Tuesday, February 14, 2017

USNews.com: Milwaukee now a top 50 place to live; With the retirement of David Daugherty this summer, the Goshen (IN) Chamber of Commerce is looking for a new President and CEO; Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Map; The Rockford Chamber of Commerce has named Brent Brodeski its 2017 Citizen of the Year; Saginaw County Chamber Honors SVSU and 2016 Board Chair Todd Gregory at Annual Chairman’s Ball; Hulette named Boyle chamber’s ‘Outstanding Citizen’; Robert Gibbs on Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership; Virginia Council of CEOs forms partnership with Virginia Chamber of Commerce; 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!

USNews.com: Milwaukee now a top 50 place to live



The rest of the world is finding out what many Milwaukeeans have known for a long time - that our city is a great place to live.
U.S. News and World Report says that the city has risen more than 20 spots into its top 50 in its listing of 2017 Best Places to Live in the United States.
"Moving 25 places from 72 to 47 to crack the top 50 on a well-respected (list) is something we deserve an applause for," said Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce President Tim Sheehy on Wisconsin's Afternoon News Tuesday.
"Historical architecture stands as a tribute to Milwaukee's past, while the metro area vibrates from the construction of a changing skyline and with the energy of its near 600,000 residents," the article says, written by Milwaukee's own Andrea Trischler.
The article cites a lower-than-average cost of housing, and a lower rate compared to last year and before the latest recession. It also mentions "an influx of young people drawn to Milwaukee's developing arts and craft beer culture."
"What they recognized...the improvement in the quality of life," said Sheehy. Read more: TMJ4

With the retirement of David Daugherty this summer, the Goshen (IN) Chamber of Commerce is looking for a new President and CEO 



The Goshen, Indiana community recognizes the benefits of an inclusive and vibrant place where businesses thrive and people want to live. After enhancing a successful partnership between Chamber and community, our Chamber president is retiring in July. The Goshen Chamber of Commerce is searching for an innovative, passionate, and high-energy leader for the role of President & CEO. The ideal candidate will have the ability and vision to continue bringing the organization forward and ensure the Chamber remains relevant in a changing environment. The President & CEO is responsible for the overall leadership and strategic development of the Chamber, its programs and nearly 500 member businesses. In this highly visible position, the President oversees all operational, financial and visioning aspects of the Chamber. Ideal candidates for the position will have a proven track record in executive leadership, strategic planning, membership development, board, budget and operational management, public advocacy, and building/maintaining collaborative partnerships. The position requires a Bachelor's Degree in business administration, planning, public administration, marketing or a related field. Previous chamber executive experience or experience in a senior management position is preferred, including completion of the U.S. Chamber Institute program or similar organizational development training.

Candidates will be evaluated by our Selection Committee. The most qualified will be invited to participate in the next phase of the selection process. Salary and benefits will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

For consideration, submit a cover letter, resume and salary history to:

CEO Selection Committee, Goshen Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 1257, Goshen, IN 46527-1257, by March 17, 2017. You may email your information to John Place (john@anconconstruction.com), subject CEO Selection Committee.

Interested applicants may request a full position description. Equal Opportunity Employer. To learn more about the community of Goshen, visit The Good Of Goshen!



Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Map

The new Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Map is available at the Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber today! Thanks to Bob O'Callaghan 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. 




The Rockford Chamber of Commerce has named Brent Brodeski its 2017 Citizen of the Year

The chief executive officer of Savant Capital Management, a fee-only wealth management firm, received the honor during the Rockford Chamber’s Annual Dinner on Jan. 19.


The award is given out every year to a Rockford resident who consistently contributes to the growth and well-being of the community. Nominees must be forward-thinking in their career and savvy in their approach to business, which the Rockford Chamber of Commerce saw in Brodeski.

“I am honored and humbled to have been selected as this year’s citizen of the year,” Brodeski said in a news release. “I am surrounded by a great support system both personally and professionally that continues to both inspire and challenge me. I humbly accept the award on behalf of my family and Team Savant. Without these strong family units, I would not be where I am today.”

Brodeski has a 30-year history with Savant Capital Management. His contributions to the company have enabled Savant to become one of the country’s most renowned advisory firms. His resume also includes serving as a board member and chair for the Boy Scouts of America, Rockford Symphony Orchestra, Northern Illinois University Foundation and Rock Valley College Foundation. Read more: Illinois Business Daily

Saginaw County Chamber Honors SVSU and 2016 Board Chair Todd Gregory at Annual Chairman’s Ball


The Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce and Premiere Event Sponsor Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan honored Saginaw Valley State University and 2016 Chamber Chairman Todd Gregory of Huntington National Bank on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at the Annual Chamber Chairman’s Ball. One of the Chamber’s signature fundraising events, the formal, noir-themed ball entertained 450 guests who came to celebrate the honorees over dinner, cocktails, dancing and entertaining programming.
 Saginaw Valley State University received the Chamber’s prestigious Corporate Community Service Award which is presented each year to a nominated Chamber-member. Recipients have made notable contributions to the quality of life in Saginaw County through involvement in community programs, partnerships with community and public sector groups, philanthropic efforts, and a well-documented commitment to corporate citizenship as a shared value throughout all levels of the organization. Past recipients of the award include Hemlock Semiconductor Group, Nexteer Automotive, The Dow Chemical Company, Spence Brothers, Garber Management Group, Mobile Medical Response, Inc., Michigan CardioVascular Institute, St. Mary’s of Michigan/Ascension and Covenant HealthCare among others.
 Since its charter in 1963, Saginaw Valley State University has demonstrated a longstanding commitment as a partner for communities, both local and global. Students, faculty, staff and leaders participate in thousands of hours of volunteerism annually providing fundraising, leadership, and physical labor to area boards, committees and programs.
 In 2015, SVSU received national recognition as a recipient of the prestigious Community Engagement Classification from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. Only seven percent of U.S. colleges and universities have achieved this distinction.
 Their commitment to community engagement permeates throughout the university from the governing Board of Control to its freshman class. In fact, one of SVSU’s five strategic priorities is to engage with the community to enhance regional and institutional success.
Outgoing Chamber Board Chairman Todd Gregory is the Saginaw Community President/Central Michigan Region Market Manager and Senior Vice President of Business Banking for The Huntington National Bank. A strong supporter of community service, Gregory has served on the Chamber Board of Directors since 2013 serving as Chairman in 2016. He remains on the Chamber Board as Immediate past Chairman.
 Active in many local organizations, Gregory also serves on the Board of Directors for Saginaw Future Inc., the Saginaw Community Foundation, St. Mary’s of Michigan/Ascension Health, Mid-Michigan Hospital, Saginaw Downtown Development Authority, and is a member of the Saginaw Catholic Diocese Investment Committee. An active Rotarian, Gregory has past involvement with Ducks Unlimited, Junior Achievement and the American Bankers Association as well as serving as a coach for several youth athletic programs.
 In addition to honoring the past Board Chairman and a Corporate Community Service organization, the Saginaw Chamber of Commerce Chairman’s Ball provides an opportunity for area business leaders to mingle in a fun social atmosphere and forge new connections. An important part of the event includes introducing up-and-coming future leaders from the Chamber’s Young Professionals Network and the current Leadership Saginaw County Class. Sponsored by Hemlock Semiconductor Operations, these emerging leaders have the opportunity to connect with some of the area’s most successful experienced leaders creating a foundation for community investment between past, present and future visionaries, and modeling the importance of support for community growth.  
Additional Information contact: Nancy Stevenson, Director of Communications, 989-757-2111

nancy@saginawchamber.org 




Hulette named Boyle chamber’s ‘Outstanding Citizen’

Hulette has worked with the Boyle Landmark Trust on projects including the preservation of the Willis Green House and Willis Russell Memorial Log Cabin. She was presented with the ultimate individual Chamber of Commerce award — and given a hug — by State Farm Insurance agent Bob Miller at the culmination of the night’s festivities.
“Barbara Hulette is a lady of grace, dignity, compassion and a heart that is passionate about historic preservation,” said Lisa Knetsche, chair of the chamber board and host for the evening. “Her work extends to the state and national levels, where she has received recognitions and awards created in her honor by the Bluegrass Trust and Preservation Kentucky. She was a leader in establishing a Historic Preservation Department at the University of Kentucky.”
Hulette has worked on preservation education programs as well, including educational programming about local African-American history that “helped ignite efforts to research local African-American history and the work of the Danville-Boyle County African-American Historical Society,” Knetsche said.
“Barbara has been an advocate with economic development, sharing her knowledge to raise awareness on how history and preservation can benefit economic growth and tourism,” Knetsche continued. “For her efforts, Boyle Landmark Trust recently created the Barbara P. Hullete Service Award in her honor to recognize work others are doing.”
The Outstanding Citizen award is given each year to someone who has volunteered to benefit the local community for more than 10 years. Last year’s Outstanding Citizen was Kathy Miles, coordinator for the Boyle County Agency for Substance Abuse Policy and part of the Hope Network. Read more: Advocate-Messenger

Robert Gibbs on Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership

Robert Gibbs is the 2017 chairman of the Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership (GJCP). The Jackson native is a graduate of Murrah High School, Tougaloo College and the University of Mississippi School of Law. He is a partner with the Gibbs Travis Law Firm. He and his wife, Rep. Deborah Gibbs, have two children, Ariana, an attorney, and Justis, a junior at Howard University. He recently spoke to Sun Senior Staff Writer Anthony Warren about the chamber, its challenges, and his plans for the upcoming year.

What are your plans as chairman?

“I want to see our community continue to grow. We’ve had some outstanding developments over the last couple of years, with Continental Tire (announcing it will come) to the area. I want to keep that spirit of bringing more businesses to the community. Also, if you were at our annual meeting, you heard a presentation from a speaker who came from Birmingham, who was a cheerleader in bringing things there. I want to be a cheerleader, so we can recruit more businesses to be involved with the chamber.”


I do have a question about the Continental Tire plant. What kind of economic impact is this expected to have in Hinds County?


“I don’t have the numbers in front of me, but it will have a major impact. It’s going to be very similar to the impact we had from Nissan, and it’s going to be in Hinds County, which is good for the county and going to increase the county’s tax base. There are going to be a large number of jobs that will be available here, so the workforce will improve. One thing we have to do is make sure we have a sufficient workforce, ready to take advantage of the job opportunities.”


This brings me to the next thing I want to ask about. At the annual meeting, the chamber talked about how it was going to start using the ACT National Career Readiness Test as a way to measure workforce readiness. Can you tell me about that?



“It’s an opportunity of matching graduates of our educational institutions with job opportunities with companies that are presently here and going to come. It’s a way of matching skill levels with the job needs of employers. It’s worked in a number of communities, and we’re looking forward to making sure it works here as well.”

From what I understand, ACT offers the test, and those who take it receive a certification, either bronze, gold, silver or platinum. That information is then used in helping those individuals find work. Who can take the test?


“Anyone in the workforce, from students in high school and colleges, to people who are in the workforce. The whole purpose is to let them take it, so they can know what their skills are, so we can match them with employers.”


What are the biggest challenges for GJCP right now?


“I wouldn’t say there are any big challenges, but there will be changes. Leadership Greater Jackson, which has been part of the chamber for 30 years, will transition to its own body. The chamber has decided it will focus more on business, economic development and making sure our members are serviced. Leadership Greater Jackson is a great program – I am a graduate of the program. We have been working with their board, and decided it was a great time to transition away, so they could stand alone, since there have been over a thousand graduates.”

- See more at: Northside Sun




Virginia Council of CEOs forms partnership with Virginia Chamber of Commerce




The Virginia Council of CEOs said Wednesday it has formed a partnership with the Virginia Chamber of Commerce and plans to expand its membership and services from its current focus in the Richmond region.

Under the partnership, active members of the Council will have dual membership in the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, the largest business association in Virginia with more than 25,000 member companies.

The Council of CEOs, a nonprofit association founded in 2000, has about 200 members who are chief executives of small- and mid-sized companies. More than 90 percent of its members are in the Richmond region.

“We’ve determined this is the right time to accelerate our growth,” said Neal Lappe, chief executive officer of WebStrategies Inc. and the 2017 chairman of the Council, during a luncheon meeting of the group on Wednesday at the University of Richmond’s Jepson Alumni Center.

The Council plans to start expanding its membership by establishing a CEO roundtable — a peer networking and discussion group — in Charlottesville before incrementally expanding into other parts of the state.

The Council was formed with just 25 members as a way for top executives with small- and mid-sized companies to connect and become better business leaders. It provides services such as monthly roundtable discussions, quarterly luncheons, networking events and annual retreats. Read more: Richmond.com


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


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 Chamber Proposal

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