Christian County (Kentucky) Chamber narrows search for CEO to 3 candidates; Chamber interest: Leadership Gulf Coast's alumni breakfast slated for July 14; Hometown Festival Days: A letter from Sue Reed, Crossroads Regional Chamber President and CEO; Chamber innovation: Art coming to Richmond bike racks; Chamber business: Arkansas Governor Hutchinson leads delegation to Paris Air Show, German steel conference; Chamber interest: Shodeen Homes begins selling upscale residences in downtown Geneva; Boscobel (Wisconsin) Chamber receives state tourism grant; Clarkston, Michigan chamber: - Notable residents; Famous chamber of Commerce Quotation: (Kindness)

Good morning Chamber world! Today is going to be a GREAT day!

Christian County (Kentucky) Chamber narrows search for CEO to 3 candidates

Three finalists are in the running to become the next president and CEO of the Christian County Chamber of Commerce, and a final decision could come as early as next week.

Sixteen candidates were in the first round of interviews, with three making their way to the final phase. Chamber board chairman Frank Field said the names of the candidates cannot be revealed at this time or if the candidates are local or within the chamber. Read more: Kentucky New Era

Chamber interest: Leadership Gulf Coast's alumni breakfast slated for July 14

The Leadership Gulf Coast Alumni Affair will be held July 14 at the IP Casino Resort Spa. 
Since its inception in 1988, Leadership Gulf Coast has graduated more than 900 leaders.
The goal of the program is to help participants understand challenges and opportunities in our community and create a communication network between present and emerging leaders that are dedicated to the improvement of the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
This year's alumni event will feature guest speaker Gerald Blessey, the city of Biloxi's attorney, who will speak on the importance of broadband as an innovation driver.
Doors open at 7:30 a.m., and the program begins at 8 a.m.
"Leadership Gulf Coast boasts decades of graduating outstanding business and community leaders across the Mississippi Gulf Coast," said Cindy Duvall, Chair of the Board of Trustees for Leadership Gulf Coast.
"Our goal in creating the alumni association is to keep past participants engaged and to raise money for scholarships and program development," she said.
Tickets for the event are $30, which includes breakfast.
Tables and sponsorships are also available. Read more: GulfLive.com

Hometown Festival Days: A letter from Sue Reed, Crossroads Regional Chamber President and CEO

Dear Neighbor,
In recognition of the diverse cultural, social and business environments that come together at the Crossroads of America, we invite you to join us as we celebrate Hometown Festival Days in downtown Crown Point, the hub of Lake County.
Spanning two weekends, this festive kick-off to summer brings together vendors and restaurants from across the region for your enjoyment. The fun gets started June 12-13 with a traditional Corn Roast plus some exciting new events and continues June 19-20 with a grand Food and Arts Festival on the square.
It’s hard to believe it’s been almost six years since a Joint Merger Task Force with members from the Greater Crown Point Chamber of Commerce and Merrillville Chamber of Commerce convened and, after careful consideration of the pros and cons, recommended the formation of the Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Today, the Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce continues to work for the betterment of Northwest Indiana businesses and communities by promoting economic development, quality business practices, a voice public policy and civic pride. Read more: NWI Times 

Chamber innovation: Art coming to Richmond bike racks

Dozens of artists carrying 53-pound metal plates will descend on the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts today from 9 a.m. to noon in preparation for a fête of Richmond’s latest public art project.
Myriad hues and mediums adorn the aluminum frames designed by a Virginia Commonwealth University student and cast locally at OK Foundry for installation on 30 bike racks scattered across the city.

As welding students at Richmond’s Center for Workforce Innovation begin assembling the racks this week, the Go Bike! art commissioned to adorn them will be erected for temporary display at the museum.

The exhibit is scheduled to open Wednesday and run through July 6. Project pieces were commissioned by the Greater Richmond Chamber with financial support from sponsors Altria, Dominion and Bon Secours.

“With the entire world looking to Richmond this September during the 2015 world cycling championship, we wanted to showcase the city’s creative spirit,” said Chrystal Neal, vice president of creativity, innovation and entrepreneurism at the chamber. Read more: Richmond.com

Chamber business: Arkansas Governor Hutchinson leads delegation to Paris Air Show, German steel conference

Gov. Asa Hutchinson will depart Saturday for the world’s largest airshow in Paris and a side trip to Germany where he and a delegation of state economic development and business officials hope to make new aerospace and steel industry contacts, and bring back new jobs prospects back to Arkansas.
“The purpose of this (trip) is to market Arkansas,” Hutchinson told a roomful of reporters at a “pen and pad” meeting on Thursday at the Governor’s Mansion in Little Rock. “It is very important that the governor of this state competes with other states in bringing business to state and showcasing Arkansas and talking about what we are doing in the steel industry and aero-defense, agriculture, and as well as in the retail world.”
“My hope as governor over the course of the next four years is to not to make just one of these trips, but a number of these trips to various venues to market this state.”
In a question from Talk Business & Politics, Hutchinson said there are some possible economic development prospects that will be discussed with business executives during the upcoming European trade mission.
“There are some opportunities close at hand that this trip can bear upon, as well as simply planting seeds and cultivating the soil for future developments." Read more: The City Wire

Chamber interest: Shodeen Homes begins selling upscale residences in downtown Geneva

Shodeen Homes recently opened sales at Seventh Street Terrace Townhomes, a community of six upscale residences located at the northeast corner of Seventh and James Streets in the heart of downtown Geneva.

Geneva's Mayor, Kevin Burns, praised the Seventh Street Terrace Townhomes: "A successful redevelopment project should capture the character and energy of the community and Shodeen Homes has once again succeeded."

Prices range from $414,900 to $459,900 and include a finished lower level.

"It will be rewarding to see the progress at James Street and Seventh Street as this project will fit nicely into the neighborhood," said Jean Gaines, President of the Geneva Chamber of Commerce. "We like to see a local company at work, especially one with a record of reviving areas and bringing new families into town. This location makes it easy to shop and dine all within walking distance."
Read more: Daily Herald

Boscobel (Wisconsin) Chamber receives state tourism grant

The Boscobel Chamber of Commerce recently received a $22,300 Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) grant from the Wisconsin Department of Tourism to promote Boscobel and surrounding communities on the Lower Wisconsin Riverway as Wisconsin’s Outdoor Recreation Destination.
Over the past several months, the Boscobel Chamber of Commerce has been working with the Developers and the City on the concept of rebranding the community as Wisconsin’s Outdoor Recreation Destination. This rebranding concept allows Boscobel to promote the scenic beauty and wide array of outdoor recreation activities residents and visitors can enjoy in the Boscobel area. The JEM Grant will greatly leverage Chamber resources to proceed with the promotion aspect of the rebranding process and improve the ways in which the community is marketed to visitors and potential businesses.
“We live in a special place. Boscobel and the surrounding area has scenic beauty and outdoor recreation options that can’t be beat,” says Tom Richter, Chamber President. “As we look to most effectively market our community, we need to highlight all of our strengths and not just limit ourselves to a few things. Sometimes as residents we take for granted the natural resources we have around us that visitors will drive miles to come experience and enjoy.” Read more: swNEWS4u.com

Clarkston, Michigan chamber: - Notable residents

• Dan Dickerson, Detroit Tigers broadcaster
• Henry Ford, who maintained a summer home and weekend cottage on Main Street. The building still stands today. Ford also owned a mill which operated on the water from what is now called "Mill Pond" in Clarkston. This building still exists in part but has been modernized into a small mall which includes art galleries and office space. He also paid to have the original city sewer system built.
• Kid Rock, musician
• David Simko, former NASCAR Cup Series driver
• Dane Fife, Michigan State assistant basketball coach
• Valerie Bertinelli, actress
• Daniel Travis, actor
• Nick Foles, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback

Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation: (Kindness)

Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see. - Mark Twain

 

Chamber Executive Technology Tool: Skitch - Snap. Mark Up. Send; Fairfax Chamber Event Will Celebrate 90th Anniversary; Top 10 places to start a business in Michigan - #4, #5, #6; IRS and Davies County Chamber partner for tax seminar; Hancock Chamber of Commerce and Mississippi Development Authority to host Bed & Breakfast Workshop; Chambers delight: Where Opportunity Knox reaches hiring milestone; Arkansas Chamber address: Symposium June 9 to Focus on Educational Collaboration; Grafton (Illinois) Chamber of Commerce: Music in the Park series returns; St. Germain (Wisconsin) Chamber of Commerce to host 8th Walk in the Woods Art Fair; Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotations (Integrity) - Mark Twain

Good morning Chamber world! Today is going to be a GREAT day!


Chamber Executive Technology Tool: Skitch - Snap. Mark Up. Send.

See something that sparks an idea? Use Skitch to snap it, mark it up with simple tools, and send it on in an instant. Your bold ideas stand out even brighter with Skitch. People everywhere use Skitch to help them visually share their thoughts with others. Here are a few ways you can use it, too:

FOR EVENTS
Capture a map, mark it up, and share it with your friends to show them where you'll be.

FOR WORK
Open a PDF and highlight changes to skip the lengthy, confusing email chains and give clear feedback.

Learn more: Skitch - by Evernote

Fairfax Chamber Event Will Celebrate 90th Anniversary

You can join the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce Tuesday, June 9 to celebrate their 90th anniversary. The event will be held in the newly renovated lobby of the Silver Line Center, where the Chamber offices are located. Food will be provided by local restaurants and caterers.

The hours of the fundraiser are 5:30-8 p.m.; all proceeds will go to Fairfax Chamber member, The Children’s Science Center. The Chamber is located at 7900 Westpark Drive in Tysons.

If you would like to be a featured restaurant for this event, contact Devan Strebig.

Fun Facts:

• The Fairfax Chamber was founded in 1925
• The Fairfax Herald announced the Chamber’s founding.
• The Fairfax Chamber has been the launching pad for organizations including Leadership Fairfax and the Northern Virginia Technology Council. Read more: Patch.com 

Top 10 places to start a business in Michigan - #4, #5, #6

Detroit, Michigan’s largest city, is digging out of a financial crisis years in the making. But a NerdWallet analysis has found that some of Detroit’s closest neighbors have strong economies and are great places to start a business. We pinpointed the best locations — and also came across some striking findings.
Among top cities in the NerdWallet survey of Michigan is Auburn Hills. In 2010 — as Detroit was crippled by debt — Bob Kittle and Buzz Brown started Munetrix, a technology company in Auburn Hills, 25 miles north of Detroit. In 2013 and 2014, as Detroit was filing for bankruptcy, Kittle and Brown received $48,000 in two grants from the Michigan Small Business Development Center.
Today, Munetrix builds data analytics platforms for over 300 local governments and school districts in Michigan, Florida and Pennsylvania, and has 10 employees in addition to its founders, plus paid interns from Oakland University, a nearby public research university.
“We’re really proud to be a Michigan-based company helping the economy,” Kittle tells NerdWallet. The company is also proud, he says, to be “giving young adults the opportunity to learn and earn a salary at the same time they hone their public-sector skills.”
NerdWallet analyzed 128 places in Michigan using six metrics to create a ranking of the top cities in the state to start a business.

4. Troy

Twenty miles north of Detroit, Troy is a hub for finance, technology, automotive research and development, and it is the largest city in our top 10. The city’s major employers include Bank of America, PNC Bank, Altair Engineering and CareTech Solutions, which makes health care IT products. The Troy Chamber offers businesses advertising and sponsorship opportunities, business development groups and roundtable discussions. A local accelerator, Automation Alley, provides resources for technology businesses in the region, including funding for startups.

5. Iron Mountain

The economy of Iron Mountain, in the Upper Peninsula near the Wisconsin border, is rooted in the mining industry. Today, its economy is fueled by a combination of manufacturing, health care, tourism and retail businesses. Local businesses include the Good Earth Salon, Spiro’s downtown restaurant and Iron Mountain Iron Mine, which gives underground tours of the original mine. The Dickinson Area Chamber Alliance provides local businesses with networking opportunities, referrals and free and reduced-cost services including health and worker’s compensation insurance.

6. Petoskey

In the northern Lower Peninsula, on Little Traverse Bay, Petoskey is a quaint town known for its beaches in the summer, snow sports in the winter and its downtown any time of the year. Local businesses include Roast & Toast, a downtown cafe; V2V, a women’s clothing store; and Petoskey Brewing, a microbrewery established in 1898 and restored in 2012. The Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce helps promote and grow local businesses through its networking events, development programs, referrals and insurance discounts.

See the top ten here:  NerdWallet.com

IRS and Daviess County Chamber partner for tax seminar

The Indiana Department of Revenue, in partnership with the Daviess County Chamber of Commerce, will conduct a free business tax presentation from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. June 4 in Daviess County at the Loyal Order of Moose, 301 E. Highland Ave., Washington. Understanding taxes is one of the biggest challenges facing new and small businesses. The presentation, “Start Strong: Indiana Business Taxes for New and Small Businesses,” addresses pertinent tax information for new and small businesses. The free seminar will cover business taxes in Indiana, including sales tax and income tax withholding. Attendees will be given an opportunity to have questions answered by an experienced department representative. Read more: Washington Times Herald

Hancock Chamber of Commerce and Mississippi Development Authority to host Bed & Breakfast Workshop

The Hancock Chamber of Commerce and Mississippi Development Authority will host a Bed & Breakfast Workshop from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 10 for those interested in opening a B&B or vacation rental.
It will be at the Leo Seal Community Center, 529 U.S. 90, in Waveland. Representatives from the Bed and Breakfast Association of Mississippi and the MDA Entrepreneur Center will speak about legal issues, zoning, ordinances and insurance. Read more: Sun-Herald

Chambers delight: Where Opportunity Knox reaches hiring milestone

Where Opportunity Knox has reached a milestone on its way to connecting 10,000 veterans and their spouses with employers in the Louisville region.

The initiative, which was launched in September to help veterans and their spouses transitioning out of the military find civilian jobs, has helped connect 1,036 veterans with local employers in the region.

"As we continue to expand our reach and base of participating employers seeking talent and veterans seeking opportunities, we hope to grow these numbers significantly to hit our target of 10,000 veterans by the end of 2017," Beth Avey, executive director of the program, said in a news release.

The program is not a job placement service but rather works through regional veteran connectors, people who are placed in the community to find a pool of transitioning veterans who can be connected with employers looking for the kind of talent military vets possess. Read more: Louisville Business First

Arkansas Chamber address: Symposium June 9 to Focus on Educational Collaboration

The Northwest Arkansas P-20 Task Force is offering a free daylong symposium June 9 for educators from preschool through college levels, legislators and industry leaders. "E.Y.E. to the Future: Education, Youth, and the Economy" will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Rogers Heritage High School.
Johnny Key, commissioner of the Arkansas Department of Education, and Randy Zook, president of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce, will give keynote addresses. The symposium's purpose is to give educators, lawmakers and business people the opportunity to communicate and collaborate on educational initiatives and programs in Northwest Arkansas.
Key and Zook will also take part in a panel discussion with Mireya Reith, a member of the Arkansas State Board of Education; Charles Cudney, director of the Northwest Arkansas Education Service Cooperative; Mike Martin, director of human resources at Preformed Line Products; and Brad Lawless, vice president for social strategy at Collective Bias. Read more: University of Arkansas

Grafton (Illinois) Chamber of Commerce: Music in the Park series returns

Grafton’s Music in the Park is a free concert series presented by the Grafton Chamber of Commerce each summer on the banks of the mighty Mississippi River.
 Matt Taul and Friends, an Americana band, kicks off the season June 4 at 7 p.m. at The Grove Memorial Park. The park is located at the corner of Main Street and Market (Rt. 3) in downtown Grafton.
“Thursday nights in Grafton are very special; the people, music and calming mood is what small town charm is all about.” Carla Newton, organizer of the event, stated.
Musicians perform under the gazebo while listeners enjoy the outdoor atmosphere and majestic view of the Mississippi River. Picnic tables and benches are available but lawn chairs or blankets are recommended.
 The second concert will be Matt Livasy performing classic rock songs on Thursday, June 11 and will continue every Thursday in June and July with the last performance Aug. 6 by Happenstance, known for its eclectic classic rock and pop performances. Read more: Edwardsville - The Intelligencer



St. Germain (Wisconsin) Chamber of Commerce to host 8th Walk in the Woods Art Fair

You can see artwork from artists across Wisconsin this weekend, when the St. Germain Chamber of Commerce hosts the 8th annual Walk in the Woods Art Fair.

You can look at art, taste wine, and sample cheese while strolling through the woods behind the chamber.

The high-end art fair, which features artists from across the Midwest, offers a different experience compared to more typical art shows.

"We are getting more quality artists that are coming in," said St. Germain Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Penny Wiesmann. "It's growing. It was at 40 artists. We are capped off this year at 50, and we are revamping the whole woods area to have more artists come to it." Read more: WJFW.com News12


Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation (Integrity) - Mark Twain



There are not enough morally brave men in stock. We are out of moral-courage material. - Mark Twain

U.S. Chamber - Chase is giving a total of $2 Million in grants to 20 small businesses; Apply today! - From Sue Reed, president of the Crossroads (Indiana) Regional Chamber of Commerce; Rochester Regional Chamber program: Rochester Youth Leadership Retreat Applications due by June 5th; Arkansas Chamber proponent: For project, governor seeking $87.1M bond; Governor Announces Hopkins County as Kentucky Work Ready Community; Greater Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce Foundation Awards (20) $1,000.00 Scholarships at Academic Achievers Reception; Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership and Ridgeland Chambers offer basics of Social Security; Sparta Chamber support: Bicycle statues link Port Byron, Wisconsin for fall ride; Highland Chamber (Illinois) of Commerce hires new executive director; Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation: (Leadership)

Good morning Chamber world! Today is going to be a GREAT day!



U.S. Chamber: Chase is giving a total of $2 Million in grants to 20 small businesses--- deadline is June 5th, 2015



Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy and again this year, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is excited to support Mission Main Street Grants®. Chase is awarding 20 grants of $100,000 to small businesses across America and we are looking for businesses that have big plans.
To apply, complete the grant application and receive at least 250 votes from your fans, customers, family and/or friends. In addition, you will have access to a special offer from the Premier Sponsor, LinkedIn, and powerful business tools. The application deadline is June 5, 2015 so visit www.MissionMainStreetGrants.com today.
A for-profit business that has been engaged in the current business activity for at least two consecutive years and has less than 100 year-round, full-time employees is eligible to apply. Businesses must receive at least 250 votes to be eligible for a grant. Please visit the Program Rules for all eligibility requirements.
The application process consists of three parts:

1. Complete your Small Business Registration
2. Complete your Business Profile
3. Fill out and submit the grant questionnaire

A panel of small business experts will select the 20 grant recipients from eligible businesses, and results will be announced in mid-September 2015.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is proud to support Mission Main Street Grants® and to help fuel the growth of small businesses nationwide. To read more about Mission Main Street Grants® and learn how you can participate, click here.

Source: U.S. Chamber 



From Sue Reed, president of the Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce - educator's request for Indiana competition winner funding

Greetings!

Please see the following request I received today. Any assistance you can provide will be greatly appreciated!

Good morning!  I am reaching out to you in hopes of gaining support for one of our students.

At the beginning of this year, Merrillville High School became a pilot school for the MITA (Microsoft Information Technology Academy) and started offering MOS (Microsoft Office Specialist) industry certifications to our students to prepare them for a good job after graduation.  The program has been a great success and will enable students to pursue their passion in technology with or without having to attend college.  We have many students certified in Word, Excel and Powerpoint at this point and have a particularly exceptional student who is the focal point of this correspondence.

Zachary Feign, a junior here at MHS, will probably not be able to attend college but his software skills are exceptional.  Not only is he MOS certified in BOTH Powerpoint AND Excel but he is the #1 top scorer in the state of Indiana for Powerpoint 2010 Certification – a perfect 1000 score in only about 12 minutes (50 minutes are allotted for the certification test).  He has taken the certification test twice, scoring perfect 1000s in only a fraction of the time testing allows.  He now represents the State of Indiana in the National Competition.  He will receive a couple of prizes or being the best in the state but the most important is his invitation to the National MOS Competition in Florida in mid-June. 

Zach’s family does not have the resources for him and a parent to go on this trip so I (with permission of my administration) have set up a GoFundMe account with the intent to raise $1500 for the trip.  This includes air fare, discounted hotel rates and meals they will have to buy on their own.  Zach has talked to me about passing this opportunity on to the 2^nd place finisher because of his family’s lack of money to go on this trip and this really saddened me.  I have talked with his parents and want to do everything possible to make sure he can go.   If you are able, could you please consider contributing to this account so we can send Zach on the trip of his lifetime?  Or maybe forward this to others who may be able to help out?

http://www.gofundme.com/varemk

As always, I thank you for supporting Merrillville High School and the programs we have to promote our students’ success.  And please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. 

Sharon Row
PCI / ICE Internship Coordinator
Business & Technology, CTE & Dual Credit teacher
IPE Executive Director
Merrillville High School
276 E. 68^th Place, Merrillville, IN  46410
Phone:  219-650-5307 ext. 7175
website


Rochester Regional Chamber program: Rochester Youth Leadership Retreat Applications due by June 5th

The Mission of the Rochester Youth Leadership Program is to create an experience for youth that fosters leadership, community involvement and civic responsibility in the Greater Rochester Community.

The Vision is to be recognized as the premiere community-centered youth leadership program with a focus on:

• Community awareness with a servant's heart
• Leadership for today and tomorrow
• Proven measurable results

No more than sixteen students will be selected to participate in the program. PROGRAM DATES FOR 2015 will be Monday and Tuesday June 29th and 30th. Click here to view or download 2015 Leadership Youth Retreat Application.

• Food will be provided to the attendees, including an award dinner.
• An informational meeting will take place prior to the event.
• Students will receive a scholarship to attend. A $50 deposit is required with application, but returned upon completion of the retreat.

Genisys Credit Union will select two Junior Grand Marshals (male and female) to be in the Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade on Sunday, December 6, 2015 from among the Rochester Youth Leadership Retreat attendees. 
The role of the Junior Grand Marshal is to be an ambassador for the youth and the Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce and Community. A special committee will interview students attending the Rochester Youth Leadership Retreat and make the selection. The winners will be announced during dinner at the Leadership Youth Retreat's conclusion. Each winner will receive a $1,000.00 scholarship.

Contact the chamber office at 248-651-6700 or email info@rrc-mi.com for more information

 

Arkansas Chamber proponent: For project, governor seeking $87.1M bond

Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson said Thursday that he is seeking the Arkansas Legislature's approval next week for an $87.1 million bond issue to help Lockheed Martin compete for a federal defense contract in Camden.
At a state Capitol news conference, he also explained his decision to ask lawmakers to move the state's primary elections from May to March, saying the earlier date would give Arkansans a greater voice in picking presidential candidates.
The governor said the proposed bond issue would be the state's only commitment to Lockheed Martin and there are no additional financial incentives to assist the Maryland-based corporation.
The company would build the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle for the Army and Marine Corps and replace the line of vehicles known as Humvees made by Indiana-based AM General LLC. Read more: Arkansas Online

Madisonville-Hopkins County chamber news: Governor Announces Hopkins County as Kentucky Work Ready Community

Gov. Steve Beshear has announced that Hopkins County is certified as a Kentucky Work Ready Community.
In August 2012, county leaders sought local support to meet the requirements to develop a skilled workforce for the 21st century.
The governor also named Boyd, Carroll, Greenup, Knott and Lawrence counties as Kentucky Work Ready Communities on May 14. In order to achieve the status, community leaders must establish common goals in business, education, workforce and economic development.
County and city officials made the announcement this morning during a press conference held at the Government Center.
Madisonville Community College President Judy Rhoads said the county received its work ready status sooner than the allotted three-year progress period.
“I want to thank the team that’s at the table for making this possible, and many people in the public schools and the college and other community members who worked hard for us to meet the criteria,” Rhoads said.
Madisonville Mayor David Jackson said the achievement was a collaborative effort of many, and the status will have a great impact for the future job market in the area. He noted the recognition assures potential employers that the county workforce is qualified and ready.
“The impact of Work Ready Community on our town and our county is so important,” he said. “When a potential employer is considering a location, not only do they look at your infrastructure or your available buildings, but workforce is a very important part of that decision.”
Kentucky is one of the most rigorous states to achieve work ready status, said Judge- Executive Donnie Carroll.
“Work Ready has the ability to transform the community,” he said. “I believe this is just the first step.”
Lee Lingo, president of the Madisonville-Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce, believes the county achieved work ready status early on because of the area’s strong educational opportunities.
“Our community and technical college system here is top notch,” he said. “It’s recognized throughout the state and that has enabled us to already benchmark very highly for how we train our workforce.” Read more: Surfky.com NEWS

Greater Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce Foundation Awards (20) $1,000.00 Scholarships at Academic Achievers Reception

Fishersville, VA – The Greater Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce (GARCC) recently recognized 34 outstanding students from public, private and vocational schools in Waynesboro, Staunton and Augusta County at their annual Academic Achievers Reception held at the Plecker Workforce Center on the campus of Blue Ridge Community College.  New to their program this year and with the support of local manufacturers, the Chamber awarded scholarships for students pursuing technical, trade and vocational training. Linda Hershey, President & CEO, said “Our Chamber recognizes the increased demand for industry specific job skills and encourages opportunities for students to pursue standard certification trades.”  She also quoted statistics from the Valley Career & Technical Center that said, “By 2018, nearly two-thirds of the 47 million job openings will require workers to have at least some post-secondary education. Nearly all will require real world skills that can be mastered through Career and Technical Education courses.”

Over 150 Parents/Guardians, Teachers, Counselors, Superintendents, Legislative Officials and the Education Selection Committee attended the Reception.  The Presenting Sponsor was City National Bank.  Additional Supporting Sponsors included: Simple Elegance Catering, Mary Baldwin College and Lowe’s Home Improvement of Waynesboro.

The Thirty Four (34) students are ranked in the top 5% at their schools,  participating in multiple programs and serving as leaders in activities such as National Honor Society , Shenandoah Valley Governor’s School, Foreign Language Club, Drama, Chorus, Mentorship, Work Study, Job Sharing, Academic Team, Student Government,  Debate and/or Forensics, Key Club,  Tutoring, Model General Assembly, School Newspaper /Yearbook,  4-H & FFA,  Marching band, Basketball, Baseball/Softball, Soccer, Football, Track & Field, Cross Country, Volleyball, Wrestling and Swimming.

The highlight of the evening was the honoring of twenty (20) of these students with $1,000.00 Scholarships. These Scholarships were sponsored by area Chamber members and friends of the Chamber as noted below. Dr. Kevin Ratliff, Dean of Business, Humanities & Continuing Education at Blue Ridge Community College and Board Chair of the Chamber’s Education Committee, said, “ with all of the accomplishments listed above, the Education Selection Committee had a very hard task of selecting the chosen 20 students.” For more information, or details on how you can support this program or get involved in other Chamber events, please contact Melissa Martin, Director of Community Development, at 540-324-1133 or online at comdevelop@augustava.com. 

Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership and Ridgeland Chambers offer basics of Social Security

Two metro-area chambers of commerce are partnering on a workshop to teach their members “The ABC’s of Social Security.”
The Lunch & Learn session will be 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Cool Water Catering in Ridgeland with lunch provided.
The workshop is being jointly offered by the Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership and the Ridgeland Chamber of Commerce. Read more: The Clarion and Ledger

Sparta Chamber support: Bicycle statues link Port Byron, Wisconsin for fall ride

City officials and their counterparts in Sparta, Wis., are hoping a new bicycle tour connecting the two cities becomes an annual event.
On Friday, the "Will to Ben" tour planned Oct. 3-9 was announced by Port Byron Mayor Kevin Klute and Tim Hyma, executive director of the Sparta Area Chamber of Commerce. 
The area around Port Byron already has a great deal of recreational options, Mayor Klute said. "It (the ride) really fits in well with what Port Byron is trying to promote," he said.
The tour takes its name from two giant fiberglass cyclist statues -- one in each city -- that depict vintage-looking fellows riding penny farthing bicycles. The Port Byron statue is named "Will B. Rolling;" its Sparta counterpart is named "Ben Bikin." Read more: QCOnline.com Dispatch-Argus

Highland Chamber (Illinois) of Commerce hires new executive director

Nancie Zobrist has worn many hats over the years.
A 2003 graduate of Highland High School, Zobrist had earlier worked in an array of industries spanning from green geothermal energy to hotel/hospitality to physical therapy. Last week, she was hired as the new executive director of the Highland Chamber of Commerce. Zobrist will be replacing Jami Jansen, who recently announced her resignation effective June 5 after serving 10 years in the post.
Zobrist, who has a bachelor of science in advertising from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, has worked in the marketing departments at Entertek Manufacturing in Greenville, Pere Marquette Lodge in Grafton and Collinsville Physical Therapy.
She believes her prior marketing experience will be an asset to the Chamber.
“I’m excited to be able to use my education and experience to help our community businesses grow, as well as managing the many philanthropic endeavors of the Chamber. I believe keeping businesses strong keeps our community strong,”she said.
Nancie is married to Eric Zobrist, and they have a 2-year-old daughter. Read more: Highland News Leader



Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation: (Leadership)

A goal properly set is halfway reached.  -Zig Ziglar

 

Read more here: http://www.bnd.com/news/local/community/highland-news-leader/article21469119.html#storylink=cpy