Showing posts with label Kentucky. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kentucky. Show all posts

Friday, June 10, 2022

Pfizer plans $120M expansion for COVID pill manufacturing at Michigan facility; Join us for the Muskego Chamber's 2022 Chamber Jazz Dinner Cruise Social; The Cedarburg Chamber of Commerce Community Guide; Crossroads Regional: From The Chamber; Dubuque Area Chamber: Inside the Chamber Lobby; The Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce Community Map; Chamber Event: Greater Starkville Development Partnership: Mississippi State University Student Athletes and How they can Benefit Your Business: Tune In to Find Out How!; 2022 Best Places to Work in Kentucky Rankings Announced; Reston Chamber: Join us at Google!; Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories, Maps, Quarterly Magazines, Digital Directory and Community Profiles: The no cost, no risk BEST Chamber Publishing Partner in the USA!; Expand your chamber's footprint with LinkedIn: Lake Zurich Area Chamber of Commerce

Pfizer plans $120M expansion for COVID pill manufacturing at Michigan facility


Pfizer is planning to invest another $120 million into its Kalamazoo-area manufacturing facility in an effort to expand production of its antiviral COVID drug, Paxlovid.
The pharmaceutical company said its latest expansion will create 250 new jobs and ramp up production of Paxlovid, an oral COVID-19 treatment available under emergency use authorization for people 12 and older with mild to moderate illness who are considered high risk of severe illness.
Pfizer announced plans to expand manufacturing capacity of Paxlovid last month, and shared more details Monday, June 6, during a press event at the company’s Portage campus. Production of Paxlovid is already underway and will be expanded over the next year, explained Mike McDermot, Pfizer’s chief global supply officer. Read more: M LIVE


Join us for the Muskego Chamber's 2022 Chamber Jazz Dinner Cruise Social

Date: July 22, 2022
Time: 06:45 PM - 09:00 PM CDT

The Muskego Chamber Board of Directors invites you to a Jazz Dinner Cruise!
Lake Geneva Cruise Line “Grand Belle” Boat ~ Friday, July 22, 2022
6:45 p.m. Boarding ~ 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. Cruise
Plan ahead for parking and traffic. For parking visit: www.cityoflakegeneva.com
Menu and Boat Details:
Summer Berry Salad with Berry Poppy Seed Vinaigrette, Coffee, Iced Tea
Duet Plate of Petite Steak & Chicken Cordon Bleu, Smashed Yukon Gold Potatoes
Chef’s Choice of Vegetables, Bakery Rolls, New York Style Cheesecake with Sauce
Climate controlled, enclosed boat with restrooms, Full Bar (cash/credit card)


The Cedarburg Chamber of Commerce Community Guide

The Cedarburg Chamber of Commerce Community Guide is available at the chamber today ! Thanks to Maggie Dobson and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together! 



A Guide to Cedarburg

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.


Crossroads Regional: From The Chamber


 



Crossroads Regional Chamber Members and Community:

The 2022 Annual Corn Roast was a huge success! Thank you to all of our sponsors, volunteers and those who came out to support!

We are thrilled to be honoring 3 local seniors this year with a $1000 scholarship per student. If you are interested in sponsoring a student please let me know. The checks will be presented to the students at the June monthly program.

The Golf Outing is July 25 at Innsbrook Country Club! We are making some changes to this fun day! Please check out the information below and register for a foursome and or sponsorship.

Looking for a way to promote your business? Consider adding promotional items or literature to our new member welcome gifts. We provide a gift bag full of items for all new members. We ask for 30 - 50 items, please drop off at the chamber office or we will happily pick up!

We appreciate all of our members and their continued support. Please let us know how we can help you.

At Your Service,


Deann Patena
President/CEO

Dubuque Area Chamber: Inside the Chamber Lobby


LEGISLATIVE UPDATE


The legislature adjourned at 12:16am last Wednesday, calling the 2022 session of the 89th General Assembly to a close.

Throughout session the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce fought on behalf of our members to support workforce solutions, promote economic development, and reduce regulation and taxes on our member businesses.

Most notably, the legislature passed a historic tax cut for Iowa families and business owners. On the individual side we will see all Iowan’s paying a flat, fair rate of 3.9% by 2026. Corporate taxes will also fall over the course of the coming years from our current 9.8% (ranked 46th in the country) to 5.5%, one of the most competitive rates in the region. The legislature also passed long advocated for changes to aircraft parts and labor sales taxes on general aviation vehicles, allowing the Dubuque Regional Airport to maintain a competitive position with other regional airports in neighboring states – this bill awaits signature by the governor.

With workforce issues continued to slow the growth of business, we worked hard to promote pro-business workforce policies to reduce barriers to employment and support workers re-entering the workforce. An end of year deal included the Iowa Employer Child Tax Credit program which will provide more than $2 million to support a credit of 10-25% on qualified employer expenses to support employee access to childcare – this deal still awaits final signature by the Governor. Childcare providers now have more flexibility in hiring and staffing their rooms after the legislature increased the staffing ratios for 2- and 3-year-old care to align with national averages and allowed 16- and 17-year-old professionals to staff rooms without supervision.

The Chamber also supported legislation to expand access to the last-dollar scholarship by allowing part-time and summer students to fully access the benefits of the program, which were previously reserved for full-time students. The education appropriations legislation maintains a significant increase in funding for the last dollar scholarship program and increased the Iowa Tuition Grant – which supports Iowa’s private colleges including Loras College, Clarke University, and University of Dubuque – by around $1.3 million.

We also fought hard for our small business owners in the restaurant and hospitality industry, supporting efforts to better regulate third-party delivery services and protect restauranteurs intellectual property and liability in such transactions. We also supported efforts to simplify the three-tier alcohol system in Iowa. Both efforts have passed and await signature by the governor.

This year’s legislative session lasted much longer than we had thought it would but significant work on behalf of Iowans and the business community was accomplished. We look forward to continuing to advance the priorities of the business community and will continue to advocate for workforce solutions as our businesses continue to struggle hiring and retaining top talent.

We thank our local legislative delegation: Senator Pam Jochum, Senator Carrier Koelker, Representative Shannon Lundgren, Representative Lindsay James, Representative Steve Bradley, and Representative Chuck Isenhart for their dedication to serving Iowa and Dubuque County residents.

Feel free to reach out to Ryan Sempf, VP Government & External Affairs with any questions:
RSempf@DubuqueChamber.com
(319) 270-7462

The Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce Community Map

The Eau Claire Area Chamber Community Map is now available at the Chamber today! Thanks to David Minor, Chrystal Mills 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 guide or publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633. 


Chamber Event: Greater Starkville Development Partnership: Mississippi State University Student Athletes and How they can Benefit Your Business: Tune In to Find Out How!

Dear Members of the Partnership:

College Athletics have changed dramatically in the last 12 months. The Name, Image, and Likeness for athletes and/or teams can be a powerful way of promoting you and your business. Some Starkville businesses have already partnered with MSU athletes to endorse their products and services and it may be more affordable than you think.

The Partnership is pleased to virtually host a meeting to explain the new changes in college athletics and the potential benefits. Charlie Winfield of the Winfield Law Firm will be with us on June 22nd at 12:00p to explain the new opportunities that exist for athletes and business owners. Charlie has devoted a significant portion of his practice to advising clients on issues related to intercollegiate athletics, including NCAA compliance matters. In addition to broadcasting MSU Sports and the Out of Left Field podcast, Charlie is the founder of The Bulldog Initiative, LLC, an entity that seeks to provide athletes with the opportunity to earn compensation in exchange for the use of their Name, Image, and Likeness.

Whether you're an SEC sports fan or a business owner looking for new marketing opportunities, this webinar will be of interest. Registration is required so please click the link below to register as soon as possible: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/registertZwvdOmspzwjG9UJmeuCTRgWl1utspNCYMLX After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Thanks and we look forward to connecting on June 22nd!

Thanks!

My Best,

Hunter Harrington
Director of Membership Development
200 East Main Street | Starkville, MS | 39759
Phone (662) 323-3322 | Fax (662) 323-5815
starkville.org


2022 Best Places to Work in Kentucky Rankings Announced

Envoy Mortgage, Ltd., ARGI, and Alpha Business Acquisitions, Inc. take top honors

Frankfort, Ky. (June 9, 2022) – Envoy Mortgage, Ltd., ARGI, and Alpha Business Acquisitions, Inc. were ranked the 2022 Best Places to Work in Kentucky by the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce and the Kentucky Society for Human Resource Management (KYSHRM).

During the 18th Annual Best Places to Work in Kentucky awards ceremony, presented by ClearPath Mutual Insurance Company, more than 900 attendees joined in celebrating the 100 Kentucky companies recognized for their commitment to focus, measure and move their workplace environments toward excellence.

The companies who made the 2022 list were announced in March and the ranked list was announced on stage at the awards ceremony. The 100 winning companies participated in a comprehensive survey process and were then ranked according to those results. The list consists of three categories: small companies of 15-149 employees, medium companies of 150-499 employees and large companies consisting of more than 500 employees (categories based on number of U.S. employees, only Kentucky employees surveyed).

Envoy Mortgage, Ltd., the top winner in the large category, is a privately owned mortgage bank that is 100% focused on residential lending. They provide home loans throughout the U.S. for consumers looking to purchase a home or refinance into a more favorable financial situation. Envoy Mortgage, Ltd has made the list for six years and was previously ranked sixth in the large category.

ARGI, the top winner in the medium category, has a mission to improve the lives of their clients, colleagues, and communities through their heart of service. Unlike many financial services companies, they have embraced a ‘we before me’ approach to service, utilizing a team of advisors and consultants to service their clients’ needs, instead of relying on the knowledge or skills of a single advisor. ARGI has made the list for 11 years and was previously ranked seventh in the medium category.

Alpha Business Acquisitions, Inc., the top winner in the small category, provides the upmost quality sales experience to customers, extensive training, growth, and friendly culture to employees, and long-term retention of customers to our clients. They go above and beyond to develop their team in sales, customer service, and leadership training to all hit their goals individually and as a team. Alpha Business Acquisitions, Inc. has made the list for three years and last year was previously ranked 20th in the small category.

Now in its 18th year, the Best Places to Work in Kentucky program has recognized a combined 333 unique Kentucky companies with 243 of those making the list more than once. Special recognition to the two companies that have made the list all 18 years - Dean Dorton and KORT.

The Kentucky Society for Human Resource Management (KYSHRM) state council and the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce are proud to host the Best Places initiative, as both organizations support the value of workplace excellence as a key component in moving Kentucky forward.

“HR professionals are the CEO's strategic partner in creating an adaptive advantage for Kentucky's employers. The Best Places to Work in Kentucky program recognizes those employers who set an exemplary standard of excellence for both employee engagement and business success,” said KYSHRM Chair, Amanda Huddleston, SHRM-CP, CSP.

According to Kentucky Chamber President and CEO, Ashli Watts, “In order to help Kentucky’s economy thrive, we must be able to educate and employ current Kentuckians, while also creating workplaces that attract talent from outside of the state. The Best Places program does just that.”

For more details about Best Places to Work in Kentucky, visit bestplacestoworkkentucky.com.

Click here to view the 2022 magazine.


Reston Chamber: Join us at Google!

We’re excited to have this networking event LIVE at the Google office in Reston next Thursday!

Representatives from Google will:

· Share resources for small businesses

· Discuss resources for non-profits

· Highlight how to make sure your business shows up on Google Maps

· Provide an overview of other training options

· Answer your questions!

Come for the great networking and education, and stick around for a short tour!

As the event host, Google requires you to show proof of Covid-19 vaccination and a photo ID to attend this event.

Register Today!


Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories, Maps, Quarterly Magazines, Digital Directory and Community Profiles: The no cost, no risk BEST Chamber Publishing Partner in the USA!


Town Square Publications, a division of the Daily Herald Media Group, is a national chamber custom publishing group that specializes in developing partnerships by producing high-quality print and digitally integrated publications along with other added value programs dedicated to creating relevancy for local chambers of commerce and other membership focused organizations interested in raising non-dues revenues.

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 or email John Dussman with the subject line: Chamber Publication Proposal Requested. Thank you!



Expand your chamber's footprint with LinkedIn: Lake Zurich Area Chamber of Commerce

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Thursday, February 3, 2022

Bartoszek named Chair Elect for WCCE state association board; ACCE: Application Deadline: Sales Coach Program; Join the Sponsorship team for the long awaited 25th Anniversary Double Decker Spring Run!; Dubuque Area Chamber: Iowa Workforce Development Survey: Your input is needed!; Wisconsin Added 6,300 Jobs in December; Kentucky State Parks Plan for Camper Appreciation 2022; Chamber collaboration: Officials give support of Manistee's Hampton Inn project; Indiana CANstruction Competition winners announced; Arlington Chamber of Co mmerce Legislative Breakfast; Effingham County Community MAPPING Program


Bartoszek named Chair Elect for WCCE state association board




Becky Bartoszek, President/CEO, Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce, has been named chair-elect for the Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce Executives’ (WCCE) Board of Advisors.

WCCE is the state’s professional association of local chambers of commerce. Its mission is to advance the management skills and experience of its members in order to help them work with the challenges chambers face. WCCE is a program of Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) – the state chamber.

Bartoszek will serve as chair elect for two years then assume the role of chair for the WCCE, where she will lead its Board of Advisors. She has been a WCCE advisory board member for 2 years, where she collaborates with other Chamber executives from around the state to ensure Wisconsin Chambers continue to help business and local communities thrive.

She also serves on the board of directors for ACCE, the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, an international group of more than 9,000 professionals who work for and with more than 1,600 chambers of commerce around the world.

Additionally she is on the board of directors for the New North; Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce; and Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. Bartoszek is also a member of the Community Health Action Team. She currently is appointed by Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers to the Advisory Council on Workforce Investment.


ACCE: Application Deadline: Sales Coach Program


Feb. 8 | LEARN MORE
ACCE is now accepting applications for its six-month sales coach program in which experienced chamber membership development volunteers will be matched with professionals who are new to chamber sales for regular advice, coaching and problem-solving. Click here for the application. Interested in being a coach? Click here.


Join the Sponsorship team for the long awaited 25th Anniversary Double Decker Spring Run!

The Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce is excited to finally celebrate the 25th Annual Double Decker Spring Run. This year’s 10K Run, 5K Run, and Kids Fun Run are scheduled for Saturday, April 23rd, and we want you to be involved in this long awaited return of the race!

The Chamber’s signature race is excited to announce a partnership with Oxford Ortho & Sports Medicine as our new exclusive presenting sponsor for our 25th anniversary event! Our race topped over 1,700 racers in 2019, with runners who came to Oxford from all around the country, and we expect that number to continue to climb this year.

The Double Decker Weekend is packed with events like the Double Decker Festival, the Grove Bowl, and the Ole Miss vs. MSU baseball series. Add that to our two new race courses that take you past iconic Oxford landmarks and the standing tradition of a top-notch race experience, this is a weekend you do not want to miss being a part of!

If you are interested in getting involved on any of the following levels, please contact Pam Swain by Wednesday, March 9th at pam@oxfordms.com However, please note the earlier your sponsorship is confirmed, the sooner your benefits and promotion will begin. So to get the most out of your sponsorship dollars and commit early.

Email Pam Swain to Sponsor


South Suburban Chamber of Commerce 2020 Community Resource Guide & Business Directory 

Oak Creek and Franklin - A guide to the South Suburban Region 2020  is available at the Chamber of Commerce today! Thank you to Sarah Anderson and the Chamber team for their help and direction putting this together! 



Oak Creek and Franklin - A Guide to the South Suburban Region 2020

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.



 Dubuque Area Chamber: Iowa Workforce Development Survey: Your input is needed!

Dear Valued Members and Investors,

On behalf of the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Dubuque Development Corporation we are sending you a survey from Iowa Workforce Development (IWD).  They have requested that their short survey be shared with our members and investors for your feedback.  Please use the link below to go directly to the IWD survey.  Please note the deadline to complete and submit your survey to their office is noon on January 21st, 2022. 

Any questions regarding the survey can be directed to Marla Loecke, IWD Operations Manager for Dubuque and Decorah at Marla.loecke@iwd.Iowa.gov.
 
Thank you for your attention and consideration.

Sincerely, 


Molly Grover, President & CEO                                     
Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce                     


Rick Dickinson, President & CEO
Greater Dubuque Development Corporation
 


Wisconsin Added 6,300 Jobs in December

Combined with the gains from October and November, Wisconsin added 20,500 jobs in the past three months. Over the past year, Wisconsin has added 67,200 jobs.
Employment at the end of December remained 99,500 jobs below the pre-pandemic level of February 2020, a decline of 3.3%.
Among the sectors adding jobs in December, the manufacturing sector added 4,800 jobs, 3,500 of which were in durable goods manufacturing. Wholesale trade added 1,900 jobs.
The private sector added 5,300 jobs total and government added 1,000 new jobs.
The unemployment rate declined to 2.8% and the labor force participation rate remained at 66.4%.
Further detail can be found in the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development's release: Wisconsin Labor Force Summary December 2021.



Kentucky State Parks Plan for Camper Appreciation 2022

Some Kentucky State Park campgrounds will be hosting the annual Camper Appreciation Weekend and now is the time to start making reservations! The weekend of April 29 - May 1 campers get two nights of camping for the price of one. This deal fills up quickly as the dates draw near so find a Kentucky State Park campground now and start planning your next great outdoor adventure.



Chamber collaboration: Officials give support of Manistee's Hampton Inn project



A majority of people who spoke during a recent public hearing for the Hampton Inn in Manistee were in favor of the project.

A Commercial Rehabilitation District for the hotel, which is planned for 101 Lakeshore Drive, was unanimously approved by the Manistee City Council Tuesday during its regularly scheduled meeting.

A public hearing was held for citizens to speak about the project. Four of five people spoke in support of the project in its current iteration.

Gini Pelton, of Manistee, said she was happy with the project.

"Even if you are adjusting the taxes for this type of development, I believe it is still a win-win situation for our community. We will still be getting all of the resources that they're going to bring to our community back into our community," Pelton said.

She noted the amount of money that the city was able to collect in taxes on the former Lakeshore Motel, which was located on the same property, is nowhere near the amount of taxes that the Hampton Inn will generate when it is completed.

"Everything they're going to develop down there will be good. And for those who maybe aren't aware 101 S. Lakeshore (Drive) when it was a motel was paying taxes at the rate of around a $200,000 home in the community or less; I didn't get a chance to look up the exact numbers today. So if you think you're losing money on the deal, you're not losing money. We're always we're going to be ahead of this game that water and sewer ... jobs ... everything. Anyway, I totally support this."

Of the three others who spoke, all hand a part in the project getting off the ground: Manistee County Board of Commission chair and Economic Development Council chair Jeff Dontz; Marc Miller, director of Economic Development for the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce; and Peter Beukema of Hotel Ventures Manistee LLC., the development company for the project.

Read more: Manistee News

 

Indiana CANstruction Competition winners announced

The votes are in, and our judges have spoken—so now, on this icy Thursday afternoon, here is the moment you’ve been waiting for:

In total, State of Indiana agencies collected an outstanding 21,615 cans for our community food pantries! And your teams submitted 50 unique Canstructions to our panel of judges, consisting of Governor Eric J. Holcomb’s office, Indiana State Personnel Department Director Matt Brown, and a special guest food pantry judge.

BEST STRUCTURE

Several honorable mentions battled it out for the 2022 Canstruction “Best Structure” award. Notably, DOC Wabash’s Converse high top, INDOT’s “Duck Hunt,” BMV team’s “Keep On Trucking” Semi, and the Hoosier Lottery’s “Powerball Sees His Shadow.”

But the winner of the 2022 “Best Structure” award is… Indiana State Fair Commission with their impressive and intricate re-Canstruction of the Indiana Farmers Coliseum.





MOST CANS COLLECTED

The runners up for “Most Cans Collected” are the Department of Correction’s “Team WVCF” with 1,626 cans and the Department of Labor’s “Labor Can” with 2,143 cans. But Canstruction 2022’s “Most Cans Collected” award also goes to the State Fair Commission’s “Indiana State Fair” with 2,864 cans collected in just two weeks.

VIEW THE ENTRIES

Using canned goods, art supplies, and teamwork, the teams got creative and paid tribute to Hoosier landmarks, state initiatives, pop culture, and much more. Check out all the entries at one of the links below:

View the 2022 Canstruction Competition photo gallery on Facebook >

View the 2022 Canstruction Competition photo gallery on SharePoint >

Participating agencies included seven teams from the Indiana Department of Child Services, 17 teams from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Family and Social Services Administration, Alcohol and Tobacco Commission, three teams from the Indiana Department of Transportation, three teams from the Department of Natural Resources, Department of Labor, Indiana State Personnel Department, Department of Correction, two teams from the Department of Revenue, Hoosier Lottery, Indiana Criminal Justice Institute, two teams from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority, Indiana State Fair Commission, Statehouse Tour Office, Indiana Office of Technology, Indiana Historical Bureau, Lt. Governor's Office, Public Defender's Office, Indiana State Department of Toxicology, and the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.

Great work to each team—you demonstrated your creativity, teamwork, and generosity. Thank you for all that you do!


Arlington Chamber of Commerce Legislative Breakfast

The Arlington Chamber of Commerce is pleased to invite you to the tenth annual Legislative Breakfast. This event offers the opportunity to hear about the recent General Assembly session from the legislators who represent Arlington in Richmond. Arlington’s members of the Virginia Senate and House of Delegates will discuss the legislation that they patroned, the issues that the General Assembly took up, and the outlook for Arlington and the Commonwealth of Virginia. The event features a question and answer portion, and we encourage you to submit your questions with your registration. Join us on March 31 from 8:00-9:30 a.m. to hear from the speakers below.


https://web.arlingtonchamber.org/events/Legislative-Breakfast-3696/details

Event Information

Date: Thursday, March 31

Time:

8:00-9:00 a.m. Program
9:00-9:30 a.m. Q&A

Pre-registration:
Members: $35
Prospective Members: $50

Registration Questions?
Elizabeth Addington
Operations Manager
chamber@arlingtonchamber.org
(703) 525-2400

Event Questions?
Cassie Bate Hurley
Senior Director of Marketing & Operations
events@arlingtonchamber.org
(703) 525-2400

REGISTER HERE





Effingham County Community MAPPING Program


Effingham County has enlisted the help of the MAPPING The Future of Your Community program through the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs at Western Illinois University to take a proactive approach to planning for community and economic development.

Originally planned for early 2020, the MAPPING program is a participant driven strategic visioning and planning process whereby local leaders and citizen volunteers create a long-range vision for the future of Effingham County and a plan of action for achieving it. Read more here.



 Good morning #ChamberWorld! It's going to be a great day! 


Town Square Publications Chamber Directories, Maps, Quarterly Magazines, Digital Directory and Community Profiles: The no cost, no risk BEST Chamber Publishing Partner in the USA!


Town Square Publications, a division of the Daily Herald Media Group, is a national chamber custom publishing group that specializes in developing partnerships by producing high-quality print and digitally integrated publications along with other added value programs dedicated to creating relevancy for local chambers of commerce and other membership focused organizations interested in raising non-dues revenues.

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 or email John Dussman with the subject line: Chamber Publication Proposal Requested. Thank you!

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

It's Local Chamber of Commerce Week all over America!!! Local Chambers in Kentucky: (from Amy Cloud): Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Cabarrus Regional Chamber Support your local chamber of commerce day!; It's Mississippi's Chamber of Commerce Week!

Good Morning, #chamberworld! It's going to be a GREAT day!

It's Local Chamber of Commerce Week all over America!!!


Local Chambers in Kentucky: (from Amy Cloud): Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! 


What a wonderful day of celebration! A HUGE thank you to all of our local chambers for your tireless work and dedication to making your communities and our state GREAT! Many states brag on what favorites things they can claim, but NO OTHER state can brag about having the BEST local chambers in the country. Kentucky sets the bar high. Not only having national titles but high standards our chamber professionals constantly exemplify make us second to none. Thank you for that! 

We are looking forward to a wonderful year of great ideas and growth and are honored that you will join us on this adventure. We can't say THANK YOU enough for all the hard work you do. You make us look great! 

Be a part of the day by posting great things you are doing with the hashtag #SupportYourLocalChamberOfCommerce

Don't forget to include KCCE by adding @kyexecs and #kyexecs.



Happy National Chamber of Commerce Day

Cabarrus Regional Chamber
Support your local chamber of commerce day!


Wednesday, October 16 is Support Your Local Chamber of Commerce Day! If you would like to show your support as a Cabarrus Regional Chamber member on social media, you can download social media graphics like the one shown here.

Show your team in action at a chamber event by sharing one of the photos on our Facebook page (click the button below). Feel free to tag the Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce and use the hashtags #CabCoBiz and #SupportYourLocalChamberDay

Thank you for your support of the Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce!





It's Mississippi's Chamber of Commerce Week!

How does your chamber of commerce help your community connect to success? Let the world know this week for Mississippi's Support Your Local Chamber of Commerce Week!
We encourage you to share your Chamber's successes and engage your members through social media this week. Whether a 280 character tweet, a full Instagram story, or a Facebook or LinkedIn drop-in, MEDC wants to see your social feeds filled with fun, genuine, positive chatter that showcases how you are the heartbeat of the community. Post how your chamber offers to help local businesses grow and prosper! Tweet how it has helped local organizations with a specific issue! Brag about your community events with some pics!
However, you use social media, be sure to tag MEDC & use the hashtag #SupportYourLocalChamber!
We’ll be keeping an eye out and sharing your posts this week!

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




Monday, June 10, 2019

Mclean County Chamber: State of the State - An in-depth look into the overall State of Illinois; #FamousChamber Of Commerce Quotations: (Be happy!); Greater Hattiesburg Mississippi Membership Directory and Business Guide 2018-2019; Cabarrus Regional Chamber: Special AHP (Association Health Plan) Presentation at Chamber Advocacy Mtg Thursday; Three Rivers Area Chamber: ARE YOU MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP?; Officials break ground on Wisconsin Rapids aquatic facilities; Cary Grove Area Chamber of Commerce Community Map; Northern Virginia Chamber Announces Officers and 2019-2020 Executive Committee and Board of Director Members; Indiana Chamber’s Vision 2025 Report Card Details Unhealthy Economic Threat; Ashley Butsch named marketing & communications director; Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S.

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


Mclean County Chamber: State of the State - An in-depth look into the overall State of Illinois

Tuesday, June 18th at 7:00 AM
ISU Hancock Stadium Club

Graduated Income Tax, $15 Minimum Wage & Recreational Cannabis - the business community needs to be paying attention!The General Assembly's first Spring Session under Governor JB Pritzker has come to a close, and with it many issues the business community needs to be aware of. Don't miss out on this once a year opportunity to meet and discuss these issues with McLean County's Springfield delegation:


·     Senator Bill Brady
·     Senator Jason Barickman
·     Senator Chapin Rose
·     Representative Dan Brady
·     Representative Keith Sommer
·     Representative Dan Caulkins



The 2nd of a four-part advocacy series, the newly rebranded ‘State of the State’ will be an event not to miss. It is imperative that the business community in McLean County engages for action with the lawmakers who represent them.
Click here to register!

Tickets are $15 for Members and $25 for Non-Members. Light refreshments will be provided.



#FamousChamber Of Commerce Quotations: (Be happy!)

“Joy is the infallible sign of the presence of God.” - Pierre Teilhard de Chardin




Greater Hattiesburg Mississippi  Membership Directory and Business Guide 2018-2019

The Greater Hattiesburg Mississippi  Membership Directory and Business Guide 2018-2019 is available at the Area Development Partnership in Hattiesburg! Thank you to Chad NewellValencia Williamson and the Chamber team for their help and direction putting this together! 





Hattiesburg Membership Directory and Business Guide 2018-2019



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.


Cabarrus Regional Chamber: Special AHP (Association Health Plan) Presentation at Chamber Advocacy Mtg Thursday
Your Chamber works diligently on your behalf to monitor and advocate for pro-business legislation as outlined in our Legislative Agenda. One of our major initiatives is to help pass legislation to allow Association Health Plans that would enable our small business members to band together as a group for more favorable healthcare coverage rates and plans that larger companies are able to attain due to their size.

Our June Advocacy Committee Meeting is Thursday at 8:00 a.m. in the Executive Board Room. For those of you who don’t normally attend these meetings, I wanted to give you a heads up, as we have two special presentations that will be very informative. Roy Watson, Vice President – Local Group Segment, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina will be here to discuss the current state of association health plans and give us an insurer’s perspective. Roy is on the senior leadership team with BCBSNC and if very knowledgeable, so please come with questions! Also, Cabarrus County Finance Director Susan Fearrington will review the impact of sales tax on our county and how potential legislation could affect it. Brian Francis will also update us on the latest from NCGA.

If you are able to attend, please reply so we can plan accordingly.

Thank you for your membership and your support of our Chamber!

Best regards,
Barbi Jones
Executive Director
Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce
704-490-4978




Three Rivers Area Chamber: ARE YOU MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP?

Membership Benefits:
• Chamber News – Chamber News, the Chamber’s weekly electronic newsletter, highlights community and activities and enables members to share news about their businesses – expansions, new products, personnel changes, etc.
• Early Bird Breakfasts – These early morning gatherings provide a tasty meal, valuable information on timely topics, and an excellent opportunity to interact with other members of the business community.
• Business After Hours – These events are a time for socializing, networking and refreshments. The event provides opportunity for a Chamber member business or organization to showcase their facility.
• Annual Dinner – Held in the fall, the Annual Dinner enables members to celebrate the accomplishments of the Chamber year, honor volunteers, mark the transition to new leadership, look forward to a new year.
• Annual Golf Outing – The Chamber’s Annual Golf Outing provides a fun, exciting way for business people to network in an atmosphere other than an office setting. Good food and a host of laughs are included.
• Membership Directory – Member businesses are listed in the Three Rivers Area Chamber of Commerce Community Profile and Membership Directory, a professionally-produced, magazine-style publication
• Member Group Insurance Plans – The Chamber works with various agencies who provide: Auto, Health, Life and Business Insurance and offer a discount exclusive to Chamber members.
• Member to Member Discount Program – Chamber members and their employees receive discounts at fellow member businesses (restaurants, services, etc) by showing a discount card issued with your Chamber membership.
• Web Site – The Chamber provides worldwide exposure for its members by listing them on its Web site (www.trchamber.com). The site features information about the Chamber and the Three Rivers area & Calendar
• Business Referrals – Referrals are an important part of our member benefits. We receive many requests for information and refer them to Chamber member businesses.
• Seminars – The Chamber sponsors seminars on a variety of business-related topics. These seminars provide an affordable means for upgrading the skills and knowledge needed to be successful in business.
OTHER WAYS THE CHAMBER WORKS FOR YOU:
• Political Forums
• Economic Development
• Tourism
• Water Festival
• Small Business Growth
• Political Advocacy

Officials break ground on Wisconsin Rapids aquatic facilities
Wisconsin Rapids city and chamber officials gathered May 21 to officially kick off the construction of a city aquatic center, with a groundbreaking ceremony held at the Witter Field complex.
Alderman Tom Rayome spoke during the event, stating that he liked the location.
Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce President Angel Whitehead called the project a “quality of life piece that makes it easy promote the community as some place that’s growing”.
Mayor Zach Vruwink said the $11 million project will become a year-round attraction for Wisconsin Rapids.
Vruwink also said the aquatic center is not just a pool with park-like amenities; he said “it’s a reinvestment in ourselves and our community”.
A $3 million community matching fundraising goal must still be met over the next year.
Construction on the facilities starts in two weeks, and should be open for the start of the summer swim season in 2020. Read More: Wisconsin Rapids City Times


Cary Grove Area Chamber of Commerce Community Map 

The Cary Grove Area Chamber of Commerce Community Map is available at the Cary Grove Chamber today! Thanks to Lynn Caccavallo and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!

Cary Grove Area Chamber map

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


Northern Virginia Chamber Announces Officers and 2019-2020 Executive Committee and Board of Director Members

Tysons, Virginia – Today, the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce (Northern Virginia Chamber)  announced its officers and 2019-2020 members of the Executive Committee and Board of Directors.  

Todd Rowley, Market Executive, Capital Region, Old Dominion National Bank, will serve as the 2019-2020 Chairman of the Board; Kathryn Falk, Vice President and Market Leader, Cox, will serve as the 2019-2020 Vice Chair; and Luanne Gutermuth, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, Washington Gas, will serve as the 2019-2020 Secretary.

A full list of members of the 2019-2020 Executive Committee and Board of Directors can be found online.

“We are thrilled to add these exceptional leaders to our Executive Committee and Board of Directors and are excited for their guidance in leading the Northern Virginia Chamber to success,” said Julie Coons, Northern Virginia Chamber President and CEO. “These regional leaders will be instrumental in meeting the strategic goals of our chamber – to position our chamber and the business community as a diverse, impactful driver of the region’s economic success.  With our tremendous membership leading the way, I am excited for our chamber to continue its leadership position as The Voice of Business in Northern Virginia™.”

More information about the Northern Virginia Chamber Board of Directors can be found online
CONTACT: Jamal Sealey, jsealey@novachamber.org, 703-752-7505


Indiana Chamber’s Vision 2025 Report Card Details Unhealthy Economic Threat

The advantages that currently help Indiana maintain a competitive economic climate may soon not be enough due to several challenges outlined in the Indiana Chamber of Commerce’s Indiana Vision 2025 Report Card.
While progress is taking place on some of the education statistical measures as part of the long-term approach to future workforce needs, the results are simply poor and getting worse when it comes to the health of our state’s citizens.
“Indiana’s tax, regulatory and legal environments – vastly improved over the past 15-plus years – have led to justly deserved high rankings in a number of national evaluations,” says Indiana Chamber President and CEO Kevin Brinegar. “But the health of our citizens, and the impact on communities and businesses, is negatively impacting the Attractive Business Climate driver of Indiana Vision 2025 and the state’s ability to compete.”
Indiana’s adult smoking rate of 21.8% (an increase from 20.6% in the most recent biennial comparison) is 44th worst among the 50 states. Adult obesity levels escalated from just over 31% to 33.6% – 39th worst. In the one new goal (to reduce drug-related deaths in the state) added to the plan since 2017, Indiana is 37th worst.
The Indiana General Assembly has failed to take action in recent years to raise the cigarette tax or the legal age for smoking from 18 to 21. This comes despite a $6.2 billion annual business impact in health care costs and lost productivity, as well as more than 60% public support for taking both measures.
“The negative effects, of course, go well beyond the workplace,” Brinegar adds. “Individual illnesses and premature deaths are tragic outcomes for residents, their families and our communities.”
Postsecondary results continue to lag with Indiana rankings of 37th or 38th in the areas of associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees or training beyond high school that includes industry credentials. The good news, however, is there was significant improvement in each of those categories since the prior Report Card two years ago.
“The current workforce challenges have businesses engaged more than ever in helping craft solutions. Upskilling current members of the workforce and attracting more talented people to the state are also important parts of this equation,” Brinegar notes.
In the important Dynamic and Creative Culture driver, Indiana continues to struggle in the Kauffman Foundation Index measuring new entrepreneurs and in total employment at firms less than five years old. In a new metric, the state has a No. 5 five ranking in job creation for existing businesses (six years and older) and the same standing for employment at affiliates of foreign-owned companies.
The Indiana Vision 2025 Report Card compares the 50 states on 65 metrics related to 37 goals grouped by four drivers: Outstanding Talent, Attractive Business Climate, Superior Infrastructure, and Dynamic and Creative Culture.
Overall, Indiana ranks in the top 10 in 14 of the 65 metrics. It has six rankings of 40th or worse. Compared to 2017, the state improved in 23 rankings and declined in 24. When looking at raw scores, 30 from the new Report Card are better than the previous version with only 20 declining.
“Those numbers reiterate that our state is not operating in a vacuum,” Brinegar offers. “While we improve in performance, other states are moving ahead at a faster rate and passing Indiana in the rankings.”

This is the fourth Indiana Vision 2025 Report Card; full results are available at www.indianachamber.com/2025.


Ashley Butsch named marketing & communications director


The Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce, Inc. has announced the promotion of Ashley Butsch to Marketing & Communications Director. In this role, she will oversee marketing and communications for the seven Chamber divisions. She has served as Programming Coordinator for almost two years, coordinating all events falling under the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce’s program of work.
Butsch received her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing from The University of Southern Mississippi. From her previous experience as the Event Sales Manager of Treasure Bay Casino & Hotel to the Director of Marketing for the Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport, Butsch has 10 years of extensive experience in marketing, event planning, sales and public relations.
Butsch was in the 2013 Leadership Gulf Coast class and is also a 2015 graduate of Leadership Hancock County. In 2015, she was named a Young Careerist finalist by the Lighthouse Business and Professional Women organization.


Owensboro Set to Host Opportunity Zones Workshop

Attendees will have chance to hear detailed specifics, ask questions about initiative


FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 5, 2019) – Interest in Kentucky’s Opportunity Zones continues to grow more than a year after the program’s announcement. In response, the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development has scheduled its fourth Opportunity Zones Workshop to be held June 13 in Owensboro. The workshop will assist community and business leaders and others hoping to take advantage of this evolving economic development tool.
On the heels of successful workshops in Somerset, Bowling Green and Lexington, details continue to pour in on businesses that could benefit from potential investments within Kentucky Opportunity Zones. The work is not complete, however, and state officials encourage interested parties to continue to submit information for qualifying businesses at www.KYOZ.com.  
Representatives from the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development and the Department for Local Government will be on hand to provide an update with the latest information regarding Opportunity Zones and to answer questions. Participants can submit questions in person or online.
The event is free and open to the public, though reservations are requested, as space is limited. Elected officials, community and economic development leaders, existing businesses within Opportunity Zones and those looking to develop projects in Opportunity Zones are highly encouraged to participate.
What:    Opportunity Zones Workshop
When:   Thursday, June 13, 2019 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. CDT
Where: Greater Owensboro Commerce Center
                Third Floor Conference Room
                200 East Third Street
                Owensboro, KY 42303
                Register to attend the event and watch live online at www.KYOZ.com
Along with the critical participation from local partners, the Cabinet oversees the Opportunity Zone initiative. The initiative aims to encourage and attract significant institutional, corporate and individual investment in Kentucky’s Opportunity Zones. The designation offers significant federal tax breaks and deferrals to entities and individuals investing in Opportunity Funds, which support development projects within one or more zones.
The Cabinet works with local partners to ensure the Commonwealth takes full advantage of the federal incentives and has established KYOZ.org, where interested parties can find all the information they need in one place. The site, which will be updated regularly with news, details, research tools and other useful amenities, demonstrates the advantages of Kentucky’s Opportunity Zones to potential investors.
For interactive maps, a full list of Kentucky Opportunity Zones, current corporate investment projects, data, opportunity funds info and more resources, visit www.KYOZ.com



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


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