Virginia regains No. 1 ranking by CNBC of best states for business
Virginia has regained its status as the best state in the country to do business in the annual CNBC rankings that placed the state No. 1 for the first time in eight years.
The financial news cable network extolled Virginia’s “world-class workforce, high-performing education system and business-friendly regulations” — the same reasons Amazon chose the state for its coveted second headquarters last year after a transcontinental sweepstakes.
“Amazon had it right,” CNBC said in announcing the America’s Top States for Business rankings on Wednesday in an interview with Gov. Ralph Northam at Shenandoah River State Park near Front Royal.
Northam reminded CNBC’s Scott Cohn that the business ranking comes on the 50th anniversary of the “Virginia is for Lovers” tourism slogan, which drew national recognition to the state.
“This is an exciting day for Virginia,” the governor told Cohn.
Virginia was first in the initial CNBC business ranking in 2007, and again in 2009 and 2011 before falling as low as 13th in 2016 after federal budget sequestration underscored the state’s overdependence on defense spending.
“It’s one thing to be Number 4 or Number 7,” Northam said in an interview with the Richmond Times-Dispatch, referring to Virginia’s ranking in the poll the past two years, “but to be Number 1 in the country is something for us all to be proud of.”
Recovering the top spot in the CNBC and other business rankings has been a priority under both Northam and his predecessor, Gov. Terry McAuliffe. McAuliffe hired Stephen Moret to lead the Virginia Economic Development Partnership in 2017 as the agency underwent a major series of reforms that have been critical to its success.
“The work they’ve done with private sector companies, the McAuliffe administration, the Northam administration and the General Assembly has been absolutely key to getting back to the Number 1 position,” said Todd Haymore, who was secretary of commerce and trade under McAuliffe as the state began its pursuit of the Amazon HQ2 project in 2017.
Northam also credited leaders of the Republican-led legislature for working closely with the executive branch in vetting Amazon and other major economic deals.
“They have been a very large part of our economic development success,” he said.
House Appropriations Committee Chairman Chris Jones, R-Suffolk, is a member of the Major Employment and Investment Project Review Commission, which includes legislators and administration officials.
“It’s been a team effort,” Jones said Wednesday, citing the legislature’s central role in reforming VEDP and adopting a $6 billion transportation funding package in 2013 under then-Gov. Bob McDonnell, a Republican. Read more: Daily Progress
Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce Welcomes New President and CEO Jessica Linder
Aurora Regional Chamber
of Commerce is pleased to introduce the new President and CEO, Jessica
Linder. Linder has most recently served as the Executive Director of the
Galesburg Area Chamber of Commerce in West Central Illinois. Her focus was on
modernizing the organization, which led to significant membership growth.
Increasing membership by 5% to represent nearly 34% of the business community
in Knox County. She worked tirelessly to increase the Chamber’s exposure and
offerings to their members. Additionally, she collaborated with other local
organizations to help solve problems identified within the region.
“We are extremely
pleased to welcome Jessica Linder in leading the Aurora Regional Chamber of
Commerce,” said Andy Guzauskas, Chairman of the Aurora Regional Chamber of
Commerce Board of Directors. “Her accomplishments and commitment to growing
engagement in the business community will make her a valuable addition to the
Chamber and to the Aurora community.”
Linder’s official start
date at the Chamber will be Monday, September 23, 2019.
"I am elated at the
opportunity to build relationships with the people behind each of the
businesses in the Aurora region, build partnerships to benefit the business
community and to lead the chamber to continue positively impacting the area,”
said Linder. “The landscape here is ripe with opportunity and it is an honor to
be chosen to lead in this environment."
Linder holds a B.S.
in Business from the School of Hospitality at DePaul University in Chicago, IL,
and a Masters of Political Science focused in Applied Community and Economic
Development from Illinois State University in Normal, IL. Jessica is a strong
believer in the power of business and tourism development for transforming and
benefiting communities, and it is her passion to support businesses to grow,
prosper, and positively impact their communities. Jessica and her
soon-to-be husband Ben are both originally from Morton, IL, and are excited to
relocate to Aurora in September.
Arlington Heights Membership Chamber of Commerce 2019-2020 Insider's Guide To Arlington Heights Guide
The Arlington Heights Membership Chamber of Commerce 2019-2020 Insider's Guide To Arlington Heights Guide is available at the Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce today! Thank you to Jon Ridler, Mindy Philips and the Chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!
Town Square Publications (www.townsquarepublications.com) can help you accomplish your chamber's gloss map, directory, community profile or publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633.
#FamousChamber Of Commerce Quotations: (Be happy!)
If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal, not to people or things. Albert Einstein
Image Industries locating cold forming operations in Clarksdale, creating 50 jobs
WHAT IS WATCH MUSKEGON? (WATCH US GO)
Watch Muskegon is a county-wide, privately funded campaign, launched by a number of local businesses, individuals and passionate Muskegon residents.
Kentucky SBA August Small Business Events
Details for classes are listed here under Small Business Events.
To ensure that there is enough room for attendees, registration is requested.
Arlington Heights Membership Chamber of Commerce 2019-2020 Insider's Guide To Arlington Heights Guide
The Arlington Heights Membership Chamber of Commerce 2019-2020 Insider's Guide To Arlington Heights Guide is available at the Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce today! Thank you to Jon Ridler, Mindy Philips and the Chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!
Town Square Publications (www.townsquarepublications.com) can help you accomplish your chamber's gloss map, directory, community profile or publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633.
#FamousChamber Of Commerce Quotations: (Be happy!)
If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal, not to people or things. Albert Einstein
Image Industries locating cold forming operations in Clarksdale, creating 50 jobs
Stud welding company Image Industries is locating operations in Clarksdale. The project is a $3-million corporate investment and will create 50 jobs over the next four years.
“Skilled trade jobs are the backbone of our nation’s economy, as millions of workers produce top-quality products every day that keep industries across the country thriving in today’s global marketplace,” Gov. Phil Bryant said. “Mississippi is a strong manufacturing state, and I know Image Industries’ 50 new employees also will work hard to ensure the company remains competitive and achieves long-term success at its new location in the Delta.”
Image Industries is relocating cold forming manufacturing operations from Illinois to the former Metso facility in Clarksdale. There, the cold forming process will enable the company to economically produce hundreds of custom parts per minute, such as threaded weld studs, shear connectors and concrete anchors, hydraulic weld ports and cable management studs, even at relatively low volumes.
“Image Industries is excited to be relocating to Clarksdale, Mississippi. Not only are the city of Clarksdale, the Mississippi Development Authority and the state providing a business-friendly environment where Image Industries can grow and prosper, but the community as a whole has been very welcoming. To a person, everyone has greeted us with open arms,” said Image Industries Co-owner Blake Hobson. “The local community college and workforce development team have jumped into action to develop the specialized cold forming job training programs that Image Industries requires. This ensures Image Industries will have the proper skilled workforce when our operations begin. All these factors have given my sister and co-owner Stacia and me the confidence to relocate Image Industries to Clarksdale.”
The Mississippi Development Authority is providing assistance for equipment relocation and building improvements, as well as a loan to the county for the purchase of the building and building improvements. The company also qualifies for the Growth and Prosperity program, which offers an exemption on all state income and franchise taxes related to the new location and an exemption on all equipment and machinery purchased for the initial building renovations.
“By locating in Clarksdale, Image Industries joins the ranks of leading manufacturers that have shaped the industry in Mississippi to be one of the strongest in the country, creating a highly skilled workforce dedicated to ensuring companies achieve their goals in our state,” said MDA Executive Director Glenn McCullough, Jr. “We salute the teams at the Clarksdale-Coahoma Chamber of Commerce and Delta Strong for working together with MDA to bring Image Industries’ investment, to our state, creating 50 exciting new career opportunities in the Mississippi Delta.” Read more: Y'all Politics
WHAT IS WATCH MUSKEGON? (WATCH US GO)
Watch Muskegon is a county-wide, privately funded campaign, launched by a number of local businesses, individuals and passionate Muskegon residents.
OUR GOALS
The goal of the six-year campaign is to improve the overall image of the Muskegon area, share the positive changes that have already taken place, and educate residents on Muskegon’s assets. Watch Muskegon is focusing on three pillars to accomplish these goals: Beautification, Education and Marketing.
Cindy Larsen, President of the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce, talks about all of the transformation that have been happening in Muskegon, Michigan. These changes have made Muskegon a destination downtown with things to do for the whole family. Find out more at watchmuskegon.com or by calling 231-722-3751.
The Top of Virginia Regional Chamber 2019 Voice of Business
The Top of Virginia Regional Chamber 2019 Voice of Business is available at the Chamber today! Thanks to Richard Kennedy and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!
Top of Virginia Regional Chamber 2019 Voice of Business Community Guide
Town Square Publications (www.townsquarepublications.com) can help you accomplish your chamber's gloss map, directory, community profile or publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633.
Portage Chamber collaboration: Murals seen as downtown revitalization tool
As businesses fled downtowns in communities all over Wisconsin in favor of sprawling shopping districts in the 1990s and early 2000s, small groups of owners organized to hang onto and promote the culture that held commercial districts together for more than a century.
Among many initiatives undertaken, one beautification technique caught on across the region: Murals.
While not a cure-all for all that ails traditional downtowns, officials in the region said the murals are a useful tool that both celebrates community history and makes buildings that can appear worn down more attractive.
Portage features six downtown murals painted by three local artists. The first was painted in 2012. The process involves finding locations and then working with the property owner and a citizens advisory group to find a subject all can support.
“I think that cooperation with the wall owner is unique to our process,” said Portage Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Marianne Hanson. “We want to ensure that what is on the wall is something the building owner wants to have there, and he/she works with the artist to approve a design that both of them want to see there. It’s also important that we showcase history, because we want to present some of the stories that make Portage special.”
In Beaver Dam, the city’s leaders sought to encourage downtown to rebound from a devastating flood in 2008 that forced the demolition of 11 buildings. The area already was suffering as businesses relocated to new development on the north side of town. Downtown Beaver Dam Inc. formed in 2009 to slow the movement of businesses out of downtown.
Among several initiatives, the group keyed in on murals as a way to beautify the older downtown buildings.
Building beautification
In 2011, the group hired Walldog artists to paint a pair of murals as a pilot project. The Walldogs are a group of mural artists that works all over the world. The project generated significant interest and grew into the 2017 Walldog Mural Festival. Nearly 200 artists completed 15 murals in four days during the festival.
Downtown Beaver Dam plans to add one new mural each year to its significant collection. Those who want to see the murals can contact Beaver Dam Area Chamber of Commerce for a walking tour map.
In Baraboo, leaders took a different approach with three murals.
The first installation was a four-panel “Welcome to Baraboo” mural created by Walldog artist Bernie Poff. It features a Mid-Continent Railway Museum train with a sandhill crane in the foreground, a Circus World Museum wagon and a portrait of author and naturalist Aldo Leopold, whose rural retreat still stands north of the city.
Two other murals by Kelly Meredith of Butternut honor dozens of local philanthropists as part of the “Fabric of the Community.” Those murals feature 64 people and those who nominated them had to contribute $600 as well as provide biographical information.
Morgan McArthur, a member of Baraboo PThe murals all are downtown, with two along Fourth Street and another on Oak. All three murals were created through the efforts of the citizens group Baraboo Public Art.
Morgan McArthur, a community development agent in the Sauk County University of Wisconsin-Extension office, helps to promote the group’s efforts. He was motivated, in part, by Walldogs mural painting events in Wisconsin.
“I was inspired by what I experienced in Plymouth and heard about in Beaver Dam,” McArthur said. “You get a sense for possibility. It’s not a be-all/end-all for transforming a community, but it sure sends a message. The message is that the lights are on and we’ve got spirit here.”
Historic scenes
Murals often depict scenes from a community’s history.
Three boarded window openings on the side of the NAPA Auto Parts store in downtown Portage now display motor cars at three gas station in three eras—the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s.
In Portage, the drive to generate broad appeal by bringing numerous stakeholders brought some challenges.
“Art is taken in different ways by different people,” Hanson said. “One rendition may not be acceptable to everyone, so changes might be made to make address some people’s concerns. It’s definitely a process.”
One Portage mural highlights the laborers who dug the city’s historic canal. Another honors a fallen soldier, financed by both the Portage tourism organization and the business improvement district group. The murals are located at: Riley’s Bar and Grill, 1314 W. Wisconsin St.; DAAR Engineering, 151 E. Cook St.; 806 Silver Lake Drive; and the U.S. Bank drive-up at 212 W. Edgewater St..
“There’s a lot of partnership between a lot of the community groups, the business owners and the artists,” Hanson said. Read more: Daily Citizen
Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb to Keynote 103rd Chamber Dinner
The goal of the six-year campaign is to improve the overall image of the Muskegon area, share the positive changes that have already taken place, and educate residents on Muskegon’s assets. Watch Muskegon is focusing on three pillars to accomplish these goals: Beautification, Education and Marketing.
Cindy Larsen, President of the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce, talks about all of the transformation that have been happening in Muskegon, Michigan. These changes have made Muskegon a destination downtown with things to do for the whole family. Find out more at watchmuskegon.com or by calling 231-722-3751.
The Top of Virginia Regional Chamber 2019 Voice of Business
The Top of Virginia Regional Chamber 2019 Voice of Business is available at the Chamber today! Thanks to Richard Kennedy and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!
Town Square Publications (www.townsquarepublications.com) can help you accomplish your chamber's gloss map, directory, community profile or publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633.
Portage Chamber collaboration: Murals seen as downtown revitalization tool
As businesses fled downtowns in communities all over Wisconsin in favor of sprawling shopping districts in the 1990s and early 2000s, small groups of owners organized to hang onto and promote the culture that held commercial districts together for more than a century.
Among many initiatives undertaken, one beautification technique caught on across the region: Murals.
While not a cure-all for all that ails traditional downtowns, officials in the region said the murals are a useful tool that both celebrates community history and makes buildings that can appear worn down more attractive.
Portage features six downtown murals painted by three local artists. The first was painted in 2012. The process involves finding locations and then working with the property owner and a citizens advisory group to find a subject all can support.
“I think that cooperation with the wall owner is unique to our process,” said Portage Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Marianne Hanson. “We want to ensure that what is on the wall is something the building owner wants to have there, and he/she works with the artist to approve a design that both of them want to see there. It’s also important that we showcase history, because we want to present some of the stories that make Portage special.”
In Beaver Dam, the city’s leaders sought to encourage downtown to rebound from a devastating flood in 2008 that forced the demolition of 11 buildings. The area already was suffering as businesses relocated to new development on the north side of town. Downtown Beaver Dam Inc. formed in 2009 to slow the movement of businesses out of downtown.
Among several initiatives, the group keyed in on murals as a way to beautify the older downtown buildings.
Building beautification
In 2011, the group hired Walldog artists to paint a pair of murals as a pilot project. The Walldogs are a group of mural artists that works all over the world. The project generated significant interest and grew into the 2017 Walldog Mural Festival. Nearly 200 artists completed 15 murals in four days during the festival.
Downtown Beaver Dam plans to add one new mural each year to its significant collection. Those who want to see the murals can contact Beaver Dam Area Chamber of Commerce for a walking tour map.
In Baraboo, leaders took a different approach with three murals.
The first installation was a four-panel “Welcome to Baraboo” mural created by Walldog artist Bernie Poff. It features a Mid-Continent Railway Museum train with a sandhill crane in the foreground, a Circus World Museum wagon and a portrait of author and naturalist Aldo Leopold, whose rural retreat still stands north of the city.
Two other murals by Kelly Meredith of Butternut honor dozens of local philanthropists as part of the “Fabric of the Community.” Those murals feature 64 people and those who nominated them had to contribute $600 as well as provide biographical information.
Morgan McArthur, a member of Baraboo PThe murals all are downtown, with two along Fourth Street and another on Oak. All three murals were created through the efforts of the citizens group Baraboo Public Art.
Morgan McArthur, a community development agent in the Sauk County University of Wisconsin-Extension office, helps to promote the group’s efforts. He was motivated, in part, by Walldogs mural painting events in Wisconsin.
“I was inspired by what I experienced in Plymouth and heard about in Beaver Dam,” McArthur said. “You get a sense for possibility. It’s not a be-all/end-all for transforming a community, but it sure sends a message. The message is that the lights are on and we’ve got spirit here.”
Historic scenes
Murals often depict scenes from a community’s history.
Three boarded window openings on the side of the NAPA Auto Parts store in downtown Portage now display motor cars at three gas station in three eras—the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s.
In Portage, the drive to generate broad appeal by bringing numerous stakeholders brought some challenges.
“Art is taken in different ways by different people,” Hanson said. “One rendition may not be acceptable to everyone, so changes might be made to make address some people’s concerns. It’s definitely a process.”
One Portage mural highlights the laborers who dug the city’s historic canal. Another honors a fallen soldier, financed by both the Portage tourism organization and the business improvement district group. The murals are located at: Riley’s Bar and Grill, 1314 W. Wisconsin St.; DAAR Engineering, 151 E. Cook St.; 806 Silver Lake Drive; and the U.S. Bank drive-up at 212 W. Edgewater St..
“There’s a lot of partnership between a lot of the community groups, the business owners and the artists,” Hanson said. Read more: Daily Citizen
Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb to Keynote 103rd Chamber Dinner
The Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the 103rd Annual Chamber Dinner will take place on Friday, August 23rd at the Lawrence County Fairgrounds Expo Hall.
Beginning with a social hour at 5:30 PM, the dinner will feature Keynote Speaker, Governor Eric J. Holcomb. The Chamber is thrilled to have the Governor address its membership and community.
As the top executive in the state, the Governor can best articulate the future goals of Indiana government. We look forward to a great evening with the Governor.
In addition to Governor Holcomb speaking, the Chamber is also pleased to announce that nominations are now being accepted for the 2019 Community Service Award and 2019 Business Beautification Award.
$1,000 Platinum Sponsorship
- Two tables of eight (2nd table is optional)
- Recognition from the podium, by name
- Logo in slideshow (multiple projectors)
- Radio recognition, by name
- Name on Platinum banner
- Social media thanks, with link to website
- Chamber Connection thanks, with link to website
- Recognition in Times-Mail
$600 Gold Sponsorship
- One table of eight
- Name on Gold banner
- Social media thanks, with link to website
- Chamber Connection thanks, with link to website
- Recognition in Times-Mail
For more information about nominations, sponsorships and individual tickets, please contact the Bedford Chamber at 812-275-4493 or email bedford@bedfordchamber.com.
Kentucky SBA August Small Business Events
Details for classes are listed here under Small Business Events.
To ensure that there is enough room for attendees, registration is requested.
Digital Marketing for Entrepreneurs | August 10 | 9:30 am – 12:30 pm ET
Leveraging Resources to Launch Your Business | August 13 | 9 – 10 am ET
Small Business Lenders Fair | August 13 | 11:00 am – 2:00 pm ET
Get Your Business Online with Google | August 13 | 12 – 1 pm ET
Procurement Webinar | August 14 | 11:00 am – 12:00 pm ET
Digital Marketing for Entrepreneurs | August 17 | 9:30 am – 12:30 pm ET
Strong Women - Strong Coffee Roundtable | Aug. 23 | 10 – 11:30 am ET
Boots to Business | August 28 - 29 | 8 am - 3:00 pm CT
More small business events listed here or at this link.
Good morning #ChamberWorld! It's going to be a GREAT day!
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