Good morning #ChamberWorld! It's going to be a great day!
Governor Pritzker
today joined elected officials and the Lion Electric Company — a Canadian based
manufacturer of all-electric medium and heavy-duty urban vehicles — to announce
a significant investment in Illinois, with plans to build the company’s
first-ever U.S. manufacturing facility and the largest plant of its kind in the
country. A minimum of $70 million will be invested to build a new facility
dedicated to producing medium and heavy-duty electric vehicles (EVs) in the
U.S. The facility is expected to come online in the second half of 2022,
setting into motion annual production capacity of 20,000 zero-emission vehicles
a year, and creating at least 745 jobs for Illinoisans.
“Lion’s historic
investment to bring its largest production facility to Illinois represents not
only a win for our communities, but a strong step forward in our work to expand
clean energy alternatives and the jobs they bring to our communities,” said
Governor JB Pritzker. “The new Joliet facility will put Illinois at the
forefront of a national movement to transition to zero-emission vehicle use, advancing
our own goals of putting one million of these cars on the road by 2030. In
Illinois, we know that a clean energy economy is about more than just vehicles
– it’s about healthier communities and jobs for those who live there. We are
excited to welcome Lion to the Land of Lincoln and look forward to their future
success here.”
The new 900,000 SF
facility represents Lion Electric’s largest dedicated production site in the
U.S. The company’s expansion helps respond to increasing demand in the
marketplace for “Made in America” zero-emission vehicles, while simultaneously
bringing production closer to its customers. Lion’s investments also help bring
Illinois closer to its own clean energy goals, with plans to increase adoption
of EV’s in the state to one million by 2030.
“Lion is the leader
in electric school buses and has always been dedicated to the U.S. market, and
our commitment to be close to our customers is one of the core values we have
as a company,” said Marc Bedard, CEO and Founder of Lion. “This significant
expansion into the U.S. market will not only allow us to drastically increase
our overall manufacturing capacity of electric trucks and buses but to also
better serve our customers, while adding critical clean manufacturing jobs that
will form the backbone of the green economy. I also want to acknowledge the
crucial role that P33 and Intersect Illinois, civic groups committed to
developing a long-term roadmap for the local tech industry, played in
connecting Lion with the Chicago area’s business and civic community to help
further commercial traction, as well as engagement with key workforce and
supplier partners.” More information: Joliet Region Chamber
Sen. Paul tackles COVID issues on Kentucky tour stop in Somerset
Though it was actually the monthly Somerset-Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce luncheon at The Center for Rural Development, one might be excused for feeling like they were in the congregation of a charismatic church on Tuesday during Sen. Rand Paul's address.
As the junior senator from Kentucky made his points, one could hear affirmative murmuring from the crowd could be heard: "Yes," "That's right," etc., the same way those in a church might give an "amen" from the pews.
And one statement in particular even drew a spontaneous round of applause from those assembled at The Center — about 275 in number, estimated Chamber Executive Director Bobby Clue, likely the largest count for a Chamber luncheon over the past year.
"It's the burden of proof of your government to tell you why they're taking your freedoms," he said before the line that was applauded: "They should have to prove to us the science behind what they're telling us to do."
Paul's focus Tuesday was on this subject: the gap between bureaucracy and the citizenry, particularly when it comes to COVID-19 and all the various regulations and restrictions that have come from all levels of government, whether the CDC or Gov. Andy Beshear in Kentucky. Read more: Kentucky Today
Chamber members: Is Your Culture Ready for Industry 4.0?
While Industry 4.0 has been a buzzword for some time, the technology has become more affordable and effective enough in the last two to three years to make it a reality for more companies. There’s an increasingly clear ROI from technology spending, clearing a hurdle that in the past has held back many manufacturers from committing to a digital transformation.
Choosing the right tech tools and being able to afford them are not the defining problems anymore. Two similar manufacturing companies can adopt exactly the same technology and have very divergent results. The difference will lie in how ready the companies are to absorb the technology and their effectiveness in getting the most out of it.
That’s why the successful adoption of Industry 4.0 technology requires a much broader change in company culture, one that needs to be led by the C-suite and carried out by the business units.
There are four key areas that manufacturing firms need to get right in order to make the most of technology adoption. Read more: Industry Week
Nebraska-based MP Global Products LLC is planning to set up operations in Floyd County. The company, which manufactures recycled cardboard insulation packaging products, is looking to invest $4.4 million in an existing building in the New Albany Industrial Park and create more than 50 jobs.
The facility would be MP Global Products' third in the country and first outside of Nebraska.
The manufacturer is seeking a property tax abatement from the New Albany City Council that it says will save $113,000 over a five-year period. The council is set to vote the incentives next week. One Southern Indiana, the economic development organization and chamber of commerce for Clark and Floyd counties, says the project is contingent on the council's approval.
“MP Global Products, LLC, would be a great addition to the regional business community, bringing more than 50 new jobs to the region. This would result not only in increased commerce in our business community, but it also has a direct effect on the lives of the individuals who choose to work there," said 1si President and Chief Executive Officer Wendy Dant Chesser. "One Southern Indiana is looking forward to the possibility of a new location for MP Global Products, LLC, and continues to be happy to assist company leaders in achieving their immediate and future goals.”
The Indiana Economic Development Corp. has also offered MP Global Products up to $500,000 in conditional tax credits, which the company will not be eligible to claim until Hoosier workers are hired for the new jobs.
If the company moves forward with the project, the facility is expected to open by the fourth quarter. Read more: Inside Indiana Business
West Bend Area Chamber of Commerce: Craig Farrell retiring after 15 years
As his 15th anniversary with the West Bend Area Chamber of Commerce (WBACC) approaches, Executive Director Craig Farrell announced this week he will be retiring at the end of June.
“This coming May 1st, I will be celebrating my 15th anniversary with the Chamber which have been some of the happiest years of my long career. Little did I know when I accepted the job that my work here would be so much more rewarding than what I experienced in corporate life,” Farrell wrote in an update to WBACC members on Wednesday.
Before joining the chamber, Farrell had a 28-year career in the hotel industry running marketing departments for major hotel companies, such as Holiday Inn, Choice International and Days Inn. He was the president/ CEO of Choice Hotels Canada for seven years before moving back to the U.S.
Upon his return, he was recruited to join The Marcus Corp as the chief marketing officer for the Baymont Inns and Woodfield Suites brands until his retirement.
However, retirement did not last long for Farrell. Within a year, he became bored.
Someone who used to work for him mentioned running a chamber of commerce.
“I was looking for something where I could make a contribution. It turned out to be perfect,” said Farrell.
He met with the WBACC Executive Board and officially started May 1, 2006.
“It’s been one heck of a ride,” he said.
Shortly after joining, the U.S. entered the Great Recession. This past year, Farrell led the chamber through the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on the economy and local businesses.
“Our success would not have been possible without your support and the help of amazing staff and Board of Directors dedicated to our mission,” Farrell wrote in the update.
He found that joining the chamber took him back to the days in his father’s tour company, where “you did everything yourself” 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
“We were able to do some unique things that are sort of special to chamber life. It’s been such a wonderful opportunity and I was blessed with having a staff of people I’ve been able to work with,” he said.
In his retirement, Farrell is looking forward to spending time with his 20-monthold grandson, who he and his wife have not seen since he was six months old due to the pandemic, as well as getting back to some old hobbies like gardening and golf.
After a career in the travel business, being a tour operator and running a hotel company, Farrell has always loved traveling but has not always had the time for it. He also hopes to stay involved in a couple of community organizations. “It’s going to keep us busy, but I love our home. We’re going to stay in West Bend,” he said.
The chamber will begin the search for a new director next week, and Farrell’s goal is that his successor will begin prior to his departure.
Muskego Chamber: Student Opportunities Among Local Businesses
Muskego Chamber invites you to learn about student work opportunities through the MHS Connect Academy program at our May 18 Networking Lunch with MHS Connect Academy Coordinator Jim Michlig. See details below. Register Online Sorry, I'm not able to attend
Date: May 18, 2021
Time: 11:30 AM - 01:00 PM CDT
Website: http://www.muskego.org
Muskego Chamber Networking Lunch
Presentation by Muskego High School’s Jim Michlig
Topic: Student Opportunities among Local Businesses
Learn about internships, hiring students, and the Connect Academy program.
Location: Matty’s Bar & Grille, 14460 W College Ave
Build Your Own Taco & Salad Bar. Cash bar available for beverages
$15 per person; Register by May 11
Lou Molitor to retire from Kenosha Area Chamber of Commerce on Aug. 31
Kenosha Area Chamber of Commerce President and Chief Executive Officer Lou Molitor is retiring after nearly 13 years as head of the organization that has helped to build a network of 670 members.
Molitor announced his retirement Monday, with his official retirement date set for Aug. 31.
A search committee is currently looking for a new president.
When Molitor joined the Kenosha Chamber as executive director in October 2008, the region was in the midst of a deep recession that slowed business growth.
A nearly lifetime Kenosha resident, Molitor previously was president of the more than 400-member Lake County (Ill.) Chamber of Commerce. He served in that position for two years before coming to the Kenosha Chamber.
Prior to that, Molitor served as vice president of business operations and as co-executive director for Northpointe Resources, a $6 million nonprofit organization serving people with disabilities in northern Lake County.
Locally, Molitor has served on several nonprofit boards, including Women and Children’s Horizons, the WCH Foundation, Kenosha County Workforce Development and the Kenosha County Business Advisory Board. He also served on the City of Kenosha Arts Commission and the Lakeshore Business Improvement District and Downtown Kenosha Inc. boards.
Wisconsin Secretary of Revenue Peter Barca said Molitor brought many programs to the Chamber membership and was an active advocate for local businesses.
Letter urges urge Maryland to move forward with American Legion bridge replacement
More than 60 business, labor, and community organizations have signed a letter to the Maryland Board of Public Works expressing strong support for Phase 1 of the Maryland Traffic Relief Plan, which includes replacing the aging American Legion Bridge and improving the Interstate 270 corridor.
“The project will benefit our entire region,” said Jason Stanford, president of the Northern Virginia Transportation Alliance. “It will create a seamless managed lane network between Maryland and Virginia, which will move more people through this important corridor including via a new express bus service between Bethesda and Tysons. This project is a gamechanger for those who are tired of being stuck in soul-crushing traffic on the American Legion Bridge.”
The letter is signed by representatives of regional business and labor organizations, including the Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council, LiUNA, AAA Mid-Atlantic, the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce and Prince George’s Chamber of Commerce. These organizations represent thousands of members, according to a news release. Read more: Inside NOVA
The Town of Front Royal and the Front Royal-Warren County Chamber of Commerce have partnered with local business consulting specialist Herb Melrath to offer free consulting services to small businesses in Warren County.
The services are free to any small business owner within Warren County and will be tailored to the individual business owner’s needs.
Melrath, who works full time with the Maryland Small Business Development Center, is a Front Royal resident who previously owned the Main Street Daily Grind for 13 years in the town. His services will include information gathering that will help “recover and invigorate our small business economy,” in addition to going through options pertaining to social media, email updates, webinars and more.
“We thought there was a need,” Malrath said on the decision to partner with the chamber. “I just wanted to try to give back to the community to help them through this time and try to give them more of an onsite, personal way to have someone from the county help them, whether it be COVID-related matters, funding, helping them through a loan process or even growing their business. That’s what I’m here for.”
Malrath said he believes his time spent as a small business owner in Front Royal will help him connect with other business owners facing typical struggles.
“I learned the good, the bad and ugly of running a small business and what it took,” he said. “A lot of times for small business owners, it’s a 24/7 operation. I get what it takes to run a business, knowing if you’ve got enough in your checking account to run the business the next day. I can empathize with them. I think that gives me a good background to know what these guys are going through. If nothing else, I can be a sounding board. I understand the issues.”
Niki Foster, president of the Front Royal-Warren County Chamber of Commerce, encouraged all small business owners to take advantage of the services.
“Part of the Chamber’s mission is to connect business with the resources they need to be successful and encourage growth. We are excited to team with the Town of Front Royal to move forward from the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 crisis,” she said in a news release. “This is just part of what our organization does to help businesses thrive in our community.”
The services will be available until April 2022. For more information or to schedule an appointment, Melrath can be reached at 719-284-2291 or hmelrath@frontroyalchamber.com. Read more: Northern Virginia Daily
#BestChamber practices: Starkville Partnership: Using a Webcast when an Event is sold out!
Today's Lunch and Learn with Chick-fil-A is currently full!
We are excited to offer a zoom option though so you can still hear this wonderful content. We will go live at 11:00!
Please see below.
Starkville Partnership is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Chick-fil-A Customer Service Luncheon
Time: May 11, 2021 11:00 AM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82903126927?pwd=RnE4K3ZESW9VQnFrT3VqeERHSlFsZz09
Meeting ID: 829 0312 6927
Passcode: 597247
One tap mobile
+16465588656,,82903126927#,,,,*597247# US (New York)
+13017158592,,82903126927#,,,,*597247# US (Washington DC)
My Best,
Hunter Harrington
Director of Membership Development
From Waterloo IL Chamber --- RRF Fund update: Sign up now!
From: Edie Koch <ekoch@mciledc.com>
Sent: Monday, May 10, 2021 11:32 AM
Subject: Reminder: Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) open for applications and other programs
Importance: High
Everyone who meets eligibility for RRF, regardless if they are priority business owners or not, should get their application in the pipeline for the RRF now. According to Darrah Perryman, Outreach Specialist for the US SBA, it’s important to get your applications in the queue now. Of course SBA will be processing priority business owner applications first, but after that they will begin processing all other applications in the order received. There is no particular end date to the program; it will be open until funding is exhausted. This is a grant, and the only reason that a company would have to pay it back is if the funds awarded weren’t used properly (refer to program guide pg. 10); (OR) if business hasn’t completely used all of the funds by March 11, 2023 (would then be asked to give back the unused portion of funds.)
If you are a restaurant; food stand, food truck, or food cart; caterer; bar, saloon, lunge, or tavern; snack and nonalcoholic beverage bar; licensed facility or premise of a beverage alcoholic producer where the public may taste, sample or purchase; other similar place of business in which the public or patrons assemble for the primary purpose of being served food or drink; bakery; brewpub, tasting room, or taproom; brewery and/or microbrewery; winery or distillery; Inn, you need to check out if you are eligible for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF). Information below on full list of eligibility guidelines and other key information.
- Get started at www.sba.gov/restaurant
- Portal opened Monday, May 3 at 11 a.m. Central Time at https://restaurants.sba.gov
- WATCH: RRF Application Portal Training: http://ow.ly/kjiv50Exdku
- View the sample RRF application: Restaurant Revitalization Funding Application Sample (sba.gov)
- Review the RRF Program Guide: Restaurant Revitalization Funding Program Guide (sba.gov)
- Questions? Search for questions and answers in the Restaurant Revitalization Knowledge Base here: Restaurant Revitalization Fund Knowledge Base – SBA Restaurant Program (zendesk.com) OR Call center support: 1-844-279-8898.
- DCEO will be hosting a series of RRF Webinars as follows:
ü Date and Time: Friday, May 14, 2021 at 2:00 pm CST. Register: HERE
ü Date and Time: Wednesday, May 19, 2021 at 3:00 pm CST. Register: HERE
ü Date and Time: Friday, May 21, 2021 at 1:00 pm CST. Register: HERE
ü Date and Time: Tuesday, May 25, 2021 at 4:00 pm CST. Register: HERE
ü Date and Time: Friday, May 28, 2021 at 1:00 pm CST. Register Here: HERE
May 11-13th in Mt Clemens, MI
View the Agenda at ThePurposeSummit.com
There Are Four Ways to Attend Purpose Summit 2021:
On-Demand Virtual: 30-Day On Demand access to recordings of all sessions of the Purpose Summit: $225
In-Person Livestream Pavilion: General Session Livestream seating onsite in an outside covered pavilion: $325
In-Person Inside Theatre: General Session Live seating inside the Emerald Theatre: SOLD OUT
*In-person tickets will als
o receive 30-Day On Demand access to recordings of all sessions of the Purpose Summit.
The Three Days Include:
Over 30 local and international speakers & authors.
A virtual online and onsite business expo held outside on closed streets.
Lunch provided from several local restaurants, in outside food tents.
Live music at various points throughout the three days.
In-person attendee giveaways and contests.
Various evening activities, networking events, and private sponsor receptions.
Day 1 (May 11) Theme: Individual Purpose
Day 2 (May 12) Theme: Organizational Purpose
Day 3 (May 13) Theme: Purpose in Action
View Agenda, Registration, Exhibitor, Sponsor, and Speaker Information:
Visit: ThePurposeSummit.com
State of the Lansing Region Report Represents the Next Step Forward for Greater Lansing
Landmark Benchmarking Study Compares Lansing to 11 Peer Regions and Serves as a Blueprint to Build a More Exciting Future for the Region
A recently completed analysis of the Lansing region’s competitiveness relative to other similar thriving regions around the country is expected to serve as a blueprint for developing strategies to strengthen Greater Lansing position on the national and global stage. The first ever State of the Lansing Region Benchmarking Report was developed as the result of a partnership between the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC), the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) and 10 leading business and education stakeholders.
“Our collective future is bright in a highly competitive global economy,” said Tim Daman, president & CEO, LRCC. “However, we must accelerate our efforts to compete for future jobs and investments successfully. One of the first steps was to benchmark our region against thriving communities and identify our competitive strengths, opportunities for growth, and a regional vision.”
“The Lansing region is currently experiencing historic levels of growth with $3.2 billion in current investments. However, the region needs to continue to compete for economic investment and jobs on a national and global scale,” said Bob Trezise, president & CEO, LEAP. “This report will actively guide us toward important goals and strategies that will lead to continued growth. It will not be easy, but we must accept this challenge with confidence.”
LRCC and LEAP commissioned Anderson Economic Group to conduct the benchmarking study. The economic data reflected in the report is from the years 2014-2018, the most recent economic data available at year end 2019. The resulting inaugural State of the Lansing Region Benchmarking Report compares the Lansing region on 42 indicators relative to 11 peer regions: Ann Arbor, Mich.; Columbus, Ohio; Des Moines, Iowa; Durham, N.C.; Grand Rapids, Mich.; Greenville, S.C.; Hartford, Conn.; Indianapolis, Ind.; Madison Wis.; Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minn., and Nashville, Tenn.
“The number one objective I see for this is to raise awareness for leaders in the Lansing area is that we are competing against some pretty strong other metropolitan areas,” said Patrick Anderson, principal, Anderson Economic Group. “We have strengths to bring to that race and we have weaknesses to address. If we focus on those, we will do well.”
Among the 42 economic indicators, four stood out for short-term strategic focus based on their long-term economic growth; population growth, educational attainment, private sector growth and affordability.
As partners launched the report in 2019, they did not anticipate a global pandemic and the resulting disruption is not reflected in the data. Anderson Economic will update the data twice in the next two to four years, which will allow the region to assess the impact of COVID more fully and further adjust strategies and tactics as economic circumstances continue to evolve.
The State of the Region Lansing Benchmarking Report will be introduced at a community roundtable, held virtually at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 4. Partners are also planning to establish the Lansing 2025 Pathway to Prosperity Steering Committee, which will develop action strategies from the inaugural State of the Lansing Region Benchmarking Report and propose alignment with existing regional economic plans.
The entire State of the Lansing Region Benchmarking Report can be accessed by visiting www.stateofthelansingregion.com. The public is strongly encouraged to download, print and share the report. Questions can be directed to stateoftheregion@lansingchamber.org.
“The State of the Lansing Region Benchmarking Report represents an opportunity for business leaders to work together to establish a vision for Lansing’s future,” said Daman. “There is a lot of great work already being done in the region in many of these areas. We need to focus on how we gain alignment and get people working together to move the region forward.”
Clarkston Area Chamber: Tune in this Thursday to the 36th Annual Clarkston Community Awards
Join us as we celebrate the people who make our community great at the 36th Annual Clarkston Community Awards! This year's awards video will premier live on Facebook at 7:00pm on Thursday, May 13th. Available for viewing at https://www.facebook.com/events/2890801161175324/.
Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce event focusing on employee shortage
This month's edition of Wake Up West Coast: Coffee Break will feature a conversation with leaders from two local businesses known for thriving workplace cultures.
The 45-minute event, presented by the Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce, will take place via Zoom at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 13.
Speakers will include Ed Amaya, president of Kenowa Industries, and Brett VanderKamp, CEO of New Holland Brewing Co.
"In a time when attracting talent is a challenge in many industries across the board, developing a culture and work environment where employees want to stay for the long-term is key strategy in retaining talent," the chamber wrote in a statement.
Amaya's career at Kenowa began in 2003, when he was first hired as manufacturing manager.
He became president in 2006 and majority owner in 2009. In 2012, the company was named Minority-Owned Business of the Year by the chamber.
VanderKamp co-founded New Holland Brewing in 1996. Today, he serves as CEO, overseeing the corporate and leadership teams.
With nearly 500 employees, the business sells its craft beer and spirits across the country and around the globe. In 2015, VanderKamp was named Small Business Person of the Year by the chamber.
Registration for the event is available at westcoastchamber.org. Admission is free for members and $20 for nonmembers.
Midland Business Alliance: First Small Business Tuesday a Success + Loons are Back
It was a little chilly, but Opening Day for the Great Lakes Loons also included the first Small Business Tuesday. As part of the MBA’s small business support effort, we have partnered with the Loons to host Small Business Tuesdays. From May to September 2021, the MBA and up to 10 small businesses will be at the Dow Diamond during game time.
Each game night will have a different theme and focus on a specific industry. This week's theme was restaurants and featured the following businesses:
· Basil Thai Bistro
· Captain Dave's Family Entertainment Center
· Genji Midland
· Midland Brewing Company
· Pi's Chinese Restaurant
· Pizza Baker, LLC
· Pizza Sam’s
· WhichCraft Taproom
Click here to see photos from Tuesday's event. The next Small Business Tuesday will be May 18. Stay tuned to see what businesses will be featured and for the schedule!
A modern-day expedition into western Iowa, the T-Bone Trail Tour will be one of the beefiest missions of the year and The Iowa Gallivant is ready to take it on! Some of Iowa’s greatest communities will be showcased May – August, with Cass County being the first stop this Friday.
“This will be JayJay and The Iowa Gallivant’s second trip to our community and we’re excited to welcome him back and show him even more of the area. The idea of the T-Bone Trail Tour is to showcase what travelers can do outdoors and highlight restaurants serving Iowa raised beef,” Bailey Smith, Executive Director at the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce said.
Goodvin will make stops at Schildberg Recreation Area with highlights of walking and biking trails in Atlantic, Baxter Cycle in Marne, Cold Springs Park in Lewis, The Outdoor Classroom in Massena, Lake Anita State Park and end with a steak dinner at the Wiota Steakhouse. He will post videos and blogs of his adventures to his Facebook page, The Iowa Gallivant, and encourages everyone to follow along!
“What if I told you that a juicy steak could be paired with the beautiful Loess Hills, rural roller-coaster like blacktops, vibrant Main Streets, tranquil off the beaten path wonders, historic landmarks unique to Iowa, hundreds of miles of hiking/biking trails and unbelievable lakesides you can’t believe you’ve overlooked before. People have a favorite steak night go-to in Des Moines, Omaha, Kansas City, etc. It’s time to expand that sense of adventure and find another juicy, perfectly cooked beefy masterpiece in western Iowa and experience one of the greatest areas in the world,” JayJay Goodvin, creator of The Iowa Gallivant said.
The next stop on the tour will be a visit to Audubon County on Saturday, May 8. Goodvin will visit a local beef producer, Albert the Bull, T-Bone Trail, a trip to the golf course and to the Nathanial Hamlin Park. He’ll end his visit with a steak dinner at the Barn Burner in Brayton.
For more information about The Iowa Gallivant, visit their website at www.theiowagallivant.com, Facebook, The Iowa Gallivant, or contact the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce at 712-243-3017. The T-Bone Trail Tour kicks off this Friday, May 7. Read more: Atlantic News Telegraph
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