Good morning #ChamberWorld! It's going to be a great day!
Dubuque Area Chamber President Molly Grove Op-Ed: The Need for a Path for Dreamers
The Telegraph Herald published an op-ed by Chamber President & CEO Molly Grover on Sunday, highlighting the need for a path to citizenship for Dreamers and a fix for the farm worker economy. In a time like this when skilled labor is difficult to come by, we must work to make Iowa more inclusive and welcoming. Creating a path to citizenship for Dreamers is an important first step, we urge all federal legislators to work in a bipartisan manner to deliver these much needed results on immigration. Read the whole op-ed here.
May 18 @ 8:00 am - May 31 @ 5:00 pm
BRG Apartments breaks ground on 240-unit complex in Boone County
BRG Apartments broke ground Wednesday morning on Parkway Trails, which will feature 240 1-and 2-bedroom apartment homes of attainable housing in fast-growing Boone County.
BRG leaders were joined by Boone County officials and representatives from the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce for the groundbreaking at the northeast corner of Areo Parkway/Rt. 18.
“It is great to have a diversity of housing available to potential and current Boone County residents,” said Boone County Judge-Executive Gary Moore. “This tremendous project is another example of the growth we are experiencing in Boone County.”
Parkway Trails is located in the heart of a vibrant area of Boone County, accessible to shopping, restaurants, entertainment, interstate highways, golf courses, recreation, highly rated public schools, dog parks and waking, hiking and biking trails. Monthly rents will start at $950 with pre-leasing beginning in the fall and move-ins scheduled for early 2022.
“As Northern Kentucky continues to grow through economic development opportunities across region, Parkway Trails is the kind of attractive residential development that is critical to providing the attainable housing needed for our booming workforce,” said Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce President Brent Cooper. Read more: Lane Report
The 2020-2021 Geneva Lake West Chamber of Commerce Community Resource Guide
The 2020-2021 Geneva Lake West Chamber of Commerce Community Resource Guide is available at the chamber today ! Thanks to Greg Gaskins and the chamber team for their help and direction with this publication
Kentucky business owners are concerned about the lack of available workers turning out as businesses re-open. Due to the federal assistance program, unemployment benefits are extended until late 2021 in Kentucky.
Signs promoting employment can be seen popping up across Eastern Kentucky.
Jordan Gibson, President and CEO of the Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, says the lack of workers is due to the extended unemployment benefits.
“So, there’s people that are hiring. There’s people that are growing their business, looking for a brighter future here post-pandemic. Clearly, the unemployment benefits are having an impact.”
Gibson also says the issue goes deeper - stating that it is also about livable wages.
“You know, small businesses, fast food, different kind of things, you know- they’re having to do their wages to compete. That makes sense. But I’m also hearing from businesses that are looking for, you know, $60-$70 thousand a year jobs. I don’t think those are being impacted by unemployment benefits,” said Gibson. Read more: WYMT
SBA: Resources for Women Entrepreneurs
A free learning platform for women entrepreneurs
Start Learning
More about Ascent - Women own or co-own 45% of all businesses in the United States. These businesses represent all types of industries and are owned by all types of women. The majority are small, with great potential for growth in both revenues and job creation. That’s why we created Ascent and packed it with in-depth information to help you grow your business.
Ascent is divided into major topics called Journeys, developed by experts in women's entrepreneurship. Choose any journey to start, skip the ones you already know.
Within each Journey, you'll find Excursions with the tools you need to master a topic. Each excursion includes a time estimate for completion. You're the boss of when and how to apply these tools to your business.
Things you can explore within excursions:
Exercises & Tools
Learn and apply growth practices to your business.
Fireside Chats
Learn from experts about how women grow their businesses.
Infographics
Gain a snapshot view of growth concepts.
Success Stories
Be inspired by stories from real-world entrepreneurs.
Discussion Guides
Use questions to stimulate thinking for you, your advisors or team.
Videos
Grasp key concepts in just minutes.
Key Insights
Understand key topics to support your business growth.
Self-Assessments
Benchmark your current practices through self-focused inventories.
New Berlin Chamber: Testimonials Reinforce the Value of Membership
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More 5 Star reviews! Adding a review increases your visibility, by raising the reputation, and visibility of the Chamber's Website. Add your review at the following link: | ||
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Shebesta Piano -John Shebesta "I’m semi retired now but the New Berlin chamber of commerce has always been very helpful and easy to contact I wish I could plug-in more often" |
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"Great group of people that genuinely car about the business's and people in our community." |
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"Has been a great experience being a member of New Berlin Chamber of Commerce. Very helpful getting connected in the community and staying in the loop!" |
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"The New Berlin Chamber of Commerce has made me feel very welcome as a new business in the community. They are very polite, professional and knowledgeable. Thank you" |
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"Didn't know the importance of being a chamber member till I joined, but wow is it critical, especially if you own a business in New Berlin! I get a lot of value out of their timely, important updates but also from the chamber member community and meetings. Strong connections with state and local representatives, local business leaders and the local community. Everything you need to know and who you need to know are all here at the chamber!" |
Burt Robertson "When we moved our Business to New Berlin the Chamber was one of our first stops. They have not failed to deliver. For answer questions, helping us meet other business owners, opportunities to help us get exposure, the Chamber has been a huge help. Even through Covid the chamber was constantly proving timely information and help to our business about regulations, rules, shutdowns and financial assistance opportunities for many places. We are so happy to be members of the chamber and regularly recommend it to others... If you are a Business owner/manager you should learn more, it doesn't matter if you are a homebased direct sales business or a owner/CEO of a large factory or store... there is something for you at the chamber. If you are new to the area and are looking for help getting around and find places to shop, eat, have fun... check out the community guide book the chamber has it is really nice.
These pictures are from when we had the opportunity to be the business of the week at the Farmers Market... GOOGLE Review / Picture This really got us noticed in the community! | ||||
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"They are a Great Chamber of Commerce that helps businesses in the community" ******. Review By: sherry ament (sament@herculift.com) - Zip Code: 53151 Submitted: 04/15/2021 Review ID: 159411 |
Bazaar After Dark, License to Cruise, and Appleton’s Octoberfest Return to Fox Cities Social Calendar
Health and safety reviews indicate high-profile Chamber events may return in 2021
The Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce has confirmed that its popular Fox Cities night market Bazaar After Dark and the beloved License to Cruise/Appleton’s Octoberfest events will return with in-person celebrations in 2021. Bazaar After Dark will be held July 28 along South Commercial Street in Neenah; License to Cruise and Appleton’s Octoberfest will be Sept. 24-25, both in their regular locations along College Avenue in Appleton.
Events and dates were previously announced, but labeled as tentative pending health and safety reviews. The Chamber has worked closely with representatives of ThedaCare and Ascension Wisconsin health systems, as well as public health officials, to monitor the Fox Cities’ COVID-19 situation as the region looks toward reopening and bringing back in-person events.
“The decision to move forward with these events was not one we took lightly, as we know the pandemic and efforts to mitigate the virus have followed an unpredictable timeline,” said Becky Bartoszek, President and CEO of the Fox Cities Chamber. “But we know that these celebrations also play a tremendous role in our community’s health. There was a lot of strong, positive will toward making them happen, and I am so appreciative of the support from our health experts. It’s great to be able to say now that signs are pointing toward a green light for these festivities.”
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
From Mike Riehle: Community Engagement Series - Explore La Porte
Come join us on June 4th to see some of La Porte's recent development and get project updates on the spot! Make sure you register and can win a 65 Inch TV if you visit all locations. See Below! Please share this anyone is welcome to attend.
Community Engagement Series - Explore La Porte
The
La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership is switching it up for the quarterly
Community Engagement Series presented by Horizon Bank. Instead of a panel
discussion, we are allowing the community to learn about newly completed or in
progress projects throughout the City of La Porte. This event takes place on
June 4th from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and is a great opportunity to learn more about
what is happening in the City of La Porte.
Participants who pre-register for this FREE event will drive to the following locations to get the inside scoop on the work that has been done or will be done.
The Banks - 402 Truesdell Ave., La Porte
Beechwood Lakes - 1311 Boyd Boulevard
Rural King - 1460 W State Road 2, La Porte
Soldiers Memorial Park - 300 Grangemouth Drive
Thomas Rose Industrial Park Spec Building - 301 Enterprise Drive, La Porte
A passport will be distributed to each attendee with a map of the locations on
one side and the list of venues on the other. Participants who visit all five
locations and receive the corresponding stamp will be entered into a drawing
for a 65" Vizio Smart TV.
Small handheld appetizers will also be served showcasing a different member eatery at each location.
Space is limited and registration is requiired. This can be done by using the link to the right. The cost is free for the community.
Date: June 4, 2021
Time: 01:00 PM - 04:00 PM CDT
Location: City of La Porte
Contact: 219.324.8584
Email: lindsayj@laportepartnership.com
Fees/Admission: Free of Charge.
Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce - Corn Roast August 27 & 28, 2021 - Sponsorship Opportunities
Expose your organization to 5000+ consumers!
o Exclusive designation as Presenting Sponsor; business name with “Sponsored by” appears with event name on all promotional materials
o Feature article in the Times pullout section
o Company promoted on all Social Media platforms
o Listed on the Chamber website event page
o Extra Large Booth space at event for promotion of company
o Company name and logo on banner at the event; recognition on all
media advertising
*$2,000 Entertainment Sponsor (Only 2 Opportunities):
o Speaking Opportunities (prepared commercials can be read by a festival volunteer if a representative is not available)
o Feature article business in the Times pullout section
o Company promoted on all Social Media platforms
o Listed on the Chamber website event page
o Booth space at event for promotion of company
o Company name and logo on banner at the event; recognition on all media advertising
**$500 Family Time Sponsor:
o Feature article in the Times pullout section
o Company promoted on all Social Media platforms
o Listed on the Chamber website event page
o 10x10 Booth space at event for promotion of company
o Company name and logo on banner at the event; recognition on all media advertising
o Option to have prepared commercial to be read during announcements
**$400 Corporate Sponsor:
o 10x10 Booth space at the event for promotion of company
o Recognition in The Times newspaper insert & on Chamber website event page
o Company name and logo on banner at the event, and recognition on all media advertising
o Company promoted on all Social Media promotions
**$400 Beer Garden Sponsors:
o Name and logo prominently displayed on banner in the beer garden
o Opportunity for your employees to work the beer garden and wear corporate apparel. Chamber will pay for their liquor license.
o Recognition in the Times newspaper insert & on the Chamber website event page
o Company promoted on all Social Media promotions
**$300 Family Friendly Sponsor:
o Recognition in The Times newspaper insert & on Chamber website event page
o Company promoted on Social Media promotions
o Option to set up a family-friendly game/booth area during the Corn Roast
**$300 Gate Sponsor:
o Booth space at the event for promotion of your company
o Logo sign on the entrance gate
*Above Prices Available to Chamber Members Only.
**All Non-Chamber Members pay additional $285.
Payment Deadline for Sponsorships: July 15, for print recognition.
Thursday, June 17, 2021
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Valparaiso Country Club
2501 Country Club Rd
At our second Network @ NOON you will get to meet and hear from Bill Higbie, President and CEO of the Porter County Community Foundation. He will be on hand to answer questions and network throughout the room. Following his presentation, attendees will casually have lunch and network with other attendees. This is a great event to meet and get to know other Valpo Chamber members and find and follow up on business leads.
Each quarter we will host Network @ NOON where you can meet the business people who run some of the largest businesses and organizations in and around Valparaiso.
$15 per person/member
Unfulfilled reservations will be billed.
Kosciusko Chamber Budget Chat with Senator Ryan Mishler
Wednesday, May 26th10:00am - 11:00am
Please join us virtually on Wednesday, May 26th at 10:00am for a Indiana state budget conversation with State Senator Ryan Mishler. If you have questions, please send them ahead of time to lklusman@kchamber.com
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Last chance to register for June 2nd, Muncie on the Move!
Join fellow Chamber Members for the June Muncie on the Move. This event will take place on Wednesday, June 2nd at the Horizon Convention Center. Doors open at 6:45 am and the program begins at 7:30 am. Advance reservations are $20 for members and $30 for walk-ins and non-members. Our corporate sponsor is Indiana University Health Plans. YMCA of Muncie and Meridian Health Services are our non-profit sponsors. Booth sponsorships are also available. As we begin to open up our economy, Muncie on the Move is a great place to re-engage with clients, prospects, and friends. We will be practicing social distancing following the Governor's re-opening stages to ensure everyone's safety. Remember, each attendee can participate in community announcements, just $5 gets you 30 seconds on stage! No political announcements!
We would appreciate receiving your reservation by Friday, May 28th to ensure we have plenty of seating.
We are honoring any 2020 Muncie on the Move Season pass holders to attend at no charge. This will be the last Muncie on the Move to register for at no charge.
For more information on sponsorship availability and reservations, contact Brenda Williamson at 765-751-9128 or bwilliamson@muncie.com
Via Fulton County Chamber: 10 Facebook Best Practices for Non Profits
With 2.7 billion monthly active users, Facebook is the largest social network in the world. Without a doubt, your nonprofit’s donors and supporters use Facebook on a regular basis and thus Facebook should be your first priority in your social media strategy. However, to stand out from the other nearly one hundred million Facebook Pages vying for likes, comments, and shares, your nonprofit needs to excel at Facebook to ensure News Feed exposure.
1.Set up your nonprofit’s Facebook Page to make a good first impression.
First impressions are important on social media. Ensure that when potential new followers land on your Facebook Page, the design of your cover photo and your avatar is visually compelling.
2.Post 2-5 times weekly to your Facebook Page and respond to your followers.
According to HubSpot Research, Facebook Pages that have 100 followers or more earn a median of a single click on the first two posts that nonprofit shares on Facebook per week.
3.Invest in Facebook Ads.
According to the Global NGO Technology Report, 47% of nonprofits purchased Facebook Ads in 2019. That’s a good number, but that leaves 53% of nonprofits worldwide that haven’t yet come to the understanding that Facebook can be a colossal waste of time if you are not following these best practices and at least occasionally purchasing Facebook Ads for special fundraising and advocacy campaigns.
4.Add a “Donate” button to your page and posts.
According to the Global Trends in Giving Report, 32% of online donors gave through Facebook Charitable Giving Tools in 2020. Of those, 89% said they would likely do it again. Nonprofits may have a love/hate relationship with Facebook Charitable Giving Tools, but it’s clear that donors who give through Facebook want to give through Facebook.
5.Allow your supporters to fundraise for your nonprofit on Facebook.
As mentioned, 97% of all Facebook revenue was donated through peer-to-peer Facebook Fundraisers. Not enabling your Facebook followers to create Fundraisers for your nonprofit is an opportunity lost.
6.If eligible, experiment with Fan Subscriptions to gain monthly donors.
For nonprofits that regularly use Facebook Live, have 10,000+ fans, and a highly engaged community (50,000 post engagements within the last 60 days), Facebook offers the ability to gain new monthly donors through their Fan Subscription service.
7.Utilize Facebook Messenger.
Facebook Messenger has 1.3 billion users worldwide and that number will skyrocket as Facebook continues to merge Messenger with Instagram and WhatsApp. More than a means for your followers to contact your nonprofits privately through your Facebook Page, Messenger will eventually become an extremely powerful global communications tool with e-commerce functionality, and likely cross-platform donation functionality between Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp users via Facebook Pay.
8.Experiment with Facebook Stories.
As mentioned earlier, Facebook Pages can be a colossal waste of time if your nonprofit does not have a budget for advertising. The same is true with Facebook Stories. In discussions with small and medium-sized nonprofits, there’s a lot of hype about stories (which disappear 24 hours after posting), but very little ROI and stories can be time-consuming to create.
9.Experiment with Facebook Live.
Facebook Live is an ideal fit for nonprofits that have a great story to tell via live video. For example, the Dolphin Project streams live daily updates from the Taiji dolphin hunts in Japan and NPR regularly streams live news updates.
10.Schedule a monthly Facebook Study Hour.
Facebook is constantly updating their tools – pages, ads, events, charitable giving tools, etc.
Jasper Chamber: New Event - Coffee and Conversation with Mayor Dean Vonderheide
Wednesday - June 2
September 8
November 30
8:00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m.
JASPER TRAIN DEPOT - The Chamber will have coffee for you!
The in-person event on Thursday, May 20 also paid tribute to the Spirit of Batavia winner, Ole Award honorees, Batavia Community Impact awardees and the Ambassador of the Year.
BATAVIA – May 26, 2021 – Living up to its name Inspire 2021, Batavia Chamber of Commerce hosted their first in-person event since March 2020 on Thursday, May 20. Approximately 150 people attended the annual awards event at Enticing Cuisine & Banquets, 1117 N. Washington Ave., Batavia.
Normally held in January, the Chamber chose to push the event to May, hoping that a combination of COVID-19 vaccinations and a decline in cases would permit a larger attendance.
“It was fortuitous that Illinois entered the Bridge to Phase 5 on May 14,” said Margaret Perreault, president and CEO of Batavia Chamber of Commerce. “We could safely host more guests because of this, plus the fact that those vaccinated aren’t counted towards capacity totals.”
The result meant a cheerful group gathered to honor the award winners, catch up with old friends and genuinely enjoy mingling in person once again. A large contingent of past Citizens of the Year came to support the 2020 Citizen of the Year, Bob Hansen. Those attending were Dennis Kintop (1999), Roger Breisch (2001), Jeffery Schielke (2004), Carla Hill (2005), Britta and Steven McKenna (2012), J. Thomas “Tom” Von Lunen (2014), Joanne Spitz (2015), Marcia Boyce (2017), and Nanette Phillips (2019).
During the evening’s festivities, the 2020 Spirit of Batavia winner, Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry and Clothes Closet, and the Chamber’s 2020 Ambassador of the Year, Michelle “Mike” Burke were also celebrated. Additional award winners include seven Batavia businesses receiving the Ole Award: Cratos LLC., Cast Aluminum Solutions, Midwest Industrial Funds/ Second City Prints, SD Wheel Corp., The Boardwalk Shops, Oak + Swine, and Six + Cypress. GreenSeed Contract Packaging was named the Green Ole Award winner by the Batavia Environmental Commission. Not to be forgotten were two special Batavia Community Impact Award winners, Taking Care of Our Caretakers and Batavia Peace Rally on June 3, 2020.
A representative of the Batavia Woman’s Club sent this comment about the event, “We had a great time! What a wonderful event and it couldn’t come at a better time. A different kind of shot in the arm to move forward from the last year.”
“We are extremely pleased with the event,” summed Ms. Perreault. “Not only did we feel proud of our wonderful community and their accomplishments, but we also fielded many comments about how happy people were to see others at an in-person event. It was freeing and uplifting to see everyone smiling!
Letter urges 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
Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Old Dominion University’s Strome College of Business, will host the 2021 Economic Forecast Mid-Year Breakfast on June 17th, 2021, at the Newport News Marriott at City Center
After a fifteen-month hiatus precipitated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce will host its first live event in partnership with ODU’s Strome College of Business. Economists from ODU’s Dragas Center for Economic Analysis and Policy will deliver their midyear forecast for an unprecedented year on June 17, 2021, from 7:30 am to 9:30 am at the Newport News Marriott at City Center. Individual tickets and sponsorship packages can be purchased online at https://bit.ly/2021EconomicForecastBreakfast.
Dr. Robert McNab will deliver the national and Virginia midyear forecast update. For the first time since March 2020, COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations, and deaths are declining in all 50 states. With 3 in 4 Americans over the age of 65 fully vaccinated and 6 in 10 adults with at least one vaccination, the economic recovery from the pandemic has arrived. However, the economy has changed. Millions remain outside the workforce and supply chains remained constrained from the shocks of the last year. As prices rises and workers demand higher wages, can economic growth be sustained in the face of increasing inflation? Will interest rates rise or will price increases moderate later in the year? We will examine these and other questions in the national and Virginia economic forecasts.
Dr. Vinod Agarwal, chair of ODU's Economic Forecasting Project, will deliver the regional forecast. At the regional level, latest data indicate a stagnant job market. The hotel industry was devastated by the pandemic, especially in the Williamsburg market. The pace of recovery in this industry will be discussed. The residential housing market appears to have escaped the brutal impacts of COVID-19. We will also examine the impact of the pandemic on movement of cargo at the port of Virginia. What might the future look like for the Hampton Roads economy post COVID-19?
ODU's Dragas Center for Economic Analysis and Policy has for more than 20 years been an independent explainer and forecaster of economic data here, in the Commonwealth and nationally.
Chamber’s Leadership Fredericksburg Graduates Fourteenth Class
FREDERICKSBURG – The Chamber’s Leadership Fredericksburg program graduated its fourteenth class of 26 fellows during a May 21 ceremony at the Fredericksburg Nationals Stadium. Kunle Lawson, Head Coach for Cross Country Track & Field and a lecturer at the University of Mary Washington provided the Keynote Address. Lawson is a graduate of Leadership Fredericksburg 2020. Class President, Brad Neal also shared remarks on behalf of the 2021 class.
The 2021 class began their Leadership Fredericksburg experience in October 2020 with a personality profile assessment. Each month, community, business, nonprofit, political and educational leaders offered the fellows insights about their personal leadership journeys. In addition, each fellow was paired with a trained mentor from the business community who supported their progress throughout the program.
Leadership Fredericksburg 2021 Fellows
Crystal Cornwall, Atlantic Union Bank
Lina Flatter, Flatter, Inc
Zach Fox, Quarles Petroleum
Nick Hall, Fredericksburg Nationals
Alisha Henley, Lifepoint Church
David Johnson, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative
Michael Jones, City Of Fredericksburg Fire Department
Thomas Magrino, Mary Washington Healthcare
Tiffany McDowney, Topside Federal Credit Union
Paul Milde, CIP Finishes
Jan Monroe, Step Va, Inc
Dr. April Angela Morgan, Germanna Community College
Jennifer Morgan, George Washington Regional Commission
Heather Muir, Gwyneth's Gift Foundation
Brad Neal, SimVentions
Jay Parrish, Coldwell Banker Elite
Kris Parker, NSWC Dahlgren Division
Carl Pates, HDT Global
Stephanie Rummel, Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center
Greg Schutrum, Atlantic Builders
Phillip St. Ours, Mary Washington Healthcare
Joshua Summits, Stafford County EDA
Richard Szymczyk, LifeCare Medical Transports
Anna Talcott, Fredericksburg Regional Chamber Of Commerce
Ashley Taylor, Greater Fredericksburg Habitat for Humanity
Applications for the 2022 Class are available on the Chamber’s website, www.fxbgchamber.org.
Farmville Area Chamber of Commerce Community and Membership Guide
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.
Arlington Chamber: Call for Host Venues for Chamber Events and Meetings
Are you excited about the return of in-person programming? The Chamber is looking for hosts for its Business after Business networking series and Board of Directors meetings as they transition back to in-person venues.
Business After Business is a popular event that occurs from 5:00-7:00 p.m. The purpose of Business After Business is to provide a monthly opportunity for Chamber members to meet and mingle with one another, both socially and professionally. The series is also a great promotional opportunity for the hosts.
Chamber Board of Directors meetings are lunchtime events and are a great way to showcase your space to up to 50 of Arlington’s top business leaders. As the host, you will also have the opportunity to give a formal welcome before the meetings starts.
For more information on becoming a host, review our Business After Business Guidelines and Board of Directors Meeting Guidelines and contact Olivia McKay, Operations Manager, at chamber@arlingtonchamber.org to inquire about available dates.
BUSINESS AFTER BUSINESS GUIDELINES
BOARD OF DIRECTORS GUIDELINES
WEDNESDAY, MAY 26 | 8:30 AM
As the business impact of the COVID-19 crisis wanes, but continues, leaders in every industry are moving urgently to protect employees and build resilience. Action is critical, but leaders must also embrace a new agenda—one aimed squarely at what comes next.
In this session, Leadership Fairfax President and CEO will share valuable lessons learned from the pandemic, her coaching, and working with leaders from the public, private and nonprofit sectors.
Register
Clarkston Chamber announces Female Business Leader of the Year award recipient
As part of their annual Women in Business event, the Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce presents a Female Business Leader of the Year award. This award recognizes a woman who has shaped the success of her business and demonstrated leadership, professional achievement, and contributed not only to her workplace, but also her community.
The Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the winner of this award is Angie Wathen of Lowrie’s Landscape. Angie became a co-owner of Lowrie’s Landscape in 2014. She has served on the Board of Directors for the Clarkston Chamber since 2017 and is president elect for 2022. Throughout the many challenges that the pandemic brought about in 2020, Angie led Lowrie’s Landscape and helped the business see a nearly 10% increase in sales.
The chamber will be recognizing this award on Monday, May 24, 2021 from 10:30am-1:30pm at Oakhurst Golf & Country Club during their Women in Business event. This event will feature a panel with three inspiring local businesswomen, a brunch buffet, mimosa bar, and several exhibitors. Tickets for the event are sold out.
We would like to thank our presenting sponsors for this event, Bowman Chevrolet, Morgan Milzow & Ford Realtors, and St. Joseph Mercy Oakland. Hospitality sponsors are LaFontaine Automotive Group, McLaren Health Care, and Regiani Holistic Dental Center. Business booster sponsors are Beauchamp Water Treatment Solutions, Beyond Juicery + Eatery Clarkston, The Milner Agency – Farm Bureau Insurance, Nuview Nutrition, T-Mobile, and Thryv.
Click here to read on the Clarkston Chamber's website.
Contact:
Shaun Hayes
(248) 625-8055
The Grand Blanc Chamber of Commerce (GBCC) Board of Directors has unanimously approved hiring Leigh LaForest as president of the Grand Blanc Chamber of Commerce effective Monday, April 12.
A graduate of Grand Blanc High School, LaForest brings Chamber of Commerce, local government, and small business ownership experience to her new role.
LaForest leaves her position as the Partnership Development manager for the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce (FGCC).
While working at FGCC, she was responsible for new member acquisition and retention of its 1000 members, creating strong relationships with community partners, and consistently exceeded dues revenue goals.
She also was responsible for non-dues revenue and successfully managed innovative programs instigated during the pandemic to support local businesses.
LaForest was a city council member for the City of Davison through September of last year.
From 2004 through 2018, she co-owned and managed a professional youth sports photography business and was a nationally-recognized speaker in the photography industry.
LaForest is a member of Gen Forward and Genesee Valley Rotary Club, and is a certified tourism ambassador. Read more: Davidson Index
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Rochester Regional Chamber: Shifting Gears - Becoming Innovative in Uncertain Times
Rochester Regional Chamber and Rochester Regional Chamber Foundation Announce Chamber 2.0 and Launch Lab
With virtually unlimited ways to engage in commerce online, businesses across the nation are developing new methods to connect with clients, deliver goods and services, and embrace digital alternatives to reach new markets.
While conducting business online isn’t new, it did become imperative with the onset of the worldwide pandemic in 2020. One in five small businesses in the US reported having to temporarily close down since the pandemic started according to the US Chamber of Commerce. And with nearly 90 percent of all US commerce taking place in the physical world, that makes for a huge impact on local businesses.
Businesses who already had a strong online presence were able to ramp up quickly while those who did not faced an uphill battle.
So how do we utilize the knowledge we have in our community to sharpen their digital skills and help members adapt to the changing business environment?
The Rochester Regional Chamber Foundation is excited to announce that they received a grant from the Consumer’s Energy Foundation to address these issues. Through this grant, the Chamber will be able to implement new services to help small businesses increase their web presence by elevating them as experts, giving them access to on-demand tools and providing training. Forty percent of the services will go toward helping women, minority, or veteran-owned business organizations.
“This grant could not have come at a more perfect time.” according to Alaina Campbell, President of the Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce. “When shelter-in-place was
enacted, the Chamber dove in and helped businesses navigate the shut-down, but we knew there was more work to be done. With this grant, we can assist our members with the latest technology to help them grow their business by accelerating their online engagement with each other and beyond.”
This grant, along with assistance from key community partners such as Auger, Klein, Aller Architects, Frank Rewold & Sons, Trent Creative, Revenue Refinery, Chief Financial Credit Union, First State Bank and Oakland County will enable the Chamber to create an online learning platform and a physical member hub called LaunchLab.
The LaunchLab brand is a unique mixture of serious high-tech resources and networking within an exciting, engaging and collaborative environment. LaunchLab’s main goal is to assist current and new Chamber members in leveraging their professional expertise into business opportunities while making it easier for individuals to benefit from the intellectual capital and business insight that is so uniquely abundant right here in our community.
The chamber office will soon transform into a member hub available for use by chamber members and the community. This space will feature:
• An on-site video/audio studio along with tutorials and assistance to create professional digital content
• Smart office AV conferencing abilities including online event hosting capabilities • Video Production • Open and private work space • Reliable fiber internet service with bandwidth capable of livestreaming
Digital offerings through the online learning platform will include: • Online curated and targeted courses that bring enterprise-level marketing knowledge to small businesses • An opportunity for members to establish authority as subject matter experts as course creators • Online courses act as a lead generator for member businesses • Provide digital alternatives to help members engage and connect
We have worked together over the last year supporting businesses, providing necessary resources and helping to solve problems, and we see this as an exciting and unique way to continue to help our members move forward and thrive.
In case you missed last our annual Real Estate Forecast, the event can be viewed at left.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEhZ0rdmPkI
Monroe County Chamber of Commerce hosted a job fair for local employers
When the governors of Mississippi and Alabama announced an end to a federal subsidy to unemployment they sighted many employers are in need of workers. The Monroe county chamber of commerce hosted a job fair today in Amory in hopes of putting people in open positions with several companies.
From law enforcement to the medical field, to factory work, many employers were at the old armory in Amory Wednesday trying to get people to work for them.
The president of Nautic Star, Scott Wamack said he needs around 50 more employees right now, "We are expanding and plan to grow even more in the future but first we have to fill these 50 positions." Read more: WTVA
Small business grants are now available. The Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce is now accepting grant applications through May 20th at 4 p.m.
Last year, the chamber gave over $70,000 in small business grants to help local businesses survive the pandemic. This year, they’re doing the same.
Grants range from around $500 to $1,000, providing businesses with some extra cash. The money could be used for anything pertaining to helping small businesses like marketing or maintain any COVID protocols.
Applications can be completed on mscoastchamber.com. Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce CEO Adele Lyons said, “We have division grants for businesses in their community. We have a woman owned business grant. We have a veteran owned business grant and then we have recently added a minority owned business grant. That was through a grant through Mississippi Power, we have our ‘Shine A Light Minority Small Business Grant.’ We’re super excited about this being the inaugural year for that program.”
The chamber will be awarding 16 minority small business grants at $1,000 each. Businesses must also be members of the chamber to apply. Read more: WXXV
Edwardsville Glen Carbon Chamber: Advocating For Your Future
Several new resources have been added to the website to highlight current advocacy updates, FAQs and recent articles.
Contact Information for newly Elected Officials.
Details about Chambers ALL IN Initiative.
Updates on Independent Legislative Mapping Initiative.
Article on current staffing challenges and resources.
Article on EAV and Edwardsville's city budget.
Illinois LGBTQ+ Business Roundtable
Join the LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Illinois at their 2021 Illinois LGBTQ+ Business Roundtable. This annual half-day workshop provides LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and business owners with networking, professional development, and training to grow their business.
The 2021 Roundtable will provide LGBTQ+ and inclusive business owners with the tools and strategies to advocate for the LGBTQ+ business community. Guests will hear from advocacy experts as they share outreach and talking point tips, learn about policy decisions that impact diverse-owned businesses, champion LGBTQ+ voices and their desire for inclusion, as well as learn about evolving trends and benchmarks that your company should be measuring and reporting to win future contracts.
Learn more and RSVP here.
http://business.lgbtcc.com/events/details/illinois-lgbtq-business-spring-roundtable-4488
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