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Good morning #ChamberWorld! It's going to be a great day!
#BestChamber practices: Via the Carol Stream Chamber: Use a little humor!
" Humor can get in under the door while seriousness is still fumbling at the handle" CK Chesterton
La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership Announces Ready2Work Childcare Voucher Program
The La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership is pleased to announce a new program launch for 2022. To help local job seekers and our local business partners, LEAP is committed to providing childcare assistance on behalf of qualified individuals within the City of La Porte who have been unable to return to work or find new employment due to obstacles related to childcare.
The qualified candidate must demonstrate and provide proof that they have actively pursued and obtained full-time employment in the Greater La Porte area to be considered. A LEAP representative will work with the employer to confirm employment status and eligibility. If awarded assistance, the employee must maintain full-time employment to remain eligible. Termination or voluntary resignation of employment will result in the loss of assistance payments from LEAP.
Fox Cities Chamber
announces new dates for signature events
Celebrate Fox Cities slated for April 7, and Economic Outlook
Lunch to be on April 19
Fox Cities, Wis. (Jan. 18, 2022) – The Fox
Cities Chamber of Commercehas announced
new dates for two of its signature events. Celebrate Fox Cities Annual Dinner
will be held on April 7, and the Economic Outlook Lunch will take place on
April 19.
According to Fox
Cities Chamber President and CEO Becky Bartoszek, “We look forward to bringing
everyone safely together in April for these two marquis programs. Thanks to the
generosity of our sponsors -- ThedaCare, Boldt, Johnson Financial Group,
and Community First Credit Union -- we are able to showcase two world-class speakers to the Fox
Cities.”
The Celebrate
Fox Cities Annual Dinner on Thursday, April 7allows leaders from across the
community to gather for a new event that combines the spirit of past Chamber
business leadership events into a single, must-attend dinner and
celebration.
The program will
be from 6 to 9 PM at the Red Lion Paper Valley Hotel. Along with a Fox Cities
business update, some of the area’s most prestigious business award winners
will be recognized at the event, followed by keynote speaker Dan Nevins. The
2008 recipient of the Wounded Warrior Project’s George C. Lang Award for
Courage will share not only his personal story of losing two legs in combat in
2004, but words of encouragement and hope he has gleaned since through his
veterans’ advocacy work and his study of mindfulness, meditation, and yoga.
Then on Tuesday, April 19, the Chamber’s Economic Outlook Lunch
will be held from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM at the Red Lion Paper Valley Hotel.
Creating a stronger regional economy starts each at this event, which features
"Bow-Tie Economist" Elliot Eisenberg. During this annual outlook,
Eisenberg delivers macro and microeconomic insights in an always-entertaining
fashion.
Anyone
with questions on either event can contact the Chamber office at 920.734.7101
or info@foxcitieschamber.com.
Wyoming-Kentwood chamber taps next president and CEO
The Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce (WKACC) has completed the search for a new president and CEO to replace its current leader upon his retirement.
Last month, the WKACC chose Keith Morgan, a local entrepreneur, to replace Bob O’Callaghan, who is retiring as president and CEO of the chamber. Morgan officially started on Jan. 3 and is working with O’Callaghan to ensure a smooth transition.
WKACC will recognize O’Callaghan for his service at its annual gala on Jan. 28, which will mark Morgan’s first event as the chamber’s new leader.
Morgan, previous owner of All Clean Again in Grand Rapids, began volunteering with the WKACC nearly 10 years ago serving in various roles and is past board chair. Prior to founding, operating and selling his business, Morgan managed a sales division for AT&T covering Michigan and Northern Indiana.
He currently serves as a volunteer business coach and mentor for local small business owners and sits on several boards.
Morgan said he is excited to become the next president and CEO and is looking forward to leading the chamber members and local businesses into the future.
The WKACC worked with local professional and executive search company Specialized Recruiting Group, a subsidiary of Express Employment Professionals, to determine O’Callaghan’s successor.
“It’s been an amazing search, with 89 people expressing interest in this role from all over the country, through a variety of different recruiting sources,” said Heather Merrick, managing director of Specialized Recruiting Group Grand Rapids. “Through our screening and vetting processes, we narrowed this down to the perfect candidates for the chamber who were top-notch candidates with the strategic mindset and vision to help the chamber grow its membership, develop and implement programming that attracts both members and nonmembers to events, and truly build the chamber into a community- and business-building organization in the Wyoming-Kentwood area.” Read more: Grand Rapids Business Journal
Clarkston Area Chamber: January YPN Get-Together
Our YPN group meets at 9am every 4th Tuesday! It's a great opportunity to meet new people, learn about each other's businesses and share referrals with people with whom you make meaningful connections.
Sponsored by Genisys Credit Union and LaFontaine Automotive Group, the mission of the Clarkston Chamber's YPN is to encourage our future business leaders to engage in community enhancement and economic success through chamber events and partnerships.
Location: Main Street MI, 21 North Main, Clarkston, MI
Date & Time: Tuesday, January 25, 9:00am - 10:00am
Registration Fee: No cost to attend! Registration is exclusive to Clarkston Chamber members.
Main Street MI coworking & offices is a collection of coworking spaces situated throughout Michigan's traditional main street towns. Please browse our locations and feel free to reach out if you have any questions! Learn more at mainstreetmi.com.
Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce Urges State and Local Governments to Use Federal Covid Relief Funds to Help Transform the Region
Lansing, Michigan – The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC) urges state and local government leaders to use federal Covid-19 relief funds on targeted programs that can transform the region and help Michigan regain its position as a top state for income, jobs, and widely shared prosperity. The federal funds are part of the American Rescue Plan (ARP), which helps communities recover from the impact of the pandemic.
In a letter to local leaders, the LRCC notes that many of the ARP funds to date have been used to backfill areas impacted directly by the Covid-19 pandemic. The LRCC is encouraging state and local leaders to work in a bipartisan fashion to ensure that the remaining funding is used to help the region and state emerge from the global pandemic even stronger.
“The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce strongly urges state and local leaders to take the time needed to ensure that funds are not simply spent,” said Tim Daman, president & CEO, LRCC. “They must use them effectively to transform our region, which will make our community a better place to live, work and thrive.”
The LRCC letter suggests five guiding principles leaders at all levels should follow when investing the remaining stimulus dollars:
1)Transformational investments help the region achieve long-term goals and leapfrog other states and regions in education/skills, fostering business competitiveness and growing well-paying jobs.
2)Maximize Michigan’s share of stimulus dollars.
3)Protect flexible funding and target uncovered gaps, which the LRCC says should fill uncovered Covid health issues, education and economic gaps after other sources are exhausted.
4)Prioritize leverage and avoid unfunded mandates. Governments should seek to leverage private and public sector dollars to achieve larger goals and provide steady returns. Investments should be sustainable and avoid creating recurring tax burdens for residents and businesses.
5)Measure outcomes and ensure transparency, including identifying clear goals and metrics and transparency into where and how funds are spent.
“By following these basic guidelines, we believe these dollars can be invested wisely and contribute to sustainable, equitably shared prosperity for our residents, communities and businesses,” said Daman.
Michigan West Coast Chamber hosting economic forecast event Jan. 11
The Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce will hold its 2022 Economic Forecast event Tuesday, Jan. 11. Economist Paul Isely of Grand Valley State University will join the chamber to explain data analysis and share a forecast for the local and state economies.
There will be in-person and virtual options for attendance, with registration required for both. For members, the price is $40 to attend in-person or $15 for livestream access. The price for non-members is $55 for in-person and $25 for virtual.
Jackson County Chamber: 8th Annual Cybersecurity Conference - One Day Left to Register!
Every four years, an organization is hit with a cyber incident. Are you driving your business forward with yesterday's technology at today's speed?
The latest strategic and tactical ideas to protect your business in a digital world is the focus of this year’s Cybersecurity Conference, a virtual two-day event Jan. 20-21, 2022.
We’re sharing the latest best practices and strategies organizations should be aware of – especially as cybersecurity incidents continue to rise.
This two-day virtual experience is chock-full of informative and engaging sessions tailored to organizations and focused on what they need to know now. Panel discussions will cover timely topics including cybersecurity incident response, cybersecurity insurance, and cybersecurity legal considerations.
Grand Rapids Chamber: Ambassador of the Year
The Chamber is honored to recognize Robin Bartells of Gordon Water Systems as our 2021 Ambassador of the year!
Since starting her Chamber Ambassadorship in April of 2018, Robin has been an incredible addition to the Grand Rapids business community. Our entire Chamber team is thankful for her continued commitment to supporting our members.
“Robin truly loves being an Ambassador and welcoming members, both new and existing, into our events. She often seeks out new members, makes them feel comfortable, and shows them how to get the most out of their Chamber membership." said Mark Allen, Director of Business Services at the Grand Rapids Chamber.
Interested in learning more about Chamber Ambassadors and the difference they make in our community? Find more information below!
Chamber Delight: Toyota invests $3.5 million in American Center for Mobility in Ypsilanti
Toyota is expanding its commitment to the American Center for Mobility (ACM) with a new investment of nearly $3.5 million in a five-year lease for exclusive on-campus facilities.
The agreement includes build-out of vehicle labs and office workspaces in new campus construction. In addition, Toyota will increase its use of ACM testing resources for development of future automated and advanced driver assistance technology.
“Toyota will further capitalize on ACM’s unique combination of world-class testing facilities and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) – including customizable low-speed urban environments and a high-speed highway loop – to accelerate our technology development,” said Monte Kaehr, group vice president of Toyota Motor North America’s Advanced Mobility Research and Development.
“Since ACM is so close to our North American R&D headquarters in Ann Arbor, we’ll continue to do our breakthrough work in mobility right here in Michigan.”
“As a founding investor and ACM Industry Advisory Board member, Toyota has played a key role in the ongoing growth of ACM as a shared-resource for the automotive and mobility industry,” said Reuben Sarkar, President and CEO at the American Center for Mobility.
“The expansion of Toyota’s onsite footprint reflects the continued demand for shared infrastructure as part of a neutral platform for companies to use for the accelerated development of mobility technologies, standards and workforce training, and punctuates the permanency of the ACM smart mobility test center and innovation campus, as well as the State of Michigan, as the epicenter for global automotive and mobility technology development.”
Toyota joined ACM in 2017 as founder-level sponsor with an initial $5 million contribution. Read more: Belleville Area Independent
Three Rivers Chamber 2020-2021 Community Guide
The Three Rivers Area Chamber of Commerce 2020-2021 Community Guide is available at the Three Rivers Area Chamber of Commerce today! Thank you to Christy Trammell and the Chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!
The Three Rivers Area Chamber of Commerce 2020-2021 Community Guide is available at the Three Rivers Area Chamber of Commerce today! Thank you to Christy Trammell and the Chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!
Town Square Publications can help you accomplish your chamber's gloss map, directory, community profile or publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman or call (847)-427-4633.
To start 2022 strong as ever, we have an exciting challenge for you:
You can earn either $100 off your next dues for membership renewal OR a $50 gift card to specific Chamber Member Businesses (TBA) for every two businesses you get to pay in full to become a NEW BBCC Member between now and Monday, January 31, 2022.
Ex: You bring in 4 new Members, you will receive $200 off your next dues or two $50 gift cards.
Your referral *must* write your name on their Membership application, in the section that asks, “How did you hear about us?”.
Questions?
Please reach out to Rachel Devries, Membership Engagement Manager
SWMR Chamber Announces Nominees For Business Recognition Awards; Breakfast Feb. 24
The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber has announced the nominees for their annual 2022 Business Recognition Breakfast, presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Honor Credit Union, on February 24th.
“This year’s incredible slate of nominees each found a way to thrive despite the many constraints still impacting our local economy,” said Arthur Havlicek, President & CEO of the Regional Chamber. “We look forward to celebrating their success and sharing their stories with Southwest Michigan at this signature event.”
Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories, Maps, Quarterly Magazines, Digital Directory and Community Profiles: The no cost, no risk BEST Chamber Publishing Partner in the USA!
Town Square Publications, a division of the Daily Herald Media Group, is a national chamber custom publishing group that specializes in developing partnerships by producing high-quality print and digitally integrated publications along with other added value programs dedicated to creating relevancy for local chambers of commerce and other membership focused organizations interested in raising non-dues revenues.
Town Square Publications parent company, Paddock Publications, has over 100 years’ experience of print product development and dedicated customer service in communities throughout the Midwest. Our experience allows Town Square Publications to offer you attractive royalty and non-dues revenue share streams, provide direct distribution of your custom designed printed publications, including digital and mobile integration, and all with the quickest turn-around times available in the industry. Town Square also offers multi-media maps in both print and online formats, both with our No-Cost guarantee. More information: Town Square Publications
Chambers of Commerce and member focused organizations serve as a valuable resource in the local marketplace. The networking opportunities and representation with a wide variety of diverse businesses in your community is the catalyst of a successful organization. For further information about Town Square's publishing partnership with chambers of commerce and our No-Cost guarantee and Earned Revenue Share Program, To request your chamber publication or map proposal, contact Town Square Chamber Proposalor email John Dussman with the subject line: Chamber Publication Proposal Requested. Thank you!
Good morning #ChamberWorld! It's going to be a great day! Meet Our Industry's Newest Certified Chamber Executives
Congratulations to these six chamber executives who have demonstrated the highest quality of performance in chamber management. As the industry's newest CCEs, they now join a long tradition of professional excellence.
JANE CLARK, CCE, IOM
President
Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce CLICK HERE TO MEET JANE
-
BRIAN E. HALL, CCE
Senior Vice President and
Executive Director of Equity & Inclusion
Greater Cleveland Partnership CLICK HERE TO MEET BRIAN
SARAH DAVASHER-WISDOM, CCE, IOM
President & CEO
Greater Louisville Inc. CLICK HERE TO MEET SARAH
JIM JOHNSON, CCE, IOM
President & CEO
Georgetown Chamber of Commerce CLICK HERE TO MEET JIM
TIFFANY TAUSCHECK, CCE, CDME, IOM
Chief Strategy Officer
Greater Des Moines Partnership CLICK HERE TO MEET TIFFANY
ALLISON B. WALDEN, CCE, CFRE, IOM
Senior Vice President of Resource Development
Tulsa Regional Chamber CLICK HERE TO MEET ALLISON
#FamousChamber Quotation of the Week (Leadership) - Management is doing things right. Leadership is doing the right things. - Peter Drucker Ocean Springs July Sidewalk Sale ‘Uptown, Downtown, All Around Town’ Set For This Weekend
Local businesses downtown, uptown, all around town will take part in the annual July Sidewalk Sale on Friday, July 24 and Saturday, July 25 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. offering shopping sales, drink specials and more.
For two days, participating shops and galleries will display racks with summer specials in front of their businesses and inside including specials on clothing, artwork, shoes, jewelry, cookware and more with discounts up from 20% to 70%.
- Advertisement -
Participating restaurants will offer specials during the event. Shops and restaurants owners and staff as well as guests are encouraged to wear masks and follow all CDC and Mississippi State Health Department guidelines.
For a complete listing of specials visit the Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce Facebook page, local businesses for a hand out or call 228-875-4424.
The specials will continue the following week during the Mississippi Tax Free Weekend set for July 31 and August 1. Read more: WXXV 25
Michigan West Coast Chamber: Resources to keep your business up-to-date on policies and best practices that help you reopen safely and restart your businesses
Virginia's Best Places To Work (via the Lexington-Rockbridge Chamber) Virginia Business Magazine is looking for the best places to work in Virginia! The Best Places to Work in Virginia is a survey and awards program dedicated to identifying and recognizing the area’s best employers and providing organizations with valuable employee feedback. For a one page program overview and to submit your nomination click here. Deadline is August 28th.
CashMob headed to Howell to support small businesses Get ready to shop with FREE MONEY!
CashMob headed to Howell to support small businesses
Howell MI – A CashMob is coming to Howell! CashMob Howell, the brainchild of Howell Synergy, a group of area organizations formed to assist small businesses during this time of economic challenges, is a way to support businesses in the Howell area through an infusion of cash using a community currency program. This program is generously sponsored by the Howell Downtown Development Authority, Citizens/Hanover, PepsiCo, Inc., and the Consumers Energy Foundation.
What is it, exactly?
Over a 12 – 14 week period, Howell Synergy will give away more than $21,000 in $25 gift certificates to the community using fun contests, games, social media campaigns, and more, to get people shopping downtown Howell now that stay-at-home restrictions have been eased. Every week during this period, a new way to “win” the certificates will be announced. The target start date for the program is July 9.
Customers can bring the certificate to their favorite store and use it just like cash. The certificate will have a two-week expiration period, and customers are required to spend the entire gift card amount in one transaction, since once the gift card is scanned it becomes inactive. Of course, shoppers are encouraged to spend more than just $25, but that first $25 is free to them in the form of the certificate. It’s a win-win for the customer and the business.
To-date, 26 Howell businesses are participating in CashMob Howell. For a list of participating businesses, along with more information about CashMob Howell, visit cashmobhowell.com.
What is Howell Synergy?
Howell Synergy was formed to address the unprecedented challenges faced by our business community during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. It includes representatives from Howell Main Street / DDA, The Howell Area Chamber of Commerce, the Livingston County Convention and Visitors Bureau, The City of Howell, and Ann Arbor SPARK.
The 2020 Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce Membership Directory and Community Guide
The 2020 ClarkstonChamber of Commerce Membership Directory and Community Guide is available at the Royal Oak Chamber today! Thanks to Shaun Hayes, Marie Clifford and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!
July's ABLE Lunch will be held at Point After Pub & Grille, recently awarded as a South Suburban Chamber Business of the Year (Large) Finalist.
Known for their famous chicken sandwiches and burgers, Point After Pub & Grille is a "good food, good people" place. ABLE attendees will get a sneak peek at their BRAND new menu items...coming soon! We are excited to welcome you to the Point After Pub & Grille off of 76th & Rawson!
Non-South Suburban Chamber Members, please use the link "click here to continue your registration".
In an effort to follow social distancing and CDC recommendations, the following changes apply:
* Pre-registration is required by Monday, July 27 at 9 a.m. Late registrations and walk-ins will not be allowed. This is to help our restaurants plan how to serve us under the CDC recommendations.
* Pre-payment is required at registration. We will not be taking cash, check, or credit cards at event in order to limit hands-on contact.
* The price for lunch has been raised to $20 per person to help cover extra costs associated with cleaning, serving, and organizing the event. This price will be re-evaluated in a few months.
Shiawassee County Businesses: We are SO excited to announce our newest economic impact and community development initiative, “ShiaCash". ShiaCash is a community currency program that is purchased through an online portal with local branding and can be used ONLY at participating merchants. Providing you, our local business owners, a fantastic tool to restart and grow your business. Our area’s large employers spend 2-3% of their payroll on holiday gifts, sales incentives and employee recognition. Our goal is to make ShiaCash a reward that our large employers will use instead of national brand gift cards that have no benefit to our members or community.
The Shiawassee Regional Chamber of Commerce, Shiawassee Economic Development Partnership, Owosso Main Street and the Greater Durand Area Chamber of Commerce have partnered up to launch ShiaCash, which will:
· Bring a year-round Buy Local program to our community · Be used as holiday gifts, thank you gifts and employee rewards · Connect YOU with the area’s large employers · Help you acquire new customers · Provide a great marketing tool for your business
To accept ShiaCash, there are no upfront costs or special software/credit card machines to purchase. The program will pay you back 92% face value of the currency! (The other 8% goes to administrative costs and customer credit card processing fees through Stripe.) We will send payment to you every two weeks for the redeemed certificates. This is a WIN-WIN-WIN for our community.
We are committed to making ShiaCash a huge success as we reopen the local economy. We will market this program to our area employers as well as all of our residents. Our goal is to make ShiaCash the gift of CHOICE in our communities and keep our dollars “at home”.
And, our three partner organizations hope to bring new customers to your door. If you have any questions, please contact Sue Kadlek at skadlek@shiawasseechamber.org.
Jeff Deason President/CEO Shiawassee Regional Chamber
Leadership Owensboro 2021 class open for application
Owensboro, KY – Leadership Owensboro, a program of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce,
has a tradition of excellence in building and encouraging Owensboro leaders since 1982. The program,
boasting an alumni base of more than one thousand, is the premier local professional development and
community engagement opportunity.
“It is always exciting to anticipate the next class,” said Jessica Kirk,
Executive Director of Leadership Owensboro. “We continue to work with
dedicated faculty each year to enrich the experience for participants. The
strength of having many people involved, ultimately adding to the
tradition of the program, makes us proud.”
“Leadership Owensboro is an integral component of our community’s
succession plan. Talent drives economic growth,” said Candance Castlen
Brake, Chamber President and CEO.
Classes consist of full-day sessions that will include topics such as education, human needs and services,
local government, our justice system, tourism, healthcare and more. In addition to the once monthly
classes from September through April, the class members will be required to participate in local civic
leadership meetings and will work as a class to present and implement a solution to an identified
community challenge.
The 2020-2021 class schedule is set to begin in September and conclude with a graduation celebration
the following May. The program will operate within the parameters of the Commonwealth of Kentucky
Healthy at Work Guidelines and recommendations of the Center for Disease Control (CDC) relating to
COVID-19.
To learn more about Leadership Owensboro and download an application visit
chamber.owensboro.com/leadership-owensboro. Applications for the 2021 Class of Leadership
Owensboro are due on Friday, August 14.
For more information on the Leadership Owensboro program, please contact LO Executive Director,
Jessica Kirk at 270-926-1860
Flint & Genesee Chamber: Leadership Read: What Businesses Can Expect From the Phase 4 Stimulus Package
Congress is set to begin negotiations on the next round of stimulus. For business owners, new measures could bring more tax relief, renewed access to forgivable loans, and more.
With prior stimulus measures set to expire in the next few weeks and the economy continuing to falter as the pandemic resurges across the country, Congress will meet this week and next to hammer out a new relief measure.
The House already passed its Phase 4 bill, known as the Heroes Act, in May. The $3.5 trillion coronavirus relief bill would provide assistance to state and local governments, extend enhanced unemployment benefits, and offer additional economic impact payments to taxpayers, among other things. The bill has been up for review since early July, though Senate Republicans, who prefer a measure with a far lower price tag, have been loath to consider it. They're expected to introduce their own version of a relief bill this week that will have to be reviewed and negotiated between the two chambers before they recess in early August.
Several economic proposals that will affect small and midsize businesses have been building consensus among lawmakers for weeks, so the final version of the Senate bill could contain elements of all of them.
Here are six things you likely can expect from the Phase 4 bill.
1. The PPP will go on, but in a different form.
The Paycheck Protection Program, the $669 billion forgivable loan program aimed at beleaguered small businesses, will continue, predicts Neil Bradley, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's executive vice president and chief policy officer. At the very least, he says, there will be a continuation of the program, which was recently extended through August 8.
It's also possible the PPP will become more targeted. Testifying at a House Small Business Committee hearing Friday, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin expressed interest in "topping off" the approximately $130 billion in remaining funds and extending the program. But he noted that it would need to be focused on certain industries like hotels and restaurants that can demonstrate actual losses, resulting from the pandemic. "This time we need to do a revenue test," he said.
There's been widening support for streamlining the PPP forgiveness process, too. While certain loans are now eligible for the EZ loan forgiveness application, there's greater interest in easing things further for smaller businesses by automatically forgiving all PPP loans under $150,000 or $250,000. On that note, Mnuchin at Friday's Small Business Committee meeting confirmed interest in blanket forgiveness. "Yes, that's something we should consider," he told lawmakers.
2. Local communities will get a boost.
The next iteration of relief funding likely also will focus on companies in low-income and rural areas, as well as minority-owned businesses, which experienced difficulty accessing the PPP. Bradley notes that the Recharge and Empower Local Innovation and Entrepreneurs Fund (RELIEF) for Main Street Act would earmark $50 billion for cities, counties, and states to support small business local relief funds. One of the key flaws of the PPP is that it failed to reach the smallest businesses and minority-owned companies that often did not have traditional banking relationships prior to the pandemic. As this program would be run through local institutions--and not banks--the effort is seen as potentially better suited to reach these businesses. While the U.S. Treasury would operate the program, as written in the bipartisan bill introduced in the Senate in mid-May, banks would not be involved.
Funding for block grants, operated by states and local governments, could also get replenished. The Cares Act initially provided $150 billion in federal aid to state and local governments across the country, some of which went toward grant funding for local business.
3. More tax relief is on the way.
Currently, PPP funds don't count as taxable income, but an Internal Revenue Service ruling prevented businesses from being able to deduct traditional business expenses paid for by those funds if forgiven. That may change soon. A bill that would allow the deduction with some guardrails, called the Small Business Expense Protection Act, was introduced in the Senate in early May. Read more: INC.com
FREE Cybersecurity Training for 7(j) small Businesses (via the Jasper Chamber)
The cyber industry is reporting thousands of scams and malware attacks on a daily basis
as cyber criminals are trying to exploit people’s fears. This means as small businesses
are scrambling to ensure ongoing operations during this national emergency, their sensitive information
and that of their customers are more at risk than ever. It seems every day there is a story about
major cyber breaches where sensitive, personal and proprietary data are lost.
Accordingly, now is a perfect time for 7(j) small businesses to register and participate in these
Cybersecurity Training web-based courses. And the best news is that SBA is offering FREE
cybersecurity training conducted by Synergy Solutions about how 7(j) small businesses
can educate and defend themselves and their customers, and help them develop a cybersecurity plan.
Business owners and managers can participate whether they are reporting to their offices
or teleworking using Synergy’s secure online Learning Management System platform.
All web-based courses are FREE and available via Synergy’s secure Learning Management System
Find local SBA Resource Partners who counsel, mentor,
and train small businesses at no cost at SBA.gov/local.
Dearborn Area Chamber: Grants, tomorrow Wayne County Re-opening Webinar and more!
Dear Members, Friends, Families and Colleagues,
Our golf outing was a success for about 9 holes before the storm arrived; thank you to all who braved the weather & participated!!! We have extensions and new funding opportunities and webinars, scroll through Newsbyte to infuse your business with knowledge and support!
·Wayne County has opened phase 2 of their Grant program, apps are still being accepted click here!
·Open until August 5, MEDC has opened Restart Small Business Grants. Applications will not be reviewed until after August 5th, take your time and assemble your facts, this is a simplified application, though you must finish when you begin. Click here for all the details!
·Wayne County has this excellent easy-to-read site "Wayne County Back to Work" on re-opening, safety posters & guides by industry see this link for all the info!
·We're also happy to partner with Downtown Dearborn on many of their panels, see their most recent updates hereWe're seeking to partner and bring the latest, rather than remaining in our own silos for maximum reach to all businesses in our area!
·We still need businesses to join so we can launch Gifting Dearborn! Open to ALL area businesses, in Dearborn, Garden City, Allen Park, Dearborn Heights, and beyond, click here to join our new Gifting Dearborn Platform. This will enable citizens to support you when buying gift cards & the funds are deposited into your bank at purchase vs. redemption! Folks can support you even if closed for now. See below for more info: Gifting Dearborn
Kids can get lemonade stand 'bailouts' from Country Time (via the Champaign County Chamber)
Country Time is turning something sour into something sweet.
The lemonade brand is bailing out our smallest businesses impacted by this pandemic, lemonade stands.
"We know this will be a rough summer for lemonade stands. And if the big guys are getting bailed out, why shouldn't we help the littlest entrepreneurs get the same treatment?" the company said on its website.
Country Time's "Littlest Bailout" program will give $100 checks to children who can't run lemonade stands this year.
To apply, children under 14 can write an essay about how they would spend the money and submit a photo of the lemonade stand sign they would have used.
The company will stop taking applications on August 12, 2020.
Grosse Pointe Chamber: SUPPORT OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES! Dine In - Dine Out - Order Carry Out Shop In The Stores - Shop Online GROSSE POINTE IS OPEN & READY FOR YOUR BUSINESS! #GPSTRONG
COVID-19 Region 4 Hits 7 Percent Positivity as Public Health Officials Urge Local Businesses to Follow Public Health Guidance
Four Cases Include Individuals Tied to Party Bus Rental Companies as Increase in Positivity Rate Threatens to Move Region Back in New Mitigation Plan
DHS and Public Health Officials Responding to Outbreak at Chester Mental Center in Randolph County
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health is closely monitoring a rise in cases in the Metro East region, COVID-19 region 4, as the region surpasses 7 percent positivity rate as of today, July 20, fueled by 7 consecutive days of positivity rate increases. Under the plan to combat a resurgence of COVID-19 announced by Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Public Health last week, a region will automatically move to the first tier of mitigation steps following three consecutive days averaging greater than an 8 percent positivity rate.
Randolph and St. Clair counties are currently the primary contributors to the rise in positivity rate in region 4 of the new mitigation plan, but there are concerning trends and behaviors throughout the region, which also includes Bond, Clinton, Madison, Monroe, Randolph, and Washington counties. Several of these counties also border and are home to residents who travel frequently to Missouri where less stringent mitigations have been in place.
A number of the individuals who have tested positive have informed public health officials that they engaged in some of the same activities. Specifically, four individuals told public health officials that they participated in events or were close contacts of participants in events involving the party bus company the “Shakin’ Shuttle”
Public health officials are also concerned with reports of large gatherings without social distancing taking place in the region. Specifically, Hidden Lake Winery in Aviston is reported to have hosted several large events, contrary to public health guidance.
Public health officials are also responding to an outbreak at Chester Mental Health Center in Randolph County, where 6 residents and 41 staff members have tested positive for COVID-19 since June 25. The Department of Human Services is working closely with local health departments and officials to help prevent further spread and keep residents and staff safe. Read more: Illinois Department of Public Health
BestChamber Practices: Birmingham-Bloomfield Chamber - Resources at a Glance
Coronavirus/COVID-19 Resources
For complete and up to date information, please visit the following links.
Michigan Chamber Endorses 58 Business-Friendly Candidates For Michigan House Of Representatives
The Michigan Chamber of Commerce today announced their endorsement of 58 candidates seeking election to the Michigan House of Representatives in 2020.
"We are pleased to announce the Michigan Chamber's endorsement of 14 outstanding individuals seeking election to the State House for the first time and another 44 incumbents seeking re-election," said Michigan Chamber President & CEO Rich Studley. "All of these candidates have demonstrated a strong commitment to free enterprise and a sincere desire to make Michigan the best state in the country to live, work, raise a family or build a business."
"The Chamber membership enthusiastically supports these candidates because they are committed to enacting common-sense policies based on personal responsibility limited government and free enterprise," noted Jim Holcomb, Senior Executive Vice President & General Counsel for the Michigan Chamber.
"All candidates seeking election this year had an opportunity to participate in the Chamber's endorsement process by completing a candidate questionnaire and indicating where they stood on issues of critical importance to our members and the entire business community," said Studley. "The 58 candidates we are endorsing today actively sought our endorsement and we are encouraged that so many well qualified individuals are willing to enter public service." Read more: Michigan Chamber
Greater Hattiesburg Mississippi Membership Directory and Business Guide 2019-2020
The Greater Hattiesburg Mississippi Membership Directory and Business Guide 2019-2020 is available at the Area Development Partnership in Hattiesburg! Thank you to Chad Newell, Valencia Williamson and the Chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!
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.
Lansing Regional Chamber: Delta Township-Eaton County Business Virtual Roundtable
Wednesday, August 5, 2020 (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM) (EDT)
The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC) Delta Township-Eaton County Roundtable meets once a month. It consists of LRCC business members as well as public officials from every level of government (city, county, state and federal), including school districts. A variety of issues relevant to the business community and the region are discussed during the roundtables. It's been the main focus of the LRCC to continue to build healthy relationships between business and elected officials. Questions can be directed to Steve Japinga, vice president of public affairs, LRCC, at sjapinga@lansingchamber.org.
Michigan Small Business Restart Program (Via the Manistee Area Chamber)
In Response To The Economic Impact Of COVID-19, The State Of Michigan Has Allocated $100 Million Of CARES Act Funding To Implement The Michigan Small Business Restart Program To Support The Needs Of Michigan Businesses Directly Impacted By COVID-19. The Application For Businesses To Apply For Funding Will Open On July 15, 2020.
Additionally, At Least 30 Percent Of The Funds Awarded Under This Program Will Be Provided To Women-Owned, Minority-Owned, Or Veteran-Owned Eligible Businesses. For More Information On Grant Eligibility Click Here.
Grand Rapids Area Chamber: Advocacy Engagement Series
Join us for our upcoming Advocacy Engagement Series: The Art & Science of Polling. We'll welcome Michael Meyers, President of TargetPoint Consulting, to discuss the classic science of public opinion research, innovative solutions for data collection, and how polling can give insight into future trends.
Kensington Valley Chamber: Confused about the New Insurance Laws?
On July 2, 2020, many changes to the existing no-fault auto insurance law took effect, including giving Michigan drivers a choice in their level of Personal injury protection coverage. Under the new plan, drivers will be able to choose from up to six options for Personal Injury Protection coverage. We know wading through this information can be overwhelming. Bring your questions and your coffee and join the Kensington Valley Chamber as we hear from Joe Knopp - our trusted Hartland Insurance Advisor as we move through these changes together!
FRIDAY, JULY 31st at 9 am
Andrea Meyer is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Insurance Q and A
Time: Jul 31, 2020 09:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best Chamber 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 Assistance Requested. Thank you!
