108th Sioux Falls Chamber Meeting To Be Record-Breaking; Arkansas Chamber president says next governor needs a workforce czar; Indiana Regional summit: Event to Spotlight I-69 Opportunities; Chamber Tweet of the Day: Detroit Chamber; Green Bay Chamber of Commerce’s Partners in Education teamwork: $1.42M invested in Brown County youth initiative; Ardmore Chamber president Mita Bates, Jessica Pfau among 50 making a difference honorees; Lake West (Missouri) Chamber hires new Executive Director, Deborah Buscher

108th Sioux Falls Chamber Meeting To Be Record-Breaking

This year marks the 108th annual Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce Meeting, and the celebration will be larger than ever.

This year a new record of attendance will be set. Three-thousand-five-hundred people are expected to pack the mixer and then fill the bowl of the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center for a special concert performed by Chicago. Chair of Chamber's Board of Directors Dana Dykhouse said this past year there have been many accomplishments which now deserve celebrating. Besides the opening of the events center, Dykhouse said the city's economy is stronger than ever thanks to booming businesses and their hard working owners. KDLTNews.com

Arkansas Chamber president says next governor needs a workforce czar

The state of Arkansas definitely has room to improve in battling other states in the region for economic development projects and the day-to-day economy, Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce president Randy Zook said Thursday (Oct. 23).

He also declared that the next Governor needs to create a “workforce czar” or an empowered panel on Day One. Zook spoke to several regional economic development and community leaders early Thursday at the Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce office.

“We are in a very tough race with other states (to compete). And we need to step on the gas,” Zook told the group. Read more: The City Wire

Indiana Regional summit: Event to Spotlight I-69 Opportunities

More than 350 economic development, transportation and government leaders are set to take part in today's I-69 Regional Summit in Bloomington. Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Officer Jeb Conrad says the expanding interstate can serve as a major business recruiting tool, since it gives companies increased access to potential customers and employees. The event will also examine funding issues and how local businesses and communities can take part in the planning stages of the corridor's construction. Inside INdiana Business Host Gerry Dick will moderate a panel at the event. Read more:  Inside Indiana Business

Leadership Kansas graduates 39-member class

Thirty-nine graduates of the 2014 Leadership Kansas class were to be honored at a reception and dinner Friday evening at the Topeka County Club.

As part of the six-month program, the class met with business and civic leaders in Hays, metropolitan Kansas City, Garden City, Manhattan, Wichita and Topeka to discuss issues facing Kansans today.

Leadership Kansas, an affiliated program of the Topeka-based Kansas Chamber of Commerce, attempts to develop future Kansas leaders in social, business and political endeavors. The group said it receives over 600 applicants on average for participation in each year's 40-member class. Read more: Topeka Capital-Journal

Chamber Tweet of the Day: Detroit Chamber

Detroit Chamber ‏@DetroitChamber 15m15 minutes ago

With $300 million investment, @GM's Mary Barra stresses commitment to #Michigan: http://ow.ly/DumqM  via @MLive #MichiganIsAuto

Green Bay Chamber of Commerce’s Partners in Education teamwork: $1.42M invested in Brown County youth initiative

A group of 11 investors are pumping $1.42 million into the Achieve Brown County initiative, which seeks to unite community groups under a common strategy supporting area youth.

The investors, who were announced Friday at a special event on the St. Norbert College campus, gave more than $100,000 each. They include Associated Bank, Bellin Health, Brown County United Way, Cornerstone Foundation of Northeastern Wisconsin, Festival Foods, Greater Green Bay Community Foundation, Green Bay Packaging, Green Bay Packers Foundation, Humana, Schreiber Foods and Wisconsin Public Service Foundation. Read more:  Green Bay Press-Gazette

Ardmore Chamber president Mita Bates, Jessica Pfau among 50 making a difference honorees

Mita Bates and Jessica Pfau were recently named to the 50 Making a Difference in Oklahoma list by The Journal Record. The Journal Record launched the annual salute to women in 1981 to recognize what was then called “a growing segment of the business community.” The program has evolved over the years, becoming statewide and adding a half-day networking forum. Read more: The Ardmoreite

Lake West (Missouri) Chamber hires new Executive Director, Deborah Buscher

The Board of Directors of the Lake West Chamber of Commerce on Monday announced Deborah Buscher has been hired for the position of Executive Director.

Deborah and her husband, Scott, have been weekenders at the Lake for many years and decided to make Sunrise Beach their full time residence in 2013. The chamber noted she has a strong background in sales, account management, and relationship building.

Chamber hosts: Made in Faribault 2014: A salute to manufacturing

Manufacturing accounts for 19.3 percent of all jobs in Faribault. That’s one in five.

Minnesota Manufacturers Week, a statewide celebration that puts the spotlight on a crucial sector of the state’s economy, is Oct. 19-25.

To celebrate manufacturing locally, the Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce hosted “Made in Faribault 2014: A Salute to Manufacturing” on Friday.

The event included tours of South Central College, during which high school juniors saw the school’s new machine shop, welding shop and nursing simulation lab and learned about careers in those industries. Read more: The Leader

Paintsville/Johnson County Chamber of Commerce presents Edwards with Lifetime Achievement Award

Dr. George D. Edwards, president and CEO of Big Sandy Community and Technical College (BSCTC), was presented the Lifetime Achievement award from the Paintsville/Johnson County Chamber of Commerce during its annual banquet at the Ramada Conference Center on Friday, September 12.

“It is an honor to be recognized by the chamber and its members,” said Dr. Edwards. “We have enjoyed such a great working relationship with the business community of Paintsville and Johnson County, and I appreciate their commitment to community and economic development.”

Dr. Edwards and Steve Trimble, who retired as superintendent of Johnson County Schools earlier this year, were recognized with the honor. In August, Dr. Edwards announced he would retire as founding president of BSCTC next year after 14 years of service. Floyd County Times

Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotes (Attitude):

“Don't let yesterday use up too much of today.”

~Cherokee proverb

Chamber Executive profile - One-On-One: Ron Bunch says motorsports initiative will expand Bowling Green’s automotive cluster; Kevin O’Keeffe Named as New Executive Director by Bolingbrook Area Chamber of Commerce; Chamber good news: Job numbers are strong for Fremont, Dodge County; Iowa City Area Chamber, BlendCard announce partnership; Chamber issue in Wisconsin: Diminishing worker base major concern for state, group says; Chamber synergy: Faribault tourism ordinance, agreement to be brought to City Council; Seligman chamber train ride tickets on sale; Warrensburg Chamber news: #growmo - ‘Grow Missouri’ blimp lands at Skyhaven; Michigan City Chamber Event: Chef cooks success at inspiring women; Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation: (Attitude)

Chamber Executive profile - One-On-One: Ron Bunch says motorsports initiative will expand Bowling Green’s automotive cluster

Ed Lane: Tell us about your relocation to join the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce in 2011. What has surprised you the most?

Ron Bunch is president of the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce.

Ron Bunch: What surprised me most, honestly, was “The Leader in Me” (school-wide student empowerment system based on “The Seven Habits Of Highly Effective People” by American educator Stephen Covey, 1932-2012). Before coming to Bowling Green, I had not previously known about “The Leader in Me,” and as we learned about its potential our community ended up raising funds to implement the program (K-12, in city and county schools) to benefit over 18,000 young people. The program is probably the best thing I’ve done in my career in economic development, and it’s going to pay huge dividends for our region. “The Leader in Me” program is a very positive surprise that I’ve had since moving here. Read more: The Lane Report

Kevin O’Keeffe Named as New Executive Director by Bolingbrook Area Chamber of Commerce

The Bolingbrook Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors is excited to announce that it has selected Kevin O’Keeffe for the position of Executive Director. O'Keeffe was selected to run the Bolingbrook Chamber based on his outstanding accomplishments as well as his enthusiasm, passion and vision for the Bolingbrook community.

O’Keeffe comes highly recommended and has established a name for himself within the chamber world here in Illinois. O’Keeffe will be leaving his role as the Director of Membership for the Elmhurst Chamber. Prior to that, O'Keefe was the owner of Fontano's Subs in Elmhurst and also served as the Treasurer and Chairman for the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce. O'Keeffe also holds a bachelor's degree in journalism and communications from the University of St. Francis in Joliet. Read more: The Bugle

Chamber good news: Job numbers are strong for Fremont, Dodge County

Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Ron Tillery likes what he sees in the Nebraska Department of Labor’s most recent job numbers.

Compared to last year’s numbers, Fremont – with 14,102 people employed – has 216 more people working now than at the same time last year. Countywide, 19,572 people are working, an increase of 300 over last year. Figures are through the end of August.

The unemployment rate in the county is 3.7 percent, and it’s 3.4 percent in the city. Read more: Fremont Tribune 

Iowa City Area Chamber, BlendCard announce partnership

The Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce on Thursday announced a partnership with BlendCard, which allows businesses to gain access to local customers who carry coupons, loyalty programs and gift cards on a single card and giving businesses reports on how customers are using the card.

The chamber is offering BlendCard at a discounted rate to members. Businesses can save $50/month or $600/year with the chamber member rate, as well as have the $100 BlendCard start-up fee waived. This rate would be in effect for as long as the business is a current chamber member. Read more: Iowa City Press-Citizen

Chamber issue in Wisconsin: Diminishing worker base major concern for state, group says

What's a huge problem for the future of Wisconsin's economy? According to the bipartisan government-research nonprofit organization, the Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance, it's not the unemployment rate or the status of the state's budget — it's a lack of people and Wisconsin's diminishing base of workers.

"How do you create jobs if you don't have any bodies to put in (the) jobs?" asked Todd Berry, president of Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance.

On Wednesday, Wisconsin Rapids-area community and business leaders gathered to hear a presentation from WISTAX, highlighting some of the economic issues facing the state as people go to the polls Nov. 4. The event, sponsored by the Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce, brought Berry to the city to discuss implications of Wisconsin's diminishing workforce, and other key issues. Read more: Wisconsin Rapids Tribune

Chamber synergy: Faribault tourism ordinance, agreement to be brought to City Council

Faribault city staff met Tuesday to review for the final time the tourism ordinance and agreement.

Following the meeting, Faribault City Administrator Brian Anderson announced that the two documents will be brought before the City Council on Tuesday, Oct. 14.

In August, numerous community members voiced their support in the Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism’s tourism efforts. Read more: Faribault Daily News

Seligman chamber train ride tickets on sale

The Seligman Chamber of Commerce has scheduled two separate train rides with the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad to take passengers from Seligman to Van Buren, Ark., on Oct. 11 and 12.

Passengers meet up at the Seligman City Hall, said Cleta Stanley, the secretary of the chamber. They will then walk across the street to board the train. Each train leaves Seligman between 7 and 7:30 a.m. It gets to Van Buren at approximately 11 a.m. Everyone is there until about 2 to 2:30 p.m. Each train returns to Seligman around 6:30 p.m.

The train goes up the Boston Mountains, through the quarter-mile Winslow Tunnel and crosses three high trestles that are at the top of trees, Stanley said. Read more: Cassville Democrat

Warrensburg Chamber news: #growmo - ‘Grow Missouri’ blimp lands at Skyhaven

A large blimp, larger than the familiar Goodyear Blimp, descended on Skyhaven Airport Wednesday with the message: “#GrowMO.”

The Grow Missouri program is a conservative political coalition advocating cutting state income taxes and reducing state government regulations. Grow Missouri invited members of the Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce and the public to tour the 200-foot-long and 60-foot-wide GrowMO blimp and share their ideas for economic growth. Groups gathered for the shuttle vans Wednesday afternoon under dark skies. Read more: digitalburg.com

Michigan City Chamber Event: Chef cooks success at inspiring women

Brenda Hitchens gave up college along with her basketball scholarship to pursue a dream, one she's now realizing at its highest level. Hitchens, a former executive chef in Las Vegas, shared her recipe for success Tuesday during the fourth annual Inspiring Women luncheon and program at Blue Chip Casino sponsored by the Michigan City Area Chamber of Commerce and PNC Bank.

She also spent time passing down some of her knowledge to culinary students at the AK Smtih Career Center, who helped create lunch table centerpieces such as chocolate covered strawberries for the 300 or so people in attendance. Among her keys for success given during a presentation are having a plan for getting where you want to go, adapting to any changes along the way and "work harder than anyone else." Read more: NWI Times

Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation: (Attitude)

“Sometimes it takes a wrong turn to get you to the right place.”
― Mandy Hale

Goldman Sachs is looking to help 10,000 small businesses with a $500 MILLION investment; St Louis Regional Chamber Public Policy Speaker Series features Tom Schweich, Missouri State Auditor; Chamber news: National honor for north Iowa business leader Robin Anderson; Faribault, Minnesota Chamber of Commerce welcome new teachers to town; Chamber Finance: North Dakota and South Dakota lead the nation for credit conditions; Chamber news: 2014 Indiana Governor's Conference for Women: Community. Connection. Inspiration!; Chamber Directory or Map; Chamber Tweet of the Day: Driverless Cars Retweeted by Detroit Chamber; Chamber proud: Norfolk, Nebraska named ‘Community of the Year’; St. Charles, IL prepares for Chamber of Commerce Week; Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation (Education) Albert Einstein

Chamber business incentives: Goldman Sachs is looking to help 10,000 small businesses with a $500 MILLION investment

The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program is a $500 million investment to help small businesses create jobs and economic opportunity by providing them with greater access to business education, financial capital, and business support services. 10,000 Small Businesses is designed for business owners with limited resources who have a business poised for growth. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to growing their business and creating jobs within their community. Learn more about this program and eligibility requirements. Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce

Further information: 10,000 Small Businesses 

St Louis Regional Chamber Public Policy Speaker Series features Tom Schweich, Missouri State Auditor

St. Louis Regional Chamber Public Policy Speaker Series features Missouri State Auditor Tom Schweich on Tuesday, September 16th - 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Chamber's Regional Collaboration Center located at One Metropolitan Square - 13th Floor 211 N. Broadway St. Louis, MO  63102

Chamber news: National honor for north Iowa business leader Robin Anderson

The President and CEO of the Mason City Chamber of Commerce has been appointed to a national committee. Robin Anderson is one of ten new executives named to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Committee of 100.  The group advises the U.S. Chamber’s board of directors, recommends programming and strengthens outreach to the business and chamber communities. Get more: KIMT.com

Faribault, Minnesota Chamber of Commerce welcome new teachers to town

As class started this week for all Faribault schools, many students may have come across unfamiliar faces. More than a hundred new teachers and administrators stepped into classrooms across town.

Seventy-five of those were in the Faribault Public Schools District and 30 between Shattuck-St. Mary’s, Cannon River STEM, Bethlehem Academy and Discovery Public School, for a total of 105 new teachers and administrators.

To welcome the new staff to town, the Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism provided welcome bags to each individual which were full of goodies to help acquaint the educators with Faribault. Read more: Faribault Daily News

Chamber Finance: North Dakota and South Dakota lead the nation for credit conditions

How is the economy doing? It depends on where you look. In some states, people are practically choking on credit problems, while in others, serious financial difficulties are relatively rare.

For example, more than one out of every 500 homes in Florida is in foreclosure, while foreclosures are virtually unheard of in North Dakota. Similar differences exist for credit ratings, bankruptcies, unemployment rates and credit card delinquencies.

To factor all this in and determine the best and worst states for credit conditions, CardRatings.com looked at the following:

• Average credit scores from Equifax
• Foreclosure rates from RealtyTrac
• Credit card delinquency rates from TransUnion
• Unemployment rates from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
• Bankruptcy rates from the American Bankruptcy Institute

Based on a combination of all these factors, the following are the best and worst states for credit conditions.

The best states for credit conditions

1. North Dakota. The economy in North Dakota continues to thrive, and credit conditions are excellent as a result. North Dakota has the lowest rates of foreclosures, credit card delinquencies, and unemployment in the United States. It has the second-lowest number of bankruptcies per capita, and the third highest average credit score. In other words, by any measure credit conditions in North Dakota are practically unbeatable.

2. (tie) South Dakota. Clearly, some of North Dakota's economic boom is rubbing off on its neighbor to the south. Having top-10 rankings in all the categories of this study lifted South Dakota into a tie for the No. 2 slot. Read more: CardRatings.com

Chamber news: 2014 Indiana Governor's Conference for Women: Community. Connection. Inspiration!

See and share our new video showcasing the life-changing day we’re putting together at the Indiana Governor’s Conference for Women on October 21st. Get immersed in a groundbreaking program led by business experts on today’s hottest topics – from building your confidence and sparkling in the spotlight to building a thriving business.

Chamber Directory or Map

Get a free estimate for a chamber map, community profile or membership directory. Call John Dussman at (800)-600-0134 x239 or email jdussman.vp@villageprofilemail.com. If your chamber has 500 members or more, please ask about our no-cost option.

Chamber Tweet of the Day: Driverless Cars Retweeted by Detroit Chamber

 

MICHauto ‏@MICHauto 3h

.@chevrolet's concept, zero-emission, driverless cars. #MichiganIsAuto #ITSWC14 pic.twitter.com/mN7x19jfos

Chamber proud: Norfolk, Nebraska named ‘Community of the Year’

And the winner is . . . Norfolk.

The hub of Northeast Nebraska was named “Community of the Year” on Friday at the 47th annual Nebraska Diplomats’ “Passport Weekend” here. A large contingent of business and community leaders from Norfolk was on hand to accept the accolade presented by Gov. Dave Heineman.

Among those representing Norfolk were Mayor Sue Fuchtman; Mark Zimmerer, president of the Norfolk Area Chamber of Commerce; Courtney Dentlinger, who heads the City of Norfolk’s economic development efforts; and Lee Klein, Madison County commissioner.  Read more: Norfolk Daily News

St. Charles, IL prepares for Chamber of Commerce Week

St. Charles Mayor Ray Rogina has proclaimed Sept. 8 through 12, as Chamber of Commerce Week, according to a news release issued Thursday. The St. Charles Chamber of Commerce Chamber has joined the Illinois Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives in celebrating this special recognition of the contributions chambers of commerce make to Illinois civic and economic life, the release stated.

“Chambers of commerce have contributed to the civic and economic life in Illinois for 176 years since the Galena Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1838," Rogina said, according to the release. "Chambers of commerce encourage the growth of existing industries, services, and commercial firms and encourage new businesses and individuals to locate in Illinois.” Read more: Kane County Chronicle

Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation (Education)

“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”--- Albert Einstein

Michigan Chamber of Commerce will be launching a statewide private health insurance marketplace; Chamber news: Des Moines #1, Omaha #3 on Forbes - America's 15 Best Cities For Young Professionals; Chamber issue: The Cost of Losing the Ex-Im Bank: Manufacturing Jobs in Illinois; U.S. Chamber affordability ranking: Students from around the world study in Oklahoma; Chamber of Commerce report: Indiana needs to better manage water supplies to meet future needs; Chamber news: Faribault, Minnesota community weighs in on tourism board; Chamber Joint Venture: Why North Dakota is doing caviar right; Wisconsin state rep Steineke receives award from chamber of commerce; Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation (Attitude): Zig Ziglar

The Michigan Chamber of Commerce will be launching a statewide private health insurance marketplace – Michigan's Insurance Marketplace at www.MiChamberMarketplace.org – on September 1, 2014.  The marketplace was created to meet the growing needs of employers as they try to comply with health care reform and offer the best coverage available for their employees.

"Starting September 1^st, individuals and employers across Michigan, who can work with their licensed insurance agent of choice, will have a single source, multi-carrier, insurance solution for comparing and accessing available medical, dental, vision and supplemental insurance plans, as well as a wide range of other non-insurance related products," said Barry Robinson, Vice President of Chamber Services & Membership Development for the Michigan Chamber. "Also available in the marketplace are calculators to help determine federal subsidy eligibility and potential tax consequences for failing to enroll in qualified health plans." For more information: Michigan's Insurance Marketplace

Chamber news: Des Moines #1, Omaha #3 on Forbes - America's 15 Best Cities For Young Professionals

The American economy has pumped out more than 200,000 jobs a month for six months running, as of the latest (July) numbers. Still, more than 2 million college-educated workers age 25 or older are unemployed, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Workers age 25 to 34 face a 6.6% unemployment rate—the highest of any group other than the one encompassing new grads (ages 20-24).
But in Omaha, Neb., the situation is considerably better. Nebraska’s most populous city has an overall unemployment rate of just 4.1% (projected 2014, by Moody's MCO +0.71%), helping it to land the No. 3 spot on our list of America’s Best Cities for Young Professionals. It boasts a strong presence of large businesses (1 for every 810 residents) as well as small-to-medium ones (1 for every 52 residents). Warren Buffett’s hometown is headquarters to the Fab Five,  a group of Fortune 500 companies that includes Berkshire Hathaway , Union Pacific UNP +0.27% Corp., ConAgra Foods CAG +0.41%, Kiewit Corporation and Mutual of Omaha. San Jose-based PayPal chose to put its operations center there.Read more: Forbes

Chamber issue: The Cost of Losing the Ex-Im Bank: Manufacturing Jobs in Illinois

Ahead of the midterm elections, Members of Congress know that their constituents care about one thing above all others: jobs. With the effects of the Great Recession still lingering, America needs jobs more than ever. Nowhere will jobs and economic issues be more important than Illinois, one of the nation’s leading manufacturing hubs, making the fate of the Export-Import Bank (Ex-Im) a top priority for the state. Franklin Roosevelt created the Ex-Im Bank in 1934 to help America move out of the Great Depression. The idea was simple: by financing the sales of American exports when the private market would not, high-paying jobs could be created and sustained.
Ex-Im has certainly helped Illinois, supporting 36,873 jobs in the state since 2007 by financing more than $5.7 billion of exports. Amazingly, it did this while returning over $1 billion to the U.S. treasury in 2013. However, Ex-Im’s charter expires on September 30^th, and without Congressional reauthorization, many manufacturing jobs in Illinois will be put at risk. Read more: U.S. Chamber

U.S. Chamber affordability ranking: Students from around the world study in Oklahoma

Officials with Oklahoma State University and the University of Oklahoma expect each campus will have about 2,000 students from other countries for the fall semester. A growing number of international students who arrived on the East and West Coasts are making their way inland to study in Oklahoma. Officials with Oklahoma State University and the University of Oklahoma expect each campus will have about 2,000 students from other countries for the fall semester, which begins Monday.
Cost is a big factor, said Tim Huff, manager of international students and scholars at OSU.
“We’re extremely competitive,” Huff said. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce ranks Oklahoma higher education No. 7 in affordability. Read more: NewsOK.com

Chamber of Commerce report: Indiana needs to better manage water supplies to meet future needs

Indiana needs more money — and a single, state-level planning entity — to better manage its water supplies to ensure businesses and communities have ample water in the decades ahead, a report released Friday by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce concludes. Bloomington-based geoscientist Jack Wittman, who analyzed the state's water supplies and water use trends for the business group, said that unlike some water-hungry states west of the Mississippi River, Indiana's water is plentiful — in rivers, streams, reservoirs and underground aquifers. But the lack of detailed data on its aquifers' reserves and the absence of a statewide water-management plan put Indiana at a disadvantage when competing with other states to woo new water-dependent businesses, Wittman said. 

"There's enough water, but we need to change and be smart about how we optimize these resources," he said at a news conference. Indiana Chamber of Commerce President Kevin Brinegar noted that a University of Michigan study released last year found that Indiana's manufacturing-intensive economy is more dependent than any other state on abundant water supplies. Read more: The Republic

Chamber news: Faribault, Minnesota community weighs in on tourism board

In what Mayor John Jasinski and members of the Faribault City Council believe is the most public comments made during a council meeting, one thing was clear on Tuesday evening: The majority of Faribaultians stand behind the Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism’s tourism efforts.
“I’m confident in their efforts to support our entire community,” said Todd Markman, president of Reliance Bank. Read more: Faribault Daily News


Chamber Joint Venture: Why North Dakota is doing caviar right

Thanks to the Bakken fracking boom, North Dakota boasts the fastest-growing wages in the United States by a long shot. It’s only appropriate that the state take its rightful spot in the nation’s swag echelon by producing its own caviar.

:
North Star Caviar, a joint venture between nonprofit organizations Friends of Fort Union and Williston Chamber of Commerce, harvests eggs from local paddlefish. Read more: Grist 

Wisconsin state rep Steineke receives award from chamber of commerce

Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, the state’s chamber of commerce, recently honored state Rep. Jim Steineke with the “Working for Wisconsin” Award at Expera Specialty Solutions LLC in Kaukauna.
The award is given to legislators who stand up for jobs and improve the state’s business climate by voting 80 percent or greater in support of the pro-jobs position on the WMC legislative scorecard. Read more: PostCrescent.com

Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotations (Attitude): 


“Winners Evaluate Themselves In A Positive Manner And Look For Their Strengths As They Work To Overcome Weaknesses.”  ― Zig Ziglar

 www.goodreads.com
 

OKC Chamber: New retailers attracted to thriving OKC market; Ferndale Chamber Welcomes New Executive Director Marina Glagolev; Carbondale Chamber of Commerce pumps up pride with free 'Welcome to Saluki Country' posters; St. Clair Missouri Chamber Hires New Director; Indiana Chamber forecasts water shortages; Chamber business: Northeast KC hopes its economy will benefit from new Chouteau Parkway; Arkansas SBA September Classes; Got business tax questions, Faribault? Myron Frans has answers; Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotations: (Attitude)

Chamber grand openings: New retailers attracted to thriving OKC market

West Elm opened its doors in Classen Curve on Thursday. The city reported that in the near future two other new major retailers will be moving in at Memorial Road and Western Avenue -- Cabela's and Top Golf. They have signed on to open at a major new mixed-use development (http://chisholmcreek.com/). The growing number of new businesses is no surprise to the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce.

“Whether it's a retailer or a business of another kind, I think they are coming because they see an opportunity to hopefully make money and be part of a thriving and vibrant place,” said Kurt Foreman, OKC Chamber of Commerce executive vice president. “I think that is what we are.” Read more: KOCO.com

Ferndale Michigan Chamber Welcomes New Executive Director Marina Glagolev

The Ferndale Area Chamber/Oak Park Alliance Chamber of Commerce has made their decision for who will take the Executive Director Position. Marina Glagolev will start officially on Aug. 18, 2014. Glagolev is the former Director of Philanthropy at Evangelical Homes of Michigan, and has also worked for Presbyterian Villages of Michigan, Baldwin Center and the Kresge Foundation. Read more: Oakland County one fifteen

Carbondale Illinois Chamber of Commerce pumps up pride with free 'Welcome to Saluki Country' posters

The Carbondale Chamber of Commerce is attempting to pump up Saluki pride this fall with posters promoting Southern Illinois University. Chamber Executive Director Les O'Dell tells the Southern Illinoisan (http://bit.ly/1sP75jO ) that the "Welcome to Saluki Country" poster will be available this week. He says the chamber ordered 12,000. Read more: Daily Journal

St. Clair Missouri Chamber Hires New Director

After about a three-week wait for a stamp of approval from the state, the St. Clair Area Chamber of Commerce finally has its new executive director. Board President Nathan Tate announced late Thursday that Rebecca Blankenship, who was serving as a part-time assistant in the Chamber office, officially has been promoted to the executive director’s chair. She was the search committee’s top choice, Tate said. Read more: Emissourian

Indiana Chamber forecasts water shortages

Indiana isn't facing the dramatic water shortages hitting California, but a new report from the Indiana Chamber of Commerce warns the state's water supply won't be adequate to meet future needs unless government better manages and distributes the valuable resource.

A study released today by the chamber's foundation calls for the development of a statewide water resource plan to better conserve and manage the state's water supply.

Without it, the chamber warns, "a large portion of the state likely won't have the local water resources needed to meet growing needs." Read more: Indy Star

Chamber business: Northeast KC hopes its economy will benefit from new Chouteau Parkway

Residents of Northeast Kansas City now have a quicker, more eye-pleasing route to destinations in Clay County. But a local business leader is hopeful that the Northland’s new $36 million Chouteau Parkway will bring traffic the other way, too.

Bobbi Baker, president of the Northeast Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, said she hoped the parkway would prompt Northlanders to head a little farther south to Northeast Kansas City “to shop our international marketplaces.” Read more here: Kansas City Star

Arkansas SBA September Classes

Email Marketing 101

Starting a Business in Arkansas

5 Social Media Strategies for Small Business

Trade Shows Should Be Fun and Profitable!

QuickBooks Introduction

Introduction to the SBIR/STTR Program (Webinar)

How to Get a Government Contract

Act Now! Disaster Preparedness for Small Business (Webinar)

And 31 other September classes at Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center

Got business tax questions, Faribault? Myron Frans has answers

Minnesota Department of Revenue Commissioner Myron Frans will be in Faribault on Friday to answer tax questions and discuss recent changes to tax law. State Sen. Vicki Jensen, DFL-Owatonna, and the Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce will host the free presentation from 8-9 a.m. on Friday at the Chamber. Read more: The Leader 

 

Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotations: (Attitude) 

“Be happy and the reason will appear.” Jeff Olson, The Slight Edge