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Kentucky Chamber president says bigotry and racism bad for country, bad for business
“I am heartened that corporate leaders across the country are speaking out against the bigotry and racism demonstrated in Charlottesville. Bigotry and racism are bad for the country and bad for business. The CEOs of Intel, Merck, 3M and dozens of other leading companies have condemned the violence and hatred that marked last weekend’s clashes in Charlottesville. Their public comments remind me of the slogan adopted by Atlanta business leaders as they worked to overcome the racial clashes of the 60’s: ‘Atlanta, the city that’s too busy to hate’. Business people who are focused on growing their businesses and the prosperity of their communities embrace diversity in their workforces and welcome customers and clients of all backgrounds,” Adkisson said.
Political leaders from both the right and the left are also speaking out on the issue. Kentucky U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell condemned the recent violence and rallies held by hate groups across the country in a statement Wednesday.
“Their messages of hate and bigotry are not welcome in Kentucky and should not be welcome anywhere in America. We can have no tolerance for an ideology of racial hatred. There are no good neo-nazis, and those who espouse their views are not supporters of American ideals and freedoms. We all have a responsibility to stand against hate and violence, wherever it raises its evil head,” McConnell said.
Kentucky Democratic U.S. Congressman John Yarmuth also released a statement over the weekend denouncing the violence and hatred.
“I reject the disgusting and un-American display that fueled (the violence in Charlottesville). This is the predictable consequence of the increasing political provocations that have fanned the flames of racist hate. Failing to acknowledge that obvious fact, or pretending that everyone shares responsibility for this tragedy, is sheer deception. It is past time for our national leaders — starting with our president — to take a strong stand against bigotry and condemn hate speech before it turns violent. Anything less is a cowardly abdication of our solemn obligation to the people who elected us,” Yarmuth said. Read more: Lane Report
Oshkosh Chamber: Social Hub Series starts September 26th - How to Build Your B2B Social Media Strategy with Stellar Blue Technologies
Sep 26, 2017
7:45am - 9:00am - Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce
Open registration until Sep 26, 2017
Event Pricing: Member Price: $0.00
Non-member Price: $5.00
120 Jackson Street
Oshkosh, WI 549014714
More information: Oshkosh Chamber
Champaign County Chamber report: Governor Bruce Rauner signs new EDGE into law
Gov. Bruce Rauner today signed legislation (HB162) that overhauls the EDGE Tax Credit Program and provides much-needed transparency and taxpayer protections.
“The EDGE Tax Credit Program overhaul is a bipartisan job creation program that is innovative and competitive for businesses,” Gov. Rauner said. “This legislation is another tool to use in our quest to bring high-quality and good-paying jobs to Illinois. It is crucial for the future success of our state that we make Illinois a more business friendly environment through pro-growth measures.”
The EDGE tax credit program is a critical local economic development tool that incentivizes job creation, growth and competitiveness in the state. The new law extends the program until June 30, 2022.
Among the key components in the EDGE tax credit overhaul is that incentives will encourage companies to expand or move to underserved areas in the state, and eligibility thresholds will be lowered to allow more small businesses to grow in Illinois. The overhaul also implements a Gov. Rauner transparency measure, requiring all EDGE agreements be posted within 10 days of the project being secured in Illinois.
“Thank you to Governor Rauner for signing HB 162 and renewing the EDGE Tax Credit Program,” said Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Director Sean McCarthy. “This is a critical local economic development tool that incentivizes job creation, growth and competitiveness in the state. We look forward to working together with companies – large and small—to move, expand and invest here in Illinois.”
“It’s important for us to have every tool available to attract and retain businesses in Illinois and ensure we can offer incentives that allow us to compete with neighboring states,” State Sen. Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) said. “I represent an area that borders Wisconsin. The EDGE program is essential in helping border communities like mine stay competitive.”
“Businesses in Illinois have been able to take advantage of the EDGE program for years,” said State Sen. Pam Althoff (R-McHenry). “Wisconsin, which is just a stone’s throw away, frequently solicits employers in this region to move across the border. But because of the EDGE program, our businesses are staying, providing jobs for thousands of our residents. Extending the EDGE program is especially important in today’s Illinois economy as jobs are already leaving in record numbers.”
“Representing a district on the Illinois-Iowa border, I know how important it is to support policies that make Illinois competitive in attracting new job-creators, and keeping established businesses within our borders. By extending the EDGE program, we’re keeping a pipeline for Illinois jobs open,” said State Sen. Neil Anderson (R-Andalusia).
“Reforming and extending the EDGE tax credit is an important step toward growing new jobs in Illinois and I’m grateful Governor Rauner is signing HB162 today. I look forward to working with the Governor’s office and my colleagues on future efforts to stimulate economic growth for our citizens.” State Rep. Mike Zalewski (D-Riverside), primary sponsor.
“This is about bringing good jobs to our communities. To compete with our neighboring states we absolutely must make Illinois a more attractive place to do business and renewing EDGE will help us do that,” said State Representative Grant Wehrli (R-Naperville).
“Enacting these incentives makes Illinois significantly more competitive with neighboring states in attracting and retaining good-paying jobs for Illinois families,” said Rep. Keith Wheeler (R-Oswego). “This is the type of bipartisan achievement everyone can be proud of.”
“Working together on a bipartisan basis, we are now able to provide incentives that will enable job creators and entrepreneurs to flourish and expand opportunity for families all across Illinois,” said Rep. Patti Bellock (R-Hinsdale). “Growing our economy and creating jobs must continue to be among the State’s top priorities.” Read more: Capitol Fax
Batavia Chamber of Commerce 2016-2017 Community Guide & Membership Directory
The Batavia Chamber of Commerce 2016-2017 Community Guide & Business Directory is available at the Batavia Chamber today! Thanks to Holly Deitchman 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.
I-69 Thumb Region Selects Winner of the Catapult Business Plan Competition
On Sept. 21, seven businesses vied for the top spot in the 2017 Catapult Business Competition, with Smart Shelf LLC in St. Clair County winning first-place and taking home the $5,000 grand prize.
The final round was held today as part of the 6th Annual Regional Summit, hosted by the I-69 Thumb Region at the Lapeer Country Club. Cash prizes of $3,000 and $1,000, respectively, were awarded to second-place winner Town to Town Gourmet Pastries (Shiawassee County) and third-place finisher Thumb Roast Coffee (Sanilac County).
Each of the seven competing businesses advanced to the finals after winning the county-level contests. The I-69 Thumb Region includes Shiawassee, Genesee, Lapeer, St. Clair, Sanilac, Huron and Tuscola counties.
The other contestants were: Happy Little Greens Farm (Genesee County); Simply Enjoyable Snacks (Lapeer County); Imperial Sauces (Tuscola County); and Kyle’s Kindling (Huron County).
Judging the final round were: Dom Holmes, Manager of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Automation Alley; Neal Bishop, Area Manager, Local Government and Community Affairs, International Transmission Company; and Peggy Nolde, Director, Genesee County Equalization Board.
“It’s exciting to see small businesses from across the I-69 Thumb Region take center stage to show off their diverse products and businesses,” said Derek Bradshaw, Director of the Genesee County Metropolitan Planning Commission. “It’s great to see so many entrepreneurs cultivating their business ideas. I hope the competitions were able to provide an opportunity to showcase and market their small, growing businesses.”
The competition was created in 2016 to help entrepreneurs and small-business owners reach the next stage in growing their businesses. The prize money is designed to help winning contestants retain and grow Michigan businesses by providing capital to launch, expand production or hire staff.
The half-day regional summit was also used to recap major projects and successes of 2017, and feature panel discussions on development tools and incentives, and housing development in the seven-county region.
The I-69 Thumb Region is a partnership of the Shiawassee Economic Development Partnership, Flint & Genesee Chamber, Lapeer Development Corporation, Economic Development Alliance of St. Clair County, Sanilac & Huron County Economic Development Corporation and Tuscola County Economic Development Corporation.
For more information, visit www.i-69thumbregion.org.
Representatives from at least 35 businesses and industries gathered at the Neshoba County Coliseum this past Monday in an effort to network with potential job-seekers from around the region. The coalition sponsoring the event consisted of the East Mississippi Business Development Corp., Neshoba County Community Partnership District, Mid-Mississippi Development District, and the Kemper County Economic Development Authority.
Craig Hitt, Kemper County Economic Development Director, said, “We, being the economic development directors in four different regional areas, had been talking about doing on the job fair level for a few months. Then when the closure announcement came out on the Mississippi Power Plant we knew it was time to try to do something.”
Hitt said it takes some time to organize such an event, and they were fortunate that the Neshoba County Supervisors made the coliseum available at no cost. Companies were contacted and 35 sent representatives. Indications showed that as many as 500 people would come through, looking for jobs, before the fair closed at 7 p.m.
The companies represented were mostly from Kemper, Neshoba, Newton, Lauderdale and Clarke Counties. Two businesses from Winston County, and Ingalls Ship Yard on the Mississippi Gulf Coast sent representatives as well.
Hitt said, “We didn’t limit anybody, but those were the counties that we were focusing on.”
The businesses fell into several different categories including wood products, heavy equipment, glove manufacturing, healthcare, and the U.S. Army.
According to Hitt, the job-seekers had many opportunities and options at the Fair. He said, “We are seeing people talking to specific companies, handing out resumes, filling out applications, so hopefully some of our folks will get some callbacks.” Read more: Kemper County Messenger
Arlington Chamber news: Last Chance to Apply to the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!)
Do you know a motivated student who wants to make an impact? If the answer is yes, then the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) is right for them! YEA! gives students ages 11-18 the chance to launch their own business or social movement, while learning valuable skills that will be key to success in their careers.
To apply to YEA!, students are required to submit the following:
Completed YEA! application, including the essay and short answer questions
Transcripts
Letter of recommendation
The completed application must be submitted to Alex Held at aheld@arlingtonchamber.org by the deadline of this Saturday, September 30. Adults are also able to nominate students by completing a nomination form.
Encourage students to take advantage of this hands-on opportunity to make their dreams and ideas a reality and apply today!
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!
EMBDC, chamber, economic development coalition: Job seekers find opportunities at first regional event
Representatives from at least 35 businesses and industries gathered at the Neshoba County Coliseum this past Monday in an effort to network with potential job-seekers from around the region. The coalition sponsoring the event consisted of the East Mississippi Business Development Corp., Neshoba County Community Partnership District, Mid-Mississippi Development District, and the Kemper County Economic Development Authority.
Craig Hitt, Kemper County Economic Development Director, said, “We, being the economic development directors in four different regional areas, had been talking about doing on the job fair level for a few months. Then when the closure announcement came out on the Mississippi Power Plant we knew it was time to try to do something.”
Hitt said it takes some time to organize such an event, and they were fortunate that the Neshoba County Supervisors made the coliseum available at no cost. Companies were contacted and 35 sent representatives. Indications showed that as many as 500 people would come through, looking for jobs, before the fair closed at 7 p.m.
The companies represented were mostly from Kemper, Neshoba, Newton, Lauderdale and Clarke Counties. Two businesses from Winston County, and Ingalls Ship Yard on the Mississippi Gulf Coast sent representatives as well.
Hitt said, “We didn’t limit anybody, but those were the counties that we were focusing on.”
The businesses fell into several different categories including wood products, heavy equipment, glove manufacturing, healthcare, and the U.S. Army.
According to Hitt, the job-seekers had many opportunities and options at the Fair. He said, “We are seeing people talking to specific companies, handing out resumes, filling out applications, so hopefully some of our folks will get some callbacks.” Read more: Kemper County Messenger
Arlington Chamber news: Last Chance to Apply to the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!)
Do you know a motivated student who wants to make an impact? If the answer is yes, then the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) is right for them! YEA! gives students ages 11-18 the chance to launch their own business or social movement, while learning valuable skills that will be key to success in their careers.
To apply to YEA!, students are required to submit the following:
Completed YEA! application, including the essay and short answer questions
Transcripts
Letter of recommendation
The completed application must be submitted to Alex Held at aheld@arlingtonchamber.org by the deadline of this Saturday, September 30. Adults are also able to nominate students by completing a nomination form.
Encourage students to take advantage of this hands-on opportunity to make their dreams and ideas a reality and apply today!
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.
Women Empowering Women (WEW) To Dress The Body They Are Blessed
The Dubois County women’s leadership organization, Women Empowering Women (WEW), will gather on Wednesday, October 11, 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 welcomes Missy Singer, personal stylist, to inspire members’ inner spirit as they learn how to look, but most importantly feel, confident. Women all over have nothing to wear but have a closet full of clothes. Missy will discuss what to know when parting with “fashion treasures” and what members should add from this season’s trend reports. Members will learn how to find their own personal style under all that closet clutter and what items work best with their body type. Additionally, representatives from Community C.H.E.W. 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, October 6. 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.
Missy Singer Bio: Missy never really identified a sense of style, worked long hours in the medical field as a Nurse Practitioner, married her husband of 18 years and had 2 children. Tending to others left little room and time to tend to herself. In 2006, Missy was invited to an in home fashion event. Missy fell in love with the fashions and learned that personal style expression is connected to how women look and feel about themselves and how they present their story to the world. She began a career in fashion in 2007 alongside of her medical career. In 2010, she left her career in the medical field and pursued a full time career as a personal Stylist, helping women shop and style in the comforts of their own homes. She has been working as a stylist for 10 ½ years and with her background as a Nurse Practitioner, her experience and compassion for women helps them learn to Dress the Body They are Blessed TM.
For more information about WEW and to access a membership application, visit the organizations’ Facebook page or contact the Jasper Chamber of Commerce. Contact
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.
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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
