ACCE: Nominate a legend for the Life Member Award: Peninsula Chamber looks to 2018 as year of transition; Birmingham Bloomfield 2017-2018 Membership Directory and Community Resource Guide; #BestChamber Practices: Clarkston Area Chamber: 8 Reasons to Shop Local this Holiday Season; #BestChamber practices: Aurora Regional Chamber: Workforce Development: Your Help Is Needed; Please Take Survey on Industry, Employability Competencies; Janesville family star in back-to-Wisconsin video; 5 Star Chamber: Rapid City Area Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Guide & Membership Directory; Mitsch Design and Meyer Najem Lead OneZone Businesses of the Year; Kentucky Chamber President Dave Adkisson Speaking at Today's Paducah Power in Partnership Breakfast; Kentucky Chamber President Dave Adkisson Speaking at Today's Paducah Power in Partnership Breakfast; East Mississippi Business Development Corporation focuses on growth; Delshad named director of Meridian Main Street; Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S.;

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



ACCE: Nominate a legend for the Life Member Award
ACCE’s Life Member Award — the profession’s highest individual honor — celebrates a chamber leader’s stellar career, enduring influence and lifetime of service to the profession. Review the criteria and eligibility requirements and submit a nomination for this pinnacle award by Feb. 1. Life Members will be recognized at #ACCE18 in Des Moines.


Virginia Peninsula Chamber looks to 2018 as year of transition

The Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce is expecting a year of transition in 2018 as younger leaders are stepping up and a new CEO is expected to take the reins.

“It is a fantastic opportunity to continue our incredible success while redefining ourselves in this business landscape,” said chamber board chairman Dan Chenoweth, 40.

In 2018, the Peninsula Chamber must maintain its relevance and influence by continuing to act as a convener for stakeholders, by collaborating with partners to help improve the local business climate and by continuing to deliver, Chenoweth told more than 260 attendees of the chamber’s annual meeting at the Newport News Marriott at City Center on Tuesday. Chenoweth is a partner at Newport News-based PBMares and lives in Hilton Village.

The chamber plans to release more analysis from a survey of small businesses in Newport News and Hampton that preliminarily showed that child care costs and online competition are reasons participating small businesses weren’t looking to expand, he said. The idea is to come up with solutions for the challenges Peninsula small businesses are facing. Read more: Peninsula Chamber looks to 2018 as year of transition

Birmingham Bloomfield 2017-2018 Membership Directory and Community Resource Guide 

The Birmingham-Bloomfield 2017-2018 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! 


Birmingham-Bloomfield 2017-2018 Membership Directory and Community Resource Guide

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

#BestChamber Practices: Clarkston Area Chamber: 8 Reasons to Shop Local this Holiday Season

Support your Community
When spending $100 at a local business, $68 stays in the community, versus, $100 at a large corporation, only $43 stays in the community.

Unique Gifts
No one wants to give the same gift as someone else. Small local businesses offer unique, handmade products you can't find elsewhere.

Create Jobs in Your Community
Small businesses are the nation's largest employer. By supporting small business, you help create and keep jobs in your area.

Less Impact on the Environment
Shopping local uses less fuel due to lowered shipping costs by supplying local stores with local resources.

Experience Better Customer Service
Small businesses are able to focus on personalized customer service because of their passion to be connected to the community.

Connect with Your Community
Shopping local allows you to connect with other community members and stay current with what is happening near you.

Give Back
Small businesses are more likely to give to local non-profits and charities compared to large corporations.

Build Your Community
When shopping local you are helping your local economy grow. This allows for more tax dollars to be spent in your community on better schools, libraries, and public services.

More information: Clarkston Area Chamber



#BestChamber practices: Aurora Regional Chamber: Workforce Development: Your Help Is Needed; Please Take Survey on Industry, Employability Competencies

Illinois Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness Act
Please help this effort by filling out a College and Career Pathway Endorsement Competencies Survey.
We are collecting feedback through an online survey that will inform the State’s development of technical and employability competencies under the Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness Act (PWR). Enacted by Illinois in 2016, the PWR Act established a voluntary system for school districts to award College and Career Pathways Endorsements to high-school graduates. Endorsements signify that a student is ready to pursue postsecondary education or enter a career related to a selected career interest area and incentivize career exploration and development, particularly in high-demand sectors. Locally, West Aurora School District 129 is completing a process to pilot endorsements.
For the last six months, public and private committees representing employers from across the State have been working to identify industry-wide technical and employability competencies in four key sectors: (1) Finance and Business Services, (2) Health Sciences, (3) Information Technology, and (4) Manufacturing and Engineering. These competencies are aligned with a transcript endorsement that a high school graduate in Illinois will be able to earn starting in 2020. For a current draft of the competencies, please click Draft Competencies November 2017.
Feedback collected via this survey will be incorporated into edits and evaluation of the drafted statements, and your voice is essential to verifying our work as we move forward. Our goal is to collect a diverse set of voices including those of employers, human resource professionals, educators at all levels, professionals in the industry, and community based organizations working within the industry across Illinois. This survey will be open until January 15, 2018, and we encourage you to share it with your colleagues and networks!

Should you have any questions, please contact Andrea Messing-Mathie at amessingmathie@niu.edu or Leah Moschella at lmoschella@jff.org.

Learn More about PWR

#FamousChamber of Commerce Quotations: (Realize your FULL potential!)

Success is the result of perfection, hard work, learning from failure, loyalty and persistence. --Colin Powell

Janesville family star in back-to-Wisconsin video

The state's largest business association chose a Janesville couple for a new video designed to persuade more young people to return to Wisconsin and bolster the workforce.

The video shows Will and Katie Springer, two young professionals, talking about how they left Chicago when their first child was born, after Will got a job at a Janesville law firm.

The video emphasizes the short commutes to work, safety and opportunities to be part of a community, all things they didn't find in Chicago.

Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce hopes the message resonates with young people, especially those who left Wisconsin to live in the Chicago area.

Wisconsin is facing a “demographic crisis,” said Kurt Bauer, WMC's president and CEO, who wants state lawmakers to spend more money on similar efforts.

“If you want your economy to grow, you need more people,” Bauer said.

Bauer put out the word to local affiliates, looking for examples of people who have chosen Wisconsin after choosing Chicago.

John Beckord of Forward Janesville passed it on to members, which is how WMC found the Springers.

Will is from Iowa County in southwest Wisconsin, Katie from Fond du Lac. They both went to college in Wisconsin.

They met and started their family in Chicago, where Will got his law degree and Katie got her master's degree in psychology.

Will was working for a Chicago law firm and realized that his late hours and long mass-transit commute would mean he would often miss the opportunity to put his first son to bed, he said.

They moved to Janesville in 2012. Now both 33, they were able to afford a house they could never have bought in Chicago, Will said. Both parents work full time.

Will was able to drop off his son at Janesville Community Daycare and still get to work at the Brennan Steil law firm downtown in 10 minutes, he said.

“Anywhere in Janesville, whether you're grocery shopping or going to any sort of event, it takes 15 minutes max,” Will said.

Katie took jobs in the social service field. She's now with Rock County, in adult protective services.

Their oldest son is now in kindergarten at St. John Vianney School, while their 1-year-old goes to day care in Milton, so Will has a longer commute, but he enjoys the time to think and listen to the radio, he said.

Will still works hours dictated by the needs of his clients, but he can work into the evening and still get home in time to tuck his sons into bed.

“That's kind of the balance we were looking for,” Will said.

“I can walk down the street with my wife and two boys and feel safe,” he says in the video.

Will likes how the city has blossomed in recent years. He enjoys two new additions, microbrewery Rock County Brewing Company and Lark restaurant. And he likes the downtown redevelopment project known as ARISE.

“I think it's a really good thing and one of reasons why we're staying here and we want to be a part of that,” he said of ARISE.

And while the restaurant selection and shopping are nothing like in Chicago, access to bigger cities via the interstate highways is a plus, he said.

And they're both much closer to their families.

Will likes being able to get involved in the community and meet new people through his work with Janesville Youth Hockey, where he coaches and is vice president of the board.

WMC's Bauer, a Beloit native, said when his organization started thinking about the demographic problem, members focused on the need for skilled trades workers, such as welders, electricians and millwrights.

Then they realized the need will be much greater.

UW-Madison Applied Population Laboratory did a study showing the working-age population will grow by only 0.1 percent from 2010 to 2040.

“You can see by that jarring statistic that we need people, period,” Bauer said. “We need bus drivers. We need teachers, people to work in office buildings, you name it.”

Bauer said a lack of workers could lead to a demography-driven recession like the one that hit former economic powerhouse Japan.

But the need is not somewhere in the future, according to WMC. The association surveys its members each year, asking if they have trouble hiring workers.

In 2015, 64 percent of the members—from across the business sector, from manufacturing to services—said they had that problem. By June of this year, the percentage was 77. And a new survey to be released in January will show 80 percent can't find workers they need.

Last year, WMC produced a video focusing on Milwaukee as a great place for millennials to start careers or businesses, Bauer said

This time, they wanted to appeal specifically to former Wisconsinites who have left the state for the Chicago area, trying to capitalize on the population losses Illinois is suffering, Bauer said.

“Wisconsin is already getting its fair share of refugees from Illinois,” Bauer said.

The point of the new video was to show a young couple finding a great place to raise a family, “and Wisconsin, I think, has that in spades,” Bauer said. Read more: Gazette Extra

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

The Rapid City Area Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Guide & Membership Directory is available at the Rapid City Chamber today! Thanks to Linda Rabe, Kristina Simmons and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!

Rapid City South Dakota 2017 Community Guide & Membership Directory

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.

Mitsch Design and Meyer Najem Lead OneZone Businesses of the Year

Mitsch Design and Meyer Najem shared the honor of being named Business of the Year at OneZone’s December 13 awards luncheon at Ritz Charles. Business of the Year awards were given to recognize a small- to medium-sized business and a large business.

Awards were also presented for young professional of the year, new construction and renovation projects, environmental sustainability, volunteerism and lifetime achievement.

Business of the Year Awards
Business of the Year is presented to businesses based on their success in growth and stability, commitment to quality, creative and unique solutions to challenges, entrepreneurial spirit and overall contribution to the community

The Business of the Year award for a small- to medium-sized business was presented to Mitsch Design. Since its founding in 1989 by Jeryl Mitsch, the firm has become a leader in architecture and interior design throughout the Midwest. With regional, national and international projects to its credit, the firm has offices in Carmel’s Indiana Design Center and Atlanta.

Meyer Najem was honored with the Business of the Year award for a large business. With their specialty in construction management, general contracting and design/build project delivery, they focus on drafting buildings that meet the highest industry standards of sustainability, safety and technology. In business for 30 years, the innovative company is incorporating new technology in all stages of a building’s life-cycle.

Young Professional of the Year Award
The Young Professional of the Year Award recognizes a business person between the ages of 21 and 40 who has demonstrated leadership and passion for making a difference in his community based on leadership, mentorship, community involvement and entrepreneurship.

Dan O’Brien, Kucic Associates Realty, received the Young Professional of the Year award for his community commitments on the board of Hamilton County Habitat for Humanity and involvement with Edge Mentoring, The Scene and Indianapolis Symphonic Choir. He is co-chair of OneZone’s YP Committee and involved in RISE Young Professionals in Johnson and Southern Marion Counties.

Lifetime Achievement AwardsLifetime Achievement Awards were presented to recipients in both Carmel and Fishers in recognition of a lifetime commitment to business in these communities.

The Harold Kaiser Lifetime Achievement Award, given to an individual from Carmel, was presented to Chuck Lazzara, President of Ritz Charles. During its 33 years, the company has received the Blue Chip Enterprise Initiative award and was named the chamber’s Business of the Year. His support of the community causes and events include the Carmel Clay Schools, Prevail, The Humane Society for Hamilton County, community arts organizations and chambers of commerce.

Ron and Michele Archer, former owners of recently-closed Archers Meat & Catering in Fishers, were presented the Lifetime Achievement Award for Fishers. When they opened the doors of their meat processing operation in 1968, Fishers was a town of only several thousand people. Since that time, the business grew and began a tradition of donating meat to Gleaner’s Food Bank, church food pantries and other not-for-profit organizations.Look Awards – New Construction & Renovation
Nominees for Look Awards for new construction and for renovation, both in Carmel and Fishers, were judged on the quality of work, appropriateness of the construction to its surroundings and the contribution of the project to the overall look of the community.

Look Award for New Construction – Carmel was presented to Liberty Fund, 11301 N. Meridian Street, with a LEED-designed building set on eight acres and featuring a glass-clad library.

Look Award for New Construction – Fishers was given to Braden Business Systems, 8700 North Street, for their new Nickel Plate District building complete with balconies and an open-air rooftop terrace.

Look Award for Renovation – Carmel was presented to Delta Faucet Company, 55 East 111th Street, which increased square-footage by 70% with modern architecture that compliments the existing structure.

Look Award for Renovation – Fishers went to DeVeau’s School of Gymnastics, 9032 Technology Drive, for renovation of their original 24,000 square-foot building and the addition of 6,000 more.

Green Award
The Green Award recognizes an organization, company or association that is solving environmental challenges using innovative and green practices or by setting up creative partnerships to enhance the environment.

This year’s award was presented to The Bridges at Carmel Market District for their commitment to sustainability through materials, lighting, water, recycling, air quality and local sourcing. A farm-to-table garden serves their Table Restaurant and real-time solar displays are featured above the check-outs.

Most Valuable Volunteer Award
The Most Valuable Volunteer award was established to celebrate and recognize outstanding volunteer contributions by individuals who also work full time.

This year’s recipient is John DeLucia, Citizens State Bank. John is the founder of Pasta Bowl, a local food drive; is a Rise to the Challenge contributor for Giving Tuesday; and serves on the Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) Schools Foundation Advisory Council and the HSE Schools Board. He developed an incentive program for donations that challenges local banks to support the local Mudsock Game. Contact: Lisa Wirthwein - 317.436.4653 - lisa@onezonecommerce.com More information on Website:  www.onezonecommerce.com

Kentucky Chamber President Dave Adkisson Speaking at Today's Paducah Power in Partnership Breakfast

Kentucky Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Dave Adkisson will be the featured speaker for today's Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce December Power in Partnership breakfast. Adkisson will present a “2018 Legislative Preview.” 

The breakfast will be held at 7:30 am at the Julian Carroll Convention Center. 

During Adkisson’s 12 years at the Chamber, it has grown substantially while working to fulfill its mission of “Uniting Business and Advancing Kentucky.” Adkisson is past chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce Executives and past chairman of the national Council of State Chambers. 

Adkisson is originally from Owensboro, KY, where he started his career at the chamber of commerce and later served eight years as the mayor of Owensboro. He served as president of the Birmingham, Alabama Chamber for six years before returning to Kentucky to head the Kentucky Chamber in 2005. Read more: West Kentucky Star


East Mississippi Business Development Corporation focuses on growth; Delshad named director of Meridian Main Street


The East Mississippi Business Development Corporation unveiled its newest component, the Alliance for Growth, at its 21st annual meeting Tuesday at the MSU Riley Center in Meridian.

The Alliance was one of the primary topics discussed by local business leaders at the meeting.

EMBDC chairman Jeff McCoy calls the Alliance for Growth “a regional gathering of business leaders throughout a multi-county region.”

Now about a year old, there are about 85 members so far in East Mississippi and West Alabama. The Alliance serves “as a catalyst for change throughout our region,” said Alliance Chairman M.L. Waters.

“We completed our first year of the organization at our first annual meeting a month ago, which was a great success,” Waters said. “It’s been a lot of work put in over the last 18 months…”

“It’s a growing group,” McCoy said in a previous report. “It was formed really to create a network of the business community…When they needed assistance, they’ve got this network of business leaders to go to to get that assistance to help with a project or a contact.”

Kim Houston, who represents Ward 4 on the Meridian City Council, said she was happy to see the annual meeting open to the public, and she likes the “regional approach” that the Alliance offers.

“I think that’s something we should have [done] years ago instead of making enemies,” Houston said. “ We should have been trying to work with our surrounding counties. Those kinds of things are powerful, and I think it’s going to impact our community positively.”

EMBDC Director of Membership Development Debby Delshad was also named Meridian Main Street’s new director.

Delshad, who has been with EMBDC for nearly two years, will continue with her membership development duties as well, she said.

“I love Main Street, I’m familiar with main street, so I look forward to it,” Delshad said. “This is just such a good time for Meridian, and we see so many things coming to fruition. You can ask the merchants. There’s a different feel, there’s a different energy, and we’re just happy to be part of it.”

Also discussed were the new facades that will be installed for some businesses along Front Street between 22nd and 20th Avenues — facing the Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience. The facades are funded partially by a $25,000 matching grant from Mississippi Power.

Mark Tullos, President and CEO of the MAX, agrees that a lot is happening in downtown Meridian.

“Businesses outside of downtown are beginning to see the synergy that’s about to happen down here,” Tullos said. “You may own a business off [Highway] 19, and you may not be cognizant of the fact that business is going to really begin to boom. I think it’s really great that we’re beginning to communicate with all these other business leaders.” Read more: Meridian Star

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

Town Square Publications, a division of the Daily Herald Media Group, is a national chamber custom publishing group that specializes in developing partnerships by producing high-quality print and digitally integrated publications along with other added value programs dedicated to creating relevancy for local chambers of commerce and other membership focused organizations interested in raising non-dues revenues.

Town Square Publications parent company, Paddock Publications, has over 100 years’ experience of print product development and dedicated customer service in communities throughout the Midwest. Our experience allows Town Square Publications to offer you attractive royalty and non-dues revenue share streams, provide direct distribution of your custom designed printed publications, including digital and mobile integration, and all with the quickest turn-around times available in the industry. Town Square also offers multi-media maps in both print and online formats, both with our No-Cost guarantee. More information: Town Square Publications

Chambers of Commerce and member focused organizations serve as a valuable resource in the local marketplace. The networking opportunities and representation with a wide variety of diverse businesses in your community is the catalyst of a successful organization. For further information about Town Square's publishing partnership with chambers of commerce and our No-Cost guarantee and Earned Revenue Share Program, To request your chamber publication or map proposal, contact Town Square Chamber Proposal