Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce Hails GM Announcement on Battery Plant Project as “A Great Day for the Lansing Region”; #BestChamber practices: Dubuque Area Chamber: Inside the Chamber Lobby; Rochester Regional Chamber: The #1 Online Lead Source You Aren’t Using; Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce Joins New All In Initiative; Portage County Business Council Seeks Golden Apple Award Nominations; Frank J. Kenny: (Chamber Pros) Your Chamber of Commerce Content Must Match the Resources Your Members Are Looking For; Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories, Maps, Quarterly Magazines, Digital Directory and Community Profiles: The no cost, no risk BEST Chamber Publishing Partner in the USA! December Indiana Employment Report

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


Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce Hails GM Announcement on Battery Plant Project as “A Great Day for the Lansing Region”

 

Lansing, Michigan – The General Motors (GM) announcement that it intends to build two electric vehicle (EV) battery plants in Michigan, including one in Delta Township, has been hailed by the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC) as “a great day for our region.”

The GM announcement today came after the Michigan Strategic Fund approved a package of incentives that were the final in a series of moves by state and local governments to clear the way for the projects.  Locally, GM will invest $2.68 billion in an EV battery plant to be located near the current GM Lansing Delta Township Assembly Plant. The project will support GM’s future growth in the electric vehicle (EV) market and create up to 1,700 new jobs in the Greater Lansing region. GM also announced it is making an additional $550 million in investments to its two existing assembly plants in the Lansing region, the Lansing Grand River and Lansing delta Township plants.

 “This truly is a great day for the Greater Lansing region,” said Tim Daman, president and CEO, LRCC. “The construction of this battery plant will not only create new jobs and investment in our region, but it also secures our long-term future relationship with General Motors. It will firmly establish our region’s world leadership position in the next generation electric vehicle revolution.”

In December, the Lansing City Council and Delta Township Board of Trustees took an important step by voting to amend their 425 agreement – a legal move needed to allow the project to move forward. The state legislature also adopted a bill package that creates incentives to land significant jobs and investment projects, including those in EV/battery and semiconductor industries.

“The fact that we are on the cusp of this historic investment by GM is a testament to the willingness of our local and state leaders to join together in a collaborative, bipartisan fashion to make this happen,” said Daman. “We are most grateful for the work of Lansing Mayor Andy Schor, Lansing City Council, the Delta Township Board of Trustees and Capitol Caucus in the state legislature for their outstanding leadership on this issue.”

GM is one of 13 LRCC Leadership Circle members, a group of investors that are proven business and community leaders.

#BestChamber practices: Dubuque Area Chamber: Inside the Chamber Lobby

State bills

SSB3044 & HSB551 – Governor’s Bill establishing a flat individual income tax rate, a reduced corporate tax rate, and other provisions (Chamber Position: For)

This bill makes a number of changes to Iowa tax law, most notably creating a flat 4% individual income tax rate by 2026 (which would benefit small businesses that often operate as sole proprietorships or LLCs) and over time would decrease Iowa's corporate income tax rate from 9.8% today to 5.4% in the future. It also would create tax benefits for employee stock ownership, eliminate taxation of retirement income, and make other changes to tax law.

SSB3046 & HSB541 – Expanding the Last Dollar Scholarship (Chamber Position: For)

This bill would expand eligibility for the last-dollar scholarship to any part-time students. Currently, only summer students can be part-time and still receive the scholarship.

SF2074 – SAVE Penny for Childcare in Schools (Chamber Position: Undecided)

This bill would allow school districts to use money from the SAVE 1-cent sales tax for three years in support of development of pre-school at district facilities

HSB540 – Economic Development Authority Program Changes (Chamber Position: Undecided)

This bill would change eligibility requirements for certain programs at IEDA. More research is needed to determine the impact on Dubuque.

HSB511 - Increasing the 2- and 3-year-old staffing ratio (Chamber Position: For)

This bill would increase the staffing ratio for 2-year-old rooms from 1:6 to 1:8 and for 3-year-old rooms from 1:8 to 1:10. This would potentially increase the number of available spots for children in these age groups and improve the economics of childcare facilities by increasing revenue per staff. Providers have concerns over the impact of this change on staffing and safety, however DHS believes these changes are sound.

HSB539 – Reducing the age requirement for staff or volunteers in childcare settings (Chamber position: For)

This bill would lower the age requirement to 16 for individuals working, substituting, or volunteering at a childcare facility. Individuals would still require any safety certifications and training required of a typical employee, substitute, or volunteer.

HF2024 – Eliminating the absence penalty for CCA recipients (Chamber Position: For)

This bill would allow providers to continue receiving state childcare assistance payments regardless of attendance as long as the provider would have charged a private pay family. Providers and families have cited the attendance requirement as burdensome, making it difficult for some children to maintain enrollment at facilities. Without this change, children on CCA can lose their spot if they do not attend a certain number of days at the facility when previously scheduled to attend.

Rochester Regional Chamber: The #1 Online Lead Source You Aren’t Using

Description
Join Steve Hyer from IGD Solutions and Desiree Martinez from All in One Social Media to learn about how to take advantage of video marketing (maybe say youtube since that is the focus or is that too scary?) by getting out ahead of your competition. Steve and Desiree will walk you through the steps you can take to get started. We will leave you with a formula of how you can approach Video Marketing and make it work for you.

Topics Covered:
• Introductions
• Why do I even need to do this? (How does this work to get me leads?)
• How to add this into my existing marketing
• Common Q&As
Do I have to "star" in the video?
What equipment do I need?
How often do I need to do this?
• Planning - what videos to make, SEO, CTA, "scripting"
• Now what? How to do more with these videos

Resources Provided:

• Script template
• List - 50 videos every business needs to make
• Tools list

Live Question and Answer


Time: Feb 3, 2022 10:00 AM


Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce Joins New All In Initiative

The SVACC joins nearly fifty Chambers across the state in urging the Illinois Legislature to provide additional economic and regulatory relief for businesses.

The SVACC joins the initiative Chambers All In for Economic Recovery for its second year. Chambers All In for Economic Recovery is a collaboration of chambers across Illinois. The coalition calls on the Illinois Legislature to prioritize economic and regulatory relief for Illinois' businesses. It is the mission of all chambers to support our respective business communities and help ensure that businesses can thrive for years to come.
Last spring, Chambers All In for Economic Recovery launched its inaugural platform. The coalition releases its updated platform for 2022.

If enacted, the coalition identified a platform that would create a foundation for economic recovery. The platform includes ways to help diminish the financial hardships businesses face amid a labor shortage, spur economic development and recover from the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nearly 50 chambers from across the state representing thousands of businesses and hundreds of thousands of employees call for the legislature to champion this platform and provide relief to the business community.

“This Campaign allows us to partner with other Chambers to be an advocate for our members.” Shared Kris Noble, Executive Director.

People interested in learning more about the All-In platform should contact the SVACC at 815-625-2400. Additionally, the community can engage with the initiative by following the Chamber on social media at Facebook (@saukvalleychamber).

Portage County Business Council Seeks Golden Apple Award Nominations

 

STEVENS POINT, WI—The Portage County Business Council’s Partners in Education Committee seeks nominations for the 2022 Golden Apple Excellence in Education Award to recognize teachers who have made significant contributions to education. All nominations are due by Tuesday, March 1, 2022.

 

The Golden Apple Award is given annually to a teacher who exemplifies creativity, enthusiasm, commitment and development of a positive learning environment. The selected recipient and all nominees will be recognized at PCBC’s Creative Excellence Awards Breakfast on Friday, April 1, 2022.

 

Nominee’s for this award must be a Pre-K to 12^th grade teacher from a public or private school serving students from Portage County (WI) with at least one year of teaching in their current district. Nominees for this award should exhibit innovative teaching strategies, demonstrate enthusiasm and vitality in teaching, and inspire students to learn.

 

Anyone can submit a nomination of a teacher: a student, a parent, a fellow teacher or a community member. An individual may nominate only one person for the award. Nominations may include optional letters of support from other parents, colleagues, students, former students, etc.

 

Complete this nomination form in its entirety to allow the Partners in Education Committee to make an award decision. Nominees will be judged on their creativity, enthusiasm, and commitment to education and their ability to provide a positive learning environment.

 

Please email any supporting documentation (i.e.: letters of support, recommendations) for this nomination to Karen Myers at KarenM@portagecountybiz.com. Contact Karen with any questions by email or phone at 715-344-1940.

 

#bestChamber practices: Frank J. Kenny: (Chamber Pros) Your Chamber of Commerce Content Must Match the Resources Your Members Are Looking For




What kind of content are your members looking for? Information and resources that can help your members be more successful. When you provide it, they will begin to see you as the place to go for their business needs.

Again, you don’t need to create all of this from scratch. Use the resources available in your community to build a robust collection of information and help. Then market your resources and encourage people to share them.

Business and community visitors to your site are looking for:
How to start a business in your community. List the steps to creating a business. Include a section on different ways to register your business and why you might choose each. You may have a member/sponsor that helps with this and you could link to content on their site. Don’t forget taxes, licenses, permits, and zoning that are specific to your community or state. Assume the person reading the information knows nothing about doing business in your area. Add sections and resource links on help available to minorities, women-owned, and veteran businesses. Info or links on how to write a business plan, become a federal contractor, or things you need to know to buy a franchise can be helpful as well.


Funding. Grants and other forms of funding (such as loans) are a big deal right now, but the process can be overwhelming. You can help by curating links and lists of important information on what they are, how to procure them, and deadlines to apply.


Certificates of Origin. Explain how to get one and the costs involved.


COVID. Enough said about this one. Maintaining updates could be a full-time job these days. That’s why many chambers have created a resource section that links to specific government mandates, advice, etc.


Home-based business or work-from-home resources. If you have several home-based business members you could create a special section for those who are hiring or expanding. Work-from-home resources may include local businesses that are currently hiring as well as information on ergonomic set ups, organizational and productivity aids, as well as members who can help with home office set ups.


Social media. There are a lot of people who need help here. After all, social media for business is not the same as personal posting. Create a list of best practices, ways they can get involved with you, and how connect on social.


Relocation or visitor information. Even if your area has a CVB or visitor’s center, there are many people who think the chamber should be the first spot they stop when requesting information on an area. (They’re not wrong.) There are many ways you can organize this information from magazine style layouts to interest-specific guidance. Check out the resources on the Dallas Regional Chamber’s page.


Chamber marketing and/or membership opportunities. Your members (and potential members) don’t want to see a list of every way they can pay you marketing dollars or every single benefit you offer. Instead, break marketing opportunities or member benefits down in a digestible fashion. Some chambers organize by goals or stage of business such as exposure, reputation building, etc. Take a look at how the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce emphasizes the “fit” behind every member benefit.

Source: Frank J Kenny

Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories, Maps, Quarterly Magazines, Digital Directory and Community Profiles: The no cost, no risk BEST Chamber Publishing Partner in the USA!

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 or email John Dussman with the subject line: Chamber Publication Proposal Requested. Thank you!

December Indiana Employment Report

Indiana’s unemployment rate fell from 3.0% in November to 2.7% in December—a record low for the state dating back to 1976, according to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD).

In addition, private sector employment jumped by 10,900 over the last month and has now increased for six of the last seven months. This has resulted in a gain of 82,400 jobs year-over-year. Total private employment now stands at 2,705,500—35,000 below the December 2019 peak of 2,740,500.

“With a 2.7% unemployment rate and more than 150,000 job postings statewide, there are now more employment and economic opportunities available than there have been in several decades,” DWD Commissioner Fred Payne said. “We will continue to offer Hoosier job seekers the proper skills training to secure the job of their choice, and Hoosier employers the tools to find workers to fit their needs.”

By comparison, the national unemployment rate dropped from 4.2% in November to 3.9% in December.

Learn more about how unemployment rates are calculated here: https://www.hoosierdata.in.gov/infographics/employment-status.asp.

Indiana Chamber’s 2022 Key Issues Top Legislative Priorities; Fulton County Chamber: Back to Biz: Your One Stop Resource to get your Business Back On Track; New Arrival: Rush County 2021 Chamber of Commerce Community Map; Jasper Chamber: Great Things To See and Do During O’Tannenbaum Days Weekend in Jasper, Indiana; Jay Julian to Retire From Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce; Rolling Meadows Chamber Delight: Global Manufacturer of Machinery Tools Chooses Illinois for New U.S. Headquarters; Start Peninsula winners include photo studio, wedding e-commerce and real estate app; Prince William Chamber event: Veterans struggle for understanding; Fredericksburg Regional Chamber: State Lawmakers to Talk Issues at Chamber Legislative Breakfast; Virginia Breeze bus service opens route from Bristol to Washington D.C.; Duneland Chamber of Commerce Community Profile Magazine; New CEO for Northeast Indiana Partnership is Stephane Frijia; Kosciusko Chamber: In the Loop Podcasts; #FamousChamber of Commerce Quotation (Be happy!); Town Square Publications - The no cost, no risk BEST Chamber Publishing Partner in the USA!

 

Good morning #ChamberWorld! It's going to be a great day! Indiana Chamber’s 2022 Key Issues - Top Legislative Priorities      ECONOMIC RECOVERY AND MODERNIZATION § Oppose government mandates that prevent businesses from making autonomous decisions about vaccination requirements for employees. Employers are in the best position to determine what’s best for their workforce, whether that’s mandating or not mandating vaccines.   § Support increasing incentives for attracting remote workers to Indiana to help mitigate the projected losses to its workforce over the next decade (due in large part to Baby Boomers retiring and a lower workforce participation rate). Such state and local-based incentives should be carefully designed to provide a return on investment and include participation from local communities and employers. In addition to incentivizing remote workers to move to Indiana, lawmakers should codify language clarifying that employers of remote workers are eligible for Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) tax credits if the individuals are Indiana residents but do not work in a physical office location.   § Support measures to promote entrepreneurship in Indiana. Several goals could be achieved during the legislative session that could spur gains in this area, including an expansion of the venture capital investment tax credit eligibility, a focus on promoting entrepreneurship among youth (via access to grants, curriculum, etc.) and opening pathways to create start-up businesses for those who are under 18 years old and/or from underserved populations such as the formerly incarcerated and residents of rural areas.   EDUCATION / WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT § Support measures to enhance early childcare access and quality. This can be done through streamlining existing state regulations (not related to health and safety) and providing incentives for providers to enhance program quality. The lack of affordable, high-quality childcare across Indiana is one of the outside factors most negatively impacting attracting and retaining workers.   § Support strengthening college and career readiness for Indiana students. This can be achieved with a three-pronged approach: 1. Alleviating the business liability burden for students under 18 years old who participate in work-based learning experiences. 2. Strengthening graduation pathway requirements and more seamlessly aligning these expectations within Indiana’s high school diploma options. 3. Creating potential for members of the business community to serve as adjunct (part-time) faculty at area K-12 schools, which allows professionals to maintain their careers while supplementing local education options – particularly in high-need subject areas.     ENERGY / ENVIRONMENT § Support a statewide standard that would remove certain siting barriers for renewable energy sources. Currently, there is a patchwork of regulations that are set at the local government level. This has proven to be a hurdle for Indiana’s diversifying energy portfolio and costly for both residential and business energy consumers.   TAXATION / PUBLIC FINANCE § Oppose any substantial change to the structure of the Indiana Tax Court as an independently operating judicial court of special jurisdiction. The Court is designed to adjudicate tax controversies and establish and maintain a consistent body of law in the area of tax. § Support maintaining and enhancing our attractive tax climate. Business personal property continues to be the tax area in which Indiana stands out most negatively. We need to find a way to reduce what is among the largest overall business property tax burdens of any state – and do so without harming our overall attractive tax structure. The Chamber supports phasing out the application of the 30% depreciation floor, which applies to all personal property assessments.   TECHNOLOGY § Support expansion of research and development, manufacturing, testing and deployment of electric vehicles (EVs), which represent the future of the transportation industry. By 2025, EVs will account for 10% of all vehicle sales globally and are expected to increase to 58% by 2040, with the largest growth projected to occur in North America. Indiana’s history of automobile manufacturing and supply chain participation perfectly positions the state to be on the leading front of attracting EV manufacturing, talent and investment.   WORKER’S COMPENSATION § Support a cap on reimbursement for ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs). The cost savings received from tying ASCs’ worker’s compensation reimbursement rates to Medicare will provide an amount for increased benefits without a subsequent increase in employer rates.

Fulton County Chamber: Back to Biz: Your One Stop Resource to get your Business Back On Track   Back To Biz is a free program designed to help your business recover and grow. It features a collection of more than 400 actionable video lessons, informative interviews, success stories, articles, and tools from a diverse and renowned set of innovative entrepreneurs. The content is designed to help you expand your knowledge and skills on a wide range of topics, including hiring talent, selling online, building your brand, pivoting business models, creating new revenue streams, finding your ideal customers, managing stress, and more. To sign up for free click HERE.

New Arrival: Rush County 2021 Chamber of Commerce Community Map

The Rush County Chamber of Commerce Community Map is available at the Rush County Chamber today! Thanks to Sandy Fussner and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!!!

View the Rush County Map

Town Square Publications 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 or call (847)-427-4633.

Jasper Chamber: Great Things To See and Do During O’Tannenbaum Days Weekend in Jasper, Indiana O’Tannenbaum Days will be December 3, 4, & 5, 2021 in Jasper, Indiana. The huge, lighted Christmas tree in the center of downtown welcomes visitors, relatives, residents and friends to this annual Christmas celebration. Lights will be strung from the Dubois County Courthouse to the tops of the buildings. Many of the downtown businesses also have perimeter lights outlining the tops of their buildings. Shops in the city are ready for shoppers with gift ideas and window displays full of decorations. Potpourri, carriage rides, Santa Claus in his special house, and a large variety of artists and artisans are in the stores to greet you with demonstrations of their special skills. The stores are all ready for you with lots of great ideas for gifts and decorations, featured artists and fun, too. Artists and artisans will display their talents all weekend in many of the stores. The church bazaars, cookie walks, and craft venues will also be happening throughout the city during this special holiday weekend. Santa Claus will be in his special house on the courthouse square throughout the entire weekend. He will be there on Friday from 5 – 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from noon – 3:00 p.m. both days. You will want to bring your camera to photograph your child with Santa Claus. Take advantage of the beautiful community Christmas tree next to Santa’s house and take some pictures of your children, friends, or relatives. This is a great weekend to share with loved ones and a wonderful time to reminisce and to make new memories that will last for years. Hand sanitizer and a shield will be on site for safety precautions. Horse-drawn carriage rides are sure to please both young and old during this special weekend. At a starting point in front of Jasper City Hall, on the Square, in downtown Jasper, the carriage will travel north and south for several blocks. There will be one carriage taking passengers on the scenic and historic tour of downtown Jasper. The carriage rides will be available at no cost, although donations are always accepted. The carriage rides will run Friday evening from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m., and on Saturday afternoon from 12-3 and on Sunday afternoon from 12-3:00 p.m. Most of the hotels in Jasper and Dubois County are offering Olde World Christmas lodging packages. Call the Jasper Chamber of Commerce at 812/482-6866 or the Dubois County Visitors Center at 812-482-9115 or 1-800/968-4578 for this information or go to: www.visitduboiscounty.com. O’Tannenbaum Days is funded through a cooperative effort of the Greater Downtown Jasper Business Association, Jasper Chamber of Commerce and the Dubois County Visitors Center.

Jay Julian to Retire From Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce On behalf of the Board of Directors, we share with you that Jay Julian has announced his intention to retire as President/CEO of the Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce and as Chief Economic Development Officer of the Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance effective April 1, 2022. We know that our organization will be losing a strong leader and advocate for the Muncie and Delaware County communities. Terry Pence, Chair of the Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce said, “If you look at where we were in 2009 when Jay took on this role and where we are today, the advancements are clear. That is the truest mark of the impact Jay has made. As a business community we are stronger and better positioned for tomorrow than we were when he took on this role.” Kelly Shrock, Chair of the Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance also commented, “Our community has been fortunate to have Jay Julian at the helm for twelve years. His leadership in economic development has brought much to improve the quality of life here. Our business community helps strengthen our community overall and we thank Jay for his tireless efforts.” The Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Alliance are fortunate to have a strong and experienced internal team to ensure continuity and a positive transition. Our finances and membership are strong, our partnerships within the community are robust, and our staff is talented.  Recruiting a New President The Board recognizes that our most important responsibility is to recruit and retain the next President/CEO, and wehave taken several important steps. First, we have appointed an eight-person Search Committee that reflects our diverse membership in both the Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development sectors. The committee is jointly chaired by Kelly Shrock and Terry Pence. Also, the committee has retained Smith & Syberg Executive Search to work with the Search Committee and the Board. Smith and Syberg is a Columbus, Indiana-based executive search firm serving clients in Indiana and throughout the United States. They have extensive experience in the recruitment of senior leadership for nonprofit organizations. The search will be conducted by Joe Smith and Keith Syberg. Over the past several weeks, Smith and Syberg has met with the Search Committee, Board members, staff members, and key stakeholders to gain their input prior to beginning the search process. Smith and Syberg will serve as the point of contact for requests for information, candidate recommendations, and/or expressions of interest. Interviews with the Search Committee will be held in October and November with an anticipated start date in the first quarter of 2022. Confidential inquiries, referrals, and resumes should be directed to Keith Syberg via phone: (812) 372-7254 or email: kas@smithandsyberg.com. We are excited about a new President/CEO helping to lead the next chapter of community and business development in Muncie and Delaware County. Kelly K. Shrock, Search Committee Co-Chair President The Community Foundation of Muncie & Delaware County, Inc. Terry Pence, Search Committee Co-Chair Vice President of Operations IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital Rolling Meadows Chamber Delight: Global Manufacturer of Machinery Tools Chooses Illinois for New U.S. Headquarters Danobat, a global manufacturer of machine tools and production systems for the auto, aerospace, rail, and energy sectors, announced plans to open its new U.S. headquarters in Rolling Meadows, Illinois, earlier this week. President of Danobat Manex Ochoteco said, "As Danobat continues to expand our U.S. presence and to meet current global demand, we can think of no better location than Illinois – a true hub for advanced manufacturing – to build our team and customer base." Construction is underway on the 12,700 square foot facility with an anticipated completion in the first quarter of 2022. The new headquarters will house core administrative functions of the company’s U.S. presence including sales, marketing, engineering, part & service divisions, and eventually will become a center to represent the technologies and capabilities of the brand. Danobat has production plants and service centers in over 40 countries.   Start Peninsula winners include photo studio, wedding e-commerce and real estate app After four micro events and a final championship pitch competition, judges selected the winners of this year’s Start Peninsula entrepreneurial contest. The three honorees are Bonilla Pet Studio, EWedded, and Pocket Properties App. Start Peninsula helps entrepreneurs grow their businesses through mentorship, networking and funding opportunities. The pitch competition, hosted by the city of Newport News, in partnership with the cities of Hampton, Williamsburg, Poquoson, and James City and York counties, has been held annually since 2012. Bonilla Pet Studio is a Norfolk-based photography studio that specializes in capturing high quality pet portraits. Founded by Erin Bonilla in March 2020, the business is opening a second location in Williamsburg in December. EWedded is an e-commerce site started by Maya Holihan earlier this year. The business helps wedding businesses and brands to sell discontinued and overstock luxury products for up to 80% off retail prices. Richmond-based Pocket Properties App enables users to buy and trade shares of real estate. Started by Stanley Glover last year, the financial services company employs 11 workers. ADVERTISING Each winner receives $5,000 in seed funding; a one-year spot at Growth University; a six-month membership to Launchpad, Williamsburg’s business development center; one-year memberships to the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, The Greater Williamsburg Business Alliance, the York County Chamber of Commerce, and the Retail Alliance; and 20 hours of consulting from the Hampton Roads Small Business Development Center and CrimDell Small Business Network. More: Daily Press Prince William Chamber event: Veterans struggle for understanding Retired Gen. John Nicholson says it’s surreal to return from combat and go from the battlefield to the Atlanta airport in just hours. “Your mind is on the battlefield but your body is in the airport. Being escorted through the airport to the connecting flight and people in the airport spontaneously begin standing and clapping at the sight of a column of soldiers,” Nicholson recalled. He asked the USO escort who they were applauding for. “For you,” the staffer said. Nicholson said that made him feel a little embarrassed. Speaking at the Prince William Chamber of Commerce’s Salute to the Military lunch in Woodbridge last week, Nicholson, now president of the PenFed Foundation, said there’s “maybe a lack of understanding between the servicemembers and the society that they serve.” He didn’t understand why the people in the airport were applauding. “We were just doing our job,” he added. “They volunteered to serve our country, and to defend the American people. That’s what we do. They don’t seek out any special recognition for it.” Read more: Inside NOVA Fredericksburg Regional Chamber: State Lawmakers to Talk Issues at Chamber Legislative Breakfast FREDERICKSBURG – State legislators from the Fredericksburg Region will offer a preview of the 2022 General Assembly session during the Chamber’s annual Legislative Breakfast. Area lawmakers participating include Senators Bryce Reeves and Richard Stuart, Delegates Hyland Buddy Fowler and Bobby Orrock, and Delegates-Elect Tara Durant and Phillip Scott. Chamber members will have a chance to share their concerns during a question-and answer session. The Chamber will also present the delegation with a packet containing the organization’s legislative priorities for 2022. The Legislative Breakfast will take place Dec. 1st beginning at 8:00am at Stevenson Ridge. Virginia Partners Bank and Germanna Community College are serving as sponsors. The cost of attendance is $30 for members, $40 for future members. Please contact Ashley Fuzaylova at afuzaylova@fxbgchamber.org or 540-479-6761 to reserve your seat or for more information. Virginia Breeze bus service opens route from Bristol to Washington D.C. There is a new way for Bristol residents to travel across the Commonwealth. Bristol city leaders celebrated the opening of the Virginia Breeze Bus services on Saturday, November 13th at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum. There will be two buses, one that will depart in Washington D.C. and stop in Bristol, and another that will leave from Bristol and stop in Washington D.C. The buses will start running on Monday, November 15th, and the route has 7 stops throughout Virginia, before making its final stop at Union Station in the nation's capitol. "It's called Highlands Rhythm, appropriately coined to our assets here in this community, but it's really a bus line that offers people a different way to travel across the Commonwealth, which is terrific," said Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, Beth Rhinehart. "Anyone that has traveled 81 knows sometimes it can be a little white knuckled experience, so this a great way to travel and work." Departure and arrival will be at the V-DOT park and ride lot at Interstate 81’s Exit 5 across from the Exxon gas station. We're told it will cost $60 for a one way ticket. Other route stops include Wytheville, Radford, Christiansburg, Salem, Harrisonburg, and Dulles International Airport. To learn more about the routes, visit the Virginia Breeze Bus Line, HERE Duneland Chamber of Commerce Community Profile Magazine The Duneland Chamber of Commerce Community Community Profile Magazine is available at the Duneland Chamber today! Thanks to Maura Durham, June Russell and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!! Town Square Publications 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 or call (847)-427-4633. VIEW the Duneland Chamber Community Guide and Membership Directory New CEO for Northeast Indiana Partnership is Stephane Frijia After a five-month national search, the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership has named Stephane Frijia its next president and chief executive officer. Frijia most recently served as senior vice president of strategy for the Greater Phoenix Economic Council. He succeeds the organization’s founding CEO, John Sampson, who stepped down at the end of March after 15 years. A native Italian, Frijia has spent nearly the last 20 years in the Phoenix area. In his most recent role, the partnership says he led efforts to boost investment in new advanced industrial parks in the region, as well as the development of data science capabilities in support of domestic and international business attraction and marketing. “As technology drives global access and opportunity without boundaries, leaders in economic development must have a proven record in data intelligence and international marketability,” said Dr. Sherilyn Emberton, chair of the partnership’s board of directors. “Stephane brings experience and a record of success in both. His background in building strategies that supported the diverse growth of the Greater Phoenix area will complement the incredible work already being done in Northeast Indiana.” The partnership says Frijia is in the process of relocating to northeast Indiana and will begin his new role Oct. 11.  “Stephane has the background, experience and energy to elevate Northeast Indiana’s outward facing national sales and business development program,” said Ellen Cutter, member of the search committee and vice president of economic development for Greater Fort Wayne Inc. “Fort Wayne is the fastest-growing metro area in the Great Lakes region, and the opportunity for Northeast Indiana to capitalize on the momentum, together, has never been stronger.” Kosciusko Chamber: In the Loop Podcasts This week's episode of our In the Loop Podcast features Whitney Wright from Belove! From its inception, Belove has always been about more than simply selling products. At its core, the shop exists to give back to people in need. They donate 5% of every sale to local needs in the community. They believe that every product has the ability to change a life. From local makers, to give back brands, vintage finds and more, your purchase will make a difference. LISTEN TO EPISODE 5 #FamousChamber of Commerce Quotation (Be happy!): Smile and watch others smile back. Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories, Maps, Apps, Quarterly Magazines, NEW MOVER magazines, Digital Directory Sales and Community Profiles: The no cost, no risk BEST Chamber Publishing Partner in the USA! 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 and the United States. 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, or to request your chamber publication or map proposal, contact Town Square Chamber Proposal or email John Dussman with the subject line: Chamber Publication Proposal Requested. Thank you!

Why Does Shopping Local Matter? - Midland Business Alliance; Heart Of the Valley Chamber Welcomes Nicci Sprangers as New Executive Director; Duneland Chamber: Q&A with Indiana Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch; Fredericksburg Regional Chamber: One Week Out! Picnic N’ Park: A Community Concert; Champaign County Chamber: New Grant Opportunity; Kentucky Chamber: PPP Flexibility Act Signed into Law; Lansing Regional Chamber Applauds U.S. Supreme Court Ruling Barring Discrimination Against LGBTQ Employees; Birmingham Bloomfield 2019-2020 Membership Directory and Community Resource Guide; New Date Announced: Taste of Dearborn Thursday, August 6; Covid 19 Resources (in a condensed version) Birmingham-Bloomfield Chamber; ADP: Back to Business Grant Program is now OPEN; Adam Poll leaves Alpena Planning and Development Director for top spot at chamber; FamousChamber of Commerce Quotations: (via the St. Charles Chamber) A New Arrival: Boyle County Chamber of Commerce 2020 Community Map; Dear Macomb County Chamber Members with 49 or fewer employees...Event Invitation: Multi-Chamber B2B Progressive Virtual Networking Event; Grand Rapids Area Chamber: Kent County Small Business Recovery Program; Illinois Chamber chief: State needs to modify reopening plan; From the Joliet Chamber: Coronavirus update for 6.18.2020 - Info on Business Interruption and Rebuild Distressed Communities Grants; Downriver Community Leaders to Celebrate Safely Reopening In-Person Economic Activity with Special Ribbon Cutting Ceremony; Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best Chamber Partner in the USA!

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

Why Does Shopping Local Matter? - Midland Business Alliance

To say that 2020 has been a crazy year is an understatement. As if COVID-19 wasn't enough for our local businesses to endure, the flooding added an extra challenge to the mix. That's why we can't stress the importance of remembering to #ShopLocal enough. Your favorite businesses need you now more than ever!

Keep Your Money Local

Shopping local isn't just about keeping your favorite businesses open and supporting your neighbors, it's also about keeping your money in our community. Here are some interesting statistics from a recent article, "Importance of Buying Local for a Faster Economic Recovery", in Entry Point:

·     Money spent at small businesses stays in the local economy at a higher percentage than money spent at chain retailers. 

·     Small businesses significantly contribute to local job creation. 

·     Shopping locally supports the small businesses that are the fabric of any community and contribute to the development of a unique, vibrant local culture.

Where you spend money matters! Read the entire article here for more facts and statistics about how shopping local supports our local economy. Click here for a directory of MBA member businesses by category.




Heart Of the Valley Chamber Welcomes Nicci Sprangers as New Executive Director

The Heart of the Valley Chamber of Commerce has named Nicci Sprangers as its new Executive Director. Sprangers started in her role last week and will focus on providing support and resources to the Chamber’s growing membership base through recognition, strategic connections, relevant events and  partnership opportunities. Nicci comes to the Chamber after serving as the Senior Director of Development for Special Olympics Wisconsin for over 16 years where she led fund development and marketing efforts, managed community events and built a large network of business partnerships to support the organization’s mission.

As a Kaukauna native with deep roots in the community, Nicci has a passion for     the Heart of the Valley businesses and community members and believes strongly in the Chamber’s commitment to serve as a resource center that advocates for the business community, connects people and provides educational opportunities.  As a Kaukauna resident, raising a family here, Nicci believes local businesses are the heartbeat of our community.  She is thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Chamber members to ensure that the Heart of Valley continues to be a place where business can thrive creating a community that is strong and vibrant for generations to come.

“Having the opportunity to work and serve the community that I call home and take great pride in is such an honor. I look forward to carrying on the amazing work being done by the Chamber to help businesses at every level to grow, evolve and prosper,” Sprangers shared.

Over the next several weeks Nicci will attend several Chamber events to meet with members and community partners. Business Development Manager, Diane Stuckrath, has been serving as the interim Executive Director and has played a key role for the Chamber in this transitional period.  “Nicci brings a wealth of non-profit leadership and highly respected local roots to this role.  I am excited and proud to be a part of the great things the Heart of the Valley Chamber will continue to provide for our members and community at large,” said Stuckrath.

Duneland Chamber: Q&A with Indiana Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch

Q&A with Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch Wednesday, June 17 Join the Greater Portage Chamber of Commerce and the Duneland Chamber of Commerce for this unique webinar to be part of a 30-minute, business-focused Q&A session with Indiana Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch Click here to register!

Fredericksburg Regional Chamber: One Week Out! Picnic N’ Park: A Community Concert

The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce is inviting you to attend Picnic N’ Park Presented in part by John F. Fick III, Featuring the Déja Grüv Band, Co-Hosted by the Fredericksburg Expo and Fredericksburg Nationals. Order to-go from your favorite local restaurant, put your car in park and enjoy some good music.


Event Details:Thursday, June 25th, 2020
6pm – 7:45pm (Gates open at 5pm)
Fredericksburg Expo and Conference Center Parking Lot


Admission is free and open to the public! We will be selling raffle tickets and #FxbgStrong stickers, which will enter attendees in the many raffles throughout the night. Gates open at 5pm, as participation is limited to the first 175 vehicles. We are encouraging attendees to register, to help us prepare for the event on the Chamber website.
Registration: https://bit.ly/3dfOPwN
List of local businesses offering To-Go: https://bit.ly/2Yd6v80
CDC and Local Health District Regulations will be followed.
Thank you to our sponsors!
Title Sponsor: John F Fick III
Gold Sponsors:Matern Staffing
Community Bank of the Chesapeake
Bloomia
Event Sponsors: Firebirds Wood Fired Grill
Walmart

If you have questions regarding this event, please contact Anna Talcott at atalcott@fxbgchamer.org.

Champaign County Chamber: New Grant Opportunity

New Grant Opportunity

The City of Champaign announced its Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant of up to $15,000 that have been impacted by the pandemic. Priority will be given to businesses who have not received other state or federal grants related to COVID-19. Applications will be accepted in-person or online beginning Wednesday June 24, 2020 at 8:00am. To find submission and application materials, please click here. The City also released a video detailing more. 


· The University of Illinois announced plans for fall semester today outlining parts of the return to campus. More details are expected in the coming weeks 

· Unit 4 Schools discuss what a return to school could potentially look like in the fall. 

· Over 44,000 new unemployment claims were filed in Illinois last week. 

· A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine suggests that a person’s blood type and other genetic factors may be linked to COVID-19 severity. 

· Researchers from Northwestern Medicine identify Chicago’s unique strain of COVID-19. 

· The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District reports a total of 760 COVID-19 cases. 69 are currently active with 9 hospitalized. 680 have recovered, and unfortunately, 11 have passed. 

Kentucky Chamber: PPP Flexibility Act Signed into Law

Changes to the PPP that went into effect last week include:

• Lowering payroll expenses from 75% to 60% on PPP proceeds
• Extending the rehiring period to 24 weeks or Dec. 31, 2020
• Increasing the payment term to 5 years on new PPP loans

More details about the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act here.

PPP Funds Still Available. Apply Now.

Forgivable loans to small businesses that keep employees on the payroll. Use the funds for payroll, rent, mortgage interest or utilities. Learn more. 

---

PPP Loan Helps Retool Bailey Safety, Inc. Bailey Safety, Inc. offers OSHA training and Safety Program Evaluations and Compliance Analysis. Revenue grew steadily until the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Owner Nancy Bailey obtained an SBA PPP loan. “The PPP was a lifeline. I was approved and the funds were in my account quickly.” Read her story here.

---

EIDL Re-Opens to Eligible Businesses

The online portal is now open to eligible small and agricultural businesses and non-profit organizations for the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and the EIDL Advance.    Learn more.

SBA is continuing to process applications on a first-come, first-served basis. 

   Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center for EIDL / EIDL Advance

1-800-659-2955 (TTY: 1-800-877-8339) or disastercustomerservice@sba.gov

---

Tools to Help You Reopen  SBA COVID-19 Small Business Resources Find SBA Local Resource Partners  Find Local SBA Lenders Restart Kentucky Quick Links Team Kentucky COVID-19 Resources

·         Kentucky Association of Counties COVID-19 Information

• Contact Your Local Kentucky Chamber of Commerce 

---

Lansing Regional Chamber Applauds U.S. Supreme Court Ruling Barring Discrimination Against LGBTQ Employees

The following statement can be attributed to Tim Daman, president and CEO of
the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce in regards to the U.S. Supreme
Court decision prohibiting workplace discrimination against gay, lesbian and
transgender employees:
“The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC) is pleased that, as a
result of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling, federal law prohibits discrimination in the
workplace against gay, lesbian and transgender employees. Consistent with our
continued support of adding LGBT protections to the Elliot Larsen Civil Rights
Act, the LRCC believes protecting workers from discrimination based on race,
color, religion, sex, sexual orientation or national origin is absolutely essential to
fulfilling the promise of equality. Combatting discrimination also allows our
diverse workforce and free enterprise system to reach its full potential.
In 2015, LRCC, as part of the Michigan Competitive Workplace Coalition called
for LGBT inclusion in Michigan’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act. We believe then
as now that LGBT protection must be a vitally important part of our workforce
development and talent intention strategy in Michigan. As a state and as a
region, we need to continue to be very open and very inclusive in providing and
bringing in the best talent that we can.”





Birmingham Bloomfield 2019-2020 Membership Directory and Community Resource Guide 

The Birmingham-Bloomfield 2019-2020 Membership Directory and Community Resource Guide is available at the Birmingham-Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce today! Thank you to Joe Bauman and the Chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!

Birmingham-Bloomfield 2019-2020 Membership Directory

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

New Date Announced: Taste of Dearborn Thursday, August 6

A Metro Detroit favorite, Taste of Dearborn, has been rescheduled for Thursday, August 6, 2020, from 6-9:30 pm. The Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce is moving forward with responsible optimism and have rescheduled this annual event, presented by Jim Thorpe, Ameriprise Financial, and hosted by the Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce.

Stroll delightful offerings of Dearborn eateries at Dearborn’s annual “Grub-crawl”, Taste of Dearborn. The event allows attendees to sample menu items from the bevvy of participating restaurants.  General admission tickets are available for $35 and include appetizers from participating restaurants in West Downtown Dearborn. General admission and wine tasting tickets are available at www.dearbornareachamber.org or by calling 313-584-6100. Tickets are on sale now. Save $5 with the coupon code: EARLYBIRD!

Les Stanford Cadillac once again serves as the host for the elegant Wine & Beer Tasting Reception. VIP’s begin at this location and enjoy substantial appetizers & samples provided by LaPita Mediterranean Cuisine and entertainment, 5:00-7:30 pm. A limited number of tickets are available for this exclusive reception for only $50 per couple! Pre-registration is required to attend the reception. 

Event Specifics:

• VIP ticket holders will start at Les Stanford Cadillac Showroom beginning at 5pm.  VIP reception ends at 7:30pm.
• General admission ticket holders can pick up their wristbands the day of the event beginning at 5:30pm at the Dearborn Area Chamber Commerce.  You may also pick up your wristbands on Tuesday, June 4^th and Wednesday, June 5^th at the Chamber between 8am-3pm.
• Please enjoy appetizers and samples between 6pm-9:30pm!  Shuttle service ends at 9:15pm.

“We’re excited to move the date and provide some tasty fun this August!” said Jackie Lovejoy, DACC President.  “Our restaurants have been prepping & have all the needed precautions in place to host the public again.  This week has been a remarkable tour for me visiting everyone as our dining rooms have opened!”  The Chamber provides free shuttles, courtesy of LaFontaine Automotive Group, between downtown West Dearborn and the Fairlane Town Center complex until 9:15 pm. Participants receive a menu passport and map at registration beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the Bryant Library at 22100 Michigan Ave.

A small sample of confirmed restaurants include Brome Modern Eatery, Benihana, Dearborn Brewing, Noah’s SmokeHouse, Lue Thai Cafe, Unburger Grill, Famous Hamburger, Ford’s Garage, I Say It With Café’, La Pita Mediterranean Restaurant, Longboard by Jolly Pumpkin, Modern Greek & Salad Bar, TRIA – Inspired American Cuisine & Starbucks. Additional restaurants are joining daily!

Covid 19 Resources (in a condensed version) Birmingham-Bloomfield Chamber

Coronavirus/COVID-19 Resources

For complete and up to date information, please visit the following links.

BBChamber Resource Page

Reopening your retail store after COVID-19 - A Michigan Retailers Association Guide

Clark Hill’s Resource Guide for Employers Reopening During and After COVID-19

Small Business Disaster Assistance Loan

Michigan Small Business Relief Program

Apply for Unemployment Benefits

Oakland County Health Department

State of Michigan

US Chamber of Commerce

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Advantage Oakland

Oakland County Michigan Works

Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity

Beaumont Hospital

Henry Ford West Bloomfield

Mental Health Resources

Michigan Local Biz Community Crowdfunding Program

Match on Main program expansion

MI Entrepreneur Resilience Fund

Henry Ford West Bloomfield Community Health COVID-19

In Good Business,

The BBChamber Staff


 



Shenandoah Valley Guide to Re-Opening Businesses


We are excited to share the “Work Hard. Work Smart. Work Safe” Shenandoah Valley Guide to Re-Opening Businesses! 


This guide is a thoughtful collaborative effort designed to provide specific measures for businesses across multiple categories to safely reopen during these dynamic times. It will be updated as needed. We are thankful to our partners, and know that we are all #StrongerTogether! View the guide here. 



ADP: Back to Business Grant Program is now OPEN

The application portal for the Back to Business Mississippi Grant Program is NOW OPEN at www.backtobusinessms.org!

Using $240 Million of the state’s federal CARES Act funding, the Back to Business MS program will help small businesses in Mississippi with 50 or fewer employees recover from the economic impact of COVID-19, including operating expenses and salaries. Eligible businesses will be able to receive up to $25,000 in relief support that is not taxable and will not have to be paid back. We have put together an overview below and encourage eligible businesses to visit www.backtobusinessms.org to begin your application today!


Adam Poll leaves Alpena Planning and Development Director for top spot at chamber

The Alpena Arena Chamber of Commerce has hired Adam Poll as its new President and CEO, replacing Jackie Krawzcak who stepped down in January.

Poll is currently the Planning and Development Director for the City of Alpena.

“We are fortunate to have found such a talented and driven candidate locally in the area,” said Eileen Budnick, Chairperson for the chamber board of directors. “We are excited to have Adam join the Chamber team and look forward to the great things his leadership will bring.”

Poll joins the Chamber with 13 years of experience working in municipal planning, economic development and public works.

“For the last six years, I have been honored to be able to work for the City of Alpena and assist with many great projects,” Poll said. “I am very excited to be able to continue to work with this amazing community and to be given the opportunity to affect positive change for not only the City, but the entire Alpena area.”

City Manager Rachel Smolinksi has worked with Poll only a short period of time but values his help during her transition. “I think Adam has been a valuable member of the team and we’re very sorry to see him go,” added Smolinksi. “But at the same time, we are very excited for him and this new opportunity.”

Smolinki said the planning and development job will be posted in the very near future, not only locally, but across Michigan and the entire nation.

Poll is originally from Grand Rapids. He moved to Alpena in 2013 from Waterloo, Iowa after accepting the city position. He is married and has three children. True North Radio




FamousChamber of Commerce Quotations: (via the St. Charles Chamber)

"The best way to predict the future, is to create it."

-Peter Drucker

A New Arrival: Boyle County Chamber of Commerce 2020 Community Map

The Boyle County 2020 Community Map just arrived at the Danville-Boyle County Chamber today! Thanks to Jeff Jewel, Treina Miller and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together.

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

Danville Boyle County Interactive Map

Dear Macomb County Chamber Members with 49 or fewer employees...
If your Macomb County Business could use a boost, there is $20 Million in grant funds available through Macomb County. All industries that have been impacted by COVID-19 are eligible for $5,000 in assistance. Applications are being accepted until June 24 at 11:59 pm.

The grants are part of the Macomb County CARES for Small Business Program, a $70 million initiative made possible through the county’s $152 million allocations of federal CARES Act funding. Each grant will be worth $5,000. MCPED anticipates the funding will provide direct relief to 4,000 businesses in Macomb County.

The grant application will be available at www.MacombBusiness.com.
Small businesses can apply for funds if they meet the following criteria:
Must have a physical location in Macomb County (office/building/storefront).
Employee size is 1- 49 employees.
Must be a for-profit organization.
Businesses must have a valid Employer Identification Number (EIN).
Business must have been in business for at least 12 months.
Businesses must showcase a verifiable need for working capital to support payroll expenses, rent, mortgage payments, utility expenses, and/or other similar expenses that occur in the ordinary course of business.
Businesses must be able to verify they have been negatively impacted or experienced a loss in revenue or business due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

An application must also include:
A signed W9 from within the last 12 months.
A recent utility bill (within the last 6 months) that lists the business address. This can be a rent or mortgage payment, water, gas, electric, or phone bill. The address must match the location you are submitting for a grant.
A signed and dated affidavit.


Businesses will be notified of their grant status no later than July 1. Funds will be distributed starting July 2. Additional information on eligibility and grant scoring can be found at www.macombbusiness.com.

Apply Now

Event Invitation: Multi-Chamber B2B Progressive Virtual Networking Event


This opportunity to network and collaborate with other B2B leaders is brought to you by the St. Charles Chamber in partnership with Bartlett Area, Batavia, Geneva, Cary-Grove Area, Elgin Area, and Northern Kane County Chambers. Join us for this great chance to connect with businesses from all across the area!

Date: June 24, 2020

Time: 11:30 AM - 01:30 PM CDT

Email: info@stcharleschamber.com

Date/Time Details:

This opportunity to network and collaborate with other B2B leaders is brought to you by the St. Charles Chamber in partnership with Bartlett Area, Batavia, Geneva, Cary-Grove Area, Elgin Area, and Northern Kane County Chambers. Join us for this great chance to connect with businesses from all across the area!

Wednesday, June 24th at 11:30am
Zoom Webinar
You will receive Zoom details following Registration

Fees/Admission:

$10 Fee for all Participants

Click Here for More Information

Grand Rapids Area Chamber: Kent County Small Business Recovery Program

Overview:

The COVID-19 crisis is devastating the fabric of our local business community. Kent County is built on the backbone of entrepreneurship and small business, and the Kent County Small Business Recovery Program is aimed at delivering short–term financial support to small businesses with the goal of supporting a strong economic recovery.
Who is the fund intended for?

This fund is focused on using Coronavirus Relief Funds provided under the CARES Act to support for-profit businesses with 0-25 full-time equivalent employees located in Kent County.
What is the purpose of the fund?

This fund helps businesses that have not been able to access, or have been declined for local, state, or federal relief funds, or need additional support to weather this crisis. We are focused on businesses that may be dealing with additional barriers including but not limited to language, general business knowledge, and from underserved communities. Consistent with the limitations of the CARES Act, these businesses also must have been directly impacted and experienced losses due to business interruption due to COVID-19. All distributions of funds are subject to the requirements of the CARES Act and Treasury Department guidance on the use of Coronavirus Relief Funds.
What does the fund provide?

Businesses that qualify for this fund will receive: A short-term economic relief grant ranging from $5,000, $10,000, $15,000 or $20,000 depending on size of business, operating costs, and additional scoring metrics. Read more: Grand Rapids Chamber

APPLY HERE

APLIQUE AQUÍ

Illinois Chamber chief: State needs to modify reopening plan

While Gov. J.B. Pritzker's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic has been commendable, more needs to be done to keep businesses in Illinois from closing due to the economic fallout from the crisis, the head of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce told suburban business leaders Wednesday.

Todd Maisch, speaking at the Mid-Year Economic Summit hosted by the Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce, told a group of about 100 people that the governor needs to be more flexible with the state's 5-stage reopening plan because too many business owners are hurting financially, and as a result, too many people in the state are out of work.

He noted there are two separate crises facing the state: the public health crisis caused by the novel coronavirus and the economic crisis resulting from the lockdown. While Pritzker should be commended for his dealing with the public health issue, Maisch said, the governor needs to do more to help businesses get back to normal operations.

"We understand the focus has been on public health, but how do you look at 1.1 million Illinoisans without a job?" he said. "We've got to be able to do two things at one time."

The hospitality industry, in particular, has been severely affected by the crisis, he said, as they were among the first businesses to close and will likely be the last to reopen.

"I don't know how many hotels -- even in the Loop -- are going to survive this if they are going to lose an entire convention season in 2021," Maisch said. "McCormick Place is a dark barn and it will be for another year if there's not reconsideration of that plan.

"We advocate looking at other states, learning from what they're doing, and modifying so we can get our economy back up and going," he added.

State Treasurer Michael Frerichs told the group about his office's small business bridge loan, which has been helping many business owners stay afloat during the crisis. The treasurer set aside $250 million in March -- when the lockdown first took effect -- for low-interest loans to help state businesses.

Frerichs noted the program had been in existence since the 1980s, which helped state officials implement the loans well before the federal government was able to provide relief.

The treasurer's office is primarily focused on helping established businesses stay afloat during the crisis through its low-interest loan programs. Read more: Daily Herald


From the Joliet Chamber: Coronavirus update for 6.18.2020 - Info on Business Interruption and Rebuild Distressed Communities Grants
Chamber Members:

In case you missed the update from yesterday, Governor Pritzker made a big announcement for $900 million worth of grants spread over five programs. Today’s update is going to focus on two of those programs and we will work to get more info out as it becomes available for the application process that is to begin on Monday, June 22. We also get to share more unemployment numbers as it is Thursday.

The Business Interruption Grant (BIG) Program
As part of the FY20 and FY21 DCEO budget the department is appropriated funds from the Coronavirus Urgent Remediation Emergency (CURE) Fund to support expenses associated with economic support in connection with the COVID-19 public health emergency. The Business Interruption Grant (BIG) Program will reimburse costs incurred by businesses due to business interruption caused by required closures. All spending related to this program must be reimbursable by the Federal Coronavirus Relief Fund, as prescribed by 601(a) of the Social Security Act and added by section 5001 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act including all subsequent federal guidance.

1. Program Basics

• Using one or more intermediaries, DCEO will issue grants to businesses to reimburse the costs of business interruption caused by required closures or limited operational capacity under one of Governor Pritzker’s Executive Orders or public health guidance provided by the Illinois Department of Public Health.
• Businesses which demonstrate an interruption may receive a grant to reimburse expenditures incurred during periods of limited capacity or closure. The program focuses on reimbursing expenses associated with the business’s operations (“operating costs”) which include, but are not limited to:

a) payroll & benefit payments on behalf of retained employees;
b) lease & mortgage payments for business location(s), as well as related utility expenses;
c) variable costs for the goods or services provided; as well as
d) expenses related to personal protective equipment (PPE) for employees.
• The period in which businesses may claim eligible expenditures is March 21, 2020 through December 30, 2020.
• From appropriated amounts, 50% of funding will be released to businesses that enable critical support services such as childcare, day care, and early childhood education.
• From appropriated amounts, a minimum of 30% will be released to businesses with ZIP codes located in the most disproportionately impacted areas (DIAs) of Illinois.
• Awards will be made with the following focuses:

o Funding will be prioritized for industries and businesses most greatly impacted by the COVID-19 public health emergencies.
o Funding will be prioritized for businesses which did not received assistance from the Federal Payment Protection Program.

• Awards will be made in accordance with General Assembly appropriations:
o For General Business Interruption Grants
▪ $159 million for areas outside of Chicago, Cook County, and the collar counties
▪ $157 million for statewide distribution
▪ $60 million for disproportionately impacted areas of Illinois
o For Business interruption Grants for Childcare and Daycare providers
▪ $70 million for areas outside of Chicago, Cook County, and the collar counties
▪ $165 million for statewide distribution
▪ $25 million for disproportionately impacted areas (DIA) of Illinois

✓ To meet the 50% Childcare requirement in statute, amounts will be released to Childcare and Daycare provides from “General” appropriations.

✓ To meet the 30% DIA requirement in statute, amounts will be released to DIA regions from the non-DIA related appropriations.

2. Qualifying Businesses

As well as meeting the Program’s basic criteria above, a Qualifying Business is:✓ Eligible for reimbursement as prescribed by 601(a) of the Social Security Act and added by section 5001 of the CARES Act.✓ Experiencing business interruption due to the COVID-19 public health emergency.✓ Registered and in good standing with the Illinois Secretary of State.✓ Licensed to do business within their industry (if applicable).

Qualifying Businesses will be more exactly defined through subsequent funding notices based on business type, industry, and region.

III. Planned Funding Rounds:

1. Disproportionately impacted business, Bars, Restaurants, Barbershops & Salons, and Fitness Centers - $60 million

Eligibility: up to $20,000 per business
▪ $20M for Business located within a disproportionately impacted area and
experienced significant business losses as Illinois entered Phase 3 of Restore Illinois.
▪ $20M for Bars & Restaurants with under $3M in revenue in 2019, or pro-rated
amount if in business for less than a year. Must have been an operating business for
at least three months prior to March 2020. Only bars and restaurants that have not
provided outdoor food and beverage service during Phase 3 will be eligible. This could
be for any reason including prohibition by local ordinance, lack of access to outdoor
space, or financial infeasibility.
▪ $10M for Barbershops & Salons with under $500K in revenue in 2019, or pro-rated
amount if in business for less than a year. Must have been an operating business for
at least three months prior to March 2020.
▪ $10M for Fitness centers with under $2M in revenue in 2019, or pro-rated amount if
in business for less than a year. Must have been an operating business for at least
three months prior to March 2020.

2. Child Care Restoration Grants - $270 million

The Child Care Restoration grant program will dedicate at least $270 million of the state’s Coronavirus Urgent Remediation Emergency (CURE) Fund to support the economic health of childcare providers as the state’s economy continues to reopen in the coming weeks and months. As part of CURE, the Business Interruption Grants (BIG) Program is specifically designed to support businesses who endure lost revenue due to the COVID-19 public health emergency. The first program of its kind in the nation, supporting Illinois’vast network of childcare providers as they continue to provide care to children across the state through the COVID-19 pandemic.

IV. Future Funding Rounds:

• Future funding rounds of the BIG program are being planned and the main industries of consideration are ones which will not re-open to full capacity until phases four or five of Governor Pritzker’s Restore Illinois plan. Examples of these industries are:
o Theaters, concert halls, event venues & event industries
o Indoor amusements and other arts
o Neighborhood-oriented independent retail
o Independently owned/operated personal services
o Additional industries as identified by DCEO

**All of this information is attached as a PDF document

Rebuild Distressed Communities
Rebuild Distressed Communities is a $25 million economic recovery program to support Illinois businesses that have sustained property damage as a result of civil unrest during protest and demonstrations on or after May 25th, 2020. The program will identify Grantees to solicit applications, administer subgrants and coordinate qualified vendors to make repairs for impacted businesses.

Program Design: The Rebuild Distressed Communities NOFO will solicit applications from eligible applicants (“Administrator”) to administer $25 million in Rebuild Illinois capital funds for businesses that have sustained property damage as a result of recent civil unrest. Administrators will solicit, evaluate, and select project applications from eligible Illinois businesses in their region, coordinate qualified vendors to make the repairs or perform new construction (with a priority for BEP vendors), and oversee these projects for completion. A portion of the funds will be allocated to reimburse businesses for costs incurred for work performed since May 25, and the remainder will fund new projects to perform repairs or new construction.

Funding Sources: This opportunity will have two funding components:
1. Administrative expenses incurred by the Administrator Grantees will be funded from
Community Development Grants, funded by Public Act 101-0637.

2. Funding to support capital repairs for businesses will be from the Rebuild Illinois Program, funded by Public Act 101-0638.

Eligible Administrators will include non-profit organizations; chambers of commerce; county, local, or regional economic development organizations; community development financial institutions; or organizations or associations that have demonstrated experience administering grants of this kind.

Grant Specifics: Grants to administrators will be competitive. DCEO will make multiple awards under this program. Each administrator grantee will be required to propose a region they will cover. Administrators will be expected to begin receiving applications from businesses within two weeks of executing a grant agreement with the state.

Business Eligibility: Eligible businesses must have sustained property damage as a result of civil unrest during protests or demonstrations on or after May 25, 2020. Eligible businesses include but are not limited to: grocery, pharmacy, personal and professional services, restaurant/taverns, retail, and others.

Additional priority will be given to businesses with fewer than 50 employees, women and minority- owned businesses, underinsured or uninsured businesses, businesses that have a high community impact such as grocery stores, and businesses in communities that have a history of disinvestment.

Eligible Uses for Property Repair Funds: Capital funds will be used to fund property repair and are subject to bondability guidelines. Eligible project expenses include major and durable repair of an asset, including:

Repair of structural damages, including signs, awning, storefronts, entrances, doors, brickwork, total roof repair/replacement, and window replacement; installation of security shutters; reconstruction or improvement of existing buildings or structure (walls, floors, ceilings, interior finishes, and demolition of previous); lighting and electrical systems; building additions; and exterior work which will extend the building’s useful life.

Routine or reoccurring operational or maintenance costs, restocking of inventory, or expenses that have been reimbursed through a separate grant program or insurance claim are not eligible expenses.

Jobless Claims
Weekly jobless claims stayed above 1 million for the 13th consecutive week. First-time claims totaled 1.5 million last week, higher than the 1.3 million that economists had been expecting. The government report’s total was 58,000 lower than the previous weeks.

Stay well,

Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry Staff and Board of Directors



Mike Paone
Vice President – Government Affairs
Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry
mpaone@jolietchamber.com
815.727.5371 main
815.727.5373 direct

Downriver Community Leaders to Celebrate Safely Reopening In-Person Economic Activity with Special Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Event to take place as a part of the “#SupportDownriver” campaign, charging the entire region with the critical mission to support local small businesses

TAYLOR, MI – The Downriver Community Conference and the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber will hold a “Reopening Downriver” ribbon cutting at the Sheridan Center Open Air Pavilion in Taylor’s Heritage Park at 4 p.m. Wednesday, July 1. The event will include remarks from elected and business leaders, along with renowned radio personality and host of “Michigan’s Big Show,” Michael Patrick Shiels.

The pavilion is located at 1211 Pardee Road, blocks north of Northline Road. Free parking is available directly in front of the pavilion.

The two organizations have partnered in the "#SupportDownriver" campaign, encompassing the vision of working together in "elevating our region." The campaign, founded in positive messaging and promotion of local businesses, has become more and more important in 2020 due to the COVID-19 worldwide pandemic. As one united region, the effort promotes saving lives, businesses and jobs.

“It is going to take our entire community coming together to save businesses and jobs by shopping small and local,” said Ronald J. Hinrichs, president and CEO of the chamber. “We are calling on all residents and business owners to support local Downriver entrepreneurs with positive messaging on social media, with numerous posts tagging local businesses. This results in complimentary, beneficial and effective marketing for our local job providers, allowing the people of our region to influence positive change and to have a real and lasting impact on our entire community."

DCC Executive Director Jim Perry takes those thoughts a step further.

“We are standing with our local communities to strongly advocate for federal financial support for local municipalities, who provide critical everyday resources for our residents and business community, and have been significantly impacted as a result of the pandemic,” he said. “We hope to see this type of support in the Phase 4 bill soon.”

Hinrichs points to the cities of Taylor, Trenton, and Wyandotte, for example, as municipalities that have eased restrictions that could assist in boosting the local economy to save businesses and jobs. Taylor, for instance, has streamlined outdoor business expansion requirements through an emergency ordinance, and is also focusing on issues like small business restart grants and collaborative purchases of personal protection equipment.

Hinrichs urges local, state and federal leadership to provide additional grant funding for businesses seeking PPE and other operational needs during the current pandemic. The MIOSHA Workplace Improvement to Safety and Health (MIWISH) Grant Program, for example, provides up to a $5,000 matching grant, though many small businesses may not be able to meet the match requirement.

The crowd at the celebratory ribbon-cutting will be limited in number to abide by current executive orders and is by invitation only. Media interested in covering the event should email Hinrichs in advance at rhinrichs@swcrc.com. Any attendee should practice social distancing and Centers for Disease Control and State of Michigan guidelines.

To learn more about the campaign, including downloadable letters, social media banners and flyers, click in https://www.swcrc.com/SupportDownriver/.

Be sure to follow the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber on Facebook at facebook.com/SWCRC and the Chamber website at www.SWCRC.com for all the latest news and events.

The Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber provides businesses and organizations across the Downriver region with the opportunities and resources to engage and network with other businesses, enhancing financial growth, professional development, and the ability to contribute to a thriving community environment.

Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best Chamber Partner in the USA!

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

or email John Dussman with the subject line: Chamber Assistance Requested. Thank you!