Good morning #ChamberWorld! It's going to be a great day!
Ford, Google, City of Detroit, State Of Michigan Partner To Build Mobility Center In Cork Town
DETROIT – Michigan Central is launching a public-private partnership with the state of Michigan and the city of Detroit, and Google is joining Ford Motor Company as a Founding Member of the pioneering mobility innovation district headquartered at the renovated train station in Cork Town.
These critical partnerships will enable Michigan Central to advance its vision to help create a more accessible future for all, the group said in a press release.
“Only a few short years ago, I announced Ford’s investment in Detroit because I believed in a vision that reimagined the iconic Michigan Central train station and surrounding area as a place of possibility again,” said Bill Ford, executive chair, Ford Motor Company. “Today’s announcements reflect our commitment to that vision, attracting the best and the brightest to come together to solve some of the world’s toughest challenges. The arrival of Google as a founding partner is exactly the kind of investment and progress I knew was possible to revitalize our hometown. And I could not be more pleased that the City of Detroit and the State of Michigan are also joining us in this ambitious effort. I know it is only the beginning of what we can achieve together.”
Google and Ford – along with future Founding Members – will be part of a diverse group of companies at Michigan Central collaborating on the products, services and experiences that help define the future of mobility. Guided by a shared commitment, Founding Members, will support the culture of innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable community development that define Michigan Central’s mission.
To foster this work, Google will provide cloud technology for Michigan Central’s mobility projects. The Mountain View, California-based company – co-founded by University of Michigan graduate Larry Page – also will offer workforce development training to local high school students and job seekers.
“We’re proud to join Ford as a Founding Member at Michigan Central,” said Ruth Porat, senior vice president and CFO of Google and Alphabet, via a live streamed press conference Friday morning. “This partnership will expand our work in Michigan and help a substantial number of people gain the skills and tools they need to succeed. By offering digital skills training, mentoring to high schoolers learning to code, and Google Cloud technology for Michigan Central projects and research on the future of mobility, we look forward to contributing to Michigan Central’s mission and all it will accomplish.”
Ford Motor Company announced plans to restore the iconic train station in 2018 as the centerpiece of a 30-acre open innovation platform to help define the way people and goods move around in the future. The once world-class station had been abandoned since 1988. The project is on track, attracting partners from around the world to create an inclusive, vibrant, walkable mobility innovation district in Corktown, Detroit’s oldest neighborhood.
The public-private partnership between Michigan Central, the state of Michigan and the city of
Detroit will make the district a hub for talent, mobility innovation, entrepreneurship, sustainability, affordable housing, small business opportunities and community engagement. The state will invest to ensure the community shares in the district’s success through new standards for housing and engagement, and that other economic goals become reality.
The state of Michigan plans to align more than $126 million new and existing programming and resources to support the goals of the district. This pledge includes new resources for district programming provided by the Michigan Office of Future Mobility and Electrification, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, the Michigan Department of Transportation, and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. It also includes the alignment of existing state, like the reconstruction of Michigan Avenue and the development of new housing units around the district by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority.
“Ford is an American icon that has left its mark on Michigan – and the world – for more than 100 years, and we are proud to partner with Ford and other founding members at Michigan Central to shape the next century of transportation solutions while reducing emissions and accelerating electrification,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “By embracing a whole-of-government approach in our collaboration with Michigan Central and the city of Detroit, we are writing the playbook for a new kind of partnership that keeps Michigan at the forefront of mobility for generations to come. Together, we can continue growing Michigan’s economy, putting Michiganders first, and win the next century of auto manufacturing and technology development.” Read more: MiTechNews
Oshkosh Chamber: Local Legends podcast with U.S. Senator Ron Johnson
February 18 | 1:30-2:30 PM
The Local Legends Podcast is a live audience podcast featuring notable Oshkosh and greater Fox Valley business leaders. Local legends is hosted by the Venture Project and Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce. This podcast will educate listeners by interviewing community expert "legends" on the topics of leadership and entrepreneurship.
Light hors d'oeuvres and refreshments will be served.
Doors will open at 1:00 PM
REGISTER HERE
The 2021-2022 Geneva Lake West Chamber of Commerce Community Resource Guide is available at the chamber today ! Thanks to Becke Connelly and the chamber team for their help and direction with this publication
SBA Indiana: Black History Month Event - How to do Business with the Federal Government Webinar Feb 25 - Sign up now!
When: Feb 25, 1pm ET
Where: Online
Register now
FACT: The U.S. government is the largest purchaser of products and services from small businesses in the entire world. Ready to make federal agencies some of your valued customers? Let SBA teach you how!
About this event:
During our Black History Month event, SBA Indiana Business Opportunity Specialist Vernice Mathis will walk you through the basics on how to prepare your #smallbiz to become a federal contractor and introduce you to several federal agencies and resource partners located in Indiana and Ohio ready to help. Representatives include:
NAVFAC MIDLANT NOR (USA) – Crane, Indiana
Naval Surface Warfare Center - Crane, Indiana
Defense Finance Accounting Services - Indiana & Ohio
Wright Patterson Air Force Base - Fairborn, Ohio
Central Indiana Procurement Technical Assistance Center
Ohio Procurement Technical Assistance Center
SBA Commercial Market & Procurement Center Representatives
A link to the webinar, along with reminders, will be emailed after registration. You can also access class on the day of the event by typing https://bit.ly/BHMevent22522 into your web browser. See you there!
Questions? Contact Business Opportunity Specialist Vernice Mathis at vernice.mathis@sba.gov.
Register now
Wisconsin Early Stage Investments last year hit record-high $810 million
Wisconsin companies set a new record for early-stage investment last year with at least $810 million in angel and venture capital funding. That’s according to new data from the Wisconsin Technology Council released ahead of the group’s annual “Wisconsin Portfolio” report. Tech Council President Tom Still said more than $600 million of that total was from around 15 large deals, which he calls “really good news” for the state.
Join SBA Iowa for free training on how to start, grow and expand your small business!
The Iowa District Office is hosting a number of training sessions for small businesses during FY 2022. Check out the current schedule below and click on an event for more information and to register.
February 2022 Schedule of Events
Boots to Business: Reboot (click to register)
February 15, 2022 at 8 am CST
Have you ever dreamed of owning and operating your own business? This is your chance to explore what it takes to be an entrepreneur and stand with the growing number of small business owners! Join us along with our highly decorated guest presenters and learn how to put your small business ownership dreams into action!
IRS Webinar – Resources for Small Businesses (click link to join the Zoom webinar at 10 a.m. on February 16th)
February 16, 2022 at 10 am CST
Join SBA and IRS to learn about all of the resources available to you through the IRS for your small business; from Starting a Business and Keeping Records to all of your tax filing season information (EIP3/Recovery Rebate Credit, Child Tax Credit, etc).
Survive & Thrive – Get Back on Track with SBA (click to join the Teams Webinar at 12 p.m. on February 22nd.)
February 22, 2022 at 12 pm CST
Are you taking advantage of the resources available for your small business Discover what the SBA offers small businesses and how the federal agency supports small business growth. Get engaged & discuss your business needs in a Q&A session – the SBA is here to support your business!
March 2022 Schedule of Events
Women-Owned Small Business Federal Government Contracting Program (click to join the Teams Webinar at 10 a.m. on March 9, 2022).
March 9, 2022 at 10 am CST
This webinar provides detailed instructions on the updated policy for the certification process and provides guidance for existing WOSBs who have applied under the old process.
WELCOME HOME - The Nation's Premier New Resident Marketing Program for Your Chamber Members
Exclusive to chamber members, the WELCOME HOME program is a remarkable advertising tool, highly visible, targeted and delivered direct to new resident's mailboxes, catching them as they establish new buying habits.
In addition, WELCOME HOME is distributed to local libraries, park districts, municipalities and your local chamber office.
Get your members in front of one of the most valuable audiences: NEW RESIDENTS.
Don't miss this opportunity to promote your member businesses to new residents ON A MONTHLY BASIS, ALL YEAR LONG!
Mailed monthly to new movers from the previous 30 days!
They are new to the neighborhood. They have money to spend. They need your member's businesses and services.
Battle Creek Area Chamber: Local Workforce Insights
Join us Tuesday, February 8, 2022 at 8 AM for an interactive hour on local workforce concerns
Join the Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce for an interactive hour discussing local workforce concerns. We will tackle issues such as:
1. What is your current challenges to hiring?
2. What have you done creatively to add to your hiring practices?
3. How are you improving your workers well-being?
4. How has your workforce changed?
What talent are you missing in your business?
Currently, tens of millions of Americans are being excluded from the workforce. For example, 98 percent of companies run background checks, and yet, 1 in 3 adults possess a criminal record – a majority of whom are Black and Latinx. Similarly, employers exclude 68 percent of Black and 79 percent of Latinx candidates when they require a four-year degree. While corporations may use background policies or educational requirements as proxies for trust or ability, this isn’t borne out in the data. More importantly, it means that they are missing out on a highly committed, often diverse candidate pool that could contribute to their bottom line
Town SquarePublications (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.
Danville Boyle County Chamber Community Map
Naperville Area Chamber Of Commerce Launches Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Resource Guide
The Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee has developed a free DEI Resource Guide designed to help businesses and organizations understand and implement DEI initiatives with their employees and Members. The Resource Guide, available on the Chamber website, outlines the definitions of diversity, equity and inclusion and why the issues are important to business. Additional content includes a guide to getting started; how to begin a DEI audit and survey; what populations should be considered in implementing DEI programs and initiatives, as well as a glossary of terms and an extensive list of additional resources for education, awareness and action.
“As a committee, we wanted to be able to share all of the great resources we were finding that have helped us with our DEI work. This DEI Resource Guide is great for any organization that wants to begin their DEI work or look at best practices from other organizations, “ says Dave Della Terza, past chairman of the DEI Committee, who oversaw the guide’s development. “Diversity, equity, and inclusion are paramount to the workplace in 2022, and it can be difficult for companies to start doing this type of work because so many topics are involved. We hope this guide helps emphasize the importance of DEI work and shows that there are many things you can do to make small changes to improve your organization.”
The NACC Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee (DEI) was formed to foster an awareness and understanding of various perspectives and cultures to create a sense of community and belonging for all. The DEI Committee seeks to impact the community by being a facilitator and connector of the best resources for businesses to utilize when seeking to understand diversity, equity, and inclusion. As well as educating and implementing best practices in Naperville to enable businesses, residents, and visitors to feel respected, honored, acknowledged, and understood. The DEI committee is made up of NACC business members who volunteer their time and are committed to leading by example in order to create awareness and an environment that empowers positive change.
For Information on the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee and to access the DEI Resource Guide, visit https://www.naperville.net/your-network/committees/diversity-inclusion-committee/
The Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce held a Workforce Policy Luncheon Wednesday.
Members heard from the Executive Director of the Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce Foundation about a report that highlighted ways to achieve long-term economic growth in Wisconsin. Some of the challenges when it comes to attracting and retaining workers are housing, transportation, and childcare.
“The biggest thing is to get some feedback from our employers today, make sure we are on the right track with what we are trying to accomplish with workforce solutions,” Kaylynn Winegar, Vice President of Workforce Initiatives for Eau Claire Area Chamber, said.
The Eau Claire Chamber hopes that collaboration between businesses can lead to a faster end of labor shortages.
Grand Rapids Area Chamber: OutPro: Rise Up with Fierce Advocacy
The re-envisioned OutPro is officially here! This year, OutPro has changed leadership and is expanding its influence by stepping into the sphere of advocacy and education.
Join us for our first OutPro event of the year on Tuesday, March 8 at Creston Brewery! During this kick-off event, we're teaming up with the Grand Rapids Chamber's Government Affairs Team to focus on Rising Up with Effective Advocacy. Featuring Andy Johnston, the Chamber's Senior Vice President of Advocacy and Strategic Engagement, we'll be discussing how you can make your voice heard and create an impact in your community. Attendees will also receive an Empower Toolkit with resources and information on how to take action!
Tuesday, March 8
3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Creston Brewery - Golden Age Events
#BestChamber Practices: Germantown Area Chamber: Website Resources: Be to "go-to" resource for your business community! (Local, County, State, National)
Village of Germantown
Village Alerts
Germantown Community Library
Germantown Public Works
Germantown School District
DPI School Report Cards
County of Washington
Economic Development Washington County
Community Volunteer Needs
Washington Ozaukee County Public Health Dept
State of Wisconsin
Main Street Bounceback Grant
Business Resources
Apprenticeships
Fast Forward Grants
Community Development Resources
Federal
US Small Business Administration - Microloans
US Small Business Administration - Boots to Business
Small Business Guidance - Loan & Resources
Small Business Guidance - Planning & Start-up
Jackson County Chamber: The Jackson's Community Awards Week!
The Chamber is proud to provide visibility to individuals, volunteers, and groups that have made exceptional contributions to make Jackson a better place to live, work, and raise a family.
Community Awards Week is sponsored by Consumers Energy and will air on NewsTalk 970 / 101.5, JTV, 106.9 HOME.fm, and in Jackson Magazine. Each award winner will be announced every morning on our Facebook page:
Monday: Athena Award and Jamie McKibbin Community Enthusiast Award
(Please check our Facebook page to view the winners)
Tuesday: Omotenashi Award
Wednesday: Brick Awards
Thursday: Small Business Person of the Year Award
Friday: Reach HIRE Award
Stay Up to Date Here
A new date for The Chamber's Night of Distinction will be sent to all ticket holders, sponsors, and award winners as soon as details are confirmed.
