Paul Rumler Named Forty Under 40 For The Association Of Chamber Of Commerce Executive
The 40 Under 40 award is a new honor presented by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) meant to highlight the brightest men and women under the age of 40 in the chamber industry. This award recognizes young professionals that have demonstrated significant success in their career as well as having made noteworthy contributions to their community. Each award recipient has made a remarkable impact on the chamber industry, fostering a positive impact in their community.
“With 13 years in the industry, Paul demonstrates the value a chamber of commerce can bring to a community,” states the nomination form submitted by Aaron Tennant, CEO of Total Solutions and chair of the Quad Cities Chamber. “Paul shows exemplary leadership in the Quad Cities region as CEO of the Quad Cities Chamber. If Paul is in the room, you know there will be fresh ideas and perspective shared. Everyone steps up their game when he is present. He is a tireless advocate for regionalism and makes it a priority to bring key stakeholders to the table to discuss issues that matter to the Quad Cities community.”
This year’s competition drew over 118 nominations on behalf of young professionals in the chamber industry. Candidates for this honor demonstrated meaningful involvement in the advancement of their community and proven professional success within their chamber.
Rumler was recruited back to the Quad Cities after being in Michigan for two years as the Grand Rapids Chamber’s Chief Strategy Officer. He had been with the Quad Cities Chamber and preceding organizations since 2006, serving in roles ranging from talent attraction and retention, community development, public policy and economic development. Rumler’s previous distinguished awards include: “40 Under 40 Leader in Economic Development” from Development Counsellors International in 2015 and an Athena Male Champion of Change in 2019. Rumler has been very engaged as a volunteer leader in the community, serving on several local and statewide boards and committees, and currently serves on the boards of John Deere Classic, Two Rivers YMCA and Visit Quad Cities.
The full Forty Under 40 class was announced publicly at the ACCE Annual Convention in Long Beach, California. Following convention, award recipients will be featured in the summer 2019 Chamber Executive magazine issue set to release in August. For more information, visit www.ACCE.org.
Participating restaurants include 318 Coffeehouse, 1910, Altiro Latin Fusion, Del Barrio, Foy Estate Coffee, Gen-Hoe, Geneva Ale House, Graham's Fine Chocolates and Ice Cream, Inglenook Pantry, Josef's Elegante Meats and Deli, Kernel's Gourmet Popcorn, Kilwin's of Geneva, Nobel House, Nothing Bundt Cakes and Stockholm's,
Free entertainment is offered Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Favorites return and new acts are debuting at Festival of the Vine. Main stage acts at Fourth and State streets on Friday include: The Loose Screws at 4 p.m., Sonic Soul at 6 p.m., and Suburban Cowboys at 8 p.m. On Saturday, the lineup includes Drew Clausen at 4 p.m., The Davenport Project at 6 p.m., and Gina Glocksen Band at 8 p.m. On Sunday, the GMRC Band plays at noon, followed by The Dreadnaughts at 2:30 p.m.
In addition, the Courthouse Lawn will host Concerts on the Green. Friday through Sunday from noon to 2 p.m., enjoy musical stylings of Mike Silvestri, Dominic Gliimco and Jim Green.
All around the old Courthouse, on Third, Campbell and James streets, will be the site for a flower market, art and craft show, face painting and complimentary carriage and trolley ride stops. The craft show features 75-plus exhibitors from across the Midwest. The show runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday on South Third and Campbell streets.
Special Festival of the Vine events will take place in the downtown area with All Chocolate Kitchen, Fiora's, Galena Cellars Vineyard & Winery, Geneva Wine Cellars, Graham's Fine Chocolates and Ice Cream, SavWay Fine Wines and Spirits, The Little Traveler and The Royal Wren.
Business booths will be set up on James Street and are ready to share information about their products.
For complete details on everything festival-related, visit genevachamber.com or call (630) 232-6060. Read more: Daily Herald
106 W. Wilson Street
Batavia, IL 60510
Phone: (630) 879-7134
margaret@bataviachamber.org
Bataviachamber.org
5 Star Chamber: Rapid City Area Chamber of Commerce 2019 Community Guide & Membership Directory
The Rapid City Area Chamber of Commerce 2019 Community Guide & Membership Directory is available at the Rapid City Chamber today! Thanks to Linda Rabe, Lynn Kendall, Shiloh Francis 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!)
“Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.” - Thich Nhat Hanh
Owensboro Chamber CEO named a top woman in business
Owensboro Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Candance Castlen Brake was named one of seven top women in business by The Lane Report.
According to the Kentucky business and economic news outlet, Brake stood out as one of the women around Kentucky and southern Indiana who is making an impact in business, the professions, politics and economic development.
“The intent is to recognize not the household names, but those in key roles whose work ethic and body of work are making important contributions to commerce – and life – in the area,” the article said.
Brake has been in her current role since March 2015. Prior to that she served as a three-term city commissioner from 2004 to 2010, was executive vice president of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Corporation and Deputy Judge-Executive for Daviess County Fiscal Court.
According to Brake, being part of the efforts in the downtown placemaking initiative is her top accomplishment.
But her impact on the community is echoed beyond that single project.
“Candance has been our most valuable asset in helping to transform Visit Owensboro into an award-winning organization,” said Mark Calitri, President & CEO of Visit Owensboro. “In today’s world filled with so much negativity Candance is a positive light for Visit Owensboro, me personally, and she is Owensboro’s #1 cheerleader.”
Mayor Tom Watson said he was surprised Brake hadn’t been recognized before now.
“I served on the city commission with her and was always amazed at her insight on the big picture,” he said. “If there is anyone that has the pulse of this community better that she does I’d sure like to meet them.”
Although holding many leadership roles in the community, Brake told The Lane Report her biggest challenge was worrying about her career.
“Where it would lead next and how I would balance that with my family,” she said. “I finally realized that if you focus on the important things in life, everything works out.” Read more: Owensboro Times
Now Or Never: Chamber Supports Road Bond
Prince William Chamber Says “VOTE YES” on Fixing Rt. 28 and Transportation Projects
Waupun Chamber of Commerce extends Casey Despres’ role as director
Geneva's Festival of the Vine to feature new restaurants, old favorites
This week marks the 40th year for Festival of the Vine. As is tradition, the Flavor Fare and Wine Tent are located on the corner of Fourth and State streets in downtown Geneva.
Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6, and Saturday, Sept. 7; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 8. Admission is free.
Visitors to Flavor Fare can sample from Geneva's new, as well as longtime favorite restaurants. Flavor Fare hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Tickets, $1 each, are needed to purchase food and wine; ticket booths close a half-hour before Flavor Fare closes. Entrees are 1-10 tickets each. Wines are available at 6, 10 and 16 tickets per glass.
Participating restaurants include 318 Coffeehouse, 1910, Altiro Latin Fusion, Del Barrio, Foy Estate Coffee, Gen-Hoe, Geneva Ale House, Graham's Fine Chocolates and Ice Cream, Inglenook Pantry, Josef's Elegante Meats and Deli, Kernel's Gourmet Popcorn, Kilwin's of Geneva, Nobel House, Nothing Bundt Cakes and Stockholm's,
Free entertainment is offered Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Favorites return and new acts are debuting at Festival of the Vine. Main stage acts at Fourth and State streets on Friday include: The Loose Screws at 4 p.m., Sonic Soul at 6 p.m., and Suburban Cowboys at 8 p.m. On Saturday, the lineup includes Drew Clausen at 4 p.m., The Davenport Project at 6 p.m., and Gina Glocksen Band at 8 p.m. On Sunday, the GMRC Band plays at noon, followed by The Dreadnaughts at 2:30 p.m.
In addition, the Courthouse Lawn will host Concerts on the Green. Friday through Sunday from noon to 2 p.m., enjoy musical stylings of Mike Silvestri, Dominic Gliimco and Jim Green.
All around the old Courthouse, on Third, Campbell and James streets, will be the site for a flower market, art and craft show, face painting and complimentary carriage and trolley ride stops. The craft show features 75-plus exhibitors from across the Midwest. The show runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday on South Third and Campbell streets.
Special Festival of the Vine events will take place in the downtown area with All Chocolate Kitchen, Fiora's, Galena Cellars Vineyard & Winery, Geneva Wine Cellars, Graham's Fine Chocolates and Ice Cream, SavWay Fine Wines and Spirits, The Little Traveler and The Royal Wren.
Business booths will be set up on James Street and are ready to share information about their products.
For complete details on everything festival-related, visit genevachamber.com or call (630) 232-6060. Read more: Daily Herald
Batavia Chamber of Commerce Honors Holly Deitchman, 2019 Winner of the Donna Dallesasse Award
The Batavia Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that the 2019 Donna Dallesasse Award winner is Holly Deitchman, communication manager for the Batavia Public School District 101.
Every year, the Batavia Chamber holds a Harvest Celebration to gather community members together to celebrate one Chamber member that has displayed an outstanding commitment and dedication to the Chamber's mission, vision, and values. This member is recognized as the annual Donna Dallesasse Award recipient.
In his letter of nomination, Daniel Hoefler, currently a director with the Batavia Historical Society, touted her commitment to Batavia by her work with the Batavia Chamber of Commerce, Batavia Rotary and BATV.
“The growth of the Chamber, the work of the Rotary Charities, and expansion of BATV are a direct result of her enthusiasm, leadership and talents,” Hoefler wrote. “She devotes countless hours to the many organizations that she cares for.
“I must also note that in her position as the CEO, she participated in a focus group to help the Historical Society frame its message for the Depot Expansion effort,” he continued. “She helped with ideas regarding the potential of a visitor center that would showcase all that Batavia has to offer not only to visitors to our community but our citizens as well.”
Jessica McGrail, president of the board of directors for the Batavia Chamber of Commerce and owner of Dollar & Sense Bookkeeping, said that when the board was presented with the slate of nominees, Ms. Deitchman stood out as being most deserving.
“We (the board) chose Holly as the recipient because her genuine passion for the Batavia Chamber of Commerce brought it to the successful organization that it is today,” Ms. McGrail explained. “Not only was she passionate during working hours, but on many occasions would do things in her personal time that benefited the Chamber and its success.”
Prior to her employment at BPS 101, Ms. Deitchman served as the president and CEO of the Batavia Chamber of Commerce for over five years, leaving in June 2019. During her tenure, the Batavia Chamber of Commerce thrived, according to Margaret Perreault, current president and CEO of the Chamber.
“Not only did the Batavia Chamber of Commerce see unprecedented growth under her leadership, she brought dynamic networking and educational programming to the services we provide,” commented Ms. Perreault. “I think that if Donna were still with us, she would be pleased with this year’s recipient.”
“Not only did the Batavia Chamber of Commerce see unprecedented growth under her leadership, she brought dynamic networking and educational programming to the services we provide,” commented Ms. Perreault. “I think that if Donna were still with us, she would be pleased with this year’s recipient.”
As to Ms. Deitchman, she was “stunned” to learn she was selected for the Donna Dallesasse Award.
“Going back and reading the list of past recipients of the Donna Dallesasse Award was like reading through a list of people that I admire,” said Holly. “It makes me think about all of the wonderful steps those people took in support of our community.
“Going back and reading the list of past recipients of the Donna Dallesasse Award was like reading through a list of people that I admire,” said Holly. “It makes me think about all of the wonderful steps those people took in support of our community.
“I can't believe I am going to be a part of that list now. Thank you for the honor,” she continued. “I am so surprised, and proud that you picked me!”
Besides her work with the Chamber, Holly has been a member of the Batavia Rotary Club since 2011 and recently relinquished her position as treasurer. She is a longtime supporter of Mutual Ground and the Women Build projects with Habitat for Humanity.
As someone who greatly values the business community, one of her special interests is to get the trades integrated into the classroom.
As someone who greatly values the business community, one of her special interests is to get the trades integrated into the classroom.
“I strongly believe that there is a place for Batavia grads in local businesses, especially in the areas of skilled trades and manufacturing,” stated Ms. Deitchman.
Ms. McGrail aptly conveyed the feelings of the Batavia Chamber of Commerce board of directors, the current staff and membership when she commented that, “she will forever be embedded in the growth, reputation and success this Chamber has experienced and for that we are grateful to her!”
This year marks the 13th year the Chamber has given the Donna Dallesasse Award. The public is invited to join Batavia Chamber of Commerce members in celebration of the contributions Holly Deitchman has made to the Chamber, and the greater community. This year’s Harvest Celebration will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 2 from 6 to 8 pm at Abbey Farms, 2855 Hart Road in Aurora. The cost of the event is $30 per person and includes food, hayrides, fire pit, and more! A cash bar will be available. Flannel and jeans are the recommended attire. Registration for this event is required. Please call (630) 879-7134 or visit https://www.bataviachamber.org/events to register online.
Contact: Margaret Perreault, President & CEO - Batavia Chamber of Commerce
106 W. Wilson Street
Batavia, IL 60510
Phone: (630) 879-7134
margaret@bataviachamber.org
Bataviachamber.org
5 Star Chamber: Rapid City Area Chamber of Commerce 2019 Community Guide & Membership Directory
The Rapid City Area Chamber of Commerce 2019 Community Guide & Membership Directory is available at the Rapid City Chamber today! Thanks to Linda Rabe, Lynn Kendall, Shiloh Francis 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!)
“Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.” - Thich Nhat Hanh
Owensboro Chamber CEO named a top woman in business
According to the Kentucky business and economic news outlet, Brake stood out as one of the women around Kentucky and southern Indiana who is making an impact in business, the professions, politics and economic development.
“The intent is to recognize not the household names, but those in key roles whose work ethic and body of work are making important contributions to commerce – and life – in the area,” the article said.
Brake has been in her current role since March 2015. Prior to that she served as a three-term city commissioner from 2004 to 2010, was executive vice president of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Corporation and Deputy Judge-Executive for Daviess County Fiscal Court.
According to Brake, being part of the efforts in the downtown placemaking initiative is her top accomplishment.
But her impact on the community is echoed beyond that single project.
“Candance has been our most valuable asset in helping to transform Visit Owensboro into an award-winning organization,” said Mark Calitri, President & CEO of Visit Owensboro. “In today’s world filled with so much negativity Candance is a positive light for Visit Owensboro, me personally, and she is Owensboro’s #1 cheerleader.”
Mayor Tom Watson said he was surprised Brake hadn’t been recognized before now.
“I served on the city commission with her and was always amazed at her insight on the big picture,” he said. “If there is anyone that has the pulse of this community better that she does I’d sure like to meet them.”
Although holding many leadership roles in the community, Brake told The Lane Report her biggest challenge was worrying about her career.
“Where it would lead next and how I would balance that with my family,” she said. “I finally realized that if you focus on the important things in life, everything works out.” Read more: Owensboro Times
Bob Dubois, Noblesville Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, successfully completed the ACCE national professional development program designed to boost innovative community health initiatives
BOB DUBOIS, Noblesville Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, and Janet Gafkjen, Executive Director of Partnership for a Healthy Hamilton County, have successfully completed the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives national professional development program designed to boost innovative community health initiatives.
Professionals selected for ACCE’s year-long Healthy Communities program participated in a design thinking lab in Alexandria, Virginia that helped to develop and implement a plan to tackle a specific community health challenge. DuBois and Gafkjen chose to invest their time to help launch Workforce Employee Assistance Program and establish the Chamber Healthy Noblesville Alliance in partnership with PHHC Community Based Health Coalition initiatives.
Curriculum was designed to help participants demonstrate the leadership role their chamber of commerce can play in strengthening quality of life and supporting equitable prosperity. Each participant worked with a local community partner throughout the program.
PHHC is confident that emphasizing health can transform communities.
According to Janet Gafkjen, “Building a culture of health means everyone should have a fair opportunity to be as healthy as possible, regardless of where we live or the circumstances we were born into.” Gafkjen elaborated, “The choices we make depend on the opportunities we have—things like access to healthy foods, or education on health resources, or living in safe and affordable housing, or access to affordable healthcare services. PHHC enlists the help of people working in every field and profession who want to use their influence to advance a culture of health where every resident has a fair opportunity to live a long healthy life.”
The Noblesville Chamber of Commerce is committed to making physical and mental health a priority in Noblesville. Bob DuBois offered, “A healthy community leads to a healthy workforce. That is good for business and good for families.”
As Noblesville Schools has focused on increase mental health initiatives, the Noblesville Chamber is seeking more community partnerships, including with the upcoming mayoral administration. “We know health outcomes are determined by many factors beyond simply good healthcare facilities and good medical staff. Now, empowered by data, nationally recognized best practices, and a commitment to creating a culture of health, we have a road map to a healthier Noblesville,” concluded DuBois.
Leaders graduating from the 2019 Healthy Communities program represent chambers of commerce in Arizona, California, Florida, Indiana, Montana, New Jersey, New York, Texas and Wisconsin. The program is made possible with support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Read more: The Times
WELCOME HOME - The Nation's Premier New Resident Marketing Program for Your Chamber Members
Welcome Home, the nation's premier new resident marketing program,is a new mover marketing program designed to help get your chamber members' businesses in front of the most valuable audiences - new residents.
Exclusive to chamber members, the WELCOME HOME program is a remarkable advertising tool, highly visible, targeted and delivered direct to new resident's mailboxes, catching them as they establish new buying habits.
In addition, WELCOME HOME is distributed to local libraries, park districts, municipalities and your local chamber office.
Get your members in front of one of the most valuable audiences: NEW RESIDENTS.
Don't miss this opportunity to promote your member businesses to new residents ON A MONTHLY BASIS, ALL YEAR LONG!
Mailed monthly to new movers from the previous 30 days!
They are new to the neighborhood. They have money to spend. They need your member's businesses and services.
Palatine Area Chamber WELCOME HOME
Town Square Publications (www.townsquarepublications.com) can help you accomplish your chamber's NEW MOVER publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633.
Community Development Foundation, Ole Miss-Tupelo partner for member-based scholarship
WELCOME HOME - The Nation's Premier New Resident Marketing Program for Your Chamber Members
Welcome Home, the nation's premier new resident marketing program,is a new mover marketing program designed to help get your chamber members' businesses in front of the most valuable audiences - new residents.
Exclusive to chamber members, the WELCOME HOME program is a remarkable advertising tool, highly visible, targeted and delivered direct to new resident's mailboxes, catching them as they establish new buying habits.
In addition, WELCOME HOME is distributed to local libraries, park districts, municipalities and your local chamber office.
Get your members in front of one of the most valuable audiences: NEW RESIDENTS.
Don't miss this opportunity to promote your member businesses to new residents ON A MONTHLY BASIS, ALL YEAR LONG!
Mailed monthly to new movers from the previous 30 days!
They are new to the neighborhood. They have money to spend. They need your member's businesses and services.
Palatine Area Chamber WELCOME HOME
Town Square Publications (www.townsquarepublications.com) can help you accomplish your chamber's NEW MOVER publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633.
Community Development Foundation, Ole Miss-Tupelo partner for member-based scholarship
Employees of Community Development Foundation member organizations now have more reason than ever to think about enrolling at the University of Mississippi’s Tupelo campus.
CDF and Ole Miss announced Friday a scholarship partnership that would provide additional financial aid for those individuals seeking to begin or continue their education.
“CDF has over 1,200 members all across the Northeast Mississippi region and we wanted a way to impact as many people as possible,” said UM-Tupelo executive director Derek Markley.
The scholarship will provide $500 a semester for up to four semesters for anyone who wants to pursue an undergraduate degree in Tupelo.
“We wanted something that would help small businesses,” Markley said. “Many times small businesses, of which we have many who employ a lot of people around here, just don’t have the additional means to provide a tuition benefit. With this, if they’re members of CDF, will allow them to provide an education benefit that their employees might only receive if they were in a larger corporation in the region.”
Markley said access and affordability were the key drivers in the partnership, which offers a potential discount of over 11 percent on undergraduate tuition.
“We have a number of degrees at the Tupelo campus that span from social work to criminal justice to elementary education or business and integrated marketing communications ... we have a number of paths that students can pursue. We want people to follow their interests to something they want to have as a career for many years.”
CDF President and CEO David Rumbarger said Markley had the idea to help Tupelo’s campus grow independently and wanted CDF to benefit from that as well.
“Studies tell us that 50 percent of students today have some type of part-time job to try and help pay for books and tuition,” Rumbarger said. “This is tremendous, especially for our small businesses here in Tupelo-Lee County.”
Rumbarger said that 80 percent of CDF members have less than 50 employees in their business, so this scholarship applies to a lot of individuals who can benefit from it.
“We need more people in the workforce that are skilled, and this is a great way to do that,” he said. Read more: Daily Journal
Prince William Chamber Says “VOTE YES” on Fixing Rt. 28 and Transportation Projects
Manassas, VA – The Prince William Chamber of Commerce has come out in support of the Proposed Transportation Bond Referendum that will be on the Ballot for this year’s November 5th General Election.
The Chamber’s Board of Directors voted unanimously to support the $355 million Road Bond Referendum that will fully fund fixing Route 28 and fund other projects throughout the County. Those projects include $200 million for the Route 28 Bypass/Widening, $70 million for Minnieville Road and Prince William Parkway Interchange, $50 million for Devlin Road Widening, $20 million for Summit School Road Extension and $15 million for Old Bridge Road and Gordon Boulevard Intersection.
“I have said if before and will say it again, this is a now or never moment to fix one of the worst bottlenecks in the Region. All the voters have to do is Vote YES. The County has studied Route 28 improvements over the last decade and through those extensive studies they have identified a clear solution that will reduce congestion and travel times on Route 28,” said Ross Snare, Director of Communications and Government Affairs for the Prince William Chamber of Commerce.
“We are pleased that the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority, and specifically NVTA Chairman, Marty Nohe, already allocated $100 million in regional transportation funding to fix Route 28. However, without the additional $200 million that this referendum provides the Route 28 Project would be delayed indefinitely,” stated Bishop Lyle Dukes, Chairman of the Prince William Chamber of Commerce.
Mr. Snare continued, “We see the congestion and delays daily. All of these projects will alleviate congestion in the County. Right now Route 28 currently carries over 57,000 vehicles per day. If we do not vote YES, that number will reach over 76,000 a day by 2040. Also if we vote YES on this referendum, we will dramatically improve travel times by saving commuters over 40 minutes on Route 28 and alternate routes as well as take nearly 8,000 vehicles off the roads of Historic Downtown Manassas."
Contact: Ross Snare, email: rsnare@pwchamber.org - phone: 703-618-1422
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.
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!
Kat Reed named Ionia Chamber executive director
Kat Reed has spent the past few years honing skills she hopes benefits her as the new leader of the Ionia Area Chamber of Commerce.
Reed was named as the new executive director of the Ionia Area Chamber of Commerce. She replaces Bobbie Edlin, who resigned to take a position in the senior care industry in the Grand Rapids area.
Upon hearing she would receive the executive director position, Reed said she was “stoked.” She applied for the position after Tina ConnerWellman, executive director of Portland Downtown, left as the executive director of the Ionia Chamber in 2017.
“I took those last couple years and assessed what I need to work on to obtain a position like this,” Reed said.
Reed, 29, lives in Grand Rapids and began her role Monday, July 22. She grew up in Stanton and is an alumna of Central Montcalm High School. During that time, her sister lived in Ionia.
“I used to spend a lot of time here,” she said.
Reed attended Montcalm Community College and holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and leadership from Central Michigan University.
For the past six years, Reed has been employed by Candlestone Golf Resort in Belding. During her time at Candlestone, she transitioned from a part-time server to event coordinator in just three months before becoming director of events. For the past year, she has served as assistant general manager.
While at Candlestone, Reed has been involved with the Ionia Chamber as a representative.
Fun games, food, and $4 mimosas. It doesn’t get much better than this at Topgolf.
Ad by Topgolf
“I felt like it was a perfect job for me because it combines my ability to build wonderful relationships with people as well as my motivation for problem saving and leadership,” Reed said. “Being involved with the community is something that’s always been important to me.”
Event planning and execution, relationship development, problem solving, communication and leadership are Reed’s areas of expertise, she said.
Reed’s experience at Candlestone allowed her to become more confident and be involved with large groups, which she said will benefit her in her new job. She added she’s learned how to work with people and obtained skills in management.
“There’s always something going on so I feel I’ve learned lots of problem-solving skills as well,” she said.
Having only been on the job for a week, Reed said hasn’t yet developed specific goals as executive director but wants to work with the board and ambassadors on how to better serve the community.
Reed praised the work of Edlin and Chamber Event & Member Coordinator Kelsey Miller, who Reed said is leaving soon to work in the health care field. Reed said the people she’s worked with during her first week have been great.
“Everybody’s been supportive and positive and I really appreciate that,” Reed said. More: Ionia Sentinel-Standard
A local woman is taking her dream of improving Waupun to the next level as the recently hired executive director of the Waupun Area Chamber of Commerce.
Casey Despres, a Waupun resident who formerly lived in Ladoga, was named to the position Aug. 6. She graduated from Laconia High School and earned a bachelor of science degree in marketing, sales and entrepreneurship emphasis, from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.
Despres served as the Downtown Farmers Market manager for two seasons and was hired by the chamber earlier this year to assist with member relations and event promotion during previous Executive Director Ellie Tenpas’ maternity leave.
“This spring, Casey jumped in to the interim role with the chamber and successfully executed our Wine Walk and Golf Outing,” said Tyler Schulz of Werner-Harmsen, who serves as the president of the Waupun Area Chamber.
“At the same time, she partnered with the city’s Economic Development team to launch the 'Brave the Barrels Madison Street Loyalty Program' that encourages citizens to patronize downtown businesses in the path of construction. The chamber board voted in July to extend Casey’s interim position through the end of the calendar year to finish her work on this program. When we found out Ellie was not returning to the chamber and would be going back to work at REACH Waupun, we knew Casey would be an excellent permanent staff member for the chamber.”
In this expanded role, Despres will continue to serve as farmers market manager and be responsible for chamber communication, member relations, evaluating chamber membership and benefits. She'll serve as a liaison between the chamber and city for business-related topics, and work with the chamber’s Downtown Promotions Subcommittee to plan and promote events -- including Halloween on Main, Small Business Saturday, Avenue of Angels, the Waupunies business awards, wine walk, golf outing and Downtown Farmers Market.“I’ve met a wonderful group of business owners through my position with the farmers market and work with the chamber on an interim basis,” Despres said. “I’m thrilled to be the new executive director and to use this role to give back to Waupun. We have amazing businesses and I want to highlight our community as a great place to live, work and visit.”
Despres' roots are with the community.
“My entire work history took place in Waupun," she said." I connected with the chamber as a vendor for my canning business, The Pickled Patch, at the downtown farmers market."
“In my new position, I hope to help good things to happen in and around Waupun. It’s not going to happen overnight, but Waupun is a great city and I’ve always loved it. I’d like to see the whole area grow and flourish and I’m excited to be a part of making that happen.”
For contact information, Despres’ part-time office hours, or to learn more about the Waupun Area Chamber of Commerce, visit WaupunChamber.com or follow the organization at facebook.com/Waupun.area.chamber. Read more: Daily Citizen
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
