Tuesday, February 27, 2018



Good morning #Chamber World! It's going to be a GREAT day! Here is news you can use as a Kentucky Chamber of Commerce professional:


Chamber Executive Kentucky Intelligence Report
February 16, 2018

Christian County Chamber of Commerce Announces Fourth Annual Total Resource Campaign

2018 Total Resource Campaign to Kick-Off Monday, February 19

The Christian County Chamber of Commerce announces the fourth annual Total Resource Campaign. This six-week revenue-generating effort kicks off Monday, February 19, 2018 and concludes Friday, March 30. This year, the Total Resource Campaign has 10 volunteers from various business professions within the community. 

During the campaign, volunteers introduce businesses to the value of Chamber membership and encourage current members to utilize the multiple benefits membership provides. This annual effort provides leadership and financial support for new and existing programs. Volunteers make it possible to raise the funds to sustain programs for business development, community improvement and member services. The funds raised benefit not only the Chamber, but truly the entire Christian County region.

"The TRC campaign is the Chamber's effort to secure sponsorships for our many programs and initiatives so that we can keep working on behalf of our business community. We greatly appreciate the volunteers who give their time to support the chamber's work and the many businesses who participate and sponsor our efforts," said Kelli Pendleton, Christian County Chamber of Commerce President & CEO. "Our chamber team works hard in areas of business advocacy, workforce & education, supporting Fort Campbell and many more. Thank you to everyone who champions our cause."

The all-volunteer Campaign consists of more than 500 sponsorships. The TRC offers excellent exposure for companies both at Chamber events and within our signature publications.

For more information about the Total Resource Campaign and how your business can be a part, contact Robin Tabor, Christian County Chamber of Commerce Director of Membership and Fundraising, at (270) 885-9096, or rtabor@christiancountychamber.com.

Media Contact: Kirstie Darnall, Director of Events & Marketing, Christian County Chamber of Commerce kdarnall@christiancountychamber.com 270-885-9096

Frankfort Chamber partnership: Informational meeting scheduled Thursday for ‘On the Table’ event

An informational meeting will be held Thursday about the communitywide event called “On the Table.”
The informational meeting will be at 5:30 p.m. in the Cooperative Extension Office — 101 Lakeview Court. Representatives from the Franklin County Community Fund, the Frankfort Area Chamber of Commerce and the Blue Grass Community Foundation will be present to answer questions and provide materials.
Another informational session will be held Feb. 20 at 5:30 p.m. in the United Bank Conference Room.
On the Table is a one-day, communitywide event that encourages people to join in conservations about their ideas and aspirations for the community.  Spearheaded by the Franklin County Community Fund in partnership with the Frankfort Area Chamber of Commerce, the project seeks input from people from all walks of life.
Organizers hope to involve hosts throughout Franklin County, including schools, churches, businesses, nonprofits, neighborhood associations and clubs. Hosts commit to holding an On the Table event, which can be as simple as tea and cookies around a kitchen table or as elaborate as a hall with 20 tables.  The date for “On the Table” is March 28. Read more: State Journal

Hospital leaders share industry, career insights with Paducah Young Professionals

The leaders of Paducah's two hospitals talked about their careers, their industry, and their advice for millennials in a "CEO Roundtable" this week with the Paducah Young Professionals.
The professionals group was initiated in 2015 by the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce to help emerging leaders ages 21-40 network and become more involved in the community. It has grown to some 270 members.
Chris Roty, president of Baptist Health Paducah, and Michael Yungmann, president and CEO of Lourdes, fielded questions on a variety of topics about career development and the health care industry Thursday at the Country Club of Paducah. Read more: Paducah Sun

NKY Chamber Women’s Initiative to honor Shelley Funk Frommeyer with Spirit of Achievement Award

The Northern Kentucky Chamber Women’s Initiative is proud to recognize Shelley Funke Frommeyer as the recipient of the fifth annual Spirit of Achievement Award, presented by C-Forward.
The award, which will be presented at the Women’s Initiative Annual Breakfast, sponsored by PNC on Wednesday, January 24, honors women involved in the Northern Kentucky Chamber Women’s Initiative program who have demonstrated professional leadership and community involvement.
“Shelley’s enthusiasm and her can-do attitude has made a tremendous impact on not only the Women’s Initiative as an organization, but on our members as well,” said Barb Moran Johnson, Vice President – Investments for Wells Fargo Advisors. “Her dedication to this organization, and her passion for creating opportunities for women to learn and connect is infectious.”

“The Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce has been like a multi-vitamin to me since I joined in 2003,” said Funke Frommeyer. “I feel energized by the environment and feel like a better, stronger businesswoman for participating in the NKY Chamber. The Women’s Initiative has added a level of engagement specifically intended to promote women Connecting, Growing, and Achieving and it is working! I am thrilled and honored with this recognition.”Funke Frommeyer, Financial Advisor at Waddell & Reed, Inc., currently serves as a member of the Northern Kentucky Chamber Board of Directors, Women’s Initiative Vice Chair and Membership Vice Chair. Recently, she served as the Women’s Initiative GROW Mentoring program. Prior to that role, she was chair of the Women’s Initiative Golf Outing and added the golf clinic to engage women who want to participate but do not know how to golf.
The Women’s Initiative Annual Breakfast will take place on Wednesday, January 24 at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center (1 Rivercenter Blvd., Covington)
Keynote address will be delivered by Dr. Debra Clary Corporate Director for the Leadership Institute at Humana, Inc., during which attendees will learn strategies to increase their impact and contribution to their organization.
Tickets to the Women’s Initiative Annual Breakfast are $50 for NKY Chamber members and $75 for future Chamber members. Reservations for the breakfast are required. For more information, contact Gina Bath at 859-578-6384 or online at the website. Read more: Northern Kentucky Tribune

Logan County Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Map

The Logan County Chamber of Commerce Community Map is available at the Chamber today! Thanks to Tammy Tinsley, Dee Dee Brown, the Tourist & Convention Commission 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.



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



Greater Owensboro Chamber names 8 businesses as Members of the Year at 2018 Chamber Celebration

Owensboro, KY – Last night a crowd of over 650 gathered at the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Celebration, presented by Owensboro Health to celebrate the accomplishments of a banner 2017.
The winning businesses were among 50 finalists vying for the honors. Those earning the honors include:
• Emerging Business of the Year – Bella Ragazza Boutique
• Business of the Year 1-10 Employees – Diamond Lake Resort
• Business of the Year 11-50 Employees – Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc.
• Business of the Year Over 50 Employees – Canteen/Conti Corporation
• Non-Profit of the Year – Habitat for Humanity of Owensboro-Daviess County
• Education and Workforce Development Program of the Year – Wendell H. Ford Government Education Center
• Manufacturing Business of the Year – Sun Windows, Inc.
• Rick Kamuf Agri-Business of the Year – Cecil Farms Produce
Other award winners of the night included:
• 2017 Chamber Director of the Year – Rick Kamuf, Kamuf Brothers Farms
• 2017 Chamber Ambassador of the Year – Chris Arnold, US Bank
• 2017 Chamber Young Professional of the Year – Andrew Howard, Independence Bank
• 2017 Leadership Owensboro Class Member of the Year – Shawn Tomes, Kentucky Wesleyan College
• Innovator of the Year – Hollison, LLC
• 2017 Chamber Member of the Year – Owensboro Convention Center
The Business Celebration also included addresses from the presenting sponsor, Owensboro Health, as well as the 2018 Board Chair Bart Darrell, President of Kentucky Wesleyan College.
“Our awards program is an opportunity to celebrate our members who drive the economy and grow our community. The level of excellence displayed throughout the lists of finalists is remarkable. It is yet another example of how Owensboro truly is a shining community. Our Chamber staff is honored to be able to serve our members and to be a small part of their journeys,” said Candance Castlen Brake, Chamber President and CEO.
The Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce is a nearly 1000-membership organization founded in 1913 with the purpose of connecting businesses and fostering economic growth in Owensboro and Daviess County. For more information, contact Candance Brake at 270-926-1860


Chamber Executive Ongoing Education Weekly New Idea: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey

Stephen R. Covey's book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People®, has been a top-seller for the simple reason that it ignores trends and pop psychology for proven principles of fairness, integrity, honesty, and human dignity. Celebrating its fifteenth year of helping people solve personal and professional problems, this special anniversary edition includes a new foreword and afterword written by Covey exploring the question of whether the 7 Habits are still relevant and answering some of the most common questions he has received over the past 15 years. Read more: Stephen R. Covey

#BestChamber practices: From Jill Cutler, Executive Director, Mercer County Chamber: 2nd Annual Scholarship Shoppe

Good day, John!  We have had a special event with our chamber we are hoping to see replicated.  We just had our 2nd Scholarship Shoppe.  This is an event for seniors in high school in our area to come and “shop” their money for college, job skill or even to start a business.  We had 140 students this year which included 3 local high schools and homeschoolers and some from other high schools who came on their own.  We hold this with 2 other sponsors: Mercer Extension Office (our location) and the Mercer Co. Community Endowment.  I had had trouble getting good advertising for the Endowment as most folks are unfamiliar with such entities, so by making them a sponsor (they work it and provide lunch for all the presenters) we see a good understanding being developed.  We had 20 presenters which included 3 colleges that are within 40 miles.

More information: Jill Cutler - Mercer Chamber of Commerce <info@mercerchamber.com>
859-734-2365 - www.mercerchamber.com

Passing the gavel: Winchester-Clark County Chamber of Commerce inducts new president, looks ahead to new year

As the incoming president of the Winchester-Clark County Chamber of Commerce, Amy Turner says the community organization is going to focus.
Well, actually, the chamber is going to FOCUS.
In this case, FOCUS is an acronym for the keywords business organization’s 2018 goals: Future. Opportunity. Create. Understand. Service.
Turner, who is the vice president mortgage loan officer with Central Bank, officially accepted the ceremonial gavel from out-going president Bruce Manley at Monday morning’s annual meeting before talking about how each of those words will be critical to the chamber’s mission this year.
“I am very grateful to be a part of this community and this chamber. We are fortunate to live work and raise our families in a great community where most people are very involved,” she said. “How can we make it better? My vision for 2018 is to FOCUS on the future. Where are we now and where do we want to be?”
Everything the chamber does will be under the auspices of service, striving for excellence and meeting the needs of its current and prospective members, Turner said.
The chamber also recognized the 2017 board and welcomed three new members for 2018. New members are Sarah Alexander representing Clark Regional Medical Center, Sherry Hampton representing the Winchester Labor Day Committee and Kevin Vincent of D&S Hardware. Read more: Winchester Sun

Jefferson County Chamber 2017 Community Guide   

The Jefferson County Chamber 2017 Community Guide  is available at the chamber of commerce today! Thank you to Philip "Mike" Beard 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 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.


Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce announces 2018 Chamber Awards

Today the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce announced four awards recognizing outstanding volunteer service in the community this past year.

“Each year, the level of success our organization achieves would not be possible without the loyalty and service from our dedicated volunteers,” said Board Chairman Joy Hunt. “These volunteers consistently go beyond their normal duties to support the Chamber and give back to the community. We’re extremely fortunate to have such a loyal volunteer base, and we thank each volunteer for his and her hard work and commitment.”

Ambassador of the Year

Now in its 31st year, the Chamber’s Ambassadors Club is a group of volunteers that dedicates countless hours to the Chamber. Ambassadors assist in recruitment efforts, mentor new partners and extend goodwill throughout the community. Collectively they spend more than 4,000 hours annually giving back to this organization. Each year, the Ambassadors nominate a fellow Ambassador who has done an outstanding job for the Chamber. The club chose Jana Sublett of CASA of South Central Kentucky as 2017 Ambassador of the Year. Jana served as 2017 Ambassador Chair.

Board Volunteer of the Year

The Chamber’s Board of Directors serves as the governing body of the Chamber, and these volunteer leaders provide guidance for the Chamber’s strategic initiatives. They spend numerous hours at the Chamber and at Chamber events. Each year, the Chamber selects a Board of Directors member who has gone above and beyond the regular duties as a Board member. The Chamber selected Chris Thorn of Graves Gilbert Clinic 2017 Board Volunteer of the Year. Chris was elected to the chamber board’s executive committee in 2017. Chris’ support of the Chamber’s programs and his encouragement to volunteers and appreciation of the Chamber team is worthy to be awarded.

Volunteer of the Year

On a daily basis, hundreds of volunteers ensure Chamber programs, events and initiatives are successful. Each year, the Chamber presents an award to the year’s most outstanding volunteer as a thank you for his or her dedication and commitment. This year, the Chamber recognized Bryan Thompson of Henkel for his outstanding service. Bryan’s participation in multiple aspects of the Chamber’s SCK Launch talent initiative, including the Experience on November 16 which provided nearly 3,000 8th graders a hands-on career experience and Teacher Externships hosting educators on-site for curriculum-workplace relevance interaction.

BGYP Young Professional of the Year

Bowling Green Young Professionals is a Chamber initiative with the mission to attract, retain and connect young talent in our community; to engage and empower our next generation of business and community leaders to actively shape the Bowling Green area. In its second year, the award recognizes an outstanding BGYP member for his or her dedication and service to the organization. The organization chose Nick Newbould of Core Tech, LLC as the BGYP Young Professional of the Year. Nick serves on BGYP Leadership Council is the current Chair-elect for BGYP.

Incorporated in 1935, the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce is a 5-Star Accredited Chamber by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and was named the 2009 Chamber of the Year by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives. As the fourth largest chamber in Kentucky, the Chamber serves as a premier business advocate for its more than 1,300 partners and is the driving force for economic development in South Central Kentucky. Read more: Lane Report


The Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce 2017 Business Directory and Resource Guide is available at the Virginia Peninsula Chamber today! Thanks to Mike Kuhns, Suzy Johnson 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.


From the website: Fingertip Facts: Bardstown, Kentucky

Historic Downtown Bardstown
·         Home to dozens of locally-owned restaurants and shops.
·         More than 300 buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places, with nearly 200 in the downtown district.
·         Bardstown is rich in religious heritage attractions, including the Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral, the first Catholic cathedral west of the Allegheny Mountains, and the Abbey of Gethsemani.
·         Founded in 1780, Bardstown is Kentucky’s second-oldest city.
·         In 1789, bourbon was discovered by Baptist minister Elijah Craig.
·         Population: 11,242 (2010 census).

Story Ideas

Stephen Foster (July 4, 1826 – Jan. 13, 1864)
·         The “father of American music” Stephen Collins Foster
·         Wrote 286 works in less than 20 years
·         Composed the songs “Oh! Susanna,” “Camptown Races,” “Beautiful Dreamer” and Kentucky’s state song, “My Old Kentucky Home”
·         His story and music live on at My Old Kentucky Home and the outdoor, Broadway-style musical The Stephen Foster Story. at the park’s amphitheater
·         Interview: Johnny Warren, Managing Artistic Director at Stephen Foster Productions, JohnnyW@StephenFoster.com, 800-626-1563; 502-348-5971
Julia Wickliffe Beckhan: The Woman Behind Three Governors
·         Julia is the only woman in the world to be the mother, sister and daughter of a governor.
·         All is revealed during Tea at Wickland, the home where she was born in 1835. She was married to Kentucky legislator William Netherton Beckham.
·         Interview: Manager/Historian/Author Dixie Hibbs, DixieH@bardstowncable.net, 502-507-0808
Museum Treasures
·         The Civil War Museums of the Western Theater at Old Bardstown Village houses artifacts such as a doctor’s field kit, amputation saws, the drums of the 10- and 11-year-old drummer boys, soldiers’ letters to home.
·         Ranked one of the top four Civil War museums in the nation.
·         Exhibits also include battle flags, maps, weapons, photographs, writings, authentic Civil War uniforms and cannons, among them a 12-lb. mountain Howitzer belonging to Eli Lilly’s 18th Indiana artillery and a one-pounder smoothbore cannon.
·         Interview: Manager Kenneth Johnson, MuseumRow@bardstowncable.net, 502-349-0291
Kentucky Railway Museum
·         Located in New Haven (a short drive from Bardstown)
·         The only train-related attraction in the state with both a model layout and train excursions
·         See exhibits and climb aboard a restored passenger train, the L&N 152, on a 22-mile excursion through the Rolling Fork River Valley
·         5,000-square-foot museum is a replica of the original brick L&N New Haven depot and holds more than 70 pieces of rail equipment, dining car exhibit, and a display of steam locomotive whistles
Details: Lynn Kustes, Marketing Director, LKustes2546@gmail.com, 800-272-0152, 502-549-5470
Bourbon Immersion Experience
·         Bardstown is the Bourbon Capital of the World® and an official trailhead of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®
·         Visit one or more of seven (soon to be nine) bourbon distilleries
·         Shop the Kentucky Bourbon Marketplace
·         Eat, drink and sleep at the luscious Bourbon Manor Bed & Breakfast
·         Visit Whisky Magazine’s Attraction of the Year: Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History
Bardstown Ghost Treks
·         Led by internationally known Certified Ghost Hunter Patti Starr
·         2-hour tours features visits to Old Talbott Tavern, Jailer’s Inn and Pioneer Cemetery
·         Saturdays June through October
Holy Land Experience
·         The towns of Bardstown, Lebanon and Springfield together make Kentucky’s Holy Land
·         Includes the Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral, the Abbey of Gethsemani, Sisters of Charity of Nazareth Motherhouse and the Bardstown Art Gallery/Thomas Merton Bookstore
·         Visit KyHolyLand.org, that lists all the things to see and do
A Town of Bed and Breakfast Inns
·         Bardstown’s home away from home options include inns, cottages, Antebellum mansions, Victorian Painted Ladies, a 1700s restored log home, a working farm, plantation home and winery, historic tavern (America’s oldest Western stagecoach stop), cottage hideaways and a jail cell and jailer’s residence with prisoner courtyard

Christian County Chamber: Soldiers To Be Counted From Duty Station During Deployment

Chamber's efforts to change the way soldiers are counted during deployment pay off

The U.S. Census Bureau finalized a rule change proposed for the 2020 census that would impact our region. The updated policy would require the Census Bureau to count all deployed service members at the base or port in which they resided prior to deployment instead of by their home of record, an address they gave when they enlisted.

The Bureau’s previous method resulted in 2010 census data that improperly represented areas including Fort Campbell, Kentucky. While the region around Fort Campbell had grown greatly since the 2000 census, the 2010 census did not accurately reflect this growth due to the Bureau’s policy on counting deployed service members.

The Christian County Chamber of Commerce has been advocating for this change for several years and it has been a priority for the Chamber’s Military Affairs Program. "Today's announcement is a victory for our region and our state,” said Kelli Pendleton, President and CEO of Kentucky’s Christian County Chamber of Commerce. “To have our soldiers counted at the installation where they are stationed during a deployment has a large economic impact on our region. This is an effort we have worked tirelessly on for several years, and we are thrilled with today's decision. We are grateful to have legislators who listen to our concerns and really work to address these types of issues.

“Kentucky is proud of our service members and their families, and I applaud the Census Bureau for following through on a change that will ensure our military communities are properly represented and have the resources they need to continue supporting our military. Every service member deserves to be counted, and today’s action proves concerned citizens can make a difference,” said U.S. Senator Rand Paul. After hearing from local officials and community leaders about the inaccurate reporting, Dr. Paul worked to enact change, including contacting the Bureau directly and introducing the “Service Members and Communities Count Act” to ensure the correct reporting of all deployed service members.

“We are excited that the Census Bureau has decided to count military personnel where they live prior to deployment,” said Hopkinsville, Kentucky, Mayor Carter Hendricks. “This simple change ensures military families are counted in the communities, like Hopkinsville, that work tirelessly to support soldiers and their families.

The final rule creates one consistent and logical method for counting service members overseas. Until now, the method for counting service members during a deployment varied between branches of service.

Contact: Kelli Pendleton, President/CEO, Christian County Chamber of Commerce kpendlton@christiancountychamber.com - 270-885-9096


Chamber Accreditation: Here is your list!

Accreditation Self-Analysis Survey for Local Chambers of Commerce

Please use the following checklist to determine if you're ready to apply for accreditation.

Governance

1. Does the chamber have an article of incorporation or a charter?

2. Is the chamber's mission statement clear and feasible?

3. Bylaws:

o Do they regulate the main areas of chamber management;

o Are they considered to be adequate for the laws of the state to the protection of both the chamber and its members; and

o Have they been shared with the board?

4. Organizational Structure: Is it clear and appropriate to the chamber's size and goals? Has the chamber developed an organization chart depicting flow of information and hierarchy?

5. Are there appropriate term limits and job descriptions in place for the board of directors?

6. Are board meetings held on a regular basis and are minutes kept on file?

7. Does a review process exist to evaluate the performance of officers and directors?

8. Are the proper committees in place for the chamber to meet goals?

Finance

1. Does the chamber meet generally accepted accounting practices? (GAAP)

2. Are the chamber's financial policies and procedures documented in a manual?

3. Is an annual operational budget in place (including costs for all programs, management and fundraising) and is it approved by the board?

4. Does the board of directors review and approve all financial statements?

5. Does the chamber maintain current financial statements?

6. Does the chamber maintain liability insurance or director and officer insurance?

7. Does the chamber meet the Accreditation standards for conducting an audit?

o Chambers with revenue below $500,000 must:

§ Conduct an annual review by a certified financial firm

§ Conduct an audit every three years

o Chambers with revenue of more than $500,000 must:

§ Conduct an annual review by a certified financial firm

§ Conduct an audit every other year

8. Does the chamber meet IRS and state filing requirements?

9. Does the chamber withhold and report taxes from employee paychecks to the IRS and state and local government?

Human Resources and Staff

1. Are there distinct roles and job descriptions set up for staff?

2. Does staff understand the chamber's mission and program of action?

3. Are personnel policies in place and current?

4. Does the chamber meet federal and state regulations regarding employees?

Government Affairs

1. Does the chamber have a systematic procedure in place to identify government affairs issues critical to the business community?

2. Does the chamber create a legislative agenda and share it with the membership?

3. Does the chamber communicate its positions on priority issues with elected officials?

4. Does the chamber actively share state/U.S. Chamber information with its members?

5. Has the chamber established a grassroots network?

Program Development

1. Does the chamber understand issues and needs important to all segments of the membership?

2. Does the chamber collect member feedback at least annually?

3. Does the chamber provide an annual report to its members?

4. Has the chamber developed a strategic plan or business plan for the current year?

5. Does the chamber understand the impending factors that will affect the chamber?

Technology

1. Does the chamber have functioning telephone, computer, and mailing systems?

2. Does the chamber keep its computer systems current and secure?

3. Does the chamber use anti-virus software?

4. Does the chamber have a membership database that can track membership information, dues, participation?

5. Does the chamber back up data regularly?

6. Has the chamber developed a data protection and privacy policy?

7. Does the chamber have a Web site that is updated regularly?

8. Is the chamber's Web site registered on Web site search engines?

Communications

1. Has the chamber developed a written communications and marketing plan with clear annual goals?

2. Does the chamber use diverse forms of media to promote the chamber?

3. Does the chamber contact members at least monthly?

4. Does the chamber's Web site communicate general information about the chamber?

5. Can the chamber communicate with members using mass-distribution e-mails?

6. Does the chamber comply with federal CAN-SPAM requirements?

7. Does the chamber issue press releases to local and regional media outlets?

Facilities

1. Does the chamber's facility project an appropriate business image, and is the facility accessible by the public?

2. Does the chambers facility support the chamber’s communications and technology capabilities?

3. Is the workplace kept neat, clean and free of potential safety hazards

4. Is the workplace inspected annually by a safety professional?

5. Does the chamber facility meet accepted OSHA regulations?

6. Is a crisis plan in place?

7. Are employees trained or educated about the crisis plan?

If you answered no to any of these questions, you are not ready to apply for accreditation.

Source: U.S. Chamber

Danville-Boyle County Chamber gets on board with Louisville to offer group insurance to its members



The Danville-Boyle County Chamber of Commerce has added a membership benefit that has attracted numerous local businesses to join: a health insurance program.
Outside of payroll, health insurance is the second- or third-largest expenditure a business incurs, said John Funkhouser, chamber member with Johnson & Pohlmann insurance company in Danville.
So, in October, the Louisville St. Matthews Chamber of Commerce began offering group medical insurance plans through Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield to its local chamber members. It reached out to several other area chambers to see the interest level in forming an association group in order to offer the insurance. The local Boyle chamber got word and joined in. 
Now, Funkhouser said between St. Matthews and the local chamber, there are nearly 3,000 individuals currently participating in the association’s group insurance plans, which took effect Jan. 1.
As stated previously by the chamber’s former director Paula Folwer, “With the huge increases caused by the Affordable Care Act and health care reform, our small business members have been searching for relief.”
Valery McMann with Farmers National Bank, who sells the plans for the local chamber, said the health insurance business is very complicated. And because of the ACA, choices in health plans have become limited.
She said this plan “is just one more option” for business owners to have available. “I am happy to offer any alternatives out there.”
Health insurance is very important, McMann said. Even though the mandate for everyone to have health insurance has been repealed, “it is everyone’s responsibility to have health insurance … and financial peace of mind. We are all just one disaster away from being in real financial trouble.”
Interim chamber Director Myrna Miller said, “It was a real treasure to find this group health insurance and to be able to offer our members the plans.” Read more: Advocate Messenger


Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best in Kentucky.


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


Top Five Daily Postings in the last week at Midwest Chamber of Commerce Daily News– click to go there or Google search “Midwest Chamber of Commerce Daily News”

Jan 30, 2018
129
Jan 24, 2018
123
Jan 22, 2018
111
Jan 29, 2018
108
Feb 6, 2018,
84


Last Month’s Stories
Pensions, tax reform and Road Fund are main topics discussed Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce event Spectrum News

Logan County Tourism named 2017 NDL Group of the Year News Democrat & Leader

Danville Boyle CountyChamber director Fowler to step down after 14 years Advocate Messenger
Greater Owensboro Creates Momentum With Millennials: https://www.facebook.com/GOChamber/videos/10155912807712370/
A Chamber story you should know: Christian County Chamber: 32nd Annual Gander Memorial Wreath Laying Ceremony (270) 885-9096.

#FamousChamber of Commerce Quotations: (Perseverance)
Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after another. -Walter Elliott

aducah Chamber Elects 2018 Officers And Board
Boyle County: Making the pitch: Students pitch ideas to local business leaders Advocate Messanger

#FamousChamber Speaker: Bob Harris CAE, One of the Top Five Chamber Speakers of All Time - Organizational Excellence - It starts with the heart - the PASSION of volunteers and staff to be great. Then the focus is on governance, operations, and strategy. Finally, finally mix in smart practices and benchmarks to ensure excellence. - Bob Harris, CAE - www.nonprofitcenter.com 

New SBA and KYPTAC HUBZone Pilot Program HUBZone  - Michael.Ashcraft 
Kentucky Chamber President Dave Adkisson Speaking at Paducah Power in Partnership Breakfast West Kentucky Star
Best Places to Work in Kentucky Contact Andrea Flanders, sponsorship development manager, at 502-848-8723 for more information

If you are a new customer and would like delivery of a no-cost gloss chamber directory or map in September 2018, please contact me at your earliest convenience. To request your chamber publication proposal, Contact Town Square Publications  (it takes less than two minutes).

Best,

John Dussman


John Dussman | Chamber Manager
jdussman@tspubs.com | 847-427-4633 | Town Square Publications
Daily Herald Media Group
155 E. Algonquin Road | Arlington Heights, IL 60005
Find us on  Chamber Blog  |  Twitter  |  LinkedIn

To request your Chamber map or publication, Contact Town Square Publications

Chamber Executive Daily News: www.midwestchamberofcommerce.blogspot.com 

Do you have a story idea?             
If you have a chamber news item  that you would like to be included in the Chamber Executive Kentucky Intelligence Report or the Chamber of Commerce Daily News, please email me the information at
jdussman@tspubs.com with subject line: Chamber Executive Kentucky Intelligence Report or call me at (847)-427-4633. Thank you.


No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.