Showing posts with label Town Square Chamber publications. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Town Square Chamber publications. Show all posts

Thursday, March 3, 2022



Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce Announces First Ever CNEW Women’s Symposium



FREDERICKSBURG – Chamber's Network of Enterprising Women: Women's Symposium
announced for Friday, March 25, 2022, 8:30am to 1:30pm at the Fredericksburg Nationals Ballpark located at 42 Robinson Ln, Fredericksburg, VA 22405


The CNEW Women's Symposium is a half-day event designed to bring our women of the business community together, equip them with skills to be successful in life and business, inspire them to be their best, and renew their spirit.
Featured keynote presentation by Tatum Sheppard, Miss Virginia 2021.
Session Speakers:
Megan Shepherd, PMP, Chief Operating Officer of SimVentions, Inc.
Topic: The Importance of Women in Executive Leadership
Susan Coleman, Director of Marketing at Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center and Life Coach
Topic: Limitless!

The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce is pleased to honor Women’s History Month with this event celebrating women in our community and the comradery of women in business.

Get Tickets Here

Sponsorships Available, email thall@fxbgchamber.org. All sponsorships include tickets and marketing opportunities.




Wednesday, January 27, 2021

Batavia Chamber of Commerce to Honor Businesses Who Exemplify Confidence and Investment in Batavia as Ole Award Winners; New Arrival: Duneland Chamber of Commerce Community Resource Guide; Valparaiso Chamber: Message from President Rex Richards; Birmingham-Bloomfield Chamber: Health Check 2021 The Covid Vaccine: Facts not Fiction; Dearborn Area Chamber: Future Focus; Farmville Area Chamber of Commerce Receives Virginia Tourism Corporation Recovery Marketing Leverage Grant for Tourism Marketing; Michigan West Coast Chamber Solutions; Oxford Lafayette County Chamber: Job search, training, support, and resources available though a Partnership with FlexJobs & the Oxford-Lafayette County Economic Development Foundation; Rochester Regional Chamber Video: PPP, EIDL, & SBA Resources; New Richmond Chamber: The 8th Annual Cabin Fever Classic! Macomb County Chamber: MSGCU is Growing- Our 16th Branch is Now Open; Southeast Kentucky Chamber awards education grants; Midland Business Alliance (MBA): Upcoming Partner Webinars; The Wauwatosa-West Allis Chamber of Commerce Special Events Guide and Community Map; New Arrival: Make Clarkston Your Hometown; Facebook Post of the Week: Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce; Grand Rapids Chamber Work Cafe Opens Feb. 1st ; Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories, Maps, Apps, Quarterly Magazines, Digital Directory Sales and Community Profiles: The no cost, no risk best Chamber Publishing Partner in the USA!



Batavia Chamber of Commerce to Honor Businesses Who Exemplify Confidence and Investment in Batavia as Ole Award Winners


Batavia Chamber member Michelle ‘Mike’ Burke named Ambassador of the Year; all will be honored at the Inspire 2021 event in May.

Batavia, Ill. – January 21, 2021 – Today, seven Batavia businesses were named recipients of the 2020 Ole Award. Businesses who had final city permits by September 1, 2020 were eligible. One other business will receive a Green Ole Award, the second year for this award.

Additionally, Michelle (Mike) Burke was named Ambassador of the Year for the Batavia Chamber of Commerce. All recipients will be honored at the Inspire 2021: A Celebration of Those Who Inspire Us! event, tentatively scheduled for Thursday, May 20.

A committee of Batavia Chamber members, along with representation from the City of Batavia and Batavia Chamber staff, evaluate all Batavia businesses who meet the final permit timing qualifications. If no one on the committee is familiar with the improvements and/or new construction, a visit to the candidate is made, along with qualifying conversations. After deliberation, the committee selects those businesses whose investment and confidence in Batavia stands out as the year’s Ole Award winners.

The Ole honorees for 2020 and the appropriate category for their award are:
New Construction – Industrial: Cratos, LLC., builder, 1850 E. Fabyan Parkway
Remodeling – Industrial: Cast Aluminum Solutions Research and Development Technical Center, 1250 Douglas Road
Remodeling – Industrial: Midwest Industrial Funds/Second City Prints, 1020 Olympic Drive
Remodeling – Industrial: SD Wheel, 1300 S. River Street
New Construction – Commercial: The Boardwalk Shops (City of Batavia and Batavia MainStreet), 114 E. Wilson Street
Remodeling – Commercial: Oak & Swine, 107 E. Wilson Street
Remodeling – Commercial: Six + Cypress, 103 E. Wilson Street

The Batavia Environmental Commission selects the recipient of The Green Ole Award. Businesses that improved water quality and water conservation, were energy conscious, promoted healthy ecology, were more sustainable in their waste management, improved air quality and/or educated employees were encouraged to apply and showcase the work they are doing to make Batavia more eco-friendly. This year's recipient is GreenSeed Contract Packaging at 1025 Paramount Parkway.

The company creates flexible packaging that requires less water to manufacture. According to Emma Cole, Batavia Environmental Commission member, "Finding ways to reduce waste and responsibly meet packaging needs is a huge piece of the sustainability puzzle. GreenSeed is committed to thinking differently and helping solve the problem of single-use packaging through advancing compostable packaging technology, policy changes, and working with their clients on each project so packaging is individualized and less wasteful."

Ambassador of the Year

Batavia citizen Michelle ‘Mike’ Burke was named as the Ambassador of the Year for 2020. In a year when many of the Chamber’s events were cancelled or moved online, Mike set herself apart by attending as many events as she could to welcome new members and help them to connect with other members.

Besides being engaged with the Chamber, Mike is an active member and the president of the Batavia Women’s Club. She also serves on the Batavia Parks Foundation board and is a past major supporter of Batavia Youth Baseball and many other organizations supporting the vitality and strength of Batavia.

The public, per CDC guidelines, will be invited to attend Inspire 2021 and honor the current generation of hard-working Batavia business owners. Tentatively scheduled for Thursday, May 20, details have not been finalized.

The awards presentation of the Citizen of the Year, Robert ‘Bob’ Hansen; Spirit of Batavia, Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry and Clothes Closet; Batavia Community Impact Award honorees, Taking Care of Our Caretakers and Batavia Peace Rally on June 3, 2020; Ole Award winners, and the Ambassador of the Year will take place at the event.

For more information about any of these awards or the event, please call Margaret Perreault, president and CEO of the Batavia Chamber of Commerce, or Patti Anselme, special events coordinator, at (630) 879-7134. Sponsorship opportunities are available for the annual signature celebration for the chamber.




New Arrival: Duneland Chamber of Commerce  Community Resource Guide

The Duneland Chamber of Commerce Community Resource Guide 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 at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633.

Duneland Chamber Directory 

Valparaiso Chamber: Message from President Rex Richards

Dear Valpo Chamber Members:

The economy in Valparaiso continues to be strong and vibrant. While gatherings of size have been discouraged by the Governor’s decree, most businesses continue to move forward.

The real estate market is hot, however, there is not enough product to satisfy the number of people looking to move to Valpo. The influx of people from Illinois is driving the demand for housing sales in Valparaiso, Porter County, and Northwest Indiana.

Industrially, the tide has turned in our favor and we have larger firms making real estate purchases in Valparaiso. Early this Spring, I believe announcements will be made that significant recognized firms are locating their operations to this community. What is the reason for the interest in sizeable firms wanting to move to Valparaiso? It is our proximity to Chicago, as well as our overall quality of life, which includes good schools and reasonable taxes. The pandemic has brought many firms to Valparaiso because we are a well-run state with a AAA bond rating. Indiana works, where as our neighboring states are facing challenges with their taxes and cost of government.

The Valpo Chamber is no different than many of its members. We are having to alter the way we do business. During the next two to three months, our breakfast and luncheon meetings will be presented in an online format. Our AM Valpo monthly event has been operating in Zoom format since June, 2020.

This Thursday, a video link to our Annual Meeting featuring Mayor Murphy’s State of the City Address will be emailed to all members and posted on our Facebook page. We have recorded our entire Annual Meeting which you will be able to view in complete length at 12:00 noon on Thursday, January 28. Our Salute to Leadership event has been delayed until April in anticipation of being able to host a gathering with guests in attendance. If not, then that event may also be in video format.

I am honored to mention that our 2021 Chamber Chair is Thomas Long, president of NITCO, a locally owned telecom-ISP-CATV firm. Our 2020 Chair, Matt Vessely, regional president of 1st Source Bank, did an outstanding job leading our Chamber Board through this past challenging year. I cannot say enough about Matt’s steady stewardship of the Chamber during this turbulent pandemic.

To all our members I say onward and upward for 2021!

Rex G. Richards, CCE
President


Birmingham-Bloomfield Chamber: Health Check 2021 The Covid Vaccine: Facts not Fiction

Wednesday, February 03, 2021

Health Check 2021 The Covid Vaccine: Facts not Fiction

All about the COVID Vaccine featuring Dr. Nicholas Gilpin, Director of Epidemiology and Infection Prevention. Dr. Gilpin will offer information about the COVID-19 vaccine and answer questions. Event will be held online via Zoom. Meeting link will be sent to all registrants the day before the meeting.

Sponsored by: Beaumont

In Kind Sponsor: Health Guided

$15/person
When: Wednesday, February 3, 2021 10:00 AM thru 11:00 AM
Where: Online event


REGISTER


 

Dearborn Area Chamber: Future Focus

Future Focus on our Region featuring Ford’s Corporate Futurist, Sheryl Connelly

February 2 @ 9:00 am - 10:30 am 

Free

We are thrilled to welcome back Sheryl Connelly, Ford’s Corporate Futurist, as our speaker for our 1st Business Builder series of 2021. Sheryl will speak to the Future Focus on our Region.

City officials from Dearborn & Dearborn Heights will be on hand for any questions after the presentation.

RSVP to attend below this virtual event – ZOOM login information will be sent Monday, Feburary 1st.


Farmville Area Chamber of Commerce Receives Virginia Tourism Corporation Recovery Marketing Leverage Grant for Tourism Marketing


The Farmville Area Chamber of Commerce has received $2500 from the Virginia Tourism Corporation’s (VTC) Recovery Marketing Leverage Program (RMLP), designed to help local and regional tourism entities attract more visitors by leveraging limited local marketing dollars through a local match of the state grants funds.

More than $1.9 million in matching grant funds were awarded to 161 local tourism initiatives through this program. This funding cycle, local partners will provide more than $5.6 million in-kind value to match the VTC grants. The grants will ultimately impact 483 statewide tourism entities.

Your Farmville Area Chamber will use the VTC Recovery Marketing Leverage grant funds to promote chamber members’ businesses as well as businesses within the Farmville downtown district with paid ads on social media.

“We are so grateful and excited to receive this grant from VTC. Funds will go directly towards not only promoting our members, but also some Farmville Downtown Partnership businesses that are not chamber members,” shared Anne Tyler Paulek, Executive Director of the Farmville Area Chamber and Managing Partner for Farmville Downtown Partnership.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on the tourism and hospitality industries in Virginia.  As the Commonwealth slowly reopens for business, VTC offered these grant funds as a first step to re-entry into the marketplace to spur economic activity and future travel across the Commonwealth of Virginia.

“Tourism is a crucial section of the Virginia economy and when we invest in this industry, we support local job creation and drive regional economic growth, which is desperately needed now due to the pandemic,” said Governor Ralph Northam. “These funds give localities and businesses access to critical marketing resources that will help bring more travelers to our Commonwealth, increase visitor spending, and grow demand for Virginia products.” Read more: Southside Messenger


Michigan West Coast Chamber Solutions


The Chamber helps grow our members’ businesses, advocates for a business-friendly environment, strengthens our community and provides opportunities for individuals to maximize their potential.

Marketing Opportunities


Relationship Building


Leadership


Advocacy


Business Resources



Oxford Lafayette County Chamber: Job search, training, support, and resources available though a Partnership with FlexJobs & the Oxford-Lafayette County Economic Development Foundation


WHO SHOULD CONSIDER REMOTE WORKING?
Anyone looking for flexible, career-oriented jobs
People who live in rural or local areas where limited jobs in their career field would otherwise require them to relocate.
People with physical or health issues wanting/needing to find flexible work or remote jobs to suit their needs
Caretakers of loved ones with health issues , for the same reasons as above.
Retirees looking to stay professionally active and to earn some income.
Military spouses who need the flexibility to work from anywhere, in case their spouses are re-stationed.
Parents wanting to be more flexible for their kids and families.
And anyone else who would appreciate a job that better fits with their life, not a life that fits with their job!

Rochester Regional Chamber Video: PPP, EIDL, & SBA Resources

 

Did you miss the Resources for Small Biz Webinar with Oakland Chamber Network, the Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce, the SBA Michigan District Office, and the SBA Region V Administrator? Watch the webinar for details regarding beneficial programs and changes included in the stimulus package passed by Congress at the end of 2020.

 

·     Second round PPP (Paycheck Protection Program)

·     Reopening of the original PPP program

·     Beneficial changes to the EIDL (Economic Injury Disaster Loan)

·     And more

 Watch below!!! 


New Richmond Chamber: The 8th Annual Cabin Fever Classic! 

We are all suffering from a severe case of cabin but fear not: the NR Chamber has the perfect remedy for this affliction: The best solution--- 

the 8th Annual Cabin Fever Classic! 

Join us for the largest pub crawl in Western WI. 

This bar hopping event will be held Saturday February 20th and we would love for you and a team to join us this year! 

$140 per team of 4 Golfers and 1 Sober Caddy includes Golf, Dinner and Prizes! 

Prizes are awarded to the team with the best costumes and the team with the lowest score! 

Click here to register your team now!

 Macomb County Chamber: MSGCU is Growing- Our 16th Branch is Now Open

WE’RE PROUD TO HAVE A NEW HOME 
IN OUR HOMETOWN.

Michigan Schools & Government Credit Union began more than 65 years ago right here in Macomb County. And now we're opening our 16th branch at
26 Mile & Romeo Plank to serve you. We are pleased to bring all of the financial tools and support you’ve come to expect from MSGCU to another convenient location in the community. This new branch will include a drive-up ATM with easy access, for added convenience.

Meet us at the intersection of friendly and financial.

Macomb Township Branch Office
16224 26 Mile Road
Macomb Township, MI 48042
Phone: 866.674.2848


Southeast Kentucky Chamber awards education grants 

The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce recently awarded $5,000 in education grants through its Excellence in Education Grant Program to four schools across the region – three Pike County schools and one school in Magoffin County. 

Jordan Gibson, president and CEO of the Southeast Kentucky Chamber, said the Chamber’s Excellence in Education Grant Program is an important investment because it gives educators access to additional funding and resources that can be used for the betterment of the students they serve, noting that this grant cycle is particularly important due to the increased need for technology as teachers and students are finding ways to connect remotely during the covid-19 pandemic. 

“We are grateful to give back to the educators who are going above and beyond to educate our children, especially this year when educators are in need of more technology to bridge the gap with their students,” said Gibson. 

Dorton Elementary School (Pike County), Herald Whitaker Middle School (Magoffin County), Mullins Elementary School (Pike County), and Shelby Valley High School (Pike County) were among those to receive education grants from the Chamber. 

Dorton Elementary Library Media Specialist Rebecca Bowling received $1,250 to provide students with eBooks to promote reading remotely. Bowling said that due to covid-19, students have been learning remotely and have been unable to check out books from the school’s library, noting that students have already read most of the digital books offered through the school. 

Herald Whitaker Middle School Assistant Principal Jessica Prater received $1,250 for a 3D printer and supplies, which she hopes will give students the chance to “bring their creations to life” while promoting science, visual arts, and creativity. 

Mullins Elementary Curriculum Coach and Title One and Building Assessment Coordinator Rachel Branham received $1,250 to purchase computers for students to use at home for remote learning, noting that the school has loaned out all available laptops with some students still in need. 

Shelby Valley High Educator Zelda Hall received $1,250 for experiential advanced placement (AP) calculus tools and materials. Hall said students will be able to perform lab investigations to gain a better understanding of calculus concepts and will prepare them for future study in the field. 

“The purchase of this equipment will not only impact the educational experience of this year’s students but will also impact the education of our students for many years to come,” said Hall. 

The Chamber’s Excellence in Education Grant Program funds approximately $5,000 in educational projects annually in schools in the eight counties the Chamber serves: Floyd, Johnson, Knott, Lawrence, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, and Pike. Since its inception, more than $65,000 has been awarded through the education grant program. Each school can only receive one grant per grant cycle and must wait two grant cycles to receive another grant. 

“Each year, the Chamber looks forward to presenting these education grants to the dedicated educators of this region,” said Gibson. “We are honored to be able to give back to those educators and the students who are the future of this region.” 

For more information about the Chamber’s Excellence in Education Grant program, visit the Chamber online at www.sekchamber.com, or by phone at 606.432.5504.



Midland Business Alliance (MBA): Upcoming Partner Webinars

· From the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity and Michigan Rehabilitation Services: Strengths in the Untapped Workforce 

· From SBAM: Timeless Marketing Tools to See You Through Tough Times 

· From MI Chamber: Reductions in Force and Facility Closures: Things Employers Should Consider to Reduce the Risk of Liability 

· From MI Chamber: Keeping Employees Safe While Reducing Liability 

· From SBDC: How Stress Affects our Mental Health and Well-Being at Work 

· From SBDC: Removing Barriers for Underserviced Communities: A Conversation with the U.S. Black Chamber 

· From SBDC: Writing a Business Plan 


The Wauwatosa-West Allis Chamber of Commerce Special Events Guide and Community Map

The Wauwatosa-West Allis Chamber of Commerce Special Events Guide and Community Map is now available at the Chamber today! Thanks to Chris Ruditys and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!


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



New Arrival: Make Clarkston Your Hometown 





Facebook Post of the Week: Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce

We are excited to announce that our 2021 member directory is now available at the chamber offices (Monday-Friday 9am-4pm) and also online! Supporting local is more important than ever before so be sure to check out all our local businesses. #thinklocal #cacoc





Grand Rapids Chamber Work Cafe Opens Feb. 1st 


Starting next Monday, February 1, the Grand Rapids Chamber Work Cafe will be open Monday - Friday! We have missed working alongside our members, and we look forward to doing this again safely.

Our standard hours will be 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. All visitors will be required to complete a pre-visit health survey and will have their temperature checked upon arrival, courtesy of Applied Imaging. We have also installed plexiglass partitions, courtesy of Custer, to promote social distancing and allow you to work safely with confidence. 

Questions? Please contact Kessia Graves at 616.771.0330. 


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


Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories, Maps, Apps, Quarterly 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. 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!


Monday, January 11, 2021

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) will re-open the week of January 11; Effingham County Chamber President & CEO Norma Lansing Announces Retirement; Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce 2020 Community Profile & Membership Directory; Greater Owensboro Chamber Kentucky General Assembly Update: Senate Bill 5 Provides Business Liability Protection; Crossroads Regional Chamber: From the Prez; Mequon-Thiensville Chamber of Commerce Community Profile and Membership Directory; Clarkston Area Chamber and the Oakland Chamber Network: PPP, EIDL, & SBA Resources for Small Biz; GRAC: Results of the 2021 West Michigan Business Advocacy Survey are in; Roanoke Regional Partnership names new executive director - John Hull succeeds Beth Doughty; Portage County Business Council Welcomes New Board Members and Officers; Gift Ideas Under $50 That Support Oxford Businesses; MGC Chamber: Mardi Gras t-shirt sales will continue in Pass Christian; Southeast Kentucky Chamber virtual meeting: Kentucky Chamber shares legislative hopes for 2021 session, provides insight on covid-19 relief; Danville Boyle County Chamber of Commerce Community Map; Kentucky Chamber Paycheck Protection Program Loans Guidance; Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories, Maps, Apps, Quarterly Magazines, Digital Directory Sales and Community Profiles: The best Chamber Publishing Partner in the USA!

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

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) will re-open the week of January 11

The U.S. Small Business Administration, in consultation with the Treasury Department, announced on January 8, that the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) will re-open the week of January 11 for new borrowers and certain existing PPP borrowers. To promote access to capital, initially only community financial institutions will be able to make First Draw PPP Loans on Monday, January 11, and Second Draw PPP Loans on Wednesday, January 13. The PPP will open to all participating lenders shortly thereafter. Updated PPP guidance outlining Program changes to enhance its effectiveness and accessibility was released on January 6 in accordance with the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Non-Profits, and Venues Act.

This round of the PPP continues to prioritize millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $284 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses through March 31, 2021, and by allowing certain existing PPP borrowers to apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan.

Learn more


Effingham County Chamber President & CEO Norma Lansing Announces Retirement



The Effingham County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors announces the upcoming retirement of President & CEO Norma Lansing, effective April 30, 2021.

 Lansing has served as President & CEO since 1988.  During her tenure, the Chamber has nearly doubled in membership size, became a county-wide chamber and introduced many key programs including the Chamber Community Scholarship Program that has awarded over $200,000 to local students, the Business Outreach Center which serves local entrepreneurs and business owners with counseling, services and the Cooperative Energy Buying Program, offering business savings on their commercial energy needs. 

 

Under Norma’s leadership, the Chamber has won numerous state, regional and industry awards, including being named national Chamber of the Year in 2020 and the Illinois Chamber of the Year in 2016.   Lansing has built relationships between business, education and government that have resulted in programs such as Effingham County CEO, Effingham County Vision 2020 and Effingham Regional Career Academy.

 She has been the recipient of a leadership award from the Illinois Workforce Partnership, Distinguished Illinois Chamber Executive Award by the Illinois Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, Outstanding Leadership in Community and Economic Development by East Central Illinois Development Corporation and the Vocational Excellence Award by Effingham Noon Rotary.  She is an accredited Illinois Chamber Executive and graduate of the Institute for Organization Management, Basic Economic Development Course and Dale Carnegie training.

 In announcing Lansing’s retirement, Chamber Board Chairman Jeff Speer of ReMax Key Advantage noted, “The Board of Directors and I appreciate the 30 + years of service that Lansing has contributed to the growth and success of the Chamber.  At every meeting, my appreciation of Norma’s leadership and admiration for how much she loves our community grows.

 “We understand that finding Lansing’s replacement will be difficult, but we have been working on this succession plan for nearly two years and are confident that we will attract an experienced and capable individual to lead the Chamber in its role as the leading business development organization in Effingham County”, Speer concluded.

 The Chamber Board has retained Ottsie, LLC, Sally Rutledge Ott, ACE, NFPC, to conduct a search for the next Chamber President & CEO.   For more information, email Sally at effceochamber@gmail.com.


Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce 2020 Community Profile & Membership Directory

The Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce 2020 Community Profile & Membership Directory is available at the Crossroads Regional Chamber today! Thanks to Deann Patena and  the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!!




Crossroads 2020 Community Profile and 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.


Greater Owensboro Chamber Kentucky General Assembly Update: Senate Bill 5 Provides Business Liability Protection 


Many new faces were sworn in this Tuesday, including 22 new representatives and five new senators. That increased the super majority of the Republican Party in both chambers, 75-25 and 30-8, respectively. 

The House announced the following changes to the rules that guide its session: 

Abolished the consent calendar, which grouped bills together under one vote rather than individually considering each bill. 

Bills no longer have to be posted in committee for three days prior to a reading; instead, only one day will be required. Posting of some bills has been waived by legislative leadership in the past, and House Majority Floor Leader Steven Rudy explained that in a short session the rule change will simply forego the need to waive posting. 

Both chambers gave the first of three readings to priority bills today, an atypical move for most opening days. 

The 2021 regular session is a short session with a maximum of 30 legislative days available for the General Assembly to take action. Several legislators have suggested that the calendar will change to include working this Saturday, January 9, along with adding some days next week to pass priority legislation and push the budget process to the front of the session rather than waiting until the final days to do so. 

This year’s legislative session will last 30 working days and is required to end by March 30. 

The legislation being considered is mostly related to limiting Gubernatorial powers. They also deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, abortion and the courts system. Yesterday nine of the 10 bills passed in their respective chambers, putting them track to pass by tomorrow. 

It is anticipated that a majority of the legislation will be vetoed by Beshear. 

However, with super majorities in both chambers of the General Assembly, Republicans have the ability to override any vetoes. 

Summaries of the majority's proposed priority legislation follows: 

HOUSE BILL 1 

Allows businesses and schools to stay open as long as they “meet or exceed” guidance issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, detail their plan and post it on their door. Provisions waive interest and penalties on employer’s unpaid unemployment insurance bills until 2022. 

Allows family visitation for children in foster care during an emergency. 

Allows nursing homes residents to have one designated “essential personal care visitor” who would be exempt from any orders preventing visitation in nursing homes. 

HOUSE BILL 2 

Transfers the power to enforce state abortion laws from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to the Attorney General’s office. 

Allows the Attorney General to seek civil and criminal penalties for any violation of the law. 

Defines abortions as “elective” procedures— a response to the COVID-19 shutdown last spring when elective surgeries were suspended but abortions were deemed essential procedures and were allowed to continue. 

HOUSE BILL 3 

Creates three judicial districts spreading the cases filed against state government around the state instead of only in Franklin County Circuit Court. 

The chief justice of the Supreme Court would select one judge from each of the three districts to convene a panel to hear the case. 

The first district includes 54 counties in Western Kentucky (including the Greater Owensboro region counties), the second district includes 13 counties in Central Kentucky and the third district includes 53 counties in Eastern and Northern Kentucky. 


HOUSE BILL 4 (Constitutional amendment requiring voter approval in 2022) 

Our current Constitution requires the General Assembly to finish legislative sessions on March 30 in odd-numbered years and on April 15 in even-numbered years. 

House Bill 4 proposes striking those set dates allowing the legislature to convene at any time of the year and allows 10 extra days per year if approved by three fifths of each chamber of the General Assembly. 

HOUSE BILL 5 

Prohibits governor from temporarily reorganizing the executive branch cabinets, boards, agencies and commissions when the legislature is not in session. 

Keep existing law that requires legislative approval of any changes to the organizational structure of the executive branch. 

SENATE BILL 1 

Proposes placing a 30-day expiration date on any executive order restricting in-person meeting of schools, businesses and religious organizations unless the order is extended by the General Assembly. The bill gives local governments more flexibility for emergency orders they institute. 

Requires approval from the Attorney General if the governor wishes to suspend a statute through executive order during an emergency. 

Requires the governor’s office to give a report every 30 days about the contracts issued and revenues received while the state is under an emergency order. 

SENATE BILL 2 

Provides legislature more oversight over emergency regulations and allows legislative committees to amend the regulations or find them deficient. It also creates provisions allowing public comment on the regulations. 

SENATE BILL 3 

Removes the lieutenant governor as a member of the Kentucky Council on Agriculture 

Transfers authority over the Kentucky Agricultural Finance Corporation and the Agricultural Development Board from the governor to the commissioner of agriculture. 

SENATE BILL 5 

Provides liability protections for businesses operating during emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill seeks to protect businesses from being sued if someone catches the virus at the business. 

It would not protect a business from “wanton, willful, malicious, grossly negligent, or intentional failure to adhere to executive actions while the declared emergency continues.” 

SENATE BILL 9 

“Born Alive Infant Protection Act” requires physicians to “give medically appropriate and reasonable life-saving and life-sustaining medical care and treatment to all born-alive infants” and requires any abortion provider to take any appropriate steps to protect the life of a “born-alive infant” and makes it a felony if the provider does not comply. 


 Crossroads Regional Chamber: From the Prez

To Crossroads Regional Chamber Members and Community,

Happy New Year! 

As we enter into 2021 we hope to move forward with our favorite events as well as some new ones. 

We have an exciting January program featuring Congressman Frank Mrvan. Please register to receive the zoom information. 

We will be hosting our Annual Business Expo on February 16, 2021. Information regarding sponsorships and registration is in the newsletter. 

On March 13 we are planning a new event this year at the New Dean and Barbara White Community Center in Merrillville. We will be Celebrating the Chamber turning 10 years and honoring our local business community. More information to follow. 

We have several sponsorship opportunities available and our Partnership Program is available now for anyone interested. 

Please contact me at deann@crossroadschamber.org if I can help in any way. 

Be Safe, 

Deann Patena 

President/CEO




Mequon-Thiensville Chamber of Commerce Community Profile and Membership Directory 

The Mequon-Thiensville Chamber Community Profile and Membership Directory  is available at the Chamber of Commerce today! Thank you to Tina Schwantes, Gina Sotelo and the Chamber team for their help and direction putting this together! 


MeQuon Thiensville Community Profile and 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.


Clarkston Area Chamber and the Oakland Chamber Network: PPP, EIDL, & SBA Resources for Small Biz

Join us on Thursday, January 21 at 1:00pm for PPP, EIDL & SBA Resources for Small Biz brought to you by the Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce through Oakland Chamber Network. The SBA Michigan District Office along with the SBA Region V Administrator will discuss PPP updates and loan forgiveness, Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), and new resources included in the recently passed $900 billion stimulus package.

 There is no cost to attend, but registration is required to receive the link to join us via Zoom.

 REGISTER HERE


GRAC: Results of the 2021 West Michigan Business Advocacy Survey are in 

With responses from more than 700 members, the Chamber survey shows COVID-19 business relief and recovery, a talented workforce, and healthcare affordability as the top three issues for West Michigan businesses in 2021. 

The Annual Survey, coupled with our legislative priorities, is the foundation for our advocacy for member-driven policy and allows us to better inform government of our business’s needs.

Watch the video below to learn more about what our team is doing to address these concerns for you. 


 


“With vaccines and an end to the pandemic on the horizon, this is valuable input from our business community as we work to build a strong recovery,” said Rick Baker, President and & CEO of the Chamber. “The message is clear: create a business climate that supports small businesses and those impacted by public health restrictions as well as tackle barriers to business growth, like talent, to make West Michigan a prosperous region for all.” 

In this year’s survey, over 70% of respondents said that our West Michigan business climate was either favorable or very favorable – a significant backtrack from last year’s 94% favorability and many preceding years in the upper 90’s. 78% of this year’s respondents represented small or mid-sized businesses.

“Public health measures and business restrictions put in place to beat the pandemic have certainly impacted this metric,” continued Baker. “We are focused on working local, regional and state leaders to get this perception back on track. We must strive to be the best place to start and run a business in 2021.” 

See the survey results here and to learn more about our team’s work within the top three issues – COVID-19 relief and recovery, talent, and healthcare – visit the Chamber website. 


Roanoke Regional Partnership names new executive director - John Hull succeeds Beth Doughty

The Roanoke Regional Partnership announced Tuesday that John Hull has been named as its executive director. He succeeds Beth Doughty, who retired in December 2020 after 22 years with the organization.

Hull has worked with the partnership since 2010, most recently serving as its director of marketing intelligence. He was previously the acting director of business investment and executive director of the Western Virginia Regional Industrial Facility Authority and regional economic development manager with the Roanoke Valley Alleghany Regional Commission.

“John is one of those rare individuals that is a data-driven decision maker, yet understands the importance of relationships,” Roanoke Regional Partnership President Brett Marston said in a statement. “I look forward to working with him on the partnership’s current activities, as well as on future initiatives.”

Doughty joined the Roanoke Regional Partnership in 1990 as marketing director, served as executive director from 1992 to 1999 and then served as president of the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce from 1999 to 2008. She then rejoined the partnership as executive director and also served as president of the Virginia Economic Developers Association.

Founded in 1983, the Roanoke Regional Partnership is a public-private economic development marketing and strategy organization for Alleghany, Botetourt, Franklin and Roanoke counties, the cities of Covington, Roanoke and Salem, and the town of Vinton, as well as more than 200 businesses. Since its inception, it has worked with partners to create more than 19,000 jobs and has generated an estimated $19 billion in economic development investments. Read more: Virginia Business


Portage County Business Council Welcomes New Board Members and Officers 

The Portage County Business Council (PCBC) Board of Directors recently welcomed new officers and board members.  PCBC’s priorities for its members and the community are retention and attraction of businesses and employees.  PCBC serves as the chamber of commerce, economic and talent development organization and is home to Ignite Young Professionals, Ambassadors and the Heartland Leadership Initiative.

 2021 Officers include: President Ray Ackerlund, Skyward; Vice President, Kate Budd, Ki-Mobility; Treasurer/Secretary Craig Aittama, Delta Dental of Wisconsin; Brian Formella, Anderson O’Brien; Andrew Halverson, Ellis Construction; Todd Schroeder, Sentry; and Kelly Zagrzebski, WEC Energy Group (WPS).

 Eric Powers, AIG; Todd Reilly, Coldwell Banker Real Estate Group; Todd Schroeder, Sentry Insurance; Lisa Sobczak, ABR Employment Services; and Candace Taylor, Associated Bank were all re-elected to a second term.

 Amy Boston, The Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center, has been elected to her first-term on the Board of Directors.  Prior to Covid-19, the Holiday Inn had upwards of 140 employees with over 60 full time.  Amy is the General Manager of the hotel, overseeing all property operations to include lodging, convention facilities and the Amber Grill restaurant. 

 Amy was born and raised in Northeast Iowa and graduated college from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, FL in 2001.  She returned to the Midwest following college and worked for different franchised hotel companies, before locating to the Stevens Point area in 2007.  Since then, she has been an active hotel representative within the community.  She is currently serving on the Board of Directors of the Stevens Point Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (11 of the last 13 years) and also serves on the Wisconsin Hotel and Lodging Association (WH&LA) State Board of Directors.  Amy is a running enthusiast, participating in anywhere from 4-8 half marathons per year, and enjoys the convenient access to the Green Circle trail.  Amy and her husband Nathan have one daughter, Brooklyn who attends Roosevelt Elementary.

 Jake Feltz, Feltz’s Dairy Store, has been elected to his first-term on the Board of Directors. Feltz’s Dairy Store is a local retail store that opened in 2017 and specializes in the sale of Wisconsin products, mainly cheese, and family-friendly events including a corn maze, pumpkin patch, farm tours, and a small-animal petting zoo among others. They employ 11 full and part-time employees.

 Jake was born and raised in Stevens Point, graduated from Pacelli High School in 2014, and graduated college in 2018 with a degree in Agricultural Business between UW-Madison and UW-River Falls. Jake worked on their family dairy farm growing up and now works exclusively in the dairy store while helping out on the farm during harvest season. He is the fifth generation of the family on the farm. Jake does not have a specific title, but enjoys being involved in nearly all parts of the business. Jake enjoys watching and playing sports, listening to audiobooks, and researching and trading stocks. He was recently married to his wife, Amanda, in the summer of 2020.

 Megan Kuckkahn, Point Title, LLC, has been elected to her first-term on the Board of Directors. She is currently serving as Chairperson for the Ambassadors Club of the Portage County Business Council.  The Ambassadors are the good-will team for the community, supporting events, ribbon-cuttings, groundbreakings, businesses and non-profits.

 Megan was born and raised in the Madison/Stoughton area and moved to Stevens Point her freshman year of high school, graduating from Pacelli High School in 2008. After then moving to Madison and back to Stevens Point, she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from UW-Stevens Point. Megan is now a Closing/Title Agent at Point Title, LLC. She loves the Wisconsin Badgers and particularly enjoys watching them play basketball and football, as well as cheering on the Green Bay Packers.  Megan and her 8-year-old son, Uriah, live in Stevens Point and truly love living in the Portage County area.

 Kevin Schleicher, Wysocki Family of Companies, has been elected to his first-term on the Board of Directors. Kevin’s father in law, Russell Wysocki, also served on the PCBC Board of Directors. As a 4th generation member of the family business, Kevin is rotating around all business units over a several year span and will be primarily focused on all aspects of farming in 2021. Wysocki Family of Companies is a vertically based organization, growing, packing and selling potatoes and onions to the top retailers and manufacturers in all areas of the United States. The company employs about 420 employees, mostly based in Portage County, but has several remote offices in order to help other potato farmers sell their crop at maximum value.

 Kevin was born and raised in Cedarburg, Wisconsin. He moved to La Crosse where he completed degrees in International Business, Management and an MBA with a focus on sustainability from UW- La Crosse and Viterbo University. Post-graduation, Kevin worked for an organic dairy cooperative, Organic Valley, and managed the international business department selling organic dairy products to over 30 countries on 6 different continents- Antarctica was a tough sell. Kevin met his wife, Heidi Wysocki, in La Crosse while playing laser tag. Fast forward seven years, Heidi and Kevin are settled in Custer with two young children, two dogs and an exciting opportunity at Wysocki Family of Companies. Outside of growing at work, Kevin enjoys downhill skiing, competing in triathlons (the shorter ones), and sampling local food and beer from the many fine breweries and eateries in the area. He is excited to learn more about Portage County and serve his community through the PCBC board.

Contact: Todd Kuckkahn, Executive Director, toddk@portagecountybiz.com

715-344-1940, www.portagecountybiz.com              


 Gift Ideas Under $50 That Support Oxford Businesses

With just one week left until Christmas, last-minute shoppers can find that perfect gift for their loved one right here in Oxford without spending an arm and a leg.

The Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce’s Shop Oxford Local Gift Ideas online e-book is filled with ideas for gifts under $50 that help support local businesses.

From cheesecakes from City Hall Cheesecakes to art supplies from the Clay Canvas to gift certificate ideas, the online e-book has something for just about anyone on your shopping list, and all for less than $50.

Shopping local keeps tax dollars here in Oxford. Sales taxes are the largest revenue source for the city’s budget.

“This year has been tough on our local economy, to say the least,” said Chamber Senior Vice President Pam Swain. “Our local shops, restaurants and local service providers need your support now more than ever.”

Click here to view the Shop Oxford Local Gift Ideas online e-book. Read more: HottyToddy.com

MGC Chamber: Mardi Gras t-shirt sales will continue in Pass Christian

The Pass Christian Mardi Gras Parade is canceled, along with many others on the Coast, but the carnival celebration doesn’t have to end. The Pass Christian Chamber of Commerce has partnered up with local tattoo artist Ben Rusher to design a Mardi Gras t-shirt. The vibrant colors represent Pass Christian with accents of wildlife and nature in the area. The white long-sleeve t-shirts are available for pre-order only at mscoastchamber.com. Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce CEO Adele Lyons said, "Certainly some parades and balls are being canceled but that doesn't mean Mardi Gras Day just goes away. It'll still be celebrated in a lot of different forms. I'm sure we'll start seeing king cakes come out. So, it was really important for the Pass Christian Chamber to move forward with Mardi Gras by having a t-shirt. This helps support the small business grants that are given out in that community as well as scholarships to high school students. So, it's a way of still celebrating Mardi Gras whether you're at a parade or not.” The t-shirts are on sale right now for $20 and larger sizes are $24. You can preorder until January 25th and they will be ready for pick up February 4th. Source: Index-Journal

Southeast Kentucky Chamber virtual meeting: Kentucky Chamber shares legislative hopes for 2021 session, provides insight on covid-19 relief 



Pandemic relief and recovery were the main focuses of Kentucky Chamber President Ashli Watts during a virtual meeting hosted by the Southeast Kentucky Chamber on Thursday to discuss the state chamber’s priorities for the 2021 legislative session which kicks off in January. 

Watts opened up Thursday’s meeting touching on covid-19 vaccines in Kentucky. She said she had spoken with Ky. Gov. Andy Beshear prior to the meeting and had been informed that all front-line health workers and first responders are scheduled to receive the vaccine by January, when EMT and EMS workers are expected to be vaccinated. 

“66 percent of covid deaths in Kentucky have been in our long-term care facilities,” said Watts, noting that those facilities should be receiving the vaccine as early as December 15. She said the Kentucky Chamber is suggesting that those vaccines take place on site at the workplace. 

From there, Watts transitioned to discuss the top priorities of the state chamber for the 2021 legislative session which, according to Watts, include: Infrastructure, covid-19 liability protections, modernization of the state’s unemployment insurance program, tax reform, substance use disorder and recovery, reform of the state’s criminal justice system, investing in education, focusing on childcare, and supporting Kentucky’s signature industries. 

In terms of infrastructure, Watts said the Chamber is urging for a gas tax to help raise money to fix existing infrastructure as well as to provide for new infrastructure needs across the state. 

“The gas tax is really a consumption-based tax where you can see the improvements,” said Watts. “We do not have enough money in our road fund to pay for our existing infrastructure, or to maintain [it].” 

For more information contact: Josh Little | Director of Operations, Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce - o. 606.432.5504


Danville Boyle County Chamber of Commerce  Community Map

The Danville Boyle County Chamber of Commerce Community Map is available at the Chamber today! Thanks to Jeff Jewel, Treina Miller and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!

Town Square Publications (https://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.

Danville Boyle County Chamber Community Map


Kentucky Chamber Paycheck Protection Program Loans Guidance


As part of the latest Congressional pandemic relief bill, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) was renewed, and applications will re-open the week of January 11th. 


On Wednesday, January 13 at 10:00 AM, join panelists, Brian Cromer of Stites & Harbison and Diane Kilner of MCM CPAs and Advisors, for a discussion of what has changed for this new round of funding and how to make use of the program. 

Before Wednesday, we also encourage you to check out the U.S. Chamber’s Guide to Small Business COVID-19 Emergency Loans

CLICK TO REGISTER 

Key PPP updates include: 
PPP borrowers can set their PPP loan’s covered period to be any length between 8 and 24 weeks to best meet their business needs; 
PPP loans will cover additional expenses, including operations expenditures, property damage costs, supplier costs, and worker protection expenditures; 
The Program’s eligibility is expanded to include 501(c)(6)s, housing cooperatives, direct marketing organizations, among other types of organizations; 
The PPP provides greater flexibility for seasonal employees; 
Certain existing PPP borrowers can request to modify their First Draw PPP Loan amount; and 
Certain existing PPP borrowers are now eligible to apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan. 
A borrower is generally eligible for a Second Draw PPP Loan if the borrower: 
Previously received a First Draw PPP Loan and will or has used the full amount only for authorized uses; 
Has no more than 300 employees; and 
Can demonstrate at least a 25% reduction in gross receipts between comparable quarters in 2019 and 2020. 

The new guidance released includes: 
PPP Guidance from SBA Administrator Carranza on Accessing Capital for Minority, Underserved, Veteran, and Women-owned Business Concerns; 
Interim Final Rule on Paycheck Protection Program as Amended by Economic Aid Act; and 
Interim Final Rule on Second Draw PPP Loans. 

Find the list of PPP lenders, download the application form, and learn more by visiting the U.S. Small Business Administration website: sba.gov/ppp



Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories, Maps, Apps, Quarterly Magazines, Digital Directory and Community Profiles: The 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!