Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Grand Rapids Chamber Responds to Orlando's Tragedy; Chamber interest: Elkhart business bringing some 40 jobs back from China; MMAC inspiration: Midwestern legislators to converge on Milwaukee in July; Cary Grove Chamber announces Lynn Caccavallo as new Executive Director; A note from the Kernersville Chamber; Chamber affiliate Hampton Roads Sports Commission Launches New Event: Hero Games Coming October 2016; Gulf Coast Young Professionals 8th Annual Black Tie & Blue Jeans Gala; Christian County Chamber holds 128th annual meeting; Town Square Publications Chamber of Commerce Membership Directories, Community Profiles, Re-Location Guides and Custom Maps

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

Grand Rapids Chamber Responds to Orlando's Tragedy


In the aftermath of the tragic shooting in Orlando, FL on Sunday, the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce extends sincere sympathies to all those affected. We are deeply grieved by the violence, loss of life, and inherent hatred and intolerance motivating such acts against fellow citizens.

In principle and practice, the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce believes in the value and power of diversity and inclusion at all levels of our businesses and our community. Encouraging the diversity of our people is key to creating a community where everyone is welcome and where businesses thrive through new ideas and innovations. Without diversity and inclusion, we limit our talent, our resources and the business opportunities necessary to prosper in an increasingly competitive global marketplace.

Our work as a chamber will continue to focus on leading the West Michigan business community in creating an inviting and inclusive region that is welcoming to and safe for all people—whatever their socio-economic backgrounds, skin color, religious beliefs, gender, sexual orientation, or any other identifying differences may be. We will continue to live out these values through our policies, practices, membership services, and community engagement while also serving as a resource for West Michigan’s employers and employees.

The Chamber also commends all those who work to keep our community safe every day. We remain committed to supporting local law enforcement through Silent Observer, a program of the Chamber. We encourage vigilance in our neighborhoods and always invite the public to report any anonymous tips to help fight crime by calling 616.774.2345 or visiting www.silentobserver.org.

Although our hearts are heavy as we continue to mourn with Orlando and the LGBT community, let us also look to the future and find ways we can work together to support a strong, diverse, and vibrant West Michigan.


Chamber interest: Elkhart business bringing some 40 jobs back from China


Elkhart based Shield Restraints Inc. will be shifting some 40 jobs back to town from its facility in China.
The company, which makes seat belts and other safety restraints, said in an Elkhart Planning Commission Meeting on Monday, that they would be bringing the jobs back as part of their pitch to increase their facility size. This, after Elkhart based CTS Corp. announced it was shifting 230 jobs form its facility to other countries. However, this could be a step in Elkhart remaining a thriving manufacturing spot.
"They're bringing back jobs to this country that had been exported," Kyle Hannon, President of the Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce said. "That's always good news. It's a good sign for the local workforce that we can be as efficient and productive and as cost effective as overseas."
Some companies like CTS Corp. choose to send jobs overseas as a business decision. However, this could be a paradigm shift for companies in Elkhart.
"It might be too much of a stretch to say we're the bell weather int his but on the other hand, Elkhart does tend to lead the country in certain things," Hannon said. "We lead into the recession unfortunately. We lead out of the recession fortunately. Maybe we're leading a new trend around the country that people are going to discover the value of coming home." Read more: WNDU.com

MMAC inspiration: Midwestern legislators to converge on Milwaukee in July

Milwaukee will host legislators from 11 Midwestern states and four Canadian provinces in July for a conference that is expected to attract hundreds of legislators, their staffs and families.
The four-day event from July 17 through July 20 is run by the Midwestern Legislative Conference, which is based in Lombard, Ill. The nonpartisan annual affair gives legislators opportunities to learn from each other as well as from national policy experts.

Topics on the agenda include the future of water and water policy, investing in children and families and presentations on politics in this election year. The organization’s current chair is Wisconsin Rep. Joan Ballweg (R-Markesan).
The designated convention hotel is the Hyatt Regency in downtown Milwaukee.
The Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce encouraged the Midwestern Legislative Conference to hold its convention here, said MMAC senior vice president of governmental affairs and public policy Steve Baas.
“It’s a great way to show off our city,” Baas said. “It’s an opportunity to get people in and experience Milwaukee first hand. This is just a solid gold opportunity we’re excited to take advantage of.” Read more: Biz Journal


Cary Grove Chamber announces Lynn Caccavallo as new Executive Director


Lynn Caccavallo




The Cary Grove Chamber is excited to welcome Lynn Caccavallo as the new Executive Director of
the Cary Grove Area Chamber of Commerce. You can reach Lynn at (847) 639-2800 or lynn@carygrovechamber.com











A note from the Kernersville Chamber 

For 11 years, Steve and Tonya Cavanaugh have celebrated their birthdays in Pfafftown by throwing a big old party, known as Shmedfest, an epic community-wide fundraiser for Crisis Control Ministry. As word got out and sponsorships increased, the crowd has outgrown the location and Steve and Tonya began to set their sights on an even bigger and better location to house this fundraiser - Triad Park in Kernersville. Triad Park offers an amphitheater to showcase the live bands, ample lawn space to set up chairs and blankets and clean handicap accessible bathrooms.

Steve says, "While we have loved having Shmedfest literally in our backyard, and the willingness of our community to participate and help us raise over $25,000 - it just felt like it was naturally evolving and growing each year. We didn't want to stifle the success by keeping it at its previous location. Triad Park will not only allow the patrons to be more comfortable with the extra leg room to spread out but, with a bigger location, we are able to really publicize this event more and reach out to even more of the community so that we can reach our goal of raising $50,000 for Crisis Control Ministry!"

Be sure to save the date for August 27, 2016!


Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce 2016 Business Directory and Resource Guide

The Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce 2016 Business Directory and Resource Guide  is available at the Virginia Peninsula Chamber today! Thanks to Mike Kuhns, Suzy Johnson 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.

Chamber affiliate Hampton Roads Sports Commission Launches New Event:
Hero Games Coming October 2016


Bryan Stephens
The Hampton Roads Sports Commission, an affiliate of the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce, is excited to announce the launch of a new event, the Hampton Roads Hero Games, slated to be held from October 5-8, 2016. The event was created in an effort to recognize the law enforcement, fire, EMS and EMT “heroes” of our region through an action-packed, competitive and fun-filled environment with their fellow service men and women.
Bryan K. Stephens, President and CEO of the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce stated, “We are proud of the Hampton Roads Sports Commission for organizing the first annual Hampton Roads Hero Games for the region. This event is a wonderful opportunity for all fire, law enforcement, EMS and their families to participate in action-packed, competitive and fun-filled sporting events. It is also a great opportunity for the business community to show their appreciation to the men and women that keep our communities safe!”
The Hero Games will span four days and feature eight sporting events throughout Hampton Roads. All fire, law enforcement, EMS/EMT employees, retirees and their families will have the opportunity to pick and choose which sports to compete in. They may participate in as little as one event or all eight.

Virginia Beach Fire Chief Steve Cover is very excited about hosting the first event scheduled for the “Hero Games,” the firefighter challenge.  “Firefighters frequently face physical challenges, but the invitation to host one of the events in the first annual Hampton Roads Hero Games is a unique opportunity for the Virginia Beach Fire Department and something we are very proud to be a part of,” said Cover. “The firefighter challenge scheduled to take place at the Virginia Beach Fire and EMS Training Center on October 5th, not only affords us the chance to compete with our brothers and sisters from other fire departments in our region, but it is also a chance for all first responders to show the camaraderie and spirit that makes us so proud of our professions and the communities we serve.” 

DATE
SPORT
LOCATION
October 5th, 2016
Firefighter Challenge
Virginia Beach Fire Training Center
October 5th, 2016
Volleyball
River Crest Community Center
October 6th, 2016
Golf
Ocean View Golf Course
October 6th, 2016
CrossFit
Indian River Community Center
October 7th, 2016
Pistol Challenge
C2 Shooting Center  
October 8th, 2016
5K/Kids 1 mile, Cornhole  and Tug-of-War
Virginia Beach Sportsplex
** Schedule is subject to change
“We are proud to create an event in partnership with our local service members that allow us to pay tribute, give thanks and raise money for law enforcement and fire related charities,” said Lauren Bland, Executive Director of the Hampton Roads Sports Commission. “This event is family-friendly, but we’re also excited to see who the best competitors are in the region!”
For more information on sponsorship and registration, please visit: http://hamptonroadssports.org/herogames




Gulf Coast Young Professionals 8th Annual Black Tie & Blue Jeans Gala


 
The Black Tie and Blue Jeans Gala is the most unpretentious gala along the Gulf Coast. It is an exceptional awards program that honors 10 of Coast Young Professionals members' most accomplished and influential mentors with the "Forever Young" award and presents these awards on the night of the event. This gala provides an opportunity for young professionals and community leaders along the Mississippi Gulf Coast to give back while networking with other professionals along the Gulf Coast.

"Mentors are a crucial part of a young professional's growth and development, both professionally and personally.  Being a mentor isn't a small task.  It requires time, effort, and a genuine interest in the success and growth of others," said Katie Widdows, Black Tie & Blue Jeans Gala Chair.  "This event is our way to say thank you and recognize them for their selflessness, generosity, and commitment to ensure that the next generation continues to develop strong leaders and inspire young professionals to become a mentor themselves."

Forever Young candidates are persons of professional integrity who exemplify the spirit of service to their professions and who have, by their leadership, made a significant contribution to the advancement of a Coast Young Professionals member's career.

Tickets for the event are $40 in advance and $50 on the day of the event. Tickets include admission, heavy hor d'oeuvres, a photo station, a cash bar, and an opportunity to network.


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

Town Square Publications Chamber of Commerce Membership Directories, Community Profiles, 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.

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. Our experience allows Town Square Publications to offer you attractive royalty and non-dues revenue share streams, provide direct distribution of your custom designed printed publications, including digital and mobile integration, and all with the quickest turn-around times available in the industry. Town Square also offers multi-media maps in both print and online formats, both with our No-Cost guarantee. 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

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