Good morning #ChamberWorld! It's going to be a GREAT day!
Thomas Donahue: The US Chamber applauds the administration for its new rule expanding Association Health Plans (AHPs).
There is good news at last for the millions of small businesses nationwide that have struggled to find affordable health insurance. Last week the Trump administration released a new rule expanding Association Health Plans (AHPs), which will allow small businesses to finally offer their employees the same type of coverage that large businesses have had for years.
AHPs are a way for small businesses and self-employed Americans to band together, whether by industry or geography, to enroll in a single group health plan that will cover far more employees than a plan used by an individual small business. Under the rule, these companies and their employees will have additional choices for health coverage. Because AHPs will cover so many people, these plans will be governed by rules that apply to large group plans, which are far less prescriptive, allowing coverage to be significantly more affordable.
Previously, the unequal treatment of large and small companies left smaller employers with a stark choice: either pay for high-priced comprehensive plans or offer no health coverage at all. Is it any wonder that the number of small businesses offering coverage has fallen in recent years?
Thanks to AHPs, that trend may soon reverse. According to the Congressional Budget Office, some 400,000 currently uninsured Americans are expected to attain coverage due to last week’s rule. In total, an estimated 4 million Americans will enroll in and benefit from new AHPs. State and regional chambers of commerce and other associations are eager to offer meaningful AHP coverage at a cost that member companies and their employees can afford—while preserving important consumer protections and nondiscrimination provisions.
This regulation will provide welcome opportunities for small businesses, but much more still needs to be done to expand access to affordable health coverage choices for all Americans. Many of these additional reforms will require congressional action, which is why the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is continuing to work with Congress to achieve the long-standing goal of a modern, stable, and affordable health care system.
Nonetheless, AHPs are a major step in the right direction for small businesses and the millions of Americans who will now be able to buy lower cost health insurance plans. The Chamber applauds President Trump, Labor Secretary Acosta, and Health and Human Services Secretary Azar for making this a reality. And we look forward to working with them on further improvements to American health care.
Previously, the unequal treatment of large and small companies left smaller employers with a stark choice: either pay for high-priced comprehensive plans or offer no health coverage at all. Is it any wonder that the number of small businesses offering coverage has fallen in recent years?
Thanks to AHPs, that trend may soon reverse. According to the Congressional Budget Office, some 400,000 currently uninsured Americans are expected to attain coverage due to last week’s rule. In total, an estimated 4 million Americans will enroll in and benefit from new AHPs. State and regional chambers of commerce and other associations are eager to offer meaningful AHP coverage at a cost that member companies and their employees can afford—while preserving important consumer protections and nondiscrimination provisions.
This regulation will provide welcome opportunities for small businesses, but much more still needs to be done to expand access to affordable health coverage choices for all Americans. Many of these additional reforms will require congressional action, which is why the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is continuing to work with Congress to achieve the long-standing goal of a modern, stable, and affordable health care system.
Nonetheless, AHPs are a major step in the right direction for small businesses and the millions of Americans who will now be able to buy lower cost health insurance plans. The Chamber applauds President Trump, Labor Secretary Acosta, and Health and Human Services Secretary Azar for making this a reality. And we look forward to working with them on further improvements to American health care.
Valpo Chamber a finalist for Chamber of the Year
The Greater Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce has been named a finalist for the 2018 Chamber of the Year award, presented by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives.
The ACCE is based in Alexandria, Va. and represents more than 8,000 chamber of commerce professionals and 1,300 chambers of commerce around the world.
“The Valpo Chamber will be competing against the Des Moines, Iowa chamber for the top prize of Best Chamber," said Rex Richards, the chamber's president.
He said the award is determined by a three-step process including a review of operational information to determine eligibility to fill out a second application with details of two areas that separate the applicant from other chambers in excellence.
"After the second submittal, the Valpo Chamber was selected as one of two finalists in its class," Richards said. "The third and final step is a personal interview by the selection committee at the national convention."
The convention will be held next month in Des Moines, Iowa, with awards announced July 18.
The Chamber of the Year award recognizes the leadership role chambers have in their communities. Those honored with the Chamber of the Year designation have demonstrated organizational strength and made an impact on key community priorities, such as education, transportation, business development and quality of life.
The ACCE has named the Valpo Chamber as one of 13 Communications Excellence Grand Award winners for its monthly video newsletters. Judges awarded 13 Grand Awards out of more than 150 submitted entries in 2018. Read more: NWI Times
Romeoville Community & Membership Directory
The Romeoville 2017 Community & Membership Directory is available at the Romeoville Chamber of Commerce today! Thank you to 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.
Wisconsin Regional employer survey shows local wage growth accelerating
The recently completed the 2018 Western & Central Wisconsin Wage Survey has revealed a 3.70% overall increase in its group of 35 benchmark jobs, an acceleration of last year’s increase of 2.99%.
The increase is an “indicator of positive wage growth and robust market conditions,” notes Deborah Marshall, Senior Manager, HR Consulting, at Wipfli in Eau Claire, who serves as the lead technical advisor for the survey. “Although there are always variations in numbers reported due to different employers participating (or not participating) and individual job fluctuations, the ‘overall’ number is still a fairly reliable statistic. Accordingly, actual average pay increase percentages awarded were up from last year as well.”
In its 19th year, the survey results were compiled from submissions by 151 companies in various industries, in an area encompassing the coverage area of the Chambers of Commerce in Chippewa Falls, Eau Claire, La Crosse, Marshfield, Menomonie, Portage County, Rice Lake, Wausau, and Wisconsin Rapids. Also involved were local chapters of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) in the Chippewa Valley, La Crosse, Wausau and Winona, MN. The survey is administered by the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce.
Employers in central Wisconsin were included for the first time this year, resulting in a 25% increase in the number of participating organizations. Base pay levels for over 18,000 employees were included in the survey, on 150 different job titles. Manufacturers represented 43% of the employers and 50% of the rates of pay in the survey, up significantly from last year. The survey also has industry breakouts for healthcare, financial institutions, non-profits, and a general category for all other types of organizations.
The full survey results are available to employers for purchase at the Eau Claire Chamber. A copy of the survey will be available at the Eau Claire Public Library. Participating members of the Chambers of Commerce and SHRM chapters receive a copy at a reduced price. The order for is available online at: http://www.eauclairechamber.org/western--central-wisconsin-wage-survey.html or contact Casey Schumacher at schumacher@eauclairechamber.org or 715-834-0614.
Mt. Vernon’s Fall Festival September 28th-30th in downtown Mt. Vernon
We are gearing up for Mt. Vernon’s Fall Festival this year September 28th-30th in downtown Mt. Vernon. Every year, the 100+ entry parade gathers thousands from around the area. This year’s parade will be held Saturday, September 29th at 10 a.m. with the theme “Celebrating 200 Years Illinois Proud”. New this year, we are offering all sponsors a FREE entry into our parade. All sponsors receive a free booth space all weekend, as well. This year’s Fall Festival is an official endorsed Bicentennial event for the State of Illinois. We count on businesses like you to fund Fall Fest and help keep it FREE for the community! Thank you for your support. Please see the attached parade entry form and giving guide. If you have any questions about the Fall Fest sponsorship portion of the guide, please let me know. Sponsorships are customizable and I would be happy to set up a time and discuss options!
Contact Grace McDowell, Marketing Executive
Mt. Vernon Convention & Visitors Bureau
(618) 242-3151
Mt. Vernon Convention & Visitors Bureau
(618) 242-3151
Ridgeland Chamber: Women to Women: A Celebration Luncheon w/Musee Bath founder Leisha Pickering
The Ridgeland Chamber is excited to host the second annual Women to Women: A Celebration Luncheon event with our keynote speaker, Leisha Pickering, founder of Musee Bath, LLC.
The luncheon will be held Thursday, August 23, 2018 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the County Club of Jackson. Tickets are $40 per person. Sponsorships are also available.
§ DIAMOND SPONSOR - $1000 (10 tickets)
§ GOLD SPONSOR - $800 (8 tickets)
§ SILVER SPONSOR - $600 (6 tickets)
§ PEARL SPONSOR - $400 (4 tickets)
Sponsors also receive a specially designed table sign with your company’s name listed in the program and special recognition at the Celebration luncheon. Each guest will receive a special favor.
Please don’t delay. Respond TODAY! Please e-mail or call the Chamber 601-991-9996. You may also register ONLINE at this link. https://www.chamberdata.net/webforms/EvtListing.aspx?dbid2=msridge&keyword=120894&class=E USER NAME = First Name; PASSWORD = Last Name. This event promises to be one which guests will long remember. Please respond so we may continue to plan this wonderful event.
Thank you for your support of our dynamic Chamber and great City.
The luncheon will be held Thursday, August 23, 2018 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the County Club of Jackson. Tickets are $40 per person. Sponsorships are also available.
§ DIAMOND SPONSOR - $1000 (10 tickets)
§ GOLD SPONSOR - $800 (8 tickets)
§ SILVER SPONSOR - $600 (6 tickets)
§ PEARL SPONSOR - $400 (4 tickets)
Sponsors also receive a specially designed table sign with your company’s name listed in the program and special recognition at the Celebration luncheon. Each guest will receive a special favor.
Please don’t delay. Respond TODAY! Please e-mail or call the Chamber 601-991-9996. You may also register ONLINE at this link. https://www.chamberdata.net/webforms/EvtListing.aspx?dbid2=msridge&keyword=120894&class=E USER NAME = First Name; PASSWORD = Last Name. This event promises to be one which guests will long remember. Please respond so we may continue to plan this wonderful event.
Thank you for your support of our dynamic Chamber and great City.
Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce 2017-2018 Community Guide & Membership Directory
The Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce 2017-2018 Community Profile & Membership Directory is available at the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber today! Thanks to Jon Maynard, Pam Swain, Rosie Vassalo 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.
Annual Capital Region Business Forum to Convene Top Regional Leaders on September 6
On September 6th, Muriel Bowser (D), Mayor of the District of Columbia, Ralph Northam (D), Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and Larry Hogan (R) (Invited), Governor of the State of Maryland, will discuss their plans to work cooperatively to bolster the regional economy at the Annual Capital Region Business Forum.
This prestigious event will be held at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner from 7:30 – 9:30 AM and will address the most critical, pressing issues and opportunities that affect the District of Columbia, the State of Maryland, and the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Topics will include:
· Infrastructure and transportation initiatives,
· Outlook of federal presence and implications of change,
· Identifying ways to apply smart cities regionally,
· Collaborative opportunities for economic development and regional cooperation, and more.
This event, a joint initiative of the Northern Virginia Chamber, Board of Trade, and Prince George’s Chamber, will provide the leaders the opportunity to discuss their plans to work cooperatively to bolster the regional economy in an ever-competitive global marketplace.
Registration is available on the Northern Virginia Chamber’s website. Individual tickets are $160, tables of 10 are $1,500. Early Bird pricing until Wednesday, July 25 includes tickets at $140 and tables at $1,300. For sponsorship inquiries, please contact Tori Simms, tsimms@novachamber.org.
Media interested in attending the event should contact Elaine Gilligan, egilligan@novachamber.org, to register.
Follow the event on Twitter @NOVAChamber and #DMVBizForum.
More information:
More information:
Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce
Contact: Elaine Gilligan
Director, Marketing & Communications
703.752.7521
Greater Washington Board of Trade
Contact: Ashley Desing
Director, Programs & Events
202.857.5920
Prince George’s Chamber of Commerce
Contact: Chauka K. Reid
Business Development Manager
301.731.5000
The second “Leading the Way” Speaker Series Luncheon will be held on Monday, July 16, 2018, with State Representative Tom Leonard as the featured speaker. This event will be held at Bay Valley Resort & Conference Center. Registration is at 11:00 a.m. and the program begins at 11:30 a.m.
State Representative Tom Leonard is Michigan’s 75th Speaker of the House and currently the youngest Speaker in the country. Elected Speaker by his colleagues for the 2017-2018 term, Leonard and his Republican team have kept Michigan on a pro-growth, pro-family, pro-jobs path forward. He has led historic reforms in our teacher pension system, cut our taxes
and worked across party lines to fight for lower insurance rates.
Prior to his election to the Michigan House of Representatives in 2012, Leonard was Assistant Attorney General and a prosecutor in Genesee County where he prosecuted some of Michigan’s most dangerous criminals while assigned to the Special Crimes Division in Flint. Leonard earned his Bachelor’s degree in History and Spanish from the University of Michigan
and received his Juris Doctorate from the Michigan State University School of Law, where he was the graduating class president. He also earned the Ralph M. Freeman Scholarship, which is annually awarded to the student who most exemplifies the Rules of Professional Conduct by treating others with courtesy and respect. Leonard serves the 93rd House District, which encompasses Clinton County and portions of
Gratiot County. Tom and his wife Jenell live in DeWitt Township with their daughter Hannah, who will be two in September.
“The Bay Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to have the country’s youngest Speaker come to Bay City,” said Ryan Tarrant, Bay Area Chamber President & CEO. “We are proud to offer
2 of 2
this opportunity to hear from the Speaker about policy changes in Lansing that affect Bay Area
businesses and the community.”
The Leading the Way Luncheon is open to the public. Chamber members are $25 per person,
future members $40 per person and table of eight for $190. To register call the Chamber at
989.893.4567 or visit baycityarea.com.
The Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, founded in 1882, is a private, non-profit business
organization with nearly 800 members that provides programs to assist local businesses grow
and prosper. The Bay Area Chamber of Commerce joins area businesses and the community
for the economic growth and well-being of the entire Bay Area. Contact: Ryan Tarrant
(989) 893-4567
Leading Agriculture Expert to speak at Greater Owensboro Rooster Booster
Owensboro, KY – Dr. John Purcell will address Greater Owensboro Chamber members this week at the Rooster Booster Breakfast. Dr. Purcell has dedicated over three decades to helping farmers safely and sustainably grow food using less of the earth's natural resources. He currently serves as the Global Vegetables R&D Lead/Hawaii Business Lead, Vice President and Distinguished Science Fellow for Monsanto Company. In this role he works closely with teams of researchers and scientists looking at ways to breed and cultivate vegetables that are more appealing, nutritious and can be grown using fewer resources.
Over the course of his career at Monsanto, Dr. Purcell’s work and research has taken him to more than 35 countries around the world to work with and learn from farmers in their fields. His prior roles at Monsanto include Hawaii Technology and Business Lead and Global Technology Development Lead for Monsanto Vegetables, as well as several other roles in the Monsanto Technology Organization in which he contributed to advancements in many diverse crops including corn, cotton, and wheat.
Prior to joining Monsanto, John was a post-doctoral researcher at the United States Department of Agriculture. His Ph.D. in Molecular and Cellular Biology was granted from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst and focused on studies in Insect Biochemistry.
He is an inventor on several patents and an author of numerous scientific papers, reviews and book chapters. He is often invited to speak on agricultural technologies at venues around the world. John's love for agriculture also extends to his personal life, where he is a part owner of a family ranching operation in Montana.
The monthly breakfast event is sponsored by Western Kentucky University Owensboro. The cost to attend is $12 for Chamber Members with reservations, $15 for Members with no reservations and $20 for non-members. Make your reservation and pay online at http://business.chamber.owensboro.com/events or call the Chamber at 270-926-1860 by noon on Wednesday, July 11.
Founded in 1913, the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce has worked for a century to provide valuable benefits and services to member business and individuals. Today, with a membership base of nearly 1000, the Chamber is a critical partner in community and business development initiatives, serving as the center of business advocacy for the Greater Owensboro region.
State Representative Tom Leonard To Speak At Bay Area Chamber Of Commerce Leading The Way Luncheon
State Representative Tom Leonard is Michigan’s 75th Speaker of the House and currently the youngest Speaker in the country. Elected Speaker by his colleagues for the 2017-2018 term, Leonard and his Republican team have kept Michigan on a pro-growth, pro-family, pro-jobs path forward. He has led historic reforms in our teacher pension system, cut our taxes
and worked across party lines to fight for lower insurance rates.
Prior to his election to the Michigan House of Representatives in 2012, Leonard was Assistant Attorney General and a prosecutor in Genesee County where he prosecuted some of Michigan’s most dangerous criminals while assigned to the Special Crimes Division in Flint. Leonard earned his Bachelor’s degree in History and Spanish from the University of Michigan
and received his Juris Doctorate from the Michigan State University School of Law, where he was the graduating class president. He also earned the Ralph M. Freeman Scholarship, which is annually awarded to the student who most exemplifies the Rules of Professional Conduct by treating others with courtesy and respect. Leonard serves the 93rd House District, which encompasses Clinton County and portions of
Gratiot County. Tom and his wife Jenell live in DeWitt Township with their daughter Hannah, who will be two in September.
“The Bay Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to have the country’s youngest Speaker come to Bay City,” said Ryan Tarrant, Bay Area Chamber President & CEO. “We are proud to offer
2 of 2
this opportunity to hear from the Speaker about policy changes in Lansing that affect Bay Area
businesses and the community.”
The Leading the Way Luncheon is open to the public. Chamber members are $25 per person,
future members $40 per person and table of eight for $190. To register call the Chamber at
989.893.4567 or visit baycityarea.com.
The Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, founded in 1882, is a private, non-profit business
organization with nearly 800 members that provides programs to assist local businesses grow
and prosper. The Bay Area Chamber of Commerce joins area businesses and the community
for the economic growth and well-being of the entire Bay Area. Contact: Ryan Tarrant
(989) 893-4567
Leading Agriculture Expert to speak at Greater Owensboro Rooster Booster
Owensboro, KY – Dr. John Purcell will address Greater Owensboro Chamber members this week at the Rooster Booster Breakfast. Dr. Purcell has dedicated over three decades to helping farmers safely and sustainably grow food using less of the earth's natural resources. He currently serves as the Global Vegetables R&D Lead/Hawaii Business Lead, Vice President and Distinguished Science Fellow for Monsanto Company. In this role he works closely with teams of researchers and scientists looking at ways to breed and cultivate vegetables that are more appealing, nutritious and can be grown using fewer resources.
Over the course of his career at Monsanto, Dr. Purcell’s work and research has taken him to more than 35 countries around the world to work with and learn from farmers in their fields. His prior roles at Monsanto include Hawaii Technology and Business Lead and Global Technology Development Lead for Monsanto Vegetables, as well as several other roles in the Monsanto Technology Organization in which he contributed to advancements in many diverse crops including corn, cotton, and wheat.
Prior to joining Monsanto, John was a post-doctoral researcher at the United States Department of Agriculture. His Ph.D. in Molecular and Cellular Biology was granted from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst and focused on studies in Insect Biochemistry.
He is an inventor on several patents and an author of numerous scientific papers, reviews and book chapters. He is often invited to speak on agricultural technologies at venues around the world. John's love for agriculture also extends to his personal life, where he is a part owner of a family ranching operation in Montana.
The monthly breakfast event is sponsored by Western Kentucky University Owensboro. The cost to attend is $12 for Chamber Members with reservations, $15 for Members with no reservations and $20 for non-members. Make your reservation and pay online at http://business.chamber.owensboro.com/events or call the Chamber at 270-926-1860 by noon on Wednesday, July 11.
Founded in 1913, the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce has worked for a century to provide valuable benefits and services to member business and individuals. Today, with a membership base of nearly 1000, the Chamber is a critical partner in community and business development initiatives, serving as the center of business advocacy for the Greater Owensboro region.
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
