Showing posts with label Brighton Area Chamber. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Brighton Area Chamber. Show all posts

Friday, February 20, 2015

Comcast small business contest: Would $30,000 help take your business to the next level? Meridian Mississippi: Star of the Week: EMBDC chamber manager Meredith Rea; Bentonville/Bella Vista chamber dinner: Bacigalupi dotes on Northwest Arkansas' collaborative spirit; Christian County Chamber’s $300K campaign off to roaring start; Brighton Area Chamber Professional Women's Club: Event Helps Local Women Become Heart Healthy & Reduce Stress; Arc of Northern Virginia Hosting Networking Mixer Feb. 24; Chamber interest: Schaumburg Business Association: Manufacturer's Summit; Pulaski County (Virginia) chamber reps, county officials travel to Richmond during legislative session; Best Chamber practices: Fox Cities Chamber Tools: Training, Education and Advice; Early History of the Richmond Indiana Chamber of Commerce; Friday: 157 Rules for Executive Success in Organization Management (and your Chamber of Commerce) by Patrick McGaughey

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


Chamber interest: Comcast small business contest: Would $30,000 help take your business to the next level? 

Here's the contest info. At Comcast Business we believe that smart, strategic use of technology can catapult a business to an entirely new level. Connecting in innovative ways with customers…managing back office operations more efficiently…even creating a whole new line of business enabled by technology – we want to know what your business would do with a $30,000 investment in technology. Contest winners will get to take that money and implement their ideas. Innovation coming to life! Enter our Innovations 4 Entrepreneurs contest today. Our judges will select two winners in each of the 16 Comcast Business Regions: one Startup and one Entrepreneur. Each winner will be awarded $10,000 in cash to help their business get to the next level. From these 32 winners, six will be named as GRAND PRIZE Winners and will receive an additional $20,000 and a special trip to Comcast headquarters in Philadelphia – where they will meet with Business Innovation Experts to discuss how to put their technology plan into action! You’ll see the simple entry form on the homepage.


Meridian Mississippi: Star of the Week: EMBDC chamber manager Meredith Rea



Meredith Rea, who was recently promoted to the position of manager for the Chamber of Commerce at the East Mississippi Business Development Corporation, is a busy young lady.

    Rea is in charge of membership services for the EMBDC, runs various programs there and is on the small business committee. She also works closely with Casey Null-Holladay, who was recently hired to handle events for the EMBDC.     Before her promotion, Rea handled public relations and communications for the EMBDC.     "We changed up the roles a little bit to make things smoother," Rea said.     This year Rea finishes her fourth year with the U.S. Chamber program called Institute for Organization Management, from which she graduates this year.     "It's a great way to connect with other Chambers, so you aren't always reinventing the wheel, " Rea said of the program. Read more: Meridian Star


Bentonville/Bella Vista chamber dinner: Bacigalupi dotes on Northwest Arkansas' collaborative spirit


The possibilities for Northwest Arkansas are unlimited in the years ahead, Don Bacigalupi, former executive director and president of Crystal Bridges, said Thursday.
Sandy Edwards, deputy director of Crystal Bridges, had a conversation with Bacigalupi during the annual Bentonville/Bella Vista Chamber of Commerce dinner at the John Q. Hammons Center.
Edwards asked Bacigalupi to recall his thoughts when Crystal Bridges was announced, the skepticism it endured from the art world, what it has done for the area and how it bodes for the decade ahead.
"I think that the next 10 years are going to be extraordinary and, again, unlimited," Bacigalupi said.
Bacigalupi spoke about the community's collaborative effort to establish Crystal Bridges. The intensity of the collaborative spirit of this region is unique, he said.
"There was so much positivity that it was infectious," Bacigalupi said.
It's what continues to propel the museum's national recognition; and when people come to visit it, they get a taste of Northwest Arkansas, he said. Read more: Arkansas Online

Christian County Chamber’s $300K campaign off to roaring start



Fake pearls and plastic fedoras at the door, the flappers and gangsters who came decked out in 1920s attire didn’t need them Thursday for the kickoff of the Christian County Chamber of Commerce’s first-ever total resource campaign.
The campaign with the theme “Roaring to the Top” aims to produce a 1920s-like feel and, by all accounts, it’s off to a roaring start even though it’s only just begun. As campaign chairs Jerod Kaufman of Robinson Construction and Lori Harper of Rogers Group announced at Oakland Manor, they’re already secured over $110,000 — more than a third of their $300,000 campaign goal.
Kaufman and Harper make a good team, they said, with Kaufman playing the role of the fun-loving guy while Harper is all about business. Both have a wide net of contacts and the ability to see to it this campaign meets and, hopefully, exceeds its goal, said Marian Mason, president of the chamber.
“He’s the fun guy. I’m the business person,” Harper explained standing beside Kaufman, both in pinstripe suits. Kaufman also brought a toy Tommy gun and a couple of pairs of handcuffs for effect. Read more: Kentucky New Era

 

Brighton Area Chamber Professional Women's Club: Event Helps Local Women Become Heart Healthy & Reduce Stress


An educational event helped raise awareness about heart disease while inspiring local women to make changes in their lives, reduce stress and become heart healthy. The second annual Brighton Go Red for Women luncheon was held today, with many attendees wearing red to recognize February as Heart Month. The event was hosted by the Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce Professional Women’s Club of Michigan and Michigan Heart, a member of Saint Joseph Mercy Health System. Michigan Heart Cardiologist Mark Bernstein discussed the impact of stress on the heart and how to manage it in a healthy way. Bernstein tells WHMI coronary disease typically develops later in women than men and it’s important to know the warning signs and symptoms because they may not be the same for men and women. He says modifying behaviors helps lower the risk of developing coronary heart disease but acknowledged it's easier said than done. Read more: WHMI 95.5 FM

Arc of Northern Virginia Hosting Networking Mixer Feb. 24


The Arc of Northern Virginia is hosting a networking mixer for the Falls Church Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, February 24 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The Arc represents and serves more than 16,000 people with intellectual and development disabilities and their families providing vital programs, services, and advocacy. Members of the Chamber and friends of the business community are invited to enjoy refreshments and learn more about The Arc’s efforts to help people with disabilities live “A Life Like Yours.”
RSVPs are appreciated by emailing HStregack@thearcofnova.org or by calling 703-208-1119, ext. 102. Read more: Falls-Church News-Press


Chamber interest: Schaumburg Business Association: Manufacturer's Summit

Date: March 4, 2015
Time: 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM CST
Registration: Register Now

In today's global marketplace manufacturing companies who attain a competitive advantage are nimble, responding quickly to an ever changing and challenging environment by leveraging resources. Join us as we bring together a panel of experts to provide an overview of the resources available to manufacturers at the local, state and federal levels.

Location: Harper College - Wojcik Conference Center
1200 W. Algonquin Road Palatine, IL 60067 - 3:30-5:30 PM

Topics include:
  • Addressing the Skills Gaps - The Harper College, Village of Schaumburg, and SBA Partnership
  • Workforce & Development Training

Pulaski County (Virginia) chamber reps, county officials travel to Richmond during legislative session




The Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce, along with county officials, attended the Old Dominion Assembly in Richmond on Wednesday, Jan. 28.
Del. Joseph Yost proposed a cigarette tax bill for Pulaski and Montgomery counties that would allow the counties to delegate cigarette taxes solely toward school renovations. Though the bill was tabled, Pulaski County had a strong representation at the subcommittee hearing.
Chamber staff, executive director Peggy White and communication director Christiana Marjakangas, along with county economic development director Michael Solomon, represented Pulaski County at the Virginia State Chamber Day, where, among others, Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam and Attorney General Mark Herring spoke. Read more: Roanoke Times


Best Chamber practices: Fox Cities Chamber Tools: Training, Education and Advice
 
The Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC) is an economic development corporation providing quality business education, technical assistance and access to capital for entrepreneurs. WWBIC consults, educates and mentors owners of small and micro businesses throughout Wisconsin, concentrating its efforts on women, minorities and those of lower incomes.
Fox Valley Technical College’s Venture Center is an integrated entrepreneurship center providing programming and services in three areas: entrepreneurial studies, business development and innovation.
The Venture Center provides education and training to provide the necessary legal, business, scientific, capital markets, regulatory and leadership skills needed to follow the path of idea to launching and operating a sustainable business. Call 920-735-2525 for more information.
Small Business Development Center-Oshkosh The SBDC provides low-cost workshops, seminars and free counseling to aid small businesses. The low-cost seminars are specifically designed for owners and managers of businesses and are taught by instructors who have experience and knowledge about the problems of owning and operating a business. Call 920-424-1453 or 800-232-8939 for more information.
SCORE The SCORE Association is a free business counseling service. A partner of the Small Business Administration, the Fox Cities SCORE Chapter is located at the Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce & Industry. To request a Fox Cities SCORE Counselor, contact 920-734-7101. Read more: Fox Cites Chamber Economic Development

Early History of the Richmond Indiana Chamber of Commerce

The idea of a Chamber of Commerce in Richmond developed slowly after World War II, even as many cities already had well-established Chambers and others were organizing new ones to take advantage of the widespread industrial expansion following the war.

According to thinking of the time, Richmond didn’t really need a Chamber, primarily because the “City Fathers” made the major economic decisions and we already enjoyed a formidable array of prosperous industries. These included the Dille-McGuire and Lontz lawnmower factories and later Motomower, a combination that often led to the contention that we were a leader in that sector in the nation. There were several busy casket manufacturers, plus the massive Crosley facility, later Avco, and the expanding Natco company. Even more notable for a national recognition were the Hill companies, which provided the basis for the claim that in Richmond there were more roses grown under glass than anywhere in the world, thus leading to the boast we proclaimed for many years that we were “The City of Roses”.

Yes, at that time Richmond had a strong and vibrant economic base with many good jobs. And yes, perhaps we were “fat and happy”. Then the world began to change.

The heavy-duty machinery manufacturer Bucyrus-Erie chose Richmond for a new facility (actually in Center Township) – to great acclaim – and, unfortunately, slowly sank into bankruptcy. Avco did o.k. for a while but eventually went out of business. Natco moved into the vacant Bucyrus-Erie plant and later sold out and the successor businesses eventually closed. The lawnmower companies disappeared. Even our star performer, Hill’s, ran into rough waters when South America showed it could grow roses much cheaper; we no longer were “The City of Roses”. Read more: Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce


Friday: 157 Rules for Executive Success in Organization Management (and your Chamber of Commerce) by Patrick McGaughey



RULE #56      If we don’t charge, say “it’s included in your membership”


Friday, October 17, 2014

Chamber chiefs: Detroit’s brand, health matter to all of Michigan; Chambers Creating Opportunity: New York’s High Line Fuels Wave of Urban Renewal Projects; Chamber energy: North Dakota's $4bn petrochemical plant should help reduce natural gas flaring; Heber Springs AR Chamber introduces leadership program; Chamber Tweet of the Day: Minneapolis Chamber - Awesome Photos; Chamber Executive Jennifer Daly named new CEO of Central Illinois Economic Development Council; Register Today! Fall National SBIR/STTR Conference in Austin, Texas (November 11-13); Friday: 157 Rules for Executive Success in Organization Management (and your Chamber of Commerce) by Patrick McGaughey - RULE #20


Chamber chiefs: Detroit’s brand, health matter to all of Michigan

Detroit matters.
Communities must work together.
And voters electing business-friendly leaders has helped improve the economy in Michigan.
Those were three messages Rich Studley, president and CEO of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, and Sandy Baruah, president and CEO of the Detroit Regional Chamber, hammered home to roughly 80 people attending the inaugural First Tuesday Power Lunch at Oak Pointe Country Club in Genoa Township. The Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce sponsored the event, and DTE Energy was the major sponsor. Read more: Livingston Daily Press & Argus


Chambers Creating Opportunity: New York’s High Line Fuels Wave of Urban Renewal Projects

When a handful of residents of Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood banded together in 1999 to prevent the demolition of an abandoned elevated railway that hadn’t been used in two decades, a largely apathetic local government responded with muted skepticism. That group, however, turned out to be Friends of the High Line, the organization responsible for creating one of New York City’s most visited neighborhood attractions that has already spawned a number of similar urban renewal projects across the U.S.
Stretching from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to 34th Street, the High Line runs through Chelsea near the Hudson River on Manhattan’s far west side. Since its first section opened in 2009, the High Line has won prestigious architecture and design awards and drawn an ever-growing number of New Yorkers and tourists alike, with nearly 5 million people visiting the elevated park in 2013, according to The New York Times.  Read more: Free Enterprise


Chamber energy: North Dakota's $4bn petrochemical plant should help reduce natural gas flaring

“When the field first started going, there was a lack of gathering systems and we did a lot of flaring, and that’s not abnormal for immature fields,” Andy Peterson, president of the North Dakota Chamber of Commerce, told me on Wednesday. “What is normal is that you start capturing some of the stuff and using everything. That’s what industry wants – they want to use every little bit of the raw product that they can.” Read more: Star-Tribune

Heber Springs AR Chamber introduces leadership program

Director Julie Murray made a big announcement regarding a new leadership program at the Heber Springs Area Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Luncheon on Wednesday. She, along with ASU-Heber Springs Vice Chancellor Dr. Chris Boyett presented members with details of the new program called Leadership Heber Springs,“This effort began with a combination of my predecessor, Melisa Gardner, and Chamber Board President Jayson Jones,” said Murray.  “Any major city or town you look at has this program, which is usually sponsored by the Chamber or the local university.” Read more:The Sun-Times

Chamber Tweet of the Day: Minneapolis Chamber - Awesome Photos

10m10 minutes ago
View some awesome photos from our event at last month! Photos by


Chamber Executive Jennifer Daly named new CEO of Central Illinois Economic Development Council

Jennifer Daly will start her new job as CEO of the Economic Development Council of Central Illinois on Nov. 3. It may take two people to replace her in Morton. Daly, 42, has spent the past six years as CEO of the Morton Economic Development Council and executive director of the Morton Chamber of Commerce. Her last day in those positions is Oct. 31. The organizations have launched separate searches for replacements. The two hiring committees are meeting regularly to compare notes.

“All options are on the table,” said chamber board President Bill Aupperle. “There’s no timeline for hiring someone for the chamber. Having (chamber Program Director) Tammy Stephens around buys us some time. It’s more important that we find the right person.” Read more: Pekin Times

 

Chamber Technology Small Business: Register Today! Fall National SBIR/STTR Conference in Austin, Texas (November 11-13)


Attention technology entrepreneurs: the Fall National SBIR/STTR Conference (NSC) will take place November 11 - 13 at the AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center (U. Of Texas) in Austin, TX.  At this conference, attendees will learn from senior SBIR/STTR leaders and successful small businesses how to compete for SBIR/STTR funding in two dozen federal agencies. To see the event homepage, go to www.defenseenergy.com/National_SBIR_Conference_Fall.html
The Fall NSC - held alongside the annual Defense Energy Summit and Smart Cities Innovation Challenge -- will be a busy marketplace for SBIR/STTR Agencies, industry leaders, veteran SBIR/STTR awardees, state support networks, and aspiring entrepreneurs, with emphasis on opening the SBIR/STTR pipeline to newcomers.  Highlights include:
  • 1-on-1 meetings with 20+ SBIR/STTR Agencies
  • 20+ panel sessions featuring  Agencies, successful small firms, Industry partners, and SBIR/STTR experts from state and private sectors
  • Pre-event courses on must-know business basics for SBIR/STTR pursuit
  • Abundant networking opportunities
  • Exhibit Hall featuring SBIR/STTR Agency Pavilion, Fortune 1000 firms, universities, and SBIR/STTR-funded businesses
Discounted "early bird" registration ends September 16th. Register online at your earliest convenience at www.defenseenergy.com/register.html.  The AT&T Center is also offering discounted room rates for SBIR/STTR Conference attendees; to book online, visit www.defenseenergy.com/about/venue.html. More Info SBA.gov

Friday: 157 Rules for Executive Success in Organization Management (and your Chamber of Commerce) by Patrick McGaughey


RULE #20       Make a profit plan, not a budget

Friday, September 19, 2014

Chamber future: Why Indy must invest in early childhood education; Chamber future: Leadership Twin Cities 2014-2015 Class announced; Chamber Tweet of the Day: Retweet by Milwaukee Metropolitan Association of Commerce; Brighton Area Chamber Event: New Series Offers Insight on Michigan's Economic Growth & Future; Watertown, Wisconsin Chamber looking for donations to renovate Chamberland at Riverside Park; Chamber news: Supreme Court takes another bite out of Missouri tort reforms; Future of coal topic of Maysville-Mason County Chamber meeting; Chamber Directory or Map; Chicagoland Chamber Small Business Week Events - Oct. 7 - Oct. 9, 2014; Friday: 157 Rules for Executive Success in Organzation Management (and your Chamber of Commerce) by Patrick McGaughey - Rule #17

Chamber future: Why Indy must invest in early childhood education

Venture capitalist Robert Dugger focused on what he knows best — investing and capital formation — as he spoke to about 75 of Indianapolis’ top business leaders, gathered early Friday morning on Eli Lilly and Co.’s Downtown campus.
But his message had nothing to do with stocks and bonds; it was all about Indy’s children.
“Young adults are the most important economic product that the United States produces,” Dugger said.
More important than Apple or Google. More important than Ford or General Motors. More important even than pharmaceuticals (sorry, Lilly).
If the great majority of our children are well equipped to thrive in the 21st century economy, then it’s likely our state and nation will thrive as well. The reverse also is true: If they struggle, we’ll all struggle.
“Human capital formation from ages 0 to 18 is the most important sector of the economy,” Read more: IndyStar.com

Chamber future: Leadership Twin Cities 2014-2015 Class announced

A Series That Examines Critical Issues Facing Our Community

Leadership Twin Cities is a nine-month series that informs people about the critical issues facing our community. Its focus is to inform and inspire future leaders – and challenge them to make a difference through personal commitment and involvement.

This program is invaluable for individuals seeking to learn about community issues and to discuss solutions to the problems. The program selects approximately 50 people each year from the public, private and non-profit sectors who share a commitment to improving our community. Here's the 2014-2015 class
Leadership Twin Cities


Chamber Tweet of the Day: Retweet by Milwaukee Metropolitan Association of Commerce
 
Retweeted by
A great school changes the trajectory of a child's life.

 

Brighton Area Chamber Event: New Series Offers Insight on Michigan's Economic Growth & Future

Two leading chamber of commerce executives will discuss the business climate in Michigan and the Detroit area as part of a new power lunch series next month. The Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce is launching its first Tuesday Power Lunch series next month to offer insight on Michigan’s economic growth and future. The informational program will take place on the first Tuesday of most months and is designed to provide updates on economic and political issues trending locally and statewide. It will also feature leadership insights from heads of business and industry. A kickoff event will take place on Tuesday, October 7th from 11:30am to 1:30pm at Oak Pointe Country Club. Brighton Chamber President/CEO Pam McConeghy says there is a definite resurgence in Michigan’s economy and of major importance in the continued revitalization of the state is Detroit. The keynote speakers will be Richard Studley, President and CEO of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce; and Sandy Baruah, President and CEO of the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce. Read more: WHMI 93.5 FM news

Watertown, Wisconsin Chamber looking for donations to renovate Chamberland at Riverside Park

Chamberland, the community-built children’s playground located in Riverside Park, could soon be getting a facelift. With the help of donations from local organizations, corporations and individuals, the Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce and Watertown Park and Rec Department are working together to raise funds to update the playground, which opened in 1996.
Wear and tear from heavy use has taken a toll on the playground. The rubber surfacing, which has a twelve to fourteen year product life, has been in place for seventeen years. “The matting has holes in it, is uneven and patching it will no longer do,” said Chuck Warriner, Project Chairperson. “A lot of hard work by many people went into the building of Chamberland and we don’t want to let it get run down. We want keep it a state-of-the-art playground.” According to Warriner, the initial fundraising allowed for a maintenance fund to be set aside for repair, but that is exhausted. He is hoping enough money will be raised to install a new rubber surface and cover maintenance costs for another 15 years.
Fifty thousand dollars is needed to complete the project, which includes tearing out the existing surface, repairing the underlay, and installing a new surface. The Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce has appropriated five-thousand dollars towards this effort.  Additional fundraising will be done to help complete the project. 
In conjunction with the resurfacing of the playground, the Watertown Park and Rec Department will be refreshing the paint and stain on the playground equipment.
Anyone interested in making a tax-deductible donation should contact the Chamber of Commerce.
Phone: 920-261-6320; email:  info@watertownchamber.com

Chamber news: Supreme Court takes another bite out of Missouri tort reforms

With a new ruling that bypasses Missouri’s limit on punitive damages, the state’s Supreme Court continues to erode a successful 2005 reform law.
In their decision, released on Sept. 9, the Supreme Court reinstated a $1 million judgment against a used car dealer who defrauded a customer. The court’s ruling uses centuries’ old legal language to sidestep the clear, current 2005 statute limiting punitive damages at $500,000.
The decision comes two years after the Supreme Court similarly overturned Missouri’s 2005 cap on medical malpractice lawsuits.
“Less than 10 years ago, our state was a haven for frivolous lawsuits, outrageous judgments and skyrocketing litigation insurance premiums. In 2005, we fixed it. Lawsuits declined dramatically and premiums decreased. With this ruling, we’re seeing a trend where the Missouri Supreme Court is working to undo our progress and open the flood gates once again,” said Daniel P. Mehan, Missouri Chamber President and CEO. “If we want Missouri to compete in a global economy, we can’t have a rampant litigation climate and we can’t have a judicial system that bypasses current reforms in favor of language that was written before the State of Missouri even existed. This continues to be an urgent matter that our state must address.” Read more: Missouri Chamber

Future of coal topic of Maysville-Mason County Chamber meeting

The story told to attendees of the Maysville-Mason County Chamber of Commerce meeting wasn't good news regarding the future of coal in Kentucky.
Rodney Hitch, manager of Economic Development for East Kentucky Power Cooperative was the featured speaker for Thursday's business meeting. Hitch has been involved in economic development most of his career, having served in a variety of capacities in Rowan County and the Appalachian region.
The focus of Hitch's presentation was the impact of regulations imposed on fossil-fueled power plants under the current administration in Washington and the EPA. Read more: The Ledger Independent

Chamber Directory or Map

Get a free estimate for your chamber on a professional gloss chamber map, chamber app, community profile or membership directory. Call John Dussman of Village Profile at (800)-600-0134 x239 or email jdussman.vp@villageprofilemail.com. If your chamber has 500 members or more, please ask about the several multimedia options available to your chamber.

Chicagoland Chamber Small Business Week Events - Oct. 7 - Oct. 9, 2014

Whether you're a small business owner, an entrepreneur or someone who cares about small business, chances are you'll be interested in one of our five events taking place during Crain's Small Business Week 2014.
Highlights include a new kind of networking, a deep dive into big data, and much more.
Small Business Forecast
Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2014
7:30am to 9:30am
Forum Coworking - 1035 West Lake Street
Learn More and Register
Expanding Beyond Borders – Exporting & Importing for Small Business
Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2014
4:30 to 7:00pm
IL CPA Society, 550 W. Jackson, Suite 900
Learn More and Register
MBE/WBE Best Practices for Success
Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2014
11:30am to 1:00pm
Chicagoland Chamber, 410 N. Michigan Ave., Ste. 900
Learn More and Register
Using Big Data to Grow Your Business
Thursday, Oct. 9, 2014
7:30am-9:00am
Motorola Mobility, 222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza, Suite 1800
Learn More and Register
Speed Networking
Thursday, Oct. 9, 2014
5:00 to 8:00pm
The MidAmerica Club, 200 E. Randolph Drive, 80th, Floor
Learn More and Register
Questions? Contact Katie Hamilton at 312.494.6734 or khamilton@chicagolandchamber.org.


Friday: 157 Rules for Executive Success in Organzation Management (and your Chamber of Commerce) by Patrick McGaughey



RULE #17       Let the bylaws fire board members.