Chicago Fed Newsletter: Midwest Economic Growth Picked Up Slightly in August
The Midwest Economy Index (MEI) increased to
–0.04 in August from –0.16 in July. The relative MEI moved up to +0.11 in
August from +0.01 in July. August’s value for the relative MEI indicates that
Midwest economic growth was slightly higher than what would typically be
suggested by the growth rate of the national economy. Read more
Champaign County Chamber: Honor an
Champaign County Chamber: Honor an
Outstanding Small Business
Each year, the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce awards a local business with the Small Business of the Year Award. The Champaign County Small Business of the Year Award honors an outstanding small business that has made a significant long-term contribution to the local community and economy.
Nomination Criteria includes: The business must be a member of the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce and located within Champaign County, must be in operation for at least three years, have a solid track record of growth and demonstrated integrity and community involvement, and meet the small business size standards as determined by the SBA.
Nomination forms are available HERE.
The recipient will be named at the 2016 Champaign County Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting on Friday, October 28, 2016. Self-nominations are welcome. Previously nominated businesses are eligible for consideration without being renominated; however, previous recipients cannot be nominated. Completed nomination forms must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. Friday, September 30. Late nominations will not be considered. The selection committee and/or the Chamber Board of Directors reserves the right to nominate additional individuals and/or expand the nomination process in the event that an adequate pool of nominations has not been received.
Submit nominations to:
Ariel Short
Champaign County Chamber of Commerce
303 W. Kirby Ave.
Champaign, IL 61820.
Nominations may also be emailed to Ariel.
Frank J. Kenny: Five Social Media Words
every Chamber Executive has to know!
WCCE - September 22,2016
!. Content
2. Pixels (not that kind)
3. Video
4. Webinar
5. Lead magnet
Watch the video! https://youtu.be/o_s7cXzHWso
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.
| Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce Announces Partnership with Virginia International Trade Alliance (VITAL) |
| Tysons, Va. – The Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce (Northern Virginia Chamber) announced today its continued partnership with the Virginia International Trade Alliance (VITAL), an initiative to increase international trade in Virginia. Through its participation in VITAL, the Northern Virginia Chamber will promote Virginia’s international trade development programs and services to its member companies to grow their international sales. VITAL, which was launched in July 2015 by Governor Terry McAuliffe and is managed by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP), expands the Commonwealth’s nationally recognized international trade programs via formal partnerships with Virginia’s public universities, industry associations and chambers of commerce. Northern Virginia Chamber President & CEO Jim Corcoran stated, “The Northern Virginia Chamber, the Voice of Business in Northern Virginia™, is thrilled to renew our partnership with VEDP and the VITAL program to grow and diversify the Northern Virginia economy. The VITAL program promises to expose Virginia businesses to new markets and new customers abroad, allowing them to be more successful and employ more Virginians. We look forward to engaging member companies in this initiative in order to enhance the regional economy.” VITAL builds upon Virginia’s proven export assistance programs, including tailored market research, face-to-face meetings with qualified partners overseas, and VEDP’s award-winning Virginia Leaders in Export Trade (VALET) Program. Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade Todd Haymore added, “With 95% of the world’s customers living outside of the U.S., it is imperative that we explore new opportunities to promote Virginia’s products and assets on the international stage. The VITAL program is helping our companies access new markets and increase exports, while spurring job growth here at home. We look forward to continuing this partnership with the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce and working to help businesses in the region grow and reach new international customers. ” The Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce is one of 12 VITAL partners, including:
The Commonwealth of Virginia exported more than $36 billion in manufactured goods and services in 2014. Exports of Virginia’s products and services to the world are vital to the growth of the Commonwealth, with an economic impact to Virginia of more than $18.7 billion in labor income, $2 billion in tax revenue and the creation of nearly 321,000 jobs. For more information on the VITAL Program, visit http://www.novachamber.org/vital-international-trade.html. CONTACT: Alex Chagouris, Director, Communications & Marketing Northern Virginia Chamber achagouris@NOVAChamber.org 703-752-7526 Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce Meets with Economic Development Professionals in Atlanta
Today, economic development officials from the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and TVA, along with Warren County Judge Executive Mike Buchanon traveled to Atlanta to host a luncheon for economic development site consultants. The group educated the consultants on the advantages of doing business in South Central Kentucky, including new daily flights to and from Atlanta, which make our region more accessible than ever before.
Over 20 consultants attended the luncheon at Pricci in Atlanta, where they heard a presentation on the advantages South Central Kentucky can offer their prospects and then enjoyed one-on-one networking time with local officials.
According to Ron Bunch, President and CEO of the Bowling Green Area Chamber, “We applaud the effort to bring commercial air service to Bowling Green and, in fact, we were the first to buy tickets. There’s a substantial untapped market of prospects that are now just a 55 minute flight away and today’s effort is a first step in tapping into that market and bringing significant new investments to our area.”
The effort to bring commercial air service to Bowling Green after a 50 year absence began in 2012 with a commitment of federal dollars to help attract a commercial air carrier to the region. The Commonwealth joined with a similar commitment in 2014, thanks to the efforts of our state legislative delegation.
“I want to thank our state and federal legislative delegations for their commitment to securing commercial air service in Bowling Green. Being able to conveniently connect to an Atlanta flight or even just make a quick trip to Atlanta is an invaluable service for our citizens and businesses alike. We are delighted to have Contour here and we look forward to expanding service as our local economy grows and demand increases,” said Warren County Judge Executive Mike Buchanon.
TVA Regional Economic Development Consultant Harry Schmidt remarked, “We are delighted to partner with the Chamber and Warren County to promote the South Central Kentucky region and all it has to offer a company considering relocation. With the already low cost of doing business and exceptional workforce, the added accessibility of this new air service truly makes South Central Kentucky a ‘no-brainer’ for businesses.” Read more: Bowling Green Area Chamber
EMBDC ribbon-cutting: Anderson Regional Health System debuts new cafeteria
A ribbon cutting was held for Anderson Regional Health System's newly renovated cafeteria Tuesday evening.
The ribbon cutting was part of the East Mississippi Business Development Corporation's monthly Business After Hours event. The cafeteria at Anderson has been being renovated for the past year, and the staff says they are very happy with how it has turned out.
"We've got a couple of new stations. We've got our deli area which serves sandwiches. We have a pizza station. We brought back our grill area which has hamburgers, and then we have our Morrison favorites fried chicken, mashed potatoes and things like that," said Tre Freeman, System Food Service Director.
The cafeteria is open from 6:30 in the morning until 7 at night. Read more: WTOK.com
|
#Chamber news - Troy Chamber: Local Nonprofits Seek Contributions in Annual Wish List
Tis the season of giving! Looking for ways to give back to the community, get involved in a local holiday project or donate services? Consider contributing to the Non-Profit Network’s Wish List. View the Wish List at troychamber.com/non-profit-network/wish-list.
Started by the Troy Chamber of Commerce, the Non-Profit Network (NPN) provides a glimpse of the meaningful work being done by over 50 local charitable and service organizations in Southeast Michigan. Donations help these groups with their daily operational needs and various service projects.
The Wish List includes items ranging from postage stamps and cases of water to computer equipment and toiletry items. It also contains a variety of ways for individuals and businesses to donate services like videography, web design, database management, printing and more.
“The items on the list are typically paid for out of the nonprofits’ fundraising budgets,” says Troy Chamber Vice President, Jody House. “By donating these items, corporations can offset those expenses and free up valuable resources to allow them to better serve the community.”
The Troy Chamber encourages individuals to share this list with their contacts and directly connect with the nonprofit organization that they would like to support.
For a description of the organizations that are part of the NPN, visit troychamber.com/non-profit-network. For more information, contact Jody House – (248) 641-8151/ jody@troychamber.com.
Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber: Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay is happening
This is a reminder that the Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay is happening TODAY. If you have a Marquee Sign, please say Happy Birthday Indiana!
The caravan will be coming down SR 13 from North Webster, turning at the light at Main and ending at Lakeside Park. Please help show your Syracuse pride. We are asking that you, your employees, co-workers and customers come out and wave on our torch bearers for this once in a lifetime experience.
We’ll be posting photos to our Chamber Facebook page along the way and after from the official caravan photographers. Please like our page if you haven’t.
Pack Rat Storage/Tranter Graphics 11:35 a.m. Torch Bearer: Don Miller
Wawasee Middle School 11:45 a.m. Torch Bearers: Carolyn Baker and Cathy Lemberg
Main Channel Marina (13 location) 11:55 a.m. Torch Bearer: Larry Martindale
Syracuse Fire Department 12:05 p.m. Torch Bearer: Scott Pelletier and Family
SR 13 Light & Huntington 12:10 p.m. Torch Bearer: Ron Baumgartner
Lakeside Park 12:15 p.m. *Willie’s Chili Dog Picnic will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Sponsored by Willie 103.5
If you can join us for lunch, please come to Lakeside Park where Willie 103.5 will be set up and giving away a free chili hot dog, chips, cookie and drink lunch. More information: Andrea Keller, Executive Director
Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce, andrea@swchamber.com / 574.551.6848
BACC Assist: Barrington 220 Looking for Business Coaches for 5th Grade Fresh INC Entrepreneurial Program
The Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC) is assisting Barrington 220 recruit business coaches for their Fresh INC entrepreneurial program again this year. The program will be offered in the district's 5th grade classrooms for the second year in a row. Many Chamber members volunteered last year to serve as mentors working with the fifth-grade teams. If you are interested in helping budding young entrepreneurs develop their business skills, then we'd love to have you be a coach. The program will run this year from November 1 - December 22 (just in time for the holidays!)
If you are interested in serving as a Fresh INC Business Coach, please contact Suzanne Corr, BACC President at (847) 331-2525, or email her at suzanne@barringtonchamber.com. Please include your address and cell phone number. If you are familiar with a particular school or teacher, please feel free to mention them. If you are interested in being a potential guest speaker, contact Suzanne by October 1, 2016.
BACC Assist: Barrington 220 Looking for Business Coaches for 5th Grade Fresh INC Entrepreneurial Program
The Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC) is assisting Barrington 220 recruit business coaches for their Fresh INC entrepreneurial program again this year. The program will be offered in the district's 5th grade classrooms for the second year in a row. Many Chamber members volunteered last year to serve as mentors working with the fifth-grade teams. If you are interested in helping budding young entrepreneurs develop their business skills, then we'd love to have you be a coach. The program will run this year from November 1 - December 22 (just in time for the holidays!)
This program involves a custom created curriculum that requires students to develop business plans, product, pricing, packaging, budgets, sales strategies and more. There will be 29 classrooms involved from all 8 Barrington 220 elementary schools. Each classroom setting will form and create approximately 3-4 businesses. The business will launch their products via a virtual marketplace.
During the process, the 5th grade entrepreneur program relies heavily on the help of local business mentors to act as Business Coaches to teams of students, a minimum of 29 Business Coaches are needed. Each "business coach" will be assigned to a fifth grade classroom. The coach would be asked to come into the school to assist the teacher in the development of the classroom businesses. Business coaches could attend approximately 6 of the classroom lessons. All volunteer coaches/business mentors will be invited to a 2-hour training session. Once the training is complete, business coaches will work with their teacher to determine dates for the classroom lessons.
The Entrepreneur Committee is also looking for general business speakers who could address 5th graders at any of the participating schools about "building a business," or other related topics. These presentations will be flexible with dates and times.
If you are interested in serving as a Fresh INC Business Coach, please contact Suzanne Corr, BACC President at (847) 331-2525, or email her at suzanne@barringtonchamber.com. Please include your address and cell phone number. If you are familiar with a particular school or teacher, please feel free to mention them. If you are interested in being a potential guest speaker, contact Suzanne by October 1, 2016.
GSCC Chamber issue: Downtown housing a focus of next 'Q5' campaign
A community development group formed in late 2014 has a goal of 80 to 100 additional apartments in downtown Springfield to meet projected long-term demand.
The not-for-profit Downtown Community Development Corp. was created through The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce and The Springfield Project, another not-for-profit affordable-housing group, as a way to entice private developers to the historic commercial district. An initial list of more than a dozen potential sites has been scaled back to about six after a cost analysis, according to an update Thursday.
"There's an immediate need for additional downtown housing, and it's an area we're trying to address as quickly as possible," chamber president and CEO Chris Hembrough said after an update of the third five-year phase of the Quantum Growth Partnership economic-development campaign, http://bit.ly/2cAkahQ.
The Q5 initiative for job creation and retention is in the final year of the current five-year campaign. Hembrough said the next phase has a similar fundraising goal of $850,000 a year from "investor" businesses and economic-development groups. Hembrough said the community development group hopes to announce a specific project by the end of the year.
The recently opened Villas at Downtown was cited as an example of the residential possibilities during the Q5 update. The 79-unit complex at Fourth and Madison streets is targeted to young professionals and graduate students from the University of Illinois Springfield. Read more: State Journal Register
WMC Chamber concern: Hard to hire: Employers are having problems finding workers
Wisconsin businesses, both big and small, are struggling to find workers despite some areas in the state still seeing higher pockets of unemployment.
“We are hearing it all over the state, that employers are having problems finding workers. Even Amazon in Kenosha is finding it hard to hire workers,” said Kurt Bauer, president/CEO of Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce.
Bauer said that’s despite recent figures that show the nearby city Racine has the highest unemployment rate (6.7 percent) of any Wisconsin metro area. The state’s unemployment rate is 4.2 percent, slightly lower than the 4.9 percent national average, according to August numbers released by the state Department of Workforce Development.
Rock County’s unemployment is 4.3 percent, unchanged from July and slightly changed from the 4.8 percent unemployment rate in August 2015.
Businesses, Bauer said, are coping with labor shortages by increasing wages, offering more benefits, automating jobs and finding efficiencies in production. But Bauer said he’s concerned that the tight labor pool means some businesses are not bidding for projects, outsourcing from outside Wisconsin and delaying expansion.
In an attempt to head off of an employment “crisis” over the next 20 years, WMC launched the Future Wisconsin Project in partnership with other state organizations, colleges and tech schools to train, attract and retain employees. Bauer outlined some of WMC efforts during a Sept.15 Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce presentation.
Bauer says the state’s low birthrates, more baby boomers than millennials, and young, educated workers leaving the state to work in more desirable areas are contributing to the labor shortage.
The goal is to attract more workers from other states by changing perceptions of Wisconsin. Bauer said some people think of Wisconsin as dated, perceptions fueled by Hollywood and sitcoms like “That ’70s Show.” While the state’s image based on beer, cheese and the Packers, is good he said, it doesn’t promote the other benefits that would lure people to move here — the quality of life, strong work ethic, outdoor opportunities and “Wisconsin nice” people.
Partnerships with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, the UW and tech colleges is also giving young people exposure to jobs in manufacturing and showing how technology is transforming careers in those fields.
Bauer said efforts are also underway with pilot programs in Milwaukee to move people where the jobs are by giving out relocation credit. Read more: HNGnews.com
Town Square Chamber of Commerce Membership Directories and Community Profiles
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
Friday: 157 Rules for Executive Success in Organization Management (and your Chamber of Commerce) by Patrick McGaughey
RULE
#29 Condense executive presentations
at board meetings.
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