Leadership Fort Smith program moving to Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce; Michigan Association of Chamber Professionals is Turning 50! Jefferson City Chamber Business Showcase creates exposure; Tulsa Chamber Event: Return on Inclusion Summit set for Oct. 30; Chamber Board Member Shawn Wenko Named New Williston, North Dakota Economic Development Director; Chamber idea: Salina Tech works to start trucking institute; Chamber heart: Walleye Weekend check presented; Chamber Picture: Minnewaska Schools named Chamber Member of the Month; Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotations: (Attitude) - Soren Kierkegaard

Leadership Fort Smith program moving to Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce

After 27 years of affiliation with the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith and the university’s earlier iterations, the Leadership Fort Smith Program will operate as a program of the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce beginning June 30, 2015.
The Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, University of Arkansas Fort Smith, the Leadership Fort Smith Advisory Board, and the Leadership Fort Smith Alumni Association “are all in agreement that this transfer will be a positive change for the program,” according to a statement from the chamber.
The transition will begin after the 2014-2015 class graduates.
“We’re fortunate to have strong leaders in Fort Smith and many, if not all, have participated in Leadership Fort Smith at some point in their careers,” Tim Allen, Chamber President/CEO, said in the statement. “We couldn’t think of a more fitting home for the program than the Chamber. We are proud that the University, the LFS Board of Advisors, and the LFS Alumni Association Board have entrusted us with this remarkable community program. We will be ready to hit the ground running, training the future leaders of our community.” Read more: The City Wire

Michigan Association of Chamber Professionals is Turning 50!  

The Michigan Association of Chamber Professionals will celebrate its 50th Anniversary in 2015 and there are a lot of opportunities for our members around the state:  

• Tell us your chamber story: We want to know your chamber's history and contribution to commerce since your organization started and accomplishments you've achieved in the last 50 years.

Help us celebrate: Show your MACP pride by recording celebration messages and posting on our social media pages. More: Michigan Association of Chamber Professionals

Jefferson City Chamber Business Showcase creates exposure

Hundreds of people were at the Capitol Plaza Hotel to check out more than 150 exhibitors from across the Capital City. KRCG’s Rod Smith was the master of ceremonies at this year’s Jefferson City Chamber of Commerce Business Showcase. KCRG 13

Tulsa Chamber Event: Return on Inclusion Summit set for Oct. 30

The 2014 Return on Inclusion (ROI) Summit will take place Oct. 30 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the DoubleTree Downtown Tulsa, 616 W. Seventh St.

Touted as Oklahoma’s largest professional diversity and inclusion conference, the half-day summit will help executives, human resource professionals and community leaders explore how to develop robust workplace diversity strategies that align with their business objectives.

Full program descriptions are available at roiok.org. New this year is a lunch-only option, making the event more accessible to individuals with limited time or funds.

The Summit also features the popular executive breakfast presented by the Tulsa Regional Chamber’s diversity business council Mosaic. “Secrets Revealed: How Top Business Leaders are using Diversity and Inclusion to Accelerate Results” is an exclusive opportunity for CEOs and other high-level executives to have an intimate conversation about the challenges and benefits of inclusion. Read more: Tulsa World

Chamber Board Member Shawn Wenko Named New Williston, North Dakota Economic Development Director


Williston's Economic Development (WED) Department is under new leadership. The City of Williston named 38-year-old Shawn Wenko as the department's executive director effective on Wednesday, October 1, 2014.
Wenko, a Williston native, returned to his hometown in 2008 to join WED. As deputy director he initially focused on the Williston City Commission's "Build Williston Initiative" which was designed to enhance the three pillars of community development: housing, workforce, and quality of life. The Roundup

Chamber idea: Salina Tech works to start trucking institute

The Salina Area Technical College has been working with employers to start a professional trucking school to meet a growing demand for drivers. During a meeting last week, vice president of instruction Pedro Leite said the technical school was looking for seed money, The Salina Journal (http://bit.ly/1xZmIbf ) reports. "If I find $30,000, the program is off and running tomorrow morning," Leite said.
Many of the 30 people who attended the meeting were needy employers who were invited by the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce and were willing to help. Read more: Kansas City Star

Chamber heart: Walleye Weekend check presented

Tom Kuhlman, Executive Vice President of the Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, presented Krable Menzterof Easter Seals Iowa with a check for $16,114.82. These funds were collected during the 33rd Annual Great Walleye Weekend this past May 3-4. The 34th Annual Great Walleye Weekend will be held May 2-3, 2015.  Read more: Dickinson County News

 Chamber Picture: Minnewaska Schools named Chamber Member of the Month 

The Glenwood Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce recognized Minnewaska Area Schools with the Chamber Member of the Month award last week. Students, staff and faculty gathered with chamber board members to accept the award. Representing MAS students were fifth-graders (front row, left to right): Katelyn Solis, Aliyah Bayer, Berkley Steffen, Alec Larson, Easton Kalina... Read more and see this wonderful picture: Pope County Tribune


Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotations: (Attitude)

“Life is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be experienced.”

~Soren Kierkegaard

 

Ross Summers announces his retirement; Branson Lakes Chamber of Commerce Looking for New CEO; Arkansas Works Better When Arkansans Vote (Randy Zook, President/CEO, Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce Feedback); Rauner announces endorsement from Illinois Chamber of Commerce; St. Cloud Minnesota Chamber honored nationally for retention; Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber has new president; Chamber Tweet of the Day: Tulsa Regional Chamber; Chamber Spotlight: October: Nebraska Manufacturing Month; Kentucky Chamber Goals: Put young kids first to improve our education system; Terre Haute Chamber partnership: Community Collaboration launches Wabash Valley Leadership Institute; Drumright Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce to Host 42nd Annual "Oilpatch Jamboree"; Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation: (Leadership)

Ross Summers announces his retirement; Branson Lakes Chamber of Commerce Looking for New CEO


Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau is looking for a new  President and CEO. Ross Summers, the current President and CEO announced his retirement earlier this week after twelve years of service.
Board of Directors President, Steve Critchfield, says  yesterday the board  approved a third party to search for a candidate. Read more: KRKZ.com

Arkansas Works Better When Arkansans Vote (Randy Zook, President/CEO, Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce Feedback)

Two months ago I shared an update about the agenda of our Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/Associated Industries of Arkansas in this paper. There I alluded to our business community’s efforts in this important election, saying “employers have a unique opportunity to help their employees understand the effect of government on the business environment and the outlook for employees’ jobs.”
The midterm election is less than 50 days away. And employers in our state recognize that Arkansas and America can do better than having a 14 percent approval rating of Congress. Read more: Arkansas Business

Rauner announces endorsement from Illinois Chamber of Commerce 

There was another business endorsement Friday in race for Illinois governor. The Illinois Chamber of Commerce is backing Republican candidate Bruce Rauner, while incumbent Democrat Pat Quinn stressed Friday that he has created a lot of jobs in the state. The National Federation of Independent Business and the Illinois Manufacturers Association have already endorsed Rauner, so the announcement was no surprise. At the P.M. Mold Company, a family-owned plastics fabricator in Schaumburg, Rauner announced he'd been endorsed by the Illinois Chamber of Commerce. 

St. Cloud Minnesota Chamber honored nationally for retention

The St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce recently received three membership achievement awards for retention from the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives at the ACCE national convention.
Recognition is reserved for chambers that score in the nation's top ten in their total revenue range in three areas: member retention of total accounts, member retention of total dues and new member accounts.
The St. Cloud Area Chamber earned recognition in all three areas. Overall, the Chamber's membership retention totaled 93.27 percent in dues, 90.54 percent in accounts and 77.55 percent in new member accounts. Read more: Saint Cloud Times


Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber has new president

A familiar name -- and voice -- will be the new face of the Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce. Jeff Thee, longtime local television host Jeff Thee was recently named the organization's president and CEO. The Spirit Lake City Councilman will succeed Tom Kuhlman, who served the chamber for the past 33 years. Kuhlman announced his retirement in the spring of 2014.
Thee will officially begin his chamber leadership duties on Monday, Nov. 3.
"We are excited about the leadership that Jeff can bring to the Chamber," incoming board chairman Norm Johnson said. "We feel that Jeff can lead us in a direction that will connect our Lakes Area together and bring about welcome opportunity for new and existing members."Read more: Dickinson County News

Chamber Tweet of the Day: Tulsa Regional Chamber

TulsaRegionalChamber ‏@TulsaChamber 58m58 minutes ago

Boost your company with these tips for workplace inclusion: http://bit.ly/10mLx5C 

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Chamber Spotlight: October: Nebraska Manufacturing Month

Gov. Dave Heineman touted Nebraska’s manufacturing industry Tuesday and previewed the 2014 Salute to Manufacturing tour to be held later this month.

Joined by Barry Kennedy, President of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Chamber Chairman Chris Roth, President and CEO of Reinke Manufacturing Company in Deshler, Heineman signed a proclamation officially declaring the month of October to be Nebraska Manufacturing Month.

Nebraska exports to more than 170 countries, selling manufactured goods and services totaling more than $7 billion. Manufacturers employ nearly 10 percent of Nebraska’s workforce. The average manufacturing job in Nebraska pays nearly $55,000 annually. Read more: North Platte Bulletin

Kentucky Chamber Goals: Put young kids first to improve our education system

Four years ago the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky region created a set of "Bold Goals" for education, income and health to be achieved by the year 2020. The collective vision has now been endorsed by more than 250 of our region's leading business, civic, education, government, philanthropic, and nonprofit organizations.
As chair of the United Way campaign in Northern Kentucky this year, and as co-chair of the regional Read On! campaign, I've been referencing these goals during every meeting and event.
Why? Because these goals need to be met if we are to have a thriving community and the quality of life we all want.
Of all the goals, I believe the Kindergarten Readiness Bold Goal is the most important to achieve long-term success. Decades of research by economists, neuroscientists and educators show that early childhood education is the biggest "bang for the buck." Investments in the early years of a child's life, including high-quality preschool, result in long-term gains for students and significant savings for governments and taxpayers. Read more:  Cincinatti.com

Terre Haute Chamber partnership: Community Collaboration launches Wabash Valley Leadership Institute

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) and the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce announce the launch of the Wabash Valley Leadership Institute (WVLI) presented by Duke Energy. As a collaborative effort between the two organizations and with the support of community organizations and sponsors, the purpose of the WVLI is to engage and energize leadership efforts in the Wabash Valley. Program curriculum will focus on leadership skills with the intended effects of personal growth in leadership, organizational behavioral skills and potential community growth in a leadership capacity.

"Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College is committed to the partnership with Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce to implement a high energy, trend-setting leadership development program that will empower and equip the next generation of community leaders," said Dottie King, Ph.D., president, SMWC. "As a higher education institution, we have a social responsibility to provide educational support to the Wabash Valley, and I look forward to seeing the success of these graduates and even more to the impact they will make on the west central Indiana region," added King.Read more: Terre Haute Chamber

Drumright Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce to Host 42nd Annual "Oilpatch Jamboree"

The Drumright Chamber of Commerce will host the 42nd annual "Oilpatch Jamboree" in Drumright, Oklahoma on Saturday, October 4th. The event will be packed full of family fun and entertainment, including the world-famous "Oilpatch Parade," live music, "Jamboree Jog," "Smokin' In The Patch" barbeque cook-off, and many other activities for people of all ages. Read more: 1600KUSH.com

Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation: (Leadership) 

Where there is no vision, the people perish. — Proverbs

Gov. Rick Snyder speaks to Saginaw County Chamber crowd in 'Michigan's Little Bavaria'; Kansas City Chamber's new Big 5 goal targets KC's 'No. 1 economic tool'; Northfield Minnesota Chamber names Bornhauser as executive director; Springfield Chamber Award: Nominate someone special for 2014 Humanitarian Award; Chamber news: 50 Best Places to Live in the U. S. - #3. Carmel, Indiana; Chamber news: North Dakota extends lowest state unemployment rate to 69 months; Chamber Tweet of the Day: Greater OKC Chamber; Chamber Event: U of O Mutt Strutt approaches; 10 Questions to Ask on Your First Phone Call With Franchise Headquarters; Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation: (Attitude);

Gov. Rick Snyder speaks to Saginaw County Chamber crowd in 'Michigan's Little Bavaria'

Gov. Rick Snyder sought to illustrate how far the state has come when he spoke to a crowd of about 200 Saginaw County businessmen and women at Frankenmuth's Bavarian Inn Friday, Sept. 12.

To do that, he reminded them of the "terrible situation" the state was facing a few years ago.
"I think it's important to remind us where we were. We were a broken state, if you go back to 2009. We were broken in so many different ways," Snyder told the crowd at the Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce's "Out of the Frying Pan — a Legislative Luncheon" at the Bavarian Inn, One Covered Bridge Lane. Read more: M Live

Kansas City Chamber's new Big 5 goal targets KC's 'No. 1 economic tool'

When the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce hosted its "No Bad Ideas" gathering with regional leaders, the chamber's next "Big 5" initiative became clear.
"The overwhelming consensus from that session was that no single issue impacted the health and vitality of our regional community and regional workforce more than education," Chamber Chairwoman Roshann Parris said during the chamber's Wednesday luncheon. Read more: Kansas City Business Journal

Northfield Minnesota Chamber names Bornhauser as executive director

The Northfield Area Chamber of Commerce board of directors announced Tuesday that it has named Todd Bornhauser as its executive director. Bornhauser has nearly 15 years of chamber leadership experience and is a longtime Northfield resident. He will assume his role on Oct. 1.

According to a Chamber release, Bornhauser’s résumé boasts of a successful tenure in the hospitality industry, including time as president at the Lakeville Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau. During his time at the helm, Bornhauser helped to double the Lakeville Chamber’s membership base to more than 430 members and increased the operating budget to $335,000. Read more: Northfield News

Springfield Chamber Award: Nominate someone special for 2014 Humanitarian Award

Do you know any outstanding individuals who have made a long-term commitment to better their communities? People who have contributed not just money, but their minds and their time to the causes they hold dear?
If so, please consider nominating them for the 2014 Humanitarian Award. This will be the 25th year for this award, and the winner will join an outstanding roster of Ozarkers who represent a diverse range of interests and causes. Read more: Springfield News-Leader

Chamber news: 50 Best Places to Live in the U. S. - #3. Carmel, Indiana

When Carmel’s mayor, Jim Brainard, first ran for office nearly 20 years ago, he says he heard a common request: “People said it would be nice if we didn’t have to drive to have a nice dinner or see a show.”
His vision: Borrow the walkable, culture-filled model of the great European cities by re­vitalizing the downtown, replacing intersections with roundabouts (there are now about 90), and bringing in more performing arts.
Today residents of this perennially well-ranked city (it was No. 1 on our 2012 list) can hear local symphony or travel­ing acts at the Palladium, a 1,600-seat concert hall in the style of Venetian architect Andrea Pal-ladio, or see theater or dance at the Tarkington and Studio theaters. Money Magazine

Chamber news: North Dakota extends lowest state unemployment rate to 69 months

While the nation struggles with unemployment, and small new job numbers, one state stands alone in job growth. For more than five years, North Dakota has lead the nation with the lowest rate of unemployment. Read more: Digital Journal 

Chamber Tweet of the Day: Greater OKC Chamber

Greater OKC Chamber ‏@okcchamber 16h16 hours ago

Boeing to add up to 900 positions in Oklahoma City: http://ow.ly/C5xxP 

 

Chamber Event: U of O Mutt Strutt approaches

The Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce invites you to hit the trails with your four-legged family members for the 3rd annual University of Okoboji Mutt Strutt Saturday, Oct. 4.
It's a fun and fur-filled one-mile walk begins at the Pearson Lakes Art Center at 8:30 a.m.
People and their pooches will strut their stuff over to the Dickinson County Nature Center and then back to the Art Center for a pet/owner look alike contest, best pet trick showdown and cutest mutt show!Read more: Dickinson County News

 

10 Questions to Ask on Your First Phone Call With Franchise Headquarters

By FranchiseKing, Guest Blogger

Published: September 16, 2014

It may end up being the most important phone call you’ll ever have as it relates to your decision to become your own boss.
The phone call I’m referring to: your first call with a representative from franchise headquarters of the franchise concept you’re interested in learning about.
In this post, I’m going to prepare you for the call and provide some great questions to ask the franchise sales representative, so you can determine if the franchise you’re interested in could be a good fit for you.
The Call
A conference call with the franchise salesperson will be scheduled after you request information from the company. It’s the only way to get the details and some of your preliminary questions answered. The franchisor’s website may be informative, but talking with a representative of the franchisor really needs to happen if you’re serious about getting the facts.
The first phone call is usually a friendly, “let’s get to know one another” type of call. You’ll be asked questions about your career, your reasons for wanting to be your own boss and other things that relate to your interest in the opportunity. You’ll also be asked some money questions; the salesperson wants to make sure you’re financially qualified to buy their franchise.
Next, it will be your turn to ask some questions about the franchise concept. Here are 10 good ones:

1. How long has the franchise company been in business?
2. How long has the franchise salesperson been with the company?
3. How many franchise units does the company currently have?
4. What does the franchisor look for in a franchisee?
5. What is the total investment?
6. Is there territory available in your area?
7. How long will it take to go through everything you need to know* and make a decision?
8. Does the franchisor offer financing?
9. What is the failure rate?
10. What does the future hold for this franchise concept? Read more: SBA.gov

Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation: (Attitude)

“When the winds of change blow, some people build walls, others build windmills.”

~Chinese proverb

 

Transcript from IL Chamber of Commerce CEO Todd Maisch on fixing Illinois - Andrew Busch's Engage; Chamber news: Arkansas CEOs optimistic about improving economy; Chamber news: Savings on the way for Oklahoma employers in 2015!; Kentucky Perspective: Public-minded leaders matter; One Southern Indiana chamber chief asks state to help ease toll burden on businesses; Chamber honors Waseca County News with Roots award; KC Chamber honors women for local influence; Chamber event: 35th Annual Winter Games chair & co-chair announced; Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation (Leadership):

Transcript from IL Chamber of Commerce CEO Todd Maisch on fixing Illinois - Andrew Busch's Engage

Last Friday, I did a show on the worst run state in the union according to Moody’s and S&P: Illinois. One of the guests I had on was Illinois Chamber of Commerce CEO Todd Maisch to discuss what they would like to see from the next governor of Illinois to create economic growth and jobs. Below is the transcript. Note, the Chamber was surprisingly optimistic on the outlook for bi-partisan IL tax reform. Read more: Andrew Busch

Chamber news: Arkansas CEOs optimistic about improving economy

The latest survey of more than 150 Arkansas company leaders indicates an improved outlook for the rest of 2014 on the sales and hiring front, as well as expectations that economic conditions will improve in the last half of the year.

Talk Business & Politics — in conjunction with the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and consulting group CEG Partners – released its second “Business Leaders Confidence Survey,” which captures opinions on the future direction of Arkansas economic conditions. The Greater Little Rock Chamber of Commerce also aided in this latest survey. Read more: The City Wire

Chamber news: Savings on the way for Oklahoma employers in 2015!

Most Oklahoma employers can expect to pay lower unemployment taxes in 2015.  Tax rates for all Oklahoma employers will be dropping to the minimum rate available for that individual employer due to a stronger unemployment insurance (UI) trust fund and lower UI benefit payments over the past few years.  These lower tax rates are estimated to save Oklahoma businesses between $120 million and $130 million next year.  Last year saw a similar drop in rates resulting in savings of $170 million for 2014. Contact  Mike Seney Oklahoma State Chamber

Kentucky Perspective: Public-minded leaders matter

The recent death of Bill Sturgill, a Kentucky leader of the first order, prompts a realization that a generation of our commonwealth’s most highly regarded visionaries is quickly leaving the scene. Mr. Sturgill wore many hats in the public and private sectors, and his passing is a loss to the people of Kentucky.

Long before he was in Gov. John Y. Brown Jr.’s executive cabinet as secretary of energy and agriculture at a salary of $1 a year, Sturgill was a consummate businessman in the coal, lumber, equine and tobacco industries. More than anything, he knew how to share. He generously shared his labor, time, energy and money to advance the state of Kentucky. His endowments to the University of Kentucky and his service as chairman of its board of trustees confirm his dedication to quality education, and as chairman of the Kentucky Racing Commission he established a strong leadership position in the Thoroughbred industry. His altruism and philanthropy benefitted the state’s key industries and educational endeavors. Bill Sturgill will be missed.

W.T. Young is another key Kentucky leader to pass away in recent times... Read more:  Lane Report

One Southern Indiana chamber chief asks state to help ease toll burden on businesses

The Southern Indiana chamber of commerce is asking state officials to consider changes to traffic and toll plans in an effort to ease the Ohio River Bridges Project's financial burden on local businesses.

The president and CEO of One Southern Indiana, which represents Clark and Floyd counties, sent the suggestions in a July 30 letter to the Indiana Finance Authority, the agency in charge of the project's financing.

Among the recommendations, based on input from chamber members, are limiting the Clark Memorial Bridge to passenger cars and trucks and restricting the span to one-way traffic during rush hour periods, Wendy Dant Chesser wrote. Read more: WDRB.com

Chamber honors Waseca County News with Roots award

The Waseca Area Chamber of Commerce presented Waseca County News Publisher Julie Frazier with its Roots Award honoring the publication's longevity. The paper is celebrating its 150th anniversary. (Photo courtesy of the Waseca Area Chamber of Commerce)

KC Chamber honors women for local influence

The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce announced its 2014 Athena Award recipients on Tuesday, with two local businesswomen selected for their professional leadership and community involvement. Betsey Solberg, executive consultant for FleishmanHillard Inc.'s Kansas City office, and Marshaun Butler, vice president of Children's Mercy South and regional hospitals, joined a list of more than 6,000 honorees from the award's 30-year history. Read more: Kansas City Business Journal

Chamber event: 35th Annual Winter Games chair & co-chair announced

The Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce that Alison Schmitz will serve as the chairperson of the 2015 University of Okoboji Winter Games. To assist her with the various responsibilities, Ali has chosen Nick Stauss to serve as her co-chair. Read more:

Dickinson County News

Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation (Leadership):

“It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.” - Harry S. Truman 

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