Kentucky Transpark Celebrates Extension of Commonwealth Boulevard with Groundbreaking Event
Today, local officials, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, the Intermodal Transportation Authority and the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce gathered at the Kentucky Transpark to celebrate the groundbreaking for the extension of Commonwealth Boulevard.
The extension will connect Commonwealth Boulevard to Mizpah Road, bringing more access to the Kentucky Transpark, including better access to the future site of Bilstein North America, a cold-rolled strip steel product producer. Bilsten’s announcement was the largest capital investment in the state of Kentucky for 2013. The $120 million project brings 90 new full-time jobs to the Kentucky Transpark. The new plant will allow Bilstein to serve major players in the automotive and automotive supply industry. Products made using cold-rolled steel include automatic transmissions and clutches, automobile safety parts, seat track and seat structure parts.
In addition to the extension of Commonwealth Boulevard, the Kentucky Transpark is currently undergoing multiple growth projects, including construction for a connector road from U.S. 31-W to Interstate 65.
“The Transportation Cabinet is proud to partner with the Economic Development Cabinet to fund the extension of Commonwealth Boulevard in the Transpark,” said Greg Meredith, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 3 chief district engineer. “This project, coupled with the I-65 to U.S. 31-W connector currently under construction, will improve safety and access for the entire region.”
In recent years, the Kentucky Transpark has been very successful. Currently, the Transpark is home to 10 companies, which employ more than 1,500 South Central Kentucky residents. The Transpark’s payroll totals more than $116 million. Over the next 10 years, the Transpark is projected to have nearly a $5.4 billion in economic impact in South Central Kentucky. Read more: Bowling Green Chamber
Chamber report: Indiana treading the economic waters
On average, Indiana stayed about the same in its national rankings of 59 economic indicators, and Indiana Chamber of Commerce officials say the state will need to further increase efforts to keep up with stiffening competition.
These indicators all measure progress in 33 goals laid out in the Indiana Vision 2025 economic development action plan created by the Chamber in 2011.
"We are now one third of the way toward the 2025 time horizon, and as I stand here today, our plan's importance has only increased," Chamber President and CEO Kevin Brinegar said Monday.
Brinegar and other Chamber representatives presented findings of the 2015 report at Ivy Tech Community College in Sellersburg — its last of six regional stops. A report is released every two years.
"And we’re doing that to keep the plan front and center, to keep ourselves and policy makers, legislators, [the] governor, et cetera focused on this plan because we believe if we achieve the goals in this plan, Indiana will be very well positioned to compete in the 21st century economy," he said.
Of the 59 metrics, Indiana's rank compared to other states improved in 28, declined in 19 and remained the same in 12.
"These things take time. It takes a lot of oars of water moving in the same direction to make changes on any of these rankings," One Southern Indiana President and CEO Wendy Dant Chesser said. "But nothing is static. We’re also comparing ourselves by choice with what everybody is is doing to try to improve. Read more: NewsandTribune.com
Madison (Wisconsin) equipped to become a startup city
In case you haven’t noticed, a startup scene is surging all across Madison. Ideas are taking shape at coffee shops and on campuses, in coworking spaces and accelerators. Emerging new companies and academic spinoffs are launching products and services. They’re attracting consumers and clients and finding and growing resources to give their dreams a go. If local entrepreneurs and civic and business leaders capitalize on the city’s size, location and unique culture—and make inclusivity a priority—Madison has all the makings of becoming a startup city.
If you’re looking for evidence that your mother’s or father’s Madison, Wisconsin (think hippie college town, good local food, great protests), has become a bonafide startup city, you have to talk to a lot of people experimenting in this emerging space. There weren’t many startups a mere five years ago, or even three, but that’s not the case anymore. That’s a very good turnabout because startup density is a leading indicator of what’s known as an “entrepreneurial ecosystem.”The evidence gathered is now crystal clear: Communities that notice and nurture emerging businesses will be the best places to live, work and play well into the future. What that means is whether you are in Wisconsin or California, Madison or Manhattan, such an ecosystem can be fertile ground for a variety of entrepreneurs, from software developers and brewpub owners to insurance agents and cancer drug researchers. Despite the perception of Madison as a domain of the public sector, the reality is quite the opposite. Between eighty and ninety percent of the job growth here is happening in the private sector, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “It’s an important phenomenon,” says Dan Kennelly, economic development specialist for the city of Madison. “We are almost carrying the state on our shoulders.” And those companies that start small could one day be the next Oscar Mayer, American Girl or Epic but will sport new-age names like Murfie, ConfPlus and adorable.io—just three local brands in the local startup marketplace.
But there’s a catch. Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce president Zach Brandon says that “we, as a community” must support and sustain these emerging businesses, and must “create a culture that’s not afraid to fail and is open to creative ideas and fosters and celebrates innovation.” Madison Magazine
Virginia Peninsula Chamber issue: Fort Eustis Spared Drastic Cuts
SUPPORT FROM THE BUSINESS AND CIVIC COMMUNITY EARLIER THIS YEAR FOR THE POTENTIAL REDUCTION OF MORE THAN 4,000 PERSONNEL AT THE NEWPORT NEWS ARMY POST SHOWCASED THE INSTALLATION’S POTENTIAL AND THE
PENINSULA’S LONG STANDING COMMITMENT TO FORT EUSTIS.
Eliminating positions and downsizing jobs at the U.S. Army’s Fort Eustis would have created significant, negative impact to every aspect of the Virginia Peninsula community.
But earlier this month, the U.S. Army announced that it would cut fewer than 100 people from the Newport News Army post over the next two years as part of its effort to trim the Army’s ranks by
40,000.
Only 94, a combination of active-duty service members and civilians, are on the chopping block, Lt. Col. Richard Stebbins, an Army spokesman at Fort Eustis, told the Daily Press. For months the community feared Fort Eustis would have lost more than 4,000 people.
The reduction at Fort Eustis amounts to a loss of less than 1 percent, while other installations are having to cut more than 1,000 soldiers. Details of why Fort Eustis and the entire Peninsula community was spared drastic reductions this go-round was not immediately released.
However, it bears noting that the entire community showcased its support for Fort Eustis earlier this year – support that likely did not go unnoticed.
In January, the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, the Hampton Roads Military Federal Facilities Alliance and the Virginia Peninsula Association of Realtors helped encourage and lead more than 300 members of the community to the Fort Eustis listening session.
The purpose and intent of the listening session was for Army leaders to reach out to local communities to learn more about what the then potential impacts could have on the community.
Business and civic leaders, elected officials, small business owners, association leaders and educators sent a message – they were concerned about the potential 4,100 personnel cuts that could happen
at Fort Eustis as part of the U.S. Army’s budget reductions across the country.
“Hampton Roads is a pleasant place to live, with a superb quality of life, a moderate cost of living, a temperate climate and arguably the worlds finest ice-free, deep water port year round,” said retired
Navy Rear Adm. Craig Quigley of the Hampton Roads Military and Federal Facilities Alliance. Quigley was among roughly one dozen who spoke publicly at the event. Source: Virginia Peninsula Chamber - Chamber Review
Chamber issue: Lansing Twp. won’t rescind rezoning moratorium
Appeals from Mayor Virg Bernero’s administration and the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce did not sway Lansing Township to reverse the zoning moratorium that Lansing officials say is threatening a $5.8 million deal to sell the former Waverly Golf Course.
“There’s a reason Lansing Township is known as the North Korea of municipal governments,” Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero said in a text message. “We will judge them by their deeds not their words.”
The Lansing Township board decided during a discussion Tuesday night not to revoke the moratorium, which halts parcels of five acres or more from being rezoned until December while township zoning ordinances are updated.
“In four months (the zoning ordinance) will be resolved,” said Steve Hayward, township planning director. “We’re not out there trying to keep them from selling. Do we stop doing what we think is right because others think it’s the wrong thing?”
Bernero is prepared to go to court over the matter, he said during a phone interview Tuesday.
Lansing and the chamber are worried the moratorium will spoil a deal with Livonia-based developer Schostak Bros. & Co. The company has a purchasing option valid through the end of the year.
“It’s time to put a halt to the reckless financial behavior that is threatening important new economic development in the Metro Lansing region,” wrote Tim Daman, chamber president and CEO, in a letter to Lansing Township Supervisor Kathy Rogers. “This would have the impact of impeding economic growth, investment and job creation in our region.” Read more: Lansing State Journal
Geneva Chamber event: 'It's all unique': Geneva Arts Fair on display
Don Esser has never been short on inspiration.
In 1976, he found his passion for creating sculptures out of metal when he worked as a blacksmith. Now at age 64, his interests lie in creating new and unique sculptures: a bicycle figure, a rooster sculpture, a large fish, all of which are made out of silverware and other metal scraps and objects
"I love making this stuff," he said. "I'm walking a fine line between having fun and making a living."
Esser, who lives in Waunakee, Wisconsin, was one of more than 140 artisans showcasing their talents in this weekend's 14th annual juried Geneva Arts Fair, hosted by the Geneva Chamber of Commerce.
Paintings, pottery, photographs, glass, wood and jewelry were among the works on display and for sale throughout the streets of downtown Geneva. Every single piece is an original, said Scott Lebin, who has been chairman of the chamber's board of directors for 18 years.
"It's all unique," he said. "You aren't going to find this in a store."
The artists who appear at the fair are judged and selected from a pool of applicants, Lebin said. Though many artists return year after year, he said, the chamber always seeks new talents and displays.
Scott Simmons, who lives near Madison, Wisconsin, has sold his glass-blown art, including colorful vases, plates and lawn decorations, at the fair for more than six years, he said. Though he said Geneva is a great market, creating the product is his favorite part of the job. Read more: Daily Herald
Established by the Chamber, Leadership Dubuque has provided hundreds of individuals the opportunity to cultivate community knowledge and personal leadership skills.
Leadership Dubuque promotes civic responsibility by encouraging involvement, as well as developing enthusiasm and dedication. Leadership Dubuque offers participants the opportunity to:
For more information about the program, please contact Barry Gentry at 563.557.9200 or bgentry@dubuquechamber.com.
Chamber Best Practices: Petal Area Chamber Workshop on Mississippi Day of Giving
Oct. 24 is the Mississippi Day of Giving. The Petal Area Chamber of Commerce will host a workshop concerning the event from 9-10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Center for Families & Children, 201 W. Central Ave. in Petal. Any 501c3 non-profit organization may participate and solicit funding. Details: (601) 583-3306. Source: Hattiesburg American
Patrick McGaughey: Make Chamber Leadership Succession consistent
If you’re looking for evidence that your mother’s or father’s Madison, Wisconsin (think hippie college town, good local food, great protests), has become a bonafide startup city, you have to talk to a lot of people experimenting in this emerging space. There weren’t many startups a mere five years ago, or even three, but that’s not the case anymore. That’s a very good turnabout because startup density is a leading indicator of what’s known as an “entrepreneurial ecosystem.”The evidence gathered is now crystal clear: Communities that notice and nurture emerging businesses will be the best places to live, work and play well into the future. What that means is whether you are in Wisconsin or California, Madison or Manhattan, such an ecosystem can be fertile ground for a variety of entrepreneurs, from software developers and brewpub owners to insurance agents and cancer drug researchers. Despite the perception of Madison as a domain of the public sector, the reality is quite the opposite. Between eighty and ninety percent of the job growth here is happening in the private sector, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “It’s an important phenomenon,” says Dan Kennelly, economic development specialist for the city of Madison. “We are almost carrying the state on our shoulders.” And those companies that start small could one day be the next Oscar Mayer, American Girl or Epic but will sport new-age names like Murfie, ConfPlus and adorable.io—just three local brands in the local startup marketplace.
But there’s a catch. Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce president Zach Brandon says that “we, as a community” must support and sustain these emerging businesses, and must “create a culture that’s not afraid to fail and is open to creative ideas and fosters and celebrates innovation.” Madison Magazine
Virginia Peninsula Chamber issue: Fort Eustis Spared Drastic Cuts
SUPPORT FROM THE BUSINESS AND CIVIC COMMUNITY EARLIER THIS YEAR FOR THE POTENTIAL REDUCTION OF MORE THAN 4,000 PERSONNEL AT THE NEWPORT NEWS ARMY POST SHOWCASED THE INSTALLATION’S POTENTIAL AND THE
PENINSULA’S LONG STANDING COMMITMENT TO FORT EUSTIS.
Eliminating positions and downsizing jobs at the U.S. Army’s Fort Eustis would have created significant, negative impact to every aspect of the Virginia Peninsula community.
But earlier this month, the U.S. Army announced that it would cut fewer than 100 people from the Newport News Army post over the next two years as part of its effort to trim the Army’s ranks by
40,000.
Only 94, a combination of active-duty service members and civilians, are on the chopping block, Lt. Col. Richard Stebbins, an Army spokesman at Fort Eustis, told the Daily Press. For months the community feared Fort Eustis would have lost more than 4,000 people.
The reduction at Fort Eustis amounts to a loss of less than 1 percent, while other installations are having to cut more than 1,000 soldiers. Details of why Fort Eustis and the entire Peninsula community was spared drastic reductions this go-round was not immediately released.
However, it bears noting that the entire community showcased its support for Fort Eustis earlier this year – support that likely did not go unnoticed.
In January, the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, the Hampton Roads Military Federal Facilities Alliance and the Virginia Peninsula Association of Realtors helped encourage and lead more than 300 members of the community to the Fort Eustis listening session.
The purpose and intent of the listening session was for Army leaders to reach out to local communities to learn more about what the then potential impacts could have on the community.
Business and civic leaders, elected officials, small business owners, association leaders and educators sent a message – they were concerned about the potential 4,100 personnel cuts that could happen
at Fort Eustis as part of the U.S. Army’s budget reductions across the country.
“Hampton Roads is a pleasant place to live, with a superb quality of life, a moderate cost of living, a temperate climate and arguably the worlds finest ice-free, deep water port year round,” said retired
Navy Rear Adm. Craig Quigley of the Hampton Roads Military and Federal Facilities Alliance. Quigley was among roughly one dozen who spoke publicly at the event. Source: Virginia Peninsula Chamber - Chamber Review
Chamber issue: Lansing Twp. won’t rescind rezoning moratorium
Appeals from Mayor Virg Bernero’s administration and the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce did not sway Lansing Township to reverse the zoning moratorium that Lansing officials say is threatening a $5.8 million deal to sell the former Waverly Golf Course.
“There’s a reason Lansing Township is known as the North Korea of municipal governments,” Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero said in a text message. “We will judge them by their deeds not their words.”
The Lansing Township board decided during a discussion Tuesday night not to revoke the moratorium, which halts parcels of five acres or more from being rezoned until December while township zoning ordinances are updated.
“In four months (the zoning ordinance) will be resolved,” said Steve Hayward, township planning director. “We’re not out there trying to keep them from selling. Do we stop doing what we think is right because others think it’s the wrong thing?”
Bernero is prepared to go to court over the matter, he said during a phone interview Tuesday.
Lansing and the chamber are worried the moratorium will spoil a deal with Livonia-based developer Schostak Bros. & Co. The company has a purchasing option valid through the end of the year.
“It’s time to put a halt to the reckless financial behavior that is threatening important new economic development in the Metro Lansing region,” wrote Tim Daman, chamber president and CEO, in a letter to Lansing Township Supervisor Kathy Rogers. “This would have the impact of impeding economic growth, investment and job creation in our region.” Read more: Lansing State Journal
Geneva Chamber event: 'It's all unique': Geneva Arts Fair on display
Don Esser has never been short on inspiration.
In 1976, he found his passion for creating sculptures out of metal when he worked as a blacksmith. Now at age 64, his interests lie in creating new and unique sculptures: a bicycle figure, a rooster sculpture, a large fish, all of which are made out of silverware and other metal scraps and objects
"I love making this stuff," he said. "I'm walking a fine line between having fun and making a living."
Esser, who lives in Waunakee, Wisconsin, was one of more than 140 artisans showcasing their talents in this weekend's 14th annual juried Geneva Arts Fair, hosted by the Geneva Chamber of Commerce.
Paintings, pottery, photographs, glass, wood and jewelry were among the works on display and for sale throughout the streets of downtown Geneva. Every single piece is an original, said Scott Lebin, who has been chairman of the chamber's board of directors for 18 years.
"It's all unique," he said. "You aren't going to find this in a store."
The artists who appear at the fair are judged and selected from a pool of applicants, Lebin said. Though many artists return year after year, he said, the chamber always seeks new talents and displays.
Scott Simmons, who lives near Madison, Wisconsin, has sold his glass-blown art, including colorful vases, plates and lawn decorations, at the fair for more than six years, he said. Though he said Geneva is a great market, creating the product is his favorite part of the job. Read more: Daily Herald
Chamber initiative: Leadership Dubuque
2015-16 Leadership DubuqueEstablished by the Chamber, Leadership Dubuque has provided hundreds of individuals the opportunity to cultivate community knowledge and personal leadership skills.
Leadership Dubuque promotes civic responsibility by encouraging involvement, as well as developing enthusiasm and dedication. Leadership Dubuque offers participants the opportunity to:
- Learn more about our community resources, government, business and education
- Learn more about the impact of economic development on the community
- Enhance leadership skills
- Exchange ideas and experiences, both formally and informally
- Meet and build relationships with other leaders from many different segments of our society
- Develop new business contacts with and through the group
Costs
The cost of the program per participant is $895.00 for Chamber members only, to be paid prior to the retreat weekend. This covers all costs for the program (meals, lodging, travel, speakers, and administrative costs).Who can Participate
Individuals from all areas of the community (such as small business owners, homemakers, managers, elected officials, lawyers, builders, doctors) are eligible for the program.For more information about the program, please contact Barry Gentry at 563.557.9200 or bgentry@dubuquechamber.com.
Chamber Best Practices: Petal Area Chamber Workshop on Mississippi Day of Giving
Oct. 24 is the Mississippi Day of Giving. The Petal Area Chamber of Commerce will host a workshop concerning the event from 9-10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Center for Families & Children, 201 W. Central Ave. in Petal. Any 501c3 non-profit organization may participate and solicit funding. Details: (601) 583-3306. Source: Hattiesburg American
Patrick McGaughey: Make Chamber Leadership Succession consistent
My favorite form of leadership succession is electing just one person to the executive committee per year. This person is automatically elected to "go through the chairs" of leadership with this one election.
The first year duties are to show up and pay attention to the leaders ahead of them so they will be prepared for the following years to come.
In the second year, this person serves as Treasurer. Not to do the books but to live with the books. Staff and the organization CPA do the actual work. This role is to convene the finance committee meetings and present the monthly report (with staff support) so this future chairperson lives with the money for one year.
In the third year, this person is Chair-Elect and their primary job outside of executive committee responsibilities is to plan the next planning session with best dates, location and facilitation services. Again, this is done working closely with staff to be sure the plan for their year as chair is a success.
The fourth year is to lead the organization as Chairman of the Board and implement the plan from the planning session. This person convenes all board meetings and is the official leader of the organization doing so with support of the organization executive and staff.
The final year of service in the succession of leadership is Past Chairman. The duties go back to year one to just showing up. (If this person races away from the organization after serving as chairman, there's a problem.) If this person keeps the same enthusiasm for the organization, this is an excellent barometer of the organization's value. The only additional duty for the Past Chairman should be to fill in for the current chair if needed because they are most qualified to do so.
Note: If potential volunteers see this as too long ask them, "Are you moving?"
More Information www.chambermentor.com
The first year duties are to show up and pay attention to the leaders ahead of them so they will be prepared for the following years to come.
In the second year, this person serves as Treasurer. Not to do the books but to live with the books. Staff and the organization CPA do the actual work. This role is to convene the finance committee meetings and present the monthly report (with staff support) so this future chairperson lives with the money for one year.
In the third year, this person is Chair-Elect and their primary job outside of executive committee responsibilities is to plan the next planning session with best dates, location and facilitation services. Again, this is done working closely with staff to be sure the plan for their year as chair is a success.
The fourth year is to lead the organization as Chairman of the Board and implement the plan from the planning session. This person convenes all board meetings and is the official leader of the organization doing so with support of the organization executive and staff.
The final year of service in the succession of leadership is Past Chairman. The duties go back to year one to just showing up. (If this person races away from the organization after serving as chairman, there's a problem.) If this person keeps the same enthusiasm for the organization, this is an excellent barometer of the organization's value. The only additional duty for the Past Chairman should be to fill in for the current chair if needed because they are most qualified to do so.
Note: If potential volunteers see this as too long ask them, "Are you moving?"
More Information www.chambermentor.com
