, Inc.; Chris Glaze, KNS Medical, Inc.; Mike Gooch, Baptist Memorial Hospital NM; Amy Goodin, Boys and Girls Club of North MS; Alison Green, Oxford School District; Amy Hartley, BancorpSouth Mortgage; Campbell Helveston, FNB Oxford Bank; Caitlin Hopper, Yoknapatawpha Arts Council; Laura Martin, McLean Institute for Public Service and Community Engagement; Jason McCormick, University of Mississippi; Hardie Meeks, Oxford Police Department; Andy Miller, Trustmark National Bank; Emery Newsom, Baptist Memorial Hospital NM; Nikki Paine, The Oxford Eagle; Rebecca Phillips, The University of MS Museum; Meredith Pittman, The Second Line; Cassidy Shoemake, TeleSouth Communications; Nathan Smith, Visit Oxford; Lee Ann Stubbs, Visit Oxford; Cory Swain, Dex Media; Ward Toler, CSpire; Corey Ussery, Lee Family Dental; Deetra Wiley, University of Mississippi.

This nine-month course is designed to ensure the continuity of leadership in the Lafayette‑Oxford‑University community. The class training builds community leaders through shared knowledge, skills and experience. The program emphasizes developing leadership skills through activities promoting community awareness, team building and project development.

Objectives of the Leadership Lafayette Program are to: (1) Identify potential community leaders; (2) Develop individual leadership potential; (3) Acquire knowledge about community and current issues in Lafayette County; (4) Create dialogue and rapport among participants and current community leaders; (5) Provide opportunities to network with alumni of prior Leadership Lafayette programs; and (6) Promote a sense of “community” through shared efforts benefiting the local community.

“The Leadership Lafayette steering committee has been diligently working on details of the program, planning the sessions, speakers and agendas,” said Pam Swain, Leadership Lafayette program administrator and Senior Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce. “These volunteers have been through this program and similar programs and have spent countless hours ensuring that each session is of great value and interest to the class.” More information: pam@oxfordms.com • www.oxfordms.com

Chamber Note from Rex Richards, President, Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce:

Rex Richards, Valparaiso Chamber

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 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

Chamber interest: Lauderdale County looking for right fit in administrator

 The Lauderdale County Board of Supervisors has hired a Tupelo-based marketing firm to assist the board in its search for a new county administrator.

    The Pace Group was selected Feb. 1 to head up the search for a replacement for former county administrator David Engel, who left last October after 14 months on the job. Engel returned to his previous position with the Brandon accounting firm of Fortenberry & Ballard where he worked for eight years.

    Board president Joe Norwood gave a laundry list of requirements in the search for Engel's replacement.

    "We're looking for a person who is a good fit for Lauderdale County. We feel like our future is ahead of us," Norwood said. "We're looking for someone who has a vision and understands economic development. We're looking for a person with honesty and integrity, a self-starter kind of person. That person should have a good work ethic, be a good listener and someone who is fair. We're looking for a person who can work with economic development people in attracting industry."

    Norwood said the candidate for the position must be uniquely qualified.

    "We're looking for someone who is able to understand the quality of life and help develop relationships with other entities in other counties," Norwood added. "We're looking for a well-rounded person who has a financial background and one who understands the role of county government. They will need to have good people skills."

    Norwood said he hoped supervisors would have a finalist selected within the next 60 to 90 days.

    "We thought David Engel did a good job," Norwood said. "We thought he was the best candidate for the job at the time we hired him."

    John Lovorn, CEO of the Pace Group, hopes to present at least five finalists to the board. The Pace Group found East Mississippi Business Development Corp. CEO Bill Hannah. Read more: Meridian Star

#BestChamber practices: East Mississippi Business Development Corporation (EMBDC) Recognizes February Ambassadors of the Month

Meridian, MS - The East Mississippi Business Development Corporation (EMBDC) recently presented its February Ambassadors of the Month awards to three very deserving participants. In first place was Sonya Scarbrough with BankPlus, second place went to Casey Hendricks with The Montgomery Institute, and third place went to Derron Radcliff with MSU Riley Center.

This committee of dedicated volunteers assists with numerous membership activities and events throughout the year including ribbon cuttings and ground breakings conducted by the EMBDC. They work to secure new members and increase membership retention by building relationships and maintaining communication with existing and prospective members. This group consists of a limited group of people. The EMBDC would be unable to do all that it does without these dedicated volunteers. To find out more about becoming an Ambassador for your community, contact the EMBDC at 601-693-1306. More information: Casey Holladay, Events Coordinator, East Mississippi Business Development Corporation

Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors Program enters 5th year, Membership at highest support ever

Oxford, MS— The Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce is excited to be in the midst of its fifth year of the LOU Ambassadors program.  The LOU Ambassadors are a prestigious group of individuals from the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce member investors who volunteer to enhance communication between the Chamber staff/Board and its membership.  More importantly, the Ambassadors are vital links in helping the Chamber understand the needs of its membership.

Ole Miss Athletics, a major community partner to the Chamber of Commerce and the Oxford community, has taken the lead again this year in being the Chamber’s sponsor of the Ambassador Program.  They will present this year's Ambassador of the Year with two 2016 season football tickets at the Chamber's annual banquet later this Spring.

Front row: Shannon Ferguson, Nikki Paine, Laura Woods, Hannah Mayo, Jessica Windham, Lisa Coleman, Sharon Grace, Michael Williamson, Ashley Roberts, Nicole List, Tami Tacke, Michele McCay, Jennifer Woodard, Shelton Elwood, Mollye Lee, Torie White.  Back row: Emily Scheuer, Matthew Copp, Dawn Boutwell, Cassidy Shoemake, Katie Kaiser,  Not pictured: Matt Bishop, Aaron Craig, Justin Ramsey, and Erin Smith.

The program offers members an opportunity to represent their business while networking at Chamber functions and events, simultaneously increasing business’ visibility and exposure in the community. LOU Chamber Ambassadors are the official representatives of the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce throughout the community. Their responsibilities include participation in a variety of programs, projects and activities, including: attending ribbon cutting events, networking events, mixers and other Chamber functions throughout the year.  Additionally they are assigned a list of Chamber members whom they keep in close contact with and help maximize the members' investment in the Chamber.

The Ambassadors for the 2016 year are as follows: Tami Tacke, LOU Ambassadors Chair, with Mechanics Bank; Matt Bishop, Shelter Insurance; Dawn Boutwell, Alfa Insurance; Lisa Coleman, The Salvation Army; Matthew Copp, MRC Landscape Architecture; Aaron Craig, Rex Sports; Shelton Edwood, McDonalds; Shannon Ferguson, Regions Bank; Sharon Grace, Grace Realty Group of Oxford; Katie Kaiser, Visit Oxford; Mollye Lee, The Home Lending Group; Nicole List, Courtyard Marriot; Hannah Mayo, Mayo Eye Center; Michele McCay, Rodan + Fields; Nikki Paine, The Oxford Eagle; Justin Ramsey, BancorpSouth; Ashley Roberts, Office of Judge Howorth; Emily Scheuer, FNC, Inc.; Cassidy Shoemake, Telesouth Communications; Erin Smith, Ear, Nose and Throat Consultants; Torie White, University of Mississippi Alumni Association; Michael Williamson, BancorpSouth; Jessica Windham; Jennifer Woodward, Oxford University Bank; Laura Woods, Roberts Wilson, PA. 

“The Ambassador Program is comprised of business and individual members of our Chamber and they play a critical role in maintaining strong relationships with our members and fostering a welcoming environment where they can make lasting business connections,” stated Pam Swain, Chamber Senior Vice President. "We are thrilled to have this active group communicating daily with our members and helping them to get the most out of their membership investment and benefits."

“A point system was created to track each Ambassador’s volunteer hours. Each quarter the Ambassador with the most points is recognized as the Ole Miss Athletics Ambassador of the Quarter. At the end of the Chamber’s fiscal year the Ambassador with the most points will be presented the Ole Miss Athletics Ambassador of the Year Award, which will be announced at the Chamber's Annual Meeting.  In addition, Ole Miss Athletics will award the winner with two season tickets to the 2016 Ole Miss Football Season,” explained Tami Tacke, LOU Ambassador Chairman.

For more information about the LOU Ambassadors contact Maggie McDaniel at the Oxford – Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce at 662-234-4651 or go to www.oxfordms.com .

Chamber partnership: Jackson-area groups join high-tech initiative

The White House has named Jackson a new TechHire community, making it part of the administration’s initiative to better train people for high-tech jobs.

Jackson was among 15 community partnerships recently joining the initiative. The White House made the announcement Tuesday.

The effort, launched in March last year, is part of the administration’s efforts to expand jobs, particularly in the higher-paying technology industry. Technology jobs pay about 50 percent more than average private-sector jobs, said Jacob Leibenluft, deputy director of the National Economic Council.

“Too many Americans think these jobs are out of their reach,’’ Leibenluft said. “Today’s announcements are about positioning ourselves to build a pipeline of talent equipped to fill these jobs.’’

Jackson-area groups, including local colleges, will team up to train people for 250 high-tech jobs this year. The goal is to increase that to 1,000 by 2020, the administration said.

Technology jobs, particularly in health care, are in growing demand, said Jonathan Barnett, coordinator for Jobs for Jacksonians, a citywide initiative aimed at helping people get into the workforce.

While the local economy has made strides since the recession, there's a pressing need to expand employment opportunities for potential workers, Barnett said.

“We want to provide an environment for them to flourish,'' he said. "We believe that this TechHIre initiative is a step in the right direction.’’

In addition to Jobs for Jacksonians, the partners include the city of Jackson, Working Together Jackson, the Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership of Mississippi, Hinds Community College and Jackson State University.

The groups plan to model their effort after a program started last fall by the city and Hinds Community College. That program trains people in construction and manufacturing. Read more: Hattiesburg American

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

Rule #84 If we can't afford a planning session, the last one failed.

Business is just like baseball; we have to regroup and review (Winter Meetings) and we have to retreat (Spring Training) before our busiest time (Regular Season.)

Spring Training is a time for trying out new players in baseball and new ideas in business. It's a time to see where rookie players and rookie volunteers fit it best.

Spring Training is a time for renewal. Don't let it pass you by. Chamber Mentor

New Arrival: New Castle-Henry County Chamber of Commerce 2016 Community Map 

The New Castle-Henry County Chamber of Commerce 2016 Community Map is available at the New Castle-Henry County Chamber today! Thanks to Missy Modesitt, Mary Campbell 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. 

#Chamber project: Hancock Port wins award

The Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission is the winner of the Mississippi Economic Development Council’s 2015 Community Economic Development Award for its new marketing materials and rebranding.

The new brand identity — Hancock: Port, Air and Space — features a new logo and tagline that promotes the Commission’s scope and purpose. The Hancock Chamber of Commerce managed the rebranding project and Marketing Alliance of Jackson developed the marketing materials.

The website — portairspace.com — targets industrial prospects and site selection consultants for businesses looking to build, relocate or expand.

The site includes information about industrial sites and buildings at Stennis International Airport, Port Bienville and Stennis Space Center, as well as demographics, transportation assets, education and training resources and quality of life information. Read more: Mississippi Business

Mississippi public universities partner with business groups to launch MBEN

Commissioner of Higher Education Dr. Glenn Boyce has announced the launch of the Mississippi Business Engagement Network, an initiative to connect business and industry to the wealth of university assets housed within Mississippi Public Universities. The initiative has a website, msben.com, to facilitate these connections.

“The Mississippi Business Engagement Network serves as a way for business leaders, economic developers and site selectors to collaborate with our universities, said Dr. Glenn Boyce, Commissioner of Higher Education. “The website was created to provide answers and make connections in a quick and easy manner.”

The Mississippi Business Engagement Network is designed to connect business leaders and economic developers with all of the resources, experts and research capabilities within Mississippi Public Universities and help develop, grow and sustain collaborative relationships between the business community and the university system.

“Connecting Mississippi businesses to the assets within our universities is vitally important – especially the asset of our talented students,” said Blake Wilson, President & CEO of the Mississippi Economic Council. “Working with MEC’s Leadership Mississippi Program, MBEN developed a unique internship program to allow students to gain real-world knowledge of the workplace, as well as provide employers an opportunity to work with the future business leaders of our state.” Read more: Mississippi Business Journal

Oxford-Lafayette Chamber of Commerce Lunch and Learn Series: Chick-fil-A Vice President, Corporate Talent speaks to Oxford-Lafayette Chamber members

Dee Ann Turner shares stories and values behind the success of Chick-fil-A.  

 Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce members got the opportunity to listen to Chick-fil-A's Vice President, Corporate Talent, Dee Ann Turner during a Lunch and Learn on Wednesday.

This was Turner’s first visit to Oxford. While visiting she shared her stories both from working with the company for thirty years and her new book “It’s My Pleasure.”

“I’ve appreciated so much getting to know the people in Oxford,” Turner said.

“I hope that the opportunity I have had to share the principles in “It’s my pleasure” and from the principles that Truett Cathy instilled in Chick-fil-A that other businesses and their culture in town will be strengthened.”

Turner educated the Chamber members on the importance of Chick-fil-A’s values. She told them that Truett Cathy always told her “people decisions are the most important decisions to make” and “we are in the people business, not the chicken business.”

She also expressed the elements of a compelling culture in Chick-fil-A and how these elements can relate to any organization. The first was purpose, every business needs to know why they are in business she said. Secondly, having a mission, what does a business want to accomplish?

The third element was the creation of core values. Finally Turner said having guiding principles was the last element to a compelling culture in Chick-fil-A.

Turner also answered two rumors circling on social media about Chick-fil-A. First, Chick-fil-A will go public and secondly they’ll be open on Sundays. She confirmed that both of these rumors are not true. 

Rosie Vassallo, receptionist and administrative assistant at the chamber was excited to listen to Turner.

“I was really excited when we heard she was coming,” Vassallo said. “For her to come and be able to visit with us and give us the stories of how they’ve grown it was just remarkable.”

For more information on Dee Ann Turner, visit her website http://www.deeannturner.com/its-my-pleasure/. For more information contact: Maggie McDaniel, PR Intern, Oxford-Lafayette Chamber of Commerce Tel: 706-536-8092; Email: mhmcdani@go.olemiss.edu

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

A 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

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”

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Last Month’s Stories

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

East Mississippi Business Development Corporation President Optimistic About Future WTOK.com

Dickie Scruggs appeals to local chamber to help state’s dropouts Daily Journal

East Mississippi Business Development Corporation recognizes January ambassadors Meridian Star

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!

This Week is Visit Oxford's Third Oxford Restaurant Week 

Mississippi good news: South Carolina praises Continental Clarion Ledger

Mississippi public universities partner with business groups to launch MBEN Mississippi Business Journal

Former Mississippi Economic Council's Chairman Jack Reed was the ‘conscience’ of state’s business community Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal

Selling Mississippi — Swoope’s varied experience key to MEDC leadership post Mississippi Business Journal

#BestChamber Practices: Hancock County Chamber Testimonials

Chamber Chuckle - Wacky Wednesday Weirdest Chamber Requests

“Where do I buy goldfish?”

Leadership Lafayette class of 2016 name Oxford Eagle

Petal Area Chamber of Commerce to hold multiple ribbon-cuttings this week. Hattiesburg American

#BestChamber Practices - Natchez Adams County Chamber website - Services & Benefits Natchez-Adams County Chamber

#FamousChamber of Commerce Quotations: (Volunteers)

Volunteers are paid in six figures... S-M-I-L-E-S.    ~Gayla LeMaire

If you would like delivery of a new gloss Chamber directory or gloss community map in  September/October 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.