Foxconn buying WaterMark building for Green Bay innovation center; Indy Chamber: IPS Should Slash Referendum Request, Make $500M in Savings; Susan Spears Installed As President Of The Virginia Association Of Chamber Of Commerce Executives (VACCE); Birmingham Bloomfield 2017-2018 Membership Directory and Community Resource Guide; Carol Stream Chamber taps new CEO - #chamberhire; #lovemychamber - Downriver’s Signature Tasting Event Returns This August; The Prairie du Chien Community Guide; #BestChamber practices: Nine teachers participate in two-day teacher’s academy; Vicksburg job fair looking for more local participation; 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!

Foxconn buying WaterMark building for Green Bay innovation center

 Foxconn has entered an agreement to purchase the WaterMark building in downtown Green Bay.

The Taiwan-based technology company plans to open an innovation center later this year. The company plans to hire 200 workers for the Green Bay location.
Gov. Scott Walker and Foxconn CEO Terry Gou made the announcement during a Friday morning news conference on Green Bay's CityDeck.

"They are going to stay in the great state of Wisconsin, and other millenials like them are going come to the state of Wisconsin because we have some of the most exciting technology and innovation in the world and part of it's going to happen right here in Green Bay at this innovation center," said Gov. Scott Walker.

This comes one day after Foxconn held a ceremonial groundbreaking on its $10 billion Wisconn Valley Science and Technology Park in Mount Pleasant.
The focus of the Green Bay innovation center will be developing applications for Foxconn's 8K+5G display technology. The company says the Mount Pleasant factory will be the first location outside of Asia to make these displays.

“We are excited to expand our ‘Wisconn Valley Innovation Center’ network to Northeast Wisconsin where we hope it will inspire innovative ideas and catalyze cutting-edge solutions from companies and entrepreneurs in that part of the state. The innovation center at Green Bay will play a key role in our goal to create a vibrant AI 8K+5G ecosystem in the U.S., with Wisconsin at the heart of this vision,” said Terry Gou, Foxconn Founder and CEO.
The WaterMark building, located at 301 N. Washington Street, is the former home of H.C. Prange and Younker’s Department Store in downtown Green Bay. Stores and restaurants in the building will become tenants of Foxconn.
The six-story building offers 75,000 square feet of office space. Action 2 News was given a tour of the building and the sixth floor space that will be taken over by Foxconn.
“Foxconn is choosing to invest in Wisconsin once again by extending their Wisconn Valley Innovation Network to right here in Northeastern Wisconsin. This is yet another Foxconn Bonus. We have already seen the ripple effect of Foxconn through their selection of subcontractors from throughout Wisconsin,” said Gov. Scott Walker. Read more: WBAY





Indy Chamber: IPS Should Slash Referendum Request, Make $500M in Savings

The Indy Chamber says Indianapolis Public Schools can create $477 million in savings through a combination of deep cost-cutting by eliminating staff, services and closing schools over the next eight years, plus leasing Broad Ripple High School to charter school operators.

If district leaders follow the proposal, the Chamber says, IPS should be able to erase a projected deficit of $319 million through 2026 and spend $243 million to boost teacher, and principal pay immediately. The district would only need to seek a combined $152 million in new property taxes for capital and operational needs.

IPS leaders previously signaled it would seek more than $500 million for operational funds from a property tax referendum on the November ballot.

But Al Hubbard, an Indianapolis philanthropist and influential school reform advocate who is partnering with the Chamber, says IPS would face opposition if it sought much more than $100 million for new operating funds.

Chamber CEO Michael Huber and consultant Michael Brink says they are still trying to convince IPS to follow their plan. He says the district will have to operate differently if it adopts the plan.

"It is a challenge because while they aren't radical changes but they would have to speed up a lot of the efforts that are currently taking place. And we acknowledge that many of the changes that they have put in place have been difficult to do in terms of the public process," Huber says. 

Additionally, Huber says, the business community is eager to help IPS to become more transparent and efficient. Read more: WFYI Indianapolis

Susan Spears Installed As President Of The Virginia Association Of Chamber Of Commerce Executives (VACCE)

Susan Spears

Susan Spears, President & CEO of the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce was installed as the President of the Virginia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (VACCE) on June 21 during the VACCE Annual Membership Meeting in Harrisonburg. Receiving the gavel from outgoing president, Frank Tamberrino, Ms. Spears will serve as president for the 2018-19 term.

As President of the association, she will preside over the VACCE Board meetings, and she will represent VACCE on the Virginia Chamber’s Board of Directors. Ms. Spears has over 13 years of experience in the Chamber of Commerce industry and was named President & CEO of the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber in 2010.

VACCE is an alliance of chamber professionals representing large and small chambers of commerce from localities throughout the state. VACCE strives to develop the professional skills of chamber executives, staff and volunteer leaders. The Association also provides a forum for integrating the work of the local chambers of commerce to contribute to the growth and development not only of local communities but also to our Commonwealth.

Contact: Tiffany Fulmer Ott tfulmer@tlfexecutiveservices.com 404-312-0524

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! 


Birmingham-Bloomfield 2017-2018 Membership Directory and Community Resource Guide

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.



Carol Stream Chamber taps new CEO - #chamberhire

Miriam Iwrey

The Carol Stream Chamber of Commerce said Miriam Iwrey has been named the new CEO.

Iwrey brings both business development and nonprofit management experience to her new position.

Prior to joining the Carol Stream Chamber of Commerce she was responsible for business development in the Village of Woodridge for Chamber630.

With more than 10 years of experience working in the nonprofit sector, she will be responsible for growing the chamber membership as well as creating strong partnerships and collaborations within the business community and local community of the village of Carol Stream and neighboring communities.

Luanne Triolo Newman left her job as executive director of the Carol Stream Chamber of Commerce. She moved to Texas after serving as executive director of the 271-member chamber for 14 years. Read more: Daily Herald




#lovemychamber - Downriver’s Signature Tasting Event Returns This August 

The Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber is hosting the

2^nd annual Taste of Downriver on August 14 in Downtown Trenton

TRENTON, MI – Following the tremendous success of the 2017 inaugural event, The Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the return of the Taste of Downriver taking place on Tuesday, August 14, 2018 from 6-10:00 pm in Downtown Trenton. This exciting community event, presented by Wayne County Community College District (“WCCCD”), attracted nearly 1,100 people to Downtown Wyandotte in 2017, and promises to be another big hit this year in Downtown Trenton. The event gives attendees the opportunity to experience the active and exciting atmosphere and delicious tastes of the Downriver community, exploring over 20 participating restaurants and indulging in free samples of some of the finest signature foods of Southeast Michigan.

“The Taste of Downriver has quickly become one of our region’s most treasured and highly anticipated events of the year,” commented Ronald J. Hinrichs, president of the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber. “The mission of the Chamber is to bring people together to have a positive lasting impact on our Downriver region. This event is a big part of that vision as we gather for a real Downriver experience with regional restaurants and Downtown Trenton businesses on this exciting evening!”

Participating restaurants include A Serendipity Cakery, Culver's of Taylor, Custard Corner, Del's Pizza, DownRiver Nutrition, Elizabeth Perk Coffee & Ice Cream, Elliott's Bakery and Coffee Shop, Franks Cafe, Grotto Pizzeria & Tavern, Leo's Coney Island- Woodhaven, Matador Restaurant, MOD Pizza of Woodhaven, Olga's Kitchen of Woodhaven and Taylor, Promenade Artisan Foods, Ramsey's Family Restaurant & Coney Island, Roundhouse BBQ, Savannah's, Smugglers Run on the River, Sweet Treats Station, The Big Salad, and Truago. Restaurants who do not have a physical location in the Downtown area will be setup near the Trenton City Hall on West Rd. and Jefferson Ave.

Only 1,200 tickets are available this year. Tickets can be purchased online at www.SWCRC.com or by calling 734-284-6000. Tickets are $25 prior to the event, or $30 at check-in (if not sold out prior to the event). Attendees will receive a wristband and event menu, to be picked up at check-in, located at the Trenton City Hall between 5:30 and 7:30 pm on the day of the event. Or early pickup is available at the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber office in Taylor after July 15.

Shuttles will be available in Downtown Trenton throughout the evening, and are sponsored by Downriver Community Federal Credit Union, Tittle Brothers Construction, and the News Herald. Menu sponsors are Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital and Public Service Credit Union. Promotional Sponsors are the Trenton Trib and the City of Trenton.

Be sure to follow the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber of Commerce on Facebook at facebook.com/SWCRC and the Chamber website for all the latest Chamber news and events. Read more: 

For More Information, Contact: Ronald J. Hinrichs, President,  Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber of Commerce; Tel: 734.284.6000

The Prairie du Chien Community Guide  

The Prairie du Chien Chamberr of Commerce Community Guide is available today at the Chamber of Commerce! Thank you to Bob Moses and the Chamber team for their help and direction putting this together! 

Prairie du Chien Community Guide

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.




#BestChamber practices: Nine teachers participate in two-day teacher’s academy 

The Frankfort Area Chamber of Commerce’s IMPACT Program recently hosted nine area teachers for a two-day Teacher’s Academy.

Selected from school districts in Frankfort and Franklin County, the Teacher’s Academy participants learned about job opportunities in the  community, along with skills and education requirements needed for today’s workforce.

“We are excited about our first Teacher’s Academy program,” said Carmen Inman, president and CEO of the Frankfort Area Chamber. “Through this two-day program, which included tours and conversations with Frankfort-area employers and employees at their facilities, we are helping to bridge the connection between critical workforce skills and what is being done in the classroom each and every day to support our students.” 

John Senter, co-chair of education with the chamber, said each of the teachers has a desire to make learning more accessible, relevant and exciting.

“Through the Frankfort IMPACT Teacher’s Academy, our educators will receive support, resources and a professional community to help them enrich their teaching and feel more confident and passionate about the critical work they do in inspiring today’s youth to become tomorrow’s leading professionals,” Senter said.

Launched in 2018, the IMPACT Program was created to help enhance teacher understanding of the skills and education needed for an ever-changing workforce.

Participants were Shannon Grace,  of Franklin County High School; Anita Groenwoldt, of Western Hills High School; Jim Masters, of Franklin County High; Jennie Nelson, of Franklin County High; Rita Rector, of Thorn Hill Learning Center; Eric Shields, of Western Hills High; Frank Smith, of Thorn Hill; Kaylee Sutton, of Western Hills; and Lacey Tackett, of Western Hills.

To learn more about the Teacher’s Academy or the Frankfort IMPACT program, contact Inman at 502-223-8261. Read more: State Journal

#chamberworkforce - Vicksburg job fair looking for more local participation

The annual Governor’s Job Fair will be held Aug. 7, at the Vicksburg Convention Center and organizers are looking for businesses to participate and encouraging people looking for a job to attend the free event.

“We can talk all day long about bringing jobs to Vicksburg, but this is where the rubber meets the road,” program chairman Don Brown said during an organizational meeting last week. “This helps people get jobs, helps the community and helps the tax base.”

Brown, who has been a part of the job fair for the last “20-something years,” said on average 800 to 1,000 people show up for the event looking for a job or a career. The job fair is co-sponsored by the Vicksburg Warren County Chamber of Commerce, WIN Job Center and the Mississippi Department of Employment Security.

“This is one of the best events the chamber of commerce has to affect the lives of people in our area,” Brown said.

As of last week, there were a couple dozen businesses committed or registered to participate in the job event. Organizers are looking to have 50 companies represented.

“And it’s a diverse group of businesses that come each year,” Brown said.

Among those participating are casinos, medical field, law enforcement, and even the FBI.

Booth space is $195 for businesses and includes meals.

“It’s a good value for your money,” Brown said. “This is not a money making thing. The chamber hopes to break even. This is more a service to the community.” Read more: Vicksburg Post

#BestChamber practices - 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