Good morning #Chamber World! It's going to be a GREAT day!
Charlottesville Regional Chamber Report: 2017 Retail Sales Set Fourth Consecutive Record Year
Tax reform on agenda for Midland Area Chamber's Issues and Answers
by Sandra Wilson, President, Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce
Youth LEAD Class #7 for 2017-18 will be recognized for completing the program during the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce’s Power in Partnership breakfast on April 12 at 7:30 a.m. at the Julian Carroll Convention Center.
Members of the 2017-18 Class #7 are as follows:
Community Christian Academy – Madeline Muir
McCracken County High School – Makayla Brindley, Madison Caylor, Dillion Dome, Hayden Faughn, Ryan Gillituk, Blake Hicks, Emma James, Prince Joshi, Haleigh McGregor, Bailey Newman, Jasmine Perry, Luke Resser, Madison Smith, Chaney Troutman, Reem Turkmani, Samuel Vasseur
Paducah Tilghman High School – Chloe Bilak, Lance Butler, Keyshun Curry, Grace Denton, Grace Raber, Addison Rogers, Katelyn Rogers, Brooklyn Ross
St. Mary High School – Reid Courtney, Abbigayle Vannatter
Youth LEAD is a program designed for high school juniors to develop and prepare students for future community support and leadership roles in Paducah-McCracken County. Class members take part in a six-month educational course that began in October with an orientation retreat and concludes with graduation.
The Leadership Paducah Foundation (LPF) coordinates the program. LPF is affiliated with the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce and is the alumni organization for Leadership Paducah.
Indiana Chamber Welcomes New Foundation Leader, Announces Pending Retirement of Indiana INTERNnet Director
(INDIANAPOLIS) — A skilled fundraiser with prior experience at Northwestern University, Feeding America and United Way of Central Indiana is the new executive director of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
Marci Price most recently had been serving as director of grants and foundations for the United Way of Central Indiana. In that role, Price was responsible for grant acquisition and strategic partnerships with local and national foundations, resulting in millions of new dollars for the organization.
“What really impressed us is Marci’s vast fundraising experience and specifically her grant management, corporate relations and partnership development strengths,” says Indiana Chamber President and CEO Kevin Brinegar. “She also will play a critical role in the recently announced Indiana Workforce Ready initiative to assist employers and employees impacted by the opioid epidemic.”
The Indiana Chamber Foundation, established in 1981, provides leadership through practical policy research to improve the state’s economic climate. The Indiana Vision 2025 long-range economic development plan and recent studies focusing on Indiana’s water supply and school counseling are products of the Foundation.
Price’s first day as executive director of the Indiana Chamber Foundation was February 26.
Additionally, the Indiana Chamber announced that Janet Boston will retire at the end of May as executive director of Indiana INTERNnet, the statewide resource for internship opportunities managed by the Indiana Chamber. She has held that position since February 2011.
Under Boston’s leadership, the program has grown by more than 100% in student registrations and internships offered and by more than 350% in internships filled. She also initiated the EARN (Employment Aid Readiness Network) Indiana effort with the Indiana Commission for Higher Education, which provides up to 50% state matching funds for hiring qualified students.
“Janet has taken the program to new heights and greatly expanded statewide partnerships with employers, colleges and universities, and high schools – all with the goal of providing meaningful experiential learning opportunities for students,” Brinegar notes.
Details on the Indiana INTERNnet executive director position and other job opportunities are available at www.indianachamber.com/jobs. Source: Indiana Chamber
Lake County Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Guide & Membership Directory
The Lake County Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Guide & Membership Directory is available at the Lake County Chamber! Thanks to Stewart Kerr, Julieth and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!
Town SquarePublications (www.townsquarepublications.com) can help you accomplish your chamber's gloss map, directory, community profile or publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633.
Wisconsin DFI Secretary to visit Marshfield
Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions Secretary Jay Risch pays a visit to Marshfield on Thursday, and executive director Scott Larson from the Marshfield Chamber of Commerce and Industry says the secretary's visit will start with an update on state policy.
"He will be giving a presentation on some of the administrative actions that would be of interest to local financial institutions," Larson said, and that will be followed by a round-table discussion. "The secretary is then going to be able to field questions, and even have time for some one-on-one visits with some of the attendees."
That event starts at 10:00 Thursday morning at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, 700 South Central Avenue in Marshfield. Pre-registration is requested. Read more: WSAU News Talk
The Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce reported today that total retail sales over 2017, set a fourth consecutive record level – $2.808 billion – in Albemarle County / Charlottesville “retail hub,” according to complied Virginia sales & use tax data; sales gains in Albemarle offsetting retail sales declines in Charlottesville.
Virginia Department of Taxation retail sales tax data compiled showed that retail sales over the course of 2017 (January - December) were mixed across the region compared to the full 2016 year. Total 2017 retail sales reached record high levels in Albemarle (+6.75 percent); Augusta (+1.84 percent); and, Fluvanna (+4.43 percent). Retail sales dropped in Charlottesville, (- 3.34 percent with declines in eight of twelve months); Greene (-3.62 percent); Louisa (-1.80 percent); and, Waynesboro (-2.11 percent).
Albemarle and Charlottesville, the region’s aggregate “retail hub,” accounted for $2.804 billion (+2.47 percent) in total retail sales over the course of 2017; +$67.6 million higher than the 2016 record high total. Retail sales in Albemarle have risen 26 months in a row since October 2015.
The 2017 Chamber Jobs Report data showed that over the full year prior, “Trade, Transportation & Utilities” hold the largest segment of private-sector jobs, 19,104 or 21.8 percent, within the Greater Charlottesville region; most of those jobs in retail. Notably, Wegmans, a leading supermarket company, that opened in late Fall 2016, with 550 people hired for jobs at its new Albemarle location, was not fully accounted for included in that annualized employment report. Wegmans sales over the full course of 2017 are fully accounted in the retail sales compilation. Read more: NBC 29
Multi-Chamber Event Training: Harassment in the workplace session planned
#Chambertechnology: Chicago Fed : Planning your next intercity visit?
The Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Profile Guide & Membership Directory is available at the Greater Belleville Chamber! Thanks to Wendy Pfeil and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!
Town SquarePublications (www.townsquarepublications.com) can help you accomplish your chamber's gloss map, directory, community profile or publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633.
"Harassment in the Workplace: Be Proactive & Prepared" is the title of an upcoming multichamber event.
The session takes place from 7:30 to 10 a.m. Wednesday March 21 at Prairie Lakes Community Center, 515 E. Thacker St., Des Plaines.
Participants will learn the best practices for creating an atmosphere of respect in your workplace from a panel of organizational leaders and human resource professionals who have faced this critical issue.
Featured panelists are Mary Lynn Fayoumi, president & CEO of the Management Association; Marne Deithorn, director of human resources at Rivers Casino; Kelly Hayden, chief legal counsel at Management Association; Journalist Kerry Lester, author of "No, My Place;" Heather Ritter, VP, director of HR at Daily Herald Media Group and Tim Corry, VP of HR & labor relations at Jewel -- Osco (Albertsons.)
Participating chambers include the Arlington Heights, Barrington, Buffalo Grove/Lincolnshire, Des Plaines, Glenview, Hoffman Estates, Illinois State Chamber, Mount Prospect, Niles, Northbrook, Park Ridge, Rolling Meadows, Skokie, Wheeling/Prospect Heights, Wilmette and the Technology & Manufacturing Association. Source: Daily Herald
The cost is $15. For more go to arlingtonhcc.com.
#Chambertechnology: Chicago Fed : Planning your next intercity visit?
Consider this: Peer Identification Tool
Thinking about where to go for your next intercity visit? Or looking for a new tool that identifies communities like yours? Check out the Chicago Fed’s Peer Identification Tool, which matches places based on categories like equity, resilience, outlook and housing.
Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Profile Guide
The Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Profile Guide & Membership Directory is available at the Greater Belleville Chamber! Thanks to Wendy Pfeil and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!
Town SquarePublications (www.townsquarepublications.com) can help you accomplish your chamber's gloss map, directory, community profile or publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633.
Mississippi Economic Development Council Chamber Chatter Roadshow
MEDC has worked with our Vice President of Chamber Events, Mandi Arinder, to plan a new Chamber professional development strategy. Starting in 2018, MEDC will partner with a Chamber influencer in each of our 8 districts to bring a variety of important topics and valuable peer-networking time. Please view the 2018 Chamber Chatter Roadshow Calendar below. Stay tuned as we will be updating the calendar with topics, locations and dates.
Chamber Chatter Roadshow Calendar
Tuesday, March 6
"Communication: Hear Our Story"
lead by
Adele Lyons, CEO, MS Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce
Wednesday, April 11
"Winning the Unusual Suspects"
lead by
Valencia Williamson, IOM, Executive Vice President, Area Development Partnership
at Hattiesburg, MS (Specific location TBD)
Wednesday, May 16
"Sources of Non-Dues Revenue"
lead by Judd Wilson, Vice President, Chamber of Commerce, Community Development Foundation
at Community Development Foundation, 392 E Main ST., Tupelo, MS 38802
More information: MEDC Chamber Chatter
Tax reform on agenda for Midland Area Chamber's Issues and Answers
Tax reform was the topic of the latest 2018 Issues and Answers Program Series held at the Midland Country Club.
Sponsored by the Midland Area Chamber of Commerce, a group of about 50 interested citizens heard Ashley Wilson, vice president, legislative tax strategies for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, present How was Tax Reform Achieved and What's Next?
"It's going to be new and different and we're going to all need assistance," Wilson exclaimed.
Even though it took 31 years for Congress to enact its next major tax reform, the significance of the legislation has been immediate. President Donald Trump signed the tax reform into law on Dec. 22, 2017.
"Laws and regulations usually take a long time to get out to state before an impact. That's not the case with this reform," Wilson said.
Wilson pointed to Fiat Chrysler in Michigan that has announced a $1 billion investment in a new Michigan plant, which will add 2,500 jobs. Fiat has also decided to reward its employees with a $2,000 bonus.
"Treasury announced that 90 percent of American workers are going to see a change in their paycheck," Wilson said. "Detroit Energy is talking about a 3 percent rate savings for customers."
During the question and answer period, an attendee asked if former Rep. Dave Camp's Tax Act of 2014 influenced the current tax reform.
"Camp took a big risk because he did it first. He aired all the issues," Wilson said.
U.S. corporations have now gone from the highest corporate tax rate in the world, at 35 percent, to being middle of the pack at 21 percent.
"Companies like this bill and are reinvesting. Everyday companies are announcing new investments or reinvestments, bonuses and raises," Wilson said. Read more: Midland Daily News
Leadership Paducah Foundation Youth Lead 2017-18 Class #7 Graduates
by Sandra Wilson, President, Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce
Youth LEAD Class #7 for 2017-18 will be recognized for completing the program during the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce’s Power in Partnership breakfast on April 12 at 7:30 a.m. at the Julian Carroll Convention Center.
Members of the 2017-18 Class #7 are as follows:
Community Christian Academy – Madeline Muir
McCracken County High School – Makayla Brindley, Madison Caylor, Dillion Dome, Hayden Faughn, Ryan Gillituk, Blake Hicks, Emma James, Prince Joshi, Haleigh McGregor, Bailey Newman, Jasmine Perry, Luke Resser, Madison Smith, Chaney Troutman, Reem Turkmani, Samuel Vasseur
Paducah Tilghman High School – Chloe Bilak, Lance Butler, Keyshun Curry, Grace Denton, Grace Raber, Addison Rogers, Katelyn Rogers, Brooklyn Ross
St. Mary High School – Reid Courtney, Abbigayle Vannatter
Youth LEAD is a program designed for high school juniors to develop and prepare students for future community support and leadership roles in Paducah-McCracken County. Class members take part in a six-month educational course that began in October with an orientation retreat and concludes with graduation.
The Leadership Paducah Foundation (LPF) coordinates the program. LPF is affiliated with the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce and is the alumni organization for Leadership Paducah.
Indiana Chamber Welcomes New Foundation Leader, Announces Pending Retirement of Indiana INTERNnet Director
(INDIANAPOLIS) — A skilled fundraiser with prior experience at Northwestern University, Feeding America and United Way of Central Indiana is the new executive director of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
Marci Price most recently had been serving as director of grants and foundations for the United Way of Central Indiana. In that role, Price was responsible for grant acquisition and strategic partnerships with local and national foundations, resulting in millions of new dollars for the organization.
“What really impressed us is Marci’s vast fundraising experience and specifically her grant management, corporate relations and partnership development strengths,” says Indiana Chamber President and CEO Kevin Brinegar. “She also will play a critical role in the recently announced Indiana Workforce Ready initiative to assist employers and employees impacted by the opioid epidemic.”
The Indiana Chamber Foundation, established in 1981, provides leadership through practical policy research to improve the state’s economic climate. The Indiana Vision 2025 long-range economic development plan and recent studies focusing on Indiana’s water supply and school counseling are products of the Foundation.
Price’s first day as executive director of the Indiana Chamber Foundation was February 26.
Additionally, the Indiana Chamber announced that Janet Boston will retire at the end of May as executive director of Indiana INTERNnet, the statewide resource for internship opportunities managed by the Indiana Chamber. She has held that position since February 2011.
Under Boston’s leadership, the program has grown by more than 100% in student registrations and internships offered and by more than 350% in internships filled. She also initiated the EARN (Employment Aid Readiness Network) Indiana effort with the Indiana Commission for Higher Education, which provides up to 50% state matching funds for hiring qualified students.
“Janet has taken the program to new heights and greatly expanded statewide partnerships with employers, colleges and universities, and high schools – all with the goal of providing meaningful experiential learning opportunities for students,” Brinegar notes.
Details on the Indiana INTERNnet executive director position and other job opportunities are available at www.indianachamber.com/jobs. Source: Indiana Chamber
Lake County Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Guide & Membership Directory
The Lake County Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Guide & Membership Directory is available at the Lake County Chamber! Thanks to Stewart Kerr, Julieth and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!
Town SquarePublications (www.townsquarepublications.com) can help you accomplish your chamber's gloss map, directory, community profile or publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633.
Wisconsin DFI Secretary to visit Marshfield
Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions Secretary Jay Risch pays a visit to Marshfield on Thursday, and executive director Scott Larson from the Marshfield Chamber of Commerce and Industry says the secretary's visit will start with an update on state policy.
"He will be giving a presentation on some of the administrative actions that would be of interest to local financial institutions," Larson said, and that will be followed by a round-table discussion. "The secretary is then going to be able to field questions, and even have time for some one-on-one visits with some of the attendees."
That event starts at 10:00 Thursday morning at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, 700 South Central Avenue in Marshfield. Pre-registration is requested. Read more: WSAU News Talk
Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories, Maps 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
