Fredericksburg Regional Chamber honors two businesses for top awards, Coldwell Banker Elite and Parrish Snead, Franklin, Simpson, PLC; Front Royal Warren County Community Profile & Membership Directory 2017; #BestChamber Practices: Skokie Chamber: New Member Orientation Wednesday, February 8; Greater Owensboro Chamber names 6 businesses as Members of the Year at 2017 Chamber Celebration; #BestChamber practices: Rochester Regional Chamber: Chamber Chat with Jill Sorensen; Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce votes to support proposed casino; Fort Atkinson Chamber of Commerce holds changing of guard; Chamber heart: Leadership group helping Love's Kitchen acquire washers, dryers; 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!

Fredericksburg Regional Chamber honors two businesses for top awards, Coldwell Banker Elite and Parrish Snead, Franklin, Simpson, PLC


Also, lauds Jud Honaker, Adrian Silversmith, Fredericksburg Regional SPCA


FREDERICKSBURG – The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce awarded businesses for their successes, entrepreneurial spirit, and community commitment at the Jan. 27 annual awards banquet and gala held at the Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center.


Businesses of the Year Award

This award is given to a company that balances business success with a dedication to improving the community’s quality of life.

Coldwell Banker Elite received the Large Business of the Year Award. The real estate brokerage company has--for decades--bragging rights for being the best Coldwell Banker affiliate in Virginia. They solidified it by acquiring Coldwell Banker Carriage House Realty recently, strengthening the international brand under one brokerage in Fredericksburg. The company delivers exceptional service to their customers from their highly-skilled associates and cutting-edge technology designed to enhance their ability to provide clients with the best representation. Founder Kevin Breen started the real estate business in 1977. In 1982 they began the first franchise of their brand in Virginia.

Coldwell Banker Elite shows dedication to the community. They raise $20,000 annually for the Greater Fredericksburg Habitat for Humanity. The office sponsors the UMW Great Lives Series, Leadership Fredericksburg, Fredericksburg Area SPCA, among others.

Parrish, Snead, Franklin, Simpson, PLC received the Small Business of the Year Award. The law office handled $200 million commercial real estate sales and leases; and 300 client litigations in 2016. This firm is respected in the industry and recognized for its outstanding business morals and fights for positive results for their clients. Members of their team serve on numerous boards such as Central Va. Housing Coalition, The Community Foundation, Stafford Rotary, Thurman Brisben Center, and many others.

Entrepreneur of the Year

Adrian Silversmith won the Entrepreneur of the Year Award, which recognizes a person who successfully plans and executes a business proposal to fill a regional economic niche. Silversmith is the founder and owner of Sprelly; a gourmet peanut butter spread eatery in downtown Fredericksburg. He won the “People’s Choice” award in 2013 at the first Made in FredVa competition. Since incorporating, Silversmith has donated and supported various non-profits and schools and collaborates with other local start-up businesses to strengthen and market events and services.

Community Impact Award

Fredericksburg Regional SPCA won the Community Impact Award, which honors a business or organization that benefits the Fredericksburg Region on a daily basis. Executive director Caitlyn Day leads the SPCA staff and volunteers. Together they achieved surprising statistics in 2016.

By the numbers: The SPCA handled 1,341 adoptions last year. In 2015 the average time a cat stayed at the facility was 206 days. In 2016, the average stay was 35 days. The average duration for a dog in 2015 was 88 days. In 2016 it was 14 days.

Also, merely six animals were euthanized for severe health issues.

The SPCA has forged new partnerships with civic and business leaders and continues to provide our community with outstanding care and compassion for the creatures who enter their doors.

Prince B. Woodard Leadership Award

Jud Honaker won the Prince B. Woodard Leadership Award, which salutes an individual who has provided a lifetime of service and commitment to the Fredericksburg Region. It’s named for the former MWC president whose vision, integrity and dedication to serving others made him a pillar of the community.

Honaker is the president of Silver Companies Commercial Division. He has pioneered the economic development of the Fredericksburg region for decades. His leadership developed the Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center, the Quantico Corporate Center, and numerous extensive hotels and shopping centers.

As a young man, he started working for Carl D. Silver who took Honaker under his wing and taught him the business. For decades he balances profit and the community. Honaker has supported the Silver Foundation, served on the UMW Board of Visitors, is a benefactor of the Rappahannock United Way, the Mary Washington Hospital Foundation, the Fredericksburg Area Museum, among others.

Honaker influences the unfortunate by financial ways, jobs, homes to live in, and pays for medical needs. He isn’t one to share the spotlight and doesn’t want a payback.

An employee nominated Honaker for this award. She described Honaker’s giving spirit when two employees were battling cancer. “Jud did whatever he could to support us. He contacted hospitals, doctors, provided transportation, allowed us weeks off at a time,” she wrote. “Most of all he offered friendship and demonstrated how much he cares about others.”





Front Royal Warren County Community Profile & Membership Directory 2017




The Front Royal Warren County Community Profile & Membership Directory 2017 is available at the Front Royal Warren County Chamber of Commerce today! Thank you to Niki Foster and Pam Riffle and the Chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!













Town Square Publications (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.




#BestChamber Practices: Skokie Chamber: New Member Orientation Wednesday, February 8



Are you a new member that wants to use your membership benefits more effectively? This dynamic program showcases the many different areas where you can maximize your Skokie Chamber of Commerce & Industry membership. Being a member is so much more than attending our amazing program offerings - learn about our social networking power, web presence, and the marketing exposure we offer your business as well as the community connections that are essential to your business growth.

Learn from our staff and Board Members how to be effective at using the many tools and resources which are benefits of your membership while networking with new and experienced members at this program who can share their strategies that have made them successful in their respective fields.


Wednesday, February 8
12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Skokie Public Library, Business Center
5215 Oakton St., Skokie

$15 for pre-registered members, $20 for walk-ins and prospective members. Includes lunch.

Click to Register




Greater Owensboro Chamber names 6 businesses as Members of the Year at 2017 Chamber Celebration

Owensboro, KY – At the 2017 Chamber Celebration last night with more than 600 business members, leaders, and guests, the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce recognized six local businesses as the 2017 Businesses of the Year.


The winning businesses were among 47 nominees vying for the honors. Those earning the honors include:

· Emerging Business of the Year – Dalishas Desserts
· Business of the Year 1-10 Employees – Blossomas Apparel & Gifts
· Business of the Year 11-50 Employees – Keller Williams – Kelly Anne Harris Team
  Business of the Year Over 50 Employees – Independence Bank
· Non-Profit of the Year – Boulware Mission
· Education and Workforce Development Program of the Year – Owensboro Community & Technical College GO FAME and GO CAREERS

Other award winners of the night included:


· 2016 Chamber Director of the Year – Adam Hancock, Riney Hancock CPAs PSC
· 2016 Chamber Ambassador of the Year – Kevin Gibson, South Central Bank
· 2016 Chamber Young Professional of the Year – Dave Kirk, Owensboro Public Schools
· 2016 Leadership Owensboro Class Member of the Year – Chris Arnold, Shelby’s Wheel and Tire
· 2016 Chamber Member of the Year – Natasha Stanley, Bella Ragazza Boutique

The Business Celebration also included addresses from the presenting sponsor, Owensboro Health, as well as the chamber’s outgoing Board Chair Adam Hancock and 2017 Board Chair Wade Jenkins of Old National Bank.

“Our awards program is an opportunity to celebrate our members who make the best of the Owensboro business community. The level of excellence displayed throughout the lists of nominees is remarkable. It is yet another example of how Owensboro truly is a shining community. Our Chamber staff is honored to be able to serve our members and to be a small part of their journeys,” said Candance Castlen Brake, Chamber President and CEO.

The Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce is a nearly 1000-membership organization founded in 1913 with the purpose of connecting businesses and fostering economic growth in Owensboro and Daviess County. For more information, contact Candance Brake, CEO at 270-926-1860








#BestChamber practices: Rochester Regional Chamber: Chamber Chat with Jill Sorensen

It's a new year and a great time to get more involved with our Chamber. Here are a few tips to get you started:

1. Grab your calendar and check out our events page and register for all of the upcoming events that you'd like to attend. Our events tend to fill up quickly, and regularly attending events is a great way to connect other members and build relationships.

2. Join a PCN group. PCN stands for Preferred Client Network and the goal of the groups are to build solid referral relationships with other members. Visit our website for a full list of groups.

3. Submit a Spotlight on Business article to be featured in our E-newsletter.

4. Attend Ribbon Cutting ceremonies. It's a great way to meet and welcome new business owners into our community and network with Chamber members.

5. Reach out to us with any questions you have. We are here to help you!

Don't forget to register for our Entrepreneurship Seminar Series which will be held on Friday, February 10, 2017 at the Rochester Hills Museum Calf Barn.

Please visit our website for more of our upcoming events and to register www.rrc-mi.com

Have a great week!

Jill Sorensen
Communications and Membership Relations Manager





Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce votes to support proposed casino


The Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce released Tuesday morning that they have voted in favor of support for the proposed casino.

The Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors voted during their monthly session to support the current legislation proposed by Sen. Jon Ford to bring a gaming facility to the Terre Haute area.

“During our meeting this morning we had the chance to gather more information thanks to a presentation by representatives of Full House Resorts, along with an open forum for our board members to ask the important questions that will affect the business community,” explains Chamber President David Haynes. “I think the board conducted a healthy discussion and ultimately came to the decision to support this proposed endeavor.”

If the proposed bill should pass it would allow Full House Resorts, Inc. to relocate 750 of its unused gaming positions that are currently allocated to its Rising Star Casino in Rising Sun, Indiana to a new gaming/entertainment facility in Terre Haute. Read more: WTHITV.com






Fort Atkinson Chamber of Commerce holds changing of guard


The Fort Atkinson Area Chamber of Commerce held its changing of the guard Wednesday as members gathered for the organization’s 118th annual dinner.

The event took place at the Fireside Dinner Theatre.

Officers installed for 2017 are President David Witte of Spacesaver Corp., Vice President Luke Smith of LSM Chiropractic, Treasurer Eric Frey of Business & Tax Systems, President-Elect Tom Dehnert of Badger Bank and Executive Director and Secretary Carrie Chisholm.

“When I enlisted in the Marine Corps, I had an uncle that told me to keep my head down and not to volunteer for anything,” Witte said following his installation as chamber president. “As you can see, that lesson didn’t stick!

“It is an honor and privilege to be asked by my peers to lead the chamber as its president,” he added. “I am looking forward to serving with the dedicated members of the board of directors and the chamber staff.”

Witte said he first was exposed to the chamber in 2012 when he joined the 25th Project LEAD leadership class. Over nine months, the group transformed into a cohesive team that planned, raised funds and executed the veteran’s memorial project at McCoy Park.


It was through this experience that I was able to get a sneak peek into the inner workings of the chamber, the city council and some of the great manufacturers that call Fort Atkinson home,” said Witte. “This experience opened my eyes to what a special community Fort Atkinson was and still is today.” Read more: Daily Union




Chamber heart: Leadership group helping Love's Kitchen acquire washers, dryers


Assisting the homeless getting back on their feet is a priority for several community non-profit agencies. Leadership Lauderdale is no exception.

Leadership Lauderdale, a program of the East Mississippi Business Development Corp., is partnering with Love's Kitchen to expand services to people in need at Love's Kitchen, which is known for serving hot meals under director Fannie Johnson. The partnership will help Love's Kitchen acquire two sets of industrial grade washers and dryers to be housed adjacent to the Love's Kitchen building.

"The purpose is to allow Fannie to improve upon what she is already doing," Leadership Lauderdale team member Sara Smith said. "Fannie is helping homeless people find jobs and meet their personal needs. She doesn't have the financial resources to provide washers and dryers on site."

The project will include electrical and plumbing work, the appliances themselves, and a detergent supply to meet the initial needs of the community.

Leadership Lauderdale is requesting donations for the project to be submitted by Feb. 10, 2017. Donations will qualify as a tax-deductible charitable contribution for a 501 (c) (3) organization. Checks can be made out to East Mississippi Business Development Foundation (EMBDF) referencing Love's Kitchen, and mailed to P.O. Box 790, Meridian, MS 39302. Call Leadership Lauderdale at 601-693-1306 or email Smith at outreachpr@bellsouth.net for more information. Read more: Meridian Star


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

Grand Rapids Area chamber: Build a Better Board with Diversity; #BestChamber Practices: #letsgetlocal: Marion Chamber: Let's Get Local for the Election; Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce 2016 Business Directory and Resource Guide; Terre Haute Chamber event: Senator Coats: Nation must address its debt; Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce will hold its third Local Legends event; Chamber Leadership: Golden Triangle Leadership Class Selected; Paducah to Host Global UNESCO Cities in 2017; #BestChamber practices: Fort Atkinson Area Chamber: Spots for student tours of Fort manufacturers open; Town Square Chamber Membership Directories, Community Profiles, Guides and Maps

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

Grand Rapids Area chamber: Build a Better Board with Diversity

Corporate and non-profit boards of directors are vital to the success and leadership of their organizations—and the best way to maximize the benefit boards have on your organization is to diversify, diversify, diversify.

How? You need to attract the rare, the unusual, and the overlooked by deepening your network and ultimately making your board inclusive and welcoming.

Here are five steps to take today.

1. Perform a diversity audit and embrace where you need to grow.

Are there any stakeholders in your business or non-profit that are conspicuously not present? Take a moment to ask your board of directors about their backgrounds—race, gender, expertise, educational background, etc. Set some goals and start seeking to fill the gaps on your board before the next seat opens.

2. Make an intentional, ongoing effort to become and remain diverse.

Learn to make finding diverse partners and potential board members part of what you do every day. Live it in your DNA as an organization. Invite your board and staff to always be thinking: “Who else could be represented? Who can we invite?”

3. Focus on the skills the board needs to meet its strategic priorities.

A strong board is one that makes your organization better, your business more profitable. They do that by providing the expertise, insights, ideas, and solutions you actually need. Look for diverse experts within the specialties you want to place on your board.

4. Aim to create a critical mass.

People work better when they feel they fit in, so look for ways to ease the tension and find commonality. Get to know each other as a board during off site retreats or informal gatherings, and encourage diverse board members to sit on or lead special committees. This will help board members feel open and able to speak up with ideas or a dissenting opinion.

5. Measure results of diversity by its impact.

A board should engage staff to align diversity efforts to the organization’s mission, mandate and activities. Take stock of the impact your inclusion efforts are making. Celebrate the success and keep working towards new goals and setting new strategies to keep momentum going.

Recognize your role in creating diversity. You can become an exceptional board, banish group think, and empower organizational and systems-level solutions—all by inviting disparate perspectives to the table.

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This Smart Business resource article was first featured in the October 2016 edition of The Chamber News, written by AliciaMarie Belchak, Senior Communications Specialist at the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce. Visit www.grandrapids.org/business-advice to find more thought leadership like this.


#BestChamber Practices: #letsgetlocal: Marion Chamber: Let's Get Local for the Election

EMPLOYER to EMPLOYEE MESSAGES

Oct. 17 – Kickoff Email

FROM: Employer
TO: Employees
SUBJECT: Let’s Get Local 2016
DATE: October 17

The Presidential election has taken up most of the airwaves, and there hasn’t been a lot of talk about all of the other races taking place this year. Did you know that 45 of the nation’s 100 largest cities are holding municipal elections? And that over 80% of the country’s State Legislative seats are up for grabs?

While the Presidential contest is important and the outcome will play a large role in the future of our nation’s policy, it’s not the only race on the ballot. We know that some of you may be turned off from politics – we’ve all seen the mudslinging and infighting on both sides of the aisle. But it’s important to remember, that even if you uncertain about voting for the presidential candidates, there are a lot of other things to consider.

Local and state officials have a direct impact on your daily life. These positions range from Tax Commissioner to Sheriff and Judge to State Senator. There are over 13,500 school district governments. And that’s just the start - there’s a lot happening in your county and state.

So, Let’s Get Local this year. We hope you’ll vote for everything on the ticket, but if you don’t want to, that’s okay. You can vote for all or just a few. But, every vote counts and makes a difference. To learn more, visit www.illinoisprosperity.org

Are you in?

  

Facebook: We know that the presidential race has been the major focus this election season, but there are a lot of other races to consider. Let’s get local this year and make an impact at all levels of government. You can vote for one race or all, but make a point to vote this year. To learn more visit www.illinoisprosperity.org  #employeesvote #letsgetlocal

Twitter: Let's get local this election! Maybe the presidential race isn't your thing. But there is so much else on the ballot #letsgetlocal .



Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce 2016 Business Directory and Resource Guide

The Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce 2016 Business Directory and Resource Guide  is available at the Virginia Peninsula Chamber today! Thanks to Mike Kuhns, Suzy Johnson and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!

Virginia Peninsula Chamber 

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.

Terre Haute Chamber event: Senator Coats: Nation must address its debt

Tax, regulatory and fiscal reform needed

Six years ago the nation’s debt was front and center in elections.

Now?

“I don’t hear our candidates talking about that right now, but that is what they are going to face,” U.S. Sen. Dan Coats told members of the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce at a luncheon Tuesday at Indiana State University.

The gross U.S. federal government debt is now estimated at $19.4 trillion, according to the fiscal year 2017 federal budget, said the Indiana Republican. That is an increase from about $7.7 trillion in 2005.

Coats, who did not seek re-election and will complete his term in three months, is chair of the U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee.

“We are only growing at half the rate that we have traditionally grown after recessions. It is keeping people out of work. We are not getting enough meaningful work for people,” Coats said. “The world is kind of in transition in terms of digitization of everything and automation of everything and so these are challenges for the future.

“I have talked about tax reform, regulatory reform and fiscal reform as the three pillars of things that have to be dealt with... Whoever wins this election is going face these issues and it will have an immense impact on the future of children, our grandchildren and the future of this country,” Coats said.

Coats said he was making a final tour of Indiana visiting cities he has represented since 2011.

Coats first served as U.S. senator for Indiana from 1989 to 1999. He also served as a U.S. Representative, in Indiana’s 4th congressional district, from 1981 to 1989.

Prior to addressing the Chamber of Commerce, Coats said he has seen changes during his political career, especially in election financing.

“When I first ran, you raised money from people in your state, you had state supporters, it was a modest amount of money and you had TV commercials,” he said. 

“Today, it is outside groups with unlimited money that they can pour in and say whatever they want to say about a candidate. And the demand (is) on the members, who have to spend so much time raising money, instead of legislating. One thing I will not miss at all is asking people for money,” Coats said. Read more: Tribune Star

Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce will hold its third Local Legends event


FREDERICKSBURG – The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce will hold its third Local Legends event, recognizing four area business leaders retiring this year.

The honorees this year are G. William “Billy” Beale, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Union Bankshares Corporation, Ron Branscome, Executive Director of Rappahannock Area Community Services Board (RACSB), Karen Hedelt, Director of Economic Development & Tourism for the City of Fredericksburg, and Dr. David Sam, President of Germanna Community College.

The celebration will be held on Tuesday, November 1 at Jepson Alumni Executive Center starting at noon.

“This is a way to recognize the business and community contributions of the honorees,” said Susan Spears, Chamber President & CEO. “These leaders have made outstanding contributions to their organizations as well as the broader community. They are our local legends.”

Billy Beale will step down as CEO on January 2, 2017. Beale has served as President and CEO of Union Bankshares Corporation (and its predecessor companies) since 1991. He has served on the Board of Directors since that time. During his tenure, bank assets have grown to $8.1 billion from $180 million, representing a compounded annual growth rate of 16.5%. Total shareholder return through August 5th has been 858%. Beale started his banking career in Texas after receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from The Citadel. Prior to relocating to Virginia, he graduated from the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University.

RACSB Executive Director Ron Branscome will retire June 30, 2017, after guiding the public behavioral health and developmental services agencies for more than 30 years. Branscome first came to Fredericksburg in 1974 to coordinate a Developmental Disabilities Grant project for the Association for Retarded Citizens – Rappahannock, which established a community-based system of care for mentally retarded citizens in Planning District 16. As director of this division, Branscome implemented services such as a case management program to improve care for individuals served and an infant development program to provide therapy and training for infants and toddlers with developmental delays and their families. He also oversaw the creation of a day support program, Rappahannock Adult Activities. For these efforts, he was named the Employee of the Year of the now Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. Today RACSB employs 266 full-time and 134 part-time employees and serviced more than 11,000 mentally ill patients in 2015. In addition to its role as a community service provider, RACSB is a contributor to the local economy. In 2015, RACSB provided 514 jobs, paid $23 million in employee compensation, and spent $9 million in total output/expenditures. It is estimated these direct outputs may have supported 164 additional jobs, $12.9 million in additional labor income, and $4.9 million in additional economic output.

Karen Hedelt joined the city staff in 1981 as a communication coordinator. In the ensuing years, she served as the department’s public relations and marketing manager, acting director, and director of tourism. She was named the director of the Department of Economic Development and Tourism in 2010.

While her job requires Hedelt to represent the city on a myriad of commissions, task forces, committees, and boards, she is equally comfortable behind the scenes of tourism and economic development initiatives. Since 2010, Hedelt oversaw the creation of innovative business districts and incentive programs to encourage business growth. New tourism and economic development websites have been introduced, making it easier for tourists and businesses to learn about Fredericksburg’s assets. She was an early and strong supporter of the city’s Main Street program. She left her post on August 1.

Dr. David Sam will retire on June 30, 2017, after 10 years at the helm as Germanna’s fifth president. During Sam’s time as president of Germanna Community College, the school’s total student headcount has increased more than 60 percent, the Fredericksburg campus in Spotsylvania was expanded, and new centers in Stafford and Caroline counties were added.

When he started in March 2007, Germanna enrollment hovered around 7,542 but rose to 12,317 during the 2015-16 school year. Together, Sam, 66, and the late Rick Brehm, his vice president for administrative services, steered Germanna through the recession without layoffs despite the budget cuts.

Tickets price is $35/pp and can be purchased by calling Chamber office 540-373-9400.

Media Contact: Dawn Haun, Communications Director - (540)373-9400, Dawn@fredericksburgchamber.org


Chamber Leadership: Golden Triangle Leadership Class Selected

The Columbus Lowndes Chamber of Commerce is currently leading its 2016-2017 Golden Triangle Leadership (GTL) class. GTL is sponsored by the Columbus Lowndes Chamber of Commerce, Greater Starkville Development Partnership, and the West Point Growth Alliance. This program is designed to bring leaders of the Golden Triangle together in order to strengthen the bond and development between all three regions

.The 2016-2017 class consists of Anna Kathryn McGill of Express Pros Employment, Ben Upton of Cadence Bank, Brad Jones of Renasant Bank, Christee Holbrook of Graham Roofing, Colin Krieger of REMAX, Cory Lucius of Shelter Insurance, David Vega of Bancorp South, DeLorean King of Community Couseling Services, Deloris Doss of City of West Point, Emily Ferril of Palmer Home for Children, Hannah Nail of Curtis Optometry Clinic, James Hazard of BankFirst Financial Services, Jennifer Miles of MUW, John Jefferson of Community Counseling Services, Jory Tally of WCBI, Julie Goodin of Waste Pro, Joshua Carroll of East Mississippi Community College, Mathew Dowell of GTR Airport, Robert Greathree Jr of Columbus Housing Authority, Sherman Berry of Cadence Bank, Saunders Ramsey and Zach Foster of Neel-Schaffer, and Zack Plair of the Commercial Dispatch.

GTL will have one session each month from October through June. These sessions are designed to offer a comprehensive, interactive experience for the participants and for them to learn about pertinent issues with our region, have networking opportunities with business leaders, and gain knowledge about our community. GTL is open to anyone ages 20-65 who want to get involved in their community and the cost of the program is $500, which is normally covered by the employee’s business. Read more: WCBI-TV.com


Paducah to Host Global UNESCO Cities in 2017

Representatives from more than 20 cities and 11 nations across the globe will be descending upon Paducah in 2017 for a first ever annual global meeting of Creative Cities of Crafts & Folk Art.

Paducah representatives Mary Hammond, Executive Director of the Paducah Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Bonnie Browning, Executive Show Director of the American Quilter's Society, recently participated in the tenth annual meeting of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Creative Cities' Network in Östersund, Sweden.

Paducah presented an invitation to the fellow UNESCO Creative Cities of Crafts & Folk Art to meet in Paducah in September 2017 to share strategies of incorporating the arts in building identity and strategic development. This first formally-designated annual meeting of the thematic area will be hosted by the City of Paducah in partnership with the Paducah Convention & Visitors Bureau, Paducah Economic Development and the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce.

Laura Oswald, Marketing Director with the Paducah Convention and Visitors Bureau, tells West Kentucky Star that further details regarding the length of the meeting, and locations that will be used to facilitate the meetings are still being worked out. Oswald says they will be working with local businesses and vendors to make sure the representatives from around the globe will get a full view of what Paducah has to offer.

In addition to the 20 global cities being invited, Oswald says the U.S. art cities of Austin, Detroit, Tucson, Iowa City, and Sante Fe will also be invited to attend the meeting. Paducah was designated as a UNESCO Creative City in 2013.

"We are excited to host ambassadors from Creative Cities around the world in 2017," said Mayor Gayle Kaler in a written press release about the event. "The relationships we have formed within the UNESCO Creative Cities Network have opened up doors into other cultures, promoted international cooperation and allowed us to expand and promote our own creative initiatives. We look forward to this unique opportunity for Paducah to showcase its innovations on a global platform."

"Every Annual Meeting of the Creative Cities Network represents an opportunity to strengthen the ties between its members," said Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO in a written press release about the event. "The network today comprises 116 cities in 54 countries and its diversity enhances its cooperation potential. The network is a unique platform that helps place culture, creativity and innovation at the heart of sustainable urban development in the spirit of the 11th Goal of the 2030 Agenda." Read more: Western Kentucky Star

#BestChamber practices: Fort Atkinson Area Chamber: Spots for student tours of Fort manufacturers open

October is Manufacturing Month in Wisconsin and the Fort Atkinson Area Chamber of Commerce is celebrating all things manufacturing with the intent of inspiring the next generation of manufacturers.

As part of its workforce development efforts, the Fort Atkinson chamber will be providing a tour of Fort Atkinson’s largest employers to area college students on Friday, Oct. 21.

The purpose of the tour is to inform students of the career potential at companies in Fort Atkinson, and encourage them to apply for available internships, apprenticeships and summer job opportunities in the spring. Participating manufacturers include Nasco International, Spacesaver Corporation, Jones Dairy Farm, OSI Fort Atkinson and Digi-Star, LLC.

There is no cost to students and the tour is limited to the first 30 participants. Students can register through their instructors, online at www­.fort­chamber.com or by calling the Fort Atkinson chamber during business hours at (920) 563-3210.

In recognition of Manufacturing Month, the chamber is celebrating “Made in Fort” products from local companies to highlight the economic impact of manufacturing in the area on its website and Facebook page. Followers are encouraged to check back frequently as posts are made throughout the month.

Links to statewide manufacturing events and career opportunities in Fort Atkinson can be found athttp://www­.fort­chamber.com. Read more: Daily Union

Town Square Chamber Membership Directories, Community Profiles, Guides and Maps

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

U.S. Senator Gary Peters Addresses Breakfast hosted by the Livonia Chamber of Commerce and Greater Farmington Area Chamber; Chamber interest: McCullough chosen as new economic chief for Mississippi; Chamber news: Top 10 BEST Places to Start A Business in the U.S. - #4. Evansville, Indiana-Kentucky; Countryside Harley dealership receives West Suburban Chamber Impact award for supporting local veterans; Clarksville leaders tour Bowling Green (Kentucky) for ideas; Lynchburg Chamber progresses with fundraising for new building; Fort Adkinson (Wisconsin) Chamber: Support the 2015 Project LEAD Class Project!; Welcome page: Eureka Springs Chamber of Commerce;

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


U.S. Senator Gary Peters  Addresses Breakfast hosted by the Livonia Chamber of Commerce and Greater Farmington Area Chamber



U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) today addressed a breakfast hosted by the Livonia Chamber of Commerce and Greater Farmington Area Chamber of Commerce, where he highlighted his top priorities in the U.S. Senate, including supporting small businesses and job creation, and heard from business leaders about issues most concerning them.
“Our small businesses lead the way in innovation and entrepreneurship, hire locally and contribute to our communities across Michigan,” said Senator Peters. “Small businesses like the ones represented here from Livonia, Farmington, and Farmington Hills are some of Michigan’s top job creators, and that’s why I am working in Washington to ensure they have access to the capital they need to compete, succeed and even grow their small businesses into large companies.”
As a member of the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, Peters last week introduced the Small Business Lending Reauthorization Act of 2015, a bipartisan bill that will ensure Michigan’s small businesses are receiving the loans and credit they need from the 7(a) loan program, the Small Business Administration (SBA)’s main lending program. Last year, this program loaned more than $1.2 billion to 2,145 small businesses in Michigan. Read more: Senator Gary Peters


Chamber interest: McCullough chosen as new economic chief for Mississippi


Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant has named Glenn McCullough Jr. as the new director of the state's economic development agency.
McCullough is a former head of the Tennessee Valley Authority and former mayor of Tupelo. In June, McCullough will succeed Brent Christensen, who is leaving the Mississippi Development Authority for a job in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Bryant announced the appointment of McCullough on Thursday during the annual meeting of the state chamber of commerce, the Mississippi Economic Council. Read more: wmcACTIONnews5.com


Chamber news: Top 10 BEST Places to Start A Business in the U.S. - #4. Evansville, Indiana-Kentucky

Evansville is an economic and commercial hub in the Indiana-Kentucky-Illinois Tri-State area. The city’s biggest employers include two medical centers, the local school district and Berry Plastics, a company that makes plastic packaging products. Evansville also has several cultural districts with entertainment venues, local restaurants and boutiques. Businesses can join the Southwest Indiana Chamber to get listed in its directory, get discounts on business services and join local groups, including the Diverse Business Alliance and the Downtown Alliance. The Growth Alliance for Greater Evansville also has resources including free site selection services, business expansion programs and a technology incubator.

Read more: Nerd Wallet

 

Countryside Harley dealership receives West Suburban Chamber Impact award for supporting local veterans

For its work supporting local veterans, the Illinois Harley-Davidson dealership in Countryside, 9950 Joliet Road, was honored April 15 with an Impact Award on behalf of the West Suburban Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
On behalf of area veterans, Illinois Harley-Davidson previously invited a representative from the Disabled American Veterans group to answer questions from veterans and made donations to the Heart of a Marine foundation to purchase walking sticks. They also sent three veterans of World War II to see the World War II Memorial Wall in Washington D.C. though Honor Flight Chicago.
On July 25, Illinois Harley-Davidson will honor and take donations for Lance Cpl. Evin Bodle at the Countryside dealership. Bodle was blinded in a mortar attack while serving in Afghanistan. At the event, Bodle will be given a party, a tribute from the color guard with a 21-gun salute and a presentation from Bugles Across America. Read more: MySuburbanLife.com

Clarksville leaders tour Bowling Green (Kentucky) for ideas

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Conversation is expanding about how, when and where to initiate a full-scale revitalization of downtown Clarksville. A recent inter-city visit to Bowling Green, Kentucky – where a similar effort has slowly but surely succeeded and gained national recognition – has given the Clarksville Area Chamber of Commerce and business leaders here plenty more to think about.
Privately funded by the Aspire Clarksville Foundation, the local Chamber recently led what was described as a “very informative and valuable trip” to Bowling Green.
Cal Wray, executive director of both Aspire and the Clarksville-Montgomery County Economic Development Council, said a group of more than 25 community leaders made the short trip to learn more about what Bowling Green has achieved in revitalizing its core, and how that city did it. The trip was coordinated by Melinda Shepard, Chamber executive director; Katie Gambill, Chamber chairman; and Lacey Groves, Chamber events coordinator. Read more: The Leaf-Chronicle

Lynchburg Chamber progresses with fundraising for new building

The Lynchburg Regional Chamber of Commerce has raised more than half the money needed to construct a new building for the group’s first move in 37 years.
The organization aims to finish fundraising and put out a bid for construction by the end of this year and break ground in 2016. The chamber has accumulated about $1.1 million and needs $878,000 more.

The new location, on Candlers Mountain Road, is next to the Kirkley Hotel in Lynchburg. The planned square footage is more than twice that at the current location, off of Memorial Avenue and Langhorne Road. The acreage, meanwhile, is at least triple in size.

“The new location puts it in within 85 percent of our hotel rooms in our community,” said Bob Leveque, chair of the chamber’s fundraising campaign. Read more: News & Advance

Fort Atkinson (Wisconsin) Chamber: Support the 2015 Project LEAD Class Project!

Help preserve the lovely canopy of shade at Ralph Park, where over 20,000 people enjoy athletic and cultural events annually. This year’s Project LEAD class will plant up to 30 trees to counteract the effects of the Emerald Ash borer, which is slowly killing many of the park’s trees. Become a donor, and help continue the 22-year legacy of Fort Atkinson’s designation as a Tree City USA!

To donate

 

Welcome page: Eureka Springs Chamber of Commerce

 WELCOME TO EUREKA SPRINGS

Eureka Springs; Arkansas has been a popular resort town and vacation destination since the 1800’s. Nestled in the Ozark Mountains of Northwest Arkansas near the Missouri border, Eureka Springs became known early on for its healing waters, Victorian architecture and historical significance and as a haven for artists.
As time went by first class lodging including hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, cabins and cottages, campgrounds and resorts were built to accommodate visitors who continue to discover Eureka Springs as a destination for couples, weddings, families and for group travel. To further the Eureka Springs experience guests to our historic city can enjoy top Arkansas attractions such as the Great Passion Play, Opera in the Ozarks, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, Blue Spring Heritage Center, the Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railroad, live theater and music shows, caves, festivals and parades. If paranormal is your thing, find it here in our historic hotels. And, we’re only an hour away from Branson, Missouri and just over an hour’s drive from the new Crystal Bridges art museum. Outdoor activities such as hiking, horseback riding, bicycling, boating, fishing, swimming can be enjoyed as Eureka Springs is surrounded by three lakes, two rivers and the majestic Ozark Mountains, Eureka Springs is home to many award-winning restaurants and great shopping opportunities abound all over the city.

The broad spectrum and popularity of Eureka weddings has earned our romantic village the distinction of Wedding Capital of the South. Eureka Springs has been consistently honored as one of the Top 25 Arts Destinations and our proximity to Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art makes us the obvious destination for art lovers. For visitor information, vacation packages, discounts, tickets, retirement or relocation assistance don’t hesitate to contact us at the Greater Eureka Springs Chamber of Commerce.
For information when visiting Eureka Springs, stop in at our Visitor Center. We hope to see you soon!

 

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

RULE #80      Post vision statements above the mission statement. 

Entrepreneur Larry Hines brings experience, low-key approach to chair position with Muskegon Chamber; Indiana Chamber endorses Pence's education plan; Best Chamber Practices: Heber Springs named Volunteer Community of the Year; Jackson County Board Member Jim McIngvale named to MGCCC Board of Trustees; Chamber Award: Fort Atkinson’s Wisconsin Packaging Corp. feted; Barrington-area chamber sends good vibrations at gala; Hundreds Come Out In Support of Fort Eustis Personnel, Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce Reports; Ryan Craig new face of Logan County Chamber;

Entrepreneur Larry Hines brings experience, low-key approach to chair position with Muskegon Chamber

Larry Hines knows a thing or two about running a successful operation.
Hines, the president and founder of Hines Corporation, a holding company which owns industrial manufacturers in Michigan, Ohio and Minnesota, was recently named board chair of the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce.
It's a position chamber leadership has wanted him to hold for a long time, but as far as Hines is concerned, he won't have to do much.
"The chamber is a very well-structured and organized chamber," he said. "So in that regard, I don't have to bring much to the party. It's been in place for 123 years so it's a very well-established organization. They've been doing a lot of things that need to be done for a long time." M LIVE

Indiana Chamber endorses Pence's education plan

The Indiana Chamber of Commerce doesn't usually consider endorsing a proposed legislative agenda, focusing instead on individual bills filed by legislators. However, because of the vital role education plays in Indiana's future, the Indiana Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee recently voted to endorse Gov. Mike Pence's education agenda for the 2015 legislative session.
The agenda represents an important step toward increasing the focus of Indiana's K-12 education system on our state's young people and allowing them to prosper through high-performing teachers and schools.
Several of the governor's proposals clearly put Hoosier students first, including raising the base funding per pupil, developing a better approach to turning around failing schools, expanding performance-based funding and lifting the dollar cap for school choice. Read more: IndyStar.com


Best Chamber Practices: Heber Springs named Volunteer Community of the Year

As many times as Heber Springs has been named Volunteer Community of the Year — more than a dozen — it never gets old, said Ina Brown, special projects manager for the Heber Springs Area Chamber of Commerce.
The award was presented by Gov. Asa Hutchinson at a luncheon on Jan. 15, during an Arkansas Municipal League Conference at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock.
“It’s all so much fun. It was presented by the governor — I shook the governor’s hand twice,” Brown said with a laugh.
She said Heber Springs has received the honor, “15 or 16 times,” but not consecutively. The Arkansas Volunteer Community Awards are sponsored by the Governor’s Office, the Arkansas Municipal League and the Arkansas Department of Human Services Division of Community Service and Nonprofit Support. Read more: Arkansas Online

Jackson County Board Member Jim McIngvale named to MGCCC Board of Trustees

James W. "Jim" McIngvale, of Pascagoula, has been named to the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Board of Trustees.
McIngvale takes the place of retired board member Jim Epting and will represent Jackson County.
Currently the director of Government and Community Affairs at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, McIngvale has worked with the shipbuilder for 38 years.
He began his career in the public relations department of Litton Ingalls Shipbuilding in 1977. He received his bachelor's degree from the University of Mississippi in 1976, majoring in political science and journalism. Read more: GulfLive

Chamber Award: Fort Atkinson’s Wisconsin Packaging Corp. feted

A company that thinks outside — and inside — the box was recognized Wednesday by the Fort Atkinson Area Chamber of Commerce.
Gathering at the Fireside Dinner Theatre for its 116th annual dinner meeting Wednesday, the chamber presented its Economic Contribution Award to Wisconsin Packaging Corp. and its president, Fred Negus Jr.
The honor is given to an individual, business or organization that has contributed to, and promoted the objectives of, the chamber in support of the community.
“This award was created in 1973, and is regarded as the chamber’s most prestigious recognition,” said 2015 chamber President Jeff Theder. “Past recipients include some of our largest employers who have positively impacted job creation, and individuals who have had a vision of growing their own companies, as well as our business community, overall.” Read more: Daily Union

Barrington-area chamber sends good vibrations at gala

More than 200 business and community members gathered Thursday night for the second annual Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce Gala and Silent Auction.

The theme of the event, held at the Stonegate Conference & Banquet Centre in Hoffman Estates, was "good vibrations," which Chamber President and CEO Suzanne Corr said reflected one of the chamber's missions, to give send good vibrations into the local business community.

"One of the most powerful thing the chamber does is it connect people," Corr said.

"Every event is about providing members with the opportunity to make positive business relationships."

The Business Excellence Award went to Norton USA of Barrington. Dennis Kelly of FGMK Insurance won the Volunteer of the Year Award. The chamber's Rookie of the Year Award went to Jason Tennyson of Liberty Mutual. Charlotte Neault of Barrington Bank & Trust, who has served as the chamber's chairman of the board, won the BACC Leadership Award.

A new honor, called the Young Entrepreneur Awards, went to the Barrington High School students who formed a company called FMB Technology as part of their business incubator class. Read more: Daily Herald

Hundreds Come Out In Support of Fort Eustis Personnel, Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce Reports

The Fort Eustis community listening session held this month drew nearly 330 members from the community, including 80 who viewed live-streaming and business and civic leaders, elected officials, small business owners, association leaders, and educators. Their presence alone sent a message they are concerned about the potential 4,100 personnel cuts that could happen at Fort Eustis as part of the U.S. Armys budget reductions across the country.
Hampton Roads is a pleasant place to live, with a superb quality of life, a moderate cost of living, a temperate climate and arguably the worlds finest ice-free, deep water port year round, said retired Navy Rear Adm. Craig Quigley of the Hampton Roads Military and Federal Facilities Alliance. Quigley was among roughly one dozen who addressed the group. It is 200 miles from our nations capital. It has superb academic facilities at every level, and most importantly, a patriotic and dedicated workforce. Not only should the Army consider maintaining the status quo here, this is where reallocated unites should be brought. Thats my message to take back to Army leadership. Read more: ITBusiness.net

Ryan Craig new face of Logan County Chamber

Ryan Craig is the new face of the Logan County Chamber of Commerce. Craig will be replacing long-serving director Lisa Browning, who resigned her position after 24 years with the Chamber, taking a job with the WRUS Radio station.
“I am excited about the opportunity to work with the Logan County Chamber of Commerce, its members and the community, and to continue the fine tradition and purpose the Chamber holds,” said Craig.
Craig is the owner and publisher of the Todd County Standard in Elkton. He is a graduate of Western Kentucky University with a bachelor’s degree in both public relations and history. He is a former reporter for the News-Democrat & Leader, as well as a copy desk chief of the Kentucky New Era in Hopkinsville and page one designer for the Leaf-Chronicle in Clarksville, Tenn. Read more: NewsDemocratLeader.com