Chamber of Commerce Daily News

Town Square Publications (https://www.townsquarepublications.com) publishes two hundred world class turn-key chamber directories, community guides and maps annually at no cost to the chamber of commerce. We are Employee-Owned & part of the Daily Herald Media Group.149 years old and thriving through innovation daily. Chamber of Commerce Daily News follows chamber news, education, economic development, chamber jobs, and other related chamber issues/events. Best, John Dussman

Thursday, October 6, 2016

Virginia Chamber Professional Digest October, 2016

Virginia Chamber Professional Digest

October, 2016

Good morning #chamber world! It’s going to be a GREAT week!

Northern Virginia Chamber, Board of Trade, Prince George’s Chamber to Host DC, Maryland, and Virginia Leaders at Annual Capital Region Business Forum

The Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce (Northern Virginia Chamber), Greater Washington Board of Trade (Board of Trade), and Prince George’s Chamber of Commerce (Prince George’s Chamber), announced it will host Muriel Bowser (D), Mayor of the District of Columbia, Terry McAuliffe (D), Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and Larry Hogan (R), Governor of the State of Maryland, for the Annual Capital Region Business Forum to promote regional cooperation.

The event, scheduled for the morning of October 12th in Washington, D.C., will address opportunities and challenges that affect the District of Columbia, the State of Maryland, and the Commonwealth of Virginia. Topics will include:

Transportation and interconnectivity,
Economic diversification, in light of declining federal expenditures,
Branding the national capital region, and many more.

“Acting regionally is critical to how we will make Greater Washington better by improving, recruiting, attracting and growing,” said Daniel Waetjen, Regional President, Greater Washington DC Region, BB&T and 2016 Chairman, Greater Washington Board of Trade. “These leaders are central to that success.”

“Working together to secure, maintain, and cultivate healthy business partnerships within the metro area is essential to having a voice in this nation. Being a part of this second Annual Forum is a step in the right direction,” said David C. Harrington, Prince George’s Chamber of Commerce President & CEO.

“We are thrilled to bring these leaders together to address the issues our region faces,” said Jim Corcoran, Northern Virginia Chamber President & CEO. “We must continue to work together to plot a course for the future that will grow our regional economy and set us on a path to success for decades to come.”

This event, a joint initiative of the Northern Virginia Chamber, Board of Trade, and Prince George’s Chamber, will provide the leaders the opportunity to discuss their plans to work cooperatively to bolster the regional economy in an ever competitive global marketplace. CONTACT: Alex Chagouris, Director, Communications & Marketing - achagouris@NOVAChamber.org - 703-752-7526

Registration is available on the Greater Washington Board of Trade’s website.

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

NEW TEACHER RECEPTION TO WELCOME EDUCATORS TO THE COMMUNITY

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

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

Prince William Chamber Presents Direct Access: A Conversation with Local Leaders: A Municipal Themed Gameshow-style Event

The Prince William Chamber of Commerce has changed the name of one long-time event and added a fun new twist. Formerly known as State of Prince William, the newly formatted Direct Access: Conversation with Local Leaders will be held on Thursday, September 29 from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the Red Rose Event Center (9705 Liberia Avenue, Suite 101; Manassas, VA 20110). Tickets to the luncheon are $40 for members of the Prince William Chamber of Commerce and $55 for non-members. All are welcome.

“State of Prince William has always been a popular event for us, offering our members a look at how the three municipalities we serve—Prince William County and the Cities of Manassas and Manassas Park—work together. Direct Access represents a change in format aimed at making the event more interactive. Audience members can expect to not only gain insight but also to find answers for their concerns in real time,” says Chamber President & CEO Debbie Jones. She went on to say that the business community has a “responsibility to work side-by-side with local governments to improve the economic climate and enhance the local quality of life if they want to see their businesses thrive.”

So what is Direct Access? In simplest terms, it is a conversation between the business community and top local elected officials sitting on the “celebrity panel.” This year’s panelists are Chairman Corey Stewart of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, Mayor Hal Parrish of the City of Manassas and Mayor Frank Jones of the City of Manassas Park. The program is modeled after the old game show, “What’s My Line?” Guided by host Jim Aram-- a member of the Prince William Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and co-owner of Advantage Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation -- audience members will trade questions with the panel on subjects such as challenges to business growth, economic development, workforce development and quality of life issues. In turn the panelists will ask questions to find out more about the audience member’s role in the community and how local government can better serve the community. Participants will have the chance to win prizes for bringing their questions to the panel.

Chamber Director of Government Relations, Brendon Shaw, likens the program to a town hall meeting saying, “We want our members to have fun with this event. That’s why we have added the gameshow-style theme this year. We also want our members to take ownership of this program because this is their Chamber and their community. Submit questions that you want our panelists to answer. Whether you are a business owner, community volunteer, or an employee who also happens to live nearby, Direct Access provides an opportunity for you to get involved in the political process in a new and interesting way.”

Shaw is accepting questions for the celebrity panel prior to the event. Questions will be selected to represent a broad array of interests and perspectives. Potential registrants should email their questions to bshaw@pwchamber.org. Event registration is available online at PWChamber.org or by calling 703-368-6600.

#BestChamber practices: WHAT IS #DoBizInReston?

Mark Ingrao

The Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce is hosting a three-week social media membership engagement campaign called

#DoBizInReston from Tuesday, September 6 through Tuesday, September 27.

#DoBizInReston will promote the Reston Chamber's business community to the larger Dulles Corridor and western Fairfax area and highlight why the Reston business community is thriving!

This social media campaign will engage Reston Chamber members using Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

How to Get Involved? Engage each week!

Today

Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and

Instagram

Week One, September 6-12: Selfie Challenge

Receive clues on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram each day for a location or business. Go to that location and take a selfie. The photo must include you at the location or business.
Points will be given for each selfie (extra point for creativity)
Post the selfie using #DoBizInReston on all social media channels
Win prizes for earning the most #DoBizInReston points including Free Network Night Registration, Gift Basket or Facebook Spotlight
Save the Date for September 27 for video taping
All selfies must be submitted by 5pm each day

Week Two, September 13-19: Making Connections

This week we will be highlighting our Business "Connections". Reston Chamber Members do business and Network with each other every day. Let's share those connections through Twitter and Facebook
Members should to take a picture of themselves doing business with other Chamber members or just send a tweet about their business interaction using #DoBizInReston. Points will be given for each post/tweet. (Examples: have a one-on-one, pass on a Lead at your LeadShare meeting, order "Koozies" from a fellow member, etc.)
Win prizes for earning the most #DoBizInReston points including Free Network Night Registration, Gift Basket or Facebook Spotlight

All selfies must be submitted by 5pm each day

Week Three, September 20-27: Destination Clues

Receive a clue on Facebook and Twitter each day to identify the final destination

Arrive at the final destination on September 27th at 4:15pm for videotaping of #DoBizInReston (we promise we will be finished in time for you to make it to Network Night)
Prizes will be given out at Network Night.

If you have any questions about the #DoBizInReston campaign, please contact Alicia Liddle, Membership Services Manager at AliciaL@restonchamber.org. If you have any questions about the social media component of the #DoBizInReston

campaign contact LJ Wilson, Communications Manager at ljw@restonchamber.org.

#BestChamber Practices: Virginia Peninsula Chamber: Young Entrepeneurs Academy (YEA!)

· What is YEA!

The Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) is a year-long program that teaches middle and high school students how to start and run their own REAL businesses. YEA! was developed at the University of Rochester in 2004 with the support of a grant from the Kauffman Foundation. The Virginia Peninsula Chamber Foundation is excited to introduce YEA! to the Peninsula business community!

YEA! guides students through the process of starting and running a legitimate business or social movement over the course of a full academic year. As of 2013, YEA! has graduated 1,394 students who have started over 1,000 businesses and social movements! YEA! graduates started as students, and left the program as CEOs of their own companies!

Check out the Businesses from our YEA! Class of 2016 graduates!

If you would like to join their ranks, then apply for YEA! Class of 2017!

Overview of the Program

What can students expect to do over the course of the program:

Brainstorm business ideas
Write a business plan
Interact with business professionals
Pitch their business plan to potential “investors” (think of ABC’s “Shark Tank”!)
Obtain funding
Legally register their businesses
Participate in a Trade Show
Actually launch their own businesses or social movements

Why Apply?

This program offers students the chance to:

Develop the skills necessary to launch their own business or social movement (hands-on entrepreneurial experience!)
Learn about real businesses - why they succeed or fail.
Hear from local entrepreneurs.
Launch their own business or social movement!
Become more confident in their ideas and their abilities

Organization of Program

YEA! classes will meet October through May, for three hours weekly. Applications will be accepted from students in grades 6-12.

There are no classes during regular school holidays and recesses. Students are taught by an instructor, but are exposed to guest lecturers, successful entrepreneurs and business mentors. The class goes on field trips to a variety of local businesses. Finally, the students participate in three major events throughout the year: the Investor Panel, Trade Show and a formal graduation ceremony.

Student Selection Process

To apply for YEA!, students must:

Fill out the YEA! application
Complete the essay and the short answer questions
Submit their transcripts
Submit a letter of recommendation

Once the completed application packet is received, students will be asked to come in for an interview. Acceptance in the program is based on all aspects of an application, as well as the personal interview. Prior experience with business is not required! Read more: Virginia Peninsula Chamber

Ribbon-Cutting: Queen Esther’s Closet expands in Farmville

Wanda Joyner started Queen Esther’s Closet from the trunk of her car. Now just shy of its five-year anniversary, her business is expanding in downtown Farmville.

“I wanted to start small and gain some experience of managing a boutique,” Joyner said during the boutique’s ribbon-cutting ceremony in the former Curves location at 3729-1 W. Wilson St.

Joyner sold jewelry and accessories from the trunk of her car and her home for two years.

“My husband got tired of people coming to the house and noticed that my clientele was growing,” she said.

Taking a leap of faith, Joyner approached her former classmate, Patrick Hobbs, who owns the Duke building on Wilson Street, regarding a vacant storefront. Joyner opened her boutique in an 800-square-foot space in 2011, and her clientele continued to grow.

“It blossomed at the end of 2015 like it never had before, and I knew it was time to expand,” Joyner said. “I have gone from the trunk to the storefront and want to thank the customers who have been with me since the beginning.”

Queen Esther’s Closet carries a variety of items, including handbags, jewelry and ladies’ apparel. The boutique offers Tre’ska, Zenzii, Nicole Lee USA and Punch Studio items and caters to the plus-sized woman.

“I have lost a hundred pounds, but I am still a plus-size girl at heart and know that it is an everyday struggle,” Joyner said.

Elected officials appreciate Joyner’s commitment to Farmville.

“It is a rare occasion to celebrate an expansion, which says you are doing something right, and I know you will be successful beyond this,” Farmville Mayor Bobby Evans said.

Judy Gidley, the director of the Farmville Chamber of Commerce, has been a frequent shopper at Queen Esther’s Closet for years and is thrilled at the boutique’s success.

“They have grown and have the most awesome items,” Gidley said. “We are blessed to have Wanda as a merchant in this beautiful location.” Read more: Reflector.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

#FamousChamber of Commerce Quotation: Kernersville (NC) Chamber of Commerce

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For registration information, visitwww.loudounchamber.org.

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.

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

#BestChamber practices: Wytheville-Wythe-Bland Chamber of Commerce: Leadership Development Program

Session I - Finding Passion in Your Purpose - September 15

Session II - Ultimate Business Ethics - September 22

Session III - Digital Fluency - September 29

Session IV - Hiring, Selection & On-Boarding for Success - October 6

Session V - Teamwork Makes the Dream Work - October 13

Session VI - Discovering Secrets of Motivation - October 20

Session VII - So What? Now What? - October 27

Session VIII - Graduation Ceremony - November 1

NON-MEMBER INDIVIDUAL REGISTRATION - $125

Registration for one (1) individual. Includes notebook and all session materials,

and one (1) ticket to the Graduation Ceremony/Dinner at the Wytheville

Meeting Center.

CHAMBER MEMBER INDIVIDUAL

REGISTRATION $75

Registration for one (1) individual. Includes notebook and all session materials,

and one (1) ticket to the Graduation Ceremony/Dinner at the Wytheville

Meeting Center.

Each qualifying graduate will receive a Certificate of Completion.

Absence from more than two sessions may result in involuntary

withdrawal from the program and will not receive a certificate or

a refund. Each participate will receive a ticket to attend the

Graduation Ceremony. Additional tickets ($35 each) are available

to purchase for family and friends for reserved seating.

Virginia Business Leaders Acknowledge School Readiness as First Step in Workforce Development

Manassas, VA– In Greater Prince William, 15.8% of kindergarteners begin school already behind; more than the state average of 12.7%. Smart Beginnings Greater Prince William and the Prince William Chamber of Commerce have partnered to present Smart Beginnings: Job One, a luncheon and briefing for business leaders that provides information on the role of quality early learning as the foundation for workforce success. The luncheon is scheduled for Friday, September 23 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Hylton Performing Arts Center in the Gregory Family Theatre, 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas, VA 20109.

Dr. Dietra Trent, Secretary of Education for the Commonwealth of Virginia, will be the featured speaker at the luncheon. Secretary Trent will share insights regarding the impact of school readiness on the state’s workforce development and economic prosperity. Job One is a program of the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation (VECF) that sheds light on the direct link between a strong start in the early years and a vibrant and productive workforce.

Also speaking at the event will be Paul D. Koonce, Executive Vice President of Dominion Resources, parent company of Dominion Virginia Power, and CEO of Dominion Generation. Koonce chaired the Virginia Chamber of Commerce’s Blueprint Virginia process, which identified quality early childhood education as a key driver for workforce success.

Education and economic development are key areas of vision for both the Prince William Chamber and Smart Beginnings Greater Prince William.

“No matter their industry sector, every one of our members is seeking skilled employees who are well-qualified for 21^st century jobs,” said Debbie Jones, President and CEO of the Prince William Chamber of Commerce. “Virginia’s business community has long recognized that the talent pool for the future workforce begins with young children who start school healthy and ready to learn. We are pleased to partner with Smart Beginnings Greater Prince William to bring this message home to Prince William County and the Cities of Manassas and Manassas Park with the objective of awakening our membership to possibilities for building into their future employees from birth.”

Sponsors for the Job One Luncheon include:Apple Federal Credit Union and ImagiNation Learning Center. The Education Vision Partner for the Prince William Chamber of Commerce is Dominion Virginia Power. Additional sponsorships are available. If interested, please call Suzanne Lewis at 571-765-7753. Tickets for the Job One Luncheon are $35 per person. To purchase tickets, visit PWChamber.org or call 703-368-6600.

Study: Return on Virginia investment in land conservation

An economic analysis conducted by The Trust for Public Land found that for every $1 invested by the state in land conservation, $4 in natural goods and services is returned to Virginia’s economy.

The study, conducted in partnership with VIRGINIAforever, The Trust for Public Land and The Nature Conservancy, quantifies and summarizes the significant economic benefits resulting from investments in state parks, natural areas, forests and working lands.

Land conserved in Virginia provides a host of benefits that have a measurable economic value to the Commonwealth and its communities. These benefits include generating jobs and growing local economies through support of outdoor recreation, tourism, forestry, farming and commercial fishing operations; improving quality of life and enhancing economic development through Virginia’s scenic beauty; promoting fiscal health on land under conservation by avoiding costs of expensive infrastructure and other municipal services associated with residential property; and improving human health through physical activity of residents and workers who use parks and conserved lands.

A fact sheet highlighting the results of study is attached to this news release. The full study can be found at www.tpl.org/va-roi-report.

Kent Whitehead, director of The Trust for Public Land’s Chesapeake Bay Field Office, stated: “In addition to Virginia’s strong outdoor recreation economy, natural goods and services like water quality protection, air pollution removal, preservation of wildlife habitats and carbon sequestration are all direct results of land conservation. The results of this new study demonstrate that land conservation is incredibly valuable to the Virginia economy.”

According to Nikki Rovner, vice chair of VIRGINIAforever and associate state director for external affairs of The Nature Conservancy, “Land conservation is critical for Virginia residents, our economy and for our future. VIRGINIAforeveradvocates for increased state funding for land conservation, and this study clearly shows that state appropriations made by the General Assembly each year benefit all Virginians and are truly providing a significant return on investment.”

Virginia’s business community is encouraged by the study’s findings. Virginia Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Barry DuVal stated: “Protecting and conserving Virginia’s natural, historic and recreational resources are key to the long-term goals for sustainable economic growth in Blueprint Virginia. This study supports the wisdom of that approach to making Virginia a terrific place to not only work, but also to live and visit.” Read more: Augusta Free Press

Salem-Roanoke County Chamber roundtable is Sept. 15

The Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce will hold a Business Owners Roundtable on Thursday, Sept. 15, at noon at Hollywood's Restaurant and Bakery, 7770 Williamson Road in Roanoke.

The event is open to all business owners who are current members of the Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce. Business owners will be able to join fellow chamber members to discuss topics affecting local businesses. Nonmembers are allowed to attend once as guests. The event is free to attend, all participants pay for their own lunch, and registration is required.

RSVP to info@s-rcchamber.org or call 387-0267 by Sept. 14. Source: Roanoke Times

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

Northern Virginia Chamber Partnership Releases its... Aug 3, 2016	145
Phil Harwick — What remarkable associations do tha... Aug 31, 2016	96
Kentucky Chamber Congressional Forum: McConnell bl... Sep 2, 2016	87
International Mixer with Greater Reston and Dulles... Aug 22, 2016	83
New Holiday Traditions Set to Begin in Oxford this... Sep 15, 2016	78

Last Month’s Stories

Chamber partners: Comstock-Bennett debate set for Oct. 6 Loudoun Times Mirror

Langley Air Force Base 100th Anniversary Gala Jaime Harris at jaime@vpcc.org or (757) 325-8165.

Regional Chambers Announce Northern Virginia Elected Leaders Summit website.

Want to own a suite in the Virginia Beach arena? Business owners get first shot Virginian-Pilot

International Mixer with Greater Reston and Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce Learn more or Register

Hopewell/Prince George Chamber program: If you ‘Dream it’ you can ‘Do it' The Hopewell News

Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce pressing forward on transportation issues Fredericksburg.com

WWB Chamber assist: Are you looking to start a business or expand an existing one?swvatoday.com

Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce Event: Healthy Workplaces' Wellness Fair Event marketing opportunities or Register

Business Leaders Support School Readiness as Job One for Future Workforce Development

Chincoteague Chamber excitement: Virginia pony swim: a huge boost for local economy WMDT TV

Farmville Chamber award: Dapper Dan’s named Merchant of the Month Reflector.com

Frank Tamberrino, Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce: Hello Harrisonburg Hello Harrisonburg

#BestChamber Practices: Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce: A Chamber video saluting a valued member on their 130th Anniversary Virginia Peninsula salute to Newport News Shipbuilding

If you would like delivery of a no-cost gloss chamber directory or map for May, 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

DailyHerald.com | Reflejos.com | BusinessLedger.com

Find us on Chamber Blog | Twitter | LinkedIn

To request your chamber publication proposal, Click here

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 blog, please email me at jdussman@tspubs.com or call me at (847)-427-4633. Thank you.