Peninsula Chamber small business workshop blitz continues this week; Kenosha Area Chamber news: FNA Group relocating HQ to Pleasant Prairie; McLean County Chamber of Commerce Hosts Twin Cities Showcase; Business owners say Toad Suck Daze changes helped; Lakeshore Chamber will hear from Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority head; Michigan Chamber Of Commerce Launches Statewide "Decline To Sign" Voter Education Campaign To Protect Michigan's Energy Future; Chamber Best Practices: Madison County Chamber (Mississippi) Paddlers Party for the: The OFFICIAL Dragon Boat Regatta Kick-Off Event! Morehead-Rowan County (Kentucky) Chamber: Member Services

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

Peninsula Chamber small business workshop blitz continues this week

The Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce is hosting a series of seminars at its Hampton offices this month as part of its "Small Business Training Blitz."
The Peninsula is home to 14,000 small businesses and the training blitz is a way for the VPCC to call attention to its education and training mission, said Chamber President and CEO Mike Kuhns.
The VPCC Small Business Training Blitz was designed, Kuhns said, to provide small businesses the resources they need to continue to thrive and grow their companies, creating more opportunity in the community.
The range of seminar topics stretches from cybersecurity to marketing, accounting to stress management, networking to human resources. Presenters for each seminar hail from small businesses themselves, Kuhns said, making them uniquely qualified to lead the training.
The seminars require pre-registration and include:
—“60 Seconds to Connect,” held 2-4 p.m. May 12. The cost is $25.
—“Strategic Planning: Communications and Marketing,” held 8:30-10:30 a.m. May 13. The cost is $25.
—“Challenges to Professional Development,” held 8-10 a.m. May 14.
—“Search Engine Marketing — Beyond the Basics,” held 10 a.m. to noon May 15. The cost is $25.
—“Manage Our Stress,” held 8-10 a.m. May 19. The cost is $25.
—“LinkedIn Pictures and Profile Reviews and Training,” held 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 20. The cost is $75.
Read more:  Daily Press

Kenosha Area Chamber news: FNA Group relocating HQ to Pleasant Prairie

FNA Group, an Elk Grove Village, Ill.-based manufacturer of power washers and accessories, is relocating its corporate headquarters to Pleasant Prairie’s LakeView Corporate Park.
The company already moved a manufacturing facility to the village and began operations in January. It began slowly moving its corporate office in March, before making a formal announcement at a Monday event that included Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch and other dignitaries.
FNA’s relocation to a $3 million, 176,000-square-foot facility is part of an overall expansion plan to enhance production at two of its key manufacturing operations. The move will also allow the original equipment manufacturer division to establish a research and development engineering product development center.
Moving to Pleasant Prairie also allows the OEM Industries division to be closer to the Wauwatosa-based Briggs & Stratton Corp., a major customer, and to have better access to its core business partners throughout the Midwest, said Gus Alexander, FNA Group President and CEO.
The manufacturing unit began operations at 7152 99th St. earlier this year, ahead of the corporate move to allow the company to maintain its production schedule at the start of its peak season.

Public incentives offered

While location was an attraction, financial incentives were additional benefits. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. has authorized $700,000 in state tax credits, to be awarded contingent upon the number of jobs that are created.
FNA initially announced it would open its new facility with 100 employees, but it has nearly doubled that number because of production demands, company officials said.
The Kenosha Area Business Alliance is providing FNA with a $1 million loan funded through a combination of revolving loan funds, including one that originated with Pleasant Prairie tax incremental financing district dollars.

Monday ceremony

On Monday, Gateway Technical College President Bryan Albrecht hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by Kleefisch, Pleasant Prairie President John Steinbrink, Village Administrator Mike Pollocoff, KABA President Todd Battle and Kenosha Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lou Molitor. Read more: Kenosha News

McLean County Chamber of Commerce Hosts Twin Cities Showcase

The McLean County Chamber of Commerce held its annual Twin Cities Showcase Wednesday at the Doubletree Hotel in Bloomington. Over 90 businesses were on display hoping to catch the eye of new consumers.

Residents were able to get a taste of all what the Twin Cities has to offer including samples from area restaurants, retailers, and non-profit organizations. The Chamber of Commerce hopes the showcase helps small businesses gain more exposure.

"Sometimes it's hard and you get lost in the shuffle whether or not you're driving past and don't happen to see the storefront or you don't have the connection or the ability to establish a relationship.  Read more: CentralIllinoisProud.com

Business owners say Toad Suck Daze changes helped

Some downtown business owners who signed a petition last year asking that Toad Suck Daze be moved said changes to this year’s event improved the festival.
Sena Crafton, who owns the Grand on Oak boutique at 1101 Oak St., and others gathered 44-plus signatures last year from store owners asking the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce to move Toad Suck Daze from downtown to the Conway Expo Center and Fairgrounds.
After this year, she has a different feeling about the festival.
“It went great. Oh, my gosh; the changes they made were really, really beneficial,” Crafton said. Crafton, who got the conversation started with last year’s petition, said she feels “much better” about the festival remaining in downtown Conway.
Crafton and other merchants said last year that their businesses are hurt financially during the three-day festival, held the first weekend in May each year, primarily because of problems parking downtown during the event. Store owners also cited problems with shoplifting and festivalgoers who were more interested in using stores’ bathrooms than buying anything.
Conway Area Chamber of Commerce employees met with a handful of business owners after last year’s festival to discuss their concerns. Read more: Arkansas Online

Lakeshore Chamber will hear from Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority head

Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority chief executive Bill Hanna will update the Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce on progress on the South Shore extension and other issues at its 11:30 a.m. membership luncheon on May 28, at Dynasty Banquet.

The RDA is fresh off a victory in the state legislature, which appropriated $6 million per year to the South Shore extension project for the two-year budget cycle. It also committed to keeping those funds flowing for the 30-year life of the South Shore project. Read more: NWI Times

Michigan Chamber Of Commerce Launches Statewide "Decline To Sign" Voter Education Campaign To Protect Michigan's Energy Future

Michigan Chamber of Commerce today announced the launch of a statewide voter education campaign, called "Decline to Sign," to encourage voters not to sign a dangerous petition to totally ban a safe and proven method of energy exploration in Michigan.

"Environmental extremists have returned with a new petition to completely ban hydraulic fracturing in Michigan and plan to begin collecting signatures later this month," said Michigan Chamber President & CEO Rich Studley. "If adopted, the intended and unintended consequences of this ballot initiative would be very economically damaging to our state."
Two years ago, the radical group, Let's Ban Fracking, failed to collect enough signatures to put an initiative on the 2014 ballot after the Michigan Chamber launched a proactive statewide voter education campaign, called Protect Michigan's Energy Future. The Michigan Chamber will soon launch a similar public information campaign.
"In Michigan, hydraulic fracturing has been used for over 50 years without a negative impact on human health or the environment," noted Jason Geer, Director of Energy & Environmental Policy for the Michigan Chamber. "With over 12,000 wells drilled using this technique, hydraulic fracturing has been proven to be safe and reliable." Read more: Michigan Chamber

 

Chamber Best Practices: Madison County Chamber (Mississippi) Paddlers Party for the: The OFFICIAL Dragon Boat Regatta Kick-Off Event!

You don't want to miss this kick-off event celebrating the 2015 Dragon Boat Regatta! Bring your spouse, friends and co-workers to this fun-filled event. (Adults only)  Fabulously decorated paddles will be on display presented by each team.  Enjoy a  cash bar, spectacular food catered by the Jackson Yacht Club and live music!

Madison County Chamber of Commerce
info@madisoncountychamber.com
601-605-2554

• The Fondren Trolley will run continuously throughout the night to the Yacht Club
• Cash Bar is available
• YOU MUST have your ticket or armband to enter the party!

Jackson Yacht Club
700 Yacht Club Dr
Ridgeland, MS 39157

Morehead-Rowan County (Kentucky) Chamber: Member Services

•  Listing on the community  website with member promotions and linking capability.
•  Weekly community news and updates sent directly to you.
•  New member announcement and promotions.
•  Monthly luncheon meetings covering topics of state, federal and local interest.
•  Opportunity to participate in the yearly Chamber Leadership Academy in which future
       leaders of our community participate in training, and are provided networking opportunities
       with leaders in our area.
•  Large, new community project each year with lasting benefits to our area.
•  Networking opportunities at large gatherings such as luncheons, annual banquet, golf
       outings, etc.
•  Clearinghouse for Chamber member events.
•  Cooperative and progressive working relationship with Morehead-Rowan County Economic Development  
       Council, Morehead Tourism Commission, Morehead Tomorrow and City, County and State Government.
•  Promote and assist organization with Grand Openings/Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies.
•  We publish the Morehead-Rowan County Magazine for Chamber membership promotions.
•  Facilitate discussion on Community issues.
•  Partner to bring insightful trainings.
•  Facilitate cooperative efforts between organizations/businesses for events/common goals.
•  Always working to make Morehead and Rowan County more business friendly.
•  Chamber works on many issues and with many entities to strengthen our workforce.
•  Source to call for any questions regarding our area.
•  Provide legislative updates that are important to you.
•  Involved in all aspects of the community.
•  Recommend everyone to our chamber members for product and services! Read more: Morehead-Rowan County Chamber 

Husband, wife lead Murphysboro, Carbondale chambers; Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce Wins Excellence Awards; Chamber Tweet of the Day: Wisconsin Manufacturing & Commerce; One Southern Indiana collaboration: $3.5 million manufacturing facility will create 21 new jobs; Delta County Chamber collaboration: Island Resort Championship at Michigan's Sweetgrass Golf Club calls for volunteers; Virginia Peninsula chamber: We are a Business Development Chamber of Commerce; Conway Area Chamber shows Leadercast 2015 live at Central Baptist College; Oxford-Lafayette chamber board member named to Mississippi Business Journal‘s Top 50 Under 40; Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation: (Attitude)

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

Husband, wife lead Murphysboro, Carbondale chambers

Two chambers of commerce presidents in Southern Illinois have the same last name -- Falat.
Jolene Falat took over as president of the Murphysboro Chamber of Commerce this past Friday. She joins her husband, Steve Falat, who is president of the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce.
Jolene is the branch manager at Old National Bank, in Murphysboro. Steve is the market manager at River Radio.
Jolene acknowledged the fact they are both chamber presidents, but said it wasn’t something that was planned.
“It is neat,” she said. “It is very coincidental and a unique situation.”
She said the fact they are married could help facilitate conversations between Carbondale and Murphysboro chambers while working together in joint promotions along Illinois 13.
Several chambers along the state highway launched a "Shop Local" campaign during the holiday season, dedicated to keeping dollars in the region. Read more: The Southern Illinoisan

Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce Wins Excellence Awards

The Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce was honored recently with three Excellence Awards by the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Executives during its annual Spring Conference in Frankfort.
Awards received include:

• Outstanding Membership Retention for 2014
• Outstanding Publication for our Annual Report
• Outstanding Website

The KCCE, established in 1965, serves as the society for chamber of commerce professionals in the state. The KCCE Excellence Awards were created to recognize superior achievement and professional excellence among local chambers of commerce throughout Kentucky.
“We are honored for our incredible staff to be recognized by our Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Executives colleagues,” Ron Bunch, Chamber president and CEO, said. “We have an extraordinary team of partners that work together to provide value to our community. I thank all of our partners for their commitment to making this community an amazing place to live, work and play.”
The awards complement a phenomenal year in economic development for the region. In 2014, South Central Kentucky experienced a capital investment of $211,250,025 and the creation of over 663 new jobs.
In addition to our Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives 5 star accreditation, this year we were among three other chambers in the state to be designated as a Kentucky Certified Chamber by the KCCE. This new designation is a peer-reviewed, best practices certification awarded to chambers who meet nationally benchmarked criteria on internal organization, processes, financial controls and service to members. The other three chambers honored with this designation were Kyndle (Kentucky Network for Development, Leadership and Engagement), Murray-Calloway County Chamber of Commerce and the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce. Read more: Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce


Chamber Tweet of the Day: Wisconsin Manufacturing & Commerce

Wisconsin MC @WisconsinMC  ·  Apr 28

Congrats to each of the 2015 nominees for the Wisconsin Family Business of the Year award! Check out the full list: http://familybusinessaward.com/ 

 

One Southern Indiana collaboration: $3.5 million manufacturing facility will create 21 new jobs

In tandem with One Southern Indiana (1si), the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), the River Ridge Commerce Center (RRCC) and the City of Charlestown, Ind., D.A. Inc. and its parent company, Kojima Industries, announced today the construction of a 38,000-s.f., $3.5 million manufacturing facility at the River Ridge Commerce Center that will create 21 new jobs over the next two years.
The project was announced today at a groundbreaking ceremony on the company’s new site in the River Ridge Commerce Center. Founded in 1988, the Charlestown-based D.A. Inc. is a custom plastic injection molder for the automotive industry and a Tier 1 and Tier 2 Supplier of Toyota. The total investment of $10,614,000 will include the land purchase, building construction and new equipment.
With a second facility in New Mexico and affiliates across the world, D.A. Inc.’s project will include manufacturing operations in Charlestown to supply its Midwest customer base. The current Charlestown facility is a distribution center and corporate office for D.A. Inc. Company officials estimate parts sales to grow approximately 20 percent by 2020 compared to 2014 sales, spurring the decision to build a new facility to house a highly automated production operation.
“The sincere hospitality and support shown to us over the years by the City of Charlestown, Clark County, the State of Indiana, One Southern Indiana and the residents of this community are what attracted us here in 1988, and it remains the primary reason we choose to expand our operation here,” stated President and C.O.O. Kenji Kanii.  “We are invested in this community and its citizens – not only as a business partner but also as our friends and neighbors.” Read more: Lane Report

Delta County Chamber collaboration: Island Resort Championship at Michigan's Sweetgrass Golf Club calls for volunteers

Sweetgrass Golf Club (www.sweetgrassgolfclub.com) at Island Resort & Casino and the Delta County Chamber of Commerce seek more than 300 volunteers for the LPGA Symetra Tour's Island Resort Championship, June 26-28.
A variety of positions are open, including cart drivers, scoreboard assistants, marshals, caddies and hospitality greeters. Jobs are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. Applicants can state their shift availability and assignment preference at the Chamber website (www.deltami.org) through June 1.
Volunteers receive an official tournament staff shirt, meal ticket, four general admission passes and a round of golf at the award-winning Sweetgrass Golf Club, which hosts the event for a fifth-straight year.
"We're extremely fortunate to have such a spirited group of volunteers every year," said Tony Mancilla, Island Resort Casino general manager and event co-chair. "It's the efforts of these volunteers that help make the tournament experience at Sweetgrass a memorable one for spectators, players and their families." Read more: World Golf

Virginia Peninsula chamber: We are a Business Development Chamber of Commerce

Business development is the creation of long-term value for an organization from customers, markets, and relationships.

At its heart, business development is all about figuring out how the interactions of those forces combine together to create opportunities for growth.

Long-Term Value:
Business development is about creating opportunities of value that persist over the long-term, which keep the floodgates open so that value can flow indefinitely. Thinking about business development as a means to creating long-term value is the only true way to succeed in consistently growing an organization.

Customers:
Find new ones and extract more value from current ones.

Markets:
Figure out where new customers “live” (both geographically and in terms of “buying mindset“) and find a way to reach them.

Relationships:
Build and leverage relationships founded on trust and integrity to facilitate opportunities.

As a Business Development Chamber of Commerce, we connect businesses with opportunities, which provides long-term value, creates and builds upon new and existing customers and relationships, while providing opportunities to expand  their markets. Long-Term Value is key to the viability of the Peninsula business community. By concentrating our efforts on the present and future business community, the Peninsula will become a premier business community. Read more: Virginia Peninsula Chamber

Conway Area Chamber shows Leadercast 2015 live at Central Baptist College

The Conway Area Chamber of Commerce will show a live broadcast of Leadercast 2015 from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday at Central Baptist College.
“Community business leaders can access the knowledge and experience of world-renowned leaders by attending Leadercast,” the Chamber’s event information reads.
The event is broadcast live from Atlanta to hundreds of sites around the world.
This year’s speakers are:
• Andy Stanley, leadership author and communicator.
• Malala Yousafzai, Nobel Laureate; The Malala Fund founder.
• Ed Catmull, Pixar and Disney Animation Studios president.
• Seth Godin, best-selling author.
• Bill McDermott, chief executive officer of SAP AG.
• Rudy Giuliani, 107th mayor of New York City.
• Aja Brown, Compton, Calif. mayor.
• Cmdr. Rorke Denver, Navy SEAL Commander and author.
• Bill and Giuliana Rancic, Leadercast co-hosts.
Read more: Log Cabin Democrat

Oxford-Lafayette chamber board member named to Mississippi Business Journal‘s Top 50 Under 40

Mississippi Business Journal listed Preston Hugh Lee III, DDS of Lee Family Dentistry in Oxford among its list of “Top 50 Under 40,” highlighting the rising business leaders in the state.

He was among honorees recognized at a luncheon at the Jackson Hilton. Each honoree will be profiled in a special Mississippi Business Journal issue later this year.
“We are proud of Dr. Lee’s professional and civic accomplishments and successes,”Corey Ussery, office manager at Lee Family Dentistry, said. “We congratulate him on this honor and look forward to watching his continued impact on the communities in which he practices.”

Preston Hugh Lee III

Lee is active in Oxford’s community. He serves on the board of Oxford Medical Ministries and the board of Oxford-Lafayette Chamber of Commerce. He also serves as an advisory board member for the Sigma Chi Eta chapter at University of Mississippi. The Lee Family Dentistry provides three annual scholarships for local seniors attending University of Mississippi.

Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation: (Attitude)

“To try is to invite uncertainty. Where confidence goes, success usually follows.”
― Wayne Gerard Trotman, Veterans of the Psychic Wars

 

Congresswoman Barbara Comstock Shares Vision for 10th Congressional District with Prince William Chamber Members; Ryan Carley named new Bay Area Chamber of Commerce president, CEO; Indiana Chamber Week means new member discount for Greater Greencastle Chamber; Chamber interest: Elgin Development Group to hold seminar on exporting; Christian County chamber honored at KCCE spring conference; Conway Area Chamber: 34th Annual Toad Suck Daze Festival; Chamber delight: Wisconsin Department of Tourism: Visitor spending up across state; Glenn McCullough chosen new economic chief for Mississippi Development Authority;

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

 

Congresswoman Barbara Comstock Shares Vision for 10th Congressional District with Prince William Chamber Members

Congresswoman Barbara Comstock joined the Prince William Chamber of Commerce for lunch to discuss her vision for the 10^th Congressional district and the Northern Virginia Business community. The lunch, sponsored by NOVEC-Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative, was hosted by Stonewall Golf Club in Gainesville, VA.

Stan Feuerberg, President and CEO of NOVEC-Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative, made the introductory remarks to Congresswoman Barbara Comstock’s speech. His introduction, featuring NOVEC’s biomass waste plant and NOVEC’s reliability as an electric cooperative, transitioned well into the Congresswoman’s remarks about increasing certainty in energy policy, transportation projects, and decreasing government regulation.

Congresswoman Barbara Comstock began her speech by praising free enterprise as the best anti-poverty measure and as an ideal whose certainty she will always fight to maintain. She said that local enterprises like Lockheed Martin expressed to her a desire for predictability in how Congress develops the national budget, in how government operates, and in affordable, reliable energy sources.

Congresswoman Comstock outlined several free market initiatives. She spoke about the Help Hire Our Heroes Act to make it easier for employers to hire veterans, the Keystone XL Pipeline Approval Act, and an “All-the-Above” energy strategy to improve the affordability and accessibility of diverse energy sources. She expressed a desire for business leaders and local chambers to help their representatives find better ways to utilize the Washington Dulles International Airport. Comstock is also working to maintain certainty in Virginia for small businesses by protecting Virginia’s “right-to-work” status. The Congresswoman indicated that she would like to see the Research and Development Efficiency Act pass the Senate in order to cut down on government red tape and “let researchers do research.” Read more: Prince William Chamber

 

Ryan Carley named new Bay Area Chamber of Commerce president, CEO

A veteran banker who has been involved with the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce for more than 16 years has been named the organization's president and chief executive officer.

Ryan Carley, who most recently worked as the statewide director of retail banking for FirstMerit Bank, formerly Citizens Bank, was named chamber president and CEO Monday, May 4. Carley, 39, replaces Michael Seward, who retired from the post in January, and Keith Markstrom, who has served as interim CEO for the past four months.
"I'm very honored to have the opportunity to follow someone like Mike Seward, who did such an amazing job for this community," said Carley, who volunteered as a chamber ambassador beginning in 1999 and has served on various committees through the years.
Carley is to be formerly introduced to the community during the chamber's Eye Opener Breakfast Tuesday, May 5, at Bay Valley Resort and Conference Center, and start work Monday, May 11. Read more: M Live

Indiana Chamber Week means new member discount for Greater Greencastle Chamber

May 4-8 is Indiana Chamber of Commerce Week, and the Greater Greencastle Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has announced that the organization will celebrate by offering local small businesses (who are not currently members) the opportunity to join the GGCC at a discounted price for this week only.
From Monday, May 4 through Friday, May 8 an annual GGCC membership will be discounted by $50. So the annual base rate membership of $185, for a business with 10 or less employees, will be just $135.
The Greater Greencastle Chamber has been supporting Greencastle and Putnam County since 1954, helping grow both local businesses and the local community.Read more: Banner Graphic

Elgin Development Group to hold seminar on exporting 

The Elgin Development Group, a division of the Elgin Area Chamber, in conjunction with the Illinois Small Business Development Center, has planned a free seminar on exporting from 3-5 p.m. May 7 at Elgin Community College, 1700 Spartan Drive, Building E, and Room 107.

There are more than 3 billion internet users worldwide and over 40 percent purchased something online in the last year. That translates into nearly $1.5 trillion in sales. Every business should have a strategy in place to access these customers. Zachary Person, Illinois International Trade Center Program Manager at College of DuPage's Center for Entrepreneurship, will lead the seminar.

To register for the workshop, please contact Tony Lucenko at (847) 741-5660 or register online at www.ElginChamber.com. Read more: Daily Herald

 

Christian County chamber honored at KCCE spring conference

The Christian County Chamber of Commerce racked up the hardware at the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Executives spring conference, winning more awards in Group V, which includes cities like Bowling Green, Lexington and Louisville, than any other chamber of commerce.

Among the awards won by the Christian County chamber were best e-newsletter, best publication and best event. The chamber was also recognized for its support of the Leadership Institute for School Principals program. Read more: Kentucky New Era

Conway Area Chamber: 34th Annual Toad Suck Daze Festival

Friday, May 01, 2015 3:30 PM - Sunday, May 03, 2015 5:30 PM

Downtown Conway
Conway , AR 72032
Downtown Conway

In its 34th year, Toad Suck Daze is one of Arkansas’s largest and most award-winning festivals. This three-day family festival takes place the first weekend of May in downtown Conway, Arkansas, and attracts approximately 160,000 people. From local and national entertainment to kids’ entertainment; from arts and crafts to anything you can eat on a stick; from the 5K/10K race to the World Famous Toad Races, Toad Suck Daze has something for everyone. In addition to food and fun, the festival provides funding for education initiatives. Since 1982, Toad Suck Daze has contributed more than $1.4 million to scholarships, scholarship endowments and pre-K education funding for students in Faulkner County.
In 2014 Toad Suck Daze received the following awards: 

• Gold for Best Children's Programming - International Festivals & Events Association
• Gold for Best Event within an Existing Festival - LaunchPad Business Start-Up Competition - International Festivals & Events Association
• Gold for Best Food and Beverage Program - International Festivals & Events Association
• Silver for Best Overall Merchandising Program - International Festivals & Events Association
• Bronze for Best TV Promotion - International Festivals & Events Association
• Bronze for Best Single New Sponsorship Opportunity - International Festivals & Events Association

Chamber delight: Wisconsin Department of Tourism: Visitor spending up across state

For the first time in four years every county in Wisconsin reported an increase in visitor spending in 2014, the state's Department of Tourism announced Friday, May 1.
Travelers contributed $18.5 billion to Wisconsin's economy last year, up 5.5 percent from the year before, according to a state tourism report released Friday. Visitor growth topped 102 million in 2014, an increase of 7 million visits since 2010.
The department cited improvements in the overall economy and moderating gas prices as reasons for growth in both day and overnight visitor volumes. Each grew by around 2 percent. The report also said per-trip spending increased as personal income and consumer confidence strengthened in 2014.
The department said direct visitor spending on food, lodging, transportation, entertainment and other services accounted for $11.4 billion, up 5.3 percent from 2013. Lodging was the biggest money-maker in 2014, accounting for 26 percent of tourists' spending. Food and beverage came in second at 25.4 percent.
Jackson County, in the west-central part of the state, saw the state's largest percentage increase in visitor spending at 11.8 percent. That number jumped from $32.2 million in 2013 to $36.1 million last year.
Chris Hardie, executive director of the Black River Falls Chamber of Commerce, attributed the increase to additional construction and industrial projects. Read more: The Star

Glenn McCullough chosen new economic chief for Mississippi Development Authority

Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant on Thursday named Glenn McCullough Jr. as the new director of the state's economic development agency, praising his past experience as Tennessee Valley Authority chairman, Tupelo mayor and Appalachian Regional Commission director.
McCullough, 60, will begin the job in June and will succeed Brent Christensen, 45, who is leaving the Mississippi Development Authority to become CEO of the Greensboro Partnership, a local economic development agency in North Carolina. Christensen had led MDA since April 2012, early in Bryant's term as governor.
Republican Bryant, who is seeking a second term this year, announced the appointment of McCullough on Thursday to more than 1,000 people during the annual meeting of the state chamber of commerce, the Mississippi Economic Council. Bryant said he specifically wanted to choose a new MDA director from inside the state. Read more: Sun-Herald

Famous Chamber of Commerce Inspiration -  (Meeting the membership)

“Time is not our own, and we must give a strict account of it” - Tiberius the Tireless, in 16^th century Peru, he traversed a 176,000 square mile diocese three times to attend to those in his charge.

U.S. Chamber Awards St Joseph County (Indiana) Chamber with 5 Star Accreditation; Nancy Pool, outgoing Halifax chamber director lays out personal opinion for county future; The Inner Blog - Greater Louisville Inc. - Attorney General Jack Conway Focuses on Jobs Creation, Public Safety and Education in Remarks During GLI’s Capitol Connection; La Crosse Chamber interest: Better economy, temps brings better business to downtown La Crosse; Conway Chamber meeting: Developer: Dillard's key to Central Landing's early development; Michigan West Coast chamber interest: West Michigan groups spend $10K for study of Grand Rapids to Detroit passenger rail service; Levees, Education, Economic Incentives top Hancock County Chamber’s Legislative Agenda; New director takes over at Romeoville Area Chamber; Friday: 157 Rules for Executive Success in Organization Management (and your Chamber of Commerce) by Patrick McGaughey

Happy Friday, Chamber world! Today is going to be a GREAT day!

U.S. Chamber Awards St Joseph County (Indiana) Chamber with 5 Star Accreditation

At its March board meeting, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce today awarded eighteen local chambers of commerce with accreditation for their sound policies, effective organizational procedures, and positive impact on their communities.

“Accreditation validates a chamber as having programs that benefit its local economy and positively influence its community,” said Raymond P. Towle, IOM, CAE, executive director of Political Affairs and Federation Relations. “We applaud these organizations for advancing the principles of free enterprise.” Read more: U.S. Chamber

Nancy Pool, outgoing Halifax chamber director lays out personal opinion for county future

“She’s come a long way, baby,” and outgoing Halifax County Chamber of Commerce Director Nancy Pool doesn’t mind telling county leaders what she has learned during her 35 years in the position.
Friday morning as the invited guest of the Halifax County Industrial Development Authority Board of Directors, Pool shared her historical perspective of the chamber before being presented a resolution recognizing her countless years of dedicated service to the county.

She recalled being part of the chamber in its formative years when being a woman leader in a man’s world oftentimes proved difficult.
It was in the late 1970s, when “some visionary people” realized every successful community had a full-time chamber of commerce, and acknowledged Halifax County also needed one if it were to be successful in a competitive economic development market. Read more: WORK IT SOVA

The Inner Blog - Greater Louisville Inc. - Attorney General Jack Conway Focuses on Jobs Creation, Public Safety and Education in Remarks During GLI’s Capitol Connection

Attorney General Jack Conway got right to the point.  Three points, actually, as he spoke before a packed house at the Olmsted as part of GLI’s Capitol Connection series.  He laid out a speaking agenda that included his upcoming campaign for governor, his record as attorney general and “some of the challenges we face here in Kentucky.”
As for his campaign, the two-term attorney general sounded a lot like an economic development director as he placed most of his proposed initiatives under a “jobs creation” umbrella. “As governor, I will market the state and the city of Louisville aggressively toward developing good paying jobs,” he said.  His plans call for an Office of Small Business Advocacy at cabinet level to help cut through the red tape of starting and expanding businesses, noting that “nine out of ten jobs are created by an existing business.”
He vowed to “strengthen the link between education and economic development to help ensure that our universities are preparing our people for the jobs of the future.” Part of that plan is to make sure that “workforce and economic development are equal in terms of focus.”
Citing studies that show that most brain development happens between five months and 6 years of age, Conway says he wants to increase the emphasis on early childhood education. “It’s proven that every dollar you spend on pre-school is returned by seven,” he said. Read more: Greater Louisville Inc.- The Metro Chamber

La Crosse Chamber interest: Better economy, temps brings better business to downtown La Crosse

Local entrepreneur Ryan Johnson runs four businesses, including his latest venture, The Old Crowe. The La Crosse native said the city has become the perfect place to develop a brand.
"Downtown has kind of been viewed for the longest time as a night life and college area. I believe now that that's changing a little bit,” Johnson said.
New and different establishments are growing as the demographic in downtown changes.
"It’s young, old, families, daytime and night time,” Johnson said.
Vicki Markussen the executive director of the La Crosse area chamber of commerce, said the city's support of new owners is helping business boom.
"One of the signs of all of these businesses starting up is that people are really willing to take a risk and peruse this dream of owning their own business," Markussen said. Read more: News8000.com

Conway Chamber meeting: Developer: Dillard's key to Central Landing's early development

Dillard’s was a key player in Central Landing becoming a reality for Conway’s economic future.
That was a statement William “Will” Wilson, president of Jim Wilson & Associates, made during the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting at the University of Central Arkansas campus on Thursday.
“I think that without Dillard’s, I don’t know if we would have a deal because everyone in the retail market knows how strong they are,” he said.
When Dillard’s announced it would be the anchor tenant of The Shoppes at Central Landing last year, Wilson said developers saw the move as a sign that Conway is poised to handle a project of the lifestyle center’s magnitude. Log Cabin Democrat

Michigan West Coast chamber interest: West Michigan groups spend $10K for study of Grand Rapids to Detroit passenger rail service

Several local organizations have pledged support for a study, which begins today, to examine the possibility of a West Michigan to Detroit-area passenger rail line.
The Holland Visitors Bureau, Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce, Macatawa Area Coordinating Council and Experience Grand Rapids each made a contribution totaling about $10,000 to fund a ridership and cost estimate study that could lead to actual service several years from now, project manager Liz Treutel said.
Treutel, who heads the study for the nonprofit Michigan Environmental Council, explains the seven-month project will examine ridership demand between the Holland, Grand Rapids, Lansing and Detroit corridor to better understand the impacts of establishing coast-to-coast rail service. Read more: M Live

Levees, Education, Economic Incentives top Hancock County Chamber’s Legislative Agenda

Officials from across South Mississippi will be in Jackson Wednesday to meet with legislators and push their agenda at the annual Coast Legislative Reception.

Many of the Hancock Chamber members will stay until Thursday to join the Mississippi Chamber for Capitol Day.

In a press release, the Hancock Chamber and executive director Tish Williams listed the priorities for the 2015 session of the Mississippi Legislature:

• Revamp and tier the investment schedule for the Tourism Tax Rebate law

• Drop in legislation to extend the Beach Boulevard Scenic By-way up to DeBuys Road

• Devise incentive districts to spur private investment in emerging key cities

• Support $5 million special appropriation for state tourism marketing funds

• Fully fund early childhood development in Mississippi

• Protect the Mississippi Coast from the Louisiana levee system

The organization’s goals extend to the federal level, where members want to see the MSA (Metropolitan Statistical Area) changed from the Gulfport/Biloxi area to all of South Mississippi to spur investment.
The recent Mississippi Economic Council Roadshow in Bay St. Louis showed how executives and elected officials in Harrison and Hancock counties have similar priorities. The said the state’s negative perception is Mississippi’s greatest roadblock to competitiveness, that highways and bridges are South Mississippi’s top infrastructure priorities and that the biggest opportunity for the Coast is the growth of tourism. Read more: hancockchamber.org

New director takes over at Romeoville Area Chamber

Michelle Jarnutowski started her relationship with the Romeoville Area Chamber of Commerce in October of 2013 as an eager member who volunteered and quickly became more involved in the community.
Now she's running the chamber as its new executive director.
Jarnutowski officially started as the new director on March 1, with a focus on bringing Romeoville businesses closer together.
"We need to make sure that we understand what our members' needs are and build relationships between them," Jarnutowski said.
Jarnutowski owns her own business, Plainfield-based ON Target Marketing Services and Promotional Products. She also has more than 22 years of experience in marketing. Read more: The Herald-News




Friday: 157 Rules for Executive Success in Organization Management (and your Chamber of Commerce) by Patrick McGaughey

RULE #71 - Never barter.