Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce - President's Corner; Indiana Chamber President and CEO Kevin Brinegar offers commentary on the start of the 2021 Indiana General Assembly Jan. 4th; Statement from Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Tim Daman; Chamber serving Lexington, Buena Vista and Rockbridge County: REDI Community Input Session; The Top of Virginia Regional Chamber 2020 Voice of Business; Marion Chamber: Stream the Chamber Virtual Awards Ceremony, Invite the Public and Finish with a Live Concert; Hartford Area Chamber Annual Dinner: Virtual 2021 - Nominate today for 2020 Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce Awards - Nominations Open Until January 15, 2021; Fox Cities Chamber adds three to professional staff; Greensburg-Decatur County Chamber of Commerce Community Map; Mequon Thiensville Chamber: Attention Ozaukee County Businesses: Get FREE Marketing Assistance; Monroe County Chamber: SBA Re-Opening Paycheck Protection Program to Small Lenders on Friday, January 15 and All Lenders on Tuesday, January 19; Biewer Lumber Opening New Sawmill in Winona, Creating 150 Jobs; Greater Owensboro Chamber: Upcoming Webinar: COVID-19 Vaccine Q&A with GRDHD Director Clay Horton; Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories, Maps, Apps, Quarterly Magazines, Digital Directory Sales and Community Profiles: The no cost, no risk best Chamber Publishing Partner in the USA!

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

Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce - President's Corner

By Kara Beer, IOM, MPA

We’ve never faced a pandemic of this scale in our lifetimes. Add to that global economic impacts that will likely linger for months or even years.

What has become clear is that the role and value of chambers of commerce has never been more crucial. Not just to get our communities through the pandemic, but to help drive economic recovery far into the future.

While referencing the 2020 adopted strategic plan of the Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce,
I’m reminded of how while the strategies and tasks may be adjusted now, we here at the Chamber are
having impact with the community on a multitude of ways daily.

IMPACT STATEMENT OF THE BATTLE CREEK AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce connects and empowers business and community professionals to have the courage and confidence to be catalytic leaders in addressing their business 
and communities’ greatest issues.

Our 4 Key Priority Areas

• Be a Center of Excellence for Business. Be the number one resource for best practice and innovative resources and information for the business community in the greater Battle Creek region and Calhoun County.

• Storytelling. Help business professionals craft their narratives, and serve as a community platform and megaphone for business success stories.

• Community Advocacy. Provide the information, connections and services that will help businesses and organizations proactively address the greatest challenges within their businesses/organizations, so they can best promote, serve, and grow within our region.

• Organizational Excellence. Ensure the Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce is the best organization it can be for staff and members.

So many of you have been innovating through these challenging times. Our team is inspired. And, we know continuing to share best practices and innovations - and connecting as a community to build our future - will make us all stronger. Our Chamber team will continue to need grit, passion, innovation, and a collaborative mindset to move the economy and community forward.

I will go more into detail of each of our key priority areas and how we’re having or looking to have impact in our community over the next year throughout this publication.

#ChamberExecutive Ongoing Education Weekly New Idea: (Via Jack Klemeyer <jack@gybcoaching.com>)

My friends at eti performance improvement have started sharing complementary lessons on Tuesday and they're calling them 2-Minute Tuesday! You might enjoy subscribing to 2-Minute Tuesday to increase your learning in 2021. From time-to-time, I'll be sharing resources that will add value to you and your business. Watch for more great resources.

Capture Data Like a Pro with Drop Down List In this video we explore how to create a drop down list in Excel. Learn how to populate a drop down list wth data. add a tooltip and keep your team on track with custom messages WATCH NOW! Editor's note: I love this website...If you are a chamber person, that learned Word or Excel on the fly, this is a handy learning tool that takes 5 minutes a week. C

Indiana Chamber President and CEO Kevin Brinegar offers commentary on the start of the 2021 Indiana General Assembly Jan. 4th

“The unique circumstances and unknowns will undoubtedly figure into what and how things get accomplished. We are hopeful for a productive legislative session because there are plenty of issues for lawmakers to address that are closely or tangentially tied to the pandemic and how it’s altered business and the workforce.

“At the top of our priority list is protecting businesses and institutions from legal liability if someone contracts COVID-19 after returning to work or school, or after visiting a health facility. These protections would be for those employers and places that have made a good faith effort to follow recognized safety guidelines.

“Two long-term goals have improved odds in 2021. Those are raising the cigarette tax and the state implementing a work share program.

“Indiana’s smoking rate is the fourth highest in the country. A big reason is that our cigarette tax is the lowest in the Midwest and among the lowest nationally. We are advocating for a $2 per pack increase because it’s proven to be the one action to successfully reduce smoking and health care costs. It could also possibly bolster depleted state revenue.

“Work share is a safety net during economic downturns, like the current pandemic. Employers can reduce hours without full layoffs, and then over time, employees can be returned to full-time status once circumstances improve. It’s unfortunate Indiana did not have such a program in place in 2020. A new study by the Brookings Institution estimates that Indiana lost as much as $100 million in federal unemployment insurance funding in 2020 because it was not a work share state. Indiana simply can’t afford to be unprepared again.

“Additionally, incentives around remote workers and further preparing all areas of the state for new technology are no longer an option but required. Broadband connectivity is becoming as important an infrastructure need as water and electricity.

“We expect legislation to be introduced on all of these issues and will be advocating for them to be heard in committees and advanced to the House and Senate floors.”

As the legislative session unfolds, the Indiana Chamber will update its online policy center at www.indianachamber.com/policy.

Statement from Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Tim Daman 

 "As we monitor the potential for protests in capital cities across the country, the Lansing Regional Chamber stands with Lansing Mayor Andy Schor on his request to Governor Whitmer to activate the Michigan National Guard. We believe it's essential to protect our historic Michigan Capitol building and the businesses, offices, and neighborhoods surrounding it. Lansing welcomes visitors each year to exercise their First Amendment rights. However, we will never condone nor view violence as acceptable."

Contact: 

Contact: Ashley Sandborn
Lansing Regional Chamber of Co mmerce 
(517) 342-4549
asandborn@lansingchamber.org

Chamber serving Lexington, Buena Vista and Rockbridge County: REDI Community Input Session The public is invited to join us, along with our jurisdictional partners, for a virtual community meeting to provide input on how to drive success and create opportunities for economic development in our region by making the most of our resources. The session, scheduled for Thursday, January 21st at 1:00 p.m., will be facilitated by Leslie Schaller, ACEnet Director of Programs, representing REDI and USDA Rural Development. FREE. Register online. The Top of Virginia Regional Chamber 2020 Voice of Business The Top of Virginia Regional Chamber 2020 Voice of Business is available at the Chamber today! Thanks to Cynthia Schneider and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together! Top of Virginia Regional Chamber 2020 Voice of Business Town Square Publications  can help you accomplish your chamber's gloss map, directory, community profile or publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman or call (847)-427-4633. Marion Chamber: Stream the Chamber Virtual Awards Ceremony, Invite the Public and Finish with a Live Concert  How to Stream the Virtual Awards Ceremony  We are excited to share this year's awards ceremony and auction with our members and Marion community FREE ONLINE! Please share this email with family and friends so they can login to support our honorees and cheer on the chamber as we begin 2021. We encourage you to log in early to  is a reminder of the Virtual Awards Ceremony. Please stay online to enjoy the After Party hosted by Pepsi Mid America with performances by 90s Kidz Band (featuring fellow board member Matt Reising)!!  The program will be broadcasted on:  Chamber's website homepage: https://www.marionillinois.com  Event Page: https://www.marionillinois.com/awards  Chamber Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/marionilchamber  Vimeo Link: (Will be updated on Thursday)  Please consider supporting one of our Local Chamber Restaurants as your celebrate our first (and hopefully last) virtual annual awards program.  If you have not already done so, please check out this year’s Online Silent Auction! Registering is fast and easy!  Silent Auction  This year’s auction is also going from January 5th – 18th, allowing for plenty of time to secure the perfect item and bid from the comfort of work or home. 100% of the proceeds from this year’s auction will go to the Chamber Foundation and our organization. If you have any questions, please contact the Chamber office at 618-997-6311.  After the 18th, winners of the auction items will be contacted to schedule a pickup time of their item(s) from the Chamber office. Non-local items can be shipped!  Hartford Area Chamber Annual Dinner: Virtual 2021 - Nominate today for 2020 Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce Awards - Nominations Open Until January 15, 2021 Things look a little different this year regarding our Annual Dinner. We will be hosting a virtual award ceremony and need your help in nominating local Hartford individuals, businesses and organizations! The Hartford Chamber has added two new awards, Jim & Dorothy Algiers Award and the COVID Award. The Jim & Dorothy Algiers Award is presented to an individual or couple who have or has continuously gone above and beyond serving the Hartford community. The COVID Award is presented to a business that has successfully created a new way of doing business during COVID.  Please contact the Hartford Chamber to be sent the nomination form at info@hartfordchamber.org or stop in office to pickup!  Fox Cities Chamber adds three to professional staff Mary Jo Beschta, Kate Bruns, and Sharla Jens join Chamber team The Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce is kicking off 2021 by officially welcoming three new full-time staff members to its team.  Kate Bruns, who joined the staff on a part-time basis in November 2020, is now the Chamber’s full-time Vice President for Marketing and Communications as of Jan. 4. On Jan. 11, the Chamber added Sharla Jens as Vice President for Investor Relations and Mary Jo Beschta as Administrative Assistant.  “As we enter 2021, I am very excited about the new ways we can serve our members and our community by adding these three talented individuals to our full-time staff,” Chamber President and CEO Becky Bartoszek said. “Each one of them brings a broad base of knowledge and a wealth of experience to the Chamber’s work and will help us make a real impact.” As Vice President for Marketing and Communications, Bruns will oversee the Chamber’s efforts in the areas of public and media relations, marketing and advertising, publications and communications, branding, and member publicity. Before joining the Chamber she spent 20 years overseeing a wide variety of marketing and communications projects at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, and worked as a freelance writer and editor for clients across the Midwest.  As Vice President for Investor Relations, Jens will serve as the primary point of contact for the Chamber’s investors, working to understand their needs and steward their support to benefit initiatives in economic development, community development, and talent attraction. Prior to her work with the Chamber, Jens served in management and sales leadership roles with Multi Color Corporation (formerly WS Packaging Group), National Envelope , and State Farm Insurance, as well as spent 17 years managing critical business accounts across the Midwest for Alltel. As Administrative Assistant, Beschta will wear a wide assortment of hats at the Chamber of Commerce, bringing her legal and organizational background to special projects that range from community relations to organizational infrastructure. She will also serve as the primary liaison to the Chamber’s 27-member Board of Directors. Beschta spent 17 years at Adventures in Advertising (AIA) in Appleton, where she most recently managed AIA’s legal department for two years. Greensburg-Decatur County Chamber of Commerce Community Map  Greensburg-Decatur County Chamber map The Greensburg/Decatur County Chamber of Commerce Community Map is available at the New Castle-Henry County Chamber today! Thanks to Jeff Emsweller 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.  Mequon Thiensville Chamber: Attention Ozaukee County Businesses: Get FREE Marketing Assistance  Submit Your Application Today!  APPLY  Vertz Marketing Rotary Small Business Innovation Center at Concordia University Wisconsin | Batterman School of Business  The Vertz Marketing Rotary Small Business Innovation Center at Concordia University partners with select Ozaukee county businesses to provide marketing and business development services to foster economic development in the region. Ten qualified area businesses will receive FREE digital marketing and business development planning.  Eligible Businesses The Vertz Marketing Rotary Small Business Innovation Center at Concordia University is accepting applications for businesses to become a part of our FREE program for winter 2021. Business should meet the following guidelines: • Less than 10 employees. • Revenue of less than $1 million annually. • Business is seeking help in developing a comprehensive digital marketing & associated business development plan strategy. • Business is willing to work with assigned intern students from Concordia University Wisconsin Batterman School of Business for a fall or spring semester. What Accepted Businesses Will Receive... • Business programs will start in January, 2021 and last for approximately 4 months. • Your business will receive approximately 100 hours of marketing and business development services from Concordia University Wisconsin marketing students under the direction of Vertz Marketing and Concordia University Wisconsin - all at no charge. • Your business will receive a FREE private consulting meeting with Vertz Marketing for marketing and business development growth planning.  • Your business will have access to business networking and mentoring opportunities through Vertz Marketing, Rotary International, Ozaukee Area Chamber of Commerce Organizations and Ozaukee Economic Development.  • Your business will have access to marketing and business development resources at Concordia University Wisconsin Batterman School of Business. Click here for more details about the program  Monroe County Chamber: SBA Re-Opening Paycheck Protection Program to Small Lenders on Friday, January 15 and All Lenders on Tuesday, January 19 The U.S. Small Business Administration, in consultation with the U.S. Treasury Department, will re-open the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan portal to PPP-eligible lenders with $1 billion or less in assets for First and Second Draw applications on Friday, January 15, 2021 at 9 a.m. EST. The portal will fully open on Tuesday, January 19, 2021 to all participating PPP lenders to submit First and Second Draw loan applications to SBA. Earlier in the week, SBA granted dedicated PPP access to Community Financial Institutions (CFIs) which include Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs), Certified Development Companies (CDCs), and Microloan Intermediaries as part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to reach underserved and minority small businesses. On Friday, SBA will continue its emphasis on reaching smaller lenders and businesses by opening to approximately 5,000 more lenders, including community banks, credit unions, and farm credit institutions. Moreover, the agency also plans to have dedicated service hours for these smaller lenders after the portal fully re-opens next week. First Draw PPP Loans are for those borrowers who have not received a PPP loan before August 8, 2020. The first round of the PPP, which ran from March to August 2020, was a historic success helping 5.2 million small businesses keep 51 million American workers employed. Second Draw PPP Loans are for eligible small businesses with 300 employees or less, that previously received a First Draw PPP Loan and will use or have used the full amount only for authorized uses, and that can demonstrate at least a 25% reduction in gross receipts between comparable quarters in 2019 and 2020. The maximum amount of a Second Draw PPP loan is $2 million. Updated PPP Lender forms, guidance, and resources are available at www.sba.gov/ppp and www.treasury.gov/cares. Biewer Lumber Opening New Sawmill in Winona, Creating 150 Jobs Biewer Lumber is constructing a new, state-of-the-art sawmill in Winona, Mississippi. The project is a $130 million investment and will create 150 jobs. “The growth of companies like Biewer Lumber in Mississippi sends a strong message that our state has a supportive business environment and a skilled workforce,” Gov. Tate Reeves said. “Biewer Lumber’s construction and expansion of the sawmill in Newton and now the construction of a new sawmill in Winona and the creation of these jobs is a testament to that fact.” Biewer Lumber is a family owned company headquartered in St. Clair, Michigan. The company operates five sawmills: two in Michigan, two in Wisconsin and one in Newton, Mississippi. “My family’s passion for the lumber industry has prompted this expansion in the South,” said Tim Biewer, president and CEO of the company. “There is no better place to grow the business than the fiber-rich state of Mississippi.” The facility in Newton was built in 2016, and the company expanded in 2019, increasing its mill production by 100 million board feet per year and creating 45 jobs. The sawmill now has 175 employees, operates two saw lines and produces 350 million board feet per year. The sawmill in Winona will have the ability to produce 350 million board feet of lumber per year. MDA is providing an Industry Incentive grant to assist with road infrastructure and rail and site prep. MDA also is providing a CAP loan to Montgomery County to assist with public infrastructure. The company also qualifies for the Advantage Jobs Rebate program, which provides a cash rebate to eligible businesses that create new jobs exceeding the average annual wage of the state or the county in which the company locates. Montgomery County is providing a fee-in-lieu of property taxes. “Montgomery County is proud to welcome Biewer Lumber to our community, and we look forward to watching the company grow and thrive in the years to come,” said Ron Wood, president of the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors. “A development of this magnitude will not only generate a great deal of new revenue and 150 new jobs for Montgomery County, but it will highlight the county as a premier location for future developments, especially with its central location, three major transportation corridors, and leadership committed to making Montgomery County an ideal locale to do business.” Sue Stidham, director of the Montgomery County Economic Development Council, said the new sawmill will benefit the entire area. “We are proud and grateful to welcome a new company and citizen to our community, Biewer Lumber,” she said. “The jobs they bring will fill a need in Montgomery County as well as the surrounding counties. We thank the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors, the mayor and city of Winona and the Economic Development District and Council for making this a joint effort with the state of Mississippi.” “Just a few short years after opening its first sawmill in Mississippi, Biewer Lumber already is constructing another facility, one that will provide good jobs to the citizens of Montgomery County,” MDA Interim Director John Rounsaville said. “This new sawmill illustrates Biewer Lumber’s commitment to creating jobs in Mississippi and building stronger communities here. We appreciate the efforts of the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors, the Economic Development Partnership of Montgomery County, Entergy and Atmos Gas in making this possible.”  Click here for more information. Greater Owensboro Chamber: Upcoming Webinar: COVID-19 Vaccine Q&A with GRDHD Director Clay Horton  On Thursday, January 21 at 2:30 p.m. we will host a COVID-19 Vaccine Update webinar with Clay Horton, Director of the Green River District Health Department. It will address many of the questions surrounding the vaccine's availability, distribution, and effectiveness. The webinar will be hosted via Zoom.  Horton previously led a COVID-19 Protocol webinar with us in November, which you can view now on our YouTube channel.  Register Now to Join via Zoom  Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories, Maps, Apps, Quarterly Magazines, Digital Directory Sales and Community Profiles: The no cost, no risk best Chamber Publishing Partner in the USA! Town Square Publications, a division of the Daily Herald Media Group, is a national chamber custom publishing group that specializes in developing partnerships by producing high-quality print and digitally integrated publications along with other added value programs dedicated to creating relevancy for local chambers of commerce and other membership focused organizations interested in raising non-dues revenues. Town Square Publications parent company, Paddock Publications, has over 100 years’ experience of print product development and dedicated customer service in communities throughout the Midwest. Our experience allows Town Square Publications to offer you attractive royalty and non-dues revenue share streams, provide direct distribution of your custom designed printed publications, including digital and mobile integration, and all with the quickest turn-around times available in the industry. Town Square also offers multi-media maps in both print and online formats, both with our No-Cost guarantee. More information: Town Square Publications Chambers of Commerce and member focused organizations serve as a valuable resource in the local marketplace. The networking opportunities and representation with a wide variety of diverse businesses in your community is the catalyst of a successful organization. For further information about Town Square's publishing partnership with chambers of commerce and our No-Cost guarantee and Earned Revenue Share Program, To request your chamber publication or map proposal, contact Town Square Chamber Proposal or email John Dussman with the subject line: Chamber Publication Proposal Requested. Thank you!

What Every Chamber Executive and Board Member Should Read First Today: The Path to Recovery: Via Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Executives (KCCE): Bob Harris and Bill Pawlucy; Chamber delight: Marion United (IL) Raises $186,000 for their Small Businesses; County and city officials fill new COVID-19 response coordinator position with CEO of South Bend Regional Chamber; Birmingham-Bloomfield (MI) Chamber: Paycheck Protection Loans; #lookforthehelpers: From the Lexington-Rockbridge County Chamber: We are Virginians helping Virginians; Mississippi: #SupportStarkville; Lake Forest /Lake Bluff Chamber of Commerce announces #WithYouLFLB Gift Card Program; Grand Rapids Area Chamber Collaboration: Rapid Response Fund; Sun Prairie Chamber partners with ULGM COVID-19 recovery effort; #Lookforthehelpers: New Richmond Chamber Member: FREE Wills for Workers – Providing Peace of Mind for our Frontline; Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best Chamber Partner in the U.S.

Good morning #ChamberWorld! #Lookforthehelpers! Listen to the good news! Start the Recovery! Make a small win today and huge wins tomorrow! Build the future now! It's going to be a GREAT day!


What Every Chamber Executive and Board Member Should Read First Today:

The Path to Recovery: Via Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Executives (KCCE): Bob Harris and Bill Pawlucy

Path to Recovery Bob Harris and Bill Pawlucy are Certified Association Executives. They are a lot of insight and training for chambers, their board of directors and volunteers. They have written a short piece regarding a way to Plan for Recovery. Good information and thoughts to process. That will be our next step - Recovery.

Read the Article

Chamber delight: Marion United (IL) Raises $186,000 for their Small Businesses

A CITY UNITED

In the midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic, our city has found itself in an unprecedented economic crisis threatening the livelihood and future of so many locally owned businesses. In a time where so many are struggling, there is an amazing opportunity for the citizens, churches, businesses, and organizations to UNITE and help them through this. MARION UNITED is a collaborative effort to generate grants for local businesses affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic.

We need your help! Even a little bit can make a big difference! Despite great pain and tragedy, there is an opportunity to unite and endure this struggle together. If we do, our city will shine as a beacon of hope in the midst of economic disaster. When we look back on COVID-19, we will be remembered for how we came together with a solution to lift our community during a time of uncertainty. Now is our time to shine! Donate below!

Marion United

The Marion United event on April 3rd was a huge success and will help Marion area businesses.  Thank you to all the citizens, businesses, churches, and organizations that came together to make Marion United a reality! Grant applications are due THIS FRIDAY! Please spread the word and fill out an application if you are a local business who has been hurt by the COVID-19 Pandemic

www.marion-united.com


Chamber Question of the day? Have you already done your PPP bank loan email with all participating SBA lenders and a contact name?


County and city officials fill new COVID-19 response coordinator position with CEO of South Bend Regional Chamber

Officials in St. Joseph County and the City of South Bend announced Thursday the creation of a new role to aid in intergovernmental response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jeff Rea, president and CEO of the South Bend Regional Chamber of Commerce and former Mayor of Mishawaka, will take over the role as the COVID-19 Response Coordinator.

Rea will help connect and coordinate relevant public and private sector entities in the community to respond to the pandemic. He will also provide daily briefings to executives of each local government regarding response efforts.

While he serves in the new role, Rea will remain an employee of the South Bend Regional Chamber of Commerce. Read more: ABC 57


Birmingham-Bloomfield (MI) Chamber: Paycheck Protection Loans

I wanted to make you aware of Paycheck Protection Loans. The U.S. Department of Treasury shared new information regarding the Paycheck Protection Program. The Paycheck Protection Program prioritizes millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $349 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses.  The loans, which provide small businesses forgivable loans to cover payroll and other fixed costs, will be available through private lenders this Friday.  So, my advice to you during this time of uncertainty: 1) take a breath and don’t panic; 2) contact your accountant if you have one or payroll specialist to gather the required documents; and 3) contact your preferred lender to complete the actual application. If you do not have a preferred lender we are happy to make a personal introduction to one of our trusted member lenders.

Program Overview

For Borrowers

The Application

Sincerely, Joe Bauman, President Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber www.bbcc.com joeb@bbcc.com

#lookforthehelpers: From the Lexington-Rockbridge County Chamber: We are Virginians helping Virginians 

The COVID-19 crisis has put millions of small business jobs at risk impacting millions of families across our Commonwealth.

The nonprofit Virginia 30 Day Fund was launched by Virginia technology entrepreneur Pete Snyder and his wife, Burson. Working with other business leaders throughout the Commonwealth, the Fund’s goal is to help save as many Virginia jobs as possible while small businesses await recently approved federal funding.

Virginia businesses that qualify for assistance from the Fund are:

Small businesses that employ three to 30 people;

Based in Virginia and have been operating for at least one year;

Owned and operated by a Virginia resident.

The funds dispersed to small businesses by the Virginia 30 Day fund do not need to be repaid. If businesses who receive the Fund’s assistance do, at a later date, wish to “pay it forward” to another Virginia small business in need of assistance, they may do so by directing those dollars back to the Fund, which will disburse the funding to another Virginia business in need.

APPLY NOW

Mississippi: #SupportStarkville As always, the safety, health, and well-being of our Starkville community is our most important priority. The public safety implications of the COVID-19 virus are continually being revised and updated based on the guidance and recommendations of our medical and public health experts. The latest information can be found at the National Center for Disease Control (CDC), http://www.cdc.gov/ and at our State Department of Health at http://msdh.ms.gov/. Please refer to SupportStarkville.org for resources regarding our local community.

Lake Forest /Lake Bluff Chamber of Commerce announces #WithYouLFLB Gift Card Program

The LF/LB Chamber of Commerce has created a program to help support local businesses during the COVID-19 crisis. Through #WithYouLFLB, gift cards to local businesses can be purchased online with proceeds forwarded directly to the businesses. The program is designed to give consumers the opportunity to assist local small businesses while their locations can only offer limited services, or their doors remain closed. Gift cards can be purchased online at https://WithYouLFLB.givesmart.com

"This is a really difficult time for all of us, but particularly for those who own small businesses and are experiencing lost revenue as they observe the Illinois order to shelter in place," explains Joanna Rolek, LF/LB Chamber Executive Director. "The Chamber is fortunate to have recently acquired the technology to offer this service to local businesses, and we thought, 'what better time than now to launch this program?'" she added. "It's a great opportunity for everyone to invest in our community and the health of our local businesses and support our friends until we can walk in their doors again."

Participating businesses include:
Bedside Manor
Bluffington's Cafe
Caprice Decadent US
Carlos Cardona Photography
Date Night Boutique
Elements Massage
ENAZ
Flotstone
Foodstuffs
Forest Bluff Animal Hospital
Forest Bootery
Forest Greens Juice Bar
Gerhard's Elegant European Desserts
Gifted
Gorton Community Center
More Merchants here: Daily Herald

Grand Rapids Area Chamber Collaboration: Rapid Response Fund 

In Light Of Covid-19 Rapid Response Fund

OVERVIEW

The COVID-19 crisis poses a severe threat to both our local economy and business community. West Michigan is built on the backbone of entrepreneurship and small business, and the Rapid Response Economic Relief Fund is aimed at delivering short-term financial support to small businesses in need.

WHO IS THE FUND INTENDED FOR?
This fund is focused on supporting small, for-profit businesses with 5-25 full-time employees located in Kent County.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE FUND?
This fund helps businesses that cannot access state or federal relief funds in a timely manner or may not be eligible.

WHAT DOES THE FUND PROVIDE?
Businesses that qualify for this fund will receive:
A short-term economic relief grant ranging from $5,000 - $10,000
Technical assistance
Cost cutting measures
Reviewing creditor/obligation recommendations (deferments and loan re-aging)
Connections to other resources
Six-month cashflow projection and analysis with a business consultant

OUTREACH EFFORTS
In order to identify possible recipients, the Greater Grand Rapids Chamber Foundation will expand outreach efforts in collaboration with Entrepreneur Support Organizations including: West Michigan Hispanic Chamber, GRABB, Start-Garden, The Right Place, SpringGR, Ferris Emprende, Local First, and Area Neighborhood Business Associations ensuring that underserved, underrepresented groups are not left behind.

CONTRIBUTION INQUIRIES
GRANT INFORMATION
CONTRIBUTE NOW

Sun Prairie Chamber partners with ULGM COVID-19 recovery effort

The Urban League of Greater Madison (ULGM) on April 1 announced that it has launched a new COVID-19 Workforce Recovery Initiative in partnership with several local entities, including the Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce.

The initiative will bring to bear the Urban League’s infrastructure and experience to help job seekers and employers meet current and future workforce needs.

“Since the pandemic struck, we have heard from and read about growing numbers of workers who have lost work. Simultaneously, we have heard from employers who have an immediate need to fill jobs. In sticking with our demand-driven workforce development model, the Urban League is uniquely positions to serve as a match-maker between these two group,” said Urban League CEO, Ruben L. Anthony, Jr.

The effort will be two-pronged in its focus:

• First will be a focus on job seekers — both those who have been temporarily furloughed or permanently displaced as a result of the pandemic.

• Second will be a focus on employers — both helping them meet immediate needs for workers and helping them rebuild their workforce as we transition out of the current situation.

“We are grateful for collaborative and innovative efforts like this to support employers and workers during this unprecedented challenge,” said Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce President Zach Brandon. “The Urban League is a vital resource for our community in providing rapid-response action to accelerate both the relief and recovery efforts underway.”

Other business community partners on this effort include Madison Region Economic Partnership (MadREP), Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce, and the United Way HIRE Initiative. Read more: Sun Prairie Star  

#Lookforthehelpers: New Richmond Chamber Member: FREE Wills for Workers – Providing Peace of Mind for our Frontline

Wills for Workers is a relief program available to healthcare providers and first responders (paramedics, police officers, firefighters, etc.) in the St. Croix Valley, who are on the frontline during the Covid-19 pandemic.

These heroes are risking their health and welfare every day to help and serve others in the community. Now it is our turn to give something back and give them one less thing to worry about as they fight this disease. That is why, if you are a healthcare provider or first responder – servicing or living in the St. Croix Valley our firm is offering FREE basic Estate Planning Services, including:

·         Wills

·         Powers of Attorney

·         Healthcare Directives

·         HIPPA Releases

·         Electronic Authorizations

Our Estate Planning team delivers custom estate planning services specific to individual needs so you can enjoy peace of mind both during and after this pandemic.

More information: Eckberg Lammers Attorneys-at-Law

Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best Chamber Partner 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

YP Unite Summit to Welcome Regional Young Professionals to Owensboro; Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce 2019 Community Profile & Membership Directory; #FamousChamber Of Commerce Quotations: (Be happy!); Southern Illinois Made Expo: Veterans Honor Flight receives $51,855; Community Development Foundation award-winning collaboration: ICC nationally recognized for manufacturing camp; The Northern Virginia Chamber Applauds the Historic American Legion Bridge Announcement by Governors; Days Away from Small Business Saturday at the Fulton County Chamber; WELCOME HOME - The Nation's Premier New Resident Marketing Program for Your Chamber Members; Bullitt County Chamber of Commerce Community Map; Coldwater Chamber sells its portion of their building, will stay put; Community Will Select HATCH People’s Choice Winner; Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S.

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


YP Unite Summit to Welcome Regional Young Professionals to Owensboro

Owensboro, Kentucky – Greater Owensboro Chamber Young Professionals (CYP) are hosting the regional YP Unite Summit, presented by Owensboro Health, tonight and tomorrow, November 14-15. The YP Unite Summit is a leadership conference focused on developing young professionals and young professional organizations. This event connects young professionals to promote collaboration, best practices, networking and leadership development.

The Summit will kick off tonight with a special toast hosted by the Owensboro Museum of Fine Art to celebrate CYP’s growing contribution to the community, continuing with an official Welcome Reception at O.Z. Tyler Distillery. 

Over the course of tomorrow, young professionals will benefit from inspiring speakers and thought-proving breakout sessions, along with the opportunity to connect with YP’s across the Commonwealth and surrounding region. The event will take place at Owensboro’s Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum in the heart of downtown.

Bracken P. Darrell, President and CEO of Logitech and Owensboro native, will address attendees as the Summit’s Keynote Speaker. As President and CEO of Logitech, Bracken Darrell is responsible for Logitech’s strategy for growth and profitability, for the vision for the brand as well as for the company’s operations. Mr. Darrell brings to Logitech more than twenty years of experience in business management and brand management in successful global consumer companies, including Whirlpool, Procter & Gamble and General Electric.

To view the full schedule of events and speaker information, visit ypunitesummit.org.

Contact: Jessica Kirk
Chamber Talent Programs Manager
Executive Director, Leadership Owensboro
Phone: (270) 926-1860


Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce 2019 Community Profile & Membership Directory

The Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce 2018 Community Profile & Membership Directory is available at the Crossroads Regional Chamber today! Thanks to Sue Reed and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!

Crossroads Regional Chamber Membership Directory

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.

#FamousChamber Of Commerce Quotations: (Be happy!)

Happiness is not by chance, but by choice. Jim Rohn


Southern Illinois Made Expo: Veterans Honor Flight receives $51,855

The people of southern Illinois once again showed their support of veterans by raising $51,855 for the Veterans Honor Flight of Southern Illinois.

The money came from donations and exhibitor fees at the Southern Illinois Made Expo, which took place July 27 and 28 in Marion.

The event was created by Illinois State Sen. Dale Fowler in partnership with 13 southern Illinois chambers of commerce.

Fowler presented the check to the Veterans Honor Flight of Southern Illinois organization at the Veterans Honor Flight of Southern Illinois Reunion at the Pavilion in Marion on Aug. 24.

"Our region is home to many treasurers, but nothing beats our veterans and the generous people who support our heroes," Fowler said. "I want to thank everyone who offered their support to our veterans so they can go on an honor flight, an incredible experience they'll remember the rest of their lives. Veterans are the backbone of our great country. While we can never repay them for their service and sacrifice, offering them this gift is a great way we can show our thanks."

The Veterans Honor Flight of Southern Illinois provides veterans a no cost trip to Washington, D.C. to see the monuments constructed in their honor.

This year's Southern Illinois Made Expo hosted 120 businesses and organizations from across the region, giving them the opportunity to showcase their products, services, food, art and destinations all made and available in southern Illinois. A record crowd of more than 3500 people attended.

"We have so many creative minds and original products that are impacting people around the globe, all made right in our backyard," said Karen Mullins, executive director of the Marion Chamber of Commerce. "To be able to showcase our talents and what we're making to thousands of people will only help our region, both in economic impact and jobs. The event is also a reminder that we have some of the most generous, friendly, and hardworking people anywhere. To also raise money for area veterans only adds to what makes this event special."

This was the second year for the Southern Illinois Made Expo. Next year's event is scheduled for Saturday, July 26 and Sunday, July 27 at the Pavilion in Marion.

Community Development Foundation award-winning collaboration: ICC nationally recognized for manufacturing camp

For the past 11 years, Bryan Hawkins has opened the doors of his company to students and teachers so he can share his knowledge and passion for manufacturing.

The effort has been highlighted by the Tek2Go Advanced Manufacturing Camps, spearheaded by Itawamba Community College, working together with the Community Development Foundation and Hawkins’ company, Hawkeye Industries. The camps have affected more than 250 students and teachers over the years, and it was recently nationally recognized.

Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs, the foundation of the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association International, awarded the inaugural Future of Industry Award to ICC for the Tek2Go Advanced Manufacturing Camp.

“Culturally, manufacturing is perceived to be dirty places to work for low wages. The most rewarding thing the camp has accomplished is changing the perception for our students and teachers,” said Barry Emison, dean of Career and Technical Education at ICC. “It has allowed them to experience the quality of the work environment and skill level required for lifelong careers which our local manufacturers provide in our community.

NBT provided the first grant to get the student camp started in Tupelo in 2009, and offered an additional grant for the first teacher camp in the summer of 2016. Both camps are now funded through the Toyota Wellspring Education Fund and held at the Manufacturing Solutions Center at ICC’s Belden campus.

The Tek2Go camps are designed for middle school students in grades six through eight and K-12 teachers in Chickasaw, Itawamba, Lee, Monroe, Pontotoc and Union counties. The participants in both camps are exposed to advanced manufacturing concepts through hands-on activities, metal projects and industry tours.

“This is an innovative approach for our local students and teachers to be introduced to career opportunities and gain a hands-on experience of the workforce skills needed in our manufacturing industry,” said CDF Chairman Sam Pace. “Over 250 students and teachers have been impacted by these Tek2Go camps. This would not have been possible without NBT, the Toyota endowment fund and camp partners Itawamba Community College and Hawkeye Industries.”

Gina Black, the project coordinator at CDF overseeing the camps, said having Hawkins involved was a big benefit.

“He’s been involved with the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association for some 30 years,” she said. “He’s been on their board, and when they started about 13 years ago with the initiatives to get the camps started throughout the U.S., he was heavily involved.”

And while the award was given to the college, the collaboration with Hawkins and CDF was instrumental.

“Bryan has been our community champion being an entrepreneur and letting students into his place.” Black said. Read more: Daily Journal

The Northern Virginia Chamber Applauds the Historic American Legion Bridge Announcement by Governors

Tysons, Va. – Julie Coons, President and CEO of the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce (Northern Virginia Chamber) today released the following statement on the Capital Beltway Accord announcement made by Virginia Governor Ralph Northam and Maryland Governor Larry Hogan:

“The Northern Virginia Chamber applauds the historic announcement by Virginia Governor Ralph Northam and Maryland Governor Larry Hogan today regarding the American Legion Bridge. Fixing the bridge is a long-standing priority of the region's business community. We are very encouraged that this will also be a public-private partnership for both Virginia and Maryland, showing once again how the private sector is key to moving our region forward. The Northern Virginia business community is thrilled to support this project and looks forward to working with our partners around the region to demonstrate our commitment to connecting our workforce to our employers and growing our economy together."

CONTACT: Nikki Lyon,  Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce - nlyon@novachamber.org   703-752-7521    

Days Away from Small Business Saturday at the Fulton County Chamber

Welcome Chamber Members and Friends,

The countdown is on - We are 16 days away from Small Business Saturday! To begin the festivities, we will host a Small Business Saturday Kick-Off on Saturday, November 30th from 9:00-11:00 AM at the Chamber office. We will have free coffee/hot chocolate and donuts, you will be able to pick up your Small Business Saturday passports, and we will have a limited supply of free canvas tote bags for you to take shopping with you!

To participate in the Passport Program, pick up a passport at our kick-off or visit any of the participating businesses around Fulton County. When you stop by participating businesses between November 30th and December 8th, get your passport stamped. Once you receive ten stamps, turn your completed passport in for a chance to win a variety of prizes!

In addition to the Passport Program, we will host an online photo contest on Saturday, November 30th ONLY! Post photos from your shopping experience to Facebook, tag the business you shopped at, use the hashtag #FCSmallBizSaturday and share on our event page for a chance to win prizes! The more posts on Saturday, the greater your odds of winning!

We look forward to celebrating Small Business Saturday with you on November 30th! Continue reading for more information on upcoming Chamber events and member news.

Thank you for your support and involvement in Fulton County.

Jillian Kreamer
Executive Director


WELCOME HOME - The Nation's Premier New Resident Marketing Program for Your Chamber Members 

Welcome Home, the nation's premier new resident marketing program,is a new mover marketing program designed to help get your chamber members' businesses  in front of the most valuable audiences - new residents.

Exclusive to chamber members, the WELCOME HOME program is a remarkable advertising tool, highly visible, targeted and delivered direct to new resident's mailboxes, catching them as they establish new buying habits.

In addition, WELCOME HOME is distributed to local libraries, park districts, municipalities and your local chamber office.

Get your members in front of one of the most valuable audiences: NEW RESIDENTS.

Don't miss this opportunity to promote your member businesses to new residents ON A MONTHLY BASIS, ALL YEAR LONG!

Mailed monthly to new movers from the previous 30 days!

They are new to the neighborhood. They have money to spend. They need your member's businesses and services.

Palatine Area Chamber WELCOME HOME

Town Square Publications  (www.townsquarepublications.com) can help you accomplish your chamber's NEW MOVER publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633.

Coldwater Chamber sells its portion of their building, will stay put

Coldwater Executive Suites, LLC has purchased the building section that houses the Coldwater Area Chamber of Commerce at 20 Division Street

The Coldwater Area Chamber is staying in its current location on South Division Street, but it has sold the portion of the building that houses its offices.

As of October 31 Coldwater Executive Suites, LLC has purchased the building section that houses the Chamber of Commerce at 20 Division Street.

According to Chamber Executive Director Cayden Sparks, Coldwater Executive Suites, LLC in conjunction with Bucklin Law PLC and Bucklin Family Dentistry, will be working together to update and modernize the building and to improve the exterior and interior of the building.

The Coldwater Area Chamber of Commerce will continue to occupy the building by rental agreement, and  Sparks says no Chamber funds will be utilized on the remodel of the building.

The exterior of the building has recently undergone an extensive renovation. Read more: WTVB am

Bullitt County Chamber of Commerce  Community Map

The Bullitt County Chamber of Commerce Community Map is available at the Chamber today! Thanks to Helen Hill, Anita Stump 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.

Bullitt County KY Chamber map

Community Will Select HATCH People’s Choice Winner

HATCH, an entrepreneurial pitch program, is returning to central and northern Wisconsin this fall. Selected entrepreneurs will pitch their ideas to a live audience at an event held at John and Patty Noel’s Car Barn on November 13 from 6:00-8:30 PM. Special thanks to Compass Properties for their support of the event at the Car Barn. Registration to attend is requested. We already have the pitches in the selection pipeline and qualifiers will soon be notified.

HATCH events in three regions are being spearheaded by BrightStar Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), though an entrepreneurship support grant. The Portage County Business Council is leading this effort in central Wisconsin with the support of other organizations.


“Brightstar and WEDC were impressed with the success that HATCH had the past two years in supporting entrepreneurs in central Wisconsin and we look forward to seeing the same results with this innovative program again in 2019,” said Thomas M. Shannon, President & CEO, Brightstar Wisconsin Foundation,. “We are pleased to partner with WEDC to be able to provide more resources to entrepreneurs through programs like HATCH.”

HATCH is a rotating, high-energy idea pitch program designed to facilitate connections between prospective entrepreneurs and those within a community who support them such as industry experts, professional service firms, banks, non-profits, business leaders and investors. Last year’s Central Wisconsin finale had more than 300 people in attendance. Several individuals or teams of individuals have the opportunity to pitch their best business idea to a panel of judges while substantive connections and networking occurs between attendees.

“We are excited to bring HATCH back to Central Wisconsin and now include Northern Wisconsin as well.” said Todd Kuckkahn, Executive Director at Portage County Business Council. “Our communities are known for their entrepreneurial spirit and the support the last two years made it an easy decision for HATCH to come back. We have a unique and fun location and are excited for our judges to select the $5,000 grand prize winner, along with $2,500 for second place, $1,000 for third and $500 for the People’s Choice.” The People’s Choice Award is being sponsored by Grow North, a regional WEDC economic development organization serving northern Wisconsin.

There is no cost to attend the event, however registration is requested to make sure there is enough food and beverage. The “eats and drinks” are sponsored by Copperleaf Management Group/Krista & Jim Mendyke. To register and attend, go to https://tinyurl.com/attendhatch. The ever popular “after party” location, where attendees can network more with the participants and winners, will be announced at the event.

Financial supporters of this event include Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, Brightstar Wisconsin Foundation, Judd S. Alexander Foundation, Dwight and Linda Davis Foundation, Ruder Ware, Incourage Community Foundation, BMO Harris Bank, Grow North and Copperleaf Management Group.

For questions about HATCH, contact Fred Raasch at fraasch@brightstarwi.org or for central Wisconsin, contact Todd Kuckkahn at tkuckkahn@portagecountybiz.com.

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