Google spent 10 years researching what makes the 'perfect' manager — here are the top 10 traits they found; Help those in need by donating to food pantry drive at Barrington chamber office; Kate Bates Named An ACCE Forty Under 40 Award Recipient; Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce 2018-2019 Business Directory and Resource Guide; #FamousChamber Of Commerce Quotations: (Be happy!); Madison ranks 25th among top 50 cities for tech talent; Dearborn Chamber collaboration: “Special All-Stars Day” Returns, Celebrating its 8th Year and Promising Great Fun for Special Needs Children and Adults!; Bullitt County Chamber of Commerce Community Map; Chamber Interest: New Baby Cafe Opens in Pascagoula; Gov. Eric Holcomb will be Featured Speaker at 103rd Annual Bedford Chamber Dinner; Child Care Deserts Impact Kentucky's Workforce; 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!


Google spent 10 years researching what makes the 'perfect' manager — here are the top 10 traits they found

For over a decade, Google has conducted research under the code name Project Oxygen.

If you have great managers and team leads, not only will you get the best out of your people, but they'll also be more likely to stick around.
That's why for 10 years, Google has conducted research to figure out what makes the perfect manager, so it could train its leaders to develop those behaviors.
Technical skill mattered much less than you might guess; emotional intelligence was more important.
According to Google, here are 10 behaviors a good manager should display.

A company could spend all the money it wants recruiting, interviewing, and hiring the best people around. But if the boss is a jerk, those people will leave the first chance they get.

In contrast, if you have great managers and team leads, not only will you get the best out of your people, but they'll also be more likely to stick around.

For over 10 years, Google has conducted research under the code name Project Oxygen. The goal? Figuring out what makes the perfect manager, so it could train its leaders to develop those behaviors. The research has paid off, as over the years Google has seen marked improvement in employee turnover, satisfaction, and performance.

Interestingly, technical skill mattered much less than you might guess. What was far more important for managers were emotional-intelligence skills, the ability to understand and control emotions, both their own and those of their people.

According to Google, a good boss ...

1. Is a good coach

Rather than solve every problem as soon as it arises, the best managers use problems as teaching moments.

They guide their teams and share insights when needed. This allows their team to gain valuable experience and grow.

2. Empowers team and does not micromanage
"I love to be micromanaged," said no employee, ever. In contrast, great managers give their people the freedom they crave: freedom to explore their ideas, to take (smart) risks, and to make mistakes. They also provide the physical tools their people need, and allow for flexible schedules and working environments.


3. Creates an inclusive team environment, showing concern for success and well-being

In another research project, Google discovered that the single greatest key to a team's performance was creating a "psychologically safe" environment. As Google puts it: In a team with high psychological safety, teammates feel safe to take risks around their team members. They feel confident that no one on the team will embarrass or punish anyone else for admitting a mistake, asking a question, or offering a new idea.
In other words, great teams thrive on trust — and great managers help build that trust.

4. Is productive and results-oriented
The best managers are more than star players — they make their teammates better, too.
They do so by setting the right example and getting down and dirty whenever necessary. They're not afraid to roll up their sleeves and help out, and that motivates their team.


5. Is a good communicator — listens and shares information
The best managers are great listeners. This helps them to better understand their teams, and show appropriate empathy. Additionally, good managers realize knowledge is power. That's why they are transparent and willing to share information with their teams, so their people know the "why" behind the "what."

6. Supports career development and discusses performance

Great managers encourage their people by sharing sincere and specific praise. But they aren't afraid to share critical feedback, too — making sure to frame it in a way that is both tactful and constructive. They also invest in their people by helping them reach their personal career goals. By doing so, they naturally motivate their teams to give back.


7. Has a clear vision/strategy for the team
Great managers know exactly where the team is right now, where they are headed, and what they need to do to get there. Through good communication, they help keep the team on track.
They also make sure each team member understands their individual role in executing that strategy.

8. Has key technical skills to help advise the team
Great managers understand the jobs of their people, including their everyday tasks and challenges.
If the manager is moved into a new department, he or she will take time to get to know how things are done, and work to build trust before making drastic changes or offering advice.

9. Collaborates effectively

Bad managers view their team as a silo, working against or even sabotaging other teams within the same company. In contrast, great managers see the big picture. They work for the good of the company as a whole, and encourage their teams to do the same.

10. Is a strong decision-maker
Great managers aren't impulsive, but they are decisive. After getting to know the facts and considering the thoughts and perspectives of their teams, they move things forward — even if that requires making a decision not everyone will approve of.

Then, they commit to those decisions. If your company can train and promote managers who do these 10 things, you'll build trust and inspire your people to become the best versions of themselves. They'll follow, not because they have to. But because they want to. Source: Business Insider via INC

Help those in need by donating to food pantry drive at Barrington chamber office

The Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce Women's Biz Net Council is seeking donations for its annual "Christmas in July" food pantry drive. To help Barrington-area families in need, donations of nonperishable household goods should be dropped off at the chamber office, 190 E. James St. in Barrington, throughout July. Wish-list items to fill shelves at the Barrington and Cuba Township food pantries include, but are not limited to, small containers of condiments, canned fruits, pasta, juice, toiletries, pet food, gasoline or local discount store gift cards, and paper products. Read more: Daily Herald

Kate Bates Named An ACCE Forty Under 40 Award Recipient 

President and CEO Kate Bates recognized for excellence by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives 

ARLINGTON, Va. - The Arlington Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, Kate Bates, has received the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) 2019 Forty Under 40 award. This award recognizes professionals from the chamber industry who have demonstrated significant success in their careers and have made noteworthy contributions to their communities. Bates stood out in a pool of more than 118 candidates from around the country due to her impressive career accomplishments and commitment to Arlington. 

 The Forty Under 40 award is a new program, presented by ACCE, designed to highlight the brightest individuals under the age of 40 in the chamber industry. The inaugural class of honorees have demonstrated meaningful involvement in the advancement of their communities and proven professional success within their respective chambers. 

 Kate Bates joined the Arlington Chamber of Commerce staff in 2007 and was appointed as President and CEO in 2014, following an extensive national search. Under her leadership, the Chamber's annual operating income has grown by 30 percent, crossing the million-dollar threshold in 2018 for the first time in the organization's history. Over the last five years, Bates has also significantly grown the membership to a current level of more than 760 members. 

 In addition, Bates has increased the Chamber's business advocacy efforts. The Chamber has accomplished notable state and local successes for their advocacy efforts, including mobilizing local support for Amazon's performance agreement in March 2019. Due to the Chamber's growth in revenue and advocacy efforts, this year, the Washington Business Journal named the Arlington Chamber of Commerce one of the 25 Largest Business Advocacy Groups in the Greater D.C. area.

 Growing the organization has provided the Arlington Chamber additional opportunities to serve its member businesses and organizations in customized ways. The Chamber has been able to provide additional support for networking and business development, business advocacy, community engagement, and professional development. 

 "It's an honor to be included in the inaugural class of honorees and to receive the award alongside such exceptional chamber industry peers," said Bates on accepting the award. "The Arlington Chamber of Commerce has a strong trajectory as we have grown our membership and impact significantly over the last five years. We are incredibly proud to be the go-to resource for Arlington businesses and their ever-evolving needs." 


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.

#FamousChamber Of Commerce Quotations: (Be happy!)

'Happiness is a choice, a repetitive one.' - Akilnathan Logeswaran


Madison ranks 25th among top 50 cities for tech talent

Madison ranked 25th and Milwaukee ranked 44th among the 50 largest U.S. and Canadian markets (by number of tech talent professionals) for their ability to attract and grow tech talent in a new report.

Los Angeles-based global commercial real estate company CBRE Group Inc.’s newly released Scoring Tech Talent report reviewed 13 metrics, including tech talent supply, growth, concentration, cost, completed tech degrees, industry outlook for job growth, and market outlook for office and apartment rent growth.

Madison improved significantly in the rankings this year, while Milwaukee was stagnant. In CBRE’s 2018 Scoring Tech Talent report, Milwaukee ranked 43rd and Madison ranked 35th.

CBRE defines tech talent as “a group of highly skilled workers in more than 20 technology-oriented occupations driving innovation across all industry sectors.” It included 50 tech talent markets, which it defines as “characterized by high concentrations of college-educated workers, major universities producing tech graduates and large twentysomething populations.”

Madison scored a 47.96 on CBRE’s metrics, rocketing up 10 spots in the rankings from last year’s report, which CBRE attributed to strong tech-centric universities. At 26.5%, Madison was the top-ranked market for highest concentration of twentysomethings. The U.S. average is 13.8%. With 57% of residents 25 or older with a bachelor’s degree or higher, it also ranked third in educational attainment. The U.S. average is 31.3%.

Madison had 23,470 employed in tech occupations in 2018, up 47% from 2013, with an average wage of $84,169, up 15% from 2013. Its labor force pipeline is strong, with 1,790 tech degree completions in 2017, up 42.6% from 2012. The average apartment rent is $1,150 per unit per month, a 12% five-year growth. Madison’s living cost is 1% higher than the national average and business cost is 1% lower than the national average. Its tech talent skews heavily male, at 75%. And Madison is still considered a brain drain city, with 205 fewer tech jobs added than tech degrees awarded over roughly the past five years.

“Madison is experiencing tremendous growth, driven heavily by the robust tech and biotech industries,” said Chase Brieman, first vice president at CBRE’s Madison office, in a statement. “Madison has one of the most economically diverse economies in the country, providing stability and opportunity. Companies see that the talent pool is exceptional, the cost of occupancy is affordable and the people they attract value the quality of life that Madison offers.”

Milwaukee scored 29.26 on CBRE’s metrics. As of 2018, it had 31,620 employed in tech occupations, up 10.1% from 2013, with an average wage of $82,775, up 7.5% from 2013. About 800 tech degrees were awarded in Milwaukee in 2017, up 26.8% from 2012. About 23.6% of Milwaukee residents had a bachelor’s degree or higher in 2018. The living cost in Milwaukee is 1% below the national average, while business costs are 3% above the national average. The average apartment rent is $1,113 per unit per month, up 5% over the past five years.

Milwaukee is losing twentysomethings, at -2.9% from 2012 to 2017, while the average U.S. city gained 2.5% during that time. And it is a brain drain city, with 636 fewer tech jobs added than tech degrees awarded over roughly the past five years. The tech talent pool in Milwaukee also skews heavily male, at 76%.

The top five cities on the 2019 Tech Talent Scorecard were: San Francisco Bay Area, California; Seattle; Toronto, Canada; Washington, D.C.; and New York City. Among nearby cities, Minneapolis ranked No. 17, Chicago ranked No. 21. Read more : Biz Times

Dearborn Chamber collaboration: “Special All-Stars Day” Returns, Celebrating its 8th Year and Promising Great Fun for Special Needs Children and Adults!

Dearborn, MI - Special needs children and adults will have the opportunity to participate in all of the fun and excitement of the Dearborn Homecoming at “Special All-Stars Day” on Friday, August 2nd 9:00 am -12:00pm at Dearborn’s Ford Field Park 22051 Cherry Hill St, Dearborn, MI 48124. Free parking and access to all the rides and fun is off of the Brady or Morley Street entrances.
The Dearborn Area Chamber is partnering for the 8th year with the City of Dearborn, Dearborn Community Fund, Dearborn Commission on Disability Concerns, ASG Renaissance, Wade Shows, Inc., Superstar Sponsor is Little Caesars Pizza-Dearborn at Monroe & Dartmouth, MVP Sponsor is Village Ford in Dearborn, McDouble Play Sponsor is McDonalds “The Bardha Family” Dearborn Heights at S. Telegraph & Colgate, to offer this exciting event, created to give children and adults with special needs an opportunity to enjoy select rides and old fashioned summertime fun!
Volunteers will offer games, activities, a dance party, face painting and snacks from 9 am to 12:00 pm at Ford Field Park in Dearborn, located on Monroe Street just north of Morley. From 9 – 11 am “All-Stars” will be the guests of Wade Shows, Inc. and enjoy selected rides such as The Fun House, Tea Cup, Tilt-a-Whirl, Ferris-Wheel, Bumper Cars, Merry-go-round, Super Slide and the Bumble Bee free of charge. Light refreshments will be served in the shelter next to the tennis courts. The event will feature the showing of a fire truck, provided by the Dearborn Fire Department, and a police car, courtesy of the Dearborn Police Department.
Several local groups are participating and donating their services to offer this morning of fun including Member Focus Community Credit Union, 1st Choice Urgent Care, Salon 360 & Med Spa, Chief Financial Federal Credit Union, Dearborn Goodfellows, Dearborn Kiwanis Club, Dearborn Heights Rotary Club, Dearborn Heights Soccer Club, STEP Services to Enhance Potential, Del Taco, Tim Horton’s, Saturn Market, Better Made Chips, Merakey Autism Center, Oak Street Health, Comfort Keepers, Keybank, Fairlane Town Center, Sam’s Club Canton, Home Care Connect, Inc., Fur Angels pet therapy dogs, music by Lil’ Jimmy Dearborn, a dance party with DJ Mark Demers with MotorCityDJ.com, photos by Robert Brodbeck Photography, student volunteers from Dearborn Public Schools and Divine Child School, to list a few.
Registration is required for this free event online at www.DearbornAreaChamber.org or by calling
313-584-6100. Registration is also available at the Chamber office located at 22100 Michigan Ave. in Dearborn.

For more information, please contact the Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce by phone at 313-584-6100. Be sure to follow the Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce on Facebook at facebook.com/DearbornAreaChamber, on Twitter@DbnAreaChamber and online at www.dearbornareachamber.org for all the latest news and events.

Bullitt County Chamber of Commerce  Community Map

The Bullitt County Chamber of Commerce Community Map is available at the Chamber today! Thanks to Helen Hill, Anita Stump and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!

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

Bullitt County KY Chamber map



Chamber Interest: New Baby Cafe Opens in Pascagoula

New and expecting mothers all across the Mississippi Gulf Coast now have a brand new resource as they transition to parenthood.

The Baby Café is a support group at the Singing River Health System in Pascagoula. It’s designed to give new and expecting mothers and families a space to connect and receive resources on breastfeeding their children. SRHS Lactation Expert Tina Fritz said, “It can be hard to get good information. So, the purpose of the Baby Café is to give support for breastfeeding families as well as to share accurate information.”

Implemented with help from a CDC grant, the café is designed to be especially helpful for those who may not have a prior background in breastfeeding. “Not everybody comes from a family where mother’s breastfeed, so you know, there can be a mother who gives birth to a baby and maybe she wasn’t breastfed by her mother.”

Community and business leaders from the area were also on hand for the ribbon cutting ceremony. They noted the importance of having a center like the Baby Café in the community. Jackson County Chamber of Commerce Executive Board Member Todd Trenchard said, “Having something like this, being the first of its kind is exciting. You can see the turnout today. There’s a lot of interest in our community of people to come out to see this for the first time.”

The hope is that this new resource will benefit mothers and families for years to come. “We are here to support every mother who wants to provide breast milk for her baby, no matter how she does that,” said Fritz. Read more: WXXV TV 25

Gov. Eric Holcomb will be Featured Speaker at 103rd Annual Bedford Chamber Dinner


(BEDFORD) – Gov. Eric Holcomb will be the featured speaker at the 103rd annual Bedford Chamber dinner, set for Aug. 23, 2019.

A lifelong Hoosier, Holcomb is a veteran of the United States Navy, served as the state’s 51st lieutenant governor, was a trusted adviser to both Gov. Mitch Daniels and Sen. Dan Coats, worked for Congressman John Hostettler and is a former state chairman of the Indiana Republican Party.

“We have been fortunate to have a history of great speakers and we believe the opportunity to hear from Gov. Holcomb fits perfectly with our mission to facilitate collaboration between businesses, policymakers, and the community,” said Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce CEO Shance Sizemore.

Holcomb was elected governor in November 2016, following an unprecedented 106-day campaign and was sworn in Jan. 9, 2017.

In 2018, Holcomb partnered with the Markle Foundation to launch “Skillful Indiana,” to bridge the divide between the skills Hoosiers have and the skills businesses need. Indiana is just the second state to have this program.

Under his leadership, Indiana has had two consecutive record-breaking years for job commitments. In 2018, 320 companies committed to create at least 31,000 jobs in Indiana.

Next Level Connections, a $1 billion program focused on accelerating major road projects, is focused on increasing access to high-speed, affordable internet to unserved Hoosiers.

More details about the event will be released soon and sponsorships are available.

Sponsorship information is as follows:

$1,000 Platinum Sponsorship
2 tables of 8 (2nd table is optional)
Recognition from the podium, by name Logo in the slideshow (multiple projectors)
Radio recognition, by name Name on Platinum banner
Social media thanks, with link to website
Chamber Connection thanks, with link to website
Recognition in Times-Mail

$600 Gold Sponsorship
1 table of 8
Name on Gold banner
Social media thanks, with link to website
Chamber Connection thanks, with link to website
Recognition in Times-Mail

Individual tickets are $40 for non-members, and $30 for chamber members.

Child Care Deserts Impact Kentucky's Workforce

The struggle for many Kentuckians to find affordable, quality child care impacts businesses, according to the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber describes the issue as one that factors in a company's choice whether to do business in the Bluegrass.

When parents decide to stay home with their kids, Burton says it shows in the workforce. He uses 2016 for example, when he says 200 million people left the workforce for child care reasons. 

"We're seeing a situation where we have more jobs available than workers to fill them," says Burton, "if you are missing work because you don’t have access to child care, that’s a disruption to daily operations. When you look at the bottom line for businesses, it’s about a $3 billion hit to revenue annually- just daily disruptions to child care.”

Parents in areas with a real lack of access to care for their children while at work, like in parts of Eastern Kentucky, are grateful for the rare early learning centers that do exist. However, they're hoping there can be more, in solution to the problem that persists. “I know that there are mothers that don’t know where they’re going to put their infant child when they come back from maternity leave," says parent Kristin Collins.

The Governor's Office of Early Childhood is aware of the issue and promises to be working toward solutions. Executive Director Linda Hampton says the office recently received a grant to do that; she's encouraging the people who stay at home to keep children to open their homes to others to create in-home care centers, and become licensed to do business that way. Hampton and Burton say another possible solution is for businesses to offer their own on-site day care for employees' kids, which some do. Read more: SpectrumNews1

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

Chamber of Commerce Board Fine Tuning: Unique Positions on the Board; Leadership McLean County presents: Leaders on Loan: Project Submission Now Open!; Hartford 4th of July festivities; Rochester Regional Chamber: Introducing the DipJar!; #FamousChamber Of Commerce Quotations: (Be happy!); iCea iDea of the week: Today's Manufacturing Careers, Tomorrow's Workforce; Logansport Cass County Community Resource Guide and Map; Greater Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce holds annual 'State of the Metro'; Tourism Board joins Chamber, others on Frankfort 'entertainment district' supporters; Birmingham Bloomfield 2018-2019 Membership Directory and Community Resource Guide; Chamber Interest: New Baby Cafe Opens in Pascagoula; 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!



Chamber of Commerce Board Fine Tuning: Unique Positions on the Board


Guest Article Submitted by Bob Harris, CAE and Lisa Weitzel, IOM, CAE

Association and chamber boards try to be inclusive. They add positions to the board in
hopes of gaining insights from as many people as possible. The positions are identified in the bylaws as emeritus, ex-official and public official. Let’s call them unique positions for the purpose of this article:

Emeritus Director – A person is recognized for an achievement such as
retirement, thus the title of emeritus conferred. The intent is to recognize the
person and add stature to the board.

Ex-Officio – A person on the board who is there by virtue of holding another
position. For example, a chamber may add the director of the economic
development council as a part of its leadership team. Or the chief paid officer
(executive director) may have a seat on the board as an ex-officio, with or without
a vote as dictated by the bylaws.

Public Official – A person who holds office, whether elected or appointed, paid
or unpaid, that is required to comply with ethics requirement and laws. For
instance, asking the mayor’s office to serve on the board would be adding a
public official.

Past Presidents – Most boards include the immediate past chief elected officer
as a voting member for a single term. A few organizations include all past
presidents on the board perpetually. For example, these bylaws read: “All past
presidents shall be ex-officio members of the board and shall have a vote.”

Causing Confusion

The effort to be inclusive by adding unique positions to the board can cause confusion.
For example, do the positions have a vote? Are they liable for actions of the
organization? Should they be covered by D & O insurance? Are their names
submitted on IRS Form 990 as part of the governing body?

Interestingly, the State of California enacted a law in 2015 that non-voting members of
the board are positions that may not exist. Board members, or directors, as they are
termed in the law, each have one vote on any matter presented to the board for action.
Thus, in California any person entitled to attend board meetings without a vote is not
a board member at all, even if your bylaws specify so. Canada adopted a similar law.

Personal Experience

Before I became the CEO at the Illinois Association of Chamber Executives, I was a
member of an Illinois local board of education. We often discussed legal
considerations and received briefings on conflicts and public records.
Many public officials are asked to serve on a private sector boards, for example a
charity, chamber or association. Could conflicts of interest arise? Where will the
loyalty lie?

Foremost, I knew my loyalty was to the Ball-Chatham school board and its
stakeholders. Concurrently serving on public and private boards would have been very
difficult for me. Accordingly, after my election, I chose to resign from a private board on
which I served.

The Challenges

There are many considerations to inviting public officials, ex-officios and
emeritus directors on the board.

Discussions – Does having public officials on the board change the dynamics of
discussions and votes? For example, if a chamber wants to support a pro-business
candidate and the mayor’s office is present and opposes, the discussion may be
squelched.

Public Records – Communications with public officials may transform private
documents into public record. While the private organization has very limited public
records, mostly related to the IRS, distributing information to a public official may open
communications and documents to the public. Their position may be subject to open
records, government in the sunshine and freedom of information (FOIA) laws.
Use this example from a county government website to realize how communications
with public officials might impact the association or chamber: “Communications with
county officials are subject to the public records laws of the State of Florida,” and “E-
mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-mail address released in
response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity.”

Conflicts of Interest - It is reasonable to expect that a public official will be conflicted in
support of their own entity. Conflicts must regularly be disclosed. The unique positions
may have their own loyalties. Of course the members of a board must be loyal to the
mission associated with the chamber or association.

Liability – Is it clear that the unique positions will have liability for decisions and actions
of the organization? Should they and can they be covered by D and O insurance
(directors and officers). Do past presidents, ex-officios, emeritus and public officials
recognize any organization can be sued and they could be included in the suit. Do they
have the same rights to indemnification?

Orientation – Private organizations conduct on-boarding so that all directors
understand governance roles and responsibilities. Should it be required that all unique
positions attend an orientation?

Reporting – One reason for including unique positions on the board is to benefit from
their knowledge. During the meeting they are called on to report and update. Thus,
they must sit through the entire meeting. It is possible to ask them to provide a report
without asking them to join the board. Many would prefer to send a report or offer a 10-
minute recap than to stay through a meeting.

Quorum – A quorum is usually defined at 50 percent of the board to conduct business.
Are the ex-officios, emeritus, past presidents and public officials a part of the quorum
count?

Voting – Do the unique positions have a vote? Voting rights will be prescribed in the
bylaws. It has been observed even when an ex-officio has no vote, when the chair
calls for a vote, everybody in the room has participated.

These considerations may persuade an organization to review their bylaws regarding
board composition. Are there other ways to engage unique positions without adding
more seats to the board table?

When considering these aspects, be sure to rely on legal, accounting and insurance
counsel.


Leadership McLean County presents: Leaders on Loan: Project Submission Now Open!

Leadership McLean County (LMC), a program of the McLean County Chamber of Commerce, presents Leaders on Loan. An opportunity offered to community businesses and organizations, Leaders on Loan provides a highly skilled LMC task force group to develop a specific program or accomplish a project that impacts McLean County.

Click here to apply!

Any member of the McLean County Chamber of Commerce is eligible to apply.

• It is the responsibility of the Leaders on Loan applicant to state a specific project or program
• Scope of the project should be well-defined, with clearly stated deliverables that can be completed over the course of the 9-month program
• Projects should be more tactical in nature than strategic
• Program is separated into four (4) application categories
  • Technology Support
  • Marketing and Development
  • Training and Human Services
  • Innovator's Category

Application process:

• Description of project
• Level of need
• Sustainability
• Assigned project manager from your organization

Selection process:

• Semi-finalists will interview with LMC committee
• 5-6 projects will be chosen for the Leaders On Loan program

Applications are currently being accepted through July 19, 2019.

For questions regarding Leaders On Loan, please contact Laura Ewan .

Chamber rescue: Hartford 4th of July festivities

Mark your calendars for a fun-filled afternoon celebrating the Fourth of July in Hartford.

Independence Day, also known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday recognized annually. It is the anniversary of the publication of the Declaration of Independence of the United States from Great Britain in 1776. This year, July 4, 2019, is the 243rd birthday of the United States.

With talk of a lack of funding for the annual fireworks in Hartford in the air, the Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce worked diligently to secure generous sponsors who stepped forward to ensure residents and visitors the show will definitely go on.

Additionally, the Hartford Jaycees organized the annual Fourth of July parade as well as the patriotic festivities that take place afterwards.

“It’s iconic Hartford,” said Scott Henke, Executive Director of the Hartford Chamber of Commerce. “It’s a classic Fourth of July event with a parade, fireworks, and family fun festivities.”

Hartford’s parade starts on Thursday, July 4, at 2 p.m. with a route from North Main St. to Veteran’s Park. Following the parade there will be food stands, games, a cornhole tournament, “Frozen Tundra” Wrestling, music and more.

To cap the evening, fireworks are scheduled to begin at dusk at Lincoln Athletic Field, 680 Cedar Street, Hartford, WI.

See below for the names of the sponsors for this year’s fireworks display in Hartford. Read more: Washington County Insider

Rochester Regional Chamber: Introducing the DipJar!

The Rochester Regional Chamber Foundation is pleased to announce a new benefit for Chamber members- the DipJar! The DipJar enables one-step collection and seamless disbursement of credit card donations via cellular connectivity to securely process transactions so no cellphone, WiFi or cable hookup is necessary.

The DipJar is available for members of the Rochester Regional Chamber to use at their fundraising events or to turn your event into a fundraiser for your favorite 501(c)(3) organization. Once the funds raised have been deposited in the RRC Foundation account, a check will be cut for the net amount minus transaction fees.

It’s free for members to use the DipJar one time per year, thereafter $20. To schedule the DipJar, please call the chamber at 248-651-6700.

The DipJar was graciously donated to the Rochester Regional Chamber Foundation by Chief Financial Credit Union.

#FamousChamber Of Commerce Quotations: (Be happy!)

“There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power of our will.”
Epictetus

iCea iDea of the week: Today's Manufacturing Careers, Tomorrow's Workforce

The Southwest Indiana Chamber team has done an extraordinary job in showcasing the high-earning manufacturing jobs/careers most in demand for the region. This marketing piece won a Communications Excellence Award at the ICEA Annual Conference and is worth a re-share with a correct link for peers to view. For more information: Tara Barney, President & CEO, Southwest Indiana Chamber

Logansport Cass County Community Resource Guide and Map

The Logansport Cass County Community Guide and map is available at the Chamber today! Thanks to the Bill, Teresa and the chamber members for their help and direction putting this together! 

Logansport Cass County Chamber Directory and 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. 

Greater Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce holds annual 'State of the Metro'

The Greater Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual State of the Metro breakfast on Tuesday morning.The State of the Metro is a time for local leaders to hear about the state of the local economy. Economic directors from Waynesboro, Augusta County and Staunton all spoke to give individual updates and talk about the projects they work on together.

Annette Medlin, the president and CEO of the Greater Augusta Regional Chamber, said that this is a wonderful time to bring everyone together once a year and think about the future.

"Having them all in the room together representing different areas from small business all the way up to large manufacturers is just really a great opportunity for us to celebrate business and then also hear about all of the good things that are going on here," said Medlin.

The directors spoke about new jobs coming to the area and highlighted the recent announcement from Hershey that it will expand. Joint tourism efforts were also discussed.

Greg Hitchin,the director of economic development and tourism for Waynesboro, said, "We can't do it all by ourselves. It takes the companies, it takes the local government, the elected officials, all of us working together to put our economy ahead, put our communities ahead so that everyone can prosper."

One example of the joint tourism efforts is the Virginia Beerwerks trail. The promotion has reached 46 states so far and encourages folks to extend their stay in the Shenandoah Valley. Now people who go through the trail are required to get eight stamps instead of six to receive a t-shirt because it is so popular.

Tourism Board joins Chamber, others on Frankfort 'entertainment district' supporters

With a Frankfort City Commission meeting on the horizon, the city’s most prominent business and tourism advocacy boards have all endorsed an “entertainment district” designation for downtown.

The Frankfort/Franklin County Tourist and Convention Commission recently joined supporters of the measure. The Entertainment Destination Center (EDC) designation, which is a license given by Kentucky Alcohol Beverage Control, would give the city the ability to designate certain areas in which open alcohol containers are allowed during certain times. The tourism board unanimously approved a letter of support to Frankfort commissioners.

In the letter, board members wrote that an EDC designation supports the downtown master plan's goal to revitalize the area by promoting business and visitors.

“The EDC designation will activate our downtown by allowing and encouraging customers to get out and explore everything downtown Frankfort has to offer,” the letter states. “As an organization that promotes tourism and the economic benefit it brings, we believe that we must do everything possible to allow our restaurants, bars, retail and tourism attractions to grow and thrive. We trust this designation will help with that.”

The letters from Downtown Frankfort Inc. (DFI), the Frankfort Area Chamber of Commerce, Kentucky Capital Development Corp. (KCDC) and now the tourism board have been sent to the city commissioners for their consideration. If commissioners approve, they would then create an ordinance defining the boundaries of the EDC and apply through the ABC for a license, which would cost $2,577.

The city has already been enjoying the benefits of an EDC during some of its events without the proper license, according to Kelly Everman, director of DFI. That prompted DFI, which hosts the Summer Concert Series, to lead the effort to get those events into compliance with state law, which opened a possibility for the city to make downtown more vibrant.

Everman told The State Journal that the designation would allow for certain areas to be “activated” by the city as EDCs during special events. In those areas, adults would be able to congregate in public rights-of-way with open alcohol containers. Businesses that do not have state licenses to sell alcohol would be able to get a permit from the city. Read More: State Journal

Birmingham Bloomfield 2018-2019 Membership Directory and Community Resource Guide 

The Birmingham-Bloomfield 2018-2019 Membership Directory and Community Resource Guide is available at the Birmingham-Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce today! Thank you to Joe Bauman and the Chamber team for their help and direction putting this together! 

Birmingham-Bloomfield 2018-2019 Member 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.

Chamber Interest: New Baby Cafe Opens in Pascagoula

New and expecting mothers all across the Mississippi Gulf Coast now have a brand new resource as they transition to parenthood.

The Baby Café is a support group at the Singing River Health System in Pascagoula. It’s designed to give new and expecting mothers and families a space to connect and receive resources on breastfeeding their children. SRHS Lactation Expert Tina Fritz said, “It can be hard to get good information. So, the purpose of the Baby Café is to give support for breastfeeding families as well as to share accurate information.”

Implemented with help from a CDC grant, the café is designed to be especially helpful for those who may not have a prior background in breastfeeding. “Not everybody comes from a family where mother’s breastfeed, so you know, there can be a mother who gives birth to a baby and maybe she wasn’t breastfed by her mother.”

Community and business leaders from the area were also on hand for the ribbon cutting ceremony. They noted the importance of having a center like the Baby Café in the community. Jackson County Chamber of Commerce Executive Board Member Todd Trenchard said, “Having something like this, being the first of its kind is exciting. You can see the turnout today. There’s a lot of interest in our community of people to come out to see this for the first time.”

The hope is that this new resource will benefit mothers and families for years to come. “We are here to support every mother who wants to provide breast milk for her baby, no matter how she does that,” said Fritz. Read more: WXXV TV 25

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