Chicago Fed: Index Points to Increased Midwest Economic Growth in March; Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber Local Landscaping Camp to feature butterfly gardening; Chamber YPN: Who will be at the Clarkston Food Truck Rally?; Illinois Chamber leader: Bloomington-Normal economy strong compared to others; City of Ridgeland Chamber of Commerce 2016/2017 Community Map; Hampton Roads Chamber: Small Business of the Year Awards 2017; Indiana State Forecast Projects an Extra $200M; Danville-Boyle County Chamber seeks gun competitors in new fundraising event; Sheboygan County chamber director to retire in December; Note from Ken Brengle: Executive Director of the Mammoth Lakes Chamber of Commerce CA; Orion Area Chamber of Commerce: Healthy Body, Healthy Mind 2017; News from the IRS: National Small Business Week; Biggby Coffee CEO Bob Fish to Speak at Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber’s Inaugural Business Forum in May; Boone County Chamber hires new director; #BestChamber Practices: Clarkston Area Chamber: Calling All New Members! News from Jasper Chamber: American Pickers coming to Indiana in June; Michigan Association of Chamber Professionals and Microsoft: Sign Your Members Up for These Three Microsoft Webinars and Earn Chances to Win a PowerBeats 3 Wireless Earset! Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S.

Chicago Fed: Index Points to Increased Midwest Economic Growth in March

The Midwest Economy Index (MEI) rose to +0.60 in March from +0.28 in February. All four broad sectors of nonfarm business activity and all five Seventh Federal Reserve District states made positive contributions to the MEI in March. The relative MEI increased to +0.40 in March from +0.23 in February. All four sectors and four of the five states made positive contributions to the relative MEI in March. Read more

Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber Local Landscaping Camp to feature butterfly gardening

By Rosie Vassollo

Oxford-Lafayette Chamber of Commerce

Spring fever is definitely contagious this time of year as one yearns to plant flowers and add color to their landscape. Even more comforting is watching butterflies dance around your flowers adding a sense of ease and comfort to a hectic day.

Carson Ellis, horticulturist for the Memphis Botanic Garden will be sharing her knowledge, tips and ideas on how to make your garden enjoyable for you and butterflies at the upcoming Landscaping Camp to be held on May 26-28 at The Inn at Ole Miss hosted by the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Foundation Retirement Attraction Program.

Ellis, who manages two gardens at the Memphis Botanic Garden, the Anne Heard Stokes Butterfly Garden and Delta Heritage Garden, is passionate about environmental sustainability and the conservation and promotion of native plant species and communities, and practices these values in her gardens. She is currently serving on the steering committee for the newly-formed Tennessee Plant Conservation Alliance and is hoping to develop the Delta Heritage Garden into a demonstration site for small-scale sustainable agriculture while continuing the expansion and development of naturalized plantings for the Anne Heard Stokes Butterfly Garden.

Before moving to Memphis in 2015, she interned at both the Asheville Arboretum and Highlands Biological Research Station in North Carolina and has an associate’s degree in Horticulture Technology from Haywood Community College, as well as a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from Mount Holyoke College.

“I enjoy working in the butterfly garden because I have a lot of creative freedom, independence to research and design the plantings, and a strong sense of connection to the space,” she said. “The work as a horticulturist is not always glamorous, but having the support to bring my ideas and vision to fruition has made it a rewarding venture. I am also excited to announce that, in 2016, we were officially certified as a Monarch Waystation.”

Among other speakers planned during the camp will be Jeff McManus, whose expertise in landscaping has gained the University of Mississippi accolades of being named “The Most Beautiful Campus” by a number of national publications as well in Newsweek 2011 and just recently in USA Today’s Readers Choice competition. A personal tour is scheduled on the first day of the camp with McManus as he shares his knowledge and secrets, followed by an Opening Dinner/Book Signing where each participant will receive two books he has written.

Educational seminars that will also take place include, “How to Prune Your Shrubs,” with Jeff McManus; “Creating a Bird-Friendly Landscape,” with Mitch Robinson from the Strawberry Plains Audubon Center; and “Talking Turf” with David Jumper with the UM Golf Course as well as receive time-saving tips for a low maintenance yard. In addition, Donna Yowell, executive director, Mississippi Urban Forest Council will speak on “Cut Flower” gardening so one can snip to their heart’s content. Read more: Oxford Eagle

Chamber YPN: Who will be at the Clarkston Food Truck Rally?

More than a dozen food trucks and plenty of live music will highlights some of the top culinary treats in the region when the Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce’s Young Professional Network will host the second Food Truck Rally.

The event is set to take place from 5 to 9:30 p.m. on Friday, May 19. It will feature 16 food trucks and will take place in the Neiman’s Family Market back parking lot, 7121 Dixie Highway in Independence Township.

Food trucks will include:

• Delectabowl

• Shredderz

• Nosh Pit Detroit

• The Mean Weenie Advertisement

• Monkey Business Concessions

• Crepe-Day-Twah

• Grillwich Tot Stop Foodtruck

• Drifter Coffee

• Streetside Sushi

• Cafe Cortina

• Marconi’s Pizza

• Hero or Villain Van

• Backyard Roasters

• The Salt & Sugar Co.

• Curbside Cuisine

• Matt and Mo’s

Local talent Sam Van Waggoner, a singer-songwriter who performs acoustic shows heavy in American roots music, and Red Herring, a four-piece rock band, will perform live on two stages.

Presenting sponsors for the event include Genisys Credit Union and Al Deeby Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.

Major sponsors include Smith’s Disposal, The Oakland Press and McLaren Clarkston. Oakland Press

Illinois Chamber leader: Bloomington-Normal economy strong compared to others


Even though the local economy may not be as strong as everyone would like, it’s still better than most in Illinois, the president and CEO of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce said Wednesday.

“I think a lot of the places in the state are envious of this area,” said Todd Maisch, one of the keynote speakers at the 8th Annual Economic Summit sponsored by Commerce Bank and the Commerce Trust. “It has some challenges, but there are a lot of places in the state that would like to have the economy that McLean County has.”

Maisch, who is based in Springfield, praised the McLean County Chamber of Commerce for its strong role in the local economy.

“Charlie Moore and his group of people do a great job here,” he said.

Maisch said the future of the local economy, though, largely depends upon what happens with the state budget.

“We have been 22 months without a state budget and what is happening is that the state is spending $38 billion each year, but only producing $32 billion of revenue each year,” he said. “So that is $6 billion each year that we are falling short.

"I can remember in the days of Jim Edgar when he was governor and we had a deficit of maybe $2 billion and we thought that was a lot. Now, it’s more like $22 billion.”

Maisch holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois and an MBA from Illinois State University.

“It’s always good to come back home,” he said. “My parents met at Wesleyan, so I have roots going back pretty far.”

Joining Maisch at the meeting was Scott Colbert, executive vice president, chief economist and director of fixed income at the Commerce Trust Company. Read more: Pantagraph


City of Ridgeland Chamber of Commerce 2016/2017 Community Map

The new City of Ridgeland Chamber of Commerce 2016/2017 Community Map is available at the City of Ridgeland Chamber today! Thanks to Linda Bynum, Sandy Baas and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!

City of Ridgeland Chamber 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. 

Hampton Roads Chamber: Small Business of the Year Awards 2017

“Small Business of the Year is the most coveted award we could ever receive as a small business here in Hampton Roads,” said Martin Joseph of 360 IT Partners. As the 2013 Hampton Roads Small Business of the Year award winner, Joseph knows the impact this award brings to a small business. The 2017 Hampton Roads Small Business of the Year Awards recognizes one business from each Hampton Roads Southside city. During this event the overall Hampton Roads Small Business of the Year winner is announced from the field of Southside city winners. This year The Hampton Roads Chamber will also honor three emerging businesses with the Hampton Roads Small Business Top To Watch award. This category is for businesses that have been in operation for less than 3 years, but are making big strides in the local business community. Prior to the program, past and present winners will have exhibitor displays in the ballroom to showcase their contributions to the community.

Small Business of the Year Awards 2017

Date: Tuesday, May 2

Time: 11:30am-12:00pm Networking, Registration & Winner Showcase
12:00pm-1:30pm Lunch & Program

Cost: $40 (Members), $55 (Non-Members)
Where: Chesapeake Conference Center
700 Conference Center Drive,

Chesapeake, VA 23320

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

Indiana State Forecast Projects an Extra $200M

Indiana is expected to have about $200 million more to spend over the next two years than previously thought. However, Indiana Chamber of Commerce Vice President of Taxation and Public Finance Bill Waltz tells Inside INdiana Business not to expect lawmakers to act like "their pockets are bulging." The Indiana State Budget Agency's latest forecast suggests a .7 percent increase in expected revenue. Waltz says, while that money likely won't impact the larger infrastructure improvement plans, it could boost smaller spending measures like an expansion of the state-funded pre-k pilot program.

The agency says most of the revenue increase is expected to come from individual income taxes. Waltz says, while he "did not expect a huge increase," the $200 million figure is a bit higher than he expected.

The On My Way Pre-K program currently covers about 2,300 students in five Indiana counties. Chamber Chief Executive Officer Kevin Brinegar has called on at least $10 million in additional funding this budget cycle, but says some coalition partners would like to see up to $50 million allocated for an expansion. 

All IN 4 Pre-K, a business coalition that includes companies such as PNC Bank, Eli Lilly and Co. (NSYE: LLY) and Cummins (NYSE: CMI) is among those calling for more funding. The group says expanding the program is an "educational imperative for the state." Demand was so strong for the program in its first year that United Way of Central Indiana Vice President of Public Policy Andrew Cullen told Inside INdiana Business Television last year that 3,500 applicants were turned away.

Last week, the Indiana Senate passed its version of a two-year state budget proposal. Senator Luke Kenley (R-20) said the proposal would increase K-12 funding and expand the pre-k pilot program to all 92 counties while maintaining $1.8 billion in reserves. Read more: Inside Indiana Business

Danville-Boyle County Chamber seeks gun competitors in new fundraising event

The Danville-Boyle County Chamber of Commerce is seeking out those comfortable handling a pistol in a shooting competition for this year’s fundraiser.

“We thought it was different,” said Lisa Knetsche, Chamber of Commerce board chairperson. “There’s lots of dinners, silent auctions. We thought this might tap a different segment of the community, that might enjoy a friendly competition.”

For the first time, the chamber is hosting the Chamber Steel Challenge at the Sugar Creek Range in Lancaster on May 6. 

According to the website for the Sugar Creek Range, a steel challenge is a competition which involves shooting steel targets. 

Cost to participate is $200 for a team of four. The cost includes a continental breakfast, a box lunch and T-shirt. Shooters must be 21 years or older; spectators, which are welcome at the event, must be 13 or older. 

There will be five stations with five targets which each participant will try to shoot — two attempts at each target. Individuals will be scored separately, but the team score will be the one in the rankings.

Scoring will be based on speed and accuracy. Each participant will be required to bring a .22 pistol that holds at least 10 rounds, 100 rounds of ammunition and a case for their weapon. Weapons will be required to be in cases when not in use. Foam earplugs will be provided, but shooters are encouraged to bring their own hearing and eye protection, if possible. Eye protection is required for all shooters and spectators who aren’t wearing sunglasses or regular glasses. Read more: Advocate-Messenger


Sheboygan County chamber director to retire in December

Betsy Alles, executive director of the Sheboygan County Chamber, announced she plans to retire at the end of the year.

Alles arrived in Sheboygan in 2010. Her last day at the chamber will be Friday, Dec. 29.

"This has been and will continue to be an amazing ride and I am so grateful," Alles said in an email. "I knew when I accepted this position that the potential was unlimited. I could hear it in the voices of our members and I could sense it on my many forays out into this beautiful county. Tapping that potential with you as a partner has brought me unbounded joy and satisfaction."

"As the braggart-in-chief extolling the many virtues of the lakeshore area, it’s been a huge privilege to witness the growth of this region and the excitement that happens here every day in anticipation of the next positive announcement," she said.

The chamber’s executive committee will launch a search for Alles' replacement in May. Read more: Sheboygan Press

Note from Ken Brengle: Executive Director of the Mammoth Lakes Chamber of Commerce CA

John:

Hope this finds you well. Just an FYI, I just started last week as the Executive Director of the Mammoth Lakes Chamber of Commerce. Great mountain community with a top of the line ski resort, Mammoth Mountain. Check it out, www.visitmammoth.com or our website www.mammothlakeschamber.org  I am looking forward to building a strong program here in the Eastern Sierra’s.

Take care, 

Ken Brengle, CCE, IOM Executive Director

Mammoth Lakes Chamber of Commerce

+1-760-934-2712 x1333

2520 Main Street (POB 3268) | Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546

MammothLakesChamber.org



Orion Area Chamber of Commerce: Healthy Body, Healthy Mind 2017

We are still registering vendors!   Join your fellow Chamber members at our Healthy Body Healthy Mind Expo on Saturday, May 20th, from 1 - 4 pm, at Waldon Middle School. Exhibitor $175 Non-Profit Exhibitor $75 Electricity $25 Gold Sponsor $500 Silver Sponsor $250 Soup and Stew Stroll and Dessert Dash contests Enter your best soup/stew or dessert, provide 350 samples, and the booth fee is waved. Healthy Taste of OrionProvide 350 samples of your healthiest foods and the booth fee is waived. Lake Orion DDA, Oxford Chamber, and Oxford DDA businesses,  fill out this form and return to the OACC with payment to register for the HBHM Expo.

News from the IRS: National Small Business Week In recognition of National Small Business Week, April 30 to May 6, the IRS is highlighting products to help small business owners and self-employed individuals understand and meet their tax obligations though the following links: ·         Small Business Taxes: The Virtual Workshop ·         Small Business and Self-Employed Tax Center ·         Independent Contractor (Self-Employed) or Employee?

Biggby Coffee CEO Bob Fish to Speak at Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber’s Inaugural Business Forum in May

 BIGGBY COFFEE CEO Bob Fish will address local business leaders and the public at the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber of Commerce’s inaugural Business Forum luncheon on Friday, May 19, 2017 from 11:00 am – 1:30 pm at Crystal Gardens Banquet & Conference Center in Southgate. The event, presented by Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital, is open to the public.

Fish will be the fifth guest speaker in the Chamber’s 2017 Forum Series, and the first of the new Business Forum Series events. The series is designed to promote communication between business leaders, and to inspire business and community leaders to make a difference in our region.

“The Chamber and our entire community is honored and excited to welcome Bob Fish to our region in May,” commented Ronald J. Hinrichs, president of the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber of Commerce. “Bob is a true inspiration to entrepreneurs around the nation, and we are thrilled to learn from the story of a successful small business that has grown into a national coffee franchise.”

Space is limited and registration is required for this event. Tickets are $20 each, and can be purchased at www.swcrc.com, or by calling the Chamber office at 734-284-6000. Tickets are available at the door for $25 per person.

Corporate Sponsors for this event are AT&T, BASF Corporation, DTE Energy, Monroe Bank & Trust, The News-Herald, SEMCA, United States Steel, Wayne County Community College District, Downriver Community Conference, Signarama of Metro Detroit, and Public Service Credit Union. Bronni Vision Boutique of Woodhaven is sponsoring a table of high school students at this event.

Businesses can sponsor a table of high school students to give our youth the opportunity to engage in public policy and to learn more about our region. Contact the Chamber office to learn more at 734-284-6000.

Be sure to follow the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber of Commerce on Facebook at facebook.com/SWCRC and the Chamber website for all the latest Chamber news and events.

The Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber of Commerce provides nearly 600 members with the opportunities and resources to engage and network with other businesses and community partners, enhancing financial growth, professional development, and the ability to contribute to a thriving community environment. Read more: www.swcrc.com  

Boone County Chamber hires new director

After a Valentine's Day resignation from former Boone County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Michelle Wiltermood, the chamber's board of directors named its replacement on Thursday.

Diane Schultz of Zionsville will be the next executive director. In an email to The Reporter, Schultz said she would begin her tenure on May 1.

"I am very excited for this wonderful opportunity to work with businesses, organizations and residents throughout Boone County," she wrote.

Until that time, Schultz will continue in her role as the director of member services of the Zionsville Chamber of Commerce. She also recently served for a few months as the Zionsville chamber's interim executive director. Before working for the Zionsville Chamber, Schultz held a marketing position at Senior1Care.

“Diane was a great addition to the Zionsville Chamber of Commerce,” said Zionsville Chamber President Kris Patel in the release. “I know that the Boone County Chamber of Commerce is in good hands with Diane’s commitment and work ethic. The Zionsville Chamber will sorely miss her presence, but we wish her well in her new endeavor and look forward to future collaboration.”

#BestChamber Practices: Clarkston Area Chamber:  Calling All New Members!

New Member Orientation - April 5, 2017, 11:45am @ The Chamber Office

New Member Orientations will alternate between morning and afternoon meeting times!

Join us in April for LUNCH provided by Rainforest Cafe. We have developed a quick start overview of Chamber member value, tips and tricks, secrets of getting the most out of your chamber membership. This is a great opportunity to jump start the value you get out of your membership, while networking with other members! Sponsored by Bowman Chevrolet More information: Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce <info@clarkston.org>

News from Jasper Chamber: American Pickers coming to Indiana in June

Hello,

My name is Alina and I work with History’s American Pickers. The American Pickers, Mike and Frank, are heading to Indiana this coming June 2017 and we're looking for leads throughout the area, specifically for interesting people with interesting items and lots of them! We'd love to spread the word in your area.

I’ve attached a press release, flyer, and photos.  Sharing these with your community through your newspaper, website, or social media would be greatly appreciated. We are trying to get the word out as soon as possible, so the sooner people with collections reach out to us the better. Please make sure people who are interested reach out to us on our phone number 1-855-OLD-RUST (653-7878), or our email, which is AmericanPickers@cineflix.com.

My contact info is below, so please don't hesitate to call me with any questions. Thank you so much for your time and help! Looking forward to hearing from you!

               

Sincerely, 

Alina

646-561-8390

Michigan Association of Chamber Professionals and Microsoft: Sign Your Members Up for These Three Microsoft Webinars and Earn Chances to Win a PowerBeats 3 Wireless Earset!

For your participation, Microsoft Partner Vision Computer Solutions is giving away a PowerBeats 3 Wireless Earset ($199.95 value). Qualifying is simple; complete the following:

• Inform your membership of the National Small Business Week webinars listed below. This can be done via newsletter, website, social media, or all three. To make things simple, we invite you to copy and paste the text, images, and RSVP links below into your own material. 
• Include Abbey Renee Colville (acolville@vcsolutions.com) in your event communications so she can verify your participation. 
• Register each event you plan to promote with Microsoft Community Connections. By doing so, this will provide you a copy of Microsoft Office 365 Home Edition ($100 value) as a giveaway to be used at your discretion. 

Need assistance registering? Contact Orchid OwrakiJat (v-orowra@microsoft.com).

For each event you register with MCC (plus the inform & include steps listed above) you will receive an entry to win the PowerBeats

Tuesday, May 2 @ 2:00 PM 

15 Everyday Productivity Tricks

Learn how to make your software work better for you. We'll be showing you 15 productivity tricks to achieve more for your business with Office 365. At the end, we'll save time to answer any of your questions. RSVP: nsbw1.eventbrite.com


Wednesday, May 3 @ 2:00 PM

Keeping Your Business Safe from Cybercrime

Cybercrime impacts a lot of users every year. In fact, 1 in 5 small businesses are targeted every year. Join us in a 30 minute discussion about how cybercrime has evolved and actions your business can take to prevent the bad guys from getting to your data or costing you money. RSVP: nsbw2.eventbrite.com


Thursday, May 4 @ 2:00 PM

Microsoft Demystified, Answering Your IT Questions

The cloud, Office 365, the Internet of Things: it seems there is a new technology phrase emerging yearly. In this 30-minute session we will demystify IT terminology, provide you helpful small business knowledge, and answer any questions surrounding Microsoft and Office 365. RSVP: nsbw3.eventbrite.com

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