Arlington Chamber Joins Coalition to Encourage General Assembly to Support Amazon Headquarters Package; Maggie Dobson to head Cedarburg Chamber; Director of Events & Programming Menomonee Falls Chamber of Commerce, Inc. - Menomonee Falls, WI $40,000 a year; Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber: Eggs and Issues 2019 Sponsorship Opportunity; Rapid City Chamber: Your Link to the 2019 Legislature; The NEW Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce Community Map; Georgene Kauth O’Dwyer Named 2018 Batavia Citizen of the Year; Batavia United Way is this year’s Spirit of Batavia honoree; NKY Chamber Hosts Kentucky’s Commissioner of Agriculture at Government Forum Luncheon on Monday, February 4; Harbor Country Chamber of Commerce planning for 2019 and beyond; Eric Doden says goodbye to GFW, leaves legacy; 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 Joins Coalition to Encourage General Assembly to Support Amazon Headquarters Package 

Joint letter of 14 chambers of commerce sees positive benefits for all Virginia businesses and communities

ARLINGTON, Va. - The Arlington Chamber of Commerce has joined in a letter with 13 other chambers of commerce from across Virginia to call upon the General Assembly to support the Commonwealth's proposal for Amazon's new headquarters during its upcoming 2019 legislative session. The coalition's letter says, "Virginia benefits greatly from the Commonwealth's commitment to providing an economic backbone for all businesses through investment in statewide assets, including education, workforce development, and transportation infrastructure." The letter calls upon the General Assembly to approve:
The tech talent investments to deliver a talent pipeline to support technology innovation and businesses beyond Amazon, enhance our workforce, and cement the Commonwealth of Virginia as an innovation hub,
The commitment of up to $195 million in transportation infrastructure investments that will facilitate travel through a critical gateway across the Potomac River and bring people and commerce from around the nation to the Commonwealth of Virginia, and
The post-performance incentives to Amazon that tie directly to the creation of new jobs in Virginia, will cost a fraction of the public benefit from these employees' tax payments and economic activity, and will enhance the competitiveness of our business environment.

This joint position is consistent with the Arlington Chamber's position, expressed in its 2019 General Assembly Policy Positions.

The Arlington Chamber convened a meeting of the Coalition of Northern Virginia Chambers and representatives from Amazon at its offices on December 13, 2018 to discuss the opportunities that the Amazon announcement creates for the entire region. At that meeting, the coalition agreed to draft this letter of support, which twelve chambers of commerce from across Northern Virginia, and as also two statewide chambers, have joined. "The benefits of Amazon's new headquarters will extend throughout the entire region," said Kate Bates, President & CEO of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce. "We are proud that leaders from across Virginia's business community are coming together to support these investments that will pay off for all Virginians for many years to come."

Along with the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, the letter is signed by: the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce, Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce, Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce, Falls Church Chamber of Commerce, Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce, Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce, Mount Vernon Lee Chamber of Commerce, Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce, Northern Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Prince William Chamber of Commerce, Virginia Asian Chamber of Commerce, and Virginia Chamber of Commerce.

Maggie Dobson to head Cedarburg Chamber

Though nearly 50 applicants expressed interest in the vacant position of executive director for the Cedarburg Chamber of Commerce, it is an internal candidate who will take over the role Jan. 3.

“I have really enjoyed my time working with the Cedarburg Chamber and all the people involved,” said Maggie Dobson, who has served as the Chamber’s programs coordinator since June 2016. “I have a passion  for Cedarburg and its business community and look forward to helping support those businesses.”

Dobson started her formal relationship with the Cedarburg Chamber as a member of the board of directors in 2011, a role she served in until June 2016 when she became employed by the Chamber. Prior to her time at the chamber, Dobson worked for Conley Media in advertising sales for over 11 years.

“Maggie has built relationships in the community that we, as a board of directors, are excited to see grow in her new role as chamber director,” said Hank Beyer, Chamber board president.

In her current role as programs coordinator, Dobson is responsible for sponsorship fundraising, surpassing her fundraising goal in 2018.

She was also instrumental in working with Milwaukee-based CityTins to create a Cedarburg version of the promotion. She also created and implemented the Chamber’s successful Miniature Golf Outing.

She is the current board president of Festivals of Cedarburg Inc. and is the co-chair of the Cedarburg Christmas Committee. She also serves as a member of the Cedarburg Junior Woman’s Club.

“I think Cedarburg is in a great place going into 2019,” said Dobson as she looked forward to her Jan. 3 start date as executive director. “We are excited to continue with strong programs and events that help showcase Cedarburg as a great community to live in and visit. I also look forward to reconnecting with our members to see what they feel could enhance their membership benefits and make joining the Cedarburg Chamber one of the first things businesses here want to do.” Read more: GM Today

Director of Events & Programming
Menomonee Falls Chamber of Commerce, Inc. - Menomonee Falls, WI
$40,000 a year

The Director of Events & Programming is responsible for the development, planning, promotion, production and analysis of all special events and educational programs hosted by the Menomonee Falls Chamber of Commerce.

Duties and responsibilities

• Become proficient with all modules of ChamberMaster, especially the membership, events, and reports modules. (ChamberMaster is the Chamber’s member management software)
• Management of the following current Chamber special events and educational programs:

• Awards Banquet: January
• Leadership Lunch: March
• Spring Shoot: May
• Party in the Park a la Carte: June
• Going for the Green Golf Tournament: August
• Manufacturing Career Expo: October
• Monthly Tuesday Morning Tech Talks
• Leadership Menomonee Falls (LMF): Monthly Programming

• LMF Kick-Off: August
• LMF Commencement: May * Falls Sussex Youth Leadership: Monthly programming
• Scholarship Program * Development, production and delivery of projects from proposal right up to delivery.
• Delivering events on time, within budget, that meet or exceed expectations and fundraising goals.
• Set, communicate and maintain timelines and priorities on every project.
• Fund development for events and programs.
• Communicate, maintain and develop sponsor relationships.
• Manage supplier relationships, including hotels, meeting venues, restaurants, catering companies, AV, etc.
• Manage operational and administrative functionsto ensure projects are delivered efficiently.
• Promotion of events and programs.
• Develop a volunteer committee or committees to meet objectives.
• Explore the use of interns to meet objectives.
• Provide leadership, motivation, direction and support to your committees.
• Responsible for all project budgets from start to finish.
• Ensure excellent customer service and quality delivery.
• Survey attendees following each event or program.
• Run a plus/delta meeting following each event or program series.
• Provide Executive Director with weekly updates and monthly events and programs reports outlining budget projections which includes: fund development, attendance, expenditures, activity sales, survey results, and plus/delta findings.
• Achieve events and programs budget projections.
• Handle sensitive information in a professional, discreet and confidential manner.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or Associate Degree in a related field or 4 years of equivalent experience.
• Proficient in MS Office including publisher
• Highly organized
• High level of attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple projects at one time
• Ability to manage a budget
• Ability to lead and motivate a team
• Effective and positive working relationship with team members.
• Strong interpersonal skills, ability to develop relationships and communicate with all levels of business management.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to prioritize, meet deadlines and manage time effectively.
• Committed team player
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, lively office environment
• Strong comfort level with public speaking
• Possess a valid driver’s license and provide own reliable transportation

Working conditions

• Monday & Friday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM
• Note: Some Chamber special events and programs occur outside of normal business hours. Therefore, additional work hours will be required at these times.
• Required:
• Attend all committee meetings related to events and programs
• Attend monthly Tuesday Morning Tech Talks: 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM
• Awards Banquet in January: 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
• Leadership Lunch in March: 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
• LMF Commencement in May: 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM
• Spring Shoot in May: 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM
• Party in the Park a la Carte in June: 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
• LMF Kick-off in August: 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM
• Golf Outing in August: 7:00 AM to 6:30 PM
• MCE in October (Two-day event)
• Attend other required FSYL, LMF, and Chamber events as needed.

Physical requirements

• The individual must be able to spend most of his/her day walking, sitting, standing and or driving.
• The individual may travel to off-site locations that may not be barrier-free.
• The individual must be able to type on a computer keyboard and operate other office equipment.
• Must be able to lift 35 pounds.

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $40,000.00 /year

Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber: Eggs and Issues 2019 Sponsorship Opportunity

Sponsorship investment: $250

All sponsors will be highlighted on event emails, signage at the event, will be on the agenda at each place setting, and recognized verbally from the podium. Sponsors can also place a promo piece at each attendees seat. All sponsors will receive two complimentary tickets for the event. There are typically around 100-125 people in attendance, so you will have the opportunity to reach a large segment of the business and governmental community.
Sponsorship deadline is Thursday, Janaury 9th, noon.

Questions: Contact Pam Swain at pam@oxfordms.com to participate as a sponsor.

Rapid City Chamber: Your Link to the 2019 Legislature

DID YOU KNOW: Tuesday, January 8 marks the first day of the 2019 Legislative session? Here are a few resources to keep you informed.

2019 Legislative Agenda

Each year the Chamber Board of Directors reviews and approves the legislative agenda that outlines the policy priorities for the coming session. Click here to see the 2019 Legislative Agenda.

Legislative Resources

The 2019 Legislative Session will be a full 10-week session. Click here to see the session calendar that includes session days and deadlines.

Follow bills, committees, and legislators through the SD LRC site.

2019 State of the State Address

Governor Noem will give her first State of the State address on January 8 at 12:00 p.m. MST. Tune in for this historic speech as Governor Noem outlines her priorities for the upcoming year. You can watch it live at www.sd.net

Crackerbarrel Schedule 

Mark your calendars for the following Crackerbarrels: 

· Jan. 26 9:00-11:00 a.m. at SDSM&T Classroom Building 

· Feb. 2 9:00-11:00 a.m. at WDT Event Center 

· Feb. 16 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. at SDSM&T Classroom Building 

· Mar. 2 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. at WDT Event Center

Business Champions

Thank you to those businesses who support the Chamber's advocacy efforts as Business Champions. Follow this link to learn more about the Business Champion program and to see those businesses who have recognized the importance of representing business friendly policy within all levels of government. Learn more

Like this Information?

Sent during the legislative session and throughout the year as needed, the Chamber’s Business Link newsletter is intended to keep members up to speed on various issues relating to our legislative agenda that are being addressed at the local level, at the State Capitol, and in Washington. Sign-up here to receive the Business Link email, and stay informed on happenings in Pierre this session. Click here to be instantly added to the list.


The NEW Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce Community Map

The Valparaiso Chamber Community Map is now available at the Valpo Chamber today! Thanks to Rex Richards, Danielle Oeding and Kurt Gillins and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!

Valparaiso Chamber map

Town SquarePublications  (www.townsquarepublications.com) can help you accomplish your chamber's gloss map, directory, community guide or publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633. 

Georgene Kauth O’Dwyer Named 2018 Batavia Citizen of the Year; Batavia United Way is this year’s Spirit of Batavia honoree

A Batavian who “doesn’t strive to be noticed but chooses to help” was named the 2018 Batavia Citizen of the Year today. The Batavia Chamber of Commerce will honor Georgene Kauth O’Dwyer on Thursday, Jan. 24 at the Chamber’s Inspire 2019: A Celebration of Those Who Inspire Us! annual awards event.

In his nomination letter, Batavia resident Tony Winter said, “Georgene impacts Batavia citizens through selflessly sharing her talents and encourages others to share theirs. Batavia is lucky that Georgene calls our city home.”

Mayor Jeffery D. Schielke echoes these sentiments, suggesting that her actions resulted in making “the world a kinder, gentler and more supportive place.”

Georgene, age 85, along with her first husband, Walter Kauth, moved to Batavia from Aurora in 1958. The couple raised three daughters, and were married nearly 52 years, prior to his death. Later, she married Dr. John O’Dwyer, who passed away six years later.

As many young mothers do, Georgene’s first volunteer role in Batavia involved her children. She served on the Parent-Teacher Organization for McWayne Elementary and was a room mother. She was a Girl Scout leader and Sunday School teacher at Holy Cross Catholic Church as well.

Batavia Historical Society and Depot Museum

Volunteering is all about putting down roots and establishing a home, according to Georgene. Judging by the long list of organizations who’ve benefitted from her volunteering, her roots are extensive. Georgene and her late husband, Walter, were early members of the Batavia Historical Society and Georgene carries on this legacy serving as the group’s corresponding secretary.

For 40 years, Georgene opened and closed the Batavia Depot Museum on weekends. It’s no wonder, then, that she is an active member of the Depot Museum expansion committee. According to Dan Hoefler, chairman of the expansion committee, Georgene is a keen proponent of the project, helping many see what is possible, not simply what is necessary.

“She envisions opportunity and talks enthusiastically about it,” Hoefler commented. “We now have a great plan and are raising money. She doesn’t just look around and notice things that need attention. She takes action. Georgene is the person who does something.”

Batavia Chamber of Commerce Ambassador

Another group that greatly benefits from Georgene’s selflessness is the Batavia Chamber of Commerce. Georgene joined the Chamber as a community associate and is a Batavia Chamber Ambassador. Although she has earned Ambassador of the Month honors, she is more excited when fellow ambassadors are recognized, sending them a hand-written note of congratulations.

“With her role as a Chamber ambassador, Georgene is one of the friendly faces welcoming businesses to our town,” Mayor Schielke mentioned. “She’s at all the ribbon cuttings and I can also count on her to fill me in on historical facts of a building. Georgene is not only an ambassador for the Chamber, but for the entire City of Batavia.”

The staff of the Batavia Chamber couldn’t be any happier with this year’s Citizen of the Year selection.

“Gramma George has touched the heart of all of us at the Chamber,” says Holly Deitchman, president of Batavia Chamber of Commerce. “We love her like family. She swings by our office sometimes on her way between service projects to share a hug with us. She is the first to step up to help at our events, and she always does it with a smile.”

Holy Cross Catholic Church

No commentary about Georgene would be complete without mention of her deep faith in God and commitment to serve him. She even consulted her priest at Holy Cross Catholic Church after she learned that she was named Batavia Citizen of the Year.

“I was so confused, and I just didn’t feel adequate for receiving such an award,” explained Georgene. “I told Father (James) Parker that I don’t feel worthy. I am involved in a lot, but I don’t do big things.”

He reassured her that she was, indeed, worthy of the honor and to accept it gracefully. As a longtime member of Holy Cross, her service to the parish is extensive. She previously served on the Parish Council and is an active member of several ministries. You’ll find Georgene sending cards and letters to shut-ins, as well as distributing prayer shawls. Once a month she cooks for Hesed House, a homeless shelter in Aurora, and is also active in the St. Vincent DePaul Ministry.

There are many other groups, currently and in the past, who benefit from Georgene Kauth O’Dwyer’s genuine love of people and desire to help. Along with this extensive volunteer career, Georgene was employed for 25 years at Batavia Bank, which eventually evolved into Chase Bank in Batavia. During her tenure at the bank, she chaired the fund raising for Batavia Community Chest, which is now Batavia United Way.

Spirit of Batavia Award

Speaking of Batavia United Way, the Batavia Chamber of Commerce is also pleased to announce that the organization is this year’s recipient of the Spirit of Batavia Award. This is the third year the award is given to a group that has made significant contributions to the Batavia community.

"The contributions that the Batavia United Way have made to our community are immeasurable,” says Deitchman. “However, this year has really stood out for their service through the implementation of 2-1-1. The amount of work that Melinda and the board put into making 2-1-1 happen in Kane County is staggering. We are so lucky to have them working for the betterment of our community."

Besides getting 2-1-1 off the ground, Batavia United Way set records for their Success By 6 program as well as the holiday Adopt A Family program. This year, 29 Kindergarten Enrichment Scholarships were funded. The Adopt A Family reached a new milestone with 120 families being adopted by 89 different sponsors. The group also celebrated 90 years of helping Batavians in 2018, dating back to the early days of Batavia Community Chest.

Although Melinda Kintz, the part-time executive director for Batavia United Way is often the face of all that the organization accomplishes, she says it is the board of directors’ commitment that gets everything done.

“This is quite an honor for us. A big part of Batavia United Way’s success is that I have a working board, one that is willing to do what it takes to do the most good,” says Kintz. “I am lucky to have them.”

A committee of previous recipients of the Citizen of the Year award selects the Batavia Citizen of the Year from nominations received from the community. This group also chooses the Spirit of Batavia group honoree.

Batavia’s Citizen of the Year, the Spirit of Batavia honoree and Ole Award winners are presented at the annual awards event for the Batavia Chamber of Commerce. This year’s event, Inspire 2019: A Celebration of Those Who Inspire Us! will be held on Thursday, Jan. 24, 2019 at the Nagel Emporium at Marmion’s Abbey Farms, 2855 Hart Road in Aurora. For ticket information, register online at www.BataviaChamber.org  or contact the Chamber at (630) 879-7134.


NKY Chamber Hosts Kentucky’s Commissioner of Agriculture at Government Forum Luncheon on Monday, February 4
On Monday, February 4, the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce (NKY Chamber) will host Kentucky’s Commissioner of Agriculture Ryan Quarles at its Government Forum luncheon at the Boone County Enrichment Center (1824 Patrick Drive, Burlington, Kentucky 41005).

Ryan Quarles was elected Kentucky’s Commissioner of Agriculture in 2015 and under his leadership, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture has started several new programs, including the Kentucky Hunger Initiative, which is a first-of-its-kind effort to bring together farmers, charitable organizations, faith groups, community leaders and government entities to begin a dialogue to help reduce hunger in the Commonwealth. Under his direction, the Department continues to look for more opportunities for Kentucky farmers to grow domestic and international markets.

“Northern Kentucky is home to many value added agricultural products and businesses,” said Brent Cooper, President & CEO of the NKY Chamber. “We look forward to hearing from Commissioner Quarles on how our region plays a vital role as the logistics hub for these products to be shipped across the world,”

The Government Forum luncheon will run from 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Tickets are $30 for NKY Chamber members, $35 for future members, $25 for NKYP Passport holders and are available online at www.nkychamber.com/events. Pre-registration is required.

The title sponsors for the Government Forum luncheon are Duke Energy and Fidelity Investments. Event sponsors are The Kroger Co. and St. Elizabeth Healthcare. Read more: NKY Chamber of Commerce

Harbor Country Chamber of Commerce planning for 2019 and beyond
The Harbor Country Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors is busy planning for 2019 and beyond. As part of their strategic planning process, the Directors reached out to members this month to ask how the Chamber could increase the value of their membership. The Board will use the feedback to develop long-term goals and a 2019 Action Plan.

It’s the perfect time for the Board to strengthen the Chamber’s role in the community as well through partnerships with our local municipalities and key organizations like The Pokagon Fund, the New Buffalo Business Association (NBBA), Cornerstone Alliance and neighboring Chambers of Commerce.

The Pokagon Fund’s recently completed community assessment identified two key issues that the Chamber has advocated on behalf of for several years: housing needs and improved broadband. We look forward to continuing to build on the work that has been done and determine how best we can support these critical initiatives as they advance.

The NBBA recently completed their strategic plan and has created new committees to help them re-energize downtown New Buffalo. We will continue to collaborate on business attraction and marketing efforts that help create and sustain a vibrant business community in Harbor Country.

Our five-year partnership with Cornerstone Alliance is producing great results. Entrepreneurs looking to start new businesses continue to seek help from the Three Oaks office. Local business owners find value in the Quickbooks and business planning training provided through Cornerstone’s Small Business Services and the Women’s Business Center. We look forward to working with Cornerstone and our local municipalities as we navigate through new opportunities (and challenges) presented by the recent legalization of marijuana.

The role of a Chamber of Commerce in a community varies. I’ve had the good fortune of building relationships with Chamber leaders in Bridgman, St. Joseph/Benton Harbor, Buchanan, Stevensville, Coloma, and Michigan City. We get together several times a year to exchange best practices, problem solve, and discuss how we can work together. There have been a lot of personnel changes at the neighboring Chambers this year so I look forward to re-connecting in the coming year and keeping “the support group” going.

We look forward to sharing the Harbor Country Chamber of Commerce Strategic Plan with our members and the community in a few months. More information: Harbor Country News

— Viki Gudas is President/CEO of the Harbor Country (MI) Chamber of Commerce



Eric Doden says goodbye to GFW, 

leaves legacy
Greater Fort Wayne Inc. says goodbye to CEO Eric Doden on Dec. 31 after 3½ years with the developer at its helm.

Doden, who started with GFW in July 2015, announced his resignation May 4, saying that he is leaving to return full-time to his private-sector job as a partner with Domo Development and Domo Ventures.

His tenure with organization lasted a year and a half longer than his original plan.

“After two years, we were in the middle of Electric Works and I felt it was important for me to stay at least through the process of getting that done and that property sold and started down this process we’re on now,” Doden said. “It was pretty clear to me last May that by the end of the year, we’d have things in place where I could leave and go back and be part of my business.”

He agreed to stay until the end of 2018.

“That then gave the board the freedom of the next step in succession planning,” he said.

Doden’s successor was named Dec. 13. John Urbahns, the organization’s former executive vice president of economic development, will take over the CEO chair Jan. 1.

“John has earned the full faith and confidence of the board and staff,” Andrew Thomas, GFW Inc. board chair said in an announcement Dec. 13. “He has a proven track record of success in this community, and his skills and experience make him the best leader for this organization going forward. I’m excited to work with John as our CEO.”

“So, this has really been in the works,” Doden said in an interview with Business Weekly after the news conference announcing Urbahns’ promotion. “It’s just been a year and a half after I thought it would be. But it’s been a great ride and a very enjoyable team – probably one of the most enjoyable teams I’ve ever worked with in my career. We put out a bold vision two years ago that we then had to go execute and they bought in. They worked it hard.” Read more: Greater Fort Wayne Business Weekly

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