Monday, July 31, 2017

Paducah Chamber Wins Prestigious Chamber of the Year Award; #BestChamber practices: Fox Lake Chamber: Assisting the homeowners and business community affected by flooding; 5 Star Chamber: Rapid City Area Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Guide & Membership Directory; Symphony of Chesterton Invites Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce to After Hours Business Event; Looking to the Future: Daviess County Chamber and Visitors Bureau collaboration: Dedication ceremony set for Bicentennial Park, time capsule; U.S. 31 plan still a priority for St. Joseph, Elkhart counties - 'Next Level' a big step for Indiana; Meridian showcased at Mississippi's Giant House Party; Indy Chamber Hires Jennifer Pearl as Director of International Programs; Chamber interest: Hot Glass. Cold Beer. 7 Michigan breweries offering tastings in handmade glass cups; Arlington chamber: NOVA Regional Elected Leaders Summit Ticket Prices Increase Friday!; The Oshkosh Chamber Welcomes Two Team Members; Guest Article: Former IACCE speaker Cathi Hight: 5 strategies to recruit new members; Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S.


Happy Monday, #Chamber World! It's going to be a GREAT day!


Paducah Chamber Wins Prestigious Chamber of the Year Award

The Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce has been named Chamber of the Year by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), an Alexandria, Va.-based association of more than 7,500 chamber of commerce professionals, and 1,300 chambers of commerce, around the world. 
Chamber of the Year, sponsored by WebLink International, is the most prestigious and competitive award presented by ACCE and is the only globally-recognized industry award that honors top chambers of commerce. Those honored with the Chamber of the Year designation have demonstrated organizational strength and made an impact on key community priorities, such as education, transportation, business development and quality of life. 
Chamber President Sandra Wilson, Board Chair Tammy Zimmerman of Payment Plus, 2016 Board Chair Bruce Wilcox of Henry A. Petter Supply and 2015 Board Chair Bryan Carner of U.S. Bank accepted the award July 18 at ACCE’s Annual Convention in Nashville, Tennessee. 
"We are thrilled and honored to be named Chamber of the Year," Paducah Chamber President Sandra Wilson said. "We wouldn't be here without the hard work of our members, volunteers, our chamber board and our staff. 
"Being selected Chamber of the Year is a great way to celebrate a record-breaking 2016, and we are thrilled to be recognized on the national level." 
Chambers of commerce interested in competing for the award first must qualify by participating in a vigorous multi-stage process. Organizations entering the Chamber of the Year competition must meet minimum thresholds in at least three of five key performance areas, including net revenue, net assets, membership account retention, and membership dollar retention. 
Qualifying for Chamber of the Year is a rigorous process. Chambers compete based on meeting key performance criteria on the ACCE Annual Operations Survey. Qualifying chambers enter the competition with a written application addressing all aspects of organizational operation and programmatic work. Applications are scored by peer chamber executives to determine finalists. Winners are selected from among finalists based on an in-person interview before a panel of experienced chamber professionals. 
This year's competition drew entries from chambers throughout the U.S and Canada. To ensure the fairest competition, applicants are grouped into five categories based on: annual revenue, membership, area population, and several other factors. Read more: Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce

#BestChamber practices: Fox Lake Chamber: Assisting the homeowners and business community affected by flooding

To our Business Members and our community:
There are many business owners and homeowners that have been affected by the recent flooding in our communities.  Lake County was declared a disaster area.  There are agencies that are offering support to you and your business.  You can go online to some of the website links:

* Forms available at the Grant Township Assessor's office, 26725 Molidor Rd, Ingleside
   http://www.lakecountyil.gov/DocumentCenter/Home/View/1664

* Grant Township Center, Ingleside
   Stay connected with Grant Township and sign up for their email newsletter
   www.granttownshipcenter.org

* Village of Fox Lake
 http://www.foxlake.org

* Additional help is provided through FEMA
   http://www.disasterassistance.gov

* Lake County Board/District 5 - Judy Martini
  Stay connected and sign up for Lake Cty. Board newsletter
  http://www.lakecountyil.gov/flood
  Salvation Army 888-369-1349
  Red Cross  847-220-7495

Fox Lake Area Chamber
847-587-7474








5 Star Chamber: Rapid City Area Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Guide & Membership Directory

The Rapid City Area Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Guide & Membership Directory is available at the Rapid City Chamber today! Thanks to Linda Rabe, Kristina Simmons 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.






Symphony of Chesterton Invites Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce to After Hours Business Event

Acute medical events are often life-changing, but they do not need to always be life-ending. Symphony of Chesterton is a true Medical Resort, and the staff works diligently each day to improves the outcomes of their guests who have experienced acute medical events.
“We have 36 licensed, Senior Living apartments,” said Angela Boland, Director of Clinical Business Development. “Roughly half of which are studio apartments, and the rest feature one-bedroom. We also have over 70 Recovery Suites for those who need more medical care during rehab. We use those suites for our rehab-to-home program. For those who are unable to transition back to their homes, we are then able to accommodate them in one of our apartments. This way, we can offer them full medical post-acute care in a wonderful, comfortable environment.”
Visitors who walk into Symphony of Chesterton are often surprised by the resort style appearance and the diverse amenities offered there.
“”It’s a tranquil place, a very positive place where people can rehab before going home. We have an art studio, a movie theater with popcorn machine and a fully-equipped exercise and physical therapy studio. We have a courtyard with putting green, shuffleboard deck and tables where guests can sit and enjoy the weather,” said Boland.
Visitors to Symphony may notice the rich, familiar aromas from Chesterton Perk - their own in-house coffee shop, which serves Starbucks products.
“We have people from the community stop by, just because it’s such a quiet, comfortable place to grab some coffee and relax,” said Boland, who is proud of the many ways Symphony shows their dedication to the community they serve.
“We are members of Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce, active in Duneland Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club. We hold events all year round, from our Vendor Fair to our Fall Festival. We offer health screenings and entertainment programs which the public are all invited to attend. We’ve had the high school choir here to perform. The Car Show is coming up, and we are working with the Chesterton Art Center on an Art Fair,” said Boland.
Kimberly Urban-Gee, Administrator of Symphony of Chesterton said that connecting with the community is a priority for the facility.
“We are a fairly new facility, so we’re working to help people understand not just that we are here, but what we do here,” said Urban-Gee. “Where Symphony really stands out is as a sub-acute medical resort. We specialize in rehab, and we also offer assisted living for those who need it. Our goal is to sponsor some event each month to welcome the public to the center.”
Today’s Business After Hours was just one such event, inviting members of the Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce to stop by, spend some time there, meet some friends both new and old and see what Symphony is all about.

Ann O'Heir, Chief Executive Office of Visiting Nurses Association of Northwest Indiana was pleasantly surprised to see all that Symphony of Chesterton has to offer. Read more: Portage Life



Looking to the Future: Daviess County Chamber and Visitors Bureau collaboration: Dedication ceremony set for Bicentennial Park, time capsule


The finale of the city’s Bicentennial celebration is set for Friday when the new Bicentennial Pocket Park will be dedicated on Main Street and the steering committee will officially donate the Bicentennial time capsule to the Daviess County Museum.
Ceremonies are set for 4 p.m. on July 28 at the pocket park on the north side of the 400 block of East Main Street. The public is invited.
Prior to the ceremonies, Bicentennial Co-Chairperson Don Spillman, along with the “Past Presidential First Ladies,” will offer free tours at the museum, 212 E. Main St., from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. At the museum, there is a time capsule exhibit and a guestbook to sign for the event. The guest book will be put in the time capsule along with several memorabilia items.
The time capsule will not be opened again until 2066.
“Volunteers at the museum have done an outstanding job of displaying all the time capsule items and once we close up the time capsule, no one will get to see these items again for the next 50 years. For some, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to view everything our committee has collected for the past two years,” said Terri Kelso, Bicentennial co-chairperson.
Washington Mayor Joe Wellman said, “I’m looking forward to it because it’s the culmination of 18 months of celebrating our city’s bicentennial. It’s a great collection of memorabilia that we are officially dedicating and encapsulating.We are wrapping up what I think has been an extremely successful bicentennial celebration.”
The pocket park was funded with city and economic development funds as well as grant monies.
A new bronze plaque for the park will be unveiled at the ceremony and refreshments will be served.
“Without the vision Mayor Wellman had back in 2014 which inspired a small group of volunteers to start planning a celebration two years in advance, none of this would have been possible,” Kelso said. “As a community, we can all be proud of the legacy we’ve created together.”
Spillman said he’s been so involved in the bicentennial for more than three years now that he’s going to miss it.
“It’s been fun for me to help things that the people have enjoyed,” he said.
“From an historical perspective, just making the community aware of the vibrant history has been an important thing,” Spillman said.
The upcoming dedication is “the last big hurrah” since it all started Spillman noted.
He said the pocket park project is part of the downtown renewal effort, which includes Daviess Community Hospital’s new CORE Center next door, renovated Indiana Theater across the street and a new restaurant coming soon nearby.
During the ceremony, the steering committee will officially donate the new time capsule to Becky Kremp and Jan Schuler-Hicks, volunteers representing the Daviess County Historical Society.
Guest speakers for the ceremony include Indiana Senator Eric Bassler (R-Washington), Wellman, Daviess County Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau Director Samantha Bobbitt and Ron Arnold, director of Daviess County Economic Development. Read more:Washington Times Herald




U.S. 31 plan still a priority for St. Joseph, Elkhart counties - 'Next Level' a big step for Indiana

Sometimes, I can see the future.
In early May, I wrote a column about the highway funding bill that was passed by the Indiana General Assembly and signed by Governor Holcomb. On behalf of the Elkhart Chamber of Commerce, I testified in support of this legislation because our businesses need safe, efficient roads for moving people and products.
I wrote about how that legislation was going to help our commerce and communities. Also, I cautioned, “it will be up to us to make sure U.S. 31 stays at the top of the list. And while I’m at it, I’m going to continue to advocate for other local projects, too.”
So, here we are. Gov. Eric Holcomb recently visited Goshen to celebrate his Next Level Indiana road funding plan. I was there to celebrate with him and the other community leaders. We stood next to a growing wall near downtown Goshen that is part of a needed U.S. 33 bypass that will separate large trucks from Goshen’s vibrant downtown.
This bypass is actually part of a different funding stream and the project is well underway. But it was a good backdrop for Holcomb because it is a visual of what we’ll see with the Next Level Indiana program.
The five-year total for infrastructure improvements in Elkhart County will be nearly $46 million. The total for St. Joseph County will be more than $48 million.
As road funding advocates predicted, this will have a major impact on the safety and efficiency of our roadways. Elkhart County will see 219 lane-miles of resurfacing and 31 bridge projects. St. Joseph County will see 195 lane-miles of resurfacing and 50 bridge projects.
Still, we continue to push for U.S. 31. That highway doesn’t even touch Elkhart County and most of it is outside St. Joseph County. Yet, it is a vital connection between our region and the population hub of our state.
My friend and colleague, Jeff Rea from the South Bend Regional Chamber, reports that the Next Level Indiana plan includes more than $83 million for U.S. 31 improvements. Those projects include an interchange in Tipton County and a grade-separated railroad crossing. That is great news.
Now, this is where my earlier prediction comes to play. I believe our efforts helped the roadway secure some of the attention it needs. But there is an issue. The plan calls for J-turns at Indiana 10 and 110.
What is a J-turn? It is sometimes called a “Michigan left.” You might want to look this up on the Internet. It involves eliminating crossing traffic by implementing right turns, followed by U-turns. Left turns are allowed with special staging areas. And then you do the hokey-pokey and turn yourself around. That’s what it’s all about.
Statistically, it is safer than what we have now. Practically, it is one of the “Band-Aid fixes” I warned about last May. It was designed when INDOT didn’t have any money. Now they have money.
Even INDOT admits that the J-turn is a temporary fix. An interchange is the preferred solution. My concern is that once the temporary fix is in place, policy makers will consider it completed.
During a recent meeting in Argos, INDOT unveiled the J-turn proposal to area residents. The locals were less-than-thrilled with the idea. I also expressed my concerns, at that meeting and with the official online feedback form.
Even if J-turns are not the solution, at least U.S. 31 and our local projects are getting the attention they deserve, thanks to the highway funding plan. Still, we need to continue to be advocates for the right projects.

Kyle Hannon is president and CEO of the Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce. He can be reached at khannon@elkhart.org. Source: South Bend Tribune



Meridian showcased at Mississippi's Giant House Party



The Queen City was showcased at Mississippi's Giant House Party on Wednesday.

Hundreds of people gathering at the pavilion to support the City of Meridian and all it has to offer.

Founders Square filled up with tents and booths from Meridian businesses and organizations. Meridian and Lauderdale County elected officials and members of the East Mississippi Business Development Corporation spoke to the crowd and invited them to visit the Queen City.

It's an opportunity to show people what all is going on in Meridian.

"Lots going on in Meridian," says Jeff McCoy, EMBDC. "We have the Arts and Entertainment Center, the Riley Center and educational facilities. All that is coming together to make Meridian more vibrant than it has been and we're looking forward to the future."

Meridian Day at the Neshoba County Fair goes back to 1951. For 66 years, Meridian leaders have been promoting the city.

Leaders with the EMBDC say they want to continue this for years to come to showcase Meridian. Read more: WTOK.com


Indy Chamber Hires Jennifer Pearl as Director of International Programs

The Indy Chamber has hired international strategist Jennifer Pearl as its Director of International Programs, a newly-created position that reflects the organization’s growing focus on global commerce as a regional economic priority.  According to analysis from the Brookings Institution, more than 100,000 jobs across the Indianapolis metro are supported by exports and foreign investment. 

Pearl was most recently based in Beijing, China as a Senior Consultant with North Head, a public affairs and strategic communications agency headquartered in Beijing. She conducted policy analysis and public affairs campaigns for clients doing business in Asia and trade across international markets. Her clients included Fortune 500 multinational corporations, trade associations, healthcare companies, education firms, and public agencies.   

“We’re excited to welcome Jennifer to our team and add her international expertise to our efforts to grow our regional economy,” said Maureen Krauss, Chief Economic Development Officer for the Indy Chamber.  “She brings more than a decade of international experience in business, public policy, and communications to this new role, which will play an important part in the success of our Accelerate Indy strategy.” 

Unveiled last fall, Accelerate Indy is an ambitious regional blueprint for economic growth led by the Indy Chamber and other partners focused on priorities like talent and workforce development, entrepreneurship and small business support, business attraction and encouraging advanced industry innovation. 

International commerce is another key priority of Accelerate Indy:  In 2016, the Indy Chamber released the Metro Indianapolis Global Trade & Investment Strategy, a plan to increase regional exports and foreign direct investment developed through the Global Cities Initiative, a joint project of the Brookings Institution and JPMorgan Chase.   

As Director of International Programs, Pearl will oversee the implementation of this plan, as well as supporting the global business development goals of the Indy Partnership (the nine-county business attraction arm of the Chamber) and seeking other opportunities to raise Indy’s international profile.   

Pearl has strong ties to Indiana, having managed global partnerships for five years at the Indiana University School of Public Health. She is an alumna of Indiana University. Source: Indy Chamber


Chamber interest: Hot Glass. Cold Beer.  7 Michigan breweries offering tastings in handmade glass cups


DEARBORN, Mich. - The 8th annual “Hot Glass. Cold Beer”, event takes place at the Glass Academy in Dearborn on August 3th from 7-10pm.  This event features live glassblowing demonstrations, delicious cold beer from 7 Michigan craft breweries, and various food samples from local restaurants.

Each $68 ticket gives the customer one handcrafted drinking glass made at the Glass Academy, beer, food tastes and the best live glassblowing demonstrations in the USA!  This tasting glass then becomes a take home souvenir of the Glass Academy and reminds people of the live glassblowing demonstrations they witnessed during the beer event.

Here’s how it works; upon arrival at the studio gallery, the customer chooses a handcrafted tasting glass made specifically for this event evening from a designated table.  “It’s an amazing selection of glasses to choose from; some are tall, others short, some are more narrow while others have bumps and lines on them.”  Comments Janet Salamon, one of the gallery assistants.  “Each one is truly one-of-a-kind so it’s a really individual choice of what fits in your hand the best and attracts you.”

From there, the customers can go and try beer’s that are set up in various stations around the studio along with some food samples from area restaurants and vendors.  With beer in hand, many customers will take the time to shop the gallery for a unique one-of-a-kind beer mug, pilsner or snifter, or take the time to watch the live glassblowing demonstrations happening in the ‘hot shop’ area of the studio.

This years featured breweries will be; Downey Brewery and Dearborn Brewing, Farmington Brewery, Kuhnhenn from Warren, Filmore 13 from Pontiac, Poison Frog Brewery in Jackson, and Unity Viabration in Ypsilanti.  It’s a great way to try beers in an intimate setting,” explains Gordie Garrity, a 8 year seasoned veteran of the beer event.  “Because the venue only showcases 7 breweries, you get a chance to talk with the brewers and really sample the beers to find out what you like the best.  Then you get to kick back and watch the glassblowers masterfully create these awesome beer mugs!!”

This year’s featured glass tumbler will be a light colored blue made from recycled glass. Tickets are $68 pre-show and $78 at the door.  You must be 21 to attend this event.  VIP tickets sell for $200 includes an extra fancy drinking vessel made by Master glassblower Chris Nordin, (value $150), relaxation in a private air-conditioned room, and most important, first in line for all the tastings!

Tickets can be purchased 24 hours a day at www.GlassAcademy.com, or by phone at 313-561-4527. The Studio Gallery, featuring works made at the Glass Academy, will also be open for purchases during the show.

For more information, please contact Sue Dourghty at 313-561-4527 or visit www.GlassAcademy.com



Arlington chamber: NOVA Regional Elected Leaders Summit Ticket Prices Increase Friday!

The Arlington Chamber is excited to co-host the Northern Virginia Regional Elected Leaders Summit, featuring elected officials from across the region, including Arlington County Board Chair Jay Fisette, on Wednesday, September 6.

This one-of-a-kind event will offer Northern Virginia's business leaders the opportunity to learn about the economic climate in each jurisdiction, hear about new and ongoing initiatives aimed at bolstering economic growth, and discover how each jurisdiction in Northern Virginia can work together for the betterment of our regional economy.

Ticket prices increase this Friday, August 4. To register and find more information, visit our website

The Oshkosh Chamber Welcomes Two Team Members

Amber Thiel as Member Relations Coordinator


The Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce is happy to announce Amber Thiel as its new Member Relations Coordinator.

Amber manages member retention efforts, coordinates Chamber networking events and member activities including Business After Hours, A.M. Oshkosh, OC Connection Breakfast, and Ribbon Cuttings as well as larger Chamber events such as the Annual Golf Outing and Business Expo. She also staffs the Ambassador group and manages Propel, Oshkosh's young professionals group. Amber will be working alongside Jessica Sosnoski who is the current Manager of Marketing and Communication.

In 2012 Thiel graduated from Kimberly High School and attended college at the University of Wisconsin- Oshkosh where she completed her Bachelor’s degree. She double majored in Communication and Psychology and graduated in May of 2016. Prior to working at the Chamber, Amber was a Recruiter for Aerotek.

“I have always loved living in Oshkosh and I am excited about the opportunity to be in a role that has a direct impact on the professional community here. All of the current members that I have had the pleasure of meeting with have been amazing and I look forward to continuing to meet representatives and to help local businesses prosper,” said Amber.


Alyssa Wilsnack as the new Education & Talent Development Coordinator

The Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome Alyssa Wilsnack as the new Education & Talent Development Coordinator.
Working alongside Patti Andresen-Shew, Alyssa will be responsible for collaborating with various educational partners throughout the Oshkosh area. Alyssa will be coordinating soft skills trainings, company tours, and the annual Interviewthon. Alyssa will also help to plan, coordinate, and facilitate the Amplify Oshkosh movement, an initiative focused on providing awareness for opportunities and talent within all aspects of Information Technology.

Alyssa received her Bachelor’s Degree in Business – Human Resource Management from the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh in the Fall of 2015. “I’m very excited for this opportunity with the Chamber. Throughout my previous work experience, I’ve become very passionate about talent development. I’m grateful to have this opportunity to work with the Chamber and become a viable resource for students and professionals alike," said Alyssa.



Guest Article: Former IACCE speaker Cathi Hight: 5 strategies to recruit new members

Do you ever feel like you're reacting to low membership rates rather than being proactive to attract new members? Before you continue on with your current recruitment methods, keep the following in mind:

Membership recruitment is a sales process. Understand who your audience is, their preferred method(s) of communication, and how to properly engage with them. Marketing, branding and sales should work together to create a cohesive message that resonates. In the end, membership is about money and creating long-lasting relationships. Prove to prospective members why they will benefit from your association.


You can't be all things to all people. Realistically, who is your target market? Where do you reach them? Make a list of prospective members, competing associations, and determine the true availability of those prospects. Does your current messaging resonate with them? Stop trying to attract everyone and be specific about who would truly benefit from your organization.

Research prospects' needs. Go ahead, ask them what they want. Do they belong to organizations? If so, what are they missing from them? How can your association fill in those gaps? We've turned into a "me-based" society, and your organization needs to be able to answer the "What's in it for me?" question.

Understand your value. You now understand who your prospects are and what messaging they need. So how do you communicate your organization's value? Fluff incentives like "free month of membership" and "discounted dues" will not sustain your membership levels. You need to communicate your value clearly and consistently.


Test, test and test some more. If you're not measuring your membership recruitment activity, how will you understand what is truly working? Track your recruitment processes, stages of engagement, and what encourages members to commit. Routinely look at metrics to see what is working, and perhaps more importantly, what isn't working. Website traffic, social media engagement levels, click-thru rates, non-member attendance levels, etc., can be excellent ways to gauge success.

There's not one way to increase membership. Determine what works for your organization, measure you outreach efforts, and continually evaluate your recruitment activities.

Sincerely,

Cathi HIGHT
Kaizen Consultant
Hight Performance Group
Work: (512) 354-7219
cathi@hightperformance.com
www.hightperformance.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

Thursday, July 27, 2017

U.S. Chamber give Aurora Regional Chamber 5-Star accreditation; Jefferson County Chamber 2017 Community Guide; Are you a Wisconsin business? Win a $75,000 Donation - Presented by the Flowers Family Foundation - 2017 Wisconsin Business Achievement Award - Deadline soon; Muncie Delaware County Chamber: Ball Brothers Foundation is proud to present the John W. And Janice B. Fisher Governance Award; Hampton Roads Chamber and Inside Business Announce Hampton Roads Resilience Forum; Hardin County Chamber celebration: Hall of Fame celebrates 100-year hoops legacy; MEMA equipping locals as disaster responders; Chamber News: Canton Grub Crawl Features Dozens Of Restaurants; 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!


U.S. Chamber give Aurora Regional Chamber 5-Star accreditation



The United States Chamber of Commerce awarded the Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce with 5-Star Accreditation for its sound policies, effective organizational procedures, and positive impact on the community.

The Aurora Chamber was first accredited in 2007 with four-star distinction. In 2012, the U.S. Chamber awarded the Chamber with five-star status. This renewal in 2017 marks the second straight accreditation review that the Chamber has received the top distinction.


"Accreditation with the U.S. Chamber is the only program of its kind that defines excellence in chamber planning and recognizes chambers for outstanding contributions toward positive change in their communities," said Joseph B. Henning, IOM, CAE, president and CEO of the Aurora Chamber. "The purpose of the program is to facilitate continuing excellence in the industry and to foster a pro-business environment across the nation." Read more: Daily Herald


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! 







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.


Are you a Wisconsin business? Win a $75,000 Donation - Presented by the Flowers Family Foundation - 2017 Wisconsin Business Achievement Award - Deadline soon


The Flowers Family Foundation will award the fourth annual Wisconsin Business Achievement Award on October 19, 2017 to honor the recipient for its positive impact on the Wisconsin Economy.

The award not only recognizes the winner for supporting the Wisconsin economy, it also includes a donation made to Wisconsin-based 501(c)3 organization of the award winner’s choice. The 2017 award includes a $75,000 donation.

Hopefully, the publicity the award and the philanthropic donation will encourage others.

Candidates can be an:

Individual | Partnership |Corporation | Association | Organization | Industry |Educational Institution

Activities can include:

Exports |Inventions |Developing Technology, Products or Services |Excellence in Organization| Creating or Improving a Product, Industry or Profession| Educates Leads |Communicate

APPLY TODAY





Muncie Delaware County Chamber: Ball Brothers Foundation is proud to present the John W. And Janice B. Fisher Governance Award


This award will be given each year to recognize the important role that individual board members play in the governance of nonprofit organizations in Muncie and Delaware County. It is designed to honor the efforts of one board member whose actions have contributed to the achievement of the mission, financial stability, planning and recognition of the organization they serve.

A $10,000 grant will be awarded to the nonprofit for operating support and/or board training in honor of the selected board member.

Please visit the Ball Brothers Foundation website for more information and to nominate an outstanding board member.

Nominations will be accepted until 4:00 PM August 15, 2017


Hampton Roads Chamber and Inside Business Announce Hampton Roads Resilience Forum


Norfolk, VA – Today, the Hampton Roads Chamber and Inside Business, The Hampton Roads Business Journal, announced they will host a new annual economic development initiative, the Hampton Roads Resilience Forum, on August 22 from 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in Norfolk. This regional forum will bring together experts in business, science, technology, engineering, and water management to jumpstart conversations among the community and local stakeholders about the economic benefit and necessity of implementing resilience initiatives, as well as discuss ideas for new innovations and practices.

The forum will facilitate community discussion of ideas and input for use in further developing regional public policy. Forum attendees will also be updated on local, national and global resilience projects that could be adopted in the Hampton Roads region. RISE, a non-profit organization created to promote resilience innovations, is leading the development of the inaugural program, and Old Dominion University is its presenting sponsor.

The Hampton Roads region has been defined by water for thousands of years; however, how it works with water continues to evolve. Notable resilience work has already begun in multiple municipalities within the region including: Norfolk’s adoption of a city-wide resilience strategy and membership of the 100RC global network, Virginia Beach’s development of a comprehensive Sea Level Rise/Flooding Response Plan, Virginia’s receipt of an award of $120 million to implement resilience projects in the region, and Old Dominion University, the College of William & Mary and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science's establishment of a collaborative Commonwealth Center of Recurrent Flooding Resiliency.

Inside Business Publisher, Mike Herron explained; “There are a number of critical resilience initiatives underway in Hampton Roads; our goal for the forum is to build on these projects. The forum will generate community collaboration and support for these resilience programs and initiatives and help develop new ideas.  We are extremely excited to be partnering with the Hampton Roads Chamber to help further stimulate the economic development of resilience technologies and services across our region.” 

“Businesses across the region cannot sit by while shocks and stresses challenge our community. Instead, the Hampton Roads business community must engage in efforts to improve our resilience and coastal adaptation – whether through developing new technology, training local residents for jobs for the resilience economy, or collaborating with local government,” said Bryan Stephens, President and CEO, Hampton Roads Chamber.
As an impactful advocate for the business community of Hampton Roads, the Hampton Roads Chamber works to lead efforts shaping public policy and private perceptions on resilience and other key issues that impact the regional economic prosperity.
The program is designed as a community conversation. Speakers and panelists will present relevant examples of work already being done within their areas of expertise, while reviewing relevant opportunities and challenges. Attendees will gain insight and understanding through moderated sessions, which will each allow for follow-up questions and answers. Attendees have the choice to select from several presentations of specific resilience topics. A networking luncheon will follow.


Further information can be found at www.insidebiz.com/resilience or by contacting Priscilla Monti, Senior Vice President, Programs and Communications, Hampton Roads Chamber (pmonti@hrchamber.com) or Ski Miller, Inside Business Advertising Manager (ski.miller@insidebiz.com)                                         



Hardin County Chamber celebration: Hall of Fame celebrates 100-year hoops legacy
Elizabethtown will be the epicenter of basketball in Kentucky next weekend.
Ken Trivette, executive secretary of the Kentucky High School Basketball Hall of Fame, reminded members of the Hardin County Chamber of Commerce on Wed­nesday the hall of fame will be opening its doors to the public.
“I am tremendously excited about what we have been able to accomplish and are getting ready to open here July 22,” Trivette said.
He was one of the organizers who set out on a journey to open the hall of fame six years ago and find 100 inductees to celebrate 100 years of Kentucky high school basketball.
“This year marks 100 years of a sport that is near and dear to the heart of Kentuckians,” he said. “One-hundred years is a long time and six years ago we began to realize that we had no record of our sport of any measure.”
Thus, he said they set out to develop a hall of fame that not only inducted coaches and players, but represented something much larger.
“We have a saying in the hall of fame called the essence of the game,” Trivette said. “My dad would say, ‘When you lay the ball down, son, what do you take with you?’ And if you take with you the character traits and the things that basketball teaches you, ... you’re going to have a good career regardless of how many awards you won. “I think that is what we want to pass on to people through our hall of fame, that there is more to basketball than just the game.
“It is what you take with you from that,” he added.

The Kentucky High School Basketball Hall of Fame induction ceremony is set for July 22 at the Historic State Theater, 209 W. Dixie Ave., across the street from the hall. Read more: News Enterprise

MEMA equipping locals as disaster responders

The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency will be on hand Thursday to train volunteers from a local outreach organization as disaster response reservists.
The Family Resource Center of North Mississippi will partner with MEMA for a Thursday morning orientation session at the Community Development Foundation’s headquarters.
The voluntary training will include approximately 60 interested employees of the Family Resource Center’s various offices, mostly from north Mississippi, said the organization’s media coordinator Amy Harris.
MEMA’s reservist program allows the agency to activate specially trained individuals in order to provide services and fill staffing needs during emergency response conditions.
Reservists become contract employees of MEMA during deployment.
Family Resource Center employees in the reservist program will, when needed, offer crisis counseling and literacy assistance to disaster victims, Harris said.
Literacy assistance involves reading and explaining written materials from MEMA, FEMA or insurance companies to individuals who may not be able to read or who may not read well.
Crisis counseling could include the kind of “soft skills” training offered by the Family Resource Center, including anger management and stress management, Harris said.
The Family Resource Center is a nonprofit that offers an array of services locally, including parental education, domestic violence intervention and support groups, and GED classes. Read more: Daily Journal

Chamber News: Canton Grub Crawl Features Dozens Of Restaurants

Bring your appetite to Canton’s Grub Crawl on Tuesday. About two dozen restaurants will be participating in the 16th annual crawl, which will run from 6 - 10 p.m. Tickets can be purchased for just $35.
About 500 people are expected for what Canton Chamber of Commerce President Thomas Paden called "one of the biggest" number of eateries in Grub Crawl's 16-year history. Special T-shirts that serve as admission still are available by going to http://www.cantonchamber.com, calling 734-453-4040 or stopping by the chamber office, 45525 Hanford, the Canton Observer reported.



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

Monday, July 24, 2017

An Open Letter From Tom Donohue, U.S. Chamber to Members of Congress and Congressional Candidates; Batavia Women in Business Progressive Luncheon: August 2017; July Fox Lake Chamber Business Member Luncheon; #Chamberheart: Rochester Regional Chamber Fund; Kernersville Chamber of Commerce 2017-2018 Community Guide; State’s development chief touts economic progress in Mississippi; Greater Owensboro Chamber Of Commerce Named Recipient of Communications Excellence Award; Chamber Speaker: U.S. Navy to anchor in northeast Wisconsin for weeklong outreach; Greater Reston Chamber: YP Connection Series: Bridging the Divide; Front Royal Warren County Community Profile & Membership Directory 2017; Jasper Chamber news: Women Empowering Women To Confront Missing Career Advice For Success; Past presenter at IACCE: Michael Angelo Caruso: Let's help people when I visit Illinois soon; Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S.


An Open Letter From Tom Donohue, U.S. Chamber to Members of Congress and Congressional Candidates:


 For nearly 40 years the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has endorsed candidates for Congress based on their commitment to the free enterprise system, which we were founded to defend a century ago.
In the last election, the Chamber endorsed 240 candidates. In the upcoming cycle, in addition to looking for candidates who support free enterprise, we will be focusing on individuals with a demonstrated willingness to govern, which means reaching consensus so that legislation can be passed and enacted into law.
 We are a quarter of the way through this Congress, but we are not yet where we need to be on key issues like health care, tax reform, and rebuilding our crumbling infrastructure. Promises were made; promises must be kept.
At this point Congress must more fully turn its attention to and accelerate its effort to enact tax reform, which will grow the economy and create jobs. It has been 30 years since our tax code was updated and American businesses and workers are suffering as a result. True tax reform is going to require compromise and give and take.
I have said for some time now that any viable tax reform plan will entail winners and losers amongst the Chamber’s diverse membership. But we are willing to judge any tax plan based on one simple test: will it spur economic growth? If it does, we will be for it. I encourage members of Congress – all of whom have their pet issues on tax reform – to judge proposed legislation based on growth.
To the Congress’s credit, members have used the Congressional Review Act to achieve the greatest regulatory rollback since at least Ronald Reagan.
But on issues requiring negotiation and compromise – even just within the majority party – there is a seeming inability to come together. What is worse is that this is affecting not just the major agenda items but the routine business of governing: confirming nominees, adjusting the debt ceiling, and keeping the government open.
And the problem isn’t just on the left, the right, or the center; it spans the political spectrum.
For example, Congress is obviously gridlocked on health care, and it is holding back progress on pro-growth priorities like tax reform. Health care is a deeply complicated issue that the Chamber cares about. We supported each version of repeal and replace not because we necessarily thought each successive attempt was perfect or even better than the last, but because we recognized that we wouldn’t get everything we wanted in any one bill; each iteration was a compromise. As always, we stand ready to work with members and the administration to restore affordable access to health coverage and services, but the time for the Congress to act is now.
Another roadblock to progress on pro-growth policies is the Democrats’ role in slow-walking Senate confirmations of Trump nominees. While the pace of nominations from the administration has been slower than we might like, Senate Democrats are engaging in a concerted effort to delay and slow down the president’s nominees. Rather than allowing many non-controversial nominees to be approved by voice vote, as Republicans did during President Obama’s first year in office, Senate Democrats are routinely forcing nominees – even those they support – through the procedural, time-consuming hurdles of cloture and recorded votes. What possible purpose could such tactics have other than to impede the functioning of our government?
The challenge of governing requires a willingness to step beyond looking for reasons to oppose things to finding reasons to support policies that are good for the country. The time has long since passed to get to “yes” on health care, tax reform, and infrastructure investment.
In the coming weeks, the Chamber will be launching a multi-faceted effort in support of comprehensive tax reform. And a year from now, we will be evaluating Congressional candidates based on their support of the free enterprise system and their willingness to govern, as demonstrated by what role they played in helping enact the first major tax reform in 30 years. Members of Congress be warned: Failure is not an option.

Sincerely,

Thomas J. Donohue

President and CEO, U.S. Chamber of Commerce





Batavia Women in Business Multi-Chamber Progressive Luncheon: August 2017

Join nearby Chambers for a progressive luncheon and have lunch with three tables of new contacts to grow your business.

This is a can't miss event! You will have amazing networking opportunities with 3 tables of different contacts. The cost is $25 no matter your membership. Please make sure to sign up and get your tickets in advance! Join with the Geneva Chamber, the Aurora Regional Chamber, the Oswego Chamber and the St. Charles Chamber.

Name: Batavia Women in Business Progressive Luncheon: August 2017
Date: August 8, 2017 - 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM CDT
Register Now

Location: Mill Creek Golf Club, 39W525 Herrington Drive, Geneva
Date/Time Information: August 8th, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Contact Information: Catherine Fitch
Fees/Admission: $25 for Members and Guests


July Fox Lake Chamber Business Member Luncheon

We hope you are able to join us for our July Chamber Business Member Luncheon. Please rsvp to this email...or call in to the chamber / 847-587-7474. Last replys by Monday, July 24 deadline.
Thank you.

The Fox Lake Area Chamber July Luncheon will be at:
Grant Township Center
26725 W. Molidor Road, Ingleside
Tuesday, July 25, 2017
11:30 am - Networking
12 noon - Luncheon
Guest Speakers:
Kay Starostovic - Grant Township Supervisor
Jeri Barr - Grant Township Assessor
Kim Kiesgen - Grant Township Highway Commissioner
Catering: Golden Dragon Restaurant


#Chamberheart: Rochester Regional Chamber Fund





Donations to the Rochester Regional Chamber Fund will contribute directly to enhanced programming and services that foster commerce and economic prosperity in our region such as: The Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce our new Charity Fund, a 501(c)(3) organization that will support our Mission, which is to provide leadership and resources in order to advance business development throughout the greater Rochester communities.

- Leadership Development for current and upcoming area professionals
- Training and education opportunities that further connect students and professionals to our local businesses
- Consulting and funding opportunities for local startups
- Networking, programming and educational tools for regional businesses and professionals
- Funding for local business investment and incubation

Please consider helping us in this important endeavor by making a tax deductible contribution.

If you have not already, please "like" our Rochester Regional Chamber Chairty Fund Facebook Page to stay up-to-date with with events and information! 




Kernersville Chamber of Commerce 2017-2018 Community Guide 

The Kernersville Chamber of Commerce Community Guide is available at the Chamber of Commerce today! Thank you to Chris Comer and the Chamber team for their help and direction putting this together! 



 Kernersville Chamber 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.



State’s development chief touts economic progress in Mississippi

Glenn McCullough Jr. is executive director of the Mississippi Development Authority, the agency charged with leading economic development and supporting Mississippi communities in their economic development efforts.

McCullough touted Mississippi’s success in attracting private investment and creating “new careers.” He said since 2012 the state has seen $5.3 billion in private capital investment and 28,809 new jobs.
“If you are able to work, we want to help you get a job,” McCullough said. “The best social program ever invented is a good career so you can provide for your family.”
Continental Tire is the latest success in the state’s work to lure business and industry.
“Coming here we rode past a 950- acre site right off of I-20 in Bolton, where Continental Tire plans to build a state of the art tire plant and invest $1.45 billion that will create 2,500 new careers that will pay an average annual income of $40,000,” he said. “They chose to put their investment in Hinds County because they can achieve their goals in Mississippi, better than in any of the most competitive states or other places in the world. And we believe that Warren County and Vicksburg are uniquely positioned to support the success of Continental Tire.” McCullough listed the variety of industries making an impact economically in Mississippi, including:
• Aerospace companies like Rolls Royce, Lockheed Martin and Raytheon. “Every manned space vehicle comes through Hancock County, where its engines are tested at Stennis Space Center,” he said.
• “Every commercial airliner has had at least one component manufactured in Mississippi.”
• Airbus helicopters are assembled “in the Golden Triangle in Mississippi,” McCullough said.
• 350,000 Nissan and Toyota vehicles are assembled each year in Canton. At the Toyota plant in Blue Spring, a Corolla rolls off the assembly line every 71 seconds. Read more: Vicksburg Post

Greater Owensboro Chamber Of Commerce Named Recipient of Communications Excellence Award

Owensboro, Kentucky (July 24, 2017) — The Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce is honored to have been named a winner of an industry award that recognizes outstanding communications and marketing work. Presented annually, the Communications Excellence awards program is designed to celebrate exceptional work in the areas of advertising and marketing, campaigns, digital and publications.

The Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce received an Award of Excellence for their GOChamber Red Tape Reduction magazine cover. The cover highlights the Chamber’s focus on advocating for the removal of unnecessary regulations in order to create new job opportunities and stimulate the economy.

The cover features Jigna Wilson of Wilson Family Pharmacy, Adam Hancock of Riney Hancock CPAS, and Leigh Ann Kuegel of Kentucky Farm Bureau.

A panel of peers — communications and marketing executives from chambers of commerce around North America — evaluated submissions and selected top entries to receive recognition.

Award-winning entries represent the work of 41 organizations in 23 U.S. states and the Cayman Islands.

“Communicating effectively is vital for chambers of commerce and grabbing attention is becoming increasingly challenging. This year’s award-winning entries represent work that’s not only effective, but incredibly creative and innovative,” said Ben Wills, director of communications and marketing for the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. “Communications professionals at chambers of commerce work tirelessly to promote their members, businesses in the community they serve, and the unique characteristics that make their state or region a top place to live, work and play.”

GOChamber is a collaboration between the Chamber Staff and Tanner-West.

“Our publications are a leading way for us to communicate with our membership and the community at large about our mission and our work. The creative energy between our staff and the team at Tanner-West yields fun and interesting results,” said Candance Castlen Brake, President and CEO.

“Our volunteer cover models did great work too!”

Contact: Candance Castlen Brake, President & CEO - 270-926-1860 - cbrake@owensboro.com



Chamber Speaker: U.S. Navy to anchor in northeast Wisconsin for weeklong outreach
Every sailor has a different story, says Lt. David Carter of the Navy Office of Community Outreach.

Next week, about 200 of them will converge on northeast Wisconsin to share their tales during Navy Week, an outreach effort the Navy puts on in about 15 cities each year.

"We collect all of these assets from various parts of the Navy and try and focus on one city and hit every sector of government and community that we can while we're there," Carter said.

Since 2005, Carter said the Navy has held about 200 Navy Weeks nationwide. It holds the program during ongoing anchor events — like state fairs, festivals, rodeos or, in this case, EAA AirVenture.

It's the first time the Navy has held the event in northeast Wisconsin, Carter said. And this year is extra special for the Navy as the Blue Angels prepare for their inaugural performance at AirVenture.

"It gives us an opportunity to hit even more people ... We bring things that add on for the event already going on," Carter said.

Sailors, Carter said, will help with Habitat for Humanity and St. Vincent de Paul of Appleton service projects, spend time with children at St. Vincent Children's Hospital, throw out a pitch at Monday's Wisconsin Timber Rattlers game and participate in joint concerts with Appleton's and Green Bay's city bands. The Navy will also meet with a number of organizations, including the Green Bay Packers, Schreiber Foods, Fox Valley Veterans Council, NOVO Health and ThedaCare, and U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Bruce Gillingham will address Appleton's and Green Bay's chambers of commerce.


On top of all of that, the Navy will be on hand at AirVenture to host a daily virtual reality experience and offer history lessons about notable naval events. Read more: Post Crescent



Greater Reston Chamber: YP Connection Series: Bridging the Divide

Thursday, July 27
5:30 - 7:30 pm

A wave of companies from small business to Fortune 100s are encouraging 'reverse mentoring' - pairing "seasoned" professionals with younger professionals to educate one another on how business works and develop alternative ways to leverage new technologies; therefore, achieving better results.  This cross-generational engagement yields productive relationships and efficient workplace environments. The key factor is being open to learn from one another and being open to change regardless of their age, position, or career path! 

This must-attend educational event will feature a panel of successful millennials who have unique perspectives on how they maximized their experience in the workplace to turn potential challenges into incredible coaching and collaboration opportunities! Their discussion will be led by an expert in learning and a true change agent. Learn More or Register



2K+ credentials awarded through New Economy Workforce program




Virginia community colleges provided workforce training that enabled 2,173 Virginians to secure industry-recognized credentials, licenses, and certifications needed for high-demand careers, in the first year of the New Economy Workforce Credentials Grant program.
Governor McAuliffe awarded the 2,172nd and 2,173rd credentials at an event commemorating this achievement this afternoon. This milestone nearly triples the number of people who were credentialed last year, bringing the total to 4,268 Virginians.
More than half of the credential earners, 2,173, took advantage of the New Economy Workforce Credentials Grant program.  Training for the remaining 2,095 credentials was funded by employers, federal grants, or other private sources.
“Today’s announcement is a landmark achievement for our workforce development efforts,” said Governor Terry McAuliffe speaking at the announcement event.  “Clearly, the timing was right for this innovative initiative to help our businesses find qualified workers and empower more Virginians to seek good-paying jobs.  In partnership with the General Assembly and our public and private sector partners, we are filling key gaps in the workforce pipeline and putting more Virginians to work in the new Virginia economy.”
“Whether we’re attracting new businesses to Virginia or helping our existing employers grow and compete, we need to continually strengthen our workforce,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Todd Haymore. “Today’s announcement marks a nearly 180 percent increase in earned credentials in the first year of this program.  This significant growth is a great sign for what we can do for Virginia’s workforce moving forward.”
With broad bipartisan support, the 2016 General Assembly created the New Economy Workforce Credential Grant Fund and program to encourage more Virginians to prepare for careers that require specialized training, but not necessarily college degrees. This fund provides grants covering two-thirds of the tuition for students who are enrolled in a workforce training program designed to fill in-demand jobs in their home region.
The year before the new workforce training grant program went into effect, community colleges provided training for 1,528 Virginians to earn those professional credentials.
“This success is a tribute to the power of collaboration,” said Glenn DuBois, Chancellor of Virginia’s Community Colleges. “As we ramped up our workforce training capacity to respond to the new state grants program, we also created new training opportunities that motivated students to tap into a variety of other funding sources.”
“This is a significant milestone in Virginia’s efforts to better align the workforce system to help close the skills gap and prepare Virginians for good careers in high priority industries,” added Mark Herzog, Chair of the Virginia Board of Workforce Development.
Virginia’s businesses are eager to hire workers with a wide variety of skills in fields ranging from information technology and advanced manufacturing to education, health care, logistics and transportation.  By pursuing industry-recognized credentials, students can qualify for promising careers in weeks or months instead of semesters and years, and without incurring large amounts of student debt.
“Through better and more accessible training, Virginia is boosting its ability to create a 21st century workforce,” said Barry DuVal, President and CEO of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce.  “This is great news for our business community and for people who are starting out or getting a fresh start on their careers.” Read more: Augusta Free Press


Front Royal Warren County Community Profile & Membership Directory 2017 

The Front Royal Warren County Community Profile & Membership Directory 2017 is available at the Front Royal Warren County Chamber of Commerce today! Thank you to Niki Foster and Pam Riffle and the Chamber team for their help and direction putting this together! 






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.


Jasper Chamber news: Women Empowering Women To Confront Missing Career Advice For Success

The Dubois County women’s leadership organization, Women Empowering Women (WEW), will gather on Wednesday, August 9, at the St. Joseph Church Parish Center, 1029 Kundek Street in Jasper.  Doors will open at 11:30am for networking before the meeting begins at 11:45am.  This event is open to all prospective and current WEW members.

WEW addresses the gender gap in top leadership positions in business by offering the opportunity to learn, discuss and commit to the career advice typically not given to women.  Beyond traditional leadership definitions, participants will explore the missing skillset needed to enable career success.  The group will view a relevant TEDTalk to learn the key door opener and differentiator in business that is missing in conventional career advice.  The participants will discuss key learnings before committing to share what they learn to help close the gender gap at the top. 

Additionally, representatives from Girls on the Run will be available at the session to provide networking opportunities about their services and education about their impact on the community.

Advanced reservations are required for members and guests.  Reservations should be made by calling the Jasper Chamber of Commerce at 812-482-6866 or by emailing chamber@jasperin.org by Friday, August 4. The cost for lunch is $5.00 per person and is payable at the door.

The mission of Women Empowering Women is to inspire women in business to reach their highest potential by instilling confidence, building networks, and promoting community in Dubois County. Membership is open to any woman in business who lives or works in Dubois County.


For more information about WEW and to access a membership application, visit the organizations’ Facebook page or contact the Jasper Chamber of Commerce.


Past presenter at IACCE: Michael Angelo Caruso: Let's help people when I visit Illinois soon

I hope you're doing great at work and at home.

I'm returning to the great state of Illinois and there are a few opportunities for us to do something together. The itinerary is still developing, but here's what we know so far:

Oct 24-25 Available to speak to your team
Oct 26-28 Itasca, IL

If you'd like quality training for your work team, save a little money by snagging me for a session while I'm in your area.

If you can't use me during this time frame, feel free to recommend my program to your local Chamber of Commerce.

Just tell me what topic you're interested in: leadership, team building or selling.

I'll give the most memorable training program your people have ever attended.

My, Present Like a Pro, is available as a customized presentation for your team and as a public event. Either way, you'll learn more in half a day, than you've learned in five years, I promise.

Here's how to connect when I'm in town

1) Have me deliver a great training session to your team as described above.
2) Attend Present Like a Pro and become a better speaker for the rest of your life.
3) Meet up for coffee or a meal just to catch up on what's been going on. I may ask that you visit my hotel restaurant/lobby, if time is short.

In any case, call or text Rene in my office at 541-279-3342. I'd love to hear from you and trade a quick update.

I LOVE visiting your part of the country and look forward to seeing you!

And remember, the team usually improves right after the leader does.

Sincerely,
Michael
MichaelAngeloCaruso.com or 248-224-9667
I teach presentation skills to sales teams, leaders, and customer service reps.
Blog posts to share with your team
Showing gratitude is harder than you think
Being professional is never out of style


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