Chamber of Commerce Daily News

Town Square Publications (https://www.townsquarepublications.com) publishes two hundred world class turn-key chamber directories, community guides and maps annually at no cost to the chamber of commerce. We are Employee-Owned & part of the Daily Herald Media Group.149 years old and thriving through innovation daily. Chamber of Commerce Daily News follows chamber news, education, economic development, chamber jobs, and other related chamber issues/events. Best, John Dussman

Showing posts with label Northern Kentucky Chamber. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 7, 2020

Day One Payroll Protection Program (PPP) Lending - What Happened, and What You Need to Know - From Mike Paone - Joliet Chamber: Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) Releases COVID-19 Employer Toolkit; Indy Chamber launches campaign to support local businesses during stay-at-home order; Oakland Community College Donates Personal Protective Equipment to Beaumont Hospital System; Ventilators also donated to Henry Ford and Ascension Health Systems; #Look for the helpers - Volunteer in Your Community with the Arlington Chamber; Northern Kentucky Chamber Livestream Series to Address Workplace Emergency Planning; Sunday Focus: How will CARES Act help local businesses?; Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best Chamber Partner in the U.S.

Chamber of Commerce Daily News presented by Town Square Publications https://buff.ly/2NL8sDu - your local chamber report 04-07-20

Good morning #ChamberWorld! #Lookforthehelpers! Listen to the good news! Start the Recovery! Make a small win today and huge wins tomorrow! Build the future now! It's going to be a GREAT day!

Day One Payroll Protection Program (PPP) Lending - What Happened, and What You Need to Know - From Mike Paone - Joliet Chamber -

Chamber Members:

As we move into full week #3 of the stay at home directive, we hope that you are your organization are remaining well and healthy. We have a few new updates to share today, including some issues with the first day of PPP lending that were addressed by Senator Rubio. Also, two more banks that have asked to be listed on our PPP lending list. For other financial institutions that have not reached out yet and would like to be listed, please send an email to mpaone@jolietchamber.com and include Bank Name, Representative to contact, and a phone number.

Senator Marco Rubio, chief co-sponsor of the CARES Act, posted a thirteen-part thread outlining many of the impediments seen on day one of the PPP program and how they can/will be fixed. See Senator Rubio's comments below:

Day one saw complications you would expect with unprecedented $349 BILLION emergency plan passed just 7 days ago
Despite this as of 6:06 pm Friday 13,669 Small Business owners received PPP loans valued at more than $4.3B. However, a number of outstanding issues to address
On Friday we had various & extensive conversations with SBA & US Treasury about the issues that emerged on day one of PPP loans. I expect that early next week they will be releasing additional guidance that should provide clarity & help resolve many of these issues
First issue is that for now most banks only provide #PPP loans to existing clients because the SBA interim final rule only exempts money- laundering requirements for existing customers. But that makes it difficult for Small Business if they are denied by their bank.
The good news is multiple FinTechs including PayPal & other online lenders are ready, able & willing to process #PPP loans for them & anyone else. But they need the US Treasury to release applications for nonbank lenders to become certified. I expect that very early next week.
Second issue is that because of requirement in SBA interim final rule that lenders hold loans for 7 weeks before they can be purchased, we will need a purchase mechanism through US Treasury or federal reserve ASAP in order for community banks & FinTech to make #PPP loans
Third issue is that in order for lenders to confidently participate they need further clarity on SBA affiliation rules for Small Business & 501(c)(3) - Inconsistency on general eligibility requirements for #PPP loans I expect that very early next week as well
Fourth issue is that the SBA interim final rule has contradicting guidance determining whether Small Business owners should include independent contractors 1099’s in payroll cost calculation.
Fifth issue is that In calculating avg monthly payroll to determine #PPP loans amount we need SBA to make clear our intent when writing the bill that gross payroll would be applied to calculation to ensure federal tax withholding & FICA burden isn’t on small business
Sixth issue is that E-Tran, the SBA internal system for loan applications has been slow due to the volume of applications Friday. SBA has contracted with Amazon Web Services to ensure E-Tran system issues are resolved moving forward.
Seventh issue is that some community banks have reported issues with accessing the AWS portal which SBA uses to provide access to non-SBA lenders. We have discussed this also with SBA which assured us they are addressing this problem.
Eighth issue is money. Based on the demand we saw on Day One it is clear we will need more money for #PPP by late May. Our rough estimate is that if 2/3 of the lenders that will participate in #PPP loans aren’t up & running yet, the $349 billion will run out around 6 June.
When you launch something this unprecedented & far reaching, just 7 days after it became law, you are going to have some problems. The GOOD NEWS is every problem we saw on Day One of #PPP loans can be fixed. We will stay on it to make sure it gets better each day forward.

More information: Joliet Chamber of Commerce

Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) Releases COVID-19 Employer Toolkit

Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) – the combined state chamber, manufacturers’ association and safety council – released its COVID-19 Employer Toolkit on Thursday to further help employers navigate the difficult circumstances that the COVID-19 pandemic has created. This toolkit will help businesses by providing the latest and most relevant information, helpful resources and answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.

WMC’s COVID-19 Employer Toolkit Includes:

Coronavirus Small Business Guide, Loan Resources & Guidance
Unemployment Insurance
Federal Paid Leave Changes under FFCRA
Work Share – A current state solution to help employers avoid layoffs
Federal CARES Act Summary
WMC Resources
Frequently Asked Questions

During this public health emergency, WMC has been the key player in keeping our state’s business community informed and connected.

Click here to view the full news release.

Indy Chamber launches campaign to support local businesses during stay-at-home order

The state of Indiana is under a stay-at-home order until 11:59 p.m. on April 6 to help flatten the curve of the coronavirus pandemic.

During this two-week period, many businesses considered to be “non-essential” were ordered closed for that time period. Also, restaurants, while they can remain open, have only be allowed to conduct delivery or carry out orders.

This has taken a toll on small businesses.

To help and try to alleviate some of that pain, the Indy Chamber has launched a new social media campaign to connect local businesses with people who want to support them.

The Indy Chamber wants people to begin using #BuyIndy online. Also, Indy Chamber wants small business owners to upload a vertical video to BuyIndy.org explaining how the public can buy things from them.

Indy Chamber will then share these videos on its social media using #BuyIndy. Read more: WISH TV

Oakland Community College Donates Personal Protective Equipment to Beaumont Hospital System;
Ventilators also donated to Henry Ford and Ascension Health Systems

Oakland Community College will donate much-needed Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to Beaumont Health System this week, with plans pending to deliver additional PPE to other Oakland County-area health systems. The Beaumont delivery will include exam gloves, masks, and goggles culled from the OCC Nursing, Emergency Medical Services, Dental Hygiene, Science, Art and Welding programs. In addition, OCC will loan two ventilators each to Henry Ford Health System and two ventilators to Ascension Health System from its Respiratory Therapy program. “We recognized a need in our community and worked quickly to gather as many items as we could from our campus instructional clinics and labs. Read more: Birmingham-Bloomfield Chamber Member Postings

#Lookforthehelpers - Volunteer in Your Community with the Arlington Chamber

Over the past couple of weeks, the needs of our community have drastically changed and been redefined due to the coronavirus pandemic. During this time, it is important that the community comes together to find ways to support each other. Due to this, the Chamber has created a new format for our annual Arlington Chamber Volunteer Day to meet the current needs of our nonprofits, who’ve been especially hard-hit, and our broader community.

This year, the event will take place with a virtual kickoff on Tuesday, April 21 at 12:00 p.m. Following the kickoff, businesses will be paired with nonprofit organizations for projects, and nonprofits will be providing projects that are virtual in nature for the volunteers. The changes incorporated in this year’s event are in accordance with the CDC guidelines to ensure that participants are practicing social distancing.

We encourage nonprofits to register as a project site and volunteers to sign up by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 3 by submitting the project site form or volunteer form to events@arlingtonchamber.org.

VOLUNTEER FORM

PROJECT SITE FORM

Event Information

Date: Tuesday, April 21

Time:

12:00-12:30 p.m. Virtual Kickoff

1:00-4:00 p.m. Volunteer Projects

Volunteer projects will be virtual in accordance with the CDC guidelines. Project instructions will be provided for each group.

Registration:

Nonprofits can register as a project site here. Volunteers can register here. Forms must be received by Friday, April 3 at 5:00 p.m.

Event Questions?

Olivia McKay

Operations Manager

chamber@arlingtonchamber.org

(703) 525-2400

Northern Kentucky Chamber Livestream Series to Address Workplace Emergency Planning

The Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce’s (NKY Chamber) Workplace Safety Livestream Series, will continue Wednesday, April 15 with its fourth installment, “Workplace Emergency Planning.”

Led by Ron Hopkins, instructor for Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) Workforce Development & Community Engagement, the livestream will cover evacuation and emergency action planning in the event of a workplace emergency such as flood, fire, hurricane, tornado, civil disruption or workplace violence. Virtual attendees will walk away with knowledge on the key elements of a good emergency plan, fall protection, and resources for on-going training.

“Having a well-thought out plan of action could be the difference in saving employee lives,” said Hopkins.

In addition to addressing emergency planning, Hopkins will discuss additional safety classes and certifications offered by EKU Workforce Development & Community Engagement and how it can be a resource for employers.

Participants in the livestream will have the opportunity to submit questions anonymously prior to each streaming at www.nkychamber.com/events. All sessions are archived on the NKY Chamber’s website after airing.

While the complete Workplace Safety Livestream schedule is still under development, the next session will be on Wednesday, May 20.

Workplace Safety Livestream Series will run from 11:00-11:30 a.m. and is free to view, though advanced registration is required. To view the upcoming Workplace Safety Livestream schedule, or to register for the upcoming broadcast, visit www.nkychamber.com/events.

Sunday Focus: How will CARES Act help local businesses?

By email, by video and by blog posts, Natchez business leaders are reaching out in every conceivable way to inform local business owners and employees about the benefits available from the federal government.

A little more than a week ago, President Trump signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

The $2.2 trillion relief package offers a variety of measures to support individuals and businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic downturn.

Only a week old, the treasury department, banks and others were scrambling to finalize the rules and regulations for many of the provisions in the law.

Local business organizations such as the Natchez-Adams County Chamber of Commerce, Concordia Chamber of Commerce and Natchez Inc. are equally scrambling to get out the latest updates from the federal government.

“We are learning daily,” Natchez Inc. Director Chandler Russ said Friday. “We are trying to put that information in front of the business community as we get it.”

Russ said the Natchez Inc. website has direct links to the forms and applications necessary for those who want to take advantage of the law.

Natchez-Adams County Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Debbie Hudson said the chamber is also trying to help local businesses make sense of the new law.

Friday morning, the chamber hosted a virtual Friday Forum on the CARES Act on Facebook. Silas Simmons partner Peyton Cavin detailed major provisions of the CARES Act and answered questions from those who watched the video live online.

“Peyton helps give (local businesses owners) a familiar face versus somebody in Washington, D.C.,” Hudson said. Read more: Natchez Democrat

Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best Chamber Partner 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

Tuesday, July 2, 2019

Terre Haute Chamber Named 2019 Indiana Chamber of the Year; Shan Sheridan Named 2019 Indiana Chamber Executive of the Year; #FamousChamber Of Commerce Quotations: (Be happy!); 5 Star Chamber: Rapid City Area Chamber of Commerce 2018 Community Guide & Membership Directory; Mecosta County chamber director Jennifer Heinzman leaving position; Enter by July 8 for a chance to win $200K - 1 Million dollars in total prizes - SBA Investing in Maker Space - Creating a Skilled Workforce; South Suburban Chamber of Commerce 2018 Community Resource Guide & Business Directory; From Champaign County Chamber: OSHA's Campaign to Prevent Heat Illness in Outdoor Workers / Heat Safety Tool; From WMC Morning Digest: Foxconn Releases New Invitations to Bid; Eastern Shore Tourism Commission Agreement Extended Another Year; Northern Kentucky Chamber now has Weekly Newscast; Rochester Regional Chamber: Introducing the DipJar!; East Mississippi Business Development Corporation wins a $250,000 grant from the Mississippi Development Authority; 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!

Terre Haute Chamber Named 2019 Indiana Chamber of the Year

Terre Haute Chamber Goes “All IN”; Named 2019 Indiana Chamber of the Year, Receives Multiple Awards

The Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce was awarded top honors by the Indiana Chamber Executives Association (ICEA), naming the organization 2019 Indiana Chamber of the Year.

The award, sponsored by Old National Bank, was announced at the ICEA annual conference, hosted June 19-21 in Clarksville, Ind.

In a release about the awards, ICEA explains the Terre Haute Chamber “…exceled this past year with great growth and regional leadership… Advocacy has become the largest selling point for this chamber. The organization led the collaboration to develop a six-county regional approach to not only LEAD the region, but to CHANGE it… On the local level, the Chamber realized that the organization serving the downtown area was struggling, so they took action by adopting this downtown focus as a subset of the Chamber. This partnership has been recognized by the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs with grant funding… At the state level, this chamber organized to enhance business and economic growth in the area through the Chamber’s initiative ‘Terre Haute is All In.’ which supports a casino in Terre Haute. Terre Haute is All In . . . and state legislators heard that message loud and clear. The Terre Haute collaboration helped lead Governor Eric Holcomb to signing the gaming bill in May 2019.” To read the full announcement from ICEA click here.

Terre Haute Chamber President David Haynes, who will retire at the end of the month, says the award was the perfect way to celebrate his five years at the Terre Haute Chamber.

“As I listened to the list of recent accomplishments at the presentation, I realized what a team effort they have been both within the Chamber and with its local partners,” he said. “I am also convinced that the best is yet to come.”

Chamber Vice President Kristin Craig will replace Haynes as Chamber President beginning July 1. During the three-day conference, a board of Chamber leaders also voted to add Craig to the ICEA Board of Directors.

Along with the Chamber of the Year distinction, Terre Haute was one of eleven chambers to receive recognition for “outstanding effort with communications excellence”. The Chamber’s advocacy focused initiative, Terre Haute Is All In, was honored with the award. The marketing campaign supported a casino in Terre Haute and was a collaboration between the Chamber and communications and legislative lobbying firm, RJL Solutions.

“Our team at RJL was beyond excited to hear that Terre Haute Is All In won ICEA’s Best Marketing Campaign,” says Betsy Peperak, Director of Strategic Communications at RJL Solutions. “While we certainly saw the impact of the brand in generating support from citizens and educating legislators, seeing its success recognized in the form of a statewide award is very rewarding. Thank you to the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce for trusting us with this campaign.”

ICEA is a statewide organization with the purpose is to establish a strong network of professionals leading local chambers of commerce in Indiana. From valuable benchmarking resources to sample templates and peer mentors, ICEA members are part of a network that will support the growth and development of each staff member at the local chamber. Read more: Terre Haute Chamber

Shan Sheridan Named 2019 Indiana Chamber Executive of the Year

Shan Sheridan, Executive Director of the Clinton County Chamber of Commerce, was named the 2019 Indiana Chamber Executive of the Year through the professional peer network serving chamber professionals from throughout Indiana. The award, sponsored by Old National Bank, was presented at the 2019 Annual Conference for the Indiana Chamber Executives Association (ICEA).

Sheridan is a veteran in the industry, having more than ten years of experience leading the chamber. He has led changes and invited innovations in many ways. To name a few successes in the past year: 2019 marks phase two of the Iron Block building renovation, the Iron Block Engagement and Innovation Hub, a $160 million expansion of Frito-Lay (one of the largest rural projects in America), the $38 million expansion of Donaldson Company and continuation of the E-Factor radio program on Saturday mornings.

This year’s recipient is also always working to support training and education of the county’s residents, especially youth, in efforts to encourage and retain employees in the county. As is true in many communities, this area has a problem with opioids and meth. People coming out of jail often find the same friends with the same drugs and no hope for change. This city did not have a facility to help these men grow to a better life and future. This year’s recipient was on the team to form the first residential, male, drug rehab facility. It will start with forty-four beds and be expandable to about double that amount.

A nomination letter read that Sheridan ‘leads by serving. He is an expert of selling the vision. As anyone in the Chamber profession know, that is the key. Once the vision is sold the rest falls into place.’ In the past 6 months, the Chamber through Sheridan’s leadership has helped secure a quarter billion dollars of investment in Clinton County.

In addition to his numerous duties as Chamber Executive Director, Sheridan is also Pastor of New Hope Church, the Economic Development Director for Clinton County, on the West Central IU Health Board of Directors, President of the YMCA, a youth sports coach, past president of Frankfort Kiwanis, and a radio sports announcer. He volunteers numerous hours to the Clinton County community. Read more: ClintonCountyDailyNews.com

#FamousChamber Of Commerce Quotations: (Be happy!)

“If you want happiness for an hour — take a nap.'
If you want happiness for a day — go fishing.
If you want happiness for a year — inherit a fortune.
If you want happiness for a lifetime — help someone else.”

---Chinese Proverb

5 Star Chamber: Rapid City Area Chamber of Commerce 2018 Community Guide & Membership Directory

The Rapid City Area Chamber of Commerce 2018 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!

Rapid City 2019 Community Guide And Membership Directory

Mecosta County chamber director Jennifer Heinzman leaving position

In 7 1/2 years as executive director of the Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce, Jennifer Heinzman said she did all she set out to do.

That includes moving the chamber into a state-of-the-art, 3,000-square-foot building in downtown Big Rapids two years ago, and being named Outstanding Chamber of the Year by the Michigan Association of Chamber Professionals in 2016.

It’s a big reason why Heinzman, 44, last week announced her resignation from the position. Heinzman said she’s moving her and her family to Grand Rapids to take a similar position, but did not specify her plans beyond that.

“I want to make it clear — I don’t think they’re just my accomplishments. We’ve done some big things, and like they say, it takes a village. We have a great team here,” Heinzman said Monday. “For me, it’s just time to move on. It doesn’t feel like there’s a whole lot left that needs to be done. I feel like I’m leaving the chamber in a much better position than when I got it.”

A Michigan native, Heinzman spent most of her childhood in Florida before moving back up north and attending Central Michigan University. She received bachelor’s and master’s degrees at CMU, then took a job as the executive director of the Clare Area Chamber of Commerce, where she stayed 5 1/2 years before being recruited to take the same job at the Mecosta chamber in 2011.

One of Heinzman’s proudest accomplishments, she said, was helping with planning the building that would become the Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau, when it opened in 2017.

For many years, she said, the chamber was located in a former house-turned-office — an old building which has since been demolished, located next to the current State Street Scoops business. Several committees had been formed in the past to explore the possibility of a new building for the chamber, but the project never got off the ground.

“We were getting all these surveys back from our members, all saying the same thing — we need a new building. I said, ‘Let’s just do it. We’ve had all these excuses for years, but now is the time,'” Heinzman said. “I think it took getting the right people on the bus and working hard. It took us three years, from beginning to end, and now we have a building that will last 50 years.”

Big Rapids Mayor and chamber member Tom Hogenson credited Heinzman with having the determination to get the job done and helping raise the money to do it — the chamber’s share of the expenses was $187,000.

“Everyone knew it was needed, but this time, the community ended up really getting behind it. It was a big project and her leadership was a big part of it,” Hogenson said. “The chamber is going to miss her. She’s done great work. But I’d be extremely surprised if she didn’t do well in whatever she does next. She’s just that kind of person.” Read more: BigRapidsNews.com

Enter by July 8 for a chance to win $200K - 1 Million dollars in total prizes - SBA Investing in Maker Space - Creating a Skilled Workforce

By Ashley D. Bell, Region IV Administrator U.S. Small Business Administration Covering: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee Makerspaces are located in every corner of the world, creating an opportunity for entrepreneurs to thrive using their own innovative techniques. There are nearly 500 official makerspaces designated in the SBA’s Southeast Region, and each one brings an opportunity for training and educating a skilled workforce and adding jobs to our ever-growing economy.

And the U.S. Small Business Administration is launching a new competition that will invest in their continued success.

We have heard about makerspaces for a few years, but what are they really? A makerspace is a community area that contains innovative tools and components, allowing people to enter with an idea and leave with a complete project. The space must be either open to the public or available for outside partnerships. The goal is to work together to learn, collaborate and share creative products. Maker spaces allow us to explore, create new things, or improve things that already exist. A space may include 3-D printing, hardware, software, metal-working, handicrafts, design thinking, repurposed trash, farming, etc. The opportunities are endless. By utilizing these spaces, communities are able to build new skills and boost jobs that provide a pathway into America’s middle class.

The SBA is investing in the success of makerspaces through the new MaTCH (Makerspace Training, Collaboration and Hiring) competition. It will award $1 million in total prizes to applicants who will create or expand programs with job-specific and soft skills training within existing makerspaces. This means the SBA is investing in a skilled workforce of the future. The goal is to have all program graduates immediately placed in positions with previously identified employers that need skilled labor.

The MaTCH competition’s winning proposals will be selected based on the following tiered approach:
 Seed: Up to $25,000 will be awarded to seed small workforce development programs.
 Proof of Principle: Up to $100,000 will be awarded to grow programs with a proven history of training and/or workforce development.
 Scale: Up to $200,000 will be awarded for capacity building of successful existing programs with a strong history of training and/or workforce development. This winner would also have graduated participants in at least two training cycles.

To apply and to find detailed information on this competition, please visit www.sba.gov/match or click here. In today’s booming economy, our nation’s employers are searching for qualified workers to fill the increasing amount of positions currently available. This pilot competition will help empower a stronger connection between the makerspace’s community and job creation, and ultimately provide an added economic boost to communities across the Southeast.

South Suburban Chamber of Commerce 2018 Community Resource Guide & Business Directory

The Muskego Area Chamber of Commerce 2018 Community Guide & Business Directory is available at the Chamber of Commerce today! Thank you to Barbara Wesener and the Chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!

South Suburban Chamber 2018 Community and Visitor Guide

Town Square Publications (www.townsquarepublications.com) can help you accomplish your chamber's gloss map, directory, community profile or publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633.

From Champaign County Chamber: OSHA's Campaign to Prevent Heat Illness in Outdoor Workers / Heat Safety Tool

By U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

When you're working in the heat, safety comes first. With the OSHA-NIOSH Heat Safety Tool, you have vital safety information available whenever and wherever you need it - right on your mobile phone.

The App allows workers and supervisors to calculate the heat index for their worksite, and, based on the heat index, displays a risk level to outdoor workers. Then, with a simple "click," you can get reminders about the protective measures that should be taken at that risk level to protect workers from heat-related illness-reminders about drinking enough fluids, scheduling rest breaks, planning for and knowing what to do in an emergency, adjusting work operations, gradually building up the workload for new workers, training on heat illness signs and symptoms, and monitoring each other for signs and symptoms of heat-related illness.

Working in full sunlight can increase heat index values by 15 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep this in mind and plan additional precautions for working in these conditions.

The OSHA-NIOSH Heat Tool is available in English and Spanish for Android and iPhone devices. To access the Spanish version, set the phone language to Spanish.

Stay informed and safe in the heat, check your risk level.

For more information about safety while working in the heat, see OSHA's heat illness webpage, including online guidance about using the heat index to protect workers. Read more: OSHA

From WMC Morning Digest: Foxconn Releases New Invitations to Bid

Foxconn Technology Group’s Phase 1 of Construction for the Wisconn Valley Science and Technology Park is currently accepting bids for a variety of projects, and has revised an invitation to bid for hits power substation. Available projects include site work, asphalt paving, wastewater treatment and process chemical systems, among others. Bid opportunities can be viewed at the link below.

Click here for Foxconn Bid Opportunities

Eastern Shore Tourism Commission Agreement Extended Another Year

The Northampton County Board of Supervisors officially extended the agreement that formalized the newly reconstituted Eastern Shore of Virginia Tourism Commission at their monthly board meeting Tuesday night.

The agreement utilizes the Eastern Shore of Virginia Chamber of Commerce’s facility on Route 13 in MTelfa and shares the Chamber’s Executive Director, Robie Marsh.

The original agreement allowed for a six month trial period. John Coker, who is the Board Chairman of the Tourism Commission, recommended the Northampton Board of Supervisors extend the current agreement for another year, until June 30, 2020.

Northampton approved the extension unanimously, which has already been approved by Accomack County.

Coker commented during the discussion he was going to recommend when the agreement comes up for renewal he would recommend both counties approve the agreement on an open ended basis and delegate the power to end the agreement to the Eastern Shore of Virginia Tourism Commission Board. Read more: ShoreDailyNews.com

Northern Kentucky Chamber now has Weekly Newscast

Published on Jun 27, 2019SUBSCRIBE 69

This week we welcome Justin Otto from Newport on the Levee and Elizabeth Fricke From Children Inc. to talk about the upcoming event "Next Generation Leader Awards". Kathrine and Jeremy then take you through some top headlines. Finally we welcome Danielle Amrine, Executive Director and Kelly Rose Development & Marketing Director both from Welcome House NKY to talk about all the great things happening with their organization.

Play video at youtube.com 

Rochester Regional Chamber: Introducing the DipJar!

The Rochester Regional Chamber Foundation is pleased to announce a new benefit for Chamber members- the DipJar! The DipJar enables one-step collection and seamless disbursement of credit card donations via cellular connectivity to securely process transactions so no cellphone, WiFi or cable hookup is necessary.

The DipJar is available for members of the Rochester Regional Chamber to use at their fundraising events or to turn your event into a fundraiser for your favorite 501(c)(3) organization. Once the funds raised have been deposited in the RRC Foundation account, a check will be cut for the net amount minus transaction fees.

It’s free for members to use the DipJar one time per year, thereafter $20. To schedule the DipJar, please call the chamber at 248-651-6700.

The DipJar was graciously donated to the Rochester Regional Chamber Foundation by Chief Financial Credit Union.

East Mississippi Business Development Corporation wins a $250,000 grant from the Mississippi Development Authority

The East Mississippi Business Development Corporation received $250,000 for site clearing and earthwork at the 310-acre, rough-graded site that will be the I-20/59 Industrial Park off of Sweet Gum Bottom Road.

The reward comes after getting a $3.5 million state bond in March to reimburse Lauderdale County for money spent on the project.

Stakeholders must finish developing the site before a permit expires in November, according to comments at public meetings, and will potentially become an attraction for new business in the area.

The Meridian Airport Authority also received $50,000 from MDA for grading and leveling a levy at the 130-acre Key Brothers Aviation Site and mitigate low-lying areas with the fill.

Two Lauderdale County agencies won a combined $300,000 in grants from the Mississippi Development Authority, according to an MDA news release Wednesday.

The reward comes after getting a $3.5 million state bond in March to reimburse Lauderdale County for money spent on the project.

Stakeholders must finish developing the site before a permit expires in November, according to comments at public meetings, and will potentially become an attraction for new business in the area.

The Meridian Airport Authority also received $50,000 from MDA for grading and leveling a levy at the 130-acre Key Brothers Aviation Site and mitigate low-lying areas with the fill. Read more: Meridian Star

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

Tuesday, June 12, 2018

Geneva's Swedish Days Festival - 200,000 expected: 'The Granddaddy of Illinois Festivals' will run Tuesday through Sunday, June 19-24; #FamousChamber Of Commerce Quotations: Leadership; Fredericksburg Regional Chamber: Community Conversation: Governor Ralph Northam; Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce 2017-2018 Community Guide & Membership Directory; Dearborn Chamber event: “Cruisin’ Dearborn” Returns this August to Kick-off the Dearborn Homecoming Festival, Featuring 125 Classic Cars & 50 Classic Motorcycles; Horn Lake Chamber Food Truck Fest; Covington County 2017-2018 Chamber of Commerce Community Map; China presents huge opportunity for NWI Region businesses; Nominations open for Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner awards; New Richmond Chamber Fun Fest June 12-15: Sponsorship Opportunities; Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S. Welcome New Town Square Chamber Partner: Carterville (IL) Chamber;

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

Welcome New Town Square Chamber Partner: Carterville (IL) Chamber

We love being part of your business strategy!

Geneva's Swedish Days Festival - 200,000 expected: 'The Granddaddy of Illinois Festivals' will run Tuesday through Sunday, June 19-24

A must for a summer fun destination is Geneva’s 69th Annual Swedish Days Festival. More than 200,000 visitors and residents stop by for a variety of activities – combining traditional events and exciting new attractions. For more online info, see Geneva, Ill Swedish Days

Here’s a sneak peek:
Shopping & Treasures
Every year shoppers look forward to sidewalk sales offering “must have” bargains at Geneva’s 100+ specialty shops.

Musical Entertainment
Free nightly musical entertainment on Central Stage kicks off Tuesday, and on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday afternoons from 1-3 p.m. featured artists play on the courthouse lawn.

Food Booths
Festival goers can feast on traditional Swedish and favorite American and ethnic foods including, brats, ribs, turkey legs, veggie burgers, wood smoked pork sandwiches, meatballs, pizza, garlic crab pasta and burritos, to name a few at the many non-profit food booths. Sinfully good desserts will also be available.

Restaurants, Pizzerias & Pubs
Don’t forget all the fine restaurants in Geneva. From casual bistros to 5-star formal dining, a day in Geneva isn’t complete without sampling one or more of the fine restaurants and eateries. Or stop by one of the beer gardens that offers good food, drink and entertainment during the festival. Visit www.genevachamber.comfor a listing of our 40+ restaurants, pizzerias and pubs.

Activities for Young Visitors
Kids will want to be at Swedish Days 2018 every day, but Tuesday's kick-off explodes with activity for young visitors.
- Creation Station opens at 10 a.m. on Tuesday and continues all week with projects.
- Swedish Days 2018 is packed with favorites: the Carnival, 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament, Quad Power Jump, Fun at the Library Tent and mini golf.
- June 22 is “Kids’ Day” where from early in the morn to late into the night, kids can stay busy. All-Star Sports coaches will try to dodge getting dunked. The Geneva Park District coordinates games and activities on the courthouse lawn including performances by Sunset Dancers and Angels Cheer & Poms Team.
- The Kids’ Day Parade invites children through age 10 to enter in one of our parade categories.

Come for the Run, Stay for the Fun
Located along the scenic Fox River in Geneva, the Swedish Days 5K Lopp promises an unbelievable race experience. Runners are encouraged to tie-in the Scandinavian theme with their attire. More info at www.genevachamber.com

Grand Parade
On Sunday, bring some chairs and blankets so the entire family can enjoy the Grand Parade – a community parade with over 45,000 viewers.

Enjoy free admission with easy access via the Metra.
Events, hours and schedule available at www.genevachamber.com or the Geneva Chamber of Commerce at  630.232.6060. Source: Nordstjernan

#FamousChamber Of Commerce Quotations: Leadership

“I cannot give you the formula for success, but I can give you the formula for failure, which is: try to please everyone”. Herbert Bayard Swope

Fredericksburg Regional Chamber: Community Conversation: Governor Ralph Northam

The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce welcomes Governor Ralph Northam to the Fredericksburg region as part of our Community Conversation series presented by Virginia Partners Bank on June 19, 2018. The event will be held at the Jepson Center on the University of Mary Washington’s campus at 8:30 a.m.

Governor Northam will address the membership on the New Virginia Economy. In his first year, Governor Northam has identified the economy and returning Virginia to its status as a top state for business as a priority of his administration. This event will be the Fredericksburg region’s first opportunity to hear Governor Northam’s plan for the state’s economy and to ask the governor questions.

Before he was inaugurated as the 73rd Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, Ralph Northam served as an Army doctor, pediatric neurologist, business owner, state Senator and Lieutenant Governor. Governor Northam approaches public service with the same passion he brought to his military and medical service. He is committed to working with leaders from both parties to build a Virginia that works better for every family, no matter who they are or where they live.

To register for the event, please go to fredericksburgchamber.org or call the Chamber office at 540.373.9400.

Media Contact Ann Marie Washington, Communications Coordinator, (540)373-9537, annmarie@fxbgchamber.org

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

Dearborn Chamber event: “Cruisin’ Dearborn” Returns this August to Kick-off the Dearborn Homecoming Festival, Featuring 125 Classic Cars & 50 Classic Motorcycles

125 historic cars & 50 historic motorcycles will cruise the streets of Dearborn to kick off the festivities at the 2018 Dearborn Homecoming Festival for “Cruisin’ Dearborn” on Friday, August 3, 2018. The cruise, presented by Les Stanford Chevrolet Cadillac will begin at 7 pm at the Dearborn Police Department and will run along Michigan Ave. through Downtown West Dearborn, ending at Ford Field Park for a fun classic car show with plenty of food and entertainment! The classic cars will be on show until 10:00 pm at the Dearborn Homecoming Festival at Ford Field Park in Dearborn.

“Every year this is a visual feast for the eyes & we look forward to welcoming classic cruisers from all over Metro Detroit again this year to kick off the annual Dearborn Homecoming Festival, we’re delighted to include 50 classic motorcycles this year!” said Jackie Lovejoy, president of the Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce.

The parade is scheduled to be led by Dearborn Mayor Jack O’Reilly. A “Best in Show” award will also be presented at this year’s event.

This year, the cruise is limited to 125 classic car & 50 classic motorcycle cruisers, who will all receive a certificate of participation, a dash plaque, and cruiser gift bag, sponsored by Jack Demmer Ford.

“Cruisin’ Dearborn has become a summertime favorite for our community and classic car enthusiast’s all over the Metro Detroit region!” commented Kelli Vanden Bosch, Director of Events at the Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce.

Registration for Cruisin’ Dearborn is only $25 per vehicle, and includes a $5 voucher to be used at the nonprofit food vendor tents at the Dearborn Homecoming Festival. Registration can be completed online at www.DearbornAreaChamber.org or by calling 313-584-6100. Cruisin’ Dearborn is open to classic cars ranging in model years from 1933-1991.

The 39^th Annual Dearborn Homecoming festival is presented by the City of Dearborn and the nonprofit Dearborn Community Fund and runs Aug. 3-5 with three days of entertainment, family activities, and food sales and informational booths operated by community service groups.

For more information, please contact the Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce by phone at 313-584-6100. Be sure to follow the Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce on Facebook at facebook.com/DearbornAreaChamber, on Twitter @DbnAreaChamber and online at www.dearbornareachamber.org for all the latest news and events.

The Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce provides 600+ members with the opportunities and resources to engage and network with other businesses, enhancing financial growth, professional development, and the ability to contribute to a thriving community environment.

Horn Lake Chamber Food Truck Fest

The Horn Lake Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the first annual Horn Lake Food Truck Festival sponsored by Belhaven University Desoto to take place on Saturday, August 25th 2018 from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm in Latimer Lakes Park. Our beneficiary for the event is the Horn Lake Excel by 5 program. We have been working closely with the director of the Mid-South Food Truck Festival, Stanley Perrin to make sure that we have a top notch event! Food trucks, Craft Vendors & Live music!!

For more information, please check out the calendar of events. Registration forms are available by emailing info@hornlakechamber.com. Please visit our Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=horn%20lake%20food%20truck%20festival

Covington County 2017-2018 Chamber of Commerce Community Map

The Covington County Chamber of Commerce Community Map is available at the Covington County Chamber today! Thanks to Marie Shoemake and her team for their help and direction putting this together!

Covington County 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.

China presents huge opportunity for NWI Region businesses

Northwest Indiana companies have opportunities to do business in China, where the middle class is as large as America's total population and where consumers put a premium on American-made goods, according to America China Society of Indiana Executive Director Colin Renk.

Renk told the Gary Chamber of Commerce at a luncheon at the U.S. Steel Yard that China is still growing fast, at about 7 percent a year, and is a huge market that could be tapped by manufacturers and other companies despite the ongoing trade conflict. He cited the example of Indianapolis-based Eli Lilly, which has had operations in China for 100 years and survived two World Wars, the Cultural Revolution and U.S.-China turmoil.

"You have a unique situation, being between Chicago and Detroit on a corridor of investment," Renk said. "It could open the doors."

China is Indiana's third largest export market, behind only Canada and Mexico. The Hoosier state exported $3.1 billion of goods such as grains, pharmaceutical drugs, auto parts and medical equipment to China in 2017, and exports to China have grown by 110 percent since 2008, as compared to 37 percent to the rest of the world.

Indiana also has exported more services, such as education, travel, royalties from industrial processes and the installation, maintenance and repair of industrial equipment, to China in 2017 than to any other country in the world, according to the America China Society. Hoosier exports of services to China totaled $856 million last year.

That's grown by 480 percent since 2007 as compared to 52 percent to the rest of the world. Read more: NWI TIMES

Nominations open for Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner awards

Nominations are now being accepted for the Northern Kentucky Chamber’s annual awards recognizing outstanding leaders in the Chamber and in the community.

Winners will be announced in July with awards presented at the NKY Chamber Annual Dinner presented by Fifth Third Bank on Thursday, September 20, 2018.

Nominations are being accepted for the following awards:

The Walter R. Dunlevy/Frontiersman Award was established in 1968 and recognizes an individual who has a lifelong history of outstanding service to the Northern Kentucky community, exhibits outstanding service to their profession or industry, and exemplifies the highest standards of personal integrity and family responsibility.

The Walter L. Pieschel (MVP) Award, sponsored by Humana, is named in memory of the NKY Chamber’s first volunteer leader and recognizes an individual Chamber member who has provided outstanding volunteer service to the Chamber as a committee member, committee chair, or in any other special capacity during the past 12 months.

The Northern Kentucky Unity Award is presented to an individual or individuals who have shown leadership in bringing Northern Kentuckians together to address and solve common challenges and issues, and has shown leadership in seeking regional solutions to Northern Kentucky challenges.

The Northern Kentucky ImageMaker Award is presented on special occasions to an individual or individuals who have brought national or international attention to the Northern Kentucky community through their achievements.

The Wm. T. (Bill) Robinson III Northern Kentucky Economic Development Award, sponsored by Northern Kentucky Tri-ED, is presented to the individual, entity, company or organization demonstrating significant advancement of the economic development efforts in Northern Kentucky in honor of Bill Robinson, Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Chair (1986-87) and co-founding member and continuous Secretary/Treasurer of the Tri-County Economic Development Corporation since 1987.

Current members of the NKY Chamber’s Board of Directors are not eligible to receive these awards. Nomination forms can be found at NKYChamber.com/ADNominations. The nomination deadline is June 30, 2018 at 5pm.

Source: Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce

New Richmond Chamber Fun Fest June 12-15: Sponsorship Opportunities

Beverage Sponsor $1000 (limit 3) - SOLD OUT!

Presenting Sponsor $1000 (limit 1)

Facebook Live video during Fun Fest w/your business/organization

Verbal Recognition before bands play on Friday & Saturday night

Verbal Recognition during Fun Fest Parade

Banner at the Entrance of Fun Fest Food and Beer Garden

Recognition on Chamber Website, Facebook and eNews

Complimentary Business Booth

Carnival Ride Tickets

Free Parade Entry

Gold Sponsor $500 (limit 2)

Verbal Recognition before bands play on Friday & Saturday night

Verbal Recognition during Fun Fest Parade

Banner at the Fun Fest Tent

Recognition on Chamber Website, Facebook and eNews

Complimentary Business Booth

Free Parade Entry

Silver Sponsor $250 (limit 4)

Banner at the Fun Fest Tent

Recognition on Chamber Website, Facebook and eNews

Complimentary Business Booth

Free Parade Entry

Parade Sponsor $250 (limit 2)

Verbal Recognition during Fun Fest Parade

Free Parade Entry with Priority Placement

Banner at the parade Announcers Stand

Four Reserved seats at the parade Announcers Stand

Recognition on Chamber Website, Facebook and eNews

Downtown Shuttle Sponsor $100 (limit 2)

This pays for the FREE downtown shuttle on Friday and Saturday night from the Fun Fest tent to support downtown businesses and give safe rides.

Verbal Recognition before bands play on Friday & Saturday night

Banner at the Fun Fest Tent

Recognition on Chamber Website, Facebook and eNews

Read more: New Richmond Chamber

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