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Chamber issue: Environmental Protection Agency publishes list of disinfectants that can help stop spread of coronavirus
Are your cleaning products strong enough to protect against COVID-19? The Environmental Protection Agency has published a list of 83 registered disinfectants authorized to help prevent and reduce the spread of the coronavirus.
Products included on the list have advanced through EPA’s Emerging Viral Pathogen program because of their effectiveness against “harder-to-kill viruses,” the agency states in a March 5 press release.
According to EPA, coronaviruses – named for the crownlike spikes on their surfaces – are enveloped viruses, and therefore “one of the easiest types” of viruses to eliminate with proper disinfectant use.
“Using the correct disinfectant is an important part of preventing and reducing the spread of illnesses, along with other critical aspects such as handwashing,” EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler said in the release. “EPA is providing this important information in a public and transparent manner on disinfectant products to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.”
The agency advises consumers to follow directions for use on product labels and pay “close attention to the contact time for the product on the treated surface.” It added it will update the list as needed.
COVID-19 reportedly is linked to a large seafood and animal market in Wuhan, China, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath. As of March 10, 938 people in 38 states and the District of Columbia had been diagnosed with the illness and 29 had died, the agency states. Read more: Safety & Health Magazine
KCCE is PROUD to present scholarships to these wonderful chamber professionals:
Jordan Gibson, Southeast Kentucky Chamber
Kirstie Darnall, Christian County Chamber
Kelly Davis, Paducah Area Chamber
Josh Suiter, The Chamber of St. Matthews
Real Colors® -- A fun, interactive workshop
The basis of this workshop is the Real Colors® Personality Type Test: a user-friendly, intuitive tool that identifies four personality types common to all people. As a participant you will:
- gain an understanding of the four colors (each corresponding to a personality type)
- discover where you fall as an individual on the Real Colors spectrum
- learn to recognize characteristics of each of the four colors
- learn from fellow participants how to be more effective in working with other color types
From the very beginning, you will begin to see the world from a new perspective…and have fun doing it!
Patty Keating from Purdue Extension - Porter County will facilitate the workshop which will be held on March 18th at 8:00 AM at the Valpo Chamber.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to the nature of the workshop we are starting at 8:00 AM instead of our usual time, to give us an extra half hour. We promise it will be worth the extra investment in time!
Limited Seating is Available and Registrations are Required.
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
Valpo Chamber
162 W Lincolnway
8:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Glenview Agrees To Pay Chamber Of Commerce Over $51,000 A Year
Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce names new director
Fredericksburg Regional Chamber Collaboration: Business Associations to Host City of Fredericksburg Mayoral Debate
The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce will host a mayoral debate for candidates in the City of Fredericksburg on Thursday, April 30, 2020 leading up to the May 5 election. The debate will begin at 6:30 P.M. in the City’s Chambers. The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber is co-hosting the debate with the Fredericksburg Area Association of Realtors and the Fredericksburg Area Builders Association.
Dearborn Area Chamber Announces 2020 Chamber Choice Award will be postponed
In
final preparation for the Chamber Choice Awards & Expo,
the
Chamber President Jackie Lovejoy and
her Executive Board have
agreed with Governor Whitmer’s
decree
that events of more
than 100 people to be canceled.
Good
news is that we will be having this event after May 1st
(new event date has not been finalized).
The
health and safety of all of our attendees and sponsors are our top priority. We
appreciate your patience and understanding. We look forward to holding this
event in late Spring!
Darnall, Davis, Gibson, Suiter awarded IOM Scholarships for Leaders in Kentucky Chamber World
The Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Executives in cooperation with their Scholarship Committee, announced today the recipients of their annual Institute for Organization Management (IOM) scholarships. These scholarships are awarded to chamber professionals across the state. IOM is the premier nonprofit professional development program for association, chamber, and nonprofit professionals fostering individual growth through interactive learning and networking opportunities. This school is a program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
KCCE is PROUD to present scholarships to these wonderful chamber professionals:
Jordan Gibson, Southeast Kentucky Chamber
Kirstie Darnall, Christian County Chamber
Kelly Davis, Paducah Area Chamber
Josh Suiter, The Chamber of St. Matthews
Valpo Chamber: People and Personalities, Know Yourself First
People and Personalities -- Know Yourself First -- This SCORE | NW Indiana and Valpo Chamber workshop is designed for anyone interested in learning more about themselves and the people they interact with.
Real Colors® -- A fun, interactive workshop
The basis of this workshop is the Real Colors® Personality Type Test: a user-friendly, intuitive tool that identifies four personality types common to all people. As a participant you will:
- gain an understanding of the four colors (each corresponding to a personality type)
- discover where you fall as an individual on the Real Colors spectrum
- learn to recognize characteristics of each of the four colors
- learn from fellow participants how to be more effective in working with other color types
From the very beginning, you will begin to see the world from a new perspective…and have fun doing it!
Patty Keating from Purdue Extension - Porter County will facilitate the workshop which will be held on March 18th at 8:00 AM at the Valpo Chamber.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to the nature of the workshop we are starting at 8:00 AM instead of our usual time, to give us an extra half hour. We promise it will be worth the extra investment in time!
Limited Seating is Available and Registrations are Required.
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
Valpo Chamber
162 W Lincolnway
8:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Coronavirus Update from the McLean County Health Department
The McLean County Health Department (MCHD) has been taking steps to prepare for the potential of the novel (new) coronavirus, named COVID-19, impacting McLean County. While the immediate risk of COVID-19 in Illinois is low, this is a rapidly changing situation and we understand it is important for us to be prepared for the possibility of COVID-19 cases in our community.
To this point, MCHD has held meetings with stakeholders and has communicated discipline-specific guidance, as it is received, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). To increase the sharing of information across all disciplines, MCHD will be implementing weekly status updates for all stakeholders.
Click here to find the first weekly update which is intended to inform McLean County stakeholders of the local response status and to provide resources for ongoing response information. Following this email, this weekly update will be posted to the MCHD website. You will see a COVID-19 banner on the home page which will take you to a resource page on which these updates will be posted. MCHD will also promote the availability of this weekly update through Facebook and Twitter.
It is the goal of MCHD to maintain ongoing response status information to McLean County stakeholders to ensure that our communities are as prepared as possible to address local cases of COVID-19.
The Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce 2020 Community Profile & Membership Directory is available at the Crossroads Regional Chamber today! Thanks to Deann Patena and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!
Fox Cities Chamber Celebrates Educators at Excellence in Education Shining Star Awards
This year’s deserving Shining Star award recipients included the following:
Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce 2020 Community Profile & Membership Directory
The Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce 2020 Community Profile & Membership Directory is available at the Crossroads Regional Chamber today! Thanks to Deann Patena and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!
Town SquarePublications (www.townsquarepublications.com) can help you accomplish your chamber's gloss map, directory, community profile 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 Celebrates Educators at Excellence in Education Shining Star Awards
Paul Larson recognized as first-ever Fox Cities Educator of the Year
APPLETON, Wis. (March 6, 2020) - The Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce celebrated education excellence at its inaugural Fox Cities Excellence in Education Shining Star Awards, presented by Bergstrom Automotive, on March 5 at the Red Lion Hotel Paper Valley in Appleton. The awards acknowledged the unparalleled contributions of educators working and shining in Fox Cities schools, colleges, universities and other educational settings.
The program recognized full-time K-16 educators in the Fox Cities region (Outagamie, Calumet and northern Winnebago counties) with one award recipient in each category. To learn more about the Excellence in Education Shining Star Awards, please visit the Fox Cities Chamber website at http://foxcitieschamber.com/talent/excellence-in-education-awards-fox-cities-chamber/.
Announced at the event was the first-ever Fox Cities Educator of the Year award recipient. The 2020 honor was presented to Paul Larson from Freedom High School.
“Paul’s teaching excellence, leadership abilities, and his true desire to serve our students, school, and community are unsurpassed by very few individuals,” shared Kevin Kilstofte, District Administrator of Freedom Area School District and nominator of Larson.
This year’s deserving Shining Star award recipients included the following:
Excellence in K-12 Education
Award sponsored by: U.S. Venture
This award honors a Fox Cities educator who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to children and families enrolled in K-12 public or private education.
- Mike Slowinski – Menasha High School
Excellence in Early Childhood Education
Award sponsored by: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
This award honors a Fox Cities educator who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to children and families in the first five years of development and learning.
- Jenny Hollis – Fox Valley Technical College
Excellence in Student Services
Award sponsored by: Microsoft
This award honors a Fox Cities educator who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to supporting students in and outside the classroom to enhance the educational experiences and outcomes for students in K-16 education.
- Brian Borchardt – Neenah High School
Excellence in Higher Education
Award sponsored by: The Boldt Company
This award honors a Fox Cities educator who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to student success and/or the advancement of knowledge in higher education.
- Kate Manthey – University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Excellence in Special Education
Award sponsored by: Goodwill NCW
This award honors a Fox Cities educator who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to serving and advocating for students with special needs in K-16 education.
- Monica Allaback – Valley Packaging Industries
Inclusive Excellence in Education
Award sponsored by: Menasha Corporation
This award honors a Fox Cities educator who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to a comprehensive practice of valuing, engaging, advocating for and celebrating the rich diversity of students enrolled in K-16 education.
- Jason Fridley – Horace Mann Middle School
Excellence in Career & Technical Education
Award sponsored by: Ariens Company
This award honors a Fox Cities educator who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to student success in career and technical education.
- Cyndi Pavelski – Appleton North High School
Educator of the Year Finalists
Award sponsored by: Employment Resource Group
This award honors an educator, announced the evening of the event, who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to improving the quality of education in the Fox Cities region, and who has an inspiring presence that motivates and influences students, colleagues and the community.
- Teri Fechter – Richmond Elementary
- Monica Jones – Xavier High School
- Paul Larson – Freedom High School
The Chamber is committed to supporting and facilitating education and business partnerships that promote student success, workforce development, and a high quality of life for all residents learning, growing, working and living in the Fox Cities region.
This event was made possible through the support of our generous sponsors, including: Presenting Sponsor – Bergstrom Automotive; Awards Sponsors – Ariens Company, The Boldt Company, Employment Resource Group, Goodwill NCW, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Menasha Corporation, Microsoft and U.S. Venture; Contributing Sponsor – Fox Valley Technical College; Multi-Media Sponsor – TopVu Media; Portrait Sponsor – Debbie Daanen Photography; Radio Sponsor – WHBY; and in partnership with NBC 26.
For more information, please contact Amy Andersen, Director of Talent & K-16 Relations, at the Fox Cities Chamber by phone (920) 734-7101 or email amy@foxcitiesregion.com.
Census 2020: It’s time for Hattiesburg to be counted. Every door and every person
FAIR REPRESENTATION - Every ten years, the results of the census are used to reapportion the House of Representatives. It is also used by state officials to draw the boundaries of state legislative districts.
CIVIC DUTY - Completing the census is a way to participate in our democracy and say, “I count!”
ADVOCACY - The census is often used to support community initiatives involving legislation, quality-of-life enhancements and consumer advocacy.
LOCAL BUSINESS - Businesses use Census Bureau data to decide where to build factories, offices and stores. This has a direct effect on job creation.
SAFETY & EDUCATION - Government officials use the census to ensure public safety staffing match the community’s need. It is also used to plan new schools and hospitals.
PLANNING - Real estate developers and city planners use the census to plan new homes and improve neighborhoods.
PRIVACY & SECURITY - Your privacy and security are important to us. Your census response is federally protected by the constitution. You answers can only be used to produce statistics. Nothing more.
Census 2020: It’s time for Hattiesburg to be counted. Every door and every person
An accurate census helps ensure that fair representation occurs at all levels of government and it directly impacts the funding Hattiesburg will receive for the next decade. But, it’s more than dollars allocated and spent. It strategically impacts the process of planning for education, infrastructure and transportation, emergency preparedness, disaster relief and resiliency protocols. It also aids medical research and planning for public health and disease control. And, it plays a vital role in market expansion with retail, dining and workforce development. The time for Hattiesburg to be counted is now.
WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT THE 2020 CENSUS?ADVOCACY - The census is often used to support community initiatives involving legislation, quality-of-life enhancements and consumer advocacy.
LOCAL BUSINESS - Businesses use Census Bureau data to decide where to build factories, offices and stores. This has a direct effect on job creation.
SAFETY & EDUCATION - Government officials use the census to ensure public safety staffing match the community’s need. It is also used to plan new schools and hospitals.
PLANNING - Real estate developers and city planners use the census to plan new homes and improve neighborhoods.
PRIVACY & SECURITY - Your privacy and security are important to us. Your census response is federally protected by the constitution. You answers can only be used to produce statistics. Nothing more.
Source: Hattiesburg Counts
Glenview Agrees To Pay Chamber Of Commerce Over $51,000 A Year
Trustees voted unanimously to approve a services agreement to outsource economic development efforts with the Glenview Chamber of Commerce.
Village trustees last week unanimously approved an agreement with the Glenview Chamber of Commerce to provide economic development and business support services. The three-year agreement calls for the village to pay the organization more than $51,000 in 2020, and in return, the business group will manage community events, maintain a database of local businesses and provide information to local businesses.
"The proposed partnership is a form of outsourcing where the Village is supplementing its economic development efforts through the Chamber," according to a memo to the village board from Community Development Director Jeff Brady. The agreement also formalizes the village's practice of providing public services for the local chamber's three existing events — the Glenview Street Festival, Blocktoberfest and Holiday in the Park and Parade.
Under the terms of the deal, the chamber is required to conduct at least two new community events a year within a business district in the village. At least one of them must be outside downtown Glenview.
Potential future events contemplated in the agreement include a "Candy and Coupons" Halloween trick-or-treat event, a "Wine about Winter" event on a non-peak weekend, a "Glenview - Ideas Week" with TED Talk-style presentations or a Glenview-specified week of dining specials focused on a specific, area, cuisine or theme.
Former Chamber of Commerce President Karen Patterson said the village had for many years supported Chamber-sponsored traditions. Read more: Patch.com
Village trustees last week unanimously approved an agreement with the Glenview Chamber of Commerce to provide economic development and business support services. The three-year agreement calls for the village to pay the organization more than $51,000 in 2020, and in return, the business group will manage community events, maintain a database of local businesses and provide information to local businesses.
"The proposed partnership is a form of outsourcing where the Village is supplementing its economic development efforts through the Chamber," according to a memo to the village board from Community Development Director Jeff Brady. The agreement also formalizes the village's practice of providing public services for the local chamber's three existing events — the Glenview Street Festival, Blocktoberfest and Holiday in the Park and Parade.
Under the terms of the deal, the chamber is required to conduct at least two new community events a year within a business district in the village. At least one of them must be outside downtown Glenview.
Potential future events contemplated in the agreement include a "Candy and Coupons" Halloween trick-or-treat event, a "Wine about Winter" event on a non-peak weekend, a "Glenview - Ideas Week" with TED Talk-style presentations or a Glenview-specified week of dining specials focused on a specific, area, cuisine or theme.
Former Chamber of Commerce President Karen Patterson said the village had for many years supported Chamber-sponsored traditions. Read more: Patch.com
Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce names new director
The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce has named Amy Whiting-McCoy as its new executive director.
Whiting-McCoy was selected for the position following a local search.
“We had several very talented individuals interested in the position,” said Chamber board President Dan Pfeifer. “Amy demonstrated great leadership skills, the ability to build strong relationships within the region and an enthusiastic passion for the Pekin community.”
A graduate of Western Illinois University, Whiting-McCoy has held several positions during a 20-year career in the insurance industry. She has been recognized for community service, and she has served with the Kiwanis Club of Pekin and the Pekin Marigold Festival.
“I want to help foster and promote a vibrant business environment that will help our businesses prosper,” she said.
Whiting-McCoy will assume her new role March 9. Retiring Executive Director Bill Fleming will remain with the chamber through the end of March. Read more: Peoria Journal Star
Fredericksburg Regional Chamber Collaboration: Business Associations to Host City of Fredericksburg Mayoral Debate
Susan Spears, President and CEO of the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber stated, “This is an exciting opportunity for the community to hear from the candidates that are seeking to serve our City and a crucial role in our region’s economy.”
The contact for the event is Kyle Allwine, Director of Government Affairs, kyle@fxbgchamber.org or 540-373-9400.
Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce introduces Appalachian Makers Market
This year, the Appalachian Festival — which is organized by the Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce and began as a city-wide expansion of the Appalachian Arts and Craft Fair held annually in August — will return alongside the new, more heritage-focused Appalachian Makers Market.
The Appalachian Festival, which is now in its 24th year, is a weeklong festival that includes collaborative partners — such as Beckley Events, the Youth Museum of Southern West Virginia, Daniel Vineyards, and Tamarack — who host their own events throughout the week all while celebrating Appalachian culture.
The focal point of the Appalachian Festival is its longstanding arts and crafts fair, which is now in its 56th year.
This year, the arts and crafts fair is getting a makeover by celebrating the best “makers” in the region. The revitalized fair will be launching with a new name: the Appalachian Makers Market.
With new leadership under the direction of Michelle Rotellini and a partnership with West Virginia State University Extension Agent Christine Kinder, the Chamber of Commerce welcomes the Appalachian Festival into a new era with the updated event.
“…The Craft Fair is the signature event of the festival week and we wanted to give it a fresh update to appeal to a broader demographic, highlight Appalachian makers and increase the quality overall,” Kinder stated.
“When Michelle took her position as the new Chamber CEO, I (WVSU) became partners with the Chamber to assist in building the community through the quality of place initiatives. My work in building our arts community was a perfect fit…”
According to the Chamber of Commerce, which is celebrating 100 years of service and says this milestone is the perfect time to revive long-standing traditions, a “maker” “applies to any industry in which a person produces a product.”
The new Appalachian Makers Market will seek to highlight and celebrate artisan makers from a variety of backgrounds.
“In a society saturated with mass-produced, machine-made products, the maker movement grew out of a hunger for authentic, handmade, artisanal products that celebrate traditional and non-traditional methods of creating,” says the festival’s press release.
The Appalachian Makers Market will also be focusing on Appalachian cuisine and local businesses by incorporating a restaurant week into the festival’s activities.
While changes are being made to the festival, the Chamber of Commerce wanted to make clear that the Appalachian Treasures Quilt Show will remain an integral part of the new Appalachian Makers Market, considering throughout the years, the display of intricate quilts around the rotunda has been one of the festival’s most popular attractions. Read more: Register-Herald
Lake Zurich chamber to launch first restaurant week Friday
(This event took place place starting Feb. 29th)
This weekend, 10 Lake Zurich-area restaurants will begin offering special dishes, drinks and discounts to diners as part of the first restaurant week hosted by the Lake Zurich Area Chamber of Commerce.
From Friday through March 8, eateries such as Beelow's Steakhouse in Lake Zurich and Joanie's Pizzeria of Long Grove will offer prix fixe menus for lunch, dinner or both. The prices typically will range from $10 to $15 for lunch and from $20 to $30 for dinner, Lake Zurich Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Claire Slattery said.
Slattery said the event, which the chamber has branded INDULGE Restaurant Week, will coincide with Lake County Restaurant Week, which includes more than 75 restaurants and is organized by Visit Lake County.
A growing number of towns -- including Naperville, St. Charles and Rosemont -- are hosting restaurant weeks designed to showcase local eateries and bring in new diners.
Chamber staff members in Lake Zurich began urging member restaurants in December to participate, Slattery said.
"It came from our mission to look for ways to provide value to our members, especially those who can't get out to our regular networking events," Slattery said. "The goal is to bring the community into their doors."
Reed Bartuska, one of the co-owners of Consume in Lake Zurich, said he was excited about the idea. Read more: Daily Herald
Valley business leaders discuss diversity in business
Diversity in business was the key topic on Wednesday for some of Harrisonburg's biggest leaders in business.
The event had different panels and speakers on its three main topics.
The Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce hosted "Diversity in Business," an event to grow and encourage the Shenandoah Valley's workforce. The event held discussions on ageism, women and veterans all in the workplace.
Dr. Megan Healy, a chief workforce development advisor for Virginia Governor Ralph Northam's cabinet, was one of the panelists.
"We also need to talk to employers about looking at diverse pools of applicants to bring into their company," Dr. Healy said. "We have an aging population, replacement jobs, new jobs, we have different types of jobs. So, we want to make sure that all Virginians have those opportunities to get those jobs."
There was also a reveal at the event. Carla Harris, a vice chairman of global wealth management at Morgan Stanley, will be the Valley Business keynote speaker. Read more: WHSV TV
The event had different panels and speakers on its three main topics.
The Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce hosted "Diversity in Business," an event to grow and encourage the Shenandoah Valley's workforce. The event held discussions on ageism, women and veterans all in the workplace.
Dr. Megan Healy, a chief workforce development advisor for Virginia Governor Ralph Northam's cabinet, was one of the panelists.
"We also need to talk to employers about looking at diverse pools of applicants to bring into their company," Dr. Healy said. "We have an aging population, replacement jobs, new jobs, we have different types of jobs. So, we want to make sure that all Virginians have those opportunities to get those jobs."
There was also a reveal at the event. Carla Harris, a vice chairman of global wealth management at Morgan Stanley, will be the Valley Business keynote speaker. Read more: WHSV TV
O’Fallon-Shiloh Chamber of Commerce’s annual Salute to Business Awards event April 1
The O’Fallon-Shiloh Chamber of Commerce announces the recipients of this year’s 44th Annual Salute to Business Awards.
This year they will recognize Siteman Cancer Center-Shiloh (Economic Impact), Downtown District/City of O’Fallon (Economic Impact/Beautification), Jennifer Mueller Memorial Foundation (Spirit of the Chamber Award), and Beth Ortega Group at RE/MAX Preferred (Community Service sponsored by the Rotary Clubs in O’Fallon).
For Heritage, the chamber will recognize Southern Illinois Builders Association, Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois, Realtor Association of Southwestern Illinois, and American Legion Post #137.
The awards are celebrated at a luncheon April 1 at the Regency Conference Center in O’Fallon. Registration starts at 11:15 a.m. and the program begins promptly at 11:45 a.m. Tickets are $32; reservations required. Read more: Belleville News Democrat
Effort to identify goals for Effingham County's future begins
Some local groups want to map the future of Effingham County.
The county will soon launch an initiative called “Management and Planning Programs Involving Non-metropolitan Groups,” or MAPPING. It mirrors the efforts some communities in the county have already begun.
Effingham County has enlisted the help of the MAPPING the Future of Your Community program through the Illinois Institute of Rural Affairs at Western Illinois University. Effingham County Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Norma Lansing said the chamber and Effingham Regional Growth Alliance initiated work with the program to determine what Effingham County would look like in the future.
“The effort began with a group of community leaders who wanted to see the communities in Effingham County work together and determine what we want the future of Effingham County to look like,” Lansing said.
The MAPPING program is “a participant-driven, strategic visioning and planning process in which local leaders and volunteers create a long-range vision for the future of the county as well as a plan of action to achieve that vision,” according to a press release.
The city of Effingham, Southcentral Illinois Community Foundation and Effingham County Vision 2020 and Impact 2030 groups are also involved.
The countywide program will kick off with the first of five planning sessions on March 16 at 5:30 p.m. The location is yet to be determined. Participants will identify three to six high-priority goals for the community, an action plan for implementation and then break into groups to begin working on the goals and projects.
Lansing said the ideas will be put into a larger document, and a town hall meeting will be held six weeks later to make a more formal report on what has been decided. She estimated the projects may begin immediately after the sessions end.
Lansing said there are no predetermined initiatives going into the planning sessions because the program wants the initiatives to come from the community itself.
“It will flow naturally from the discussions we have,” Lansing said.
A MAPPING steering committee has already been formed to look for people interested in volunteering in the sessions. The committee is also seeking sponsors with a vested interest in the future of Effingham County. At least 25 community members are needed to participate in the discussions. Read more: Effingham Daily News
Finley takes helm of Smith Mountain Lake Chamber of Commerce
Serving as the next executive director of the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce feels like a homecoming for Christopher Finley.
Finley began his new position Oct. 28. He steps into a role that was held for 17 years by former SMLRCC Executive Director Vicki Gardner.
“I’m really excited to be back at Smith Mountain Lake,” Finley said.
Finley said his prior experience will serve him well in his new position. For 12 years he directed marketing programs with The Willard Companies, and from 2011 to 2013, he served on the SMLRCC board of directors.
Finley most recently worked as the communications manager for an international defense and aerospace company, BAE Systems. In that role, he handled internal and external communications and community relations.
During his first couple of weeks as head of the SMLRCC, Finley said he has had one-on-one meetings with staff members and has attended a Virginia Chamber of Commerce networking event in Richmond. He’s reached out to various SMLRCC members to learn more about the products and services they offer and has met with key suppliers and vendors who support the Chamber’s operations.
“I’m a firm believer in two-way communication,” Finley said. “My door at the chamber is always open.”
Over the next 30 to 60 days, Finley said his focus is to assess the chamber’s staffing needs as there’s been a couple of key positions that have turned over in the last year. In the next 90 days, Finley said he will meet with neighboring chambers of commerce in Bedford, Roanoke, Danville and Martinsville to collaborate on opportunities. An early goal, he said, is to fully launch the chamber’s re-branded nationwide marketing campaign. Read more: Smith Mountain Eagle
Saline County Chamber of Commerce looks to bring in members and businesses
Thursday was the Saline County Chamber of Commerce 2020 annual banquet.
The celebration was held at Bonan Business Hall where local friends of the community could mix and mingle.
The hall was full of tables topped with swag from local businesses for the annual banquet.
It was a a jam-packed evening full of fun including a silent auction and wine raffle to raise money for the chamber. There was also live music, a photo booth and, of course, plenty of fundraising going toward a great organization.
Some of that money will go to an annual scholarship for a Saline County high schooler headed off to Southeastern Illinois College.
Speaking of awards, they presented the small, medium and large business of the year, and those weren't the only awards being given out.
Incoming Saline County Chamber President Jonathan Russell is looking forward to a new award being offered for one special citizen.
"I'm really excited about Citizen of the Year. This is the first time we've done it in about 10 years. We decided to recognize someone in the community who has really done something just to serve the community and they have no other really connections except for just pure service," explained Russell.
The chamber gets new board members every year and part of Thursday's celebration was a changing of the guard of sorts.
Outgoing president, Jessica Stephens, spoke with News 3 about what she saw during her year as president and what she hopes to continue to see for the future of Saline County.
"We're pleased that we've had several new restaurants come in, different businesses opening, so as far as growth, I mean, we would love more, but at least we're seeing some," said Stephens.
Nearly 200 local friends of the community came out to support the chamber, and come to find out, that kind of support is happening in Saline County year-round.
Russell said, "We work with a lot of the other area groups to try and improve business in Saline County, which is kind of one of my goals for this year is to work closer with a lot of our municipalities and different levels of government bring more business into Saline County and improve Saline County."
Stephens explained, "We live in a wonderful area, and I think having all of the surrounding people and our community, that's what really draws people in."
Stephens said the key to growth in the community is communication.
"All in all, it was actually a matter of, when speaking with our membership, working on retaining our membership, and really strengthening those relationships that we already have and really learning how to strengthen our communication between our board and our member. But overall, I feel our communication has definitely strengthened, and we've really built that bond between between our membership."
The chamber itself is growing as well.
"We're re-launching our ambassador program. This will give us a few more hands to reach out to the community and serve our members a little bit better. Read more: WSILTV
Saline County Chamber of Commerce looks to bring in members and businesses
Thursday was the Saline County Chamber of Commerce 2020 annual banquet.
The celebration was held at Bonan Business Hall where local friends of the community could mix and mingle.
The hall was full of tables topped with swag from local businesses for the annual banquet.
It was a a jam-packed evening full of fun including a silent auction and wine raffle to raise money for the chamber. There was also live music, a photo booth and, of course, plenty of fundraising going toward a great organization.
Some of that money will go to an annual scholarship for a Saline County high schooler headed off to Southeastern Illinois College.
Speaking of awards, they presented the small, medium and large business of the year, and those weren't the only awards being given out.
Incoming Saline County Chamber President Jonathan Russell is looking forward to a new award being offered for one special citizen.
"I'm really excited about Citizen of the Year. This is the first time we've done it in about 10 years. We decided to recognize someone in the community who has really done something just to serve the community and they have no other really connections except for just pure service," explained Russell.
The chamber gets new board members every year and part of Thursday's celebration was a changing of the guard of sorts.
Outgoing president, Jessica Stephens, spoke with News 3 about what she saw during her year as president and what she hopes to continue to see for the future of Saline County.
"We're pleased that we've had several new restaurants come in, different businesses opening, so as far as growth, I mean, we would love more, but at least we're seeing some," said Stephens.
Nearly 200 local friends of the community came out to support the chamber, and come to find out, that kind of support is happening in Saline County year-round.
Russell said, "We work with a lot of the other area groups to try and improve business in Saline County, which is kind of one of my goals for this year is to work closer with a lot of our municipalities and different levels of government bring more business into Saline County and improve Saline County."
Stephens explained, "We live in a wonderful area, and I think having all of the surrounding people and our community, that's what really draws people in."
Stephens said the key to growth in the community is communication.
"All in all, it was actually a matter of, when speaking with our membership, working on retaining our membership, and really strengthening those relationships that we already have and really learning how to strengthen our communication between our board and our member. But overall, I feel our communication has definitely strengthened, and we've really built that bond between between our membership."
The chamber itself is growing as well.
"We're re-launching our ambassador program. This will give us a few more hands to reach out to the community and serve our members a little bit better. Read more: WSILTV
Vermilion Advantage Board of Directors announce the passing of President and CEO Vicki L. Haugen
The Vermilion Advantage Board of Directors is deeply saddened to announce the passing of President and CEO Vicki L. Haugen. She died on Tuesday, February 11, 2020.
Vicki leaves an extraordinary 38-year legacy of unparalleled work as Vermilion County’s economic development leader.
“She has been the heart of the organization since its inception,” said Jon Stalcup, Vermilion Advantage Board Chair. “All who had the privilege of knowing Vicki understand that Vermilion Advantage was not her occupation, it was her life’s mission. Giving back to the community she loved so dearly was her calling and she put every ounce of energy into helping Vermilion County succeed. Vicki’s sound judgement, spirit and passion will be deeply missed. She will continue to be a source of inspiration that we can draw on, much like her mentor and our founding director, Lou Mervis. Vermilion County is far different today than it would have been otherwise without a citizen like Vicki.”
Tinisha Spain, director of business development, will serve as interim President and CEO as a succession plan is developed.
Vicki joined the Economic Development Corporation in Danville, IL at its inception in 1982. She served as Vice President of Marketing and later President & CEO. In 2002 she became the founding President & CEO of Vermilion Advantage, the newly formed organization encompassing the former Economic Development Corporation and Danville Area Chamber of Commerce. With Vermilion Advantage, Vicki was responsible for the implementation and oversight of economic development activities, business services and workforce development for Vermilion County, Illinois. She is a graduate of Danville High School and the University of Illinois at Chicago’s College of Business Administration - Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies. She has been a faculty member for the Illinois Basic Economic Development program since 1995.
Vicki is a lifelong resident of Vermilion County and is survived by her husband, Wayne Haugen.
As a direct result of her work, thousands of local jobs were created/retained, ensuring Vermilion County’s viability amidst much adversity. She was renowned for leading through the area’s difficulties and remaining an optimistic, fierce advocate for progress and development. Her tireless behind-the-scenes work resulted in new business locations and/or extensive local expansions including: Alcoa, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Thyssenkrupp (formerly Krupp Gerlach,) McLane Midwest, AutoZone Distribution, StraPack, Freight Car Services, Sygma, Hoopeston Foods, REG, Watchfire Signs, Automation International and Fiberteq. She was the driving force in the development of both Eastgate and Southgate Industrial Parks. Most recently, she led a coalition which resulted in a $70 million Carle Hospital investment in Danville’s west downtown area. Read more: Commercial News
Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S.
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