Monday, November 9, 2020

From the SBA: Very useful IRS Small Business Tax Tips: Arlington Heights Membership Chamber of Commerce 2020-2021 Insider's Guide To A Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories, Maps, Quarterly Magazines and Community Profiles: The best Chamber Partner in the USA!; rlington Heights Guide; Batavia Chamber: Kane County Working to Simplify Grant Applications; Wauconda Area Chamber: FREE STREET SIGNS; Geneva Chamber: Tis the Season to be Jolly! Only 10 spots left for Christmas Walk Weekend Sponsorship Opportunity:); #BestChamber practices: Shawano Chamber: Financial Assistance information on Website; Danville Boyle County Chamber of Commerce Community Map; Midland Business Alliance Feel Good Links; Muncie Delaware County Chamber of Commerce presents awards; Northern Virginia Chamber chair: Adapting to change is a challenge like never before; Owensboro Chamber: Rooster Booster; SBA Mississippi District Office Activity; Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories, Maps, Quarterly Magazines and Community Profiles: The best Chamber Partner in the USA!

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

From the SBA: Very useful IRS Small Business Tax Tips

The Internal Revenue Service posts helpful tax tips weekly to help small business owners understand and meet their tax obligations. Here's a few from recent editions: 





Arlington Heights Membership Chamber of Commerce 2020-2021 Insider's Guide To Arlington Heights Guide 

The Arlington Heights Membership Chamber of Commerce 2020-2021 Insider's Guide To Arlington Heights Guide  is available at the Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce today! Thank you to Jon Ridler, Mindy Philips 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.


Batavia Chamber: Kane County Working to Simplify Grant Applications

Kane County officials have less than 60 days to spend about $8 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds earmarked to help local businesses before the county must return the cash to the U.S. Treasury Department.

And, county officials say they may be willing to ease requirements established to help prevent fraud to get it done.


The county has received $93 million in pandemic funds, but has struggled to get assistance money to local businesses.

While most of that money will be spent on county and municipal responses, it set aside $8 million for small businesses. Businesses were eligible for grants of up to $20,000, depending on how long they'd been operating.

However, the county received only 250 applications and rejected about 50 for not including expenses, such as rent and utilities, that qualified for the federal dollars. There were 94 valid applications with requests totaling $1.5 million. About half the remaining applications are in limbo because they haven't been able to provide 18 months of financial statements to show losses suffered because of pandemic business restrictions and shutdown.

"The reason we set financial criteria in the original process was to avoid fraud," said Kane County Board Member John Hoscheit, who leads the committee overseeing the funds. "If they can't produce a tax return, that's a challenge. If we have recipients that weren't genuine businesses, that puts a challenge on us. If we are providing funds to entities, and we get audited as to whether we used the money appropriately ..."

Hoscheit didn't complete the thought, but the message was clear. If federal money is spent fraudulently under the county's watch, the county and its taxpayers are the ones on the hook.


With that as the backdrop this week, committee members brainstormed a slew of ideas to get the funds out the door faster. Even if every business application it received is approved, the county still has more than $4 million in the business funds to push out, plus another $3.8 million in a contingency fund.

What emerged is a plan to expand the number and kinds of businesses that qualify and strip down anti-fraud paperwork.

Officials are working on a plan that would leave the current business program in place. However, it would make all businesses eligible -- not just those with up to $2.5 million in gross annual profit. It would also require financial statements only from January through September 2020.

A new, second business program would feature grants of up to $25,000. New and previous applicants would be eligible with the same pared-down requirements. That plan targets businesses impacted by the latest pandemic business restrictions, but bars and restaurants would receive priority.

There would be a new pool of $1 million set aside for entertainment venues, such as Paramount and Arcada theaters, and banquet facilities. Those establishments would be eligible for grants of up to $100,000.

A final pool of $250,000 would be available to historical societies and museums. Grants would max out at $10,000.

The full county board must first vote to approve any or all of the plans before they move forward. It meets next Tuesday. Read more: Daily Herald


Wauconda Area Chamber: FREE STREET SIGNS


IF YOU ARE AN AREA BUSINESS THAT HAS A HIGHLY VISIBLE STOREFRONT, HELP YOURSELF TO OUR NEW 24" X 36" OUTDOOR SIGNS. SAVE OUR BUSINESSES! CALL THE OFFICE AT 847-526-5580 AND WE WILL DELIVER to your Wauconda Business! While supplies last.



 Geneva Chamber: Tis the Season to be Jolly! Only 10 spots left for Christmas Walk Weekend Sponsorship Opportunity:)



Good Afternoon! 

I hope you are enjoying these last few days of the gorgeous weather we are having. Last week , I had sent out an email in regards to our Christmas Walk Weekends Sponsorship opportunities! I was overjoyed to see so many people have an interest in sponsoring these events! It truly amazes me how our community has come together during this tough time and gives me confidence we will all get through this together 😉 

Here is a list below of the sponsorships that our left: Please email or call to see what is included in each package. 

Cocoa, Coffee and Caroling Event: 
Tent Sponsor: $1000 
Table Sponsor: $500 
Stage Sponsor: $1000 
Ticket Sponsor: $650 
Tent Advertising Sponsor: $250 
Chestnut Sponsor: $600 

Courthouse Lawn Light Display 

Week 1: $1000 
Week 2: $1000 
Week 3: $1000 
Cocoa Crawl Signage: $500 

Thank you , 

Kelli Rogers, Geneva Chamber of Commerce, Sponsorship Director 

Krogers@genevachamber.com - Cell: 815-351-6838 - Office: 630-232-6060


 #BestChamber practices: Shawano Chamber: Financial Assistance information on Website

The COVID-19 Pandemic Response Nonprofit Grant Program-Deadline Nov. 9

We’re All In Small Business Grants-Round 2 starting Oct. 19, 2020

Rural Business Revival Grant for Minority, Single Mothers

Lost Wages Grant Approved for Wisconsin by FEMA-Sept. 1, 2020

We’re All In Small Business Grant Program-State of Wisconsin

Workshare Program-Financial Assistance for Payroll

Financial Support for Wisconsin Farmers

Guide to PPP Loan Forgiveness

Rental Assistance Program-State of Wisconsin

Ethnic Minority Emergency Small Business Grant

City of Shawano Hope Grant

SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Application–ALL small businesses are encouraged to apply for this which includes a grant portion.
This loan application includes an advance up to $10,000 of economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. This advance does NOT have to be paid back.

SBA Financial Relief Options and Explanations

Payroll Protection Application

Payroll Protection FAQ’s

Payroll Protection Program and Application

Small Business Owners Guide to CARES Act

US Chamber & Inc Magazine Town Hall video answering questions about Payroll Protection and Economic Injury Disaster Loans

Congress has approved $350 billion in emergency loans for small businesses to help them keep workers employed. In fact, if small businesses maintain or later restore their payrolls, they may not have to repay some — or possibly any — of the loan. Here’s a guide and checklist from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to help your small business through the process.

Wis. Governor’s Order prohibiting eviction for residents and small businesses for failure to pay rent or mortgage for 60 days.

SBA Disaster Loan

SBA FAQ’s

WEDC-Small Business Disaster Grants Info

WEDC SB2020 Grant Program


$12 Million distributed through Wisconsin tourism grants


The Wisconsin Department of Tourism distributed nearly 12 million dollars in CARES Act funding through "TRAVEL" Stimulus Grants across the state.

TRAVEL stands for Tourism Relief to Accelerate Vitality and Economic Lift.

Oneida County received a total of $301,599.74. In total, 158 recipients received TRAVEL grant funds totaling nearly $12 million.

The Minocqua Area Chamber of Commerce received $135,798.49, the Oneida County Tourism Council received $24,560, the Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce received $90,781, the Three Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce received $30,160.25 and the Tomahawk Regional Chamber of Commerce received $20,300.

“COVID forced us to cancel or retool so many of our key events,” said Krystal Westfahl, Executive Director of the Let’s Minocqua Visitors Bureau + Chamber of Commerce. “This money is absolutely critical to our organizations as we work to recoup those losses and prepare for a stronger 2021.”

The TRAVEL grant program was designed to help Wisconsin’s tourism promotion and tourism development organizations resume business operations and restore economic activity stemming from the COVID-19 public health emergency. The effort is funded through the state’s discretionary federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act dollars.

“While there is no way for us to replace all that was lost, these grants are not only an acknowledgement of just how important tourism is to our state’s economy, but also a critical first step in a long journey that we will take together to rebuild,” said Secretary-designee, Sara Meaney. “I am grateful to Governor Evers for his commitment to Wisconsin’s tourism economy.”

Statewide, the funds will provide relief from the impacts of COVID-19 and support marketing to promote a safe and healthy experience for travelers and resident consumers amid the COVID-19 public health emergency. Read more: WAOW.com 


Tourism groups in Walworth County share $500,000 in state aid



The Geneva Lake West Chamber of Commerce has received a $14,000 grant from the Wisconsin Department of Tourism to support local tourism promotions.


The stimulus grant was funded through the Tourism Relief to Accelerate Vitality and Economic Lift (TRAVEL) program, which in turn was funded by federal coronavirus relief aid.


Officials at Geneva Lake West Chamber of Commerce could not be reached for details of how the money would be spent.


The VISIT Lake Geneva tourism group based in Lake Geneva also received $300,000 through the program.



The state was allotted $12 million and awarded varying grant amounts to 158 recipients throughout the state based on committee evaluations.



Qualified recipients were scored by an evaluation committee based on a group’s financial need, the level of financial impact it suffered because of the coronavirus, and the impact the virus had on local tourism.



Grant amounts could not exceed $500,000 or 25 percent of an applicant’s average tourism promotion budget, whichever was less. Read more: Lake Geneva News


Danville Boyle County Chamber of Commerce  Community Map

The Danville Boyle County Chamber of Commerce Community Map is available at the Chamber today! Thanks to Jeff Jewel, Treina Miller and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!

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

Danville Boyle County Chamber Community Map


Leadership Portage County Celebrates New Graduates; 24 area professionals honored at drive-thru graduation 

Additional photos: https://portagecountybiz-my.sharepoint.com/:f:/p/talent/Eg3O7l2sfuZPvte-vuNKhDkByimAfhJqwXoVV4WBoGTH9A?e=iwEma0 


A line of vehicles could be seen entering the Portage County Business Council parking lot. Noisemakers and party hats were donned by those in the line while supporters cheered with handmade signs from the sides of the parking lot. 

This drive-thru graduation for Leadership Portage County participants put finality on what has been an interesting year. Participants began the program in August 2019, meeting monthly until March 2020. The group’s last session together was Thursday, March 12, just a few days before Governor Evers’ first Executive Covid-19 Order the following Monday. Participants met virtually in April and May, and should have celebrated with a graduation program the last week of that month. 

These graduates join the ranks of nearly 500 program alumni county-wide. Leadership Portage County (LPC) has been in existence since 1994. LPC is a 10-month intensive leadership development program designed to give all leaders the skills, knowledge, and on-going support they need to succeed. Participants in LPC grow professionally and personally from the variety of leadership, team-building, communication and self-awareness exercises that are part of the curriculum. 


The Class of 2020 participants and businesses they represented at time of application are below: 


· Kathy Brandl, Loan Operations Manager at Simplicity Credit Union 

· Paul Cibaric, Social Studies Teacher at Stevens Point Area Public Schools - SPASH 

· Jennifer Dombrowski, Personal Banker at Investors Community Bank 

· Barb Evans, Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) Manager at Aging and Disability Resource Center of Portage County 

· Marla Habeck, Quality Assurance Team Manager at Skyward, Inc 

· Angela Hintz, Teacher and Instructional Leader at Stevens Point Area Public Schools - McDill Elementary 

· Jessica Isherwood, Operations Officer at The Pineries Bank 

· Sharon Johnson, CEO at Stevens Point Area YMCA 

· Sarah Kaetterhenry, Realtor at KPR Brokers 

· Christie Keen, Senior Mortgage Officer at Simplicity Credit Union 

· Mikayla Kleifgen, Director of Events & Marketing at Boys & Girls Club of Portage County 

· Madeline Konopacki, Relationship Banker at Paper City Savings 

· Tonya Kowalski, Director of Business Engagement at Portage County Business Council 

· Michelle Larson, Executive Assistant at Community First Bank 

· Nathan Lucht, Owner at Spotless Co. 

· Caitlin Lutz, AVP, Loan Servicing Supervisor II at Associated Bank 

· Julie Nielsen, Consulting & Support Team Manager at Skyward, Inc 

· Larry Oathout, Director at Portage County Public Library 

· Mitchell Pierce, Borrower Services Supervisor II at Great Lakes Educational Loan Services 

· Kevin Schleicher, Sales Account Specialist at RPE (Wysocki Family of Companies) 

· Mary St. John, Supervision, Account Management at Delta Dental of WI 

· Terrie Tauferner, Director, Financial Accounting at Delta Dental of WI 

· Steven Thompson, Associate Attorney at Andersen O'Brien Law Firm 

· Casey Thompson, Digital Media Team Manager at Skyward, Inc 

Portage County Business Council staff are in the planning stages for 2021 programming, which was delayed due to Covid-19. For more information about Leadership Portage County please visit, www.portagecountybiz.com/lpc or contact Kayla Rombalski, Director of Talent Development, 
at talent@portagecountybiz.com or 715-344-1940.


Kay Smith Resigns As Algoma Chamber Director


It is with sadness that we announce the resignation of Kay Smith, Executive Director of the Algoma Area Chamber of Commerce.  Kay has served as the director of the Algoma Area Chamber since October of 2019.  Monday, October 19, 2020 was her last day.

Kay has accepted a new position elsewhere and we wish her well in her new endeavor. We would like to thank Kay for all of her hard work during what has been a very difficult year.

With that, the Algoma Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors will be looking to fill the director position in the near future. A separate announcement will be made when recruitment for the position is open.




Midland Business Alliance Feel Good Links  


Take a Deep Breath: Feel Good Links


Although we are experiencing trying and uncertain times, there is still a lot of good happening in our community and around the country. Here are some links for some uplifting stories and tips for dealing with stressful situations.

 

Seeing the Good

·     Staying Close to Home: Shopping Local Impacts Your Local Community in Positive Ways

·     Michigan Teacher Highlighted for Excellence in Great Lakes Literacy and Learning

·     Eat Great Digital Series - Midland Brewing Company

·     Holiday Curbside Events with Senior Services

·     Where Do We Go from Here? Summit Focuses on Sustainable Business Practices

·     LPGA, Dow Play Key Roles in Michigan Flood Relief Efforts

·     Local Kids Raise Thousands of Dollars for Flood Relief in Midland Area

·     Eat Great Heated Igloos Pop Up in Downtown Midland and Bay City

 

Diversity & Inclusion

·     The Most Diverse and Inclusive Companies in the World

·     Is Cognitive Diversity On Your Diversity And Inclusion Agenda?

·     How Fortune is Holding Top Companies Accountable to their Promises on Diversity and Inclusion

·     Why Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives Need Financial Wellness

·     All the History Making Moments for Diversity and Representation in the 2020 Election

·     Starbucks VP Gives Advice on Diversity Hiring

 

Staying Healthy & Happy

·     How to Worry More Mindfully

·     Three Ways Organizations Can Support Employees' Mental Health During The Pandemic

·     Anxious about the Election? Here’s What Mental-Health Professionals are Doing to Calm their Own Stress

·     How to Talk About Your Mental Health at Work When Everything is Stressing You Out

·     Why Leaders Don’t Prioritize Their Own Mental Wellbeing

·     How You Use Social Media Affects Your Sense of Happiness

·     Talking About Mental Health with Your Employees — Without Overstepping


Muncie Delaware County Chamber of Commerce presents awards


The Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce presented four awards to outstanding organizations and individuals during its annual dinner on Oct. 15, according to a release.

The chamber presented The Spirit of Small Business award to Hillcroft Services, which has served the community and offered support to individuals with disabilities for more than 65 years.

The Outstanding Contributions to Education Award was presented to the partnership of Muncie Community Schools and Ball State University for their collaborative accomplishments in transforming Muncie’s largest K-12 public school district. MCS Board President Jim Williams, and Ball State’s Teachers College Dean Anand Marri accepted the award on behalf of the two organizations.

The Excellence in Public Service award was presented to Jim Williams,\ for his leadership as Muncie School Board president in creating "a thriving, financially solvent school system with a vision and great potential for growth and success," the release stated.

The Community Impact award was presented to IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital and Physicians for their tireless efforts to serve the Muncie-Delaware County community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Jeff Bird and several frontline physicians were in attendance to accept the award.

Outgoing Chamber Chairman Jeff Parsons thanked the board for their support and work during his term as chairman. The incoming chairman, Terry Pence (IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital) presented Parsons with a plaque commemorating his outstanding service. Pence’s term as chairman runs Oct. 1, 2020 through Sept. 30, 2021.

Board members whose terms on the board had expired were recognized, among them Judy Benken with Normandy Flower Shop, Tom Miller with STAR Bank, Maureen McCarthy with Ball State University and Marcy Minton with the Community Foundation of Muncie amd Delaware County.

During the dinner at the at the Horizon Convention Center, attended by about 200 people, the room was strategically set to allow for proper social distancing and to limit large groups from congregating. All attendees and staff were required to wear masks during the entirety of the event, according to the release.

• Also during the Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce dinner, this year’s Fisher Governance Award, annually presented by Ball Brothers Foundation, was awarded to Ron Fauquher, chair of the Innovation Connector Board of Directors.

The John W. and Janice B. Fisher Governance Award annually honors a nonprofit board member in Delaware County for exemplary leadership, integrity, responsibility and accountability.

Fauquher has served on the Innovation Connector Board of Directors for 17 years, during which he has guided the organization in strategically pursuing opportunities in alignment with the its vision. such as leading the Innovation Connector in becoming an Indiana Certified Technology Park in 2004, According to his nomination, Fauquher prepared the Innovation Connector to navigate the pandemic. Read more: Star Press


From Inside NOVA

Northern Virginia Chamber chair: Adapting to change is a challenge like never before


There’s only one constant in life and that is change.

Never in our history have these words been more true for us as business people, family members, and citizens. 

Facing numerous crises simultaneously — a pandemic, social justice, and more — is challenging us like never before, but also offering us opportunities to grow and adapt. To change. 

Our workplace has changed, but we can work together to adapt and operate safely. We must operate in different ways with precautions and a renewed focus on taking care of our employees so they can take care of our customers and our businesses. This is why I am proud of the work the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce has done in partnership with the Northern Virginia Economic Development Alliance in securing Go Virginia funding to build a “one-stop” website and information hub for businesses in the region.

I encourage you to visit novabacktowork.com where you will find information on business continuity, recovery, and workforce training. 

It also demonstrates we are stronger together when we work together. And we are doing just that in partnering with Northern Virginia Community College; George Mason University; the Arlington/Alexandria and Fairfax/Loudoun/Prince William workforce boards; the Fairfax, Alexandria, Arlington, Loudoun and Prince William economic development authorities; and the Alexandria, Arlington, Loudoun, Prince William, Dulles Regional and Reston chambers of commerce.

As we approach the season of giving, it's more important than ever to also focus on helping those in our communities most deeply affected by this crisis. Groups like the Community Foundation of Northern Virginia, Northern Virginia Family Services, Food For Others and many more are doing vital work to support our community. Please take time to help them. Thanks also to Cox Communications during this crisis for supporting our community with donations of 105,000 masks to Inova, large grants to food banks and to the Foundation for Fairfax County Public Schools Access Fund. Additionally, through Connect2Compete, Cox is offering low-cost Internet service to families in need with no deposits and no installation fees. The company is providing two months of free service, wifi modems, and is waiving late fees. Because we know that an Internet connection is needed for every family now more than ever.

In terms of social justice, we also must change. Northern Virginia’s enormous diversity is a tremendous strength and a proven magnet for the best companies and best workers. But we must continue to broaden opportunities for all, and so I am pleased to announce that our Executive Committee has approved a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion strategic plan. It will include opportunities for us to all work together to strengthen our region. It will also make it clear that systemic racism has no home in Northern Virginia. I am proud of the work my company, Cox Communications, is doing in this area. We've established a $1 million fund to help organizations that support social justice and civil and human rights, conducted town halls and forums in every department and at every level, and recently our CEO, Alex Taylor, led a conversation with The Daily Show’s Trevor Noah at an all-employee meeting. We are focused on empowering our employees and our communities to bring about positive change. 

In Northern Virginia, let’s commit to taking this opportunity of unprecedented change to move our region forward and come out stronger. Northern Virginia is #BetterTogether.

Sincerely,

Kathryn Falk

2020-2021 Chair, Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors

Vice President Northern Virginia, Cox Communications


Owensboro Chamber: Rooster Booster 

Make plans to join us for the remote event, sponsored by Specialty Foods Group, LLC, makers of Kentucky Legend! The morning's featured speaker will be Andrew Davis, author of Town Inc. There is no cost to attend Thursday's Remote Rooster Booster. 

Join us via Facebook Live or Zoom

Andrew Davis is a bestselling author and internationally acclaimed keynote speaker. Before building and selling a thriving digital marketing agency, Andrew produced for NBC’s Today Show, worked for The Muppets in New York, and wrote for Charles Kuralt. He's appeared in the New York Times, Forbes, the Wall Street Journal, and on NBC and the BBC. Davis has crafted documentary films and award-winning content for tiny start-ups and Fortune 500 brands. 

Recognized as one of the industry's "Jaw-Dropping Marketing Speakers," Andrew is a mainstay on global marketing influencer lists. Wherever he goes, Andrew Davis puts his infectious enthusiasm and magnetic speaking style to good use teaching business leaders how to grow their businesses, transform their cities, and leave their legacy. 


SBA Mississippi District Office Activity

In the SBA Mississippi District Office serving all 82 counties in the state, SBA approved 294 loans for $159.1 million through its 7(a) and 504 programs creating and retaining 3,317 jobs. Even during this challenging and unprecedented year, lending through SBA’s flagship 7(a) guaranty loan program was within similar range in terms of the total number of loans as was done in the prior year, and FY 2020 exceeded the prior year by an impressive 15.5% increase in terms of the total dollar volume. There was also an increase in loan approvals under the 504 fixed asset financing program. “Capital continues to be a critical link that small businesses and entrepreneurs must continue to gain access to,” says Janita R. Stewart, SBA Mississippi District Director. “The more than $28 billion SBA approved on a national basis including the $159.1 million for our Mississippi firms served to enable our small businesses and entrepreneurs to develop and expand.”

Here are the FY 2020 specific outcomes for SBA Mississippi:

Stewart says, “we want to shine the spotlight on our TOP 7(a) LENDERS for their support of the Mississippi small business community during FY 2020 through SBA lending programs. Without their participation, SBA would not have been able to provide the financial backing these businesses needed. Much gratitude goes to the SBA district staff for all of the hard work done during the unusual year of FY20.” Here they are:

Top Ten Dollar Lenders

Lender 

Lender State

Approval Count 

Approval Amount

Peoples Bank

MS

56

$33,808,000

Community Bank of Mississippi  

MS

44

$12,389,900

BankPlus

MS

16

$11,848,500

Byline Bank

IL

2

$9,700,000

Live Oak Banking Company

NC

6

$9,040,000

Regions Bank

AL

7

$8,000,900

First Commercial Bank

MS

3

$6,619,100

First Financial Bank

AR

9

$5,944,300

Stone Bank

AR

2

$5,580,000

BankFirst Financial Services

MS

25

$5,412,000


Job Openings in #ChamberWorld Wisconsin

Executive Director- Viroqua Chamber Main Street - Viroqua, WI 


Salary
$20 - $26 an hour
Job Type
Full-time
Qualifications
    • High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Full Job Description

Executive Director Job Description

Job Summary:

The Executive Director is responsible for the development, conduct, execution and documentation of the Viroqua Chamber Main Street Program, as determined by the Board of Directors. The Executive Director is the principal on-site staff person responsible for coordinating all project activities locally as well as representing the community regionally and nationally as appropriate. He/she oversees daily operations, providing the hands-on involvement critical to a successful program. In addition, the Executive Director should help the organization grow.

Business Management Duties

Operations, Volunteers, Staffing and Personnel

The Executive Director will be responsible for the functional structure and efficient operation of the Viroqua Chamber Main Street.

  • Work with the President and the Board of Directors to implement and direct the programs of the Organization
  • Make recommendations and assist in the hiring of additional staff - as needed - in coordination with the Board of Directors
  • Train, coach and supervise staff/volunteers
  • Schedule volunteers/staff to maintain coverage of phones and programs/events during hours of operation
  • Adhere to all federal, state and local employment laws
  • Develop the highest professionalism in volunteers/staff through policies, training and continuing education

Budgeting & Financial Recordkeeping

The Executive Director will manage the finances.

  • Develop an annual budget, with the board treasurer, to be presented to the board of directors for approval during the fourth quarter of each year for the upcoming year
  • Forecast long range needs
  • Approve all payments and expenditures within the approved annual budget or with the Board's approval on expenses exceeding budget
  • Maintain membership records including dues, invoicing and membership trends
  • Manage the Viroqua Chamber Main Street's grants and sponsorships annually
  • Manage all state and federal tax payments and filings

Membership Development

New Member Recruitment and Expansion

The Executive Director will lead the membership efforts of the Viroqua Chamber Main Street to develop programs and events to attract new members.

  • Establish a personal rapport with potential members through regular contact with various businesses representing a number of key industry sectors
  • Conduct or oversee a needs assessment of non-members and recommend solutions within the scope of the Viroqua Chamber Main Street
  • Set goals for acquiring new members and retaining existing members with the Membership Coordinator
  • Conduct new member orientation programs
  • Meet and establish rapport with primary funders to explain the Viroqua Chamber Main Street's direction, priorities, programs and support sponsorship growth

Current Member Retention

  • Develop programs to educate and acclimate new and existing members
  • Create and implement a program of regular, monthly contacts with existing and new members of Viroqua Chamber Main Street to foster support and participation
  • Identify areas of interest, concern or needs within the membership community and recommend possible solutions or resolutions

Community Development/Economic Development

  • Work with developers and building owners to enhance the quality of retail and commercial space.
  • Work in a cooperative and professional manner with the state and local economic development agencies to encourage new commerce and growth for Viroqua
  • Actively recruit and develop relationships with prospective businesses
  • Work with the community on local business expansion whenever such opportunities arise
  • Conduct all economic development activities using discretion regarding confidential or proprietary information

Governmental Affairs

  • Act as an advocate for the business community that may require an official position statement from the Viroqua Chamber Main Street
  • Keep informed of projects and legislation that might impact the business community and report to the Board of Directors those issues that may have short or long term implications
  • Meet and establish rapport with elected officials at the local, regional, state and federal level and take the lead in the Viroqua Chamber Main Streets government affairs outreach efforts

Marketing

  • Produce press releases and maintain good relationships with the various media in Viroqua and the surrounding areas
  • Write, edit, and publish informational brochures, information packets, and flyers
  • Produce and edit the newsletter and write a weekly newspaper column
  • Ensure that all outgoing materials adhere to the standards of Viroqua Chamber Main Street
  • Prepare necessary reports, summaries, and research projects

Committees and Events

  • Be knowledgeable about the four-point Main Street approach to economic revitalization
  • Attend Board of Directors, committee, sub-committee, and task group meetings as necessary or as indicated by the President and/or the Board of Directors
  • Provide assistance and management, as an ex-officio member, of all Main Street committees
  • Work with the Board of Directors and various committees to develop and implement an annual work plan upon which the program will operate
  • Provide leadership assistance in the coordination of committees and/or events
  • Coordinate committees and/or programs to serve member needs as they arise
  • Recruit, motivate and provide recognition for volunteer leaders to serve on Viroqua Chamber Main Street committees and Board of Directors
  • Foster an environment that encourages involvement by all members

Perform other duties as assigned by the Board of Directors and/or the President

Experience, Education, Skills and Abilities

The following qualifications are guidelines . Other combinations of education and experience could provide the necessary knowledge , skills and abilities to perform this job.

  • Bachelor Degree in business, management, economics, political science, communications, public administration, or other related field with an advanced degree preferred
  • Successful Chamber management experience or similar position of management in membership, non-profit, business or government operations is desirable
  • Experience bringing groups and individuals together around complex issues and finding and implementing solutions
  • Solid financial acumen, with experience in developing and managing budgets
  • Proven ability to attract, retain , and develop excellent staff while allowing individuals to express their creative talents as Chamber professionals
  • Understanding of government affairs, economic development, convention and visitors industry, and community improvement
  • Experience with public relations, media relations, and public speaking
  • Capable of looking at the "big picture," absorbing information quickly, thinking broadly, analyzing thoroughly, and acting decisively
  • Superior communication and presentation skills
  • Proven ability for setting goals and objectives, planning and tracking multiple projects, interpreting data, and holding people accountable for results
  • Willing to play a highly visible role. The ideal candidate must participate broadly across the leadership structure of the community and the region
  • Leadership skills sufficient to gain the trust and confidence of the Viroqua community
  • A motivator who creates a sense of mission and service, who values initiative and innovation, and who fosters effective communication and collaboration among people at all levels
  • Ability to be a self-starter and create own motivation
  • A proficient knowledge of computer office technology, including working familiarity with database software , social media, website management, and Quickbooks
  • Possess professional presence and strong interpersonal skills


Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories, Maps, Quarterly Magazines 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 Publication Proposal Requested. Thank you!

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