What do the Big Tax Reform Changes Mean for Your Small Business? We’ve Got Answers; Jack Russell to Become Chief Operating Officer of OneZone; #FamousChamberof Commerce Quotations: (Cheer Up!); Troy Chamber Hosts Expert Panel to Discuss Future of Autonomous Vehicles; Waterloo Chamber of Commerce hires Roberta Rohwedder as new Executive Director; Gov. Bevin appoints new Commissioner for the Department of Workforce Investment; Chamber accepting nominations for the 47th Annual Citizen of the Year Honoree; Fox Cities Chamber to Recognize Award Recipients at 2018 Business Awards Luncheon; Greater Reston Chamber: Hitting the Brakes on Healthcare Spending; Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S.

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

What do the Big Tax Reform Changes Mean for Your Small Business? We’ve Got Answers.

As business leaders are all too aware, tax day happened last month – an annual occurrence dreaded by the nearly 30 million small business owners operating in the United States. Congress wanted to make April 15, 2019 less painful for businesses on Main Street and to give employees more money in their paychecks between now and then, and they did so by passing into law the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.”
Our biggest piece of advice for small businesses – right now – is don’t wait until 2019 to talk with your tax advisor or CPA about how you can benefit from tax reform that applies to this year's earnings. Tax planning is part of what you are paying your tax professional to do for you, not just the annual chore of tax filing. Take advantage of his or her years of tax experience outside of tax season, when she will have more time to help you plan to keep more of your money in your business.
The new tax law provides several exciting developments for small business owners. But the first thing to remember is that many of the basic nuts and bolts of tax planning have not changed: quarterly estimated payments should be done as usual; the most common business expenses like legal and professional services, supplies and equipment, business travel, and business meals have virtually the same rules as before tax reform (but talk to your tax professional about entertainment expenses and state and local income tax deductions). There were zero changes made to self-employed retirement plans like SEP-IRAs and SIMPLES. There was no change at all, unfortunately, to the self-employment tax, the net investment income tax, or the additional Medicare surtax.
Here are some of the things that have changed. First, income tax rates have come down across the board for all small business owners. What was a six bracket structure ranging from 10% to 39.6% is now a seven bracket structure ranging from 10% to 37%. In between those low and high rates, brackets are wider and rates are lower than before.

Qualified business income

In addition, Congress has created a further de facto rate reduction for small business owners. It’s known as the “qualified business income” (QBI) deduction, and it’s gotten a lot of attention. Because this is taxes, it’s a little complex. The best way to think of it is to envision two separate sets of QBI rules: one for businesses in households making less than $315,000 in taxable income (income after accounting for all deductions, including itemized deductions) per year, and one for everyone else.
If you’re married and your taxable income is less than $315,000 per year ($157,500 if you’re not married), the QBI rule is very simple: take your business profit (that is, net profit from a trade or business that flows from your Schedule C, E, or F) and claim a deduction for 20% of that amount. Simple and easy. Your business profit’s tax rate is thereby reduced by 20%. Read more: U.S. Chamber



Jack Russell to Become Chief Operating Officer of OneZone

(Carmel & Fishers, IN) – OneZone, a Hamilton County chamber of commerce, today announced that Jack Russell has been named Chief Operating Officer and will join the organization on May 14. As COO, Jack will take on responsibility for the marketing, communications and operational aspects of the organization, along with oversight of member acquisition and retention, member services and events.

Jack comes to OneZone from the Westfield Chamber of Commerce, where he served as president. A graduate of Indiana University, he previously worked in marketing, sales and business development at Continental, Inc. in Anderson.

Mo Merhoff, OneZone President, said, “We’re looking forward to Jack’s joining us at an exciting time for OneZone. We are in the first year of a broad, aspirational strategic plan and welcome his being part of the team.”

#FamousChamberof Commerce Quotations: (Cheer Up!)


“If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it." -Max Lucado




Troy Chamber Hosts Expert Panel to Discuss Future of Autonomous Vehicles

Four prominent auto tech companies in SE Michigan to highlight how mobility will shape our future

On Wednesday, May 23, the Troy Chamber of Commerce will host Connect Troy, an engaging panel discussion featuring four prominent automotive tech companies that are championing the future of autonomous vehicles. The panel will highlight their contributions to the driverless car and provide insight on how mobility will shape our future. The event will be held from 8-9:30 a.m. at Altair, 1820 E Big Beaver Rd, Troy.

President & CEO of the Troy Chamber, Ara Topouzian, explains that Connect Troy is a great opportunity to interact with these automotive companies as they share their vision of Michigan’s role in the future of autonomous vehicles.

“As the economy continues to rebound, the auto industry is moving quickly to perfect autonomous vehicles,” said Topouzian. “The future is now when it comes to the technology being developed and Connect Troy will allow businesses to hear from some of the major players and what they are doing within this space.”

The panel of experts include: Tom Toma, Product Manager at Magna Electronics; Amine Taleb PhD, R&D Director at Valeo Comfort and Driving Assistance Systems NA; Scott Morell, VP of Engineering at Danlaw Technologies; Mike Thoeny, Managing Director of Automated Driving at Aptiv, and moderator Chester Dawson, Senior Reporter at Wall Street Journal.

“I am looking forward to share Danlaw’s work in connected vehicle systems at Connect Troy,” says Scott Morell, VP of Engineering at Danlaw Technologies. “It will be interesting to discuss with the other panelists how each of our companies’ solutions can bring greater safety and convenience to transportation.”

The event is sponsored by Altair, Hitachi Business Finance, Oakland County, WWJ 950 AM, Inteva Products, Drury Hotels and SS Digital Media. The cost is $25 for Troy Chamber members and $40 for non-members and includes breakfast. Register at troychamber.com/events. For more information call 248-641-8151 or e-mail: theteam@troychamber.com


Waterloo Chamber of Commerce hires Roberta Rohwedder as new Executive Director

The Board of Directors and myself are excited to inform you that we have hired Roberta Rohwedder as our new Executive Director.  She is currently employed at Midland State Bank here in Waterloo.  Roberta and her husband live in the Waterloo area.  Her starting date will be  May 16, 2018.   We are planning to have an Open House to meet and greet Roberta on May 16th between 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.  Food and beverages will be served.  Please stop in and give Roberta a big welcome to the Chamber.  Hope to see you there!
Thank you,
Leigh A. McNicholas
President
Waterloo Chamber of Commerce

Waterloo Chamber Of Commerce EnjoyWaterloo.com




Gov. Bevin appoints new Commissioner for the Department of Workforce Investment

Ray Leathers, of Shelbyville, a decorated U.S. Army veteran with 40 years of experience in the manufacturing industry, was appointed commissioner of the Department of Workforce Investment, replacing Beth Kuhn. Kuhn will now be overseeing the community engagement component of Kentucky HEALTH through the Cabinet for Health and Family Services.

“Ray Leathers is bringing 40 years of his private sector workforce experience to the public sector,” said Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet Interim Secretary Don Parkinson. “This experience will pay great dividends when it comes to helping bridge the gap between employers and the state’s workforce development efforts, especially as we introduce the community engagement component of Kentucky HEALTH to some Medicaid recipients this year.”

Leathers joined the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet in October to serve as a liaison between the 10 Kentucky workforce boards and the cabinet. He retired in 2017 as the President/CEO of Roll Forming Corporation, responsible for six facilities in three states.

“Representing the Education and Workforce Development Cabinet in my previous role as has afforded me the opportunity to work closely with cabinet agencies and workforce board staffs across the state,” said Leathers. “I have been extremely impressed with the professionalism, enthusiasm, and engagement I have encountered in every organization. Accordingly, I will endeavor to empower and partner with the all the professionals that deliver vital services necessary to improve Kentucky’s workforce participation and optimize employer engagement.”

In 2010, the Kentucky Association of Manufacturing named Leathers the Manufacturing Employee of the Year. He served in multiple roles in Shelby County, including the industrial association, the industrial development foundation and the chamber of commerce. Read more: Lane Report

Chamber accepting nominations for the 47th Annual Citizen of the Year Honoree

    The Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for 2018 Citizen of the Year for the Oxford/Lafayette County/University community.  

Each year since 1972, the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce has sought to recognize individuals who have made positive contributions to Oxford, Lafayette County and the University of Mississippi as its Citizen of the Year.

If you know of someone who has benefited and made a direct, lasting impact on our community through volunteer service, please help to recognize them by submitting their name as a nominee for 47th Annual Citizen of the Year.  A completed nomination form, a typewritten biography of the individual and three nomination letters are required for each nomination.  

Last year’s honoree for Citizen of the Year was Darlene Copp. For a complete list of past recipients go to https://oxfordms.com/chamber-of-commerce/programs-and-events/citizen-of-the-year/. 

Candidates will be judged on the basis of the following criteria:  1) Positive contributions to the Oxford/Lafayette/University community; 2) Contributions above and beyond those normally expected in an elective or appointive office, or above and beyond mere success in a business or profession; and 3) Perception as a role model for good citizenship and volunteerism in a non-paid capacity.

No candidate shall be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, age, sex or national origin. Consideration of candidates shall be in strict confidence and no announcement of the successful candidate will be made prior to the Chamber/EDF Annual Meeting Luncheon, scheduled for May 16, 2018. 

To get more information, a nomination form, or to inquire about the guidelines for Citizen of the Year, stop by the Chamber office, located at 299 Jackson Avenue West, or call 662-234-4651 or log on to www.oxfordms.com.  

Fox Cities Chamber to Recognize Award Recipients at 2018 Business Awards Luncheon

The Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce will recognize its 2018 Business Awards recipients at their annual Business Awards Luncheon on Tuesday, May 15, 2018. These annual awards recognize businesses and organizations in the Fox Cities that help make this a vibrant, innovative and dynamic community. The awards are given based on leadership, dedication and achievement.

The 2018 Business Awards recipients are:

Business of the Year:

Service, Large Employer – Best Western Premier Bridgewood Resort Hotel & Conference Center

Service, Small Employer – ABT Foundation Solutions, Inc.

Manufacturing – JP Graphics, Inc.

Company Innovation:

Blue Door Consulting

Corporate Citizen/Leadership:

Large Employer – Hoffman Planning, Design & Construction, Inc.

Small Employer – A2Z Design, LLC

Exemplary Marketing Performance:

Large Employer – Security Luebke Roofing

Small Employer – Nutritional Healing, LLC

Rising Star:

JumpStart Auto Repair

Learn more at foxcitieschamber.com

Where: Red Lion Hotel Paper Valley (formerly known as Radisson Paper Valley Hotel),

333 W. College Avenue, Appleton

When: Tuesday, May 15, 2018

Time:

11:30 AM – 12:00 PM Registration & Networking

12:00 PM – 1:30 PM Lunch & Awards Program

Fees:

Fox Cities Chamber Members - $40/each or $350/table of 10

General Admission - $50/each or $450/table of 10

Sponsors: Presenting Sponsor – Valley Packaging Industries; Contributing Sponsor – Schenck SC; Supporting Sponsor – Hoffman Planning, Design & Construction, Inc.; Multi-Media Sponsor – BConnected, LLC

For more information, please contact Kristen Greiner, Events Manager, at the Fox Cities Chamber by phone (920) 734-7101 or email kgreiner@foxcitieschamber.com.



Greater Reston Chamber: Hitting the Brakes on Healthcare Spending

Wednesday, May 9
8:30 - 10:00 am
Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce

MaryEllen Elie, Regional Market Lead (MD, DC, VA) for Interactive Health Inc. and member of the Healthy Workplaces Committee, will present on how wellness programs can drive your business forward by minimizing the rising tide of healthcare cost.

Over 50% of the U.S. population is living with serious chronic conditions including diabetes, heart disease and depression.

The solution: intervention and prevention through a well-designed wellness program.

Learn More or Register

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