Good morning #Chamber World! It's going to be a GREAT day!
5 Star Hampton Roads Chamber Rebrands: Dropping the “Of Commerce”
Norfolk, VA –
No “of commerce” necessary anymore. What has been commonplace practice for
years is now reflected in our official moniker as the Hampton Roads Chamber of
Commerce rebrands to “The Hampton Roads Chamber.” Over the last six
months, we’ve worked with Free Agents Marketing to pinpoint a brand that is
reflective of our commitment to innovation and excellence as we set the conditions
for businesses to succeed. Our new name, new colors, new logo, and new tagline
reflect how we want our organization to be perceived in the future—as a new,
bold organization that “means business.”
This new identity is reinforced by our overarching goals:
becoming a impactful advocate by consistently and effectively leading the
efforts to shape public policy and influence legislation that set the
conditions for businesses to succeed, becoming a powerful economic partner by
developing, diversifying and improving both the economy and quality of life in
the region, and becoming an inspiring ignitor by promoting the important of
regionalism and the power of collective impact.
As a newly designated 5-Star accredited chamber by the
United States Chamber of Commerce, it is our duty to hold ourselves to the
utmost level of selfless service for our members. Thank you for being a part of
this journey, you’ll be able to see the visual identity more as we move
forward. Here’s what it looks like:
Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce 2016-2017 Community Guide & Membership Directory
The Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce 2016-2017 Community Profile & Membership Directory is available at the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber today! Thanks to Pam Swain, Rosie Vassalo 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 profile or publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633.
Elgin poised to renew contract with chamber
The Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce will continue to provide economic development services to the city of Elgin for $275,000 a year, pending final approval by the city council.
The council's committee of the whole voted 8-1 Wednesday to renew a three-year agreement with the chamber, which in turn funnels the money to its in-house Elgin Development Group.
"There are deliverables, and they have to come through," council member Terry Gavin said. "And I would say they have more than come through with flying colors for the last four years-plus."
Elgin Development Group's focus includes business retention and expansion, business recruitment, and workforce development. The agreement requires the chamber to provide monthly financial reports and copies of its annual auditor's opinion. Read more: Daily Herald
#FamousChamber of Commerce Quotations (Attitude)
“Your day will go the way the corners of your mouth turn.”
The Indy Chamber released its 2017 legislative agenda today, emphasizing a long-term approach to economic growth. Top business issues for the upcoming session of the Indiana General Assembly include expanded early childhood education and a sustainable funding plan for transportation infrastructure, shared focus areas of Governor Holcomb and legislative leadership. The Chamber will also push for progress on statewide anti-discrimination protection, regional mass transit and local tax fairness.
Among these five priorities, accessible pre-K, an inclusive civil rights code and expanded transit directly impact talent – identified as a critical issue in the Indy Chamber’s ‘Accelerate Indy’ regional economic strategy. Accordingly, the group also supports a comprehensive audit and action plan to strengthen K-12 programs in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Post-secondary and vocational proposals include a more robust ‘Skill Enhancement Fund’ and incentivizing internships and employer co-ops for a career-ready workforce.
“In 2017, we welcome a new Governor and begin Indiana’s third century – it’s time to think big, and there’s no greater issue than talent,” said Indy Chamber President Michael Huber. “Lawmakers can help generations of Hoosiers compete for better jobs in a stronger economy this session, by taking action on pre-K, K-12 STEM education, and improving our workforce training pipeline – an issue that Speaker Bosma has also highlighted.”
Huber also stressed the need for an innovative, sustainable revenue plan to fund state and local transportation infrastructure.
“For a globally-competitive economy, Indiana needs a world-class transportation system – especially to maintain our advantages in manufacturing and logistics sector,” Huber noted. “It requires a long-term solution for infrastructure including options like indexing the gas tax or even a vehicle mileage-based system…not just another two-year funding fix.”
Indy Chamber board chair Brian Sullivan of Shiel Sexton explained that 2017 is also the time to plan ahead for the future of regional mass transit, capitalizing on progress in Marion County.
“As the Indianapolis City-County Council prepares for a final decision on expanding transit in Marion County, all of our growing communities should have the same opportunity to become part of a regional system,” Sullivan said. “We’re asking that Boone, Hendricks and Morgan counties be added to the Central Indiana transit statute, and for the legislature to restore public funding for transportation agencies across the state.”
Sullivan added that it’s taken a decade of aggressive advocacy to achieve recent legislative and electoral breakthroughs on transit. The Indy Chamber has made the same long-term commitment to anti-discrimination protection for all Hoosiers, as well as the challenge of modernizing local government finance.
“We continue to work for a statewide expansion of our civil rights laws to include sexual orientation and gender identity,” said Mark Fisher, the Indy Chamber’s Chief Policy Officer. “On the way to that goal, we’ll be defending the local human rights ordinances that continue to be adopted across the state, and lobbying aggressively to defeat any proposals that make Indiana a less welcoming and inclusive place to live, visit or do business.” Read more: Indy Chamber
Grand Rapids Chamber leads negotiations to protect electric choice & ratepayers
After many long hours, Lame Duck in Michigan is complete! The Chamber played a key role in shaping the top issue of the year on the energy legislation that passed last week.
Chamber Leads on Passage of Major Energy Reform
The Senate Energy Package, Senate Bills 437 and 438, took center stage this Lame Duck with negotiations continuing up until the very end.
After a week of intense efforts, working with the Governor’s office, state legislators and the state’s utilities to find common ground on a number of outstanding and contentious issues in the proposed energy legislation, the Chamber and our coalition of schools, manufacturers, energy suppliers and employers are happy to report that Michigan’s electric choice program and ratepayers have been protected.
The Chamber opposed the bills in the Senate but worked hard for amendments in the House to address our members' concerns. The Chamber’s central concerns were that the package would raise electricity costs for Michigan citizens and further increase already uncompetitive electric rates. From the very beginning, the Chamber has supported amendments to ensure reliability, protection for ratepayers, and the preservation of the electric choice program. In the end, we’re thrilled to report that these goals were accomplished.
The legislation that passed the Legislature:
Chamber Leads on Passage of Major Energy Reform
The Senate Energy Package, Senate Bills 437 and 438, took center stage this Lame Duck with negotiations continuing up until the very end.
After a week of intense efforts, working with the Governor’s office, state legislators and the state’s utilities to find common ground on a number of outstanding and contentious issues in the proposed energy legislation, the Chamber and our coalition of schools, manufacturers, energy suppliers and employers are happy to report that Michigan’s electric choice program and ratepayers have been protected.
The Chamber opposed the bills in the Senate but worked hard for amendments in the House to address our members' concerns. The Chamber’s central concerns were that the package would raise electricity costs for Michigan citizens and further increase already uncompetitive electric rates. From the very beginning, the Chamber has supported amendments to ensure reliability, protection for ratepayers, and the preservation of the electric choice program. In the end, we’re thrilled to report that these goals were accomplished.
The legislation that passed the Legislature:
- Preserves Michigan’s 10% Electric Choice market through which schools, manufacturers and other employers save millions of dollars;
- Protects all ratepayers by striking proposed “decoupling” language which would have been a huge hit to customer pocketbooks by automatically increasing all electric rates if the utilities’ sales were lower than projected;
- Eliminates proposed fees for customers wanting to leave the utilities, one of the many items would have effectively killed the Electric Choice market by making it too expensive for customers to participate;
- Provides more equitable options than earlier plans for competitive electricity suppliers to purchase and guarantee energy reliability in future years.
“The energy legislation passed the Legislature late Thursday after 'an 11th-hour' deal spearheaded by Gov. Rick Snyder and the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce.” (MIRS)
“The choice program is primarily used by large manufacturers and school districts that say it has saved them significant cash on power needs for big buildings. A choice coalition led by the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce worked with Snyder of the past week to finalize the deal.” (Detroit News)
The Chamber would like to thank our West Michigan legislators, in particular Representatives Afendoulis, VerHeulen and Hughes, and Senator MacGregor for standing firm for ratepayers, and Governor Snyder and his administration for their assistance negotiating the give-and-take on both sides in this debate. More information: Grand Rapids Chamber
#BestChamber Practices: Commerce Lexington Inc. - Message from the President
On behalf of Commerce Lexington Inc., its 1,700-plus members, and the Bluegrass business community, I would like to welcome you to one of the best cities in the world. Whether you’re visiting here for the weekend or in the process of relocating for business, retirement, or to attend one of the area’s many colleges and universities, you’ll find Lexington residents accommodating, friendly and eager to tell you about our exceptional quality of life.
From exceptional schools to a diverse economy and well-educated workforce to its stronghold as a regional healthcare center and the nearly billion dollars in development you’ll see going on downtown, the “buzz” about Lexington is real and stretches around the world. The area continues to pile up highly coveted economic rankings from some of the most notable publications and survey organizations.
A SAMPLING OF RECENT RANKINGS FOR LEXINGTON/BLUEGRASS:
#2 Rapid Recovery Leaders (Business Facilities)
#3 Best City to Start a New Life (My Life)
#3 Best Cities to Retire To (CNN Money)
#6 Best College City (WalletHub)
#7 Most Affordable Big City in America (Kiplinger)
#7 Best Cities for Quality of Life (NerdWallet)
#8 Best Cities for Working Parents (NerdWallet)
#10 Great Towns to Retire To (Kiplinger)
#12 Best Post-Recession Recovery (WalletHub)
Lexington has been labeled a great place for business, women, veterans, families, young singles, access to healthcare, men, retirees, and a true housing bargain. And, the list goes on and on. To find out more about our wonderful city or how we can assist your business, visit www.CommerceLexington.com or contact us at (859) 254-4447.
Robert L. Quick, CCE
President & CEO Commerce Lexington Inc.
Lexington, Kentucky
Brookhaven-Lincoln County assist: Local woman patents invention to help those in need
For every prayer, God has an answer. Gwendolyn Sue Galloway Smith, a 59yearold Bogue Chitto woman, knows this all too well. Smith’s prayers were recently answered after she received notification that the United States Patent and Trademark Office has approved her patent for functional basket assemblies for a wheelchair.
Smith created the multiuse basket in 2014 to attach to the wheelchair of Elsie Smith, her 97yearold mother-in-law. Smith said she used to take her mother-in-law, who has since died, out shopping, to eat or to church. It became difficult to carry both her and Elsie’s stuff around so she turned to prayer. “I said ‘Lord, for every problem there is a solution, and you’ve got to give me a solution to this problem that I have,’” she said. “
‘Cause my mother-in-law, she’s sweet. I love her, but it’s a struggle when you have to try and do all these things (without enough hands). So what the Lord gave me was this basket.” The basket assembly attaches to the front of the wheelchair and swings upward. It can be unfolded into a desk, Smith said. “Students can use it when they go to school and put their books in it, they can fold it down and use it as a desk or at the cafeteria you can fold it down and use it as a tray,” she said. “Or a computer table or reading table, whatever they need it for. I can push it to the mall and don’t have to worry about having someone else to carry stuff with me.”
With the patent, Smith’s invention has become the physical prototype. She was able to apply for the patent thanks to the United States Patent and Trademark Office’s pro bono programs in association with the Federal Circuit Bar Association. Smith was accepted into the FCBA regional patent pro bono program’s inventor assistance program, which matches volunteer patent attorneys with lowincome inventors to help make sure that no good invention remains undiscovered because someone cannot afford an attorney’s services.
She was paired with an attorney who works for King & Spalding, LLP, in Houston, Texas. Currently, there are no volunteer attorneys listed with the federal program in Mississippi. At the start of her journey to patent her invention, Smith said those with the program explained that not everyone who applies is considered eligible. The invention must be something that would benefit people. She assured those who doubted her invention that her idea will provide a “very special basket for very special people.”
While waiting for the patent, Smith’s journey led her to the Brookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce, where she said Garrick Combs helped her arrange a meeting with someone from the Mississippi Development Authority. Together they found a manufacturer willing to build her prototype, and eventually start producing and distributing the baskets. She hopes to begin taking more orders for the wheelchair basket with the patent in hand. Her goal is to build a plant in the area to manufacture and distribute her product in order to create jobs in her home community. Smith said the experience to get her invention out to the world has been surreal, and she cannot believe it is officially patented in her name. Read more: Daily Leader
Fish Creek's 30th Annual Winter Festival
In its 30th year, the Fish Creek Civic Association's annual Winter Festival is slated to be bigger and better than ever.
Exciting, new activities, a live musical performance, "extended" stumpf fiddle contest and more surprises have "Fish Creekers" and "Winter Festers" counting down the days until the first weekend in February.New this year, the FCCA is selling raffle tickets for five prize packages (valued between $350 and $600) and grand prize.
All five raffle prizes have been generously donated by Fish Creek businesses. This year's grand prize is two sets of custom-fitted snowshoes with hiking poles from Nor Door Sport and Cyclery.
Raffle tickets can be purchased at the Fish Creek Information Center during office hours. For more information on this and other activities go to visitfishcreek.com.
Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S.
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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
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