Chamber Executive Indiana Digest

 June, 2016

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

Looking forward to talking with you at the 2016 ICEA Annual Conference June 22 - 24, 2016 - Fourwinds Lakeside Inn & Marina on
Lake Monroe in Bloomington, Indiana – More information here: ICEA 2016 Conference or email Shelli Williams at shelli@iceaonline.com

Crossroads, Winfield chambers contemplate merger

Sue Reed

The Crossroads Chamber of Commerce and the Winfield/LOFS Chamber of Commerce hope to complete a mid-summer merger that would expand Crossroads' membership to more than 700 and extend its geographic reach east and south.

The Crossroads Board of Directors voted to pursue the merger May 10. The Winfield board had approved it after an April presentation to members on the benefits of joining Crossroads.

The chambers then created a task force to work through the details, with the goal of finalizing the merger July 1.

"It's a really good fit," Crossroads President and CEO Sue Reed said of the potential merger, which would add about 80 members to Crossroads.

"Winfield is really an extension of Crown Point," Reed said. "It makes sense; they have schools that are part of the Crown Point school system, they have the same zip code."

Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce came into being in January 2010 through a merger of the Merrillville and Greater Crown Point chambers of commerce. Read more: NWI Times

Jeff Rea, St. Joseph County Chamber: Census estimate a good sign for the region

Jeff Rea

Census data help the state and communities make some assumptions about their overall health.

In 1902, the Census Bureau was formed for the purpose of counting the number of people in the United States. The data collected would become valuable for important tasks like allocating federal funds each year and determining the seats of the U.S. House of Representatives to the states based on their population. The data is to be collected every 10 years.

Throughout the other years, the bureau conducts dozens of other censuses and surveys, including the American Community Survey, the U.S. Economic Census and the Current Population Survey. The various censuses and surveys conducted by the bureau today help allocate more than $400 billion in federal money every year and help states, local communities and businesses make informed decisions.

The bureau has recently released its 2015 population estimates. Indiana’s growth remains slow, with more than half of Indiana counties losing population. Overall, Indiana has grown at about 2 percent since the last decennial census in 2010. But Indiana’s growth outpaces our neighbors in Michigan, Illinois, Ohio and Kentucky. The Midwest is growing at only 0.3 percent.

Most growth in Indiana has been in the center of the state, with four of the five fastest-growing counties surrounding Indianapolis. Generally, those suburbs outside metro areas have experienced the most gains while rural counties have experienced the most losses.

In our area, the populations of St. Joseph and Elkhart counties have increased again; both are among the faster growing counties outside the center of the state. In 58 of Indiana’s 92 counties, the population shrank or stayed flat. In St. Joseph County, we’re bucking a trend that included decades of population stagnation.

Population growth is at the center of the Regional Cities mission. Experts had predicted slow to no growth for our area, but Regional Cities projects are intended to help buck that trend. We’re off to a good start, but it’s a little early to celebrate our success. Read more: South Bend Tribune

Indy Chamber Receives Presidential Award for Export Service

Mike Huber

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker this week presented the Indy Chamber with the President’s “E” Award for Export Service at a ceremony in Washington, DC. The President’s “E” Award is the highest recognition any U.S. entity can receive for making a significant contribution to the expansion of U.S. exports.

 “The Indy Chamber has demonstrated a sustained commitment to export expansion. The “E” Awards Committee was very impressed with the Indy Chamber’s dedication to helping first time exporters understand the export process and enter new international markets. The organization’s support of trade missions through seminars and conferences was also particularly notable. The Indy Chamber’s achievements have undoubtedly contributed to national export expansion efforts that support the U.S. economy and create American jobs,” said Secretary Pritzker in her congratulatory letter to the company announcing its selection as an award recipient.

The Indy Chamber is the Indianapolis region’s largest business organization, representing nearly 2,000 employers across the metropolitan area.  Since 2012, it expanded its role in economic development to include business recruitment and retention, small business and entrepreneur services, and initiated proactive strategies to increase global exports and investment.

“We know that a growing region has to be part of the global economy,” said Michael Huber, president and CEO of the Indy Chamber.  “More than 100,000 local jobs are already supported by exports and employment in foreign-owned firms that have chosen Indianapolis; by helping more businesses become exporters, we can grow those numbers, along with average incomes and our overall economy.”

The Indy Chamber has launched a host of programs under its Global Indy initiative, including Export Bootcamps and other services for mid-market firms seeking to join the more than 30,000 U.S. companies who have become exporters since 2010.  The organization is leading the region’s participation in the Global Cities Exchange, a joint project of The Brookings Institution and JPMorgan Chase that lends expertise and technical support to regional planning efforts.

The Indy Chamber plans to release the resulting global trade and investment strategy for the metro later this summer, previewing key findings at its annual World Trade Day on May 24 in Indianapolis.

“Like Secretary Pritzker and the Department of Commerce, our business is business,” added Huber.  “We’ve identified more than a thousand mid-sized companies in export-oriented industries that aren’t tapping into international markets – Indianapolis ranks among the top regions in total exports today, but we quite literally have a world of growth potential ahead.”

Indianapolis Deputy Mayor Angela Smith-Jones, who leads the City’s economic development effort, accepted the "E" Award on behalf of the Indy Chamber and the local economic development organizations that support its regional efforts.

In 1961, President Kennedy signed an executive order reviving the World War II “E” symbol of excellence to honor and provide recognition to America's exporters. Today, Secretary Pritzker honored 123 U.S. companies with the President’s “E” Award for their outstanding work to reduce barriers to foreign markets and to open the door to more trade around the world.

In 2015, U.S. exports totaled $2.23 trillion, accounting for nearly 13 percent of U.S. GDP. Nationally, exports contributed to the U.S. economy, supporting an estimated 11.5 million jobs.

U.S. companies are nominated for the “E” Awards through the Department of Commerce’s U.S. Commercial Service office network, located within the Department’s International Trade Administration, with offices in 108 U.S. cities and more than 70 countries.  Criteria for the award is based on four years of successive export growth and case studies which demonstrate valuable support to exporters resulting in increased exports for the company’s clients.

For more information about the “E” Awards and the benefits of exporting, visit www.export.gov. Source: Indy Chamber

Kyle Morey leaving Madison County Chamber

Kyle Morey has announced his resignation as president and CEO of the Madison County Chamber of Commerce, effective Aug. 1.

Morey was appointed CEO of the local Chamber of Commerce in 2010. He had previously served as vice president of the Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce in Arizona and was affiliated with the One Southern Indiana Chamber of Commerce before moving to Anderson.

Morey has also recently served as a public affairs specialst for the Muncie stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Mike Montgomery, chairman of the Madison County Chamber of Commerce board, said Morey informed the board this week of his decision to leave the chamber to take another position.

“We have formed a transition committee to start the search for a new president,” Montgomery said.

“I think everyone was surprised,” he said of Morey’s decision. “I believe at the time he was hired we realized he was a young guy and this would not be his last stop.”

Morey replaced Keith Pitcher, who served as president of the local Chamber for 13 years.

“He’s done a great job,” Montgomery said of Morey’s tenure in Madison County. “The Chamber is moving in a positive direction.”

Tammy Rimer, a former chair of the Chamber board, said Morey will be missed and board members were saddened to receive his resignation letter.

“He brought a lot of technology to the Chamber," she said. "He moved us into the 21st century.” Read more: Herald-Bulletin

#Chamber interest: Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago: Midwest Economic Growth Steady in April

The Midwest Economy Index (MEI) was unchanged at +0.25 in April. The relative MEI increased to +0.71 in April from +0.67 in March. April’s value for the relative MEI indicates that Midwest economic growth was moderately higher than what would typically be suggested by the growth rate of the national economy. Read more: Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago

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Jasper Chamber Initiative: Women Empowering Women Leadership Group to Gather June 1

The Dubois County women’s leadership organization, Women Empowering Women (WEW), will hold an hour-long membership meeting on Wednesday, June 1, at the St. Joseph Church Parish Center, 1029 Kundek Street in Jasper beginning at 11:45 am. This event is open to all current WEW members. Members are encouraged to bring guests to participate in this month’s session and learn about membership.

Advanced reservations are required for members and guest and should be made by calling the Jasper Chamber of Commerce at 812-482-6866 or by emailing chamber@jasperin.org by May 25^th. The cost for lunch is $5.00 per person and is payable at the door.

The featured program is entitled “Life Planning 101 for Today’s Women… Everything you need to know about managing your “Everyday Risks”...such as Home, Auto, Life and Liability Insurance, Investments and Savings, too!” and will be facilitated by WEW members Andrea Lichlyter and Sue Brames. Lichlyter, a financial advisor with Edward Jones for almost four years, has won numerous awards for outstanding performance and customer satisfaction. Since joining Farm Bureau as a multi-line insurance agent in 1999, Brames has been recognized as one of the company’s top life insurance producers and has qualified for numerous company-sponsored awards for sales and service. Both know how important it is for women to plan for their futures by developing strategies to protect investments, property, and loved ones.

The WEW organization meets six times a year. The additional programs for the 2016 meeting series include August 10: Let’s Connect…Everyone Communicates, Few Connect; October 12: Whole Person…body, mind, heart, soul and December 7: Year End Inspiration.

The mission of Women Empowering Women is to inspire women in business to reach their highest potential by instilling confidence, building networks, and promoting community in Dubois County. Membership is open to any woman in business who lives or works in Dubois County.

For more information about WEW and to access a membership application, visit the organizations’ Facebook page at  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Women-Empowering-Women-WEW/1585500421736209.  For more information – Nancy Eckerle – 812/482-6866

Chamber news: Rankings Released for Top 100 Best places to Work in Indiana

Hoosier organizations with a strong workplace environment were recognized tonight at the Indiana Convention Center in downtown Indianapolis. Before a crowd of 1,200, the Indiana Chamber of Commerce unveiled rankings for the 100 companies that made the 2016 Best Places to Work in Indiana list (released in February).

Winners were selected in four categories. Taking top honors:

• Small companies’ category (between 15 and 74 U.S. employees): Luther Consulting, LLC, a Carmel-based public health software company

• Medium companies’ category (between 75 and 249 U.S. employees): Mainstreet, a national group specializing in real estate development, value investments and health care; located in Carmel

• Large companies’ category (between 250 and 999 U.S. employees): CPA firm Katz, Sapper & Miller, LLP, headquartered in Indianapolis

• Major companies’ category (1,000 or more U.S. employees): technology giant Microsoft Corporation, which has a local office in Indianapolis

It marks the first time that Luther Consulting, Mainstreet and Katz, Sapper & Miller head their respective groups. It’s also a return for Microsoft to the top spot, where they have been a record five times.

“A big congratulations to the No. 1 organizations. Their leaders and each company on this list understand how important it is for the success of a business to have a culture that respects and values employees,” states Indiana Chamber President and CEO Kevin Brinegar.

“These businesses demonstrated that in a variety of ways – from fostering open communication and teamwork to providing training opportunities and more unique job benefits. We are pleased to acknowledge the efforts of all 100 honorees.”

At the dinner, presented in partnership with Hylant, representatives from all designated companies received Best Places to Work awards of excellence.

Organizations on the 2016 list that have displayed sustained excellence during the program’s 11-year history received additional recognition with Best Places to Work in Indiana Hall of Fame and Pinnacle designations.

Hall of Fame companies are those that have been named a Best Place to Work in Indiana at least two-thirds of the time in the program’s history; a total of 15 organizations on the 2016 list meet that criteria. Two

companies – Edward Jones and Katz, Sapper & Miller – have made the Best Places to Work list all 11 years of the program.

The Pinnacle designation is reserved for those that have finished first in their category three or more times in a five-year period. The four Pinnacle companies are Edward Jones (tops in the large employer category from 2006-2008); Hollingsworth & Zivitz, P.C. (first in the small employer category from 2011-2014); Microsoft (tops in the major employer category in 2013-2014 and in the large employer category in 2011-2012); and Sikich LLP (first in the large employer category from 2013-15). Read more: Indiana Chamber

Valpo Chamber Leadership Academy Applications Now Being Accepted

Deadline is June 24

The Valpo Chamber Leadership Academy encourages individuals to be trustees of their community, to work for the common good, and to become a leader for the entire community. The program uniquely focuses on connection and engagement in community service - specifically, leadership roles.

The Valpo Chamber Leadership Academy complements other leadership organizations with a focus on the skills and knowledge necessary to be an effective leader in the community, for example, expectations of board service, governance, understanding financial statements, fundraising, ethics, accountability, and time management.

If you would like to apply for the 2016 Leadership Academy, download the application here and send it in before Friday, June 24.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Kurt at the Valpo Chamber at kurt@valpochamber.org or 219-462-1105.

Muncie-Delaware County chamber luncheon to host Indiana Economic Development Corporation President Jim Schellinger

Please join the Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce and the Muncie Delaware County Economic Development Alliance in welcoming Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) President Jim Schellinger for a lunch event on Wednesday, June 1, 2016 at

Cornerstone Center for the Arts.

Mr. Schellinger will discuss the State's efforts in Economic Development and will take some questions from the audience. This is a rare opportunity to speak with the highest ranking economic development professional in the State of Indiana.

The event will begin at 11:30 a.m. with lunch.

Advanced reservations are needed. The cost to attend is $25 per person for Chamber members and $30 for non-members.

Reservation deadline is May 26th at noon. Reservations made after that time will be subject to an additional $10 late fee.

Contact Brenda Brumfield at 765-751-9128 or email bbrumfield@muncie.com to make your reservations.

#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

Crossroads and Lakeshore Chambers Kickstart: Entrepreneurs can get help, advice

Those who want to start a business or grow a business in Northwest Indiana can find assistance and advice through a number of programs and organizations.

Area chambers of commerce across the Region work together to help entrepreneurs, said Dave Ryan, executive director of the Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce based in Hammond.

The two largest chambers of commerce in Lake County — Lakeshore and Crossroads Regional — represent more than 1,200 businesses. Last year, the two chambers announced a new economic development alliance called the Lake County Economic Alliance to assist the communities of East Chicago, Hammond, Crown Point and Merrillville in business retention, attraction and expansion efforts.

The LCEA is a nonprofit organization that focuses on new business attraction, as well as business retention and expansion, and marketing efforts, Ryan said.

Located in Merrillville, the Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce resulted from a merger in 2010 of the Merrillville Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Crown Point Chamber of Commerce.

In addition to offering networking opportunities for entrepreneurs, the chambers host seminars to help business owners. In January, the Crossroads Chamber of Commerce hosted Launch NWI, a seminar that brought together experts about earning contracts with local, state and  federal governments. Read more: NWI TIMES

Kevin Brinegar and Allison Barber: Viewpoint: Yes, "You can. Go back" for that degree

Postsecondary education is no longer a luxury in Indiana’s workforce. Due to the constant evolution of our economy, a college degree or credential is a necessity in a growing number of careers. The agricultural and manufacturing jobs that once employed millions of Hoosiers now represent a dwindling portion of our state’s workforce, and for better or worse, the high-wage jobs of the 21st century require additional schooling. Indiana’s educational attainment certainly has room to grow compared with the rest of the country, but it has never been easier to start or finish your degree.

This month the Lumina Foundation published “A Stronger Nation 2016,” its annual report on higher education in the United States. Sadly, Indiana ranked among the bottom 10 states nationwide in the percentage of adults with a college degree or certificate, trailing each of our neighboring states. While the number of Indiana residents with some postsecondary degree has increased significantly over the last eight years, we continue to lag behind the national average in many key areas, including the most important indicator of economic success: the percentage of working adults with a bachelor’s degree.

Less than 18 percent of all Hoosiers — ages 25 to 64 — have received a bachelor’s degree. When companies are looking to expand and add high-wage jobs in the Midwest, Indiana simply has fewer qualified candidates per capita than our neighbors. The state of Indiana has tackled unemployment better than most; perhaps no other state in the country has rebounded as strongly from the deep economic recession of the last decade. Yet, wages are stagnant for many working families because hundreds of thousands of Hoosiers have not had the means or the opportunity to earn their bachelor’s degree or seek further training.

Fortunately, Gov. Mike Pence and Commissioner for Higher Education Teresa Lubbers have begun implementing a new program this spring to address the problem. “You Can. Go Back.” is an initiative aimed at helping more than 750,000 Hoosiers who have earned some college credit return to school to complete their degree. Employers and nonprofit partners such as the Indiana Chamber of Commerce have joined the state to provide tuition reimbursement and logistical support.

The goal of “You Can. Go Back.” is to give Hoosier adults the opportunities they might have missed out on years ago. In the relatively recent past it might have seemed too daunting to return to college as a working adult, but in 2016 there are dozens of options to fit anyone’s lifestyle. One can even “go back” to school online and complete his or her bachelor’s degree in an accelerated timeline. Indiana citizens and businesses can learn more about the initiative at YouCanGoBack.org. Read more: South Bend Tribune

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”

#BestChamber practices - Greensburg Decatur County... May 9, 2016	183
Happy Monday, Chamber World! It's going to be a GR... May 16, 2016	113
Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce to dig... May 10, 2016	96
Chamber Executive Ongoing Education Weekly New Ide... Sep 1, 2015	92
Monroe County Chamber members learn about consciou... May 11, 2016	74

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

Last Month’s Stories -

Chamber excitement: 'Big' announcement on Valpo's transit district could come this summer  NWI Times

Trade a key piece of increasing St. Joseph County area's economy South Bend Tribune

Chamber Executive Ongoing Education Weekly New Idea: "The Power of Broke: How Empty Pockets, a Tight Budget, and a Hunger for Success Can Become Your Greatest Competitive Advantage" by Daymond John

Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce: We Appreciate our Teachers! email lee@crossroadschamber.

Indiana Chamber to Push Forward on Road Funding, Civil Rights Inside Indiana Business

New Michigan City Chamber head: Not a spectator News-Dispatch

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!

Indy Chamber president Michael Huber: Indy Has 'Urgent Mobility Problem' Inside Indiana Business

#BestChamber practices - Greensburg Decatur County Business Resources on chamber Website Greensburg-Decatur County Chamber

Chamber good news: Grant will provide funds to enhance downtowns in Goshen, Nappanee, Middlebury and Elkhart Goshen News

#FamousChamber of Commerce Quotations --- (Chamber Executive Resourcefulness)

“Great emergencies and crises show us how much greater out vital resources are than we had supposed.” William James

Boone County Home and Garden Show kicks off today Reporter.net

Chamber good news: St. Joseph County's job numbers best since 2006 South Bend Tribune

Chamber Executive Ongoing Education: Importance of Motivation – Four Proven Principles to Motivate Your Team ProfessionBiz

Indiana Chamber Welcomes New Membership Development Manager Indiana Chamber

If you would like delivery of a new gloss Chamber directory or gloss community map in  January, 2017, 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
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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.