Good morning #Chamber World! It's going to be a GREAT day!
Chamber Executive Ongoing Education Weekly New Idea: Contagious: Why Things Catch On - by Jonah Berger
The New York Times bestseller that explains why certain products and ideas become popular. “Jonah Berger knows more about what makes information ‘go viral’ than anyone in the world” (Daniel Gilbert, author of the bestseller Stumbling on Happiness).
What makes things popular? If you said advertising, think again. People don’t listen to advertisements, they listen to their peers. But why do people talk about certain products and ideas more than others? Why are some stories and rumors more infectious? And what makes online content go viral?
Wharton marketing professor Jonah Berger has spent the last decade answering these questions. He’s studied why New York Times articles make the paper’s own Most E-mailed list, why products get word of mouth, and how social influence shapes everything from the cars we buy to the clothes we wear to the names we give our children.
In Contagious, Berger reveals the secret science behind word-of-mouth and social transmission. Discover how six basic principles drive all sorts of things to become contagious, from consumer products and policy initiatives to workplace rumors and YouTube videos. Learn how a luxury steakhouse found popularity through the lowly cheesesteak, why anti-drug commercials might have actually increased drug use, and why more than 200 million consumers shared a video about one of the most seemingly boring products there is: a blender.
Contagious provides a set of specific, actionable techniques for helping information spread—for designing messages, advertisements, and content that people will share. Whether you’re a manager at a big company, a small business owner trying to boost awareness, a politician running for office, or a health official trying to get the word out, Contagious will show you how to make your product or idea catch on. Read more: Amazon
Augusta Chamber joins Front Royal-Warren County Chamber, Harrisonburg-Rockingham County Chamber, Top of Virginia Regional, Shenandoah Valley partners for I-81 coalition of chambers
Joining the Augusta Chamber in the coalition are the Front Royal-Warren County Chamber of Commerce, Shenandoah County Chamber of Commerce, Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce and the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber.
The coalition was formed to help achieve needed improvements to the congested interstate.
In addition to accidents, the interstate has truck traffic above its capacity, now accounting for more than 40 percent of Virginia's truck traffic.
The coalition has written Virginia U.S. Sens. Tim Kaine and Mark Warner, 6th District Rep. Bob Goodlatte, 9th District Rep. Morgan Griffith and 10th District Rep. Barbara Comstock for their assistance in getting federal funds for I-81 improvements.
In the letter, the coalition asks the congressional members to "appeal to the current administration and work collaboratively to secure funding solutions that will address this significant need." Read more: Daily Progress
Multi-Chamber Event: Third House Session- Meet Your State Legislators!
The Greater La Porte, Michigan City Area, and Westville Area Chambers of Commerce have joined together to present an Indiana Third House Session slated for February 16th starting at 8:00 a.m. The event will take place at the La Porte County Convention & Visitors Bureau, located at 4073 Franklin Street in Michigan City. There is no cost to attend this event, and light refreshments will be available.
Join our local state legislators as they discuss important topics that affect our community and region. Register by clicking the button above or calling 219.362.3178.
Join our local state legislators as they discuss important topics that affect our community and region. Register by clicking the button above or calling 219.362.3178.
When: February 16, 8:00 a.m.
Where: La Porte County Convention & Visitors Bureau, 4073 Franklin Street, Michigan City
Who can attend: Anyone who is interested in hear a legislative update from our State Representatives.
Marion Chamber: February Lunch & Learn: Thinking For Success
Eat, learn, discuss & grow!
Eat, learn, discuss & grow!
Raise your leadership and connect with others in a fun learning environment!
The February Lunch & Learn will be held on February 28 from noon - 1 p.m. at Heartland Regional Medical Center, Classroom 1. The topic will be "Thinking for Success with Dr. Jamie Clark Verbeck."
The February Lunch & Learn will be presented by Dr. Jamie Clark Verbeck. One of the most powerful things that developing leaders and other success-seekers can take away from the world of sports and athletic achievement is the effectiveness of positive thinking. Join Dr. Jamie Clark Verbeck and Russell Williams for a discussion on creating a positive mindset for success and how doing so cultivates successful teams and organizations. Dr. Verbeck is director of Counseling and Psychological Services at SIUC Student Health Services and head coach for the Marion High School Varsity Girls Soccer team.
The Marion Chamber of Commerce will host a Lunch & Learn each month in 2018 as part of the Leadership Marion program.
In a brief amount of time, you will receive the best leadership principles, interact with other growing leaders, and discuss how to apply effective practices to your organization. After each Lunch & Learn, you will walk away with at least one mind changing idea that will create a desire for motivation and self-improvement. This is the perfect professional development opportunity to increase levels of influence and potential in yourself and in the teams you lead.
The Lunch and Learn programs will be held on the fourth Wednesday of the month (December 19, 2018, class is an exception) from noon to 1 pm at Heartland Regional Medical Center in Classrooms 1&4.
Admission is $15 per Marion Chamber member ($20 for non-Chamber). Lunch and drinks provided courtesy of Heartland Regional Medical Center.
Contact the Marion Chamber at (618) 997-6311 or director@marionillinois.com to secure your seat or for more information.
Facilitator: Russell Williams, Certified Leadership and Personal Growth Coach, Speaker, and Teacher. For more information, visit EmpowermentMentor.com/RussellWilliams
Sponsored by Heartland Regional Medical Center
Wednesday, February 28
11:45 AM - 01:15 PM
Heartland Regional Medical Center
3333 West DeYoung Street
Classroom 1
Marion , IL 62959
Covington County 2017-2018 Chamber of Commerce Community Map
The Covington County Chamber of Commerce Community Map is available at the Covington County Chamber today! Thanks to Marie Shoemake and her team for their help and direction putting this together!
Town Square Publications (www.townsquarepublications.com) can help you accomplish your chamber's gloss map, directory, community guide or publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633.
Christian County Chamber of Commerce Announces Fourth Annual Total Resource Campaign
2018 Total Resource Campaign to Kick-Off Monday, February 19
The Grand Rapids Area Chamber recently released the results of its annual government affairs survey of member businesses. The survey results show that workforce and talent issues continue to rank as top priorities for employers, with parking availability also surfacing as an issue of concern.
“We use this survey as an opportunity each year to see where our members are seeing some of their biggest obstacles and opportunities,” said Joshua Lunger, director of government affairs at the Grand Rapids Area Chamber. “It’s an opportunity for us to investigate further into issues that we might not have been spending as much time on.”
The survey revealed business sentiment remains positive, with 96 percent of employers reporting a favorable or very favorable perception of the business climate in West Michigan. The biggest challenge, according to respondents, is finding qualified candidates to hire.
“We’re growing and creating jobs, but we don’t have enough folks to fill them,” said Lunger. “80 percent of companies reporting talent shortages say the cause is due to consistent business growth and job creation, rather than hiring to fill an existing slot,” he added. “This is actually a good problem to have.”
To address the talent shortage, Lunger says the chamber is focused on promoting skilled trades in public schools and through the Skilled Trades Training Fund, a statewide grant for employers, as well as encouraging greater investment in early childhood education.
“Talent and education policy is a very long game,” said Lunger. “You have to look at the whole picture, from access to high-quality childcare all the way to what’s in the curriculums of the schools.”
Another issue that emerged for the second year in a row was access to parking, with 28 percent describing it as a significant challenge. To address these concerns, Lunger says the chamber is advocating for increased supply.
“We had a group of members that met for a few months and came up with an eight-point parking and mobility plan,” he said. “Whether it’s parking a little further out and using a high-frequency transit service or improving our downtown circular, we want employers to have a whole list of options for how their employees can get to work.”
Lunger says that, while the survey revealed a consistently positive outlook among employers, the concerns raised regarding talent shows the business community can’t afford to become complacent.
“We titled the report: ‘Businesses like what they see, but addressing talent is critical to continued growth,’ and we think that really sums it up,” he said. “We have a lot of positives, but we can’t sleep on this talent issue. We need to put it front-and-center, and I think that’s true for most places in the country right now that are growing.” Source: ACCE Spotlight
New traffic lights coming to busy stretch of U.S. 45 in Baldwyn
Christian County Chamber of Commerce Announces Fourth Annual Total Resource Campaign
2018 Total Resource Campaign to Kick-Off Monday, February 19
The Christian County Chamber of Commerce announces the fourth annual Total Resource Campaign. This six-week revenue-generating effort kicks off Monday, February 19, 2018 and concludes Friday, March 30. This year, the Total Resource Campaign has 10 volunteers from various business professions within the community.
During the campaign, volunteers introduce businesses to the value of Chamber membership and encourage current members to utilize the multiple benefits membership provides. This annual effort provides leadership and financial support for new and existing programs. Volunteers make it possible to raise the funds to sustain programs for business development, community improvement and member services. The funds raised benefit not only the Chamber, but truly the entire Christian County region.
"The TRC campaign is the Chamber's effort to secure sponsorships for our many programs and initiatives so that we can keep working on behalf of our business community. We greatly appreciate the volunteers who give their time to support the chamber's work and the many businesses who participate and sponsor our efforts," said Kelli Pendleton, Christian County Chamber of Commerce President & CEO. "Our chamber team works hard in areas of business advocacy, workforce & education, supporting Fort Campbell and many more. Thank you to everyone who champions our cause."
The all-volunteer Campaign consists of more than 500 sponsorships. The TRC offers excellent exposure for companies both at Chamber events and within our signature publications.
For more information about the Total Resource Campaign and how your business can be a part, contact Robin Tabor, Christian County Chamber of Commerce Director of Membership and Fundraising, at (270) 885-9096, or rtabor@christiancountychamber.com.
Media Contact: Kirstie Darnall, Director of Events & Marketing
Christian County Chamber of Commerce kdarnall@christiancountychamber.com
270-885-9096
ACCE spotlight: Grand Rapids Area Chamber probes local business
The Grand Rapids Area Chamber recently released the results of its annual government affairs survey of member businesses. The survey results show that workforce and talent issues continue to rank as top priorities for employers, with parking availability also surfacing as an issue of concern.
“We use this survey as an opportunity each year to see where our members are seeing some of their biggest obstacles and opportunities,” said Joshua Lunger, director of government affairs at the Grand Rapids Area Chamber. “It’s an opportunity for us to investigate further into issues that we might not have been spending as much time on.”
The survey revealed business sentiment remains positive, with 96 percent of employers reporting a favorable or very favorable perception of the business climate in West Michigan. The biggest challenge, according to respondents, is finding qualified candidates to hire.
“We’re growing and creating jobs, but we don’t have enough folks to fill them,” said Lunger. “80 percent of companies reporting talent shortages say the cause is due to consistent business growth and job creation, rather than hiring to fill an existing slot,” he added. “This is actually a good problem to have.”
To address the talent shortage, Lunger says the chamber is focused on promoting skilled trades in public schools and through the Skilled Trades Training Fund, a statewide grant for employers, as well as encouraging greater investment in early childhood education.
“Talent and education policy is a very long game,” said Lunger. “You have to look at the whole picture, from access to high-quality childcare all the way to what’s in the curriculums of the schools.”
Another issue that emerged for the second year in a row was access to parking, with 28 percent describing it as a significant challenge. To address these concerns, Lunger says the chamber is advocating for increased supply.
“We had a group of members that met for a few months and came up with an eight-point parking and mobility plan,” he said. “Whether it’s parking a little further out and using a high-frequency transit service or improving our downtown circular, we want employers to have a whole list of options for how their employees can get to work.”
Lunger says that, while the survey revealed a consistently positive outlook among employers, the concerns raised regarding talent shows the business community can’t afford to become complacent.
“We titled the report: ‘Businesses like what they see, but addressing talent is critical to continued growth,’ and we think that really sums it up,” he said. “We have a lot of positives, but we can’t sleep on this talent issue. We need to put it front-and-center, and I think that’s true for most places in the country right now that are growing.” Source: ACCE Spotlight
Baraboo economy ranks 15th among small cities
A national economic analysis ranks the Baraboo area the 15th-most prosperous small community in America.
Policom Corporation’s recently released economic strength rankings place Baraboo 15th among “micropolitan” markets. The Florida research firm used county-level statistics in analyzing employment, earnings, growth and stability. That means the high ranking is a feather in the caps of both Baraboo and Sauk County.
“It’s great to show we’re a strong economic driver,” said Bobbie Boettcher, executive director of the Baraboo Area Chamber of Commerce.
The community has fared well in Policom’s annual rankings, consistently placing among the top 100 (of 550) micropolitan markets, ascending to 13th last year. “Micropolitan” markets are areas with a population of more than 10,000 but fewer than 50,000.
“Being ranked 15th in the country, that’s pretty remarkable,” Mayor Mike Palm said. “We will strive to be No. 1.”
Policom’s ranking is the latest honor for Baraboo. In September, the Circus City made U.S. News & World Report’s list of six up-and-coming American cities. In 2013, Smithsonian Magazine named Baraboo the No. 4 small town to visit in the U.S. The next year, the book “The Economic Viability of Micropolitan America” noted Baraboo as a success story. Read more: Baraboo News Republic
New traffic lights coming to busy stretch of U.S. 45 in Baldwyn
A heavily traveled stretch of U.S. 45 in Baldwyn is getting two long-awaited and much-needed traffic signals.
More than 4,000 people work at the Harry A. Martin North Lee Industrial Park, where several companies call home. However, getting in and out of the industrial park during the busiest times of the day – around 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. – has been an exercise in extreme caution and patience.
But the Mississippi Department of Transportation’s fix for that will happen at 10 a.m. this morning, when traffic signals will be turned on at the intersection of Pratts Road (County Road 2788) and 45, as well as Southwest Avenue and 45.
MDOT also has altered the intersection of Fashion Way and Highway 45. Traffic entering the highway from Fashion Way can no longer go east and cross over to go north on the highway; instead, drivers will have to turn right and go south on 45.
“We’re thankful that MDOT has recognized that the traffic count and number of employees there have grown significantly to the point we needed to do something from a safety standpoint,” said Jon Milstead, vice president of community planning services with the Community Development Foundation. “These lights will really help slow down traffic and keep moving it efficiently ... There’s a lot of traffic coming in and out of those intersections, and when you have that sort of movement in a high-speed traffic environment, you really have to do something from a safety standpoint.”
The project cost $3.2 million and was paid for through federal highway funds. Read more: Daily Journal
Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S.
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
Chambers of Commerce and member focused organizations serve as a valuable resource in the local marketplace. The networking opportunities and representation with a wide variety of diverse businesses in your community is the catalyst of a successful organization. For further information about Town Square's publishing partnership with chambers of commerce and our No-Cost guarantee and Earned Revenue Share Program, To request your chamber publication or map proposal, contact Town Square Chamber Proposal
