Wisconsin Report from the Statehouse: Correcting the Record on the Dark Stores Theory; Illinois State Senator Michael Connelly and State Representative Grant Wehrli to Receive the Champion of Free Enterprise Award; Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Profile Guide; Jasper to Receive Indiana Chamber’s 2018 Community of the Year Honor; Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce 2017-2018 Community Guide & Membership Directory; Congressman Dan Kildee To Speak At Bay Area Chamber Of Commerce Leading The Way Luncheon; Frank J. Kenny: Announcing the Chamber Pros Webinar Series; Economy, development puts Hattiesburg in league with other thriving mid-size cities of the South; Guidebook offers information on local area; Mayor Sherman Lea highlights collaboration in Roanoke State of the City address; 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!



Wisconsin Report from the Statehouse: Correcting the Record on the Dark Stores Theory

Written by Cory Fish

“Dark Stores” became a popular populist rallying cry during the last legislative session. The prevailing narrative, that “big businesses” are shifting their tax burden onto homeowners, resulted in two of the most heavily debated bills of the legislative session. The only problem, the narrative is false.

The Wisconsin Department of Revenue’s own data shows that over the last ten years the statewide property tax burden has shifted from homeowners to businesses by approximately 3-percent. Businesses are paying a larger portion of the property tax than they were ten years ago.

The real story is that a decade ago, some tax assessors and local officials decided to adopt a novel, and illegal, property assessment theory to target businesses with tax increases. When businesses challenged these illegal tax increases in court and won, these very same tax assessors tried, and failed, to get the Legislature to pass two bills to legalize their illegal actions. Now local governments are spending millions of taxpayer dollars on campaign ads, PR firms, and lobbyists to cover up their actions by selling the bills as a fix to a “loophole.”

Assembly Bill 386/Senate Bill 292 (AB 386) would have allowed tax assessors to value occupied property higher solely because of its occupancy. For example, if you had two homes identical in every respect except that one was occupied and one was vacant, the occupied home would be valued (for tax purposes), and taxed, more than the vacant one. No rational buyer would pay more for the occupied home than the vacant one. The idea is absurd on its face. The fair market value of each property would be the same, but this legislation would increase the assessed value and thus the property taxes for the occupied home.

Assembly Bill 387/Senate Bill 291 (AB 387) would have allowed tax assessors to value and tax financial agreements, contracts, and other things of value that are “inextricably intertwined” with a property. This bill targets the value of financing agreements that help businesses open or grow. Tax assessors want to add the value of those agreements to the value of the building and land when determining the amount of property tax you owe. If this were applied to a residential home – which it could be because of the Wisconsin constitution’s uniformity clause – your local government could raise your property taxes because you took out a mortgage. However, property taxes would not be hiked on your neighbor who bought the same exact house but had the means to purchase it with cash.

These pieces of legislation would result in tax increases on businesses through no fault of their own. Increasing the tax assessment on a property based on occupancy as AB 386 would do or based on financing as AB 387 would do does not reflect economic reality. The business will not have expanded, improvements will not have been made to the property, and the neighborhood will not have become more attractive to the market. In short, the market value will not have changed – just the tax bill. Arbitrarily increasing property taxes is bad for Wisconsin.

WMC ranked these bills as two of the ten worst bills for business introduced this session. We believe these job killing tax increases are bad public policy.

First, these bills are a solution in search of a problem. As stated above, the statewide property tax burden has steadily shifted from residential property to commercial and manufacturing property over the last decade. This legislation would cause that disparity to become even wider.

Second, the Wisconsin Constitution’s Uniformity Clause will spread these tax increases to all property taxpayers. The state constitution requires all property to be taxed in a uniform manner. There is not an exception that allows small businesses, manufacturers, and residential properties to be taxed differently from “big box” retailers. All businesses and residential properties will be roped into abiding by these new property tax assessment laws, which will increase their property tax burdens.

Finally, the legislation creates uncertainty and will lead to more litigation. The legislation creates uncertainty because it changes bedrock rules of property assessment that Wisconsin has followed for decades. Local governments and property owners will both attempt to clarify the new law through more litigation.

Higher taxes and more litigation is not the kind of change Wisconsin needs. WMC is a strong supporter of the reforms taken place over the last seven years that make Wisconsin a more competitive place to work and live. Let’s not go backwards now and raise taxes on job creators and working families.

Cory Fish is the Director of Tax, Transportation, and Legal Affairs at Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce. He can be contacted at cfish@wmc.org.


Illinois State Senator Michael Connelly and State Representative Grant Wehrli to Receive the Champion of Free Enterprise Award

Naperville, IL. (September 21, 2018) – The Illinois Chamber and the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce will award Illinois State Senator Michael Connelly and State Representative Grant Wehrli the Champion of Free Enterprise Award on September 26, 2018 at the NACC Legislative Forum at 11:30 A.M.


“While most Illinois lawmakers continue to provide lip service to the need for pro-growth reforms, these 47 lawmakers are committed to supporting and defending Illinois employers throughout the State.” said Todd Maisch, President and CEO of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce.

In order to receive the award, a senator or representative must have received an average of 85 percent or better voting record over the previous two Illinois General Assemblies. Voting records are based on a legislator’s votes on measure the chamber deems important to the state’s business community.

“Local residents and businesses alike benefit from their commonsense approach to growing our tax base and reducing impediments to free enterprise.” said Colin Dalough, Director of Government Affairs and Business Development of the NACC.

About the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce


The Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce is the largest suburban Chamber in Illinois with an active membership of 1,200 organizations of every size and from every sector. The NACC promotes economic growth and advocacy in and around the Naperville area. For its efforts in promoting free enterprise and the business community, the Chamber has been recognized with 5-Star Accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, an honor bestowed on only 1 percent of Chambers, out of the nearly 7,000 in the nation. Visit www.naperville.net




Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Profile Guide

The Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Profile Guide & Membership Directory is available at the Greater Belleville Chamber! Thanks to Wendy Pfeil and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!

Belleville IL Community Profile Guide

Town Square Publications  (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.


Jasper to Receive Indiana Chamber’s 2018 Community of the Year Honor 

Embracing “the Jasper Way” in business, education and quality of life pursuits has earned Jasper the Indiana Chamber of Commerce’s 2018 Republic Airways and Lift Academy Community of the Year award.

Jasper’s rich German heritage and manufacturing history remain the lifeblood of the community. But its success also is dependent on its ability to look ahead and adapt.

Approximately $200 million in current projects – primarily public-private partnerships – is propelling the city forward. Among those initiatives:

• The Parklands of Jasper: a 75-acre major urban renewal endeavor featuring two miles of walking trails (including a multi-purpose path), three ponds (all connected by elevated pathways), The Pavilion (an indoor public event space seating 160 people), an adventure play area, musical playground and more.
• Thyen-Clark Cultural Center: new facility that will house the Jasper Community Arts and Jasper Public Library.
• Jasper River Centre: a $30 million mixed use development along the Patoka Riverfront. It will include a new hotel and redevelopment of a former factory into 70-plus apartments, retail/office space and public areas.

Jasper Mayor Terry Seitz comments on the Community of the Year designation’s significance: “To be named the (Community of the Year) recipient is a culmination of years of vision, planning and execution by hundreds of people. We are indeed honored.”

“Strong public-private partnerships are at the cornerstone of community success,” says Indiana Chamber President Kevin Brinegar. “Jasper leaders have demonstrated the ability to work together for many years and residents have strongly contributed through their immense pride in their city. Jasper is most deserving of this recognition.”

The celebration of Hoosier success at the Indiana Chamber’s 29^th Annual Awards Dinner, presented by Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield, on November 13 at the Indiana Convention Center will include presentation of three additional awards: Dynamic Leader, Government Leader and Business Leader of the Year. The winners of those awards will be announced in the next three weeks (September 11, 18 and 25, respectively).

J.D. Vance, author of #1 New York Times best-selling memoir Hillbilly Elegy and focused on supporting business development in the Midwest, will keynote the Awards Dinner. Purchase tables of 10 or individual tickets at www.indianachamber.com/ad or by calling Nick at (800) 824-6885.

Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce 2017-2018 Community Guide & Membership Directory

The Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce 2017-2018 Community Profile & Membership Directory is available at the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber today! Thanks to Jon Maynard, Pam Swain, Rosie Vassalo and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!

Oxford Mississippi 2017-2018 Community Guide & Membership Directory

Town Square Publications  (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.

Congressman Dan Kildee To Speak At Bay Area Chamber Of Commerce Leading The Way Luncheon

The third “Leading the Way” Speaker Series Luncheon will be held on Wednesday, October 17, 2018, with Congressman Dan Kildee as the featured speaker. This event will be held at Bay Valley Resort & Conference Center. Registration is at 11:00 a.m. and the program begins at 11:30 a.m.
Born and raised in Flint, Congressman Dan Kildee is a lifelong Michigander. In Congress, he has worked to bring people together and get real results for Michigan, including:
• Fighting Blight in Michigan: In just his first term, Congressman Kildee secured hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funds to help strengthen neighborhoods, raise home values and make communities safer by removing abandoned houses across Michigan, including in Flint, Saginaw and Detroit.
• Getting Real Aid for Flint Families During the Water Crisis: During the water crisis in Flint, Congressman Kildee worked tirelessly to bring much needed relief to Flint families. He led the fight – bringing Democrats and Republicans together in Congress – to pass legislation to bring over $100 million in federal funds to the city to aid in its recovery. And he worked across the aisle to pass laws to prevent a similar crisis from happening in the future. Lastly, he worked with the Obama Administration to secure additional hundreds of millions to help Flint recover, including Medicaid expansion, funding for new jobs and nutritious foods.
• Protecting the Great Lakes from Nuclear Waste: Congressman Kildee is leading a bipartisan initiative to prevent a Canadian company from permanently burying nuclear waste less than one mile from the Great Lakes.
Before being elected to Congress, Congressman Kildee co-founded and served as the president of the Center for Community Progress, a national non-profit organization focused on urban land reform and revitalization.
Congressman Kildee resides in Flint Township with his wife, Jennifer. They have two children, Kenneth and Katy. Dan’s oldest son, Ryan, and his wife Ginger are the parents of their first two grandchildren, Caitlin and Colin.
“The Bay Area community is excited to hear from such an experienced member of Congress,” said Ryan Tarrant, Bay Area Chamber President & CEO. “With the new developments and economic progress being made in Bay County, it will be beneficial to hear Kildee’s take on current and future federal legislation affecting the region.”
The Leading the Way Luncheon is open to the public. Chamber members are $25 per person, future members $40 per person and table of eight for $190. To register call the Chamber at 989.893.4567 or visit baycityarea.com.

The Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, founded in 1882, is a private, non-profit business organization with nearly 800 members that provides programs to assist local businesses grow and prosper. The Bay Area Chamber of Commerce joins area businesses and the community for the economic growth and well-being of the entire Bay Area. Contact: Ryan Tarrant (989) 893-4567.

Frank J. Kenny: Announcing the 

Chamber Pros Webinar Series

Through industry surveys and feedback from our recent free training on the Chamber Road Map to Social Media Success, you told us you wanted this training.

Check it out at https://chamber.frankjkenny.com/cpws

Enrollment is now open!

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Economy, development puts Hattiesburg in league with other thriving mid-size cities of the South

After Hurricane Katrina sent developer Rob Tatum packing from New Orleans back to his native Hattiesburg in 2005, Tatum started working on a real estate deal at home – renovating some historic buildings downtown into loft apartments.

As Tatum and his brother, Craig, began renovations, they kept finding traces of the century-old Tatum legacy in Hattiesburg: “It was really cool when we started demo-ing the buildings,” Tatum said. “We started finding lumber from my great-great-grandfather’s lumber mill, and it was stamped ‘TATUM LUMBER CO.'”

So Tatum repurposed the wood into furniture for his own house as he refurbished the buildings themselves into loft apartments.

Now, the city’s economy depends primarily on the University of Southern Mississippi, which has over 2,000 employees, and Forrest General Hospital and Hattiesburg Clinic, which together hire some 5,500 people. More distantly, there is also the military post Camp Shelby at the city’s southern edge.Sitting in the lobby of the Hotel Indigo, which opened earlier this year in Hattiesburg’s District at Midtown, Tatum represents the newest chapter of Tatums to remake the landscape of the city. Nestled amid the Midtown development’s new shops, restaurants and apartments, the themed boutique hotel pays homage to the city’s beginnings as a transit and timber hub. The lobby looks like a green and gold train car; the rooms contain portraits of the Tatums’ great-great-grandfather W.S.F. Tatum, a Hattiesburg mogul of the early 20th century whose profitable logging and railroad ventures led to stints as town mayor.

The mixed-use Midtown development, which sits across the street from the USM campus, aims to better bridge USM and the hospital, but also to recenter development back in the city proper – against the conventional wisdom, as mayor Toby Barker puts it, of building west down the I-98 corridor. 

Once a plot of university land featuring a shuttered, tornado-damaged dormitory, the Midtown development represents a $35 million investment and some 250 jobs, per Area Development Partnership executive vice president Todd Jackson, to a city of some 47,000 people that has been touted in the news as a “beacon of tourism” and a leader in job growth in recent years. Read more: Mississippi Today

Guidebook offers information on local area

A guidebook offering information to new residents of Mason County is available through the Maysville-Mason County Area Chamber of Commerce.

According to Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Vicki Steigleder, the guidebook presents information on tourism and economics.

“We have these for people who are visiting/moving to Mason County or businesses who are trying to bring potential employees to the area,” she said. “It’s good information to have. Before I moved to Kentucky, I had to go to the (Department of Motor Vehicles) to renew my license, but when I moved to Kentucky-you don’t do that here and when you move state to state, you understand that everyone does things differently, so you want to have this kind of information available.”

According to Steigleder, the book features information on employers in the county, as well as tourism information, including places to see, shop and eat. There are photographs of events in the community.

The guidebook will be available at local hotels, the tourism office and the Chamber of Commerce building. There is also a .pdf copy on the Chamber of Commerce website.

“It’s an ongoing book that we update about every three years, but it provides good information on what Maysville and Mason County has to offer; the quality of life here, and we want people to pick them up. It’s there even for current residents of the area, if they want to find out more about what is happening in their community,” she said. Read more: Ledger Independent

Mayor Sherman Lea highlights collaboration in Roanoke State of the City address

Collaboration and working together are two of the keys to continued success in the city of Roanoke, Mayor Sherman Lea said during his State of the City address Thursday.

"We're committed to making this city and the quality of life the best it can be," Lea said.

Lea highlighted the city's accomplishments in the past year, including new development in downtown Roanoke, affordable housing and other investments along the city's Melrose-Orange corridor and a commitment to education and work readiness.

"We're at a good point right now," Lea said. "The city is doing well and I'm looking forward to a brighter future."

Dr. Rita Bishop, superintendent of Roanoke City Public Schools, and Bob Cowell, Roanoke city manager, also spoke to community and business leaders during the breakfast hosted by the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce.

"The aspects that we talk about and that the mayor highlighted -- they mean a lot to a business in deciding whether they're going to grow their business in this region," said Joyce Waugh, chamber president and CEO.

Much of the mayor's address focused on the partnerships and programs that local agencies and nonprofits, city schools, and area colleges and universities have participated in to contribute to the area's growth.

"We have development," Lea said. "People are coming into the city. The city is growing. We're going to have some more exciting information about the train, Amtrak and what we want to do. I can just see things are happening."

He said it's important that everyone is included in the city's growth.

"We've had a lot of discussions about poverty and things in our community," Lea said. "We're addressing those. We're going forward with our community block grants, especially in those targeted areas."  Read more: WSLS.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

Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce Directors held the first Annual Manufacturing Dinner; Indiana commerce secretary touts the state's success luring business at Valpo event; Clydesdales visit EMBDC Business After Hours; #BestChamber practices: WMC SPECIAL: Early Bird Registration only $50 for Business World Summer Camps:;Muskego Area Chamber of Commerce 2018 Community Resource Guide & Business Directory; The future of mobility runs through Flint & Genesee; Clarkston Area Chamber : 5 Ways to Improve Your Small Business Marketing; Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce Community Map; Dearborn Area Chamber Names 2018 Teacher of the Year Award Recipients; Grand Rapids Chamber Small Business Series: Mindscape Shares Five Quick Tips for Small Businesses to Generate Leads & Sales Online; Halifax County Chamber of Commerce donates to SVHEC workforce training programs; Legislators give session update to Maysville-Mason County Area Chamber; 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!

Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce Directors held the first Annual Manufacturing Dinner

On Thursday, May 3^rd, The Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce Directors held the first Annual Manufacturing Dinner.  Over 150 people attended the event held at Sauk Valley Community College in Dixon, Il.   Manufacturing has been and continues to be a primary contributor to the success of the Sauk Valley Area.  The SVACC believes the collaboration being done between Manufacturing and Education (Sauk Valley Community College, Morrison Institute of Technology, and the Whiteside Area Career Center) to address workforce development and improve career pathways is critical to the growth of  the Sauk Valley.  

The Dinner provided an informal evening of discussion and highlight programming at Whiteside Area Career Center (WACC) , the Multicraft Program offered through SVCC and area employers, and updates at  Morrison Institute of Technology.  Also included were student testimonials, tours of SVCC Manufacturing area, and a dessert auction. The funds raised will be used for Scholarships for students pursuing manufacturing careers and chamber work in the area of workforce development and helping to create talent pipelines. 

For more information about the SVACC, please call 825-625-2400 or email knoble@saukvalleyareachamber.com 


Indiana commerce secretary touts the state's success luring business at Valpo event

The state's business climate is solid and is taking flight,  including direct transatlantic flights to Paris starting on May 24, Indiana Secretary of Commerce Jim Schellinger said.

"We are such a magnet for business," Schellinger said.

Schellinger, 58, was featured speaker at a joint luncheon hosted on Thursday by the Valparaiso Chamber and the Valparaiso Economic Development Corp.

The top reasons Indiana continues to attract new businesses include a low tax rate, a AAA credit rating and a cash reserve of $2 billion.

"We have so much to be proud of," Schellinger said.

Rex Richards, who serves as president of both the chamber and the VEDC, introduced Schellinger at the event held at Aberdeen Manor.

"The Valpo chamber is delighted to have Indiana Secretary of Commerce Jim Schellinger as the featured speaker at a joint luncheon hosted by the Valpo chamber and the Valparaiso Economic Development Corp. Secretary Schellinger has worked with Valparaiso to help recruit businesses from out of state who have been looking at Valparaiso as a site for expansion," Richards said.

Schellinger, a onetime Democratic candidate for governor, was named in 2016 by Gov. Eric Holcomb to serve as his commerce secretary.

The former Indiana Economic Development Corp. president, who grew up in South Bend, leads Indiana's international economic development agenda.

Before entering public service, Schellinger was chairman and CEO of CSO Architects, which built the Indianapolis International Airport, the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts and the White family's JW Marriott in downtown Indianapolis.

Indiana has a number of reasons to be proud, including a 3.2 percent unemployment rate and more Hoosiers working over the last 32 months, Schellinger said. Read more: NWI Times

Clydesdales visit EMBDC Business After Hours

Mitchell Distributing partnered with the East Mississippi Business Development Corporation to host this month’s Business After Hours.

Various local restaurants and businesses were serving food and drinks at the event. The Budweiser Clydesdales even made a special appearance. People were able to take pictures and learn about the famous horses. CEO of Mitchell distributing, Adam Mitchell, says he is honored to have the Clydesdales here in Meridian.


"They've been here before, but it's been almost 10 years. To have them back, with the EMBDC and with Business After Hours is very exciting,” says Mitchell.


Friday the Budweiser Clydesdales will be parading downtown Meridian delivering beer to local restaurants. They will began at D.T. Grinders at five in the afternoon and will end at City Hall where people can come and enjoy the horses. Read more: WTOK

#BestChamber practices: WMC SPECIAL: Early Bird Registration only $50 for Business World Summer Camps:

Wisconsin Business World is celebrating 35 years and the program continues to grow. This year Business World is pleased to add a third program and feature two new locations (UW-Madison & UW-Stevens Point). This 4-day and 3-night program teaches high school students the importance of career planning, financial literacy, entrepreneurship and the free-market enterprise system. Registration is now open for each of the three summer programs. Do you know a student who should apply? Register at the link below:

https://www.wmc.org/programs/business-world/summer-program/


Muskego Area Chamber of Commerce 2018 Community Resource Guide & Business Directory  

The Muskego Area Chamber of Commerce 2018 Community Guide & Business Directory   is available at the Chamber of Commerce today! Thank you to Krisann Durnford and the Chamber team for their help and direction putting this together! 

Muskego 2018 Community Resource Guide and Business Directory

Town Square Publications  (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.

The future of mobility runs through Flint & Genesee

Flint & Genesee represents the heritage and the future of the automotive industry. The assets are all here, said Tyler Rossmaessler, director of economic development at the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce.
The challenge and opportunity, Rossmaessler said, is to leverage those strengths to grow the regional economy by luring investment in connection with emerging opportunities.
The “traditional” industry is well-represented by General Motors and the automaker’s extensive investments here in recent years. GM has invested $2.8 billion since 2009 to upgrade facilities and add or retain jobs, including spending $877 million on a new body shop at Flint Assembly where Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks are built. In addition, Lear Corp. is nearing completion on a $29-million seat manufacturing plant on part of the former Buick City complex to supply seating for GM vehicles.
The future of mobility – which includes the development of autonomous and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) – is emerging here in the form of new investments by several companies in Grand Blanc Township:

• CNXMotion opened a research and development facility in October 2017 where the company will develop advanced motion control systems and actuator components for automated driving. The company is a joint venture between Nexteer Automotive and Continental Corp.
• A month earlier, Laird, a global technology leader in vehicle connectivity, also unveiled a new R&D center that will serve the company’s Connected Vehicle Solutions
• Now, Magna Corp., a mobility technology company, is building a 229,500-square-foot building where it will combine existing operations under one roof to produce advanced driver-assistance systems. Magna recently announced a multi-year collaboration with Lyft in which the companies will jointly fund, develop and manufacture self-driving systems.

Meanwhile, Kettering University’s GM Mobility Research Center is taking shape along the Flint River on the site of former Chevrolet manufacturing complex (aka Chevy in the Hole). It includes a 3.25-acre test track and outdoor lab space to test and develop driverless car systems.
The Flint & Genesee Chamber is also a partner in PlanetM, an initiative of the Michigan Economic Development Corp. PlanetM is partnership of mobility organizations, communities, educational institutions, research and development, and government agencies working together to develop and deploy the mobility technologies driving the future.
“The traditional automotive industry is strong in trucks and we make trucks. So, we are in the ‘now’,” Rossmaessler said. “But we’re also about the future, and really have an opportunity for growth. Flint & Genesee is not being left behind. Far from it, we’re in the thick of it.

“From our position as the economic development organization, we are a connection point for those companies looking to invest.” Source: Flint & Genesee Chamber

#ACCE18 early bird discount ends this Friday
Don’t miss your chance to save $80 on your Annual Convention registration. Early bird discounts end this Friday (May 18). Join people from Aruba, Australia, Bonaire, Canada, France, Israel, Vietnam, 41 U.S. states and D.C. who have already registered for #ACCE18. Connect with peers from around the world this July in Des Moines. Register today to save $80.

Clarkston Area Chamber : 5 Ways to Improve Your Small Business Marketing


While your basic marketing plan might work for your business, there are things you can do to improve. Find out how to improve marketing for your small business.

Learn From Competitors

Find out what they are doing to attract customers. If you’re the only company in your industry still using cold calling techniques and with little return, it’s time to learn from the other players in the game. Their tactics might work for you, especially since you are trying to attract the same customers.

Get Testimonials

You can attract more customers by getting reviews from people who have already purchased from you.

You can put your reviews in multiple places, so potential customers are sure to see them. You can add reviews to your website. You might have a dedicated testimonials page, or you might let customers review your products.

Update Social Media

First, keep your account information updated and accurate. If something about your business changes, your social media profile should change, too. Make sure your website, address, hours, logo, and pictures are all current.

Second, post fresh content. You must regularly post new content on your social media pages.

Get Out of the Store

Whether you have a storefront or a home-based business, it’s important for potential customers to get to know you and your business. They need to see you. Sometimes, that means you have to go out to where your customers are instead of waiting for them to come to you. 

Become an Expert

You can improve your small business marketing by positioning yourself as a local expert. Becoming an expert is one of the long-term marketing tactics for small business, but can provide a big payoff.

Full article here - Forbes

Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce Community Map 

The Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce Community Map is available at the Rochester Regional Chamber today! Thanks to the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!

Rochester Regional Chamber Map

Town Square Publications  (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. 


Dearborn Area Chamber Names 2018 Teacher of the Year Award Recipients

Hundreds of teachers, students and families attended a special ceremony on Thursday, April 26, 2018 to recognize and honor the teachers of the Dearborn Public Schools district at the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center.  The 21^st annual Alberta Muirhead Teacher of the Year Students’ Choice Award Ceremony, hosted by the Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce and presented by LaFontaine Automotive Group recognized the Teacher of the Year for grade categories Pre-Kindergarten- 2^nd grade, 3^rd – 5^th grade, middle school and high school.

The winning teachers for 2018 are Elizabeth Gutierrez of Geer Park Elementary School (PK-2^nd grades), Maria Iuliano of Geer Park Elementary School (3^rd-5^th grades), Peter Suni of Bryant Middle School, and John Bayerl of Michael Berry Career Center. Each of the four honorees received a $1,000 cash prize from the Chamber, a hand-made glass apple award from the Glass Academy in Dearborn, a membership to the Henry Ford, a gift basket full of goodies from area businesses, and are now part of a select group of Dearborn teachers who have been recognized by the community for their ability to make a difference.

The Chamber’s Education Committee, chaired by Philipp Emma, had the tough job of selecting four winners from a field of nearly 2,700 nominations. Nominations were received and carefully chosen by the committee, made up of a group of dedicated and highly motivated members of the educational and business communities.

“Dearborn Public Schools has pioneered Early College and the Collegiate Academy, technical education and career planning, graduating students with RN degrees, Cisco Certifications and Associate degrees” commented Jackie Lovejoy, president of the Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce. “The inspiring and committed educators in all areas are a stellar group and we’re delighted to honor them each year.  We are so thankful for the support of LaFontaine Automotive Group and all of our sponsors and partners who make this wonderful awards ceremony possible!”

Elizabeth Gutierrez was nominated as a 1^st grade teacher at Geer Park Elementary School by her student, Ali Zreik. Ali wrote in his nomination essay, “My teacher reads really fun books to the kids!”  Ali also included a hand-drawn picture of Mrs. Gutierrez and himself in the classroom.

Maria Iuliano was nominated by her student, Medina Faraj for her tremendous efforts as a 4^th grade teacher at Geer Park Elementary.  Medina shared why her teacher should be recognized among the best. “Instead of her doing all the work, she lets the students use the promethium board. This causes the kids to raise their hand because they want to demonstrate in front of the class.”

The middle school teacher of the year, Peter Suni, was nominated for his outstanding teaching at Bryant Middle School. He was nominated by student Hannan Farhat, who described her teacher as “a teacher who is easy going and puts in effort and connects the classroom with everyday life and makes learning fun.”

The high school winner, John Bayerl is a teacher & Special Populations Coordinator at the Michael Berry Career Center. He works with the kids, like a counselor, helping guide them and tutor them and will step in to take over a class if no sub, etc. He considers all the students to be his students and vice versa. He was nominated by his student Dana Mansi.

“In my four years of high school…” Dana wrote in her nomination. “I have never met a person who has as much faith in me as this teacher!”

Community partners sponsoring the event are LaFontaine Automotive Group, McDonald’s “The Future” in Dearborn, Dearborn Federal Savings Bank, DFCU Financial, Gallagher Benefits Services, Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters, 1^st Choice Urgent Care, MEEMIC Toler-Stemen Agency, Dearborn Federation of Teachers, Jim Thorpe Ameriprise Financial, University of Michigan-Dearborn, Fairlane Town Center, United States Army & Army Reserves, Famous Hamburger, PSN Technology, La Pita Restaurant, Henry Ford College, Korte’s Collision, Services to Enhance Potential (S.T.E.P.), Dearborn Education Foundation, Sphinx Technology, EduCare Student Services, Siena Heights University, Chief Financial Credit Union, Rugenski Chiropractic, Delta Dental, Kiwanis Dearborn Outer Drive, Buffalo Wild Wings, Mati’s Deli, & State Rep. Abduallah Hammoud.

The Dearborn Symphony donated concert tickets to attending teachers at the awards ceremony, Sam’s Club of Southgate provided reception refreshments, the Glass Academy donated the glass “apple” awards, Brome Burger and Yogurtopia of Dearborn donated gift cards for the winning teachers, and the Henry Ford donated a membership for each winning teacher.  The United States Army & Army Reserves donated classroom materials for each winning teacher.

Education is one of the Dearborn Area Chamber’s core strategies.  Through programs such as Teacher of the Year, the Chamber, a 600+ member organization, cultivates learning and mentoring opportunities between the student population and local business.  They also are the hosts of the Metro Detroit Young Entrepreneurs Academy entering their 6^th year with US Chamber Foundation.

For more information, please contact the Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce by phone at 313-584-6100. Be sure to follow the Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce on Facebook at facebook.com/DearbornAreaChamber, on Twitter @DbnAreaChamber and online at www.dearbornareachamber.org for all the latest news and events.

Grand Rapids Chamber Small Business Series: Mindscape Shares Five Quick Tips for Small Businesses to Generate Leads & Sales Online

Unfortunately, relying on “word of mouth” isn’t enough to grow a small business as quickly as one might hope. That’s why, with Chamber programs like the Small Business Series, small business owners and employees can get access to subject matter experts that provide them with the tools and insights they need to succeed.
Because our membership consists of 80 percent small businesses (and we are proud of it!), we work diligently to provide whatever resources and assistance they may need to thrive within the community.
For the most recent installation of the series on April 2018, we explored how to generate more leads and sales online profitably with Pete Brand, CEO, and Co-Founder of MINDSCAPE (inbound marketing and website development agency). MINDSCAPE has helped hundreds of companies around the world generate well over $1 billion in online revenue, and Pete Brand is truly an expert in the field of digital marketing.

Through this hands-on workshop, Brand discussed how companies can tie together all their online marketing efforts to create a steady flow of high quality, high value leads flowing directly from their websites. He also shared tips on how to convert those leads into happy clients without having to waste hard-earned dollars on unprofitable and ineffective marketing tactics.

For those who weren’t able to make it, here are five relevant and concrete takeaways from the workshop:

1. If you want to be successful in your marketing, be relational, NOT transactional.

   • Delivering valuable content to your customers or audience should be a priority regardless of whether or not they pull out their checkbook. “If you’re only thinking about your bottom line and are focused on the transactional, interruption-based marketing, your success and sustainability will be limited,” said Brand.

2. “Your website is your most valuable business asset… don’t treat it like a stale brochure!” – Pete Brand

   • Because your website is your most valuable asset, don’t do the lazy thing and have your 16-year-old nephew design it for you! Both the IT aspect of your website and the visual appeal and user experience are vital to your end mission – and your nephew may not understand that, even if he’s “good at the Internet.” While we’re on the subject, don’t be that business that requires web visitors to answer a million questions and provide a DNA sample before revealing the pricing of your products and services.

3. Pay per click advertising is renting attention. Inbound marketing is OWNING attention.

   • The fact is, consumers buy differently than they did ten years ago. This is why blogging, keywords, and social publishing are more vital than ever before.

4. Know your buyer persona.

   • “Spend your time getting to know the personas that your company serves intimately so that you can understand what makes them tick, as well as their buyer journey,” Brand explained. “Once you have an understanding, use this intelligence to deliver value and position your company as a trusted resource.”

5. Speaking of delivering value and being a trusted resource, according to Brand, the “magic number” for blogging is about ten to twelve blog posts per month! (this includes mediums like podcasts and videos)

   • Don’t have the time for that? According to Brand, in the era of the Internet, saying that you don’t have time to blog is equivalent to saying you don’t have time to talk to your customers.

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Like what you’ve learned so far? Then be there for the next installment of our Small Business Series on Monday, May 21, 2018. This time, we will be exploring emotional intelligence and how to manage emotions to make more stable decisions and effectively communicate in ways that get results.

Small Business Series: Emotional Intelligence

Monday, May 21, 2018 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Grand Rapids Chamber
250 Monroe Ave NW Ste 150
Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Register Here


Halifax County Chamber of Commerce donates to SVHEC workforce training programs

The Halifax County Chamber of Commerce recently donated proceeds from its fourth annual Fall Classic Golf Tournament to support workforce training programs at the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center.

“The golf tournament has been one of the most successful programs the chamber has implemented. It is our pleasure to use that money to benefit workforce development in our community,” said Nookie Green, owner of Distinct Impressions in downtown South Boston, and five-year chairman of the Chamber’s golf tournament committee.

Nettie Simon-Owens, chief workforce development officer, accepted the chamber’s donation on behalf of the SVHEC. “We appreciate the ongoing support of the chamber and its members in our training efforts. The donation will benefit participants in our workforce training programs that include Work Ready Foundations, Welding, IT Academy, and Mechatronics,” Simon-Owens stated.

SVHEC workforce training programs provide short-term (less than a year), hands-on training that leads to industry recognized certifications. Because of these programs, 173 skilled workers were added to the regional economy in fiscal year 2017. Read more: Work It, SOVA

Legislators give session update to Maysville-Mason County Area Chamber

State Rep. John Sims and State Sen. Steve West were in Maysville Thursday to give an update on the recent legislative session in Frankfort.

The event was sponsored by the Maysville-Mason County Area Chamber of Commerce.

West spoke on the three major pieces of legislation passed during the session, including House Bill 200, which was the budget bill; Senate Bill 151, which was the pension reform bill; and the tax reform bill.

“This session could be summed up in a few adjectives — it was difficult, painful, historic, productive,” West said. “This is my fourth session. Some of the old timers there said this was the craziest, most pressure packed session they’ve seen. There were protests and a lot of speech from both parties. We eventually overrode vetoes from our governor in our own party.”

Of the budget bill, West said. “I felt we did a really good job keeping everything whole,” he said. “The main things we wanted to do was protect public protection, infrastructure and education.”

West said in regards to K-12 public education, legislators were able to pass a budget that put more money into the Support Excellence in Education in Kentucky fund, return funding for Family Resource and Youth Service Center programs and restored funding for school transportation.”

“We did a really good job protecting education,” he said. “You might see something on social media about how 6.25 percent was cut from education, but that’s not entirely true. We did cut from 6.25 percent but it was from the Frankfort component. You have several components. One of those is the Kentucky Department of Education component and the daily operations of that. That’s what we mean when we say we cut the Frankfort component.”

West also explained why the final pension reform bill was pushed through as Senate Bill 151, which was originally a waste water bill. Read more: The Ledger Independent

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

Conway Area Chamber employees Lindsey Henderson, Mary Margaret Satterfield earn IOM recognition; Indiana Chamber of Commerce Creates Health Initiative; North Dakota Chamber business issues: Open and Fair Competition at Risk with Project Labor Agreements; Jobs, exports topics at Maysville-Mason County Chamber luncheon; Hispanic Chamber of Wisconsin seeks MEDC help for revolving loan fund; Chamber event: 2nd Annual Quincy GREDF Entrepreneurship Expo last Saturday; Crookston Minnesota Chamber: Beautification Awards announced; Greensburg Kansas Mayor to Speak at Oregon Chamber of Commerce "Lunch and Learn" Event; Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotations: Leadership

Conway Area Chamber employees Lindsey Henderson, Mary Margaret Satterfield earn IOM recognition

Lindsay Henderson, senior vice president of Chamber operations at the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce, and Mary Margaret Satterfield, director of Toad Suck Daze and events, received the IOM graduate recognition in July from the Institute for Organization Management.

Institute is a four-year professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. As graduates of Institute, both Henderson and Satterfield have completed 96 hours of course instruction in nonprofit management. Read more: Log Cabin Democrat

Indiana Chamber of Commerce Creates Health Initiative

A new initiative in the Indiana Chamber of Commerce is aimed at creating a healthy state. It's part of their new plan for this year. Chamber executives focus on overall wellness of employees around Indiana.

Kevin Brinegar says the chamber will focus on four critical areas. Those include attracting talent, a healthy business climate, a creative culture, and good infrastructure, "Get them focused on how they can help their employees become more healthy which will positively impact healthcare costs and our competitive position because Indiana as a whole tends to be a less healthy state." Read more: MyWabashValley.com

North Dakota Chamber business issues: Open and Fair Competition at Risk with Project Labor Agreements

In 2009, President Obama issued an executive order on Project Labor Agreements (PLAs), encouraging federal agencies to require labor contracts on projects costing more than $25M. Since then, it has been expanded to look at the feasibility of PLAs on a state level and any project using federal funds. North Dakota has the opportunity to enact a law mandating that the state government remain neutral and ensure government contracts remain open to all contractors on government construction projects.

The Greater North Dakota Chamber is against requiring PLAs. North Dakota should have open and fair competition for government construction projects. Government-mandated PLAs increase the cost of projects. Our legislature should assure the citizens of North Dakota that government construction projects are done in an open and fair way and at the best price.

The Chamber is not against organized companies bidding for work in a competitive manner. In fact, we encourage them to bid on any project they are qualified to perform in North Dakota. We are against limiting competition and free enterprise by instituting any governmental controls that favor one company over another in North Dakota. North Dakota is a right to work state; a law requiring contracts to remain open to all contractors would ensure that those principles will be upheld. Read more: Greater North Dakota Chamber

Jobs, exports topics at Maysville-Mason County Chamber luncheon

The state of economic growth in the Commonwealth was the focus of Friday's Maysville-Mason County Chamber of Commerce business meeting. The guest speaker was Robin Lee with the Kentucky Cabinet of Economic Development, Business Development Department.

During a PowerPoint presentation, Lee presented statistics on how Kentucky is performing in the area of new jobs, financial investments into new and existing business, what industries lead the job markets, and how small businesses can take advantage of tax credits offered through the Cabinet. Read more: Ledger-Independent

Hispanic Chamber of Wisconsin seeks MEDC help for revolving loan fund

The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin Inc. has created a new LLC that is seeking a $50,000 loan from the Milwaukee Economic Development Corp. to bolster the revolving loan fund pool it is developing. HCCW Community Development Fund LLC will administer the revolving loan fund. The MEDC loan would go to the funding pool that is being used to establish the RLF, which will offer loans to small and startup businesses. Read more: BizTimes.com

Chamber event: 2nd Annual Quincy GREDF Entrepreneurship Expo last Saturday

The Quincy Entrepreneurship Center at GREDF, in collaboration with several Quincy area organizations, is hosting an informational event for current and aspiring entrepreneurs on Saturday, August 9th. The 2nd Annual Entrepreneurship Expo will take place in the Quincy Mall Community Room from 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. The Expo is free and open to the public. Read more: Quincy Journal

Crookston Minnesota Chamber: Beautification Awards announced

After three rounds of judging throughout the summer, the Crookston Chamber of Commerce Beautification Committee has selected the 2014 Beautification Award winners. After three rounds of judging throughout the summer,  the Crookston Chamber of Commerce Beautification Committee has selected the 2014 Beautification Award winners.  All will receive a recognition plaque. Read more: Crookston Times

Greensburg Kansas Mayor to Speak at Oregon Chamber of Commerce "Lunch and Learn" Event

The Illinois Renewable Energy Association and the Oregon Chamber of Commerce are jointly hosting a “Lunch and Learn” on Friday, August 22. The featured speaker will be Bob Dixson, Mayor of Greensburg, Kansas, a little town that was 95% destroyed by a tornado. Local citizens embraced the responsibility to rebuild using the principles and concepts that are "green," sustainable, and environmentally conscious. Keeping future generations in mind was a key factor in the planning stages of this project.Get more at: WIFR 23 News

Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotations: Leadership

“Be ashamed to die until you have won some victory for humanity.” Horace Mann

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