Des Plaines Chamber: Mega-Connect Virtual Multi-Chamber Networking Event; Chamber’s Leadership Fredericksburg Announces Class of 2022; UW System to offer vaccinated students $7K scholarships; Grand Rapids Chamber: Feedback Needed on the Going Pro Talent Fund; Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce Accepting Applications for 2021-22 Leadership Lansing Cohort; Auburn Hills Chamber: ILEAD program; Macomb County Chamber: Last Chance to Register for the Governor's Luncheon!; Joliet Region Chamber: Legislative Coffee; Dubuque Chamber: Good morning and happy Monday!; St. Charles Area Chamber looking for new leader; Naperville Area Chamber Announces 4 Under 40 Achievement Award Recipients; Lake Zurich Chamber: Increased Precautions; Land Acquired For Lodge And Conference Center On Lake Okhissa; Ocean Springs Chamber: Blue Moon Art Project Contest; Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories, Maps, Apps, Quarterly Magazines, Digital Directory Sales and Community Profiles: The no cost, no risk BEST Chamber Publishing Partner in the USA!

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

Des Plaines Chamber: Mega-Connect Virtual Multi-Chamber Networking Event

Name: Mega-Connect Virtual Multi-Chamber Networking Event

Date: August 12, 2021

Time: 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM CDT

Website: http://www.dpchamber.com

Register Now

Progressive Luncheon

Event Description:

Empower Your Community while Building Connections with Members of 22 Chambers of Commerce!

Multiply your networking potential at this Multi-Chamber Mega Connect Virtual Event.

 

Join the following Chambers for this fast-paced networking experience!

 

 Arlington Hts - Buffalo Grove/Lincolnshire- DBR - Des Plaines - Edgebrook/Sauganash - Evanston - Gladstone Park - Glencoe - Glenview - Highland Park-  Lake Forest/Lake Bluff - LGBTCC - Lincolnwood -Morton Grove - Niles - Northbrook - Park Ridge - Portage Park - Skokie -Uptown - Westridge - Greater Wheeling - Wilmette/Kenilworth and Winnetka/Northfield Chambers of Commerce

The event will begin with informal networking while you enjoy lunch from your favorite local restaurant (optional). Attendees will then be divided into small groups and assigned to “Breakout Rooms” where everyone will give 2-minute presentations on their companies. There will be multiple, random rotations through Breakout Rooms to get you maximum exposure for your business. In addition, everyone will receive a contact list of participants via email after the event. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to expand your reach and resources while maintaining your social distance!

 

Registration Form Click Here

Chamber’s Leadership Fredericksburg Announces Class of 2022 

30 Fellows Selected 

The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber is pleased to announce the Leadership Fredericksburg Class of 2022. Fellows will meet monthly from September 2021 through May 2022. Sessions are at businesses throughout the region. Participants hone their leadership skills and meet with notable community leaders. Each Fellow has a trained mentor that supports his or her progress. Fellows divide into teams to work on an Action Learning Project. The program culminates with a graduation ceremony in May.  

 Leadership Fredericksburg’s faculty leads are Dr. David Corderman with Academy Leadership Associates, Dr. J.R. Flatter with Flatter, Inc. and Chamber President/CEO Susan Spears. Janel Donohue with the Rappahannock United Way and Kimberly Young, with the University of Mary Washington complete the faculty. Mary Washington Healthcare is the program’s Title Sponsor.  

 

Leadership Fredericksburg 2022 Fellows 

 

• Felicia Ainsa, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative 
• Melandie Brown, Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center 
• Cynthia Burris, Wells Fargo 
• Shawn Carrington, MacDoc Realty 
• Stephen Curtis, Rappahannock Area Community Services Board 
• Lauren Dracoules, Micah Ecumenical Ministries 
• Sharon Glover, Central Virginia Housing Coalition 
• Phillip Goodlett, effectv-Comcast 
• Adam Gullickson, Flatter Inc. 
• Mark Haines, Germanna Community College 
• Lisa Henry, Mary Washington Healthcare 
• Megan Hesse, Stafford County 
• Jenna Hudspeth, Matern Staffing 
• Stephen Hughes, Mary Washington Healthcare 
• Mechelle Johnson, Atlantic Union Bank 
• Kristal King, Glam Room Salon Suites  
• Kirk Lancaster, Atlantic Builders 
• Andrea Light, Stafford County 
• Heather Lee, Fredericksburg Christian School 
• Kathryn Lybarger, HDT Global 
• Allison Names, Fredericksburg SPCA 
• Rachael Orzechowski, SimVentions 
• Deanna Pack, University of Mary Washington 
• Michael Pocchiari, Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center 
• Michael Presutto, Fredericksburg Police Department  
• Adriana Puckett, Central Rappahannock Regional Library 
• Camile Sue, The Icing Baking Company 
• Morgan Szymczyk, LifeCare Medical Transports 
• Jessica Thompson, Germanna Community College 
• Will Whittier, HDT Global 

The Chamber thanks the following sponsors whose generosity makes the Leadership Fredericksburg program possible:  

 2021 Program Title Sponsor: Mary Washington Healthcare 

2021 Program Gold Sponsors: Atlantic Builders, Ltd.; Atlantic Union Bank; Flatter, Inc., Germanna Community College; LifeCare Medical Transports; SimVentions; and Stafford County Economic Development Authority. 

 To learn more about Leadership Fredericksburg, please contact Carley Swaim Walker, Senior Director of Membership & Community Advancement at 540-373-9508 or cwalker@fxbgchamber.org. 

Media Contact:  Anna Talcott, Marketing & Communication Manager (540) 373-9527

atalcott@fxbgchamber.org 

 

UW System to offer vaccinated students $7K scholarships




The University of Wisconsin System plans to offer nearly $500,000 in scholarships this fall to students who have been vaccinated against the coronavirus.

System President Tommy Thompson said all vaccinated students at regional four- and two-year campuses that get at least 70% of their students vaccinated by Oct. 15 will be eligible for a drawing for a $7,000 scholarship. Seventy students will win, with more winners coming from campuses with larger enrollments.

UW-Madison students won’t be eligible, Thompson said, because Chancellor Rebecca Blank is working on her own vaccination incentive programs. Asked for details on Blank’s plans, UW-Madison spokesman John Lucas said the flagship university is “on a path” to reach 80% vaccination among students and is “considering incentives” but had nothing to announce.

Thompson has called for campuses to offer at least three-quarters of their courses in-person this fall. He said he set the vaccination threshold at 70% for the scholarship drawing because that’s generally considered the minimum for herd immunity.


“If we can arrive at 70% we’re going to have a very safe year,” Thompson said during a conference call with reporters on Friday. “That’s why I’m pushing so hard.”

Several campuses across the country have launched similar tuition reduction incentives to encourage student vaccinations rather than issue mandates. Purdue in May offered 10 lottery winners free tuition for a year. Rowan University in New Jersey in May offered tuition and housing discounts. Officials in New York state last month launched a drawing in which anyone between the ages of 12 and 17 who got vaccinated could win full tuition and housing to any state school. UW-Oshkosh plans to award 10 $1,000 scholarships to vaccinated students in a drawing this fall.

A $7,000 scholarship would defray a huge chunk of tuition for students at the system’s regional campuses.

Resident tuition at UW-Eau Claire last year was about $8,870. Resident tuition at UW-Green Bay was about $7,873. At UW-Oshkosh it was about $7,700 and at UW-La Crosse it was $9,159. Regents earlier this month adopted a 2021-22 budget that keeps tuition frozen.

Grand Rapids Chamber: Feedback Needed on the Going Pro Talent Fund

The Grand Rapids Chamber has supported the Going Pro Talent Fund since its inception and believes this program will play a vital role in helping Michigan get back on its feet post-pandemic. Talent is the most significant need we are hearing from West Michigan businesses across all industries, and we know employers and employees alike have had to adapt and find new ways to be successful in today’s economy. We will be advocating for significant state investment in training from federal relief funds and want to ensure that these one-time funds are put to their most effective use. The Grand Rapids Chamber feels it is the right time to look further into the Going Pro program, and we are eager to find ways to expand this proven talent tool so more West Michigan employers and employees can benefit.    To aid in our work, we are collecting feedback from members that have dealt with the Going Pro Talent Fund. Whether you’ve received funding, applied without receiving funding, or are a training provider, we’d like your input on ways to improve or expand the program. Our team is in constant communication with leaders in Lansing and the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and would appreciate any insight you could provide to aid in these conversations.  Please fill out this brief survey, or reach out to Alexa Kramer, Director of Government Affairs, at alexa@grandrapids.org to share your ideas.  Haven’t heard of the Going Pro Talent Fund? Find out more about this top Chamber priority here.

Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce Accepting Applications for 2021-22 Leadership Lansing Cohort

 

[LANSING, MICHIGAN] Applications are now being accepted for the 2021-22 Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce Leadership Lansing cohort.  This year’s cohort will run from October to May, with one meeting each month, except for December.

 

Leadership Lansing is an eight-month program in which participants engage in seven workshops where they are exposed to key institutions, industry sectors, and business leaders that are the fabric of the Greater Lansing region. This past session focused on government, education, manufacturing, insurance, health care, homegrown businesses and entrepreneurism, cultural gems in the region, and Lansing history. Participants also receive training in individual leadership skills, including understanding how to identify and leverage their strengths. In the past six years, 227 outstanding leaders have completed the Leadership Lansing program.

“TechSmith is proud to have been able to be a part of several Leadership Lansing cohorts. Year after year, the course has proved to be an outstanding opportunity for our team members to focus on personal development in addition to exploring opportunities to grow perspectives on leadership, teamwork, innovation, and collaboration,” said Wendy Hamilton, CEO, TechSmith. “We have seen immense value not just from the collective program, but also from each meeting that our TechSmithies have attended. Engaging and educational tours of manufacturing plants (and otherwise closed to public businesses) and face time with business, political, and community leaders have also made this unique experience a vital investment for our company and the Lansing community.”

“Leadership Lansing continues to be an excellent program for our team to connect with the community while enhancing their leadership skills, said April Clobes, president and CEO, MSU Federal Credit Union. “All of our graduates have expressed their appreciation for their increased knowledge of the region, an enhanced network of peers, and insights gained from other leaders in the area.”

IDEAL CANDIDATES

Leadership Lansing seeks established and emerging leaders who can make a positive impact in the community. Candidates should have demonstrated past community commitment or a strong desire to become involved. Leadership Lansing seeks a diverse representation or organizations from across the community, including professionals from financial services, education, manufacturing, healthcare, the arts, government, and other sectors. As Leadership Lansing aims to include leaders who reflect Lansing’s diverse cultures and residents, minority and women leaders are strongly encouraged to apply.

PROGRAM COST

Tuition for Leadership Lansing is $2,200 and includes all workshops, materials, and meals. Applications for this year’s Leadership Lansing cohort are available at https://lansingregionalchamberofcommerce.growthzoneapp.com/ap/Form/Fill/r4egjsQp

Deadline for submission is Friday, Sept. 17.

Contact: Ashley Sandborn, Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (517)342-4549                           asandborn@lansingchamber.org

Auburn Hills Chamber: ILEAD program

Five Month Leadership Development Program

August through December 2021

LEARN best practices to develop quality leadership skills

ENGAGE with current and future leaders

ACHIEVE success

DISCOVER your inner leader

REGISTER HERE

Designed for leaders who want to build their strengths in self-awareness, ability to influence, community development, team work, and adaptability while forging life-long relationships with other trailblazers in the Auburn Hills business community. From August through December 2021, participants will meet one day each month to LEARN best practices to develop quality leadership skills, ENGAGE with current and future leaders, ACHIEVE success, and DISCOVER your inner leader.

The ILEAD Class of 2021 will be recognized during the 2022 State of the Community, a great way to build recognition and awareness for your company!

Attendee Benefits

You will be exposed to a wide variety of perspectives. Each of the sessions focuses on a thought-provoking topic ranging from community development and outreach, business and cultural ethics, diversity, and self-discovery. ILEAD will help you:

· Connect with others from a variety of backgrounds

· Develop resilience and adaptability when dealing with difficult situations

· Build a road-map to leadership success

Employer Benefits

Supporting your mid-level leaders shows value for their contribution to your business and a deeper awareness of community engagement while forging life-long relationships with other trailblazers in the Auburn Hills business community. ILEAD will:

· Provide a bigger picture to their role in making an impact to your bottom line

· Build recognition and awareness for your company

· Serve as a retention strategy for employees ultimately boosting morale

Member Tuition: $499 | Future Member Tuition: $599

2021 SESSION LINE UP

Orientation & Session 1: Personality Dimensions Awareness

Tuesday, August 24, 2021

Time: 7:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Personality Dimensions Awareness Workshops are effective in developing leaders and strengthening teams. As a research-based, trait disposition tool, Personality Dimensions is especially useful for professionals managing others or seeking to work cooperatively with a variety of personality types.

Presenter: Joscelyn A. Davis, President and CEO, JADE Strategies

Location: Hawk Woods Lodge, Auburn Hills

Session 2: Our Auburn Hills

Tuesday, September 21, 2021

Time: 8:30 - 11:30 AM

More than 100,000 business professionals drive into Auburn Hills each day to work. During this session, participants will learn the secrets behind the scenes presented by current leaders from the City of Auburn Hills. Learn its unique history and what makes Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills! Plus a special presentation from the Rotary Club of Auburn Hills

Presenters: Auburn Hills Leaders

Location: City of Auburn Hills

Session 3: Conscious Leadership

Tuesday, October 19, 2021

Time: 8:30 - 11:00 AM

There are so many leadership styles and models, where and how does conscious leadership fit? How can I become a more conscious leader? How does becoming a more humane leader influence my business? It shouldn't come as a surprise that a conversation about conscious leadership starts with a series of questions. We will dive into what makes us more thoughtful, awake and intentional leaders, understanding the value of mindset, and learning to live and work with purpose. Plus a special presentation from Holiday Extravaganza.

Presenter: Thomas Sommer, MPP, CFRE, Executive Director, Leadership Oakland

Location: City of Auburn Hills Community Center

Session 4: Lead with Social and Emotional Intelligence

Tuesday, November 30, 2021

Time: 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM

It is no secret that workplace dynamics have radically changed over the past several decades. It has left business leaders working to stabilize their teams while seeking to maintain productivity and profitability. Globalization, cultural & generational diversity, a transient work force, and shifting values and expectations from their employees has contributed greatly to the challenges leaders face. Plus a special presentation from Everybody, Inc.

Presenters: John Ball & Lisa Goyette, Co-Founders, CH Training

Location: City of Auburn Hills Community Center

Session 5: Collaborative Conversations

Wednesday, December 15, 2021

Time: 8:30 - 11:30 AM

A workshop on the Collaborative Conversation Model. This model aligns Stephen Coveys fifth habit of Highly Effective People - Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood, with the four step powerful coaching conversation model. Participants will learn how to address challenges individuals face personally and professionally. Asking the right questions will lead those individuals to self-discover solutions and commit to action! This is a powerful workshop ideal for anyone in leadership, from entry level management to CEOs, helping them to become effective listeners and impactful thought leaders.

Presenter: Davin Salvagno, President & Founder, PurposePoint

Location: The HUB Stadium, Auburn Hills

REGISTER HERE

Macomb County Chamber: Last Chance to Register for the Governor's Luncheon!

August 4 Doors open at 11 a.m.

$50 for Members
$75 for Not-Yet-Members

Today is the last day to register for the Governor's Luncheon!

The Macomb County Chamber and the Sterling Heights Regional Chamber are pleased to once again host Governor Gretchen Whitmer at a luncheon addressing Macomb County’s business community. The event includes networking, a buffet lunch, and the Governor’s answers to your questions.

This year's event will be held at Jimmy John's Field at 7171 Auburn Rd. Utica, MI 48317.

Register Now!

Joliet Region Chamber: Legislative Coffee Add Monday, August 16 to your calendars as we host our quarterly “Legislative Coffee” with U.S. Representatives Bill Foster, Lauren Underwood, and Marie Newman. We’ll cover topics such as the budget, infrastructure, taxes, the recent executive order, and more. We’ll begin at 8 am and discuss through 9:30 at the Joliet City Hall Council Chambers. We hope you can join us and thank CITGO for being our coffee series sponsor. Here is the rsvp & info link: http://jolietchamber.chambermaster.com/events/details/2021-legislative-coffee-series-august-16th-with-u-s-representatives-foster-underwood-newman-6082 Dubuque Chamber: Good morning and happy Monday! The Dubuque Area Chamber is excited to invite you to attend an innovative and exciting new event designed to deliver all benefits of membership in one quick two hour session. During the day, you’ll hear from Dr. Eric Eller, Professor of Finance at Loras College to discuss threats and opportunities for small business post-COVID, followed by Q&A. After a short break, we’ll reconvene to help develop the Chamber’s legislative agenda in real time, and provide input on future education programming from the Chamber. We hope to see someone from your management team at this exciting new event! Registration information is below, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to me at RSempf@DubuqueChamber.com Leaders Over Lunch Thursday, August 19th 11:30am – 1:30pm Hotel Julien Dubuque Register Here

St. Charles Area Chamber looking for new leader The St. Charles Area Chamber of Commerce is looking for a new leader following the announcement that Chamber President and CEO Jim Di Ciaula is leaving the organization next month. He started in his position in January 2018. His last day will be Sept. 3. "I've been spending some time over the last several months thinking about where we've been, what we've accomplished and where it's going next, while at the same time thinking about what do I want to do next and do I want to carry this forward or is it a good time to transition," Di Ciaula said. "I put a lot of energy, passion and focus into bringing it where it is. I thought maybe it's a good time to let someone else come in and bring some fresh ideas and perspectives and continue to move it to another level." Di Ciaula said he is proud of the Chamber's efforts to help the business community navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic. "We did all that we could to help get information, tools and resources out to the community during the pandemic," he said. "And we're continuing to support them in different ways. I do feel good about that." St. Charles Area Chamber Board Chairman Ryan Anderson commended Di Ciaula for all the work he has done. "I think it's well known that he worked tirelessly, especially during COVID, to help our members out," Anderson said. "He along with one of our members, Bill Papp, really did a lot of research on the PPP loans and provided our members with a tremendous amount of information." He said when Di Ciaula came to the Chamber, "he definitely advanced it several steps from where it was." Read more: Daily Herald

Naperville Area Chamber Announces 4 Under 40 Achievement Award Recipients  The Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce (NACC) is pleased to announce this year’s recipients of the 4 Under 40 Achievement Awards. This prestigious award recognizes four young professionals under the age of 40 who demonstrate excellence in community leadership, leadership in business, as well as excellence in career, and life balance.   This 6th annual signature event has been bestowed to the following young professionals:  Megan Lynch DuPage Medical Group, Manager, Charitable Fund Ashley Wilhelm Allegra of Romeoville, Business Development Manager Jessica Gerke Banyan Treatment Center, Intake Supervisor Michelle Clemen Avenida Naperville, Community Manager   “We are consistently in awe of the exceptional character inside our NACC Young Professionals Network,” said Kaylin Risvold, President & CEO of the NACC. “The honorees were poised, prepared, and demonstrated exactly the leadership ideals we wish to promote as future leaders and stewards of positive change inside business.”   The NACC looks forward to hosting this cocktail reception on June 24th, 2021 from 4:00 - 6:00 pm at Elements at Water Street inside the Hotel Indigo at 123 Water Street, 2nd Floor in Naperville, Illinois. The reception will include a brief program where the four award recipients are highlighted as well as the outstanding finalists nominated this year – in addition, 2020 award winners will be recognized.   Risvold concludes, “I believe the most amazing part of this selection process is discovering the talent that exists in our community from this powerful segment of our workforce. Not to mention, we were dually impressed with the number of female nominees that resulted in a special end result of this year’s winners all being women. It is a vital piece of the Chamber’s mission to be serving as your resource for our community – and distinguishing those individuals that shine in their professional and personal capacities is one way to continue to put our mission in action.”

Lake Zurich Chamber: Increased Precautions   The Lake County Health Department is urging the public to take precautions to slow the resurgence of COVID-19. The majority of cases nationwide have been in unvaccinated individuals. Cases have been steadily increasing in Lake County over the past month. We encourage those that have not received a COVID-19 vaccine to do so as soon as possible. Getting vaccinated protects you from severe disease, hospitalization and death. It also protects those in our population that are vulnerable, children, elderly and immunocompromised.   It is also more important now than ever to also stop the spread of misinformation. The U.S. Surgeon General recently released an advisory on Confronting Health Misinformation, stating that “health misinformation is a serious threat to public health." Land Acquired For Lodge And Conference Center On Lake Okhissa Below is a press release from the Scenic Rivers Development Alliance: Scenic Rivers Development Alliance today announced the acquisition of approximately 150 acres of land along the shoreline of Lake Okhissa in Southwest Mississippi from the U.S. Forest Service (USFS). Scenic Rivers Development Alliance is a body politic of the State of Mississippi, which has worked on this rural development project with U.S. Cindy Hyde Smith. Senator Hyde Smith sponsored a provision in the 2018 Farm Bill allowing the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to convey the real USFS property to Scenic Rivers as part of the continued development of Lake Okhissa. Rural economic development has been and continues to be at the top of Senator Hyde Smith’s agenda. Plans for the acreage include a 200-room lodge and a 1,000-person conference center. Scenic Rivers Development Alliance Executive Director, Joseph Parker stated “relationships with the United States Department of Agriculture, the Mississippi Development Authority, the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, Franklin County, the Town of Meadville, along with private companies like C Spire and Franklin Telephone Company have and remain the key to this project.” “There is a shared vision for rural economic development between counties and cities in Southwest Mississippi,” stated Parker. Senator Hyde-Smith and Representative Michael Guest, whose district includes the project, praised the acquisition. “The U.S. Forest Service land transfer to the Scenic Rivers Development Alliance is absolutely wonderful news and a crucial step for this plan to bring jobs and economic development to southwest Mississippi,” Senator Hyde-Smith said. “I’ve long been invested in this project, and I am eager to see the economic benefits it will bring to this rural region. I am also very grateful to the Forest Service and Secretary Vilsack for following through on this.” “Rural economic development is a key component to Mississippi’s overall economic health. The Lake Okhissa project has brought together key players from the public and private sectors in a unified goal to make southwest Mississippi an even better place to live, worship, and raise a family, and it’s been an honor to work with them towards this goal,” Guest said. Work on the lodge and conference center, which will house a variety of workforce training platforms, is expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2021. The proposed lodge will serve as a home base for visitors wishing to enjoy the great outdoors in Southwest Mississippi. Members of the Scenic Rivers Development Alliance are Pike County, Franklin County, Amite County, Wilkinson County, Walthall County, and the City of McComb. The alliance promotes outdoor recreation and tourism in southwest Mississippi. “A shared vision among public and private stake holders will allow Scenic Rivers to bring this project to fruition, as originally envisioned by local planners and the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service,” explained Franklin County Chamber of Commerce President Brad Jones. Source: Northside Sun Ocean Springs Chamber: Blue Moon Art Project Contest The Blue Moon Art Project contest is back ahead of the Peter Anderson Arts and Crafts Festival. Now is your time to enter for a chance to win $2,000 and more. As a part of the contest, applicants across the state, ages 21 and older, are encouraged to submit a painting showing their interpretation of Blue Moon. This year’s theme is ‘Where do you Blue Moon?’ Each piece that’s entered is judged by a jury committee. The winner’s painting will be chosen as the symbol for Blue Moon’s marketing surrounding the following year’s Peter Anderson Arts and Crafts Festival. Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Cynthia Sutton tells News 25 the Blue Moon Art Project Contest provides Mississippi artists with a great opportunity. “It’s a really fun way to get notoriety as an artist and for your art work. It’s also a statewide event. The Peter Anderson Arts and Crafts Festival is the largest fine arts festival in the state and one of the ones in the region. So, the reach to have your artwork out there is far beyond just being here in Ocean Springs or the Mississippi Gulf Coast.” Sutton says this year judges are looking for a more contemporary and abstract piece. For more information on submissions visit the Peter Anderson Festival website. The deadline for submission is October 15th. Read more: WXXV25 Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories, Maps, Apps, Quarterly Magazines, Digital Directory Sales and Community Profiles: The no cost, no risk 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!

Chamber Executive Wisconsin Digest 
December, 2015

Happy New Year, Chamber World! 2016 is going to be your best year ever!

Chamber issue: Beloit businesses urge Walker to find funds for 39/90 work

Members of the Beloit business community are urging Gov. Scott Walker to find a way to pay for the I-39/90 project.

In a timeline sent out last month by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, major construction is delayed until 2019. Previously that work was scheduled to begin in spring 2017.

The I-39/90 expansion project extends approximately 45 miles, along Interstate 39/90 from the Illinois state line to Madison. As part of the project all lanes will be widened to three to four lanes from Beloit to Madison. Currently, it’s only two lanes in each direction, although there are some parts near Madison where it is extended to three lanes. The project is estimated to cost nearly $900 million.

"Across the state, Chambers of Commerce are calling for transportation funding to rebuild our infrastructure here in Wisconsin. Why? Because it has a direct impact on businesses, tourism and our image and branding. Businesses need the assurance that their products can travel to market safely and quickly. It’s estimated that visitors spend over $1 billion each year in Dane and Rock counties on food, lodging and shopping. Moreover, right now it’s one of the first things that you notice when driving in from Illinois, the fact that the highway goes from three lanes into two … that and the fact that it needs to be redone. Not to mention the interchanges; the one for Milwaukee Road is practically a death trap,” said Tim Dutter, executive director of the Greater Beloit Chamber, in an email. Read more: Beloit Daily News

Janesville City Council passes 2016 budget, ditches downtown coordinator idea 

The city of Janesville will not create a full-time job to lead efforts to revive the downtown, but it will devote an extra $50,000 to make sure things get done—with private-sector support.

The council Monday formally adopted its 2016 city budget. But before doing so, council members decided against funding a downtown revitalization coordinator after a majority voted to include it in the preliminary budget several weeks ago.

The council also decided to defund a part-time “emergency management program manager” position that City Manager Mark Freitag lobbied for heavily.

The 2016 budget will result in an $89 increase in city taxes and fees for the average Janesville homeowner.

Once estimated at $102,000, the downtown coordinator position would have cost the city $97,000, officials said Monday. But rather than fund that, the council decided to set aside $50,000 to pay for grant-writing specialists or consultations as needed.

Private business leaders who attended Monday's meeting pledged to contribute matching dollars to those efforts. John Beckord, president of Forward Janesville, proposed the chosen model during a public hearing portion of the meeting. See more at: Gazette Extra

 

New chamber director hired in Green Lake

Green Lake Area Chamber of Commerce officials didn’t search far for their new director. Monday, it was announced the new director is Liane Walsh, who took over as interim director following the sudden departure of Denise Hibbitts in late June. Hibbitts had held the position for just one year. Read more: Ripon Press

 

Kenosha Area Chamber looks to expand school-business partnership

The Kenosha Area Chamber of Commerce, in an attempt to expose more students to business and career opportunities, is expanding its after-school Business and Education Partners Program to include more businesses and students.

AT&T is continuing its support of BEPP with a $5,000 donation to fund the program for the upcoming spring semester. The grant is through the AT&T Wisconsin Innovation & Investment Award program.

Originally established to connect Kenosha County high school freshmen to institutions of higher learning and local manufacturing businesses, the program will be expanded to include all high school grades.

BEPP offers students an opportunity to participate in a five-week program where they work on projects and learn about local colleges and manufacturing companies. Read more: Kenosha News

Door County heart: Baileys Harbor Community Association Dinner benefits Sturgeon Bay woman

The Baileys Harbor Community Association is using its community Thanksgiving Dinner to raise funds for a Sturgeon Bay woman with cancer.

The fifth annual Baileys Harbor Community Thanksgiving Dinner is being used as a fundraiser for Tasha Ustianowski, 40, a single mother diagnosed with synovial sarcoma over the summer.

Ustianowski found a lump on the back of her leg last December. After doing some research, she concluded it was a baker's cyst and nothing to worry about. The lump continued to get worse, and in June she went to the doctor. The doctor also thought it was a cyst but ordered an MRI as a precaution. The lump turned out to be a possible mass and a second scan was done. Eventually Ustianowski was advised make an appointment at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee.

Since her diagnosis she has been undergoing radiation and chemotherapy. The treatments are in an effort to shrink the tumor ahead of surgery.

Each chemo treatment causes her to miss about a week of work and recovery from surgery is expected to take about eight weeks, Ustianowski said. There are risks of complications from the surgery. Read more: Green Bay Press-Gazette

Chamber Executive Ongoing Education Weekly New Idea: (Holiday Reading)

The Answer - Grow Any Business, Achieve Financial Freedom, and Live an Extraordinary Life

By John Assaraf and Murray Smith

A key team member behind The Secret and his business partner offer the specific tools and mental strategies to help readers leap ahead in any career or business venture and achieve major financial success. In this visionary work, New York Times bestselling author John Assaraf and business guru Murray Smith reinvent the business book for the twenty-first century. Two of the most successful entrepreneurs in the world, they combine forces to bring their special insights and techniques together in a revolutionary guide for success in the modern business environment. 

Assaraf and Smith know how to minimize risk and maximize success, and The Answer provides a framework for sharing their wisdom, experience, and skills with the millions of people who want to accomplish their own dreams in life. Using cutting-edge research into brain science and quantum physics, they show how readers can actually rewire their brains for success and create the kind of extraordinary lives they want. By teaching readers how to attract and use newly discovered "uncommon" senses to achieve business success, the authors demonstrate the beliefs, habits, thoughts, and actions that they have used to build eighteen multimillion-dollar companies. 

Any reader who follows this step-by-step process to build his or her career will experience an enormous life transformation and reach an exceptional level of living. - See more at: Simon & Schuster

MMAC report: Area economic indicators improved in October

Sixteen of 23 indicators showed gains in MMAC report

In October, 16 of 23 economic indicators tracked in the MMAC report showed improvement compared to year-ago levels. That was the highest number of positive indicators since May and was an improvement from just 12 positive indicators in the September report.

“The aggregate total of positive indicators for October marked a measure of recovery from the relatively weak totals recorded in recent months,” said Bret Mayborne, the MMAC’s economic research director. “October’s positive trends was led by consistent job gains and lower unemployment rates.”

Nonfarm employment numbered 865,700 in October, the metro area’s highest job total posted in over seven years (since December, 2007). Employment rose at a 1.2 percent pace vs. year-ago levels, up from September’s revised 0.7 percent gain (vs. September, 2014).

Metro Milwaukee’s seasonally unadjusted unemployment rate fell one percentage point from year-ago levels, to 4.2 percent in October. Milwaukee’s rate ranks lower than the 4.8 percent national rate but higher than Wisconsin’s 3.6 percent rate. Read more: Biz Times

East Troy Chamber presentation: Ring in the holidays aboard Santa Train Dec. 5

Limited tickets are now available for children of all ages who would like to ride in special passenger trolley cars that will follow the East Troy Electric Railroad’s Santa Train on Saturday, Dec. 5, when it makes its annual journey into town.

Presented by the East Troy Electric Railroad in conjunction with the East Troy Area Chamber of Commerce and Mukwonago Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Center, the lighted four-car train will travel down the century-old interurban trolley line between Mukwonago and East Troy.

Spectators, who aren’t aboard the train, can catch a glimpse of Santa along Highway ES. The train will stop briefly at the following crossings:

·         5:30 p.m., train departs at The Elegant Farmer

·         5:45 p.m., Army Lake Road — Army Lake Camp

·         6 p.m., St. Peter’s Road

·         6:15 p.m., Byrnes Street

·         6:25 p.m., Division Street

·         6:30 p.m., Santa arrives on Village Square via East Troy Fire Department truck

The heated passenger trolley will begin boarding at 5 p.m. at The Elegant Farmer, depart at 5:30 p.m. and follow the Santa Train to East Troy. Riders will be able to walk to the historic village square to watch Santa light the Bob Barutha Memorial Christmas tree. The return trip will depart the East Troy depot at 8 p.m.

Tickets for the special ride, which must be purchased in advance, are available for $10 each at the East Troy Chamber Office, 2894 Main St. (on the Village Square) and the Mukwonago Chamber Office, 100 Atkinson St. For more information, call 262-642-3770 or 262-363-7758. Read more: Journal Times

Trees on Parade this weekend in Twin Lakes

The village will usher in the holiday season this weekend with its 10th annual Trees on Parade and holiday shopping event.

Marilyn Trongeau, executive director of the Twin Lakes Area Chamber and Business Association, said there will be about 20 crafters and vendors at the annual bazaar, set against the backdrop of 15 decorated trees.

“It is just a warm, inviting atmosphere,” Trongeau said.

The event, sponsored by Allied Plastics, will take place from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at St. John the Evangelist Parish, 701 Lake Ave., Twin Lakes.

Admission is $2 for ages 12 and older; $1 for children ages 4-11; children under 4 are free and includes an entry for the door prize — a 10-inch, quad-core tablet.

Highlights of the event include the tree and gingerbread house decorating contests, appearances by Santa Claus throughout the two-day festival and the lighting of the village tree at Central Park, adjacent to the TLCBA office on Main Street at 5:30 p.m. Friday night.

“The Wilmot High School Choir will sing prior to the tree lighting,” Trongeau said, adding that the local Boy Scouts will sell hot cocoa ad cookies at the park. Read more: Kenosha News

Fox Cities Chamber announces business awards

The Fox Cities Chamber will honor the following winners of The Event: Celebrating Business Awards 2015 at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 19 at the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel, 333 W. College Ave.

The Event awards program recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding achievements in operating businesses as well as leadership in the community.

Business Hall of Fame Inductees: John Bergstrom, chairman and CEO, Bergstrom Corp.; and Richard “Dick” Bergstrom, vice chairman Bergstrom Corp. Awarded to individuals who have demonstrated personal and business success, business leaders who have gained recognition and honor for outstanding achievement in their industry and who have been dedicated to the economic vitality of the community, and are role models for future generations.

The Gus A. Zuehlke Distinguished Service Award: Jon Stellmacher, retired senior vice president, Thrivent Financial. This award is named in honor of Gus A. Zuehlke, a past chairman of the board of the Fox Cities Chamber, and recognizes an individual who has made outstanding contributions through leadership in business and service during his/her years as a Chamber member. The recipient of this award will have a $5,000 award/grant donated to the charitable organization of his/her choice.

Joyce Bytof Exceptional Mentor Award: Tony Busch, managing member, Priora Cash Flow Management LLC. Awarded to an individual who is proactive in the advancement of others by sharing time, talent and business experience for the purposes of promoting growth and opportunity in the Fox Cities. Read more: Post Crescent

Taste of the good life: Greater Beloit Chamber event pleases palates

The more than 200 guests to Beloit’s first Taste of the Chamber event were treated to a grand feast of bite-sized proportions.

When not mixing and mingling, attendees were munching their way through samples of pulled pork, Cuban sandwiches, Italian beef, reuben soup, cheese cake bites, beer and other delicacies. Balancing wee plates and itty bitty forks, the enthusiastic eaters were able to try the very best of Beloit cuisine.

Held at the Eclipse Center Wednesday evening, the Taste featured not only beer and food samples, but plenty of networking opportunities, good cheer and music by the band Gary.

“It’s a great first event. The parking lot is full, and the band is great,” said guest Elizabeth Horvath.

“This is a cool event. This is what we do in Chi-town,” said Ron Whitley.

“It’s a great way to get a taste of everything in one area,” said Selina Quinn. “It’s a great opportunity for the local businesses to showcase their offerings.”

Greater Beloit Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Tim Dutter said the event attracted more than 200 people and was an opportunity for restaurants to show the community what they can offer. Although any new activity is a risk, he said the Taste was definitely a success and will be offered again next year. Dutter said the event had a layout conducive to networking and was held at an opportune time, in December when people are eager to get out. Read more: Beloit Daily News

Chamber recipient: Rhinelander Tourism & Marketing Committee allots $6,575 in grants

The Rhinelander Tourism & Marketing Committee on Wednesday approved allocating $6,575 in winter grants to 13 non-profit organizations in the community. The grants support programs and projects that will bring overnight visitors to the area.

The grants appropriated were:

• $275 to Northwoods Nordic Ski Club for promoting winter sports at Heal Creek
• $300 to Leathernecks of the North for its Fourth of July parade
• $300 to Northwoods Nordic Ski Club for maintaining its website
• $300 to WXPR Public Radio for its 2015-16 concert series
• $400 to Oneida County ATV Association for printing membership and maps flyers and trail patrol cards
• $400 to the Oneida County Fair for a petting zoo
• $400 to W.I.L.D. Hodag Mini-Triathlon for advertising
• $500 to the Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce for promoting Ho-Drags on Ice
• $500 to YMCA of the Northwoods for marketing the Hodag Run
• $600 to ArtStart Inc. for producing and distributing its annual exhibitions and events brochure and rack card advertisement
• $700 to Rhinelander Ice Arena for a new website to promote tournaments and other activities
• $900 to Hodag Sno-Trails Inc. for publishing the 2016 snowmobile trail map
• $1,000 to the Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce for promoting the Boom Lake Log Jam
The community grant program is funded through room tax collected by the city and the town of Pelican. Read more: RiverNewsOnline.com

Important National Chamber People notes:

Columbus, Ohio Chamber CEO Michael Dalby stepping down - Chairman John McEwan said it was Dalby who elected to step down and that the Chamber has begun the process to find a successor, first locally and then nationally, if need be. Read more: Columbus Business First

 Chamber hero: Ocean Springs' MS Miller retires with accolades, tears --- There were tears and hugs and accolades and more tears, hugs, smiles and a toast to the woman whose name is synonymous with Ocean Springs. Read more: Sun Herald

Top Three Daily Postings in the last month at Midwest Chamber of Commerce blog – click to go there or Google search “Midwest Chamber of Commerce blog”

St. Joseph County Chamber News: South Bend, Indian... Dec 3, 2015	140
Prince William Chamber Holds Legislative Kick-Off,... Dec 8, 2015	131
Chamber Executive Ongoing Education Weekly New Ide... Nov 24, 2015	121

Last Month’s Stories

Beloit Chamber interest: Group rallies around Riverside Project  Beloit Daily News

MMAC initiative: It's time for a lakefront cultural campus – Opinion Journal Sentinel

John Casper, Oshkosh Chamber: Manufacturing key to economy, standard of living TheNorthwestern.com

WMC support: Wisconsin Assembly passes civil service changes TwinCities.com

Sheboygan Chamber President Betsy Alles: Not your grandfather’s chamber Sheboygan Press

Chamber awards: Kenosha Area Business Excellence Awards Cocktail Reception BizTimes.com

2015 Twin Lakes (Wisconsin) Chamber Gala coverage annual gala 

Chamber Executive Ongoing Education Weekly New Idea: The Power of Full Engagement: Managing Energy, Not Time, Is the Key to High Performance and Personal Renewal

WMC: Teaming up to tackle worker shortage Chippewa Herald

Chamber Chuckle - Wacky Wednesday Weirdest Chamber Requests

I have to go the hospital, who will cat sit for me?

Milton Chamber ribbon cutting: Lillians store becomes Pene Jenta Boutique HNGNews.org

Sheboygan County Chamber Tourism nets Platinum MarCom award Sheboygan Press

If you would like delivery of a 2016 chamber directory, community profile or map in May/June of 2016, please contact me at your earliest convenience, or  Click here

Best,

John Dussman

Midwest Sales Manager