Chamber issue: Southern Indiana leaders look to boost economic development
The Ohio River Greenway, a 7-mile pedestrian and bike path along the riverfront in Southern Indiana, is still only about half complete, even after 20 years of planning.
And the former Colgate plant in Clarksville, with its iconic clock overlooking the river, remains basically as empty as it was eight years ago when the plant shut down, despite visions of a vibrant commercial-residential district with views of the Louisville skyline.
But millions of dollars in new state funding could jumpstart these and dozens of other economic development projects in Southern Indiana over the next eight years.
Leaders in Clarksville, Jeffersonville and New Albany are compiling a list of things they could do with a share of $84 million in state money that will soon become available to local regions.
The Regional Cities Initiative, a program championed by Gov. Mike Pence and recently approved by state lawmakers, seeks to help regions like Southern Indiana develop “national brands” as places with superior quality of life – which, in turn, is meant to boost population growth in Indiana.
“As a state, we're not attracting people to come live here, so the idea with this is ultimately to become a net in-migration state,” said Eric Shields, vice president of policy and strategic initiatives for the Indiana Economic Development Corp., a state agency.
There's no guarantee that any of the new state money will flow to Clark and Floyd counties. At least six other regions in Indiana are interested in the program, but only two areas will receive the $84 million that the legislature included in the state's two-year budget at Pence's request.
“This is a new initiative, so we've got to demonstrate that it works,” before asking for more funding and expanding the program to additional regions, Shields said.
A group of leaders from Clarksville, Jeffersonville and New Albany have until July 1 to decide which projects to submit for state funding, including how they would match the state money with local or private funds.
“We're not sure exactly how all this going to play out, but our request to everybody has been to think big, think bold,” said Wendy Dant Chesser, CEO of the chamber of commerce One Southern Indiana, which has been leading the effort referred to as “Our Southern Indiana.”
Chesser said the Southern Indiana steering committee has 80 to 90 economic development ideas to consider. While no decisions have been made, finishing the riverfront Greenway and redeveloping the Clarksville area around the Colgate property are obvious priorities, she said.
Other ideas talked about:
- A regional convention center
- A “urban campus” for colleges like Indiana University Southeast and Ivy Tech Community College
- Downtown housing in Clarksville, Jeffersonville and New Albany
- Miles of bike trails along Utica Pike in Jeffersonville, according to Mayor Mike Moore
- A youth regional sports complex in Floyd County, according to Floyd County official Don Lopp
Read more: WDRB.com
Richmond Chamber collaboration: Localities to help fund staff position for regional collaborative
Local governments in the Richmond area will be contributing for the first time to pay for full-time staff at the Capital Region Collaborative.
The nine localities in the region will contribute $50,000, or half the cost of salary, benefits and other expenses, to hire a project manager for the collaborative, a partnership between the Greater Richmond Chamber and the Richmond Regional Planning District Commission.
The other half will come from the
Funders Roundtable, a consortium of private sector foundations that is
represented on the collaborative organizing council by The Community
Foundation, the Robins Foundation, and Altria Client Services Inc.
“That’s a pretty big deal,” said
Kim Scheeler, president and chief executive officer of the chamber. “I’m
thrilled they’re doing that because that shows they’ve got an interest
and they’ve got skin in the game.”Read more: Richmond.com
“International trade supports over 500,000 Kentucky jobs,” Sunderland said. “New trade deals mean more jobs in Kentucky. The Trade Promotion Authority bill moving its rough Congress sets up a framework to negotiate deals that protect and grow jobs at home. The purpose is to break down barriers to products made in America and made in Kentucky.”
For trade advocates, this was a roller coaster week. On Tuesday, it appeared Senate Democrats dealt President Obama a blow by refusing to support cloture, a procedural move to allow the bill to move forward. By Wednesday, Senator McConnell announced a deal to overcome what the President described as a procedural snafu. Read more: Kentucky Chamber
What are the price points for the restaurants? Menus will be available at $10 or $15 for lunch, and $25 or $35 for dinner. Most of the menus are priced per person. A few of the menus will be two for one. Please see the individual restaurants profiles and menus to see if they are offering Lunch, Dinner or both and at what price.
Go to Restaurants
Go to Charity Check
Read More: Lake Geneva
Muskegon is marking the unofficial start of summer with a rebranding campaign. Leaders in Muskegon are trying to improve the lakeshore community’s not-so-great image.
“It’s changed a lot, I would say, in the last 15 years,” said Cindy Larsen, president of the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce.
She points to new businesses downtown and efforts to clean up legacy pollution. Muskegon’s traditionally higher-than-average unemployment rate is way down, close to the state’s rate. Read more: Michigan Radio
There will be a changing of the guard at the Phillips County Chamber of Commerce beginning August 1. At the annual chamber banquet on April 30, Executive Director Doug Friedlander announced that he and his wife are planning to take a 6 to 12-month sabbatical to travel around the world.
In an open letter to Chamber members, called the sabbatical “a dream of many years.”
On August 1, State Representative Chris Richey will assume the duties of the director of the Chamber. Friedlander stressed that he will continue in his current role right up to the transition.
“Chris brings a wealth of knowledge skills, and connections that should be of great use to the Chamber, to our members, and to our community,” said Friedlander in the letter. “I feel confident that we all we be in very good hands with Chris at the helm of the Chamber.” Read more: Helena Arkansas Daily World
After years of discussion, Rockton and Roscoe Chambers of Commerce will be merging thanks to a majority vote of members by the Roscoe Chamber on Thursday evening.
A news release from the chambers said 87 percent of the Roscoe Chamber of Commerce membership voted to merge. The merger hit a snag last month, when the vote was attempted, but Roscoe Chamber failed to reach a quorum. The Rockton Chamber of Commerce also voted in April with over 90 percent of the membership approving.
Roscoe Chamber President Kristi Lambright said she thought members needed more information after the April vote. She said the chamber’s board of directors and ambassadors worked to talk with members and reminding them to vote.
“We’re very excited that the members were given the opportunity to voice their opinion,” Lambright said.
On April 9, the Rockton Chamber of Commerce completed their membership vote with 94 percent of the membership voting in favor of the merger. Read more: Beloit Daily News
Recent research by The Shapiro Group has shown that by just being a member of a chamber of commerce, consumers are 73% more likely to be aware of a business, 68% more likely to think positively of its local reputation, and are 80% more likely to continue to do business there. Show your chamber support by displaying your free CDF Chamber Member logo adhesive and membership plaque at your place of business. A free, digital membership decal is also available to use on your website, social media posts, and marketing materials! Contact Emily Addison at eaddison@cdfms.org.
Chamber Connection 2.0 (CC 2.0) e-newsletter
With nearly 2,000 subscribers, members are strongly encouraged to submit announcements, advertisements, awards, etc. for CC 2.0. Promotion through the CC 2.0 is a great, FREE benefit of your CDF membership! For more information click here, or contact Mallory Rutledge at mrutledge@cdfms.org
ChamberAdvantage
CDF’s ChamberAdvantage affinity program features exclusive chamber member discounts, products, or services offered by program participants. Click here for a full list of participants. To join ChamberAdvantage or for a ChamberAdvantage QR-code key fob, contact Emily Addison at eaddison@cdfms.org.
Read more: Community Development Foundation
Friday: 157 Rules for Executive Success in Organization Management (and your Chamber of Commerce) by Patrick McGaughey
Kentucky Chamber advocates for international trade and federal issues
The Kentucky Chamber joined with the U.S. Chamber and Kentucky business leaders to promote international trade and other important issues directly to members of Kentucky’s Congressional delegation. Senior Vice President Bryan Sunderland spent Tuesday and Wednesday meeting with staff for Senators McConnell and Paul offering the Chamber’s strong support for Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), which would give the President negotiation authority to open new markets for U.S. and Kentucky goods.“International trade supports over 500,000 Kentucky jobs,” Sunderland said. “New trade deals mean more jobs in Kentucky. The Trade Promotion Authority bill moving its rough Congress sets up a framework to negotiate deals that protect and grow jobs at home. The purpose is to break down barriers to products made in America and made in Kentucky.”
For trade advocates, this was a roller coaster week. On Tuesday, it appeared Senate Democrats dealt President Obama a blow by refusing to support cloture, a procedural move to allow the bill to move forward. By Wednesday, Senator McConnell announced a deal to overcome what the President described as a procedural snafu. Read more: Kentucky Chamber
Geneva Lakes Chamber news: First Annual Lake Geneva (Wisconsin) Restaurant Week FAQs
Lake Geneva, Wi - May 29 – June 7
Come to the lake to help us welcome
summer with 10 days of delicious dining! Try new restaurants and return
to your favorites for fabulous three course menus. Check out the special
lodging packages and the events being held throughout the week!
What is a prix fixe menu?
A prix fixe menu is a multi-course meal with several choices, charged at a fixed total price. All meals include an appetizer, entrée and dessert per person or for some restaurants it’s a two for one price. Beverages, tax, and tip are not included in the flat amount unless otherwise indicated.What are the price points for the restaurants? Menus will be available at $10 or $15 for lunch, and $25 or $35 for dinner. Most of the menus are priced per person. A few of the menus will be two for one. Please see the individual restaurants profiles and menus to see if they are offering Lunch, Dinner or both and at what price.
Do I have to make a reservation?
Reservations are highly encouraged. Some restaurants do not take advance reservations. Some restaurants will take reservations by phone and online. You can find this information in the profile of each restaurant on the Restaurant Week website.Go to Restaurants
What is The Charity Check?
Lake Geneva Restaurant Week isn’t just about great food, it’s also about great causes. With each meal out, you have the opportunity to vote for one of five charities in the running for the $5,000 “Charity Check.” At the end of your meal, look for the ballot which will be presented with the bill. Vote for one of the deserving organizations below. The top vote recipient at the end of Restaurant Week will receive $5,000 to invest in its mission. The more you dine, the more you can vote! The Charity Check is made possible through the generous support of Lake Geneva Country MeatsGo to Charity Check
Read More: Lake Geneva
Chamber leadership: Muskegon (Michigan) launches campaign to continue building its image
Muskegon is marking the unofficial start of summer with a rebranding campaign. Leaders in Muskegon are trying to improve the lakeshore community’s not-so-great image.
“It’s changed a lot, I would say, in the last 15 years,” said Cindy Larsen, president of the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce.
She points to new businesses downtown and efforts to clean up legacy pollution. Muskegon’s traditionally higher-than-average unemployment rate is way down, close to the state’s rate. Read more: Michigan Radio
Phillips County Chamber (Arkansas) transition to begin August 1
There will be a changing of the guard at the Phillips County Chamber of Commerce beginning August 1. At the annual chamber banquet on April 30, Executive Director Doug Friedlander announced that he and his wife are planning to take a 6 to 12-month sabbatical to travel around the world.
In an open letter to Chamber members, called the sabbatical “a dream of many years.”
On August 1, State Representative Chris Richey will assume the duties of the director of the Chamber. Friedlander stressed that he will continue in his current role right up to the transition.
“Chris brings a wealth of knowledge skills, and connections that should be of great use to the Chamber, to our members, and to our community,” said Friedlander in the letter. “I feel confident that we all we be in very good hands with Chris at the helm of the Chamber.” Read more: Helena Arkansas Daily World
Rockton and Roscoe Chambers of Commerce (Illinois) to merge
After years of discussion, Rockton and Roscoe Chambers of Commerce will be merging thanks to a majority vote of members by the Roscoe Chamber on Thursday evening.
A news release from the chambers said 87 percent of the Roscoe Chamber of Commerce membership voted to merge. The merger hit a snag last month, when the vote was attempted, but Roscoe Chamber failed to reach a quorum. The Rockton Chamber of Commerce also voted in April with over 90 percent of the membership approving.
Roscoe Chamber President Kristi Lambright said she thought members needed more information after the April vote. She said the chamber’s board of directors and ambassadors worked to talk with members and reminding them to vote.
“We’re very excited that the members were given the opportunity to voice their opinion,” Lambright said.
On April 9, the Rockton Chamber of Commerce completed their membership vote with 94 percent of the membership voting in favor of the merger. Read more: Beloit Daily News
Tupelo Chamber of Commerce: Maximize Your Membership // Get Noticed
Chamber Logo Available to MembersRecent research by The Shapiro Group has shown that by just being a member of a chamber of commerce, consumers are 73% more likely to be aware of a business, 68% more likely to think positively of its local reputation, and are 80% more likely to continue to do business there. Show your chamber support by displaying your free CDF Chamber Member logo adhesive and membership plaque at your place of business. A free, digital membership decal is also available to use on your website, social media posts, and marketing materials! Contact Emily Addison at eaddison@cdfms.org.
Chamber Connection 2.0 (CC 2.0) e-newsletter
With nearly 2,000 subscribers, members are strongly encouraged to submit announcements, advertisements, awards, etc. for CC 2.0. Promotion through the CC 2.0 is a great, FREE benefit of your CDF membership! For more information click here, or contact Mallory Rutledge at mrutledge@cdfms.org
ChamberAdvantage
CDF’s ChamberAdvantage affinity program features exclusive chamber member discounts, products, or services offered by program participants. Click here for a full list of participants. To join ChamberAdvantage or for a ChamberAdvantage QR-code key fob, contact Emily Addison at eaddison@cdfms.org.
Read more: Community Development Foundation
Friday: 157 Rules for Executive Success in Organization Management (and your Chamber of Commerce) by Patrick McGaughey
RULE #92 --- Get
back on the phone
