Agriculture Awards Nominations and Event Sponsorships Due January 11th! Help honor the best in McLean County Agriculture; Whitehead named president of Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce; Coon promoted to VP; Save the Date! - Business Day in Madison March 6th, 2019 Monona Terrace Community & Convention Center, Madison; Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce 2017-2018 Community Guide & Membership Directory; Bullitt County Chamber interest: BEHS FBLA Students Teaching Essential Skill; City of Ridgeland Chamber: Benefits of MEMBERSHIP; Chamber interest: Manufacturers Finding New Sources Of Talent; Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce Community Map; Dan Carmody, President of the Eastern Market Corporation, to Speak at Troy Chamber Event; New Castle - Henry County Chamber of Commerce Benefits of Membership; Greater Reston Chamber Launches new INCspire Program; Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S.

Good morning #ChamberWorld! It's going to be a GREAT day!

Agriculture Awards Nominations and Event Sponsorships Due January 11th! Help honor the best in McLean County Agriculture Nomination Deadline Extended! Nominations Due January 11, 2019 The McLean County Chamber of Commerce is already looking into February and March and the Annual Agriculture Awards Dinner and Agriculture Awareness Breakfast. We hope you plan to join us on Wednesday, March 20, 2019 at the Chateau Hotel and Conference Center for the Agriculture Awareness Breakfast and on Thursday, February 21, 2019 for the Agriculture Awards Dinner at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Bloomington-Airport for an evening filled with fellowship, a great dinner, and an opportunity to recognize our local agricultural leaders in McLean County whose strong commitment to our communities and economy provide the food, fuel, and fiber that meet the needs of the world. We’re currently accepting nominations for the Chamber’s prestigious Agriculture Awards. Please take this opportunity to honor a community agricultural leader by filling out the nomination form for one or more of the following awards: Outstanding Service to Agriculture, Outstanding Conservationist, Outstanding Young Farmer, Emerging Leader in Agriculture, Outstanding Agri-Business Person, and Mclean County Farmer of the Year. In addition, sponsorship information for both the Agriculture Awards Dinner and Agriculture Breakfast in March is included. Sponsorships provide opportunities to show those in McLean County your strong commitment to agriculture. Please take a moment and consider becoming a sponsor of these events. Nominations for the awards are due to the Chamber's Ag Council by Monday, January 11, 2019. Award Categories: The Outstanding Service to Agriculture Award The McLean County Farmer of the Year Award The Outstanding Conservationist Award The Emerging Leader in Agriculture Award The Outstanding Person in Agribusiness Award The Outstanding Young Farmer Award For more information on each of the award categories, please click: 2018 Agriculture Award Nomination Form Whitehead named president of Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce; Coon promoted to VP The Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce announced Thursday a new president and the promotion of one of its long-time staff members. Angel Whitehead will serve as the Chamber’s new president, according to a news release from the organization. Whitehead most recently worked as the marketing communications coordinator at the Portage County Business Council in Stevens Point where she developed and maintained the new talent attraction website everythingpointshere.com and oversaw the young professional group Ignite. Prior to her position with the PCBC, she was the operations and marketing manager for Hotel Mead & Conference Center in Wisconsin Rapids. Krista Coon also has been promoted to vice president, the release said. She has 13 years of experience with the Chamber, including responsibilities for the Community Leadership and Ambassadors programs and execution of all the Chamber’s community events. Coon has served as interim president of the Chamber since July 2018. Read more: Wisconsin Rapids Tribune Save the Date! - Business Day in Madison March 6th, 2019 Monona Terrace Community & Convention Center, Madison 7:30 am - 4:00 pm Mark your calendar for March 6, 2019 and join us at Business Day in Madison! Business Day in Madison has become THE premiere business gathering annually in the state of Wisconsin. The event brings together nearly 1,000 business leaders from all over the state. The program will bring its usual cadre of top-notch speakers. Our lunch keynote is Ed Henry award-winning journalist and FOX News chief national correspondent, bestselling author and syndicated radio host Dennis Prager, and retired Army Staff Sergeant and veterans advocate Travis Mills. You are invited to a Welcome Reception at the Madison Club the evening before on March 5th, 2019. For more information or sponsorship opportunities please contact Brittany Rockwell at brockwell@wmc.org or (608) 661-6917. Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce 2017-2018 Community Guide & Membership Directory The Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce 2017-2018 Community Profile & Membership Directory is available at the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber today! Thanks to Jon Maynard, Pam Swain, Rosie Vassalo and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together! Oxford Mississippi 2017-2018 Community Guide & Membership Directory 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. Bullitt County Chamber interest: BEHS FBLA Students Teaching Essential Skill Bullitt East High School Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) students recently wrapped up five weeks teaching essential skills with Old Mill Elementary School fourth and fifth grade students sponsored by Junior Achievement of Kentuckiana. FBLA Adviser Kyle Downs said FBLA allows students to increase business knowledge, leadership skills and networking opportunities. “FBLA is a great opportunity for students to learn outside a classroom and gives students opportunities they normally would not have,” he said. Participating students included freshman Emma Wright; Sophomores Kameron Mullins, Landon Hite, Mandy Brainer, Addison Pruitt, Pierce Williams, Bryce Reed, Lily Echols, Madison Gauthier, Brice Edwards, Sara Hughes, Abby Scharfenberger, Nevaeh Robinson, Cameron Dunaway and Aeron Adams; juniors Max Gauthier, Meredith Bass, Abi Huffman, Shelby Knieriem, Ryley Ortega, Emily Ezell, Julia Kromenacker, Sarah Ezell, Cole Stewart, Samuel Brangers, Olivia Armstrong and Grayson Adams; and senior Madisson Kingsley. Downs explained there were a variety of lessons about economics and entrepreneurship. “The students would have to prepare the lesson before going over to Old Mill,” he said. “There were a lot of volunteer hours that the students put in to make it a successful experience for the Old Mill students.” The primary goal for the Bullitt East students was to make sure the Old Mill students learned about the main idea of the lesson. “The FBLA students were great,” praised Downs. “They volunteered their time and put forth great effort in ensuring that the Old Mill students had the best experience possible. A lot of positive feedback from everyone involved.” Downs said students sign up for FBLA at the beginning of the school year and perform many activities “We do a variety of things throughout the year, including meetings after school, National Leadership Conferences, and compete in Region, State and Nationals in the spring,” he said. “FBLA is a co-curriculum organization and is used in business classes. It enhances business classes and provides opportunities for students outside of the classroom.” Downs encourages students to participate in FBLA citing he would have taken a business pathway if he was currently a high school student. “The FBLA program at Bullitt East has taken off in the last few years and we hope to continue the upward trend,” he said. “We provide students opportunities that they normally would not have outside of the classroom. FBLA allows students to increase their business knowledge, leadership skills, and networking opportunities.” Bullitt County Public Schools has over 13,100 students in grades preschool through 12. There are 25 school facilities, a certified staff of over 900 and a classified staff of over 800 working to make the district the leader in educational excellence. Contact: John Roberts, Communications Director, 502-869-6000 City of Ridgeland Chamber: Benefits of MEMBERSHIP The City of Ridgeland Chamber of Commerce works because of the support it receives from companies like yours. The following benefits are yours when you join the City of Ridgeland Chamber of Commerce: Ridgeland Community Profile and Membership Directory Published bi-annually, the Chamber’s magazine showcases the City of Ridgeland and includes an alphabetical and categorical listing of Chamber members. ChamberGram Gain higher visibility and advertising value by promoting your business in the Chamber’s popular monthly calendar of events. Members may insert an advertisement flyer in this monthly informative packet for $50. Just bring your flyer to the Chamber office and we’ll do the rest. Our distribution is 940. New members may insert their first flier at no charge. Please call us at 601-991-9996 for the deadline to bring inserts to us. (Does not apply to members in the Political Category.) “VISIONS” and “HORIZONS” Newsletter The Chamber's monthly newsletters VISIONS and HORIZONS keeps Chamber members and Ridgeland residents up-to-date on Chamber and City news and issues affecting the business community. Advertising is available and rates are nominal. Welcome Bag Inserts A valuable marketing tool, our newcomer bags welcome approximately 50 new residents each month to our area. Members may insert any type of specialty advertising item from magnets to flyers FREE of charge. Just bring your items to the Chamber and we’ll put them in our bags. Ribbon Cuttings, Grand Openings and Ground Breakings New businesses opening, existing businesses expanding and others celebrating a milestone, look to the Chamber to help them celebrate their special day. Offered to businesses at no charge, the Chamber’s special welcoming ceremony is designed to increase visibility for your business and gain local media attention. New Member Luncheons Quarterly networking event which gives new and existing business members an opportunity to review benefits of Chamber membership. Business After Hours Our popular Chamber after hour’s mixer brings together 75-125 Chamber members and guests each month. Hosted by Chamber member businesses wishing to showcase their companies, Business After Hours provides a perfect opportunity for networking and information sharing. Diplomat Program Join the Diplomat Program and represent your business at all Chamber events increasing your visibility while networking at Chamber functions. Referrals Chamber members are exclusively referred to the public. Members, as well as the public, are always encouraged to do business with Chamber members first. Worldwide Web Listing Chamber members receive a complimentary Internet listing on our website. Viewers may link to websites of member companies. Visit our website at www.ridgelandchamber.com. Bulk Rate Mailing Permit Chamber members sending over 250 pieces of mail may use our Bulk Rate Mailing Permit and receive substantial savings. Ridgeland City/County Maps The Chamber office has an abundant supply of Ridgeland City and County maps. Advertising limited to Chamber members. Stop by the Chamber for your complimentary copy. Ridgeland and Madison County Demographics Availability of statistical data, maps, historical information and brochures. Community data includes information on neighborhoods, schools, churches, civic organizations and calendars of upcoming events. Chamber Attractions Each year the Chamber sponsors such exciting events as SHOP LOCAL/BUY LOCAL campaign, the C Spire / Ridgeland Chamber Golf Classic, Make A Difference Day, Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast, Ridgeland Under the Stars and our Annual Membership Banquet. As a Ridgeland Chamber member you’ll have the opportunity to sponsor events and participate in helping to organize them. Come join in the excitement and watch your business grow. Chamber interest: Manufacturers Finding New Sources Of Talent Still keeping manufacturers up at night is the search for talent; especially workers with specialized skills. This need has driven companies to look outside the regular channels for workers. One organization that is helping to fill that gap is Ability Beyond. Ability Beyond is a leading non-profit agency offering residential, job training and placement, career counseling, cognitive and life skills instruction, clinical and therapeutic support, and volunteer and recreational services for adults with disabilities. Headquartered in Bethel, CT and Chappaqua, NY, the organization serves more than 3,000 families annually at 140 residences and facilities in 90 communities throughout Connecticut and New York. While many companies have not looked in this direction before, talent with disabilities have a wide range of education, degrees, professional certifications, work experience and skills. “Just as many people without disabilities find a good fit working in the manufacturing sector, we too have found it an ideal setting for people who are looking for repetitive, consistent, creative work,” said Carrie O’Connell-Davidson, Director of Services at Ability Beyond. “When our individuals see how the work they do helps to create a larger product or project it gives them the satisfaction that their work is valuable and needed to achieve larger goals that impact the customer.” Specialized Talent Helping Bottom Line One company that has found success in working with Ability Beyond is Tier ONE Machining in Newtown, Conn. The company requires skilled, focused workers to provide precision machining and manufacturing, packaging and assembly solutions for function critical, highly engineered parts and assemblies. They hired Aimee Giordano to assemble tip kits. She has quickly become of one of their star performers, motivated to exceed her goals. Her ability to concentrate allows her to produce a consistent, cost-effective product every time. Another company has also found success. ABB Optical Group in Hawthorne, NY has been an employer partner with Ability Beyond for less than a year but has already grown from employing one person to a dozen after successfully hiring Brendan Loughran. Brendan graduated from Fairfield University in CT with a Bachelor’s degree in History. Employment Specialist Michelle Magaletti at Ability Beyond helped Brendan fulfill his goal of doing stock work in a warehouse setting as a fulfillment specialist. "Working with Ability Beyond has been a great experience,” said Marlin Rodriguez, talent acquisition specialist at ABB Optical Group. “Not only do they offer onsite supports to their clients, but their candidates are amazing people willing to go the extra mile to do the best job possible.” New Talent Measures Up On a national level, Ability Beyond has successfully partnered with PepsiCo on their inclusive hiring initiative Pepsi ACT (Achieving Change Together). After experiencing the positive impact of that program, Ability Beyond launched an employment consulting service called Disability Solutions. The experienced consultants work with companies of all sizes to develop a strategic, customized playbook to tap into new channels for qualified talent, navigate complex hiring systems, support culture change, leverage hiring incentives, and respond to a changing regulatory environment. Companies such as American Express, Aon, Aramark, Synchrony, and others that are taking action in reaching talent with disabilities are recognizing measurable and meaningful business outcomes. Hiring people with disabilities is not about charity, but about smart business. “We have moved the needle on key HR benchmarks across our client base including an average 14 percent higher retention rate, 53 percent higher rate of self-identification, decreased time to fill key positions, and a range of diversity within disability including 21 percent veterans with disabilities,” said Kris Foss, Managing Director of Disability Solutions. Read more: Manufacturing.net Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce Community Map  The Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce Community Map is available at the Rochester Regional Chamber today! Thanks to the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together! Rochester Regional Chamber Map Town Square Publications  (www.townsquarepublications.com) can help you accomplish your chamber's gloss map, directory, community guide or publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633.  Dan Carmody, President of the Eastern Market Corporation, to Speak at Troy Chamber Event Eastern Market: Strengthening Regional Food Systems  On Friday, January 25, the Troy Chamber will host their first CEO Series of the year featuring Dan Carmody, President of the Eastern Market Corporation! The event will take place at Hilton Garden Inn (200 Wilshire Drive, Troy) from 8 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. and includes a sit-down breakfast. In his CEO Series presentation Dan Carmody, President of Eastern Market Corporation will discuss the role of Eastern Market in fostering a stronger regional food economy in SE Michigan. While touching on the many people have family connections to the long history of Detroit’s venerable public market, few understand the pivotal role the market is playing in building a more robust food economy in the region. Demographics and changing consumer preferences are ushering in a new era in our food economy and Eastern Market has developed strong programs to incubate and accelerate new food businesses while retaining and attracting more established ones. “Eastern Market has become a major attraction to the Detroit area,” says Ara Topouzian, President & CEO of the Troy Chamber. “It has also played a vital role in incubating new business and helping several small businesses flourish in the metro area.” In addition, Carmody will provide an overview to the market’s food access programs and work that Eastern Market Corporation (the non-profit that operates the market and serves as the economic development organization for the Eastern Market District on behalf of the City of Detroit) is doing to preserve the legacy of the market area in the face of a tsunami of real estate investment. The cost is $24 for Troy Chamber members and $30 for non-members and includes a sit-down breakfast. Register at troychamber.com/events. For more information call 248-641-8151 or e-mail: theteam@troychamber.com. New Castle - Henry County Chamber of Commerce Benefits of Membership As soon as you become a Chamber member we will: - Welcome you to the Chamber in our weekly eBlast that goes to over 1,000 email addresses -  Let the community know that you have recently joined the Chamber in our monthly 2-page “Chamber Talk” that appears in full color in the Courier-Times - Add you to our list of members on our website under the appropriate category with a link to your website as well as your address and phone number - Hold a ribbon cutting or upgrade certificate award at your location if you are a new business or you have recently renovated your location - Tweet about your business and add a comment about you on our Facebook page the week you join. Deliver a window cling identifying you as a Chamber Member All of this happens within a few days of joining the Chamber. The value of this marketing is immeasurable. But we won’t stop there! Once you are a member, we will continue promoting your business by: Displaying your business cards and literature at the Chamber office for potential customers to collect when they visit Putting your marketing material in our relocation packet Adding your specials and events to our weekly eBlast that reaches over 400 emails Listing your specials and events on our website Offering you the opportunity to participate in numerous networking opportunities at a reduced cost Providing an audience of Lunch with the Chamber attendees each month during the member announcement period Recommending your business when someone calls or stops by the office looking for your type of goods or services All of this marketing and publicity is included for the very reasonable price of a Chamber Membership. By joining the Chamber you will be identified as a member of one of the most trusted business organizations on the local, state, and national level. We will help promote your business while your membership dollars help fund the good things the Chamber does within the community like providing free learning opportunities for business owners and their employees, partnering with the local schools on career day events and other business related activities, adding culture to our community through the sponsorship of the Henry County Concert Series, revitalizing our downtown through participation in the Indiana Main Street program; these are just a few. Your company needs to be a part of the Chamber of Commerce! And if that is not enough…. We offer many levels of paid sponsorship opportunities on our website and at each of our Chamber events for even greater visibility. Additional Benefits of being a Chamber Member Include… Tax Deduction Your investment in the Chamber may be deductible as a necessary business expense. Please check with your accountant.  Business Referrals When asked to supply names of businesses in our area, our staff policy is to offer those businesses and organizations that are members of the Chamber. Additionally, all Chamber business is conducted with Chamber members whenever possible.  Community Involvement Volunteering for Chamber committees gives you the opportunity to study community needs in-depth and find solutions to concerns of the business community. This is your chance to help shape the future of Henry County! The Chamber is a well organized, strong advocate for the business community affecting public policy decisions to the benefit of the business community and the well being of Henry County.  Meeting Facilities Available Complimentary use of the Chamber’s Conference room  Full Time Staff Experienced, well qualified staff to help with your needs and questions Bulk Rate Postal Permit The Chamber’s bulk rate postal permit is available to members for mailings of 200+ pieces. This offers a considerable savings with reduced postage rates and eliminates the $175 annual permit fee.  Insurance Several Chamber member insurance companies offer general and health insurance packages to members only, often at reduced rates.  New Business Contacts Make new contacts and create opportunities to expand your business by meeting new potential customers through Chamber events, committee involvement, ribbon cuttings, publications and mailings.  Identification Business members receive a window decal identifying you as an active member of Henry County’s most active and progressive business organization. New members and their businesses are introduced at Chamber events and in the Newsletter and Chamber Talk Courier Times insert.  Ribbon Cuttings and Groundbreakings Ribbons cuttings and Groundbreakings with pictures are published in the Chamber Newsletter and Chamber Talk in the Courier Times.  Membership Directory Listing in this annual publication is a vital part of your membership package. Each year, thousands of our directories are distributed to potential customers and community members.  Website Your business will automatically be listed on our website and introduced in our blog.  Business Promotion Your business cards and promotional materials may be displayed in our Chamber lobby.  Chamber Discount Card Take advantage of savings offered from local businesses on services, food, advertising and more!  Networking and Annual Events Chamber members are invited to participate in: Business Expo Golf Outing Cash Bonanza Wine & Art Gala Annual Meeting New Business Reception Chamber Lunch & Learns First Fridays at the Chamber Office Chamber After Hours Chamber Lunches Chamber Magazine Published twice a year, Chamber Magazine highlights the many positive qualities, businesses, and people of Henry County. Only Chamber members may advertise in the high quality glossy publication. More information: New Castle-Henry County Chamber Greater Reston Chamber Launches new INCspire Program The INCspire Education Foundation presents the Entrepreneurial Business Accelerator program. This program is designed to give you the tools, processes, and techniques to consistently grow and scale your organization and push your thinking on how much growth you can achieve. If you are an entrepreneurial thinker and run a business, association, or non-profit, or you run an internal department of a larger company, your success depends on your ability to keep 15 balls in the air at one time. If you are looking to grow your organization, become an exceptional leader, and willing to focus on your business for one day every 8 weeks then this program may be a good fit for you. The Entrepreneurial Business Accelerator program brings together like-minded entrepreneurs and leaders from a wide range of industries and professions to meet, collaborate, and learn from and with each other. Want to learn more? The next information session is Thursday, January 10th, in the Chamber Office from 11:30 am - 12:30 pm. Register Now Still have questions and want to review the program with Amy Riccardi, the program facilitator, you can set up an appointment with her here. Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S. Town Square Publications, a division of the Daily Herald Media Group, is a national chamber custom publishing group that specializes in developing partnerships by producing high-quality print and digitally integrated publications along with other added value programs dedicated to creating relevancy for local chambers of commerce and other membership focused organizations interested in raising non-dues revenues. Town Square Publications parent company, Paddock Publications, has over 100 years’ experience of print product development and dedicated customer service in communities throughout the Midwest. Our experience allows Town Square Publications to offer you attractive royalty and non-dues revenue share streams, provide direct distribution of your custom designed printed publications, including digital and mobile integration, and all with the quickest turn-around times available in the industry. Town Square also offers multi-media maps in both print and online formats, both with our No-Cost guarantee. More information: Town Square Publications Chambers of Commerce and member focused organizations serve as a valuable resource in the local marketplace. The networking opportunities and representation with a wide variety of diverse businesses in your community is the catalyst of a successful organization. For further information about Town Square's publishing partnership with chambers of commerce and our No-Cost guarantee and Earned Revenue Share Program, To request your chamber publication or map proposal, contact Town Square Chamber Proposal

SOLD OUT Chamber Event: Virginia Peninsula Chamber: Learn How Veterans can be the Ideal Solution to Your Talent Needs!; Royal Oak Chamber: Mother’s Day in bloom; New Castle's Memorial Day parade, festival plans coming along; Front Royal Warren County Community Profile & Membership Directory 2017; #BestChamber practices: Community Development Foundation Tuplelo MS: Reach 2017 Campaign; Goal: $350,000; VISIT Lake Geneva president headed for California post; Mattoon Chamber members attend Rauner speech; NKY Chamber Names Dawn Denham New Executive Director; Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S.; Friday: 157 Rules for Executive Success in Organization Management (and your Chamber of Commerce) by Patrick McGaughey (Chamber Mentor);

Happy Friday #Chamber World! Have a GREAT weekend!

SOLD OUT Chamber Event: Virginia Peninsula Chamber: Learn How Veterans can be the Ideal Solution to Your Talent Needs!

The Virginia Values Veterans V3 Program offers this free employer training event.

• Become educated on nationally recognized best practices in recruiting, hiring and retaining Veterans

• Learn how you might qualify for the V3 Program $10,000 Veteran Employment Grant

This special all-day event will feature ALL of the courses needed to become V3 Certified!

WHEN: Wednesday, May 17th, 2017

8:00 am - 3:30 pm

WHERE: Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce

21 Enterprise Parkway

Lakefront Plaza, Suite 100,

Hampton, Virginia 22645

REGISTER: http://bit.ly/hampton0517

Free Parking and Lunch Provided



Royal Oak Chamber: Mother’s Day in bloom

Mother’s Day in the city means tradition and flowers — a lot of flowers.

This year will not vary when the 24th annual Royal Oak in Bloom fills the Williams Street parking lot from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, May 14, in front of City Hall.

“So many people bring their moms to this event to select the perfect hanging basket or garden accent,” Greater Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Shelly Kemp said in a statement. “Royal Oak in Bloom is a tradition for Royal Oak residents … and it reflects the chamber’s commitment to keep our community beautiful.”

The Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce event hosts more than 65 vendors, who fill the area with a host of color and a full-scale lawn, garden, landscaping, plant and flower sale.

Vendors begin arriving at 3 a.m. to unload semi-trailers full of hanging plants, vegetables, perennials, annuals and small trees. Farmers like Bill Stahl have made the day a tradition since it began more than two decades ago.

“He is there every year,” said Jennifer Clark, Greater Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce director of events and communications.

Clark said other popular farmers at the event include Weig’s Greenhouse, Martin Farms and Bielat’s Greenhouse, as well as the Wenz, Gaier, Uhlianuk and Van Houtte families. Clark said each of these vendors maintain their own following, with regular shoppers returning to their parking spaces every year to restock and add new selections to their own gardens. Read more: C&G News

New Castle's Memorial Day parade, festival plans coming along

New Castle’s annual Memorial Day parade and festival plans are being finalized, but there is still plenty of time for those interested to get involved.

The day of activities will begin at 9 a.m. Monday, May 29 on the courthouse lawn with a service to honor veterans. The ceremony will feature remarks by local elected officials, as well as presentations by the local VFW, American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, VFW Post #1282 Honor Guard and American Legion Post #137 Honor Guard. The Trojan Marching Band will play the national anthem and there will be special seating for all veterans attending the ceremony.

The parade, organized by the New Castle-Henry County Chamber of Commerce, is set to take place at 10 a.m. A festival with assorted vendors and activities will follow in Baker Park. Chamber director Missy Modesitt said the ongoing Broad Street project will require a few changes in the way the event takes place this year.

“We want to assure everyone that the parade will go on as always,” Modesitt said. “We will be modifying our starting location and some of the line-up area will change, but most of the route will remain the same. Spectators can watch the parade on Broad Street from 14th Street to Main Street and then on Main Street from Broad Street to Bundy Avenue and on Bundy Avenue to Parkview Drive. The parade will end at Parkview Drive. We will communicate line-up changes to parade participants via email the week before the parade. Participants in the parade must register so that they can receive the most up to date communication about line up.”

Being in the parade is free and open to anyone who would like to participate; however, all entrants must register online at www.nchcchamber.com in order to have a spot in the line-up. Entrants showing up without having registered may be denied participation because of the limited line-up space. Local sports announcer Chad Niccum will announce each parade entrant as they pass the judges’ table.

“This will be the first year we have done something like this and we are very excited that Chad has offered to lend his talent in this way,” Modesitt said. “This makes it even more critical that our parade entrants register in advance of the parade so that we have the information we need to be able to announce them.”

Modesitt said vendors and sponsors are still needed for the festival in Baker Park, adding that sponsorships allow the Chamber to add more entertainment to the line-up. Read more: Courier-Times

Front Royal Warren County Community Profile & Membership Directory 2017 



The Front Royal Warren County Community Profile & Membership Directory 2017 is available at the Front Royal Warren County Chamber of Commerce today! Thank you to Niki Foster and Pam Riffle and the Chamber team for their help and direction putting this together! 

Front Royal Warren County Community Profile & Membership Directory 2017

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.



#BestChamber practices: Community Development Foundation Tuplelo MS: Reach 2017 Campaign; Goal: $350,000 

Annual Meeting

Be a part of the Community Development Foundation's most esteemed event! CDF's Annual Membership Meeting highlights the past year's accomplishments, industry announcements, and recognizes the outgoing and incoming Chairman of the Board. Held May 4, 2017, this event will be held at the BancorpSouth Arena. As one of the Chamber's largest networking and social events of the year, over 700 business and community leaders from small and large companies as well as elected officials attend. This community ‘must-attend' event is a prime place not only to see, but be seen by the most influential business leaders in Tupelo/Lee County.

• Presenting Sponsor - $10,000 - 0 of 1 available
  Sold to:
  • Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi
  Benefits: • Two (2) reserved tables of Eight (8) in a prominent location • Sixteen (16) tickets to the VIP reception • VIP designated parking • Personal VIP wait staff • Exclusive company logo on event invitation • Exclusive company logo on event ticket • Opportunity to place a company promotional item at each seat • 1 minute company promotional video (to be aired during program) • Recognition from the podium • Top billing in event program • Full-page ad in the event program • Banner sponsor • Top billing in event slide presentation • Event signage • Corporate table signage • Top billing in all pre- and post-event publicity • Exclusive logo during event promotion on CDF lobby screens • Top billing in event coverage in Chamber Connection published in the Daily Journal's Business Journal with a distribution over 33,000 • Top billing on Chamber website event page, with more than 100,000 annual visits • Top billing in event coverage in monthly e-newsletter, Chamber Connection 2.0, sent to approximately 3,000 business and community leaders in the Tupelo/Lee County region • Promotion through the Chamber's social media outlets, with more than 4,000 followers on Facebook and Twitter • For more information contact Judd Wilson at 662.842.4521 or email jwilson@cdfms.org

• VIP Reception Sponsor - $7,500 - 0 of 1 available
  Sold to:
  • Renasant Bank
  Benefits: • Opportunity to distribute company promotional item at VIP reception • Opportunity to provide company promotional material for room display during VIP reception • One (1) reserved table of Eight (8) in a prominent location • Eight (8) tickets to the VIP reception • VIP designated parking • Personal VIP wait staff • Recognition in event program • Banner sponsor • Event signage • Corporate table signage • Recognition on Chamber website event page, with more than 100,000 annual visits • Promotion through the Chamber's social media outlets, with more than 4,000 followers on Facebook and Twitter • For more information contact Judd Wilson at 662.842.4521 or email jwilson@cdfms.org

• Gold Sponsor - $6,000 - 3 of 3 available
  Benefits: • One (1) reserved table of Eight (8) in a prominent location • Eight (8) tickets to the VIP reception • VIP designated parking • Personal VIP wait staff • 30 second company promotional video (to be aired during program) • Recognition from the podium • Recognition in event program • Banner sponsor • Recognition in event slide presentation • Event signage • Corporate table signage • Recognition in pre- and post-event publicity • Recognition in event coverage in Chamber Connection published in the Daily Journal's Business Journal with a distribution over 33,000 • Recognition on Chamber website event page, with more than 100,000 annual visits • Recognition in event coverage in monthly e-newsletter, Chamber Connection 2.0, sent to approximately 3,000 business and community leaders in the Tupelo/Lee County region • Promotion through the Chamber's social media outlets, with more than 4,000 followers on Facebook and Twitter • For more information contact Judd Wilson at 662.842.4521 or email jwilson@cdfms.org

• Silver Sponsor - $3,500 - 1 of 5 available
  Sold to:
  • Martinrea
  • Busylad Rent-All
  • Contour Airlines/Corporate Flight Management
  • NMMC Women's Hospital
  Benefits: • One (1) reserved table of Eight (8) in a prominent location • Eight (8) tickets to the VIP reception • VIP designated parking • Recognition in event program • Banner sponsor • Recognition in event slide presentation • Event signage • Corporate table signage • Recognition in event coverage in Chamber Connection published in the Daily Journal's Business Journal with a distribution over 33,000 • Recognition on Chamber website event page, with more than 100,000 annual visits • Recognition in event coverage in monthly e-newsletter, Chamber Connection 2.0, sent to approximately 3,000 business and community leaders in the Tupelo/Lee County region • For more information contact Judd Wilson at 662.842.4521 or email jwilson@cdfms.org

• Multimedia Sponsor - $2,000 - 1 of 1 available
  Benefits: • Two (2) tickets • Prominent recognition in the multimedia program shown throughout the event • Recognition in event program • Event signage • Recognition on Chamber website event page, with more than 100,000 annual visits • Recognition in event coverage in monthly e-newsletter, Chamber Connection 2.0, sent to approximately 3,000 business and community leaders in the Tupelo/Lee County region • For more information contact Judd Wilson at 662.842.4521 or email jwilson@cdfms.org

More information: Community Development Foundation

VISIT Lake Geneva president headed for California post

After three and a half years as the president and CEO for VISIT Lake Geneva, Darien Schaefer is leaving the organization to become the CEO of the Big Bear Visitor Bureau in Big Bear, California.

The move will bring Schaefer and his wife closer to their two daughters and their families residing in Palm Springs and San Francisco. 

Schaefer's last day will be Friday, June 2, 2017.

“Darien provided the energy and leadership to merge the Lake Geneva Chamber of Commerce, Inc. and the Lake Geneva Area Convention & Visitors Bureau into VISIT Lake Geneva, the most innovative and respected destination marketing organization in Walworth County,” said David Lindelow, VLG board chairman.

“His passion for improving the organization and giving it a solid foundation for success has resulted in a dedicated and professional team that serves more than 400 partners in the Lake Geneva area.”

Under Schaefer's time with VISIT Lake Geneva, room tax receipts in the city increased over 39 percent from 2014 to 2016, compared to 2.9 percent growth the previous three-year period. 

His other accomplishments include merging the two boards of directors, relocating the office, renaming the organization, building up staff, upgrading technology, implementing partnership tiers, adding new events while making existing events financially viable. He's also added a new website, visitor magazine, videos, social media, and Lake Geneva App to the organization's marketing program.

“I've accomplished what I set out to do three years ago and I leave knowing this organization is positioned to do great things in the future,” Schaefer said. “Big Bear shares many of Lake Geneva's best attributes and with a $1.9 million budget and focus on event development, it will be an exciting next step in my career.”

”The Lake Geneva area will always be a special place to me and my wife,” he said. “We've met so many great people.  I will miss the staff, my role in changing the direction of the organization, and this most amazing lake.”

Lindelow said the search for Schaefer's replacement is underway. Read more: Walworth County Today

Mattoon Chamber members attend Rauner speech

One of the goals of the Mattoon Chamber of Commerce is to keep our members informed of legislative issues that affect their business operations. As Executive Director, I spent Wednesday in Springfield at a conference entitled "Employer Action Day", sponsored by the Illinois Chamber of Commerce. The Mattoon Chamber partners with the Illinois Chamber when we need to support our members with legislation that has a detrimental or beneficial effect on their businesses.

Employer Action Day gives chamber members the opportunity to meet and talk with our state's legislative leaders. Katrina Butler, the President of the Board of Directors, our legislative volunteer, and I attended this year's event where Governor Bruce Rauner was the keynote speaker. We also had a few other Mattoon Chamber members in the audience who wanted the opportunity to hear directly from the leaders of our state government and other Illinois agencies.

Rauner discussed how he is trying to change our state to become more business friendly. He used General Electric as an example of a multi-billion dollar company who decided not to relocate its corporate headquarters to Illinois because he was unable to promise no new business tax hikes in our State. Rauner also cited some interesting statistics that he hopes to change in the rest of his time in office. He said Illinois has the same number of jobs as we did 17 years ago. He further stated that even though we have had zero job growth in 17 years, government spending in Illinois has increased 66 percent in the same time frame. He also mentioned that Illinois has nearly twice the number of regulations on businesses than many of the other states. He emphasized that things have to change at the state government level if we ever want to improve the Illinois economy, keep existing businesses and attract new businesses to Illinois. Read more: Journal-Gazette & Times Courier

NKY Chamber Names Dawn Denham New Executive Director

The Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce welcomes Dawn Denham as Executive Director, NKY Chamber Foundation & Program Director, Leadership NKY.

 As Executive Director of the NKY Chamber Foundation she will continue to build on the success of the Leadership NKY, Regional Youth Leadership and Workforce NKY programs as they continue to be a committed resource to businesses in our region.

 “We’re excited to welcome Dawn to our team.  Her passion for community and background in public relations makes her an excellent fit for a role that is so critical to our region.  We are so proud of the work that Leadership NKY does in our community and are committed to building a stronger Northern Kentucky through the work of the NKY Chamber Foundation,” explains Trey Grayson, President/CEO NKY Chamber of Commerce.

Denham earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Northern Kentucky University and most recently held the role of NKY Director of Operations for SIDIS Corp.

Dawn, a Leadership NKY class of 2010 alumna, is a lifelong Northern Kentucky resident and believes in the power of community and the honor of helping others. Source: NKY Chamber

Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S.

Town Square Publications, a division of the Daily Herald Media Group, is a national chamber custom publishing group that specializes in developing partnerships by producing high-quality print and digitally integrated publications along with other added value programs dedicated to creating relevancy for local chambers of commerce and other membership focused organizations interested in raising non-dues revenues.

Town Square Publications parent company, Paddock Publications, has over 100 years’ experience of print product development and dedicated customer service in communities throughout the Midwest. Our experience allows Town Square Publications to offer you attractive royalty and non-dues revenue share streams, provide direct distribution of your custom designed printed publications, including digital and mobile integration, and all with the quickest turn-around times available in the industry. Town Square also offers multi-media maps in both print and online formats, both with our No-Cost guarantee. More information: Town Square Publications

Chambers of Commerce and member focused organizations serve as a valuable resource in the local marketplace. The networking opportunities and representation with a wide variety of diverse businesses in your community is the catalyst of a successful organization. For further information about Town Square's publishing partnership with chambers of commerce and our No-Cost guarantee and Earned Revenue Share Program, To request your chamber publication or map proposal, contact Town Square Chamber Proposal