Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber Of Commerce Names Beth Doughty as Interim President And CEO; Geneva Chamber: Holiday Mobile Phone Marketing; Jasper Chamber: Patoka 2000 Accepting Donations For Bridge Planters For Winter Months; #BestChamber practices: Orion Area Chamber: Fabulous Ad Blast; Wauwatosa-West Allis Chamber: Business and Policy Headlines; Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce: LEADERSHIP LAFAYETTE; Greater Reston Chamber: INCspire Bizmaker Grant Program; Chamber of Commerce Serving Lexington, Buena Vista and Rockbridge County Presents 2021 People’s Choice Awards; Melissa Tucker returns to Batesville Chamber: Welcome back!; Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce 2021 Welcome Home magazine; Dawn Lowe Promoted to Executive Director at Greensburg/Decatur County Chamber; NKY Chamber Women’s Initiative to feature best-selling author, career coach Kristen Zavo Dec. 8; Dyersville Chamber Announces first round of Winners; Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories, Incredible Maps and Welcome Home Magazines: The best Chamber Publishing Partner in the United States!

 

Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber Of Commerce Names Beth Doughty as Interim President And CEO The Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce has appointed an interim President and CEO as it begins the search for a permanent executive to replace the former President and CEO, Alexis Ehrhardt. Beth Doughty will serve as interim President and CEO.  A former President and CEO of the Roanoke Regional Chamber, she recently retired as executive director of the Roanoke Regional Partnership. At the Roanoke Regional Chamber, she worked with the VA West Legislative Coalition, developed new revenue sources and created programs for members. She was named a Top 50 Economic Developer in North America three times and was president of the Virginia Economic Developers Association. As interim President and CEO she will work with Chamber staff to support programs and services. She’ll also assist the Board of Directors in the search for a new executive. The Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce is the leading business membership organization with more than 500 business members. It works to accelerate business growth by connecting its members to dynamic resources and networks through advocacy, education, and leadership. Home >> Chamber of Commerce >> Programs and Events >> Leadership Lafayette Geneva Chamber: Holiday Mobile Phone Marketing Sign up today for Image Mobile Phone Marketing to thousands of our subscribers! Tis’ the Season for Holiday Advertising Opportunities!! Promote Holidays Happenings, Small Business Saturday, Holiday Shopping, Gift Certificates and Cocoa Crawl! Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the Chamber’s Mobile Marketing Program which reaches over 2,500 people through IMAGE text messaging. Consumers receive mobile ads from the Geneva Chamber by simply texting the word GENEVA to 223344. *Bonus: December 10th delivery will also include all Cocoa Crawl participants* Delivery Dates Monday, November 22nd Promotions will include Geneva Chambers Gift Cards, Holiday Happenings and Small Business Saturday! Friday, December 10th (Promotion will include Geneva Chamber Gift Cards, Cocoa Crawl, Caroling and Cocoa, Shop Small!) Investment: $150 / Incudes ad design Please email krogers@genevachamber.com or call Kelli Rogers with questions at 630-232-6060 Jasper Chamber: Patoka 2000 Accepting Donations For Bridge Planters For Winter Months Patoka 2000 (beautification committee of the Jasper Chamber) is getting ready to prepare the urns on the Patoka River Bridge for the Holiday and Winter seasons. In order to defray the costs of this beautification project, Patoka 2000 seeks donations from individuals, families or businesses throughout the community. You may make a donation in any amount and specify that the donation is in honor of someone, in memory of someone, or as a tribute to a favorite cause. By doing this, you are able to remember that person, while admiring the beautiful bridge area every time that you drive across the bridge. Family members and friends are encouraged to chip in together for this great beautification project. By working together we can continue to make Jasper a clean, bright community for those that live here and those that are just traveling through. A classified ad will be placed in The Herald (around December 16) stating all of those that donated funds and the people or cause they would like to have remembered or honored. Deadline for accepting donations for the Winter Project is December 7. Donations can be sent directly to Patoka 2000 at the Jasper Chamber of Commerce at P.O. Box 307, Jasper, Indiana 47547-0307. Any questions can be directed to the Jasper Chamber at 482-6866 or chamber@jasperin.org. #BestChamber practices: Orion Area Chamber: Fabulous Ad Blast  You Can Be a Local Business Hero with Haney Farm Bureau Want an easy and rewarding way to pay it forward to our local businesses?  Get an insurance quote from Haney Farm Bureau or send someone you care about to get one. How does that help? Every time someone comes to us for a quote, we send them a gift card to a local business. Every time someone refers someone our way, they get a local gift card too. Even more than that, people rest easier knowing they have a solid protection plan at a fair price and an insurance counselor in their corner. By year's end, Haney Farm Bureau will have invested over $4,000 giving back to Orion and other Michigan-based businesses through our gift card program. That translates into hundreds of new households helped in 2021. Thank you for helping to pay it forward. We specialize in business (particularly work comp) and life insurance and also help with home, auto, lake property, and much more. If you love it, work with it, or play with it, we can help protect it. Click here to make an appointment. Wauwatosa-West Allis Chamber: Business and Policy Headlines Good Morning Everyone, I hope everyone is having a great week! We are working on putting together a job fair for our members to participate in. Please click here to fill out a quick survey that will better help us understand what types of employees you are looking for. The survey will only take 2 minutes to fill out. We are also working with the Salvation Army again for Tosa for Tots. We have a bin at our offices so please drop off any toys you would like to donate to Tosa for Tots! We would also like to know of any holiday specials you are running. We plan to promote these specials on our website as well as social media platforms. Thank you to everyone who was at the Lunch and Learn yesterday! Both Police Chief MacGillis and School Superintendent Dr. Means did excellent jobs! We will be working on a Lunch and Learn for February. Stay tuned for more details! After Hours Networking at CAMINO West Allis is set for Thursday, January 13th from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. Registration is $15 for members and includes 2 drink tickets! If interested please register here! Interested in serving as a board member or a committee member? Anyone interested please reach out to the office. As always, your team is here to provide you the best membership experience, so feel free to contact us anytime. We are here to serve 24/7/365. Best regards, Christopher T. Ruditys Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce: LEADERSHIP LAFAYETTE The Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce presents the 34th annual Leadership Lafayette program.  Leadership Lafayette welcomes applicants from all levels of community involvement, from established corporate level leaders, executives, emerging leaders, community leaders, and new-to-Oxford/Lafayette County leaders, who are interested in learning more about Oxford/Lafayette County and the issues that impact our community.  Our goal is to develop and maintain a network of invested citizens committed to improving the quality of life in our community.  Ideal candidates are those who are passionate not only about their personal leadership but about their community and its success. What is Leadership Lafayette?  It is an eight-month program, running annually from January through August, that features a series of monthly training sessions and activities, designed for establishing active and engaged community leaders.  The Leadership Lafayette program introduces participants to a wide variety of assets within our Lafayette County area, exposes them to current community needs, and strategic leadership skills training.  The class will meet for an all day session once a month, typically the first Thursday of the month, from 8am-5pm. In addition to the monthly sessions, class members participate in a community based team project that aims to solve a current community problem and leaves a lasting impact on the LOU community.  How are the Leadership Lafayette participants chosen?  Participation in Leadership Lafayette is determined by a competitive application process with the number of applicants far exceeding the number of available openings. A selection committee will carefully review all Leadership Lafayette applications.  Program participation is limited to 25.  Preference will be given to candidates who, in addition to their potential for leadership, would contribute to the overall diversity and strength of the class and have available time to commit to the program and future community service.  Leadership Lafayette seeks to have class diversity among all ethnic groups, ages, genders, professions, and backgrounds. 2022 Application deadline is November 19, 2021. The program requires a tuition fee of $500, due upon acceptance. Click here to view Tentative Schedule for 2022 Class

Greater Reston Chamber: INCspire Bizmaker Grant Program Submission deadline has been extended to December 31! INCspire Bizmaker: First place receives a $15,000 grant!   The INCspire Education Foundation, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit subsidiary of the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce, has launched its BizMaker Grant Program! This program supports INCspire’s mission to provide business education, support, and mentorship to startup and emerging businesses in Fairfax County.   Qualifying organizations are encouraged to apply to the program by completing an application. For further details and instructions, please visit the INCspire page here!

#FamousChamber of Commerce Quotation: Time for a new map! "You can't use an old map to explore a new world." - - Albert Einstein

Chamber of Commerce Serving Lexington, Buena Vista and Rockbridge County Presents 2021 People’s Choice Awards The Chamber of Commerce Serving Lexington, Buena Vista, and Rockbridge County presented the 2021 People’s Choice Awards in conjunction with their Annual Meeting held on November 3, 2021. The People’s Choice Awards recognize some of the outstanding individuals, organizations and business in Rockbridge across five categories: Volunteer of the Year, Humanitarian of the Year, Educator of the Year, Employer of the Year and Citizen of the Year. Nominations are submitted by local civic organizations, the Chamber Board of Directors and the community at large. Jeannie VanNess was named Volunteer of the Year for her selfless service to the Community Table, Rockbridge County School System, Lexington Woman’s Club, Social Services and, most recently, Balloons Over Rockbridge. Starting with a community supper for eleven-year-old Samuel Golladay in 2015, Samuel’s Supper has grown into a 501c3 organization with the mission of hosting an annual meal to collect donations to support local families with children needing critical medical care. Their work in giving back to the community earned them the Humanitarian of the Year award. Haywood Hand has spent thirty-three years in public education after starting his career as an elementary school physical education teacher. Since then, he has worked with the Buena Vista, Harrisonburg, Amherst and Rockbridge County school systems. His experience and dedication to his students earned him the honor of being named Educator of the Year. As the pandemic presented challenges, Carilion Rockbridge Community Hospital went above and beyond to serve as our first responders. Their dedication to providing local access to high quality care here in Rockbridge was rewarded as they were named Employer of the Year. The 2021 Citizen of the Year award was presented to Bobbie Wagner, who went above and beyond during the past year to ensure that the Rockbridge community could continue to work and thrive. In her position at the Rockbridge YMCA, she empowered the organization to expand their services to include more full-time child care, learning centers, after school care and a preschool. Bobbie truly overcame when faced with adversity and challenges. It is a privilege to work with and know these individuals and organizations. The Chamber was honored to recognize them for all they do in service to the greater community. The Chamber of Commerce Serving Lexington, Buena Vista, and Rockbridge County was formally established in 1923 to promote neighborliness among the residents of the community. Our mission today is to champion civic and economic progress for our community. Visit www.lexrockchamber.com for more information. Melissa Tucker returns to Batesville Chamber: Welcome back! A former director of the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce is back. Melissa Tucker has been named the new executive director starting August 2. “She has over 15-year years of experience with the Chamber and has been credited with bolstering the Chamber’s marketing strategies, expanding the reach of the Chamber’s membership and affiliate partners (such as the City of Batesville, Ripley County Community Foundation & Batesville Main Street), developing new programs and adding additional member benefits,” the Chamber announced in a press release. Tucker will replace Tricia Miller who is leaving to become the City of Batesville’s Community Development Director NEW ARRIVAL! ‌ Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce 2021 Welcome Home magazine The Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce 2021 Welcome Home New Mover magazine is available at the Crossroads Regional Chamber today and will be mailed to every area NEW MOVER for the next 12 months! Thanks to Deann Patena and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together! View the Crossraods Regional Chamber Welcome Home Magazine Town Square Publications 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 or call (847)-427-4633. Dawn Lowe Promoted to Executive Director at Greensburg/Decatur County Chamber The Greensburg/Decatur County (GDC) Chamber of Commerce is now going through exciting changes with a promising future ahead. The Board of Directors has appointed Dawn Lowe as the Chamber’s new Executive Director effective immediately. Dawn, a native to Indiana, has worked for the GDC Chamber for two and a half years, serving as the Marketing and Public Relations Director and Administrative Assistant. Lowe has helped grow the followership of the Chamber’s social media platforms, working relentlessly throughout the pandemic to get information out to not only Chamber members, but all of Decatur County and the surrounding communities as quickly as possible. While the focus is now being put back on the members, the Chamber works to help and support the business community in Decatur County using different publicity measures, publications, and more. “I am extremely excited to be a part of this organization right now! I feel the Chamber can make a great impact for the different business communities in Decatur County, representing both large and small entities, assisting with growth, development, education, and labor,” Lowe commented. Lowe previously worked for the Decatur County Family YMCA as their Marketing Director where she was heavily involved in the growth and sustainability of the Annual Campaign and Endowment as well as helping with the groundwork for the current Capital Campaign and expansion. Lowe’s experience with marketing, along with the relationships she’s built over the past seven to ten years while in Decatur County, coupled with her educational background gives her a unique outlook on the future of the Chamber with fresh ideas and energy that she is looking to pour into the community. Lowe also mentioned the special relationship the Chamber has with what has been known for several years as the Stellar Group. “The Stellar Group, consisting of the City of Greensburg, Decatur County Community Foundation, Economic Development Corporation of Greensburg/ Decatur County, Visit Greensburg, Main Street Greensburg and Greensburg/Decatur County Chamber of Commerce meets regularly to talk about different ideas, projects, and topics all in an effort to showcase where we live and continue building on the great attributes which are already here. It is an honor to have a seat at the table, be able to bounce ideas back and forth, and work to make those visions a reality for our communities.” Board President, Mandy Lohrum adds, “The board is excited to have Dawn as the head of the Chamber team. She has been performing as the Interim Director these past few months, and we are confident in her abilities to lead the Chamber and its membership.” When Lowe is not working, she enjoys spending time with her family (husband, Mark; daughters KaeLynn, Kenedee, and Kirkley; and son, Klein). Her children are extremely involved with their schools, competing in volleyball, softball, basketball, football, and dance, as well as being part of many clubs and activities. Lowe is also the Varsity Assistant Volleyball coach at Greensburg Community High School. “I have a great desire to help people. Whether that is on the court or in the business sector; I like to know I am making a difference. It is such an honor to know I get to serve so many businesses and individuals, working every day to make Decatur County the best it can absolutely be.” NKY Chamber Women’s Initiative to feature best-selling author, career coach Kristen Zavo Dec. 8 Kristen Zavo is a best-selling author and career coach… And now, the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce (NKY Chamber) Women’s Initiative will host her for a presentation to help you beat burnout professionally and personally. Kristen Zavo Zavo will serve as the featured speaker for “Beat Burnout: Tools to Identify, Overcome and Thrive at Work… And in Life,” the next event in the Women’s Initiative’s Professional Series, sponsored by PNC. Taking place from 8:30-9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 8, the virtual event is designed to “banish the burnout” so busy professionals can be productive and engaged at work and in life. Topics that will be addressed during the presentation include: • Recognizing the difference between burnout and exhaustion and what to do about it • How to recognize burnout before it sabotages your efforts • Why burnout shows up • How to recognize and eliminate “energy vampires” • Ten ways to manage and recover from burnout Sarah Gray, Business Banking and U.S. Bank Vice President, and Women’s Initiative Professional Series Committee Chair, encourages anyone concerned about burnout to attend the presentation. “Burnout is something that can have devastating effects on anyone from an entry level employee all the way up to a C-suite executive. With this event, we will provide our attendees with tools and solutions they can use to not just overcome burnout, but thrive in the face of adversity,” Gray said. “Kristen is a top leader in her field; her experience, expertise and enthusiasm for this topic will surely help all our attendees overcome their own challenges with burnout at work and in their own lives.” Author of the best-selling book, Job Joy: Your Guide to Success, Meaning, and Happiness in Your Career, Zavo is on a mission to help unfulfilled high achievers build careers – and lives – they love. With nearly two decades of experience in the corporate world working for Fortune 500 companies including Lehman Brothers, NBC and Luxottica, Zavo has been featured in several major media outlets. These include The Wall Street Journal, the Huffington Post and WGN9 in Chicago among others. Registration for Women’s Initiative Professional Series: Beat Burnout is just $10 for NKYP Event Pass holders, $15 for NKY Chamber members and $20 for future members. Pre-registration is required online at www.NKYChamber.com. Members can login at the top of the registration page to receive member rate. Dyersville Chamber Announces first round of Winners The Dyersville Chamber has announced their first round of winners of their Christmas Giveaway Promotion. The first round of winners are: Ed Merges of Sherrill Joann Kruse of Petersburg Randy Mormann of Petersburg Julie Steger of Colesburg Becky Norton of Farley Kathy Wessels of Earlville Janelle Tucker of Dyersville Sarah Thuman of Earlville Kristina Johnson of Guttenberg Scot Kurmiski of Epworth Gayle Wilhelm of Dyersville Luann Pins These winners, along with winners over the next two weeks, will attend a drawing on Saturday, December 4th at 9:30 a.m. to draw for their prize of anywhere between $25 and $400 in Dyersville Chamber Dollars. For your chance to win, shop and sign up at participating Dyersville and New Vienna businesses. Read more: KMCH Radio Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories, Incredible Maps and Community Profiles: The best Chamber Publishing Partner in the United States! 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 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 or email John Dussman. Thank you!

From Jack Klemeyer: Happy Veterans Day, #ChamberWorld; Rochester Regional Chamber: Become a Parade Champion!; Schaumburg Business Association (SBA) - Illinois Mandated Sexual Harassment Training; Logansport Cass County Chamber of Commerce Community Resource Guide/Map; Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber: Shop Local, Decorate Local and send us Pics; Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce Community and Business Guide; Battle Creek Area Chamber: Fall into the Arts, artwalk | People's Choice Awards; U.S. Chamber Seeks Information on Budget, Economy, and Inflation Impacts of Reconciliation Bill; Midland Business Alliance: Join us for last MBA Luncheon of 2021!; Lexington-Rockbridge County Chamber: Young Professional Series; Wisconsin Leads: Executive Fellowship; Mclean County Chamber: Agriculture Awards Dinner; Cabarrus County: The Chamber's State of the Region Summit is Nov. 19 - Register Today!; Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories, Maps, Apps, Quarterly Magazines, Digital Directory Sales and Community Profiles: The no cost, no risk BEST Chamber Publishing Partner in the USA!

From Jack Klemeyer: Happy Veterans Day, #ChamberWorld

Dear John,

Today we honor the brave people who put their lives on hold to serve the greater good and uphold the freedoms we cherish in this country.

To the soldiers who dedicated their lives to their country, thank you.
To the families of soldiers who have shared time with their loved ones for the betterment of our country, thank you.

your service will always be cherished and appreciated.

“There is a certain enthusiasm in liberty, that makes human nature rise above itself, in acts of bravery and heroism.” - Alexander Hamilton

Contact: Jack Klemeyer <gybcoaching@leadingthebest.com>

#BestChamber practices: Rochester Regional Chamber: Become a Parade Champion!


Wouldn't you want to be a Christmas Parade sponsor? Watch the Video!

Our Parade of Programs is a peer driven fundraising campaign. Proceeds will contribute directly to the Foundation's programming and services.

The campaign tells the story of the Foundation's 3 pillars with a focus on the Foundation's largest community initiative: the Rochester Area Hometown Christmas Parade. We kick-off the fundraising in anticipation of the parade's 70th Anniversary!

Become a Parade Champion!

Schaumburg Business Association (SBA) - Illinois Mandated Sexual Harassment Training

provided by HR Boost
Employee and Manager Training - Virtual

12/7, 8:00-9:00a

12/9, 12:00-1:00p


Explanation of sexual harassment:
Examples of unlawful conduct
Summary of Federal & State Statues
Employer Responsibilities

Participants will receive a certificate via email.

In 2021, Illinois employers are required to provide annual sexual harassment prevention training to all employees. For a lot of small businesses (maybe even yours), harassment training and compliance is a mystery that can turn into an emergency. Join us for SBA’s upcoming Harassment Training, brought to you by HRBoost. HRBoost knows that getting the right training in place can not only cover your compliance requirements, but set your business up for success. If you have one employee, the compliance date is 12/31/2021.

HRBoost has provided training for Employees and Supervisors to cover your compliance needs and help you understand and recognize different forms of harassment in the workplace and how to prevent it.

PLEASE NOTE: This webinar does NOT meet the state requirements for employees of restaurants and bars. Additional training is required for those types of businesses.

Logansport Cass County Chamber of Commerce  Community Resource Guide/Map

The Logansport Cass County Chamber of Commerce Community Resource Guide/Map is available at the Logansport-Cass County Chamber today! Thanks to Bill Cuppy, Teresa Zimmerman and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!!

Logansport Cass County Chamber Resource Guide/Map

Town Square Publications 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  or call (847)-427-4633.

Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber: Shop Local, Decorate Local and send us Pics

Shop Oxford needs your help! As you decorate for fall or Christmas this season send us pics of you or your staff in action and we will feature you or your store on a Shop Oxford post and promo. We need YOU, our members, to help us with the content! What better way to get a shout out for for office, business, shop or restaurant than sending us the photos to use? We want to make our posts as local as possible. We need your photos and you get the promos!

Send your photos to pam@oxfordms.com

All season long, all year long, keep them coming! Thanks in advance for helping us feature our people and our community!

Pam Swain
Senior Vice President Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce

Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce Community and Business Guide

The Hartford Area Chamber Community and Business Guide is available at the Chamber of Commerce today! Thank you to the Chamber team for their help and direction putting this together! 

Hartford Area Chamber Community and Business Guide

Town Square Publications 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  or call (847)-427-4633.

Battle Creek Area Chamber: Fall into the Arts, artwalk | People's Choice Awards

On Friday, October 29, 2021 the Battle Creek Area Chamber Foundation was thrilled to open the Kellogg Arena doors for a FaBOOlous Evening of Art, Spirits & FUN during this season's Fall into the Arts, artwalk. Attendees were able to vote for their favorite artist as part of the People's Choice Awards, and the winners are:

First Place: Jamari Taylor, Mixed Medium
Second Place: Xenia Rose Schafer - Xelda Art, Water Media (Acylic and Water Color)

Congratulations to this season's winners receiving cash rewards of $500 for First Place and $200 for Second Place.

Fall into the Arts, artwalk | MSU vs. U of M Poll Results

Tuesday's Tidbits eNewsletter from October 26, 2021

The Chamber partnered with South Michigan Food Bank during the 2021 Fall into the Arts, artwalk to stir up a bit of friendly rivalry within our community with their Dollar Drive Competition. Within the October 26 Tuesday's Tibdits eNewsletter, the following poll was included prior to the BIG game that Saturday:

Which Team will You be Cheering for to Help End Hunger

Results from the poll are:
Michigan State University: 58.8%
University of Michigan: 41.2%

Congratulations Michigan State University fans for the WIN! However, the true story occurred during the Dollar Drive Competition at the artwalk which raised:

$250.00 OR
1,500 Meals for Someone in Need

Thank you to everyone that participated within the MSU vs. U of M Dollar Drive Competition. Your contributions are making a difference in the greater Battle Creek area.

U.S. Chamber Seeks Information on Budget, Economy, and Inflation Impacts of Reconciliation Bill

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce today sent a letter to Members of Congress, requesting they seek a complete accounting of the budgetary and economic impacts of the current reconciliation bill.

“We have the highest inflation in 31 years, employers are struggling to fill a record number of job openings, and the current draft of the reconciliation bill uses gimmicks to cover up well over $1 trillion in spending. It would be the height of irresponsibility for Members of Congress to vote on this multi-trillion-dollar tax-and-spend bill with no clear understanding of its true cost or the real-world impact of the policies,” said U.S. Chamber Executive Vice President and Chief Policy Officer Neil Bradley.

It is impossible to have an accurate understanding of the budgetary and economic implications of this legislation without an analysis of:

1. What is the impact of the legislation on near-term inflation, especially given that so much of the spending and tax cuts will occur in the next two to five years?
2. What is the impact of the legislation on workforce participation, especially given the large amounts of transfer payments that are not connected to work?
3. What is the true cost of the bill if you do not include the arbitrary sunsets of tax and spending provisions that are clearly intended to be permanent?
4. What impact will these arbitrary sunsets, especially with childcare and pre-K, have on state governments and the private sector?

See the letter here or in the Download link above.

Midland Business Alliance: Join us for last MBA Luncheon of 2021!

Shifting Workplace Demographics

Times, they are a changin'. How are our society's demographics shifting, and how does it impact the workforce? And what about that very large portion of our workforce that must consistently juggle childcare--or elder care!--so that they can be a part of the workforce? How does dependent care fit into the workforce equation, and how can employers help?

Join us for the next MBA Luncheon to answer these questions and more.

Featured Panelists


· Chris Rishko, Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works! - How Our Population is Changing, and the Impact on Business

· Charlie Schwedler, Senior Services Midland County Council on Aging - How Elder Care Impacts Your Workforce

· Catrina Wiskur, Midland County Great Start Collaborative - How Childcare Impacts Your Workforce

Event Details

Date/Time: 11:30-1 p.m. | Tuesday, November 30
Location: Holiday Inn Midland

Fees/ Admission:
Registration for Members: $25, on or before November 26
Walk-In Registration for Members: $30
Registration for Non-Members: $35

REGISTER NOW

Lexington-Rockbridge County Chamber: Young Professional Series

The Lexington-Rockbridge Jaycees and the Chamber of Commerce present the third installment of our Young Professionals Development Series:

Wednesday November 10th @ 5:30pm:

Home Buyers' 101
Presented by Kara Braddick of James Wm. Moore Real Estate

Location: Sweet Treats Bakery

Register online today!

This series of workshops will help connect and engage our growing community of young professionals. This is event is free an open to all young professionals in Rockbridge. There will be drinks and food provided by Sweet Treats Bakery. 

Wisconsin Leads: Executive Fellowship

Sponsored by CliftonLarsenAllen



The Wisconsin Leads: Executive Fellowship Program is an exclusive leadership development fellowship opportunity for emerging executives to learn from other prominent executives and lawmakers about Wisconsin’s economy and the foundational public policies that shape it.

We encourage all emerging executives to apply and gain valuable networking experience and business insight from the top business executives and lawmakers in the state.

Event Dates:

La Crosse: Wisconsin Leads Program

Hosted by: Kwik Trip

January 25-26

Lodging at:

The Charmat Hotel

101 State Street, La Crosse, WI 54601

Time to be announced.



Madison: Wisconsin Leads Program

Hosted by: WMC

March 1 -2

Lodging at:

The Edgewater Hotel

1001 Wisconsin Pl

Madison, WI 53703

Time to be announced.



Green Bay: Wisconsin Leads Program

Hosted by: Belmark

May 10 – 11

Lodging at:

Hotel Northland 304 N.

Adams St. Green Bay, WI 54301

Time to be announced.

Cost: $3,000 for the program.

DEADLINE TO APPLY: November 15, 2021

Featured Speakers:
Samantha Metcalf, CliftonLarsenAllen: Managing Principal Private Industries and Manufacturing and Distribution, CLA
Rick Parks, President and CEO, Society Insurance: Engaging and Managing a Board of Directors
Michelle Grajkowski, Director of Business World, Wisconsin Business World: Business and Education Partnership Best Practices
Scott Manley, Executive VP of Government Relations, WMC covering Government and Business: Navigating the Administrative State
Rusty Schieber, VP of Operations Support, Brakebush: Managing Dynamics in a Family Run Business
Wade Goodsell, VP of Membership and Partnerships, WMC: Workforce Challenges and Demographics
Rob Palmer, VP of Government Relations at WPS Health Solutions and Brigadier General for the US Army: Military Lessons for Corporate Leaders
Kwik Trip: Kwik Trip’s Culture
Brent Ridge, President and CEO, Dairyland Power: Energy Policy

REGISTER TODAY

For questions contact Wade Goodsell, Executive Director of WMC Foundation at: wgoodsell@wmc.org.

Mclean County Chamber: Agriculture Awards Dinner

Thursday, November 18, 2021 • 5:30 pm
Holiday Inn & Suites Bloomington - Airport

Thursday, November 18, 2021 • 5:30 pm Holiday Inn & Suites Bloomington - Airport
Thursday, November 18, 2021 • 5:30 pm

On Thursday, November 18, 2021 the Chamber will honor the best in 2021 McLean County agriculture at the McLean County Chamber of Commerce Agriculture Awards Dinner at the Holiday Inn & Suites Bloomington-Airport. Social Hour will begin at 5:30pm, with Dinner and Program beginning at 6:30pm.

REGISTRATION is NOW OPEN!! Tickets are $45.00 each.

REGISTER HERE

Cabarrus County: The Chamber's State of the Region Summit is Nov. 19 - Register Today!


Join us for the State of the Region Summit, presented by Duke Energy, on Friday, Nov. 19 from 7:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. at the Laureate Center in Kannapolis. This year's interactive, breakfast event will cover three current challenges for local employers – childcare, equitable housing and transportation. Breakfast will be served at 7:30 a.m. and presentations will begin at 8 a.m. Tickets are $30. Please register online or by contacting The Chamber by Nov. 17.

The summit will include presentations on the following topics:

Demographic Drought
Brian Francis, Francis Consulting Services and The Chamber's Public Policy Consultant

Equitable Housing
Ed Hosack, Executive Director, Cooperative Christian Ministries
Marcella Beam, Chief Community Health Officer and PIO, Cabarrus Health Alliance
Patrick Graham, PhD., Chief Executive Officer, Concord Family Enrichment Association

Child Care
Carla Brown, Coordinator, Cabarrus County Early Childhood Education

Meet our new Superintendents
Mr. Kevin Garay, Superintendent, Kannapolis City Schools
Dr. John Kopicki, Superintendent, Cabarrus County Schools

Transportation
Geraldine Gardner, Executive Director, Centralina Regional Council
LJ Weslowski, Transit Director, Concord Kannapolis Area Transit

Elected Officials Response, moderated by Brian Francis
Senator Paul Newton
Representative Kristin Baker
Steve Morris, Cabarrus County Commissioner Chair

In between presentations, summit attendees will have the opportunity to participate in discussion on the current topic and answer questions that will help shape The Chamber's 2022 Legislative Agenda.

Thank you to the sponsors of the State of the Region Summit:

Duke Energy
Title Sponsor

GRAIL
Corporate Sponsor

Ben Mynatt Family of Dealerships
F&M Bank
Associate Sponsors

DecisionPath HR
Market Street Studios
Breakfast Sponsors


Date: November 19, 2021
Time: 07:30 AM - 11:30 AM EST


Location:
The Laureate Center
401 Laureate Way
Kannapolis, NC 28081

Contact: Alison Paladino 
Email: apaladino@cabarrus.biz

Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories, Maps, Apps, Quarterly Magazines, Digital Directory Sales and Community Profiles: The no cost, no risk BEST Chamber Publishing Partner in the USA!

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 or email John Dussman with the subject line: Chamber Publication Proposal Requested. Thank you!

Re-opening your business: Need HEPA? Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotations: (Marketing to Membership); #BestChamber practices: Barbi Jones, Cabbarus County Chamber: Get your High school juniors and seniors on-board with FASFA; Lexington-Rockbridge Chamber of Commerce 2021 Scholarship Applications Available; Naperville Area Chamber Of Commerce Presents The Inaugural NACC Volunteer Week; #BestChamber Practices: (via the CARY GROVE Chamber) Newsletter links; Oxford Lafayette County Chamber: Community Support needed to make Oxford Chamber's Red and Blue Race a great success; Drive-Thru Job Fair Planned for Oshkosh Area; Effingham County Chamber Spring Radio Days; Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce Announces Support for Holt Bond Issue on May 4 Ballot; Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce Announces Support for Holt Bond Issue on May 4 Ballot; Indiana Chamber Webinar: How the New Stimulus Package Impacts your Business; Owensboro Chamber: Athena Awards; Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories, Maps, Apps, Quarterly Magazines, Digital Directory Sales and Community Profiles: The no cost, no risk best Chamber Publishing Partner in the USA!

 

Re-opening your business: Need HEPA?

According to NIOSH, HEPA filters are more than 99% effective at capturing human-generated particles associated with COVID-19.

Portable HEPA filtration units with a fan system are “a preferred option” for auxiliary air cleaning, especially in high-risk settings such as public waiting areas. If you’re considering using them, take a look at EPA’s Guide to Air Cleaners.

When choosing a portable HEPA unit, the size of the room matters. The product description should indicate the largest room size, or suggested room size, in square feet that the unit is appropriate for. If the ceiling height is more than 8 feet, multiply the room’s square footage by the ratio of the ceiling height divided by eight. So a 300-square-foot room with an 11-foot ceiling will require an air cleaner labeled for a room size of at least 415 square feet (300 × [11/8] = 412.5).

For units that only tell you their air flow rate in cubic feet per minute (cfm), there’s a 2/3 formula to follow. A 300-square-foot room with an 8-foot ceiling needs at least 200 cfm of air flow (300 × [2/3] = 200). If the ceiling height is taller, multiply that result by the ratio of the ceiling height divided by eight. If that 300-square-foot room had an 11-foot ceiling, it requires an air cleaner that can provide at least 275 cfm of air flow (200 × [11/8] = 275).

There’s also such a thing as ducted HEPA systems. See the CDC/NIOSH discussion here. Read more: Safety News Alert




Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotations: (Marketing to Membership)

“The aim of marketing is to know and understand the customer so well the product or service fits him and sells itself… – Peter Drucker

#BestChamber practices: Barbi Jones, Cabbarus County Chamber: Get your High school juniors and seniors on-board with FASFA

Dear friends,

The Chamber continually works with our community partners to help ensure you have a well-educated talent pipeline with the necessary skills and training to fill your current and future workforce needs.
 
While COVID has caused many hurdles for students, we know that a brighter future is coming! We want our students to understand the career possibilities available to them, and many of those start with the completion of the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form. Last year, over $110 million in federal aid was left on the table, and only 30% of Cabarrus County and Kannapolis City Students completed this form that shows them grants, loans, work study opportunities, scholarships and institutional funds which help make college affordable.
 
Our Cabarrus County Schools, Kannapolis City Schools and Rowan-Cabarrus Community College are working hard to let students know about the FAFSA and what is available to them. The form can be completed junior and senior year! We know parents and other family members play crucial roles in their students’ post-high school career decisions, and we are hoping as employers to many of these parents, you can help us spread the word. I am attaching a letter to parents that explains what is needed to complete the FAFSA and ways parents can get help completing it. Would you consider sending this to your workforce or posting it in internal communications? Over the next few weeks, we will be sharing information on our Facebook and Instagram pages. If your company is active on these platforms, please consider sharing our posts!
 
We know when this community works together, great things happen! Thank you for your consideration of helping us move the Class of 2021 forward to bright futures!

FAFSA Letter to Parents
 
Best Regards,
Barbi Jones
Executive Director

Lexington-Rockbridge Chamber of Commerce 2021 Scholarship Applications Available

The Chamber of Commerce Serving Lexington, Buena Vista, and Rockbridge County formally announces their 2021 high school scholarship applications are open. First awarded in 2017, the scholarships were established in partnership with our diamond level sponsors, CornerStone Bank, Carilion Rockbridge Community Hospital, Virginia Military Institute and Washington and Lee University. Awarded each year to one graduating senior from Rockbridge County High School (RCHS) and Parry McCluer High School (PMHS), the scholarships can be used for continuing education at any fully accredited 2 or 4 year institution of higher education.

Applications for both scholarships are due by Friday, May 14, 2021.  Visit lexrockchamber.com to download the application online, or contact the guidance counselors at PMHS or RCHS for a copy.

Naperville Area Chamber Of Commerce Presents The Inaugural NACC Volunteer Week

presented by the NACC Corporate Social Responsibility & Not-For-Profit committees & in partnership with Giving DuPage

The Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce (NACC) Corporate Social Responsibility and Not-For-Profit committees – in partnership with Giving DuPage – are launching the inaugural NACC Volunteer Week on April 18th – 24th, 2021. Coinciding with the National Volunteer Week initiated by Presidential Proclamation in 1974, this week is designed to activate our community in a way that serves NACC Chamber Not-For-Profit organizations, which in turn, benefits the community as a whole.
Kaylin Risvold, President & CEO of the NACC said, “Using the motto of our beloved City of Naperville “Great Service – All the Time” as inspiration – we are asking Chamber Members (and the community) to utilize their talents and give of their time in order to make a lasting impact on the Not-For-Profit organizations that keep our community strong.”

The NACC has set an aggressive volunteer goal and is asking the community to join forces to fulfill it. NACC Volunteer Week looks to have 2,000 Volunteers – donating 14,000 volunteer hours. That’s just 7 hours per person – or – 1 hour per day. In addition, the NACC has created a custom event page at the GIVING DUPAGE VOLUNTEER PORTAL for volunteer week at www.naperville.net/your-region/nacc-volunteer-week/ where Not-For-Profits have created volunteer opportunities, charity events and donation drive ideas for the community to find, sign-up and participate in. Volunteer opportunities may be in-person, virtual, serve for one person or even a group.

“We are very excited to partner with the Naperville Chamber to host Volunteer Week, bringing together an entire community around service,” said Diana Orjuela, Giving DuPage Board President. “As the County’s Volunteer Center, it’s our honor to share different ways people can give back to our local nonprofit community, especially when those same organizations stepped up to help so many people during a challenging year,” added Orjuela.

In addition, the NACC is asking volunteers to post about their virtual or in-person volunteer experience on social media – OR – share stories about colleagues who are uplifting the community in new and inventive ways to inspire others to participate and honor their good deeds. With the use of social hashtags #NACCVolunteerWeek #NACCForService #NationalVolunteerWeek #NVW #NVW2021 the NACC believes this first year will be the start of something residents of the city of Naperville can plan for, stand behind and engage in annually.

Risvold states, “The Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce is committed to providing an annual outlet for volunteerism that supports our mission of being a community advocate and resource. The NACC Volunteer Week will be a chance to highlight our not-for-profit community and the great people inside Naperville that believe in the value of being a volunteer by giving of their gifts, time and talents. We know when we combine forces – people, organizations, and business – the value of one becomes the POWER of many to make positive change.”

#BestChamber Practices: (via the CARY GROVE Chamber) Newsletter links

IMPORTANT COVID LINKS

·     Resume McHenry County ·     CDC ·     Illinois Department of Health/Restore Illinois ·     Illinois CDC ·     McHenry County Health Department ·     FEMA ·     Ready.gov (Homeland Security) ·     US Department of Labor (OSHA) ·     US Small Business ·     United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ·     U.S. Chamber of Commerce ·     World Health Organization ·     Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce ·     Village of Cary ·     McHenry County

 

Oxford Lafayette County Chamber:  Community Support needed to make Oxford Chamber's Red and Blue Race a great success 

Can you donate 500 promotional items for the racer's Goody Bags? ·     We are currently collecting items to fill the swag bags.  ·     Each racer will receive a "swag bag" filled with items at registration.  Include your marketing item in our 500 SWAG BAGS for each racer.  ·     The latest deadline for us to receive goody bag materials is Wednesday, 21. We need 500 of your items, to ensure we have enough for all the registered runners. We will be glad to pick the items up from you or you can drop them off at the Chamber office, 299 Jackson Avenue West.   ·     Suggested items include, but are not limited to: magnets, hand sanitizers, pens, notepads, rulers, flashlights, calculators, key chains, etc.  ·     Some items we already have committed include: Courtyard by Marriott sunglasses, RedMed koozies, Dick's Sporting Goods 20% off coupons, Mississippi Federal Credit Union chapstick and sunscreen, SPORTea samples, and more!   Can you donate some pre-packaged food items for our "buffet in a bag?" ·     All runners will pick up a "Buffet in a bag" filled with snacks after the race. ·     Need 500 individually packed items by Wednesday, April 21. ·     Less than 500 can work also. For example we can place 250 of one item in half of the bags and 250 of another donation in the other bags to get the 500 total coverage. ·     Your logo will be featured on large Food Donor sign to be displayed at the buffet pickup at the Red & Blue Race. ·     Food sponsors highlighted on Facebook, instagram and twitter post on race event page, exposure to 10,000+ followers. ·     Food sponsors are encouraged, but not required, to “brand” your items for bags, ex. branded water bottles, stickers on cookie packages, etc. ·     Items needed: ·     500 Bottles of water (more than this is great, we can use them at water stops) ·     Fresh fruit (apples, bananas, or oranges, no package needed) ·     Nutrition bars ·     Individually packaged cookies, rice crispy treats, brownies, etc ·     Chips or crackers ·     Other ideas are welcome, let me know of what might work for you.    Will you offer a discount or incentive to our Runners to be listed in our "Stay, Play & Shop Perks" all runners receive race morning? ·     The Chamber will produce a local discounts printed flyer that are exclusive for our race participants.  ·     Single page printed and distributed in goody bags featuring discounts for the weekend to help guide them on where to shop, eat, and celebrate while spending time in Oxford. ·     Racers will have to present flyer and race metal for discount opportunity.  ·     Offer racers incentives to shop and dine while they are in town.  ·     Offer valid only for the weekend of April 23-25, 2021. ·     Not applicable for online purchases. ·     Any incentive or discount is acceptable. Some examples you are encouraged to include are: ·     Free tea with meal purchase.  ·     Free appetizer with meal purchase. ·     !0% off one item in store. ·     Free glass of wine or dessert. ·     $1 off smoothie/coffee, etc. ·     15% off your total purchase. ·     $10 off total purchase of $100 or more.  ·     $5 off total valued at $25 or more.    Would your company like to help at at Water Refill Station? Use this opportunity for company promotion and signage. 1.  Water stations along course will be refill stations for runners carrying their own water bottles in this race, due to COVID-19. No cups will be at the station. Volunteers will assist runners with refilling their bottles and then use hand sanitizer (provided) between each refill to sanitize hands. No gloves will be allowed as they tend to pass along germs after touching.  2.  Sponsorship of a water refill station for the Red & Blue Race, at a location assigned by the Red & Blue Race committee.  3.  The Chamber will supply and deliver all necessary items, including water, coolers, hand sanitizer, and table.  4.  Sponsor is responsible for: staffing of refill station (minimum of 2 people). 5.  Sponsors are encouraged to place company tent and signage at the water stop. Water stations are a great way to add excitement along the course, and to get some extra publicity for your cause or business. Water station sponsors are encouraged to be creative with their station and include music, cheerleaders, encouraging signs for runners, themes, etc.

Drive-Thru Job Fair Planned for Oshkosh Area

A Drive-Thru Job Fair is planned for April 22nd from 3pm to 6 pm at the Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce, 120 Jackson Street, Oshkosh. Packets with career opportunities from 75 companies will be handed out to interested job applicants.

Due to COVID concerns for an in-person job fair, this drive-thru job fair is designed to get information about career opportunities into the hands of those seeking a new role. A reminder that we want to help you with your job search and keep you safe.

• You won't need to exit your car and kindly wear a mask.

• You'll receive a bag with positions available at local companies that are hiring now and they are tailored to your region;

• When you arrive, follow the traffic flow and wait patiently while others are served;

• There will NOT be anyone who can assist with Unemployment Insurance claims at this event and we ask that only those seeking a new role stop by for a packet;

• There is a limited supply of packets available - first come, first served.

Patti Andresen-Shew, Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce commented, “This is a great way for job seekers to learn about the numerous opportunities available in the Oshkosh area and understand how to apply to businesses that are looking for candidates. The Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce is pleased to be partnering with the Fox Valley Workforce Board to assist businesses in getting the word out on companies that are hiring.”

“We know the pandemic has had a great impact on the hiring process, as many local employers and job seekers have sought to utilize what may have been previously unfamiliar methods of recruitment and career development,” said FVWDB CEO Anthony Snyder. “A drive-thru job fair is just one of the many creative ways our workforce partners can keep our economy growing, fill open roles and ensure everyone begins the summer fully employed.”

For more information on the Fox Valley Job Centers or the work of the Fox Valley Workforce Development Board, please visit www.foxvalleywork.org or call 920-594-3655.

Or Patti Andresen-Shew, Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce, 920-303-2265 x29, patti@oshkoshchamber.com

Effingham County Chamber: Spring Radio Days


Chamber Spring Radio Days is happening today on 95.7 WCRC from 9am-3pm! If you have a chance to tune in, please do so and help support our local businesses!

We have Chamber business representatives sharing the microphone with WCRC's on-air talent, as well as, radio commercials throughout the day!

The announcing line up for the day is:

9-9:30am HSHS St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital - Mike Janis, Interim President & CEO - Dr. Ryan Jennings, Chief Medical Officer

9:30-10am United Way of Effingham County - Linda Hemmen

10-10:30am Leisure Times - Chris Kreke

10:30-11am The Glenwood Assisted Living - Vaneta Gilio

11-11:30am SDS Technology - Sherry Waldo & Heath Lackey

11:30am-12pm Waupaca Foundry - Steve Frisbie & Heather Dust

1-1:30pm HSHS Medical Group - Dr. John Powell, Orthopedic Surgeon - Stacey Brummer, Director of Business Development

1:30-2pm Crossroads Bank - Michael Tegeler

2-2:30pm Effingham County Chamber of Commerce - Lucinda Hart, Incoming President & CEO

2:30-3pm Washington Savings Bank - Randy Jones

Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce Announces Support for Holt Bond Issue on May 4 Ballot

 

The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC) has announced its support for a $148 million bond issue in the Holt Public School District.  The May 4ballot proposal would include improvements in four key areas of critical infrastructure, safety and security, learning environments, and innovation over the next eight years. Taxpayers will be asked to vote on a projected tax decrease of 1.77 mils compared to the previous year’s tax rate.

 

“The Lansing Regional Chamber has been consistent in supporting our students through the support of bond proposals for school districts,” said Tim Daman, president & CEO, LRCC. “This investment is desperately needed.  The Holt Public School District will be investing approximately $148 million in the health, safety, and security of the buildings to benefit the students, staff, and community.

 

“The last time we asked voters to consider a bond of this type was the year 2000,” said Dr. David Hornak, superintendent, Holt Public Schools. “Our last bond was focused on the secondary level and provided the funding for the high school. This bond proposal will focus on improving all our tired facilities.However, we will be emphasizing projects at the elementary level, which includes reconstructing two elementary schools.”

 

If approved, the new bond will create equitable access to resources by reconstructing two new TK-5 buildings at opposite ends of the District, while reducing the number of building transitions for students. The proposal also allows for:

·         Reducing transitions between buildings supports relationship building and improved student outcomes

·         Proposing a new structure: TK-5; middle school,6-8; and traditional high school,9-12

·         Reconstructing two new TK-5 elementary schools, Dimondale and Sycamore, on their current site locations

·         Reconfiguring existing elementary buildings to accommodate grades TK-5, including possible classroom and gym additions

·         Adding classroom space at Washington Woods to create a 6-8 middle school; cafeteria expansion

·         Adding new technology and infrastructure will enable students and staff to have easy access to innovative learning opportunities with updated devices and equipment

·         Making select improvements to athletic and performing arts

 

The Holt bond proposal also calls for: updating facilities to ensure a safe and secure learning environment for students and staff; updating building infrastructure that is at or past its useful life cycle to address aging facility issues district-wide; and creating flexible, modern spaces that support creativity and collaboration while helping students build up their experiences each year until they graduate from Holt Public Schools.

​

“It is rare that a community ever has the opportunity to generate nearly $150 million to keep kids healthy, safe and secure,” Scott Ammon, Holt resident. “Other debt is being paid off, and the district is asking for some of this back to invest in our schools. This is a smart, sensible, and financially strategic strategy.” 

Dubuque Area Chamber: Inside the Chamber Lobby 


As the legislative session begins to wind down, major pieces of legislation are finding their way to the governor's desk. Last week, legislators sent HF848 - the governor's policy proposal on Broadband - to her desk. The bill doesn't include funding but we expect a down payment to be made on her request of $450 million over the next handful of years - likely around $100 million for FY2022. More from the Gazette.

Note: Sen. Carrie Koelker of Dyersville has been instrumental in getting this bill over the finish line. Please consider thanking her on social media (@CarrieKoelkerIA on twitter) or via email for her work on this legislation.

For the remainder of session, there will be a handful of policy bills debated and passed, but for the most part, legislators will be finalizing a budget then heading out of town. The focus will likely be on ensuring the tax cuts passed in 2018 can come into effect and balancing those revenue changes with future need. The Chamber hopes to see strong support for the Iowa Economic Development Authority's budget as negotiations come to a close. Rod Boshart with the Gazette has a good breakdown on the beginning of these conversations.

Indiana Chamber Webinar: How the New Stimulus Package Impacts your Business

Thursday, April 15 | 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (EDT)

Key Provisions and Program Changes Impacting Businesses Under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021

Members: FREE
Non-members: $79

REGISTER HERE

Join us and our partners from Ice Miller LLP as we cover information to help your business better understand the ins and outs of the new stimulus plan.

Can't attend live but still interested in the topic? Go ahead and register in order to receive a recording of the webinar and additional resources.

Topics to include:
Changes to the Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loan program
Other small business-related provisions, including grants for restaurants and shuttered venues, and money available to states for other small business programs
Extension of unemployment assistance
COBRA subsidies
Extension and expansion of voluntary Families First Coronavirus Response Act family and sick leave tax credits
Employee Retention Credit


Owensboro Chamber: Athena Awards


The Chamber is proud to partner with Girls Inc. of Owensboro-Daviess County to present the annual Athena Award! This year the awards ceremony will be held virtually on Wednesday, April 28 at 12:00 p.m. via Facebook Live and Zoom.


The Athena Award is presented annually to an individual in our community who has achieved excellence in business or a profession, who has served the community in a meaningful way, and has assisted women in developing their leadership potential. View the nominees here and read about all eight of the nominated women on the Girls Inc. Facebook page. Thank you to all of the sponsors making this award celebration possible!

Join us on Facebook Live

Register to join us via Zoom





Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories, Maps, Apps, Quarterly Magazines, Digital Directory Sales and Community Profiles: The no cost, no risk best Chamber Publishing Partner in the USA!

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 or email John Dussman with the subject line: Chamber Publication Proposal Requested. Thank you!