Chamber excitement: 3,000 New Members in Cleveland
The Greater Cleveland Partnership (GCP) had a record year in 2018, adding 3,000 new members. The membership growth stems from the success of its health insurance plan for small businesses. In late 2016, the Ohio Department of Insurance gave the green light for GCP to create a Multiple Employer Welfare Arrangement (MEWA) that allows employers to band together in a self-funded group plan. Since then, GCP has added 5,000 members over the last two years.
Lake Zurich Chamber of Commerce Community Guide & Membership Directory
The Lake Zurich Area Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Guide & Business Directory is available at the Lake Zurich Area Chamber today! Thanks to Dale Perrin and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!
Town SquarePublications (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.
Terre Haute Chamber President David Haynes Announces Retirement
Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce President David Haynes announced during Tuesday’s Board of Director’s meeting his plans to retire as President of the Chamber, effective June 30.
Keeping his usual smile, but with an obvious heavy heart, Haynes delivered the news, during the regularly scheduled monthly Board meeting.
Recognizing past Board of Directors chairs that he’s worked alongside, including current Board Chair Brian Kooistra, Chief Operating Officer at Garmong Construction Services – Haynes said his time as the leader of the Chamber has been a “joy” and leaves him full of “pride”.
“It is with equal amounts of appreciation, pride and hope that I announce my retirement as president of the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce,” he said in a statement. “I have great appreciation for this Board and its faith in a Terre Haute native to calm troubled waters and restore the confidence of our business community in this longstanding institution.”
Since being hired in 2014, Haynes has led the Chamber, its membership and staff through an uptick of overall members, an increase of Advocacy efforts, creation of the regional initiative West Central Indiana 2025, the implementation of casino legislation support with “Terre Haute Is All In” and the adoption of Downtown Terre Haute as a branch of the Chamber organization.
“To look back on what’s been accomplished since 2014 is extremely impressive,” Kooistra says. “David has been a great leader of the Chamber, he’s a Terre Haute native that has invested in his community and really made a difference.”
In his retirement Haynes says he plans to spend more time with his wife of 46 years, Nancy, their four sons and six grandchildren; four boys and two girls. A longtime attorney, Haynes will continue to practice law into retirement.
Not without a little humor, Haynes provided a “Toast”, a tradition he’s become known for during the Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting.
“I do believe the Chamber is on the right course,” he says. “I thank you, I hope you share my pride, and with confidence that it will continue well into my retirement, I simply say: “A Toast”.
Kooistra stated to the board that he would be convening the Personnel and Executive Committees in the coming weeks to create a plan on filling the position and a recommendation will be made to the Board in February for their approval.
Working group starts hashing out strategic plan for Shenandoah County
What Lies Ahead for the Barrington Region’s Economy?
BACC Hosts Annual Economic Summit
The Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC) will host its 2019 Annual Economic Summit, "State of the Barrington Region," on Wednesday, Feb. 6 from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. at Barrington’s White House, 145 W. Main St., Barrington. The event gathers village officials from 11 surrounding communities to update local business leaders and the community on current economic conditions and what lies ahead for the Barrington area in 2019. The public is invited. Seating is limited.
“This is a premier event that captures where we are, where we have been, and what’s ahead for our region,” said BACC President Suzanne Corr. “We hear first-hand updates on what impacts local business, residents, and the prosperity of our communities.”
Gov. Bevin recommits to running at the Ky. Chamber of Commerce dinner
Gov. Matt Bevin assured more than 1,500 business leaders at the annual Kentucky Chamber of Commerce dinner Thursday night that he is going to run for re-election in 2019.
"All of you who have the ability to come up with secret strategies, how do you have time for this," he said. "How do you have time to be that sneaky?"
Speculation about Bevin's future has dominated Kentucky politics for months as the Jan. 29 filing deadline approaches.
The governor hasn't filed paperwork or raised any money toward re-election, and Republican critics — namely U.S. Rep. James Comer — have openly questioned if he can get anything accomplished if re-elected.
A new Morning Consult poll this week also shows Bevin with a 34 percent approval and 51 percent disapproval rating, which makes him the, "least popular governor up for re-election in 2019.”
Bevin used most of his 40-minute speech to address the urgency of overhauling the state's ailing retirement benefits system, and its cost to current and future Kentuckians. He also talked about successes with criminal justice reform and overall economic momentum. Read more: Courier-Journal
Jackson County honored as an active community
Bike trails, hiking, state of the art facilities, those are just a few ways to get active in Jackson County.
"We are an active community not only for our residents, but for visitors. We have tons of outdoor recreation here in our area and I think that people that come here to our area, and also the ones that live in our area, find benefit in having all the different opportunities here," said Black River Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Amanda Gunn.
This month, the county was recognized by Wisconsin Active Together, as one of 14 active communities in the state.
Through the efforts of the Jackson in Action coalition, the county got the designation for the first time.
Jackson in Action was created in 2012 thanks to a grant, and has grown leaps and bounds within the county over the past seven years.
"Not too many years ago we were thought of as one of the poorest communities as far as county health rankings in Wisconsin," said Jackson in Action Leadership Team Member Dawn Jacobson. "So to be able to put a lot of different programs in place over the last few years and to be able to recognize the fact that we are doing a lot to promote physical activity really is a big accomplishment for us." Read more: WEAU TV
Keeping his usual smile, but with an obvious heavy heart, Haynes delivered the news, during the regularly scheduled monthly Board meeting.
Recognizing past Board of Directors chairs that he’s worked alongside, including current Board Chair Brian Kooistra, Chief Operating Officer at Garmong Construction Services – Haynes said his time as the leader of the Chamber has been a “joy” and leaves him full of “pride”.
“It is with equal amounts of appreciation, pride and hope that I announce my retirement as president of the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce,” he said in a statement. “I have great appreciation for this Board and its faith in a Terre Haute native to calm troubled waters and restore the confidence of our business community in this longstanding institution.”
Since being hired in 2014, Haynes has led the Chamber, its membership and staff through an uptick of overall members, an increase of Advocacy efforts, creation of the regional initiative West Central Indiana 2025, the implementation of casino legislation support with “Terre Haute Is All In” and the adoption of Downtown Terre Haute as a branch of the Chamber organization.
“To look back on what’s been accomplished since 2014 is extremely impressive,” Kooistra says. “David has been a great leader of the Chamber, he’s a Terre Haute native that has invested in his community and really made a difference.”
In his retirement Haynes says he plans to spend more time with his wife of 46 years, Nancy, their four sons and six grandchildren; four boys and two girls. A longtime attorney, Haynes will continue to practice law into retirement.
Not without a little humor, Haynes provided a “Toast”, a tradition he’s become known for during the Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting.
“I do believe the Chamber is on the right course,” he says. “I thank you, I hope you share my pride, and with confidence that it will continue well into my retirement, I simply say: “A Toast”.
Kooistra stated to the board that he would be convening the Personnel and Executive Committees in the coming weeks to create a plan on filling the position and a recommendation will be made to the Board in February for their approval.
Working group starts hashing out strategic plan for Shenandoah County
Business leaders, elected officials and town representatives gathered around tables on Thursday afternoon to kick off putting a new strategic plan for Shenandoah County in place.
Thursday’s meeting was the first time for working group members and representatives from RKG Associates Inc., an economic planning and real estate consulting firm, to sit down and talk through how everyone wants to proceed. Kyle Talente, vice president and principal of RKG Associates, asked every member of the group to be frank with any and all concerns they had — assuring everyone there was going to be give and take from everyone involved.
The last strategic plan the county enacted was in 2013. Despite actionable goals and a vision for the future, Kim Woodwell, Shenandoah coordinator of the Alliance for Shenandoah Valley, said little has been done to help towns work together and meet benchmarks.
“I’m looking, I’m researching,” Woodwell said, holding up the county’s last effort. “There is no strategic plan. That’s ideas.”
Talente assured group members he was planning on assessing the previous plan and making sure the new plan lays out a clear path for success.
“Generally, we get to a more granular level in terms of those ideas,” he said, “which makes it easier to hold someone accountable.”
Blake Phillips, a member of the Industrial Development Authority and the committee that selected RKG, said RKG was chosen because of its commitment to creating a clear plan that provided accountability, as well as a willingness to confront differences between individuals and towns.
Keeping everyone accountable is a problem, Talente said, he will help address later. The first order of business was to get everyone thinking about what economic development is.
“This is an engaged process,” Talente said, “and at the end of the day, this is going to be a plan that is presented to the community from the working group with my assistance.”
Ideas about what economic development is and what is best for the county varied between working group members and their backgrounds. Key ideas such as tax diversification, bringing money into the community and creating an environment geared around attracting business were common themes.
Talente asked members to be honest about concerns they had for the group moving forward. Dennis Dysart, president of the Shenandoah County Chamber of Commerce, said resistance to a shift away from agriculture as a central feature of the county has been one of the issues that have held up groups in the past.
“I think we talk about our lifestyle here in Shenandoah County as being one of agriculture,” Dysart said. “I would differentiate and say its a rural-based lifestyle.”
Dysart said the amenities residents enjoy and often think of as “agriculture” are, in fact, the open space and a different way of living. “Preserving” agriculture as a way of life should not be a goal of the strategic plan, he said.
One meeting helped bring concerns like Dysart’s up and offered Talente a jumping off point to assess possible stumbling blocks moving forward. Read more: Northern Virginia Daily
Plymouth Chamber of Commerce Community Map
The Plymouth Chamber of Commerce Community Map is available at the Plymouth Chamber! Thanks to Connie Holzwart and the Plymouth chamber membership for their help and direction putting this together!
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.
What Lies Ahead for the Barrington Region’s Economy?
BACC Hosts Annual Economic Summit
The Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC) will host its 2019 Annual Economic Summit, "State of the Barrington Region," on Wednesday, Feb. 6 from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. at Barrington’s White House, 145 W. Main St., Barrington. The event gathers village officials from 11 surrounding communities to update local business leaders and the community on current economic conditions and what lies ahead for the Barrington area in 2019. The public is invited. Seating is limited.
“This is a premier event that captures where we are, where we have been, and what’s ahead for our region,” said BACC President Suzanne Corr. “We hear first-hand updates on what impacts local business, residents, and the prosperity of our communities.”
Confirmed speakers include: Karen Darch of Barrington; Martin McLaughlin of Barrington Hills; Beth McAndrews of Deer Park; Nandia Black of Kildeer; Karen Daulton-Lange of Lake Barrington; Bill Jacob of Long Grove; Albert Pino of North Barrington; Shannon Yeaton of Port Barrington; and Paula McCombie of South Barrington.
Speakers will discuss the 2018 year in review, economic development accomplishments, and goals for 2019. The BACC Economic Summit is open to the public; registration is required. Cost is $40 for Chamber Members, $50 for guests, and includes a hot breakfast buffet served by Egg Harbor Café. The BACC Economic Summit is sponsored by Good Shepherd Hospital and Northern Trust Bank.
To register, call the BACC office at 847-381-2525, or email events@barringtonchamber.com. You can also register online at the BACC website, www.BarringtonChamber.com
Gov. Bevin recommits to running at the Ky. Chamber of Commerce dinner
Gov. Matt Bevin assured more than 1,500 business leaders at the annual Kentucky Chamber of Commerce dinner Thursday night that he is going to run for re-election in 2019.
"All of you who have the ability to come up with secret strategies, how do you have time for this," he said. "How do you have time to be that sneaky?"
Speculation about Bevin's future has dominated Kentucky politics for months as the Jan. 29 filing deadline approaches.
The governor hasn't filed paperwork or raised any money toward re-election, and Republican critics — namely U.S. Rep. James Comer — have openly questioned if he can get anything accomplished if re-elected.
A new Morning Consult poll this week also shows Bevin with a 34 percent approval and 51 percent disapproval rating, which makes him the, "least popular governor up for re-election in 2019.”
Bevin used most of his 40-minute speech to address the urgency of overhauling the state's ailing retirement benefits system, and its cost to current and future Kentuckians. He also talked about successes with criminal justice reform and overall economic momentum. Read more: Courier-Journal
Jackson County honored as an active community
Bike trails, hiking, state of the art facilities, those are just a few ways to get active in Jackson County.
"We are an active community not only for our residents, but for visitors. We have tons of outdoor recreation here in our area and I think that people that come here to our area, and also the ones that live in our area, find benefit in having all the different opportunities here," said Black River Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Amanda Gunn.
This month, the county was recognized by Wisconsin Active Together, as one of 14 active communities in the state.
Through the efforts of the Jackson in Action coalition, the county got the designation for the first time.
Jackson in Action was created in 2012 thanks to a grant, and has grown leaps and bounds within the county over the past seven years.
"Not too many years ago we were thought of as one of the poorest communities as far as county health rankings in Wisconsin," said Jackson in Action Leadership Team Member Dawn Jacobson. "So to be able to put a lot of different programs in place over the last few years and to be able to recognize the fact that we are doing a lot to promote physical activity really is a big accomplishment for us." Read more: WEAU TV
Tom Fisher is new Executive Director at Greater Port Austin Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Port Austin Chamber of Commerce recently announced the naming of Tom Fisher as its new executive director.
Fisher will take over for former Executive Director Cameron Schwanitz.
Fisher is a 1978 graduate of Central Michigan University with a bachelor of science degree in chemistry and math. He has had a long career as an environmental scientist and teacher, with additional experience in the retail industry. He is currently in the process of relocating to the area with his wife, Joan, to be near their children residing in the Caseville area.
"My wife, Joan, and I are very much looking forward to our transition to the greater Port Austin area," said Fisher. "I am excited to begin facilitating all the wonderful events in Port Austin."
As executive director, Fisher’s responsibilities include developing and fulfilling the chamber's short- and long-term strategic goals; operations of the chamber of commerce, farmer’s market and village green; management of all aspects of member services, including growth and retention of new members; and various marketing and programming activities supporting the chamber’s mission and strategies. In addition, a focus of his activities will be to develop community programs in coordination with the village, township and downtown development authority to attract new residents, businesses and entrepreneurs.
According to Port Austin Chamber of Commerce President Chris Boyle, the greater Port Austin business community has been experiencing a growth surge. The expansion has occurred as the village becomes an increasingly popular travel destination.
“Tom is joining the Chamber of Commerce team at an important time of growth within the local business community,” said Boyle. “His experience, energy and enthusiasm, combined with his long time connection with the local area will be great assets in helping our business and residential community to continue to flourish."
Columbus Lowndes Chamber announces new director of programs and events
The Columbus Lowndes Chamber of Commerce has announced Ms. Eason Black as director of programs and events. Black joins the Chamber to lead the organization’s planning and programming efforts. Black has worked for the CLCC since May 2018 as an intern, assisting with planning events, social media, email marketing, and upkeep of the Chamber website. A native of Columbus, Black graduated from Heritage Academy and Mississippi State University.
In her new capacity, Black will plan and execute existing programs currently produced by the CLCC ranging in focus on education, youth leadership, military affairs and community development. The previous CLCC Director of Programs and Events, Meryl Fisackerly, is now serving as Golden Triangle Development LINK Project Manager.
CLCC President, Lisa James, completed her fourth and final year at the Institute of Organizational Management this January, a program for chamber and association professionals that awards the IOM certification upon the completion of the four-year course.
“We’re excited about the potential for new growth and innovative programming from the Chamber staffers,” said Joe Max Higgins, Jr., CEO of the Golden Triangle Development LINK. “They bring energy and initiative to the organization and I’m confident that they’ll take the Chamber to a new level.”
The Columbus Lowndes Chamber of Commerce represents approximately 480 businesses in the area. Read more: Mississippi Business Journal
Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S.
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
