Kentucky Entrepreneur Hall of Fame to Induct Four Accomplished Entrepreneurs; #BestChamber practices: Virginia Peninsula Chamber Senior Advocate Roundtable-7/20/16; #BestChamber practices - Oxford Lafayette County Chamber LOU Ambassadors program; Rapid City Area Chamber of Commerce 2016 Community Guide & Membership Directory; Greater Elkhart Chamber: Getting lean; Muskegon Watch campaign to beautify Sherman Blvd; Chamber event Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch to visit Beloit soon; Chamber collaboration: West Suburban program helps businesses break through to next level; 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!


Kentucky Entrepreneur Hall of Fame to Induct Four Accomplished Entrepreneurs
Lexington (7/15/2016) – The seventh annual Kentucky Entrepreneur Hall of Fame induction ceremony, presented by Delta Dental, will honor this year's inductees on November 16, 2016. The induction ceremony will be held at the Hilton Lexington Downtown. The Kentucky Entrepreneur Hall of Fame celebrates the stories of Kentucky's most successful entrepreneurs, with a mission to raise awareness around the impact entrepreneurship has made in the Commonwealth, and to encourage others to pursue similar ambitious endeavors. 
2016 Kentucky Entrepreneur Hall of Fame inductees:

• Colonel Sanders | Kentucky Fried Chicken
• Kent Oyler | High Speed Access Corp, OPM Services, Inc.
• Robert B. Trussell, Jr. | Tempur Sealy International, Inc.
• Carey Smith | Big Ass Solutions

New this year, the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce has partnered with Awesome Inc and Sustainable Business Ventures on the Kentucky Entrepreneur Hall of Fame (KEHOF).
Dave Adkisson, Chamber CEO and President weighed in on the partnership, "The Kentucky Chamber is very excited about our new partnership with the Kentucky Entrepreneur Hall of Fame. Through this partnership we hope to enhance the entrepreneurial environment of Kentucky and to celebrate the critical role entrepreneurs play in the state's economic growth."
Table, individual tickets and sponsorships are available.
For questions about registration and/or sponsorship opportunities, contact Sarah Cathey via email or phone at 502-848-8719. 
For more information about the Kentucky Entrepreneur Hall of Fame, visit entrepreneurhof.com

#BestChamber practices: Virginia Peninsula Chamber Senior Advocate Roundtable-7/20/16

Time: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM EDT

LTC: Then, Now & Tomorrow – A Workshop for Senior Services Professionals!
The purpose of this workshop is to address your questions, concerns and provide clarity on the state of LTC, what was available then, what is available now and alternate methods of funding Long-Term Care needs.  This is an interactive Workshop.  Bring your questions!  To seed the discussion, we will address: cost, what was covered then and what is covered now, Virginia State Partnership Program + Medicaid, tax deductions, different extended-care programs & policy options, what’s covered, durable medical equipment and renovation expenses, couple coverage vs. individual, shared benefits, best time to purchase LTC, LTC in the workplace, etc.  If you want to send questions in advance to make sure they are included in the discussion, e-mail the questions to Larry Coleman, lecoleman@nyl.com

#BestChamber practices - Oxford Lafayette County Chamber LOU Ambassadors program

Want to be more involved?  
Here is your opportunity!

  

Summary of Ambassadors Committee:

The LOU Chamber Ambassadors are an extension and a member of the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce. They are a group of dedicated people who donate their time and energy to serve as good-will Ambassadors for the Chamber and the Oxford community. The Ambassadors maintain a high visibility profile by developing good-will, providing service, and attending and supporting Chamber activities and events. Ambassadors represent their businesses while networking at Chamber functions and events, simultaneously increasing business’ visibility and exposure in the community. Their responsibilities include participation in a variety of programs, projects and activities, including:

 ribbon cutting & ground breaking events

 Chamber After Hours

 business seminars

 special breakfast meetings

 networking events

 working with new and existing members to communicate benefits of the Chamber

 and other Chamber functions throughout the year.

Objectives of the Committee:

The Objective of the Ambassador Program is to enhance the Oxford-Lafayette Chamber of Commerce through a “Points Earned Program” (P.E.P.) through which Ambassadors are held accountable for involvement.

Format:

Chair of Ambassadors Approved by the CC Board of Directors

Ambassadors Committee Application approved by Chair

Chair Responsibilities:

Promote and accept Ambassador applications

Review applications. Approval / Denial

Interview applicants and evaluate

Announce Ambassadors at Chamber After Hours

Plan & Execute Ambassador Kickoff

Assign membership group to each ambassador/make reassignments as needed

Log and approve points from past months events

Informative email to ambassadors with upcoming events (dates, locations, times)

Organize and coordinate with Chamber staff the distribution of welcome packs to new members with Ambassadors

Coordinate monthly luncheons with ambassadors

Award Ambassador of the Quarter and Ambassador of the Year

Report to the Board of Directors at monthly meeting

Benefits for the Ambassadors  Increased name and face recognition  Increased networking opportunities  Potential for increased referrals  Opportunity to connect one-on-one with new and existing Chamber members  Increased referral opportunities through other Ambassadors and one-on-one contact with members  Potential media coverage from attendance at Chamber events  Gain an insider’s perspective of the local business community  Opportunity to meet local business and community leaders  Chance to help the community and show community pride  Recognition via “Ambassador of the Year” and “Ambassador Spotlights.” Program Benefits for the Membership  Increased access to points of contact who can provide assistance and answer questions  More frequent Chamber communication  Potential for increased referrals  Members will feel more connected to the Chamber

Ambassadors Committee Responsibilities

There will be an annual fee of $100.00 for all participants of the Ambassador program. This fee includes: nametag, polo and blazer (both property of the Chamber), monthly lunches, Annual Meeting ticket, Red Carpet Gala ticket and admission to all events you are scheduled to work.

Ambassadors are expected to attend Ambassador kick-off party and training will be held (mandatory), as well as to attend monthly meetings for continued training and updates.

There will be a maximum of 25 Ambassadors.

All Ambassadors will be required to maintain a certain number of points. More details on this will come at the orientation. If you are unable to fulfill the requirements set by the program, you will automatically be dropped as an Ambassador. Leave of absences are acceptable, however, a leave form must be submitted to the Chair of the program for approval.

Ambassadors are responsible for confirming points with the Chair prior to monthly meetings. Ambassadors will need to report to Chair their points earned through volunteering, committee meetings, recruiting a new member, retaining an overdue member or any other points earned services where a sign in sheet is not available.

Ambassadors may be broken into committees to be as effective as possible in their work and scheduling availability. Committees to include, but are not limited to: Membership, Events, and Ribbon Cuttings.

Awards and incentives will be given quarterly to an ambassador based on a points systems that is yet to be determined. At end of the year an award will be given to the ambassador with the most cumulative points.

AREAS OF FOCUS

EVENTS

Includes Chamber After Hours, Annual Meeting, annual Christmas Party, Chamber After Hours, among others

Help maintain a supply of door prizes from current members for events. Committee is responsible for Door Prize drawings at Chamber After Hours, greeting at Chamber After Hours/events, making members feel welcome, and assisting staff with photos at the event. Committee is also encouraged to bring first-time guest and existing members who haven't been active to the events.

RIBBON CUTTINGS AND GROUND BREAKINGS

Committee is responsible for attending as many events as possible. Committee helps with organizing photo and signing of ribbon by attendees after event. Committee is also encouraged to bring first-time guests and existing members who haven't been active to the events. Some businesses may request assistance from the Ambassadors at their events for various support as needed.

MEMBERSHIP

Ambassadors will be responsible for presenting new members with their informative package from the Chamber and discussing their membership and benefits. The Ambassadors will then be responsible for upholding communication with that member throughout the Ambassador term.

Ambassadors are responsible for assisting in calling on overdue members and helping keep them current, including picking up checks for payment as needed.

Ambassadors will be responsible for communication to an assigned group of current members. These visits are to promote engagement in the Chamber, communicate perks and benefits of being a Chamber member, and to receive feedback from our membership.

All Ambassadors will be responsible for distributing the Annual Membership Directories to an assigned group of current members in August/September each year. This is a great opportunity to thank members for their involvement, promote engagement in the Chamber, communicate benefits of being a Chamber member, and to receive feedback from our membership. Short/drop off visits are all that is required. Ambassadors will receive 10 points per book delivered, added on to their annual total at the end of the year.

Ambassadors will be rewarded on a point system. Below is an example of how the points may work More details will come at the orientation event on the point system. Bonus points will be available throughout the program year.

Points Earned System:

Door Prizes 1 pt/$1.00 value

Name Tag Bonus 50 Points

Overdue Member (making current) 50 Points

Delivering New Member Packs+ 50 Points

First Time Guest to Chamber Event 100 Points

Ambassador Monthly Luncheon 100 Points

Chamber Committee Meetings* 100 Points

After Hours 100 Points

Ribbon Cuttings 100 Points

Annual Meeting 100 Points

Red Carpet Gala 100 Points

Christmas Party 100 Points

Eggs and Issues Breakfast 100 Points

First to Know Breakfasts 100 Points

Entrepreneurial Alliance Meetings 100 Points

Business and Industry Golf Tournament 100 Points

Business Seminars/Lunch and Learns 100 Points

YPO Meetings 100 Points

New Business Referral 200 Points

Double Decker Spring Run Volunteer 300 Points

4th of July Volunteer 300 Points

Christmas Parade Volunteer 300 Points

Delivering Chamber Membership Guides 10 pts/per book

*Chamber Committee Meetings: These are chamber specific committee meetings such as Leadership Lafayette, Jr Leadership, 4th of July and Shop Oxford. Can earn 100 points per meeting.

+New Member Packs: These points are awarded at the end of the program year.

LOU Ambassadors are required to follow the following Code of Conduct rules:

Ambassadors are expected to conduct themselves in a businesslike manner at all times while serving as an Ambassador at any event or function.

Ambassadors are expected to wear designated blazer or polo attire when requested. Ambassadors are always expected to wear nametags at events.

As an Ambassador you are seen as a role model in the business community and will be expected to conduct yourself accordingly and in a way that you would wish others to follow. You should be conscious, that as an Ambassador, you are a representative of the Oxford Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce in all your interactions with members.

Ambassadors help members, raises awareness of the Chamber and its activities, and support its reputation.

The Chamber expects that Ambassadors will perform their duties onscientiously, honestly, and in accordance with the best interests of the Chamber and its members.

Ambassadors are expected to pass on any requests for information, updates in contact details, or positive/negative feedback from membership to Chamber Staff.

Membership in the Ambassador Program is a privilege and can be revoked at any time for cause.

More Information: Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber



Rapid City Area 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.

Greater Elkhart Chamber: Getting lean

Some of you know about how your Chamber helps companies cut the inefficiencies out of their process. We do this through our sister organization, the Center for Business Excellence (formerly known as NCI).

For years, this organization has helped our manufacturing companies stay competitive in a global arena by adopting “lean” principles. Under the guidance of Merritt Dilts, the Center for Business Excellence has been helping companies use lean in their offices too.

In the near future, your Chamber is going to be moving around some staff offices. We believe, by having most staff people on the same floor, we will enjoy some efficiencies and enhance communication.

Since we are making a move, and since we have a lean expert working in our very building, I thought it would be a good idea to introduce lean office techniques to the Chamber. We have just started this process and it is going to take some time and commitment.

For my part, I have eliminated unnecessary files and re-organized my filing system. That way, when I receive something, I can handle it instantly or file it in the right spot if it should be handled later. That’s the theory, at least.  Instead, I have hidden some files by accident. I’m sure I’ll find them soon. But it is taking some time to get accustomed to my new system.

Also, I still seem to accumulate paper on my desk. It is not supposed to work that way. And there are a few things I can’t figure out where they should be placed. I have a paper sorter that I need to eliminate, but there are some things that still need to find new homes.

Email is another challenge. I know there is a better way to handle email. And I know I don’t know what it is. However, I received some helpful suggestions that I am going to implement, eventually. So please be patient if you don’t receive an immediate reply from me.

Part of the lean concept is seeking “continuous improvement.” The progress may be slower than hoped, but I believe I am making progress. One of the suggestions for lean office is to take a picture of your office before you start. I did that, and I can see an improvement. I can also see things I need to do to make my efficiency better.

I’m committed to this. By eliminating most of the piles from my desk and most of my old files, I already feel better. After the staff move, and after we have settled in, I’ll try to report even more progress. If you are ready to embark on a lean office, contact Merritt.

By Kyle Hannon
Chamber President/CEO 

Chamber issue: Muskegon Watch campaign to beautify Sherman Blvd

Sherman Blvd. runs through five cities in Muskegon County as it runs from Kruse Park Beach on Lake Michigan to Mercy Health near U.S. 31.  The Muskegon Watch Campaign has selected the beautification of Sherman Blvd as its next big community project, Cindy Larsen, President of the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce says, “This important metro roadway needs to be freshened up with new landscaping, lighting, and additional public transportation.”

The stretch of road is over six miles long, even though the first phases of the project are underway, it will take a few years to complete.

Anyone interested in getting involved with the project can register at Watch Muskegon.

The beautification is July 25th - 29th from 9:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the MATS McMurray Administration Building, 2624 6th St in Muskegon.  the clean up location is Sherman Blvd. from Seaway Dr. to Getty St.  Volunteers are asked to bring gardening gloves, sunscreen and a reusable water bottle.

Property owners on the area being worked on are encouraged to join the movement and work on their own clean-up projects.  Residents and businesses unable to participate, can still get assistance with clean-up on their property or provide a donation. Read more: WZZM 13

Chamber event Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch to visit Beloit soon


BELOIT — Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch will be the next featured speaker at the Greater Beloit Chamber of Commerce Legislative Breakfast set at 9 a.m. on July 21 at The Castle, 501 Prospect St.

The cost for the breakfast is $30 for chamber members only. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.

ABC Supply, Alliant Energy and Universal AET are sponsors. For information, call the Greater Beloit Chamber of Commerce at 608-365-8835 or go to the website at www.greaterbeloitchamber.org.


Chamber collaboration: West Suburban program helps businesses break through to next level

Although not a hair stylist, Michelle Van Eaton, a partner at Silver Moon Salon in La Grange, now handles the salon's training of stylists.

That switch was part of information that Van Eaton learned in the "Breakthrough Challenge," a program to help small business owners get to the next level.

"It was like going to graduate school and not paying for it," Van Eaton said of the Breakthrough Challenge, which helped six local small-business owners who have survived the startup phase look at steps toward growth.

A smaller, local version of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program, the Breakthrough Challenge is a joint effort by FNBC Bank & Trust, Suite Spotte and the West Suburban Chamber of Commerce & Industry. The nine-month program consists of small-group mastermind sessions addressing specific business topics and guest CEOs, including Tim McEnery of Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurants. The CEOs shared their stories of being in similar positions as the program attendees, having built a viable business but having difficulty growing beyond a certain level.

"It was the best business knowledge I could have gotten," Van Eaton said.

By taking strengths tests as part of the program, Van Eaton and her two partners, Liz Chada and Kelly Douglas, learned that they all needed to handle different roles. Van Eaton, who had spent 30 years in the gaming industry, found that her strengths were in organizing and training so she took over the training of new employees at the salon, which will hit its four-year anniversary in August. Read more: LaGrange Doings

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