Showing posts with label Jessamine County Chamber. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jessamine County Chamber. Show all posts

Thursday, October 27, 2016

KCCE Announces 2017 Board of Directors, Dail Serves as President-Elect; Danville-Boyle County Chamber of Commerce to host U.S. Senator and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell; Two Years In: Greater Louisville Inc (GLI) President Kent Oyler Reflects On His Tenure; Northern Kentucky Chamber’s changing of the guard: Bob Heil assumes leadership role as chairman; Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce Meets with Economic Development Professionals in Atlanta; #FamousChamber of Commerce Quotation: Glenn Shepard; Paducah to Host Global UNESCO Cities in 2017; Leadership Owensboro 2017 Class Announced; Jessamine County Chamber executive hires Rhonda May as new Executive Director; Logan County to celebrate Tobacco and Heritage Festival; Opportunity? Kentucky Tourism Secretary details how businesses can help boost state through P3 projects; Kyndle’s Regional Industry of the Year Awards breakfast Sept. 29

 Kentucky Chamber Professional Digest
 October, 2016


Happy Monday, Chamber world! It is going to be a GREAT week! As a long-suffering baseball fan, I have one thing to say this month: GO CUBS!

 KCCE Announces 2017 Board of Directors, Dail Serves as President-Elect


The President of the Murray-Calloway County Chamber of Commerce will head up a state board of commerce executives next year.  
The Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Executives named their new board of directors for 2017.
“KCCE is proud of the vast range of experiences each board member has to offer when it comes to building a favorable business climate in Kentucky,” said Amy Cloud, Executive Director of the KCCE. “This exceptional board will help set the agenda when it comes to chamber best practices and development, and as the new executive director, I’m excited to begin the new year with such a talented, supportive, and experienced board.”
The board also names Aaron Dail of the Murray-Calloway CoC as President-Elect.  
In that capacity, Dail will prepare to succeed the current president Brad Richardson and lead the board in the 2017 fiscal year.
He says he looks forward to leading the KCCE as an advocacy group and setting agenda for professional development initiatives across the state.

“Really, what [KCCE] looks to do is to help those individual chamber of commerce grow in their professional aspects, as well as be an advocacy arm for individual chambers and allow us to be able to understand issues at the local level and funnel those up to the statewide level," said Dail. Read more: WKMS

Danville-Boyle County Chamber of Commerce to host U.S. Senator and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell


The Danville-Boyle County Chamber of Commerce will host U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell on Monday, Oct. 10, from 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. The luncheon will be held at the Boyle County Extension Office at 99 Corporate Drive. Event price is $15, and includes a catered buffet lunch by Southern Plate Catering. RSVP by Oct. 5 to Treina at (859) 236-2361, ext. 120 or by email toinfo@danvilleboylechamber.com.

The Senator will give a Washington update and take questions from the attendees.

Mitch McConnell is the Senate Majority Leader. Elected to that position unanimously by his Republican colleagues in 2014, he is only the second Kentuckian to ever serve as Majority Leader in the U.S. Senate. The first, Alben Barkley, led the Democrats from 1937 to 1949.

Senator McConnell previously served, again by the unanimous vote of his colleagues, as the Republican Leader in the 110th, 111th, 112th and 113th Congresses and as the Majority Whip in the 108th and 109th Congresses. McConnell also served in leadership as chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee during the 1998 and 2000 election cyclesRead more: Advocate-Messenger


Two Years In: Greater Louisville Inc (GLI) President Kent Oyler Reflects On His Tenure

I’ve always told folks that you won’t know how far you’ve come until you take a moment to gaze back to where you started. For me, it has been a little over two years since I leapt blindly into the chamber world and a blur of activity that I’ve found thoroughly invigorating.  Indulge me in a quick look back.
GLI is an organization that has and must always innovate and evolve, and that’s exactly what we’ve been up to. With my chairs, board, and staff, we have worked tirelessly to reinvent GLI and focus it squarely on the most important issues we can impact: regionalism, talent, entrepreneurship, education, policy, connections.  And it seems to be working.  Since June of 2014 GLI has:   
·         Added 436 new members, including 43 new $3000+ top investors
·         Reigned in costs, rationalized events, streamlined operations, and returned our private sector investments to 10-year highs.
·         Built a strong and experienced staff that buys into our mission 100%.  We’ve had zero staff turnover in the past six months and the team's morale is high, as measured by our employee surveys.
·         Executed true regionalism with 16 county and city partners in two states signed on to the Advance Greater Louisville regional business attraction partnership.
·         Secured 3 new non-stop flights with OneJet and just launched a major effort to attract LAX and BOS non-stop service through the Regional Air Coalition.
·         Put on 183 major events and recorded back-to-back record-setting Annual Meetings featuring GE/Electrolux and Humana/Aetna.  Annual Meeting remains the largest business networking event of the year.
·         Executed phenomenal GLIDE trips to Charlotte and Portland.  Our next stop, Austin, is sold-out.  Did I say ‘sold-out’?  First time ever for GLIDE trip.
·         Renovated our governance with new expectations, more board committees, higher engagement, and a 'waiting list' serve on our boards.
·         Reestablished GLI with the media as the ‘go-to’ source for all things business and built a strong presence in social media which we use to help promote our investors.
·         Entirely reconstructed our public policy apparatus that now wields serious clout on the local, state, and federal levels. Here's what we accomplished this year. With this business-backed strength we've helped push the JCPS school board onto a line of progress, affected dozens of KY legislative wins, and returned to DC with our annual fly-in.
·         Reinvigorated the entrepreneurially-focused EnterpriseCorp and created an innovative new strategy for advancing the entrepreneurial ecosystem by refocusing start-ups on customer generation.
·         Developed a comprehensive talent attraction and retention strategy aimed at altering the trajectory of our region's skilled workforce, including our Global Louisville partnership with Metro.
This list isn't a complete list by any means, but it does reflect what I believe to be some notable wins for GLI, and importantly for our 1500+ investors, 94 board members, and 32 staffers.  We don’t claim 'mission accomplished' (hey, we are just getting started) however, real and tangible progress has been made at GLI over the past two years. I'm proud of what we have collectively accomplished.
In my humble opinion, all GLI members, and the community as a whole should cheer the resurgence of the region's most influential and vital business organization. We are voice of the business community on critical issues and initiatives.  We recognize that GLI isn’t simply our region’s chamber of commerce, as important as that is, GLI is Greater Louisville's catalyst for transformational change.  And when we partner for change with our friends in the public sector, we are able to affect positive change not only for our member businesses but for the entire region.
When I approach a prospective investor in GLI, I don't lead with the many benefits and perks that easily justify membership; I lead with our mission of accelerating regional economic growth, job creation and business competitiveness.  Raising the tide, making the pie bigger --  pick your metaphor -- GLI exists to help our investors and our entire region GROW FASTER. 
Yes, it’s been a busy two years and I’ve relished this brief look backwards.  But now I choose to look forward, where I see a bright future for GLI and Greater Louisville.
- See more at: Greater Louisville Inc.


Northern Kentucky Chamber’s changing of the guard: Bob Heil assumes leadership role as chairman

One need only look at Bob Heil’s family to grasp the roots of his appreciation of and commitment to Northern Kentucky.

“I believe that my family is one of the greatest testimonials to the quality of life in Northern Kentucky,” says Heil, one of 13 children.

Growing up one of 13 siblings, Heil says that eight of them, at one point in their lives, lived out of state. The young Heils were business owners and entrepreneurs — with more than 20 companies between them, but at their core they were Northern Kentuckians and returned to the region. The family spirit of entrepreneurship continues in Heil’s son who owns his own business in Newport.

“Family draws you back, but an entrepreneurial climate is also attractive,” says Heil.

Heil, who is President and CEO of KLH Engineers, steps into one of the region’s most influential leadership positions on Thursday night as he accepts the chairmanship for the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. He succeeds David Heidrich of Zalla Companies.

While Fort Thomas is where he works and lives, Heil grew up in Newport. After high school, he attended Cincinnati State where he earned his A.S., and then went on to the University of Kentucky where he earned a degree in engineering. He joined KLH in 1987. Today the business has 150 employees in offices in Fort Thomas, Lexington, Columbus and New York City.

He earned his Master of Science in Executive Learning & Organizational Change (ELOC) at Northern Kentucky University.

“I had always wanted to get my masters, and for the working professional it [ELOC] is structured so well,” says Heil.

Heil became involved with the Chamber seven years ago, and credits his friend Ralph Dusing, President of Bluegrass Commercial Group L.L.C., with encouraging him to become more engaged.

“My hope is that my words are a call for action for people,” says Heil about his message to the Chamber at Thursday night’s annual dinner.“He encouraged me to get involved and it didn’t take looking much past Ralph because he was a beacon of engagement at the Chamber,” says Heil. “I saw so much engagement, and I joined out of a sense of duty. Businesses in the region benefit from the Chambers advocacy. I felt like I had an obligation to participate.”

In the coming year, Heil will lead the effort to move the Chamber in critical initiatives such as leveraging its social capital as well as becoming a data driven organization that drives and engages human interaction. Read more: 
Northern Kentucky Tribune

Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce Meets with Economic Development Professionals in Atlanta

Today, economic development officials from the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and TVA, along with Warren County Judge Executive Mike Buchanon traveled to Atlanta to host a luncheon for economic development site consultants. The group educated the consultants on the advantages of doing business in South Central Kentucky, including new daily flights to and from Atlanta, which make our region more accessible than ever before.
Over 20 consultants attended the luncheon at Pricci in Atlanta, where they heard a presentation on the advantages South Central Kentucky can offer their prospects and then enjoyed one-on-one networking time with local officials.
According to Ron Bunch, President and CEO of the Bowling Green Area Chamber, “We applaud the effort to bring commercial air service to Bowling Green and, in fact, we were the first to buy tickets. There’s a substantial untapped market of prospects that are now just a 55 minute flight away and today’s effort is a first step in tapping into that market and bringing significant new investments to our area.”
The effort to bring commercial air service to Bowling Green after a 50 year absence began in 2012 with a commitment of federal dollars to help attract a commercial air carrier to the region. The Commonwealth joined with a similar commitment in 2014, thanks to the efforts of our state legislative delegation.
“I want to thank our state and federal legislative delegations for their commitment to securing commercial air service in Bowling Green. Being able to conveniently connect to an Atlanta flight or even just make a quick trip to Atlanta is an invaluable service for our citizens and businesses alike. We are delighted to have Contour here and we look forward to expanding service as our local economy grows and demand increases,” said Warren County Judge Executive Mike Buchanon. 


TVA Regional Economic Development Consultant Harry Schmidt remarked, “We are delighted to partner with the Chamber and Warren County to promote the South Central Kentucky region and all it has to offer a company considering relocation. With the already low cost of doing business and exceptional workforce, the added accessibility of this new air service truly makes South Central Kentucky a ‘no-brainer’ for businesses.” Read more: Bowling Green Area Chamber



#FamousChamber of Commerce Quotation: Glenn Shepard

"What makes a winner a winner isn't that they never lose. It's that they never lose faith in themselves, even when they're not winning." - Glenn Shepard


Paducah to Host Global UNESCO Cities in 2017

Representatives from more than 20 cities and 11 nations across the globe will be descending upon Paducah in 2017 for a first ever annual global meeting of Creative Cities of Crafts & Folk Art.

Paducah representatives Mary Hammond, Executive Director of the Paducah Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Bonnie Browning, Executive Show Director of the American Quilter's Society, recently participated in the tenth annual meeting of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Creative Cities' Network in Ă–stersund, Sweden.

Paducah presented an invitation to the fellow UNESCO Creative Cities of Crafts & Folk Art to meet in Paducah in September 2017 to share strategies of incorporating the arts in building identity and strategic development. This first formally-designated annual meeting of the thematic area will be hosted by the City of Paducah in partnership with the Paducah Convention & Visitors Bureau, Paducah Economic Development and the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce.

Laura Oswald, Marketing Director with the Paducah Convention and Visitors Bureau, tells West Kentucky Star that further details regarding the length of the meeting, and locations that will be used to facilitate the meetings are still being worked out. Oswald says they will be working with local businesses and vendors to make sure the representatives from around the globe will get a full view of what Paducah has to offer.

In addition to the 20 global cities being invited, Oswald says the U.S. art cities of Austin, Detroit, Tucson, Iowa City, and Sante Fe will also be invited to attend the meeting. Paducah was designated as a UNESCO Creative City in 2013.

"We are excited to host ambassadors from Creative Cities around the world in 2017," said Mayor Gayle Kaler in a written press release about the event. "The relationships we have formed within the UNESCO Creative Cities Network have opened up doors into other cultures, promoted international cooperation and allowed us to expand and promote our own creative initiatives. We look forward to this unique opportunity for Paducah to showcase its innovations on a global platform."

"Every Annual Meeting of the Creative Cities Network represents an opportunity to strengthen the ties between its members," said Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO in a written press release about the event. "The network today comprises 116 cities in 54 countries and its diversity enhances its cooperation potential. The network is a unique platform that helps place culture, creativity and innovation at the heart of sustainable urban development in the spirit of the 11th Goal of the 2030 Agenda." Read more: Western Kentucky Star 

Leadership Owensboro 2017 Class Announced

Owensboro, KY – The Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation proudly announce the Leadership Owensboro Class of 2016. Thirty applicants have been selected to participate in the leadership development program.

“We are honored to have the opportunity to work with such a strong group,” said Candance Brake, Chamber President and CEO. “Owensboro continues to grow leaders who are interested in contributing to our community and making a difference. I look forward to a great class this year, learning from them and with them!”

“We are excited about the quality pool of applicants we received for the program,” said Jessica Kirk, Executive Director of Leadership Owensboro. “Each class brings new backgrounds that further enrich the tradition and demonstrates that Leadership Owensboro stands the test of time.”

The class has an all-day orientation on September 15. More information: Jessica Kirk Executive Director, Leadership Owensboro, 270.926.1860.


Jessamine County Chamber executive hires Rhonda May as new Executive Director


The Jessamine County Chamber Board of Directors announced the hiring of Ronda May as the new Executive Director. Ronda has lived in Jessamine County for 26 years and has been involved in chamber life for the past 10 years. She has served on several community boards and is actively involved with events throughout the county. Ronda is a 2011 graduate of Leadership Jessamine County and most recently President of the Chamber of Commerce. Ronda’s experience in development is an asset to the chamber for our member cultivation and fundraising events. Her expertise in creating new opportunities will lend to advancement in the growth of awareness for our members and leaders of Jessamine County. Ronda is eager to move the Chamber forward and understands the challenges that lie ahead with this position. She is ready to make a difference in the community she calls home. Read more: Jessamine Journal

Logan County to celebrate Tobacco and Heritage Festival


More than 20,000 people are expected to converge on Russellville for the 60th annual Tobacco and Heritage Festival, which begins Thursday and runs through Oct. 8.
“Last year we had 20,000 people in the city,” Logan County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Tammy Tinsley said. “This year we hope the weather will hold out and it can be bigger and better than ever.”
This year’s theme is “Bring It On Home.”
“Typically in the past, people have had reunions. There are a lot of things that happen this time of year for people who have moved away,” festival chairwoman Krystal Gunderson said. “We thought ‘Bring It On Home’ was a thing that fit with what we’re trying to do.”
The festival kicks off with the Miss Logan County Tobacco and Heritage Festival Queen’s Pageant at 7 p.m. Thursday at Russellville High School deGraffenried Auditorium at 1101 W. Ninth St. Admission is $5. The winner receives a $1,000 scholarship.
The festival has many popular activities.
Evelyn Richardson, past librarian of the Logan County Public Library and history buff, will talk about African-American history at 2 p.m. Saturday at the West Kentucky African-American Museum and Heritage Center on East Sixth Street. Logan County historian Michael Morrow is helping her organize the event. Read more: Bowling Green Daily News

Opportunity? Kentucky Tourism Secretary details how businesses can help boost state through P3 projects

As the P3 process is getting underway, Tourism Cabinet Secretary Don Parkinson says now is the time for businesses to bring forward their public-private partnership proposals that will improve the state.

In an interview with The Bottom Line, Parkinson detailed the positive impact he feels the state’s new public-­private partnership (P3) law can have 9/12/2016 Tourism Secretary details how businesses can help boost state through P3 projects

After the law was passed in the 2016 session, the regulation to enable the development of P3 projects was published on Sept. 1 (https://kychamberbottomline.com/2016/08/16/procedures­to­develop­publicprivate­partnerships­filed/) and is currently in the public comment period which will end Sept. 30 and after it is official, the P3 process will be ready to be utilized.

Ahead of that, Tourism Secretary Parkinson says businesses in the state interested in participating in a public­-private partnership and outside investors should be prepping their concepts to present to the state.
In terms of what types of projects the Tourism Cabinet is interested in pursuing, Parkinson said they are open to all ideas and pointed to the opportunities in food services with cafeterias in state park resorts, hotel services and more.
“We are a sales organization but we are bureaucracy. So we need some new ideas and some people to come in and operate some of these things. And we can learn from their experience,” Parkinson said. “We aren’t proposing that we sell all the state parks at all. But there are several that might be of interest to people.” As for how investors can get involved in the P3 process to bring new ideas and investment. Read more: Kentucky Chamber Bottom Line


Kyndle’s Regional Industry of the Year Awards breakfast Sept. 29


Kyndle will host its Regional Industry of the Year Awards breakfast at 7:30 a.m. on Sept. 29 at the Henderson Fine Arts Center.

Kyndle will award an industry winner from each of the four counties in Kyndle Country — Henderson, McLean, Union and Webster.

Dave Tatman, executive director of the Kentucky Automotive Industry Association and former general manager of the General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, will be the featured speaker.

For more information or reservations call the Kyndle office at 270-826-7505 or email info@kyndle.us. Source: Lane Report




Top Five Daily Postings in the last month at Midwest Chamber of Commerce Daily – click to go there or Google search “Midwest Chamber of Commerce blog”


Sep 30, 2016
163
Sep 16, 2016
135
Sep 28, 2016
68
Sep 29, 2016
59
Oct 19, 2016
57


Last Month’s Stories

Christian County Chamber event: McConnell speaks on defense, foreign policy challenges Kentucky New ERA

Kentucky Chamber releases federal agenda ahead of Congressional Forum Here’s the full federal agenda from the Kentucky Chamber. Lane Report

#BestChamber practices: Total Resource Campaign: Paducah Area Chamber  Read more about Why Membership Matters here!
Bowling Green Area chamber news: Warren County No. 1 in KY for incoming investment  Bowling Green Daily News
NKY Chamber’s Eggs ‘N Issues ‘Made in Northern Kentucky’ focuses on sustainability, workforce Northern Kentucky Tribune
Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce Rooster Booster Breakfast September 1 Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce 270.691.0570  cbrake@owensboro.com 

Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotations: (Leadership)
"We have to wake up every day with a servant's heart!"
Frankfort, Indiana mayor Chris McBarnes, age 23 (that's right, 23!) to Indiana chamber executives at ICEA Annual Comference


Nominations being sought for Kyndle Industry of the Year Award The Gleaner
Applications Now Being Accepted for the 2017 Best Places to Work in Kentucky Awards Competition bestplacestoworkky.com. visit kychamber.com.
Southern Kentucky Chamber interest: Whitley, Knox make progress toward ‘work readiness’ certification News Journal
Sullivan University Opens Northern Kentucky Center for Learning River City News
U.S. Senator Rand Paul to speak at Paducah chamber breakfast Paducah Area Chamber
22nd Annual Kentucky Chamber Day: Save the Date - January 5, 2017 kychamber.com.

If you would like delivery of a no-cost gloss chamber directory or map in May/June, 2017, please contact me at your earliest convenience.


John



John Dussman | Chamber Manager
jdussman@tspubs.com | 847-427-4633 | Town Square Publications
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155 E. Algonquin Road | Arlington Heights, IL 60005
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Thursday, October 20, 2016

#BestChamber Practices: Dubuque Area Chamber: Get to Know a CEO; Champaign County Chamber: Honor an Outstanding Small Business; Chamber excitement: UM, Oxford Again Ranked Among Nation’s Best and Most Beautiful; Batavia Chamber of Commerce 2016 Community Guide & Membership Directory; #FamousChamber of Commerce Quotation: Glenn Shepard; #BestChamber practices: Finalists selected for Made in FredVA contest: Five business ideas to compete for the $10,000 grand prize; Jessamine County Chamber executive hires Rhonda May as new Executive Director; Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber: Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay & Picnic; Tim Dutter announces his leave from Greater Beloit Chamber of Commerce; Michigan Chamber Convention October 26-28, 2016; Town Square Chamber Membership Directories, Community Profiles, Re-lo Guides and Maps;

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


#BestChamber Practices: Dubuque Area Chamber: Get to Know a CEO

Get to Know a CEO - A View from the C-Suite - Monthly Event

Join us on Monday October 24th at the Holiday Inn Dubuque/Galena for Get to know a CEO., our C-Suite Series. Each month we will feature one of the Dubuque's area's CEOs. This is a chance to gain insight and perspective from presentations given by people at the top of their field. This event allows you to engage with Dubuque leaders outside of the corner office. More information: Dubuque Area Chamber



Champaign County Chamber: Honor an Outstanding Small Business


Each year, the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce awards a local business with the Small Business of the Year Award. The Champaign County Small Business of the Year Award honors an outstanding small business that has made a significant long-term contribution to the local community and economy.

Nomination Criteria includes: The business must be a member of the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce and located within Champaign County, must be in operation for at least three years, have a solid track record of growth and demonstrated integrity and community involvement, and meet the small business size standards as determined by the SBA.

Nomination forms are available HERE.

The recipient will be named at the 2016 Champaign County Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting on Friday, October 28, 2016. Self-nominations are welcome. Previously nominated businesses are eligible for consideration without being renominated; however, previous recipients cannot be nominated. Completed nomination forms must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. Friday, September 30. Late nominations will not be considered. The selection committee and/or the Chamber Board of Directors reserves the right to nominate additional individuals and/or expand the nomination process in the event that an adequate pool of nominations has not been received.

Submit nominations to:
Ariel Short
Champaign County Chamber of Commerce
303 W. Kirby Ave.
Champaign, IL 61820.

Nominations may also be emailed to Ariel.




Chamber excitement: UM, Oxford Again Ranked Among Nation’s Best and Most Beautiful


 The University of Mississippi and Oxford often rank at the top of annual lists of beautiful campuses and best college towns, and this fall has brought a new set of national accolades upon the area.
USA Today’s Reader’s Choice travel awards contest has named UM the nation’s most beautiful campus, while Thrillist named the university on its unranked list of the 20 most beautiful public college campuses. The NCAA recognized Ole Miss’ tailgating environment as the nation’s best. FanSided, which is run by Sports Illustrated and owned by Time Inc., named Oxford the second-best college town in the nation.
Chancellor Jeffrey S. Vitter, who moved to Oxford from Kansas in January, said there’s a magic here that quickly grabs visitors.
“Over the last 34 years, I have lived and served in a number of great university towns, and there is something truly special about Ole Miss and Oxford,” Vitter said. “Ours is a unique place with extraordinary people. All it takes is just one visit here and you quickly realize why it captures the hearts and minds of so many.”
The university was the only Southeastern Conference school and the only one in Mississippi chosen in USA Today and 10best.com’s list of beautiful campuses. Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana, came in second place and Sewanee: The University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee, came in third.
The USA Today/10best.com ranking notes Ole Miss “comprises 2,000 acres of expansive lawns, wooded trails and historic architecture, like the Greek Revival-style Lyceum.”
Thrillist, which ranks UM alongside the universities of Michigan and Hawaii and other schools, praised the Greek revival architecture of the Lyceum and the beauty of the surrounding buildings.
“When you think of great collections of Greek architecture, only one place comes to mind: Mississippi. No?” Thrillist writes. “Well, the original campus building, the Lyceum, is a classic white-columned structure with massive brick wings that anchors an entire historic district within the campus.
“The Circle, as it’s known, looks more like an area you’d find in D.C. than Oxford, with long, brick buildings stretching throughout. And Ole Miss’ beauty isn’t limited to the architecture, as anyone who’s spent a Saturday tailgating in the Grove can attest.”
Jeff McManus, UM director of landscape services, said the university and his team is “humbled and honored” by recognition of the campus’ beauty. He thanked the administration, including the chancellor, Provost Morris Stocks and Vice Chancellor Larry Sparks for supporting his efforts.
“Our Landscape Services vision, on the ground, in the weeds and trees is to ‘Cultivate Greatness’ – to inspire our students, faculty and staff – to give them an environment in which they can grow and produce,” McManus said. “We set our standards high and today, we are especially proud to be Landscape Rebels.”
The NCAA recently released a video of college football’s most unique tailgates, with the Grove being ranked No. 1, referred to as “the Holy Grail of Tailgating.” Others listed include University of California’s Tightwad Hill, which lets fans view into the stadium and see the game for free, and the University of Washington’s Husky Navy and University of Tennessee’s Vol Navy, which both allow partying near the football stadiums on boats.
FanSided ranks Oxford as the country’s second-best college town, bested only by Athens, Georgia, home of the University of Georgia.
“Ole Miss is another school where enrollment somehow outnumbers the town it resides in in terms of population,” FanSided writes. “The enrollment may be hovering around 23,000, but go to one tailgate in Oxford, MS and you’ll think it’s 100,000. Students and non-students alike love their Rebels.”
Of all the reasons Oxford is getting such attention, the biggest is that people love to call the city home, said Jon Maynard, president and CEO of the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Foundation. For decades, locals have been serious about making their growing community the best it can be, he said.
“Attention to detail, high expectations and adherence to a plan to be great is why we are what we are today,” Maynard said. “The university, the city and the county are all committed to making sure that the quality that we have now will remain quality into the future. The toughest challenge that our community faces is growing without messing up that which is Oxford.” Read more: Ole Miss


Batavia Chamber of Commerce 2016 Community Guide & Membership Directory

The Batavia Chamber of Commerce 2016 Community Guide & Business Directory is available at the Batavia Chamber today! Thanks to Holly Deitchman and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!





Town SquarePublications  (www.townsquarepublications.com) can help you accomplish your chamber's gloss map, directory, community profile or publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633.


#FamousChamber of Commerce Quotation: Glenn Shepard

"What makes a winner a winner isn't that they never lose. It's that they never lose faith in themselves, even when they're not winning." - Glenn Shepard

GO CUBS!!




#BestChamber practices: Finalists selected for Made in FredVA contest:
Five business ideas to compete for the $10,000 grand prize


FREDERICKSBURG – The five finalists have been selected for the fourth annual Made in FredVA business startup competition organized by the Next Generation of Business Leader, a program of the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce. The businesses selected are 2 Hearts 1 Dress, Hapcast, Homes and Hounds, TrakSafeT, and The Virginia Divearium. Each will have five minutes to pitch their business ideas to a panel of distinguished local entrepreneurs at the October 27 event at the Inn at the Old Silk Mill in Fredericksburg. The judges will have ten minutes to ask the business owners questions.
The event is patterned after the popular “Shark Tank” television show. The winner will receive $10,000 toward their business startup expenses. Additionally, the audience will vote for the $500 people’s choice cash award. Potential investors are encouraged to attend and hear the business ideas pitched. The public is welcome to attend the October 27 event, which begins at 6 p.m. Tickets will be sold for a nominal price.

Details about the finalists:

·         2 Hearts 1 Dress, Stacey Thomas. 2 Hearts 1 Dress offers new and used maternity clothing and aspires to create a community of mothers in the Fredericksburg region.

·         Hapcast, Steve Labrador.  Hapcast is a mobile messaging application that allows businesses to post sales and events so consumers find “what’s happening” around them.

·         Homes and Hounds, Jackie Acquista.  Homes and Hounds is all about the love of dogs and the historical city they live in.  

·         TrakSafeT, Inc., Anthony Worthey. TrakSafeT, Inc. focuses on minimizing accidents/collisions at all grade-level railroad crossings, across the nation, and around the world.

·         The Virginia Divearium, Al Rios. The Virginia Divearium is a unique scuba diving venue that combines a diver training site and an underwater museum within a partially simulated aquarium environment.

 “We were thrilled to receive new and creative ideas for our fourth year of the competition,” said Jorge Ibarra, chairman of the NextGen board of directors. “It has been great to watch this program grow.”
The final judges at the Made in FredVA event are Kevin Fastabend, Senior VP, Virginia Partners Bank, Adam Fried, CEO, Atlantic Builders, Ltd., and Catherine Sullivan, owner, Monkees of Fredericksburg.

The prizes are made possible through generous sponsorships from the Stafford County Economic Development Authority, the Next Generation of Business Leaders, and Virginia Partners Bank.  

Contact: Whitney Watts, Vice President, Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce
540-735-1922; whitney@fredericksburgchamber.org


Jessamine County Chamber executive hires Rhonda May as new Executive Director


The Jessamine County Chamber Board of Directors announced the hiring of Ronda May as the new Executive Director. Ronda has lived in Jessamine County for 26 years and has been involved in chamber life for the past 10 years. She has served on several community boards and is actively involved with events throughout the county. Ronda is a 2011 graduate of Leadership Jessamine County and most recently President of the Chamber of Commerce. Ronda’s experience in development is an asset to the chamber for our member cultivation and fundraising events. Her expertise in creating new opportunities will lend to advancement in the growth of awareness for our members and leaders of Jessamine County. Ronda is eager to move the Chamber forward and understands the challenges that lie ahead with this position. She is ready to make a difference in the community she calls home. Read more: Jessamine Journal


Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber: Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay & Picnic 

 This is a reminder that the Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay is happening.   If you have a Marquee Sign, please say Happy Birthday Indiana!  

The caravan will be coming down SR 13 from North Webster, turning at the light at Main and ending at Lakeside Park. Please help show your Syracuse pride.  We are asking that you, your employees, co-workers and customers come out and wave on our torch bearers for this once in a lifetime experience.

We’ll be posting photos to our Chamber Facebook page along the way and after from the official caravan photographers. Please like our page if you haven’t.


Pack Rat Storage/Tranter Graphics              11:35 a.m.           Torch Bearer:  Don Miller
Wawasee Middle School                             11:45 a.m.           Torch Bearers:  Carolyn Baker and Cathy Lemberg
Main Channel Marina (13 location)               11:55 a.m.            Torch Bearer:  Larry Martindale
Syracuse Fire Department                            12:05 p.m.            Torch Bearer:  Scott Pelletier and Family
SR 13 Light & Huntington                            12:10 p.m.           Torch Bearer:  Ron Baumgartner
Lakeside Park                                              12:15 p.m.            *Willie’s Chili Dog Picnic will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Sponsored by Willie 103.5

If you can join us for lunch, please come to Lakeside Park where Willie 103.5 will be set up and giving away a free chili hot dog, chips, cookie and drink lunch. More information: Andrea Keller, Executive Director
Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce, andrea@swchamber.com / 574.551.6848




Tim Dutter announces his leave from Greater Beloit Chamber of Commerce


Greater Beloit Chamber of Commerce (GBCC) Executive Director Tim Dutter is leaving the chamber.

GBCC Board Chair Michelle Matthys said Dutter submitted his resignation last week, and the board accepted it.

She said the board has decided to not pursue hiring a new director or put together a search committee until after the first of the year.

“The chamber is in a very stable condition currently,” Matthys said. “The last three months of the year are focused mainly on events, and we have strong committees in place that are capable of handling that business between now and Dec. 31.”

Dutter became executive director of the Greater Beloit Chamber of Commerce in March of 2014.

During Dutter’s tenure as chamber executive director, the chamber moved its offices to the Irontek building. It previously had an office in the Vision Center, which also houses offices for Visit Beloit, the Downtown Beloit Association and the Greater Beloit Economic Development Corporation. The chamber also sponsored new events such as the Taste of the Chamber food vendor event and the Downtown Dash 5K run during Dutter’s tenure. Read more: Beloit Daily News




Michigan Chamber Convention October 26-28, 2016

Meet with local chambers from across the state to share best practices, challenges, and get the latest membership, volunteer, and event information. It's Michigan's largest gathering of chambers, celebrating excellence at every level.

Register Online
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Town Square Chamber Membership Directories, Community Profiles, Re-lo Guides and Maps


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Chambers of Commerce and member focused organizations serve as a valuable resource in the local marketplace. The networking opportunities and representation with a wide variety of diverse businesses in your community is the catalyst of a successful organization. For further information about Town Square's publishing partnership with chambers of commerce and our No-Cost guarantee and Earned Revenue Share Program, To request your chamber publication or map proposal, Contact Town Square Here