Chamber of Commerce Daily News

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Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Greater Madison Chamber dinner to feature Trek's John Burke and Lands' End's Federica Marchionni as speakers; Greensburg/Decatur County Chamber invites community interaction for Stellar Communities; Chamber Chuckle - Wacky Wednesday Weirdest Chamber Requests; #BestChamber practices: Join us at the Members in Motion Multi-Chamber Networking Breakfast brought to you by your local Chambers: Algonqin/Lake in the Hills, Cary Grove, Crystal Lake, Huntley, and Woodstock.; Rapid City Area Chamber of Commerce 2016 Community Guide & Membership Directory; Loudoun Chamber to Host 'State of Innovation in Education' Forum on Sept. 14; Nominations being sought for Kyndle Industry of the Year Award; LAFCU’s Chrystal Murphy elected president of Eaton Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce board; Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber CEO headed to Ingalls; Town Square Chamber of Commerce Directories

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

Greater Madison Chamber dinner to feature Trek's John Burke and Lands' End's Federica Marchionni as speakers

The top executives of Trek Bicycle Corp. and Lands’ End will headline the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner in September.

John Burke, president of Waterloo-based Trek, and Federica Marchionni, CEO of apparel retailer Lands’ End, will be keynote speakers at the event Sept. 28 at Monona Terrace.

Chamber president Zach Brandon said the theme of this year’s dinner will be “Make Madison” — that the greater Madison area is “the place where you can make a career, make a life and make a difference,” he said.

Rather than drawing a speaker from outside Wisconsin, as the chamber did the past two years — with Richard Reeves of the Brookings Institution in 2015 and best-selling author Steven Johnson in 2014 — Brandon said he wanted Wisconsin leaders to address the business organization.

“We wanted people who understand what makes greater Madison the place that it is,” Brandon said. Read more: Madison.com

Greensburg/Decatur County Chamber invites community interaction for Stellar Communities

The Greensburg/Decatur County Chamber of Commerce has asked local residents to like the “Partners for Community Progress” Facebook page as a way to stay up to date on the city’s efforts to become a 2017 Stellar Communities Award winner.

“This will take a complete community effort and we value and really need your input on the future of our area,” the Chamber’s Facebook post reads.

Decatur County residents are asked to share their thoughts and ideas and to participate when asked to do so.

“Many organizations are working hard to make major improvements to our community. Please like the page and share with your friends and relatives,” the Chamber asks.

Community meetings will begin soon regarding future improvements to the area and the Chamber said the Partners for Community Progress page will be the place to stay up to date with relevant information. Read more: Greensburg Daily News

Chamber Chuckle - Wacky Wednesday Weirdest Chamber Requests

"Where can I buy manure? Not store bought manure, but real manure."

#BestChamber practices: Join us at the Members in Motion Multi-Chamber Networking Breakfast brought to you by your local Chambers: Algonqin/Lake in the Hills, Cary Grove, Crystal Lake, Huntley, and Woodstock.

Members in Motion is a progressive networking breakfast that puts you with a table of others who are also looking to grow their businesses through networking. Over the course of a three round scramble, you will meet over twenty individuals who want to hear more about your business, as well as share information about their business. Registration is required and limited to three professionals per industry, one per company and fills up quickly.

After a Continental Breakfast, you will be seated with a table (around 8) of individuals with the same goals in mind that you have - networking. You will not be seated with any of your competition and you will not sit with the same person twice (unless some last minute registrants sneak in at your table).

Each round will begin with everyone having three minutes to talk about who they are, what their business does, and answer a question (you will receive your questions in advance) asked by the table facilitator, such as, "What businesses would best compliment your business?" After everyone has shared information about their business, a bell will ring and they will then move to the next table and repeat the process with new contacts. As an added bonus, open networking will take place before and after the scramble, so be sure to bring plenty of business cards. By the end of the scramble, you should have had quality time with about 23 individuals, and open networking with many more.

Registration is required and limited to 3 professionals per industry. The event will take place on Thursday, September 15 from 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at Boulder Ridge Country Club, 350 Boulder Dr., Lake in the Hills.

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!

Rapid City Directory

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.

Loudoun County Chamber to Host 'State of Innovation in Education' Forum on Sept. 14

Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) Superintendent Dr. Eric Williams and Northern Virginia Community College President, Dr. Scott Ralls, will headline the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce’s 2016 forum on the “State of Innovation in Education,” according to an announcement by the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce.

“Dr. Williams and Dr. Ralls are recognized leaders in the national movement to transition primary and secondary education away from an overemphasis on testing towards a focus on more individualized education to better develop students’ core academic, technical and employability skills,“ said Loudoun County Chamber Government Affairs Manager, Brian Fauls.

“We look forward to hearing them address to growing shift in education towards a focus on preparing our kids for the 21st Century workforce and creating multiple career pathways for our students. This movement requires partnership among community colleges, primary and secondary schools, workforce and economic development agencies and employers and the Loudoun County Chamber is proud to be a part of that partnership in our community,” Fauls added.

What: The “State of Innovation in Education” part of the 2016 PolicyMaker Series

Who: Loudoun County Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. Eric Williams; Northern Virginia Community College President, Dr. Scott Ralls

Where: Loudoun County Public Schools Administration Building (21000 Education Court, Ashburn, VA)

When: Wednesday, September 14, 2016 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

For registration information, visitwww.loudounchamber.org.

Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber CEO headed to Ingalls

After 15 years of working with the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce, CEO Kimberly Nastasi has accepted a position as director of communications in the Communications and Public Affairs Department at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula.

A breakfast and reception in her honor will be Sept. 2 from 9-11 a.m. at the Knight Nonprofit Center, 11975 Seaway Road, Gulfport.

Rachael Seymour, director of the Biloxi Chamber of Commerce, is serving as interim CEO while the search committee looks for Nastasi’s successor. The job is posted on the chamber website for three weeks.

Nastasi will start in her new position Sept. 6 and report to Jim McIngvale, who recently was named director of communications and public affairs at Ingalls Shipbuilding.

Nastasi said she is an “Air Force brat” whose family was stationed at Keesler Air Force Base when she was young. Her father is retired military, her brother is a member of the Hurricane Hunters at Keesler and her new position is an opportunity to work with the military contractor and remain local, she said.

Her first job after earning her master’s degree in communications from University of Southern Mississippi was as executive director of the Biloxi Chamber of Commerce in 2001. She became CEO of the Coast Chamber of Commerce in 2006 after Hurricane Katrina.

“After Katrina, Duncan McKenzie led the organization for two years and really consolidated the organization into a true regional chamber,” she said.

Since then, the chamber has become one of the owners of the Knight Nonprofit Center in Gulfport and created the Chamber Foundation and Coast Young Professionals, she said. Under Nastasi’s direction and board leadership, the chamber also became the first and only one in the state to receive the four-star accreditation with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Read more: Sun Herald

Town Square Chamber of Commerce Directories

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.

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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

Phil Harwick — What remarkable associations do that others don’t; Large Chamber interest: Chicago Fed newsletter: Using private sector “big data” as an economic indicator: The case of construction spending; Chamber relationships: Participate in a Business Showcase at La Porte High School!; Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce 2016 Business Directory and Resource Guide; Rapid City Chamber ribbon cutting: Century old family business looks to the future; Chamber event: 28th Street Metro Cruise will feature tribute to former host, new location for DreamWheels event; LZA Chamber host: Food is focus at Lake Zurich's Taste of the Towns; Chamber Report: 2016 1st Half Retail Sales Up In Charlottesville Region; Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotations: (Leadership); #BestChamber practices: Total Resource Campaign: Paducah Area Chamber; 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!

Phil Hardwick — What remarkable associations do that others don’t

Why do some organizations thrive and really make a difference when others seem to be just hanging on? One thorough research project revealed that there are several things that make a significant difference in the success of associations. This research, which was conducted by the American Association of Society Executives, was presented in a book entitled 7 Measures of Success: What Remarkable Associations Do That Others Don’t. If you manage an association, serve in a leadership role in an association or are a member of an association this book is worth reading.

The 7 Measures Project, as it was called, began in 2002 and resulted in publication of the book in 2006. An updated version was published in 2012. It presents as checkup on the associations that were mentioned in the first edition. The research used the matched-pair methodology, which was also used by Jim Collins and colleagues and resulted in the classic business management book, Good to Great. Basically, what that means is that the researchers looked at organizations that were in the same era and faced the same challenges. The successful companies were then compared to those that were not so successful to find out why. The researchers looked at 104 associations that had been in business for a minimum of 20 years.

Listed below are the seven measures, or factors, that were discovered. along with some comments by this writer.

1. A Customer Service Culture – The remarkable associations built their organizations by serving members and providing value to their members. They actively sought ways to continuously improve services to their members.

Some organizations make the mistake of forgetting that they are membership organizations. For example, the leadership of one chamber of commerce in Mississippi decided that it wanted to effect change in an issue facing the public. It got involved in a campaign that resulted in a referendum that was defeated by the community by a wide margin. The members were never asked if they wanted to participate in the campaign. It took a while for the chamber to rebuild member trust.

2. Alignment of Products and Services with Mission – The associations were driven by mission, not money. Everyone knew the mission of the organization and whom they served. The mission was central, regardless of the external environment.

Some organizations that are really good at what they good get lured into doing other things by funders who are in search of effective organizations. For example, an organization good at building houses may not be so good at job creation. But because of their success and opportunity to expand they refocused their mission, which led to a crisis when the funding dried up.

3. Data-Driven Strategies – Surveys of members, analysis of the environment in which they operated and continuous analysis of information resulted in accumulation of data that was acted upon. The remarkable associations were good at gathering and sharing information. They knew what members wanted and were willing to pay for.

4. Dialogue and Engagement – The staff and volunteers listened to each other and talked to each other. There were cross-functional teams, and no so-called silos. There was constant communication. By the way, the typical level of member non-involvement is 69.9 percent.

5. CEO as a Broker of Ideas – The CEO facilitated “visionary thinking” throughout the organization and developed a strong staff and volunteer partnership. The CEO was not necessarily the idea generator, but was the person who connected ideas with people and action.

Organizations should beware of charismatic leaders who have followers. It should be the organization and its mission that is followed, not the leader.

6. Organizational Adaptability – When remarkable organizations face a crisis they learn from it and change accordingly. Nevertheless, they know when not to change. The key is to know when to change. Sometimes that means abandoning a project or idea; sometimes it means refocusing.

This is why regular strategic planning is so important. Planning is about looking ahead, but it is also learning from the past, e.g. what worked and did not work.

7. Alliance Building – These associations were very good at finding and forming alliances and partnerships that complemented their mission and purpose. They also were good at communicating clear expectations about the partnerships. They are not driven by money, nor were they afraid to dissolve the partnership if it was not effective. Read more: Mississippi Business

Large Chamber interest: Chicago Fed newsletter: Using private sector “big data” as an economic indicator: The case of construction spending

by Daniel Aaronson, vice president and director of microeconomic research, Scott A. Brave, policy economist, and Ross Cole, associate economist

This Chicago Fed Letter provides an account of our collaboration with the construction contracts and payment management firm Textura to use their data to evaluate the state of U.S. construction spending. We show that new construction projects budgeted by Textura’s clients are a leading indicator for total U.S. construction spending and provide information beyond other already publicly available data. Read more

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Chamber relationships: Participate in a Business Showcase at La Porte High School!

What is a Business Showcase: Set up a table-top display and provide information to local students about the products and services you provide and also present to them the skills needed to work in your place of business. The table is set up outside of the La Porte High School cafeteria.

When do the Business Showcases occur: Your business can participate in a Business Showcase on Wednesdays during the lunch period from 10:20 a.m.-12:20 p.m. Only one organization is allowed per Business Showcase.

How can I participate in a Business Showcase: Contact the Chamber at gesse@lpchamber.com or call 219.362.3178 to reserve a spot.

Read below for more information about the program:

One of the many goals of the Greater La Porte Chamber of Commerce is to further develop a relationship between the La Porte Community School Corporation and our local business. One way to achieve and further strengthen this relationship is to create a "Business Showcase" at the High School during the lunch hour periods.

We are suggesting that the Chamber member provides the La Porte High School student body a table top display of their business which can contain examples of your products and services that your business manufactures and/or provides, the skills required to work in your place of business and any other information about your company that would spark interest to a young person to consider employment here in La Porte County after graduation.

The Chamber members' commitment would be to provide a single day "Business Showcase" during the High School's lunch periods between the times of 10:20 AM - 12:20 PM. We have designated each Wednesday as the "Business Showcase" day and the specific date will to be determined based upon the participation level and your convenience. Tables, chairs, and electrical outlets will be provided at the school.

This is an exciting opportunity for you to "Showcase" your business and allow you to ability to recruit potential future employees. If you are interested in assisting us by participating in the worthwhile project, please contact the Chamber at gesse@lpchamber.com or at 219.362.3178. Michael B. Seitz, I.O.M.

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!

Virginia Peninsula Chamber

Rapid City Chamber ribbon cutting: Century old family business looks to the future

Even Brad Dudley will tell you his company, Servall Towel and Linen Co., isn’t the most exciting business around.

But Servall is indeed a vibrant local business, celebrating its 100th anniversary, including 79 years in Rapid City.

The fourth-generation, locally-owned company provides employment for more than 100 employees.

Evidence of Servall's products and services can be seen in many places.

Anyone setting foot in a public building or storefront will likely take their first step on a Servall entrance mat or use Servall-supplied hand towels and bath tissue in a restroom.

Restaurant patrons will likely enjoy a meal on Servall cloth table linens, served by wait staff wearing Servall aprons and prepared by chefs wearing Servall coats.

Many retail businesses use Servall dry and wet mops. Auto mechanics and other industrial shop employees wear Servall rental uniforms and use their shop rags.

“We’re a behind-the-scenes support company,” said Dudley, not only company president and CEO, but the fourth generation of his family to continue Servall’s long tradition.

“All this is part of our service. We bring you clean stuff every week and we take the dirty stuff out. We clean it up, and we bring it back. We are basically a recycling company, a green company,” he said.

Servall traces its beginnings to 1916 in Norfolk, Neb., when Brad’s great-grandfather, George M. Dudley converted an old motorized taxi barn and livery into the Dudley Laundry Co. where a handful of employees picked up household laundry for washing, then delivered it back to homes to be hung outside for drying.

In the wake of a fire that leveled the original building in 1926, Brad’s grandfather, Darrel Dudley, changed the name to Servall just before opening a commercial laundry on Fourth Street in Rapid City in 1937. Read more: Rapid City Journal

Chamber event: 28th Street Metro Cruise will feature tribute to former host, new location for DreamWheels event

This year's 28th Street Metro Cruise, set for Aug. 26 and 27, features a new location for the popular DreamWheels event as well as a tribute to its former host, Grand Rapids Fire Lt. David Knisley, who died unexpectedly in May.

DreamWheels, in its fifth year as a part of Metro Cruise, combines a Hollywood-style movie premiere with a classic car show, complete with a 100-foot red carpet. Knisley, along with Kim Carson, of WLAV FM, had served as the event's hosts.

Knisley, a classic car enthusiast and 19-year veteran of the department, waskilled when his boat caught fire and sank at the Spring Lake marina on May 8.

In a tribute to Knisley, this year's DreamWheels will include a 1911 steam engine pulled by Clydesdale horses. The steam engine comes from the Engine House No. 5 Museum in Allendale.

DreamWheels, sponsored by WKTV Community Media and the Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce, is moving this year from the former Klingman's building in Wyoming to Pal's Diner, 6503 28th St. SE in Cascade. Read more: M LIVE

LZA Chamber host: Food is focus at Lake Zurich's Taste of the Towns

Food was the focus Sunday in Lake Zurich's Paulus Park for the 10th annual Taste of the Towns.

Hosted by the Lake Zurich Area Chamber of Commerce, the event featured a variety of food and beverage vendors serving samples from their menus.

Popular local establishments, including Beelow's Steakhouse, My Flavor it! Place, On Occasion Catering & Events, Bobbers Bar & Grill, Biaggi's Restaurant Italiano, Culver's and Smokin T's BBQ were a among the participants.

One sampling of food or beverage from each vendor could be tasted by purchasing a single Tasting Menu. The Tasting Menus could be shared by more than one individual.

Visitors also were treated to live entertainment and family and children's activities throughout the day. Read more: Daily Herald

Chamber Report: 2016 1st Half Retail Sales Up In Charlottesville Region

The Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce today released compiled sales & use tax data which show that during 2016’s first half year (January-June) retail sales activity was up across the region, with sales off slightly only in Waynesboro.

Virginia Department of Taxation sales tax data compiled showed that retail sales during the first half of calendar year 2016 compared to the first half of calendar year 2015 year, up in Albemarle County +7.25 percent; in Charlottesville +3.93 percent; in Augusta County +9.81 percent; in Fluvanna County +12.13 percent; in Greene County, +15.45 percent; and, in Louisa County, +7.06 percent. Retail sales where slightly off, essentially flat in Waynesboro -0.32 percent.

Over the first six months of 2016, Albemarle County and Charlottesville, the region’s retail hub, in the aggregate, accounted for $1.29 billion (+5.79 percent v. 2015-Q1 & Q2) in total retail sales (not including motor vehicle or gasoline/diesel sales).

Due to confidentially, competitive and proprietary requirements, the Virginia Department of Taxation does not report retail sales of particular enterprises or retail sales within areas of a locality.

The 2015 Chamber Jobs Report data showed that more than 16,316 jobs, 23.65% of all private sector jobs within the Greater Charlottesville region, are in “Trade, Transportation & Utilities;” most of those in retail. The Chamber will release its comprehensive 2016 Chamber Jobs Report prior to the Labor Day holiday and the 2016 Chamber Jobs Action Summit on September 7 at The Senior Center.

Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotations: (Leadership)

"We have to wake up every day with a servant's heart!"

Frankfort, Indiana mayor Chris McBarnes, age 23 (that's right, 23!) to Indiana chamber executives at ICEA Annual Comference

#BestChamber practices: Total Resource Campaign: Paducah Area Chamber

The Chamber conducts an annual Total Resource Campaign to generate new members and budget reduction items. It’s always an exciting and FUN time of year for the Chamber and over 100 business volunteers. The chair for the campaign is next year's Chamber Chair of the Board - this is always a good way for them to familiarize themselves and interact with our volunteers!

Team Captains recruit 10 volunteers for their teams for a total of 100 volunteers.

Volunteers are asked to bring in at least one new member to the Chamber. Great prizes are awarded to the top individual and team producers as well as random prizes for the hard working volunteers - last year's winner won a trip valued at $2500!

The 2016 Campaign will run from August 25 through September 19. Everyone is invited to the Kick-off Mixer and the Victory Celebration!

Tuesday, August 30, 2016

U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly Honored by U.S. Chamber of Commerce; #BestChamber practices: Front Royal-Warren County Chamber New Teacher Reception; Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce 2016 Business Directory and Resource Guide; Bloomingdale Chamber: Mark your calendar Saturday, September 24, 2016 for the 8th Annual 50 Men Who Cook!; Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotations: (As iron sharpens iron...); #BestChamber practices: Traverse City Area Chamber: CEO Roundtable; Kentucky Chamber releases federal agenda ahead of Congressional Forum; Citizen of the Year devotes his time to helping Hancock children; Kenosha Area Chamber event: ‘All about the barbecue’; Town Square Publications Chamber Community Profiles;

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

U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly Honored by U.S. Chamber of Commerce

U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly was presented the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Spirit of Enterprise award for his work in Congress in support of pro-growth legislation in a recent ceremony with the Indy Chamber.

Donnelly has continued to support policies that help to make Indiana a more attractive place to live and work. Donnelly’s support of initiatives such as the Indy Chamber’s regional economic development strategy and mass transit show his dedication to the priorities of business development.

“Sen. Donnelly recognizes that business is the backbone of Indiana’s economy, and we at the Indy Chamber appreciate the senator’s continued efforts to make Indiana a prime location for economic growth and entrepreneurial innovation,” said Michael Huber, president and CEO of the Indy Chamber.

“When everyone works together it fosters an environment for Hoosier businesses to create good-paying jobs and economic growth to improve our communities,” noted Sen. Donnelly. “It is an honor to receive the Spirit of Enterprise award, and I will continue working with Indiana’s local chambers and businesses to help grow Indiana and our country’s economy.”

Donnelly was presented the award following a small breakfast with the Indy Chamber and key stakeholders discussing federal legislation and its impact on Hoosier businesses across the state. This will be the second time Donnelly has been honored with this award. He was also honored by the U.S. Chamber in 2013.

The Indy Chamber is the voice of progress and improvement for the Indianapolis region’s business community. Read more: Journal Press and the Register

#BestChamber practices: Front Royal-Warren County Chamber New Teacher Reception

NEW TEACHER RECEPTION TO WELCOME EDUCATORS TO THE COMMUNITY

Approximately 70 new teachers and staff will join Warren County Public Schools, Randolph-Macon Academy, and other local schools for the 2016-2017 school year. Each year, the Chamber coordinates a reception to welcome them to the community. This event will be held on Wednesday, August 3rd at Skyline High School, 11:30-1 p.m. There are many opportunities to participate in this event. Click here for information.

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!

Virginia Peninsula Chamber

Bloomingdale Chamber: Mark your calendar Saturday, September 24, 2016 for the 8th Annual 50 Men Who Cook!

Saturday, September 24, 2016

Hilton Indian Lakes Resort

East Event Tent

250 West Schick Road, Bloomingdale

6:00—8:00 pm

Tickets are $30;

Children ages 5-11 are $10;

Children 4 and Under are free

Join us Saturday September 24, 6-8pm as 50 local chefs/cooks provide one delicious night! Enjoy a light-hearted and stomach-filling evening at our 8th Annual 50 Men Who Cook food fest and fundraiser at Hilton Indian Lakes Resort. Local entertainment and great raffle prizes all evening!

Guests: Enjoy crab cakes and cake balls, ribs and roast beef, pots of chili and shrimp many ways, yummy fish tacos and southern bbq – oh my…and much…much more! Enjoy an evening of culinary delight for $30 and choose the best chef in each category where the competition is fierce!

Tickets: Call the Chamber office at 630.980.9082 or click Register to buy tickets: Non-members use non-member portal. Tickets bought online will be available at will call.

Voting: Provide your cell phone number so you can participate in electronic voting via your smart phone!

Bloomingdale Chamber of Commerce presents the 8th Annual

Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotations: (As iron sharpens iron...)

Favorite Quote: “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”

These words are attributed to the wisest man who ever lived, King Solomon, and very aptly applies to how people grow through involvement in the McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce.

From McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce website – Kay Rial Bates, President

#BestChamber practices: Traverse City Area Chamber: CEO Roundtable

YOU’VE MADE IT TO THE TOP – NOW WHAT?

The Chamber’s CEO Roundtable program offers CEOs and small business owners an opportunity to develop lasting relationships with other company leaders within the community. The program uses structured monthly discussion groups – comprised of a professional facilitator and non-competing business owners, CEOs, general managers or other top-level decision-makers – to provide members access to an intimate pool of business experts. Participants in these informal advisory boards discuss opportunities, challenges, ideas and other issues relative to each individual’s unique business. Once a year, all of the roundtable groups will convene for a shared executive event, such as a special development seminar or leadership retreat.

“I am so pleased to be a part of a

Chamber CEO Roundtable. In the short time that my group has been together, I have walked away from each meeting with fresh ideas, new perspectives and proactive solutions to issues that arise within my business. I’m confident that my CEO roundtable will provide me with the tools and resources to take my company to the next level. My only regret is that I wish I had signed up sooner. This program has been one of the most beneficial products that I have received as a Chamber member.”

Allison Beers – Owner, Events North

HOW IT WORKS

There are 10-12 business principals per group.
Groups are formed based on non-competitive participants, geographic proximity, size of business and overall compatibility of members (as determined by the Chamber).
Groups convene once each month.
Participants are autonomous with respect to discussion topics, location, meeting time/day, direction and meeting agenda.
Meetings are conversational in nature, generally lasting about 90 minutes.
Each roundtable is assigned a professional facilitator, who is not allowed to solicit business from his/her assigned group. The CEO Roundtable program is NOT a leads program.
Because of the sensitive nature of these discussions, all participants must sign a confidentiality agreement.

ENROLLMENT

Enrollment in the CEO Roundtable program is ongoing, with applications accepted and new groups forming throughout the year. Groups will have the opportunity to remix and/or form new groups each January. The program is open to Chamber members in good standing, as well as members of chambers that have ongoing partnership agreements with the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce. Those chambers currently include: Kalkaska Area Chamber, Petoskey Regional Chamber, Gaylord/Otsego County Chamber, Charlevoix Area Chamber and Cadillac Area Chamber.

Applicants are selected based on the following criteria:

Top-level decision-maker for their business (i.e. President, CEO, Plant Manager, etc.)
Willing to maintain strict confidentiality
Willing to commit to monthly group meetings
Willing to actively share and participate with other members
Willing to provide evaluation feedback when asked to do so

PRICING

The cost to participate in CEO Roundtable is $225.

To download an application, please click on the following link: CEO Roundtable Application (You may need to save the file to your computer before printing.)

CEO ROUNDTABLE FACILITATORS

Chuck Curtiss | My Financial Team, Inc.
Barbara Jordan Ellis | Center for Coaching and Leadership Development
Karen Ruedinger | Northwestern Michigan College
Joseph Sanok | Licensed Professional Counselors of NM

More Information: Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce

Kentucky Chamber releases federal agenda ahead of Congressional Forum

Ahead of its inaugural Congressional Forum, the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce has released a federal agenda detailing the national legislative priorities of the business community.

The Kentucky Chamber not only advocates on behalf of business at the state level, but also in the nation’s capital where congressional and executive-branch decisions have a direct impact on Kentucky businesses.

Leading into the agenda, the Chamber states that free enterprise creates jobs, opportunity and a successful business climate. The Kentucky Chamber seeks to advocate for federal policies that will result in economic growth, fewer government regulations and encourage policymakers to expand – not limit – job growth and economic opportunity through the decisions they make.

Areas of focus in the federal agenda include tax and entitlement reform, health care, education, overtime regulation, energy and environment, international trade, immigration, legal reform and more.

Here’s the full federal agenda from the Kentucky Chamber.

The Chamber’s Vice President of Public Affairs, Ashli Watts, will discuss the the agenda during the Congressional Forum set for August 29 at the Galt House in Louisville.

The event, presented by Pikeville Medical Center, will give the business community access to legislative leaders and a chance to hear detailed accounts of the issues happening at the federal level without leaving the comfort of Kentucky.

Featured speakers will include Kentucky U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell, U.S. Rep. Andy Barr of Lexington, U.S. Rep. John Yarmuth of Louisville, U.S. Rep. Brett Guthrie of Bowling Green and retiring U.S. Rep. Ed Whitfield of Hopkinsville. Read more: Lane Report

Citizen of the Year devotes his time to helping Hancock children

Myron Labat, a retired educator and administrator, was saluted Thursday as Citizen of the Year at the 38th annual Hancock Chamber Business & Industry Awards at Hollywood Casino.

The gala drew close to 500 business and government leaders.

Labat was selected by the chamber members from 10 Outstanding Citizens.

Labat is a retired coach, teacher, principal and school administrator of the Bay-Waveland School District. He volunteers with CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocates. He has been president of the Hancock Medical Center Foundation for three years and helped raise money for medical equipment for the community.

He spends most of his free time helping children, and promoting health and exercise as president of the Bay Rollers Cycling Club. In the past two years, the group has bought 77 bicycles for children.

Members of the Hancock Chamber also selected five Businesses of the Year: The Blind Tiger, Bay St. Louis; Grammy’s Donuts, Waveland; Keesler Federal Credit Union, Diamondhead; Almost Home Catering, Kiln; and Lazy Magnolia Brewery, Hancock County. Read more: Sun-Herald

Kenosha Area Chamber event: ‘All about the barbecue’

Let the games begin.

Dozens of professional and inspiring grill masters square off at the sixth annual Grill Games BBQ Competition & Lakefront Festival on Friday and Saturday (Aug. 26-27) at HarborPark’s Celebration Place, located at 56th Street and First Avenue.

Admission is free.

Grill Games is one of more than 500 worldwide contests sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society. About 40 professional and local teams will compete for nearly $10,000 in prize money. A grand champion will be crowned along with individual honors presented for top ribs, chicken, beef brisket and pork shoulder.

“This is all about the barbecue,” Kenosha Chamber of Commerce president Lou Molitor said. “That’s what separates this event from the others.”

Past champions Yellow River BBQ of Plymouth, Ind., and The Smoke Hunters of Minooka, Ill., are entered in this year’s field. Teams fire up their grills from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday with winners announced at 5:30 p.m. Saturday. Read more: Kenosha News

Town Square Publications Chamber Community Profiles

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