Good morning #ChamberWorld! It's going to be a great day!
Former KY Chamber Chief David Adkisson publishes book for chamber executives
This week, he published a book — “Horseshoes vs Chess: A Practical Guide for Chamber of Commerce Leaders.”
On Wednesday, it was the No. 1 best-seller in the “public finance” category of books on Amazon.
“The book project has been my transition into retirement,” Adkisson said. “I started working on it in January 2014. But I really got back on it last year.”
The 336-page book includes several stories about Owensboro — the creation of the International Bar-B-Q Festival and the start of the city’s push to become the “Bluegrass Music Capital of the World” among them.
“I didn’t use many names in the book because it’s aimed at chambers across the United States and Canada,” Adkisson said.
“There are about 7,000 chamber executives in the U.S..” he said. “The National Association of Chamber Executives will push the book. It’s the first book for chambers since a textbook in 1960. But this isn’t a textbook.”
Adkisson said, “Chris Mead, senior vice president of the American Chamber of Commerce Executives, challenged me 10 years ago to write it. He said he didn’t know of anyone who had led a small city chamber, a metro chamber and a state chamber.”
He started his career at what was then the Owensboro-Daviess County Chamber of Commerce as special projects director on Jan. 1, 1976.
A couple of years later, Adkisson became executive director of the organization.
“I was there for seven years,” he said. Read more: Messenger-Inquirer
New Arrival: Duneland Chamber of Commerce Community Resource Guide
The Duneland Chamber of Commerce Community Resource Guide is available at the Duneland Chamber today! Thanks to Maura Durham, June Russell and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!!
Town Square Publications can help you accomplish your chamber's gloss map, directory, community profile or publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633.
Greater Des Moines Partnership Details Strategic Priorities At DSM 202ONE Annual Kickoff
This morning, the Greater Des Moines Partnership shared its 2020 accomplishments and provided details on its 2021 priorities at the DSM 202ONE Annual Kickoff.
The Partnership announced the results of its economic development work with state and local partners which included 14 existing company expansions, six new company locations, $1.26 billion in capital investment and 1,658 jobs created or retained. Additionally, speakers presented on The Partnership's work in 2020 and ongoing efforts to support small businesses, advance regional inclusion efforts, push forward on major placemaking projects and more. Some of the highlights include:
More than 200 people signed the CEO Commitment to Racial Equity in DSM.
More than 700 people attended The Partnership's virtual Inclusion Forum and additional 800 individuals attended DEI webinars.
$1.7 million awarded to 292 companies through Small Business Recovery Grant program, and 325 heaters provided to more than 60 local restaurants through the Extend the Season Grant.
100 DSM leaders served on the DSM Forward Task Force, guiding creation of 16 industry and 6 business function playbooks to help business recovery.
Created the COVID-19 Rapid Response Hub, displaying real-time resources for the DSM business community.
Worked with regional partners to advance efforts on major projects including the Central Iowa Water Trails project, the Firehouse Community Campus, USL Pro Iowa Soccer Stadium and Global Plaza, Lauridsen Skatepark and Des Moines International Airport new terminal.
Hosted thousands of attendees at virtual and social distanced events including Downtown Farmers' Market presented by UnityPoint Health – Des Moines drive-through markets, World Food & Music Celebration, In for Lunch, DSM Book Festival, Historic East Village Holiday Promenade and Brenton Skating Plaza.
Learn more in The Partnership's 2020 Annual Report video.
"The 'power of one' allowed us to meet the challenges of the moment in 2020, and it allowed us to support the community in ways that we could not have imagined in the past," said 2020 Partnership Board Chair Tom Mahoney, Chairman of the Board of ITA Group Holdings. "Because of the power of one, The Partnership was able to pivot and increase programs, best practices and new strategies, while also building momentum and strategic initiatives for the future."
During the program, Partnership 2021 Board Chair Fred Buie, President of Keystone Electrical Manufacturing Company, discussed in further detail The Partnership's 18-month strategies that began in July 2020 and continue through the end of 2021:
Inclusion: Focus on implementing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) connections, programs and services that deliver professional-level expertise, training and development opportunities to The Partnership's 365+ Investors, 24 Affiliate Chambers and 6,500 Members.
Broadband Expansion: Increase connectivity to broadband in our 10-county region to improve access to distance learning, telecommuting and telehealth and bolster startup business and e-commerce activity.
Talent Pipeline: Enhance the DSM talent pipeline and prepare DSM for the Future World of Work.
Talent & Economic Development Marketing: Attract and retain businesses and a diverse breadth of talent.
Business Recovery, Retention & Expansion: Heighten the focus on business recovery, retention and expansion through conducting outreach to businesses to assess needs and outline a plan to address their needs.
Placemaking: Move forward on placemaking projects including the Central Iowa Water Trails, Pro Iowa Soccer Stadium and Global Plaza, Des Moines International Airport terminal expansion, Lauridsen Skatepark and more.
Learn how to take action on The Partnership's 2021 Strategic Priorities.
"Thanks to the work of our Investors, Affiliates, Members and regional stakeholders, we have already put the wheels in motion for a strong year — a year of hope, a year of recovery," Buie said. "We are collaborative. We are forward-thinking. We work together across the public, private and nonprofit sectors. These elements will help us push these strategic priorities and major projects forward in 2021."
The Partnership also announced its 2021 Board of Directors and Executive Board. In addition to Buie and Mahoney's roles, Rowena Crosbie with Tero International, Inc. and Mike McCoy with NCMIC Group, Inc. will serve as Vice Chairs. Sean Vicente with KPMG LLC will serve as Secretary/Treasurer.
This year's DSM 202ONE Annual Kickoff presentation was headlined by Nick Nurse, an Iowa native and head coach of the NBA's Toronto Raptors. Nurse took questions from WHO-HD's Jodi Long.
Officials push a hotel tax increase in St. Joseph County to draw more visitors
South Bend area elected officials and business and tourism leaders are pushing a hotel tax increase they say would bolster projects aimed at drawing more visitors.
South Bend Regional Chamber President and CEO Jeff Rea said the move would be especially welcome by restaurants and hotels, which have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We’re thinking ahead to the post-pandemic period and how we can help drive economic recovery,” Rea said Monday while briefing South Bend Common Council members on the proposal. “We know one of the best ways to do that is to improve product.”
New funding from the tax hike would benefit existing venues, such as the Morris Performing Arts Center and Potawatomi Zoo, as well as a planned sports complex in Mishawaka.
An Indiana Senate bill would allow the St. Joseph County Council to increase the tax, paid by anyone staying at a hotel or motel in the county, to 8% from 6%.
Mishawaka sports project
The bill would increase annual revenue from the tax to the planned Mishawaka Sports Complex, from 0.6% to 1%, as youth sports is the fastest-growing tourism segment, Rea said.
The city plans to build the complex, targeting indoor sports such as basketball, volleyball and possibly hockey, on land between Douglas and Cleveland roads.
Visit South Bend Mishawaka in 2016 commissioned a feasibility study that found there would be strong demand for the complex, which would be city-built and owned but run by a private company, similar to Four Winds Field in South Bend.
Rob DeCleene, executive vice president of the chamber, said he, Mishawaka Mayor Dave Wood and Mishawaka city planner Ken Prince in December visited a youth sports complex in Pendleton, Ind., that could serve as a model.
DeCleene said the city is working with a Westfield, Ind.-based developer. Asked what the project might cost or how it would be paid for, he deferred to Prince, whom The Tribune could not immediately reach. Read more: South Bend Tribune
Starkville receives Mississippi Hometown Retirement Certification
The Mississippi Development Authority has officially designated Starkville as a Certified Hometown Retirement City. With this designation, Starkville becomes one of only 12 communities within our state to hold this certification.
The Mississippi Hometown Retirement certification allows Starkville to promote and market the city's assets to retirees across the country whom are looking to relocate. The program will be administered by the Starkville Convention and Visitors Bureau.
The Starkville Convention and Visitors Bureau is a branch of the Greater Starkville Development Partnership. The Partnership is also comprised of the Starkville Area Chamber of Commerce, Oktibbeha County Economic Development Authority, and the Starkville Main Street Association.
Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce Announces Voice of Small Business Campaign
Marketing campaign to highlight the struggles and obstacles brought forth during the COVID-19 pandemic.
(Lansing-MI) - The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC) has launched an unprecedented marketing campaign to highlight how small business owners in the Lansing region have been impacted by COVID-19. The Voice of Small Business campaign will utilize multiple media platforms and include a series of themed videos that highlight the challenges small businesses have faced during the pandemic and how they have overcome setbacks and obstacles.
“Small businesses have been hit particularly hard by the COVID pandemic,” said Tim Daman, president & CEO, LRCC. “Despite the challenges of having their businesses curtailed or closed and having employees laid off, it has been amazing to witness the steadfast commitment to survive, and the resiliency needed to overcome extraordinary challenges. We want to build awareness in the community of the incredible stories of small businesses surviving and thriving during these difficult times.”
The Voice of Small Business campaign will leverage the LRCC website, e-communications, FOCUS Magazine, and a robust social media platform including Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. A special landing page on the LRCC website will house a series of videos , which are categorized into six themes: resilience, teamwork, community, innovation, safety, and opportunity. The campaign will run from February through July 2021.
“The Voice of Small Business marketing campaign fills a need to shine a much-needed light on the everyday struggles these business owners are facing and how general awareness of these issues can garner more communitywide support and a sense of shared purpose,” said Ashley Sandborn, director of marketing and communications, LRCC. “The videos will also celebrate the Greater Lansing business community’s resilience and innovation.”
The website landing page will be updated monthly. The exciting stories of the Voice of Small Business campaign can be viewed at www.lansingchamber.org/voiceofsmallbusiness.
Chamber Serving Lexington, Buena Vista and Rockbridge County - Become a Chamber Ambassador
Our Ambassadors serve as the face of the Chamber, bringing the heart and soul to the endeavor of building meaningful connections, for the Chamber as well as the community at large. If you are interested in becoming an Ambassador in 2021, please take a few moments to complete a brief online survey before February 1st.
 |
 Required Question(s) |
 | ||||
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||||
|
| ||||
|
| ||||
|
| ||||
|
Greater Reston Chamber: Join us at the Resourceful Women event this evening!
Register Now!
Resourceful Women's third workshop continues along the theme of "Digital Storytelling." The interactive workshop will shed light on why storytelling is a critical leadership and business skill and provide specific examples of how to elevate your storytelling. Attendees will learn how to craft authentic and high-impact stories for yourself and your business. We are excited to have two engaging speakers and storytellers, Jen Dalton, Founder of BrandMirror, and Frank DiBartolomeo, President of DiBartolomeo Consulting International (DCI), LLC. Jen and Frank will share their insights on how to deliver powerful stories across many platforms and walk attendees through how to prepare and deliver high impact stories in key situations.
Registration cutoff is 3 p.m. today.
Monroe County Chamber: Get Your Local Business on Google Search and Maps (Webinar)
Learn about Google My Business, a free tool for local businesses that want to connect with customers on Google Search and Maps. Get (virtual) hands-on help in creating or updating your business profile or a simple website. In this live webinar, I will show you how to: • Create or claim your Business Profile on Google
• Manage your business info across Google Search and Maps
• Use Google My Business to connect with potential customers
• Create a free website using the info from your Business Profile
Speaker(s): Dave Delaney: a speaker for the Grow with Google partner program. His humble beginning? In 1983, he ran a bulletin board system on his Commodore 64 (a self-proclaimed, old school nerd). Today, Dave is a popular keynote speaker, author, and marketing communications consultant. He is the founder of Futureforth.com and NetworkingForNicePeople.com. Dave is best recognized for his work in corporate communication, digital marketing, social media strategy, and business networking. He has appeared in technology related stories in USA Today, Entrepreneur, Inc, Fortune, and Billboard Magazine. Dave is also the author of the acclaimed book, New Business Networking. You can read his articles and learn more at DaveDelaney.ME.
Co-Sponsor(s): Grow With Google
All attendees will receive an event link. Be sure to add the "Go-To-Webinar" app to your computer, or mobile device.
Fee: No Cost
Register Online
Aurora is one of the most diverse cities in the State of Illinois. Here at the chamber, we believe that in our rich diversity lies our strength. Black History Month presents us with an opportunity to not only continue to take in history, but to think about the future. The past year has brought about numerous moments to think about how our future can be different and what we want it to look like. The opportunity we have for the future is to celebrate the diversity of our region and take a large step forward together striving towards greater inclusion.
According to the Rockefeller Foundation, an inclusive economy is “one in which there is expanded opportunity for more broadly shared prosperity especially for those facing the greatest barriers to advancing their well-being.”
Our opportunity is to do away with the dichotomy of growth and equity in our community and instead devise a future in which prosperity can be accessed by all in our communities. When we do so, our companies will have healthier employees and additional candidates with access to transportation and internet to allow them to be their strongest self and strongest employee. We’ll find more sustainable future growth and increased economic participation. It’s a future worth working for.
On February 24, the chamber is hosting our annual Economic Pulse event. This year’s event features an incredible lineup of economic experts. The keynote for the event is Daniel Culbertson, Economist of Indeed.com, who will talk about the different economic experiences of companies throughout the U.S. last year and the opportunities that will arise from adapting to new realities in a post-COVID world. He’ll be followed by panelists from Aurora and around the state to discuss the future of our local economy. During this event, these experts will talk more about inclusive economies and what they mean for Aurora. I hope you’ll join us for what’s sure to be an excellent event!
Jessica Linder Gallo
President & CEO
We are all suffering from a severe case of cabin but fear not: the NR Chamber has the perfect remedy for this affliction: The best solution---
the 8th Annual Cabin Fever Classic!
Join us for the largest pub crawl in Western WI.
This bar hopping event will be held Saturday February 20th and we would love for you and a team to join us this year!
$140 per team of 4 Golfers and 1 Sober Caddy includes Golf, Dinner and Prizes!
Prizes are awarded to the team with the best costumes and the team with the lowest score!
Click here to register your team now!
The Jefferson Chamber of Commerce Community Map
The Jefferson Area Chamber Community Map is now available at the Chamber today! Thanks to Jen Pinnow and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!
With the year 2020 now in the rear-view mirror – a year like no other – this brand-new year of 2021 is welcomed and brings hope to many. Although there is no perfect time or year, the SBA Mississippi District and Gulfport Branch Office continue its commitment to strive and do the very best to help, assist and support entrepreneurs and small businesses with their plans to start, grow, expand and recover here in the Magnolia state.
February is Black History month, a month set aside for us to take time and make a special effort to recognize, celebrate, and shine the spotlight on the noteworthy accomplishments of the countless number of African Americans that have made and continue to make significant contributions to this country – many of which tend to go unrecognized. Locally in Mississippi, SBA has recognized some of our highly successful Black-Owned businesses that gained distinction in part, due to their participation in some of SBA’s programs and services, for example, the highly sought-after 8(a) Business Development Program, SBA’s Surety Bond Guarantee Program, Emerging Leaders, SBA Loan Programs to name a few. Some of these businesses we’ve recognized include IMS Engineers; SOL Engineering, LLC; SBA’s 2020 Small Business Person of the Year Innovative Performance Construction Company, LLC, among others. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2019 Annual Business Survey based on 2018 data, the number of Black-Owned employer businesses was 124,551. With a Black population of over 48 million, a populace of 2.1 million Black military Veterans that served this country, and with 30+million small businesses in America, needless to say, the number of Black-Owned businesses obviously remains miniscule. With so much room and opportunity for growth, this statistic is something that could and should be changed.
Last year, SBA’s rollout of the small business assistance components of the CARES Act resulted in the approval of 5.2 million loans for $525 billion through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), and the agency’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program added another 3.6 million loans valued at $191 billion, as well as an additional 5.7 million EIDL Advances worth $20 billion all of which served to give a lifeline of support to small businesses and non-profits to help sustain them through the COVID-19 pandemic. Now with the passage of the Economic Aid Act, SBA is postured to build on this momentum of support and continues to provide help during these very challenging times. SBA set aside the initial rollout of PPP loan assistance exclusively to Community Financial Institutions with the intent of targeting minority, veteran-owned, women-owned, and underserved markets to get the financial assistance they need through first and second draw loans.
During Black History Month, as we pay tribute to the many Trailblazers of African Americans on which great legacies were built, and to those who continue to make contributions to this country, perhaps as part of that tribute, we can all do what we can to support Black-Owned businesses – doing it safely of course – in these times we’re in. That support could serve to go a long, long way for these businesses.
Check out in this newsletter a success story of a young African American women-owned business in Mississippi, 2020 Young Entrepreneur of the Year, T’Keyah Williams of Mama Nature’s Juice Bar. Also, if you are interested in learning more about SBA’s programs and services including those of SBA’s funded resource partners, please visit SBA Mississippi
Be well, stay safe, and all the very best to you in this brand-new year!
Janita R. Stewart
Acting Regional Administrator – Southeast
and
District Director – Mississippi District Office
WSCCI Welcomes New Executive Director Kathleen Russell!
Kathleen comes to the chamber with 30 years of professional work in local, regional, and national non-profit management. Her experience includes business operations, project management, fund development, community outreach and marketing communications. As she slowly meets each of our members, here's a little more you might not know about Kathleen....The ability to serve an organization dedicated to helping build a vibrant community that I call home.
What is your biggest fear?
Heights
What is your favorite thing about your career?
I love working with and learning from such a wide variety of professionals.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
London
Covid has upended so many things. What is your Covid silver lining?
Meaningful time with my family
Oxford Lafayette County Chamber: Thanks To All Who donated Items During The 48 Hour Chamber Phlash Drive
|
|
|
Federal assistance available for businesses in South Mississippi
Hurricane Zeta hit just a little more than two months ago, but many South Mississippians are still reeling from the storm’s effects.
Federal help is now available for South Mississippians hit by Hurricane Zeta. Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce CEO Adele Lyons said, “Finally, we got the federal declaration on Hurricane Zeta, which happened on October 28th. Finally, on New Year’s Eve, the President declared it a federal disaster. Now the SBA, the Small Business Administration, which is a federal agency that handles a lot of disaster loan programs for both businesses and homeowners now has opened up those programs, and now people can begin to apply for those programs and resources.”
- Advertisement -
The SBA is now offering low-interest loans for small businesses that suffered actual physical damages from Hurricane Zeta. “If it is roof damage, windows were blown out, equipment was damaged due to the roof or something, that is certainly eligible for the loan program up to $2 million. It’s an application process that people should go through. The applications close on March 1st. People don’t need to wait around on this.”
There is another form of assistance that South Mississippi businesses can apply for even if your business was not directly hit or suffered damage from Hurricane Zeta. “There’s also this Economic Injury Disaster Loan, so that is for businesses that didn’t suffer any physical damage, but maybe had some economic damages to their business. They saw sales fall off because of the actual hurricane and the damage it did to our community.”
For now, you’ll have to apply online at sba.gov/disaster. “Right now, they have a virtual help resource center that’s available. You can also find some information on their website on how to call or email them. They’re open every day of the week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. to try to get some assistance and questions answered. There may be a local resource center that will open that people can physically go to, but that hasn’t happened as of yet.”
Lockers Manufacturing, producer of lockers for the American market, is locating its manufacturing operations in Batesville. The project is a $5.35 million corporate investment and will create 60 jobs.
“Lockers Manufacturing’s decision to invest in Mississippi by opening this new location and bringing 60 new jobs to Panola County is yet another prime example of leaders at all levels of government working together to generate new opportunities for the people of our great state,” Gov. Tate Reeves said. “Despite current economic challenges, our commitment to grow the state’s economy is unwavering, as evidenced by the addition of Lockers Manufacturing to Mississippi’s business community.”
Lockers Manufacturing specializes in the production of state-of-the-art locker storage systems that have achieved award-winning quality standards for safety and security storage applications. The lockers consist of up to 50 percent recycled content when metal is the primary material. The company also manufactures smart lockers, computer cabinets, storage cabinets and commercial shelving. Through authorized distributors throughout the U.S., Lockers Manufacturing focuses on customers in public and private schools, institutional, military and healthcare facilities, Fortune 500 companies and athletic locker rooms for any architectural specification and/or end-user application. The company, which aims to create American jobs and serve the communities in which it is located, purchased a 62,000-square-foot facility in Batesville’s original industrial zone where it plans to begin new lines of production by October 1.
Arlington Chamber of Commerce Prize Raffle
Enter the Arlington Chamber of Commerce prize raffle for your chance to win the Grand Prize, an autographed hockey stick signed by the entire 2019-20 Washington Capitals team! Additional prizes include signed Washington Capitals memorabilia and a one-night stay at the Ritz-Carlton-Naples, located in sunny Naples Florida. Winners will be pulled in live drawings on our Facebook page on March 17 throughout the day. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling the Chamber office at 703-525-2400.
Grand Prize:
Washington Capitals Hockey Stick signed by the 2019-20 team
Additional Prizes:
Ritz-Carlton, Naples, FL - One Night Stay in a Coastal View Room, inclusive of room rate, resort fee, and applicable taxes, based on resort's availability, Sunday through Thursday, reserved no earlier than 30 days prior to arrival
Washington Capitals Hockey Puck signed by #9 Dmitry Orlov
Washington Capitals Hat signed by #13 Jakub Vrana
Washington Capitals Hat signed by #62 Carl Hagelin
Pricing:
$25 per ticket/$85 for four tickets
100 tickets available
Drawings:
We will draw one winning ticket live at 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m. on March 17. Watch the drawings live on our Facebook page. Chamber staff will contact the winners to make arrangements to pick up prizes at the Chamber office.
Questions? Contact Dan Reilly, Events Manager, events@arlingtonchamber.org.
Thank You to Our Prize Donors!
Washington Capitals, Ritz-Carlton-Naples, and Kate and Ronnie Bates
ENTER TO WIN
New initiative aims to introduce Kentucky businesses to European companies, foster long-term relationships
The Discover Kentucky Initiative, a new partnership between Team Kentucky and the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, aims to introduce Chamber members to European companies interested in the U.S. market, lay groundwork for partnerships and build long-term relationships aimed at creating new investments, jobs and economic strength.
While the pandemic disrupted operations for many businesses and blocked several traditional channels of economic development the past 11 months, it also opened new opportunities. The Discover Kentucky Initiative is designed to capitalize on those.
For Chamber members, opportunities include potential distributor agreements, corporate partnerships and increased trade. The state’s economy will benefit as the initiative creates and nurtures relationships, aiming to translate them over the long-term into investments, new facilities and jobs for Kentuckians.
“Through this partnership with the Chamber, we are taking advantage of how the pandemic is changing business. Companies that may not have considered selling, developing their products or manufacturing in the U.S. are seeing new value in global diversification,” Gov. Beshear said. “We know this works, too. Economic development often hinges on relationships, and it’s why in any given year, about three-quarters of all the projects we announced are expansions of companies already in the commonwealth.”
Chamber President and CEO Ashli Watts said the initiative will strengthen individual businesses and the state’s economy.
“As Kentucky, the nation, and the world seek to rebuild, we are excited to launch this partnership to further economic opportunities in new and exciting ways. The Kentucky Chamber will work directly to connect companies abroad with Kentucky businesses to cultivate relationships to advance the Commonwealth,” Watts said.
Discover Kentucky’s goals are to facilitate introductions between the Chamber and European businesses with significant interest in the U.S. market, foster relationships to maintain Kentucky top of mind for future expansion projects, and provide continuity for the initiative and the relationships it creates for years to come.
The initiative’s process begins with Team Kentucky’s European representative office in Hamburg, Germany. That office regularly fields inquiries from European companies interested in establishing distributor partnerships or other agreements to enter the U.S. market. However, many of these companies aren’t yet ready to commit to building a factory, establishing an office or setting up a sales operation.
After a vetting by the European office, the Chamber will introduce Kentucky businesses to those European companies, based on mutual needs and interests. A quarterly check-in will further facilitate the connection and maintain Kentucky leading location for when each European company is ready to plan an expansion. Read more: NKY Tribune
Over the past 10 years, Brad Richardson has worked as the Hardin County Chamber of Commerce President and CEO to promote business development and retention and to enhance quality of place in Hardin County.
His leadership of the chamber, which began in 2011, will come to an end March 31 as he retires. Richardson announced his retirement Tuesday.
“It has been a privilege to lead this organization and work alongside its members and volunteers to keep the Hardin County economy strong,” Richardson said in a news release. “The exceptional business and community leaders, the chamber’s Board of Directors and staff, and elected officials help make Hardin County a place we’re all proud to live and work.”
Under Richardson’s leadership, the merged chamber focused on efforts to support and grow the local economy, the release said. Most notably, the chamber’s strategic plan helped in establishing the Knox Regional Development Alliance, a regional alliance focused on protecting and promoting Fort Knox to increase its economic impact.
Additionally, the chamber placed its focus on helping members to network, promote, develop, and advocate. Significant accomplishments during Richardson’s tenure include: average monthly membership luncheon attendance growing from 250 to 375 people; the launch of a Buy Local campaign; the reinstatement of the annual Small Business Expo; and local and future talent development through Leadership Hardin County and Youth Leadership Hardin County.
#BestChamber Practices: St Matthews Chamber: Investing in your brand through the Chamber benefits you!
You’ve taken the big step, you’ve joined the Chamber…now what? You already know that being a Chamber member will automatically give you access to all the Chamber benefits, but did you know that sponsorships offer you the ability to gain publicity and brand recognition? By sponsoring a Chamber program or event, your organization will reach local businesses and community leaders. You also gain access to new business relationships with unique one-on-one marketing aspects of our Chamber’s programs and events. So, what are you waiting for?
The Chamber of St. Matthews has a sponsorship for you, and, if not listed in the PDF below, we’ll work with you to custom create one to reach your target audience. Sponsorships for 2020 are going fast! Put your name on a valued Chamber event or program today. Contact the office at 502-899-2523.
View a detailed PDF of the available sponsorships and their options.
Material Handling Systems creating 200 Jobs with new Bowling Green facility
Material Handling Systems Inc. plans to create 200 full-time jobs with a $7.6 million investment in a new facility in Bowling Green.
“This announcement is exciting news for Warren County. Material Handling Systems will further strengthen our local economy and support numerous jobs within the region,” Warren County Judge/Executive Mike Buchanon said. “It is a joy to see continued business interest in our community, and we are pleased to have an industry leader locate here.”
The company’s investment includes leasing a 181,000-square-foot facility in the Kentucky Transpark. The primary operations in the new facility will be to manufacture supporting steel structures for conveyor and sortation systems
“Kentucky has been a fantastic place to grow our global business during the past 20-plus years, and we are pleased to be expanding our presence in our home state with a new facility in Bowling Green,” said MHS CEO Scott McReynolds. “Our customers are experiencing new peak demand levels, which means our products and services are also in high demand. This facility will fill an important niche in our manufacturing process and ultimately helps us better serve those customers. We appreciate the KEDFA board’s support and the warm welcome from so many of the region’s leaders, and we look forward to becoming a valued member of the local business community.”
MHS, a leader in the parcel industry, designs, produces, installs and maintains conveyor systems, robotics, software and other products tailored to the needs of its customers, which include some of the world’s leading logistics providers and major retailers with large-scale shipping operations.
Bowling Green Mayor Todd Alcott said the company selected the right location to grow its business.
“We welcome Material Handling Systems to Bowling Green and are confident that they will benefit from being a part of our community,” Mayor Alcott said. “We truly appreciate our businesses and do what we can to help them succeed.”
Ron Bunch, president and CEO of the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce, said he looks forward to a long, successful partnership between MHS and the community.
“We are thrilled to have Material Handling Systems join us in South Central Kentucky. Their operations will bring diversity to our manufacturing sector through their focus on conveyor systems,” Bunch said. “We look forward to working with them for years to come.”
To encourage the investment and job growth in the community, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) on Thursday preliminarily approved a 10-year incentive agreement with the company under the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance-based agreement can provide up to $2.5 million in tax incentives based on the company’s investment of $7.6 million and annual targets of:
- Creation and maintenance of 200 Kentucky-resident, full-time jobs across 10 years; and
- Paying an average hourly wage of $22.50 including benefits across those jobs.
By meeting its annual targets over the agreement term, the company can be eligible to keep a portion of the new tax revenue it generates. The company may claim eligible incentives against its income tax liability and/or wage assessments. Read more: WBKO
Christian County Chamber CEO, chamber volunteer both named 2021 Champions of Fort Campbell
The U.S. Army Fort Campbell officially announced who had been named as the 2021 Champions of Fort Campbell on Friday.
Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Kelli Pendleton as well as a long-serving volunteer of the Chamber’s Military Affairs, Royce Stevens, were both named as this year’s Champions of Fort Campbell, according to a press release from the Chamber.
Champions of Fort Campbell are individuals who have made efforts to support the post and its programs and in doing so, enhanced the quality of life for soldiers and their families, the release stated.
The release added that the awards gives the Fort Campbell community an opportunity to show appreciation for the support it receives.
Recognized during an induction ceremony at Division Headquarters on Friday, Pendleton and
Stevens were presented the award by the Commanding General of the 101st Airborne Division
and Fort Campbell Maj. Gen. Brian Winski.
During the ceremony, Winksi spoke of their many contributions to the military community, the release added.
“A patriotic passion grew in me from the first time that I stepped foot on Fort Campbell”, Pendleton said in the release. “I will always champion for our great Army installation and the military families who are serving our country.” Read more: Kentucky New Era
The Vicksburg Warren Chamber of Commerce announced Thursday the opening of enrollment for the Spring 2021 Vicksburg Entrepreneur Bootcamp program. The six-week program is geared toward individuals interested in starting or growing a small business. It covers everything from legal, finance, accounting, marketing and all other essential components associated with starting and running a successful small business.
Mississippi Power partners with East Mississippi Business Development Corporation
At Mississippi Power, we’re committed to improving and strengthening the communities we serve.
Our business culture of servant leadership means we strive to make a positive impact that goes beyond providing safe and reliable energy for our customers. It means working with local leaders, businesses and organizations to make East Mississippi a better community to live, work and play.
Our partnership with the East Mississippi Business Development Corporation is critical to that goal.
The EMBDC works every day to promote business and economic development in Meridian and Lauderdale County. The EMBDC leadership team is also committed to leveraging relationships with local and state leaders to advocate on behalf of small business owners and provide opportunities for continued growth in the area.
Last year, Mississippi Power installed a new transmission substation in the new Key Brothers Industrial Park.
Partner this with the recently announced state-of-the-art smart neighborhood in Lauderdale County and the work we’ve completed to prepare downtown Meridian for The Max, the renovation of the Threefoot Building and the overhaul of Sela Ward Parkway, and it is easy to see there is plenty of momentum in the area.
Having reliable power is a key question that companies interested in the area ask.
We’ll continue to do our part to be proactive and have sites ready for new businesses that want to call this community home. Mississippi Power, simply put, believes in East Mississippi.
Another important part of attracting new and expanding business and industry to our area is a pipeline of workers who are prepared for the jobs of tomorrow. Partnerships to grow the skillsets of students in the Meridian and Lauderdale County school districts and at Meridian Community College are a vital piece of the economic development puzzle.
The EMBDC recognizes the importance of a trained employee pool and fully supports the programs that are preparing our students to be tomorrow’s workers and leaders.
Mississippi Power will continue to bolster workforce development programs in the area through scholarship funding, community college partnerships and educational initiatives that spotlight vocational careers for middle and high school students.
Brighter days are ahead, Meridian, and I look forward to working alongside you and the East Mississippi Business Development Corporation as we shine a light on the countless opportunities here.
Michael Harvey is the Northern Division Manager for Mississippi Power.
Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories, Maps, Apps, Quarterly Magazines, Digital Directory Sales and Community Profiles: The no cost, no risk best Chamber Publishing Partner in the USA!
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.