Virginia Chamber
Executive Digest
December, 2016
Good
morning #chamber world! It’s going to be a GREAT week!
Fredericksburg
Chamber President Susan Spears Receives Metzger Award
Fredericksburg Regional
Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Susan Spears received the The Patricia
Lacey Metzger Distinguished Achievement Award at the 23rd annual University of
Mary Washington (UMW) Leadership Colloquium on November 3, 2016.
The Metzger Award, awarded
annually since 1999, "recognizes individuals who uphold high standards in
their personal and professional lives while fulfilling a career goal of
significant stature." It is given in memory of Patricia Lacey Metzger, a
UMW professor and a founder of the Leadership Colloquium.
Spears has served as
chamber president since 2010. She is also Executive Director for Leadership
Fredericksburg, and serves on the boards of the Virginia Association of Chamber
of Commerce Executives, University of Virginia Sorensen Institute for Political
Leadership, Families of the Wounded Fund - Fredericksburg, and Rappahannock
Goodwill Industries, among others. She was appointed by City Council to serve
on the Fredericksburg Memorials Advisory Commission.
The Leadership Colloquium
prepares women for leadership positions. Highlights include an annual
conference on the first Thursday in November, quarterly networking events and
a monthly blog. Read more: Fredericksburg Today
Virginia ranks No. 6 in Forbes magazine's
'Best States for Business' list
After slipping for several years,
Virginia moved up a notch this year in Forbes’ annual “Best States for
Business” ranking.
The annual list, published by the
business magazine last week, places Virginia at No. 6 for 2016, up from No. 7 last
year.
Virginia had been ranked No. 4 in
2014, and the state was ranked among the top two every year from 2006 through
2013.
“Virginia ranked as the Best State
for Business as recently as 2013, but higher business costs and a declining
economic climate have pushed it lower,” Forbes said on its website.
Utah was named the Best State for
Business for the third year in a row, with Forbes touting the state’s “very
pro-business climate” and “energy costs that are 19 percent below the national
average.”
North Carolina (No. 2), Nebraska
(No. 3), Texas (No. 4) and Colorado (No. 5) rounded out the top five.
Among Virginia’s other neighboring
states, Tennessee ranked No. 17, Maryland No. 30, Kentucky No. 37 and West
Virginia No. 50.
“Moving up one spot is moving in
the right direction, but we think it is a long-term journey to get back to the
top, and we want to be the best state for business,” said Barry DuVal,
president and CEO of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce. “We need to all work
together to do that.” Read more: Richmond.com
Virginia Chamber seeking
nominations for Fantastic 50 fastest-growing businesses
The
Virginia Chamber of Commerce's Fantastic 50 program, which recognizes the
state's fastest-growing businesses, is seeking nominations for 2017.
Once
nominated, a company must fill out a formal application by Jan. 8, the Chamber
said.
“For more
than two decades, the Virginia Chamber’s Fantastic 50 program has recognized
the success of the fastest-growing businesses in the Commonwealth,” Virginia
Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Barry DuVal said. “Companies on the Fan50
list are creating the high-wage, high-growth jobs that will define Virginia’s
future. We encourage local chambers of commerce, economic development
organizations, and companies throughout Virginia to submit nominations for the
2017 Fantastic 50 program.”
To be
eligible, a company must be privately held with headquarters in Virginia, show
sales between $200,000 and $200 million, and demonstrate positive revenue
growth and positive net income in its most recent fiscal year over the previous
year, according to a news release. More information: Daily Press
Chamber Executive Ongoing
Education: Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead - by Sheryl Sandberg
Thirty years after women became
50 percent of the college graduates in the United States, men still hold the
vast majority of leadership positions in government and industry. This means
that women’s voices are still not heard equally in the decisions that most
affect our lives. In Lean In, Sheryl Sandberg examines why
women’s progress in achieving leadership roles has stalled, explains the root
causes, and offers compelling, commonsense solutions that can empower women to
achieve their full potential.
Sandberg is the chief operating
officer of Facebook and is ranked on Fortune’s list of the 50 Most
Powerful Women in Business and as one of Time’s 100 Most
Influential People in the World. In 2010, she gave an electrifying TEDTalk in
which she described how women unintentionally hold themselves back in their
careers. Her talk, which became a phenomenon and has been viewed more than two
million times, encouraged women to “sit at the table,” seek challenges, take
risks, and pursue their goals with gusto.
In Lean In, Sandberg
digs deeper into these issues, combining personal anecdotes, hard data, and
compelling research to cut through the layers of ambiguity and bias surrounding
the lives and choices of working women. She recounts her own decisions,
mistakes, and daily struggles to make the right choices for herself, her
career, and her family. She provides practical advice on negotiation
techniques, mentorship, and building a satisfying career, urging women to set
boundaries and to abandon the myth of “having it all.” She describes specific
steps women can take to combine professional achievement with personal
fulfillment and demonstrates how men can benefit by supporting women in the
workplace and at home.
Written with both humor and
wisdom, Sandberg’s book is an inspiring call to action and a
blueprint for individual growth. Lean In is destined to change
the conversation from what women can’t do to what they can. Read more: Lean-In
Front Royal Warren County Community
Profile & Membership Directory 2017
The Front Royal Warren County
Community Profile & Membership Directory 2017 is available at the Front
Royal Warren County Chamber of Commerce today! Thank you to Niki Foster and Pam Riffle and the Chamber team for their help and
direction putting this together!
Town Square Publications (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.
Virginia
Peninsula Chamber Board Chair Named Community Banker of the Year
Old Point Financial
Corporation (NASDAQ:
OPOF) is proud to announce that Rob Shuford, Jr., President & CEO of
Old Point National Bank was named Virginia Association of Community Banks'
(VACB), Community Banker of the Year for 2016.
Steve Yeakel, President
& CEO of the VACB said, "Rob's life story is inspiring. He
started in the mail room at the bank, returned to the bank after military
service to become the bank's first information technology officer, and worked
his way to leadership, where he now leads the bank very successfully in
challenging times." According to Yeakel, nominees were evaluated
based on their leadership and community involvement, as well as for their
industry advocacy and contributions to the vitality of their bank.
Yeakel also had high praise
for Shuford's advocacy efforts. "Community banks enable economic
growth in our economy, especially for small businesses, but they are restrained
by burdensome regulations and an un-level playing field. Rob goes well
beyond understanding that. He engages policymakers and regulators on a
regular basis to tell his bank's story, and to ask for their help in allowing
them to play a greater role in job creation and building the local
economy."
Shuford was presented with
the award at the Chairman's Banquet during VACB's 39th annual
convention in October. VACB Chairman Mike Ewing explained the
origin of the awards. "VACB is committed to do more to identify and
celebrate the people who make community banking what it is – an invaluable
element of the fabric of the communities they serve. This year, we heard
story after story of people going above and beyond the call, to help, to
educate, to guide, to comfort their fellow citizens, to make life better, for a
single customer or a whole community."
"We're pleased for Rob,
his family and his team at Old Point National Bank, that his colleagues across
the Commonwealth are able to express our appreciation for him in this
way," said Ewing.
Rob, a native
of Hampton Virginia, grew up immersed in the Old Point culture.
Starting in the mailroom and working on special projects during his summer breaks
from Duke University, Rob laid the groundwork for a career in banking that
would begin more than decade later. After graduating from Duke
University with a degree in Biomedical Engineering, Rob was commissioned
into the US Navy in 1986 and in 1990 returned to a civilian career path with a
focus on operations and efficiency. In 1998, with a growing family of
five, the Shufords returned home to Hampton and Rob accepted a
position with Old Point as Vice President of Technology. In 2003 he was
promoted to Chief Operating Officer, directing the strategic plan for the
organization and managing all retail, operations, and marketing functions
within the
bank.
Focused on continuing his
education, Rob earned diplomas from the Virginia Bankers Association School of
Bank Management, BAI Graduate School of Bank Operations and Technology, and the
CIVIC Leadership Institute. He challenges both himself and his employees
to increase their knowledge daily and to stay on the cutting edge of financial
and marketplace trends.
Over the years, Rob has
committed his talent and time to dozens of organizations, including serving as
the Chair of the Board of Directors for the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of
Commerce. He also holds a position on the Board of Directors for the
Civic Leadership Institute (Treasurer), the Board of Directors for the Hampton
History Museum Association (Treasurer), the Board of Trustees for the Virginia
Bankers Association School of Bank Management (Chair), as well as many others. Read
more Stockhouse
Prince William Chamber Holiday Open House Toy Drive Benefits SERVE
Manassas, VA- On the evening of Thursday, December 2nd the members
of the Prince William Chamber of Commerce gathered for their annual Holiday
Open House at Chamber Headquarters near the Manassas Regional Airport.
Presented by the Chamber’s Board of Directors, the event was sponsored by C.C.
Bartholomew, Keller Williams Solutions. Bartholomew is the Chairman of the
Chamber’s Board. It was a festive occasion, complete with door prizes, trays of
Christmas cookies and roughly a dozen Christmas trees decorating the room. Most
festive of all, attendees were asked to bring a toy for the TML-A Xerox Company
Toy Drive to benefit the Gifting for Families program of Northern Virginia
Family Service; specifically the SERVE campus in Manassas. Nearly 100 toys,
games and puzzles were collected to help the Manassas-area homeless shelter and
food pantry reach their goal of providing gifts for children in need across
Prince William County and the Cities of Manassas and Manassas Park.
TML employees kicked off the drive by filling half of a large box with toys before sending the box over to the Chamber Open House. When all was said and done, two large boxes were overflowing with toys for local children. TML President Ben Simms and Major Account Executive Will Nance picked up the toys and delivered them to the SERVE campus the next day.
TML employees kicked off the drive by filling half of a large box with toys before sending the box over to the Chamber Open House. When all was said and done, two large boxes were overflowing with toys for local children. TML President Ben Simms and Major Account Executive Will Nance picked up the toys and delivered them to the SERVE campus the next day.
The Gifting for Families program ensures that children in Northern
Virginia receive a gift or gift card for the holiday season. In total, close to
2,000 children will be served across Northern Virginia, many of whom live in
the Prince William region.
For additional information about NVFS’ Gifting for Families holiday drive or how to donate, please visit www.nvfs.org/giftingforfamilies or contact Sarah Crosley: scrosley@nvfs.org, 571-748-2502. Contact: Andrea Whaley, Prince William Chamber of Commerce, awhaley@pwchamber.org; 571-765-1876
For additional information about NVFS’ Gifting for Families holiday drive or how to donate, please visit www.nvfs.org/giftingforfamilies or contact Sarah Crosley: scrosley@nvfs.org, 571-748-2502. Contact: Andrea Whaley, Prince William Chamber of Commerce, awhaley@pwchamber.org; 571-765-1876
#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
#BestChamber Practices: Front Royal- Warren County Chamber: Benefits of Membership
Advertising
Promote your business through the Chamber’s multiple publications, emails, social media, print media, radio, events, and websites.
Promote your business through the Chamber’s multiple publications, emails, social media, print media, radio, events, and websites.
Access of
Information
Your Chamber has a wealth of valuable information and a knowledgeable staff to answer your business and community questions.
Your Chamber has a wealth of valuable information and a knowledgeable staff to answer your business and community questions.
Brown Bag
Luncheons
These luncheons held the third Wednesday of every month provide valuable education and information on various topics and networking opportunities. Attendance is free to members ($15 for non-members) and lunch is provided.
These luncheons held the third Wednesday of every month provide valuable education and information on various topics and networking opportunities. Attendance is free to members ($15 for non-members) and lunch is provided.
Bulk
Mailing
Chamber members can take advantage of the Chamber’s bulk mailing permit for direct mail pieces. Use of this permit results in significant savings on mailing costs.
Chamber members can take advantage of the Chamber’s bulk mailing permit for direct mail pieces. Use of this permit results in significant savings on mailing costs.
Business
After Hours
Monthly networking events held in a variety of member locations to help you network and connect with fellow chamber members and potential new clients.
Monthly networking events held in a variety of member locations to help you network and connect with fellow chamber members and potential new clients.
Business
Directory & Quality of Life Publication
The Chamber’s Business Directory and Quality of Life Publication is published and distributed annually free of charge to members, businesses, residents and potential residents. All Chamber members receive a complimentary listing in the directory to give greater exposure to your products and services and you are encouraged to pick up extra copies for distribution at your place of business.
The Chamber’s Business Directory and Quality of Life Publication is published and distributed annually free of charge to members, businesses, residents and potential residents. All Chamber members receive a complimentary listing in the directory to give greater exposure to your products and services and you are encouraged to pick up extra copies for distribution at your place of business.
Chamber
Thing
A quarterly direct mailing to all Chamber members which includes flyers and brochures with special offers and information from Chamber members.
A quarterly direct mailing to all Chamber members which includes flyers and brochures with special offers and information from Chamber members.
Conference
Room Space Use
Members are welcome to use meeting space in the chamber office with advance notice. There are two rooms available (board room seats 10 and conference room seats 15.) AV equipment is available.
Members are welcome to use meeting space in the chamber office with advance notice. There are two rooms available (board room seats 10 and conference room seats 15.) AV equipment is available.
E-connections
This weekly email newsletter provides you with timely business information, Chamber updates and events, and member news. (Members can submit information for member news to priffle@frontroyalchamber.com)
This weekly email newsletter provides you with timely business information, Chamber updates and events, and member news. (Members can submit information for member news to priffle@frontroyalchamber.com)
Involvement
Opportunities
You are encouraged to join the committee (s) of your choice and have a direct impact on Chamber programs/projects and the future of your community while promoting your business.
You are encouraged to join the committee (s) of your choice and have a direct impact on Chamber programs/projects and the future of your community while promoting your business.
Job Fairs
These events give you direct access to potential employees and afford you the opportunity to promote your company’s culture and benefits for future hiring.
These events give you direct access to potential employees and afford you the opportunity to promote your company’s culture and benefits for future hiring.
Leadshare
LeadShare is a proactive approach to giving and receiving business leads and expanding your business network through focused networking and fellowship.
LeadShare is a proactive approach to giving and receiving business leads and expanding your business network through focused networking and fellowship.
Leadership
Front Royal-Warren County
An innovative program which has a mission of developing a source of informed, civic-oriented, volunteer leaders who are interested in helping direct the future of the community.
An innovative program which has a mission of developing a source of informed, civic-oriented, volunteer leaders who are interested in helping direct the future of the community.
Legislative
Initiatives
The Chamber monitors and notifies you of important local and state issues that affect businesses and the quality of life for residents of Front Royal-Warren County.
The Chamber monitors and notifies you of important local and state issues that affect businesses and the quality of life for residents of Front Royal-Warren County.
Literature
Displays
All members are encouraged to display their brochures and business cards in the Chamber lobby as another way to capture new customers and attention.
All members are encouraged to display their brochures and business cards in the Chamber lobby as another way to capture new customers and attention.
Mailing
labels
Target your marketing with the hottest mailing list in town.
Target your marketing with the hottest mailing list in town.
Membership
Decal
63% of consumers say they are more likely to buy from a Chamber member… so proudly promote your Chamber membership with this handsome window decal.
63% of consumers say they are more likely to buy from a Chamber member… so proudly promote your Chamber membership with this handsome window decal.
Networking..
Networking… Networking
The Chamber offers many monthly networking opportunities allowing our members to create new partnerships and generate new business.
The Chamber offers many monthly networking opportunities allowing our members to create new partnerships and generate new business.
New
Member Orientation
New members are welcomed with an orientation that provides an in-depth overview of the services and benefits available to them to help them maximize their investment.
New members are welcomed with an orientation that provides an in-depth overview of the services and benefits available to them to help them maximize their investment.
Notary
Service
The Chamber has a notary on staff to assist members at no charge. Members should call ahead to arrange an appointment.
The Chamber has a notary on staff to assist members at no charge. Members should call ahead to arrange an appointment.
Professional
Development
Your Chamber offers numerous seminars, roundtables, and educational activities geared specifically to the business community and the continuing education of you and your employees.
Your Chamber offers numerous seminars, roundtables, and educational activities geared specifically to the business community and the continuing education of you and your employees.
Referrals
The Chamber refers members… we love referring your business. Whether through phone inquiry, email, online, or a visit to the Chamber offices, business, residents, and visitors alike will find information about your company. Referrals through the Chamber’s website and social media sites continue to grow and generate new leads for Chamber members.
The Chamber refers members… we love referring your business. Whether through phone inquiry, email, online, or a visit to the Chamber offices, business, residents, and visitors alike will find information about your company. Referrals through the Chamber’s website and social media sites continue to grow and generate new leads for Chamber members.
Relocation
Packages
Our relocation packages are distributed to newcomers and potential residents through mail requests and walk in visits. Your advertising brochures and ad specialty items can reach these newcomers first; before they establish buying patterns.
Our relocation packages are distributed to newcomers and potential residents through mail requests and walk in visits. Your advertising brochures and ad specialty items can reach these newcomers first; before they establish buying patterns.
Ribbon
Cuttings
The Chamber enjoys helping members celebrate the grand openings of their businesses by conducting ribbon cutting ceremonies complete with media representatives and elected officials and helping members promote the good news.
The Chamber enjoys helping members celebrate the grand openings of their businesses by conducting ribbon cutting ceremonies complete with media representatives and elected officials and helping members promote the good news.
Social
Media Promotion
Our Chamber has a strong social media presence. Member’s events, specials and news are posted on our social media outlets to increase exposure and advertising.
Our Chamber has a strong social media presence. Member’s events, specials and news are posted on our social media outlets to increase exposure and advertising.
Valley
Business Today
The Chamber hosts an edition of “Valley Business Today” on The River 95.3 on the first Wednesday of each month. Chamber members are invited to be guests on the show.
The Chamber hosts an edition of “Valley Business Today” on The River 95.3 on the first Wednesday of each month. Chamber members are invited to be guests on the show.
Website
The Chamber’s website is full of member business and community information, giving you 24/7 access to tools designed to help your business succeed. All members are listed in our online business directory with a link to your website and description of your company. More Information: Front Royal-Warren County Chamber
The Chamber’s website is full of member business and community information, giving you 24/7 access to tools designed to help your business succeed. All members are listed in our online business directory with a link to your website and description of your company. More Information: Front Royal-Warren County Chamber
Northern Virginia Chamber to Host
Congressional Roundtable on Dec. 12
WHAT: The Northern Virginia Chamber
will host its annual Congressional Roundtable on Monday, December 12, from 3:00
– 5:00 PM at the Northern Virginia Chamber in Tysons, Va.
The dialogue will cover several
issues at the intersection of federal policy and business – federal spending,
energy, trade policy, the sequestration and the effect on Northern Virginia,
transportation, taxation and much more. This will be an interactive discussion
that will give you the opportunity to ask the important questions on the minds
of Northern Virginia’s government leaders.
Registration is $30 for Northern
Virginia Chamber members or $50 for non-members and is available online.
Registration is free to members of the media who pre-register.
WHO:
Congressman Robert Wittman (R-1)
Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-11)
Congressman Don Beyer (D-8)
Congresswoman Barbara Comstock
(R-10)
Moderated by: Dr. Mark Esper,
Raytheon
WHEN: Monday, December 12, 2016,
3:00 – 5:00 PM
WHERE: Northern Virginia Chamber of
Commerce: 7900 Westpark Drive, Suite A550, Tysons, VA 22102
NOTES: Members of the media who
plan to cover the event, should contact Elaine Gilligan,
egilligan@novachamber.org, by Wednesday, December 7 to register.
Chamber Executive Ongoing Education: Pat
McGaughey, CPF, IOM
At the beginning of your annual planning session, ask participating board members this question:
Why do you belong to your industry association?
The answers tell us what we already know.
For the last
year I have been experimenting with the introduction process of the board planning
sessions I facilitate. During the board introductions, I first like to ask
"Why did you say "Yes" to serving on this board?" These
answers remind them of their importance to the organization and the importance
of our organization before we begin planning.
The next question I now ask
is, "Why do you (or why does your company) belong to your industry
association?" The vast majority say the same thing...
"Lobbying and/or Advocacy."
If you are not an issue oriented chamber of commerce, try asking this question at the beginning of your next planning session and don't be surprised to start seeing more critical issues pop up in your new plan.
Issue management; the promotion or opposition of issues that impact business will always be the first step toward relevance. Equating the financial impact to every member from every issue will turn that relevance into retention. Read more: America's Chamber Mentor -www.chambermentor.com
"Lobbying and/or Advocacy."
If you are not an issue oriented chamber of commerce, try asking this question at the beginning of your next planning session and don't be surprised to start seeing more critical issues pop up in your new plan.
Issue management; the promotion or opposition of issues that impact business will always be the first step toward relevance. Equating the financial impact to every member from every issue will turn that relevance into retention. Read more: America's Chamber Mentor -www.chambermentor.com
Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotations:
(Commitment)
“Never
doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the
world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.” ~ Margaret Mead
Chamber coordinator: Manufacturing
job fair planned Dec. 6 in Danville
A
manufacturing job fair will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 6, at the Regional Center
for Advanced Technology and Training (121 Slayton Ave. in Danville) from 3 to 5
p.m.
The job
fair is being coordinated by the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of
Commerce, the Virginia Workforce Center and Danville Community College’s RCATT.
Manufacturers
that would like to participate should contact Allison Moore, business services
manager for the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce, at (434)
836-6990 or at amoore@dpchamber.org by Nov. 21.
There is
no cost for employers to participate, but registration is required. Space is
limited, and registrations will be accepted in the order by which they are
received.This event has been provided funding by the West Piedmont Workforce
Investment Board. Read more: Work it SOVA
Patrick County Chamber: The
Reynolds Homestead 8th annual Victorian Christmas After Hours
5:30pm - The Reynolds Homestead will host its 8th annual Victorian Christmas After Hours event for members of the Patrick County Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, December 1 at 5:30 p.m. Chamber members are invited to tour the authentically decorated Victorian Rock Spring Plantation house and enjoy refreshments in the Continuing Education Center. “We always look forward to hosting members of the Patrick County Chamber at Christmas each year,” said senior program manager Lisa Martin. “It’s great to kick off the holiday season with a networking and social event for our friends in the Chamber.” The twenty-foot Christmas tree will be decorated with handmade ornaments that will become a cherished heirloom for your family. All of the ornaments are for sale and proceeds go to support club activities and community service projects. Attendees are requested to RSVP with the Chamber Office by November 29, 2016, to do so email us at patcchamber@embarqmail.com or call 276-694-6012. Reynolds Homestead - Critz, Va - 276-694-6012 Email for more information. More holiday events: Patrick County Chamber Events
#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.
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.
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
Farmville Chamber:
The Colonial Inn named Merchant of the Month
One of two businesses that kept Farmville on the map when the
tobacco industry shut down is the Farmville Chamber of Commerce’s November
Merchant of the Month.
“These two iconic businesses in Farmville brought people to town
and saved Farmville, and they are The Colonial Inn and Farmville Furniture
Co.,” Judy Gidley, director of the Farmville Chamber of Commerce, said as she
presented the award to David Whitley, owner of The Colonial Inn. “Without a
doubt, that is why Farmville is known. They put Farmville on the map.”
Whitley, a native of Rocky Mount, opened his restaurant on Nov. 1,
1977, at 3776 W. Wilson St., a block from downtown.
He worked at A.C. Monk Tobacco Co. after completing college, then
went from an accountant to a chef.
“I have always had a passion for cooking,” he said.
Whitley’s grandmother was a dietician and introduced him to the
career field.
“I love what I do, and I truly appreciate the support throughout
the years,” Whitley said.
Whitley semi-retired in 2014. He closed the restaurant side of The
Colonial Inn, but continues to cater events throughout the community and at the
inn.
He said he has no plan to completely retire any time soon.
“I am thrilled to be part of the Farmville community. I have
always loved this town,” he said. Read more: Reflector.com
Greene
County (VA) Chamber hires new executive director
The Greene County Virginia
Chamber of Commerce (the “Chamber”) announced today that a new Executive
Director has been hired to oversee the day to day operations of the Chamber.
Shari Bedker and her staff at Armstrong & Associates International, Inc. (“A&A”)
were selected for the position.
“We have been very
fortunate to have Melissa Liberatore as our Administrative Director for the
past 5 years. Melissa has done an excellent job of running the Chamber, but
earlier this year, asked to step down to devote time to other pursuits. The
Board of the Chamber advertised for the job and we were pleased to find a firm
in the Greene Community with the background and skillset to take the Chamber to
the next level.” said Darla Rose, Chamber President.
Shari is the President and
owner of A&A, which is an association management company, specializing in
managing small non-profit business Associations that do not need a storefront.
A&A is responsible for managing the memberships, conferences, accounting
and electronic communications for seven associations worldwide. In addition to
Shari, the company has 2 full time and 2 part time employees. To view more
about A&A and the staff, please visit www.armstrongassoc.com. Shari will be the Executive Director of the Chamber and one of
her staff, Tiffany L. Shifflett, will be the Executive Assistant responsible
for the day to day operations of the Chamber and they will work together to
ensure the highest quality of service for Chamber members and the Community.
Shari is a CPA with a B.S.
in accounting and an M.S. in Taxation from George Mason University. She and her
husband, Larry, moved to Greene County in July 2014 from Fairfax, VA. Shari was
easily able to transfer her business to Greene County as everything is done
electronically and she and her staff travel around the U.S. and abroad for
various conferences they are running. Tiffany is married to Chad Shifflett and
has lived in Green County for 10 years. They have a grade school daughter and
twin preschool boys. She worked at the UVA Credit Union for five years and in
addition to being the Executive Assistant for the Chamber, she handles all the
bookkeeping for A&A’s other clients. Read more: Greene County Record
Montgomery County Chamber employee recognized
with scholarship
Isaac Rife,
membership director with the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, has
received a Virginia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (VACCE)
Scholarship to the VACCE Institute.
“It was an
honor to receive one of the scholarships given within the association,” said
Rife.
“While I have
been in chamber work for 18 months, I learn something new every time I attend
one of the programs.
“I find
myself using all of the tools from my Pamplin MBA, but the VACCE sessions allow
me to see new ways of serving our chamber’s members.”
Terri Mitchell,
board chair for the Montgomery County Chamber, said: “We are so pleased that a
member of our chamber of commerce was one of four recipients this year to
attend the 2017 VACCE Institute. ... [Isaac’s] enthusiasm, quick wit and desire
to serve our members makes him a perfect candidate for this recognition.” Read
more: Roanoke.com
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”
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2016
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2016
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2016
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Last Month’s Stories
Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce will
hold its third Local Legends event Dawn@fredericksburgchamber.org
Coalition of Northern Virginia Chambers along
with other regional leaders facilitates the creation of a Steering Committee to
develop the GO Virginia Regional Council for Northern Virginia Tony Howard, Loudoun County Chamber - 571.209.9020
Rising Tide
Demographic: Virginia Peninsula Chamber Senior Advocate Round-Table Virginia Peninsula
Chamber
#Bestchamber practices: Prince William Chamber
Invites Business, Not-for-Profit Communities to Semi-Annual “Meet the Media”
Event more
information or to register, call 703-368-6600 or go to PWChamber.org.
Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotations: Warren
Buffett
It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five
minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you'll do things differently.
Northern
Virginia Chamber of Commerce Announces Partnership with Virginia International
Trade Alliance (VITAL) http://www.novachamber.org/vital-international-trade.html
Hampton Roads Chamber presents U.S. Secretary of
the Navy, Ray Mabus Shannon Curtin (570)-854-1882
#BestChamber practices: Finalists selected for
Made in FredVA contest: Five business ideas to compete for the $10,000 grand
prize whitney@fredericksburgchamber.org
#FamousChamber of Commerce Quotation: Glenn
Shepard
"What makes a winner a winner isn't that
they never lose. It's that they never lose faith in themselves, even when
they're not winning." - Glenn Shepard
If you would like
delivery of a no-cost gloss chamber directory or map for June/July, 2017,
please contact me at your earliest convenience. To request your chamber
publication proposal, Click here
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 blog, 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 blog, please email me at jdussman@tspubs.com or call me at (847)-427-4633. Thank you.
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