Indiana Chamber’s 2022 Key Issues Top Legislative Priorities; Fulton County Chamber: Back to Biz: Your One Stop Resource to get your Business Back On Track; New Arrival: Rush County 2021 Chamber of Commerce Community Map; Jasper Chamber: Great Things To See and Do During O’Tannenbaum Days Weekend in Jasper, Indiana; Jay Julian to Retire From Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce; Rolling Meadows Chamber Delight: Global Manufacturer of Machinery Tools Chooses Illinois for New U.S. Headquarters; Start Peninsula winners include photo studio, wedding e-commerce and real estate app; Prince William Chamber event: Veterans struggle for understanding; Fredericksburg Regional Chamber: State Lawmakers to Talk Issues at Chamber Legislative Breakfast; Virginia Breeze bus service opens route from Bristol to Washington D.C.; Duneland Chamber of Commerce Community Profile Magazine; New CEO for Northeast Indiana Partnership is Stephane Frijia; Kosciusko Chamber: In the Loop Podcasts; #FamousChamber of Commerce Quotation (Be happy!); Town Square Publications - The no cost, no risk BEST Chamber Publishing Partner in the USA!

 

Good morning #ChamberWorld! It's going to be a great day! Indiana Chamber’s 2022 Key Issues - Top Legislative Priorities      ECONOMIC RECOVERY AND MODERNIZATION § Oppose government mandates that prevent businesses from making autonomous decisions about vaccination requirements for employees. Employers are in the best position to determine what’s best for their workforce, whether that’s mandating or not mandating vaccines.   § Support increasing incentives for attracting remote workers to Indiana to help mitigate the projected losses to its workforce over the next decade (due in large part to Baby Boomers retiring and a lower workforce participation rate). Such state and local-based incentives should be carefully designed to provide a return on investment and include participation from local communities and employers. In addition to incentivizing remote workers to move to Indiana, lawmakers should codify language clarifying that employers of remote workers are eligible for Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) tax credits if the individuals are Indiana residents but do not work in a physical office location.   § Support measures to promote entrepreneurship in Indiana. Several goals could be achieved during the legislative session that could spur gains in this area, including an expansion of the venture capital investment tax credit eligibility, a focus on promoting entrepreneurship among youth (via access to grants, curriculum, etc.) and opening pathways to create start-up businesses for those who are under 18 years old and/or from underserved populations such as the formerly incarcerated and residents of rural areas.   EDUCATION / WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT § Support measures to enhance early childcare access and quality. This can be done through streamlining existing state regulations (not related to health and safety) and providing incentives for providers to enhance program quality. The lack of affordable, high-quality childcare across Indiana is one of the outside factors most negatively impacting attracting and retaining workers.   § Support strengthening college and career readiness for Indiana students. This can be achieved with a three-pronged approach: 1. Alleviating the business liability burden for students under 18 years old who participate in work-based learning experiences. 2. Strengthening graduation pathway requirements and more seamlessly aligning these expectations within Indiana’s high school diploma options. 3. Creating potential for members of the business community to serve as adjunct (part-time) faculty at area K-12 schools, which allows professionals to maintain their careers while supplementing local education options – particularly in high-need subject areas.     ENERGY / ENVIRONMENT § Support a statewide standard that would remove certain siting barriers for renewable energy sources. Currently, there is a patchwork of regulations that are set at the local government level. This has proven to be a hurdle for Indiana’s diversifying energy portfolio and costly for both residential and business energy consumers.   TAXATION / PUBLIC FINANCE § Oppose any substantial change to the structure of the Indiana Tax Court as an independently operating judicial court of special jurisdiction. The Court is designed to adjudicate tax controversies and establish and maintain a consistent body of law in the area of tax. § Support maintaining and enhancing our attractive tax climate. Business personal property continues to be the tax area in which Indiana stands out most negatively. We need to find a way to reduce what is among the largest overall business property tax burdens of any state – and do so without harming our overall attractive tax structure. The Chamber supports phasing out the application of the 30% depreciation floor, which applies to all personal property assessments.   TECHNOLOGY § Support expansion of research and development, manufacturing, testing and deployment of electric vehicles (EVs), which represent the future of the transportation industry. By 2025, EVs will account for 10% of all vehicle sales globally and are expected to increase to 58% by 2040, with the largest growth projected to occur in North America. Indiana’s history of automobile manufacturing and supply chain participation perfectly positions the state to be on the leading front of attracting EV manufacturing, talent and investment.   WORKER’S COMPENSATION § Support a cap on reimbursement for ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs). The cost savings received from tying ASCs’ worker’s compensation reimbursement rates to Medicare will provide an amount for increased benefits without a subsequent increase in employer rates.

Fulton County Chamber: Back to Biz: Your One Stop Resource to get your Business Back On Track   Back To Biz is a free program designed to help your business recover and grow. It features a collection of more than 400 actionable video lessons, informative interviews, success stories, articles, and tools from a diverse and renowned set of innovative entrepreneurs. The content is designed to help you expand your knowledge and skills on a wide range of topics, including hiring talent, selling online, building your brand, pivoting business models, creating new revenue streams, finding your ideal customers, managing stress, and more. To sign up for free click HERE.

New Arrival: Rush County 2021 Chamber of Commerce Community Map

The Rush County Chamber of Commerce Community Map is available at the Rush County Chamber today! Thanks to Sandy Fussner and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!!!

View the Rush County Map

Town Square Publications 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 or call (847)-427-4633.

Jasper Chamber: Great Things To See and Do During O’Tannenbaum Days Weekend in Jasper, Indiana O’Tannenbaum Days will be December 3, 4, & 5, 2021 in Jasper, Indiana. The huge, lighted Christmas tree in the center of downtown welcomes visitors, relatives, residents and friends to this annual Christmas celebration. Lights will be strung from the Dubois County Courthouse to the tops of the buildings. Many of the downtown businesses also have perimeter lights outlining the tops of their buildings. Shops in the city are ready for shoppers with gift ideas and window displays full of decorations. Potpourri, carriage rides, Santa Claus in his special house, and a large variety of artists and artisans are in the stores to greet you with demonstrations of their special skills. The stores are all ready for you with lots of great ideas for gifts and decorations, featured artists and fun, too. Artists and artisans will display their talents all weekend in many of the stores. The church bazaars, cookie walks, and craft venues will also be happening throughout the city during this special holiday weekend. Santa Claus will be in his special house on the courthouse square throughout the entire weekend. He will be there on Friday from 5 – 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from noon – 3:00 p.m. both days. You will want to bring your camera to photograph your child with Santa Claus. Take advantage of the beautiful community Christmas tree next to Santa’s house and take some pictures of your children, friends, or relatives. This is a great weekend to share with loved ones and a wonderful time to reminisce and to make new memories that will last for years. Hand sanitizer and a shield will be on site for safety precautions. Horse-drawn carriage rides are sure to please both young and old during this special weekend. At a starting point in front of Jasper City Hall, on the Square, in downtown Jasper, the carriage will travel north and south for several blocks. There will be one carriage taking passengers on the scenic and historic tour of downtown Jasper. The carriage rides will be available at no cost, although donations are always accepted. The carriage rides will run Friday evening from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m., and on Saturday afternoon from 12-3 and on Sunday afternoon from 12-3:00 p.m. Most of the hotels in Jasper and Dubois County are offering Olde World Christmas lodging packages. Call the Jasper Chamber of Commerce at 812/482-6866 or the Dubois County Visitors Center at 812-482-9115 or 1-800/968-4578 for this information or go to: www.visitduboiscounty.com. O’Tannenbaum Days is funded through a cooperative effort of the Greater Downtown Jasper Business Association, Jasper Chamber of Commerce and the Dubois County Visitors Center.

Jay Julian to Retire From Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce On behalf of the Board of Directors, we share with you that Jay Julian has announced his intention to retire as President/CEO of the Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce and as Chief Economic Development Officer of the Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance effective April 1, 2022. We know that our organization will be losing a strong leader and advocate for the Muncie and Delaware County communities. Terry Pence, Chair of the Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce said, “If you look at where we were in 2009 when Jay took on this role and where we are today, the advancements are clear. That is the truest mark of the impact Jay has made. As a business community we are stronger and better positioned for tomorrow than we were when he took on this role.” Kelly Shrock, Chair of the Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance also commented, “Our community has been fortunate to have Jay Julian at the helm for twelve years. His leadership in economic development has brought much to improve the quality of life here. Our business community helps strengthen our community overall and we thank Jay for his tireless efforts.” The Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Alliance are fortunate to have a strong and experienced internal team to ensure continuity and a positive transition. Our finances and membership are strong, our partnerships within the community are robust, and our staff is talented.  Recruiting a New President The Board recognizes that our most important responsibility is to recruit and retain the next President/CEO, and wehave taken several important steps. First, we have appointed an eight-person Search Committee that reflects our diverse membership in both the Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development sectors. The committee is jointly chaired by Kelly Shrock and Terry Pence. Also, the committee has retained Smith & Syberg Executive Search to work with the Search Committee and the Board. Smith and Syberg is a Columbus, Indiana-based executive search firm serving clients in Indiana and throughout the United States. They have extensive experience in the recruitment of senior leadership for nonprofit organizations. The search will be conducted by Joe Smith and Keith Syberg. Over the past several weeks, Smith and Syberg has met with the Search Committee, Board members, staff members, and key stakeholders to gain their input prior to beginning the search process. Smith and Syberg will serve as the point of contact for requests for information, candidate recommendations, and/or expressions of interest. Interviews with the Search Committee will be held in October and November with an anticipated start date in the first quarter of 2022. Confidential inquiries, referrals, and resumes should be directed to Keith Syberg via phone: (812) 372-7254 or email: kas@smithandsyberg.com. We are excited about a new President/CEO helping to lead the next chapter of community and business development in Muncie and Delaware County. Kelly K. Shrock, Search Committee Co-Chair President The Community Foundation of Muncie & Delaware County, Inc. Terry Pence, Search Committee Co-Chair Vice President of Operations IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital Rolling Meadows Chamber Delight: Global Manufacturer of Machinery Tools Chooses Illinois for New U.S. Headquarters Danobat, a global manufacturer of machine tools and production systems for the auto, aerospace, rail, and energy sectors, announced plans to open its new U.S. headquarters in Rolling Meadows, Illinois, earlier this week. President of Danobat Manex Ochoteco said, "As Danobat continues to expand our U.S. presence and to meet current global demand, we can think of no better location than Illinois – a true hub for advanced manufacturing – to build our team and customer base." Construction is underway on the 12,700 square foot facility with an anticipated completion in the first quarter of 2022. The new headquarters will house core administrative functions of the company’s U.S. presence including sales, marketing, engineering, part & service divisions, and eventually will become a center to represent the technologies and capabilities of the brand. Danobat has production plants and service centers in over 40 countries.   Start Peninsula winners include photo studio, wedding e-commerce and real estate app After four micro events and a final championship pitch competition, judges selected the winners of this year’s Start Peninsula entrepreneurial contest. The three honorees are Bonilla Pet Studio, EWedded, and Pocket Properties App. Start Peninsula helps entrepreneurs grow their businesses through mentorship, networking and funding opportunities. The pitch competition, hosted by the city of Newport News, in partnership with the cities of Hampton, Williamsburg, Poquoson, and James City and York counties, has been held annually since 2012. Bonilla Pet Studio is a Norfolk-based photography studio that specializes in capturing high quality pet portraits. Founded by Erin Bonilla in March 2020, the business is opening a second location in Williamsburg in December. EWedded is an e-commerce site started by Maya Holihan earlier this year. The business helps wedding businesses and brands to sell discontinued and overstock luxury products for up to 80% off retail prices. Richmond-based Pocket Properties App enables users to buy and trade shares of real estate. Started by Stanley Glover last year, the financial services company employs 11 workers. ADVERTISING Each winner receives $5,000 in seed funding; a one-year spot at Growth University; a six-month membership to Launchpad, Williamsburg’s business development center; one-year memberships to the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, The Greater Williamsburg Business Alliance, the York County Chamber of Commerce, and the Retail Alliance; and 20 hours of consulting from the Hampton Roads Small Business Development Center and CrimDell Small Business Network. More: Daily Press Prince William Chamber event: Veterans struggle for understanding Retired Gen. John Nicholson says it’s surreal to return from combat and go from the battlefield to the Atlanta airport in just hours. “Your mind is on the battlefield but your body is in the airport. Being escorted through the airport to the connecting flight and people in the airport spontaneously begin standing and clapping at the sight of a column of soldiers,” Nicholson recalled. He asked the USO escort who they were applauding for. “For you,” the staffer said. Nicholson said that made him feel a little embarrassed. Speaking at the Prince William Chamber of Commerce’s Salute to the Military lunch in Woodbridge last week, Nicholson, now president of the PenFed Foundation, said there’s “maybe a lack of understanding between the servicemembers and the society that they serve.” He didn’t understand why the people in the airport were applauding. “We were just doing our job,” he added. “They volunteered to serve our country, and to defend the American people. That’s what we do. They don’t seek out any special recognition for it.” Read more: Inside NOVA Fredericksburg Regional Chamber: State Lawmakers to Talk Issues at Chamber Legislative Breakfast FREDERICKSBURG – State legislators from the Fredericksburg Region will offer a preview of the 2022 General Assembly session during the Chamber’s annual Legislative Breakfast. Area lawmakers participating include Senators Bryce Reeves and Richard Stuart, Delegates Hyland Buddy Fowler and Bobby Orrock, and Delegates-Elect Tara Durant and Phillip Scott. Chamber members will have a chance to share their concerns during a question-and answer session. The Chamber will also present the delegation with a packet containing the organization’s legislative priorities for 2022. The Legislative Breakfast will take place Dec. 1st beginning at 8:00am at Stevenson Ridge. Virginia Partners Bank and Germanna Community College are serving as sponsors. The cost of attendance is $30 for members, $40 for future members. Please contact Ashley Fuzaylova at afuzaylova@fxbgchamber.org or 540-479-6761 to reserve your seat or for more information. Virginia Breeze bus service opens route from Bristol to Washington D.C. There is a new way for Bristol residents to travel across the Commonwealth. Bristol city leaders celebrated the opening of the Virginia Breeze Bus services on Saturday, November 13th at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum. There will be two buses, one that will depart in Washington D.C. and stop in Bristol, and another that will leave from Bristol and stop in Washington D.C. The buses will start running on Monday, November 15th, and the route has 7 stops throughout Virginia, before making its final stop at Union Station in the nation's capitol. "It's called Highlands Rhythm, appropriately coined to our assets here in this community, but it's really a bus line that offers people a different way to travel across the Commonwealth, which is terrific," said Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, Beth Rhinehart. "Anyone that has traveled 81 knows sometimes it can be a little white knuckled experience, so this a great way to travel and work." Departure and arrival will be at the V-DOT park and ride lot at Interstate 81’s Exit 5 across from the Exxon gas station. We're told it will cost $60 for a one way ticket. Other route stops include Wytheville, Radford, Christiansburg, Salem, Harrisonburg, and Dulles International Airport. To learn more about the routes, visit the Virginia Breeze Bus Line, HERE Duneland Chamber of Commerce Community Profile Magazine The Duneland Chamber of Commerce Community Community Profile Magazine 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 or call (847)-427-4633. VIEW the Duneland Chamber Community Guide and Membership Directory New CEO for Northeast Indiana Partnership is Stephane Frijia After a five-month national search, the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership has named Stephane Frijia its next president and chief executive officer. Frijia most recently served as senior vice president of strategy for the Greater Phoenix Economic Council. He succeeds the organization’s founding CEO, John Sampson, who stepped down at the end of March after 15 years. A native Italian, Frijia has spent nearly the last 20 years in the Phoenix area. In his most recent role, the partnership says he led efforts to boost investment in new advanced industrial parks in the region, as well as the development of data science capabilities in support of domestic and international business attraction and marketing. “As technology drives global access and opportunity without boundaries, leaders in economic development must have a proven record in data intelligence and international marketability,” said Dr. Sherilyn Emberton, chair of the partnership’s board of directors. “Stephane brings experience and a record of success in both. His background in building strategies that supported the diverse growth of the Greater Phoenix area will complement the incredible work already being done in Northeast Indiana.” The partnership says Frijia is in the process of relocating to northeast Indiana and will begin his new role Oct. 11.  “Stephane has the background, experience and energy to elevate Northeast Indiana’s outward facing national sales and business development program,” said Ellen Cutter, member of the search committee and vice president of economic development for Greater Fort Wayne Inc. “Fort Wayne is the fastest-growing metro area in the Great Lakes region, and the opportunity for Northeast Indiana to capitalize on the momentum, together, has never been stronger.” Kosciusko Chamber: In the Loop Podcasts This week's episode of our In the Loop Podcast features Whitney Wright from Belove! From its inception, Belove has always been about more than simply selling products. At its core, the shop exists to give back to people in need. They donate 5% of every sale to local needs in the community. They believe that every product has the ability to change a life. From local makers, to give back brands, vintage finds and more, your purchase will make a difference. LISTEN TO EPISODE 5 #FamousChamber of Commerce Quotation (Be happy!): Smile and watch others smile back. Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories, Maps, Apps, Quarterly Magazines, NEW MOVER 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 and the United States. 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, or 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!