Announcing The Athena On The Lakeshore Award Finalists; Southeast Ky. Chamber hosts annual awards banquet; hands out $75,000 check; Chamber Welcomes Jason Bearce as New VP for Education and Workforce Development; Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Profile & Membership Directory; Prince William Chamber of Commerce Supports Mobility Bond; Greater Beloit Chamber: Influential Women in Business Luncheon; Greensburg-Decatur County Chamber of Commerce Community Map; Cary Grove Chamber: Members in Motion Multi-Chamber Networking Breakfast; FamousChamber of Commerce Quotations (Tourism); Community Development Foundation collaboration: Summit to address career education, high-demand jobs; New SBA loans Available from Regions Bank in Mississippi; 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!


Announcing The Athena On The Lakeshore Award Finalists

Muskegon, Michigan – The ATHENA on the Lakeshore committee is pleased to announce the 2018 ATHENA Award Finalists and the 2018 ATHENA Young Professional Award Finalists. Celebrating its 14th year, the ATHENA awards are presented annually to recognize outstanding lakeshore women who have demonstrated excellence in their business or profession, provided valuable service by devoting time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in their community, assisted women in reaching their full potential and exhibit the spirit of regional collaboration. This year, we celebrate nine ATHENA Finalists and four Young Professional Finalists.

2018 ATHENA Award Finalists

Zaneta Adams, William Hughes, PLLC; WINC; Lighthouse for Veterans

Mary Boyd, Mercy Health & St. Joseph Health System

Jennifer Bustard, Mona Shores Public Schools

Pam Curtis, Senior Resources of West Michigan

Kimberly Maguire, Mercy Health Muskegon

Julia Rupp, HealthWest

Brianna Scott, Brianna T. Scott & Associates

Chris Stevenson, JW’s and J-Dubs

Barbara Lee VanHorssen, Extended Grace

2018 ATHENA Young Professional Award Finalists

Sara Barco, Weiss Chiropractic

Meghan Heritage, Blue West Properties

Dena Isabell, Consumers Energy

Cece Riley, HealthWest

The ATHENA Award presentation luncheon will be held on Tuesday, October 2, 2018, at Muskegon Country Club. Reservations are required. Cost to attend is $35 per person for chamber members, $55 per person for non-members or $400 for corporate table of eight. A portion of all tickets sales supports local leadership programs. Reservations can be made by visiting www.muskegon.org or by calling the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce at 231.722.3751.

ATHENA on the Lakeshore continues to be a unique program supporting, developing and honoring women leaders along the lakeshore. ATHENA on the Lakeshore is a program of the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce and The Chamber of Commerce Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Ferrysburg. PNC Bank is the premier sponsor.

CONTACT: PAT SHAFER, MUSKEGON LAKESHORE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

231.722.3751, pshafer@muskegon.org






Southeast Ky. Chamber hosts annual awards banquet; hands out $75,000 check

The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce handed out 10 awards at its annual banquet held Thursday night at the East Kentucky Expo Center. Among those recognized were fallen Pikeville Police Officer Scotty Hamilton, Alltech’s Deirdre Lyons and Belfry High School football coach Philip Haywood.

Jordan Gibson, president and CEO of the chamber, addressed attendees by thanking them for their continued support. He said much progress has been made during his time as the chamber’s president.

“Your membership is what allows our organization to thrive; to work on projects that help make our community better and stronger,” said Gibson. “That’s why the chamber exists; to advocate for our community, to empower entrepreneurs, to provide resources to our citizens so that our community can grow.”

Gibson said the chamber strives to benefit its 486 members in a number of ways. One of the ways he mentioned was the Southeast Kentucky Chamber insurance plan through Anthem BlueCross BlueShield, to which all chamber members have access.

“At the chamber, we’re doing what we can to keep your expenses down, and provide valuable resources,” said Gibson, mentioning some of those resources, including the chamber’s work ethic awards that are awarded to high school seniors across the region annually; and the Patton Leadership Institute which strives to engage, educate, focus and develop leaders throughout the region.

Gibson closed his remarks by encouraging members of the chamber to get involved, whether that be as an ambassador for the chamber, working to engage students in schools through the work ethic awards and the education grants program, or participating and supporting the chamber through fundraising efforts including its annual golf scramble.

“The list of opportunities goes on,” said Gibson. “I ask that you step up to the next level of engagement.  If you feel that you’re already well engaged then, hopefully, you can help us connect to the next level.” 

He said that next level could include becoming a member of the chamber’s board or helping with the chamber’s recruitment efforts.

“We’re here tonight because we’re all willing to collaborate, to work together and find solutions that will move us forward,” said Gibson. “That’s the mission of the Southeast Kentucky Chamber, to be a resource that promotes regional unity.”

David Baird, the chamber’s chairman of the board, discussed the importance of chamber members taking advantage of the programs the chamber offers throughout the year. He mentioned programs that have been held this year, including a course focused on how businesses can use social media to their advantage and a course connecting businesses to the local talent pipeline.

“I ask each of you, over the next year, to look at the chamber events that are scheduled,” said Baird.

He also encouraged chamber members to provide the chamber with feedback on the type of programs that members are interested in.

The awards portion of the banquet kicked off with the chamber presenting Jimmy Kinney and the Shriners organization with a check for $75,000, a donation from the chamber that was collected during the 2018 Hillbilly Days Festival held in April. 

SilverLiner was awarded “Outstanding Contribution by a Business.” In a video played at the banquet, Chris Tomlinson, SilverLiner president, said his inspiration for starting SilverLiner stemmed from watching his friends and family moving away from the area to find jobs. Read more: Appalachian News Express

Chamber Welcomes Jason Bearce as New VP for Education and Workforce Development
(INDIANAPOLIS) — Jason Bearce is the new vice president of education and workforce development for the Indiana Chamber of Commerce. Bearce has spent his nearly 20-year professional career with the Indiana Department of Education and Indiana Commission for Higher Education (CHE), most recently serving as the senior associate commissioner at CHE.

Bearce will officially join the Indiana Chamber on September 10. His duties will include lobbying on state education and workforce policy, coordinating the Indiana Chamber’s newly-created Institute for Workforce Excellence and serving as the management liaison with the board of Indiana INTERNnet, the statewide resource for internship opportunities.
“Jason brings a wealth of policy experience in both K-12 and post-secondary education, and will be able to hit the ground running on many initiatives for us,” offers Indiana Chamber President and CEO Kevin Brinegar. “That’s a big plus because Outstanding Talent is the top driver in our organization’s Indiana Vision 2025 plan. Having a qualified workforce is both the greatest challenge for our state and the area of most importance.

“The Chamber has worked with Jason on a number of key policies and programs, including when he was the staff liaison for Indiana’s Education Roundtable. I’ve always been impressed by his knowledge and ability to communicate effectively. He is highly regarded in the Statehouse and in education circles across the state, and we are excited to have him on the Indiana Chamber team.”

Bearce has contributed to significant education policy changes during his career, including establishing high school graduation pathways aligned with the state’s workforce needs, reforming Indiana’s 21stCentury Scholars program to increase college completion and career readiness, and launching Governor Holcomb’s Next Level Jobs initiative.

Bearce earned a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and his MBA from WGU Indiana. His involvement in the community has included serving as the board president for an Indianapolis charter school and a mentor through Starfish Initiative.

“Good education and workforce policy moves our state forward, helping young Hoosiers find their career path and ensuring adults have the skills needed for today’s jobs,” Bearce says. “I’m passionate about education and look forward to representing the interests of the state’s business community on behalf of the Indiana Chamber.” More: Indiana Chamber

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.

Prince William Chamber of Commerce Supports Mobility Bond

Chamber’s Board of Directors Votes to Advocate for 2020 Bond Referendum

On August 21, 2018, the Board of Directors for the Prince William Chamber of Commerce passed a motion in support of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors’ directive to begin evaluation and analysis of a Mobility Bond. The Chamber Board added its request that the business community be a part of the overall process.
The vote comes after a presentation from Tom Blaser, the former Transportation Department Director for Prince William County and NVTA Chairman Marty Nohe gave to the Chamber’s Policy Committee on August 15th on the how the County got involved with Road Bonds in the 1980s, the 2006 Road Bond measure and what a “Mobility Bond” would look like in the future. The vote gives direction to the Director of Government Relations, Ross Snare, and the Chamber’s leadership to begin working with the Prince William Board of County Supervisors and County Staff to evaluate and analyze a Mobility Bond Referendum that would appear on the 2020 Ballot.
“In 2006 the voters in Prince William County voted overwhelmingly in support of the $300 million Road Bond. The Chamber and business community here in Prince William understand the importance of investing in much needed infrastructure. Not only is it a safe investment, it will create new jobs and will help attract more businesses to the region. These are projects focused on economic development that the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority and the Commonwealth Transportation Board just cannot fund. Their main focus is and needs to be congestion relief. The County, which already has the most robust Transportation Department for a local government in the state, can step in to fill the gaps.” said Mr. Snare.
“The County has seen over 110k people move into its borders since the last Bond was approved, and projections only have it growing even more,” stated Betty Dean, Chair of the Prince William Chamber of Commerce. “It’s time to start looking toward the future. There are projects that need to be completed if we are going to be competitive economically. Giving the County the ability to invest in our infrastructure can ensure that we are prepared for whatever the future may bring.”

Over the next several weeks the Prince William Chamber will begin engaging members of the Board of County Supervisors and business community to begin the discussion process. Contact: Ross Snare, Director of Government Relations, Prince William Chamber of Commerce, rsnare@pwchamber.org, 571.765.1875


Greater Beloit Chamber: Influential Women in Business Luncheon

Registration Now Open!

The Greater Beloit Chamber of Commerce and the Stateline Chamber are excited to introduce one of the most influential business events of the year.  Join us for an inspiring event focused on women and what it means to become limitless!  We encourage you to nominate a Woman in Business that deserves recognition through any of our 3 awards: NextGen, Executive Influencer, and Role Model.
Nominations must be made by September 12th, 2018. 

For more information and to register for the luncheon, click here.
You must RSVP by no later than September 16th, 2018. 

Sponsorship Opportunities & Benefits

If you are interested in becoming involved as a sponsor for this event contact our team by email today! 



Greensburg-Decatur County Chamber of Commerce Community Map

Greensburg-Decatur County Chamber map

The Greensburg/Decatur County Chamber of Commerce Community Map is available at the New Castle-Henry County Chamber today! Thanks to Jeff Emsweller 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. 

Cary Grove Chamber: Members in Motion Multi-Chamber Networking Breakfast

Members in Motion is a progressive networking breakfast that puts you with a table of others who are also looking to grow their businesses through networking. Over the course of a three round scramble, you will meet over twenty individuals who want to hear more about your business, as well as share information about their business. Registration is required and limited to 3 professionals per industry. The event will take place on Thursday, October 11 from 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at Boulder Ridge Country Club, 350 Boulder Dr., Lake in the Hills. Read more: Cary-Grove Chamber


FamousChamber of Commerce Quotations (Tourism)

Travel & Tourism Is Economic Development --- It All Starts With the Visit

“If you build a place where people want to visit, you’ll build a place where people want to live. And, if you build a place where people want to live, you’ll build a place where people have to work. If you build a place where people want to work, you’ll build a place where business wants to be. And, if you build a place where business wants to be, you’ll have built a place where people want to visit. - Maura Gast / Irving CVB


Community Development Foundation collaboration: Summit to address career education, high-demand jobs

Tens of thousands of jobs in Mississippi are unfilled simply because of a lack of qualified workers.

The Summit on Career Education and High-Demand Jobs hopes to address the issues behind the problem and ways to fix it.

The summit will be held on Sept. 11 at the Itawamba Community College Belden Center from 9 a.m to 1:30 p.m.

The keynote speaker for the noon luncheon is Ron Wanek, chairman of Ashley Furniture Industries, the world’s largest furniture company and Mississippi’s largest furniture employer with more than 3,200 workers.

The CREATE Foundation, the Community Development Foundation, ICC and Three Rivers Planning and Development District are sponsoring the meeting.

“The most important pressing issue facing Mississippi’s employers is the continuing need for access to a high-quality workforce,” Lewis Whitfield, senior Vice President of CREATE, said in a letter inviting participants to the summit.

“The days of relying on physically strong workers who respond to direct orders are drawing to a close. For almost three decades, we have witnessed an unrelenting shift to a highly global economy, featuring increased use of sophisticated technology. Today, our organizations require an educated workforce that can work in teams, think creatively and solve problems while also demonstrating a strong work ethic in traditional ways.” Read more: Daily Journal

New SBA loans Available from Regions Bank in Mississippi

At Regions, we’re dedicated to helping your business grow.
That’s why we’re offering a 25-year fixed rate SBA loan on
owner-occupied business real estate loans for a limited time.
This loan is great if you’re looking to:
• Modernize, renovate and improve existing
buildings
• Acquire new property
In addition to Special Long-Term Loan
Financing, we also offer financing for:
• Expand a business
• Finance equipment
• Acquire a business
• Buy out a partner

Christopher A. Wallace | SBA Specialist
601.790.8161 | chris.wallace@regions.com


© 2018 Regions Bank. Subject to terms, fees, conditions, documentation requirements and credit approval. Available for qualifying loans greater than $350,000 and up to $5 million. Regions and the Regions logo are registered trademarks of Regions Bank. The LifeGreen color is a trademark of Regions Bank.

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