Hurricane Hunter pilot explains typical mission to Biloxi residents; NWI Chambers interest: Site Selectors Set to Visit Northwest Indiana; Birmingham-Bloomfield Young Professionals Network Mixer; #FamousChamber Of Commerce Quotations: (Be positive!); #Chamberpartnership: Effingham Regional Career Academy Selected Top 20 State Shared Project; Greater Reston and Dulles Regional Chambers International Network Night; Thirty local leaders selected for academy to address workforce needs across Kentucky; Chamber host: 'Breakfast in the Valley' celebrates 22 years in Eau Claire; Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S.

Good morning #ChamberWorld! It's going to be a GREAT day!



Hurricane Hunter pilot explains typical mission to Biloxi residents


Community members got a personal experience with a Hurricane Hunter Thursday morning in Biloxi. The pilot explained exactly what the important weather investigating team does.

Hurricane Hunter missions can be intense and dangerous. But beyond that, what exactly does the mysterious Air Force reserve program do? That was the question being answered by Lt. Col. Jeff Ragusa. 

Ragusa was hoping to make the public more aware of what a Hurricane Hunter mission entails.

"To make sure that they know what we're doing and what they're role in that is. If we're just out there doing it, spinning our wheels, then it's just not worth it. It's just not something we should be doing unless people are going to gain something from it," he said.

Ragusa's ultimate goal is to help the public make life-saving decisions when storms are headed their way.

"We just want them to pay attention. Please don't let me be doing it for nothing," said Ragusa.

The informative session was hosted by the Biloxi Bay Area Chamber of Commerce. Those in attendance were introduced to what it takes to pull off a data collecting mission with the Hurricane Hunters, officially known as the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron. 

"Extremely eye-opening, especially when he demonstrated what each crew member did on the aircraft," said Elijah Mitchell.

Mitchell was part of that demonstration, acting as a pilot. There were also volunteers portraying the co-pilot, navigation, meteorologist, and more.

The experience gave Mitchell a better sense of the importance of what the team does.

"The data they collect and feedback to the National Hurricane Center is very important information and can inform us of an accurate time to evacuate," said Mitchell. Read more: WLOX

NWI Chambers interest: Site Selectors Set to Visit Northwest Indiana

August 1-3, 2018, the Economic Development Corporation Michigan City (EDCMC), is partnering with Webster Global Site Selectors to host the SiteLink conference at Blue Chip Casino, Hotel, and Spa. Sponsored by several Economic Development Organizations in Northern Indiana, Southwestern Michigan, and private sector companies, SiteLink will convene a forum of internationally recognized site selectors who will make presentations on their areas of expertise. Site selectors are specialists hired by companies to evaluate needs and make recommendations on the best places for business expansion or relocation. Fifty or more Economic Development professionals from across the states will attend the SiteLink Forum to learn from the experts in site selection. Site Selectors will meet with attendees one-on-one to provide feedback and advice on business recruitment strategies. “Because the SiteLink Forum is kept small, it allows many of the attendees to meet with Site Selectors and share information about their communities and projects,” said Paige Webster, President of Webster Global and organizer of the event. There will be a variety of networking events, which provide individuals the opportunity to build relationships with the site selectors and regional leaders in Economic Development.

The site selectors planning to attend the SiteLink Forum event include:
James Blair, Managing Director, Navigator Consulting, LLC; Atlanta, GA
Amy Gerber, Executive Managing Director- Business Incentives Practice, Cushman & Wakefield; Atlanta, GA
Tim Feemster, Managing Principal, Foremost Quality Logistics; Dallas, TX
Stuart Lipper, Vice President, Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL); Iselin, NJ
Allea Newbold, Principal, Ryan; Tampa, FL
Joseph Vranich, Principal, Spectrum Location Solutions; Cranberry, PA
Paige Webster, President, Webster Global Site Selectors; Phoenix, AZ

The Economic Development Corporation Michigan City is pleased to be hosting with several other Gold sponsors from the Region that include Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce, La Porte County Office of Economic Development, and Lake County IN Economic Alliance. Each of these four Gold Sponsors will have an opportunity to community tours to show off their communities and the assets they have to offer to the site selectors. Some of the activities that site selectors will participate in are visits to industrial sites, tours of state of the art healthcare facilities, samplings of local cuisine, views of the lakefront, and participation in local festivities. The conference will end right as Grand Prix Boat Race and The Taste weekend begins in Michigan City. A few of the site selectors will be extending their visit in Michigan City to explore the beach front community and to attend the races on Sunday, August 5th. “We are excited and proud to host the SiteLink Forum in Michigan City this year,” said Clarence Hulse, Executive Director for the EDCMC, “We look forward to showing what a great place our city is for building business and a great quality of life.”

Full bios on the site selectors, a list of all sponsors, and registration for the event can be found at www.sitelinkforum.com.

Birmingham-Bloomfield Young Professionals Network Mixer


Young Professionals Network Mixer with the Troy Chamber YPN

Calling all Young Professionals! The Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber Young Professionals Network and the Troy Chamber Young Professionals will be hosting a joint mixer at Granite City Food & Brewery. Enjoy complimentary flat bread pizza and a cash bar. Connect and collaborate with like-minded young professionals.

When: Tuesday, August 28, 2018 5:30 PM thru 06:30 PM
Where: 699 W Big Beaver Rd, Troy, MI 48084

Register Online Now! Click here.

FREE for BBCC Members/$10 for non-member




#FamousChamber Of Commerce Quotations: (Be positive!)

“Every good thought you think is contributing its share to the ultimate result of your life.” - Grenville Kleiser

#Chamberpartnership: Effingham Regional Career Academy Selected Top 20 State Shared Project

The Effingham Regional Career Academy (ERCA) was recently named one of the top 20 examples of Shared Services Best Practices across the State of Illinois. Gov. Bruce Rauner and Lt. Gov. Evelyn Sanguinetti unveiled a report highlighting examples of local governments banding together to share services, equipment and expertise to increase government efficiency and save taxpayer dollars.

ERCA President, Effingham Unit #40 Superintendent Mark Doan, commented, “The ERCA is a cooperative effort between Lake Land College, Effingham County Chamber of Commerce, local businesses, and Effingham County schools that works to develop learning opportunities for citizens in the region. A lot of hard work has gone into developing partnerships to provide potential employees with the skills our area businesses are seeking. The ERCA is targeting both incumbent workers as well as high school level students while maximizing the resources available in an efficient manner. We are very proud of this recognition and look forward to continuing to expand this work.”

The Lake Land College Board of Trustees has demonstrated support for an 8-year master facilities plan calling for the construction of the Rural Development Technology Center in Effingham. The anticipated 36,000 square-foot facility will serve as a permanent home for the Effingham Regional Career Academy. The facility is projected to be finished by 2023 with five ERCA career pathways and associated courses shared across Effingham County school districts, in addition to available incumbent worker and adult student programs.

Lt. Gov. Sanguinetti said, “I commend these local leaders for finding innovative ways to deliver more efficient, effective, streamlined services for our taxpayers, and I encourage other local governments to follow their lead.” Lt. Gov. Evelyn Sanguinetti will be presenting the award to the ERCA at the Kickoff to Education Breakfast to be held on Wednesday, September 12, 2018 at the Keller Convention Center in Effingham.

In total, 262 shared service examples were provided for best practice consideration. Out of those responses, 20 were selected to be published in the Journal. The report can be found at the following link: https://www2.illinois.gov/ltg/Pages/default.aspx

To find more news about the Effingham Regional Career Academy, go to https://www.effinghamregionalcareeracademy.com/ or like us on Facebook “Effingham Regional Career Academy.”

Contact: Norma Lansing, President

(217) 342-4147

Greater Reston and Dulles Regional Chambers International Network Night

August 21 |

Signature Flight Support

23950 Wind Sock Drive, Suite 2000, Dulles

Registration closes at Noon today - secure your ticket now!

Connect and network with members of the Greater Reston and Dulles Regional Chambers of Commerce. Our annual collaborative International Network Night will be held Tuesday, August 21 from 5:30 - 7:30 pm.

This event always draws more than 200 business leaders from two of the nation's wealthiest and most dynamic counties. More information: Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce



Thirty local leaders selected for academy to address workforce needs across Kentucky

Thirty leaders of business, industry, and education from across the state have been named as the first Champions selected to attend Kentucky’s Talent Pipeline Management (TPM) Academy.

Earlier this year, Kentucky was designated by the U.S. Chamber Foundation and the Kellogg Foundation as one of three states to implement the academies, and the Kentucky Chamber Workforce Center was chosen to carry out the TPM initiative in the Commonwealth.

Talent Pipeline Management is an employer-led approach to identifying specific workforce needs as well as training and quality issues and solutions to persistent workforce-related challenges. The TPM Academy is a three-part program to train Champions on ways to build talent supply chains and launch TPM in their own communities.

Since achieving the TPM designation, the Chamber’s Workforce Center has focused on engaging employers to work together on a sector and regional basis to address their workforce needs. The work is being done with the support of the Strada Education Network, a national nonprofit and the founding partner of the Kentucky Chamber Workforce Center, and in partnership with the Kentucky Education & Workforce Cabinet.

The Workforce Center’s Talent Pipeline staff and the Champions selected for the TPM academy will focus on creating specific strategies to meet the needs of different industry and regional sectors. By July 2020, more than 25 employer groups, representing regions as well as business and industry sectors, are to be convened to build talent pipelines for 75 high-demand positions.

The 30 TPM Champions, representing business, nonprofit organizations, public entities and communities are:

Ellen Bates
Talent Development Coordinator
Kentucky Career Center, Brighton Center

Samantha Brady (Pictured)
Executive Director
Bardstown-Nelson County Chamber of Commerce

Tiffany Cardwell
Principal Consultant
Mountjoy Chilton Medley

Daniel Carney
Executive Director
Springfield-Washington County Economic Development Authority

Maureen Carpenter
Vice President, Partnership Services
Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce

Tomi Clifford
Executive Director
Cynthiana-Harrison County Chamber of Commerce

Brittany Corde
Director of Workforce
Maysville Community and Technical College

Michelle DeJohn
Business Services Branch Manager
Kentucky Career Center, Office of Employment & Training

Michelle Drake
Workforce Training and Business AdministratorGreen River Area Development District

Carter Dyson
One Stop Director
Kentucky Career Center-Lincoln Trail

Jeremy Faulkner
Director of Business Services & Economic Development
TENCO Workforce Innovation Board

Michael Fuller
HR/Account Manager
Stryker Logistics

Carmen Inman (Pictured)
President/CEO
Frankfort Area Chamber of Commerce

Ethan Linville
Business Services Specialist
Bluegrass Area Development District

Brian Lovell
Assistant Superintendent of Compliance & Workforce Development
Union County Public Schools

Bryan Lummus
Personnel Recruitment and Development Coordinator
Alliance Coal

Terri Lundberg
CEO
Lundberg Medical Imaging

Lea Martin
Workforce Development Liaison
Hopkinsville Community College

Owen McNeill
Economic Development Director
Maysville-Mason County Industrial Development Authority

MaryAnne Medlock
Business Services Liaison
West Kentucky Workforce Board

Angie Miller
Administration/HR Manager
Murakami Manufacturing USA

Ian Mooers
Economic & Entrepreneur Liaison
Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program

Leisa Mulcahy
Vice President of Workforce
Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce

Sidney Riney
Executive Assistant/Office Manager
Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation

Whitney Risley
Manager of Existing Industries and Workforce Development
Kyndle

Jessie Schook
Manager of Workforce Development and Education
Greater Louisville Inc.

Natalie Shepard
Partnership Manager
Commerce Lexington Inc.’s Business & Education Network

Shirlene Taylor
Business Services Representative
Lake Cumberland Area Development District

Joyce Wilcox
Industry Liaison
EKCEP

Ashley Wilczek
Director of Human Resources
Superb IPC

Chamber host: 'Breakfast in the Valley' celebrates 22 years in Eau Claire

Early birds got a tasty breakfast on Friday. Thousands of Chippewa Valley locals flooded to the Eau Claire Exposition Center for a meal.

The 22nd annual 'Breakfast in the Valley,' hosted by the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce had muffins, eggs, and of course, those famous Wisconsin cheese curds. Organizers estimated serving around 3,500 people with the help of more than 350 volunteers, some up since 2 a.m. Friday morning getting things ready. The purpose of the event was to celebrate local farming and agriculture.

"When you look at the farming industry today, much smaller than it ever has been," said David Minor (pictured), president and CEO of the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce. "Still, the agriculture industry is the second [biggest] industry in the state of Wisconsin. These are hidden businesses for the most part, so it's nice that people do come that one day a year to help celebrate it and to tell these people thank you, we appreciate what you do for us."

Besides filling up bellies and learning about local businesses, guests could also participate in raffles and watch a milk chugging contest. News 18's own Aaron Rhody joined in on the fun, but unfortunately couldn't bring home the gold. Read more: WQOW

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

Midland Area Chamber of Commerce: Small Business Workshop - Quickbooks Essentials For Small Business Owners; Virginia Peninsula Chamber Leadership Forums in July; Geneva Chamber of Commerce Announces New President; Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Profile Guide; Dozens of Wisconsin companies give millions in raises, bonuses, because of federal tax reform; Welcome New Town Square Chamber Partner: Appomattox, VA Chamber We love being part of your business strategy!; Craft beer drives tourism to the Gulf Coast; Indiana Chamber Scores State Legislators on 2018 Voting Records; The Prairie du Chien Community Guide: MAC meeting focuses on leadership, veterans; 2018 ACCE Award Communications Excellence Winners; Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S.

Happy Friday, #ChamberWorld! Have a GREAT weekend!

Midland Area Chamber of Commerce: Small Business Workshop - Quickbooks Essentials For Small Business Owners

Do you feel like Quickbooks is a pit of quicksand that buries you alive every time you open up your Company file? If you love numbers or hate them, this workshop will empower you be your own CFO using Quickbooks Desktop.

We will cover an array of important topics especially for owners and managers of small businesses and non-profits using Quickbooks Desktop:

· Not Just Bean Counting: Optimizing Your Chart of Accounts

· Apples to Apples: Preparing Reports with Meaningful Parameters

· Death to the Shoebox: Reconciling Your Bank Accounts

· Translating the Greek: Making Friends with Your CPA

Presented by: Kristi L. Kozubal, Regional Director for the Michigan Small Business Development Center – Great Lakes Bay Region at Delta College Corporate Services

When: Tuesday, July 10

Time: 3:30-5:00 p.m.

Where: Herbert D. Doan Building, 3417 W. Main Street, Midland, MI 48640

Early Bird Registration: $10

Registration After July 3: $15

Future Member Registration: $20

This workshop will give you the confidence and tools to understand your financial information to make great decisions, minimize accounting expenses, and maximize your business performance.

Register now!


Virginia Peninsula Chamber Leadership Forums in July

July 12: Women’s Leadership Forum

Speakers: Amy Carrier, Bon Secours Virginia Health Systems. Captain Sara Harper, Joint Base Langley-Eustis. Beth Moore, CPA, Beth Moore & Associates, CPAs.
Moderator: Michele Benson, The Boys & Girls Club
Location: 21 Enterprise Parkway | Lakefront Plaza, Suite 100 | Hampton, VA 23666
Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM (Lunch and Check-In from 11:30 AM - Noon)
Fee: $25 (Includes Lunch) | Sponsorship Opportunities Available!
Registration: http://www.virginiapeninsulachamber.com/events/details/women-s-leadership-forum-7-12-2018-9181

July 17: Peninsula Executive Leadership Forum

Speaker: William B. Downey, Riverside Health System
Location: Thomas Nelson Community College | Peninsula Workforce Development Center | 600 Butler Farm Road | Hampton, VA
Time: 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM (Breakfast and Check-In from 7:30 – 8:00 AM)
Fee: $25 (Includes Breakfast) | Sponsorship Opportunities Available!
Registration: http://www.virginiapeninsulachamber.com/events/details/2018-peninsula-executive-leadership-forum-with-william-b-downey-071718-9182

Geneva Chamber of Commerce Announces New President

The Geneva Chamber Board of Directors is pleased to announce the selection of Paula Schmidt to be the President of the Geneva Chamber of Commerce beginning July 9, 2018. She was selected after a selection process that began in April of this year and included interviews with many applicants over the last month and a half. She will follow Jean Gaines who announced her retirement in February after serving as Geneva Chamber president for 40 years.

Paula Schmidt has been employed with the Kane and McHenry Medical Societies since July 2008. She began her medical association career as the Assistant Executive Director and become the full Executive Director later in 2008. She also administers for the Will-Grundy County Medical Society since May of 2014. The three medical societies are the membership associations for county level MD’s and DO’s in the Kane, McHenry and Will-Grundy counties. It is her responsibility to help organize learning and CME events, practice management education events along with the everyday administration of a membership organization.

Prior to her employment with the medical societies, she managed office staff and finances for two technology consulting and sales businesses she owned with her husband.

Paula has lived in the Fox Valley area since 1997. She is the proud mother of three daughters Lauren, Andrea and Kimber and is happily married to husband, Mark, for 32 years.

Paula has always been involved with the Fox Valley community through church and volunteer organizations. Today she is the president of the St. Charles Breakfast Rotary Club and will take over the duties of their foundation in July. She has always loved Geneva and hopes to become involved in the Geneva Rotary group as well.

Paula graduated from the University of Colorado, Boulder with a journalism degree.

Contact: Laura Rush, Communications Coordinator, 630-232-6060, lrush@genevachamber.com - www.genevachamber.com - www.visitgenevaillinois.com

Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Profile Guide

The Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Profile Guide & Membership Directory is available at the Greater Belleville Chamber! Thanks to Wendy Pfeil and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!

Belleville IL Community Profile Guide

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.


Dozens of Wisconsin companies give millions in raises, bonuses, because of federal tax reform

More than 30 companies in Wisconsin have given raises and bonuses to their employees, donated to local charities, invested in new equipment, hired new employees, enhanced benefit packages, and reduced rates, all citing the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act that President Donald Trump signed into law last December.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce created an interactive tax map and Americans for Tax Reform compiled a comprehensive list of businesses giving raises, bonuses, and other savings to employees and customers in Wisconsin. The U.S. Treasury Department projects that the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act will result in 90 percent of wage earners receiving higher take-home pay.

Tax reform unleashed “a new era of growth for the American economy,” the chamber said. It notes that business leaders are already “investing back into their companies, rewarding their employees, and hiring more American workers.” Read more: Watchdog.org



Welcome New Town Square Chamber Partner: 
Appomattox, VA Chamber
We love being part of your business strategy!



Craft beer drives tourism to the Gulf Coast

When the state legislature allowed craft breweries to sell their beer on site, they opened the doors to a new form of tourism. 

"More than half of the customers that come through the brewery are actually tourists," said Melia Christensen, the owner of a local brewery. 

By cashing in on its growing popularity, the craft beer business has the potential to be more than just a tasting experience. 

"There is a strong movement around craft beer nationally. There's a lot of people when they travel, it's just a thing. They just go visit the local brewery," added Christensen.  

The Craft Beer Festival in MGM Park saw visitors from the area and beyond. Those who love craft beer and traveling say it's great. That the two can be combined. 

"We recently just went on a trip and checked out a couple of the local breweries, so I really do. That's something I look for when I go into a new city, where can we check out the local breweries," said Jordan McQueen, a festival-goer. 

Since the law was changed last year, craft brewers have been enjoying seeing the fruits of their labor. 

"We love going out throughout Mississippi and seeing our cans on store shelves. It's a great feeling," said Christensen about her brewery. 

The beer drinkers get to enjoy the variety of more than 50 breweries and distributors the state has to offer. 

"I've been there in New York, North Carolina, Colorado, just wherever I am. I do a little research, and if it's in that area, I'll travel if I have some free time and check out a little craft beer action," said Andrew Peterson, a festival-goer. 

Festival organizers say they are expecting the event to grow, and more breweries may be opening their doors, meaning the Mississippi Gulf Coast could be the next big travel spot for millennial beer connoisseurs. 

This was the second year the Biloxi Chamber of Commerce put on the event. Read more: WABC 5

Indiana Chamber Scores State Legislators on 2018 Voting Records

Each year, the Indiana Chamber of Commerce holds state lawmakers accountable for their voting records on pro-jobs, pro-economy legislation. Today, the 2018 results were revealed in the organization’s annual Legislative Vote Analysis, with voting scores ranging from 47% to 100%.

“Employers and citizens alike should seek to have a clear, objective understanding of how their legislators vote on vital issues and in turn, how that impacts their individual prosperity,” states Indiana Chamber President Kevin Brinegar.

“This report makes evident which lawmakers were supportive of bettering Indiana’s economic climate and which were not.”

Bills included for examination in the Legislative Vote Analysis can be traced back to the Indiana Chamber’s economic development plan, Indiana Vision 2025. The plan contains 36 goals in the four driver areas of Outstanding Talent, Attractive Business Climate, Superior Infrastructure, and Dynamic and Creative Culture.

Among the bills included in the report are: enhanced water resource management (courtesy a taskforce), a computer science course offering in all schools, better alignment of the state’s various education and workforce programs, as well as tax clarity for the software-as-a-service industry and reconciling the state tax code with the federal one in wake of the new tax law.

Brinegar acknowledges these are important wins, and all are Indiana Chamber priorities, but stresses that more work needs to be done in several key areas. Specifically, two Indiana Chamber priorities are not included in this analysis because no floor votes were taken due to leadership decisions. Those were measures to raise the smoking age from 18 to 21 and township reform for the smallest townships in the state.

“For this exercise, it means that two critical pieces of legislation never came into play, so ‘tough votes’ weren’t taken and overall vote scores are higher as a result,” Brinegar offers.

All scores and the full report are available on the Indiana Chamber’s web site at www.indianachamber.com/lva.

The Prairie du Chien Community Guide  

The Prairie du Chien Chamberr of Commerce Community Guide is available today at the Chamber of Commerce! Thank you to Bob Moses and the Chamber team for their help and direction putting this together! 

Prairie du Chien Community Guide

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.

MAC meeting focuses on leadership, veterans

Christian County Chamber of Commerce had its monthly meeting on Wednesday, discussing several issues and wrapping up the tenure of MAC chair Michael Felts.

The guest speaker of the month was Tere Kangas of the American Red Cross and Americorp Points of Light. Kangas spoke briefly about the Points of Light projects, which allow military members and their families to create projects to benefit their communities.

“It’s a volunteer leadership training,” Kangas said. “It goes throught seven modules. Through those seven modules you learn to do community assessment, how to garner your volunteers, how to use your media, how to basically plan that project from A to Z and hopefully get so inspired and energetic that you go out there and do these great projects in the community.”

Kangas gave the example of one veteran, who made stockings out of old battle dress uniforms, stuffed them with candy and other items and delivered them on Christmas day to children in hospitals and firefighters. Read more: Kentucky New Era

2018 ACCE Award Communications Excellence Winners

Presenting this year's ACCE Communications Excellence winners! The Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives today announced winners of its Communications Excellence awards program, sponsored by Golden Openings, Inc. In June 2018, six marketing and communications leaders from Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and Washington, D.C. gathered at #ACCEHQ to carefully review more than 150 award submissions. These entries highlight some of the freshest and most innovative marketing and communications work coming from ACCE member organizations of all types and sizes. Each submission was organized by type — advertising and marketing, campaigns, digital and publications — and by the submitting organization’s total annual budget range: under $1 million, $1 to $3 million and above $3 million. In addition to awards listed below, three “Best in Show” awards will be announced during the #ACCEAwards Show on Wednesday, July 18 at #ACCE18 in Des Moines, Iowa.

Grand Awards

Advertising and Marketing

Champaign County Chamber of Commerce (lll.)
Chamber Zone

Salt Lake Chamber
Utah Tax Modernization

Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce (Mo.)
Springfield Region Digital Brochure

Campaigns

Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce (Texas)
Preserving Public-Private Partnerships in the Chamber Industry – Legislative Advocacy Campaign

Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce (Mo.)
A Better KCI

Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce (Ark.)
Love, Little Rock Campaign

Wilmington Chamber of Commerce (N.C.)
Choose Cape Fear

Digital

Greater Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce (Ind.)
Valpo Chamber Video Newsletter Highlights

Indy Chamber
The New IndyChamber.com

Round Rock Chamber of Commerce (Texas)
Skilled Trades Image Campaign


Publications

Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce (S.C.)
Quarterly Report Series

Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce (Colo.)
Northern Colorado Prospers Quarterly Report

Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce (Texas)
2018 Membership Directory, Relocation & Island Guide


Awards of ExcellenceAdvertising and Marketing


Lincoln Chamber of Commerce (Neb.)
Lincoln Beer Tour


Lincoln Chamber of Commerce (Neb.)
YP Week

Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce (Va.)
Superhero 5K 2018 Marketing

Plano Chamber of commerce (Texas)
Plano Chamber Story – Member Testimonial Campaign

Robins Regional Chamber (Ga.)
SOAR


Campaigns
Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montréal

Metro Cities Chambers for NAFTA 2.0

Detroit Regional Chamber
Detroit Regional Chamber Campaign for Civility

Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce (N.Y.)
Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce Rebrand Bash

Greater Des Moines Partnership (Iowa)
Economic Development and Talent Attraction Digital Marketing Campaign

Greater Des Moines Partnership (Iowa)
Maximizing Momentum 2022: Investor Campaign for the Greater Des Moines Partnership

Greater Oklahoma City
Safer Streets, Better OKC Campaign

Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce (Mich.)
Grand Rapids Chamber Rebranding Campaign

Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce (Fla.)
Minority Business Accelerator

Huntsville/Madison County Chamber (Ala.)
2017 School Tax Renewals

Jefferson Chamber of Commerce (La.)
LiveWell Jefferson Campaign


Lincoln Chamber of Commerce (Neb.)
Eclipse Seasonal Signs

One Acadiana (La.)
One Acadiana South Louisiana Branding Initiative

Sanford Area Growth Alliance (N.C.)
Prelude to Progress

State Chamber of Oklahoma
OK2030 Campaign

Tulsa Regional Chamber (Okla.)
Tulsa Regional Chamber Economic Development Campaign


Digital

Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce (Ala.)
Eastern Shore Elf


Edmonton Chamber of Commerce (Alb.)
Digital, Blog, Brand Lessons Learned from the City of Champions Debate

Fayette Chamber of Commerce (Ga.)
Video: 2017 Chamber Accomplishments

Garrett County Chamber of Commerce (Md.)
Deep Creek Virtual Reality Experience

Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce (Mich.)
Grand Rapids Chamber Breakfast with Legislators Social Media Campaign

Greater Aiken Chamber of Commerce (S.C)
AikenHasIt.com Digital Campaign

Greater Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce (Ark.)
Small Business BingoFest

Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce (Texas)
New Website – www.IrvingChamber.com

North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce
Chamber Video Testimonial Digital Campaign

Northwest Metroport Chamber of Commerce (Texas)
Economic Development Video

Plano Chamber of Commerce (Texas)
Plano Chamber Building Blocks Emails

Round Rock Chamber of Commerce (Texas)
PRO Round Rock

Seminole County Regional Chamber of Commerce (Fla.)
Riverside Dash 5K & 15K Event: Influencers/Race Ambassadors Campaign

Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce (Ohio)
EPIC Toledo Website

Wake Forest Area Chamber of Commerce (N.C.)
Open for Business Podcast

Publications
Chandler Chamber of Commerce (Ariz.)
How We Stand – Chandler Chamber of Commerce

Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce (N.C.)
2018 Visitors & Relocation Guide

Fayette Chamber of Commerce (Ga.)
Fayette Community Source Magazine

Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce (Ga.)
Annual Report

Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce (Ga.)
Gwinnett Chamber Annual Report

Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce (Ark.)
The Good Life Destination Guide

Learn more about ACCE's Communications Excellence awards here.

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

Indy chamber part of group pushing for total overhaul of U.S. immigration system; Greater Louisville Inc. interest: Ideas roll in for Gov. Matt Bevin's red tape initiative; Langley Air Force Base 100th Anniversary Gala; Chamber Biz Alliance (Arlington Heights, Barrington Area, Buffalo Grove Lincolnshire, Des Plaines, Hoffman Estates, Mount Prospect, Palatine Area, Rolling Meadows, and Wheeling/Prospect Heights Area Chambers) Summer Networking Event; Town Square Publications: Mount Pleasant, WI: Promises made, Promises kept!; Chamber Event: Biloxi Seafood Festival Gumbo Championship; Orion Area Chamber Healthy Body, Healthy Mind; Town Square Publications Chamber of Commerce Membership Directories and Profiles; "The Best of Peru" Eau Claire Area Chamber Trip

Happy Monday,  #Chamber World! It's going to be a GREAT week!



Indy chamber part of group pushing for total overhaul of U.S. immigration system

Groups across the country Wednesday pushed for immigration reform. The movement is called The Right to Reform campaign, organized by the New American Economy.

The group released the findings of a new study Wednesday, which argue immigrants play a huge role in Indiana’s economy.

“Immigrants play a key role in the Indiana economy, contributing to industries such as manufacturing, construction,”said Mark Fisher, Vice President of Policy Development for the Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce.

This group, comprised of the Indy Chamber, the Indiana Restaurant and Lodging Association, the Indiana Builders Association, the Indiana Latino Institute, and the Indiana Farm Bureau, argued laws in the U.S. make it hard for people to hire hard-working immigrants.

That’s why they and hundreds of others across the country have joined the Right to Reform campaign, comprised of a collection of groups looking to overhaul the U.S. immigration system.

“Every year, there’s hundreds of millions of dollars of crops that go unharvested and land that simply does not get planted due to the broken immigration system,” said Megan Ritter, the Executive Director of the Indiana Farm Bureau.

“Throughout our nation’s history, the immigrant community has played a vibrant and important role in the industry, often bringing their trade related expertise and skills to enhance the quality of our work,” said Rick Wajda, President of the Indiana Builders Association. Read more: FOX 59

Greater Louisville Inc. interest: Ideas roll in for Gov. Matt Bevin's red tape initiative


Since Gov. Matt Bevin launched his Red Tape Reduction Initiative three weeks ago, people have submitted around 385 suggestions on regulations that could be revised or repealed.

Public engagement is key for this long-term endeavor, said Jessica Ditto, Bevin's communications director. About half of the recommendations the administration has received so far came from businesses while the rest came from residents and state employees.

Ditto said the Bevin administration wants to eliminate bureaucratic rules that burden businesses but is committed to ensuring the state doesn't drop requirements that protect the health and safety of Kentuckians. State cabinets already are analyzing many of the rules that fall under their jurisdiction.

"Our cabinets are very motivated to deal with these outdated regulations," she said.

The Governor's Office is reviewing submissions from the public as they roll in and sending them to the appropriate cabinet for analysis, said Nate Haney, deputy secretary of Bevin's executive cabinet.

Kentucky has more than 4,500 administrative regulations, so it will take a while to review them all, Haney said. Each regulation will be evaluated based on various criteria, including whether it exceeds federal requirements, what financial impact it has on local governments and how it affects businesses and individuals.

Once a cabinet determines that a rule should be repealed or revised, it can send a recommendation to Bevin's office, Haney said. If Bevin's office agrees, it will send that proposal to the legislative branch for further consideration and approval. At that point, there will be an opportunity for public comment on the potential change.

Kenny Colston, spokesman for the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy, stressed the importance of evaluating the regulations in a consistent manner. He emphasized the importance of public input, especially when a rule is eyed for elimination.

Many workers don't know about all the protections they have, Colston said. Unless the government provides opportunities for public comment throughout the review process, they may not realize those regulations are on the chopping block until it's too late.

“When you talk broadly about red tape reduction and getting rid of regulations, every detail is important because a lot of these regulations are in place for a reason," he said. "They protect lives and they protect workers, and every viewpoint needs to be considered … not just, 'Does it make a business owner’s life a tad bit easier?'"

Kentuckians can keep sending in suggestions for this initiative atwww.RedTapeReduction.com.

Sarah Davasher-Wisdom, COO of Greater Louisville Inc., the metro chamber of commerce, said it is excited to spread the word about this project because it gives business owners a chance to speak out about rules that are no longer relevant. She cited a rule requiring the use of cast-iron pipes in buildings over 45 feet tall as one example of an unnecessary regulation still on the books. Read more: Courier Journal


Langley Air Force Base 100th Anniversary Gala

This year the 100th Anniversary of Langley Air Force Base is being celebrated by the City of Hampton and Join Base Langley-Eustis. Langley Air Force Base is one of the earliest military bases in America specifically built for air power. Today Langley is the oldest continually active air force base in the world, and is the oldest airfield in Virginia.
In partnership with the City of Hampton, the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce will be presenting the Langley Air Force Base 100th Anniversary Gala to be held at the Hampton Roads Convention Center on Saturday, September 17, 2016. This is a Black Tie event, which will include cocktail hour, dinner, dancing, and keynote speaker General Herbert J. “Hawk” Carlisle, Commander, Air Combat Command, Langley Air Force Base, Virginia. Full Spectrum – The United States Air Force Heritage of America Band will be performing a musical tribute, and DJ Gator will provide the entertainment for the evening. We hope to provide 400 Airmen with tickets to the event, at no charge to them through sponsorships.
Tickets to the Langley Air Force Base 100th Anniversary Gala are $65.00 each, and can be purchased at http://www.virginiapeninsulachamber.com/events/details/langley-air-force-base-100th-anninversary-gala-6553. For more information visit www.VaPeninsulaChamber.com or contact Jaime Harris at jaime@vpcc.org or (757) 325-8165.

Chamber Biz Alliance (Arlington Heights, Barrington Area, Buffalo Grove Lincolnshire, Des Plaines, Hoffman Estates, Mount Prospect, Palatine Area, Rolling Meadows, and Wheeling/Prospect Heights Area Chambers) Summer Networking Event

Wednesday, August 17th from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM drink 871 E. Algonquin Rd., Schaumburg, IL. 60173 Join the Wheeling/Prospect Heights Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Chamber Biz Alliance for a summer networking event with 10 plus partnering Chambers Complimentary appetizers and will be served, 1 drink ticket will be included, cash bar thereafter. Click here to download a copy of the registration form. Click here to register for this event. Click here for more information about "drink" in Schaumburg Cost is $10 for Chamber Members and $20 for Non-Members. Town Square Publications: Mount Pleasant, WI: Promises made, Promises kept! Mount Pleasant WI Community Development  Mount Pleasant e-book Mount Pleasant is a growing and vibrant community with much to offer its residents, businesses, and guests.  The Village prides itself in one of its greatest assets – our location.  Comprising of 34 square miles in Eastern Racine County, Mount Pleasant is one of the fastest growing communities in the State of Wisconsin.  Stretching from Lake Michigan to Interstate 94, our location provides easy access to metropolitan Milwaukee and Chicago. Recently, our village teamed with Town Square for the production of our 2016 Community Guide. They exceeded our expectations in customer service and professionalism, and the final product was exceptional. We had editorial control over the copy and were able to choose all the photos used in the publication. For Mount Pleasant, the result was a win-win situation. We have a beautiful Community Guide to showcase our village, and the cost for the village was a no-brainer. We are happy to have chosen Town Square to put together a turn-key gloss magazine that conveys the pride we have in our community. We appreciate our partnership and intend to use their services in the future. Logan Martin Community Development Director Mount Pleasant, WI

Chamber Event: Biloxi Seafood Festival Gumbo Championship


WHAT: The Sun Herald Gumbo Championship at the Biloxi Seafood Festival

WHEN: September 11, 2016

WHERE: Biloxi Point Cadet; Highway 90 and 1st Street, Biloxi, MS

WHO: Biloxi Chamber of Commerce

WHY: Winners of the Championship can win cash and bragging rights for the entire year. Participants also get a commemorative Biloxi Seafood Festival T-shirt.

MORE INFORMATION: Participants can compete in teams of 5 in professional or amateur divisions. Please download the application at www.biloxi.org and attend the Competitors Reception, being held on August 17 at the Biloxi Visitors Center at 5:30 p.m. Biloxi Chamber of Commerce, Director, Rachael Seymour says, “Everyone thinks their gumbo is the best and the Sun Herald Gumbo Championship, at the Biloxi Seafood Festival is a great time to prove it!”


Contac: Niki Tillson Telephone 228.604.0014
Email: niki@mscoastchamber.com
Website: www.mscoastchamber.com



Orion Area Chamber Healthy Body, Healthy Mind 

Orion Area Chamber will host the 2nd Annual Healthy Body, Healthy Mind Expo on Thursday, September 22, 2016, from 5 until 8 p.m., at King's Court Castle at Canterbury Village.

The Expo will include some of the same crowd-drawing features from last year's event such as a Kids on the Move area, a Wellness Card, and a Soup & Stew Stroll.  This year, the Chamber is taking things to a new level by offering the "Healthy Taste of Orion," a sampling of local restaurants' most nutritious offerings. Also new this year, the Dessert Dash will allow event-goers to vote on their favorite dessert.  All food samples will offer a component of healthfulness such as gluten-free, sugar-free, dairy-free, or organic. Each offering must provide a description of what makes the dessert healthy.

The Chamber is pleased to offer this opportunity to community members seeking guidance on one or more Components of Health: fitness, spiritual/behavioral health, medical health, environmental factors, financial well-being, alternative medicine, nutrition, and family.

Exhibitors will receive a display table to advertise their business as well as their business name listed in the special Healthy Body, Healthy Mind section in the Lake Orion Review and the Oxford Leader prior to the event. Businesses must be registered and paid by August 31st to be listed. Additionally, the first 10 exhibitors to sign up for the Healthy Body, Healthy Mind Expo will be filmed for a "Health Minute" video clip to be shared on Orion Area Chamber of Commerce social media.

 

Town Square Publications Chamber of Commerce Membership Directories and Profiles

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.  More information: Town Square Publications

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 Here

"The Best of Peru" Eau Claire Area Chamber Trip 

How would you like to spend more than a week taking in some of the wonders of Peru?

You can enjoy The Best of Peru during the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce's annual trip.

President of the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce Bob McCoy joined Hello Wisconsin Tuesday to talk about this year's trip.

The Best of Peru features stops in Lima, Cusco, and Aguas Calientes.

The trip is scheduled for February 23 through March 3, 2017.

The early bird special is $3,899 if you reservee your spot by October 29th.

The trip inlcudes nine days, seven nights including hotels, meals, day trips, coach transportation from Eau Claire and airfare from Minneapolis.

As of Tuesday morning, there are about 12 of the 40 spots still available. More info: WEAU 13