Thursday, April 26, 2018

Dubuque sees increase in new, expanding businesses despite job openings across Iowa; #GreatChamber Speaker: Bob Chapman Is Coming To Midland!; Birmingham Bloomfield 2017-2018 Membership Directory and Community Resource Guide; VP Chamber: Get started on tax planning before end of year, experts say; Oshkosh Chamber: Welcome Chad Durkee and Kelsy-Ann Hayes to our Ambassador Group!; Frankfort Area Chamber Candidate forum scheduled Thursday for local races; #BestChamber practices: Marion (IL) Chamber: Promotional Opportunities; Muskego Area Chamber of Commerce 2018 Community Resource Guide & Business Directory; Four Hamilton County Mayors Meet on One Stage at All-County Chamber Luncheon; Lincoln County makes small gains in employment — Labor rate beats state and national average; Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S.

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


Dubuque sees increase in new, expanding businesses despite job openings across Iowa



Businesses across the state have been dealing with a continuing problem: too many jobs and not enough people to fill them. But it has not stopped the city of Dubuque from expanding and opening multiple businesses in recent years.
Across Dubuque, the city has seen a variety of changes, from complete revitalization projects, but especially through new and expanding businesses in the area.
In the last five to ten years, the city of Dubuque has seen a significant upswing in development, leading to more jobs and attracting employees; Diamond Jo Casino opened in 2008, the Millwork District started transforming in 2013, and across the city, new businesses continue to open.
Those with the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce say this has been great for the growth of Dubuque, but also directly relates to the success of the economy.
“What you see going on in the Dubuque business climate I think is indicative of a healthy growing economy,” said Molly Grover, President/CEO of the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce. “When you see businesses make investments and hang out their shingle, and whether that be a business expansion or starting their new business, it really is symbolic of a healthy economy."

Grover said Dubuque seeing success in bringing in new and expanding businesses hasn't been by accident, but rather through design and intention.
As the city has expanded, there has been a variety of unique businesses and experiences coming to town, not necessarily focused on specific areas of retail or restaurants.
Within the last two years, the city has seen a new trampoline park and new breweries opening across downtown- but Grover it is also about businesses that offer something different, like the newly-opened lice clinic and a virtual reality arcade.
And those at the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce say it's not so much about expanding markets but creating new markets, providing a reason for people to visit and stay.
"I think that you always have to be looking to the future,” Grover said. “Always thinking of 'how do I create new markets?' Good is the enemy of great, and so you always have to keep pursuing on, looking forward, and to not get complacent and rest on the current success that you have." Read more: KCRG.com


#GreatChamber Speaker: Bob Chapman Is Coming To Midland!


Who is Bob Chapman and what is his story?

Bob Chapman is Chairman and CEO of Barry-Wehmiller, a capital equipment and engineering consulting firm with nearly 8,000 team members worldwide. After seeing the positive impact of Barry-Wehmiller’s people-centric culture on the lives of his employees, Chapman felt compelled to raise awareness about business enterprise’s opportunity to become the most powerful positive influence on our society.

Chapman took over the reins of Barry-Wehmiller in 1975, when it was a struggling bottle washer business. Today, $2 billion Barry-Wehmiller is a combination of more than 70 acquired companies around the globe. Since 1987, it has continued a pattern of 15 percent compound growth in revenue and share value.

Barry Wehmiller's success has been featured as a case study at Harvard Business school, and takes an entire chapter of Simon Sinek's best-selling book, Leaders Eat Last. The story of Barry Wehmiller, including a profoundly counter-cultural move during the 2008 recession (excerpt below), is told fully in Everybody Matters, co-authored by Raj Sisoda and Bob Chapman.

Barry-Wehmiller was hit very hard by the recession in 2008, and lost 30 percent of their orders overnight. They could no longer afford their labor pool.

They needed to save 10 million dollars, so, like so many companies today, the board got together and discussed layoffs. And Bob refused. You see, Bob doesn't believe in head counts. Bob believes in heart counts, and it's much more difficult to simply reduce the heart count. And so they came up with a furlough program. Every employee, from secretary to CEO, was required to take four weeks of unpaid vacation. They could take it any time they wanted, and they did not have to take it consecutively. But it was how Bob announced the program that mattered so much.

He said, it's better that we should all suffer a little than any of us should have to suffer a lot, and morale went up. They saved 20 million dollars, and trust and cooperation skyrocketed. Because people felt safe and protected by their leadership. And quite spontaneously, unexpectedly, people started trading with each other. Those who could afford more fulrlough would trade with those who could afford less. People would take 5 weeks so that others only had to take 3. More information: Midland Area Chamber of Commerce


Birmingham Bloomfield 2017-2018 Membership Directory and Community Resource Guide 

The Birmingham-Bloomfield 2017-2018 Membership Directory and Community Resource Guide is available at the Birmingham-Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce today! Thank you to Joe Bauman and the Chamber team for their help and direction putting this together! 


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.


Virginia Peninsula Chamber: Get started on tax planning before end of year, experts say

Peninsula residents may have noticed more money in their paychecks earlier this year after tax reform took effect, but local tax experts are telling individuals and businesses to plan ahead to avoid any surprises next filing season.
“This is affecting what you’re filing a year from now,” Mike Mendelsohn, tax partner with PBMares in Newport News, told attendees of a seminar at the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce offices in Hampton on Tuesday. “Now is the time to start thinking and planning and talking to your adviser.”
Employers adjusted employees’ federal income tax withholding based on Internal Revenue Service guidance in February. However, the IRS and local experts are saying employees should double-check to make sure the right amount of taxes are being withheld from their take-home pay or they might be in for a surprise next year.
The most significant tax law overhaul in more than 30 years — the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act — was signed by President Donald Trump in late December with most changes taking effect Jan. 1.
And while accountants and tax experts can help taxpayers plan ahead, a lot of the regulations still have yet to be written, said Kasey Pittman, PBMares tax manager. More guidance about the W-4 tax withholding will be coming out later, too, she said.
Having too little withheld can result in owing taxes, while other taxpayers may want more money in their paychecks up front instead of a large refund.
Overall, the law lowered individual tax rates in six of seven tax brackets while also widening the brackets. High-income earners in the top bracket will see a more substantial reduction than low-income earners, Mendelsohn said.

The tax law gets rid of exemptions and limits deductions in exchange for a near doubling of the standard deduction that is expected to significantly decrease the number of taxpayers who itemize, Mendelsohn said. Still, the tax law did not result in tax simplification, he said. Read more: Daily Press

Oshkosh Chamber: Welcome Chad Durkee and Kelsy-Ann Hayes to our Ambassador Group!

Get to know our Chamber Ambassador Group! Our group is made up business professionals, owners, and CEOs that want to serve as a volunteer group working on a year round basis to promote the activities and benefits of the Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce and to advance the mission of the Oshkosh Chamber.
We are happy to welcome Chad Durkee of Nigl Accounting LLP, and Kelsy-Ann Hayes of TLC Sign to Chamber Ambassadors!

Get to know Chad and Kelsy-Ann:

Name: Chad Durkee
  • Job, Position: Nigl Accounting LLP, Tax and Accounting Manager (Since December 2017)
  • Previously employed by Schenck SC in Oshkosh where he spent his last 3 years.
  • Prior to accounting he had roles in the finance industry and worked in banking and corporate treasury.
Hometown: Ripon, WI
Current Home: Oshkosh, WI
School: Ripon High School (2010) & Bachelor of Business Administration at UW-Oshkosh (2014) Majors: Accounting/Finance, Minor: Criminal Justice
Fun Facts:
Chad enjoys traveling whenever he has the chance. Last year he travelled to 3 countries in Europe, Florida, and Las Vegas. This year he is heading to Punta Cana right after tax season.

He is also passionate about real estate. He obtained his WI Realtor’s license in 2017 and along with helping people buy/sell he plans to purchase investment properties of his own.

Outside of tax season you can find him on the golf course, boating, or enjoying time with family and friends.
Along with the Chamber, Chad is also active in Mid-Morning Kiwanis and Propel both here in Oshkosh.

Name: Kelsy-Ann Hayes
  • Job, Position: TLC Sign, Business Development (3 years in May)
  • Started as an intern in summer of 2014, and came back after graduation to work full-time.
  • Was a lead designer and production assistant, in June 2017, I jumped to full-time sales.
Hometown: Sturgeon Bay, WI
Current Home: Suamico, WI
School: Southern Door High School (2011) & B.S. Cross Media Graphics Management w/ Business minor at UW-Stout (2015)
Fun Facts:
I dirt track race cars all over Wisconsin and sometimes out of state. I’ve been racing for 10 years in cars and another 2 years in go-karts.
I am in a book for racing: Life in the Past Lane: The Next Generation
I have a pet pig. She is a Juliana, which is a mini pig. Her name is Miss Bacon. She is 1 ½ old and weighs 19 lbs. My boyfriend, Jamie, and I have been together for 3 ½ years, and he works for a competing sign company.

Source: Oshkosh Chamber


Frankfort Area Chamber Candidate forum scheduled Thursday for local races




Candidates in city and county political races will have their time to shine Thursday during forums hosted by the Frankfort Area Chamber of Commerce.
The chamber will hold forums from 5:30 p.m. to 11:15 p.m. Thursday at Capital Plaza Hotel. Forums will be held for the following races: jailer, sheriff, 1st District magistrate, 2nd District magistrate, 3rd District magistrate, 6th District magistrate and Frankfort City Commission.
With dozens of candidates and several races on the May 22 primary ballots, those in the property valuation administrator and jailer race will only make statements during Thursday’s event.
The forums are free and open to the public.
The schedule is:
• 5:30 p.m.-5:50 p.m.: Statements by PVA candidates
• 5:55 p.m.-6:05 p.m.: Statements by jailer candidates
• 6:10 p.m.-6:30 p.m.: Franklin County sheriff forum
• 6:35 p.m.-6:55 p.m.: 1st District magistrate forum
• 7 p.m.-7:55 p.m.: 2nd District magistrate forum
• 9:05 p.m.-9:45 p.m.: 6th District magistrate forum
• 9:55 p.m.-11:15 p.m. city commission forum.
Questions will not be accepted from the audience during the forum. However, the general public may submit questions to the Frankfort Area Chamber of Commerce at chamber@frankfortky.info or publicpolicy@frankfortky.info up to 24 hours prior.
During the forum, questions will be posed by a media panel.
For more information, contact the Chamber of Commerce at 502-223-8261.



#BestChamber practices: Marion (IL) Chamber: Promotional Opportunities


Marion Chamber of Commerce Digital Sign Usage Agreement
Name of renter: ____________________________________
Business name: __________________________________
Address: _________________________________________________
City: ____________________________________
Phone: ________________________________
Email: _____________________________________________________
Method of payment: Cash Check Credit Paid: _____________
Chamber member: Yes No

Cost for 15-second ads:
Members Non Member
 Weekly $25 $150 Start date: ________ End date: __________

 Monthly $75 $450 Start date: ________ End date: __________

 Annual $475 n/a Start date: ________ End date: __________
63% savings

Signature: ____________________________________________________
Date: _____________________________

Ads can be up to 2 lines of text with the typical line containing about 18 characters (including spaces). Ads run twice for 15 seconds each on a 5-minute loop. We allow for a maximum of 10 ads, which means each ad is live on the board 576 times every day and approximately 17,520 times per month. The sign runs 24/7 so your message gets greatest exposure. All ads must be paid in full before the advertisement goes live.
The Marion Chamber of Commerce makes the electronic sign available for rent to a wide variety of Chamber members, local businesses, organizations, community groups and residents. This policy shall govern the use of and fees for use of the sign located at 2305 West Main, Marion. Any variation from this policy shall need approval of the Chamber’s Marketing Committee.

Criteria for General Operation

Acceptable Messages
               Business advertisements
             Marion Chamber of Commerce advertisements and slogans to promote membership, events, etc.
           Special city and non-profit programs, cultural events, services, events and promotions are permitted to be displayed if they serve to promote events and non-profit activities that benefit charity or promote culture, recreation or education
               Current time and temperature
               Non-profit organization and government notices
               Recognition of significant team or individual championships or achievement

More information: Marion Chamber


Muskego Area Chamber of Commerce 2018 Community Resource Guide & Business Directory  

The Muskego Area Chamber of Commerce 2018 Community Guide & Business Directory   is available at the Chamber of Commerce today! Thank you to Krisann Durnford 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.



Four Hamilton County Mayors Meet on One Stage at All-County Chamber Luncheon

Panel discussion with mayors of four Hamilton County communities will highlight issues, challenges and opportunities facing each city.

(Hamilton County, IN) – Four Hamilton County mayors, one stage . . . and one unique opportunity to hear from the leaders of Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville and Westfield. On May 9, the four chambers of commerce in Hamilton County – Noblesville, Northern Hamilton County, OneZone and Westfield – will host Mayor Jim Brainard, Carmel; Mayor Scott Fadness, Fishers; Mayor John Ditslear, Noblesville; and Mayor Andy Cook, Westfield for a discussion of issues facing their cities.

The moderated panel discussion will focus on questions posed to each of the mayors on a variety of topics, including workforce development, infrastructure and the next big thing for each of their cities.

What:               All-County Chamber Luncheon
Topic:              Four Mayors Face to Face
Date:
                 Wednesday, May 9, 2018
Time:               11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (check-in begins at 11 a.m.)
Location:          Embassy Suites Conference Center - 
13700 Conference Center Dr. S. – Noblesville, IN 

Reservations are required by noon on Monday, May 7. Cost for individuals is $25 for members of any Hamilton County chamber and $35 for non-members. Corporate tables are $240 for members ($320 for non-members) and include preferred seating location and table sign recognition. Reservations can be made with any Hamilton County chamber or at www.onezonecommerce.com or 317.436.465.


Lincoln County makes small gains in employment — Labor rate beats state and national average

The state’s most recent labor statistics show Lincoln County has dropped a full percentage point of unemployment over the previous 12 months and continues to inch ahead with small gains in employment and workforce size.
The Mississippi Department of Employment Security’s labor rate data from March 2018 shows the county’s unemployment rate has fallen to 4 percent, continuing a big slide down from 5 percent in March 2017 after dropping another one-tenth of a percentage point since February of this year. Sixty people found jobs between February and March this year, and although the number of unemployed rose from 570 to 600, the 30-person increase was due to an equal number of new workers entering the workforce.
“I’m pleased with the numbers, obviously — that’s very good for the community. But mainly what I like to see is that we compare favorably with our neighbors in the Southwest Mississippi region,” said Garrick Combs, executive director of the Brookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce. “I like to make sure Lincoln County is at the forefront of the Southwest Mississippi labor market, that our people are working in comparison to other cities in the region. I think we’ve consistently been at the bottom of those levels.”
Lincoln County’s workforce now holds 14,470 workers, with 13,900 employed. The county’s unemployment rate remains tied with Forrest, Prentiss and Simpson counties for No. 17 in the state. The lowest unemployment rate in Mississippi belongs to Rankin County, with a rate of 3 percent, also down one-tenth of a point since February. Read more: Daily Leader


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

No comments:

Post a Comment

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