Good morning #ChamberWorld! It's going to be a great day!
Join the SBA's Office of Investment and Innovation tomorrow, May 25, 2022 for the launch of the inaugural America’s Seed Fund Startup Expo. Registration is free and open to the public, allowing innovation communities throughout the country to join and participate from afar. We encourage you to invite others from your network who might be interested in learning about the important work and impact of America’s Seed Fund and the innovative startups presenting at this inaugural virtual event! You can share SBA’s Twitter and LinkedIn posts (and the LinkedIn Event)
The program for this virtual event will feature a welcome and opening remarks from SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman and showcase 12 U.S.-based startups supported by America’s Seed Fund for presentations and discussions on:
Climate and Energy, moderated by Ryan Panchadsaram, Advisor, Kleiner Perkins
Amorphic Tech (Allentown, PA)
FGC Plasma Solutions (Middleton, MA)
Hydroplane (Lancaster, CA)
AgTech and Food Security, moderated by Laura Appenzeller, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Innovation, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
General Probiotics (Saint Paul, MN)
Nucleic Sensing Systems (Saint Paul, MN)
Shellfish Solutions d/b/a Blue Trace (Castine, ME)
Supply Chain Resiliency, moderated by Javier Saade, Partner, Fenway Summer & Impact Master Holdings
Chromatic 3D Materials (Golden Valley, MN)
Delta Development Team (Tucson, AZ)
Re:3D (Houston, TX)
National Security and Defense, moderated by Wes Spurlock, Chief of Strategic Capital, AFWERX
BadVR (Pacoima, CA)
Enduralock (Lenexa, KS)
PSYONIC (Champaign, IL) Register
Catalent Inc. to Expand in Winchester, Create 277 Well-Paying Jobs With $175 Million Investment
Company to boost production capacity and add R&D presence
Today Gov. Andy Beshear congratulated Catalent Inc., which partners with pharma, biotech and consumer health companies to optimize the development, launch and life-cycle supply of products for patients around the world, on its planned $175 million investment to expand its existing operation and add a new R&D facility in Clark County, creating 277 high-wage jobs for Kentuckians.
“It’s always great to see existing companies expand in Kentucky, but it’s even better when that growth includes great jobs for our residents,” Gov. Beshear said. “Catalent has been an important part of the Winchester community and the creation of 277 well-paying jobs will strengthen its presence in Clark County in the years to come. Thank you to Catalent’s leadership for continuing to create excellent job opportunities in our state.”
With this investment, the existing 190,000-square-foot Winchester facility on Enterprise Drive will grow by 90,000 square feet to increase manufacturing capacity within Catalent’s oral dose division. The company also will acquire a nearly 17,000-square-foot facility on Venable Road, which will house its R&D operations. New positions created in Clark County will include, but are not limited to, scientists, manufacturing, quality assurance, maintenance and warehouse positions. Work on the project is expected to begin this year and to be completed by 2027.
Company leadership noted Clark County and the commonwealth’s strong workforce and excellent quality of life as advantages to locating the expansion at the existing Winchester operation. Currently, Catalent employs more than 650 people at the location.
“We look forward to further investing and growing in Winchester,” said Chris Rosenbaum, general manager of Catalent in Winchester. “The state of Kentucky’s talented workforce, tight-knit community and business environment provide major advantages to the future growth of Catalent.”
Catalent is a global leader in helping pharma, biotech and consumer health partners to optimize the development, launch and life-cycle supply of products for patients globally. With expertise in development sciences, delivery technologies and multimodality manufacturing, Catalent partners to produce personalized medicines, consumer health brand extensions and blockbuster drugs. Catalent helps accelerate over 1,000 partner programs and launch over 150 new products every year. Its flexible manufacturing platforms at over 50 global sites supply over 70 billion doses of nearly 7,000 products to more than 1,000 customers annually. Catalent’s expert workforce exceeds 19,000, including more than 2,500 scientists and technicians. Headquartered in Somerset, New Jersey, the company generated $4 billion in revenue in fiscal year 2021.
Currently, more than 200 health care-related technology, service and manufacturing locations operate in the commonwealth, employing over 37,000 Kentucky residents. Since the start of the Beshear administration, businesses within the sector have announced more than 2,000 new jobs throughout the state. The industry includes headquarters operations, pharmaceutical makers, medical equipment design and production, medical device manufacturers and health care product distributors.
Clark County Judge/Executive Henry Branham said Catalent is an instrumental part of the community.
“Our community of Winchester/Clark County is very pleased to work with Catalent on another expansion,” Judge Branham said. “They continually work with our local governments to increase quality of life opportunities for our citizens. They are a wonderful corporate citizen and we are fortunate to have them in our community.”
Winchester Mayor Ed Burtner noted the importance of Catalent’s continued growth.
“The community of Winchester and Clark County are pleased that Catalent has chosen to expand their operations here and thereby add many new, good-paying jobs and investment to our business and economic base,” Mayor Burtner said. “Catalent is an important corporate citizen and we value highly their investment and contributions to our community.”
Michigan saw record small business growth in 2021
Despite a labor shortage and a wave of resignations defining the first year after the coronavirus hit, Michigan consumers have a chance to try many new small businesses as the state saw its fastest small business job growth in 23 years.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced in a press release Monday that in 2021, roughly 150,000 Michiganders applied to start small businesses, which is 59% more than in 2019.
The first three quarters of 2021 saw the fastest start to small business job growth in 23 years, according to the Michigan Bureau of Labor Market Information. Small businesses with less than 50 workers created almost 170,000 jobs statewide.
"Small businesses form the backbone of Michigan’s economy and are the anchors of communities across the state," Whitmer said in the release. "Through tough times, they’ve shown grit and innovation to continue getting things done for their customers and employees." News Advocate
Despite a labor shortage and a wave of resignations defining the first year after the coronavirus hit, Michigan consumers have a chance to try many new small businesses as the state saw its fastest small business job growth in 23 years.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced in a press release Monday that in 2021, roughly 150,000 Michiganders applied to start small businesses, which is 59% more than in 2019.
The first three quarters of 2021 saw the fastest start to small business job growth in 23 years, according to the Michigan Bureau of Labor Market Information. Small businesses with less than 50 workers created almost 170,000 jobs statewide.
"Small businesses form the backbone of Michigan’s economy and are the anchors of communities across the state," Whitmer said in the release. "Through tough times, they’ve shown grit and innovation to continue getting things done for their customers and employees." News Advocate
Hollobus Technologies to Locate HQ, Manufacturing and R&D Operations in Murray, Create 150 Jobs With $2.25 Million Investment
Manufacturer of electrical power distribution connectors recently acquired former Briggs & Stratton facility
MURRAY, Ky. (May 25, 2022) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear joined local officials and representatives from Hollobus Technologies Inc., a new subsidiary of Canada-based engineering design technology company Superior Tray Systems (STS), to announce the company’s $2.25 million investment to locate in Murray and create 150 full-time jobs.
“It is great to see continued economic growth in Western Kentucky as this region recovers and builds back following last year’s devastating tornado,” Gov. Beshear said. “Hollobus is a company that will be a great fit for Murray and Calloway County, and I hope to see it grow for decades to come. Thank you to the leaders at Hollobus for their part in helping build a brighter future in the commonwealth.”
The investment will locate the company’s head office, primary manufacturing operation and an R&D facility at the former Briggs & Stratton location at 110 Main Street in Murray. The project will build out the new Hollobus product line, which serves as an alternative to electrical cabling for major industrial projects and is designed to survive extreme water events. Hollobus leaders have partnered with Murray State University to establish a workforce pipeline and have expressed intent to focus hiring efforts on recently discharged military personnel from nearby Fort Campbell.
“We were initially attracted to Murray, Kentucky, because we were looking for a building in the mid-Southeast United States,” said Mihaela Adams, manager of global business development for Hollobus. “After coming here and working with local officials, we are excited to be part of the Murray community and look forward to having great success here for many years.”
Since 2005, STS has produced electrical power distribution connectors for a range of projects in the U.S., including the City of Boston water treatment facility, high rises in New York City, offshore oil rigs in Texas and various military installations. STS also provided electrical systems for the Richmond-Airport-Vancouver (RAV) Rapid Transit line for the 2010 Winter Olympics and Canadian Navy projects, as well as wind and waterpower inversion systems and mining applications in Central and South America. The company’s green manufacturing and business practices, such as precision molding and product development systems, contribute to a near-zero waste footprint.
Calloway County Judge/Executive Kenny Imes said the company and community will continue to grow together.
“As Calloway County judge/executive, I want to thank all of the many partners who have helped make this possible,” Judge/Executive Imes said. “As a lifelong resident of Calloway County, good jobs for our citizens have always been my top priority. I know that this company will grow and prosper and that our people will be a huge part of their success.”
Murray Mayor Bob Rogers anticipates Hollobus will be successful in West Kentucky.
“I am very pleased to see a progressive, innovative company like Hollobus repurpose the former Briggs & Stratton facility here in Murray. Their products can be used in everything from data centers to high-rise buildings and are literally a new way of helping companies with efficient and cost-effective solutions to their electrical and data needs,” Mayor Rogers said. “I have had the pleasure, through both my role as mayor and a Murray-Calloway Economic Development Corp. board member, to get to know founder Martin Cox and his family and am convinced they will be highly successful in anything they do. This is a very good day for Murray, and I appreciate the many months of work that have gone into making this day possible.”
Murray-Calloway EDC Chair David Graham noted the importance of the skilled jobs being created by the company’s investment.
“We, along with the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development and TVA, have been working on this project for a number of months. We are proud to see the owners investing in the former Briggs facility to bring it new life for our community,” Graham said. “The skills that will be needed by Hollobus are very familiar to our workforce and include precision metal work, welding and assembly as well as other skills to be learned. We think the future is bright for Hollobus and its owners and pledge to continue doing all we can to assist in their – and our – ultimate success.”
John Bradley, TVA senior vice president of economic development, noted the partnerships needed to make the project possible.
“TVA and Murray Electric Systems congratulate Hollobus Technologies Inc. on its decision to establish operations in Calloway County,” Bradley said. “Supporting companies, like Hollobus, creating new jobs and investment in the region is fundamental to TVA’s mission of service. We are proud to partner with the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development and Murray-Calloway County Economic Development Corp. to help further that mission and celebrate this announcement together.”
Manufacturer of electrical power distribution connectors recently acquired former Briggs & Stratton facility
MURRAY, Ky. (May 25, 2022) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear joined local officials and representatives from Hollobus Technologies Inc., a new subsidiary of Canada-based engineering design technology company Superior Tray Systems (STS), to announce the company’s $2.25 million investment to locate in Murray and create 150 full-time jobs.
“It is great to see continued economic growth in Western Kentucky as this region recovers and builds back following last year’s devastating tornado,” Gov. Beshear said. “Hollobus is a company that will be a great fit for Murray and Calloway County, and I hope to see it grow for decades to come. Thank you to the leaders at Hollobus for their part in helping build a brighter future in the commonwealth.”
The investment will locate the company’s head office, primary manufacturing operation and an R&D facility at the former Briggs & Stratton location at 110 Main Street in Murray. The project will build out the new Hollobus product line, which serves as an alternative to electrical cabling for major industrial projects and is designed to survive extreme water events. Hollobus leaders have partnered with Murray State University to establish a workforce pipeline and have expressed intent to focus hiring efforts on recently discharged military personnel from nearby Fort Campbell.
“We were initially attracted to Murray, Kentucky, because we were looking for a building in the mid-Southeast United States,” said Mihaela Adams, manager of global business development for Hollobus. “After coming here and working with local officials, we are excited to be part of the Murray community and look forward to having great success here for many years.”
Since 2005, STS has produced electrical power distribution connectors for a range of projects in the U.S., including the City of Boston water treatment facility, high rises in New York City, offshore oil rigs in Texas and various military installations. STS also provided electrical systems for the Richmond-Airport-Vancouver (RAV) Rapid Transit line for the 2010 Winter Olympics and Canadian Navy projects, as well as wind and waterpower inversion systems and mining applications in Central and South America. The company’s green manufacturing and business practices, such as precision molding and product development systems, contribute to a near-zero waste footprint.
Calloway County Judge/Executive Kenny Imes said the company and community will continue to grow together.
“As Calloway County judge/executive, I want to thank all of the many partners who have helped make this possible,” Judge/Executive Imes said. “As a lifelong resident of Calloway County, good jobs for our citizens have always been my top priority. I know that this company will grow and prosper and that our people will be a huge part of their success.”
Murray Mayor Bob Rogers anticipates Hollobus will be successful in West Kentucky.
“I am very pleased to see a progressive, innovative company like Hollobus repurpose the former Briggs & Stratton facility here in Murray. Their products can be used in everything from data centers to high-rise buildings and are literally a new way of helping companies with efficient and cost-effective solutions to their electrical and data needs,” Mayor Rogers said. “I have had the pleasure, through both my role as mayor and a Murray-Calloway Economic Development Corp. board member, to get to know founder Martin Cox and his family and am convinced they will be highly successful in anything they do. This is a very good day for Murray, and I appreciate the many months of work that have gone into making this day possible.”
Murray-Calloway EDC Chair David Graham noted the importance of the skilled jobs being created by the company’s investment.
“We, along with the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development and TVA, have been working on this project for a number of months. We are proud to see the owners investing in the former Briggs facility to bring it new life for our community,” Graham said. “The skills that will be needed by Hollobus are very familiar to our workforce and include precision metal work, welding and assembly as well as other skills to be learned. We think the future is bright for Hollobus and its owners and pledge to continue doing all we can to assist in their – and our – ultimate success.”
John Bradley, TVA senior vice president of economic development, noted the partnerships needed to make the project possible.
“TVA and Murray Electric Systems congratulate Hollobus Technologies Inc. on its decision to establish operations in Calloway County,” Bradley said. “Supporting companies, like Hollobus, creating new jobs and investment in the region is fundamental to TVA’s mission of service. We are proud to partner with the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development and Murray-Calloway County Economic Development Corp. to help further that mission and celebrate this announcement together.”
Birmingham-Bloomfield Chamber: Last week's Professional Edge Workshop
Chamber Member Laura Khalil presented to dozens of fellow BBChamber Members on "How to Build a Highly Referable Business." A wonderful discussion followed the formal presentation. The event was held at Avalon of Bloomfield.
Mclean County Chamber: Walk-Up Job Fair Returns with 40+ Employers
May 17, 2021 — After successful showings in 2021, the McLean County Chamber of Commerce is once again hosting the ever-popular Walk-Up Job Fair on Tuesday, May 24, 11 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., in the former Bergner’s Parking Lot at Eastland Mall, 1615 E. Empire Street, Bloomington. The Walk-Up Job Fair is presented by Express Employment Professionals.
Whether hoping to find a fresh start, a better job, or a new career direction, job seekers will find a wealth of exciting opportunities at this free job fair. Over 40 local employers from a variety of industry sectors are eager to hire for more than 1,300 immediate openings in a wide range of fields. Food will be available for purchase from Gill Street Eatz and Uncle Tony’s Food for the Soul food trucks. The job fair is free and open to all Central Illinois communities.
“We couldn’t be more excited to be the presenter of the Spring Walk-Up Job Fair hosted by the Chamber,” said Matthew Boston, branch manager of Express Employment Professionals Bloomington. “We are focused on helping people succeed – specifically, at work so they can experience more success in life and in living. When we accomplish this, both McLean County businesses and community members win.”
Applicants are encouraged to bring their official ID and several copies of their resume, and dress for success. Many employers will be prepared to interview and make a job offer on the spot.
Participating employers include: Abbey Placements, LLC, Allied Universal, Aston Carter, Avanti's Italian Restaurant – Normal, BEER NUTS Brand Snacks, Brandt Industries USA Ltd., Carle BroMenn Medical Center, CCSI - Case Coordination, LLC, Chestnut Health Systems, Inc., City of Bloomington, CORE 3, CRAFTED Commons, Evergreen FS, Inc., Express Employment Professionals, Fleet Feet Bloomington, Gailey Eye Clinic, Goodwill Industries-Land of Lincoln, Heritage Operations Group, Inc., Identity Optical Labs, Illinois State University, Land of Lincoln Credit Union, Manpower, Marcfirst, McDonald's Restaurants, McLean County 911 Communications Center, McLean County Unit School District No. 5, Mechanical Devices, Neuhoff Media, O'Brien Honda of Bloomington, OSFHealthCare, PeopleReady, PRIDESTAFF, Rader Family Farms, State Farm Insurance Companies, STL Staffing, TENTAC, The Baby Fold, The Chateau Hotel and Conference Center, Town of Normal, U.S. Army Recruiting, Westminster Village, Zentech Bloomington, and more.
For more information, please visit www.mcleancochamber.org or contact Event Services Manager, Jessica Kemp, at 309-829-1188 or jessica@mcleancochamber.org.
May 17, 2021 — After successful showings in 2021, the McLean County Chamber of Commerce is once again hosting the ever-popular Walk-Up Job Fair on Tuesday, May 24, 11 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., in the former Bergner’s Parking Lot at Eastland Mall, 1615 E. Empire Street, Bloomington. The Walk-Up Job Fair is presented by Express Employment Professionals.
Whether hoping to find a fresh start, a better job, or a new career direction, job seekers will find a wealth of exciting opportunities at this free job fair. Over 40 local employers from a variety of industry sectors are eager to hire for more than 1,300 immediate openings in a wide range of fields. Food will be available for purchase from Gill Street Eatz and Uncle Tony’s Food for the Soul food trucks. The job fair is free and open to all Central Illinois communities.
“We couldn’t be more excited to be the presenter of the Spring Walk-Up Job Fair hosted by the Chamber,” said Matthew Boston, branch manager of Express Employment Professionals Bloomington. “We are focused on helping people succeed – specifically, at work so they can experience more success in life and in living. When we accomplish this, both McLean County businesses and community members win.”
Applicants are encouraged to bring their official ID and several copies of their resume, and dress for success. Many employers will be prepared to interview and make a job offer on the spot.
Participating employers include: Abbey Placements, LLC, Allied Universal, Aston Carter, Avanti's Italian Restaurant – Normal, BEER NUTS Brand Snacks, Brandt Industries USA Ltd., Carle BroMenn Medical Center, CCSI - Case Coordination, LLC, Chestnut Health Systems, Inc., City of Bloomington, CORE 3, CRAFTED Commons, Evergreen FS, Inc., Express Employment Professionals, Fleet Feet Bloomington, Gailey Eye Clinic, Goodwill Industries-Land of Lincoln, Heritage Operations Group, Inc., Identity Optical Labs, Illinois State University, Land of Lincoln Credit Union, Manpower, Marcfirst, McDonald's Restaurants, McLean County 911 Communications Center, McLean County Unit School District No. 5, Mechanical Devices, Neuhoff Media, O'Brien Honda of Bloomington, OSFHealthCare, PeopleReady, PRIDESTAFF, Rader Family Farms, State Farm Insurance Companies, STL Staffing, TENTAC, The Baby Fold, The Chateau Hotel and Conference Center, Town of Normal, U.S. Army Recruiting, Westminster Village, Zentech Bloomington, and more.
For more information, please visit www.mcleancochamber.org or contact Event Services Manager, Jessica Kemp, at 309-829-1188 or jessica@mcleancochamber.org.
Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The no cost, no risk BEST Chamber Publishing Partner in the USA!
Town Square Publications, a division of the Daily Herald Media Group, is a national chamber custom publishing group that specializes in developing partnerships by producing high-quality print and digitally integrated publications along with other added value programs dedicated to creating relevancy for local chambers of commerce and other membership focused organizations interested in raising non-dues revenues.
Town Square Publications parent company, Paddock Publications, has over 100 years’ experience of print product development and dedicated customer service in communities throughout the Midwest. Our experience allows Town Square Publications to offer you attractive royalty and non-dues revenue share streams, provide direct distribution of your custom designed printed publications, including digital and mobile integration, and all with the quickest turn-around times available in the industry. Town Square also offers multi-media maps in both print and online formats, both with our No-Cost guarantee. More information: Town Square Publications
Chambers of Commerce and member focused organizations serve as a valuable resource in the local marketplace. The networking opportunities and representation with a wide variety of diverse businesses in your community is the catalyst of a successful organization. For further information about Town Square's publishing partnership with chambers of commerce and our No-Cost guarantee and Earned Revenue Share Program, To request your chamber publication or map proposal, contact Town Square Chamber Proposal or email John Dussman with the subject line: Chamber Publication Proposal Requested. Thank you!
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