Finalists Named for the 2022 ACCE Chamber of the Year; Mason City Chamber of Commerce Mason City, IA Zionsville Chamber of Commerce Zionsville, Ind. Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce Paducah, Ky.; West Des Moines Chamber West Des Moines, Iowa; Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce Bowling Green, Ky. Dallas Regional Chamber Dallas, Texas Hilton Head Island - Bluffton Chamber of Commerce Hilton Head Island, S.C.

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

#BestChamber: Finalists Named for the 2022 ACCE Chamber of the Year

The Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives announced today the finalists for the 2022 Chamber of the Year competition, sponsored by Personify.



“This year’s finalists are among the most impactful organizations within the chamber industry,” said ACCE President & CEO Sheree Anne Kelly. “We’re in the midst of a chamber renaissance. Chambers of commerce have never been more essential to regional prosperity and are being called on to serve as partners, thought leaders and innovative problem solvers in new ways on new issues. Congratulations to our 2022 finalists.”

Finalists for 2022 Chamber of the Year are:

Category One

Mason City Chamber of Commerce
Mason City, Iowa

North Tampa Bay Chamber
Lutz, Fla.

Zionsville Chamber of Commerce
Zionsville, Ind.

Category Two

Henry County Chamber of Commerce
McDonough, Ga.

Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce
Paducah, Ky.

West Des Moines Chamber
West Des Moines, Iowa

Category Three

Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce
Bowling Green, Ky.

Conway Area Chamber of Commerce
Conway, Ark.

Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce
Eugene, Ore.

Category Four

Dallas Regional Chamber
Dallas, Texas

Hilton Head Island - Bluffton Chamber of Commerce
Hilton Head Island, S.C.

Portland Business Alliance
Portland, Ore.

In the final phase of the competition, a judging committee conducts interviews with leaders representing each finalist chamber. One winner from each category will be named on Wednesday, July 27 at the #ACCE22 Convention in Indy.

Learn more about Chamber of the Year here.

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

Town Square Publications Chamber Directories, Maps, Digital Directories and Community Profiles: The 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!

Buffalo Grove honors retiring chamber executive Lynne Schneider; Arkansas Chamber of Commerce head predicts court challenges over ethics, term limits amendment; St. Joseph County Chamber of Commerce Adds to Board; Chamber Best Practices: Securian Honored with Keystone Award for Charitable Giving; Chamber Tweet of the Day: Tulsa Regional Chamber; Mason City businesses sit down to understand health insurance; Wauwatosa Chamber selects Small Business of the Year; Suzie Ahlstrand to leave Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce; Memorial Service Set For Broken Arrow Chamber Executive

Buffalo Grove honors retiring chamber executive Lynne Schneider

The Buffalo Grove village board this week honored the retiring executive director of the local chamber of commerce.

Lynne Schneider, a resident since 1988, has served with what is now the Buffalo Grove Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce since 1989, becoming its executive director in 1999.

Schneider, who will retire at the end of the year, has also worked with the village on the Buffalo Grove Days Festival, created the Heart of the Community Awards and assisted on the merger of the chamber with the Lincolnshire Chamber.

She has served as president of the Illinois Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, sat on the Illinois Chamber as an ex officio director and in 2011 was awarded the prestigious Lester W. Braun Jr. Distinguished Illinois Chamber of Commerce Executive Award by her peers. She also serves as secretary of the Northwest Suburban Chamber of Commerce Executives. Read more: Daily Herald

Arkansas Chamber of Commerce head predicts court challenges over ethics, term limits amendment

The head of Arkansas' largest business lobbying group said he expects court challenges to try and clarify key parts of a voter-approved constitutional amendment that imposes new ethics restrictions on lawmakers and loosens term limits.
Speaking at a panel discussion on the impact of the amendment, Arkansas Chamber of Commerce President Randy Zook said lobbyists want some clarification on the new rules they and lawmakers will be operating under. He said other parts of the amendment may need clarification from the courts.
"There are serious questions," Zook said. "I think we could subtitle this amendment, 'yet another lawyer's relief act,' because there are going to be a lot of court cases to clear up a lot of issues." Read more: Daily Journal

St. Joseph County Chamber of Commerce Adds to Board

The St. Joseph County Chamber of Commerce, at its December board meeting, elected officers to lead its 2015 board of directors. They include:
-Chair: Rich Carlton, Data Realty
-Chair-Elect: Paul Marsh, TCU
-President and CEO: Jeff Rea, St. Joseph County Chamber
-Finance Chair: Dan Smogor, Kruggel Lawton & Co. CPAs
-Immediate Past Chair: Jacqueline Barton, Specialized Staffing Solutions
"The strength of our organization is a direct reflection of the commitment of our members. We are fortunate to have dedicated business leaders who are engaged in our efforts to grow our regional economy, and this team of board leadership will undoubtedly continue our mission to have the greatest impact we can on our members and our community," said Jeff Rea, president and CEO of the St. Joseph County Chamber of Commerce. Read more: Inside Indiana Business

Chamber Best Practices:  Securian Honored with Keystone Award for Charitable Giving

Securian Financial Group is the Large Company honoree for this year’s Minnesota Keystone award.
Every year the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce recognizes companies that donate at least two percent of the their pretax earnings to the community with the Keystone award. Securian and its foundation have awarded more than $20 million in grants over the last 10 years and employees donated thousands of hours to community service.
“Securian stood out because of its long-term and deeply engrained commitment to the community,” said Todd Klingel, chamber president and CEO. “The company’s volunteer programs are expansive and heavily layered into the corporate culture.” Read more: Fort Mill Times

Chamber Tweet of the Day: Tulsa Regional Chamber

TulsaRegionalChamber ‏@TulsaChamber 17h17 hours ago

Can you be a partner in education? Find more about how you can partner with local schools: http://bit.ly/SNvgCO 

Mason City businesses sit down to understand health insurance

With open enrollment deadlines just around the corner, an Iowa organization is clearing up last minute unanswered questions.
The Mason City Chamber of Commerce partnered with the Human Resources Association of North Iowa as well as the Iowa Insurance Commission to host a seminar focusing on the different options businesses have for health insurance in Iowa. The idea was to sit down with businesses and answer any questions about coverage for the upcoming year. Read more: KIMT.com

Wauwatosa Chamber selects Small Business of the Year

Advanced Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists (ADVENT) has been named Small Business of the Year by the Wauwatosa Chamber of Commerce. The award will be presented at the chamber’s Showcase event on Jan. 15.

“This honor is the perfect way to begin our 10th year of business,“ said ADVENT medical director Dr. Madan Kandula.

“Being recognized by the chamber reaffirms that our unique approach to patient care and innovation resonates within the community,” said hearing director Dr. Gwen Kandula.Read more: BizTimes.com

Suzie Ahlstrand to leave Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce

Suzie Ahlstrand said the problem with working full time is it leaves little time to volunteer.
That won’t be a problem at the end of this month.
That’s when Ahlstrand will officially depart from the Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce after nearly three decades.
“I’m not sure where (volunteer interests) it’s going to be taking me … but I’m not going away,” she said Thursday.
Ahlstrand was most recently the chamber’s executive vice president of community advancement.
In February 2011 the chamber asked her to step in as interim president and CEO following the departure of Bryan Derreberry, who left for a chamber job in North Carolina. She served in that role until Gary Plummer was hired in September of that year. Read more: Kansas.com

Memorial Service Set For Broken Arrow Chamber Executive

Broken Arrow's Chamber of Commerce announces a memorial service for an executive member.
43 year old Mickie Taylor was Vice President of Government Affairs.
Taylor died Tuesday night when her corvette went off the road and rolled over.
Services are scheduled for Monday, December 22 at 10am at The Assembly Church in Broken Arrow. Read more: KTUL channel 8 Tulsa

Missouri State Chamber initiative, Missouri 2030 to kick off in Cape Girardeau, Zionsville resident named Indiana chamber chairman; Zionsville resident named Indiana chamber chairman; Fort Smith Regional Chamber event: Economists Predict Steady Growth Next Year; Worthington, Minnesota Chamber hits membership milestone; Mason City Chamber presentation: Talent Management for members; Wisconsin must avoid energy mistakes of Germany; Chamber assistance: Historic Danville (Kentucky) manor to become events venue

Missouri Chamber initiative, Missouri 2030 to kick off in Cape Girardeau

The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry will introduce a new initiative, Missouri 2030: An Agenda to Lead, on Thursday in Cape Girardeau during the first of a series of meetings to be held throughout the state. The initiative consists of a 15-year plan designed to improve Missouri's competitiveness, according to a release.
Dan Mehan, president of the state chamber, and Ted Abernathy, head of the initiative, will present information from a recent survey of more than 1,000 employers in the state and share comparative economic data at the meetings, according to a release. Businesses in attendance also will be asked for opinions of the plan.Read more: Southeast Missourian

Zionsville resident named Indiana chamber chairman

His resume is long, impressive and filled with all the business experience anyone needs, and he was recently elected as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce for 2015.
But Tom Easterday is more proud of his involvement in the Special Olympics.
Easterday and his wife Deb have been coaching for the Special Olympics in Boone County for years and despite his newly elected status, he would rather be coaching than anything.
“My wife and I have coached everything from basketball to softball to track and field for Special Olympics in Boone County,” Easterday said. “It can be challenging but it truly is rewarding.”
The executive vice president, secretary and chief legal officer of Subaru of Indiana Automotive was elected to his chairman position during the Indiana Chamber’s Fall Board of Directors meeting held in Indianapolis Nov. 6. Read more: Current in Zionsville



Best Chamber practices: Shop Huron & WIN $25,000 Giveaway

This Christmas, the Huron Chamber &Visitors Bureau would like to reward residents for shopping local! For every $25 you spend on goods and services at Huron businesses, you will be entered to win up to $25,000! Shop Huron to help you, your neighbor and our community! More details here: Huron Chamber

Follow-up article: The Huron Chamber & Visitors Bureau is excited to announce that the Shop Huron & Win campaign is keeping its momentum as the Christmas holiday nears! The second weekly drawing was held Wednesday at Walkers Flower Shop with shop owner Ann Edleman, left, and store associate Elisha Prien, pictured. The second winner of the $100 drawing is Lori Messegee of Huron, who submitted a receipt from Pro Build. With two weeks into the promotion, more than $220,000 worth of receipts have been submitted.Read more: The Plainsman

Fort Smith Regional Chamber event: Economists Predict Steady Growth Next Year

Barring a slow first quarter of 2014 due to harsh weather, the nation has seen continual increases in gross domestic product and a leading economist for the state foresees steady growth next year.

Kathy Deck, director of the Center for Business and Economic Research in the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas, told the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce on Friday that the good news comes with some “economic realities.”

“If we look at what the consensus forecast is from the National Association for Business Economics, we continue to expect steady growth into the future,” Deck said.

At this point in the expansion since the Great Recession, she added, the normal business cycle creates some anxiety of returns to decreased output. People have feared another recession considering the length of the recovery, which has taken longer than others. Read more at: Times Record

Worthington, Minnesota Chamber hits membership milestone

As they got ready for an upcoming meeting, the staff at the Worthington Area Chamber of Commerce recently realized the organization had reached a notable milestone.
 
“As we were preparing for the annual planning session of the board of directors, I asked the staff to do a chart of the membership analysis over the last five years,” explained Chamber Executive Director Darlene Macklin. “It showed that we were at the highest number of members we have ever had here — 379 — at least in my career here at the Chamber.”
The numbers have increased significantly just in the last four years, Macklin noted.
“In 2010, we were at 300 members,” she said. “Back in 2012, it shows 309 members. In 2013, we were at 350. And we just picked up another member yesterday, so it’s actually 380. Isn’t that incredible?” Read more: Daily Globe

Mason City Chamber presentation: Talent Management for members


Talent management, which grows increasingly important in businesses of all sorts and sizes, was the focus of a fall workshop for members of the Mason City Area Chamber of Commerce.
The presenter, JoAnn Corley, was founder of The Human Sphere, a talent management consultancy based in Atlanta.
When Corley asked representatives of area businesses to describe talent management, words like coaching, assessing, grooming, training, hiring and succession planning were called out for her to list on a white board for all to see. Read more: Globe Gazette.com

Chamber issue: Wisconsin must avoid energy mistakes of Germany

Renewable energy advocates hold up the German experience as an example of successful energy policy making with some going so far as to call it a model for Wisconsin. Germany's energy transformation or "Energiewende" calls for a nuclear-free and carbon-reduced economy through the vast deployment of renewable technologies but its results thus far have been higher prices, greater carbon intensity and a less reliable electric delivery network.
As an organization focused on maintaining reliable and affordable power in Wisconsin, we view Germany as providing valuable lessons on missteps that the state of Wisconsin should avoid. Indeed, policymakers in Germany now are reversing course on the large cost of renewable subsidies and the impact of those subsidies on residential and industrial electric rates and CO2 emissions. Read more:
The Star

Chamber assistance: Historic Danville (Kentucky) manor to become events venue

When Brittney Mills Adams said "I do" in October, she was not only saying yes to becoming Mrs. Nick Adams, she was also agreeing to take on a whole different sort of adventure as well.
Adams and her engineer husband were married Oct. 11 at the family's 19th century Warrenwood Manor.
The Gothic Revival manor, located on U.S. 127 just south of the Danville bypass, was purchased by her parents, Tom and Alane Mills, in 2007.
After discussions with her parents, the 29-year-old and her husband became the proud owners of the manor, as well as the 100 acres of prime farmland surrounding the house, after her parents deeded the property to the young couple.
"My parents sat us down and said, 'Do you want to get a J-O-B, or you're young, do you want to consider taking a risk,'" said Adams. "We quickly chose the latter, especially after going around looking for wedding venues and then realizing we have the perfect place right here at Warrenwood Manor."...
Adams said local officials have been helpful in advising them in their preparations, including Jody Lassiter, president and CEO of Danville-Boyle County Economic Development Partnership, who helped hustle her through the city's red tape with the Chamber of Commerce's new JumpStart program. Read more: Kentucky.com

Chamber Executive Iowa Digest - October 2014 - Chamber news: 5 Iowa cities on Top 100 Best Places to Live list; Chamber speaker: Siouxland Chamber dinner sells out at 1800; National honor for north Iowa business leader Robin Anderson; Chamber conference: Community and Retail Academy to be held in Le Mars; Osage Chamber partnership: Mitchell County farms share healthy harvest bounty; Chamber engagement: Cy statues celebrate Ames, Iowa; Hot (air) topic: September Creston, IA Chamber of Commerce happenings; Chamber good news: Cost of living in Mason City, Iowa; Chamber Event: U of O Mutt Strutt approaches

Chamber news:  5 Iowa cities on Top 100 Best Places to Live list
Five Iowa cities have been named to this year's Top 100 Best Places to Live by Livability.com. This year Iowa City ranked 10th, Ames was 30th, West Des Moines was 57 on the list with Cedar Rapids at 65 and Des Moines at 82.The listing for Des Moines says , "One of the wealthiest cities in America is Des Moines, the capital of Iowa and a major headquarters for finance, insurance and publishing. The health industry is well-represented by four major hospitals and a cancer center, while the community’s quality of life is enhanced by 76 parks, three golf courses and three family aquatic centers."
"It's great to see Ames on this list for the second year in a row," said Dan Culhane in a news release. He is Ames Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development President and CEO. Read more: KCCI 8 NEWS

Chamber speaker: Siouxland Chamber dinner sells out at 1800

The Siouxland Chamber of Commerce said Monday its dinner featuring former U.S. Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell has sold out. About 1,800 tickets have been sold for the Sept. 29 annual dinner at the Sioux City Convention Center since they went on sale July 31, said Renee Beaulieu, the chair of the Chamber Board of Directors....Sioux City Journal

National honor for north Iowa business leader Robin Anderson

The President and CEO of the Mason City Chamber of Commerce has been appointed to a national committee. Robin Anderson is one of ten new executives named to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Committee of 100.  The group advises the U.S. Chamber’s board of directors, recommends programming and strengthens outreach to the business and chamber communities. Get more: KIMT.com

Chamber conference: Community and Retail Academy to be held in Le Mars

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Plymouth County and the Le Mars Area Chamber of Commerce are pleased to announce the Community and Retail Academy conference coming to Le Mars Wednesday, Oct. 29.
Business, industry, and community leaders are invited to learn about ways to create and market business branding, social media marketing, creating livable communities, and learning the customer trends for Northwest Iowa and Plymouth County. Read more: Akron Hometowner

Osage Chamber partnership: Mitchell County farms share healthy harvest bounty

Mitchell County residents took advantage of good weather Sept. 6 to visit farms and businesses that feed them. From pumpkins to meat to wine, mums and melons, farms in Orchard, Osage and St. Ansgar offered tours as part of Fresh on the Farm.
The afternoon was sponsored by Healthy Harvest of North Iowa in partnership with local farmers, Mitchell County Extension, the Osage Chamber of Commerce and NCR-SARE. Read more: Agri-News.com

Chamber Executive Ongoing Education Weekly New Idea: Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead - by Sheryl Sandberg, CEO Facebook

Thirty years after women became 50 percent of the college graduates in the United States, men still hold the vast majority of leadership positions in government and industry. This means that women’s voices are still not heard equally in the decisions that most affect our lives. In Lean In, Sheryl Sandberg examines why women’s progress in achieving leadership roles has stalled, explains the root causes, and offers compelling, commonsense solutions that can empower women to achieve their full potential.

Sandberg is the chief operating officer of Facebook and is ranked on Fortune’s list of the 50 Most Powerful Women in Business and as one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People in the World. In 2010, she gave an electrifying TEDTalk in which she described how women unintentionally hold themselves back in their careers. Her talk, which became a phenomenon and has been viewed more than two million times, encouraged women to “sit at the table,” seek challenges, take risks, and pursue their goals with gusto.

In Lean In, Sandberg digs deeper into these issues, combining personal anecdotes, hard data, and compelling research to cut through the layers of ambiguity and bias surrounding the lives and choices of working women. She recounts her own decisions, mistakes, and daily struggles to make the right choices for herself, her career, and her family. She provides practical advice on negotiation techniques, mentorship, and building a satisfying career, urging women to set boundaries and to abandon the myth of “having it all.”  She describes specific steps women can take to combine professional achievement with personal fulfillment and demonstrates how men can benefit by supporting women in the workplace and at home.

Written with both humor and wisdom, Sandberg’s book is an inspiring call to action and a blueprint for individual growth. Lean In is destined to change the conversation from what women can’t do to what they can.

Chamber engagement: Cy statues celebrate Ames, Iowa

Starting Aug. 31, Ames residents might have been wondering from where the 30 6-foot tall Cy statues all around the city came.

The statues came about through an initiative called CyclONE City. CyClone City was created by Leadership Ames 27 class, which was developed to make informed, involved and concerned community leaders in the Ames area, according to the Ames Chamber of Commerce website. Read more: Iowa State Daily

Hot (air) topic: September Creston, IA Chamber of Commerce happenings

September finds the chamber of commerce busier than ever. This is due in large part to the help and assistance the Chamber gives to the Creston/Southwest Iowa Hot Air Balloon Committee for the upcoming 37th annual Hot Air Balloon Days Weekend to be held Sept. 19–21.
Weather permitting, Balloon Days kicks off with a fun flight of many of the balloonists on Friday evening sometime after 5:30 p.m. The balloon races will be held on Saturday the 20th and Sunday the 21st. Depending on the wind direction, many of you can step outside your door and enjoy the spectacular view of balloons soaring across Creston on these days or head up to the airport to watch them take off. Creston News-Advertiser

Chamber good news: Cost of living in Mason City, Iowa

The Mason City Chamber of Commerce released their most recent cost of living report. They’re finding it does not cost a high dollar to live in the area.  Just a few areas they looked at include housing, utilities, groceries, and transportation. They compared costs in these areas to cities like Mankato, St. Cloud, and Sioux Falls.
With 100 being high, Mason City has a score of 91.4, Mankato 95.6, St. Cloud 94.8, and Sioux Falls 99.1. Mason City ranked especially well where groceries, housing, transportation and health care costs are concerned. The President of the Mason City Chamber of Commerce says why it’s important to have this data. Read more: KIMT.com

Chamber Event: U of O Mutt Strutt approaches
The Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce invites you to hit the trails with your four-legged family members for the 3rd annual University of Okoboji Mutt Strutt Saturday, Oct. 4.  It's a fun and fur-filled one-mile walk begins at the Pearson Lakes Art Center at 8:30 a.m.
People and their pooches will strut their stuff over to the Dickinson County Nature Center and then back to the Art Center for a pet/owner look alike contest, best pet trick showdown and cutest mutt show! Read more: Dickinson County News

Chamber business: Goldman Sachs is looking to help 10,000 small businesses with a $500 MILLION investment

The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program is a $500 million investment to help small businesses create jobs and economic opportunity by providing them with greater access to business education, financial capital, and business support services. 10,000 Small Businesses is designed for business owners with limited resources who have a business poised for growth. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to growing their business and creating jobs within their community. Learn more about this program and eligibility requirements. Further information: 10,000 Small Businesses 

Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation (Education)

“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”--- Albert Einstein

Best,

John

John Dussman

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Chamber Executive Ongoing Education Weekly New Idea; The Seven Levels of Communication Go From Relationships to Referrals - by Michael Maher; Chamber update: Arlkadelphia (Arkansas) Alliance's Stephen Bell working hard in first month; Chamber Tweet of the Day: KC Chamber - Manufacturing+ Symposium is THIS Thursday!; Winona chamber honors employers for workplace effectiveness; Chamber news: Kearney tops list of best places to live in Nebraska; Chamber economic development: Michigan City, Indiana designated as HUBZone; Chamber good news: Cost of living in Mason City, Iowa; Chamber issue: Kentucky gets $20 million grant for energy study; Chamber growth opportunity: Oshkosh, Wisconsin starting aviation business park; Jefferson City Chamber opportunity: Missouri Export Finance Program Workshops; Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation: (Attitude) John C. Maxwell

The Seven Levels of Communication: Go From Relationships to Referrals by Michael J. Maher

How many of your clients would attend your funeral? One of the top real estate professionals in the country has written a book that details how he became "America's Most Referred Real Estate Professional". In (7L) The Seven Levels of Communication, Michael J. Maher tells the inspiring story of real estate agent Rick Masters who is suffering through a down market when he meets a mortgage professional who has built a successful business without advertising or personal promotion. Step by step he learns to change the way he interacts with his clients and begins to focus on people instead of numbers. Yet with each new success comes a new challenge and Rick soon realizes that if he is to fully utilize the lessons of the (7L), he must be willing to change himself as well as his business. He soon learns, however, that the rewards for doing so are far greater than he had ever imagined. (7L) shows Rick how to build a more profitable business and a more fulfilling life in the process.

Chamber update: Arlkadelphia (Arkansas) Alliance's Stephen Bell working hard in first month

  

Since coming to Arkadelphia nearly one month ago, Stephen Bell has been busy trying to promote and improve economic development in Clark County. Bell was named president and CEO of the Arkadelphia Regional Economic Development Alliance and Area Chamber of Commerce in July. He takes the reigns that were vacated by Shawnie Carrier who resigned last summer to take a job at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. Read more: The Daily Siftings Herald

Chamber Tweet of the Day: KC Chamber - Manufacturing+ Symposium is THIS Thursday!

KC Chamber ‏@kcchamber 23h

Manufacturing+ Symposium is THIS Thursday. Learn why #manufacturing is KEY to #KC's economy! http://www.kcchamber.com/Events/Small-Business-Entrepreneurship-Events/Business-Brain-Food/2014-Manufacturing-Summit.aspx … pic.twitter.com/RxDTBvUtvZ

Winona chamber honors employers for workplace effectiveness

The Winona Area Chamber of Commerce has announced the Winona-area winners of the “When Work Works Award” for exemplary workplace practices.

The award, given by the Families and Work Institute and the Society for Human Resource Management, is the result of a rigorous assessment. Applicants are evaluated on six research-based ingredients of an effective workplace: opportunities for learning, a culture of trust, work-life fit, supervisor support for work success, autonomy, and satisfaction with earnings, benefits and opportunities for advancement. Read more: Winona Daily News

Chamber news: Kearney tops list of best places to live in Nebraska

Kearney has been named the best city to live in Nebraska by the CreditDonkey.com website.

The report lists the top 10 places to live in the Cornhusker state according to five statistics: crime rate, commute time, income, education and restaurants per capita.

Writers interpret statistics from the FBI and the U.S. Census Bureau to determine the list. Read more: Kearney Hub

Chamber economic development: Michigan City, Indiana designated as HUBZone

The City of Michigan City, Michigan City Chamber of Commerce, Indiana Small Business Development Center (ISBDC) and the Economic Development Corporation of Michigan City (EDCMC) are collaborating to sponsor a seminar on how to expand business opportunities with the federal government.

The city was designated as a HUBZone after it met the eligibility requirements due to the 2010 U.S. Census. The purpose of the HUBZone program is to provide federal contracting assistance for qualified small businesses located in historically underutilized business zones in an effort to increase employment opportunities, investment and economic development in such areas. Read more: Michigan City News Dispatch

Chamber good news: Cost of living in Mason City, Iowa

The Mason City Chamber of Commerce released their most recent cost of living report. They’re finding it does not cost a high dollar to live in the area.
Just a few areas they looked at include housing, utilities, groceries, and transportation. They compared costs in these areas to cities like Mankato, St. Cloud, and Sioux Falls.
With 100 being high, Mason City has a score of 91.4, Mankato 95.6, St. Cloud 94.8, and Sioux Falls 99.1. Mason City ranked especially well where groceries, housing, transportation and health care costs are concerned. The President of the Mason City Chamber of Commerce says why it’s important to have this data. Read more: KIMT.com

Chamber issue: Kentucky gets $20 million grant for energy study

Democrats and Republicans gathered Wednesday to celebrate a $20 million federal grant designed to move Kentucky toward new forms of energy, a tricky subject in a state dominated by the coal industry.

Republican U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell and U.S. Rep. Andy Barr joined Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear and state House Majority Leader Rocky Adkins to announce a federal grant that will be distributed among the state's eight public colleges and universities. The money will pay for researchers to explore new ways to generate energy from plants and chemicals. Read more: The State Journal

Chamber growth opportunity: Oshkosh, Wisconsin starting aviation business park

The Oshkosh area is creating a new space for aviation-related businesses to build. Officials from the city and Winnebago County broke ground on an aviation business park, on W. Ripple Avenue near Wittman Regional Airport.

Oshkosh Area Chamber of Commerce president John Casper says several businesses have talked about relocating near the EAA over the years. But he says there wasn't a suitable space for them. Casper says the park could attract a variety of businesses. Read more: News Talk 1150 WHBY

Chamber opportunity: Missouri Export Finance Program Workshops

On September 30, October 2 and October 7, 2014 Bob Newman, Senior Area Manager, and John Blum, Regional Manager International Trade Programs, with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will provide a presentation on SBA’s export finance programs in Cape Girardeau, Farmington and Jefferson City, respectively.  They will discuss export finance and how to reduce the risks banks and small businesses take when they finance the preparation, creation and sale of Missouri-made goods and services to buyers outside the United States.  They will be joined by SBA’s Bill Vickery at the Cape & Farmington presentations.

Bob Newman states, “While fiscal year 2014 is shaping up to be a record year for 7(a) loans, 504 and export loans lag expectations. To increase awareness and use of the export programs, John and Bob are going on the road to talk about SBA's International Trade Loan, Export Express & Export Working Capital Program  and to answer questions.  We hope our efforts will result in more loans being made during fiscal year 2015.” He adds, “During fiscal year 2013, SBA guaranteed 474 loans across eastern Missouri; yet by the end of August  2014 SBA had guaranteed 481 loans over the same area, with the entire month of September left to book loans!”

The dates, times and locations of these three events are as follows:

• Tuesday, September 30, 2014 – 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m,. Cape Girardeau Civic Center (Osage Centre), 1625 North Kingshighway, Cape Girardeau, Missouri

• Thursday, October 2, 2014 - 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Farmington Civic Center, 2 Black Knight Drive, Farmington, Missouri

• Tuesday, October 7, 2014 - 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Jefferson City Chamber of Commerce, 213 Adams Street, Jefferson City, Missouri

These three workshops are sponsored by RMI, an SBA Certified Development Company that originates 100% SBA-guaranteed 504 loans.  Please contact Mindy Murray with RMI if you have questions about these events.  Mindy can be reached at 573-634-0557 or mindy@rmiinc.org.

If you are a lender located in Cape Girardeau, Farmington or Jefferson City, and would like to schedule a meeting with Bob and John while they're in town, please contact Bob at 636-358-5941 or robert.newman@sba.gov.

Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation: (Attitude)

“People may hear your words, but they feel your attitude.” - John C. Maxwell

emilysquotes.com

Goldman Sachs is looking to help 10,000 small businesses with a $500 MILLION investment; St Louis Regional Chamber Public Policy Speaker Series features Tom Schweich, Missouri State Auditor; Chamber news: National honor for north Iowa business leader Robin Anderson; Faribault, Minnesota Chamber of Commerce welcome new teachers to town; Chamber Finance: North Dakota and South Dakota lead the nation for credit conditions; Chamber news: 2014 Indiana Governor's Conference for Women: Community. Connection. Inspiration!; Chamber Directory or Map; Chamber Tweet of the Day: Driverless Cars Retweeted by Detroit Chamber; Chamber proud: Norfolk, Nebraska named ‘Community of the Year’; St. Charles, IL prepares for Chamber of Commerce Week; Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation (Education) Albert Einstein

Chamber business incentives: Goldman Sachs is looking to help 10,000 small businesses with a $500 MILLION investment

The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program is a $500 million investment to help small businesses create jobs and economic opportunity by providing them with greater access to business education, financial capital, and business support services. 10,000 Small Businesses is designed for business owners with limited resources who have a business poised for growth. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to growing their business and creating jobs within their community. Learn more about this program and eligibility requirements. Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce

Further information: 10,000 Small Businesses 

St Louis Regional Chamber Public Policy Speaker Series features Tom Schweich, Missouri State Auditor

St. Louis Regional Chamber Public Policy Speaker Series features Missouri State Auditor Tom Schweich on Tuesday, September 16th - 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Chamber's Regional Collaboration Center located at One Metropolitan Square - 13th Floor 211 N. Broadway St. Louis, MO  63102

Chamber news: National honor for north Iowa business leader Robin Anderson

The President and CEO of the Mason City Chamber of Commerce has been appointed to a national committee. Robin Anderson is one of ten new executives named to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Committee of 100.  The group advises the U.S. Chamber’s board of directors, recommends programming and strengthens outreach to the business and chamber communities. Get more: KIMT.com

Faribault, Minnesota Chamber of Commerce welcome new teachers to town

As class started this week for all Faribault schools, many students may have come across unfamiliar faces. More than a hundred new teachers and administrators stepped into classrooms across town.

Seventy-five of those were in the Faribault Public Schools District and 30 between Shattuck-St. Mary’s, Cannon River STEM, Bethlehem Academy and Discovery Public School, for a total of 105 new teachers and administrators.

To welcome the new staff to town, the Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism provided welcome bags to each individual which were full of goodies to help acquaint the educators with Faribault. Read more: Faribault Daily News

Chamber Finance: North Dakota and South Dakota lead the nation for credit conditions

How is the economy doing? It depends on where you look. In some states, people are practically choking on credit problems, while in others, serious financial difficulties are relatively rare.

For example, more than one out of every 500 homes in Florida is in foreclosure, while foreclosures are virtually unheard of in North Dakota. Similar differences exist for credit ratings, bankruptcies, unemployment rates and credit card delinquencies.

To factor all this in and determine the best and worst states for credit conditions, CardRatings.com looked at the following:

• Average credit scores from Equifax
• Foreclosure rates from RealtyTrac
• Credit card delinquency rates from TransUnion
• Unemployment rates from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
• Bankruptcy rates from the American Bankruptcy Institute

Based on a combination of all these factors, the following are the best and worst states for credit conditions.

The best states for credit conditions

1. North Dakota. The economy in North Dakota continues to thrive, and credit conditions are excellent as a result. North Dakota has the lowest rates of foreclosures, credit card delinquencies, and unemployment in the United States. It has the second-lowest number of bankruptcies per capita, and the third highest average credit score. In other words, by any measure credit conditions in North Dakota are practically unbeatable.

2. (tie) South Dakota. Clearly, some of North Dakota's economic boom is rubbing off on its neighbor to the south. Having top-10 rankings in all the categories of this study lifted South Dakota into a tie for the No. 2 slot. Read more: CardRatings.com

Chamber news: 2014 Indiana Governor's Conference for Women: Community. Connection. Inspiration!

See and share our new video showcasing the life-changing day we’re putting together at the Indiana Governor’s Conference for Women on October 21st. Get immersed in a groundbreaking program led by business experts on today’s hottest topics – from building your confidence and sparkling in the spotlight to building a thriving business.

Chamber Directory or Map

Get a free estimate for a chamber map, community profile or membership directory. Call John Dussman at (800)-600-0134 x239 or email jdussman.vp@villageprofilemail.com. If your chamber has 500 members or more, please ask about our no-cost option.

Chamber Tweet of the Day: Driverless Cars Retweeted by Detroit Chamber

 

MICHauto ‏@MICHauto 3h

.@chevrolet's concept, zero-emission, driverless cars. #MichiganIsAuto #ITSWC14 pic.twitter.com/mN7x19jfos

Chamber proud: Norfolk, Nebraska named ‘Community of the Year’

And the winner is . . . Norfolk.

The hub of Northeast Nebraska was named “Community of the Year” on Friday at the 47th annual Nebraska Diplomats’ “Passport Weekend” here. A large contingent of business and community leaders from Norfolk was on hand to accept the accolade presented by Gov. Dave Heineman.

Among those representing Norfolk were Mayor Sue Fuchtman; Mark Zimmerer, president of the Norfolk Area Chamber of Commerce; Courtney Dentlinger, who heads the City of Norfolk’s economic development efforts; and Lee Klein, Madison County commissioner.  Read more: Norfolk Daily News

St. Charles, IL prepares for Chamber of Commerce Week

St. Charles Mayor Ray Rogina has proclaimed Sept. 8 through 12, as Chamber of Commerce Week, according to a news release issued Thursday. The St. Charles Chamber of Commerce Chamber has joined the Illinois Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives in celebrating this special recognition of the contributions chambers of commerce make to Illinois civic and economic life, the release stated.

“Chambers of commerce have contributed to the civic and economic life in Illinois for 176 years since the Galena Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1838," Rogina said, according to the release. "Chambers of commerce encourage the growth of existing industries, services, and commercial firms and encourage new businesses and individuals to locate in Illinois.” Read more: Kane County Chronicle

Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation (Education)

“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”--- Albert Einstein