Kentucky Chamber President and CEO Dave Adkisson to Retire October 2019; Champaign County Chamber: Business Success & Solutions Seminar: How's Your Reputation? Intro to Social Media - Reputation Management; Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce 2018-2019 Business Directory and Resource Guide; Developing Indy’s First-Ever Music Strategy; #FamousChamber of Commerce Quotations: (Be happy!) :) Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Foundation Annual Meeting Luncheon and Chamber's 5th Annual Red Carpet Gala; Greater Hattiesburg Mississippi Membership Directory and Business Guide 2018-2019; Greater Reston Chamber: The Northern Virginia B2G Matchmaking Conference; Portage County “Prosperity 2040” Launches; Midland Business Alliance Global Networking Initiative: 2019 London & Paris Informational Meeting; 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!

Kentucky Chamber President and CEO Dave Adkisson to Retire October 2019

FRANKFORT, Ky.-- Kentucky Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Dave Adkisson will retire effective October 2019 after a long and successful tenure at the state’s premier business advocacy organization, the Chamber announced Thursday. A nationwide search for Adkisson’s replacement will begin immediately.

Under Adkisson’s leadership, the Kentucky Chamber has doubled in size, increased its staff to 40 professionals including a team of staff lobbyists, created the Kentucky Chamber Workforce Center and the Leadership Institute for School Principals, expanded its headquarters in Frankfort and placed a major emphasis on public policy, government relations and improving education.

Among many other accomplishments during Adkisson’s 14 years at the organization, the Kentucky Chamber also became the first state chamber in the country to hire a professional reporter to cover state government news for a business audience and was recognized as the 2017 State Chamber of the Year by the national Council of State Chambers.

“During Dave’s 14-year tenure, he has been a tremendous value driver for Kentucky Chamber members and for all of the Commonwealth of Kentucky,” said Kentucky Chamber Board Chair and LG&E KU Energy President Paul Thompson. “His vision and leadership on a broad spectrum of Chamber interests has built today’s strong and vibrant Chamber that has achieved many business community goals and positioned us well for future gains. His caring and upstanding qualities have allowed him to be the ideal person to collaborate with all various constituents involved with advancing the Commonwealth. Dave will be dearly missed, but we wish him and his family even greater success in his retirement years.”

Adkisson, 65, is a native of Owensboro, Ky., where he began his career working for the local chamber of commerce. Later, at age 34, he was elected mayor of Owensboro and re-elected without opposition four years later. He was recruited in 1999 to become president of the Birmingham, Ala., Chamber of Commerce and served five years in that post before returning to Kentucky. He has since become the longest-serving president of the Kentucky Chamber in its 75-year history.

Major policy changes beneficial to Kentucky’s business community and the state’s advancement were achieved during Adkisson’s time at the helm of the Chamber. These include pension reforms in 2013, right to work legislation in 2017, comprehensive workers’ compensation reforms in 2018 and others.

 “It’s been a fantastic honor to be on such a winning team and to work with so many talented business leaders across Kentucky,” Adkisson said. “It’s now time for me to turn things over to someone else. I’ve offered the Chamber Board of Directors my help in assuring a smooth transition between now and my retirement in October. Meanwhile, we’ve got some exciting projects that I want to either see completed or ready to hand off to the next Chamber president. I have some personal projects, including serving as chairman of Georgetown College’s trustees, that I want to be able to give more time. I plan to stay involved, but on a project by project basis.”

 Waverly Partners, a firm that specializes in executive searches for chambers and economic development groups, has been chosen to conduct the national search for Adkisson’s successor. The Chamber Board has appointed an eight-person search committee made up of Chamber Board members to handle the leadership transition. Those interested in applying or nominating an individual for the position should contact the search firm at the email Kentucky@Waverly-Partners.com.

Champaign County Chamber: Business Success & Solutions Seminar: How's Your Reputation?

Intro to Social Media - Reputation Management

Tuesday, April 16
Presented by Tim Combs, Kemper Technology Consulting
In partnership with the Chamber’s Business Advisors' Council

This seminar focuses on the basics of reputation management. It will explore the basic tools, techniques and psychology of social media. Tim will discuss specific tools that are available to assist business owners in knowing how customers perceive their products and services and how to correct misinformation.

Attendees will leave with a solid, fundamental understanding of how to manage social media reputations.

This workshop will be held from 8:30 - 10:00 a.m. at the Chamber Office. 

Cost to attend this seminar is $23 for Chamber members and $43 for non-members.

CLICK HERE for more information about this workshop.


Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce 2018-2019 Business Directory and Resource Guide

The Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce 2018-2019 Business Directory and Resource Guide is available at the Virginia Peninsula Chamber today! Thanks to Bob McKenna, Suzy Johnson and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!

Virginia Peninsula Chamber 2018/2019 Business Directory & Resource 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.


Developing Indy’s First-Ever Music Strategy


Indy Chamber spearheads initiative to make music a greater economic priority

On any given night in Indianapolis, music lovers flock to venues large and small to hear their favorite artists play. Meanwhile, vinyl collectors dig through record shelves at their favorite local shop, while musicians young and old write and record songs at the studio of their choice.

There is truly no questioning that Indianapolis loves its music. Last year, in fact, Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center sold more concert tickets than any other amphitheater in the world, according to a report from Pollstar magazine.

And now Indy Chamber, alongside Central Indiana Community Foundation, City of Indianapolis, and Visit Indy recently launched Phase I of the Indy Music Strategy, an economic development initiative focused on the city’s diverse and growing music industry.

Prompted by discussions at last year’s Music Cities Forum, the initiative will be advised by Sound Diplomacy—a London, Berlin, and Barcelona-based music policy consultancy and global expert in developing long-term and self-sufficient music strategies. Having worked in numerous cities around the world, Sound Diplomacy will take a close look at the strengths and weaknesses of Indianapolis’ music economy, developing a strategy that helps it to thrive going forward.

“The Indianapolis region has significant music assets, including a history, community of artists, and institutions and venues, that we must include more and more in our economic development strategy,” says Indy Chamber president and CEO Michael Huber. “Culture and quality of life are top priorities in today’s talent-driven marketplace, and supporting the arts enhances Indy’s appeal to people and employers alike.” Read more: NUVO.net - Indy's Alternative Voice


#FamousChamber of Commerce Quotations: (Be happy!) :)

"There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humor." - Charles Dickens

Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Foundation Annual Meeting Luncheon and Chamber's 5th Annual Red Carpet Gala

DRUM ROLL PLEASE! OUR TWO BIG EVENTS ARE JUST AROUND THE CORNER AND WE ARE EXCITED TO SHARE THE DETAILS!
PLUS, it's a great publicity opportunity for you!

Two events, one sponsorship!

The Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Foundation's

Annual Meeting Luncheon

Wednesday|May 15, 2019 |11:30 am | The Inn at Ole Miss


Then, the celebration continues the next evening ...

Chamber's 5th Annual Red Carpet Gala

Thursday | May 16, 2019 | 7 to 11 p.m.

The fabulous Ballroom at Castle Hill

featuring the highly acclaimed Chamber Chef Shuffle!

Cannon Motors of Mississippi has graciously committed to their 3rd year
as our presenting sponsor of both events.

We are currently looking for sponsors to help offset some of the costs of these spectacular events, and allow our members the opportunity to promote their business to two separate crowds of 300-400 fellow business leaders and community members at TWO different events!

Does this sound like a good opportunity for you?  Check out the different sponsorship levels below.  As you consider the levels, keep in mind tickets for the Gala will be $75 per person (or 2 for $125) and for the luncheon will be $25 per person.  

The deadline for sponsorships is Thursday, April 18th.

Email Pam Swain at pam@oxfordms.com if you are interested.  We look forward to hearing from you soon! 

Sponsorship Levels and Benefits for the 2019 Chamber & EDF Annual Meeting Luncheon and  the 5th Annual Red Carpet Gala, presented by Cannon Motors of Mississippi, are as follows:

Diamond Sponsorship $3,000

Benefits Include:

• 16 tickets to Red Carpet Gala + 2 reserved tables with company name/logo on the table ($1,200 VALUE)
• 16 tickets to the VIP Hour before the Red Carpet Gala  (features sneak peek of Chamber Chef Shuffle and complimentary drinks from 6-7 pm)
• 10 tickets to luncheon + reserved table with company name/logo on the table ($200 VALUE)
• Your logo featured on a GOBO light on the wall in the ballroom at the Gala
• Your logo printed on two throw pillows that will be featured on furniture at the event (presented to you as keepsake post-event)
• Logo placement on individual display board at Red Carpet Gala 
• Logo placement on individual display board at the luncheon event
• Individual recognition at the podium during luncheon (This will be a pre-recorded video format, max 2 minutes)
• Prominent logo placement on the luncheon program
• Logo placement on collateral materials, including posters, advertisements, and social media
• Verbal acknowledgment in all radio advertising
• Your logo featured on the event website, www.olccredcarpetgala.com
• Verbal recognition during intermission at the Red Carpet Gala event
• Complimentary website ad for one year in your category on www.oxfordms.com
• Complimentary insert in Newcomer Packets for 1 year

Platinum Sponsorship $2,000 

The Chancellor's House

The Inn at Ole Miss

C Spire 

Benefits Include:

• 8 tickets to Red Carpet Gala + reserved table with company name/logo on table
• 8 tickets to the VIP Hour before the Red Carpet Gala  (features sneak peek of Chamber Chef Shuffle and complimentary drinks from 6-7 pm)
• 10 tickets to luncheon + reserved table with company name/logo on table
• Your logo printed on two throw pillows that will be featured on furniture at the event (presented to you as keepsake post-event)
• Logo placement on individual display board at Red Carpet Gala 
• Logo placement on individual display board at the luncheon event
• Time at the podium during luncheon meeting (This will be a pre-recorded video advertising format, max 2 minutes)
• Prominent logo placement on the luncheon program
• Logo placement on collateral materials, including posters, advertisements, and social media
• Verbal acknowledgment in all radio advertising
• Your logo featured on the event website, www.olccredcarpetgala.com
• Verbal recognition during intermission at the Red Carpet Gala event
• Complimentary website ad for one year in your category on www.oxfordms.com
• Complimentary insert in Newcomer Packets for 1 year

Gold Sponsorship    $1,500

Office Depot

V2 Inc. (Vasco Properties/Taco Bell) 

Benefits Include:

• 6 tickets to Red Carpet Gala + 1/2 reserved table with company name/logo on table
• 6 tickets to the VIP Hour before the Red Carpet Gala  (features sneak peek of Chamber Chef Shuffle and complimentary drinks from 6-7 pm)
• 5 tickets to luncheon + 1/2 reserved table with company name/logo on table
• Prominent Logo placement on display board at Red Carpet Gala
• Prominent Logo placement on display board on luncheon banners 
• Logo placement on luncheon program 
• Logo placement on collateral materials, including posters, advertisements, and social media
• Verbal acknowledgment in all radio advertising
• Your logo featured on the event website, www.olccredcarpetgala.com
• Verbal recognition during intermission at the Red Carpet Gala event
• Recognition from luncheon podium
• Complimentary website ad for 6 months in your category on www.oxfordms.com
• Complimentary insert in Newcomer Packets for 1 year

Silver Sponsorship    $1,000

Baptist Memorial Hospital - North Mississippi

Magnolia Rental

Mississippi Eye Consultants) 

Q105.5  and SuperTalk Mississippi 93.7

The University of Mississippi

Benefits Include:

• 4 tickets to Red Carpet Gala (does not include any reserved seating)
• 4 tickets to the VIP Hour before the Red Carpet Gala  (features sneak peek of Chamber Chef Shuffle and complimentary drinks from 6-7 pm)
• 2 tickets to luncheon
• Logo placement on display board at Red Carpet Gala
• Logo on luncheon banners 
• Logo placement on luncheon program 
• Listing on collateral materials, including posters, advertisements, and social media
• Your logo featured on the event website, www.olccredcarpetgala.com
• Verbal recognition during intermission at the Red Carpet Gala event
• Recognition from luncheon podium

Bronze Sponsorship   $500

Bulleye 95.5 

CoreLogic/FNC, Inc.

Grace Realty Group of Oxford

Photos by Joey Brent

Mechanics Bank 

Mississippi Federal Credit Union

Next Gear Solutions

Rick Addy Photography

The Links & Greens at Oxford

Benefits Include:

• 3 tickets to luncheon or 1 ticket to Red Carpet Gala 
• Logo placement on luncheon program 
• Your logo featured on the event website, www.olccredcarpetgala.com
• Highlighted on social media 
• Recognition from luncheon podium

Copper Sponsorship $275

Courtyard by Marriott

mTrade LLC 

NMEI

Smith Building Supply

State Farm - Marti Stark 

Swetland Cook, PLLC

Benefits Include:

• One Ticket to luncheon
• Name listed in the luncheon program
• Listing on the event website, www.olccredcarpetgala.com
• Highlighted on social media
• Recognition as a group from luncheon podium

Greater Hattiesburg Mississippi  Membership Directory and Business Guide 2018-2019

The Greater Hattiesburg Mississippi  Membership Directory and Business Guide 2018-2019 is available at the Area Development Partnership in Hattiesburg! Thank you to Chad Newell, Valencia Williamson and the Chamber team for their help and direction putting this together! 

Hattiesburg Membership Directory and Business Guide 2018-2019

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 Reston Chamber: The Northern Virginia B2G Matchmaking Conference

May 7th - Inova Conference Center - Fairfax

The premier Business to Government matchmaking event outside the beltway

Are you a government prime or agency, that is looking for some small business government contractors? Does your company market to the govcon arena? 

We still have space available at the 7th Annual Northern Virginia B2G Matchmaking Conference and Small Business Expo. We have a handfull of spaces remaining for sponsors, exhibitors and primes or agencies. 

We are six weeks away, reserve your spot at our largest and best B2G yet! More information: Greater Reston Chamber


Portage County “Prosperity 2040” Launches

(Stevens Point, WI) On Wednesday, March 27 about 60 local leaders, activists, and change agents gathered at SentryWorld to kick-off “Prosperity 2040”, a county-wide initiative that will use strategic foresight to develop a shared plan for future economic and community development.

The initiative is co-sponsored by the City of Stevens Point, Portage County, the Village of Plover, the Portage County Towns Association and the Portage County Business Council. Half of the cost of the nine-month initiative is underwritten by a “Future Regions” grant from the Local Government Institute of Wisconsin (“LGI”).

At the meeting Gary Becker, LGI’s Executive Director, pointed to the unique nature of having several units of local government and other stakeholders work together on the plan, “One of the goals of the Future Regions grant is to help Portage County build and refine collaboration skills so that the region can have a more prosperous and resilient future.”

Meeting participants included a broad cross-section of industry, nonprofit, agricultural, and government representation. At the start of the meeting, futurist and facilitator Rebecca Ryan asked, “How many of you are sitting at tables with people you don’t know well?” Over three-fourths of people raised their hands. The March 27 workshop centered on two activities: cognitive bias training to help participants understand how their minds are open to some information and closed to other information; and a trends game in which participants discussed and debated Portage County’s “STEEP” trends, trends in society, technology, economy, environment and politics.

Dale Sankey, Peoples State Bank, and one of the participants, said, “I found it very encouraging that a diverse group of leaders from the private and public sectors, and from multiple communities, are meeting collaboratively to plan the future, and move our county forward.”

Portage County Prosperity 2040 will include:

●     Futures Lab #2 on April 18 will engage participants in a scenario development process that will help the community pinpoint strategies that will help it maximize its future.

●     Futures Lab #3 on May 14 will use Purdue University’s “Strategic Doing” process to help individuals and organizations identify easy, collaborative projects that can reap big rewards in the future.

●     Online surveying and polling from Wisconsin-based Polco, to gain input from across the community.

●     Six months of coaching to begin implementation of the plans and develop or solidify new working relationships among community partners.

Those who are interested in attending the workshops should contact Todd Kuckkahn at the Portage County Business Council. RSVPs are required due to space limitations. Participation at workshops is limited but online participation will be open to all.

Contact: Todd Kuckkahn, Email: tkuckkahn@portagecountybiz.com, Phone:  (715) 344-1940

Midland Business Alliance Global Networking Initiative: 2019 London & Paris Informational Meeting

Event Description:

As part of the Midland Business Alliance Global Networking Initiative, September 18-25, 2019, we will host an exciting seven-day trip to explore London and Paris for members and guests.

The trip highlights include dining at the Eiffel Tower in Paris and London's famous Borough Market, a Siene River cruise, crossing the English Channel aboard the Eurostar high speed train,  exploring the Notre Dame Cathedral and plenty of free time in both cities.  The tour includes round-trip international airfare from Detroit, hotels, eight meals, transportation and sightseeing with English speaking guides. We invite you to join us to explore the Parisian and English culture.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL DETAILS 

To help you explore this opportunity further, we’re hosting an informational meeting featuring a comprehensive overview by a representative of our tour operator, Collette. We will provide information on an array of topics relevant to international travel and answer any questions you may have.

Monday, March 11th, 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the offices of the Midland Business Alliance (formerly the Midland Area Chamber of Commerce), located inside the Gerstacker Commerce Center, 300 Rodd Street, downtown Midland.  Light refreshments will be provided.

For more information, please contact Tina Lynch or Melissa Farley at (989) 839-9901.

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