Virginia Peninsula's Chamber Military Affairs Council 2017 Career Fair; Trey Grayson leaving Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce; #BestChamber practices: Hollywood Chamber of Commerce:Top 10 Reasons to Invest; Jefferson County Chamber 2017 Community Guide; 9 signs the Wausau area wants way more entrepreneurs; Southwest Indiana Chamber Lunch: Indiana Governor Explains I-69 Delay; Career opportunity: Hinsdale Chamber of Commerce: Director of Marketing and Event Coordination; Chamber issues support for sports complex 2% sales tax; Michigan West Coast Chamber Shows Off Remodeled Offices; 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!


Virginia Peninsula's Chamber Military Affairs Council 2017 Career Fair

Hampton, VA (6/1/17) The Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce’s Military Affairs Council, in collaboration with the Military Family Support Center Employment Programs, present the 2017 Career Fair on Wednesday, July 12, 2017 from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Newport News Marriott at City Center (740 Town Center Drive | Newport News, VA).

The Peninsula Chamber has hosted this event for over 30 years with an average of over 70-80 companies from all over the country participating.

This event will be open to the public from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

The first two hours of this event, (9:00 AM to 11:00 AM) are dedicated to bringing together employers and potential employees who are active-duty, retired, reservist, DOD civilians, and those recently separated from the military and their dependents to help utilize their unique skills and integrate them into a civilian career path.

This event is FREE for potential employees who are expected to arrive at the venue in business attire, with a properly prepared resume. Seminars will assist attendees in how to utilize the career fair, and how to develop job search strategies. Job seekers can register online at http://www.virginiapeninsulachamber.com/events/details/2017-career-fair-job-seeker-registration-only-7847.

Exhibits and Sponsorships are available for purchase at http://www.virginiapeninsulachamber.com/events/details/2017-career-fair-7846. If you are not looking to hire, but want to support those who have served or continue to serve, you can sponsor the 2017 Career Fair. Sponsorship packages are made affordable, and offer an abundance of advertising opportunities for your business.

For more information about attending the event, sponsoring the Career Fair, or securing a booth for your company, please contact Jackie Shapiro at jshapiro@vpcc.org or (757) 325-8162.

ABOUT THE VIRGINIA PENINSULA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE:

The Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce (VPCC) serves the Cities of Newport News, Hampton and Poquoson; and James City County and York County.

VPCC is a business association, with over 1400 members and associates, which "Connects Business with Opportunity" through Facilitation, Advocacy, Communication and Education.






Trey Grayson leaving Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce

Brent Cooper to serve as interim president and CEO

Trey Grayson

FORT MITCHELL, Ky. — Trey Grayson, who as president and CEO of the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce led the organization through a period of unprecedented business advocacy and legislative success, major strides in workforce and economic development, and enhanced membership benefits, announced today that he is leaving the Chamber.

“Over the past few months, I have been talking with the Chamber leadership about my interest in looking at other options and I recently decided that the time is right for me to make a move,” Grayson said.

“Three years ago — after a wonderful stint in Boston — Nancy, the girls and I were looking for a way to get back to spend more time with our family and friends in Northern Kentucky, and fortunately, the Chamber allowed me to do just that.”

Grayson will leave the Chamber on June 9 but will serve the organization in an advisory capacity for the next couple of months.

“We appreciate Trey’s service to the Chamber of Commerce over the past three years and we wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors,” said Bob Heil, president of KLH Engineers and current Chairman of the Board.

The Chamber will conduct a national search to replace Grayson, which is expected to take several months. Brent Cooper, president and CEO of C-Forward, an IT services company, will serve as interim president of Chamber until a replacement is hired.

Cooper served as Chamber chair in 2011-12 and as interim president of the organization when Steve Stevens resigned as president in 2014. Cooper has agreed to take a temporary leave of absence from C-Forward while he serves as interim president of the Chamber.

“Trey has accomplished many great things as the leader of our Chamber and presided over one of the best legislative sessions for Kentucky businesses in recent history,” Cooper said. “I know I speak for the entire Chamber membership and staff as well as the Northern Kentucky community when I say that we are extremely grateful that Trey came back home to lead our organization.”

The Chamber’s Board of Directors and Board of Advisors will hold an appreciation reception in Grayson’s honor on June 9. More details about this reception will be forthcoming. Read more: Lane Report

#BestChamber practices: Hollywood Chamber of Commerce:Top 10 Reasons to Invest

Top 10 Reasons to Invest in the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce is one of the most proactive and largest chambers in Los Angeles County. Our members range from small businesses to major studios; tourism companies to healthcare corporations. The Hollywood Chamber serves as an advocate for our members, representing the interests of businesses and residents in the greater Hollywood area. We are the proud owners of two world-renowned icons: The Hollywood Sign and The Hollywood Walk of Fame. Here are the Top 10 Reasons to invest in the Hollywood Chamber

1. Political and Legislative Advocacy 
   Represent you on issues that affect your bottom line
2. Economic Development 
   Promote growth and investment in Hollywood
3. Networking 
   Create new opportunities to make new contacts to help your business grow
4. Promotion and Publicity 
   Guide you to reach thousands of potential clients through member exclusive advertising
5. Tourism Department 
   Capitalize on marketing and exposure for Hollywood’s vital tourism and hospitality businesses
6. Information 
   Identify resources to keep you informed about issues impacting your ability to do business
7. Discounts 
   Present savings on products and services useful to your business
8. Referrals 
   Introduce new business referral program exclusively for Chamber members
9. Community Involvement 
   Assist the community and help make Hollywood a better place to live, work & play
10. Credibility 
    Recommend you to join hundreds of other committed “corporate citizens” by investing in the Hollywood Chamber-and your community

Jefferson County Chamber 2017 Community Guide   

The Jefferson County Chamber 2017 Community Guide  is available at the chamber of commerce today! Thank you to Philip "Mike" Beard and the Chamber team for their help and direction putting this together! 

Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce Community Guide

Town Square Publications  (www.townsquarepublications.com) can help you accomplish your chamber's gloss map, directory, community profile or publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633.




9 signs the Wausau area wants way more entrepreneurs

Creative thinkers and problem solvers in Wausau have more and more opportunities to hone their business ideas and pitch them.

Educators, business leaders and community organizers want to grow central Wisconsin's entrepreneurial culture. And they've launched a range of programs to develop entrepreneurs and support them.

Here's a list of some of those programs in the Wausau area.

1. Startup Week

Marathon County Development Corp., MCDEVCO, is working with a group of entrepreneur advisers and counterparts around the state to coordinate a week of activities in early November.

It's in the early planning stages, but MCDEVCO is the local driver and its community engagement specialist, Nick O'Brien, hopes to pull other groups on board for a week of 30 events that highlight opportunities and support for start-up businesses. Milwaukee held the first Startup Week last year; this year it will span the state.

2.Young Entrepreneurs Academy

Wausau-area middle and high school students develop full-functioning businesses in this program. Teens work with local businesses, secure investments and brand an actual product or service to sell.

YEA launched in Wisconsin in fall 2015. It's an extracurricular program, with national ties, put on by the Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce and the D.C. Everest Area School District.

3. Wausau SOUP

Community members have donated about $3,500 to four projects at SOUP events since October. They gather to eat soup and hear pitches for various projects. Donations in a kitty go to the favorite pitch of the night.

Wausau SOUP events, brought to Wausau by O'Brien, helped fund an open streets festival on Third Street and a soup kitchen that's in the works.

Read more: Wausau Daily Herald

Southwest Indiana Chamber Lunch: Indiana Governor Explains I-69 Delay

Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb stopped by the Old National Events Plaza for a luncheon held by the Southwest Indiana Chamber of Commerce Monday.

Holcomb sat on stage with Evansville Mayor Lloyd Winnecke and fielded questions about economic development in the state and in Evansville.

Improving infrastructure and attracting more workers to the state were topics the governor hit on.

When asked about the completion date delay of the I-69 section five project to August 2018, Gov. Holcomb revealed the state is in talks to take over management of the project from bond holders -


"We're going to finish the project. So, I don't waste a lot of time looking in the rear-view mirror, or thinking about what's the hardest part of anything at this job. I focus on getting the job done, and we're going to get this job done, and folks are gonna be able to drive from Evansville to Indianapolis light free and on a true freeway."

Holcomb says the project is the top priority with his administration.

To show appreciation, Mayor Winnecke and the chamber gave Gov. Holcomb, an avid basketball fan, an 'E is for Everyone' branded basketball. Read more: Tri-State Home Page

Career opportunity: Hinsdale Chamber of Commerce: Director of Marketing and Event Coordination

Job Description

The Hinsdale Chamber of Commerce (HCOC) was founded on May 27, 1924.  Currently, HCOC represents almost 300 merchants, business professionals, companies and small business owners in Hinsdale and the surrounding area.  It is a 501(c) (6) not for profit financed solely by membership dues and fundraising events.  Our mission is to provide community leadership and to achieve economic growth in business by promoting and representing the interests and advancement of our members. 

Director of Marketing and Event Coordination

I. JOB SUMMARY: 
As a member of the HCOC leadership team, the Director of Marketing and Event Coordination will play a primary role in internal and external marketing and communications that includes:

• Responsibilities for planning and implementing advertising, earned media, social media and public relations activities.
• Assistance with website updating and selling advertising opportunities through the website, annual community directory, e-blasts and other areas.
• Collaboration with the Chamber staff in planning and execution of scheduled functions and annual event events.

This individual will also be highly visible within the membership community in order to uncover opportunities for potential new members, as well as to assess culture for appropriate events, programming and high member satisfaction levels.
This is a part-time position with a work schedule of 3-4 days a week, 4-6 hours a day.  The Chamber Office will serve as the base of operations with frequent outside activities in the immediate, surrounding community. 

II.ACCOUNTABILITY: 

• Reports to the Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber and files a monthly report that becomes part of the Board Meeting packet
• Works in collaboration with the CEO to create and execute the Chamber's annual strategic plan
• Assists with creating, implementing and measuring the Chamber's comprehensive marketing, communications, social media and public relations plan, enhancing the organization's image and position within the Hinsdale community
• Serves as a member of the leadership team to contribute to annual goals and strategies
• Demonstrates appropriate leadership, knowledge and written and oral communication skills to influence members, business leaders, and staff members
• Writes and edit content for the organization's print publications, email newsletters and Website
• Coordinates advertising in the Chamber's print publications and manage external advertising opportunities
• Provide support to the Chamber staff as well as any interns of the Chamber throughout the year
• Offer support to the various committee chairs/co-chairs

 III.PROFESSIONAL INTELLECT AND BEHAVIOR: 

• Seeks out opportunities to expand related knowledge and skills through formal and/or informal education
• Actively looks for opportunities to improve the processes and outcomes of Marketing activities and annual events
• Communicates in a strong, positive and effective manner both verbally and non-verbally
• Takes a hands-on approach to projects, processes and management
• Responds with a high degree of urgency to the needs & requests of others, internally and externally.  Understand how his/her work influences others in the organization
• Demonstrates enthusiasm and a positive attitude
• Deals constructively with conflict and focus on the situation, issue or behavior and not on the person by diffusing situations before conflicts arise, resolving conflicts directly and actively promoting and gaining cooperation from others
• Willingness and ability to adjust to changing conditions or priorities
• Takes the initiative to identify and act on problems and lead by example
• Consistently makes decisions that resolve problems

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A bachelor's degree in Nonprofit Management, Sales, Marketing, Business or a related field is preferred or at least 5 years of full-time experience working in customer service, marketing, communications, public relations, advertising or sales
• Strong hiring preference given to the candidate with a minimum 3 years' of experience working for a membership organization or a chamber of commerce
• A genuine, extroverted personality that is approachable, engaging and inviting
• At least two years of experience in management of teams preferred
• Excellent communication, writing and presentation skills
• Experience working in a creative environment with several critical, overlapping projects and tight deadlines
• Ability to navigate websites and learn quickly to administer various online and electronic programs
• Strong organizational, management, and administrative skills
• Intermediate knowledge in Microsoft Office (Power Point, Excel, Word, etc.)
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 20 lbs.
• Ability to travel locally and work evening or weekend events when needed
• Experience with and capability of accessing utilizing basic social media platforms (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.)
• Experience in some aspects of event or volunteer coordination

V. BENEFITS

• Base salary is an hourly rate of pay commensurate with experience.

All resumes and cover letters should be submitted to the HCOC CEO and the Chairman of the Board of Directors

Chamber issues support for sports complex 2% sales tax

The Board of Directors of the Vicksburg-Warren County Chamber of Commerce has announced its support for the proposed Vicksburg Sports Complex project and the proposed 2 percent sales tax to fund it.

The Chamber announced its decision in a press release Friday afternoon.

Voters will determine the fate of the 2 percent tax Tuesday in a referendum on the city’s municipal elections ballot.

Sixty percent of the voters casting ballots in the election must approve the proposal for the city to levy the tax.

If passed, the tax is expected to generate $1 million a year and would be repealed once the project is paid.

“In working to fulfill the Chamber’s mission to strengthen the business climate, economic development, and quality of life of Vicksburg and Warren County, the Chamber finds this proposal to be in the best interest of the entire community,” according to the release.

“The Chamber urges the citizenry to exercise its right to vote and to vote yes to the referendum in support of the project.”
Mark Buys, chairman of the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, said the Chamber board was consulted before issuing the statement and support for the proposal is very strong.

“The Chamber board believes the potential benefits outweigh the risks and the costs and that this project will be important to the overall quality of life and economic development initiatives for the region,” the release concludes.

“The stars are lining up and all we need is the voters to say yes,” Mayor George Flaggs Jr. said of the Chamber’s endorsement.

“That is great news and I applaud the Chamber for getting involved, because this sport complex, in my opinion, will give Vicksburg the economic boost it needs in tourism and in economic development at the same time,” he said. Read more: Vicksburg Post

Michigan West Coast Chamber Shows Off Remodeled Offices

The last vestiges of the Holland Area Chamber of Commerce is gone.

An open house was held yesterday at the remodeled offices of the Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce off of East 8th Street, and Chamber President Jane Clark was among the delighted hosts of the affair. "We had a nice facility, but it certainly didn't represent our community well," she admitted. "We did what we call a 'robust renovation,' inside and out. Now we have a facility that really is welcoming; it's a lantern of light, and it makes a statement that Holland is a special place to be."

The Michigan West Coast Chamber was formed in 2012 when the Holland and Zeeland chambers merged; the entity still maintains an office in Zeeland. Read more: WHTC.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