Happy Friday, Chamber World! Have a GREAT weekend! Chicago-Southland chamber: HOW THEY VOTED: MICHAEL MADIGAN'S $7 BILLION IMBALANCED ILLINOIS BUDGET; Vicki Gardner to speak at FCHS’s 66th commencement; Kentucky Chamber: 2016 a year of legislative victories for businesses; Leadership Gulf Coast’s 2016 Alumni Breakfast set for July 29; Indiana Chamber Welcomes New Environmental, Energy Lobbyist; Michigan Chamber: Are You Ready to E-Verify? Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce 2016 Community Profile & Membership Directory; Fox Cities Chamber Expo has problem-solving focus; Town Square Publications Chamber of Commerce Membership Directories and Custom Maps; Friday: 157 Rules for Executive Success in Organization Management (and your Chamber of Commerce) by Patrick McGaughey

Happy Friday, Chamber World! Have a GREAT weekend!



Chicago-Southland chamber: HOW THEY VOTED: MICHAEL MADIGAN'S $7 BILLION IMBALANCED ILLINOIS BUDGET

As the Illinois budget battle heated up in Springfield last week, House Speaker Michael Madigan pushed a budget bill that was $7 billion out of balance through the Illinois House.

It was a classic Madigan move: a controversial, 500-page bill brought to the House floor for a vote less than two hours after it was handed out to Republican lawmakers for review. It contained $700 million in additional funding for K-12 education - an area where Gov. Bruce Rauner and Republicans had said they wanted to increase spending. Its $39 billion price tag funded higher education and social services with no regard for the fact that the state would take in only $32 billion in revenue in the coming fiscal year. READ MORE

Executive Director Vicki Gardner to speak at FCHS’s 66th commencement

Vicki Gardner

Vicki Gardner, executive director of the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center, will be the keynote speaker at Franklin County High School’s 66th commencement Saturday.

FCHS’s graduation exercises will begin at C.I. Dillon Stadium-Fred M. Brown Memorial Field at 10 a.m.

The Class of 2016 is comprised of 475 graduates, 44 of whom are distinguished honor graduates and 256 are honor graduates.

Distinguished honor graduates (grade point average of 4.0 or higher) will wear white gowns and will be first in the processional and recessional lines.

Those who are members of the National Honor Society will be wearing gold stoles.

Honor graduates will wear red gowns with gold tassels.

Gardner has served as executive director of the SML Regional Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center since September 2002.

Active in local, regional and state chamber affiliations, Gardner was the 2012 president of the Virginia Chamber Executives & Virginia Chamber Board of Directors and a graduate of the U.S. Chamber Institute of Organizational Management program. She is also a 2016 recipient of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Tourism Ambassador Award. Read more: Franklin News Post

Kentucky Chamber: 2016 a year of legislative victories for businesses 

Many in the business community didn’t know what to expect when the 2016 General Assembly convened in early January. Gov. Matt Bevin had just been sworn in a few weeks before after a contentious gubernatorial campaign, House Democrats were barely hanging on to their majority after several key appointments and party flipping by members, and there was a special election for four seats in the House that had the potential to shift the balance of power.
However, despite the odds, policy trumped politics this year, making the session one of the most successful the business community has seen. The state budget and pension problems dominated the session, and we at the Kentucky Chamber think Frankfort made major strides in getting the state’s fiscal house in order.
The divided legislature was able to come up with a budget that is arguably the most responsible in years because it deals with our public pension problems head­ on, putting an additional $1 billion into the state’s ailing pension systems.
While we regret that our universities and community colleges will experience additional cuts, we are pleased that the budget contained targeted money for workforce development, more funds for college tuition assistance, and criteria for performance ­based funding of higher education, something the Chamber has supported for years.
In addition to the budget, the Chamber logged several other victories for the business community. The passage of public-private partnership (P3) legislation, a top priority for the Chamber for three years, will enable increased private investment in state and local infrastructure projects. Felony expungement legislation will address Kentucky’s workforce shortage by providing a second chance for thousands of Kentuckians who have a single, low­-level felony charge.
Legislation to modernize rules for distillers, wineries and breweries will spur tourism and economic development, and a new workers’ compensation task force the Chamber lobbied for, will make recommendations to improve the workers’ compensation system. Read more: Kentucky Chamber

Leadership Gulf Coast’s 2016 Alumni Breakfast set for July 29

Kimberly Nastasi

Mississippi Gulf Coast – The annual Leadership Gulf Coast Alumni Breakfast will be held on July 29, 2016 at the IP Casino Resort & Spa. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. and the program begins promptly at 8:00 a.m. Dr. John Kelly, Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Gulfport, will be the featured speaker for this event.

Since the start of the program in 1988, the Leadership Gulf Coast has graduated over 900 leaders. The goal of the program is to understand real problems and opportunities in our community and to create a communication network between present and emerging leaders dedicated to the improvement of the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

“Leadership Gulf Coast continues to be an exceptional program which connect, informs and develops the best minds on the Mississippi Gulf Coast” said Kimberly Nastasi, Chief Executive Officer of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce, Inc.

Tickets for the event are $30, which includes breakfast. Tables and sponsorships are also available.  For additional information or to purchase tickets, tables or sponsorships, contact 228-604-0014.


Indiana Chamber Welcomes New Environmental, Energy Lobbyist

The Indiana Chamber has tapped Greg Ellis, an administrative law judge for the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission since 2010, as its new vice president of energy and environmental policy. 

Ellis will begin his work with the Indiana Chamber on May 31.

“Greg brings with him lobbying experience at the state and federal levels, as well as a history of working in the environmental arena – including with several agencies in state government. We are delighted to have someone with Greg’s extensive background join our organization and represent our members in these important issue areas, including continuing development of the state’s water resources plan,” says Indiana Chamber President and CEO Kevin Brinegar.

Among Ellis’ various roles with the state of Indiana: He served as the business ombudsman for the Indiana Department of Environmental Management and legal counsel for the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. He was also chief legal counsel and legislative liaison for the Indiana Civil Rights Commission. In addition, Ellis served as an Indiana representative on the Council of Great Lakes Governors during development of the Great Lake Compact. 

“I believe the Indiana Chamber is the perfect place to apply what I have learned throughout my career,” Ellis says. “I’m excited to be part of a team that has played a major role in helping craft our state’s excellent business climate. There is plenty of work left to do, from dealing with rising energy costs to building upon the water resource efforts of the past few years. I’m ready to tackle those challenges and more.” 

Ellis, who lives in Zionsville with his wife and three children, received his bachelor’s degree from Indiana State University and his law degree from the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law.

Vince Griffin retired from the Indiana Chamber on April 29 after more than 18 years of service in the same position. Source Indiana Chamber

Michigan Chamber: Are You Ready to E-Verify?

E-Verify is a fast, free, and easy-to-use internet-based service run by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and partnership with the Social Security Administration that allows employers to verify the eligibility of their newly hired employees to legally work in the United States. It is important that employers understand E-Verify and employee rightsduring the federal employment eligibility verification processes.

All U.S. employers are required by law to complete the Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9 for every worker hired. That includes citizens and non-citizens.

E-Verify takes the Form I-9 process one step further. It compares information provided on a Form I-9 against information in government records. In most cases, It tells the employer in just seconds if an employee is eligible to work in the United States.  

E-Verify is currently used by over 656,000 employers at 2.1 million hiring sites. It is growing rapidly, with more than 1,400 new businesses enrolling each week. Since September 2009, E-Verify is mandatory for many federal contractors.

Visit the E-Verify website to learn more: www.dhs.gov/E-Verify.

Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce 2016 Community Profile & Membership Directory

The Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce 2016 Community Profile & Membership Directory is available at the Crossroads Regional Chamber today! Thanks to Sue Reed and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!

Town SquarePublications  (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.

Fox Cities Chamber Expo has problem-solving focus

Helping businesses overcome obstacles is the main focus of an event today, at the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel in downtown Appleton.

Amy Flanders of the Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce says more than 70 companies are participating in the business expo. She says each of them will talk about how they solved a problem. Flanders says they could range from getting a small business loan, to choosing a financial advisor.

The expo runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. It's free. Read more: WHBY.com

Town Square Publications Chamber of Commerce Membership Directories and Custom Maps 

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.More information: Town Square Publications

To request your publication proposal, Click here




Friday: 157 Rules for Executive Success in Organization Management (and your Chamber of Commerce) by Patrick McGaughey

RULE #2        If they write the plan, they will underwrite the plan.

Indy Chamber Receives Presidential Award for Export Service; Chamber partner: Program invites ‘spring cleaning’ at Smith Mountain Lake; Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber enjoys Red Carpet Gala; Before stepping down, chamber leader Mike Formento plans Taste of Glen Ellyn; Green Lake County Chamber of Commerce 2016 Guide & Map; Winchester-Clark County Chamber presents awards at annual banquet; Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber: Middle school students solve problems at Michigan’s Adventure; Fox Cities Chamber’s annual Business Expo set for June 1; Town Square Publications Chamber of Commerce Membership Directories, Community Profiles, Re-Location Guides and Custom Maps; Friday: 157 Rules for Executive Success in Organization Management (and your Chamber of Commerce) by Patrick McGaughey

Happy Friday Chamber World! Have a GREAT day!

Indy Chamber Receives Presidential Award for Export Service

Mike Huber

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker this week presented the Indy Chamber with the President’s “E” Award for Export Service at a ceremony in Washington, DC. The President’s “E” Award is the highest recognition any U.S. entity can receive for making a significant contribution to the expansion of U.S. exports.

 “The Indy Chamber has demonstrated a sustained commitment to export expansion. The “E” Awards Committee was very impressed with the Indy Chamber’s dedication to helping first time exporters understand the export process and enter new international markets. The organization’s support of trade missions through seminars and conferences was also particularly notable. The Indy Chamber’s achievements have undoubtedly contributed to national export expansion efforts that support the U.S. economy and create American jobs,” said Secretary Pritzker in her congratulatory letter to the company announcing its selection as an award recipient.

The Indy Chamber is the Indianapolis region’s largest business organization, representing nearly 2,000 employers across the metropolitan area.  Since 2012, it expanded its role in economic development to include business recruitment and retention, small business and entrepreneur services, and initiated proactive strategies to increase global exports and investment.

“We know that a growing region has to be part of the global economy,” said Michael Huber, president and CEO of the Indy Chamber.  “More than 100,000 local jobs are already supported by exports and employment in foreign-owned firms that have chosen Indianapolis; by helping more businesses become exporters, we can grow those numbers, along with average incomes and our overall economy.”

The Indy Chamber has launched a host of programs under its Global Indy initiative, including Export Bootcamps and other services for mid-market firms seeking to join the more than 30,000 U.S. companies who have become exporters since 2010.  The organization is leading the region’s participation in the Global Cities Exchange, a joint project of The Brookings Institution and JPMorgan Chase that lends expertise and technical support to regional planning efforts.

The Indy Chamber plans to release the resulting global trade and investment strategy for the metro later this summer, previewing key findings at its annual World Trade Day on May 24 in Indianapolis.

“Like Secretary Pritzker and the Department of Commerce, our business is business,” added Huber.  “We’ve identified more than a thousand mid-sized companies in export-oriented industries that aren’t tapping into international markets – Indianapolis ranks among the top regions in total exports today, but we quite literally have a world of growth potential ahead.”

Indianapolis Deputy Mayor Angela Smith-Jones, who leads the City’s economic development effort, accepted the "E" Award on behalf of the Indy Chamber and the local economic development organizations that support its regional efforts.

In 1961, President Kennedy signed an executive order reviving the World War II “E” symbol of excellence to honor and provide recognition to America's exporters. Today, Secretary Pritzker honored 123 U.S. companies with the President’s “E” Award for their outstanding work to reduce barriers to foreign markets and to open the door to more trade around the world.

In 2015, U.S. exports totaled $2.23 trillion, accounting for nearly 13 percent of U.S. GDP. Nationally, exports contributed to the U.S. economy, supporting an estimated 11.5 million jobs.

U.S. companies are nominated for the “E” Awards through the Department of Commerce’s U.S. Commercial Service office network, located within the Department’s International Trade Administration, with offices in 108 U.S. cities and more than 70 countries.  Criteria for the award is based on four years of successive export growth and case studies which demonstrate valuable support to exporters resulting in increased exports for the company’s clients.

For more information about the “E” Awards and the benefits of exporting, visit www.export.gov. Source: Indy Chamber

Chamber partner: Program invites ‘spring cleaning’ at Smith Mountain Lake

Vicki Gardner

A community-wide lake cleanup effort has announced a new program that invites groups and businesses to apply for reimbursement of up to $400 for costs incurred for Dumpster and landfill fees.

Take Pride in Smith Mountain Lake, which is in its 29th year, held a successful kickoff with seven businesses and community groups holding cleanup events.

Skelton 4-H Educational Conference Center and Crazy Horse Marina — as well as residents of neighborhoods such as Beechwood West, Lynville on the Lake, Walnut Run and Riverbay — were among the volunteers who collected debris in the lake and around the shoreline in the past two weeks.

Vicki Gardner, executive director of the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce, said the lake gets a lot of debris that comes in any body of water fed by streams, especially in the spring with the rain picks up and the debris collects in coves.

“People at Smith Mountain Lake wanted to bring the community together for spring cleaning; it’s a common cause and groups form and have been doing it together for a long time and they look forward to it,” she said. Read more: News Advance

Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber enjoys Red Carpet Gala

Cars drove down a winding rural road that wrapped around a weathered barn and a large pond to The Jefferson, one of Oxford’s newest event venues Thursday night.

It was the setting of the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce’s second annual Red Carpet Gala.

Guests entered the building walking over a red carpet and joined others at the black-tie event wearing gowns with sparkling sequins and jewels. Some danced to music by The Bouffants in one room, while others sampled food from a signature event called the Chamber Chef Shuffle.

Eupora native Holli Ratcliffe has lived in Oxford the past 20 years and served as a Chamber of Commerce board member the last six years.

“I’m very supportive of our chamber,” she said, “and this is such a fun event. They did their first red carpet event last year. It’s a neat chance to get dressed up and have fun, and a bit more relaxed than your typical business environment.”

Ratcliffe said this is the first event The Jefferson has hosted.

“I don’t even think they are completely finished, but they went ahead and squeezed us in on the calendar,” she said.

Pam Swain, vice president of the Chamber of Commerce, said the gala was created last year as part of the chamber’s 75th anniversary celebration activities.

“It was so well received,” she said. “We had so much response from those who were there, and from those who missed it who wanted us to please have it again,” she said.

They decided to make it an annual event.

“The Jefferson joined the chamber, and we were able to talk with them and say we’d love having the opportunity to have the event at a premiere location,” she said. “It adds a little intrigue and another dynamic to it. We have been working very closely with them.”

Swain said the chamber held its annual meeting luncheon yesterday.

“Our Red Carpet Gala follows it up the next day,” she said. “It’s just a celebration of Oxford and Lafayette County.”

Swain said the event featured food from 10 local restaurants.

“Some of them are even cooking it right in there tonight,” she said. “The chefs are actually right behind the table. And then on the other side of the building, we have The Bouffants, and everyone’s dancing.”

Around 400 people attended the event.

“We’re just really celebrating the community that we live in, the success of our Chamber of Commerce and how lucky we are to live here,” Swain said.

Kate Rosson, gala chair, said people loved the event so much last year, they had to bring it back.

- See more at: Oxford Eagle

Before stepping down, chamber leader Mike Formento plans Taste of Glen Ellyn

Mike Formento

You may have seen him in the front row of school events, waving from a parade, or cutting ribbons at new businesses.

"My time has always been for Glen Ellyn," Mike Formento says. "I have always felt that whatever it takes, whatever was needed, whatever time was required, I would give it to this community."

After eight years leading the Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce, Formento is stepping down as executive director later this summer. The former village president and DuPage County Board member says its time for a new face at the helm of the chamber, but Formento pledges to continue promoting the town, just as he always did as a Glen Ellyn business owner for more than four decades.

"It has been 42 years of involvement and I loved every minute of it," he said Wednesday.

When he took the reins with another co-director in 2008, Formento was supposed to steer the chamber for two or three years, but ended up staying on to help move its main offices to north Main Street and to serve members weathering the Great Recession.

But Formento won't leave the job he now holds on his own until he sees the 39th annual Taste of Glen Ellyn go off without a hitch. The unofficial start to the summer festival season returns Thursday night.

"There's really something here for everybody and every appetite," Formento said.

And as a fitting end to his tenure, Formento expects record crowds this year. The Taste generally draws 19,000 to 25,000 people over its four days, but "perfect" weather forecasts and some changes to the lineup have Formento optimistic about topping those numbers. Read more: Daily Herald

Green Lake County Chamber of Commerce 2016 Guide & Map

The Green Lake County Chamber of Commerce 2016 Guide & Map is available at the Green Lake County Chamber! Thanks to the Green Lake County chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!

Green Lake map

Town SquarePublications  (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.

Winchester-Clark County Chamber presents awards at annual banquet

In its 76th year, the Winchester-Clark County Chamber of Commerce presented a host of awards at its annual banquet Thursday evening at the Winchester Country Club.

Darryl Terry, president of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, opened the evening discussing the group’s three main goals established after celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2015.

The Board aims to increase diversity of businesses located in different areas of the community, boost member-to-member networking and increase membership to 400, he said.

With 49 new members in 2015, the Chamber has 365 members, Terry said.

Will Hodgkin spoke during dinner about his passion for Winchester and the community’s potential.

He recalled an article in The Courier Journal stating Winchester was on “the road to averageville” more than a decade ago.

“By the article’s standards, everything about Winchester was average,” he said.

Thanks to the hard work of a variety of community organizations, including two endowed foundations — the Clark County Community Foundation and The Greater Clark Foundation — Hodgkin said Winchester is now anything but average.

“The glass is half full in Winchester,” he said. “It’s not full. We have more to do. But we are not average.”

He encouraged the Chamber members to contribute volunteers hours and monetarily to bettering the community, noting that Clark County ranks as the fifth wealthiest community in the state. Read more: Central Kentucky News

Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber: Middle school students solve problems at Michigan’s Adventure

On Wednesday, May 25, 2016, nearly 500 middle school students in grades 5 – 8 from 13 Michigan schools will combine work with play from9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. as they attempt to solve scientific problems during the 25th Annual Amusement Park Physics Day at Michigan’s Adventure Cedar Fair Park.

This year students will focus their problem-solving efforts on the Wolverine Wildcat, Kiddie Motorcycle Carousel, Gondola Wheel, Rip Cord, Thunderhawk, and Zack’s Zoomer. Because students cannot interfere with the normal operations of the rides, they will use other problem-solving techniques to find answers to the eight written questions.

Required to work in teams, they will hop on roller coasters, carousels and other rides that create push-and-pull (forces) on them. Students will also use handmade altimeters (for measuring angles), trigonometric ratios, and the length of their own pace to solve height problems. Students will use the relationship between distance, rate, and time in order to determine the speed of a ride, and find the best deal on food using unit rates. At the end of the day, the student teams will submit completed problem sheets that will be scored by the Muskegon Area Intermediate School District’s (MAISD) Regional Mathematics and Science Center.  Results and prizes are sent to teachers within two weeks of the park visit and are posted on the MAISD website at www.muskegonisd.org.

Prior to their experience in the park, students learn to measure distance, time, vertical angles, and acceleration using a few basic trigonometry and physics concepts. Each child also builds an altimeter (for measuring angles) out of common inexpensive materials. Then they move outside the classroom to solve problems similar to those encountered in an amusement park. They measure the height of school buildings, flagpoles, trees, and telephone poles.  Students complete their preparation by reviewing sample problems. Read more: Muskegon-Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce

Fox Cities Chamber’s annual Business Expo set for June 1


The Fox Cities Chamber will host its annual free Business Expo 11 a.m.-5 p.m. June 1 at the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel. This year’s theme asks exhibitors to answer the question, “What solution can you provide for a business?”

The day includes many ongoing events and presentations such as:

• New member/member success orientation, 10 a.m.-noon, registration required athttp://business.foxcitieschamber.com/

• Breakout sessions, starting at noon, presenters include Cellcom, Dental Associates, Merchants’ Choice Credit Card Service, LLC. and Time Warner Business Class

• Sponsor presentations, starting at 12:30 p.m., presenters include: Appleton International Airport, Skyline Exhibit Resource and Wells Fargo

• Business Connection, 5-7 p.m., registration required athttp://business.foxcitieschamber.com/

There is a limited amount of booths available to reserve. Booth cost is $350 for a Chamber member and $550 for a non-member. Read more: Post-Crescent

Town Square Publications Chamber of Commerce Membership Directories, Community Profiles, Re-Location Guides and Custom Maps 

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 publication proposal, Click here

Friday: 157 Rules for Executive Success in Organization Management (and your Chamber of Commerce) by Patrick McGaughey

RULE #157    Teddy Roosevelt was right! 

Post Falls ID Chamber of Commerce initiative: Does your Business/Education Strategy include a $25,000 income stream? City of Madison to take ownership of Chamber building; Smith Mountain Lake Chamber Executive Director Vicki Gardner, Virginia TV shooting survivor, on recovering and uniting after tragedy; St Joseph County Chamber CEO Jeff Rea: TIF money helps us all; Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce: Small Business Reception: Celebrating Chicago’s Entrepreneurial Community; Paducah Mayor Gayle Kaler, McCracken County Judge Executive Bob Leeper to Speak at Paducah Chamber Breakfast; Power to the People: 2015 Brought Some Key Reforms to Michigan; WMC initiative: Corporate Safety Award nominees sought by Wisconsin Safety Council; Town Square Publications produces Chamber Membership Directories and Custom Maps

Hello Chamber World! It's going to be a great day!

Does your Business/Education Strategy include a $25,000 income stream? 

Brilliant! A non-dues income raffle that mirrors the mission of most Chambers 

Harley Davidson motorcycles are awesome but where do they fit in with our mission or organization strategies? We need the money but how can we stay focused on our purpose? Ask Pam Houser.

Pam Houser, IOM President/CEO Post Falls ID Chamber of Commerce pam@postfallschamber.com (208) 773-5016

Pam just released a great new promotion in Post Falls, Idaho that requires selling 1,000 $50 Dollar Raffle Tickets to win a $25,000 College Scholarship. Brilliant.

It a promotion for higher education, an opportunity for one lucky winner to get a huge head start on their career (and help their parents retire better) and of course raise much needed income for the operation of the local Chamber of Commerce.

More important, this non-dues income generator stays focused on the mission of the Chamber of Commerce. It's not just a "Fundraiser" but instead, a promotion for higher education and a true Business / Education strategy for all involved. In short, the school gets their $25,000, the Chamber gets theirs and someone gets a huge head start.
Source: Pat McGaughey, --- www.chambermentor.com

City of Madison to take ownership of Chamber building

The city of Madison is close to taking ownership of the building that currently houses the Madison–Morgan Chamber of Commerce. The structure, built in 1887 as Madison’s City Hall and fire station, is currently owned by the Madison–Morgan Chamber Foundation, which raised the funds to repair the structure and create a welcome center and office space for the chamber.

According to Madison City Manager David Nunn, the foundation recently approach the city with a proposal to transfer ownership of the building to the city at no cost. The city agreed to renovate the former Madison Police Department, located next door to the current chamber building at the corner of Jefferson Street and Main Street, as space for the Madison–Morgan Chamber of Commerce and the economic development office of the chamber. Nunn said the Madison–Morgan Convention and Visitor’s Bureau would remain in the existing chamber building. “The (chamber building) does need some maintenance,” Nunn told the Madison City Council Monday night. “I think the city’s in a good position to handle that.” Nunn said the chamber foundation had recently had an inspection of the building. Repairs could reach more than $100,000, he said. Read more: Morgan Daily Citizen

Smith Mountain Lake Chamber Executive Director Vicki Gardner, Virginia TV shooting survivor, on recovering and uniting after tragedy

Vicki Gardner is the lone survivor of an Aug. 26 on-air shooting that left two Virginia journalists dead and Gardner hospitalized for two weeks with internal injuries.

The executive director of the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center reveals how the tragic event shaped her resilience and deepened her commitment to her community as part of "2015 Voices,"a special series of essays and interviews with newsmakers behind some of TODAY's biggest moments of the year.

After two days of life-saving surgery, I awoke on Aug. 28 in the intensive care unit of Carilion Clinic in Roanoke, Virginia, struggling with blurred recollection of the events bringing me there.

In drug-induced delirium, unable to talk because of the tubes down my throat, I tried to sort dream from reality. But the pieces weren't coming together. Everything was hazy. It was like my body had blanked out. Read more: Today

St Joseph County Chamber CEO Jeff Rea: TIF money helps us all

Tax Increment Financing has been around since the 1950s and exists in all 50 states and Canada. Tax increment is the difference between the amount of property tax revenue generated before a TIF district designation and the amount of property tax revenue generated after TIF designation. Tax increment is captured within a designated district and typically reinvested in infrastructure improvements within the area.

TIF has both its fans and its critics. Elected officials, economic development practitioners, and many businesses say it is a key economic development tool. Locally, South Bend, Mishawaka and St. Joseph County have all relied heavily on the tool to spur development within their jurisdictions.

Municipal leaders say TIF is the only economic development tool left, and that shrinking revenues have left fewer dollars to help catalyze important development projects. Many leaders around the state have gotten “creative” with how the funds are used, some deviating well beyond the original purposes of this well-intentioned tool.

Critics contend the development would happen anyway, and other taxing units often complain they aren’t able to capitalize on growth within a TIF district. A number of studies have been released in recent years related to the use of TIF and its overall impact and that has the Indiana General Assembly paying close attention.

The Monday Business section of The Tribune included a column from Ball State University economist Michael Hicks on TIF in Indiana. Hicks dove a little deeper into the topic of economic development and in particular the use of TIF. He concluded that nationwide local economic development is in the midst of revolutionary change and that the new focus is on the local quality of place. Read more: South Bend Tribune

Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce: Small Business Reception: Celebrating Chicago’s Entrepreneurial Community

Tuesday, January 19th 2016

4:30 - 6:30 PM

Quinlan School of Business, 16 East Pearson Street Schreiber Center, 9th Floor, Chicago, IL, 60611

Join us for this networking reception at the Loyola University Chicago Quinlan School of Business as we reveal the results of the 2016 Chicagoland Small Business Outlook Survey, which the Chicagoland Chamber and our community partners will use to provide a stronger support system for small business owners and entrepreneurs in the Chicago area.

At this 2016 Small Business Outlook Survey networking reception, you can:

• • Be the first to see these insightful survey results
• • Celebrate the positive impact startups and small businesses have had on Chicagoland’s business ecosystem
• • Connect with local entrepreneurs and small business owners
• • Get an update on the 2016 James Tyree Emerging Business Leadership Award and pick up your early-bird application information (application process begins in February)

Enjoy appetizers and craft beer courtesy of Horse Thief Hollow, the Beverly brewpub that won the 2015 James Tyree Award. Register Here: Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce



Paducah Mayor Gayle Kaler, McCracken County Judge Executive Bob Leeper to Speak at Paducah Chamber Breakfast


Paducah mayor Gayle Kaler and McCracken County judge executive Bob Leeper will be the featured speakers January's Power in Partnership monthly breakfast of the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce.

The “State of the City and County” event will be held on January 7 at 7:30 am at the Julian Carroll Convention Center. The event is sponsored by the Paducah-McCracken County Joint Sewer Agency.

Kaler became mayor in 2012 after serving three terms as a Paducah city commissioner. Leeper just completed his first year as McCracken County Judge Executive. He had previously served as state senator for the Second District since 1991.

Cost for attendees is $15 for chamber members, $25 for non-members. If you are not a Chamber of Commerce Power Card holder, please make your reservations by 5:00 pm on Tuesday, January 5. Contact the Chamber at 270-443-1746 or info@paducahchamber.org . Read more: West Kentucky Star



Power to the People: 2015 Brought Some Key Reforms to Michigan

Bye-bye film subsidies, hello limits on improper or abusive police and prosecutor actions
During 2015, legislation was signed into law that secured some key public policy victories for the people of Michigan. Highlights include the elimination of costly subsidies for film producers and new laws that protect individuals from certain excessive or improper actions by police and prosecutors.

Death Sentence for Film Subsidies

On July 9, Gov. Rick Snyder signed House Bill 4122, which phases out Michigan’s film subsidy program. Launched in 2008, the subsidies transferred wealth from Michigan taxpayers to film producers, many of whom did not even reside here. According to federal employment statistics, after spending hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars on the subsidies, Michigan actually had 102 fewer film industry jobs.

The road to repeal featured several false starts, stops and unexpected curves. In December 2014, the Legislature voted to keep the subsidies going by lifting a sunset provision that would have ended the program. Snyder signed the measure, which breathed new life into the subsidies.

But just 10 weeks into 2015, a newly elected House passed a bill to kill the program, which was sponsored by Rep. Dan Lauwers, R-Brockway. Snyder and Senate Majority Leader Arlan Meekhof, R-West Olive, initially indicated they had no interest in going along. But as winter turned to spring and an ill-fated road funding ballot measure (Proposal 1) failed to gain approval by even 20 percent of the electorate, something changed. Read more: Michigan Capitol Confidential

WMC initiative: Corporate Safety Award nominees sought by Wisconsin Safety Council

The Wisconsin Safety Council and the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development are now accepting applications for the 22nd Annual Wisconsin Corporate Safety Awards. Interested companies should visit www.wisafetycouncil.org between Jan. 1-29 to complete the online application.

The awards competition involves two phases; one involving statistical data and one involving subjective questions. The 2015 Wisconsin Corporate Safety Awards will be judged in categories based on both the size and type of business or organization. Finalists must provide details on safety leadership and employee participation, safety program implementation, safety and health training, and accomplishments and goals.

Winning companies will be presented with their awards at the 74th Annual Wisconsin Safety & Health Conference May 16-18 at the Kalahari Resort and Convention Center.

The Wisconsin Safety Council is an educational division of WMC, which is the state chamber of commerce and Wisconsin manufacturer's association. WSC is Wisconsin's leading provider of workplace safety training and programming, and is dedicated to making Wisconsin a safe and healthy place to live and work. Read more: HNGNEWS

Town Square Publications produces Chamber Membership Directories and Custom Maps 

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. More information: Town Square Publications

Lone on-air Virginia chamber of commerce shooting survivor pens thank you to community; Chamber proponent: Muskegon looking for its next STAR to promote area; Kentucky Chamber: What We Do; Madison Chamber Annual Dinner: Business leaders are challenged to help bridge the diversity gap; Terre Haute Chamber: The Need For Speed; GOA Regional Business Association, Rolling Meadows Chamber Manufacturing Forum: Companies also are seeking women to enter field; Brookhaven-­Lincoln County Chamber manager leaves strong legacy; Town Square Publications Chamber of Commerce Custom Maps

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

Lone on-air Virginia chamber of commerce shooting survivor pens thank you to community

More than a month after being injured in a deadly shooting on live television that claimed the lives of two others and left her as the lone survivor, Vicki Gardner has remained in high spirits during her recovery.

Gardner was injured in a shooting on Aug. 26 that claimed the lives of WDBJ7 reporter Alison Parker, 24, and cameraman Adam Ward, 27.

Parker was interviewing Gardner, the executive director of the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce, at around 6:45 a.m. in a shopping center in Moneta, Virginia, when gunman Vester Flanagan opened fire.

Flanagan, 41, a disgruntled former employee who had been fired by the station, took his own life during a police chase later in the day.

On Monday, Gardner continues to show courage, radiate positivity and spread her vision for Smith Mountain Lake.

In a “Thank You” letter she wrote:

Smith Mountain Lake is an amazing community and I’m so proud to be recognized as one of its leaders. The tragedy on Aug. 26 that claimed the lives of talented WDBJ7 journalists Alison Parker and Adam Ward thrust our community into an international spotlight. There were so many questions left unanswered.

The intense media coverage – local, regional, state, national, even international – served a purpose, and that was to tell the story of how our community responded with strength and dignity. Senseless acts of violence happen all too often. While circumstances may be different, the act is always unexpected and often misunderstood. In many cases, communities are divided, destroyed and left with an unshakeable dark shadow because residents are unprepared and don’t know how else to vent their grief and frustration. 

That was not the case with Smith Mountain Lake. I can say with pride that as a direct result of this horrific act, an incredible number of lake residents have reached out to meet new “neighbors” and develop new friendships. A powerful shield of respect now blankets our region, serving as a reminder of the sacrifice members of our law enforcement community and rescue crews provide 24/7.  We witnessed prompt action and support by businesses, residential, organizations and individuals. The hashtag #SMLStrong was created and brought to life with amazing speed and pride.

The Day of Remembrance on Sept. 19 at Bridgewater Plaza, the site of the shooting, was perhaps the most visible testimony to the strength of the Smith Mountain Lake community with hundreds turning out in bright blue T-shirts emblazoned with #SMLStrong to honor Adam and Alison and see a permanent memorial to them unveiled. Watching everyone join hands to embrace the plaza was truly inspirational and an important step on our road to healing.

I can’t say thank you enough for the support shown to me in my recovery. Cards, flowers and gifts have arrived from all over the world and are a definite boost to my spirits. I wish I could respond to all but the volume is overwhelming, so just know that each and every gesture is so appreciated! Generous donations also continue to arrive at the Chamber for “Vicki’s Vision,” a project I hope to be able to share more details on soon. In a nutshell, the goal is to create a much-needed gathering spot that will be not only a tremendous benefit to the region, but a lasting tribute to Alison and Adam. 

The healing process is slow, but I am feeling stronger each day and am eager to return to doing the job I love: promoting Smith Mountain Lake! Participating in all of the events scheduled to celebrate SML’s 50th anniversary – now just a few months away – provides a powerful incentive for me. I hope you’ll find out more about how you can be part of the excitement at http://www.VisitSmithMountainLake.com. 

Senseless acts of violence will not end here. We cannot change what has happened, and there is nothing we can do that will bring Alison and Adam back to their loved ones. However, the community of Smith Mountain Lake can continue to serve as a world-wide example of how unity, leadership and vision can make a community stronger, its members closer than ever.

Stay #SMLStrong,
Vicki Gardner
Executive Director
Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce

ource: WKRN Nashville


Chamber proponent: Muskegon looking for its next STAR to promote area

The Watch Muskegon image campaign is entering a new phase.

The campaign's logo appears all across the county and on billboards internationally. Now, community leaders behind the campaign are looking for residents who want to become a Muskegon STAR.

WZZM 13 NEWS

Muskegon area says "Watch Us Go"

The Muskegon STAR component of the campaign will train individuals to communicate all the positive progress in Muskegon.

Participants in the program will receive training from the staff at Michigan Works in an effort to grow Muskegon's economy.

"Muskegon STARS are going to get a broad education on everything from tourism assets and cultural attractions, a history lesson on the community, and learn about our largest employers," said Cindy Larsen, president of the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce.

"So people who take this training are going to be able to answer any question about Muskegon County in a way that is helpful to others." Read more: WZZM 13

Kentucky Chamber: What We Do

Uniting Business. Advancing Kentucky. From its beginnings more than 65 years ago. the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce has evolved into the premier business association in the state. The Chamber represents the interests of more than 60,000 employers across the Commonwealth. From family-owned shops to Fortune 500 companies in virtually every industry in the state, our business community shares a vested interest in enhancing Kentucky’s ability to compete on a national and global scale.

In 2011, the Chamber was awarded the status of being an Accredited State Chamber by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

The Kentucky Chamber's powerful grassroots network, through a partnership with more than 80 local chambers in the state, consists of 25,000 professionals. Strength in numbers continues to help the Chamber influence policymakers in areas such as business taxation and fiscal policy, environmental and safety issues and workers' compensation, health care and education reform.

Our mission is not always easy, but the Kentucky Chamber continues to provide leadership as a catalyst, consensus-builder and advocate to unite business and advance Kentucky. Read more: Kentucky Chamber

Madison Chamber Annual Dinner: Business leaders are challenged to help bridge the diversity gap

Entrepreneurship is booming in Madison and Dane County’s growing job market is “driving the state’s economy,” Zach Brandon, president of the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce told 1,000 attendees at the business group’s annual dinner Wednesday night.

But there are still gaps to bridge — gaps of diversity and poverty — and it’s time for the business community to step up and help, he added.

“We can’t leave anyone behind as our businesses move forward,” Brandon said.

“A puzzle is a challenge waiting to be solved” was the theme of the dinner, held at Monona Terrace.

Keynote speaker Richard Reeves, a senior fellow in economic studies at the Brookings Institution, presented data showing the American dream is far less accessible to blacks or to children raised in poverty.

Even among black Americans raised as middle class, 72 percent are likely to wind up poor, twice the rate of whites who fell from middle class to low income, Reeves said. Read more: Madison.com

Terre Haute Chamber: The Need For Speed

Orange barrels fill the street for now but, in the near future, one local company hopes new businesses will follow after the city picks up the cones.

"It's an attraction to businesses knowing that if they come here that they are going to be provided with state of the art connectivity," said Chamber of Commerce President, David Haynes.

Joink trusted technology solutions is finishing a loop of underground fiber optic cables that will change the internet experience.

"Fiber optics allows us to carry signal across a strain of glass for a very long distance with a very high capacity," explained Joint C.E.O. Josh Zuerner.

The technology  will make internet speeds 200 to 300 times faster than the average delivery system..... With that comes a hefty price tag. However the project isn't geared towards average households.

"Presently the biggest beneficiaries of our services are for our enterprise customers so those are organizations that typically have a headquarters and have multiple branches around town we're helping them achieve very high capacity connectivity between headquarters and branches," added Zuerner.

Chamber of Commerce President David Haynes sees the benefit. "The greater majority of the businesses that belong to the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce are small businesses." Read more: MyWabashCounty.com

GOA Regional Business Association, Rolling Meadows Chamber Manufacturing Forum: Companies also are seeking women to enter field

Finding qualified job candidates and developing the next generation of workers are priorities so manufacturers can remain viable in the future, experts said Thursday.

An ongoing worry for many suburban manufacturers involves finding qualified candidates. Many companies already have made connections with local high schools and community colleges. But until that next generation of workers finds their niche and proper training, many manufacturers will worry about filling positions, they said.

"Finding good, tech-oriented personnel is key now, because most of those workers have retired now and the new generation has not kept up with the expertise that's needed," said Kathryn Miller, owner and president of HST Materials Inc. in Elk Grove Village.

Mentoring, cross training, apprenticeships, school-related internships and other programs should be expanded, Miller and others said.

Miller was joined by other panelists at the Daily Herald Business Ledger Newsmakers' Forum Thursday. About 130 business leaders, chamber officials and others attended the event at Avalon Banquets in Elk Grove Village.

Other panelists were Craig Johnson, mayor of Elk Grove Village; John Sassaris, group president of commercial banking of MB Financial Bank in Chicago; Steve Czajkowski, application engineering manager for motion control at Siemens Industry in Elk Grove Village; and Steven R. Goluch, principal of Weiss & Co., LLP in Glenview. Read more: Daily Herald

Brookhaven-­Lincoln County Chamber manager leaves strong legacy 

After 42 years as the “glue” of the Chamber of Commerce, office manager Pam Cartwright will retire at the end of the year. By all accounts Cartwright was a rare gem who would gladly put in the hard work, but never wanted any recognition. “Pam is the glue the holds us all together,” said Garrick Combs, Brookhaven-­Lincoln County Chamber executive director. “Thirteen years later when I had the opportunity to come back to Brookhaven as Chamber director, one of the biggest reasons the job was appealing to me was that I knew just how great the staff is and that Pam had the office under control and knew everything there was to know about the Chamber.” “[She’s] one of those kind of people that does a great job and doesn’t want the recognition,” said Stan Patrick, current Chamber president who has worked with and known Cartwright for many years. “[She] doesn’t want to be in the limelight, but she is the behind­the­scenes person who makes sure everything is done. She’s always there to take care of things.” Cartwright also serves as board secretary of the Lincoln County United Way and her peers all referenced the great work she has done for the organization. Read more: DailyLeader.com


Town Square Publications Chamber of Commerce Custom Maps 


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, contact John Dussman directly at the Town Square offices at 847-427-4633. Mailing Address: 155 E. Algonquin Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60005. Email address: <jdussman@tspubs.com> with the subject line: Chamber Directory RFP.