Chicago Federal Reserve: Survey shows steady growth in January and early February; #BestChamber practices: Rochchester Area Chamber Junior Chamber (Jaycees): Service for Seniors; Front Royal Warren County Community Profile & Membership Directory 2017; ACCE newsletter: (Chambers) Merge and Conquer; It's official...we've moved! The Grand Rapids Chamber is NOW...; Survey: Sheboygan County businesses optimistic about future of local economy; Logan County Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Map; #BestChamber practices: Marion Chamber of Commerce: Southern Illinois Made Expo to showcase products made and destinations available in SI; Morehead-Rowan County Chamber of Commerce becomes SOAR Blueprint Partner; Northern Virginia Chamber to Host Who’s In? Featuring ESPN College Basketball Analyst Joe Lunardi; Women Empowering Women: Building Your Personal Brand; Mount Olive Area Chamber/Jaycees awards recognize local heroes; Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories, Maps and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S.

Good morning #Chamber World! It's going to be a GREAT day!


Chicago Federal Reserve: Survey shows steady growth in January and early February

The Chicago Fed Survey of Business Conditions (CFSBC) Activity Index edged down to +22 from +25, suggesting that growth in economic activity continued at a moderate pace in January and early February. The CFSBC Manufacturing Activity Index moved down to +38 from +49, and the CFSBC Nonmanufacturing Activity Index remained at +11.
• Respondents’ outlooks for the U.S. economy for the next six to 12 months deteriorated some, but remained quite optimistic on balance. Respondents with optimistic outlooks highlighted the federal tax reform, good economic data, and increased demand for their firms’ products. Respondents with pessimistic outlooks were concerned that rising interest rates could slow short-term growth and that the rising federal deficit could slow long-term growth.
• The pace of current hiring picked up, as did respondents’ expectations for the pace of hiring over the next six to 12 months. The hiring index rose to a neutral level, and the hiring expectations index moved into positive territory.
• The pace of current capital spending increased, but respondents’ expectations for the pace of capital spending over the next six to 12 months declined some. While the current capital spending index remained negative, the capital spending expectations index stayed positive.
• The wage cost pressures index decreased and moved into negative territory. In contrast, the nonwage cost pressures index increased and continued to be positive. More information: Chicago Fed




#BestChamber practices: Rochchester Area Chamber Junior Chamber (Jaycees): Service for Seniors

The Rochester Area Junior Chamber (Jaycees) will be holding our monthly General Membership Meeting on Thursday, February 8 at 7:00 pm at the Rochester Community House. We will be filling treat bags for our Valentine's edition of our Treats for Seniors project. Bags with valentines and senior-friendly candy are filled and delivered to the Meals on Wheels program that services the Rochester area. In addition, 2018 Chapter President Jocelyn will be doing a mini lesson on Mardi Gras and its history, tradition, and meaning. As always, we'll enjoy some food and drinks and learn about all of our upcoming events and projects. Guests are welcome! We are a leadership development organization for 21-40 year-olds committed to bettering themselves and their community.

Contact:
Jocelyn Moellering, 2018 President
info@rochesterareajaycees.org, (248) 652-7777





Front Royal Warren County Community Profile & Membership Directory 2017 

The Front Royal Warren County Community Profile & Membership Directory 2017 is available at the Front Royal Warren County Chamber of Commerce today! Thank you to Niki Foster and Pam Riffle and the Chamber team for their help and direction putting this together! 

Front Royal Warren County Community Profile & Membership Directory 2017

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.


ACCE newsletter: (Chambers) Merge and Conquer

Merge and conquer
When chambers of commerce merge, oftentimes the new organization takes an altered path forward, resulting in greater achievements and progress. In this recorded webinar, hear how three organizations – Michigan West Coast Chamber, Kalispell Chamber and Greater Topeka Partnership – seized the opportunity to grow and what lessons were learned along the way.

It's official...we've moved! The Grand Rapids Chamber is NOW...

The Grand Rapids Chamber is NOW located at:

250 Monroe Ave. NW Suite 150
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
616-771-0300

Important information:

• The work café will be available to members beginning Monday, March 12.
   
• For board rooms, meeting room and event space reservations, beginning April 2018, contact the Chamber concierge at 616.771.0300.
   
• We recently made updates to our system, and the member login on our website has changed. Click here to login to the member portal. Here you can post jobs, coupons and update your profile.
   
• Event registration is done through our updated event calendar. To receive member pricing while paying for events, you can go directly through the event registration page using your login information.

Please contact us at 616.771.0300 with any questions!



Survey: Sheboygan County businesses optimistic about future of local economy

Sheboygan County local businesses believe the local economy is on an uphill trajectory, according to a new survey by the Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce. 

Nearly 9 in 10 businesses in Sheboygan County believe the local economy will grow, compared to 4 in 10 statewide, according to recent surveys by the Chamber and the Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce.

Executive director of the Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce Deidre Martinez says the Chamber sent out the survey to 800 plus businesses who are part of a membership with the Chamber.

The survey included questions like "How do you see the economy performing in Sheboygan County in the next 12 months?" They were then given degrees for which they felt it could go (significant increase, slight increase, remain the same, etc).

The measure of optimism comes from the responses they received to the survey.

"Our business community in the county is feeling that this is really going to be a continued strong year because year over year they've seen an increase," Martinez said. "Now it's a matter of finding enough people to fill the positions and making sure that we are building our workforce and the next generation that is going to do those jobs."

Director of the SCEDC Dane Checolinski says this positive result from the survey is due to the collaborative spirit within the community. 

"I think Sheboygan County is capable of putting together the systems that are required for growth in today's world," he said. 

Checolinski pointed to local efforts like the Red Raider initiative and the nonprofit Inspire Sheboygan County as contributing to that optimism. 

The Red Raider initiative is a collaboration between the manufacturing community and North and South high schools. Read more: Sheboygan Press

Logan County Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Map


The Logan County Chamber of Commerc 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!

Logan County Community Map

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.


#BestChamber practices: Marion Chamber of Commerce: Southern Illinois Made Expo to showcase products made and destinations available in SI

To register as a vendor or sponsor, click here. 

Come see how we have it made in Southern Illinois during the inaugural Southern Illinois Made Expo on Saturday, July 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sunday, July 29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at The Pavilion, 1602 Sioux Drive in Marion.

The Southern Illinois Made Expo is an exciting new initiative developed through a partnership between State Senator Dale Fowler and Southern Illinois Chambers of Commerce.

“Southern Illinois is home to some of Illinois’ greatest businesses, turning out unique products made in the region and offering one-of-a-kind destinations that fuel our local economy and employees the people in our communities,” said State Senator Dale Fowler. “This venture is about showcasing what our local businesses have to offer and providing local consumers the chance to explore the merchandise and products created right here in their own backyard.”

The event will be held in Marion, Illinois, serving as the premiere opportunity for businesses to showcase the impressive products made and destinations available in Southern Illinois.

“I’m excited to give businesses that make their products here in Southern Illinois a direct platform to reach out to the people in the communities who may not realize the extent or variety of currently offered by our Southern-based businesses,” said Sen. Fowler. “The businesses and the products are already here, we’re just creating an opportunity. An opportunity to embrace what’s unique to our region and market the incredible products made throughout my district and across the region. What we’re doing here is giving our hardworking businesses a stage to promote their products and encourage those in our communities to shop locally.”

The event is also open to the general public, giving everyone the opportunity to experience firsthand the quality of unique products made by Southern Illinois artists, designers, and manufacturers and the beauty of Southern Illinois destinations. A donation of $5 to Veterans Honor Flight of Southern Illinois will be suggested for admission by all guests. All proceeds from admission and exhibitor fees will go toward Veterans Honor Flight of Southern Illinois. The first 200 attendees will receive a Southern Illinois Made goodie bag.

“Southern Illinois Made Expo is a great next step for the Shop Southern Illinois campaign that area Chambers of Commerce have developed over the recent years to encourage Southern Illinoisans to support local businesses,” said Dalus Ben Avi, executive director of the Marion Chamber of Commerce. “Area Chambers want to educate consumers to shop and buy locally, realizing that a small shift in shopping trends – say 2 to 3 percent - can result in millions of dollars in new revenue for area businesses. Local business owners are our neighbors and friends, and they deserve our support and our business. Local businesses hire locally, spend their money locally, contribute to their communities and regions and offer everything we need or want.”

Exhibitors from all over the region are invited to display and sell their innovative products, unique creations, tasty treats and showcase fabulous Southern Illinois destinations.

We are excited to give our local business community an opportunity to showcase the products and destinations produced and offered in Southern Illinois. Booth prices start at $50. To sign up, visit simade.org or call the Marion Chamber of Commerce at (618) 997-6311.

“We hope that you join us in showcasing all that Southern Illinois has to offer,” Ben Avi said. “Both Saturday and Sunday offer a unique opportunity for exhibitors to sell directly to the public and wholesale/retail buyers,” said Ben Avi. “Potential customers can see, sample, and purchase products and learn about the many destinations Southern Illinois has to offer.”

To be a vendor in the Southern Illinois Made Expo, the following requirements must be met:

• Feature products produced in Southern Illinois or destinations available in Southern Illinois
• Willingness and capacity to sell/showcase products/destinations to retailers and the general public
• Agree not to exhibit or promote any products/destinations not made in Southern Illinois
• Agree to all Exhibitor Rules & Regulations

To register as a vendor or sponsor, click here. 

Sponsorship opportunities are also available for the Southern Illinois Made Expo. Only members of participating Southern Illinois Chambers of Commerce are eligible to be sponsors of the Southern Illinois Made Expo. The sponsorship levels are:

• Presenting - $5,000. Includes the largest logo on promotional materials, 24      complimentary admission passes, placement of promotional items in the Goodie Bags for attendees (all promotional items must be delivered to the Marion Chamber of Commerce by July 13 at 4 p.m.), and up to six free vendor spaces if the sponsor displays Southern Illinois made products produced by their company.
• Gold - $3,000. Includes second largest logo on promotional materials, 10 complimentary admission passes, placement of promotional items in the goodie bag for attendees, and up to four free vendor spaces if the sponsor displays Southern Illinois Made products produced by their company.
• Silver - $1,000. Includes business/organization name on promotional materials, five complimentary admission passes, and placement of promotional items in goodie bags for attendees.

To register as a vendor or sponsor, click here. 

For more information, visit simade.org or call (618) 997-6311.

Vendors include:

• Grand River Spirits
• Pepsi MidAmerica/Crisp Container
• Historic Hull House Inn
• Wollard's Wonders
• The Ryder Family Farm & Red Dutchess Farm
• Kinley Jewelry
• Envi Botanicals Salon & Spa
• Johnson's Southern Style Barbecue
• Camp Manitowa
• Hobbs Service Co.
• Springhouse Woodworking
• My Dragon's Feather
• Beaded Distribution Company dba 40 Below Joe
• Dinger Bats
• Granny Puckett's Cupcakes
• Stanley's Food Systems
• Pokorney's Kettle Korn & Crafts
• Lil Buddies BBQ
• Artisan Country
• Chocolate Factory
• JAW Woodworks
• Southern Charm

More informatiom Marion Chamber

Morehead-Rowan County Chamber of Commerce becomes SOAR Blueprint Partner

The Morehead-Rowan County Chamber of Commerce has joined the Blueprint Partnership program at Shaping Our Appalachian Region, Inc. (SOAR).

By joining the Blueprint Partnership program, the Morehead-Rowan County Chamber of Commerce has formally committed towards implementing SOAR’s Regional Blueprint to build a 21st Century Appalachia.

“There are many organizations, businesses and people doing incredible work in Appalachia Kentucky,” said Jared Arnett, executive director of SOAR. “By joining the Blueprint Partnership program, they are part of a collaborative effort to implement our Regional Blueprint across Appalachia Kentucky.  We can’t do this alone.  Our partners are critical in building the 21st century Appalachia we so desire.”

The Morehead-Rowan County Chamber of Commerce is proud to work alongside SOAR in implementing the Regional Blueprint, which is a strategic plan that was created in 2016 to align the passion of people with tangible goals to transform Appalachia Kentucky. Read more: WMKY

Northern Virginia Chamber to Host Who’s In? Featuring ESPN College Basketball Analyst Joe Lunardi

Tysons, Va. – The Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce (Northern Virginia Chamber) will host Who’s In? Featuring Joe Lunardi on Wednesday, March 7, 2018 from 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM at the Northern Virginia Chamber offices in Tysons.
Joe is well known for his predictions of “who’s in and who’s out” for the annual NCAA Basketball Tournament. He is known for creating Bracketology, which he calls the "art and science" of predicting the teams that will be selected in the annual NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament.
Joe regularly appears on ESPN’s Sports Center in the run up to the Tournament and received millions of hits on his predictions web site. The Northern Virginia Chamber is pleased to present Joe during the week prior to the tournament field announcement.
Admission is $60 for members, and $80 for non-members. Lunch will be provided. Please click here to register.

Women Empowering Women: Building Your Personal Brand

The Dubois County women’s leadership organization, Women Empowering Women (WEW), will gather on Wednesday, February 14, at the St. Joseph Church Parish Center, 1029 Kundek Street in Jasper. Doors will open at 11:30am for networking before the meeting begins at 11:45am. This event is open to all prospective and current WEW members. 

What is a “personal brand,” and why is it so important? How does one begin the process, and what are the steps along the way? This session will help participants answer these important questions. We will explore essential steps when creating a personal brand beginning with understanding what makes you different, and learning how to communicate to others what makes you unique. Participants will be given a workbook with a proven step-by-step process used by career coaches at the Kelley School of Business including Idalene Kesner, Dean and Frank P. Popoff Chair of Strategic Management at IU’s Kelley School of Business, and Thao Nelson, facilitation and leadership expert at IU’s Kelley School of Business. 

Additionally, representatives from SOAR will be available at the session to provide networking opportunities about their services and education about their impact on leadership development of high potential women.

Advanced reservations are required for members and guests. Reservations should be made by calling the Jasper Chamber of Commerce at 812-482-6866 or by emailing chamber@jasperin.org by Friday, February 9. The cost for lunch is $5.00 per person and is payable at the door.

The mission of Women Empowering Women is to inspire women in business to reach their highest potential by instilling confidence, building networks, and promoting community in Dubois County. Membership is open to any woman in business who lives or works in Dubois County. 

Idalene (Idie) Kesner is the Dean and the Frank P. Popoff Chair of Strategic Management at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business (KSB). Idie received her MBA and Ph.D. from KSB. Her research and teaching is in the area of strategic management. She has served as a consultant to many different national and international firms working on strategic and board related issues. Currently she serves on the boards of Berry Global, Main Street America Group, and Lincoln Industries. She also serves on various University-affiliated boards and on the board of AACSB, the main accrediting body for business schools.

Thao Nelson brings a wide range of experience, and in her current role with Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business, she leads the Employer Relations and Student Services Teams. She has been a presenter at several national conferences and provides thought leadership to the United States Department of Education and the United States Department of Labor. She is also the co-founder of Credo Management Consulting which provides customized services in strategic human resource consulting. Thao received her bachelor and master degrees both from Indiana University.

For more information about WEW and to access a membership application, visit the organizations’ Facebook page or contact the Jasper Chamber of Commerce. ---  Nancy Eckerle – 812/482-6866

Mount Olive Area Chamber/Jaycees awards recognize local heroes

The prestigious Distinguished Service Award presented annually at the Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce/Jaycees awards banquet this year goes to Dr. Ashley Long, a concussion clinic coordinator at the local Family Medicine Center.

“Dr. Long’s tireless dedication to this community,” stated the person who nominated her for the award, “recognizing a need and working to do something about it even though many obstacles were in the way, make her the optimal candidate for the Distinguished Service Award.”

Along with her award recognition, local Jaycees honored five others, including Dr. Long’s husband, Joseph Long, who was recipient of the Outstanding Young Educator of the Year. He is an assistant professor at the University of Mount Olive.

Chamber of Commerce awards went to former Mayor Ray McDonald, Sr., the Men of FIC (Faith, Integrity, and Character), Kommunikate Plus, and Susan Cotes-Price, Jaycees honored William Hardy Bryan, Jr. of 620 West Main Street as recipient of the Outstanding Public Servant Award.

Retired University of Mount Olive professor Ken Dilda was honored as the 2018 Senior Citizen of the Year. The Boss of the Year Award went to physical therapy business operator Adam Livengood. Finally, the Outstanding Teenager of the Year Award went to Southern Wayne High School senior Cathryn Jones of Coker Store Road.

The DSA recipient, Dr. Long, moved to Mount Olive five years ago and her nomination form states she realized the disparity in concussion education and care. As an athletic trainer with experience in treating athletes with concussion, her efforts resulted in that specialized service in Wayne and Duplin County School system athletic programs. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training from Wingate University, a Master’s degree in Athletic Training from Ohio University, and a Doctorate in Exercise Science from the University of Mississippi.

“It is Ashley’s personal mission to bring equal access to sports medicine and concussion care to medically underserved areas. Ashley loves sports and wants as many children to participate as safely as possible. She realizes there is nothing more important to than the health of the brain. Ashley works tirelessly in the local school systems, talking to coaches and athletes, educating them on signs of concussion and what warrants close supervision or a trip to the emergency room. She takes it upon herself to follow up with the students after they have been diagnosed with a concussion. She will go out to the school and meet them if transportation is an issue. She checks on their progress when they return to the classroom and the field. This is all as a volunteer, because you can’t bill an insurance company for these services and patients will often go without care if they have to pay out of their pocket,” read her nomination. Read more: Mount Olive Tribune

Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories, Maps 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