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Group aims to create 5,000 jobs in Rapid City over next 5 years
An organization dedicated to economic development unveiled its plan to create nearly 5,000 jobs and attract $300 million in new business investment to Rapid City over the next five years from the lobby of Black Hills Energy’s corporate headquarters Tuesday evening.
As part of the announcement, Elevate Rapid City, a new public-private partnership between the Rapid City Chamber of Commerce, Rapid City Economic Development Partnership, Ellsworth Development Authority and Economic Development Foundation, announced it had raised just over $3 million of its $4.25 million goal to fund the largely private-sector driven initiative. Attracting and retaining talent and investment, engaging local leadership and stimulating smart growth are the main goals of the five-year plan said Stuart Wevik, vice president of utility operations at Black Hills Energy.
“The whole goal of this campaign is really to stimulate economic growth in the Rapid City area,” Wevik said.
Previously, the various local economic development groups largely worked independently of each other. By bringing them and other areas businesses and officials together, Elevate Rapid City would create a coordinated strategy for achieving their goals, he said.
One of those goals is creating an estimated 4,755 jobs over the next five years, Wevik said, which is expected to add about $126 million in additional consumer spending to the area.
“We want to attract good paying jobs and good paying businesses to Rapid City,” Wevik said, calling the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology, the Sanford Underground Research Facility and the Ellsworth Air Force base assets that need to be leveraged to bring more businesses to the area.
Creating a business friendly environment in Rapid City and assisting existing business would also be integral, he added. Read more: Rapid City Journal
Arlington Chamber Recognizes Arlington's Hospitality Superstars
The Arlington Chamber of Commerce today honored more than 80 front-line workers in Arlington's hospitality industry at the 14th Annual Hospitality Awards at the Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel. These prestigious awards are presented each year to hospitality workers who deliver outstanding customer service, exhibit excellence in their roles, and continuously exceeding their job descriptions.
"Tourism and hospitality are among the most important parts of our region's economy, and this year's award recipients are crucial to continuing the success of these industries," said Chamber President & CEO Kate Bates. "The Chamber is proud to honor these hardworking men and women, whose dedication to providing service of the highest quality helps make Arlington an exceptional place to live, work, and visit."
During the ceremony, Bates read inspiring testimonials of how each Hospitality Superstar Award winner has displayed integrity and dedication in his or her work, along with examples of they have gone above and beyond their job requirements. One winner, Akouavi Avegnon of the The Westin Arlington Gateway lives 30 miles away from her hotel and does not have her driver's license. For 12 years, she has taken six buses each way to get to work, waking up at 3:30 a.m. each day to arrive at work by 8:00 a.m., then making the trip in reverse after work at 4:30 p.m., arriving back home at 8:30 p.m., at the earliest. When asked why she continues to commute when she may have opportunities closer to home, Avegnon answered, "Because I love it here. This is my home. This job has helped provide for my sons and I am forever grateful."
Youness Gachouch of the Residence Inn Arlington Rosslyn is another example of an employee who goes the extra mile. He recently went above the call of duty when a guest was running late for a meeting and there was a shortage of taxis in Arlington. Feeling the frustration of the guest, Gachouch volunteered to use his own personal Uber account and was able to get a car at the hotel within just a few minutes. The guest was extremely happy and appreciative of the kind gesture.
The ceremony also honored 16 individuals with the Bob Klein Legendary Service Award for their 25 or more years of service in the Arlington hospitality industry. This award was renamed several years ago in honor of Bob Klein, the late General Manager of the Holiday Inn National Airport/Crystal City, who was instrumental in creating the Hospitality Awards program and ensuring its success for the first five years. More information: Arlington Chamber
East Peoria Chamber of Commerce Event calendar
Name: "Starting a Business in Illinois"
Date: April 4, 2018
Time: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM CDT
Website:https://www.bradley.edu/academic/colleges/fcba/centers/turner/business/workshop/
Event Description:
This free workshop is for individuals who are interested in starting their own business. You will learn about: getting your business name registered, where to obtain a tax ID number, which legal form to choose, business plans, taxes and much more! These events are sponsored by the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Bradley University and Co-Sponsored by Morton Community Bank. More information: East Peoria Chamber of Commerce
Clarkston Area (MI) Chamber newsletter: 4 Sure Signs it's Time for a Career Restart
Article written by Gloria Martinez
You have had a rough day at work, but when is a bad day more than just a bad day? Having an occasional stressful day is normal, but when it turns into the norm, that usually is an indication of a bigger problem. It may be time to consider a new job or even restart your career with a big change. Here are four signs that it might be time for a career restart and try something new.
The stress from your job is taking a physical toll
That aching in your muscles, restless weekend nights dreading Monday morning, and a headache that creeps in each time you think of work are all telltale signs that your job is not good for you.
Beyond the feeling of holding stress in all over your body, a general sense of doom when it comes to going back to work each morning is a symptom of a bigger issue. It may be time to decide if staying at your current job is worth a decline in your health.
A feeling of apathy takes over your work life
If you suddenly feel like your daily routine at work is always on autopilot and a feeling of apathy takes over, this lack of feeling and connection to the job can be a sign it's time to move on.
Your self-esteem has taken a hit due to work
Feeling stuck in a job where you are mistreated or simply not valued can cause your self-esteem to plummet. A feeling of pride and competency is important for the long-term success of a job. Many people chalk up a big part of who they are to what they do for work, and this is especially true when you are feeling bad about the situation you are in.
Your job has halted your personal growth
A job that leaves you bored, unappreciated and without room for growth can be toxic. It is one thing to start at a low-level job you are not thrilled with that has room for advancement, but being stuck without hope for growth is harmful. If you’re aiming for a spot at the highest level of your company, then the potential for growth, a desire to improve and hope for future advancement are all important aspects of a healthy work life.
If you’re ready for a new career because you’re unhappy in your current role, take some time to explore your options so you don’t find yourself stuck in a rut again a few months down the road. Find a way to follow your passion, and your career restart will be one of the best decisions you’ve ever made.
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.
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.
#FamousChamber of Commerce Quotations: (Leadership)
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever does. - Margaret Mead
NKY Chamber applauds General Assembly for work on pension and tax reform
With the Kentucky General Assembly passing bills related to pension and tax reform, as well as the the budget, organizations like the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce see the 2018 session as a successful one.
Before the session started, chamber officials highlighted the importance of dealing with the states pension crisis and tax reform which needed to be addressed for Kentucky to remain competitive from a business standpoint with other states.
Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Vice President of Public Affairs and Communications Kristin Baldwin admits that dealing with the states pension crisis had to be done to stop the growing unfunded liability crisis.
“Pension reform is something that the chamber has been championing for many years now, there’s always been a huge unfunded liability and the chamber’s always said that we have to do something, doing nothing is not an option,” Baldwin said. “They’ve done a lot of what we’ve asked them to do. It’s a tough vote, it’s a tough issue as emotions are very high, but from a business perspective and the chambers perspective, we’re pleased of what came out of that pension reform last week.” Read more: Spectrum News
iCea iDea . . . Increasing Revenue
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DeKalb Chamber Partnership Executive Director Teresa Harmeyer continues to increase revenue at her Chamber by listening to her members and customizing investment opportunities to meet their needs. Teresa knows how to run the Chamber like a business and even offers a $10,000 Influencer Membership Package as part of the tiered dues schedule (and we all have business leaders who are influencers in our communities!) She is leading the way for small to mid sized chambers to R & D (rob & duplicate) ideas and offers these valuable resources to share:
Membership Form
Membership Form - Higher Levels
Annual Meeting Sponsorship Info
Membership Form
Membership Form - Higher Levels
Annual Meeting Sponsorship Info
For more information:
Teresa Harmeyer, Executive Director - DeKalb Chamber Partnership
teresa@dekalbchamberpartnership.com
Cascade Mountain recognized as a top family-owned small business in Wisconsin
The U.S. Small Business Administration selected the Portage ski hill as one of 17 Wisconsin winners in its annual awards, recognizing Cascade Mountain for its success as a family-owned operation.
“We’re very much honored to be recognized by SBA for such an award,” said Rob Walz, who owns the business with his wife, Vicki Walz.
Two of their children — Adam and Evan — work there too, he noted.
“It’s really exciting because we’re second-generation owners and we hope to eventually transfer it to the third,” said Rob Walz, whose parents — Phil and Adele Walz — purchased Cascade Mountain in 1977. (Cascade opened in Portage in 1962 under different ownership.) Rob and Vicki Walz purchased the ski hill from his parents in 2006.
In addition to Cascade’s standing as a family operation, SBA honored the business for its $9 million expansion in 2016 that added eight ski trails, two chair lifts, increased snow-making and expanded the lodge and base area, Walz said.
Cascade — which regularly opens for skiing around Thanksgiving — ended its season in the third week of March after seeing 100 percent of its trails opened for the whole season, Walz said. The skill hill boasts 45 trails and 10 lifts, including two high-speed, detachable lifts that travel up to 800 feet per minute.
The business does not disclose precise data regarding seasonal attendance, but Walz reported the Portage ski hill this season performed better than its five-year average.
“We have 24 full-time, year-round staff and we have as many as 450 employees and volunteers when we’re in full season. So business really booms come November and December,” Walz said. “We want to share this award with them because Cascade wouldn’t be what it is without them.”
Portage Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Marrianne Hanson said Cascade’s recognition from the SBA is “awesome.”
“They’re wonderful to have in our community as they create a huge amount of tourism in the city of Portage, bringing lots of people here in the winter season,” Hanson said. “They’re a wonderful family-oriented business that cares about their staff, and they’re always doing improvements to their facility to make sure the visitor is having a great time.” Read more: Portage Daily Register
Lake Zurich Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Guide & Membership Directory
The Lake Zurich Area Chamber of Commerce 2016 Community Guide & Business Directory is available at the Lake Zurich Area Chamber today! Thanks to Dale Perrin 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.
Francine Wasden to retire, Tracy Salter named new executive director
Welcome New Town Square Publications Chamber Partner: Saline County (IL) Chamber
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.
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