Showing posts with label Saline chamber. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Saline chamber. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Chamber Best practices: Natchez-Adams County (Mississippi) Chamber Business Resources; Chamber collaboration: City of Saline awarded $500,000 grant for Michigan Avenue Makeover Project; Danville-Pittsylvania County chamber lunch to feature Virginia’s Secretary of Commerce and Trade; Chamber sponsor: Calling all leaders! Leadership Paducah program; Greater Lawrence Chamber news: Bloomerang Breaks Ground On New Global Headquarters; Eau Claire Chamber delight: Justin Vernon announces the return of Bon Iver to Eaux Claires festival; Fort Smith Regional Chamber June First Friday Breakfast; Geneva (Illinois) Chamber of Commerce Membership Directory now available; A quick note from FREE ENTERPRISE; Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation:(Courage) - Mark Twain




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



Chamber Best practices: Natchez-Adams County (Mississippi) Chamber Business Resources



Visit the following links to help you plan a business in Natchez-Adams County.

Tax and License Information

Below is a list of links to the offices and personnel who can answer your questions about business and privilege licenses, local and state taxes, and small business assistance.
City Clerk's Office - This office takes care of privilege licenses for those businesses locating within the city limits of Natchez, Mississippi.
MS State Tax Commission - Collects state sales tax and provides information on proper taxation.

Business Assistance and Information

Natchez-Adams County Development Authority - Provides demographics and other marketing information as well as industrial properties and incentive info.
Mississippi Development Authority - The state-wide economic development authority, providing information and incentives for businesses and industry.
Online Business Services - From Mississippi.gov.
MS Small Business Development Centers
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Center
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)







Chamber collaboration: City of Saline awarded $500,000 grant for Michigan Avenue Makeover Project


The City of Saline, in partnership with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), has been awarded a Transportation Alternatives Program Grant in the amount of $539,602.00 to be utilized in redeveloping the downtown streetscape along Michigan Avenue and Ann Arbor Street. The City of Saline’s portion of the streetscape project will be $593,935.00 and MDOT will also contribute $174,276.00 towards the streetscape items.

Saline Mayor Brian Marl applauded the news. “This is tremendous news for the Saline community – it’s a major step towards revitalizing our historic downtown. This award is a testament to all of the hard work put into this grant process by our talented team of partners, including city staff, Saline Main Street, Saline Area Chamber of Commerce, MDOT, City Council and countless community stakeholders.” Read more: The Saline Reporter

Danville-Pittsylvania County chamber lunch to feature Virginia’s Secretary of Commerce and Trade



Maurice Jones, Virginia’s Secretary of Commerce and Trade, will speak at a lunch meeting at 11:30 a.m. June 1 at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (150 Slayton Ave, Danville).
The event, which is sponsored by the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce, is open to the community.
In his role, Jones oversees the economic, community, and workforce development of the Commonwealth. Each of the 13 commerce and trade agencies actively contributes to Virginia’s economic health and high quality of life.
Jones’ remarks will kick off Business Appreciation Week in Danville and Pittsylvania County.
The cost of the lunch is $25 for chamber members and $30 for non-members. Reservations are required and should be made by calling the chamber at (434) 836-6990, by emailing the chamber at chamber@dpchamber.org, or by registering online at www.dpchamber.org.
Jones was appointed Secretary of Commerce and Trade by Gov. Terry McAuliffe in January 2014. Previously, he served as Deputy Secretary for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development from April 2012 through January 2014. As the second most senior official at HUD, Jones managed the Department’s day-to-day operations, the annual operating budget, and the agency’s 8,900 employees. Read more: workit, sova

Chamber sponsor: Calling all leaders! Leadership Paducah program



If you would like to take part in the Leadership Paducah program, you have until May 27 to sign up.
The Paducah Chamber sponsors the annual leadership development program. This will be the 29th year for the program.
Organizers said participants learn more about the community by taking part in hands-on experiences and visits to agencies in town. Those who live or work in the Paducah-McCracken County area are eligible to apply. The deadline is 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 27. Read more: KFVS12.com

Greater Lawrence (Indiana) Chamber news: Bloomerang Breaks Ground On New Global Headquarters

New Facility Will Allow Tech Company To Accommodate Dramatic Growth; Greater Lawrence Chamber of Commerce Calls It An Economic Win For The Community.
Bloomerang, LLC, a software firm that serves nonprofit organizations, has broken ground on a new facility at Lawrence Village at the Fort, a mixed-use complex near East 56th Street and North Post Road.
Commercial Team Construction has brought their team of architects, engineers, subcontractors and employees together to build this new, 20,000 square foot facility located at 5724 Birtz Road.
groundbreaking2014
The new building will house up to 130 Bloomerang employees and serve as the company’s global headquarters. The campus setting is designed for future expansion of up to 60,000 square feet, which can house 300+ employees.
The second story will be leased by a new nonprofit incubator and co-working space designed for startup charities that require low-cost office space and accommodations.
The anticipated completion date is November 2015.
“This project has been an outstanding example of a partnership between the federal government, local government, private business and the nonprofit sector. Bloomerang’s campus will serve as a new tech hub, as well as a nonprofit incubator, for decades to come in central Indiana” said Jay Love, Co-Founder and CEO of Bloomerang.
In 2013, Bloomerang announced expansion plans that would add up to 70 jobs by 2023. The Indiana Economic Development Corp. plans to give Bloomerang up to $700,000 in conditional tax credits and as much as $30,000 in training grants if the company hits employment projections. These tax credits are performance-based, meaning until Hoosiers are hired, the company is not eligible to claim incentives.
The company has experienced higher than anticipated year-over-year growth and is actively expanding its development, customer support, sales, marketing and operations teams. Interested applicants can visit our careers page.
Greater Lawrence Chamber of Commerce praised Bloomerang for making an investment in Lawrence Village at the Fort. “Bloomerang is expanding the essence of the Lawrence community through economic growth and entrepreneurial guidance for future businesses” said Jessica Tower, Executive Director at Greater Lawrence Chamber. Read more: Bloomerang



Eau Claire Chamber delight: Justin Vernon announces the return of Bon Iver to Eaux Claires festival

Justin Vernon, lead songwriter of Bon Iver, has confirmed the return of Bon Iver calling his forthcoming festival appearance a 'new cycle' for the group.
The return of the celebrated group has been long-awaited since the release of their multi-award winning second album Bon Iver, Bon Iver in 2011. Vernon put the band on hiatus, however their remergence is seemingly upon us four years later.
In a new interview with Kare 11, Justin Vernon discussed the progress of new material which was recorded in his hometown of Eau Claire, Wisconsin: "by being sheltered, we eventually got to extend ourselves in directions which weren't influenced too much by the industry and how you're going to make money, for us it's about the love of it."
He also reflected on his surge of success which sparked the undercover move back to his hometown: "when you get that kind of attention, there's no way to really take it all in, if I let myself be inflated by all that then I might not be doing my job in the future."
Bon Iver's upcoming show at the self-curated festival Eaux Claires, set to take place in the group's hometown of Wisconsin, is labelled by Vernon as: "the perfect platform for us to start this new cycle and new life of the band."
Vernon's Eaux Claires festival is thought to bring a tourism surge to Wisconsin and is estimated to bring in "eight or nine million dollars". Bob McCoy, president and CEO of the Eau Claire Chamber of Commerce, told local television station WEAU: “It’s a very major economic impact...looking at what Justin wants to do, and having somebody like that, you can look around for a long time trying to find somebody that will bring that kind of venue and that kind of magnitude into the community, and it falls in your lap, it’s really kind of cool and he’s a pretty awesome guy" Read more: Gigwise


Fort Smith Regional Chamber June First Friday Breakfast:

Friday June 5 @ 7:30 a.m. at UAFS Reynolds Room




Please join us for the June First Friday Breakfast to hear from John Jeter, Music  Director of the Fort Smith Symphony.
Established in 1923, the Fort Smith Symphony is the oldest symphony in the state of Arkansas. The orchestra includes over 100 professional musicians traveling from OK, MO, TX, KS, TN, IA, NY and FL as well as all areas of Arkansas for rehearsals and performances.
 We will also enjoy a special preview performance of "Into the Woods" from the talented actors of the Young Actors Guild! Always a treat to see these remarkable students perform.





Geneva (Illinois) Chamber of Commerce Membership Directory now available

The Geneva Chamber of Commerce 2015 Directory is available at the Geneva Chamber today! Thanks to Jean Gaines and her chamber team for their work in putting this together!





 



For further information about how Town Square Publications (www.townsquarepublications.com) can help your chamber reach strategic goals through the development and execution of chamber directories, maps, smart marketing and social media tools, please email John Dussman at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633. 


A quick note from FREE ENTERPRISE:


As a FreeEnterprise.com subscriber, you are invited to attend the 2015 America's Small Business Summit at a discounted registration rate of just $300. If you sign up today, you'll get exclusive access to an invitation-only session hosted by FreeEnterprise.com called "Why Should Startups Have All the Fun? Innovating at all Stages of Business." Click here to access your discounted registration.

Join serial entrepreneur and 1776 Founder and co-CEO Donna Harris for a conversation with an established business, a young business that has completely revamped its model, and a mayor who runs his city like a startup and learn how they have applied disruptive innovations to their models to stay creative, current, and growing. Panelists include Alex Algard, Founder and CEO of Whitepages, Nick Baucom, Founder and Owner of Two Marines Moving, and Mike Huether, Mayor of Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

America's Small Business Summit offers you a chance to learn from, network and engage with well-known business leaders and small businesses from across the country. This year, the Summit features three learning tracks to choose from
-innovation, management, and policy-to help you customize your experience.

Time is running out. Learn more about the 2015 America's Small Business Summit or register with your discount here


Read more: U.S. Chamber




Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation: (Courage) - Mark Twain


Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear. – Mark Twain

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Chamber Executive Ongoing Education Weekly New Idea: The Customer Service Revolution: Overthrow Conventional Business, Inspire Employees, and Change the World; Columbus, Indiana chamber testimonial: It’s nice to know you have someone in your corner; Chamber news: Site Selection magazine awards Kentucky the Governor’s Cup for most business projects per capita; Chamber partnership: Second Annual Northern Virginia Restaurant Week to Be Held March 23-30, 2015; Best Chamber Practices: Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce creation:Resources for Students; Chamber issue: Bridges deteriorate as lawmakers seek temporary fix; Jonesboro Regional Chamber interest: Hotel complex in works at Arkansas State University; Saline Chamber announces the recipients of the prestigious Saline Salutes Citizen Awards; Chamber Lunch: Argiris, Helmer talk business in Wheeling, Prospect Heights; Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation: (Promotion)

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

Chamber Executive Ongoing Education Weekly New Idea: The Customer Service Revolution: Overthrow Conventional Business, Inspire Employees, and Change the World
 

By John Dijulius




In "The Customer Service Revolution," DiJulius points out how numerous companies have made Customer service their biggest competitive advantage, are dominating their industries, and have made price irrelevant. As a result of this Customer service revolution, people are being treated differently, better, and in a way like never before. This is a result of how companies and management are treating their employees and how employees are treating each other and the Customer--which ultimately permeates into people's personal lives at home and in their communities. Can the way you run your business or treat your Customers have an effect on the world at large? John DiJulius will show you just that
Drawing on years of experience consulting with the top customer service companies around the world and in his role building his first business, John Robert's Spa, into one of the top 20 salons in the US, DiJulius will show you exactly how to create your very own Customer service revolution and make price irrelevant.




Columbus, Indiana chamber testimonial: 

It’s nice to know you have someone in your corner

At the Chamber, my husband and I were able to get help with our business plan. We participated in training and networking. I believe that everyone at the Chamber - the members and staff - truly care about my business’s success.
Beth Miller, YoMaMa Frozen Yogurt



Chamber news: Site Selection magazine awards Kentucky the Governor’s Cup for most business projects per capita


Last year, Kentucky announced more than 350 new location and expansion projects, which are projected to create nearly 15,000 jobs and more than $3.7 billion in new investment. That is the most business investment in Kentucky since the state started recording investment data nearly 30 years ago.
This focus on economic development is putting the Commonwealth in the national spotlight. On March 3, Gov. Steve Beshear announced that Site Selection Magazine has placed Kentucky first nationally in the publication’s annual Governor’s Cup rankings for new and expanded industry activity per capita in 2014.
Kentucky Chamber President and CEO Dave Adkisson joined Gov. Steve Beshear, Hal Goode, president of the Kentucky Association for Economic Development, and Greg Higdon, president and CEO of the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers during the news conference announcing the award.
“Winning the prestigious Governor’s Cup is a true honor,” said Gov. Beshear. “Kentucky works extremely hard to build and maintain relationships with our companies, and we go the extra mile to support their plans for growth. The Governor’s Cup speaks to the dedication of everyone in this state who’s working to build Kentucky’s economy, grow jobs and create success for our industries, our communities and all Kentuckians.” kycvhamberblog.com



Chamber partnership: Second Annual Northern Virginia Restaurant Week to Be Held March 23-30, 2015


The Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce (GRCC) is partnering with Virginia Hospitality & Travel Association (VHTA) to produce 2015 Northern Virginia Restaurant Week, the biggest celebration of dining out in Northern Virginia. The 2nd Annual Northern Virginia Restaurant Week, being held from March 23-30, 2015, is a week-long, value priced dining experience taking place at a variety of establishments, ranging from fine dining to fast casual.
The Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce believes VHTA’s dedication to providing a unified voice to restaurants, lodging, travel and hospitality suppliers’ throughout the Commonwealth will help encourage more restaurants and hotels to see the value in participating in Northern Virginia Restaurant Week.
“We are happy to partner with the Reston Chamber on this event,” said Eric Terry, President of Virginia Hospitality Travel Association. “Northern Virginia Restaurant Week gives our members in this area an opportunity to showcase their cuisine and capture new customers.”

Read more at; Virtual Strategy

Best Chamber Practices: Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce creation:Resources for Students 

Wisconsin is a great place to live and work. Bordering two of the Great Lakes, Wisconsin’s key economic sectors include manufacturing, agriculture and tourism.
Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) is the statewide chamber of commerce, state manufacturers’ association and the state safety council. Representing the interests of nearly 3,800 businesses throughout the state, WMC’s mission is to make Wisconsin the most competitive state in which to do business. It’s our job to make sure the elected officials understand how any proposed laws will affect the businesses in Wisconsin.

Greetings from Wisconsin


Student Resources Packet

View this brochure to read more about Wisconsin. To receive a Student Resources Packet via mail, contact Mary Anderson, 608.258.3400.

Chamber issue: Bridges deteriorate as lawmakers seek temporary fix

An updated report shows Mississippi's bridges continue to deteriorate as lawmakers work on "stop-gap" funding to fix the worst of them.
But the stop-gap measure faces political and pragmatic problems, as it would strip money long earmarked for road projects in Mississippi counties with casinos. And while transportation officials continue to call for a gasoline tax increase or other permanent funding solution, there's no appetite in the state Legislature for such a move this election year.
Of Mississippi's 17,091 bridges, 2,275 – or 13 percent – are rated "structurally deficient," meaning they have significant defects and are prone to safety issues that could endanger motorists. Another 1,290 are rated "functionally obsolete," or not suitable for their current use. The report says the state saw an increase of one structurally deficient bridge from 2013-2014.
The report comes as no surprise to state transportation officials, who say Mississippi would have to come up with at least $550 million to rebuild or repair all the bridges that need work. Read more: Clarion-Ledger


Jonesboro Regional Chamber interest: Hotel complex in works at Arkansas State University


Arkansas State University is working to finalize a lease agreement that would allow for the development of a $35 million to $45 million on-campus hotel and convention center.
O'Reilly Hospitality of Springfield, Mo., once the deal is finalized, will finance the project. Arkansas State has selected 11.6 acres between Red Wolf Boulevard (U.S. 49) and Olympic Drive as the site of the development, which will have an estimated 200 rooms and 40,000 to 50,000 square feet of conference center space. A restaurant also is part of the proposal and construction is scheduled to begin "during the second half of the year," the school said.
"We are looking to monetize assets and we have land," said ShawnieCarrier, chief of staff for Chancellor Tim Hudson and interim director of the Delta Center for Economic Development. "This was an opportunity to partner with the city and make the dream of a convention center and hotel come true. We need a hotel and convention center."
O'Reilly Hospitality has hotel and convention center projects in Nebraska, Arizona, Missouri, Texas, Oklahoma and Montana. CEO Tim O'Reilly is currently working with Hilton to finalize an Embassy Suites franchise and a Houlihan's restaurant for the Jonesboro property.
"We're excited about partnering with Arkansas State and the city of Jonesboro to develop a modern, full-service hotel and meeting space in northeast Arkansas," O'Reilly said in a statement. "Ultimately this development will have a substantial positive impact on the region and make Jonesboro competitive to attract dozens of state and regional events."
Arkansas State and O'Reilly will work together on the development of a hospitality management program at the school.
Carrier cited Arkansas State athletics, conferences currently held on campus and the hospitality management program among the reasons the project makes sense on campus. HVS Consulting and Valuation Services is finalizing a feasibility study and will attempt to establish an economic impact for the development, the first of its kind in Northeast Arkansas.
Jonesboro has about 1,200 hotel rooms, according to the Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce. It is the state's 5th largest city with more than 70,000 residents. Read more: Arkansas Online

Saline Chamber announces the recipients of the prestigious Saline Salutes Citizen Awards

The Saline Chamber is pleased to announce the recipients of the prestigious Saline Salutes Citizen Awards for 2015. The honorees were selected by a blue- ribbon panel of community leaders assembled by the Chamber. Receiving a Saline
Salutes Citizen Award represents the most widely-respected recognition of the volunteer efforts of individuals living or working in the Saline area each year. The recipients are: Dave Eberlein, Citizen of the Year; John Olsen, George A. Anderson Vision Award; and Emily Diehl, Youth of the Year.Read more: M Live



Chamber Lunch: Argiris, Helmer talk business in Wheeling, Prospect Heights



The mayors of Prospect Heights and Wheeling are number guys.
Looking back on 2014, the two packed their respective state of the city and village addresses Wednesday with loads of figures -- most in dollars and cents.
"I base our success on numbers," Wheeling Village President Dean Argiris told about 150 people at a lunch hosted by the Wheeling/Prospect Heights Chamber of Commerce.
So to capture what he called an improving business climate in town, Argiris crunched the numbers:
• In 2014, Wheeling issued 1,599 building permits representing $40.4 million worth of construction projects, an increase of more than $4 million from the last year.
• Vacancies in the village's 14 million square feet of industrial space stand at just under 6 percent.
• Retail sales totaled more than $558 million, up more than 12 percent from the prior year. Read more: Daily Herald

Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation: (Promotion)

Many a small thing was made large by the right kind of advertising.

Mark Twain