Greater Greenwood Chamber CEO: Evolution Led to Merger Decision
The president and chief executive officer of the Greater Greenwood Chamber of Commerce says a proposed merger with the Johnson County Development Corp. is the result of an evolution in economic development. The organizations are looking to formally launch the combined entity, Aspire Johnson County, in January if the merger is approved later this month by members. Christian Maslowski says the merger has been an aspirational process that began a few years ago.
In an interview with Inside INdiana Business, Maslowski said modern, comprehensive economic development has changed, including in Indiana.
"No longer are we sitting by the phone and waiting for some large company to call. We are focusing on community development; we're focusing on placemaking; we are doubling down on helping individuals start and grow businesses; we're creating our own economic activity," said Maslowski. "And so you see chambers of commerce and economic development organizations and agencies doing all of this complementary work and so the process of economic development has evolved. To amplify and reach the reach and the impact of all of these complementary efforts, we're seeing chambers and other development agencies across the U.S. begin to join forces."
Maslowski says the effort aims to create a stronger, more strategically-aligned engine to drive business and economic growth. He says officials have done a great deal of research, including talking with colleagues throughout the state such as One Southern Indiana, which serves as the chamber of commerce and economic development organization for Clark and Floyd counties.
"They have shared the benefits (and) the success stories. They have made it very clear that businesses and communities respond very favorably to this because you have that one stop shop. There's no longer multiple points of contact and entry into the community; there's one. It's that single source of all economic development activity."
The membership of both the chamber and the JCDC will vote to approve the merger August 21. Maslowski says the response thus far has been overwhelmingly positive. "Community leaders and business leaders and key stakeholders see the combined resources, the combined staff talent, the combined economic voice as a real win."
Maslowski says, if the merger is approved, the organizations will form an integration committee comprised of board members from each group, which will go into comprehensive strategic planning, including the review and approval of financial and operational decisions. "Our short-term goals for the balance of 2019 will be to have those in-depth community conversations, do the in-depth analysis and prepare a plan to move our community forward, to drive economic development even stronger than we already are independently and then we will launch those activities in 2020." Read more: Inside Indiana Business
Accepting Applications for the Position of President/CEO of the Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce
Full time (minimum 40 hours per week), Salary – negotiable DOQ
POSITION SUMMARY: The position is responsible for, but not limited, to the following:
Functions as the chief spokesperson for the Chamber; effectively represents the Crystal Lake Chamber and the
Crystal Lake area to all businesses, press, related organizations and the general public in accordance with
Chamber positions, policy and mission.
Is aware of Chamber and community needs and takes action when necessary to ensure a positive relationship
exists between the Chamber, local businesses, local governments, and the community.
Provides insights, recommends actions and proposes strategies to the Board of Directors in dealing with internal
and external affairs of the Chamber that are supportive of the Chamber’s mission.
Provides leadership and professional assistance to volunteer leaders in fulfilling their Chamber role.
Trains, coaches and empowers the staff to be effective leaders and decision makers.
Creates innovative solutions to challenges and opportunities within the Chamber and the community.
Ensures adequate levels of qualified, productive and customer oriented staff for the Chamber office.
Manages the financial performance so that membership recruitment and retention as well as activity meets or
exceeds targets.
Markets the Chamber to ensure enrollment, involvement and retention of new and existing members.
Maintains working relationship with elected and appointed officials of Crystal Lake and McHenry County.
REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor’s degree preferred.
Advanced degree in business, finance, law, public administration or related field desirable.
Institute for Organization Management (IOM) certification preferred.
Minimum of 5 years management/leadership experience.
Experience with a Board and leading large number of volunteers strongly desired.
Public policy advocacy and economic development experience preferred.
Excellent interpersonal, leadership and communication skills are required.
Send packet, including cover letter stating qualifications, interest in the position, resume; and list of three professional references by 1:00pm – Tuesday, October 1, 2019 to:
Crystal Lake Chamber Search Committee
c/o Jackie Ruiz, Interim Executive Director
427 W. Virginia Street
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Equal Opportunity Employer
#FamousChamber Of Commerce Quotations: (Be happy!)
The only reason you are happy is because you choose to be happy. Happiness is a choice, and so is suffering. Miguel Angel Ruiz
The 2019 Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce Membership Directory and Community Guide
The 2019 Clarkston Chamber of Commerce Membership Directory and Community Guide is available at the Royal Oak Chamber today! Thanks to Shaun Hayes, Marie Clifford 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 guide or publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633.
EMBDC: 'Our Military Family' event being held August 27
The East Mississippi Business Development Corporation is teaming up with the military men and women stationed in our area to put on an event for the entire community.
“We have a brand new event that’s taking place called “Our Military Family” Operation Information, and it’s just that,” says Casey Holladay, the events coordinator with the EMBDC. “We have an opportunity to hear from our local military leaders with the Air Guard, Army Guard, and NAS Meridian.”
The event will take place at the Key Brothers Hangar located between the National Guard Base and Meridian Regional Airport.
“It is a free event, so we encourage everyone to come out,” Holladay says. “We’ll have a breakfast. We do have a Facebook events page, so you could go check it out and get more information about it
This is the first time the Our Military Family event is taking place.
“This is just an opportunity for us to show our support and to bring the business community and the military community together and let them be more aware of things that they have going on and the future that they see for the military in our community,” Holladay explains.
Officials with the EMBDC say this event is a way to bring the community together.
“The military in our community is so important, I don’t know that people see it every day or know everybody, but if you’ve ever been to their bases at Key Field or at NAS Meridian, what they have there is phenomenal,” Holladay says. “They contribute so much, not just to our community but also to the United States.”
The event will take place on the morning of Tuesday, August 27th from 7:45 to 9:15. It is free and open to the public. Read more: WTOK
Lake County Chamber of Commerce Presents Fall Into Business Networking Scramble
Hosted by The Tranel Financial Group
Bring your best two-minute presentation to this fun, high-powered Networking Scramble!
Come join us to connect, share and market your business with like-minded professionals. Don’t miss this!
opportunity to identify referral partners, network with a wide range of Chamber members and help one another grow. Also, the Chamber fosters a culture of doing business with its members and making referrals, so we want to meet you as well.
Come kick off your morning with a fresh cup of coffee, enjoy a delicious selection of breakfast treats and let’s SCRAMBLE!
Remember to bring business cards for great raffle prizes!
Bring your best two-minute presentation to this fun, high-powered Networking Scramble!
Come join us to connect, share and market your business with like-minded professionals. Don’t miss this!
opportunity to identify referral partners, network with a wide range of Chamber members and help one another grow. Also, the Chamber fosters a culture of doing business with its members and making referrals, so we want to meet you as well.
Come kick off your morning with a fresh cup of coffee, enjoy a delicious selection of breakfast treats and let’s SCRAMBLE!
Remember to bring business cards for great raffle prizes!
The Tranel Financial Group - 1509 N. Milwaukee Ave. Libertyville
Friday, Sept 20th - 9:00am - 12:00pm
Contact Information:
Julieth Gallardo Send an Email
Members: $20 - Non-Members $25
Registrations close by Sept 13th | 3pm
Friday, Sept 20th - 9:00am - 12:00pm
Contact Information:
Julieth Gallardo Send an Email
Members: $20 - Non-Members $25
Registrations close by Sept 13th | 3pm
#BestChamber practices: Sault Area Chamber of Commerce: Give your Members a Heads Up to take advantage of Business Opportunities
Attention Restaurant Owners!
The Eastern Upper Peninsula Intermediate School District is going to be hosting an Educators Conference in Sault Ste Marie, MI on:
Monday August 26th, 2018
What does this have to do with you? It means when the group of 500 break for their lunch from 12:00 noon-1:30 pm our local restaurants are going to be flooded with hungry educators! Mark it on your calendars and prepare your staff for the lunch rush! Maybe offer quick and easy lunch specials and post about them on your social media... we would be happy to help share!
If you have any questions you can contact: Michelle Mackie at mmackie@eupschools.org
Thank You for the heads up Michelle!
Justin Groenert heads public policy for Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce
“Justin brings a wide breadth and depth of public policy experience that will advance the Chattanooga Chamber’s advocacy initiatives. He has led transformative chamber and community policy work and we are excited to welcome him to our innovative team,” says Christy Gillenwater, Chattanooga Chamber President and CEO.
Since July 2018, Justin Groenert has served as Chief of Staff for Kelly Mitchell, Indiana State Treasurer. He oversaw office staff and six quasi-governmental organizations and served as legislative director for the Treasurer’s office. Previously he served as Government Relations & Public Policy Director, Southwest Indiana Chamber, where he managed advocacy and lobbying at federal, state and local levels.
He successfully lobbied on multiple projects in the Indiana General Assembly including advocating for:
- a long-term $1.2 billion comprehensive road funding program
- $126 million in state funding for quality of place and economic development efforts, including $42 million for Southwest Indiana
- $44 million in additional funding and programmatic changes for Indiana’s pre-kindergarten pilot program
- $19 million for a downtown Evansville medical education campus, land bank authorization and funding legislation, among other major policies
Groenert has worked for two Congress members and managed several congressional campaigns.
An Evansville, Indiana, native, Justin studied political science and political communications at Western Kentucky University and holds a master’s of public administration from the University of Southern Indiana. Read more: Chattanooga Trend
Chamber Sponsor: Montgomery County 3rd Annual Early Educator Award
The Alliance for Better Childcare Strategies (ABCs) has announced the winner of the 2019 Montgomery County Early Educator Award.
Sponsored for a third year by the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, the ABCs Montgomery County Early Educator Award winner for 2019 will be officially recognized and awarded at the MCCC board meeting on Wednesday, August 28 at 3 p.m.
The winner of the 2019 Montgomery County Early Educator Award is Sophia Frimpong, preschool teacher at the Virginia Tech Child Development Center for Learning and Research (VT CDCLR) in Blacksburg. As 2019 Montgomery County Early Educator of the Year, Sophia Frimpong will receive a $500 cash award as well as a $250 professional development scholarship. Sophia has a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education and has been teaching at VTCDCLR for six years. The runner up, Angela Brown, will receive a check of $100. Angela Brown is a teacher of Rainbow Riders, Blacksburg.
Nikki Slusher, ABCs Board Member, Assistant Vice President of National Bank Blacksburg and member of the judging committee, said “Childcare is a necessity for many parents and it’s often a barrier to work if parents are unable to locate a provider that is competent, trustworthy and affordable. Parents are trusting the childcare providers with one of the most important parts of their life- their children. Early childhood educators do more than provide care – they nurture the development of young minds. These early educators make every moment matter and are investing in our community’s future. It’s an honor to recognize the selfless service, hard work and dedication of every early educator and let them know they are valued for the difference they make in the lives of others every day.”
Kim Thomason, ABCs Board Member and owner of Three Presidents Consulting LLC and member of the judging committee, added, “Public interest in early childhood education is at an all-time high due to recent successful advocacy efforts. We must continue to promote consistent quality in our early childhood educators and the programs they support. Quality educators are knowledgeable, invested, and motivating to the children and families in their classrooms. Through their intentional interactions in a well-planned environment, teachers like Sophia Frimpong expand educational equity and shrink the achievement gap. They impact the overall growth and development of a child into adulthood. A life well lived starts with a high-quality early childhood education.”
The Alliance for Better Childcare Strategies committee of board members met to review the accomplishments select these exceptional early educators. The winner and finalist demonstrated extraordinary creativity, knowledge of and passion for child development and open engagement and collaboration with children, families and colleagues. Read more: NRVNEWS
Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce 2019-2020 Business Directory and Resource Guide
The Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce 2019-2020 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!
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.
The Alliance for Better Childcare Strategies (ABCs) has announced the winner of the 2019 Montgomery County Early Educator Award.
Sponsored for a third year by the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, the ABCs Montgomery County Early Educator Award winner for 2019 will be officially recognized and awarded at the MCCC board meeting on Wednesday, August 28 at 3 p.m.
The winner of the 2019 Montgomery County Early Educator Award is Sophia Frimpong, preschool teacher at the Virginia Tech Child Development Center for Learning and Research (VT CDCLR) in Blacksburg. As 2019 Montgomery County Early Educator of the Year, Sophia Frimpong will receive a $500 cash award as well as a $250 professional development scholarship. Sophia has a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education and has been teaching at VTCDCLR for six years. The runner up, Angela Brown, will receive a check of $100. Angela Brown is a teacher of Rainbow Riders, Blacksburg.
Nikki Slusher, ABCs Board Member, Assistant Vice President of National Bank Blacksburg and member of the judging committee, said “Childcare is a necessity for many parents and it’s often a barrier to work if parents are unable to locate a provider that is competent, trustworthy and affordable. Parents are trusting the childcare providers with one of the most important parts of their life- their children. Early childhood educators do more than provide care – they nurture the development of young minds. These early educators make every moment matter and are investing in our community’s future. It’s an honor to recognize the selfless service, hard work and dedication of every early educator and let them know they are valued for the difference they make in the lives of others every day.”
Kim Thomason, ABCs Board Member and owner of Three Presidents Consulting LLC and member of the judging committee, added, “Public interest in early childhood education is at an all-time high due to recent successful advocacy efforts. We must continue to promote consistent quality in our early childhood educators and the programs they support. Quality educators are knowledgeable, invested, and motivating to the children and families in their classrooms. Through their intentional interactions in a well-planned environment, teachers like Sophia Frimpong expand educational equity and shrink the achievement gap. They impact the overall growth and development of a child into adulthood. A life well lived starts with a high-quality early childhood education.”
The Alliance for Better Childcare Strategies committee of board members met to review the accomplishments select these exceptional early educators. The winner and finalist demonstrated extraordinary creativity, knowledge of and passion for child development and open engagement and collaboration with children, families and colleagues. Read more: NRVNEWS
Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce 2019-2020 Business Directory and Resource Guide
The Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce 2019-2020 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!
Somerset-Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce hosts a SPEDA unveiling
SPEDA (Somerset-Pulaski County Development Authority) has launched its mission to Somerset, Pulaski County, Lake Cumberland Region and the world. Chris Girdler, president and CEO of the authority, introduced the organization's brand, website, slogan, tagline and logo Tuesday to the August membership meeting of Somerset-Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce.
"Today is an exciting day for the staff and board of directors at SPEDA," Girdler said. "We have worked tirelessly to develop a new presence for our organization -- one that will show people across the nation and the globe the amazing things we're doing in Somerset and Pulaski County to enhance economic development and make it a place where businesses can locate, expand and be successful. We're looking at economic development through a different lens. Expressing his love and passion for Somerset and Pulaski County, Girdler said "... we're looking at anything a community does to improve the welfare of its people."
The organization's new brand, "Somerset Leads," puts visual emphasis on the way leadership is transforming the community. A bold, yellow arrow surrounded by smaller navy arrows represents SPEDA's desire to bring all of Somerset-Pulaski County's businesses, organizations and special interests together to move forward into a future of growth and excellence. The brand highlights ways Somerset and Pulaski County effectively lead through abundant resources, excellent quality of life, cooperative spirit, innovation and a focus on business retention and recruitment, making it a premier location for companies to open or expand. This message is prominent on SPEDA's new website, somersetkyleads.com, and in marketing materials the organization will use to recruit new business and industry, Girdler said.
"We want people around the world to know Somerset-Pulaski County is the easiest place in America to do business," Girdler insisted. "We believe unity and collaboration build a stronger economy. We're not just laying bricks. We're building cathedrals. We can accomplish so much more if we work together."
The organization's tagline -- making business about people -- puts emphasis on collaboration, customer service and workforce development, elements Girdler believes are crucial to the success of any economy.
"Our community leaders are making a difference. They're working together. They're effecting change. They're making business about people," Girdler declared. "And for this reason, when companies and industries learn about the environment that's being fostered here, they'll want to be a part."
At the chamber luncheon, Girdler told the audience SPEDA has already implemented more than $300,000 in annual cost-saving measures and has actively begun recruiting new conferences and conventions to the area. Girdler also announced several initiatives SPEDA will engage in to bolster quality of life, business support and workforce development in Pulaski County. They include:
SPEDA Mini-Grant Series -- A new mini-grant program that will award $10,000 annually to four recipients to help in business endeavors. A review committee will award two $2,500 grants to start-up companies, and two $2,500 grants to growth-oriented businesses for inventory, equipment or any other function of expansion.
Development of new industrial park -- SPEDA, in partnership with Pulaski County Fiscal Court and the City of Somerset, will develop a new industrial park on 190 acres of land on East Ky. 80, near the location of the undeveloped northern bypass corridor.
Pulaski County Judicial Center stage -- SPEDA will partner with the 2017 Leadership Lake Cumberland class to provide financial support and oversight for its project to build a permanent, covered stage at the Judicial Center plaza. The stage would be an asset for downtown programs and events.
Virginia Theatre feasibility study -- In an effort to demonstrate arts and culture are important economic tools, SPEDA will be a partner in a new feasibility study to explore costs of renovating the once-thriving Virginia Theatre in the heart of downtown.
Overflow truck lot at Valley Oak Commerce Complex -- To address an ongoing problem at Valley Oak Commerce Complex with the large number of tractor-trailers entering and exiting for daily deliveries, SPEDA has committed financial support and oversight for the construction of an overflow lot. The lot will help alleviate traffic issues and expedite deliveries for the industries located in the park.
Training programs -- SPEDA will implement two new training programs to enhance workforce development efforts across the county. Hospitality training will be available to front-line employees to prepare them for interacting with visitors who might want to know more about the community. Soft-skills training, available to any Pulaski County business, will teach interpersonal skills -- communication, team-building, problem-solving, leadership and work ethic -- vital to successful collaboration in the workplace.
Work Ethics Seal program -- SPEDA will partner with local school districts to plan improvements to the Work Ethics Seal program which will raise the level of soft-skills training needed to be successful in the workforce. Students must meet certain criteria in order to earn the seal. Read more: Commonwealth Journal
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The Howell Area Chamber of Commerce welcomes new Membership Development Director
The Howell Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Dianne Samples will be joining the organization as Membership Development Director late August 2019. Dianne brings over 25 years of combined experience in community relations and business development to the chamber. Her lengthy tenure in retail mortgage sales and real estate along with experience in marketing and community relations for local businesses make her an ideal fit for this new role. Dianne has established an understanding of the local business environment in Livingston County throughout the duration of her career. Samples is excited about beginning work at the Chamber where she’ll contribute to the growth and success of business and the community working directly with chamber members.
"I truly believe that success is brought about by what is given from one’s heart, rather than what is given to one, which is why I am passionate about making a difference in people’s lives,” said Samples.
Dianne and her husband, Guy, lifelong Howell residents raised their three grown children in Howell. All have been very involved within the Athletic Department at Howell High School, playing sports, coaching and mentoring. Dianne has also been very active in the Livingston County United Way serving on the LCUW Development Council. She was recognized for her efforts and awarded the Charles Itsell Volunteer of the Year award in 2016.
Dianne has been engaged in Livingston County Chambers, lending her leadership and management abilities to numerous events as chairperson, committee member and volunteer. Equipped with an energetic history of assessing community needs, analyzing data and building strategic partnerships, Dianne makes a strong addition to the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce team.
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