Chamber
Executive Indiana Digest
March, 2016
Good morning Chamber world! Today is going to be a GREAT day!
Happy St. Patrick’s Day this week!
Indy Chamber announces export
assistance grant program supported by JPMorgan Chase & Co.
 |
| Mike Huber, Indy chamber |
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
Indiana Chamber Recognition: 2016 Best Places to Work in Indiana
Announced
 |
| Kevin Brinegar, Indiana Chamber |
Small companies
lead the way on the 2016 Best Places to Work in Indiana list, with nearly half
(48) of the 100 honorees coming from that category. More than a quarter (27) of
the honorees are making their debut or returning to the list after at least a
year’s absence.
“The companies
selected represent some of our most outstanding Hoosier employers. They embrace
the idea that a positive work culture that includes respect, communication,
opportunity and being part of a team not only makes it a place in which
employees want to work but also fuels the success of the company,” states
Indiana Chamber President Kevin Brinegar.
“We had our
highest number of applicants to date this time – 200 in total,” he relays.
“It’s becoming more competitive and we are glad to see that. Going forward, we
will continue to push for Hoosier businesses throughout the state to apply to
be considered.” Read more; see the list.
The actual
rankings for the companies will be unveiled at a May 5 awards dinner, presented in partnership with Hylant,
at the Indiana Convention Center (Sagamore Ballroom) in downtown Indianapolis.
 |
| Rex Richards, Valparaiso Chamber |
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
St.
Joseph County Chamber honors three local business leaders
 |
| Jeff Rea, St. Joseph Chamber |
I believe
that people don’t necessarily do the things they do for recognition or for
awards, but I think it is a nice thing when one’s peers recognize good works.
Last week the Chamber had an opportunity to do just that as we
recognized three individuals at our annual Salute to Business luncheon.
Larry Garatoni was presented with our W. Scott Miller Distinguished
Business Leader award, honoring an individual who demonstrates entrepreneurial
spirit, makes significant contributions to the area business environment and
shows personal involvement and commitment to the community.
Over the past 40 years, he has owned and managed 12-15 companies.
He built and operated health care-related facilities, he started or acquired
and served as the chief executive officer of several different software and
Internet sales companies, and then founded HQ Investments, a firm that manages
investments in public and private equities, hedge funds, venture capital and
angel investments.
Passionate about education, Larry and his wife, Judy, most
recently founded the Career Academy and the Success Academy in South Bend.
Becky Zaseck was presented with our Athena Award. The award is
presented annually to an individual who embodies the highest level of
professional excellence in his/her career, devotes time and energy to improve
the quality of life for others in the community and assists women in realizing
their leadership potential.
Zaseck serves as the president and CEO of REAL Services. Zaseck
has been with the organization since 1986, taking over in 2007. She oversees
more than 230 employees. Under her leadership, the organization is thriving as
a significant example of a hybrid nonprofit and for-profit agency, offering
catering for the business and private community but also preparing more than
1,000 meals per day for Meals on Wheels and the nutrition programs.
Her diligent work and passion over the years to assist the elderly
have inspired others to join her vision and mission, specifically women. A vast
majority of REAL Services employees and senior leadership are women. Zaseck
continues to coach, train and lead talented women in her company to become
senior managers and leaders in their own right, and has been recognized
regionally and statewide for her efforts. Read more: South Bend Tribune
Jay Julian To Stay At The Muncie-Delaware County Chamber Of
Commerce
 |
| Jay Julian, Muncie-Delaware Chamber |
The board of directors
is pleased to announce that Jay T. Julian, President and Chief Economic
Development Officer for the Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce, has
elected to continue on his employment.
“With
great things going on in our community, we couldn’t be happier that he has agreed
to continue to lead the organization,” says John Littler, Chair of the Chamber
Board.
While
the intention of leaving was to accompany his wife Leisa to Kansas, after
further consideration Jay is going to continue his employment here. With family
in each of the states they are both looking forward to these exciting
family/career opportunities.
“Both the Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce and Delaware
Advancement Board of Directors have been involved in this decision and we
endorse Julian’s continued involvement,” says Tom Miller, Chair of the Delaware
Advancement Corporation. Read more: Muncie Journal
Elkhart
County contingent of Indiana General Assembly to speak at Chamber of Commerce
gathering
 |
| Kyle Hannon, Elkhart Chamber |
The Greater
Elkhart Chamber of Commerce is hosting a gathering of state lawmakers
Friday to get an update of issues being addressed by the Indiana General Assembly.
The Third
House Town Hall Meeting goes from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will be at the
chamber offices, 418 S. Main St.. The public is welcome.
Members of
Elkhart County’s legislative contingent to Indianapolis are invited to speak at
Third House meetings, though not all of them always attend.
The Indiana
Senate earlier took up the thorny issue of whether to add civil protections to
state law for the gay and transgender population, ultimately deciding not to
take action. A continuing issue of debate is increasing funding for road and
other infrastructure improvements across the state, with two competing
proposals, one that entails tax increases and another that doesn’t. Read more: Elkhart Truth
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
News and Tribune a finalist for One Southern Indiana awards
The News and Tribune is a finalist
for one of One Southern Indiana's annual business awards.
 |
| Wendy Dant Chesser, One Southern Indiana |
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
Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce Finds
the 2016 Marriage Mill Couple
 |
| Amy Pohlman and Michael Martin |
Amy Pohlman and Michael Martin will be married on Friday, June 17 at 6:00 p.m. Amy and Michael will be part of Crown Point history as they embark on a one-of-a-kind wedding ceremony! The casual ceremony will be held at the bottom of the stairs in front of the Old Crown Point Courthouse. The guests stand lining the walkway during the fabulous Food & Arts Festival. After the ceremony, the couple will be celebrating their nuptials in the Historic Maki Ballroom of the Old Crown Point Courthouse. Amy and Michael will enjoy sound and music during the ceremony donated by Five Star DJ and Karaoke, a one night stay at the Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza and delicious wedding cake from Strack & VanTil of Crown Point.After a long search for the perfect 2016 Marriage Mill Couple, they have been found!
A
little about the couple:
The
bride is Amy Pohlman born in Tinley Park, IL who has purchased a home with her
fiancé Michael, in Crown Point where her family lives.
Amy
is a senior at the University of Illinois in Chicago. She will be graduating
this year with a major in criminal justice and major in sociology. Amy
aspires to be a police officer and is currently employed with Levy Restaurants
& Sportservice where she has been able to work with the Chicago White Sox,
Cubs, Bulls and Blackhawks.
The
groom Michael Martin is employed at Fire Services in St. John as a collision
and refurbish technician. His parents own an automotive repair facility in
Hammond which is where he found his interest in automotive repair. In a
previous job, Michael met Robert Pohlman, Amy’s father. They became the
best of friends while traveling due to a common interest in racing.
Michael knew Robert had a daughter, but she was away at college and they never
met. Robert showed Michael a photo of Amy. Michael thought she was
absolutely gorgeous. Now he feels he is the luckiest man in the world to be
able to call Amy his fiancé and soon his wife!
Did you know in 1915 to1940, Crown Point
was well-known across the country as the place to tie the knot? Nearly
175,000 couples traveled to the city to say “I do”! As many as six Justices
of the Peace performed marriages at all hours seven days a week. Wedding
parties arrived by the busload and local jewelers kept a very large stock of
wedding rings on hand. The Marriage Mill is an annual event to commemorate this
historic event!
Contact: Lee Hartsell - Office
Manager, Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce
9101 Taft Street, Merrillville, IN
46410 - 219.769.8180 Fax 219.736.6223 Crossroads Regional Chamber
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
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
Duneland Chamber Reality
Store Volunteers Needed March 16
This year's 8th Grade Reality
Store being held Wednesday, March 16! This special event helps area 8th graders
learn how their school performance will affect their careers and quality of
life. Volunteers are needed to staff industry-specific event booths. Lunch and
breakfast is provided to all volunteers. Emails will be sent the week prior to
the event, to all volunteers of details about the event. Call 219.926.5513 for
more info!
Date: 3/16/16
Time: Various
Shifts Available!
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.
St Joseph County Chamber 30th
annual 'Salute to Business' luncheon celebrates growing economy
Tuesday
afternoon, the St. Joseph County Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 30th annual
"Salute to Business" luncheon.
Held at
Century Center, the community gathered to celebrate local businesses and the
growing economy
; recognizing individuals
who have made an exceptional impact in the county.
; recognizing individuals
who have made an exceptional impact in the county.
“We
believe as a community that we're growing, population is growing, income is
growing, more people working in St. Joseph County than any time ever in our
history so all the indicators are good and the people in this room are a large
part in doing that,” said Jeff Rea, President & CEO, St. Joseph County
Chamber of Commerce.
, St. Joseph County
Chamber of Commerce.
With more
than 900 people in attendance, Rea says this year's
turnout is the biggest the Chamber of Commerce has seen yet. See more: WNDU 16
, Rea says this year's
turnout is the biggest the Chamber of Commerce has seen yet. See more: WNDU 16
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
Ivy Tech, Elkhart Chamber of Commerce to host
informatics networking session
Ivy Tech Community
College and the Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce will host a Biz-Ness After
Hours session focusing on the computing and informatics program
GOSHEN — Ivy Tech Community College
and the Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce will host a Biz-Ness After Hours
session focusing on the computing and informatics program from 5 to 7 p.m.
Thursday at the Community Center at the Elkhart County campus, 22531 C.R. 18,
Goshen.
The session aims to offer students, the community and employers more information about the computing and informatics programs at Ivy Tech in addition to providing networking opportunities and recognizing the campus chapter of the Kappa Beta Delta International Honor Society, a business fraternity.
The event will feature Jayme Mitchell, assistant professor in the computing and informatics program, presenting highlights of the program and a recent graduate and current student in the program will speak about their experiences. Tours of the data center also will be available.
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
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
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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Feb 29,
2016
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195
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Feb 18,
2016
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175
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Feb 12,
2016
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105
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Feb 15,
2016
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93
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Mar 3,
2016
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91
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Last Month’s Stories
Crossroads Regional Chamber interviewing couples for Marriage Mill
wedding NWI Times
Chamber interest: Elkhart County
getting business court Goshen News
Chamber Executive Ongoing Education Weekly New Idea: Get
Out of Your Own Way by Robert Cooper Barnes & Noble
#BestChamber Practices: New Castle – Henry County Chamber
Legislative Forums Click Here for More Information
Nancy
Simpson Takes Over as Executive Director of the Greater Portage Chamber of
Commerce Portage
Life
Chamber issue: IndyGo: Reliable Transit is
'Baseline Expectation' Inside Indiana Business
Lake Zurich Chamber of Commerce 2016 Community Guide &
Membership Directory
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 LaPorte County Life
St. Joseph County CEO Jeff Rea:
Do we expect too much from elected officials South Bend Tribune
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 Chicago Tribune
Elkhart Truth Editorial: Elkhart
must retain economic development position Elkhart Truth
Nominations being accepted for
Michiana Forty under 40 South Bend Tribune
Lindsay Bloos takes over Madison
Area Chamber Madison
Courier
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
jdussman@tspubs.com | 847-427-4633 | Town Square Publications
Daily Herald Media Group
155 E. Algonquin Road | Arlington Heights, IL 60005
Do you have a story idea?
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.
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.
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