Illinois Chambers of Commerce Shining Stars in 2018; Shining Chamber Stars #1 --- Illinois Accredited Chambers; Illinois 5 Star Chambers --- The highest ranking possible; Shining Chamber Star #2 - 2018 IACCE Chamber Executive of the Year; Shining Chamber Star #3 - 2018 IACCE Chamber of the Year; Shining Chamber Star #4 - Training Collaboration of the Year; Shining Chamber Star #5 - Southern Illinois Made; Shining Chamber Star #6 - Effingham Chamber of Commerce; Shining Chamber Star # 7 - Geneva Chamber Swedish Days; Shining Chamber Star #8 - Plainfield Area Chamber - Giving Gala; Shining Chamber Star #9 - Naperville Area Chamber Of Commerce; Shining Chamber Star #10 - The Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC) and Women’s Biz Net (WBN)

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

Illinois Chambers of Commerce Shining Stars in 2018

There are a thousand points of light in Illinois Chambers of Commerce. Here are ten shining stars to share this year:


Illinois Shining Chamber Stars #1 --- Illinois Accredited Chambers 

Across the U.S., there are over 850 chambers that have participated in the program since 1964. Currently, 208 chambers carry this distinction across the United States. With approximately 7,000 chambers in the United States, Accreditation with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is a prestigious honor that distinguishes the high quality, expertise, and strong leadership displayed by Accredited state and local chambers of commerce.

Illinois Accredited Chambers 

Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce Elgin IL Accredited - Carol Gieske, President
Lake Zurich Area Chamber of Commerce Lake Zurich IL Accredited - Claire Slattery - Executive Director


Illinois 5 Star Chambers --- The highest ranking possible

Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce Aurora IL 5 Stars - Joe Henning, President
Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce Springfield IL 5 Stars - Chris Hembrough, President
McLean County Chamber of Commerce Bloomington IL 5 Stars - Charlie Moore, President
Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce Naperville IL 5 Stars - Nikki Anderson, President
Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce Sterling IL 5 Stars - Kris Noble, Executive Director 

Illinois Shining Chamber Star #2 - 2018 IACCE Chamber Executive of the Year - Jeff Griffin - President, Peoria Area Chamber

Illinois Shining Chamber Star #3 - 2018 IACCE Chamber of the Year - Jefferson County Chamber - Mike Beard, Executive Director

Illinois Shining Chamber Star #4 - Training Collaboration of the Year - Batavia Chamber, Holly Dietchman, Executive Director and the Valley Industrial Association, Kathy Gilmore, President

Two Collaborating Associations: Human Resources Programming Monthly Classes

1. Record keeping and Retention

2. Staffing, Recruiting and Hiring

3. Writing Good Job Descriptions

4. Compensation Strategies

5. Backgorund Checks and Legal Updates

6. Employment Updates

7. Employment Handbook Update

8. Onboarding & Upward

9. Motivating Employees - Setting a Work Ethic

10. Communication Strategies

11. Conflict Management

12. HR Roundtable

Illinois Shining Chamber Star #5 - Southern Illinois Made - Local Products, Local Destinations, Local Jobs, Local Chambers

This is an exciting new initiative developed through a partnership between State Senator Dale Fowler and Southern Illinois Chambers of Commerce. 

Southern Illinois Chambers programs sponsoring the effort include:

• Benton/West City
• Carbondale
• Carterville
• Chester
• DuQuoin
• Hamilton County
• Herrin
• Jefferson County
• Marion    
• Metropolis
• Murphysboro
• Nashville
• Pinckneyville 
• Saline County
• Union County
• West Frankfort   

The first event was held in Marion, Illinois, serving as the premiere opportunity for businesses like yours to showcase the impressive products made and destinations available in Southern Illinois. All proceeds from admission and exhibitor fees will go toward Veterans Honor Flight of Southern Illinois.

Exhibitors from all over the region are invited to display and sell their innovative products, unique creations, and tasty treats and showcase fabulous Southern Illinois destinations*.

The event is also open to the general public – giving everyone the opportunity to experience firsthand the quality of unique products made by Southern Illinois artists, designers, and manufacturers and the beauty of Southern Illinois destinations. A donation of $5 to Veterans Honor Flight of Southern Illinois will be suggested for admission by all guests.

Senator Fowler and our Chambers are excited to give our local business community an opportunity to showcase the products, services and destinations produced and offered in Southern Illinois. More information: Southern Illinois Made

Illinois Shining Chamber Star #6 - Effingham County Chamber of Commerce - Effingham Regional Career Academy - Vision becomes Reality

The Lake Land College Board of Trustees has agreed to proceed with a $14 million capital campaign to construct the Rural Technology Development Center to house the Effingham Regional Career Academy. Our goal is to have this facility completed and operational by 2023.


HELP ERCA - Construction of the Rural Technology Development Center will be funded by Lake Land College. The Effingham Regional Career Academy will soon be seeking financial support to equip the Academy with state of the art equipment and a strong technology infrastructure. Additionally, business leaders and technical experts are needed to serve on Board and career pathway advisory committees

VOLUNTEER WITH ERCA

Join a committee today!
Operations Committee
Funding Support Committee
Programs and Curriculum Committee
Workforce Readiness Committee
Media Relations Committee

If you would like to volunteer or donate please contact Norma Lansing, Effingham County Chamber of Commerce, at (217) 342-4147.


Illinois Shining Chamber Star # 7 - Geneva Chamber Swedish Days - 200K attendees

After 69 years, Geneva's Swedish Days, the "Granddaddy of Illinois Festivals," doesn't disappoint and always has something for everyone to enjoy.

The six days of fun takes place mostly on Third Street with mostly free activities, food, a carnival, music, plenty of things for kids to do, shopping and sampling. 

The 5K Lopp kicked off Saturday's festivities and included the Granquist Music Competition and Geneva's Got Talent competition.

Sunday is highlighted by the 1 p.m. parade that travels east on State Street to Third Street and south to the Metra station. Read more: Daily Herald

Illinois Shining Chamber Star #8 - #ChamberHeart - Plainfield Area Chamber - Giving Gala
On the 20th Anniversary of the Plainfield Area Chamber and the Healthy Driven Plainfield Harvest 5K Run/Walk & Kidz Miler - resulting in over $300,000 donated back to the community - a new collaboration - 2019 Plainfield Giving Gala
We are very pleased to announce that the 2019 Plainfield Giving Gala will be held in February 2019 to raise funds in support of charitable causes throughout the Plainfield community. The Friends for Charitable Giving (FCG) and the Plainfield Area Chamber of Commerce (PACC) are very proud to be hosting the 2019 Plainfield Giving Gala.
Throughout its history Plainfield has always been a caring and giving community and the 2019 Plainfield Giving Gala embodies that spirit of being there for those in need. Please join us as we embark on this worthwhile endeavor. The many charitable organizations that serve those within our community count on your generous support, and The Plainfield Giving Gala is wonderful way to do just that!
The success of the 2019 Plainfield Giving Gala relies heavily upon the generosity of our area businesses and individuals, like you, through business sponsorship and item donation. We are asking you to partner with us in supporting this worthy cause by making a generous donation for a 2019 Plainfield Giving Gala sponsorship or auction item.

CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION ON SPONSORSHIP'S

CLICK HERE FOR SPONSORSHIP FORMS

Illinois Shining Chamber Star #9 - Naperville Area Chamber Of Commerce Launches New Program Aimed At Developing Business Professionals Into Engaged Community Leaders

 The Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce (NACC) has launched a new professional development program, Leadership Naperville! with the goal of developing business professionals into engaged community leaders.  This program provides the opportunity to learn directly from Naperville’s influencers and public officials. Participants will hear Naperville’s history, engage in face-to-face conversations with prominent community business leaders, meet Mayor Chirico and other members of the local government, tour the Police and Fire Departments with the Chiefs and become a voice for volunteer engagement. 

“As our community evolves, so must our Chamber.  Our Members are telling us that community engagement is key to their professional success. Leadership Naperville! does just that,” said Nicki Anderson, NACC President & CEO. “Providing opportunities to meet with influential leaders throughout the community gives attendees the insight necessary to be an active participant in the future of Naperville.” 

Leadership Naperville! runs every Tuesday morning, 7:00 – 9:00 a.m., from October 2 through November 6 and will meet at various locations throughout Naperville.  This program is open to the public.  The cost for Chamber Members is $295 through September 1 and $325 after September 1.  The price for Non-Members is $350.

For more information on registration or sponsorship, please visit www.naperville.net or contact Kara Carpenter at (630) 355-4141.

Illinois Shining Chamber Star #10 - The Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC) and Women’s Biz Net (WBN) - WBN to Honor Outstanding Women Leaders at OWL Awards Luncheon at Biltmore Country Club

The Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC) and Women’s Biz Net (WBN) will honor local women leaders during their inaugural Outstanding Women Leaders (OWL) Awards Luncheon on September 27, 2018 at the Biltmore Country Club, 160 Biltmore Dr. in North Barrington.

“There are women among us who serve as role models, breaking barriers and setting the bar high for their accomplishments professionally and to the community,” said BACC President/CEO Suzanne Corr. “We developed the OWL awards to thank those amazing women leaders who make a tremendous impact on the lives of others. These are important stories that others should hear.”

OWL Award Recipients will be recognized in the following categories:

1. Professional Excellence

2. Community Contributions

3. Nonprofit Leadership

4. Mentorship and Education

For more information contact Suzanne Corr, BACC President, at 847-381-2525 or suzanne@BarringtonChamber.com

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

5 Star Hampton Roads Chamber Rebrands: Dropping the “Of Commerce”; Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce 2016-2017 Community Guide & Membership Directory; Elgin poised to renew contract with chamber; #FamousChamber of Commerce Quotations (Attitude); Indy Chamber's 2017 Legislative Agenda Urges "Long-Term Thinking" on Early Childhood Ed, Transportation and Transit, Civil Rights, Regional Tax Fairness; Grand Rapids Chamber leads negotiations to protect electric choice & ratepayers; #BestChamber Practices: Commerce Lexington Inc. - Message from the President; Brookhaven-Lincoln County assist: Local woman patents invention to help those in need; Fish Creek's 30th Annual Winter Festival; 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!



5 Star Hampton Roads Chamber Rebrands: Dropping the “Of Commerce” 

Norfolk, VA – No “of commerce” necessary anymore. What has been commonplace practice for years is now reflected in our official moniker as the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce rebrands to “The Hampton Roads Chamber.”  Over the last six months, we’ve worked with Free Agents Marketing to pinpoint a brand that is reflective of our commitment to innovation and excellence as we set the conditions for businesses to succeed. Our new name, new colors, new logo, and new tagline reflect how we want our organization to be perceived in the future—as a new, bold organization that “means business.”

This new identity is reinforced by our overarching goals: becoming a impactful advocate by consistently and effectively leading the efforts to shape public policy and influence legislation that set the conditions for businesses to succeed, becoming a powerful economic partner by developing, diversifying and improving both the economy and quality of life in the region, and becoming an inspiring ignitor by promoting the important of regionalism and the power of collective impact. 

As a newly designated 5-Star accredited chamber by the United States Chamber of Commerce, it is our duty to hold ourselves to the utmost level of selfless service for our members. Thank you for being a part of this journey, you’ll be able to see the visual identity more as we move forward.  Here’s what it looks like:

Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce 2016-2017 Community Guide & Membership Directory

The Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce 2016-2017 Community Profile & Membership Directory is available at the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber today! Thanks to Pam Swain, Rosie Vassalo and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!

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

Elgin poised to renew contract with chamber

The Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce will continue to provide economic development services to the city of Elgin for $275,000 a year, pending final approval by the city council.

The council's committee of the whole voted 8-1 Wednesday to renew a three-year agreement with the chamber, which in turn funnels the money to its in-house Elgin Development Group.

"There are deliverables, and they have to come through," council member Terry Gavin said. "And I would say they have more than come through with flying colors for the last four years-plus."

Elgin Development Group's focus includes business retention and expansion, business recruitment, and workforce development. The agreement requires the chamber to provide monthly financial reports and copies of its annual auditor's opinion. Read more: Daily Herald

#FamousChamber of Commerce Quotations (Attitude)

“Your day will go the way the corners of your mouth turn.”

~Unknown

Indy Chamber's 2017 Legislative Agenda Urges "Long-Term Thinking" on Early Childhood Ed, Transportation and Transit, Civil Rights, Regional Tax Fairness

The Indy Chamber released its 2017 legislative agenda today, emphasizing a long-term approach to economic growth.  Top business issues for the upcoming session of the Indiana General Assembly include expanded early childhood education and a sustainable funding plan for transportation infrastructure, shared focus areas of Governor Holcomb and legislative leadership.  The Chamber will also push for progress on statewide anti-discrimination protection, regional mass transit and local tax fairness.
Among these five priorities, accessible pre-K, an inclusive civil rights code and expanded transit directly impact talent – identified as a critical issue in the Indy Chamber’s ‘Accelerate Indy’ regional economic strategy.   Accordingly, the group also supports a comprehensive audit and action plan to strengthen K-12 programs in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).  Post-secondary and vocational proposals include a more robust ‘Skill Enhancement Fund’ and incentivizing internships and employer co-ops for a career-ready workforce.
“In 2017, we welcome a new Governor and begin Indiana’s third century – it’s time to think big, and there’s no greater issue than talent,” said Indy Chamber President Michael Huber.  “Lawmakers can help generations of Hoosiers compete for better jobs in a stronger economy this session, by taking action on pre-K, K-12 STEM education, and improving our workforce training pipeline – an issue that Speaker Bosma has also highlighted.”
Huber also stressed the need for an innovative, sustainable revenue plan to fund state and local transportation infrastructure.
“For a globally-competitive economy, Indiana needs a world-class transportation system – especially to maintain our advantages in manufacturing and logistics sector,” Huber noted.  “It requires a long-term solution for infrastructure including options like indexing the gas tax or even a vehicle mileage-based system…not just another two-year funding fix.”

Indy Chamber board chair Brian Sullivan of Shiel Sexton explained that 2017 is also the time to plan ahead for the future of regional mass transit, capitalizing on progress in Marion County.

“As the Indianapolis City-County Council prepares for a final decision on expanding transit in Marion County, all of our growing communities should have the same opportunity to become part of a regional system,” Sullivan said.  “We’re asking that Boone, Hendricks and Morgan counties be added to the Central Indiana transit statute, and for the legislature to restore public funding for transportation agencies across the state.”

Sullivan added that it’s taken a decade of aggressive advocacy to achieve recent legislative and electoral breakthroughs on transit.  The Indy Chamber has made the same long-term commitment to anti-discrimination protection for all Hoosiers, as well as the challenge of modernizing local government finance.

“We continue to work for a statewide expansion of our civil rights laws to include sexual orientation and gender identity,” said Mark Fisher, the Indy Chamber’s Chief Policy Officer.  “On the way to that goal, we’ll be defending the local human rights ordinances that continue to be adopted across the state, and lobbying aggressively to defeat any proposals that make Indiana a less welcoming and inclusive place to live, visit or do business.” Read more: Indy Chamber

Grand Rapids Chamber leads negotiations to protect electric choice & ratepayers

After many long hours, Lame Duck in Michigan is complete! The Chamber played a key role in shaping the top issue of the year on the energy legislation that passed last week.

Chamber Leads on Passage of Major Energy Reform
The Senate Energy Package, Senate Bills 437 and 438, took center stage this Lame Duck with negotiations continuing up until the very end.

After a week of intense efforts, working with the Governor’s office, state legislators and the state’s utilities to find common ground on a number of outstanding and contentious issues in the proposed energy legislation, the Chamber and our coalition of schools, manufacturers, energy suppliers and employers are happy to report that Michigan’s electric choice program and ratepayers have been protected.

The Chamber opposed the bills in the Senate but worked hard for amendments in the House to address our members' concerns. The Chamber’s central concerns were that the package would raise electricity costs for Michigan citizens and further increase already uncompetitive electric rates. From the very beginning, the Chamber has supported amendments to ensure reliability, protection for ratepayers, and the preservation of the electric choice program. In the end, we’re thrilled to report that these goals were accomplished.

The legislation that passed the Legislature:

• Preserves Michigan’s 10% Electric Choice market through which schools, manufacturers and other employers save millions of dollars;
• Protects all ratepayers by striking proposed “decoupling” language which would have been a huge hit to customer pocketbooks by automatically increasing all electric rates if the utilities’ sales were lower than projected;
• Eliminates proposed fees for customers wanting to leave the utilities, one of the many items would have effectively killed the Electric Choice market by making it too expensive for customers to participate;
• Provides more equitable options than earlier plans for competitive electricity suppliers to purchase and guarantee energy reliability in future years.

Here’s what others had to say:

“The energy legislation passed the Legislature late Thursday after 'an 11th-hour' deal spearheaded by Gov. Rick Snyder and the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce.” (MIRS)

“The choice program is primarily used by large manufacturers and school districts that say it has saved them significant cash on power needs for big buildings. A choice coalition led by the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce worked with Snyder of the past week to finalize the deal.” (Detroit News)

The Chamber would like to thank our West Michigan legislators, in particular Representatives Afendoulis, VerHeulen and Hughes, and Senator MacGregor for standing firm for ratepayers, and Governor Snyder and his administration for their assistance negotiating the give-and-take on both sides in this debate. More information: Grand Rapids Chamber





#BestChamber Practices: Commerce Lexington Inc. - Message from the President


On behalf of Commerce Lexington Inc., its 1,700-plus members, and the Bluegrass business community, I would like to welcome you to one of the best cities in the world. Whether you’re visiting here for the weekend or in the process of relocating for business, retirement, or to attend one of the area’s many colleges and universities, you’ll find Lexington residents accommodating, friendly and eager to tell you about our exceptional quality of life.

From exceptional schools to a diverse economy and well-educated workforce to its stronghold as a regional healthcare center and the nearly billion dollars in development you’ll see going on downtown, the “buzz” about Lexington is real and stretches around the world. The area continues to pile up highly coveted economic rankings from some of the most notable publications and survey organizations.

A SAMPLING OF RECENT RANKINGS FOR LEXINGTON/BLUEGRASS:
#2 Rapid Recovery Leaders (Business Facilities)
#3 Best City to Start a New Life (My Life)
#3 Best Cities to Retire To (CNN Money)
#6 Best College City (WalletHub)
#7 Most Affordable Big City in America (Kiplinger)
#7 Best Cities for Quality of Life (NerdWallet)
#8 Best Cities for Working Parents (NerdWallet)
#10 Great Towns to Retire To (Kiplinger)
#12 Best Post-Recession Recovery (WalletHub)

Lexington has been labeled a great place for business, women, veterans, families, young singles, access to healthcare, men, retirees, and a true housing bargain. And, the list goes on and on. To find out more about our wonderful city or how we can assist your business, visit www.CommerceLexington.com or contact us at (859) 254-4447.

Robert L. Quick, CCE
President & CEO Commerce Lexington Inc.
Lexington, Kentucky

Brookhaven-Lincoln County assist: Local woman patents invention to help those in need 


 For every prayer, God has an answer. Gwendolyn Sue Galloway Smith, a 59­year­old Bogue Chitto woman, knows this all too well. Smith’s prayers were recently answered after she received notification that the United States Patent and Trademark Office has approved her patent for functional basket assemblies for a wheelchair.

 Smith created the multi­use basket in 2014 to attach to the wheelchair of Elsie Smith, her 97­year­old mother-­in-law. Smith said she used to take her mother-­in-­law, who has since died, out shopping, to eat or to church. It became difficult to carry both her and Elsie’s stuff around so she turned to prayer. “I said ‘Lord, for every problem there is a solution, and you’ve got to give me a solution to this problem that I have,’” she said. “
‘Cause my mother-­in-­law, she’s sweet. I love her, but it’s a struggle when you have to try and do all these things (without enough hands). So what the Lord gave me was this basket.” The basket assembly attaches to the front of the wheelchair and swings upward. It can be unfolded into a desk, Smith said. “Students can use it when they go to school and put their books in it, they can fold it down and use it as a desk or at the cafeteria you can fold it down and use it as a tray,” she said. “Or a computer table or reading table, whatever they need it for. I can push it to the mall and don’t have to worry about having someone else to carry stuff with me.”
With the patent, Smith’s invention has become the physical prototype. She was able to apply for the patent thanks to the United States Patent and Trademark Office’s pro bono programs in association with the Federal Circuit Bar Association. Smith was accepted into the FCBA regional patent pro bono program’s inventor assistance program, which matches volunteer patent attorneys with low­income inventors to help make sure that no good invention remains undiscovered because someone cannot afford an attorney’s services.
She was paired with an attorney who works for King & Spalding, LLP, in Houston, Texas. Currently, there are no volunteer attorneys listed with the federal program in Mississippi. At the start of her journey to patent her invention, Smith said those with the program explained that not everyone who applies is considered eligible. The invention must be something that would benefit people. She assured those who doubted her invention that her idea will provide a “very special basket for very special people.”
While waiting for the patent, Smith’s journey led her to the Brookhaven-­Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce, where she said Garrick Combs helped her arrange a meeting with someone from the Mississippi Development Authority. Together they found a manufacturer willing to build her prototype, and eventually start producing and distributing the baskets. She hopes to begin taking more orders for the wheelchair basket with the patent in hand. Her goal is to build a plant in the area to manufacture and distribute her product in order to create jobs in her home community. Smith said the experience to get her invention out to the world has been surreal, and she cannot believe it is officially patented in her name. Read more: Daily Leader

Fish Creek's 30th Annual Winter Festival

In its 30th year, the Fish Creek Civic Association's annual Winter Festival is slated to be bigger and better than ever.

Exciting, new activities, a live musical performance, "extended" stumpf fiddle contest and more surprises have "Fish Creekers" and "Winter Festers" counting down the days until the first weekend in February.New this year, the FCCA is selling raffle tickets for five prize packages (valued between $350 and $600) and grand prize.

All five raffle prizes have been generously donated by Fish Creek businesses. This year's grand prize is two sets of custom-fitted snowshoes with hiking poles from Nor Door Sport and Cyclery.

Raffle tickets can be purchased at the Fish Creek Information Center during office hours. For more information on this and other activities go to visitfishcreek.com.

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 Here

Chamber excitement: Elkhart RV Open House to draw thousands of dealers; Elgin Chamber celebrates Chamber of Commerce Week; BestChamber practices: Dubuque Chamber: Advocacy and Legislative Agenda; Virginia Business Leaders Acknowledge School Readiness as First Step in Workforce Development; Paducah Chamber D.C. Fly-In September 14-15; Michigan Chamber Of Commerce Urges State House To Reject Beer Tax Hike; Annual 'Feast of Flavors' set for Saturday in Ocean Springs; Beaver Dam Chamber breakfast - Fitzgerald: Transportation will be legislative priority;

Happy Monday, Chamber World! It's going to be a GREAT week!

Chamber excitement: Elkhart RV Open House to draw thousands of dealers

Recreational vehicle companies across Elkhart County will open their doors next week to thousands of dealers.

The ninth annual Elkhart RV Open House, from Sept. 19 through 22, is expected to draw more than 4,000 dealer personnel from the U.S. and Canada who will check out the latest RV offerings and make purchases for the 2017 selling season.

The week will feature more than 60 RV manufacturers and suppliers countywide, and companies will hold their own shows for dealers. The private shows are open only to dealers.

Most RV companies, such as Forest River, will hold open houses at their own venues. Thor Industries, meanwhile, will showcase RVs at the RV/MH Hall of Fame in Elkhart.

Darryl Searer, president of the Hall of Fame, said Thor’s open house is the “single largest event” held at the complex during the year. The open house continues to attract more dealers each year. “The fact that each year it continues to grow shows that it’s something necessary for the industry,” Searer said.

The open house’s popularity comes as the industry is booming. The wholesale shipment of RVs to retailers has climbed for six straight years, and growth has continued this year. More than 80 percent of the nation’s RVs are made in Elkhart County, and they’re sold in bulk quantities to dealers nationwide.

During last year’s open house week, dealers made more than $4 billion in wholesale RV orders with manufacturers, said Mark Dobson, president and CEO of the Economic Development Corp. of Elkhart County. “This year is projected to beat that, and you also get the positive impacts of guests in the community at restaurants and hotels,” he said.

Kyle Hannon, president and CEO of the Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce, said the open house is the county’s largest business event of the year. “It’s like a Notre Dame football weekend but much longer, and hotel rooms and restaurant tables will be at a premium,” he said. “And the amount of money from orders written by dealers is bigger than anything else we get.” Read more: South Bend Tribune

Elgin Chamber celebrates Chamber of Commerce Week

The week of Sept. 12-16 has been designated as Illinois Chamber of Commerce Week and to mark the occasion the Elgin Area Chamber will be bringing its members valuable and engaging activities all week long.

On Wednesday, Sept. 14, the Elgin Area Chamber welcomes Jane Blain Gilbertson, CEO of Blain's Farm & Fleet which celebrates their grand opening in Elgin that same morning. Guests will enjoy a lunch buffet followed by a moderated Q&A with Gilbertson beginning at 11:30 a.m. at the Grand Victoria Casino, 250 S. Grove Ave. in Elgin.

On Thursday, Sept. 15, the chamber invites members for a marathon morning of "Speed Networking" from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at Rub-io's Cafe, 1568 Larkin Ave. in Elgin. Much like speed dating events, each member will get a few minutes one-on-one to share their elevator pitches, make connections and then rotate to the next person.

Then on Friday, Sept. 16, the chamber invites members, past and present, to join them for a special Member Mixer and Open House from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Elgin Area Chamber, 31 S. Grove Ave. 

Members are welcome to drop in at their leisure to mingle with other members, enjoy a delicious lunch, shoot their "EAC Elevator Pitch" video, take an Instagram selfie with the chamber photo frame, sign-up to be part of the upcoming 2017 chamber directory, meet chamber staff and board members and learn more about valuable member benefits available thru the Elgin Area Chamber.

As an added bonus, all new chamber members who join before Sept. 26 will receive a free listing in our 2017 Community Guide & Business Directory and two free tickets ($40 value) to the popular CEO Unplugged series. Source: Daily Herald

BestChamber practices: Dubuque Chamber: Advocacy and Legislative Agenda

The Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce is a membership organization committed to a mission of business and community development. Together with the help of our members, we work to make Dubuque the best place to live, work, play, and do business. Representing nearly 1,400 members from throughout the area, we are the advocates for a strong and prosperous business climate.

The Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce 2016 Legislative Agenda is a comprehensive overview of our pro-growth policy. We are committed to advancing legislation that enhances our business climate, creates jobs, protects free enterprise, and grows our economy. As a Chamber we will speak to our local, state and federal lawmakers with a resounding and united voice of leadership and influence.

We encourage you to look around our site for information on local and state issues and to learn how you can get involved.  For more information, please fill out the form below. 

Each year, the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce creates a legislative agenda based on member feedback. The first step in the process is to survey our members and conduct legislative roundtables on the issues facing their business. Based on that feedback, we create an agenda that highlights the needs of the local business community.

The agenda is refined through various Governmental Affair committee meetings and the Chamber's Executive Committee before being submitted to the Board of Directors. Through this process, the Chamber receives additional feedback on various issues facing our community.

Once the Board of Directors approves the agenda, the Chamber advocates for these positions at the legislature through the use of member engagement, member advocacy using various techniques, and direct staff lobbying. Your Chamber staff is registered as a lobbyist to ensure compliance with the recent Ethics law.

As a member, you will often receive legislative "Action Alerts." These alerts will provide you with an opportunity to share your input directly with your legislators on issues facing the local business community. By engaging your legislators, you will assist the Chamber in making our state more business-friendly.

SCORE CARD

Download the Iowa Legislative Scorecard

Batavia Chamber of Commerce 2016 Community Guide & Membership Directory

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

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

Virginia Business Leaders Acknowledge School Readiness as First Step in Workforce Development

Manassas, VA–  In Greater Prince William, 15.8% of kindergarteners begin school already behind; more than the state average of 12.7%.  Smart Beginnings Greater Prince William and the Prince William Chamber of Commerce have partnered to present Smart Beginnings: Job One, a luncheon and briefing for business leaders that provides information on the role of quality early learning as the foundation for workforce success. The luncheon is scheduled for Friday, September 23 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Hylton Performing Arts Center in the Gregory Family Theatre, 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas, VA 20109.

Dr. Dietra Trent, Secretary of Education for the Commonwealth of Virginia, will be the featured speaker at the luncheon. Secretary Trent will share insights regarding the impact of school readiness on the state’s workforce development and economic prosperity. Job One is a program of the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation (VECF) that sheds light on the direct link between a strong start in the early years and a vibrant and productive workforce.

Also speaking at the event will be Paul D. Koonce, Executive Vice President of Dominion Resources, parent company of Dominion Virginia Power, and CEO of Dominion Generation. Koonce chaired the Virginia Chamber of Commerce’s Blueprint Virginia process, which identified quality early childhood education as a key driver for workforce success.

Education and economic development are key areas of vision for both the Prince William Chamber and Smart Beginnings Greater Prince William. 

“No matter their industry sector, every one of our members is seeking skilled employees who are well-qualified for 21^st century jobs,” said Debbie Jones, President and CEO of the Prince William Chamber of Commerce. “Virginia’s business community has long recognized that the talent pool for the future workforce begins with young children who start school healthy and ready to learn. We are pleased to partner with Smart Beginnings Greater Prince William to bring this message home to Prince William County and the Cities of Manassas and Manassas Park with the objective of awakening our membership to possibilities for building into their future employees from birth.”

Sponsors for the Job One Luncheon include:Apple Federal Credit Union and ImagiNation Learning Center. The Education Vision Partner for the Prince William Chamber of Commerce is Dominion Virginia Power. Additional sponsorships are available. If interested, please call Suzanne Lewis at 571-765-7753. Tickets for the Job One Luncheon are $35 per person. To purchase tickets, visit PWChamber.org or call 703-368-6600. 

Paducah Chamber D.C. Fly-In September 14-15

by Sandra Wilson

Local community leaders and elected officials are headed to Washington, D.C, this week for the annual D.C. Fly In coordinated by the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce with presenting sponsor Swift & Staley. The two-day trip, September 14 and 15, offers attendees the opportunity to meet with members of Kentucky’s Congressional delegation, agency officials, Congressional staffs and legislative experts to discuss critical federal issues facing the community, state and nation.  

On this year’s trip, the 39 participants will also meet with representatives of the U.S. Department of Energy regarding the recent Request for Proposal issued by the department for work at the Paducah DOE site. The current contract for Paducah expires in July 2017 and the group will urge DOE to award the potential 10-year contract prior to the expiration date. The group will also urge members of Congress to continue with the funding level of the contract issued in 2014.  

United States Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell will address the group at a Congressional reception held in the U.S. Capitol Building in the Mike Mansfield Room.  

Other featured speakers include Congressman John Shimkus from the 15th District of Illinois who serves on the Energy and Commerce Committee; KY Senator Rand Paul and Congressmen Brett Guthrie, John Yarmuth, Hal Rogers and Andy Barr; Leeann Veatch, Washington DC Representative for Governor Matt Bevin; representatives from the International Trade Administration, Maritime Administration, State Department, Department of Transportation, National Endowment for the Arts, and Americans for the Arts. 

Attendees on the trip represent various sectors of the local economy including government, maritime, riverport, economic development, banking, health care, arts, education, professional services, DOE contractors at the Paducah site, and local media. Members of the delegation act as “ambassadors” for the area to continue to strengthen the community’s relationships with federal elected officials and agencies and national organizations. Representatives are from McCracken, Ballard, Graves, and Marshall counties. Kate Shanks with the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce and Maggie Sheely from the U.S. Chamber are also accompanying the group. Read more: Paducah Chamber

Michigan Chamber Of Commerce Urges State House To Reject Beer Tax Hike

LANSING, Mich., Sept. 14, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- House Bill 5873, which contains a roughly 250 percent increase in Michigan's beer tax, would put businesses at a huge competitive disadvantage with neighboring states and would take a wrecking ball to an industry that is currently thriving, says the Michigan Chamber of Commerce.

The 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.

"Raising the beer tax is a bad idea from a lame duck lawmaker," said Michigan Chamber President & CEO Rich Studley. "A nearly 250 percent beer tax hike would have a chilling effect on Michigan's craft brewers, distributors and retailers and would bring this growth industry to a grinding halt."

"As a whole, Michigan's beer industry contributes $6.6 billion to the state's economy, employs thousands of people and generates hundreds of millions of dollars in tax revenue," noted Jim Holcomb, Senior Vice President for Business Advocacy & General Counsel for the Michigan Chamber. "This ill-advised tax increase will hurt each and every retailer, distributor, brewery, and brewpub in Michigan."

"So-called sin taxes do not work; they simply drive people to buy legal products from lower-cost states," said Tricia Kinley, Senior Director of Tax & Regulatory Reform for the Michigan Chamber, who noted that Michigan's beer tax is already the highest in the Great Lakes region (Indiana, Illinois, Ohio and Wisconsin) and is 28 percent higher than the next state on the list.

"In many cases, these so-called sin taxes backfire because people turn to illegal purchasing methods," noted Kinley. "Coupled with the fact that Michigan has a 10-cent bottle deposit add on, border county beer drinkers will likely just buy beer in Indiana and Ohio, making a bad idea worse!"

"We strongly oppose this ill-advised effort to raise the beer tax," said Studley. "This legislation is bad public policy and will only serve to harm a thriving industry."

"We urge House lawmakers to reject this tax hike and work on more worthwhile bills," Studley concluded. Read more: Yahoo! News

Annual 'Feast of Flavors' set for Saturday in Ocean Springs

The 10th annual "Feast of Flavors" festival is set for Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the L&N Depot parking lot in downtown Ocean Springs.

The festival features vendors from the Ocean Springs Fresh Market and other local growers along the Gulf Coast. It's purpose is to promote local and regional foods, plant products from small producers in the area and local restaurants.

The theme of this year's event is "Let It Grown," with emphasis on the plants the feed us and beautify our world.

Three mini-workshops will be offered in conjunction with the festival:

• At 10:30 a.m., Karin Wilson of Jackson County Master Gardeners will discuss growing and cooking with your own vegetables
• At 11:30 a.m., Dick Miller of Gautier Gold Honey will give a class on Beekeeping 101
• At 12:30 p.m., Tracy Galloway of Rockwood Creations will be teaching how to let your garden feed you

In addition, the Ocean Springs Public Library will offer information on how to access recipes, gardening tips and more through a local library. The Jackson County Master Gardeners will also be on hand to answer gardening and growing questions.

Also, at 2:30 p.m. an Afternoon Tea will be held, with Jim DelPrince, assistant professor and horticulture specialist from Mississippi State University's Coastal Research and Extension Center, will conduct a floral design demonstration using items from the fresh market. Tickets for the tea and demonstration are $10 and available from the Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce.

There is no charge to attend the remainder of Feast of Flavors.

For more information, contact Diane Claughton at 228-257-2496 or Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce at 228-875-4424. Read more: GulfLive

Beaver Dam Chamber breakfast - Fitzgerald: Transportation will be legislative priority

Wisconsin Sen. Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau) said fixing roads and finding ways to pay for the work will be among the top legislative priorities.

He spoke Tuesday morning during the Beaver Dam Chamber of Commerce September Breakfast Network at Beaver Dam Country Club.

The Republican Party of Dodge County served as the event host, and Dorothy Ebert said, “I want to encourage all of you to vote in November.”

Fitzgerald said transportation is an issue that is jumping out in the Wisconsin Senate. He said one area of contention is the view some have that the Department of Transportation is not as frugal as it should be.

“Roads seem to be crumbling,” Fitzgerald said.

He said with the drop in gas prices, discussions have included increasing the gas tax or vehicle registration fees.

Other issues Fitzgerald discussed included education, income tax and the budget. He said the governor wants to freeze tuition and spoke about the amount of money the state spends on education. Read more: Daily Citizen

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