Chamber Executive Ongoing Education Weekly New Idea: (Holiday Reading) The Answer - Grow Any Business, Achieve Financial Freedom, and Live an Extraordinary Life; Columbus, Ohio Chamber CEO Michael Dalby stepping down; Lakeshore Chamber event: Hoist Liftruck could employ up to 500 workers in East Chicago; Paducah Chamber, local leaders encouraged by and working for river port Foreign Trade Zone status; Chamber heart: Springfield Businesses Help Bundle Up; Baptist Memorial Hospital North to Better Serve Lafayette County Mississippi With New $300M Facility; Chamber issue: Farmers Market growth addressed by Midland City Council; Batavia Chamber of Commerce 2016 Community Guide & Membership Directory; Fox Cities Chamber announces business awards; Town Square Chamber Membership Directories, Community Profiles, Custom Maps

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

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

Columbus, Ohio Chamber CEO Michael Dalby stepping down

The Columbus Chamber of Commerce is searching for a new CEO.

The nonprofit business networking organization said Michael Dalby, CEO since 2011, will resign after its annual meeting on Feb. 11.
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Michael Dalby is leaving the Columbus Chamber of Commerce after four years.

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.

“This is Michael’s decision and he’s done a great job with the chamber,” McEwan, managing partner of Deloitte & Touche LLP, told me. "He’s going to stay with us through the annual meeting and I assume (he will) do something to leverage his success (with the Chamber)."

Dalby came to Columbus four years ago after leading chambers of commerce in Utah, New Mexico, Texas and Indiana.

“I could not be more proud of my time at the chamber, and of the staff and volunteers I’ve worked with,” Dalby said in a press release. “Together we’ve built a service model that has allowed us to advise hundreds of our region’s small and mid-sized businesses and help them thrive here. The Columbus region has some great entrepreneurs whose businesses will continue to fuel the economy.”

Dalby earned $227,000 in total compensation on a base salary of $196,000 in 2013, the latest year for which salary data are available from the organization's Form 990 filed with the Internal Revenue Service.


His successor will be charged with leading a 20-employee organization assisting 1,300 businesses in Central Ohio with research, marketing, talent advisement, networking and government affairs. The Columbus Chamber had a budget of $3.7 million in 2013. Source: Columbus Business First

Lakeshore Chamber event: Hoist Liftruck could employ up to 500 workers in East Chicago

A new forklift manufacturer expects to pump about $23 million or $24 million into the Northwest Indiana economy every year.

Hoist Liftruck, which makes forklifts that can lift up to 57 tons, is spending about $40 million to relocate from Bedford Park to an old tank factory in East Chicago.

The 97-year-old company, which was founded in Brooklyn, will keep the Bedford Park location open as a distribution hub because of its proximity to Chicago Midway International Airport, but will relocate 270 to 300 production workers to Northwest Indiana.

Eventually, the company might employ up to 500 in the city.

Hoist Liftruck already hired 40 employees while doing extensive work on the Railroad Avenue factory, which it hopes to move into soon after finishing a lunchroom for employees, President and Chief Executive Officer Marty Flaska said.

Flaska was showered with applause Thursday while addressing a packed room at the Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce at Ameristar East Chicago Casino. Read more: NWI Times

Paducah Chamber, local leaders encouraged by and working for river port Foreign Trade Zone status

A new status for a river port could mean new jobs after four years in the works. The Paducah-McCracken County Riverport Authority was approved as a foreign trade zone in November. Now, they're working to activate that status.

Many goods that come through a port accrue a tax or a tariff, but a foreign trade zone removes some of those fees. Local leaders say the new status is promising.

Paducah-McCracken County Riverport Authority Director Bill Miller says applying for the foreign trade zone status was hard work. He says many collaborated on the effort before him starting in 2011. But now, Miller says they’re beginning to work to activate the status and increase river traffic. He says the work is mostly administrative, but businesses are already looking at Paducah.

"The site committees, when they do go look for a particular place, they wish to invest in an area, Paducah will pop up,” Miller says.

It's not just the waterway system that's appealing. Paducah's also located on the interstate system, which is appealing to big companies when it puts them  less than a day's drive away from other big cities.

Paducah Chamber of Commerce President Sandra Wilson says she supports anything that builds jobs. Read more: WPSD TV 6

Chamber heart: Springfield Businesses Help Bundle Up

The back of the house at Springfield’s Ecumenical Community Helping Others resembles the staging area for Santa’s all-nighter. Aisles upon aisles of assorted clothing, toys, kitchen equipment and other home goods wait in orderly fashion to be stocked in the nonprofit’s shopping area serving clients with low or no income.

#This time of year is especially hectic for outfits like ECHO, when donations around the holidays spike.

#“It’s chaotic, but it’s wonderful too,” said ECHO executive director Meg Brantley. ECHO serves about 1,500 active clients across five magisterial districts in Fairfax County, including Burke and areas of Springfield. They have 27 counselors who work one-on-one with clients on an appointment basis, figuring out how ECHO can best help them manage their food, clothing and short-term financial difficulties.

#ECHO is one of two community outreach nonprofits, the other being the Koinonia Foundation in Franconia, getting a boost in clothing on-hand from the annual Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce winter outerwear campaign.

#FOR ITS LONGEST-RUNNING collection campaign, going back more than 15 years, the Chamber works with local businesses (members and non-members alike) to set up collection boxes for coats, hats, scarves and gloves. Then the two nonprofits retrieve the boxes themselves and distribute the items through their channels.

#“At this time of year, you’re more likely to see groups working on Toys for Tots, food collection -- those are the two things generally residents think are needed at the holidays, and they are,” said Nancy-jo Manney, Executive Director of the Chamber.

#“But this is something different. Most of us don’t realize how many kids show up at school in January and February without a proper coat on. Because so many of our local kids here in the central Springfield area walk to school, it’s amazing, you see them out and they don’t have a proper coat. Mom and dad send them with just a sweatshirt because that’s all they have.” Read more: The Connection

Baptist Memorial Hospital North to Better Serve Lafayette County Mississippi With New $300M Facility

Construction crews are working to complete a major $300 million replacement facility for Baptist Memorial Hospital North Mississippi, which will serve Oxford, Lafayette County and the surrounding area. The new five-story structure will have 602,831 sq. ft. (56,004 sq m), including 217 beds with more comprehensive medical and surgical services.

“With the growth our area has experienced in the last decade, building a newer, updated hospital to serve the community became an easy decision,” said Bill Henning, administrator and CEO of Baptist North Mississippi. “The new hospital is a replacement hospital with the same number of beds as the current hospital. However, the new building will afford us the space to add new services, the flexibility for future changes in patient care and provide the infrastructure for new technology and enhanced patient care.” ...

According to Jon Maynard, president and CEO, Oxford-Lafayette County  Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Foundation, the new hospital reflects more than a brick and mortar facility for the area.

“The new hospital represents an investment in our community. The upgrade in facilities will help us treat patients with the latest equipment in a state-of-the-art facility that is designed to grow with the demand of the healthcare needs of the region.

“The psychological impact, however is much more than that. It allows us to recruit new physicians and new services to our area like never before. The investment by Baptist Hospital indicates a faith in the economic strength of our community. Their commitment to building a new facility in Oxford is indicative of the sort of sustainable, high quality growth that our community is experiencing.” Read more: ConstructionEquipmentGuide.com

Chamber issue: Farmers Market growth addressed by Midland City Council

Midland City Council approved the site plan for Lucky’s Steakhouse and heard an update from the Midland Area Chamber of Commerce about some possible changes to the Midland Farmers Market.

Kristy LeVasseur is the communications director for the Chamber and has been the farmers market manager for the past seven years. The farmers market is operated by the Chamber, which has a three-year lease ending October 2017 for the round structure near the Tridge at the end of Ashman Street.

The structure itself is owned by the city of Midland and was designed by architect Alden B. Dow.

 In a yearly update for the farmers market, LeVasseur discussed the growing popularity and the accompanying problems that she and staff members have encountered. The market has grown from 50 to 60 stalls in the busiest part of the season when she first managed it, and has since ballooned to about 100 stalls occupied in 2015.

There were 697 stalls rented throughout the farmers market season in 2012 and 1,518 stalls rented in 2015, according to LeVasseur.

“We don’t have 100 stalls to occupy so we did a lot of creative make-up,” LeVasseur said. Read more: Midland Daily News

Batavia Chamber of Commerce 2016 Community Guide & Membership Directory

The Batavia Chamber of Commerce 2016 Community Guide & Business Directory is available at the Batavia Chamber today! Thanks to Holly Deitchman and the chamber team for their work in putting this together!

Town SquarePublications  (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.

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

Town Square Chamber Membership Directories, Community Profiles, Custom Maps 

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.  More information: Town Square Publications

 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 publication proposal, Click here

Chamber Executive Ongoing Education Weekly New Idea: The Customer Service Revolution: Overthrow Conventional Business, Inspire Employees, and Change the World; Columbus, Indiana chamber testimonial: It’s nice to know you have someone in your corner; Chamber news: Site Selection magazine awards Kentucky the Governor’s Cup for most business projects per capita; Chamber partnership: Second Annual Northern Virginia Restaurant Week to Be Held March 23-30, 2015; Best Chamber Practices: Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce creation:Resources for Students; Chamber issue: Bridges deteriorate as lawmakers seek temporary fix; Jonesboro Regional Chamber interest: Hotel complex in works at Arkansas State University; Saline Chamber announces the recipients of the prestigious Saline Salutes Citizen Awards; Chamber Lunch: Argiris, Helmer talk business in Wheeling, Prospect Heights; Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation: (Promotion)

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

Chamber Executive Ongoing Education Weekly New Idea: The Customer Service Revolution: Overthrow Conventional Business, Inspire Employees, and Change the World
 
By John Dijulius

In "The Customer Service Revolution," DiJulius points out how numerous companies have made Customer service their biggest competitive advantage, are dominating their industries, and have made price irrelevant. As a result of this Customer service revolution, people are being treated differently, better, and in a way like never before. This is a result of how companies and management are treating their employees and how employees are treating each other and the Customer--which ultimately permeates into people's personal lives at home and in their communities. Can the way you run your business or treat your Customers have an effect on the world at large? John DiJulius will show you just that
Drawing on years of experience consulting with the top customer service companies around the world and in his role building his first business, John Robert's Spa, into one of the top 20 salons in the US, DiJulius will show you exactly how to create your very own Customer service revolution and make price irrelevant.

Columbus, Indiana chamber testimonial: 

It’s nice to know you have someone in your corner

At the Chamber, my husband and I were able to get help with our business plan. We participated in training and networking. I believe that everyone at the Chamber - the members and staff - truly care about my business’s success.
Beth Miller, YoMaMa Frozen Yogurt

Chamber news: Site Selection magazine awards Kentucky the Governor’s Cup for most business projects per capita

Last year, Kentucky announced more than 350 new location and expansion projects, which are projected to create nearly 15,000 jobs and more than $3.7 billion in new investment. That is the most business investment in Kentucky since the state started recording investment data nearly 30 years ago.
This focus on economic development is putting the Commonwealth in the national spotlight. On March 3, Gov. Steve Beshear announced that Site Selection Magazine has placed Kentucky first nationally in the publication’s annual Governor’s Cup rankings for new and expanded industry activity per capita in 2014.
Kentucky Chamber President and CEO Dave Adkisson joined Gov. Steve Beshear, Hal Goode, president of the Kentucky Association for Economic Development, and Greg Higdon, president and CEO of the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers during the news conference announcing the award.
“Winning the prestigious Governor’s Cup is a true honor,” said Gov. Beshear. “Kentucky works extremely hard to build and maintain relationships with our companies, and we go the extra mile to support their plans for growth. The Governor’s Cup speaks to the dedication of everyone in this state who’s working to build Kentucky’s economy, grow jobs and create success for our industries, our communities and all Kentuckians.” kycvhamberblog.com

Chamber partnership: Second Annual Northern Virginia Restaurant Week to Be Held March 23-30, 2015

The Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce (GRCC) is partnering with Virginia Hospitality & Travel Association (VHTA) to produce 2015 Northern Virginia Restaurant Week, the biggest celebration of dining out in Northern Virginia. The 2nd Annual Northern Virginia Restaurant Week, being held from March 23-30, 2015, is a week-long, value priced dining experience taking place at a variety of establishments, ranging from fine dining to fast casual.
The Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce believes VHTA’s dedication to providing a unified voice to restaurants, lodging, travel and hospitality suppliers’ throughout the Commonwealth will help encourage more restaurants and hotels to see the value in participating in Northern Virginia Restaurant Week.
“We are happy to partner with the Reston Chamber on this event,” said Eric Terry, President of Virginia Hospitality Travel Association. “Northern Virginia Restaurant Week gives our members in this area an opportunity to showcase their cuisine and capture new customers.”

Read more at; Virtual Strategy

Best Chamber Practices: Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce creation:Resources for Students 

Wisconsin is a great place to live and work. Bordering two of the Great Lakes, Wisconsin’s key economic sectors include manufacturing, agriculture and tourism.
Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) is the statewide chamber of commerce, state manufacturers’ association and the state safety council. Representing the interests of nearly 3,800 businesses throughout the state, WMC’s mission is to make Wisconsin the most competitive state in which to do business. It’s our job to make sure the elected officials understand how any proposed laws will affect the businesses in Wisconsin.

Student Resources Packet

View this brochure to read more about Wisconsin. To receive a Student Resources Packet via mail, contact Mary Anderson, 608.258.3400.

Chamber issue: Bridges deteriorate as lawmakers seek temporary fix

An updated report shows Mississippi's bridges continue to deteriorate as lawmakers work on "stop-gap" funding to fix the worst of them.
But the stop-gap measure faces political and pragmatic problems, as it would strip money long earmarked for road projects in Mississippi counties with casinos. And while transportation officials continue to call for a gasoline tax increase or other permanent funding solution, there's no appetite in the state Legislature for such a move this election year.
Of Mississippi's 17,091 bridges, 2,275 – or 13 percent – are rated "structurally deficient," meaning they have significant defects and are prone to safety issues that could endanger motorists. Another 1,290 are rated "functionally obsolete," or not suitable for their current use. The report says the state saw an increase of one structurally deficient bridge from 2013-2014.
The report comes as no surprise to state transportation officials, who say Mississippi would have to come up with at least $550 million to rebuild or repair all the bridges that need work. Read more: Clarion-Ledger


Jonesboro Regional Chamber interest: Hotel complex in works at Arkansas State University

Arkansas State University is working to finalize a lease agreement that would allow for the development of a $35 million to $45 million on-campus hotel and convention center.

O'Reilly Hospitality of Springfield, Mo., once the deal is finalized, will finance the project. Arkansas State has selected 11.6 acres between Red Wolf Boulevard (U.S. 49) and Olympic Drive as the site of the development, which will have an estimated 200 rooms and 40,000 to 50,000 square feet of conference center space. A restaurant also is part of the proposal and construction is scheduled to begin "during the second half of the year," the school said.

"We are looking to monetize assets and we have land," said ShawnieCarrier, chief of staff for Chancellor Tim Hudson and interim director of the Delta Center for Economic Development. "This was an opportunity to partner with the city and make the dream of a convention center and hotel come true. We need a hotel and convention center."

O'Reilly Hospitality has hotel and convention center projects in Nebraska, Arizona, Missouri, Texas, Oklahoma and Montana. CEO Tim O'Reilly is currently working with Hilton to finalize an Embassy Suites franchise and a Houlihan's restaurant for the Jonesboro property.

"We're excited about partnering with Arkansas State and the city of Jonesboro to develop a modern, full-service hotel and meeting space in northeast Arkansas," O'Reilly said in a statement. "Ultimately this development will have a substantial positive impact on the region and make Jonesboro competitive to attract dozens of state and regional events."

Arkansas State and O'Reilly will work together on the development of a hospitality management program at the school.

Carrier cited Arkansas State athletics, conferences currently held on campus and the hospitality management program among the reasons the project makes sense on campus. HVS Consulting and Valuation Services is finalizing a feasibility study and will attempt to establish an economic impact for the development, the first of its kind in Northeast Arkansas.

Jonesboro has about 1,200 hotel rooms, according to the Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce. It is the state's 5th largest city with more than 70,000 residents. Read more: Arkansas Online

Saline Chamber announces the recipients of the prestigious Saline Salutes Citizen Awards

The Saline Chamber is pleased to announce the recipients of the prestigious Saline Salutes Citizen Awards for 2015. The honorees were selected by a blue- ribbon panel of community leaders assembled by the Chamber. Receiving a Saline
Salutes Citizen Award represents the most widely-respected recognition of the volunteer efforts of individuals living or working in the Saline area each year. The recipients are: Dave Eberlein, Citizen of the Year; John Olsen, George A. Anderson Vision Award; and Emily Diehl, Youth of the Year.Read more: M Live

Chamber Lunch: Argiris, Helmer talk business in Wheeling, Prospect Heights

The mayors of Prospect Heights and Wheeling are number guys.

Looking back on 2014, the two packed their respective state of the city and village addresses Wednesday with loads of figures -- most in dollars and cents.

"I base our success on numbers," Wheeling Village President Dean Argiris told about 150 people at a lunch hosted by the Wheeling/Prospect Heights Chamber of Commerce.

So to capture what he called an improving business climate in town, Argiris crunched the numbers:

• In 2014, Wheeling issued 1,599 building permits representing $40.4 million worth of construction projects, an increase of more than $4 million from the last year.

• Vacancies in the village's 14 million square feet of industrial space stand at just under 6 percent.

• Retail sales totaled more than $558 million, up more than 12 percent from the prior year. Read more: Daily Herald

Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation: (Promotion)

Many a small thing was made large by the right kind of advertising.

Mark Twain

Chamber Executive Ongoing Education Weekly New Idea: "Leaders Open Doors: A Radically Simple Leadership Approach to Lift People, Profits, and Performance" by Bill Treasurer; Loudoun County Chamber challenge: No signs of relief from Dulles Greenwat toll increases; 2015 Richmond, Kentucky Chamber Legislative Trip to Frankfort; Fayetteville (Arkansas) chamber committee hears about career education; Chamber event: Rolling Meadows trending upward; Western Upper Peninsula chambers held Thirsty Thursday in Ironwood; The Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce Inc. announced its board of directors for 2015; Rebecca Polan appointed to Virginia Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors; Chamber dinner: Columbus (Wisconsin) Agribusiness Dinner to Focus on Farm Safety; Greensburg, Indiana chamber ribbon-cutting: MS-IL committed to serving locals in new location; Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotations: (Attitude)

Good morning Chamber world! It's snowing in Hampton, Virginia. There is an ice storm in Benton, Arkansas, but Today is going to be a GREAT day!



Chamber Executive Ongoing Education Weekly New Idea: "Leaders Open Doors: A Radically Simple Leadership Approach to Lift People, Profits, and Performance" by Bill Treasurer

"I got to open doors for people!" These seven simple words, spoken by author Bill Treasurer's five-year-old son, cut straight to what matters most about leadership: True leaders open doors for people. This radically simple concept is the heart of Leaders Open Doors.
This book presents a fresh and unique take on leadership that will benefit experienced leaders and those just starting their leadership journeys. With a little courage, anyone at any level can be a leader.
Drawing on two decades of experience, author and speaker Bill Treasurer, in this new second edition, combines personal stories and anecdotes to illustrate how (and how not) to inspire people. He approaches these ideas with the belief that great leadership is not hierarchical; it is the people's willingness to take initiative and reach their goals that is crucial to successful leadership. Read more: Leaders Open Doors

Loudoun County Chamber challenge: No signs of relief from Dulles Greenwat toll increases

Legislative attempts to halt the steadily rising tolls on the privately owned Dulles Greenway have failed in Richmond in recent weeks, deepening frustration among local officials and commuters who have long opposed the road’s price structure.
Del. David I. Ramadan (R-Loudoun) is one of the most outspoken critics of the toll rates implemented by the greenway’s operator, Toll Road Investors Partnership II. Ramadan introduced a bill to the Virginia General Assembly last month that aimed to force TRIP II to lower its rates and apply distance-based pricing — meaning that drivers would pay only for the mileage they travel.
But the bill died Feb. 5 in the House Commerce and Labor Committee, despite testimony from Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Chairman Scott K. York (R-At Large) and regulatory expert Robert Van Hoecke in favor of the legislation.
Ramadan vowed to continue the battle and said that the road’s owners had used “every bit of their influence” to kill the bill. Read more: Washington Post

 

2015 Richmond, Kentucky Chamber Legislative Trip to Frankfort

Join us for Chamber Legislative Day in Frankfort!  --- Leadership Madison County will be taking their annual trip to Frankfort on Tuesday, February 24, 2015. All members of the Richmond and Berea Chambers of Commerce are invited to attend. The cost for this trip is $25.00 per person and that includes a chartered bus and lunch. You will also have the opportunity to meet and hear from our State Legislators, take a photo with the Governor, tour the Capitol Building, visit the House and Senate, and more! 

Fayetteville AR chamber committee hears about career education

Superintendents from four school districts discussed Friday recent projects designed to prepare students for both college and careers.
"We used to try to make sure all of our students were prepared for college," Rogers Superintendent Janie Darr said. "All students will not need a college education for the career he or she chooses."
The Government Relations Committee of the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce convened a six-member panel with the superintendents and two State Board of Education members to discuss the role of schools in developing the workforce.
"Our members are interested in what the future workforce is going to look like," said Patti Kimbrough, the chamber's director of special events and government affairs.
Employers are concerned about filling positions that don't require a four-year college degree, and having workers trained for those jobs is vital to the continued growth of Northwest Arkansas, Kimbrough said. Read more: Northweast Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

Chamber event:  Rolling Meadows (Illinois) trending upward

It's not all good news in Rolling Meadows, but Mayor Tom Rooney said the state of the city is trending upward.

During his annual "State of the City" speech to Rolling Meadows Chamber of Commerce members and community leaders on Monday, Rooney lamented that there is still no positive news about the long-vacant Dominick's site on Kirchoff Road. He called the empty shopping center "the biggest eyesore in the town," but added that he remains confident Clark Street Development will bring in a project to improve the site.

During 2013's state of the city, Rooney happily announced plans for Uncle Joe's Tuscan Fresh Market to move into the property. That plan fell through just moths later, adding to the city's frustrations.

"We're trying as much as we can," Rooney said. "It's killing all of us to see it sitting there."

Rooney chose Monday to focus more on the good news for the city. In 2014, he said, Rolling Meadows saw 89 new businesses open, and there are plans in the works for more in 2015. Read more: Daily Herald

Western Upper Peninsula chambers held Thirsty Thursday in Ironwood

Government and business leaders from all six counties that comprised the Western Upper Peninsula chambers of commerce in Gogebic, Ontonagon, Iron, Baraga, Houghton and Keweenaw counties gathered at the Maplewood Steakhouse in Ironwood on Jan. 22 to socialize and discuss new ideas for helping the region prosper for the chamber's "Thirsty Thursday" meeting.
"We view the event as an opportunity to connect with each other, share best practices and gain understanding of what is happening around the Western UP," the chamber's press release regarding the event announced. "In the spirit of cooperation, it is recognized that as the Western UP grows and prosper, we all gain."
Several speakers provided attendees with updates regarding their group's activities.
Michael Brown, Ironwood's Community Development Director, discussed the city's vision of the future as detailed in the city's new comprehensive plan. The plan - which Brown said could be viewed on the city website - included a public survey portion. Many of these survey responses, according to Brown, highlight goals that are applicable to the entire region - such as developing new businesses as well as encouraging growth for existing businesses, enhancing community image, promoting tourism and outdoor recreation opportunities and coordinating on a regional level to improve delivery of services and economic development. Read more: Your Daily Globe


The Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce Inc. announced its board of directors for 2015


The Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce Inc. announced its board of directors for 2015: Jason Manley, president; Eric Brown, president-elect; Eric Kravette, past president; Kimberly Nastasi, chief executive officer; David Duhe; Jean Gipson, treasurer; Read more: Sun Herald

Rebecca Polan appointed to Virginia Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors

Rebecca Polan, president of Allied Realty, has been appointed to the Virginia Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors. As the most influential business advocacy organization in the Commonwealth, the chamber serves as the voice of the state’s business community.
“It is a tremendous honor to serve the Virginia Chamber of Commerce in this capacity,” said Polan. “I look forward to working alongside other advocates of business and progress, and positively impacting the state of Virginia.”
Polan currently serves as Allied Realty’s first female president, bringing more than 13 years of organizational growth, strategic planning and leadership development experience to that role. At Allied, she is responsible for implementing major real estate development in Virginia where she has rehabilitated and revitalized historically significant manufacturing properties in the Waynesboro area. Her efforts have attracted high-tech manufacturing jobs and economic development back to the region. Polan also manages the company’s downtown West Virginia real estate holdings, in all totaling approximately 2 million square feet combined of commercial, manufacturing and distribution space. Read more: Augusta Free Press


Chamber dinner: Columbus (Wisconsin) Agribusiness Dinner to Focus on Farm Safety


A dinner event celebrating the emergence of Columbus, Wisconsin, as an agribusiness hub will feature National Farm Medicine Director Matthew Keifer, who will talk about farm safety, bilingual farm safety training and first responders. The event takes place March 17 at Kestrel Ridge Golf Club.

The 4th annual Columbus Ag Dinner is being hosted by the Columbus Agri-Business Committee in conjunction with the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce. The dinner brings together approximately 200 people from the local communities that work in the agribusiness field, as well as ag producers and other agriculture partners such as FFA. Social hour begins at 6 p.m.; dinner at 7 p.m. Read more: Wisconsin Ag Connection


Greensburg, Indiana chamber ribbon-cutting: MS-IL committed to serving locals in new location


The move of a local staffing agency to a new location serves as the businesses’ commitment to continue serving people in the Tree City, a company director said.
MS-IL Staffing and Packaging cut the ribbon on its new location at 1903 North Greensburg Crossing, Suite 1903, courtesy of the Greensburg-Decatur County Chamber of Commerce Thursday morning.
The company’s local director of business development and operations, Matt Bower, said the move allows the business room to grow as it continues to serve the Decatur County community. “We’re here long term,” Bower said. “The whole theme is to better serve our customer base. This is our statement that says we’re here for the long haul.” Read more: Greensburg Daily News

Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotations: (Attitude)

“The best way to predict your future is to invent it” -  Abraham Lincoln

Chamber Best practices: Banner year for Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce; Indiana Chamber of Commerce focused on seven priorities for upcoming legislative session; Chamber of Commerce details Kentucky job surge; Chamber Tweet of the Day: Illinois Chamber; Wrigley explains east-west connections of North Dakota economy at Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber event; Chamber incentives: Sanderson Farms draws interest from surrounding Arkansas counties and Virginia; Greater Brookfield (Wisconsin) Chamber of Commerce continues to add new members; Economic Development Tops State Chamber of Oklahoma's Legislative Agenda for 2015; Chamber partnership: 2015 Monticello Frostbite Days Celebration features plenty of frosty fun; Columbus (Nebraska) Chamber selling engraved bricks for new patio; Chamber Trivia: Delta Council

Chamber Best practices: Banner year for Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce

In 2015, a stronger Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce plans to help foster regional entrepreneurship and find ways to retain young Peninsula talent, the incoming board chairman said.
"We have a renewed and vibrant Chamber here on the Peninsula now," said 2015-2016 Board Chairman Robert Shuford Jr., chief operating officer for Old Point National Bank. "We're at a point now where we can take an external focus. We are a strong and influential player in the region. What can we do or bring to the table to raise the bar for the Peninsula?"

Now that the Chamber is financially stable, Shuford and Chamber leaders would like to help tackle regionwide issues and barriers to growing business, particularly as Hampton Roads needs to diversify away from defense contracts since sequestration will continue to be a threat over the next several years.
Some next steps will include taking a closer look at the reasons behind the region's low startup rate and bringing business and municipality leaders together to work on them, Shuford said. Read more: Daily Press

Indiana Chamber of Commerce focused on seven priorities for upcoming legislative session

Area business leaders received a preview of potential hot topics during the upcoming 2015 Indiana Legislature session when Kevin Brinegar, president and CEO of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, spoke at Oak Hill Mansion in Carmel.
Chamber of commerce members from throughout Hamilton County attended the Dec. 12 breakfast, as did Donna Schaibley, recently named to replace Steve Braun as state representative from District 24 that covers parts of Carmel, Westfield, Zionsville and Sheridan.
Brinegar, a Noblesville resident who has been ICC president for 12 years, said his group is focused on seven priorities in the areas of education, infrastructure, labor relations and taxation, where its eight lobbyists will monitor and attempt to influence legislation.
Brinegar said the ICC would still like to see the state’s business property tax completely eliminated, “but it won’t be this year.” In the meantime, the ICC is behind legislation to have businesses that pay less than $200 annually in the tax be freed from doing so. He said that would cut more than half of the state’s 270,000 business filers off the list, yet it would only see a $10 million decrease in business property tax revenue of the $6.7 billion generated annually. Read more: Current in Fishers

Chamber of Commerce details Kentucky job surge

Kentucky added manufacturing jobs at more than twice the national rate over the last five years and the average pay for those employees grew faster than the national average, according to a economic study released Monday.
Overall, Kentucky added jobs in all industries at a slightly slower rate (5.6 percent) than the nation as a whole (6.3 percent), but surpassed the job-growth rate of most of its bordering states.
In addition, Jefferson County added nearly 30,000 jobs between June 2009, when the state and the country began emerging from the prolonged recession, and June 2014 — nearly twice the number of new jobs added during that time in Lexington-Fayette County. Read more: The Courier-Journal

Chamber Tweet of the Day: Illinois Chamber



Illinois Chamber ‏@ILChamber 14m14 minutes ago

The Chamber opposed Secure Choice Savings Program for several reasons. Details in this @wics_abc20 story: http://www.wics.com/news/top-stories/stories/vid_20462.shtml …

Wrigley explains east-west connections of North Dakota economy at Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber event

 Lt. Gov. Drew Wrigley peered through a borrowed pair of reading glasses and ticked off the price of oil over the past several months.
If current low oil prices persist and trigger a reduction in taxes, it could have an estimated $5 billion-plus impact on the state's budget, he said.
Plus, every dollar average is a $100 million shift in the state’s revenue picture, Wrigley said.
It’s a sobering picture as the state Legislature convenes Tuesday, even as it also signals the role the state has played in increasing America’s energy independence.
“This is the goal, but also the reality,” Wrigley said Monday morning at a Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce event. Read more: InForum.com

Chamber incentives: Sanderson Farms draws interest from surrounding Arkansas counties and Virginia

Sanderson Farms fielded interest from surrounding counties and from Virginia as the company eyed Fayetteville for a $95 million chicken plant last year, documents released Monday showed.
Sampson, Hoke, Robeson and Harnett counties offered sites to the Mississippi-based company, which wanted to build a plant in the Cedar Creek industrial park, according to an incentives package presented to the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners. The plant would have employed nearly 1,000 workers at an average of $10.84 an hour.
The commissioners voted Monday to move on from the project after commissioners heard from staff of the Economic Development Alliance on the incentives package.
Pic Billingsley, director of development and engineering for Sanderson Farms, said the company is now weighing several options for a new chicken plant site.
"We've got several different options available to us that we will be looking into," Billingsley said. "So it would be premature for me to speculate on that at this point."
Sanderson Farms is likely to want a similar incentives package to the one proposed by the Economic Development Alliance, an arm of the Fayetteville Regional Chamber of Commerce. Read more: Fayobserver.com

Greater Brookfield (Wisconsin) Chamber of Commerce continues to add new members

“Businesses in the region continue to recognize the value of the exceptional networking offered by the GBCC, and our membership continues to grow,” said Carol White, president and CEO of the GBCC. “Our board of directors, ambassadors council, and our members are committed to helping each business develop and grow.”

“We are also pleased to be recognized as the fourth largest chamber of commerce in Southeastern Wisconsin by The Milwaukee Business Journal,” continued White. Read more: BrookfieldNow.com

 

Economic Development Tops State Chamber of Oklahoma's Legislative Agenda for 2015

The State Chamber of Oklahoma today released its Legislative Agenda for the 2015 session set to begin next month. The agenda was developed after visiting with local chambers of commerce and economic development officials and voted on by member committees and the State Chamber Board of Directors.
“As the Voice of Business at the State Capitol, the State Chamber is committed to supporting policies that improve the state’s economic outlook,” said State Chamber President and CEO Fred Morgan. “That includes continuing or expanding economic development programs that have been proven to create jobs for thousands of Oklahomans.”
Because the State Chamber represents such a diverse group of businesses, the Legislative Agenda covers a wide range of areas, from transportation and energy to health and workforce development.

“Two of the most common concerns we hear from our members are finding employees with the skills needed for the jobs available and dealing with an ever-increasing regulatory burden,” said Morgan. “Our Legislative Agenda tackles those issues and others that our members feel will make the state more competitive both nationally and worldwide.”The 2015 Legislative Agenda can be viewed online, click here.

 

Chamber partnership: 2015 Monticello Frostbite Days Celebration features plenty of frosty fun

Once again, the Monticello Chamber of Commerce, the Monticello Trailblazers Snowmobile Club and the Monticello Lions Club have partnered to host a collection of winter events that will offer fun and excitement for the entire family.
“We have a lot of different activities this year,” Monticello Trailblazers Snowmobile Club President Dane Hasbrouck said. “There will be something for everyone.”
Ryan Hurrle, 28, of Monticello has chaired the Frostbite Days Event Committee for the past two years and recalls why this event is so important to the community.
“Just three years ago, it was just a fishing tournament, but we started adding more events,” Hurrle said. “The money raised during the event goes right back into the community in the form of scholarships and various charitable contributions facilitated through organizations like the Lions Club.” Read more: Monticello Times

 

 Columbus (Nebraska) Chamber selling engraved bricks for new patio

 A chance to have your name etched in stone is being offered by the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce.
The organization is starting a Buy-A-Brick Paver campaign to create a patio that will compliment the rain garden at the chamber's 753 33rd Ave. location.
The garden, which features native Nebraska grasses and plants, was added earlier this year. It is maintained with rain water that runs off the roof of the chamber building. The patio will be built near the garden located on the southeast side of the office.
Businesses are invited to purchase an engraved brick for $100, $500 or $1,000. The funds will be used to purchase bricks for the outdoor patio area and cover other landscaping and building costs associated with the project. Read more: Columbus Telegram

Chamber Trivia: Delta Council

Tradition has it that it nevers rains on Delta Council Day, the day the Mississippi Delta's "Chamber of Commerce holds its annual meeting. Read more: Delta Farm-Press