Aurora Regional Chamber: Pre-K effort that advances '21st Century skills'; Lake County Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Guide & Membership Directory; Champaign County Chamber: "Pass a Budget"; Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce Director Of Government Affairs Joins US-India Chamber Of Commerce Midwest Board Of Directors; Oswego Chamber: Air Dynamics Ribbon Cutting; Career Opportunity: Manager, Membership Services & Events, Bolingbrook Chamber of Commerce; #BestChamber Practices: The Ottawa Area Chamber | Top 10 Reasons to Invest; Lindenhurst-Lake Villa chamber awards scholarship recipients; West Suburban Chamber of Commerce & Industry (WSCCI) Sponsorships and Tickets now Available for Annual New Teacher and Administrator Welcome Breakfast; Landmark Credit Union Celebrates Groundbreaking For New Muskego, Wisconsin Branch; The Wytheville-Wythe-Bland Chamber of Commerce: Southwest Virginia and Southern West Virginia Regional Job Fair; #FamousChamber of Commerce Quotation (Persistance); #FamousChamber of Commerce Quotation (Persistance); Christian County Recognized As A Great American Defense Community; #BestChamber practices: Goshen Chamber: Top 10 reasons to Join The Chamber; Flint & Genesee Chamber: Registration for ‘Catapult Business Plan Competition’ Due July 10; CDF permit application offers peek into possible development plans; 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!

Aurora Regional Chamber: Pre-K effort that advances '21st Century skills'

By Joseph Henning
Guest columnist


They're known by many names: Soft skills, character skills, employability skills, social-emotional skills. I prefer "21st Century skills," because they're as current and meaningful to workforce success as the so-called hard skills.

Initiative and creativity, flexibility and perseverance, collaboration and good communications -- whatever you call them, they're tough to measure but impossible to do without. And nearly every manager seems to have a story to demonstrate.

An IT worker with the sharpest computer skills still can be a major detriment to his office if he can't work well in teams and manage his frustration with colleagues. Voices are raised, meetings are called, warnings are issued -- and too often, the cycle repeats itself, burning-up time and money until the employee exits, one way or another. Then come the costs of turnover, from lost productivity to recruiting and any necessary training.

In a new, national poll of 300 executives, conducted for the ReadyNation business leader network, almost two-thirds reported knowing someone who's lost a promotion -- or a job -- due more to poor social-emotional skills than technical capabilities.

Furthermore, more than three out of five reported bigger challenges finding workers with adequate social-emotional skills than with good technical expertise. Ninety percent of business leaders said it's harder to develop those 21st century skills among adults entering the workforce than among the young. Nearly as high a percentage indicated support for doing just that: focusing on children -- our future workforce -- through greater public investments in early learning supports.

This subject is as important in Illinois as anywhere else in the country. Our state ranks 11th nationally in the number of youngsters under age 5 who've encountered two or more Adverse Childhood Experiences, or ACEs. These range from poverty to parental divorce to parental addiction problems -- circumstances that, individually or collectively, can sadly stunt a youngster's learning and development in long-lasting ways.

We can help to rein-in the effects of such experiences, setting children on a course toward success in school and careers, through better investments in high-quality preschool and similar supports. Research has demonstrated that participation in high-quality preK not only helps children with such basics as early math and literacy, it can curb problematic behavior and improve kids' self-control. And one longitudinal study of kindergarteners showed that, for every one-point increase in "character skills" scores, a child was 54 percent more likely to graduate from high school and 46 percent more likely to have a full-time job at age 25.

These are reasons I'm proud of our preK efforts in Aurora -- one of nearly 20 Illinois communities that are combining state and federal preschool resources in a new way, extending Illinois' typically half-day preK program into a full day of developmental services for thousands of the most at-risk 4-year-olds statewide. This initiative already has opened 170 such classrooms in the past couple of years -- but it requires further state investment to continue. Read more: Daily Herald

Joseph Henning is president and CEO of the Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce.


Lake County Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Guide & Membership Directory

The Lake County Chamber of Commerce 2016 Community Guide & Membership Directory is available at the Lake County Chamber! Thanks to Stewart Kerr, Renee Coco 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.

Champaign County Chamber: "Pass a Budget"

The Champaign County Chamber of Commerce is encouraging its Chamber members and the local community to upload its "Pass A Budget" social media profile icon for the duration of the Illinois General Assembly Special Session.

"Business, labor, education, government, social services and the general public are not going to agree on how the budget impasse gets resolved," said Laura Weis, president & CEO of the Chamber, "but one thing that is uniting all Illinoisans is the need for the General Assembly to do their jobs and pass a state budget."

Weis continued "We wanted to identify a way to send a message to our Illinois elected officials a nonpolitical statement that says inaction is not an option. Our hope is that people, businesses, organizations will adopt the profile icon and light up social media for the remaining 8-days of session. This is an opportunity for us to share a singular message as Illinoisans."

Weis also stated, "At this point in time, when a budget is finally passed, no one will be happy. It is simply too late for elected officials to try to appease their constituents. Compromise has to happen and we are all going to have to live with the results. We have reached the tipping point. Our elected officials all have a social media presence. We know that social media can be a crowded space, so our hope is that if we can get people to share the same message, the same image, it will have some impact." Read more: Champaign County Chamber


Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce Director Of Government Affairs Joins US-India Chamber Of Commerce Midwest Board Of Directors

Naperville, IL. (June 20, 2017) – The Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce (NACC) Director of Government Affairs, Colin Dalough, was recently installed as a Board Member with the US-India Chamber of Commerce Midwest. This relationship between the NACC and the US-India Chamber of Commerce Midwest will allow both organizations to work more closely together on regional business growth and advocacy.

“The NACC and the US-India Chamber of Commerce Midwest share the same goals of increasing our regional competitiveness. We hope to cooperate for our mutual benefit and are excited about this opportunity,” said Nicki Anderson, President and CEO of the NACC.

“The US-India Chamber of Commerce serves an important population in our community. I am eager to promote growth for the Naperville area and our significant Indian American businesses. We can achieve more prosperity together,” said Dalough.

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


Oswego Chamber: Air Dynamics Ribbon Cutting

Recently the Oswego Chamber of Commerce hosted a Ribbon Cutting ceremony to celebrate Air Dynamics Heating and Cooling’s new location in Stonehill Industrial Park.  Air Dynamics was also the recipient of the Chamber of Commerce’s Splash award this year at the Annual Dinner.  For more information on Oswego Chamber members go to www.oswegochamber.org

Air Dynamics Heating and Cooling 

Career Opportunity: Manager, Membership Services & Events, Bolingbrook Chamber of Commerce

The candidate chosen for this position will utilize education and skills to create and implement a comprehensive annual membership campaign, ensure retention and upgrade of current membership, and the proper delivery of services for our members. This role will be responsible for four overarching goals:

1.       Achieve specific revenue goals from membership-levels

2.       Retain the overall number of members through a specific target

3.       Ensure a positive member experience through creation, marketing, and implementation of a successful membership services program.

4.       Design, develop, and market programmatic initiatives to enhance and develop members as active participants.

Responsibilities:

·            Manage the relationship & oversight of overall membership; including maintaining & documenting     monthly schedule of member reviews

·         Serve as project manager for the production of membership information delivery and collateral     material – including e-mail, e-news, newsletters, brochures and other publications and mailings

·         Manage the sale and delivery of low-volume advertising and sponsorship products

·         Increase membership enrollment in our business development groups

·         Assist the event committees to ensure all revenue and expense goals are achieved

·         Work with strategic partners to deliver chamber programs and awareness to member employees

·         Attend community functions to proactively market the Chamber

·         Organize and schedule membership visits to insure ongoing relationships.

·         Arrange educational visits for Executive Director  and Chamber Board of Directors at key employers, investors, and industries

·         Work with staff to reach organizational goals as they relate to receivables and expenses

·         Other duties as it relates to membership services and events as assigned.

Required Knowledge & Skills:

·         Candidate must have a Bachelor’s Degree in business administration, communications, marketing or related field

·         Minimum of three years membership and/or marketing experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience

·         Salesmanship and the ability to inspire and motivate prospective members

·         Proficient with the use of Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

·         Experience with media technologies, such as blogs, twitter, and online social marketing preferred

·         Excellent communication skills both written and verbal are a must, including proper email etiquette

·         The ability to stay organized, work on multiple projects at the same time, and have excellent time management skills in a fast paced environment

·         Must have dependable transportation and flexible hours as some weekend and evening events will be required

Compensation:

The position offers a competitive salary along with paid vacations, flexible scheduling, and paid holidays. We also offer monthly cell phone stipend. The position does not offer any health or retirement benefits.

Any applicant should forward their resume and cover letter to info@bolingbrookchamber.org


#BestChamber Practices: The Ottawa Area Chamber | Top 10 Reasons to Invest
#1 Make New Business Contacts… Networking is still the main reason businesses join the Chamber. Many opportunities enable you to meet potential customers, clients or vendors.

#2 Save Your Company Money… By participating in Chamber functions and meeting new business contacts, you can learn how to save money and time for your business.

#3 Market Your Products Or Services… Take advantage of the Chamber’s many low cost marketing opportunities, including event sponsorship. There are other FREE marketing opportunities offered only to members , including the Chamber’s new gift certificate program.

#4 Increase Your Access To Information… Use our demographic or economic profiles to plan marketing strategies! Members can order mailing labels or lists of members for a nominal fee to increase YOUR prospect base. Members receive the quarterly newsletter, “Focus on Progress”, in addition to 8-10 copies annually of the Economic Development and Member Services newsletters.

#5 Enhance Your Leadership Skills and Get Involved… Increase your company’s competitive edge by volunteering for one the Chamber’s teams. It is a win-win situation when you get involved in the community where you work and live.

#6 Contribute To A Better Workforce… With the assistance of our members, the Chamber continues to work with local schools, colleges and universities to provide local business owners with skilled, qualified employees

#7 Invest in a Healthy Economy… Relocation or expansion of companies means more jobs and more potential customers for you! Investing in the Chamber helps Ottawa promote quality growth.

#8 Gain a Voice… The Chamber is your representative on the local, regional, state and national level. Your voice is heard on important regulatory, legislative and educational issues that directly affect your business. The Public Policy Team is actively involved in identifying issues that affect YOU.

#9 Gain a New Perspective… The staff and membership of the Chamber working as a voluntary group, tells the real story of your community. The Chamber is a place where potential residents and businesses gain their first impression of the soundness and hospitality of your community.

#10 Gain A Credible Referral… When the Chamber receives requests, we only refer our member’s businesses. Those who have made the investment in the Chamber deserve the reference. Becoming a member of the Chamber promotes credibility in your business, lends prestige and can also bring you new business.


Join Today! For more information, please contact us.



Lindenhurst-Lake Villa chamber awards scholarship recipients

The Lindenhurst-Lake Villa Chamber of Commerce recently announced its 2017 Paul Yurs Scholarship recipients at their May luncheon at Reflections Restaurant on Deep Lake.

This year's recipients are: Teaghan Callaway and Hannah Dexhimer, both graduates of Lakes Community High School in Lake Villa.

Dexhimer will be attending the University of Michigan, with a major in nursing. Callaway will be entering Dartmouth College with a major in economics and a minor in public policy.

The luncheon speaker was Paul Baffico, founder and president of Lake County Veterans and Family Services Foundation, who presented "What Memorial Day Means to a Veteran."

Lake County Veterans and Family Services assists veterans in getting jobs, finding housing, gaining health care, and connecting them with each other and the benefits they earned and deserve. REad more: Daily Herald

West Suburban Chamber of Commerce & Industry (WSCCI) Sponsorships and Tickets now Available for Annual New Teacher and Administrator Welcome Breakfast

Each year, area business leaders join together to welcome new teachers and administrators to our local school districts. It’s the perfect opportunity to show your support for these professionals and wish them well as they begin a new school year educating our region’s future leaders, employees and consumers.

This year is the West Suburban Chamber’s 115th Anniversary Year, and we will pay special tribute to and highlight D204 which encompasses the majority of the region. This district offers outstanding programs that successfully connect education to business and students to employers. Don’t miss this year’s program!

Tickets are just $40. Register today at wscci.org. Or, contact Suzi Wirtz (suziw@wscci.org) to customize a sponsorship package that includes tickets.

PrinciPal Sponsor $2,000 Investment … Includes company logo on marketing materials, signs, program cover, social media posts (pre- and post-event), 3 attendees and insert in resource bag.

Teacher’s Pet Sponsor $1,000 Investment … Includes company logo on marketing materials, signs, program cover, 2 attendees and insert in resource bag.

Apple of My Eye Sponsor $500 Investment … Includes company logo on marketing materials, signs, name inside program, 1 attendee and insert in resource bag.

Table Sponsor $300 Investment … Includes company logo on table and name in program.

Sponsor Individual Teacher(s) for just $40 each. Company name will be mentioned in social media.

Event sponsors are invited to provide resource and gift items for the welcome bags. Items (125 quantity) can be delivered to WSCCI (9440 Joliet Road) by August 10th.

Examples of items: pens, pads of papers,

cookies/candy/treats/, coupons for FREE items.

ALSO! We need donations ($50+ value) for the New Teacher Welcome Raffle and this is a great way to market your business. More Inforamtion: Suzi Wirtz (suziw@wscci.org)


Landmark Credit Union Celebrates Groundbreaking For New Muskego, Wisconsin Branch

In a June 21 ceremony, Landmark Credit Union celebrated the groundbreaking for a new branch location in Muskego, Wisconsin. Building construction will begin in early July, with the branch expected to open this winter.

"We are pleased to be part of this great revitalization project and to have the opportunity, in partnership with the LaMacchia Group, to build a beautiful new branch location," said Jay Magulski, President and Chief Executive Officer. "Our new Muskego branch will allow us to more directly deliver our brand of financial services to the nearly 3,700 members who reside in this robust and growing community."

The groundbreaking was attended by Muskego Mayor Kathy Chiaverotti, Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Krisann Durnford, other city officials and Landmark team members.

Landmark Credit Union is Wisconsin's largest credit union, with $3.4 billion in assets and 620 employees, who serve over 300,000 members at more than 30 locations throughout Southern Wisconsin. SOURCE Landmark Credit Union

The Wytheville-Wythe-Bland Chamber of Commerce: Southwest Virginia and Southern West Virginia Regional Job Fair

The Wytheville-Wythe-Bland Chamber of Commerce is co-sponsoring the Southwest Virginia and Southern West Virginia Regional Job Fair.

July 10, 10 am – 2 pm

Bluefield Auditorium

Employers and job seekers throughout Southwest Virginia and Southern West Virginia are invited to participate in a regional job fair hosted by area Chambers of Commerce with special guests Congressman Morgan Griffith and Congressman Evan Jenkins. WVVA is currently running the attached commercial on the Job Fair.

For more information: 304.327.7184 or info@bluefieldchamber.com

Sponsored by:
WVVA
Greater Bluefield Chamber of Commerce
Princeton-Mercer County Chamber of Commerce
Tazewell Area Chamber of Commerce
Richlands Chamber of Commerce
Giles County Chamber of Commerce
Wytheville-Wythe-Bland Chamber of Commerce

More information: Wytheville-Wythe-Bland Chamber of Commerce - www.wwbchamber.com




#FamousChamber of Commerce Quotation (Persistance)


“Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan ‘press on’ has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.” - Calvin Coolidge

Christian County Recognized As A Great American Defense Community
Members of the Christian County Military Affairs Committee and Christian County community leaders traveled to Washington D.C. for the Association of Defense Communities National Summit where they were recognized for their efforts that improve the quality of life for service members, veterans and their families. During the summit, the delegates met with Senator Mitch McConnell, Senator Rand Paul, and Congressman James Comer. 

Among the many reasons Christian County was recognized as a Great American Defense Community is the success of the Military Spouse Leadership Program. This innovative program connects newly arrived military spouses with the wider community through a variety of networking and educational opportunities.

"It is an honor for our community to serve military families and to be recognized among our peers as a community that sets the gold standard for others to follow. We are expanding our program of work to include a focus on the needs of modern military families," said Katie Lopez, Director of Military Affairs with the Christian County Chamber of Commerce.

The Great American Defense Communities program, developed in conjunction with the House and Senate Defense Caucuses was designed to highlight the unique contributions of cities, counties and regions that host installations make to improve quality of life for military families. 

Association of Defense Communities representatives will be presenting the award to the Christian County community during the July 1st Pickin' on the Porch at MB Roland Distillery. 

Trip attendees included: Amy Frogue, Traci Cunningham, Katie Lopez, Jerod Kaufman, David Jones, John Mahre, Kelli Pendleton, Sheryl Ellis, and Heather Lancaster.

More information about the Christian County Military Affairs Committee can be found at www:christiancountychamber.com

For additional information contact:

Katie Lopez, Director of Military Affairs

270-885-9096

klopez@christiancountychamber.com 




#BestChamber practices: Goshen Chamber: Top 10 reasons to Join The Chamber


In These Challenging Economic Times...

An investment in the Chamber is even more valuable in challenging economic times. The Chamber is where you're welcomed by fellow members and staff ready to help you build your business and who can refer you to their family, friends and fellow members. It's a network of people doing business together where you have promotional opportunities at all times. Join now or contact the Chamber at 845-294-7741 for more information.

Top 10 Reasons to Join The Chamber

1. Networking- Make important business connections.

2. Credibility- Being a member says you belong to the Goshen community.

3. Discounts- Save money many products and services.

4. Seminars- Keep your competitive edge as sharp as possible.

5. Chamber Publications- Targeted, effective and affordable advertising to reach businesses and community.

6. Referrals- Steering consumers to member businesses.

7. Political Advocacy- The Chamber takes care of issues so you can take care of business.

8. Community Affairs- Promotes and recognizes programs that can make our community a better place to live and to do business.

9. Publicity- Free exposure helps your company prosper.

10. Small Business Advocacy- The Chamber has a special focus on the needs of small business.

Join Today! Contact the Chamber at 845-294-7741


Flint & Genesee Chamber: Registration for ‘Catapult Business Plan Competition’ Due July 10

Entries are being accepted for the Second Annual Catapult Business Plan Competition, with cash prizes for local and regional winners totaling $30,000.

Sponsored by the I-69 Thumb Region, a seven-county economic development partnership, the competition was created last year to “catapult” entrepreneurs and small-business owners to the next stage in growing their businesses. The prize money is designed to help winning contestants retain and grow Michigan businesses by providing capital to launch, expand production or hire staff.

The competition targets existing small businesses or startup businesses in the following industries:

• Advanced manufacturing
• Craft agriculture and beverage
• Logistics
• Professional services
• Technology

The I-69 Thumb Region includes Genesee, Huron, Lapeer, Sanilac, Shiawassee, St. Clair and Tuscola counties. Each of the seven participating economic development organizations will hold a county-level competition, with a $2,000 prize for first place and $1,000 for second place.

The first-place winners for each county will move on to a regional contest of September 21, with a chance to win the top prize of $5,000. Cash prizes of $3,000 and $1,000, respectively, will be awarded for second and third place in the regional finals.

The competition uses an online process for applications and submittal of company information. Interested companies or individuals are required to create a profile and answer a few questions about their business or business idea on the Startup Compete website using the following link:  https://i69catapultbusinescomp2017.startupcompete.co

Once this process is completed, competitors have until July 10 to upload their maximum three-page executive summary and upload pitch presentations of not more than 10 slides. Competition judges will review and narrow the submissions down to no more than eight for the pitch event(s) to be held in August and September.

In Genesee County, the Small Business Development Center and Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce will be providing support to applicants that need technical assistance with registration, help writing the required executive summary or presentation coaching.

For more information about how to apply, visit http://i-69thumbregion.org/.

The I-69 Thumb Region is a partnership of the Economic Development Alliance of St. Clair County, Flint & Genesee Chamber, Lapeer Development Corporation, Sanilac & Huron County Economic Development Corporation, Shiawassee Economic Development Partnership and Tuscola County Economic Development Corporation.


CDF permit application offers peek into possible development plans

 The Community Development Foundation is seeking federal approval to construct several large structures at a proposed industrial and business park, though it’s not clear when those structures may be built or who would bear the costs.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recently released notice that CDF has submitted an application seeking permission to undertake construction which may discharge soil or other materials into nearby waterways.

The site of the proposed construction involves a small part of an as-yet undeveloped industrial and business park CDF has dubbed the Hive.

In total, the Hive consists of about 1,000 acres located to the north of Highway 6, to the south of Main Street, or old Highway 6, and to the west of Bissell Road.

As detailed in the discharge permit application, the proposed construction involves multiple structures totaling one million square feet and parking lots and roads totaling a little over 700,000 square feet.

The application lists the purpose of this construction as economic development.

The city of Tupelo and Lee County recently formed an economic development alliance and agreed to undertake at least some development of the Hive site at public expense, including the possible construction of roads as well as water and sewer infrastructure.

CDF President and CEO David Rumbarger said there are no plans for Tupelo and Lee County to bear the costs of any building construction at the Hive industrial park.

Likewise, CDF itself doesn’t plan to construct any of the proposed buildings.

With that said, Rumbarger was cryptic as to the purpose of the application.

“The application is just another step in the process of getting the newly established park ready for future development,” Rumbarger said. “We want to be ready.” Read more: Daily Journal

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