Happy Friday, #Chamber World! Make it a GREAT Weekend!
Chamber Leadership Lafayette graduates 25 emerging
leaders, presents Leadership Award
The Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce recently
graduated 25 emerging community leaders from its 28th annual Leadership
Lafayette Program at a graduation ceremony held at the Powerhouse. The
nine-month program, which runs from January through September, is designed to
ensure the continuity of leadership in the Lafayette‑Oxford‑University
community. The class training builds community leaders through shared
knowledge, skills and experience. The program emphasizes on developing
leadership skills through activities promoting community awareness, team
building and project development.
The 2016 class includes: Cade Clanton, FedEx; Reggie Clayton,
Titanium Services, LLC; Lisa Coleman, The Salvation Army; Seth Gaines,
City of Oxford Park Commission; Allison Garner, FNC, Inc.; Chris
Glaze, KNS Medical, Inc.; Mike Gooch, Baptist Memorial Hospital NM
Center for Cancer Care; Amy Goodin, Boys and Girls Club of North MS; Amy
Hartley, BancorpSouth Mortgage; Campbell Helveston, FNB Oxford; Caitlin
Hopper, Yoknapatawpha Arts Council; Laura Martin, McLean Institute
for Public Service and Community Engagement; Jason McCormick, University
of Mississippi Foundation; Hardie Meeks, Oxford Police Department; Andy
Miller, Trustmark National Bank; Emery Newsom, Baptist Memorial
Hospital NM; Rebecca Phillips, The University of MS; Cassidy Shoemake,
TeleSouth Communications; Nathan Smith, BancorpSouth; Lee Ann Stubbs,
Visit Oxford; Cory Swain, Dex Media; Alison Thompson, Oxford
School District; Ward Toler, CSpire; Corey Ussery, Lee Family
Dental; Deetra Wiley, University of Mississippi.
Leadership Award Winner - Pictured left to right, Rick Mize, Past Chamber Chairman; Amy Goodin, 2016 Leadership Award Winner; Torie White, Leadership Lafayette Chair.
Torie White, Leadership Lafayette veteran and Program Chair, said, “Leadership Lafayette was fortunate to have a Steering Committee that did a tremendous job planning an informative and fun program. This year’s graduates brought an amazing amount of vision, community enthusiasm and hard work to both the sessions and their community projects. We look forward to seeing them use their skills to get involved in different facets of the community beyond the program.”
This year’s class was split into four teams working on four very important community projects: Food Truck Fight, Team SPORK, Family Crisis Services, and Night for Non-Profits.
Food Truck Fight created an annual event to draw attention to community service organizations and provide them support by offering an organized annual fundraiser. The family friendly event was held on August 28 at the Old Amory Pavilion and offered featured food, live music, and many games and activities. LOFT (Lafayette Oxford Foundation for Tomorrow), YAC (Yoknapatawpha Arts Council), Horizons, Rotary Clubs of Oxford, and Crime Stoppers benefited from this event and will serve as the organizers annually. This year's event raised $5,300 for local non-profits.
Team SPORK (Sustainable Practices for Our Restaurant Kitchens) set out with a goal to increase eco-awareness in Oxford restaurants by bringing SPORK Oxford. Restaurants can earn SPORK certification by implementing and completing a series of requirements in the way to run their kitchens as well as taking advantage of local food sources. The group succeeding in certifying 4 restaurants as SPORK compliant and held a fundraiser for SPORK at the Powerhouse in August. The participating restaurants were honored and showcased at this event.
The third group project, Family Crisis Services, created a fundraising opportunity to increase community and online awareness about the non-profit organization that provides support services to victims of sexual assault, homicide, child abuse, and other violent crimes. Their event, “Bowling for Bravery,” was held on July 21 at the Malco Premier Lanes. Along with bowling, a silent auction and raffle took place at the event. A check for $4,000 was presented at graduation to the Family Crisis Services of Northwest Mississippi from the proceeds of this event. You can learn more about this organization at www.oxfordadvocacy.org.
The last group's mission was to promote and ensure success of the inaugural Night for Non-Profits, which was held on August 18th at the Powerhouse. The group spearheaded the organization of this event in conjunction with LOFT. They worked hand and hand with LOFT to secure grant applications from area non-profits, then worked with the grant finalists as they competed on night of presentations for a grand prize grant of $10,000 from LOFT. The group also secured sponsors and additional donations to total over $16,000 in prize money being awarded to area non-profits at the inaugural event.
This year the Leadership Lafayette class voted on the 9th Annual Leadership Award recipient, which goes to a participant who excelled throughout the program, showed outstanding leadership skills, and dedication to community service through their project development. This year’s honoree was Amy Goodin, director of the Boys and Girls Club of North Mississippi.
"This year's class blew me away with their hard work and tenacity," said Pam Swain, Leadership Lafayette program director and Senior Vice President of the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber. "All in all this class raised and awarded over $25,000 to our area non-profits through their project work. I don't know that we have ever had a class make that much of an impact on our local non-profit world in such a short time!"
Leadership Lafayette began in the late 1980’s and has graduated 28 classes of leaders since its inception.
The Chamber will begin accepting applications for the 2017 Leadership Lafayette class in late October. The application deadline will be early December.
The Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce is the most dynamic business organization in our community where businesses and professionals come together to work to improve the business climate and quality of life for our area. With nearly 700 members, the Chamber strives to undertake programs and projects which seek a positive business climate conducive to growth of the private enterprise system, raising per capita income and providing strong financial, physical and human resources, for the citizens of Oxford and Lafayette County. These goals are accomplished through a variety of avenues, including networking opportunities, seminars, events, marketing opportunities, referrals, leadership programs, or other resources available exclusively to Chamber members. More information: Pam Swain - Oxford Lafayette County Chamber
#FamousChamber of Commerce Quotation: Kernersville Chamber of Commerce
Thought for Today
Thought for Today
It had long since come to my attention that people of accomplishment rarely sat back and let things happen to them. They went out and happened to things. -Elinor Smith
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Lake Zurich Chamber of Commerce 2016 Community Guide & Membership Directory
The Lake Zurich Area Chamber of Commerce 2016 Community Guide & Business Directory is available at the Lake Zurich Area Chamber today! Thanks to Dale Perrin 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 guide or publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633.
Chamber recognition: Genesee County receives for certification for community-wide internet efforts
Community partners were recognized for their efforts to help make broadband internet more accessible to Genesee County residents and businesses.
Representatives from the Flint & Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, Genesee County and University of Michigan-Flint were recognized for helping the county achieve certification under the Connected Nation's Community Engagement Program.
The community partners along with Connect Michigan presented the county's certification and their Technology Action Plan during an Aug. 31 press event at the Genesee County Chamber which gives a step-by-step plan to help the county reach technology goals.
Genesee County partners worked with Connect Michigan, who partners with Michigan communities to help provide an analysis of a community's broadband and technology standing to help outline technology goals for program.
Their assessment found that the county has a sizeable broadband infrastructure currently in place.
"Our assessment results show that Genesee County has extensive broadband infrastructure already in place, with fiber optic cable and multiple broadband providers in many areas of the county," said Eric Frederick, Executive Director of Connect Michigan and Vice President of Community Affairs for Connected Nation. "This provides a solid foundation to expand broadband to underserved areas of the county." Read more: M Live
McLean Chamber stresses community ties in anniversary fete
Greater McLean Chamber of Commerce leaders, joined by public officials and members of the business community, celebrated the organization’s first 55 years Aug. 30 and looked toward a future of continued civic engagement.
“This is our community and it always has been home,” said Bobbie Kilberg, president and CEO of the Northern Virginia Technology Council. “The Greater McLean Chamber of Commerce is really the glue that holds the entire community together.”
Scores of guests sipped wine and munched on hummus, small sandwiches and cooked brie at the fete, held at the Tower Club in Tysons.
The milestone was an emerald anniversary, noted chamber chairman Marcus Simon, who read a congratulatory note from Gov. McAuliffe.
“Fifty-five years has been great, but it’s sort of just the beginning,” said Simon, who owns EKKO Title and represents the 53rd District in the House of Delegates.
“Fifty-five years has been great, but it’s sort of just the beginning,” said Simon, who owns EKKO Title and represents the 53rd District in the House of Delegates.
Former chamber board chairman Merritt Green of General Counsel P.C. said McLean still has untapped resources that chamber officials should engage and that he looked forward to seeing the community changes in upcoming decades.
Bruce Potter, chief operating officer of Northern Virginia Media Service, the Sun Gazette’s parent company, said McLean benefits from a strong business community and noted chamber leaders hope to expand the group’s membership.
Stu Mendelsohn, an attorney and former Dranesville District supervisor, said the chamber has supported many community initiatives, including the always-popular Reindog Parade.
“You’ve got a lot to be proud of,” Mendelsohn said. “You’ve got a special heritage to follow.”
U.S. Rep. Barbara Comstock (R-10th) displayed a plaque showing the chamber’s accomplishments, which had been entered into the Congressional Record.
Supervisor John Foust (D-Dranesvillle) said he was glad the event was being held in one of Tysons’ premier office buildings. While Tysons continues to redevelop rapidly, Foust said his job was to keep such frenetic building activity out of downtown McLean.
Chamber president Paul Kohlenberger, who also is treasurer of the McLean Community Center Governing Board, provided some historical tidbits about the business group:
• The organization initially was incorporated in 1961 as the McLean Business and Professional Association. Francis Koenig was the group’s first president and charter members included Bayard Evans of the Farm Inn and Louise Curran of the McLean Scene. Read more; Inside NOVA
GSCC news: Springfield Advantage site offers information for businesses considering the area
The Quantum Growth Partnership has launched springfieldadvantage.org to provide data and information about Springfield and Sangamon County to business owners considering the area, according to the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce.
The website includes a link to properties listed in the Location One Information System (LOIS), an online platform for large commercial properties that are linked with economic development partners such as the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity or Ameren. Because LOIS is geared toward industrial and specialty commercial sites, most of the properties listed within it are non-retail buildings larger than 20,000 square feet or land greater than 10 acres.
The Springfield Advantage site also includes a link to the Commercial Real Estate Network's site, seebuildings.com. This site shows comprehensive current listings of properties represented by a licensed Realtor.
Any parties seeking a location for a business can check both springfieldadvantage.org and seebuildings.com. For those who prefer to remain confidential or who are not able to find what they seek online, contact Josh Collins at jcollins@gscc.org. Read more: Illinois Business Daily
Sheboygan County Chamber/Coastal Young Professionals: Carissa Schlegel
Planning Coastal YPN events. Meeting local business leaders and young professionals. Learning more about Sheboygan County’s workforce development needs. No two days are the same for Coastal YPN and Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce special events coordinator Carissa Schlegel.
“I never get bored,” she said of the job she’s had for the past six months. “Ever. Each day brings an opportunity to meet someone new and learn something about Sheboygan County.”
And even though Schlegel has family members who live in the area, she also brings the gift of looking at our community from a fresh perspective -- she grew up in West Bend and, back then, came to Sheboygan mainly to visit relatives.
“When I was younger my grandma would take me to the mall,” she said. “But now everything seems new, every restaurant I see is another one I need to check out.
“I enjoy all the activities at the lake and finding new social events to attend.”
This sense of adventure comes in handy as she plans events for the Coastal Young Professionals Network, a diverse group of people ages 21-40 living or working in Sheboygan County. One week she’ll organize a behind-the-scenes tour of a local business, the next finds her planning a Pint of Knowledge session or helping at a hands-on Coastal Cares event.
“When I plan these events, I’m always wondering which new person I’ll meet and what I’ll learn,” Schlegel said. “It gets me out of my bubble.” Read more: Sheboygan Press
Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce Honors 2016 Legacy Award Recipient
The Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce honored J. Allan Rent with their 2016 Legacy Award. The Gala Event held at the Horizon Convention Center, had over 300 guests.
The Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce's Legacy 
Award is presented annually to an individual or couple who has made extraordinary, sustained, and positive contributions to the Muncie-Delaware County community, and who has provided leadership in the development of programs, events, and/or new traditions that promote goodwill and community pride.
Award is presented annually to an individual or couple who has made extraordinary, sustained, and positive contributions to the Muncie-Delaware County community, and who has provided leadership in the development of programs, events, and/or new traditions that promote goodwill and community pride.
Among those who spoke at the Gala were: Hank A. Milius, President/CEO of Meridian Health Services; Cathy Schrecongost, Former Radio & Television Personality; Jay Williams, Co-Founder/Chairman/CEO/ of Legion of Creatives; Thom Huge, Director of Buffalo Bill Art Show and Sale in Cody, Retired; Michelle Kinsey & Angie Rapp, WBST/Indiana Public Radio and Jim Davis, Creator of Garfield.
"Al Rent has been an important part of this community and it's only fitting that the community honors him with the Chamber's Legacy Award. Al's contributions haven't only touched Muncie-Delaware County, but numerous others across the country." said Chamber President Jay Julian.
J. Allan Rent graduated from Ball State University with a BS degree in 1967. He currently works for Ball State University as the Executive Director and General Manager of Public Broadcasting. He is married to Linda and they have 2 children and 4 grandchildren.
J. Allan Rent's civic contributions include: current Chairman of the Meridian Health Services Board of Directors, Board member of Muncie Symphony Orchestra Board Chair of Minnitrista. Founding Board Member of WIPB-TV (PBS), Huffer Memorial Children's Center and Omicron Delta Kappa, National Leadership Honor Society, Ball State University Chapter, Indiana Arts Commission: Commissioner, Chairman of Programs, Grants and Services Committee, member of Executive Committee and the 2016 Governor's Arts Awards Committee.
During the event, J. Allan Rent was presented the Sagamore of Wabash award. On behalf of Governor Mike Pence, Senator Doug Eckerty presented the Award.
Open Door Health Services CEO Bryan Ayars began the evening by greeting guests as the presenting sponsor of the event. Chamber Chairman of the Board of Directors John Littler presented the award to Rent on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce.
Past recipients include: Dr. Jo Ann Gora, Immediate Past President of Ball State University; Van P. Smith, Techsmith, LLC; Stefan Anderson, Retired CEO of First Merchants Bank, and community activists Cornelius & Mary Dollison and Dr. George Branam.
The Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce has been serving the community since 1894.
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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.
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Friday: 157 Rules for Executive Success in Organization Management (and your Chamber of Commerce) by Patrick McGaughey
RULE #26 The key word in “knee jerk” is not knee.
22nd Annual Kentucky Chamber Day: Save the Date - January 5, 2017
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