Chamber Executive Ongoing Education Weekly New Idea: Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead - By Sheryl Sandberg; Business leaders discuss Harrisonburg and Rockingham County economy; 'Blues, Brews & BBQ' Event Planned by Plainfield Chamber; Special Luncheon - VEDC & Valpo Chamber - Indiana Secretary of Commerce; Kernersville Chamber of Commerce 2017-2018 Community Guide; Twin Lakes Area Chamber and Business Association reverse raffle is April 18; Grand Prize is $8,000!; Romeoville 2017 Community & Membership Directory; Midland Area Chamber of Commerce: One Good Read; Hubfest celebrates Downtown Hattiesburg culture; Baxter Arnold named Logan County Chamber's 'Citizen of the Year'; Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S.

Good morning #Chamber World! It's going to be a GREAT day!



Chamber Executive Ongoing Education Weekly New Idea: Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead - By Sheryl Sandberg

Thirty years after women became 50 percent of the college graduates in the United States, men still hold the vast majority of leadership positions in government and industry. This means that women’s voices are still not heard equally in the decisions that most affect our lives. In Lean In, Sheryl Sandberg examines why women’s progress in achieving leadership roles has stalled, explains the root causes, and offers compelling, commonsense solutions that can empower women to achieve their full potential. 

Sandberg is the chief operating officer of Facebook and is ranked on Fortune’s list of the 50 Most Powerful Women in Business and as one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People in the World. In 2010, she gave an electrifying TEDTalk in which she described how women unintentionally hold themselves back in their careers. Her talk, which became a phenomenon and has been viewed more than two million times, encouraged women to “sit at the table,” seek challenges, take risks, and pursue their goals with gusto.

In Lean In, Sandberg digs deeper into these issues, combining personal anecdotes, hard data, and compelling research to cut through the layers of ambiguity and bias surrounding the lives and choices of working women. She recounts her own decisions, mistakes, and daily struggles to make the right choices for herself, her career, and her family. She provides practical advice on negotiation techniques, mentorship, and building a satisfying career, urging women to set boundaries and to abandon the myth of “having it all.”  She describes specific steps women can take to combine professional achievement with personal fulfillment and demonstrates how men can benefit by supporting women in the workplace and at home. 

Written with both humor and wisdom, Sandberg’s book is an inspiring call to action and a blueprint for individual growth. Lean In is destined to change the conversation from what women can’t do to what they can. Read more: Lean-In


Business leaders discuss Harrisonburg and Rockingham County economy

Business leaders in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County are planning for a better future. The Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce held its Economic Outlook Breakfast on Tuesday morning.

Leaders talked about the good and bad of doing business in the area. They also touched on how local higher education helps.

At the meeting, they talked about Blueprint Virginia 2025, a long-term plan for Virginia's economy.

Barry DuVal, the president of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, was at the meeting. He said the region has been prosperous, but there is always room for improvement.

"To ensure economic prosperity, the Valley needs to continue to invest in education, in workforce," DuVal said. "And improve Interstate 81, it should be a high priority for this region."

DuVal said the Valley does have great strengths, naming higher education and pro-business elected officials as two reasons for the region's success. Read more: WHSV 3

'Blues, Brews & BBQ' Event Planned by Plainfield Chamber

Proceeds from the first-ever event benefit the PACC Career Readiness Scholarship Fund.

Enjoy food, live music, craft beer and more in support of a good cause for the "first annual" Blues, Brews & BBQ Festival, hosted by the Plainfield Area Chamber of Commerce. The event is set for Thursday, June 14, at Warehouse 109 and neighboring businesses, 14903 S Center St. in Plainfield. Participating businesses are Baby Back Blues BBQ, Warehouse 109, Chicago Brew Werks and Tailwinds Distilling.

Tickets to the inaugural event start at $10, which includes access to the live music only. Tickets selling for $25 will get you one food ticket and access to live music, but no drink tickets. For $40, enjoy live music, one food ticket and three drink tickets (one for each each location: Tailwinds Distilling, Warehouse 109 and Chicago Brew Werks). Event sponsorships are also available. Tickets can be purchased here.

The event will feature live music from Chicago Blues Angels, The Whiskeys and Michael Metoyer.

All proceeds from the event will benefit the PACC Career Readiness Scholarship Fund. More information: Patch.com

Special Luncheon - VEDC & Valpo Chamber - Indiana Secretary of Commerce

Thursday, May 03, 2018 12:00 Noon - 1:15 PM CST

Aberdeen Manor/Affairs to Remember
216 Ballantrae St
Valparaiso, IN 46385

Guest Speaker is Indiana Secretary of Commerce, Jim Schellinger

"The Valpo Chamber is delighted to have Indiana Secretary of Commerce, Jim Schellinger, as the featured speaker at a joint luncheon hosted by the Valpo Chamber and the Valparaiso Economic Development Corp.", stated Rex Richards, President of the Valpo Chamber and the VEDC.

Secretary Schellinger has been a strong and effective ambassador for business and growth in Indiana. He reports directly to Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb and oversees all aspects of business recruiting for Indiana. "Secretary Schellinger has worked with Valparaiso to help recruit businesses from out of state who has been looking at Valparaiso as a site for expansion," further stated Richards.

This luncheon will be a great opportunity for the business community to hear of the strategy and successes of Indiana firsthand.

$20 per person/member More information: Valpo Chamber


Kernersville Chamber of Commerce 2017-2018 Community Guide 

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

2017-2018 Kernersville Chamber of Commerce Community Guide

Town Square Publications  (www.townsquarepublications.com) 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 at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633.


Twin Lakes Area Chamber and Business Association reverse raffle is April 18; Grand Prize is $8,000!

The Twin Lakes Area Chamber and Business Association is a westofthei.com sponsor. This is a paid announcement — DH

Be sure to get your ticket for the 2018 Twin Lakes Area Chamber and Business Association Reverse Raffle.

The raffle drawing takes place at the Twin Lakes Country Club on April 18. Buffet dinner at 6 p.m. and drawing starts at 7 p.m.

Grand Prize is $8,000, plus up to $3,250 in additional prizes.

To get your Reverse Raffle ticket call or email the chamber at 262-877-2220 or info@twinlakeschamber.com

Proceeds from the raffle benefit fireworks and Libertyfest.


Romeoville 2017 Community & Membership Directory  

The Romeoville 2017 Community & Membership Directory is available at the Romeoville Chamber of Commerce today! Thank you to the Chamber team for their help and direction putting this together! 

Town Square Publications  (www.townsquarepublications.com) 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 at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633.

Midland Area Chamber of Commerce: One Good Read

Whatever your line of work, I'm sure a family member, friend or neighbor has asked you for some professional advice. I can't tell you how many times someone has asked me for advice related to marketing and public relations. "How do I get the word out about my business? How do I promote it without spending a lot of money?" I often get this question from small-business owners who typically have just a few employees -- the kind of entrepreneurs who wear many hats.

4 Easy Ways to Get Publicity for Your Business

Contact this chamber: Midland Area Chamber of Commerce



Hubfest celebrates Downtown Hattiesburg culture

More than 30,000 festival-goers filled the streets of downtown Hattiesburg on April 7 for the annual Hubfest despite cold winds and the threats of rain. People from all over the Pine Belt gathered in one spot for music, food, crafts and a celebration of Historic Downtown Hattiesburg shops.

“We love to take advantage of the Hubfest atmosphere and participate,” front of house manager at Gratefull Soul Jessica Thompson Bryant said. “It is a really good thing for Hattiesburg because it brings in a lot of tourists.”

President of the Area Development Partnership Chad Newell said that there were more than 200 vendors at the festival and that they were using almost all of the downtown area for the festival. The festival boasted four stages with over 14 acts playing at a given time.

The ADP is a private, non-profit organization that attempts to stimulate Hattiesburg’s economic growth with events like Hubfest.

“Fortunately, this is paid for by corporate and public-sector sponsors that have stepped up and by the exhibitors, so that allows our citizens throughout the Pine Belt area to come enjoy arts, crafts and live music at no cost,” Newell said.

Freshman entertainment industry studies major from Birmingham, Alabama Anna Richardson said that this was her first time coming to Hubfest.

“I really like how it is inclusive of all of downtown,” Richardson said. “It is really interesting because in Birmingham we have Sloss Fest, but it is only for part of downtown. It is not for the whole thing. It really brings families and everyone around instead of a certain demographic.” Read more: STUDENT PRINTZ

Baxter Arnold named Logan County Chamber's 'Citizen of the Year'

The Logan County Chamber of Commerce celebrated 80 years of success Friday evening at the Northeastern Junior College ballroom. Community members gathered to honor individuals and businesses that made significant contributions of support, leadership and service during 2017.

Chamber Director Glenna Phelps-Aurich opened the evening by welcoming guests. "This past year has been a whirlwind for me," she said. "I became the director at the end of March and hit the ground running."

The new director successfully wrote and received a $40,000 flood grant to help area businesses in her first few months on the job.

Over the past year, Phelps-Aurich said the Chamber added 23 new members and participated in numerous events including Twilight Tuesdays, Parade of Lights, Holiday Passport program, Project Christmas Truck, Scarecrow contest, Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies, Lunch and Learn and Business Roundtables.

Citizen of the Year

Receiving the Chamber's 2017 Citizen of the Year award was Baxter Arnold, long time Logan County resident and Purple Heart Veteran. Arnold, surprised by the award, believed he was attending the banquet because his wife Carol was being honored.

"She got me here by subterfuge," said Arnold, who received the award from Chamber Director Glenna Phelps-Aurich, to a well deserved standing ovation. Read more: Journal Advocate

Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S.

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

Chamber Executive South Dakota Digest --- September 2014; Deadwood eyes $3.5 million gateway visitor/business center; First Leadership South Dakota class chosen; South Dakota sets aside $1M to recruit workers; Chamber Finance: North Dakota and South Dakota lead the nation for credit conditions; Yankton Chamber Sponsorship: First Women's conference Sept. 12;Chamber Executive Ongoing Education Weekly New Idea: Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead - by Sheryl Sandberg, CEO Facebook; South Dakota Chamber Testimony: lawmakers explore highway funding, user fees; Vermillion Chamber news: Workshop held to give better Germanium view; Chamber business: Goldman Sachs is looking to help 10,000 small businesses with a $500 MILLION investment; Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation (Education)

Deadwood eyes $3.5 million gateway visitor/business center
The public is invited to weigh in on a proposed new visitor center to be located in Deadwood’s Lower Main parking lot. With a potential $3.5 million price tag, the center is designed to spruce up Deadwood’s south entrance, calling more attention to neighboring downtown and providing a more customer-friendly informative start to the Deadwood visitor experience.
Request for proposals on the project were solicited late last year with seven responses garnered. Deadwood’s Parking and Transportation Committee then chose four designs, and 30-minute interviews were conducted with those four companies.
The Deadwood City Commission approved entering into a contract with Chamberlin Architects to develop a master plan for the Lower Main parking lot and Visitor Center at a cost not to exceed $39,520 at a Jan. 21 meeting. A copy of the proposal is on file at the Deadwood Police Department for members of the public interested in viewing it.
“This has the potential to be a game changer,” said Deadwood Parking and Transportation Committee Chairman and Police Chief Kelly Fuller. “This is a three-acre blank canvas. We’re looking at building a new visitor center with the potential to house the Chamber of Commerce. Read more: Black Hills Pioneer


First Leadership South Dakota class chosen
The inaugural class of Leadership South Dakota has been chosen. The program will provide class members with the background information, experiences and insights necessary to assume leadership positions at community, state and national levels. It's being offered by the South Dakota Community Foundation in partnership with Dakota Educational Consulting. The 41 participants are: Read more: Argus Leader

South Dakota sets aside $1M to recruit workers

South Dakota will spend $1 million to help local communities recruit workers, Gov. Dennis Daugaard announced this week. The matching grant program was the centerpiece recommendation to come out of workforce summits Daugaard hosted this year in several of the state’s largest cities.

The state also will revamp the Department of Labor’s online job board in an attempt to make it more usable and provide more real-time data to employers. Read more: Argus Leader

Chamber Finance: North Dakota and South Dakota lead the nation for credit conditions

How is the economy doing? It depends on where you look. In some states, people are practically choking on credit problems, while in others, serious financial difficulties are relatively rare.

For example, more than one out of every 500 homes in Florida is in foreclosure, while foreclosures are virtually unheard of in North Dakota. Similar differences exist for credit ratings, bankruptcies, unemployment rates and credit card delinquencies.

To factor all this in and determine the best and worst states for credit conditions, CardRatings.com looked at the following:

• Average credit scores from Equifax
• Foreclosure rates from RealtyTrac
• Credit card delinquency rates from TransUnion
• Unemployment rates from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
• Bankruptcy rates from the American Bankruptcy Institute

Based on a combination of all these factors, the following are the best and worst states for credit conditions.

The best states for credit conditions

1. North Dakota. The economy in North Dakota continues to thrive, and credit conditions are excellent as a result. North Dakota has the lowest rates of foreclosures, credit card delinquencies, and unemployment in the United States. It has the second-lowest number of bankruptcies per capita, and the third highest average credit score. In other words, by any measure credit conditions in North Dakota are practically unbeatable.

2. (tie) South Dakota. Clearly, some of North Dakota's economic boom is rubbing off on its neighbor to the south. Having top-10 rankings in all the categories of this study lifted South Dakota into a tie for the No. 2 slot. Read more: CardRatings.com

Yankton Chamber Sponsorship: First Women's conference Sept. 12

Yankton area women are going to be celebrated next month at the first Women¹s Business Conference.

The South Dakota Center for Enterprise Opportunity (SD CEO) at Black Hills State University (BHSU) will partner up with several Yankton-area businesses to host this inaugural event in Yankton on Friday, Sept. 12. The event will be held at the Best Western Kelly Inn from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

"We are so honored and excited to be hosting this women¹s business conference in Yankton for the first time," said Helen Merriman, director of SD CEO and scheduled speaker at the conference.

Topics of the conference will include educational and skill building sessions to increase professional development, enhance business communication technique and strengthen business relationships.

Chamber Executive Ongoing Education Weekly New Idea: Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead - by Sheryl Sandberg, CEO Facebook

Thirty years after women became 50 percent of the college graduates in the United States, men still hold the vast majority of leadership positions in government and industry. This means that women’s voices are still not heard equally in the decisions that most affect our lives. In Lean In, Sheryl Sandberg examines why women’s progress in achieving leadership roles has stalled, explains the root causes, and offers compelling, commonsense solutions that can empower women to achieve their full potential.

Sandberg is the chief operating officer of Facebook and is ranked on Fortune’s list of the 50 Most Powerful Women in Business and as one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People in the World. In 2010, she gave an electrifying TEDTalk in which she described how women unintentionally hold themselves back in their careers. Her talk, which became a phenomenon and has been viewed more than two million times, encouraged women to “sit at the table,” seek challenges, take risks, and pursue their goals with gusto.

In Lean In, Sandberg digs deeper into these issues, combining personal anecdotes, hard data, and compelling research to cut through the layers of ambiguity and bias surrounding the lives and choices of working women. She recounts her own decisions, mistakes, and daily struggles to make the right choices for herself, her career, and her family. She provides practical advice on negotiation techniques, mentorship, and building a satisfying career, urging women to set boundaries and to abandon the myth of “having it all.”  She describes specific steps women can take to combine professional achievement with personal fulfillment and demonstrates how men can benefit by supporting women in the workplace and at home.

Written with both humor and wisdom, Sandberg’s book is an inspiring call to action and a blueprint for individual growth. Lean In is destined to change the conversation from what women can’t do to what they can.

South Dakota Chamber Testimony: lawmakers explore highway funding, user fees

Members of a legislative committee tasked with studying how to best fund state and local highways started gathering ideas Wednesday, including considering increasing some user fees as an option to help fund South Dakota's roads.

The Highway Needs and Financing Committee met Tuesday and Wednesday at the state Capitol. Republican Sen. Mike Vehle, chairman of the committee, said the state could look at a 10 percent increase to the license fee for drivers. He suggested such potential legislation as lowering the gas tax from 22 cents per gallon to 20 cents while adding a 3 percent excise tax on fuel over two years.

"I'm willing to look at a lot of other things, but we've got to get started somewhere," he said. Read more: Watertown Public Opinion

Vermillion Chamber news: Workshop held to give better Germanium view

The second Germanium-Based Detectors and Technologies workshop was held at the University of South Dakota this week. The workshop was hosted by USD because of funding from the National Science Foundation, along with contributions from the University of South Dakota, the South Dakota Board of Regents, the Vermillion Area Chamber of Commerce and Development Company. Keller added, because of the growth facility, and psychics department taking lead in organizing the workshop also is why USD hosted the workshop. Read more: Vermillion Plain Talk

Chamber business: Goldman Sachs is looking to help 10,000 small businesses with a $500 MILLION investment

The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program is a $500 million investment to help small businesses create jobs and economic opportunity by providing them with greater access to business education, financial capital, and business support services. 10,000 Small Businesses is designed for business owners with limited resources who have a business poised for growth. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to growing their business and creating jobs within their community. Learn more about this program and eligibility requirements. Further information: 10,000 Small Businesses  

Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation (Education)

“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”--- Albert Einstein

Chamber Executive Illinois Digest - September 2014 --- Chicagoland Chamber CEO Theresa Mintle named to the 20 most powerful women in Chicago business 2014; Champaign County Chamber of Commerce receives ACCE Award; St. Charles prepares for Chamber of Commerce Week; Chicagoland Chamber's "Small Business Chicago": A Hub For Entrepreneurs and Business Owners; Niles Village Board gives early OK to Touhy makeover plan; Tweet of the Day: 1871 announces education-tech incubator in partnership with DeVry; Chamber Executive Ongoing Education Weekly New Idea: Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead - by Sheryl Sandberg, CEO Facebook; 4 Chicago-area university entrepreneurship centers to know this fall; Chicagoland Chamber Local Initiative highlight: CASE – Chicago Anchors for a Strong Economy; Elmhurst Plans September Celebrations Around Chamber of Commerce Week; Top 10 Trends for a Successful Illinois: Looking Forward to 2015; Best Practices: Canton Area Chamber - IIRA's Business Succession and Transition Planning Workshop Set for Oct. 21; Chicagoland Chamber Small Business Week Events - Oct. 7 - Oct. 9, 2014;

Chicagoland Chamber CEO Theresa Mintle named to the 20 most powerful women in Chicago business 2014
CRAINS - Yes, corporate America still has a woman problem. And Chicago isn't exactly a capital of progress on this front: Of the area's 100 largest public companies, only seven are helmed by women. Now for some good news. We've recently witnessed a string of high-profile promotions of female executives, and more local female business leaders are being named to major corporate boards outside of the city. This movement prompted Crain's to assemble this first-ever ranking. The list below is strictly business: No politicians, or philanthropists, or cultural leaders appear here. Editors considered four criteria: size and importance of a company; title and performance; career trajectory; and an individual's sphere of influence. Read more: Crains Chicago Business

Champaign County Chamber of Commerce receives ACCE Award
Chamber receives awards. The Champaign County Chamber of Commerce won a grand award and "best of show" award in the American Chamber of Commerce Executives' 2014 Awards for Communications Excellence. The awards were given for the chamber's Business Emergency Relief Campaign, launched in the wake of the Nov. 17 tornado that hit the Gifford area. Read more: News-Gazette

St. Charles prepares for Chamber of Commerce Week

St. Charles Mayor Ray Rogina has proclaimed Sept. 8 through 12, as Chamber of Commerce Week, according to a news release issued Thursday. The St. Charles Chamber of Commerce Chamber has joined the Illinois Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives in celebrating this special recognition of the contributions chambers of commerce make to Illinois civic and economic life, the release stated.

“Chambers of commerce have contributed to the civic and economic life in Illinois for 176 years since the Galena Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1838," Rogina said, according to the release. "Chambers of commerce encourage the growth of existing industries, services, and commercial firms and encourage new businesses and individuals to locate in Illinois.” Read more: Kane County Chronicle

Chicagoland Chamber's "Small Business Chicago": A Hub For Entrepreneurs and Business Owners

From Theresa E. Mintle, President & CEO - Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce I am excited to announce the launch of Small Business Chicago, a central hub providing resources and connections for small businesses. The timing on this is no coincidence. We know this is important to our members, as 73 percent of the respondents in our recent Member Survey said small business development should be a priority of the Chamber and 60 percent said they want us involved in addressing obstacles to starting and running a business. The program features new membership programs and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the Chicagoland Chamber, which provides free, one-on-one business consulting for entrepreneurs and existing business owners. More than 99 percent of businesses in Illinois are small businesses. Between our specialized programs and the SBDC, we are building a solid foundation for these businesses to equip themselves with the tools to grow and strengthen the local economy. Whether you’re launching a new company, currently running a small business, or interested in getting involved with the program, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Director of Small Business Katie Hamilton at 312.494.6734 or khamilton@chicagolandchamber.org.

Niles Village Board gives early OK to Touhy makeover plan

The Niles Board of Trustees got a chance to see — and comment on — the Touhy Corridor plan that was unveiled to the Niles Chamber of Commerce and Industry in mid-August.

During the Aug. 26 meeting, Ross Klicker, the Niles Economic Development and Marketing Coordinator, presented the plan to the board. He asked the board for a vote to approve the general “vision” without necessarily agreeing to specifics. Klicker said he would do a follow-up presentation during the September meeting. Read more: Niles Spectator

Tweet of the Day: 1871 announces education-tech incubator in partnership with DeVry

The 1871 co-working center announced Tuesday the creation an education-technology incubator through a partnership with Downers Grove-based DeVry Education Group.

The EdTech incubator, for education-related startups, will be included in 1871’s 25,000-square-foot expansion at Merchandise Mart, which also will support other sector-specific incubators. The new space is set to open Oct. 15, said 1871 marketing and communications associate Melissa Wooten.

The EdTech incubator will be home to six to 10 companies annually starting this fall, said Jeff Dunn, DeVry's senior director of research and development. Applications are being accepted now, with details available on the 1871 website, Dunn said. Read more: Chicago Tribune
 

Chamber Executive Ongoing Education Weekly New Idea: Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead - by Sheryl Sandberg, CEO Facebook

Thirty years after women became 50 percent of the college graduates in the United States, men still hold the vast majority of leadership positions in government and industry. This means that women’s voices are still not heard equally in the decisions that most affect our lives. In Lean In, Sheryl Sandberg examines why women’s progress in achieving leadership roles has stalled, explains the root causes, and offers compelling, commonsense solutions that can empower women to achieve their full potential.

Sandberg is the chief operating officer of Facebook and is ranked on Fortune’s list of the 50 Most Powerful Women in Business and as one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People in the World. In 2010, she gave an electrifying TEDTalk in which she described how women unintentionally hold themselves back in their careers. Her talk, which became a phenomenon and has been viewed more than two million times, encouraged women to “sit at the table,” seek challenges, take risks, and pursue their goals with gusto.

In Lean In, Sandberg digs deeper into these issues, combining personal anecdotes, hard data, and compelling research to cut through the layers of ambiguity and bias surrounding the lives and choices of working women. She recounts her own decisions, mistakes, and daily struggles to make the right choices for herself, her career, and her family. She provides practical advice on negotiation techniques, mentorship, and building a satisfying career, urging women to set boundaries and to abandon the myth of “having it all.”  She describes specific steps women can take to combine professional achievement with personal fulfillment and demonstrates how men can benefit by supporting women in the workplace and at home.

Written with both humor and wisdom, Sandberg’s book is an inspiring call to action and a blueprint for individual growth. Lean In is destined to change the conversation from what women can’t do to what they can.

4 Chicago-area university entrepreneurship centers to know this fall

With over 30 area colleges and universities, there are a lot of opportunities for young entrepreneurs to learn about tech, business and innovation in Chicago. Now that school is in session, here’s a refresher about what opportunities some of these schools offer, upcoming events to watch for, and how students and community members can get involved. Read more: builtinchicago.com

Chicagoland Chamber Local Initiative highlight: CASE – Chicago Anchors for a Strong Economy

 Chicago Anchors for a Strong Economy (CASE) is a network of Chicago’s leading “anchor” institutions – hospitals, universities, cultural institutions, corporations, and others – committed to putting their purchasing power to work to accelerate growth. CASE will create economic opportunities for local suppliers by fostering strategic relationships with anchor institutions and equipping them with the necessary tools to successfully compete for contracts where needed.

Chicago is home to many major institutions and corporations that require a strong base of goods and service suppliers, from paper and pens to legal services and technology. Creating a strong business-to-business supplier network locally not only supports the success of these institutions, but also strengthens the economy, making the region a more attractive place to do business. Firms providing business goods and services are located throughout the Chicago-area’s neighborhoods. Focusing on the high volume of business-to-business transactions at major institutions can help strengthen local firms, increase community and neighborhood vitality, generate jobs, and help grow the regional economy. Apply to CASE

Elmhurst Plans September Celebrations Around Chamber of Commerce Week

September 4, 2014 - In celebration of Chamber of Commerce Week in Illinois, the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce & Industry is sponsoring a month of networking, educational and special events, as well as staging our annual new member recruitment campaign.
At the request of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn has proclaimed September 8-12 as Chamber of Commerce Week in Illinois.
Mayoral Proclamation
Elmhurst Mayor Steve Morley has issued a Mayoral Proclamation declaring September 8-12 as Chamber of Commerce Week in Elmhurst. Read more: Chicago Tribune

Top 10 Trends for a Successful Illinois: Looking Forward to 2015

Theresa E. Mintle - President & CEO, Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, Chicago, IL

Illinois is under tremendous competitive pressure from our neighboring states that have more  business-friendly environments. We are all striving to find the smartest ways to help our economy grow, add jobs and build a prosperous future for Illinois. We’ll explore the challenges and  opportunities for business owners and leaders in this lively and candid panel discussion.

• Learn the Top 10 Trends in business for Illinois going into 2015- including small business, industry and public policy.

• Hear real-world advice on what your business can do to improve both your company’s outlook and the future of our region. Learn More: Illinois CPA Society

Best Practices: Canton Area Chamber - IIRA's Business Succession and Transition Planning Workshop Set for Oct. 21

The Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs (IIRA) at Western Illinois University is hosting the workshop "Business Succession and Transition Planning" Tuesday, Oct. 21 in collaboration with the Canton Area Chamber of Commerce and Spoon River Partnership for Economic Development. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Donaldson Community Center, located at 250 South Avenue D, Canton, IL. The workshop is open free to businesses statewide (registration required), as well as to businesses in neighboring states.
According to Jolene Willis, associate manager of IIRA's Illinois Cooperative Development Center, the workshop will be conducted by Steve Barnhart, a technical specialist from the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC). His presentation will address succession and transition-planning issues encountered by all types of family and closely held businesses, regardless of whether they are in the manufacturing sector. With more than 25 years of organizational development and operations leadership experience, Barnhart provides training and business improvement services to Illinois companies, drawing upon IMEC's state and national resources to help companies increase productivity and remain competitive. Read more: Western Illinois University

Chicagoland Chamber Small Business Week Events - Oct. 7 - Oct. 9, 2014

Whether you're a small business owner, an entrepreneur or someone who cares about small business, chances are you'll be interested in one of our five events taking place during Crain's Small Business Week 2014. Highlights include a new kind of networking, a deep dive into big data, and much more.

Small Business Forecast Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2014 7:30am to 9:30am Forum Coworking - 1035 West Lake Street Learn More and Register

Expanding Beyond Borders – Exporting & Importing for Small Business Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2014 4:30 to 7:00pm IL CPA Society, 550 W. Jackson, Suite 900 Learn More and Register

MBE/WBE Best Practices for Success Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2014 11:30am to 1:00pm Chicagoland Chamber, 410 N. Michigan Ave., Ste. 900 Learn More and Register

Using Big Data to Grow Your Business Thursday, Oct. 9, 2014 7:30am-9:00am Motorola Mobility, 222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza, Suite 1800 Learn More and Register

Speed Networking Thursday, Oct. 9, 2014 5:00 to 8:00pm The MidAmerica Club, 200 E. Randolph Drive, 80th, Floor Learn More and Register Questions? Contact Katie Hamilton at 312.494.6734 or khamilton@chicagolandchamber.org.

Chamber business: Goldman Sachs is looking to help 10,000 small businesses with a $500 MILLION investment

The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program is a $500 million investment to help small businesses create jobs and economic opportunity by providing them with greater access to business education, financial capital, and business support services. 10,000 Small Businesses is designed for business owners with limited resources who have a business poised for growth. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to growing their business and creating jobs within their community. Learn more about this program and eligibility requirements. Further information: 10,000 Small Businesses  

Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation (Education)

“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”--- Albert Einstein

Chamber Executive Ongoing Education Weekly New Idea: "Lean in: Women, Work and the Will to Lead - by Sheryl Sandberg, CEO Facebook; Chicagoland Chamber CEO Theresa Mintle named to The 20 most powerful women in Chicago business 2014; Tweet of the day: Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin; One Southern Indiana leader discusses tolling stance during organization’s annual meeting; Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce releases update to 'Big 5' ideas for growth; Arkansas Governor Beebe, Jonesboro Chamber Leader Mark Young, and Mayor of Maumelle recognized; Wisconsin Rhinelander chamber: A strong summer continues a positive trend; Chamber of Commerce speaker believes Sallisaw, OK is on right track; Chamber Training: "Know Your Numbers" Workshop September 16, 2014 - Battle Creek, MI; Nebraska State Chamber’s Legislative Forum visits York; Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation (Leadership) Klaus Balkenhol

Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead  by Sheryl Sandberg, CEO Facebook

Thirty years after women became 50 percent of the college graduates in the United States, men still hold the vast majority of leadership positions in government and industry. This means that women’s voices are still not heard equally in the decisions that most affect our lives. In Lean In, Sheryl Sandberg examines why women’s progress in achieving leadership roles has stalled, explains the root causes, and offers compelling, commonsense solutions that can empower women to achieve their full potential.

Sandberg is the chief operating officer of Facebook and is ranked on Fortune’s list of the 50 Most Powerful Women in Business and as one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People in the World. In 2010, she gave an electrifying TEDTalk in which she described how women unintentionally hold themselves back in their careers. Her talk, which became a phenomenon and has been viewed more than two million times, encouraged women to “sit at the table,” seek challenges, take risks, and pursue their goals with gusto.

In Lean In, Sandberg digs deeper into these issues, combining personal anecdotes, hard data, and compelling research to cut through the layers of ambiguity and bias surrounding the lives and choices of working women. She recounts her own decisions, mistakes, and daily struggles to make the right choices for herself, her career, and her family. She provides practical advice on negotiation techniques, mentorship, and building a satisfying career, urging women to set boundaries and to abandon the myth of “having it all.”  She describes specific steps women can take to combine professional achievement with personal fulfillment and demonstrates how men can benefit by supporting women in the workplace and at home.

Written with both humor and wisdom, Sandberg’s book is an inspiring call to action and a blueprint for individual growth. Lean In is destined to change the conversation from what women can’t do to what they can.

Chicagoland Chamber CEO Theresa Mintle named to

Yes, corporate America still has a woman problem. And Chicago isn't exactly a capital of progress on this front: Of the area's 100 largest public companies, only seven are helmed by women. Now for some good news. We've recently witnessed a string of high-profile promotions of female executives, and more local female business leaders are being named to major corporate boards outside of the city. This movement prompted Crain's to assemble this first-ever ranking. The list below is strictly business: No politicians, or philanthropists, or cultural leaders appear here. Editors considered four criteria: size and importance of a company; title and performance; career trajectory; and an individual's sphere of influence.Read more: Crains Chicago Business


Tweet of the day: Retweeted by Ok State Chamber
 

Governor Mary Fallin ‏@GovMaryFallin 15h

Glad to see small businesses and Oklahoma employers are paying over 20 percent less in work comp insurance. http://bit.ly/1q8L3tT

More information: For the second straight year, workers’ compensation loss costs used by insurers to determine rates for employers will show an overall decrease. The National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) has filed an overall loss cost level decrease of 7.8 percent, bringing the total two-year decrease to 22.4 percent.

“This is great news for Oklahoma’s economy,” said Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John D. Doak. “When employers pay less for workers’ compensation insurance, they can more easily grow their business, hire additional workers and expand local economies. I’m extremely encouraged to see the continuation of this positive trend. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that it all started with Oklahoma’s push for workers’ compensation reform.” Read more: OK.gov

One Southern Indiana leader discusses tolling stance during organization’s annual meeting

Before she moved on with her prepared remarks during One Southern Indiana’s annual meeting, Wendy Dant Chesser needed to clear something up.
A video had just played that recounted the organization’s high points from the prior year. It included footage of the rapper Pitbull dancing with a woman. Some people, Chesser joked, thought it might be her.
But, she pointed out, it was actually Jennifer Lopez. The audience of several hundred people laughed. Read more: Louisville Business First

Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce releases update to 'Big 5' ideas for growth

The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce says it's making strides toward meeting its top goals for the region. The goals, dubbed the Big 5, were identified nearly three years ago. They include moving the Conservatory of Music and Dance at the University of Missouri-Kansas City to a new downtown location. In its latest Big 5 update, the chamber noted that a site adjacent to the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts has been selected, and fundraising continues. Read more: The Republic

Arkansas Governor Beebe, Jonesboro Chamber Leader Mark Young, and Mayor of Maumelle recognized

The Arkansas Economic Developers also honored Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce CEO and President Mark Young.
Young, who has served as chamber president and CEO since 2006, received the Outstanding Economic Developer award. Young was thanked for his work to bring nearly 1,500 jobs to Jonesboro in the past eight years, as well as his work on statewide and regional issues. KASU.org

Wisconsin Rhinelander chamber: A strong summer continues a positive trend

School begins next week, the days are getting shorter, and soon leaves will begin their transformation  from vibrant green to warm oranges, reds, gold. It’s Labor Day weekend which is said to signal the unofficial end to the summer. Yet Wisconsinites are not ready to throw in the towel. AAA Wisconsin, part of the Auto Club Group predicts more people will be traveling 50 miles or more this holiday weekend than in 2013, and nationwide, it is expected there will be more cars on the road today than any year since 2008.

That’s a trend that tracks locally, too. According to Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Dana DeMet, the harsh winter may have delayed vacationers a couple of weeks. “The good news is that I have heard very positive remarks about July,” DeMet said, “when businesses can make or break their year.”  - See more at: Star-Journal

Chamber of Commerce speaker believes Sallisaw, OK is on right track

From international offices to small business services, the Oklahoma Department of Commerce (ODOC) works in many ways to develop business and industry in Oklahoma. Darla Heller, ODOC regional development specialist, spoke to about 50 people during the monthly Sallisaw Chamber of Commerce meeting at noon Wednesday. The meeting was held on the campus of the Indian Capital Technology Center (ICTC) and Heller spoke for about 20 minutes. Read more: Sequoyah County Times


Chamber Training: "Know Your Numbers" Workshop September 16, 2014 - Battle Creek, MI

Five Keys to Using Financial Statements to Maximize Cash Flow and Increase Access to Capital 

WHO SHOULD ATTEND: Experienced business owners and key staff who want to have a better understanding of how to use their financial statements in business decisions.  

TOPICS INCLUDE: Identify opportunities and challenges with your balance sheet and income   statement Discuss the proven ways to increase your company’s cash flow Apply breakeven analysis to improve decision making Understand and plan the working capital to support your growth Strengthen the partnership with your lender  

Date/Time: September 16,  9:00 am to 12 noon.
Location:  Battle Creek Unlimited, 4950  West Dickman Rd.  Battle Creek, MI  49037
Cost: Free
Register online: Know Your Numbers  For more information call 269-387-6004 

Nebraska State Chamber’s Legislative Forum visits York

 Nebraska employers — city and rural alike — have jobs but too few qualified candidates to fill them.
That was listed as the top concern Barry Kennedy of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce hears as he travels the state speaking to business owers in metro areas and farming communities border to border.

The annual fall Legislative Seminar came to lunch at Chances R at noon Thursday.

Other hot button issues for state companies large and small are taxation, economic development and the cost of doing business ... definitely including increasingly ponderous governmental meddling and regulation. Read more: York News-Times

Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation (Leadership)

1.      “There is a difference between being a leader and being a boss. Both are based on authority. A boss demands blind obedience; a leader earns his authority through understanding and trust.” - Klaus Balkenhol

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