Showing posts with label Hancock County chamber. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hancock County chamber. Show all posts

Thursday, September 5, 2019

A passion for the community; Chamber VP plays important role in recovery; Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce Celebrates 75 Years with an Anniversary Gala on September 19th; Virginia Peninsula Chamber, Hampton Roads Chamber: Envision 2020 Regional Branding Initiative Survey; Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce Membership Directory and Business Resource Guide; Marion Chamber: Upcoming City Council Discussions on Sales Tax/Property Tax & Vision 2020 for Marion; WELCOME HOME - The Nation's Premier New Resident Marketing Program for Your Chamber Members; Plymouth Chamber of Commerce celebrates 95th Anniversary with Wednesday open house; South Mississippi Strong: Bay businesswoman a driving force behind Coast tourism for 40+ years; Bullitt County, Ky.: Sustainability, beauty and wildlife; 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!

A passion for the community; Chamber VP plays important role in recovery

It will be a while before Wisconsin Rapids area forgets about the damage done by the July storms. Fortunately, thanks to the help of the entire county, the city will not soon forget about its impressive recovery efforts either.
Krista Coon, vice president of the Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce, played an important role in pulling the community together in the time of crisis. Coon has a “passion for the community,” that has motivated her to become involved. She has been involved with the Heart of Wisconsin chamber since 2006 in various roles and as vice president since January of this year.
The July storms caused significant damage in Wisconsin Rapids, namely wind damage that left trees downed and businesses closed. The city, along with the county and other municipalities, Wisconsin Rapids Waterworks & Lighting Commission, and Alliant Energy worked together to get the city up and running again. According to Coon, over 100 workers came from out of the area and worked in the city for around 10 days.
Coon saw the efforts of those workers and organized a spontaneous luncheon to thank them.
“On that Sunday morning, I drove in to check on our building and saw all the damage,” Coon said. “I reached out to my boss and asked her if she could reach out to our mayor. I then drove up and down Eighth Street and other areas to see who was open and relayed it on Facebook. Then (my co-worker) Steph Schmid and I checked in on over 100 businesses to see if they had power or internet and if they needed anything, and communicated the updates with the community through Facebook. Finally, I reached out to all the areas high schools and had some sports teams help clean up the area, particularly churches, area residents, and a local golf course that was hit hard.
“Thanks to the help of the out of town volunteers, sports teams, and the rest of the community, most of the damage was sorted out in less than a few weeks. The luncheon was held towards the end of the end of the workers time in the Rapids area.  It was great to hear how they felt welcomed here and that they loved our community.”
 Heather Sairs, friend and coworker of Krista, watched the situation unfold. “(Krista) pulled together the luncheon in less than two days and got sponsors from businesses in the community to provide the food for the event.”
Sairs was on vacation, and says she came home to a wreck. “There were lots of trees uprooted, homes damaged, and sidewalks ripped up, but I also saw a community that came together and supported one another.”
In the case of another emergency, Coon advises everyone to get involved by following the Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce, City of Wisconsin Rapids, County of Wood, Wisconsin Rapids Water Works & Lighting Commission Facebook pages.
“We are here to help. There are lots of emergency plans in place, but we need to make sure we connect the dots between all of them,” she said.

Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce Celebrates 75 Years with an Anniversary Gala on September 19th

The Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1944 and is celebrating 75 years of service to the Dearborn area and southeast Michigan! You are invited to join us for our 75th Anniversary Gala taking place on Thursday, September 19, 2019 at the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation.  Enjoy dinner and dancing under the 1939 Douglas DC-3 airplane.  Black tie optional for this once-in-a-lifetime celebration.

We are beyond thrilled to announce Woodward Avenue Records recording artist Ben Sharkey as our night’s entertainment sponsored by Callharbor. Ben infuses his live performances with a hip and sultry fire, bringing his artful swagger with a colorful fusion of old school cool, swinging jazz, soul and contemporary pop. Mr. Sharkey released his second album Mercury Rising in the summer of 2018. The Michigan native has become one of the Motor City’s premiere live entertainers, with hundreds of performances at big house venues such as the Fillmore, Royal Oak Music Theater, and Comerica Park, also playing at jazz hotspots like Cliff Bell’s and a five year and counting residency at the Axis Lounge at the MGM Grand Detroit.

“To enjoy and celebrate our growth we are thrilled to offer this night of cheer!” said Jackie Lovejoy, president of the Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce. “I’m delighted to welcome Ben Sharkey; I’m even more thrilled to be a steward of this great institution!”

Registration for the 75th Anniversary Gala is only $120 per person. Registration can be completed online at www.DearbornAreaChamber.org or by calling 313-584-6100. Sponsorships are still available! Join us for an elegant plated dinner, drinks & dancing. We also have the museum to ourselves! Non-dancers can explore all the exhibits while the museum is closed to the public.

We are beyond thankful to our event sponsors. Presenting sponsor is Beaumont Health. Our “Sweep You Off Your Feet” Valet Sponsor is Les Stanford Chevrolet. Gold and Champagne Sponsor is Comcast Business. Silver Sponsor is La Fontaine Automotive Group. Diamond Age Sponsor is The Senior Alliance. Entertainment Sponsor is Callharbor. Chamber Pillar Sponsors are Clark Hill PLC, Sean McGraw State Farm Insurance and KLA Laboratories.

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.



Virginia Peninsula Chamber, Hampton Roads Chamber: Envision 2020 Regional Branding Initiative Survey


Dear Business Leaders,

As a member of one of four regional business organizations — Hampton Roads Business Roundtable, Hampton Roads Chamber, Peninsula Chamber, and CIVIC Leadership Institute — you are invited to participate in the Envision 2020 Regional Branding Initiative Business Leaders Survey.

The Envision 2020 effort (www.envisioning2020.com) is being led by the Hampton Roads Chamber and Reinvent Hampton Roads, and is supported by dozens of leading organizations dedicated to advancing our region. This nine-month, research-intensive initiative is designed to:
  • Understand how our key stakeholders (residents, businesses, potential tourists, future business investors, and site selection consultants) perceive our region.
  • How competing regions advance their unique brands.  
  • How to best advance our own region’s brand, including what we should call ourselves — Hampton Roads, Coastal Virginia, Tidewater or another alternative regional name you may have heard.
This Business Leaders Survey will take 15 to 20 minutes to complete, as it covers a number of critical topics which will ultimately impact our region’s future competitiveness. In addition to the place marketing questions, this survey explores issues related to our region’s business ecosystem, placemaking considerations, and regional economic development efforts. Please consider the time it takes to complete this survey as your investment in advancing our region.

You can stop your survey and come back to it at any time. When you return to your survey link, you will arrive at the next unanswered question. All responses to this survey will be kept strictly confidential. No names, organizations, or identifying information will be linked to any single respondent. All data will be reported in aggregate.

Please note: In the coming weeks, you may be asked to take another survey — the Envision 2020 Regional Residents Survey — which will most likely be promoted by the media and other organizations across the region. The Regional Residents Survey will be a separate survey, which you are welcome to take when it launches in mid-September. For now, however, we’re requesting you focus on and participate in the Regional Business Leaders Survey, linked below.

If you have any questions or any issues when taking the survey, please contact Patrice Lewis at Patrice.Lewis@SIRhq.com.



Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce Membership Directory and Business Resource Guide 

 Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce Membership Directory and Business Resource Guide is available at the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce today! Thank you to Nikki Anderson 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 profile or publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633.


Marion Chamber: Upcoming City Council Discussions on Sales Tax/Property Tax & Vision 2020 for Marion


On Tuesday night, the City Council held a special meeting to discuss a 'Vision 2020' proposal for the City of Marion. I attended this meeting and you could tell a lot of thought went into this proposal by Mayor Absher and the City Council. This proposal can be examined at length on the city's website or here: http://cityofmarionil.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Vision2020-CityOfMarion.pdf

One aspect that would affect our members would be an increased sales tax to 9.5% and the removal of the city portion of resident/business property taxes. In talking with Mayor Absher this morning, he would like for business leaders and community members to reach out to him and the council members for additional feedback/comments/suggestions.

If the council opts to move forward with this proposal, it would most likely be discussed on the 9th with a potential vote on September 23rd. October 1 is a deadline date for such tax changes, which explains the timeframe for discussion and decision.

Last night's event had a lot of great discussion about where Marion can go in the future. Please be part of the conversation to advance the progress of Marion and our surrounding community.

Thank you all,

Karen Mullins - Executive Director



WELCOME HOME - The Nation's Premier New Resident Marketing Program for Your Chamber Members 

Welcome Home, the nation's premier new resident marketing program,is a new mover marketing program designed to help get your chamber members' businesses  in front of the most valuable audiences - new residents.

Exclusive to chamber members, the WELCOME HOME program is a remarkable advertising tool, highly visible, targeted and delivered direct to new resident's mailboxes, catching them as they establish new buying habits.

In addition, WELCOME HOME is distributed to local libraries, park districts, municipalities and your local chamber office.

Get your members in front of one of the most valuable audiences: NEW RESIDENTS.

Don't miss this opportunity to promote your member businesses to new residents ON A MONTHLY BASIS, ALL YEAR LONG!

Mailed monthly to new movers from the previous 30 days!

They are new to the neighborhood. They have money to spend. They need your member's businesses and services.





Palatine Area Chamber WELCOME HOME

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





Plymouth Chamber of Commerce celebrates 95th Anniversary with Wednesday open house

Join the Chamber as they celebrate their 95th Anniversary with an Open House on July 24 from 4 - 6 p.m.

For the past 95 years the Plymouth Chamber has supported local businesses and the community.

The Chamber gives thanks to their membership for their dedication to this organization and also to all who have served on the board of directors.


South Mississippi Strong: Bay businesswoman a driving force behind Coast tourism for 40+ years

Nikki Moon has been in the tourism and hospitality business for over 40 years. She is the owner of the Bay Town Inn, President of the Hancock County Chamber of Commerce and President of the Coastal Mississippi Board of Commissioners.
“For 30 years I was with the convention and visitors bureau in New Orleans. It was a fabulous job, but it was a 24-7 job, so I really never had any time to give back," Moon said. “When I found out the Bay Town Inn was for sale, I bought it in February of 2003. It was like a dream come true."While Moon spends most of her time at the Bay Town Inn, a business that she has owned and operated since the early 2000s, her career didn’t start in South Mississippi.
“When I was lucky enough to rebuild and come back to the Bay as one of the first businesses on the beach, I felt like my job was to bring people here, give them a great opportunity, a nice place to go to bed at night, and relax in the mornings with a cup of coffee on the front porch and then go out and shop, see our galleries, and eat in our great restaurants and really become a lover of the Bay," Moon told WLOX.Two and a half years later, that dream come true was completely erased by Hurricane Katrina. Her home and business were destroyed by the catastrophic storm. It was in those weeks and months after the storm that Moon realized what she had to do.
That desire to bring people back inspired her community and the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Since then, she has taken on additional responsibilities with her county chamber of commerce and local tourism board.
“She represents everything that says that South Mississippi is strong," said Tish Williams, executive director of the Hancock County Chamber of Commerce. “After Katrina, she was the first person that we saw that gave us hope to come back and rebuild Bay St. Louis and Hancock County." Read more: WLOX


Bullitt County, Ky.: Sustainability, beauty and wildlife

Bullitt County Public Schools was one of five Kentucky organizations to receive the 2019 ENERGY STAR Award by the EPA and U.S. Department of Energy. Last year, the school system saved more than $930,000 in energy costs.

Additionally, Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest created a new staff position this year, director of conservation, as it celebrates its 90th anniversary.

This spring, three “Forest Giants” were sculpted by Danish artist Thomas Danbo out of reclaimed wood and have “made for record-breaking attendance at the Forest here in Bullitt County,” said Troy Beam, executive director of Shepherdsville/Bullitt County Tourism.

Tourism generated $96,657,551 in direct tourist spending and supported 1,732 jobs, according to the latest report in 2017. Top attractions include Knobs State Forest and wildlife management area, and the six stops on the Bullitt County Wine & Whiskey Trail (Jim Beam American Stillhouse, Four Roses Warehouse & Bottling and four wineries). Shepherdsville is the trailhead of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail tour.

County Seat: Shepherdsville; Curtis Hockenbury, mayor; shepherdsville.net

Estimated 2019 population: 81,069
No. of households: 29,014
Median household income: $59,917

Bullitt County Chamber of Commerce: Anita Stump, executive director; bullittchamber.org

Bullitt County Economic Development Authority: John Snider, executive director; gobullittky.com
Shepherdsville/Bullitt County Tourism: Troy Beam, executive director; travelbullitt.org
Judge-Executive: Jerry Summers; bullittcountyfc.com
Source: Lane Report

The celebration takes place at the Plymouth Chamber of Commerce, 120 North Michigan Street, Plymouth. For more information call 574-936-2323 or email plychamber@plychamber.org




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, April 1, 2019

Meet Shaun Hayes, Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce's new Executive Director!; News From Cedarburg Chamber and 2019 Wisconsin Governor's Conference on Tourism; South Suburban Chamber of Commerce 2018 Community Resource Guide & Business Directory; Leadership McLean County Alumni Lunch; Leadership Hopkinsville-Christian County Applications Now Available For Class Of 2019-2020; See what people are saying about the new tourism slogan ‘The Secret Coast’; Prince William Chamber Hosts 2019 Valor Awards; New Castle-Henry County Chamber of Commerce Community Map; Lakeshore Chamber Names Business Person of the Year; 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!

Meet Shaun Hayes, Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce's new Executive Director!

It is with great honor that I write to you today to introduce myself as the new Executive Director for the Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce. This is a well-run organization with a dedicated staff and board of directors, along with our various other ambassadors, committees and chamber members who are all happy to devote time towards the growth of this community and I'm thrilled to be part of it.

After finishing my degree in General Management at Oakland University, I spent the past six years at Automation Alley. Most recently, my position there was Manager of Membership and Internal Sales. This included overseeing the retention and engagement of each of our member companies. My role also included various projects such as the annual golf outing and training new employees on our CRM and project management tools. This diversity of responsibilities has truly prepared me to take on the many tasks expected of an Executive Director.

What really intrigued me about this job was the community itself. I have several friends and family members who live and work in the Clarkston area that have shared with me the remarkability of this city. I’ve quickly realized this in the short time that I’ve been immersed in this community. I cannot thank everybody enough for the warm welcome that I’ve received, and I can tell that all our members want to see the success of this organization and each other.

While my first week has certainly been busy with various ribbon cuttings, a luncheon mixer and several event planning meetings, I’m eager to become more familiarized with all our members. I encourage you to reach out to me and introduce yourself. Your business and goals in membership are very important to me and I’d like to learn as much as I can. I’d also suggest that you review our upcoming events. If you haven’t attended anything that we’ve hosted in a while, now is the perfect time to get re-engaged with us.

Please feel free to get in touch with any questions. I look forward to working with all of you!

Best regards,

Shaun Hayes


News From Cedarburg Chamber and 2019 Wisconsin Governor's Conference on Tourism


We’ve returned from the Wisconsin Governor’s Conference and had a great time learning new ways to promote Cedarburg. We are especially proud that Elizabeth Albers, our Festival Manager was nominated as a Rising Star and Jim Pape was nominated for the Legacy Award. It was a good conference and we enjoyed our fellowship with our neighbors from the surrounding communities.



South Suburban  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 Barbara Wesener 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 profile or publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633.



Leadership McLean County Alumni Lunch

Friday, April 5th
12:30 - 1:30pm
Holiday Inn & Suites - Airport

Calling all Leadership McLean County Alumni! The program is celebrating it’s 25th anniversary this year and we would love to see you at our annual alumni lunch on Friday, April 5th. Founding LMC Member Vern McGinnis will open the luncheon followed by the presentation of our LMC Alumni of the Year. This luncheon is a great time to catch up with fellow LMC alums and find out how to stay involved.


Leadership Hopkinsville-Christian County Applications Now Available For Class Of 2019-2020


Hopkinsville, KY- Application period is now open for the 2019-2020 Leadership Hopkinsville-Christian County class. Leadership Hopkinsville-Christian County seeks to identify and cultivate the leadership potential within the local community. The program brings together individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences, who have a demonstrated talent and commitment for leadership, and who are interested in helping direct the future of Hopkinsville and Christian County.

An electronic application is to be completed online at www.leadershiphopkinsville.com. Should internet access be unavailable, a paper application can be picked up at the Chamber of Commerce. The application deadline is Monday, June 3, 2019 and the new class will be announced at the Business After Hours at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 18, 2019.

Leadership Chair Cheri Farmer said, “The Leadership-Hopkinsville Christian County class offers participants a great educational opportunity to better understand our community while expanding and developing their network of contacts. In addition, this program inspires a higher level of civic and community energy and gives the participants the opportunity to meet local leaders, broadening their exposure to current issues and perspectives.

Admission is limited to 20 participants and all applications will be confidentially reviewed by the Selection Committee. Applicants must live or work in Christian County and be able and willing to commit to all of the program requirements. Applicants must also have the full support of the organization or business they represent in order to commit the time and effort required by the program.

“Our outstanding leadership development program continues to produce high quality community leaders. We look forward to identifying our next class and cultivating their community awareness, while developing leaders that are focused on continuous improvement,” stated Kelli Pendleton, Christian County Chamber President/CEO.

Because acceptance to the Leadership Program is selective, attendance at each and every session, class and activity is mandatory. This includes the opening and closing retreats, the monthly class days, and any other time that is required to fulfill the programs, projects, and community service events.

A fee is charged for the Leadership Program, which covers all meals, lodging, and instructional materials used throughout the course. The fee is $550 for Chamber members and $600 for non-members. A limited number of partial scholarships may be available for hardship situations.

For more information, contact the Chamber of Commerce at 270-885-9096.


See what people are saying about the new tourism slogan ‘The Secret Coast’


The crowd applauded and even cheered when the new tourism slogan and brand for South Mississippi was announced Monday after a year of research and testing.
Now it’s time to stop working on the brand and let it start working for the Coast, said Richard Chenoweth, chairman of the Coastal Mississippi board, formerly Visit MS Gulf Coast. He called the launch “such a pivotal moment” for the Coast as a tourist destination.
Most people at the unveiling said they approved of “Coastal Mississippi: The Secret Coast.” Some were underwhelmed by the choice of slogan and said “It’s OK” and “We’ll see how it goes.”
Facebook also had mixed comments. One person said, “Scratching my head in confusion.. I don’t get it. What’s so secret about us?” He said the Coast once was third in the nation for casino revenue. The Seawolves won the Kelly Cup and the Shuckers were featured on ESPN during their epic road trip. Robin Roberts is from the Pass and the commenter said she made sure everyone knew it after Hurricane Katrina. And Jimmy Buffet is from Pascagoula and writes songs about the Coast
Another person said, “That land mass between New Orleans and Mobile really is a secret place. I’m torn between keeping it our little secret and letting people know so they can enjoy it, too.”
Search the internet for Coastal Mississippi and it shows the area isn’t all that well-known by potential visitors.
“What is there to do in Biloxi besides gamble?” is one of the frequently asked questions, according to Feedback.
“This might be one of the most underrated stretches of coastline in America,” the Matador Network said in a 2017 article in conjunction with Visit MS Gulf Coast.
Vogue magazine reported in 2017, “The Mississippi Gulf Coast is lesser known as a tourist destination, but it’s slowly becoming a hotbed for art, music, and style.”
Here is what people who attended the brand launch at Jones Park said:
  • “So we’re now ‘Coastal Mississippi.’ Let’s make it happen.” — Milton Segarra, CEO of Coastal Mississippi
  • “I like it.” — Beverly Martin, Harrison County supervisor
  • “I think it’s fantastic. It really highlights all the unique activities on the Coast. I think it will be well-received.” — Clay Williams, executive director of Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport
  • “I think we have a great story to tell. This is a new way to tell it.” — Matt McDonnell, executive director of Coast Coliseum and Convention Center
  • “I think it’s a good slogan for the entire Gulf Coast. It covers everybody.” — Dorothy Roberts, owner of Robin’s Nest in the Pass
  • “The Peter Mayer agency understands our culture and their team got it right. Everything about the new brand communicates who we are and why visitors should choose our secret coast as a destination.” — Tish Williams, executive director of Hancock Chamber of Commerce
Read more: Sun Herald

Prince William Chamber Hosts 2019 Valor Awards


Chamber Recognizes First Responders in Packed Ceremony

The Prince William Chamber of Commerce hosted the 33rd Annual Valor Awards at the Hylton Performing Arts Center honoring over one hundred of the community’s finest to a crowd of over 600 attendees. The amazing stories were narrated by Aaron Gilchrest from NBC4 and the crowds enjoyed light refreshments from Potomac Place Assisted Living Community.

“We are thrilled to have hosted the PW Chamber’s 33rd Annual Valor Awards. It was an amazing afternoon to recognize and celebrate our many local heroes. This was truly a special moment for us, for the first time ever, we were able to open this celebration up to the whole community to attend for free. We all enjoyed the positive high energy felt by the Award recipients and attendees alike when the dramatic and daring scenarios of heroism were read aloud. We are proud to be apart of this wonderful community” said Chamber President and CEO, Debbie Jones.

The Prince William Chamber annually hosts the Valor Awards as a way to honor the men and women who not only keep our community safe, but also rise to the occasion when needed the most. Business Sponsors of the event were Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center, Inova, GrassRoot Communications, Hylton Performing Arts Center, Amazon, Youth for Tomorrow, Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative (NOVEC), DG Photography, Potomac Place Assisted Living Community, InsideNOVA, East to West Embroidery & Design, Inc., Society of Former Agents of the FBI, Inc., Northern Virginia Community College-Woodbridge Campus, Mike Garcia Construction, Inc., Elite Shooting Sports, LLC, FVCBank, CAS Severn’s, M.C. Dean, Inc., The Freedom Team REMAX Realty, and our Quality of Life Partner Zeiders Enterprises.

List of Awardees:

Haymarket Police Department
Merit Award for Valor—Officer John Gregory

Stonewall Jackson Volunteer Fire Department & Rescue Squad
Merit Award for Valor-Firefighter/EMT Carlos Ambrosini
Silver Award for Valor-Firefighter Ian Lauderdale

Manassas Volunteer Fire Company
Bronze Award for Valor-Firefighter Terry Norling

City of Manassas Park Department of Fire & Rescue
Valorous Unit Award-Battalion 589, Battalion Chief Adam Jones, Engine 509, Fire Medic Randy Leach, Firefighter/EMT Kentry Snow, Medic 509, Captain Josh Brandon, Fire Medic John Pearre, Master Firefighter David Sullivan

Manassas City Police Department
Merit Award for Valor-Senior Police Officer Alexander
Merit Award for Valor-Parking Enforcement Officer Isabel Meyers
Merit Award for Valor-Officer Joshua Aussems, Officer Shaun Barrett, Officer Ethan Eustace, Officer Juan Armas
Hillary Robinette Award-Senior Detective Speights
Hillary Robinette Award–Lieutenant Elia Alfonso. Sergeant Serena Bowers, Master Detective Michael Gemmell, Master Detective Tim Urey, Master Detective Jonathan Agule, Senior Detective Speights, Detective Luis Armas, Officer Ryan McCarthy, Crime Analyst Alemayehu

Prince William County Police Department
Investigative Merit Award-Officer Ronald Carpio, Detective Lourdes Cainas, Detective Donald DeShazo, Rose Hellmann, Crime Scene Specialist Shreya Kamath, Crime Analyst Rebekah Kushner, Detective Katherine, Zaimis, Detective Jonathan Kennedy
Investigative Merit Award-Detective Nathan Thomas, Detective Robyn Hyatt, Detective Victor Cordero, Detective Josh Lane, Crime Analyst Jacquelin Graham, Crime Analyst Dawn Locke-Trillhaase
Merit Award for Valor-Officer Sean K. Richards
Hillary Robinette Award-Detective Helga Thorsdottir
Hilary Robinette Award-Officer Darrick Dillon, Detective Joshua Lane, Detective John Agule(MCPD), Detective Derrick Black(MCPD), Detective Jeremy Booth, Detective Simon Chu, Detective Christopher Koglin(MPPD), Detective Alicia Larkins, Detective Kevin Morin, Detective Matthew Newton, Detective Walter O’Neal, Detective Daniel Sekely, Detective Wayne Smith, Detective Nicholas Waymire, Detective Robert White, Sergeant Gavin Young(MCPD), Sergeant Ryan Pavol, First Sergeant Kenneth Hulsey
Silver Award for Valor-Officer Joshua Myers, Officer Christopher Hume, Officer Jordanis Lozier, Officer Jonathan Seals, Officer Nicholas Kelly, Investigator Robert Drumm, Officer Brian Kimble
Gold Award for Valor-Officer John Yenchak, Officer Franco Martinez, Officer Rachel Mynier, Officer Matthew Takats, Officer Nicholas Kelly, Officer Evan Jurgensen, Officer Jordanis Lozier, Officer Taylor Claton, Officer Benjamin Infanti, Officer Wade Dickinson, Officer Travis Hardman, First Sergeant Daniel Crawford, Officer Kevin Vasquez, Sergeant David Bliss

Prince William County Department of Fire & Rescue
Valorous Unit-Swift Water Boat 524, Captain Brian Ferguson, Technician I Victor Vega, Technician I Aldo Bonilla, Technician I Michael Chergosky
Merit Award for Valor-Technician I Cody Durham
Merit Award for Valor-Lieutenant Kenneth Zack
Merit Award for Valor-Lieutenant Nick Feliciano, Technician II Chris Gott
Valorous Unit-Rescue Squad 510, Technician II Christopher Clark, Driver: Technician II Daniel Jackson, Officer Bucket: Technician I Kevin Ganssle, Driver Bucket: Technician I Michael Baker

Contact: Ross Snare
email: rsnare@pwchamber.org


New Castle-Henry County Chamber of Commerce Community Map


New Castle-Henry County Chamber map

The New Castle-Henry County Chamber of Commerce 2016 Community Map is available at the New Castle-Henry County Chamber today! Thanks to Missy Modesitt, Mary Campbell 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. 


Lakeshore Chamber Names Business Person of the Year

St. Catherine Hospital Chief Executive Officer Leo Correa has been named the 2019 Business Person of the Year by the Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce. Dave Ryan, executive director of Lakeshore Chamber, said Correa’s award is based on leadership, innovation, civic involvement and contributions to advance healthcare excellence in Northwest Indiana.

St. Catherine Hospital also received a Civil Service/Economic Development award for investment in community and quality healthcare from the City of East Chicago.

Correa has served as CEO of St. Catherine Hospital in East Chicago since 2017. He also serves on the boards of Community Cancer Research Foundation, United Way of Lake County and Laini Fluellen Charities.

Correa said in a news release that his "journey wouldn’t be possible without the support of his wife, MaryAnn, their children, Eric and Isabel, friends, family, CFNI President and CEO Don Fesko, Community Hospital CEO Lou Molina, St. Mary Medical Center CEO Janice Ryba, Community Care Network Administrator Alan Kumar, MD, the St. Catherine Hospital Board; his administrative team, physicians and staff; civic and business community leaders." Read more: Inside Indiana Business



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

Thursday, April 19, 2018

Hampton Roads Chamber 2018 Diversity in Business Forum; #BestChamber practices: Joliet Chamber 2018 Member Luncheon April 30th Legislative Update; South Suburban Chamber of Commerce 2018 Community Resource Guide & Business Directory; United Collection Bureau’s new call center in southern Indiana to create 600 jobs; Saginaw Chamber of Commerce talks about need for skilled workers; 500 high school seniors recognized at Hancock Chamber Recognition Breakfast; Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Map; Three Bazaar After Dark Night Markets Announced for 2018; NKY Chamber Legislative Update; 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!
Hampton Roads Chamber 2018 Diversity in Business Forum


Sheraton Norfolk Waterside
April 24, 2018
10:30 am to 1:30 pm
The Hampton Roads Chamber is opening the dialogue on diversity this year to help set the conditions for all in the business community to succeed. We are hopeful the forum discussion will guide the Chamber on finding solutions to the issues, challenges and concerns of minorities in our business community and how to better implement inclusive hiring practices and create opportunities for workforce diversity throughout the region. The Hampton Roads Chamber Means Business.

We will focus the discussion on two areas: (a) opportunities and challenges for the minority small business owner and entrepreneur (b) opportunities and challenges for a minority climbing the corporate ladder

Participants in the Diversity in Business Forum are all top-level leaders:

a. Keynote speaker: Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax is only the second African American elected to statewide office in Virginia. He is also a small business owner.

b. Welcome speaker: Norfolk Mayor Kenneth Cooper Alexander is the first African American elected to serve as Mayor of Norfolk. He is also a small business owner.

c. Moderator: Barbara Hamm Lee is the Executive Producer and Host of Another View, a weekly call in radio talk show that “discusses today’s issues from an African American perspective”. She is also the owner of Sharing Info, llc.

d. Panelists:

·Gilbert Bland, President and Chairman, The Urban League of Hampton Roads

·Dr. Johnny Garcia, Founder and CEO, SimIS

·Dianne Greene, Division Vice President and General Manager, ADP Norfolk

 James White, Regional Director, Safelite AutoGlass and Hampton Roads Chamber Vice-Chair for   Diversity

Rundown for the day:

10:30 am – 11:00 am networking and registration
11:00 am – 11:10 am Welcome remarks by Bryan Stephens and Mayor Kenneth Cooper Alexander
11:10 am – 12:10 pm panel discussion moderated by Barbara Hamm Lee
12:30 pm – 1:15 pm keynote address with Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax


#BestChamber practices: Joliet Chamber 2018 Member Luncheon April 30th Legislative Update

Name: 2018 Member Luncheon April 30th Legislative Update
Date: April 30, 2018
Time: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM CDT
Register Now

Event Description:
Four state issues will be addressed by 8 invited Senators and Representatives. Each issues will be addressed by one legislator from each side of the aisle. Invited guests include: Senator Bertino-Tarrant, Senator McGuire, Senator Rezin, Representative Manley, Representative Walsh Jr., Representative Welter, Representative McDermed, and Representative Batinick.

Payment due with registration. Tables of 10 available. Reservations are required.

Location:
Mistwood Golf Club
1700 W. Renwick Road
Romeoville, IL 60446

Contact Information:
Kelly Baltas
Send an Email
Fees/Admission:
Chamber Members: $35.00
Non-Members: $45.00




South Suburban  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! 




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.


United Collection Bureau’s new call center in southern Indiana to create 600 jobs

United Collection Bureau, Inc., will lease space in southern Indiana for a new business process outsourcing and collection call center in the River Ridge Commerce Center, One Southern Indiana (1si), the chamber of commerce and economic development organization for Clark and Floyd counties, Ind., announced today.

UCB, headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, intends to lease space at 200 Patrol Road, Jeffersonville, Ind. The location was chosen by company officials after an analysis narrowed the scope down to four states: Georgia, Indiana Kentucky and South Carolina. The $2.48 million project will create more than 600 new positions, with an average wage of $18.22 per hour by 2022.

“We considered various sites for our new business process outsourcing and collection call center and found Jeffersonville, Ind., to be the location to best suit our current needs. This space will allow us to better serve our clients,” said Chief Operating Officer Michael Karosas. “My thanks to the State of Indiana and One Southern Indiana for their assistance in helping UCB find this new facility location. We look forward to becoming an active member of the Southern Indiana business community.”

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) board of directors offered United Collection Bureau up to $3.5 million in conditional tax credits based on the company’s job creation plans, and up to $150,000 in training grants. These incentives are performance-based, meaning until Indiana residents are hired, the company is not eligible to claim incentives. The company’s location also affords it the opportunity to apply for benefits through River Ridge Commerce Center’s Urban Enterprise Zone.

“We’re excited to welcome UCB to Indiana and grateful for the good jobs they’ll create for Hoosiers,” Gov. Eric J. Holcomb said. “Companies like UCB continue to take advantage of our pro-growth business environment and skilled workforce. As a state, we’ll continue to equip businesses with the tools and stability they need for success today, tomorrow and in the years ahead.”

“We are thrilled to welcome United Collection Bureau, Inc., to our business community,” said 1si CEO and President Wendy Dant Chesser. “UCB is bringing more than 600 new jobs and paying wages higher than the Clark County average. This benefits our region not only in increased commerce, but also because they will be utilizing unoccupied space efficiently by moving into an existing building. One Southern Indiana stands ready to assist company leaders in achieving their immediate and future goals.” Read more: Lane Report




Saginaw Chamber of Commerce talks about need for skilled workers

SAGINAW, Mich. – Perhaps you've heard about the skills gap that exists in Michigan and other parts of the country.

Jobs are available, but people don't have the skills to fill them.

A new report says that trend may be eased by the trend toward delayed retirement.

One problem is there's not a set retirement age.

For some it's 65, but other workers are staying in the workforce for a longer period of time.

The head of Michigan Works, Great Lakes Bay Region gave an overview of the current labor market in a presentation to the Saginaw Chamber of Commerce today.

Ed Oberski says more people are leaving the work force, than entering it.

He says there are hundreds of jobs available in the Great Lakes Bay Region, but in many cases employers can't find qualified people.

He has advice for employers on what they can do.

"The best advice is to, if you need a person right now, lower your sights a little bit, hire a little less and train up, that's the best strategy,” Oberski said.

Oberski also says Michigan Works is free and it can help both employers and those looking for a job.

Many of those good jobs are posted on the Facebook page of Michigan Works, Great Lakes Bay Region.

Also through Pure Michigan Talent Connect. Read more: NBC 25 News




500 high school seniors recognized at Hancock Chamber Recognition Breakfast

Tuesday marked another celebration of academic excellence on the Coast.

More than 500 graduating high school seniors throughout Hancock County were recognized by the Hancock Chamber Education Committee on April 17 at the 6th Annual Hancock Chamber Recognition Breakfast.

The event was held at the Bay St. Louis Community Hall. Mississippi’s First Lady Deborah Bryant was the keynote speaker at the breakfast.

Community leaders and government officials were also on hand at this morning’s breakfast to extend their congratulations to graduating classes of Bay High School, Hancock High School, Our Lady Academy and St. Stanislaus.

“The programs the Hancock Chamber Education Committee supports are critical to educational outcomes to ensure that our teachers and students have the resources, support, and encouragement they need to reach their highest potential,” Chairperson Raymunda Barnes said.

Each May, scholarships are awarded to one deserving High School Senior at each high school for outstanding character, respect for peers and faculty, and academic excellence. Read more: WLOX TV



Wyoming-Kentwood 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!



Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber 2017 Community Map


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.



Three Bazaar After Dark Night Markets Announced for 2018
APPLETON, Wis. (April 18, 2018) – Pulse Young Professionals Network, a program of the Fox Cities Chamber, is thrilled to announce that Bazaar After Dark, the Fox Cities inclusive and eccentric night market, will return for three separate events in 2018. Bazaar After Dark is dedicated to revitalizing and drawing positive attention to underutilized business districts in the Fox Valley, while fostering community collaborations through art, music and common experiences.
The first night market event of 2018 is scheduled for Saturday, April 28 from 5:00 – 10:00 p.m. in downtown Little Chute. The event will occur on Main Street from Monroe Street to Wilson Street. This event will conclude YPWeek 2018, a statewide initiative providing a platform for discovery, adventure and meaningful conversations about the issues that matter among young professionals in Wisconsin. Learn more about Bazaar After Dark Little Chute at http://pulsefoxcities.com/bazaar-after-dark/ or stay up-to-date by visiting the event Facebook page at http://bit.ly/BADlittlechute. The Little Chute event is made possible by the support of many organizations, especially Premier Sponsors: Fox Communities Credit Union and the Village of Little Chute; Mural Sponsor Capital Credit Union; and In-Kind Sponsors: Event Production Systems, Sherwin-Williams, Stone Arch Brewpub and Urban Evolutions, Inc.
The summer night market will make its Neenah debut on South Commercial Street between Alcott and Wright Streets on Thursday, July 19 from 5:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Bazaar After Dark will return to Main Street in Downtown Menasha for its third event of 2018. The final night market is scheduled for Wednesday, September 12 from 5:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Bazaar After Dark is an inclusive, family-friendly street market event. Attendees can expect to enjoy fresh food, live art, local business participation, live music and a pet-welcoming atmosphere many have grown to appreciate at the past Bazaar After Dark events.
Pulse continues to partner with Habitat for Humanity to support their Rock the Block program by purposefully selecting commercial districts for Bazaar After Dark night markets that coincide with neighborhood revitalization, which allows for a celebration of Habitat’s hard-working volunteers.
Interested Bazaar After Dark vendors, artists, sponsors and volunteers can find more information at http://pulsefoxcities.com/bazaar-after-dark/. Vendor applications for the Neenah and Menasha Bazaar After Dark night markets will open on May 1. For information contact: Nikki Hessel Director, Pulse Young Professionals Network - nhessel@foxcitieschamber.com


NKY Chamber Legislative Update 


April 13-14, Legislative Day 59 and 60

The General Assembly has completed their work for the 2018 Legislative Session, adjourning sine die as of Saturday, April 14th. The main focus of the work completed in the final two days was to override the Governor’s vetoes on several critical bills.

The Governor vetoed three extremely important bills passed by the General Assembly in the Session on Monday, April 9 at a press conference in the Capitol. Those three bills include the Executive Branch budget (HB 200), the revenue/tax revenue bill (HB 366) and the pension phase-in for CERS and opt-out for KERS (HB 362).

The House and Senate voted to override all three of those vetoes in the final two days of the Session.

The NKY Chamber supports the legislature overriding the Governor’s vetoes for those three bills.

HB 366 (REVENUE/TAX REFORM)

The House and Senate voted to override the Governor’s veto on HB 366 on Friday. The House voted to override 57-40, while the Senate voted to override 20-18. All NKY Republican House members vote to override the veto, while the two NKY Democrats did not support. On the Senate side, Sen. Schickel was the only NKY Senator to not support overriding the Governor’s veto. The House needed 51 votes to override, while the Senate needed 20 votes.

On Saturday, the Senate and House passed HB 487 with a committee substitute containing language with provisions to make additional changes to Kentucky’s tax code that will be coupled with the tax reforms made in House Bill 366, the revenue bill that will go into law after the House and Senate voted to override the governor’s veto on Friday. Read more: NKY Chamber

Good morning #Chamber World! 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