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!
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Provide incentives for current members to recruit
Sincerely,
Cathi HIGHT
Kaizen Consultant
Hight Performance Group
Work: (512) 354-7219
cathi@hightperformance.com
www.hightperformance.com
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!
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.
52nd Annual New Teachers and Administrators Welcome Breakfast
The West Suburban Chamber of Commerce and Industry Connects Education and Business, Students and the Community
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
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.
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
Northern Virginia Regional Elected Leaders Summit
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.
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
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