Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce Directors held the first Annual Manufacturing Dinner; Indiana commerce secretary touts the state's success luring business at Valpo event; Clydesdales visit EMBDC Business After Hours; #BestChamber practices: WMC SPECIAL: Early Bird Registration only $50 for Business World Summer Camps:;Muskego Area Chamber of Commerce 2018 Community Resource Guide & Business Directory; The future of mobility runs through Flint & Genesee; Clarkston Area Chamber : 5 Ways to Improve Your Small Business Marketing; Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce Community Map; Dearborn Area Chamber Names 2018 Teacher of the Year Award Recipients; Grand Rapids Chamber Small Business Series: Mindscape Shares Five Quick Tips for Small Businesses to Generate Leads & Sales Online; Halifax County Chamber of Commerce donates to SVHEC workforce training programs; Legislators give session update to Maysville-Mason County Area Chamber; 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!

Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce Directors held the first Annual Manufacturing Dinner

On Thursday, May 3^rd, The Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce Directors held the first Annual Manufacturing Dinner.  Over 150 people attended the event held at Sauk Valley Community College in Dixon, Il.   Manufacturing has been and continues to be a primary contributor to the success of the Sauk Valley Area.  The SVACC believes the collaboration being done between Manufacturing and Education (Sauk Valley Community College, Morrison Institute of Technology, and the Whiteside Area Career Center) to address workforce development and improve career pathways is critical to the growth of  the Sauk Valley.  

The Dinner provided an informal evening of discussion and highlight programming at Whiteside Area Career Center (WACC) , the Multicraft Program offered through SVCC and area employers, and updates at  Morrison Institute of Technology.  Also included were student testimonials, tours of SVCC Manufacturing area, and a dessert auction. The funds raised will be used for Scholarships for students pursuing manufacturing careers and chamber work in the area of workforce development and helping to create talent pipelines. 

For more information about the SVACC, please call 825-625-2400 or email knoble@saukvalleyareachamber.com 


Indiana commerce secretary touts the state's success luring business at Valpo event

The state's business climate is solid and is taking flight,  including direct transatlantic flights to Paris starting on May 24, Indiana Secretary of Commerce Jim Schellinger said.

"We are such a magnet for business," Schellinger said.

Schellinger, 58, was featured speaker at a joint luncheon hosted on Thursday by the Valparaiso Chamber and the Valparaiso Economic Development Corp.

The top reasons Indiana continues to attract new businesses include a low tax rate, a AAA credit rating and a cash reserve of $2 billion.

"We have so much to be proud of," Schellinger said.

Rex Richards, who serves as president of both the chamber and the VEDC, introduced Schellinger at the event held at Aberdeen Manor.

"The Valpo chamber is delighted to have Indiana Secretary of Commerce Jim Schellinger as the featured speaker at a joint luncheon hosted by the Valpo chamber and the Valparaiso Economic Development Corp. Secretary Schellinger has worked with Valparaiso to help recruit businesses from out of state who have been looking at Valparaiso as a site for expansion," Richards said.

Schellinger, a onetime Democratic candidate for governor, was named in 2016 by Gov. Eric Holcomb to serve as his commerce secretary.

The former Indiana Economic Development Corp. president, who grew up in South Bend, leads Indiana's international economic development agenda.

Before entering public service, Schellinger was chairman and CEO of CSO Architects, which built the Indianapolis International Airport, the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts and the White family's JW Marriott in downtown Indianapolis.

Indiana has a number of reasons to be proud, including a 3.2 percent unemployment rate and more Hoosiers working over the last 32 months, Schellinger said. Read more: NWI Times

Clydesdales visit EMBDC Business After Hours

Mitchell Distributing partnered with the East Mississippi Business Development Corporation to host this month’s Business After Hours.

Various local restaurants and businesses were serving food and drinks at the event. The Budweiser Clydesdales even made a special appearance. People were able to take pictures and learn about the famous horses. CEO of Mitchell distributing, Adam Mitchell, says he is honored to have the Clydesdales here in Meridian.


"They've been here before, but it's been almost 10 years. To have them back, with the EMBDC and with Business After Hours is very exciting,” says Mitchell.


Friday the Budweiser Clydesdales will be parading downtown Meridian delivering beer to local restaurants. They will began at D.T. Grinders at five in the afternoon and will end at City Hall where people can come and enjoy the horses. Read more: WTOK

#BestChamber practices: WMC SPECIAL: Early Bird Registration only $50 for Business World Summer Camps:

Wisconsin Business World is celebrating 35 years and the program continues to grow. This year Business World is pleased to add a third program and feature two new locations (UW-Madison & UW-Stevens Point). This 4-day and 3-night program teaches high school students the importance of career planning, financial literacy, entrepreneurship and the free-market enterprise system. Registration is now open for each of the three summer programs. Do you know a student who should apply? Register at the link below:

https://www.wmc.org/programs/business-world/summer-program/


Muskego Area Chamber of Commerce 2018 Community Resource Guide & Business Directory  

The Muskego Area Chamber of Commerce 2018 Community Guide & Business Directory   is available at the Chamber of Commerce today! Thank you to Krisann Durnford and the Chamber team for their help and direction putting this together! 

Muskego 2018 Community Resource Guide and Business Directory

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.

The future of mobility runs through Flint & Genesee

Flint & Genesee represents the heritage and the future of the automotive industry. The assets are all here, said Tyler Rossmaessler, director of economic development at the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce.
The challenge and opportunity, Rossmaessler said, is to leverage those strengths to grow the regional economy by luring investment in connection with emerging opportunities.
The “traditional” industry is well-represented by General Motors and the automaker’s extensive investments here in recent years. GM has invested $2.8 billion since 2009 to upgrade facilities and add or retain jobs, including spending $877 million on a new body shop at Flint Assembly where Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks are built. In addition, Lear Corp. is nearing completion on a $29-million seat manufacturing plant on part of the former Buick City complex to supply seating for GM vehicles.
The future of mobility – which includes the development of autonomous and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) – is emerging here in the form of new investments by several companies in Grand Blanc Township:

• CNXMotion opened a research and development facility in October 2017 where the company will develop advanced motion control systems and actuator components for automated driving. The company is a joint venture between Nexteer Automotive and Continental Corp.
• A month earlier, Laird, a global technology leader in vehicle connectivity, also unveiled a new R&D center that will serve the company’s Connected Vehicle Solutions
• Now, Magna Corp., a mobility technology company, is building a 229,500-square-foot building where it will combine existing operations under one roof to produce advanced driver-assistance systems. Magna recently announced a multi-year collaboration with Lyft in which the companies will jointly fund, develop and manufacture self-driving systems.

Meanwhile, Kettering University’s GM Mobility Research Center is taking shape along the Flint River on the site of former Chevrolet manufacturing complex (aka Chevy in the Hole). It includes a 3.25-acre test track and outdoor lab space to test and develop driverless car systems.
The Flint & Genesee Chamber is also a partner in PlanetM, an initiative of the Michigan Economic Development Corp. PlanetM is partnership of mobility organizations, communities, educational institutions, research and development, and government agencies working together to develop and deploy the mobility technologies driving the future.
“The traditional automotive industry is strong in trucks and we make trucks. So, we are in the ‘now’,” Rossmaessler said. “But we’re also about the future, and really have an opportunity for growth. Flint & Genesee is not being left behind. Far from it, we’re in the thick of it.

“From our position as the economic development organization, we are a connection point for those companies looking to invest.” Source: Flint & Genesee Chamber

#ACCE18 early bird discount ends this Friday
Don’t miss your chance to save $80 on your Annual Convention registration. Early bird discounts end this Friday (May 18). Join people from Aruba, Australia, Bonaire, Canada, France, Israel, Vietnam, 41 U.S. states and D.C. who have already registered for #ACCE18. Connect with peers from around the world this July in Des Moines. Register today to save $80.

Clarkston Area Chamber : 5 Ways to Improve Your Small Business Marketing


While your basic marketing plan might work for your business, there are things you can do to improve. Find out how to improve marketing for your small business.

Learn From Competitors

Find out what they are doing to attract customers. If you’re the only company in your industry still using cold calling techniques and with little return, it’s time to learn from the other players in the game. Their tactics might work for you, especially since you are trying to attract the same customers.

Get Testimonials

You can attract more customers by getting reviews from people who have already purchased from you.

You can put your reviews in multiple places, so potential customers are sure to see them. You can add reviews to your website. You might have a dedicated testimonials page, or you might let customers review your products.

Update Social Media

First, keep your account information updated and accurate. If something about your business changes, your social media profile should change, too. Make sure your website, address, hours, logo, and pictures are all current.

Second, post fresh content. You must regularly post new content on your social media pages.

Get Out of the Store

Whether you have a storefront or a home-based business, it’s important for potential customers to get to know you and your business. They need to see you. Sometimes, that means you have to go out to where your customers are instead of waiting for them to come to you. 

Become an Expert

You can improve your small business marketing by positioning yourself as a local expert. Becoming an expert is one of the long-term marketing tactics for small business, but can provide a big payoff.

Full article here - Forbes

Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce Community Map 

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

Rochester Regional Chamber 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. 


Dearborn Area Chamber Names 2018 Teacher of the Year Award Recipients

Hundreds of teachers, students and families attended a special ceremony on Thursday, April 26, 2018 to recognize and honor the teachers of the Dearborn Public Schools district at the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center.  The 21^st annual Alberta Muirhead Teacher of the Year Students’ Choice Award Ceremony, hosted by the Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce and presented by LaFontaine Automotive Group recognized the Teacher of the Year for grade categories Pre-Kindergarten- 2^nd grade, 3^rd – 5^th grade, middle school and high school.

The winning teachers for 2018 are Elizabeth Gutierrez of Geer Park Elementary School (PK-2^nd grades), Maria Iuliano of Geer Park Elementary School (3^rd-5^th grades), Peter Suni of Bryant Middle School, and John Bayerl of Michael Berry Career Center. Each of the four honorees received a $1,000 cash prize from the Chamber, a hand-made glass apple award from the Glass Academy in Dearborn, a membership to the Henry Ford, a gift basket full of goodies from area businesses, and are now part of a select group of Dearborn teachers who have been recognized by the community for their ability to make a difference.

The Chamber’s Education Committee, chaired by Philipp Emma, had the tough job of selecting four winners from a field of nearly 2,700 nominations. Nominations were received and carefully chosen by the committee, made up of a group of dedicated and highly motivated members of the educational and business communities.

“Dearborn Public Schools has pioneered Early College and the Collegiate Academy, technical education and career planning, graduating students with RN degrees, Cisco Certifications and Associate degrees” commented Jackie Lovejoy, president of the Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce. “The inspiring and committed educators in all areas are a stellar group and we’re delighted to honor them each year.  We are so thankful for the support of LaFontaine Automotive Group and all of our sponsors and partners who make this wonderful awards ceremony possible!”

Elizabeth Gutierrez was nominated as a 1^st grade teacher at Geer Park Elementary School by her student, Ali Zreik. Ali wrote in his nomination essay, “My teacher reads really fun books to the kids!”  Ali also included a hand-drawn picture of Mrs. Gutierrez and himself in the classroom.

Maria Iuliano was nominated by her student, Medina Faraj for her tremendous efforts as a 4^th grade teacher at Geer Park Elementary.  Medina shared why her teacher should be recognized among the best. “Instead of her doing all the work, she lets the students use the promethium board. This causes the kids to raise their hand because they want to demonstrate in front of the class.”

The middle school teacher of the year, Peter Suni, was nominated for his outstanding teaching at Bryant Middle School. He was nominated by student Hannan Farhat, who described her teacher as “a teacher who is easy going and puts in effort and connects the classroom with everyday life and makes learning fun.”

The high school winner, John Bayerl is a teacher & Special Populations Coordinator at the Michael Berry Career Center. He works with the kids, like a counselor, helping guide them and tutor them and will step in to take over a class if no sub, etc. He considers all the students to be his students and vice versa. He was nominated by his student Dana Mansi.

“In my four years of high school…” Dana wrote in her nomination. “I have never met a person who has as much faith in me as this teacher!”

Community partners sponsoring the event are LaFontaine Automotive Group, McDonald’s “The Future” in Dearborn, Dearborn Federal Savings Bank, DFCU Financial, Gallagher Benefits Services, Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters, 1^st Choice Urgent Care, MEEMIC Toler-Stemen Agency, Dearborn Federation of Teachers, Jim Thorpe Ameriprise Financial, University of Michigan-Dearborn, Fairlane Town Center, United States Army & Army Reserves, Famous Hamburger, PSN Technology, La Pita Restaurant, Henry Ford College, Korte’s Collision, Services to Enhance Potential (S.T.E.P.), Dearborn Education Foundation, Sphinx Technology, EduCare Student Services, Siena Heights University, Chief Financial Credit Union, Rugenski Chiropractic, Delta Dental, Kiwanis Dearborn Outer Drive, Buffalo Wild Wings, Mati’s Deli, & State Rep. Abduallah Hammoud.

The Dearborn Symphony donated concert tickets to attending teachers at the awards ceremony, Sam’s Club of Southgate provided reception refreshments, the Glass Academy donated the glass “apple” awards, Brome Burger and Yogurtopia of Dearborn donated gift cards for the winning teachers, and the Henry Ford donated a membership for each winning teacher.  The United States Army & Army Reserves donated classroom materials for each winning teacher.

Education is one of the Dearborn Area Chamber’s core strategies.  Through programs such as Teacher of the Year, the Chamber, a 600+ member organization, cultivates learning and mentoring opportunities between the student population and local business.  They also are the hosts of the Metro Detroit Young Entrepreneurs Academy entering their 6^th year with US Chamber Foundation.

For more information, please contact the Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce by phone at 313-584-6100. Be sure to follow the Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce on Facebook at facebook.com/DearbornAreaChamber, on Twitter @DbnAreaChamber and online at www.dearbornareachamber.org for all the latest news and events.

Grand Rapids Chamber Small Business Series: Mindscape Shares Five Quick Tips for Small Businesses to Generate Leads & Sales Online

Unfortunately, relying on “word of mouth” isn’t enough to grow a small business as quickly as one might hope. That’s why, with Chamber programs like the Small Business Series, small business owners and employees can get access to subject matter experts that provide them with the tools and insights they need to succeed.
Because our membership consists of 80 percent small businesses (and we are proud of it!), we work diligently to provide whatever resources and assistance they may need to thrive within the community.
For the most recent installation of the series on April 2018, we explored how to generate more leads and sales online profitably with Pete Brand, CEO, and Co-Founder of MINDSCAPE (inbound marketing and website development agency). MINDSCAPE has helped hundreds of companies around the world generate well over $1 billion in online revenue, and Pete Brand is truly an expert in the field of digital marketing.

Through this hands-on workshop, Brand discussed how companies can tie together all their online marketing efforts to create a steady flow of high quality, high value leads flowing directly from their websites. He also shared tips on how to convert those leads into happy clients without having to waste hard-earned dollars on unprofitable and ineffective marketing tactics.

For those who weren’t able to make it, here are five relevant and concrete takeaways from the workshop:

1. If you want to be successful in your marketing, be relational, NOT transactional.

   • Delivering valuable content to your customers or audience should be a priority regardless of whether or not they pull out their checkbook. “If you’re only thinking about your bottom line and are focused on the transactional, interruption-based marketing, your success and sustainability will be limited,” said Brand.

2. “Your website is your most valuable business asset… don’t treat it like a stale brochure!” – Pete Brand

   • Because your website is your most valuable asset, don’t do the lazy thing and have your 16-year-old nephew design it for you! Both the IT aspect of your website and the visual appeal and user experience are vital to your end mission – and your nephew may not understand that, even if he’s “good at the Internet.” While we’re on the subject, don’t be that business that requires web visitors to answer a million questions and provide a DNA sample before revealing the pricing of your products and services.

3. Pay per click advertising is renting attention. Inbound marketing is OWNING attention.

   • The fact is, consumers buy differently than they did ten years ago. This is why blogging, keywords, and social publishing are more vital than ever before.

4. Know your buyer persona.

   • “Spend your time getting to know the personas that your company serves intimately so that you can understand what makes them tick, as well as their buyer journey,” Brand explained. “Once you have an understanding, use this intelligence to deliver value and position your company as a trusted resource.”

5. Speaking of delivering value and being a trusted resource, according to Brand, the “magic number” for blogging is about ten to twelve blog posts per month! (this includes mediums like podcasts and videos)

   • Don’t have the time for that? According to Brand, in the era of the Internet, saying that you don’t have time to blog is equivalent to saying you don’t have time to talk to your customers.

---

Like what you’ve learned so far? Then be there for the next installment of our Small Business Series on Monday, May 21, 2018. This time, we will be exploring emotional intelligence and how to manage emotions to make more stable decisions and effectively communicate in ways that get results.

Small Business Series: Emotional Intelligence

Monday, May 21, 2018 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Grand Rapids Chamber
250 Monroe Ave NW Ste 150
Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Register Here


Halifax County Chamber of Commerce donates to SVHEC workforce training programs

The Halifax County Chamber of Commerce recently donated proceeds from its fourth annual Fall Classic Golf Tournament to support workforce training programs at the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center.

“The golf tournament has been one of the most successful programs the chamber has implemented. It is our pleasure to use that money to benefit workforce development in our community,” said Nookie Green, owner of Distinct Impressions in downtown South Boston, and five-year chairman of the Chamber’s golf tournament committee.

Nettie Simon-Owens, chief workforce development officer, accepted the chamber’s donation on behalf of the SVHEC. “We appreciate the ongoing support of the chamber and its members in our training efforts. The donation will benefit participants in our workforce training programs that include Work Ready Foundations, Welding, IT Academy, and Mechatronics,” Simon-Owens stated.

SVHEC workforce training programs provide short-term (less than a year), hands-on training that leads to industry recognized certifications. Because of these programs, 173 skilled workers were added to the regional economy in fiscal year 2017. Read more: Work It, SOVA

Legislators give session update to Maysville-Mason County Area Chamber

State Rep. John Sims and State Sen. Steve West were in Maysville Thursday to give an update on the recent legislative session in Frankfort.

The event was sponsored by the Maysville-Mason County Area Chamber of Commerce.

West spoke on the three major pieces of legislation passed during the session, including House Bill 200, which was the budget bill; Senate Bill 151, which was the pension reform bill; and the tax reform bill.

“This session could be summed up in a few adjectives — it was difficult, painful, historic, productive,” West said. “This is my fourth session. Some of the old timers there said this was the craziest, most pressure packed session they’ve seen. There were protests and a lot of speech from both parties. We eventually overrode vetoes from our governor in our own party.”

Of the budget bill, West said. “I felt we did a really good job keeping everything whole,” he said. “The main things we wanted to do was protect public protection, infrastructure and education.”

West said in regards to K-12 public education, legislators were able to pass a budget that put more money into the Support Excellence in Education in Kentucky fund, return funding for Family Resource and Youth Service Center programs and restored funding for school transportation.”

“We did a really good job protecting education,” he said. “You might see something on social media about how 6.25 percent was cut from education, but that’s not entirely true. We did cut from 6.25 percent but it was from the Frankfort component. You have several components. One of those is the Kentucky Department of Education component and the daily operations of that. That’s what we mean when we say we cut the Frankfort component.”

West also explained why the final pension reform bill was pushed through as Senate Bill 151, which was originally a waste water bill. Read more: The Ledger Independent

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

Chamber Executive Ongoing Education Weekly New Idea: Stop Complainers and Energy Drainers: How to Negotiate Work Drama to Get More Done by Linda Byars Swindling; #BestChamber Practices: Rapid City Chamber: Become a Business Champion; Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce 2016 Community Map; SBA Illinois Success Story: A bright idea: SBA Seasonal CAPLines program helps maker of holiday light repair tool fulfill orders; NKY Chamber Eggs ‘N Issues focuses on real estate and development accomplishments, opportunities; Chamber Supporter: ARC Of Indiana Thanks Muncie Community For Teaching Hotel; Rochester Regional Chamber support: Genisys provides scholarships to students this holiday season; Former Halifax County chamber president tapped for Go Virginia post; Chamber supporter: Natchez Brewing company prepares for big expansion; Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year Award nominees announced; Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S.

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

Chamber Executive Ongoing Education Weekly New Idea: Stop Complainers and Energy Drainers: How to Negotiate Work Drama to Get More Done by Linda Byars Swindling

Turn constant complainers into productive contributors

Constant complainers take up resources, time, and mental bandwidth in the workplace. When you change a culture of complainers to one of contributors, you boost morale, increase productivity, and promote effective communication. In short, you get more done with less drama. In Stop Complainers and Energy Drainers, workplace communication expert Linda Swindling shares her expertise in negotiating tough situations in the workplace. Discover how to influence others to accomplish your purpose. Stop Complainers and Energy Drainers uses scenarios, engaging questions, and survey results to provide strategies that can be implemented immediately.

• Shows how to identify complainers and time drainers
• Provides forms to help prepare for discussions, suggested language to show up powerfully, and encouragement to apply strategies
• Offers concrete phrases and tactics to refocus a complainer and end unproductive conversations

Stop Complainers and Energy Drainers is research-driven and focused on how to identify as well as manage conversations with "venters," complainers, whiners, and energy drainers. With these guidelines for communication, you'll see powerful results, improved relationships, and increased confidence. Read more: Barnes and Noble


#BestChamber Practices: Rapid City Chamber: Become a Business Champion

Dear Chamber Member:

The Rapid City Chamber of Commerce and its members are known throughout the state for taking bold action to improve the business environment of our city, region and state. We have helped to make lasting change to our government and business related policies that have impacted business, workforce development and education for the better of generations to come.

Successful impact:

• Increased municipal term lengths to allow better strategic planning by our elected officials.
• Bi-annual trips to DC to advocate for federal issues.  Impacted Mountain Pine Beetle funding and mitigation, Sanford Underground Research Facility funding and development, Powder River Training Range expansion to ensure EAFB remains off the base closure list.
• Consistent lobbyist representation in Pierre during legislative session. Rapid City Chamber is the only organization representing business interests West River.
• Lead advocate for increased funding for education to enhance workforce development for our children and attracting new talent to the area.
• Coordinate and host many candidate and issue forums throughout the year to keep community members informed and civically engaged.

We are inviting you to join us in continuing our efforts on behalf of business and the community by becoming a Business Champion.  For a $300 annual contribution you will be listed as a Business Champion on the Chamber website and receive exclusive updates during legislative session and as needed throughout the year.  Business Champions will receive exclusive invitations to meetings with elected officials, as well as an special post-session gathering to provide an update on the activities of the legislature. With your help, the Chamber can continue to make impressive impact on the local, state and federal level in regards to business issues and community impact.

There is always more we can accomplish. With the partnership of Business Champions we can take our advocacy efforts even further.

For your convenience, this voluntary contribution can be added to your annual membership billing each year.  If you are interested in becoming a Business Champion, please contact Lynn at 718-8480, or you can visit our website to submit the form online.

Be a change agent, make a difference, become a Business Champion!

Sincerely,

Linda Rabe, IOM CCE

Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce 2016 Community Map 

The Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce 2016 Community Map is available at the Rochester Regional Chamber today! Thanks to Sheri Heiney, Maggie Bobitiz 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. 


SBA Illinois Success Story: A bright idea: SBA Seasonal CAPLines program helps maker of holiday light repair tool fulfill orders

In spring of 2016, Glenview, Illinois-based Ulta-Lit Tree Company was entering into its busiest time of the year when owner John DeCosmo learned that the company’s purchase order line of credit was not going to be renewed. But when DeCosmo tapped into his longstanding relationships with First American Bank in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, he learned of a valuable opportunity: the SBA’s Seasonal CAPLines Program. Within a few weeks, the company had closed on a SBA-guaranteed loan from First American Bank worth $1.5 million. “I don’t know where we’d be without that loan,” DeCosmo said.

The SBA’s CAPLines program provides loans up to $5 million to help small businesses meet their short-term and cyclical working capital needs. The Seasonal Line of Credit Program, one of four distinct loan programs under the CAPLines umbrella, supports the buildup of inventory, accounts receivable or labor and materials above normal usage for seasonal inventory.

Ulta-Lit was well suited for... Read More

SBA Illinois Lenders Bank List from Daily Herald Business Ledger 12/12 issue

Daily Herald Business Ledger E-Edition




NKY Chamber Eggs ‘N Issues focuses on real estate and development accomplishments, opportunities

The Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce December Eggs ‘N Issues discussion focused on real estate and development in the region.

Pat Frew, executive director of the Covington Business Council, moderated the discussion at the Receptions events center in Erlanger.A panel that included Chuck Ackerman of Colliers International, Jeanne Schroer of the Catalytic Fund and David Heidrich of the Zalla Companies talked about accomplishments in the past year and provided some projections for the future.

As brokerage senior vice president, Cincinnati Colliers International, Chuck Ackerman is responsible for advising clients, including sellers, buyers, landlords and tenants in matters related to commercial real estate.

Ackerman said if the assessment of the region’s occupancy rate was a report card, it would be a perfect paper, especially with industrial and office properties.

“We’ve seen in industrial since 2010, a shrinking vacancy each and every year and basically the same thing for office,” Ackerman said. The numbers are in the 4 percent (range) for industrial in both the Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati region and about the mid-teens for office.

Retail is about 8 percent vacant in greater Cincinnati, but only about 4 percent in Northern Kentucky.

“The big dog in office this year in Northern Kentucky was CTI leasing 125,000 square feet in RiverCenter II,” Ackerman said. “St. Elizabeth Healthcare was in the news, as it (transformed the former METS Center into an) Education and Training Center in Erlanger. They are building a 149,000 square foot behavioral health hospital with 197 beds, also in Erlanger.” Read more: Northern Kentucky Tribune

Chamber Supporter: ARC Of Indiana Thanks Muncie Community For Teaching Hotel

A year ago this week The Arc of Indiana opened its doors in the Muncie community for the first of its kind Training Institute and Teaching Hotel.  We have had a year of wonderful success and memories and want to take a moment to thank all of the Muncie community for their support, patronage and vision in making our dream a reality.

When we started on this path in the winter of 2011, we were not sure who all of our partners would be and what our end project would look like.  We started with the dream of a father who wanted more for his young son after high school.  Jeff and Jan Steck Huffman planted their idea of training people with disabilities in hospitality services with The Arc of Indiana, knowing we had the vision, relationships and tenacity to do something with it.  The Arc under the leadership of John Dickerson, then Executive Director, and our Board of Directors tasked myself and Jill Vaught, Executive Director of The Arc of Indiana Foundation, to deliver a business plan that would lead to success.

We set out on a path to learn why this had never been done before.  We knew people with disabilities were working in the hotel sector.  We knew there were some hotel brands wanting to hire people with disabilities.  Why were we not seeing long term success and seeing our unemployment numbers for people with disabilities drop?  Time and time again we heard about the importance of choosing the right partners.  Choosing people who believed in the goals of the project, not just people who were expert in their fields.  Once we embraced the importance of our partners and created OUR vision, the rest simply fell into place, though not as easily as that sounds.

The one partner that made sense to us from the very beginning was Mayor Dennis Tyler and the Muncie community.  Once we met for that first time, I think Mayor Tyler saw the possibilities for his community even clearer than we did.  Joann McKinney, President and CEO of the Horizon Convention Center and Vicki Veach, Executive Director of the Muncie Downtown Development Partnership, were diligent about answering our questions and leading us to the right people to make connections and convince us that Muncie was the spot to be.

The downtown community as a whole, especially the Chamber of Commerce, the Visitor’s Bureau and certainly the City Council and EDIT Board, all deserve a heartfelt thank you in embracing this project and taking a bold leap in creating opportunities for your community.

We also could not have done it without the generosity of the Ball Brothers Foundation, the Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County, IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital Foundation and the Shafer Foundation.  Their belief in our project launched our capital campaign.

As far as success.  Yes we have seen it.  We have had 38 graduates from the Erskine Green Training Institute.  We have nearly 40 already signed up for classes in 2017.  Graduates are getting jobs, moving out on their own and gaining the independence we dreamed of.  We have seen an increase in business for the Horizon Convention Center and the hotel is performing above originally projected budget.  The restaurant is gaining ground and we are hoping for a fantastic 2017. Read more: Muncie Journal

Rochester Regional Chamber support: Genisys provides scholarships to students this holiday season

Genisys Credit Union is committed to giving back to the students in their community. This December alone, Genisys has awarded scholarships to six local students.

“Genisys Credit Union is honored to sponsor these scholarships to acknowledge the outstanding youth within our communities,” said Jackie Buchanan, Genisys President/CEO.

Holiday Extravaganza presented by Genisys Credit Union and Oakland County Michigan Works, was a collaborative event between the communities of Auburn Hills, Pontiac, Waterford, and White Lake that took place on December 3. As part of this collaboration, Genisys provided a scholarship to one student of each community. The selected students were given the title of Holiday Extravaganza Junior Grand Marshal in addition to the scholarship.

Junior Grand Marshal Margaret McDonald, of White Lake, was presented the Fran Anderson Scholarship Award of $1,000.  Junior Grand Marshals Grace Casolari of Waterford, Malika Jones of Pontiac, and Adam Mansfield of Auburn Hills were each awarded a $500 scholarship.

This year’s Holiday Extravaganza drew the largest crowd and the most volunteers the parade has ever seen. The 35thHoliday Extravaganza is comprised of the WinterFUN Festival and the parade down E. Caesar Chaves to Saginaw Street. The parade included twelve professional floats, five professional balloons, seven marching bands and more than 100 of your favorite costume characters.

This event would not be possible without their Corporate Sponsors: Advanced Disposal, Art Van Furniture, Lee Industrial Contracting, Oakland Livingston Human Services Agency, Oakland County Sherriff Department, Oakland University, The Crofoot, The Oakland Press, and United Healthcare.

The 65th Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade presented by Genisys Credit Union took place Sunday, December 4. Genisys has been the presenting sponsor of the Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade since 2010. Over the years, the partnership between Genisys Credit Union and the Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce has provided over $8,000 in scholarships for the Greater Rochester Community youth. This year’s Junior Grand Marshals, Andrew Smith and Sophia Shafkalis, were each awarded a $1,000 scholarship.

“We are thankful for this wonderful program and the support of Genisys Credit Union.  Without their support this program could not exist,” said President Sheri Heiney of the Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce. This parade wouldn’t be possible without the support of their North Pole Sponsors: City of Rochester Hills, Crittenton Hospital Medical Center, and Oakland University. Read more: CU Insight

Former Halifax County chamber president tapped for Go Virginia post

Former Halifax County Chamber of Commerce President Nancy Pool didn’t stay retired very long.

On Friday, the Halifax County Industrial Development Authority board member informed fellow members she has been offered a part-time, paid position with Go Virginia, a regional organization promoting private-sector investment (as opposed to government-subsidized growth), a diverse economy, regional collaboration and the use of state government as a catalyst and partner diversity.

Pool, who says the opportunity is “very new” and that she will have more details after a first meeting with Go Virginia officials next week, will be part of the Go Virginia steering committee for Southern Virginia.

Pool, who has 35 years of experience supporting local businesses as president of the local chamber, says she believes she was chosen to represent this area because not only does she understand regional cooperation—she also knows many business leaders across the region and has worked with them one-on-one over the years.

IDA Chair Butch Blanks congratulated Pool on her new position, saying it was clear Go Virginia had made a wise choice in her appointment.

Board member W. W. “Ted” Bennett also congratulated Pool, saying “We’re more respectful of the leadership now that they’ve picked you.”

Bennett also said that Pool’s presence on the Go Virginia steering committee might allow IDA to “use them as a resource” and that Virginia Economic Development Partnerships in rural areas are more dependent on strong regional networks than localities boasting higher density populations. Read more: WORK IT, SOVA

Chamber supporter: Natchez Brewing company prepares for big expansion

The Natchez Brewing Company is making a beer run — or move —to a larger building where it plans to increase its production by 10 times.

 “We can’t make enough beer right now to sustain demand,” said Lisa Miller, who co-owns and operates the company with her husband, Pat. The nearly 3-year-old brewing company is moving from its Franklin Street location into a larger warehouse, located at the corner of High and Canal streets to keep up with sales.

The couple is selling most of their current brewing system, which includes Öve 100-gallon fermenting vats. When they start brewing at the new location in January, they will be using six 1,000-gallon vats. The new location will continue to sell the brewing company’s merchandise. Tours of the new brew house will also be available.

The Millers moved to Vidalia in 2012 after living in Asheville, N.C., which Miller said is a known craft beer haven. “It’s a huge beer city,” she said. When her husband started home-brewing his own beer, the couple had the idea to start a business near his hometown.

With the exception of Lazy Magnolia, which was established in 2003, the vast majority of in-state breweries started Ölling beer pitchers after 2012 because of a craft-beer bill signed into law that year. Once it was legal to make beer with more than 5 percent alcohol, manufacture it and sell it outside the state, the industry grew. Brewers in Mississippi produced more than 18,000 barrels of beer in 2013, a 25 percent increase from the year before, according to the Mississippi Brewers Guild’s website. Miller said Natchez Brewing was the only other craft beer brewer in the area competing with Lazy Magnolia Brewery when they opened.

Currently, there are more than 13 established Mississippi brewing companies. The closest Mississippi breweries to Natchez are more than 100 miles away on the Gulf Coast.

Miller said Natchez Brewing hopes to branch out to larger markets in New Orleans and Baton Rouge as well as Tennessee.

Natchez–Adams County Chamber of Commerce President Debbie Hudson said she is glad to see young professionals like the Millers succeed in business. “I’m glad that they’ve had growth,” Hudson said. “We want to keep that going,” Hudson said in a small town, having a brewery, a distillery and a winery makes the community more interesting to prospective entrepreneurs. She said it is also a great way to attract tourists to the area. Read more: Natchez Democrat

Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year Award nominees announced

Twenty-six Wisconsin manufacturers have been nominated for the 29th Annual Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year Awards.

The nominees showcase the strength and vibrancy of the manufacturing sector in our state that sustains high-wage, family-supporting careers. With nearly 500,000 state residents working in the manufacturing sector, Wisconsin is among the most manufacturing intensive states in the nation.

Area companies nominated include: Apache Stainless Equipment Corporation, Beaver Dam; Columbus Chemical Industries, Inc., Columbus; Octopi Brewing, Waunakee; and Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics, Portage.

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The MOTY program recognizes the state’s top manufacturers of all industries and sizes for their commitment to good business practices, innovative processes, and productivity enhancements to help drive Wisconsin’s economy. A total of four Grand Award winners will be chose from categories based on company size.

The accounting and advisory firm of Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP, the law firm of Michael Best, and the state chamber of commerce Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce sponsor the annual MOTY awards program. The sponsors will celebrate the nominees and reveal the winners at a black tie ceremony Feb. 23 at the Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee.

Additional information can be found online at www.wimoty.com or by calling 800-362-7301. Read more: Portage Daily Register

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 Here

Chamber issue: Indiana spending $9M on one-stop business portal; Chamber Live Chat...Looking for things to do in Northern Michigan, including Mackinac Island?; Kentucky Arts Council seeks community partners for Etsy program; Barb LaMue new Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation vice president of Economic and Community Development; For VACCE award winner Nancy Pool, Accolades keep coming; #Bestchamber pracitices: Cary Grove Area Chamber- Chamber University; Chamber Best Practices: The Alliance in Corinth, Mississippi: Economic Development;

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

Chamber issue: Indiana spending $9M on one-stop business portal

The first step in starting a new business is having a big idea.
Then comes the paperwork.
A new state project hopes to ease those bureaucratic burdens for Indiana businesses.
The Secretary of State’s office is getting ready to launch an online portal called Business OneStop, which it says will streamline businesses' interactions with state government. Instead of having to visit multiple agencies, businesses will go to just one website to register their companies, submit required annual reporting, learn about new laws and even pay their taxes.
The $9 million project is being built with small business owners in mind—especially first-timers and those with small staffs.
“We want it to be less confusing, less stressful and have less delays,” said Secretary of State Connie Lawson. “Small businesses who are doing it all themselves will see a large benefit.”
Christy Gillenwater, president and CEO of the Southwest Indiana Chamber of Commerce in Evansville, said that’s the group that needs the most help.
“They may have never had to navigate these waterways before,” Gillenwater said. “For many, it feels daunting and overwhelming.”
The state hopes the system, which is being built by Connecticut-based PCC Technology Group, reduces inefficiencies between state agencies and increases compliance—from paying taxes and fees on time to submitting paperwork to the right place. Read more: IBJ.com

Chamber Live Chat...Looking for things to do in Northern Michigan, including Mackinac Island? 

Have you been up north this summer?

What about Mackinac Island?

I've been fortunate to visit several times this year, and each time I'm in awe of the natural beauty, as well as the hospitality. Everyone is so nice and helpful.

So, today I have enlisted a couple of tourism professionals to offer some things you can do now through Labor Day weekend, as well as answer some general questions about their regions.

Paul Beachnau is the executive director at the Gaylord Area Chamber of Commerce, and he grew up on the trails, rivers and adventures of Northern Michigan. If you have a question about the area, he'll be able to answer it. He is also a member of the Otsego County Board of Commissioners.

Alison Abraham is assistant director of Mackinac Island Tourism, and I met her when she used to work in Marquette. She'll be able to answer questions about things you can do on the Island, which has the Fudge Festival this weekend. Read more: M LIVE

Kentucky Arts Council seeks community partners for Etsy program

Stanton woodworker Eugene King already does a robust wholesale business, selling his wooden kitchen utensils to shops in 31 states. He wanted to expand his operation, though, to include online retail customers.

Thanks to a recent workshop sponsored by the Kentucky Arts Council, Hazard Community & Technical College and the Mountain Association for Community Economic Development (MACED), King is ready to sell to the global online retail market.

Etsy, whose members reported $1.93 billion in gross merchandise sales in 2014, is an online marketplace where people around the world buy and sell unique goods. Craft Entrepreneurship is a program that equips people with the knowledge and skills to start Etsy businesses and earn extra income through their craft. The arts council wants to recruit new partners to present this workshop in communities across the Commonwealth.

King was one of five graduates of the state’s first Craft Entrepreneurship Program held weekly throughout June at Hazard Community & Technical College.

Largely self-taught, King has been making wooden kitchen tools all his life. He was adjudicated into the Kentucky Crafted program in 2002, but he admits he still had a lot to learn heading into the Etsy workshop. Read more: Floyd County Times

Barb LaMue new Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation vice president of Economic and Community Development

Barb LaMue is the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s new vice president of Economic and Community Development.

LaMue, who had been a sector development manager and a regional account manager for WEDC, has 18 years of economic development experience in Wisconsin. Before joining WEDC in January 2012, she was the executive director of Centergy Inc., a regional economic development organization serving five counties in central Wisconsin.

LaMue also has served as the vice president of economic development of the Greater Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce and the executive director of the Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

Read more:Madison.com

For VACCE award winner Nancy Pool, Accolades keep coming

Members of the Leadership Halifax County group gathered around a downtown South Boston bench Monday morning to surprise former Halifax County Chamber of Commerce President Nancy Pool with a bench being named in her honor. Participating in the presentation were Dale Harris of Huber Engineered Woods; Vashon Canty of Southern Virginia Higher Education Center; Pam Taylor of Southside Virginia Community College; Mitzi McCormick of Halifax County Chamber of Commerce; Patricia Ricketts of ABB; Ellen McCormick of BB&T; Alyssa Gavitt of ABB; Brandon Scearce of Nationwide Insurance; Nancy Pool; Ken Buckley of Virginia Lottery; Joe Heath of Blue Ridge Beverage; Betty Adams of Southern Virginia Higher Education Center; Michael Watson and Janet Collins of Fairfield Inn and Suites; Adam Layman of Staunton River State Park; Aaron Porterfield of Huber Engineered Woods; and Ryland Clark of ABB.

Pool served as chamber president for 35 years before retiring earlier this year.

Prior to her retirement, Pool was lauded for her distinguished career with the county chamber, and then last week in Roanoke she was recognized by the Virginia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives when they presented her with the Lifetime Achievement Award during their annual meeting at the Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center.

The “Lifetime Achievement Award,” created by the past presidents of VACCE, honors a colleague who, throughout his or her career, has made significant contributions to the advancement of the chamber profession as well as to VACCE.

Timothy Hulbert, IOM, president and CEO of the Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce, presented Pool with the award saying, “Nancy has been a consummate chamber professional throughout her distinguished career, and we are delighted she has received this prestigious recognition. It is well deserved.” Read more: The Gazette-Virginian

#Bestchamber pracitices: Cary Grove Area Chamber- Chamber University

3 Critical Tips to Accelerate Your Business Promotions

Join us for this interactive luncheon session and a discussion on your business promotional readiness, visibility and recognition. You'll take away a better understanding of how to find out what your customers want and how to connect with them. A pre-event handout will be available to get the most out of the session - register today to receive your copy.

Janice Means worked 14 years as a Senior Managing Consultant at IBM. She received her MBA from Governors University in 1990. She currently is president of EmbroidMe of Crystal Lake. Janice speaks on a variety of business topics including business strategy, marketing and entrepreneurship. Get more information: Cary Grove Chamber


Chamber Best Practices: The Alliance in Corinth, Mississippi: Economic Development

City of Corinth and Alcorn County, MS

Alcorn County is a great place for business.Contact us to visit an available site or building or to learn more.

Easy Rail, Highway, and Air Transportation

• Two state and two U.S. highways converge in Corinth, making truck travel easy and accessible.
• Three railroads/rail lines pass through the city of Corinth, which has a marshalling yard.
• Air transportation is quick and easy with three airports — one international,  one regional, and one private — within 100 miles.
• Port access to the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway is within 25 miles of Corinth.

Experienced Work Force

• Alcorn County has a labor force of 16,119 workers, with 87.88% employment.
• The average manufacturing wage is $37,917.

State and Local Incentives and Tax Breaks

• Workforce training programs are available through community colleges, WIN Job Centers, and the local career and technology center.
• Financial incentives for infrastructure development, tax breaks, and more are available through TVA, the state of Mississippi, and local government.
• University outreach programs to support business and industry are available.

Specialized Industry

Alcorn County has the infrastructure, skilled workers, economic incentives, and proximity to suppliers that specifically support the industries of

• automobile parts producers
• health care providers
• plastic manufacturers
• wholesale trade and distribution providers
• the tourism industry.

The TAP Alliance

Tishomingo, Alcorn, and Prentiss counties in northeast Mississippi have created the TAP Alliance to unify their economic development efforts. The organization’s primary objective is to undertake projects at a regional scale that will benefit all three adjacent counties. Efforts may range from joint marketing campaigns to specific industrial recruitment projects.

Commitment to a regional approach increases the area’s appeal to industries seeking sites for new facilities. Working together and drawing upon assistance from the Tennessee Valley Authority, the three counties can offer greater opportunities and resources than any of them working individually.

The TAP Alliance board of directors comprises two representatives from the Board of Supervisors in each county and one representative from each county’s largest municipality. Read more: The Alliance