CEOs from Zoup, Mad Dog Technology and Pop Daddy Popcorn to Speak at Troy Chamber’s Annual Holiday Luncheon; Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Map; Multiple Awards for Business Excellence to be Presented in Carmel & Fishers; Chamber news: Holiday Happenings in Barrington: Window Display Contest, Girls Night Out on Nov. 16; The Green Lake County Chamber of Commerce Guide & Map; Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce plans Job Shadowing Day; Higgins: State needs to get creative on economic development to stay competitive; Chamber to host Wine Walk, Christmas by the Creek, Holiday Lights Parade; KY Chamber CEO to speak in Corbin Tuesday; Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S.;

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

CEOs from Zoup, Mad Dog Technology and Pop Daddy Popcorn to Speak at Troy Chamber’s Annual Holiday Luncheon 

The theme, “Homemade for the Holidays,” returns featuring a new panel of Made in Michigan brands

On Thursday, December 14 from 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., the Troy Chamber hosts its most popular event of the year – the annual Holiday Luncheon! Hundreds of local business professionals will gather at Napa Glen Banquet Center (2160 E Maple Rd., Troy 48083) for networking and an entertaining panel of company executives from Michigan brands such as Zoup, Mad Dog Technology and Pop Daddy Popcorn. The panel discussion will be moderated by Fox 2 Detroit anchor Charlie Langton and includes:

· Eric Ersher, Founder & CEO, Zoup

· Pete Karmanos Jr, Chairman/Founder, Mad Dog Technology

· Pop Daddy Popcorn, Founder & CEO, Pop Daddy Popcorn

“The history of some of the most well-known brands in the country is deeply rooted in Michigan,” said Ara Topouzian, President & CEO of the Troy Chamber of Commerce. “Their stories are fascinating and inspiring for any entrepreneur. This will be a luncheon not to miss!”

Cost to attend this event is $40 for Troy Chamber members and $52 for non-members. In addition to a high-quality event, each attendee will enjoy an elegant lunch and leave with a gift bag sponsored by Comcast Business.

This event is presented by Clear Rate Communications with support from: Detroit Pencil Company, Kelly Services, Ulliance and Hitachi Business Finance. Media sponsors include Corp! Magazine and DBusiness.

To register, call 248-641-8151, e-mail theteam@troychamber.com or visit troychamber.com/events.


Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Map


The new Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Map is available at the Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber today! Thanks to Bob O'Callaghan and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!



Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber 2017 Community 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.



Multiple Awards for Business Excellence to be Presented in Carmel & Fishers

(Hamilton County, IN) – Each year, OneZone recognizes companies and individuals for business excellence and impact at its annual awards luncheon. This year’s event will be held on Wednesday, December 13 at Ritz Charles in Carmel.

Award recipients are selected from nominations received from member businesses or others on their behalf in multiple categories that include business of the year for large and small businesses, young professional of the year, new construction and renovation projects in Carmel and Fishers, environmental sustainability and volunteerism. Special awards for lifetime achievement are presented to individuals in both Carmel and Fishers whose contributions have positively impacted their business communities over many years. 

OneZone invites chamber members and non-members, along with members of the community, to this annual event.

What:               OneZone December Luncheon
Topic:              Business Excellence Awards Presentations
Date:                Wednesday, December 13, 2017
Time:               11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location:          Ritz Charles – 12156 N. Meridian St. – Carmel, IN
Reservations:   Required by noon on Monday, December 11. Reserve at www.onezonecommerce.com or call 317.436.4653.
Cost:                $25 for OneZone members; $35 for non-members. 

Contact: Lisa Wirthwein, 317.436.4653, lisa@onezonecommerce.com


Chamber news: Holiday Happenings in Barrington: Window Display Contest, Girls Night Out on Nov. 16

Make November 16 an all-day holiday shopping event! After attending the Women's Biz Net Bliss Holiday Boutique & Luncheon from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at The Club at Wynstone in North Barrington, take part in Barrington's “Light Up the Night and Girls’ Night Out” event from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. in downtown Barrington. Village merchants will create holiday window displays for Barrington's first holiday window-decorating contest that will kick off on November 16. Shop at Barrington boutiques, sign up for a holiday drawing to win one of ten $50 gift cards to a local retailer, and click here to vote online for your favorite window display. Most stores will stay open late on Thursdays during the holidays, as well as on Sundays from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.


The Green Lake County Chamber of Commerce Guide & Map

The Green Lake County Chamber of Commerce  Guide & Map is available at the Green Lake County Chamber! Thanks to the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!

Green Lake map

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

Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce plans Job Shadowing Day

The Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce is working with Salem City Schools and Junior Achievement of Southwest Virginia on a job shadowing day for the seniors at Salem High School on Wednesday, October 25.

The three organizations have been working on this day since January. The 300 seniors will either be job shadowing with a local business or visiting a college of their choice. More than 87 businesses are participating and there are 397 placement opportunities. Most of the businesses are members of the Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce.

Jill Sluss, executive director of the Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce said, “We are looking forward to this day and are excited to be working with Salem City Schools and Junior Achievement of Southwest Virginia on this worthwhile project that is an example of giving back to our community. It is a wonderful opportunity for students to make decisions regarding their chosen career whether they intend to continue their education after high school or not. Of course all of these students represent the future workforce so this day will definitely be helpful to the students and the employers. We are grateful to all of the businesses that are participating.” Read more: Roanoke.com

Higgins: State needs to get creative on economic development to stay competitive

At a luncheon of the Columbus Lowndes Chamber of Commerce, Golden Triangle Development LINK CEO Joe Max Higgins said Mississippi would have to get creative to compete with surrounding states like Alabama, Georgia and Arkansas. 

"Some of the neighboring states have got a little more vision than we have at the time, and they have implemented some programs that are making them more competitive," he said. 

Specifically those states, especially Arkansas, were "handing out routine ass-kickings to folks like us," he said. 

He mentioned losing a $700 million project to Georgia earlier this year. 

"Two hundred fifty-one jobs paying $61,000 per year," he said. "Those of you that are out there scoring, that would have been outright second place in the Golden Triangle behind the steel mill and ahead of PACCAR." 

While some of the reason for that is taxation laws, he said, those states are also better at displaying their workforce to companies that could potentially employ hundreds of workers. 

However, Higgins said, perception of the workforce is more of a problem than the workforce itself. Mississippi and particularly the Golden Triangle are quickly developing a well-trained workforce that will appeal to companies looking to put plants in the area. 

He indicated he has high hopes for the Communiversity, a $38 million workforce training center on East Mississippi Community College's campus. 

"We have to do something to make us different (than surrounding states)," he said. "... That Communiversity is going to serve that role. We're going to train new people to work, we're going to retrain older folks to work. We're going to have kids when they're in fifth and sixth grade going out there and seeing what the opportunities are and we're going to make that a show place." 

He said the Communiversity, combined with the Golden Triangle Early College High School that opened on EMCC's campus two years ago and which allows high school students to graduate with Associates' degrees, will show companies and investors the Golden Triangle is serious about providing a well-trained work force.  Read more: The Dispatch

Chamber to host Wine Walk, Christmas by the Creek, Holiday Lights Parade

Is the wine acidic? How does the body feel? Is it more aromatic or closed? How strong is the bouquet?

Such wine-tasting words, and more will be utilized at the Lodi & Lake Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce 2017 Wine Walk on Nov. 17 from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Wine samplers from the Lodi area and from surrounding communities are invited to enjoy a stroll through downtown Lodi, while tasting red and white wines and appetizers at select chamber businesses – 20 to be exact.

According to Chamber Coordinator Taryn Latour, 275 tickets for wine-sampling sold out in as little as 40 minutes. Due to this demand, the chamber has made 100 additional tickets available online from Friday, Nov. 10 at noon to Saturday, Nov. 11 at noon, at eventbrite.com.

Each wine taster must be 21 years of age or older and will be carded upon receiving their wristband for sampling. Safe rides will be offered via Kobussen Buses or designated drivers signified by wristbands from 8:30-11:30 p.m., though businesses will only serve wine up to 9 p.m. When leaving a stop, wine glasses must be empty. Read more: Lodi Enterprise

KY Chamber CEO to speak in Corbin Tuesday

Dave Adkisson, President/CEO of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, will be the featured speaker next Tuesday at the monthly membership luncheon of the Southern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce.

The event will begin at 11:45 a.m. at The Corbin Center at 222 Corbin Center Drive.

The luncheon is open to the public.

Adkisson is touring the state as part of what is being called the “Kentucky Chamber Legislative Road Show.” He plans to outline business priorities for the upcoming legislative session of the General Assembly in January.During his 13 years at the Kentucky Chamber, the organization has doubled in size, increased its staff to thirty professionals including five lobbyists, expanded its headquarters in Frankfort and placed a major emphasis on public policy, governmental relations and improving education.

Adkisson served as the 2010 Chairman of the Board of the American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), an association that represents more than 7,000 chamber professionals across the country. In addition, he was elected the 2014 chairman of the national Council of State Chambers. He served six years on the board of directors of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the nation’s largest business association and chaired the U.S. Chamber’s education policy committee.

Adkisson is originally from Owensboro, Ky., where he began his career working for the local chamber of commerce. Later, at age 34, he was elected mayor of Owensboro and re-elected without opposition four years later. He was recruited in 1999 to become president of the Birmingham, Alabama Chamber of Commerce and served five years in that post before returning to Kentucky.

Bruce Carpenter, Executive Director of the Southern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, encouraged business owners to attend the luncheon because Adkisson’s would pertinent to them.

“Dave is important figures in the state’s business community and has his finger on the pulse of Frankfort. It will be an interesting discussion.”

Anyone interested in attending the luncheon should RSVP by calling 606-528-6390 or email info@southernkychamber.com. Read more: News-Journal

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

Chicago Fed: Economic Outlook Symposium: Summary of 2016 Results and 2017 Forecasts; Sycamore Chamber presents Pritchard with Champion of Free Enterprise Award; City of Ridgeland Chamber of Commerce 2016/2017 Community Map has arrived.; #BestChamber Practices: Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce: (Bringing Exceptional Business Opportunities to your Chamber members); 2017 Muncie on the Move Series; Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce Announces New Board of Directors; Chamber interest: WisDOT will give I-39/90/94 presentation in Lodi; State of Paducah, McCracken County addresses given at 1st chamber breakfast of 2017; Lisa James named Columbus-Lowndes Chamber president;

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

Chicago Fed: Economic Outlook Symposium: Summary of 2016 Results and 2017 Forecasts

By William A. Strauss , Thomas Haasl

According to participants in the Chicago Fed’s annual Economic Outlook Symposium, the U.S. economy is forecasted to grow at a pace slightly above average in 2017, with inflation moving higher and the unemployment rate remaining low.
The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago held its 30th annual Economic Outlook Symposium (EOS) on December 2, 2016. More than 100 economists and analysts from business, academia, and government attended the conference. This Chicago Fed Letter reviews the forecasts for 2016 from the previous EOS, and then analyzes the forecasts for 2017 (see figure 1) and summarizes the presentations from the most recent EOS.
The U.S. economy entered the eighth year of its expansion in the third quarter of 2016. While the nation’s real gross domestic product (GDP) is at its highest level in history, the rate of economic growth since the end of the Great Recession in mid-2009 has been very restrained. During the 29 quarters following the second quarter of 2009, the annualized rate of real GDP growth was 2.1%—just slightly above what is considered the long-term rate of growth for the U.S. economy. Additionally, the annualized rate of real GDP growth over the first three quarters of 2016 was 0.2 percentage points below the average of the current expansion.

Find materials presented at the latest EOS
The biggest drags on economic growth during 2016 were weak investment (both business and residential) and government spending. Real business fixed investment decreased at an annualized rate of 0.4% in the first three quarters of 2016. Possible culprits for this anemic performance were moderate growth in the overall economy; excess capacity remaining in the industrial sector; the collapse of energy prices lowering investment in this sector; the strong international value of the U.S. dollar; and economic uncertainty during this past presidential election year. Real residential investment decreased at an annualized rate of 1.6% during the first three quarters of 2016, after increasing at an annualized rate of 9.4% between the third quarter of 2010 and the final quarter of 2015. Even though residential spending declined, the annualized rate of housing starts increased to 1.16 million units for the first 11 months of 2016—up 5.4% relative to the same period in 2015. Real government spending grew at an annualized rate of 0.2% during the first three quarters of 2016—well below the 1.2% it has averaged over the past 20 years.

Read more: Chicago Fed



Sycamore Chamber presents Pritchard with Champion of Free Enterprise Award

The Sycamore Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and its Business Advocacy Committee recognized and presented state Rep. Bob Pritchard with the Champion of Free Enterprise Award.

The award is given by the Illinois Chamber of Commerce to state legislators who recognize the importance of free enterprise and who agree with pro-business legislative policies to further the economic opportunities for Illinois businesses and their employees. 

“Bob is someone I truly believe embodies the Sycamore Chamber’s Mission of creating opportunities to help businesses succeed, strengthen our community and grow our local economy,” Rose Treml, executive director of the Sycamore Chamber of Commerce, said in a news release.

The Champion of Free Enterprise Award is given biennially to recognize Illinois senators and representatives who have committed to supporting and defending the employers of Illinois and supporting the policies of free enterprise system to help Illinois’ economy grow and prosper. In order to be eligible for the award, a lawmaker must have received an average of 85 percent or better voting record over the previous two General Assembly sessions as rated in the Illinois Chamber Legislative Rating published at the end of each session.

“With Illinois’ lackluster economic performance, there has never been a more crucial moment for our state to embrace pro-business legislators who represent the business community and support the fundamental principles of the free market system,” Todd Maisch, president and CEO of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, said in the release. Daily Chronicle

City of Ridgeland Chamber of Commerce 2016/2017 Community Map has arrived.

The new City of Ridgeland Chamber of Commerce 2016/2017 Community Map is available at the City of Ridgeland Chamber today! Thanks to Linda Bynum, Sandy Baas and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!

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

#BestChamber Practices: Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce: (Bringing Exceptional Business Opportunities to  your Chamber members)


Is your business seeking new government contracting opportunities...or do you want to learn how?

Meet procurement officers from federal, state and local government agencies and prime contractors at the 5th Annual Northern Virginia B2G Matchmaking Conference and Small Business EXPO. Hosted by the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce, our regional event is designed for emerging to mid-size government contractors to support their business growth.

Featuring Keynote Speaker Thomas J. Leney, Executive Director of Small and Veteran Business Programs, US Department of Veterans Affairs and Antonio Doss, Washington Area District Director, US Small Business Administration.

Registration opportunities include:
One-on-one pre-scheduled matchmaking meetings (up to 3) for businesses with government agencies and prime contractors;
Networking and Breakfast
Small Business EXPO showcasing resources for your government contracting business and educational sessions.


List of Previous Agencies and Prime Contractors

BAE Systems
CSC
Fairfax County Government Purchasing Department
Harris
Leidos
Lockheed Martin
Mantech
National Geospatial Intelligence Agency
Northrop Grumman
SAIC
Commonwealth of VA, Department of General Services
Defense Intelligence Agency
Defense Logistics Agency
US Agency for International Development
US Department of Army
US Department of Defense
US Department of Health and Human Services
US Department of Housing and Urban Development
US Department of State
US Department of Veterans Affairs

Please visit our event page for continuous updates of confirmed agencies and prime contractors, as well as confirmed educational sessions and exhibitors in the Small Business EXPO.

Marketing Opportunities are also available to promote your business to our GovCon community. Please see our event flyer for Sponsorship and Exhibitor information!

Register online or call Ashleigh Dorfman, Events and Development Director at 703.707.9045.

Learn more : Greater Reston Chamber


2017 Muncie on the Move Series

Sponsorship Opportunities are currently available for the 2017 Muncie on the Move series.

To be a booth sponsor, non-profit presenting sponsor or corporate presenting sponsor, now would be a good time to schedule your spot for the New Year! Booth space is limited and fills up quickly. The cost for a booth will be $100 and includes one breakfast meal. Additional meals will be available for $20. Set up your booth and our roving reporter will interview you for one minute during the program. Non-profit sponsorship allows you to present, on stage, for six minutes, have a booth at the event, distribute information on every chair in the room and also includes one breakfast. Additional meals may be purchased for an additional $20 per person. Corporate sponsors also have a booth, can distribute marketing materials at each place setting, make a ten minute presentation and sponsorship includes one breakfast. Additional meals may be purchased for an addition $20 per person.

Muncie on the Move attendance has averaged 140 people per event. This networking event is a great way to engage a big audience.

Date for 2017 Muncie on the Move Breakfasts are: February 1, April 5, June 7, August 2, October 4 and December 6, 2017.

For more information, or to reserve a sponsorship, contact Brenda Brumfield at 765-751-9128, or email bbrumfield@muncie.com



Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce Announces New Board of Directors

The Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the election of seven new members to its 2017 Board of Directors, and its new Chair, Craig DeLeon of DMC Sports Medicine. DeLeon also announced that Dr. Stan Jensen, president of Henry Ford College will serve as the Chair-Elect for 2017.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to serve as the chair of the board for the Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce,” commented DeLeon. “We are energized and ready to build on the record breaking success we experienced serving our members and the community in 2016.”

DeLeon has served on the Chamber’s board since 2012 as a representative of the Detroit Medical Center and Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan where he has been employed since 2010. He holds a bachelor's of science degree in Health and Fitness Management from Northern Michigan University, while also lettering 3 times on the football field for the Wildcats.

At the Chamber’s annual Holiday Gala & Auction last December, Robert Altizer of Altizer Wealth Management of Raymond James was recognized as the outgoing board chair for his commitment and leadership throughout his term. In addition, five outgoing board members were honored for their service: Melissa Demorest-LeDuc of Demorest Law Firm, Rick Bixman of Tire Discount House, Gary Kearns of Kearn’s Brothers, Peter Rageas of the Law Offices of Peter Rageas, and Chastity Townsend of the Dearborn Education Foundation.  

Seven new board members have assumed their three year terms as of January 1, 2017: Rita Nelson of Fairlane Town Center, Rick Burkhart of TPC Michigan, Frank Kadaf of Active Solutions Group, Phil Emma of PSN Technology, Lisa Korte of Korte’s Collision, Michael Magnone of Melaleuca, and Brent Mikulski of Services to Enhance Potential.

"We are delighted to welcome our new board members,” commented Jackie Lovejoy, President of the Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce. “Our board of directors provide support and guidance as we navigate each new year. With the Chamber’s robust calendar of programs in our community, their commitment to growing our area and Southeast Michigan helps make our chamber exemplary!"

For more information on the Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce, including upcoming programs and events, please visit www.DearbornAreaChamber.org or call 313-584-6100. Be sure to follow the Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce on Facebook at facebook.com/DearbornAreaChamber, on Twitter @DbnAreaChamber and the Chamber website for all the latest Chamber news and events.

Chamber interest: WisDOT will give I-39/90/94 presentation in Lodi

Representatives from Wisconsin Department of Transportation will give a presentation about the ongoing I-39/90/94 corridor study at an upcoming meeting in Lodi on Wednesday, Jan. 25, at 6:30 p.m.

After being invited the Lodi and Lake Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce and members of the Lodi Common Council, the representatives will give their presentation at Lodi City Hall, 130 S. Main St., upstairs in council chambers.

Currently, WisDOT is preparing a Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) that aims to identify a transportation solution to address the needs of the interstate from US 12/18 in Madison to I-39/WIS 78 near Portage.



Some of the options in the study include focusing on the existing interstate by preserving and maintaining it or expanding its capacity. Four of the other options labeled as “east reliever” alternatives map out creating new highways and bypasses of local communities such as Poynette and Arlington. Read more: Lodi Enterprise

State of Paducah, McCracken County addresses given at 1st chamber breakfast of 2017

The Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its first Power in Partnership Breakfast of 2017 Thursday morning.

New Paducah Mayor Brandi Harless gave her first ever state of the city address, and McCracken County Deputy Judge Executive Doug Moore stood in for Judge Executive Bob Leeper — who is ill — to give the state of the county address.

STATE OF THE COUNTY

Moore highlighted several accomplishments in 2016 and goals for the county in 2017.

One goal was continued renovations to the courthouse. He said now the county is focusing on the windows, making sure they're insulated, secure, and up-to-date.

Moore says: “The initial courthouse was built 75 years ago, and it's an old structure, but its a fine, nice structure. So Judge Leeper's golden objective was to stabilize the courthouse to insure it to go into the future.”

Have you ever wondered exactly what's legal and what's not in the county? Moore says this year county ordinances will be put online, and you'll be able to research for yourself. “It may not be just for the general public. It may  be for the  legal community, and real estate community, and professionals who want to understand exactly what’s going on," he says. "You can find it there.”

Moore says it was a project in the making when they found the ordinances difficult to access in the clerk’s office and not readily available to the public.

A local road is about to get safer after two years of trying. McCracken County leaders say Maxon Road, between new Highway 60 and Cairo Road is too narrow. Moore says it will expand. County leaders say with that area growing, this project is a priority. Read more: WSPD local 6

Lisa James named Columbus-Lowndes Chamber president

Lisa James is the new president of the Columbus-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce.

Leadership with the Golden Triangle Development LINK, which oversees the Chamber, announced today it had removed the interim tag from James' title, offering her the permanent position.

James, 23, took over as interim president in August after her predecessor, Joey Bragg, abruptly resigned his post. She first joined the chamber in December 2015 as programs and events coordinator.

"We're excited about the potential for new growth and innovative programming from the Chamber staffers," said Golden Triangle Development LINK CEO Joe Max Higgins. "They bring energy and initiative to the organization, and I'm confident that they'll take the Chamber to a new level."

As Chamber president, James' salary will be $45,000 annually. The Chamber is funded through membership dues and a 2-percent city tourism tax.

In her new role, James said she will focus on growing the organization's membership with the goal of doubling it to 1,000 businesses and individuals.

Part of that recruitment effort, she said, involves making sure members get the most for their annual dues and that the Chamber better communicates member benefits.

"Membership (recruitment) has been neglected," she said. "We want to grow a more diversified, well-rounded organization. Because the bigger we are, the stronger we are and the more resources we have at our disposal.

"I'm basically just going to start by cold-calling people," she later added. "If you're not a member, watch out. I'm coming for you." Read more: The Dispatch

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

Paducah Chamber Grows to Record Membership of 1,060 members; Jeff Rea, president and CEO of the St. Joseph County Chamber of Commerce: Ways to grow state's firms; Michigan Lt. Governor Brian Calley and Supreme Court Justice Richard Bernstein will be joining the Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce and the Michigan Chamber of Commerce as the guest speakers for the Dearborn Area Chamber’s upcoming Business Builder Series, as a part of the 2015 Michigan Association of Chamber Professionals (MACP) Annual Convention; Job-promoting partnerships lauded at Charlottesville chamber summit; Princeton Chamber hosts Illinois director of tourism; The eighth annual Lodi and Lake Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce Brew-B-Que: Bring on the barbecue; Vicksburg-Warren County Chamber Community Fund: Walking trails project will provide new experience for visitors, residents; Non-Dues Revenue: Town Square Gloss Chamber Directories in Multi-media Format

Good morning Chamber world! Today is going to be a GREAT day!


Paducah Chamber Grows to Record Membership of 1,060 members


The results for the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual membership campaign includes a record total reaching 1,060 members, a net gain of 20 members over 2014.

This makes the Paducah Area Chamber the fifth largest Chamber in Kentucky, behind Louisville, Northern Kentucky, Lexington, and around 100 businesses less than Bowling Green.

The campaign exceeded its goal and recruited 142 new members during the four-week campaign.

"This has been a busy time for the Chamber with our recent trip to DC, to our local seminars and events, to having this campaign underway,” said Bruce Wilcox, chair-elect of the Paducah Chamber and president of Petter Supply. “Our new members range from Fluff Cupcakes to several new businesses under construction such as IMAC Regeneration Center, Chin Restaurant and Vertical Jump Park to some established businesses who have not been a member and have now decided to join.”         

The top producer for the volunteers for the campaign was Janice Cleary with Paducah Bank. Second place individual award went to David Morse with KeeFORCE; third place was Jill Harper with Capstone HR; fourth place was Jessica Newman with Advantage Insurance; and fifth place was Tony Copeland with Arkema. Read more: Western Kentucky News

Jeff Rea, president and CEO of the St. Joseph County Chamber of Commerce: Ways to grow state's firms

Business leaders recognize that for their own business to grow, several things need to happen. They need to find new customers and they need to retain and grow existing customers.

Some will get lucky and new customers will randomly find them. Others will need to be found. Businesses will carefully craft a strategy to reach out to potential customers and make sure customers know of the unique offerings of their business. In the end, they hope new customers choose them, instead of the competition.

Economic development in our region and state is similar. Our communities need to attract new businesses and at the same time retain and grow existing businesses. Some of those new businesses will find us; we need to go find others.

Gov. Mike Pence is leading an Indiana delegation of business and community leaders on a visit of Japan this week. The governor’s mission: to make sure Japanese businesses know about opportunities in Indiana. The governor and his delegation are seeking to bring new “customers” home to Indiana.

Over the past two years, similar trips have been made across the United States and to foreign countries such as Canada, Germany, Great Britain, Israel and China. In all, more than $2 million was raised from private contributions to help finance trips.

Those trips netted new projects for Indiana including three German companies that have announced Indiana expansions. In addition, agricultural processor Tate & Lyle announced a $90 million Indiana expansion during Pence’s trip to the United Kingdom in 2014 and an additional $65 million expansion in March. Read more: South Bend Tribune

Michigan Lt. Governor Brian Calley and Supreme Court Justice Richard Bernstein will be joining the Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce and the Michigan Chamber of Commerce as the guest speakers for the Dearborn Area Chamber’s upcoming Business Builder Series, as a part of the 2015 Michigan Association of Chamber Professionals (MACP) Annual Convention. 

Michigan Lt. Governor Brian Calley and Supreme Court Justice Richard Bernstein will be joining the Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce and the Michigan Chamber of Commerce as the guest speakers for the Dearborn Area Chamber’s upcoming Business Builder Series, as a part of the 2015 Michigan Association of Chamber Professionals (MACP) Annual Convention. The breakfast, sponsored by Beaumont Health, will take place on Thursday, October 29, 2015, beginning at 7:30 am at Dearborn Inn, located at 20301 Oakwood in Dearborn.

Calley and Bernstein are the fourth speakers for the Chamber’s 2015 Business Builder Series, a Chamber program designed to help local businesses and community leaders grow and enhance their organizational goals. Speakers this year have included the mayors of Dearborn and Dearborn Heights, a prestigious panel of area executives joining in a U.S. Chamber sponsored discussion of women in business leadership, and John Fleming of Ford Motor Company.

“We are delighted to welcome Lt. Governor Calley and Justice Bernstein to our area, especially as the host of the highly anticipated Michigan Association of Chamber Professionals Annual Convention,” commented Jackie Lovejoy, President of the Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce. “2015 marks the 50^th anniversary of the MACP, and as a result we are looking forward to hosting various industry leaders from all over the State of Michigan for this historic and important event this fall.”

The event is open to the public and will include a delicious breakfast and networking, to be followed by the guest speakers and an opportunity for questions from the audience. Breakfast is sponsored by DTE Energy.

Registration is required for this event. Early bird pricing is only $30 for members of the Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce, and $45 for potential members and the general public. To register and for more information, please visit the Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce online at www.DearbornAreaChamber.org or by phone at 313-584-6100. For more information on the Michigan Association of Chamber Professionals, visit www.michamberconnect.com.

Job-promoting partnerships lauded at Charlottesville chamber summit

Community members talked about what is working in workforce development on Wednesday at the Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce Jobs Action Summit.

The 2015 Chamber Jobs Report and Orange Dot Report were presented at the summit, along with other presentations from community members on current employment efforts in the area.

Presenter Don Gathers, the front-desk supervisor at the Graduate Hotel Charlottesville, completed the city’s GO Office program, a six-week training program that prepares city residents for a career in office administration with one of the program’s partner employers. The city has completed three types of Growing Opportunity programs, GO Driver, GO Office and GO Electric.

“The most gratifying piece of this wonderful puzzle is that the GO Office program has given me the chance to reach back and help others by being able to offer others employment opportunities,” Gathers said. Read more: Daily Progress

Princeton Chamber hosts Illinois director of tourism

 Cory Jobe, director of the Illinois Office of Tourism, spoke at the Princeton Chamber of Commerce quarterly luncheon on Tuesday, Sept. 1, at The Barn at Hornbaker Gardens.

Jobe talked about the importance of tourism and the economic benefits it brings to local communities.

“Tourism supports business growth and job creation. Viable tourism areas provide places for entrepreneurs to succeed, increasing the viability and vitality of a commercial area,” he said. “This, in turn, supports economic growth through the community.”

Jobe announced in 2014, Illinois attracted more than 107 million visitors, which was a 3.8 percent increase from 2013. These visitors spent around $36 billion in the state, Jobe said.

This past year, the state has started to reach out to a younger traveler. Jobe said millennials are growing steadily in power and quickly becoming a target audience for tourism. Jobe’s office came up with the perfect medium to reach this group, which was through the social media website, Instagram. Read more: BCRNEWS.com

The eighth annual Lodi and Lake Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce Brew-B-Que: Bring on the barbecue

What do you get when succulent smoked ribs, delicious craft beer and great live music are combined?

The eighth annual Lodi and Lake Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce Brew-B-Que of course.

“It's a backyard barbecue turned into a block party,” event co-chair Jason Rasmussen says. “We shut down Main Street and it allows everybody from town, and the surrounding areas, to get together.”

Area grill masters will compete to win the judges’ or people’s choice awards at this year’s event and take home a plaque commemorating their rib making prowess along with cash prizes.

Only those with VIP tickets will have the opportunity to sample ribs and place their vote for best in show. VIP tickets are still on sale for $40 and include the cost of sampling and voting in the homemade chili and home brewing competition. They can be purchased prior to or on the day of the event.

So basically, if you are getting a VIP ticket, expect to leave the event with a full belly and a smile on your face. Read more: HNGnews.com

Vicksburg-Warren County Chamber Community Fund: Walking trails project will provide new experience for visitors, residents

The Board of Mayor and Aldermen Monday took another step toward making Vicksburg a desired location for visitors by approving an agreement with the Vicksburg-Warren County Chamber of Commerce Community Fund and the National Park Service for a $25,000 Lower Mississippi Delta Initiative grant to develop five walking trails in the downtown and historic districts.

“This grant agreement is to develop a series of five walking trails to traverse the downtown area, the historic districts and downtown neighborhoods,” said Bill Justice, Vicksburg National Military Park superintendent. “The trust project will benefit local residents, as it will provide health and fitness opportunities while at same time providing heritage walking tours that cover Vicksburg’s rich and diverse architecture and history.”

When completed, the walking trails will start from the Yazoo & Mississippi Valley Depot on Levee Street and allow visitors to tour the city on foot, providing an opportunity to get a look at the city’s unique architecture and historic buildings they could never get by cruising the city in a car or tour bus.

Downtown’s varied terrain of hills and dips can provide local walkers with a good workout.

- See more at: Vicksburg Post

Non-Dues Revenue: Town Square Gloss Chamber Directories in Multi-media Format

Town Square Publications parent company, Paddock Publications, with over 100 years’ experience of print product development and dedicated customer service in communities throughout the Midwest, 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. For further information about Town Square's publishing partnership with chambers of commerce and our No-Cost guarantee and Earned Revenue Share Program, contact John Dussman directly at the Town Square offices at 847-427-4633. Mailing Address: 155 E. Algonquin Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60005. Email address: jdussman@tspubs.com 

Greater Springfield Chamber: Spring Economic Outlook Survey results released; Greater Elkhart (Indiana) Chamber of Commerce invites community as part of national Chamber Week Celebrations; Chamber visit: Retailers Connect in Murray for National Small Business Week; Chamber visit: Retailers Connect in Murray for National Small Business Week; Chamber partner: Group Established To Help Revitalize Downtown Van Buren, AR; Lodi and Lake Wisconsin Chamber event: Taste of Red, White and Brew; Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber: Wayne County Executive Warren Evans to Speak at Legislative Breakfast; Roanoke Valley lawmakers say region must do a better job of selling itself; Friday: 157 Rules for Executive Success in Organization Management (and your Chamber of Commerce) by Patrick McGaughey Rule #83

Happy Friday Chamber world! Today is going to be a GREAT day!

Greater Springfield Chamber: Spring Economic Outlook Survey results released

The Spring 2015 Economic Outlook Survey, conducted by the University of Illinois Springfield and The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, finds local businesses and non-profit organizations are very optimistic about doing business in Sangamon County over the next 12 months.

In the past two and a half years, local business expectations have increased 30 points, expectations for their sector have increased 23 points, and expectations for the overall Sangamon County economy have increased 36 points. All three measures indicate strong positive expectations for the economy over the next 12 months.

“The Economic Outlook Survey is a crucial piece to getting a true indicator of how our local employers view the current state of the economy,” said Chris Hembrough, President and CEO of The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce. “The overall survey numbers are the best since 2008. The responses we received this spring not only demonstrate a healthy economy, but our employers are feeling better about doing business in Sangamon County than they have in many years.”

Three-fourths of survey respondents report that they expect an increase in their own gross revenue/sales over the next 12 months and 63.9 percent report that they expect an increase in the overall gross revenue/sales in Sangamon County. In addition to positive expectations about their own business and the overall county, local employers also report optimistic projections for almost every industrial sector with the medical/health care sector receiving the most positive expectations. Read more: Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce

Greater Elkhart (Indiana) Chamber of Commerce invites community as part of national Chamber Week Celebrations

If you've ever wondered how a Chamber of Commerce works, now is your chance. The Greater Elkhart Chamber is inviting the community to stop by a meeting as apart of national Chamber Week Celebrations.

Community members can stop at the chamber office on Friday from 11:00am-2:00pm. The Greater Elkhart Chamber consists of 12 councils that aim to improve business in the community. The Chamber aims to do this by by bringing businesses together and keeping them informed on regulations, current topics, professional development, advocate for legislation at all levels for tax law, and create network opportunities. Read more: FOX 28 NEWS

Chamber visit: Retailers Connect in Murray for National Small Business Week

District Director of the Kentucky Small Business Development Center in the Arthur J. Bauernfeind College of Business at Murray State, Chris Wooldridge and President/CEO of the Murray-Calloway Chamber of Commerce Aaron Dail visit Sounds Good to speak with Chad Lampe about a Retailers Roundtable in Murray Wednesday morning as part of the observance of National Small Business Week, which includes information about a new tool being developed for small business to make actionable change and decisions based on local market data.
A proclamation signing today kicks off National Small Business Week in Murray and Calloway County, an opportunity to talk about and support small businesses. A large amount of the business economy in Kentucky is fueled by small businesses, companies that have fewer than 500 employees and less than $10 million dollars in sales. According to the SBA, there are 341,000 small businesses in the Commonwealth, roughly 66,000 of them have employees (a majority are one-person organizations).  Read more: WKMS 91.3 FM

Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce's 2015 Post Legislative Briefing

The Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce's 2015 Post Legislative Briefing will be May 20 at Golden Nugget Casino Biloxi, 151 Beach Blvd.
Among those participating will be House members Richard Bennett, Scott DeLano, Greg Haney, Sonya Williams-Barnes and Patricia Willis and Senators Tony Smith and Sean Tindell. Other Coast legislators have been invited to the session.
Networking and breakfast begin at 7:30 a.m. and the program is from 8 to 9:30 a.m.
Admission is $20 for members and $25 for general admission. Table sponsorships for a reserved table for 10 is $350 and presenting sponsorship is $700. RSVP: Dhiana@mscoastchamber.com

 

Chamber partner: Group Established To Help 

Revitalize Downtown Van Buren, AR

A new organization has formed to help “unify and champion for a vibrant downtown” in Van Buren.
The non-profit group, called Van Buren Original, formed not only to assist in revitalizing and beautifying the downtown area, but also to encourage more economic growth in the city.
“The downtown area, we consider to be a real opportunity to be not only an area of historical and cultural significance, but also to be an important economic development catalyst,” said Rusty Myers, former assistant executive director of the Western Arkansas Planning and Development District and a VBO organizer. “Downtown is a ready-made opportunity to be a significant quality-of-place and economic asset to the city and to our region.”
Myers, along with seven other community and business leaders, formed the group to help the downtown area be “a thriving, vibrant and exciting place, filled with unique, quality shops, restaurants, businesses, residences and public spaces,” and “a top-of-mind place where people want to go” that provides attractive, fun and engaging experiences for visitors and shoppers and area residents,” according to a news release.
“We want to make it a place that makes the community proud,” Myers added.
But the group’s focus will extend farther than just Main Street, Myers said, and will include the riverfront area, the historic Drennen-Scott House, Broadway Street, Fairview Cemetery and East Main Street, all of which make the city so “unique and special,” he said.
Myers said the group will focus on bringing events that will appeal to families and all age groups to enhance and showcase the downtown area, recruit new business and create an environment downtown that is attractive to investors.
“We will focus on attracting quality businesses and business owners down there who can keep up those old buildings and help set the stage for downtown Van Buren to be an area of vibrancy and be sustainable over time,” Myers said.
Fellow VBO organizer and Van Buren Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jackie Krutsch added that the group aims to create a sense-of-place and unique identity for the city. Read more: Times Record

Lodi and Lake Wisconsin Chamber event: Taste of Red, White and Brew

Grab your friends, favorite glass and shopping bag- it’s time for the Red, White and Brew Tour.
The first annual Lodi and Lake Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce event is a chance to showcase not only the talents of area wine makers and brew masters, but also visit local vendors all in one place.
The event will be a fundraiser for the local chamber as well as the Lodi Woman’s Club Public Library.
Twenty Lodi and Lake Wisconsin area businesses will participate in the Red, White and Brew Tour, on Friday, May 15. Chamber coordinator Mandy Sitzman says the tour is similar to the popular fall wine walk with a few twists. Instead of focusing on just wine, businesses will also be serving up samples of beer. Read more: Lodi Enterprise

Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber: 
Wayne County Executive Warren Evans to Speak at Legislative Breakfast

Taylor, MI – The Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber is pleased to welcome Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans to our Legislative Forum.  Mr. Evans became the 4th Wayne County Executive on January 1, 2015 after running on a campaign of bringing transparency, fiscal responsibility and ethical leadership to Michigan’s largest county.  At this Legislative Forum, Mr. Evans will give an update on Wayne County and the outlook for 2015.

Date:                  Monday, May 18, 2015

Time:                  8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

Location:            Crystal Gardens Banquet Center, 16703 Fort Street, Southgate, MI

Cost:                   $15 pp. includes breakfast

Registration:     Online at www.swcrc.com, by phone at 734.284.6000 or by email at info@swcrc.com

Roanoke Valley lawmakers say region must do a better job of selling itself

Seven legislators spoke to members of the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce during breakfast program Wednesday morning. Norfolk Southern's decision to close its downtown office building and send hundreds of high-paying jobs to other cities should serve as a wake-up call, lawmakers said.
Speaking to members of the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce, Delegate Greg Habeeb said he thinks the region has gotten "a little lazy."
"And I think we've got to get our act together pretty quick here or we're going to see more Norfolk Southern announcements," Habeeb told the audience.
"We have to look after ourselves," said Senator Ralph Smith. "The best thing we could do, the chamber, the realtors all come together and find a way to fill that building back up real quick." Read more: WDBJ7.com 




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

  RULE #83      Articulate our organization goals often