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CareSource donates $90K to Frankfort First Foundation
Michael Taylor, Kentucky Market president for CareSource, a multi-state managed care plan, announced a donation of $90,000 to the Frankfort First Foundation for the REOPEN Frankfort Grant Fund that supports small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic on Monday.
Funds could help businesses pay rent, employee salaries and operating costs as a stop-gap relief pending the release and distribution of anticipated federal and state aid with grants available as contributions allow. The turnaround on requests and approvals will be quick, with a goal of awarding and distributing funds within a few weeks of the closure of the application window.
“The REOPEN Frankfort Grant Program is an example of open-hearted community investment that will enhance what is currently available to our local businesses in need, and hopefully bring immediate support to our Frankfort business community,” said Carmen Inman, president and CEO of the Frankfort Area Chamber of Commerce.
“The Frankfort Area Chamber and Frankfort First Foundation Board of Directors are excited and so honored with the CareSource Foundation Grant.”
The Dayton-based health plan has pivoted its charitable resources to support both front line health care providers, to meet the variable community needs around social determinants of health and, most recently, to support small businesses in its local markets. Read more: State Journal
#FamousChamber of Commerce Quotation: Be Happy!
"You can't use an old map to explore a new world."
Champaign County Chamber Daily Wrap-up
·· Dr. Anthony Fauci states that a potential COVID-19 vaccine may only provide short-term immunity.
Deana Epperly Karem named new president of Jeffersontown Chamber of Commerce
Deana Epperly Karem has been selected as the new president and CEO of the Jeffersontown Chamber of Commerce.
She replaces John Cosby, who has led the organization for the last 11 years. Cosby announced his retirement earlier this year and agreed to stay on until June 30, Bill Reynolds, chair of the chamber's board of directors said in an email.
For the last three months, a search committee made up of members of the chamber’s board of directors has been searching for the best organizational leader to carry on the chamber’s mission and lead through the transition that will occur this year as a result of the Covid-19 crisis, Reynold said.
"Deana comes to us with nearly 30 years of experience in community and economic development, Chamber leadership, and a successful track record for building relationships and developing talent," Reynolds said. She takes on the new role June 15.
Karem is an alum of Greater Louisville Inc., where she recently served as vice president of regional economic growth. GLI is the chamber of commerce for all of Metro Louisville. The Jeffersontown chamber is the area’s second largest chamber of commerce and has operated since 1963. It has more than 1,000 active members, according to its website.
From Linda Bynum, Ridgeland Chamber - Statewide Business Survey for Mississippi Business Owners
New Richmond Chamber: 2020 Fun Fest Update
With statewide COVID-19 hospitalization admissions spiking in Wisconsin, the New Richmond Chamber---in consultation with its board of directors, its members, the city of New Richmond, and health care experts---has decided to cancel its cherished summer festival Fun Fest for the first time in recent memory.
“We know how much community members look forward to this annual tradition, but with any summer festival, social distancing would be difficult if not impossible to enforce and the last thing we want to do is put anyone’s health at risk,” says Chamber Executive Director Rob Kreibich. “While Fun Fest may not take place, we encourage you to continue supporting our local businesses. As a promotion, the chamber is offering $25 bonus chamber gift certificate for every $100 total purchase of chamber gift certificates from today through July 1.”
Fun Fest was scheduled for July 9-12. In addition to Fun Fest, the chamber has already canceled the 53rd Annual Park Art Fair, which would have been place in Mary Park this weekend, and also the July 4th fireworks at Hatfield Park.
A decision on downtown Halloween Trick or Treating, and the Hometown Holiday celebration will be made at a later date.
Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce Joins National Initiative to Address Inequality of Opportunity
“The moral case for greater diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace is indisputable. There’s overwhelming evidence that greater diversity benefits the American economy, businesses, communities, and employees,” said Suzaane Clark, president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Contact: Ashley Sandborn, Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce - sandborn@lansingchamber.org
Construction Progress Update On Southwest Parkway In Bowling Green
Local chamber works to spread reopening plans, assist businesses in finding resources
As many Chamber of Commerce directors have noticed, Debbie Crawford says the Trimble County Chamber has seen an uptick in members since the COVID-19 pandemic has hit.#FamousChamber of Commerce Quotation: Be Happy!
"You can't use an old map to explore a new world."
- Albert Einstein
Champaign County Chamber Daily Wrap-up
·· Dr. Anthony Fauci states that a potential COVID-19 vaccine may only provide short-term immunity.
· Two banking lobbying organizations call for blanket forgiveness of PPP loans under $150k.
· May’s unemployment claims could bring the three-month total to
over 30 million.
· Illinois’ Commission on Government Forecasting and
Accountability released its May briefing.
· A University of Illinois COVID-19 taskforce draft proposal suggests that the semester starts
on time this fall and concludes at fall break.
· The City of Urbana will allow for some outdoor dining
establishments to offer live music.
· The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District updates the
county’s COVID-19 data daily.
Deana Epperly Karem named new president of Jeffersontown Chamber of Commerce
She replaces John Cosby, who has led the organization for the last 11 years. Cosby announced his retirement earlier this year and agreed to stay on until June 30, Bill Reynolds, chair of the chamber's board of directors said in an email.
For the last three months, a search committee made up of members of the chamber’s board of directors has been searching for the best organizational leader to carry on the chamber’s mission and lead through the transition that will occur this year as a result of the Covid-19 crisis, Reynold said.
"Deana comes to us with nearly 30 years of experience in community and economic development, Chamber leadership, and a successful track record for building relationships and developing talent," Reynolds said. She takes on the new role June 15.
Karem is an alum of Greater Louisville Inc., where she recently served as vice president of regional economic growth. GLI is the chamber of commerce for all of Metro Louisville. The Jeffersontown chamber is the area’s second largest chamber of commerce and has operated since 1963. It has more than 1,000 active members, according to its website.
From Linda Bynum, Ridgeland Chamber - Statewide Business Survey for Mississippi Business Owners
Dear Chamber Member:
We have been asked by the City of Ridgeland to forward information on this statewide survey to our membership. (See below). Please consider providing the requested information which does not ask for the identity of your business.
Thank you,
Linda Bynum
Executive Director
----------------------------------------------------
Dear Small Business Owner:
The Mississippi State University Extension Service is conducting an important statewide online survey of Mississippi businesses regarding the issues and challenges, as well as opportunities, that they have faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Extension Economist Alan Barefield is leading the effort in Mississippi, and he is partnering with Blane Canada, Ltd., an international economic development management and advisory firm, who is leading this project at the national level.
The survey consists of two rounds. The first round will open on June 2 and close on June 12. The link for the first survey round is:
https://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/5609831/bicsmssc0605 .New Richmond Chamber: 2020 Fun Fest Update
With statewide COVID-19 hospitalization admissions spiking in Wisconsin, the New Richmond Chamber---in consultation with its board of directors, its members, the city of New Richmond, and health care experts---has decided to cancel its cherished summer festival Fun Fest for the first time in recent memory.
“We know how much community members look forward to this annual tradition, but with any summer festival, social distancing would be difficult if not impossible to enforce and the last thing we want to do is put anyone’s health at risk,” says Chamber Executive Director Rob Kreibich. “While Fun Fest may not take place, we encourage you to continue supporting our local businesses. As a promotion, the chamber is offering $25 bonus chamber gift certificate for every $100 total purchase of chamber gift certificates from today through July 1.”
Fun Fest was scheduled for July 9-12. In addition to Fun Fest, the chamber has already canceled the 53rd Annual Park Art Fair, which would have been place in Mary Park this weekend, and also the July 4th fireworks at Hatfield Park.
A decision on downtown Halloween Trick or Treating, and the Hometown Holiday celebration will be made at a later date.
Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce Joins National Initiative to Address Inequality of Opportunity
The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC) announced it is partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on a national initiative to address inequality of opportunity. LRCC will join the U.S. Chamber’s national town hall event on June 25 where business and community leaders will discuss concrete actions taken by government and the private sector to address inequality through education, employment, entrepreneurship, and criminal justice reform. As a partner on this important initiative, LRCC will host local and industry dialogues to further the discussion.
“We are proud to partner with the U.S. Chamber on this initiative and help develop a robust plan of action,” said Steven Japinga, LRCC vice president/public affairs. “The work of this national initiative will help us identify additional action items to advance educational, employment and social justice opportunities for all people in the Greater Lansing region.”“The moral case for greater diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace is indisputable. There’s overwhelming evidence that greater diversity benefits the American economy, businesses, communities, and employees,” said Suzaane Clark, president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Contact: Ashley Sandborn, Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce - sandborn@lansingchamber.org
Construction Progress Update On Southwest Parkway In Bowling Green
Kentucky is investing in infrastructure and economic growth through the extension of Southwest Parkway into the South Central Kentucky Industrial Park (“SCKIP”). The road extension will allow for better traffic flow and access for companies located within the park.
“Good transportation improves the quality of life for Kentuckians and the bottom line for businesses who rely on efficient links to their supply and market chains,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “The anticipated completion of the parkway expansion will favorably impact this portion of South Central Kentucky in the immediate future and for decades to come.”
“Employees and businesses will soon feel the benefits of better connections to the South Central Kentucky Industrial Park,” said Kentucky Secretary of Transportation Jim Gray.“The completion of the project will support a park that is poised for growth while providing a time-saving alternate route for commercial trucks and emergency services to bypass train traffic.”
Businesses located within SCKIP are an important part of Bowling Green’s economy. Roughly 4,000 jobs are supported by business activity occurring within the SCKIP, which equates to an economic impact of over $12 billion to Bowling Green’s economy over the next decade. The community is supporting their growth through this and other infrastructure projects.
“We will continue to look for opportunities to help local companies grow and have made a commitment to continue investing in infrastructure,” said Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Ron Bunch.
The expansion of Southwest Parkway will also have a far reaching economic impact. The $3 million contract was awarded to Scotty’s Contracting & Stone, with the state agreeing to reimburse the city for a maximum of $3.8 million. The utility relocation and earthwork are currently in progress with the company committed to using Healthy at Work policies. The scheduled completion date is September 2020. Once complete, Southwest Parkway will be roughly 5,500 feet long. Read more: Bowling Green Chamber
Coronavirus Recovery Information in Other Languages from the SBA
SBA is providing materials in languages other than English to help business owners recover
Emily Downey Named Woodford County Chamber of Commerce President/CEO
The Woodford County Chamber of Commerce hires new President/CEO, Emily Downey. Downey comes to the Chamber position with extensive marketing, business development, membership activation, economic development and merger and acquisition experience. In addition, Emily brings a chamber background having been a member of and worked in conjunction with multiple chambers across the region, the Commonwealth and the nation. “Emily has shown proven excellence in her work in developing and building a Tourism market, brand, product and fan base for Woodford County. She is a tremendous asset to the chamber community, our stakeholders and the board. We are delighted for this additional opportunity for Emily to continue to use her skillset to put the business community on the map like she’s done with the Tourism community. There are so many great opportunities for a community our size to collaborate and partner. Emily will definitely be the perfect fit to help optimize our resources and provide the most value to both audiences who in many ways, share so many similarities,” said Maria Bohanan, Chairperson of the Woodford County Tourist Commission. Downey holds an MBA from the University of Kentucky and University of Louisville Executive MBA program, has completed MBA training at the University College of Dublin in Ireland and received a bachelor’s from Western Kentucky University. Downey currently serves on the Bluegrass Community Hospital Board, the Woodford County D.A.R.E. board, served as Commerce Lexington’s EMERGE 2020 Chairperson, and is on the Advisory Council for Girls on the Run.
“It is an absolute privilege to get to serve my hometown professionally bringing skills that I acquired first from my educators in the Woodford County school system to my professional career that has taken me on projects around the world. As I work in the community, I see many opportunities daily to support the business and industry who contribute to our economic vitality in Woodford County. A thriving business community is good for tourism and tourism is great for the business community,” commented Emily Downey. Downey is set to begin the role at the Woodford County Chamber of Commerce on April 27, 2020. ### For more information, please contact: Julie Goodpaster WC Chamber Board Chairperson 2020 Direct- 859-846-3902 Julie.Goodpaster@ccc1884.org
Chamber alliance advocates for business environment during pandemic
“We are the regional chamber, all of us together,” said Teresa Beale, executive director of the Franklin-Southampton Area Chamber of Commerce, during the spring meeting of the 757 Chamber Alliance.
For two years, the six area chambers have worked together on advocacy, regionalism, and creating the conditions for businesses to succeed. Now, more than ever, businesses need these efforts to reopen and thrive. The alliance is comprised of the Eastern Shore of Virginia Chamber of Commerce, Franklin-Southampton Area Chamber of Commerce, Greater Williamsburg Business Council, Hampton Roads Chamber, Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce, and the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce.
Hampton Roads Chamber President Bryan Stephens reviewed the goals of the alliance. “The best way to produce a pro-business environment is to collaborate," he said. "Each partner will work to the betterment of regional economic vitality.”
The chamber leaders shared best practices for helping members through the COVID-19 restrictions. Most have a page on their websites devoted to COVID-19 resources. Jessica Healey, Isle of Wight chamber executive director, has created an online group through Facebook called BizHub. “Businesses are helping each other, promoting each other, sending clients to each other.”
Robie Marsh, executive director of the Eastern Shore chamber, has started a road to recovery webinar series. Bob McKenna, president and CEO of the Peninsula chamber, has been sharing podcasts with local leaders. Terry Banez, CEO of the Greater Williamsburg Business Council, has turned her regularly scheduled meetings into virtual coffee chats with the council. “We all need human contact. It’s a big win.”
“We have three leaders today to focus on recovery, opening businesses, and pivoting to the positive," Stephens said, welcoming nearly 100 chamber members to the Zoom call with Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball, Virginia Economic Development Partnership President and CEO Stephen Moret, and Virginia Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Barry DuVal. Read more: Pilot Online
Chamber alliance advocates for business environment during pandemic
“We are the regional chamber, all of us together,” said Teresa Beale, executive director of the Franklin-Southampton Area Chamber of Commerce, during the spring meeting of the 757 Chamber Alliance.
For two years, the six area chambers have worked together on advocacy, regionalism, and creating the conditions for businesses to succeed. Now, more than ever, businesses need these efforts to reopen and thrive. The alliance is comprised of the Eastern Shore of Virginia Chamber of Commerce, Franklin-Southampton Area Chamber of Commerce, Greater Williamsburg Business Council, Hampton Roads Chamber, Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce, and the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce.
Hampton Roads Chamber President Bryan Stephens reviewed the goals of the alliance. “The best way to produce a pro-business environment is to collaborate," he said. "Each partner will work to the betterment of regional economic vitality.”
The chamber leaders shared best practices for helping members through the COVID-19 restrictions. Most have a page on their websites devoted to COVID-19 resources. Jessica Healey, Isle of Wight chamber executive director, has created an online group through Facebook called BizHub. “Businesses are helping each other, promoting each other, sending clients to each other.”
Robie Marsh, executive director of the Eastern Shore chamber, has started a road to recovery webinar series. Bob McKenna, president and CEO of the Peninsula chamber, has been sharing podcasts with local leaders. Terry Banez, CEO of the Greater Williamsburg Business Council, has turned her regularly scheduled meetings into virtual coffee chats with the council. “We all need human contact. It’s a big win.”
“We have three leaders today to focus on recovery, opening businesses, and pivoting to the positive," Stephens said, welcoming nearly 100 chamber members to the Zoom call with Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball, Virginia Economic Development Partnership President and CEO Stephen Moret, and Virginia Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Barry DuVal. Read more: Pilot Online
Muncie on the Move Join fellow Chamber Members for the rescheduled April Muncie on the Move. This event will take place on Wednesday, July 1st at the Horizon Convention Center. Doors open at 6:45am and the program begins at 7:30am. Advance reservations are $20 for members and $30 for walk-ins and non-members. Muncie Public Library and Alzheimer's Association of Greater Indiana will be our nonprofit sponsor. Our corporate sponsorship is currently available. Booth sponsorships are also available. As we begin to open up our economy, Muncie on the Move is a great place to re-engage with clients, prospects and friends. We will be practicing social distancing following the Governor's reopening stages to ensure everyone's safety. Remember, each attendee can participate in community announcements, just $5 gets you 30 seconds on stage! No political announcements! We would appreciate receiving your reservation by June 29th to ensure we have plenty of seating. For more information on sponsorship availability and reservations, contact Brenda Brumfield at 765-751-9128 or bbrumfield@muncie.com |
Local chamber works to spread reopening plans, assist businesses in finding resources
“Membership has increased. I’ve been excited about that,” Crawford says, who works part-time for the Chamber. She thinks local businesses have realized the resources the chamber has are important, “and they’ve joined. I’ve been impressed with that.”
Crawford says on the Chamber’s website, trimblechamber.com, various links connecting to updates and guidelines can be found, like posts from the state on how businesses are to proceed with reopening.
“The main questions we’ve had are how to apply for SBA (Small Business Administration) loans, where to find more PPE (personal protective equipment), grants, things like that,” Crawford says, which are all posted as they come in from the state, like from the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce.
“If they have questions, we will try to help them, whether we know the answer or not, we can find the resources.”
Crawford says there’s been extra homework involved with her part-time job since March. “I don’t think the public realizes that I watch everything that Gov. Beshear does in order to know” how to proceed with helping businesses.
She says even though she reads every word of each newsletter from the governor’s office, “I sit and watch all (the press conferences) in order to know what’s going on. A lot of people don’t realize how much we have to keep up with it.”
Crawford says she must take every evening briefing in because Gov. Beshear “may say something more in the presentation than he sends out in the newsletter, or vice versa.” Read more: The Trimble Banner
Christian County Chamber: Healthy at Work Requirements
Healthy at Work is a phased approach to reopen Kentucky’s economy. It is based on criteria set by public health experts and advice from industry experts. Each phase will be rolled out in steps to ensure the Commonwealth’s citizens can safely return to work.
Each entity reopening must meet certain Minimum Requirements in addition to industry specific guidance.
If any entity in a sector being reopened cannot comply with the minimum requirements or industry-specific requirements, they must wait to reopen until they are able to do so or until some or all of these restrictions are lifted.
Please click on the PDF links for each sector for more details. Industry-specific guidance will be updated as additional sectors of the economy reopen.
May 9, 2020:
May 11, 2020:
- Construction
- Horse Racing (No Fans)
- Manufacturing & Distribution
- Office-Based Businesses (50%)
- Pet Grooming / Boarding
- Photography
- Vehicle or Vessel Dealerships
May 18, 2020:
May 20, 2020:
May 22, 2020:
- Restaurants: 33% Capacity + Outdoor Seating
- Groups of 10 people or fewer
- Travel Ban Lifted
May 25, 2020:
Read more: Christian County Chamber
Owensboro Chamber Remote Rooster Booster, Sponsored by WKU
Event Date Past: June 4 | 7:30 a.m.
Don't miss the June 4 Remote Rooster Booster, Sponsored by Western Kentucky University! Tyson Helton, Head Coach of WKU Hilltopper Football will be the morning's guest speaker.
There is no cost to attend the June 4 Remote Rooster Booster, which will stream on Facebook Live and Zoom.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN US ON FACEBOOK
CLICK HERE TO JOIN US ON ZOOM
Owensboro Chamber Remote Rooster Booster, Sponsored by WKU
Event Date Past: June 4 | 7:30 a.m.
Don't miss the June 4 Remote Rooster Booster, Sponsored by Western Kentucky University! Tyson Helton, Head Coach of WKU Hilltopper Football will be the morning's guest speaker.
There is no cost to attend the June 4 Remote Rooster Booster, which will stream on Facebook Live and Zoom.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN US ON FACEBOOK
CLICK HERE TO JOIN US ON ZOOM
Commerce Lexington Recognized Among Top Economic Development Groups by Site Selection Magazine
[Lexington, Kentucky] – For the second time in the last three years, Commerce Lexington Inc. is among the top economic development agencies in the nation, according to Site Selection magazine, which recently announced its Top 20 Investment Promotion Agencies in its May 2020 issue. Organizations named to the list are presented with the Mac Conway Award for Excellence in Economic Development, which recognizes national/regional economic development offices that were the most successful in attracting capital investment projects in 2019.
[Lexington, Kentucky] – For the second time in the last three years, Commerce Lexington Inc. is among the top economic development agencies in the nation, according to Site Selection magazine, which recently announced its Top 20 Investment Promotion Agencies in its May 2020 issue. Organizations named to the list are presented with the Mac Conway Award for Excellence in Economic Development, which recognizes national/regional economic development offices that were the most successful in attracting capital investment projects in 2019.
“Locations throughout the U.S. and in every region of the world compete aggressively for direct investment at home and from abroad,” says Site Selection Editor in Chief Mark Arend. “Those appearing on these rankings have demonstrated with actual project numbers and other measures that they have the location attributes most in demand by capital investors.”
Named in honor of Site Selection founding publisher H. McKinley "Mac" Conway, this year’s award winners have been determined by an index that examines corporate facility investment projects in U.S. metro areas as tracked by Site Selection’s proprietary Conway Projects database. Scores are awarded based on six criteria: total projects, total investment associated with those projects, and jobs associated with those projects. The remaining three criteria represent a per capita calculation of those same metrics.
Commerce Lexington Inc. President and CEO, Bob Quick, said, “Under the leadership of Gina Greathouse and the hard work of her team, Commerce Lexington’s economic development efforts have received multiple accolades from national and international sources over the years. This award also recognizes the commitment of so many people and companies throughout our region that assist our business recruitment and retention efforts. For the top metro areas across the nation, collaboration is key, and Lexington’s success in economic development can be credited to a strong partnership between the City of Lexington, Commerce Lexington Inc., and the University of Kentucky.”
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