Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Michigan Chamber Professional Digest October, 2016



Michigan Chamber Professional Digest
October, 2016

Priority One: Sign up for the MACP conference October 26-28 in Ann Arbor. Go to their website here:  Michigan Association of Chamber Professionals

Here is news you can use as a Michigan Chamber of Commerce professional:

Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber delight: Mercy Health breaks ground on new $271 Million hospital

Mercy Health began a major and transformative construction project Tuesday in Muskegon. It's one that's not expected to finish until June 2019.
When all the work is done, not only will there be a new hospital, but also the centralization of Mercy Health's inpatient services will be at one campus in Muskegon.
At $271 million, it's believed to be the single largest construction project ever in the county.
Monday, Sept. 19, workers were busy setting up a large tent just outside the hospital at 1500 East Sherman Blvd. in Muskegon."Beyond excited, this is a day everybody had been waiting for for a really long time," said Erin Patrick, regional manager of communications and public relations for Mercy Health

Tuesday, hospital leaders and invited guests gathered inside the tent, then just in front of the hospital break ground on the new medical center.
"This is something that is going to be revolutionary for Muskegon," said Patrick. "Nothing of this magnitude has ever happened construction wise for Muskegon County."
Hospital leaders say the facility will have a major economic impact on the region. The new center will be be an energy-efficient, green facility. The nine-story hospital will bring all Mercy Health Muskegon-area inpatient services to one campus.
"That is good, love to see Muskegon grow and more jobs come in, more opportunity," said Jessie Olson, owner of Los Amigos Mexican Restaurant.
For two-and a half years, 100 or more construction workers will be just down the road from Jessie and Ana Olson's restaurant.
"You can hear people talking about it, talking about the opportunities and jobs, and just the growth," said Ana Olson.
"The economic gain for out community starts tomorrow but it is going to keep going years and years," said Cindy Larsen, President of Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce.
Larsen says the hospital project is among $550 million in current projects in Muskegon County under construction and another $800 million more is development under consideration. Read more: WZZM 13


13th Annual Birmingham-Bloomfield Chamber Vine & Dine: Top chefs come together to support Gleaners

The area's top chefs are gathering under the same roof for one of the tastiest fundraisers of the year.

Tickets are now on sale for the 13th annual Vine & Dine, a gourmet fundraiser hosted by theBirmingham Bloomfield Chamber to benefit Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan. This year’s event will be held 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21, at Cranbrook Institute of Science in Bloomfield Hills.

“We are honored to once again partner with Gleaners Community Food Bank to help feed literally thousands of needy families in Oakland County,” said Chamber President Joe Bauman. “And we could not do it without the incredible support we receive from our member restaurants and wine wholesalers and retailers who donate not only their product for the event, but staff time as well.”

Vine & Dine offers guests an outstanding selection of domestic and imported wines, combined with a strolling buffet featuring the finest restaurants. Back by popular demand, director of NUCLASSICA, violinist and Cranbrook graduate Jordan Allen Broder will provide entertainment for the evening, offering an eclectic mix of modern music played on classical instruments paired with a live disc jockey.

Consistently a sell-out event, Vine & Dine has become the new tradition for wine and food aficionados. Tickets are $85 per person in advance, with special pricing available for bulk tickets of 12 or more. Complimentary valet will be included and guests are encouraged to dress to impress.

Food and wine participants this year will include: Bill’s, CafĂ© ML, Roadside Bar & Grill, Mandaloun Bistro, The Bird & The Bread, Forest Lake Country Club, Cameron’s Steakhouse, Mitchell’s Fish Market, Townhouse Birmingham, The Stand Gastro Bistro, BIGGBY Coffee – Bingham Farms, Granite City Food & Brewery, Hills Fine Wine & Spirits, ML Spirits, Eagle Eye Brands, Birmingham Wine & MI Grape & Wine Industry Council.

“We love participating in this event because it supports such an incredible cause,” said Bill Roberts of the Roberts Restaurant Groups. “The Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber does a fabulous job in putting this together every year, and the Cranbrook Science Museum is a great location. Everyone in the community always has a great time – and most importantly, we’re helping out Gleaners.” Read more: Hometown Life


Greater Farmington Area chamber hires new executive director

The Greater Farmington Area Chamber of Commerce has named Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce office and events manager Laura L. Bolyard as its new executive director.
Bolyard replaces Dan Irvin, who left in July to become general manager of Laurel Park Place in Livonia.
Before joining the Huron Valley Chamber in Milford, Bolyard served as the co-executive director of the Chamber of Commerce for the South Lyon Area from 2003 to 2005. According to a press release, she has “a broad background and experience in all facets of chamber life, including event coordination and management, membership relations and communications, networking groups, chamber ambassadors, and community relations, just to name a few.” She has also been involved with the annual Milford Memories Summer Festival, held each August.
Bolyard’s first day will be September 26. A “Meet the New Chamber Executive Director” event is being planned. Details will be posted at gfachamber.com.  Read more: Farmington Voice

Grand Rapids Area Chamber: Legislative Wrap-up


In the legislative realm, things move in waves. This was the last full week of session for the House before the November election, which means there was a lot of action on a number of the Chamber priorities.3rd Grade Reading
On Wednesday, the House and Senate passed third grade reading legislation with bi-partisan support: 60-47 in the House, and 25-10 in the Senate. This was two years in the making and comes after a summer of meetings and negotiations to come to a compromise on how to improve the reading proficiency of our State’s students. Third grade reading legislation is a key issue for the Chamber. As we look at the talent preparation system, improving early literacy is a critical issue. The bill is now heading to the Governor for consideration. Click here to read the final bill.

Health Insurance Claims Assessment (HICA) tax
Yesterday, the House passed a package of bills that would reform the HICA tax. HICA has not been a reliable source of revenue for Medicaid funding and these bills represent a comprehensive, long-term solution. This step is necessary to balance the state budget, to provide critical Medicaid funding, to avoid service and provider cuts, and to avoid increasing taxes on health care purchasers. The bills are now back in the Senate, where the Chamber will be advocating for the bills advancement later this fall.

Port Authority
Legislation that could enable a public-private partnerships to enhance the Port of Muskegon passed the House on Thursday 98-9. This bill would enhance commercial maritime activities and help fund port facility improvements and operations. The bill is now in the Senate where the Chamber will be advocating for its passage in the fall.

Autonomous Vehicles
A package of bills that will allow for greater development and deployment of autonomous vehicle technology moved out of the House Communications and Technology Committee on Tuesday with some minor changes from the Senate-passed versions. The bill is now on the House Floor awaiting action.

Energy
A new announcement between regulatory bodies and a new substitute to Senate Bill 437 muddied the water a bit this week and while the energy legislation was discussed extensively, no action was taken. The Chamber continues to advocate for an amendment to better protect ratepayers and the electric choice program.Questions? Contact Andy Johnston at 616.771.0335

Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation: (Chamber Volunteers)

“You will find as you look back upon your life that the moments when you have really lived, are the moments when you have done things in the spirit of love.” –Henry Drummond


Rochester Regional Chamber: Message from the President

SheriHere we are in the 2nd week of fall.  The Chamber is excited to have our last Coffee Talk of the 2016.  Please make sure to register for this and all events as they are selling out quickly.

The Chamber is busy preparing for the upcoming Sunrise Pinnacle Awards.  The Sunrise Pinnacle Awards Ceremony, organized each year by the Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce,  is an opportunity for the greater Rochester communities to come together to honor the accomplishments and contributions of our region's most visionary leaders, entrepreneurs, nonprofit organizations and businesses.

Over 650 attendees will be present to honor our 23 award winners that include: Business of the Year, Lifetime Achievement, Educator of the Year, Young Professional of the Year and many others. Please visit our website 
www.rrc-mi.com to register.

The Chamber is excited to invite you to celebrate the 65th Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade! Our theme for this year is "Holiday Masquerade - Celebrating the mystery and the magic of the Holidays" Please follow the parade on Facebook for lots of inspirational ideas.  The Parade Application is available on our website www.rrc-mi.com

If you are a new member and would like to have your business featured in the E-Newsletter, contact Jill Sorensen at the Chamber office. Her email is info@rrc-mi.com.

Make it a great day!

Sheri Heiney




Businesses to Lansing: Fix Michigan Avenue

Lansing business leaders pushed city officials to make repairs on a stretch of Michigan Avenue where several developments are under construction. Mayor Virg Bernero fired back that the work is already scheduled.

The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce sent a letter to Mayor Bernero and Lansing City Council on Monday urging them to fix the portion of Michigan Avenue between Pennsylvania Avenue and U.S. 127. The business group took the matter public by sending a release to media on Tuesday.

"Further investment in the Michigan Avenue corridor is important to our region's future economic growth," wrote Tim Daman, president and CEO of the chamber, in the letter. "Without prioritizing proper maintenance and infrastructure investment, we are now left with a crumbling Michigan Avenue. What should be the most pristine corridor in the State of Michigan is falling apart."
Michigan Avenue hasn't been resurfaced for several years and is covered with potholes from Pennsylvania Avenue east to U.S.127. Read more: Lansing State Journal





#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 ahttps://tcchamber.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/beers_web.jpg 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





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


The Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber is looking to add volunteers to our Santa Parade Committee

Join the FUN COMMITTEE!!

Do you want to be involved in something that brings joy to so many people of all ages and walks of life?
Come plan the Santa Parade with other fellow chamber members.
We meet once a month for a couple months and then twice a month for a couple more.
We could use your ideas in making this even bigger and better this year.
If you think you might be interested, call Janine at the office at 531-5990 and let us know what would work for you. More information: Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber


Michigan Chamber Of Commerce Urges State House To Reject Beer Tax Hike


LANSING, Mich., Sept. 14, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- House Bill 5873, which contains a roughly 250 percent increase in Michigan's beer tax, would put businesses at a huge competitive disadvantage with neighboring states and would take a wrecking ball to an industry that is currently thriving, says the Michigan Chamber of Commerce.
The Michigan Chamber of Commerce is a statewide business organization representing approximately 6,600 employers, trade associations and local chambers of commerce. The Michigan Chamber represents businesses of every size and type in all 83 counties of the state. The Michigan Chamber was established in 1959 to be an advocate for Michigan's job providers in the legislative, political and legal process.
More
"Raising the beer tax is a bad idea from a lame duck lawmaker," said Michigan Chamber President & CEO Rich Studley. "A nearly 250 percent beer tax hike would have a chilling effect on Michigan's craft brewers, distributors and retailers and would bring this growth industry to a grinding halt."
"As a whole, Michigan's beer industry contributes $6.6 billion to the state's economy, employs thousands of people and generates hundreds of millions of dollars in tax revenue," noted Jim Holcomb, Senior Vice President for Business Advocacy & General Counsel for the Michigan Chamber. "This ill-advised tax increase will hurt each and every retailer, distributor, brewery, and brewpub in Michigan."
"So-called sin taxes do not work; they simply drive people to buy legal products from lower-cost states," said Tricia Kinley, Senior Director of Tax & Regulatory Reform for the Michigan Chamber, who noted that Michigan's beer tax is already the highest in the Great Lakes region (Indiana, Illinois, Ohio and Wisconsin) and is 28 percent higher than the next state on the list.
"In many cases, these so-called sin taxes backfire because people turn to illegal purchasing methods," noted Kinley. "Coupled with the fact that Michigan has a 10-cent bottle deposit add on, border county beer drinkers will likely just buy beer in Indiana and Ohio, making a bad idea worse!"
"We strongly oppose this ill-advised effort to raise the beer tax," said Studley. "This legislation is bad public policy and will only serve to harm a thriving industry."
"We urge House lawmakers to reject this tax hike and work on more worthwhile bills," Studley concluded. Read more: Yahoo! News


Clarkston Area Chamber: Light Bulb Moment of the Month

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® of North Oakland County will host Movers for Meals® from November 1 - December 15. They are partnering with the community to collect household items and gently used clothing to donate to Oakland Hope. With the opening of their thrift store to help self-fund their food pantry, Oakland Hope will need a heavy stock to have a great selection for their store. Funds raised from these items will go directly to helping end hunger in Oakland County. Learn more and nominate someone for  Light Bulb Moment on the Month


Midland Tomorrow hosts familiarization tour of Coleman businesses for legislators



Midland Tomorrow, Midland County’s economic development agency, recently hosted a Familiarization Tour for Midland County’s local, state and national legislators, which focused on businesses in Coleman.
Attending the tour were U.S. Congressman John Moolenaar, State Senator Jim Stamas, Midland County Commissioners Jim Geisler and Alan Kloha, as well as Midland Tomorrow Board President Pete Milojevic, and Midland Tomorrow, Midland Chamber and Michigan Economic Development Corporation staff.
The group toured Robinson IndustriesCM Rubber Technologies, Inc., and Huhtamaki, Inc., and met with Coleman small business owners Jerry and Yulia Coon of Coon’s Berry Farm, Coleman Mayor Steve Miller and several city council members. They also toured Coleman Industrial Park, which has 65 acres available for light industrial development and is located next to the U.S.-10 exit at Coleman.
“FAM tours in the economic development arena are used as a way to introduce site selectors to a particular location. Midland Tomorrow decided to use the concept as a way for legislators to become informed about the businesses in our community, how they operate, and their successes and challenges,” said Becky Church, vice president of operations for Midland Tomorrow. “It’s a win for the businesses as well, since they had a captive audience with their representatives, and were able to let those representatives and local economic development staff know what they need in order to accomplish their business goals and create jobs.”
Robinson Industries, founded in 1947, is a family-owned business that manufactures custom-designed thermoformed and injection-molded plastic pallets and packaging. The company offers clients in the automotive, agriculture, retail, etc., sectors a full range of services, from determining needs, designing and prototyping to testing and manufacturing the products.
CM Rubber Technologies was founded in 2004 by spouses Dan and Rebecca Mullins. They recycle thousands of scrap tires each year and shred and refine them, then use the material to make mats, landscape mulch, playground surfaces, drain field aggregate and equestrian footing.
Huhtamaki, Inc., is a worldwide company based in Finland that makes custom paper and plastic food packaging. Their plant in Coleman thermoforms plates, bowls, cups and lids for the retail, food service and consumer markets.
Coon’s Berry Farm was opened in 2014 by husband and wife, Jerry and Yulia Coon, and grows red and black currants and gooseberries from which they make vinegars and syrups. Their products are currently sold at local farmers’ markets and they have plans to expand into wine-making.
“We were thrilled to see the support from the City of Coleman, Midland Tomorrow, Michigan Economic Development Corporation and especially Congressman Moolenaar and Senator Stamas,” said the Coons. “It is comforting for us to know that we have the backing we need to succeed from both the public and private sectors.” Read more: Midland Daily News




                                                                                                         

St. Ignace Chamber Holds 39th Annual Arts and Crafts Dockside


It's a weekend of handmade, one-of-a-kind crafts all on the shorelines of Lake Huron.
St. Ignace is holding it's 39th Annual Arts and Crafts Dockside.
Visitors can check out more than 130 booths of paintings, photos, jewelry and more.
Everything vendors sell must be one of kind to get a space.
The St. Ignace Chamber of Commerce says it's the perfect place to browse for a unique treasure before the Bridge Walk on Labor Day.
"It's just like, where do these people come up with these ideas?" St. Ignace Chamber of Commerce executive director Janet Peterson said. "There's some awesome, awesome things, so it's just fun and a lot of these people have been here for 10 or 15 or 20 years, so some have become like family to you." See more: 9 and 10 News



Chamber interest: World of Beer hiring, expects October opening


World of Beer is now projecting an early October opening in Canton as the company moves to hire 75 employees for what owner Chad Wilson called “beer school” training.

While not a brewery, World of Beer is expected to bolster Canton’s place on the craft beer map because it will offer 550 different bottled brews from about 30 countries and another 50 beers on tap.

Canton Chamber of Commerce President Thomas Paden called Michigan’s still-growing craft beer industry “huge” and said World of Beer should prove successful while also bringing in new jobs and adding to the tax base.

“That’s what makes a community tick,” he said. “The more businesses we have coming in, the better it is for the tax base and the more opportunities we have for employment and for residents to get excited about new businesses. That’s what keeps a community vibrant.”

World of Beer, which also serves food, is taking shape on Ford Road, west of Lilley, placing it along Canton’s premier retail and restaurant corridor. It will employ about 75 bartenders, servers and kitchen workers who will receive a two-week training course. Read more: Hometown Life


Top Five Daily Postings in the last month at Midwest Chamber of Commerce Daily – click to go there or Google search “Midwest Chamber of Commerce blog”

Aug 3, 2016
147
Sep 16, 2016
106
Aug 31, 2016
105
Sep 2, 2016
94
Sep 15, 2016
87


Last Month’s Stories

Grand Rapids Area Chamber ATHENA Award goes to ...

Mt. Pleasant Area chamber: New hotel on campus staffed by students, alumni, hosts ribbon cutting Central Michigan Life

#BestChamber Practices: Young Professionals of Rochester (YPR) Register
Orion Area Chamber Healthy Body, Healthy Mind  
Lansing Regional Chamber's Tim Daman: Getting Educated About Agri-Business Lansing State Journal
#BestChamber practices: Birmingham-Bloomfield Chamber - Refer a New Member Membership Info Here
Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber: 28th Street Metro Cruise Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber

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

Midland Tomorrow hosts familiarization tour of Coleman businesses for legislators Midland Daily News


Town Square Chamber Publications: Valparaiso Chamber: Promises made, Promises kept!




I want to thank you for an outstanding map which you produced for our Valpo Chamber.In my 43 years as a CEO in the Chamber Field, it was the smoothest project I have ever seen done. You made all the deadlines, your print quality and cartography was second to none. And of course you paid us in exactly the time frame you said you would so we could count the Royalty Check towards our current year revenue.
Life is very good when dealing with Town Square Publications.
You have the right of first refusal to do our next map. You are a great partner for our Chamber. We are living proof that a printed map is still very much in demand by both advertisers and consumers.
It would be my pleasure to recommend Town Square Publications as a firm Chambers and Tourism Bureaus should use when considering a printed Map or other print publications.

Rex G. Richards, CCE
President
Valpo Chamber of Commerce

Plans underway for annual Taste of Clarkston festival The Oakland Press

Livonia chamber event focuses on other cultures HomeTownLife.com
YEA! Dearborn Area Chamber program: Metro Detroit Boy Scouts Can Now Earn Merit Badges While Launching the Business of Their Dreams -Contact Ron Hinrichs, Director of Events & Media Relations at the Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce at rhinrichs@dearbornareachamber.org 

Rogers City Chamber Encouraging Community to Shop Locally with Contest 9 & 10 NEWS

Birmingham-Bloomfield Chamber Event: Breakfast with Superintendents

Seminars and Webinars of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce in the next 15 days Michigan Chamber of Commerce

 


If you would like continue our conversation and have delivery of a new gloss Chamber directory or gloss community map in April, 2017, please contact me at your earliest convenience.


Best,

John




John Dussman | Chamber Manager
jdussman@tspubs.com | 847-427-4633 | Town Square Publications
Daily Herald Media Group
155 E. Algonquin Road | Arlington Heights, IL 60005
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Chamber Executive blog: www.midwestchamberofcommerce.blogspot.com 

Do you have a story idea?             
If you know of a chamber news item  that you would like to be included in the CHAMBER EXECUTIVE INTELLIGENCE REPORT or the MIDWEST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE DAILY, please email me at
jdussman@tspubs.com or call me at (847)-427-4633. Thank you.



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