Today: Wisconsin Manufacturing and Commerce: Members-Only Webinar: The $3.5 Trillion Reconciliation Bill & Its Impact on Businesses; The Business Case For Employee Vaccination; THE VIRGINIA ASSOCIATION OF CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EXECUTIVES (VACCE) ANNOUNCES 2021-22 OFFICERS AND BOARD MEMBERS; BACC Women’s Biz Net Donates Over $700 in Gift Cards to Food Pantry; Brian Anderson, President & CEO, ChamberRVA to serve on the board of directors for ACCE; Kentucky Chamber: COVID STOPS HERE CAMPAIGN CELEBRATES OVER 200 BUSINESSES WITH 70% OR HIGHER VACCINATION RATES; Sun Medical Equipment and Supplies’ Ribbon Cutting Ceremony in Birmingham, MI; Mclean County Chamber: Athena Awards; Lauren Klusman Promoted to Director of Marketing & Communications at Kosciusko County Chamber; APPLY TODAY: NEW ACCE PROGRAM TO ADDRESS EQUITABLE CREDENTIAL ATTAINMENT; 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!

 

Today: Wisconsin Manufacturing and Commerce: Members-Only Webinar: The $3.5 Trillion Reconciliation Bill & Its Impact on Businesses


TODAY: 10:00 - 11:00 AM


Two pieces of legislation have become intertwined in Washington, D.C. - the Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework (or BIF) and the Reconciliation Bill (a $3.5 trillion spending package on so-called "human infrastructure").

The second piece of legislation - the $3.5 trillion reconciliation bill - would create a plethora of new social programs, drastically increase government involvement in Americans' lives and necessarily result in huge tax increases.

To break down the proposal, its possibility of passage and the impact on the business community, Michael Best Strategies Partner Sarah Helton will brief WMC members in this exclusive webinar.

Register Here



The Business Case For Employee Vaccination

Employers want the best for their employees. One important measure all businesses can take to help improve the quality of life of their workforce and strengthen performance is to educate employees on the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination.

Here are five reasons employers should continue to encourage employee COVID-19 vaccination in the workplace and community. Link: https://www.wellnessworksdetroit.com/the-business-case-for-employee-vaccination/

THE VIRGINIA ASSOCIATION OF CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EXECUTIVES (VACCE) ANNOUNCES 2021-22 OFFICERS AND BOARD MEMBERS

Kate Bates, Arlington Chamber President & CEO, Named VACCE Chair-Elect

HOT SPRINGS, VA – The Virginia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (VACCE) announced its 2021-22 officers and directors at their Annual Membership Meeting held at the Omni Homestead in Hot Springs, VA. The 2021-22 Executive Committee members are: Chair – Danielle Fitz-Hugh, Chesterfield Chamber Chair-Elect – Kate Bates, Arlington Chamber Secretary – Grafton deButts, Loudoun Chamber Treasurer – Beth Rhinehart, Bristol TN / VA Chamber Immediate Past President – Teresa Hammond, Alleghany Highlands Chamber VACCE has placed the following members on its Board of Directors: District 1 – Melissa Miller Haley, Hanover Chamber District 2 – Terry Banez, Greater Williamsburg Business Council District 3 – Sylvia Haines, Hampton Roads Chamber District 4 – John Brandt, Colonial Heights Chamber District 5 – Elizabeth Cromwell, Charlottesville Regional Chamber District 6 – Gina Hilliard, Luray-Page County Chamber District 7 – Angie Cabell, Powhatan Chamber District 8 – Joe Haggerty, Alexandria Chamber District 9 – Jennifer Atwell, Wytheville/Wythe/Bland Chamber District 10 – Debbie Jones, Prince William Chamber District 11 – Joe Martin, Dulles Regional Chamber At Large Director – Brian Anderson, ChamberRVA At Large Director– Tracy Hale Clark, Louisa County Chamber At Large Director– Tracy Lyons, Lexington-Rockbridge Chamber At Large Director– Michel Zajur, Virginia Hispanic Chamber Ex-Officio Director– Erik Rison, Virginia Chamber "I’m honored to be assuming the role of Chair-Elect for VACCE, following a line of tremendous leaders, including most recently Teresa Hammond and Susan Spears, and our current chair Danielle Fitz-Hugh," said Kate Bates, Arlington Chamber President & CEO. "During the pandemic, VACCE convened the chambers of commerce throughout the commonwealth for dialogues with our Governor and U.S. Senators to advocate for our business community. Our industry is an incredibly collaborative one, and I can’t think of a more supportive community than VACCE, where our chambers of commerce throughout Virginia support each other by sharing ideas and best practices.” VACCE is an alliance of chamber executives representing large and small chambers of commerce from localities throughout the state. VACCE strives to develop the professional skills of chamber executives, staff, and volunteer leaders. The Association also provides a forum for integrating the work of the local chambers of commerce to contribute to the growth and development not only of local communities but also of our Commonwealth.

BACC Women’s Biz Net Donates Over $700 in Gift Cards to Food Pantry

(Barrington, IL--10/4/21) The Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC) Women’s Biz Net (WBN) Council presented a donation of more than $700 in gift cards for groceries to the Cuba Township Food Pantry in September. The donation was a result of the WBN’s Summer Food Drive.


“Our Women’s Biz Net is happy to support the great work that the Cuba Township Food Pantry does for those in need in the Barrington area,” said BACC President/CEO Suzanne Corr. BACC member Caryn Simons also donated gift cards for treats from her Nothing Bundt Cakes store in Kildeer as part of the WBN Drive.


Brian Anderson, President & CEO, ChamberRVA to serve on the board of directors for ACCE



Brian Anderson, President & CEO, ChamberRVA has been elected to serve on the board of directors for ACCE, the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, an Alexandria, Va.-based association of over 9,000 professionals who work for and with more than 1,600 chambers of commerce.

“We are pleased to welcome Brian to the ACCE Board of Directors,” said Sheree Anne Kelly, president & CEO of ACCE. “He joins the organization’s volunteer leadership at a time when the role of chambers of commerce has never been more critical. As our members’ communities and regions emerge from the pandemic and focus on economic recovery, Brian’s expertise and leadership will contribute to achieving meaningful change, continued economic recovery and more equitable prosperity.”

“Serving on the ACCE board will allow me to be aware of issues facing communities and regions around the country while gaining insight on best practices being implemented around the country that can also benefit the Richmond region,” said Brian. “I am honored by the opportunity and look forward to representing the Commonwealth of VA, our region, and ChamberRVA.”

Brian Anderson also was part of the most recent class of sixteen chamber professionals to earn the Certified Chamber Executive designation in 2021. The CCE program assesses and tests the applicant’s knowledge of core chamber management areas —management; planning and development; membership, communications and revenue; and operations. The first CCE designation was conferred more than 40 years and is recognized as the highest, and most elite, professional designation in the chamber of commerce profession. It’s the only globally-recognized certification program exclusive to the chamber of commerce industry.


“In the past year, these chamber leaders not only dedicated themselves to addressing local challenges brought on by the pandemic, but also invested many hours in their professional development to earn their CCE designation,” said Matt McCormick, CCE, IOM, president of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce (Mo.) and CCE Commission chairman. “We commend their achievement and are very proud to have them join a long tradition of professional excellence.”

“Achieving the national credential of ‘Certified Chamber Executive’ has been a personal goal for a long time,” said Brian. “I want to thank ACCE (Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives) for establishing the national designation and all the resources they provide supporting Chamber of Commerce professionals. I also want to thank every board member and the chamber staff professionals I have had the privilege of serving with and learning from.”





Kentucky Chamber: COVID STOPS HERE CAMPAIGN CELEBRATES OVER 200 BUSINESSES WITH 70% OR HIGHER VACCINATION RATES

In an effort to encourage vaccinations across the state and celebrate businesses that are leading the way in the fight against the coronavirus, the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce launched a campaign that recognizes workplaces with a 70% vaccination rate or higher. Since the start of the campaign in early August, COVID Stops Here has recognized more than 200 businesses across Kentucky.


Sun Medical Equipment and Supplies’ Ribbon Cutting Ceremony in Birmingham, MI

Birmingham, Mich. – On Wednesday, September 22, Sun Medical Equipment and Supplies celebrated the grand opening of their location at 34164 Woodward Ave, Birmingham, MI 48009.

Sun Medical Equipment and Supplies is a locally owned and operated company since 1981. Their goal is to offer personal health care products and services through any one of their three conveniently located retail stores.

They extend a high level of personalized care, compliance and customer service with a knowledgeable and friendly healthcare team, who truly care that all your medical needs are achieved. They realize there are many healthcare choices for you and your loved ones, Sun Medical Equipment and Supplies is the best choice.

Sun Medical Equipment is located in the Birmingham Triangle District.

Phone: (248) 280-2020

Fax: (248) 885-8190

Email: sunmed@americaremedical.com

Mclean County Chamber: Athena Awards

Since 1997, the Chamber has presented the prestigious ATHENA Leadership Award to an individual who has achieved professional excellence, gives time and energy to community service and actively assists others, especially women, in realizing their full leadership potential. The McLean County Chamber of Commerce believes in the values underlying ATHENA International’s philosophy of incorporating the talent and expertise of women into the leadership of our businesses, our communities, and our government.

These four finalists were chosen by a panel of judges from a strong list of nominees submitted by the community:

Aimee Beam 
Vice President of Development, Public President, Carle BroMenn Medical Center

Colleen Kannaday

Relations & Marketing, The Baby Fold & Carle Eureka Hospital

Kathy Yoder 

Coroner, McLean County Coroner’s Office 

Aggie Hedin

Client Care Manager, SYNERGY HomeCare of Central Illinois

The ATHENA winner will be unveiled at the Leaders of Distinction Awards. Please join us in celebrating all four nominees and Pantagraph Media’s Twenty Under Forty award honorees.

LEADERS OF DISTINCTION AWARDS
Thursday, September 30, 2021
5:00 pm - 6:15 pm | Cocktail Hour
6:15 pm - 6:45 pm | Program
Castle Theatre
Cocktail Reception & Awards Ceremony

Reserve your tickets now for this festive evening celebrating these members of our community who inspire and encourage us! Tickets can be purchased online at www.mcleancochamber.org or by contacting Jessica Kemp, Manager of Event Services, at 309-829-1188 or jessica@mcleancochamber.org.

Lauren Klusman Promoted to Director of Marketing & Communications at Kosciusko County Chamber

(Warsaw, IN) – The Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the promotion of Lauren Klusman to Director of Marketing and Communications.

Klusman joined the Kosciusko Chamber staff in March 2017 as the Marketing and Communications Manager. She is responsible for creating, implementing, and measuring the success of marketing, communications, and public relations programs that enhance the organization’s vision. In addition, she does photography and video work in order to increase visibility of Chamber members. She is the leader of the Chamber’s Ambassador Committee and serves on the Young Adult Professionals (YAP) Steering Committee.

Rob Parker, Chamber President & CEO says, “Lauren has proven herself to be an indispensable member of the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce. Her creativity and passion for our community and our members is evident in all she does and I know that she will continue to amaze in her expanded role.”

APPLY TODAY: NEW ACCE PROGRAM TO ADDRESS EQUITABLE CREDENTIAL ATTAINMENT

ACCE NEWS 

ACCE is pleased to announce new funding from the Lumina Foundation that will help us strengthen chamber of commerce partnerships with community colleges to increase the number of adult learners of color who earn an industry-relevant credential or degree.

Partnerships between chambers of commerce and community colleges have the potential to significantly increase the number of adult learners of color completing high-quality, relevant short-term credentials and degrees. Given the current spotlight on upskilling and the resources that are being reallocated to fund short-term credentials, now is the time to capitalize on the potential for these partnerships.

To support the development of these partnerships, and to increase the number of workers with in-demand credentials and degrees, the Lumina Foundation has provided a grant to jumpstart progress in cities or regions. The ACCE Foundation and the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) will identify a virtual cohort of teams from six to eight cities or regions. Each team will be comprised of a chamber, a community college partner and an organization that directly represents minority communities.

Throughout the 18-month Equitable Credential Attainment Cohort program, teams will receive technical assistance and subgrant funding as they work together to drive the growth of credentialing and degree programs in their regions and to place workers, particularly BIPOC workers, in well-paid jobs with opportunities for career advancement.

The deadline to apply is October 29, 2021. Learn more and apply today.

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

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!

Town Square Publications, a division of the Daily Herald Media Group, is a national chamber custom publishing group that specializes in developing partnerships by producing high-quality print and digitally integrated publications along with other added value programs dedicated to creating relevancy for local chambers of commerce and other membership focused organizations interested in raising non-dues revenues.

Town Square Publications parent company, Paddock Publications, has over 100 years’ experience of print product development and dedicated customer service in communities throughout the Midwest. Our experience allows Town Square Publications to offer you attractive royalty and non-dues revenue share streams, provide direct distribution of your custom designed printed publications, including digital and mobile integration, and all with the quickest turn-around times available in the industry. Town Square also offers multi-media maps in both print and online formats, both with our No-Cost guarantee. More information: Town Square Publications

Chambers of Commerce and member focused organizations serve as a valuable resource in the local marketplace. The networking opportunities and representation with a wide variety of diverse businesses in your community is the catalyst of a successful organization. For further information about Town Square's publishing partnership with chambers of commerce and our No-Cost guarantee and Earned Revenue Share Program, To request your chamber publication or map proposal, contact Town Square Chamber Proposal or email John Dussman with the subject line: Chamber Publication Proposal Requested. Thank you!