Chamber of Commerce Daily News

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Wednesday, September 26, 2018

Wisconsin Report from the Statehouse: Correcting the Record on the Dark Stores Theory; Illinois State Senator Michael Connelly and State Representative Grant Wehrli to Receive the Champion of Free Enterprise Award; Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Profile Guide; Jasper to Receive Indiana Chamber’s 2018 Community of the Year Honor; Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce 2017-2018 Community Guide & Membership Directory; Congressman Dan Kildee To Speak At Bay Area Chamber Of Commerce Leading The Way Luncheon; Frank J. Kenny: Announcing the Chamber Pros Webinar Series; Economy, development puts Hattiesburg in league with other thriving mid-size cities of the South; Guidebook offers information on local area; Mayor Sherman Lea highlights collaboration in Roanoke State of the City address; 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!

Wisconsin Report from the Statehouse: Correcting the Record on the Dark Stores Theory

Written by Cory Fish

“Dark Stores” became a popular populist rallying cry during the last legislative session. The prevailing narrative, that “big businesses” are shifting their tax burden onto homeowners, resulted in two of the most heavily debated bills of the legislative session. The only problem, the narrative is false.

The Wisconsin Department of Revenue’s own data shows that over the last ten years the statewide property tax burden has shifted from homeowners to businesses by approximately 3-percent. Businesses are paying a larger portion of the property tax than they were ten years ago.

The real story is that a decade ago, some tax assessors and local officials decided to adopt a novel, and illegal, property assessment theory to target businesses with tax increases. When businesses challenged these illegal tax increases in court and won, these very same tax assessors tried, and failed, to get the Legislature to pass two bills to legalize their illegal actions. Now local governments are spending millions of taxpayer dollars on campaign ads, PR firms, and lobbyists to cover up their actions by selling the bills as a fix to a “loophole.”

Assembly Bill 386/Senate Bill 292 (AB 386) would have allowed tax assessors to value occupied property higher solely because of its occupancy. For example, if you had two homes identical in every respect except that one was occupied and one was vacant, the occupied home would be valued (for tax purposes), and taxed, more than the vacant one. No rational buyer would pay more for the occupied home than the vacant one. The idea is absurd on its face. The fair market value of each property would be the same, but this legislation would increase the assessed value and thus the property taxes for the occupied home.

Assembly Bill 387/Senate Bill 291 (AB 387) would have allowed tax assessors to value and tax financial agreements, contracts, and other things of value that are “inextricably intertwined” with a property. This bill targets the value of financing agreements that help businesses open or grow. Tax assessors want to add the value of those agreements to the value of the building and land when determining the amount of property tax you owe. If this were applied to a residential home – which it could be because of the Wisconsin constitution’s uniformity clause – your local government could raise your property taxes because you took out a mortgage. However, property taxes would not be hiked on your neighbor who bought the same exact house but had the means to purchase it with cash.

These pieces of legislation would result in tax increases on businesses through no fault of their own. Increasing the tax assessment on a property based on occupancy as AB 386 would do or based on financing as AB 387 would do does not reflect economic reality. The business will not have expanded, improvements will not have been made to the property, and the neighborhood will not have become more attractive to the market. In short, the market value will not have changed – just the tax bill. Arbitrarily increasing property taxes is bad for Wisconsin.

WMC ranked these bills as two of the ten worst bills for business introduced this session. We believe these job killing tax increases are bad public policy.

First, these bills are a solution in search of a problem. As stated above, the statewide property tax burden has steadily shifted from residential property to commercial and manufacturing property over the last decade. This legislation would cause that disparity to become even wider.

Second, the Wisconsin Constitution’s Uniformity Clause will spread these tax increases to all property taxpayers. The state constitution requires all property to be taxed in a uniform manner. There is not an exception that allows small businesses, manufacturers, and residential properties to be taxed differently from “big box” retailers. All businesses and residential properties will be roped into abiding by these new property tax assessment laws, which will increase their property tax burdens.

Finally, the legislation creates uncertainty and will lead to more litigation. The legislation creates uncertainty because it changes bedrock rules of property assessment that Wisconsin has followed for decades. Local governments and property owners will both attempt to clarify the new law through more litigation.

Higher taxes and more litigation is not the kind of change Wisconsin needs. WMC is a strong supporter of the reforms taken place over the last seven years that make Wisconsin a more competitive place to work and live. Let’s not go backwards now and raise taxes on job creators and working families.

Cory Fish is the Director of Tax, Transportation, and Legal Affairs at Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce. He can be contacted at cfish@wmc.org.

Illinois State Senator Michael Connelly and State Representative Grant Wehrli to Receive the Champion of Free Enterprise Award

Naperville, IL. (September 21, 2018) – The Illinois Chamber and the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce will award Illinois State Senator Michael Connelly and State Representative Grant Wehrli the Champion of Free Enterprise Award on September 26, 2018 at the NACC Legislative Forum at 11:30 A.M.

“While most Illinois lawmakers continue to provide lip service to the need for pro-growth reforms, these 47 lawmakers are committed to supporting and defending Illinois employers throughout the State.” said Todd Maisch, President and CEO of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce.

In order to receive the award, a senator or representative must have received an average of 85 percent or better voting record over the previous two Illinois General Assemblies. Voting records are based on a legislator’s votes on measure the chamber deems important to the state’s business community.

“Local residents and businesses alike benefit from their commonsense approach to growing our tax base and reducing impediments to free enterprise.” said Colin Dalough, Director of Government Affairs and Business Development of the NACC.

About the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce

The Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce is the largest suburban Chamber in Illinois with an active membership of 1,200 organizations of every size and from every sector. The NACC promotes economic growth and advocacy in and around the Naperville area. For its efforts in promoting free enterprise and the business community, the Chamber has been recognized with 5-Star Accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, an honor bestowed on only 1 percent of Chambers, out of the nearly 7,000 in the nation. Visit www.naperville.net

Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Profile Guide

The Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Profile Guide & Membership Directory is available at the Greater Belleville Chamber! Thanks to Wendy Pfeil and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!

Belleville IL Community Profile 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.

Jasper to Receive Indiana Chamber’s 2018 Community of the Year Honor

Embracing “the Jasper Way” in business, education and quality of life pursuits has earned Jasper the Indiana Chamber of Commerce’s 2018 Republic Airways and Lift Academy Community of the Year award.

Jasper’s rich German heritage and manufacturing history remain the lifeblood of the community. But its success also is dependent on its ability to look ahead and adapt.

Approximately $200 million in current projects – primarily public-private partnerships – is propelling the city forward. Among those initiatives:

The Parklands of Jasper: a 75-acre major urban renewal endeavor featuring two miles of walking trails (including a multi-purpose path), three ponds (all connected by elevated pathways), The Pavilion (an indoor public event space seating 160 people), an adventure play area, musical playground and more.

Thyen-Clark Cultural Center: new facility that will house the Jasper Community Arts and Jasper Public Library.

Jasper River Centre: a $30 million mixed use development along the Patoka Riverfront. It will include a new hotel and redevelopment of a former factory into 70-plus apartments, retail/office space and public areas.

Jasper Mayor Terry Seitz comments on the Community of the Year designation’s significance: “To be named the (Community of the Year) recipient is a culmination of years of vision, planning and execution by hundreds of people. We are indeed honored.”

“Strong public-private partnerships are at the cornerstone of community success,” says Indiana Chamber President Kevin Brinegar. “Jasper leaders have demonstrated the ability to work together for many years and residents have strongly contributed through their immense pride in their city. Jasper is most deserving of this recognition.”

The celebration of Hoosier success at the Indiana Chamber’s 29^th Annual Awards Dinner, presented by Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield, on November 13 at the Indiana Convention Center will include presentation of three additional awards: Dynamic Leader, Government Leader and Business Leader of the Year. The winners of those awards will be announced in the next three weeks (September 11, 18 and 25, respectively).

J.D. Vance, author of #1 New York Times best-selling memoir Hillbilly Elegy and focused on supporting business development in the Midwest, will keynote the Awards Dinner. Purchase tables of 10 or individual tickets at www.indianachamber.com/ad or by calling Nick at (800) 824-6885.

Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce 2017-2018 Community Guide & Membership Directory

The Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce 2017-2018 Community Profile & Membership Directory is available at the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber today! Thanks to Jon Maynard, Pam Swain, Rosie Vassalo and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!

Oxford Mississippi 2017-2018 Community Guide & Membership Directory

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.

Congressman Dan Kildee To Speak At Bay Area Chamber Of Commerce Leading The Way Luncheon

The third “Leading the Way” Speaker Series Luncheon will be held on Wednesday, October 17, 2018, with Congressman Dan Kildee as the featured speaker. This event will be held at Bay Valley Resort & Conference Center. Registration is at 11:00 a.m. and the program begins at 11:30 a.m.
Born and raised in Flint, Congressman Dan Kildee is a lifelong Michigander. In Congress, he has worked to bring people together and get real results for Michigan, including:
• Fighting Blight in Michigan: In just his first term, Congressman Kildee secured hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funds to help strengthen neighborhoods, raise home values and make communities safer by removing abandoned houses across Michigan, including in Flint, Saginaw and Detroit.
• Getting Real Aid for Flint Families During the Water Crisis: During the water crisis in Flint, Congressman Kildee worked tirelessly to bring much needed relief to Flint families. He led the fight – bringing Democrats and Republicans together in Congress – to pass legislation to bring over $100 million in federal funds to the city to aid in its recovery. And he worked across the aisle to pass laws to prevent a similar crisis from happening in the future. Lastly, he worked with the Obama Administration to secure additional hundreds of millions to help Flint recover, including Medicaid expansion, funding for new jobs and nutritious foods.
• Protecting the Great Lakes from Nuclear Waste: Congressman Kildee is leading a bipartisan initiative to prevent a Canadian company from permanently burying nuclear waste less than one mile from the Great Lakes.
Before being elected to Congress, Congressman Kildee co-founded and served as the president of the Center for Community Progress, a national non-profit organization focused on urban land reform and revitalization.
Congressman Kildee resides in Flint Township with his wife, Jennifer. They have two children, Kenneth and Katy. Dan’s oldest son, Ryan, and his wife Ginger are the parents of their first two grandchildren, Caitlin and Colin.
“The Bay Area community is excited to hear from such an experienced member of Congress,” said Ryan Tarrant, Bay Area Chamber President & CEO. “With the new developments and economic progress being made in Bay County, it will be beneficial to hear Kildee’s take on current and future federal legislation affecting the region.”
The Leading the Way Luncheon is open to the public. Chamber members are $25 per person, future members $40 per person and table of eight for $190. To register call the Chamber at 989.893.4567 or visit baycityarea.com.

The Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, founded in 1882, is a private, non-profit business organization with nearly 800 members that provides programs to assist local businesses grow and prosper. The Bay Area Chamber of Commerce joins area businesses and the community for the economic growth and well-being of the entire Bay Area. Contact: Ryan Tarrant (989) 893-4567.

Frank J. Kenny: Announcing the

Chamber Pros Webinar Series

Through industry surveys and feedback from our recent free training on the Chamber Road Map to Social Media Success, you told us you wanted this training.

Check it out at https://chamber.frankjkenny.com/cpws

Enrollment is now open!

#ChamberProsWebinarSeries

Economy, development puts Hattiesburg in league with other thriving mid-size cities of the South

After Hurricane Katrina sent developer Rob Tatum packing from New Orleans back to his native Hattiesburg in 2005, Tatum started working on a real estate deal at home – renovating some historic buildings downtown into loft apartments.

As Tatum and his brother, Craig, began renovations, they kept finding traces of the century-old Tatum legacy in Hattiesburg: “It was really cool when we started demo-ing the buildings,” Tatum said. “We started finding lumber from my great-great-grandfather’s lumber mill, and it was stamped ‘TATUM LUMBER CO.'”

So Tatum repurposed the wood into furniture for his own house as he refurbished the buildings themselves into loft apartments.

Now, the city’s economy depends primarily on the University of Southern Mississippi, which has over 2,000 employees, and Forrest General Hospital and Hattiesburg Clinic, which together hire some 5,500 people. More distantly, there is also the military post Camp Shelby at the city’s southern edge.Sitting in the lobby of the Hotel Indigo, which opened earlier this year in Hattiesburg’s District at Midtown, Tatum represents the newest chapter of Tatums to remake the landscape of the city. Nestled amid the Midtown development’s new shops, restaurants and apartments, the themed boutique hotel pays homage to the city’s beginnings as a transit and timber hub. The lobby looks like a green and gold train car; the rooms contain portraits of the Tatums’ great-great-grandfather W.S.F. Tatum, a Hattiesburg mogul of the early 20th century whose profitable logging and railroad ventures led to stints as town mayor.

The mixed-use Midtown development, which sits across the street from the USM campus, aims to better bridge USM and the hospital, but also to recenter development back in the city proper – against the conventional wisdom, as mayor Toby Barker puts it, of building west down the I-98 corridor.

Once a plot of university land featuring a shuttered, tornado-damaged dormitory, the Midtown development represents a $35 million investment and some 250 jobs, per Area Development Partnership executive vice president Todd Jackson, to a city of some 47,000 people that has been touted in the news as a “beacon of tourism” and a leader in job growth in recent years. Read more: Mississippi Today

Guidebook offers information on local area

A guidebook offering information to new residents of Mason County is available through the Maysville-Mason County Area Chamber of Commerce.

According to Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Vicki Steigleder, the guidebook presents information on tourism and economics.

“We have these for people who are visiting/moving to Mason County or businesses who are trying to bring potential employees to the area,” she said. “It’s good information to have. Before I moved to Kentucky, I had to go to the (Department of Motor Vehicles) to renew my license, but when I moved to Kentucky-you don’t do that here and when you move state to state, you understand that everyone does things differently, so you want to have this kind of information available.”

According to Steigleder, the book features information on employers in the county, as well as tourism information, including places to see, shop and eat. There are photographs of events in the community.

The guidebook will be available at local hotels, the tourism office and the Chamber of Commerce building. There is also a .pdf copy on the Chamber of Commerce website.

“It’s an ongoing book that we update about every three years, but it provides good information on what Maysville and Mason County has to offer; the quality of life here, and we want people to pick them up. It’s there even for current residents of the area, if they want to find out more about what is happening in their community,” she said. Read more: Ledger Independent

Mayor Sherman Lea highlights collaboration in Roanoke State of the City address

Collaboration and working together are two of the keys to continued success in the city of Roanoke, Mayor Sherman Lea said during his State of the City address Thursday.

"We're committed to making this city and the quality of life the best it can be," Lea said.

Lea highlighted the city's accomplishments in the past year, including new development in downtown Roanoke, affordable housing and other investments along the city's Melrose-Orange corridor and a commitment to education and work readiness.

"We're at a good point right now," Lea said. "The city is doing well and I'm looking forward to a brighter future."

Dr. Rita Bishop, superintendent of Roanoke City Public Schools, and Bob Cowell, Roanoke city manager, also spoke to community and business leaders during the breakfast hosted by the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce.

"The aspects that we talk about and that the mayor highlighted -- they mean a lot to a business in deciding whether they're going to grow their business in this region," said Joyce Waugh, chamber president and CEO.

Much of the mayor's address focused on the partnerships and programs that local agencies and nonprofits, city schools, and area colleges and universities have participated in to contribute to the area's growth.

"We have development," Lea said. "People are coming into the city. The city is growing. We're going to have some more exciting information about the train, Amtrak and what we want to do. I can just see things are happening."

He said it's important that everyone is included in the city's growth.

"We've had a lot of discussions about poverty and things in our community," Lea said. "We're addressing those. We're going forward with our community block grants, especially in those targeted areas." Read more: WSLS.com

Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S.

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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

Friday, September 21, 2018

From Betty Dean, Chairman, Prince William Chamber of Commerce: Dear Members of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors; New Richmond Chamber 2018 Hometown Holiday Celebration; Barrington Area Chamber Legislative Breakfast; 5 Star Chamber: Rapid City Area Chamber of Commerce 2018 Community Guide & Membership Directory; Jasper to Receive Indiana Chamber’s 2018 Community of the Year Honor; Rochester Hills ranked as eighth best city to start small business, says Verizon Business; Covington County 2017-2018 Chamber of Commerce Community Map; Paducah Chamber - Taking your issues to D.C.; Meridian prepares for more businesses to open; Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S.

Happy Friday #ChamberWorld! Have a GREAT weekend!

From Betty Dean, Chairman, Prince William Chamber of Commerce: Dear Members of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors

Dear Members of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors,

On September 12^th the Prince William Chamber of Commerce hosted its Policy Committee Meeting where we heard and engaged in a conversation with senior Prince William County Staff on the topic of the County’s Strategic Plan and more importantly, discussed the County’s “Moonshot Goal”.

The “Moonshot Goal” is to increase the percentage of commercial tax revenues to 35% of the County’s existing tax receipts. It is the only quantifiable goal in the approved plan, and it is ambiguous. The approved plan did not specify whether the goal was limited to real property taxes or to all taxes paid by businesses. The business community’s share of taxes is currently about 16% of all county real estate taxes, and roughly 24% of all general fund taxes collected.

In 2017 when this goal was first approved by the Board of County Supervisors, the Chamber’s Board of Directors was opposed to it…and, after hearing from County Staff on the “ins and outs” of the proposal, reaffirms that position.

An economic development goal for reducing the tax burden on county residents is laudable but goals should be achievable, strategic and measureable. Rather than relying on real estate taxes at a time when businesses are moving substantial portions of their infrastructure to the internet, the county needs to carefully review its policies and procedures to be sure that the government is strategically targeting those things that are important to the community and consistent with its long term goals. That will mean in large part that the county will update outdated policies and procedures to adapt to the new economy and diversify County revenue streams. In addition to the 35% goal being unattainable, focusing on a specific number for property taxes, like the “Moonshot Goal” will not create a diversified tax base, and will simply add to the cost of consumer goods and services within the community.

The 35% is a measurement, not a strategic goal. We strongly reaffirm our position from 2017 and encourage the Board of County Supervisors to revisit this issue and replace the measurement with a set of achievable, sustainable and measurable objectives for economic growth that will facilitate continued success for the business community and our residents.

Sincerely,

Betty Dean

Chairman

Prince William Chamber of Commerce

New Richmond Chamber 2018 Hometown Holiday Celebration

Greetings Chamber Members!

We are excited to be knee deep in the 2018 Hometown Holiday preparations and looking forward to another fantastic celebration. In its first year, New Richmond’s Hometown Holiday Celebration was a HUGE success with an estimated attendance of over 3000 people. With the support of our membership, we think year two will be even better! November 29^th might seem far away, but some planning needs to happen now. Here’s what you need to know…

This event is a great opportunity to promote our Chamber members and bring the community together during the holiday season. The highlight of this event will once again be the Holiday Lights Parade, a Tree Lighting Ceremony in Glover Park with live music followed by Fireworks over the Mill Pond. Parade Registration will open on our website on September 26^th, to Chamber Members and has limited space.

There are opportunities to sponsor this event if you are looking to gain some visibility and help ensure a successful event! Sponsors allow this event to be completely FREE for attendees and provide great, family-friendly activities. The list of ways to support is attached. This is truly a marketing opportunity that also improves our community - what a win!

All Chamber businesses can once again participate in our “Countdown to Christmas” flyer. We will begin distributing those on Halloween, so please submit special events and promotions that you will be having to celebrate the holiday season for inclusion in that flyer by October 15^th.

New in 2018 is a Hometown Holiday Map – let us know what your business or organization is doing on the 29^th and we will add you to the map. Need ideas of what to offer? Give us a call, we are full of ideas!

We have invited Santa Claus to our Hometown Holidays Celebration and he has once again agreed to visit! We ask that he be the ONLY Santa in town that evening as to not confuse kids attending the festivities. Thank you in advance for celebrating the Holiday Season with us!

Sponsors allow this event to be completely FREE for attendees and provide great, family-friendly activities. Here is a list of ways to help. All of our Sponsors will receive recognition before, during and after the event. More details are available! New Richmond Chamber

Barrington Area Chamber Legislative Breakfast

Hosted by Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC) and 2 others

Barrington 220, Barrington Area Council of Governments and Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce invite you to attend the Barrington Area Legislative Breakfast! State leaders and Illinois law updates will be shared with the public and local business owners. Tickets are $25 per person, with a buffet breakfast included.

Wednesday, October 3 at 7:30 AM – 10:30 AM
The Garlands of Barrington

1000 Garlands Ln, Barrington, Illinois 60010

Show Map
Tickets

business.barringtonchamber.com

Find Tickets

7:30am: Registration, networking and breakfast
8am: Program begins

5 Star Chamber: Rapid City Area Chamber of Commerce 2018 Community Guide & Membership Directory

The Rapid City Area Chamber of Commerce 2018 Community Guide & Membership Directory is available at the Rapid City Chamber today! Thanks to Linda Rabe, Lynn Kendall, Shiloh Francis and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!

Rapid City 2018 Community Guide & Membership Directory

Embracing “the Jasper Way” in business, education and quality of life pursuits has earned Jasper the Indiana Chamber of Commerce’s 2018 Republic Airways and Lift Academy Community of the Year award.

Jasper’s rich German heritage and manufacturing history remain the lifeblood of the community. But its success also is dependent on its ability to look ahead and adapt.

Approximately $200 million in current projects – primarily public-private partnerships – is propelling the city forward. Among those initiatives:

The Parklands of Jasper: a 75-acre major urban renewal endeavor featuring two miles of walking trails (including a multi-purpose path), three ponds (all connected by elevated pathways), The Pavilion (an indoor public event space seating 160 people), an adventure play area, musical playground and more.

Thyen-Clark Cultural Center: new facility that will house the Jasper Community Arts and Jasper Public Library.

Jasper River Centre: a $30 million mixed use development along the Patoka Riverfront. It will include a new hotel and redevelopment of a former factory into 70-plus apartments, retail/office space and public areas.

Jasper Mayor Terry Seitz comments on the Community of the Year designation’s significance: “To be named the (Community of the Year) recipient is a culmination of years of vision, planning and execution by hundreds of people. We are indeed honored.”

“Strong public-private partnerships are at the cornerstone of community success,” says Indiana Chamber President Kevin Brinegar. “Jasper leaders have demonstrated the ability to work together for many years and residents have strongly contributed through their immense pride in their city. Jasper is most deserving of this recognition.”

The celebration of Hoosier success at the Indiana Chamber’s 29^th Annual Awards Dinner, presented by Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield, on November 13 at the Indiana Convention Center will include presentation of three additional awards: Dynamic Leader, Government Leader and Business Leader of the Year. The winners of those awards will be announced in the next three weeks (September 11, 18 and 25, respectively).

J.D. Vance, author of #1 New York Times best-selling memoir Hillbilly Elegy and focused on supporting business development in the Midwest, will keynote the Awards Dinner. Purchase tables of 10 or individual tickets at www.indianachamber.com/ad or by calling Nick at (800) 824-6885.

Rochester Hills ranked as eighth best city to start small business, says Verizon Business

The city of Rochester Hills has been recognized as the eighth best small city in America in which to start a small business by Verizon Business.
The evaluation was based on six ranking factors including the education level of the local workforce, in-city commute times, income per capita, broadband access, availability of SBA loans and overall tax friendliness for small businesses.
“Anytime you are recognized as being one of the best in the nation there is great pride. We have a fantastic team here in Rochester Hills led by our manager Pam Valentik and we are grateful for all of the small businesses who choose to do business in the city,” said Mayor Bryan Barnett.
In addition to being the robotics capital of North America, the city is home to small businesses including retail, computer technology, electronic research, development, manufacturing, plastic injection molding, tool and die, structural engineering and warehousing and distribution. Read more: Oakland Press

Covington County 2017-2018 Chamber of Commerce Community Map

The Covington County Chamber of Commerce Community Map is available at the Covington County Chamber today! Thanks to Marie Shoemake and her team for their help and direction putting this together!

Covington County Chamber Map

Town Square Publications (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.

Paducah Chamber - Taking your issues to D.C.

WPSD Local 6 is taking your issues, concerns and questions to Washington, D.C.

We are traveling with the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce during its annual D.C. Fly-In. Each year, the group travels to D.C. to meet face-to-face with lawmakers and others to promote local projects that need funding and support.

Those projects include Paducah’s riverfront and riverport. The chambers will also attend meetings with U.S. Department of Energy officials about future cleanup jobs at the DOE Paducah site — the former gaseous diffusion plant.

We arrived to D.C. late Monday evening, and most members of the chamber group plan to arrive Tuesday night. More than 50 people are attending this year, and the group consists of community leaders from businesses, local government, education, the medical field and industry.

For more information on the group’s agenda, who they plan to talk with, and the federal priorities click here.

Meridian prepares for more businesses to open

"So far, so good," is how economic development officials are describing the climate this year for new businesses in Meridian. In fact, some are even calling it an overall "banner" year.

Meridian welcomed its latest new business Thursday morning. Julep Antiques & Gifts is one of almost a half dozen others that have opened in the area so far this year.

"We love downtown," says B.J. Hatten, who is one of the co-owners for the business. "It's growing so much, and we wanted to offer something different and unique."

Since April alone, officials with the East Mississippi Business Development Corporation say ribbon cuttings have been held for almost 20 businesses throughout the city, and even more since January.

"We've had probably over 40 new businesses open this year," says Debby Delshad, who is the director for Meridian Main Street. "Some of them are just re-dedications or grand openings."

If things go as planned, another business will open in North Meridian within the next two weeks.

"Everybody thinks our business is named after my husband, but it's named after our precious dog."

Micki Sampey, her husband Sean, and their son own Charlie's Seafood Market on Poplar Springs Drive. They're preparing for a ribbon cutting to be held there in October.

"I think we're going to bring a product that Meridian is looking for," says Sean Sampey.

The Sampey's are from the New Orleans area. Several years ago Sean worked at the Mississippi Power plant in Kemper County. Since that time, they've decided to stay.

"I chose Meridian because everybody's friendly," says Sean.

"I love the community," says Micki. "The community is so friendly. So, I said, 'Look, let's go ahead and do this!'"

According to EMBDC officials, efforts are being made to open even more businesses within the city.

"Absolutely, absolutely, we are hearing of a couple of new restaurants that are coming in downtown," says Delshad. "So, we're excited about that."

The president for the EMBDC's board says efforts are also being made to attract high paying jobs to the area.

"It's competitive," says Jeff McCoy, "but we're hopeful that something's going to happen, hopefully, sooner than later." Read more: NewsCenter ABC 11

Happy Friday #ChamberWorld! Have a GREAT weekend!

Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S.

Thursday, September 20, 2018

Chamber Executive 1000 Digest

September, 2018

Here is chamber news you can use for large chambers and other professionals that are leading the way:

If you are a new customer and would like a new gloss Chamber directory or map from Town Square Publications for delivery in March/April, 2019, please contact me at your earliest convenience. You can also directly request a proposal by clicking here: Contact Town Square Here It takes less than 2 minutes. Thank you.

Why aren’t we talking more about this? Tax Reform Tied to Lower Electricity Costs; Will save $1.34 Billion in Michigan; 875 Million in Virginia; Savings information on 10 other states

Thomas J. Donohue

President and CEO, U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Key Takeaway

The positive effects of tax reform ripple through the economy, benefiting businesses and consumers.

The positive effects of last year’s tax reform legislation continue to ripple through the economy, benefiting both businesses and consumers in a variety of ways. One of the positive impacts was uncovered in a new analysis released by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Global Energy Institute (GEI) this month, which found that electricity customers across the U.S. are saving millions as a result of the law.

Across the 12 states analyzed so far—with results for additional states to come—customer savings over the next five years will range from $100 million in Maine to over $3 billion in California. This is a positive development for businesses, which will see lower operating expenses and increased efficiency, as well as for consumers, who will save on average between $200 and $500 in utility costs over the next five years.

On top of this, it’s likely that customers will experience even greater cost reductions once the regulations governing the implementation of the tax law are fully determined. This drop in electricity costs represents real money for the American people, who will then use their extra cash to shop at local businesses and save for the future. This is why each state in the study also sees meaningful GDP growth and job gains as a result of these customer savings.

How has tax reform pulled this off? Investor-funded electric utilities set their rates based on their cost of service, a pricing mechanism that allows them to recoup their tax expenses from ratepayers. Tax reform lowered the rates for investor-owned utilities in almost every state, enabling them to share the benefits with their customers in the form of smaller monthly bills.

The analysis from GEI shows just one of the ways tax reform is having its intended pro-growth effect. The benefits of the tax law touch every state and nearly every industry, in part by boosting take home pay for 90% of American workers. By empowering businesses and families to keep more of their hard-earned money, the law is growing the economy and boosting business confidence.

The U.S. Chamber was a proud proponent of the tax reform legislation as it worked its way through Congress and into law. Since then, we’ve tracked some of the many American companies that have passed on their own savings to employees and customers in the form of reduced prices, salary raises, bonuses, and new benefits. These examples can be found on an interactive map at uschamber.com/tax-reform. The new analysis of electricity costs can be found at uschamber.com/global-energy-institute.

#BestChamber practices: #FiveStar Chamber: La Porte Chamber: 2019 Sponsorship Opportunites booklet

The La Porte Chamber represents over 350 members ranging from small businesses to large corporations throughout La Porte County and surrounding communities. Chamber events provide opportunities to meet and connect with a significant number of our active members, while our email program reaches well over 950 business professionals in the local area.

We encourage you to consider sponsoring our programs and events this upcoming year to increase awareness of your organization and brand. A Chamber sponsorship can help to showcase leadership within our growing business community.

803 Washington Street

La Porte, IN 46350

P: 219.362.3178

E: walker@lpchamber.com

Click here to view and download the 2019 Greater La Porte Chamber of Commerce Sponsorship Opportunities Guide.

Hurricane Hunter pilot explains typical mission to Biloxi residents

Community members got a personal experience with a Hurricane Hunter Thursday morning in Biloxi. The pilot explained exactly what the important weather investigating team does.

Hurricane Hunter missions can be intense and dangerous. But beyond that, what exactly does the mysterious Air Force reserve program do? That was the question being answered by Lt. Col. Jeff Ragusa.

Ragusa was hoping to make the public more aware of what a Hurricane Hunter mission entails.

"To make sure that they know what we're doing and what they're role in that is. If we're just out there doing it, spinning our wheels, then it's just not worth it. It's just not something we should be doing unless people are going to gain something from it," he said.

Ragusa's ultimate goal is to help the public make life-saving decisions when storms are headed their way.

"We just want them to pay attention. Please don't let me be doing it for nothing," said Ragusa.

The informative session was hosted by the Biloxi Bay Area Chamber of Commerce. Those in attendance were introduced to what it takes to pull off a data collecting mission with the Hurricane Hunters, officially known as the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron.

"Extremely eye-opening, especially when he demonstrated what each crew member did on the aircraft," said Elijah Mitchell.

Mitchell was part of that demonstration, acting as a pilot. There were also volunteers portraying the co-pilot, navigation, meteorologist, and more.

The experience gave Mitchell a better sense of the importance of what the team does.

"The data they collect and feedback to the National Hurricane Center is very important information and can inform us of an accurate time to evacuate," said Mitchell. Read more: WLOX

St Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce 2017 Regional Profile and Membership Directory

The St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce 2017 Regional Profile and Membership Directory is available at the St. Cloud Area Chamber today! Thanks to the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!

St. Cloud Regional Profile and Membership Directory

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.

#BestChamberPractices: Birmingham-Bloomfield Chamber Of Commerce: Using social media in smart ways: #ChamberofAction

BBChamber Staff recently shopped at BBChamber Member Piccolo Penguin in Birmingham

Attention members! Are you doing business with a fellow member of the BBChamber? Take pics, tag @BBChamber on Facebook and Twitter and/or @BirminghamBloomfieldChamber on Instagram and use the hashtag #chamberofaction! We'll share your posts.

Participants will be eligible to win prizes quarterly! More information: Birmingham-Bloomfield Chamber

#FamousChamber of Commerce Quotations: Warren Buffett

It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you'll do things differently. - Warren Buffet

Northern Virginia Chamber names new CEO

The Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce has hired longtime association executive Julie Coons as CEO and president.

Coons, who will take over Sept. 10, steps into the slot vacated by Jim Corcoran in early April. The chamber is the third-largest business organization in Greater Washington, reporting $3.12 million in revenue in 2017. It had 671 members as of June, up from 650 the year prior.

The newly named CEO most recently was chief operating officer at Arlington-based Council of Better Business Bureaus, an umbrella organization of national programs and charitable organizations with nearly $31 million in annual revenue. Coons, who couldn't be immediately reached for comment, was originally hired as its executive vice president of national programs in January 2017.

Chamber Chairwoman Jennifer Siciliano, chief communications and external affairs officer at Inova Health System, said in a statement that Coons' track record of leading such organizations and her past collaborations with and advocacy for businesses makes her “uniquely positioned” to lead the chamber into its next season of growth.

Coons previously served as CEO of the Electronic Retailing Association from December 2008 to April 2016, CEO of the Maryland Tech Council from October 2004 to November 2008 and executive vice president at the Wireless Infrastructure Association from April 2001 to October 2004.

At the Electronic Retailing Association, she took over an organization operating in the red and, across eight years, cut its liabilities and expenses to yield positive net income, according to nonprofit disclosures I reviewed. Earlier this year, the association said it would cease operations because of declines in its revenue and number of dues-paying members.

Corcoran took the helm of the Northern Virginia chamber in 2010, when it was called the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce. In 2015, he led the group's rebranding effort, saying the regional name better reflected its mission. Corcoran, who most recently earned $242,375 in compensation in 2016, the most recent year available, stayed on after his announced departure until the middle of June to assist with the transition. No reason was given for his departure.

In the chamber's statement on its new leadership Wednesday, Coons hailed its business reputation in the region and said the group is well-positioned to develop new opportunities for businesses. The chamber made lobbying for dedicated Metro funding one of its top priorities leading up to a decision by all three jurisdictions to approve a transit funding boost earlier this year. It has also hosted several economic events in recent months, while kickstarting its own incubator and accelerator program.

The McCormick Group, a national executive search consulting firm, led the search.

Chesterton branding team looking for input on future of downtown

The town's new branding leadership team is looking for opinions on the future direction of the downtown, from both residents and visitors.

"We want to know what they will support, what will drive them to the downtown and drive them to stay longer," said Lorelei Weimer, executive director of Indiana Dunes Tourism, which formed the team last year along with the Duneland Chamber of Commerce.

The survey, surveymonkey.com/r/chesterton, asks a variety of questions from how often someone visits to what kind of shops and activities are desired and whether or not the taker would support the town pursuing a quiet zone for frequent trains passing through the downtown.

The survey, Weimer said, is the latest effort of the Chesterton Branding Leadership Team.

Weimer and chamber president Maura Durham formed the team, made up of various town and business leaders, about a year ago.

Durham said they had been getting calls about businesses leaving Chesterton and from other businesses interested in settling in the town.

"We realized we didn't have a vision for what the downtown should look like," she said, adding she called Weimer, then dusted off a previous branding report which essentially gave her an idea of "what could and should we look like."

"Essentially we found a gold mine," said Durham, who put together the leadership team. Read more: NWI Times

Gulfport Chamber of Commerce Legislative Luncheon

The casino industry has greatly shaped the Mississippi Gulf Coast and with sports betting on the rise, the Gulfport Chamber of Commerce chose to have the executive director of the Mississippi Gaming Commission speak at their legislative luncheon.

Allen Godfrey spoke to members of the chamber of commerce and other community members on the overall history of the gaming industry in Mississippi and how sports betting will fall into that history.

Godfrey says every casino on the Gulf Coast has at least shown interest with only one not having a sports book up and running or in the works. “It’s huge. It’s big, a lot of excitement. They’re starting out small, most of them are starting out small with an investment and their anticipation is it will grow which will mean more investment and reinvestment in their properties and based on what I’ve seen it is generating additional foot traffic.”

Sports betting officially opened at the Hard Rock today as well as Boomtown Casino and Hollywood Casino. The Beau Rivage and IP Casino have already been taking sports bets. The Palace and Harrah’s sports books open Monday. Read more: WXXV 25

Community Development Foundation (CDF) chairman

As president of one of the largest construction companies in the South, Jerry Maxcy has a big-picture view of the economy not only in the region, but across the nation.

As chairman of the Community Development Foundation, he helps set the tone for the economic development group that recruits and retains business and industry not just for Tupelo and Lee County, but also for the rest of Northeast Mississippi.

But Maxcy sees CDF as more than an economic development tool.

“It’s really a catalyst for a lot of things,” he said. “There’s the Chamber of Commerce within the CDF that drive a lot of the leadership programs that a lot of business utilize. There are the lunch-and-learn programs and the high-energy Ignite conference we had and which we’ll have again in January.”

Maxcy said the primary mission of CDF hasn’t changed, no matter who happens to be the chairman.

“CDF continues to recruit industry, secure buildable sites and help benefit not just Lee County, but all of the region with high-paying jobs,” he said.

And CDF leadership has nothing but high praise for Maxcy, who has taken a very active role in the organization.

“Jerry brings a well-seasoned depth of experience with him, having served on the board and executive committee and as chairman of last year’s governance committee,” said David Rumbarger, president and CEO of the CDF. “He has already made the organization more efficient and progressive.

“With the economy and prospect activity trending up, his experience in the industrial sector will be a valuable asset. He is a hard-working leader and has the right business values and drive with any task he takes on. We’re in for a great year with Jerry helping move the community ahead.”

Maxcy heads a construction company, JESCO, that has successfully operated for more than 75 years.

JESCO, started in 1941 by Joseph E. Staub as a remodeling business, has grown into a $200 million-plus company, one of the largest in the South.

In 1973, the company changed its name to JESCO Inc. to better reflect its range of services, including general construction, industrial services, millwright-maintenance, steel fabrication, mechanical-electrical, design and more. Since 1999, the company has been a wholly owned subsidiary of the Philadelphia, Mississippi-based Yates Companies. Read more: Daily Journal

The Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin is Back! #MadeInWis

This morning, WMC Director of Communications & Marketing Nick Novak was featured on WKOW Channel 27 in Madison previewing a contest happening all across the state: The Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin. Novak says, "We have a vibrant manufacturing industry in the state, and nearly 1 in 5 workers work in the manufacturing industry in Wisconsin. To be completely honest, we just make some really cool things here." This contest is a great way to not only highlight Wisconsin's rich manufacturing industry, but also to show off all the really cool things companies make in the state every day.

You can participate in this contest right now by visiting www.madeinwis.com to nominate a company and product that's made in Wisconsin. The nomination period ends on August 31 and voting will begin in September.

Dubuque Area Chamber Monthly Membership Luncheon features Congressman Rod Blum

The Chamber's Monthly Membership Luncheon shares relevant and current topics and conversations with the focus of informing and engaging our members on matters that effect business. Luncheons will be held on the third Thursday of the month at the Hotel Julien Dubuque from Noon to 1 PM. This event is complimentary with your Chamber membership. You must RSVP to attend.

The September Monthly Membership Luncheon will feature presenter Rod Blum will share ‘The State of Congress’ with attendees. Your Chamber is happy to bring you the latest Congressional News from Capitol Hill with our Congressman, Rod Blum. This will be an informative luncheon on proposed and passed legislation that could have an effect on business.

Location:

Hotel Julien Dubuque
200 Main St.
Dubuque, IA 52001

Date/Time Information:

Thurs., Sept. 20
12-1 PM

Contact Information:

Send an Email

Fees/Admission:

This event is complimentary with your Chamber membership.
You must RSVP to attend.

#FamousChamber of Commerce Quotations: (three events in one day):

"When you are totally exhausted but have to keep going, wash your face and hands and put on clean socks and a clean shirt. You will feel remarkably refreshed". --- H. Jackson Brown, Life's Little Instruction Book, Volume II

5 Star Chamber: Rapid City Area Chamber of Commerce 2018 Community Guide & Membership Directory

The Rapid City Area Chamber of Commerce 2018 Community Guide & Membership Directory is available at the Rapid City Chamber today! Thanks to Linda Rabe, Lynn Kendall, Shiloh Francis and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!

Rapid City 2018 Community Guide & Membership Directory

ADP advantage: What's the future of solar power in the Pine Belt, as two local solar farms mark their first year?

The sun is beating down on a 90-degree day at Mississippi's largest solar farm — a 52-megawatt facility located off Mississippi 42 in Sumrall.

The sun's rays are vital to the operation of the facility, which provides electricity to Mississippi Power customers. It has generated more than 12.6 million kilowatt hours since June 2017 when it opened.

That amount powers about 8,000 households, with the energy from the enterprise going wherever the demand is. All Mississippi Power customers benefit from it.

The amazing thing about the farm is that it also runs on the sun's energy.

"It's all self-powered," said Tony Smith, Mississippi Power Renewable Projects manager, as he stands near a row of panels. "The solar charges a battery during the day that turns the panels at night." …….. (edited for brevity)……

Chad Newell, president of Area Development Partnership, said the area is becoming a magnet for solar power.

"With a total of approximately $300 million in new solar farms, generating over 150 megawatts of green energy on 1,500 acres of property, Greater Hattiesburg is a solar leader here in the Gulf South," he said in an email. "It is also nice for Greater Hattiesburg to be known as a green community, which is attractive to many major corporations that have corporate responsibility and sustainability as part of their overall mission."

Beasley agrees the abundance of solar power in the Hattiesburg area makes it attractive to new businesses and residents.

"For a community like Hattiesburg to be able to call itself the solar hub — it's a tool in the tool box to recruit industry," he said. "To have clean, low-cost, renewable power benefits all Mississippi Power ratepayers." Read more: Hattiesburg American

#BestChamber practices: Batavia Area Chamber: Chamber Testimonials on website ( 1 of a Dozen)

Alarm Detection Systems has been a member of the Batavia Chamber of Commerce for many years. ADS is very active in the NFIB, the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, and several national industry groups. So belonging to the local chambers fits with our general understanding that with success comes the need to support the business community in general. Batavia was no exception. It was just a few short years ago that we learned the real value of the Batavia Chamber specifically.

Tri-Com Central Dispatch, which serves Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles and Elburn had abruptly made a decision that would effectively eliminate competition for commercial fire alarm monitoring within their service area. The net result would have been dissolving all the fire alarm monitoring business we built in the area since 1968 and by not allowing competition; it would drive up the cost of monitoring for all business owners. It was then we realized the full value of the Batavia Chamber of Commerce.

The chamber leadership and some concerned customers appeared for us before the Batavia City Council who was involved in the adoption of the Tri-Com resolution. To the credit of the City of Batavia, Mayor Jeff Schielke and City Manager Bill McGrath ran the most transparent meetings in the Tri-Cities giving us the best hearing of any community. The chamber being out front for us was huge. At the end of this long skirmish, the measure failed and fair competition for business prevailed.

In part because of the Batavia Chamber advocating for us, Alarm Detection Systems continues to grow as the largest private alarm company in Illinois. More importantly to the membership, every fire alarm subscriber in Batavia has choices to pick the most reasonably priced fire monitoring their money can buy.

Kim Keating - Chamber Board Member since 2011

Executive Officer - Alarm Detection Systems, Inc.

Chairman's Circle Member

Read more testimonials: Batavia Area Chamber Testimonials

Accreditation Self-Analysis Survey for Local Chambers of Commerce

Please use the following checklist to determine if you're ready to apply for accreditation.

Governance

1. Does the chamber have an article of incorporation or a charter?

2. Is the chamber's mission statement clear and feasible?

3. Bylaws:

· Do they regulate the main areas of chamber management;

· Are they considered to be adequate for the laws of the state to the protection of both the chamber and its members; and

· Have they been shared with the board?

4. Organizational Structure: Is it clear and appropriate to the chamber's size and goals? Has the chamber developed an organization chart depicting flow of information and hierarchy?

5. Are there appropriate term limits and job descriptions in place for the board of directors?

6. Are board meetings held on a regular basis and are minutes kept on file?

7. Does a review process exist to evaluate the performance of officers and directors?

8. Are the proper committees in place for the chamber to meet goals?

Finance

1. Does the chamber meet generally accepted accounting practices? (GAAP)

2. Are the chamber's financial policies and procedures documented in a manual?

3. Is an annual operational budget in place (including costs for all programs, management and fundraising) and is it approved by the board?

4. Does the board of directors review and approve all financial statements?

5. Does the chamber maintain current financial statements?

6. Does the chamber maintain liability insurance or director and officer insurance?

7. Does the chamber meet the Accreditation standards for conducting an audit?

· Chambers with revenue below $500,000 must:

· Conduct an annual review by a certified financial firm

· Conduct an audit every three years

· Chambers with revenue of more than $500,000 must:

· Conduct an annual review by a certified financial firm

· Conduct an audit every other year

8. Does the chamber meet IRS and state filing requirements?

9. Does the chamber withhold and report taxes from employee paychecks to the IRS and state and local government?

Human Resources and Staff

1. Are there distinct roles and job descriptions set up for staff?

2. Does staff understand the chamber's mission and program of action?

3. Are personnel policies in place and current?

4. Does the chamber meet federal and state regulations regarding employees?

Government Affairs

1. Does the chamber have a systematic procedure in place to identify government affairs issues critical to the business community?

2. Does the chamber create a legislative agenda and share it with the membership?

3. Does the chamber communicate its positions on priority issues with elected officials?

4. Does the chamber actively share state/U.S. Chamber information with its members?

5. Has the chamber established a grassroots network?

Program Development

1. Does the chamber understand issues and needs important to all segments of the membership?

2. Does the chamber collect member feedback at least annually?

3. Does the chamber provide an annual report to its members?

4. Has the chamber developed a strategic plan or business plan for the current year?

5. Does the chamber understand the impending factors that will affect the chamber?

Technology

1. Does the chamber have functioning telephone, computer, and mailing systems?

2. Does the chamber keep its computer systems current and secure?

3. Does the chamber use anti-virus software?

4. Does the chamber have a membership database that can track membership information, dues, participation?

5. Does the chamber back up data regularly?

6. Has the chamber developed a data protection and privacy policy?

7. Does the chamber have a Web site that is updated regularly?

8. Is the chamber's Web site registered on Web site search engines?

Communications

1. Has the chamber developed a written communications and marketing plan with clear annual goals?

2. Does the chamber use diverse forms of media to promote the chamber?

3. Does the chamber contact members at least monthly?

4. Does the chamber's Web site communicate general information about the chamber?

5. Can the chamber communicate with members using mass-distribution e-mails?

6. Does the chamber comply with federal CAN-SPAM requirements?

7. Does the chamber issue press releases to local and regional media outlets?

Facilities

1. Does the chamber's facility project an appropriate business image, and is the facility accessible by the public?

2. Does the chambers facility support the chamber’s communications and technology capabilities?

3. Is the workplace kept neat, clean and free of potential safety hazards

4. Is the workplace inspected annually by a safety professional?

5. Does the chamber facility meet accepted OSHA regulations?

6. Is a crisis plan in place?

7. Are employees trained or educated about the crisis plan?

If you answered no to any of these questions, you are not ready to apply for accreditation.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce: Accreditation

Accreditation with the United States Chamber of Commerce is the only program of its kind that defines excellence in chamber planning and recognizes chambers for outstanding contributions toward positive change in their communities. The purpose of the U.S. Chamber's Accreditation Program is to facilitate continuing excellence in the chamber industry and to foster a pro-business environment across America.

Access the June 2018 Accreditation statistics here:

June 2018 Accredited Chambers (83.65 KB)

Who is Accredited?

There are over 850 chambers that have participated in the program since 1964. Currently, 204 chambers carry this distinction. With approximately 7,000 chambers in the United States, Accreditation with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is a prestigious honor that distinguishes the high quality, expertise, and strong leadership displayed by Accredited state and local chambers of commerce.

Why become Accredited?

By earning Accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, a chamber shows its dedication to:

Reviewing, improving, and promoting strong business practices

Recognizing leadership and outstanding contributions to the community

Supporting the principles of free enterprise and promoting pro-growth policies at federal, state, and local levels

Establishing best practices and staying in-step with industry changes

Are you ready to apply for Accreditation?

Questions? Contact:

Ali Ehrlich, IOM, CAE

Director of Operations

Political Affairs & Federation Relations

aehrlich@uschamber.com

202-463-5760

Howell Area Chamber of Commerce welcomes new Chamber President after lengthy search

The Howell Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to welcome new Chamber President, Janelle K. Best to the Howell community. Janelle currently serves as the Executive Director of the Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce, a position she has held since January of 2015. Previous Chamber President, Pat Convery, retired earlier this year after over 15 years as the organization’s President & CEO and with over 26 years collectively with the Howell Chamber.

The search for a new Howell Chamber President was a national search, with emphasis on finding a candidate with Michigan and Great Lakes roots. The national search included the team-efforts of Organization Dynamics, LLC, a national firm out of Denver, CO, advisors to business-led non-profits as well as the direction of a search committee made up of dedicated, long-term Howell Chamber members and friends, including Search Committee Chair, Ashley Prew (Prew Law, P.C. of-counsel for the Law Offices of Casey D. Conklin), Don Cortez (First Impression Print & Marketing), Mike Hall (Cobb-Hall Insurance), Jeanne Clum, and Trevor Brooks (Laurex Real Estate and The UPS Store).

The strategic search for a new executive leader led to many candidates, but Janelle Best stood out with her leadership and dedication within a local chamber and community resulting in increased revenue, membership numbers and new successful events. She is passionate about her local community as a member of the Clarkston Community Education Advisory Board, My Habitat Clarkston Steering Committee, Community Awards Committee, Hunger Walk Committee and Clarkston State Bank Back Roads ½ Marathon Committee. Janelle was also named as one of Oakland County’s Elite 40 under 40 in 2018.

Janelle graduated from Clarkston High School and obtained a bachelor’s degree in Fine Art from the International Academy of Design and Technology. Her career at the Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce began in 2013 when she was hired as Economic and Workforce Development Coordinator. In 2015, Janelle accepted the position of Executive Director and worked to increase revenue and chamber membership. Earlier in 2018, Janelle obtained an express graduate status from the Institute of Organization Management, a designation recognized and respected within the chamber and non-profit industries.

Janelle Best’s first day as President of the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce will be Monday, October 22, 2018.

“Janelle is an experienced chamber leader. I am confident in her ability and believe she will be excellent CEO to lead the Howell chamber in the future.” offered Jeff Rey, (Express Employment Professionals), chair of the Chamber’s board of directors.

“I also want to extend my sincere gratitude to everyone on the board and executive committee for their input and guidance over the last several weeks. Further, we are all deeply appreciative to those serving on the search committee. We are indebted to each for their expertise, careful consideration, diligence and patience with the succession plan process over the last six months along with Kim Esper who faithfully served as interim President,” commented Jeff. More: Howell Area Chamber

Lake Zurich Chamber of Commerce 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!

Lake Zurich Area Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Guide and Business Directory

Town Square Publications (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.

Elizabeth Cromwell Named Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce President

The Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors today announced that it has hired Elizabeth Cromwell as the new president and CEO of the Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce. Cromwell has been the president and CEO of the Frederick County, Maryland Chamber of Commerce since 2014.

“We were not only seeking a competent leader, but an exceptional one, and Elizabeth checked all of the boxes,” said Pete Caramanis, 2018 chair-elect of the Chamber Board of Directors and co-chair of the executive search committee to find the new Chamber president. “Elizabeth is the strategic thinker and relationship builder that our Chamber desires and our community needs. She shares our Board’s ambitious vision, and her hiring is a big step toward modernizing our Chamber and making it relevant and important to all members of our business community.”

The search committee members first became acquainted with Cromwell when she brought a contingent of people from Frederick to Charlottesville for the Tom Tom Founders Festival in April, 2018.

“I am honored to be selected to sustain and strengthen the Charlottesville Regional Chamber and thank the Board for its decision. My background at the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce is directly relevant to the opportunities the Charlottesville Chamber has identified for future success, and I am looking forward to joining Charlottesville’s vibrant business community,” said Cromwell. Cromwell’s start date is October 1, 2018, and she will be relocating to Charlottesville in the interim.

With 30 years of experience in the public and private sectors, Cromwell’s background includes marketing, public relations, corporate partnerships, advocacy and large-scale event management. Cromwell received Frederick Community College’s Business Leadership Award (2015) and the Maryland Daily Record’s Most Admired CEO Award in 2015 and 2017. In 2016, she accepted an invitation to join the Forbes Nonprofit Council and now occasionally writes columns for Forbes.com. Read more: NBC29.com

#chamberhire - Lake County Chamber Announces New Executive Director, Sedrik Newbern

The Lake County Chamber of Commerce would like to announce and welcome Sedrik Newbern as the Interim Executive Director for the Lake County Chamber of Commerce. Sedrik comes to us with a broad range of experience in business, sales and marketing. We look forward to work with Sedrik on several new programs and opportunities for the Chamber.

As a recognized leader in sales and marketing, Sedrik has developed and conducted over 500 workshops on marketing strategies and sales processes for over 2,500 business owners and leaders over the last 25 years. He has also consulted with over 1,000 small business owners on marketing strategy, processes and measurement. His success as a small business owner and consultant has been driven by his ability to develop local value-added added advertising and sponsorships with integrated social media and public relations campaigns to create sales opportunities.

He has served on several non-profit boards and committees including serving as co-founder of The Precious Gift of Hope Foundation. For his leadership in business and in the community, Sedrik has been recognized as one of Lake County Illinois’ Most Influential African Americans, received the Alumni Achievement Award from Western Kentucky University Gordon Ford School of Business and received the Entrepreneur of the Year Award and Civic Leadership Award from the Chamber of Commerce. A native of Nashville, TN, Sedrik holds a BS in Marketing from Western Kentucky University and an MBA with a concentration in Economics from Tennessee State University.

Stewart Kerr, the former Executive Director, has decided to pursue other opportunities in the area. The Board of Directors of the Lake County Chamber of Commerce would like to thank Stewart for his many years of service to the Chamber and is grateful for all the work he has done to bring the Lake County Chamber of Commerce the programs and relationships that have been built over the years. We wish Stewart well in all his endeavors. www.lakecountychamber.com

Marion Chamber of Commerce seats new executive director

The Marion Chamber of Commerce has a new face at the helm.

Karen Mullins of Benton attended her first chamber luncheon as the new executive director, replacing Dalus Ben Avi, who left to take a position with Centerstone.

Mullins was the executive director of the Benton/West City Chamber for the past three years. She said Ben Avi approached her in July, asking her to consider applying for the position.

"I went through the interview process and enjoyed learning about their mission and organizational goals," she said. "My background, history with nonprofits, and chamber experiences met their needs for the position and an offer was made."

Mullins is a graduate of Benton High School. She earned a B.A. from DePauw University and a M.A. from Purdue University.

While living in Indianapolis, Mullins worked for the local PBS/NPA affiliate. She returned to Benton in 2012 and worked for several local businesses prior to her position with the chamber in 2015.

"This is different from the Benton/West City Chamber," said Mullins.

That organization tends to host large public events that serve the community while drawing in visitors.

"Every chamber is organized differently, and this job reflects that difference."

Mullins said Marion's membership is larger, so their projects and events reflect the variety within the membership.

She said with a full event calendar already in place, she doesn't foresee any big organizational changes right now.

Mullins noted that the chamber will host a legislative summit in late August and will partner with other regional chambers for the "Shop Southern Illinois" program, geared to promote locally based shopping during the holiday season.

"I am very thankful for my time with the Benton/West City Chamber," she said. "I will miss the members that I have gotten to know over the past three years. I look forward to working with the new director on regional chamber project that will help businesses across the area." Read more: Marion Republican

Toro Company and Tomah Chamber Coordinate Emergency Response to Flood Damage

Leadership from the Toro Company in Tomah met with the Tomah Chamber and Visitors Center on Thursday, August 30th to discuss the devastating flood damage in our neighboring communities.

The Toro Company is issuing a plea and challenge to businesses in the area to help provide relief to the flooding victims in neighboring communities. Beginning Monday, September 10th, the Toro Company will have at their premise an empty semi trailer. They are urging businesses to help fill the trailer with much needed supplies of water, non-perishable food, bleach and cleaning supplies and pet food. All containers must be new and not opened.

Toro’s Director of Operations, Chris Hacker, stated “this isn’t just our employees in Monroe County who are deeply affected, we also have employees in Vernon and Juneau Counties that need our help.” Hacker is urging the businesses in Tomah and surrounding areas to pool their resources and help to get supplies to the areas where they are so desperately needed.

Tomah Chamber and Visitors Center President/CEO, Tina Thompson, added that “Tomah is the big city compared to the surrounding villages and communities that surround us. Tomah employs their residents and has more resources than some of these rural communities. I know that the businesses here can step up and do great things when there is a need. We’ve all seen the devastation, and now is that time.”

Tomah Mayor, Mike Murray, also added that “people in the area want to help, but don’t know how…this is how.”

Relief items can be taken to Toro at 200 Sime Avenue beginning on September 10th through the 14th from 6:00 AM until 3:30 PM. The goal is to fill the semi trailer. The Tomah Chamber and Visitors Center will be working with the Salvation Army, Red Cross and other involved relief aid organizations to communicate the needs as well as the distribution of donated items.

Companies and individuals wanting to make monetary donations can do so at any Tomah F & M Bank location. More information: Tomah Chamber

Job Openings in #ChamberWorld - President/Chief Executive Officer
ITH Staffing and Consulting - Midland, MI
$150,000 a year

Direct hire for The Midland Business Alliance (MBA). The Midland Business Alliance (MBA) represents more than 3,000 businesses as Midland’s business hub, leading the business community with a unified voice and serving a vibrant community in which people, industry and businesses prosper. The mission of the MBA is to support the attraction, development and growth of businesses throughout Midland by providing an integrated portfolio of tools and resources. Initially formed in 2016, the MBA has aligned and integrated its operations to better serve the business community.

The President and Chief Executive Officer will lead the MBA and provide business leadership and economic development growth throughout the Midland community. The MBA has total assets of $10.8 million had a 2017 annual operating budget of $5.3 million.

The MBA is a 501(c)(4) organization, with the following divisions:

Midland Area Chamber of Commerce, CBM Services Inc., Midland Tomorrow, Mitcon.

The President and CEO of the Midland Business Alliance is responsible for leading the economic and community development efforts in Midland, Michigan. The President and CEO will have a major role in creating, directing and influencing policy development and all economic and community development functions. He or she is involved in high-level interaction with executives of companies of all sizes, university leaders, government officials, the philanthropic community, and other leaders and officials. Other important interactions include executives and employees, representatives of other public and private sector partnership organizations, members of the media and representatives of target and prospect organizations. More information: Chamber of Commerce Daily News

Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S.

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Last Month’s Stories

ARE YOU READY to take the next step for personal development in your chamber career? Have you considered pursuing a CCE? Look through the guidelines... get more information in a CCE Workshop webinar on Oct. 10, 2018

Here are some of the workshop materials for your reference from the CCE Workshop held during the ACCE Convention in Des Moines. Please read through this material and consider your future plans.

1. A PDF copy of the workshop presentation

2. Intent to Apply form

3. 2019 CCE application. Note: We recommend that you open and save a blank copy of the CCE application to your own computer, and then work from that as complete the application. If you work on the application on-line, changes may not be saved.

4. 2019 application guidelines

As we discussed during the presentation, we will be accepting applications through an online link that will be on our CCE website page beginning on September 1. More information on the CCE program can be found on this page as well. The application due date for the 2019 class is January 7, 2019.

FYI, we will be holding a CCE Workshop webinar on October 10, 2018 at 2 pm ET that will cover essentially the same points we reviewed in the convention workshop. It may be of interest to others who are interested in the process, so please feel free to pass along this registration link or use it to join us again if you would like.

I hope that you all will consider applying for your CCE when the time is right for you and your career. Please don't hesitate to contact me at smcguire@acce.org if you have any questions about the process.

All the best, Susan McGuire- Please email Susan McGuire, ACCE Manager of Professional Development and Programs. - More FAQ here: CCE FAQ

Meet the newest Certified Chamber Executives Learn more about the Certified Chamber Executive designation and meet our CCE Commissioners.

Paducah Chamber Receives 5-Star Accreditation From U.S. Chamber Paducah Chamber

Greater Green Bay Chamber Named Finalist for National Award Contact: Niina Baum, marketing communications manager, 920-593-3423 or nbaum@greatergbc.org

The Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC) and Women’s Biz Net (WBN)WBN to Honor Outstanding Women Leaders on Sept. 27 at OWL Awards Luncheon at Biltmore Country Club Suzanne Corr, BACC President, at 847-381-2525 or suzanne@BarringtonChamber.com
The Virginia Association Of Chamber Of Commerce Executives (VACCE) Announces 2018-19 Officers And Board Members

Christian Maslowski named Indiana Chamber Executive of Year The Southside Times

Valparaiso chamber receives national recognition NWI Times

Governor Northam, Mayor Bowser, and Governor Hogan to Speak at Annual Capital Region Business Forum on September 6 Contact: Chauka K. Reid, Business Development Manager, creid@pgcoc.org-301.731.5000

Geneva Chamber of Commerce Announces New President www.genevachamber.com

Dozens of Wisconsin companies give millions in raises, bonuses, because of federal tax reform Watchdog.org

Lauren Sackett New Executive Director at Rhineland Area Chamber of Commerce WJFW Newswatch 12

Thomas Donahue: The US Chamber applauds the administration for its new rule expanding Association Health Plans (AHPs) – U.S. Chamber

City of Flint awarded $30-million HUD grant to transform neighborhoods in south & north Flint READ MORE

Portage County Business Council: Business Retention Expansion Initiative contact Todd Kuckkahn, Executive Director, Portage County Business Council; tkuckkahn@portagecountybiz.com; 715-344-1940.

East Mississippi Business Development Corporation recruits for the Leadership Lauderdale program WGBC TV

Foxconn buying WaterMark building for Green Bay innovation center WBAY

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

#lovemychamber - Downriver’s Signature Tasting Event Returns This August Contact: Ronald J. Hinrichs, President, Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber of Commerce; Tel: 734.284.6000

Craft beer drives tourism to the Gulf Coast WABC 5

Job Openings in #Chamberworld last month–

President - Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau - Hudson, WI Special Report - Job Openings in #ChamberWorld -Week of July 30th

Executive Director - Greater Salem Chamber of Commerce - Salem, IL 62881 $40,000 - $45,000 a year Special Report - Job Openings in #ChamberWorld -Week of July 30th

Executive Director - Gratiot Area Chamber of Commerce - Alma, MI - $40,000 - $50,000 a year Special Report - Job Openings in #ChamberWorld -Week of July 30th

Marketing Manager - Latin American Chamber of Commerce - Chicago, IL - $40,000 - $75,000 a year Special Report - Job Openings in #ChamberWorld -Week of July 30th

Vice President,Chamber & Quality of Life-Greater Lafayette Commerce - Lafayette, IN Special Report - Job Openings in #ChamberWorld -Week of July 30th

Best,

John

John Dussman | Chamber Partner
jdussman@tspubs.com | 847-427-4633 | Town Square Publications
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