Chamber Executive Ongoing Education Weekly New Idea; The Seven Levels of Communication Go From Relationships to Referrals - by Michael Maher; Chamber update: Arlkadelphia (Arkansas) Alliance's Stephen Bell working hard in first month; Chamber Tweet of the Day: KC Chamber - Manufacturing+ Symposium is THIS Thursday!; Winona chamber honors employers for workplace effectiveness; Chamber news: Kearney tops list of best places to live in Nebraska; Chamber economic development: Michigan City, Indiana designated as HUBZone; Chamber good news: Cost of living in Mason City, Iowa; Chamber issue: Kentucky gets $20 million grant for energy study; Chamber growth opportunity: Oshkosh, Wisconsin starting aviation business park; Jefferson City Chamber opportunity: Missouri Export Finance Program Workshops; Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation: (Attitude) John C. Maxwell

The Seven Levels of Communication: Go From Relationships to Referrals by Michael J. Maher

How many of your clients would attend your funeral? One of the top real estate professionals in the country has written a book that details how he became "America's Most Referred Real Estate Professional". In (7L) The Seven Levels of Communication, Michael J. Maher tells the inspiring story of real estate agent Rick Masters who is suffering through a down market when he meets a mortgage professional who has built a successful business without advertising or personal promotion. Step by step he learns to change the way he interacts with his clients and begins to focus on people instead of numbers. Yet with each new success comes a new challenge and Rick soon realizes that if he is to fully utilize the lessons of the (7L), he must be willing to change himself as well as his business. He soon learns, however, that the rewards for doing so are far greater than he had ever imagined. (7L) shows Rick how to build a more profitable business and a more fulfilling life in the process.

Chamber update: Arlkadelphia (Arkansas) Alliance's Stephen Bell working hard in first month

  

Since coming to Arkadelphia nearly one month ago, Stephen Bell has been busy trying to promote and improve economic development in Clark County. Bell was named president and CEO of the Arkadelphia Regional Economic Development Alliance and Area Chamber of Commerce in July. He takes the reigns that were vacated by Shawnie Carrier who resigned last summer to take a job at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. Read more: The Daily Siftings Herald

Chamber Tweet of the Day: KC Chamber - Manufacturing+ Symposium is THIS Thursday!

KC Chamber ‏@kcchamber 23h

Manufacturing+ Symposium is THIS Thursday. Learn why #manufacturing is KEY to #KC's economy! http://www.kcchamber.com/Events/Small-Business-Entrepreneurship-Events/Business-Brain-Food/2014-Manufacturing-Summit.aspx … pic.twitter.com/RxDTBvUtvZ

Winona chamber honors employers for workplace effectiveness

The Winona Area Chamber of Commerce has announced the Winona-area winners of the “When Work Works Award” for exemplary workplace practices.

The award, given by the Families and Work Institute and the Society for Human Resource Management, is the result of a rigorous assessment. Applicants are evaluated on six research-based ingredients of an effective workplace: opportunities for learning, a culture of trust, work-life fit, supervisor support for work success, autonomy, and satisfaction with earnings, benefits and opportunities for advancement. Read more: Winona Daily News

Chamber news: Kearney tops list of best places to live in Nebraska

Kearney has been named the best city to live in Nebraska by the CreditDonkey.com website.

The report lists the top 10 places to live in the Cornhusker state according to five statistics: crime rate, commute time, income, education and restaurants per capita.

Writers interpret statistics from the FBI and the U.S. Census Bureau to determine the list. Read more: Kearney Hub

Chamber economic development: Michigan City, Indiana designated as HUBZone

The City of Michigan City, Michigan City Chamber of Commerce, Indiana Small Business Development Center (ISBDC) and the Economic Development Corporation of Michigan City (EDCMC) are collaborating to sponsor a seminar on how to expand business opportunities with the federal government.

The city was designated as a HUBZone after it met the eligibility requirements due to the 2010 U.S. Census. The purpose of the HUBZone program is to provide federal contracting assistance for qualified small businesses located in historically underutilized business zones in an effort to increase employment opportunities, investment and economic development in such areas. Read more: Michigan City News Dispatch

Chamber good news: Cost of living in Mason City, Iowa

The Mason City Chamber of Commerce released their most recent cost of living report. They’re finding it does not cost a high dollar to live in the area.
Just a few areas they looked at include housing, utilities, groceries, and transportation. They compared costs in these areas to cities like Mankato, St. Cloud, and Sioux Falls.
With 100 being high, Mason City has a score of 91.4, Mankato 95.6, St. Cloud 94.8, and Sioux Falls 99.1. Mason City ranked especially well where groceries, housing, transportation and health care costs are concerned. The President of the Mason City Chamber of Commerce says why it’s important to have this data. Read more: KIMT.com

Chamber issue: Kentucky gets $20 million grant for energy study

Democrats and Republicans gathered Wednesday to celebrate a $20 million federal grant designed to move Kentucky toward new forms of energy, a tricky subject in a state dominated by the coal industry.

Republican U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell and U.S. Rep. Andy Barr joined Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear and state House Majority Leader Rocky Adkins to announce a federal grant that will be distributed among the state's eight public colleges and universities. The money will pay for researchers to explore new ways to generate energy from plants and chemicals. Read more: The State Journal

Chamber growth opportunity: Oshkosh, Wisconsin starting aviation business park

The Oshkosh area is creating a new space for aviation-related businesses to build. Officials from the city and Winnebago County broke ground on an aviation business park, on W. Ripple Avenue near Wittman Regional Airport.

Oshkosh Area Chamber of Commerce president John Casper says several businesses have talked about relocating near the EAA over the years. But he says there wasn't a suitable space for them. Casper says the park could attract a variety of businesses. Read more: News Talk 1150 WHBY

Chamber opportunity: Missouri Export Finance Program Workshops

On September 30, October 2 and October 7, 2014 Bob Newman, Senior Area Manager, and John Blum, Regional Manager International Trade Programs, with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will provide a presentation on SBA’s export finance programs in Cape Girardeau, Farmington and Jefferson City, respectively.  They will discuss export finance and how to reduce the risks banks and small businesses take when they finance the preparation, creation and sale of Missouri-made goods and services to buyers outside the United States.  They will be joined by SBA’s Bill Vickery at the Cape & Farmington presentations.

Bob Newman states, “While fiscal year 2014 is shaping up to be a record year for 7(a) loans, 504 and export loans lag expectations. To increase awareness and use of the export programs, John and Bob are going on the road to talk about SBA's International Trade Loan, Export Express & Export Working Capital Program  and to answer questions.  We hope our efforts will result in more loans being made during fiscal year 2015.” He adds, “During fiscal year 2013, SBA guaranteed 474 loans across eastern Missouri; yet by the end of August  2014 SBA had guaranteed 481 loans over the same area, with the entire month of September left to book loans!”

The dates, times and locations of these three events are as follows:

• Tuesday, September 30, 2014 – 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m,. Cape Girardeau Civic Center (Osage Centre), 1625 North Kingshighway, Cape Girardeau, Missouri

• Thursday, October 2, 2014 - 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Farmington Civic Center, 2 Black Knight Drive, Farmington, Missouri

• Tuesday, October 7, 2014 - 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Jefferson City Chamber of Commerce, 213 Adams Street, Jefferson City, Missouri

These three workshops are sponsored by RMI, an SBA Certified Development Company that originates 100% SBA-guaranteed 504 loans.  Please contact Mindy Murray with RMI if you have questions about these events.  Mindy can be reached at 573-634-0557 or mindy@rmiinc.org.

If you are a lender located in Cape Girardeau, Farmington or Jefferson City, and would like to schedule a meeting with Bob and John while they're in town, please contact Bob at 636-358-5941 or robert.newman@sba.gov.

Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation: (Attitude)

“People may hear your words, but they feel your attitude.” - John C. Maxwell

emilysquotes.com

2014 Great Lakes Lenders Conference July 31 - August 1 - Detroit, Michigan; Kehoe stumps for transportation tax at Columbia, Missouri Chamber meeting; Kansas House Speaker Merrick appoints Kansas Chamber leader O'Neal, KPI president Trabert to school study commission; Former Crystal Lake Illinois Chamber President Gary Reece Named Independence Day Parade Grand Marshall; Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation: (Leadership): Brian Tracy

The Great Lakes Lenders Conference is the premier banking event in the Midwest, hosted by the SBA District offices of Cleveland, Columbus, Indiana, Illinois and Michigan.  In its 16th year, this conference promises to be bigger and better with valuable workshops to keep you up to date on SBA lending programs and other banking topics. Who should attend?

• Commercial and Business Banking Lenders
• Credit Analysts and Underwriters
• Credit Administration, Documentation and Servicing Staff
• Loan Packagers
• Attorneys

2014 Workshop Descriptions

Lending in a Global Market
Presented by John O’Gara,SBA Trade Finance Specialist and US Commerce Dept.Exporting – The Final Frontier!  Take a proactive approach to growing your client’s business.  Did you know the Dept of Commerce can help you client expand into global markets by arranging face to face appointments with potential buyers?  Did you know these trade missions can be paid for by U.S. federal programs?  Did you know you can cover your lending risk with a 90% guarantee?

SBA Basics and Loan Packaging
Presented by SBA Lender Relations Staff (Loan Guaranty Processing Center invited)
An overview of SBA financing programs from start to finish, including eligibility, structure and application.  Perfect for lenders new to SBA or as a refresher for those experienced. SBA’s new application process will be discussed.

Alternatives to Traditional Lending
Presented by Matt Dekutoski, Crestmark Bank
What do you do when the deal does not fit your credit box? Alternative lending solutions to various asset categories and structure exist in the senior debt and junior debt world that had been previously unavailable to the small-to-medium (SME) business. These alternative solutions can lead to relationships for you today and loans outstanding in the future. What, who and where are these solutions will be part of this session.

Secondary Market
Increase profitability and liquidity for your bank!  Learn the basics of selling SBA guaranteed loans on the secondary market.  Session will cover pricing, mechanics, documentation, etc.

Other Sessions:

Recognizing & Preventing Loan Fraud.

1502 Reporting
Closing the SBA Loan
Lender Oversight and Audits

Lending to Franchises
Liquidation Part 1 and 2 

504 Lending Topics
SBA Environmental Policy  

Servicing the SBA Loan 

USDA Rural Development & MEDC Financing Programs
CAPLines
Origination FAQs
Construction Lending 

SBA File Organization. Why It’s Important 

Creating your SBA Department Panel – Best practices and lessons from successful lenders
Advanced Lender – Parts 1 and 2

For more information, please contact Romy Ancog at romualdo.ancog@sba.gov or 313-324-3604.

Kehoe stumps for transportation tax at Columbia, Missouri Chamber meeting

Missouri Senator Mike Kehoe continues to show his support for the Transportation Sales Tax initiative, that goes before voters in August. Kehoe, a Republican from Jefferson City,  spoke on the effort at The Columbia Chamber of Commerce meeting Monday afternoon. Voters will decide whether to increase the state sales tax rate by three quarters of a cent for a 10-year period to help fund MoDOT projects. The tax is expected to produce $480 million annually to the Transportation Safety and Job Creation Fund. Read more: KBIA 91.3

Kansas House Speaker Merrick appoints Kansas Chamber leader O'Neal, KPI president Trabert to school study commission
House Speaker Ray Merrick has appointed two vocal critics of the state public school system to a commission that will make recommendations to the Legislature on how to make schools more efficient. Merrick, R-Stilwell, appointed former House speaker Mike O'Neal, now president and chief executive officer of the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, and Dave Trabert, president of the Kansas Policy Institute, a conservative think tank. Read more: Lawrence Journal-World

Former Crystal Lake Illinois Chamber President Gary Reece Named Independence Day Parade Grand Marshall

Gary Reece has been named Grand Marshal for the 2014 Independence Day Parade. Gary is a lifelong resident of Crystal Lake with extensive leadership experience in both volunteer and business environments. Gary founded Heartland Cabinet Supply, Inc. in 1999 and led its growth from zero to a multi-million dollar entity in just over 7 years. In 2002, he purchased a failing countertop shop and brought it in house combining it with his existing cabinet business and set out to expand the total number of countertop products offered. In addition to overseeing Heartland Cabinet, from July 2007 through January 2014, Gary was President of the Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce growing the membership to over 960 members and is one of the largest Chambers of Commerce in the State of Illinois. Read more: TribLocal

Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation: (Leadership)

 
“Become the kind of leader that people would follow voluntarily; even if you had no title or position.” ~ Brian Tracy  

Forbes 20/50

5-Star Accreditation Puts Northern Kentucky Chamber in Top One Percent Nationwide; Maura Durham Will Take Over as President of the Duneland Chamber of Commerce; Franklin Chamber of Commerce (Indiana) Seeks Executive Director; Representatives of the Joplin Innovation Campus (Missouri Southern State University, Crowder College, Joplin Schools and the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce) Move Forward with New Agreement, Missouri Gov. Nixon Announces; Metra CEO Meets with Lombard (Illinois) Chamber

The Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce joined the elite when it received U.S. Chamber of Commerce accreditation at the highest level, 5-Star. Only 75 of 6,936 chambers nationwide currently hold this distinction.
"Accreditation is one of the highest honors bestowed on local chambers fighting for pro-growth and jobs policies at the federal, state, and local level," said Thomas J. Donohue, U.S. Chamber president and CEO. "We are proud to recognize the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce and its members for helping to advance the principles of free enterprise - the bedrock of this prestigious award." Read more at: Northern Kentucky Chamber

Maura Durham Will Take Over as President of the Duneland Chamber of Commerce

Maura Durham will take over as president of the Duneland Chamber of Commerce March 31, the chamber announced last week.
Durham currently serves as membership marketing coordinator for the chamber. "The board was very impressed with Maura's enthusiasm for the mission of the chamber," Scott Mundell, Duneland Chamber of Commerce Board Chairman said in a statement. "The search committee met with highly qualified candidates and the board is very confident in Maura's ability to lead this organization. "Heather Ennis, current chamber president, was recently named president and CEO of the Northwest Indiana Forum, a private industry group. Read More: NWI Times.com

Franklin Chamber of Commerce (Indiana) Seeks Executive Director

  

This position touches all aspects of business in the Franklin, IN community. With over 325 members, the chamber enjoys a diverse membership base.  The Executive Director leads the organization for membership growth; programming; and overall management.  The executive director is expected to mentor the chamber team, motivating staff and volunteers to accomplish mission-specific tasks.

Resumes accepted at info@iceaonline.com

or mail applications prior to May 1 to the following address:

Indiana Chamber Executives Association
P.O. Box 377
Hanover IN 47243

More information can be found on the ICEA website. 

Representatives of the Joplin Innovation Campus (Missouri Southern State University, Crowder College, Joplin Schools and the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce) move forward with new agreement, Missouri Gov. Nixon announces

JOPLIN, Mo. – A groundbreaking program to put Missouri students on a fast-track to jobs in high-demand fields, without taking on debt, took a big step forward in Joplin today, Gov. Jay Nixon announced. The Governor joined representatives of the Joplin Innovation Campus, including Missouri Southern State University, Crowder College, Joplin Schools and the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce, for the signing of a historic agreement to give students the opportunity to earn an associate degree while in high school. Read more: Office of Missouri Governor Jay Nixon

Metra CEO Meets with Lombard (Illinois) Chamber

Safe and reliable transportation is essential to the economic and environmental health of Lombard and all of Northeast Illinois, Metra CEO Don Orseno said during a speech to the Lombard Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry Wednesday. Metra currently serves about 1,281 Lombard residents daily. Read more in TribLocal

Illinois Chamber Announces Todd Maisch as New CEO; Table Rock Lake Chamber of Commerce Announces New Executive Director; Arkansas Fellowship Program Aims to Attract, Keep Entrepreneurial Talent; Deadline in 4 Days; Michigan named an All★Vet State by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation; Coggno Training Through the Flint & Genesee (Michigan) Chamber of Commerce

20-year Chamber Veteran Takes Illinois Chamber Reins July 1

The Illinois Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors voted today to appoint Todd C. Maisch the new CEO of the Illinois Chamber. His term will begin on July 1.

As executive vice president, Maisch oversees the Business Services Division, Government Affairs and the Membership and Marketing Department of the Illinois Chamber. Maisch also is responsible for the overall development and implementation of the Chamber’s government affairs program.

“I am honored to lead an institution I have been part of for the past 20 years,” said Maisch, 48. “I believe in the Chamber’s mission to serve as the unifying voice of the Illinois business community. And I am eager to build on the foundation of previous leaders who supported the success of our members and Illinois businesses.”

Current Illinois Chamber CEO Douglas L. Whitley, 64, announced his retirement in September 2013, effective June 30, 2014. At that time, the Board of Directors committed to a timeline that would allow three months of transition for the new CEO.

Source: Illinois Chamber of Commerce website
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Table Rock Lake (Missouri) Chamber of Commerce Announces New Executive Director; Long-time Area Businesswoman Sheila Thomas Accepts the Position

  
(Kimberling City, MO  3/ 11 /2014)  Following a search for a new executive director for the Table Rock Lake Chamber of Commerce (TRL), the search committee announces it is filling the position with a long-time area businesswoman known for her professionalism and strength of positive personality.  Sheila Thomas, most recently serving as the executive director of the Ozarks Rivers Heritage Foundation, is accepting the new role. Thomas will join the TRL staff on April 7.

“We are very pleased that Sheila Thomas, with her background and connections, wants to do this job,” said Bob Cox, Search Committee Chair, TRL Boardman and owner of The Harbor on Indian Point. “Sheila is extremely skilled in areas of leadership and organizational development and has vast knowledge of the area.”    

Thomas, who was a project director for a Small Business Administration grant in Southwest Missouri prior to joining Ozarks Rivers Heritage Foundation, was also a real estate broker in the Tri-Lakes area for nearly two decades – making her very acquainted with all the different faces of the lakes area, from the large-scale resorts and businesses to the smaller family-owned operations. Read More: Table Rock Chamber

The Arkansas Fellowship seeks to keep our graduates and promising business leaders at home in Arkansas. Application deadline is March 24th

Lead by an executive director & non-profit board, The Arkansas Fellowship seeks to attract and retain Arkansas’s brightest entrepreneurial talent by partnering with the state’s leading universities and most ambitious companies. The Arkansas Fellowship offers a two-year fellowship program to a select group of graduating college seniors—focusing on developing the next generation of Arkansas’ entrepreneurs and business leaders. Read more: Arkansas Fellowship 
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Michigan named an All★Vet State by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation

LANSING – Michigan is one of three states selected by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring our Heroes program to pilot its new All^★Vet States initiative, Governor Rick Snyder announced today at the Governor’s Economic Summit.
“This is an exciting program that recognizes the work we are doing to attract and retain veteran talent here in Michigan,” Snyder said. “The All^★Vet States initiative gives us a chance to highlight the incredible opportunities, services and support Michigan offers to attract and hire transitioning service members and military spouses.”
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring our Heroes program is launching the new initiative with three states, Michigan, Iowa and Tennessee. Participating states will be featured on the Hiring our Heroes website, and each state will have its own webpage dedicated to identifying the resources and services available to veterans and military families. Read More: Michigan Veteran Affairs Agency

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Chamber Education: Coggno Training Through the Flint & Genesee (Michigan) Chamber of Commerce

(FLINT, Mich., March 11, 2014) — Build a more productive and skilled workforce with business training opportunities through the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber has expanded its business training offerings to include Coggno online training courses.
“We’re excited to offer these affordable training resources to our members and the business community in Flint & Genesee,” said Tim Herman, Chamber CEO. “Our partnership with Coggno enables us to assist local businesses in developing their greatest asset – their people.” Read More: Flint & Genesee Chamber  

The #Chamber of Commerce and the Midwest Work Ready Communities in Kentucky and Missouri

State of  Kentucky

Having a work force with the right skills and being able to document that fact is becoming more important to counties in Kentucky as they compete for employers.

Kentucky Work Ready Communities certification is sponsored by Kentucky Workforce Investment Board and Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet. The initiative is "part of Kentucky's overall strategic plan to transform the workforce development system," according to the workready.ky.gov website.

In Mason County, Vicki Steigleder, executive director of the Maysville-Mason County Area Chamber of Commerce has taken on the responsibility of coordinating a committee and data for the Work Ready Communities initiative.

Read more about Work Ready Communities here from the Ledger Independent.
 The Kentucky Work Ready Community program has the ability to transform a community. It encourages counties to take a credible inventory of the current and future workforce, identify the gaps and carry out strategies to achieve a more knowledgeable, trained workforce. Find more information on the Kentucky Work Ready Communities  website.
 State of Missouri
 Missouri also was chosen to be one of seven states in the country to implement the Certified Work Ready Communities (CWRC) initiative. Participation in CWRC is voluntary and guided by key community leaders (local elected officials, economic development, business leaders, chambers, educators, and workforce development). Whether your county is large or small, you will be able to attract, retain, and develop a workforce with the education and foundational skills to succeed in the 21^st century by utilizing the National Career Readiness Certificate.

By strengthening your local workforce your community can prosper and grow.

A certified Work Ready Community means your local county has job candidates in the pipeline with high-demand skills proved by the National Career Readiness Certificate. It also shows that local employers care about hiring the best and brightest your region has to offer.

• Any county in Missouri may apply
• No unit smaller/larger than a county may apply
• Organize locally by county
• No cost to apply 

Achievement of Certified Work Ready Community status recognizes that:

A county can provide and deliver a quality workforce with the skills employers need to be “work ready”

Goals have been met for individuals in the local workforce earning a National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC)

Goals have been met for local business engagement-  
either recognizing, preferring or recommending the NCRC

Each Team must include a member from the following:

• Local Business
• Economic Development
• Chamber of Commerce
• K-12 Education
• Community College
• Local Elected Official
• Local Workforce Investment Board 

Contact CWRC coordinator cwrc@ded.Mo.Gov  or  573-522-2744

http://ded.mo.gov/getcertified

Illinois, Michigan and Indiana are also participants in ACT Certified Work Ready Communities. Get more information about ACT Certiifed Work Ready Communites  here. Information by county is also available here.

 

 

 

#lovemychamber Missouri - The Return on Investment on my Chamber Dues --- Every Tuesday - Reason #6 - The Business Resource Guide - Warrenton Chamber of Commerce

The Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce (Missouri) provides its chamber members with a quick reference guide that is built on the stages of business development needs. Included are more than 15 of the best business websites in the U.S. All of the information outlined below is more extensively covered in the Warrenton Chamber of Commerce Business Resource Guide.

Starting Your Business

Missouri Business Portal: Single point of entry for business registration, filings, licenses and permits for doing business in Missouri. - www.business.mo.gov
Missouri Business  Development Program: Helps Missouri's entrepreneurs succeed in private enterprise. - www.missouribusiness.net
Missouri Business Resource Library: Documents and links that address the concerns of small business. www.missouribusiness.net/library
Missouri Department of Economic Development: Resources and opportunities for businesses and communities.  - www.missouridevelopment.org
SBA (Small Business Administration):  Resources and links to program and services to help your business grow and succeed. www..sba.gov/smallbusinessplanner
SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives): A non-profit association dedicated to educating entrepreneurs and the formation, growth and success of small business nationwide. www.score.org
Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce: Your local point of contact and resource clearinghouse for local business needs. Contact Jan Olearnick, Executive Director - www.warrentoncoc.com

Maintaining your Business

Missouri Career Center: Warrenton - recruitment assistance, interviewing facilities, and access to other valuable business services. www.missouricareersource.co
Employment and Labor Law Guide: Resources that will help you understand federal and state labor laws. www.business.gov/guides/employment/
Missouri Department of Labor Business Resources: Includes topics such as: Unemployment Insurance, Worker's compensation, workplace safety, discrimination and labor law and seminars/training. www.dolir.mo.gov/businesses.htm
University of Missouri Extension: Business programs help Missouri's entrepreneurs succeed in private enterprise. Contact Shelly Bush-Rowe, Community Development Specialist, MU extension.

Growing Your Business

MERIC (Missouri Economic Research & Information Center): - The research division of the Missouri DED. www.missourieconomy.org
OSEDA (Office of Social and Economic Data Analysis): partners in the analysis of social and economic data in ways that contribute to improvements in the economic and social well-being of people and communities. www.oseda.missouri.edu
Small Business Marketing Links: Missouri Business Development Program Web site. www.missouribusiness.net/library/marketing.asp
Small Business Finance Links: www.missouribusiness.net/library/finance.asp
Business.gov: Official business link to U.S. Government - www.business.gov
Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry: http://mochamber.com
Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce: Contact Jan Olearnick, Executive Director, warrentoncoc.com

The Value Proposition - Chamber annual dues: Around $250. Value of the chamber Resource Directory benefit #6 with no other participation in the chamber; $500 - Return On Investment Features #1-#6 = $3350; Total Return On Investment for Chamber Membership - 1340%.

Sources: Multiple, including the Warrenton, Missouri Business Resource Guide, 2008

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John Dussman is Midwest Manager for VillageProfile.com, working with chambers in Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan and Missouri. More than 1500 Chamber of Commerce all over the United States have trusted Village Profile to produce their Membership Directories, Community Profiles, Visitor Maps and Publications, Economic Development magazines and Chamber of Commerce Maps. Contact John at (800)-600-0134 x239.

Obtaining State Business Licenses & Permits

To run your business legally, there are certain federal and state licenses and permits you will need to obtain. These resources will help you understand the requirements for your small business.

State Licenses & Permits

Starting a business? Confused about whether you need a business license or permit?

Virtually every business needs some form of license or permit to operate legally. However, licensing and permit requirements vary depending on the type of business you are operating, where it’s located, and what government rules apply.

To help you identify the specific licenses or permits your business may need, use SBA.gov’s Permit Me tool. Simply enter your zip code and business type to view a list of the licenses or permits you’ll need, together with information and links to the application process.

Alternatively, simply select a state from the list below to learn about specific license and permit requirements in the area where your business is located.

State Business License Offices

Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Guam Hawaii Idaho Illinois Iowa Kansas

Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota

Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Puerto Rico Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas U.S. Virgin Islands Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming

 Source: sba.gov

 John Dussman is Midwest Manager for VillageProfile.com, working with chambers in Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan and Missouri. More than 1500 Chamber of Commerce all over the United States have trusted Village Profile to produce their Membership Directories, Community Profiles, Visitor Maps and Publications, Economic Development magazines and Chamber of Commerce Maps. Contact John at (800)-600-0134 x239.