U.S. Chamber: What Small Businesses Need to Know about the Employee Vaccine Requirements; Kentucky Chamber Foundation Launches Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Hires Joe Frazier to Lead; Chamber RVA: Winners Announced for ICONS 2021!; Battle Creek Area Chamber: Pay Online 24/7; Falls Church Chamber Announces Elise Neil Bengtson as New Chief Executive; Des Plaines Chamber: NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION; Indiana SBA: Federal Contracting 101 Webinar: How to start, market & win federal contracts; Montgomery County Chamber hires Steve Baffuto as president & CEO; Chamber Collaboration: Mississippi’s first annual light-based art exhibition, festival to light up Dunleith next weekend; Arlington Chamber Events: In Good Health; Valparaiso Chamber: Membership Breakfast; Sara Patrick Named New Executive Director at The Chamber of LaGrange County; Le Mars Chamber: ‘Shop for a Cause’ begins; The Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance Street Map; Hartland Chamber presents Golden Hammer Award; Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories, Incredible Maps and Community Profiles: The best Chamber Publishing Partner in the United States!

U.S. Chamber: What Small Businesses Need to Know about the Employee Vaccine Requirements

OSHA has developed a COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) for employers with 100 or more employees. Employees must either receive COVID-19 vaccinations or produce weekly negative tests before coming to work in person.

Why it matters: Implementation of the mandate is currently on hold as a result of a federal court order. It will likely be up to the Supreme Court as to whether the mandate takes effect.

Things to know if the mandate takes effect:

• Eligible employers must develop a program to verify the vaccination status of their employees and maintain records of vaccination status and test results.  

• Workers who express a sincerely held religious belief or can’t be vaccinated for medical reasons can be offered a testing option instead.

• The 100-plus employee threshold is determined per company rather than per location and covers all U.S. employees. An employer is covered if, at any time during the period the ETS is in effect, they have at least 100 employees, even if they have fewer than 100 employees. 

• Employers must provide four hours of paid leave for each vaccination dose and allow “reasonable” time off to recover from side effects.

Dig deeper: This only scratches the surface. These resources will help you understand the requirements:

• Watch Chamber employment policy experts answer questions from small business owners.

• OSHA’s webpage on its COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing ETS.
• 
  
• The best ways for employers to promote COVID-19 vaccines.

Kentucky Chamber Foundation Launches Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Hires Joe Frazier to Lead

 

To help create meaningful, long-term change for Kentucky businesses, families, and communities, the Kentucky Chamber Foundation has announced the launch of the Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Joseph Frazier has been hired to serve as its Executive Director, spearheading the organization’s efforts to help educate business leaders and transform workplaces across Kentucky.

The Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion will work closely with the Kentucky Chamber Task Force on Racial Inequality, made up of business, education and state leaders, to work toward the Chamber’s goals to make Kentucky a better place to live, work and do business. Last year, the Task Force published the “Achieving Equity to Build a Stronger Kentucky” report offering long and short-term solutions to make aggressive progress in addressing racial inequality across the Commonwealth.

Since 2018, Frazier served as the Director of the Dr. Patricia Carver Office of Identity and Inclusion at Bellarmine University. He oversaw student and faculty outreach, led fundraising, and developed programming, training, pipeline and retention initiatives, and conferences for the university. In addition, Frazier helped build the framework for Bellarmine University’s Strategic Priority on Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion. Frazier’s work led him to receive Bellarmine’s highest award for a faculty or staff member, the Bellie Award for Internationalization and Diversity.  

Prior to his work at Bellarmine University, Frazier began his career at his alma mater, Virginia Tech.  Serving as Assistant Director of the Cultural and Community Centers, he advised several minority student organizations, led a program to train facilitators, facilitated institution-wide cultural and diversity-related workshops,and oversaw several other university initiatives. He also worked in partnership with a number of local community organizations in the New River Valley area of Virginia.   

Frazier has also been involved in many community organizations in Kentucky, including the Community Foundation, Volunteers of America DE&I Task Force, and the Louisville Chief Equity Officer Committee. Recently, Frazier was recognized as a Louisville 40 Under 40, and an honorary Kentucky Colonel.

The Kentucky Chamber Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit and is the philanthropic arm of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. This program is launched in partnership with the Kentucky Chamber Foundation, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc., and the Brown-Forman Corporation.

“After publishing the Equity Report, we pledged this report would not sit on the shelf and that we would pull forward an agenda for Kentucky to help overcome the racial inequality that has hampered our progress for so many generations,” said  Kentucky Chamber Foundation Senior Vice President Beth Davisson. “Racial diversity, equity, and inclusion are good for businesses, and we are excited to build upon this work with Kentucky employers. Joe Frazier is the right leader to launch the DE&I Center, and we are excited to work with him and get to work on all that we have ahead.”

“There’s good work to be done, and it’s an honor to be entrusted with this initiative to better serve the people of Kentucky,” Frazier said.

Chamber RVA: Winners Announced for ICONS 2021! Front Runner Award  This award is given a career-bold YP who is a driver, pacesetter and pioneer in their company or organization. Front Runners make a name for themselves through hard work, active engagement and great results. Not afraid to take calculated risks, they exercise strategic judgment in supporting the mission of their teams and their organizations. Their drive and passion for this work fuels their desire to leave an impactful legacy. WINNER: Ashley Pinney | John Tyler Community College Finalists: Abby Nurnberger Kittrell | AA Communications Anna Jane Glascock | Marriott Hotels Max Malmgren | Atlantic Union Bank Innovator Award The Innovator award honors a young professional who is imaginative in their approach to identifying new avenues of thought and action. Innovators think beyond the limits of convention, challenge the status quo, and aren’t afraid to start difficult conversations that address a need or opportunity. They embrace innovation and creativity as drivers to making positive changes for the betterment of their teams and their organizations. WINNER: Sammie McCabe | United Way of Greater Richmond and Petersburg Finalists: Anna McChesney | Healing Sounds RVA Rabia Kamara | Ruby Scoops Thomas Bettin | Fred Astaire Dance Bryce Rogers | Colonial Webb Contractors Strength in Numbers Award- YP Organization Award Young professional organizations make our region better for all who live here, whether through providing a place for connection, bettering our community or helping YPs advance in their careers (or all of the above). This award honors a YP volunteer organization or board that excels in one or more of the areas listed. WINNER: Urban League Greater Richmond Young Professionals Finalists: Special Olympics of Virginia Young Professionals Board ouRVA Collective YP Small Business of the Year Small businesses are the fabric of our region. This award recognizes a small business owned by YPs in the Richmond region (40 and under) who have contributed to making Richmond a great place to work, live and play. WINNER: The Self Love Company Finalists: Sefton Coffee Company Read more: Chamber RVA ICON Battle Creek Area Chamber: Pay Online 24/7 Did you know that Online Payments are now being accepted at battlecreek.org? That's right! The addition of Online Payments is one of many new website features with the Chamber's rebranded website from 2020 when it was launched. Due to remote and hybrid work models, we understand that the typical workday does not always fit within the 9 - 5 work schedule. Allowing for Online Payments is a way the Chamber has adapted to meet the needs of its membership along with the community at large. To access, simply visit the homepage at battlecreek.org, look for the Online Payments button (top right), and then follow the instructions through PayPal. Payments accepted online include: · Pay with PayPal · Pay Later · Debit or Credit Card Have questions? Call 269.962.4076 or email office@battlecreek.org.

Falls Church Chamber Announces Elise Neil Bengtson as New Chief Executive Elise Neil Bengtson has joined the Falls Church Chamber of Commerce as its new Executive Director starting this week, although Sally Cole will remain with the Chamber until Sept. 30, concluding her 14 years there. Elise is a professional and volunteer leader with years of experience in the federal government and nonprofits. She has a strong record of nonprofit management, community outreach, volunteer recruitment, and fundraising. She is currently the Vice President of the Virginia Chamber Orchestra and a reviewer for the Catalogue for Philanthropy. She comes with years of experience in the federal government and nonprofits. She has resided in the Washington, D.C. area for over 25 years. She worked on the National Security Council at the White House for 15 years and has served as a nonprofit executive since that time. She served as the President of the Greater McLean Chamber of Commerce, Executive Director of the Fairfax Partnership for Youth, CEO of Volunteer Fairfax and Manager of Masterworks Chorus and Orchestra. As a consultant, she worked with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation on the Hillsborough County Public Schools $100 million grant, while living in Tampa, Florida. She has remained personally committed to volunteerism, especially to the arts, youth, and education. She began volunteering in her youth and continues to do so. A native of Charlotte, NC, she graduated from Converse College — now Converse University. Read more: Falls Church News Press Des Plaines Chamber: NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION  Thursday, November 18th 8:45 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Des Plaines Chamber Office  Join us for this informational meeting to bring you up to date on all the benefits and opportunities that the Chamber has to offer while networking with new and seasoned members. Registration deadline : 11/17/21 Register Here- FREE   Indiana SBA: Federal Contracting 101 Webinar: How to start, market & win federal contracts When:  Nov 24, 1pm Where:  Online Register now   Ready to grow your client portfolio? Learn how to make federal government agencies some of your best customers! About this event: FACT: The U.S. government is the largest purchaser of products and services from small businesses in the entire world. Ready to make federal agencies some of your valued customers? Let SBA teach you how! During the Federal Contracting 101 webinar, SBA Indiana Business Opportunity Specialist Vernice Mathis will walk you through the basics on: Readiness - federal contracting requirements & small business eligibility Where to find out what federal agencies are buying What the purchasing process looks like How to put together marketing plans and capability statements How to register your small business on SAM.gov (the federal government's System for Award Management) Helpful certifications and development programs Where to find help This webinar will be held the 2nd & 4th Thursday* of the month through the end of September. Choose the date you'd like to attend during the registration process. Reminders and a link to your event date will be emailed. Choose a date and sign up today! *Please note - Due to the November 2021 webinars falling on federal holidays, sessions will be held on the 2nd & 4th Wednesday during that month only. Register now

Montgomery County Chamber hires Steve Baffuto as president & CEO Steve Baffuto will be the fourth leader of the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, which serves Blacksburg, Christiansburg, and Montgomery County and companies in both valleys. Baffuto’s first day will be Dec. 1, according to a chamber news release. A national search was conducted from late July through October, and Baffuto stood out to the selection committee, which was comprised of past and current board members and chamber staff, according to chamber board Chairman Henry Bass. Baffuto comes to the chamber from Virginia ABC, where he served as special agent in charge for Roanoke and Lynchburg Region. According the chamber release, he administered and managed resources to meet the agency’s mission, goals, and objectives. He led teams of multigenerational officers and worked to build strong relationships with other law enforcement agencies. In his position, he provided specialized services and training to new field agents. He was responsible for positive relationships with restaurants and businesses from Pulaski to Lynchburg. He holds a bachelor of science degree and master of science degree from universities in Virginia, according to the release. The search committee chaired by Bill King, a chamber board member, comprised past and present board members. Said King: “Our committee of 8 wanted to make certain we made the best choice of leaders for our chamber. Steve has the right balance of leadership and understanding of strategy to continue the positive trajectory for our Chamber. Steve shared some impressive ideas during interviews to build membership and enhance programming.” We are looking forward to Steve taking the leadership and senior administrative role for our chamber on December 1”, added Mark Woolwine, 2022 board chair. Baffuto said: “I am pleased to have been chosen to lead this organization. I have been impressed with our local chamber and its progress since 2009. I am looking forward to working with the board, staff, and members to increase value across the board to the business community.” Baffuto will succeed Sharon Scott, who will help the new director with the transition, according to the release. The MCCC supports approximately 600 local businesses through marketing, educational, and network-building opportunities. Chamber Collaboration: Mississippi’s first annual light-based art exhibition, festival to light up Dunleith next weekend Allumer Natchez, the first arts festival of its kind in the State of Mississippi, will literally shine light on a place co-founder Stacy Conde holds near and dear to her heart, she said. Mississippi’s first annual light-based art exhibition and festival lights up the grounds of Dunleith Historic Inn Nov. 19 through 21, from 6 to 10 p.m. nightly. The event is free and open to the public, however, encompasses food vendors, a Maker’s Market and several cash bars. Sponsors and VIP ticket holders also gain access to the VIP Lounge sponsored by Cathead with two complimentary cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. All event proceeds will go towards the production of next year’s exhibition, which creators are already in the process of curating, Conde said. “Allumer Natchez,” which means “to light up Natchez” in French, “is an art exhibition and festival which uses light as an artistic medium and the City of Natchez is its canvas,” Conde said. “Each year the curatorial theme of the exhibition will change. Our vision is to grow the event annually, attracting artists and visitors from around the world while contributing to arts programming and arts education locally.” Allumer Natchez is a project of Conde Contemporary art gallery in Downtown Natchez and is made possible, in part, by grants from: Home Bank, Visit Natchez, Visit Mississippi, Allstate, Entergy, Country Roads Magazine, Listen Up Y’All Media, Concordia Bank, Crye Leike Stedman Realty, UMB, Hampton Inn and Suites, the Natchez Garden Club and with the support of Historic Natchez Foundation, Community Alliance, Natchez-Adams County Chamber of Commerce and The City of Natchez. Read more: The Democrat Arlington Chamber Events: In Good Health The Arlington Chamber is continuing to monitor COVID-19 guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Virginia Department of Health. As Arlington is currently experiencing a substantial spread of COVID-19, for our in-person events: ·    If you are not feeling well, are infected with COVID-19, or have recently been in close contact with someone who has been infected with COVID-19, please stay home. ·    We require unvaccinated and not yet fully vaccinated guests to wear facial coverings unless eating or drinking and to keep a 6-foot distance from others at events.  We encourage everyone, regardless of vaccination status to wear a mask when indoors, unless eating or drinking or keeping a 6-foot distance from others. Valparaiso Chamber: Membership Breakfast At this Breakfast Meeting, Lee Lane, attorney with Genetos Lane & Buitendorp, will be speaking about her experiences in the armed forces. Lee is also a member of the Valpo Chamber Board of Directors. Thursday, November 18, 2021 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Aberdeen Manor 216 Ballantrae St Valparaiso, IN 46385 $15 per person/member Unfulfilled reservations will be billed. Sara Patrick Named New Executive Director at The Chamber of LaGrange County The Chamber of LaGrange County announced it has hired a new executive director. Sara Patrick has been named to that role, replacing long-time chamber Executive Director Beth Sherman. Sherman was set to retire at end of the year. When Sherman announced her plans to retire earlier this year, the chamber formed a committee tasked with finding her replacement. Patrick is a familiar face to members of the organization. She worked for the chamber in 2019 as an executive assistant to Sherman. Patrick said that experience provided her with invaluable insight into the inner workings of the organization. “Beth Sherman is leaving some big shoes to fill,” said Patrick. “She has served this community well and has built the chamber into a family of members.” Patrick holds a bachelor’s degree from Anderson University, as well as an MBA from Western Governors University. Before working for the chamber she spent nearly five years working as an associate pastor. For the past two years, she served as Group Sales Manager at Blue Gate Hospitality. Patrick and her husband James have a four-year-old son, Colt. Her roots run deep in LaGrange County. “My four grandparents still live in LaGrange and call this home, as do my parents and in-laws,” she said. “LaGrange and its surrounding communities are overflowing with potential. I’m thrilled to have the chance to come alongside the businesses and organizations to continue building upon the foundation Beth has laid, the area businesses, and the generations of people who have made this region what it is. LaGrange County is a place built upon hard work, community, and a mentality focused on others. It’s a great place to work, a place to have fun, and a place to live, and I love to call it home. It is something very special for me to get to pull a seat up to the table of influencers that is the Chamber of Commerce, and I am thrilled for the possibilities to come.” Mike Patka, chamber board president, said Patrick was the right person for the job. “Sara brings an incredible amount to the table,” he explained. “The hiring committee and executive team all were unanimous in the decision.” Le Mars Chamber: ‘Shop for a Cause’ begins Holiday shoppers in Le Mars can save money and help a local cause. The Le Mars Chamber of Commerce offered a coupon book that Siouxlanders can buy for $5. The money goes toward a local non-profit organization and Siouxlanders can use the coupons to save big on holiday shopping. Lori French is the Main Street Director at the Chamber of Commerce. She said it’s a great way to get the whole community involved. “We love that. Le Mars is full of merriment and blessings right now and this is a great way for people to come downtown and check out all of our great stores,” said French. The coupons are available through December 11. Additional holiday events the Le Mars Chamber of Commerce will be hosting include: Black Friday/Small Business Saturday – November 26 through November 27. Countdown to Christmas – December 13 through December 19 More: SiouxlandProud.com   The Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance Street Map The Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance Street Map is now available at the GKEDA today! Thanks to Charlie Sparks, Liz Kerns and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together! VIEW the Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance Street Map Did you know that Town Square Publications will start and deliver over 100 maps in 2021? Please email John Dussman or call (847)-427-4633.  Hartland Chamber presents Golden Hammer Award The American Legion Flanagan Dorn Post #294 and VFW Marshall Johnson Post 5158, 231 Goodwin Ave., Hartland, was recently presented with the Golden Hammer Award by the Hartland Chamber of Commerce in recognition of exemplary property improvements. According to the announcement, the chamber believes that these improvements positively and directly affect commerce in Hartland and enhance the community as a whole. The intent of the Golden Hammer Award is to further encourage property owners and businesses to invest in improvements which ultimately make Hartland a better place to work and live. More: GMToday.com Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories, Incredible Maps and Community Profiles: The best Chamber Publishing Partner in the United States! 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 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. Thank you!