Showing posts with label Eagle River Area Chamber. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Eagle River Area Chamber. Show all posts

Saturday, August 3, 2019

Job Openings in #ChamberWorld - Special Report - Week of August 5th; Manager, Congressional and Public Affairs (Great Lakes Region)- U.S. Chamber of Commerce; President & CEO, Greater Muscatine Chamber of Commerce & Industry Ploeger Recruiting Services - Muscatine, IA - $100,000 - $120,000 a year; ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Arlington County, VA - Arlington, VA $127,712 - $237,515 a year - Full-time, Part-time, Temporary; President - Altavista Area Chamber of Commerce - Altavista, VA - $35,000 - $42,000 a year; Senior Economic Development Director Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) - Madison, WI; Director of Membership Sales and Engagement - Champaign County Chamber of Commerce - Champaign, IL $39,000 - $40,000 a year; Events Coordinator - Eagle River Area Chamber of Commerce - Eagle River, WI $35,000 - $35,500 a year;

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

Job Openings in #ChamberWorld - Special Report - Week of August 5th

Manager, Congressional and Public Affairs (Great Lakes Region)- U.S. Chamber of Commerce


POSITION OVERVIEW 

Help develop and coordinate grassroots legislative and political activities in six Great Lakes area states. 

RESPONSIBILITIES 
  • Build and maintain relationships with members of Congress and their regional and Hill staffs.
  • Cultivate grasstops relationships.
  • Activate Chamber membership on key policy issues.
  • Strengthen relations with state, regional, and local chambers.
  • Bolster advocacy programs through government affairs training programs.
  • Perform candidate and issue research.
  • Recommend candidates for political endorsements and provide support of endorsed candidates.
  • Represent the Chamber at events.
  • Contribute to the development of grassroots legislative strategies and identify emerging issues.
  • Conduct outreach to Chamber members to enhance the legislative agenda and provide membership services.
  • Carry out targeted outreach beyond the Chamber’s membership.
  • Build and maintain media relationships.
  • Manage and maintain social media messaging.
  • Work with other regional staff to conduct nationwide programming.
  • Develop and maintain strong relationships with staff in Congressional Affairs and other departments.
REQUIREMENTS 
  • Bachelor’s degree and 3-5 years’ experience lobbying, working on a campaign, or in a similar environment.
  • Knowledge of key issues affecting the business community.
  • Political or legislative connections in one or more of the following states: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania.
  • Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
  • Competent public speaker.​
  • Ability to travel up to 40% of the time.
Salary to the high $70s. 

We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, marital status, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Our talent acquisition and employment policies are inclusive. We respect both the spirit and letter of the laws of equal employment opportunity.



President & CEO, Greater Muscatine Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Ploeger Recruiting Services - Muscatine, IA - $100,000 - $120,000 a year



PRESIDENT & CEO
GREATER MUSCATINE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY
POSITION OPENING ANNOUNCEMENT / INVITATION TO APPLY
The Greater Muscatine Chamber of Commerce & Industry [GMCCI] seeks applicants and referrals for the position of President & CEO. This person is the CEO of the organization and is governed by the Chamber’s Board of Directors, yet works with considerable independence. The CEO is responsible for the general management, including finance and budgeting, coordination of all Chamber of Commerce activities and directs all planning and implementation of GMCCI by-laws, programs and policies/procedures. The CEO has direct responsibility to lead GMCCI toward the accomplishment of its mission and strategic plans for Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development, Community Development and CVB operations.
The organization is seeking a dynamic leader with a verifiable track record of success. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated ability to create and maintain relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders, articulate a definite and clear vision and unify volunteers and staff around numerous initiatives.
The new Plan of Work for GMCCI has identified initiative with strategies to address the following:
  • Work with all constituents to cultivate a positive community for employees to live and work in Muscatine.
  • Present new Economic Development initiatives to foster growth.
  • Community/Downtown Enhancement and Reinvigoration
  • Attract visitors to the community through the efforts of the Muscatine Convention and Visitors’ Bureau
Key responsibilities include:
  • Leadership and motivation of staff, Boards and volunteers.
  • Ensure fiscal stability, accountability and transparency.
  • Develop and mentor outstanding staff members and serve as a role model.
  • Maintain a visible and proactive profile in the community.
  • Represent the community and GMCCI professionally at all times.
  • Pursue professional development opportunities to keep GMCCI fresh and cutting edge.
  • Promote the organization, staff and their accomplishments to the constituents we serve.
  • Lead ongoing planning activities and associated fundraising initiatives.
  • Recommend to the Board, policy and procedure changes that will allow GMCCI to function fairly and efficiently as it carries on the organization’s mission.
The successful candidate will have:
  • A Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate discipline, advanced degree desired. Completion of US Chamber of Commerce Institute of Management or designation as a Certified Economic Developer {CEcD} is preferred.
  • Management experience in Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development or related organizations.
  • Evidence of exemplary achievement and leadership in this field of endeavor.
  • Outstanding interpersonal, organizational and motivation skills.
  • Exemplifies honesty, integrity and forthrightness in all aspects of life, personal and professional.
GMCCI will offer a compensation and benefit package that is regionally competitive. Muscatine, pop. 23,000, offers a reasonable cost of living, excellent schools and exceptional recreational and cultural opportunities.
Email resumes in confidence to:
Jeff Ploeger – Search Consultant
Ploeger Recruiting Services – Burlington, IA
800-590-1591 office or 319-759-4464 mobile
Job Type: Full-time
Salary: $100,000.00 to $120,000.00 /year
Experience:
  • chamber of commerce or economic development: 3 years (Preferred)
Education:
  • Bachelor's (Preferred)
Additional Compensation:
  • Bonuses
Work Location:
  • One location
Benefits:

  • Health insurance
  • Retirement plan
  • Relocation assistance
  • Professional development assistance
  • Paid time off
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance


ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
Arlington County, VA -  Arlington, VA
$127,712 - $237,515 a year - Full-time, Part-time, Temporary



Position Information

Are you interested in joining a jurisdiction that is home to many of the fastest growing and most innovative companies in the nation and who contributed to Virginia's national recognition in 2019 as the "Top State for Business" by CNBC?

Arlington County is looking for a dynamic, energetic and creative Economic Development Director to provide vision and leadership dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of an economically competitive and sustainable community. The next Director will lead the organization through an exciting period of commercial growth, while continuing to grow collaborative partnerships with Arlington's business, real estate development, tourism, arts and cultural communities, and regional partners.

Challenges/Opportunities facing the Economic Development Director:
  • Setting the vision and direction for Arlington Economic Development (AED) that positions Arlington as a regional, national, and international world-class business and visitor location;
  • Producing vibrant and desirable urban districts with ample private investment opportunities;
  • Providing support and resources to new and existing businesses, including small business owners and entrepreneurs, and balancing divergent needs;
  • Enhancing Arlington's economic sustainability through efforts that advance innovation, competitiveness and resiliency;
  • Collaborating with the organizational leadership team, including planning, technology, and public safety to ensure that important existing business infrastructure elements vital to business sustainability and expansion are maintained and improved;
  • Mentoring and facilitating professional development, fostering a work environment that encourages team collaboration and motivates individuals to excel in their areas of responsibility and directing efforts to coach, mentor and develop staff;
  • Encouraging collaboration with the Economic Development Commission (EDC) and Arlington Chamber of Commerce on business, tourism and related issues;
  • Providing guidance and policy recommendations to the County Manager and County Board on economic development issues;
  • Ensuring that Arlington's economic development goals and strategic initiatives are achieved;
  • Developing close, productive working relationships with the business community to attract and retain business and, developing private, public and academic sector partnerships at all levels;
  • Developing and implementing marketing programs for business attraction strategies, to initiate efforts aimed at reducing vacancy rates and expanding the County's supply of commercial, and industrial sites, and buildings;
  • Encouraging collaboration with the Arlington Commission for the Arts and facilitating strategic alignment of Cultural Affairs within the department.
Arlington County Government


President - Altavista Area Chamber of Commerce - Altavista, VA - $35,000 - $42,000 a year

The Altavista Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking a career minded, dynamic, energetic, highly motivated individual for the position of President. This position will lead the strategic vision and mission of the Chamber. The President will be a visionary with overall responsibilities for leadership and management of the Chamber and will be accountable for the effective and efficient operation of the organization including fiscal management. The President works with the Executive Committee, Board of Directors, Committee Chairs and Chamber volunteers to achieve the Chamber’s goals.
Salary range of $35,000 to $42,000 depending on qualifications and benefits. Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit a cover letter, resume, salary history and at least 3 professional references to: Altavista Chamber of Commerce, Attn: Selection Committee, 414 Washington St, Altavista, VA 24517. Position is open until filled. EOE.
Job Responsibilities:
Leadership: Providing objective advisement during Board Discussion regarding setting and implementing policy, priorities and establishing a program of work. The President will work closely with Town Council, the Office of Economic Development, and Altavista on Track, in a collaborative effort to promote town events and to support the strategic plan for the Town of Altavista.
Advocacy: Devising and implementing a program that assures that the Chamber’s membership and the business community are provided highly visible, well respected, and keenly effective representation regionally.
Education: To undertake programs and activities that improve the business community’s ability to succeed in doing business in Altavista.
Membership: To provide an array of services and an effective marketing effort that will lead to membership growth and fiscal stability for the Altavista Chamber. In so doing, increase the visibility of the Chamber regionally and attract members from small and large companies and across economic and geographic sectors.
Entrepreneurship: To identify, organize and market an array of non-dues revenue programs that generate reliable income for the Chamber and contribute substantially to its fiscal stability.
Collateral Responsibilities:
In carrying out the foregoing mission of the Altavista Chamber, the President shall perform the following management functions:
  • Committees: Shall assure the establishment, maintenance and operation of those standing committees required to fulfill membership and other town objections.
  • Personnel: Shall be responsible for staff selection, compensation, training, professional development, termination and morale.
  • Fiscal Management: Shall carry out the fiscal activities of the Chamber systematically, thoroughly, and with integrity, with the ultimate annual goal of operating “in the black” and achieving a modest surplus.
  • Carry out the direction of the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors and keep those bodies fully informed of events, trends, decisions (internal and external) and potential concerns that affect the business environment and the effectiveness of the Chamber.
  • Effect and maintain the highest standards of quality in all Chamber functions and activities to assure the organization enjoys the highest possible image, reputation, and perception in the business community and the public at large. In so doing, serve as the chief staff spokesperson for the Altavista Chamber and represent it at the highest levels of decision-making.
Desired credentials, skills and experience:
  • Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience in business, government, communications or related field.
  • Superior communication skills both orally and in writing. The public speaking component of the position is critical.
  • Knowledge of Altavista and the surrounding areas as a business location is highly desirable.
The Altavista Chamber of Commerce is an equal opportunity employer. The Chamber does not discriminate based on race, creed, gender, national origin, marital or veteran status, sexual preference or any other legally protected status.
Job Type: Full-time
Salary: $35,000.00 to $42,000.00 /year
Education:
  • Bachelor's (Preferred)

Senior Economic Development Director
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) - Madison, WI

Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
Senior Economic Development Director
Position Summary
The Senior Economic Development Director is responsible for overseeing the Regional Economic Development Directors, participates in program and project development, disseminates project information and is an active participant in project-related work groups and committees.
Responsibilities
The Senior Economic Development Director will spend a majority of his/her time in these activities:
  • Manage and develop Regional Economic Development Directors within the Business and Community Development Team who are responsible for the growth and expansion of Wisconsin companies and communities through effective deployment of WEDC resources and technical assistance to encourage investment and job creation and retention throughout Wisconsin.
  • Participate in program and project development, disseminate project information and participate in project-related work groups and committees.
  • Working with local and regional economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, regional planning commissions, and other economic and regional development partners to assist them in improving the operations and performance of their organization as well as offering support with data collection and relationship building.
  • Represent and promote WEDC and the State as the leading economic development organization for Wisconsin.
  • Ensure the directors are conducting the proper account and opportunity maintenance within the CRM system.
  • Work with the VP of Business &Community Development as needed to manage regional and economic development support network; includes leading workgroups to discuss best practices.
  • Provide support and assistance to the VP of Business and Community Development and the WEDC executive leadership team in development of effective programs and tools for statewide impact.
  • Act as lead resource on issues including program design and implementation, performing specific evaluation, monitoring and planning tasks; oversee the review and revisions of program operations to assure program consistency with WEDC missions.
  • Maintain knowledge of public and private development resources.
  • Assist in the creation and maintenance of program applications, implementation manuals, procedures, and guides.
  • Identify and implement improved regional and economic development service offerings.
  • Perform on-site monitoring of WEDC assisted projects.
  • Work with the VP of Business & Community Development to monitor and track program-related fund balances.
  • Effectively recommend the hiring, transfer, suspension, layoff, recall, promotion, discharge, assignment, evaluation, discipline and adjustment of grievances ofdirect reports.
  • Represent WEDC at public relation s events, conferences, and meetings regarding economic development.
  • Participate in training of and membership in organizations to enhance professional development.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Education and Experience:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Urban and Regional Studies, Urban Planning, Economic Development, Business Administration, related field or comparable education/experience/training.
  • Minimum of 12 years of experience in economic development or related field required.
  • Management experience.
  • Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) or Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP) certification preferred.

Skills and Talents:

  • Demonstrated understanding of sound economic development practices, tools and resources.
  • Demonstrated ability to partner and influence at all levels in the community and to be viewed as a credible, valuable source of information and integral part of management team.
    • Strong public speaking skills required.
    • Strong project management skills required.
    • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects required.
    • Strong customer relationship management skills required.
    • Ability to make sound decisions.
  • Ability to solve complex problems, sound reasoning, independent judgment and initiative to accomplish tasks.
    • Quantitative, analytical and problem solving skills.
  • PC applications including word processing, spreadsheet, database management and Windows software.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills to deal effectively with senior executives as well as diverse groups of people internal and external to the organization; team player.
  • Organizational and record-keeping skills; attention to detail.
  • Demonstrated ability to evaluate and assess projects for funding need and make sound recommendations for financial awards.
Other Requirements
  • State-wide travel will occur on a frequent basis, more than 30% of the time. Travel is anticipated to include day and overnight travel.
    • Possession of a valid driver's license and proof of auto insurance that meets minimum state requirements are required.
    • This position is eligible for reimbursement according to the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program. This position requires the employee to provide a mobile device that allows for phone, text, and email access.
    • Based on the responsibilities of this position, this position may need to lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

Director of Membership Sales and Engagement - Champaign County Chamber of Commerce - Champaign, IL
$39,000 - $40,000 a year


We are seeking an individual that has a proven sales track record and excellent verbal and written communication skills. We need someone who is not afraid of the cold call. The desired candidate must be out-going and work well with people and be able to meet goals. The selected candidate must be able to close a sale with minimal supervision; and must be a self starter. In addition, this position is responsible for helping to retain the existing customers. The selected candidate must be able to provide excellent customer service and demonstrate a desire to excel. 401K plan and health insurance offered. Salary + Quarterly Bonuses for hitting goals.
Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor Degree. Knowledge of Microsoft Office products including Word, Outlook and Excel. Minimum of 2 to 4 years successful professional sales experience preferred. Comfortable base plus commission.
Job Type: Full-time
Salary: $39,000.00 to $40,000.00 /year
Experience:
  • sales: 3 years (Preferred)
Location:
  • Champaign, IL 61820 (Required)
License:
  • Illinois (Required)
Work authorization:
  • United States (Required)

Events Coordinator - Eagle River Area Chamber of Commerce - Eagle River, WI
$35,000 - $35,500 a year

This is a full time, year round position that includes: weekend, evening, early morning, holiday and office business hours as required by events and chamber activities. Candidates must have proven leadership abilities, strong written and verbal communication skills, be highly organized, deadline and detail oriented, personable, friendly and a team player, as well as have experience in the use of common computer programs and the internet including social media. Background in any of the following areas will prove beneficial: event coordination, coordinating volunteers, fundraising, public relations/marketing, experience in budget management and customer service.
The Events Coordinator is responsible for organizing important Chamber events from conception through completion.
Responsibilities:
  • Coordinate all event activities and personnel
  • Distribute all meeting information and supplies to attending personnel
  • Calculate and propose budgets for planned events or meetings
  • Research and identify successful event opportunities
  • Maintain stock of event supplies
Qualifications:
  • Previous experience in event planning or other related fields
  • Strong project managing skills
  • Deadline and detail-oriented
  • Ability to work well in teams
Job Type: Full-time
Salary: $35,000.00 to $35,500.00 /year
Experience:
  • event coordination: 1 year (Preferred)
Additional Compensation:
  • Other forms

Executive Director - Batesville Chamber of Commerce - Batesville, IN

The Executive Director acts as chief executive and administrative officer of the Chamber and oversees all the functions of the office and the organization, serving as coordinator, advisor, membership recruiter, all while vigorously supporting and advocating for the members. Additionally, the Executive Director works collaboratively to maintain and strengthen relationships with the leadership of represented municipalities.
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director manages and directs operations, finances, communications, membership, programs, and events for the Chamber. Other Essential duties include memberships cultivation, fundraising, marketing, and community outreach. The Executive Director may be supported by a full or part-time paid assistant, contractual (freelance) employees and/or interns and volunteers, as circumstances require. The Executive Director is responsible for maintaining employment records and training, supervising, and reviewing office staff members regarding the procedures and expectations of the Chamber.
Position requirements
The Executive Director holds a high-profile position requiring broad experience with both for-profit and not-for-profit- organizations, the ability to multitask and at a high level in a fast-paced environment of tight deadlines and overlapping priorities.
Membership Services
The Executive Director is responsible to retaining, recruiting, and enhancing the Chamber's connection with member businesses and organizations.
  • Solicit new members; actively introduce the Chamber to business in the area.
  • Retain member businesses; ensure member database, web and print directories are updated; visit and communicate with current members to ascertain member needs.
  • Plan member board events.
Event Coordination and Other Sources of Income
The Executive Director is responsible for planning, developing, executing and evaluating the financial and operational success of events and other sources of income and activities. Additionally, the Executive Director is charged with developing new sources of revenue growth to ensure the fiscal strength of the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce. Oversee Annual Awards Dinner that showcases businesses, community leaders and volunteers. Example sources of revenue for the Chamber include:
  • Membership Dues.
  • Sponsorship Programs; Corporate and Event
  • Marketing/Advertising: Community Guide, Postcard Mailer, Coupon Booklet, Newspaper Advertising.
  • Member/Community Events: Annual Awards Dinner, Speaker Series, Members & Mugs, Batesville Bash, Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting, etc.
Marketing Communications
The Executive Director maintains responsibility for coordinating the information contained in various sources of communication including email, print and web communications.
  • Collecting editorial content and copy.
  • Monitoring social media outlets; Facebook and Instagram
  • Coordinating the publication and release of communication; including website, newspaper print and radio.
  • Ensuring all materials are uniform and communicate the mission of the Chamber.
Operations and Office Management
The Executive Director is responsible for implementing and maintaining the Chamber budget and monitoring income and expenditures assigning tasks as necessary. The Executive Director serves as the Chamber's administrator and manager of support staff.
Skills
  • Must be able to work a flexible schedule including evening and weekend events.
  • Ability to work both individually and as part of a group
  • Ability to work positively with the business community, partners, sponsors, and volunteers
  • High level of diplomacy and tact
  • Ability to present/speak to groups
  • Adept at social media and marketing
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Excellent organizational skills
  • Expertise in Microsoft Office suite
  • Experience in editing tools and graphic design development preferred
Education and Experience
  • Bachelor's Degree (preferred)
  • Marketing and/or Sales
  • Business Development
  • Office and Project Management
  • Non-Profit Fundraising, including Corporate membership campaigns and sponsor solicitation
  • Basic familiarity with design development (such as Adobe Creative Cloud)
  • Knowledge of QuickBooks is preferred
This position is a full-time position, offering paid vacation and holidays (concurrent with the City of Batesville).
To Apply: Submit a cover letter, resume, references and salary requirements to the following



Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories 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.

Town Square Publications parent company, Paddock Publications, has over 100 years’ experience of print product development and dedicated customer service in communities throughout the Midwest. Our experience allows Town Square Publications to offer you attractive royalty and non-dues revenue share streams, provide direct distribution of your custom designed printed publications, including digital and mobile integration, and all with the quickest turn-around times available in the industry. Town Square also offers multi-media maps in both print and online formats, both with our No-Cost guarantee. More information: Town Square Publications

Chambers of Commerce and member focused organizations serve as a valuable resource in the local marketplace. The networking opportunities and representation with a wide variety of diverse businesses in your community is the catalyst of a successful organization. For further information about Town Square's publishing partnership with chambers of commerce and our No-Cost guarantee and Earned Revenue Share Program, To request your chamber publication or map proposal, contact Town Square Chamber Proposal

Friday, August 28, 2015

Chamber inspiration: The Virginia TV Shooting Survivor Is A Champion For Her Community; Chamber presentation: Biloxi Seafood Festival set for Sept. 12-13; Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce Event; Crossroads Chamber welcomes new teachers at luncheon; Chamber Tweet of the Day: Clarkston (Michigan) Area Chamber; Eagle River Area Chamber event: A record-breaking Musky Open in Eagle River; Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce holds awards ceremony; Friday: 157 Rules for Executive Success in Organization Management (and your Chamber of Commerce) by Patrick McGaughey RULE #116


Chamber inspiration: The Virginia TV Shooting Survivor Is A Champion For Her Community

Virginia journalists Alison Parker and Adam Ward were fatally shot while on the air Wednesday morning, but there was a third victim who survived. Who is Vicki Gardner, the Virginia TV shooting survivor? Parker was interviewing Gardner at Bridgewater Plaza on Smith Mountain Lake about an upcoming celebration for the 50th anniversary of Smith Mountain Lake's creation when the gunman began shooting at the news crew and then fled. Parker, a 24-year-old reporter, and Ward, a 27-year-old videographer, died at the scene, according to WDBJ7, and Gardner was rushed to the hospital for surgery. Chris Turnbull, a spokesman for Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, told The Roanoke Times Wednesday: "She is currently recovering and is in stable condition."
Gardner has been the executive director of the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce since 2002, according to her LinkedIn, promoting business development and recreational attractions at the lake. Troy Keaton, president of the chamber’s executive board, told reporters, "She is an exceptional bright light in this community. We stand with her 100 percent and are praying for her and are thankful that she is in stable condition and is in good hands. We just want her to know and this community to know, as Vicki has been a champion for us for more than a decade ... We’re going to get together as a community and stay together and make it through this." Read more: Bustle.com


Chamber presentation: Biloxi Seafood Festival set for Sept. 12-13
The Biloxi Chamber of Commerce will present the 34th annual Biloxi Seafood Festival, Sept. 12-13 at Point Cadet Plaza in Biloxi.
The festival is a celebration of the history and heritage of the seafood industry in Biloxi. It features entertainment, arts and crafts and, of course, seafood.
The festival will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sept. 12, and Justin Kennedy of Biloxi will build a 200-foot shrimp po-boy at 2 p.m., and the Molly Ringwalds will perform from 6 to 9 p.m. On Sept. 14 the gates will open at 10 a.m. and the Sun Herald Gumbo Championship will run from 1 to 3 p.m.
Also on the festival's entertainment lineup will be St. John Greater AME Men's Choir, Back Alley, Bella Loxx and Miles Flatt on Saturday, with Dikki Du and the Zydeco Crew on Sunday. There will be free admission from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday for the Black and Gold Pep Rally.
"We are very excited about this year's Biloxi Seafood Festival," Chamber Director Rachael Seymour said. "Crafts, kids activities, music and seafood -- it will fun for the entire family." Read more: Sun-Herald



Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce Event

Multigenerational, Multicultural: The New Workplace

Date
September 15, 2015
Time
5:00 pm-7:00 pm
Location
Google Chicago, 20 West Kinzie Street
Tickets
Member Ticket: $25
Non-Member Ticket: $50
Portrait of a multi ethnic business team.



Creating and sustaining a culture of inclusion is critical to overall success. From changing expectations of Millennials to a booming Hispanic population and everything in between, mid-size companies need cost-effective, practical and pragmatic ways to address these real business opportunities.

At this event, you will learn about:
Leveraging multigenerational and multicultural dynamics in the market.
Creating a culture of inclusion where these dynamics can thrive within your company.
How to present to and connect with these new customers and employees.

Crossroads Regional Chamber welcomes new teachers at luncheon

Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual New Teacher Luncheon at The Lighthouse Restaurant Monday.

The event welcomes and shows appreciation for the teachers and administrators of the Crown Point and Merrillville school corporations, with more than 80 new educators and administrators on hand.

The New Teacher Luncheon is organized by the Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce Education Division. The chamber has a strong belief that by linking education and business now, children will be prepared with the skills to make business in the Calumet Region flourish in the future.

A relaxed atmosphere during the luncheon was created by the musical stylings of All Strings Attached, comprised of Crown Point students Nick Burrell, Maddie Edwards, Vanessa Garcia and Lauren Massow, as well as the Merrillville High School Quartet of Timoya Bryant, David Hinton, Maxwell Moore and Steffan Santiago. Read more: NWITimes.com


Chamber Tweet of the Day: Clarkston (Michigan) Area Chamber



Clarkston MI Chamber @CACOC

Let's get #happy trending today! Put a smile on that face, retweet us and enjoy your day! #startthetrend #happy #NationalBurgerDay


Eagle River Area Chamber event: A record-breaking Musky Open in Eagle River


The Eagle River Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center along with the Musky Clubs Alliance of Wisconsin are proud to bring you the results of the 30th Annual National Championship Musky Open:

*The 30th Annual National Championship Musky Open was a record-breaking event:

--There were 1266 musky anglers representing 15 states that entered the tournament - this breaks the 2014 record of 1251 tournament anglers.

--There were 195 muskies caught and released and this is just short of the record set in 2013.

--There were 74 Husband/Wife teams. This breaks the record set in 2014 with 58 husband/wife teams

-- Seventy-three youth entered this year's tournament and what a great time these kids had.

***The largest fish caught in the tournament was 49" by Ryan Sonier of Colgate, WI. He caught this fish on Lake Family 1 on Kentuck Lake. His catch and release happened on Saturday morning, Aug. 22nd on a spinner bait. As the largest fish of the tournament, a replica fish will be created by Fittante Taxidermy of Antigo, WI and this replica will be presented to Ryan at next year's tournament. Read more: Post-Crescent.com


Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce holds awards ceremony

Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce held its 58th annual awards banquet at the East Kentucky Expo Center Thursday.
The voice of the Wildcats, Tom Leach was the keynote speaker at the ceremony.
A chance to celebrate businesses in Eastern Kentucky.
The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce held its 58th award ceremony Thursday evening.
"It's a huge fundraiser for our organization as well as it's real intention is to celebrate the business community of the region. To honor them with awards for folks that have done outstanding things in their community or within their business within the last year," says Jacob Colley, President/ CEO of Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce.
More than 500 people set to attend the event in celebration of their successes. Read more: WKYT.com


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


RULE #116 --- Be profound on social media























Monday, July 6, 2015

Loudoun County Chamber's Tony Howard Earns Statewide Recognition For Chamber Leadership; Greater Madison Chamber connection: Applications due for pitch contests; Hancock County Chamber Good News: South Mississippi has seen millions of dollars of development so far this year; millions more to come; Eagle River Area Chamber host: Miller & Krelle Win Professional Muskie Tournament Trail Qualifier In Eagle River; The Michigan Chamber of Commerce today applauded the Michigan Senate for their leadership in passing a comprehensive plan to fix Michigan's roads: Oak Lawn Chamber Tees Up Annual Golf Outing; Paducah Chamber/McCracken County Youth L.E.A.D.; #ChamberMonday - Famous Chamber of Commerce Thoughts & Facts:

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


Loudoun County Chamber's Tony Howard Earns Statewide Recognition For Chamber Leadership



Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Tony Howard is the 2015 Executive of the Year, as named by the Virginia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives.
The award was announced June 25 at the VACCE annual meeting in Roanoke.
The award not only recognized the Loudoun Chamber’s role as a business advocate, but also its success in growing membership. Last year, the Chamber’s roster grew by 19 percent, to more than 1,300 members, the highest membership total in over a decade. The VACCE also cited the Chamber’s BizVotes Election Education Campaign to increase the influence of businesses in local public policy and the issues that impact the overall quality of life.
“He began as the chief cook and bottle washer of a small—and financially troubled at the time of his hire—Chamber of Commerce in 2006,” noted Scott Hamberger, who served as Chamber chairman in 2014. “Since then the Chamber has grown to the second largest in Northern Virginia with a full time staff of 10, supporting 100 plus events per year and 14 permanent programs.”
Howard was lauded for playing an instrumental role in leading post-recession small business growth in Loudoun, successfully rallying support for the Dulles Metrorail expansion, and getting more non-profit organizations involved with the Chamber through the Non-Profit Initiative and the launch of the Connect Northern Virginia website. Read more: Leesburg Today


Greater Madison Chamber connection: Applications due for pitch contests

Entrepreneurs in the Madison area will have two chances to pitch their products and services at the Forward Festival, Aug. 20-27.
Pressure Chamber, organized by the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce, will feature six startups vying for a chance to make a presentation to Silicon Valley investors. This will be the second year the Chamber is holding the event with an all-expenses-paid California trip as the prize.
Startup Showcase, presented by Capital Entrepreneurs and Accelerate Madison, will give another six young companies a chance to strut their stuff, and some past presenters will provide one-minute updates on their progress. Read more:Madison.com



Hancock County Chamber Good News: South Mississippi has seen millions of dollars of development so far this year; millions more to come



South Mississippi can boast two new casino hotel towers, a new minor league baseball stadium and several new restaurants and stores this year -- and we're only halfway through 2015.
The cranes are operating and the phones are ringing in cities across the Coast as developers look for new opportunities.
They abound. Only one miniature golf course has been operating in Biloxi since Hurricane Katrina, but two more will be opening this year. Banana's Mini Golf on Pass Road in East Gulfport is coming soon and a 36-hole championship course with an "erupting" volcano is part of the Scarlet Pearl Casino that will open in D'Iberville in December.
Other projects are equally captivating. Fishbone Alley promises to transform a rundown alley in Gulfport into a social hot
spot modeled after Printer's Alley in Nashville. A newly proposed festival boardwalk is envisioned along Restaurant Row in Biloxi, where The Salty Oyster eatery just opened at Shaggy's and two more restaurants, Baja Beach Biloxi and Spinnakers beach bar, will open soon.
Several hotels are under construction and grand plans for shopping centers are being discussed.
"It's nice to see things coming back," Biloxi Councilman Felix Gines said. "Developers are showing interest, especially in the downtown area. The baseball stadium was the cornerstone," he said, and he sees business growing there and expanding down the Coast.
It isn't just businesses that are returning. Homes are going up across the Coast and Gines said in Biloxi, "we're getting real close to our pre-Katrina numbers in residential."
David Parker, Gulfport's development director, keeps a list of major projects on his cell phone: the recently completed $58 million Island View Casino expansion; the $60 million expansion of Memorial Hospital at Gulfport; Anchor Plaza's four hotels; Centennial Plaza's three phases and the expansion of the SportsPlex to increase sports tourism.
"I've three times that many I can't talk about yet," he said.
Laurie Toups, who started work as Gulfport's Main Street director in January, said she immediately got to work with the economic-development department.
"We stay so busy," she said. There is no magic formula for attracting business and developers. "They contact us, we contact them," she said.
The Hatten Building, whose first floor will house TrustMark Bank, is completely renovated and Toups said the man who bought the old Cadillac building is ready to start a big renovation with two floors of commercial topped by two floors of residential.
Other commercial buildings are available downtown, she said, "although they're going fast."
In D'Iberville, construction in nearing an end on the Interstate 10/110 intersection, providing a network of roads leading to the Academy Sports and other new businesses coming to Sangani Boulevard.
Signs of a stronger economy are seen across the Coast in casino revenue and sales tax for the cities and the highest prices for home sales since 2009 -- and development is following. Salvetti's moved back to downtown Ocean Springs and although Salmagundi's gift shop closed, Poppy's gift shop and art gallery quickly opened on Washington Street.
The waterfront and downtown Bay St. Louis are booming as businesses return, festivals draw people to the town on weekends and Coast Transit Authority launches its new Bay Trolley.
Lulu's on Main just expanded in the former Maggie Mae's, Purple Banana is in a new building, and Tish Williams, director of the Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, said more restaurants are coming on the beach and one on Main Street. Read more: Sun Herald



Eagle River Area Chamber host: Miller & Krelle Win Professional Muskie Tournament Trail Qualifier In Eagle River


Despite a full field of 132 teams, a pair of local anglers won the second leg of the 2015 Professional Musky Tournament Trail (PMTT), in Eagle River, Wisconsin. The Mercury Marine Summer Challenge, hosted by the Eagle River Area Chamber of Commerce, was held June 27-28 on the Eagle River Chain of Lakes. Anglers were greeted by calm wind, sunny and warm weather conditions on Saturday before turning partly cloudy and breezy on Sunday.
Tim Miller of Sugar Camp, Wisconsin, and Brian Krelle of Eagle River caught three muskies up to 42 1/2 inches to win the tournament by a narrow margin of only 5 points. The pair used dark-colored BullDawgs and twitched the baits hard in and around thick patches of weeds in four feet of water or less. They earned the first place trophies and a check for $20,000.
In second place were Nate Osfer of Marathon City, Wisconsin, and Matt Raley of Minocqua, Wisconsin — who had won the PMTT qualifier in Eagle River in 2014. Osfer and Raley used Medussas in shallow weeds to catch three muskies up to 41 1/2 inches and won $5,000.
Placing third with three muskies to 37 1/2 inches were Dewey and Jonathon Stewart of Pawnee, Illinois, who used Rizzo Wiz spinners on weed edges and in the thickest weeds while keeping their boat in seven feet of water. Read more: Musky Hunter


The Michigan Chamber of Commerce today applauded the Michigan Senate for their leadership in passing a comprehensive plan to fix Michigan's roads.
he Michigan Chamber of Commerce is a statewide business organization representing approximately 6,600 employers, trade associations and local chambers of commerce. The Michigan Chamber represents businesses of every size and type in all 83 counties of the state. The Michigan Chamber was established in 1959 to be an advocate for Michigan's job providers in the legislative, political and legal process.
"We commend Senate Majority Leader Meekhof and his colleagues who took the bold step of passing a meaningful package of legislation to fix Michigan's crumbling roads and bridges," said Michigan Chamber President & CEO Rich Studley. "This plan provides a real solution to dramatically improve the condition of our roads and bridges which are vital to Michigan's economic success."
"Voters have been consistent that they want legislators to work together to fix the roads by reprioritizing state spending, raising any needed revenue through user fees, not general tax increases and ensuring that the tax dollars we send to Lansing to fix the roads are actually spent on the roads," noted Tricia Kinley, Senior Director of Tax & Regulatory Reform for the Michigan Chamber. "The Senate plan accomplishes all three."
"The Senate plan is a responsible solution to the road funding crisis," noted Jim Holcomb, Senior Vice President for Business Advocacy & General Counsel for the Michigan Chamber. "Under the plan passed by the Senate, it is estimated that Michigan drivers would pay about $7 more per month to fix the roads." Read more: Michigan Chamber



Oak Lawn Chamber Tees Up Annual Golf Outing


The Oak Lawn Chamber will hold its annual Golf Outing on Wednesday, July 15th , at Stony Creek Golf Course, 5850 W. 103rd Street. The Golf Outing is the chamber’s largest fundraiser.
This year’s chamber golf outing is sponsored by Standard Bank & Trust Co. The fee of $125 per person includes 18 holes of golf, lunch, dinner and drinks. Other packages include $80 for golf and lunch or $55 for dinner and drinks.
The chamber will offer miniature golf beginning at 4 p.m. The cost is $70 per person for miniature golf and dinner or $15 for miniature golf only.
Golf registration begins at 11 a.m., followed by lunch at 11:30 a.m., and a shot-gun start at 12:30 p.m.. An open bar will begin at the conclusion of golf followed by a buffet dinner.
Advance reservations will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. The outing will host a special and grand raffle.Read more: Patch.com



Paducah Chamber/McCracken County Youth L.E.A.D.
Youth L.E.A.D. is a program designed to develop and prepare students for future community support and leadership roles in Paducah/McCracken County. Youth L.E.A.D. targets high school juniors in Paducah Independent, McCracken County Public, private and home‐school systems. The students spend one day a month for five months learning about human needs and service learning, communication and career development, business and economy, law and government, and healthcare in McCracken County.

Click here for the 2014-2015 application!


#ChamberMonday - Famous Chamber of Commerce Thoughts & Facts:



“The United States has over 7,000 chambers of all types…” 

“Most of them (chambers) divide up their activities in four or five main areas: Government relations/lobbying, membership, communications, events and other activities such as affinity programs (offering health insurance or other products to members) or economic/tourism development.”


- Chris Mead, The Magicians of Main Street, America and its Chambers of Commerce from 1768-1945