Chamber Day in Kentucky brings tone of bipartisanship, shared legislative priorities; Tomorrow- Save the Date – 2015 Annual Legislative Reception Planned for Arkansas Annual Legislative Reception; Penny Shanks of Clarkston Chamber set to Retire after 18 years; Oak Lawn (Illinois) Chamber of Commerce To Host 69th Annual Installation Event; Pulaski County (Virginia) Chamber of commerce announces plans for 2015; Lexie Ruter reviews Esterville Area (Iowa) Chamber accomplishments; Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation: (Attitude)

Chamber Day in Kentucky brings tone of bipartisanship, shared legislative priorities

Lawmakers and business leaders expressed a desire to work together to move Kentucky forward during the 20th annual Kentucky Chamber Day dinner.

A crowd of more than 1,300 business leaders, legislators and advocates came together in Lexington Thursday night to talk about where Kentucky stands and how the state can improve.

Kentucky Chamber President and CEO David Adkisson spoke of the positive growth in the economy and the encouraging bipartisan tone among legislators to accomplish important tasks. Adkisson said during the 2015 session, the Kentucky Chamber wants to see more policies that will make the state more competitive.

“Not surprisingly, the business community wants to see more growth, more jobs created, more commerce.  On behalf of tens of thousands of employers across the state, the Kentucky Chamber advocates policies that will make the economic climate of Kentucky more competitive … not just with surrounding states, but with the world,” Adkisson told the crowd. Read more: Kentucky Chamber



Tomorrow- Save the Date – 2015 Annual Legislative Reception Planned for Arkansas Annual Legislative Reception


Save the Date for January 20, 2015.
The Arkansas State Chamber/AIA will once again host our Annual Legislative Reception.  This must-attend event will include invitations to members of the 90th Arkansas General Assembly, Governor-elect Asa Hutchinson and other newly elected Constitutional officers, and state agency heads.
Please add this event to your calendar and plan to join us from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. on January 20^th under the heated big tent on our parking lot. Read more: Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce

Penny Shanks of Clarkston Chamber set to Retire after 18 years


From Penny Shanks, Clarkston Chamber

After 18 years with the Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce, I am retiring and moving to Ann Arbor.  This move dramatically shortens my husband's commute and creates an opportunity for us to downsize from a 4 bedroom suburban home to an urban condo.  http://lifehacker.com/ditching-your-commute-is-the-happiness-equivalent-of-a-1679698849

I leave the chamber in very strong and capable hands.  

I am so pleased to announce that the Executive Committee has hired Janelle Best as your new Executive Director!

Janelle started with the Chamber two years ago.  When we did that strategic hire I was looking for a potential talented person who could be an option of also being my successor.  Janelle has exceeded my expectations-and my expectations were high.  She is quick to learn, strategic in her analyses and while warm and personable, she also has a core of commitment and drive that is exceptional. 

I never dreamed I would be here for 18 years and I had no idea all the things I would learn and be a part of.  While at the Chamber I've had the opportunity to meet celebrities, get behind the scenes tours and been mentored by some of the most exceptional business leaders. 

I've served under 19 Presidents: (Read more:) Clarkston Chamber

 

Oak Lawn (Illinois) Chamber of Commerce To Host 69th Annual Installation Event

Members and supporters of the Oak Lawn business community will gather on Saturday, January 31st at the Hilton Oak Lawn (9333 S. Cicero Ave.) to honor the 2015 Officers and Directors of the Oak Lawn Chamber of Commerce during the 69th Annual Installation.
Tickets cost $50 per person and include a four-course dinner and a cash bar.
The evening begins with cocktails at 6:00 PM followed by the Installation of the Board of Directors and Business Award Presentation, dinner at 7:30 PM, music and dancing at 9:30 PM. Ms. Jennifer Villafan of 21st Century Chiropractic Family Wellness Center will be inducted as the 2015 President of the Oak Lawn Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Villafan succeeds Michelle Williams of First Midwest Bank. Read more: Patch.com

 

Pulaski County (Virginia) Chamber of commerce announces plans for 2015

The Chamber of Commerce is looking to work with a full plate for the foreseeable year.
To kick off 2015, the Chamber hosted a breakfast for Pulaski County’s elected officials on Monday, Jan. 12. During the event, president Mike Waller summarized plans for the Chamber’s initiatives for the upcoming year.
First off, the Chamber has rebranded for 2015 with a new logo, updated website, and heightened social media presence.
“We wanted our website to really showcase what we do in Pulaski County; not only the typical things you associate with a Chamber of Commerce,” said executive director Peggy White. “Our reworked website will highlight, for example, workforce development and microbusinesses, because those are two areas we are heavily involved in.”
This year will also mark the third season for the Marketplace, which is set to begin Tuesday, May 19, and run through Tuesday, Sept. 16 at the Historic Train Depot in downtown Pulaski. Last fall, the Chamber received a $57,000 marketing and advertising grant to help promote the weekly summer event. Read more: The Southwest Times

Lexie Ruter reviews Esterville Area (Iowa) Chamber accomplishments

Editor's note: Following are remarks that Estherville Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lexie Ruter made at the Chamber annual banquet Thursday night at the Estherville VFW.

The term "Chamber of Commerce" was first used in 1723 and is currently defined as "an association of business people to promote commercial and industrial interests in the community". We have truly evolved since our start in 1904 here in Estherville. We are so much more than that definition.We strive to be the guiding force behind Estherville. We push for growth, for change and for betterment.There are many ways that we work toward these things and affect the Estherville community.

The easiest one to see is our events. Between the banquet, the Farm, Home and Living Show, the flight breakfast, the Downtown Market, Sweet Corn Days, Fright Hike, the Parade of Lights and Winter Nights, Holiday Lights and TUBACHRISTMAS it's tough to remember what event we are currently working on. Not to mention all of the retail promotional events on top of that. In 2015 we are very excited to be starting another new event for Estherville. The Defiance Mud Run will be a 5K in Fort Defiance State Park on May 2. We are incredibly excited to be adding another event and drawing more people into town.

One of our main goals here at the Chamber is to put heads in beds and get people to come experience Estherville! See more: Esterville Daily News

Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation: (Attitude)

“A cloudy day is no match for a sunny disposition.” William Arthur Ward

New SCORE president has a plan to keep organization relevant; Virginia Chamber event: Fed's Lacker says economy is showing signs of sustainable growth; State chamber challenge: Essay contest for Michigan high school students; Membership is up for Vilonia Area (Arkansas) Chamber of Commerce; Highwood (Illinois) Bocce Club to Host Annual Chamber Event; Working women in Wisconsin Rapids: Sign-up for Jan. 26 lunch; Estherville (Iowa) Chamber of Commerce Executive director Lexie Ruter: Homegrown talent at its best; Pine Ridge Area Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneur of the Year Award winner: Painted Skye Management Offers 11 Ways to Succeed in Business; A boon to business: Savage (Minnesota) Chamber of Commerce celebrating 50th anniversary; North Platte Area Chamber: Nebraska economy looks good for small business owners

New SCORE president has a plan to keep organization relevant

In an era when traditional business plans seem passe and specialized financial advice is only as far away as your smartphone, where do tried-and-true business counseling programs fit into the entrepreneurship equation?

It's a tough question, and it's David R. Bobbitt's to answer.

Bobbitt, a University of Virginia graduate, was recently elevated to president of the SCORE Foundation and vice president of development for the foundation's parent nonprofit association, a small-business counseling and mentorship group financed in part by the federal government.

(SCORE originally stood for Service Corps of Retired Executives.)

Now in its 50th year, the organization, based in Herndon, Va., helps entrepreneurs with tasks ranging from writing a business plan to applying for a loan to breaking into the contracting arena. The group has worked one-on-one with more than 10 million businesses and has built an army of about 11,000 volunteers, including active and retired executives. Read more: Daily Herald Business Ledger

Virginia Chamber event: Fed's Lacker says economy is showing signs of sustainable growth

The U.S. economy is showing signs of stronger, sustainable growth, the president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond said Friday.

Jeffrey M. Lacker said U.S. gross domestic product should see a growth rate of about 2.5 to 3 percent this year compared with a post-recession average growth rate of around 2.25 percent.

Economic trends such as rising household spending and an improving labor market support a “somewhat brighter scenario” for the economy, he said.

“I think the odds are better now that the current pickup in growth is going to be sustained,” Lacker told more than 600 people attending an economic forecast meeting of the Virginia Bankers Association and the Virginia Chamber of Commerce at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. Richmond Times-Dispatch

State chamber challenge: Essay contest for Michigan high school students

The Michigan Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Northwood University, is pleased to announce the inaugural Michigan Chamber Foundation High School Essay Contest. The competition is open to Michigan high school students, who must write an essay on the topic, “How can Michigan become more economically competitive?”

All students entering the writing contest must be in their freshman, sophomore, junior or senior year and enrolled in a Michigan high school during the 2014-2015 academic school year.

Five finalists will be announced at the Michigan Chamber Foundation’s annual dinner on May 12, 2015 in Lansing. Winners will receive cash prizes including $5,000 for first place; $2,500 for second place; $1,000 for third place; and $500 each for the fourth and fifth place winners. In addition, faculty advisors for each of the winners will receive a $500 stipend.Read more: Record & Clarion

Membership is up for Vilonia Area (Arkansas) Chamber of Commerce

Some businesses are still down from the tornado, but the membership is up for the Vilonia Area Chamber of Commerce, said Jill Bonnema, chamber executive officer.

“Even though we lost some businesses due to the tornado, we have gained five new members since it,” Bonnema said. “We hope to gain at least 10 new members this year.”

On that note, Bonnema said, the chamber is currently in the middle of a membership drive. As well, ongoing memberships are due now with the cost being $60 per year for businesses and $25 per year for individuals. Read more: Log Cabin Democrat

 

Highwood (Illinois) Bocce Club to Host Annual Chamber Event

The Highwood Chamber of Commerce is excited to host its annual dinner and meeting on Saturday, January 24 at the Highwood Bocce Club. Cocktail hour (cash bar) will begin at 6 p.m., with presentations and dinner at 7 p.m. There will be a DJ, dancing and Bocce, before and after dinner. Tickets are $50 per person, and the event is open to Chamber members and non-Chamber members. Reservations are required and should be made by calling the Chamber office at 847-433-2100. Those planning to play Bocce must bring a clean pair of soled flat shoes.

“We are excited to have the Highwood Bocce Club host our annual meeting and dinner,” says Jennifer Zanotti Ori, President of the Highwood Chamber of Commerce. “The Club has been a staple in Highwood for over 45 years, and it is the perfect example of a hometown Highwood business that has evolved over the years.”Read more: Highland Park Patch

Working women in Wisconsin Rapids: Sign-up for Jan. 26 lunch

The Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce is accepting reservations for the Jan. 27 Working Women's Luncheon, set for 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 27 at Hotel Mead, 451 E. Grand Ave.

Cost is $25 for chamber members and $40 for prospective members, and includes lunch and the program, "Find the Solution, Not a Resolution." Marketplace booths open at 10:45 a.m. Read more: Wisconsin Rapids Tribune

Estherville (Iowa) Chamber of Commerce Executive director Lexie Ruter: Homegrown talent at its best

No one could cast any doubt on Lexie Ruter's ability to serve as executive director of the Estherville Area Chamber of Commerce. Bachelor's degree in accounting from Iowa Lakes Community College. Bachelor's in finance from Minnesota State University at Mankato. Ruter has the credentials and then some to help carry Estherville's business community to the next level.

It was only natural, then, that Ruter would receive the distinguished 2014 Iowa Lakes Corridor Young Professional of the Year award.

Ruter has something else beyond talent, though. Something special. She has a love of her hometown that goes far beyond what one usually sees on a resume.

While she could have worked anywhere - including a large city - Ruter chose to come back to where she grew up. Back to the place where her parents Roger and Laurel Hash tutored her well in the value of community service.

- See more at: Estherville Daily News

Pine Ridge Area Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneur of the Year Award winner:  Painted Skye Management Offers 11 Ways to Succeed in Business

Tilsen-Brave Heart, 31, was a participant in the Bush Foundation’s Native Nation Rebuilders Fellowship Program and was also selected as the Native American Instructor of the SBA e200 Executive Management Training for the state of South Dakota. She served as co-founder of the South Dakota Indian Business Alliance and received the Pine Ridge Area Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and now operates Painted Skye Management where she offers business training, coaching and management services for artistic and entertainment talent including comedian Dallas Goldtooth (Mdewakanton Dakota and Diné), writer Gyassi Ross (Blackfeet), painter Joe Hopkins (Cree/Seminole), and sculptor Brendon Albers (Cheyenne River). Read more: Indian Country Today Media Network

A boon to business: Savage (Minnesota) Chamber of Commerce celebrating 50th anniversary

In the last half-century, the Savage Chamber of Commerce has evolved from a small group of business owners meeting wherever they could find space to one of the city’s most prominent organizations, responsible for some of the biggest events in the community.

And through it all, the chamber’s goal has remained the same: to be an advocate for local businesses and to do whatever it takes to connect them to the community they serve.

On Thursday, Jan. 15, the Savage Chamber will be celebrating its 50th anniversary at Crystal Lake Golf Club in Lakeville from 5-9:30 p.m. Anyone who has ever had any involvement in the chamber is invited to attend the event, which will also serve as a fundraiser for the organization with a raffle, live auction and silent auction. Members old and new will reminisce on the chamber’s history, and the 2015 Business Person of the Year will be revealed at the party. There will be a dinner and a program. Read more: Savage Pacer

North Platte Area chamber: Nebraska economy looks good for small business owners

It’s a good time to start a small business, said Dan Mauk, president of the North Platte Area Chamber of Commerce and Development. The Nebraska economy has recovered from the recession and there is a good economic forecast for the next two years.
“I think this is perfect,” Mauk said.

Organizations like the NP Chamber, the Custer County Economic Development Corportation, Keith County Area Development and others can help entrepreneurs find their niche within a community. All three offer business counseling for those with an idea, a struggling existing business or transitioning a business from one owner to another. Read more: North Platte Telegraph