Chamber Executive Ongoing Education Weekly New Idea - Worth Every Penny: Build a Business That Thrills Your Customers and Still Charge What You're Worth - By Erin Verbeck, Sarah Petty; Indy Region Submits Formal Application for Regional Cities Funding; Chamber interest: Register Today for Hobnob Mississippi 2015!; Chamber Best Practices: Heart of Wisconsin Chamber website: Member Services & Events - Ribbon Cutting/Grand Opening Ceremony; Chamber Best Practices: Paducah Chamber of Commerce Business Education Partnership (BEP); Rhonda Ludwig returns to Geneseo Chamber of Commerce; Chamber commission: 'Go Bike!' rack locations around Richmond; Coldwater Area (Michigan) Chamber Event: APPLEFEST;

Chamber Executive Ongoing Education Weekly New Idea - Worth Every Penny: Build a Business That Thrills Your Customers and Still Charge What You're Worth - By Erin Verbeck, Sarah Petty

A revelation for small business owners: creating a profitable business is possible without getting into a slash-and-burn price war with your competitors.

Many small business owners feel pressure to discount their products and services, especially when times are tough. After all, how else will they keep up with the low prices offered by their discounting competitors? What they don't realize is that discounting is the last thing they should be doing if they want to win big. Sarah Petty and Erin Verbeck are here to show you that there's a radically different way to run a small business-- one in which the owners focus on creating specialized offerings and an over-the-top customer experience, not on matching the prices of their competition. Worth Every Penny encourages you to explore and use this model, which is designed to maximize your advantages over the big-box stores and other discounting competitors.

You'll learn how to:

--Build a brand that lays the foundation for you to charge what your offerings are worth.

--Create products, services and high-touch customer experiences to achieve healthy margins and an outspokenly happy and loyal client base.

--Understand how to use a pricing strategy that allows you to create demand and attract the right customers instead of discounting.

--Throw traditional advertising to the wind and implement a boutique way of marketing to excel in this competitive business environment.

--Learn the relationship-based sales skills needed to close every sale and have your clients clamoring for more.

The authors' strategies are enhanced by real-life business experiences and vivid anecdotes from all types of business owners--restaurateurs to contractors to professional service providers and photographers. With the advice in Worth Every Penny, you will be inspired to live your passion and pass your enthusiasm on to your customers. The result: a profitable business that avoids succumbing to the pressure to discount.

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

Sources: Multiple, including Amazon and Arlington Heights Memorial Library

Indy Region Submits Formal Application for Regional Cities Funding

Today, the nine-county Indianapolis metro formally submitted its Regional Development Plan for funding consideration through the state’s Regional Cities Initiative. 

The Regional Development Plan makes the case for accelerating progress on three priority projects, using state investment to build on regional momentum:  

• Red Line rapid transit route – a 35-mile, three-county rapid transit service;
• 16 Tech innovation district – a multi-industry, “live/work” development north of the IUPUI campus that will attract new research and development opportunities and high-skill STEM jobs;
• Expansion of the region’s trail and bikeway network, as a critical part of Indy’s ‘livability’ infrastructure.

Each of these projects play a unique role in talent attraction and quality place-making.  Quality of life has become an economic imperative; as growing businesses list a skilled workforce as their top priority, successful regions appeal to talented workers and offer a growing labor force.

“The competitive landscape among U.S. cities and regions has changed significantly in the past decade. A traditional, “dealmaking” economic development approach is not enough.  We must attract and retain top talent, develop great places and neighborhoods, all of which help existing businesses reach their full potential,” said Michael Huber, president and CEO of the Indy Chamber. Read more: Indy Chamber

Chamber interest: Register Today for Hobnob Mississippi 2015!

Held at its new location-the Mississippi Coliseum, Hobnob Mississippi is a fun political rally-styled event that features Mississippi's statewide elected officials and candidates for statewide office. Hobnob is held in late October or early November - usually less than a week before the general election. The event, which draws more than 1,500 leaders, features a morning of stump-styled political speaking, a special keynote address and entertainment. This is MEC’s most casual and exciting event of the year! More information: Mississippi Economic Council Hobnob

Check Out Pictures from last year's event!

Chamber Best Practices: Heart of Wisconsin Chamber website: Member Services & Events - Ribbon Cutting/Grand Opening Ceremony

EMPOWER. NETWORK. PROMOTE.

People, Businesses, Resources

All Heart of Wisconsin programs have an impact on the communities we serve.

EMPOWER

The Heart of Wisconsin member services and events empower member businesses through networking and business promotion opportunities.

A Ribbon Cutting/ Grand Opening Ceremony is a great opportunity to recognize and celebrate your business and it is an important part of your overall marketing and advertising plan. It also offers an opportunity to meet key leaders in the community and get aquainted with your neighbors and chamber members. As a member service, the Heart of Wisconsin Chamber would enjoy helping your business celebrate with a Grand Opening, Ribbon Cutting or Groundbreaking Ceremony.

Your business must meet one of the following criteria:

A New Business

Changed ownership or under new management

Moved to a new location

Have been remodeled or expanded at its present location

Ribbon Cutting Policy Ribbon Cutting /Ground Breaking Request Form

Chamber Best Practices: Paducah Chamber of Commerce Business Education Partnership (BEP)

The mission of the Business Education Partnership (BEP) is to develop collaborative partnerships between business and education and become a pro-active voice for educational issues at the local, regional, and state level. BEP is a separate 501 C-3 organization that was started in 1996. It is a community network that forms working relationships between our regional businesses, post-secondary education, and the McCracken County Public Schools, Paducah Public Schools, Community Christian Academy and St. Mary School systems.

Partnership Goals

• Enhance learning experiences for students and educators
• Promote life long learning

Partnership Benefits

• Workforce development
• Provide business input and application in education
• Enrich the quality of life in our region through skill and assessment training

Business Partnership Programs

• BEP Web site Partners
• Leadership Paducah

Educational Community Partnerships

• School-to-Careers
• 4-H Youth Development
• Prichard Committee
• 4-H American Private Enterprise
• P-16 Council
• West Kentucky Educational Co-op (Gear-Up)
• Paducah City & McCracken County School Systems
• Girl Scouts
• Community Christian Academy
• St Mary's School System

Educational Community

• Enhance the learning process and enlarge the resource pool for teachers
• Address issues and concerns from a business perspective
• Create stronger community relationships
• Provide knowledge of the business world and its expectations for future employees

For additional information contact Sandra Wilson at 270.443.1746 or email to swilson@paducahchamber.org 

Rhonda Ludwig returns to Geneseo Chamber of Commerce

A familiar face is returning to the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce. Rhonda Ludwig of Geneseo has been named the chamber’s new executive director.

Ludwig previously served as the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce director from 2007 to 2010. Ludwig replaces chamber director Rhoni Perrine who resigned on June 5.

A life-long Geneseo resident, Ludwig and her husband, Brian, have one daughter, Lauren. Read more: Geneseo Republic

Chamber commission: 'Go Bike!' rack locations around Richmond

The Go Bike! racks topped with art by Richmond artists for the UCI Road World Championships started going up last week and will continue to be installed this week.

Twelve bike racks are going up around town for the Go Bike! project.

A total of 30 bike racks were created for the project. As more sponsors step forward, more bike racks will be installed.

Richmond artists including Ed Trask, Matt Lively and Amie Oliver created artwork for the “Go Bike!” racks. The medallions were cast locally at OK Foundry with patterns created by local design group Tektonics. Read more: Richmond Times Dispatch 

Coldwater Area (Michigan) Chamber Event: Applefest

Visitor Information

Welcome to the Annual Applefest! Located in Downtown Coldwater, this festival attracts thousands of spectators each year. You can enjoy deep fried donuts, apple pie, visit hundred of craft booths, listen to live music and much more! There will be a Kid Zone area with a bouncy house and other kid activities. You don't want to miss the biggest festival of the year!  Free parking is available downtown.

Vendor Information

​If you would like to be a part of Strawberryfest please click on one of the applications below that applies to you. There will be thousands of spectators flooding the streets of Downtown Coldwater and you won't want to miss it!

REGISTER ONLINE HERE

Or, download an application & mail payment...
    Craft Vendor Application
    Food Vendor Application
    Corporate Sponsor Application
    Non Profit Application

Chamber Executive Ongoing Education Weekly New Idea: Do Over: Rescue Monday, Reinvent Your Work, and Never Get Stuck by Jon Acuff; U.S. Representative Pete Visclosky Speaks At Duneland Chamber Luncheon; Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce Now Accepting LEAD Class of 2016 Applications; Des Plaines, Lake Zurich, Mount Prospect and Palatine area chambers initiative: YEA CEOs show their stuff at Woodfield trade show; Chamber Best Practices: Manistee Chamber of Commerce; Chamber partnership: ‘Discover Wisconsin’ ATV episode features Douglas County; Chamber sponsor: Newport seniors named Arkansas Scholars; Chamber Best Practices: Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce Front Page; Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation (Vision)

Good morning Chamber world! Today is going to be a GREAT day! 


Chamber Executive Ongoing Education Weekly New Idea: Do Over: Rescue Monday, Reinvent Your Work, and Never Get Stuck by Jon Acuff



It took me sixteen years to write this book. That breaks down to a brisk twelve words per day. But it wasn't the writing that took so long. . . . It was the working.
I had to work at big companies and small companies. I had to get hired and fired several times. I had to find my dream job, then walk away from it. But after all that, I can now say the following with absolute certainty:
You already have everything you need for an amazing career. In fact, you've had it since day one.
Starting on the first day you got paid to scoop ice cream or restock shelves, you've had the chance to develop the four elements all great careers have in common: relationships, skills, character, and hustle. You already have each of those, to one degree or another.
Now it's time to amplify them and apply them in a new way, creating a Career Savings Account(TM). This unique approach will give you the power to call a Do Over--whether you're twenty-two, forty-two, or sixty-two. You'll have the resources to reinvent your work and get unstuck. You'll even rescue your Mondays as you discover how to work toward the job you've always wanted
Just as a bank account protects you during a financial crunch, a Career Savings Account(TM) protects you during a career crunch. You need a CSA because you'll eventually face at least one of these major transitions: - You will hit a Career Ceiling and get stuck, requiring sharp skills to free yourself.
- You will experience a Career Bump and unexpectedly lose your job, requiring strong relationships to survive.
- You will make a Career Jump to a new role, requiring solid character to push through uncertainty and chaos.
- You will get a surprise Career Opportunity, requiring dedicated hustle to take advantage of it.
It took me sixteen years to figure out how to call a Do Over on my career. Please don't wait sixteen more seconds before starting yours. Source: Publisher Comments

U.S. Representative Pete Visclosky Speaks At Duneland Chamber Luncheon

The Duneland Chamber of Commerce held their monthly luncheon on Wednesday at the Waterbird Banquet Center in Chesterton. There to address business, education and community leaders throughout the Duneland Region was U.S. Representative Pete Visclosky.

“We’ve worked hard over the last year to get Rep. Visclosky to speak at one of our events,” said Maura Durham, President of the Duneland Chamber, “And we’re really happy to have him here today. Since his first election he’s always fought hard for Northwest Indiana’s domestic steel industry. He recognizes its importance to each of our communities and to our overall economy.”
While Congress is out of session this week Rep. Visclosky will be travelling around the region and speaking with constituents about the issues that are important and have an impact both in Washington D.C. and here in Northwest Indiana.
“I really appreciate the opportunity to talk about the future of Indiana and particularly our corner of the state,” Rep. Visclosky said. “We need to remember we are a nation at war. Our involvement, militarily, over the last decade and a half has almost been frictionless for most of the 330 million people who live in America. As we continue to have military men and women in harm’s way we need to keep them in mind. Situations around the world remain very conflicted and we owe these veterans a great deal for their service and their sacrifice.” Read more: LaporteCountyLife.com

Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce Now Accepting LEAD Class of 2016 Applications  

LEAD Peninsula helps prepare emerging leaders in the region to become influential members of the community. 

The Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce is accepting applications for current and emerging leaders to participate in its 2016 LEAD Peninsula program.

Formally known as the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce Leadership Institute, the community leadership program is designed to provide emerging young leaders with the knowledge, skills and network to become influential members of the community.

The intensive nine-month LEAD Peninsula program has been operating for 30 years and boasts more than 700 graduates. Members participate in educational sessions, tours, retreats and candid conversations with community leaders.

Topics range from local, state and federal government issues, to education, media, economic development, social services, environment, history, regionalism, criminal justice, health care, arts and culture and other topics. The idea is to challenge emerging leaders to view their community in new ways while fostering the development of civic leadership.

LEAD Peninsula members will expand their knowledge of what makes the Peninsula unique. They also seek to determine the Peninsula's economic future and help shape and influence the region's cities and counties to become more prosperous.

Mike Kuhns, CEO and President of the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, said LEAD Peninsula classes range from 30 to 40 participants. A class of 35 or 36 is ideal, he said.

LEAD Peninsula has changed a lot over the past four years, Kuhns said. A key element of the program is a class project, with the participants divided into teams to develop sustainability plans for proposed organizations developed by Peninsula business leaders.

"A couple of the projects have become national models," Kuhns said.

LEAD Peninsula is a "good program for anybody who wants to make a lot of connections," Kuhns said. "You learn an awful lot about the Peninsula in general."

Looking within the business community, LEAD Peninsula works to develop civic leadership by fostering opportunities for increased communication and cooperation among the private, public and nonprofit sectors. Recognized and emerging leaders will work collaboratively on issues of importance to the Peninsula community through a series of initiatives and programs.

For details and to see an application, visit the LEAD Peninsula website at: http://www.virginiapeninsulachamber.com/pages/LEADPeninsula/. Applications are due June 24.

For more information on LEAD Peninsula call Mike Kuhns at 757-325-8170 or by email at mkuhns@vpcc.org.

Des Plaines, Lake Zurich, Mount Prospect and Palatine area chambers initiative: YEA CEOs show their stuff at Woodfield trade show

The Young Entrepreneurs Academy, a groundbreaking educational program that takes students through the process of starting and running real businesses over the course of a full academic year, has been expanding its presence in the Northwest suburbs and this year held a trade show for student businesses at Woodfield Mall.

The trade show marketed products and services from businesses developed by YEA students in conjunction with programs run by the Des Plaines, Lake Zurich, Mount Prospect and Palatine area chambers of commerce. Direct sales were not allowed, but students were taking preorders from potential customers.

Among the presenters was sixth-grader Juhi Soni of Iroquois Community School in Des Plaines, who demonstrated her invention, the Scootle, a flexible bendable scoop that can go into a bottle of any size. Her product helps save consumers money and helps the environment by getting every last bit of lotion or makeup out of the bottom of a bottle, according to information provided by Des Plaines Elementary District 62. She was scheduled to present her product last Thursday in the national competition of the Young Entrepreneurs Academy in Boca Raton, Florida. Read more: Daily Herald

Chamber Best Practices: Manistee Chamber of Commerce

About the Council

Founded in 2004, MMC is a strong coalition of manufacturing interests in Manistee County. The founding members are

• Fab-Lite
• Noron Industries
• Martin Marietta Magnesia Specialties
• Morton Salt
• Packaging Corporation of America
• TES Filer City Station

Ideals

• Continuation of Manistee’s rich manufacturing heritage
• Ensure local economic strength
• Continued stability and growth, with the added benefit of bringing well- paying jobs to the region

Objectives

• Strong advocate, voice for area manufacturers
• Improved communication with local leaders and the public
• Improve business-to-business cooperation, sharing of best practices
• Foster Cooperation
• Ensure a viable workforce

Source: Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce
 

Chamber partnership: ‘Discover Wisconsin’ ATV episode features Douglas County

Northwest Wisconsin’s ATV scene is highlighted in an upcoming episode of the nation’s longest-running tourism TV show, Discover Wisconsin.
Airing this weekend, the show will reach Discover Wisconsin’s broadcast network of 500,000 viewers across the upper Great Lakes region, including Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Northern Illinois and Upper Michigan. “Four Wheels. Four Counties. — ATVing in Wisconsin” was produced in partnership with Barron County, Burnett County Tourism, Superior-Douglas County Chamber of Commerce, Washburn County Tourism Association and Discover Wisconsin.

“Our ATV trails have a very positive economic impact on Douglas County,” said Brittany Berrens, director of marketing for the Superior-Douglas County Visitors Bureau. “With summer right around the corner, we couldn’t be more excited to get the Superior-Douglas County area on the minds of ‘Discover Wisconsin’s’ Midwest audience.”

Chamber Best Practices: Georgetown/Scott County Kentucky Membership Page: 

The Georgetown/Scott County Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit business organization which has been involved in the community since 1959.

The Chamber of Commerce is . . .

1.  A private, not-for-profit business league incorporated in 1963.

2.  A volunteer group composed of individuals, businesses, industries, educators and professionals who have joined together to accomplish collectively what they cannot do individually.

3.  A spokesperson for business interests in the local and state community.

4.  An economic development consultant to expand local businesses and attract new investments.

5.  A marketing and business agent for existing businesses.

6.  A clearinghouse of information to those moving or visiting our community.

7.  An organization that encourages programs that enhance our "quality of life."

Source: Georgetown/Scott County Chamber of Commerce

Chamber sponsor: Newport seniors named Arkansas Scholars 

Eighteen Newport High School seniors have been named 2015 Arkansas Scholars. The Arkansas Scholars program is sponsored by the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce and is used to motivate high school students. This program was developed in Texas and has been in Arkansas since 1994.  It encourages academic achievement by high school students (grades 9-12) and begins with in-class presentations by local business leaders to second semester eighth graders.  Through a PowerPoint presentation and discussion, these students are told what businesses look for in employees, the salaries of various jobs and the importance of doing well in school.

 Students are asked to reach the following four goals while in high school:

1. To make semester grades of "C" or above in all academic courses;

2. To achieve a 95% or better attendance;

3. Complete the recommended courses to prepare for post-secondary education;

4. To complete high school in eight consecutive semesters. Read more: Newport Independent

Chamber Best Practices:  Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce Front Page

Why should I join the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce?
Be a part of nearly 900 members representing more than 50,000 employees spanning the Gulf Coast region. There is strength in numbers.




Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation (Vision) 

If we try to see something positive in everything we do, life won't necessarily become easier but it becomes more valuable.  - Author unknown

 

Chamber Executive Ongoing Education weekly new idea: Performing Under Pressure: The Science of Doing Your Best When It Matters Most by Hendrie Weisinger; Jessamine County Chamber of Commerce C.O.R.E.; Voting underway for Richmond chamber's startup contest; Workforce, Transportation Key Issues at Mississippi Economic Council Regional Round-Ups; Bentonville Chamber breakfast focuses on technology; Chamber assistance: 'American Pickers' return to Wisconsin; From the community: Evanston Chamber of Commerce Presents Annual Legislative Breakfast, May 11; La Porte chamber: 2015 is Looking to be a Good Year as Projected in Economic Briefing; Michigan chamber concern: Nine things voters should consider before voting May 5;

Good morning Chamber world! Today is going to be a GREAT day!


Chamber Executive Ongoing Education weekly new idea: Performing Under Pressure: The Science of Doing Your Best When It Matters Most - by Hendrie Weisinger

Nobody performs better under pressure. Regardless of the task, pressure ruthlessly diminishes our judgment, decision-making, attention, dexterity, and performance in every professional and personal arena. In Performing Under Pressure, Drs. Hendrie Weisinger and J.P. Pawliw-Fry introduce us to the concept of pressure management, offering empirically tested short term and long term solutions to help us overcome the debilitating effects of pressure.

Performing Under Pressure tackles the greatest obstacle to personal success, whether in a sales presentation, at home, on the golf course, interviewing for a job, or performing onstage at Carnegie Hall. Despite sports mythology, no one "rises to the occasion" under pressure and does better than they do in practice. The reality is pressure makes us do worse, and sometimes leads us to fail utterly. But there are things we can do to diminish its effects on our performance.

Performing Under Pressure draws on research from over 12,000 people, and features the latest research from neuroscience and from the frontline experiences of Fortune 500 employees and managers, Navy SEALS, Olympic and other elite athletes, and others. It offers 22 specific strategies each of us can use to reduce pressure in our personal and professional lives and allow us to better excel in whatever we do.

Whether you’re a corporate manager, a basketball player, or a student preparing for the SAT, Performing Under Pressure will help you to do your best when it matters most. More information: Barnes & Noble


Jessamine County Chamber of Commerce C.O.R.E.


Community OutREach

An initiative introduced by the Jessamine County Chamber in January 2013.

To support, catalyze, involve and promote the business community and the citizens to do things For the Greater Good.

Three types of Programs:
1. Community Program already in existence. Developed by a business or organization that the Chamber supports through involvement and marketing of said project.
2. Community Program developed and implemented by the Chamber of Commerce.
3. Community Program designed as a partnership between a business or organization and the Chamber of Commerce.

Current Programs that are a part of C.O.R.E.:
Creative Art League of Jessamine County - Ongoing support including partnership for annual Chamber Christmas Card Contest.
Taste of Jessamine - An existing program that the Chamber markets and participates in.
Living Treasures - This program was developed to recognize community members who have significantly affected the footprint of Jessamine County. A program developed with the Jessamine County Historical Society, the Jessamine County Public Library, the Jessamine Journal, Bridgepoint Senior Living and the Chamber. Learn more: Jessamine Chamber

Voting underway for Richmond chamber's startup contest

Public voting is underway and continues through Thursday night to select finalists in the Greater Richmond Chamber’s i.e.startup competition.
This year’s contest will hand out $22,500 in cash as well as free office space, technical support and mentoring.

Ten to 15 finalists will be announced on Monday. The chamber said this year’s competition drew 54 entries.

The fourth annual competition again will give $10,000 to a business — selected by judges who are local entrepreneurs and venture capitalists — that is determined to be the region’s best startup.

Another $10,000 prize will be given to the best social innovation startup, which the chamber said is designed to recognize a business such as a B corporation that supports charitable organizations. Richmond Times-Dispatch

 Workforce, Transportation Key Issues at Mississippi Economic Council Regional Round-Ups

MEC recently traveled to 27 communities throughout the state, discussing opportunities for those communities and regions to help grow Mississippi’s economic competitiveness. During the Regional Round-Up meetings, which were sponsored by Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi, MEC focused on how the 9 regions across the state can work together to build on their strengths and how each region is vital in helping Mississippi grow and prosper.
“MEC’s mission has long been to build a sense of statewide business community,” MEC President and CEO Blake Wilson said. “There is no better way to do this than to work with regions throughout the state to identify the opportunities that exist and look for ways to take advantage of those opportunities.”
MEC’s Regional Round-Up looked at region-specific economic drivers, as well as state-wide issues like transportation, healthcare, workforce, education and healthy communities. This regional approach to economic development is based on the four major goals of the Blueprint Mississippi initiative, which are:

• Economic Competitiveness
• Education Achievement & Workforce Development 
• Resource Management
• Technology Commercialization

 More Information: Mississippi Economic Council

 

Bentonville Chamber breakfast focuses on technology

The city's educational systems and businesses need to work together to strengthen the future work force's skill sets, Michael Poore, Bentonville Public Schools superintendent, said Friday morning.
Poore was one of three speakers at the Bentonville/Bella Vista Chamber of Commerce Business Matters Breakfast held at Avondale Chapel.
"We're trying to change the tide of how we work within the schools," Poore said. "It's not that we're giving up on core information, knowledge and skills in math, reading and writing, but we have to add a whole other layer to better prepare our kids for the future."
Poore spoke about the skills gap that industry leaders have voiced regarding workers who lack science, technology, engineering and math literacy. He told business leaders that their companies need to be part of course development.
The district will launch a similar program to Kansas City's Blue Valley School District's Career and Professional Studies program next school year. The model gives students opportunities to engage in real, relevant learning through relationships with businesses, according to Poore's presentation. Read more: Arkansas Online

Chamber assistance: 'American Pickers' return to Wisconsin

The tweets and Facebook posts have been flying for the past two weeks.
"American Pickers" Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz are coming back to Wisconsin in the first two weeks of June, and word is circulating now that they're looking for interesting collections of junk throughout the state.
The Iowa-based duo scours the countryside in search of "rusty gold," the antiques and memorabilia they purchase and resell in Wolfe's American Archeology shops.
They document the process on their popular "American Pickers" cable TV show on the History channel. The show airs new episodes at 8 p.m. Wednesdays.
Cineflix Production crews contacted Algoma and Eagle River chambers of commerce to get the word out and track down leads. Read more: PostCrescent.com

From the community: Evanston Chamber of Commerce Presents Annual Legislative Breakfast, May 11

The Evanston Chamber of Commerce will present the Annual Legislative Breakfast on Monday, May 11, 7:30 a.m.-9 a.m., featuring several local political leaders. The speakers include County Commissioner Larry Suffredin, State Senator Daniel Biss and State Representatives Robyn Gabel and Laura Fine. U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky also hopes to attend, pending the upcoming Congressional schedule.
Presenting sponsor AT&T's Vice President, External Affairs, Eileen Mitchell, will open the program. The breakfast, at the Hilton Garden Inn, 1818 Maple Ave., Evanston, is open to Chamber members, non-members and the general public. Doors open at 7 a.m. Cost of the breakfast is $20 for Chamber members, $30 for City of Evanston officials and $40 for non-members.
"This is an opportunity to question our leaders and also receive some perspective on issues that are important to the citizens of Illinois in general and Evanston in particular," said Elaine Kemna-Irish, Executive Director of the Evanston Chamber of Commerce. "Our speakers offer insights into current and future legislation which will affect us all," she added, "and they also welcome questions from the public." Read more: Chicago Tribune

La Porte chamber: 2015 is Looking to be a Good Year as Projected in Economic Briefing

The power of knowing; when we are aware of what is happening around us we are able to use the knowledge that we obtain as a tool to better our communities and ourselves.
The Greater La Porte Chamber of Commerce, The Michigan City Chamber of Commerce, and Purdue University North Central recognized this notion and put bi-annual Economic Briefing Sessions together that have been taking place at PNC for about 13 years. On a cool April morning the PNC College of Business and the Center for Economic Development and Research (CEDaR) presented the current trends in La Porte County’s economy.
“We wanted a connection between the community and the university, especially the business school,” Mike Seitz, President of the La Porte Chamber said. “Looking at the turnout today we have a lot of business leaders here and they will be able to pick up the trends and implement them in their businesses.” Read more: La Porte County Life

Michigan chamber concern: Nine things voters should consider before voting May 5

Voters go to the polls May 5 to decide a statewide ballot proposal to raise the state sales tax from 6 cents on the dollar to 7 cents. Here are nine things voters should consider before casting their ballots:

What It Is

The sales tax increase is part of a larger legislative package of 10 bills designed to pump an extra $1.2 billion into repairing Michigan’s crumbling roads and bridges. Some of the legislation is reflected in the ballot proposal, some of it isn’t. Voters have to approve the ballot proposal for all of the legislation to take effect.

How It Came To Be

Michigan lawmakers cobbled together the 10-bill package along with a resolution for a ballot proposal to raise the state sales tax in the lame-duck session in December before adjourning for the year and closing out the two-year session.

What It Does

In general, the package boosts the sales tax a penny through the ballot proposal, raising $1.4 billion. Legislation tied to its passage eliminates the sales tax on fuel and replaces it with a wholesale fuel tax, eliminates some discounts for automobile registrations and boosts truck registration fees, raising another $463 million. Read more: Grand Traverse Insider


#FamousChamber of Commerce Quotations:  (Attitude)

“I make the most of all that comes and the least of all that goes.”

~Sara Teasdale