Chamber of Commerce Daily News

Town Square Publications (https://www.townsquarepublications.com) publishes two hundred world class turn-key chamber directories, community guides and maps annually at no cost to the chamber of commerce. We are Employee-Owned & part of the Daily Herald Media Group.149 years old and thriving through innovation daily. Chamber of Commerce Daily News follows chamber news, education, economic development, chamber jobs, and other related chamber issues/events. Best, John Dussman

Wednesday, August 30, 2017

Chamber Executive Ongoing Education: StrengthsFinder 2.0 by Tom Rath; From John Quigley, President, Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce: Illinois Chamber wants your opinion; Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce 2016-2017 Community Guide & Membership Directory; VISIT Lake Geneva names new CEO; Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce to Host 2nd Annual Taste of Kosciusko Event; 12th Annual Virginia Labor and Employment Law Seminar; ATTENTION: Important Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber Announcement - HURRICANE HARVEY PHLASH DRIVE; Katie Lopez named 2017 Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Executives Staff Member of the Year; Flint & Genesee Chamber to Launch Business Magazine; Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories, Maps and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S.

Good morning #Chamber World! It's going to be a GREAT day!

Chamber Executive Ongoing Education: StrengthsFinder 2.0 by Tom Rath

StrengthsFinder 2.0 features the NEW and UPGRADED version of the StrengthsFinder program, the main selling point of mega-bestseller Now, Discover Your Strengths (over a million copies sold). Access to the new and upgraded StrengthsFinder program will be available exclusively through this book.

DO YOU HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO DO WHAT YOU DO BEST EVERY DAY?

Chances are, you don’t. All too often, our natural talents go untapped. From the cradle to the cubicle, we devote more time to fixing our shortcomings than to developing our strengths.

To help people uncover their talents, Gallup introduced the first version of its online assessment, StrengthsFinder, in the 2001 management book Now, Discover Your Strengths. The book spent more than five years on bestseller lists and ignited a global conversation, while StrengthsFinder helped millions discover their top five talents.

In StrengthsFinder 2.0, Gallup unveils the new and improved version of its popular assessment, language of 34 themes and much more. While you can read this book in one sitting, you’ll use it as a reference for decades.

Loaded with hundreds of strategies for applying your strengths, this new book and accompanying website will change the way you look at yourself — and the world around you — forever.

AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY THROUGH THE UNIQUE ACCESS CODE INCLUDED IN STRENGTHSFINDER 2.0:

A new and upgraded edition of the StrengthsFinder assessment
A personalized Strengths Discovery and Action-Planning Guide for applying your strengths in the next week, month and year
A more customized version of your top five theme report
50 Ideas for Action (10 strategies for building on each of your top five themes)
The redesigned StrengthsFinder 2.0 companion website featuring: a strengths community area, a library of downloadable discussion guides and activities, a strengths screensaver, and a program for creating display cards of your top five themes More: Barnes & Noble

From John Quigley, President, Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce: Illinois Chamber wants your opinion

Dear Business Leader,

Upon taking office, President Trump has made renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement NAFTA) a cornerstone of his presidential agenda.

As you may already know, the first round of negotiations to re-do the three-nation trade pact concluded last week in Washington. And round 2 of talks are set to take place September 1-5 in Mexico City.

Given the 23-year-old trade deal could be enhanced, the Illinois Chamber of Commerce is seeking comments and information on the areas of NAFTA that have been most beneficial to Illinois businesses and exporters.

We are also interested in comments about potential proposals that may have an adverse or unintended consequence to your business or industry.

Roughly 14 million American jobs depend on trade with Canada and Mexico and $1.3 trillion in trade crosses our border annually. We want the voice of Illinois business to be heard during these negotiations.

To better fulfill our promise, we want to provide the Illinois congressional delegation and the administration with a document summarizing the Illinois business community's top issues pertaining to NAFTA.

Please submit your comments here by September 4, 2017.

Thanks for your membership and thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Todd Maisch
President and CEO
Illinois Chamber of Commerce

Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce 2016-2017 Community Guide & Membership Directory

The Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce 2016-2017 Community Profile & Membership Directory is available at the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber today! Thanks to Jon Maynard, Pam Swain, Rosie Vassalo and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!

Oxford-Lafayette County Community Guide & Membership Directory

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.

VISIT Lake Geneva names new CEO

VISIT Lake Geneva, the official Chamber of Commerce and destination marketing organization for the Lake Geneva, Wisconsin area, has hired Ed Svitak back as president and CEO.

Svitak will be responsible for leading the growth of the development of the area by increasing visits from tourists and business travelers. He will also serve as the hospitality industry's liaison to the business and local community, while growing the impact of tourism on the Lake Geneva area.

He brings more than 30 years of experience directing sales and marketing efforts at hotels and destinations ranging in size from 100 to 1,046 rooms in Illinois, California and Wisconsin. From 2010 to 2013, Ed was responsible for sales, public relations/marketing and revenue generation for the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa. Svitak's most recent roles include leading sales and marketing for Hyatt Regency in Schaumburg and the Hilton in Pasadena, California.

Svitak has been recognized for his work with numerous awards, including the Director of Sales Award by Aimbridge Hospitality in 2016, Director of Sales of the Year in 2011 by Marcus Hotels, Hall of Fame Award Palm Springs Tourism in 2004, and the Sales Person of the Year Palms Springs Desert Resorts CVB in 2001.

He holds a bachelor of science in marketing, with an emphasis on hotel and restaurant management, from Northern Arizona University. A native of Riverside, Svitak and his wife Doreen have three adult children who all reside in California. Read more: Daily Herald

Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce to Host 2nd Annual Taste of Kosciusko Event

(Warsaw, IN) – The Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce will host its 2nd Annual Taste of Kosciusko event on Saturday, September 9th from 11AM – 3:30PM at the Winona Heritage Room. All are invited to come and taste delicious food from all across Kosciusko County. Admission is free and food sample tickets are just $1 each. Participating food vendors include, 110 Craft Meatery, Cerulean, Light Rail Café & Roaster, The Igloo, Mad Anthony’s, Oh Sweetness, Raise the Dough, Applebee’s, Ruby Tuesday, and more. The event is sponsored in part by AlignLife Warsaw, 212 Media Studios, and Kosciusko REMC.

The Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce is the voice of our members to stimulate healthy and diverse business growth in our community. For more information visit www.kchamber.com.

Contact: Lauren Klusman, Phone: 574-267-6311, lklusman@kcchamber.com

12th Annual Virginia Labor and Employment Law Seminar

Thursday, September 14
8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Hungry Mother State Park
Hemlock Haven Conference Center
Marion, Virginia

Topics:

· 2017 at the Mid-Point: Trumped Up?

· Trends, Tips and Tactics for Accommodating the Disabled

· Diversity and Inclusion: Fostering an Inclusive Culture

· Creating Solid Documentation to Support Employment Decisions

· Mediation, EEOC, Judicial Settlement Conferences and Negotiating Skills: Ready, Set, Resolve!

· Sexual Harassment and Internal Investigations Best Practices: Lessons from the Fox News Scandals

· God, Guns & Some Other Interesting Stuff

Download the seminar brochure for more information.

Fee:

The fee for the seminar is $150 per attendee. If you are a member of one of the co-sponsoring organizations, the fee is $125 per attendee.

Deadline:

All registration forms and fees must be received by Thursday, September 7. Register early for a guaranteed spot. Refunds will be made for cancellations received one week or more before the seminar.

Registration:

· To register online and pay by credit card, click here

· To download a registration form and pay by check, click here

Continuing Education Credit:
This program is pending approval for HRCI and SHRM credit and has been submitted for 6.0 hours of CLE credit in Tennessee and Virginia.

Special thanks to our Seminar Partners:

· Appalachian Chapter of the Virginians – SHRM (Bluefield and Tazewell)
· Bristol Employer Advisory Committee
· Buchanan County Chamber of Commerce
· Dickenson County Chamber of Commerce
· Mountain Empire Human Resources Association
· Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce
· Scott County Chamber of Commerce
· Smyth County Chamber of Commerce
· Southwest Virginia Chapter – SHRM (Norton/Wise)
· The Greater Bluefield Chamber of Commerce
· The Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing, Inc.
· Triad Employer Advisory Committee (Buchanan, Russell and Tazewell Counties)
· Twin County Chamber of Commerce
· Washington County Chamber of Commerce
· Wytheville-Wythe-Bland Chamber of Commerce

ATTENTION: Important Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber Announcement - HURRICANE HARVEY PHLASH DRIVE

Dear Chamber Members,

I’m sure most of you are aware of the severity of the devastation and flooding that has engulfed many areas in Texas as a result of Hurricane Harvey. If you have seen pictures you know this devastation is beyond anything our minds can even imagine. Communities are in great need right now, with homes, businesses, schools, and more, all underwater. Here is our opportunity to help!

I am challenging EVERYONE in Oxford and Lafayette County…….and I mean EVERYONE, to give! I encourage businesses, churches, schools, the University, etc. to donate whatever they can.

The items needed are:
· cleaning supplies
· first aid kits
· bleach
· rubber gloves
· hand sanitizer
· towels (new)
· diapers & baby wipes
· baby formula
· dry pet food

· (PLEASE, NO BOTTLED WATER, USED ITEMS OR CLOTHING ITEMS AT THIS TIME.)

Monetary donations are also being accepted to cover the expense of the very large rental truck that has been secured as well as gas to transport the items.

Here’s the thing…donate whatever you can. Even if it’s one small thing, please give--it might be a big thing to someone else. Let’s do this, Oxford!

There will be a truck leaving Oxford on Thursday afternoon headed to Texas and we hope it will be filled to the brim!

We need all items to the Chamber of Commerce by NOON on Thursday!

Remember, a community is a place, but it is much more than that. It is that feeling that exists in our hearts when we think of our families, our friends, our neighbors, and our homes. More importantly, it is the desire to share that feeling with those who need it most; those that may have lost all of those things. Please give!

Sincerely,

David Guyton
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Oxford/Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce

Katie Lopez named 2017 Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Executives Staff Member of the Year

The Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Executives (KCCE) held their annual awards banquet, Thursday, August 24, 2017 where Mrs. Katie Lopez, Christian County Chamber of Commerce Director of Military Affairs, was named 2017 KCCE Staff Member of the Year.

Lopez holds a Master of Arts in Social Responsibility and Sustainable Communities and a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies in Social and Behavioral Sciences from Western Kentucky University. A native of Clearwater, Florida, Mrs. Lopez moved to the Fort Campbell, KY region in the summer of 2013 after marrying her husband who was assigned to the 101^st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and has served as the Director of Military Affairs at the Christian County Chamber of Commerce since 2014.

As a military spouse, Katie has been active in numerous volunteer positions throughout her community. Her current and past involvements include, being a board member of the AUSA- Fort Campbell Chapter, Chapter Lead for the Fort Campbell In Gear Career, Treasurer for her husband’s unit FRG, Aaron McNeil House board member, Western Kentucky Workforce Board, Museums of Historic Hopkinsville Board Member and named the 2015 Armed Forces Insurance Fort Campbell Spouse of the Year.

Katie is passionate about creating sustainable military communities and empowering military spouses to actively engage in their communities; she believes that impactful change begins by including military families in to the program development process. Through strategic partnership and networking, Lopez was able to launch the Military Spouse Leadership Program in the fall of 2015.

Through the success of the Military Spouse Leadership Program, Lopez was able to gain recognition of the Christian County community on a national level by being named a Great American Defense Community.

Join the Christian County Chamber of Commerce in congratulating Katie on this honor and thanking her for her dedication to our community and military families. More information: Kirstie Darnall (270)-885-9096 kdarnall@christiancountychamber.com

Flint & Genesee Chamber to Launch Business Magazine

This September, the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce will launch a bimonthly business magazine for local business and community leaders, and entrepreneurs.

AND will cover issues, such as economic development, talent, commercial and residential real estate, education, travel and tourism, and other business topics. In addition to in-depth business features,

AND will include recurring sections on chamber members, milestones, economic updates, and personnel moves. AND will serve as an important medium for sharing the story of Flint & Genesee’s forward progress across the region and beyond.

The cover story of the inaugural edition will explore the role of Flint & Genesee’s higher education institutions in economic development.

Why AND?

Well, in the words of Eric J. McNulty, director of research at the National Preparedness Leadership Initiative at Harvard: “And is one small word that can make a big difference in the way you think and lead.”

That, in a nutshell, is the aim of AND. Read more about The Power of And.

Members are encouraged to send news about their business—staff changes, relocations or expansions—for publication in Members on the Move. Send submissions and ideas to bcampbell@flintandgenesee.org.For advertising inquiries, contact Heather Kale at hkale@flintandgenesee.org or click here.

Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories, Maps 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

Tuesday, August 22, 2017

Brent Cooper: Hotel tax was correct move by NKY leaders; Valpo chamber, Northwest Indiana SCORE to host online marketing workshop; #BestChamber practices: Rochester Regional Chamber: Ambassador Of The Month in your weekly newsletter: Lynn Marie Oates - Envoy Mortgage; Birmingham Bloomfield 2016-2017 Membership Directory and Community Resource Guide; Effingham Chamber Named As Finalist for Chamber of the Year Award; City of Ridgeland Chamber of Commerce 2016/2017 Community Map: Markussen represents La Crosse businesses at Foxconn hearing; Congressmen present update at Franklin-Southampton chamber event; Beth Kitchings Joins MEC Team as VP of Member Involvement; Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories, Maps and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S.

Good morning #Chamber World! It's going to be a GREAT day!

Brent Cooper: Hotel tax was correct move by NKY leaders

President Ronald Reagan once said this about leadership:

“A leader, once convinced a particular course of action is the right one, must have the determination to stick with it and be undaunted when the going gets tough.”

The judge-executives and county commissioners of Boone, Campbell and Kenton counties have shown the type of unwavering leadership described by President Reagan through their unanimous support of an initiative that will provide funding for the planned expansion of the Northern Kentucky Convention Center.

The modest 1 percent increase in the region’s hotel tax – which by statute had to be approved by the fiscal courts in our three counties – will seed a capital fund that will ultimately be used to promote the entire region, as well as expand the 204,000-square-foot convention center in downtown Covington. The project will create jobs, bring visitors to hotels, restaurants, businesses and attractions throughout Northern Kentucky and allow our center to remain competitive with other cities and regions.

The business community recognizes the tremendous economic impact of Northern Kentucky’s travel and tourism industry, which continued to boom in 2016 by generating nearly $1.7 billion of total economic impact including $388 million spent by visitors to Boone, Kenton and Campbell counties.

The Northern Kentucky Convention Center is a major component of that success. Since opening in 1998, initial booking projections are up nearly 40 percent. The center’s 2,500 events have generated $1 billion in economic impact while directly supporting 350 hospitality-related jobs in the region. Read more: Cincinatti.com

Valpo chamber, Northwest Indiana SCORE to host online marketing workshop

Northwest Indiana SCORE, a Valparaiso-based business mentoring nonprofit with a satellite office in Munster, will host a workshop on online presence and online marketing Aug. 30.

The free one-hour workshop will take place at 9 a.m., Aug. 30 at the Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce at 162 Lincolnway in downtown Valparaiso.
"Worried about getting found by local customers, want to be found everywhere on all devices, want to know how to be found with online advertising, want to learn how to measure your online success?" Northwest Indiana SCORE said in a statement.
Seth Spencer of SERA Solutions will discuss how to tailor a company's website for mobile and search, how to advertise on Google, how to use Google My Business, and how to use Google Analytics to grow the customer base. A copy of Spencer's slide presentation and complementary coffee will be provided to attendees.
Though the event is free, registration is required because seating at the chamber is limited. To register, visit northwestindiana.score.org. Read more: NWI Times

#BestChamber practices: Rochester Regional Chamber: Ambassador Of The Month in your weekly newsletter: Lynn Marie Oates - Envoy Mortgage

I am a lifelong resident of Rochester and committed to my community!

I am thrilled to be working in downtown Rochester at Envoy Mortgage as a Loan Officer.

The best part of my job is getting to help people into the home of their dreams! I love getting to know my clients and finding out what is best for them. Nothing could be more rewarding!

In addition to a career in my hometown, I also have a strong dedication to my community.

I currently serve on the Women's Fund Board as part of the Greater Rochester Community Foundation; Chairperson of the Rochester City Beautiful Commission, member and past president of the Rochester Junior Women's Club, Relay For Life of Greater Rochester leadership team and am an active volunteer for South Oakland Shelter.

Contact info:
(248) 218-0663
loates@envoymortgage.com

Birmingham Bloomfield 2016-2017 Membership Directory and Community Resource Guide

The Birmingham-Bloomfield 2016-2017 Membership Directory and Community Resource Guide is available at the Birmingham-Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce today! Thank you to Joe Bauman and the Chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!

2016-2017 Birmingham-Bloomfield Chamber Membership Directory and Community Resource Guide

The Effingham County Chamber of Commerce was recently named as a finalist for the 2017 Chamber of the Year Award from the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. The Effingham County Chamber qualified in the Annual Revenue category with Des Moines Dowtown Chamber in Des Moines, Iowa and O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce & Industries in O’Fallon, Missouri. All finalists will be celebrated on July 18th in Nashville, Tennessee.

The Chamber of the Year Award is the only award in the nation that recognizes the role chambers have in their communities. Winners of the Chamber of the Year Award have shown impact on community priorities, including education, transportation, business development, and quality of life. To qualify for the Chamber of the Year Award, chambers must meet the criteria on the ACCE Annual Operations Survey and submit a written application that highlights all aspects of organizational and programmatic work. These applications are then scored by a peer chamber executive to choose the finalists. The winner is then selected following an in-person interview with a panel of chamber professionals.

Effingham County Chamber CEO and President, Norma Lansing stated, “Qualifying for this award during our Centennial Year has even more meaning for the Effingham County Chamber. It is due to the dedication of our Board of Directors, volunteer teams and Chamber professional staff that we have qualified for this prestigious award. Past Chamber Board Chairman Jeff Fritchtnitch and I will be traveling to Nashville to conduct the final phase of the selection process. This in-depth interview will focus on the Chamber’s strategic objectives and future focus”. More information: EffinghamRadio.com

City of Ridgeland Chamber of Commerce 2016/2017 Community Map

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

City of Ridgeland Chamber Community Map

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

Markussen represents La Crosse businesses at Foxconn hearing

On Thursday, members of the public had the chance to weigh in on a $3 billion incentive package for Foxconn.

Along with members of the public, the Assembly Board of Jobs invited speakers to add perspective to the issue. One of the invited speakers was the Executive Director of the La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce, Vicki Markussen.

Markussen said the atmosphere at the public hearing was positive with many speakers sharing pro Foxconn testimonies. She believes Foxconn will provide the job opportunities Wisconsin needs to be more competitive with surrounding states.

"Our area is known to lose talent particularly to Minneapolis. Well, this provides us the opportunity to keep them in Wisconsin, and that's good for Wisconsin," Markussen said. "My message yesterday was, 'What's good for Wisconsin is good for La Crosse.'"

Even though Foxconn will likely be built in the eastern side of Wisconsin, Markussen said it will generate revenue in the Coulee Region.

"Foxconn will have a ripple effect for our area," she said. "We do have some of our headquartered companies, obviously, with locations down on that side of the state. They fully believe that they will see the direct impact from Foxconn which of course ripples to our area because of those headquarters."

Markussen surveyed area businesses before going to the hearing. 109 business responded with 68-percent moderately or strongly in favor of the incentive package. Those businesses believe that without the package, Wisconsin could lose Foxconn and the revenue and jobs it would bring. Read more: WXOW.com

Congressmen present update at Franklin-Southampton chamber event

A visit from area congressmen and participation in a survey about Virginia’s economic future were the subjects for the Blueprint Virginia 2025 and Congressional Update on Wednesday afternoon. Presented by the Franklin-Southampton Area Chamber of Commerce in the Regional Workforce Development Center at Paul D. Camp Community College, the program began with remarks from Fourth District’s Don McEachin and Third District’s Bobby Scott, respectively.

McEachin touched on subjects such as a bipartisan approach to infrastructure reform and expanding internet broadband access in southside Virginia. Money to rebuild roads, bridges, water and electrical lines could come from a general fund, he said, and the plan should not just be based on tax credits.

Making internet more accessible benefits both students who can stay at home for research, as well as businesses that need it to serve customers. This September, McEachin will be looking into getting grants for internet expansion purposes.

Transportation is another issue, and the congressman asked guests to identify their needs and contact him. He added that a second district office is opening in Suffolk beginning with an open house on Tuesday, Aug. 22, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. This will be located at 131 N. Saratoga St., Suite B, in Downtown Suffolk.

Scott noted that this year is his first in representing Franklin. Court-ordered border changes last year expanded his coverage, which also includes Isle of Wight and the northern half of Suffolk.

The congressman expressed his concern about President Trump’s proposed budget cuts, such as the 21 percent each in the departments of labor and agriculture. Scott noted that there are increases for the military, which could benefit this region, he did ask “what mechanism is going to pay for it?”

He also acknowledged that while there are still some problems with the Affordable Care Act, the other proposed alternatives feature an increase in health care costs and that “10s of millions of people would lose coverage.”

He suggested that Medicaid could be expanded, and that it was a mistake that the General Assembly did not do so.

Following his remarks and answering some questions — McEachin had to leave early — Barry DuVal called on the guests to participate using their smartphones in an online survey, Blueprint Virginia 2025. Read more: Tidewater News

Beth Kitchings Joins MEC Team as VP of Member Involvement

The Mississippi Economic Council recently named Beth Kitchings as Vice President of Member Involvement.

As Vice President of Member Involvement, Kitchings leads a team responsible for growing, engaging and retaining the membership base of the state’s chamber of commerce.

She comes to MEC with more than 25 years of sales, marketing, and communications experience with organizations and clients in the healthcare, education, financial services, manufacturing, and tourism industries.

Kitchings has spent the past 12 years at the Ramey Agency managing a variety of accounts such as Viking Range, Bank of the Ozarks, BankPlus, The University of Mississippi, and TCI. Her previous work experience has exposed her to many different vertical markets and the issues that impact them, allowing for an understanding of how to better serve MEC’s membership and potential members.

Kitchings currently serves CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) Mississippi as Board President and is a sustaining member of the Junior League of Jackson. She holds a degree in journalism with an emphasis in public relations from the University of Mississippi. Beth and her husband, Taylor, parents to grown children, are both native Mississippians and live in Ridgeland. They are members of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Cathedral.

“We are extremely excited to have Beth on board,” said MEC Interim President & CEO Scott Waller. “She brings great experience and passion to her new role, and is an excellent addition to our team.” Source: Mississippi Economic Council

Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories, Maps and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S.

Monday, August 21, 2017

Kentucky Chamber asks Congress to address health care costs, premiums; Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Map; Chamber interest: Taste of Kosciusko County; Amplify Oshkosh: AI Trends in Technology; Chamber will recognize first responders with six awards at their first “First Responders Appreciation Breakfast”; #BestChamber practices: Note from Cathi Hight: Recruit with a consistent brand message!; Mississippi Power, Silicon Ranch Win Approval For 53 MW Solar Plant; Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce 2016-2017 Community Guide & Membership Directory; 52nd Annual New Teachers and Administrators Welcome Breakfast; Orion Area Chamber of Commerce: Nominations now open; Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner: Signed bill to streamline spending, save money; Chicago Chinatown Chamber Cruise Will Take You From Chinatown's Ping Tom Park To Lake Michigan; Illinois chamber recognizes Zurich project in Schaumburg; Officials toast opening of Southwest Virginia Mountain Brew Trail; Northern Virginia Regional Elected Leaders Summit; Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories, Maps and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S.

Good morning #Chamber World! It's going to be a GREAT day!

Kentucky Chamber asks Congress to address health care costs, premiums

In a letter sent to U.S. Majority Leader Sen. Mitch McConnell, the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce expressed concerns about the Health Insurance Tax (HIT) provision in the Affordable Care Act and the impact it will have on small business in the state and requested permanent repeal of the provision.

The Health Insurance Tax acts like a sales tax on health-insurance policies purchased in the market by individuals and employers. While the tax, when implemented, is supposed to be paid by the insurance companies, the real cost will be passed through to the customers who pay for the insurance.

Congress delayed implementation of the HIT for 2017, but without immediate action, this tax is set to kick back in on Jan. 1, 2018, costing Americans, employers, states and the federal government $22 billion in 2018 and $267 billion from 2018 to 2027.

“Our member businesses want to be good partners in providing access to health care and creating new jobs, but, especially for small businesses, these higher health care costs will mean fewer resources to hire new workers and expand the economy,” Kentucky Chamber President and CEO Dave Adkisson said.

In the letter, Adkisson pointed to new data from actuarial consulting firm Oliver Wyman, which estimates that over the next decade the HIT will increase the cost of premiums by $2,282 for individual and $6,190 for family coverage for small businesses and by $2,326 for individual and $6,675 for family coverage for large employers.

Because of the negative impacts to come from this provision, Adkisson expressed the Kentucky Chamber’s desire to see Congress further delay implementation of the Health Insurance Tax. Read more: Lane Report

Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Map

The new Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Map is available at the Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber today! Thanks to Bob O'Callaghan and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!

Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber 2017 Community Map

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

Chamber interest: Taste of Kosciusko County

Date: September 9, 2017 - 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM EDT

Taste all the flavors of Kosciusko County — On Saturday, September 9, 2017 from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM local food vendors will showcase their creations for the Taste of Kosciusko in beautiful Winona Lake. The event will be held at the Winona Heritage Room located at 901 Park Ave., Winona Lake, IN 46590. Attendees will be able to purchase food tickets for $1 and submit to the food vendors for their menu item of choice which will be from one to five tickets. (discount available for bulk purchases)

Kosciusko County has a wonderful variety of eateries to offer that sometimes go unnoticed. We want to bring the best of the best to one location to give locals and neighboring communities the opportunity to experience all the community has to offer.

Bring your family and friends to Taste of Kosciusko on September 9, 2017 from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Enjoy activities and lots of food and drinks at the Winona Heritage Room in Winona Lake, IN. Plan your trip today, and be sure to bring an appetite! More information: Kosciusko Chamber

Amplify Oshkosh: AI Trends in Technology

Artificial intelligence already impacts much of the technology we use everyday. Yet, we are so rarely aware of these subtle AI interactions happening all the time….whether it’s choosing a TV show – or – selecting a new pillow. From Siri, to Amazon and every Netflix series suggestion, AI and machine learning systems are quietly soaking in information about us every single day. We are on the brink of revolution, one that will touch every industry and technological development. During this session, Paul will discuss the future of AI in technology, and how your business and personal life will be impacted day-to-day.

Speaker: Paul Hager – CEO & President at Information Technology Professionals

Paul Hager is an IT entrepreneur and one of America’s most respected Technology Futurists. Paul has always exhibited a dynamic ability to see what lies ahead, and a willingness to embrace an ever-changing world. Today, as the CEO of one of the fastest-growing technology firms in the country, Paul leads a company dedicated to helping its clients leverage—and profit from—trends in technology.
Since taking the reins, Information Technology Professionals has been named an Inc. 5000 company, and now appears on the lists of the SMB 500, MSP Mentor’s Global 501, and CRN Magazine’s NextGen 250. As a keynote speaker, Paul calls on his knowledge of tech trends to help guide his audiences toward safer, more secure, and prosperous futures. A frequent speaker to both for-profit and non-profit organizations, he also guest lectures at institutions of higher education. More Information: Amplify Oshkosh

Fredericksburg Regional Chamber will recognize first responders with six awards at their first “First Responders Appreciation Breakfast”

FREDERICKSBURG - The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber is proud to present a new event to recognize and award first responders.

The “First Responders Appreciation Breakfast” is on Thursday, August 24 at the Fredericksburg Expo and Conference Center at 2371 Carl D. Silver Parkway in Fredericksburg, starting at 8:30 a.m. This regional event will highlight first responders from the counties of Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, Stafford, the City of Fredericksburg, and the Virginia State Police.

Susan Spears, Chamber President & CEO, said this event would recognize men and women for their dedication, bravery and commitment to the community. This event represents the business community saying “thank you” for the quality of life this group provides to our region.

The following recipients will receive awards:

Meritorious Civilian Award- Phillip and William Atkins, father and son.
For their heroism on January 23, 2017, when they discovered a man lying face down in a parking lot in Fredericksburg. The man had had a heart attack and ultimately survived because of the Atkins’s quick actions.

Excellence in Criminal Investigations- Detective Katie Pearce, Fredericksburg City Police Department.
For her integrity and dedication to clear a difficult active case.

Valor Award- Master Deputy Ben Doucet of the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office and Medic Leigh Doucet, husband and wife.
For their actions on June 4, 2017, where they encountered and subsequently rescued a fellow deputy’s two-year-old child that was drowning in Lake Anna.

Valor Award- Deputy First Class, Brandon Boyle of the Stafford Sheriff’s Office.
For a breaking and entering incident involving a domestic situation that ultimately resulted in Deputy Boyle being shot five times.

Excellence in Criminal Investigation- Deputy Frank Corona Sr. of the Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office.
For his tedious work to bring closure of his assigned cases, attention to detail, and continued learning to the betterment of the department.

“Business of First Responding” - This award is given for a program, initiative, or system whose implementation has made significant impacts on the overall operations or delivery of services to the community.
Spotsylvania Fire Rescue Emergency Management, Fire Prevention Division.
For their innovative fire and life safety education program primarily focused on the young and the elderly.

Sponsors include Virginia Partners Bank, Hilldrup Moving & Storage, Mary Washington Healthcare, Heartfields Assisted Living at Fredericksburg, Patriot3 Inc., Embrace Treatment Foster Care, Sary Arka Business Solutions, Spring Arbor of Fredericksburg, Rejuvalase Medspa, and multiple table sponsors.

For First Responders unable to attend the event in person, many businesses are expressing their gratitude through the “Friends of First Responders” initiative and will offer special discounts to first responders in uniform or with identification. A link to these businesses can be found here.

For more information, contact Whitney Watts, whitney@fxbgchamber.org

#BestChamber practices: Note from Cathi Hight: Recruit with a consistent brand message!

If you're in charge of recruiting new members to your organization, you must ensure there is a consistent brand message that clearly communicates the association's mission and what it offers to its members. The greater the awareness and positive brand recognition among your constituents, the higher your recruitment numbers will be.

Best practices for this include:

Recruit for retention - Determine who your target market and identify ideal members

Maintain a consistent marketing message - Keep current members abreast of the organization's direction and outcomes. Also, have an external message for various constituency groups you represent and media that communicates the organization, unique value proposition, its strategic direction and accomplishments.

Manage a positive brand identity - Periodically audit your brand messaging through surveys, focus groups and interviews.

Offer promotions or incentives to join - Different incentives will attract different people. Recruit new members by offering promotions based on various interests or needs with free admission to an event, advertising opportunity, or a first-year or multiple-year membership discount.

Provide incentives for current members to recruit - Your current members will recruit like-minded members which can create stronger communities.

Sincerely,

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

ADP interest: Mississippi Power, Silicon Ranch Win Approval For 53 MW Solar Plant

Utility company Mississippi Power and SR Meridian III, a wholly owned subsidiary of developer Silicon Ranch Corp., have received unanimous approval from the Mississippi Public Service Commission (PSC) to build a 52.5 MW solar project in Lauderdale County.

The project will include approximately 570,000 photovoltaic panels, and the plant is scheduled to begin providing energy by December 2019. When operational, the facility will generate enough electricity to power approximately 8,000 homes.

SR Meridian III will construct, own and operate the facility, which is estimated to cost approximately $100 million, and will deliver affordable wholesale energy to Mississippi Power below the utility’s avoided cost over the 25-year life of the power purchase agreement.

“This partnership with Silicon Ranch will help Mississippi Power continue to support the expansion of solar generation in the state of Mississippi,” says Mississippi Power President and CEO Anthony Wilson. “This facility increases Mississippi Power’s access to solar power, supports the Navy in its renewable energy initiatives and is a significant investment in Lauderdale County.”

This generating facility, along with a 6 MW solar plant that recently broke ground at Naval Air Station (NAS) Meridian, will help also help support the U.S. Navy’s objective of strengthening grid resiliency and reliability.

“NAS Meridian’s success in effectively managing energy resources has been recognized at the highest levels of the Navy,” says Captain Scott A. Bunnay, former commanding officer of NAS Meridian. “Efforts like these solar projects help bases become more resilient and secure.”

“Silicon Ranch is grateful for the support of the Mississippi Public Service Commission, as this project reinforces our long-term commitment to the Magnolia State, where we have already made significant investments across more than a dozen facilities,” says Silicon Ranch President and CEO Matt Kisber. “We wish to commend our partners at Mississippi Power, East Mississippi Electric Power Association and Naval Air Station Meridian for their collaborative efforts to bring the benefits of utility-scale solar to Lauderdale County.”

The Lauderdale County facility will increase Mississippi Power’s solar capacity to 160 MW. In July, Mississippi Power held site dedications at a 52 MW solar plant in Sumrall with D.E. Shaw Renewable Investments and a 4 MW solar facility at the Naval Construction Battalion Center in Gulfport with Hannah Solar and WGL Energy. In the coming weeks, a 50 MW solar plant in Hattiesburg in partnership with Silicon Ranch and the Area Development Partnership is also scheduled to begin operating.

Mississippi Power will receive all energy and associated renewable energy credits produced by these facilities, which it may use to serve customers with solar energy or sell to third parties for the benefit of customers. Read more: Solar Industry

Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce 2016-2017 Community Guide & Membership Directory

The Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce 2016-2017 Community Profile & Membership Directory is available at the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber today! Thanks to Jon Maynard, Pam Swain, Rosie Vassalo and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!

Oxford-Lafayette County Community Guide & Membership Directory

52nd Annual New Teachers and Administrators Welcome Breakfast

The West Suburban Chamber of Commerce and Industry Connects Education and Business, Students and the Community

Hodgkins, Illinois - The West Suburban Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WSCCI) announces its 52nd Annual New Teachers and Administration Welcome Breakfast on Tuesday, August 15th at 7:30am at the La Grange Country Club.

The WSCCI is proud to support and commend local teachers and administrators at its Annual New Teachers Administrators Breakfast. These individuals are the ones who make it all happen in schools around the country, and this particular WSCCI signature event highlights and thanks those in this region for their innovation and dedication in leading our future employees, consumers and community leaders. In addition, area businesses will attend this event to show their support by welcoming new teachers and administrators to the area. This year, we honor more than 100 new teachers and administrators.

The highlight of the morning will when we honor School District 204, superintendent Tim Kilrea, principal Brian Waterman, and Lyons Township High School teachers Krista Wilcox and Jennifer Walker, who have been instrumental in leading programs and classes that offer students a real-live taste of the business world. Several students will also talk about their beneficial experiences. These individuals have contributed immeasurably to not only their district, but also to the surrounding community by empowering their students to think big, use their talents constructively and be leaders not only within their peer groups but in the larger community as well.

“Lyons Township High School has a long tradition of preparing students for all walks of life,” says Superintendent Kilrea. “Whether our students opt to attend college, study a trade or enter the workforce, they do so with a solid set of skills which will help them communicate, work cooperatively and ultimately lead. This would not be possible without the strong support that we receive from our local communities, including the West Suburban Chamber of Commerce and Industry.”

Districts 101, 102, 105, 106, 107, 204, St. Francis Xavier, St. Cletus and the LaGrange Area Department of Special Education will each be present with New Teachers and Administrators and current faculty. In addition, several local legislators will be in attendance, along with area business leaders and residents to show their support. We invite any interested parties to attend the event or sponsor a teacher to attend (tickets are $40) or a table of teachers ($300). Event sponsorships are also available for a higher level of company recognition. For more information on the Teachers Breakfast or to learn how you can show your support visit WSCCI.org.

Orion Area Chamber of Commerce: Nominations now open

Nominations for the Orion Area Chamber of Commerce 2017 Impact Awards are now open!

Each year at the Chamber's annual Impact Awards Luncheon in December, the Orion Area Chamber of Commerce honors Chamber members who are actively making a difference in our community.

If you are interested in nominating someone for one, or all, of the following high honors, please click the link(s) provided below. Nominations will close on September 15, 2017, but don't put it off for too long!

Business Person of the Year

Aspiring Entrepreneur

Economic Impact Award

Entrepreneur of the Year

Community Beautification/Preservation

Youth Impact Award

Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner: Signed bill to streamline spending, save money

A newly signed bill will look to streamline spending in Illinois.

On Wednesday, Gov. Bruce Rauner signed Senate Bill 8 with the hope the move will cut down on red tape for businesses, universities and other groups, saving taxpayers money in the process. A release from the governor’s office says the bipartisan bill will make spending “efficient and transparent”

“Reforming the procurement process allows more flexibility for vendors,” said Gov. Rauner. “Removing red tape will make it easier for small and midsize businesses to bid on state contracts. This is a win for our government agencies, for universities, for businesses and, most importantly, for taxpayers.”

The bill cuts down on administrative delays for public universities in Illinois, and allows Illinois and smaller governments in the state to create joint purchasing agreements. The governor’s office says the move should also save taxpayer money because it ups purchasing power.

“This reform is an important reminder that government can work smarter and more efficiently while still protecting taxpayer interests,” said Illinois Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Todd Maisch. “Thousands of Illinois businesses will view this reform as a step forward for Illinois.” Read more: WAND TV

Chicago Chinatown Chamber Cruise Will Take You From Chinatown's Ping Tom Park To Lake Michigan

The Chicago Chinatown Chamber of Commerce is hosting a nighttime cruise down the Chicago River that will also double as an unofficial "taste of Chinatown" next week.

Named the Taste of Chinatown Cuisine Sunset Cruise, the Wendella tour boat will leave Ping Tom Memorial Park, 300 W. 19th St., at 6 p.m. Tuesday and will return around 9 p.m. The cruise will head Downtown from the park and will go out on Lake Michigan before turning around in time to watch the sunset from the river, according to the Chamber of Commerce.

Attendees will be able to sample food from a number of Chinatown restaurants as well as listen to music from the Francis Wyatt Trio. A cash bar will be on board.

Tickets for the event, which is a fundraiser for the chamber, are $75 for the public or $65 for chamber members, and they can be bought here. Read more: DNA INFO

Illinois chamber recognizes Zurich project in Schaumburg

Zurich North America's new 783,800-square-foot headquarters in Schaumburg is among the five winners of this year's Economic Development in Illinois Awards -- the Edies.

The 9th annual awards were presented this week by the Illinois Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with the Illinois Economic Development Association.Zurich North America was recognized for securing its new position as Schaumburg's largest employer with more than 2,500 employees and a statewide economic impact of $1.3 billion annually.

Zurich's renewed investment in Schaumburg is expected to generate millions of dollars in property tax revenue for the village, as well as sales tax for the local and state economies through employees' purchases of goods and services.

Also among this year's winners was one from which Zurich's headquarters directly benefits -- the Illinois Tollway's $2.5 billion improvement of the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90). The multiyear project which wrapped up in late 2016 reconstructed and widened 62 miles of road from the western edge of Chicago to Rockford, as well as adding other enhancements along with the way to improve motorists' experience. Read more: Daily Herald

Officials toast opening of Southwest Virginia Mountain Brew Trail

Virginia Sen. Mark Warner and about a hundred business leaders, half a dozen craft brewery owners and a smattering of politicians raised their glasses to toast the opening of the Southwest Virginia Mountain Brew Trail on Tuesday night.

The announcement from the upper level of Studio Brew in downtown Bristol was met with applause and cheers from those in attendance.

Warner said that the trail — which has 16 craft breweries currently on its roll and more under construction, including three in Bristol — will boost the local economy and provide jobs.

“The Mountain Brew Trail is the product of years of conversations and planning between local stakeholders and my office, all working together to highlight the success of this growing industry in the region,” he said. “Heritage trails like these, which highlight heritage music and local artisans, help bring new jobs and attract business and tourism to Southwest Virginia.”

Virginia Tourism Corp. President and CEO Rita McClenny, who was also in Bristol for the announcement, said craft beer is an important regional asset for Southwest Virginia.

Virginia is home to 206 licensed breweries, with the craft beer industry contributing more than $9 billion annually to the commonwealth’s economy and employing over 28,000 people in production, distribution and retail, according to McClenny.

“People come here to make family memories,” she said. “And this trail will give them a reason to come taste, see and fall in love with all that Southwest Virginia has to offer. There's no better way to get a taste of the local flavor than to show visitors why Virginia is for craft beer lovers.”

‎President and CEO of the Bristol Chamber of Commerce Beth Rhinehart said the launching of the trail shows visitors that there is always something new to do in the Twin City.

“The race is starting this weekend, and people come to the speedway from all over the nation,” she said. “Some of them have come for many years, and it seems that every year there is something new and exciting for them to experience. This trail is one of those experiences that will keep them coming back.”

Warner also said the trail will attract young people to the area. Read more: Bristol Herald Courier

Northern Virginia Regional Elected Leaders Summit

Hear from Northern Virginia Policymakers on September 6

Last year's sold-out Northern Virginia Regional Elected Leaders Summit is back, and it's just around the corner! Co-hosted by the Arlington Chamber, this event features elected officials from across the region, including Arlington County Board Chair Jay Fisette, and will be held on Wednesday, September 6 at George Mason University's Arlington Campus.

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.

More than half of the available tickets have already been sold, and we expect remaining tickets to go quickly. Ticket prices increase this Wednesday, August 23. To register and find more information, visit our website.

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