Illinois Chamber of Commerce President Excited; Traverse City Area Chamber honors Susanne Janis; Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce Releases 2014 Annual Report; Chamber partnership: Ice-fishing contest popular with vets; Greenbrier (Arkansas) Chamber celebrates Hometown Holiday with 5K; Omaha chamber innovation: Shipping containers could be converted into office spaces; Clinton Area Chamber Event: Legislators preview 2015; Time to join a business group? Consider these options

Illinois Chamber of Commerce President Excited

Bruce Rauner will be Illinois’ first Republican governor in 12 years, and Illinois Chamber of Commerce president Todd Maisch says that will be a good thing.  “I am actually optimistic that you’re going to see a lot more getting done than, maybe, if (outgoing Gov. Pat) Quinn had been re-elected,” Maisch says. “The dynamic is now that Republicans will have some skin in the game. You’re going to have both parties vested in solutions.”He says the Democratic leaders in the General Assembly may find Rauner easier to work with than they did Quinn. Read more: Alton Daily News

Traverse City Area Chamber honors Susanne Janis

 The Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce named Susanne M. Janis the recipient of its 2014 Distinguished Service Award.
Chamber leaders said Janis brings enthusiasm and accomplishment to everything she touches. They said she supports causes ranging from education and health care to numerous endeavors that help the less fortunate.
“Mrs. Janis has had her hand in numerous projects, fundraising activities and initiatives that have truly changed our community for the better,” said Chamber Chief Operating Officer Laura Oblinger.  “She never just discusses an idea; when she’s involved, you can count on her to roll up her sleeves and make the task happen. Our community is made better because of her endeavors and they will inspire many of us for years to come.” Read more:  Traverse City Record-Eagle

Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce Releases 2014 Annual Report

The Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce (VPCC) set out in 2014 to seek uncommon solutions to common challenges. The results of its efforts were released in the 2014 VPCC Annual Report.
Throughout the Peninsula region — Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson, James City County and York County — the VPCC focused its attention on enhancing the business landscape of the area, working toward a better community for all to live, work and play.
In 2014, the VPCC concentrated its efforts where its members were— 46 percent of VPCC members were based in Newport News, followed by 25 percent in Hampton, 13 percent on the Southside and less than 10 percent each in York County, Williamsburg, Poquoson, James City County and outside the area.
In 2014, the VPCC hosted 115 events that brought together nearly 11,000 people (up from 4,000 in 2011) interested in expanding their connections. The events include women in business programming, leadership training, youth programs, military events, State of the Cities, seminars, expos, job fairs and more.

Read more at Virtual-Strategy Magazine

  
Chamber partnership: Ice-fishing contest popular with vets

Last year’s inaugural Operation Tip Up ice-fishing event in Menomonie was a hit with attendees, if anticipated attendance and this year’s event is any indication.
About twice the number of veterans and their families are expected to take part in Operation Tip Up this Friday and Saturday on Lake Menomin. Last year about 150 veterans and their families took part in the free ice-fishing contest intended to salute military veterans. This year’s event, scheduled for Friday and Saturday, is expected to attract about 300 people from Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Iowa and Indiana, according to Bill Schutts, event coordinator at the Dunn County Fish & Game Association site where the event will occur.

“We are getting tons of responses from vets who were here last year and are bringing more people this year,” Schutts said. “I think about 75 percent of the vets who fished last year never ice fished before.” Read more: Leader-Telegram

 

Greenbrier (Arkansas) Chamber celebrates Hometown Holiday with 5K

An enthusiastic crowd of runners wearing their ugly sweaters joined the Greenbrier Chamber of Commerce for the very first 5K run in Greenbrier to help celebrate Hometown Holiday Saturday morning. The weather was perfect in the 50’s for this event with the sun finally coming out toward the end.
Ugly Sweater runners were from age 13 to seniors who walked. Six month old Madison Rivera rode in her buggy pushed by her parents. 5K is 3.1 miles. Everyone dashed off at the starting line in front of the Greenbrier Civic Center to cheers from the crowd.
With the help of the Conway Running Club and their time clock, the fastest time was done in nineteen minutes, twenty-one seconds. The last one in was fifty-four minutes, twenty-five seconds.Read more: Log Cabin Democrat

Omaha chamber innovation: Shipping containers could be converted into office spaces

Today the darkened warehouse north of downtown Omaha is crowded with leftover building materials.
But there’s a plan underway that would transform the dimly lit room into the StartUp Station, a haven for the region’s bright entrepreneurs that would augment the metro area’s burgeoning entrepreneurial community.

The Station would feature 16 shipping containers converted into offices for fledgling businesses within the warehouse at the north end of the Mastercraft Building, 1111 N. 13th St.

“We’re hoping we can pull it off in 2015,” said David Brown, president and CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce. “Our goal is to help 100 companies get started by 2018.” Read more: North Platte Telegraph

Clinton Area (Iowa) Chamber Event: Legislators preview 2015

The turn of the year makes timely the evaluation of goals. When it comes to state governance, the public will have the opportunity to share its priorities and hear those from newly elected legislators Friday.
Ashford University will host the legislative preview breakfast at 7 a.m. Friday. The two-hour session will include re-elected Rep. Mary Wolfe and Sen. Rita Hart, both Clinton Democrats, as well as newcomer Rep. Norlin Mommsen (R-DeWitt).
Mommsen, in particular, is worth noting as Friday will mark his first appearance in his official elected capacity. He replaces former Rep. Steve Olson in Iowa House District 97. With the event hosted by the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce, chamber President Nathan Sondgeroth said he is interested in hearing about Mommsen’s priorities. “This legislative session is somewhat different because Rep. Mommsen is new,” said Sondgeroth, who will serve as the event moderator. “We want to make sure he knows (the local) voice... I have not met with him personally, necessarily. His priorities are among some of the questions I’m going to ask.” Clinton Herald

Time to join a business group? Consider these options

If you're serious about connecting with more of your small business peers and -- let's be honest here -- trading business leads with them or if you're looking for typically low-cost seminars where you might pick up some helpful business ideas; there are options.

Or if yours is a larger business that sees smaller ones as a target market, then you're about to become a joiner -- a member of one of the many chambers of commerce, alumni groups or other organizations generally dedicated to the small business community.

Your local chamber of commerce is a good place to begin, although you'll have to actually participate to gain whatever benefit you seek from membership: Showing up once a month for lunch isn't enough. Still, chamber membership should be a given. Read more: Daily Herald

Chamber Executive Ongoing Education Weekly New Idea: The Magicians of Main Street - by Chris Mead, ACCE; One Southern Indiana launches committee to explore regional plan; Sauk Valley Area Chamber (Illinois) names new executive director; Greater Richmond Chamber and Community College Workforce Alliance connect former HDL employees with potential new employers; Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch: I found Wisconsin all over China; “American Pickers” is coming to Phillips County in January says Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Doug Friedlander; Chamber partnerships: 'Big Mo' on the banks of the 'Mighty Mo': Installation underway for latest public art piece in Council Bluffs; Chamber issue: Denny Sanford To Donate $25 Million For Scholarship Program; Chamber sponsorship: New themes for Minnesota higher education; Chamber Tweet of the Day: Detroit Chamber

Chamber Executive Ongoing Education Weekly New Idea: The Magicians of Main Street - by Chris Mead, ACCE

A new book, the first-ever full-length history of chambers of commerce in the United States, describes how voluntary groups of business people, even before the American Revolution, changed not only their local economies but often their society.  The Magicians of Main Street indicates, in considerable detail, how chambers of commerce affected the nation’s finance and currency, public health, transportation, public works, local government, education, and even cultural life.  The traces of these organizations’ activities remain with us in countless ways, from Washington’s Cherry Blossom Festival to New York City’s subway to Chicago’s Board of Trade to the gaming industry of Las Vegas and the stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The author, Chris Mead, argues that these chambers have grown out of the natural tendency of Americans to form associations.  As the political commentator Michael Barone has pointed out:
“Alexis de Tocqueville in his classic Democracy in America expressed wonderment at the proliferation of voluntary associations in the United States.  Among them were chambers of commerce, the first of which was founded in New York in 1768, before the American Revolution.  In The Magicians of Main Street, Chris Mead tells how chambers of commerce across the nation shaped America from colonial times to the end of World War II.  This is a story, previously untold, essential to understanding how America became what it is.”
Why has there been no such book up to now?  Mead thinks people have overlooked chambers of commerce in favor primarily of individuals with specific legal powers or well-known talents or obvious achievements.  The idea that a group of people can change the world or a community is one that our individualistic society sometimes passes over.  He devotes a full appendix to 13 reasons
that the chamber of commerce story has been missed by most historians, journalists, and the
general public.
In 2012, when the book was far from finished, a Wall Street Journal reporter learned about the project and put Mead and the book on the cover of the newspaper, with an article entitled, “Don’t Yawn:  Chambers of Commerce are Really Quite a Kick.”  And in fact, they are.  Historian Kevin Starr describes the book:
“Long before the enfranchisement of municipal governments, chambers of commerce or their equivalents ran the show.  In many ways, they still do.  In this never-a-dull-moment contribution to the re-emergent field of American business history, Chris Mead presents an action-packed narrative of high-mindedness, enlightened self-interest, and, now and then, chicanery.”
Among the most colorful business organizations in the nation’s history were those of Chicago:  the Chicago Board of Trade (originally an ordinary chamber of commerce that invented modern agricultural product trading and morphed into the world’s leading commodities exchange), the Commercial Club, and the Capone-hunting Chicago Association of Commerce.  Yet there were other interesting chamber activities across the land.  Mead traces their examples – good and bad -- across the 50 states and weaves them into a narrative that becomes, almost imperceptibly at first for the reader, an alternative history of the United States.  To a far greater extent than anyone realized before the publication of this book, our country has been shaped by pickup teams of business people who paid their dues and built up their communities.
The book is available from John Cruger Press via Amazon at the hard-copy price of $29.95.  It is 517 pages long including footnotes and bibliography. More information: Magicians of Main Street

One Southern Indiana launches committee to explore regional plan

One Southern Indiana, the chamber of commerce serving Clark and Floyd Counties, has developed a Regional Cities Initiative Steering Committee to develop an eight-year regional plan.
That plan will be used to pursue a potential state grant that could lead to investments of as much as $1 billion in Clark and Floyd Counties during the next eight years, according to a news release.
One Southern Indiana in (its) release said the steering committee was created after the state started pushing public and private leaders to pursue enhancements by designing "dynamic public places" that would bring more businesses, families and residents to Indiana. One Southern Indiana said such improvements would make the region more competitive within the state. Read more: Louisville Business First

Sauk Valley Area Chamber (Illinois) names new executive director

The Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce didn't have to look far for a new executive director.
Kris Noble, who was hired in September to be a project manager at the chamber, will take over the position in January.
She will succeed Kim Ewoldsen, who will go to work for the Morrison Area Development Corp., but will continue as a consultant for the Sauk Valley Chamber.
Before being hired by the chamber in September, Noble was a counselor for Lutheran Social Services of Illinois.
Noble said having Ewoldsen around as a consultant would help with a smooth transition. Read More: SaukValley.com

Chamber Best Practice: Greater Richmond Chamber and Community College Workforce Alliance connect former HDL employees with potential new employers

The Greater Richmond Chamber and the Community College Workforce Alliance (CCWA) held a Career Opportunity Reception on December 17^th designed to connect former employees of Health Diagnostic Laboratory (HDL) with Richmond Region businesses that are looking to hire employees with similar skills.

“HDL is very appreciative that the Chamber and the CCWA took such an interest in our former employees,” said Scott Blackwell, senior vice president and chief human resources officer for HDL.“

Their rapid response will hopefully ensure that these very talented individuals find quality jobs in our region. I was overwhelmed by their initiative and concern, particularly during this busy time of the year.” Read more: Greater Richmond chamber

Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch: I found Wisconsin all over China

Perhaps you've had this same experience: You're traveling far from home and you spot a Green Bay Packers hat, a Badgers sweatshirt, or an "America's Dairyland" license plate. Seeing that slice of home instantly brings a smile to your face.
I had that moment half a world away in China at the American Chamber of Commerce in Beijing when I met Edward Tung, a business executive for Oshkosh Corp. It happened in Chengdu, when I ran into an employee who worked for a Brookfield-based financial services company. I had it in Shanghai, meeting Angel Yang, a vice president with Kohler Corp. In fact, my meeting with Angel took place at the Wisconsin Center in downtown Shanghai, across the street from a Kohler showroom. And everywhere I went, people knew Wisconsin ginseng, grown right here in Marathon County. Read more: Wausau Daily Herald

“American Pickers” is coming to Phillips County in January says Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Doug Friedlander.

“American Pickers” is coming to Phillips County in January says Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Doug Friedlander.

Friedlander reported Tuesday morning that the assistant producer of the History Channel’s reality series had contacted him Monday and requested him to help spread the word. Friedlander called it a “win-win” opportunity for the community and anyone that was selected to appear on the program.

In case you don’t know, “American Pickers” is a TV series that explores the fascinating world of antique “picking.” Two highly skilled “pickers” – Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz – crisscross the country searching for America’s most valuable antiques – from motorcycles, classic cars and bicycles to one-of-a-kind vintage memorabilia. Read more: Helena-Arkansas,com

Chamber partnerships: 'Big Mo' on the banks of the 'Mighty Mo': Installation underway for latest public art piece in Council Bluffs

The “Big Mo” is being installed on this side of the “Mighty Mo.
Created by internationally renowned sculptor Mark di Suvero, “Big Mo” is the latest addition to the Iowa West Foundation Public Art collection for Council Bluffs.

“It’s a big day for the Council Bluffs and the riverfront,” said Pete Tulipana, president and CEO of the Iowa West Foundation.

Installation ceremonies were held Tuesday near the southwest corner of Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park.

The event was really a celebration for the Council Bluffs-Omaha region and the joint efforts of both communities to keep enhancing the riverfront, various dignitaries said.

Council Bluffs Mayor Matt Walsh said the city is privileged to be involved with partnerships with organizations such as Iowa West to create a spectacular park and a home to world-class art.

“We’re serious about regional partnerships,” said David Brown, president and CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce. Read more:  Omaha.com

Chamber issue: Denny Sanford To Donate $25 Million For Scholarship Program

Philanthropist T. Denny Sanford is donating $25 million to South Dakota for a scholarship program for the state's technical schools.  Sanford tells KELOLAND News the state will match that $25 million for a total of $50 million going to the program.
First PREMIER Bank CEO Dana Dykhouse tells KELOLAND News that he and Miles Beacom, President and CEO of PREMIER Bankcard, approached Sanford about the workforce shortage in the state.  Dykhouse says the shortage affects not only First PREMIER, but all of its business customers.  Dykhouse says Sanford is enthusiastic about partnering with the state to solve the shortage, which has reached a near-crisis level.  Keloland Television

Chamber sponsorship: New themes for Minnesota higher education

If the first step to achieving positive change is widespread agreement that change is needed, then Minnesota is on its way to making higher education more effective, efficient and productive. But unless consensus about promising next steps follows soon, the wait could be long — too long, we fear, for employers already crying about a shortage of skilled workers.

Two high-level meetings in recent weeks made earnest attempts to achieve consensus. One, dubbed North Star Summit, involved 360 stakeholders and was hosted by state Senate higher education chair Terri Bonoff on Dec. 8. The smaller event on Dec. 17 was the last of three meetings of a “work group” on higher education affordability and completion rates. The Citizens League and the state Office of Higher Education convened the work group; the league was also among eight summit sponsors, which also included the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. Read more: Editorial Board - Star Tribune


 Chamber Tweet of the Day: Detroit Chamber


  Detroit Chamber ‏@DetroitChamber








 
 With the new year approaching, take a look back at 2014. Download our Year in Review here: http://ow.ly/FNtmL 



 

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Chamber news: Michigan is the Comeback State; Chamber Economic Development: David Brown: Omaha chamber's recruiting of Yahoo was doubly successful; Joplin, Missouri Chamber Receives Excellence in Programs and Campaigns Award; Norman Chamber of Commerce hosts State of Schools luncheon; Arkansas Highway Commissioner to Speak at El Dorado Chamber Economic Outlook Luncheon; Chamber Tweet of the Day: Oklahoma State Chamber; Chamber Forum in central Illinois: Minimum wage hike bad for biz; Canada's consul general will address Crossroads (Indiana) chamber meeting Nov. 18; Iowa City chamber: A Toast to Our Communities awards recipients announced; Chamber event: Business counseling available Nov. 19 in Wisconsin Rapids; Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation (Attitude)

Chamber news: Michigan is the Comeback State 

Timothy G. Nash, Keith A. Pretty, Richard K. Studley and Bob Thomas

The U.S. Great Recession (December 2007-June 2009) saw the largest decline in U.S. GDP of 4 percent and the sharpest increase in unemployment from 4.9 percent to 10.1 percent since The U.S. Great Depression of the 1930s.
Economic conditions were far worse in Michigan with the bankruptcy of General Motors and Chrysler while new automobile, SUV and light truck sales were near 40 year lows.
The 2014 Michigan Chamber Foundation Economic Competitiveness Study was released in September and concludes that Michigan is on the comeback trail. Michigan ranked 20th in state GDP growth in 2013 outpacing the U.S. as a whole, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. In the last week of October the Tax Foundation released its 2015 State Business Climate Tax Index. According to the Tax Foundation, Michigan is now the 13th most competitive state relative to the Business Tax Climate, something that is clearly good for job creation and the attraction of new businesse. Read more: Midland Daily News


Chamber Economic Development: David Brown: Omaha chamber's recruiting of Yahoo was doubly successful

Over the years, I have become the guy you would call when you saw something under construction and wondered what it was. That is appropriate since the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce is home to the regional economic development organization, the Greater Omaha Economic Development Partnership. We represent all of the economic development organizations in a six-county area. Over the past 10 years, we have closed more than 460 projects totaling nearly $5 billion in new investment and 25,000 jobs.

More than half of these projects involve companies new to the Omaha region, solidifying our reputation as a haven for a great number of out-of-state firms, including more than 100 California-based companies. Apple, Bank of the West, eBay, Google, LinkedIn, Pacific Life, PayPal, Wells Fargo and Yahoo are just a few of the global enterprises that have made considerable investments in our region and, in many cases, have used Partnership services. Read more: Omaha.com

Joplin, Missouri Chamber Receives Excellence in Programs and Campaigns Award

The Chamber of Commerce Executives of Missouri gave the Joplin Chamber an Excellence in Programs and Campaigns Award. The Joplin Chambers Young Professionals Network designed the campaign. Organizers say even though the issue failed earlier this year with the voters, it's nice to be recognized.

"We love to win. It was a great feeling of accomplishment  that the campaign that we worked really hard on with our Young Professionals was able to bring home this state award," said Kirstie Smith, Joplin Chamber of Commerce. Source: FourStatesHomePage.com

Norman Chamber of Commerce hosts State of Schools luncheon

During the annual Norman Chamber of Commerce’s Norman State of Schools luncheon Friday, Norman community leaders heard about the status, success and future of Norman-area schools.
Superintendent Dr. Joe Siano, who has been with Norman Public Schools, for 15 years, said he wanted those at the luncheon to have a look at the direction the school district is heading and the challenges public education faces statewide. Read more: Norman Transcript

Arkansas Highway Commissioner to Speak at El Dorado Chamber Economic Outlook Luncheon

We have listened to our member's feedback about bolstering the Economic Outlook Luncheons. It is our pleasure to have Arkansas Highway Commissioner Robert Moore Jr. as the headline speaker for the upcoming Economic Outlook Luncheon on Wednesday, November 12, 11:30 AM at the First Baptist Church in Strong, 554 S. Concord. Commissioner Moore will speak to our group about the Highway Department's future plans for Highway 167, Highway 82, and the future I-69. 

Commissioner Moore's presentation is a huge event for El Dorado and Union County's economic development future. As a region, we need to be plugged in on when and where the highway improvements will be made. In order for our existing industries to grow and for us to successfully recruit new companies, we need to have a great and modern transportation network. The State's transportation plan through its proposed expansion to a four lane will also help us inadvertently eliminate some blighted areas that we need to be rid of sooner than later. This is very important as well when we bring new people to our area. We want newcomers to feel good about the ambiance of our community.  See more: El Dorado chamber

Chamber Tweet of the Day: Oklahoma State Chamber 



Ok State Chamber ‏@okstatechamber 25m25 minutes ago

Proud to join @okcchamber & @LtGovToddLamb in offering FREE seminar for OK's small biz tomorrow, 11/13. Register now! http://www.okstatechamber.com/events

Chamber Forum in central Illinois: Minimum wage hike bad for biz

The Central Illinois Regional Chamber Legislative Effort (CIRCLE) is an organization representing 19 Chambers of Commerce in the region. As a member of this coalition, the Morton Chamber of Commerce would like to share its concerns about an increase in the minimum wage.

Although the recently passed referendum was non-binding, this issue has far-reaching implications. An increase in the minimum wage is more than just an addition to payroll expenses. It means stress on our small businesses’ already tight margins for profitability. According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, raising the minimum wage above $10 an hour could mean losing up to 1 million jobs. This staggering number could put in peril an already struggling economy. An increase in the minimum wage also means higher Social Security and Medicare taxes, as well as increased workers compensation and unemployment insurance rates.

A recent poll of CIRCLE members throughout central Illinois indicated that 20 percent of our businesses would be forced to reduce staffing hours. Read more:Peoria Journal Star

Canada's consul general will address Crossroads (Indiana) chamber meeting Nov. 18

Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce will host Roy Norton, consul general for Canada, as the featured speaker Nov. 18 at Avalon Manor, 3550 E. U.S. 30, Hobart.
Norton will discuss “Why Canada Matters to Indiana Business.” Networking starts at 11:15 a.m. and the luncheon starts promptly at noon. Cost to attend is $18 for Crossroads members, and $25 for nonmembers. Registration is required and can be made online at www.crossroadschamber.org or by calling (219) 769-8180. Source:  www.NWITimes.com 

Iowa City chamber: A Toast to Our Communities awards recipients announced

The Board of Directors at the Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce will recognize the best in business in seven categories at A Toast to Our Communities awards breakfast at 7:30 a.m. Nov. 20 at Brown Deer Golf Club, 1900 Country Club Drive, in Coralville. Recipients include:
• Ambassador of the Year — Jessica Wittman, Corridor Radiology.
• Honored Farm Family award — Bill and Denise Maier and family.
• Nonprofit of the Year — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Johnson County.
• Spark Leadership award — Rick Fosse, Iowa City Public Works Department.
• Impact and Innovation award — Sculpt, LLC.
• Eliot Keller Small Business of the Year — McCrossen Consulting.
• Volunteer of the Year — Jim Conard, West Bank.
Read more: Iowa Press-Citizen

Chamber event: Business counseling available Nov. 19 in Wisconsin Rapids

A counselor from the Small Business Development Center at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point will be available from noon to 4 p.m. Nov. 19 at the Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce, 1120 Lincoln St.
Confidential business counseling is available without charge to current or prospective small business operators on issues ranging from financial management to sources of capital. Counseling is only by appointment. Wisconsin Rapids Tribune

Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation (Attitude):

“I will always find a way and a way will always find me.”
― Charles F. Glassman, Brain Drain The Breakthrough That Will Change Your Life

 

Chamber Big 5: Kansas City must keep pushing ahead to help entrepreneurs; Chamber news: Fargo - Moorhead economy boom driven by service growth; Chamber news: 2014 Nebraska Housing Market; Kansas Chamber: Not in the same old Kansas anymore...; Malvern Arkansas chamber classes promote citizen service; Things you may not know about the Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism; Famous chamber of Commerce Quotation: (Attitude)

Chamber Big 5: Kansas City must keep pushing ahead to help entrepreneurs

Kansas City’s bid to become “America’s Most Entrepreneurial City” is three years old. So how’s it faring, especially in creating companies and jobs?

Not well enough is the honest answer after evaluating early numbers released by supporters of this important and worthwhile effort. Still, more progress is in the works.

It’s part of the Big 5 program promoted by the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce to improve the region’s economy.

Supporters said in 2011 that increasing the numbers of innovative enterprises and jobs in those companies would be crucial ways to measure success. In recent interviews, Peter deSilva and Maria Meyers outlined the successes achieved and challenges still faced in pushing the entrepreneurial envelope. Read more: Kansas City Star

Chamber news: Fargo - Moorhead economy boom driven by service growth

Business leaders in Fargo-Moorhead and Bismarck-Mandan said all of their areas’ economic cylinders are firing, with robust growth widespread.

In the Fargo-Moorhead area, where the economy grew from $8.3 billion in 2004 to $14.5 billion in 2013, the real estate and professional and business services sectors both more than doubled over the decade, growing 107 percent and 117 percent, respectively, Bureau of Economic Analysis figures show.

But finance and insurance also outpaced overall economic growth during the period, expanding 91 percent, as did wholesale trade, which rose 80 percent.

“I think it’s hard to put your finger on what it is other than its massive growth in all those areas,” said Craig Whitney, president of the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce.

Real estate of all kinds – industrial, commercial and residential – is growing because growth begets growth, he said.  See more at: Prairie Business

Chamber news: 2014 Nebraska Housing Market

In 2013, the Omaha metropolitan area experienced the following developments:

• The government received over 2,600 new single-family housing construction permit applications. That number sits 25 percent higher than in 2013. The figure is record breaking for the past four years according to data from the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce.
• More than 12,000 home sale contracts were perfected for the first time in the history of the Omaha Area Board of Realtors.
• The average price for existing single-family housing units in Omaha returned to pre-2008 levels. Read more: Housing Predictor

Kansas Chamber: Not in the same old Kansas anymore...

Kansas has been the focal point of a lot of national media attention the last few months, and for good reason. Under the leadership of Governor Brownback and the Legislature, Kansas is now on the map as a competitor for job growth and investment. So why all of the new attention? What of the Left's claim that the sky is falling? In order to answer these questions, it's important that we look back to how the state was competing before Governor Brownback was elected in November 2010.
Kansas has a lot of things going for it. We have a great network of infrastructure. Our well-funded schools were recently ranked fifth best in the nation. Kansans possess a strong work ethic. But the state struggled to grow, ranking 10th worst in the country for out-migration from 2000-2009, losing over 15,600 taxpayers and 17,600 dependents during that time. Our great schools have been educating the rest of the country's workforce. But while we were losing taxpayers, state government spending grew by $2 billion from 2003 to 2008, an increase of nearly 50% in six years. The fastest growing industry in the state from 2001-2012 was government. This path was unsustainable. The status quo in Kansas wasn't working. Read more: Kansas Chamber

Malvern Arkansas chamber classes promote citizen service

From now through May, 10 residents of Hot Spring County are going to take one day each month to learn more about their community and about leadership in the annual Leadership Forum sponsored by the Malvern/Hot Spring County Chamber of Commerce.
“It is a nine-month series where on a Thursday, they will attend the chamber’s monthly breakfast meeting, then spend the entire day getting to know their community better, how it works and what are its strengths and needs,” said Nikki Launius, executive director of the chamber. “We then hope those citizens will want to find a way to serve to help their community improve and prosper.” Learn More: ArkansasOnline.com

Things you may not know about the Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism

Ask 10 people you know about the Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, what it is and what it does, and you’re likely to get 10 different answers. Here are a few facts about what the chamber, known as the OACCT, is and what it does.

• The OACCT is a non-profit organization that supports its members — the local business community — by bringing outside revenue to the area through its tourism arm and by supporting economic development.

• The OACCT is staffed by people who are passionate about the success of our community and of our members’ businesses. Read more: Southernminn.com

Famous chamber of Commerce Quotation: (Attitude)

“Your day will go the way the corners of your mouth turn.”

~Unknown

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/opinion/editorials/article2668989.html#storylink=cpy

Former Springfield Area Chamber President Jim Anderson to Receive ACCE's Highest Award; Eau Claire Chamber Celebrates 100 Years; Oklahoma Governor to headline Grove Area Chamber of Commerce banquet; KC Chamber Event: Power of Diversity July 29th; Huntley Area Illinois Chamber picks new leader; Indiana chamber, business leaders want action on immigration; Omaha Chamber Goal: Create 12,000 new and retained Jobs!; Update of Kentucky Chamber's 'Leaky Bucket' report shows progress; A year later, the Kalamazoo Chamber of Commerce continues as a division of Southwest Michigan First; Iowa Chamber Event: What’s New in Des Moines?; Great July/August Classes for Arkansas Businesses from the SBA; Great Chamber of Commerce Quotations: (Attitude)

ACCE honors retired Springfield Chamber Executive Jim Anderson

The American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) will present Jim Anderson, former president of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, with a Life Member Award

, the chamber of commerce profession’s highest individual honor.  It is bestowed in recognition of a lifetime of business community leadership and service to the association and chamber of commerce profession.

The award will be presented to Anderson during ACCE’s national convention in Cincinnati from Aug. 12-15.
Recipients of the Life Member Award are nominated by their peers and selected by the association’s board of directors
.  Anderson is one of only three Life Member Award honorees in 2014.  With his induction as a life member, he joins the profession’s most exclusive club.  In ACCE’s 100-year history, life membership has been bestowed to fewer than 50 individuals. Read more: KY3

Eau Claire Chamber Celebrates 100 Years

The Eau Claire Civic and Commerce Association was organized in 1914. An article in the March 11 edition that year of The Eau Claire Leader stated, “The meeting was to decide plans for a bigger and better Eau Claire. The new Civic and Commerce association is meant to include all lines of endeavor in the city.” The overall purpose of the organization has not changed much in more than 100 years as reflected in the mission statement: “The Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce is the advocate of business striving to enhance and protect the business environment and the quality of life for the benefit of our members and the Chippewa Valley.” The Chamber strives to make Eau Claire the best place to live, work and play. - See more at: Eau Claire Chamber

Oklahoma Governor to headline Grove Chamber of Commerce banquet

Governor Mary Fallin will be the guest speaker for the upcoming Grove Area Chamber of Commerce banquet.
The banquet, set for 6 p.m. Thursday, July 31, at Grand  Lakeside, Grove, is designed to celebrate the success of the commerce within the year, present awards, announce new board members and discuss goals for the upcoming year.
Lisa Friden, chamber president, said the organization has been trying to get Fallin to speak at the annual banquet for years. Read more: Grand Lake News 

KC Chamber Event: Power of Diversity July 29th

The KC Chamber’s POWER of Diversity Breakfast is the region’s premier celebration of the metro area’s culturally diverse business community, recognizing diverse workforce members and corporations that have demonstrated a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

The Greater Kansas City Chamber values and promotes diversity because it enhances the business community and the economic development of the region through: increasing regional and global business development; expanded educational opportunities; and creating a robust community infrastructure that encourages all community members to make contributions using their special talents, expertise and knowledge. Read more: Kansas City Chamber

Huntley Area Illinois Chamber picks new leader

The Huntley Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has selected Sunday Graham, a bank manager from Indiana, to lead the business membership organization. 
“Sunday brings with her an outstanding background and strong skills in leadership,” said Carol DeFiore, chairwoman of the Huntley Area Chamber Board of Directors. “Sunday is smart, articulate, professional and filled with awesome, exciting ideas that will help to further the growth and development of the Huntley Chamber.” Read more: Northwest Herald

Indiana chamber, business leaders want action on immigration

Indiana business leaders said Wednesday they're frustrated by Washington's lack of action on overhauling immigration laws — an issue they believe enjoys broad public support.
"What we are saying to them is, 'Guys, get your act together and start to cooperate and compromise,'" said Cam Carter, a vice president of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce who handles federal issues. Business organizations held events in Indiana and across the country Wednesday to draw attention to the issue, which has been stymied by election-year politics, mistrust among lawmakers and the complexities of fixing an immigration system that everyone agrees is broken.
Angela Smith Jones, director of public policy for the Indy Chamber, said supporters of an overhaul haven't been as vocal as opponents. Read more: Pal-Item.com

Omaha Chamber Goal: Create 12,000 new and retained Jobs!

With the recession in the rearview mirror, big and small businesses alike are hiring for jobs from entry level to those requiring master’s degrees and professional certifications. The number of job openings across the Midwest was higher in May than it’s been since 2001, Bureau of Labor Statistics data show. Read more: Omaha World

Update of Kentucky Chamber's 'Leaky Bucket' report shows progress

In an update of its "Leaky Bucket" research, the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce has found "promising signs that the troubling state spending trends identified in the first report are slowing." The initial analysis was released in 2009 and covered fiscal years 2000 to 2010. It found that spending on corrections, Medicaid and public employee health insurance was growing significantly faster than the overall state budget. Read more: Louisville Business First

A year later, the Kalamazoo Chamber of Commerce continues as a division of Southwest Michigan First

More than a year after the Kalamazoo Regional Chamber of Commerce hired Southwest Michigan First to do its programming and provide member services, the marriage is getting more kudos than criticism.
It is openly being praised for focusing on educational programs and networking opportunities for business people and professionals --  streamlining the efforts of two organizations that appeared to have overlapping efforts. Read more: M Live

Iowa Chamber Event: What’s New in Des Moines?

What’s the next big thing happening downtown? The people most likely to have the inside scoop on that question have a hard time narrowing it down to one thing. But based on a panel discussion last month hosted by the Des Moines Downtown, South and East Side, and West Side chambers of commerce, here are five things to watch for. Read more: Business Record

Great July/August Classes for Arkansas Businesses from the SBA

1.Becoming a Notary / What is a Notary?

2. Marketing your Small Business

3. QuickBooks Beyond the Basics (Hands on)

4. Restaurant 101

5. Website in a Day

6. Email Marketing

7. Free & Local: Small Business Marketing

8. Boosting Business with Great Customer Reviews

 

See 33 More Classes and sign up here : Arkansas sba.gov

Great Chamber of Commerce Quotations: (Attitude)

“Decision decides destiny. What God wants you to become is the positive person you decide to become when led by God's spirit.”
― Israelmore Ayivor, The Great Hand Book of Quotes

John Dussman

Midwest Manager

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