Kyle Hannon: Chamber’s Third House brings state legislature to the people; Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber: 30 Ways to Grow Your List; Barrington Area Chamber Announces 2017 Business Awards and New Leadership; SHINE employees taking a shine to downtown Janesville; Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce 2016-2017 Community Guide & Membership Directory; Hillsdale Chamber establishes tourism division; 75th Anniversary --- Annual Marion County Chamber Awards Banquet; Get Your Tickets to the 93rd Annual Arlington Business Gala; 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!

Kyle Hannon: Chamber’s Third House brings state legislature to the people

The Indiana General Assembly is at work, which makes a lot of people nervous and a lot of Chambers of Commerce excited. For the same reasons.

Many people are uneasy whenever government is in action. In a time-honored and mildly amusing joke, somebody says, “I’m from the government. I’m here to help.” The understood punch line is that government programs always have unintended consequences and do more harm than good.

Fortunately, that is not always true. In fact, I would say usually government programs can help communities, if they are done right.

That’s why Chambers get excited. Every Chamber of Commerce in the state, large and small, is involved in some kind of advocacy. We build relationships and trust with government officials to build a better business climate. We believe, as do many of our lawmakers, that a business climate that provides good jobs provides a strong community. Now that everybody is in agreement on what to do, let’s move forward.

Well, it’s not quite that simple. There are a lot of other interests out there. In fact, everybody has a special interest group, whether they know it or not. If you don’t believe me, take a look at all the official lobbyist organizations filed with the Indiana Lobby Registration Commission. Sometime these groups have different opinions from your friendly neighborhood Chamber of Commerce. Unbelievable but true.

That’s OK. The Chambers work to provide information, hoping that the better ideas and opportunities become clear. Surprisingly, we even provide an opportunity for the opposition to show up in our building and talk to the lawmakers we invited. Read more: South Bend Daily News



Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber: 30 Ways to Grow Your List

Complimentary Business Seminar
Chamber of Commerce Board Room
Wednesday, January 25th, 2017
10am to 12 noon

Let's get Back to Business!  (School is back in session and we are all returning from our vacations!) It's time to grow your contact list!

Join us for "30 Ways to Grow Your List" workshop - you'll leave with ideas and strategies to capture new contacts, grow your list and take action to help move your business forward.

Having an interested and qualified list of contacts that you can stay top of mind with is vital to every business. Continuing to grow that list is just as important. In this workshop we will show you 30 easy ways to grow your contact list today!

We will cover:

* Why someone should join your contact list and what's in it for them

* How to ask people to join your list "face-to-face"

* How to use social media to grow your list

* How to grow your list on your website or blog

* How to use print material to get people to sign up

* How to use events to help grow your list

* How to use incentives and giveaways to grow your list 

Plus, you'll have a chance to network with other attendees and grow your contact list, live during the workshop!

NOTE: You don't need to bring a laptop, though you are welcome to for note taking. 

If you'd like to get a head-start before attending this workshop sign-up for a FREE 60-day trial account to start your marketing campaign today!

Barrington Area Chamber Announces 2017 Business Awards and New Leadership

The Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC) announced its 2017 business awards at its Annual Dinner & Scholarship Fundraiser on Thursday, January 19 at The Stonegate Conference and Banquet Centre. The evening was a celebration of Chamber accomplishments and people. It attracted nearly 200 local business, community and governmental leaders. The event also raised funds for the Chamber's annual scholarships. "Tonight I would like to introduce you to the people who are helping us create a climate of inspiration, opportunity and excellence that keeps business strong and our communities vibrant," said 2017 new BACC Chairman of the Board Liz Luby, of 365Barrington.com and @properties|The Luby Group. Luby then officially announced the following 2017 BACC Awards: BACC Hospitality of the Year Award: McGonigal's Pub "McGonigal's Pub is a popular meeting place where you always know someone and both locals and visitors find refuge. Known for its neighborly ambiance, fine Irish food and fantastic selection of spirits and draft beers, it's a community favorite for fundraisers that support charitable, passionate and important causes." Luby said. Community Partner of the Year Recipient: JourneyCare "As the largest nonprofit provider of hospice and palliative care in Illinois, JourneyCare has helped thousands of families who transition through the grief, loss and pain of watching a loved one suffer from a serious or terminal illness." said Luby "They partner with an army of compassionate volunteers from the communities they serve to help patients live fully, with dignity, without pain, and on their own terms. Their presence here brings heart and soul to our region." New Business of the Year Recipient: The Windy City Bulls "The Windy City Bulls, a professional development league for our own Chicago Bulls, joined our community with a mission to bring families together to enjoy a favorite pastime - basketball. Their efforts to engage community groups, create an activity for quality family time, and give back to the communities they serve have made them a local champion." Luby said. Earlier in the evening the 2017 Board of Directors was officially inducted. "Each year our Board sets the tone and direction for the Chamber and business community," said BACC President/CEO Suzanne Corr. "We are fortunate to have leaders representing a cross section of industry to guide and inspire us each year." The BACC Board includes: Executive Committee Members: Liz Luby, @Properties |The Luby Group, 365Barrington.com-Chairman; Tom Cramer, Wintrust Mortgage-First Vice Chairman - Membership; Dennis Kelly, FGMK Insurance, Inc.-Second Vice Chairman-Events; Charlotte Neault, Barrington Bank & Trust Co., N.A. - Treasurer; and Past Chairman Patty Jacobsen, Jensen, Jacobsen & Associates, Inc. 2017 BACC Directors include: Lisa Caputo, Morgan Stanley - The Schirmann Group; Joseph Connelly, BMO Harris Bank; Steve Cook, Quintessential Media Group; Liz Donofrio, Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital; Keith Hanson, Hanson Law Group, LLP; Andrea Herran, Focus HR Consulting; Paul Horcher, Refined Construction; John Jackson, 4ci Mgmt-Balancing Life's Challenges; Dr. Reinhold Llerena, AMITA Health Medical Group; Doug McAllister, Douglas Automotive Inc.; Bryan McGonigal, McGonigal's Pub; Jennifer Prell, Paxem/Elderwerks; Scott Ray, Daily Herald Media Group; Barry Schimmel, Microshare Intl LLC.; and Edmund Tobias, Tobias Family Dentistry. The BACC Board also includes Advisory Board Members: Peg Blanchard, Village of Barrington; Brian Harris, Barrington 220 School District, Terry Jennings, Barrington Park District; Joyce Palmquist, Barrington Area Council on Aging; and Detlev Pansch, Barrington Area Library. For more information, contact Suzanne Corr, President, BACC, 847-381-2525 or email suzanne@barringtonchamber.com

SHINE employees taking a shine to downtown Janesville

There are no space-age particle accelerators humming away in SHINE Medical Technologies' corporate headquarters on the sixth-floor suite of Prospect 101 in downtown Janesville.

Nor will there be.

That equipment is for later at SHINE's future medical radioisotope facility on Janesville's far south end.

But the 35 or so SHINE employees who staff SHINE's newly renovated corporate offices downtown say they're finding their newly renovated office space, with sweeping views of the Rock River, a comfortable fit.

The view should inspire as SHINE engineers and planners work to meet a goal of breaking ground this year on a $100 million medical radioisotope production plant just east of the Southern Wisconsin Regional Airport.

“We've got one of the best views in the city up here,” SHINE CEO Greg Piefer said at a community meet-and-greet Monday, during which SHINE employees met local residents and city officials at the company's new offices at Prospect 101.

Piefer said the company has been working to hire a full staff of nuclear engineers and other technical staff to put together final designs to construct the 57,000-square-foot facility.

SHINE already won approval from federal nuclear regulators to build the facility in Janesville, and SHINE said as recently as December 2016 that it intended to break ground in the first quarter of 2017 and be producing molybdenum 99 by the end of 2019.

The project still awaits an operating license, which is a separate part of federal regulatory review. But construction of the facility—which will use particle accelerators and low-enriched uranium in production—can move ahead pending that review.

SHINE Vice President Katrina Pitas told The Gazette on Monday that SHINE still plans to break ground this year, and “possibly” still by this spring.

In a brief address to visitors Monday, Piefer did not give an exact update on the timeline for the project. He only said he hopes it will break ground soon.

“Hopefully, we'll be building on site soon, within the next year or so,” Piefer said

That site is where SHINE would eventually produce radioisotopes the company says would fulfill an emerging domestic and global demand for moly-99, which is used to light up bone and tissue in thousands of medical imaging tests daily.

The staff at Prospect 101, which the company said could grow to 60 over the next year, would work on the facility plans and on launching the company into future production.

Abbey Donahue began working for SHINE as a systems integration engineer in October. Donahue, a nuclear engineer who moved here from Washington, D.C., will work to help the SHINE facility's equipment make the jump from design to production.

Donahue is one of a handful of new employees SHINE has added as it gears up to break ground in Janesville.

“We're creating a little nuclear engineering empire here,” Donahue said. “It's super-cool.”

Engineer Steve Miltenberger, who SHINE hired about a month ago, is overseeing the construction's schedule, costs and scope. He has worked on several nuclear production projects in the U.S. in the past and comes to Janesville after spending more than a year on a project in England.

He rented an apartment in Janesville, and he enjoys the “hometown atmosphere” of working in downtown Janesville.

Donahue said she's thrilled to get out of the daily traffic crush in D.C.

Local stakeholders are eager to see SHINE's production facility completed. SHINE has said it would eventually employ 150 at the production facility, and the positions there would represent high-paying, skilled jobs.

SHINE's future facility is being partly funded through federal grants and a city of Janesville development agreement. SHINE moved its offices from Monona to downtown Janesville late last year as part of TIF agreement by Prospect 101's owner to renovate the building's top floor for a long-term tenant.

Monday night, Forward Janesville held a ceremonial ribbon-cutting at SHINE's downtown headquarters to welcome the company.

Forward Janesville President John Beckord lauded SHINE's move to Janesville, but his short welcoming address carried an inquisitive edge. Read more: GazetteExtra



Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce 2016-2017 Community Guide & Membership Directory

The Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce 2016-2017 Community Profile & Membership Directory is available at the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber today! Thanks to Pam Swain, Rosie Vassalo 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 profile or publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633.

Hillsdale Chamber establishes tourism division


In an effort to market Hillsdale County to visitors, the Hillsdale County Chamber of Commerce has developed a tourism division.

"We are ecstatic about our new division and look forward to working with our local businesses and organizations to promote Hillsdale County as a tourism destination," said Rachel O'Heran, director of tourism and business development.

For 2017 O'Heran said her goal is to implement a strategic marketing strategy that will utilize a range of print, web, and radio advertising targeting visitors within a two hour radius.

She said in the past, there hasn't been a cohesive marketing strategy that advocates or articulates Hillsdale County as a tourism destination.

The tourism division's logo "Hello Hillsdale County!" pinpoints Hillsdale County as a destination. The division is also plugged into social media with an Instagram and Facebook page. The division's website is www.hellohillsdalecounty.com. Photos can be uploaded to Instagram with the hashtag #hellohillsdalecounty.

The development of the tourism division comes after a successful 2016 at the chamber. Read more: Hillsdale Daily News

75th Anniversary --- Annual Marion County Chamber Awards Banquet

The Marion County Chamber of Commerce’s 75th Anniversary Annual Awards Banquet will be held Thursday, Jan. 26, at Centre Square in Lebanon. The social begins at 6 p.m. with dinner starting at 6:30 p.m. The cost of the event is $25 per person. Invitations have been mailed to all chamber members but everyone is invited to attend. Please RSVP by Friday, Jan. 20, by calling the chamber office at 270-692-9594 or email info@MarionCountyKyChamber.com. Complete information is available at the chamber website MarionCountyKyChamber.com.



Get Your Tickets to the 93rd Annual Arlington Business Gala

Time is running out to get your ticket to the 93rd Annual Arlington Business Gala! Get ready to put on your dancing shoes and prepare for an evening of mixing and mingling with friends and fellow business leaders. A celebration of the Arlington business community, the Gala is the largest and most prestigious Chamber event of the year and will be held this Saturday, January 28 at The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City.

Get your ticket today to secure your spot at Arlington's Best Night Out! For questions regarding registration, contact Hannah Dannenfelser at chamber@arlingtonchamber.org or (703) 525-2400.

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

Kentucky Chamber Executive Digest - December, 2016

Kentucky Chamber Executive Digest

December, 2016

Happy Monday, Chamber world! It is going to be a GREAT week! Here is news you can use as a Kentucky Chamber of Commerce professional:

Paducah Area Chamber Membership Reaches Record Amount of 1075 Members

The final results are in for the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2016 Annual Membership and Total Resource campaign with a record total for membership reaching 1,075 members. The campaign exceeded its goal and recruited 106 new members during the four week campaign. The results were announced at a Campaign Celebration held at the Commerce Center and sponsored by Payment Plus.    

“This is a record-setting total number for our Paducah Chamber membership,” said Tammy Zimmerman, Campaign Chair and Chair-elect of the Paducah Chamber Board of Directors and Owner of Payment Plus. “To have accomplished this recruitment effort during such a busy time for the Chamber with our recent trip to DC, our local seminars and events, to having this campaign underway, is a real tribute to our leadership and our many volunteers.”

According to Chamber President Sandra Wilson, “The local businesses have been very supportive of the Chamber and the work we are doing on behalf of our community and our businesses. Our new members range from small businesses to several new businesses under construction to some established businesses who have not been a member and have now decided to join.”         

"I want to congratulate Tammy and Sandra and thank the many volunteers and businesses who participated in this campaign,” said Bruce Wilcox, Chamber Chair of the Board and President of Henry A. Petter Supply Co., LLC. “Gaining 106 new members in this short-time frame and reaching a record high of total members are significant benchmarks for the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce. Our volunteers have really been hard at work on our behalf during this annual campaign."

The top volunteer producer for the campaign was Janice Cleary with Paducah Bank. This is the second consecutive year that Cleary has won this award. Second place producer award went to Jessica Newman with Advantage Insurance; third place was Jessica Wallace with Paducah Bank; fourth place was Eri Gjergji with Computer Services Inc.; and fifth place was Megan Thomason with Northwestern Mutual.

The Paducah Bank team received the “traveling trophy” award for Overall Team Winner with Cleary serving as Team Captain, also for the second consecutive year. Cleary’s team recruited 27 new members plus other renewals from the 2015 campaign and a variety of new sponsorships. The team captained by Darlene Mazzone with Mazzone Communications received second place and the third place team was Mike Muscarella with Baptist Health. Source: Paducah Chamber

Kyndle news: South African aluminum firm to build 90-job manufacturing plant in Henderson

Henderson County can expect 90 new jobs in the community possibly as soon as the end of 2017. And, according to one official, that's just the start.

Hansens Aluminum LLC , a company based out of South Africa, announced Thursday that they plan to build an $18.4 million manufacturing facility at the Henderson County Riverport.

"We're trying to open up to a broader market by being in Henderson," said Jared Pudney, Hansens' business development manager. "This is not the last announcement in Henderson for Hansens Aluminum. This is just phase one."

The aluminum extrusion facility, which includes a machining operation, will be up to 75,000 square feet and will supply customers throughout the U.S. and Mexico.

Working with Kyndle for more than a year, Hansens decided to build a facility in Henderson due to its central location and their ease working with Kyndle. Pudney referenced the other aluminum manufacturers in the region, such as Hydro Aluminum, along with the availability of gas and electricity providers. Pudney also cited the migration of automotive manufacturers from the north of the United States to the south, which made Henderson's central location appealing to Hansens.

"All our dealings with Kyndle have been great," said Pudney. "It was Kyndle's combination of efficiency and friendliness with their southern hospitality that really sold us on Henderson."

In a Kyndle press release, Pudney stated, "We see great opportunities to supply our existing customers from Kentucky and to add new clients. The Henderson operation will expand our global capacity and allow us to add new automotive products to our range. The support we have experienced at a local and state level from both elected officials and economic developers has truly exceptional. This certainly influenced our decision towards Kentucky." Read more: The Gleaner

Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotations: (Commitment)

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.” ~ Margaret Mead 

2nd Annual Kentucky Workforce Summit

Creating a highly skilled workforce requires strong public programs and leadership from the private sector.

The 2nd Annual Kentucky Workforce Summit: Solutions for Economic Competitiveness will focus on what is happening right now in Kentucky — and what needs to happen going forward — to ensure the quality of the state’s workforce and improve the state’s economic position at home and around the globe.

Experts from industry and government will share insights and information about:

building a talent pipeline of workers;

creating employer-led collaboratives to address specific workforce needs;

using data to make decisions about training and hiring; and

programs that let people learn new skills while gaining experience on the job.

Register now, and demonstrate your investment in the future of the Commonwealth's workforce!

Sponsors and Exhibitors: Sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities are available.

Click here to view benefits and contact Andrea Flanders, sponsorship development manager

at 502-848-8723 to learn more or to reserve a sponsorship and/or exhibit booth.

Chamber Executive Ongoing Education: The Catalyst Leader: 8 Essentials for Becoming a Change Maker --- by Brad Lomenick

"Your legacy, regardless of where you are in your leadership journey, starts now.  Leading well now means finishing well later." - Brad Lomenick

We need great leaders.  More than ever we need authentic, collaborative, inspiring men and women of integrity at the helm of society- and too often our leaders fall short.  Some focus on personal success, alienating those they lead.  Others shift their principles when it is convenient.

There is a better way.  You can energize and inspire the people around you.  You can equip a team of principled collaborators to answer God's calling.  You can be a catalyst leader.

In The Catalyst Leader, Brad Lomenick describes the skills and principles that define a true change maker.  This book offers eight key essentials by which a leader can influence others and make a difference, laying out the path to the keys for becoming an effective leader.

Lomenick shares wisdom, practical knowledge, and stories of success and failure from his own journey of running Catalyst, one of America's most influential leadership movements.  And the lives of dozens of leaders around the world- from the creators of famous reality show to pastors, from ranch workers to a Silicon Valley designer.  These men and women are living proof that good leadership inspires and innovates, while poor leadership leaves us with hopelessness and regret.

Leading can be a difficult road, and many choose to follow.  But you can take a better path.  Begin your journey to becoming a catalyst leader. Read more: Brad Lomenick

Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotations (Thanksgiving)

The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up. --- Mark Twain

Kentucky Chamber: 2017 Legislative Preview Conference

Don't miss the Kentucky Chamber’s Annual Legislative Preview Conference, presented by Brown-Forman, Monday, Dec. 19, at the Griffin Gate Marriott Resort & Spa in Lexington.

The 2017 Kentucky Legislative Preview is a one-day gathering of the most prominent and influential policy-makers in Kentucky. Key elected and appointed officials will be on hand to discuss the fast approaching legislative session.

Join us as we look ahead to the 2017 General Assembly. Lawmakers will convene in Frankfort to consider legislative proposals – including many that will impact business. To help you stay informed, the Legislative Preview 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.

December 19, 2016 | Griffin Gate Marriott Resort & Spa | Lexington, Ky. We hope to see you there! More information: Kentucky Chamber

Christian County Chamber Host: Veterans Day Parade

The Christian County Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee will be hosting the 2016 Veterans Day Parade Saturday, Nov. 5.

The community is invited to attend the parade which will begin at 10 a.m. at the War Memorial Building. The lineup includes veterans, Fort Campbell soldiers, military vehicles and local bands.

The parade route will run from the War Memorial Building to the Christian County Justice Center. Following the parade, there will be a brief program in the parking lot of the Christian County Justice Center.

The Military Affairs Committee encourages businesses and organization to join the route on Ninth Street as a sidewalk saluter to show support of local veterans and their families for their service.

If you are interested in participating in the 2016 Veterans’ Day Parade as a sidewalk saluter, please contact Katie Lopez at 270-885-9096 or email klopez@christiancountychamber.com. If leaving a message, please include your name, contact information, and number of people attending from your business or organization. Read more: Kentucky New Era

Hopkins County Chamber Holiday Open House 

You'll find great gifts and marvelous merchandise to choose from during the Chamber Holiday Open House on Nov. 4 & 5, 2016. You're guaranteed to please even the most persnickety person on your gift list!

So make your list, check it twice, cash or credit - it's all nice! Our merchants and restaurants are getting ready for you, so save the date 'cause we can't wait to help you get your shopping done during the Chamber's annual Holiday Open House. More than 50 Chamber member merchants are offering great holiday deals, giveaways, and more. Plus, enter at each location to win one of five Chamber Check prize drawings, and be on the lookout throughout the weekend for special Chamber elves spreading a little Chamber cheer in the form of Chamber Checks!

Click here to download the 2016 complete list of participating merchants and specials by category. Read more: Hopkins County Chamber

Shopping small in Frankfort: Small Business Saturday provides welcome boost for local stores

Vickie Oliver and Barbara Durham were on their way out of Completely Kentucky Saturday with mocha coffees in hand from Kentucky Coffeetree Cafe. The mochas helped them get them in the holiday mood while they searched for decorations and gifts in downtown Frankfort businesses.

The pair of Small Business Saturday shoppers had already found some items — it wasn’t their first time getting out to shop the day after Black Friday.

“We just like to shop local. Usually you find something different — something kind of cool,” Oliver said.

Small Business Saturday was started in 2010 by credit card company American Express, according to the company’s website. By 2012, merchants in all 50 states had gotten involved, and in 2014 an estimated $14.3 billion was spent at independent businesses on Small Business Saturday.

Lisa Weber, a manager at Completely Kentucky, was busy helping the steady stream of customers in her store Saturday.

Weber has worked at the store for four years. She said Small Business Saturday, along with Candlelight a couple of weeks earlier, gives downtown shops a boost in sales to kick off the holiday season.

“It’s following Black Friday, so people are really starting to gear up for the holiday season,” Weber said.

She couldn’t say what kind of a boost her store was going to have this year, but shoppers kept coming through the door.

“It’s really honestly hard to tell until you look at the numbers at the end of the day. But it’s been pretty consistently busy today,” Weber said.

Frankfort Area Chamber of Commerce President Carmen Inman said in an email that the chamber and Downtown Frankfort Inc. handed out more than 50 packages for the event and that more than 100 businesses in Frankfort are eligible to participate. Read more: State-Journal

Somerset-Pulaski County Chamber Sponsor: Chris Knight will be featured at Harvest Moon Festival

Usually, the moon comes out at night. This Thursday, Knight will come out for the Moon. The Harvest Moon Festival, that is.

Now in its third year and ever-growing in popularity, the 2016 Harvest Moon Festival will once again be held at the Pulaski Judicial Center Plaza in downtown Somerset on Thursday, October 27, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. And just like the simple pleasures of looking up at a big, beautiful orb in the clear autumn sky, it’s free.

This year’s featured performer is Chris Knight. A native of western Kentucky’s Webster County, Knight has become a Somerset staple nonetheless with multiple appearances at the Master Musicians Festival over the years. That’s something that has become commonplace with the Harvest Moon Festival — whether acts like Tyler Childers, Kevin Dalton, and Kelly Rae Burton the first year, or the raucous Sundy Best last time around.

Considering it’s Tiffany Bourne — who both serves as community development director for Pulaski County Government and president of the MMF board — behind both events, the crossover feel should seem elementary.

“It started three years ago after MMF, and I was sad that MMF was over,” said Bourne. “I remember walking by the judicial plaza one day and wondering why we weren’t utilizing that space more.

“We don’t have a lot of fall festivals going on in town, (we didn’t have) that one signature fall event for the town,” she added. “We kind of threw it together that first year. I was able to use my experience from MMF to be able to put on a festival for Pulaski County government in my actual day job.”

Knight, an Americana-style singer-songwriter, is known for songs like “It Ain’t Easy Being Me” and “Down the River.”

“After coming off last year, with Sundy Best being so popular, we had to bring in a crowd favorite,” said Bourne. “People in this town love (Knight) through MMF. We feel like he’s one of ours, even though he’s from Slaughters, Ky. We do take ownership of him since he’s been here so many times.”

Knight isn’t the only one appearing, however. Other acts MMF fans might recognize will also be on hand: Elvie Shane, Kites, Will Muse, and Kevin Dalton and the Tuesday Blooms.

Music is just one part of the equation, however. The Harvest Moon Festival is one final hurrah in the calendar year for Market on Main, the popular outdoor farmers market that’s typically found on the judicial plaza in summer months.

“That’s how we started the first year,” said Bourne. “They wanted to end their season with a bang. Bring in a bigger band and do things on a little bit bigger scale.”

The normal Market on Main vendors will be on hand, about 25 regular booth spaces reserved, but special for the event will be several more food and beverage providers, including:

Baxter’s Coffee; Station 211 Coffee; Tacos Tanaco; Get UR Smoke On BBQ; Ruckel’s; Mill Springs Pizza; R&D Ribbon Fries and Funnel Cakes; Beaux BBQ; and cotton candy from the Somerset Junior Woman’s Club.

Bourne thanked all the sponsors for making it possible, including the City of Somerset Tourist & Convention Commission; Lake Cumberland Tourism; Don Marshall Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Nissan; the Downtown Somerset Development Corporation; A1A Communications; County Attorney Martin Hatfield; Woodson Bend; Jim Muse Dentistry; Jeremy Bartley; Cricket Wireless; Frei Plumbing; First & Farmers Bank; and the Somerset-Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce. Read more: Commonwealth Journal

Kyndle awarding grants to three nonprofits

Kyndle will award three Henderson-based nonprofits with $1,000 grants at the Kyndle Nonprofit Leadership Seminar this Friday.

The grants, provided by the Community Foundation of Henderson County, will be drawn as door prizes at the conclusion of the seminar.

Henderson nonprofit staff or board members will be eligible to win for their organization. Half of each grant must be used for professional development, and the Community Foundation has resources concerning where such training is available.

The Nonprofit Leadership Seminar is sponsored by the Community Foundation and will provide training and inspiration to help nonprofits build, sustain and maximize their impact.

The seminar features two keynote speakers:

• June Miller, regional director of the Indiana Nonprofit Resource Network, whose topic will be “The Board’s Role in Fundraising.” 
• Angela White, senior consultant and CEO of Johnson, Gross, Nickle and Associates. Her topic is “The Role of Women in Philanthropic Decision Making and Changing Donor Demographics.” Read more: The Gleaner

Marion County Chamber Chili Cook-Off

The annual Chamber Chili Cook-off at the Dickens Christmas Celebration in downtown Lebanon will be held on Friday, Nov. 25, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Participants will be placed along Main Street near participating businesses. All of the money raised this year will be donated the Marion County Area Technology Center. To register, please contact the Marion County Chamber of Commerce by Nov. 18. If you have questions, please email director@MarionCountyKyChamber.com or call the Chamber office at 270-692-9594. More information: Marion County KY Chamber

Chamber assist: Made in Logan by Logan

Logan County woman makes necklaces, unique crafts

 Tucked away in the large back room in Betty’s Antique Mall, where countless artifacts such as old dolls, antique furniture and a trove of 1970s comic books compete for space, Karen Logan has a horde of homemade jewelry and other crafts on display.

Sitting inside and on top of a glass storefront counter is an assortment of items Logan made herself, including sheets and burlap rolled into the shape of a flower and a cake stand made of a plate attached to the top of a candlestick holder.

For her crafts, Logan repurposes old objects and makes something new.

“One of my favorite things to do is go shopping and look for items that are either in thrift shops or Goodwill and things like that and find little gems there,” she said.

She often combines these “little gems” into new pieces, like the cake stand fashioned from the plate and the candlestick.

“You have a very unique piece you won’t ever see again, made out of something that was probably going to end up in the trash,” she said.

The creations Logan makes with the greatest frequency are her necklaces, some of which feature a clay pendant, stamped with a design and colored.

Logan originally got the idea for the clay necklaces from similar ones she’d seen on Pinterest, though she wanted to craft her necklaces with a fresh approach, she said.

“I don’t like to do anything someone else does exactly,” she said. “I just have it in my head and I try to put my twist on it.”

Her personal twist, she said, involves stamping designs into the clay, applying numerous colored patterns and burnishing the edges to give them a worn look.

Logan also makes necklaces with pendants made of wire bent into shapes and adorned with beads.

Above all, Logan strives for uniqueness in her crafts, she said.

“I can make stuff probably no one else is going to make,” she said. “I mean, there’s no fun in repeating everybody else. It’s fun showing people this is what I can do and this is what I did.”

Though she has plenty of previous experience with crafts ranging from cakes to embroidery, her current business, Logan Made, has formally been in operation since March.

Her husband, Charlie, who retired from the Russellville Fire Department in January, is a part of the company as well, specializing in woodworking.

Logan got the idea for her business and started getting it off the ground shortly after losing a job at a local dental office, she said. When she returned from maternity leave in January, she found the firm didn’t need her anymore, she said.

“I had free time all the sudden,” Logan said. “I was looking for a way to start making some money and so I spent most of January (and) February creating products that were ready to sell.”

By April, she had a booth set up in Betty’s Antique Mall, which sells her wares for her.

Employed now at the Logan County Chamber of Commerce as an executive assistant and with three children, she doesn’t always have time to make new things, much less sell them herself, Logan said.

Though her company has only been around for about half a year, Logan has gained a bit of renown for her artistic exploits locally.

On Oct. 25, Logan gave a presentation at the Logan County Public Library, showing a crowd how she makes her wire necklaces.

Tracy Houchens, the library’s adult programming coordinator, said she found out about Logan’s crafts while they were participating in the Logan Leadership Program, a program done through the Logan County Chamber of Commerce that highlights local businesses. “She was out touring and she had these really cute earrings on and I found out they were homemade,” Houchens said. Read more: Bowling Green Daily News

Right-to-work, charter schools on Kentucky chamber's 2017 legislative priorities

Kentucky Republicans and the state and local Chambers of Commerce expect positive changes in the state's business community in the coming year.

For the first time since 1921, Kentucky's governor, the state House of Representatives and state Senate will all be under Republican control come January, a direct result of Tuesday's election.

Early next year, action is expected on right-to-work, the repeal of the prevailing wage law and charter schools.

Republicans have pursued those three policy changes from current state law in the state Senate, only to see the bills die – without a hearing or in committee – in what had been a Democrat-run House.

With a new 64-36 GOP majority control in the state House, that may change come January.

Ron Bunch, president and chief executive officer of the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce, said a state right-to-work law would be transformational for the local economy.

The Kentucky Chamber of Commerce agreed.

"That's a bill that could pass and would not cost the state a penny," said Dave Adkisson, Kentucky chamber president and chief executive officer. "It is like putting a sign on your storefront saying that you are open for business." Read more: Bowling Green Daily News

Top Five Daily Postings in the last month at Midwest Chamber of Commerce Daily – click to go there or Google search “Midwest Chamber of Commerce blog”

Rapid City (SD), Hampton Roads (VA) and Naperville... Nov 18, 2016	252
Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce Announces ... Nov 1, 2016	184
Michigan Chamber Professional Digest November, 201... Nov 7, 2016	149
Illinois Chamber Professional Digest November, 20... Nov 2, 2016	133
Chamber Executive Ongoing Education: The Catalyst ... Nov 8, 2016	113

Last Month’s Stories

KCCE Announces 2017 Board of Directors, Dail Serves as President-ElectWKMS

Danville-Boyle County Chamber of Commerce to host U.S. Senator and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell Advocate-Messenger

Two Years In: Greater Louisville Inc (GLI) President Kent Oyler Reflects On His Tenure Greater Louisville Inc.

Northern Kentucky Chamber’s changing of the guard: Bob Heil assumes leadership role as chairman Northern Kentucky Tribune

Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce Meets with Economic Development Professionals in Atlanta Bowling Green Area Chamber

#FamousChamber of Commerce Quotation: Glenn Shepard

"What makes a winner a winner isn't that they never lose. It's that they never lose faith in themselves, even when they're not winning." - Glenn Shepard

Paducah to Host Global UNESCO Cities in 2017 Western Kentucky Star 

Leadership Owensboro 2017 Class Announced Jessica Kirk Executive Director, Leadership Owensboro, 270.926.1860.

Jessamine County Chamber executive hires Rhonda May as new Executive Director Jessamine Journal

Danville-Boyle County Chamber of Commerce to host U.S. Senator and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell Advocate-Messenger

Logan County to celebrate Tobacco and Heritage Festival Bowling Green Daily News

Opportunity? Kentucky Tourism Secretary details how businesses can help boost state through P3 projects Kentucky Chamber Bottom Line

Kyndle’s Regional Industry of the Year Awards breakfast Sept. 29 Lane Report

If you would like delivery of a no-cost gloss chamber directory or map in June/July, 2017, please contact me at your earliest convenience. To request your chamber publication proposal, Click here

Best,

John

John Dussman | Chamber Manager
jdussman@tspubs.com | 847-427-4633 | Town Square Publications
Daily Herald Media Group
155 E. Algonquin Road | Arlington Heights, IL 60005

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If you know of a chamber news item  that you would like to be included in the CHAMBER EXECUTIVE INTELLIGENCE REPORT or the MIDWEST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE blog, please email me at jdussman@tspubs.com or call me at (847)-427-4633. Thank you.