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

Wednesday, November 30, 2016

#Chamber interest: Chicago Fed: Midwest Economy Index Up; Danville-Boyle County Chamber among commenters calling for impact study of pipeline plan; Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber: Still time to get involved with holiday events; Orion Area Chamber Impact Awards Luncheon; The Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce is honored to announce the selection of the late Senator John Miller as our 2016 Distinguished Citizen of the Year; 5 Star Chamber: Rapid City Area Chamber of Commerce 2016 Community Guide & Membership Directory; Aurora-area business leaders wait to see impact of Trump; Baileys Harbor: Wreath-making workshop; Indiana Chamber Awards Top Honors for 2016; Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best in Michigan

Good morning #Chamber World! It's going to be a GREAT day!

#Chamber interest: Chicago Fed: Midwest Economy Index Up

Midwest Economic Growth Picked Up in October

The Midwest Economy Index (MEI) rose to –0.01 in October from –0.11 in September. The relative MEI increased to +0.25 in October from +0.16 in September. October’s value for the relative MEI indicates that Midwest economic growth was somewhat higher than what would typically be suggested by the growth rate of the national economy. Read more

Danville-Boyle County Chamber among commenters calling for impact study of pipeline plan

The Danville-Boyle County Chamber of Commerce and state Sen. Jimmy Higdon are among dozens who have called for an environmental impact study of the Utica Marcellus Texas Pipeline Project since Nov. 2.

As of Thursday, a total of 31 comments had been submitted to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission concerning the plan from Houston-based energy infrastructure company Kinder Morgan.

All 31 comments call for an environmental impact study of or state outright opposition to the plan, which would repurpose 964 miles of pipeline to send byproducts of fracking called natural gas liquids (NGLs) from the northeast to the gulf coast.

The plan would affect natural gas pipelines in seven states — Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas. Of the 31 comments made over the course of about two weeks, 29 have been from Kentucky residents and two have been from people in Cincinnati. Boyle County has produced by far the most comments from any one area, with seven comments coming from Danville, one from Junction City and one from Gravel Switch. Read more: Advocate Messenger

Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber: Still time to get involved with holiday events

For many families, a favorite holiday tradition is driving around local neighborhoods and looking at Christmas decorations.

This year, the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce and Visit Oxford have come together to make finding the most festive homes easier.

The Night of Lights will kick off Dec. 9 and run through Dec. 27. 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.

“We believe this is something that people will be excited about, not only locally, but will also bring people in from out of town,” said Pam Swain, senior vice president of the Oxford-Lafayette Chamber of Commerce.

The Chamber’s committee members encourage local homeowners and businesses to call the Chamber and add their display to the list of featured displays. The Chamber will then include all that register on a map of holiday lights to view in the area.

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

Orion Area Chamber Impact Awards Luncheon

Impact Awards Luncheon

December 1st

11:30 am - 1:30 pm

Kings Court Castle Restaurant at Canterbury Village

The Chamber's biggest event of the year, the Impact Awards Luncheon is where we celebrate our best. Awards are presented to Business Person of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, Aspiring Entrepreneur of the Year, Youth Impact Award, Community Beautification Award, and the Economic Impact Award are also presented to honorees.

Members $30

Non-members $50

Table of 10 $270

The Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce is honored to announce the selection of the late Senator John Miller as our 2016 Distinguished Citizen of the Year

The Late Senator John C. Miller (1st District)

A lifelong public servant and advocate for children, Senator Miller left an indelible footprint on both our community and the Commonwealth of Virginia. Born in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, John grew up in Morton Grove, Illinois and graduated from Northern Illinois University with a degree in history and education. He moved to Hampton Roads in the early seventies to begin his career in journalism with WVEC TV. During his 18-year tenure, he served in several roles including reporter, anchor and, ultimately, News Director. His weekly documentary news program, Focus, earned numerous national awards.

Following his career in broadcast journalism, John served as a top aide in Washington DC for six years to U.S. Senator Paul Trible. Upon returning to the Peninsula, he greeted the region daily on Good Morning Hampton Roads and held key administrative positions with both public broadcasting station WHRO and Christopher Newport University.

John was elected to the Virginia State Senate in 2007 and worked tirelessly to ensure that every child in Virginia receives the best education possible. He led the General Assembly in reducing the number of SOL tests and most recently carried successful legislation to redesign high school education to better prepare students to be a part of the 21st century workforce. He earned the “Solid as a Rock” award from the Virginia Education Association for his commitment to public education and was named “Policymaker of the Year” by the Association for Career and Technical Education. The Virginia State Reading Association honored John by naming him their “Friend of Literacy” and he is the only legislator to have received this award twice. The Virginia Chamber of Commerce recognized John’s commitment to business by awarding him an “A” rating and, earlier this year, acknowledge him with their “Excellence in Workforce Development” award. He was also committed to improving senior citizens’ voting rights, non-partisan redistricting, and enhancing veterans’ quality of life.

In addition to John’s accomplishments in the General Assembly, he was equally impactful in our community. He served for two years as the President of Peninsula READS, which provides literacy skills necessary for adults to function more effectively in their lives and neighborhoods. John was also a member of numerous boards and committees including the Foodbank of the Virginia Peninsula, the Newport News Youth Commission, the Downtown Hampton Child Development Center, the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth, the Newport News YMCA, the Junior League of Hampton Roads Advisory Board and People to People, an organization dedicated to improving race relations in Newport News.

One of his most rewarding endeavors was his two decades as an umpire for the Warwick Little League. Although his strike zone was small – it was consistent, and he was as respected on the diamond as he was everywhere else.

A true man of the people, John will be remembered as a quiet, unassuming friend and confidant to those in need and one who embraced the opportunity, over his lifetime, to make a genuine difference in the world. Read more: Virginia Peninsula

5 Star Chamber: Rapid City Area Chamber of Commerce 2016 Community Guide & Membership Directory

The Rapid City Area Chamber of Commerce 2016 Community Guide & Membership Directory is available at the Rapid City Chamber today! Thanks to Linda Rabe, Kristina Simmons and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!

Rapid City Directory

Town SquarePublications (www.townsquarepublications.com) can help you accomplish your chamber's gloss map, directory, community profile or publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633.

Aurora-area business leaders wait to see impact of Trump

Aurora business leaders are taking a wait-and-see attitude to the impact President-elect Donald Trump will have on the local economy.

At an Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce meeting at Aurora Country Club, Madeleine Doubek, publisher of Reboot Illinois; Ben Taylor, executive director of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Great Lakes office; and Ted Dabrowski, vice president of policy and spokesman from the Illinois Policy Institute, discussed the national – as well as state – election results with area business people.

Aurora Mayor Robert O'Connor said Chamber members and local businesses "need a sense and understanding of what direction we are going in."

"We're hoping to get a better touch and feel as things occur, and local business and government are interested in how this is going to play out," he said. "You don't always get a sense of things during the campaign – people then are in their own worlds, and there are promises made. Now, there is the reality of the moment. We need to know the direction for business, taxation, and regulatory policies. Read more: Chicago Tribune

Baileys Harbor: Wreath-making workshop

There will be a wreath-making workshop at The Ridges from 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 3. There is a $10 fee, which includes material for one wreath. Additional wreaths and swags are $5 each. Not only will you make a beautiful, natural wreath, but you also can relax in the beautifully decorated Kaye Cabin while sipping on warm cider, eating delicious cookies and listening to holiday music. I went last year with some friends, and we made beautiful wreaths and had a great time. It’s something you should go and do, and it’s definitely worth the small price. It will make you want to go every year. The Clearing does an amazing job gathering many volunteers to help you make your wreath that you will be proud to have on display. Make another and give it as a gift. Read more: Green Bay Press-Gazette

An agriculture titan, a small-business-owning state representative, the two minds behind a groundbreaking children’s tech toy and a bustling entrepreneurial city were awarded the highest honors tonight at the Indiana Chamber of Commerce’s 27th Annual Awards Dinner.

The winners are:
• Business Leader of the Year: Sonny Beck, of Beck’s Hybrids in Atlanta
• Government Leader of the Year: State Rep. Dan Leonard (R-Huntington)
• Indiana Chamber Foundation’s Indiana Vision 2025 Dynamic Leaders of the Year: pi lab “Edwin the Duck” creators Matt MacBeth and Don Inmon
• Lifeline Data Centers Community of the Year: Fishers

“Each of the award winners is working to enhance not only their industries or regions, but the entire state of Indiana. They are working to make Indiana a better place to work and live,” says Indiana Chamber President and CEO Kevin Brinegar. “The lasting achievements made by our honorees will impact our state far beyond 2016.”

Videos honoring the award winners can be viewed at www.indianachamber.com/go2/winners. Full stories about the winners are at www.bizvoicemagazine.com (brief summaries of why they were selected follow below).

The Indiana Chamber’s annual dinner featured Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist George F. Will as keynote speaker to the crowd of nearly 1,500 at the Indiana Convention Center in downtown Indianapolis.

The event was presented in partnership with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Lifeline Data Centers is the Community of the Year sponsor. Ivy Tech Community College served as the speaker sponsor, while the opening reception sponsor was Uzelac & Associates. The speaker reception sponsor was Hirons & Company Advertising + Public Relations.

The Indiana Chamber Foundation sponsored the Indiana Vision 2025 Dynamic Leader of the Year honor. Indiana Vision 2025 is the Indiana Chamber’s long-range economic development plan and the award emphasizes entrepreneurship and others facets of the plan’s Dynamic and Creative Culture driver.

The awards dinner followed the Indiana Chamber’s fall board of directors and annual membership meetings. Indiana Chamber Volunteers of the Year Stuart Buttrick (Faegre Baker Daniels, Indianapolis); Todd Miller (Myers Spring Company, Logansport); Mark Richards (Ice Miller, Indianapolis); were announced during a luncheon ceremony.

Ron Christian – executive vice president external affairs, and chief legal officer and corporate secretary at Vectren Corporation in Evansville – was formally elected the Indiana Chamber’s 2017 chair of the board of directors. Read more: Indiana Chamber

Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best in Michigan

Town Square Publications, a division of the Daily Herald Media Group, is a national chamber custom publishing group that specializes in developing partnerships by producing high-quality print and digitally integrated publications along with other added value programs dedicated to creating relevancy for local chambers of commerce and other membership focused organizations interested in raising non-dues revenues.

Town Square Publications parent company, Paddock Publications, has over 100 years’ experience of print product development and dedicated customer service in communities throughout the Midwest. Our experience allows Town Square Publications to offer you attractive royalty and non-dues revenue share streams, provide direct distribution of your custom designed printed publications, including digital and mobile integration, and all with the quickest turn-around times available in the industry. Town Square also offers multi-media maps in both print and online formats, both with our No-Cost guarantee. More information: Town Square Publications

Chambers of Commerce and member focused organizations serve as a valuable resource in the local marketplace. The networking opportunities and representation with a wide variety of diverse businesses in your community is the catalyst of a successful organization. For further information about Town Square's publishing partnership with chambers of commerce and our No-Cost guarantee and Earned Revenue Share Program, To request your chamber publication or map proposal, Contact Town Square Here

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

South Dakota Chamber President talks about business with state legislators in Rapid City; #BestChamber practices: Plainfield Area Chamber of Commerce: Giving Back; Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce 2016 Business Directory and Resource Guide; #BestChamber Practices: Kenosha County Chamber: Spotlight on Kenosha County Business; Fredericksburg Regional Chamber: Next Gen to honor young professionals; Jeff Rea, St. Joseph County Chamber: Celebrate gift of entrepreneurs; LSJ Editorial: There’s plenty to be thankful for in Greater Lansing; Madison begins tree-lighting tradition; Receptions set to welcome new Kyndle executive; Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S.

Good morning #Chamber World! It's going to be a GREAT day!

South Dakota Chamber President talks about business with state legislators in Rapid City

On Tuesday South Dakota's Chamber of Commerce President was in Rapid City talking about business with state legislators.

They reviewed state election results and looked at issues important to businesses across South Dakota.

They also talked about I-M Measure 22, which was passed a few weeks ago during general elections.

Measure 22 limits the amount of gifts lobbyists can give to politicians. State Chamber President David Owen believes this law can be confusing to citizens.

David Owen says, "It's having the effect of driving some of the citizen participation out of the capital because of overly restrictive definitions, ambiguous terms. It's a bad law. It needs to be adjusted, but we need to respect the fact that the people were expressing some interest and concern about the process."

State lawmakers also talked about how they think the economy will affect businesses and employment here in South Dakota.

District 32 Senator Alan Solano says, "I think the biggest issue right now is the economy and the jobs and job growth. We're dealing with a soft revenue cycle right now in the state and how that could impact things." Read more: KEVN - Black Hills FOX

#BestChamber practices: Plainfield Area Chamber of Commerce: Giving Back

Over 16 years, the Plainfield Harvest 5K Run/Walk & Kidz Miler has evolved from a small gathering of 250 runners and walkers to an event that is averaging 1,250 PARTICIPANTS a year. The Plainfield Harvest 5K Run/Walk & Kidz Miler is “THE ORIGINAL PLAINFIELD 5K” It is one of the largest races, if not the largest, in Will County and has brought thousands of participants and spectators to Plainfield. Each year, the Plainfield Area Chamber of Commerce donates race proceeds to Plainfield area charities and community organizations, including:

Plainfield Fire Protection District
CW Avery Family YMCA
Edward Foundation
Plainfield Interfaith Food Pantry
Green Harvest Food Pantry
Plainfield Riverfront Foundation
Plainfield Emergency Management Agency (PEMA)
Friends of the Plainfield Park District

In 2015, we were able to donate $25,000 to the community organizations once again. For over 16 years we have been able to donate just over $320,000 back into our Plainfield community. We could not achieve the success we have had year after year without the support of our many sponsors, runners and walkers, volunteers, numerous city and community organizations and a race committee working hard behind the scenes. Read more: 2016 Healthy Driven Plainfield Harvest 5k Run/Walk & Kidz Miler

Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce 2016 Business Directory and Resource Guide

The Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce 2016 Business Directory and Resource Guide is available at the Virginia Peninsula Chamber today! Thanks to Mike Kuhns, Suzy Johnson and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!

Virginia Peninsula Chamber

#BestChamber Practices: Kenosha County Chamber: Spotlight on Kenosha County Business

Looking for a different way to promote your business?

On the second and fourth Friday of each month, Chamber President Lou Molitor and Bill Lawrence host “Spotlight on Kenosha County Business” on Bill’s “The Wake-up Call Show” from 6:30-7am.

For $200, you receive a 16 minutes of live interview time on the show (you provide the questions), and 24 30-second on-air promotions during the week. The interview can be either studio in-person live or phone-in live. It’s a great and unique way to market yourself and your business, live on the radio during the morning commute!

Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity! For more information or to sign up, contact the Chamber.

Subscribe on iTunes Stream on Podbay

Our Most Recent Episode

Fredericksburg Regional Chamber: Next Gen to honor young professionals

Group to be honored as ‘Top 10 of the Next Gen’

FREDERICKSBURG - Ten Fredericksburg area 40 and under young professionals will be honored on December 5 at the annual ‘Top 10 of the Next Gen’ hosted by the Next Generation of Business Leaders, a program of the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce.

The event is held at Foode Restaurant located at 900 Princess Anne Street in downtown Fredericksburg. The event starts at 6 p.m. and costs $25 for Next Gen members and guests. People can register online at www.fredericksburgchamber.org.

The Next Gen’s board selected the 10 winners following a nomination period. The award recipients are chosen for both their professional accomplishments and community contributions.

Here are the 2016 “Top 10 of the Next Gen” award recipients:

· Landon C. Davis III; Attorney with Parrish Snead Franklin-Simpson

· Taylor Gehring; Financial Manager with Capital One

· Matt Giese; Director of Recruiting with Dependable Global Solutions

· Johnna Hetrick; Owner of Twila & Co

· Bryan Hofmann; Programs Manager with Friends of the Rappahannock

· Amy Horne; Secondary Autism Coordinator with Stafford County Public Schools

· Kim McClellan; Public Policy Director for Fredericksburg Area Association of Realtors

· Brooke Miller; Associate Broker with Long & Foster Realtors

· Casey Silversmith; Director of Sales with Ballantine Mgmt Group at Fredericksburg Expo Center

· Catherine Sullivan; Owner of Monkees of Fredericksburg

Contact: Dawn Haun, Communications Director, Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce

540-373-9537 www.fredericksburgchamber.org

Jeff Rea, St. Joseph County Chamber: Celebrate gift of entrepreneurs

On Tuesday, we celebrated one of those “holidays” that doesn’t get a lot of attention, Entrepreneurship Day. The day went along without much fanfare. Most of us didn’t even know about the special day. But none of us went through the day without interacting with a good, service or product that was dreamed up or launched by an entrepreneur.

The word entrepreneur originates from the French word, entreprendre, which means “to undertake.” In a business context, it means to start a business.

Think about it. From the time we wake up each morning, we encounter new products or services that were dreamed up or improved on by an entrepreneur.

Those new products have changed each of our lives, in many cases made life easier. Think about where we might be had Henry Ford not found a way to build cars or had the Wright Brothers not figured out how we could fly. Even a Sam Walton, of often-maligned big box fame, was an entrepreneur seeking a better way and turned that into a successful business model.

Locally, entrepreneurs like the Studebakers, Olivers, Beigers and Eberharts built our economy and a culture that saw hundreds of businesses launch across the region. But over the years as we became more of a company town, fewer people launched new ideas and more went to work at one of our larger employers.

But times are changing, and new businesses are the fastest-growing sector of our economy, with about 23 percent of workers in the South Bend-Mishawaka Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) working for firms that have between one and 10 employees. Some businesses are starting in their basements or garages, others in that vacant storefront that we’ve long hoped would be filled.

Great risk is involved in launching a product or venture and as many fail as succeed. But our community is working to build an entrepreneurial ecosystem to support those brave entrepreneurs aiming to take off. The Small Business Development Center, Elevate Ventures, SCORE and the SPARK Program at Saint Mary’s College offer great local resources and support services for budding entrepreneurs.

Our local universities also have become an important incubator for entrepreneurs in our region. In fact experts predict that real economic development and business growth will be centered around universities in the future. Efforts like Innovation Park at Notre Dame have served as a real catalyst to students, faculty, researchers and community members to launch business opportunities. A second building will be added in 2017 to further aid this effort. Read more: South Bend Tribune

LSJ Editorial: There’s plenty to be thankful for in Greater Lansing

Let's set aside the divisiveness that has marked much of 2016 and reflect on the things for which Greater Lansing has to be thankful. It’s a lengthy list; here are a few to celebrate the Thanksgiving spirit:

•Passion and commitment of people who respect one another and our community:Greater Lansing benefits from those who speak up and share their beliefs of inclusivity. LansingTakesAction.com, a grassroots group that formed as post-election as rhetoric reached new heights, is promoting a “You are welcome here” campaign.

“Whoever you are. Wherever you came from, whoever you love, there is a place for you here. No matter your skin tone, or your language, or your gender, or your choice of religion, there is a place for you here.”

•Passage of the Lansing Pathway Promise millage: In May, voters sent a clear mandate that an investment in the Lansing School District is an investment in our region’s future. The momentum of that referendum should not be overlooked. This fall, the Lansing School District saw a leveling off in its 20-year decline of students – with 342 more enrolled than what was projected – including 200 new families who intentionally chose the Lansing District.

In addition to stable increased student enrollment, Lansing Pathway Promise’s Executive Director Justin Sheehan, executive director of the Lansing Promise – a foundation that provides two years of college to qualifying Lansing high school graduates – reports more than 200 new scholars joined the program this spring. The Lansing Promise, founded in 2012 and funded by private donations, is another example of Greater Lansing’s people coming together to support each other.

•Continued growth and economic development in the region: The Lansing Economic Area Partnership confirmed $220 million in new private investment on LEAP projects – like the Gestamp manufacturing plant in Mason and SkyVue Apartments on Michigan Avenue – creating 400 new private sector jobs and working with 23 startup companies this year. LEAP President and CEO Bob Trezise said LEAP projects from 2012-2016 will soon tip past the $1 billion investment mark with 4,000 new private jobs created.

Sparrow Health System, MSUFCU, Lansing Community College and Block Imaging – winners of the 2016 regional growth awards from the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce – also continue to demonstrate economic vitality of the region through business investment and community engagement. Read more: Lansing State Journal

Madison begins tree-lighting tradition

The city of Madison will be aglow this holiday season with twinkle lights on more than 50 trees.

The inaugural Festival of Trees, which kicks off this week, will be located on the grounds of the Madison Square Center for the Arts with 53 trees decorated in lights and ribbon around the famed caboose, said Elizabeth Fulcher with Madison the City Chamber of Commerce.

"We have such a great city and chamber," Fulcher said. "Everyone loves Christmas and looking at lights. We hope this will bring people to Madison to see our trees and shop in our wonderful stores and eat in our fabulous restaurants."

The trees will be lit up for the first time Tuesday during Madison's Night Out Gala. Located in the Cultural Arts Building, the gala will feature hors d'oeuvres and a silent auction. Tickets are $40.

The Festival of Trees itself is free and open to the public. It's organized by the chamber, but Fulcher said local businesses and community members sponsored the trees in "tremendous response." Read more: The Clarion-Ledger

Receptions set to welcome new Kyndle executive

There are several events coming up to welcome new Kyndle CEO Tony Iriti, who was recently hired as the new CEO of the Kyndle regional development agency.

In Henderson, there will be a policy board meeting at 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, in the Stagg Room of the Henderson Fine Arts Center, 2660 S. Green St. This will be followed by a commerce council meeting at 2 p.m. and the reception for Iriti at 3 p.m.

In Union County, at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 8 at White Buck Winery there will be a CEO reception in conjunction with the Union County First Holiday Reception. The winery is located at 1800 U.S. 60 in Morganfield.

In Webster County, there will be a brief large investor meeting at 11:45 a.m. Dec. 13 at the Providence Municipal Golf and Recreation Center, 2300 Westerfield, Providence. A reception will follow at noon.

For McLean County, a reception will be held at 2 p.m. Dec. 15 in the McLean County Public Library, 116 Second St. in Livermore. The reception will follow a brief economic development council meeting that begins at 1:45 p.m. Read more: The Gleaner

Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S.

Monday, November 28, 2016

Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber names Agents of Change; #BestChamber practices: Waterloo Chamber of Commerce: Christmas Evergreen Tree Planted on the Monroe County Courthouse Grounds; New Castle-Henry County Chamber of Commerce 2016 Community Map: #BestChamber Practices: ICEA Guest Article: What Sponsors Really Want; CEO Position Available: Panola (MS) Partnership Job Description; #BestChamber practices: Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber: Show your numbers; Shopping small in Frankfort: Small Business Saturday provides welcome boost for local stores; Sheboygan County Chamber Executive Series: Emergency/Crisis Management: An Ounce of Prevention; Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S.

Happy Monday #Chamber World! It's going to be a GREAT week!

Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber names Agents of Change

A chamber of commerce has honored a group of leaders for being change agents.

The Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce named the 2016 Agents of Change at its ninth-annual Agents of Change Business After Hours celebration this month.

The honorees were selected based on community activities ranging from business reinventions to the creation of festivals, education initiatives and art installations.

“These passionate individuals are dramatically changing the landscape of our community and deserve recognition,” said Cindy Larsen, president, Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce.

Agents of Change

Hoby Thrasher, Bear Lake Tavern

Thrasher reinvented the building and business at 360 Ruddiman Dr. in Muskegon to preserve local history, while modernizing and rebranding.

Jason Talsma and RandiLynn Talsma, Blended Furniture Market

The Talsmas turned a closed drug store at 730 Seminole Rd. in Norton Shores into a "destination" furniture store, moving their business from Holland to Norton Shores.

Lakeshore Brewers Guild, Burning Foot Beer Festival

The Lakeshore Brewers Guild turned its festival at Pere Marquette Beach into a Midwest craft beer celebration.

Ellen Berends, First Fridays

Berends’ First Fridays concept brings thousands of people to Western Avenue in downtown Muskegon on the first Friday of every month. The family friendly event includes street performers, Touch the Trucks, bonfires and more.

John Severson and Megan Byard-Karaba, Muskegon Area Promise

This program offers graduating high school students access to two-year college degrees, tuition-free in Muskegon County. Severson and Byard-Karaba worked with a volunteer board and state officials to seal final approval of the program. Read more: Grand Rapids Business Journal

#BestChamber practices: Waterloo Chamber of Commerce: Christmas Evergreen Tree Planted on the Monroe County Courthouse Grounds

This year, thanks again to the generosity of our sponsor, George Obernagel, and with the assistance of the City of Waterloo, Meurer Brothers Tree Care, and Monroe County, the Waterloo Chamber of Commerce coordinated the planting of a 15 ft Norway Spruce on the corner of Main and Mill Street. The tree will bedecorated for the holiday season as we continue our tradition of the annual lighting of the Waterloo Christmas tree. Be sure to join us Thursday, December 1, at 6:30 pm at the tree! More information: Waterloo Chamber

New Castle-Henry County Chamber of Commerce 2016 Community Map

New Castle-Henry County Chamber

The New Castle-Henry County Chamber of Commerce 2016 Community Map is available at the New Castle-Henry County Chamber today! Thanks to Missy Modesitt, Mary Campbell and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!

Town SquarePublications (www.townsquarepublications.com) can help you accomplish your chamber's gloss map, directory, community guide or publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633.

#BestChamber Practices: ICEA Guest Article: What Sponsors Really Want

Guest Article Submitted By John S. Myrland, Senior Vice President Community Engagement Executive with Old National Bank - Central Indiana Region

Joni Mitchell once wrote – and sang – “I’ve looked at life from both sides now.” Well, I’m no Joni Mitchell, but since I took on my new role at Old National Bank nearly two years ago, I can say that I’ve seen the chamber profession from both sides now!

From July, 1976, through December, 2005, I had the honor and joy to work for three chambers of commerce: Ft. Wayne, Indiana, and Indianapolis. As we all know, a key part of what we all do as chamber execs is generate revenue for our chambers. That part of our jobs has changed a great deal through the years, from almost 100% dues income to a wide variety of non-dues sources to complement dues income. Some chambers today even rely on those non-dues sources – sponsorships, events, employee benefits, government dollars, etc. – for their primary revenue sources, with dues taking on more of a supporting role.

It appears the days of dues only, or even primarily, are gone and may never return!

With my “role reversal,” from dues raiser to dues payer, I think I can even better see the need for chambers to have an even more compelling story to tell potential donors/customers/members. With more competition for those dollars, uncertain economic and political tides, and increased pressure from investors and board members, businesses today are looking very carefully at these “discretionary” dollars. I know…I’ve seen it…I’m living it in my new job!

As you do “Job1” every day, what are some of the things you should be thinking about? What are the questions you ought to be asking them…and, yourself? How can you be even more creative in packaging a relationship which will work for both the member and the chamber? Here are five suggestions. They’re not absolute “must dos” or guaranteed answers, but merely things to think about. And…they may not all be “original!” They’re just my thoughts after 30 years as a chamber exec and 2 years as a member.

1. Do your research! Know more about them than they do, if that’s even possible. Know their hot buttons, what they care about, and what they will invest in. Then, once the sale is made, follow up…exceed their expectations…give them recognition for their investment and, you’ll develop a lifetime relationship and customer!

2. Know the chamber! I know that may sound silly, but just think about quizzing yourself before you meet with a member or potential customer, anticipating questions they may ask you that you haven’t thought about recently. Know your stuff before you pitch it!

3. Listen to them! Take notes, don’t interrupt them. Act…no, BE!...interested. Then, ask questions based both on what they say AND what you learned in your research. People love to talk about what they do, so let them. This process will also give you a better idea of what the chamber has/does that might interest them or help their business. Again, then you can deliver what they really want/need!

4. Don’t try to have every answer! People can tell when you’re stretching for an answer or, worse yet, making something up just to please them and make a sale. Suggest you’ll get an answer for them and follow up later. Then, ask another question to try to get them back on the discussion at hand.

5. Always leave them with something to think about that makes your presentation unique! There’s a technique I’ve learned about recently called “Yes, and.” It was born in comedy improv, but it also works in sales. And, let’s face it, that’s the business we’re all in! When they ask about you or the chamber or the product or event you are trying to get them to invest in, tell them about it (this is the “Yes”), then add something that will make their connection to it even better, more worthwhile, or more significant to their success (this is the “and”). They’ll be impressed that you care, that you understand their needs, and that you have something to offer that can truly make a difference! Again, then exceed their expectations in your delivery!

Try these techniques and I’m pretty certain you’ll be successful in winning over an existing OR new customer, AND you’re more likely to ensure that your next effort will lead to yet another sale and, more importantly, another lasting relationship.

From my new perspective as a member of several chambers, THAT’S “What Sponsors Really Want!” Contact John at john.myrland@oldnational.com

CEO Position Available: Panola (MS) Partnership Job Description

The Chief Operating Officer of the Panola Partnership is responsible for the supervision and day-to-day operation of the Partnership, its activities, events, councils, committees, and related programs as established and directed by private and public sector leadership of the organization. The CEO reports and is accountable to the Partnership Board of Directors. The CEO duties include planning, organizing, and directing an economic and community development program, which promotes and solicits capital investment and job creation in Panola County. A key element is ensuring that the various staff and boards cooperate and work together to create a synergy of programs which maximizes the resources of the various committees or councils including Economic Development, Tourism, Community Development, Main Street Batesville, Finance and Membership.

The CEO will ensure that funding is in place to carry out the Partnership programs. This involves keeping local political bodies up to date on programs and activities, ensuring that activities, which produce dues, are ongoing and of substantial quality, pursuing grants, and ensuring that contracts with appropriate agencies are executed and fair. The CEO will make regular reports to the Board of Directors of the Panola Partnership and other leadership groups as appropriate. Appropriate minutes and financial statements will document these reports. The CEO will ensure that monthly financial statements are completed and presented to the various leadership groups in a timely manner. She/he will ensure that the financial records of The Partnership are kept in a professional manner in compliance with generally accepted accounting standards.

Other duties of the CEO

Provide effective leadership in tapping city, county, private, state and national resources to enable Panola County to realize its full potential for community and economic development; provide a liaison between local, regional and state agencies in identifying resources for assistance (both financial and other).

Assume a leadership role in enhancing local business climate and encouraging growth and profitability of local companies; identify and deal with local problems that detract from a favorable business climate.

Understand technology issues facing the community and the region. Establish plans and activities, which maximize the: use of technology for the benefit of the Partnership and the community as a whole.

Identify new business prospects; both industrial and non-industrial as potential new startups for the community. Ensure that the network of business development allies sees all the cities and towns that make up Panola County in a favorable light.

Broaden the base of support in the community for Partnership activities. Develop awareness of needs and desires of divergent groups; partner with groups as appropriate, serve as a balancing wheel.

Maintain regular contact with members of the Partnership and network with other community organizations for the betterment of Panola County.

Maintain current demographic, area industrial data, educational information, technology information, and data as might be needed for business development needs.

Hire, dismiss, direct, supervise and development staff of the Partnership to better serve the community and economic development needs of Panola County.

Other Requirements

 Works to improve, develop, and implement marketing plan

 Recruits new business and industry for the community

 Prepare, presents, and administers annual operating budget

 Serves as liaison between existing business, industry, and local state

Government

 Ensures compliance with and administer grant and loan programs associated with economic development

 Presents reports to local governing bodies and state and federal agencies as necessary

 Works with community to develop entrepreneurial opportunities

 Supervises staff

 Perform all other duties as assigned

Required Knowledge and Abilities

 Knowledge of business, financing, and accounting principles

 Knowledge of city and county ordinances, in addition to state and federal laws governing communities, business, and industrial development

 Knowledge of federal, state and other economic development assistance programs

 Knowledge of bidding procedures, contract writing and the ability to conceptualize, design and implement community development and business/industry programs

 Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, business, and industry, and other community organization, regional and state organizations

Resumes should be emailed (preferred) to wbr@tvepa.com or mailed to the Panola Partnership, c/o Search Committee; 150A Public Square, Batesville, MS 38606. More information: Panola County MS CEO Position

#BestChamber practices: Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber: Show your numbers

Economic Studies

JMU’s Office of Institutional Research recently conducted an in-depth analysis of the economic impact the university makes in Harrisonburg, Rockingham County and the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Click here to download a brochure that summarizes the results.

The Numbers:

■ More than 4,500 non-JMU jobs in the local area were the result of university-related spending; the total employment related to JMU was 8,200.

■ Roughly 13 percent of all local employment, including JMU employment, resulted from university-related spending.

■ More than $448 million were spent locally by the university, students, employees and student visitors.

■ More than $62 million were spent in “indirect effects” — payments to local businesses that were re-spent with other local businesses.

■ More than $67 million was spent in “induced effects” — payroll received by employees working for local businesses that were re-spent to support their households.

■ More than $66 million (71 percent of the FY 2009 total) were spent with local firms for capital planning and construction.

■ Almost $16 million in health-insurance premiums paid by the university for its employees was returned in payments to local health-care providers.

■ Almost $11 million in retiree benefits from the Virginia Retirement System and non-VRS retirements plans were paid to JMU retirees.

■ University-related spending generated a tax effect of $10.5 million in revenue to local governments and $22.7 million to the state.

■ More than $62 million were spent with local small- , women and minority-owned businesses.

■ More than $15 million were spent by student visitors.

■ Students using their JMU Flex Card electronic debit accounts spent more than $1.2 million off campus and in the local community.

Download the Complete Report>>>

Shopping small in Frankfort: Small Business Saturday provides welcome boost for local stores

Vickie Oliver and Barbara Durham were on their way out of Completely Kentucky Saturday with mocha coffees in hand from Kentucky Coffeetree Cafe. The mochas helped them get them in the holiday mood while they searched for decorations and gifts in downtown Frankfort businesses.

The pair of Small Business Saturday shoppers had already found some items — it wasn’t their first time getting out to shop the day after Black Friday.

“We just like to shop local. Usually you find something different — something kind of cool,” Oliver said.

Small Business Saturday was started in 2010 by credit card company American Express, according to the company’s website. By 2012, merchants in all 50 states had gotten involved, and in 2014 an estimated $14.3 billion was spent at independent businesses on Small Business Saturday.

Lisa Weber, a manager at Completely Kentucky, was busy helping the steady stream of customers in her store Saturday.

Weber has worked at the store for four years. She said Small Business Saturday, along with Candlelight a couple of weeks earlier, gives downtown shops a boost in sales to kick off the holiday season.

“It’s following Black Friday, so people are really starting to gear up for the holiday season,” Weber said.

She couldn’t say what kind of a boost her store was going to have this year, but shoppers kept coming through the door.

“It’s really honestly hard to tell until you look at the numbers at the end of the day. But it’s been pretty consistently busy today,” Weber said.

Frankfort Area Chamber of Commerce President Carmen Inman said in an email that the chamber and Downtown Frankfort Inc. handed out more than 50 packages for the event and that more than 100 businesses in Frankfort are eligible to participate. Read more: State-Journal

Sheboygan County Chamber Executive Series: Emergency/Crisis Management: An Ounce of Prevention

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” became so true when a local Johnsonville Sausage facility caught fire on May 11, 2015.

Join us for November’s Executive Series, where you’ll learn how Johnsonville was impacted by the loss of a facility, how it affected the overall business and how Johnsonville’s response ultimately created one of the best Johnsonville Way stories in company history.

Paul Rutledge is Director of Environmental Health & Safety for Johnsonville Sausage, LLC.

Register for this event here.

Good morning #Chamber World! It's going to be a GREAT day!

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