Chamber of Commerce Daily News

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Showing posts with label Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 4, 2018

U.S. Chamber Awards Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce with 5-Star Accreditation; Linda Bynum, Ridgeland Chamber: Believe in the Magic of Christmas... Adopt a Child and Make their Dreams Come True!; Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce 2017-2018 Community Guide & Membership Directory; Christian County Chamber 2018 Legislative Update Breakfast; Invest In Your Team - Leadership Training - by the Wyoming/Kentwood Chamber of Commerce; 5 Star Chamber: Rapid City Area Chamber of Commerce 2018 Community Guide & Membership Directory; U.S. Chamber: Quick Take: Your Primer on Association Health Plans; Greater Reston Chamber: First Responders Appreciation Luncheon December 17; Fox Cities Chamber to host its Annual Report to the Community on January 17; Jasper Chamber: Women Empowering Women: THE POWER OF JOY!; Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S.

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

U.S. Chamber Awards Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce with 5-Star Accreditation

U.S. Chamber Awards Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce with 5-Star Accreditation
Sterling, Illinois. The United States Chamber of Commerce awarded the Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce with 5-Star Accreditation for its sound policies, effective organizational procedures, and positive impact on the community.
“Chambers of commerce play a critical role in their communities” said Raymond P. Towle, IOM, CAE, U.S. Chamber vice president of Federation Relations and Institute for Organization Management. “From connecting business owners with needed resources to advocating on behalf of their members with lawmakers, each day these outstanding chambers convene thought leaders and strengthen the collective voices of their members.”
Accreditation is the only national program that recognizes chambers for their effective organizational procedures and community involvement. In order to receive Accreditation, a chamber must meet minimum standards in their operations and programs, including areas of governance, government affairs, and technology. This extensive self-review can take 6-9 months to complete.
“We are really proud to represent the Sauk Valley Area member businesses and this community. The accreditation recognition verifies to our members that we work diligently to maintain the highest standards, implement effective programs, and impact change in areas important to our member businesses and organizations as well as resident of the Sauk Valley.” Shared Kris Noble, Executive Director.Local chambers are rated Accredited, 3-Stars, 4-Stars, or 5-Stars. State chambers are recognized as either Accredited State Chamber or Accredited State Chamber with Distinction. The final determination is made by the Accrediting Board, a committee of U.S. Chamber board members. The Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce has been accredited since 1972 and this year received a 5-star rating; the highest level of Accreditation given by the United States Chamber of Commerce. There are over 7,000 active Chambers of Commerce in the United States; with 208 having the distinction of being accredited.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.
The mission of the Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce is to Enhance the Economic Climate and Quality of Life in the Sauk Valley Area. More information: www.uschamber.com

Linda Bynum, Ridgeland Chamber: Believe in the Magic of Christmas... Adopt a Child and Make their Dreams Come True!

Dear Chamber Members:

This year we have once again partnered with Highland Elementary and have added Ann E. Smith Elementary to provide Christmas to 43 precious children whose families are having tough economic hardships.

These boys and girls, ranging in age from 4 to 10, have given the Chamber their names, sizes and three Christmas wishes which are very affordably priced.

We would love to find individuals/families to "adopt" these precious children and give them a Christmas they will always remember.

At this very special time of the year, we join with you to remember those who are less fortunate. Please help us to "adopt" these children and keep the hope, love and joy of Christmas alive in their hearts.

Just let us know and we will give you all the info you'll need.

Thank you for your support of our Chamber and great City.

Sincerely,

Linda

Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce 2017-2018 Community Guide & Membership Directory
The Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce 2017-2018 Community Profile & Membership Directory is available at the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber today! Thanks to Jon Maynard, Pam Swain, Rosie Vassalo and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!

Oxford Mississippi 2017-2018 Community Guide & 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.

Christian County Chamber 2018 Legislative Update Breakfast

Join us for the 2018 Legislative Update Breakfast where we will hear from Kentucky Chamber President, Dave Adkisson about the goals they are working towards for the upcoming General Assembly and how we are affected locally. We will also hear a federal update from a Kevin Courtois, Manager at the U.S. Chamber's Great Lakes Regional Office.

Legislative Update Eye Opener Breakfast

Tuesday, December 4, 2018
7:30 a.m.

The Bruce

Register Now

Invest In Your Team - Leadership Training - by the Wyoming/Kentwood Chamber of Commerce

Get Started

Bi-Weekly Education SessionsMarch 14th, 2019- May 23rd, 2019Evening classes 6:00 – 8:30 pm

For more information about enrollment in the WKLD Program contact WKACC at:
616-531-5990 or email bob@southkent.org

The Wyoming Kentwood Leadership Development Program (WKLD Program) presented by the Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce (WKACC) brings together the best in class business leaders. This Leadership Development Program is for those interested in taking their organizations to the next level by showing individuals how to increase their leadership and influence.

This program offers the opportunity to learn and apply the expertise of highly effective leaders to drive business results in your own organization. Participants will create an individualized leadership program with input from business sponsors, when applicable, to ensure successful outcomes.

All sessions are designed to cover one or more topics including subject matter experts, exposure to an active business leader, case studies, panel discussions with top community leaders, group coaching and relevant implementation tactics.

During this three-month Leadership Development Program you will experience:

Rigorous personality and leadership assessment to identify key leadership strengths and growth opportunities
Specific case studies that address and resolve leadership challenges applicable to your organization, regardless of size or industry
Facilitators skilled in ensuring optimum learning in a controlled environment that can be translated to practical use on the job

Working within a customized program that includes group coaching, peer-to-peer coaching and feedback sessions to ensure leadership behaviors are understood, leveraged and implemented
Foster and build an informal network to provide support of ongoing leadership issues

Value - develop and improve your leadership culture

\The program will enable you to develop and improve your leadership culture to drive individual and organizational success in the following areas:

Business Basics
Ethics & Values
Customer Focus
Drive for Business Results
Setting Goals & Strategic Thinking
Behavioral Self-Assessment
Teamwork & Team Building
Stress Management
Coaching Effectiveness

Member price: $175

Non-member price $250

5 Star Chamber: Rapid City Area Chamber of Commerce 2018 Community Guide & Membership Directory

The Rapid City Area Chamber of Commerce 2018 Community Guide & Membership Directory is available at the Rapid City Chamber today! Thanks to Linda Rabe, Lynn Kendall, Shiloh Francis and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!

Rapid City 2018 Community Guide & Membership Directory

Fill me in:Earlier this year, the Trump administration issued a new rule expanding what are known as Association Health Plans (AHPs), which will allow small businesses to offer their employees the same type of coverage as larger companies. These new AHPs enable small businesses and self-employed Americans to essentially band together, whether by industry or geography, to enroll in a more affordable health plan that will cover more employees.

Read the full post

Greater Reston Chamber: First Responders Appreciation Luncheon December 17

First Responders Appreciation Luncheon (December 17) - We support first responders in Reston and Herndon by providing them a thank you luncheon for all they do in our community. We rely on our membership to make this event a success! We request donations of food and gift cards to give to first responders. Gift cards can be for anything you think they would enjoy. We are also in need of some volunteers (a limited quantity) to assist with serving our local heroes. Please contact Amber Batchelor for more information.

Fox Cities Chamber to host its Annual Report to the Community on January 17

APPLETON, Wis. (November 26, 2018) – The Fox Cities Chamber will hold its annual Report to the Community on Thursday, January 17, 2019. Registration will begin at 7:30 a.m. with a light breakfast and networking. The Report will commence at 8:00 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. The event is scheduled to be held at The Grand Meridian, located at 2621 Oneida Street, Appleton, Wisconsin 54911. Chamber members and non-members are encouraged to attend this annual event featuring stories shared from Chamber partners about their experiences, relationships and the resources that inspire the community, invest in workforce and talent, and strengthen businesses in the Fox Cities Region.

This event is open to the public and there is no cost to attend, however registration is required. To register, please visit foxcitieschamber.com or call (920) 734-7101.

For additional news and information, follow the Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce on Facebook and Twitter (@FoxCitiesChmbr).

Jasper Chamber: Women Empowering Women: THE POWER OF JOY!

Wednesday, December 12th

11:45 am to 12:45 pm
Doors open at 11:30 a.m. for the networking opportunity, held prior to the start of the session.
St. Joseph Church Parish Center, 1029 Kundek St., Jasper

THE POWER OF JOY!

We write about it, read about it, sing about it, talk about it. Yet, how much do we genuinely experience it? So many people are waiting for joy to just happen, to show up on their doorstep and ring the bell. But joy isn’t a rare phenomenon that randomly appears out of thin air.

Rather, it is a state of wellbeing we can choose for ourselves and our families daily.

WEW welcomes Denise McGonigal, co-author of JoyPowered Family, to speak on the power of joy. She will share experiences and stories on how to embrace the many faces of joy – in celebration and sorrow, work and play, calm and chaos. Her presentation will encourage families to discover and harness the power of their strengths in making joy happen around them.

Her book will be available for purchase after the meeting.

Reservations required by DECEMBER 7:

RSVP to the Jasper Chamber of Commerce at 812-482-6866 or chamber@jasperin.org.

Lunch $5 per person—payable at the door.* Please bring exact change!

*Those unable to attend after having made a reservation will be charged the $5.00 per person fee
if cancellation is not received by Monday, December 10.

Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S.

Town Square Publications, a division of the Daily Herald Media Group, is a national chamber custom publishing group that specializes in developing partnerships by producing high-quality print and digitally integrated publications along with other added value programs dedicated to creating relevancy for local chambers of commerce and other membership focused organizations interested in raising non-dues revenues.

Town Square Publications parent company, Paddock Publications, has over 100 years’ experience of print product development and dedicated customer service in communities throughout the Midwest. Our experience allows Town Square Publications to offer you attractive royalty and non-dues revenue share streams, provide direct distribution of your custom designed printed publications, including digital and mobile integration, and all with the quickest turn-around times available in the industry. Town Square also offers multi-media maps in both print and online formats, both with our No-Cost guarantee. More information: Town Square Publications

Chambers of Commerce and member focused organizations serve as a valuable resource in the local marketplace. The networking opportunities and representation with a wide variety of diverse businesses in your community is the catalyst of a successful organization. For further information about Town Square's publishing partnership with chambers of commerce and our No-Cost guarantee and Earned Revenue Share Program, To request your chamber publication or map proposal, contact Town Square Chamber Proposal

Thursday, May 17, 2018

Over 250,000 people and 16,000 classic cars expected for the 14th Annual 28th St. Metro Cruise, a Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce event; Governor Holcomb on the Importance of Northwest Indiana; LEAD Peninsula and LEAD Hampton Roads event: 2018 Leadership Summit; Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce 2017-2018 Community Guide & Membership Directory; #FamousChamber Of Commerce Quotations: (Determine your Mindset); Setting up shop: Resources available to help new DeKalb County businesses; Gov. Bevin Awards Kentucky Work Ready Communities Certification to Christian County, Kentucky; Rapid City Area Chamber: How to Supervise People and Lead a Team - Back by popular demand: Glenn Shepard; Greensburg-Decatur County Chamber of Commerce Community Map; Reedsburg Chamber of Commerce prepares for May events; Industrial Wood Products Expands Vicksburg, Mississippi, Manufacturing Hub; Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S.

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

Over 250,000 people and 16,000 classic cars expected for the 14th Annual 28th St. Metro Cruise, a Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce event

Just a heads up for our 14th Annual 28th St. Metro Cruise happening on August 24th and 25th. This car event covers the entire 13 miles of 28th St. from Granville to Cascade.

We draw over 16,000 classic cars and over 275,000 people for this weekend event. There are bands, food, non food vendors and plenty of beautiful cars. On Saturday at noon we crown Miss Metro Cruise with a Pin Up Girl Contest. A family fun event.

The 28th St. Metro Cruise is presented by the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce and the Grand Rapids New Car Dealer Association.

Thank you.
Bob

Bob O'Callaghan
President/CEO
Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce
616-531-5990
www.southkent.org

Governor Holcomb on the Importance of Northwest Indiana
Recently, our own Chris Mahlmann, founder and owner of Ideas in Motion Media, sat down with Governor Eric Holcomb at the Crossroads Chamber of Commerce offices in Merrillville to talk about what he finds so important about Northwest Indiana. Highlights include the diversity, economic opportunity, and unique character of the Region. With the progress made with double-tracking on the South Shore Line and other progress made thanks to ongoing cooperation in Northwest Indiana, the Governor sees a lot of positive news in the future for the Region! Watch the full video for more! See the video: La Porte County Life

LEAD Peninsula and LEAD Hampton Roads event: 2018 Leadership Summit
Friday, June 8, 2018 from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM (EDT)

The American Theatre
125 East Mellen Street
Hampton, VA 23663

The Hampton Roads Leadership Summit is a collaboration of the Office of U.S. Senator Mark R. Warner, Old Dominion University, and six non-profit leadership programs in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia: CIVIC Leadership Institute, LEAD Hampton Roads, LEAD Peninsula, LEAD Historic Triangle, VOLUNTEER Hampton Roads, and Reinvent Hampton Roads. Summit co-hosts include Cox Communications, Port of Virginia, Newport News Shipbuilding, and TowneBank.

Program Overview:
9:00am - Coffee
9:30am - Welcome & Opening Remarks (Mayor Donnie Tuck, ODU President John Broderick)
10:00am- Keynote Speaker, Jon Acuff
11:30am - Break/Book Signing
11:45am - Panel discussion (Sarah McCoy, Dawna Ellis, Molly Ward)
12:15pm - Dismissal

Jon Acuff is the New York Times Bestselling author of six books including his most recent Wall Street Journal #1 Bestseller, Finish: Give yourself the gift of done. For over 20 years Jon has helped some of the biggest brands in the world tell their story, including The Home Depot, Bose, Staples, and the Dave Ramsey Team. Most recently he’s spoken to hundreds of thousands of people at conferences, colleges, companies and churches. Featured regularly on national media, Jon has been seen on CNN, Fox News, Good Day LA and several other key outlets.

The Summit seeks to:
Encourage and promote continuing community engagement and service by leadership graduates and young professionals.
Foster collaboration among the leadership development programs by convening new and past graduates across Hampton Roads on topics of mutual interest.
Recruit future leadership program participants.
Provide a high value, collective educational opportunity for participants that is beyond the offerings of individual leadership programs.

This event is coordinated by, Old Dominion University's Center for Regional Excellence located in the Strome College of Business. For more information, contact Center Director, Ron Carlee (rcarlee@odu.edu).

Share this event on Facebook and Twitter. We hope you can make it!

Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce 2017-2018 Community Guide & Membership Directory

The Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce 2017-2018 Community Profile & Membership Directory is available at the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber today! Thanks to Jon Maynard, Pam Swain, Rosie Vassalo and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!

Oxford Mississippi 2017-2018 Community Guide & Membership Directory

#FamousChamber Of Commerce Quotations: (Determine your Mindset)

"The mind is its own place and in itself, can make a Heaven of Hell, a Hell of Heaven." - John Milton

Setting up shop: Resources available to help new DeKalb County businesses

When choosing to work in the new DeKalb location of ATI Physical Therapy, Kris Heitzig’s decision was an easy one to make. Heitzig is the director of the clinic, located at 2115 Sycamore Road in DeKalb.

“Why DeKalb County? DeKalb County is the community where I live, it’s the community where I go to church, it is the community were my kids go to school,” Heitzig said.

ATI Physical Therapy is one of the 31 new businesses – out of the 131 total – that joined the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce since January 2017. Six new businesses came to Genoa since 2017. Of the 110 businesses that joined the Sycamore Chamber of Commerce since 2017, 43 were new.

RoseMarie Treml, executive director of the Sycamore Chamber of Commerce, said last year was one of the chamber’s best years for adding new business members.

“Our strength lies in the number and diversity of our membership,” Treml said. “That is why we feel it is so important for us to continually increase our membership numbers as well as focus on the retention of our existing member businesses.”

Matt Duffy, executive director of the DeKalb Chamber, said the question shouldn’t be “Why DeKalb County,” it should be “Why not DeKalb County?”

“We don’t want businesses to start and fail, and we think that by having more information easily available for business starters will help them succeed,” Duffy said. “By having resources and information, like demographics and statistics, readily available, they can do some research and take their business even further.”

One of the resources available to new and starting businesses is the DeKalb County Business Incubator program. The incubator, located in the Creative Center of the Community Outreach Building, 2500 N. Annie Glidden Road in DeKalb, helps foster and support the initial development of emerging entrepreneurs’ ideas by providing a rentable professional office space. The incubator also is new to DeKalb County, starting in August 2016. Read more: The Midweek News

Gov. Bevin Awards Kentucky Work Ready Communities Certification to Christian County, Kentucky

Hopkinsville, KY – Gov. Matt Bevin announced on Tuesday that Christian County has been certified as a Kentucky Work Ready Community.

A Kentucky Work Ready Community certification is a measure of a county's workforce quality. It is an assurance to business and industry that the community is committed to providing the highly-skilled workforce required in today's competitive global economy. Through this effort, Kentucky communities can assess their own workforce strengths and follow a process to become certified as Work Ready or Work Ready in Progress.

“We were thrilled to get the designation of being a Work Ready Community”, said Angie Major, Director of Workforce & Education for the Christian County Chamber of Commerce. “I have a passion for helping students find their way to success and for many that means finding good jobs. There are a variety of programs available for both students and adults to find jobs, we just have to continue to foster those efforts and ensure success.”

Many organizations played a role in obtaining the designation to include the Christian County Chamber of Commerce, Southwestern Kentucky Economic Development Council, Workforce Investment Board, Hopkinsville Community College, Christian County Public Schools, Murray State University, along with multiple community, government and industry leaders.

"The Work Ready Certification helps economic development recruiting efforts tremendously in our community and showcases the commitment to workforce said Mark Lindsey, Director of Southwestern Kentucky Economic Development Council. “ Certifications like these demonstrate the effort and willingness from different organizations working together as a team to accomplish this goal."

To become certified, communities must gather local support and commitment and apply for the Kentucky Work Ready Communities designation. Counties have to meet criteria in seven areas: high school graduation rate, career readiness certifications, community commitment, educational attainment, life-skills development, broadband access, and matching workforce supply and demand.

Applications for the certification are reviewed by a panel appointed by the Kentucky Workforce Innovation Board. The panel recommends certification by the board for the counties that meet the criteria. The panel meets four times a year to review applications, which can be submitted at any time.

For more information about the Kentucky Work Ready Communities program, go to http://workready.ky.gov.

Contact: Angie Major, Director of Workforce & Education, Christian County Chamber of Commerce, amajor@christiancountychamber.com - (270) 885-9096

Rapid City Area Chamber: How to Supervise People and Lead a Team - Back by popular demand: Glenn Shepard

Thursday, June 21, 2018 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM

Hilton Garden Inn
815 E. Mall Dr.
Rapid City, SD 57701

How to Supervise People and Lead a Team

Back by popular demand: Glenn Shepard

Presenting: How to Supervise People and Lead a Team

Tuition: $197 for Chamber members, $247 for non members

(If your business is a member- you are a member. If you are not sure, ask.)

Group Discount: When 3 or more enroll the 4th person attends for free.

If using this discount, only register 3 then e-mail 4th name to Debbie

Managing in today's business world is complex, ever changing, and wrought with serious consequences when you make even the tiniest mistake. You can be sued just for asking the wrong question in an interview, firing an employee who deserved to be fired, looking at an employee the wrong way, or for not hiring someone who wanted the job, even though they weren't qualified to begin with. It's becoming almost common to see on television that some disgruntled former employee returns to the workplace with a gun. How does a manager learn to avoid pitfalls like these?

For more information click here

Greensburg-Decatur County Chamber of Commerce Community Map

Greensburg-Decatur County Chamber map

The Greensburg/Decatur County Chamber of Commerce Community Map is available at the New Castle-Henry County Chamber today! Thanks to Jeff Emsweller and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!

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

Reedsburg Chamber of Commerce prepares for May events

The Chamber of Commerce will be hosting two Business After Five events to recognize local chamber member businesses. One will be May 3 at J’s Pub and Grill in Reedsburg which will celebrate its fifth anniversary and May 8 Wonewoc businesses members will be recognized with Beyond Boundaries, joined by the Friends of the 400 State Trail and the Friends of the Baraboo River, Kelly’s Woodfired Bistro and The Market Pizza, Pasta and Ice Cream Parlor where members of the public are welcomed to participate.

“Wonewoc has been really thriving the last few years they’ve got some new business in they are really working together,” said Kristine Koenecke, executive director.

The chamber will host its golf outing, silent auction and dinner fundraiser May 10 at the Reedsburg Country Club which Koenecke said has raised about $5,000 for the Chamber of Commerce to help pay for general expenses.

The Reedsburg Community Wide Garage Sale will be May 17-19. Those looking to register must do so by May 10 so participants and categories they are selling to be listed and placed on a map. Koenecke said it costs $20 to register for the garage sale, which includes a deposit for a sign. Once the sign is returned the $10 deposit will be given back. The maps will be available beginning May 16 the chamber, city hall, Viking Village Foods, the Reedsburg Public Library and Quillin’s Quality Foods. Read more: Reedsburg Times-Press

Industrial Wood Products Expands Vicksburg, Mississippi, Manufacturing Hub

Wood remanufacturing company Industrial Wood Products is locating several of its existing product lines and capabilities to Vicksburg, Mississippi. The project is a corporate investment of more than $2 million and creates 50 jobs.

Industrial Wood Products of Mississippi will locate industrial component manufacturing operations and a paint line in its Vicksburg facility. The industrial division will include cut-to-length, resawing, ripping, notching and grading capabilities to service pallet and crate manufacturers. The paint line will be used for the company’s existing Rustic Collection product line, which includes pre-stained shiplap boards to be sold in retail stores across the U.S.

“Our company is excited to have chosen Mississippi and Vicksburg as our location for this project. We found in Vicksburg a set of unique location advantages that will be of great importance to our company as we continue to grow our market share and expand our business,” said Industrial Wood Products President Ryan Hilsinger.

“We worked closely with the Mississippi Development Authority and the Warren County Port Commission, and we found them to be agile and pro-business partners that were effective in helping us navigate the site selection process,” he added.

The facility will also allow the company to provide a higher level of service and decrease shipment times to customers across the Gulf Coast region. Industrial Wood Products has committed to fill the 50 new jobs in Vicksburg over the next four years. The company also has two locations in North Carolina.

The Mississippi Development Authority is providing assistance for building repairs and renovations. The city of Vicksburg is providing in-kind assistance to help with water runoff affecting the facility and site.

“Industrial Wood Products decision to open its first Mississippi operations in Vicksburg is a great example of a public-private partnership benefiting the local economy and its citizens through job creation and new investment, both of which are vital to a healthy economy,” Governor Phil Bryant said.

“Vicksburg’s proximity to Industrial Wood Products’ customers, coupled with a skilled, committed workforce, will enhance the company’s tradition of excellence for many years to come,” said MDA Executive Director Glenn McCullough, Jr. “We salute our economic partners at the Warren County Port Commission, the Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Foundation, the city of Vicksburg, the Warren County Board of Supervisors, Greater Jackson Alliance and Entergy for their teamwork to bring Industrial Wood Products to Mississippi.” Read more: Area Development

Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S.

Tuesday, August 15, 2017

From Nicki Anderson, President, Naperville Chamber of Commerce: The Chamber of the Future - Why It Matters to Your Business and Community; New Castle-Henry County Chamber's 'Cash Bonanza' set for Aug. 19; Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber presentation: Live music, food, cars in store for 13th annual Metro Cruise; 250,000 expected; Fox Cities LIFE Study update puts focus on diversity; Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce 2016-2017 Community Guide & Membership Directory; #FamousChamber Speaker: Benton Area (Arkansas) Chamber Of Commerce: Chad Pregracke; Northern Virginia Chamber to Host Virginia Gubernatorial Debate; Kristi Mills is the new Director of the Yazoo County Chamber of Commerce;

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

From Nicki Anderson, President, Naperville Chamber of Commerce: The Chamber of the Future - Why It Matters to Your Business and Community

I just returned from a Chamber conference in Nashville. I attended for a few reasons, first to accept my new role as a Member of the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) Board of Directors, receive our Communications Excellence Award for our Rebranding and finally, to learn.

My Board appointment was a surprise as ACCE, an international resource for Chambers, is associated with excellence both in terms of resources they provide to their Members and their commitment to supporting the future success of Chambers. Given the NACC’s commitment to excellence, being part of this Board is a great way to connect with other Chambers committed to excellence.

Our rebranding recognition was due to the tireless efforts of Lauren Holtz, Director of Marketing and Communications, and her partnership with Paul Gregory Media. Their collaboration and commitment to the mission and vision of the NACC resulted in an award-winning rebrand. Thanks to you both.

And then there's the learning. Oh, the learning. I attended a number of workshops and the message was consistent, technology will continue be top of mind. Being more efficient with our communication methods and delivery of resources to our Members will be key. Creating more unique experiences for connecting is necessary for bringing in Members that value meaningful connections. Our commitment to advocacy will continue as we must make sure that over regulation or new policy doesn't stifle business growth. But aside from the above, the one constant is you. Because of your commitment to business and the Chamber you are directly contributing to a strong community. Business builds community and our goal is to continue to support you, your business and growth because without you, community suffers.

Chambers are not going away. At least those that continue to meet the needs of their Members. Gathering and connecting will be as important 10 years from now as it was 100 years ago when the NACC was new. Even then the Chamber was committed to a prosperous community and that focus has not and will not change if we are to survive the next 100 years. Read more: Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce

New Castle-Henry County Chamber's 'Cash Bonanza' set for Aug. 19

There’s still time to get a ticket for the New Castle-Henry County Chamber of Commerce annual Cash Bonanza, which is scheduled for Aug. 19 in the air-conditioned New Castle Armory, 1537 Grand Ave. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., dinner will be served at 6 p.m., and prize drawings get underway at 7 p.m.

According to Chamber director Missy Modesitt, the theme for this year’s event is a Hawaiian luau. Attendees are encouraged to dress casually in their best Hawaiian finery. The main event is a reverse raffle with the grand prize of $10,000 given away at the end. For those unfamiliar with a reverse raffle, Modesitt offers the following.
;
“Everyone who comes purchases a numbered ticket in advance. We only sell 300 and they are $100 each. Each ticket admits two people for the evening,” Modesitt said. “All of the tickets sold are put into the hopper. Once your ticket is drawn you are out of the running for the grand prize; however, thanks to the amazing generosity of our sponsors, we give away lots of great prizes along the way. We give away cash prizes including several prizes of $250, $100 and $50 as well as other great items like a family portrait package and a dozen donuts a week for a year.

“Last year, the odds of winning something were 1 in 15 and we anticipate about the same this year. Folks should get their tickets soon as we have sold out the last three years before the day of the event.”

In addition to the main event, the Chamber also sells raffle tickets for door prize items local businesses have donated. Each have a value of over $100. Also, 50/50 raffle tickets are sold, a “party barrel” is raffled off, and there’s a “last chance” raffle.

Those sponsors contributing to the event include Edward Jones, Castle Pawn Shop, Senior Living at Forest Ridge, Glen Oaks Health Campus, Raintree Dental, Kane Loveridge Wellness Group, The Courier-Times, Action Temporaries, ERA Integrity Real Estate, Myers Furniture & Appliances, Henry County Community Foundation, Henry County REMC, Jack’s Donuts, Nantz Photography, AB Sealcoating, Sheila’s Bakery, Rust Townsend Home Appliances, Harvest Market, and Henry Community Health.

Modesitt said she is still seeking additional sponsors and door prize donations.

Lee’s Famous Recipe is catering the event and Montgomery’s Steakhouse is providing a cash bar.

“The main reason we hold this event is to raise funds for our operating expenses and to fund our programs, but we also like holding this event to give our community the opportunity to come together for a fun evening and to enjoy the networking opportunities provided by events like this,” Modesitt said. “It is a great opportunity for our local businesses to sponsor an event that reaches a lot of people. It is also a lot of fun, everyone who comes really seems to enjoy themselves.” Read more: Courier Times

Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber presentation: Live music, food, cars in store for 13th annual Metro Cruise; 250,000 expected

The 28th Street Metro Cruise is making its way to the greater Grand Rapids area once again and this year, car lovers can experience two extra hours of cars, music and food.

The 13th annual Metro Cruise, presented by the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce, will have a new extended time this year on Saturday from 7 until 9 p.m. The event takes place over two days, Aug. 25 and 26.

Each year, hot rods, low riders, muscle cars, performance cars, and motorcycles cruise 28th Street through Grandville, Wyoming, Kentwood, Grand Rapids and Cascade Township.

The event was established in 2005 by the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce to help drive business to the 28th Street corridor when M-6 opened on the south end of Grand Rapids. It has been held every year since.

The event has grown from 85,000 attendees the first year to more than 250,000 in recent years. Over 15,000 vehicles are estimated to participate each year.

There are no limits on the types of vehicles allowed and it is a non-adjudicated event. Proceeds from the event are used to help support Chamber programs.

In addition to the extended time, new to this year's event are additional live music performances and food vendors, a first-ever map of the venue, a pedestrian walkway in the Metro Square area and a shade tent. Read more: M LIVE

Fox Cities LIFE Study update puts focus on diversity

The Fox Cities LIFE Study has been updated to take a deeper look at diversity and inclusion and workforce participation, according to the organizations that fund the quality of life study.

The United Way Fox Cities, the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region and the Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce and Industry released the updates Thursday morning, highlighting data that focuses on three of four priority areas in the Fox Cities.

"We listened carefully to the feedback from our community partners who evaluated the LIFE Study with us last summer and they raised some very good questions and asked for more extensive information around a couple of the areas of community life," said Curt Detjen, president and chief executive officer of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region. "We know the LIFE Study is used extensively by community leaders … and it's important to provide meaningful information to help them build the programs and initiatives that are really going to make a difference."

The study includes more than 200 indicators about demographic, economic, social and health issues in the Fox Cities. The 2016 data was used to determine community priorities, which include poverty, youth health, student performance and youth safety.

A total of 10 new data charts have been created. They include information on workforce participation, youth depression and suicide-related behavior, grade three reading proficiency, economically disadvantaged students, graduate rates and bullying.

Key takeaways include:
Students who identify as racial or ethnic minorities reported considering and attempting suicide at higher rates, especially those who identify as American Indian or Hawaiian or Pacific Islanders.
Among students who identify as lesbian, gay or bisexual, more than 45 percent have considered suicide.
More than 40 percent of the students who identify as lesbian, gay or bisexual reported being bullied online and in school.
More than one-third of American Indian and Hawaiian or Pacific Islander students reported bullying, compared to 25 percent of white and black or African American students.
The gap in third-grade reading proficiency remains significant between white students and students of racial and ethnic minorities, despite gains made from 2012 to 2015.
Students who identify as racial or ethnic minorities are more likely to come from more economically disadvantaged homes than their white peers.
Graduation rates over a six-year period declined for all groups, except students who identify as black or African American and for those who identify as two or more races.
Workforce participation is higher than the national average in Calumet, Outagamie and Winnebago counties.

The LIFE Study has traditionally been updated every five years. However, the funding groups decided to host the study online and provide additional information to make it more of a living study than a static one. Read more: Post-Crescent

Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce 2016-2017 Community Guide & Membership Directory

The Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce 2016-2017 Community Profile & Membership Directory is available at the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber today! Thanks to Jon Maynard, Pam Swain, Rosie Vassalo and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!

Oxford-Lafayette County Community Guide & Membership Directory

#FamousChamber Speaker: Benton Area (Arkansas) Chamber Of Commerce: Chad Pregracke

The Mississippi River was literally Chad Pregracke’s backyard while growing up near East Moline, IL. The son of educators and river enthusiasts, KeeKee and Gary Pregracke, Chad and his older brother, Brent, spent the majority of their time on, in, and around the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers.

During his summer breaks Chad worked on the river–primarily as a commercial shell diver for the cultured pearl industry, but also as a commercial fisherman and barge hand. Typically working miles away from home, he camped on the islands and shorelines of the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers to save money and fuel. It was during this time that Chad began to realize how neglected the rivers were, with the unsightly and toxic accumulation of trash along their banks.

One river, one piece of garbage at a time. At the age of 17, he started making calls to government agencies to notify them of the problem, assuming someone would take care of it. Year after year passed by and the problem only worsened. In 1997 Chad decided that, if no one else was going to clean up the river, he would.

In 1998 at the age of 23, Chad founded Living Lands & Waters. Today, the organization has grown to include a full staff and fleet of equipment. The crew averages nine states a year along the Mississippi, Illinois and Ohio Rivers, as well as many of their tributaries. Most recently, Chad expanded the mission of the organization to include educational workshops, The MillionTrees Project, Adopt-a-River Mile, Invasive Species Removal, and The Great Mississippi River Cleanup.

Chad’s vision, charisma, non-stop work ethic and natural leadership have garnered him an abundance of awards and honors over the years. Most notably, Chad was the recipient of the Jefferson Award for Public Service, America’s version of the Nobel Prize, in June 2002. Chad accepted this award in the United States Supreme Court in Washington D.C. with other award recipients: Rudolph Giuliani, Bill and Melinda Gates, and Lilly Tartikoff. In 2013, he was named CNN Hero of the Year. Chad is also the author of “From the Bottom Up: One Man’s Crusade to Clean America’s Rivers.” To purchase a copy of the book, please call the office at (309) 496-9848.

Time running out to sign up for Leadership Murray

In order to provide Murray/Calloway County with strong and effective leaders for the future of the community and West Kentucky region, the Leadership Murray organization was established with the assistance of the Murray-Calloway Chamber of Commerce in 1983. Leadership Murray members consist of the community's brightest individuals who excel in many areas of business and community service. Leadership Murray seeks to develop the potential in its members. Additionally, Leadership Murray provides an avenue for organizations seeking dedicated individuals to serve on boards and commissions.

Participation is open to all citizens residing and/or doing business in Calloway County. The program targets individuals with diverse socio-economic backgrounds and seeks a racial and gender mix reflective of the population at large. The recruitment process ensures a varied group representative of: business and professions, government, neighborhoods, and the community at large. Participation in the program is limited and applicants are encouraged to reapply to subsequent programs if not initially accepted.

Contacts
Aaron Dail, 270-753-5171 or aaron@mymurray.com
2017-2018 Leadership Murray Application

All applications are subject to confidential evaluation. Applications are due by August 25, 2017. All applicants will be notified of acceptance or non-acceptance by August 28, 2017. We have experienced some issues with our online application. If you fill it out and have any issues, please contact Michelle at michelle@mymurray.com.

ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENT

To meet graduation requirements, participants must attend all Leadership Murray sessions and accomplish the points needed in the Requirements for Graduation document. The orientation is mandatory. Orientation will be September 12, 2017 following the Chamber's Business@Breakfast. Please refer to the documents below in the Leadership Murray Class Dates section

REQUIREMENTS & SCHEDULE

View the schedule here.
View the requirements here.
View the employer agreement here.

TUITION & COST

If accepted into the Leadership Murray program, the program fee is $900. You or your company (sponsor) will be billed for this amount. The tuition fee of $900 covers all program costs, including lunch during class sessions, a ticket to each Business@Breakfast during our class, and room and board for the Frankfort Day trip. Tuition must be paid in full by August 31, 2017.

CLASS SESSIONS INFORMATION

Class sessions will be held on the day of the Chamber’s Business@Breakfast meetings. If you know now that you cannot attend the session on any of these dates, please consider holding your application for a future Leadership Murray class when you can be fully committed.

LEADERSHIP MURRAY CHAIR

Aaron Dail - 270-227-2659 or aaron@mymurray.com

Apply here: Leadership Murray

Northern Virginia Chamber to Host Virginia Gubernatorial Debate

On Tuesday, September 19, the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce (Northern Virginia Chamber) and the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University will host Northern Virginia’s Gubernatorial Debate between Mr. Ed Gillespie (R) and Lieutenant Governor Ralph Northam (D). The debate will be presented in partnership by the Northern Virginia Chamber and George Mason University Schar School of Policy and Government and held at Capital One headquarters in Tysons (1680 Capital One Drive, McLean, VA 22102). The event is sponsored by Farmers Insurance and ManTech. NBC4 Washington will serve as Broadcast Partner.

Highly respected journalist, political director of NBC News, and moderator of NBC’s Meet the Press, Chuck Todd, will moderate the Debate, which will focus on the critical issues facing Virginia voters. Julie Carey of NBC4, Aaron Gilchrist of NBC4, and Dr. Mark J. Rozell of George Mason University, will serve as panelists.

The Debate will air live on NBC4 from 7:00-8:00 p.m. and will be syndicated statewide on NBC affiliate stations. The Debate will also be streamed live on NBCWashington.com and the NBCWashington news app.

Follow the event on Twitter @NOVAChamber and #VAGovDebate. More: contact Alex Thompson at athompson@novachamber.org

Kristi Mills is the new Director of the Yazoo County Chamber of Commerce

Kristi Mills is the new Director of the Yazoo County Chamber of Commerce. Mills says that Yazoo is very proud of a couple of new businesses that have opened and of the new Willie Morris Parkway that promises to keep Yazoo County flourishing and growing in the near future.

“Signaturez Bar & Grill in downtown Yazoo City opened not too long ago and they’re famous for their chicken wings,” she adds. “So, we’re very happy about that. And of course, in the spring we saw our first Wal-Mart open up and that was a big deal for us. And then there is the new Willie Morris Parkway that is out by that Wal-Mart that we’re extremely excited about. In fact, we just recently erected a Willie Morris monument there. The plan hopefully is to see more economic growth in that area in the future.”

Mills adds that the downtown revitalization that has been an ongoing effort is still moving forward as well.

“Downtown is doing really well. The colorful downtown buildings are a daily draw for visitors and for Christmas we’re planning the fantastic display of lights that we normally have, and to coordinate the colors of the lights with the buildings. The revitalization of our downtown area is important and the project has been an ongoing effort by many in the community that is moving along quite well. So, we’re very proud of that.”

Tourism is also a very important aspect of the city and county’s growth, and Mills says that this past 4th of July, Yazoo City held their 3rd annual “Yaz Summer Blast,” a big multi-day event that draws many people.

“The weekend before the 4th of July, we had our “Yaz Summer Blast,” and it was great. We had fireworks and so many visitors from out of town just for the event. Main Street was blocked off and we had an entire weekend of music, food, fireworks and many street vendors. It was just amazing.”

Mills says the Chamber is also growing stronger by adding more members on a regular basis.

“Our Chamber hasn’t had a director for a while, but now that I’m here, my job is to try and get the Chamber back up to speed. I’ve been working hard on that. Since I’ve been in the position, I’ve brought in 60-plus members already, either first-time members or renewals; a combination of the two. And I’ve only been in the office since June 1, 2017. I’m also visiting each one of the businesses as I can on a weekly basis and talking with them, trying to get them involved with the Chamber. And so far, it’s been a really positive experience.” Read more: Delta Business Journal

Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S.