# BestChamber practices: I Belong: September is Chamber of Commerce Month in Wisconsin; Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce 2018 Community Profile & Membership Directory; Sauk Valley IL Chamber: Chamber Week Celebration; Rochester Regional Chamber Presents Sunrise Pinnacle Awards; #FamousChamber Of Commerce Quotations: (Be happy!); Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber Names Renea Salyer Executive Director; Logansport Cass County Community Resource Guide and Map; #BestChamber practices: SW Virginia to become Military Spouse Economic Empowerment Zone; NKY Chamber: Meet the Speakers of the Women's Initiative Regional Summit: Angel Beets, J. Gregory Gillum, and Kathy Selker; Avid Boats Docking In Amory; Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S.

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

# BestChamber practices: I Belong: September is Chamber of Commerce Month in Wisconsin

Wisconsin's Chamber of Commerce organizations are gearing up to promote the importance of local business in our state. As in past years, the month of September is declared as Chamber of Commerce month by a proclamation from Governor Evers' office.

Throughout this month, the Muskego Chamber of Commerce highlights our members through the "I Belong" Campaign. We are proud of our Chamber members and business community! Won't you take a picture of your staff holding the "I Belong" sign and post it on the Muskego Chamber's Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter?


Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce 2019 Community Profile & Membership Directory

The Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce 2019 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!

Crossroads Regional Chamber Membership Directory

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.


Sauk Valley IL Chamber: Chamber Week Celebration


You are invited to help us Celebrate Illinois Chamber Week.   The SVACC is a proud member of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce and the United States Chamber of Commerce.  Join us for appetizers, beverages, door prizes and great conversation.
Thursday, September 12th, 2019
4:30pm-6:30pm

TO REGISTER: (please RSVP by September 9th)
https://www.saukvalleyareachamber.com/events/details/chamber-week-celebration-5090

INVITATION
Click Here 

Rochester Regional Chamber Presents Sunrise Pinnacle Awards

2019 Sunrise Pinnacle Awards Nomination Forms Now Available

We are now accepting nomination forms for the 2019 Sunrise Pinnacle Awards.

Please email nomination forms to info@rrc-mi.com or drop them off at the Chamber office by Monday, September 9, 2019.

The Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for the 2019 Sunrise Pinnacle Awards!

The Sunrise Pinnacle Awards Ceremony is an opportunity for the greater Rochester communities to honor the accomplishments and contributions of our region’s most visionary leaders, entrepreneurs, nonprofit organizations, and businesses.

Please email nominations to info@rrc-mi.com or drop them off at the Chamber office by Monday, September 9, 2019

Click here for nomination form

#FamousChamber Of Commerce Quotations: (Be happy!)

“Happiness is the art of never holding in your mind the memory of any unpleasant thing that has passed.” - Author Unknown

Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber Names Renea Salyer Executive Director

The Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce has named Renea Salyer executive director. She most recently served as project coordinator for Kosciusko Cares Youth Services. Salyer has also worked for the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce as vice president of member relations.

Logansport Cass County Community Resource Guide and Map

The Logansport Cass County Community Guide and map is available at the Chamber today! Thanks to the Bill, Teresa and the chamber members for their help and direction putting this together! 

Logansport Cass County Chamber Directory and Map

Town Square Publications  (www.townsquarepublications.com) can help you accomplish your chamber's gloss map, directory, community guide or publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633. 

#BestChamber practices: SW Virginia to become Military Spouse Economic Empowerment Zone

That's why Roanoke's Regional Chamber of Commerce held a working meeting Wednesday morning. State leaders, employers and veterans began brainstorming ways they can reduce barriers for military spouses to find employment.

According to Hiring our Heroes,16 percent of those spouses are unemployed. And they are particularly in need of resources here in southwest Virginia.

"Typically southwest Virginia has lesser resources than larger populated areas," said Leanna Craig with the Virginia Department of Veterans Services. "And I think not having a lot of active duty bases in this area, a lot of people are not familiar with the needs and resources and things that we need to have to help support military and their families."

Craig, a military spouse herself, said people in her position frequently find themselves moving across the country. They may even experience periods of time where they are single-parenting, which can make child care, transportation and employment challenging.

Plus, she said, some employers may shy away from hiring military spouses because of their tendency to move frequently and if they have licenses from other states.

Craig said all stakeholders will work with employers - teaching them how to work with job-seeking military spouses. Plus, they will work with those spouses to learn how best to market themselves to potential employers and work through barriers.

Craig said SW Virginia is the Commonwealth's fourth Military Spouse Economic Empowerment Zone. Read more: WDBJ 7

NKY Chamber: Meet the Speakers of the Women's Initiative Regional Summit: Angel Beets, J. Gregory Gillum, and Kathy Selker


Angel Beets, Gilman Partners

10 Rules of Communication that will Make you a More Effective Leader

Angel Beets joined Gilman Partners in 2018, bringing experience in marketing, communication, higher education, and training. She previously worked for public relations firms in Indianapolis, Chicago and the Greater Cincinnati area.

Passionate about education and lifelong learning, Angel served as Professor of Communication and Department Chair of Communication & English at Ivy Tech Community College for a decade. She has taught a wide range of communication courses including Interpersonal Communication and Public Speaking at Indiana University East, Northern Kentucky University, The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and Sinclair Community College. She also has led Clifton Strengths training sessions for faculty, staff, and students as well as local leaders, businesses, and nonprofits.

Angel received a bachelor’s degree in Communication and Journalism/Public Relations from Ball State University and a master’s in Interpersonal Communication from The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She volunteers as a faculty member and mock interviewer for Life Learning Center, is an active member of Impact 100, and serves on the Northern Kentucky Advisory Board for 4C for Children. Angel is a graduate of Leadership Northern Kentucky and is proud to serve as president of the class of 2018 and on the Steering Committee for the class of 2020.


Dr. J. Gregory Gillum CP CC, humanfusion

Self-Awareness: How Leaders Move from Assessment to Action

Dr. J. Gregory Gillum, CPCC, has been the CEO of humanfusion, a management consulting firm, since 2004. Prior to that, he spent 6 years on the faculty of the Medical College of Virginia, and almost a decade in senior management positions with GlaxoSmithKline. As the CEO of humanfusion, he performs essentially three services for clients – performance-based executive coaching, outcomes-based training, and normative behavioral assessment. He helps managers perform to their potential.

Dr. Gillum held senior management positions at GlaxoSmithKline for most of his tenure, and for the last 15 years has been designing and facilitating training for business leaders in almost any topical area of leadership and management. He enjoys working with first-time and mid-level managers, helping them understand management basics, and showing them how to lead with emotional intelligence. Dr. Gillum is also a certified trainer with Achieve Forum, an international leadership development company.

Dr. Gillum obtained his doctoral degree in pharmacology from the University of Kentucky, and earned his CPCC (Certified Professional Co-Active Coach) certification from the Coaches Training Institute of San Rafael, CA.


Kathy Selker, Northlich

Board Service: How to get Involved and be an Effective Board Member

Kathy’s path to a career in agency leadership was not typical. She studied economics as an undergrad at the University of Cincinnati, and that social sciences background trained her to look for the motivators that lead people to make the choices they make. She earned her MBA at what is now UC’s Lindner College of Business, a discipline that prepared her to apply consumer behavior principles in the context of business objectives. After a career that included leadership roles at Accenture, Macy’s and Coca-Cola, she joined Northlich in 2000 as Chief Financial Officer, later serving as Chief Operating Officer.

As President and CEO of Northlich since 2007, she helps brands and companies understand both the contribution and the cost of their marketing efforts so they can deliver real value to their shareholders and stakeholders. Her unique blend of skills as a business owner, corporate executive and parent have been critical in the transformation of Northlich into a leading strategic marketing firm.

Hear from these speakers, and others, at the Northern Kentucky Chamber Women's Initiative Regional Summit on Tuesday, October 22. Tickets are available at www.NKYChamber.com/WISummit19.

Avid Boats Docking In Amory

Boat manufacturer Avid Boats is locating a new production facility in Amory. The project is a $1.6-million corporate investment and will create 75 jobs.

“Manufacturing is a strong economic driver in North Mississippi,” Gov. Phil Bryant said. “Avid Boats’ decision to locate in Amory and create 75 new manufacturing jobs further strengthens the state’s foothold in this important sector while helping create a stronger, more vibrant community for the residents of Monroe County.”

Avid Boats is a start-up company. Its leadership was previously involved with two other successful boat manufacturing companies. The company is locating in the 80,000-square-foot facility formerly occupied by CPI Packaging, Inc., where employees will produce 17- to 23-foot aluminum bass and center console bay boats.

“Avid Boats is excited to be a new employer in Monroe County and looks forward to adding new jobs to Northeast Mississippi. Although we are a start-up, our team brings 100-plus years of combined marine industry experience to the table,” said Avid Boats President Phillip Faulkner. “We look forward to being a vital contributor to the continued growth of this area. The boat business has been a part of my life since I can remember, and it has always been a dream of mine to start from the ground up and continue my family’s legacy as a successful boat manufacturing operation. We appreciate all the hard work the Mississippi Development Authority, city of Amory and Monroe County Chamber of Commerce has put into assisting Avid throughout this startup process.“

The Mississippi Development Authority is providing assistance for building improvements and workforce training. The city of Amory and Monroe County will be providing tax-based incentives for investment and job creation. The company also is using the state’s Advantage Jobs Program, which provides a rebate to eligible businesses that create new jobs that meet or exceed the average annual wage of the state or the county in which the company locates.

“The team at Avid Boats know our workforce is the best in the country. The decision to open a start-up company in Monroe County, where they have previously done business, is strong evidence that Mississippians are dedicated workers and take pride in a job well done,” said MDA Executive Director Glenn McCullough, Jr. “We appreciate the teamwork of the Monroe County Chamber of Commerce, the Monroe County Board of Supervisors and the city of Amory, which played an important role in bringing 75 exciting new career opportunities to Northeast Mississippi. Read more: WCBI.com

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

Job Openings in #ChamberWorldUSA - Special Report - Week of May 13th

Executive Director - Chamber of Commerce - Evanston, IL - $75,000 - $100,000 a year

The Executive Director is the chief paid executive and administrative officer of the Evanston Chamber of Commerce. The primary directive of the Executive Director is to serve the membership by leading the growth and development of the Evanston Chamber as well as the implementation of programs necessary to achieve the mission of the Chamber. The Executive Director is responsible for providing highly visible leadership in the community and building upon the Chamber’s strong reputation in all issues related to the regional economy and community vitality. The Executive Director has overall responsibility for member development/service; community engagement/advocacy; economic development; marketing; management of operations/administration, finance, staff leadership; strategic planning; and oversight of all Board‐directed initiatives. The Executive Director is the key representative and advocate for business owners and employers in the Evanston area, with the goal of promoting and strengthening the community by building prosperity through a healthy economy and a strong business sector. Salary commensurate with experience.

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $75,000.00 to $100,000.00 /year

Benefits offered:

• Paid time off
• Health insurance
• Workplace perks such as food/coffee and flexible work schedules

Executive Director - South Suburban Chamber of Commerce - Oak Creek, WI
$35,000 - $45,000 a year

Position Description: Executive Director

Reports to: Board of Directors

Summary/Objective

This role accepts and advances four primary areas:

Membership Growth and Retention * Develop and Manage Annual Budget

Event planning and Sponsorship Sales * Community and Economic Development

Essential Functions

Directs and coordinates ongoing and anticipated activities of the Chamber. Comfortable as an official spokesperson for the organization, including but not limited to issue publicstatements and personal appearances on behalf of the Chamber. Communicates effectively with Chamber board members; interprets policies to staff, membership andgeneral public. Comprehends and advances grant writing and fundraising efforts in the coordination and operation ofspecial initiatives and/or events. Responsible for adding new and retaining existing Chamber members. Positively represents the South Suburban Chamber, in regular attendance of local and state organizationalmeetings. Fully engage and demonstrate proficiencies daily in a variety of social media applications. Advance andadministrate marketing activities and press releases. Manage records. Processing any and all such records legally required of a non-profit organizationconducting business in this county, state or nation. Performs work in accordance with established polices and with intent to achieve goals, objectives andstandards.

Competencies:

Initiative: Making active attempts to influence events to achieve goals; self-starting rather than

accepting passively; taking action to achieve goals beyond what is required; being proactive.

Planning and Organizing: Establishing a course of action for self and/or others to accomplish

specific goal; planning proper assignments of personnel and appropriate allocation of resources.

Innovation: generating creative solutions to work situations; trying different and novel ways to

deal with problems and opportunities in the nonprofit environment.

Page Two

Education and Experience

• Experience in non-profit organization and/or development.
• Undergraduate degree preferred.
• Knowledge of public policy and political issues on behalf of the business community desired.

Expected Hours of Work

Core hours reflect 9 a.m to 3 p.m. but must be flexible to incorporate attendance at morning, evening, and weekend Chamber events.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Supervise one part-time employee, driving the direction, management, and success in outcomes from this role. The Executive Director will demonstrate leadership in maximizing performance and maintaining employee morale.

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $35,000.00 to $45,000.00 /year

Experience:

• non-profit: 3 years (Preferred)

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Location:

• Oak Creek, WI (Required)

Work Location:

• One location

River Falls (WI) Chamber CEO 

The River Falls Chamber is seeking an individual with a high level of energy and enthusiasm to serve as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO). While working in a fun, fast-paced working environment, this individual will oversee an active, growing, non-profit membership organization with a mission to connect, promote, and support its members to further enhance the local economy and cultivate a sense of community.

If you or anyone you know is interested in this position, please click here to view the full job description.

Chamber of Commerce Director - Phelps Chamber of Commerce - Phelps, WI - $30,000 - $30,500 a year

The Phelps Chamber of Commerce seeks a Chamber Director

The Chamber Director is responsible for a full range of activities, including working with the board of directors to maintain organizational structure, planning and executing events, growth and maintenance of membership, and general office and organizational management. The Chamber Director will be key in continuing to build positive and productive relationships with local businesses and organizations and seek opportunities to work collectively for the betterment of local businesses and the community.

The successful candidate must have excellent organizational and leadership skills, possess highly proficient communication and marketing competencies, and be skilled in Microsoft Office programs. The ability to work successfully with others and without direct supervision is essential. Must be able to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends. An Associates’ degree in Business/Marketing/Communication or applicable experience is preferred.

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $30,000.00 to $30,500.00 /year

Experience:

• supervisory: 4 years (Preferred)
• Communications/Marketing: 2 years (Required)

Education:

• Associate (Preferred)

Location:

• Phelps, WI (Preferred)

Executive Director - Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce - Whitewater, WI 

The Discover Whitewater team is looking for an energetic and highly motivated individual to play the role of Executive Director for The Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce and the Whitewater Tourism Council.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Implement short and long range plans and programs
• Maintain daily and monthly financial statements in Quickbooks
• Facilitate and prepare reports for board meetings
• Prepare and manage annual budget
• Maintain accuracy of membership data and information in the office
• Respond to member requests for information and support
• Schedule new member photo and welcome new businesses
• Oversee duties and responsibilities of Administrative Assistant
• Engage with members to continually support their business challenges
• Attend/Coordinate all special events and meetings

Minimum Qualifications:

• 3 years of equivalent work experience
• Knowledge of general accounting procedures including using Quickbooks
• Strong marketing experience: print, public relations and social media
• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize multiple competing tasks
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills with the ability to make good decisions
• Flexibility in an ever-changing work environment
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
• Ability to meet schedules and time lines
• Ability to lead groups and delegate tasks
• Ability to plan in advance of anticipated future events and act accordingly
• Strong computer skills including publishing, word processing, and excel
• Ability to represent Discover Whitewater in a professional, positive manner
• Strong communication skills: oral, written, and visual aids
• Knowledge of InDesign, Chamber Master and WordPress preferred
• Prefer candidate residing in the Whitewater School District
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds
• Some nights and weekends required

Salary will be based on years of related experience.

Job Type: Full-time

Experience:

• related: 3 years (Required)

Work authorization:

• United States (Required)

Work Location:

• One location

Loan Manager - Portfolio Manager - Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce - Indianapolis, IN

LOAN MANAGER – PORTFOLIO MANAGER

Unique Opportunity

The Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce Business Owners Initiative [BOI] helps entrepreneurs create and develop their own small businesses through free one-on-one business coaching, low cost workshops, and microloans. BOI has createdan exciting opportunity for a high visibility Loan Manager whose unique focus is providing financing and servicing the banking and financial needs of start - ups, small entrepreneurs and those businesses that are underserved by traditional banking and financing institutions.

Individual will have

• Understanding of Loan Processing /Financing: Microlending, SBA, small loan policies and procedures. Evaluate current loan acquisition, loan process and approval, loan monitoring strategies, default rates, personnel competencies.
• Business Development: Increase the quantity and quality of loans; grow and launch small businesses through technical assistance and micro lending; expand BOI’s presence as a trusted resource for clients and community partners (in the nine-county area), with particular focus on XBEs and underserved populations.
• Market Knowledge: Knowledge of CRA, the business/financial issues facing small businesses, including startups, XBEs and underserved business owners / entrepreneurs.

This opportunity will allow you to have a major impact on the success of hundreds of small businesses that are under served by traditional financial institutions as well as be part of the Indianapolis Chamber team. For more information, send resume in confidence to Jamie Maroney via email or LinkedIn message.

Job Type: Full-time



Executive Director - Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce - Syracuse, IN

Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning - In conjunction with the Board, the Executive Director is responsible for devising and implementing a strategic plan that fulfills the mission of the Chamber.
• Fiscal Management - In conjunction with the Finance Committee, the Executive Director is responsible for executing all administrative accounting tasks including but not limited to; budgeting, accounting, recordkeeping and purchasing.
• Network -Build strong productive relationships with other organizations in Kosciusko County that enhance the Chamber’s service to its Members. He/she must strengthen and effectively articulate the “value proposition” the Chamber offers its members.
• Supervision - Ensure that all office staff and volunteers utilize their skills and strengths.
• Committee/Task Force Development - Appoint Committees and Task Forces as necessary to ensure the Chamber mission is fulfilled.
• The Executive Director serves as a spokesperson for the Chamber at all events with the goal of enhancing the Chamber’s overall image.
• Prepare and deliver all Board meeting agendas, financial reports and minutes one week prior to the board meeting.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with the Board of Directors by keeping regular contact with the Board Chair and Board Members leading committee and event activities.
• Effectively plan, oversee and execute all Chamber fundraisers and events.

Essential Qualifications & Abilities

• Able to transfer long-term goals and objectives into action items.
• 3 to 5 years of business and leadership experience.
• Strong fiscal skills.
• A genuine interest in issues and opportunities in the Syracuse-Wawasee region.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage time wisely.
• Experienced with Microsoft Office and QuickBooks.

Job Type: Full-time

Executive Director - Caledonia Area Chamber of Commerce - Caledonia, MI - $16,000 - $20,000 a year - Part-time

The Board of Directors of the Caledonia Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the search for its next executive leader! Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for the fulfillment of the Chamber’s mission, which is to serve its members, promote local business and enhance the quality of life in our community. You will have an opportunity to bring new strategies, ideas and services to our chamber, increase membership and revenues, and elevate our organization in the area as our community grows and thrives.

Please reply with cover letter and resume. Application deadline is May 17th, 2019.

Job Description: Executive Director, Caledonia Area Chamber of Commerce
Status: Contractual Position
Reports to: Executive Board of Directors, Caledonia Area Chamber of Commerce

Position Length: 20 hours per week, year-round employment

Position Overview: The Executive Director is contractual position with reporting responsibilities to the Caledonia Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. In the respective role, the Executive Director implements the organization’s strategic and operational goals. This part-time position serves to foster positive relationships with the community and the membership, and identifies and implements tactics to enhance the prosperity of the Chamber’s members.

The Executive Director works with and supports businesses in the Caledonia area by helping to plan and coordinate several signature chamber events each year, including the Harvest Festival, Home & Lifestyle Show, Tee Up for Scholarships Golf Outing and Christmas in Caledonia.

A qualified candidate should have the following experience, knowledge, and skills: Marketing, advertising, event coordination, communications, strategic planning, fiscal management, computer skills, social media platforms and a strong knowledge of the Caledonia area.Candidate must be self-motivated and possess an associate's degree or equivalent experience in marketing, public relations, business, communications, tourism or economic development.

Specific Duties:

• Represent the Chamber and act as chief spokesperson for the organization.
• Increase chamber membership through the recruitment of new members and retention of current members
• Develop and implement tactics necessary to fulfill goals or policies established by the Board
• Provide feedback and report to the board on Chamber activities and operations
• Assist in the planning and coordination of several annual Chamber events.
• Assist in the sales and development of the annual Chamber membership directory
• Maintain accurate management records and supervise financial accounting
• Create the annual budget and adhere to the budget approved by the Board of Directors
• Supervise accounts receivable collection activity
• Serves as a liaison with community leaders and local municipalities
• Coordinate all chamber marketing activities
• Help create and disseminate press releases
• Develop and enact plans to expand the membership base and maintain accurate membership records

Desired Qualifications:

• Prior chamber, economic development, marketing, and/or public relations experience is preferable but not required
• A history of community service and/or volunteer experiences
• Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience
• Flexibility in work schedule to include an occasional weekend or evening as needed for annual Chamber events
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously in an organized and timely manner
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proficient in basic computing skills (Microsoft Office, Facebook, etc.…)

Job Type: Part-time (an average of 20 hours per week)
Salary: $16K to $20K/year

Please reply with cover letter and resume.

Job Type: Part-time

Salary: $16,000.00 to $20,000.00 /year

#BestChamber Practices: Dubuque Area Chamber: Get to Know a CEO; Champaign County Chamber: Honor an Outstanding Small Business; Chamber excitement: UM, Oxford Again Ranked Among Nation’s Best and Most Beautiful; Batavia Chamber of Commerce 2016 Community Guide & Membership Directory; #FamousChamber of Commerce Quotation: Glenn Shepard; #BestChamber practices: Finalists selected for Made in FredVA contest: Five business ideas to compete for the $10,000 grand prize; Jessamine County Chamber executive hires Rhonda May as new Executive Director; Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber: Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay & Picnic; Tim Dutter announces his leave from Greater Beloit Chamber of Commerce; Michigan Chamber Convention October 26-28, 2016; Town Square Chamber Membership Directories, Community Profiles, Re-lo Guides and Maps;

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


#BestChamber Practices: Dubuque Area Chamber: Get to Know a CEO

Get to Know a CEO - A View from the C-Suite - Monthly Event

Join us on Monday October 24th at the Holiday Inn Dubuque/Galena for Get to know a CEO., our C-Suite Series. Each month we will feature one of the Dubuque's area's CEOs. This is a chance to gain insight and perspective from presentations given by people at the top of their field. This event allows you to engage with Dubuque leaders outside of the corner office. More information: Dubuque Area Chamber

Champaign County Chamber: Honor an Outstanding Small Business

Each year, the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce awards a local business with the Small Business of the Year Award. The Champaign County Small Business of the Year Award honors an outstanding small business that has made a significant long-term contribution to the local community and economy.

Nomination Criteria includes: The business must be a member of the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce and located within Champaign County, must be in operation for at least three years, have a solid track record of growth and demonstrated integrity and community involvement, and meet the small business size standards as determined by the SBA.

Nomination forms are available HERE.

The recipient will be named at the 2016 Champaign County Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting on Friday, October 28, 2016. Self-nominations are welcome. Previously nominated businesses are eligible for consideration without being renominated; however, previous recipients cannot be nominated. Completed nomination forms must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. Friday, September 30. Late nominations will not be considered. The selection committee and/or the Chamber Board of Directors reserves the right to nominate additional individuals and/or expand the nomination process in the event that an adequate pool of nominations has not been received.

Submit nominations to:
Ariel Short
Champaign County Chamber of Commerce
303 W. Kirby Ave.
Champaign, IL 61820.

Nominations may also be emailed to Ariel.



Chamber excitement: UM, Oxford Again Ranked Among Nation’s Best and Most Beautiful

 The University of Mississippi and Oxford often rank at the top of annual lists of beautiful campuses and best college towns, and this fall has brought a new set of national accolades upon the area.

USA Today’s Reader’s Choice travel awards contest has named UM the nation’s most beautiful campus, while Thrillist named the university on its unranked list of the 20 most beautiful public college campuses. The NCAA recognized Ole Miss’ tailgating environment as the nation’s best. FanSided, which is run by Sports Illustrated and owned by Time Inc., named Oxford the second-best college town in the nation.

Chancellor Jeffrey S. Vitter, who moved to Oxford from Kansas in January, said there’s a magic here that quickly grabs visitors.

“Over the last 34 years, I have lived and served in a number of great university towns, and there is something truly special about Ole Miss and Oxford,” Vitter said. “Ours is a unique place with extraordinary people. All it takes is just one visit here and you quickly realize why it captures the hearts and minds of so many.”

The university was the only Southeastern Conference school and the only one in Mississippi chosen in USA Today and 10best.com’s list of beautiful campuses. Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana, came in second place and Sewanee: The University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee, came in third.

The USA Today/10best.com ranking notes Ole Miss “comprises 2,000 acres of expansive lawns, wooded trails and historic architecture, like the Greek Revival-style Lyceum.”

Thrillist, which ranks UM alongside the universities of Michigan and Hawaii and other schools, praised the Greek revival architecture of the Lyceum and the beauty of the surrounding buildings.

“When you think of great collections of Greek architecture, only one place comes to mind: Mississippi. No?” Thrillist writes. “Well, the original campus building, the Lyceum, is a classic white-columned structure with massive brick wings that anchors an entire historic district within the campus.

“The Circle, as it’s known, looks more like an area you’d find in D.C. than Oxford, with long, brick buildings stretching throughout. And Ole Miss’ beauty isn’t limited to the architecture, as anyone who’s spent a Saturday tailgating in the Grove can attest.”

Jeff McManus, UM director of landscape services, said the university and his team is “humbled and honored” by recognition of the campus’ beauty. He thanked the administration, including the chancellor, Provost Morris Stocks and Vice Chancellor Larry Sparks for supporting his efforts.

“Our Landscape Services vision, on the ground, in the weeds and trees is to ‘Cultivate Greatness’ – to inspire our students, faculty and staff – to give them an environment in which they can grow and produce,” McManus said. “We set our standards high and today, we are especially proud to be Landscape Rebels.”

The NCAA recently released a video of college football’s most unique tailgates, with the Grove being ranked No. 1, referred to as “the Holy Grail of Tailgating.” Others listed include University of California’s Tightwad Hill, which lets fans view into the stadium and see the game for free, and the University of Washington’s Husky Navy and University of Tennessee’s Vol Navy, which both allow partying near the football stadiums on boats.

FanSided ranks Oxford as the country’s second-best college town, bested only by Athens, Georgia, home of the University of Georgia.

“Ole Miss is another school where enrollment somehow outnumbers the town it resides in in terms of population,” FanSided writes. “The enrollment may be hovering around 23,000, but go to one tailgate in Oxford, MS and you’ll think it’s 100,000. Students and non-students alike love their Rebels.”

Of all the reasons Oxford is getting such attention, the biggest is that people love to call the city home, said Jon Maynard, president and CEO of the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Foundation. For decades, locals have been serious about making their growing community the best it can be, he said.

“Attention to detail, high expectations and adherence to a plan to be great is why we are what we are today,” Maynard said. “The university, the city and the county are all committed to making sure that the quality that we have now will remain quality into the future. The toughest challenge that our community faces is growing without messing up that which is Oxford.” Read more: Ole Miss

Batavia Chamber of Commerce 2016 Community Guide & Membership Directory

The Batavia Chamber of Commerce 2016 Community Guide & Business Directory is available at the Batavia Chamber today! Thanks to Holly Deitchman 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.


#FamousChamber of Commerce Quotation: Glenn Shepard

"What makes a winner a winner isn't that they never lose. It's that they never lose faith in themselves, even when they're not winning." - Glenn Shepard

GO CUBS!!




#BestChamber practices: Finalists selected for Made in FredVA contest:
Five business ideas to compete for the $10,000 grand prize

FREDERICKSBURG – The five finalists have been selected for the fourth annual Made in FredVA business startup competition organized by the Next Generation of Business Leader, a program of the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce. The businesses selected are 2 Hearts 1 Dress, Hapcast, Homes and Hounds, TrakSafeT, and The Virginia Divearium. Each will have five minutes to pitch their business ideas to a panel of distinguished local entrepreneurs at the October 27 event at the Inn at the Old Silk Mill in Fredericksburg. The judges will have ten minutes to ask the business owners questions.

The event is patterned after the popular “Shark Tank” television show. The winner will receive $10,000 toward their business startup expenses. Additionally, the audience will vote for the $500 people’s choice cash award. Potential investors are encouraged to attend and hear the business ideas pitched. The public is welcome to attend the October 27 event, which begins at 6 p.m. Tickets will be sold for a nominal price.

Details about the finalists:

·         2 Hearts 1 Dress, Stacey Thomas. 2 Hearts 1 Dress offers new and used maternity clothing and aspires to create a community of mothers in the Fredericksburg region.

·         Hapcast, Steve Labrador.  Hapcast is a mobile messaging application that allows businesses to post sales and events so consumers find “what’s happening” around them.

·         Homes and Hounds, Jackie Acquista.  Homes and Hounds is all about the love of dogs and the historical city they live in.  

·         TrakSafeT, Inc., Anthony Worthey. TrakSafeT, Inc. focuses on minimizing accidents/collisions at all grade-level railroad crossings, across the nation, and around the world.

·         The Virginia Divearium, Al Rios. The Virginia Divearium is a unique scuba diving venue that combines a diver training site and an underwater museum within a partially simulated aquarium environment.

 “We were thrilled to receive new and creative ideas for our fourth year of the competition,” said Jorge Ibarra, chairman of the NextGen board of directors. “It has been great to watch this program grow.”

The final judges at the Made in FredVA event are Kevin Fastabend, Senior VP, Virginia Partners Bank, Adam Fried, CEO, Atlantic Builders, Ltd., and Catherine Sullivan, owner, Monkees of Fredericksburg.

The prizes are made possible through generous sponsorships from the Stafford County Economic Development Authority, the Next Generation of Business Leaders, and Virginia Partners Bank.  

Contact: Whitney Watts, Vice President, Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce
540-735-1922; whitney@fredericksburgchamber.org

Jessamine County Chamber executive hires Rhonda May as new Executive Director

The Jessamine County Chamber Board of Directors announced the hiring of Ronda May as the new Executive Director. Ronda has lived in Jessamine County for 26 years and has been involved in chamber life for the past 10 years. She has served on several community boards and is actively involved with events throughout the county. Ronda is a 2011 graduate of Leadership Jessamine County and most recently President of the Chamber of Commerce. Ronda’s experience in development is an asset to the chamber for our member cultivation and fundraising events. Her expertise in creating new opportunities will lend to advancement in the growth of awareness for our members and leaders of Jessamine County. Ronda is eager to move the Chamber forward and understands the challenges that lie ahead with this position. She is ready to make a difference in the community she calls home. Read more: Jessamine Journal

Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber: Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay & Picnic 

 This is a reminder that the Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay is happening.   If you have a Marquee Sign, please say Happy Birthday Indiana!  

The caravan will be coming down SR 13 from North Webster, turning at the light at Main and ending at Lakeside Park. Please help show your Syracuse pride.  We are asking that you, your employees, co-workers and customers come out and wave on our torch bearers for this once in a lifetime experience.

We’ll be posting photos to our Chamber Facebook page along the way and after from the official caravan photographers. Please like our page if you haven’t.

Pack Rat Storage/Tranter Graphics              11:35 a.m.           Torch Bearer:  Don Miller

Wawasee Middle School                             11:45 a.m.           Torch Bearers:  Carolyn Baker and Cathy Lemberg

Main Channel Marina (13 location)               11:55 a.m.            Torch Bearer:  Larry Martindale

Syracuse Fire Department                            12:05 p.m.            Torch Bearer:  Scott Pelletier and Family

SR 13 Light & Huntington                            12:10 p.m.           Torch Bearer:  Ron Baumgartner

Lakeside Park                                              12:15 p.m.            *Willie’s Chili Dog Picnic will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Sponsored by Willie 103.5

If you can join us for lunch, please come to Lakeside Park where Willie 103.5 will be set up and giving away a free chili hot dog, chips, cookie and drink lunch. More information: Andrea Keller, Executive Director

Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce, andrea@swchamber.com / 574.551.6848

Tim Dutter announces his leave from Greater Beloit Chamber of Commerce

Greater Beloit Chamber of Commerce (GBCC) Executive Director Tim Dutter is leaving the chamber.

GBCC Board Chair Michelle Matthys said Dutter submitted his resignation last week, and the board accepted it.

She said the board has decided to not pursue hiring a new director or put together a search committee until after the first of the year.

“The chamber is in a very stable condition currently,” Matthys said. “The last three months of the year are focused mainly on events, and we have strong committees in place that are capable of handling that business between now and Dec. 31.”

Dutter became executive director of the Greater Beloit Chamber of Commerce in March of 2014.

During Dutter’s tenure as chamber executive director, the chamber moved its offices to the Irontek building. It previously had an office in the Vision Center, which also houses offices for Visit Beloit, the Downtown Beloit Association and the Greater Beloit Economic Development Corporation. The chamber also sponsored new events such as the Taste of the Chamber food vendor event and the Downtown Dash 5K run during Dutter’s tenure. Read more: Beloit Daily News

Michigan Chamber Convention October 26-28, 2016

Meet with local chambers from across the state to share best practices, challenges, and get the latest membership, volunteer, and event information. It's Michigan's largest gathering of chambers, celebrating excellence at every level.

Register Online

See the Agenda 

Reserve Your Hotel Room

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Town Square Chamber Membership Directories, Community Profiles, Re-lo Guides and Maps

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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 Here