Happy Monday Chamber world! I's going to be a GREAT week!
Chamber news: Indy Touts Job Growth in 2016
Chamber news: Indy Touts Job Growth in 2016
The economic development division of the Indy Chamber is joining the city of Indianapolis in celebrating the creation and retention of jobs in 2016. The annual report from Develop Indy says 49 companies announced relocation or expansion projects in Indianapolis last year, leading to about 4,500 new jobs and keeping another 6,800 in the city. The efforts are expected to bring $600 million in new payroll and capital investment to the local economy.
Unemployment fell to 4 percent in Marion County in 2016. Develop Indy says investments from tech companies such as Salesforce, Knowledge Services, Octiv and Scale Computing led the way in terms of job creation last year.
"As we look back on the list of companies that chose Indianapolis in 2016, we see a strong business climate and a surge in the technology sector," said Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett. "Employers are taking notice of the momentum in our community and seeing an Indianapolis address as a competitive advantage for their business and employees."
The report says Indy's advanced manufacturing and life sciences sectors scored wins as well. Indy Chamber Chief Executive Officer Michael Huber says the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute is positioning the city for even more growth as a global health innovation leader. Read more: Inside Indiana Business
Chicago Southland Chamber teams up with Governors State University School of Extended Learning
All workshops will be at Robinson Engineering located at:
Robinson Engineering
10045 W. Lincoln Highway
Frankfort, Illinois 60423-1272
By population, the United States is less than 5% of the world. Do you want to grow your business by selling to global clients? This intensive workshop helps businesses assess their readiness to export and takes participants through a step-by-step process of developing an exporting capability.
For more information, please click here
Exceptional Customer Service Starts with Your Certificate
Whether you are an entrepreneur or work for a small or large organization, excellent customer service is an essential factor in your organization’s success. When employees are committed to providing exceptional customer service individually and as a team, your organization will retain loyal customers, increase its customer base, and drive revenue growth. During four 3-hour sessions, you will participate in engaging and hands-on activities that will prepare you to return to the workplace and apply your new skills and knowledge.
For more information, please click here
Strategic Planning: Gaining a Competitive Advantage
Deriving a sustainable competitive advantage is at the core of a business’s profitability and sustainability. Strategic planning focuses management attention on formulating and implementing a plan aimed at gaining a sustainable competitive advantage. In this intensive workshop, you will be guided through the key components of developing a solid strategic plan.
For more information, please click here
Inaugural Landscaping Camp Will Help Oxonians Beautify Their Yards
The Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce along with the Economic Development Foundation are hosting the “inaugural” Landscaping Camp here in Oxford in late May as part of the Retirement Attraction Program. The unique event has begun attracting interest from all across the United States.
HottyToddy.com: Please share with us, first, the exact dates and cost.
Oxford Chamber: The Landscaping Camp will take place on May 26, 27 and 28. We have an Early Bird special going on now for $300 through January 31, after that the cost will be $375. The cost does not include accommodations; however, we are excited to have The Inn at Ole Miss as our host hotel, where the camp will be held. In addition, if one doesn’t have a place to stay in Oxford they can make reservations with the Inn at Ole Miss at a discounted rate by calling 1-888-486-7666.
HottyToddy.com: What are the deliverables for the attendees?
Oxford Chamber: During this two-and-a-half day camp each participant will receive two books written by Jeff McManus at the Opening Dinner/Book Signing. Among activities, one will be able to immerse themselves on a tour of the beautiful Ole Miss campus, learn some great practices from industry leaders, attend educational seminars on how to prune your shrubs, including choosing the right time, as well as growing gardens, attracting birds plus receive timesaving tips for a low maintenance yard and network in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. To top it off, three tours will also take place en route via the famous Double Decker Bus to the stunning landscaped homes of Dickie and Dianne Scruggs and Sam and Mary Haskell, which are both inspired by McManus, as well as a tour of the beautiful and historical City of Oxford.
Oxford Chamber: During this two-and-a-half day camp each participant will receive two books written by Jeff McManus at the Opening Dinner/Book Signing. Among activities, one will be able to immerse themselves on a tour of the beautiful Ole Miss campus, learn some great practices from industry leaders, attend educational seminars on how to prune your shrubs, including choosing the right time, as well as growing gardens, attracting birds plus receive timesaving tips for a low maintenance yard and network in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. To top it off, three tours will also take place en route via the famous Double Decker Bus to the stunning landscaped homes of Dickie and Dianne Scruggs and Sam and Mary Haskell, which are both inspired by McManus, as well as a tour of the beautiful and historical City of Oxford.
HottyToddy.com: Jeff McManus is apparently playing a key role.
Oxford Chamber: Absolutely! He loved the idea and has jumped on board with excitement and great ideas to make this event a must to attend.
HottyToddy.com: You have already attracted some key sponsors.
Oxford Chamber: We are thrilled to announce our key sponsors, which include The City of Oxford, The University of Mississippi, MaxxSouth Broadband, Rebel Realty and Property Management LLC, The Inn at Ole Miss, Stages Mississippi Magazine and HottyToddy.com. We’re currently looking for Hospitality Sponsors to help us make our guests’ visit even more memorable. The cost of a Hospitality Sponsor is $400. Their logos will be showcased on a “Welcome Banner,” as well as be listed in our program. Read more: HottyToddy.com
Birmingham Bloomfield 2016-2017 Community Guide & Directory
The Birmingham-Bloomfield is available at the Birmingham-Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce today! Thank you to Joe Bauman and the Chamber 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 profile or publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633.
Entries sought for Chamber Directory cover art contest
MICHIGAN CITY — The Michigan City Area Chamber of Commerce is accepting submissions of artwork for the cover of its 2018 Centennial Member Directory.
The Chamber Directory is a popular resource for local residents, businesses, and visitors, and a great opportunity for an artist’s work to be seen and appreciated by others.
The subject matter must depict unique aspects of local business activity or Michigan City’s commercial heritage. While the subject matter should be business-oriented, artwork should not depict business logos in a manner that could be interpreted as promotional.
Artists in all mediums are encouraged to participate (paintings, photographs, textiles). Entries must measure about 9 by 11 inches and be submitted in person to the Chamber office at 200 E. Michigan Blvd. during regular business hours.
Entries will be reviewed by a task force of three former chamber board chairpersons. The artist with the winning entry will receive a cash prize of $300. The winning art work will become the property of the Michigan City Area Chamber of Commerce.
The deadline for submissions is March 15. Please contact Paula Trout at the Michigan City Chamber for more information at (219) 874-6221 or ptrout@mcachamber.com.
Burlington Chamber hosts dinner, auction
The Burlington Area Chamber of Commerce will celebrate its 73rd year with its annual dinner and auction from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 19, at Veterans Terrace, 589 Milwaukee Ave.
Dinner will be catered by Gooseberries Fresh Food Market and served at 7 p.m., with a social hour beginning at 6 p.m. with hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar.
This gala event includes voice and silent auctions with items donated by local businesses including overnight stays, a kayak, admissions to local attractions, and certificates for restaurants and local businesses.
Tickets cost $50. For more information, go to www.burlingtonchamber.org or call 262-763-6044.
Kyndle CEO focused on existing businesses for new year
Tony Iriti, the new CEO of Kyndle, hopes not only to continue the support of established businesses in the four-county region, but look to bringing new industry and bolster the local workforce.
Iriti spoke before the Henderson Lions Club on Tuesday to discuss Kyndle's direction for 2017.
He listed his first priority as offering assistance to all the existing businesses in Kyndle's four-county economic development region. Some of the support would involve incentives available to businesses at the state and local levels.
"What we're really going to focus on in the new year is the existing businesses," he said. "When you have around 140 industrial properties through the four counties and they each add 10 jobs, it takes one company with 1,400 jobs to make up for it. If you lose a company, it can be very difficult to replace them. We hope that all of our existing businesses understand we want to help."
While focusing on existing businesses, the new CEO wants to tap into the supply chain of surrounding larger corporations, such as Toyota and Honda manufacturers.
"One of our initiatives for this year is how can we get into those supply chains," he said. "If we can become a supplier, then we can grow at the same rate that those companies grow. The worst thing that can happen to a community like Henderson is having a new assembly plant wanting to locate here and create 3,000 jobs, because we don't have the infrastructure for a plant that size. But if we can get the supplier of that industry and grow over the next three to five years, then the community is able to grow along with it." Read more: The Gleaner
2017 Chamber of Commerce Serving Lexington, Beuna Vista, and Rockbridge County Board of Directors
The Chamber’s officers for 2017 include newly elected President Joe Sokolowski. Sokolowski holds a Degree in Economics and Business from Virginia Military Institute and serves on the VMI Keydet Club Board of Governors, as well as, the Rockbridge Public Service Authority Board of Directors. He has been a member of the Chamber board since 2015 and previously served on the board in 2009 & 2010. Sokolowski is currently the Assistant Vice President, Sr. Credit Analyst at CornerStone Bank. Joe and his wife, Stephanie will celebrate their 25th anniversary this year and have one child, Taylor who is a freshman at Elon University.
When asked about his new role, Sokolowski replied: “I look forward to serving in this capacity and carrying on the wonderful work of my predecessors. We have a very dedicated staff and energetic Board of Directors. The Chamber plans to grow membership in 2017 and continue to serve its current membership by establishing a strong local presence in all of the Rockbridge County localities that make our community a special place to work and live.”
Col. Jay Williams of Virginia Military Institute was elected Vice-President of the Chamber. Col. Williams has served in his current role as VMI’s Post Engineer for over twelve years. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Virginia Military Institute in 1983, a Master of Public Administration from Troy State University in 1990, and became a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Virginia in 1998. Col. Williams currently serves on the Carilion Stonewall Jackson Hospital Board of Directors, is Chairman of the Chessie Trail Advisory Committee, Association Physical Plant Administrators (APPA) International Board of Directors, and serves Trinity United Methodist Church in a leadership role. He has been a member of the Chamber board since 2014. Jay and his wife, Paige have been married for 21 years and have three children – Merryn (freshman, Virginia Tech), Trey (junior, RCHS), and Olivia (7th grade, LDMS).
The board elected Timothy J. Braddick as the organization’s Treasurer. Tim currently serves as the Director of Fraternal Operations for Sigma Nu Fraternity, Inc. In that role Tim oversees various director-level staff in fulfillment of the organization’s strategic goals. His areas of focus include: risk management, claims administration, education, human resources and convention planning. Tim earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Cincinnati. He is a 12-year resident of Rockbridge County. Tim has previously served on the Board of Directors for Rockbridge YMCA and also served as a youth-group leader for the Lexington Presbyterian Church. He has been married to his wife Kara for 5 years and they have a two-year-old daughter, Hadley.
Joining the board of directors are: Jan Hawthorn, Washington and Lee University; John Nicholson, Virginia Horse Center; Suzanne Sheridan, Rockbridge Area Health Center; and John Stallard, C.H.E.F.S. Catering.
The board of directors’ returning members are: Patrick Blevins, State Farm Insurance; Tyson Cooper, Southern Virginia University; Sarah Dyer, Urban Farm Girl; Steve Funkhouser, Rockbridge County Sheriff’s Office; Tom Lovell, Blue Lab Brewing Co./Washington and Lee University; Will Moore, James Wm. Moore Real Estate; Casey Nye, Devils Backbone Brewing Co.; Holly Ostby, Carilion Stonewall Jackson Hospital; John Rainone, Dabney S. Lancaster Community College; and Chris Williams, Sweet Things Ice Cream Shoppe.
For more information about the Chamber of Commerce serving Lexington, Buena Vista and Rockbridge County, online business directory or community events, visit lexrockchamber.com or call (540) 463-5375.
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
