SBA Administrator Guzman Applauding President Biden’s Appointees to Lead SBA Regional Offices
Experienced senior leaders for New England, Southeast, and Pacific regions will strengthen SBA’s impact and outreach to millions of small businesses across 18 states
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman issued the following statement today praising President Biden’s appointment of Mike Vlacich as Regional Administrator for the New England region, Allen Thomas as Regional Administrator for the Southeast region, and Elmy Bermejo as Regional Administrator for the Pacific region:
“America’s 32.5 million small businesses and innovative startups deserve experienced champions to make sure we’re delivering first-class customer service and support that makes a real difference. Mike, Allen, and Elmy are talented leaders ready to hit the ground running, leading our dedicated regional teams to deliver the on-the-ground guidance and impactful services that will help our entrepreneurs survive, pivot to new opportunities, grow and thrive as we turn the page on this pandemic. They are joining an impressive lineup of SBA Regional Administrators including Marlene Cintron, John Fleming, and Mike Fong, and I couldn’t be more excited to see this growing leadership team come together to carry out the SBA’s mission and ensure we are leveling the playing field to spark growth and opportunity for all of America’s entrepreneurs.”
Region I (One)
As Region I Administrator, Mike Vlacich will oversee SBA programs, offices, and operations in the SBA’s New England region, serving Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
Mr. Vlacich is a respected New Hampshire public servant with extensive economic development, policy, and constituent service experience at the nonprofit, state, and federal government levels. He is currently serving as a Senior Advisor to U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, and over the years has served in other leadership roles in her U.S. Senate and Governor’s offices. He previously served as President and CEO of the New Hampshire College and University Council, State Director for U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan, Director of the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development, and Deputy Chief of Staff to New Hampshire Governor John Lynch. Mr. Vlacich is a first-generation American and the first in his family to attend college, graduating from the University of New Hampshire in 1995. He lives in Concord, NH with his wife and two daughters.
Region IV (Four)
As Region IV Administrator, Allen Thomas will oversee SBA programs, offices, and operations in the SBA’s Southeast region, serving Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
Mr. Thomas is a former three-term mayor, businessman, entrepreneur, and leader in public and private enterprise. As mayor of Greenville, one of North Carolina's largest cities, Mr. Thomas led the post-recession recovery, rapid expansion, and robust economic growth, better connecting the city and region. He was recognized by the White House during the Obama-Biden Administration for community engagement in law enforcement and public safety. A serial entrepreneur, Mr. Thomas co-founded healthcare technology startup IQMax, which grew to service 160 medical facilities in 36 states, processing 18 million patient records per day. Mr. Thomas was appointed Executive Director of North Carolina Global TransPark by the Governor of North Carolina Roy Cooper, to revitalize the state's global multimodal transportation and logistics hub, spearheading growth in advanced manufacturing jobs, innovation, and investment.
Region IX (Nine)
As Region IX Administrator, Elmy Bermejo will oversee SBA programs, offices, and operations in the SBA’s Pacific region, serving Arizona, California, Guam, Hawaii, and Nevada.
Ms. Bermejo has a passion for building and strengthening relationships while assisting people and organizations attain their goals. She has been a senior government official with more than 25 years of experience at the executive level and has established a successful record of collaboration with public and private stakeholders on a range of issues including workforce development, disaster relief, and small business. Ms. Bermejo recently served as the Northern California Director for External Affairs for Governor Gavin Newsom; before that, she served as a Senior Adviser and Outreach Director for Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis of California, the first woman ever elected to this position. Ms. Bermejo also served in President Barack Obama’s administration at the U.S. Department of Labor as the Regional Representative to the Secretary and as Director of Intergovernmental Affairs. She serves on the San Francisco Commission on the Environment, The Women’s Foundation of CA, and as an Advisory member of Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE) and the Leo T. McCarthy Center for Public Service and the Public Good.
The new regional leadership team will oversee offices collectively covering 18 states and the U.S. territory of Guam. The White House previously announced the appointment of Marlene Cintron as Regional Administrator for the Atlantic region, John F. Fleming as Regional Administrator for the Mid-Atlantic region, and Mike Fong as Regional Administrator for the Pacific Northwest. With the newest announcement, the SBA’s regional leadership is now in place to guide offices across 29 states, three U.S. territories, and Washington, D.C.
Muskego Area Chamber of Commerce: Jingle on Janesville Weekend, Dec. 3-5
Spread the word about the holiday fun, specials, and discounts happening across our member businesses.
Jumbo Jingle Bell Hunt ~ December 3, 4, and 5
Find all the bells and enter to win a $50 gift card from the Lodge. Visit participating business locations to find the bells. Beginning the weekend after Thanksgiving, Jingle Bell Cards to used for the hunt will be available at participating businesses and the Chamber office. Plus, a printable version will be available online at www.muskego.org.
Vote for the Best Decorated Christmas Tree ~ December 3, 4, and 5
View Christmas trees at participating businesses. Vote online at www.muskego.org for your favorite tree. Winning business receives a $50 gift card.
Holiday Shopping at Crush Wine Bar ~ December 3 (6-9 pm) & December 4 (2-5 pm)
Enjoy a Christmas Glass of Cheer while shopping. Live music on Friday night. Featured vendors include Balanced Life (Magnitude Jewelry/It Works), Epicure, L'BRI Pure 'n Natural, Joyce Paisley Photography/Digital Artistry, Muskego Senior Taxi, Nutritionally Grounded (Isagenix & Biofeedback Scan), & Tealightful Tea.
Refreshments & Hot Cocoa at CORA Physical Therapy ~ December 3 (8 am-3 pm) & December 4 (9 am-2 pm)
Enjoy refreshments while doing the Jingle Bell Hunt.
Holiday Fun at The Lodge ~ December 3 (3-10 pm), December 4 (11 am-10 pm), & December 5 (11 am-10 pm)
Craft activity available for the first 150 kids. Beverage Glass Giveaway. Drink Specials and $5 Appetizers all weekend.
Visit Santa and Donate to Toys for Tots ~ December 4 (10 am-2 pm)
Stop by Indian Motorcycle of Metro Milwaukee for a visit with Santa. Bring a new toy for the Toys for Tots drive.
Visit the Muskego Public Library ~ December 4 (9 am-5 pm)
Kids get a free Christmas Craft Bag.
Holiday Vendor Fair at Lakepoint Church ~ December 4 (10 am-4 pm)
Event held to raise funds for a local family in medical need. Visit www.vendtomend.com/vending/ for a list of vendors.
Play family friendly board and card games centered around math.
Enjoy a Pancake Breakfast with Santa ~ Sunday, December 5 (8 am-12 pm)
Visit the Muskego High School cafeteria for a pancake breakfast with Santa. Pictures with Santa are $3. Pancake breakfast is $3 (kids) and $6 (adults). Sponsored by Muskego Lions Club.
Thank you to our event sponsors for Jingle on Janesville!
Atlantic Union Bank is teaming with the Lexington-Rockbridge Chamber of Commerce and Local Economic Development Organizations to present a FREE Virtual Holiday Financial Wellness Event on December 2nd at 11am. Give your employees the gift they need this holiday season, Financial Wellness! Register online here.
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.
Clinton Chamber: The Shop Small Studio is ready for the holidays!
Share the news with small businesses in your neighborhood.
Here’s what’s new
The Shop Small Studio has been updated with new marketing materials. They’re designed to help encourage your community to support small businesses on Small Business Saturday®, during the holidays, and beyond.
Reminder: Be sure to let the small businesses in your community know about the Shop Small Studio so they can create customized materials to promote their business throughout the holiday season.
What you can expect
Customize everything from social media post to in-store signs – and then download them for free.
Visit the Studio
Small Business Saturday is dedicated to backing a diverse range of local businesses that help create jobs, boost the economy, and help communities thrive across the country.
Consider these statistics from Small Business Saturday 2020:
· U.S. shoppers who shopped at independent retailers and restaurants on Small Business Saturday reported spending a record high total of an estimated $19.8 billion, up from $19.6 in 2019.
· 97% of shoppers recognize the impact they can make by shopping small, and 85% of them also encouraged friends and family to do so, too.
· 56% of Small Business Saturday shoppers reported they shopped online with a small business on the day, an increase from 43% in 2019.
Kosciusko Chamber Shop Local Events
(Kosciusko, IN) – The Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce is excited to introduce two fun ways to shop local for the Holidays this year. Now through Tuesday, December 28th, the Chamber is hosting a Kosciusko County Shop Local Passport event. The event is sponsored by Redwood Tax Specialists, Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts and Kensington Digital Media. When you shop at one of the participating local businesses, you will receive a stamp on your passport. Once you have at least five stamps, you will eligible to win prizes at the end of the event. For every additional five stamps, you will be entered into the drawing again. The grand prize, sponsored by Redwood Tax Specialists, is $500 in Kosciusko Cash. The Chamber will also be giving away gift baskets filled with items from local businesses. Participating merchants include, Anderson Florist and Greenhouse, Belove, Boggs Automotive, Boggs Pit Stop, Bowers Jewelry, Buffalo Street Emporium, Canal Street Market, Carmen Flores: Foundational Apparel by Ruby Ribbon, Clearwater Car Wash, Duck, Down and Above, Elysian Co, Finley & Co, Glam, Habitat Re-Sale Outlet, JB’s Furniture, Lowery Sewing and Vacuum Center, Male Fashions, Meraki Collective, NAPA Auto Parts – Warsaw, Nicodemus Enterprises, The Olive Branch, Pete & Freddy’s Pages Aplenty, Red Bird Art Studio, Reinholt’s Town Square Furniture, Rock Bottom of Warsaw and The Lab. Passports must be turned in to the Chamber by 12:00pm on Tuesday, December 28th. Participants can either drop them off at the Chamber office, located at 523 S Buffalo Street, Warsaw or email them to lklusman@kchamber.com. Passports can be picked up at any of the participating merchants, at the Chamber office or downloaded from the Chamber’s website at https://www.kchamber.com/shop-local-christmas-passport/
In addition to the Passport event, the Chamber will also be hiding a miniature Elf on the Shelf in two local businesses each week leading up to Christmas. They will be posting clues on their Facebook page throughout the week to help shoppers locate the elves. Whoever finds the elf first will receive $100 in Kosciusko Cash. This is limited to one win per person. Make sure you follow them on social media for more information. Elf on the Shelf Kosciusko Cash sponsors include, Crossroads Bank, Jamie Plack Photography, Paddock Springs, Silveus Insurance Group, TL Jackson Construction, Toyota of Warsaw, Heather Lardino: 1st Source Bank and Leaders Staffing.
For questions, contact the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce at events@kchamber.com or (574) 267-6311 x2.
Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce to Celebrate Small Business Saturday® with Local Small Businesses
The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC) is honored to support the small business community in the tri-county region for Small Business Saturday this Saturday, Nov. 27.
Created in 2010 by American Express, the annual observance occurs the Saturday after Thanksgiving and supports small businesses nationwide to make a local and positive economic impact during the holiday season.
“Supporting our small businesses is critically important this holiday season as they continue to recover from the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic," said Michelle Rahl, vice president of member engagement for the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce. “We all need to do our part and spend our dollars intentionally and locally,” In addition to supporting the businesses of our friends and neighbors, shopping locally can help mitigate any shipping or supply chain concerns for this holiday season.”
Shopping small is making a difference and making an impact throughout our community. This Saturday, the LRCC encourages residents to visit local and independently-owned stores – particularly those with ‘Shop Small’ branding and purchase various goods and services.
The LRCC supports Small Business Saturday as a “Neighborhood Champion,” which provides the organization with kits to distribute to a handful of businesses. The kit consists of branded materials to drive traffic on Nov. 27.
The businesses that received the kits from the LRCC include:
- Capital Discount
§ Playmakers
§ Backyard BBQ
§ Country Stitches
§ Hair United
§ The Peanut Shop
§ Bradly's Home and Garden
§ Elderly Instruments
§ Preuss Pets
§ Moneyball Sportswear
Logansport Cass County Chamber of Commerce Community Resource Guide/Map
The Logansport Cass County Chamber of Commerce Community Resource Guide/Map is available at the Logansport-Cass County Chamber today! Thanks to Bill Cuppy, Teresa Zimmerman and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!!
Town Square Publications 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 or call (847)-427-4633.
Kentucky Chamber Legislative Preview
December is fast approaching.
Have you secured your registration?
Join us Friday, December 17, as we look ahead to the 2022 General Assembly!
The 2022 Kentucky Legislative Preview Conference provides you with a rare opportunity to hear many of Kentucky's top public officials discuss their plans, priorities and predictions for next year's legislative session – you'll get the inside scoop from those who know.
Sessions from the agenda:
Energy and Environment
Speakers: Sen. Brandon Smith (invited)
Rep. Jim Gooch
Sen. Paul Hornback
Rep. Norma Kirk-McCormick
Moderator: Nick Rowe, Southeast Division / President, Kentucky American Water
Education
Speakers: Sen. Max Wise
Rep. Regina Huff
Rep. Killian Timoney
Rep. Adam Koenig
Moderator: OJ Oleka, President, Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities
Click or tap here to view additional sessions.
Stay in the loop and know what to expect. We're here to help keep you informed.
Register now!
There is almost nothing better than seeing thousands of twinkling lights on a cold December evening. Join us this holiday season by beautifying your home during our "Sparkle and Shine its Christmas Time" holiday light competition!
The Waterloo Chamber of Commerce hope to encourage you to deck your homes with lights, lawn ornament, wreaths and more to help bring holiday cheer to families in Waterloo. You even have a chance of winning one of three prizes!
Prize categories include:
* Best in Show
* Clark Griswold
* People’s Choice Award.
The third category will be chosen by the public through chamber Facebook.
*Photo of finished display must be taken at night and submitted by December 11th
*Submit your address with the photo and we will be placed it on a map for others to view and visit over the course of the month from their car. (Only addresses will be included on the map, no names!)
Registration (FREE) will be due by December 11th by calling the chamber at 618-939-5300 or emailing it to chamber@htc.net.
SBA's Iowa District Office is seeking nominations for its annual Iowa Small Business Champion of the Year awards. These awards are presented in addition to the Annual National Small Business Week awards previously announced.
Nominations are now being accepted for the following:
Iowa Minority Small Business Champion of the Year: An individual who has fulfilled a commitment to the advancement of small business opportunities for minority business owners may be nominated. Champion nominees may or may not be small business owners.
Iowa Veteran Small Business Champion of the Year: An individual who has fulfilled a commitment to the advancement of small business opportunities for veterans of the U.S. armed forces may be nominated. Champion nominees may or may not be veterans.
Iowa Women in Business Champion of the Year: An individual who has fulfilled a commitment to the advancement of women’s business ownership may be nominated. Champion nominees may or may not be small business owners.
Nominations must contain the information below. Incomplete nomination packages will not be considered:
A completed background form (SBA Form 3300, Award Nominee Background Form).
A completed nomination form for the District Office Awards
A digital photo of the nominee – at least 300 dpi is required
Additional supporting documentation deemed significant by the nominator, including news clips, letters of recommendation, nomination letter (if not self-nominated), and other evidence of the appropriateness of the nomination. Supporting documentation may not exceed 10 pages. Videos will not be considered.
Where are the nominations to be sent?
All nominations must be submitted electronically to the U.S. Small Business Administration Iowa District Office BOX account - Nominations will not be accepted by email, mail, fax or hand-delivery. Deadline for submissions is 2 p.m. Central Time, January 11, 2021.
Additional information, including the guidelines for the previously announced National Small Business Week 2022 Awards (which include Small Business Person of the Year and Exporter of the Year) can be found at www.sba.gov/nsbw.
SBA will make the above referenced awards to eligible nominees at the Iowa District level only. Awards for Small Business Person of the Year and Exporter of the Year will be forwarded for National competition.
For questions, please contact Dave Lentell at the Iowa District Office at thomas.lentell@sba.gov or at (515) 284-4522.
