Happy Friday, Chamber world! Today is going to be a GREAT day!
Hundreds gather for Traverse City Area annual chamber breakfast and expo
A panel discussing Michigan’s future in energy cost and efficiency took the stage at the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce 2015 economic outlook breakfast.
“This is an important issue that everyone knows is impacting their business, but they don’t necessarily know how,” said Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Laura Oblinger. “Today was able to explain the energy issue to our members in layman’s terms and how it’s going to impact them.”
Panelists discussed the future of Michigan’s energy market, the role of renewable energy and what local business owners can do to cut their own monthly energy bills.
“Business owners want to know that their natural gas and energy prices are going to be stable and predictable,” said David Mengebier, discussion panelist and senior vice president of Consumers Energy. “As we introduce more technology into the business community, these businesses want to make sure they have reliable and competitively priced electricity so they can plan for their futures.” Read more: Record-Eagle
IU President McRobbie, Southwest Indiana Chamber focused on regional topics before Evansville visit
Indiana University President Michael A. McRobbie spoke to members of the Southwest Indiana Chamber on Tuesday morning as a part of the chamber's series of signature events to educate and engage members on key issues of importance to the region. McRobbie updated chamber members on IU's progress and discussed the important connections between southwest Indiana and the university.
Justin Groenert, director of public policy and government relations for the Southwest Indiana Chamber, moderated the conference call, in which approximately 50 members participated.
During the 30-minute call, McRobbie covered several topics concerning IU Bicentennial priorities, with a specific focus on student success and catalyzing research.
Student success
IU has taken a number of steps to ensure that all academically qualified students are able to participate in programs that are accessible, affordable and of high quality, including helping them better manage their student debt. The MoneySmarts Financial Program, which has garnered nationwide acclaim, has helped reduce IU student borrowing by more than 16 percent over three years, resulting in an approximately $82.5 million reduction in graduate and undergraduate student borrowing over that period.
"Due to a large increase in institutional financial aid for undergraduate students over the past eight years, and our donor support, IU Bloomington has kept the average net cost of attendance the lowest among any other university in the Big Ten," McRobbie said. "And we take great pride in that."
Catalyzing research
IU will catalyze research through its recently announced Grand Challenges research program, the most ambitious such program in the university's history. Over the next five years, IU will invest at least $300 million in the Grand Challenges research program to develop transformative solutions for some of the planet's most pressing problems. Read more: Indiana University
-Leadership Lafayette 2016 Class
Call for Applications
-Interested Individuals can
acquire an application at www.oxfordms.com
-Application Deadline is Friday,
December 11, 2015
Oxford, Miss.—Emerging community leaders of Oxford and Lafayette County
once again have an opportunity to participate in the annual Leadership
Lafayette program presented by the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce.
The nine-month
program, beginning in January 2016, is a series of training sessions and
activities, designed for emerging community leaders. It is intended to
assure the continuity of leadership in Lafayette-Oxford-University community
and assist already established community leaders, who seek more effective ways
to contribute to the community. In addition to the sessions, class members
will also participate in a community based project.
“Leadership Lafayette is a great opportunity for community leaders to engage in
their community through networking, education and group projects. Each session
is coordinated by alumni of the program who put considerable thought into
making each year the best it can be,” said Torie Marion White, Leadership
Lafayette Program Chair.
The objectives of
the program include identifying potential community leaders, developing
individual leadership potential, acquiring knowledge about community and
current issues in Lafayette County, creating dialogue and rapport among
participants and current leaders, and promoting a sense of
"community" through shared efforts benefiting the local community.
Each month will involve an all day session from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. These
sessions are packed with information about Oxford and Lafayette County and the
needs of the community. Participants will acquire knowledge about current
issues that surround them, as well as focused leadership training.
Leadership
Lafayette participants will be selected by a steering committee on the basis of
completed applications received by Friday, December 11, 2015.
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. Program participation is limited to 25. The program
requires a tuition fee of $350 upon acceptance.
Leadership
Lafayette is a program of the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce and
sponsored in part by Chaney's Pharmacy, Charter Road Hospitality Group, and
Holli's Sweet Tooth.
The 2016
Leadership Lafayette Steering Committee includes: Chair: Torie Marion
White, University of Mississippi Alumni Association; Wayne Andrews,
Yoknapatawpha Arts Council; Steven Ash, Newk’s; Quentin Brewer, BancorpSouth;
Sierra Cannon, Re/Max Legacy Realty; Jennifer Eastland, Baptist Memorial Hospital;
Kinney Ferris, Visit Oxford; Ashley Frye, Executive Assistant to Dr.
Thomas Fowlkes for Coleman Funeral Home; Kelly Graeber, Oxford School District;
Gwen Knight, FNC, Inc.; Adam Lee, The University of Miss. Foundation;
Kristi Peeples, Renasant Bank; Susan Peterson, Security Check; Megan Prescott,
City of Oxford Police Dept.; Jeremy Roberts, The University of Mississippi;
Kimberly Taylor, FNC, Inc.; Ryan Upshaw, The University of Mississippi; Pat
Ward, The Orchard Church; Peyton Warrington, Baptist Memorial Hospital; and
Jessica Windham. All steering committee members are graduates of the
Leadership Lafayette program.
Individuals
interested in the program are encouraged go to the Chamber’s website and view
the application at www.oxfordms.com or
call Pam Swain at the Chamber at 662-234-4651.
Gloucester County Chamber's wine fest returns for 6th year
Organizers say the sixth annual Gloucester Wine Festival this weekend is a fun opportunity to bring the community together.
The festival, hosted by the Gloucester County Chamber of Commerce, is set for 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday at Brent and Becky's Bulbs located at 7900 Daffodil Lane.
It will feature 12 Virginia wineries, food, live music, retail vendors, wine tasting, art and crafts, and educational seminars.
“The Wine Festival is a celebration of a growing industry in Virginia, and we are proud to host 12 Virginia Wineries from all over the Commonwealth, right here in Gloucester,” Gloria Williams, executive director of the Gloucester County Chamber of Commerce, said in a news release. “Each year, the festival continues to grow and incorporate new ideas and concepts.” Read more: Daily Press
Leadership Kentucky will hold its November session on energy, natural resources and environment in Ashland from Wednesday until Friday.
The non-profit educational organization’s 2015 class includes 51 participants from across the state from various areas of the public and private sectors.
Since it was founded in 1984, 15 Ashland residents have participated in Leadership Kentucky, according to a release from the organization.
First Vice President and Kentucky Region Manager of City National Bank Lori Arthur is the Ashland session chair. She is a 2014 Leadership Kentucky alumna. Read more: Daily Independent
Sheboygan County Chamber Tourism nets Platinum MarCom awardLeadership Kentucky brings November session to Ashland
Leadership Kentucky will hold its November session on energy, natural resources and environment in Ashland from Wednesday until Friday.
The non-profit educational organization’s 2015 class includes 51 participants from across the state from various areas of the public and private sectors.
Since it was founded in 1984, 15 Ashland residents have participated in Leadership Kentucky, according to a release from the organization.
First Vice President and Kentucky Region Manager of City National Bank Lori Arthur is the Ashland session chair. She is a 2014 Leadership Kentucky alumna. Read more: Daily Independent
MarCom Awards has announced the winners for the 2015 international awards competition that recognizes outstanding creative achievement by marketing and communication professionals, which included Sheboygan County Chamber Tourism being awarded a Platinum MarCom award in the book category
More than 6,500 entries from throughout the U.S., Canada and 15 other countries participated in the 2015 competition. Sheboygan County Chamber Tourism was awarded for the cover of the 2015 Sheboygan County Visitors Guide designed by Creative Services Manager Bailey Dolson. Tourism also received a Gold MarCom award in the poster category for Dolson’s original artwork, as well as two honorable mentions for additional pinups.
MarCom entries come from corporate marketing and communication departments, advertising agencies, PR firms, design shops, production companies and freelancers. Read more: Sheboygan Press
Chamber Holiday House Tour: Tickets Available for Holiday House Tour in Geneva
Tickets are now available for the Geneva Chamber of Commerce’s holiday house tour.
Five exquisite homes in Geneva will be open to visitors for self-guided tours from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Dec. 4 and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Dec. 5. Tickets include a traditional holiday tea and a booklet with delightful Christmas decorating and entertaining ideas for every corner of the house.
Tickets are $30 per person and can be pre-orderd by calling 630-232-6060. The tickets are also available for purchase at the Geneva Chamber of Commerce, 8 South Third St., and at various other locations throughout the community. Read more: Geneva Patch
Town Square Publications Chamber Directories and Community Profiles
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