Thursday, July 2, 2020

#BestChamber practices: Support your Local Chamber: Cabarrus NC Chamber reached out to chamber supporters to champion the value of chamber membership during these critical times; Grand Rapids Chamber: Call to Action: Property Tax Deferment; Birmingham-Bloomfield Government Town Hall Series; Appomattox County Chamber of Commerce Membership Directory; ACCE: Josh Suitor, St Matthews Chamber: Membership Challenges at Smaller Chambers; Lake County Chamber: Lake County to Begin Accepting Applications for Small Business Assistance Grant Program on July 7; Batavia Chamber of Commerce Celebrates the Reopening of our Community with a Ribbon Cutting; Cary-Grove Chamber of Commerce ReTying Business & Community Video! Geneva Chamber Video: Welcome Back Geneva! How Geneva can celebrate Swedish Days virtually; Oxford Lafayette County Chamber: FORGIVABLE LOANS FOR MISSISSIPPI SMALL BUSINESSES; Indiana Chamber webinar: Not If, But When: Anticipating Crises For Your Company; Western Dupage Chamber: Illinois DCEO Business Interruption Grants Available!; Arlington Chamber: Virginia to Enter Phase Three on Wednesday, Front Royal Warren County Chamber of Commerce Community Profile & Membership Directory; July 1; Tourism looking up in northern and southeastern Wisconsin; Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce Statement Regarding City of Lansing’s Chief Strategy Officer; SWCRC: The Story Behind Popular PBS Television Series “Under the Radar Michigan” to Highlight Upcoming Chamber Business Forum; Basketball Great Dan Issel to Headline July 2 Chamber Rooster Booster; From the Muskego Chamber: Curbside. Here to Stay? Western Wisconsin river cities see heavy Minnesota traffic at open bars and restaurants; Parks Chamber: Markus Smith State Farm Purchasing Food Truck meals for Essential Workers; Kankakee County Chamber of Commerce introduces new Executive Director;






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

#BestChamber practices: Support your Local Chamber: Cabarrus NC Chamber reached out to chamber supporters to champion the value of chamber membership during these critical times 

Hi John,


Thank you for your email! Our Marketing Director, Alison Paladino, and leadership from Barbi are to thank for the idea and execution. I was happy to share the efforts with other chambers and hear what others are doing. ACCE does a great job giving us platforms to learn from one another.

If you’d like to read the letter of support from two of our community’s top supporters, you can view it here.

Hope you are well!

Best regards,

Paige Grochoske
Member Relations Director
Direct: 704.490.4972
Main: 704.782.4000 x 102
3003 Dale Earnhardt Boulevard, Suite 2
Kannapolis, NC 28083
Facebook  | LinkedInInstagram | Join the Chamber!


Grand Rapids Chamber: Call to Action: Property Tax Deferment 

Governor Whitmer is considering whether to sign or veto legislation that allows businesses and residents (non-escrow) to defer 2020 property taxes until March 1, 2021 without penalties, fees or interest. This offers the worst-impacted businesses nearly 12 months to get their feet back under them and begin earning revenue before paying what can often be the largest single bill they receive.

The legislation was passed unanimously in the House of Representatives and with only 4 no votes in the Senate. All West Michigan elected officials voted in favor.

A veto of the legislation will make it very difficult for severely impacted businesses who are receiving their summer tax bills. They will be forced to choose whether to pay employees, other bills or their property taxes. Without this legislation, fees and penalties will be assessed this fall to those who cannot pay through no fault of their own.

The quick approval of these bills is also critical for businesses in the City of Grand Rapids and other municipalities where property taxes are due at the end of the July (which is earlier than many local governments).

Please consider personalizing a message to the Governor in support of her signing the legislation here.

The Chamber, bill sponsors and other stakeholders have worked for months to create a mechanism for supporting cash-flow for local governments and finalizing compromise legislation that will provide urgent and critical relief to the business community. We are continuing these workgroups and committed to making improvements and provide greater certainty.

The taxpayer must file a form and sworn affidavit, attesting to economic hardship as a result of COVID-19 or the Governor’s response to the pandemic, by August 28 with their local taxing authority (city, village, township). If the taxpayer is still unable to pay by March 1, 2021, they will be offered a payment plan by their county treasurer. During the first three months of this payment plan, there will be no interest charged. The 4% administrative fee will be assess for installment plans entered into after March 1, 2021.Taxpayers with an escrow account, or those who are already taking advantage of a preexisting deferment arrangement or payment plan, are not eligible.

Send a Message to the Governor Here:

Birmingham-Bloomfield Government Town Hall Series

Join us Tuesday, July 7 at 1:00 PM for Part 5 of our Government Town Hall Series featuring United States Senator Gary Peters and United States Representative Haley Stevens.

Please submit any questions for Senator Peters and Representative Stevens to BBChamber Marketing & Event Manager Kelly Bennett at kellyb@bbcc.com.

Please note, this meeting is password protected.

Attendees must RSVP for the login information.

*Session will be recorded

The BBChamber Town Hall Series is sponsored by Chief Financial Credit Union.

RSVP 



Appomattox County Chamber of Commerce Membership Directory

The Appomattox County Chamber of Commerce Membership Directory is available at the Chamber of Commerce today! Thank you to John Redding and the Chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!



Appomattox County Chamber Community Guide and Membership Directory

Town Square Publications 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.

ACCE: Josh Suitor, St Matthews Chamber: Membership Challenges at Smaller Chambers




During last week's Membership Development Division roundtable, Josh Suiter, director of membership and business relations at the Chamber of St. Matthews in Kentucky, led a discussion focused on challenges faced by membership professionals at smaller chambers. Discussion highlights included revenue replacement, recruitment, retention and more. Listen to the recording and read the call's chat notes. You will be required to login to your ACCE account to access the recording and notes; request your login here.






#FamousChamber of Commerce Quotation: Be Happy! 


When everything seems to be against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it. - Henry Ford

Lake County Chamber: Lake County to Begin Accepting Applications for Small Business Assistance Grant Program on July 7

The Lake County Board has allocated $10 million to support businesses through the Lake County Small Business Assistance COVID-19 Grant Program. The grant program was created to assist small businesses in Lake County that have been negatively impacted by due to COVID-19.

Beginning July 7, 2020 at 8 am, businesses will be able to apply online for up to $30,000 to cover up to four months of occupancy costs (rent, mortgage, utilities) as well as expenses incurred due to COVID-19 (new equipment, plexiglass, masks, sanitization services/materials, employee training, etc.)

The Lake County Small Business Assistance COVID-19 Grant Program will be administered by Lake County Partners with final grant approval and dispersing of funds performed by Lake County.

Small businesses in Lake County that meet the following criteria are eligible to apply for the program:

· For profit, incorporated business (e.g., LLC, S Corp, Partnership, Sole Proprietorship, etc.) - Independent contractors are currently not eligible

· In business prior to February 15, 2020

· Earn less than $2.5 million in annual revenue

· Must be able to document a significant negative business impact from COVID-19

· Preference will be given to businesses that have not received Federal Assistance (i.e., Paycheck Protection Program or Economic Injury Disaster Loan)

Lake County small businesses that meet the above requirements may apply online at lakecountyil.gov/forward beginning at 8 a.m. on July 7. The application period will be open for two weeks with submissions accepted until July 20 at 11:59 p.m.


Batavia Chamber of Commerce Celebrates the Reopening of our Community with a Ribbon Cutting
We had fun making it...please enjoy!

We sent a press release with the link to this video to our media list. Read the news release here. Use this link if you'd like to share the video: https://youtu.be/g9poXRdZJ_g


Cary-Grove Chamber of Commerce ReTying Business & Community Video!



Geneva Chamber Video: Welcome Back Geneva!

This is the link from our post on Facebook back on June 12th. It received 4,600+ views and 39 shares from people. I think the sharing of it really helped generate all those views so that was pretty cool to see such high numbers on that post. 

Here’s the Facebook link to the video the Geneva Chamber did.


How Geneva can celebrate Swedish Days virtually


In any given year, hundreds of thousands of people flock to downtown Geneva for the annual Swedish Days festival, a long-standing celebration of heritage and community.
The tradition was halted this summer as the coronavirus forced the cancellation of the six-day event for the first time in 70 years. But Geneva Chamber of Commerce spokeswoman Laura Rush says organizers are determined to "still spread some Swedish love" the only way they can: virtually.

From Thursday through Sunday, concerts, videos and other activities will be available online, divided by the theme of the day. Thursday, for example, will focus on the "Swedish Connection," offering virtual trivia, dance lessons, cultural performances and history lessons.
Friday will be a kids' day, filled with live readings, a magic show and downloadable recipes, games and coloring pages. Saturday's theme is "Let Us Entertain You," with a book discussion, virtual Viking ship tours, and prerecorded and live concerts.
The festivities end Sunday, designated as an "Enjoy Geneva Day." Shops and restaurants are offering specials through the weekend.
The coronavirus has created the "perfect storm" for the local economy, Rush said. Businesses first had to shut down and then operate with limited capacities as they moved through each phase of Gov. J.B. Pritzker's Restore Illinois plan.
The cancellation of tourism-boosting events like Swedish Days also is a contributing factor, city spokesman Kevin Stahr said. Geneva anticipates a "significant" loss of revenue in areas of food, beverage, retail and hotel revenues.
"Of course not having 200,000 (people) come to town will be hard on the businesses, especially after the rough couple of months they have just had," Rush said. "However, our businesses are resourceful and creative, so I hope the virtual (event) helps a bit in making up some revenue."
The virtual festivities stemmed from an idea presented by chamber member Jennifer Kaye, who runs a photography studio, Rush said.
Though not a traditional Swedish Days experience, she said, the concept offers more opportunities for participants to learn about the Swedish culture, as well as the meaning behind the event's name -- a nod to the Swedish immigrants living in Geneva when it began.
"Each thing we thought of with social distancing and safety in mind," she said. "We did not know what phase Geneva would be in, so we erred on the side of conservative when putting it all together."
The chamber is selling T-shirts that read "Swedish Days 2020 ... Nope!" The proceeds will be distributed to the 10 to 15 nonprofits that typically run food booths during the six-day festival, which is, for many, their biggest fundraiser of the year, Rush said.
Boxes of Swedish goodies contributed by local businesses were sold out within three days, she said.
For more information, visit www.genevachamber.com. From: Daily Herald
Oxford Lafayette County Chamber: FORGIVABLE LOANS FOR MISSISSIPPI SMALL BUSINESSES 

The COVID-19 crisis has put millions of small business jobs at risk. The Mississippi 30-Day Fund is here to help.

The economy of Mississippi has been built by our countless small businesses and the innovative, entrepreneurial spirits behind them. Supporting these businesses invigorates the communities in which they are located and further enriches the character of our state.

Yet, in light of the COVID-19 crisis, small businesses face heightened vulnerability due to months of closure and contracted economic activity. By strengthening the fabric of our economy, we can build a richer and more resilient Mississippi.

The non-profit Mississippi 30 Day Fund provides forgivable loans for Mississippi-based small businesses. The forgivable loan is intended to provide immediate financial assistance (within maximum three days) as small business owners reopen and navigate a new social and economic reality. These loans can be critical in preventing the shutdowns of small businesses whose profits have dwindled over the past trying months.

small business owners reopen and navigate a new social and economic reality. These loans can be critical in preventing the shutdowns of small businesses whose profits have dwindled over the past trying months.

The Mississippi 30 Day Fund is designed to be quick, easy, and free of red tape, as small business owners work to keep employees on board and operations running in the near term. All we ask in return: if you can, pay it forward.

Click Here for all the Details


Indiana Chamber webinar: Not If, But When: Anticipating Crises For Your Company

July 14, 2020 @10:00 - 11:00 a.m. (EDT)

Prepare your team for communicating in a crisis

When COVID-19 hit, companies that fared the best already had a plan in place. While it may not be possible to predict every element of a crisis, it's important to be as prepared as possible – including knowing how to communicate critical information in a high-pressure situation.

Deana R. Haworth, APR, chief operating officer of Hirons, has 20 years of strategic communications experience, and is helping organizations across the financial, insurance, non-profit and health care sectors navigate the pandemic. Tune into this webinar as she shares guidelines for anticipating potential crises and best practices for managing crisis communications.

We encourage all communications and marketing professionals, as well as business leaders, to attend!

Tools needed/recommended:
Computer, phone or tablet with an internet connection
Computer audio or phone
Microphone to ask questions (or you can type them)
Headphones to minimize background noise

Presented by: Hirons
Deana Haworth, APR, Chief Operating Officer, Hirons

Price:
$59 for Indiana Chamber members
$79 list price

Register Here


Western Dupage Chamber: Illinois DCEO Business Interruption Grants Available!

Applications Accepted Through 5:00 pm on July 7

The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is launching the first round of Business Interruption Grants (BIG) by providing $60 million to businesses experiencing losses or business interruption as a result of COVID-19 related closures.

The BIG Program is available for up to 3,500 businesses that experienced a limited ability to operate due to COVID-19 related closures. DCEO will begin distributing funds to qualifying businesses in early July. The total program funding will amount to at least $540 million in grants for small businesses, $270 million of which has been set aside for childcare providers and is funded by the CARES Act.

In the first wave of grants, priority will be given to small businesses that have been heavily restricted or completely shut down during the pandemic. Additional priority will be given to businesses located in disproportionately impacted areas (DIAs), or low-income areas that have had high rates of COVID-19 cases.

Bars and restaurants, barbershops and salons, and fitness centers that are not located in DIAs are also eligible. Businesses eligible for the program must have experienced extreme hardship, demonstrated by experiencing eligible costs or losses in excess of the grant amount since March.

Specifically, the program includes support for:

· Businesses located in DIAs Where There Was Recent Property Damage from Civil Unrest

· $20 million for businesses that are located in a subset of DIAs that have recently experienced significant property damage, providing 1,000 grants of $20,000 each

· Bars and Restaurants

· $20 million for bars and restaurants unable to offer outside service, providing 1,000 grants of up to $20,000*

· Barbershops and Salons

· $10 million for barbershops and salons, providing 1,000 grants of $10,000 each*

· Gyms and Fitness Centers

· $10 million for gyms and fitness centers that have lost significant revenue due to COVID-19, providing 500 grants of $20,000 each*

Business Interruption Grant Program



Arlington Chamber: Virginia to Enter Phase Three on Wednesday, July 1

Governor Northam announced that the Commonwealth of Virginia will begin Phase Three of the Forward Virginia reopening plan on Wednesday, July 1. Phase Three further relaxes some of the restrictions currently in force in Phase Two. Many of the numerical caps are removed, but many of the space-based rules remain to promote social distancing.

The Phase Three Guidelines include guidance to all sectors on best practices for physical distancing, enhanced cleaning and disinfection, and enhanced workplace safety. As with the Phase One and Two guidelines, they also include many industry-specific requirements and best practices.

Please consult the full Phase Three Guideline document for all requirements that apply to your sector and to all businesses. Highlights of the changes are in this slide presentation.

The Chamber is here to support our members through the reopening process. Please visit our COVID-19 Resource Center for more reopening resources, and please reach out to us at chamber@arlingtonchamber.org if there is anything we can do to help you

PHASE THREE GUIDELINES


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

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













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.


Tourism looking up in northern and southeastern Wisconsin


Tourism in northern Wisconsin for 2019 was the best year on record, but 2020 is “blowing it out of the water.”


Vilas County saw an uptick in sales tax for March and April, but it was late May when the county fielded more requests for information as people made the trek to St. Germain, according to St. Germain Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Penny Strom in a Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce webinar.


“If you’re going to social distance, this is the best place,” she said (pictured above). “People are looking to get out of the cities, to get out where there are a lot of cases.”


Strom noted Vilas and Oneida counties’ low COVID-19 case counts, at 11 and 17 confirmed cases respectively.


Memorial Day was “extremely busy” for St. Germain. While normally the influx of people is on Friday afternoon of the holiday weekend, Strom said crowds came in as early as Tuesday leaving hotels and lodging without vacancy.


“And they are plum full until the end of August,” she said. “Many of them have said that 2019 was the best year ever on record; 2020 is blowing it out of the water right now.”


Restaurants, retail businesses and the famous St. Germain Flea Market are thriving as well, although not quite the same numbers as previous years.


“We are seeing a huge uptick because you can really social distance up here,” Strom said. “You’re out on your private home or renting a cottage, you’re out on a lake, you can stay six feet, so, people are definitely coming to the Northwoods of Wisconsin.”


Southeastern Wisconsin saw a similar experience over Memorial Day. However, VISIT Lake Geneva President Stephanie Klett compared COVID-19 hitting the region in March to a bomb going off.


“We’ve been hardest hit by COVID right here in Wisconsin in terms of what it’s done to the travel industry,” she said. “For three months in our region, we were probably 90 percent down. Now, we’re making it up.”


She specifically called out losses from cancelled and banned flights into the U.S. for contributing to the hit on Lake Geneva, a destination known for hosting international visitors.


Klett highlighted the importance of Walworth County tourism to the state. In 2019, Walworth County tourism did $785 million in total business sales, employed 7,200 people and ranked number six in the state for tourism. Read more: Wis Business


Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce Statement Regarding City of Lansing’s Chief Strategy Officer

The following can be attributed to Tim Daman, president and chief executive officer, Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce:

While we are disappointed to learn of the resignation of Shelbi Frayer, Chief Strategy Officer with the City of Lansing, we appreciate her dynamic leadership in working closely with Mayor Schor, City Council and the business community in effectively moving the city forward in dealing with its financial challenges.
We were strong advocates for the creation of this position within the city and would encourage the Mayor and City Council to move quickly in filling this critical position to maintain a sense of urgency in addressing the growing unfunded liabilities and other financial challenges.
We believe the city must continue an aggressive strategy in addressing the more  than $700 million in unfunded retiree healthcare and pension liabilities. There have been multiple solutions identified and it is time to begin implementing necessary cost savings measures. Business leaders have growing concerns with the unfunded liabilities, declining tax revenue and an uncertain economic future.
Freeing up dollars within the budget to reinvest in the city’s infrastructure, neighborhoods, and other core services will be important in making Lansing an attractive place to live and do business. Our region’s economic future is closely aligned to the financial strength of the City of Lansing and urban core.



SWCRC: The Story Behind Popular PBS Television Series “Under the Radar Michigan” to Highlight Upcoming Chamber Business Forum

WYANDOTTE, MI – Downriver and Metro Detroit business leaders will discover the story behind the popular PBS television series “Under the Radar Michigan,” and the positive impact the show continues to have on Michigan’s economy at the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber’s (SWCRC) Business Forum luncheon on Monday, July 27 from 11 AM – 1 PM at the outdoor pavilion of Silver Shores Waterfront in Wyandotte. The event is open to the public with safety precautions and guidelines including attendance restrictions in place as set by current State executive orders.

The Forum will feature the show’s host, Tom Daldin and producer, Jim Edelman, who will both share their personal stories of how the series was created to make a positive difference for our state. In their presentation, the pair will address “how two guys who were jacks of all trades ended up with a PBS television show, a shelf full of Emmy’s and the most rewarding career path they ever imagined.” Daldin and Edelman are the co-creators of “Under the Radar Michigan.”

“The Downriver business community is thrilled to once again welcome our friends Tom Daldin and Jim Edelman of “Under the Radar Michigan” to our region,” commented Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber President/CEO Ron Hinrichs. “The show’s impact on our regional economy continues to provide real and lasting value for our community’s workforce, entrepreneurs and job providers. We are looking forward to hearing more about how the business community can be involved in this spectacular series.”

Attendees will have the opportunity to hear what it takes to be an independent producer, how the show’s creators manage a small business that tells the stories about small businesses, and “what life is like after 10 years on the road with your best friend.” A question and answer session will follow the presentation.

“This event will provide the job providers and entrepreneurs of our region, along with the general public a unique opportunity to learn about the impact of one of our State’s most treasured television series,” commented Ronnie Ruelle, Chairperson of the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber Board of Directors. “I am grateful for the opportunity resources like “Under the Radar Michigan” bring to the Downriver community.”

The Forum will take place in partnership with Destination Downriver, a coalition of like-minded organizations and individuals that are pulling together opportunities and resources to market and brand Downriver by telling the world what is special about the region. More information on Destination Downriver can be found at www.DestinationDownriver.com.

As the SWCRC prepares for the event, the organization is working closely with its partners to plan according to the current situation, and will execute the event based on law and guidelines at the time. Currently, the Chamber’s Business and Legislative Forum Series includes precautionary measures to ensure a safe and enjoyable event, including attendance restrictions, the use of appropriate PPE, and social distancing. Measures and event details are subject to change, and are listed at the event webpage, located at www.SWCRC.com.

Basketball Great Dan Issel to Headline July 2 Chamber Rooster Booster

Owensboro, Kentucky – The Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce will virtually host the July Rooster Booster, Sponsored by Kentucky Wesleyan College, this Thursday, July 2 at 7:30 a.m. CST. 
“As we continue to pull together, reopen and move our community forward, it is energizing to be able to come together for this time each month,” said Candance Castlen Brake, Chamber President and CEO. “We look forward to kicking off the holiday weekend with our sponsor Kentucky Wesleyan College, our Members and the community on Thursday.”
Dan Issel, basketball legend and president of the Louisville Basketball Investment and Support Group, also known as NBA2LOU, will be the event’s featured speaker. 
From Batavia, Ill., Dan Issel was the most prolific scorer in the University of Kentucky basketball history under legendary Coach Adolph Rupp from 1966 to 1970. During his three varsity seasons at center, Issel scored 2,138 points, a record that stands today, and was twice named a first team All-American. 
In 1970, Issel was drafted by the NBA’s Detroit Pistons and the ABA’s Kentucky Colonels and signed with the Colonels. He was named the ABA Rookie of the year in 1971. The following season, Issel made the All-ABA First Team and was named MVP of the 1972 ABA All-Star Game. In 1975, Issel’s Colonels won the 1975 ABA championship. He continued to play pro basketball with the NBA Denver Nuggets 1977 through 1985. He played in the NBA All-Star game in 1977 and, in 1985, received the NBA’s J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award for his outstanding service to the community. 
In 1992, Issel returned to the Nuggets as head coach and led them to the playoffs in 1994. That year, the Nuggets pulled off the biggest upset at that time in NBA playoff history, knocking off the Seattle SuperSonics in five games (the first-ever eighth seed to beat a first seed in the first round). He returned in 1998 as president and general manager, naming himself head coach again in December 1999. His tenure ended in December 2001. 
He was part of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 1993. Issel currently is president of the Louisville Basketball Investment and Support Group, also known as NBA2LOU, which was founded in 2016 to pursue an NBA franchise.
There is no cost to attend the remote July 2 Rooster Booster, which will stream through Facebook Live and Zoom.



From the Muskego Chamber: Curbside. Here to Stay?

Small Business Trends reports that new research is finding Americans like social distance services   like curbside pickup. And they want them to continue even after the pandemic is over. Read Article


Western Wisconsin river cities see heavy Minnesota traffic at open bars and restaurants

Dave Jarvis drove around downtown Hudson, Wis. over Memorial Day weekend and noted the number of Minnesota license plates flooding the streets of the Wisconsin river town.

“Minnesota plate, Minnesota plate, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Minnesota, Minnesota,” Jarvis said, reading off the plates he saw while driving down First Street in a video posted to his Facebook page.

Many Wisconsin businesses — including bars and restaurants — have opened in the two-plus weeks since that state’s Supreme Court struck down Gov. Tony Evers’ stay-at-home order May 14. A number of eateries in border towns such as Prescott, River Falls and Hudson are open for dine-in business, providing landing spots just across the St. Croix river for Minnesotans yearning for a drink and/or meal out on the town.

It’s not unusual for Minnesotans to cross the border for dining, especially as the weather improves. Hudson restaurant operator Pete Foster sees a big influx of Minnesotans each summer. But the staff at his local restaurants estimated up to 95 percent of their customers were first-time visitors in the first week of business after reopening.


“I think what we’re seeing is just an increase in those guests coming to us,” Hudson Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau president Mary Claire Olson Potter said, “because of what is happening in Minnesota, as their restrictions aren’t quite as lifted as ours are.” Read More: Twin Cities.com



Parks Chamber: Markus Smith State Farm Purchasing Food Truck meals for Essential Workers



You’re invited to help promote and attend a special event for Essential Workers on Friday, June 12, 2020 from 12:00 PM - 5:30 PM at Markus Smith State Farm Agency Parking Lot, located at 5535 N. 2nd Street in Loves Park, Illinois.

Markus Smith State Farm is purchasing food truck meals for the first 250 Essential Workers who register in advance and bring their badge or wear their uniform to the event. There are many "behind the scene" workers who have worked hard to keep things functioning during the COVID-19 pandemic, and Markus Smith State Farm appreciates all they do for our community.

Please see the Media Advisory attached for more information or contact Markus Smith at markus@markusismyagent.com and Rose Smith at rose.n.smith@charter.net.

TONYA LAMIA
THE PARKS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
815.633.3999



Kankakee County Chamber of Commerce introduces new Executive Director

 The Board of Directors of the Kankakee County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the hiring of Angela Morrey as the Chamber’s next executive director. Ms. Morrey is a Quality Control Specialist for ACE Embroidery & Screen Printing in Bradley. She is a native of Bourbonnais and recently moved back to the area. 
Scott Smith, board chair for the Kankakee County Chamber of Commerce and President of First Trust Bank, pointed to Ms. Morrey’s business experience as he expressed excitement about her hire. “Angela has had a variety of business experiences that make her an excellent fit for this position. She’s had managerial experience from her time managing a hotel and meeting center. She’s had experience as an entrepreneur from when she owned and operated a successful childcare business. She worked with a broad group of people in the journalism industry working for both NBC and WB News. Most recently, she’s worked for a local family business. I fully expect those experiences to help her make instant connections with our members, and I’m confident they are going to love her.”
Some of Angela’s most memorable interviews were with the Green Bay Packers following a game at Lambeau Field and talking with singer Trace Adkins during the Hodag Country Music Festival in Rhinelander, WI. She has also covered investigative stories ranging from an unsolved murder to a major highway extension. 
Angela’s roots dig deep in Bourbonnais. Her first job was delivering newspapers door-to-door, and subsequently, she worked as a proofreader for the Bourbonnais Herald and Country Market. Angela is a graduate of Northern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and a minor in Spanish.
Angela and her three children enjoy spending time outdoors, cooking together and visiting with their extended family who live close by.
“I am really looking forward to serving the businesses and residents of Kankakee County. This is an incredible opportunity to help strengthen our community for future generations. I look forward to collaborating with the executive board and following in the great footsteps of Emily Poff and Barbi Brewer-Watson to carry the Kankakee County Chamber of Commerce to the next level.” 
Current executive director, Emily Poff, is relocating out of state for her husband’s recent career move. “I have truly appreciated the opportunity to lead the Kankakee County Chamber of Commerce. We have experienced growth and the start of exciting new initiatives over this past year. Great things are happening in Kankakee County, and I know the Chamber will be in capable hands with Angela as our leader. This community will continue to hold a special place in my heart.”
Good morning #ChamberWorld! It's going to be a great day! 


Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best Chamber Partner in the USA!


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

or email John Dussman with the subject line: Chamber Assistance Requested. Thank you!

No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.