Chamber of Commerce Daily News

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Showing posts with label Columbus-Lowndes Chamber. Show all posts

Friday, March 23, 2018

Naperville Area Chamber Of Commerce Board Of Directors Extends President/CEO Contract; Front Royal/Warren Conty Chamber partnership: Vows in the Valley; Chamber of Commerce Serving Lexington, Buena Vista, Rockbridge County 2017 Community Map; Burlington Area Chamber - and Chambers - raise $32,640 for charity; Welcome New Town Square Chamber Partner: Eau Claire Area Chamber; Farm Service Agency Kentucky head addresses chamber; Petoskey businesses to 'battle the bulge'; Education Town Hall Meeting Held In Columbus; Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce 2017 Business Directory and Resource Guide; Daviess County Celebrating M&C Tech; Kernersville Chamber of Commerce Recycle Day; Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories, Maps and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S. Friday: 157 Rules for Executive Success in Organization Management (and your Chamber of Commerce) by Patrick McGaughey (Chamber Mentor)

Happy Friday #Chamber World! Have a GREAT weekend!

Naperville Area Chamber Of Commerce Board Of Directors Extends President/CEO Contract

Naperville, IL. (March 22, 2018) – The Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce (NACC) Board of Directors unanimously approved to extend the contract of current President/CEO Nicki Anderson for another year. Anderson has been leading the NACC for the last four years and is looking forward to continuing her role at the chamber.

“We are in the throes of a very exciting time. Not only do we see improvement in growth and engagement, we started our Future Forward campaign this past fall and to date have raised over $200,000 of our $250,000 goal,” said Anderson. “We are allocating those dollars for technology improvements that have not been touched since 2006. If we’re to continue to lead the way as a business resource, we have to be able to provide the necessary communication to engage and support our business community.”

Emily Ory, 2018 NACC Board Chairman shares, “Nicki has proven herself to our board, members and community over the past four years as an influencer, innovator and incredible leader. She has built tremendous momentum within the chamber, and we’re looking forward to building upon that with her continued leadership.”

Anderson, once a business owner and chamber member, took the reins of the NACC in February of 2014. Since then, she has made several changes to improve the value and visibility of the NACC in and around the community.

“Now more than ever, this organization is committed to supporting our business community and providing our members with the best resources to thrive,” Anderson stated. “I’m proud and honored to continue my role. I love this community, and I am passionate about this organization.”

Front Royal/Warren Conty Chamber partnership: Vows in the Valley

We are excited to announce the formation of a new wedding organization in Warren County, Virginia!

Vows in the Valley are a group of wedding professionals, coming together to promote Front Royal/Warren County as Virginia’s premier wedding destination! Working together with the Front Royal - Warren County Chamber of Commerce, Vows in the Valley will be marketing all that the county has to offer perspective brides through various marketing channels, as well as hosting annual wedding shows put together to showcase not only the counties beautiful wedding venues, but allow all the talented wedding professionals and how they can help brides plan for their dream wedding.

The first wedding show is taking place on April 8, 2018 at the Holiday Inn & Suites Blue Ridge Shadows, in Front Royal, from 11 am to 3 pm. The event is FREE for brides and their guests to attend, and will feature a mock wedding, where various vendors will be taking part in leading attendees through what their big day may feel like, from hair and make-up, to cake cutting, night through dancing the night away!

For more information on joining Vows in the Valley or the upcoming Wedding Showcase on April 8^th, please contact the Front Royal – Warren County Chamber of Commerce at (540) 635-3185.

Chamber of Commerce Serving Lexington, Buena Vista, Rockbridge County 2017 Community Map

The new Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Map is available at the Chamber today! Thanks to Tracy Lyons, Chrystal Lee and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!

Chamber of Commerce serving Lexington, Buena Vista, and Rockbridge County Community Map

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.

Burlington Area Chamber - and Chambers - raise $32,640 for charity

The second annual Burlington Area Chamber of Commerce Black Tie Gala Benefit, presented by Herb Chambers of Burlington, raised $32,640 for the local organizations that make up the BACC's Charitable Partnership Program. BACC President Rick Parker and co-chair of the board Sonia Rollins presented a check to Charitable Partnership representatives.

The BACC and the Burlington community are extremely fortunate for organizations that are so committed to their causes. Thank you for all that you do every day: HELPIS, Nashoba Learning Group, Neurofibromatosis Northeast, Skate for the 22 Foundation, UDT SEAL Association, Relay for Life of Burlington, Burlington Education Foundation, and Burlington Youth & Family Services. Read more: The Valley Dispatch

Welcome Town Square Chamber Partner:

Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce -

We love being part of your business strategy!

Farm Service Agency Kentucky head addresses chamber

The state executive director for the Farm Service Agency spoke to Murray-Calloway County Chamber of Commerce members Tuesday about changing trends in Kentucky agriculture.

Brian Lacefield is Kentucky’s state executive director for FSA and was the keynote speaker at this month’s Business@Breakfast, which featured an array of foods produced in Kentucky. This included locally sourced scrambled eggs, hickory-smoked bacon from Kuttawa’s Broadbent B&B Foods, honey from Calvert City’s Lost Possum Farms and biscuits made from Woodford County’s Weisenberger Mills mix. Read more: Murray Ledger

Petoskey businesses to 'battle the bulge'

The Petoskey Chamber of Commerce and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan are teaming up to offer area businesses the opportunity to join a friendly weight loss competition launching Monday, Feb. 26.

This marks the seventh year that the chamber has hosted a local competition in conjunction with “Win by Losing,” which is hosted statewide by Blue Cross. Last year, 16 teams competed and the participants collectively lost 890 pounds.

The competition will run Feb. 26 through April 27, and is open to any business or organization in the region, no matter their size.

There is no cost to participate and all teams will be eligible for the local prize; however, to be eligible for the statewide prizes, the business or organization must be a Blue Cross client.

Businesses and organizations will compete in four different categories depending on the number of participants on their team.

Members of the local team that loses the biggest percentage of weight, regardless of category, will receive gift cards from Boyne Resorts.

Registration is now open online at www.bcbsm.com/yourhealth. Local businesses are also asked to alert the Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce of their participation by sending an email to Alexis Denoyer at alexis@petoskeychamber.com. Read more: Petoskey News

Education Town Hall Meeting Held In Columbus

Columbus residents weigh in on what they would like to see in the city’s next school superintendent.

The Education Committee and the Columbus Municipal School District hosted a second education town hall meeting.
The goal is to get community input as they search for the next person to lead the district.
It was an open discussion town hall. Citizens submitted questions to the board on what they’d like the board to consider in their interview process.
Things such as special needs, keeping and bringing in teachers were a list of some of the questions.
President of the Columbus Lowndes Chamber, Lisa James says community involvement is the most important thing.
“The next superintendent is going to affect our entire community. It’s important that we have a say in that and I think that the Mississippi Board Association, putting this event together and interviewing the stakeholder, the business community, and saying business community, what do you want to see in your next superintendent, just shows how much respect they have for our community,” said James. Read more: WCBI TV

Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce 2017 Business Directory and Resource Guide

The Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce 2017 Business Directory and Resource Guide is available at the Virginia Peninsula Chamber today! Thanks to Mike Kuhns, Suzy Johnson and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!

Virginia Peninsula Chamber 2017 Business Directory and Resource Guide

Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce 2017 Business Directory and Resource Guide

Town Square Publications (www.townsquarepublications.com) can help you accomplish your chamber's gloss map, directory, community profile or publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633.

Daviess County Celebrating M&C Tech

County's first Japanese manufacturer opens

A few snow flurries on the first official day of spring didn't keep a large crowd from the ribbon cutting at M&C Tech Indiana, a manufacturer of plastic parts for the automotive industry, and the latest business to open on Washington's east side. It was a celebration that brought Governor Eric Holcomb down Interstate 69 to check out the latest Japanese business to open in the Hoosier state.

"It's a great morning to come down I-69," said Holcomb, who said the fifth section of the interstate is expected to be finished in August, opening more opportunities along the corridor. "It's not just connecting cities. It's connecting us to the rest of the world."

Holcomb said how quickly M&C Tech, a new company, has progressed is a win-win-win.

"This is just phenomenal how fast and far you've come. This is a big win for M&C Tech, a big win for employees and a big win for Indiana," Holcomb said, adding there are 280 Japanese companies in the Hoosier state. "To take our state to the next level, we have to take Indiana to the world and bring the world to Washington.".....

Daviess County Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Samantha Bobbitt praised the staff at M&C Tech.

"We value the relationships we are building with the owners," said Bobbitt. "We are on the ground floor of the potential growth that will take place in Daviess County and I-69 positions M&C Tech on an interstate and a national highway. They are the star to watch as they expand and hire more employees down the line. It's good in every way for our community. We want to thank them for coming here to Daviess County and we are happy to get to share this place we know as home." Read more: Washington Times Herald

Kernersville Chamber of Commerce Recycle Day

April 14 from 9 AM-1 PM

Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories, Maps and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S.

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.

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Wednesday, November 15, 2017

CEOs from Zoup, Mad Dog Technology and Pop Daddy Popcorn to Speak at Troy Chamber’s Annual Holiday Luncheon; Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Map; Multiple Awards for Business Excellence to be Presented in Carmel & Fishers; Chamber news: Holiday Happenings in Barrington: Window Display Contest, Girls Night Out on Nov. 16; The Green Lake County Chamber of Commerce Guide & Map; Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce plans Job Shadowing Day; Higgins: State needs to get creative on economic development to stay competitive; Chamber to host Wine Walk, Christmas by the Creek, Holiday Lights Parade; KY Chamber CEO to speak in Corbin Tuesday; Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S.;

Good morning #Chamber World! It's going to be a GREAT day!

CEOs from Zoup, Mad Dog Technology and Pop Daddy Popcorn to Speak at Troy Chamber’s Annual Holiday Luncheon

The theme, “Homemade for the Holidays,” returns featuring a new panel of Made in Michigan brands

On Thursday, December 14 from 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., the Troy Chamber hosts its most popular event of the year – the annual Holiday Luncheon! Hundreds of local business professionals will gather at Napa Glen Banquet Center (2160 E Maple Rd., Troy 48083) for networking and an entertaining panel of company executives from Michigan brands such as Zoup, Mad Dog Technology and Pop Daddy Popcorn. The panel discussion will be moderated by Fox 2 Detroit anchor Charlie Langton and includes:

· Eric Ersher, Founder & CEO, Zoup

· Pete Karmanos Jr, Chairman/Founder, Mad Dog Technology

· Pop Daddy Popcorn, Founder & CEO, Pop Daddy Popcorn

“The history of some of the most well-known brands in the country is deeply rooted in Michigan,” said Ara Topouzian, President & CEO of the Troy Chamber of Commerce. “Their stories are fascinating and inspiring for any entrepreneur. This will be a luncheon not to miss!”

Cost to attend this event is $40 for Troy Chamber members and $52 for non-members. In addition to a high-quality event, each attendee will enjoy an elegant lunch and leave with a gift bag sponsored by Comcast Business.

This event is presented by Clear Rate Communications with support from: Detroit Pencil Company, Kelly Services, Ulliance and Hitachi Business Finance. Media sponsors include Corp! Magazine and DBusiness.

To register, call 248-641-8151, e-mail theteam@troychamber.com or visit troychamber.com/events.

Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Map

The new Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Map is available at the Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber today! Thanks to Bob O'Callaghan and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!

Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber 2017 Community Map

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.

Multiple Awards for Business Excellence to be Presented in Carmel & Fishers

(Hamilton County, IN) – Each year, OneZone recognizes companies and individuals for business excellence and impact at its annual awards luncheon. This year’s event will be held on Wednesday, December 13 at Ritz Charles in Carmel.

Award recipients are selected from nominations received from member businesses or others on their behalf in multiple categories that include business of the year for large and small businesses, young professional of the year, new construction and renovation projects in Carmel and Fishers, environmental sustainability and volunteerism. Special awards for lifetime achievement are presented to individuals in both Carmel and Fishers whose contributions have positively impacted their business communities over many years.

OneZone invites chamber members and non-members, along with members of the community, to this annual event.

What:               OneZone December Luncheon
Topic:              Business Excellence Awards Presentations
Date:                Wednesday, December 13, 2017
Time:               11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location:          Ritz Charles – 12156 N. Meridian St. – Carmel, IN
Reservations:   Required by noon on Monday, December 11. Reserve at www.onezonecommerce.com or call 317.436.4653.
Cost:                $25 for OneZone members; $35 for non-members.

Contact: Lisa Wirthwein, 317.436.4653, lisa@onezonecommerce.com

Chamber news: Holiday Happenings in Barrington: Window Display Contest, Girls Night Out on Nov. 16

Make November 16 an all-day holiday shopping event! After attending the Women's Biz Net Bliss Holiday Boutique & Luncheon from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at The Club at Wynstone in North Barrington, take part in Barrington's “Light Up the Night and Girls’ Night Out” event from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. in downtown Barrington. Village merchants will create holiday window displays for Barrington's first holiday window-decorating contest that will kick off on November 16. Shop at Barrington boutiques, sign up for a holiday drawing to win one of ten $50 gift cards to a local retailer, and click here to vote online for your favorite window display. Most stores will stay open late on Thursdays during the holidays, as well as on Sundays from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

The Green Lake County Chamber of Commerce Guide & Map

The Green Lake County Chamber of Commerce Guide & Map is available at the Green Lake County Chamber! Thanks to the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!

Green Lake map

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.

Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce plans Job Shadowing Day

The Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce is working with Salem City Schools and Junior Achievement of Southwest Virginia on a job shadowing day for the seniors at Salem High School on Wednesday, October 25.

The three organizations have been working on this day since January. The 300 seniors will either be job shadowing with a local business or visiting a college of their choice. More than 87 businesses are participating and there are 397 placement opportunities. Most of the businesses are members of the Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce.

Jill Sluss, executive director of the Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce said, “We are looking forward to this day and are excited to be working with Salem City Schools and Junior Achievement of Southwest Virginia on this worthwhile project that is an example of giving back to our community. It is a wonderful opportunity for students to make decisions regarding their chosen career whether they intend to continue their education after high school or not. Of course all of these students represent the future workforce so this day will definitely be helpful to the students and the employers. We are grateful to all of the businesses that are participating.” Read more: Roanoke.com

Higgins: State needs to get creative on economic development to stay competitive

At a luncheon of the Columbus Lowndes Chamber of Commerce, Golden Triangle Development LINK CEO Joe Max Higgins said Mississippi would have to get creative to compete with surrounding states like Alabama, Georgia and Arkansas.

"Some of the neighboring states have got a little more vision than we have at the time, and they have implemented some programs that are making them more competitive," he said.

Specifically those states, especially Arkansas, were "handing out routine ass-kickings to folks like us," he said.

He mentioned losing a $700 million project to Georgia earlier this year.

"Two hundred fifty-one jobs paying $61,000 per year," he said. "Those of you that are out there scoring, that would have been outright second place in the Golden Triangle behind the steel mill and ahead of PACCAR."

While some of the reason for that is taxation laws, he said, those states are also better at displaying their workforce to companies that could potentially employ hundreds of workers.

However, Higgins said, perception of the workforce is more of a problem than the workforce itself. Mississippi and particularly the Golden Triangle are quickly developing a well-trained workforce that will appeal to companies looking to put plants in the area.

He indicated he has high hopes for the Communiversity, a $38 million workforce training center on East Mississippi Community College's campus.

"We have to do something to make us different (than surrounding states)," he said. "... That Communiversity is going to serve that role. We're going to train new people to work, we're going to retrain older folks to work. We're going to have kids when they're in fifth and sixth grade going out there and seeing what the opportunities are and we're going to make that a show place."

He said the Communiversity, combined with the Golden Triangle Early College High School that opened on EMCC's campus two years ago and which allows high school students to graduate with Associates' degrees, will show companies and investors the Golden Triangle is serious about providing a well-trained work force. Read more: The Dispatch

Chamber to host Wine Walk, Christmas by the Creek, Holiday Lights Parade

Is the wine acidic? How does the body feel? Is it more aromatic or closed? How strong is the bouquet?

Such wine-tasting words, and more will be utilized at the Lodi & Lake Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce 2017 Wine Walk on Nov. 17 from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Wine samplers from the Lodi area and from surrounding communities are invited to enjoy a stroll through downtown Lodi, while tasting red and white wines and appetizers at select chamber businesses – 20 to be exact.

According to Chamber Coordinator Taryn Latour, 275 tickets for wine-sampling sold out in as little as 40 minutes. Due to this demand, the chamber has made 100 additional tickets available online from Friday, Nov. 10 at noon to Saturday, Nov. 11 at noon, at eventbrite.com.

Each wine taster must be 21 years of age or older and will be carded upon receiving their wristband for sampling. Safe rides will be offered via Kobussen Buses or designated drivers signified by wristbands from 8:30-11:30 p.m., though businesses will only serve wine up to 9 p.m. When leaving a stop, wine glasses must be empty. Read more: Lodi Enterprise

KY Chamber CEO to speak in Corbin Tuesday

Dave Adkisson, President/CEO of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, will be the featured speaker next Tuesday at the monthly membership luncheon of the Southern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce.

The event will begin at 11:45 a.m. at The Corbin Center at 222 Corbin Center Drive.

The luncheon is open to the public.

Adkisson is touring the state as part of what is being called the “Kentucky Chamber Legislative Road Show.” He plans to outline business priorities for the upcoming legislative session of the General Assembly in January.During his 13 years at the Kentucky Chamber, the organization has doubled in size, increased its staff to thirty professionals including five lobbyists, expanded its headquarters in Frankfort and placed a major emphasis on public policy, governmental relations and improving education.

Adkisson served as the 2010 Chairman of the Board of the American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), an association that represents more than 7,000 chamber professionals across the country. In addition, he was elected the 2014 chairman of the national Council of State Chambers. He served six years on the board of directors of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the nation’s largest business association and chaired the U.S. Chamber’s education policy committee.

Adkisson is originally from Owensboro, Ky., where he began his career working for the local chamber of commerce. Later, at age 34, he was elected mayor of Owensboro and re-elected without opposition four years later. He was recruited in 1999 to become president of the Birmingham, Alabama Chamber of Commerce and served five years in that post before returning to Kentucky.

Bruce Carpenter, Executive Director of the Southern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, encouraged business owners to attend the luncheon because Adkisson’s would pertinent to them.

“Dave is important figures in the state’s business community and has his finger on the pulse of Frankfort. It will be an interesting discussion.”

Anyone interested in attending the luncheon should RSVP by calling 606-528-6390 or email info@southernkychamber.com. Read more: News-Journal

Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S.

Tuesday, October 10, 2017

Oshkosh Corporation Deserves a World-Class Location; Danville-Boyle County Chamber wins twice at state awards event; Jefferson County Chamber 2017 Community Guide; Upcoming Cybersecurity Summit to Address Hacking of Charlottesville Businesses After Report; Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce 2017 Business Directory and Resource Guide; Indiana Secretary of State educates Kokomo on investment fraud; Marshall Chamber Workmans Comp Lunch and Learn; Two West Michigan downtowns receive $3.1M makeover and it's 'well worth it'; Logan County Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Map; Mastering the 'side hustle': New Albany bakery owner tells story of starting her business to budding entrepreneurs at small business seminar; Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S.

Good morning #Chamber World! It's going to be a GREAT day!

Oshkosh Corporation Deserves a World-Class Location

We are extremely fortunate to have Oshkosh Corporation headquartered in the City of Oshkosh. As a global company with operations and facilities across the United States (Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Florida) and throughout the world (Europe, China, Australia, and Mexico) the company’s headquarters could be located practically anywhere. This is a possibility that we cannot afford to see become a reality.

Because of this potential reality, it is essential that we do everything possible to keep Oshkosh Corporation headquartered in Oshkosh. A failure to do so will have a devastating impact on our local economy and quality of life that will be felt by us all for decades to come. Oshkosh Corporation is experiencing significant growth across all of its divisions which has resulted in the company’s need to grow its workforce and expand its workspaces. Locally, Oshkosh Corporation has nearly 40 buildings scattered throughout the Oshkosh area and is running out of space. A new state of the art headquarters will help the company work more efficiently and effectively and continue its growth trajectory.

When Oshkosh Corporation announced its search for a new headquarters location, the City presented site selectors with 19 locations in Oshkosh for the company to consider. Using the criteria provided by Oshkosh Corporation there is only one location in the City of Oshkosh that meets all of the requirements for their new world headquarters. That location is Lakeshore Golf Course.

As a multinational Fortune 500 company, Oshkosh Corporation has specific needs that have to be met in order to remain competitive and successful in the global economy. The location of its new world headquarters must address these needs:

• Talent and workforce
• Unique location
• Minimum of 30 acres to be developed
• Easy access to major highways
• Good visibility
• State of the art technology and amenities
• Welcoming and supportive community that embraces its employees and mission
• Makes financial sense

Attracting and retaining top talent is one of Oshkosh Corporation’s biggest priorities. A new state of the art corporate headquarters located on a unique piece of land will reflect the quality and status of Oshkosh Corporation and will be a crucial element for attracting the best and brightest to work and live in our city.

Now is the time for all of us to work together to secure a future where we all gain. The City of Oshkosh keeps Oshkosh Corporation headquartered here with new jobs and tax revenue generated. All citizens of Oshkosh get increased access to the waterfront and greenspace with more recreational opportunities and improved amenities on the Lakeshore site. Oshkosh Corporation gets a new world headquarters creating a world-class destination that will attract the most talented minds from all over the globe to live and work in our community.

We encourage our organizations’ members as well as citizens of Oshkosh to take action and show their support for Oshkosh Corporation by putting yard signs up, attending and speaking at upcoming public input sessions, and contacting City Council members regarding the urgency and importance of this matter. Together we can keep Oshkosh Corporation in Oshkosh and secure the city’s economic future.

John Casper
President & CEO
Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce

Danville-Boyle County Chamber wins twice at state awards event

At the 52nd Annual Celebration of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Executives (KCCE) last week, a new award to honor a chamber Volunteer of the Year was awarded. The 2017 Volunteer of the Year was awarded to Steve Rinehart with the Danville-Boyle County Chamber of Commerce. His tireless work with workforce, the Teacher’s Academy and service on the chamber board highlighted his extensive application. As noted by KCCE Executive Director Amy Cloud, “We are honored to showcase volunteers because we know that no chamber executive is successful without dedicated volunteers.”

Paula Fowler, executive director for the Danville-Boyle County Chamber of Commerce, submitted the application, who noted that Rinehart’s nomination was one of many received. Judged by professionals outside Kentucky, Rinehart’s nomination stood out among all.

Fowler noted in the nomination that Rinehart is administrative manager for Denyo Manufacturing Corp. — but this man is so much more to our community. He is active throughout the business world locally and regionally in a variety of ways. After serving as board chairman of the chamber for two terms, he then stepped up to chair and launch the chamber’s Workforce Development Committee in 2007 and has been the driving force, leading a strong committee, in all that has been accomplished for our business community in this area. Under his leadership, a Teachers Academy, now in its 10th year, has been created and involves educators from seven different counties and 11 different schools. Other efforts of the committee have included Work Ready certification and successive recertification for Boyle County in 2012 and 2014, a Magical Manufacturing Mystery Tour on National Manufacturing Day for the past two years bringing school leadership (from multiple schools and districts) on a half-day tour to learn what modern manufacturing looks like and to share workforce needs with our schools, and speaking in our schools teaching classes on what students need to be successful in the workplace. And these are just a few of the highlights of all this committee has done. Read more: Advocate Messenger

Jefferson County Chamber 2017 Community Guide

The Jefferson County Chamber 2017 Community Guide is available at the chamber of commerce today! Thank you to Philip "Mike" Beard and the Chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!

Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce Community Guide

Upcoming Cybersecurity Summit to Address Hacking of Charlottesville Businesses After Report

The Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce today released a comprehensive “State of Cyber-Security in Central Virginia” report of regional businesses and organizations. 57% surveyed note their enterprises have been hacked; and, while 72% note Cyber-Crime as an increasing threat to their firms, 82% see Cyber-Crime as only a low or moderate threat to their enterprises. 34% of respondents either do not have a response plan or don’t know. (A complete copy of “State of Cyber-Security in Central Virginia” is attached.)

This Wednesday, September 27th, a FREE regional Cybersecurity Summit presented by Advanced Network Systems, with Hantzmon Wiebel, BB&T Insurance, and The Chamber, will be held at Kardinal Hall, 722 Preston Avenue from 4 to 7 p.m. There is no charge to attend the Cybersecurity Summit, but registration through the Chamber’s website www.cvillechamber.com/events is required. More than 100 are expected to attend.

The Cybersecurity Summit includes insights from internationally network security expert and quoted oft commentator, Corey Nachreiner, the Summit’s featured speaker. Mr. Nachreiner is the Chief Technology Officer of WatchGuard Technologies, a Seattle-based, international cyber-threat management company. Mr. Nachreiner’s insights and forecast will be followed by a panel discussion with IT, financial and insurance industries experts.

The FREE Cybersecurity Summit is for all enterprises (business, nonprofits and governments). Attendees will learn: the biggest cybersecurity risks locally, nationally, and internationally; predicted shifts in IT security threats over the next year; the biggest security mistakes most organizations make; and the most impactful steps organizations can take immediately to protect themselves. The Cybersecurity Summit also includes: an Executive Overview, Industry Discussion, and Expert Panel Discussion with open Questions & Answers. The regional business and civic organization community will have opportunities to learn about cybersecurity best practices, research, and responses.

Mr. Nachreiner is the author of the highly followed daily security blog “Secplicity – Security Simplified” and delivers a “Daily Security Byte” video on Facebook. He is a speaker at forums such as Gartner, Infosec, and RSA. He is also a regular contributor to leading publications including CNET, Dark Reading, eWeek, Help Net Security, Information Week, and Infosecurity Magazine.

“Enterprises with less than 100 employees are the target of more than 70% of all data breaches,” stated Chamber President Timothy Hulbert, “and, 60% of small and mid-sized companies go out of business within six months of a cyber-attack. This FREE Cybersecurity Summit, is a must for all businesses and civic organizations.”

Cybersecurity Summit online registration for Chamber members and non-Chamber members is open at www.cvillechamber.com/events. Summit attendees receive a “State of Cyber-Security in Central Virginia” report. Read more: ABC 29

Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce 2017 Business Directory and Resource Guide

The Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce 2017 Business Directory and Resource Guide is available at the Virginia Peninsula Chamber today! Thanks to Mike Kuhns, Suzy Johnson and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!

Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce 2017 Business Directory and Resource Guide

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.

Indiana Secretary of State educates Kokomo on investment fraud

Indiana Secretary of State Connie Lawson stopped by the Kokomo Chamber of Commerce Thursday morning to share information about investment fraud, including red flags Indiana residents should look out for to avoid landing in a financially crippling situation.

Kokomo was the second stop in a 14-city tour to show the documentary “$cammed: Investment Fraud Revealed,” which was made through Indianapolis’ PBS station, with the Indiana Secretary of State office using grant money from the Investor Protection Fund.

The documentary outlined three high-profile investment fraud schemes that ended in the perpetrators’ conviction and imprisonment.

The first case covered in the documentary was that of Vaughn Reeves, convicted in 2010 after selling church goers bonds they believed were going toward church construction and development projects. Instead, it was part of a large Ponzi scheme where investors were being paid with money from other investors.

The second case was that of Marcus Schrenker, who famously attempted to fake his own death after scheming individuals by using invested money to support his “lavish lifestyle” rather than on wise investments.

Finally, the documentary followed the case of former Indianapolis attorney Charles Blackwelder, who was convicted after maintaining a real estate Ponzi scheme aimed toward Indiana seniors that eventually costs his victims around $19 million collectively.

Victims were interviewed for each of the segments – something that Lawson said was more powerful than simply warning of hypothetical consequences. Victims discussed their emotions, with many expressing anger, frustration and regret that they fell into a scheme that cost them their savings.

Many victims of investment fraud do not receive their money back even in the case of a conviction, the documentary states, because it has already been spent. Instead, it calls prevention the best tool, and goes through a list of red flags to look out for. They include:

– Don’t respond to unsolicited communication, including phone calls, emails or messages over social media. Claims that an investment is risk-free are likely false, as no investment is risk-free.

– Check in with the Indiana Secretary of State’s office to see if a product is registered or if the person doing the business is legitimate.

– Overly consistent returns are another red flag, because stocks should fluctuate along with a changing market.

– Avoid a person describing complex strategies who urges a quick decision or is missing any documentation.

Lawson said the two most common types of fraud over the past decade have consistently been Ponzi schemes and real estate fraud. Many fraudsters go about that, she said, by building affinity with the potential victim – trust or some type of common bond. Read more: Kokomo Tribune

Marshall Chamber Workmans Comp Lunch and Learn

Tuesday, October 10
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Marshall Public Library
612 Archer Ave.
Marshall, IL 62441

The Marshall Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a lunch and learn on October 10, 2017 at the Marshall Public Library. The cost is $2 per chamber member and $5 for non chamber members.

This lunch and learn will feature Gloria Jimenez, outreach coordinator for Illinois Workmans Compensation Commition, IWCC.

The Insurance Compliance Division of the Workers’ Compensation Commission is responsible for enforcing the mandatory insurance provisions of the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act. If an employer has one employee, even a part-time employee, the employer must provide workers’ compensation insurance. That includes family members of the owner(s) who are employed by the company. Sole proprietors, corporate officers, business partners and members of limited liability companies may elect to come under the Act or they may choose not to (except for employers in extra-hazardous occupations, such as construction and trucking).

An employer that knowingly and willfully fails to provide workers’ compensation insurance may be fined up to $500 for every day of non-compliance, with a minimum fine of $10,000. Additionally, corporate officers who are found to have negligently failed to provide insurance are guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.

Click Here to Register

Two West Michigan downtowns receive $3.1M makeover and it's 'well worth it'

Two downtowns. One goal: beautification.

The downtown districts in Whitehall and Montague - together known as the White Lake area - will both have received a makeover by year's end.

In Montague, the nearly $600,000 project is just getting started. Whitehall completed its $1 million streetscape project at the end of June and is already beginning to see a difference in the way people visit Colby Street.

"There's a lot more activity in the downtown," said Scott Huebler, Whitehall city manager. "People aren't going in a shop and leaving; they're hitting a couple shops, sitting and relaxing a little bit. It's definitely an improvement, and a plus for the downtown businesses."

The work included new sidewalks, pedestrian lighting, trees, irrigation, outdoor electrical outlets, trash cans, benches and cement sitting blocks.

Hueber described it as a "big facelift."

Streetscaping was done at the same time as a watermain update -- $300,000 - and a complete rebuild of Colby Street (U.S. Business 31) by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). The total project cost was about $2.5 million.

In all, the two downtown projects have a total price tag around $3.1 million. Read more: M LIVE

Logan County Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Map

The Logan County Chamber of Commerc Community Map is available at the Chamber today! Thanks to Tammy Tinsley, Dee Dee Brown, the Tourist & Convention Commission and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!

Logan County Community Map

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.

Mastering the 'side hustle': New Albany bakery owner tells story of starting her business to budding entrepreneurs at small business seminar

It was 1997 and Mary Jennifer Russell of New Albany was reeling because she'd just lost her first "real job" out of college. She swung from odd job to odd job, from substitute teaching to selling embroidered pillows for a friend's pillow business. And on the side, she baked and sold cakes.

It was what she called a "side hustle" -- one more way to bring in income when she was struggling just to afford gas and lunch.

But when she sold 10 cakes at once to a yogurt shop in Tupelo a year into her impromptu business, she realized she'd found what she wanted to do for the rest of her life.

That was the story she told a small crowd of young business professionals and entrepreneurs at a small business seminar BancorpSouth and the Columbus Lowndes Chamber of Commerce hosted at Mississippi University for Women Tuesday evening.

The seminar focused on strategies for aspiring entrepreneurs to start businesses that can stand the test of time -- especially the first year.

"The majority (who attended) were people who were just thinking about (starting a business) or have ideas to do it and needed to know where to start," said Emily McConnell, director of programs and events at the Columbus Lowndes Chamber of Commerce. "The seminar was great for that, just in encouraging them to do it, to get out there and try."

Nearly 20 years after selling cakes to the Tupelo shop, Russell's Sugarees Bakery employs 37 people and produces 1,000 cakes per week. It's been featured in publications from Oprah's Magazine to The New York Times. Russell herself was this year's Mississippi Small Business Administration (SBA) Small Business Person of the Year.

Her advice to entrepreneurs: Choose something you like and are good at and then set goals. Or, as Russell called it, "practice visioning."

"What do you want to see?" she said. "What do you want to smell? Really, really envision it with lots of detail." Read more: The Dispatch

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