Good of Goshen campaign hopes to highlight success stories that have come out of the city; Kentucky Chamber: Pensions, education crucial to biz health; Scholarship applications available from Round Lake (Illinois) Chamber; Chamber Tweet of the Day: Detroit Chamber; Virginia Peninsula Community Invited to Fort Eustis Jan. 13 to Voice Concerns About Downsizing; Minnesota Chamber begins search for president; Conway Area Chamber: Congratulations to the 2014 Women in Business; Chamber issue: Dwayne Crompton: Collaboration is critical for early childhood development; Ottumwa (Iowa) Chamber of Commerce looking to make Ottumwa more attractive to new comers;

Good of Goshen campaign hopes to highlight success stories that have come out of the city

Goshen’s schools, businesses and officials want to tell stories of the good that comes out of their city.
The Good of Goshen, a campaign highlighting the work of individuals who are involved in the community, is an effort planned by the City of Goshen, the Goshen Chamber of Commerce, Goshen Community Schools and Goshen College to rebrand the city.
The four entities became sponsors of the campaign and are now working with Eyedart Creative Studio to develop the project, said Gina Leichty, one of Eyedart’s partners.
Part of the campaign included launching a website, goodofgoshen.com, which features stories of entrepreneurs and community leaders who work to make Goshen a better city.
The campaign and the website launched in late July, during the Elkhart County 4-H Fair parade, but the plan is to have an official launch in September. Around that time, billboards will pop up to advertise the campaign.
“People are uncommonly passionate about the city and their community, and so it’s been really fun for us to uncover those stories and have an opportunity to tell them because we believe in what we’re doing and in our city,” Leichty said. “And there’s just so much good material available that makes it really easy.” Read more: Elkhart Truth

Kentucky Chamber: Pensions, education crucial to biz health

The Kentucky Chamber of Commerce has some ideas about how to make Kentucky better, and the chamber president said Bowling Green and Warren County are doing well compared to other parts of the state.
Dave Adkisson, Kentucky Chamber president and chief executive officer, said the chamber is emphasizing in its 2015 legislative agenda the need for public-private partnerships, or P3s, and financial transparency in the state’s pension systems. He said pensions will continue to be a major point of discussion during the 2015 legislative session.
“The state’s pension problems cast a shadow over everything the state government does,” Adkisson said. “The Kentucky retirement system and the Kentucky teacher retirement system are both underfunded, and we’re now forced to play catch-up ... It keeps us from investing in our priorities, such as schools, colleges and universities. It’s siphoning off all of those new dollars. It’s been years in the making and it will be years in recovery.” Read more: Bowling Green Daily News

Scholarship applications available from Round Lake (Illinois) Chamber

Scholarship applications are available to graduating high school senior students in the Round Lake area and Hainesville. The Round Lake Area Chamber of Commerce offers scholarships to worthy graduates who want to further their education academically or vocationally. To request an application, email info@rlchamber.org, call (847) 546-2002 or visit the office at 2007 Civic Center Way, Round Lake Beach. Deadline application is Feb. 12. Source: Daily Herald 


Chamber Tweet of the Day: Detroit Chamber

Detroit Chamber retweeted

Startgrid ‏@startgridco 20h20 hours ago

Don't miss the #StartgridDET relaunch event with @DetroitChamber.Connect with #entrepreneurs shaping #Detroit. http://bit.ly/1xE8EVp

Virginia Peninsula Community Invited to Fort Eustis Jan. 13 to Voice Concerns About Downsizing

The Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce encouraging mass community participation to help showcase the real and devastating impact force reductions on Fort Eustis could have on the community.

Eliminating positions and downsizing jobs at the U.S. Army’s Fort Eustis would create significant, negative impact to every aspect of the Virginia Peninsula community and greater Hampton Roads, the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce (VPCC) said this week.
This month, before the Department of Defense rules on where cuts should occur throughout the Army, Newport News and the Peninsula community will have a chance to tell military leadership just that.
On Tuesday, Jan. 13, residents, business leaders, employees, educators, charitable groups and more are encouraged to attend the Fort Eustis Community Listening Session from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the Wylie Theater on post.
“There are potentially thousands of uniformed and civil service positions at stake here, with a huge impact on the Virginia and Hampton Roads economies,” said Retired Navy Rear Adm. Craig R. Quigley, Executive Director for the Hampton Roads Military and Federal Facilities Alliance. “It is very important that we have a good turnout at this event with crisp and specific messaging.” Read more: Virtual Strategy News


Minnesota Chamber begins search for president

The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce has launched its search for a new president. The process will be steered by the 48-member Board of Directors representing a cross-section of Minnesota businesses. The individual will succeed longtime president David Olson, who passed away in July 2014.
The president is responsible for leading and executing the strategic plan adopted by the Board of Directors. The board has retained Ballinger Leafblad of St. Paul to conduct a national search for candidates.Source: BusinessNorth.com

Conway Area Chamber: Congratulations to the 2014 Women in Business

The Conway Area Chamber of Commerce’s third annual Women in Business Awards, presented by the University of Central Arkansas Foundation and Simmons Bank, honored individuals in the Conway area who have excelled in leadership and community service and who have inspired others on both a personal and professional level. Each year, four individuals receive the “Outstanding Woman in Business Award,” sponsored by Conway Corporation and Southwestern Energy.
This year’s Outstanding Women in Business winners are Melissa Britton of Conway Management Inc., Chasity Campbell of Abundant Wellness/Bodyworks Spa, Tess Fletcher of Children’s Advocacy Alliance and Lori Ross Scroggin of Conway Regional Health System. The honorees embody high standards of excellence, dedication and accomplishment to their respective organizations, industries and to the business community. Read more: Log Cabin Democrat 

Chamber issue: Dwayne Crompton: Collaboration is critical for early childhood development

As a city, we are thrilled that the business community has added early childhood development to its list of five strategic priorities.

The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce must be applauded for shining a light on this issue of school readiness, which plagues under-resourced neighborhoods.

With the leadership of the chamber, along with former mayors Kay Barnes and Carol Marinovich, and Tracy McFerrin Foster of the Hall Family Foundation at the helm, we have a great chance to transform this city, empowering the next generation of Kansas City families and children. But, as they take the lead, everyone must step up to lend a hand. Read more: Kansas City Star (Opinion)

Ottumwa (Iowa) Chamber of Commerce looking to make Ottumwa more attractive to new comers

The Ottumwa Chamber of Commerce is working to attract more residents to the community.
The Ottumwa Chamber of Commerce plus some other local groups got together to put make a relocation packet.
It's a professional packet with information inside about the city.
The group came up with a theme for the packet called "Choose Ottumwa."
They chose the theme because when people are relocating, they want them to Choose Ottumwa.
Residents, businesses, and businesses recruiting employees can use the packet. Read more: Heartland Connection

Chamber Executive Ongoing Education Weekly New Idea - Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future By Peter Thiel; Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce earns highest level of distinction; Iowa Great Lakes Chamber honors Tom Kuhlman at annual meeting; Subaru executive to lead Indiana chamber of commerce; Terry Dunn has ambitious plans as new KC Chamber chairman; Dearborn Chamber President Jackie Lovejoy appointed to Henry Ford College Foundation board of directors; Minnesota Chamber Sponsor: ‘North Star Summit: A Vision for Minnesota’ set for Dec. 8; Chamber issue: Olathe (Kansas) residents offer ideas to improve transportation; As Region Struggles to Fill Manufacturing Jobs, Northern Kentucky Leaders Form Coalition to Fix Problem; Byron Chamber Letter: What's at stake for energy in Illinois; Friday: 157 Rules for Executive Success in Organization Management (and your Chamber of Commerce) by Patrick McGaughey Rule #33

Chamber Executive Ongoing Education Weekly New Idea - Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future By Peter Thiel


If you want to build a better future, you must believe in secrets.
The great secret of our time is that there are still uncharted frontiers to explore and new inventions to create. In "Zero to One," legendary entrepreneur and investor Peter Thiel shows how we can find singular ways to create those new things.
Thiel begins with the contrarian premise that we live in an age of technological stagnation, even if we're too distracted by shiny mobile devices to notice. Information technology has improved rapidly, but there is no reason why progress should be limited to computers or Silicon Valley. Progress can be achieved in any industry or area of business. It comes from the most important skill that every leader must master: learning to think for yourself.
Doing what someone else already knows how to do takes the world from 1 to n, adding more of something familiar. But when you do something new, you go from 0 to 1. The next Bill Gates will not build an operating system. The next Larry Page or Sergey Brin won't make a search engine. Tomorrow's champions will not win by competing ruthlessly in today's marketplace. They will escape competition altogether, because their businesses will be unique.
"Zero to One" presents at once an optimistic view of the future of progress in America and a new way of thinking about innovation: it starts by learning to ask the questions that lead you to find value in unexpected places.Get more information here: Zero-to-One book

Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce earns highest level of distinction

At its November board meeting, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce awarded 30 local chambers of commerce throughout the nation with Accreditation for their sound policies, effective organizational leadership, and positive impact on their communities. The only program of its kind in the country, U.S. Chamber Accreditation recognizes excellence in chamber planning and performance.
To become accredited, a chamber must demonstrate quality programs, clear organizational procedures, and effective communications by meeting minimum standards in its operations and programs, including areas of governance, government affairs, and technology. Accreditation by the U.S. Chamber validates a chamber as having solid programs and as being a catalyst for positive action in the community. It is a prestigious honor that distinguishes the high quality, expertise, and strong leadership of an organization.
With this announcement, the Oshkosh Chamber was recognized with the highest level of distinction – the 5-Star Accreditation. This prestigious honor puts us among the top 1 percent of chambers nationwide. To put this in perspective, there are nearly 7,000 chambers of commerce in the US, among which only 213 currently remain accredited. Of this accredited group, only 89 chambers across the country have achieved this highest rating and only two in Wisconsin, the Oshkosh Chamber being one of the two. thenorthwestern.com

Iowa Great Lakes Chamber honors Tom Kuhlman at annual meeting

Tom Kuhlman served as Executive Director of the Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce for 34 years.
The Queen II excursion boat circled West Lake Okoboji under his leadership. A historic amusement park was spared and a maritime museum was constructed during his tenure. He literally lights the fuse to start every Fourth of July fireworks display and the annual Walleye Weekend helps special needs children around the state.
But if you ask Kuhlman if there's anything he'd do differently after more than three decades, his answer is: "Maybe start sooner." The answer doesn't surprise Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce Board Chairman Norm Johnson. He feels Kuhlman's leadership helped put Okoboji on the map as a premiere destination area.Read more: Dickinson County News

Subaru executive to lead Indiana chamber of commerce

Tom Easterday, Executive Vice President, Secretary and Chief Legal Officer of Subaru of Indiana Automotive, was elected to serve as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce for 2015, during the Indiana Chamber’s Fall Board of Directors meeting held in Indianapolis on November 6th.
Easterday has been actively involved with the Indiana Chamber of Commerce for several years, having served as Vice Chairman, as a member of the Executive Committee, as Vice Chairman of the Energy Policy Committee and as a member of the Labor & Employment Policy Committee. He has been a member of the Board of Directors since 1999. In addition, he is a member of the Board of Directors of Indiana Business for Responsive Government, the Indiana Chamber’s political action committee.

Terry Dunn has ambitious plans as new KC Chamber chairman

Terry Dunn, new chairman of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, plans for you to hear the word “entrepreneurship” even more in the coming year.
He’s going to be talking about it a lot, and he expects you’ll hear it a lot more from other business and government leaders who’ll spend time and money to buff the metro area’s reputation as a good place — even a great place — to start and grow a business.
Among the true believers, Dunn looks to Cerner co-founder Cliff Illig, who is spearheading creation of a nonprofit organization dubbed EnterpriseKC. It’s an effort that intends to research the status and needs of the area’s existing entrepreneurs to help shape an inviting environment for others. Read more: Kansas City Star

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/news/business/article4131340.html#storylink=cpy

Dearborn Chamber President Jackie Lovejoy appointed to Henry Ford College Foundation board of directors

The Henry Ford College Foundation board of directors appointed two new members for three-year terms beginning Dec. 11. The appointees are Jacqueline Lovejoy of Beverly Hills and Abe Munfakh of Plymouth.

“We are very honored to have these two gifted individuals join the foundation board of directors,” said A. Reginald Best, vice president of development. “They bring a very unique perspective and years of experience that will – no doubt – benefit the foundation and the college as a whole in the long run.”

Lovejoy is the president of the Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce. Prior to her appointment at the chamber, she worked at Davenport University in Dearborn for 15 years. Read more: Press & Guide


Minnesota Chamber Sponsor: ‘North Star Summit: A Vision for Minnesota’ set for Dec. 8

Stakeholders representing the private and public sectors will convene Dec. 8 to identify common goals for Minnesota’s higher education system to meet the state’s looming workforce needs.
The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce is among the sponsors of “The North Star Summit: Mapping Economic Prosperity for Minnesota.”
The event is scheduled for 8:30 a.m.-noon Dec. 8 at the Minnesota History Center in St. Paul. It is open to the public. For details and to register, go to http://mnbiz.cc/1xY5zSl .
“Our membership has been telling us for years that it is a challenge to find qualified workers in many industries. Add to that the fact that our labor force in Minnesota will not grow much these next 15 years,” said Sarah Radosevich, policy research analyst at the Minnesota Chamber. “The result is that Minnesota really needs every potential worker – young and old – to know what the job opportunities are and to be able to access the education or training necessary to fill those roles. Employers have to play a key role in this, but all the stakeholders are at the table.” Read more: HometownSource.com

Chamber issue: Olathe (Kansas) residents offer ideas to improve transportation

After nearly a decade, Olathe is updating its transportation master plan.
The city’s massive growth over recent years has prompted the city to take a harder look at its transportation network, which includes routes for cars, buses, bikes, walkers and freight. The city’s population was 113,000 in 2004 and is about 130,000 today.
To kick-start the process, city staff held a public meeting recently at the Olathe Community Center. Read more: Kansas City Star

As Region Struggles to Fill Manufacturing Jobs, Northern Kentucky Leaders Form Coalition to Fix Problem

There are jobs available in the region -- jobs that pay very well -- but employers are having a hard time finding the workers they need to fill the positions.
If Northern Kentucky hopes to produce the skilled workforce necessary to retain the advanced manufacturers who operate here, something has to be done and on Tuesday, Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce President Trey Grayson announced a new effort, saying the partners of a new coalition bring diverse experiences, expertise, and relationships to the unified effort.

“My hope is that by getting all of these partners on board through a ‘collective impact’ approach, we are very publicly pledging to address and solve this problem,” Grayson said. Read more: River City News

Byron Chamber Letter: What's at stake for energy in Illinois

Over the past year we have heard rumblings about the future of the Byron Nuclear Generating Station. It is feared that a range of policies and regulations are creating a scenario where the plant cannot operate profitably and could be permanently closed.
A new study released by the Nuclear Energy Institute (nei.org) shows us just what is at stake.
The study shows that nuclear power in Illinois brings billions of dollars in positive economic impact and generates 48 percent of our electricity reliably and without producing carbon pollution. To keep businesses running and to meet new federal requirements for lowering emissions, we need a strong nuclear energy sector in Illinois. Read more: Rockford Register Star



Friday: 157 Rules for Executive Success in Organization Management (and your Chamber of Commerce) by Patrick McGaughey

RULE #33 - Research every board member and active volunteer on line.

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/news/local/community/joco-913/olathe-southwest-joco/article4152973.html#storylink=cpy

Chamber Executives: Networking with peers creates optimism — and a bevy of ideas; KC Chamber aims to recruit younger members; Reginald King: 1954-2014 Rites held for Reginald King, longtime Greenwood (Oklahoma) Chamber of Commerce manager; Shakopee MN Chamber president appointed to IOM Midwest Board of Regents; Michigan road funding: Chamber of Commerce talking petition drive if lawmakers don't act; Chamber Tweet of the Day: Indiana Chamber Re-Tweet: @IndianaChamber; Eau Claire Chamber news: Justin Vernon Launches New Eaux Claire Music And Arts Festival In Wisconsin For 2015; Chamber news: Arkansas Nominations are Open for the 2015 Small Business Week Awards; Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotations (Attitude);

Chamber Executives: Networking with peers creates optimism — and a bevy of ideas

by Tammy Wellbrock, Hays Chamber of Commerce Executive DirectorAttending conferences allows for a wealth of knowledge to be consumed.

The first of October, I attended the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Kansas fall conference. Attending with me were approximately 50 other directors from across the state. From swapping funny stories to lending a supportive ear, I continue to be amazed at how much of an impact this experience is for me. I so enjoy the networking with my peers and the sharing of advice, encouragement and ideas with one another.

And, of course, this collaboration allows us to be more efficient so we don’t have to “re-create any wheels.”

So, what exactly, do I learn at these conferences and how can this knowledge positively affect the local business community and chamber members? Read more: Hays Post

KC Chamber aims to recruit younger members

The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce is placing a greater emphasis on recruiting younger members. The chamber recently elected new officers and board members, and its treasurer, Bardavon Health Innovations CEO Matt Condon, is among the younger members.

"We're not your grandfather's chamber anymore," chamber CEO Jim Heeter said. "We've made a conscious decision to add young members to our board of directors, as well as minority and women leaders, because we know that a variety of voices and perspectives can only benefit our organization and the work we do for Kansas City business and our regional community."

This year also marks the first time a GenKC member has served on the board, said Pam Whiting, vice president of communications and media relations. GenKC is a chamber program that helps people in their 20s and 30s make connections through community service projects and networking events. Read more: Kansas City Biz Journals

Reginald King: 1954-2014  

Rites held for Reginald King, longtime Greenwood (Oklahoma) Chamber of Commerce manager

From former babysitters opening child-care centers to hair stylists and auto mechanics going into business for themselves, Reginald King witnessed plenty of entrepreneurial dreams come true. And as business resource manager for the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce, he liked nothing better than playing a role in it.

“My favorite part,” King once told the Tulsa World, “is seeing businesses develop — tracking them, working with them.” Taking an almost paternal pride in such work, he became well known in north Tulsa as the go-to guy for startups. Read more: Tulsa World

Shakopee MN Chamber president appointed to IOM Midwest Board of Regents

Angela Whitcomb, president of the Shakopee Chamber of Commerce, has been appointed to the Midwest Board of Regents of the Institute for Organization Management, the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Source: Twincities.com

Michigan road funding: Chamber of Commerce talking petition drive if lawmakers don't act

The Michigan Chamber of Commerce is discussing a potential road funding petition drive if lawmakers fail to approve a comprehensive solution by the end of the year.

“We’re urging the Legislature to do its job, and we’re hopeful they will,” said President and CEO Rich Studley. “But if they don’t, we’ll look at other options.”

The chamber is among a number of organizations that have lobbied state lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to increase road funding by more than $1 billion a year. The business group argues the investment would create jobs and make the state more economically competitive. Read more: M Live

Chamber Tweet of the Day: Indiana Chamber Re-Tweet: @IndianaChamber

Indiana Chamber retweeted

wfyi ‏@wfyi 3h3 hours ago

We're live on #NoLimitsWFYI w/ guests @JohnKetz, Kevin Brinegar @IndianaChamber & Julia Vaughn Common Cause Indiana.

Eau Claire Chamber news: Justin Vernon Launches New Eaux Claire Music And Arts Festival In Wisconsin For 2015

Justin Vernon is starting his very own music festival. According to The Current, the man behind Bon Iver has teamed up with the people behind Boston Calling to launch the Eaux Claire Music and Arts Festival in Vernon's hometown of Eau Claire, Wisconsin next summer. A permit for the event passed through its final round of approvals and is officially slated to take place on July 17 and 18, 2015.

Crashline Productions is setting up the logistics of the two-day event, which will take place at the Foster Farm - home of the popular Country Jam festival - located about 90 minutes from Minneapolis in a vast, remote wooded area.

No lineup has been announced yet, though organizers anticipate up to 25,000 festivalgoers will attend each day. The set-up includes two main outdoor stages, one 6,000-person capacity tented stage, as well as on-site camping. Vernon will curate the lineup of music and art installations.

The event is expected to bring in eight or nine million dollars of tourism revenue to the town, according to Bob McCoy, president and CEO of the Eau Claire Chamber of Commerce.

Read more: MusicTimes.com

Chamber news: Arkansas Nominations are Open for the 2015 Small Business Week Awards

The U.S. Small Business Administration Arkansas District Office is seeking amazing entrepreneurs and champions of small business to honor during the 2015 National Small Business Week Awards event in May.  Nominations are being accepted through Jan. 5, 2015 at 2:00 pm central time.

“More than half of Americans either own or work for a small business and many of them have amazing stories to tell.  They help fuel our economy, drive innovation and increase America’s footprint in the global arena.” said Yolanda Garcia Olivarez, SBA South Central Region Administrator.  The region covers Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas with more than 3.3 million small businesses.  “Now is the time to help us single out the top entrepreneurs in your area.  These are the ones who think big, take risks and work hard to achieve the American dream, strengthen the middle class and create good paying jobs.  We want to spotlight their success.”

The Arkansas Small Business Person of the Year will be selected based on number of years in business, growth in employees, increase in sales, innovations in product or service, response to adversity, and contributions to the community.   The Arkansas award winner will go on to compete for the 2015 National Small Business Person of the Year award.  Additional awards will honor small businesses and champions at the Arkansas and South Central Region levels. Read more: SBA.gov

Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotations (Attitude)

“We either make ourselves miserable, or we make ourselves strong. The amount of work is the same.”

~Carlos Castaneda

 

Chamber Executive Ongoing Education Weekly New Idea; The Seven Levels of Communication Go From Relationships to Referrals - by Michael Maher; Chamber update: Arlkadelphia (Arkansas) Alliance's Stephen Bell working hard in first month; Chamber Tweet of the Day: KC Chamber - Manufacturing+ Symposium is THIS Thursday!; Winona chamber honors employers for workplace effectiveness; Chamber news: Kearney tops list of best places to live in Nebraska; Chamber economic development: Michigan City, Indiana designated as HUBZone; Chamber good news: Cost of living in Mason City, Iowa; Chamber issue: Kentucky gets $20 million grant for energy study; Chamber growth opportunity: Oshkosh, Wisconsin starting aviation business park; Jefferson City Chamber opportunity: Missouri Export Finance Program Workshops; Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation: (Attitude) John C. Maxwell

The Seven Levels of Communication: Go From Relationships to Referrals by Michael J. Maher

How many of your clients would attend your funeral? One of the top real estate professionals in the country has written a book that details how he became "America's Most Referred Real Estate Professional". In (7L) The Seven Levels of Communication, Michael J. Maher tells the inspiring story of real estate agent Rick Masters who is suffering through a down market when he meets a mortgage professional who has built a successful business without advertising or personal promotion. Step by step he learns to change the way he interacts with his clients and begins to focus on people instead of numbers. Yet with each new success comes a new challenge and Rick soon realizes that if he is to fully utilize the lessons of the (7L), he must be willing to change himself as well as his business. He soon learns, however, that the rewards for doing so are far greater than he had ever imagined. (7L) shows Rick how to build a more profitable business and a more fulfilling life in the process.

Chamber update: Arlkadelphia (Arkansas) Alliance's Stephen Bell working hard in first month

  

Since coming to Arkadelphia nearly one month ago, Stephen Bell has been busy trying to promote and improve economic development in Clark County. Bell was named president and CEO of the Arkadelphia Regional Economic Development Alliance and Area Chamber of Commerce in July. He takes the reigns that were vacated by Shawnie Carrier who resigned last summer to take a job at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. Read more: The Daily Siftings Herald

Chamber Tweet of the Day: KC Chamber - Manufacturing+ Symposium is THIS Thursday!

KC Chamber ‏@kcchamber 23h

Manufacturing+ Symposium is THIS Thursday. Learn why #manufacturing is KEY to #KC's economy! http://www.kcchamber.com/Events/Small-Business-Entrepreneurship-Events/Business-Brain-Food/2014-Manufacturing-Summit.aspx … pic.twitter.com/RxDTBvUtvZ

Winona chamber honors employers for workplace effectiveness

The Winona Area Chamber of Commerce has announced the Winona-area winners of the “When Work Works Award” for exemplary workplace practices.

The award, given by the Families and Work Institute and the Society for Human Resource Management, is the result of a rigorous assessment. Applicants are evaluated on six research-based ingredients of an effective workplace: opportunities for learning, a culture of trust, work-life fit, supervisor support for work success, autonomy, and satisfaction with earnings, benefits and opportunities for advancement. Read more: Winona Daily News

Chamber news: Kearney tops list of best places to live in Nebraska

Kearney has been named the best city to live in Nebraska by the CreditDonkey.com website.

The report lists the top 10 places to live in the Cornhusker state according to five statistics: crime rate, commute time, income, education and restaurants per capita.

Writers interpret statistics from the FBI and the U.S. Census Bureau to determine the list. Read more: Kearney Hub

Chamber economic development: Michigan City, Indiana designated as HUBZone

The City of Michigan City, Michigan City Chamber of Commerce, Indiana Small Business Development Center (ISBDC) and the Economic Development Corporation of Michigan City (EDCMC) are collaborating to sponsor a seminar on how to expand business opportunities with the federal government.

The city was designated as a HUBZone after it met the eligibility requirements due to the 2010 U.S. Census. The purpose of the HUBZone program is to provide federal contracting assistance for qualified small businesses located in historically underutilized business zones in an effort to increase employment opportunities, investment and economic development in such areas. Read more: Michigan City News Dispatch

Chamber good news: Cost of living in Mason City, Iowa

The Mason City Chamber of Commerce released their most recent cost of living report. They’re finding it does not cost a high dollar to live in the area.
Just a few areas they looked at include housing, utilities, groceries, and transportation. They compared costs in these areas to cities like Mankato, St. Cloud, and Sioux Falls.
With 100 being high, Mason City has a score of 91.4, Mankato 95.6, St. Cloud 94.8, and Sioux Falls 99.1. Mason City ranked especially well where groceries, housing, transportation and health care costs are concerned. The President of the Mason City Chamber of Commerce says why it’s important to have this data. Read more: KIMT.com

Chamber issue: Kentucky gets $20 million grant for energy study

Democrats and Republicans gathered Wednesday to celebrate a $20 million federal grant designed to move Kentucky toward new forms of energy, a tricky subject in a state dominated by the coal industry.

Republican U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell and U.S. Rep. Andy Barr joined Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear and state House Majority Leader Rocky Adkins to announce a federal grant that will be distributed among the state's eight public colleges and universities. The money will pay for researchers to explore new ways to generate energy from plants and chemicals. Read more: The State Journal

Chamber growth opportunity: Oshkosh, Wisconsin starting aviation business park

The Oshkosh area is creating a new space for aviation-related businesses to build. Officials from the city and Winnebago County broke ground on an aviation business park, on W. Ripple Avenue near Wittman Regional Airport.

Oshkosh Area Chamber of Commerce president John Casper says several businesses have talked about relocating near the EAA over the years. But he says there wasn't a suitable space for them. Casper says the park could attract a variety of businesses. Read more: News Talk 1150 WHBY

Chamber opportunity: Missouri Export Finance Program Workshops

On September 30, October 2 and October 7, 2014 Bob Newman, Senior Area Manager, and John Blum, Regional Manager International Trade Programs, with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will provide a presentation on SBA’s export finance programs in Cape Girardeau, Farmington and Jefferson City, respectively.  They will discuss export finance and how to reduce the risks banks and small businesses take when they finance the preparation, creation and sale of Missouri-made goods and services to buyers outside the United States.  They will be joined by SBA’s Bill Vickery at the Cape & Farmington presentations.

Bob Newman states, “While fiscal year 2014 is shaping up to be a record year for 7(a) loans, 504 and export loans lag expectations. To increase awareness and use of the export programs, John and Bob are going on the road to talk about SBA's International Trade Loan, Export Express & Export Working Capital Program  and to answer questions.  We hope our efforts will result in more loans being made during fiscal year 2015.” He adds, “During fiscal year 2013, SBA guaranteed 474 loans across eastern Missouri; yet by the end of August  2014 SBA had guaranteed 481 loans over the same area, with the entire month of September left to book loans!”

The dates, times and locations of these three events are as follows:

• Tuesday, September 30, 2014 – 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m,. Cape Girardeau Civic Center (Osage Centre), 1625 North Kingshighway, Cape Girardeau, Missouri

• Thursday, October 2, 2014 - 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Farmington Civic Center, 2 Black Knight Drive, Farmington, Missouri

• Tuesday, October 7, 2014 - 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Jefferson City Chamber of Commerce, 213 Adams Street, Jefferson City, Missouri

These three workshops are sponsored by RMI, an SBA Certified Development Company that originates 100% SBA-guaranteed 504 loans.  Please contact Mindy Murray with RMI if you have questions about these events.  Mindy can be reached at 573-634-0557 or mindy@rmiinc.org.

If you are a lender located in Cape Girardeau, Farmington or Jefferson City, and would like to schedule a meeting with Bob and John while they're in town, please contact Bob at 636-358-5941 or robert.newman@sba.gov.

Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation: (Attitude)

“People may hear your words, but they feel your attitude.” - John C. Maxwell

emilysquotes.com

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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