Cubs owner Tom Ricketts at suburban multi-chamber luncheon Jan. 27; Chamber Best Practices: Conway Program gives preschoolers better chance; Apply at chamber: Washington County (Virginia) offers competitive business challenge with more than $10,000 in prizes; Bowling Green chamber news: Region, Kentucky seeing job growth; Chamber economic news: Klohs drives economic development through strategic planning, rigorous measurement; Chamber asset: 7 national parks in Nebraska, Iowa pour more than $23 million into local economies; Missouri Chamber: State faces economic challenges; South Dakota chamber president to speak at legislative luncheon; Chamber challenge: 9 key issues facing the 2015 Minnesota Legislature; New Year's Resolution Quotation: Mark Twain

Cubs owner Tom Ricketts at suburban multi-chamber luncheon Jan. 27

Cubs owner Tom Ricketts will talk about the state of his ball club at a multi-chamber luncheon, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Jan. 27 at Avalon Banquets, 1905 E. Higgins Road, Elk Grove Village. Ricketts will be introduced by Daily Herald sportswriter Barry Rozner. Tickets are $35 and the deadline to sign up is Jan. 20. Must pay before event. Call (847) 398-3730 or visit rmchamber.org. Source: Daily Herald

Chamber Best Practices: Conway Program gives preschoolers better chance

Dr. Charlotte Green of Conway Public Schools believes all children should have an equal start, and so she founded Arkansas Preschool Plus.

Housed at Conway Adult Education, the small nonprofit organization provides professional development for pre-kindergarten teachers, support for parents and teaching materials. The organization was founded in response to the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce Conway 2025 initiative, which determined private daycare centers needed more support so all children could access a quality preschool experience. Arkansas Preschool Plus exists through a partnership between the Conway Public Schools and the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce. It also receives some funding from the United Way of Central Arkansas. Read more: Log Cabin Democrat

Apply at chamber: Washington County (Virginia) offers competitive business challenge with more than $10,000 in prizes

The Town of Abingdon, the Washington County IDA, Highlands Union Bank and several participating partners of Virginia Highlands Small Business Incubator, have announced the second annual Washington County Business Challenge.

The Business Challenge program is an ambitious business plan competition designed to attract entrepreneurs with new technology, value added agriculture, outdoor recreation and retail/support service businesses to locate their start up or to expand their existing business within Washington County. (1) One start up and (1) one existing business will win $5,000 each towards implementing their winning business strategy. Read more: SwVAtoday.com

Bowling Green chamber news: Region, Kentucky  seeing job growth

The region will likely have a stronger economic year in 2015 than 2014.
Kentucky is on the road to economic recovery, with last month’s jobless rate dropping the most it has in more than 30 years. Warren County and the surrounding counties have also seen positive growth that will likely continue, according to Ron Bunch, president and chief executive officer of the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce.
“We’ve been really fortunate in our area to have economic development over the past several years,” Bunch said.
Warren County’s November unemployment rate was 4.4 percent, Bunch said. The chamber announced nine economic development projects this year, creating 653 new jobs. Although it’s good that jobs are open in manufacturing and more jobs are opening in health care, Bunch said there’s still work to be done for unemployed and underemployed people in our region. Read more: Bowling Green Daily News



Chamber economic news: Klohs drives economic development through strategic planning, rigorous measurement

Birgit Klohs’ career has been full of many firsts.

Before ever joining The Right Place Inc., Klohs led a team of West Michigan executives on the first organized foreign trade mission to her native Germany, which landed a commitment from Behr Industries to invest in building a plant on 7 Mile Road in Comstock Park.

When Klohs excitedly agreed to serve as president and CEO of The Right Place in 1987, she effectively became the first woman executive to lead an economic development organization in the state of Michigan, and one of only a handful to do so across the country at that time.

She continues to add to the ever-growing list of firsts as Klohs was selected by a panel of judges to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award as part of the inaugural MiBiz Best-Managed Nonprofit Awards program.

For people who’ve known and worked with Klohs over the years, her career feats come as no surprise.

“She’s established herself as the dean of economic development officials,” said Milton Rohwer, the former president of the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, the founding executive leader of The Right Place and one of Klohs’ closest mentors.

- See more at: MI BIZ

Chamber asset: 7 national parks in Nebraska, Iowa pour more than $23 million into local economies

The Niobrara’s scenic river designation has a huge economic benefit to Valentine, a north-central Nebraska community of 2,700, said Dean Jacobs, executive director of the Valentine Chamber of Commerce and Cherry County Tourism.

“There’s no question that having the Niobrara National Scenic River here as part of the national park system helps. It’s probably our biggest tourist draw,” he said.

The Park Service report attributed $2.9 million in visitor spending in the Valentine area to the Niobrara National Scenic River in 2013. Spending by nearly 72,000 visitors supported 40 jobs.

“We do a lot of marketing to get the word out about the river,” Jacobs said. “There are a lot of outdoor recreation reasons to come here, but Valentine is known for the national scenic river.” Read more: Omaha.com

Missouri Chamber: State faces 

economic challenges

Missouri's Chamber of Commerce and Industry conducted its first regional initiative in Cape Girardeau on Thursday to discuss the state's future.

Nearly 20 people gathered at the Drury Lodge to hear Karen Buschmann, vice president of communications at the state chamber, and Ted Abernathy, leader of the initiative, speak about their findings.

The initiative is part of the chamber's "Missouri 2030: An Agenda to Lead," which is formed around discussing Missouri's sustainability and how business leaders intend to help the state become a leader in economic growth over the next 15 years. Abernathy cited a recent survey of more than 1,000 employers.

Missouri's job growth from 1994 to 2014 increased 12 percent, he said, while its manufacturing jobs have fallen 29 percent. The number of 25- to 44-year-olds remaining in the state fell 6 percent during that period. Read more:  Southeast Missourian

South Dakota chamber president to speak at legislative luncheon

The Government Affairs Committee of the Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce will preview the 2015 South Dakota legislative session at a noon luncheon on Jan. 9 at the Ramada Convention Center.

David Owen, president of the South Dakota Chamber of Commerce and Industry, will speak. Read more: Aberdeen News



Chamber challenge: 9 key issues facing the 2015 

Minnesota Legislature

 With a more than $1 billion surplus, state legislators say the prospect of a government shutdown over the 2016/2017 budget is unlikely.

But it's not going to be a cakewalk, either. That $1 billion may seem like a lot, but it only barely covers spending increases under current law — and there are plenty of people and groups competing for a piece of this relatively small pie for what they argue are deserving issues.

Senate Majority Leader Tom Bakk and House Republicans are already tempering expectations, saying that spending increases — if there are any — will likely be small. And legislators should expect to see spending cuts in some areas as well.

With a billion-dollar cushion, Gov. Mark Dayton says that he won't propose a general tax increase but will propose new revenue to pay for transportation projects.

Meanwhile, House Republicans say they want to cut taxes to make the state friendlier to business. That's a position held by the powerful Minnesota Chamber of Commerce as well, which has suggested reducing the corporate tax and lowering taxes for businesses that pay through their income tax filings. Read more: Minnesota Public Radio News


New Year's Resolution Quotation: Mark Twain



"New Year's Day now is the accepted time to make your regular annual good resolutions. Next week you can begin paving hell with them as usual." -- Mark Twain

Arkansas Chamber Of Commerce Planning June Trip To Cuba; Joseph Henning Named 2014 Illinois Chamber Executive of the Year; Indiana Chamber Top Ten Employer: Centier named top workplace and is hiring; Chamber Tweet of the Day: Kentucky Chamber; Wisconsin Commerce and business groups optimistic about prospects in 2015; Missouri Chamber: Long-term policies for job creation should be the focus of the 2015 Legislative Session; Minnesota chamber: Good job advice for families, students; Chamber concern: A Kansas Town Rallies for a Modest Lifeline: A Local Grocery Store; Chamber partnership: Governor Branstad Recognizes Urbandale as Eighth Connect Iowa Certified Connected Community; 5 scary excuses that are keeping you from starting a business (but shouldn't)

Arkansas Chamber Of Commerce Planning June Trip To Cuba

Before Wednesday’s presidential announcement opening up relations with Cuba, the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce was planning a networking trip to the communist island nation. Now, the excursion may take on a world of new meaning.

The state chamber, in partnership with Chamber Explorations, is offering members the chance to travel to Cuba from June 2-8, 2015.

"The ‘Discover Cuba’ trip is designed to create a great travel experience with a networking opportunity that is unlike any other," the chamber said in an email to members on Thursday. The 7-day itinerary includes a trip to a Cuban tobacco farm, cigar factory, Ernest Hemingway’s farm, a tour of Old Havana, and meetings with artists and sports figures.

Chamber officials set their original goal for the trip at 35 travelers. That may grow thanks to Wednesday’s announcement from President Obama to move towards normalizing diplomatic and economic relations between the United States and Cuba. Read more: UALR Public Radio

Joseph Henning Named 2014  

Illinois Chamber Executive of the Year

Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Joseph Henning has been named the 2014 Illinois Chamber Executive of the Year by the Illinois Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. Henning, who lives in Aurora and has served as CEO since 2005, was recognized for his long-term professional achievements and a career hallmarked by professionalism, leadership and ethical conduct.

Indiana Chamber Top Ten Employer: Centier named top workplace and is hiring

One of the best banks to work for in the country is local and hiring. American Banker, one of the banking industry's leading trade publications, named Merrillville-based Centier Bank one of the top 20 banks in the country to work for. Centier, the largest privately owned bank in Indiana, placed 17th in the magazine's second annual national ranking.

The large community bank, which has $2.5 billion in assets and 678 employees, is currently looking to fill around a dozen positions in Northwest Indiana. 

Current openings posted on the company's website include openings in Merrillville, Valparaiso, Hammond, Dyer and Winfield. Available jobs include teller, mortgage loan originator, wealth management officer, associate investment representative, and group manager. Read more: NWI Times

Chamber Tweet of the Day: Kentucky Chamber

Kentucky Chamber ‏@KyChamber 16m16 minutes ago

On the blog: before the new year, check out list of bills pre-filed ahead of the 2015 session http://kychamberblog.com/2014/12/31/many-big-bills-pre-filed-ahead-of-the-2015-session/ …

Wisconsin Commerce and business groups optimistic about prospects in 2015

Chamber of Commerce officials in Wisconsin are optimistic about the state’s business climate in the upcoming New Year.

Jim Morgan is president of the Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce Foundation and says just released survey results show Wisconsin chamber of commerce executives expect increased economic growth in the coming year. According to Morgan, “They’re very optimistic about the direction in which the state is going, they’re beginning to see a little bit of growth in their communities.” 87% of chamber officials think the state’s economic future is on the right track, and 91% say Wisconsin is pro-business and that recent reforms are working. Morgan said the only real concerns are a shortage of qualified workers; followed by concerns over healthcare costs and taxes. Read more: WBDL.com

Missouri Chamber: Long-term policies for job creation should be the focus of the 2015 Legislative Session

Much has changed in Missouri since legislative leaders closed the 2014 Legislative Session in Jefferson City.  During the summer and fall, political campaigns dominated televisions and newspapers. Sadly, in August the focus shifted to stories of violence and protests – stories that have continued to dominant media in Missouri and around the nation. Many wonder how the newly elected General Assembly and the lessons learned from the unrest in Ferguson in 2014 will impact the upcoming 2015 Legislative Session.  With this backdrop, Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry believes, now more than ever, that long-term policies for job creation should be the focus of Missouri’s policy makers.

“Missouri is stronger when everyone who wants to work can find a job,” said Daniel P. Mehan, Missouri Chamber president and CEO. “And Missouri will create more jobs when we improve the business climate in which our job creators – Missouri’s employers – operate.  We can’t downplay the complexity of social problems that have moved to the forefront in recent months.  However, creating more job opportunities can make a difference and is within reach this legislative session.” Read more: Missouri Chamber

Minnesota chamber: Good job advice for families, students

Families, high school students and educators would be wise to spend five to 10 minutes reading Bill Blazar’s recent comments about jobs in Minnesota. Blazar is interim president of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. In December, he described the large and growing number of technical jobs available now and in the future. His presentation is found here: http://bit.ly/16MeETd.

Blazar’s comments came in a presentation to Civic Caucus, a non-partisan group that discusses key Minnesota challenges and publicizes possible solutions.

He stressed, according to Civic Caucus, “how important it is for parents and students alike to recognize income potential from occupations requiring technical training.” Blazar pointed out: “A person with a high school degree can become licensed for operating heavy equipment with less than a year’s training and make a very good wage. Some who choose this route could later decide whether to pursue a four-year college degree.” Read more: HometownSource.com

Chamber concern: A Kansas Town Rallies for a Modest Lifeline: A Local Grocery Store

Here in southwest Kansas, where small communities have struggled since the Dust Bowl to retain businesses and residents, a town’s viability is measured by what has not yet closed. Losing a post office is considered the kiss of death. Losing a school can be a terminal diagnosis.


But losing a grocery store, as Plains did in 2001, is a problem that, while not necessarily lethal, is most certainly cause for concern.


“A grocery store is the heart of the town,” said Jeanne Roberts, who is leading the effort to open a new shop. “In small towns, it’s the social gathering place. And when you don’t have that social gathering place and you’re going outside, then you don’t feel connected. Read more: New York Times

Chamber partnership: Governor Branstad Recognizes Urbandale as Eighth Connect Iowa Certified Connected Community

Today, Governor Branstad, Connected Nation President Tom Ferree, and local officials recognized Urbandale for becoming Connect Iowa’s eighth Certified Connected Community in the state and completing its technology action plan. The City of Urbandale and the Urbandale Chamber of Commerce worked to move this initiative forward.
“We are pleased about Connect Iowa's effort and the collaboration it has engendered among the different agencies throughout the region,” said Branstad. "Lt. Governor Reynolds and I are passionate about increasing access, adoption, and the use of broadband technology in Iowa. I commend Urbandale on completing the extensive assessment and planning process in order to be recognized as a Certified Connected Community. I am confident that the community will use this designation to increase the robust economic development efforts in Urbandale.”
The City of Urbandale has been working since January with Connect Iowa on the Connected Community Engagement Program. This initiative assesses the local broadband landscape, identifies gaps, and establishes goals and objectives to increase broadband access, adoption, and use for families, organizations, and businesses throughout the community. The City of Urbandale was able to meet the point requirements necessary to achieve the Certified Connected Community status.

Read more: Virtual Strategy Magazine

5 scary excuses that are keeping you from starting a business (but shouldn't)

                 

Are you thinking about starting a business?
If you’re like many people, starting a business is a cherished dream. Sure, you can see yourself doing what you love and creating something for yourself and your family.
But maybe the actual step forward eludes you.
What’s stopping you is fear. It’s understandable to be apprehensive about such a large investment of time and money with no guaranteed success, but these fears must be overcome so you can at least give it a try.
Here are five fears or excuses that shouldn’t keep you from realizing your dreams.

1.  “I don’t know anything about starting a business.” Read more: Daily Herald Business Ledger

Grand Rapids chamber Diversity Visionary Awards Celebration; BA Chamber Announces Buy Broken Arrow Winning Numbers and $10,000 prize winner; Chamber Tweet of the Day: Indiana Chamber; Debi Durham promises to stay another year as Iowa economic development head; The Crossing named small business of the year at Goshen Indiana Chamber of Commerce annual meeting; Where’s Frank? Christian County Chamber Kentucky offers prizes to promote businesses; North Little Rock Arkansas Chamber, ABPG Join In Women's Hall of Fame; Minnesota Chamber's 2015 legislative wish list: tax cuts, rollback of minimim wage inflation index; ARI honored by Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Chamber member cheer: Businessman starts 'Community Christmas Tree'

Grand Rapids chamber Diversity Visionary Awards Celebration

The Diversity Visionary Awards recognizes individuals and organizations for their exemplary efforts, advancements and contributions to ensure diversity, inclusion and equity within their own institution or community. The celebration also includes a keynote address on diversity, inclusion, and economic prosperity.

2015 Event Information

The nominations are in and the selection process has begun for the 2015 Diversity Visionary Award and new Change Agent Award! These prestigious honors will go to a person or organization deserving of recognition for their outstanding efforts to foster a more diverse and inclusive community.
Set your sights on our March 5 lunch celebration of our 2015 recipients and their exemplary efforts, advancements, and contributions to ensure diversity, inclusion, and equity. Get moe information: Grand Rapids Area Chamber

BA Chamber Announces Buy Broken Arrow Winning Numbers and $10,000 prize winner

The Broken Arrow Chamber of Commerce has announced the five winning ticket numbers for Buy Broken Arrow. The holiday campaign encourages shoppers to spend their money in BA.

The $10,000 winner quickly came forward to claim his prize.

"This is the fastest we have ever had a prize claimed," said April Sailsbury of the Broken Arrow Chamber of Commerce.

"We could not be happier for Ricky and even more thrilled that we were able to hand him a $10,000 check on his birthday."

• $10,000: Lowe's 2041904
• $3,000: Lowe's 2100806
• $2,000: Reasor's 0989407
• $1,000 Moody's Gift Certificate Lowe's 2108094
• Mattress Set: Reasor's 0942156

Read more: NewsOn6.com

Chamber Tweet of the Day: Indiana Chamber

1. Indiana Chamber ‏@IndianaChamber 19h19 hours ago

   Looking back at 2014: A year to remember at the Chamber http://ow.ly/G8fb8 

   0 replies 0 retweets 0 favorites

Debi Durham promises to stay another year as Iowa economic development head

Debi Durham, the top economic development official in Gov. Terry Branstad’s administration, has promised only to stay for the next year as director of the state’s economic development board.
Durham told the Lee/Gazette Des Moines Bureau that she has not pledged to stay on as director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority for the next four years, but said she will remain at the post for the next year.
Branstad was re-elected in November to his second four-year term in his second stint as governor.
“I haven’t signed up for four years, but I’ll be here next year,” Durham said.
Durham, a Sioux City native and former president of the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce, has served as director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority since its creation in 2011. The board fosters economic development in Iowa and oversees the process of awarding incentive packages to prospective and expanding businesses in the state. Read more: KCRG.com

 

The Crossing named small business of the year at Goshen Indiana Chamber of Commerce annual meeting

When Rob Staley left his job of 20 years as an administrator at Concord Community Schools to start the Crossing Educational Center, he did so knowing where he wanted to go.
He just didn’t know how he’d get there and what other surprises were in store for him.
The Crossing received the Chamber of Commerce Maple Leaf Small Business of the Year Award during the chamber’s annual meeting Thursday, Dec. 4.
The Crossing, an alternative schooling center for middle and high school students who would likely otherwise drop out, opened in 2004 with six students and two teachers.
Now, the school has locations serving students throughout Indiana, including Indianapolis, Frankfort and Anderson. Read more: Elkhart Truth

Where’s Frank? Christian County Chamber Kentucky offers prizes to promote businesses

Photos of a man in a red and white striped sweater and a red hat can be found hiding out on the Christian County Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page.

The chamber wanted to launch a campaign that would remind shoppers to buy locally and avoid driving business to Clarksville, said Daniel Stahl, director of technology and graphics.

So, Marian Mason, the president and CEO of the chamber, had an idea to start a city-wide game similar to the childhood classic, “Where’s Waldo?” Her plan was to dress up a member of the chamber in a Waldo-esque costume and send him to community businesses. Read more: Kentucky New Era

North Little Rock Arkansas Chamber, ABPG Join In Women's Hall of Fame

The North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce is partnering with Arkansas Business Publishing Group of Little Rock to launch a new program to honor the significant contributions of Arkansas women in business, politics, philanthropy and other fields.
Details about the Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame will be unveiled at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at the chamber’s conference center at 100 Main St. in North Little Rock.
Terry Hartwick, president and CEO of the chamber, said the project, nine months in the making, is designed to honor Arkansas women who have helped shape Arkansas’ history and well-being.
“It’s for people to show and the state to know the impact that women have had on this state,” Hartwick said. Read more: Arkansas Business

 

Minnesota Chamber's 2015 legislative wish list: tax cuts, rollback of minimim wage inflation index

Top priorities on the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce’s 2015 legislative wish list include tax relief for small and midsize businesses, rolling back automatic increases in the minimum wage to account for inflation, and adjusting how transportation infrastructure is funded in the state.
The chamber’s policy team on Thursday laid out priorities in five areas, including tax relief, education and workforce development, health care, transportation and labor and management.
Tax Reform: Chamber officials say Minnesota ranks nearly last in a survey of tax-friendly states.  Tax relief for small businesses—which employ more than half of Minnesotans in the private sector--could promote economic growth, they say.  Eliminating the taxing of “phantom income,” or income that is taxed even if it is reinvested in the business, is a start, said Beth Strinden Kadoun, the Chamber’s director of tax and fiscal policy. Other proposals include reducing Minnesota’s corporate tax rate, which at 9.8 percent is third highest in the nation, and enhancing the state’s research and development tax credit. Although Minnesota was the first state in the nation to pass such a tax credit, the rate has since been surpassed by other states.
Transportation: The Chamber ‘s goals for transportation funding—the likely hallmark issue of the 2015 legislative session, include passing a 10-year funding plan to improve the state’s infrastructure, and funding it through more than fuel taxes, vehicle registration and the motor vehicle sales tax. Bentley Graves, the Chamber’s director of Health & Transportation Policy, said 33 states use money from the general fund to pay for roads and bridges, and that Minnesota should be among them. Read more: Star-Tribune

ARI honored by Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry 

The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry presented freight car manufacturer American Railcar 
Industries, Inc. (ARI) with a 2014 Missouri Fast Track Award during its annual meeting on Nov. 20, 2014.

The Missouri Fast Track award
 honors Missouri companies that have shown outstanding growth over the
 past three years.

 “The award is a source of great pride to our company,” said ARI President and CEO Jeff
 Hollister. “In 2012 and 2013, we experienced
 record years for net earnings at $63.8 million and $86.9 million,
 respectively. Read more: Railway Age

 

Chamber member cheer: Businessman starts 'Community Christmas Tree'

The owner of a McCook tree service has decorated what he has dubbed "The Community Christmas Tree" in a McCook, Nebraska, city park.
Ryan Davis, owner of Davis Tree Service, spread his arms at the base of the 50-foot evergreen tree in Kelley Park Tuesday afternoon and said, "This is the blank canvas. Now, it's ready for some bling."
Throughout the cold, windless afternoon Tuesday, Ryan, his employee Joe Blake and Mark Cappel of MAC Boom wound 2,100 LED lights studded with 30-some candy canes around the evergreen tree. Ryan said he was given 20 more candy canes as they finished the project in the chilly late afternoon...

Donations to the Community Christmas Tree project will help defray the cost of the 1,000 feet of lights and to purchase other decorations and a tree-topper.
Donations can be sent to Ryan at P.O. Box 337, McCook, or to the McCook Area Chamber of Commerce, 203 W. Second, McCook, NE 69001. Read more: McCook Gazette

 

Missouri State Chamber initiative, Missouri 2030 to kick off in Cape Girardeau, Zionsville resident named Indiana chamber chairman; Zionsville resident named Indiana chamber chairman; Fort Smith Regional Chamber event: Economists Predict Steady Growth Next Year; Worthington, Minnesota Chamber hits membership milestone; Mason City Chamber presentation: Talent Management for members; Wisconsin must avoid energy mistakes of Germany; Chamber assistance: Historic Danville (Kentucky) manor to become events venue

Missouri Chamber initiative, Missouri 2030 to kick off in Cape Girardeau

The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry will introduce a new initiative, Missouri 2030: An Agenda to Lead, on Thursday in Cape Girardeau during the first of a series of meetings to be held throughout the state. The initiative consists of a 15-year plan designed to improve Missouri's competitiveness, according to a release.
Dan Mehan, president of the state chamber, and Ted Abernathy, head of the initiative, will present information from a recent survey of more than 1,000 employers in the state and share comparative economic data at the meetings, according to a release. Businesses in attendance also will be asked for opinions of the plan.Read more: Southeast Missourian

Zionsville resident named Indiana chamber chairman

His resume is long, impressive and filled with all the business experience anyone needs, and he was recently elected as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce for 2015.
But Tom Easterday is more proud of his involvement in the Special Olympics.
Easterday and his wife Deb have been coaching for the Special Olympics in Boone County for years and despite his newly elected status, he would rather be coaching than anything.
“My wife and I have coached everything from basketball to softball to track and field for Special Olympics in Boone County,” Easterday said. “It can be challenging but it truly is rewarding.”
The executive vice president, secretary and chief legal officer of Subaru of Indiana Automotive was elected to his chairman position during the Indiana Chamber’s Fall Board of Directors meeting held in Indianapolis Nov. 6. Read more: Current in Zionsville



Best Chamber practices: Shop Huron & WIN $25,000 Giveaway

This Christmas, the Huron Chamber &Visitors Bureau would like to reward residents for shopping local! For every $25 you spend on goods and services at Huron businesses, you will be entered to win up to $25,000! Shop Huron to help you, your neighbor and our community! More details here: Huron Chamber

Follow-up article: The Huron Chamber & Visitors Bureau is excited to announce that the Shop Huron & Win campaign is keeping its momentum as the Christmas holiday nears! The second weekly drawing was held Wednesday at Walkers Flower Shop with shop owner Ann Edleman, left, and store associate Elisha Prien, pictured. The second winner of the $100 drawing is Lori Messegee of Huron, who submitted a receipt from Pro Build. With two weeks into the promotion, more than $220,000 worth of receipts have been submitted.Read more: The Plainsman

Fort Smith Regional Chamber event: Economists Predict Steady Growth Next Year

Barring a slow first quarter of 2014 due to harsh weather, the nation has seen continual increases in gross domestic product and a leading economist for the state foresees steady growth next year.

Kathy Deck, director of the Center for Business and Economic Research in the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas, told the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce on Friday that the good news comes with some “economic realities.”

“If we look at what the consensus forecast is from the National Association for Business Economics, we continue to expect steady growth into the future,” Deck said.

At this point in the expansion since the Great Recession, she added, the normal business cycle creates some anxiety of returns to decreased output. People have feared another recession considering the length of the recovery, which has taken longer than others. Read more at: Times Record

Worthington, Minnesota Chamber hits membership milestone

As they got ready for an upcoming meeting, the staff at the Worthington Area Chamber of Commerce recently realized the organization had reached a notable milestone.
 
“As we were preparing for the annual planning session of the board of directors, I asked the staff to do a chart of the membership analysis over the last five years,” explained Chamber Executive Director Darlene Macklin. “It showed that we were at the highest number of members we have ever had here — 379 — at least in my career here at the Chamber.”
The numbers have increased significantly just in the last four years, Macklin noted.
“In 2010, we were at 300 members,” she said. “Back in 2012, it shows 309 members. In 2013, we were at 350. And we just picked up another member yesterday, so it’s actually 380. Isn’t that incredible?” Read more: Daily Globe

Mason City Chamber presentation: Talent Management for members


Talent management, which grows increasingly important in businesses of all sorts and sizes, was the focus of a fall workshop for members of the Mason City Area Chamber of Commerce.
The presenter, JoAnn Corley, was founder of The Human Sphere, a talent management consultancy based in Atlanta.
When Corley asked representatives of area businesses to describe talent management, words like coaching, assessing, grooming, training, hiring and succession planning were called out for her to list on a white board for all to see. Read more: Globe Gazette.com

Chamber issue: Wisconsin must avoid energy mistakes of Germany

Renewable energy advocates hold up the German experience as an example of successful energy policy making with some going so far as to call it a model for Wisconsin. Germany's energy transformation or "Energiewende" calls for a nuclear-free and carbon-reduced economy through the vast deployment of renewable technologies but its results thus far have been higher prices, greater carbon intensity and a less reliable electric delivery network.
As an organization focused on maintaining reliable and affordable power in Wisconsin, we view Germany as providing valuable lessons on missteps that the state of Wisconsin should avoid. Indeed, policymakers in Germany now are reversing course on the large cost of renewable subsidies and the impact of those subsidies on residential and industrial electric rates and CO2 emissions. Read more:
The Star

Chamber assistance: Historic Danville (Kentucky) manor to become events venue

When Brittney Mills Adams said "I do" in October, she was not only saying yes to becoming Mrs. Nick Adams, she was also agreeing to take on a whole different sort of adventure as well.
Adams and her engineer husband were married Oct. 11 at the family's 19th century Warrenwood Manor.
The Gothic Revival manor, located on U.S. 127 just south of the Danville bypass, was purchased by her parents, Tom and Alane Mills, in 2007.
After discussions with her parents, the 29-year-old and her husband became the proud owners of the manor, as well as the 100 acres of prime farmland surrounding the house, after her parents deeded the property to the young couple.
"My parents sat us down and said, 'Do you want to get a J-O-B, or you're young, do you want to consider taking a risk,'" said Adams. "We quickly chose the latter, especially after going around looking for wedding venues and then realizing we have the perfect place right here at Warrenwood Manor."...
Adams said local officials have been helpful in advising them in their preparations, including Jody Lassiter, president and CEO of Danville-Boyle County Economic Development Partnership, who helped hustle her through the city's red tape with the Chamber of Commerce's new JumpStart program. Read more: Kentucky.com

Carmel, Indiana Chamber to Recognize 'Images of Excellence'; Ky. Chamber CEO talks legislative agenda; Galesburg Area Chamber of Commerce Announces Series on Leadership Perspectives; Romine Receives Honor From Missouri Chamber Of Commerce; Prince William Chamber of Commerce Hosts its Annual Silent Auction; Chamber issue - Nebraska: Tax reform showdown at Capitol draws nigh; Hiett talks energy issues at monthly Woodward, Oklahoma chamber meeting; Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotations: (Attitude)

Carmel, Indiana Chamber to Recognize 'Images of Excellence'

The Carmel Chamber of Commerce will announce its "Images of Excellence Awards" next month. The organization will present honors including the business of the year, young professional of the year and most valuable volunteer.
The winners of the Carmel Chamber's annual business excellence awards will be recognized at the Images of Excellence Awards luncheon at Ritz Charles on Wednesday, December 10. Awards will be presented in seven categories by emcee Gerry Dick from Inside Indiana Business.
Winners of the Applause Business of the Year, Young Professional of the Year, MV2 – Most Valuable Volunteer and Lifetime Achievement awards will be revealed at the luncheon.
Winners of the three remaining categories have been announced and will be present at the luncheon to accept their awards.Read more: Inside Indiana Business

Kentucky Chamber CEO talks legislative agenda

President and CEO of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Dave Adkisson visited the Bellefonte Country Club with the local elected state delegation to discuss the chamber’s goals for the upcoming short session next month.
Rep. Tanya Pullin, D-South Shore, and Rep. Kevin Sinnette, D-Ashland, helped answer public questions following Adkisson’s talk. Field representatives for Congressman Thomas Massie and Sen. Rand Paul’s office were also in attendance.
Adkisson’s program hit different points of emphasis the chamber plans to push during the upcoming session, such as improvements to education, the approval of Right to Work legislation, more expansive smoke-free laws, tax reform and increased transparency in the state pension system, just to name a few. Adkisson especially spoke of the need for public private partnership (P3) legislation, which was vetoed in the 2014 General Assembly. P3 legislation refers to a partnership between private companies and the government in creating jobs. Adkisson said this will save tax dollars and provide needed projects and services. Read more: The Independent


Galesburg Area Chamber of Commerce Announces Series on Leadership Perspectives

Galesburg, IL (December 10, 2014) – The Galesburg Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the launch of its Leadership Perspectives Series in 2015 to allow an opportunity to hear from experienced local leaders about leadership in the Galesburg business community.

The Galesburg Area Chamber of Commerce will begin this series of programs on Leadership Perspectives moderated by Terry Cavanaugh from WGIL, starting on January 22, 2015 from 5:30 – 7:00 PM in the Conference Room at G & M Distributors, 200 N. Linwood Road, Galesburg. Each program will be a question and answer format discussing leadership styles and techniques from a local leader’s standpoint. This event is $15.00 for Chamber Members and $20.00 for Future Members. Hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar will be provided.


The first speakers will be John Pollilo, Executive Vice President of Operations with Dick Blick Art Materials, and Adam Vitale, President of G&M Distributors. Come and hear John and Adam discuss their personal approach to leadership excellence and discover another perspective on leadership from experienced leaders in our own community. Future speakers will be announced along with their respective industries. for more information, contact Steven N. Brody, Executive Director 309-343-1194 or sbrody@galesburg.org

Romine Receives Honor From Missouri Chamber Of Commerce

The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry awarded State Senator Gary Romine with the 2014 Freshman of the Year Award on November 20 at a reception in St. Louis.
Romine, who represents Ste. Genevieve County as part of District 3, received the award for his commitment to growing Missouri businesses and supporting job creation, according to a news release.
“As a business owner, I understand the unique challenges that come with owning and running a successful company,” Romine said. “I also realize how many companies do not succeed. As a lawmaker, creating and supporting legislation that allows Missouri’s business community to flourish has always been a top priority of mine, and I am honored to be recognized by the Chamber for that commitment.” Read more: Ste. Genevieve Herald

Prince William Chamber of Commerce Hosts its Annual Silent Auction

The Silent Auction features a wide variety of items including holiday decorations, sports tickets, theme gift baskets, boutique items, jewelry, kid’s toys and much more! Items will be displayed around the room and private numbers provided for easy bidding. “Our members and guests truly enjoy the annual silent auction. It’s a fun way to kick off the month of December! We feel the luncheon format allows member businesses and community guests to bring friends, co-workers and customers for a festive holiday luncheon and still have the opportunity to purchase great holiday gift items”, said Chamber President & CEO Debbie Jones.
“The Ambassadors love this time of year because it means that we get to don our elf hats as we pick up all those beautiful donations like the huge stuffed giraffe donated by DuvallWheeler CPAs! The theme, “Home for the Holidays” sets the perfect stage for getting into the holiday mood! We ask our members to be generous since the proceeds help our Chamber maintain essential free programming for our small business. Come on out and join us!”-Amy Rodina, Arbonne International.
The Chamber and its volunteers are accepting donations. If you are a PW Chamber member business, you still have an opportunity to donate a product or service. Donation deadline is Wednesday, November 26th. Contact: Christine DiModica for more information at 571-765-7571 or email cdimodica@pwchamber.org. Read more: Prince William Chamber

Chamber issue - Nebraska: Tax reform showdown at Capitol draws nigh

With a month to go before state lawmakers and the new governor convene at the Capitol, the stage is set for a major tax reform showdown.
And some of the players are already past rehearsals.
Legislative staff presented a pair of extensive studies Tuesday examining the potential impacts of property and income tax reform in Nebraska, as well as how reforms have worked in other states.
The goal is to get “a running head start” on the issue, said Sen. Galen Hadley, chairman of the Legislature’s Revenue Committee and a candidate for speaker.
Meanwhile, the conservative Platte Institute for Economic Development pitched a ready-made initiative of its own to gradually reduce income taxes, freeze property tax rates, cut the state budget and re-examine what services the state requires counties to provide. Read more: Journal-Star

Hiett talks energy issues at monthly Woodward, Oklahoma chamber meeting

The top threat to Oklahoma's economy is a zealous assault on fossil fuels by special interest organizations, according to recently elected Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner, Todd Hiett.
"Our state, because we are so heavily dependent on low cost power and energy is at great risk right now," Hiett said. "I see that as the greatest threat to our future prosperity would be the attacks we have not only on coal plants but also on fracking."

Hiett made his remarks at the monthly Woodward Chamber of Commerce luncheon in the Pioneer Room.Read more: Woodward News

Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotations: (Attitude)

“We either make ourselves miserable, or we make ourselves strong. The amount of work is the same.”

~Carlos Castaneda