Deadline September 15th for Back to Business Mississippi Grant Program - Monroe MS Chamber update; New Arrival: Oxford Lafayette County Community Map; Voting is Now Open for the Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin! Greater Beloit Chamber of Commerce: Virtual Influential Women in Business; DCEO, Groupon, LULAC Illinois, in Partnership with Hispanic Chamber of Lake County (HCLC) and The Latino Round Table of Southwestern Illinois, Present "ACCESS TO CAPITAL" ; Virginia Peninsula Chamber collaboration: Developing the Talent Pipeline: Fredericksburg Regional Chamber Awards First Responders at Annual Breakfast and Awards; #SmartChamber: Kosciusko Chamber Sells Office Building to Silveus Insurance Group; Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce 2020 Annual Awards Night Live; New Arrival: Greater Hattiesburg Mississippi Membership Directory and Business Guide 2020-2021; Lansing Regional Chamber: Statewide Municipal Leaders to Discuss the Changing Landscape of Government at Economic Club Forum; Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best Chamber Partner in the USA!

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

Deadline September 15th for Back to Business Mississippi Grant Program - Monroe MS Chamber update

The deadline for the Back to Business Mississippi Grant Program is quickly approaching. Eligible businesses must apply for grants through the Back to Business Mississippi Grant Program website before the Tuesday, September 15 deadline.

The program provides grants between $1,500 and $25,000 to help businesses recover from the economic impact of COVID-19, including operating expenses and salaries. To be eligible for the grant, a business must be in good standing with the Mississippi Secretary of State's Office as of March 1, 2020.

There is no fee to submit an application, and the program will not ask for credit card information. For assistance with your application, call 1-800-462-9980 or 601-228-1774.

Click here to read the eligibility requirements.

Click here to apply.



New Arrival: Oxford Lafayette County Community Map

The new Oxford Lafayette County Chamber Community Map is available at the Chamber and Foundation offices today! Thanks to Jon Maynard, Pam Swain and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!

Oxford Lafayette County Chamber Community Map

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. 

Voting is Now Open for the Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin! 


The 2020 Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin competition has officially kicked off! We have nearly 150 nominees from all across Wisconsin. Voting will be open through 5pm on Sunday, Sept. 20 and you can vote once per day! Last year, we had nearly 250,000 total votes cast – so make sure you are doing everything you can to get out the vote for your favorite product. 

In the past, nominees have contacted their local media, elected officials, local chambers of commerce and their communities to gather support for their product. Advertising, earned media and shouting from the rooftops is all allowed in the Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin contest! One year, we even had a Green Bay Packer endorse his favorite product on social media! 

How to Vote: 

1. Visit www.madeinwis.com and click “Vote Now!” on the homepage. 

2. Select the product that you think is the Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin – don’t forget to look through the nominees on all seven pages! 

3. Once on your favorite product’s page, click “Vote Now!” 

4. Fill in your email address and click “Verify Vote.” 

5. Check your email and click the link to confirm your vote! 

6. Come back tomorrow and do it again! 

We know that you are a real person, but you must confirm each vote via email so that computer knows, too! If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out to the WMC team: 

Nick Novak 
Vice President, Communications & Marketing 
nnovak@wmc.org 

Ashley Allen 
Manager, Marketing & Events 
aallen@wmc.org 

We wish all of our nominees the best of luck in this first round! Once voting is closed on Sunday, the WMC team will tabulate the votes and announce the Top 16 products moving on to the Manufacturing Madness tournament-style bracket on Monday, Sept. 21. Check your inbox with more details on how to watch the live stream later this week!

Greater Beloit Chamber of Commerce: Virtual Influential Women in Business

Registration is Open! 

Sponsorships are available and are going fast. View the sponsorship packages here and email Aimee at aimeet@greaterbeloitchamber.org to secure your spot!

Didn't See That Coming with Kerry Frank
Wed, Sept 23 | 11:30 am - 1pm 
Tickets starting at $25

AGENDA

• 11:30 am-12:00 pm – Virtual Networking 
• 12:00 pm-12:30 pm – Open Remarks & Keynote Address
• 12:30 pm-1:00 pm – Award Ceremony

AWARD NOMINATIONS

This year, the Influential Women in Business Luncheon will include an award ceremony to recognize outstanding individuals who are dedicated leaders, advocates in their field and influential to those around them.

Nominate an Influential Women in Business here. 

DCEO, Groupon, LULAC Illinois, in Partnership with Hispanic Chamber of Lake County (HCLC) and The Latino Round Table of Southwestern Illinois, Present "ACCESS TO CAPITAL" 

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Hispanic Chamber and the Lake County Chamber of Commerce are pleased to present a series of programming for our members and business community. We are excited to have an opportunity to work with a wide range of partners to offer new programming -- stay tuned as more Hispanic Heritage Month programming is announced. Join us for this webinar, presented in English and Spanish, as we discuss financial resources for your business.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 AT 9:00 AM (ENGLISH WEBINAR) Register Here 

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER, 17 AT 9:00 am (SPANISH WEBINAR) Register Here

Virginia Peninsula Chamber collaboration: Developing the Talent Pipeline: 

29 SEPTEMBER 2020

7:30 AM - 9:00 AM

SHRM & HRCI CREDITS APPROVED
FREE EVENT

PenSHRM and the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce are partnering to offer a series of learnings focused on Developing Talent Pipeline. HR Professionals and Community Leaders can join, speaker Renea Banks to discuss hiring resources. Renea will address SHRM's initiative to employ abilities @work and ways to continue to build on our local labor pool and strength of our economy.

Learning Objectives:
(1) The benefits of employing people with disabilities
(2) Incorporating the hiring of people with disabilities into your overall recruitment strategy
(3) What disability inclusion training is for managers, owners, leaders and overall HR professionals
(4) Developing disability inclusion initiatives in your organization


SPEAKER: RENEA BANKS

Renea is the Chief Human Resources Officer for VersAbility Resources. She holds two Masters degrees, one in Education and the Second in Human Resource Management. She is an Old Dominion University Alumni and a proud Member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority. She is also a founding board member and Vice President for The White Sutton Syndrome Foundation, WHITESUTTON.ORG. Renea has two amazing boys and a husband of 15 years. Her youngest son was diagnosed with a rare syndrome at the age of five months and her mission since his birth has been and will always be to advocate for him as well as others with “Different-Abilities”.
MEETING AGENDA:
7:30 AM - Announcements
7:45 AM - Sponsor Highlight
7:50 AM - Presentation / Q&A

FREE EVENT
*This event will be hosted virtually via GoTo. You will receive the meeting link upon registration and, again, the day before the event.*

Thank you to our meeting sponsor, Bank of America!

Fredericksburg Regional Chamber Awards First Responders at Annual Breakfast and Awards 

The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce was honored to recognize first responders at the Fourth Annual First Responders Appreciation Breakfast and Awards on August 25, 2020 for their heroic and often life-saving actions that have gone beyond their call of duty.  

This annual event is part of a tradition that allows the business community to express its deep gratitude for the service of our community’s career and volunteer first responders. The Chamber is proud to honor citizens who stepped in to assist another person in their time of desperate need. These contributions to the Fredericksburg area are irreplaceable.  

The following awards were given to individuals who were selected by their peers based on their courageous actions and service to the region:  

Excellence in Criminal Investigations recognize individuals of integrity in their investigative work. Included solving a cold case, clearing a difficult active case or the outstanding overall supervision of a particularly unusual case that was brought to a successful conclusion.  

2020 Honorees:  

• Detective Melanie Schafer, Fredericksburg Police Department 
• Detective Joshua Scott, Stafford County Sheriff’s Office 
• Detective Sergeant Drew Massey, Detective Brian Woodring, Detective Joseph Patterson of the King George County Sheriff ’s Office 
  
  Heroism Awards are in recognition of acts involving personal risk beyond the call of duty. Awarded in cases when individuals expose themselves to personal risk and/or demonstrate zeal and ingenuity during an emergency situation.  
  
  2020 Honorees:  
  
              - Lieutenant Bobby Rivenbark, LifeCare Medical Transports 
  
              - Lieutenant Thomas McGowan, LifeCare Medical Transports 
  
  
  Business and Innovation Award is in recognition of a program, initiative, or system whose implantation has made significant impacts on the overall operations or delivery of services to the community.  
  
  2020 Honorees:  
• LifeCare Medical Transports  

King George County, Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services  

The Chamber thanks the following sponsors:  

Mullins and Thompson Funeral Service 
Peirpoint Construction Inc 
The Free Lance-Star 
The Fredericksburg Expo and Conference Center 
The Fredericksburg Nationals 
Community Bank of the Chesapeake 
Germanna Community College 
Rebellion FXBG 
Found and Sons Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services  
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers 
Deja Gruv Band  
Sonic Drive-In 
Vakos Companies 
Abberly at Southpoint 
Little Tire 
Stafford County Fire and Rescue 
Trinity Senior Village 
Virginia Partners Bank 

#SmartChamber: Kosciusko Chamber Sells Office Building to Silveus Insurance Group
(Warsaw, IN) – Recently, the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce sold their office building to Silveus Insurance Group. The building is located at 523 S Buffalo Street, Warsaw and was originally home to Kosciusko REMC. In addition to the Chamber, there are several tenants that currently utilize office space in the building. 

“The mission of the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce is to be the voice of our members to stimulate healthy and diverse business growth in our community,” said Chamber President & CEO, Rob Parker. “Being a landlord was often in conflict with that mission as it diverted attention from our members to our largest financial investment, the building. We are thrilled that Silveus Insurance Group expressed an interest in purchasing the building. They have already renovated the garage space at the south end of the building and are adding to the quality and growth of our business community. The sale of the building will allow us to better serve our members.” 

The Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce purchased the building in 2014. Along with many of the existing tenants, the Chamber will remain in the building. Earlier this month, Winona IT along with Silveus Insurance Group’s IT department, began operations in the newly renovated garage space. Silveus Insurance Group Board Chair, Craig Snow, states, “We are excited to utilize the new space as it helps alleviate our office space needs as we have continued to grow.” 

Contact: Lauren Klusman 

Phone: 574-267-6311 
lklusman@kchamber.com

Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce 2020 Annual Awards Night Live

We hope you will join us for our live-streamed 2020 Annual Awards Night on Thursday (9/17) at 6 p.m. We will be streaming live on the Chamber’s Facebook and at www.sekchamber.com/awards2020.

 Tune in to find out who has been selected to receive the following awards:

Business of the Year

Small Business of the Year

Business Person/People of the Year

Citizen of the Year

Ambassador of the Year

Outstanding Contribution by a Service Organization

Lon B. and Mary Evelyn Rogers Lifetime Achievement Award

Junior Williamson Memorial East Kentucky Ambassador

New Arrival: Greater Hattiesburg Mississippi Membership Directory and Business Guide 2020-2021
The Greater Hattiesburg Mississippi  Membership Directory and Business Guide 2020-2021 is available at the Area Development Partnership in Hattiesburg! Thank you to Chad Newell, Ann Scott Mathis and the Chamber team for their help and direction putting this together! 

Greater Hattiesburg 2020-2021 Membership Directory and Business Guide

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.

Lansing Regional Chamber: Statewide Municipal Leaders to Discuss the Changing Landscape of Government at Economic Club Forum

Why: Four leaders representing statewide municipal organizations will discuss the changing landscape of government due to COVID-19 at an upcoming virtual meeting of the Lansing Economic Club. The panel will discuss how local governments are battling and responding to COVID-19 and how the pandemic is affecting governmental finances and delivering services to the public.

 

Who: Participating in the forum are Summer Minnick, deputy executive director and CMO, Michigan Municipal League; Stephen Curry, executive director, Michigan Association of Counties; Neil Sheridan, executive director, Michigan Townships Association; and Dr. Eric Scorsone, associate professor and director, Center for Local Government Finance and Policy, Michigan State University. Emily Lawler, MLIVE Media Group, will moderate the panel discussion.

When: Thursday, Sept. 10 from 11 a.m. – noon

More: contact Ashley Sandborn at asandborn@lansingchamber.org 

Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best Chamber 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 Assistance Requested. Thank you!

9 major companies that have shown compassionate leadership in their response to the coronavirus pandemic, via the U.S. Chamber; President & CEO - Wheaton Chamber of Commerce - Wheaton, IL $60,000 - $70,000 a year - Remote (temporarily available, COVID-19); Oxford Lafayette County Members: Join us Tuesday for an Exclusive Opportunity for Chamber and EDF Members; Bowling Green Nationally Recognized For Economic Development Performance For Seventh Consecutive Year; Hartford Chamber: Showcase what you have "Happening in Hartford"; Consumer insights drawn from Google data to jumpstart your week: May 18, 2020; Envision Greater Fond du Lac appoints Sadie Parafiniuk as CEO; Indiana Says No to Work Share; Help Us Turn That into a Yes; Chamber’s Leadership Fredericksburg Graduates Thirteenth Class; U.S. Chamber Asks Congress to Help Nonprofits; Mondays with MIKI - Mondays with Chamber Executives in Michigan, Illinois, Kentucky and Indiana; LISC's Rapid Relief & Recovery Fund Grants Now Available - Application Deadline: Wed., May 20 (From the Lake County Chamber); #FamousChamber of Commerce Quotations: (Bob Harris: Via IACCE); Green Lake Chamber hires Lisa Beck as new executive director; U.S. Chamber: Reopen Playbook for your Small Business; Jennifer Heinzman is the new Executive Director/President for Barry County Chamber and EDA; Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce Launches New Website; Birmingham-Bloomfield Chamber: House Democratic Downtown Business Coalition Listening Tour; ACCE: Chamber of Commerce COVID Updates & Best Practices; Harbor Springs Chamber announces new executive director; Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best Chamber Partner in the USA!

Presented by Town Square Publications

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

9 major companies that have shown compassionate leadership in their response to the coronavirus pandemic, via the U.S. Chamber

The coronavirus pandemic has hit American companies hard.

In the past seven weeks alone, more than 33 million people have filed jobless claims as companies are forced to to furlough or lay off employees. But amid the grim unemployment figures, some companies have been able to step up and add value, providing free or discounted services, expanding their benefits, helping the US government in its response, or donating to those in need. 

LinkedIn compiled a list of 20 US businesses making a positive impact during the coronavirus pandemic. Business Insider combed through the list and highlighted several large employers that are going above and beyond to help out during the pandemic. 

In April, Starbucks gave employees the option to stay home with pay through May 3, even if their location was open. Additionally, anyone exposed to or diagnosed with COVID-19 could choose to stay home through the end of May, with pay, according to a press release. Starbucks also introduced service pay, an additional $3/hour for employees who chose to work their shifts through May 31.

Employees can also apply for hardship grants through the company's CUP Fund, which supports employees going through difficult times, LinkedIn reports. As stores re-open across the country, CEO Kevin Johnson offered a strategy for how to do this safely; among other things, all employees are required to wear masks.

On April 6, Starbucks announced it was expanding its mental health benefits for employees who work more than 20 hours a week. Each employee and their family members will be able to access 20 sessions a year with a mental health therapist or coach through the provider Lyra Health, at no cost. 

In late March, Salesforce cofounder and CEO Marc Benioff took to Twitter to call on companies to pledge not to make any "significant" layoffs for 90 days. In the same tweet, he announced Salesforce would continue paying hourly workers while offices were closed. In an interview with CNBC, Benioff said, "This is a moment where business has to be the greatest platform for change."

UnitedHealth has made nearly $70 million in philanthropic commitments since the spread of the coronavirus to the US to help fight hunger, to develop plasma treatments for the virus, and to expand COVID-19 testing in underserved communities, among other causes. 

In addition, Andrew Witty left his role mid-April as president of UnitedHealth Group and CEO of UnitedHealth subsidiary Optum to spend the year helping lead the World Health Organization's COVID-19 vaccine program. 

In mid-March, GM partnered with a small Washington-based medical device company called Ventec and, in April, began production of thousands of ventilators, Business Insider previously reported. On April 8, the Trump administration ordered 30,000 ventilators under the Defense Production Act. The carmaker has said it doesn't plan to make a profit on the ventilators, according to LinkedIn. 

In addition, GM ramped up production of face masks to the tune of more than 50,000 masks per day, according to a press release.  

Gilead Science's antiviral drug, remdesivir, which has shown benefits for COVID-19 patients, was approved for emergency use in the US.

Gilead has donated its entire existing supply — enough to treat 140,000 patients — to the US federal government to use for severely ill patients, per a company statement. The company is ramping up its production, with the aim of having enough to treat a million people by the end of the year.

Some 19 million Americans still lack reliable internet access, according to the FCC's most recent report on the topic in 2012 . To help keep remote workers and kids able to complete online homework during the pandemic, the four largest wireless firms, including AT&T, committed to a set of measures to help Americans, including opening WiFi hotspot for people in need. 

In addition, the company is providing three months of free wireless service on the FirstNet network, its first responder and public safety communications network, to doctors and nurses helping with the response to COVID-19. It has also deployed more than 57 portable cell sites to support the pandemic response.

When New York Governor Andrew Cuomo asked hotels to loan their rooms to health care workers, the Four Seasons was the first to offer up its inventory, Business Insider previously reported. Within days, it had transformed into an upscale dormitory for those who lived too far from a hospital, or for those fearful of infecting vulnerable loved ones. The Plaza Hotel, The St.Regis, and The Wythe Hotel were among many others that followed the Four Seasons' lead.

In late April, Kroger CEO Rodney McMullen published a blueprint for operation during the pandemic based on the company's experiences in the hopes that other similar companies can learn from them. The 17-page explainer includes steps Kroger has applied to protect employees and customers: from strategies for enforcing social distancing to modifying store hours to administering regular health checks. 

IBM, HP, the US government, and many other organizations partnered to create the COVID-19 High Performance Computing Consortium, which uses a large amount of computing power to help researchers everywhere better understand COVID-19, its treatments, and potential cures, per a company statement.

The 30 supercomputing systems represent more than 40 petaflops of computing capacity, with each petaflop costing between $2 million and $3 million, according to IBM Research director Dario Gil, speaking to The Wall Street Journal. A petaflop is  a unit of computing speed equal to one thousand million million operations per second.

Oxford Lafayette County Members: Join us Tuesday for an Exclusive Opportunity for Chamber and EDF Members 

Tuesday, May 19th, 9:30 am 

Join us for an Exclusive Conversation with Senator Nicole Boyd and Representative Clay Deweese for a discussion on the Back to Business Mississippi Grant Fund. 

Boyd and Deweese will be sharing the details of this new Fund as well as answering your questions. 

Conversation with Nicole Boyd and Clay Deweese 

May 19, 2020 09:30 AM Central Time (US and Canada) 
Join Zoom Meeting 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81413706295?pwd=dWZSS3FXOXlObExzQXFDUlQyTTIvZz09 

Dial in. +1 301 715 8592 
Meeting ID: 814 1370 6295 
Password: 472015 

More information on the Back to Business Mississippi Grant Fund  
Bowling Green Nationally Recognized For Economic Development Performance For Seventh Consecutive Year

The Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce is recognized once again as one of the nation’s top areas that is attracting corporate facility investment. Bowling Green ranked 3^rd in high-performing metros among communities with populations less than 200,000 based on total economic development projects for 2019. This is the seventh consecutive year for Bowling Green to be ranked as a top tier-2 metropolitan area in the U.S. with rankings remaining steady after climbing from No. 6 in 2013 to No. 1 in 2018.

The ranking evaluates communities on their ability to attract investment based primarily on a 10-factor index using Site Selection publisher Conway Data, Inc’s database of new and expanded project announcements.

“The Chamber’s success in economic development the last seven years is unprecedented in South Central Kentucky,” said Chamber President and CEO Ron Bunch. “Economic development is truly a team sport. We would not be able to realize this level of success in our community without the support of our state and local government officials, utility partners and business community. We are grateful for their tremendous partnership and look forward to continued success!”

In 2019, the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce announced $376.6 million in capital investment in expanded and new targeted businesses, creating 971 new jobs. Additionally, South Central Kentucky was home to six of the top-20 economic development projects in the state, according to ThinkKentucky.com, with four of those projects located in Bowling Green. The Bowling Green Area Chamber continues to be the driving force for the business community and is playing a critical role in the livelihood of our region's economic development.

“Bowling Green continues to be nationally recognized by publications like Site Selection magazine, and we are truly grateful for the recognition that the hard work of the Chamber and our community is receiving,” said Bowling Green Mayor Bruce Wilkerson. “The success in our region would not be possible without the collaboration and forethought of the Chamber, Fiscal Court and the City of Bowling Green. I want to thank everyone involved in the success of our community, now and in the future.”

Hartford Chamber: Showcase what you have "Happening in Hartford" 

"It's Happening Here!" 30-Second Business Video Campaign

How to Participate

· Record a 30-second video promo for your business or organization. (We need YouTube link for upload)

· Include the tagline "It's Happening Here" somehow

· Showcase what IS happening for your business now

· Include anything such as curbside pickup, online orders, deliveries, reduction of person-to-person contact, behind the scene aspects, exciting plans for reopening, ANYTHING that's happening that you want others to know

· Email your video in YouTube Link Format to Info@HartfordChamber.org

Thank you for your participation in this “It’s Happening Here” Campaign during the COVID-19 “Safer at Home” time.

Scott Henke Chief Executive Officer
Jennifer Guenther Chamber Assistant

Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce
1246A E. Sumner St., Hartford, WI 53027
Phone: 262-673-7002 Email: info@hartfordchamber.org

Consumer insights drawn from Google data to jumpstart your week: May 18, 2020

Searches are rising for golf bag accessories, sprinkler accessories, and swimming pools as the weather turns warmer. And the year-over-year growth for outdoor-focused products proves it’s more than just seasonal spikes at play. As summer activities are reimagined this year, what might that mean for your business? Your marketing efforts? Are there new opportunities to anticipate? See rising retail categories.

“As these outdoor-focused queries start to grow, we know that interest for pest control, lawn care, and home services aren’t far behind. We’re working with marketers in those industries to optimize their marketing efforts so they can meet this rising demand in the moments that matter most — right when people are brushing the dirt off their garden gloves to do a search on their phone.”
— Jay Bowden, Director of Home Services at Google

Explore fast-rising retail categories

Related content: How to partner with clients in times of crisis | When your website becomes your storefront



Envision Greater Fond du Lac appoints Sadie Parafiniuk as CEO

Envision Greater Fond du Lac has named Sadie Parafiniuk as the organization’s next president/CEO.

Parafiniuk, who currently serves as deputy district director for Congressman Glenn Grothman, will assume the role on April 20.

Parafiniuk will be responsible for working with the board of directors to set the strategic direction for the organization and lead the team as they work to implement the strategic priorities.

“I am thrilled to be joining such a talented team,” Parafiniuk said in a recent release. “Envision Greater Fond du Lac is well-positioned to build the strong partnerships that will lead Fond du Lac County in cultivating a vibrant economic future and I can’t wait to travel the county to meet and support the wide array of industries we have, from manufacturing to agriculture and small business.”

Parafiniuk's selection caps a search process facilitated by Waverly Partners and a specially formed executive search committee. An initial prospect pool was narrowed by stages to a final group, who then interviewed with the executive search committee.

“We’re excited to have Sadie on board,” said Paul Reetz, chairman of Envision Greater Fond du Lac’s board of directors. “Sadie’s background is a great fit for the work we do here. She will be an essential member of our team who will lead the charge in economic development, strategic partnerships and member engagement.” Read more: FDL Reporter


Indiana Says No to Work Share; Help Us Turn That into a Yes

Work share is a federal program that could benefit your company, your employees and the state of Indiana. Only one organization – the Indiana Chamber of Commerce – has been fighting to make it a reality in our state.

State government is saying no to the program – and no to the federal funding and economic stimulus that comes with it. The continuing opposition of the Indiana Manufacturers Association remains equally baffling.

What is work share? In short, a voluntary and cost-effective alternative to traditional unemployment. Instead of laying off a number of employees entirely during an economic downturn, an employer can retain those workers and instead reduce the hours of all employees or those of a particular group or department. Those employees then draw partial unemployment compensation benefit based upon the hours reduced.

Employers gain flexibility in retaining a skilled workforce and reducing turnover/rehiring costs. Employees stay connected to your company and avoid substantial income losses. The state sees fewer layoffs, higher income tax revenue with more people employed and less depletion of the unemployment insurance trust fund.


Why is Indiana not taking advantage of this opportunity? Great question, one we will continue to ask until we get work share legislation passed. Twenty-eight states today have successful work share programs. Workers in those states are able to receive the partial unemployment benefits AND the $600 per week in extra federal support that is available through July 31. In other words, additional dollars will be circulating in the economies of those states – but not in Indiana.

This one-page document outlines the work share benefits for employees, employers and the state. It's a win-win-win scenario. Instead, Indiana currently faces a lose-lose-lose outcome. Choosing not to implement work share is a massive missed opportunity. Read more: Indiana Chamber Brock Hesler

Chamber’s Leadership Fredericksburg Graduates Thirteenth Class

FREDERICKSBURG – The Chamber’s Leadership Fredericksburg program graduated its thirteenth class of 31 fellows during a May 15 ceremony virtually on Facebook.

The Leadership Fredericksburg 2020 Class President and Owner of Discover Next Step, LLC, Barbara Gustavson, gave an inspiring message to the graduates and attendees as they recounted their journeys through the program.

The 31 fellows in the 2020 class began their Leadership Fredericksburg experience in September 2019 with a personality profile assessment. Each month, community, business, nonprofit, political and educational leaders offered the fellows insights about their personal leadership journeys. In addition, each fellow was paired with a trained mentor from the business community who supported their progress throughout the program.

Prior to graduation, four teams from the class of 31 fellows presented the results of their Community Action Projects for the Fredericksburg Rescue Squad. Each team presented their deliverables during the Project Presentations on Facebook Live.

Leadership Fredericksburg 2020 Fellows

Xavier Bates, LifeCare Medical Transports

Kiara Branch, Flatter, Inc.

Karen Carr, Atlantic Builders

Stacey Coolican, Davis Defense Group

Jael Cooper, Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center

Sarah Dye, SimVentions 

Barbara Gustavson, Discover Next Step, LLC.

Randa Hayes, NSWC Federal Credit Union

Charles Hicks III, Mary Washington Healthcare

Casey Hollins, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative

Summer Hughes, Mary Washington Healthcare

Michael Jewth, Dominion Energy

Stephen Kingsley, BB&T, now Truist

Kunle Lawson, University of Mary Washington

Laura Liddy, ECS Mid-Atlantic 

Ginni Mastin, Matern Staffing

Kate Melton, Atlantic Union Bank

Karen Moschetto, Fredericksburg Academy

Elizabeth Ottarson, National Parks Service

Kim Pierpoint, Pierpoint Construction

Rebecca Purdy, Central Rappahannock Regional Library

Tiffany Ray, Germanna Community College

Devlin Reily, Rappahannock Area YMCA

John Rogers, effectv a Comcast company

Sharon Roper, Fredericksburg Christian School  

Will Rudich, Quarles Petroleum

Arlene Saitzyk, United States Navy

Paul Santay, Stafford County

Kathleen Steininger, Gwyneth’s Gift Foundation

Contact: Anna Talcott, Marketing & Communications Manager - atalcott@fxbgchamber.org 

U.S. Chamber Asks Congress to Help Nonprofits

Like many other organizations, nonprofits have been financially harmed during this crisis. Some have had to close their doors, while others are on the brink unless Congress acts. A coalition of 3,738 organizations, including the U.S. Chamber, sent a letter to Congress urging to extend relief to local chambers of commerce, civic groups, trade associations, and other nonprofits so they can continue to provide important, community-minded services. “Our groups contribute to the vitality and spirit of our communities,” the letter states. “We employ thousands of people and provide important workforce development and educational tools, economic support, and civic and cultural events.”

Mondays with MIKI - Mondays with Chamber Executives in Michigan, Illinois, Kentucky and Indiana




Join us for the inaugural session of Mondays with MIKI (Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, Illinois). This series is geared towards chamber professionals and their needs as we get back to a "new normal".

This first session features Dave Adkisson, former CEO of the Kentucky Chamber and Past Board Chair of ACCE and Council of State Chambers. He will lead us through a discussion on Protecting the Chamber Brand.


LISC's Rapid Relief & Recovery Fund Grants Now Available - Application Deadline: Wed., May 20 (From the Lake County Chamber)

About LISC (Local Initiatives Support Corporation)
LISC is one of the country's largest social enterprises supporting projects and programs to revitalize communities and bring greater economic opportunity to residents. We invest in affordable housing, quality schools, safer streets, growing businesses and programs that connect people with financial opportunity. In response to the pandemic, we are delivering resources and expertise to support communities, businesses and people. 
LISC Small Business Relief Grants                                                              Small businesses across the country, the backbone of our nation's economy, are facing potentially devastating economic pressure as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Many have already been forced to shut temporarily, and even those operating remotely still face major revenue shortfalls. With few or no reserves to pay their expenses, many will have no choice but to lay off workers and close their doors forever.  Financial assistance at this critical time can make the difference between staying in business or closing permanently, leading to lost income and jobs and economic instability. Grant amounts are $5,000, $7,500, and $10,000.
 Who is eligible?
We will support small businesses and enterprises affected the Covid-19 across the country, especially those in underserved communities, including entrepreneurs of color, women- and veteran-owned businesses that often lack access to flexible, affordable capital. Applications will be reviewed based on criteria designed to prioritize particularly challenged businesses, and the final grantees will be randomly selected from the top scoring applicants.
Grant Application
Application period for round 3 is now open. Before applying, please review the grant information and FAQ here.
Applications must be submitted by Wednesday, May 20^th at 11:59 p.m. ET.


APPLY NOW



#FamousChamber of Commerce Quotations: (Bob Harris: Via IACCE)

Bob Harris writes: I encourage others to avoid the word. At this point it is regurgitation. When a conversation, seminar or report starts with Covid-19 I think it represents evil and is averse to the energy we need for recovery. 

Instead of focusing on the virus, focus on opportunities. Instead of grief and mortality, spread a positive message, banishing the cursed word. 


Green Lake Chamber hires Lisa Beck as new executive director

After more than a month searching for the right individual to lead the Green Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, the chamber’s board of directors have chosen its new executive director: Lisa Beck.

   Beck is replacing Liane Walsh, who served as the executive director for the last five years until she resigned from the position March 6 to pursue a job with SSM Health.

   “The decision to leave has been a difficult one,” Walsh said via the chamber’s press release. “However, knowing that Lisa shares the same passion for this community and the mission of the chamber makes it easy to move from leading the chamber to being an active community member. Lisa has exciting ideas that will change and shape the chamber so that will exceed the needs and expectations of its members and the Green Lake community.”

   Beck was the partner relations director for Discover Wisconsin/Discover Mediaworks for the past four years, and Discover Wisconsin “is the state’s leading media brand and longest tourism TV show in the nation,” the release stated.

   According to the press release, Beck also brings experience “as the executive director of the DeForest Windsor Area Chamber of Commerce from 2009 to 2015. In addition, she was employed at the Wisconsin Dells Visitor and Convention Bureau as the membership and community relations manager. She has a diverse background and experience in tourism, economic development, and has a passion for helping build a better business community.”

   Some may know Beck from her childhood, when she grew up on a dairy farm in Green Lake County. Following her high school graduation, she moved to the Portage, Wis. area, and after 35 years, she returned to the Green Lake area to be closer with friends and family.

   “I am so excited to be back home! My fondest memories of Green Lake are showing cattle and clothing at the county fair, spending summer days on Big Green Lake at my uncle’s resort, and waitressing at the Heidel House,” Beck said. “I am so thrilled to be back in the area and to be the voice of promoting this beautiful region and tourist destination. I am very passionate about the Green Lake area and cannot wait to work with the residents, leaders, business sector, and organizations to create a healthy and vibrant community, along with promoting the natural assets that visitors enjoy year-round.” Read more: Ripon Press

U.S. Chamber: Reopen Playbook for your Small Business

READY TO REOPEN: A PLAYBOOK FOR YOUR SMALL BUSINESS

Download this step-by-step guide to help your company reopen safely and keep employees and customers healthy and informed as restrictions lift across the country. The playbook includes safety and sanitation guidance, communications advice, and other best practices information. 

Jennifer Heinzman is the new Executive Director/President for Barry County Chamber and EDA

Jennifer Heinzman has been working as a Chamber of Commerce Executive director since 2006. She served in both Clare and Mecosta County before beginning in Barry County in February of 2020. Jennifer has spent much of her career working on economic and community development issues such as broadband access, affordable, quality childcare solutions, literacy, workforce development, business advancement, and entrepreneurship.

Jennifer graduated from Central Michigan University with a master’s degree in Public Administration.

When not at work, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her family, painting, reading, gardening, and attending community events.

Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce Launches New Website

               

(Barrington, IL – 5/15/20) The Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC) is rolling out a new and improved website at www.BarringtonChamber.com, designed to boost the visibility of BACC members in community and consumer searches. The redesigned website also has a dedicated COVID-19 section with the latest information on Barrington area retailers, restaurants and professional services available during the pandemic, as well as resources for businesses to connect virtually and prepare for reopening.

The BACC website is home to thousands of targeted searches for local business resources. It shares Business Spotlight and Retail Roundup video profiles and a directory of nearly 900 area members. The site also provides considerable community information, including directories of local government, community organizations, job openings, village information and statistics, and much more.

“As the go-to resource for local business, BACC fields over 6,000 calls a year providing business referrals, and answering questions about community organizations, local events, and nearly everything under the sun,” said Suzanne Corr, BACC President/CEO. “When someone doesn’t know where to go – they come here, by phone, internet, or when possible, in person.”

For more information visit  www.barringtonchamber.com or contact the BACC office at (847) 381-2525.

Birmingham-Bloomfield Chamber: House Democratic Downtown Business Coalition Listening Tour

The BBChamber invites you to join us for the House Democratic Downtown Business Coalition Listening Tour - Metro Detroit / SE Oakland

Michigan is home to some 16,500 restaurants and over 15,000 retail shops, employing over 1.25 million Michiganders. Small businesses are the heart of our cities, villages, and townships. They define Michigan’s culture in a way no other individual industry can. This round-table discussion is for us to hear from small businesses about what they need to be successful.

Together, we will work to create policy for Michigan's small businesses. Policy that is driven by Main Street, not Capitol Avenue.

We look forward to hosting you Friday, May 15, 2020 at 2:00pm.

Yours in Service,

Rep. Mari Manoogian

Rep. Kyra Harris Bolden

House Democratic Leader Christine Greig



ACCE: Chamber of Commerce COVID Updates & Best Practices

COVID-19 Legal Liability Issues: A wide array of challenges remain around legal liability issues, from exposure liability and safe workplace requirements, to the potential for discrimination claims and health privacy concerns. Here are a few updates from this week:

• U.S. Chamber Of Commerce: Businesses Are Worried About Getting Sued As They Reopen
• Utah governor signs bill shielding businesses, property owners from coronavirus-related suits

501(c)(6) Inclusion in PPP: Bipartisan legislation has been introduced in the U.S. House of representatives to ensure chambers of commerce have access to federal assistance like the Paycheck Protection Program. H.R. 6697, the Local Chamber, Tourism, and 501(c)(6) Protection Act, was introduced by Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Chris Pappas (D-NH), Greg Steube (R-FL), and Gil Cisneros (D-CA). Encourage your congressional representatives to co-sponsor and support the legislation. Learn more here.  

Best Practices for Membership Renewal: We updated our COVID-19 Resource Guide with a section addressing best practices for membership renewal during times of crisis. This new section features tips and insights culled from ACCE’s Membership Development Division, along with template and sample communications. Read more: ACCE

Harbor Springs Chamber announces new executive director

The Harbor Springs Area Chamber of Commerce has announced the hiring of Bonnie Kulp as its new executive director.

According to a press release from the chamber, Kulp’s love affair with the Harbor Springs community began more than five years ago on a vacation and blossomed into home ownership in 2017.

“My love for Harbor Springs has deepened each year, and each time we have participated in many of the annual events from the tree lighting, Bowling on Main, the July 4th parade, to the farmers markets, I am so pleased to be a part of this community,” Kulp said, in the release. “I am in awe of the people, the community and the businesses that make up our lovely town.”

Kulp will be moving from Ann Arbor, where she has been employed by the University of Michigan in various capacities since 1994. For the past six years, she has been the executive assistant in the athletic department, specifically for aquatic sports.


Kulp will transition in to the director’s position over the next month, wrapping up at the University of Michigan and working several days a week for the chamber. She is expected to begin full-time employment by mid-June at the latest. Read more: Petoskey News-Review


Job opening in #ChamberWorld - President & CEO - Wheaton Chamber of Commerce - Wheaton, IL
$60,000 - $70,000 a year - Remote (temporarily available, COVID-19)

JOB DESCRIPTION: PRESIDENT/CEO

Reports To: Board of Directors / Personnel Committee
Employees Supervised: All staff, volunteers
Interrelationships: External: members, prospective members, vendors, public officials Internal: Staff, Board members, volunteers
FLSA Classification: Salaried, Exempt, Administrative
Employee Classification: Regular, full-time

POSITION SUMMARY
In partnership with the Board of Directors, the President/CEO implements and achieves objectives approved by the Board and provides leadership within the Chamber and throughout the Wheaton area. This role supports our mission of promoting a strong economy and high quality of life for our members and community, with a focus on economic development and business advocacy. The President/CEO nurtures strong partnerships with key stakeholders within the city, park district, library and school district; within the county, DuPage Convention and Visitors Bureau, Giving DuPage and CHOOSE DuPage; and across the business community in general. The President/CEO provides leadership and operational oversight of the Chamber team that fosters positive member relations and growth.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree, and 3+ years of relevant chamber or association experience

• At least 3-5 years management/supervisory experience

• A strong Wheaton community presence, or demonstrate the capacity to build one

• Excellent communicator, oral and written; persuasive, passionate and able to present successfully to groups

• Ability to maintain an inclusive, nonpartisan approach

• Availability for early morning and evening events and meetings – weekend availability as needed

• Have well-developed interpersonal skills demonstrated by effectively interacting and collaborating with people of diverse backgrounds and interests

• Experience actively promoting an organization including an understanding of membership growth and retention, as well as strategies to increase and communicate value

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• Experience bringing groups and individuals together around complex issues with positive outcomes.
• History of creating and championing programs and initiatives that focus on increasing economic vitality and quality of life
• Demonstrated knowledge of the unique challenges of running a non-profit operation; Experience with the dynamics of a

Chamber of Commerce or similar organization

• Combination of for-profit and non-profit experience a plus
• Strong marketing and fundraising history

POSITION DUTIES / ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Administration / Leadership

• Responsible for overall strategic planning, management and success of the Chamber, measured by organizational responsiveness and efficiency, staff performance, membership satisfaction, and quality outcomes.

• Lead, motivate, and develop staff members. Create and support a positive, productive work environment. Human resource work includes personnel files, policy application, etc., at a generalist level.

• Manage the Chamber’s finances, including the preparation and presentation of an annual budget, monthly reports and management of revenues and expenses.

• Serve as official spokesperson and main contact for the Chamber.

• Serve as back-up for functions of other staff positions.

Advocacy / Community

• Regular attendance at relevant City meetings and events as a partner organization
• Maintain relationships with City staff, Mayor, City committee leaders
• Maintain relationships with County leaders and staff
• Maintain Contact with state representatives and agencies as needed
• Strategic placement on relevant commissions/boards
• Participate in community initiatives as well as regional and state-wide business and economic-related events.

Economic Development

• Partner with City, Downtown Wheaton Association and others on business retention and expansion issues.
• Work one-on-one with members needing outside perspectives and resources.
• Collaborate with others on their projects and efforts, as needed.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL / MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

• Excellent English communication skills, oral and written, and public speaking /presentation skills
• Excellent computer, word-processing and Internet skills
• Flexibility to adapt to changing situations and to vary work schedule
• Good vision and hearing
• Manual dexterity to operate computer and telephone equipment
• Physical mobility as this person may travel to off-site locations that may not be barrier-free
• Valid driver's license, acceptable driving history, and personal automobile for job-related transportation
• Satisfactory criminal background check and pre-employment drug screening

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person assigned to this position. This job description does not state or imply that the above are the only duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Employees holding this position will be required to perform any other job -elated duties as requested by the Wheaton Chamber of Commerce. All requirements are subject to modification at any time for any reason at the Wheaton Chamber of Commerce’s sole discretion.

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $60,000.00 to $70,000.00 /year

Experience:

• management: 3 years (Preferred)
• chamber or association: 3 years (Preferred)

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Additional Compensation:

• Bonuses

Work Location:

• One location

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Retirement plan
• Work from home
• Flexible schedule
• Professional development assistance

This Company Describes Its Culture as:

• Detail-oriented -- quality and precision-focused
• People-oriented -- supportive and fairness-focused
• Team-oriented -- cooperative and collaborative

This Job Is:

• A job for which military experienced candidates are encouraged to apply
• A job for which all ages, including older job seekers, are encouraged to apply

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Other

Company's website:

• www.wheatonchamber.com

Benefit Conditions:

• Only full-time employees eligible

Work Remotely:

• Temporarily due to COVID-19

Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best Chamber 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 Magazine RFP Requested. Thank you!