Chamber Executive
Kentucky Digest
June 2016
Kentucky Chamber: 2016 a year of
legislative victories for businesses
Many in the business community
didn’t know what to expect when the 2016 General Assembly convened in early
January. Gov. Matt Bevin had just been sworn in a few weeks before after a
contentious gubernatorial campaign, House Democrats were barely hanging on to
their majority after several key appointments and party flipping by members,
and there was a special election for four seats in the House that had the
potential to shift the balance of power.
However, despite the odds, policy
trumped politics this year, making the session one of the most successful the
business community has seen. The state budget and pension problems dominated
the session, and we at the Kentucky Chamber think Frankfort made major strides
in getting the state’s fiscal house in order.
The divided legislature was able to
come up with a budget that is arguably the most responsible in years because it
deals with our public pension problems head on, putting an additional $1 billion
into the state’s ailing pension systems.
While we regret that our
universities and community colleges will experience additional cuts, we are
pleased that the budget contained targeted money for workforce development,
more funds for college tuition assistance, and criteria for performance based
funding of higher education, something the Chamber has supported for years.
In addition to the budget, the
Chamber logged several other victories for the business community. The passage
of public-private partnership (P3) legislation, a top priority for the Chamber
for three years, will enable increased private investment in state and local
infrastructure projects. Felony expungement legislation will address Kentucky’s
workforce shortage by providing a second chance for thousands of Kentuckians
who have a single, low-level felony charge.
Legislation to modernize rules for
distillers, wineries and breweries will spur tourism and economic development,
and a new workers’ compensation task force the Chamber lobbied for, will make
recommendations to improve the workers’ compensation system. Read more: Kentucky Chamber
Christian County Chamber holds 128th annual meeting
The Christian County
Chamber of Commerce rocked out with drummer Steve Gorman in the 128th annual
meeting and dinner Tuesday night at the James E. Bruce Convention Center.
The night provided an
opportunity for local businesses, members of the chamber and investors to be
recognized and discuss what lies ahead for the development of Hopkinsville.
Gorman, former drummer for
the rock ‘n’ roll band the Black Crowes and also host of the nationally
syndicated radio show “Steve Gorman Sports!”, rocked the scene and made the
audience roll with his smooth jokes, providing a comical — yet passionate —
perspective on how Hopkinsville shaped the man he is today.
“Hoptown in general,
University Heights, the Pennyrile Players, just my friends and all those things
provided me with every resource I ever needed to figure out what I wanted to
do,” said Gorman, a former resident of Hopkinsville and graduate of University
Heights Academy. “My time here gave me, like I said, the courage to just give
it a shot.
“Whatever problems I met
along the way, they were all met with a reassurance of knowing where you’re
from. Knowing that it’s a real place full of very supportive and very caring
neighbors.”
Gorman also talked of his
affinity for Ferrell’s Snappy Service, telling the story about how his band
just happened to drive through Hopkinsville on the way to a show up in St.
Louis and he finally got to take his band to the “legendary” burger joint that
he had talked about for so many years. Read more: kentucky
New Era
Winchester-Clark County Chamber presents
awards at annual banquet
In its 76th
year, the Winchester-Clark County Chamber of Commerce presented a host of
awards at its annual banquet Thursday evening at the Winchester Country Club.
Darryl
Terry, president of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, opened the evening
discussing the group’s three main goals established after celebrating its 75th
anniversary in 2015.
The Board
aims to increase diversity of businesses located in different areas of the
community, boost member-to-member networking and increase membership to 400, he
said.
With 49 new
members in 2015, the Chamber has 365 members, Terry said.
Will
Hodgkin spoke during dinner about his passion for Winchester and the
community’s potential.
He recalled
an article in The Courier Journal stating Winchester was on “the road to
averageville” more than a decade ago.
“By the
article’s standards, everything about Winchester was average,” he said.
Thanks to
the hard work of a variety of community organizations, including two endowed
foundations — the Clark County Community Foundation and The Greater Clark
Foundation — Hodgkin said Winchester is now anything but average.
“The glass
is half full in Winchester,” he said. “It’s not full. We have more to do. But
we are not average.”
He
encouraged the Chamber members to contribute volunteers hours and monetarily to
bettering the community, noting that Clark County ranks as the fifth wealthiest
community in the state. Read more: Central Kentucky News
#BestChamber Practices: Danvile
Boyle County Chamber of Commerce — Teacher Academy
There’s a
very old saying that goes something like “by teaching, you learn; by learning,
you teach.” It’s a truthful phrase and it would serve well as a slogan for the
Teacher Academy, an annual event organized by the Danville-Boyle County Chamber
of Commerce.
The Teacher Academy gives teachers from area school districts an
inside view of how area businesses and organizations work — the same businesses
and organizations that may very well later employ the students the teachers are
educating right now.
This year, 10 school districts participated and teachers got to
learn how many businesses operate, from American Greetings to Ephraim McDowell
hospital to the E.W. Brown Power Plant to Wilderness Trace Distillery.
Now, the teachers will return to next year’s classrooms armed with
more knowledge about what their students need to succeed as adults.
Collaboration between school districts and area employers seems to
be a growing trend in Kentucky, and it’s a very good trend to have. Our
education system should provide students with something of value. That value
should include the skills and abilities to do whatever it is they love; it
should also include the skills and abilities to do whatever they need to do in
order to earn a living.
The Teacher Academy is helping ensure teachers are prepared to
help students in both regards. Read more: Advocate Messenger
Kyndle tech
luncheon to focus on Skype for business
The next
Kyndle Tech Tuesday luncheon will focus on Skype for business.
Kyndle will
host its Tech Tuesday luncheon at noon Tuesday at in the training room at
Kyndle offices on the fifth floor of the Soaper Building at Second and Main
streets. It is free to Kyndle stakeholders.
The
presentation will be made by Bob Parsons, president and founder of Automated
Office Solutions in Evansville. Parsons has been in the IT field for more 36
years and holds numerous IT certifications as well as a bachelor's degree from
Purdue University in general management/marketing.
Parsons
will focus on four main topics related to Skype that include: Using Skype
across different devices, complete meeting solutions, business calls using
Skype and security, controls and compliance. At the end of the luncheon Kyndle
will give away one free year of Microsoft Office 365. Read more: The Gleaner
Plainfield
Area Chamber of Commerce 2016 Community Profile & Directory
The Plainfield Area Chamber
of Commerce 2016 Community Profile & Directory is available at the Plainfield
Area Chamber today! Thanks to Tasha Kitson, Mari Edmondson,
Vitella Barnes, Kellie Wujek and the chamber team for their help and
direction putting this together!
Town SquarePublications (www.townsquarepublications.com)
can help you accomplish your chamber's gloss map, directory, community profile
or publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman
at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633.
Paducah Chamber wins State Awards
and Certified Chamber Designation
The Paducah Area Chamber of
Commerce recently received recognition from the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce
Executives (KCCE) for Outstanding Special Event and Outstanding Membership
Growth among local chambers of similar size. The Excellence Awards were given
out during the KCCE Annual Conference last week in Frankfort.
The annual awards are presented
based on size and budget for Chambers and the Paducah Chamber competes in the
largest category which also includes the chambers in Louisville, Lexington,
Bowling Green and Northern Kentucky.
The Paducah Chamber’s 2015 DC
Fly-In and Unveiling of Permanent Display at the Department of Energy
Headquarters was selected for the Outstanding Special Event. The Paducah
Chamber has as one of its major programs an annual Community Leaders Fly-In to
DC. The Chamber has coordinated this trip for the past 13 years. Trip
participants include Chamber Board members, community leaders and elected
officials.
The 2015 trip had a special
emphasis with the ‘unveiling of a permanent wall display of the Paducah DOE
site’ in the Department of Energy’s (DOE) headquarters in DC. “This display now
serves as a visible reminder of the Paducah site at the DOE headquarters,” said
Sandra Wilson, Paducah Chamber President and CEO. In March 2015 Deputy
Undersecretary David Klaus, along with other DOE officials, visited Paducah and
toured the site. At a follow-up meeting Mr. Klaus highlighted the importance of
the Paducah site, especially its past contributions to the security of our
nation, and extended an invitation to the local community to have a permanent
display in the DOE headquarters in DC. “The Chamber quickly accepted the
challenge and agreed to serve as the lead in the production and coordination of
the display,” Wilson added. “The display was a joint effort. The Department of
Energy provided production and installation assistance, Fluor served as the
sponsor of the display and provided graphic design services, and Swift and
Staley provided photos published in the history book, The Story of the Paducah
Gaseous Diffusion Plant.”
The Paducah Chamber was also
recognized for outstanding growth in 2015 of 7.2%.
KCCE is a statewide network of
professionals dedicated to promoting professional education, ethical standards
and efficiency in chamber of commerce management. The board of directors guides
the professional development of chamber executives, employees and volunteers
across the state. The organization has been serving chamber professionals for
50 years.
The Paducah Chamber is the region’s
largest business advocacy organization with approximately 1,000 businesses as
members. The Chamber has a strong partnership base with local businesses – both
small and large, manufacturers, industries, local governments, non-profit
organizations and individuals. In 2011 the Paducah Chamber was awarded the
Chamber of the Year by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives. The Paducah
Chamber is also a 4-Star Accredited Chamber by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
This prestigious honor puts the Chamber among the top 10% of chambers
nationwide. The Paducah Chamber is also one of only six Chambers statewide to
receive the Kentucky Certified Chamber award. Read more: Paducah Chamber
Bowling
Green Area Chamber of Commerce Excellence Awards Luncheon
The
Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce named award winners in several
categories and recognized previous winners today at the annual Excellence
Awards Luncheon at the Knicely Conference Center.
The
luncheon was presented by Chamber Board Chairman Mark Iverson and Excellence
Awards co-chairs Michelle Gorman and Lindsey McClain. Keynote speakers included
2016 Small Business Person of the Year David Paschall of Batteries + Bulbs and
2016 ATHENA Shannon Vitale of Hilliard Lyons.
"We
truly have such outstanding businesses in this community, and their dedication
and willingness to serve others illustrate the essence of our community,"
said Chamber President and CEO Ron Bunch. "Today's event honors and
celebrates some of the many remarkable people in our region. Because of them
and the businesses they represent, South Central Kentucky continues to thrive,
and I want to thank each of them, along with our partners, for their support of
our community."
2016
Mid-Size Business Person of the Year (Sponsored by Western Kentucky University)
- This award recognizes an area mid-size business owner for making outstanding
contributions to his or her employees and community. The for-profit business
has 101 to 500 employees and the owner has financially invested his/her own money
in the enterprise. The award acknowledges a business that has experienced
recent growth and is involved in the development and growth of our community.
Read more: Read more: WBKO
#BestChamber practices: Leadership
Frankfort program applications being accepted
Leadership Frankfort is building a
network of committed, informed and progressive individuals in the Frankfort and
Franklin County community. The program is for people who want to learn what
makes Frankfort the community it is, and how to become involved in the future
of the community. Participants will expand their professional and personal
network and make a difference while creating opportunities. They will also
sharpen their leadership skills and abilities to maximize their influence and
communicate more effectively.
Applications are being taken for
the Frankfort Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership Frankfort program until Aug.
26. If those interested apply before Sept. 2 they will receive a $50 early bird
discount.
Applications may be obtained from
the Frankfort Chamber office located at 100 Capital Ave. or online at
www.frankfortky.info. For more information, call 502-223-8261 or email the
chamber at chamber@frankfortky.info. - See more at: State-Journal
New executive director hired for Logan County chamber
Logan County Chamber of Commerce's board of directors unanimously confirmed long-time county resident Tammy Tinsley as its new executive director.
Tinsley, who has lived in
Logan County for approximately 24 years, begins work Monday. The 2016 Chamber
president, Joe Hendricks, said the board is excited about Tinsely joining the
chamber as the new director and believes she brings a strong skill set and the
experience needed to progress on what the chamber has accomplished in the last
several years.
Tinsley replaces Ryan
Craig, who went back to running his newspaper, The Todd County Standard.
“I want to continue to see
my community be successful because Logan County has a lot to offer,” Tinsley
said. “Right now we have a really good chamber and we want to build off that
and make it grow. I hope to be able to help build off that.”
The new executive director
is a native of Logan County’s neighboring Todd County. She is a Western
Kentucky University graduate, where she received a bachelor's degree in
interdisciplinary studies with an emphasis on business. What her degree really
focuses on is the psychological and sociological part of dealing with business,
according to Tinsley. Read more: Bowling Green Daily News
Kentucky Chamber interest: State
officials expect to reduce employers’ unemployment insurance contributions
State officials told the Labor and
Industry Interim Joint Committee that the Kentucky Unemployment Insurance Trust
Fund is growing and costs to employers are expected to come down.
Officials from the Kentucky
Education and Workforce Cabinet reported that the fund had a positive balance
at the start of 2016 and that balance had grown to a current level of $220
million.
The fund is expected to hold $240
million in reserves by the end of 2016. The fund balance was a negative $948
million in January 2012 and steps were taken by former Governor Steve Beshear
and the legislature to chart a path out of debt.
Overtime, the changes made to shore
up the fund have paid off. On Sept. 30 as directed by statute, the Cabinet will
review the fund level and set the employer contribution rates to take effect
the following July. The Cabinet expects levels to continue to increase such
that contribution rates will be reduced. Read more: Kentucky Chamber
Kyndle reflects on its past at centennial
In order to celebrate its present,
Kyndle took a long look at their past.
Honoring 100 years of Chamber of
Commerce's time in the area, Kyndle had its centennial celebration dinner on
Thursday night at Henderson Community College.
With Henderson County Attorney
Steve Gold as master of ceremonies for the event, volunteers played the parts
of influential members of Henderson's history. Adorned in period garb such as
fedoras, the speakers spoke as past community leaders including educator Thelma
B. Johnson, Audubon advocate Susan Towles and newspaper tycoon Leigh Harris.
Each re-enactment outlined the figures' most important accomplishments and
contributions to Henderson.
The featured speaker of the night
was past Distinguished Citizen recipient and economic development specialist
for Kyndle Chuck Stinnett, who has spent countless hours poring over the tomes
of Henderson's past. In his speech, he highlighted the ups and downs of
Henderson's economic history to the present.
"Leaders of the day felt that
a new organization needed to be established to take charge of this (drop in
population)," said Stinnett. "According to the Henderson Daily
Gleaner in October 1916, the belief was that Henderson had all the pieces it
needed to succeed, they just weren't organized quite right." Read
more: The Gleaner
Town Square Publications Chamber of
Commerce Membership Directories, Community Re-Location Guides and Custom Maps
Town Square Publications, a division of the Daily Herald Media Group, is a national chamber custom publishing group that specializes in developing partnerships by producing high-quality print and digitally integrated publications along with other added value programs dedicated to creating relevancy for local chambers of commerce and other membership focused organizations interested in raising non-dues revenues. To request your publication proposal, Click here
Notable Chamber Retirements
After 15 years at the
helm and a 5 Star Rating, Greater La Porte Chamber President Michael Seitz to
Retire http://midwestchamberofcommerce.blogspot.com/2016/05/after-15-years-at-helm-and-5-star.html
From an Indiana Chamber
legend: One of my favorite Irish
blessings is: "May you never forget what is worth remembering
- Nor ever remember what is best forgotten". - Vince Griffin,
on his retirement after 18 years with the Indiana chamber. So long Vince! We
are all going to miss you!!! - http://midwestchamberofcommerce.blogspot.com/2016/05/from-indiana-chamber-legend-so-long.html
Belleville Executive
Director John Lengerman to Retire in Summer 2016 http://midwestchamberofcommerce.blogspot.com/2016/05/good-morning-chamber-world-its-going-to_18.html
After 29 years, WMC leader, statesman,
visionary Jim Morgan to step down http://midwestchamberofcommerce.blogspot.com/2016/05/after-29-years-wmc-leader-statesman_25.html
Top Five Daily Postings in the last month at Midwest Chamber of Commerce
Daily – click to go there or Google search
“Midwest Chamber of Commerce blog”
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Last Month’s Stories
Kentucky Chambers Recognized for Excellence
at Annual KCCE Conference
Hoptown lawmaker 1 of 8 Kentucky Chamber MVPs Kentucky New Era
Kyndle unveils 5-year economic development strategic plan The Gleaner
NKY Chamber awarded prestigious
‘Kentucky Certified Chamber’ status, one of only two this year Northern Kentucky Tribune
#FamousChamber of
Commerce quotations: Good Advice
It takes 20 years to build
a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you'll do
things differently. - Warren Buffett
Chamber Executive
Ongoing Education Weekly New Idea: Pat McGaughey of www.ChamberMentor.com -
Managing Difficult People
What’s your favorite local small business? The Frankfort Area
Chamber will be celebrating mom-and-pop shops all week. The State Journal
Greater Owensboro Chamber and partners: Listening Sessions with
Regional Employers to address Area Workforce Needs www.owensboro.com
Leadership Kentucky selects Commerce Lexington's Amy Carrington KyForward.com
Kentucky Chamber News: New Partnership with the Kentucky
Entrepreneur Hall of Fame entrepreneurhof.com.
Kentucky Lake Chamber receives statewide
award The Lake News
Smithland Chamber plans for 4th of July The Lake News
If
you would like delivery of a no-cost gloss chamber directory or map in January
2017, please contact me at your earliest convenience.
John
John Dussman | Chamber Managerjdussman@tspubs.com | 847-427-4633 | Town Square Publications
Daily Herald Media Group
155 E. Algonquin Road | Arlington Heights, IL 60005
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