Chamber of Commerce Daily News
May 6, 2020
Courtesy of Town Square Publications
by John Dussman
Good morning #ChamberWorld! Start the Recovery! It's going to be a great day!
Chamber legend Linda Rabe wraps up 30-year career serving Rapid City
Rabe served as the president and CEO of the Rapid City Chamber of Commerce from 2009 to 2019, when she became president of workforce development for Elevate Rapid City.
Rabe’s career in Rapid City started in 1990 in convention sales for the Convention and Visitor Bureau. She later became the vice president of the Rapid City Chamber of Commerce, became interim CEO in 2008, and then led the chamber for a decade.
A native of Scottsbluff, Neb., Rabe moved to Rapid City to attend National American University, where she earned a degree in business administration and marketing.
“I just think Rapid City is a fabulous place to live and it’s been my pleasure to be part of how it’s changed over the years, and I have loved every minute of it,” Rabe said. “We have wonderful, warm, big-hearted people that live in Rapid City that want the very best for our community. … I’ve worked with some amazing staff that have given their heart to their community, and I’ve so appreciated working with a lot of really wonderful people.
“I have loved being part of the changes over the years. I was part of the chamber when we worked so hard to get (the Base Realignment and Closure Commission) to make sure Ellsworth remained. The chamber is usually involved in what’s going on in the community,” she said.
Rabe received several awards, especially during her tenure as president and CEO of the chamber of commerce. In 2015, she was named Executive of the Year by the Mid-America Chamber Executives. In 2014, she was named honorary commander for the 28th Bomb Wing at Ellsworth Air Force Base. Her local accolades include being named a Woman of Distinction in 2008 by Girl Scouts–Dakota Horizons, and receiving the Rapid City Distinguished Service Award from The Cosmopolitan Club in 2009.
One of her biggest accomplishments, she said, was earning her Certified Chamber Executive accreditation. Rabe said she is the only person in South Dakota who has earned that and she serves as the Certified Chamber Executive chairman of the national commission.
“It’s amazing to be able to sit at the table with (people) from all over the United States and really brainstorm about best practices for chambers and communities,” Rabe said. “I’ve been honored to be a commissioner and honored to be selected to be a chairman.”
Julie Schmitz Jensen, the executive director of Visit Rapid City, calls Rabe “an amazing force.” Jensen and Rabe worked together at the Rapid City Convention & Visitors Bureau when it was part of the Rapid City Chamber of Commerce.
“She has done so much in 30 years,” Schmitz Jensen said. “She was very smart. When she walked into a room, people knew they were going to have great advice from a great woman. We were a big part of each other’s lives for many years. She’s going to be missed for her knowledge and all that history.”
When the Rapid City Convention & Visitors Bureau separated from the chamber two years ago to become its own entity, Schmitz Jensen said there were times she and Rabe disagreed but always were able to work together through the transition.
“Through those 30 years, there’s very few times we didn’t see eye to eye,” Schmitz Jensen said.
In April 2019, the chamber became one of four economic and business organizations that joined forces under the Elevate Rapid City banner. Rabe helped guide the chamber through its merger with Elevate Rapid City.
“We merged our workforce development with the chamber and … we’ve done a lot with public policy. We’ve really been focused on legislation for small business to make sure in our community we are a great choice for people to start a business,” she said.
“(Elevate Rapid City) is focused on economic development and working with schools to keep college students here and keep those wonderful bright minds here. … We need to make sure those kids (who don’t graduate from college) have a good paying way to make a living. Lots of good jobs don’t need a degree, just specialized training,” Rabe said. “Ascent Innovation is all about encouraging entrepreneurship. I think they have very high hopes of doing amazing things for our community.”
Elevate Rapid City’s President and CEO Tom Johnson said Rabe consistently reminded him to maintain a focus on local businesses.
“I’ve only been in Rapid City half a year; she’s been in Rapid City for 30. … When I first got here, she reminded me a lot to not forget about small businesses,” Johnson said. “It’s a good lesson to always think about in the back of your mind. Elevate has a lot of different hats. As we’re trying to pursue big audacious things, you also have responsibility to help small businesses succeed.
“Linda is responsible for a lot of things you see today in Rapid City, if you look at some of the things that have come from the chamber (such as Summer Nights). You’re awestruck by somebody who could do that for three decades. It’s pretty hard to fill those shoes, to do it that long and that well,” Johnson said.
The COVID-19 crisis has delayed both a formal retirement celebration for Rabe and Elevate Rapid City’s ability to fill her position, Johnson said. After the COVID-19 crisis subsides, Johnson said Elevate hopes to hold a retirement celebration for Rabe.
Johnson said he hopes Elevate can establish a fund in Rabe’s name to support women in leadership — a cause dear to Rabe’s heart.
“Over the years, I took mentoring young ladies very seriously. I also really hope over the years I was heading the chamber that I encouraged the next generation of women leaders to step up and enter the arena and to never underestimate the gifts they bring to the table,” Rabe said. “That was really important to me, that it was our responsibility to encourage and to help where we could with that next generation of young women leaders.” Read more: Rapid City Journal
Governor Holcomb: OUR PRINCIPLES TO GET BACK ON TRACK
Governor Holcomb has used data to drive decisions since our first case of the novel coronavirus in early March. That will continue to be our practice as we contemplate a sector-by-sector reset.
These are the four guiding principles that will determine if stages to reopen various sectors of the economy will move forward:
As we lift restrictions and more people return to work, visit a store or restaurant, and participate in more activities, the number of COVID-19 cases will increase. If we cannot meet these principles, all or portions of the state may need to pause on moving forward, or we may return to an earlier stage of the governor’s stay-at-home order.
1. The number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients statewide has decreased for 14 days.
2. The state retains the ability to test all Hoosiers who are COVID-19 symptomatic, as well as healthcare workers, essential workers, first responders, and others as delineated on the ISDH website.
3. The state retains its surge capacity for critical care beds and ventilators.
4. Health officials have systems in place to contact all individuals who test positive for COVID-19
and complete contact tracing.
Dearborn Area Chamber Member updates May 5th, 2020
Many of these calls are recorded, so if your schedule hinders your attendance STILL DO REGISTER to have access to this great information.
Stay informed as we traverse this situation we haven't traveled before together!
Also please stay tuned as we assemble our Town Hall for Friday May 15th, 9am with Services to Enhance Potential , Congresswoman Debbie Dingell &the sOUTHERN on Restarting Our Economy, Employee & Employer info. Thank you for your continued support,
Jackie Lovejoy, President
313.584.6100
Indiana Chamber Applauds Governor’s Roadmap for Reopening State
“What Governor Holcomb outlined today is a thoughtful, comprehensive approach that manages to achieve that delicate balance of recognizing that businesses have to start resuming operations while doing so in the safest way possible for employees, as well as customers.
“When business suffers, employees and their families feel it – and this period has been especially hard for almost everyone. We have to begin to return to some sense of normalcy, and the Governor’s gradual stages are the best way to achieve that.”
In addition to state resources at backontrack.in.gov, companies looking for guidance to restart their business can go to the Indiana Chamber’s Road to Recovery center, a sequel to the Employer Coronavirus Resources page, at www.indianachamber.com/roadtorecovery.
Pine Belt Young Professionals will be hosting an Emergency Community Blood Drive on Friday, May 8 from 10 AM -4 PM at Lake Terrace Convention Center. There is an urgent need for blood donations. In light of recent COVID-19 responses from top medical and infectious disease experts, Vitalant strongly encourages you to donate blood if you are able.
BLOOD DRIVES AND DONORS ARE EXEMPT FROM SHELTER IN PLACE ORDERS.
Donors will have their temperature taken upon arrival and social distancing procedures and sanitizing will be in place.
There is no inherent risk of getting coronavirus from the donation procedure itself. To minimize the risk of contracting it from others at a blood drive or donation center, Vitalant staff follow rigorous safety and disinfection protocols that include wearing gloves and personal protective gear, wiping down donor-touched areas often and after every collection, using sterile collection sets for every donation/collection, and arm scrubbing for 30 seconds. Read more: Pine Belt Yound Professionals
The Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce 2020 Business Directory and Resource Guide is available at the Virginia Peninsula Chamber today! Thanks to Bob McKenna, Suzy Johnson and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!
#LookfortheHelpers - Schedule Your Donation for the Pine Belt Young Professionals Emergency Blood Drive!
BLOOD DRIVES AND DONORS ARE EXEMPT FROM SHELTER IN PLACE ORDERS.
Donors will have their temperature taken upon arrival and social distancing procedures and sanitizing will be in place.
There is no inherent risk of getting coronavirus from the donation procedure itself. To minimize the risk of contracting it from others at a blood drive or donation center, Vitalant staff follow rigorous safety and disinfection protocols that include wearing gloves and personal protective gear, wiping down donor-touched areas often and after every collection, using sterile collection sets for every donation/collection, and arm scrubbing for 30 seconds. Read more: Pine Belt Yound Professionals
Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce 2020 Business Directory and Resource Guide
The Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce 2020 Business Directory and Resource Guide is available at the Virginia Peninsula Chamber today! Thanks to Bob McKenna, Suzy Johnson 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.
#BestChamber practices: Hampton Roads Chamber Covid 19 Business Resource Guide
The Hampton Roads Chamber means business. That mission doesn’t stop during times of struggle and unforeseen challenges. It’s magnified. Members doing business with members is the first step in helping our community successfully manage the current conditions we’re all facing today and tomorrow.
The Hampton Roads Chamber is a resource for all businesses. We have created a COVID-19 Business Resource Guide. This includes valuable information to help small and large businesses sustain themselves through this crisis here in Hampton Roads.
The page includes four sections:
- Help For Your Business. This provides links to SBDC loan applications and other assistance.
- What are the latest updates on COVID-19? This provides links to state and federal information including the Center for Disease Control.
- How can I help others? This offers suggestions on ways to support local businesses during this time of uncertainty.
- Frequently Asked Questions.
The Hampton Roads Chamber is a powerful economic partner, inspiring ignitor, impactful advocate, and regional collaborator. We are helping businesses to prepare and sustain—not panic. Our resource page offers assistance on many levels including ways to set up a continuity plan, how to host a virtual meeting, communicating with customers via social media, and applying for a small business loan.
Our team is working for you through this crisis. Please feel free to contact us with your concerns.
Kentucky Chamber Partners with Beshear Administration to Offer Face Masks to Kentucky Businesses
The Kentucky Chamber is proud to be a part of TeamKentucky. We know we are stronger together and are committed to working with you during these uncertain times.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
· Mask type: Three-ply, surgical mask
· Quantities: Sold in multiples of 50 masks per box
· Price: $49.50 per box of 50 masks (plus shipping and sales tax)
· Shipment: Once your order is received, you can expect the shipment to be mailed within three to five business days.
· Please note: These are single-use masks that should not be reused.
Click Here to Order Masks
Questions? Contact Sarah Cathey at scathey@kychamber.com or 502-848-8719.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
· Mask type: Three-ply, surgical mask
· Quantities: Sold in multiples of 50 masks per box
· Price: $49.50 per box of 50 masks (plus shipping and sales tax)
· Shipment: Once your order is received, you can expect the shipment to be mailed within three to five business days.
· Please note: These are single-use masks that should not be reused.
Questions? Contact Sarah Cathey at scathey@kychamber.com or 502-848-8719.
Front Royal Warren County Chamber of Commerce Community Profile & Membership Directory
The Front Royal Warren County Chamber of Commerce Community Profile & Membership Directory is available at the Front Royal Warren County Chamber of Commerce today! Thank you to Niki Foster and Pam Riffle 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.
U.S. Chamber Asks Congress to Help Nonprofits
Like many other organizations, nonprofits have been financially harmed during this crisis. Some have had to close their doors, while others are on the brink unless Congress acts.
A coalition of 3,738 organizations, including the U.S. Chamber, sent a letter to Congress urging to extend relief to local chambers of commerce, civic groups, trade associations, and other nonprofits so they can continue to provide important, community-minded services.
“Our groups contribute to the vitality and spirit of our communities,” the letter states. “We employ thousands of people and provide important workforce development and educational tools, economic support, and civic and cultural events.”
Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce Launches Podcast Series “Good News Fredericksburg”
The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce launches a new series: “Good News Fredericksburg: Powered by Rappahannock Electric Cooperative” on their new We Are Business Podcast.
Produced by Chamber staff members: Kyle Allwine, Anna Talcott and Tabitha Hall and sponsored by Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC), this series focuses on highlighting encouraging stories from small business and sharing the acts of kindness taking place across the region.
As part of REC’s sponsorship, the Chamber is offering a grant to a locally-owned business in each episode, in a way that best supports them.
In the first episode, the Chamber awarded Massage Therapy of Fredericksburg with a grant to pay towards the upkeep of their space. In the second episode, Stevenson Ridge, a prominent wedding venue in the region had gift cards purchased for a night’s stay, which was then used as a giveaway in the episode as well.
“We appreciate Chamber member, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative for giving us the ability to directly support several local businesses that have been impacted by this pandemic. Our strength is derived from our members, and through this strength, we may empower others in our community. When this pandemic ends, I know that our region's economy will be stronger through these efforts." – Susan Spears, Chamber President and CEO
During the first two episodes, the podcast spotlighted LifeCare Medical Transports, who are filling a need in New York City; local Fredericksburg restaurant, Juan More Taco, donating over 1,500 meals to the elderly and frontline workers; Fredericksburg Nationals hosting a virtual opening day; the Rappahannock Regional Library using their 3D printers to help create PPE, and more.
"Good News Fredericksburg" episodes will be available on Apple and Spotify weekly on Wednesday and Friday. Episodes are also recorded LIVE, Tuesday and Thursday on the Chamber’s Facebook page.
The Chamber wants to thank Rappahannock Electric Cooperative, as this series would not be possible without them.
More information: Contact Anna Talcott, Marketing & Communications Manager, Fredericksburg Regional Chamber
2300 Fall Hill Ave. #240, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
540-373-9537 - www.fxbgchamber.org
Economic boom from Marinette Marine's new naval contract will be heard around the state
The city had good reason to celebrate this week, even in the face of all the bad news circulating about the coronavirus pandemic, after learning that Fincantieri Marinette Marine was awarded a $5.5 billion Navy contract.
The U.S. Navy announced Thursday it had awarded Fincantieri Marinette Marine a contract to build the service's first new frigate and options for up to nine more, a deal that will keep the company's shipbuilders working for the next two decades and lead to the hiring of about 1,000 new workers.
“Something positive for a change,” Marinette Mayor Steve Genisot said of the news. “Not a day goes by that we don’t talk about the pandemic and how to get these businesses back on track and open again.”
But it sure will be better to face that challenge with this good news in hand than without it, Genisot said.
The contract will add roughly 1,000 new workers to the shipbuilder’s local workforce, and many more at the company's partners in Wisconsin and Michigan.
“To add 1,000 to the already 2,500 working there is huge for a community our size,” Genisot said. “It’s a huge win for Northeast Wisconsin, the state, and even the state of Michigan.
“It’s the trickle-down effect that we’ve been talking about, the different jobs for the 200 Northeastern Wisconsin subcontractors and the 700 nationwide that support the industry,” he said.
The shipyard will be hiring more of everything from welders to office personnel, and its suppliers probably will also need to hire, but the benefit will go far beyond that, said Jacqueline Boudreau, executive director and CEO of the Marinette-Menominee Area Chamber of Commerce.
“Local restaurants, hair salons, gas stations, the housing industry — everybody will be impacted for the good,” she said. “It’s wonderful news, just wonderful news. It’s an economic boom for our community.”
Deemed an essential business, the Marinette shipyard has been working at full speed putting out littoral combat ships for the U.S. Navy and the MMSC for Saudi Arabia. Company officials say LCS production will fade out just as production begins on the new frigate, called the FFGX, in about two years. Read more: Journal-Sentinel
Illinois Chamber: How to save lives, and livelihoods
We must demand that our leaders consider both the health and the financial crises before us when making their decisions.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker, his director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, Dr. Ngozi Ezike, and their teams have been appropriately focused on tackling the health crisis before us. They continue to show us their commitment to saving as many lives as they possibly can.
It is our job at the Illinois Chamber of Commerce to fight to save as many livelihoods as we possibly can during this economic crisis that is taking a rising toll on the future of Illinois families. As of April 23, the state had processed more than 755,000 unemployment claims since March 1—a staggering number that will only increase while the economy continues to be held on hold. That many people out of work isn't just an economic crisis—it is a humanitarian one.
Finally, we are asking the governor and Legislature to begin providing vital legislative support to our businesses by beginning an expedited review of all regulations that create costs for businesses that could be suspended during and immediately following the financial crisis. We also recommend that the Legislature move immediately to suspend the looming July 1 increase in the minimum wage to give the business community time to stabilize, reorganize and rehire.
Just as with 9/11 and the Great Recession, there will be a "before" and an "after" this crisis. Very few businesspeople are experts in epidemiology, and we will not try to predict when the "after COVID" period will begin. However, very few epidemiologists have had to furlough 80 percent of their workforce, and we believe the business community's input should be considered in creating a plan for our after.
The decisions our leaders make in the "during" will affect our health as well as Illinoisans' economic futures for the rest of our lives. This isn't just about determining whether businesses open now, or a month from now, or whether customers can buy a burger with or without a mask. These decisions will determine whether lawsuits and litigation will put small businesses out of business, whether minimum wage increases will come with employment decreases, whether workers' compensation and unemployment insurance rates soar and whether changing income tax structures will destroy a middle class in Illinois.
We as a people must demand that our leaders consider both the health and the financial crises before us when making their decisions, to ensure we make it to the after with as many lives, and livelihoods, possible.
Source: Crains Chicago Business
Courtney Thompson is new President & CEO of Augusta Regional Chamber
A 2003 graduate of James Madison University, Courtney has spent her entire career in the Augusta County, Staunton, Waynesboro area focused on business development. In this capacity, she previously served as Director of Community Development at GARCC and enjoyed two separate terms on the GARCC Board of Directors. She has been highly involved with the Chamber for over ten years.
She has been married to her husband, Phil for 15 years and has one son, John Parker who is 13. She is a parent volunteer in the community as well as involved in her church. She enjoys reading, horseback riding and playing the piano.
Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best Chamber Partner in the USA!
Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best Chamber Partner in the USA!
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.
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