ACCE names Muskegon-Lakeshore Chamber finalist for Chamber of the Year; Monticello Chamber delight: For Indiana Beach, a new beginning; Northern Virginia Chamber to Host Virginia Roundtable featuring Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine; Leadership Owensboro 2017 class open for application; Lansing Chamber Event: Early Bird LOOP Registration Is Extended; Romeoville 2016 Community & Membership Directory; Jenny Levens, IOM of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce Graduates from Institute of Organizational management; Town Square Publications Chamber of Commerce Membership Directories, Community Profiles, Re-Location Guides and Custom Maps; Heart of the Valley Chamber hosts GOP debate;

Happy Monday, Chamber World! It's going to be a GREAT week!

ACCE names Muskegon-Lakeshore Chamber finalist for Chamber of the Year

A community in the region is home to one of the best chambers of commerce in North America.

The Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce has been named one of 16 finalists for the 2016 Chamber of the Year award by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, or ACCE, in Alexandria, Virginia.

The Muskegon chamber is competing with the Chamber of Greater Springfield in Ohio and Vail Valley Partnership in Avon, Colorado in its category.

“Applicants have already proven themselves worthy of emulation and praise by the time they reach finalist status,” ACCE President and CEO Mick Fleming said.

Evaluation process

To qualify for the award, chambers have to meet minimum thresholds in at least three of five key performance areas: net revenue, net assets, membership account retention and membership dollar retention.

The qualifying chambers are then grouped by categories determined by total revenue, member accounts, service area population, number of businesses in the service area and restricted revenue as a percentage of total revenue.

An impartial judging committee comprising industry professionals then reviews and identifies finalists in each category.

In the competition's final phase, leaders from each finalist chamber are interviewed by the judging committee. Read more: Grand Rapids Business Journal

Monticello Chamber delight: For Indiana Beach, a new beginning

Indiana Beach Boardwalk Resort’s old slogan is no more.

“Where families flock for fun” has replaced “There’s more than corn in Indiana,” which appeared in television and radio commercials across the state for years before Apex Parks Group took over the amusement resort this past September.

But Don Hurd, marketing director for the midsize attraction about 28 miles north of Lafayette, has adopted a more fitting saying for the park since its ownership change.

“We’re bringing the sparkle back to Indiana Beach,” he proclaimed proudly, and often, while strolling past concession stands and spinning rides on a sunny, Friday afternoon in June.

Hurd’s job at the park has been full of new ride announcements and preparations for an advertising campaign.

It’s a welcome change from the three years Hurd spent delivering news of staff layoffs and roller coaster troubles at the park, located on Lake Shafer. Previous owner Morgan Recreation Vacations, which bought the resort in 2008, struggled. The park's reputation suffered. Attendance dipped.

But now, Hurd says, the 90-year-old park is on the rebound.

New life

Indiana Beach’s Ferris wheel is separated from the rest of the park by an elevated platform. It’s also 90 feet tall.

The wheel’s height and its permanence — it has been around since the '80s – have made it an iconic Indiana Beach attraction. Apex Parks updated it almost immediately after buying the park.

The company shipped it back to its original manufacturer in Wichita, Kan. Workers repainted each car and installed 25 LED lights on the ride's spokes. At night, the wheel displays one of 10 possible computer-generated light shows.

“It’s like a digital fireworks show,” Hurd said.

The renovated wheel sends a signal — a bright one — that Indiana Beach is serious about improving itself, Hurd said. Read more: Indy Star

Northern Virginia Chamber to Host Virginia Roundtable featuring Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine


The Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce will host a unique roundtable discussion featuring Virginia’s Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine. The dialogue will cover several issues of interest to the regional business community including transportation and infrastructure, cybersecurity, national security assets, tax reform, trade policy, health care, and emerging/innovative business sectors where Northern Virginia can take a leadership role.

Speakers Include: Senator Mark Warner and Senator Tim Kaine

Wednesday July 20, 2016, 3:00 – 5:00 PM

Inova Center for Personalized Health: 3225 Gallows Road, Fairfax, Virginia 22037


More Information: Alex Chagouris at achagouris@novahamber.org

Leadership Owensboro 2017 class open for application

Owensboro, KY – Leadership Owensboro, the community leadership program co-sponsored by the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation has name recognition and a tradition of excellence in building and encouraging Owensboro leaders since 1982. The program, boasting an alumni base of more than one thousand, is the premier local professional development and community learning opportunity.

“It is always exciting to anticipate the next class,” said Jessica Kirk, Executive Director of Leadership Owensboro. “Our goal is to build the program each year to enrich and strengthen the tradition that several people in the Owensboro community are extremely proud of.”

“Leadership Owensboro is an integral component of our community’s succession plan. Talent drives economic growth,” said Candance Casten Brake, Chamber President and CEO.

Classes consist of nine full-day sessions and will include topics such as education, human needs and services, local government issues, crime, arts, tourism, healthcare and more. In addition to the once monthly classes from September through April, the class members will be required to participate in local civic leadership meetings, and will work in a team to present a solution to an identified community challenge. A trip to Frankfort in February will allow class members to meet state legislators and lobby for Owensboro priorities.

The tuition cost for Leadership Owensboro is $750. Applications are due by July 29st. Class acceptance will be made by August 22. The 2016-2017 schedule begins in September at Rooster Booster and concludes with graduation in May 2017. To learn more about Leadership Owensboro and download an application visit http://chamber.owensboro.com/leadership-owensboro/

For more information on the Leadership Owensboro program, please contact Executive Director, Jessica Kirk at 270-926-1860.



Lansing Chamber Event: Early Bird LOOP Registration Is Extended

Please join in the fun at the 4th Annual LOOP Lansing On Pedals presented by the Lansing Area Chamber of Commerce.  We have extended our early registration fee through July 15, 2016 of $20.00.  Group rates of 10 or more $18.00. 

Date:   Friday, July 22, 2016

Time:   Registration 6:00 p.m. 
            Bike Ride begins at 7:00 p.m.

Place:  Park Plaza
    
Price:   Through July 15, 2016 $20.00
            After July 15, 2016 and at the door $40.00

New and Improved Bike Route featuring downtown Lansing, Cook County Forest Preserve, Lansing Municipal Airport and portions of Munster.  Enter a  $5.00 raffle to win a Trek Verve 2 Bike valued at $550.00 donated by Goodspeed Cycles.
                                     
Registration and payment available online at www.chamberoflansing.com or call 708 474-4170.



Romeoville 2016 Community & Membership Directory  

The Romeoville 2016 Community & Membership Directory is available at the Romeoville Chamber of Commerce today! Thanks to Michelle Jarnutowski, Gina Sopko and the Chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!

Town Square Publications  (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.




Jenny Levens, IOM of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce Graduates from Institute of Organizational management

Jenny Levens

Institute for Organization Management, the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, is pleased to announce that Jenny Levens, IOM, Director of the Long Beach and Pass Christian Chamber of Commerce, of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce, has graduated from the program and has received the recognition of IOM. Awarded to all graduates of the Institute program, the IOM Graduate Recognition signifies the individual’s completion of 96 hours of course instruction in nonprofit management. In addition, participants can earn credit hours toward the Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) or Certified Association Executive (CAE) certifications. Nearly 1,000 individuals attend Institute annually.

“Institute graduates are recognized across the country as leaders in their industries and organizations,” said Raymond P. Towle, IOM, CAE, the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s vice president of Institute for Organization Management. “These individuals have the knowledge, skills, and dedication necessary to achieve professional and organizational success in the dynamic association and chamber industries.”

Since its commencement in 1921, the Institute program has been educating tens of thousands of association, chamber, and other nonprofit leaders on how to build stronger organizations, better serve their members and become strong business advocates. Institute’s curriculum consists of four weeklong sessions at five different university locations throughout the country. Through a combination of required courses and electives in areas such as leadership, advocacy, marketing, finance, and membership, Institute participants are able to enhance their own organizational management skills and add new fuel to their organizations, making them run more efficiently and effectively.

Institute for Organization Management is the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. It is the premier nonprofit professional development program for association and chamber professionals, fostering individual growth through interactive learning and networking opportunities. More information: MS Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce - 228.604.0014 - info@mscoastchamber.com - www.mscoastchamber.com



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



Heart of the Valley Chamber hosts GOP debate

The Heart of the Valley Chamber of Commerce will host a primary debate for the 3rd Assembly GOP candidates.

The event will take place from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. July 20 at the Kaukauna Library, 207 Thilmany Road, Suite 200.

Also on July 20, a member appreciation barbecue will be hosted by the chamber from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Heart of the Valley Chamber of Commerce, 101 E. Wisconsin Ave.


For more information or to register for these events, contact Jamie Harvey at 920-766-1616 or visit www.heartofthevalleychamber.com. Read more: Post Crescent


Interesting note from Jim Mathis, chamber executive conference facilitator:

Lessons from 
The Great One

What Can You Learn from Jackie Gleason?

"How sweet it is!" -Jackie Gleason

If you saw Smokey and the Bandit, you are familiar with the work of Jackie Gleason playing the iconic Sheriff Buford T. Justice.  He was an entertainer with a string of creativity years before the hit movie came out in 1977.

"The Great One" will forever be known for his successful business decisions. He starred in the hit series. The Honeymooners, in the early days of television and revived the show several decades later through smart foresight.

 What you can learn from his creativity will inspire you to go where nobody else has gone in your field and industry.  Here are 4.5 lessons he taught us about business:

1. Remember the past and give the people what they like most.

Jackie was one of the earliest television stars.  He was in a show for the CBS network (the same network who hosts The Big Bang Theory).  Knowing television was a successful medium, he signed a 20 year agreement with the network. He got paid whether or not he was on a show. Gleason was such a hot talent that the network executives readily signed the agreement.

When he starred in “The Honeymooners” 1950s situation comedy, he knew he was on to something special.  He had it filmed in a new style of video for the day (Kinescope).  The show wasn’t that big of a hit its only season on television, but he was able to parlay his success into “reruns” – something few had even conceived of at the time. 

Jackie also used The Honeymooners for future roles on television and even revived many of the shows plots and characters on his variety shows in the late 1950s and 60s.

In 1985, Gleason revealed that he had saved 39 episodes of the classic show, just when classic television (TV Land) was coming into style. “The Lost Episodes,” were opened up to a new generation of viewers and he became a star once again. 

Gleason knew he was on to a product that would transcend the moment – a blue-collar situation comedy… decades before Roseanne, Archie Bunker, Larry the Cable Guy and Jeff Foxworthy.  

He had the forethought to keep the Kinescope tapes hidden in a personal vault... for a day they would be revealed to the world.  Reruns and classic television cable networks hadn’t even been dreamed of yet, but he saved the tapes for the right time when they would.

Remember Classic Coca Cola? What is your organization doing....