Chamber of Commerce Daily News

Town Square Publications (https://www.townsquarepublications.com) publishes two hundred world class turn-key chamber directories, community guides and maps annually at no cost to the chamber of commerce. We are Employee-Owned & part of the Daily Herald Media Group.149 years old and thriving through innovation daily. Chamber of Commerce Daily News follows chamber news, education, economic development, chamber jobs, and other related chamber issues/events. Best, John Dussman

Saturday, December 21, 2019

Good morning #chamber! Have a wonderful Holiday Season!

Merry Christmas to everyone in #ChamberWorld and may 2020 be the BEST YEAR of your life!

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Is New Administrative Rule Edict Legal Extortion on Michigan Businesses?; Farewell to 2018 IACCE Chamber Executive of the Year Jeff Griffin as Sioux Falls Chamber announces new CEO; Crossroads Regional Chamber: Our New President and CEO: Deann Patena; Traci Gould Honored as Bullitt County Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year; Hampton Roads Chamber: 2019 Annual Meeting of the Membership; Front Royal Warren County Chamber of Commerce Community Profile & Membership Directory; Companies can help veterans as they re-enter civilian life, and the Germantown chamber has a program to show them how; Plymouth Chamber of Commerce Community Map; Brookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber: Holiday cheer leads week of good news; 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 Daily News

presented by Town Square Publications

Is New Administrative Rule Edict Legal Extortion on Michigan Businesses?

Business Community Pushing Back on Mandatory Labor Peace Agreements

The Grand Rapids Chamber joined with other members of the business community to express strong opposition to marijuana licensure draft rules which require license holders to enter into a "Labor Peace Agreement" with a labor union as a condition of licensure.

The Senate Regulatory Reform Committee took the issue up last Thursday. Chairman Aric Nesbitt said, "The rules amount to extortion of marijuana businesses to enrich unions and increase their membership."

The overutilization of unilateral executive action through administrative rule-making, which bypasses the more transparent and appropriate lawmaking process, is increasingly concerning.

Michigan licenses many types of businesses and professionals. If the administration is able to conjure a labor union agreement requirement out of thin air, what’s to stop them from doing the same for more businesses? This is an important issue for this new industry, but also critical for nearly all businesses who could fall victim to the arbitrary whims of bureaucratic rule making.

Questions? Contact Andy Johnston at andy@grandrapids.org.

Farewell to 2018 IACCE Chamber Executive of the Year Jeff Griffin as Sioux Falls Chamber announces new CEO

A chamber of commerce leader from Illinois will be the next leader of the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce.

Jeffrey Griffin was selected as president and CEO following a national search.

“I am honored to be named president of the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce,” he said. “Sioux Falls and all of South Dakota are in such an advantageous position with pro-business initiatives, and I am excited to be a part of it.”

Sioux Falls Chamber board chair Bobbi Thury, co-founder of Legacy Law Firm, said the search committee reviewed an excellent pool of candidates.

“We had a number of very talented individuals interested in the position,” she said. “Jeff demonstrated excellent leadership skills, the ability to foster strong relationships with businesses of all sizes and a heart for helping others succeed, all of which made him a great match for our chamber.”

Griffin has served as the president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce and the CEO Council in Peoria since 2014. During his tenure, he led the chamber to double its membership and turned around worrisome financial trends. He is experienced in nonprofit and business development leadership. Griffin holds a master’s degree from the University of Texas at Arlington and is a graduate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for Organizational Management. In 2018, he was named the Distinguished Illinois Chamber of Commerce Executive of the Year.

“My wife, Rosy, and I were overwhelmed with the warm welcome we received from the community, and we are looking forward to moving our family to Sioux Falls,” Griffin said.

Griffin will assume his new role Jan. 20. Interim president Dr. Dave Kapaska will remain with the chamber through Jan. 25.

“We are excited to welcome the Griffins to Sioux Falls,” Thury said. “We expect that the chamber, under Jeff’s leadership, will continue to be a successful advocate for our businesses and community for years to come.” Read more: SiouxFalls.Business

Crossroads Regional Chamber: Our New President and CEO: Deann Patena

At last Friday’s annual meeting, it was announced that Deann Patena has accepted the position of our new President and CEO of the Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce!

Deann has served on the chamber board since 2012. Prior to her current position as the Director of Meeting and Event Sales at Fair Oak Farms, Deann was the Director of Sales and Marketing at the Radisson Star Plaza and worked for White Lodging for over 16 years.

Deann has agreed to resign from the chamber board and take on her new role as CEO in the coming weeks.

“I am so excited to have the opportunity to lead this great organization, we have a bright future as we aspire to grow larger and stronger. Being a regional chamber of commerce allows us to have one voice which provides continuity, advocacy, broader networking and assistance with small business support, I am committed to supporting and assisting in your business success”.

Traci Gould Honored as Bullitt County
Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year

Traci Gould has this tagline on each email: Kindness, sprinkle that stuff around like confetti.
The words mirror the work she accomplishes daily as Family Resource Center Coordinator at Shepherdsville Elementary School.
No surprise, then, that Gould was picked as Bullitt County Citizen of the Year during the annual Bullitt County Chamber of Commerce Membership Dinner in October.
“I was surprised and humbled,” Gould said. “What an honor!”
She began at Shepherdsville Elementary as the first Shepherdsville Elementary School FRC in 2006. In 2010, her center was joined with Nichols Elementary for 8 years until 2018 when her center returned to Shepherdsville Elementary only. Gould is in her 14th year as Family Resource Coordinator.
Her goal is to assist families in reaching self-sufficiency and to help give every student, every opportunity, every day, while helping to remove barriers to education.
That means recognition of work is not about her but whom she serves.
“I am glad to help spread awareness of the roles of the Family Resource Youth Services Centers at each of our BCPS schools,” she affirmed. “This is the first full year that each of the BCPS schools have access to a Family Resource or Youth Services Center and FRYSC is grant funded, so each year it is important for our community and legislators to know what we do and why it necessary to student success.”

Whenever Gould sees students succeed and thrive, she knows the center is working
productively.
“I love recognizing those students that give it their all each and every day and encourage them to continue to be the light,” she said. “I love seeing students strive to be significant in the lives of others, mentor others and provide encouragement to others. I love seeing them develop a love for reading and a love for their community. I love seeing them happy and reassured when taking a bag of weekend food home. I love seeing their joy over a new pair of shoes or knitted hats made by our community ladies. I love seeing them go into a new classroom with a bag of school supplies provided by someone in the community that look just like everyone else’s bag of supplies. I am excited to see the playing field leveled for some of our kids that struggle. I love seeing a single mom that has difficulty figuring life out, finally rise above, and be what she wants to be for herself and for her kids.”
One of her favorite moments from this school year was the community book sponsorship.
“I made a random post on my personal Facebook page about how cool it would be to provide a new book to every Shepherdsville Elementary student each month all year long, and that for $10 a student we could do that,” she explained. “Responses started with individuals saying ‘I’ll take one, or I’ll take 2...or 10’ and progressed to small business challenges of 25 or more students and within 8 days of that original post, all 567 of our students were covered and are now receiving a new book each month and are so excited about it! That was so amazing to be a part of! I love hearing ‘Do we get to keep this book forever?’ and ‘Am I the first one to have this book, can I put MY name in it?’ There are some students in our school that did not have books at home until now. Our community
provided someone their very first new book in their home. That’s pretty awesome to think about.”
Resources to assist students overcome barriers to learning often require financial support and that is an area of concern for all FRYSCs.
“The biggest challenge for me this year is lack of grant funding in my center,” Gould affirmed. “What do I do to overcome it? I utilize everything free that I can find and when it isn’t free I ask our community members and businesses for help. I am always so proud to live in this community when our area small businesses and residents of Shepherdsville and Bullitt County step up to the plate EVERY SINGLE TIME. I mean every time. I am never disappointed with their love for the students and their future vision that these kids are the next generation of business owners, leaders, parents, police, fire fighters, real estate agents. They see the value of investing in kids, and it is amazing for these kids to feel supported. Our future police chief, attorneys, or electricians may be in this group of
students. By teaching them that our community wraps around each other and wants to build these kids up, the hope is that they will become contributing members of our society and continue to build our community. We also strive to overcome negative press regarding our community. We are so much more than that!”
Gould wants to continue to provide books to all of her students each month all year long, and will rely on my community to help provide that again in the future.
“I want to build beds again for children without a place to sleep, and school supplies to children without them. I want to continue to partner with our high school in as many ways as we can, to encourage life-long learning and future goals of our students. I want to be a partner in raising future leaders of our community,” she said.
Bullitt County Public Schools has over 13,000 students in grades preschool through 12.
There are 25 school facilities, a certified staff of over 900 and a classified staff of over 800 working to make the district the leader in educational excellence.

Hampton Roads Chamber: 2019 Annual Meeting of the Membership

You’ve been patient for the Regional Rebrand Reveal! It is here!

The Hampton Roads Chamber will round out the year with the 2019 Annual Meeting of the Membership. This event will include the regional rebrand results, and a keynote address by the Acting Secretary of the Navy Thomas Modly.

WHEN:
Tuesday, December 10, 2019
11:30 to 2:00 pm

WHERE:
Virginia Beach Convention Center

1000 19th St, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

PRICE:
$50.00 Chamber Member
$65.00 Prospective Member

The Hampton Roads Chamber Means Business. We are an impactful advocate, powerful economic partner, inspiring ignitor, and regional collaborator. The Chamber is a vigorous advocate for the economic success of its member businesses, which employ nearly 250,000 men and women in Southeastern Virginia.

Visit hamptonroadschamber.com

Front Royal Warren County Chamber of Commerce Community Profile & Membership Directory

The Front Royal Warren County Chamber of Commerce Community Profile & Membership Directory is available at the Front Royal Warren County Chamber of Commerce today! Thank you to Niki Foster and Pam Riffle and the Chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!

2019 Front Royal Warren County Community Profile and Membership 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.

Companies can help veterans as they re-enter civilian life, and the Germantown chamber has a program to show them how

After Afghanistan veteran Ruben Velez finished his time with the U.S. Marine Corps in 2014, he worked eight jobs and owned two businesses before he landed the near-perfect job.

The last job, as a project manager at Germantown Iron & Steel Corp., allows him to use his military experience to develop solutions to make the workplace more efficient. "I added structure to the company," said Velez, who lives in Sussex.

But it took a while to get there. After veterans complete their service, he said, they often face mental health challenges, drug and alcohol abuse, poverty and homelessness.

To help companies work with veterans, the Germantown Chamber of Commerce partnered with the Wisconsin Veterans Chamber to provide a veteran-ready business program. The program is free and open to the public, from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 12, at American Legion Post No. 1, N120 W15932 Freistadt Road and is free for everyone.

Erin Zimdars-Gagnon, communications director of the Wisconsin Veterans Chamber, said her organization can help answer questions about creating veteran-ready workplaces.
'You lose the brotherhood, camaraderie and your focus'

Velez served in the military from 2009-14, after graduating in 2008 from Milwaukee's South Division High School. He said that when he completed his time in the service, he had a week of training about getting back to civilian life.

"But a week is not enough time. They kind of crammed it in you," said Velez. "When I got out, I just winged it."

He wsn't sure initially what kind of job would be best for him and did not always feel comfortable in the companies that hired him.

"When you get out (of the service), you lose the brotherhood, camaraderie and your focus. They say a man without purpose is nothing," he said.
'It just takes a conversation to start'

Germantown Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lynn Grgich said that many companies in Germantown are facing a shortage of employees. "I think there is a need for employees to add veterans in their workplace," she said.

She also said that it is important for veterans to be comfortable in their jobs because they worked hard for the country.

Velez suggested that, as a start toward helping veterans integrate into civilian life and the corporate structure, people learn the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day.

Memorial Day is to remember those who died in service, he said. Therefore, he explained, many veterans would not find that as a day to celebrate, considering it a more somber occasion.

"And veterans should get off for Veterans Day," he said.

Among other suggestions, Velez said many veterans who may have PTSD do not like having their backs to people. "I like to work in the corner (with my back to the wall)," he said. Making simple arrangements like that can help veterans feel more comfortable at work, he said.

He added that veterans with PTSD might also prefer to work in a quieter part of the office.

Velez also said it would be helpful for companies to have a veteran representative to help veteran employees. "This would create an open dialogue of what we need," he said.

He said that all veterans are required to get the time off needed to go to their VA appointments. "A lot don't know this," he said.

Zimdars-Gagnon said there are just simple things companies can do to take care of veterans.

"It is not hard. It is just takes a conversation to start," she said. Read more: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Plymouth Chamber of Commerce Community Map

The Plymouth Chamber of Commerce Community Map is available at the New Castle-Henry County Chamber! Thanks to Connie Holzwart and the chamber membership for their help and direction putting this together!

Plymouth Indiana Chamber 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.

Brookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber: Holiday cheer leads week of good news

It’s going to be a sweet Christmas in Brookhaven this year, at least on Dec. 5. That’s when “A Candy Coated Christmas” rolls downtown.

"We’re sticking with the theme, ‘Life is sweet in Brookhaven,’” said Katie Nations, program director of the Brookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce. “McLane Southern has donated candy to be thrown during the parade, so there will be plenty of candy for parade goers.” Santa will be on hand, and Miss Merry Christmas Abby Smith, Miss Hospitality Allie Claire Townsend and Miss Mississippi Mary Margaret Hyer will make appearances. Read more: Daily Leader

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

Monday, December 16, 2019

Naperville Area Chamber Of Commerce Invites Consulate Generals and Business Leaders To Participate In USMCA Forum Event; Now Accepting Nominations For The Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce 2020 First Citizen; #FamousChamber Of Commerce Quotations: (Be happy!); The 2019 Cedarburg Chamber of Commerce Community Guide; Rochester Area Hometown Christmas Parade to draw tens of thousands downtown; Holiday Open House In Ocean Springs; Plainfield Area Chamber of Commerce Community Profile & Directory; Indiana Chamber Reacts to Gov. Holcomb’s 2020 Legislative Agenda; Kentucky Chamber president visits Winchester; Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce Community Guide & Directory; Duluth & Superior Will Host 2nd Small Business Saturday; Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S.; WELCOME HOME - The Nation's Premier New Resident Marketing Program for Your Chamber Members

Good morning #ChamberWorld! It's going to be a GREAT day!

Chamber of Commerce Daily News

presented by Town Square Publications

Naperville Area Chamber Of Commerce Invites Consulate Generals and Business Leaders To Participate In USMCA Forum Event

Public event speaks to the impact of USMCA on Regional business, trade and economic growth

The Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce (NACC) will be hosting the USMCA Forum: Connecting your Business to a Global Market on December 12^th, 2019 at White Eagle Golf Club in Naperville, IL. The program will cover key provisions of the United States-Mexico-Canada-Agreement (USMCA), their implications on Regional business, as well the economic after-effects it may incite.

“Information shared at the USMCA Forum will be valuable to our members and all to all businesses who are looking to expand their markets to our closest neighbors of Canada and Mexico,” said Kaylin Risvold, President and CEO of the NACC said. “This event will highlight the success of our Members who are currently major players in a global economy and give great information to businesses looking to expand beyond the US borders.”

The NACC has assembled a distinguished panel of presenters: Reyna Torres Mendivil from the Mexican Consulate General in Chicago and John Cruickshank of the Canadian Consulate General of Chicago will provide a unique trade perspective from their respective country. Cindy Tomei of the Illinois Manufacturers Association will share global trade data from our area, while Jeff Davis, Vice President of Sales Administration and Marketing for Phoenix Packaging who trades globally, can speak to the direct impact USMCA will have on us locally. In addition, a representative of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce will provide an up to the minute update on the status of USMCA in Washington, D.C.

Reba Osborne, Director of Government Affairs for the NACC notes, “I am thrilled to have such a dynamic panel presenting valuable information at the USMCA forum. We are committed to providing relevant programming to keep our members abreast of legislation that will impact their business operations. The USMCA will have a resounding impact on how our businesses operate in a global market."

As this agreement lingers on the cusp of being passed, the forum style event will allow guests to pose questions and discuss the aspects of the agreement that matter most to their business. Presenting sponsor Spanesi knows the significance of the agreement. Timothy Morgan, COO of Spanesi Americas stated, “Spanesi Americas, Inc is wholly owned by Spanesi S.p.A. in Italy and operates in over 100 countries globally today. Trade between the USA, Canada, and Mexico is a very important part of our business as we continue to grow our operation in North America. USMCA is very important to all parties in trade between these countries and offers protections for all involved.”

The USMCA Forum will be held on December 12^th, 2019 from 3:00 pm – 5:30 pm at White Eagle Golf Club in Naperville, IL. Cocktail reception to follow the presentation. This event is open to the public. For more information visit: https://naper.cc/USMCA

Now Accepting Nominations For The Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce 2020 First Citizen

The Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce First Citizen Award is presented to an individual who is widely recognized as an influential leader and role model in the Peninsula business community.

The awardee must be a person of strong character and integrity who has leveraged his/her time, talents and resources toward the betterment of the Virginia Peninsula community.

To nominate an individual for the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce First Citizen Award, please complete the nomination form via the following link: bit.ly/2020FirstCitizenNominationForm. Nominations will be collected until Friday, December 13, 2019.

#FamousChamber Of Commerce Quotations: (Be happy!)

“Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.”

Buddha

The 2019 Cedarburg Chamber of Commerce Community Guide

The Cedarburg Chamber of Commerce Community Guide & Map is available at the chamber today ! Thanks to Maggie Dobson and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!

A Guide to Cedarburg

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.

Rochester Area Hometown Christmas Parade to draw tens of thousands downtown

The streets of Rochester will come alive with over 100 holiday-themed floats, community groups and marching bands this Sunday for the 68th annual Rochester Area Hometown Christmas Parade.

This year’s parade, which parade chairman Tim Crawford said is the largest Christmas parade in Michigan, will be held Sunday, Dec. 8.

“It’s truly our opportunity to showcase the community and its organizations,” he said.

Started by the Lions Club in the 1950s, the parade became the responsibility of the chamber in the early 1960s, according to Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce President Alaina Campbell.

It is now organized by the chamber’s foundation, which starts thinking about Christmas in July.

“The vast majority of the people on the parade committee have been part of the committee for 20 years or more. It’s a group of folks that enjoy bringing the Christmas spirit to the community,” Crawford said.

This year’s parade is sponsored by Chief Financial Credit Union and Rochester University, which Campbell said both made commitments to sponsor the parade for three years.

“This parade wouldn’t be possible without our sponsors. They are the ones that contribute the money to make this parade happen,” she said.

For the first time, this year’s parade won’t have a specific theme, allowing participants to reuse their past floats and marching attire.

“One of the things that we’ve found is that it’s a little restrictive, particularly for nonprofit organizations that have a float in the parade every year. For them to have to change their float every year can be costly — not only in dollars, but also in time. It puts an extra burden on those nonprofit organizations,” Campbell said.

The parade has become a tradition for many in the community. Over 75,000 people attend the event each year, setting up chairs and blankets along the route as early as 8 a.m.

“So many people have been coming for years and years and years,” Campbell said. “We hear from not only parents with small children today, but grandparents who brought their children when they were little and are now bringing their grandchildren to see the parade. It is just a wonderful family and community tradition.”

After securing a viewing spot, families are invited to the Older Persons’ Commission for a pancake breakfast sponsored by — and to benefit — the Kiwanis Club of Rochester Hills 8-10 a.m.

After bellies are full, children can visit the Santa Wonderland warming tent area — sponsored by Ascension Providence Rochester — at Fourth and Main streets in downtown Rochester to enjoy hot cocoa and participate in holiday-themed activities 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Children can get a quick picture with Santa and Mrs. Claus noon-1:45 p.m., sponsored by the Crawford Insurance Group.

The parade — led by grand marshals George and Betty Seifert — will roll down Main Street, starting at the corner of Tienken and Rochester roads, beginning at 2 p.m. and will head south to Third Street. It will feature over 100 units, including floats, bands, dancers, horses, Scout groups, elected officials, churches, community organizations, businesses, nonprofits and more. It will wrap up with Santa and Mrs. Claus on the final float, donated by Bordine’s Nursery.

The parade will go on rain or shine, and free shuttles will run from the Chase Bank on Walton Boulevard in Rochester Hills to the Chase Bank in downtown Rochester 12:30-4:30 p.m.

Following the parade, the public is invited to a free community afterglow party with Santa and Mrs. Claus 4-5 p.m. at Bordine’s, 1835 S. Rochester Road in Rochester Hills. Read more: C & G Newspapers

Holiday Open House In Ocean Springs

‘By Golly, Be Jolly!’ That’s the motto for Downtown Ocean Springs as it prepares to welcome Coast residents to its annual ‘Holiday Open House.’

Friday and Saturday folks can experience deals, discounts, and giveaways from both downtown and uptown businesses.

This open house is to promote small business and shopping local.

Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Cynthia Sutton says the city wants to say thank you in a huge way to those who participate. “If you come out and shop with us and spend $200 at our local boutiques, come to us at the Ocean Springs Visitors Center on Saturday, December 7th between 10 and 4, show us your receipts from the boutiques and we’re going to give you gift cards and other free items just for coming and shopping with us here in Ocean Springs.” Read more: WXXV 25 TV

Plainfield Area Chamber of Commerce Community Profile & Directory

The Plainfield Area Chamber of Commerce Community Profile & Directory is available at the Plainfield Area Chamber today! Thanks to Tasha Kitson and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!

Plainfield 2018 Community Profile and 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.

Indiana Chamber Reacts to Gov. Holcomb’s 2020 Legislative Agenda

Indiana Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Kevin Brinegar comments on Gov. Eric Holcomb’s 2020 Next Level agenda for the state:

“The Governor is focused on the policies that will have the greatest impact on Hoosiers and their employers. You can’t ask for more than that.

“We are encouraged by the forward-looking approaches Gov. Holcomb has put forth to keep our economy strong and grow talent.

“We are especially pleased that the Governor has continued to make the health of Hoosiers a priority. Raising the smoking and vaping age to 21 is one important step we can do to combat the recent vaping illnesses and deaths, as well as the state’s high smoking rate. With the Governor championing this policy, in addition to all the other groups, it strengthens the effort and should move us across the finish line.

“The Governor’s push for better broadband connectivity statewide is critical; this is a big issue for businesses and communities wanting to attract talent. We’ve made strides in getting broadband to all corners but in many places the speed of use still needs to greatly improve. The infrastructure focus from Governor Holcomb is a welcome sign that this, as well as our highways, will get more attention.”

Kentucky Chamber president visits Winchester

The Kentucky Chamber of Commerce made a pit stop in Winchester Friday as part of a 2020 legislative preview tour.

Ashli Watts, the new president and chief executive officer of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, visited Winchester to meet community leaders. She also discussed the business community’s priorities ahead of the 2020 legislative session.

According to a news release, the 2020 legislative preview tour aims to familiarize members of local chambers of commerce with the priorities of the Kentucky Chamber.

There was a full house at the Winchester-Clark County Bluegrass Community and Technical College campus. Community members listened to Watts’ hour-long presentation before asking questions.

Watts presented on several issues facing the business community, which the Kentucky Chamber’s 2020 Legislative Agenda and 2019 Four Pillars for Prosperity report include, according to the release.

The business community’s top priorities for the 2020 session include: investing in Kentucky’s infrastructure, continuing pension reform, enacting sports wagering, curbing tobacco use, preparing the workforce, pro-growth tax reform, reforming the criminal justice system, ensuring patient protection, allowing principal selection, improving early childhood education and improving legal liability climate.

“We survey our membership on their thoughts on all of these issues happening in Frankfort,” Watts said.

Watts said there is a representation of small businesses on the Kentucky Chamber’s board, so the board always tries to keep small businesses in mind.

“I think it’s important to reemphasize one of my goals is to engage our small businesses,” Watts said.

With over 2,000 pieces of legislation being filed every single year, and with having a part-time legislature, Watts said it’s essential for the chamber also to educate policymakers.

“They cannot be expected to know every single thing about every single bill that comes before their desk,” Watts said.” These are complicated issues dealing with taxes and the judicial code and education and energy and environment. So that’s our job.

“That’s our job as chambers, as the business community, as community leaders, to be educators to them, to educate them on why certain things are important to us, our business and our community. That’s why we exist. That’s what we’re here to do. So we have to be a lot very loud and unified voice because there’s a lot of other voices in the room too.” Read more: Winchester Sun

Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce Community Guide & Directory

The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce Community Guide & Directory is available at the Pekin Area Chamber today! Thanks to Bill Fleming, Renna Hadsall, Manda Brown and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!

Pekin Illinois Community Guide and 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.

Duluth & Superior Will Host 2nd Small Business Saturday

It is called Small Business Saturday, but it serves as one of the biggest shopping days of the year. Yet, this year’s Small Business Saturday was interrupted by not one, but two blizzards. As a result, both Duluth and Superior have decided to host a second Small Business Saturday this Saturday, December 7th.

“The idea behind it is to get people out and shopping at our small businesses here—right here in our local area. We really like to promote ‘shop local’ at the Superior Chamber of Commerce so the idea is to get you into these businesses that you might not have been before that are right here in your back door,” Nikky Farmakes, Director of Marketing for the Superior Chamber of Commerce said.

Following Black Friday and preceding Cyber Monday, Small Business Saturday has become a staple of one of the busiest shopping weeks of the year.

“It’s a way for our businesses to really celebrate local businesses and a way for people to really show their support. For us, typically, small business Saturday is one of the busiest shopping days for our businesses so to give them a bonus is really going to be beneficial,” Kristi Stokes, President of the Greater Downtown Council said.

Organizers hope that better weather will result in better shopping for customers and businesses alike. A full list of businesses that will participate in Duluth can be found here and a full list of businesses that will participate in Superior can be found here. Read more:WDIO ABC

Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S.

WELCOME HOME - The Nation's Premier New Resident Marketing Program for Your Chamber Members

IF your chamber is a little too big for Welcome Wagon...

Welcome Home, the nation's premier new resident marketing program,is a new mover marketing program designed to help get your chamber members' businesses in front of the most valuable audiences - new residents.

Exclusive to chamber members, the WELCOME HOME program is a remarkable advertising tool, highly visible, targeted and delivered direct to new resident's mailboxes, catching them as they establish new buying habits.

In addition, WELCOME HOME is distributed to local libraries, park districts, municipalities and your local chamber office.

Get your members in front of one of the most valuable audiences: NEW RESIDENTS.

Don't miss this opportunity to promote your member businesses to new residents ON A MONTHLY BASIS, ALL YEAR LONG!

Mailed monthly to new movers from the previous 30 days!

They are new to the neighborhood. They have money to spend. They need your member's businesses and services.

Palatine Area Chamber WELCOME HOME

Town Square Publications (www.townsquarepublications.com) can help you accomplish your chamber's NEW MOVER publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633.

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) Releases Report Calling for Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying Reform; Now Accepting Nominations For The Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce 2020 First Citizen; Prairie du Chien Chamber of Commerce Community Resource Guide & Business Directory; #FamousChamber Of Commerce Quotations: (Be happy!); Mississippi Main Street hires Jennifer Prather; #BestChamber practices: Birmingham-Bloomfield Chamber: #ChamberofAction; Lake County chamber names new executive director; Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Executives (KCCE) Board Development Training; WELCOME HOME - The Nation's Premier New Resident Marketing Program for Your Chamber Members; Zionsville Chamber names Gutwein new chamber director; Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S.

Chamber of Commerce Daily News

presented by Town Square Publications

Good morning #ChamberWorld! It's going to be a GREAT day!

Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) Releases Report Calling for Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying Reform

Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) released a new report on Tuesday outlining the need to reform how taxpayer money is used to fund third-party advocacy organizations and private contract lobbyists. While businesses and homeowners are faced with some of the highest property taxes in the nation, local governments are funding private groups to lobby state government for even more taxing and regulatory power.

The new report – Local (Out Of) Control – aims to help taxpayers understand how their money is used by local government.

“Even though Wisconsin has the fifth-highest property taxes in the country, Wisconsin businesses and homeowners are still facing an ever-increasing tax burden from local governments,” said Corydon Fish, WMC General Counsel and Director of Tax, Transportation and Legal Affairs. “It is especially unsettling that local governments fund private advocacy organizations and contract lobbyists that are not accountable to voters to push unpopular policies – like more taxing authority – at the state level.”

WMC’s report shows taxpayer-funded lobbying by local governments has become a big business in Wisconsin. In fact, during the 2017-18 legislative session, local government groups funded by tax dollars spent more than $5 million lobbying state government – in many cases for policies to raise taxes.

It also outlines how local governments subvert the democratic process by funding third-party associations – not subject to open meetings or public records laws – to lobby for policies that are not popular with the general taxpaying public. Some of these private third-party lobbyists even draw benefits from the Wisconsin Retirement System while doing so.

“Reforms to this process are desperately needed to protect local taxpayers,” added Fish. “Taxpayers should know their local governments are working on their behalf, not working against them to implement higher taxes or increased regulations. A more open and transparent system is needed.”

WMC urges policymakers to approve legislation that would prohibit local governments from using taxpayer dollars to pay for third-party advocacy organizations and private lobbyists. The report also recommends legislation that would prohibit the use of taxpayer dollars for issue advocacy campaigns, and prohibit third-party lobbyists from receiving state pension and health care benefits.

To read the full report, please click here.

Now Accepting Nominations For The Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce 2020 First Citizen

The Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce First Citizen Award is presented to an individual who is widely recognized as an influential leader and role model in the Peninsula business community.

The awardee must be a person of strong character and integrity who has leveraged his/her time, talents and resources toward the betterment of the Virginia Peninsula community.

To nominate an individual for the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce First Citizen Award, please complete the nomination form via the following link: bit.ly/2020FirstCitizenNominationForm. Nominations will be collected until Friday, December 13, 2019.

Prairie du Chien Chamber of Commerce Community Resource Guide & Business Directory

The Prairie du Chien Chamber of Commerce 2019 Community Guide is available at the Chamber of Commerce today! Thank you to Robert Moses and the Chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!

Prairie du Chien Community 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!)

Gratitude grounds us in the goodness of God's grace. -Bob Holmes

Mississippi Main Street hires Jennifer Prather

The Mississippi Main Street Association has hired Jennifer Prather of Starkville as the new Director of Community Development for the statewide organization.

Prather has served as the Director of Main Street and Tourism for The Greater Starkville Development Partnership since 2017 and has also served as the interim Chief Executive Officer for the past year. As director, Prather has focused on the development and implementation of programs and campaigns to establish and promote Starkville as a premier destination in the state of Mississippi.

As the MMSA Director of Community Development, Prather will serve as the direct liaison between MMSA and 53 member communities, coordinating and supervising all Main Street member organizations and working with each community on their program service needs.

An Olive Branch native, Prather attended Mississippi State University and began her career with the Partnership in 2005. After later working in the MSU Office of Admissions and Scholarships, and then the Global Leadership Continuum at MSU, Prather ventured back to the Partnership as the Special Events and Projects Coordinator in 2013.

Prather has served on the executive boards of both Starkville Young Professionals and the Starkville chapter of the Public Relations Association of Mississippi.

Prather currently serves on the board of directors for the Mississippi Tourism Association and was named a “Rising Star Under 35” professional in 2018 by the Starkville Daily News.

Prather will be based in Starkville but traveling the entire state with her new position. Read more: Mississippi Business

#BestChamber practices: Birmingham-Bloomfield Chamber: #ChamberofAction

#ChamberofAction!

Attention members! Are you doing business with a fellow member of the BBChamber? Take pics, tag @BBChamber on Facebook and Twitter and/or @BirminghamBloomfieldChamber on Instagram and use the hashtag #chamberofaction! We'll share your posts.

Participants will be eligible to win prizes quarterly!

Lake County chamber names new executive director

A familiar face is returning to lead the Lake County Chamber of Commerce.

Shaunese Teamer, who was chamber's executive director form 2011-2013, was recently appointed to the position by the chamber's board of directors.

Teamer has more than 25 years of marketing and public relations experience, working with both nonprofit and commercial clients in developing community outreach initiatives and strategic marketing campaigns.

She returns to the chamber after serving as director of revenue and development for public television station WYCC in Chicago. Her experience also includes working at World Communications Inc., the parent company of Chicago public television station WTTW Channel 11, where she served as manager of community outreach and national publicity and advertising sales manager. Teamer was responsible for coordinating innovative membership campaigns, as well as developing national publicity strategies for a wide range of television network programming.

She also held positions at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange Executive and Information Services Division, responsible for coordinating CME member meetings and preparing opening day stock market quotes for the trading floor.

Teamer led numerous marketing campaigns for television productions and in 2016 won a Chicago/Midwest Emmy Award for WYCC for the documentary, "Chicago's True Nature: The Forest Preserves of Cook County."

She holds a BA degree in broadcast communications from Columbia College Chicago.

Teamer also served on the Lake County Community Foundation board; the Lake County Partners micro loan committee; and the North Chicago City Council. In 2012, she was appointed by the Illinois State Board of Education to serve on the Financial Oversight Panel for School District 187, where she served for six years. Read more: Daily Herald

Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Executives (KCCE) Board Development Training

We want our chamber volunteers to be informed and engaged. Help them be the best support system for you by encouraging them to attend our Board Development Training.

Forward this info to your board members, committee chairs and ambassadors!

KCCE Board Development

AGENDA (tentative)

9:45 Registration
10:00 am Welcome
10:05 am What is a Chamber?
10:15—11:15 am Roles & Responsibilities of Volunteering with a Chamber
11:30—12:30 am Working lunch: Evaluating & Supporting the Chamber Executive
12:45—1:15 pm Chamber Income, Dues & Non-Dues Revenue and Foundation
1:15 – 2:00 pm Framework of Effective Public Policy Work

Register Board Member Here

When
Wednesday, February 19, 2020 from 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM EST
Add to Calendar

Where

Kentucky Chamber of Commerce
464 Chenault Road
Frankfort, KY 40601

Sincerely,

Amy Cloud
Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Executives
acloud@kychamber.com
502-848-8738

Established in 1965, the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Executives (KCCE) is the association of chamber of commerce professionals in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. As a not-for-profit division of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, the primary goal of KCCE is to serve it membership by providing professional development, networking, resource exchange opportunities and grassroots advocacy.

WELCOME HOME - The Nation's Premier New Resident Marketing Program for Your Chamber Members

IF your town is a little too big for Welcome Wagon...

In addition, WELCOME HOME is distributed to local libraries, park districts, municipalities and your local chamber office.

Get your members in front of one of the most valuable audiences: NEW RESIDENTS.

Don't miss this opportunity to promote your member businesses to new residents ON A MONTHLY BASIS, ALL YEAR LONG!

Mailed monthly to new movers from the previous 30 days!

They are new to the neighborhood. They have money to spend. They need your member's businesses and services.

Palatine Area Chamber WELCOME HOME

Zionsville Chamber names Gutwein new chamber director

The Zionsville Chamber of Commerce has named Allyson Gutwein as its executive director.

She will begin her duties with the chamber in late November.

In the announcement, the chamber board noted that Gutwein comes to the Zionsville Chamber as a familiar face to many, with decades of experience in Boone County.

She most recently was manager of Midwest Jewelers on Main Street in Zionsville. Gutwein is currently serving as a Zionsville Chamber of Commerce Ambassador and previously served as a Boone County Chamber of Commerce Board Member for six years. She was named the Boone County Business Woman of the Year in 2009 by Zonta International.

Gutwein also has served as president of the Indiana University Alumni Club of Boone County.

Gutwein says of her new position, “The Chamber has and will continue to play a unique and dynamic role in the advancement of a positive image for our town and advocacy for our membership," Gutwein said in the announcement. "I am grateful to have the opportunity to lead the chamber in engaging our membership, local government leaders and critical community partners to deliver our shared vision for a prosperous Zionsville.”

Zionsville Chamber Board President Dan Rhodes said that Gutwein will bring an energetic leadership style to the chamber.

"She has experience as an entrepreneur and understands the needs of local business," he said. "Combined with her extensive chamber volunteer experience, Allyson is exceptionally qualified to lead the Zionsville chamber,and we are eager for Allyson to bring her ideas and passion to our members."

The Zionsville Chamber of Commerce represents more than 450 businesses located in or near Zionsville, and is committed to advancing Zionsville’s economic vitality through the education, promotion, and networking of its members. To learn more about the chamber, visit Zionsvillechamber.org. Read more: Zionsville Times Sentinel

Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S.