Good morning #ChamberWorld! It's going to be a great day!
Clayton County Chamber Selects Valencia Williams as President and CEO
Williamson currently serves as Executive Vice President of the Area Development Partnership in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. The partnership is a regional chamber of commerce and economic development organization serving three counties and a diverse population of 150,000 residents in South Mississippi. She has been with the organization since 2010.
“Valencia has proven herself in the chamber profession,” says Ben Casey, 2020 Chair of the Clayton Chamber and President and CEO of LTI, Inc. in Jonesboro. “Her knowledge of how to work on teams with business, community and government leaders to improve the economic vitality has shined through in her current position. The search committee was focused on finding the right trailblazer to move our business organization to a new level of service to our members and the community as a whole. Valencia is the perfect professional to serve in this role.”
Prior to her position in Hattiesburg, Williamson served in various roles with the Walton Area Chamber in Santa Rose Beach, Florida and spent 2002 – 2004 working in the Atlanta region for The Kroger Company.
Williamson earned an MBA from The University of Southern Mississippi; an Economic Development Certificate from The University of Southern Mississippi; and a BS in Agricultural Business from Florida A&M University. She is a graduate of the US Chamber of Commerce Institute for Organization Management (IOM) which is recognized as a significant designation in the chamber world.
“The opportunity to lead a chamber in a metro region is very exciting to me,” according to Williamson. “I am grateful to the Board of Directors for allowing me to share my experiences and skills as we all work to rebuild the economy throughout the country. I look forward to strategically structuring the chamber in a way that is sustainable and viable for every business in Clayton County.”
The search committee was led by Charles Reed, Jr., 2019 Chair of the chamber and legal counsel for the Clayton County Board of Commissioners. Others serving on the committee included Charisse Braxton, Kaiser Permanente; David Crow, Heritage Bank; Jack Hancock, Freeman Mathis & Gary, LLP; Dr. Tim Hynes, Clayton State University; Audrey King, Georgia Power Company; and Mark Wilson, Chime Solutions.
Page Estes, IOM, has served as Interim President and CEO for the chamber over the past five months. She is working with Williamson on a transition plan. Read more: Metro Atlanta CEO
#BestChamber practices: Michigan West Coast Chamber meetings: Virtual Meetings and Recorded Webinars library
Check out the entire chamber library here: MWC Chamber Library
Hartford Chamber: From the Desk of the Director, Scott M. Henke: Goodbye Chamber
Only a short 1,872 days ago I wrote an article for the Chamber newsletter titled "Hello Hartford." In the newsletter, I talked about some of my goals and ambitions for the Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce. Over these past five years we have accomplished many of those goals and a few others.
One of the goals was to enhance the image of the Chamber. Together we accomplished this by moving the Chamber from a social group to a leading business organization.
Increasing the visibility of the Chamber in our community was another goal. The Chamber changed its logo, added a unified brand for all Chamber activities, and helped lead the unified revitalization of downtown. I personally helped visibility by sporting my orange and black plaid sport coat. (Or maybe hurt your vision!)
Being the trusted source for information is one of the outcomes that makes me the proudest. This was really highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Over a four week period the Chamber sent out over 250 different emails containing everything from important documents and links to provide financial relief to standards on how to wash you hands.
My personal goal was to improve the networking possibilities for each member who was open to receiving guidance or asked for help. I am also very proud of the strides we have taken in tourism. I feel most of the upper Midwest knows that "It’s Happening Here in Hartford!" Because like our slogan says, "We are a vibrant city masquerading as a small town."
Until our paths cross again,
Scott
One of the goals was to enhance the image of the Chamber. Together we accomplished this by moving the Chamber from a social group to a leading business organization.
Increasing the visibility of the Chamber in our community was another goal. The Chamber changed its logo, added a unified brand for all Chamber activities, and helped lead the unified revitalization of downtown. I personally helped visibility by sporting my orange and black plaid sport coat. (Or maybe hurt your vision!)
Being the trusted source for information is one of the outcomes that makes me the proudest. This was really highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Over a four week period the Chamber sent out over 250 different emails containing everything from important documents and links to provide financial relief to standards on how to wash you hands.
My personal goal was to improve the networking possibilities for each member who was open to receiving guidance or asked for help. I am also very proud of the strides we have taken in tourism. I feel most of the upper Midwest knows that "It’s Happening Here in Hartford!" Because like our slogan says, "We are a vibrant city masquerading as a small town."
Until our paths cross again,
Scott
Batavia Reconnected Presents Grant Checks to Select Batavia Small Businesses
Representatives of Batavia Reconnected disbursed grant checks to eleven Batavia businesses last week. These grants, for up to $1,500, cover additional expenses incurred to operate following safety guidelines mandated during the COVID-19 pandemic. The expenses could include sanitizer, touchless door handles and foot handles, COVID sneeze screens, personal protective equipment (PPE), table and chair purchases or rentals, and/or COVID-specific signage.
“The grant was created to keep residents informed and increase public confidence that Batavia businesses are taking measures to keep their facilities safe,” explained Margaret Perreault, president and CEO of the Batavia Chamber of Commerce. “The grant was a great success providing funds to more than 25 businesses. We are thrilled to support our small businesses in this way.”
The first-round recipients are Bernie's Bully Dogs, Hearth & Hammer General, B. Stylish Nail Spa, Bocaditos Cafe, Limestone Coffee & Tea, Wilson Street Tavern, Oak + Swine, Red Hive Market, Black Cactus Print House, Rivers Edge Bar and Grill, and Full Moon Bar & Grill.
A second round of funding closed July first. Those confirmed to receive funds during the second round include Apple Villa, A Step Above Dance Academy, Bar Evolution, Daddio’s Diner, Enticing Cuisine, Foltos Tonsorial Parlor, Healing Arts Metaphysical Center, Pal Joey’s Restaurant & Bar, Prairie Gymnastics Club, PraxisFit, Six + Cypress, Soma Studios, Swordfish, and Ziggy’s Nail Spa.
The City of Batavia, the Batavia Chamber of Commerce, and Batavia MainStreet combined forces to create the initiative Batavia Reconnected. For more information about Batavia Reconnected and/or the grants, contact one of these organizations:
Batavia Chamber of Commerce, Margaret Perreault, president and CEO: (630) 879-7134
Batavia MainStreet, Sherri Wilcox Dauskurdus, executive director: (630) 761-3528
City of Batavia, Laura Newman, city administrator: (630) 454-2000
“We are pleased to have assisted Batavia businesses hard hit by the pandemic closures with this program,” summed Ms. Perreault. “We encourage everyone to support all of our community’s businesses by shopping local.”
Photo taken on Thursday, July 2. Pictured, left to right are:
Anthony Isom Jr., assistant to the administer, City of Batavia; Batavia Mayor Jeffery Schielke; Sherri Wilcox Dauskurdus, executive director of Batavia MainStreet; Joy Mason and Leah Leman, owners of Limestone Coffee & Tea; Margaret Perreault, president & CEO of Batavia Chamber of Commerce; and David Mensch, owner of Full Moon Bar & Grill.
Here are some good recovery resources from SCORE.
https://www.dsmpartnership.com/covid-19/dsm-forward
https://www.score.org/small-business-resilience-training-industry-resources
Kosciusko Chamber: Governor Holcomb
Announces $30 Million In Federal Funding For Small Businesses
Gov. Holcomb approved $30 million in
federal funding made available through the CARES Act to small business restart
grants, helping accelerate the speed of economic recovery activity by providing
working capital to cover certain expenses related to the global pandemic.
Eligible Indiana small businesses can seek reimbursement for up to 80% of
qualified expenses, such as rent/mortgage payments, utilities, lease payments
for real or personal property, and safety investments, such as personal
protective equipment (PPE) and infrastructure improvements.
GRANT DETAILS
Eligibility requirements:
· Business must be registered to
operate in Indiana
· Business must have had less than
50 employees at of 12/31/2019
· Business must have had less than
$5 million in revenue in 2019
· Business must have been profitable
in 2019
· Businesses must demonstrate a
monthly revenue loss of at least 40% compared to pre-COVID-19 revenues
· Business must not have used
funding from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), Economic Injury Disaster
Loan (EIDL), or Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
#FamousChamber of Commerce Quotation via Michael Caruso: Be Happy!
"If everyone is thinking alike, then someone isn’t thinking." –General George Patton
GLI-Backed USMCA Trade Deal Goes Into Effect July 1
The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA, goes into effect today. This major international trade deal has been a top priority for GLI because of the importance of trade to Greater Louisville’s regional economy. As a manufacturing and logistics hub, access to international markets and certainty for businesses when it comes to material sourcing and global sales and distribution are vital to economic growth and businesses in our region.
USMCA received final passage by Congress and President Trump’s signature earlier this year. Throughout 2019, GLI aggressively advocated for passage of USMCA through letters, direct meetings with lawmakers, and making it a key focal points of GLI’s 2019 D.C. Fly In. Read the stories below for a quick recap.
- Approve USMCA and restore certainty to international trade
- What you missed at GLI’s 2019 D.C. Fly In
GLI continues to advocate for policies that promote open, free, and fair trade with other countries and opposes the imposition of tariffs or any approach to international trade that could bring harm to Greater Louisville businesses, or limit access to global markets and disrupt supply chains. Read more about GLI’s approach to international trade policy in the 2020-2021 Federal Agenda.
Job Opening in #ChamberWorld - Manager, Workforce & Industry Programs - Greater Louisville Inc., Louisville, KY
Job Opening in #ChamberWorld - Manager, Workforce & Industry Programs - Greater Louisville Inc., Louisville, KY
Greater Louisville Inc. - the Metro Chamber of Commerce is focused on growing the regional economy. As the region's largest convener of business leadership, GLI leads economic and global outreach strategies focused on business attraction; nurtures the entrepreneurial eco-system; and champions the development of the community's talent base. As the voice of Greater Louisville's business community, GLI advocates for a pro business environment and facilitates businesses engagement on issues that impact regional competitiveness. For more information, visit www.greaterlouisville.com.
Under general supervision, manages workforce programs focused on private sector engagement and investment in local talent attraction, development, retention. This position will also provide leadership support to GLI's industry networks including, the Advanced Manufacturing & Logistics Network (AML) and the technology network, TechFirst (T1).
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND TASKS:
- Provide industry network support including relationship management, membership recruitment and retention, and internal/external collaborations
- Manage industry network communications, events, and meetings
- Build regional expertise in key industry sectors and workforce strategies
- Develop and maintain relationships with workforce organizations and stakeholders to ensure coordinated approaches in employer outreach and initiatives
- Research national best practices, innovations, and funding opportunities in workforce development topics such as internships, equity and inclusion, and barriers to work solutions
- Support creation of workforce development and industry growth tools and resources
- Engage in outreach to educate employers on best practices and connect companies to talent providers/pipelines including educational institutions, career centers, non-profits, etc.
- Execute strategies for deepening corporate engagement across workforce pipeline development initiatives with key stakeholders
- Recruit companies to participate in appropriate talent strategies (ie. Talent Pipeline Management, Academies of Louisville, Career Acceleration Network, etc.)
- Expand efforts to promote equitable diversification of talent pools
- Intentionally and regularly convene industry leaders for insights related to talent attraction, retention and development including partnerships with industry networks
- Plan and manage workforce and talent related events
- Perform other duties as assigned
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree plus three (3) years of experience in business environment. A combination of education and experience may be substituted when proficiency is demonstrated.
The incumbent must be able to pass any required drug test. The incumbent must be able to maintain the confidentiality of any information s/he encounters.
Must maintain a valid driver's license.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to those who are able to perform the essential duties of the job.
SPECIALIZED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:
The incumbent must have computer skills. Experience within the fields of economic development, marketing, workforce development and/or education strongly preferred.
GLI is an Equal Opportunity Employer
More information: GLI - Greater Louisville Inc.
Vacation planning – you know it’s time -
Many of us are working from home. Travel plans have been cancelled. That doesn’t mean you don’t need time off. This weekend, look at your calendar and schedule some time off for no reason at all. You know I’m talking to you. The year is half over, for Pete’s sake…..
You don’t want to give up any time at the end of the year but the real reason to get moving (or relaxing) is that we all need to get away from our work. It will make us better when we return.
Don’t believe me? Read this:
#BestChamber practices: (Via the Orion Area Chamber): For Your Chamber Golf Outing: What we are doing to keep you safe
- · Staggered tee times for each foursome
- · Individual cart for each golfer available
- · Limited number of golfers on the course (XX maximum)
- · Boxed lunches
- Hand Sanitizer
It is a nine-month program where a variety of topics will be discussed in seven one-day monthly sessions, concluding with a one-day retreat. The one-day sessions include Military, Government, Human Needs & Health Services, Economic Structure of the Coast, Culture & Heritage, Education and Quality of Life.
One of the most important goals of Leadership Gulf Coast is creating a continuing flow of strong, community-committed alumni.
Here are the reflections of the graduates:
Roy Anderson, IV, AnderCorp
Leadership Gulf Coast has opened my eyes to the Mississippi Gulf Coast. I was born & raised in Gulfport, MS, and have never fully been exposed to what drives our local community until participating in this program. I have learned there are several volunteer programs that directly involve you in community efforts that I was unaware of prior to joining the leadership program. My wife was so inspired by the information I learned during my CASA visit that she immediately signed up to be a CASA volunteer. The newfound knowledge you will learn about the MS Gulf Coast and the relationships you develop with your classmates are extremely awarding.
Michael Ashworth, Chemours
As a recent transplant to the Mississippi Gulf Coast it was obvious that it was a place full of local charm. I can remember my first drive along Highway 90 and how beautiful the beach was not to mention how gorgeous the homes were. Of course, that was just the beginning. As I settled into my role at Chemours and started to interact with the 500 plus employees at the site, I realized there was a lot more to life on the Gulf Coast. It did not take long to realize that our employees were committed to the long-term success of the community. As I started thinking on ways to improve our relationship, I found that most of my ideas had already been executed and were in place. Some of my coworkers suggested Leadership Gulf Coast as a way to get me engaged and off to a quick start in connecting with the Gulf Coast. It really was an eye-opening experience at our opening retreat. I got a chance to participate firsthand with community leaders on how we could tackle some of the problems that every community faces. Read more: Sun Herald
A New Arrival: Boyle County Chamber of Commerce 2020 Community Map
The Boyle County 2020 Community Map just arrived at the Danville-Boyle County Chamber today! Thanks to Jeff Jewel, Treina Miller and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together.
Town Square Publications can help you accomplish your chamber's gloss map or publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633.
LCSD approves $7.2 million construction bid for career tech center
The Lee County School District Board of Trustees unanimously approved a $7.2 million construction bid by Century Construction on Monday evening to build the district’s new career and technical education center.
A total of eight bids were submitted to the PryorMorrow architecture firm for the project, with Tupelo-based Century Construction placing the winning $7,288,200 bid, which includes a $168,200 additive alternate industrial kitchen for the culinary arts program.
LCSD Superintendent Coke Magee said he’s excited to work with a local company on the project.
“We already have an internship program we developed with (Century Construction) a couple years ago that gives our students an opportunity to participate in job training and they came and did some work with our kids on resumes, so we have a great working relationship already established with them,” Magee said.
The construction project was made possible by a $15 million bond issue approved by a 91% majority of Lee County voters on Jan. 14, 2020. In addition to covering career technical center construction costs, the bond issue will also pay for district-wide security upgrades and infrastructure improvements.
The 33,000 square foot facility will accommodate 140 to 180 students at a time. It will include five classrooms and four shop areas with classrooms, along with restrooms, a conference room and two collaboration spaces for events like job fairs and mock interviews.
It will be built at the Hive, the Community Development Foundation’s new industrial park, where Lee County Schools owns 20.62 acres of land. The career technical center will be a near-equal distance from each of LCSD’s three high schools: 16 miles from Saltillo High School, 19 miles from Mooreville and 12 miles from Shannon. Travel times from each school to the center will be between 16 and 21 minutes. Read more: Daily Journal
Seasoned Albany Georgia Developer Selected as Jackson Redevelopment Authority Leader
Latoya Cutts, the former downtown manager and head of development for Albany, Georgia, has been named as the new executive director for the Jackson Redevelopment Authority (JRA).
Cutts selection comes following a national search which included interview participation by members of the community and City of Jackson officials, said JRA Vice Chairman Alex Lawson, Jr., who led the process.
“We were very pleased with the caliber of candidates who were interested in coming to Jackson,” said Lawson. “However, Latoya Cutts quickly rose to the top because of her prior experience and the results she achieved in her career. We’re excited about the future with her leading the organization.”
Cutts has more than a decade of executive management and progressive leadership experience. She has worked extensively in municipal government as the City of Albany’s Downtown Manager/Executive Director and as the City of Albany’s director for the Department of Community and Economic Development. Cutts also has significant experience in leading public-private development projects for downtown revitalization, organizational development, community development in target urban redevelopment areas, and years of experience as an independent business development consultant.
Under her leadership, in dual roles as the City of Albany’s Downtown Manager and Executive Director for the two redevelopment authorities (ADICA & DDA), in less than 24 months Cutts successfully led efforts for major catalyst development projects - totaling more than $20 million in projected new downtown investment. These catalyst projects spurred significant interest and created new opportunities for continued redevelopment and growth. Cutts’ portfolio of public-private projects includes, but is not limited to, a Microbrewery, the adaptive reuse of a hotel to 64 loft apartments, downtown front street commercial development with new restaurants and retail, the Downtown Albany Museum of Art, and a three-phase affordable housing development.
Cutts is a 2019 graduate from the Georgia Institute of Technology with a Master of Real Estate Development. Her educational accomplishments also include a Bachelor of Business Administration from Georgia Southwestern State University and a Master of Science in Management from Troy State University.
“We are so excited to welcome Mrs. Cutts on board. She has extensive experience as a leader in city government, leading federally funded programs, working with development authorities on public-private development programs/projects, and leading strategic planning and organizational development initiatives,” said JRA Board Chairman John Dinkins. “These skills are going to be invaluable to the JRA and our efforts to fulfill the mission of making a positive impact in urban renewal in the City of Jackson”.
JRA was established in 1968 as a quasi-official redevelopment agency and parking authority for the City of Jackson. JRA is responsible for the resurgence and revitalization of residential, business and investment growth in the city. It is governed by seven commissioners appointed by the Mayor of Jackson to represent their respective wards.
Cutts is slated to begin her tenure with JRA on July 20.
Birmingham Bloomfield 2019-2020 Membership Directory and Community Resource Guide
ADP Chairman Hoppy Cole elected vice chair of Mississippi Bankers Association
Ocean Springs Chamber Campaign reminds residents to ‘Mask Up’
A total of eight bids were submitted to the PryorMorrow architecture firm for the project, with Tupelo-based Century Construction placing the winning $7,288,200 bid, which includes a $168,200 additive alternate industrial kitchen for the culinary arts program.
LCSD Superintendent Coke Magee said he’s excited to work with a local company on the project.
“We already have an internship program we developed with (Century Construction) a couple years ago that gives our students an opportunity to participate in job training and they came and did some work with our kids on resumes, so we have a great working relationship already established with them,” Magee said.
The construction project was made possible by a $15 million bond issue approved by a 91% majority of Lee County voters on Jan. 14, 2020. In addition to covering career technical center construction costs, the bond issue will also pay for district-wide security upgrades and infrastructure improvements.
The 33,000 square foot facility will accommodate 140 to 180 students at a time. It will include five classrooms and four shop areas with classrooms, along with restrooms, a conference room and two collaboration spaces for events like job fairs and mock interviews.
It will be built at the Hive, the Community Development Foundation’s new industrial park, where Lee County Schools owns 20.62 acres of land. The career technical center will be a near-equal distance from each of LCSD’s three high schools: 16 miles from Saltillo High School, 19 miles from Mooreville and 12 miles from Shannon. Travel times from each school to the center will be between 16 and 21 minutes. Read more: Daily Journal
Seasoned Albany Georgia Developer Selected as Jackson Redevelopment Authority Leader
Latoya Cutts, the former downtown manager and head of development for Albany, Georgia, has been named as the new executive director for the Jackson Redevelopment Authority (JRA).
Cutts selection comes following a national search which included interview participation by members of the community and City of Jackson officials, said JRA Vice Chairman Alex Lawson, Jr., who led the process.
“We were very pleased with the caliber of candidates who were interested in coming to Jackson,” said Lawson. “However, Latoya Cutts quickly rose to the top because of her prior experience and the results she achieved in her career. We’re excited about the future with her leading the organization.”
Cutts has more than a decade of executive management and progressive leadership experience. She has worked extensively in municipal government as the City of Albany’s Downtown Manager/Executive Director and as the City of Albany’s director for the Department of Community and Economic Development. Cutts also has significant experience in leading public-private development projects for downtown revitalization, organizational development, community development in target urban redevelopment areas, and years of experience as an independent business development consultant.
Under her leadership, in dual roles as the City of Albany’s Downtown Manager and Executive Director for the two redevelopment authorities (ADICA & DDA), in less than 24 months Cutts successfully led efforts for major catalyst development projects - totaling more than $20 million in projected new downtown investment. These catalyst projects spurred significant interest and created new opportunities for continued redevelopment and growth. Cutts’ portfolio of public-private projects includes, but is not limited to, a Microbrewery, the adaptive reuse of a hotel to 64 loft apartments, downtown front street commercial development with new restaurants and retail, the Downtown Albany Museum of Art, and a three-phase affordable housing development.
Cutts is a 2019 graduate from the Georgia Institute of Technology with a Master of Real Estate Development. Her educational accomplishments also include a Bachelor of Business Administration from Georgia Southwestern State University and a Master of Science in Management from Troy State University.
“We are so excited to welcome Mrs. Cutts on board. She has extensive experience as a leader in city government, leading federally funded programs, working with development authorities on public-private development programs/projects, and leading strategic planning and organizational development initiatives,” said JRA Board Chairman John Dinkins. “These skills are going to be invaluable to the JRA and our efforts to fulfill the mission of making a positive impact in urban renewal in the City of Jackson”.
JRA was established in 1968 as a quasi-official redevelopment agency and parking authority for the City of Jackson. JRA is responsible for the resurgence and revitalization of residential, business and investment growth in the city. It is governed by seven commissioners appointed by the Mayor of Jackson to represent their respective wards.
Cutts is slated to begin her tenure with JRA on July 20.
Birmingham Bloomfield 2019-2020 Membership Directory and Community Resource Guide
The Birmingham-Bloomfield 2019-2020 Membership Directory and Community Resource Guide is available at the Birmingham-Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce today! Thank you to Joe Bauman and the Chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!
Birmingham-Bloomfield 2019-2020 Membership Directory
Town Square Publications (www.townsquarepublications.com) can help you accomplish your chamber's gloss map, directory, community profile or publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633.
Birmingham-Bloomfield 2019-2020 Membership Directory
Town Square Publications (www.townsquarepublications.com) can help you accomplish your chamber's gloss map, directory, community profile or publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633.
ADP Chairman Hoppy Cole elected vice chair of Mississippi Bankers Association
M. Ray (Hoppy) Cole, Jr., Chief Executive Officer and President of The First, A National Banking Association, headquartered in Hattiesburg, has been elected Vice Chairman of the Mississippi Bankers Association (MBA) for 2020-2021.
As MBA Vice Chairman, Cole will serve on the MBA Board of Directors and Executive Committee, and he also will serve as president of the MBA Education Foundation. The MBA is a statewide trade association whose membership includes commercial banks and savings institutions operating in Mississippi. MBA members hold more than 95 percent of the bank deposits in the state.
Cole began his banking career in 1985 as a corporate banking officer at FNBC in New Orleans. In 1989, he joined Sunburst Bank Laurel as Market President. Cole then moved to The First, N.A., in 2003 as Branch Manager in Picayune, then Gulf Coast Regional Manager, and he assumed the role of CEO and President in 2009. He is a graduate of the University of Mississippi and holds a Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree in Business Administration.
Cole has previously served on the MBA Board of Directors from 2014-2017 and was Chairman of the association’s Dues Study Committee in 2015. He has also served on the MBA Legislative Committee. He is actively involved in his community through Venture Church and the Rotary Club. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board of the Area Development Partnership, and he serves on the boards of the Mississippi Aquarium and University of Southern Mississippi Athletic Foundation. Mr. Cole also serves on the Ole Miss Banking & Finance Advisory Board. Read more: Mississippi Business Journal
Galloway joins Stone County Economic Development Partnership Chamber Division
Stone County Economic Development Partnership (SCEDP) – Chamber Division, a leader in supporting and developing local businesses, headquartered in Wiggins, recently announced the addition of Shyra Galloway as Chamber Division Administrator. Galloway will be responsible for coordinating and executing small business programs, projects and serve as Chair of the Stone County Chamber Task Force. Galloway will also take lead in managing all SCEDP social media platforms.
A native of Wiggins with a B.A. in Education from The University of Mississippi and both a Master of Education and Specialist in Higher Education Administration from William Carey University, Galloway joins the SCEDP- Chamber Division with over 12 years of professional experience including over three years of consulting experience in the fields of education, marketing, and events operations. Read more: MS Business
Gulf Coast residents are encouraged to ‘Mask Up’ as the number of cases of the novel coronavirus continues to rise.
Below is a news release issued by the Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce-Main Street-Tourism Bureau on a campaign with Singing River Health System to remind residents not to let their guards down when it comes to slowing the spread of COVID-19. Read news release here: WKRG
Long and David Rumbarger, president and CEO of the Community Development Foundation, advised that the process should take about two hours and is on a first-come, first-served basis; reservations are not required. The service is free. The hours Tuesday are 9 a.m.-7 p.m. and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday at the BancorpSouth Arena. Long said there will be an orientation in a holding area, where attendees will be given jump drives (thumb/flash drives); small groups will be led into the Arena to meet with counselors at workstations. Afterward, applicants will be able to download, print and scan their qualifying documents into computers at a central station.
Press conference speakers Monday stressed that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines for social distancing during the COVID-19 crisis will be observed. Dr. Marcus Louis Britton, vice-chairman of the Tupelo Economic Recovery Task Force, said he will be present to ensure those guidelines are followed. The minimum grant will be $1,500 while the maximum is $25,000. Any funds received from other programs such as the Small Business Administration’s Payroll Protection Program and possibly some others will offset the amount of Back to Business grants. “I’m very excited about this,” said Tommie Lee Ivy, president of the Lee County Board of Supervisors. “This is a great example of our city and county working together to improve business,” Tupelo Mayor Jason Shelton said. Although the Help Center’s focus will be business owners in Tupelo and Lee County, Shelton said none “will be turned away.” More information and printable applications may be found at: www.tupelotogether.com Read more: Lee County Courier
Grants to be offered to help businesses get back on their feet
Small businesses could be eligible for monies under the Back to Business grant program set up by the Mississippi Development Authority’s Back to Business Help and Resource Center. A press conference held Monday at the BancorpSouth Arena outlined next week’s undertaking and featured comments by some local officials involved in the process. “The opportunity for a grant will help many businesses get back on their feet,” said Brandi Long, chairman of the Tupelo Economic Recovery Task Force, a citizens’ group charged with leading the city’s recovery from the economic downturn precipitated by a months-long shutdown of many businesses. The task force numbers about three dozen members drawn from all walks of life. On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, June 23-25, business owners of companies with 50 or fewer employees will be able to meet with grant representatives to receive advice and help with filling out the lengthy application (20 pages).
Long and David Rumbarger, president and CEO of the Community Development Foundation, advised that the process should take about two hours and is on a first-come, first-served basis; reservations are not required. The service is free. The hours Tuesday are 9 a.m.-7 p.m. and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday at the BancorpSouth Arena. Long said there will be an orientation in a holding area, where attendees will be given jump drives (thumb/flash drives); small groups will be led into the Arena to meet with counselors at workstations. Afterward, applicants will be able to download, print and scan their qualifying documents into computers at a central station.
Press conference speakers Monday stressed that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines for social distancing during the COVID-19 crisis will be observed. Dr. Marcus Louis Britton, vice-chairman of the Tupelo Economic Recovery Task Force, said he will be present to ensure those guidelines are followed. The minimum grant will be $1,500 while the maximum is $25,000. Any funds received from other programs such as the Small Business Administration’s Payroll Protection Program and possibly some others will offset the amount of Back to Business grants. “I’m very excited about this,” said Tommie Lee Ivy, president of the Lee County Board of Supervisors. “This is a great example of our city and county working together to improve business,” Tupelo Mayor Jason Shelton said. Although the Help Center’s focus will be business owners in Tupelo and Lee County, Shelton said none “will be turned away.” More information and printable applications may be found at: www.tupelotogether.com Read more: Lee County Courier
MGC Chamber briefing: NCBC, KAFB commanders give update to base reopenings, COVID-19 response
The commanders of the Naval Construction Battalion Center and Keesler Air Force Base sat down to give an update regarding military operations on the Gulf Coast during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce hosted a commanders’ updated with Capt. Bill Whitmire from NCBC and Col. Heather Blackwell from KAFB on Wednesday as to how their respective bases were looking ahead to reopenings during COVID-19. Read more: WLOX
Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best Chamber Partner in the USA!
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!
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