U.S. Chamber concern: The Clock is Ticking, and the Dreamers Can’t Wait
From the outside Dreamers don’t seem different than anyone else living in the United States. They look, sound, and act like other Americans. They went to elementary school and high school here. Some joined the military. Others got jobs or started businesses. They are part of the fabric of their local communities and the country.
The only difference is their legal status. They’re Americans except on paper. Through no fault of their own, they’re living in the U.S. illegally, because they came here with their families when they were young.
To give them temporary legal status in 2012, President Barack Obama created the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Nearly 800,000 people are part of it.
But DACA was just a temporary fix.
In September, the Justice Department announced it is ending the DACA program, which will be effectively rescinded next March. President Donald Trump asked Congress to take the six months and come up with a solution. We’re still waiting.
Congress must “enact legislation protecting DACA recipients prior to year's end,” said Neil Bradley, U.S. Chamber senior vice president and chief policy officer, or else Dreamers’ lives could be upended with the threat of being deported to a country they might not even remember.
"That means they’d lose their ability to work legally. It means they would all become subject to immediate deportation," said Todd Schulte, president of immigration advocacy group, FWD, at a press conference at the U.S. Chamber.
While President Trump urged Congress to find a legislative fix, and a vast majority of the public — according to a Fox News poll, 86% favor granting Dreamers work permits — supports a solution, Congressional urgency has vanished. Read more: U.S. Chamber - Above the Fold
Doug Luciani: A brighter outlook for northwest Michigan
Lake Zurich Area Chamber: Local Officials Meet & Greet Breakfast
Website: http://www.LZAreaChamber.com
Location: Kemper Lakes Golf Club
24000 N. Old McHenry Rd.
Kildeer, IL 60047
Contact: LZ Area Chamber Office 847-438-5572
Email: events@lzacc.com
Date/Time Details: November 30, 2017
7:00 am - 9 am
Fees/Admission:
$20 Chamber Member Fee
$45 Guest Fee
Includes a full breakfast buffet
Advanced Reservations Required - No Walk-Ins
REGISTER NOW
The only difference is their legal status. They’re Americans except on paper. Through no fault of their own, they’re living in the U.S. illegally, because they came here with their families when they were young.
To give them temporary legal status in 2012, President Barack Obama created the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Nearly 800,000 people are part of it.
But DACA was just a temporary fix.
In September, the Justice Department announced it is ending the DACA program, which will be effectively rescinded next March. President Donald Trump asked Congress to take the six months and come up with a solution. We’re still waiting.
Congress must “enact legislation protecting DACA recipients prior to year's end,” said Neil Bradley, U.S. Chamber senior vice president and chief policy officer, or else Dreamers’ lives could be upended with the threat of being deported to a country they might not even remember.
"That means they’d lose their ability to work legally. It means they would all become subject to immediate deportation," said Todd Schulte, president of immigration advocacy group, FWD, at a press conference at the U.S. Chamber.
While President Trump urged Congress to find a legislative fix, and a vast majority of the public — according to a Fox News poll, 86% favor granting Dreamers work permits — supports a solution, Congressional urgency has vanished. Read more: U.S. Chamber - Above the Fold
Doug Luciani: A brighter outlook for northwest Michigan
Unemployment levels down; property values have rebounded
What a difference a few years can make.
It wasn’t that long ago that the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce Economic Outlook Breakfast was a rather bleak affair. As the state and regional economy were being rocked by the Great Recession, the event entailed more questions than answers, more uncertainty than optimism and more caution than action.
Fast forward a few years and it’s a far different outlook today. Our regional unemployment levels — 4.5 percent for September — are less than half of what they were during the depths of the recession. Property values have rebounded past pre-recession levels, the region’s construction and manufacturing sectors are humming again and the tourism industry is reaching new heights. Nationally, Michigan’s “rustbelt” image is being replaced with accolades as a “Comeback State” from authoritative sources like the Wall Street Journal. Regions across Western Michigan — from Kalamazoo/Grand Rapids to Traverse City/Petoskey to the Upper Peninsula — can take pride in playing a major role in Michigan’s economic recovery.
Cycles in the economy will always happen, but it’s important to pay close attention to what moves the economic needle to ensure long-term, sustainable growth. Two of the factors in Michigan cited by the WSJ included a major reform to Michigan’s business tax structure back in 2011, and a measure approved by Michigan voters in 2014 to repeal the Personal Property Tax for small businesses and manufacturers. Both measures were strongly supported by the Traverse City Area Chamber and its Alliance partners.
Numerous other factors, of course, helped Michigan’s economy turn around. But these were critical because they involved fundamental changes to state operations. Not one-time or temporary fixes, but foundational change that businesses use to make long-range decisions, investments and expansions. Michigan leveled the playing field to make it more competitive with other Midwest states, and capital investment and job creation surged across the state. As the Journal points out, since 2011 Michigan has led the Great Lakes region in manufacturing growth, and the state’s unemployment rate has dropped to near the national average.
Here in late 2017, the challenges faced by the region are different — but no less important to tackle. Our priorities must lie with building on the momentum that’s been generated. We must resist the temptation to become complacent, or worse yet, to buy into the false notion that things will always be good or that businesses will always want to come to the Traverse City area. Very recent history shows us otherwise.
To meet those challenges, the Chamber will continue to put its focus where it’s always been — strengthening the foundational building blocks of the region to accommodate the people and businesses that want to be here. It’s been an effective approach for more than a century, from our earliest days of helping launch the region’s tourism industry, to building a regional airport and community college, to clearing an industrialized bay front. The business leaders of this community have always taken a straightforward but successful approach to economic growth — focus on the region’s cornerstone needs, and it will continue to thrive. Read more: Record Eagle
Lake Zurich Area Chamber: Local Officials Meet & Greet Breakfast
Event Invitation
LOCAL OFFICIALS MEET & GREET BREAKFAST
REGISTER NOW
Thursday, November 30, 2017
7 am - 9 am
Kemper Lakes Golf Club
When are the apartments going to be built at the former Kmart property? Is the Route 53 Extension going to happen? What's next for the Village of Kildeer? When will the stop lights go in downtown Long Grove?
Hear the answers to these questions and more from the Mayors/Presidents in all 6 communities and network with fellow business owners over breakfast.
Each Mayor will give a brief update on the current and proposed projects and development in their community.$20 Member Fee - Includes a Full Breakfast Buffet.
$45 Guest Fee - Includes a Full Breakfast Buffet
Thursday, November 30, 2017
7 am - 9 am
Kemper Lakes Golf Club
When are the apartments going to be built at the former Kmart property? Is the Route 53 Extension going to happen? What's next for the Village of Kildeer? When will the stop lights go in downtown Long Grove?
Hear the answers to these questions and more from the Mayors/Presidents in all 6 communities and network with fellow business owners over breakfast.
Each Mayor will give a brief update on the current and proposed projects and development in their community.$20 Member Fee - Includes a Full Breakfast Buffet.
$45 Guest Fee - Includes a Full Breakfast Buffet
Deer Park
Hawthorn Woods
Kildeer
Village of Lake Zurich
Long Grove
Village of North Barrington
Date: November 30, 2017
Time: 07:00 AM - 09:00 AM CST Website: http://www.LZAreaChamber.com
Location: Kemper Lakes Golf Club
24000 N. Old McHenry Rd.
Kildeer, IL 60047
Contact: LZ Area Chamber Office 847-438-5572
Email: events@lzacc.com
Date/Time Details: November 30, 2017
7:00 am - 9 am
Fees/Admission:
$20 Chamber Member Fee
$45 Guest Fee
Includes a full breakfast buffet
Advanced Reservations Required - No Walk-Ins
REGISTER NOW
Muskego Area Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Resource Guide & Business Directory
The Muskego Area Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Guide & Business Directory is available at the Chamber of Commerce today! Thank you to Krisann Durnford 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.
Danville-Boyle County Chamber of Commerce to host KY Chamber President Adkisson as luncheon speaker Nov. 29
Danville-Boyle County Chamber of Commerce to host KY Chamber President Adkisson as luncheon speaker Nov. 29
Credit Union growth driving new $26M headquarters
IH Mississippi Valley Credit Union's plans for a new headquarters on Moline's riverfront are an investment not only in the credit union's future growth but in its membership, its future work force and in the Quad-Cities, its CEO says.
"We're building out for our future success," IH Mississippi Valley's President and CEO Brian Laufenberg said in an interview Tuesday afternoon at the credit union's corporate office. Located at 2121 47th St., Moline, the facility once housed a Birley's clothing store and was a Salvation Army discount store before the credit union purchased it.
Credit union leaders said the existing facility was designed for 10-15 years of growth when IH Mississippi Valley moved into it in 2001.
"We've probably faced space issues for five years," Laufenberg said, adding that many departments have been moved to other locations over the years as part of "a Band-Aid fix." "We're bursting at the seams."
Once a new 80,000-square-foot headquarters is completed at 2500 River Drive, the credit union will be able to consolidate its corporate staff under one roof, said Matt Jefferson, IH Mississippi Valley's executive vice president. The $26 million headquarters will allow it to expand its Contact Center and Technology and Digital Service teams as well as unite its training, mortgage, investment, insurance and business services teams back at its headquarters.
The project's location near the Western Illinois University campus also is strategic, in that the credit union plans to partner with WIU to begin developing future employees. "We've been lucky (in finding talent). But everybody is hungry in the Quad-Cities for technological talent," Jefferson said.
Laufenberg said the project creates a "cool place" that will improve recruiting and retention as well as tie in with the mission of the Quad-Cities Chamber of Commerce's Q2030 regional strategy. He said as area businesses, like the credit union, plan for the future they "are trying to determine how do we plug into that vision."
He said they considered a number of potential sites, on both sides of the river, before choosing the Moline site near WIU. "We knew we wanted to develop a campus-like feel so our employees could get out on their breaks and take a walk around or unwind."
Jefferson said there also was a desire to be easily accessible from both the Illinois and Iowa sides of the river for the employees and the members. Read more: Quad City Times
Chamber Strome Business Series with Kunal Mehta
Norfolk, VA – Join the Hampton Roads Chamber for the Chamber Strome Business Series featuring Kunal Mehta. The Hampton Roads Chamber and the Old Dominion University Strome College of Business and Dean Jeff Tanner are proud to partner up for this innovative series.
Kunal Mehta, author of Disruptors! Entrepreneurs and the Escape from Corporate America, kicks us off on November 15th, in celebration of Entrepreneurship Month. Co-founder of Unfold, a mobile network for sharing content, he is now a Venture Associate with the NYU Venture Innovation Fund. He helped to build out the finance and investment function of charity, water, and continues to work at the intersection of non-profits and global development through Incandescent and Purpose. Kunal is currently at work on his second book, Finding Genius.
Date: November 15, 2017
Time: 12:00 p.m.- 1:30 p.m.
Location: Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel
777 Waterside Drive
Norfolk, VA. 23510
CONTACT: Ebony Coleman, office (757) 664-2561, EColeman@hrchamber.com
Day of contact: Priscilla Monti (757)470-6805
Day of contact: Priscilla Monti (757)470-6805
Indiana Chamber Awards Top Honors to Tom Easterday, State Rep. Ed Soliday, Scott McCorkle, City of Goshen
Business Leader of the Year: Tom Easterday of Subaru Indiana Automotive in Lafayette
Government Leader of the Year: State Rep. Ed Soliday (R-Valparaiso)
Indiana Chamber Foundation’s Indiana Vision 2025 Dynamic Leader of the Year: Scott McCorkle
Lifeline Data Centers Community of the Year: Goshen
“All of our award winners have displayed a thoughtful vision, tremendous leadership and a drive to be the absolute best at what they do, which has positively impacted their companies, communities and state in a significant way,” says Indiana Chamber President and CEO Kevin Brinegar.
During the event, Chuck Baldwin – who is managing director of the Ogletree Deakins law firm and based in Indianapolis – was formally elected the Indiana Chamber’s 2018 chair of the board of directors. Additionally, Brinegar was presented a Sagamore of the Wabash by Gov. Eric Holcomb for his “exceptional business leadership”.
The dinner was presented in partnership with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield.
Details about the four Indiana Chamber award winners:
Business Leader of the Year: Tom Easterday, Subaru of Indiana Automotive), Lafayette
Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA) has been driving economic impact in Lafayette and throughout the state for 28 years. Easterday has helped lead that effort since before the first vehicle came off the assembly line. For the last two decades, he’s been the top American employee. Easterday holds the titles of senior executive vice president, secretary and chief legal officer.
“Tom has really been instrumental in growing and leading SIA to be one of the most highly rated, well respected automotive assembly facilities in the country,” Brinegar notes.
“He is very calm and very thoughtful. I’ve been to that facility several times. And when you walk around with him, you pick up how admired he is, how well respected he is and how well liked he is by the associates there.”
Easterday has cheered milestones such as the five millionth vehicle produced and witnessed the plant grow to employ nearly 6,000. He is also part of guiding every new hire through orientation. He works closely with associates, both in the facility and in the community. And he deflects praise to those producing the vehicles – Outbacks, Legacys, Imprezas and (beginning in 2018) Ascents.
Dan Evans, the recently retired head of Indiana University Health, has known Easterday for 35 years. “He’s been able to deal with very complex cultural issues of managing a Japanese-owned facility in Indiana, and has achieved huge success in so doing,” he says.
“Tom’s leadership extends beyond his mere job. And, in my opinion, that’s a sign of the ultimate leadership, which is wisdom. Tom has wisdom and applies it.”
Easterday has brought open communication policies to SIA and tries to make the plant feel like a small town. Each person wears a Subaru shirt with their first name on it. The Annual Associates Appreciation Day drew 10,000 employees and family members.
Easterday was also instrumental in Purdue establishing a branch campus on-site for manufacturing-related certificates and degrees. Associates who receive a C or better have their tuition paid for by SIA.
Easterday: “As a company, we try to pride ourselves on quality, safety and environmental stewardship. We have a great spirit of teamwork here at SIA, and I think the communications that we do are an important part of that. I have an open office. At any point of time I may have someone come over to my desk. If it’s important to them for that moment, it’s important to me.”
Government Leader of the Year: State Rep. Ed Soliday (R-Valparaiso)
Soliday enjoyed a celebrated 35-year career in the skies with United Airlines. In his current role representing the constituents of his hometown of Valparaiso, he hit the road by championing long-term transportation infrastructure funding legislation that will benefit all Hoosiers for many years.
Compiling the data and relying on the facts allowed Soliday to bring together a broad coalition. Clear communication, teamwork and perseverance are other factors that contributed to this critical success.
House Enrolled Act 1002, the landmark infrastructure funding bill signed by Gov. Eric Holcomb earlier this year, will allow Indiana to raise $1.2 billion annually for infrastructure costs.
Adequate funding is one of the goals in the Indiana Chamber’s long-term economic development plan, Indiana Vision 2025.
“It took a lot of information gathering, a lot of making the case by seeing what needed to take place between six years ago, which is roughly the time we started on this venture, and now. (Soliday) could look forward and see the need, as did the Chamber,” Brinegar says.
“He was a stalwart in working through the necessary information, building the case and offering forward-thinking legislation that was not without controversy.”
Unlikely allies – municipalities, unions and business advocacy groups, for example – joined forces. People and organizations with competing interests won’t always agree and that’s fine, Soliday says. But it takes working through ideology and accepting compromise at times to get legislation such as House Bill 1002 across the finish line.
Soliday: “It’s a model I learned a long time ago … it’s really simple: Define the problem first. Define the problem, gather information, make a plan, act on a plan. A lot of people make plans and never act. The most important part is critique all along the way. Have I taken my mind off what the real problem is?”
Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas calls Soliday “fearless” and says, “If he thinks something is right, he will fight for it regardless of the obstacles in his way. He was a helicopter fighter pilot in Vietnam and he brings those qualities of grit and dedication and courage with him to everything he does.
“As (former Governor) Mitch Daniels used to say, you shouldn’t run for office to be something, but to do something. (Soliday) doesn’t need to be anything, but he saw the need and the opportunity to strengthen the state and that is what motivated him to take on the (legislator) role.” Read more: Indiana Chamber
Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce 2016 Community Map
The Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce 2016 Community Map is available at the Rochester Regional Chamber today! Thanks to 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.
EMBDC alliance: Exploring the keys to economic development locally
How would you describe your local economy? That's the question some local business leaders were asked Tuesday as part of the Mississippi Economic Council's statewide tour. Meridian is the 9th stop on the 18 city tour.
"If you look at what site selectors tell us, the number one issue is workforce, and number two is strong transportation infrastructure," says Scott Waller.
That's why he says transportation upkeep, and across the board continued education improvements are needed.
"We've got to focus on making sure that we have a skilled and educated workforce that's able to not only deal with filling the jobs that are available today, but making sure that we're prepared for the jobs that are coming down the line tomorrow," says Waller.
In an effort to help attract more jobs and support existing ones, the East Mississippi Business Development Corporation has created a regional Alliance of Growth. It's a group of almost 100 business leaders from: Neshoba, Newton, Kemper, Lauderdale and Clarke counties. EMBDC president Bill Hannah says when it comes to attracting industries, this type partnership can help all involved. Read more: WTOK TV
Racine County: Look For Searchlights And Shopping This Weekend
It’s a great weekend to get your holiday shopping started! You’re invited to take in special shopping events all over Racine County – from east to west. Real Racine has you covered.
Follow the lights. The searchlights will shine bright in Downtown Burlington for Light Up the Night from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday. You’re invited take a horse-drawn carriage ride and visit participating retailers for shopping specials and door prizes all evening long. Nonperishable food donations will also be accepted for the Operation Burlington Cares Food Drive. The event is presented by the Burlington Area Chamber of Commerce. Visit www.burlingtonchamber.org
Art is everywhere. Get out and explore this Saturday! DRAW (Downtown Racine Art Walk) showcases art and artists at galleries and stores through the Downtown Racine area. Look for artist demonstrations and much more. Hours are 3 to 7 p.m. More info at www.racinedowntown.com
Welcome to the village. The Waterford area invites everyone to Christmas in the Village. Specialty shops, crafters and private homes will be open with a variety of gift items. Stop by participating locations in Downtown Waterford to pick up a map. Hours are 12 to 7 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Also in Waterford, the FFA Alumni present a craft show, raffle, lunch and bake sale at Waterford High School, 100 Field Drive, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Admission is $1. A free craft fair runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Bruno’s Restaurant, 730 Cornerstone Crossing. Read more: Racine County Eye
Friday: 157 Rules for Executive Success in Organization Management (and your Chamber of Commerce) by Patrick McGaughey (Chamber Mentor)
RULE #103 - Take
down old pictures
Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S.
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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
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