Good morning #Chamber World! It's going to be a GREAT day!
Virginia Chamber Unveils 22nd Annual List of Virginia's Fastest Growing Companies - The Fantastic 50
The Virginia Chamber of Commerce celebrated fifty of the fastest growing Virginia companies at the twenty second annual “Virginia’s Fantastic 50 Awards Banquet” on April 27 at the Westfields Marriott in Chantilly. More than 400 attendees participated in the banquet to recognize the companies for their success.
“We know that companies will grow and expand where they have the skilled workforce to support their mission,” said Barry DuVal, president and CEO of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce. “We are glad to toast the entrepreneurial spirit of these Virginia business leaders and the dedicated employees who have brought these companies continued su2017ccess.”
At the conclusion of the awards banquet, the Chamber announced four Virginia Vanguard winners, recognized for the highest growth in the categories of service, technology, manufacturing, and recognizing the company with the highest overall growth in Virginia. The 2017 Virginia Vanguard Winners are:
Highest Overall Growth: Darkblade Systems, Stafford County
Technology: GuidePoint Security LLC, Herndon
Service: Axis Global Enterprises, Virginia Beach
Manufacturing: O’Connor Brewing Company, Norfolk
A full list of the Fantastic 50 award winners is available below.
About the Awards—Virginia’s FANTASTIC 50 award program is a signature event of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce. Now in its 22nd year, the FANTASTIC 50 program is the only annual statewide award recognizing Virginia’s fastest growing business.
Nominations for the 2017 FANTASTIC 50 were sought last fall from local chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, and through the sponsors’ networks; companies may also nominate themselves. Read more: Virginia Chamber
Double Decker Arts Festival in Oxford – Big time fun for everyone
Rapid City Chamber Roots: He's At The Center Of Congress' Toughest Battles — And Loving It
The energy is long gone from the cavernous Maryland convention hall when Kevin Brady strides onstage on a Friday afternoon in February. Short, cue-ball-bald and easygoing, he’s as far as it gets from the morning’s entertainment at the Conservative Political Action Conference, when President Donald Trump amped up an electrified crowd. “Are you ready to tear this tax code up by its roots?” the 11-term congressman asks in his flat amalgam of South Dakota and Texas accents, to mild woos from the half-full crowd.
A short speech is followed by questions from the editor-in-chief of the hard-right Breitbart News, who points to criticism of Brady’s proposed border adjustment tax on importers. Brady calmly explains why, in his view, the tax helps American manufacturers. Months later, Trump will avoid the idea in releasing his own deficit-bursting outline for tax reform.
It does not appear terribly fun to chair the House Ways and Means committee these days — witness the two prominent congressional car wrecks: Obamacare repeal and tax reform. Brady admits to having sleepless nights, he tells OZY, but not from stress. He’s newly unshackled after a decade either in the minority in Congress or with a Democrat in the Oval Office. Sure, these bills aren’t whizzing through, but at least they have a chance. “It is honestly hard to sleep because I’m excited about what we’re doing in tax reform, health care and what I hope over time to be able to do in Medicare and Social Security as well,” Brady says, tacking on politically explosive Republican privatization plans that Trump campaigned against because, sure, what the hey. “These are once-in-a-generation challenges.”
Brady finds stress relief from a fractious gang of House Republicans, legions of lobbyists and a madcap White House during weekend bike rides and barbecues with his wife and two teenage sons at home north of Houston. But his laid-back nature masks a mean competitive streak and a relentlessness for lawmaking behind closed doors. He’s also seen far worse in his life than congressional infighting.
When he was 12 years old, his father, an attorney in Rapid City, South Dakota, was gunned down by a vengeful husband during a divorce proceeding in which he represented the wife. Kevin was at football practice when the coach pulled him out and led him to a sheriff’s deputy, and he learned his mother would be raising five children on her own. The loss left a void and an inspiration: William Brady had been active in the local Democratic Party, Kevin’s uncle was a state senator, and his mother encouraged community involvement.
Brady started working for the Rapid City chamber of commerce because he didn’t know what he wanted to do and figured it would expose him to all kinds of businesses. Instead, chamber became a career, and watching his businesses tangle with government turned Brady into a Republican. His first elected post was on the city council at age 26, and after new chamber jobs took him to Texas, Brady joined the state legislature in 1991 and then Congress in 1997. In Washington, he rose through the ranks as a collegial member eager to dig in on tax policy without throwing rhetorical bombs. A tight relationship with current Speaker of the House Paul Ryan didn’t hurt.
Brady started working for the Rapid City chamber of commerce because he didn’t know what he wanted to do and figured it would expose him to all kinds of businesses. Instead, chamber became a career, and watching his businesses tangle with government turned Brady into a Republican. His first elected post was on the city council at age 26, and after new chamber jobs took him to Texas, Brady joined the state legislature in 1991 and then Congress in 1997. In Washington, he rose through the ranks as a collegial member eager to dig in on tax policy without throwing rhetorical bombs. A tight relationship with current Speaker of the House Paul Ryan didn’t hurt. Read more: OXY.com
Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce 2017 Business Directory and Resource Guide
The Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce 2017 Business Directory and Resource Guide is available at the Virginia Peninsula Chamber today! Thanks to Mike Kuhns, Suzy Johnson 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.
Greater La Porte and Michigan City Chambers host State of the County
La PORTE — The Greater La Porte Chamber of Commerce and Michigan City Area Chamber of Commerce will host the State of the County April 28 at Heston Hills Event Center, located at 1933 E. 800 N., La Porte, IN 46350. The event will feature a speech by County Commissioner President Rich Mrozinski. Registration will begin at 11:00 a.m. with lunch starting at 11:30 a.m. This 2nd annual event will highlight the accomplishments of La Porte County in the past year and will showcase the goals of the upcoming year. Read more: News-Dispatch
#FamousChamber of Commerce Quotation: (Vision)
"I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free" - Michaelangelo
Kentucky Companies Looking to Export can Receive Grants via State Trade Expansion Program: kyndle
For Kentucky small businesses looking to begin or grow their international sales, funds are still available through the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP).
STEP grants, administered by the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development and awarded by the US Small Business Administration, reimburse up to $5,000 in expenses of small businesses as they seek foreign trade opportunities.
“For small businesses seeking to expand their customer base, selling abroad is an important channel to consider. Our Cabinet encourages entrepreneurs and business owners to look at the past successes of STEP-assisted companies and decide if the program is right for their businesses,” said Terry Gill, secretary of the Cabinet for Economic Development. “We truly appreciate the opportunities the Small Business Administration’s STEP grant provides to companies throughout the commonwealth.”
Kentucky received $467,000 in STEP funding for the program’s fifth year, which ends Sept. 29, 2017. Of that, $155,000 remains to support up to 31 eligible small businesses.
Lexington-based tech startup WearWare Inc., which developed a compact, wearable HD video system called FlyWire Cameras, used a STEP grant to attend an ocean-tech trade show in San Diego last month. Although the show, Oceanology International North America, was in the US, its international-trade nature made it a qualifying expense.
Last year, WearWare used STEP grants to reimburse translation of its website into Spanish and an international sales trip to Mexico.
“What’s been so helpful about having STEP support is, when you’re a company in one country that’s developed a product that solves problems for people in other cultures, countries, companies and industries, one of the biggest challenges is how to connect all the dots. STEP allows us to do just that,” said Jacob Isaac-Lowry, founder and CEO of WearWare. “We can meet the people in foreign markets key to making those connections – foreign embassies, commercial service reps and customers – all of whom help you to build an international distributor base. Those are long-lead collaborators, customers, lines of communication and prospects. Getting up to speed on that is critical for a growing business.”
STEP grants are designed to provide companies with the resources, connections and knowledge necessary for exporting. STEP also works to increase the volume of exports for Kentucky companies already in the international marketplace. The creation and cultivation of international demand for Kentucky-made products and services leads to business growth, investment and job creation across the state.
Allowable STEP grant expenses include:
- Airfare
- Meals and lodging
- Parking, baggage and currency exchange fees
- Ground transportation
- Shipping fees for product samples to international prospects
- Trade show registration fees, booth space and mission fees
- The Gold Key Matching Service
- Export training
- Stipends for website translations into foreign languages
- Meeting space audio and visual
- Compliance
STEP is a component of the Kentucky Export Initiative (KEI). Through KEI, the Cabinet partners with a coalition of agencies and organizations. KEI streamlines and elevates the state’s efforts to help Kentucky businesses reach global markets.
Following a record year for exports in 2016, the commonwealth’s export growth ranks it among the nation’s leaders. Last year, Kentucky businesses shipped $29.24 billion in products and services to nearly 200 countries. Kentucky exports rose while the nation’s exports as a whole decreased 3.2 percent from 2015.
STEP uses the SBA’s small business size standards to determine eligibility. Those can be found at http://bit.ly/SBAstandards. To learn more about STEP and to apply, visit http://bit.ly/STEPfaq. Find out more about Kentucky’s exporting efforts at www.KyExports.com.
Information on Kentucky’s economic development efforts and programs is available at www.ThinkKentucky.com. Fans of the Cabinet for Economic Development can also join the discussion on Facebook or follow on Twitter. Watch the Cabinet’s “This is My Kentucky” video on YouTube. Read more: kyndle
Dixon Chamber, economic development president retires after 3 decades
John Thompson hung up his economic development and chamber of commerce hats Thursday.
The 67-year-old Dixon native has spent the past
3 decades as president of the Dixon Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the past 2 decades as enterprise zone administrator and president of the Lee County Industrial Development Association.
“I’m very appreciative of the opportunities I’ve had, the support I’ve had and the ability to work with lots of great people,” Thompson said during his last day in the Chamber office Thursday.
His efforts to recruit, retain and grow area industries include the Invenergy Nelson Energy Center, Lee Energy Nachusa Generating Station, Union Pacific Railroad Global III Intermodal, Spectrum Brands-Rayovac packaging and distribution center, UPM Raflatac Inc., as well as a variety of wind farm projects.
The investment of those projects is estimated at north of $1.5 billion and 5,000 jobs.
“It’s been a privilege to do several large projects when most people in my position are lucky if they complete one big project throughout their time,” Thompson said.
Landing new or expanding businesses that add jobs to the community is gratifying work, but it comes with its share of failures along the way, he said.
“Everyone sees the successes; they don’t see the times you failed to get across the finish line,” Thompson said. “I had to be positive, even when I got knocked down.”
He also coordinated extending enterprise zone benefits for Rochelle-area companies Nippon Sharyo Manufacturing, U.S. Silica Coated Sand Solutions, MightyVine, and CHS Ethanol. Read more: SaukValley.com
Milton Tourism grant totals $24,000
Four Milton non-profit organizations are banding together to host the second year of Wally’s Music Festival, a 1980s rock music festival. This year, they are getting help from a $24,286 Joint Effort Marketing Grant from the Wisconsin Department of Tourism. The Milton Area Chamber of Commerce, The Gathering Place, the Milton Historical Society and Milton FFA Alumni are once again hosting the "Big Hair" music festival, featuring a variety of ’80s rock bands as well as a wide selection of food and beverage vendors. Wally’s Music Festival will take place June 2-3 at Schilberg Park.
"This project clearly demonstrates that funding tourism marketing initiatives produces a sound return on investment for the local economy," said Gov. Scott Walker in a news release issued Monday. "Tourism is part of Wisconsin’s economic foundation and its continued growth is a priority for my administration because of the nearly 191,000 jobs it supports, the tax revenues it generates, and the positive image it projects for the State."
Wally’s Music Festival showcases variety of musical talent, including a tribute to Prince and Band Camp, which teaches kids how to perform live in front of Wally’s Music Festival fans. The festival is expected to attract approximately 3,000 visitors, generating an estimated $177,000 in visitor spending in Milton and the surrounding areas. Grant funds will go toward online, print, radio and television advertising efforts to help expand marketing to the Milwaukee and Chicago markets.
"We’re excited to support the growth of this fun and creative event," said Tourism Secretary Stephanie Klett. "Wally’s Music Festival give music fans, especially ’80s rock music lovers, the opportunity to explore Milton and the surrounding community, all while creating a positive economic impact for the area. Read more: HNG NEWS
Daniel Papineau Joins Michigan Chamber of Commerce Lobbying Team
The Michigan Chamber of Commerce announced today that Daniel Papineau has joined the statewide business organization as Director of Tax Policy.
Papineau comes to the Michigan Chamber with a strong background in tax policy issues, as well as legislative process, having served for five years as Chief of Staff for State Senator Jack Brandenburg, who chairs the Senate Finance Committee. Papineau most recently served as director of government relations for a southeast Michigan-based trade association.
"We are very pleased to welcome Dan to the Michigan Chamber's Business Advocacy Team," said Michigan Chamber President & CEO Rich Studley. "Dan's policy expertise and lobbying experience make him an excellent addition to our team."
"Making Michigan's tax climate the best in the country is a legislative priority of the Michigan Chamber," noted Jim Holcomb, Senior Vice President for Business Advocacy & General Counsel for the Michigan Chamber. "Dan's experience as a legislative staffer and as a lobbyist will further strengthen the Chamber's already effective business advocacy efforts."
"We are confident Dan will hit the ground running and further the Chamber's efforts to deliver powerful advocacy on behalf of our members," Holcomb added.
Papineau holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from Michigan State University. Read more: prnewswire.com
Four Milton non-profit organizations are banding together to host the second year of Wally’s Music Festival, a 1980s rock music festival. This year, they are getting help from a $24,286 Joint Effort Marketing Grant from the Wisconsin Department of Tourism. The Milton Area Chamber of Commerce, The Gathering Place, the Milton Historical Society and Milton FFA Alumni are once again hosting the "Big Hair" music festival, featuring a variety of ’80s rock bands as well as a wide selection of food and beverage vendors. Wally’s Music Festival will take place June 2-3 at Schilberg Park.
"This project clearly demonstrates that funding tourism marketing initiatives produces a sound return on investment for the local economy," said Gov. Scott Walker in a news release issued Monday. "Tourism is part of Wisconsin’s economic foundation and its continued growth is a priority for my administration because of the nearly 191,000 jobs it supports, the tax revenues it generates, and the positive image it projects for the State."
Wally’s Music Festival showcases variety of musical talent, including a tribute to Prince and Band Camp, which teaches kids how to perform live in front of Wally’s Music Festival fans. The festival is expected to attract approximately 3,000 visitors, generating an estimated $177,000 in visitor spending in Milton and the surrounding areas. Grant funds will go toward online, print, radio and television advertising efforts to help expand marketing to the Milwaukee and Chicago markets.
"We’re excited to support the growth of this fun and creative event," said Tourism Secretary Stephanie Klett. "Wally’s Music Festival give music fans, especially ’80s rock music lovers, the opportunity to explore Milton and the surrounding community, all while creating a positive economic impact for the area. Read more: HNG NEWS
Daniel Papineau Joins Michigan Chamber of Commerce Lobbying Team
The Michigan Chamber of Commerce announced today that Daniel Papineau has joined the statewide business organization as Director of Tax Policy.
Papineau comes to the Michigan Chamber with a strong background in tax policy issues, as well as legislative process, having served for five years as Chief of Staff for State Senator Jack Brandenburg, who chairs the Senate Finance Committee. Papineau most recently served as director of government relations for a southeast Michigan-based trade association.
"We are very pleased to welcome Dan to the Michigan Chamber's Business Advocacy Team," said Michigan Chamber President & CEO Rich Studley. "Dan's policy expertise and lobbying experience make him an excellent addition to our team."
"Making Michigan's tax climate the best in the country is a legislative priority of the Michigan Chamber," noted Jim Holcomb, Senior Vice President for Business Advocacy & General Counsel for the Michigan Chamber. "Dan's experience as a legislative staffer and as a lobbyist will further strengthen the Chamber's already effective business advocacy efforts."
"We are confident Dan will hit the ground running and further the Chamber's efforts to deliver powerful advocacy on behalf of our members," Holcomb added.
Papineau holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from Michigan State University. Read more: prnewswire.com
Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S.
Town Square Publications, a division of the Daily Herald Media Group, is a national chamber custom publishing group that specializes in developing partnerships by producing high-quality print and digitally integrated publications along with other added value programs dedicated to creating relevancy for local chambers of commerce and other membership focused organizations interested in raising non-dues revenues.
Town Square Publications parent company, Paddock Publications, has over 100 years’ experience of print product development and dedicated customer service in communities throughout the Midwest. Our experience allows Town Square Publications to offer you attractive royalty and non-dues revenue share streams, provide direct distribution of your custom designed printed publications, including digital and mobile integration, and all with the quickest turn-around times available in the industry. Town Square also offers multi-media maps in both print and online formats, both with our No-Cost guarantee. More information: Town Square Publications
Chambers of Commerce and member focused organizations serve as a valuable resource in the local marketplace. The networking opportunities and representation with a wide variety of diverse businesses in your community is the catalyst of a successful organization. For further information about Town Square's publishing partnership with chambers of commerce and our No-Cost guarantee and Earned Revenue Share Program, To request your chamber publication or map proposal, contact Town Square Chamber Proposal
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