Wednesday, February 13, 2019

Loan fund a resource for small businesses in Genesee County; Robby Jones Named 2019 Lexington-Rockbridge Chamber of Commerce Business Individual of the Year; Champaign County Chamber: Business Valuations for the Rest of Us; Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Profile Guide; Baraboo Chamber exec Bobbie Boettcher leaves for Circus World; Emerging Leaders - SBA Accepting Applications for Emerging Leaders - Gulfport Chamber announces 2019 board and chair; South Suburban Chamber of Commerce 2018 Community Resource Guide & Business Directory; Kosciusko Chamber Hires New Member Relations Manager and Main Street Coordinator; 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!


Loan fund a resource for small businesses in Genesee County

A little-known financial resource available to help support growing businesses has awarded loans to two Flint companies: BRP Northside Solutions, an upstart customer call center, and Dean’s Auto Sales, a used automobile dealership.
The Small Business Revolving Loan Fund, which is governed by the Genesee County Economic Development Corp. (EDC) and administered by the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce, seeks to create jobs in the community by helping to capitalize businesses.
EDC loans can be used for most business purposes, including building improvements, equipment, inventory and working capital. The maximum loan amount is $100,000 and may not be used to pay off existing debt.
It doesn’t replace conventional business loans but can be used in places where conventional financing may be more challenging, said Tracy Joseph, business finance manager at the Flint & Genesee Chamber. “There may be hurdles related to a borrower’s creditworthiness, collateral or the venture is considered too risky,” she said.
Joseph added the revolving loan fund was restructured post-recession to allow first-lien position financing for qualified applicants. Previously, the fund could only be accessed as gap financing.
The fund is governed by the Genesee County EDC whose nine-member board of trustees are appointed by the Genesee County Board of Commissioners to serve six-year terms. The EDC board is currently evaluating three additional applications from local businesses, said Joseph.
Loan requirements & limitations:
·         Loan amount – up to $100,000
·         Interest rate – Prime plus 2 percent to 3 percent
·         Term – up to 10 years
·         Amortization – up to 25 years
·         The business must create new jobs
·         Owner must have at least 10-percent equity in the deal
For more information, contact Tracy Joseph at (810) 600-1406 or email tjoseph@flintandgenesee.org.



Robby Jones Named 2019 Lexington-Rockbridge Chamber of Commerce Business Individual of the Year

The Lexington-Rockbridge Chamber of Commerce held its 82nd Annual Dinner Dance and Auction on Saturday, February 2, 2019, at Evans Hall on the campus of Washington and Lee University. Among the many highlights of “The Gatsby Gala” was the presentation of the 2019 Business Individual of the Year award. For the past 34 years the Chamber’s Board of Directors has voted on nominations solicited from the membership, and this year Robby Jones of Hamric & Sheridan Jewelers was honored with this distinguished award.

Robby has been an active volunteer and contributor to the Lexington and greater Rockbridge community, serving in various capacities with numerous organizations over the years, including the Rockbridge Area Health Center, the Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Lexington.

After graduating from Virginia Military Institute in 1980, Robby served in the military for six years before returning to Lexington to take over his wife’s family business, Hamric & Sheridan Jewelers, in 1986. Since then, he has built the business on the foundation of openness, honesty, and integrity. This is why he has been a successful business owner and operator for 33 years.

“Robby has been a good friend to many. He is known for his kindness, his generosity to philanthropic causes and his genuine care for others. He is always asking how he can help, and going the extra mile to make sure his customers are taken care of and continue to come back,” says colleague Dee Miriello.

“Robby is one of a kind – your biggest supporter, cheerleader and the first to raise his hand to help others in need,” says Chamber Executive Director, Tracy Lyons. “Strong, successful businesses in our community are built on integrity, generosity and friendliness. Hamric & Sheridan Jewelers is a staple in our community thanks to the hard work of Robby and his team.”

We are fortunate to have such a devoted and caring business individual among us. His friendly and helpful demeanor and contributions to the community made him the perfect choice for the 2019 Business Individual of the Year. “We are so fortunate to live and work in a wonderful community. Giving back and doing what you can to keep it that way is key. I am humbled, and appreciate the Chamber’s recognition” said Jones.

The mission of the Lexington-Rockbridge Chamber of Commerce is to champion civic and economic progress for our community. We currently serve nearly 500 members across all three area jurisdictions. For more information about the chamber or to search our online business directory, visit us at lexrockchamber.com or call (540) 463-5375.


Champaign County Chamber: Business Valuations for the Rest of Us


Presented by Josh Horn, Horn Valuation
In partnership with the Chamber’s Business Advisors' Council

Do you want to know what your business is worth but don’t have a background in accounting? This is the seminar will cover the financial aspects of your business valuation without all the accountant speak- just clear methods, tips and techniques that anyone can use effectively.

Topics Include:

 Three clear ways to value your business
· Simple math to value your business
· Sanity checks on the value of your business
· Issues to fix before looking to sell your business
This workshop will be held from 8:30 - 10:00 a.m. at the Chamber Office.

Cost to attend this seminar is $19 for Chamber members and $39 for non-members.

CLICK HERE for more information about this workshop.


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.

Baraboo Chamber exec Bobbie Boettcher leaves for Circus World

The Baraboo Area Chamber of Commerce’s executive director is leaving to take a fundraising post with the Circus World Foundation.
Bobbie Boettcher announced to the Chamber of Commerce’s Executive Committee on Thursday that she’ll leave this spring. The transition plan hasn’t yet been established, but it will begin in March.

“I really want to make sure that, however the board wants to do this, I want to be able to assist,” she said.

Boettcher took the helm at the chamber in 2016. She helped oversee the annual circus parade and, most recently, rolled out the Discover Real Baraboo branding campaign. Before being hired at the chamber office, she worked in administration at UW-Baraboo/Sauk County.

“I wasn’t looking to leave,” Boettcher said. “I love my role in the community and I really enjoy the work here.”

She said serving as the Circus World Foundation’s director of development presented an exciting opportunity. She’ll be a staff of one, working alongside Circus World employees at the state historic site in Baraboo. While the state now funds museum operations, the foundation still plays a critical fundraising role.

“It’s a step upward in trajectory professionally,” Boettcher said.

Circus leaders approached her about the position, which is currently vacant. “It sounded like I have a lot of direct and transferable skills that would fit that bill. It was enough for me to throw in my hat,” she said. Read more: Baraboo News Republic




SBA Accepting Applications for Emerging Leaders



Emerging Leaders - USA Logo


Free Info Session: Thu. 03-07-2019 | 5:30-7:30 pm. Discuss expectations | Outcomes | Testimonies from graduates. RSVP: sharron.johnson@sba.gov
Deadline: Register online here by March 15, 2019. More details here.
Questions: Sharron Johnson | Emerging Leaders Program Manager | SBA Kentucky District Office: sharron.johnson@sba.gov | (502) 582-5971 X 243






Gulfport Chamber announces 2019 board and chair


The Gulfport Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the 2019 Chair, Dr. Jonathan Woodward, Executive Vice President of Teaching & Learning and Community Campus for Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.
Jonathan Woodward began a career as a singer/guitarist and stepped into the realm of music leadership during his high school years. He worked at Gulfport School District, First Baptist Church Gulfport, Crosspoint Church, MGCCC’s Jackson County (JC) Campus, and MGCCC’s Jefferson Davis (JD) Campus.
Woodward holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration with an emphasis in Instructional Technology from The University of Southern Mississippi (USM), including a Community College Leadership Certificate. He also earned a master of music education and bachelor of music education degrees from the University of Southern Mississippi with a double emphasis in vocal/choral music and classical guitar/instrumental music.
Outside of school, Woodward has a variety of interests. He serves as the Chair on the Board of Directors for the Gulfport Chamber of Commerce (2019), Board of Trustees for Goodwill of South Mississippi (2019), member of the Gulf Coast Business Council (GCBC), graduate of Leadership Gulf Coast, graduate of the GCBC Master’s Class, and current member of Leadership Mississippi. He is also a recipient of the One Coast Top 10 Under 40 Award and Phi Theta Kappa International’s Distinguished Administrator Award.
Woodward is actively involved in Crosspoint Church in Gulfport, and serves as the Worship Pastor – a church he helped start in 2004. Woodward regularly presents to organizations about current generational trends, technology, and leadership (e.g., SACSCOC, AERA, AACC, etc…). He has written several plays and enjoys composing, arranging, and performing music.
His most valued passion is his faith and family. Woodward lives in Biloxi with his wife, Eilene, and three children Jude (10), Levi (7), and Eden (1½).
Others serving on the 2019 Gulfport Chamber Board of Directors are:
Casey Lyons: Past Chair, Gulfport – Biloxi International Airport
Ryan Goldin: Chair Elect, Florence Gardens, LLC
Hannah Burnett Yawn: Director, Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
Amy Haygood: Vice Chair of Finance, Trustmark National Bank
Deborah McGhee: Vice Chair of Education, McGhee Realty
Andrew Ratcliffe: Vice Chair of Military Affairs, 1108th TASMG, MSARNG
Tom Wade: Vice Chair of Small Business & Economic Development, Gulf States Engineering
John Payton Hood: Vice Chair of Governmental Affairs, Hancock Whitney Bank
Nikki Johns: Vice Chair of Membership, AGJ Systems & Networks, Inc.
Jesse Alvarez: Vice Chair of Communications and Marketing, Alpha Media
Paul Buchanan: The Peoples Bank
Ken Cole: Holiday Inn
Mildrey Egües: Piltz, Williams, LaRosa & Co.
Randy Richardson: Misssissippi Power Company
Jennifer Lee: Island View Casino Resort
Sophie Nord: The Chimneys
Julia Clarke: American Medical Response
Micahel Pocchiari: Garden Park Medical Center
Trey Lacy: BancorpSouth
Keith Williams, Jr.: Community Bank
Lindsey Shelton: The University of Southern Mississippi, Gulf Park Campus
Johnny Olsen: LPK Architects, P.A.
Russell Young: The First, A National Banking Association
Regina Wood: BancorpSouth
Dawn Lieck: Speedy Cash
Chris Estrade: Hancock Whitney Bank
Kristina Norton: IP Casino Resort & Spa
Cedric Bradley: Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
Emily Sham: Two Men & a Truck Read more: Mississippi Business Journal



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! 





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.


Kosciusko Chamber Hires New Member Relations Manager and Main Street Coordinator



The Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed Trisha Steger to their staff as the new Member Relations Manager and Main Street Coordinator. In her role, Trisha will develop new members and partnerships, while also building and maintaining relationships with existing members. She will also assist with the mission of Warsaw Community Development Corporation, to future encourage economic development in downtown Warsaw. Trisha is well connected in Kosciusko county, having lived in the area for most of her life. Her most recent role was Executive Director of the Builders Association of Kosciusko and Fulton counties. She is looking forward to listening to the needs of Chamber and community members and working together to solve them. More information: Contact: Lauren Klusman - Phone: 574-267-6311 - lklusman@kchamber.com


Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Guides: 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

No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.