Good morning #ChamberWorld! It's going to be a great day!
Naperville Area Chamber Of Commerce & Downtown Naperville Alliance Re-Launch Naperville Helps! Campaign
Together, the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Naperville Alliance are re-opening the Naperville Helps! Campaign. This GoFundMe Campaign, when previously active March-May, raised more than $80,000 and helped more than 30 local restaurants serve more than 6,000 meals to local first responders.
Starting Monday,
November 2, the campaign will again be live, as our
area restaurants need us again more than ever.
All profits will go towards the purchase of meals from local restaurants
which will then be delivered to those working in our community, starting with workers at Edward
Hospital in Naperville.
“The
generosity of this community continues to amaze me,” said Kaylin Risvold,
President and CEO of the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce. “Our area
restaurants are hurting. We are working to help give our restaurants cash and
give warm meals to those helping keep us safe and healthy. This is a
win-win-win.”
“This is
Naperville at its very best ... when there’s a need, the community spirit comes
forth to deliver,” said Katie Wood, Executive Director of
the Downtown Naperville Alliance. “Naperville
Helps! is the conduit to serve frontline workers, while assisting our
restaurants during these difficult times. During this time of thankfulness, we
thank you for your contributions”.
When Naperville Helps!, we can get through anything together. Thank you
for your
continued support. Donations are live now, and meal drop-offs will
begin as soon as funds are received.
Donate here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/naperville-helps
Restaurants interested
in participating can contact chamber@naperville.net to sign-up.
Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce: Utility Assistance for Iowa Small Business & NonProfits
Governor Reynolds has allocated federal CARES Act funds to assist small businesses and nonprofits economically impacted by COVID-19. The Iowa Economic Development Authority’s Small Business Utility Disruption Prevention Program will provide short-term relief to eligible small businesses and nonprofits that face significant hardship in the payment of utility bills for service provided during the months of disruption to their business.
AVAILABLE UTILITY BILL ASSISTANCE
Electric and natural gas utility bill assistance for four months of electric or natural gas service provided between March 17, 2020 and October 15, 2020. Request for assistance must be for a minimum of $400 for natural gas and electric service charges combined, but may not exceed $7,500.
Financial assistance can only be applied to an applicant’s utility bills. The applicant’s utility service provider will receive a payment from IEDA, which will be credited to the applicant’s utility account.
Applicants can only apply once prior to August 21st, and once after August 21st, but the total request for both applications may not exceed four months of utility charges, or $7,500, whichever is less.
Who Qualifies?
Iowa-based for profit and nonprofit businesses with 50 or fewer employees
Must have a physical location (non-residential) in Iowa
Must be registered with the Iowa Secretary of State to do business in the State of Iowa (or with the County Recorder for sole proprietors)
Must not be an ineligible business type:
Adult Entertainment; Construction, Internet Sales, without corresponding storefront; Medical, with the exception of dentists, chiropractors, physical therapists and mental health providers; Private Clubs, Professional Services; Professional Sports; Religious Institutions, with the exception of those offering social services including daycare, food bank, preschool, shelter, etc.; Trades
Have not received funds provided by the State of Iowa's Small Business Relief Grant (SBRG) funding
Have not received any funds provided by the State of Iowa's Nonprofit Recovery Fund
Must have experienced a COVID-19 loss of income on or after March 17, 2020 that resulted in hardships paying bills received for electric or natural gas utility service provided between March 17, 2020 and October 15, 2020
Applicants' average monthly electric usage must not exceed 25,000 kWh for electricity or 2,500 therms for natural gas (review with your utility bill and/or contact your utility provider to confirm)
Businesses must be open
Town Square Publications (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.
Rochester Regional Chamber: Watch the Sunrise Pinnacle Awards all day!
We are proud to play the 2020 Sunrise Pinnacle Awards all day for you to share with your family and friends. Be sure to use Google Chrome, FireFox or Safari to open the link: https://148southstreetstudio.com/live-stream-channel
This week, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce announced the launch of its comprehensive new Save Small Business resource center—including federal, state, and local financial assistance programs, emergency financial relief resources, grant programs and more—to help provide the assistance and guidance small businesses need right now amid Congressional inaction to provide additional, much-needed financial relief to Main Street. Click here to view the new Save Small Business resource center.
We encourage you to continue urging your networks to support local small businesses by sharing the Save Small Business resource center on social media, websites, and other channels using the hashtag #ShopSmallEveryday.
Click Here for More Resources
La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce Announces New Chief Executive Officer
Most recently, Zygarlicke served as Property Executive and Audit Manager for First Supply, LLC, located in La Crosse, Wisconsin. In this role, he led the internal audit department overseeing audits for 47 facilities across the Midwest and implemented an innovative culture audit, positively shifting company behaviors. Zygarlicke holds his Master of Business Administration with an emphasis on servant leadership from Viterbo University, and is active in the community, serving on the Board of Directors for the Viterbo Alumni Association and Habitat for Humanity La Crosse Area.
“I am excited and honored to have been selected to lead the La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce,” Neal said. “I look forward to working with fantastic teammates that have worked hard to drive a prosperous local economy and ensure the La Crosse area is a great place to work, live, and play.”
Chris Butler, current chair of the La Crosse Area Chamber’s Board of Directors, stated “On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce, I want to share our excitement for Neal to join the team. Neal’s energy and enthusiasm will bring new perspectives, fresh ideas, and innovative approaches to our Chamber.”
Zygarlicke will begin the new role on Monday, November 2, 2020.
On Friday, October 30, the Mayfield/Graves County Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony to officially welcome Studio 143 to the Chamber. “We are very excited to welcome Studio 143 to our membership,” said Denise Thompson, Chamber President/CEO. “Visiting the salon, we immediately noticed how Neely Haley, Studio 143 Owner, had utilized several Chamber member businesses to make her salon look great, from King’s Publishing doing the signage to treats from Cafe’ Au Latte – we were happy to seeing a new Chamber member using many local businesses, and we welcome Studio 143 to our Chamber family.”
Studio 143 is located at 219 Backusburg Road in Mayfield, KY. They offer a variety of services – hair, skin care, nails, spray tans, and more. Their goal is to make your experience the best it can be. Studio 143 also offers a broad selection of professional products – it is definitely more than just hair.
For more information, call Studio 143 at 270.970.4357 or visit their Facebook page for regular specials.
Contact: Allison Sloan, Chamber Relations Coordinator
270.247.6101 info@mayfieldgraveschamber.com
www.mayfieldgraveschamber.com
Presenter – Michelle Mason, Vice President of Mechanics Bank. 
Michelle will share her wisdom from 30 years in the industry.
Key Takeaways:
· Find out what most mortgage lenders won’t tell you
· Rates, payments and fees; And how they affect each other
· Why a mortgage strategy is more important than a mortgage rate
· When to know whether or not you should refinance
· How to increase your net worth and create more wealth with real estate
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Attendees will be able to hear from and ask questions of industry experts to help their business continue to grow and thrive. From HR and payroll to learning how to offer e-gift cards, these topics will prepare you to have a success Small Business Saturday and holiday season to come.
Register for each training by clicking on the headline.
View all virtual trainings at elevaterapidcity.com.
Today!
Resources For Your Small Business
Learn about the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and how they can help your business. During this discussion we will chat about funding options and how to create a succession plan. Presenters: Matt Stone, Business Consultant and Belinda Engelhart, Regional Director
Thursday!
Improving Manufacturers Productivity with MTS
In this training, you will learn about South Dakota Manufacturing & Technology Solutions, services they offer, and how their team is dedicated to helping manufacturers increase productivity by implementing Lean and other continuous improvement practices. We examine your organization through a different lens to help you identify problems and implement solutions. Presenter: Brad Fischer, Business Advisor
11.9
Offering Gift Cards Via Your Website
There are multiple ways for local businesses to offer gift cards via their websites. During this training, Dr. Max Marc, will describe some of the popular ones in use, their pros, and cons (including some accounting implications) and take the attendee step-by-step through the proces
11.16
Payroll and HR for Small Business
When hiring staff for the first time, especially as a small business owner, there are a lot of things to consider and requirements to follow. One of the first things you’ll need to do is make sure you can pay them. During this presentation Sarah and Amanda from Ketel Thorstenson, LLP will cover the following:
· How to pick the right payroll software for you.
· What documents do you need to have staff complete.
· Is the person you just hired an employee or an independent contractor?
· What part of the payroll process can I outsource?
· How do I handle employee situations without an HR department?
They will also spend some time talking about the best ways to handle employee situations when you don’t have human resources and provide you with some tips and resources.
11.19
Creating a Culture of Success and Solutions
Learn how to transform your organization into a culture of success. Join us for this webinar to lay the foundation of
a better organization in the future. You will:
· Learn best practices for developing a culture of success
· Gain a better understanding of all cultures
· Create an inclusive environment that promotes hard work, dedication, and teamwork
· Gain tools to bring in new employees that will grow with your organization
Presenter: Whitney Rencountre II, Chairman of the South Dakota Humanities Council
11.23
A Remarkable Customer Experience Doesn't Happen by Accident
The intersection of your employee and your customer, it’s the spark of magic... or disaster. It’s a brief shining moment in which a customer decides about your business based on that interaction. If that employee is disengaged, if they don’t seem to care, then your chances of customer success are left to... well... luck. Too many businesses are content to accept whatever comes. They haven’t put in the time and the attention to details required to design a remarkable customer experience. Yet, that’s what consumers want. It’s what they are yearning for and will reward with their loyalty and their money. It’s not simple, but it’s attainable. And the rewards are amazing.
In this training you will learn:
· What does the customer of today want?
· How do I handle service recovery?
· How do I train my employees to engage with my customers?
Presenter: Nathan Schock, COO and President of FiveFour
The Jasper Chamber of Commerce works with businesses, merchants, and industry to advance the civic, economic, industrial, professional and cultural life in the City of Jasper, Indiana.
Chambers of Commerce have contributed to the economic life of Indiana for more than a century – and the Jasper Chamber of Commerce and its 400 members (representing nearly 12,000 employees) provide citizens with a strong business environment that increases employment, the retail trade and commerce, and industrial growth in order to make Jasper, Indiana a great place to live and to operate a business.
This year marks the 66th anniversary of the Jasper Chamber of Commerce. Incorporated in 1954, the Jasper Chamber encourages the growth of existing industries, services and commercial businesses and encourages new firms and individuals to locate in our city.
As many companies continue to struggle through some difficult times, owners and employees are asking themselves how they can help their business. Joining the Jasper Chamber of Commerce could be the answer they are looking for.
By joining the Jasper Chamber, you make connections to possible clients, new business relationships and help to create a strong local economy. If a member makes a request of the Jasper Chamber, there are outlets and resources to connect them with to find an answer. That is the one great benefit of having a local chamber of commerce. The Jasper Chamber is local and knows the businesses and the community.
The Jasper Chamber not only connects businesses to other businesses, the Chamber builds dynamic business relationship with its members, adds linkages to valuable community resources and information that is essential to maintaining a business. It’s a one-stop shop for business success and prosperity. If you utilize the Chamber’s assets: the chamber, the business and the community all succeed. You can be part of this very active Chamber of Commerce – always in tune with its members and always seeking ways to promote community and to improve the business climate of this area.
When you are seeking business advice, ways to connect with others, affiliation with an organization that is trusted and respected in the community –
The Jasper Chamber of Commerce is the place to go. The Chamber has ties to the Small Business Development Center, Indiana WorkOne, the Better Business Bureau, Indiana Main Street, Radius Indiana, Dubois Strong, Vincennes University-Jasper, Memorial Hospital, Jasper Jaycees, Rotary Club
and many other agencies throughout Dubois County and Indiana.
The Jasper Chamber partners with other organizations to provide programs and projects on a variety of topics. The goal of these programs is to update members on “hot topics” and give those members an opportunity to meet one another. Networking is key to communicating and the chamber encourages members to host and attend a Time Out From Business (after-hours networking event) and to become a Chamber Ambassador.
The Jasper Chamber is the first place many people come when they arrive in Jasper and Dubois County. Some of the services provided are:
information, directions, maps, relocation packets, workshops, business planning, tourist information, census and other statistical data, apartment and rental information, brochures, weekly newsletter, connections with local, state and federal lawmakers, Welcome to Jasper Directories and maps, and various lists and information.
The Chamber website is a great resource for those moving here, those living here and those doing business here.
Each member has a separate “page” of their own on this website.
Visit this site at www.jasperin.org. Be sure to like us on Facebook @ Jasper Chamber.
This year – on National Chamber of Commerce Day - - we released a fantastic video. Rather than holding an Annual Meeting, a video was produced as an excellent representation of the business community and the Jasper Chamber of Commerce.
YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/ZYtfo61lkac It is well worth your time to sit back and watch. It is about 28 minutes in length.
Being a member of the Jasper Chamber of Commerce - it’s just the right thing to do!
NANCY ECKERLE
2020 Board President
Jasper Chamber of Commerce
On October 28, Governor Northam announced that the Rebuild VA Grant Fund program would be expanding eligibility criteria and grant money amount to assist small businesses and nonprofits in navigating the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rebuild VA launched in August with $70 million from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. An additional $30 million is being directed to support the expansion of the program. Businesses with less than $10 million in gross revenue or fewer than 250 employees will be eligible under the new criteria, and the maximum grant award will increase from $10,000 to $100,000.
LEARN MORE
Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce Community Map
The Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce Community Map is available at the Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber today! Thanks to Bob O'Callaghan and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!
Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber 2017 Community Map
Town Square Publications (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.
Just as the majority of 2020 has looked different, so will celebrating a staple event during the Christmas season. The Monroe County Chamber of Commerce announced an alternative approach to this year’s Christmas parades in Aberdeen and Amory, which encourages families and individuals to be festive.
After talking to officials in both towns, it was agreed the Christmas through Monroe format would be better than traditional parades. People are encouraged to decorate their vehicles, dress in Christmas costumes and drive around in designated loops in Aberdeen and Amory.
“Both mayors wanted to go that route, just because we don’t know what COVID will look like in December. This way, people can stay in their vehicles but if they do get out, they can still social distance,” said Kim Schafer, resource with the chamber of commerce. “With surrounding cities canceling parades altogether, we’re hoping we can draw in more people from surrounding areas to enjoy our Main Streets.”
Vehicles must be street legal to participate.
“People need to realize with high traffic, the pace will be slower than normal so people need to be able to take their time and enjoy it,” Schafer said.
Aberdeen’s event will be held Dec. 10, and Amory’s will be Dec. 12. Both events are planned from 6 until 8 p.m. More details will follow closer to time about designated loops in each city.
Additionally, there will be opportunities to shop local.
“We are partnering with the cities’ Main Streets and the Aberdeen Visitors Bureau. We are still going to have prizes so instead of judging floats this year, we’re insisting on people shopping local,” Schafer said. Read more: Daily Journal
Mississippi Drive-Thru Job Fair in Pearl announced
The Mississippi Department of Employment Security, on behalf of the Pearl Chamber of Commerce, announced that the Mississippi Drive-Thru Job Fair in Pearl is set for 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 10.
The event will be in the parking lot of Trustmark Park in Pearl. The job fair will be open to the public without charge and provide participants the opportunity to meet with employers and discuss potential job opportunities.
“This is a great chance to provide support for Mississippians who want to work during these difficult times. Opportunity is out there, and we want to unlock it for the people of this great state,” said Governor Tate Reeves.
“Events like the Mississippi Drive-thru Job Fair – Pearl, which connect Mississippi’s talented workers with employers looking to hire, are a critical part of our efforts to strengthen our innovation in today’s economy.” said, Adam Todd, Director of the Governor’s Job Fair Network.
Important information about the job fair:
Dress for success
Be prepared for on-site interviews
Bring plenty of resumes (Copiers/scanners will NOT be available at the Job Fair)
Review the list of participating employers and have a game plan
Please bring your own Masks. They will be required while interacting with businesses or event staff
Attendees will NOT be allowed to leave their vehicles
Pre-registration is highly encouraged. To pre-register for the event, visit jobfairs.ms.gov. Please print your registration confirmation and provide this at the check-in station on the day of the job fair.
“On-the-spot hires occur frequently at our job fairs, so please be patient with us during this event. We will get you through as quickly and efficiently as possible,” said Todd. “We’re excited to host this unique job fair as it allows us to keep everyone safe and meet new candidates who are looking for meaningful employment.”
For a list of registered employers, visit https://www.jobfairs.ms.gov.
Chamber helping hand: South Mississippi is back open for business
It’s hard to believe, but Christmas is just a little more than two months away and you know what leads up to that: the season for shopping!
South Mississippi retailers want to make sure everyone knows their shelves are stocked and they are open for business.
Local businesses are also getting a helping hand, thanks to the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce.
The chamber has been giving signs out to local stores and restaurants to help get the word out that South Mississippi businesses are open and welcoming shoppers. MS Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce CEO Adele Lyons said, “Most of our Chamber members have gotten those. If you’re a Chamber member and you haven’t, please give us a ring. If you’re another business in the community that hasn’t yet taken advantage of becoming a Chamber member, give us a ring and we’ll try to accommodate you as well.”
If you’d like more information or would like to join the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce just head over to their website at mscoastchamber.com.
Virtual expo guides students toward manufacturing careers
Students taking part in the Imagine the Possibilities Career Expo virtual experience have access to a wealth of information on 18 pathways; one of the most relevant pathways for Northeast Mississippi students is manufacturing.
Tuesday morning, Shannon High School career coach Dee Coleman talked with students about the interactive career expo, which is sponsored by the Toyota Wellspring Education Fund and the CREATE Foundation and is designed to allow eighth through 12th grade students to learn about potential career pathways. It launched on Oct. 6 and will continue online through March 2021.
Coleman, who worked as a business recruiter before being hired by the Toyota Wellspring Education Fund three years ago to coach Shannon students, was well suited for the role of guiding students as they apply for college and jobs.
When helping students decide on a career path, he asks them, “Is it something that you could do every day for free?” He believes young people should understand the importance of considering not just the amount of money a career will earn, but if they’ll be happy doing it.
At the same time, he encourages them to be realistic about their attributes, strengths and weaknesses.
“You may want to be a doctor, but if you’re not good at math and sciences, what else in the health care field would suit your attributes and your skill level?” Coleman said.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, there won’t be any in-person career fairs, visits to ICC’s Belden campus and local businesses or class meetings with industry leaders this year. But information about career paths is available to students online through the ITP Career Expo website and the ITP Career Expo app.
Coleman said any student can have the skill set to pursue a career in manufacturing, they just have to work.
“We’re trying to get that negative stereotype of factories out of the kids’ heads,” Coleman said. “If they’re exposed to that, then it will open up their minds.”
And they’re exposed to the possibility of a manufacturing career through the online YouScience skills assessment, talking with local companies and internships.
Even during the pandemic, Coleman said, Shannon will continue to connect students with local companies that reach out to him.
Greg Giachelli, Vice President of Existing Industry for the Community Development Foundation, is another lead pathfinder for the manufacturing pathway. He’s served in various roles with CDF for more than 40 years, but has worked in the economic development field for the last three decades. His primary job is to ensure existing industry in the region continues to prosper and grow.
Giachelli has been a lead pathfinder since the career expo began in 2015. CDF was instrumental in helping to give kids a glimpse of what industries are active in the area, including Cooper Tire, MTD Products, Caterpillar and local furniture manufacturers.
“There’s a lot of companies out here that make a lot of different products that the kids don’t see or hear about,” Giachelli said.
He said that while students should be mindful of the benefits of a four-year degree, they should also know that a two-year technical degree can help them develop skills in areas like welding, electrical, etc. to earn a good living.
Giachelli said he’s run into lots of students and parents who aren’t aware of all of the local manufacturing jobs available.
“Once they find out the magnitude of the industry base we have here, the good jobs that are there, they’re kind of dumbfounded to know that all of that is available,” Giachelli said.
He believes the addition of the Lee County Career and Technical Center, which broke ground in July and is set to be completed in August 2021, will greatly benefit Lee County students and businesses by teaching high school students job skills and serving as a direct pathway to industrial jobs. Read more: Daily Journal
Madison Chicken Salad Chick opening Oct. 20
Chicken Salad Chick, a fast-casual restaurant concept, will open its doors here next Tuesday with a grand opening celebration where the first 100 guests will receive free chicken salad for a year. Other giveaways are scheduled for the rest of the week to celebrate the launch.
The Madison location is the second in the metro-area for the franchise. The first location opened in Flowood in 2018. The Madison restaurant is owned and operated by multi-unit franchise owners Blake and Shae Fuller of Taste and C, LLC. They operate another store in Hattiesburg.
“Joining the Chicken Salad Chick family is about so much more than becoming a business owner. We have the opportunity to make an impact, both in the community and on a personal level, either through our kind, attentive service or giveback efforts,” said Shae Fuller, owner. “Blake and I have loved serving the Flowood and Hattiesburg communities and look forward to opening our Madison on Main location. The area has a vibrant culinary scene and we know we’ll be a great next addition.”
Chicken Salad Chick is closely following Mississippi’s state and local guidelines for COVID-19 procedures and will open the Madison on Main restaurant at limited capacity with social distancing measures in place. All employees will be wearing masks and gloves, as well as practicing proper handwashing and food safety protocol.
For guests who prefer to take their chicken salad to-go, Madison on Main has a drive-thru for added convenience.
During grand opening week, guests have an opportunity to participate in a number of giveaways, including:
• Tuesday: The first 100 guests will receive one large Quick Chick of chicken salad per month for an entire year, with one lucky guest randomly selected to win one large Quick Chick of chicken salad per week.
• Wednesday: The first 50 guests to purchase three large Quick Chicks will receive a free Chick charcuterie board.
• Thursday: The first 100 guests to purchase a Chick Trio will receive a free Chick tumbler.
• Friday: The first 50 guests to purchase a Chick Special will receive a free Chick blanket.
• Saturday: The first 50 guests to purchase two large Quick Chicks will receive a free large Chick cooler.
Elizabeth Tyler, executive director of the Madison the City Chamber of Commerce, looks forward to the opening of the new restaurant.
“It is so exciting for Madison to be able to welcome Chicken Salad Chick,” she said. “Madison continues to experience tremendous growth and we know they will be very successful. We look forward to officially celebrating with them as we cut the ribbon next week.” Read more: OnlineMadison
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.