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Charles Kapur
President &
CEO
#FamousChamber of Commerce Quotation: Being Appreciated!! Being told you are appreciated is one of the simplest, yet most incredible things you can hear.
“The biggest issue in our country.” NKY Chamber President talks infrastructure
It’s hard to find a solution when it comes to improving aging infrastructure.
Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce President Brent Cooper says that’s particularly true when it comes to the Brent Spence Bridge.
“We think this issue is the biggest issue in our country at the moment, especially coming out of the pandemic,” Cooper said. “I often joke that I’m the Charlie Brown of the Brent Spence Bridge. I’ve been talking about this for so long, and every time we think we got it done, Lucy pulls the football out from under us and we fall on our backs.”
Cooper says it’s an uphill, decades-long battle. He said that in his nearly four years as president, the bridge has either been closed completely, or reduced to only two lanes more than 25-percent of the time.
“That has huge economic impact and a whole slew of negative consequences for our region and the state,” Cooper said.
He said he hopes the bridge can get the facelift it needs within President Joe Biden’s infrastructure plan, but said unless the details are agreed on down the aisle, he can see that dream slipping away.
“The infrastructure piece that refers to broadband and that talks about high speed for our country, I think that’s important,” Cooper said.
He also said rail and mass transit should be a part of the bill, but disagreed with items like removing all lead pipes that carry drinking water.
“Focus on the stuff that is bipartisan and we can get a broad agreement on,” Cooper said.
On that same note, Cooper said it should be paid for by users. These are all things that would inch republican lawmakers, like Senator Mitch McConnell, closer to an agreement.
“If you break it up and have an infrastructure package and not a big tax increase and pay for it in a credible way,” McConnell said at a vaccination press conference on the University of Kentucky’s campus.
Cooper said if a solution can’t be reached, he’s worried about the future of infrastructure in the entire country.
“If you can’t get something that’s so obvious resolved, then the system’s broken.” Read more: WTVQ.com
Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce: Taking Care of Business Radio Show Podcast Now Available
Apr 26th, 2021
Did you miss the Taking Care of Business radio show sponsored by Bank First this morning on WOSH?
Listen now for news on Oshkosh economic development highlights, real estate and grants with featured guest Jason Monet, WBD. https://www.oshkoshchamber.com/taking-care-of-business-radio-broadcast/
Elmhurst Chamber: IACCE Small Business Webinar Series
In partnership with the Illinois Association of Chamber of Commerce Executive (IACCE), our Chamber will stage “Tools for Success: Navigating the New Normal,” a five-part Small Business Webinar Series via Zoom video conferencing from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on the third Wednesday in the months of April through August. The per-webinar registration fees are $15 per member and $30 per non-member.
New Arrival: Duneland Chamber of Commerce Community Resource Guide
The Duneland Chamber of Commerce Community Resource Guide is available at the Duneland Chamber today! Thanks to Maura Durham, June Russell and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!! Town Square Publications 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. 
Duneland Chamber Directory
Troy Schools Gear Up for “Step Up to the Plate” Promotion & Chance to Win $1,000 Cash Prize
From April 26-30 select restaurants will offer 20% OFF to patrons.
April 16, 2021—Troy, MI — A partnership between Troy Chamber member restaurants and Troy School District (TSD), “Step Up to the Plate” is slated for Monday, April 26 – Friday, April 30.
During these dates, participating restaurants will offer diners 20% OFF their food purchases if they show a “Step Up to the Plate” promotional piece (i.e., school flyer, ad, email, or other communication about the program). Discount offer is only valid for food and non-alcoholic beverages. You can download the Step Up flyer on the Troy Chamber website – troychamber.com.
Diners may then turn in their detailed receipts to the Troy school of their choice. Receipts are due to a Troy Schools by Thursday, May 6. The school receiving the most money in receipts will win a $1,000 cash prize! This promotional event is sponsored by Michigan Schools and Government Credit Union.
“As a credit union with a long history of investing in education, we’re honored to support the annual Step Up to the Plate event with the Troy Chamber and Troy School District,” said Ann Jones, Vice President Marketing and Business Development. “We know from our annual Classroom Cash Grant program that teachers and schools are always in need of additional funding, so we’re excited to sponsor this event and help provide an additional $1,000 cash prize to the school with the most receipts collected. And with many MSGCU’s team members working and living in Troy, we are looking forward to supporting our great local restaurants.”
The 16 participating restaurants include:
Beyond Juice + Eatery – 830 E. Big Beaver Rd, Troy
Cedar Grille – 5377 Crooks Rd, Troy
Celebrity Catering – 75 W. Long Lake Rd, Troy
Clean Eatz Troy – 519 East Big Beaver Rd, Troy
Condado Tacos – 724 W. Big Beaver Rd, Troy
Duck Donuts – 2920 W. Maple Rd, Troy
McVee’s Pub & Grub – 1129 E. Long Lake Rd, Troy
Mr. Kabob Xpress – 2036 W. Big Beaver Rd, Troy
Olgas Fresh Grille – 1853 E. Big Beaver Rd, Troy
Papa Romano’s Pizza/Mr. Pita – 5399 Crooks Rd, Troy
Shield’s Restaurant Bar Pizzeria – 1476 W. Maple Rd, Troy
Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea – 774 W. Big Beaver Rd, Troy
The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill – 708 W. Big Beaver Rd, Troy
Tropical Smoothie Caf̩ Р1569 Main St, Suite A, Clawson
Tropical Smoothie Caf̩ Р1735 E. Big Beaver Rd. Troy
Troy Escape/Eats & Crafts – 1950 E. Square Lake Rd, Troy
For a copy of the flyer, watch for email updates from the Troy School District, or visit troychamber.com.
Grand Rapids Area Chamber: Creative Chambers program
The Creative Chambers program brings together individuals across creative industries to connect with one another and to build relationships with businesses seeking creative talent. By fostering opportunities for those working in creative industries, we can enhance our cultural and creative vibrancy in the Grand Rapids area, and continue creating great.
During the April workshop, Michigan Department of Treasury tax education specialists will present tax basics for small businesses, including specific illustrations and examples for folks in the creative industry. Topics include sales/use tax responsibility, tax exempt transactions and purchases, tax implications when hiring employees versus contractors, registering your business with Treasury, and filing guidance.
Tuesday, April 20
10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Virtual Zoom Meeting
https://www.grandrapids.org/event/creative-chambers-workshop/
Rochester Regional Chamber: Prepare For Lift-Off! LaunchLab presented by the Rochester Regional Chamber is preparing for liftoff on June 4th. LaunchLab is an online platform where you can learn from local experts. Get unstuck with courses on: 1. Starting a new business venture 2. Networking 3. Transitioning into online sales 4. Branding your business 5. and MORE! Registration opens THIS week. Join the exclusive, growing LaunchLab Community on Facebook TODAY!!
Applications Now Open for 2021-2022 Leadership Fox Cities Class
FOX CITIES, Wis. (May 3 2021) – Fox Cities professionals are now invited to apply for the Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce’s 2021-2022 Leadership Fox Cities class. Since 1991, this Chamber program has shaped the community’s leaders with immersive educational experiences that inspire engagement.
Countless alumni credit their Leadership Fox Cities experience with networking, career, and philanthropic successes that have guided them in leadership and given them new insights into the strengths, opportunities, and challenges that exist within the Fox Cities region – defined by the Chamber as Wisconsin’s Calumet, Outagamie, and northern Winnebago Counties.
The annual class comprises approximately 40 members who are chosen via the application process. Tuition assistance is available, and many employers provide professional development funds. The class gathers monthly, from September through May, for educational sessions focused on specific community topics ranging from human services and arts to government and law enforcement. The classes include prominent guest speakers, hands-on experiences, tours, and opportunities for relationship-building. Participants are also placed into small groups and are tasked with identifying an issue or program that needs attention in the community. Working collaboratively, the groups plan and execute sustainable community projects that are presented at Leadership Fox Cities Commencement in May. Applications for the 2021-2022 session are being accepted now through June 21. Apply online at http://bit.ly/LFCApplication.
The value of supporting the EMBDCBy Michael Castle Jr. President and CEO, Castle We are moving to Texas. This is what I was thinking after many months of contemplating Progressive Pipeline’s, now Castle, next growth opportunities. We had begun to explore moving our corporate headquarters to the energy capital of the world, Houston, Texas. This was only fitting in the fact that we build energy infrastructure throughout the United States and what better place to have a corporate headquarters than Houston. We had outgrown our current corporate office location south of town and needed office space to expand. Why should Castle stay in Mississippi? We need a location that will support our vision and growth by helping us retain and attract great employees including energy executive level employees. The East Mississippi Business Development Corporation “EMBDC” team had received word that we were moving, and they immediately jumped into action. Bill Hannah reached out to me, set up visits to explore vacant office space options, which eventually lead to our temporary office location in downtown Meridian and the purchase of the old Melton Hardware building, which will become our new corporate headquarters later this year. We were not a member of EMBDC and did not see the value in becoming a member. Annually, Castle generates only a small portion of our revenue in Mississippi, much less Lauderdale County, which led to my decision of not joining and appreciating EMBDC’s value. I now realize my view was short sighted. Castle is now an active member and will continue to support EMBDC. I learned that EMBDC not only promotes opportunities to attract new businesses to East Mississippi, but they also work to enhance and support existing business. The sacrifice, effort, and commitment of the EMBDC board and team showed me they believed Castle to be an important part of the growth and future of our community. They sacrificially leased the upstairs portion of their office to us, introduced us to local, state, and federal incentive opportunities and facilitated many meetings that eventually led to our investment in the future of our company and our Mississippi community. The decision to stay home and build upon our existing foundation right here in Meridian was made because of the people in our state and community, led by the EMBDC. The support to our company and Castle family of employees has been nothing short of phenomenal and something to be proud of. We did not end our story with the decision to stay at home. You will see Castle employees are more engaged in the community than ever before by actively participating in events and organizations that promote a better quality of life. We are no longer that little company on the south side of town that you might have heard of but know nothing about. Who knew that we employee 120 full time employees with plans to expand to 160 or more and at times have up to 3,000 seasonal employees? Your EMBDC made it their business to better understand our needs and were willing to listen and help us find solutions to our growth opportunities. Read more: Meridian Star
Future Mississippi entrepreneurs showcase business ideas at statewide forum Kendall Walker received instant feedback from the judges as she pitched her Tupelo-based tutoring business at the 2021 Mississippi Entrepreneurship Forum. The 2020 University of Mississippi graduate was among about 200 college students getting advice from business pros.
“This program adds so much value in the state of Mississippi,’’ Walker, 23, said after competing at the virtual program. “It allows students to pursue their passions.’’
The 2016 Tupelo High alumna will continue the student tutoring business, now at the Lee County Library, as a graduate student on her way to becoming a speech therapist.
Millsaps College MBA student Gabe Ryce showcased his ideas at the 6th annual forum April 13-14 as he ponders the opening of an investment firm within five years. “My entrepreneurial spirit fuels my goal.’’
The 22-year-old Jonesboro, Georgia native first experienced entrepreneurship as a young boy with a neighborhood lawn business. A 2020 Millsaps graduate with a bachelor’s in economics and business administration, he’s enhanced his skills with the ELSEWorks program on the Jackson campus. That’s the Else School of Management’s vibrant entrepreneurial program. Its unique mission supports community revitalization, education, culture and health initiatives in Midtown Jackson.
Ryce is building his career skills in other ways as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Mississippi National Guard.
Leaders with the McLean Institute for Public Service and Community Engagement at Ole Miss, Innovate Mississippi and the Mississippi Development Authority partnered to make the virtual conference a success. Students from Mississippi’s eight public universities participated with counterparts from Millsaps, Mississippi College and Belhaven University.
Mississippi College entrepreneurship and marketing major Rachel Graham, 21, talked up Studio 274 at Tuesday’s activity dubbed the NextUp Student Pitch. It’s her new business model for ballet studios. Weeks before the conference, the Wetumpka, Alabama resident met with a mentor helping polish her presentation.
Her Studio 274 proposal would strengthen parental involvement, get the community engaged and make owners more business-minded. Making her proposal sweeter is Rachel’s presentation was announced Wednesday as a 2nd place finisher. That includes a $1,500 award.
First-place (and a $2,500 award) went to Mississippi State University student Neil Hickman with his Hickman Farms plan. MC's Terry Cox, a Semmes, Alabama native, of Argo Creations captured third-place (with a $1,000 award).
Gema Casas, a Mississippi College MBA student from Monterrey, Mexico, received valuable tips. She seeks to own a sports-related business. “I want to encourage more women in business and be part of this trend,’’ says the member of MC’s nationally ranked table tennis team.
A McLean Institute project manager, J.R. Love notes the conference has grown since Clarksdale became the first stop in 2015. It began as the Rural Entrepreneurship Forum. The event moved to Tupelo in 2016. Other host cities in recent years were Greenwood, Oxford and Jackson in 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic cancelled the 2020 event. It prevented Kendall Walker from going in 2020, but not this week.
An Ole Miss communication sciences and disorders graduate, she believes “Kendall’s Tutoring’’ will benefit by increasing its social media visibility thanks to conference feedback.
While this is a two-day event, students sharpen entrepreneurial skills on campuses year-round. The Center for Economic and Entrepreneurship Education at the University of Southern Mississippi does just that in Hattiesburg. Mississippi State University students learn in the entrepreneurship program at the James Bagley College of Engineering in Starkville. Classes are designed for engineering students pursuing a career path combining technical and business skills.
The Jackson State University Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship supports the creative activities of JSU faculty, staff and students. JSU links them to community and industry partners.
Jeff Rent, President/CEO of the Greater Jackson Chamber of Commerce, applauds the work of the institutions, groups like Innovate Mississippi and the annual Entrepreneurship Forum.
“Innovate Mississippi has a successful track record of assisting and equipping entrepreneurs from across the state with the tools necessary to take an idea from concept to reality.’’
The 2022 Mississippi Entrepreneurship Forum is booked at the Vicksburg Convention Center next April.
Washington Chamber: Southeast Iowa Communities Receive Portable Photo Studios for Small Business Owners
Those with a small or home-based business wanting to market their products online can use a free resource from the Washington Chamber of Commerce. The chamber was given a portable photo studio as part of a statewide launch from America’s Small Business Development Center to deliver the studios to 942 communities in Iowa. The SBDC has partnered with Main Street Iowa, Downtown Resource Center, ISU Extension and Outreach, Iowa Rural Development Council and more to make these studios available at key places in communities such as chambers of commerce. Washington Chamber members can borrow the studio equipment at no charge, and the City of Keota has received a portable studio as well. You can find more information about the initiative by visiting here.
...Active on Indeed in the past three days... Job Opening: Executive Director, Kankakee County Chamber of Commerce - Kankakee, ILSalaryFrom $50,000 a year Number of hires for this role 1 Full Job Description200 E. Court St., Suite 710 Kankakee, IL 60901 815.351.9068 POSITION SPECIFICATION The Kankakee County Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit, membership organization whose primary role is to unite businesses, professional individuals, and firms throughout the region, thus creating a central agency that lends itself to improving business and building a better community. Serving as “The Voice of Business” since 2011, the Chamber represents over 400 members ranging from entrepreneurs and small business owners to Fortune 500 companies. The Chamber leads public policy and business growth initiatives, and creates meaningful events and programs to inform, engage and connect members to each other and the community. - Member Value: The Kankakee County Chamber of Commerce strives to provide value to its members. In an organization of over 400 members, value comes in a variety of forms, from networking and educational opportunities, to business advocacy.
- Business Growth Initiatives: The Chamber is a strategic partner with the Economic Alliance of Kankakee County and the Kankakee County Convention and Visitors Bureau. Together the three organizations develop programs and provide resources to area businesses that aid in recruitment and retention efforts throughout Kankakee County.
- Events & Programs: The Kankakee County Chamber facilitates over 70 events and programs each year. From signature events like the Annual Awards Dinner, TasteFest, and Golf Outing, to more intimate events like Women in Networking, Black Business Council, lunch and learns, to help meet the needs of businesses of all sizes.
The Kankakee County Chamber of Commerce employs 2 full time people and is governed by a volunteer board comprised of approximately 22 members. Additional information can be found at kankakeecountychamber.com Position Summary The Kankakee County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director provides the organization with its general strategic and operational leadership, along with the support and direction of the Board of Directors. The Executive Director will articulate and advance the Chamber’s value proposition and strategic goals. The Executive Director is the organization’s primary spokesperson and is responsible for building relationships and collaborating with the business and public and private sectors. Key Relationships Reports to: Chairman of the Board Executive Committee Direct reports: TBD Other key relationships: Chamber members Business community-at-large Elected officials at City, County, State and Federal levels Media Other related business organizations Major Responsibilities The Executive Director is responsible for leading and managing the Chamber in an effective and efficient manner. Working with the Board and key stakeholders, he/she will: - Further engage the Board of Directors and Chamber member companies and their employees, creating an agenda and programming that provides value to its membership.
- Act as the key spokesperson, developing relationships and building credibility with both members and prospective members, as well as other major constituency groups.
- Grow membership.
- Create and manage a fiscally sound and transparent operating structure.
CANDIDATE SPECIFICATION: KEY SELECTION CRITERIA Ideal Experience The successful background should include most, if not all, of the following: - Minimum of 3 years of management (operations) and leadership experience in an organization of similar size and scope.
- A bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
- Demonstrated success communicating and promoting an organization’s message and/or agenda.
- Experience working with volunteer leaders. Experience serving on or with not-for-profit boards is a plus.
- Sufficient community stature to represent the Chamber on and before panels and key business and civic boards.
- Sales Experience
Critical Competencies for Success - Leadership: The new Executive Director will be an innovative and collaborative individual who will advance a broad, pro-business agenda aimed at growing the local and regional economy.
- Technology Skills: In a small office environment it is important that the Executive Director know how to navigate an IT system, database, and graphic design applications. Marketing and communications in today’s competitive market requires tech savviness and the Kankakee County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director needs to be highly skilled in this area.
- Public Awareness and Advocacy: The Executive Director must work to build coalitions; educate and engage business leaders, their companies and their employees; and create widespread awareness of policies and legislation that impact business, jobs and the economy as needed.
The Kankakee County Chamber of Commerce is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all people and to hire and promote individuals solely based on their qualifications for the job. Job Type: Full-time Pay: From $50,000.00 per year Schedule: Experience: - Management Experience: 1 year (Preferred)
- Leadership Experience: 1 year (Preferred)
Work Location: Work Remotely: COVID-19 Precaution(s): - Remote interview process
- Virtual meetings
Good morning #ChamberWorld! It's going to be a great day!
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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 or email John Dussman with the subject line: Chamber Publication Proposal Requested. Thank you!
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