Mississippi Chamber Professional Digest October, 2016 Phil Hardwick — What remarkable associations do that others don’t

Mississippi Chamber Professional Digest 

October, 2016

Happy Monday, #chamber world! It’s going to be a great week!

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

Chancellor Jeff Vitter Featured Speaker at ‘First-To-Know’ Chamber Breakfast

University of Mississippi Chancellor Jeff Vitter was the featured speaker during the “First-To-Know” breakfast at the Oxford Conference Center Friday morning, sponsored by the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce.

Since taking over the helm as Chancellor, Vitter says he’s thought a lot about what it means to be an Ole Miss Rebel.

He laid out three primary themes: first Ole Miss transforms lives, second Ole Miss transforms communities, and third Ole Miss focuses on excellence.

“Things are even better than I thought,” Vitter said. “Ole Miss is in high demand.”

Vitter also added that the Ole Miss brand is strong and has steadily increased over the past 20 years.

In the “First-To-Know” category – the seventeenth Ole Miss Chancellor maintained the university has 450 freshmen in the honors college, a record number of faculty and a record year in giving.

In the UM Foundation’s fiscal year ending June 30, private donors and foundations committed a record $194.3 million to support programs, facilities, and students across all campuses. Read more: HottyToddy.com

Southaven Chamber has grand opening of new building

With great hoopla and fanfare, the Southaven Chamber of Commerce officially opened the doors of its new Chamber building to the public Thursday with a ribbon cutting and social gathering.

"We're so excited," said Southaven Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Carmen Kyle. "We expected 200 and we have far more than that," added Kyle.

The Chamber features an Entrepreneurial and Business Center and Learning Center designed to help both start-up and existing businesses, according to Kyle.

"We want to give them the many tools they need to succeed," Kyle said as Chamber ambassadors gave tours of the new building, located in a former Trustmark Bank building, which was renovated, expanded and newly furnished.

Mayor Darren Musselwhite touted the building as an example of ongoing renovation efforts in the older section of Mississippi's third-largest city.

"The Chamber of Commerce has never had a free-standing building," Musselwhite said. "They've always leased space. It's a sign of the times that the city is moving forward, that the Chamber is moving forward. I want to congratulate Carmen, the Board, and her staff for a job well done."

Musselwhite called the location of the new Southaven Chamber of Commerce building in the historic, original part of the city as "symbolic."

"When Carmen told me they were considering buying the building, I said, of course," Musselwhite said. "It's perfect."

Musselwhite noted the Southaven Chamber of Commerce was established in 1969 and the Chamber building, formerly a bank, was also constructed that same year.

Musselwhite said he has driven past the building for several years and recalled how the building used to look, especially after it stood vacant.

Since that time, extensive remodeling has taken place and the former drive-through bank lanes were turned into a patio.

"This is where it should be," Musselwhite said. "This is the original part of Southaven. The biggest thing that I'm proud of is that it is symbolic to the revitalization efforts in the original part of Southaven."

Musselwhite said the turnout at the Chamber grand opening showcases the importance of the Chamber of Commerce within the city. Read more: De Soto Times

#BestChamber practices: City of Ridgeland Chamber: Lunch & Learn: Overtime Basics and New Changes

LUNCH & LEARN-Overtime Basics & Recent Changes

When: Friday, August 26, 2016 11:30 AM thru 01:00 PM

Where: Cool Water Catering & Events

1011 Lake Harbour Drive

LUNCH SPONSORED BY: Wells Marble & Hurst, PLLC

For More Info: Ridgeland Chamber of Commerce

601-991-9996

admin@ridgelandchamber.com 

Chamber program: Leadership Vicksburg applications available

After a year’s hiatus, Leadership Vicksburg is back.

Leadership Vicksburg, sponsored by the Vicksburg-Warren County Chamber of Commere, is a yearlong program aimed at nurturing and educating those in key positions within businesses, industry, education and government here.

Jane Flowers, executive director of the chamber, said she is happy the program has returned in a new and improved way.

“We were approached by Gerad Hardy, vice president and general manager at Ameristar Casino. He was getting ready to participate in Leadership Mississippi, and he was interested in helping us with Leadership Vicksburg,” Flowers said.

A group of former Leadership Vicksburg graduates and others in the business community already were meeting in an effort to revamp the program, she said.

“Ameristar in Vicksburg has always had a great commitment, not only to the city, but to Leadership Vicksburg. We’ve sent several of our people through the program. We had two in the last graduating class, and were prepared to submit two to last year’s class, but it was cancelled due to lack of participation,” Hardy said. “When I got the message that it was cancelled, I thought, ‘What a missed opportunity,’ Leadership development is so important for the health of the community — the business community and the community at large. It’s something we want to continue to be committed to.”

Hardy and Lori Burke, Ameristar’s business development manager and a Leadership Vicksburg alum, began brainstorming, he said.

“She started drawing from her experience and I started drawing from mine and my experience as a Leadership Mississippi attendee and we asked ourselves, how can we create a program that businesses and organizations find real added value in, one that when they look at it they think, ‘Man, how can we not be a part of that?’ ”

When Hardy and Burke met with the chamber’s leadership and with Leadership Vicksburg alum, their aim was to put together a program that accomplishes three things, he said:

“Number one, how do we personally get better? How do I become a better leader? How do it grow the tools I need for leadership?” Hardy said. “Number two, if I have all the tools for leadership, where can I make a difference. Where is there a need? And, the last part, let’s focus on making a difference. Read more: Vicksburg Post

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

Area Development Partnership, State agency brings jobs, investment to area

Forrest and Lamar counties have been magnets for development, according to Glenn McCullough Jr., executive director of the Mississippi Development Authority.

"The Mississippi Development Authority has been working with the Area Development Partnership since 2013 in Forrest and Lamar counties to bring more than $205 million in private capital invested and 1,892 new career opportunities to the Pine Belt and beyond," he said.

McCullough was in Hattiesburg recently for a visit to the Area Development Partnership.

"We work hand in hand with the Area Development Partnership," he said. "(President) Chad Newell and the ADP are good at what they do.

"We work with Mississippi Power, South Mississippi Electric Power Association, other utilities. We work closely with our partners at the University of Southern Mississippi, the Mississippi Polymer Institute, Pearl River Community College and Jones County Junior College."

The Mississippi Development Authority is the state's lead economic and community development agency, with about 250 employees.

"Mississippi Development Authority's mission is to work with partners to bring more and better jobs for Mississippians," McCullough said. "We want our economy to grow. We want to strengthen our partnerships." Hattiesburg American

EMBDC recognizes August Ambassadors of the Month

The East Mississippi Business Development Corporation (EMBDC) recently presented its August Ambassadors of the Month awards to three very deserving participants.

In first place was Mary Atterberry with Rush Health Systems, second place went Derron Radcliff with MSU Riley Center, and third place went to Fannie Johnson with Love’s Kitchen. Also, winning the red ticket drawing was Channing Peebles with American Cancer Society. The red ticket drawing is from the pool of ambassadors who have attended EMBDC events over the past month.

This committee of dedicated volunteers assists with numerous membership activities and events throughout the year including ribbon cuttings and ground breakings conducted by the EMBDC. They work to secure new members and increase membership retention by building relationships and maintaining communication with existing and prospective members. This group consists of a limited group of people. The EMBDC would be unable to do all that it does without these dedicated volunteers. To find out more about becoming an Ambassador for your community, contact the EMBDC at 601-693-1306. Read more: Meridian Star

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

Ocean Springs Chamber event: Peter Anderson festival makes top 20 tourism list

The 38th annual Peter Anderson Arts & Crafts Festival presented by Blue Moon has been selected as one of Southeast Tourism Society’s Top 20 Events.

This year’s festival will be Nov. 5-6 in downtown Ocean Springs. It is hosted by the Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce Main Street Tourism Bureau.

One of the largest art festivals in the state, it attracts more than 400 vendors and 150,000 people, providing an economic impact of $23 million to the area.

Events selected for the list represent the best and most unique activities, said Bill Hardman, president of the Southeast Tourism Society. Read more: Sun Herald

Natchez-Adams County Chamber: More than 3,000 served at IRT clinic

— More than 3,000 residents received free health care in Natchez in a little less than two weeks. Military personnel provided medical, dental and other health care services to residents at the Tricentennial Wellness Innovative Readiness Training medical clinic that set up in Natchez from Aug. 2 through Saturday. Delta Regional Authority’s IRT Program Manager and Military Liaison Brittney Lindberg said the Natchez mission was extremely successful. Numbers collected for the IRT clinic show that 3,016 patients checked into the clinic by the end of the day Friday.

The clinic is part of the U.S. Department of Defense’s Innovative Readiness Training Program, a military volunteer training opportunity that allows military personnel to train and gain “real-world training” while offering services to underserved and underinsured people. “We have 137 military personnel on this mission, and I’d like to stress they come from all over the U.S. and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico,” Lindberg said.

“For them, it is much needed and valuable training. And they get to see Örst hand what their contributions are doing for the American people. “This program, at it’s heart, is about building civil-military relations.” Ultimately, the mission had to conclude a day earlier than expected on Saturday because the supplies brought in were exhausted.

“We knew that it was going to be big just because of how hard the community has worked to get the word out,” Lindberg said. “But I don’t think anyone expected it to be quite this big. “It has been an overwhelming and tremendous turnout from the community.” The hardest hit aspects of the mission have been dental and optometry care, Lindberg said. She said that demand is typical at other such missions.

“I would attribute it to most people having health coverage, but they may or may not have dental or optical coverage,” she said. “Or if they do, it is very, very expensive to get these procedures done. “For someone to get a pair of glasses at no cost, that’s a huge thing for a lot of people.” Lindberg said she is especially thankful to the community for its contributions. In particular, Lindberg wanted to credit Alcorn State University’s Ruth Nichols, Mississippi State Department of Health’s Madeline England, and local Vietnam War veteran Robert Pernell. 

“Anything we have needed, they have made happen,” she said. “Natchez owes the success of the program just as much to the community support as the military.” As a former member of the armed services, Pernell said he wanted to do what he could to help the military as well as the community in getting access to health care. “We have a very high concentration of underinsured and uninsured citizens in our community,” Pernell said. “It was important for us as a community to show up and be as supportive as possible and help get the word out. “And we had a tremendous amount of people waiting in line to be seen.” Pernell said he felt like the whole community came together to make this a success, including both the county and city governments.

“Everyone was all hands on deck,” he said. “About Natchez and Adams County, it is one city, one county and one people. We demonstrated that by working together. “Our goal was to get some of our citizens heath care, and it worked, it worked out tremendously.” 

England, the community health director for Southwest Mississippi, said the IRT was a great event for the community. England said she has signed up many people for preventative programs, Motivated to Live a Better Life, Tobacco Quitline and tobacco cessation and diabetes self management education. “Overall it has been an amazing opportunity to link people up with longer-term services we might be able to provide at the health department, and the same for the programs our many partners in the community offer,” she said. 

“A lot of relationships among community partners have developed as a result of the IRT.” England said participating in the IRT clinic has been an eye-opening experience. “It really made it very stark how large the need is for health services in our community and Southwest Mississippi,” she said. “But all the U.S. military people were just incredible partners and willing to work with all of us in the community. “I can’t say enough good things about them.” ASU’s special assistant to the president for Community and Economic Development, Nichols said she had been involved with Delta Regional Authority before as part of a leadership institute in 2014. Nichols said was excited when she got the phone call in December about one of the IRT missions coming to Natchez.

“We were fortunate that Alcorn State University and Copiah-Lincoln Community College had the great facilities for the military to operate from,” Nichols said. “It has been hugely successful. “All you have to do is look at the faces, the smiles, of the people and listen to what they have to say. They are so grateful that this has been offered. These are people who have been waiting on healthcare for years.” 

Nichols said a large part of the community has been involved in making this successful. The two colleges, Merit Health Natchez, both county and city government ofÖcials as well as neighboring ofÖcials from Concordia Parish and Wilkinson and Claiborne Counties, law enforcement with both the city and county, the WIN Job Center, the Natchez-Adams County Chamber of Commerce, the Southwest Mississippi Rural Comprehensive Health Department and many other volunteers have all contributed. 

“If you don’t think Natchez and Adams County can work together on a project, this is an example that it can,” Nichols said. “The heartfelt willingness to contribute what each group of volunteers could contribute has just been amazing.” Read more: Natchez Democrat

Brookhaven-Lincoln County Start-up: Merchants come together for lighting project

It started with a few sparkles on top of one building, but now much of downtown Brookhaven is aglow at night with lights lining rooftops and sides of buildings. The lighting project, which started with the Brookhaven — Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce rooftop in June, was organized by the Brookhaven Trust, but that group was not alone in the endeavor.

Brookhaven Trust President Jason Snider said it has taken a lot of work and a lot of cooperation from various groups and business owners to make this project a reality. “There has been a lot of volunteer efforts provided into getting this completed,” Snider said.

“We wanted to ensure that the lights are classy and will last for years to come.” The project has taken cooperation from individuals, organizations and business owners throughout downtown Brookhaven. “It’s unreal how much communication is required to get something like this completed,” Snider said. “We’ve been working on this since the day after Christmas.” Troy Jordan of Brookhaven Electric and Owen Junkin of Junkin Enterprises are implementing the project, and funding is coming from the Brookhaven Trust and Brookhaven Tourism Council along with business owners.

“The Brookhaven Trust, we wanted to install LED lights because it’s high efficiency and low maintenance,” Snider said. “But the downfall is they cost a lot on the front end. It’s $10 a foot to install the lights.”

The Tourism Council created a fund to maintain the lights, and Brookhaven Trust is paying for the lights going down the side of the buildings.

“We wanted to outline the rooftops and also the building itself,” Snider said. Read more: Daily Leader

Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce: New Holiday Traditions Set to Begin in Oxford this Year

The Oxford Lafayette-County Chamber of Commerce and Visit Oxford have come together to create a family-friendly holiday weekend beginning with the Night of Lights on Friday, December 9th and Deck the Halls: An Oxford Tour of Homes Saturday, December 10th.

“We believe this is something that people will be excited about, not only locally, but will also bring people in from out of town,” says Pam Swain, Senior Vice President of the Oxford-Lafayette Chamber of Commerce. “We decided to do this event, because we feel like this is something that people are already doing. This will give a format for people to come in and see those homes.”

The Night of Lights will begin on Friday, December 9th and continue until Saturday, December 27th. With the guidance of a map, members of the community are taken on a self-guided tour featuring homes across Oxford and Lafayette County decorated with magical lights and festive decorations.

The Tour of Homes will take place Saturday, December 10th from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Homeowners

from Oxford and Lafayette County are invited to participate by inviting the community to view rooms within their homes that have been decorated in great holiday splendor.

For more information or an application to be a part of the tour, call the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce at 662-234-4651 or email deckthehalls@oxfordms.com

Media contact: Pam Swain, Senior Vice President, Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce

Tel: 662-234-4651; Email: pam@oxfordms.com

Brookhaven Lincoln County Chamber event aimed at young professionals

The Brookhaven Lincoln­ County Chamber of Commerce plans to expand on a new idea for young professionals in the area next week. The Chamber will host its second Third Thursday Young Professionals’ Social Aug. 18 at Magnolia Blues BBQ Company. The festivities will run from 5 to 7 p.m. Chamber program director Katie Nations said starting the young professionals’ social was an idea she hoped to carry out when she was hired. “It was something that I’ve been wanting to do,” Nations said. “Something I wanted to get going.” The idea emerged after Nations noticed how many young people in Brookhaven did not have an event where they could go and mingle with others like themselves. “I kept coming into contact with younger people who had moved here or moved back and they didn’t know of a way to become a part of something in town.” Nations hopes the event will provide young Brookhavenites with a venue to network, and expose them to all the Chamber has to offer. Read more: The Daily Leader

Applications available for Leadership Neshoba

Applications for the 2016-2017 session of Leadership Neshoba are available now at area schools. Students may pick up applications in the counselor’s office at their respective school, the 4-H office, located at the Neshoba County Coliseum or at the Community Development Partnership office, located in the historic train depot at 256 W. Beacon St. The deadline for returning the application is August 26. Leadership Neshoba is open to all high school juniors that reside in Neshoba County. 

These students should have proven leadership skills or have potential leadership skills. Leadership Neshoba is a program of the Philadelphia-Neshoba County Chamber of Commerce. Its purpose is to develop youth leadership in Neshoba County by providing structured opportunities for interaction with other youth and community leaders and for growth in understanding of character development issues, personal leadership styles and community responsibility opportunities. This program brings together a diverse group of students to participate in a program focused on developing an understanding of personal leadership styles, learning personal and community responsibilities and reviewing character development. 

“We want to provide each student with the basic tools, resources and action plans on how to respond to a leadership role now and in the future,” said Tim Moore, executive director. 

Objectives of Leadership Neshoba are: 

• To acquaint students with community needs, resources, and other factors that influence the future development of Neshoba County 

• To encourage students to recognize their own potential and develop their leadership skills 

• To foster the students’ interest in voluntary community involvement

• To inspire students to encourage the leadership potential of their peers by becoming ambassadors of their schools and community

• To expand the students’ understanding of service learning.

The year will begin with a one day Retreat and Team Building on Oct. 24. Students then meet monthly from October-April. Please contact Tim Moore at 601-656-1000 for more information. - See more at: Neshoba Democrat

Joey Bragg no longer Columbus-Lowndes Chamber president

Joey Bragg is no longer the president of the Columbus-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce, according to a press release the Golden Triangle Development LINK issued Wednesday. 

Bragg, who was hired in November 2014, served his last day Tuesday.  

Former Director of Programs and Events Lisa James will serve as interim president until the CLCC board makes a new hire, said Macaulay Whitaker, vice president of internal and external affairs at the LINK. James was first hired by the CLCC in December 2015 and has worked there since January, Whitaker said. 

Bragg declined to comment on whether he resigned from the Chamber or was fired. Whitaker also declined to comment on the reason for Bragg leaving because it was a personnel matter. 

Howeve

r, Bragg did confirm he had not secured another job. 

"I'm just actively seeking employment, and we'll go from there," Bragg told The Dispatch in a phone interview Wednesday. "I'm just going to let you guys have the release that was sent today because right now I don't want to comment on the situation." 

The CLCC and LINK will begin looking to hire a new staffer after the fiscal year closes Sept. 30, Whitaker said. She added the board has not determined which position the new hire will fill. 

James was hired as director of programs and events at the CLCC in December 2015 and officially began working in January. She has a bachelor of arts in communication from Mississippi State University and has worked for the CLCC organizing programs focused on youth and adult leadership, education and community development.  Read more: Columbus Dispatch

Chamber Event: Biloxi Seafood Festival Gumbo Championship

WHAT: The Sun Herald Gumbo Championship at the Biloxi Seafood Festival

WHEN: September 11, 2016

WHERE: Biloxi Point Cadet; Highway 90 and 1st Street, Biloxi, MS

WHO: Biloxi Chamber of Commerce

WHY: Winners of the Championship can win cash and bragging rights for the entire year. Participants also get a commemorative Biloxi Seafood Festival T-shirt.

MORE INFORMATION: Participants can compete in teams of 5 in professional or amateur divisions. Please download the application at www.biloxi.org and attend the Competitors Reception, being held on August 17 at the Biloxi Visitors Center at 5:30 p.m. Biloxi Chamber of Commerce, Director, Rachael Seymour says, “Everyone thinks their gumbo is the best and the Sun Herald Gumbo Championship, at the Biloxi Seafood Festival is a great time to prove it!”

Contac: Niki Tillson Telephone 228.604.0014

Email: niki@mscoastchamber.com

Website: www.mscoastchamber.com

Brookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber’s Kay Burton starts next chapter after retirement

Retirement plans were in Kay Burton’s future, but she hadn’t expected to be saying good­bye to her co­workers at the Brookhaven—Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce so soon. Her 4 ­year ­old granddaughter in Virginia was diagnosed with leukemia in January and Burton made a choice. “I either had to retire or not help them,” she said. “I chose to help them.”

Burton divides her time between home and Virginia, making the 16 ­hour drive often. She said as soon as her granddaughter is better, Burton plans to continue her involvement with community projects. “I’m not really saying good­bye, I’m saying see you later,” she said. Burton will be honored at a reception at the chamber today from 4­-6 p.m. The public is invited. Chamber Ambassadors will be hosting the event. The Chamber is located at 230 Whitworth Ave. Burton, who celebrated 19 years with the Chamber in February, will be missed. “The Brookhaven-­Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce cannot adequately express its appreciation for Kay’s decades of service,” said executive director Garrick Combs. “Her time at the Chamber was punctuated by tireless work on behalf of our community. Her impact on Brookhaven and Lincoln County will be felt for years to come. We wish her well in her next steps in life and we will always be grateful to her time here.” Read more: Daily Leader

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

Northern Virginia Chamber Partnership Releases its... Aug 3, 2016	145
Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago: Chicago Fed Lette... Aug 12, 2016	103
Phil Harwick — What remarkable associations do tha... Aug 31, 2016	81
International Mixer with Greater Reston and Dulles... Aug 22, 2016	77
Kentucky Chamber Congressional Forum: McConnell bl... Sep 2, 2016	73

Last Month’s Stories

EMBDC event: Hottest ticket in town, 65,000 anticipated at Neshoba County Fair Meridian Star

Politics aside, nomination of a woman is historic Clarion Ledger

#FamousChamber of Commerce Quotations: Honoring Volunteers

“What volunteers bring is the human touch, the individual, caring approach that no government program, however well-meaning and well-executed, can deliver.” – Edward James Olmos

Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce and Stable Talent, Inc Announce Strategic Partnership www.oxfordms.com

Warriors for Willow Walk Set for August 8, 2016 www.WarriorsForWillow.com.

Columbus - Lowndes Chamber Celebrates Year of Success WCBI TV

Town Square Publications: Mount Pleasant, WI: Promises made, Promises kept!

Mount Pleasant e-book

Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotations: (Commitment)

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.” ~ Margaret Mead

Chamber Event: Biloxi Seafood Festival Gumbo Championship  www.mscoastchamber.com

Brookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber initiative: Much to see, do for retirees in Brookhaven Daily Leader

Seabees help repair century-old Ocean Springs depot Washington Times

Chamber Chuckle - Wacky Wednesday Weirdest Chamber Requests

Where can I donate a wild turkey I shot today?

Downtown Meridian could bring opportunity for small businesses WTOK.com

Chamber interest: Coast Young Professionals Institute: Setting Your Exit Goals Coast Young Professionals

Leadership Lafayette, FCS organizes bowling for a cause Oxford Eagle

#FamousChamber Quotation of the Day: Key to Success

“Determination is the key ingredient for every entrepreneur.” - Jason Calacanis

Chamber project: Downtown Biloxi gets poetic WDAM TV 7

If you would like 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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