Michigan Chamber Professional Digest
November, 2016
A Big Thank You to Bob Thomas, Anita Lindsay, Mark Allen, Jennifer
Boettcher, Angela Hanks, Ron Hinrichs, Dawn Johnson, Katie Jones, Heather Kale,
Diane Keller, Deanna Leicht, Sandy Mull, Michelle Shields, and Rosalind Vaughn
for another terrific MACP conference last month in Ann Arbor.
Here is news
you can use as a Michigan Chamber of Commerce professional:
Grand Rapids Area chamber: Build a Better Board with Diversity
Corporate and non-profit boards of directors are vital to the
success and leadership of their organizations—and the best way to maximize the
benefit boards have on your organization is to diversify, diversify, diversify.
How? You need to attract the rare, the unusual, and the overlooked
by deepening your network and ultimately making your board inclusive and
welcoming.
Here are five steps to take today.
1. Perform a diversity audit and embrace where you need to grow.
Are there any stakeholders in your business or non-profit that are
conspicuously not present? Take a moment to ask your board of directors about
their backgrounds—race, gender, expertise, educational background, etc. Set
some goals and start seeking to fill the gaps on your board before the next
seat opens.
2. Make an intentional, ongoing effort to become and remain
diverse.
Learn to make finding diverse partners and potential board members
part of what you do every day. Live it in your DNA as an organization. Invite
your board and staff to always be thinking: “Who else could be represented? Who
can we invite?”
3. Focus on the skills the board needs to meet its strategic
priorities.
A strong board is one that makes your organization better, your
business more profitable. They do that by providing the expertise, insights,
ideas, and solutions you actually need. Look for diverse experts within the
specialties you want to place on your board.
4. Aim to create a critical mass.
People work better when they feel they fit in, so look for ways to
ease the tension and find commonality. Get to know each other as a board during
off site retreats or informal gatherings, and encourage diverse board members
to sit on or lead special committees. This will help board members feel open
and able to speak up with ideas or a dissenting opinion.
5. Measure results of diversity by its impact.
A board should engage staff to align diversity efforts to the
organization’s mission, mandate and activities. Take stock of the impact your
inclusion efforts are making. Celebrate the success and keep working towards
new goals and setting new strategies to keep momentum going.
Recognize your role in creating diversity. You can become an
exceptional board, banish group think, and empower organizational and
systems-level solutions—all by inviting disparate perspectives to the table.
This Smart Business resource article was first featured in
the October 2016 edition of The Chamber News, written by AliciaMarie
Belchak, Senior
Communications Specialist at the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce. Visit www.grandrapids.org/business-advice to find more thought leadership like this.
Jackie Lovejoy, IOM, Appointed to
Northeast Board of Regents of Institute for Organization Management
Institute for Organization
Management, the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of
Commerce Foundation, has appointed Jackie Lovejoy, IOM, president of the
Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce, to the Northeast Board of Regents. As a
member of this Board, Lovejoy will implement the policies created by
Institute’s National Board of Trustees.
“A strong Board of Regents is
essential to Institute’s success,” said Raymond P. Towle, IOM, CAE, vice
president of Institute for Organization Management at the U.S. Chamber of
Commerce Foundation. “These volunteers drive site attendance, provide
recommendations for program improvement, and serve as an on-site resource for
Institute participants."
Since its commencement in 1921, the
Institute program has educated tens of thousands of association, chamber, and
other nonprofit leaders on how to build stronger organizations, better serve
their members, and become strong business advocates.
Institute’s five Boards of Regents
serve on behalf of the National Board of Trustees. Each Board of Regents is
responsible for recruitment, retention, and marketing of the program
nationwide. Each regent is an Institute graduate nominated by their peers.
Institute for Organization
Management is the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of
Commerce Foundation. It is the premier nonprofit professional development
program for association and chamber professionals, fostering individual growth
through interactive learning and networking opportunities.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Foundation (USCCF) is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of
Commerce dedicated to strengthening America’s long-term competitiveness. We
educate the public on the conditions necessary for business and communities to
thrive, how business positively impacts communities, and emerging issues and
creative solutions that will shape the future. More information: institute.uschamber.com
#Chamber News – Troy Chamber – Local Non-profits
seek contributions on Annual Wish List
Tis the season of
giving! Looking for ways to give back to the community, get involved in a local
holiday project or donate services? Consider contributing to the Non-Profit
Network’s Wish List. View the Wish List at
troychamber.com/non-profit-network/wish-list.
Started by the Troy
Chamber of Commerce, the Non-Profit Network (NPN) provides a glimpse of the
meaningful work being done by over 50 local charitable and service
organizations in Southeast Michigan. Donations help these groups with their
daily operational needs and various service projects.
The Wish List includes
items ranging from postage stamps and cases of water to computer equipment and
toiletry items. It also contains a variety of ways for individuals and
businesses to donate services like videography, web design, database
management, printing and more.
“The items on the list
are typically paid for out of the nonprofits’ fundraising budgets,” says Troy
Chamber Vice President, Jody House. “By donating these items, corporations can
offset those expenses and free up valuable resources to allow them to better
serve the community.”
The Troy Chamber
encourages individuals to share this list with their contacts and directly
connect with the nonprofit organization that they would like to support.
For a description of the
organizations that are part of the NPN, visit
troychamber.com/non-profit-network. For more information, contact Jody House –
(248) 641-8151/ jody@troychamber.com.
#BestChamber Practices: Rochester Regional Chamber: The Sunrise Pinnacle Awards Ceremony
The Sunrise
Pinnacle Awards Ceremony, organized each year by the Rochester Regional Chamber
of Commerce, is an opportunity for the greater Rochester communities to come
together to honor the accomplishments and contributions of our region’s most
visionary leaders, entrepreneurs, nonprofit organizations and businesses.
Over 650
attendees will be present to honor our 23 award winners that include: Business
of the Year, Lifetime Achievement, Educator of the Year, Young Professional of
the Year and many others.
The 9th
Annual Sunrise Pinnacle Awards took place at the Royal Park Hotel in Rochester
on Friday, October 23rd, 2015. Congratulations to this year's award recipients!
If you are
interested in nominating an organization or individual for the 2016 Sunrise
Pinnacle Awards Ceremony on October 21st, 2016 please click here for a Nomination Form.
Interested in sponsoring an award, table or adding a congratulatory ad in our
event program? Please Click Here to
download our sponsorship form.
Don't
forget to register for the 10th Annual Sunrise Pinnacle Awards we are close to
selling out so reserve your seat by Friday, September 30, 2016! Click HERE to
register or call the Chamber Office at 248-651-6700
Annual Taste of Auburn
Hills Returns to Walter P. Chrysler Museum
Auburn Hills, Mich. – The Auburn Hills Chamber of Commerce’s annual Taste of Auburn
Hills, sponsored by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and presented by Faurecia, will
take place at the Walter P. Chrysler Museum Thursday, October 20 from 5 to 7:30
p.m. This tasteful networking event features 20 food and beverage partners and
includes entertainment, networking and a celebration of Auburn Hills’
automotive culture.
Each year, a portion of the proceeds from the Taste of Auburn
Hills support a local charity in addition to funding the Auburn Hills Chamber
of Commerce. This year, the Chamber is partnering with the Auburn Hills Meals
on Wheels program. “Auburn Hills is committed to improving the quality of life
for our senior community and we are proud to offer Meals on Wheels seven days
per week,” said Karen Adcock, Director of Senior Services, City of Auburn
Hills. “With our commitment to serving area seniors, we appreciate the
Chamber’s support of our efforts.”
Taste of Auburn Hills partners include Arrowhead Grille by Cranks,
B Spot Burgers, bd’s Mongolian Grill, Costco Wholesale, Cottage Inn Pizza,
Great American Grille/Hilton Auburn Hills, Joe’s Crab Shack, Kruse & Muer
in the Village, Lafayette Market, Longhorn Steakhouse, Mr. Pita, Olga’s
Kitchen, O’Malley’s at Crowne Plaza, On The Border, Panera Bread, Rangoli
Indian Cuisine, Red Wood Grill, Rochester Mills Beer Co., Sweets!, and TokyoSAN
Fresh Japanese. Entertainment to the Taste of Auburn Hills is a student quartet
from The Oakland Youth Orchestra, providing pop, jazz and classical music.
Tickets for this
event are $40 which includes two beer or wine drink tickets, or $50 at the
door. Those purchasing 10 tickets or more will save 10%. A shuttle sponsorship
to and from the Chrysler Special Event lot is also available. For more
information on how to register for this event, visit auburnhillschamber.com, call 248.853.7862
or email info@auburnhillschamber.com.
Michigan Chamber support touted as 'breakthrough' on energy bills
A key business group's
endorsement is being touted as the "breakthrough" needed to update
Michigan energy laws before the legislative session expires in two months.
The Michigan Chamber of Commerce,
whose members have been at odds over provisions governing competition in the
electricity market, said Tuesday it supports new versions of bills that are
pending in the Senate. The Republican-controlled chamber is expected to approve
the legislation two days after the Nov. 8 election, and the business lobby is
hopeful the GOP-led House will follow suit in the "lame-duck" session
so the issue is resolved before new lawmakers take office in January.
The rewrite of 2008 energy
laws is one of Republican Gov. Rick Snyder's top legislative priorities. It has
been more than 17 months since he outlined proposals to lawmakers.
"This proposed
substitute is substantially different. It is a dramatic improvement over the
bill that was reported out of committee" in May, Chamber President and CEO
Rich Studley told reporters during a briefing that was also attended by two
senators sponsoring the legislation and an adviser for a nonprofit connected to
Michigan's two major utilities, DTE Energy and Consumers Energy. Changes that
would ease utility competitors' ability to submit bids to provide new power
were a "very important breakthrough for us," Studley said. Read
more: Madison.com
#FamousChamber of
Commerce Quotations: Mark Twain
There are basically two
types of people. People who accomplish things, and people who claim to have
accomplished things. The first group is less crowded. - Mark Twain
Birmingham-Bloomfield Chamber fun: Halloween marches back to Shain
Park Sunday
The calendar
says that Halloween is Monday, but the ghosts and goblins will be in Shain Park
a day early for the annual Halloween Parade and Pumpkin Patch.
The fun
kicks off at 1 p.m. as the Junior League of Birmingham hosts its annual Pumpkin
Patch festivities downtown. Inflatables, pumpkin bowling, airbrushed tattoos
and live performances are all on the schedule this Sunday.
“This year
we’re bringing in an obstacle course for the older kids, and we’ve got some new
snacks from Motown Snack Foods,” said Alyssa Tropea, chair of fall events for
the Junior League of Birmingham. “I think the fact that everything is free
definitely gets people’s attention, but really they come for the smiles. Seeing
all the kids in their Halloween costumes is so much fun. And it’s like the last
hurrah before the awful winter comes and we’re all stuck inside.”
Of course,
it’s not a Halloween party without some tasty treats, and there will be plenty
of them at the event, according to Tropea. She said parents love the fact that
the snacks served up at the event are gluten and nut free, ensuring that even
kids with food allergies will be able to enjoy them.
“We love
that it gives kids an idea about what’s a healthy food alternative and shows
them that something can be healthy and doesn’t have to taste bad,” she said.
Going with
the good and good for you theme, the Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce
is teaming up with Whole Foods Market to bring organic cider and a
build-your-own trail mix bar to the event.
The chamber
and the Junior League aren’t the only ones getting in on the spooky action
Sunday. At 3 p.m., the Baldwin Public Library will host a magic show for
pre-registered guests, and right next door The Community House will have fun
and games for children 10 and younger. Read more: C & G News
Chamber
collaboration: Event honoring female leaders gives top honors to high school
principal
Tracy
L.N. Wilson, Grand Haven High School principal, became the 12th recipient of
the Lakeshore ATHENA award on Tuesday, Oct. 4.
The leadership
award is presented annually to a woman, or man, for their professional
excellence, community service and who actively assists women in their
attainment of professional excellence and leadership skills.
"I'm
completely overwhelmed with this honor; so humbled to be among some extremely
incredible women and will continue to #PayItForward as I work with the students
of Grand Haven High School," Wilson said. We have a fabulous staff and
work extremely hard to support all kids and their needs. I'm grateful to be
part of these efforts each and every day."
Wilson
started working for Grand Haven Area Public Schools 28 years ago, and
became the first female high school principal in the district's history in
2011. She spent 10 years teaching and coaching, and 12 years as
assistant athletic director and assistant principal.
Wilson has
advocated for all students and is a role model and mentor for young women,
according to a release from the Chamber of Commerce Grand Haven, Spring
Lake, Ferrysburg.
Wilson
said she plans to continue to be a role model for young women by "modeling
strength through adversity, confidence to stretch beyond my means along with a
drive to never, ever give up."
She was involved in the
development of several programs including: Capturing Kids' Hearts; Bucs
Above Bullying; TEAM GH...One Family, One Team, One Grand Haven; Cystic
Fibrosis 5K; Love a Buc, Help a Buc Program; and is co-founder of the
Mental Health Awareness Advisory Council.
As an
advocate for suicide prevention training, Wilson completed
a program to be a trainer along with other GHAPS staff.
Wilson received
the Excellence in Service Award from GHAPS in 2015, and is president of the
Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals.
The
recipient is chosen by a selection committee composed of representatives from
the participating chambers of commerce and community business leaders. Nine
ATHENA nominee finalists were recognized on Oct. 4, which was attended by
over 360 regional community and business leaders.
ATHENA
has honored women every year since its inception in 2005.
The
program is a collaboration of the Chamber of Commerce Grand Haven,
Spring Lake, Ferrysburg; the Michigan West Coast Chamber of
Commerce; and the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce. Read
more: M LIVE
Federal EDA grants
to Kettering University, University of Michigan-Flint, Flint & Genesee
Chamber of Commerce support economic development in Flint
Kettering University, the University of Michigan-Flint and the
Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce have received Economic Development
Assistance grants from the United States Economic Development Administration
(EDA). Kettering University received $1.9 million for completion of phase two
of the Kettering University GM Mobility Research Center. The University of
Michigan-Flint received $400,000 to establish a University Center for Community
and Economic Development. The Flint & Genesee Chamber received $197,416 to
create a brownfield redevelopment accelerator.
“Ensuring that our nation’s communities have the vital,
infrastructure and tools needed to support economic growth is a top priority for
the Economic Development Administration,” said U.S. Assistant Secretary Jay
Williams. “Today’s investments support Flint’s initiatives to grow the local
economy and provide employment opportunities for the local workforce which
helps strengthen the country’s global competitiveness.”
Kettering’s Mobility Research Center is being constructed on a
19-acre property at the corner of Chevrolet Avenue and Bluff Street. Phase one
of the project, which included construction of a 3-acre test pad, was completed
in the fall of 2016.
Phase two construction, with support from the EDA grant, will
begin in the spring of 2017. Components of phase two include a low-speed road
course with elevation and surface changes, optional routes and other features
aimed at creating diverse testing environments. A garage facility will be
constructed to include automotive bays, conference and office space and indoor
lab space.
Another distinctive aspect of the facility is its connection to
Kettering’s 4G LTE Advanced wireless cellular research network. Kettering is
the only university in the country operating a private 4G LTE Advanced cellular
network infrastructure. The network operates at 10X the data speed of current
cellular networks, and provides researchers on the proving ground and
surrounding areas with unique access to the next generation of cellular
communications systems.
“This unique facility – the only one of its kind on a university
campus in the country – puts Kettering and Flint at the forefront of research
and development in mobility and autonomous vehicle systems, as well as
associated safety and other related technologies,” said Dr. Robert K. McMahan,
Kettering University President. “This facility will create learning
opportunities for students that are unmatched anywhere while also enhancing
opportunities for faculty research in collaboration with industry. As
importantly, though, it will also allow the University – and the city of Flint
– to attract and retain new industry partners that will develop and manufacture
these new products and technologies. We are grateful for the support from the
EDA to allow us to construct phase two of this incredible facility.”
The University of Michigan-Flint received a highly-competitive
grant of up to $400,000 over five years to establish a University Center for
Community and Economic Development. The EDA-funded University Center will
provide entrepreneurship and innovation support in the seven-county region
(Genesee, Shiawassee, Lapeer, St. Clair, Huron, Sanilac and Tuscola counties). The
project includes funding for a regional asset mapping initiative — which will
evaluate the impact of regional economic development efforts and conduct an
annual regional business climate survey. A dedicated EDA University Center
Research Fund also will support applied UM-Flint faculty and student research
around economic and business development needs. UM-Flint students also will
create a website to facilitate access to regional economic data, research
findings, and create an interactive map.
“Our faculty and student researchers will provide important
insights our region needs to make the most of its economic development work,”
Chancellor Susan E. Borrego said. “The UM-Flint EDA University Center will help
our region’s economic development planning and decision making — and ultimately
evaluate economic development efforts to assess which were most effective. We
know that the U.S. Economic Development Administration is very selective in the
creation of its University Centers and we are proud to host this project on our
campus.”
The Flint & Genesee Chamber’s EDA grant will be used to help
accelerate brownfield redevelopment in the city of Flint. This includes the
completion of a feasibility study that will assist with redevelopment of the
city’s most critical brownfield manufacturing site at the former Buick City
complex. The feasibility study will include three main elements that will guide
the implementation process for construction of a business accelerator facility
at the Buick site – a market study, a site plan, and a business plan.
“Brownfield
sites are both a challenge and an opportunity for Flint,” said Tim Herman, CEO
of the Flint & Genesee Chamber. “Apart from a perception that there are
environmental and infrastructure challenges at the sites, there can be
difficulties involved with identifying property price, processing site plans,
and working through business licensing and legal procedures. On the other hand,
brownfield sites are optimal sources of real estate on which build modern
facilities that will be attractive to site selectors and businesses looking to
locate here. The EDA grant provides a critical piece of the puzzle for
brownfield redevelopment in Flint.” Read more: Kettering
University
October is
Chamber of Commerce Month in Michigan!
October is
Michigan Chamber of Commerce month in Michigan, a chance for our organizations
to celebrate chambers of commerce and their contributions to Michigan’s
economic climate!
We invite you to
participate in celebrating this exciting month with us, and have created
material to get chambers prepared to spread the message in their community.
Let us know what
your Chamber celebration plans are during the month of October and we will
include them in our media launch and highlight your chamber as a participant.
Sample
materials and ideas for October
Chambers across the state are
celebrating. Take a look at what some chambers have planned this month:
If you have any
questions or need assistance, contact Bob Thomas at bthomas@michamber.com or call him at 517-371-7639
Top Five Daily Postings in the last month at Midwest Chamber of Commerce
Daily – click to go there or Google search “Midwest Chamber of Commerce blog”
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Sep 30, 2016
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166
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Sep 16, 2016
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147
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Oct 24, 2016
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91
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Oct 27, 2016
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91
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Oct 28, 2016
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62
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Last Month’s Stories
13th Annual Birmingham-Bloomfield Chamber Vine & Dine: Top
chefs come together to support Gleaners Hometown Life
Grand Rapids Area Chamber: Legislative Wrap-up Questions?
Contact Andy Johnston at 616.771.0335
Famous Chamber of
Commerce Quotation: (Chamber Volunteers)
“You will find as you
look back upon your life that the moments when you have really lived, are the
moments when you have done things in the spirit of love.” –Henry Drummond
#BestChamber practices: Traverse City Area Chamber: CEO Roundtable Traverse
City Area Chamber of Commerce
Chamber
recognition: Genesee County receives for certification for community-wide
internet efforts M
Live
The Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber is looking to add volunteers to our
Santa Parade Committee Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber
Michigan Chamber Of Commerce Urges State House To Reject Beer Tax
Hike Yahoo!
News
Midland Tomorrow hosts familiarization tour of
Coleman businesses for legislators Midland Daily News
St. Ignace
Chamber Holds 39th Annual Arts and Crafts Dockside 9 and 10 News
If you
would like continue our conversation and have delivery of a new gloss Chamber
directory or gloss community map in May/June, 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
jdussman@tspubs.com | 847-427-4633 | Town Square Publications
Daily Herald Media Group
155 E. Algonquin Road | Arlington Heights, IL 60005
Do you have a story idea?
If you know of a chamber news item that you would like to be included in the CHAMBER EXECUTIVE INTELLIGENCE REPORT or the MIDWEST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE DAILY, please email me at jdussman@tspubs.com or call me at (847)-427-4633. Thank you.
If you know of a chamber news item that you would like to be included in the CHAMBER EXECUTIVE INTELLIGENCE REPORT or the MIDWEST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE DAILY, please email me at jdussman@tspubs.com or call me at (847)-427-4633. Thank you.
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