Commerce Lexington Inc. Recognized Among Top Chambers for Second Consecutive Year; Inaugural West Side Chamber of Commerce Job Fair-aganza; Chamber partnership: TV show features Green Lake area this month; Chamber interest: Illinois halts economic incentives for businesses; Van Buren Chamber celebrates 60th Anniversary, awards Iverson Riggs honor to Lisa Huckelbury; Ocean Springs chamber to hold 10th annual Red, White & Blueberry Festival; Chamber news: Lynchburg Has Lowest Cost of Living According to Statewide Index; Yvette Keast hired as Executive Director of Gladwin County Chamber of Commerce; Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation: (Courage) - Mark Twain

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

Commerce Lexington Inc. Recognized Among Top Chambers for Second Consecutive Year

Commerce Lexington Inc. is proud to announce that it has been named among the finalists for the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives’ (ACCE) 2015 Chamber of the Year Award.  This marks the second consecutive year that Commerce Lexington Inc. has been recognized as a finalist for the honor.

Chamber of the Year is the nation’s only award recognizing the dual role chambers have in leading businesses and communities. Chambers honored with this designation have not only demonstrated organizational strength, but also have made an impact on key community priorities such as education, transportation, business development, and quality of life.

Commerce Lexington Inc. President and CEO Bob Quick, CCE, said, “This honor not only recognizes our hardworking staff, but also the contributions of our members, the board of directors, and many community volunteers who work hard each day to help Commerce Lexington Inc. fulfill its mission. They are always thinking with the end goal in mind – to serve our members better, improve our quality of place, and create jobs.”

The Chamber of the Year process begins with the Annual Operations Survey. Applicants qualified to compete by completing the survey and meeting thresholds in at least four of six key performance areas including: net revenue, net assets, reserve funds, membership account retention, and membership dollar retention. Read more: Commmerce Lexington

Inaugural West Side Chamber of Commerce Job Fair-aganza

Job seekers can meet with more than 20 potential employers at the first West Side Chamber of Commerce Job Fair-aganza June 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Pike Performing Arts Center, Pike High School, 6701 Zionsville Road.
The Job Fair-aganza is presented as a free public service for employers and job seekers by the West Side Chamber of Commerce.
“The West Side Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people in our community and helping make west side businesses more successful. Helping people become employed does both,” said Will Lance, project manager, a Chamber board member and assistant general manager of the Wingate by Wyndham Northwest.
“We will have numerous jobs from management to call centers, package handling, installation to sales,” Lance said. “This gives job seekers many opportunities to find a new job, a new career and maybe a new life.” Read more: Indianapolis Recorder

Chamber partnership: TV show features Green Lake area this month

 The Green Lake area is the focus of an upcoming episode of the tourism TV show “Discover Wisconsin.”
   “Think Green: Green Lake Country” premieres Saturday and Sunday, June 20 and 21, across the Midwest on the nation’s longest-running travelogue program.
   The episode was produced in partnership with Green Lake Country Visitors Bureau, Green Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, Greater Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce, Berlin Chamber of Commerce, Ripon Area Chamber of Commerce, Markesan Chamber of Commerce and Discover Wisconsin.
   The episode premieres Saturday, June 20 at 10 a.m. on Fox Sports North and 6:30 p.m. on WFRV channel 5. The public may attend a free premiere party Tuesday, June 16 at 6 p.m. at Thrasher Opera House in downtown Green Lake. A social hour will take place from 5 to 6 p.m. Read more: RiponPress.com

Chamber interest: Illinois halts economic incentives for businesses

Business advocates Tuesday said they weren't surprised by Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner's decision to suspend future economic incentives used to attract and retain businesses.

"It's part of the process," said Pam McDonough, CEO of the Alliance for Illinois Manufacturing and a former director of the state's Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, which administers incentives programs. "We are playing power games."In a statement, Rauner's office said the move is part of a series of cuts aimed at narrowing a deficit of more than $3 billion in the state's fiscal 2016 budget. It's the latest attempt by the Republican governor to ratchet up pressure on lawmakers to agree to his pro-business, anti-union agenda. Democrats have passed a spending plan, but the budget has yet to reach Rauner's desk.
Programs affected in Tuesday's action include the Employer Training Investment Program, which is used to reimburse companies for up to 50 percent of the cost of training workers, and the Economic Development for a Growing Economy tax credit program, or EDGE.

Todd Maisch, chief executive of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, said the governor's move is prudent in the short term, given the budget battle ahead. Longer term, however, the lack of incentives would put Illinois in a competitive disadvantage because other states use incentives to lure companies. Read more: Chicago Tribune

Van Buren Chamber celebrates 60th Anniversary, awards Iverson Riggs honor to Lisa Huckelbury

The Van Buren Chamber of Commerce celebrated June 4 its 60th Anniversary Banquet and Business Fair that featured more than 40 local businesses and organizations.Booths filled the grand lobby of the Van Buren Fine Arts Center, with hundreds of guests making their way through the rows of exhibits. Participants showcased the various goods and services their businesses offer to the community, with many also hosting special giveaways and prize drawings for the event.
Established in 1955, the Van Buren Chamber of Commerce was formed by a group of concerned citizens who wanted to promote progress in the business and overall community. According to the April 26, 1956 edition of the Van Buren Shopping News, the group "was formed from the framework and through the efforts of the old Business and Professional Association."
The B&PA had existed previously to serve in a similar capacity to a chamber, but was in need of more extensive support from the community. The effort was spearheaded by Tom Lightfoot, owner of the Jones Seed Company. During the organization's formation process, Lightfoot was hired by the original B&PA board to conduct a survey to gauge the level of interest in establishing a chamber. His findings proved "optimistic," with his final report revealing 153 pledges, totaling $7,190 in initial contributions. In April 1955, the group came together to sponsor the official organization of the Chamber. From there, a 24-man board was elected to govern the new organization and from thus, the Van Buren Chamber of Commerce was born. Read more: The City Wire

Ocean Springs chamber to hold 10th annual Red, White & Blueberry Festival

Saturday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., blueberry vendors will join the Ocean Springs Fresh Market for the Annual Red, White & “Blueberry” Festival in the L&N Depot Plaza in downtown Ocean Springs.
The public is invited to enjoy free vanilla ice-cream topped with their choice of blueberries or strawberries provided by the Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce – Main Street – Tourism Bureau, sample some great blueberry dishes, share blueberry recipes, purchase blueberry bushes, cooking demonstrations and more. The Ocean Springs Fresh Market vendors will be out in full force with great local items for purchase.
The First Saturday Bayhouse Market will join in the fun from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. on Robinson Street.
The event is free to the public. Read more: WLOX.com

Chamber news: Lynchburg Has Lowest Cost of Living According to Statewide Index

Living in Lynchburg is at the top of a very important list. According to the first quarter of a statewide cost of living index, this Hill City has the lowest cost of living in Virginia.
The Lynchburg Regional Chamber of Commerce released the good news Tuesday, and they couldn't be happier.
The data was collected by the Council for Community and Economic Research - which measures regional differences between the cost of consumer goods and services.
For this index, the group factored in things like housing costs, health care, utilities, and transportation - which was one of Lynchburg's strongest categories.
The Chamber says this is a sign that Lynchburg is right on target for attracting new residents, businesses... and growing the economy. Read more: WSET TV Lynchburg

Yvette Keast hired as Executive Director of Gladwin County Chamber of Commerce

There’s a new Executive Director at the Gladwin County Chamber of Commerce! Yvette Keast of Beaverton has been hired to take on the role.
“I’m excited to work with all the businesses in the county,” she said.

In addition to her role at the Gladwin County Chamber of Commerce, Keast teaches one class at Mid Michigan Community College and serves as the Theatre Production Coordinator.

In addition, she has been active in various organizations around the county for many years, including Gladwin Area Friends of the Theatre and Gladwin County Carriage Festival.

Keast will be holding office hours in both Gladwin and Beaverton. One of the things she stresses is that she plans to have staffing in the Chamber office whenever she can so they can better serve the needs of the businesses. Read more: Record & Clarion

Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation: (Courage) - Mark Twain


Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear. – Mark Twain

U.S. Senator Gary Peters Addresses Breakfast hosted by the Livonia Chamber of Commerce and Greater Farmington Area Chamber; Chamber interest: McCullough chosen as new economic chief for Mississippi; Chamber news: Top 10 BEST Places to Start A Business in the U.S. - #4. Evansville, Indiana-Kentucky; Countryside Harley dealership receives West Suburban Chamber Impact award for supporting local veterans; Clarksville leaders tour Bowling Green (Kentucky) for ideas; Lynchburg Chamber progresses with fundraising for new building; Fort Adkinson (Wisconsin) Chamber: Support the 2015 Project LEAD Class Project!; Welcome page: Eureka Springs Chamber of Commerce;

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


U.S. Senator Gary Peters  Addresses Breakfast hosted by the Livonia Chamber of Commerce and Greater Farmington Area Chamber



U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) today addressed a breakfast hosted by the Livonia Chamber of Commerce and Greater Farmington Area Chamber of Commerce, where he highlighted his top priorities in the U.S. Senate, including supporting small businesses and job creation, and heard from business leaders about issues most concerning them.
“Our small businesses lead the way in innovation and entrepreneurship, hire locally and contribute to our communities across Michigan,” said Senator Peters. “Small businesses like the ones represented here from Livonia, Farmington, and Farmington Hills are some of Michigan’s top job creators, and that’s why I am working in Washington to ensure they have access to the capital they need to compete, succeed and even grow their small businesses into large companies.”
As a member of the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, Peters last week introduced the Small Business Lending Reauthorization Act of 2015, a bipartisan bill that will ensure Michigan’s small businesses are receiving the loans and credit they need from the 7(a) loan program, the Small Business Administration (SBA)’s main lending program. Last year, this program loaned more than $1.2 billion to 2,145 small businesses in Michigan. Read more: Senator Gary Peters


Chamber interest: McCullough chosen as new economic chief for Mississippi


Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant has named Glenn McCullough Jr. as the new director of the state's economic development agency.
McCullough is a former head of the Tennessee Valley Authority and former mayor of Tupelo. In June, McCullough will succeed Brent Christensen, who is leaving the Mississippi Development Authority for a job in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Bryant announced the appointment of McCullough on Thursday during the annual meeting of the state chamber of commerce, the Mississippi Economic Council. Read more: wmcACTIONnews5.com


Chamber news: Top 10 BEST Places to Start A Business in the U.S. - #4. Evansville, Indiana-Kentucky

Evansville is an economic and commercial hub in the Indiana-Kentucky-Illinois Tri-State area. The city’s biggest employers include two medical centers, the local school district and Berry Plastics, a company that makes plastic packaging products. Evansville also has several cultural districts with entertainment venues, local restaurants and boutiques. Businesses can join the Southwest Indiana Chamber to get listed in its directory, get discounts on business services and join local groups, including the Diverse Business Alliance and the Downtown Alliance. The Growth Alliance for Greater Evansville also has resources including free site selection services, business expansion programs and a technology incubator.

Read more: Nerd Wallet

 

Countryside Harley dealership receives West Suburban Chamber Impact award for supporting local veterans

For its work supporting local veterans, the Illinois Harley-Davidson dealership in Countryside, 9950 Joliet Road, was honored April 15 with an Impact Award on behalf of the West Suburban Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
On behalf of area veterans, Illinois Harley-Davidson previously invited a representative from the Disabled American Veterans group to answer questions from veterans and made donations to the Heart of a Marine foundation to purchase walking sticks. They also sent three veterans of World War II to see the World War II Memorial Wall in Washington D.C. though Honor Flight Chicago.
On July 25, Illinois Harley-Davidson will honor and take donations for Lance Cpl. Evin Bodle at the Countryside dealership. Bodle was blinded in a mortar attack while serving in Afghanistan. At the event, Bodle will be given a party, a tribute from the color guard with a 21-gun salute and a presentation from Bugles Across America. Read more: MySuburbanLife.com

Clarksville leaders tour Bowling Green (Kentucky) for ideas

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Conversation is expanding about how, when and where to initiate a full-scale revitalization of downtown Clarksville. A recent inter-city visit to Bowling Green, Kentucky – where a similar effort has slowly but surely succeeded and gained national recognition – has given the Clarksville Area Chamber of Commerce and business leaders here plenty more to think about.
Privately funded by the Aspire Clarksville Foundation, the local Chamber recently led what was described as a “very informative and valuable trip” to Bowling Green.
Cal Wray, executive director of both Aspire and the Clarksville-Montgomery County Economic Development Council, said a group of more than 25 community leaders made the short trip to learn more about what Bowling Green has achieved in revitalizing its core, and how that city did it. The trip was coordinated by Melinda Shepard, Chamber executive director; Katie Gambill, Chamber chairman; and Lacey Groves, Chamber events coordinator. Read more: The Leaf-Chronicle

Lynchburg Chamber progresses with fundraising for new building

The Lynchburg Regional Chamber of Commerce has raised more than half the money needed to construct a new building for the group’s first move in 37 years.
The organization aims to finish fundraising and put out a bid for construction by the end of this year and break ground in 2016. The chamber has accumulated about $1.1 million and needs $878,000 more.

The new location, on Candlers Mountain Road, is next to the Kirkley Hotel in Lynchburg. The planned square footage is more than twice that at the current location, off of Memorial Avenue and Langhorne Road. The acreage, meanwhile, is at least triple in size.

“The new location puts it in within 85 percent of our hotel rooms in our community,” said Bob Leveque, chair of the chamber’s fundraising campaign. Read more: News & Advance

Fort Atkinson (Wisconsin) Chamber: Support the 2015 Project LEAD Class Project!

Help preserve the lovely canopy of shade at Ralph Park, where over 20,000 people enjoy athletic and cultural events annually. This year’s Project LEAD class will plant up to 30 trees to counteract the effects of the Emerald Ash borer, which is slowly killing many of the park’s trees. Become a donor, and help continue the 22-year legacy of Fort Atkinson’s designation as a Tree City USA!

To donate

 

Welcome page: Eureka Springs Chamber of Commerce

 WELCOME TO EUREKA SPRINGS

Eureka Springs; Arkansas has been a popular resort town and vacation destination since the 1800’s. Nestled in the Ozark Mountains of Northwest Arkansas near the Missouri border, Eureka Springs became known early on for its healing waters, Victorian architecture and historical significance and as a haven for artists.
As time went by first class lodging including hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, cabins and cottages, campgrounds and resorts were built to accommodate visitors who continue to discover Eureka Springs as a destination for couples, weddings, families and for group travel. To further the Eureka Springs experience guests to our historic city can enjoy top Arkansas attractions such as the Great Passion Play, Opera in the Ozarks, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, Blue Spring Heritage Center, the Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railroad, live theater and music shows, caves, festivals and parades. If paranormal is your thing, find it here in our historic hotels. And, we’re only an hour away from Branson, Missouri and just over an hour’s drive from the new Crystal Bridges art museum. Outdoor activities such as hiking, horseback riding, bicycling, boating, fishing, swimming can be enjoyed as Eureka Springs is surrounded by three lakes, two rivers and the majestic Ozark Mountains, Eureka Springs is home to many award-winning restaurants and great shopping opportunities abound all over the city.

The broad spectrum and popularity of Eureka weddings has earned our romantic village the distinction of Wedding Capital of the South. Eureka Springs has been consistently honored as one of the Top 25 Arts Destinations and our proximity to Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art makes us the obvious destination for art lovers. For visitor information, vacation packages, discounts, tickets, retirement or relocation assistance don’t hesitate to contact us at the Greater Eureka Springs Chamber of Commerce.
For information when visiting Eureka Springs, stop in at our Visitor Center. We hope to see you soon!

 

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

RULE #80      Post vision statements above the mission statement. 

Chamber ALERT: Today is a big day for businesses in Fishers and Carmel, Indiana; Traverse City Area Chamber's Kent Wood: Growing business is good for Michigan; Chamber interest: Lynchburg-area leaders visit Lexington, Kentucky for economic-development tips; Chamber inspiration: Madison Startups Sound Off on Exposure, Integration, Diversity; Chamber breakfast: Des Plaines mayor seeks to improve city's brand in 2015; El Dorado (Arkansas) chamber Event: Deputy Director Danny Games Highlights Upcoming Economic Outlook Luncheon; Jackson County (Mississippi) Chamber Spotlight: Annex Restaurant a family affair; Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotations: Attitude

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

Chamber ALERT: Today is a big day for businesses in Fishers and Carmel, Indiana

Big news for Hamilton Co. businesses 11 AM today - 

This is a big day for businesses in Carmel and Fishers. The boards of directors of the Fishers and Carmel chambers of commerce invite you to an 11 a.m. announcement today at The Mansion at Oak Hill, 5801 E. 116^th St., Carmel. We will share some bold and exciting news.The date is Feb. 10th and the announcement will be at The Mansion at Oak Hill, 5801 E. 116^th St., Carmel.(Southeast corner of Hazel Dell Parkway and 116^th St.).

Information from the Fishers Chamber - Fishers growing business community offers an outstanding array of goods and services and features approximately 1,900 businesses ranging from corporate headquarters and distribution centers, to professional practices and manufacturing, business has grown with Fishers population growth, each supporting the other. The corporate headquarters located within Fishers have grown based on the Town’s demographics, quality of life and amenities.

More from the Carmel Chamber- In the midst of Hamilton County, Forbes magazine’s choice as the number one place in the nation to raise a family, Carmel continues to create and protect the community assets that attract great businesses and residents. As one of the fastest growing cities in Indiana, Carmel has a reputation for being a safe, family–oriented city. One with exceptional high-achieving schools, a nationally-recognized public library, strong support for the arts and an appreciation for their role in creating and sustaining growth and excellence.  

Traverse City Area Chamber's Kent Wood: Growing business is good for Michigan

It’s good to have friends in high places.
The Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance looks to have an ally in Gov. Rick Snyder, who laid out an aggressive agenda for 2015 in his State of the State address in Lansing last week. The Alliance represents eight area chambers and thousands of businesses across Northern Michigan. It is fortunate that many of its 2015 legislative priorities align with the governor’s goals. The organization looks forward to working with lawmakers and our members to get these things done to keep Michigan moving forward.
The Alliance is encouraged by the governor’s strong support for more investment in talent and workforce development. That is also among our top priorities this year. More and more northern Michigan businesses are finding it difficult to find skilled workers in manufacturing, construction and other sectors — businesses that help drive the northern Michigan economy. Read more: Traverse City Record-Eagle

Chamber interest: Lynchburg-area leaders visit Lexington, Kentucky for economic-development tips

Business and community leaders in the region returned last week from a three-day trip to Lexington, Kentucky, to learn about the city’s economic development practices.
“What I find is that we’re unified and strong and have a real understanding of advancing the region together,” said Dennis Jarvis, Altavista economic development director, who went on the trip. But, he said, “one thing that’s hardest for us to glean — they have a metro government in Lexington; we don’t.”

.

Lexington, which is part of Fayette County, Kentucky, is under a single metro government, while Central Virginia consists of four counties and one city.

Fourteen regional leaders representing a diverse range of the private and public sector met with city bankers, economic development officials, Chamber of Commerce heads, university officials and the Lexington mayor. Read more: The News & Advance

Chamber inspiration: Madison Start-ups Sound Off on Exposure, Integration, Diversity

The Madison Startup Fair on University of Wisconsin-Madison’s campus brings together a cross-section of local startups each year, from software to 3D printing technology to alternative insulation material for outdoor gear.
The event, now in its third year, aims to help university students connect with startups and learn more about possible careers, while companies get to hunt for talent.
I also see it as an opportunity to pick entrepreneurs’ brains about the latest trends. Last year, I asked participants what challenges their businesses were facing. This year, I decided to ask for one thing that could be improved about the startup climate in Madison and Wisconsin as a whole. Here are three snap responses: Read more: Xconomy.com

Chamber breakfast: Des Plaines mayor seeks to improve city's brand in 2015

Des Plaines Mayor Matt Bogusz asked attendees of his annual Address to Business at a chamber of commerce breakfast Thursday to stand up if they do business in the city -- and to remain standing if they'd recommend to others to do the same.

Most all did, but Bogusz said a recent survey found more than half of the city's residents would caution against it.

Repairing that "disconnect" through the development of a city marketing and branding plan, Bogusz said, is one of his goals for 2015.

"We as a city and as a city-chamber partnership have not done a good enough job telling our story and communicating to the world around us," said Bogusz, delivering his second such address to business leaders following his election in 2013. "We need to refresh and realign our brand." Read more: Daily Herald

El Dorado (Arkansas) chamber Event: Deputy Director Danny Games Highlights Upcoming Economic Outlook Luncheon 

Recently, Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson appointed Danny Games as the Deputy Director of the Economic Development Commission. This is a very important position for all Arkansans since Danny will be implementing the Governor's vision for economic prosperity by working with existing companies on expansions and recruiting new companies to the state. Danny will also be working with the Governor to select the new Executive Director for the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. From media reports and job search inquiries, it appears that Governor Hutchinson is leaning toward a professional economic developer for the position.

Danny has graciously agreed to be the keynote speaker at the Chamber's Quarterly Economic Outlook Luncheon on Wednesday, February 11,

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM at the First United Methodist Church in Smackover at

500 West 7th Street. He and the AEDC Board will be in El Dorado for a series of tours and meetings on February 11th and 12th. We hope to have a large crowd at the event to show El Dorado and Union County's enthusiasm for working with the state. More information: El Dorado Chamber

Jackson County (Mississippi) Chamber Spotlight: Annex Restaurant a family affair

• Why did you go into business? The Annex Restaurant has been around since the 1940's. I started working here in 2010, and I loved it. Now my husband, Josh Smith, and I are the new owners of The Annex Restaurant as of a year ago. It is a wonderful atmosphere, and you get really attached to the customers. They become like family. You end up on a first name basis with them and just enjoy their company. I wanted to continue that tradition for them and for our community.

• What do you offer your customers? At The Annex Restaurant we offer Southern, home-style food like you would get at home along with a laid back, casual atmosphere to match! It's a place to go to see old friends and catch up over coffee. At The Annex Restaurant we offer catering and delivery options with discounts included for purchases with more than 10 orders. We can work with customers to plan catering options throughout the week, reserve space for business meetings and have private parties rent the restaurant in the afternoon and on the weekend. We have the same menu that people have come to know and love along with a few new entrees in a smoke-free environment. Some of our menu will be featured next week at the Taste of Jackson County on Tuesday, Feb. 10^. The Annex Restaurant also offers specials for law enforcement, EMT and firemen, and we also offer a senior discount menu. Read more: GulfLive.com

Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotations: Attitude

“A champion is a dreamer that refused to give up” - Author unknown