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.
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
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!
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
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!
New Arrival: Make Clarkston Your Hometown
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!
