Kentucky Senate president wants to know region; Export 101, Hosted by Michigan Small Business Development Center - Ann Arbor, Michigan June 24, 2014; Former Little Rock Regional Chamber Board Member, Simmons' Susan Smith Recognized by National Association of Corporate Directors; Ross, Ellington Chamber President Roberts to Testify Before Subcommittee Regarding Ozark National Scenic Riverways; Bloomington (Indiana) puts new rules on chain businesses; Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotations (When Change is Necessary): Arthur Schopenhauer

Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers stopped in Bowling Green on Monday to meet with business and community leaders, making the first of a series of visits to cities during his weeklong tour of the western half of the state.
Stivers, R-Manchester, met with the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce in the morning, ate lunch at the Western Kentucky University Alumni Center and toured the WKU Health Science Center before wrapping up the day at the National Corvette Museum and the NCM Motorsports Park. Read more: Bowling Green Daily News

Cooperate to inject new life into the Kansas City area economy
The longtime belief about the Kansas City metropolitan area is that our good quality of life and diversified businesses create a stable economy with decent paying jobs.
But a report from the Mid-America Regional Council and the Brookings Metropolitan Policy Program challenges that mantra with facts that reveal a more sobering reality. Read More: Kansas City Star Editorial

Export 101, Hosted by SBDC - Ann Arbor, Michigan June 24, 2014

EVENT DESCRIPTION: This event will cover the basic concepts in exporting--from doing market research, to entering your target market, to the logistics and legalities of shipping your product overseas, and getting paid. This session will offer a wealth of information to those considering, or new to exporting, as well as some tips and ideas for those already exporting. The seminar will include case studies and interactive group discussions, as well as time for questions and answers.

TOPICS INCLUDE: ·
Creating an Export Plan ·
Local, Statewide, and National Resources for Exporting ·
Market Research & Foreign Market Selection ·
International Logistics & Incoterms ·
Trade Compliance, Export Controls & Documentation ·
Risk Management

FEES AND REGISTRATION:  $25 – No cost to Chamber of Commerce members.·  Click here to Register:· Export 101

Former Little Rock Regional Chamber Board Member, Simmons' Susan Smith Recognized by National Association of Corporate Directors

Susan Smith was recently named a National Association of Corporate Directors fellow. The distinction is the highest for corporate directors and corporate governance professionals. The fellowship program is renewable on an annual basis. Read more: Arkansas Business

Ross, Ellington Chamber President Roberts to Testify Before Subcommittee Regarding Ozark National Scenic Riverways

Republican State Rep. Robert Ross of the Yukon community near Houston, Mo., and Christy Roberts, president of the Ellington Chamber of Commerce, were both scheduled to testify before a Congressional subcommittee Tuesday, June 10.
The two are outspoken advocates for more local control of  the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. They have been invited by U.S. Representative Jason Smith (R, MO-8) to testify in support of two House Resolutions he has offered. Read more: Reynolds County Courier

Bloomington (Indiana) puts new rules on chain businesses

City officials in Bloomington are creating new rules for chain businesses looking to open in the downtown area.
The City Council voted Wednesday night to require what it calls standardized businesses seeking to open a downtown storefront to obtain a special zoning permit that specifies details of the building's look and design.
Supporters say the step is intended to protect the downtown's appearance. The Herald-Times reports the rules will apply to a nine-block area around the courthouse square and a 12-block zone west of the Indiana University campus.
The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce opposed earlier proposals that could've blocked new chain businesses if officials believed there was an over concentration of them. Chamber president Jeb Conrad says the group is excited about the spirit of the new ordinance. Source: Evansville Courier & Press

Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotations (When Change is Necessary)

“All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident.” --- Arthur Schopenhauer

Debbie Simpson, Chairwoman of the Northern Kentucky Chamber to Speak on Change; Lee’s Summit R-7 Holds Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for New CNG Public Fill Station; Blytheville Chamber Businesses encouraged to increase recycling; The Intersection Connection Achieves $11.9 Million Milestone --- Greater Lafayette Commerce; Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotations (Leadership): Steve Jobs

Change, the one thing to count on in life, can be paralyzing without the skills to deal with it. It’s change that has highlighted the career of Debbie Simpson, chairwoman of the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce and president of Multi-Craft.
Simpson will speak on “Change – Learn to Love it” at the Sharonville Chamber of Commerce Business Connection Lunch on Thursday, June 19, at Elements Conference and Event Centre, 11974 Lebanon Road. Read more: Cincinatti.com

Lee’s Summit R-7 Holds Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for New CNG Public Fill Station

The Lee’s Summit R-7 School District near Kansas City celebrated the opening of a new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) public fill station at a ribbon-cutting ceremony held by the Lee’s Summit Chamber of Commerce on June 6.
The master of ceremonies for the event was Kent Kirby of the Chamber of Commerce. Speakers included Dr. David McGehee, R-7 superintendent and Mo., representative Gary Cross. Read More:  School Transportation News

Blytheville Chamber Businesses encouraged to increase recycling

Robert Hunter with the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality spoke at Monday's luncheon of the Greater Blytheville Area Chamber of Commerce, focusing his talk on the positive impacts recycling can have not only for a community but as a way of significantly cutting expenses for businesses. Read more: Blytheville Courier News

The Intersection Connection Achieves $11.9 Million Milestone --- Greater Lafayette Commerce

A news conference at Greater Lafayette Commerce on June 10 revealed that The Intersection Connection has raised more than $11.9 million toward its efforts to build a 120,000-square-foot building on the Ivy Tech Community College - Lafayette campus. It will house the YMCA, Junior Achievement and an Indiana University Health Arnett clinical practice. "This is the next step-and a giant one-in advancing our community of choice efforts," said Tippecanoe County Commissioner Tom Murtaugh. A construction timeline, building specifics and final cost are in the planning stages.


Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotations (Leadership):


“Don’t be trapped by dogma—which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of other’s opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” ~ Steve Jobs

Best Chamber Practices --- the "What your chamber accomplished in the last 365 days" page - Check out the Ardmore, Oklahoma Chamber; Kansas City: Open House for the new Veterans Business Resource Center ;Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotations: (Margaret Mead)

Ardmore, (Oklahoma) Chamber of Commerce

2013 Accomplishments

IMPROVING THE BUSINESS CLIMATE

• Provided management services to the Ardmore Development Authority (ADA)
• Coordinated bi-weekly luncheons with local legislators during the Legislative Session providing opportunities to receive updates and have timely input and influence on legislation
• Legislative action network kept members informed via newsletters, emails, and fax alerts
• Initiated the new format for the Ardmore City Forum (Luncheon) to update members on city projects and priorities along with the opportunities to meet with the various departments at the function
• Coordinated successful efforts to renew the ¼ cent sales tax for jobs in September
• Promoted the Oklahoma Prosperity Project, encouraging local business and industry to encourage employees to register to vote and providing non-partisan information on business-related issues 
• Participated in legislative monitoring with the Research Institute for Economic Development (REID).  Since the advent of REID, legislators have demonstrated a more pro-business attitude
• Hosted meetings with the State Officials and Legislators to educate them on Ardmore area needs and to promote a pro-business environment.
• Coordinated “Ardmore Day” at the State Capitol, affording members an opportunity to meet with elected officials and relay the Ardmore Pro-Business Legislative Agenda.
• Promoted the summer “Sales Tax Holiday” providing tax relief on back to school items 
• Coordinated Tax Increment Finance District projects for the City and the Ardmore Development Authority (ADA) 
• Participated in the National Super Coalition (NASCO) a multi-state and international coalition working to improve transportation and logistics along the I-35 corridor
• Served on the State Chamber Board of Directors
• Served on the OEDC (Oklahoma Economic Development Council)  and Governor’s Economic Development Team

ORGANIZATIONAL AFFAIRS

• Coordinated the 22nd Leadership Ardmore Class and incorporating updates and curriculum changes
• Coordinated Ardmore Youth Leadership Class IV for area sophomores and juniors
• Provided support for the Ardmore Young Professionals Organization
• Provided Management services to the Ardmore Development Authority, the Ardmore Tourism Authority and Chamber of Commerce Foundation
• Served on the Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce Executives Special Committee, State Chamber of Commerce Board,  Center for Chamber of Commerce Excellence, Oklahoma Society of Association Executives, MAKO Conference and other organizations
• Coordinated the implementation of Ardmore 2020 Initiatives
• Raised $265,000 in Total Resource Campaign

EDUCATION IMPROVEMENT

• Provided support for the transition and construction of new facilities at the University Center of Southern Oklahoma
• Participation in the US Chamber Foundation’s effort to implement the Common  Core Standards in Oklahoma schools
• Participation in local efforts
• Attendance at organizational events in Washington DC and New Orleans
• Initial implementation of comprehensive Literacy effort in partnership with the US Chamber Foundation and funded by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation
• Developed and introduced “pilot” phase of MVP Mentoring Program in Ardmore City Schools
• The Cornerstone Program in eighth operational year.
• Summer school funding by Cornerstone Program
• The AVID Program was funded at Ardmore City Schools
• Benchmark testing software in use at all school sites

·         22 Oklahoma Scholars graduated in May from Ardmore High School

·         Hosted the Annual Teacher Appreciation Reception, attended by over 320 area educators

·         Served on the State Chamber Education and Workforce Committee

COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS

• Provided regular news articles for the Sunday Ardmoreite.  In addition, fax, e-mails and the website were used to inform members of pertinent issues and special events
• Completed production of the Annual Report in conjunction with the Awards Banquet
• Provided all new members with a free advertisement in the Daily Ardmoreite, and reduced rate advertising at the Southern Oklahoma Radio Center to promote their business
• Maintained active involvement with all  media to notify them of chamber and community events and encouraged their coverage of Chamber activities
• Produced enhanced  monthly “E News” electronic newsletter as a compliment to the monthly newsletter
• Continued enhancement to the information on the Ardmore.org website:  specific events and visioning information were added for community access, community links were increased, and event registration including on-line payment options were added.
• Produced a Membership Directory that is provided to all Chamber members and is included in all relocation and tourism packets
• Improved informational packets to promote Chamber members; created new city map
• Developed statewide and regional programs for promotion of Ardmore including Oklahoma Today Magazine, Preview Magazine and Metro Family Magazine.
• Enhanced the Chamber E-News electronic newsletter and Chamber Facebook page to increase exposure to Chamber events, publications and members
• “Chamber Chatter” column was featured the first Sunday of each month
• Provided programs to various civic and community organizations
• Coordination of the Fireball Run event publications and media information - scheduled for fall 2014

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

• Active participation in health initiatives coordinated through the Health Department
• Received Certified Healthy Business designation
• Construction substantially completed on park in Southwest Ardmore
• Hickory Ridge Phase III development underway. 
• Promoted retail and dining/entertainment in conjunction with community partners – Main Street Authority, Charles B. Goddard Center and Hardy Murphy Coliseum
• Coordinated the 2013 Festival of Lights Auction and Drive Thru Activities
• Provide Community Tours for professionals considering relocation to Ardmore. 
• Continued development of  Wayfind sign system for Ardmore
• Support of the Art in Public Places initiative with through financial support of students in Jesus Morales workshops. The result was a sculpture placed at Santa Fe Depot

MEMBERSHIP SERVICES

• Continued support of  a new insurance product that rewards healthy behaviors (Ardmore Chamber Care)
• Provided critical information with regard to the Affordable Care Act including a seminar for employers
• Introduced a quarterly “Business Before Hours” at area industry – well received by members
• Enhanced the Southern Oklahoma Leaders Lunch to better meet the needs of members
• Assisted with the development of a community wide Corporate Challenge to encourage healthy lifestyles among employees
• Conducted seminars and meetings to provide support for small businesses.  Coordinated monthly Business After Hours providing an excellent venue for networking
• Coordinated successful Health and Fitness Expo in conjunction with A2A Marathon
• Coordinated the Chamber Ambassador program to recruit and retain chamber members and involvement
• In conjunction with the Oklahoma State Chamber, continued promotion of “Chamber Blue” an affordable health insurance product designed to meet the needs of small employers
• Increased use of membership software to provide specific benefits to members
• Performed a survey of chamber members to determine their preferences and needs as they related to chamber programs, products and services

SBA to Ease Key Loan Requirements: Women Business Owners Stand to Gain

Earlier this week, the Small Business Administration (SBA) announced a groundbreaking initiative to address undercapitalization, a challenge facing America’s underserved small business owners. Beginning July 1, lenders will no longer have to perform an analysis of cash flow or debt-service coverage on loans of $350,000 or less, thereby eliminating two burdensome requirements. Using the new SBA scoring tool, banks will be incentivized to underwrite more small-dollar loans, and reduce the time needed to originate a small-dollar loan by as much as 50%. The National Women’s Business Council (NWBC) commends Administrator Contreras-Sweet, and the SBA, for this action – this as a significant opportunity for women-owned small businesses to take advantage of the new streamlined and expedited process. Access to capital is one of the NWBC’s main focus areas in advancing the women’s entrepreneurship agenda, and we are pleased the SBA is taking action, putting forth solutions, and expanding opportunity.

“The issues of access to start-up and expansion capital and the relative undercapitalization of women owned businesses at inception remain the toughest obstacles for women entrepreneurs. In the National Women’s Business Council’s FY2013 annual report, we articulated the need for a new streamlined approach to accessing capital, particularly SBA backed loans,” said NWBC Chair Carla Harris. Read More: SBA & the National Women's Council



Kansas City: Open House for the new Veterans Business 

Resource Center

Please join us Thursday, June 26 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Small Business Administration (SBA) Kansas City District Office to meet Tracy Bentley, Business Development Consultant for the Veterans Business Resource Center (VBRC) and see the office VBRC has recently opened in the SBA Kansas City District Office. 

Information on SBA’s programs and services as well as VBRC resources will be presented followed with opportunities for questions and discussion. 

Event Details:

          Date:            Thursday, June 26, 2014

          Time:           9:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m.

          Location:     Kansas City District Office
                             1000 Walnut Street, Room 500
                             Kansas City, Missouri 64106
                             Limited validated parking will be available at the 1025 Main St.
                             Garage.

Please register by Tuesday, June 24, 2014 by contacting Robbie Moore at 816-426-4933, robbie.moore@sba.gov or Barbara Caldwell at 816-426-4902 or Barbara.Caldwell@sba.gov

Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotations: (People Power)



“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” ~ Margaret Mead


Forbes 25/50

Chamber Executive Ongoing Education Weekly New Idea: Think Like a Freak: The Authors of Freakonomics Offer to Retrain Your Brain; Tourism Means Big Bucks In Arkansas - Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce; Chamber Social Media Examination: From Buffer App - The 15-Minute Social Media Audit Everyone Can Do; Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation: (Work Ethic) Estee Lauder

The New York Times bestselling Freakonomics changed the way we see the world, exposing the hidden side of just about everything. Then came SuperFreakonomics, a documentary film, an award-winning podcast, and more.

Now, with Think Like a Freak, Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner have written their most revolutionary book yet. With their trademark blend of captivating storytelling and unconventional analysis, they take us inside their thought process and teach us all to think a bit more productively, more creatively, more rationally—to think, that is, like a Freak.
Levitt and Dubner offer a blueprint for an entirely new way to solve problems, whether your interest lies in minor lifehacks or major global reforms. As always, no topic is off-limits. They range from business to philanthropy to sports to politics, all with the goal of retraining your brain. Along the way, you’ll learn the secrets of a Japanese hot-dog-eating champion, the reason an Australian doctor swallowed a batch of dangerous bacteria, and why Nigerian e-mail scammers make a point of saying they’re from Nigeria.
Some of the steps toward thinking like a Freak:

• First, put away your moral compass—because it’s hard to see a problem clearly if you’ve already decided what to do about it.
• Learn to say “I don’t know”—for until you can admit what you don’t yet know, it’s virtually impossible to learn what you need to.
• Think like a child—because you’ll come up with better ideas and ask better questions.
• Take a master class in incentives—because for better or worse, incentives rule our world.
• Learn to persuade people who don’t want to be persuaded—because being right is rarely enough to carry the day.
• Learn to appreciate the upside of quitting—because you can’t solve tomorrow’s problem if you aren’t willing to abandon today’s dud.

Levitt and Dubner plainly see the world like no one else. Now you can too. Never before have such iconoclastic thinkers been so revealing—and so much fun to read.

Source: Amazon

Tourism Means Big Bucks In Arkansas - Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce

As the third national museum in the state, the future U.S. Marshals Museum is expected to be an economic boost to Fort Smith and Arkansas when it opens in 2017, capitalizing on the city’s foundation of historical tourism with such luminaries as “Hanging Judge” Isaac C. Parker and the Deputy U.S. Marshal Bass Reeves.
Last year, out-of-state tourists spent $5.9 billion in Arkansas, $345 million of that in Sebastian County alone, Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism Executive Director Richard Davies told Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce members at the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith as part of the chamber’s monthly First Friday Breakfast series. Times Record

Chamber Social Media Examination: From Buffer App - The 15-Minute Social Media Audit Everyone Can Do

What if following a simple check-list of the most important things to do for your social media accounts could help you boost your results significantly? And that by just spending 15 minutes on it! We put together a super simple template for you to create a social media audit right now, alongside lots resources on further ideas to test:

Read: The 15-Minute Social Media Audit Everyone Can Do

Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation: (Work Ethic)


“I never dreamed about success. I worked for it.” ~ Estée Lauder  

Forbes 22/50

Altus Chamber, Economic Development Corp. name Bush as new CEO; Louisiana Chamber of Commerce members hear from Missouri state representative; Michigan Businesses push for Proposal 1; Gov. Beshear awards Kentucky Work Ready Communities certification to Clark County; SBA: Social Media Marketing Made Simple; Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation: (Leadership)

After a nationwide search, members of the Boards of Directors of both the Altus Chamber of Commerce and the Altus Southwest Area Economic Development Corporation determined that the most qualified, most promising candidate was one who is actually a product of the Altus community itself. The search committee selected Brian Bush to serve as the new Chamber of Commerce CEO, where he will serve simultaneously as head of the economic development efforts. In addition to managing the operations of the Chamber of Commerce, Bush will work closely with community, educational and business leaders to further the economic growth of Altus and create an environment where businesses can succeed. Read more: Altus Times

Louisiana Chamber of Commerce members hear from Missouri state representative

One of Louisiana’s key potential industry sectors is also important to the state of Missouri, according to State Rep. Jim Hansen.
Hansen was the guest speaker at the June 2 meeting of the Louisiana Area Chamber of Commerce, held at Pike County Memorial Hospital. At the meeting, Hansen said that tourism is big business for the state and that approximately $3.50 is brought in for every dollar spent in tourism. Read more: Louisiana Press Journal

Michigan Businesses push for Proposal 1

Supporters of August ballot issue want tax on equipment eliminated

Proposal 1 would eliminate Michigan’s personal property tax if voters approve it in the Aug. 5 primary election. Despite how it is referred to, it is not a tax on homeowners. The tax is levied only on Michigan businesses’ equipment. It’s also a tax that has been criticized in some quarters for hurting existing businesses’ ability to expand and the state’s ability to attract new businesses and new jobs. Proposal 1 would preserve the Legislature’s already approved four-year personal property tax phaseout and the exemption given this year to businesses with less than $80,000 in cash value. Read more: Observer & Eccentric


Gov. Beshear awards Kentucky Work Ready Communities certification to Clark County

Governor Steve Beshear announced today that Clark County has been certified as a Kentucky Work Ready Community. The certification program from the Kentucky Workforce Investment Board (KWIB) and the
Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet assures employers that a local workforce has the talent and skills necessary to staff existing jobs and to master the innovative technologies new jobs will require.
“We are excited that Clark County has achieved Kentucky Work Ready
Communities status and we look forward to certifying many others in the future. Work
Ready status is not an easy accomplishment. Clark County leaders are to be commended
for working together to achieve this goal,” said Crystal Gibson, chair of the Kentucky
Work Ready Communities Review Panel and vice president of Public Affairs at
Citigroup. Read more: Winchester Kentucky Chamber

Social Media Marketing Made Simple

Tuesday, June 24, 2014 2:00 PM Eastern Time (View in your timezone)

In the old days, businesses relied on “word of mouth.” Now, social media marketing is the new word of mouth. Social Media Marketing Made Simple, the second of our two-part live webinar series for small businesses, gives you proven, easy success tips you can use right away. Throughout the session you’ll build your own social marketing plan, and get answers to your questions.

In 60 minutes you’ll know:

• How each of the major social networks- Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram and Google+ -can help your organization
• How to drive new business and win new customers
• Simple ideas so you can always have something to say

Register here: SBA

Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation: (Leadership)


“Leadership should be more participative than directive, more enabling than performing.” ~ Mary D. Poole

Bridge Magazine: Is it time to be cautiously optimistic about Michigan's future?; #90SecondsWith: GoldieBlox Founder Debbie Sterling; Chamber Tips: 8 Things to Keep in Mind as You Build Your Social Media Following; Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotations (Leadership) Brian Tracy

“A rising tide lifts all boats.”  

The line kept running through my head as I mulled over the optimistic chatter at the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce’s policy conference on Mackinac Island last month. I’ve been going to these gatherings for some time now, and this is the first time in years that I’ve heard such optimism expressed about so much by so many. Read more: Detroit Free Press

#90SecondsWith: GoldieBlox Founder Debbie Sterling

Frustrated with the lack of women engineers, Debbie Sterling sought out to disrupt the “pink aisle” in toy stores by founding GoldieBlox. She raised more than $285,000 in 30 days through a Kickstarter campaign to turn her idea into a reality. Read more: Free Enterprise

Chamber Tips: 8 Things to Keep in Mind as You Build Your Social Media Following 

Social media is a great way to build your audience, but what most business owners don't realize is that it's a long, slow process. We see business owners get plugged into social media hoping for the magic bullet to infuse their marketing with instant followers, and they get discouraged when it's not a quick fix to their marketing dreams. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn, YouTube, public speaking or any other platform are all great marketing tools, but they take time and consistent use to really shine. Platform building is a process. Here are some things to keep in mind as you work to build your following:

• Make sure you are focusing on where your audience is.
• Use the scheduling tools like Hootsuite or Facebook scheduling to schedule your posts for a later date/time. This frees you from having to think about social media every day.
• Cross post to several appropriate platforms at once. Instagram is great at this. Hootsuite is an awesome tool for this as well.
• Be consistent. Post several times a week. For example, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
• Create an editorial/marketing calendar so you can be intentional about what you're posting.
• Remember, keep at it. Be consistent.
• Make your content engaging and relevant to your audience.
• Give yourself a time frame of testing, perhaps 3-6 months and see where your best engagement happens.

Source: AHML Business Center

Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotations (Leadership)


“Leaders think and talk about the solutions. Followers think and talk about the problems.” ~ Brian Tracy 

Forbes 21/50

2014 Great Lakes Lenders Conference July 31 - August 1 - Detroit, Michigan; Kehoe stumps for transportation tax at Columbia, Missouri Chamber meeting; Kansas House Speaker Merrick appoints Kansas Chamber leader O'Neal, KPI president Trabert to school study commission; Former Crystal Lake Illinois Chamber President Gary Reece Named Independence Day Parade Grand Marshall; Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation: (Leadership): Brian Tracy

The Great Lakes Lenders Conference is the premier banking event in the Midwest, hosted by the SBA District offices of Cleveland, Columbus, Indiana, Illinois and Michigan.  In its 16th year, this conference promises to be bigger and better with valuable workshops to keep you up to date on SBA lending programs and other banking topics. Who should attend?

• Commercial and Business Banking Lenders
• Credit Analysts and Underwriters
• Credit Administration, Documentation and Servicing Staff
• Loan Packagers
• Attorneys

2014 Workshop Descriptions

Lending in a Global Market
Presented by John O’Gara,SBA Trade Finance Specialist and US Commerce Dept.Exporting – The Final Frontier!  Take a proactive approach to growing your client’s business.  Did you know the Dept of Commerce can help you client expand into global markets by arranging face to face appointments with potential buyers?  Did you know these trade missions can be paid for by U.S. federal programs?  Did you know you can cover your lending risk with a 90% guarantee?

SBA Basics and Loan Packaging
Presented by SBA Lender Relations Staff (Loan Guaranty Processing Center invited)
An overview of SBA financing programs from start to finish, including eligibility, structure and application.  Perfect for lenders new to SBA or as a refresher for those experienced. SBA’s new application process will be discussed.

Alternatives to Traditional Lending
Presented by Matt Dekutoski, Crestmark Bank
What do you do when the deal does not fit your credit box? Alternative lending solutions to various asset categories and structure exist in the senior debt and junior debt world that had been previously unavailable to the small-to-medium (SME) business. These alternative solutions can lead to relationships for you today and loans outstanding in the future. What, who and where are these solutions will be part of this session.

Secondary Market
Increase profitability and liquidity for your bank!  Learn the basics of selling SBA guaranteed loans on the secondary market.  Session will cover pricing, mechanics, documentation, etc.

Other Sessions:

Recognizing & Preventing Loan Fraud.

1502 Reporting
Closing the SBA Loan
Lender Oversight and Audits

Lending to Franchises
Liquidation Part 1 and 2 

504 Lending Topics
SBA Environmental Policy  

Servicing the SBA Loan 

USDA Rural Development & MEDC Financing Programs
CAPLines
Origination FAQs
Construction Lending 

SBA File Organization. Why It’s Important 

Creating your SBA Department Panel – Best practices and lessons from successful lenders
Advanced Lender – Parts 1 and 2

For more information, please contact Romy Ancog at romualdo.ancog@sba.gov or 313-324-3604.

Kehoe stumps for transportation tax at Columbia, Missouri Chamber meeting

Missouri Senator Mike Kehoe continues to show his support for the Transportation Sales Tax initiative, that goes before voters in August. Kehoe, a Republican from Jefferson City,  spoke on the effort at The Columbia Chamber of Commerce meeting Monday afternoon. Voters will decide whether to increase the state sales tax rate by three quarters of a cent for a 10-year period to help fund MoDOT projects. The tax is expected to produce $480 million annually to the Transportation Safety and Job Creation Fund. Read more: KBIA 91.3

Kansas House Speaker Merrick appoints Kansas Chamber leader O'Neal, KPI president Trabert to school study commission
House Speaker Ray Merrick has appointed two vocal critics of the state public school system to a commission that will make recommendations to the Legislature on how to make schools more efficient. Merrick, R-Stilwell, appointed former House speaker Mike O'Neal, now president and chief executive officer of the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, and Dave Trabert, president of the Kansas Policy Institute, a conservative think tank. Read more: Lawrence Journal-World

Former Crystal Lake Illinois Chamber President Gary Reece Named Independence Day Parade Grand Marshall

Gary Reece has been named Grand Marshal for the 2014 Independence Day Parade. Gary is a lifelong resident of Crystal Lake with extensive leadership experience in both volunteer and business environments. Gary founded Heartland Cabinet Supply, Inc. in 1999 and led its growth from zero to a multi-million dollar entity in just over 7 years. In 2002, he purchased a failing countertop shop and brought it in house combining it with his existing cabinet business and set out to expand the total number of countertop products offered. In addition to overseeing Heartland Cabinet, from July 2007 through January 2014, Gary was President of the Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce growing the membership to over 960 members and is one of the largest Chambers of Commerce in the State of Illinois. Read more: TribLocal

Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation: (Leadership)

 
“Become the kind of leader that people would follow voluntarily; even if you had no title or position.” ~ Brian Tracy  

Forbes 20/50

Free SBA Roundtable on Small Business Lending - Saginaw, Michigan June 12, 2014; Kentucky Chamber statement on the new EPA carbon emission standards; Hot Springs Arkansas officials roll out plan to revitalize downtown; Indiana Outstanding Chamber of the Year Award; Neosho Missouri Chamber looking for events coordinator; Mobile Continues to Steal Share of US Adults' Daily Time Spent with Media; Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotations (Leadership):

Tomorrow, the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Michigan Small Business Development Center are pleased to offer a free TEAM SBA Roundtable on Small Business Lending at:
Small Business Development Center - Delta College
1961 Delta Rd. H-Wing Saginaw, Michigan (989)-686-9597
9:30 to Noon
Cost: Free
To Register: TEAM SBA Delta College

The roundtable gives current or prospective small business owners insight into the SBA Guaranty Loan Program and the criteria used by loan officers to evaluate a loan request. A team of experts will demystify the lending process, debunk the myths about SBA programs, and share real life examples of successful loan applicants. The roundtable is taught by experienced lenders with expertise in small business and SBA financing. “What’s unique about the roundtable is the access to the SBA and small business lenders,” said Gerald Moore, Michigan SBA District Director. “Every roundtable is different and each is tailored to the needs of the participants. It’s a very interactive process and one of our top rated training events.” Over 2,000 clients have attended the roundtables since 1998. The roundtable is best suited to those seeking financing for their business, have good credit, a solid business idea, and some money to invest in the business. 

Kentucky Chamber statement on the new EPA carbon emission standards

Regardless of how people view the scientific evidence or political motivations behind it, President Obama's proposal to reduce carbon emissions by 30 percent by 2030 will negatively impact Kentuckians, perhaps more than any other state in the country. There is no question the impact will be felt drastically and personally by Kentuckians employed in the coal industry - an industry already pummeled in the past few years. However, employees in power-intensive industries like the auto and aluminum industries will also be negatively impacted. Read more: Kentucky Chamber


Hot Springs Arkansas officials roll out plan to revitalize downtown

The city of Hot Springs took steps Wednesday to regain its past glory and revitalize its historic downtown area. The Spa City was, at one time, America's premier resort town, but those days have long passed. Community leaders now have a plan to bring the city back, and it starts with embracing its history.
"I think number one word here is preservation," said Jim Fram, who serves as President and CEO of the Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce. "We want to preserve the history and the iconic buildings but at the same time we want to do some redevelopment that's going to continue to bring more people, more visitors, more customers to the downtown area." Get more: KTHV 11 - Hot Springs 

Indiana Outstanding Chamber of the Year Award

The Outstanding Chamber of the Year Award recognizes organizational excellence in chambers of commerce and provides a unique benchmarking opportunity to assess a chamber’s strengths. The award is based on the U.S. Chamber’s accreditation process for local chambers and highlights accomplishments in the areas of leadership/governance, finance, advocacy and membership development. Dead-line to apply: December 15, 2014 --- For more information, contact Shelli Williams, ICEA president or ICEA   

Neosho Missouri Chamber looking for events coordinator

In its recently stated drive to provide more value to membership, the Neosho Area Chamber of Commerce seeks to fill a new position of event coordinator.

Lauri Lyerla, executive director, said the new hire will be responsible for coordinating and overseeing all of the chamber’s special events. That includes the annual Business & Industry Review, Missouri’s Largest Garage Sale, Cinema in the Park, First Friday Coffees, Business After Hours, Quarterly Luncheons, the Dicken’s Christmas Faire, Taste of Home Cooking School, and more. Read more: Neosho Daily News

Mobile Continues to Steal Share of US Adults' Daily Time Spent with Media

In 2013, time spent with digital media among US adults surpassed time spent with TV for the first time—with mobile driving the shift. This year, that trend will continue, according to new figures from eMarketer, as time spent with mobile devices continues to grow much faster than usage of all other media. - See more at: eMarketer

Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotations (Leadership):

“A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves.” ~ Lao Tzu

Forbes 19/50