Good morning #ChamberWorld! It's going to be a GREAT day!
What's the Midwest's economic outlook?
Find out what the economy has in store at Forecast Lake County 2019 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Jan. 17 at White Deer Run Golf Club, 250 W. Gregg's Parkway, Vernon Hills.
The signature event presented by the Lake County Chamber of Commerce provides business and government leaders a chance to examine economic issues, challenges and opportunities. William Strauss, senior economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and an economic adviser, is the featured speaker.
Cost is $45 for members and $65 for nonmembers. Call (847) 249-3800 to register or contact Julieth Gallardo at admin@lakecountychamber.org. Read more: Daily Herald
West Coast Chamber named Michigan Outstanding Chamber of the Year
The West Coast Chamber of Commerce received the Michigan Outstanding Chamber of Commerce Award from the Michigan Association of Chamber Professionals at an annual convention in October.Each year, the highest-scoring application in each of three categories (small, mid-size and large) receives the award. The West Coast Chamber, competing in the large category, earned 95 out of 100 points.
“This was our first time applying and it was the highest score they’ve ever given,” said Caroline Monahan, director of marketing and communications. “We were very happy.”
The 21-page application took a holistic look at the chamber, including everything from governance and financial stability to innovative programming.
“We’re all here for the greater good,” said Monahan. “The chamber is meant to be a hub where people can collaborate and make a connection they didn’t even realize was out there. You never know when that can set your business on a path forward.”
According to West Coast Chamber President Jane Clark, following the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) — modeled in the book “Traction” by Gino Wickman — has helped the chamber stand out.
“The EOS was a highlight in our application,” said Clark. “We have about 25 companies in town that follow the same management philosophy. But for a chamber to adopt that system for its day-to-day operations is pretty unique. We operate like our member businesses, and that helped us catch the attention of chambers across the country.”
Other groundbreaking programs at the West Coast Chamber include West Coast Leadership and Advocacy in Action. The leadership program — now in its thirtieth year — has over 800 graduates.
“The leadership program exists to support the leaders we have in this community,” said Vice President Jodi Owczarski. “We give them an opportunity to experience the community in a way they wouldn’t otherwise. It gives them visibility and access and makes them a better leader in their organization.”
Advocacy in Action aims to build relationships between business owners and decision makers.
“A lot of people see the chamber and think about events,” said Monahan. “But we’ve found the backbone of what we do is relationship building. One of the areas where we can help our members make valuable connections is through our advocacy programs. We package those under Advocacy in Action, which brings people together with key decision makers and elected officials to get our members involved in that conversation.”
According to MACP, there are 317 chambers in the state of Michigan. The West Coast Chamber of Commerce has over 1,250 members, representing more than 65,000 employees in the greater Holland/Zeeland area.
“The basic concept of our chamber is that businesses come together for the good of the entire community,” said Clark. “When you have thriving businesses, you have a thriving community, and that’s what residents are seeing here.”
To Owczarski, the award represents more than an accomplishment for the chamber.
“It shows there are great things happening in our community,” she said. “And we get to be at the heart of them.” Read more: Holland Sentinel
WEDC doles out $1.25 million to Milwaukee-area business organizations
Minority chambers, associations get a boost
The Milwaukee-based African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin has received $200,000, some of which will also support the Wisconsin Black Chamber of Commerce and Madison Black Chamber of Commerce.
In addition, Milwaukee-based Hmong Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce received $200,000, which will also support the Latino Entrepreneurial Network and the Wisconsin United Coalition of Mutual Assistance Associations.
The Hales Corners-based American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin received $175,000, which will also support the Wisconsin Business Alliance. The WBA consists of First American Capital Corp., the Wisconsin Native Loan Fund, First Nationals Community Financial and NiiJii Capital.
Another $175,000 went to the Milwaukee-based Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin, which will also support the Latino Chamber of Commerce of Dane County.
And another $500,000 went to the Milwaukee-based Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corp., the Milwaukee-based Wisconsin Veterans Chamber of Commerce, the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce, and to the expansion of the Kiva microloan program for minority-owned, veteran-owned and women-owned businesses in designated downtown districts statewide.
“WEDC has a longstanding relationship with these organizations, which are instrumental in providing minority-owned businesses with the capital and resources they need to succeed,” said Mark Hogan, secretary and chief executive officer of WEDC. “Our investment in the minority chambers is critical in supporting their efforts to provide direct assistance to minority-owned businesses and employers within their respective communities.” Read more: Biz Times
In addition, Milwaukee-based Hmong Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce received $200,000, which will also support the Latino Entrepreneurial Network and the Wisconsin United Coalition of Mutual Assistance Associations.
The Hales Corners-based American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin received $175,000, which will also support the Wisconsin Business Alliance. The WBA consists of First American Capital Corp., the Wisconsin Native Loan Fund, First Nationals Community Financial and NiiJii Capital.
Another $175,000 went to the Milwaukee-based Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin, which will also support the Latino Chamber of Commerce of Dane County.
And another $500,000 went to the Milwaukee-based Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corp., the Milwaukee-based Wisconsin Veterans Chamber of Commerce, the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce, and to the expansion of the Kiva microloan program for minority-owned, veteran-owned and women-owned businesses in designated downtown districts statewide.
“WEDC has a longstanding relationship with these organizations, which are instrumental in providing minority-owned businesses with the capital and resources they need to succeed,” said Mark Hogan, secretary and chief executive officer of WEDC. “Our investment in the minority chambers is critical in supporting their efforts to provide direct assistance to minority-owned businesses and employers within their respective communities.” Read more: Biz Times
RevUp ShenCo winners announced
Winners of this year’s RevUp ShenCo competition were announced on Thursday evening with newcomer Box Office Brewery taking the chamber’s top prize of a $5,000 gold-level sponsorship with the Shenandoah County Chamber of Commerce.
RevUp ShenCo was introduced to the county last year as a way for established and prospective business owners to come together and learn about what it takes to run a small business. Participants submitted business plans and participated in classes and seminars. The chamber partnered with the towns to make the competition possible.
“This is the first program like this,” Sharon Baroncelli, chamber executive director, said on Friday about the partnership. “We usually have done things individually..now with us all working together, it’s wonderful.”
This year’s competition built on the success of the first one, but focused on digital marketing rather than startup plans.
While 65 men and women representing 31 different businesses participated in this year’s event, not everyone was in the race for a piece of the $20,000 pot. Of the 31 businesses, a little over half joined in on the competition.
Six businesses received grant money to help put their new digital marketing plans into action.
South Street Barn Market, Star in the Valley Estate Winery, Box Office Brewery, Lydia’s Clothes Closet, the Strasburg Museum and Wightman Insurance shared this year’s prize.
“It was not an easy decision for the judges,” Baroncelli said about the committee picking winners. “The grants that stood out really defined their target audience. Their ideal shopper, and the best ways to market to that target audience.” Read more: Northern Virginia Daily
#FamousChamber of Commerce Quotation: (Good advice)
"If your business depends on you, you don't have a business, you have a job. And it's the worst job in the world because you're working for a lunatic." - Michael Gerber - author of "The E-myth Revisited"
Gov. Matt Bevin leads trip to India to promote Kentucky investment
Gov. Matt Bevin has been selected by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to lead an economic development mission to India next month, according to a news release from Bevin’s office.
The news release said the U.S. delegation will attend a mid-January Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit and that the trip also will provide an opportunity for Bevin to promote Kentucky as a location for corporate investment.
The delegation will include representatives of the U.S.-India Business Council and Kentucky’s Cabinet for Economic Development.
More than 25,000 delegates for over 100 countries attended the last Vibrant Gujarat summit in 2003, the news release said. The event, "provides a platform for brainstorming agendas of global socio-economic development, in addition to being a facilitator for knowledge sharing and forging effective partnerships,” the release said.
Bevin said in the release, “This trip is an incredible opportunity to showcase Kentucky’s growth as an epicenter for global companies.” Read more: Courier Journal
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.
Ivy Tech Community College executive honored with Crossroad's ATHENA Award
Cindy J. Hall, executive director of resource development at Ivy Tech Community College's Northwest Indiana campuses, was honored with the award at the Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce’s “Around the World Gala” at the Avalon Manor.
The award honors excellence, community service and efforts to help women attain professional achievements and leadership skills. Hall was recognized for her 26 years as a fundraising professional responsible for career-long contributions of $26 million.
Hall serves on the Don Quijote Education Executive Board, is a member of the Northwest Indiana Information Sharing and Security Alliance, a newly formed nonprofit. She is also one of the founding members of the Association of Fundraising Professionals — Northwest Indiana chapter.
“Cindy is a model of mentorship,” Andrea Proulx Buinicki, president of Giving Focus LLC, said. “First, she actively seeks the leadership potential in the women surrounding her, whether we see it or not. Next, she invites us to leadership roles, lifting up our strengths and challenging us to grow. Last, Cindy supports the women in leadership with her own skills, talents and advice.”
“Volunteering and giving back to the community is simply the right thing to do,” Hall said. Read more: NWI Times
The Valparaiso Chamber Community Map is now available at the Valpo Chamber today! Thanks to Rex Richards, Danielle Oeding and Kurt Gillins and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!
Valparaiso Chamber map
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.
Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber: Pre-Legislative Briefing In Biloxi
Gov. Matt Bevin leads trip to India to promote Kentucky investment
Gov. Matt Bevin has been selected by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to lead an economic development mission to India next month, according to a news release from Bevin’s office.
The news release said the U.S. delegation will attend a mid-January Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit and that the trip also will provide an opportunity for Bevin to promote Kentucky as a location for corporate investment.
The delegation will include representatives of the U.S.-India Business Council and Kentucky’s Cabinet for Economic Development.
More than 25,000 delegates for over 100 countries attended the last Vibrant Gujarat summit in 2003, the news release said. The event, "provides a platform for brainstorming agendas of global socio-economic development, in addition to being a facilitator for knowledge sharing and forging effective partnerships,” the release said.
Bevin said in the release, “This trip is an incredible opportunity to showcase Kentucky’s growth as an epicenter for global companies.” Read more: Courier Journal
The Prairie du Chien Community Guide
The Prairie du Chien Chamber of Commerce Community Guide is available today at the Chamber of Commerce! Thank you to Bob Moses and the Chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!
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.
Ivy Tech Community College executive honored with Crossroad's ATHENA Award
Cindy Hall was named the recipient of the prestigious ATHENA Award.
Cindy J. Hall, executive director of resource development at Ivy Tech Community College's Northwest Indiana campuses, was honored with the award at the Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce’s “Around the World Gala” at the Avalon Manor.
The award honors excellence, community service and efforts to help women attain professional achievements and leadership skills. Hall was recognized for her 26 years as a fundraising professional responsible for career-long contributions of $26 million.
Hall serves on the Don Quijote Education Executive Board, is a member of the Northwest Indiana Information Sharing and Security Alliance, a newly formed nonprofit. She is also one of the founding members of the Association of Fundraising Professionals — Northwest Indiana chapter.
“Cindy is a model of mentorship,” Andrea Proulx Buinicki, president of Giving Focus LLC, said. “First, she actively seeks the leadership potential in the women surrounding her, whether we see it or not. Next, she invites us to leadership roles, lifting up our strengths and challenging us to grow. Last, Cindy supports the women in leadership with her own skills, talents and advice.”
“Volunteering and giving back to the community is simply the right thing to do,” Hall said. Read more: NWI Times
The NEW Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce Community Map
The Valparaiso Chamber Community Map is now available at the Valpo Chamber today! Thanks to Rex Richards, Danielle Oeding and Kurt Gillins and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!
Valparaiso Chamber map
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.
Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber: Pre-Legislative Briefing In Biloxi
This morning, the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce hosted their annual Pre-Legislative Briefing at the Golden Nugget Casino in Biloxi.
Representatives David Baria and Greg Haney, joined by Senators Michael Watson and Joel Carter, answered questions about the upcoming legislative session.
All four state officials agreed issues that will be on the agenda for the 2019 session will include topics like school safety, a teacher pay raise, as well as continuing discussion on the Mississippi lottery.
Senator Michael Watson told News 25 one of the pieces of legislation that he plans on bringing up to the Senate will be an amendment to a bill about human trafficking. “So, right now the way it works is somebody can call the attorney general’s office, call DHS or call wherever and it’s not funneled properly to the right person to make sure that these don’t fall through the cracks. That’s very important. So, what the legislation does is increases the penalties for those committing these acts. It also clarifies the reporting statue to make sure these aren’t falling through the cracks and we can respond immediately to these acts.”
The 2019 Legislative Session will begin January 8th in Jackson. Read more: WXXV
Representatives David Baria and Greg Haney, joined by Senators Michael Watson and Joel Carter, answered questions about the upcoming legislative session.
All four state officials agreed issues that will be on the agenda for the 2019 session will include topics like school safety, a teacher pay raise, as well as continuing discussion on the Mississippi lottery.
Senator Michael Watson told News 25 one of the pieces of legislation that he plans on bringing up to the Senate will be an amendment to a bill about human trafficking. “So, right now the way it works is somebody can call the attorney general’s office, call DHS or call wherever and it’s not funneled properly to the right person to make sure that these don’t fall through the cracks. That’s very important. So, what the legislation does is increases the penalties for those committing these acts. It also clarifies the reporting statue to make sure these aren’t falling through the cracks and we can respond immediately to these acts.”
The 2019 Legislative Session will begin January 8th in Jackson. Read more: WXXV
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
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