Gov. Rick Snyder speaks to Saginaw County Chamber crowd in 'Michigan's Little Bavaria'; Kansas City Chamber's new Big 5 goal targets KC's 'No. 1 economic tool'; Northfield Minnesota Chamber names Bornhauser as executive director; Springfield Chamber Award: Nominate someone special for 2014 Humanitarian Award; Chamber news: 50 Best Places to Live in the U. S. - #3. Carmel, Indiana; Chamber news: North Dakota extends lowest state unemployment rate to 69 months; Chamber Tweet of the Day: Greater OKC Chamber; Chamber Event: U of O Mutt Strutt approaches; 10 Questions to Ask on Your First Phone Call With Franchise Headquarters; Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation: (Attitude);

Gov. Rick Snyder speaks to Saginaw County Chamber crowd in 'Michigan's Little Bavaria'

Gov. Rick Snyder sought to illustrate how far the state has come when he spoke to a crowd of about 200 Saginaw County businessmen and women at Frankenmuth's Bavarian Inn Friday, Sept. 12.

To do that, he reminded them of the "terrible situation" the state was facing a few years ago.
"I think it's important to remind us where we were. We were a broken state, if you go back to 2009. We were broken in so many different ways," Snyder told the crowd at the Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce's "Out of the Frying Pan — a Legislative Luncheon" at the Bavarian Inn, One Covered Bridge Lane. Read more: M Live

Kansas City Chamber's new Big 5 goal targets KC's 'No. 1 economic tool'

When the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce hosted its "No Bad Ideas" gathering with regional leaders, the chamber's next "Big 5" initiative became clear.
"The overwhelming consensus from that session was that no single issue impacted the health and vitality of our regional community and regional workforce more than education," Chamber Chairwoman Roshann Parris said during the chamber's Wednesday luncheon. Read more: Kansas City Business Journal

Northfield Minnesota Chamber names Bornhauser as executive director

The Northfield Area Chamber of Commerce board of directors announced Tuesday that it has named Todd Bornhauser as its executive director. Bornhauser has nearly 15 years of chamber leadership experience and is a longtime Northfield resident. He will assume his role on Oct. 1.

According to a Chamber release, Bornhauser’s résumé boasts of a successful tenure in the hospitality industry, including time as president at the Lakeville Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau. During his time at the helm, Bornhauser helped to double the Lakeville Chamber’s membership base to more than 430 members and increased the operating budget to $335,000. Read more: Northfield News

Springfield Chamber Award: Nominate someone special for 2014 Humanitarian Award

Do you know any outstanding individuals who have made a long-term commitment to better their communities? People who have contributed not just money, but their minds and their time to the causes they hold dear?
If so, please consider nominating them for the 2014 Humanitarian Award. This will be the 25th year for this award, and the winner will join an outstanding roster of Ozarkers who represent a diverse range of interests and causes. Read more: Springfield News-Leader

Chamber news: 50 Best Places to Live in the U. S. - #3. Carmel, Indiana

When Carmel’s mayor, Jim Brainard, first ran for office nearly 20 years ago, he says he heard a common request: “People said it would be nice if we didn’t have to drive to have a nice dinner or see a show.”
His vision: Borrow the walkable, culture-filled model of the great European cities by re­vitalizing the downtown, replacing intersections with roundabouts (there are now about 90), and bringing in more performing arts.
Today residents of this perennially well-ranked city (it was No. 1 on our 2012 list) can hear local symphony or travel­ing acts at the Palladium, a 1,600-seat concert hall in the style of Venetian architect Andrea Pal-ladio, or see theater or dance at the Tarkington and Studio theaters. Money Magazine

Chamber news: North Dakota extends lowest state unemployment rate to 69 months

While the nation struggles with unemployment, and small new job numbers, one state stands alone in job growth. For more than five years, North Dakota has lead the nation with the lowest rate of unemployment. Read more: Digital Journal 

Chamber Tweet of the Day: Greater OKC Chamber

Greater OKC Chamber ‏@okcchamber 16h16 hours ago

Boeing to add up to 900 positions in Oklahoma City: http://ow.ly/C5xxP 

 

Chamber Event: U of O Mutt Strutt approaches

The Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce invites you to hit the trails with your four-legged family members for the 3rd annual University of Okoboji Mutt Strutt Saturday, Oct. 4.
It's a fun and fur-filled one-mile walk begins at the Pearson Lakes Art Center at 8:30 a.m.
People and their pooches will strut their stuff over to the Dickinson County Nature Center and then back to the Art Center for a pet/owner look alike contest, best pet trick showdown and cutest mutt show!Read more: Dickinson County News

 

10 Questions to Ask on Your First Phone Call With Franchise Headquarters

By FranchiseKing, Guest Blogger

Published: September 16, 2014

It may end up being the most important phone call you’ll ever have as it relates to your decision to become your own boss.
The phone call I’m referring to: your first call with a representative from franchise headquarters of the franchise concept you’re interested in learning about.
In this post, I’m going to prepare you for the call and provide some great questions to ask the franchise sales representative, so you can determine if the franchise you’re interested in could be a good fit for you.
The Call
A conference call with the franchise salesperson will be scheduled after you request information from the company. It’s the only way to get the details and some of your preliminary questions answered. The franchisor’s website may be informative, but talking with a representative of the franchisor really needs to happen if you’re serious about getting the facts.
The first phone call is usually a friendly, “let’s get to know one another” type of call. You’ll be asked questions about your career, your reasons for wanting to be your own boss and other things that relate to your interest in the opportunity. You’ll also be asked some money questions; the salesperson wants to make sure you’re financially qualified to buy their franchise.
Next, it will be your turn to ask some questions about the franchise concept. Here are 10 good ones:

1. How long has the franchise company been in business?
2. How long has the franchise salesperson been with the company?
3. How many franchise units does the company currently have?
4. What does the franchisor look for in a franchisee?
5. What is the total investment?
6. Is there territory available in your area?
7. How long will it take to go through everything you need to know* and make a decision?
8. Does the franchisor offer financing?
9. What is the failure rate?
10. What does the future hold for this franchise concept? Read more: SBA.gov

Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation: (Attitude)

“When the winds of change blow, some people build walls, others build windmills.”

~Chinese proverb

 

Goldman Sachs is looking to help 10,000 small businesses with a $500 MILLION investment; St Louis Regional Chamber Public Policy Speaker Series features Tom Schweich, Missouri State Auditor; Chamber news: National honor for north Iowa business leader Robin Anderson; Faribault, Minnesota Chamber of Commerce welcome new teachers to town; Chamber Finance: North Dakota and South Dakota lead the nation for credit conditions; Chamber news: 2014 Indiana Governor's Conference for Women: Community. Connection. Inspiration!; Chamber Directory or Map; Chamber Tweet of the Day: Driverless Cars Retweeted by Detroit Chamber; Chamber proud: Norfolk, Nebraska named ‘Community of the Year’; St. Charles, IL prepares for Chamber of Commerce Week; Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation (Education) Albert Einstein

Chamber business incentives: Goldman Sachs is looking to help 10,000 small businesses with a $500 MILLION investment

The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program is a $500 million investment to help small businesses create jobs and economic opportunity by providing them with greater access to business education, financial capital, and business support services. 10,000 Small Businesses is designed for business owners with limited resources who have a business poised for growth. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to growing their business and creating jobs within their community. Learn more about this program and eligibility requirements. Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce

Further information: 10,000 Small Businesses 

St Louis Regional Chamber Public Policy Speaker Series features Tom Schweich, Missouri State Auditor

St. Louis Regional Chamber Public Policy Speaker Series features Missouri State Auditor Tom Schweich on Tuesday, September 16th - 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Chamber's Regional Collaboration Center located at One Metropolitan Square - 13th Floor 211 N. Broadway St. Louis, MO  63102

Chamber news: National honor for north Iowa business leader Robin Anderson

The President and CEO of the Mason City Chamber of Commerce has been appointed to a national committee. Robin Anderson is one of ten new executives named to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Committee of 100.  The group advises the U.S. Chamber’s board of directors, recommends programming and strengthens outreach to the business and chamber communities. Get more: KIMT.com

Faribault, Minnesota Chamber of Commerce welcome new teachers to town

As class started this week for all Faribault schools, many students may have come across unfamiliar faces. More than a hundred new teachers and administrators stepped into classrooms across town.

Seventy-five of those were in the Faribault Public Schools District and 30 between Shattuck-St. Mary’s, Cannon River STEM, Bethlehem Academy and Discovery Public School, for a total of 105 new teachers and administrators.

To welcome the new staff to town, the Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism provided welcome bags to each individual which were full of goodies to help acquaint the educators with Faribault. Read more: Faribault Daily News

Chamber Finance: North Dakota and South Dakota lead the nation for credit conditions

How is the economy doing? It depends on where you look. In some states, people are practically choking on credit problems, while in others, serious financial difficulties are relatively rare.

For example, more than one out of every 500 homes in Florida is in foreclosure, while foreclosures are virtually unheard of in North Dakota. Similar differences exist for credit ratings, bankruptcies, unemployment rates and credit card delinquencies.

To factor all this in and determine the best and worst states for credit conditions, CardRatings.com looked at the following:

• Average credit scores from Equifax
• Foreclosure rates from RealtyTrac
• Credit card delinquency rates from TransUnion
• Unemployment rates from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
• Bankruptcy rates from the American Bankruptcy Institute

Based on a combination of all these factors, the following are the best and worst states for credit conditions.

The best states for credit conditions

1. North Dakota. The economy in North Dakota continues to thrive, and credit conditions are excellent as a result. North Dakota has the lowest rates of foreclosures, credit card delinquencies, and unemployment in the United States. It has the second-lowest number of bankruptcies per capita, and the third highest average credit score. In other words, by any measure credit conditions in North Dakota are practically unbeatable.

2. (tie) South Dakota. Clearly, some of North Dakota's economic boom is rubbing off on its neighbor to the south. Having top-10 rankings in all the categories of this study lifted South Dakota into a tie for the No. 2 slot. Read more: CardRatings.com

Chamber news: 2014 Indiana Governor's Conference for Women: Community. Connection. Inspiration!

See and share our new video showcasing the life-changing day we’re putting together at the Indiana Governor’s Conference for Women on October 21st. Get immersed in a groundbreaking program led by business experts on today’s hottest topics – from building your confidence and sparkling in the spotlight to building a thriving business.

Chamber Directory or Map

Get a free estimate for a chamber map, community profile or membership directory. Call John Dussman at (800)-600-0134 x239 or email jdussman.vp@villageprofilemail.com. If your chamber has 500 members or more, please ask about our no-cost option.

Chamber Tweet of the Day: Driverless Cars Retweeted by Detroit Chamber

 

MICHauto ‏@MICHauto 3h

.@chevrolet's concept, zero-emission, driverless cars. #MichiganIsAuto #ITSWC14 pic.twitter.com/mN7x19jfos

Chamber proud: Norfolk, Nebraska named ‘Community of the Year’

And the winner is . . . Norfolk.

The hub of Northeast Nebraska was named “Community of the Year” on Friday at the 47th annual Nebraska Diplomats’ “Passport Weekend” here. A large contingent of business and community leaders from Norfolk was on hand to accept the accolade presented by Gov. Dave Heineman.

Among those representing Norfolk were Mayor Sue Fuchtman; Mark Zimmerer, president of the Norfolk Area Chamber of Commerce; Courtney Dentlinger, who heads the City of Norfolk’s economic development efforts; and Lee Klein, Madison County commissioner.  Read more: Norfolk Daily News

St. Charles, IL prepares for Chamber of Commerce Week

St. Charles Mayor Ray Rogina has proclaimed Sept. 8 through 12, as Chamber of Commerce Week, according to a news release issued Thursday. The St. Charles Chamber of Commerce Chamber has joined the Illinois Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives in celebrating this special recognition of the contributions chambers of commerce make to Illinois civic and economic life, the release stated.

“Chambers of commerce have contributed to the civic and economic life in Illinois for 176 years since the Galena Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1838," Rogina said, according to the release. "Chambers of commerce encourage the growth of existing industries, services, and commercial firms and encourage new businesses and individuals to locate in Illinois.” Read more: Kane County Chronicle

Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation (Education)

“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”--- Albert Einstein

Detroit Chamber Tweet Contest going on now: "What are some of your favorite businesses in Detroit?";Chamber news: North Dakota: Legendary Among States; Missouri: New Chamber President on Springfield’s Future, Right to Work; Chamber non-dues revenue: Barrington IL Area Chamber of Commerce: Are you ready for some football?; Chickasha Chamber State of Education breakfast discusses visions for future; Minneapolis Regional Chamber event: Huddle with the Vikings! Little Rock Chamber's Chesshir: Startup Ecosystem Can Bring Downtown to Life; McCook Area Chamber Nebraska reviews top priorities; Murphyboro, IL Chamber Event: Blues Festival set for September 21; Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation: (Your Life's Goals )

Detroit Chamber Tweet Contest going on now: "What are some of your favorite businesses in Detroit?"

Description: Starting Monday, August 4, the Chamber will begin accepting responses to the question: “What are some of your favorite businesses in Detroit? Why? Enter to win a $5 @GiftDetroit313 gift card.”

How to Enter: Tweet at the Detroit Regional Chamber (@detroitchamber) the answer to the question in 140 characters or less.

For example, “@detroitchamber Lafayette Coney Island because they have the world’s best coney!”

On Friday, August 29, at 5 p.m., five tweets will be randomly chosen to receive $5 Gift Detroit certificates that can be redeemed at any of the 50 local businesses participating in the program. Winners will be direct messaged and will have 48 hours to respond. Prizes will be mailed to the lucky winners.

Prizes: $5 Gift Detroit certificates to 5 winners

To learn more about Gift Detroit or to purchase Gift Detroit certificates, click here.

Chamber news: North Dakota: Legendary Among States

Residents highly satisfied with economy, education, air quality

 "Oil boom" is probably the first phrase that comes to mind when one thinks about North Dakota. Yet North Dakotans see their state as much more than oil. They are highly satisfied with their schools, their air quality, their ability to find a quality job, and their overall standard of living.Read more: Gallup Politics

Missouri: New Chamber President on Springfield’s Future, Right to Work

The new president and CEO of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce is expected to be in place this fall. On Wednesday, the Chamber announced the appointment of Matt Morrow to the post. KSMU’s Alissa Zhu spoke with the Bolivar native and has this report. Morrow attended college in his home town at Southwest Baptist University. A radio broadcaster in the 1990s, Morrow then expanded his horizons to politics.

He worked as an aid for then-Missouri Senator John Ashcroft and lived in Washington D.C. for a number of years, returning to Missouri to serve as the CEO of the Homebuilders Association of Greater Springfield. Morrow held the position for 12 years before accepting the position of executive vice president and CEO of the Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders. More: KSMU Ozarks Public Radio

Chamber non-dues revenue: Barrington IL Area Chamber of Commerce: Are you ready for some football?

Get Your Monday Night Football  Raffle Books Before September 8! Kick-off is September 8 for the 2014 Monday Night Football season, so be sure to stop by the Chamber office this week to get your MNF Raffle Books! Every week of the season gives you a chance to win $50 - and $100 for the Super Bowl!

The Monday Night Football raffle brings you and your friends added fun and excitement throughout the season for just $20 per book. And you don't even have to keep track of the scores - we do it for you! If your book is a winner, we'll mail your check the week immediately following the game.

 

Chickasha Chamber State of Education breakfast discusses visions for future

Visionaries in the local education and business worlds met for breakfast on Monday morning to discuss education in Oklahoma.

The Chickasha Chamber of Commerce hosted a "State of Education" breakfast a the Canadian Valley Technology Center. The speakers were three leaders from the prominent schools of Chickasha: Dr. John H. Feaver, University of Science and Art Oklahoma President, David Cash, Superintendent of Chickasha Public Schools and Dr. Greg Z. Winters, Superintendent of Canadian Valley Technology Center. Read more: The Express-Star

Minneapolis Regional Chamber event: Huddle with the Vikings!

Join the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce and Meet Minneapolis for breakfast with the Minnesota Vikings. Radio personality Paul Allen will interview players Greg Jennings and Brian Robison about the current season of play and working for a new coach.  Executive Vice President & General Manager, Rick Spielman will comment on the state of the organization, plus an update on the new Minnesota Multi-Purpose Stadium by Lester Bagley. Get information: Minneapolis Regional Chamber

Little Rock Chamber's Chesshir: Startup Ecosystem Can Bring Downtown to Life

Jay Chesshir wants to see the Main Street corridor in Little Rock return to the bustling days when downtown was the center of commerce in the city.

It's well on its way. The nascent Main Street creative corridor and Little Rock technology park are revealing signs of life, but Chesshir, president of the Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce, believes the continued development of Little Rock's burgeoning tech-based startup ecosystem can help get it there.

The major players in his big-picture vision include resources such as Innovate Arkansas, the Arkansas Venture Center, the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub, the ARK Challenge startup accelerator, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, the BioVentures incubator at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Arkansas Children's Hospital Research Institute and the National Center for Toxicological Research in Jefferson, which is working with the state's research-producing universities to commercialize its federal research.Read more: Arkansas Business

Indiana Chamber Names New Research and Foundation Leader 

A fundraising professional with recent ties to Ball State University is the new executive director of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

Christy Huston had been serving as director of development for the Miller College of Business at Ball State. In that role, she worked as a foundation fundraiser for the College. Previously, she was the executive director of a local K-12 education foundation and director of development of a statewide nonprofit organization.

This is Huston’s second stint with the Indiana Chamber, having lobbied for the organization on economic development issues from 1988-1995. A Brownsburg resident, Huston holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Indiana University.

“Christy has worked extensively with donors, frequently teaming with the dean of the Business School and recently retired President Gora. She brings extensive experience in foundation fundraising and administration, plus possesses a strong understanding of pro-jobs, pro-economy public policy. We are thrilled to welcome her back in this important position,” says Indiana Chamber President and CEO Kevin Brinegar. Read more: Indiana Chamber

McCook Area Chamber Nebraska reviews top priorities

The McCook Area Chamber of Commerce board of directors will take another look at the chamber's goals, mission statement, and overall direction at their next meeting in September.

The makeup of the chamber board is continually evolving, as well as recent changes in staffing at the Chamber office.

For that reason, it is very important that the board set clear priorities for staff, according to Chamber Director Tacie, Fawver.

She encourages any chamber member to share their ideas with her or with a chamber board member. The board will also be reviewing feedback from a 2012 survey of chamber members to assist in the goal-setting session.Read More: McCook Gazette

Murphyboro, IL Chamber Event: Blues Festival set for September 21 

The Murphysboro Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with the Southern Illinois Blues Society, is happy to announce the Murphysboro Riverside Blues Festival.

The festival is scheduled for Saturday, September 21 at the historic Riverside Park Bandshell in Murphysboro. The Festival will feature over eight hours of American blues music. Read more: Murphysboro American

Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation: (Your Life's Goals )

Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?  Poet Mary Oliver