Wednesday, January 9, 2019

Agriculture Awards Nominations and Event Sponsorships Due January 11th! Help honor the best in McLean County Agriculture; Whitehead named president of Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce; Coon promoted to VP; Save the Date! - Business Day in Madison March 6th, 2019 Monona Terrace Community & Convention Center, Madison; Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce 2017-2018 Community Guide & Membership Directory; Bullitt County Chamber interest: BEHS FBLA Students Teaching Essential Skill; City of Ridgeland Chamber: Benefits of MEMBERSHIP; Chamber interest: Manufacturers Finding New Sources Of Talent; Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce Community Map; Dan Carmody, President of the Eastern Market Corporation, to Speak at Troy Chamber Event; New Castle - Henry County Chamber of Commerce Benefits of Membership; Greater Reston Chamber Launches new INCspire Program; 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!


Agriculture Awards Nominations and Event Sponsorships Due January 11th! Help honor the best in McLean County Agriculture

Nomination Deadline Extended! Nominations Due January 11, 2019

The McLean County Chamber of Commerce is already looking into February and March and the Annual Agriculture Awards Dinner and Agriculture Awareness Breakfast. We hope you plan to join us on Wednesday, March 20, 2019 at the Chateau Hotel and Conference Center for the Agriculture Awareness Breakfast and on Thursday, February 21, 2019 for the Agriculture Awards Dinner at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Bloomington-Airport for an evening filled with fellowship, a great dinner, and an opportunity to recognize our local agricultural leaders in McLean County whose strong commitment to our communities and economy provide the food, fuel, and fiber that meet the needs of the world.

We’re currently accepting nominations for the Chamber’s prestigious Agriculture Awards. Please take this opportunity to honor a community agricultural leader by filling out the nomination form for one or more of the following awards: Outstanding Service to Agriculture, Outstanding Conservationist, Outstanding Young Farmer, Emerging Leader in Agriculture, Outstanding Agri-Business Person, and Mclean County Farmer of the Year.

In addition, sponsorship information for both the Agriculture Awards Dinner and Agriculture Breakfast in March is included. Sponsorships provide opportunities to show those in McLean County your strong commitment to agriculture. Please take a moment and consider becoming a sponsor of these events.

Nominations for the awards are due to the Chamber's Ag Council by Monday, January 11, 2019.

Award Categories:
The Outstanding Service to Agriculture Award
The McLean County Farmer of the Year Award
The Outstanding Conservationist Award
The Emerging Leader in Agriculture Award
The Outstanding Person in Agribusiness Award
The Outstanding Young Farmer Award

For more information on each of the award categories, please click: 2018 Agriculture Award Nomination Form



Whitehead named president of Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce; Coon promoted to VP



The Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce announced Thursday a new president and the promotion of one of its long-time staff members.
Angel Whitehead will serve as the Chamber’s new president, according to a news release from the organization. Whitehead most recently worked as the marketing communications coordinator at the Portage County Business Council in Stevens Point where she developed and maintained the new talent attraction website everythingpointshere.com and oversaw the young professional group Ignite. Prior to her position with the PCBC, she was the operations and marketing manager for Hotel Mead & Conference Center in Wisconsin Rapids.

Krista Coon also has been promoted to vice president, the release said. She has 13 years of experience with the Chamber, including responsibilities for the Community Leadership and Ambassadors programs and execution of all the Chamber’s community events. Coon has served as interim president of the Chamber since July 2018. Read more: Wisconsin Rapids Tribune


Save the Date! - Business Day in Madison
March 6th, 2019
Monona Terrace Community & Convention Center, Madison

7:30 am - 4:00 pm

Mark your calendar for March 6, 2019 and join us at Business Day in Madison!

Business Day in Madison has become THE premiere business gathering annually in the state of Wisconsin. The event brings together nearly 1,000 business leaders from all over the state. The program will bring its usual cadre of top-notch speakers. Our lunch keynote is Ed Henry award-winning journalist and FOX News chief national correspondent, bestselling author and syndicated radio host Dennis Prager, and retired Army Staff Sergeant and veterans advocate Travis Mills.

You are invited to a Welcome Reception at the Madison Club the evening before on March 5th, 2019.

For more information or sponsorship opportunities please contact Brittany Rockwell at brockwell@wmc.org or (608) 661-6917.


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 MaynardPam 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.





Bullitt County Chamber interest: BEHS FBLA Students Teaching Essential Skill


Bullitt East High School Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) students recently
wrapped up five weeks teaching essential skills with Old Mill Elementary School fourth
and fifth grade students sponsored by Junior Achievement of Kentuckiana.
FBLA Adviser Kyle Downs said FBLA allows students to increase business knowledge,
leadership skills and networking opportunities.
“FBLA is a great opportunity for students to learn outside a classroom and gives students
opportunities they normally would not have,” he said.
Participating students included freshman Emma Wright; Sophomores Kameron Mullins,
Landon Hite, Mandy Brainer, Addison Pruitt, Pierce Williams, Bryce Reed, Lily Echols,
Madison Gauthier, Brice Edwards, Sara Hughes, Abby Scharfenberger, Nevaeh Robinson,
Cameron Dunaway and Aeron Adams; juniors Max Gauthier, Meredith Bass, Abi
Huffman, Shelby Knieriem, Ryley Ortega, Emily Ezell, Julia Kromenacker, Sarah Ezell,
Cole Stewart, Samuel Brangers, Olivia Armstrong and Grayson Adams; and senior
Madisson Kingsley.
Downs explained there were a variety of lessons about economics and entrepreneurship.
“The students would have to prepare the lesson before going over to Old Mill,” he said.
“There were a lot of volunteer hours that the students put in to make it a successful
experience for the Old Mill students.”
The primary goal for the Bullitt East students was to make sure the Old Mill students
learned about the main idea of the lesson.
“The FBLA students were great,” praised Downs. “They volunteered their time and put
forth great effort in ensuring that the Old Mill students had the best experience possible. A
lot of positive feedback from everyone involved.”

Downs said students sign up for FBLA at the beginning of the school year and perform
many activities
“We do a variety of things throughout the year, including meetings after school, National
Leadership Conferences, and compete in Region, State and Nationals in the spring,” he
said. “FBLA is a co-curriculum organization and is used in business classes. It enhances
business classes and provides opportunities for students outside of the classroom.”
Downs encourages students to participate in FBLA citing he would have taken a
business pathway if he was currently a high school student.
“The FBLA program at Bullitt East has taken off in the last few years and we hope to
continue the upward trend,” he said. “We provide students opportunities that they normally
would not have outside of the classroom. FBLA allows students to increase their business
knowledge, leadership skills, and networking opportunities.”
Bullitt County Public Schools has over 13,100 students in grades preschool through 12.
There are 25 school facilities, a certified staff of over 900 and a classified staff of over 800
working to make the district the leader in educational excellence.
Contact: John Roberts, Communications Director, 502-869-6000


City of Ridgeland Chamber: Benefits of MEMBERSHIP

The City of Ridgeland Chamber of Commerce works because of the support it receives from companies like yours. The following benefits are yours when you join the City of Ridgeland Chamber of Commerce:

Ridgeland Community Profile and Membership Directory

Published bi-annually, the Chamber’s magazine showcases the City of Ridgeland and includes an alphabetical and categorical listing of Chamber members.

ChamberGram

Gain higher visibility and advertising value by promoting your business in the Chamber’s popular monthly calendar of events. Members may insert an advertisement flyer in this monthly informative packet for $50. Just bring your flyer to the Chamber office and we’ll do the rest. Our distribution is 940. New members may insert their first flier at no charge. Please call us at 601-991-9996 for the deadline to bring inserts to us. (Does not apply to members in the Political Category.)

“VISIONS” and “HORIZONS” Newsletter

The Chamber's monthly newsletters VISIONS and HORIZONS keeps Chamber members and Ridgeland residents up-to-date on Chamber and City news and issues affecting the business community. Advertising is available and rates are nominal.

Welcome Bag Inserts

A valuable marketing tool, our newcomer bags welcome approximately 50 new residents each month to our area. Members may insert any type of specialty advertising item from magnets to flyers FREE of charge. Just bring your items to the Chamber and we’ll put them in our bags.

Ribbon Cuttings, Grand Openings and Ground Breakings

New businesses opening, existing businesses expanding and others celebrating a milestone, look to the Chamber to help them celebrate their special day. Offered to businesses at no charge, the Chamber’s special welcoming ceremony is designed to increase visibility for your business and gain local media attention.

New Member Luncheons

Quarterly networking event which gives new and existing business members an opportunity to review benefits of Chamber membership.

Business After Hours

Our popular Chamber after hour’s mixer brings together 75-125 Chamber members and guests each month. Hosted by Chamber member businesses wishing to showcase their companies, Business After Hours provides a perfect opportunity for networking and information sharing.

Diplomat Program

Join the Diplomat Program and represent your business at all Chamber events increasing your visibility while networking at Chamber functions.

Referrals

Chamber members are exclusively referred to the public. Members, as well as the public, are always encouraged to do business with Chamber members first.

Worldwide Web Listing

Chamber members receive a complimentary Internet listing on our website. Viewers may link to websites of member companies. Visit our website at www.ridgelandchamber.com.

Bulk Rate Mailing Permit

Chamber members sending over 250 pieces of mail may use our Bulk Rate Mailing Permit and receive substantial savings.

Ridgeland City/County Maps

The Chamber office has an abundant supply of Ridgeland City and County maps. Advertising limited to Chamber members. Stop by the Chamber for your complimentary copy.

Ridgeland and Madison County Demographics

Availability of statistical data, maps, historical information and brochures. Community data includes information on neighborhoods, schools, churches, civic organizations and calendars of upcoming events.

Chamber Attractions

Each year the Chamber sponsors such exciting events as SHOP LOCAL/BUY LOCAL campaign, the C Spire / Ridgeland Chamber Golf Classic, Make A Difference Day, Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast, Ridgeland Under the Stars and our Annual Membership Banquet. As a Ridgeland Chamber member you’ll have the opportunity to sponsor events and participate in helping to organize them. Come join in the excitement and watch your business grow.

Chamber interest: Manufacturers Finding New Sources Of Talent


Still keeping manufacturers up at night is the search for talent; especially workers with specialized skills. This need has driven companies to look outside the regular channels for workers.
One organization that is helping to fill that gap is Ability Beyond. Ability Beyond is a leading non-profit agency offering residential, job training and placement, career counseling, cognitive and life skills instruction, clinical and therapeutic support, and volunteer and recreational services for adults with disabilities. Headquartered in Bethel, CT and Chappaqua, NY, the organization serves more than 3,000 families annually at 140 residences and facilities in 90 communities throughout Connecticut and New York.
While many companies have not looked in this direction before, talent with disabilities have a wide range of education, degrees, professional certifications, work experience and skills.
“Just as many people without disabilities find a good fit working in the manufacturing sector, we too have found it an ideal setting for people who are looking for repetitive, consistent, creative work,” said Carrie O’Connell-Davidson, Director of Services at Ability Beyond. “When our individuals see how the work they do helps to create a larger product or project it gives them the satisfaction that their work is valuable and needed to achieve larger goals that impact the customer.”

Specialized Talent Helping Bottom Line

One company that has found success in working with Ability Beyond is Tier ONE Machining in Newtown, Conn. The company requires skilled, focused workers to provide precision machining and manufacturing, packaging and assembly solutions for function critical, highly engineered parts and assemblies. They hired Aimee Giordano to assemble tip kits. She has quickly become of one of their star performers, motivated to exceed her goals. Her ability to concentrate allows her to produce a consistent, cost-effective product every time.
Another company has also found success. ABB Optical Group in Hawthorne, NY has been an employer partner with Ability Beyond for less than a year but has already grown from employing one person to a dozen after successfully hiring Brendan Loughran. Brendan graduated from Fairfield University in CT with a Bachelor’s degree in History. Employment Specialist Michelle Magaletti at Ability Beyond helped Brendan fulfill his goal of doing stock work in a warehouse setting as a fulfillment specialist.
"Working with Ability Beyond has been a great experience,” said Marlin Rodriguez, talent acquisition specialist at ABB Optical Group. “Not only do they offer onsite supports to their clients, but their candidates are amazing people willing to go the extra mile to do the best job possible.”

New Talent Measures Up

On a national level, Ability Beyond has successfully partnered with PepsiCo on their inclusive hiring initiative Pepsi ACT (Achieving Change Together). After experiencing the positive impact of that program, Ability Beyond launched an employment consulting service called Disability Solutions. The experienced consultants work with companies of all sizes to develop a strategic, customized playbook to tap into new channels for qualified talent, navigate complex hiring systems, support culture change, leverage hiring incentives, and respond to a changing regulatory environment.
Companies such as American Express, Aon, Aramark, Synchrony, and others that are taking action in reaching talent with disabilities are recognizing measurable and meaningful business outcomes. Hiring people with disabilities is not about charity, but about smart business.
“We have moved the needle on key HR benchmarks across our client base including an average 14 percent higher retention rate, 53 percent higher rate of self-identification, decreased time to fill key positions, and a range of diversity within disability including 21 percent veterans with disabilities,” said Kris Foss, Managing Director of Disability Solutions. Read more: Manufacturing.net

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
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. 




Dan Carmody, President of the Eastern Market Corporation, to Speak at Troy Chamber Event

Eastern Market: Strengthening Regional Food Systems 


On Friday, January 25, the Troy Chamber will host their first CEO Series of the year featuring Dan Carmody, President of the Eastern Market Corporation! The event will take place at Hilton Garden Inn (200 Wilshire Drive, Troy) from 8 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. and includes a sit-down breakfast.

In his CEO Series presentation Dan Carmody, President of Eastern Market Corporation will discuss the role of Eastern Market in fostering a stronger regional food economy in SE Michigan. While touching on the many people have family connections to the long history of Detroit’s venerable public market, few understand the pivotal role the market is playing in building a more robust food economy in the region. Demographics and changing consumer preferences are ushering in a new era in our food economy and Eastern Market has developed strong programs to incubate and accelerate new food businesses while retaining and attracting more established ones.

“Eastern Market has become a major attraction to the Detroit area,” says Ara Topouzian, President & CEO of the Troy Chamber. “It has also played a vital role in incubating new business and helping several small businesses flourish in the metro area.”

In addition, Carmody will provide an overview to the market’s food access programs and work that Eastern Market Corporation (the non-profit that operates the market and serves as the economic development organization for the Eastern Market District on behalf of the City of Detroit) is doing to preserve the legacy of the market area in the face of a tsunami of real estate investment.

The cost is $24 for Troy Chamber members and $30 for non-members and includes a sit-down breakfast. Register at troychamber.com/events. For more information call 248-641-8151 or e-mail: theteam@troychamber.com.



New Castle - Henry County Chamber of Commerce Benefits of Membership

  • As soon as you become a Chamber member we will:


    - Welcome you to the Chamber in our weekly eBlast that goes to over 1,000 email addresses
    -  Let the community know that you have recently joined the Chamber in our monthly 2-page “Chamber Talk” that appears in full color in the Courier-Times
    - Add you to our list of members on our website under the appropriate category with a link to your website as well as your address and phone number
    - Hold a ribbon cutting or upgrade certificate award at your location if you are a new business or you have recently renovated your location
    - Tweet about your business and add a comment about you on our Facebook page the week you join.
    Deliver a window cling identifying you as a Chamber Member

    All of this happens within a few days of joining the Chamber. The value of this marketing is immeasurable.
    But we won’t stop there! Once you are a member, we will continue promoting your business by:
    Displaying your business cards and literature at the Chamber office for potential customers to collect when they visit
    Putting your marketing material in our relocation packet
    Adding your specials and events to our weekly eBlast that reaches over 400 emails
    Listing your specials and events on our website
    Offering you the opportunity to participate in numerous networking opportunities at a reduced cost
    Providing an audience of Lunch with the Chamber attendees each month during the member announcement period
    Recommending your business when someone calls or stops by the office looking for your type of goods or services
    All of this marketing and publicity is included for the very reasonable price of a Chamber Membership.
    By joining the Chamber you will be identified as a member of one of the most trusted business organizations on the local, state, and national level. We will help promote your business while your membership dollars help fund the good things the Chamber does within the community like providing free learning opportunities for business owners and their employees, partnering with the local schools on career day events and other business related activities, adding culture to our community through the sponsorship of the Henry County Concert Series, revitalizing our downtown through participation in the Indiana Main Street program; these are just a few.
    Your company needs to be a part of the Chamber of Commerce!

  • And if that is not enough…. We offer many levels of paid sponsorship opportunities on our website and at each of our Chamber events for even greater visibility.
  • Additional Benefits of being a Chamber Member Include…

    Tax Deduction
    Your investment in the Chamber may be deductible as a necessary business expense. Please check with your accountant.
     Business Referrals
    When asked to supply names of businesses in our area, our staff policy is to offer those businesses and organizations that are members of the Chamber. Additionally, all Chamber business is conducted with Chamber members whenever possible.
     Community Involvement
    Volunteering for Chamber committees gives you the opportunity to study community needs in-depth and find solutions to concerns of the business community. This is your chance to help shape the future of Henry County! The Chamber is a well organized, strong advocate for the business community affecting public policy decisions to the benefit of the business community and the well being of Henry County.
     Meeting Facilities Available
    Complimentary use of the Chamber’s Conference room
     Full Time Staff
    Experienced, well qualified staff to help with your needs and questions
    Bulk Rate Postal Permit
    The Chamber’s bulk rate postal permit is available to members for mailings of 200+ pieces. This offers a considerable savings with reduced postage rates and eliminates the $175 annual permit fee.
     Insurance
    Several Chamber member insurance companies offer general and health insurance packages to members only, often at reduced rates.
     New Business Contacts
    Make new contacts and create opportunities to expand your business by meeting new potential customers through Chamber events, committee involvement, ribbon cuttings, publications and mailings.
     Identification
    Business members receive a window decal identifying you as an active member of Henry County’s most active and progressive business organization. New members and their businesses are introduced at Chamber events and in the Newsletter and Chamber Talk Courier Times insert.
     Ribbon Cuttings and Groundbreakings
    Ribbons cuttings and Groundbreakings with pictures are published in the Chamber Newsletter and Chamber Talk in the Courier Times.
     Membership Directory
    Listing in this annual publication is a vital part of your membership package. Each year, thousands of our directories are distributed to potential customers and community members.
     Website
    Your business will automatically be listed on our website and introduced in our blog.
     Business Promotion
    Your business cards and promotional materials may be displayed in our Chamber lobby.
     Chamber Discount Card
    Take advantage of savings offered from local businesses on services, food, advertising and more!
     Networking and Annual Events
    Chamber members are invited to participate in:
    Business Expo

    Golf Outing

    Cash Bonanza

    Wine & Art Gala

    Annual Meeting

    New Business Reception

    Chamber Lunch & Learns

    First Fridays at the Chamber Office

    Chamber After Hours

    Chamber Lunches

    Chamber Magazine
    Published twice a year, Chamber Magazine highlights the many positive qualities, businesses, and people of Henry County. Only Chamber members may advertise in the high quality glossy publication. More information: New Castle-Henry County Chamber


Greater Reston Chamber Launches new INCspire Program

The INCspire Education Foundation presents the Entrepreneurial Business Accelerator program. This program is designed to give you the tools, processes, and techniques to consistently grow and scale your organization and push your thinking on how much growth you can achieve.

If you are an entrepreneurial thinker and run a business, association, or non-profit, or you run an internal department of a larger company, your success depends on your ability to keep 15 balls in the air at one time. If you are looking to grow your organization, become an
exceptional leader, and willing to focus on your business for one day every 8 weeks then this
program may be a good fit for you.

The Entrepreneurial Business Accelerator program brings together like-minded entrepreneurs and leaders from a wide range of industries and professions to meet, collaborate, and learn from and with each other.

Want to learn more? The next information session is Thursday, January 10th, in the Chamber Office from 11:30 am - 12:30 pm. Register Now

Still have questions and want to review the program with Amy Riccardi, the program facilitator, you can set up an appointment with her here.




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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