The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce awarded 5-Star Accreditation by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce; Hampton Roads Regional Chamber Alliance Holds Inaugural Meeting; FamousChamber of Commerce Quotation (Courage); Grand Rapids Chamber: Looking to learn more about your state government? West Michigan Business Day at the Capitol; Former Reading Chamber of Commerce CEO takes new job in Indiana; Aimee Thurner Picked to Head Greater Beloit Chamber; Chamber Interest: Toyota donates lab to NKY schools; Up and Coming: ADP's Kelsey Barrett; 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!


The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce awarded 5-Star Accreditation by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has awarded The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce with 5-Star Accreditation for its community leadership, proven impact, sound policies, and effective organizational procedures.

This marks the second consecutive time that The Greater Springfield Chamber has received this designation. This prestigious honor puts The Chamber among the top 1 percent of chambers nationwide.

Accreditation is the only national program that recognizes chambers for their effective community leadership and organizational efficiencies. To receive Accreditation, every five years a chamber must meet minimum standards in their operations and programs, including areas of governance, government affairs, and technology. This extensive review process can take 6-9 months to complete.

"I am proud of our team who has worked tirelessly to earn this not only for The Chamber, but for every single one of our members," said Tom Gihl, 2017 Chamber Board Chair. "It is an achievement only possible by the efforts and support of our Board leadership, volunteers and Chamber members."

Special recognition was given to our Chamber in the following areas:
Economic development leadership through the Quantum Growth Partnership (Q5)
Success of several events, including the Annual Gala, Economic Outlook Breakfast, Job & Career Fairs, Small Business Awards, and the State of the City Luncheon
Comprehensive Disaster Prevention, Preparedness, Response and Business Continuation Plan
Achievement of a perfect score in the Governance, Technology, Communications, and Facilities sections

Local chambers are rated Accredited, 3-Stars, 4-Stars, or 5-Stars. The final determination is made by the Accrediting Board, a committee of U.S. Chamber board members and chamber executives from across the country. Contact: Wayne Utterback, Communications Manager, Phone: 217-525-1173, Email address: wutterback@gscc.org




Hampton Roads Regional Chamber Alliance Holds Inaugural Meeting






(Pictured here from left to right: David McCaleb, Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce; George Bryan, Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce; Steve Mallette, Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce; Bryan Stephens, Hampton Roads Chamber; Teresa Beale, Franklin -Southampton Area Chamber of Commerce; Tiffany Phillips, Greater Williamsburg Chamber & Tourism Alliance; Andrew Cripps, Isle of Wight-Smithfield-Windsor Chamber of Commerce; Mike Kuhns, Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce)

Norfolk, VA –The Hampton Roads Chamber was proud to host the first meeting of the Hampton Roads Regional Chamber Alliance today. Representatives from various local chambers including Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce, Franklin-Southampton Area Chamber of Commerce, Greater Williamsburg Chamber & Tourism Alliance, Isle of Wight-Smithfield-Windsor Chamber of Commerce, and the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce were in attendance to begin the process of collaboration and organization.

Robert Crum, Executive Director of the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission and the Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization gave a brief presentation to the group on regional transportation projects and upcoming transportation priorities in the region.

The Hampton Roads Regional Chamber Alliance will serve the greater Hampton Roads business community by providing a united voice behind regional issues like economic development, workforce development, infrastructure development and quality of life in order to shape public policy and private perceptions on business and economic issues. This first meeting focused on finalizing the Hampton Roads Regional Chamber Alliance memorandum of understanding and outlined the operational procedures, organizational structure, and administrative and logistical requirements of the alliance. Additionally, topics impacting the business community were discussed and prioritized for future consideration and actions. The next meeting of the Hampton Roads Regional Chamber Alliance is currently scheduled to take place in June.


FamousChamber of Commerce Quotation (Courage)

He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life. - Muhammad Ali






Grand Rapids Chamber: Looking to learn more about your state government? West Michigan Business Day at the Capitol


Join us as we meet with legislators to discuss issues that are important to the business community. You’ll have the chance to attend committees, House and Senate sessions, meet with the Governor’s office. This event will give you the opportunity to build your awareness of state government, legislative processes, and issues impacting your community.

This free event will connect you with peers and policy makers in Lansing.

Find Out More

Thursday, April 20
7:00 a.m. — 3:30 p.m.
Michigan State Capitol Building – 110 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing, Mich.
Free, registration required. Transportation, lunch, and snacks included.


Former Reading Chamber of Commerce CEO takes new job in Indiana
Ellen T. Horan, former president and CEO of the Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce & Industry, is the new president of the Growth Alliance for Greater Evansville in Evansville, Ind., according to a release.

Horan will lead the Alliance's objectives to retain, expand, incubate and attract businesses in Evansville and Vanderburgh County, Ind.

"Ellen's history of leadership, collaboration and outstanding skillsets will support and strengthen the economic growth and momentum taking place in Evansville and Vanderburgh County," said Rick Schulz, president of the Growth Alliance board, in a statement. "We're thrilled to introduce her to the community and have her on the team."

Horan brings more than 20 years of experience in the civic, business and nonprofit arenas. She spent a decade with the Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce & Industry before stepping down as CEO of the organization last year. Read more: Reading Eagle




Aimee Thurner Picked to Head Greater Beloit Chamber

After 15 years of service to the Greater Beloit Chamber of Commerce (GBCC), including two stints as interim executive director, Aimee Thurner has been promoted to executive director.


Former executive director Tim Dutter submitted his resignation in late September, and Thurner was appointed as interim executive director in October. Thurner said she had her second interview Thursday and her hire was confirmed Monday following a national search.

“I was very excited and very thankful,” Thurner said. “It’s been fun to be part of it for so long and to work my way up.”

“It is with great pleasure to hire Aimee Thurner as our new executive director,” said Mary Marino, chair of the Board of Directors. “Aimee has shown over the years that the only way to do great work is to love what you do. We are excited to take Aimee’s vision of the chamber to the next level.”

Thurner said her experience and relationships in the community are her greatest strengths, adding she looks forward to working with the Chamber’s board, volunteers, community partners and staff to grow the organization and promote membership and Greater Beloit.

Thurner said she was first hired by former executive director Nancy Forbeck in 2002 to be an office manager. Thurner worked her way up to office and finance coordinator, later to special events coordinator and then to director of operations. She also served as interim executive director after Randall Upton left in June of 2013 and before Dutter was hired. - Beloit Daily News



Chamber Interest: Toyota donates lab to NKY schools

Northern Kentucky took a hit when Toyota announced it would close its Erlanger facility.

The region is losing a major business partner and about 1,600 jobs, but there is a silver lining: Toyota is donating an engineering lab to create a new STEAM-based school.

The Ignite Institute at Roebling Innovation Center is expected to open in the 2019-20 school year. Boone County Schools, which will own and run the building, got a $6.8 million grant to redevelop the lab into a school that will focus on STEAM – science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics.

“This school will include the best aspects of innovative schools around the country,” said Boone County Schools Superintendent Randy Poe, in a news release. “The entire school will be based on a project-based learning, real industry-case methodology. We want students to be empowered, so that when they graduate they have the opportunities of a lifetime.”

The Ignite school will start with about 1,000 seats for grades nine through 12. It will feature open classroom spaces with art and video production areas, a robotics lab and a black-box theater, to name a few.

“It’s a great thing that Toyota has done,” said Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Trey Grayson, in the release. “It will be transformative – not only for students and educators, but for business and industry – and will have a tremendous impact on the workforce pipeline in our region.” Read more: Cincinatti.com

Up and Coming: ADP's Kelsey Barrett

Meet Kelsey Barrett, 22, of Hattiesburg, investor relations coordinator for the Area Development Partnership. She is responsible for membership retention activities and membership development endeavors. She also initiates efforts to increase membership value and maintain engagement among ADP members and the Pine Belt business community.

She attended Forrest County Agricultural High School and graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi with a bachelor's degree in hotel, restaurant and tourism management. While at Southern Miss, she was involved in many student activities and organizations including Pi Beta Phi sorority and Eagle Ambassadors. She also earned the College of Business' 2016 Spirit of Hospitality Award.

Her parents are Timmy and Jenny Story of Hattiesburg and William and Sandra Barrett of Purvis.

What advice would you give people who want to get into the same line of work as you?

I would advise people to be a friend to everyone. Building relationships within a community can play such an important role, no matter what field of work you’re in. The relationships I have made since I began working at the ADP have made such an impression in my life. I have not only learned more about the community that I grew up in, but have learned from the people who are making Hattiesburg a great place for everyone. Read more: Hattiesburg American


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

Rochester Regional Chamber appoints Alaina Campbell new president; BACC Accepting Applications for 2017 Scholarship Awards; La Porte Chamber event: Milo touts 'innovations' during State of City address; Birmingham Bloomfield 2016-2017 Community Guide & Directory; #BestChamber Practices: Hampton Roads Chamber (Organization Statement); Take a break at Natchez-Adams County Chamber tennis, golf tournament; Marklein leaves chamber to spread emotional intelligence; Kentucky Chamber Reps Address Muhlenberg Chamber; 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!


Rochester Regional Chamber appoints Alaina Campbell new president

The Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce named Alaina Campbell its new president, the chamber announced this week. She replaces Sheri Heiney, who stepped down in December to become president and CEO of the Prescott Chamber of Commerce in Arizona.

Campbell brings six years of experience as the executive director of the Orion Area Chamber of Commerce, where she led efforts to double membership and launch initiatives including the Healthy Body, Healthy Mind Expo. Campbell also served as director of business development for the Legacy Center and Urban Air Trampoline in Oxford.

"Her heartfelt welcome of all members, her upbeat nature, energy and genuine enthusiasm are irresistibly contagious," said Kellie McDonald, Orion Chamber board member, in a statement.

Campbell holds a degree in political science from Eastern Michigan University and a program planning and proposal writing certificate from The Grantsmanship Center, based in Los Angeles. Read more: Crain's Detroit Business

BACC Accepting Applications for 2017 Scholarship Awards

Application forms are available for the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC) Lauren Brown Memorial Scholarship. BACC offers several scholarships ranging from $500 to $1,500 for students who plan to attend a college, university or technical school following high school graduation.

The BACC Lauren Brown Memorial Scholarship is available to students who will be studying marketing, communications or a business-related field. The scholarship is named after the Chamber's former head of communications, Lauren Brown, who died at the age of 29 of ovarian cancer.

To qualify for a BACC scholarship, students must be either a Barrington High School student, the student of a Chamber member business, or the student of an employee of a Chamber member business. Scholarship winners will be invited as guests to attend the BACC Spotlight on Barrington's Stars event on Wednesday, April 19 at the Biltmore Country Club. Spotlight is a special employee appreciation luncheon that includes a fashion show and awards ceremony.

Application forms for the BACC Lauren Brown Memorial Scholarship are available at the Chamber office or click here. The deadline to apply is April 1, 2017. Only completed applications that are legible and include all supporting documents will be considered. To receive an application form, stop at the BACC offices at 190 E. James Street, Barrington, or send your application request to email@barringtonchamber.com and we can email it you. Reward checks will be made out directly to the scholarship winner. For more information, contact BACC President Suzanne Corr, (847) 381-2525 or email Suzanne@barringtonchamber.com.

La Porte Chamber event: Milo touts 'innovations' during State of City address

La Porte Mayor Blair Milo capped off her annual State of the City address Friday with a rap song about the “Hub of Awesome,” her signature description of the city, and a well-executed dab.

Performing with her were several young musicians from Emerging Sound, a Christian music ministry and retreat at the former Ruth Sabin Home on Michigan Avenue.

Milo, before the address at Best Western Plus, indicated she would “switch things up” this year. The luncheon, sponsored by the Greater La Porte Chamber of Commerce, drew about 150 people who stood and clapped along with the rap tune.

The mayor used most of the rest of the event to talk about her administration’s accomplishments, focusing on how the city was innovating in response to rapid changes in technology and the pace of life generally. She likened the pace of our daily lives in recent years to a kayak tumbling through rapids.

“Our first instinct is to try to hold ourselves steady to keep from capsizing,” Milo said. “In reality, that’s the worst thing you can do. You have to paddle harder and take control so you can be prepared for what lies ahead. The trick is to be nimble.” Read more: Herald-Argus

Birmingham Bloomfield 2016-2017 Community Guide & Directory  

The Birmingham-Bloomfield is available at the Birmingham-Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce today! Thank you to Joe Bauman 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.

#BestChamber Practices: Hampton Roads Chamber (Organization Statement)

The Hampton Roads Chamber is the Region’s premier business organization; helping businesses succeed, drive regional economic growth, and enhance the quality of life of our community’s residents.  The Chamber is a vigorous advocate for the economic success of its member businesses, which employ nearly 250,000 men and women in Southeastern Virginia.  

Take a break at Natchez-Adams County Chamber tennis, golf tournament

Are you ready to have some fun? Well, it is that time of year for the classic Natchez-Adams County Chamber of Commerce Golf/Tennis tournament. Take a break for some much needed rest and relaxation and come join us for some fun at Duncan Park on April 7 for our 24nd Annual Chamber Golf/ Tennis Tournament.

This entertaining, yet slightly competitive event, has been scheduled every spring and gives Chamber members and other interested participants a chance to network and enjoy each other’s company outside the business arena. The four -person scramble format allows golfers of all skill levels to get out and have some fun. You will also have the opportunity to win a 2017 Chevy Malibu and a 2017 GMC Canyon both generously donated by Great River Chevrolet. A trophy is given to the team to keep for a year. Last year’s winner was Merit Health.

We also have a great traditional doubles tennis tournament for tennis enthusiasts. We are pleased to bring you many opportunities to get involved with this event. You may sign up as an individual, or get a whole team together. You can promote your business through one of several different sponsorship levels. Or you can simply attend the Chamber Business After-Hours scheduled to take place at 5:30 p.m. at the tennis courts.

Music will be provided by Big River Broadcasting and Natchez Pathology, and Wesley Steckler from Terry Estes State Farm will provide their traditional roasted pig. A Helicopter Golf Ball Drop will take place at 6 p.m. For a chance at winning half of the pot, you may purchase a golf ball drop ticket for $20 or 6 tickets for $100. Each ball is numbered and the one that goes in or closest to the hole is the lucky winner. Call the Natchez Chamber at 601-445-4611 or stop by to purchase your tickets. Read more: Natchez Democrat



Marklein leaves chamber to spread emotional intelligence

Bill Marklein is leaving his job at the Sheboygan County Chamber to launch a new career aimed at helping humanity better manage emotions.

Marklein, who has been community relations director at the chamber for the past six and a half years, is starting a new consulting business, Employ Humanity, to spread awareness and education of emotional intelligence.

“I look forward to my next chapter inspiring emotional intelligence in humans and the workplace to transform organizational cultures for the betterment of humanity," he said. "With the rapid acceleration of technology, change and stress, the ability to effectively manage our own emotions and the emotions around us will be critical for progress, especially with our incoming workforce. There is a huge need for people skills and human connection in the workplace.” Read more: Sheboygan Press

Kentucky Chamber Reps Address Muhlenberg Chamber

Representatives of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce presented information about 2017 General Assembly actions to the membership of the Greater Muhlenberg Chamber of Commerce last week.

Ashli Watts, vice president of public affairs, spoke on behalf of the KCC about bills related to businesses in the state legislature. Watts talked about the chamber’s process of choosing priorities for its public affairs team to focus on when meeting with state legislators.

The four pillars of prosperity identified by the Kentucky Chamber include workforce, government, infrastructure and jobs. Various bills fell under the umbrella of the four pillars including reforming criminal justice systems, tax reform, repealing the prevailing wage, enabling charter schools, energy protection, enacting right to work legislation and improving the Workers Compensation System. Read more: SurfKY.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

Blake Wilson leaving MEC for next director to build on foundation; Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce Hosts 2017 State of the City Address Featuring Mayor Steve Chirico; 5 Star Chamber: Rapid City Area Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Guide & Membership Directory; After 25 years, Mundt to leave chamber for CEO position in Appleton, Wisconsin; Indiana Chamber: Community Impact of I-69 Expansion Takes Center Stage at May 5 Summit; KY Transportation Cabinet COS Asa James Swan to Speak to Chamber Alliance; Dearborn Area Chamber Announces New Director of Events and Media Relations; Northern Virginia Chamber to Honor First Responders at 39th Annual Valor Awards; HRC Event: Virginia Beach State of the City; Oswego Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening of Tide Dry Cleaning; Highland Chamber sponsor: Candidates agree, school’s budget is No. 1 issue; 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!

Blake Wilson leaving MEC for next director to build on foundation

Blake Wilson has continued to make the Mississippi Economic Council a statewide organization.

As the third chief executive of the MEC, he said he has built on the foundation established by M.B. Swayze, who led the organization after it was established in 1949.

“He went around the state. He had an old Valiant. Everybody told me about Mr. Swayze and his old Valiant.”

“He went to all these town meetings.”

“I kind of went back to that model, and it worked.”

In 1997, there were 478 organization members, and membership has grown to 1,067, Wilson said.

Wilson will retire on June 16 after 19 years as president and chief executive officer of the MEC.

All told, he has been in chamber and association work for 37 years of his 47-year career, which includes nine years in newspapering.

He and his wife, Ann, plan to spend summers in a cottage that has been in her family for a long time on a tributary of the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland between Annapolis and Baltimore.

Otherwise, they’ll be in Mississippi, near Brandon. “We’re Mississippians,” he said.

Swayze was followed by Bob Pittman, who was director for 33 years and “built a very solid program,” Wilson said.

But “this organization is not about the director,” Wilson said. “It truly is about the volunteer leadership.”

He was executive vice president of the Florida Chamber of Commerce.

“I was very careful to not come in here with a bunch of preconceived ideas and plans to make changes.”

He went around the state and held 44 small meetings, not amounting to “town meetings,” he said.

He asked three questions at each of those meetings: what does your community offer, what does it need, and what “drives you crazy” locally or in the state. Read more: Mississippi Business Journal

Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce Hosts 2017 State of the City Address Featuring Mayor Steve Chirico

Naperville, IL. (March 3, 2017) – The 2017 State of the City Address hosted by the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce (NACC) will be held on Monday, March 20, 2017 at Embassy Suites Chicago-Naperville, 1823 Abriter Court in Naperville.  This event is presented by BMO Harris Bank N.A.

The address serves as an inspiring recap of the year’s events.  The discussion will highlight the monumental progression of the area’s growth including new and existing businesses.  Additionally, the address will turn an eye towards the future, as we will learn about a number of programs and initiatives scheduled for the coming year.  The NACC has hosted the State of the City Address for the past 33 years for the Naperville community starting with Mayor Peg Price. 

“The Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce plays an important role in success and retention of businesses in our region,” said Nicki Anderson, NACC President/CEO.  “Our partnership with the City and Naperville Development Partnership are crucial to the strength and viability of a successful business climate.”

The Mayor also uses the program as a time to not only to recognize Naperville’s accomplishments, but also the people who made it possible.  The State of the City Address honors city officials and their years of service to the community. 

“The State of the City address is an important venue to showcase the City’s commitment to economic growth, efficient government and serving our community well,” Mayor Steve Chirico said.  “This year’s address will celebrate our shared accomplishments, provide a roadmap for the year to come and inspire our businesses to continue making Naperville the premier location to live, work and play in the region.” 

Registration and networking begin at 10:30 a.m. with the program and lunch beginning at 11:00 a.m.  To make a reservation, call the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce at 630.355.4141 or register online at www.naperville.net.  Due to the popularity of this luncheon, early registration is highly recommended.  There will not be walk-in registration available.

About the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce

The Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce is the largest suburban Chamber in Illinois with an active membership of 1,200 organizations of every size and from every sector. The NACC promotes economic growth and advocacy in and around the Naperville area.  For its efforts in promoting free enterprise and the business community, the Chamber has been recognized with 5-Star Accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, an honor bestowed on only 1 percent of Chambers, out of the nearly 7,000 in the nation. Visit www.naperville.net





5 Star Chamber: Rapid City Area Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Guide & Membership Directory

The Rapid City Area Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Guide & Membership Directory is available at the Rapid City Chamber today! Thanks to Linda Rabe, Kristina Simmons and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!

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.



After 25 years, Mundt to leave chamber for CEO position in Appleton, Wisconsin

One of Council Bluffs’ longtime leaders is leaving.

Bob Mundt, president and CEO of the Council Bluffs Chamber of Commerce, announced today that he has accepted a position as president and CEO of the Fox Cities Regional Chamber of Commerce in Appleton, Wisconsin, effective in mid-April.

Mundt was named president and CEO of the Council Bluffs Chamber of Commerce in June 1992 after serving as executive director of the Brookings, South Dakota, Chamber of Commerce for five years.

“This is a sad day for Council Bluffs,” said James Watson, chairman of the Chamber’s Board of Directors. “Bob was a fantastic man who’s done a great job for Council Bluffs.”

Watson said Mundt will remain with the chamber here until April 14, adding that the chamber’s executive board will be meeting on a regular basis to start the task of naming Mundt’s replacement as president and CEO of the 800-member organization. Watson said any decisions regarding the scope of the search for Mundt’s replacement will be made by the executive board.

“Finding someone to fill Bob’s shoes will be difficult,” Watson said. “That’s a big set of shoes to fill. We’ll be looking for someone who can take the chamber to the next level. Finding a new director for a high-profile organization is always a challenge.

“Bob will clearly be missed,” Watson added. “The progress made in Council Bluffs over the past 25 years — sometimes with the chamber in front and sometimes with the chamber working behind the scenes — has been phenomenal. Fortunately, Bob has set up a machine that will continue working when he’s gone.”

Mundt said the Fox Cities Regional Chamber of Commerce, a combined chamber and economic development organization, serves four major cities and a number of smaller cities and villages spread out over a three-county area about 30 miles south of Green Bay, Wisconsin. 

“It’s a larger chamber organization with about 1,200 members,” Mundt said.

Mundt and his wife, Martha, have three children, two of whom have completed college, with the youngest still attending.

“I’ve been fortunate in being able to stay here for 25 years and raise my family,” Mundt said. “But I’m looking forward to the new challenge.”

Read more: The Daily Nonpareil

Indiana Chamber: Community Impact of I-69 Expansion Takes Center Stage at May 5 Summit

Now that the completion of the Interstate 69 corridor from southern Indiana to Indianapolis is becoming closer to reality, it’s time to look at how the state can take its moniker of “The Crossroads of America” to the next level. 

The I-69 Regional Summit on May 5 in downtown Indianapolis will focus on how this long-awaited connection through the state positively impacts communities along the route and what increased economic development efforts those areas can pursue.

The event is presented by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce and Hoosier Voices for I-69.

Speakers from across the United States and Canada will provide attendees with a comprehensive overview of the project and its magnitude, plus the potential economic opportunities that each community and the state has as a result. Experts also will examine ways to enable collaboration and leverage the new I-69 corridor from a statewide perspective.

The summit will open with the latest from the Indiana Department of Transportation on Section 5 and a timeline for Section 6, as well as updates on the Trump administration’s proposed transportation funding bill. Breakout sessions will cover topics such as branding and marketing strategies; the Canada/U.S. connection; economic development; zoning and tax credits; best practices and much more.

“We encourage business and civic leaders all along the I-69 route to attend this gathering. They will receive detailed information and a toolkit of ideas to take back to their own community or organization, as well as the chance to connect with experts who can be tapped into after the summit concludes,” says Indiana Chamber CEO Kevin Brinegar, who is also chairman of the board for Hoosier Voices for I-69.

A reception will be held May 4 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. The summit begins the morning of May 5 at 8 a.m. and concludes at 4 p.m. A luncheon from noon to 1:30 p.m. will be held May 5, with a keynote panel that includes Canadian Consul General Douglas George.

All events are held at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Indianapolis. 

Cost for the full summit (including the May 4 reception) is $269 per person.

Individual tickets to the May 4 reception are $69. Individual tickets to the May 5 luncheon are $69; a table of 10 at the lunch on May 5 is $600.

Register online by visiting www.i69summit.com or by visiting the Chamber’s web site at www.indianachamber.com/specialevents.

KY Transportation Cabinet COS Asa James Swan to Speak to Chamber Alliance

Asa James Swan, Chief of Staff to Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Secretary Greg Thomas, will serve as the keynote speaker for a meeting of the West Kentucky Regional Chamber Alliance (WKRCA) on Thursday, March 30.  The meeting will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the Community Financial Services Bank in Benton.

During his presentation Swan will respond to this question:  “In an environment of rising costs and increasingly-stretched funding, how will Kentuckians address the critical infrastructure needs facing our state?”  He will detail the challenges faced by the Kentucky Transportation  Cabinet (KYTC) over the past year and a half and will also discuss KYTC’s new prioritization model, SHIFT, which addresses these challenges. 

Prior to his current position, Swan served as a legislative liaison for the Transportation Cabinet. In addition, he also served as Legislative Director for former Kentucky 2^nd District Congressman Ron Lewis and as Interim Deputy Director of Coalitions with the US Senate Republican Conference.

Swan is a graduate of Huntington University in Indiana where he was a Rhodes Scholar candidate.  He received his Master of Arts degree in history from Western Kentucky University and is currently pursuing a doctorate in history at the University of Kentucky. He is a native of Campbellsville, Kentucky, and is married to Kentucky State Treasurer Allison Ball.

WKRCA is an alliance of Chambers of Commerce in 14 counties in western Kentucky from Fulton County to Christian County.  Both the WKRCA and its sister organization Chamber Leadership Initiatives for Northwestern Kentucky (C-LINK) have been strong advocates on the state and federal levels for the construction of Interstate 69, which is in its final stages of completion in Kentucky. CONTACT:  Fran Johnson, Executive Director, Phone:  270-408-4817, E-mail:  fjohnson@paducahchamber.org

Dearborn Area Chamber Announces New Director of Events and Media Relations

The Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce Zach Hayward as the new Director of Events and Media Relations.

Zach is joining the Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce team after working as a Field Representative for Congresswoman Debbie Dingell. With Congresswoman Dingell, Zach has worked with the Dearborn community and is excited to have the opportunity to work with the small businesses and advocate for this wonderful city: “I am thrilled to be able to have the opportunity to advocate for and pull together the business community of Dearborn and cannot wait to get started”.

 “We are delighted Zach’s joining our team at the Chamber!” commented Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce President Jackie Lovejoy. “His past experience and enthusiasm will contribute to our mission of growth, progress, and innovation that we deliver to our members and the community.”

Zach comes from an events and hospitality background from spending summers on Mackinac Island at the Grand Hotel with his father, Ken Hayward (Managing Director), and will bring those event planning skills to his new position.  

 Zach Hayward is an Okemos, Michigan native and University of Michigan, Ann Arbor graduate.

For more information, please contact the Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce by phone at 313-584-6100. Be sure to follow the Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce on Facebook at facebook.com/DearbornAreaChamber, on Twitter @DbnAreaChamber and online at www.dearbornareachamber.org for all the latest news and events.

The Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce provides 600+ members with the opportunities and resources to engage and network with other businesses, enhancing financial growth, professional development, and the ability to contribute to a thriving community environment. 

For More Information, Contact: Jackie Lovejoy, President, Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce, Tel: 313-584-6100 E-mail: jlovejoy@dearbornareachamber.org

Northern Virginia Chamber to Honor First Responders at 39th Annual Valor Awards

The Valor Awards, now in its 39th year, honor public safety heroes from the Fairfax County Police Department, Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department, Fairfax County Office of the Sheriff, Town of Vienna Police Department, and Town of Herndon Police Department who have put their personal safety at risk to keep our community and businesses safe. The event will be held on Friday, March 17, 2017, from 11:00 AM –1:30 PM at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner (7920 Jones Branch Dr., McLean, Virginia 22102). 

Chris Lawrence, News Anchor with News4 at 4, NBC4, will act as emcee. Registration is available online. Entry is $125 for a single ticket, or $1,250 for a table of 10.  Members of the media who plan to cover the event should contact Northern Virginia Chamber Director, Communications and Marketing, Alex Thompson, athompson@novachamber.org, to register.

HRC Event: Virginia Beach State of the City

Virginia Beach, VA –"When I think back to my first year as mayor, I can see just how far we have come,” said Mayor Will Sessoms, Mayor of Virginia Beach, “looking forward, I see so much opportunity still ahead." The Honorable Mayor Sessoms will be sharing his thoughts about those future opportunities for Virginia Beach at the Hampton Roads Chamber's first 2017 State of the City event on March 15th at the Virginia Beach Convention Center

Whether you live, work, or play in Virginia Beach, this event is not to be missed. This State of the City address is the premier annual forum for interaction among Virginia Beach's business, civic and community leaders. Mayor Sessom's address will highlight key business development initiatives, provide strategic municipal progress updates, address challenges and opportunities, and provide a glimpse into the City's future. "Exciting times are upon us, and we are looking at the potential for some incredible transformative projects," said Mayor Sessoms.. These forums draw up to 1200 guests each. Please plan to arrive early as the rooms will be seated to capacity.

Virginia Beach State of the City 2017

Date: March 15, 2017

Time: 12:00-2:00 pm

Where: Virginia Beach Convention Center

1000 19th St, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Day of Contact: Priscilla Monti

pmonti@hrchamber.com 757-470-6805

Oswego Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening of Tide Dry Cleaning

Recently the Oswego Chamber of Commerce celebrated Tide Dry Cleaning opening in Oswego with a Ribbon Cutting ceremony.  Attending were the owners, Manager and corporate members of Tide.

Highland Chamber sponsor: Candidates agree, school’s budget is No. 1 issue

Tensions over the impending April election were put aside, at least for an evening, as four of the six candidates for Highland School Board participated in forum sponsored by the Highland Chamber of Commerce on March 9 at the Louis Latzer Memorial Public Library.

The session was a two-hour discussion where Rene Friedel, John Hipskind, Zach Lewis and Aaron Schuster answered a set of questions procured by the chamber and the audience.

Candidates Duane Clarke and the Jim Gallatin did not attend the forum.

Nancie Zobrist, the chamber’s executive director, guided the forum as the candidates took turns answering two sets of questions. One set of questions was curated by the chamber, while the second came from the audience.

While there were a few differences in campaign priorities, the candidates all seemed to agree on multiple subjects including the overall theme of the night, the district’s desperate need for additional money.

Finance and budget

Many of the questions and answers dealt with the candidates’ strategies for balancing the district’s budget and how they proposed to advocate for the schools in the face of Illinois’ declining financial situation, a subject which all of the candidates agreed would be a monumental task.

“There is no magic answer to this,” Friedel said. “Everyone is brainstorming. Everyone is trying to find an answer to get our budget balanced… No one seems to know what the answers are… I think we are a strong loyal town, and I think we are going to continue to strive forward and fight for our students.” Read more: Belleville News Democrat

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

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

Birmingham-Bloomfield Chamber hosts community forecast; Shorewood Area Chamber: 2017 New Membership Referral Program March 1 - 31, 2017; #BestChamber Practices: Valpo Chamber Leadership Academy; Batavia Chamber of Commerce 2016 Community Guide & Membership Directory; #FamousChamber of Commerce Quotations (Favorite Quote); Kenosha Area Chamber: Last Chance to Submit Scholarship Applications!; Expert column - Hampton Roads chamber alliance moves regionalism beyond rhetoric; Port Commission, chamber, economic development group form partnership in Warren County; Kentucky Chamber interest: Oversight of development districts called for in legislation; Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S.

Happy Friday #Chamber World! Have a GREAT Weekend!

Birmingham-Bloomfield Chamber hosts community forecast

The Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual State of the Community Government Forecast Feb. 9 to share the economic status of the Birmingham-Bloomfield area and how the communities of Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township, Beverly Hills, Bingham Farms and Franklin are faring financially.

The government leaders for each of the six communities took turns giving presentations on the economic state of their respective municipality at the event, which took place at The Reserve Banquet Hall in Birmingham.

Birmingham City Manager Joe Valentine boasted that taxes in the city have gone down slightly since last year, the number of new home permits is going up, and the total taxable value of the community has finally returned to pre-2008 levels, recovering from the Great Recession. He also pointed out that crime is down 44 percent since 2006, with decreases in every category of crime that the Birmingham police investigate save for fraud.

Valentine said plans for the future include a reinvestment in Birmingham’s downtown infrastructure, particularly with sewer and water repairs, additional parking spaces, and improvements to the streetscape — such as more pedestrian-friendly sidewalks and more foliage. An upcoming major update to the city’s master plan — a municipality’s stated strategy and goals for the near future — was also noted.

Bloomfield Hills interim City Manager and Public Safety Director David Hendrickson remarked that the primarily residential community is thriving.

There are a number of building projects occurring in Bloomfield Hills, and Hendrickson reported that property values in the city are up 4.36 percent, and commercial property values specifically are up 1.76 percent, but he pointed out that there are only 57 commercial properties within the city. He said that although there is no significant business growth in the community at this time, being a desirable community with strong schools and one of the lowest tax rates in the county puts Bloomfield Hills on good footing to attract potential businesses in the future. Read more: C and G NEWS

Shorewood Area Chamber: 2017 New Membership Referral Program March 1 - 31, 2017

Any Chamber member during the month of March who is successful referring a business to join the Shorewood Area Chamber of Commerce will be given a credit to their Chamber account in the amount of $25 per referral. A member can refer an unlimited amount of new members. Send your referrals in today to Carol Wagner at president@shorewoodchamber.com. The person making the referral must be a current and active member of the Shorewood Area Chamber of Commerce. If a prospect is submitted more than once, the Chamber will honor the member who provided the first referral. Once the referred business joins the Shorewood Area Chamber of Commerce and their annual dues payment is received, the referring Chamber member's account will receive the credit.

Please call the Chamber Office if you have any questions at (815) 725-2900.

#BestChamber Practices: Valpo Chamber Leadership Academy

Leadership Academy is a four-month community leadership program that prepares, challenges, and engages emerging and existing leaders to strengthen the community. Participants are exposed to the larger community, exploring the public/city government sector, private business sectors, and not-for-profit organizations that play a role in building a strong community.

Interested in attending the 2017 Valpo Chamber Leadership Academy?

Download an application here!

Mission

The Valpo Chamber Leadership Academy provides a growing leadership pool of willing and able leaders for current and future civic, charitable, and governmental organizations in Valparaiso.
Overview

The Valpo Chamber Leadership Academy encourages individuals to be trustees of their community — to work for the common good — and to become a leader for the entire community. The program uniquely focuses on connection and engagement in community service - specifically, leadership roles.

The Valpo Chamber Leadership Academy complements other leadership organizations with a focus on the skills and knowledge necessary to be an effective leader in the community; for example, expectations of board service, governance, understanding financial statements, fundraising, ethics, accountability, and time management.

At the end of the Academy program, participants are expected to become continually, substantively, and actively engaged within community organizations in leadership roles.

The Leadership Academy was an outstanding experience. It provided a great venue to network and learn how to come together as a team to meet the needs of our community. It also provided a means to learn more about Valparaiso and how our community works together to meet its needs. The Leadership Academy’s partnership with the Purdue University Extension brought together a team of experts who each had unique gifts and experiences to share to help us as participants grow in our own leadership journeys. Each session had a targeted theme that enabled us to see outside of our own experiential lenses and grow to become a future leader in our community. I would recommend the Leadership Academy to anyone who wants to become an integral part of our community as well as develop and expand their leadership skills. – Anna Corkill, 2016 Leadership Academy Graduate from Lake City Bank

"I wasn’t 100% sure what to expect when I signed up for and was accepted to the 2016 Leadership Academy. But after only a couple of meetings with great speakers and a diverse group of fellow participants, I knew my decision to participate was the correct one.

Sponsors and guest speakers were generous with time and resources and understood the benefits of supporting leadership in the community. Whether it be assisting a local non-profit through board involvement or volunteering, or simply getting involved in community events, the Leadership Academy opens doors for participants to choose their own path.

The staff heading up the Academy were key to the program and were involved throughout the entire process. They offered different points of views and tools for participants to seek out their passion and how they might be a leader going forward.

I would recommend the Leadership Academy to anyone interested in learning not only about services/organizations/opportunities in their community, but about themselves. There’s a leader in all of us and the Academy helps find that leader." - Matt Workman, 2016 Leadership Academy Graduate from Meridian Title Corp.
Benefits of Leadership Academy

Whether you are new to that area or not, Leadership Academy participants will build a better understanding of the nature of community leadership and open new doors to opportunities within our community.
Exposure
Develop valuable contacts and communication networks within the community
Discover Valparaiso in a new way through panel discussions and conversations with local leaders
Gain awareness of critical issues facing the community today and into the future
Enrichment
Develop individual and organizational problem-solving skills
Discover leadership development networks, collaborations, and valuable community resources
Build confidence and motivation to become actively involved in the community
Engagement
Connect with current community leaders/mentors who share their experiences of community leadership
Build peer networks
Become continually, substantively, and actively engaged within community organizations in leadership roles
Interested in sponsoring the Leadership Academy?

Call Kurt Gillins for details: (219) 462-1105

Batavia Chamber of Commerce 2016 Community Guide & Membership Directory

The Batavia Chamber of Commerce 2016 Community Guide & Business Directory is available at the Batavia Chamber today! Thanks to Holly Deitchman 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.

#FamousChamber of Commerce Quotations (Favorite Quote)

Favorite Quote: “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”

These words are attributed to the wisest man who ever lived, King Solomon, and very aptly applies to how people grow through involvement in the McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce. - From Mc Henry Area Chamber of Commerce website – Kay Rial Bates, President

Kenosha Area Chamber: Last Chance to Submit Scholarship Applications!

The Kenosha Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation is accepting 2017 college scholarship applications through the end of this week. Please share with your employees so their children and dependents may benefit.

The scholarship is open to graduating High School Seniors that reside in Kenosha County, Wisconsin and have a connection to the Kenosha Area Chamber of Commerce either through a Member employer or a parent/guardian’s employer. The due date for applications is March 31, 2017 by 3:00pm.

Over the years, the Kenosha Area Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Foundation has given away thousands in scholarship funds to local Kenosha County High School students. They are our future leaders and we believe an investment in their education will set them on the right path to giving back to the community. The scholarship funds raised come from generous Kenosha area businesses participating in our fundraisers.  Kenosha Area Chamber

Expert column - Hampton Roads chamber alliance moves regionalism beyond rhetoric

By Bryan K. Stephens

Regionalism! We in the business community have been advocating it for years because we clearly understand its importance to economic development and the creation of a more pro-business environment. We understand the region is the organizing structure of the economy. Yes, we have multiple cities and counties but their economies are inextricably linked by tremendous economic overlaps and commonality of interest.

The old adage “a rising tide floats all boats” is certainly applicable in Hampton Roads.

At the Hampton Roads Chamber we’ve been boisterous proponents of regionalism for a long time. We’ve penned op-eds, we’ve held forums and panel discussions and we’ve even written it into our mission.

Well, enough talk. The local chambers in Hampton Roads mean business. We want to get things done for the business community in a big way so we’re moving past simply talking of regionalism and creating a Hampton Roads Regional Chamber Alliance.

The alliance will be made up of six local chambers: The Hampton Roads Chamber, Franklin-Southampton Area Chamber of Commerce, Isle of Wight-Smithfield-Windsor Chamber of Commerce, Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Alliance, Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce and the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce.

Working together, we will have a collective impact that will facilitate greater regional economic prosperity, growth, vitality and greater strength in shaping public policy related to regional business issues. There are no dues. There are no turf wars. There is no competition. The Regional Chamber Alliance will only focus on regional issues where there is unanimity among the members; local chambers will continue to focus on local issues. Each chamber stands on its own, as we always have, yet we come together to pool the businesses we represent to create one powerful voice on issues impacting the business community of the region. Read more: PilotOnline.com

Port Commission, chamber, economic development group form partnership in Warren County

Warren County’s economic development efforts will be governed by a nine-member board of directors under a partnership approved Monday by the Warren County Port Commission, the Vicksburg-Warren Chamber of Commerce and the Warren County Economic Development Foundation.

The boards signed a contract for economic development coordination that combines them into an economic development organization called the Partnership. Its board of directors will be composed of the five port commissioners and two each from the chamber and the foundation.

The port approved the agreement and economic development director Pablo Diaz’s contract at its meeting Monday afternoon. The chamber and the foundation signed off on the agreement several hours later.

Diaz’s official first day is April 1, the day the agreement becomes effective.

“I’m just delighted,” Port Commission chairman Margaret Gilmer said. “I think we have a home run in Mr. Diaz. I think Vicksburg is going to benefit greatly from this move.”

“The EDF, Port Commission and the chamber of commerce all join together under an umbrella organization that will work together to lead the economic development effort in our community,” said Mark Buys, chamber president.

“It’s really something that has never been able to be accomplished in Vicksburg, and we were able to do it in short order because we all know the benefits our community will have under this structure.”

Buys said there were some legal questions about the agreement that need to be resolved involving the organization’s structure.

“We’re working through that, and we think in short order we’ll clear that hurdle,” he said.

He said the board of the Partnership will hold the responsibility for hiring and firing employees, and support and consult with Diaz as needed. Read more: Vicksburg Post

Kentucky Chamber interest: Oversight of development districts called for in legislation

As a direct result of questionable spending by area development districts, including the Barren River Area Development District, lawmakers have pushed to the governor’s desk legislation intended to curb such issues.

House Bill 189 calls for more accountability of spending by the area development districts and provides more oversight. The legislation, co-sponsored by Rep. Jim DeCesare, R-Bowling Green, awaits approval from Gov. Matt Bevin.

One key provision of the bill was a point of contention in Bowling Green for nearly two years: bonuses for employees. BRADD contended that one-time bumps in pay for employees should not be considered bonuses.

The state, however, called for money used for that purpose to be paid back, and after much wrangling, some of it was.

HB189 specifies that “bonuses, awards, one (1) time salary adjustments, special salary enhancements, or severance pay for any employee, unless severance pay is provided pursuant to a contract approved by the board, that do not constitute a permanent change in the employee’s compensation shall not be made or awarded to any employee of a district.”

The legislation also requires ADDs that get any amount of state or federal funding to provide strict financial statements each year to outline administrative costs, direct and indirect expenditures, explanations of why any funds weren’t spent and reserves carried forward, among other items.

BRADD lost out on some of its workforce development funding because it wasn’t spent within the allocated time, among other reasons. BRADD no longer administers workforce development programs.

“This is a piece of legislation I’ve worked on for a couple years,” DeCesare said. “I got together with (Rep.) Susan Westrom (D-Lexington) and it was about not only here but the Bluegrass ADD. We got together last session and tried to work on it but it got bottled up. This time we brought everyone to the table, including from the ADDs, chambers and auditor’s office. We got a buy-in from everybody and had unanimous support through the process.”

DeCesare said his understanding is that Bevin supports the legislation.

“I don’t anticipate him not signing it,” he said.

Dave Adkisson, president and chief executive officer of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, said the legislation had bipartisan support in the House and Senate, passing unanimously in both chambers.

“Our interest in it originated with workforce money and how it was being spent,” Adkisson said. “It became a much broader issue of transparency. ... essentially requiring accountability measures that most state government agencies already abide by.” Read More: Bowling Green Daily News

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