Geneva Board of Directors announces the retirement of Jean Gaines after 40 years of Leadership
The Geneva Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors announces the retirement of Jean Gaines. For forty years Jean has served as president of our organization and we are grateful for her leadership, administrative skills, and her compassion for everything the Geneva Chamber represents. She has been the best Geneva cheerleader and we know that the Chamber is the premier chamber organization because of her efforts. A recent accomplishment of the Geneva Chamber was the passage of the Sales Tax Referendum which will benefit the community.
Jean has not set an exit date, allowing the Board to form a search committee and conduct interviews. We are excited because Jean has built the Chamber into an attractive organization and we are sure we will have quality applicants for a new president to lead us into the future.
During this time our excellent staff, along with Jean, will continue the work of the Chamber and when a replacement is named the transition will be smooth without interruption to our services.
More information and a job description will be posted on our website in the next few weeks. As chair of the search committee, I welcome your input and ideas.
Scott Lebin, Chairman of the Board of Directors
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.
New acquisition makes Town Square Publications country's largest publisher of chamber guides
Town Square Publications, a subsidiary of Paddock Publications Inc., announced Friday it has purchased the assets of Nashville-based SouthComm Publishing.
The Alliance worked recently to shelve a poorly crafted bill to centralize Michigan’s road salt production in the Detroit area at the expense of both northern Michigan aggregate haulers and taxpayers. It staved off a proposal to limit local communities from offering digital broadband service so desperately needed in many of our rural communities. It’s also building support for a regional sports commission that would unlock millions in existing state funds to advance recreational – and tourism-related infrastructure in our region – and help keep the Red Wings training camp in TC.
Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce B2G Matchmaking Conference set for May 1, 2018 with more than 250 small business attendees and 40+ exhibitors for the Small Business EXPO
The 6th Annual Northern Virginia B2G Matchmaking Conference takes place May 1, 2018. More than 250 small business attendees will take part in matchmaking appointments with 30+ local, state and federal agencies and prime contractors. The event continues to grow every year with 40+ exhibitors displaying in our Small Business EXPO.
The custom publishing division for chamber of commerce magazines of SouthComm Inc., also based in Nashville, has been a significant competitor of Paddock's Town Square Publications since Paddock entered the chamber of commerce specialty publications business nearly 10 years ago. The acquisition expands Town Square's national footprint, particularly in Arizona, Texas, Oklahoma, Virginia and Florida, making it the largest publisher of chamber of commerce magazines and directories in the country.
Details of the transaction are not being disclosed. As the operations of SouthComm Publishing and Town Square are so closely aligned, the transition for chamber publishing partners should be seamless, said Paddock Publications President and Chief Operations Officer Scott Stone. No interruption in magazine sales or deliveries is anticipated.
For Paddock, this is the fourth major acquisition of a chamber publishing company's assets in the past four years. The others include: Village Profile of Elgin, CommunityLink of Pinckneyville and Lawton Publishing of Spokane, Washington.
"The SouthComm acquisition is in keeping with the company's strategic plan to grow Paddock's business in new and different ways," said Douglas K. Ray, Chairman, CEO and Publisher. "The decision to expand into the nondaily newspaper business has proved to be an excellent one, as the company's niche divisions are contributing nicely to the overall revenue and profitability of Paddock Publications."
Town Square began developing chamber publishing partnerships in Chicago, the suburbs and neighboring states. Today, Town Square works with chambers of commerce across the country to secure advertising sales for and product development of community guides and chamber directories.
Town Square also has recently begun working with convention and visitor bureaus on development of their magazine-quality custom publications.
"SouthComm Publishing was a strong competitor to Town Square for many years, and this acquisition broadens our profile from coast to coast," Stone said. "It reaffirms us as the top chamber publishing company in the country."
Paddock Publications has been a family-owned business since 1872. In addition to the Daily Herald, dailyherald.com and Town Square, Paddock's product suite includes Reflejos, Business Ledger, a large array of niche publications, a community newspaper group serving central and southern Illinois and a commercial printing operation in Schaumburg. Read more: Daily Herald
Chamber concern: Tariffs may be bad for RV industry, but could be good for steel industry
We're digging deeper to see what impact the new tariffs might have on local companies and workers.
That tax could be bad for business. On Thursday night WSBT 22 talked to RV manufacturers, who are bracing for the costs of raw materials to spike.
On Friday we spoke to some Indiana state lawmakers who say we've got to take the good with the bad – and there is good.
The Republican lawmakers were gathered at the Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce for a town hall.
"Indiana is probably one of the most highly-impacted states in the nation on this issue because we're number one in the country for steel production,” said Rep. Timothy Wesco (R-District 21). “As far as helping our steel companies, I would imagine it would be tremendous."
Wesco, of Osceola, says he's been talking to steel production companies in Indiana. Those companies say they've faced unfair competition from other countries.
"For instance, China is known for doing that, where the Chinese government is underwriting the steel production and shipping overseas and selling for less than their production cost." Read more: WSBT 22
Alliance Builds Its Influence Across Northern Michigan
Chamber concern: Tariffs may be bad for RV industry, but could be good for steel industry
That tax could be bad for business. On Thursday night WSBT 22 talked to RV manufacturers, who are bracing for the costs of raw materials to spike.
On Friday we spoke to some Indiana state lawmakers who say we've got to take the good with the bad – and there is good.
The Republican lawmakers were gathered at the Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce for a town hall.
"Indiana is probably one of the most highly-impacted states in the nation on this issue because we're number one in the country for steel production,” said Rep. Timothy Wesco (R-District 21). “As far as helping our steel companies, I would imagine it would be tremendous."
Wesco, of Osceola, says he's been talking to steel production companies in Indiana. Those companies say they've faced unfair competition from other countries.
"For instance, China is known for doing that, where the Chinese government is underwriting the steel production and shipping overseas and selling for less than their production cost." Read more: WSBT 22
Alliance Builds Its Influence Across Northern Michigan
German aristocrat and statesman Otto von Bismarck is credited with coining the famous 19th century phrase about laws and sausage – how it’s best not to see them being made.
Creating the rules and regulations that govern our daily lives, including those that impact our regional and macro economies, isn’t for the faint of heart. But it is important. With more voices and interests attempting to influence the political process at all levels, the need for focused, relevant and consistent input into those discussions has never been greater.
Our region’s businesses are more fortunate than others in the way they’re represented in the halls of government. The Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance continues to build its regional influence, creating tangible and lasting outcomes for businesses and the communities they serve. From a small group of area chambers of commerce that came together several years ago to work together on a handful of issues of collective interest, the Alliance has evolved into a powerful coalition of 16 area chambers and economic development organizations representing nearly 10,000 businesses throughout the region, wielding significant influence with decision makers both in Lansing and Washington, D.C.
The Alliance worked recently to shelve a poorly crafted bill to centralize Michigan’s road salt production in the Detroit area at the expense of both northern Michigan aggregate haulers and taxpayers. It staved off a proposal to limit local communities from offering digital broadband service so desperately needed in many of our rural communities. It’s also building support for a regional sports commission that would unlock millions in existing state funds to advance recreational – and tourism-related infrastructure in our region – and help keep the Red Wings training camp in TC.
But effective legislative advocacy is more than putting out fires and reacting to specific proposals. The Alliance’s wide-ranging legislative agenda for 2018 includes working with the Michigan State Housing Development Authority on comprehensive reforms to state housing regulations to help both the private and public sectors address the region’s crippling workforce housing shortage. The Alliance is also tackling the area’s acute child care crisis, working with industry experts like our own early childhood specialist Mary Manner, lawmakers and regulatory staff to create more and better child care options for Michigan families – and the businesses that employ them. We’re also working to extend and bolster the Clean Michigan Initiative, to continue this effective public policy that promotes both environmental clean-up and economic development.
Effective legislative advocacy is also more than putting words on paper. It’s about forging lasting relationships with the legislators, staffers and regulators – the sausage-makers – who craft and enforce the rules. Leading that effort is our Government Relations Director Kent Wood, an experienced hand in Lansing both as a former legislative aide and respected lobbyist. He’s built strong relationships with Gov. Rick Snyder and Lt. Gov. Brian Calley and their staffs, our northern Michigan legislative delegation and numerous state agencies including the Michigan Economic Development Corp. and state Department of Environmental Quality. He’s joined by business leaders and chamber professionals from throughout the Alliance footprint to deliver a clear, compelling message on behalf of northern Michigan’s business community.
It’s not easy work. It involves many miles on the road, hours on the phone, late nights and early mornings, and extensive time away from family and friends. It requires persistence and persuasion, compromise and cajoling, patience and practicality. Success is often measured in small increments, and transformative change can take years to accomplish.
But none of it happens without a consistent message, delivered by competent individuals who’ve earned a high level of trust and credibility. Our region’s business sector is fortunate to be represented by an outstanding team of accomplished advocates … a group highly capable of grinding out the sausage. The work of the Alliance matters and merits the support of all businesses, large and small.
Doug Luciani is the CEO of TraverseCONNECT and the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce. Contact him at doug@TraverseCONNECT.org. Source: Traverse City Business News
Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce B2G Matchmaking Conference set for May 1, 2018 with more than 250 small business attendees and 40+ exhibitors for the Small Business EXPO
The 6th Annual Northern Virginia B2G Matchmaking Conference takes place May 1, 2018. More than 250 small business attendees will take part in matchmaking appointments with 30+ local, state and federal agencies and prime contractors. The event continues to grow every year with 40+ exhibitors displaying in our Small Business EXPO.
The Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce (GRCC) initiated local matchmaking opportunities 5 years ago to help agencies and primes meet with small businesses. The continued success of this event represents growth in interest from the small business community to unite with local agencies and primes to increase their business.
This year our keynote speakers are Antonio Doss, Washington Area District Director at the US Small Business Administration and Kevin McAleenan, Commissioner of the US Department of Customs and Border Control.
"The Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce is proud to be one of the first Chambers to initiate a B2G Matchmaking Conference in Northern Virginia. The B2G Conference is another example of how the Reston Chamber continues to be the catalyst of small business development and growth in the Northern Virginia area." -Mark Ingrao, President and CEO of the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce.
For more information about NOVA B2G Matchmaking Conference or for media coverage opportunities please contact Tonia Chagnon at 703-707-9045 or toniac@restonchamber.org.
Kentucky Chamber promotes one and hires one to membership team
Since January, the Kentucky Chamber has promoted Christy Morrison to director of membership development and hired Jessica Casebolt to membership development manager in Western Kentucky.
Morrison will continue to grow the Kentucky Chamber’s membership in the Louisville region while she manages the Kentucky Chamber’s membership development team.
Morrison has had 17 years of experience working for non-profit organizations including chambers of commerce and association management organizations. Before coming to the Kentucky Chamber, Morrison worked in California at the Camarillo Chamber of Commerce and the Professionals in Human Resources Association.
Casebolt comes to the Kentucky Chamber from the Bowling Green Chamber where she worked in a membership sales role. Casebolt is a Pikeville, Ky. native with an economics and international relations degree from Eastern Kentucky University, and is currently a Western Kentucky University graduate student studying applied economics. Casebolt is a former Miss Kentucky who has been involved with organizations like CASA of South Central Kentucky, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, American Heart Association, and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
For more information on membership to the Kentucky Chamber in the Louisville region, contact Christy Morrison via email cmorrison@kychamber.com or phone 502-848-8731.
For more information on membership to the Kentucky Chamber in the Western Kentucky region, contact Jessica Casebolt via email jcasebolt@kychamber.com or phone (606) 213-6199.
Since January, the Kentucky Chamber has promoted Christy Morrison to director of membership development and hired Jessica Casebolt to membership development manager in Western Kentucky.
Morrison will continue to grow the Kentucky Chamber’s membership in the Louisville region while she manages the Kentucky Chamber’s membership development team.
Morrison has had 17 years of experience working for non-profit organizations including chambers of commerce and association management organizations. Before coming to the Kentucky Chamber, Morrison worked in California at the Camarillo Chamber of Commerce and the Professionals in Human Resources Association.
Casebolt comes to the Kentucky Chamber from the Bowling Green Chamber where she worked in a membership sales role. Casebolt is a Pikeville, Ky. native with an economics and international relations degree from Eastern Kentucky University, and is currently a Western Kentucky University graduate student studying applied economics. Casebolt is a former Miss Kentucky who has been involved with organizations like CASA of South Central Kentucky, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, American Heart Association, and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
For more information on membership to the Kentucky Chamber in the Louisville region, contact Christy Morrison via email cmorrison@kychamber.com or phone 502-848-8731.
For more information on membership to the Kentucky Chamber in the Western Kentucky region, contact Jessica Casebolt via email jcasebolt@kychamber.com or phone (606) 213-6199.
Ocean Springs chamber honors year's best in leadership, business
The Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce held its annual awards dinner Tuesday night, presenting awards in various categories to honor the city's best in leadership and business, as well as service, economic development and quality of life.
Held at the Gulf Hills Hotel & Conference Center, the banquet's keynote speaker was Matthew Wagner, Vice President of Revitalization Efforts with the National Main Street Center. Nearly 200 people attended the event.
Michael Sunderman of M2 Media Corps and Carla Moore were the big winners, taking home the Ocean Springs Community Leader of the Year and Volunteer of the Year awards, respectively.
Other winners included:
- Ocean Springs First Responder of the Year: Sgt. Alfred Parker of the Ocean Springs Police Department
- Restaurant of the Year: Mosaic Tapas Restaurant & Bar
- Retailer of the Year: Ft. Bayou Wine & Spirits
- Main Street of the Year: Miner's Doll & Toy Store
- Ambassador of the Year: Sherri Johnson of Community Bank
- 2017 President's Appreciation Award: Scott Wells of Rushing & Guice
In addition to the awards, the chamber also offered video testimonials from community business leaders, as well as the 2017 year in review, which included visitor statistics, economic development growth, achievements by chamber members, and town mentions in various publications. Read more: GulfLive
The new Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Map is available at the Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber today! Thanks to Bob O'Callaghan 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.
Special legislation for Cable clears the Senate
On Tuesday evening Feb. 20, the Wisconsin State Senate voted unanimously to pass SB-505, a bill to allow the Town of Cable to act like a village in regard to the creation of a Tax Incremental District.
The state Assembly passed an identical measure on Jan. 23, also by unanimous vote. The bill is now headed to Governor Walker’s desk, where he is expected to sign it into law.
Current legislation precludes towns with a population under 3,500 from creating a tax incremental district. The bill is seen as a major step towards giving the Town of Cable the ability to offer financial assistance to potential developers of the historic Telemark Resort. HK Hospitality LLC is currently in negotiations to purchase the property and undertake a major revitalization of the famed resort.
“This is historic for Cable and all of Northwest Wisconsin”, said James Bolen, executive director of the Cable Area Chamber of Commerce. “To give a small municipality the ability to work with potential developers on a project that would benefit the region is critical but to pass a piece of legislation unanimously is rare and shows broad-based support for a potential Telemark Resort project.” Read more: APG Media
Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Map
The new Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Map is available at the Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber today! Thanks to Bob O'Callaghan 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.
Gulf Coast Chamber: Wes Fulmer honored as "Spirit of the Coast" award recipient
Wes Fulmer was awarded as the 2018 recipient of the Pat Santucci “Spirit of the Coast” award Tuesday. The award was given by the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce, Inc. This award is the Coast Chamber’s most prestigious honor. Nearly 600 people joined in to congratulate Fulmer.
Wes Fulmer was surprised to hear his name today at the ceremony. He told WLOX he had no idea he had been selected.
The purpose of the Pat Santucci “Spirit of the Coast” award is to recognize the individual who has made contributions of significance in the field of business for the past calendar year. Any candidate who is associated with a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation or professional practice in the Harrison County area is up for nomination.
“Wes has been such an active member of the community including the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce for many years,” said Adele Lyons, Chief Executive Officer of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
Fulmer is the Executive Vice President and Board Member of The Peoples Bank. After earning his bachelor’s and master’s degree in business from Mississippi State University, Fulmer has been in banking for the past 33 years. The Gulfport native is on the Board of Trustees of the MS Banking Association and is a past Trustee for the MS School of Banking. Read more: WLOX
Good morning #Chamber World! It's going to be a GREAT day!
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
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