Debbie Simpson, Chairwoman of the Northern Kentucky Chamber to Speak on Change; Lee’s Summit R-7 Holds Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for New CNG Public Fill Station; Blytheville Chamber Businesses encouraged to increase recycling; The Intersection Connection Achieves $11.9 Million Milestone --- Greater Lafayette Commerce; Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotations (Leadership): Steve Jobs

Change, the one thing to count on in life, can be paralyzing without the skills to deal with it. It’s change that has highlighted the career of Debbie Simpson, chairwoman of the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce and president of Multi-Craft.
Simpson will speak on “Change – Learn to Love it” at the Sharonville Chamber of Commerce Business Connection Lunch on Thursday, June 19, at Elements Conference and Event Centre, 11974 Lebanon Road. Read more: Cincinatti.com

Lee’s Summit R-7 Holds Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for New CNG Public Fill Station

The Lee’s Summit R-7 School District near Kansas City celebrated the opening of a new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) public fill station at a ribbon-cutting ceremony held by the Lee’s Summit Chamber of Commerce on June 6.
The master of ceremonies for the event was Kent Kirby of the Chamber of Commerce. Speakers included Dr. David McGehee, R-7 superintendent and Mo., representative Gary Cross. Read More:  School Transportation News

Blytheville Chamber Businesses encouraged to increase recycling

Robert Hunter with the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality spoke at Monday's luncheon of the Greater Blytheville Area Chamber of Commerce, focusing his talk on the positive impacts recycling can have not only for a community but as a way of significantly cutting expenses for businesses. Read more: Blytheville Courier News

The Intersection Connection Achieves $11.9 Million Milestone --- Greater Lafayette Commerce

A news conference at Greater Lafayette Commerce on June 10 revealed that The Intersection Connection has raised more than $11.9 million toward its efforts to build a 120,000-square-foot building on the Ivy Tech Community College - Lafayette campus. It will house the YMCA, Junior Achievement and an Indiana University Health Arnett clinical practice. "This is the next step-and a giant one-in advancing our community of choice efforts," said Tippecanoe County Commissioner Tom Murtaugh. A construction timeline, building specifics and final cost are in the planning stages.


Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotations (Leadership):


“Don’t be trapped by dogma—which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of other’s opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” ~ Steve Jobs

Tim Gibbs new Ashland Alliance president/CEO; Chamber Executive Ongoing Education Weekly New Idea: Guerilla Marketing: Easy and Inexpensive Strategies for Making Big Profits from Your Small Business by Jay Conrad Levinson; Green jobs on the way to Cheboygan, Michigan; Groundbreaking set for farmers' market pavilion in Stuttgart, Arkansas; Indiana INTERNnet - an Exceptional Indiana Chamber Affiliated Resource; Former Governors Tackle Common Core Foes; Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation: (Training)

The Ashland Alliance has selected Tim Gibbs as its new president and chief executive officer. Gibbs, 46, has several ties to the northeastern Kentucky area. He grew up in Morehead and holds degrees from Morehead State University and Eastern Kentucky University.
He also has a diverse background as the economic development director for several organizations. Most recently he was the CEO of the Greater Grays Harbor, Ind., near Seattle, Wash., where he was asked to merge the Grays Harbor Economic Development Council and the Chamber of Commerce in Aberdeen, Wash. Read more: Ashland Alliance

Chamber Executive Ongoing Education Weekly New Idea: Guerrilla Marketing: Easy and Inexpensive Strategies for Making Big Profits from Your Small Business by Jay Conrad Levinson

When Guerrilla Marketing was first published in 1983, Jay Levinson revolutionized marketing strategies for the small-business owner with his take-no-prisoners approach to finding clients. Based on hundreds of solid ideas that really work, Levinson’s philosophy has given birth to a new way of learning about market share and how to gain it. In this completely updated and expanded fourth edition, Levinson offers a new arsenal of weaponry for small-business success including

* strategies for marketing on the Internet (explaining when and precisely how to use it)
* tips for using new technology, such as podcasting and automated marketing
* programs for targeting prospects and cultivating repeat and referral business
* management lessons in the age of telecommuting and freelance employees

Guerrilla Marketing is the entrepreneur’s marketing bible -- and the book every small-business owner should have on his or her shelf.

Source: Amazon

Green jobs on the way to Cheboygan, Michigan

Thanks to $120 million grant a northern Michigan community that has seen more jobs leave town in recent years may be turning that trend around. These tax-exempt grants are part of the state’s green initiative that would bring more than 125 jobs to the Cheboygan area. For years Cheboygan has relied on summer traffic to drive the local economy.
“It's been tough in northern Michigan for the past few years,” said Cheboygan Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Matthew J. Friday. “So this is a great opportunity to secure some good year-round jobs. Read more: UpNorthLive.com

Groundbreaking set for farmers' market pavilion in Stuttgart According to Stuttgart Chamber of Commerce Executive Vice President Stephen Bell, the goal is to make the new pavilion home to a regional farmers’ market that will include surrounding counties.  Read more: Stuttgart Daily Leader

Indiana INTERNnet - an Exceptional Indiana Chamber Affiliated Resource
Indiana INTERNnet is a FREE internship-matching program linking employers, students, high schools, colleges and universities. It is a dynamic, searchable database, matching and reporting system coupled with personal assistance—including a toll-free hotline to answer questions and provide internship guidance and resource materials. The goal is to help create or expand high-quality experiential opportunities within Indiana.
Indiana INTERNnet was formed in 2001, shortly after a series of Indiana Chamber-led studies that demonstrated the state's "brain drain" issue. The Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce initiated and operated the program in partnership with the University of Indianapolis. With continued funding from the Lilly Endowment, the organization was granted 501(c)3 tax exempt status in May 2004 and moved to the Indiana Chamber, the state's largest business advocacy organization. Read more: Indiana INTERNnet

Former Governors Tackle Common Core Foes
Five former governors who have long supported Common Core standards in their states took on the program’s critics and came out in strong support of the voluntary standards during an event at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
"Frankly, I’m embarrassed by some of my conservative friends. We shouldn’t have to sell higher standards…I don’t know how in America you could be against higher standards,” said former Gov. Sonny Perdue (R-GA), who helped lead the development of the standards and continues to support them. Read more: U.S. Chamber

Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation: (Training)
School is a building that has four walls --- with tomorrow inside" - Lon Watters

#BestChamber Practices - Websites Highlighting Economic Development with Key Information (Demographics, Buildings, Sites, Incentives) Attracts Site Selectors; Positive Words Lead to Positive Results; Exporting: MEDICA 2014, the World's Largest and Most Prestigious Medical Technology and Equipment Show; Report: Indiana School Counseling Not Meeting Postsecondary Needs of Students; Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotations: (Leadership)

Jeremy Stratton , President & CEO of the EL Dorado, Arkansas Chamber of Commerce wrote the following in a recent email.  The information highlights that to be a successful chamber of commerce, you also need to have both arms in economic development.  "The best way we can market El Dorado and Union County to economic development projects in today's world is through a comprehensive website that includes all of our sites, buildings and demographic information. Right now, we have a great tourism and relocation website; we need to enhance it with key demographic, building, site and incentive information. When beginning a site selection for a new plant location, the first place a company or consultant researches is the Internet. Consultants and company officials will pre-screen among thousands of communities to see which ones have the real estate they need for their operation. If we have property that meets their needs, the company and/or site consultant will visit our community. Thus, it is paramount that we show our properties on our website in a very conspicuous and well organized manner." Here are five websites Jeremy recommends for chamber economic development (and the last three from me). Crossett, Arkansas Jonesboro, Arkansas Greenville, South Carolina Wichita Falls, Texas Danville, Virginia Ashland Alliance One Southern Indiana   Jefferson City Chamber
Editor's Note: The best place to start economic development is with the existing businesses in your chamber. Once you have met their needs and built awareness of local site development and expansion possibilities, regional and state training, exporting opportunities, and growing their businesses through financing and incentives, then expand your horizons with open arms for economic development. Positive Words Lead to Positive Results “You are what you eat.”  How many times have you heard that line? But according to a recent book “Genuine Happiness”, your health may depend more on what you say. Saying positive words like: Morning Fabulous Helpful Share Running Forward Great Interesting Lunch Discussion Seems These words had a positive effect on your health. People that said these words (as a group) in social media demonstrated a more positive attitude, and geographically correlated to areas with lower heart attack rates. Conversely, areas with constant references to negative words and attitudes mirrored area of high stroke and heart attack rates.

Exporting: MEDICA 2014, the world's largest and most prestigious medical technology and equipment show

MEDICA 2014 is the largest and most prestigious medical technology show in the world, with over 5,000 exhibitors, and over 135,000 international visitors. The U.S. Commercial Service's Corporate Executive Office (CEO) Program provides a unique way for U.S. firms to optimize their participation in this show. Showcase your products and services to over 135,000 "trade only" visitors from 110 countries; meet the potential partners, agents, distributors and buyers; and close business deals without the expense of an exhibition booth. For more information, visit Export.gov or contact: Christian Koschil (Chicago) Christian.Koschil@trade.gov ;

Report: Indiana School Counseling Not Meeting Postsecondary Needs of Students

A new report commissioned by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce Foundation finds that school counselors are not able to meet the range of postsecondary needs of students, due in large part to a stagnant system and a variety of situations often out of their control.
“What we have is a counseling issue, not an issue with the counselors,” explains Indiana Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Kevin Brinegar. “In fact, the vast majority of counselors in the survey said they would like to spend more time providing college and career guidance.” Read more: Indiana Chamber

Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotations: (Leadership)



“Management is about arranging and telling. Leadership is about nurturing and enhancing.” ~ Tom Peters

#lovemychamber - Return On Investment (ROI) from my Chamber of Commerce Membership --- Reason # 22 --- A 25% discount on Benedictine University tuition; Blue Water Area Chamber of Commerce (Michigan) Selects Veteran President; More Skills Training Needed in Arkansas says State Jobs Chief: Bryant (Arkansas) Chamber Raises Funds for City’s College-bound Students

Tom Althoff is President of the Lisle Area (Illinois) Chamber of Commerce. The Lisle Chamber offers one of the best Member-to-member discounts in chambers across the Midwest.  

Benedictine University in Lisle --- 25% off on tuition at Benedictine University for member & families. (Call Chamber for details) -
 

A Benedictine University education is one of the best financial investments a family will make, providing valuable returns throughout a student's lifetime. We are dedicated to helping students and their families make a private education affordable.*

Reasons to #LoveMyChamber - The Chamber Membership Value Proposition - Chamber of Commerce annual dues: Around $250 (Lisle Area Chamber -$270). Value of the Chamber of Commerce Benefit Reason #22 - A 25% Discount on Benedictine University Undergraduate Tuition - Around $6,000  - Return On Investment Features #1-#22 = $22,895; Total Return On Investment for Annual Chamber Membership - 9158 %.

*Benedictine University website 

Blue Water Area Chamber of Commerce (Michigan) Selects Veteran President

  

Thelma Castillo is the new president and chief executive officer of the Blue Water Area Chamber of Commerce. Castillo, 51, of Croswell, was selected from about 35 in- and out-of-state candidates, said Tim Lozen, chairman of the chamber’s board of directors. Read More: The TimesHerald.com

  More Skills Training Needed in Arkansas says State Jobs Chief

Tennille's speech to the Fort Smith Area Chamber of Commerce's First Friday Breakfast at the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith highlighted some of the many innovations that have changed the world that began in Arkansas and explained how education will lead the state even further. Read More: The City Wire

Bryant (Arkansas) Chamber Raises Funds for City’s College-bound Students

For 14 years, the Bryant Area Chamber of Commerce has offered scholarships to Bryant High School seniors to help with their first year of college.
In 2000, the chamber presented two scholarships, and this year the goal is 25 students. Read more: Tri-Lakes Edition of Arkansas Online

Chamber Best practices - Morning Brew - by the Springdale (Arkansas) Chamber of Commerce --- Western Kentucky Leaders Criticize I-69 Proposal

One of the Chamber's most popular networking events is the Morning Brew. Every Thursday morning, from 8:30 a.m. until 9:15 a.m., Springdale's business community gathers at a different business.
Attendees have the opportunity to make announcements and hear from the host business. First time attendees are introduced each week as well. Fun door prizes and breakfast refreshments top off the fast-paced event. Cost is $2 per person...
Opportunities exist throughout the year for Chamber members to sign up to host a Thursday morning event. To learn more, contact a member of the Chamber's member relations staff.

Source: Springdale (Arkansas) Chamber of Commerce

Western Kentucky Leaders Criticize I-69 Proposal

Work on Interstate 69 keeps going, and so does the backlash on a controversial idea for the proposed interstate. Kentucky and Indiana leaders are responding to Owensboro Mayor Ron Payne's proposal to re-route the interstate through Owensboro. Mayor Payne claims using the Natcher Bridge will save billions of dollars instead of building a new bridge near henderson. More at Tristatehomepage.com

#Chamber Affinity Programs --- Springdale Chamber and NationJob Offer Free Job Postings for Companies with 35 or Fewer Employees

NationJob

As a benefit of membership, the Springdale Chamber has partnered with NationJob, one of the largest and most recognized internet job sites in the world, to offer a significant tool for employers and job seekers. Utilizing NationJob's vast database, Chamber members can now easily post jobs in a wide array of categories.

Members with 35 or fewer employees can post their job needs online at no cost. Members with more than 35 employees may take advantage of the service for a reduced annual fee based on number of employees.

Major companies in Springdale and across Northwest Arkansas are Featured Employers on the site and post hundreds of jobs. NationJob has proven to be an effective job search tool for trailing spouses and its PJ Scout service allows job seekers around the world to be notified on a regular basis of jobs that become available in Springdale and the region.

Source: Springdale Chamber of Commerce website

Obtaining State Business Licenses & Permits

To run your business legally, there are certain federal and state licenses and permits you will need to obtain. These resources will help you understand the requirements for your small business.

State Licenses & Permits

Starting a business? Confused about whether you need a business license or permit?

Virtually every business needs some form of license or permit to operate legally. However, licensing and permit requirements vary depending on the type of business you are operating, where it’s located, and what government rules apply.

To help you identify the specific licenses or permits your business may need, use SBA.gov’s Permit Me tool. Simply enter your zip code and business type to view a list of the licenses or permits you’ll need, together with information and links to the application process.

Alternatively, simply select a state from the list below to learn about specific license and permit requirements in the area where your business is located.

State Business License Offices

Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Guam Hawaii Idaho Illinois Iowa Kansas

Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota

Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Puerto Rico Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas U.S. Virgin Islands Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming

 Source: sba.gov

 John Dussman is Midwest Manager for VillageProfile.com, working with chambers in Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan and Missouri. More than 1500 Chamber of Commerce all over the United States have trusted Village Profile to produce their Membership Directories, Community Profiles, Visitor Maps and Publications, Economic Development magazines and Chamber of Commerce Maps. Contact John at (800)-600-0134 x239.