Monday, May 8, 2017

A West Michigan business coalition grows; Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Map; Indiana Chamber Executives Association: Is Yours An Award Winning Chamber? Nominations Accepted Through June 1; The Future of Norfolk with Mayor Kenneth Cooper Alexander; Downtown Brookhaven in the running for “America’s Main Street”; Interstate Designation for Breathitt Parkway passes U.S. Senate, now on its way to President's desk; Greater Beloit Chamber: Interested in learning more about Dale Carnegie?; Note from the U.S. Chamber: Celebrate Small Biz Week by Dreaming BIG!; #ChamberHeart: Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce Community Project: Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S.


Good morning #Chamber World! Make it a GREAT week!


A West Michigan business coalition grows


A group advocating for the West Michigan business community has grown to include two more members: the Grandville Jenison Chamber of Commerce and Lakeshore Advantage

The West Michigan Chamber Coalition advocates on policy issues impacting employers across the region. Now made up of six regional business organizations, the group represents more than 6,000 companies with a combined 250,000 person workforce.

"This is the right time to be at the table with the other partners and strengthen our relationship," said Sandy LeBlanc, Grandville Jenison Chamber's of executive director, in a statement.

The coalition's efforts have a direct impact on Lakeshore Advantage's work, says Jennifer Owens, the economic development group's president.

"It plugs us into issues occurring at the regional, state and national level, that ultimately impact our economic development efforts," Owens said. "Collaboration is the name of the game, and we can have an outsized influence when we join forces."

The chamber coalition formed in 2005 to advocate on behalf of West Michigan businesses on specific issues with a regional impact.

Founding members are the Chamber of Grand Haven, Spring Lake and Ferrysburg; Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce; Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce and Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce.

The coalition has focused on infrastructure, regulatory policy and talent impact on West Michigan businesses regardless of jurisdictional boundaries, according to Rick Baker, CEO of the Grand Rapids chamber.

"The Coalition will continue to provide enabling services, broaden and enhance its communications, and work as a regional collaborator and game changer on policy issues," Baker said. Read more: M Live



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!

 Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Map




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. 


Indiana Chamber Executives Association: Is Yours An Award Winning Chamber? Nominations Accepted Through June 1

Nomination inquiries are abundant in for the 2017 ICEA Annual Awards to be given out next month while we are in South Bend. Consider nominating your Chamber.  Submissions must be received no later than June 1, 2017 and nominations should be mailed or e-mailed to: 

ICEA
P.O. Box 377
Hanover IN 47243 
info@iceaonline.com.  

Additional details may be found with the links below:


Plan on joining peers in South Bend for the 2017 Annual Conference scheduled for June 21-23.  Registration is now open and additional details can be found by clicking here



The Future of Norfolk with Mayor Kenneth Cooper Alexander

The Hampton Roads Chamber is proud to host The Honorable Kenneth Cooper Alexander, Mayor of Norfolk, as he delivers his inaugural State of the City Address on May 12th at the Hilton Norfolk The Main Hotel and Conference Center. During his address, Mayor Alexander will highlight key business development initiatives, provide strategic municipal progress updates address challenges and opportunities, and offer a glimpse into Norfolk’s future.  The Hampton Roads Chamber works to be an inspiring ignitor, powerful economic partner, and impactful advocate for the cities of Hampton Roads. The chamber hosted State of the Cities Series is a key initiative that highlights all three of those strategic goals.


Norfolk State of the City

Date: Friday, May 12th, 2017

Time: 11:30am-12:00 Networking & Registration
12:00-2:00pm Lunch & Program

Cost: $60 (Members), $80 (Prospective-Members)
Where: Hilton Norfolk The Main
100 E. Main Street
Norfolk VA 23510

Day of Contact: Priscilla Monti, pmonti@hrchamber.com 757-470-6805






Downtown Brookhaven in the running for “America’s Main Street”


Brookhaven pride is special. And could be prize-winning.
The city is one of 25 quarterfinalists nationwide vying for the title of America’s best Main Street. It’s an online poll and Brookhaven needs votes to win the contest.
“I think Brookhaven made it to the top 25 because we have a community that is so proud of itself and its accomplishments — proud of its downtown, proud of its retail corridor and its quality of life — that they want to show it off to the rest of the country and the rest of the world,” said Garrick Combs, executive director of the Brookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce. “There’s a pride that’s special.
That mindset may have been a key factor in Brookhaven making it this far in the “America’s Main Streets” contest, sponsored by Independent We Stand, a national small business movement.
The contest invites the public to vote online for their favorite main street area. Visit mainstreetcontest.com and click on Brookhaven’s profile to vote. Votes are allowed once every 24 hours.
Brookhaven is the only Mississippi city in the contest and one of only a few from southern states.
The Home Seekers Paradise has seen growth in its historic downtown area, with new businesses setting up shop and more buildings being restored. Lots of downtown events also bring new awareness and economic impact to the area.
“There has been an incredible outpouring of love for hundreds of main streets and main street organizations across the country in this year’s ‘America’s Main Streets’ contest and we couldn’t be more excited,” said Independent We Stand co-founder Bill Brunelle. “We are in our second year of the contest and are so happy to see the passion and pride these nominees have for their main streets and the local businesses that keep them alive.”
More than 156,000 votes were cast for 242 nationwide nominees during the nominations phase of the contest, and the field has been narrowed to 25 quarterfinalists. Daily Leader

Interstate Designation for Breathitt Parkway passes U.S. Senate, now on its way to President's desk




The stretch of Breathitt Pennyrile Parkway between the new I-69 and I-24 could very soon be designated as an interstate.

The FY2017 Omnibus Appropriations bill which contained a number of important Kentucky priorities passed the Senate today.

Federal interstate designation for the existing Breathitt Parkway between I-24 and I-69-a provision introduced by Sen. Rand Paul and which Sen. Mitch McConnell helped secure in the bill-will help improve traffic safety and to draw employers and economic development to the Hopkinsville area.

This has been the number one economic development project in Christian County for the Chamber of Commerce. "This is another step forward for our community," said Kelli Pendleton, President/CEO of the Christian County Chamber of Commerce, "We've been very strategic in our efforts to move this project. A lot of work went into this and we are thrilled to see it pass the Senate today. We are very grateful to our legislators at both the state and federal level who supported our efforts this year".

Senator Rand Paul introduced the legislation at the federal level. Senator Mitch McConnell and Rep. James Comer were also supportive of getting it through. Pendleton said state support was also crucial in this effort with Representative Walker Thomas introducing legislation that supported the designation which was co-sponsored by several other legislators including Rep. Myron Dossett. That legislation was signed this session by Gov. Matthew Bevin.

Obtaining the designation will enhance this growing region by helping to bring in much needed economic and tourism dollars. "This worthwhile project is coming to fruition because of an organized, persistent, and collaborative approach between the city, county, Christian County Chamber of Commerce, and other stakeholders who understand the importance of economic development" said Mayor Carter Hendricks, City of Hopkinsville. "Simply put, this is a game changer for our region and we're excited to maximize this opportunity."

The Appropriations bill now goes to President Donald Trump for his signature.

For more information contact the Chamber of Commerce at (270) 885-9096. Media Contacts: Kirstie Darnall, Director of Events & Marketing, kdarnall@christiancountychamber.com






Greater Beloit Chamber: Interested in learning more about Dale Carnegie?

The Greater Beloit Chamber will host an introductory Dale Carnegie Course Free Session on Wednesday May 1oth.
Look around you at successful business people, world leaders, professional athletes and famous entertainers. You’ll find a disproportionately high number of Dale Carnegie Course graduates. In fact, the Dale Carnegie Course has transformed the lives of over 8 million graduates.

Who should attend: Employees at all levels in a corporation who seek to maximize their performance, become stronger leaders and add more value to to the organization.
Time: 8:30 – 10:00 AM Location: 635 Third Street, Beloit (IronTek)

Contact Jon Walrath @ 608-445-8580 or jon.walrath@dalecarnegie.com to RSVP.




Note from the U.S. Chamber: Celebrate Small Biz Week by Dreaming BIG!

Help us celebrate small business.

In recognition of National Small Business Week, we encourage you to register for a chance to win $25,000 dollars!

Take a moment to apply or to recognize the standout small businesses in your community by nominating one or more for the Dream Big Small Business of the Year Award.

How does it work?

A business must meet the following requirements to be eligible for the Dream Big Small Business of the Year Award:
Operates primarily within the United States
Have less than 250 employees
Gross revenues of less than $20 million in 2015 and 2016
Provide support (in-kind and/or financial) to their community
Must be able to attend the Small Business Summit in Washington, D.C. from September 10-13. 

Apply now!

Nomination is not required for award consideration, but all eligible small businesses must complete the application form by May 31.

Small businesses can also be considered for a Business Achievement Award. The top judges’ scoring entry in each of these six new categories will be selected as the final winner.

The $25,000 Prize!

The 2017 Small Business of the Year award winner will receive national recognition and a $25,000 cash prize! The Small Business of the Year Award and Business Achievement Award winners will be honored at the Small Business Summit in Washington, D.C. on September 12, 2017.

Now is the time to dream BIG! Start your nomination or application online today!

Sincerely,
The Small Business Series Team, U.S. Chamber


#ChamberHeart: Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce Community Project 

On Saturday March 4th, a slumber party was held at the Sterling-Rock Falls Family YMCA as part of the Sleep Well, Live Well project.  This project, where 80 beds were donated to 80 children was made possible because so many community partners were willing to donate their products, services, time and energy.  This project started as a conversation between, Mike Ceruzzi, Director of Operations for Watershed Development, which owns and operates the Sterling Aaron’s, Andy Thornton, CEO of the Sterling Rock Falls Family YMCA, and Kris Noble, Executive Director of the Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce, and continued to grow as more community partners became interested in being involved.  This community is a great place to live and work, yet we know that some families may need support as they face difficult times.  This project was done to help 80 kids with one of our most basic needs, a good night’s sleep.  However, a bed was only part of the project.  Another great aspect was the relationship building, as these children and their families were invited to the YMCA for a night of food, fun and fellowship.  After a meal of Chicken George, provided by Candlelight Inn, families then participated in games and activities that were administered by Y staff and volunteers.  Parents then left for the night and the Slumber Party Began!  Children swam and then climbed into their brand-new beds and watched a movie before lights out.  Sunday morning, Sterling McDonalds provided breakfast before parents arrived to pick up their kids.  The beds were then delivered to each of the children by the staff at Aaron’s. 
Thank you to all our partners who made this possible: Aaron’s, Sterling-Rock Falls Family YMCA, Candlelight Inn, Sterling McDonald’s, Sterling Wal-Mart, CGH, Sterling Public Schools, Rock Falls District #13, East Coloma, Montmorency and Morrison Schools, St. Andrews school, Re/Max Sauk Valley, US Cellular, Frary Lumber - Angie Rosengren, GPA - Sterling Township, Wesley United Methodist Church, Rock Falls Jr. Optimists/Rock Falls High School, and the City of Sterling Police Department.  

Kris Noble                                                  Andy Thornton
Executive Director                                      Executive Director

Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce  Sterling-Rock Falls Family YMCA



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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