Thursday, January 30, 2020

'We are here and we want to stay': Continental plant manager speaks to Clinton area leaders; William & Mary president wants to grow partnerships to retain talent, solve regional problems; Niles Chamber of Commerce of Commerce & Industry 2020 Community Guide & Membership Directory; GLI: Kicking Off The Year of Leadership, Honoring Community Leaders, GLI Welcomes New President & CEO, Executive Committee & Board Members; #BestChamber practices: Grand Rapids Chamber: Candidate School 101; #FamousChamber Of Commerce Quotations: (Be happy!); New mayor outlines Valparaiso’s accomplishments, challenges in address; 5 Star Chamber: Rapid City Area Chamber of Commerce 2019 Community Guide & Membership Directory; Joliet Chamber 2020 Expo & Career Fair February 22nd; #FamousChamber of Commerce Quotations: (three events in one day): Chamber event: Jefferson mayor gives "State of the City" address; 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!


'We are here and we want to stay': Continental plant manager speaks to Clinton area leaders


A top official for Continental Tire's recently-opened plant in Clinton said the company is looking to do business with Mississippi companies and vowed the plant would stay in Mississippi for years — even generations to come.

Tobias Hacker, plant operations manager for the Clinton plant, told a room full of business leaders and state and local officials, Continental wants "to be connected" to the region and state, noting the plant has already worked with more than 100 Mississippi vendors.

"We want to be connected with you. We want to be connected with Mississippi. We are here and we want to stay here," Hacker said.

Hacker, who was a guest speaker at the Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership's Vision 2020 event at the Jackson Convention Center on Wednesday, discussed the progress the plant has made since it officially opened in October.

He said the plant is still in "Stage One" of a process that is expected to culminate by 2028. The Continental plant, only the third to open in the United States, has begun production on truck tires, but has plans to create passenger tires in the coming years, Hacker said.

The operations manager also noted the plant is still hiring and will continue to do so every year at least through 2028.

Hacker said about 250 employees have been hired at the plant and another 250 are expected to be hired by the end of 2020. Ultimately, the plant plans to have 2,500 employees by the time it's fully operational in 2028.

Currently, there are 25 jobs available at the plant, according to the company's job openings page. The company also lists jobs on its Facebook page. Some of the positions include engineers, supervisors, technicians and interns.

Relationships with local vendors 

Hacker said it makes business sense for the international company to forge a relationship with local vendors. He noted that more than 100 vendors from the area have already worked on the plant since the start of development.

He said there's a need for even more local relationships.

"If that machine that never breaks, breaks, we want to call you," he said to the crowd of mostly business representatives.

"I don't want to fly in someone from Germany or Japan. I want to call you if I need somebody who knows hydraulics," he said.

Hacker also predicted the more than 900-acre plant will remain in Clinton for a long time. He compared the recently-opened plant to one opened in a small town in Germany more than 100 years ago, where five generations of Germans have worked, many of them family relatives.

"This is what we are and this is what we want. We want to see generations of people work here," the German native said. Read more: Clarion Ledger



William & Mary president wants to grow partnerships to retain talent, solve regional problems

The College of William & Mary is exploring how it might align efforts with partners to share knowledge and resources in critical areas that will affect the regional economy, President Katherine Rowe told attendees of the Peninsula Executive Leadership Forum.

“I hope you’re hearing we’re moving forward at William & Mary with an entrepreneurial mindset,” Rowe said at the Jan. 28 event organized by the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce.

The 28th president started on the job in July 2018. The university will celebrate 327 years during a ceremony Feb. 7.

In the next 10 to 20 years, Rowe said the overarching challenge in every industry and sector is the need for an adaptable workforce and talent that’s going to keep the region on pace with and leading technological change and other coming challenges.

Employers are seeking workers that are not only tech savvy but can solve complex problems and communicate well, she said. Change will require partnering to retrain employees or rapidly grow skills for working adults.

“Adaptability and range are going to be the distinguishing factors of talent in the decades ahead,” Rowe said. Read more: Pilot-Online


Niles Chamber of Commerce of Commerce  & Industry 2020 Community Guide & Membership Directory

The Niles Chamber of Commerce & Industry 2020 Community Guide & Membership Directory is available at the Niles Chamber of Commerce & Industry today! Thanks to Alicia Bermes 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.


GLI: Kicking Off The Year of Leadership, Honoring Community Leaders, GLI Welcomes New President & CEO, Executive Committee & Board Members



 Tonight, Greater Louisville Inc., the Metro Chamber of Commerce, held its annual business meeting, presented by Baird. The voting Board confirmed the Executive Committee’s Dec. 16, 2019 nomination of GLI Chief Operating Officer and Chief of Staff Sarah Davasher-Wisdom, to succeed Kent Oyler as GLI’s president and CEO. Davasher-Wisdom is the first female CEO or president in the organization’s 157-year history.
Davasher-Wisdom joined GLI in 2014, progressively increasing her levels of responsibility. Prior to joining GLI, Davasher-Wisdom was manager of government relations at the Tennessee Valley Authority, strategic communications officer with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and community development coordinator with the office of Congressman Ron Lewis. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science and government and a Master of Public Administration from Western Kentucky University. She graduated from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Institute for Organization Management earlier this month.
Kent Oyler joined GLI in 2014 during a challenging period and led the chamber back to a strong position in all aspects of its operations, capped by being recognized as the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives’ 2019 Large Chamber of The Year — the national championship in the chamber industry.
In other business, GLI welcomed 12 new volunteer business and community leaders to serve on its Board of Directors and elected its 2020 Executive Committee.
Lonnie Bellar, Chief Operating Officer of LG&E & KU Energy LLC, was elected Chairman of Greater Louisville, Inc.  He succeeds Mike Ash, Regional President-Kentucky, Fifth Third Bank. Ash will continue to serve on GLI’s Executive Committee as Immediate Past Chair. Jennifer Willis, North/Southeast Regional Vice President, Humana, was chosen to serve as Chair-Elect. “GLI is fortunate to have such a deep, accomplished board from which to draw its leadership,” Ash said. “Every individual who serves on this board has a singular goal in mind – to make our community and our region even greater.”
The 2020 GLI Executive Committee members are:
  • Lonnie Bellar (Chair), COO, LG&E & KU Energy LLC
  • Mike Ash (Immediate Past Chair), Regional President-Kentucky, Fifth Third Bank
  • Jennifer Willis (Incoming Chair & Planning Committee Chair), North/Southeast Regional Vice President, Humana
  • Brian A. Cromer (Secretary), Chair, Business and Finance Service Group, Stites & Harbison, PLLC
  • Jim Allen (Treasurer), Vice Chairman of R.W. Baird & Co.
  • Russ Cox, President & CEO, Norton Healthcare
  • Condrad Daniels, President, HJI Supply Chain Solutions
  • Steve Gault, Founder & President, Stephen C. Gault Co.
  • Tierra Kavanaugh Wayne, CEO, TKT & Associates
  • Charlie Scholtz, Vice President & Associate General Counsel, Brown-Forman Corp.
  • Purna Veer, Founder & President, V-Soft Consulting, Inc.


#BestChamber practices: Grand Rapids Chamber: Candidate School 101


Ever considered running for local or state office? Looking to get started, or simply learn more? Join the Grand Rapids Chamber for Candidate School! In this session, attendees will learn the basics of how to run for office. We'll go over the good, the bad and the ugly of running a political campaign.

Attendees will also hear from a panel featuring Representative Mark Huizenga, Commissioner Milinda Ysasi, and Commissioner Stephen Wooden.


Advocacy Engagement Series: Candidate School
Monday, February 3 | 3:15 - 4:30 p.m.
Grand Rapids Chamber





#FamousChamber Of Commerce Quotations: (Be happy!)


Favorite Quote from the Greater Englewood Chamber: "Sometimes you just have to jump out the window and grow wings on the way down."  Ray Bradbury



New mayor outlines Valparaiso’s accomplishments, challenges in address



In his first State of the City address, Valparaiso Mayor Matt Murphy gave an overview of the accomplishments of city departments last year, their goals for this year, and noted staff changes as some department heads move on.

Murphy gave his speech Tuesday during the Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce’s annual meeting, held at the Valparaiso University Harre Union before a ballroom-filled crowd of community leaders and other officials.

“I’ve been mayor of our favorite city for all of 27 days,” Murphy said, adding last year, outgoing Mayor Jon Costas crafted his address as an open letter to the city’s new mayor, and Murphy’s speech would be a response to that. “I’m grateful to be the one receiving your congratulations.”

Costas’ first piece of advice, Murphy said, was excellent, and that was to listen to the more than 33,000 people the city serves.

“I am committed to serving all of you, those who supported us and those who did not; those who like roundabouts and those who do not,” said Murphy, a Republican elected as mayor after serving a term on the City Council.

Leadership, Murphy said, is a team sport, before outlining some of who he called new players to the city leadership team. Those included Mike Jessen, the new city administrator, taking over for Bill Oeding, who is retiring; Mike Jabo, the incoming city engineer, who is replacing Adam McAlpine, who recently took a job with Porter County; and new redevelopment director Brandon Dickinson, stepping in for Stu Summers, who is retiring. Read more: Chicago Tribune


5 Star Chamber: Rapid City Area Chamber of Commerce 2019 Community Guide & Membership Directory

The Rapid City Area Chamber of Commerce 2019 Community Guide & Membership Directory is available at the Rapid City Chamber today! Thanks to Linda Rabe, Lynn Kendall, Shiloh Francis 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.


Joliet Chamber 2020 Expo & Career Fair February 22nd
The Chamber Consumer/Spring Expo is the largest of its kind in the Joliet Area. This event is a low cost opportunity and tremendous way to get your business or organization name out in the community.

The Spring/Consumer Career Fair occurs in conjunction with the annual Spring/Consumer Expo in February at the Louis Joliet Mall.

Why should companies and organizations participate in this Career Fair?
  • Louis Joliet Mall is easily accessible by public transportation
  • Special hours to allow potential employees to attend outside of traditional work hours
  • Designated wing for Career Fair exhibitors
  • Low cost opportunity to recruit new employees
  • New format including Kids Entertainment and Mini Sessions
Date: February 22, 2020
Time: 10:00 AM - 09:00 PM CST
Website: www.jolietchamber.com

Location:
Louis Joliet Mall
3340 Mall Loop Drive
Joliet, IL

Contact: Joliet Chamber

Email: info@jolietchamber.com

Date/Time Details:
Expo: Saturday 10:00 am to 9:00 pm
Career Fair: Saturday 10:00 am to 3:00 pm

Fees
Expo Registration After
$395.00 - Chamber Members
$345.00 - Charitable, 501C3 Required
$695.00 - Non Chamber Members

Career Fair Registration
345.00 - Chamber Members
$295.00 - Charitable, 501C3 Required
$645.00 - Non Chamber Members

Click Here for More Information
Add to Calendar

Register Online



#FamousChamber of Commerce Quotations: (three events in one day):

"When you are totally exhausted but have to keep going, wash your face and hands and put on clean socks and a clean shirt. You will feel remarkably refreshed". --- H. Jackson Brown, Life's Little Instruction Book, Volume II


Chamber event: Jefferson mayor gives "State of the City" address



The state of the city is strong, with numerous upgrades completed during the past year and more projects under way in the next 12 months, said Jefferson Mayor Dale Oppermann.

Oppermann gave the traditional "State of the City" speech at the Jefferson Chamber of Commerce's annual banquet Thursday evening.

The event, at which both the city and the chamber presented numerous awards, took place at the 13 East banquet hall alongside the Jefferson golf course.

Oppermann began his address looking back at the accomplishments of the city in 2019. He said the first of the major projects undertaken by the city in 2019 was the renovation of the Jefferson Police Department and Jefferson Utilities building.

A priority due to water leakage in the original building, the project also allowed the city to make upgrades to improve the efficiency and security of the shared police department/utilities building.

Under the direction of construction manager Maas Brothers Construction of Watertown, the project was completed on time and under budget, Oppermann said. Read more: Daily Union




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

Wednesday, January 29, 2020

Message from Illinois Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Todd Maisch; 16th Annual Best Places to Work in Kentucky Award Winners Announced; Kernersville Chamber of Commerce Community Guide; Kosciusko Chamber Hires New Member Relations Manager; Daviess County Chamber Director Samantha Bobbitt leaving her position; Welcome Again Town Square Chamber Partner: Ridgeland Chamber of Commerce in Ridgeland, MS; Innocor expanding in Baldwyn, creating 90 jobs; The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber Of Commerce Is Excited To Announce The Rebrand Of Their Young Professionals Group; Menomonie Area Chamber of Commerce announces new CEO; Clarkston Area Chamber Women Business Leader of the Year; #FamousChamber Of Commerce Quotations: (Be happy!); 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!

Message from Illinois Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Todd Maisch

Hello and happy new year. Predicting outcomes of any legislative year is difficult, but 2020 will be especially interesting with the election of a new Senate President and a steady stream of incoming and ongoing federal investigations.

Taxes
First and foremost, the progressive income tax amendment is set for a vote on the November 2020 ballot. Along with many other groups and local chambers throughout the state, the Illinois Chamber will be fighting this tax every step of the way.

We will also be opposing the Cook County Assessor's so-called "data modernization" legislation that would radically change how property taxes are assessed and could result in large tax increases and possible exposure of proprietary information.

The Chamber will be introducing our own legislation to allow small and medium size businesses to create a tax-free fund to save for major capital expenditures. The program allows for future savings, similar to how 529 education savings accounts allow parents to save for college.


Employment Law

In employment law, we have serious concerns about federal changes regarding sick leave that could negatively impact our ability to continue to hold off additional mandatory leave on the state level.

Though we were not always supportive of the legalization of recreational cannabis, the Chamber came to the table to ensure we negotiated the strongest workplace protections in the nation into the final law. We expect some of those protections to come under attack this year and we will be vigilant in opposing any legislation that would weaken the rights of employers to maintain a drug-free workplace.


We will continue to engage in discussions on sexual harassment and ethics legislation. While many of these laws start in the public sector, experience tells us that this kind of legislation typically trickles out to the private sector and we are prepared if and when new legislation is proposed that would change regulations for businesses.

Energy

We are expecting energy to be a major issue this session. The Chamber strongly believes that global climate policy should not be decided in Springfield, Illinois. We will continue to fight against legislation that includes unrealistic goals for carbon emissions that will drive up energy prices for homes and businesses. We will closely be monitoring new de-facto subsidies for nuclear power plants and any legislation that will affect prices for ratepayers.


Technology and Data Security

Our Technology Council expects another busy year fighting onerous biometric legislation that could impact businesses of all sizes from data companies to local florists. We are also watching for the resurgence of restrictive data privacy legislation similar to recent legislation passed in California that we were able to fend off last year.


Infrastructure

We will work with the governor's office, legislators and stakeholders throughout the implementation of the Rebuild Illinois capital bill. Besides the roll out, we will continue to be involved in discussions about public-private-partnerships and other innovative funding ideas to ensure Illinois doesn't go another decade without a capital program.


Health Care

In health care we will remain a leader in the fight against dangerous restrictions on best-in-class processes to sterilize medical equipment and materials, such as surgical kits, that could negatively impact the quality of the health care for our employers and employees. There are also several insurance mandates that could make health care more expensive for employers and limit employees' ability to receive benefits.

You can stay updated on all of these issues and more by staying in touch with the Chamber through our councils, correspondence and staff. On that note, I am pleased to announce that the Chamber has hired former Legal Counsel and Floor Director of the Illinois Senate Republicans Clark Kaericher as our new Vice President of Legislative Affairs.

Clark will be running the Chamber's day-to-day legislative agenda while serving as the executive director of both the Technology and Innovation and Infrastructure Councils. Prior to the Illinois Senate, Clark served as the chief administrative officer at the Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology under Governor Rauner and as an administrative services manager at the Illinois Department of Transportation. I think his legal, legislative, tech and transportation background make him a perfect fit with us here.

We encourage you to stay tuned by signing up for our Government Affairs Report that comes out every Friday during session by emailing: ddurham@ilchamber.org and stay in touch by engaging with Clark and the rest of our staff on any issues of interest. I also hope you will consider taking our member survey to give us some more insight into how we can better serve you. Finally, you can read more about the Chamber and our members in this quarter's Business Leader Magazine.

Thank you for your continued support, and I look forward to working with you all for stronger business and a stronger Illinois in 2020.


Sincerely,


Todd Maisch  
President and CEO
Illinois Chamber of Commerce 

16th Annual Best Places to Work in Kentucky Award Winners Announced

The Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, the Kentucky Society for Human Resource Management (KYSHRM) and ClearPath Mutual Insurance Company announce the 100 companies (in alphabetical order) that made the 16th Annual Best Places to Work in Kentucky list.

The winner rankings will be announced at an awards dinner Thursday, April 23, 2020, at Heritage Hall in the Lexington Convention Center.


Winners from across the state have been selected in three categories: small companies of 15-149 employees, medium companies of 150-499 employees and large companies consisting of more than 500 employees (categories based on number of U.S. employees, only Kentucky employees surveyed). The selection process, managed by Best Companies Group, is based on an assessment of the company’s employee policies and procedures and the results of an internal employee survey.

The competition is a multi-year initiative designed to motivate companies in the Commonwealth to focus, measure and move their workplace environments toward excellence. Numerous studies show a strong correlation between profitability and creating a good place to work.

As the state’s premier business advocate, the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce is a recognized and respected voice at the state Capitol. Today, the Kentucky Chamber represents the interests of member businesses throughout Kentucky – from family-owned shops to Fortune 500 companies.

Kentucky SHRM consists of 13 local chapters that provide ongoing education and leadership opportunities for over 2,700 human resource professionals throughout the Commonwealth.

For more details about Best Places to Work in Kentucky, visit www.bestplacestoworkky.com or to learn about sponsor and exhibitor opportunities click here.

To register for the awards dinner, click here.


Kernersville Chamber of Commerce  Community Guide 

The Kernersville Chamber of Commerce Community Guide is available at the Chamber of Commerce today! Thank you to Chris Comer and the Chamber team for their help and direction putting this together! 








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



Kosciusko Chamber Hires New Member Relations Manager

The Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed Scott Wiley to their staff as the new Member Relations Manager. In his role, Scott will develop new members and partnerships, while also building and maintaining relationships with existing members. Scott is a lifetime resident of Kosciusko County and a graduate of Warsaw Community High School. He has held positions at a number of local organizations including Bowen Center and Baker Youth Club. His most recent role was serving as the Director of Development at Lakeland Christian Academy. Kosciusko Chamber President and CEO, Rob Parker says, “We are very excited to have Scott join our team. His background and community connections will make him a very valuable addition to our staff.” Scott is looking forward to listening to the needs of Chamber and community members and working together to solve them. 




Daviess County Chamber Director Samantha Bobbitt leaving her position



The Daviess County Chamber of Commerce will be searching for a new director in 2020. Samantha Bobbitt announced to the board and community members that she will be resigning at the start of the year to take a job with the Washington Housing Authority. Bobbitt has served as director for nearly nine years. Bobbitt has agreed to serve on the search committee and would like to stay active with the board to make the transition as smooth as possible. She will step down at the end of the month. WAMW 107.9




Welcome Again Town Square Chamber Partner: Ridgeland Chamber of Commerce in Ridgeland, MS




We love being part of your business strategy!



Innocor expanding in Baldwyn, creating 90 jobs

Innocor will increase production at its two facilities in Baldwyn. The company creates polyurethane foam.
The expansion marks a $4.1 million corporate investment and will create 90 jobs.
“Mississippi businesses, like Innocor, are at the core of our state’s growing economy,” Gov. Tate Reeves said. “We are proud to work with and support businesses like theirs as they expand and add new jobs to Mississippi’s workforce. This expansion creates opportunities for those 90 people as well as their families to achieve more and thrive.”
“We are very excited for the opportunity to expand our business in Baldwyn. This would not be possible without the Mississippi Development Authority’s commitment to grow our existing industries in the state,” said Innocor General Manager Kevin Lindsey. “On behalf of Innocor, we sincerely appreciate the Mississippi Development Authority, Community Development Foundation, Lee County and the city of Baldwyn for all their support.”
The Mississippi Development Authority is providing assistance for building and infrastructure improvements and equipment installation. Lee County and the city of Baldwyn will provide property tax exemptions.
“MDA is pleased to assist Innocor with its expansion in Lee County, as 90 more individuals in Northeast Mississippi will have the opportunity to have good, steady jobs to provide for their families and give back to the community,” said MDA Deputy Director Mike McGrevey. “The teamwork of MDA, the Community Development Foundation, Lee County and the city of Baldwyn was instrumental in bringing these new jobs to our state.”
Innocor plans to complete the expansion by mid-February. Read more: WJTV.com

The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber Of Commerce Is Excited To Announce The Rebrand Of Their Young Professionals Group 

Fredericksburg – The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce announced Friday, January 10th, 2020 that the Next Generation of Business Leader’s (NextGen), the organization’s young professionals group has officially changed its name to The Chamber’s Network of Young Professionals (CNYP). 
“I love the new CNYP brand. It comes at the perfect time when our group is growing and evolving its programming. Having a new image is a great way to showcase that we are more than just another networking group. It’s 2020 and our vision for CNYP is clearer than ever. CNYP is committed to developing young leaders professionally and giving back to our community.  We have a lot of new events planned this year to switch things up and reach a wider audience.” –Grace Draper, Chair of CNYP Advisory Committee
CNYP strives to serve as the catalyst for young professionals to make measurable and significant growth in both their personal and professional lives as well as in our community.
How CNYP Connects
Civic Engagement: When you invest in our community, it pays off. CNYP drives volunteerism to enhance civic engagement for our region’s young professionals. Quarterly volunteer events will be available.
Professional Development: CNYP, helps members cultivate professional skills essential for strong leadership with quarterly programs such as Mid-Week Motivation Luncheons.
Networking: Build your network and community with other ambitious young professionals. With many networking opportunities throughout the year, the opportunity to foster new relationships is at your fingertips. CNYP offers meaningful connections with young leaders across many industries.
How Can I Join CNYP?
Chamber Members or employees of Chamber Members between the ages of 21 and 40 have the benefit to join the group for FREE.
If you are interested in joining but not employed by a Chamber Member, the annual fee is $50.

Questions? Interested?

Contact Kyle Pfohl, Chamber’s Member Services Coordinator and CNYP Program Lead at kpfohl@fxbgchamber.org and 540-373-9400.


Menomonie Area Chamber of Commerce announces new CEO
- Menomonie Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce and welcome Ashley DeMuth as the new CEO of the Chamber.
DeMuth will be responsible for creating value-added member programming, recruiting new members, and managing day to day activities to carry out the Chamber’s mission; to strengthen member businesses and stimulate regional prosperity.
Ashley comes to the Chamber with a knowledge of non-profits having served as Executive Director of United Way and Center Director for the Boys and Girls Club. Through these roles, Ashley had the opportunity to see the community from different facets while developing relationships with local business leaders and program partners. Ashley developed a strong devotion for the nonprofit sector after graduating from the University of Wisconsin – Stout with her B.S. in Vocational Rehabilitation. Her fiscal, program, and operations management experiences make her a great fit for this role.  It is Ashley’s passion to build a strong community that we all deserve. 
“Ashley is an excellent addition to the team and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this role. Her enthusiasm is contagious and we are thrilled she explored our opportunity and accepted our offer,” shared Carmen Trimble, 2020 president-elect.
Ashley will help the Chamber usher in the new decade. Under her leadership, we expect to see new programming and offerings to our members. Outside of work, Ashley enjoys bowling, watching sporting events, listening to live music and traveling with her husband and two children.  Ashley’s family calls Colfax home and operates a small hobby farm.   

About the Menomonie Area Chamber of Commerce:
The Menomonie Area Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization located on Main Street in Menomonie. Our mission is to strengthen member businesses and stimulate regional prosperity. We aim to be the catalyst organization that ensures that the Greater Menomonie Area is a vibrant place to do business, work and live. Read more: WEAU.com


Clarkston Area Chamber Women Business Leader of the Year

Woman Business Leader of the Year nominations due Friday, February 7th. Please email your nominations to Gina@clarkston.org in 300 words or less

This award is to recognize a woman who has shaped the success of her organization/business and demonstrated leadership, professional achievement, and contributed not only to her workplace, but also her community. The essence of this award is to discover and reward exceptional women for their leadership, mentoring skills, and/or ideas that stand out from their colleagues.

To view the full nomination form, click HERE.

Women In Business is Thursday, February 27th from 10:30-1:30 at Oakhurst Golf & Country Club.

Purchase tickets HERE!


#FamousChamber Of Commerce Quotations: (Be happy!)

“Life is simple. Everything happens for you, not to you. Everything happens at exactly the right moment, neither too soon nor too late.” Byron Katie






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

Tuesday, January 28, 2020

A Warm Welcome to Small Business Administration's Newest Cabinet Level Official- Jovita Carranza! Virginia Peninsula Chamber: Speakers Wanted for 2020 Pink Bag Lunch Series; The Top of Virginia Regional Chamber 2020 Voice of Business; #BestChamber practices: Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber: Do you hire current college students? Logansport Cass County Community Resource Guide and Map; Fox Cities Chamber Celebrated its 2019 Work at Annual Report to the Community; #FamousChamber Of Commerce Quotations: (Be happy!); New Strategic Road Map for the Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce; Midland Business Alliance: Expand Your Business in the Great Lakes Bay Region; #BestChamber practices: Carol Stream Chamber of Commerce: Entrepreneurial Learning via FREE webcasts; Army Corps - meeting in Louisville about Contracting - Open House Jan 30th USACE-Louisville; Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Executives: Be. Your. Best. Institute for Organization Management Application; 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!




A Warm Welcome to Small Business Administration's Newest Cabinet Level Official- Jovita Carranza!

Jovita Carranza now serves as the 26th Administrator of the SBA. Administrator Carranza will lead the only federal agency exclusively dedicated to assisting small business owners and entrepreneurs in starting, growing, and expanding their businesses. Additionally, the SBA provides targeted recovery support in the event of a declared disaster.

This is Administrator Carranza’s second tenure at the SBA. She served in the George W. Bush Administration as Deputy Administrator, from 2006-2009. The President nominated Administrator Carranza to lead the SBA while she was serving as the 44th Treasurer of the United States. She was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in a strong bipartisan vote of 88-5.


Administrator Carranza’s experience includes a remarkable 30-year career with United Parcel Service, where she began as an hourly dock worker, rose to oversee operations in Latin America and the Caribbean, and ultimately retired as the highest-ranking Latina in the company’s history.

Administrator Carranza pledged to preside over an Agency focused on creating more opportunities for women and historically underrepresented entrepreneurs while ensuring the SBA remains prepared to assist displaced homeowners and small businesses impacted by disaster.

Administrator Carranza earned her MBA from the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida, and received executive, governance, management and financial training at the INSEAD Business School in Paris, France; Michigan State University; and the University of Chicago.


Follow Administrator Carranza on social media:



Virginia Peninsula Chamber: Speakers Wanted for 2020 Pink Bag Lunch Series


Want to speak at a 2020 Pink Bag Lunch (PBL)?

Submit your request to Elisa Hernandez at elisa@vpcc.org or call (757) 325-8162. Spots are limited and filling up quickly!

We have the following dates available for speakers at upcoming Pink Bag Luncheons (PBL):

September 10, 2020
November 12, 2020
December 10, 2020

Events are located at the Chamber Office (21 Enterprise Parkway, Suite 100 | Hampton, VA 23666), from 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM.

*Speakers must be a current Peninsula Chamber member, and be fluent on a topic that impacts women in the workplace.


Event Information:

The Pink Bag Lunch (PBL) is a program created to provide women with the opportunity to network, connect and engage with other women in business on the Peninsula. This program is typically held on the second Thursday of each month from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM, in the conference room at the the chamber office. The program includes networking, lunch and a guest speaker presenting on topics that challenge, impact and influence women in their careers today.

Registration Required: Guest can register online at VAPeninsulaChamber.com

Pink Bag Lunch Ticket Prices:
Members | $7.00
Non-Members | $14.00

If you are interested in becoming a speaker or learning more about the program, please contact Elisa Hernandez at elisa@vpcc.org or (757) 325-8162 for more details.

The Top of Virginia Regional Chamber 2020 Voice of Business


The Top of Virginia Regional Chamber 2020 Voice of Business is available at the Chamber today! Thanks to Richard Kennedy 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.


#BestChamber practices: Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber: Do you hire current college students? 

The University of Mississippi Career Center invites you to our Lunch and Learn on Thursday January 30th for best practices in recruiting, hiring and developing student talent. The Job Location and Development Program (JLD), a program partially funded by the federal government, helps students obtain off-campus employment in the Oxford area. The department is interested in advertising and promoting your available positions free of charge. Use this link or e-mail office@career.olemiss.edu to register for the event. Call (662) 915-7174 for additional questions.


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! 







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. 


Fox Cities Chamber Celebrated its 2019 Work at Annual Report to the Community

Collaborative efforts are a key focus in 2020

The Fox Cities Chamber celebrated its 2019 work and recognized countless partners at its annual Report to the Community on Thursday, January 23 with over 300 business and community leaders in attendance.
The program opened with a welcome by Becky Bartoszek, President/CEO of the Fox Cities Chamber.
“Without question, we are an organization committed to building a strong and prosperous community,”
shared Bartoszek. “In twelve months, our small team of fifteen employees brought the community 70-plus events to further our mission and create a sense of belonging in the region. We look forward to serving the Fox Cities in the year ahead. You can expect to see a combination of traditional Chamber favorites along with a number of new programs as well.”

This annual event featured stories shared from Chamber partners regarding the impact of Chamber
programming to their business, their employees and the overall community. The program highlighted the Chamber’s Annual Report as well as key priorities of work coming in 2020.

A few 2019 Annual Report highlights included:

• 987 total members, 78 new members in 2019
• 75 total events
• Celebrated 38 years of Octoberfest; estimated 200,000+ in attendance, $44,000 awarded to 15
organizations in the Fox Cities through Octoberfest grants during the year with an estimated $2.5-
million given back to the community to date through Octoberfest grants
• 39 Leadership Fox Cities graduates in Spring 2019 with six sustainable service projects
completed
• 3,000+ student attendees at two-day Your Future LIVE Career Expo event
• 700 college students exposed to employment opportunities in the Fox Cities at new Fox Cities
Days program
• 11 Public Policy issues affecting local businesses presented and discussed at monthly meetings
• Fox Cities Regional Partnership, the economic development division of the Chamber, completed
10 RFI requests and assisted with projects generating an estimated $135-million in total capital
investment, the creation of an estimated 260 jobs and included 125 business retention and
expansion visits.

• Please see our 2019 Annual Report for additional details.


#FamousChamber Of Commerce Quotations: (Be happy!)

“If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.”
― J.R.R. Tolkien


New Strategic Road Map for the Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce
by Kara Beer, IOM, MPA

Our Chamber has experienced a continued strong financial position, growing membership numbers and revenue, and healthy member satisfaction ratings. We want to build on this success and improve our value proposition by serving the highest needs of our community, now and far into the future. By crystallizing our strategy, and aligning our resources to achieve that, we can enhance our membership offerings ensuring that we provide the information, counsel, resources, services, training, and other benefits needed to make membership easier and helping members to be more successful. We’ll work to elevate the capabilities and brand of the Greater Battle Creek Area and our Chamber of Commerce, so that we can best promote, serve and improve our community. In addition to a new strategic road map, the Chamber is proud to announce a new logo and brand colors as well.

In 2020, the Chamber’s launch of a new strategic road map, goals and horizons is upon us. With four Strategic Pillars, we hope that you’ll join us over the next three years tackling these four pillars:

1. Be a Center of Excellence | Be the number one resource for best-practice and innovative resources and information for the community.

2. Storytelling | Help Chamber members craft their narratives, and serve as a platform and megaphone for Chamber member success stories.

3. Community Advocacy | Provide the information, connections and services that’ll help Chamber members deal with the greatest challenges within our community so they can best promote, serve and improve our region.

4. Organizational Excellence | Ensure the Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce is the best organization it can be for staff and members.

Our brand refresh continues to be built off of the iconography of the original logo while the colors showcase different aspects of the Chamber’s goals and ideals (see below). The new logo is warm and inviting, and redesigned to be a continuation of the use of wheat abstracted into the State of Michigan. The icon is literally waving and welcoming everyone to the area. Also, an addition to our brand is the wheat deconstructed into a pattern meant to resemble the bristles of wheat in the wind, illustrating the flow and flexibility of the Chamber found throughout our work.

Here's how the colors of our new logo fit within our new strategic road map:




Cobalt | Classic Chamber Blue, Governance
·     Teal | Storytelling, Communication & Trustworthiness
·     Crimson | Community Advocacy, Red of Jackets (Ambassadors)
·     Gold | Center of Excellence, Center of Attention, Energy & Excitement
·     Charteuse | Organizational Excellence, Growth & Deep Roots, Commerce & Economic Growth

 As we welcome and celebrate the New Year, please stay tuned into the Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce as we continue to roll out more aspects of what’s to come. We’re confident that you’ll find the refreshed brand to withstand the test of time representing our mission, vision, and strategic direction as we continue to serve the Greater Battle Creek Area.

To learn more, or how you and your organization may engage with the Chamber into the future, please contact President Kara Beer at 269.962.4076.

Midland Business Alliance: Expand Your Business in the Great Lakes Bay Region

Business growth and expansion are strong in our region. It's a reflection of the positive business climate that is fueling our economy.

Making the decision to invest in an expansion - be it a new building or leveraging assets into new markets - takes time, information, and resources. The Great Lakes Bay Region Business Advantage site provides it all.

This online tool has the powerful information needed to help business leadership make strategic decisions. It features data and information including demographics, sites and buildings, regional community comparisons, labor force data, consumer spending data, business cluster data and much more.

Information is specific to the Great Lakes Bay Region, specifically Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Huron, Isabella, Midland, Saginaw, Sanilac and Tuscola counties. Click here to visit the site and start planning your next expansion.

#BestChamber practices: Carol Stream Chamber of Commerce: Entrepreneurial Learning via FREE webcasts

International Economic Development Council

Creating an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

January 30, 2020 | Online
2:30 - 3:30 PM ET
Price: FREE

In recent years, entrepreneurial development has become an important job creation strategy for economic development organizations. From connecting your region's entrepreneurs with the resources to succeed, to creating a culture of entrepreneurship, and filling the gaps in between, your entrepreneurship-led economic development efforts must be multi-tiered. That's where our free webinar "Creating an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem" can help.

Tune in next Thursday, January 30, to hear from University of Missouri –Kansas City Vice Provost and Executive Director Maria Meyers on the strategies, relationships, and resources that go into a successful entrepreneurial ecosystem.

This webinar is supported by a grant from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. In 2020, IEDC and our partner UMKC SourceLink will develop a set of training courses and credential for professionals working on entrepreneurship-led economic development. Interested in learning more about this initiative?

SPEAKER Maria Meyers
Vice Provost
Executive Director, UMKC Innovation Center
Founder SourceLink
University of Missouri – Kansas City

Maria is passionate about working collaboratively to build entrepreneurial communities. She heads the University of Missouri – Kansas City Innovation Center that supports thousands of community members every year in starting and growing businesses. Maria has developed a number of new resources for entrepreneurs in the Kansas City region including KCSourceLink, a network of 240+ resources in the region that help small businesses start and grow, Whiteboard2Boardroom, a program that connects research innovations to entrepreneurs, and Digital Sandbox KC, a proof of concept center. She leads efforts to make Kansas City America’s most entrepreneurial city.

International Economic Development Council
734 15th St NW #900, Washington, DC 20005
(202) 223-7800



Army Corps - meeting in Louisville about Contracting - Open House Jan 30th USACE-Louisville

From Nancy Eckerle: To Jasper Chamber members and other interested parities: 

This is an open house for those interested in contracting with the Louisville Corps District.

It is January 30, link below has more info on location (Marriott in Louisville) while the attached agenda is just that. Patoka Lake is through the Louisville District. Forwarded from Greg Carpenter, Project Manager at Patoka Corps office.


This could be a good way to learn more about getting contracts to work or purchase with the Army Corps.  Also a  good way to learn how to get setup in the system, and be ready to bid on work, or become better informed on updates if you already have worked as a contractor.  


Thanks,

Greg Carpenter

Patoka Dam & Lake

Project Manager

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Louisville District


(812)678-3761

Louisville District
Open House
30 January 2020
8:00 – 9:00AM Arrival
9:00 – 9:05AM Welcome & Introductions MAJ Kyle Brinks
Deputy Commander
9:05 – 9:15AM Louisville District Perspective COL Antoinette Gant
District Commander
9:15 – 9:35AM Military Programs Hans Probst, PE
Chief, Military and IIS Programs
9:35 – 9:55AM Reserve Programs Cristie Mitchell, PE, PMP
Chief, Reserve Support Programs
9:55AM – 10:10AM Break
10:10 – 10:25AM Civil Works Program Amy Babey, PMP
Chief, Civil Works PM Branch
10:25 – 10:40AM Veterans Affairs (VA) Projects Matt Lowe, PE, PMP
Chief, Veterans Affairs Division
10:40 – 11:00AM AE Contracting Opportunities John Bock, PE
Chief, Engineering Division
11:00 – 12:00PM Lunch (On your own)
12:00 – 3:30PM Visits with Key District Staff Ballroom


Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Executives: Be. Your. Best. Institute for Organization Management Application

Be. Your. Best.


Don't we all strive to be the best version of our ourselves?

At KCCE, we want to make sure you have the opportunity to grow, experience and learn more about your profession and your self. We are proud to offer scholarships every year to events and programs we believe can do just that.

This application is for Institute for Organization Management ONLY.

We will have another application later for all other categories.

 

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