Tom Donohue, U.S. Chamber of Commerce CEO: Tax bill will usher in ‘new era of growth’; #Bestchamber practices: #Chambertechnology: Chicago Fed : Planning your next intercity visit?; Northern Wisconsin chambers report 'good' holiday tourism season; Michigan-based Dewpoint Hosts U.S. Sen. Gary Peters for Cybersecurity Panel; Chicago Southland Legislative Member Breakfast; Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Profile & Membership Directory; #BestChamber practices: Legislators Provide Updates from 2018 Legislative Session; Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Profile Guide; Leadership Bowling Green Class Of 2017 Raises $11,500 For Scholarships Benefiting The Sophomore Class At Warren Central High School; Chamber delight: Mississippi less taxing for retirees; Valley lawmakers take concerns ahead of General Assembly session;

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

Tom Donohue, U.S. Chamber of Commerce CEO: Tax bill will usher in ‘new era of growth’

Tom Donohue, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, on Wednesday said the GOP’s recently passed $1.5 trillion tax-cut plan is poised to usher in a “new era of growth” for the U.S. economy, which he said is already feeling the effects.
“The final package wasn’t perfect, but it was pretty darn good, and achieved our priorities of lowering rates for all businesses, instituting an international competitive system of taxation … and allowing for full expensing of capital expenditures,” Mr. Donohue said at the chamber’s annual “State of American Business” address.
“Most important, it will usher in a new era of growth for the American economy,” he said.

He said upon passage, a number of businesses immediately announced plans to raise wages, give bonuses, and boost charitable giving.
“All thanks to the expected gains— not ones they’ve already received — from a more competitive and productive tax system,” he said. Read more: Washington Times


#Bestchamber practices: #Chambertechnology: Chicago Fed : Planning your next intercity visit?

Consider this: Peer Identification Tool
Thinking about where to go for your next intercity visit? Or looking for a new tool that identifies communities like yours? Check out the Chicago Fed’s Peer Identification Tool, which matches places based on categories like equity, resilience, outlook and housing.



Northern Wisconsin chambers report 'good' holiday tourism season

The 2017 holiday season provided a much-needed shot in the arm to the local economy, both in terms of retail sales and tourism-related activities, area chambers of commerce report.

The executive directors of the chambers of commerce in Rhinelander, Minocqua, Eagle River and Three Lakes told the River News their communities enjoyed a solid holiday period despite the extreme cold.

Maggie Steffen, executive director of the Rhinelander Area Chamber of commerce, noted the Rhinelander area is unique because its economy isn't as heavily dependent on tourism as some others, especially in the winter, 

"Rhinelander is kind of a different beast because we're not solely tourism-based, so it was really difficult for us to get a handle on how everything went," she said. "I can tell you how much we saw in the way of traffic through us and phone calls and a little bit about sales, but we don't have a good grasp of how tourism went for the holiday season."

The other chambers in the area have a majority of member businesses who are much more dependent on tourism, she added.

"That's their bread and butter, that's what they live on," Steffen said. "Ours is skewed much more by people coming here to shop, to do more of the economic part of it rather then the tourism part of it."

Steffen was on vacation for part of the holiday period and is still catching up with area merchants, she added.

"The ones I have spoken with did say that they had a good season, they did see a lot of traffic," she said. "I know that downtown specifically seemed like has come alive and they have done fairly well and are excited about what this year will bring."

Steffen said the chamber office didn't necessarily see an increase of foot traffic "but we certainly haven't been quiet." Read more: River News Online


Michigan-based Dewpoint Hosts U.S. Sen. Gary Peters for Cybersecurity Panel


Dewpoint, a leading Michigan Information Technology (IT) services and consulting firm, recently hosted U.S. Senator Gary Peters to participate in a cross-industry panel discussion focused on cybersecurity industry challenges and trends in relation to legislative policy and impact. The panel consisted of chief information security officers representing fields in health care, insurance, financial services and IT.

Prior to the panel discussion, Sen. Peters was given a tour of Dewpoint’s Network Operating Center (NOC), Dewpoint’s state-of-the art secure facility for monitoring and managing their clients’ IT and security operations. Dewpoint’s NOC is key to evaluating and preventing potential security threats to their clients.

After the tour, a panel discussion with the Senator convened to discuss various cybersecurity topics from the business and IT industry perspectives, including the volume of cybersecurity threats, the harmful effects when assets are breached and ways to hold hackers accountable through transparent deterrents.

“We live in an increasingly interconnected world that brings great opportunities, but also leaves us vulnerable to cyberattacks from bad actors who wish us harm,” said Sen. Peters. “As we work to address these ever-evolving cybersecurity challenges, we must ensure that everyone - from government to health care providers to small businesses - have the tools to prevent attacks and mitigate the damage from breaches.”

The meeting provided an opportunity for industry leaders to share some of their challenges and innovations with Sen. Peters. Discussions like these enable the Senator to continue developing supportive legislation, with a focus on achieving balance between market forces, regulatory protections, and voluntary, risk-based standards. This information exchange is essential to helping businesses address complex challenges across critical, information-sensitive environments, and tailoring cybersecurity best practices with the unique risks of smaller businesses.

“I was impressed at how well-versed in cybersecurity issues and challenges Senator Peters is—and his genuine interest in what the business and IT communities are experiencing,” Rob Kondoff, Senior Vice President at Dewpoint said. “We thank the Senator for turning to Dewpoint to host this discussion on the prominent cybersecurity issues and opportunities which challenge businesses of all sizes in all industries— we all need improved cybersecurity, and focused leaders like Senator Peters in Congress continue to play a vital role toward enabling that.” Read more: Lansing Regional Chamber Member News

Chicago Southland Legislative Member Breakfast

Wednesday, January 17th

* 2018 Legislative Agenda *

· Where did we end up in 2017? 
· What’s ahead for Springfield in 2018? 
· What is the state of play on the tax debate, and what will relief mean to businesses large and small? 
· What has changed and was is still on the docket for reform in 2018? 
· Where are we with the latest NAFTA negotiating rounds 
· What’s the status of DACA and immigration? 
· 2018 Chamber Day in Springfield 

Join us for an interactive discussion on these and other issues in January! 

Presenting Organizations: US Chamber of Commerce
Illinois Chamber of Commerce
Small Business Advocacy Council

Members $20
Non-Members $40

Wednesday, January 17, 2018; 8:00am - 10:00am

Chicago Gaelic Park
6119 147th St,
Oak Forest, IL

REGISTER HERE




Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Profile & Membership Directory


The Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Profile & Membership Directory is available at the Crossroads Regional Chamber today! Thanks to Sue Reed 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.


#BestChamber practices: Legislators Provide Updates from 2018 Legislative Session


With the 2018 state legislature in session, Indiana lawmakers are tackling issues that impact businesses and communities. The Hamilton County Legislative Breakfast, held on January 12 at Conner Prairie, welcomes a panel of local legislators to provide updates on the session and respond to questions from attendees.

What: Legislative Breakfast
Topic: Session Updates from Local Legislators
Date: Friday, January 12, 2018
Time: 7:30 to 9 a.m.
Location: Conner Prairie – 13400 Allisonville Road – Fishers
Cost: $20 for members of any Hamilton County chamber; $30 for non-members

Reservations: Required by noon on Wednesday, January 10 and can be made online at www.onezonecommerce.com or by calling 317.436.4653.

The Legislative Breakfast Series is presented by the Hamilton County Business Issues Committee and includes representation from the four chambers of commerce in Hamilton County. Breakfast events will also be held with local legislators on February 9 and March 9, with a session wrap-up on April 13.

Presenting sponsor of the Legislative Breakfast Series is Church Church Hittle + Antrim, with support from Charter Communications, Duke Energy, Hamilton County Farm Bureau and Martin Marietta.




Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Profile Guide

The Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Profile Guide & Membership Directory is available at the Greater Belleville Chamber! Thanks to Wendy Pfeil and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!

Belleville IL Community Profile Guide

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.







Leadership Bowling Green Class Of 2017 Raises $11,500 For Scholarships Benefiting The Sophomore Class At Warren Central High School

Bowling Green, Ky. (November 30, 2017) – Today, the Leadership Bowling Green (LBG) class of 2017 presented $11,500 to SKYCTC to support dual credit scholarships and career exploration for Warren Central High School students. The project is intended to complement and support the Chamber’s SCK LAUNCH talent development initiative. Previous LBG classes have supported various phases of this initiative as well, such as its foundational component The Leader in Me ®, assisting elementary schools with elements helping progress them to self-sustaining TLIM Lighthouse Status.  

The Leadership Bowling Green Class of 2017 is donating 100% of the funds raised, which will directly support dual credit scholarships for students in the sophomore class at Warren Central High School. Scholarships will cover expenses such as tuition and books for students participating in dual credit courses.
The Leadership Bowling Green class project is required to have the following components: fundraising, physical activity and full-class participation, and must be completed prior to their November graduation. On October 27, the LBG class facilitated the inaugural Career Exploration Day, hosted by Southcentral Kentucky and Community Technical College (SKYCTC) in Bowling Green. Prior to the event, students completed a career exploration survey designed by members of the LBG class. a survey was completed to help students determine which career pathway was most exciting to them. Based on their career selection, 260 students were divided into groups by sector for the event. Students had the opportunity to explore their chosen career field and gain hands on experience at the career fair during Career Exploration Day.
Today’s announcement is part of more than $1.8 million invested by the business community in recent years to grow talent in the region. Monetary investments include $1.4 million for The Leader In Me in all schools in Bowling Green and Warren County, $400,000 for the Machine Tool and Robotics Programs at the Warren County Area Technology Center, and $5,000 for the Warren Central High School Hospitality Courtyard. In addition to monetary donations, MedCenter Health and Tri-Star Greenview Regional Hospital donated equipment and supplies to the BGHS Medical Arts Academy.
SCK LAUNCH is a collective effort of the community intended to inspire the powerful education and business partnerships necessary to create the talent pipeline for high-demand sectors to grow the South Central Kentucky economy. The initiative builds on and enhances work already in progress in Bowling Green and Warren County high schools to offer career focused experiential models, career shadowing, educator externships, career academies, student-led leadership and employability skills training as a way to inspire students and provide valuable learning opportunities that engage their personal interest and career aspirations. SCK LAUNCH is a national model for best practices in comprehensive career immersion at all levels of education.
To learn more about the initiative and available volunteer opportunities, please contact Meredith Rozanski or Sandra Baker at the Chamber or visit the initiative website at SCKLAUNCH.com. Read more: Bowling Green Area Chamber

Chamber delight: Mississippi less taxing for retirees

Mississippi has been named the No. 4 most-friendly tax state for retirees by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance in the recently released 2017 Retire Tax Map which looks at the most and least tax-friendly states for retirees across all 50 states.

Sandra Block, senior editor, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, said one reason Mississippi scores so high for being tax friendly for retirees is because the state exempts all qualified retirement income from state taxes.

“For that reason, it compares favorably with states that have no income tax (unless seniors have earned income from a part-time job, which would be taxable),” Block said.

On the local level, property taxes are more favorable in Mississippi than many states. Block said property taxes are below average for the U.S.—the median property tax on the state’s median home value is the 14th lowest in the U.S.

Mississippi Development Authority Executive Director Glenn McCullough, Jr. was not surprised at Mississippi’s high ranking for being tax friendly to retirees.

“Mississippi offers our residents an abundance of affordable, unique and authentic lifestyle offerings,” McCullough said. “Mississippi honors and recognizes the professional and civic contributions of retirees. The state’s generous exclusion of taxable Social Security benefits, retirement income such as pensions, IRAs and 401ks is attractive to retirees seeking to relocate. Mississippi’s high ranking for being tax-friendly to retirees serves as another competitive advantage found in the Magnolia State.”

MDA offers resources to communities in Mississippi which aspire to align themselves with other areas around the country as a retirement destination. MDA sponsors the Hometown Mississippi Retirement program which is designed to retain and attract retirees in the state. McCullough said the program is nearing 25 years of dedicated service in supporting MDA’s mission to strengthen communities.

McCullough said Mississippi’s tax structure serves as a catalyst to bolster services offered by the state. Retirees depend on adequate health care, available housing and retail services—these and many other industries are positively affected by retiree spending.

“Having a reasonable tax structure in place has substantial outcomes in terms of economic fluidness: the financial steadiness of retirees is often uncompromised and non- dependent on local economic factors,” McCullough said. “According to published reports, retirees spend up to 80 percent of their income locally. Data from the Federal Reserve shows retiree households (55+) have the largest net worth nearing $200,000.

McCullough said retirees relocating to Mississippi find their dollars go further in our state than anywhere else in the country. A report from The Tax Foundation states the value of $100 in Mississippi is 15 percent higher than the national average.

Retirees are a valuable asset to a community.

“The purchasing power of retirees in a tax-friendly climate like Mississippi allows for greater opportunities in entrepreneurship, where retirees may consider starting their own business, or acquiring assets such as homes or property,” McCullough said. “Mississippians are known for their charity, and there are a number of volunteer organizations which welcome the assistance of retirees. Many retirees move to the state equipped with professional background and experiences they share with up-and-coming professionals or a craft they have mastered. Leadership and mentorship platforms often benefit retirees as a way to connect with the community.”

Valencia Williamson, executive vice president of the Area Development Partnership (ADP) in Hattiesburg, which is one of the cities involved in the Hometown Retirement City program, agrees the value of retirees to the local area goes beyond economics.

“Retirees get involved,” she said. “At the ADP, we have a plethora of volunteers who’re retired. Retirees want to stay in tune with what’s happening around them; being a member of an organization such as the Chamber of Commerce or the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) keeps them connected, and engaged.”

In Greater Hattiesburg, retirees (55+) make up 24 percent of the population. Williamson said in addition to this being an economic driver because these individuals are likely to bring expendable income into the community, they use fewer services than they pay through taxes.

Williamson said affordable living is one of the most important factors when choosing a retirement destination.

“With a vast array of affordable housing and low property taxes, coupled with tax exemptions on retirement income and superb quality of life, Mississippi is the premier retirement destination in the South,” Williamson said.

Williamson said Certified Retirement Cities focus not just on helping their own city, but also work diligently to promote the region on a national level, with help from local volunteers and organizations who recognize the importance of attracting retirees to live and play in their community. Read more: Mississippi Business

Valley lawmakers take concerns ahead of General Assembly session

The General Assembly session is set to begin on January 10th, and on Wednesday, some Valley state legislators talked with community members about their questions and concerns.

Senators Mark Obenshain and Emmett Hanger, along with Delegates Tony Wilt and Steve Landes, came together for a Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce Breakfast in Harrisonburg Wednesday.

This coming year, Republicans are entering the General Assembly with a new Democrat governor and, in the House of Delegates, they have a small lead with just a 51-to-49 majority following the November election, gaining more seats than in decades.

Del. Landes says he doesn't think the small margin will make a big difference because many of the issues they work on are bipartisan, but he says there are some exceptions.

"One of the concerns I've got is lot of these new members of the House of Delegates, especially from Northern Virginia on the Democratic side, are not supportive of businesses or corporations, they seem to think they're the enemy," said Landes. "And it will be interesting to see because those are the folks that employ the citizens we represent."

Landes says a business-friendly environment is key to getting people in the workforce.

Interstate 81 has also become a major issue for many in the community, and Del. Landes says his legislative survey will ask folks if they might consider tolling on the interstate as a solution to the ongoing problems.

Del. Landes is also working on a pilot program to allow armed forces service members to vote electronically overseas. In previous elections, there have been issues with absentee ballots not getting to the registrar on time for the election.

"If someone is actually serving the country, protecting us, they of all people should be able to vote while they are overseas, so we're doing a pilot to see how that would work, if it can be implemented fairly and securely," said Landes.

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