Arlington Chamber Celebrates 95th Annual Arlington Business Gala; The Cedarburg Chamber of Commerce Community Guide; West Kentucky Regional Chamber Alliance Holds First Meeting of 2019; Robert Moses Selected to serve another year as President of WCCE Board of Directors; WMC Wisconsin Student Resources Packet; Traverse City Area Chamber partnership: $10M aimed to promote sports and tourism; Romeoville Chamber of Commerce To Host "Planning Your Year Strategically" Business Lunch; Indiana Chamber concern: Governor is right to focus on workforce; How to Stay Safe During Record-Cold Weather; Greensburg-Decatur County Chamber of Commerce Community Map; Mississippi Economic Council Tour to Focus on Enhancing Mississippi's Opportunities - 12 locations still to go in 2019; 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!


Arlington Chamber Celebrates 95th Annual Arlington Business Gala

Sold-out event raises revenue to support Chamber's work to empower Arlington's business community

The Arlington Chamber of Commerce hosted its 95th Annual Arlington Business Gala on Saturday, January 26 at The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City. The sold-out gala, hosted by 2019 Chamber Chair Greg Hamilton of Arlington Magazine, was the Chamber's first major event of 2019 and entertained 370 guests, including members of the Virginia General Assembly, Arlington's Constitutional Officers, all five members of the Arlington County Board, and business leaders from across the area.

"This year's Arlington Business Gala was one of our most successful yet," said Chamber President & CEO Kate Bates. "Everyone in attendance had a terrific time and supported the Chamber's mission to strengthen Arlington's business environment. We are grateful for everyone who contributed to this event, and look forward to an exceptional 2019."

Attendees enjoyed a three-course dinner, mingling with fellow Arlington business leaders, dancing to music by the Bachelor Boys Band, and participating in the silent and live auctions. The silent auction featured items varying from all-inclusive tropical vacations and autographed sports memorabilia to fine jewelry, tickets to unique experiences around town, and more.

During the live auction, attendees had the chance to bid on high-demand items like 8 hours of transportation for a wine tour; a Washington Capitals package with an autographed goalie stick, a puck, and lower level tickets; a catered dinner for 50; and a luxurious two-night stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Central Park. Guests also had the opportunity to win a catered meal for 10 and to enter a raffle drawing to win accommodations to the award winning, five-star Establos Boutique Inn in Panama. VIPs in attendance included Senator Barbara Favola (D-Arlington); Delegate Patrick Hope (D-Arlington); Arlington County Board Chair Christian Dorsey, Vice Chair Libby Garvey, and members Katie Cristol, Matt de Ferranti, and Erik Gutshall; Sheriff Beth Arthur; Commissioner of Revenue Ingrid Morroy; Treasurer Carla de la Pava; and Commonwealth's Attorney Theo Stamos. This year's Arlington Business Gala was made possible thanks to our many sponsors, including Grand Sponsor Classic Cottages. The Cedarburg Chamber of Commerce Community Guide The Cedarburg Chamber of Commerce Community Guide & Map is available at the chamber today ! Thanks to the Maggie Dobson and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together! Cedarburg Community Guide Town Square Publications  (www.townsquarepublications.com) can help you accomplish your chamber's gloss map, directory, community profile or publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633. West Kentucky Regional Chamber Alliance Holds First Meeting of 2019 The West Kentucky Regional Chamber Alliance (WKRCA) Board of Directors recently met for a planning session for the upcoming year. Leading the meeting was Board Chair Matt Snow with Baptist Health Paducah. Snow said “I am excited to serve this year as Chair of the West Kentucky Regional Chamber Alliance. We serve as an alliance of Chambers in fourteen western Kentucky counties from Fulton County to Christian County. By working together with a common voice, there is no doubt we can make a major impact. We can assure that our concerns in western Kentucky regarding legislation, education, infrastructure and economic development are heard at the state and federal levels.” Serving with Snow on the Executive Committee are: Chair – Elect: Mike Radcliffe, Community Financial Services Bank (Marshall County) Treasurer: Mike Karnes, Williams, Williams & Lentz (McCracken County) Immediate Past Chair / Advocacy Chair: John Mahre, John C. Mahre, AIA, NCARB, Architect (Christian County) At Large Member: Lance Allison, Bacon Farmer Workman Engineering & Testing (Calloway County) At Large Member: Bruce Akin, First Kentucky Bank (Livingston County) At Large Member: Denise Thompson, Marketing / Social Media Chair, Mayfield – Graves County Chamber of Commerce At Large Member: Wendy Baxter, Website Chair, Sullivan University (Graves County) In addition, the West Kentucky Regional Chamber Alliance recently went through an organizational rebranding and is debuting its new logo (pictured above). Marketing / Social Media Chair Thompson said “Our new logo better communicates our organization’s identity and purpose. We also plan to increase our presence on social media to help keep the many communities we serve better informed about the work we do on their behalf.” The goal of the WKRCA is to be a catalyst for uniting regional leadership and resources and to advocate with one voice, to improve economic opportunities, to create a climate of sustainable growth and success and to build a stronger community. The organization has been a champion for the completion of Interstate 69, which is now in its final stages, and has advocated for the completion of Olmsted Lock and Dam, which opened last year, and the Kentucky Lock. For the 2019 Legislative Session, the WKRCA has supported the repeal of the bank franchise tax and the sales tax on nonprofits and has communicated its positions to the local legislators. It is also a member of the Kentucky Infrastructure Coalition, which strongly supports a long-term, sustainable funding approach that provides adequate revenues for all modes of transportation. On the federal level, the WKRCA voiced its support of the Hemp Farming Act to its Congressional delegation. Counties included in the WKRCA are Ballard, Caldwell, Calloway, Carlisle, Christian, Crittenden, Fulton, Graves, Hickman, Livingston, Lyon, McCracken, Marshall, and Trigg. For more information about WKRCA, please contact Coordinator Fran Johnson at fjohnson@paducahchamber.org Contact: Denise Thompson, Marketing Committee Chair West Kentucky Regional Chamber Alliance 270-247-6101 office denise@mayfieldgraveschamber.com Robert Moses Selected to serve another year as President of WCCE Board of Directors Robert Moses, president/CEO of the Prairie du Chien Area Chamber of Commerce, has been selected by his peers to serve another year as President of the Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce Executives Board of Directors. Moses served as president in 2018, has been a board officer since 2014 and a member of the board serving as director since 2011. WMC Wisconsin Student Resources Packet View this brochure to read more about Wisconsin. To receive a Student Resources Packet via mail, contact Shelly Millar, 608.258.3400. Traverse City Area Chamber partnership: $10M aimed to promote sports and tourism State lawmakers approved a budget bill in late December that could provide up to $10 million dollars to create a Northern Michigan Sports Commission that would direct state dollars to sports and recreational-related facilities in northern Michigan. The fund — Northern Michigan Regional Tourism and Sports Fund — is a result of a proposal made by state Sen. Tom Casperson (R-Escanaba), which will focus on improving or creating top-level athletic and recreational facilities and events in the region. The Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce has been a partner in pushing for the proposal to pass for more than a year. “I am so grateful that through the hard work of many, including the Traverse City Area Chamber and other Northern Michigan chambers, that we were able to secure significant funding for this strategic, transformative opportunity for Northern Michigan’s dynamic and diverse sports, entertainment and recreation events and infrastructure,” Sen. Casperson said in a TC Chamber release. “I’m excited to see what the future brings through this funding and convinced it will leverage even more significant resources that will permit us to showcase Northern Michigan far beyond our region and continue to build our area economy.” Read more: Record-Eagle Romeoville Chamber of Commerce To Host "Planning Your Year Strategically" Business Lunch January 31st  11:00-1:00 Joliet Junior College Romeoville Campus Collaboration Room 1125 W. Romeo Rd, Romeoville Fees/Admission: $30 for participant and guest The Romeoville Area Chamber of Commerce with Joliet Junior College present "2019 Planning Your Year Strategically" with Michelle Smith Hosted by Joliet Junior College in their Innovative Collaboration Space, this planning session, led by Michelle Smith, will take participants through a strategic framework that will build a plan focused on the goals of your organization. You and your guest will enjoy a full and exciting two-hour afternoon of strategic planning. Michelle Smith is the Founder and President of Z&B Consulting, Inc. She is a business consultant, trainer and public speaker who empowers small businesses, nonprofits and entrepreneurs to “Be Strategic” and “Be Intentional” so that they can “Be Successful” in their business and in life. This session will be co-led by Lenny Criddle, MBA (Executive Director of the Romeoville Area Chamber of Commerce) and Margie Cepon, MA (Associate Professor at Joliet Junior College Business Department). What’s included: 2-hour strategy session Lunch Strategy Worksheets Strategy Workbook ($20 Value) $30 for participant and guest. To sign up, email info@romeovillechamber.org or call the chamber office at 815-886-2076. Indiana Chamber concern: Governor is right to focus on workforce In his State of the State address, Gov. Eric Holcomb rightly concentrated his focus on workforce development. Educating and training Hoosier workers and attracting top talent to Indiana must be priorities to achieve long-term success for our state. Indiana’s economy is strong. At 3.6 percent, our unemployment rate is lower than all of our neighboring states. We’re consistently ranked among the best states in the nation for business climate, and we continue to attract record investment and jobs. In 2018, nearly 300 companies committed to creating more than 30,000 new jobs and investing more than $7 billion in our state. These jobs are not just in traditional Hoosier industries such as agriculture, manufacturing and logistics; they’re increasingly in technology. In fact, a quarter of these new jobs are in the tech industry. Indiana is quickly gaining a reputation as the tech hub of the Midwest. Indianapolis ranked fourth in the nation for technology job growth last year, according to U.S. Department of Labor statistics. This is all good news for Indiana’s future growth potential. But as our workforce needs change, our worker training and talent pipeline must too. According to the Indiana Chamber of Commerce’s 2018 Workforce Trends Survey, more than half of employers said they left jobs unfilled because they couldn’t find qualified candidates, and one-third cited this as their biggest challenge as a company. A recent tech industry study by Indianapolis-based Powderkeg underscores the issue, citing talent recruitment as the most significant and costly challenge facing the industry. Ensuring Indiana’s workforce can meet the demands of our modern economy is critical. To do so will require not only changing how we train our workers, but also increasing our ability to attract out-of-state talent. During his State of the State address, the governor announced plans to address both. Read more: Indianapolis Business Journal  How to Stay Safe During Record-Cold Weather Wisconsin Safety Council – the state’s leading provider of safety training and products – reminds all Wisconsinites to take extra precautions during this week’s record-cold temperatures. While Midwest winters can lead to a variety of dangerous situations, it is important to be prepared for both snowy conditions and low temperatures. Temperatures throughout Wisconsin will fall below -20 degrees on Wednesday, with wind chills as low as -60 degrees. As the temperatures plummet far below zero, Wisconsin Safety Council urges everyone to take the necessary steps to stay safe this week and throughout winter. Tips to Stay Safe During Cold Weather: Check the temperature and limit your time outdoors if it’s very cold, wet or windy Bundle up in several layers of loose clothing Wear mittens rather than gloves Cover your ears with a warm hat (Up to 40 percent of body heat can be lost through the head) Wear socks that will keep your feet warm and dry, and wear insulated boots Keep a change of dry clothing with you in case your clothes become wet Driving Tips for Cold Weather: Keep your gas tank filled and ensure your vehicle has fresh antifreeze Ensure your spare tire is inflated and your vehicle has a wheel wrench and tripod jack Travel with a shovel in your vehicle Have an emergency kit in your vehicle that includes: jumper cables, a tool kit, flashlight with extra batteries, reflective triangle, first aid kit, nonperishable foods, matches in a waterproof container, blankets, mittens, socks and hats Ensure all ice is scraped off your vehicle’s windows before traveling Keep your windshield washer fluid filled Common Cold Weather Dangers: Frostbite Even skin that is protected can be subject to frostbite. It’s the most common injury resulting from exposure to severe cold, and it usually occurs on fingers, toes, nose, ears, cheeks and chin. If caught early, it is possible to prevent permanent damage. If not, frostbite can lead to amputation. Superficial frostbite affects the skin surface, while the underlying tissue remains soft. The skin appears white, waxy or grayish-yellow and is cold and numb. If the condition is allowed to progress to deep frostbite, all layers of the skin are affected and the outcome likely will be more serious. The skin will become completely numb, blisters may form and eventually the skin tissue dies and turns black. If you suspect frostbite: Get indoors immediately Seek medical attention Remove constrictive clothing and jewelry that could impair circulation Place dry, sterile gauze between toes and fingers to absorb moisture and keep them from sticking together Elevate the affected area to reduce pain and swelling For superficial frostbite, you may also place the affected area in water that is 100 to 105 degrees until the tissue softens Hypothermia Hypothermia occurs when the body’s temperature drops below 95 degrees. Severe shivering, one of the first signs of hypothermia, is beneficial in keeping the body warm. But as hypothermia progresses, shivering gives way to drowsiness or exhaustion, confusion, shallow breathing, irregular heartbeat, slurred speech, loss of coordination and, eventually, unconsciousness and even death. If you suspect someone is suffering from hypothermia: Move the victim inside and remove any wet clothing Call for medical attention Add blankets, pillows, towels or newspapers beneath and around the victim Cover the victim’s head Handle the victim gently to avoid cardiac arrest Keep the victim in a horizontal position If necessary, give CPR For employers who want their teams to be more prepared for emergency situations that can occur in cold weather – and throughout the year – Wisconsin Safety Council offers training courses on Emergency Preparedness and First Aid. Click the link below for a full calendar of safety training courses: Wisconsin Safety Council Training Calendar For more information about staying safe during cold weather, please visit the following links: OSHA – Preventing Injuries, Illnesses and Fatalities During Winter Storms National Safety Council – Be Prepared for Winter Driving National Safety Council – Frostbite and Hypothermia For more information, please contact: Nick Novak, 608.258.3400 Greensburg-Decatur County Chamber of Commerce Community Map Greensburg-Decatur County Chamber map The Greensburg/Decatur County Chamber of Commerce Community Map is available at the New Castle-Henry County Chamber today! Thanks to Jeff Emsweller and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together! Town SquarePublications  (www.townsquarepublications.com) can help you accomplish your chamber's gloss map, directory, community guide or publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633.  Mississippi Economic Council Tour to Focus on Enhancing Mississippi's Opportunities - 12 locations still to go in 2019 Click Here to Register MEC's mission is to build a sense of statewide community - and we'll be coming your way very soon! This year, the MEC Tour will visit 20 locations around Mississippi, helping connect business leaders, community advocates, and elected officials at both the state and local level - and working together to make Mississippi a great place to live and do business. MEC needs YOUR input, feedback, and insight into how we can make Mississippi a great place to live and grow! The MEC Tour will focus on Enhancing Mississippi's Opportunities. We'll Also Discuss: Economic Competitiveness and Job Creation Workforce and Educational Achievement Business Climate Enhancement Workplace Wellness And More! Either breakfast or lunch will be provided at each MEC Tour event, and each session will last approximately 90 minutes. There is no cost to attend thanks to a generous sponsorship from Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi; however, pre-registration is required. The MEC Tour is Generously Sponsored by: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi Click Here to Register 2019 MEC Tour Schedule Lincoln County - Tuesday, January 15 - 11:30am-1:00pm Mitchell's Special Events & Catering - 1203 Hampton Dr., Brookhaven, MS 39601 80 Attendees Lauderdale County - Tuesday, January 22 - 7:30am-9:00am MSU Riley Center - 2200 5th Street, Meridian, MS 39301 80 Attendees Washington County - Thursday, January 24 - 11:30am-1:00pm Greenville Country Club - 2476 Highway 1 South, Greenville, MS 38701 115 Attendees Pearl River County - Tuesday, January 29 - 11:30am-1:00pm Senior Center of South Pearl River County - 45 El Patch Parkway, Picayune, MS 39466 45 Attendees Forrest County - Friday, February 1 - 7:00am-8:00am Southern Oaks House and Gardens - 1246 Richburg Rd, Hattiesburg, MS 39402 Alcorn County - Tuesday, February 5 - 11:30am-1:00pm The Franklin Courtyard - 201 Franklin Courtyard, Corinth, MS 38834 Neshoba County - Monday, February 11 - 11:30am-1:00pm Ronnie's Steak & Grill - 734 Pecan Ave., Philadelphia, MS 39350 Rankin County - Tuesday, February 19 - 11:30am-1:00pm The Clyde Muse Center - 515 Country Place Parkway, Pearl, MS 39208 Hancock County - Wednesday, February 27 - 11:30am-1:00pm Bay Waveland Yacht Club - #1 Yacht Club Dr. Bay St. Louis, MS 39520 Lee County - Friday, March 8 - 7:00am-8:30am Elvis Birthplace - 306 Elvis Presley Drive, Tupelo, MS 38801 Coahoma County - Tuesday, March 19 - 11:30am-1:00pm Stone Pony Pizza - 226 Delta Avenue, Clarksdale, MS 38614 DeSoto County - Thursday, March 28 - 11:30am-1:00pm Whispering Woods Hotel and Conference Center - 700 Hacks Cross Rd, Olive Branch, MS 38654

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

Birmingham-Bloomfield Chamber event: Economists look at the health of Michigan and U.S. coffers; 'I don't rough it anymore': Winter tips from survivors of Chicago area's coldest day; Cary Grove Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner at Avante Banquets and Conference Center; South Suburban Chamber of Commerce 2018 Community Resource Guide & Business Directory; Greater Louisville Inc. HOT & FAST INNOVATION AWARDS; Hampton Roads Chamber: 2019 Economic Forecast; New reports place Wausau ranked top city in Wisconsin for job growth; ‘This is our moment’: Tech firm’s Delta move lifts hopes of economic revival in region; Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Profile Guide; McDermott to tell Lakeshore Chamber about 'exciting plans'; Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories, Maps and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S.

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

Birmingham-Bloomfield Chamber event: Economists look at the health of Michigan and U.S. coffers

When it comes to how Michigan and our nation’s economy will fare in 2019, there’s plenty of data to suggest that we’ll continue to have growth above trend.

But if we’ve learned anything from the past few years, it would be to expect the unexpected.

“The economy is in turmoil. There’s hard data we’ve been able to follow — though with the government shutdown it’ll be harder to get the hard data — that says the economy is doing well,” said Paul Traub, senior business economist for the Federal Reserve Bank’s Chicago/Detroit branch. “And then there’s soft data, financial market information, that’s kind of saying maybe it’s not doing so well.”

Traub’s ambiguous analysis kicked off the annual Economic Forecast Jan. 11, hosted by the Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce at the Bloomfield Open Hunt Club. The chamber invited members and community professionals to breakfast and networking, highlighted by remarks from economic experts who shared opinions on what the business world can expect for Michigan’s financial state in 2019.

Traub was joined by Alyssa Tracey, business development manager for retention and growth at the Michigan Economic Development Corp. She honed in on what Traub’s national analysis could mean for Michigan, and what the MEDC is doing to promote growth in several sectors, including automotive, medical and technology.

Tariffs and tech and interest rates — oh my!
After his introduction, Traub went into detail on why it’s tough to determine where the 2019 economy will take the United States, sorting through hard data, which shows a strong end to 2018 and optimistic consumer sentiment, according to a study from the University of Michigan, but also anxiety on Wall Street stemming from “instability in Washington, D.C.”

That instability, he explained, comes by way of trade tariffs, a shaky future for the North American Free Trade Agreement, rising debt and other factors. But that’s countered, he explained, by lower commodity prices and a good climate for businesses.

There’s still so much work to be done, though, according to Traub. Interest rates need to return to a higher, more sustainable level; Washington needs to get a handle on debt so younger tax contributors aren’t just servicing debt; and even though efficiency in business might seem great, it can cut into employment health.

“We’ve cut investment in human capital to the quick, and we’re going to pay for that. We need to start thinking about that if we really want this country to grow again,” Traub said. “And it’s not that the cost of education is going up — my wife is a college professor, and I don’t see her (income) going up — it’s who’s paying for it.”

No need to tell that to an autoworker, with news of layoffs at General Motors striking fear into the Motor City. But outsourcing isn’t entirely to blame.

“A lot of jobs that were going to be lost were going to be lost anyway, because we’ve been increasing productivity. That’s what businesses try to do. How can we make it better and cheaper?” Traub explained. “Those auto jobs weren’t shipped away as much as they were automated.”

None of that particularly worries Traub, though. It’s the yield curve that as of late has been hinting at the possibility of another recession. But unlike the recession of the ’90s, caused by the savings and loan crisis, the dot-com crash of 2001 and the subprime loan crisis of 2008, it’s hard to say what might cause the next economic burst. How bad that dive might be, in the event it occurs, is up for debate.

“There’s at least a dozen things that are bothering me. I could pin instability in Washington for a lot of them,” Traub said.

Birmingham-Bloomfield shines in community vitality

While the rest of the country is making slow strides forward and up, Michigan is arguably working at a slightly quicker pace, according to Tracey.

“In the past eight years, there’s been dramatic progress,” she said. “Some of the key points to this economic resurgence include lower taxes and improved collaboration among units of government that resulted in attracting and maintaining private investment.”

She went on to show the crowd how Michigan is currently leading the nation in manufacturing jobs, with about 138,700 new manufacturing jobs to boast in the past eight years.

Michigan also takes the top spot in the Midwest for private sector work — that puts the state at seventh in the country — with just over half a million new jobs. Oh, and Michigan is No. 3 in the nation for tech sector jobs. There’s been a 42 percent increase in startups over the past five years here.

“We’re not only a national, but a world leader in development and testing of autonomous vehicle technologies,” sTracey said.

At the MEDC, the goal is to keep that momentum pushing forward by acting as a resource for existing and future businesses and industries while highlighting for potential companies why Michigan is a great place to be to make money. From rural areas to urban hubs, or from “Marquette to Monroe,” as Tracey said, there’s a campaign to boost awareness for every state resource — tech talent, agricultural, tourism, etc.

And Oakland County is doing even better, she said, with a very low level of occupancy vacancies for business sites. The Eagle’s coverage area is especially attractive for businesses and families alike. Communities can support that success by making sure municipalities create welcoming development practices and, in more rural areas, equipping available properties with utilities necessary to operate.

“A strong, vital community is a place where people want to live, and investors notice this and see us as a great place to locate and expand,” Tracey said. “People with a range of talents want to move into interesting and vital communities. ... I live right off Woodward, between 13 and 14 (Mile roads), and I don’t think there’s a more prime example than right here in the Birmingham-Bloomfield area as the intersection of place and talent. This is where people want to live, and this is where people want to work.” Read more: C and G News

'I don't rough it anymore': Winter tips from survivors of Chicago area's coldest day

Scott Perz knows exactly where he was on the coldest day ever recorded in the Chicago area.
Outside at a ski jumping competition, of course.

It was Jan. 20, 1985, and intrigued by the prospect of an Olympic sport such as ski jumping, Perz and his wife, Catherine, bundled their 2-year-old son Brent and headed from their home in McHenry to Norge Ski Club in Fox River Grove.

There, with little Brent in a wooden sled trailing behind, the Perz family shivered and shook on a day when the low hit minus 27 degrees and sustained winds around 25 mph brought the wind chill to 60 below.

Their experience was featured as part of the front-page coverage of the record-breaking temperatures in the next day's Daily Herald.

"It was awful," Catherine Perz recalled 34 years later, as the area again braced for extreme -- and possibly record-breaking -- cold.

"You try to forget how cold it was," her husband said.

But record books remember.

Early in the morning of Jan. 20, 1985, the National Weather Service thermometer at O'Hare International Airport displayed its coldest reading ever.

Since that temperature of 27 degrees below zero, Chicago came closest to the record when the mercury fell to minus 21 degrees on Jan. 18, 1994. Since that cold snap, the most frigid temperature residents have experienced came about two decades later, when it was minus 16 during the "Polar Vortex" on Jan. 6, 2014.

Now the National Weather Service predicts temperatures could tie or break the 1985 record on Wednesday or Thursday morning. The forecast led Gov. J.B. Pritzker to issue a disaster declaration and put in place an emergency preparedness plan to help the state deal with the fallout.

Lows on Wednesday could range from minus 18 to minus 27, while the warmest part of the day is predicted to bring a reading of minus 13. Thursday looks to offer much of the same, with forecast lows of minus 20 to minus 35 and a predicted high of 0.

Mark Stephan of Hoffman Estates, who was featured in the Herald's 1985 coverage as he tried to help start his neighbor's car, said he knows how to handle it. He'll use tricks similar to the method he employed decades ago, when his car -- warmed by a plug-in electric heater -- was the only one that would start among all the vehicles of everyone he knew in his Palatine apartment complex.

"I was born and raised on a dairy farm, and that was something we used on tractors," Stephan, now 63, said about the heater method. "We were used to those kind of temperatures." Read more: Daily Herald



Cary Grove Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner at Avante Banquets and Conference Center

Thank you to all the members who were able to join us at Avante' Banquets and Conference Center on Friday for one of the best Annual Dinners we have hosted! It was truly a wonderful evening and fun was had be all! More pictures are available on the Cary-Grove Chamber Facebook page or by clicking here.

Congratulations to our 2018 Cary-Grove Chamber of Commerce Award winners:

Leadership Award: Mike Spagnola of Edge Fitness and Performance
Board Member of the Year: Sean Wheeler of Picket Fence Realty
New Member of the Year: Golden Eagle Community Bank
Certificate of Excellence: Village of Cary
Certificate of Excellence: Village of Fox River Grove
Certificate of Excellence: Linda Barrett of lindambarrettproductions
Certificate of Excellence: Leo and Sharon Floiro The Tracks Bar and Grill
Emerging Leader Award: Brandy Benyo of Tranquility Wellness Studio
Event Sponsor of the Year: Cary Travel Express
Event Sponsor of the Year: Cary Bank and Trust
Chamber Member of the Year: Stryker
Chamber Member of the Year: True Value Manufacturing

Thank you to the event committee:
Ann Johnson of TOBG Engraving, Brandy Benyo of Tranquility Wellness Studio, Debbie Strand of Deborah Strand Designs, Ellen McAlpine of Envoy Mortgage, Kathy Ewing of Music Connections, Karen Mitch of Andrew Szocka, P.C., Attorneys & Counselors at Law, Lesley Franklin of Sage YMCA of Metro Chicago, Linda Barrett of lindambarrett productions and Lisa Raupp of Mary Kay Cosmetics

Thank you to our Sponsors and Table Sponsors: Andrew Szocka, P.C., Attorneys & Counselors at Law, Cary Bank & Trust, Deborah Strand Designs, Repta Realty Group, Stryker, True Value Manufacturing Company, Village of Cary and Women in Business Networking Group

And, finally a huge thank you to all the Chamber businesses that contributed items to the silent auction. Your generosity is truly appreciated and the silent auction was a huge success!

2019 Cary-Grove Chamber Board of Directors
Board President Sean Wheeler-Picket Fence Realty
Vice President Russ Gruber of Nationwide Insurance
Treasurer Brandy Benyo of Tranquility Wellness Studio
Past President Mike Spagnola of Edge Fitness & Performance

Directors:
Ann Johnson-TOBG Engraving
David Miller-Lake Julian Contracting Inc.
Dr. Pete Lovato-Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialist, Ltd
Ellen McAlpine-Envoy Mortgage-Ellen McAlpine
Heidi Entzminger-Malooley Chiropractic
Jean Pierce-Cary Area Public Library District
Jeff Valentino-La Pizza Via
John Cosmos-CynJon Technologies
Josh Scheiblein-Douglas Automotive
Karen Mitch-Andrew Szocka, P.C., Attorneys & Counselors at Law
Kimberly Mitchem-The Goddard School
Lesley Franklin-Sage YMCA of Metro Chicago
Linda Barrett-lindambarrett productions
Lisa Raupp-Mary Kay Cosmetics
Phil Horn-State Farm-The Phil Horn Agency
Rick Eisenlauer-Stryker
Scott Lind-Assurity Home Inspections, LLC
Shannon Morreale-State Farm Agency
Sumish Parikh-Dunkin' Donuts/Baskin Robbins
Susan Jensen-Periwinkle Florist


South Suburban  Chamber of Commerce 2018 Community Resource Guide & Business Directory  

The Muskego Area Chamber of Commerce 2018 Community Guide & Business Directory   is available at the Chamber of Commerce today! Thank you to Barbara Wesener and the Chamber team for their help and direction putting this together! 

South Suburban Chamber 2018 Community and Visitor 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.

Greater Louisville Inc. HOT & FAST INNOVATION AWARDS

Thursday, January 31, 2019 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM EST

The Gillespie (The Loft): 421 West Market 
Louisville, KY 40202

Join us at EnterpriseCorp's Hot & Fast Innovation Showcase honoring the region’s most innovative companies. 

The Hot & Fast Showcase is a celebration of the individuals in our community that are enabling ideas through entrepreneurship. Come learn more about these hometown early-stage companies and fast growth “gazelles” that we believe are positioned to change the world.

Registration: $10 | Pay At the Door Individual Ticket: $15



Hampton Roads Chamber: 2019 Economic Forecast

The Hampton Roads Chamber means business and works to be an impactful advocate, powerful economic partner, and inspiring ignitor for the region. The Hampton Roads Chamber and the Old Dominion University Strome College of Business have partnered to present the 2019 Economic Forecast on January 30th.

Presenters Dr. Vinod Agarwal and Dr. Rob McNab will address your concerns, answer questions and arm you with the knowledge to plan in today's economic climate. They will address the economic impact of the government shutdown, what Amazon coming to Northern Virginia means for Hampton Roads and where our region’s economy is headed in 2019.

Vinod Agarwal, Director of the Economic Forecasting Project and Professor of Economics, ODU, and Robert McNab, Director of the Dragas Center for Economic Analysis and Policy and Professor of Economics, ODU will present the regional and statewide economic forecasts.


Date: Wednesday, January 30, 2019
Time: 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM
Location: Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel
777 Waterside Dr.
Norfolk, VA 23510

About the Hampton Roads Chamber

The Hampton Roads Chamber is the Region’s premier business organization; helping businesses succeed, drive regional economic growth, and enhance the quality of life of our community’s residents. The Chamber is a vigorous advocate for the economic success of its member businesses, which employ nearly 250,000 men and women in Southeastern Virginia.

New reports place Wausau ranked top city in Wisconsin for job growth

 A new study claims Wausau is the top city for the most job growth.

While there may be opportunities for work, experts said there is just not enough people to fill those positions.

“Collectively, in this region, we are doing very well,” said Dave Eckmann, President and CEO of the Wausau Chamber of Commerce.

Eckmann said the ranking didn’t come as a surprise to him; however, it is bittersweet with too many jobs being available and not enough people to fill them.

“It makes sense, but it’s encouraging because what we are experiencing is that we have a severe labor shortage so we have a lot of job growth, but it outlines the importance of our community to be something bigger and vibrant to attract people here,” Eckmann said.

News 9 sat down with the market leader for Man Power in Wausau, a staffing agency that helps people secure jobs.

“I can speak for here at our Man Power office that, at any given time, we have 20 to 40 different open positions across many different skill sets,” said Christina Lammerding.

However, that labor shortage is still an issue for staffing agencies like Man Power.

“It used to take, to fill a open position, 2 months, lets say. Now, it takes twice the amount,” Lammerding said.

But Lammerding said employers are getting more creative to lure in workers.

“A lot more companies have to utilize on-the-job training or really being open to investing,” Lammerding said. “The good thing is Wausau has a market that really wants to do that; employers want to do a lot more hands-on training.” WAOW

‘This is our moment’: Tech firm’s Delta move lifts hopes of economic revival in region

Communities across the Mississippi Delta continue to battle with issues that have plagued their towns for decades... In order to progress and revitalize, local leaders here say, it’s important to acknowledge the past, but work collaboratively to move forward.

For Coahoma County — with an unemployment rate of 5.4 percent, the lowest it has seen in almost 30 years, according to data from the Mississippi Department of Employment Security, and 34.8 percent of residents living in poverty — the key to moving forward is providing employment opportunities for the 23,000 people who call the county home.

Leaders in the region say there is hope that efforts to improve employment options are starting to bear fruit.

On March 19, Jon Levingston, the executive director of the Clarksdale/Coahoma County Chamber of Commerce, announced that an existing plant, MAP of Easton Inc. — a sound insulation company — had created 40 new jobs. In July, the Clarksdale Press Register reported that the number of employees increased to 101, amid hopes of adding 40 more employees over the next year and a half.

And last week, Levingston announced that with the help of a Silicon Valley-based company, citizens here and in neighboring counties can anticipate up to 200 more jobs over the next two years.

“For so many years there are those who say the best days of the Delta are behind us, the future is bleak, crime is up and we’re depopulating — our opportunities educationally and financially are diminishing,” said Levingston on Dec. 18 at the Coahoma Community College pinnacle. “I say to those people, today we turn the tide. … Today we announce a company that will invest in Clarksdale bec

Technology company PeopleShores will start training an initial 25 people starting January 2019. Pay ranges from $10 to $15 per hour. A job fair is planned at the facility — the current Chamber of Commerce building on Desoto Avenue — Jan. 3. Applications for the positions, all full-time, can be made through the WIN Job Center in Clarksdale, or at the job fair. Read more: Mississippi Today


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.



McDermott to tell Lakeshore Chamber about 'exciting plans'

The Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce will host Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. at a Jan. 31 event where the mayor will address recent successes, such as the Hammond SportsPlex and the lakefront data center under construction at the former State Line Generating Plant site, and go over what's next for the city.

McDermott will tell the chamber of commerce for Hammond and East Chicago about the highlights of 2018 and "exciting plans for Hammond in 2019" at 12 p.m. Jan. 31 at the Dynasty Banquet Center, 4125 Calumet Ave. in Hammond. Networking starts at 11:30 a.m.

The four-term mayor, the longest-serving in Hammond history, will give a presentation about the state of the city before the crowd of local business leaders, and then take questions from the public.

Tickets to the chamber luncheon cost $30 in advance and must be purchasecd in advance. For more information or tickets, call the Lakeshore Chamber office at 219-931-1000 or email Monique Ruiz at monique@lakeshorechamber.com. Read more: NWI Times

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

Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories, Maps 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 Or you can call John Dussman aT 847-427-4633. 

7 tips on avoiding frostbite and hypothermia during this week's dangerously cold weather; 5 Star Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce Holds Annual Dinner- A Winter Wonderland; Greater Reston Area Chamber: Young Professionals Mentor Talk; Christian County High School and Chamber of Commerce Partner to Create College & Career Pathway Program; The Prairie du Chien Community Guide; Communications Software company Scaleup Chooses Indiana As HQ; Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce actively recruiting qualified candidates to fill Executive Director position; Wisconsin's success rate for National Institute of Health grants ranks 3rd, shows prowess in life sciences tech; #BestChamber practices: Leadership Lafayette: Soliciting Chamber Member/Community Input for Leadership Projects; Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce Community Map; Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S.

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

7 tips on avoiding frostbite and hypothermia during this week's dangerously cold weather

Communities across Wisconsin are being hit with near-record breaking cold temperatures this week. Wednesday will be the coldest day, when the high is forecast to be 12 degrees below zero. Simply put: It's going to be dangerously cold this week. 

Here are some tips for staying warm and avoiding injuries (like frostbite and hypothermia) from extremely cold weather.

1. Limit the amount of time skin is exposed to cold. 

"At zero degrees, on average it takes 20 minutes for skin that has been exposed to suffer effects of the cold," said Marc de Moya, chief of trauma surgery at Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin. The effects can be mild chafing and wind burn to skin turning white from lack of blood flow. 

Limit the amount of time you are outside, and cover up as much skin as you can. 

2. Be prepared. Keep a hat, gloves and a blanket in your car.

"People leave their house and they go to their car in their garage without gloves or hat," de Moya said. "They may get in an accident and they don’t have the ability to protect themselves. That’s when people get into trouble." Read more: Journal-Sentinel



5 Star Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce Holds Annual Dinner- A Winter Wonderland

STERLING, Ill – Chamber members gathered for the Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner and Meeting at the Brandywine Banquet and Event Center on January 24. The event was organized by SVACC and the Whiteside Area Career Center CEO Class.

“This is the sixth year that we have collaborated with the CEO class and each year we receive great feedback about the event,” shared Chamber President, Mike Loos.

The CEO Class of 2019 played a role in the event by setting up, decorating, and providing entertainment through the evening. CEO student, Grant Minssen, provided the welcome speech for the evening while his classmates entertained guests with a skit “Snuck in a Snowstorm.” CEO students provided a dessert bar which included hot chocolate and homemade cookies made by the students at the Kitchen Incubator. Walmart Distribution Center #7024 sponsored the CEO Class meals. 

The United Stated Chamber of Commerce presented the Kris Noble, Executive Director, and the SVACC with the USCC Accreditation Award; achieving a 5-star status. “Of the 7,000 Chambers in the United States, only 120 achieve a 5 Star rating; putting the SVACC in the top 1% in the Nation,” noted Ben Taylor, President of the Great Lakes Region of the USCC. Also in attendance, Kate Jennings, on behalf of U.S. Representative Cheri Bustos, who presented a Congressional Record to the SVACC honoring the Accreditation Award.

Presenting highlights of 2018, Noble noted the work done through key collaborations in the areas of education and workforce development, promoting shopping local and using local resources, and continuing to promote the importance of agriculture and manufacturing in this community. She noted the key role that volunteers play through their involvement in the committee structure of the chamber and the community events the chamber is involved in. The SVACC represents 390 members representing 11,557 employees in 28 cities. The Chamber is proud of its commitment to reinvest in the community and in 2018 provided $17,140.00 in scholarships, donations to not for profit organizations, and to education (such as the CEO program).

Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce Champion Award was awarded to Carol Siefken for her dedication and commitment as Director of the Sauk Valley Food Bank for the past 17 years.    The Lavonne Colloton Ambassador of the Year Award was presented to Allie Johnston, University of Illinois Extension; 4H Program Manager. Sheila Martinez, US Bank was recognized for 10 year of service as an Ambassador and current Board Member; Roy Dern was recognized for 20 years as an Ambassador. Outgoing board recognition was presented to Jerry Binder, Whiteside Area Career Center and Karen Voss, Rock River Hospice and Home.

To become a member of the Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce, or to find out more information, please call 815-625-2400 or visit www.saukvalleyareachamber.com.



Greater Reston Area Chamber: Young Professionals Mentor Talk

Tuesday, January 29 at 5:30 pm
McCormick & Schmick's Seafood
11920 Democracy Dr., Reston


Join us for a night of networking with a focus on how to better ourselves in 2019. GRCC Board of Directors Chair, Charlene Wheeless, Principal Vice President of Global Corporate Affairs, Bechtel Corporation will provide expert advice on how to manage stress, avoid burnout, and set goals. 

Kick off the new year with the first Young Professionals (YP) Mentor Talk event of the year sponsored and hosted by McCormick & Schmick's at Reston Town Center. 

Enjoy light refreshments, beer and wine while networking in the private dining room.

LEARN MORE 


Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce | 703.707.9045 | RestonChamber.org

Christian County High School and Chamber of Commerce Partner to Create College & Career Pathway Program


CCHS to become a Work-Ready School following the community designation of “Work Ready Community”

The Chamber’s Mental Mapping Program will become a part of the Get Real, Get Ready! Initiative at Christian County High School.

Since being designated as a Work Ready Community, Christian County High School has been working to become a Work Ready School by creating The Get Real, Get Ready initiative at CCHS. Christian County became a Work Ready Community in May of 2018. This designation means that Christian County has the necessary supports in K-12, post-secondary, business and industry, and workforce programs to build a strong vibrant workforce. All students at CCHS will now have the option to be a part of the Mental Mapping Program concepts. The Mental Mapping program works with high school students grades 10th – 12th to map out a post-graduation plan for students. Now all students will have access to this program. The Mental Mapping Program lays out the 4 options for post-graduation which are as follows: Military or National Guard, entry into the workforce at a business/industry, 2 year college or technical training, or a 4 year college or university.

The Get Real, Get Ready initiative will include three levels; Ready, Set and Go!

In the Ready level, students will research each of the 4 post graduations which include videos that showcase the various pathways of different members of the community. The student’s research of post-graduation pathways will utilize the videos for post-graduation transition, and a reality check as the students will use their current ACT and GPA to determine if the choice is realistic.

In the Set level - Students will be split into small groups by their post-graduation plans (i.e. military, workforce, 2 year or 4 year school). During these small group settings, CCHS admins will videos the students interacting with community members.

Go level -will include have field trips to their post-graduation choice. For example, students who selected Military, will travel to Ft. Campbell Military base. This will be the time for students to ask specific questions of those who actually are in that pathway.

"It is mission critical for us to spend individual time with the students to learn what their goals are and work to ensure they reach that chosen post graduation pathway," says Angie Major, Director of Workforce & Education Development at the Christian County Chamber of Commerce. "The project initiative is going to give Christian County the ability to forecast labor demands and provide workforce depth chart.”

The Christian County High School is the pilot for the Get Real, Get Ready! Initiative to become a work ready high school and will soon expand to Hopkinsville High School. The Christian

County Chamber of Commerce Mental Mapping program offers support services and career coaching to students who elect to participate in the program in helping them choose post-graduation pathways.

For more information, contact Angie Major, Director of Workforce & Education at the Christian County Chamber of Commerce. amajor@christiancountychamber.com 270.885.9096.

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!  Prairie du Chien Community Guide Town Square Publications  (www.townsquarepublications.com) can help you accomplish your chamber's gloss map, directory, community profile or publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633. Communications Software company Scaleup Chooses Indiana As HQ Kerauno, a communications workflow software company, will expand its Indiana operations, and has selected Indianapolis as its official headquarters as the scaleup continues to grow. With this expansion, Kerauno plans to increase its Indiana team to 140 by 2022. “Our growth has been tremendous over the past year—we’ve nearly quadrupled our staff in less than 12 months,” said Kerauno CEO and co-founder Josh Ross, “Formally establishing our global headquarters in Indianapolis just makes sense considering the incredible pool of local talent and the positive business environment supported by both local and state government.” The company, which offers an innovative Communications Workflow as a Service (CWaaS) platform that powerfully connects people, processes, software and systems, will invest more than $5.2 million over the next five years to establish Indianapolis as its company headquarters. Kerauno currently occupies approximately 13,000 square feet at 151 Delaware St., and plans to move into a new space adding on an additional 20,000 square feet within six months, in order to accommodate company growth. The expansion will include state-of-the-art technology design aesthetics, all-new furniture, a variety of amenities and significant technology investments to create an environment that reflects the company’s mission statement and supports the Kerauno’s continued attraction of top talent to its firm. Kerauno plans to complete the build out at its new location by mid-2019. “Central Indiana’s tech community just keeps thriving with an impressive number of tech companies, like Kerauno, choosing to expand operations and continue to grow in our state,” said Governor Eric J. Holcomb. “Through our commitment to building a skilled workforce and our business-friendly environment, we continue cultivating opportunities for innovation and growth in Indiana.”   To support the planned growth, Kerauno expects to create 112 new, high-wage jobs over the next several years and has already hired 22 full-time associates toward that goal, bringing its current headcount to 50. Kerauno, which was formed more than five years ago out of Indianapolis-based Axia Technology Partners LLC, has since become a standalone software-focused entity as of January 2018, following AxiaTP’s success in the telecommunication industry. Kerauno combines essential communication channels like voice, chat, SMS, social media and email into a centralized platform, delivering convenience by enabling drag-and-drop workflow forms for the easy capture of statistical data that better informs a company’s decision-making process. Kerauno’s rapidly growing client base includes Andretti Autosport, ACE Rent a Car, Jackson Hewitt, Meineke, Australian Gold, Citizens Bank, DuPont Goodrich Credit Union, Texas Council on Family Violence, Deepwater Federal Credit Union, Legacy Orthopedics, Hydradyne, The Kent Companies, Superior Credit Union, Clay Community Schools and Evansville School Corporation. The company reaches clients globally, with 100,000 endpoints worldwide, including nine countries and four continents. With this expansion, the company expects to have over 2 million endpoints within five years.“I applaud Kerauno for choosing Indianapolis as its global headquarters and providing more high-wage employment opportunities for our community,” said Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett. “Indianapolis has become a hub for tech innovation in the Midwest and continues to see explosive growth. I look forward to Kerauno’s continued success.” In 2018, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) offered Kerauno up to $2.2 million in conditional tax credits. These tax credits are performance-based, so until employees are hired, the company is not eligible to claim incentives. The city of Indianapolis supports the project at the request of DevelopIndy, a business unit of the Indy Chamber. Relocating Or Expanding Your Business In Indiana Considering Indiana for your company’s relocation or expansion project? Check out Business Facilities’ Indiana Incentives and Workforce Development Guide. More information: Business Facilities Magazine Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce actively recruiting qualified candidates to fill Executive Director position The Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce has formed an executive search committee to identify, interview and hire a candidate for the Chamber’s Executive Director position. The committee is open to candidates with backgrounds in chambers of commerce, economic development, other types of nonprofits, or related experience with a commitment to business advocacy and strong economic development in the Clarkston and surrounding areas. “We are looking for an experienced and dynamic professional who will lead the Chamber in our mission to cultivate business opportunities and relationships for our members in the Clarkston area.” Said Emily Ford, chair of the search committee and president of the Clarkston Chamber. The Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce is a 600-member organization serving Independence Township, City of the Village of Clarkston, and Davisburg. The Executive Director will oversee the daily operations of the organization; is responsible for the Chamber’s financial accounting systems; and supports the efforts of the President and vision set by the Board of Directors. Compensation package starting at $80,000 and up to $90,000, base salary plus benefits, commensurate with experience. Interested applicants will need to submit a resume AND cover letter to emilyford@mmrealtors.com by the posting close date of February 8, 2019. Cover letters and resumes will be reviewed, and the most eligible candidates will then be interviewed upon closing of the job posting. The position profile is posted on the Chamber’s website clarkston.org/business-resources/employment-opportunities. Members of the Search Committee include:  Chair: Emily Ford with Morgan and Milzow Realtors (Chamber President 2018-2019) Tim Martin with Planned Financial Services, LLC (Chamber board member, Chamber President 2017) Peg Roth with Washington Management, LLC (Chamber board member, Chamber President 2016) Steve Hyer with IGD Solutions (Chamber President 2006-2007) Dawn Horner with Clarkston State Bank (Chamber President 2000-2001) View the job position here. Wisconsin's success rate for National Institute of Health grants ranks 3rd, shows prowess in life sciences tech  When compared with other states, early-stage life science companies in Wisconsin have a high success rate at winning federal grant dollars that fund research and development for their products. According to a recent report from the State Science and Technology Institute, Wisconsin ranks third overall for its 23.4 percent win rate between 2008 and 2017, when 248 of 1,056 proposals were approved for funding from the National Institutes of Health, the second-largest provider of federal grants behind the Department of Defense. Only Oregon (28.9 percent) and Vermont (25 percent) had a higher NIH success rate than Wisconsin. Wisconsin companies are annually competing for hundreds of millions of dollars in Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer grants issued by the U.S. government, which were designed to help small, emerging companies fund their R&D. Between 2008 and 2017, Wisconsin companies were awarded an average of $8.7 million per year from the NIH, which ranks 15th overall. California and Massachusetts had the most successful NIH grant proposals between 2008 and 2017, along with having the highest grant rewards. California averaged $77 million a year in grants while Massachusetts averaged $43.2 million, together accounting for roughly one-third of the average amount granted by NIH each year. The NIH awarded an average of $367 million in SBIR and STTR grants per year in that period. Through the SBIR program, 11 federal agencies, including the DOD and NIH, are required to spend at least 2.8 percent of their outside R&D budgets with emerging companies. That amounts to at least $2 billion and 5,000 awards a year for research into new technologies. Wisconsin, with an average of 49.2 SBIR and STTR awards per year over a five-year period from 2013 to 2017, falls right in the middle. The institute's report also recognizes University of Wisconsin-Extension’s Center of Technology Commercialization in Madison, which works one-on-one with early-stage Wisconsin companies to secure those grants. Read more: Milwaukee Business Journal #BestChamber practices: Leadership Lafayette: Soliciting Chamber Member/Community Input for Leadership Projects Do you have a community project that needs a team of some hard workers to put their time and attention toward?  We are compiling a list of potential Leadership Lafayette projects ideas. Please keep in mind the projects must fit the following criteria: 1. The project should be able to provide near term positive impact for the City, County or University, 2. The projects will be manageable and can be completed within the class timeframe (completed by August) 3. The projects could possibly provide a longer term economic development opportunity for the community. If you have any potential project please get me the following details. *Idea Summary *Contact person for potential idea Send ideas to Pam Swain at pam@oxfordms.com no later than Friday, February 8th. Thanks so much for any feedback! Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce Community Map  The Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce Community Map is available at the Rochester Regional Chamber today! Thanks to the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together! Rochester Regional 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.  Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories, Maps 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 Or you can call John Dussman aT 847-427-4633.