Chicago Fed Report: Midwest Economic Growth Slowed in June
The Midwest Economy Index (MEI) decreased to
–0.04 in June from +0.11 in May. The relative MEI moved down to +0.37 in June
from +0.44 in May. June’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. Read more
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Greater Louisville and Southern Indiana combine to make a thriving region where success is within reach for businesses and their employees. Greater Louisville Inc. (GLI) is the local leadership organization that helps you understand and take advantage of all our region has to offer.
GLI offers a unique combination of expertise and connections to help you close your deal. Our team of economic development professionals brings knowledge and experience to the table to assist you at every stage of the deal process. We can help orient you to the market, find potential sites for relocation, facilitate connections for the incentives and expansion processes, expedite services, develop workforce solutions, and introduce you to the business community.
FINANCIAL INCENTIVES – Benefits are available for all types of companies - new, existing and relocating; regional and national headquarters; back-office; distribution and supply chain; manufacturing; and research and development. Both Indiana and Kentucky have generous business incentives and financial programs.
Indiana Business Incentives
Kentucky Business Incentives
Brief Summary of Incentives
TAXES – Kentucky has recently enacted wide-spread reforms to tax code policy. Designed to stimulate investment and business growth across the state, the changes are rapidly making Kentucky more competitive. Reforms include the repeal of the corporate license tax and the intangible property tax, as well as a reduction in the corporate income tax rate from 8.25 percent to the current 6%. Personal income taxes have also been reduced to a range of 2-6%.
Indiana ranks 8th in Tax Foundation's 2015 Business Tax Climate Index. The cost of doing business in Indiana is very favorable, due in part to having one of the best workers' compensation rates and unemployment tax rates. Due to legislation passed this year, corporate tax for Indiana is set to drop from 7% to 4.9% by 2021.
Louisville/Jefferson County Tax
Kentucky Tax
Indiana Tax
INNOVATION - Through GLI's EnterpriseCorp and Enterprise Angels, the Kentucky Innovation Network, Purdue's Research Park, IdeaFestival, and many business Accelerators, Greater Louisville shows dedication to building a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem and culture for small, early, and second stage fast growth firms. StartupLouisville is an entrepreneurial resource created by entrepreneurs - a hub for startups and high-growth companies in the greater Louisville area, where you can connect to the startup community and view events.
Click here to view Greater Louisville's Innovation Index, and compare it to other regions.
BUSINESS CONNECTIONS – In addition to the Chamber of Commerce member businesses, GLI has relationships with local, state, and federal government, entrepreneurs, investors, educators, etc. throughout the area. Knowing the right people is essential to growth. We know the right people and we can help introduce you.
WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS – Our team can help you proactively retain your current employees and aggressively recruit new ones. Resources include WorkInLou.com, our community's job search portal; relationships with educational institutions, and connections to industry-specific business networks.
SITES AND BUILDINGS – Save time locating and evaluating acreage, commercial and industrial properties. Find your future site or building by visiting the Regional Property Locator. This web-based application enables you to perform site selection searches, customize and analyze demographic information, as well as view, create, and print maps.
RESEARCH SERVICES – Leverage the power of information with the help of GLI’s expert research team. We can provide your company with the latest economic and demographic data to help you analyze your competitive position and plan strategically.
BUSINESS RELOCATION - Get assistance at every stage of your deal by working with GLI's Economic Development team. From introducing you to the market and teams who help secure incentives, to designing custom workforce solutions and orienting transitioned employees, our services can be your solution to the business relocation process.
RESIDENTIAL RELOCATION - Introduce transitioning employees and their families to Greater Louisville with LiveInLou.com, which offers an engaging overview of what it's like to live, work, learn, play, thrive, and belong. Make sure to visit the "Linkability City" box at the bottom of each page for links to practical information (from driver's licenses and daycare to dog parks and dentists) everyone needs during relocation.
For additional information for your relocation to the Louisville region, check out the
2015 Greater Louisville Relocation Guide.
2015 Greater Louisville Relocation Guide.
REGIONAL JOB SEARCH - Empower trailing spouses looking for job opportunities with WorkInLou.com. Powered by indeed.com, WorkInLou aggregates Louisville-area job postings from all the major job search sites, creating a one-stop-shop for regional job seekers.
INTERNATIONAL TRADE - Find solutions to your international trade needs via these local, state and federal organizations: Sister Cities of Louisville (SCL), the World Trade Center Kentucky (WTC-KY), the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development International Trade Division (ITD) and the U.S. Department of Commerce International Trade Administration (ITA).
Foreign Trade Zones:
FTZ No. 29 Louisville
Subzones:
29B Ford
29C GE 29D Lexmark
29E Toyota Motor Manufacturing
29F Hitachi 29G Ascent Power Tech. Corp.29H ISP Chemicals
29I NACCO Materials Handling Group, Inc.
29J LLFlex, LLC
29K Dow Corning Corporation
29L North American Stainless
29M Kinder Morgan Operating L.P."C"
Foreign Trade Zones:
FTZ No. 29 Louisville
Subzones:
29B Ford
29C GE 29D Lexmark
29E Toyota Motor Manufacturing
29F Hitachi 29G Ascent Power Tech. Corp.29H ISP Chemicals
29I NACCO Materials Handling Group, Inc.
29J LLFlex, LLC
29K Dow Corning Corporation
29L North American Stainless
29M Kinder Morgan Operating L.P."C"
SOURCES OF FUNDING DIRECTORY - The Sources of Funding Directory is the most comprehensive guide to private equity funding sources and grants ever compiled for Greater Louisville. This user-friendly volume is thoroughly researched and offers a wealth of information that can assist with expansion and relocation decision-making.
More: Greater Louisville Inc.
Naperville Chamber President will join panel discussion on entrepreneurial success
Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, Nicki Anderson, will participate in a panel discussion hosted by Itasca Bank from 8AM to 10AM on Wed., Sept. 7, 2016.The breakfast event will take place at Maggiano’s Oakbrook, located at 240 Oakbrook Center.
The conversation will focus on “The Secrets of Successful Women Entrepreneurs.”
Other featured panelists include Leslie North, Certified Public Accountant and small business owner, Nancy Stevens, Founder and Manager of Oaklee’s Family Guideand Rosemary Swierk, Founder and President of Direct Steel and Construction.
“It’s always a privilege to share the various facets of business ownership with others,” stated Anderson in a news release. “As a previous business owner and currently CEO of the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce, I have seen all sides of business. My goal is to help others avoid the mistakes that I made through my own experiences as well as that of our members.”
The event will begin with a breakfast buffet and networking starting at 8AM, followed by the panel discussion at 8:30AM. Read more: Positively Naperville
Grand Rapids Chamber: Politics & Pints Returns to Founders!
|
Beat the summer heat with a fun night of conversation and great craft beer during our next Politics & Pints on August 18!
It’s the perfect happy hour mix to unwind and relax while connecting with elected officials and others in the community. On average, 100 attendees are able to interact with 20 elected officials from across the political spectrum.
Date | Thursday, August 18, 2016
Time | 5:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Location | Founders Brewing Co. - Centennial Room, 235 Grandville Ave. SW
Cost | $20/member, $25/future member or late registration starting Wednesday, August 17
Rapid City 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!
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.
Politics aside, nomination of a woman is historic
Partisan politics aside, Hillary Clinton’s nomination as a presidential candidate marks an historical first for women, several Mississippi political and business leaders said.
“I think this is good for our country,” said Madison attorney Vicki Slater, who ran unsuccessfully in the Democratic primary for governor in 2015. “It shows we can choose who is the best qualified candidate and not be limited by race or gender in that selection. It’s also wonderful for American families. Women in American culture make most of the decisions on education, on healthcare and consumer safety for their families.”
Even across the aisle, the historic first for women was noted.
Republican state Treasurer Lynn Fitch criticized Democratic economic policies she said have “crushed” women, but agreed the nomination of a female presidential candidate is noteworthy.
Linda Bynum, director of the Ridgeland Chamber of Commerce, said: “All politics aside, this is an historic moment. I don’t know whether or not she’s the right candidate for the job and this is not me endorsing her, but this does lift women up. A lot of people of my generation never thought they’d see this in their lifetimes … I remember back in the '80s, when we saw Geraldine Ferraro as Walter Mondale’s running mate, I thought to myself at the time that I never dreamed I would see that. Then again, when Sarah Palin was John McCain’s running mate … I just say we’ve come a long way from the days when women didn’t even have the right to vote, couldn’t own property and couldn’t even open a bank account without their husband’s signature. Read more: Clarion Ledger
Clay County Ribbon Cutting: New assisted living facility lauded at opening
Tuesday was a milestone for Exceptional Living Centers and Clay County when the grand opening was held for Towne Park Assisted Living of Brazil.
Mayor Brian Wyndham said it's the first assisted living center in the county and it's a much needed business.
"This is a beautiful facility. Tom (Watts, Exceptional Living Centers CEO), you and your group came into town and identified a need and, more importantly, you did something about it and we really appreciate the investment you are making in this community to help us grow," Wyndham said. "As you look around, Brazil is moving and growing and it's folks like this who come in and help us do that."
Clay County Chamber of Commerce Vice President Mark Thompson said the project is bringing more than just jobs to the area.
"From the Chamber of Commerce perspective, we get very excited when we see 30 new jobs added to Brazil and see a beautiful new structure such as this," he said. "But what's going on here is something more than new jobs being added and a new structure. It's something much more personal than that. This place is meeting a need that is very real to Clay County."
Thompson told a story about Harold Plunkett, who was born and raised in Clay County.
"As his pastor, I officiated his wife's funeral a few years ago and worked with his family with 'How can we best care for Harold?' As a lifelong resident of Clay County, a generation who made Clay County a great place to live, I'm pleased and thrilled that Harold gets to remain in Clay County because of Towne Park." Read more: The Brazil Times
Chamber support: PORCH opens in downtown Beloit, offers gifts and more
Debbie Mongan hadn’t been to downtown Beloit for years, but after strolling through its Beloit Farmers Market last fall, she decided to open a business in the city’s downtown.
“I was impressed with how big the market was, but then I became more interested in what was going on in the storefronts,” she said.
Joe and Debbie Mongan opened PORCH at the former home of Flying Pig on Friday. The store is located at 430 E. Grand Ave., Suite 104, and hours are 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Sunday.
In addition to Joe’s metal garden art, the store offers clothing, gifts, garden items, jewelry and baby items.
The Mongans might be new to Beloit's downtown, but they aren’t new to retail.
Debbie had been working as giftware sales representative in 2003 when she met her husband, Joe, in Bangkok, Thailand, while building a playground for the non-profit Kids Around the World. Joe, a heavy equipment welder, was creating metal garden art and the couple decided to showcase his work in a storefront after his success at art shows.
They opened PORCH at 3065 N. Perryville Road, Rockford, nine years ago. She said the business became a big success.
While walking down Beloit’s streets this fall, the couple became impressed with so much entrepreneurial activity in the downtown.
“We wanted to get in when it's really starting to take off,” she said.
Debbie said she also was pleased with the Greater Beloit Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Beloit Association’s support in helping her set up shop, as well as the kindness of those in the community. Read more: Beloit Daily News
Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce Honors Military at the Norfolk Military Recognition Reception
Norfolk, VA –The Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce has recognized the accomplishments of our military members at our bi-annual Military Recognition Reception for more than 15 years. On August 5, 2016, the Chamber will have the honor of recognizing over 100 hardworking, military personnel representing all branches of the military from local commands throughout Hampton Roads.
Nominated by their respective commands, the honorees will be recognized for their outstanding service to our country. These service members will be joined at the reception by their families, military leadership, elected officials, and businessmen and women from the region.
Remarks will be provided by Norfolk Mayor Kenny Alexander. Mayor Alexander was elected Mayor of the City of Norfolk on May 3, 2016. A native of Norfolk and president of Metropolitan Funeral Service, he began his public service career more than two decades ago. Prior to his election as Mayor, he served in the Senate of Virginia where he was a member of the committees on Commerce and Labor, Finance, Transportation and Privileges and Elections. Additionally, he served on the Hampton Roads Transportation Accountability Commission, the High Speed Rail Compact Commission for Virginia and North Carolina, the Special Joint Subcommittee to consult on the Plan to Close State Training Centers and the Joint Commission on the Future Competitiveness of Virginia Higher Education.
The reception will be held at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott (Hampton Ballroom) at 3:00 p.m. For more information, contact Candace Reid at creid@hrccva.com.
Date: Friday, August 5
Time: 3:00pm
Location: Norfolk Waterside Marriott
235 East Main Street
Norfolk, VA 23510
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 chamber publication or map proposal, Contact Town Square Here
Friday: 157 Rules for Executive Success in Organization Management (and your Chamber of Commerce) by Patrick McGaughey
RULE #9 - Recruit board members that earn more than you.
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!
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.
Politics aside, nomination of a woman is historic
Partisan politics aside, Hillary Clinton’s nomination as a presidential candidate marks an historical first for women, several Mississippi political and business leaders said.
“I think this is good for our country,” said Madison attorney Vicki Slater, who ran unsuccessfully in the Democratic primary for governor in 2015. “It shows we can choose who is the best qualified candidate and not be limited by race or gender in that selection. It’s also wonderful for American families. Women in American culture make most of the decisions on education, on healthcare and consumer safety for their families.”
Even across the aisle, the historic first for women was noted.
Republican state Treasurer Lynn Fitch criticized Democratic economic policies she said have “crushed” women, but agreed the nomination of a female presidential candidate is noteworthy.
Linda Bynum, director of the Ridgeland Chamber of Commerce, said: “All politics aside, this is an historic moment. I don’t know whether or not she’s the right candidate for the job and this is not me endorsing her, but this does lift women up. A lot of people of my generation never thought they’d see this in their lifetimes … I remember back in the '80s, when we saw Geraldine Ferraro as Walter Mondale’s running mate, I thought to myself at the time that I never dreamed I would see that. Then again, when Sarah Palin was John McCain’s running mate … I just say we’ve come a long way from the days when women didn’t even have the right to vote, couldn’t own property and couldn’t even open a bank account without their husband’s signature. Read more: Clarion Ledger
Clay County Ribbon Cutting: New assisted living facility lauded at opening
Tuesday was a milestone for Exceptional Living Centers and Clay County when the grand opening was held for Towne Park Assisted Living of Brazil.
Mayor Brian Wyndham said it's the first assisted living center in the county and it's a much needed business.
"This is a beautiful facility. Tom (Watts, Exceptional Living Centers CEO), you and your group came into town and identified a need and, more importantly, you did something about it and we really appreciate the investment you are making in this community to help us grow," Wyndham said. "As you look around, Brazil is moving and growing and it's folks like this who come in and help us do that."
Clay County Chamber of Commerce Vice President Mark Thompson said the project is bringing more than just jobs to the area.
"From the Chamber of Commerce perspective, we get very excited when we see 30 new jobs added to Brazil and see a beautiful new structure such as this," he said. "But what's going on here is something more than new jobs being added and a new structure. It's something much more personal than that. This place is meeting a need that is very real to Clay County."
Thompson told a story about Harold Plunkett, who was born and raised in Clay County.
"As his pastor, I officiated his wife's funeral a few years ago and worked with his family with 'How can we best care for Harold?' As a lifelong resident of Clay County, a generation who made Clay County a great place to live, I'm pleased and thrilled that Harold gets to remain in Clay County because of Towne Park." Read more: The Brazil Times
Chamber support: PORCH opens in downtown Beloit, offers gifts and more
Debbie Mongan hadn’t been to downtown Beloit for years, but after strolling through its Beloit Farmers Market last fall, she decided to open a business in the city’s downtown.
“I was impressed with how big the market was, but then I became more interested in what was going on in the storefronts,” she said.
Joe and Debbie Mongan opened PORCH at the former home of Flying Pig on Friday. The store is located at 430 E. Grand Ave., Suite 104, and hours are 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Sunday.
In addition to Joe’s metal garden art, the store offers clothing, gifts, garden items, jewelry and baby items.
The Mongans might be new to Beloit's downtown, but they aren’t new to retail.
Debbie had been working as giftware sales representative in 2003 when she met her husband, Joe, in Bangkok, Thailand, while building a playground for the non-profit Kids Around the World. Joe, a heavy equipment welder, was creating metal garden art and the couple decided to showcase his work in a storefront after his success at art shows.
They opened PORCH at 3065 N. Perryville Road, Rockford, nine years ago. She said the business became a big success.
While walking down Beloit’s streets this fall, the couple became impressed with so much entrepreneurial activity in the downtown.
“We wanted to get in when it's really starting to take off,” she said.
Debbie said she also was pleased with the Greater Beloit Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Beloit Association’s support in helping her set up shop, as well as the kindness of those in the community. Read more: Beloit Daily News
Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce Honors Military at the Norfolk Military Recognition Reception
Norfolk, VA –The Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce has recognized the accomplishments of our military members at our bi-annual Military Recognition Reception for more than 15 years. On August 5, 2016, the Chamber will have the honor of recognizing over 100 hardworking, military personnel representing all branches of the military from local commands throughout Hampton Roads.
Nominated by their respective commands, the honorees will be recognized for their outstanding service to our country. These service members will be joined at the reception by their families, military leadership, elected officials, and businessmen and women from the region.
Remarks will be provided by Norfolk Mayor Kenny Alexander. Mayor Alexander was elected Mayor of the City of Norfolk on May 3, 2016. A native of Norfolk and president of Metropolitan Funeral Service, he began his public service career more than two decades ago. Prior to his election as Mayor, he served in the Senate of Virginia where he was a member of the committees on Commerce and Labor, Finance, Transportation and Privileges and Elections. Additionally, he served on the Hampton Roads Transportation Accountability Commission, the High Speed Rail Compact Commission for Virginia and North Carolina, the Special Joint Subcommittee to consult on the Plan to Close State Training Centers and the Joint Commission on the Future Competitiveness of Virginia Higher Education.
The reception will be held at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott (Hampton Ballroom) at 3:00 p.m. For more information, contact Candace Reid at creid@hrccva.com.
Date: Friday, August 5
Time: 3:00pm
Location: Norfolk Waterside Marriott
235 East Main Street
Norfolk, VA 23510
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 chamber publication or map proposal, Contact Town Square Here
Friday: 157 Rules for Executive Success in Organization Management (and your Chamber of Commerce) by Patrick McGaughey
RULE #9 - Recruit board members that earn more than you.
