Happy Monday #ChamberWorld! It's going to be a GREAT week! Michigan Women Forward selects finalists for WomanUp & Pitch Competition A statewide community development financial institution will host a virtual pitch competition next month featuring 10 female entrepreneurs from West Michigan.
Michigan Women Forward (MWF) this week said it will host its seventh annual WomanUp & Pitch Competition virtually from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 3.
The event will feature 10 women entrepreneurs from West Michigan presenting their business plans to a panel of business leaders and an audience of community leaders, business owners and potential investors.
“WomanUp & Pitch is an opportunity for Michigan women to take the next step toward their future,” said Carolyn Cassin, MWF president and CEO. “This competition is a game-changer for the participants. Not only will the top entrepreneurs receive cash prizes to support their business, but they will further develop their presentation skills and have access to the knowledge of expert judges.”
Forty total statewide finalists will participate in this year’s competition. Ten entrepreneurs will compete in each of the four competitions: 10 from West Michigan, Jackson and Detroit, as well as a special food business competition. Each is divided into established and startup categories. Winners in each category and from each region will earn cash prizes: two $10,000 first-place prizes per location; two $5,000 second-place prizes per location; two $2,500 third-place prizes per location; and an audience choice winner of $1,000 per location.
The WomanUp & Pitch event is sponsored by the Consumers Energy Foundation. The foundation has contributed $1.4 million to support MWF since 2015, including $150,000 for this year’s competitions.
“The Consumers Energy Foundation believes Michigan women have the power to move our economy forward,” said Carolyn Bloodworth, secretary/treasurer of the Consumers Energy Foundation. “This year, we’ve upped the ante by financially rewarding 40 entrepreneurs across Michigan. We hope Michigan Women Forward’s WomanUp & Pitch competitions will help these women launch or expand their businesses and power Michigan’s economy.”
The 2022 West Michigan judges include Megan Rydecki, community affairs manager for Consumers Energy, Ana Ramirez-Saenz, president and founder of LaFuente Communications, and Kimberly Kersten, director of business banking for Comerica Bank Michigan.
Prior to the pitch competition, MWF paired each finalist with a coach and mentor. The coaches have been working with the finalists to develop their business plan and practice their pitches.
The West Michigan established and startup category finalists are:
· Christina VanDam, of
Zeal Aerial Fitness, which offers alternative fitness classes and events in an atmosphere designed to be safe and inclusive
· Sandra Jonick, of
U-Plant Landscape Designs, which creates landscape designs for homeowners to install themselves
· Destinee Keener, of
Kuntry Cookin,’ which provides affordable cuisine for the foodie at heart by utilizing local farms, butchers and sales ads
· Alexis Black, of
Redefining Normal, which holds workshops, training and presentations to promote sustainable mental health resources
· Amelia Kenyon, of
Professional Education Services, a training program that offers night and day classes for certified nursing assistant students from all over the state
· Suzanna Bratton, of Yum Pouch, which creates dehydrated meals for people who want “great flavor, clean nutrition and Earth-friendly packaging”
· Jill Frey, of
Superbloom Farms, which brings urban agriculture to the heart of Grand Rapids by providing “fresh, nutrient-rich greens 365 days a year”
· Tiawanna Ezell, of
LIT, a hand-poured quality soy candle business that offers “alluring fragrances and edgy expressions”
· Christa Murphy, of
Joy Family Health, a direct primary care family medicine office that provides health care services for all ages
· Jessica Malkin, of
The Market Made, a design and content creation company with a passion for sustainability and community
All pitches will be broadcast live on Michigan Women Forward’s
Facebook and
YouTube pages. The public is invited to attend the event and vote for the audience choice winner. Individuals can register via
Eventbrite.
In addition to West Michigan, the Jackson virtual pitch competition will be held on Thursday, March 10; the Detroit virtual pitch competition on Thursday, March 24; and the statewide food virtual pitch competition on Thursday, March 31. Read more:
Grand Rapids Business Journal
#BestChamber Practices: Lexington Area Chamber: 2022 Leadership Davidson County
We are pleased to announce the kick-off for the 32nd class of Leadership Davidson County! While this year’s program will continue to be a little different with no overnight retreat, the curriculum and exceptional results will remain the same. We are accepting applications at either the Thomasville or Lexington Chamber office between now and March 7th.
Over 680 business leaders have completed Leadership Davidson County. Those individuals have greatly benefited from knowledge and experiences gained through this program. There is a great track record of personal and business growth and development amongst the graduates. LDC continues to impact people, businesses and organizations throughout Davidson County.
Take advantage of Davidson County’s premier leadership development program by identifying an emerging leader in your organization and register them for LDC. We do expect 100% attendance, and we ask each employer to support this expectation. Allowing flexibility in the latter part of the business day, all sessions (other than the mini-retreat) are structured from 8:30am – 3:00pm. This allows for participants to return phone calls and emails on a same day basis. We will ask each participant to not accept phone calls and emails during the work sessions!!
The cost for the entire four-session program, including meals, and all materials is a very modest $595.00.
Dates for each session (March through June) are listed on the attached registration form.
Please give prompt attention to this announcement. We expect an impactful and diverse class of approximately 25 emerging and engaged leaders from throughout the County.
Contact the Chamber office if you have questions.
#BestChamber practices: Birmingham-Bloomfield Chamber: Referral program that benefits members
Want to earn a $50 gift card to one of these Chamber Member Businesses: Hazels, The Morrie Birmingham, English Gardens, Beverly Hills Grill, Café ML, Roadside B&G, Streetside Seafood or Bill's Eat and Drink?!
Refer ONE business to become a new Member of the Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber to win! Your referral *must* pay in full & write your name on their Membership application, in the section that asks, “How did you hear about us?”.
This referral challenge runs through March 31, 2022.
Questions?
Please reach out to Membership Engagement Manager: Rachel Devries rachel@bbcc.com
Cell: 248-914-7171
#BestChamber Practices: Germantown Area Chamber: Website Resources: Be to "go-to" resource for your business community! (Local, County, State, National)
The Cedarburg Chamber of Commerce Welcome Home New Movers Magazine
The Cedarburg Chamber of Commerce Community Guide is available at the chamber today ! Thanks to Maggie Dobson and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together! |
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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. |
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WCCE SPRING CONFERENCE PROGRAM
80% Sold Out already!!!
Tuesday, March 22 | Noon to 4:00 pm | Chamber Boot Camp for New(er) Chamber Executives Early Bird Pricing (through March 1): WCCE Members = $50 | Non-Members = $75
Now, more than ever, being a chamber professional can be a little overwhelming, especially if you are new to organization management and the chamber industry. The boot camp for new(er) chamber executives provides the perfect opportunity to ask all of your questions and receive input from seasoned professionals with proven ability in the field of chamber operations. Topics for discussion include organization structure, finance, external relationships, membership development and public relations to name a few. Lunch is provided with this session. Tuesday, March 22 Evening | Drinks and Dinner Downtown Madison A private dining room has been reserved for March 22nd evening at the Tornado Club Steak House. This evening will be an opportunity to gather and socialize as chamber professionals. The restaurant is located Downtown Madison, just off the Capitol Square on Hamilton Street and near The Park Hotel. Drinks and dinner costs will be on your own. Please RSVP to Susan @ snyffenegger@wmc.org if you plan to attend.
Wednesday, March 23 | 9:00 am to 3:00 pm | Chamber Champions: A Deep Dive with Dave Adkisson Early Bird Pricing (through March 1): WCCE Members = $250* | Non-Members = $325* **Registration includes up to FOUR staff members or volunteers from your local chamber We are pleased to have Dave Adkisson return for a deep dive discussion into his recently published book, Horseshoes vs. Chess. Dave is the retired President and CEO of the Kentucky Chamber and will share his insights from more than 40 years observing chambers – as a CEO of three very different chambers (a small city chamber, a metro chamber and a state chamber), as a two-term mayor of his hometown, as a former assistant to a U.S. Senator, and as a chamber leader on the national level. This daylong session for chamber executives, staff and leadership will reflect on Dave’s lessons that he’s learned during his career and share what it takes to be a chamber champion. Deep dive conversations on the four main parts of his book will include: - It’s About You as a Chamber Leader: Personalities and Skill Sets
- You and Your Chamber: Building Chambers to New Heights
- You and Your Community: Helping to Shape and Create a Vision
- You and Your Career: Growing Professionally
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Wisconsin Early Stage Investments last year hit record-high $810 million
Wisconsin companies set a new record for early-stage investment last year with at least $810 million in angel and venture capital funding. That’s according to new data from the Wisconsin Technology Council released ahead of the group’s annual “Wisconsin Portfolio” report. Tech Council President Tom Still said more than $600 million of that total was from around 15 large deals, which he calls “really good news” for the state.
Business leaders meet in Eau Claire to discuss jobs in Wisconsin
The Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce held a Workforce Policy Luncheon Wednesday. Members heard from the Executive Director of the Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce Foundation about a report that highlighted ways to achieve long-term economic growth in Wisconsin. Some of the challenges when it comes to attracting and retaining workers are housing, transportation, and childcare. “The biggest thing is to get some feedback from our employers today, make sure we are on the right track with what we are trying to accomplish with workforce solutions,” Kaylynn Winegar, Vice President of Workforce Initiatives for Eau Claire Area Chamber, said. The Eau Claire Chamber hopes that collaboration between businesses can lead to a faster end of labor shortages.
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WMC Daily Digest: These are the best big companies to work for in Wisconsin, according to Forbes Seven Wisconsin-based companies and one university made the Forbes’ top 500 list for large employers. For the list, researchers defined organizations with 5,000 or more workers as large. Midsize companies were those with 1,000 to 5,000 employees. Forbes’ list of top midsize companies did not divide them by state; however, at least two well-known Wisconsin companies were on the list: Blain’s Farm & Fleet and the Alliant Energy. Coincidentally, they both made the list for the fourth year in a row.
The New Richmond Area Chamber of Commerce Community Map
The New Richmond Community Map is now available at the Chamber today! Thanks to Rob Kreibich, Maria Berens and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together! |
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Town Square Publications (www.townsquarepublications.com) can help you accomplish your chamber's gloss map, directory, community guide or publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633. |
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2022 Fort Farmers Market application now available
The Fort Atkinson Area Chamber of Commerce announces that market applications now are being accepted for the 2022 farmer market season. Any new and veteran vendors interested in selling are welcome to apply. The application deadline is March 31, after which additional fees will occur. Applications are available online at https://fortchamber.com/farmers-market-vendors or a hard copy can be obtained at the chamber of commerce during working hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. This marks the 20th market season and several special events are being planned. “We’re hoping to engage more of our community as volunteers, and looking to partner with more businesses on special events and programming for this anniversary year” explained market manager Haley Kessler. “We’d also like to expand the market’s offerings with perhaps some cheese and specialty food vendors.”
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#BestChamber practices: Via the Carol Stream Chamber: Use a little humor!
" Humor can get in under the door while seriousness is still fumbling at the handle" CK Chesterton
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Fox Cities Chamber: Vendor Applications Now Open for 2022 Bazaar After Dark® market
The Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce is now accepting vendor applications for its 2022 Bazaar After Dark® night market in New London, which will be held on Friday, June 3, from 5-10 p.m. Applications will be accepted from February 16 to March 31. Bazaar After Dark® is an inclusive, family-friendly street market event. Attendees can expect to enjoy food, live art, local business participation, and live music. Nearly 100 vendors are able to showcase and/or sell their unique work at the event. There are two categories to choose from as follows: - Category 1 ($75)
- Arts & Crafts
- Handcrafted | Handmade | Artisan goods
- Products that are unique | One-of-a-kind | Trendy
- Farmer, Grower, or Rancher
- All produce, flowers, protein, and dairy must be locally grown, produced, or cultivated by your own business
- Community Service or Non-profit Agency
- Space can be used to inform and build awareness
- No political organizations will be accepted
- Fundraising and donation collection are not allowed on site
- Category 2 ($125)
- All other products, businesses, or services that do not fall under the above descriptions.
All vendors must apply. Past participation does not guarantee acceptance. We do not accept Direct Sales, Multi-level Marketing or Service providers. Participation in this event is limited. To apply visit https://form.jotform.com/212796751239162 Food Truck Vendor applications are being handled through the Fox Valley Food Truck Rally. Please contact Kyle at foxvalleyfoodtruckrally@gmail.com for more information.
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Hartford Area Chamber: From the Desk of the Executive Director... Wow we are mid way through February and I say bring on the warmer weather. The chamber office has been thinking about spring and busy planning our spring activities. We did take some time to enjoy a few of the events last week. Fun After Five Thank you Bridges 120 for hosting our Fun after five event. We had a great turn out and the food was delicious. Thank you to everyone who came out to support Carrie and her family. Ice in Main I decided to brave the cold on Saturday and check out the ice sculptures on main street and it was well worth it. So many amazing ice sculptures to view. I met some amazing people and enjoyed some piping hot chili from the Perc Place. A huge thank you to The Mill for organizing this event. February Events Hartford will be Hosting the WIN event on 2/18/22 at the Rec Center. The city Parks and Recreation Director will host the event. March Events March to Gold Irish Dinner and Raffle See flyers below for more details Volunteers Needed - Please reach out to the chamber office if interested in serving on one of event committees. Classic Car Show Maxwell Street Days Golf Outing Wednesday Market Balloon Rally Pink Pumpkin Fest Hartford Christmas Parade Midnight Madness
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Portage County Business Council Seeks Golden Apple Award Nominations
STEVENS POINT, WI—The Portage County Business Council’s Partners in Education Committee seeks nominations for the 2022 Golden Apple Excellence in Education Award to recognize teachers who have made significant contributions to education. All nominations are due by Tuesday, March 1, 2022. The Golden Apple Award is given annually to a teacher who exemplifies creativity, enthusiasm, commitment and development of a positive learning environment. The selected recipient and all nominees will be recognized at PCBC’s Creative Excellence Awards Breakfast on Friday, April 1, 2022. Nominee’s for this award must be a Pre-K to 12th grade teacher from a public or private school serving students from Portage County (WI) with at least one year of teaching in their current district. Nominees for this award should exhibit innovative teaching strategies, demonstrate enthusiasm and vitality in teaching, and inspire students to learn. Anyone can submit a nomination of a teacher: a student, a parent, a fellow teacher or a community member. An individual may nominate only one person for the award. Nominations may include optional letters of support from other parents, colleagues, students, former students, etc. Complete this nomination form in its entirety to allow the Partners in Education Committee to make an award decision. Nominees will be judged on their creativity, enthusiasm, and commitment to education and their ability to provide a positive learning environment. Please email any supporting documentation (i.e.: letters of support, recommendations) for this nomination to Karen Myers at KarenM@portagecountybiz.com. Contact Karen with any questions by email or phone at 715-344-1940.
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The Cedarburg Chamber of Commerce Community Guide
The Cedarburg Chamber of Commerce Community Guide is available at the chamber today ! Thanks to Maggie Dobson and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together! |
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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. |
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Prairie du Chien Chamber hosting Eagle Days
Prairie du Chien Tourism and Chamber of Commerce are holding their Eagle Day events Feb. 25 and 26 at Hoffman Hall and is a great option for folks to learn more about bald eagles of our region. |
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Beloit Chamber: Now Accepting Applications for the Greater Beloit Chamber of Commerce Scholarship
The Greater Beloit Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Fund established this scholarship to promote workforce development and build the talent pipeline in the Greater Beloit Area. The scholarship will assist deserving men and women who demonstrate a desire to develop professionally.
Criteria: - A resident of Rock County or South Beloit, IL
- Adult students entering, re-entering the workforce, changing, advancing or enhancing their careers
- Attending an accredited four-year college/ university, 2-year community college or technical school
- Full or part-time student
Scholarships applications close on February 15, 2022.
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The Wauwatosa-West Allis Chamber of Commerce Special Events Guide and Community Map
The Wauwatosa-West Allis Chamber of Commerce Special Events Guide and Community Map is now available at the Chamber today! Thanks to Chris Rudytis and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together! |
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Town Square Publications (www.townsquarepublications.com) can help you accomplish your chamber's gloss map, directory, community guide or publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633. |
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SBA Announces Wisconsin Nominees for 2022 National Small Business Week Awards Award Winners to be Named Before May NSBW Celebrations
Shirah Apple/rachel.apple@sba.gov Internet Address: MILWAUKEE—Twenty-one small businesses and organizations have submitted nominations for the U.S. Small Business Administration’s National Small Business Week awards in Wisconsin. The nominees represent a spectrum of Wisconsin’s small businesses and supporters, with locations in both rural and urban communities, and in a variety of industries. “Small businesses create jobs, economies, and communities in Wisconsin and nationwide,” said Eric Ness, SBA Wisconsin District Director. “SBA appreciates the work of the nominees and nominators in applying and sharing their stories. We look forward to honoring the award winners during National Small Business Week.” The 2022 Wisconsin SBA National Small Business Week award nominees are: Terese Caro, Legacy Redevelopment Corp., Milwaukee Tara Carr, Small Business Development Center at UW-Green Bay Angela Carroll, J & A's Bounce of Fun, Kenosha Eric Coffman, Graftobian Cosmetic Co., Madison Jesse Cullen, Jiggers Auto, Chilton Dave DeMartino & Jeff House, Oneida Total Integrated Enterprises, Milwaukee Dave Heide, Liliana's Restaurant, Madison Tania Ibarra, Step Up: Equity Matters, Sun Prarie Jim Injeski, SCORE Southeast Wisconsin, Milwaukee Sahr Arnold Lebbie, Holistic Home Health Care, Greenfield Julia McConahay, Chrysalis Hair and Body, Madison Thalia Mendez, Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corp., Milwaukee Adam Mueller, Bay Area Granite and Marble, Wrightstown Donisha Nesbitt, CoveredCare, Racine Grant Pauly, 3 Sheeps Brewing, Sheboygan Lisa Reynolds, Reynolds Packaging, Green Bay Dean Schilling, Asphalt Maintenance & Paving Inc., Spring Valley Farrah Sonnenberg, Sonnenberg Consultants, Pleasant Prairie Marie Watkins, Polaris Talent, Racine Alan Wedal, Arcpoint Labs, Brookfield Ebony Whitson, Whitson Wonder Productions, Menomonee Falls
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Changing tunes: Ripon chamber director to step down in March, will join Thrasher
You’d be hard-pressed to find someone more enthusiastic about Ripon than Jason Mansmith. When the Ripon Chamber of Commerce executive director talks about the community, his eyes light up. “I love this community,” Mansmith said. “I’ve been here my entire life and I’ve got a severe passion for this community.” For almost a decade, Mansmith has shared that devotion to Ripon with anyone willing to listen, as promoting local tourism in the community was one of his roles with the Ripon Chamber of Commerce. Next month, however, Mansmith will leave the chamber to pursue another passion that rivals his love of Ripon: Live music. He is set to take over as the marketing director for Thrasher Opera House in Green Lake. Mansmith’s final day at the chamber will be Friday, March 4. Although he remains very fond of Ripon, Mansmith described joining Thrasher as an opportunity that was just too good to pass up. Read more: Ripon Press
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Good morning #ChamberWorld! It's going to be a great day!
Town Square Publications Chamber Maps, Magazines, Digital Directory and Community Profiles: The no cost BEST Chamber Publishing Partner in the USA!
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 or email John Dussman with the subject line: Chamber Publication Proposal Requested. Thank you! |
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