Effingham County Chamber of Commerce has been named 2020 Chamber of the Year by ACCE
The Chamber of the Year award recognizes the leadership role chambers have in their communities. Those recognized demonstrate organizational strength and make an impact on key community priorities.
The Effingham County Chamber was recognized September 30 during ACCE’s Future of Chambers Summit.
“Receiving this award is an unbelievable honor and is due to the dedication and work of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, volunteer teams and professional staff to make sure the Chamber meets the needs of our growing membership as well as building and strengthening relationships that stimulate the regional economy. This award is especially meaningful this year as we have had to transition our programs and services for stronger support of our local businesses as they endured the many hardships that the coronavirus pandemic has caused”, said Chamber President & CEO Norma Lansing.
2020 Chamber Board Chairman commented: “What does hard work, teamwork, a great membership and the desire to just be better get you? Chamber of the Year for the entire United States and Canada! Congratulations to Norma, Becky and Jamie for their hard work, and thank you to our membership for being so involved.” Speer noted that every year the Chamber solicits volunteers from the local community and we have a great volunteer team. Please call the Chamber and see how you can get involved.
Four chambers were recognized as Chamber of the Year recipient based on community demographics and on factors including net revenue, net assets, membership account retention, and membership dollar retention. Other winners were Vail Valley Partnership (Colo.); Ocala/Marion County Chamber & Economic Partnership (Fla.) and Tulsa Regional Chamber (Okla.).
Watch Thank You Video
Grand Rapids Area Chamber: COVID-19 Liability Legislation Sent to Governor Whitmer
It was a busy day in the Michigan Legislature that included a flurry of COVID-19 related legislation being passed very early this morning.
Most notably, the Michigan Legislature approved legislation that expanded unemployment benefits and created COVID-19 liability protections for businesses after reaching a deal with Governor Whitmer.
The Michigan Supreme Court Order that invalidated post-April 30 Executive Orders means the Legislature needed to act to extend unemployment benefits to 26 weeks and continue protections for employees quarantining due to COVID-19. The liability protections, which have been a priority for the Grand Rapids Chamber, were previously held up, but a deal was able to be struck between leaders to approve both measures after some tweaks.
A summary of the legislation can be found here.
The liability protections protects businesses that are in compliance with all federal, state and local requirements from being held liable if someone believes they contacted COVID-19 at the business. Special thanks to Kent County Representatives Tommy Brann and Thomas Albert for sponsoring this important legislation, and to the other West Michigan legislators who co-sponsored and supported the bills.
Also included were protection for employers from unemployment insurance charges. Benefits paid to those laid off will not be charged to the account of an employer. This expires on December 31, 2020.
Other legislation passed yesterday included prohibiting the firing of an employee who stays home with concerns they have COVID-19, and allowing public meetings to continue meeting virtually until January 1.
Saturday, October 17, 2020
11:30 am to 4:30 pm
The Highlands Sportsmen's Club
N3041 County Road F, Cascade, Wisconsin
Spend a fall afternoon participating in this fun outdoor event!
Final Chance to Register
REGISTER NOW
Individual Registration: $100 | Foursome Registration: $400
Participant fee includes lunch, one round of sporting clays, including the "flurry" tower station, two boxes of shells, and a beverage ticket to use at the adjacent SoLu Estate Winery after clay shooting.
Guest Lunch-Only Registration:$25 per person.
Bring along your spouse, family, friends and associates. Guests are welcome to join the luncheon and afterwards enjoy the winery patio and beautiful grounds or walk along to the stations.
Register by Thursday, October 15th
Schedule:
11:30 am - Registration & Lunch
1:00 pm - Safety Overview and Clay Stations
After Clays: Networking, Refreshments, Raffle & Prizes
Two leading industry events take place virtually this month from the Indiana Chamber of Commerce. On October 13, compliance and regulatory topics are center stage at the 2020 Indiana Environmental Conference, which is held in partnership with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management. Two weeks later, on October 28-29, the 2020 Indiana Business Tax Conference highlights new federal and state information.
“In the virtual format, attendees can access all education sessions live and/or later at their own pace from the comfort of their own home or office. Also important for these industries is that a variety of continuing education credits will be available,” says Indiana Chamber President Kevin Brinegar.
Both agendas are designed to help an organization “be prepared and avoid expensive fines for not being up to date, as well as take into account issues related to the pandemic and challenges expected in the coming year.”
The Indiana Environmental Conference, sponsored by Plews Shadley Racher & Braun, includes sessions on changes to the Clean Water Act, inspection tips, legal matters related to COVID-19 and current advantages of solar, storage and sustainability.
The all new program at the Indiana Business Tax Conference features a number of tax matters. Among them: challenges of the mobile workforce, making sense of state tax and economic development incentives, how to leverage the power of data, the cost of performance and the latest tax and legal issues impacting tech and innovation businesses.
Both conferences cost $399 per person for Indiana Chamber members; the list price is $499. A 20% group discount is available for organizations sending two or more employees to either event. Register to attend at www.indianachamber.com/conferences.
Additional sponsors for the Indiana Environmental Conference are: BCA Environmental Consultants, LLC; Ice Miller LLP; Kahn, Dees, Donovan & Kahn, LLP; SESCO Group; Taft Law; and Trinity Consultants.
The Indiana Business Tax Conference sponsors are: DMA – DuCharme, McMillen & Associates, Inc.; Dentons Bingham Greenebaum; Indiana Michigan Power; and MCM CPAs & Advisors.
Our Fall 2020 Membership Campaign ends this week on Friday, October 16, 2020!
For companies trying to find their way forward in these tumultuous times, the stability of enduring relationships formed with the chamber and its members can help companies with their path forward. Are there companies that you think can benefit from chamber membership?
For our members, the Fall Campaign has promotional opportunities to help you get your business and services in front of new members that join during the campaign. There is also a referral bonus for any member that refers someone that joins the chamber. For more details on these call Sharon Slavin.
To read more about the 2020 Fall Membership Campaign, click here.
Mississippi public universities help to rebuild economy as state recovers from COVID-19
Mississippi public universities are doing everything they can to help rebuild the state of Mississippi’s economy as it recovers from the impact of COVID-19.
Staff and faculty members are developing organizations, creating marketing plans and ensuring that the community is adapting to the “new normal.”
Here’s how the universities are doing their part for the community:
Jackson State University’s College of Health Sciences, along with the School of Public Health, is partnering with the CDC to develop a yearlong marketing campaign aimed at reducing and preventing the disproportionate rate of COVID-19 transmissions among African Americans ages 18-29. Additionally, JSU’s Division of Research and Economic Development has unveiled a program called EnRICH (Engaging Research and Innovators for Commercialization at HBCUs). EnRICH aims to impact equity, diversity and inclusion in innovations and train faculty and students to critically evaluate the commercial potential of new health care innovations. Also, it will train them to conduct market assessments, help support intellectual property protection, and teach them about the commercialization development process in an established startup accelerator program.
Mississippi State University and its College of Business have partnered with the Mississippi Small Business Development Center to produce and provide a nine-part video series aimed at helping family-owned companies and establishments navigate the pandemic and economic disruption. Covering a wide variety of COVID-19 topics, the videos address the survival, growth and sustainability of these businesses and the special needs of owners in adapting to the “new normal.”
University of Mississippi created the Community-University Partnership Series for campus and community leaders to explore partnerships in supply drives and fundraisers, meeting technology needs, and providing volunteer and internship opportunities. The university’s Office of Community Engagement is doing this in partnership with UM Economic Development, the LOU Chamber of Commerce, Lafayette Oxford Foundation for Tomorrow, United Way of Oxford-Lafayette County, Mississippi Alliance for Nonprofits and Philanthropy, and Volunteer Mississippi. Additionally, the Mississippi Small Business Development Center, whose state office is housed at UM, is providing counseling about federal and state business stimulus programs and assisting entrepreneurs obtain loans and other funding.
This summer, The University of Southern Mississippi’s National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4) published the first version of “COVID-19 Considerations for Sport and Entertainment Venues and Events.” It was composed by a select group of industry practitioners on the NCS4′s COVID-19 Task Force, the guide is designed to aid professionals in their decision-making regarding event planning, event operations and other business operations based on federal, state and local municipal requirements. Read more: WLOX
Carol Wagner has led Chamber since 2015
Carol Wagner, President of the Shorewood Area Chamber of Commerce, recently announced to the Board of Directors her desire to retire from the Shorewood Chamber of Commerce.
“I have enjoyed my time at the SACC, but I am ready to enjoy traveling a bit more and retirement," said Wagner. "I am willing to stay on and help ensure a successful transition and I will volunteer to Chair the Shorewood Crossroads Festival."
"Carol has truly left her mark on our community and we are very grateful for her years of service," Adam Underhill, Chair of the Board said. "It speaks volumes to her integrity that she would be willing to stay on board and facilitate the Chamber’s largest fundraiser in 2021."
Wagner has made many contributions to the Shorewood Chamber including being named One of the Best Business to Business organizations in the 2017 and 2019 Herald News Reader's Choice Awards as well as the Shorewood Crossroads Fest being named as One of the Best festivals in 2017. She also launched several membership events to encourage business involvement including Denim and Diamonds, the Shorewood Scoot 5k and the recent First Swing Golf Outing.
Wagner also helped Chamber members navigate the COVID-19 Pandemic serving as a resource for grants, marketing ideas, and ensured the Membership remained connected and informed with local, regional and state opportunities, mandates, and other safety measures.
"The Board of Directors deeply appreciates the work Carol has done in fostering positive relationships with our business community, Village and the residents of Shorewood," Underhill said. "She has built wonderful relationships in the Will County area and has positioned us for success moving forward.
The Shorewood Chamber has assembled a team to oversee the hiring process and, with Wagner's assistance, will ensure a seamless change of leadership.
For the last couple years we have participated with other Southern Illinois Chambers on a Shop Small/Shop Southern Illinois campaign. Last year we took over Facebook making shop local and shop small posts. Each Chamber was given a week and at the end of the week a gift basket was awarded to someone in Southern Illinois. This year we are going to be participating again. We ask that you remember to like and share our posts on Facebook. We will also be giving out another gift basket and would like to have some gift cards, certificates, and marketing materials to add into the basket. If you would like to participate in our Shop Small/Shop Southern Illinois campaign and donate an item please let us know.
Thank you,
Laura Horn
Membership Relations
Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce
Session 2 – Tuesday, October 13th
Topic "Marketing and Customer Service"
Session 3 – Tuesday, October 20th
Topic "Ergonomics and Health in the Workplace"
Session 4 – Tuesday, October 27th
Topic “Team Building Techniques”
Tuesday, October 20th - 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. - Webinar
Join us to learn about the facts, figures and myths surrounding the Graduated Income Tax Constitutional Amendment which is on the November Ballot in Illinois.
SPEAKERS:
Opponent - Todd Maisch, President & CEO, Illinois State Chamber
Proponent - Sean Denny, Director of Government Relations Association
Guests will have the opportunity to ask questions of each speaker and our moderators
Tuesday, October 20th - 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Networking After Hours – $5.00
Self-Help Closet & Food Pantry- IN PERSON
769 Holiday Lane, Des Plaines
Wednesday, October 21st – 9:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Social Impact Virtual Non Profit Meeting – $7.00
“Marketing with Meaning” How to talk clearly about your Organization
Tuesday, October 27th – 11:30 a.m.– 1:00 p.m.
Women in Business “Power Hour” - $7.00 – IN PERSON
AMITA Holy Family Medical Center, 100 N. River Rd, Des Plaines
Tour of Women’s Imaging Center, lunch and networking
Register for these events online at www.dpchamber.com
or call Chamber Office at 847-824-4200 or email afriedman@dpchamber.com
Say hello to Tracy Patkunas!
RE/MAX Rising
What has the Chamber done for you & your business?
"I have been a Chamber Ambassador for almost 15 years and have met some AWESOME people!! The Chamber has given me the opportunity to engage with new businesses in the community and also connect with existing businesses at the various networking events. Being a Realtor I am always promoting our community so I love hearing daily about all the amazing things McLean County has to offer."
What's one fun fact about you?
"I play the piano and I grew up on a dairy farm."
Get up to speed on SIU Automotive Technology next Tuesday, Oct. 20th at the SIU Transportation Education Center!
Seating is limited for our first in-person luncheon since March!
Registration is required and payment must be made at the time of registration.
We ask guests to follow appropriate safety guidelines by wearing a mask and social distancing.
A boxed lunch from McAlister's will be provided.
In a letter shared with the Northwest Herald, Rial Bates said she would continue to serve as the McHenry County Board member representing District 4, a seat for which she running for re-election uncontested in the November election.
District 4 covers most of McHenry Township, and all of Richmond and Burton townships, and includes all or most of McHenry, Richmond, Spring Grove, Johnsburg, Fox Lake, Ringwood, McCullom Lake, Wonder Lake and Bull Valley.
"I consider myself privileged, because I have been fortunate to have worked beside so many committed and dedicated professionals who have made my years a joy," Rial Bates said in the letter.
"I will still be with these folks, though, as I stay committed to my first love, small businesses, through serving on McHenry County Board. Yet I am excited, because I believe that some of the chamber's best years are ahead of us," she continued. Read more: Northwest Herald
On Wednesday, October 14, the Mayfield/Graves County Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony to officially welcome Bluegrass Nutrition to the Chamber. “We are so happy we chose Mayfield as the location for our business. The community has been nothing but supportive, especially during these most unusual times, and we truly appreciate that.” said owner Elizabeth Whitmore.
Bluegrass Nutrition is located at 305 Wyatt Drive in Mayfield, KY, and open Monday thru Friday from 7 am – 5 pm, Saturday from 8 am – 2 pm, and Sunday from Noon – 4 pm. Whether you are looking for hydration, replenished electrolytes, antioxidants or clean energy – there are shakes and teas for everyone, and best of all, they deliver!
For more information, call Bluegrass Nutrition at 270.970.8177 or visit their Facebook page for regular specials.
