Good morning Chamber world! Today is going to be a GREAT day!
Chamber Executive Ongoing Education Weekly New Idea: Winning With People: Discover the People Principles that Work for You Every Time - by John C. Maxwell
With more than seven million copies of 30-odd titles in print, preacher turned leadership guru Maxwell is a one-man publishing empire. His latest follows the proven format—a series of short, friendly sermons filled with plainspoken common sense. This time, Maxwell takes on interpersonal skills, saying, "All of life's successes come from initiating relationships with the right people and then strengthening those relationships by using good people skills." The book offers 25 chapter-based "People Principles" that explore how to prepare oneself for relationships, focus on others, build trust, invest in others and create win-win relationships. The quality of the content varies. Some chapters, like "The Confrontation Principle" with its six-step "road map for healthy confrontation," are concise, thoughtful and original. Others (particularly in the later sections, where the book starts to run out of steam), such as "The Partnership Principle," are more like motivational talks and offer few practical takeaways. Each principle is introduced with two to three pages featuring a familiar figure—Abraham Lincoln, Barbara Walters, Ben Franklin, Angelina Jolie, etc.—or a personal story from the author's life. Maxwell concludes each principle with a page of discussion questions, which should prove useful since the book doesn't lend itself to a cover-to-cover read and is probably best swallowed one principle at a time, with some reflection in between. - Publishers Weekly
Indiana chamber ALERT: Carmel & Fishers chambers to merge, become OneZone - a commerce connector and business advocate.
The
board of directors of the Fishers and Carmel chambers of commerce have
voted to merge and operate together as OneZone, a commerce connector for
businesses in Fishers and Carmel.
When
the merger becomes official after a Feb. 20 member ratification, Fishers
and Carmel businesses will immediately have a 1,200-member chamber that
can deliver more impact, business opportunities and clout than either
organization could provide alone. And the cost of membership will remain
the same. Why do this? Because business and business-related issues don’t stop at municipal borders – and neither should the organization that represents business and businesspeople. Read More: In the News - Carmel Chamber
Chamber excitement: Ashland (Wisconsin) area sleuths become 'Diamond Detectives'
As mystery novel fans around the world know, one of the best parts of a good whodunit is figuring out the course of the story before the author reveals what is going on.
Ashland area residents now have their own chance to solve a mystery, and to pick up a stunning $700 diamond ring for their deductive abilities.
It’s the sixth annual
“Valentine’s Diamond Detective Contest,” a promotion sponsored by the
Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce, and the sleuthing object is a
certificate for a $700 diamond ring that is hidden somewhere in the City
of Ashland.
At this point, only one person
knows exactly where the certificate is hidden — Ashland Area Chamber of
Commerce Executive Director Mary McPhetridge — and she’s not talking.
“It’s within the City of Ashland and that’s all you are getting out of me,” she said. Read more: The Daily Press
Area Development Partnership - Greater Hattiesburg, Mississippi Leadership Pinebelt 2105
Since 1989, Leadership Pinebelt has trained emerging and existing leaders in Greater Hattiesburg. Designed to broaden the base from which emerging leadership is derived, Leadership Pinebelt serves as a catalyst for increasing diversity among future leaders. Each class session focuses on enhancing leadership skills and garnering a better understanding of the positions of Healthcare, Cultural Arts, Economic Development, Military and Industry; the region’s essential assets.
Leadership Pinebelt comprises a diverse network of leaders and community volunteers who are committed to shaping our community both economically and socially while building and expanding their network. Each class encompasses a very diverse group of professionals who have attained leadership positions in their fields and are likely to be tapped for greater community responsibility. Many of the sessions focused on building leadership skills, such as conflict resolution, the power of persuasion and motivation. Leadership Pinebelt provides opportunities for professionals to garner a more informative view of the assets and potential of Greater Hattiesburg. Through these opportunities each class learns ways to make a positive contribution to the community, develop and practice their leadership skills, and gain a more comprehensive background on the contemporary issues concerning the region. Read more: Area Development Partnership
Two of Southwest Michigan First's professional team have been included among the top 40 young economic developers in the nation by an industry trade organization.
Development Counsellors International named Katie Perry and Tim Terrentine to its 40 Under 40, a listing it describes as the rising stars in the economic development field.
Perry is a vice president of SWMF who has, since 2010, been involved with the organization's external marketing efforts, including such things as developing strategic marketing concepts and maintaining the organization's online presence.
According to SWMF: "Her management experience includes brand development, digital and web-based campaigns and attraction work, of which her most notable efforts include Newell Rubbermaid's decision to pursue a Kalamazoo location in 2013."
She is a life-long Michigan resident, who has had leadership roles in such organizations as the Irving S. Gilmore International Keyboard Festival and The Civic Theatre. She has a bachelor's degree in business management from Cornerstone University.
Terrentine is an executive vice president of SWMF whose main role is to support the growth of small businesses by working as president of the Kalamazoo Regional Chamber of Commerce. According to SWMF: "Tim's passion for helping current and future leaders make the most of their potential helps accelerate the brand of the organization's Catalyst Leadership Series, a program geared to empowering Michigan's leaders to greatness." Read more: M LIVE
The Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce is preparing a major campaign to call attention to the state’s workforce needs and opportunities, Talk Business & Politics reports. Meanwhile, legislators are preparing to consider a package of workforce-related bills.
State Chamber CEO Randy Zook said Monday that the Chamber is in the middle of raising money for a multi-year informational campaign beginning later this spring or in the early summer. He declined to say how much the Chamber would try to raise but did say it would be a multi-million dollar campaign.
“It’s going to be a major effort, and the reception for it has been nearly universal,” he said. “People get it when they realize we’ve got to do something, and people are stepping up to it.”
Zook said the effort will involve a media campaign, earned press coverage, social media promotion, and mobile activities such as a tractor-trailer that travels to schools and public events. The message, he said, will be that there are “a lot of roads to success in the U.S. economy.” Read more: UALR Public Radio
The Illinois National Guard and artillerymen of Battery A, 2nd Battalion, 122nd Field Artillery in Sycamore, Illinois, were presented with the Sycamore Chamber of Commerce Chamber Champion Award Jan. 29, at the chamber's 100th annual meeting.
The award, presented in front of more than 300 chamber members, recognized those who demonstrated outstanding contributions to the Sycamore chamber.
"Every year my staff and I pick a member, business or organization that has truly been outstanding to us and helped us - whether it's financially, volunteering or just anything we couldn't do without," said Rose Treml, executive director Sycamore Chamber of Commerce.
Treml said the unit has supported the communities Pumpkin Fest 10K for decades.
"It's just very cool and great for us to have," said Treml.
On the last Sunday in October for the past 36 years, the Sycamore unit has allowed chamber staff, volunteers and hundreds of runners and their families and friends to use the armory during the city's annual Pumpkin Fest 10k Fun Run.
"It's this spirit of community that allows us to succeed as a community," said Treml. Read more: ReadMedia
Carter County native Roger Cline, a representative with Smoke Free Kentucky, presented the Grayson Area Chamber of Commerce with a staggering statistic at its monthly meeting — that 85 percent of women exposed to secondhand smoke can develop lung cancer.
During his presentation at Johnny’s Pizza to a room full of Grayson business representatives, he used the small restaurant as an example and asked the audience to consider the welfare of their “daughters.”
He said when thinking about restricting smoking in indoor public areas, most people think the legislation is being considerate of customers not wanting to be exposed to tobacco smoke. While this may be true, Cline said it goes a step further in protecting another demographic. “...It’s to protect these young ladies back here,” he said, referring to the waitresses who were entering in and out of the meeting area, jotting down orders and delivering meals to customers. “It’s one of those things, as they work in these areas and are breathing that smoke, it’s basically killing them,” he said. Cline then presented the crowd with a series of “what if” questions. He first asked how many chamber members present had daughters. A few raised their hands. “What if your daughter came to you and said, ‘Mom, or Dad, I’ve been offered this great job. The pay is great, the benefits are great, the retirement is great and it’s a job I think I would really enjoy doing.’ What would you say to them?’” he asked. “‘Go for it!’ What if the next statement was ‘There is an 85 percent chance I’m going to die from this job?’ Read more: Daily Independent
A group of business leaders who support the missions of Wallops-area agencies is changing its name after more than a decade. The change is one telling detail from a year that saw significant strides in business activity in the Wallops area in northern Accomack County.
The name change — from the Eastern Shore Defense Alliance to the Wallops Island Regional Alliance — came about in January at a standing-room-only meeting.
"The board decided we'd outgrown the defense alliance (name). We are really representing regional interests," said Chairman Peter Bale, a leader in the unmanned aerial systems industry and senior vice President of SRS GRP.
While the defense alliance name "was tough to give up. There were a lot of people with a lot of smiles in the room" when the group approved its new appellation, Bale said.
The region is attracting increasing attention from outsiders judging by the current alliance membership, which is nearing 250.
"We get everyone from northern Delaware down through to Richmond – we've even had inquiries from Washington, D. C.," Bale said.
Government and business leaders in the region are looking for more growth in the future after a string of successes the past two years at NASA Wallops Flight Facility, and despite one major setback — the explosion shortly after liftoff in October of a rocket carrying supplies to the International Space Station on Orbital Sciences Corporation's third commercial cargo mission under a NASA contract. Read more: DelmarvaNow
Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation (Attittude):
Area Development Partnership - Greater Hattiesburg, Mississippi Leadership Pinebelt 2105
Since 1989, Leadership Pinebelt has trained emerging and existing leaders in Greater Hattiesburg. Designed to broaden the base from which emerging leadership is derived, Leadership Pinebelt serves as a catalyst for increasing diversity among future leaders. Each class session focuses on enhancing leadership skills and garnering a better understanding of the positions of Healthcare, Cultural Arts, Economic Development, Military and Industry; the region’s essential assets.
Leadership Pinebelt comprises a diverse network of leaders and community volunteers who are committed to shaping our community both economically and socially while building and expanding their network. Each class encompasses a very diverse group of professionals who have attained leadership positions in their fields and are likely to be tapped for greater community responsibility. Many of the sessions focused on building leadership skills, such as conflict resolution, the power of persuasion and motivation. Leadership Pinebelt provides opportunities for professionals to garner a more informative view of the assets and potential of Greater Hattiesburg. Through these opportunities each class learns ways to make a positive contribution to the community, develop and practice their leadership skills, and gain a more comprehensive background on the contemporary issues concerning the region. Read more: Area Development Partnership
Leadership Pinebelt 2015 Nomination Form
Leadership Pinebelt 2015 Application
40 Under 40: Katie Perry and Tim Terrentine of Southwest Michigan First among top young economic developers in nation
Two of Southwest Michigan First's professional team have been included among the top 40 young economic developers in the nation by an industry trade organization.
Development Counsellors International named Katie Perry and Tim Terrentine to its 40 Under 40, a listing it describes as the rising stars in the economic development field.
Perry is a vice president of SWMF who has, since 2010, been involved with the organization's external marketing efforts, including such things as developing strategic marketing concepts and maintaining the organization's online presence.
According to SWMF: "Her management experience includes brand development, digital and web-based campaigns and attraction work, of which her most notable efforts include Newell Rubbermaid's decision to pursue a Kalamazoo location in 2013."
She is a life-long Michigan resident, who has had leadership roles in such organizations as the Irving S. Gilmore International Keyboard Festival and The Civic Theatre. She has a bachelor's degree in business management from Cornerstone University.
Terrentine is an executive vice president of SWMF whose main role is to support the growth of small businesses by working as president of the Kalamazoo Regional Chamber of Commerce. According to SWMF: "Tim's passion for helping current and future leaders make the most of their potential helps accelerate the brand of the organization's Catalyst Leadership Series, a program geared to empowering Michigan's leaders to greatness." Read more: M LIVE
Arkansas State Chamber Of Commerce Planning Workforce Push
The Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce is preparing a major campaign to call attention to the state’s workforce needs and opportunities, Talk Business & Politics reports. Meanwhile, legislators are preparing to consider a package of workforce-related bills.
State Chamber CEO Randy Zook said Monday that the Chamber is in the middle of raising money for a multi-year informational campaign beginning later this spring or in the early summer. He declined to say how much the Chamber would try to raise but did say it would be a multi-million dollar campaign.
“It’s going to be a major effort, and the reception for it has been nearly universal,” he said. “People get it when they realize we’ve got to do something, and people are stepping up to it.”
Zook said the effort will involve a media campaign, earned press coverage, social media promotion, and mobile activities such as a tractor-trailer that travels to schools and public events. The message, he said, will be that there are “a lot of roads to success in the U.S. economy.” Read more: UALR Public Radio
Sycamore Artillerymen receive Chamber of Commerce Award
The Illinois National Guard and artillerymen of Battery A, 2nd Battalion, 122nd Field Artillery in Sycamore, Illinois, were presented with the Sycamore Chamber of Commerce Chamber Champion Award Jan. 29, at the chamber's 100th annual meeting.
The award, presented in front of more than 300 chamber members, recognized those who demonstrated outstanding contributions to the Sycamore chamber.
"Every year my staff and I pick a member, business or organization that has truly been outstanding to us and helped us - whether it's financially, volunteering or just anything we couldn't do without," said Rose Treml, executive director Sycamore Chamber of Commerce.
Treml said the unit has supported the communities Pumpkin Fest 10K for decades.
"It's just very cool and great for us to have," said Treml.
On the last Sunday in October for the past 36 years, the Sycamore unit has allowed chamber staff, volunteers and hundreds of runners and their families and friends to use the armory during the city's annual Pumpkin Fest 10k Fun Run.
"It's this spirit of community that allows us to succeed as a community," said Treml. Read more: ReadMedia
Smoke Free Kentucky talks to Grayson chamber
Carter County native Roger Cline, a representative with Smoke Free Kentucky, presented the Grayson Area Chamber of Commerce with a staggering statistic at its monthly meeting — that 85 percent of women exposed to secondhand smoke can develop lung cancer.
During his presentation at Johnny’s Pizza to a room full of Grayson business representatives, he used the small restaurant as an example and asked the audience to consider the welfare of their “daughters.”
He said when thinking about restricting smoking in indoor public areas, most people think the legislation is being considerate of customers not wanting to be exposed to tobacco smoke. While this may be true, Cline said it goes a step further in protecting another demographic. “...It’s to protect these young ladies back here,” he said, referring to the waitresses who were entering in and out of the meeting area, jotting down orders and delivering meals to customers. “It’s one of those things, as they work in these areas and are breathing that smoke, it’s basically killing them,” he said. Cline then presented the crowd with a series of “what if” questions. He first asked how many chamber members present had daughters. A few raised their hands. “What if your daughter came to you and said, ‘Mom, or Dad, I’ve been offered this great job. The pay is great, the benefits are great, the retirement is great and it’s a job I think I would really enjoy doing.’ What would you say to them?’” he asked. “‘Go for it!’ What if the next statement was ‘There is an 85 percent chance I’m going to die from this job?’ Read more: Daily Independent
Chincoteague Chamber interest: At Wallops, a growing financial impact that resonates
A group of business leaders who support the missions of Wallops-area agencies is changing its name after more than a decade. The change is one telling detail from a year that saw significant strides in business activity in the Wallops area in northern Accomack County.
The name change — from the Eastern Shore Defense Alliance to the Wallops Island Regional Alliance — came about in January at a standing-room-only meeting.
"The board decided we'd outgrown the defense alliance (name). We are really representing regional interests," said Chairman Peter Bale, a leader in the unmanned aerial systems industry and senior vice President of SRS GRP.
While the defense alliance name "was tough to give up. There were a lot of people with a lot of smiles in the room" when the group approved its new appellation, Bale said.
The region is attracting increasing attention from outsiders judging by the current alliance membership, which is nearing 250.
"We get everyone from northern Delaware down through to Richmond – we've even had inquiries from Washington, D. C.," Bale said.
Government and business leaders in the region are looking for more growth in the future after a string of successes the past two years at NASA Wallops Flight Facility, and despite one major setback — the explosion shortly after liftoff in October of a rocket carrying supplies to the International Space Station on Orbital Sciences Corporation's third commercial cargo mission under a NASA contract. Read more: DelmarvaNow
Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation (Attittude):
“Success
is a ladder you can not climb with your hands in your pockets.” - Author unknown
