Good morning #ChamberWorld! It's going to be a GREAT day!
Kentucky Chamber Names Ashli Watts New President, CEO
The Kentucky Chamber of Commerce has named Ashli R. Watts of Frankfort as President and CEO of the state’s largest business association after an eight-month national search. She will take office on November 1, succeeding Dave Adkisson, 66, who is retiring after serving 15 years in the position.
Watts, 37, currently is Senior Vice President of Public Affairs for the Chamber, where she has led the organization’s successful advocacy efforts on behalf of initiatives ranging from workers’ compensation reform to right to work legislation to felony records expungement that helps people return to the workforce.
Her selection as the state Chamber’s first woman President and CEO follows a search that attracted a broad, competitive field of in-state and out-of-state applicants.
“We are so excited to have Ashli as our new chief executive,” noted Paul W. Thompson, CEO of LG&E and KU Energy and current chair of the Chamber board of directors. “We know she will provide strong, forward-looking leadership that will move the Chamber to even greater accomplishments on behalf of our members, their employees, and benefitting the entire Commonwealth.”
Watts, a native of Elizabethtown, holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and history from Campbellsville University and a master’s degree in public policy and administration from the University of Louisville. Prior to joining the Chamber in 2012, she worked at the Kentucky Bar Association and the Legislative Research Commission.
“It is an honor to have been selected as the Chamber’s President and CEO and to have the opportunity to continue the progress the Chamber has made for employers and citizens across the state,” Watts said. “As a lifelong Kentuckian, I look forward to working with the Chamber board, staff and members to continue the aggressive and bold advocacy as the united voice of Kentucky’s business community.”
Watts was a member of the Chamber’s leadership team when the organization was named the National State Chamber of the Year in 2017. She is active in the national Council of State Chambers and will soon graduate from the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for Organizational Management. She was awarded the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award by Campbellsville University last May, when she was commencement speaker, and is a board member of Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky. She and her husband, Ryan, have two children.
“Ashli is an exceptional and talented leader,” Adkisson said. “I’ve observed her work for seven years, and I know the great respect she has earned among business leaders and legislators. Ashli will take the state’s leading business association to new heights, and Kentucky will be better for it.”
The Chamber’s search committee, in addition to Thompson chairing it, included:
- Joseph Craft III, CEO of Alliance Resource Partners, Lexington
- Jean Hale, chairman, president and CEO of Community Trust Bancorp, Inc., Pikeville
- William M. Lear Jr., chair emeritus of Stoll Keenon Ogden, Lexington
- Elizabeth McCoy, CEO of Planters Bank, Hopkinsville
- Candace McGraw, CEO of the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, Hebron
- Diane Medley, executive chairman of MCM CPAs & Advisors, Louisville
- Nick Rowe, president of Kentucky American Water and chair-elect of the Chamber board, Lexington
Click here to watch the video announcing Ashli Watts as president and CEO of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce.
Batavia Chamber of Commerce: New Benefit for Chamber Members!
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Batavia Chamber of Commerce members can now easily add their own press release to our website!
We can then easily share your news in our Weekly Digest and on our active Facebook page. This is a new benefit for all Chamber members - we want to read your news!
Log in to your member page using your email and password. Click "News Releases." Then click on the blue button that reads "Add News Release." Complete the on-screen form and click "Submit for Approval." We'll approve it and then your post will be live.
Once approved, your press release can be accessed by clicking the "News" button to the right of the Chamber's logo on our website. Let's all read each others news!
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#FamousChamber Of Commerce Quotations: (Be happy!)
“We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have.”
Frederick Keonig
Chandler Russ tapped as Mississippi Economic Development Council president
NATCHEZ — Natchez, Inc. Executive Director Chandler Russ has been selected President of the Mississippi Economic Development Council for the 2019-2020 year.
“I’m honored that my peers and colleagues from across the state selected me to lead the organization, especially for this coming year,” said Russ, who is in his third year of serving on the MEDC, the past year as president elect.
Russ, who was sworn in as president of the MEDC late last month, said the upcoming year is important for the MEDC.
“This year will be an interesting year, since it is an election year,” Russ said. “The membership and leadership have chosen to make sure that it has significant participation in the transition team for whomever is elected governor of the state toward economic development, so that will be a big push of our membership this year.”
The MEDC is made up of some 500 members statewide, consisting of economic development organizations, chambers of commerce and stakeholders in economic development.
Members select members and officers, Russ said, of the organization that meets monthly in Jackson to support economic development efforts throughout the state “through advocacy, collaboration, education and by providing resources to its members, the organization states.”
Russ also is the first person from Natchez and Adams County to serve as president of the MEDC since it was founded in 1937. Read more:
Natchez Democrat
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.
Midland Business Alliance: Why is Attracting Young Professionals Important?
Discover Great Lakes Bay Mixer
RSVP Oct 11
More than 30 employers are planning to participate it tomorrow's Coming Home Networking Mixer at Mountain Town Station in downtown Mt. Pleasant. There's still time to
register!
This event aims to bring together employers and young professionals in a relaxed atmosphere to encourage young professionals to take a fresh look at the region and the career opportunities that exist here.
Why is This Important?
Talk to anyone in the local business community and you’ll find one common struggle: workforce. Finding high-quality, proficient workers is a challenge. Therefore, attraction is important in any community, especially Midland. Young professionals are a key piece of this puzzle as they are the future of our workforce.
Events like this, combined with the MBA’s attraction efforts will not only show that Midland is a desirable place to live and work, but also show the caliber of employers and job opportunities our community has to offer.
For Interested Young Professionals:
Young professionals and individuals interested in attending can register and upload resumes online at
discovergreatlakesbay.com/coming-home/. Attendees will receive two complimentary drink tickets and enjoy a variety of complimentary appetizers at the event. Forward this email to any young professionals you know who could be interested!
Carlos Phillips to speak at Rooster Booster
Owensboro, Kentucky – Carlos Phillips, President/CEO of the Greenville Chamber will address the crowd of business and community leaders this Thursday, October 3 at the monthly Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce Rooster Booster. The October 3 Rooster Booster Breakfast is sponsored by Owensboro Community and Technical College.
Carlos Phillips began serving as President/CEO of the Greenville Chamber on March 29, 2016. Phillips brings a collaborative spirit and fresh approach to his leadership of the largest business organization in the Upstate. Under Phillips' leadership, the Greenville Chamber leads, convenes and mobilizes the business community to drive regional economic growth.
Phillips has especially championed such efforts as attracting talent and expanding the workforce, removing barriers to workforce participation, and increasing the chamber's impact in advocating for Upstate businesses.
Phillips serves on the executive committee for the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. He also serves on the boards for the Community Foundation of Greenville, Peace Center, United Way of Greenville County, and Urban League of the Upstate. Carlos is a member of the Rotary Club of Greenville, and serves as Chair of the United Negro College Fund's Upstate Leadership Council and the Masked Ball.
“We look forward to welcoming Carlos Phillips home as our October Rooster Booster speaker. We are so proud of his professional accomplishments and the leadership he brings to all of his endeavors. He definitely embodies Owensboro’s can-do spirit,” said Candance Castlen Brake, Greater Owensboro Chamber President and CEO. “It is also easy to celebrate our sponsor this month, Owensboro Community and Technical College (OCTC). OCTC is a cornerstone of our regional economic vitality. The staff and leadership of OCTC truly change lives in the classroom and in the workplace.”
The cost to attend is $12 for Chamber Members with reservations, $15 for Members with no reservations and $20 for non-members. Make your reservation and pay online at
business.chamber.owensboro.com/events or call the Chamber at 270-926-1860 by noon on Wednesday, October 2.
Contact: Candance Castlen Brake, Chamber President and CEO | (270) 926-1860
Plymouth Named 2019 Community of the Year
“Where community and possibilities connect” is more than a slogan for Plymouth. That approach has led to collaborative partnerships, significant projects – and a special buzz about the city. The Indiana Chamber of Commerce has taken notice and is honoring Plymouth with its 2019 Republic Airways and LIFT Academy Community of the Year award.
There are a variety of attributes that impressed the Indiana Chamber, notes its president, Kevin Brinegar.
“Plymouth has a rich history steeped in commerce. Companies settled here because of the foresight of good leadership; companies have stayed here because the community is ever-evolving so businesses can continue to prosper and grow.”
Pretzels, Inc., which relocated to the city in 2015, has announced a $73 million expansion of its pretzel production facility, creating 185 new jobs. Indiana Wheel Company is a start-up affiliate of the world’s largest manufacturer of steel wheels for trailers and recreational vehicles. It will bring $23 million in investment and 117 new jobs.
Current expansions of other businesses include Winona Building Products; Hoosier Racing Tire, the largest racing tire manufacturer in the world; Harrington Noodles, family-owned production of egg noodle products; and Culver Tool & Engineering, homegrown manufacturer of orthopedic spinal rods.
New partnerships have spurred many quality of life enhancements for residents. Examples of recent and current projects:
- River Park Square, an urban park in the heart of downtown, that is home to the Mayor’s Month of Music series and local farmers market among many activities.
- A developing aquatic facility and Growing Kids Early Childhood Learning Center are Regional Cities initiatives, as is the River Gate South downtown apartment development designed to attract young working professionals.
- Historical Rees Theater, an iconic art deco building, being renovated as a multi-use facility capable of hosting special events, live arts performances and traditional film presentations.
Plymouth Mayor Mark Senter says, “It’s truly an honor for the city of Plymouth to be recognized by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce as the Community of the Year. We’re always moving forward. We’re always evolving – imagining what’s next. That creates an energy and an environment where people and businesses can thrive. It’s a privilege to be in this work with the people of Plymouth, making our community a positive place to live, work and play.”
It’s fitting this announcement comes on the opening day of the Marshall County Blueberry Festival, (August 30-September 2) hosted by Plymouth in Centennial Park since 1967. Hundreds of thousands of people flock to the community for the second largest festival in the state.
Plymouth will receive the Community of the Year honor at the Indiana Chamber’s 30th Annual Awards Dinner, presented by Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield, on November 7. Activities are held at the Indiana Convention Center in downtown Indianapolis and will also include presentation of three additional awards: Ogletree Deakins Business Leader of the Year, Birch Bayh-Richard Lugar Government Leader of the Year and Dynamic Leader of the Year. The winners of those awards will be announced weekly beginning September 10.
Democrat political strategist Donna Brazile and Republican commentator Dana Perino, two prominent political voices at
Fox News with links to the White House, are teaming up to keynote the dinner. Seating is limited. Tables of 10 start at $1,650; individual tickets are $165 each. Either can be purchased
online at
www.indianachamber.com/ad or by calling (800) 824-6885.
The event’s opening reception sponsor is PNC. The speaker sponsor is OneAmerica.
The most recent Indiana Chamber of Commerce Community of the Year recipients:
2018: Jasper
2017: Goshen
2016: Fishers
2015: Carmel
2014: Bloomington
2013: Bedford
2012: Indianapolis
2011: Kokomo
2010: Terre Haute
2009: Valparaiso
2008: Noblesville
The Indiana Chamber partners with 25,000 members and investors – representing over four million Hoosiers – to achieve the mission of “cultivating a world-class environment which provides economic opportunity and prosperity.”
Join the Conversation Regarding Rural Wisconsin and the Workforce Shortage
Join WMC Foundation’s Future Wisconsin Project
at one of our six town halls this fall as we facilitate an important statewide
discussion regarding rural Wisconsin. States across the country not only have a
workforce shortage, but also an increasing divide between rural and urban
centers. Ted Abernathy, a futurist, researcher and the founder of Economic
Leadership, presents on Wisconsin and national economic and demographic data, while
also sharing national trends and best practices of states bridging the rural
and urban divide.
Click here to attend a stop on the tour
WELCOME HOME - The Nation's Premier New Resident Marketing Program for Your Chamber Members
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Front Royal- Warren County Chamber of Commerce to host Candidates Forums
The Front Royal-Warren County Chamber of Commerce will host Candidates Forums on Thursday, October 17th at E. Wilson Morrison Elementary School and Thursday, October 24th at the Warren County Government Center beginning at 7 p.m.
The October 17th forum will include candidates for Board of Supervisors, Clerk of Court, and Sheriff. The forum on October 24th will include candidates for Town of Front Royal Mayor, House of Delegates 15th, 18th and 29th Districts, and Senate of Virginia.
These forums offer community members an opportunity to listen to both local and state candidates answer issue-based questions and give voters insight of the candidate’s goals should they be elected. The public is encouraged to attend, and the forums will be available for replay following the program.
Candidates will answer questions posed by a moderator, as well as questions submitted by the public in advance or at the program. All submitted questions will be screened before giving them to the moderator. Only questions that are issue-based and are relevant to all candidates will be posed. For more information, contact the Chamber of Commerce at 540-635-3185.
The Front Royal-Warren County Chamber of Commerce is a 501c6 organization. Our mission is to promote and support our membership by serving as its voice, providing relevant programs, encouraging leadership, and creating a strong business climate and a vibrant community.
Good morning #ChamberWorld! It's going to be a GREAT day!
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.
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