Showing posts with label Greensburg Decatur County chamber. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Greensburg Decatur County chamber. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 4, 2020

#BestChamber practices: Birmingham-Bloomfield Chamber: Record and Post Events via Vimeo; Registration Open for BACC’s Network to Success Luncheon on Feb. 20; Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce Leaders Meet With State Legislators; Bowling Green Area Chamber celebrates another year of growth at annual dinner; Madison the City Chamber lauds businesses, volunteers; Great attendance at local Decatur County town hall meetings with legislators; Chicago Fed: Index points to little change in Midwest growth in December; Portage County Business Council Honors Businesses, Industry Leaders;

 Feb. 4, 2020






Chamber of Commerce Daily News
presented by Town Square Publications
https://www.townsquarepublications.com 
by John Dussman






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


#BestChamber practices: Birmingham-Bloomfield Chamber: Record and Post Events via Vimeo

If you were unable to attend our Economic Forecast Breakfast, the presentation can be viewed below. Thank you to Bloomfield Township Television for capturing our event. Next week brings our Real Estate Forecast Breakfast, we hope you can join us. Details and registration listed below.

Also next week is an informational meeting regarding the chamber's upcoming trip to Italy. Keep scrolling for details or click here.

In Good Business,

The BBChamber Staff

BBChamber 2020 Economic Forecast Breakfast
BBChamber 2020 Economic Forecast Breakfast




Registration Open for BACC’s Network to Success Luncheon on Feb. 20

 Registration is now open for the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC) Network to Success Scramble Luncheon on Thursday, February 20, from 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at Makray Memorial Golf Club, 1010 S. Northwest Hwy. in Barrington. Tickets are on sale for $40 per Barrington Area Chamber member and $50 per guest and include a three-course lunch.
The Network Scramble is a high-powered networking event that helps local businesses meet new contacts and make business connections during lunch. Participants are assigned to sit at different tables for each of the lunch courses, where they have the opportunity to pitch their business and answer discussion questions to promote their marketing initiatives. BACC encourages businesses to register early, because this event is limited to no more than four professionals per industry and no more than two representatives from each company. Participants receive a follow-up contact list of all attendees and are encouraged to provide company flyers or small items, at no additional charge, for goody bags distributed at the event.
For an additional $50, a table sponsorship includes: your company’s name on one of the networking tables, a half-page color ad in the program, and recognition during live announcements.
For information, visit the BACC website at www.BarringtonChamber.com, or call (847) 381-2525.


Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce Leaders Meet With State Legislators


Representatives of the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce participated with other business and tourism leaders from around the Commonwealth at Chamber Day at the Capitol today in Richmond.
The annual event, organized by the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, provides Chamber executives with personal briefings from Virginia’s top government leaders and legislators.
“This forum allows Chamber members and executives an opportunity to convey our organization’s position, as appropriate, for key legislation and government action, including state and local issues directly impacting the lake region’s economic vitality,” said Christopher Finley, SMLRCC Executive Director.
In order to represent the local business community with a unified voice, Finley said, policy issues of greatest interest to the Chamber’s members were identified and presented in an official public policy agenda. The SMLRCC delegation met with legislators who represent the Smith Mountain Lake region, including Sen. Bill Stanley, Sen. David Suetterlein, Sen. Stephen Newman, Del. Kathy Byron and Del. Charles Poindexter.
In addition to Finley, others in the SMLRCC delegation included Special Events Director Cheryl Ward, Board Chairman Waller Perrow (Perrow Management Corp./Waller’s), Government Affairs Committee Chairman Walter Hogle (SCORE Roanoke) and member Adam Lynch (Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Smith Mountain Lake).

For more information and to review the SMLRCC’s 2020 public policy agenda, log onto visitsmithmountainlake.com/public-policy. Read more: Roanoke Star

Bowling Green Area Chamber celebrates another year of growth at annual dinner



Tuesday night the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated the success of 2019 at its 85th Annual Dinner at the Sloan Convention Center. Some 645 local business leaders, regional partners and special guests gathered and were treated to a reception, dinner and program.

South Warren High School Senior and Student Ambassador Braedon Price served as the event’s emcee, leading the audience through recognitions, entertainment, ceremonies and speakers that recognized the many accomplishments of the past year.

Chamber representatives had much to boast coming out of 2019 including $376.6 million in capital investment and the creation of 971 jobs. The Bowling Green Area secured the #1 spot in Site Selections Magazine’s national ranking for economic development performance, making 2019 the 6th consecutive year being nationally ranked. Additionally, the Chamber received reaccreditation as a 5-Star organization by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce as one of the top 3% of chambers in the United States.

"Bowling Green, Warren County and South Central Kentucky experienced another year of tremendous blessings filled with economic, legislative and business progress as our economy continued to flourish,” said Chamber President and CEO Ron Bunch. “Tonight, we thank Chamber partners, our elected officials, community leaders and our many volunteers for their hard work, dedication and commitment to growing this community. 2019 was a memorable year for South Central Kentucky, and we look forward to continuing that success well into the future.”

Ron Bunch and 2019 Chairman of the Board Steve Davis presented the Herb Smith Lifetime Achievement Award. The Chamber established the award in 2011 to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to South Central Kentucky’s economy and who exemplify the Chamber’s core values of inclusiveness, integrity, leadership and service. Tonight, co-owner and CEO of the Murphy Construction Group Mike Murphy was awarded the distinct honor.

The Chamber’s long-standing tradition of passing the chairman’s gavel involved several past chairmen and ended in the hands of the 2020 Chairman of the Board Eric Walker of U.S. Bank.

“I am humbled to serve as the Chamber’s 2020 chairman,” Walker said. “It’s an incredible honor to work alongside my fellow Board members, our volunteers, Chamber Ambassadors, Chamber staff, and most importantly – all of you – our over 1,300 Chamber partners.” Read more: WNKY.com


Madison the City Chamber lauds businesses, volunteers



Madison the City Chamber of Commerce is looking to the future with 2020 vision.

“The Chamber knows the way of connecting businesses and the community,” 2020 Chamber President Shari Jones of RiverHills Bank told the full house at the organization’s annual banquet last week after outgoing President Justin Suber of C-Spire passed the gavel. “We are all about making connections. I am looking forward to the continued growth of the Chamber.”

The Chamber celebrated businesses, professional and volunteers at the banquet, honoring award winners from the city and the Chamber.

The Chamber annually recognizes a large and a small business that exemplify loyalty to the Chamber and support its initiatives.

The Large Business of the Year Award was presented to the Mississippi Center for Advanced Medicine. “Our goal is to crease access to pediatric subspecialty care in Mississippi,” said Dr. Spencer Sullivan, MCAM’s president and CEO.

The Small Business of the Year was presented to Leap Frog Children’s Consignment. Owner Mary Ann Wachtel said her store not only offers consignments, putting out 300-400 items of clothing daily, but also is a one-stop shop for toys and gifts.

Recognized as the Ambassador of the Year was Debbie Windom of Telpro Communications. “This Ambassador attends the majority of our ribbon cuttings, is one of the first to volunteer for our events, is usually the first one to arrive and among the last to leave,” Suber said in announcing Windom as achieving the highest point total among the Ambassadors, the Chamber’s representatives within the community. 

The recipient of the Alice and Bish Carson Volunteer of the Year Award was presented by Suber to Lisa Browning of BankPlus. “She has a long history of serving on committees, on our board, as an Ambassador and a life-long resident of Madison,” he said. “She is always looking for ways to serve others.” 
Read more: Madison County Journal


Great attendance at local Decatur County town hall meetings with legislators
Three Town Hall meetings were held over the weekend in Versailles, Dillsboro, and Vevay.  Both Representative Randy Frye and Sen Chip Perfect were in attendance in Versailles and Dillsboro to speak with constituents on issues as well as discuss the current legislative session
Rep. Frye stated that all three meetings were well attended and he felt it was a great conversation with each community about issues.  He said concerns ranged from 2nd amendment rights, teacher pay and funding, as well as the new federal 21-year-old tobacco law.  
Both Frye and perfect will be in attendance this Saturday at 8 am at the Decatur County REMC for a town hall hosted by the Greensburg Decatur County Chamber.  They will be joined by Representative Cindy Ziemke and Sen. Jean Leising. Read more: WRBI Radio


Chicago Fed: Index points to little change in Midwest growth in December

The Midwest Economy Index (MEI) edged up to –0.44 in December from –0.48 in November. Contributions to the December MEI from three of the four broad sectors of nonfarm business activity and two of the five Seventh Federal Reserve District states increased from November. The relative MEI moved down to –0.13 in December from –0.08 in November. Contributions to the December relative MEI from three of the four sectors and three of the five states decreased from November.

The Midwest Economy Index (MEI) is a monthly index designed to measure growth in nonfarm business activity in the Seventh Federal Reserve District. The MEI is released at 8:30 a.m. ET on scheduled days, normally toward the end of each calendar month. More information and graphics: Chicago Fed: Midwest Economic Index


Portage County Business Council Honors Businesses, Industry Leaders

STEVENS POINT, WI--- Two Portage County businesses and two industry leaders were singled out for honors on Wednesday, January 29 at the Portage County Business Council’s Annual Dinner.  The event was held at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center, Stevens Point with a crowd of nearly four hundred people. Each year Business Council members, guests and dignitaries gather to celebrate the best of the best in volunteers, businesses, education, government, and non-profit organizations.  The Annual Dinner is a celebration of past accomplishments and it is an opportunity to recognize the achievements of the past year.

Chosen for her dedication to community outreach and participation in activities that promote the mission of the Portage County Business Council, Sarah Agena, entrepreneur and owner of Flexible Nutrition Solutions was selected for the Ambassador of the Year. “Sarah’s enthusiasm and dedication towards volunteering for the Business Council is outstanding.  She is a patient, compassionate, and humble leader who is continually an example to others and never seeks recognition for her efforts”, said Karen Myers, Director of Programs & Events for the Portage County Business Council.

Dance Education Center, owner Tori Rogoski was selected for the Small Business of the Year Award for their growth, strength in employer/employee relations, efforts to adapt to market changes, commitment to community service and industry leadership. The Center has donated over $175,000 to local organizations and is the first Wisconsin chapter of the National Honor Society for Dance Arts.

The Business Council selected Marten Machining, Inc for the Decree of Excellence Award based on their contributions to the area’s economic vitality, increase in local employment base and significant contributions in community service. This summer, Martin Machining will be moving into their new 40,000 square-foot manufacturing headquarters on 11.5 acres in the Portage County Business Park. They currently have 40 full and part time employees and plan to double their workforce within five years. 

Ward Wolff was selected for the President’s Award for his dedication to the Portage County Business Council, the Portage County business community and economic development for our community. 

“Ward Wolff is a great example of a Portage County leader.  He is truly an executive with a community vision. Through his leadership at First Weber Realtors, as Past Board Member of the PCBC, and through volunteering with the Lions Club, Green Circle Trail and Stevens Point Board of Realtors, Ward has shown that he believes in local economic development and strong community partnerships.  Ward is very well deserving of the 2019 President’s award,” said Todd Kuckkahn, PCBC Executive Director.

News Anchor Jeff Thelen from WSAW TV-7 was the emcee of the event and State dignitaries including Senator Patrick Testin and Representative Katrina Shankland were in attendance.

Contact: Karen Myers, Portage County Business Council
5501 Vern Holmes Drive, Stevens Point, WI 54482
Ph: 715-344-1940, Fax: 715-344-4473, Email: kmyers@portagecountybiz.com



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.

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



Wednesday, May 29, 2019

ACCE: 2019 Chamber of the Year finalists: Effingham County (IL) Chamber, Murray-Calloway County (KY) Chamber, Greater Louisville Inc (GLI), Bowling Green Area (KY) Chamber, 8 others; Mclean County COMPACT summer intern program: Becoming BN: RSVPs are due TODAY!; #FamousChamber of Commerce Quotations: (Be happy!); Rochester Regional Chamber President and RRC Foundation Board Member Participate in Michigan Chamber’s Chamber Day; South Suburban Chamber of Commerce 2018 Community Resource Guide & Business Directory; LEAD 2.019 recognizes graduates, unveils project; Portage County Prosperity 2040 Launches 7 Innovative Projects; Murray-Calloway chamber named finalist for ’19 Chamber of Year; The 2018 Greater Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce Community Map; Sibonie Swatzyna named Hernando Chamber director; Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S.

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

ACCE: 2019 Chamber of the Year finalists: Effingham County (IL) Chamber, Murray-Calloway County (KY) Chamber, Greater Louisville Inc (GLI), Bowling Green Area (KY) Chamber, 8 others


The Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives today announced finalists for the 2019 Chamber of the Year competition, sponsored by MemberClicks.

Finalists for 2019 Chamber of the Year are (sorted by category):

Category One:
Murray-Calloway County Chamber of Commerce
Murray, Kentucky

Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce
Wooster, Ohio

Effingham County Chamber of Commerce
Effingham, Illinois

Category Two:
Kalispell Chamber of Commerce
Kalispell, Montana

Longview Chamber of Commerce
Longview, Texas

Grapevine Chamber of Commerce
Grapevine, Texas

Category Three:
Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce
Asheville, North Carolina

Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce
Bowling Green, Kentucky

Ocala/Marion County Chamber & Economic Partnership
Ocala, Florida

Category Four:
Salt Lake Chamber
Salt Lake City, Utah

Greater Louisville Inc.
Louisville, Kentucky

Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce
Irving, Texas

n the final phase of the competition, a judging committee conducts in-person interviews with leaders representing each finalist chamber. One winner from each category will be named at the 2019 ACCE Annual Convention in Long Beach, California.

Learn more about Chamber of the Year here.


Mclean County COMPACT summer intern program: Becoming BN: RSVPs are due TODAY!


Becoming BN is a 10-week summer program, specifically designed for ALL summer interns in McLean County to learn more about the wonderful attributes Bloomington-Normal has to offer.



Each week participants will engage in activities and experiences that introduce them to our thriving community, while they have opportunities to network, meet local CEO’s, and pick up a few professional development tips along the way. The Becoming BN is a program of McLean County COMPACT, a subsidiary of the McLean County Chamber of Commerce.



#FamousChamber of Commerce Quotations: (Be happy!)

“Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.” Thich Nhat Hanh




Rochester Regional Chamber President and RRC Foundation Board Member Participate in Michigan Chamber’s Chamber Day



Rochester Regional Chamber (RRC) President, Alaina Campbell, and RRC Foundation board member, Cheryl Bida, participated in the Michigan Chamber of Commerce “Chamber Day” last Tuesday, May 21. Chamber Day gives chambers of commerce from across the state the opportunity to speak with elected officials about pressing issues facing the business community. Panel discussion topics included filling the talent gap, Michigan roads and the legalization of marijuana. The auto insurance reforms and the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which is an update to NAFTA, were also points of discussions. Additionally, participants had an opportunity to hear directly from the Governor regarding her proposed budget and then meet with elected officials.

“The panel discussions were informative and enlightening. It’s crucial to understand the funding history, or lack thereof, and how Michigan compares to neighboring states. When you realize that our infrastructure has been severely underfunded for the past 40 years and that neighboring states spend $1 billion more per year on their roads, you can understand how our roads came to be in this condition” said Campbell.


South Suburban Chamber of Commerce 2018 Community Resource Guide & Business Directory

The South Suburban Chamber of Commerce 2018 Community Guide & Business Directory is available at the Chamber of Commerce today! Thank you to Barbara Wesener and the Chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!





South Suburban Chamber 2018 Community and Visitor Guide

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.





LEAD 2.019 recognizes graduates, unveils project




Greensburg, In. — In a room filled with varying perspectives, backgrounds, experiences, and occupations, this years LEAD 2.019 class stepped up to make the first public presentations of their chosen community projects. The LEAD acronym represented the opportunity to Learn, Experience, Apply and Demonstrate and the presentations fulfilled their last class requirement for graduation.

Thats just what the group did on Tuesday during lunch at the Decatur County REMC. The leadership program was adopted by the Greensburg/Decatur County Chamber of Commerce and facilitated by Effective Advancement Strategies of Greensburg.

According to Chamber Executive Director Jeff Emsweller, LEAD 2.019 was described as the next version of the former Leadership Decatur County program, which hadn't existed for over a decade. The need for the program was highlighted in the Community Vision and judging by the response, all in attendance were impressed with the efforts of the class.

The class of 14 started their journey in October 2018, meeting 11 times for three and one-half hours over that span and culminating with Tuesdays required presentations.

The class started with learning more about themselves and how their friends and colleagues viewed their leadership style,” Effective Advancement Strategies CEO David Fry said. Fry served as the facilitator and trainer of the program. Over the next few months they had several unique opportunities to learn more about the public, private and nonprofit sectors in the community.

Several speakers shared their perspectives on leadership and during one session the class visited Honda Manufacturing of Indiana to tour the facility and gain insight into their leadership culture, Fry said.

In the second phase, the class sought out community projects, issuing calls for proposals and building on the multiple assessments they had access to review. Those included City and County comprehensive plans, a Community Health Needs Assessment, the vision plan and others. In the end, three projects were chosen, and all aligned with the community vision.

Those projects and the team members that chose to help advance them were: Raising ARTisTREE District Awareness Angel Hocker, Terrah (Annie) Nunley, Vanessa Martin, & Andrew Oaldon. The group will work with the Arts & Cultural Council of Decatur County to raise awareness of, and sense of place, in the ARTisTREE District, which is less than a year old. Read more: Read more: WRBI.com


Portage County Prosperity 2040 Launches 7 Innovative Projects

(Amherst, WI) On Tuesday, May 14 over 60 local leaders, activists, young professionals and change agents gathered at the Lettie W. Jensen Center, Amherst to identify and launch projects to support Portage County Prosperity 2040, a county-wide initiative for future economic and community development.

Prosperity 2040 is co-sponsored by the City of Stevens Point, Portage County, the Village of Plover, and the Portage County Business Council, with support from the Portage County Towns Association. The initiative was co-funded by a grant from the Local Government Institute of Wisconsin.

The focus of the third and final workshop on May 14 was “Strategic Doing,” a method developed at Purdue University that helps broad stakeholder groups identify high impact projects to support their long term vision. At the Jensen Center, meeting participants represented a cross-section of small businesses, nonprofits, the social sector, education, agriculture, and government. Each participant selected one strategy (see list below) critical to the County’s future success, as identified through the previous two workshops.

Prosperity 2040 Strategies

Protect and diversify funding for infrastructure, e.g., roads, alternative transportation options
Protect and diversify funding for environmental needs, e.g., water, natural resources, recreational opportunities
Increase opportunities for residents to live healthy lifestyles, including access and affordability of fresh foods, prevention of chronic diseases, and improved mental health
Attract and retain young people and young families
Improve the economic ecosystem of family-supporting wage jobs
Promote and adopt practices that enable our community to live in balance with our natural resources, e.g., agriculture, groundwater, climate change mitigation
Create an educational system pre-K through 16 that produces a diverse skilled workforce to enhance fiscal growth in the community

By the end of the evening, seven pathfinder projects were launched to begin the “doing”. Projects ranged from a neighborhood vegetable sharing program to promote healthier lifestyles to an electric car-buying cooperative to a community awareness campaign focused on increasing funding for roads and infrastructure.

Sarah Agena, Flexible Nutrition Solutions said, “Last night was an exciting first step to take action on the issues we know will be critical to our region’s success. This is really about doing and community engagement. It is great to see the Business Council, municipalities and all the community involved. I met a lot of new, engaged people through the process.”

The next steps in the process include:

● The seven workgroups have committed to meet again in the next month and are invited to invite other enthusiasts or stakeholders who can help implement their projects. It is not necessary that participants were involved in the previous labs.

● Co-sponsors will meet monthly for the next six months with LGI and the consulting team from NEXT Generation Consulting to roll-up the previous meetings’ outcomes into a community-wide prosperity plan that can be implemented by stakeholders and partners.

Portage County residents who want to get involved can contact Todd Kuckkahn, Executive Director, Portage County Business Council at tkuckkahn@portagecountybiz.com; 715-344-1940. Residents are also invited to weigh-in on priorities for the future by logging onto Polco.us and search for “Portage County Prosperity 2040.” Registration is free and participants can respond to several polls to guide priorities.


Murray-Calloway chamber named finalist for ’19 Chamber of Year



For the second time since 2012, the Murray-Calloway County Chamber of Commerce knows it is a finalist for a prestigious national honor.

Tuesday afternoon, the chamber’s office broke into celebration after learning that it had been selected as one of the three finalists for the National Chamber of the Year award in its division by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. Murray-Calloway County officials are hoping for the same result as ’12, when the chamber not only was named a finalist but went on to win the title.

“I jumped up and down. Our staff all started jumping up and down. It’s just incredible,” said Murray-Calloway President and CEO Michelle Bundren. When she was named president a little over a year ago, Bundren was already saying the chamber would be making a run at this honor again.

“I wanted to wait, though, until I had about a year under my belt because applying for this requires a lot of time and effort,” she said. “So it’s only been, really, since the beginning of the year that the application process started for us.”

Two of the three steps in that process have been completed. The final step will be taken soon in Long Beach, California when Bundren and Murray-Calloway Chamber Board of Directors Chair LaCosta Hays participate in an interview session that will account for two-thirds of the final score toward determining the winner.

“This is a huge honor for our community, just to be nominated. Obviously, though, we want to win it,” Bundren said, expressing confidence in the fact that the Murray-Calloway chamber has won this before. “In fact, one of the other two finalists was a finalist also in 2017, so that tells you that having success in this before does help.”

Bundren also said Murray-Calloway is one of four chambers from Kentucky to be finalists for national awards this year. She added that if the Murray-Calloway chamber does repeat its success from 2013, the timing could not be much better. The notifications of the winners, including the Chamber of the Year, will be made about a week before the Murray-Calloway chamber hosts its annual Business Celebration (formerly known as the Chamber Dinner).

“That would be the most amazing thing,” Bundren said. “In just being nominated, especially this year, we’ve really done something I think.(Wednesday) I was told that the number of applicants had increased by 20 percent this year, so that tells you that a lot of places around the country think a lot of their communities and are wanting to promote them as much as possible.” Read more: Murray Ledger and Times





The 2018 Greater Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce Community Map

The Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce Community Map is available at the Royal Oak Chamber today! Thanks to Shelly Kemp and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!






Greater Royal Oak Chamber 2018 Map

Town Square Publications (www.townsquarepublications.com) can help you accomplish your chamber's gloss map, directory, community guide or publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633.


Sibonie Swatzyna named Hernando Chamber director

There’s been a new face at the Executive Director’s desk of the Hernando Main Street Chamber of Commerce.

As of Monday, Sibonie Swatzyna began her new position in promoting the business community and the DeSoto County seat in general as the new Chamber Executive Director. It’s appropriate she started this week, since it was National Small Business Week.

Swatzyna arrives after former Executive Director Jessie Dement took on a new position with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital/ALSAC in Memphis.

For the past seven years, Swatzyna has been the Executive Director of the Home Builders Association of North Mississippi, a trade organization is support of area home builders.

But now, she gets to work with the entire business interests of Hernando.

“When this position opened, it became another opportunity to build and be challenged with different things to do,” Swatzyna said. “With the Home Builders, you’re just working with a distinct industry, but here you get to work with all kinds of businesses; retail, nonprofit, people just starting their businesses. It’s just exciting.”

Swatzyna and her husband Roger have rooted themselves in the Hernando community and in DeSoto County. Sibonie is a native of Horn Lake, Roger is an officer with the police department in Hernando and they have lived in Hernando since marriage.

They also a pet rabbit, which Sibonie calls “Thumpman,” who she counts as part of the family.

Prior to her start with the Home Builders Association, Swatzyna worked with the Southaven Chamber of Commerce for five years handling administrative duties there. But she believes her overall experience will help in her mission to now promote business in Hernando.

“We try to find ways to help businesses connect, because that’s really what a Chamber is all about, helping them grow their business, which in turn, helps us because we get new members,” Swatzyna said.

The advantage Hernando has, she feels, is that the city remains an attractive, growing place to live and do business, but holds onto its small, intimate atmosphere. Read more: Desoto Times



Renovated Tazewell railway station opens, houses new Chamber of Commerce


For the first time in 60 years, the former Norfolk & Western Railway station in Tazewell was open for public business. The Restoration and Repurposing Committee, in cooperation with the Tazewell County Chamber of Commerce, the Town of Tazewell, the Board of Supervisors, the Tazewell County Historical Society and the Tazewell County Tourism office, among others, welcomed an estimated crowd of more than 300 to the gala grand opening Saturday.

“We had hoped to fill the 120 seats in the station, and we did,” said Tazewell town council member and committee chair Dr. Terry W. Mullins, who added in opening remarks, “our hearts and this historic building are overflowing on this wonderful day.”

Mullins, who organized the team formed in March 2014, has worked tirelessly with local, state and federal officials along with spirited community support and volunteer efforts to make the dream of opening the station a reality. The 30 members of the team were recognized for their “thousands of volunteer hours” as noted by Mullins.

A mural representing the noted work of outstanding artists Don and Ellen Elmes was unveiled. Architect Barry Rakes spoke and N & W Historical Society representative Tishia Boggs presented Mullins an historic railroad book. Cumberland Plateau’s Jim Baldwin lauded the group’s achievement.

Not only is the station open, but it has become the home of the newly reorganized Tazewell County Chamber of Commerce.

“We are so excited to be here,” said C of C interim Director Pam Meade, who has led the Tazewell Chamber for five years. “We will continue to work on behalf of Tazewell County, and will also be a satellite office of the Tourism Committee. We hope to extend our hours to better serve visitors from far and near and we welcome volunteers to help us do that.”

Rusty Hatfield, whose father, Major, was the last N & W station agent in 1978, gave the invocation and benediction.

He said, “This (restoration) is fantastic. We can all be thankful for what it meant to shoppers, local business, passengers, the soldiers who used it over the years and hopeful for the opportunities now open for the future.” Read more: Bluefield Daily Telegraph



Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S.


Town Square Publications, a division of the Daily Herald Media Group, is a national chamber custom publishing group that specializes in developing partnerships by producing high-quality print and digitally integrated publications along with other added value programs dedicated to creating relevancy for local chambers of commerce and other membership focused organizations interested in raising non-dues revenues.

Town Square Publications parent company, Paddock Publications, has over 100 years’ experience of print product development and dedicated customer service in communities throughout the Midwest. Our experience allows Town Square Publications to offer you attractive royalty and non-dues revenue share streams, provide direct distribution of your custom designed printed publications, including digital and mobile integration, and all with the quickest turn-around times available in the industry. Town Square also offers multi-media maps in both print and online formats, both with our No-Cost guarantee. More information: Town Square Publications

Chambers of Commerce and member focused organizations serve as a valuable resource in the local marketplace. The networking opportunities and representation with a wide variety of diverse businesses in your community is the catalyst of a successful organization. For further information about Town Square's publishing partnership with chambers of commerce and our No-Cost guarantee and Earned Revenue Share Program, To request your chamber publication or map proposal, contact Town Square Chamber Proposal





Monday, March 4, 2019

#ChamberCollaboration: Greater Reston, Dulles Regional, Loudoun County, Greater McLean, Tysons Regional Chamber and Partners to Host Legislative Update; Collaborative Effort Aims to Establish Shared Vision for Flint & Genesee’s Economic Vitality; Lake Zurich Chamber of Commerce Community Guide & Membership Directory; #Lovemychamber: Marion Chamber of Commerce: Sister City: Kumihimo Braiding Workshop; Kentucky Hall of Fame: Who Inspires You? 2019 Call for Nominations; Your Future LIVE Career Expo to Provide Students with Interactive Career Exploration; Chamber hosting IOSHA/INSafe program; Wyoming-Kentwood (MI) Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Map; Location, Location, Location: East Mississippi the ideal place to do business; Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S.

Happy Monday #ChamberWorld! It's going to be a GREAT week!


#ChamberCollaboration: Greater Reston, Dulles Regional, Loudoun County, Greater McLean, Tysons Regional Chamber and Partners to Host Legislative Update


Dr. Stephen Farnsworth, Speaker Kirk Cox and Minority Leader Eileen Filler-Corn to Speak on Business in Virginia


Reston, VAThe Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce, along with regional business partners, is proud to announce Dr. Stephen Farnsworth, Speaker Kirk Cox and Minority Leader Eileen Filler-Corn will be speaking on the upcoming elections in November, the cascading scandals in the executive branch and numerous other issues including redistricting, minimum wage, economic development, and transportation that will effect local businesses both large and small. 
Dr. Farnsworth, Professor of Political Science and International Affairs at University of Mary Washington, is looking forward to leading a lively discussion. "Virginia politics is always interesting but the 2019 session and the upcoming legislative elections, may make this year one of the most interesting in decades." Says Farnsworth
Scheduled for Wednesday, March 13th, 2019 from 8 a.m.-10 a.m. at the Hyatt Regency, this event is being held in partnership with the Dulles Regional, Loudoun, Greater McLean, and Tysons Regional chambers of commerce, and the Northern Virginia Technology Council.

“This collaborative regional event will provide business owners and representatives the opportunity to hear first hand from House Leadership and a respected political analyst. They will opine on how the community will be impacted by the passed bills and the actions of the Executive Branch and the Legislature.” says Mark Ingrao, President and CEO of the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce.

Tickets for this debate may be purchased online at RestonChamber.org. A breakfast buffet will be served prior to the debate.


Collaborative Effort Aims to Establish Shared Vision for Flint & Genesee’s Economic Vitality


Forward Together – an ambitious process to establish a shared vision for Flint and Genesee County’s future – kicked-off on Feb. 19, with the first convening of the 24-member Steering Committee. The process is backed through a unique partnership between the City of Flint, Genesee County and the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce.
The Steering Committee will guide the process and is made up of individuals representing a diverse set of professions, businesses and organizations from across the County. This group is expected to meet several times throughout the eight-month planning process and will work closely with the planning team to share insights and perspective that will contribute to the final plan.
“Several challenges have hindered the County’s positive momentum, but a lot can be accomplished when we work together to move the community forward; and the Chamber is excited to be a part of this ambitious process,” said Tim Herman, CEO of the Flint & Genesee Chamber.
The collaborating entities – including the City of Flint, Genesee County and the Flint & Genesee Chamber – initiated the process to create a county-wide vision for economic vitality. The process will be facilitated with the support of a consulting team including Planning NEXT of Columbus, Ohio and Ninigret Partners of Providence, Rhode Island.
This effort is intended to establish a common vision for guiding the County forward and will focus on promoting systematic and long-term change in such a way that existing institutions – including government, civic groups, non-profits, etc. – can be more responsive to the community’s needs and aspirations.
“With our challenges and potential in mind, now is an important time for county-wide collaboration to address economic concerns and build upon our assets,” said Flint Mayor Karen Weaver.
Ted Henry, chair of Genesee County Board of Commissioners said, “The most important element of the Economic Vitality Plan is the development of a community-owned vision that will begin to guide our economic development efforts ensuring that our future is not left to chance.”
During its first session, the Steering Committee committed to an open process and will invite the public to contribute their ideas and feedback. The Committee emphasized the need for the county-wide vision to represent the voice of the full community.
To ensure these voices are heard, two public engagement sessions will be facilitated during the process. The first of these workshops will focus on defining the community’s vision for economic prosperity. The planning team will use this valuable feedback to craft a draft plan that will then be tested through additional engagement activities. The input will serve as the foundation for the community’s vision statement, contribute to the plan’s goals, inspire actions and set the course for implementation.

The plan is set to be completed in the third quarter of 2019. To learn more, visit forwardtogethergenesee.org.


Lake Zurich Chamber of Commerce  Community Guide & Membership Directory

The Lake Zurich Area Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Guide & Business Directory is available at the Lake Zurich Area Chamber today! Thanks to Dale Perrin 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 guide or publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633. 


#Lovemychamber: Marion Chamber of Commerce: Sister City: Kumihimo Braiding Workshop

You are invited to attend...

Sister City: Kumihimo Braiding Workshop
Thursday, March 7
05:30 PM - 07:00 PM
Marion Chamber of Commerce
1527 Champions Dr
Marion, IL 62959
UNITED STATES
 
As part of the 2019 Sister City visit, we will be hosting activities that center around Japanese culture. The first event will be a workshop on Kumihimo braiding, a Japanese braiding technique for jewelry making.
Join us for a fun evening of bracelet making with Elaine Ketring on Thursday, March 7, 2019 from 5:30pm – 7:30pm.
A fee of $5.00 will cover the cost of materials for one bracelet.
The class is limited, so hurry and sign up today!


Kentucky Hall of Fame: Who Inspires You? 2019 Call for Nominations

Kentucky Entrepreneur Hall of Fame Nomination Form

If you know of a Kentucky entrepreneur that you feel deserves to be recognized please nominate them here. Keep in mind that the criteria for induction are (in order of importance):
- Revenue & profit achieved
- Employment generation
- Contribution to industry
- Contributions to community-oriented projects and society
- Innovation of product or serviceNominations are open for the 2019 class until May 10th, 2019.
Are you nominating this person as an 'up and coming' entrepreneur or for the hall of fame? *
For an idea of the level of achievement necessary to be inducted into the hall of fame, please note the bios of the previous inductees.

Hall of Fame

Emerging Entrepreneur (up and coming) 

Go to nomination form: Kentucky Hall of Fame Nomination Form


Your Future LIVE Career Expo to Provide Students with Interactive Career Exploration

The Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual career expo, Your Future LIVE, at the Fox Cities Exhibition Center in downtown Appleton to provide area students with an interactive program to explore careers available in the Fox Cities and beyond.

The 13-year event, now in its second year as an expanded two-day event, allows middle and high school students from 25 schools within 14 districts to interact with over 80 Fox Cities area businesses.

On the first day of the event, Wednesday, March 6, 8th grade students from area middle schools will visit career zones encompassing organizations from similarly grouped career clusters based on knowledge and skills needed to succeed in a particular area. Businesses will engage in conversation about their careers and career pathways, providing one-of-a-kind awareness and career exploration.

Day two of Your Future LIVE, Thursday, March 7, will welcome high school students from area schools to experience a conference format that focuses on students making meaningful connections with local employers. Students will learn about career opportunities at area employers such as career exploration (job shadows, informational interviews and business hosted events), career path opportunities (internships and youth apprenticeships) and employment (part-time or direct entry full-time).

"As our region, and the rest of the state, recognizes the need to fill positions in the workplace, we value the opportunity to offer an event that can establish connections between students and businesses,” shared Suzanne Wittman, Director of Talent & K-16 Relations at the Fox Cities Chamber and Fox Cities Regional Partnership. “Your Future LIVE is exactly that, a place for businesses to personally interact with many students from the different school districts within our region."

This event is made possible through the generous support of: Presenting Sponsors – Menasha Corporation, Village of Little Chute and City of Menasha; Kick-off Reception Sponsor – BMO Harris Bank; Zone Sponsors – Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Pieper Electric, Inc., Ascension St. Elizabeth Hospital, NEW Manufacturing Alliance, University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh, Fox Valley and Fond du Lac Centers; Volunteer Sponsor – Faith Technologies, Inc.; and our many supporting sponsors.


Your Future LIVE is scheduled for Wednesday, March 6 from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. and Thursday, March 7 from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. All scheduled events will occur at the Fox Cities Exhibition Center, 355 W. Lawrence Street, Appleton.



Chamber hosting IOSHA/INSafe program

The Greensburg-Decatur County Chamber of Commerce is hosting a lunch and learn program featuring Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration (IOSHA) Deputy Commissioner of Labor, Michelle Ellison, and INSafe Deputy Commissioner K.R. Boucher, on Feb. 21.
The program will be held in the gymnasium at Greensburg City Hall, 314 W. Washington Street, and will start at 11:30 a.m. with lunch. Doors will open at 11:15 a.m.
Chamber executive director Jeff Emsweller explained why the Chamber is hosting this upcoming program.
“We try to organize a quarterly program and bring in speakers who can provide information that is important to their company,” he said. “One of the quarterly programs are the directors of Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration and INSafe. Among other things, they will be discussing ways to improve workplace safety and health for workers by reducing hazards and exposures in the workplace environment that result in occupational illnesses, injuries and fatalities.”
The cost to attend this event for Greensburg-Decatur County Chamber of Commerce members is $10 and includes lunch. Non-Chamber member price is $12 and also includes lunch.
Both Chamber members and non-members may register online through their company portal on the Chamber website or by emailing execdirector@greensburgchamber.com. The Chamber will invoice the company involved if necessary.
Reservations are due by noon Feb. 19.
Ellison and Boucher will provide important updates and information from IOSHA and INSafe and will be available to answer any questions or entertain any comments attendees may have.


Wyoming-Kentwood (MI) Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Map


The new Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Map is available at the Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber today! Thanks to Bob O'Callaghan and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!


Town Square Publications (www.townsquarepublications.com) can help you accomplish your chamber's gloss map, directory, community guide or publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633.


Location, Location, Location: East Mississippi the ideal place to do business

There’s an adage that the three most important things in real estate are location, location, location.
That idea — that where you are can be instrumental to your success — rings true for many companies around East Mississippi.
Some of those businesses were established in Meridian and Lauderdale County decades ago, and have expanded to other parts of the United States, while others started elsewhere before coming to East Mississippi.
On one level, the numbers tell the story. According to the East Mississippi Business Development Corporation, Meridian is located within a day's drive of 55 percent of the U.S. population.
The city is located at the intersection of two major interstates (I-20 and I-59), three US highways (US 11, US 45, and US 80), and two major state highways (Mississippi 19 and Mississippi 39), according to the EMBDC.
On another level, many East Mississippi businesses thrive because of the region’s strong workforce and proximity to training and educational resources.
‘Right in the middle of where we need to be’
Nash, Texas-based BWI Companies, Inc., which distributes lawn, garden and horticulture products, made the move to Marion last summer.

Its Mississippi facility was based in Jackson for 36 years, but the company outgrew that site and needed to move east.
The center in Marion, which covers 90,000 square feet, serves the southern half of Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi, as well as the panhandle of Florida. A facility in Memphis serves the northern halves of those states.
Moving to Marion has benefitted the business, said Billy Key, a division manager with BWI who runs the facility.
“It’s been great,” Key said. “We’re right in the middle of where we need to be. We like being right off the Interstate.”

“The labor pool has been good,” Key added. “People seem to want work.” Read more: Meridian Star


Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S.



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