New Holiday Traditions Set to Begin in Oxford this Year: Deck the Halls: An Oxford Tour of Homes and Night of Lights are presented by the Oxford Lafayette-County Chamber of Commerce; Valpo Chamber to host overtime rule workshop; Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce 2016 Community Profile & Membership Directory; Barrington Area Chamber Legislative Breakfast; Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation: (Chamber Volunteers); Greater Madison Chamber support: StartingBlock will encourage start-ups -- Jack Salzwedel; Tourism Revenue Increased by 2.8% in Greater Williamsburg in 2015; Leadership Owensboro 2017 Class Announced; Greater Farmington Area chamber hires new executive director; Town Square Publications Chamber of Commerce Community Profiles, Maps

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

New Holiday Traditions Set to Begin in Oxford this Year: Deck the Halls: An Oxford Tour of Homes and Night of Lights are presented by the Oxford Lafayette-County Chamber of Commerce

The Oxford Lafayette-County Chamber of Commerce has created a family-friendly holiday weekend beginning with the Night of Lights on Friday, December 9th and Deck the Halls: An Oxford Tour of Homes Saturday, December 10th.


"We believe this is something that people will be excited about, not only locally, but will also bring people in from out of town,"says Pam Swain, Senior Vice President of the Oxford Lafayette Chamber of Commerce. "We decided to do this event, because we feel like this is something that people are already doing. This will give a format for people to come in and see those homes."


The Night of Lights will begin on Friday, December 9th and continue until Saturday, December 27th. With the guidance of a map, members of the community are taken on a self-guided tour featuring homes across Oxford and Lafayette County decorated with magical lights and festive decorations.


The Tour of Homes will take place Saturday, December 10th from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Homeowners from Oxford and Lafayette County are invited to participate by inviting the community to view rooms within their homes that have been decorated in great holiday splendor.


For more information or an application to be a part of the tour, call the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce at 662-234-4651 or email deckthehalls@oxfordms.com

CLICK HERE FOR DECK THE HALLS HOMEOWNER APPLICATION


CLICK HERE FOR NIGHT OF LIGHTS HOMEOWNER APPLICATION

Valpo Chamber to host overtime rule workshop

VALPARAISO — The Valpo Chamber, in partnership with Hoeppner Wagner & Evans LLP, will be holding a workshop on the new overtime rule as well as other important and timely subjects such as the “quickie” union election process, I-9 issues as well as the use of temporary employees.

F. Joseph Jaskowiak from the law firm will be leading the presentation.

The workshop will be held at 8 a.m. Wednesday at the Holiday Inn Express at 1251 S Silhavy Road. Cost is $10 per participant and reservations can be made at www.valpochamber.org or call (219) 462-1105. Read more: NWI Times

Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce 2016 Community Profile & Membership Directory

The Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce 2016 Community Profile & Membership Directory is available at the Crossroads Regional Chamber today! Thanks to Sue Reed 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.

Barrington Area Chamber Legislative
Breakfast

Local business leaders and the public are invited to hear first-hand updates from state legislators at the second annual Barrington Area Legislative Breakfast hosted by the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC), the Barrington Area Council on Governments (BACOG), and Barrington School District 220. The breakfast will take place on Thursday, October 6th, at Makray Memorial Golf Club, 1010 S. Northwest Hwy in Barrington.

Invited speakers include, Senator Pam Althoff, Representative Fred Crespo, Senator Dan McConchie, Representative David McSweeney, Representative Tom Morrison, Senator Matt Murphy, Senator Michael Noland, and Representative Ed Sullivan, and Lake County Board Chairman Aaron Lawlor. Speakers will provide state updates and a Q&A session will focus on issues related to business, government, and education as well as audience questions. Registration and breakfast begin at 7:30 am, followed promptly by the program at 8:00 am and ending around 10:00 am.

Tickets are $25, which includes a hot breakfast buffet. Please register online at BarringtonChamber.com to attend, or call the Chamber at 847-381-2525 for more information.

Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation: (Chamber Volunteers)

“You will find as you look back upon your life that the moments when you have really lived, are the moments when you have done things in the spirit of love.” –Henry Drummond

Greater Madison Chamber support: StartingBlock will encourage start-ups -- Jack Salzwedel

Thanks to the generous investment of public entities, local companies and private citizens, we are launching an entrepreneurial hub called StartingBlock Madison that will make a long-lasting impact in Madison and Wisconsin.

The list of those backing this project is long and widespread, from the city of Madison, UW-Madison, the state of Wisconsin and the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce to Madison Gas and Electric, established entrepreneurs and forward-thinking individuals.

They're all collaborating to grow the innovative culture in the Madison region. Add Gebhardt Development, and you have a complex group of contributors who are supporting the community.

Specifically, thanks to UW-Madison Chancellor Becky Blank at Madison Chamber president Zach Brandon -- both big believers and supporters.

The generosity shown from our community will give start-up companies an affordable space to develop their businesses, network, collaborate, learn and be mentored by established entrepreneurs. This work can grow our economy and boost Wisconsin’s reputation as a magnet for entrepreneurs. Read more: Wisconsin State Journal

Tourism Revenue Increased by 2.8% in Greater Williamsburg in 2015

-All Virginia regions saw increased tourism revenue while Virginia reached $23 billion-

Karen Riordan

Williamsburg, VA (September 14, 2016) - Data released by the U.S. Travel Association reveals that all regions in Virginia posted an increase in tourism revenue last year. According to the U.S. Travel Association, tourism in Virginia generated $23 billion in travel spending. Tourism also supported 223,000 jobs in the Commonwealth and $1.6 billion in state and local taxes. The increase is largely attributed to Virginia’s authentic, local travel experiences, diversity of tourism product, and the notable efforts of the destination marketing organizations and their leadership.

Tourism was again an important contributor to the local economy in 2015. Tourism revenue for the Greater Williamsburg region reached $1.18 billion, a 2.9 percent change over 2014. James City County experienced a 2.8% increase to $408,385,940, the City of Williamsburg increased by 2.8% to $556,268,510, and York County increased by 3.5% to $218,300,519 in tourism expenditures. Local tourism-supported jobs totaled 11,709 for the region while local tourism-related taxes were $44.1 million including $16.8 million in James City County, $19 million in the City of Williamsburg and $8.2 in York County. All data was received by the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) from U.S. Travel Association and is based on domestic visitor spending (travelers from within the United States) from trips taken 50 miles or more away from home.

“We are pleased to see an increase in tourism revenue, payroll, employment and local tax receipts for the full year 2015,” said Karen Riordan, President & CEO of the Greater Williamsburg Chamber & Tourism Alliance. “Visitors are enjoying the full range of vacation experiences we have to offer from the arts to ecotourism to culinary to theme parks and water parks, as well as our world-class living history museums. We will continue to work with our tourism partners in the region and the state to increase visitor appeal and visitation to our amazing destination.”

"Having a strong tourism industry is vital to job creation and economic growth in Virginia," said Governor McAuliffe. "Travelers are coming to Virginia from across the country and the globe to experience our world-class restaurants, wineries, craft breweries, music festivals, oyster farms, beaches, mountains, and more. Our rich history, scenic beauty, vibrant arts, and burgeoning culinary scene make Virginia a destination like none other. It's easy to see why travelers are eager to discover why Virginia is for Lovers."

"Tourism is one of Virginia’s top five industries, and is an instant revenue generator for the Commonwealth,” said Todd Haymore, Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “With $23 billion in tourism revenues, 2015 was another record-breaking year for the Virginia tourism industry, thanks to the hard-working professionals across the state that help to showcase Virginia as a premier travel destination.”

The Virginia Tourism Corporation is the state agency responsible for marketing Virginia to visitors and promoting the Virginia is for Lovers brand. Virginia is for Lovers is the longest-running state tourism slogan in the country. Virginia is for Lovers stands for love, pure and simple, and promotes the state as the ideal destination for loved ones to completely connect on a great vacation. Virginia is for Lovers was named one of the top 10 tourism marketing campaigns of all time by Forbes and was inducted into the National Advertising Walk of Fame in 2009.

Love is at the heart of every Virginia vacation. Go to http://www.virginia.org/ and start planning a trip or call 1-800-VISITVA to request a free, Virginia is for Lovers Travel Guide. For information to help plan your trip to the Williamsburg area go to www.VisitWilliamsburg.com.

Leadership Owensboro 2017 Class Announced

Owensboro, KY – The Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation proudly announce the Leadership

Owensboro Class of 2016. Thirty applicants have been selected to participate in the leadership development program.

“We are honored to have the opportunity to work with such a strong group,” said Candance Brake, Chamber President and CEO. “Owensboro continues to grow leaders who are interested in contributing to our community and making a difference. I look forward to a great class this year, learning from them and with them!”

“We are excited about the quality pool of applicants we received for the program,” said Jessica Kirk, Executive Director of Leadership Owensboro. “Each class brings new backgrounds that further enrich the tradition and demonstrates that Leadership Owensboro stands the test of time.”

The class has an all-day orientation on September 15. More information: Jessica Kirk Executive Director, Leadership Owensboro, 270.926.1860.

Greater Farmington Area chamber hires new executive director

The Greater Farmington Area Chamber of Commerce has named Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce office and events manager Laura L. Bolyard as its new executive director.

Bolyard replaces Dan Irvin, who left in July to become general manager of Laurel Park Place in Livonia.

Before joining the Huron Valley Chamber in Milford, Bolyard served as the co-executive director of the Chamber of Commerce for the South Lyon Area from 2003 to 2005. According to a press release, she has “a broad background and experience in all facets of chamber life, including event coordination and management, membership relations and communications, networking groups, chamber ambassadors, and community relations, just to name a few.” She has also been involved with the annual Milford Memories Summer Festival, held each August.

Bolyard’s first day will be September 26. A “Meet the New Chamber Executive Director” event is being planned. Details will be posted at gfachamber.com.  Read more: Farmington Voice

Town Square Publications Chamber of Commerce Community Profiles, 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

Fairfax Chamber Urges Congress to Avoid a “Government Shutdown”; Chamber excitment: Farmington Hills officials 'excited' about Daimler move; Belleville, St. Clair County leaders anticipate impact of NGA coming to county; EMBDC CEO presentation: Company seeks land purchase for warehouse; 20th Annual Kentucky Chamber Day; Eagle River Chamber partner: People travel from across the country to National Championship Musky Open in Eagle River; Chamber Best Practices: Greater Fort Wayne Inc.: CEO Roundtables; Town Square Publication - Chamber magazines

Good morning Chamber world! Today is going to be a GREAT day!

Fairfax Chamber Urges Congress to Avoid a “Government Shutdown”

Tysons Corner, Va. – Today, the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce (Fairfax Chamber), representing nearly 700 member companies with more than 500,000 employees across Northern Virginia, called on members of Congress to enact legislation to continue funding the federal government beyond September 30th without interruption.

Congress’ inability in the past to enact individual appropriations bills has caused significant uncertainty and greatly disrupted business planning by federal contractors in the region. Such practices, combined with annual threats of government shutdowns and, in 2013, an actual shutdown, have caused private sector businesses of all sizes throughout Northern Virginia serious economic harm and forced employee layoffs or furloughs.

“We are gravely concerned that such economic dislocation will again occur if the federal government shuts down on October 1^st,” said Jim Corcoran, president and CEO of the Fairfax Chamber. “The impact of a shutdown would not be limited to the federal government and federal contractor workers in Virginia. As has been shown in the past, the downstream effects of a shutdown will also be harmful to small businesses in Northern Virginia and across the Commonwealth. Accordingly, we urge Congress to work together to promptly enact legislation by October 1st to fund the operations of the federal government without interruption.”

To read the full letter, click here. To learn more about the Fairfax Chamber’s policy platform, please visit our website or contact Joe Vidulich, Vice President, Government Relations.

Chamber excitment: Farmington Hills officials 'excited' about Daimler move

While the number of new jobs Daimler AG is estimated to be bringing to Farmington Hills is a relatively small 30, local officials are still happy to hear the auto giant is bringing more work to the community.

Farmington Hills Acting City Manager Dave Boyer, while stressing any job growth is good, said he's "excited" about the news Daimler AG is adding to its presence in the Farmington community.

"Certainly, we'd like to see that (jobs) number grow, but any new job growth is great for the region," Boyer said. "We're excited they're coming here, because we can see what's going on in metro Detroit with the resurgence of the auto industry. They're all going to end up back here, where the work is being done."

According to a press release from Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder, Daimler AG is consolidating its North American financial services offices in Michigan.

“Michigan is the world’s automotive leader, and Daimler’s decision to increase its presence in state is another indication that we intend to hold that position for generations to come,” Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder said in a statement.

The Michigan move for Daimler North America Corp., the holding company for all of the company’s business units in the U.S., is some 50 jobs, (including 20 workers already here). Michigan already has some 3,000 Daimler employees at Detroit Diesel, a subsidiary of Daimler Trucks North America; Daimler's financial services; and the company’s research and development.

There were no state or local economic incentives offered for the move, according to the Michigan Economic Development Corp., the state’s economic development arm. The move is expected to take place by the end of the year.

After meeting with Daimler executives at the 66th Frankfurt Auto Show, Snyder said the headquarters relocation will bring 30 jobs to Michigan in central office functions including treasury, legal, accounting and executive staff, according to the press release.

Snyder called Daimler “an historic automaker with roots tracing back to the very invention of the car.” Today it manufactures the premium Mercedes-Benz line of vehicles. Daimler’s Michigan operations currently include Mercedes-Benz Financial Services headquarters in Farmington Hills, Detroit Diesel in Redford Township, and Mercedes-Benz Research and Development in Redford and Ann Arbor.

Dan Irvin, the executive director of the Greater Farmington Area Chamber of Commerce, also praised the deal and said it's the result of a "welcoming business climate." Read more: HometownLife.com

Belleville, St. Clair County leaders anticipate impact of NGA coming to county

What would it mean for St. Clair County if 3,100 highly stable jobs that pay an average annual salary of $75,000 were to materialize here one day?

And suppose those 3,100 jobs grew to 4,000 jobs? Then 5,000, and then still more jobs after that?

Those are the sorts of questions dancing through the minds of county elected leaders and economic development officials as they contemplate the county’s odds of landing the new headquarters for the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency.

NGA plans to move out of its cramped and aging facility just south of downtown St. Louis and move into a new home, taking with it 3,100 workers, which the agency plans to house in an 800,000-square-foot building to be built at a cost of $1.6 billion. The NGA workforce could jump up to nearly 4,000 employees when the workers at its Arnold, Mo., facility are moved out when the lease on the building they are working in comes up.

Officially, four sites are still in the running for what is being called NGA West: two are located in St. Louis County, while the third is in North St. Louis. The fourth candidate site is a 192-acre patch of farmland and scattered trees owned by St. Clair County and located just west of Scott Air Force’s northwest boundary and south of Interstate 64.

NGA is scheduled to make the final decision in March, with the building scheduled for completion by 2021.

Politically, however, the race has come down to the North St. Louis site versus the St. Clair County site. The two St. Louis County sites — one in Fenton, Mo. and one in Mehlville, Mo. — have been rejected by Steve Stenger, the St. Louis County executive, who has thrown his support behind the North St. Louis site.

St. Clair County officials are feeling good about the county’s chances of luring NGA West.

In comparing the two contending two sites, they are coming to see that the St. Clair County location has huge advantages over the North St. Louis location, due to a list of factors that include the security that comes from being located adjacent to a major military installation such as Scott Air Force Base, enthusiastic local support, and the fact that — in contrast to North St. Louis — the St. Clair County site has virtually unlimited room for future growth.

What’s more, the North St. Louis site won’t come cheap. St. Louis officials have estimated it will cost that city and the state of Missouri $130 million to bring NGA to the North St. Louis site. This includes the cost of buying up the land from property owners who wish to sell, as well the cost of forcing out those who don’t wish to do so.

In contrast, St. Clair County has offered to turn over its site to NGA for no cost at all. Making the deal even sweeter, this land would be free of litigation and is already under government control.

John Lengerman, the Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce executive director, has to tried to keep his confidence in check during the run-up to Oct. 9, when the Army Corps of Engineers, which is overseeing the site selection process, is scheduled to release the environmental impact statements on each site. The statements are expected to offer the strongest clues as to the identity of the eventual winner. Read more: Belleville News-Democrat

EMBDC CEO presentation: Company seeks land purchase for warehouse

 Southern Cast Products wants to purchase 1.94 acres from the Lauderdale County Board of Supervisors to build a 20,000 square foot warehouse behind its building located in the G.V. Sonny Montgomery Industrial Park.

    East Mississippi Business Development Corporation President & CEO Bill Hannah made the presentation to the board at its Thursday work session at the Davis Annex Building. Southern Cast Products would buy the land at $1,000 an acre and would incur the costs of development of the property.

    "We feel this will be a net gain for the county," Hannah told the supervisors. Board President Kyle Rutledge said Southern Cast Products was having to lease space in the city of Meridian in order to warehouse its products.

    "They need another building to hold their molds," Rutledge said. Hannah said once operating, Southern Cast Products could look into expanding. Read more: Meridian Star

20th Annual Kentucky Chamber Day

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JOIN US AT THE PREMIER KICK-OFF OF THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION

Where should you kick off the new year? At the state’s largest gathering of business and political leaders! Don’t miss your opportunity to network with the who’s who of Kentucky. You’ll get to hear the governor and the state’s top four legislative leaders (all invited) share their visions for Kentucky’s economy, government and politics in the year ahead.

Thursday, January 7, 2016
Heritage Hall (Downstairs)
The Lexington Convention Center
Lexington, Kentucky

Agenda
5 p.m. Registration and Reception
6:30 p.m. Dinner

Featured Guests
Governor of the Commonwealth
House and Senate leadership
(all invited) 

More Info: Kentucky Chamber

Eagle River Chamber partner: People travel from across the country to National Championship Musky Open in Eagle River 
More than 1,000 people will spend the weekend in the Northwoods fishing for musky.
This weekend is the 30th year of the National Championship Musky Open in Eagle River.
The tournament started Friday.
Paul Strelow has been going to the tournament for the past 29 years.
"They started this tournament, we missed the first year, we've been doing this for 29 years and it's just a great time," Strelow says. He caught a 39 inch musky on Lynx Lake on Friday.
"It was a lot of fun, it's always great when a musky hits a surface bait," says Strelow. Registering a musky is the goal for those competing, but whether you catch a fish or not, it's still fun.
"It's just fun, you know, plain and simple," Strelow says. The Musky Clubs Alliance of Wisconsin and the Eagle River Chamber of Commerce organize the tournament. Read more: NewsWatch 12

Chamber Best Practices: Greater Fort Wayne Inc.: CEO Roundtables

CEO Roundtables offer a confidential forum of peers in non-competing businesses to regularly gather and share practical knowledge and best practices in today’s business environment. They are comprised of no more than 15 people of ownership or top management positions based on meeting time availability, business fit, and consent of existing group members.

CEO Roundtables are structured to help business leaders address a variety of important issues and to offer a springboard for solutions to help improve operations and profitability.

By one member’s description: “I couldn’t afford to hire advisors like these to help me once a year – and I get to meet with them every month!”

Each meeting is strictly confidential – what’s said within the group stays within the group. All members are expected to maintain complete confidentiality. Regular attendance, willing participation, and positive attitudes are required. Any member missing more than three meetings per year may be asked to step down from the group.

Members must be GFW Inc. Investors in good standing with annual investment dues. CEO Roundtable dues of $50 per member per year. Special registration fees may be charged for special programs, meetings, outings, etc. Guests or prospective members are allowed to attend by member invitation only.

Interested in being considered for a roundtable? Contact roundtable chairman Dave Kaverman or Investor Relations Director, Jami Thomas.

Town Square Publication - Chamber magazines

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... contact John Dussman directly at the Town Square offices at 847-427-4633. Mailing Address: 155 E. Algonquin Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60005. Email address: jdussman@tspubs.com 

Chamber event: Missouri Best Places to Work Conference next week; Rapid City Area Chamber of Commerce recognizes local professionals; Springfield Chamber (IL) leaders study Indiana city’s downtown revitalization; Chamber opening: Von Maur opens its first Oklahoma location; Chamber Tweet of the Day: Indy Chamber; Minnesota chamber issue: Ag, mining, labor and business coalition calls for action on pipeline; Clean Harbors Hosts Groundbreaking of New El Dorado Incineration Unit; Mary Engelman, Executive Director of the Greater Farmington Area Chamber of Commerce; Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotations (Attitude):

Chamber event: Missouri Best Places to Work Conference next week

Missouri Business and the Missouri Chamber of Commerce will host the Best Places to Work Conference Oct. 23 at the Reynolds Alumni Center on the University of Missouri’s campus. The program, which will begin with registration and breakfast at 7:30 a.m. and will end around 5 p.m., will feature presentations from Missouri’s top executives on how to attract and retain employees and create a positive work environment.
Speakers include University of Missouri System President Tim Wolfe, Build-A-Bear Workshop founder Maxine Clark, and Shane Mayes, founder and CEO of Onshore Outsourcing. Panels cover topics from training new employees to creating incentives for employees to getting employee feedback. The winning companies of the Best Places to Work Award will also be presented at the conference. This year’s recipients are Onshore Outsourcing, Big Cedar Lodge, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica Inc., Veterans United Home Loans, Graybar and Burns & McDonnell. Read more: Columbia Business Times

Rapid City Area Chamber of Commerce recognizes local professionals 

It was a big night tonight for the Rapid City Area Chamber of Commerce as business people celebrated the 128th Annual Meeting. More than 400 business people got together Saturday night to recognize the achievements of Rapid City professionals. The theme this year was "Creating a Community of Big Possibilities."

Three awards were given out: Ray Hillenbrand received the George award, Anya Mueller received the Young Professional Award and Michelle Lintz was presented with the Black Hills Hero Award.
Also the outgoing Chamber Chair Bryan Vulcan presented the incoming Chair Marnie Herrmann with the gavel of leadership.
Linda Rabe, president and CEO of the Rapid City Area Chamber of Commerce, says it’s a special annual event. "A lot of times we don't take time to really celebrate the success that we've had,” Rabe said. “And as you look around our community, our community is growing and thriving and we are excited to give away these three really special awards.” Read more: KOTA TV - Rapid City

Springfield Chamber (IL) leaders study Indiana city’s downtown revitalization

A recent trip by Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce officials and business leaders to Columbus, Ind., could pay future dividends for Springfield’s downtown.
“We went there to see their nationally recognized workforce education program and downtown revitalization — some of the things Springfield is working on,” said Mike McDorman, chamber president and CEO.
The Indiana city was chosen to study because while it’s slightly smaller in population than Springfield, McDorman said it’s similar in terms of demographics and economic factors, and competes with larger communities.
The largest employer there is Cummins Diesel. The company has been a driving force in revitalizing the community, McDorman said, even paying to bring in internationally acclaimed architects to design buildings there.
“They have incredible mid-century architecture,” McDorman said. Read more: Springfield News-Sun

Chamber opening: Von Maur opens its first Oklahoma location

From inside Vast, dining at the restaurant atop the Devon Tower, the Von Maur family surveyed the twilight the night before their 30th store was set to open. They were impressed: by the view and Oklahoma City.
Grand opening ceremonies were held Saturday morning at Quail Springs Mall in the space formerly occupied by Sears. Now, it’s home to Von Maur’s first location in Oklahoma.
People gathered before the store opened as Mayor Mick Cornett joined the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce in welcoming Von Maur to the city. And while the mayor talked about Oklahoma City’s growth and its friendly residents, the Von Maur family echoed those statements through their initial experiences. Read more: NewsOK.com


Chamber Tweet of the Day:  Indy Chamber

Indy Chamber ‏@IndyChamber 4m4 minutes ago

Get your business global. Learn the ins and outs at #GlobalIndy's Export Bootcamp Oct 30 http://bit.ly/1BJjrxb

Minnesota chamber issue: Ag, mining, labor and business coalition calls for action on pipeline

An unprecedented coalition of agriculture, mining, labor and business groups delivered a resolution to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission calling on the agency to expedite the review of Sandpiper pipeline project routes. Following a September meeting held under the auspices of the Minnesota Agri-Growth Council.

Agri-Growth, Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, Minnesota Grain and Feed Association, American Crystal Sugar Cooperative, Iron Mining Association of Minnesota, United Association, Union of Plumber, Fitters, Welders and Service Techs, Minnesota Forest Industries, Minnesota Petroleum Marketers Association, the Minnesota Petroleum Council (API), Midwest Food Processors Association, Minnesota Retailers Association, and the Minnesota Service Station and Convenience Store Association agreed to urge action by the MPUC. Read more: Agri-News

Clean Harbors Hosts Groundbreaking of New El Dorado Incineration Unit 

Clean Harbors, North America’s leading provider of environmental, energy and industrial services, is hosting a groundbreaking ceremony for its new incineration unit today at 1:30 p.m. at 309 American Circle in El Dorado, Ark. Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe will join Clean Harbors’ business leaders, facility management and community representatives from El Dorado to mark the start of construction of the state-of-the-art industrial waste destruction unit, which will enhance the country’s environmental protection infrastructure and marks the first time in almost 30 years that new incineration capacity has been constructed in the United States.

On the Move:  

Mary Engelman,  Executive Director of the Greater Farmington Area Chamber of Commerce

Mary Engelman was named director of government affairs and public relations at OpTech, a Troy-based information technology, engineering and healthcare workforce solutions provider. Engelman formerly worked as the executive director of the Greater Farmington Area Chamber of Commerce.  Read more:  Oakland Press

Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotations (Attitude):

“Peace is the result of retraining your mind to process life as it is, rather than as you think it should be.” - Wayne Dyer