Chamber irreplacable: Fire destroys original Famous Dave's restaurant in Hayward, Wisconsin; Chamber collaboration: Asco Celebrates Its 60th Anniversary with the Expansion of Manufacturing Lines in Stillwater, Oklahoma; Chamber news: Director for Marshall economic development hired by Southwest Michigan First; Friday: 157 Rules for Executive Success in Organization Management (and your Chamber of Commerce) by Patrick McGaughey: Rule #25

Chamber irreplacable: Fire destroys original Famous Dave's restaurant in Hayward, Wis.

The first Famous Dave's restaurant, built in northwestern Wisconsin in 1994 and the launching point for an international chain of barbecue restaurants, was destroyed by fire early Monday.
As fans of the restaurant mourned the loss of the landmark, its owners pledged to rebuild.
"This wasn't just a restaurant; it was my dream for 25 years before it even opened. Through many tough times in my younger days, it was this dream that kept me going through thick or thin," said owner Dave Anderson in a Facebook post Monday. "This restaurant was my dream for almost my whole life. ... (It) gave many young people their first job and helped many summer workers pay their way through school. But I believe that the Good Lord has always had a plan for our lives and we are going to reopen better than ever."
A resident from the town of Hayward called in the fire just before 4:30 a.m., the Sawyer County sheriff's office reported, and flames had engulfed the restaurant -- on the shore of Round Lake about 10 miles east of Hayward -- by the time firefighters arrived. No one was in the building at the time of the fire.
The state fire marshal was investigating the cause.
"It's going to be missed greatly," said Doug Smith, executive director of the Hayward Chamber of Commerce. "I don't know how you replace something like that." Read more: Twin Cities.com

Chamber collaboration: Asco Celebrates Its 60th Anniversary with the Expansion of Manufacturing Lines in Stillwater, Oklahoma

The state of the art lean manufacturing facility currently manufactures wing and fuselage components of the 737, 777 and 787 Boeing airplanes and is further expanding operations.

The Oklahoma Department of Commerce, Oklahoma Department of Carreer and Technology Education, Oklahoma Workforce Development, Metafund, REI Oklahoma, US Bank, the City of Stillwater and the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce have been very helpful and effective making this Asco location a possibility, declared Trudo Motmans, Chairman of the Asco Board of Directors. Read more: PR Web

Chamber news: Director for Marshall economic development hired by Southwest Michigan First

Southwest Michigan First has hired an economic development professional from Cleveland to head operations in Marshall.
The Kalamazoo-based organization also has hired three other employees, all with ties to the city, to complete the team.
Jim Robey will begin Nov. 3 as managing director of economic development in Marshall. He has 25 years of experience in economic development and urban studies, and previously served as managing director in Cleveland for global management firm Mohr Partners Inc.
Robey, who has a master's degree in public administration and a doctorate degree in urban studies from Cleveland State University, also was director of economic research at the Greater Cleveland Growth Association.
In a news release, Southwest Michigan First called Robey "one of the nation's premier business site selection and economic development experts." Battle Creek Enquirer


Friday: 157 Rules for Executive Success in Organization Management (and your Chamber of Commerce) by Patrick McGaughey

RULE #25     The key word in “broke-even” is broke.

Fort Smith Chamber Top 10 Initiatives; Missouri Chamber recognition: Empowered workers boost Boehringer; Harrison County Chamber Initiative: Mauckport High Speed Internet Center Opens Rural Community Connects; Dodge named Fuse Duluth Person of the Year; Kansas Regional technical education center another step closer to reality ; Alexandria has top three retail 'pull factor' in Minnesota

Fort Smith Chamber Top 10 Initiatives

The Top 10 Initiatives were chosen by the Board of Directors from a list of initiatives and deemed the most critical for the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce.  Each initiative is driven by a division, who is working hard to make great strides in these initiatives.

1. Create a Business Retention and Expansion Program
Economic Development Division

The main focus of the Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) Program is to connect businesses in the region with the resources necessary for sustainability and growth. 

2. Facilitate an Economic Development Funds Campaign
Economic Development Division

Introduced in the Spring of 2010, the Chamber’s economic development campaign, “Invest in the Best,” has one primary goal – to fund an aggressive economic development that will maximize marketing and recruitment efforts of the Chamber. Read more: Fort Smith Chamber Top Ten Initiatives

Missouri Chamber recognition: Empowered workers boost Boehringer

The slogan “Value through innovation” holds great meaning for Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica Inc.
The animal pharmaceutical firm has invested heavily in research and development to capture a sizable piece of the global market. The philosophy also has influenced the work environment at Boehringer. With an emphasis on “hands-off” leadership, employees are encouraged to make decisions on their own and given the freedom to explore new ideas, explains CEO Dr. Albrecht Kissel.

This approach is one of the reasons why Boehringer, with its headquarters in St. Joseph, has been identified as one of the best places in Missouri to work. Dr. Kissel will accept the honor today in Columbia.
Only six businesses in the state were selected for the recognition in the inaugural competition by the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Harrison County Chamber Initiative: Mauckport High Speed Internet Center Opens Rural Community Connects

Q Wireless partnered with the Chamber of Commerce of Harrison County and the Harrison County Economic Development Corporation to make the application for the $782,000 project to construct a high speed internet center with 10 computer stations to serve the Mauckport, Indiana Community. Of the total cost, Q Wireless LLC, the Chamber of Commerce and the HCEDC shared in matching funds of $147,920. The project also includes funding for the expansion of high speed internet infrastructure to provide residential internet service in Mauckport and the surrounding areas. The Director of the HCEDC, Darrell Voelker said " in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce, the expansion of high speed internet has been a priority for at least 10 years and while some progress has been made, we have a lot more to do. Clearly, this part of Harrison County had little hope for this type of service without the efforts of Q Wireless LLC and the financial support from the USDA." We are pleased to support this cause and applaud the Chamber for taking the lead, Voelker added.
"Since opening the Mauckport High Speed Internet Center we have witnessed community members making good use of the facility, from connecting to family across the country, to applying for employment via the internet, and for our youngest users gaming and homework.," said Lisa Long, President of the Chamber of Commerce of Harrison County. "It has been particularly interesting to see multi-generational use of the center and how the generations are interacting with each other to teach new skills and values," continued Long. Read more: Harrison County Chamber

Dodge named Fuse Duluth Person of the Year

Tiersa Dodge, an intern architect with DSGW Architects, has been selected as the Fuse Duluth Person of the Year. A division of the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce, Fuse focuses on providing resources, connecting and recruiting young talent. The person of the year award honors someone who has contributed to Fuse Duluth’s mission and leadership. Read more: Business North

Kansas Regional technical education center another step closer to reality

A regional technical education center for Southeast Kansas is one step closer to reality.
On Thursday, the Pittsburg Education Foundation announced the purchase of a building owned by Vinylplex at 1301 E. 27th Terrace. It currently houses Fort Scott Community College carpentry, masonry and woodworking courses.
The regional center, more than two years in the making, was buoyed this summer by $1.3 million in private and city funding, which helped pay for the building. The $890,000 purchase will help multiple schools in Southeast Kansas provide technical education training to students in areas such as welding, masonry and construction, with the opportunity of expanding programming in that location in coming years to include culinary arts, HVAC, nursing, auto technician training and more. The next step in the creation of what will be called the Southeast Kansas Career Technical Education Center of Crawford County will be for a committee to work on plans for the expansion and begin the bid process for the work. The committee will be comprised of a representative from each of the five core school districts involved since the beginning — Pittsburg, Frontenac, Northeast-Arma, Girard, and Southeast-Cherokee — as well as leaders in the trades community. Officials associated with the project say there's a dire need for more robust workforce training in Crawford and Cherokee County. "This is, I would say, the most crucial need," said Blake Benson, who heads up the Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce and the community's economic development efforts. Read more: Joplin Globe

Alexandria has top three retail 'pull factor' in Minnesota

Regional residents and tourists are coming to Alexandria to shop, making it one of the top three statewide for its "pull factor" for similar-sized cities.
Alexandria's taxable retail and service sales increased 12.7 percent between 2009 and 2012, reaching a total of about $324 million, making the central Minnesota city of 13,000 one of the top regional non-metro shopping hubs in the state and continuing the city's retail boom.
General merchandise stores were reportedly the largest taxable sales contributors in the local economy, making up about 31 percent of all taxable sales.
The largest increase in sales was in the building materials category, which totaled about $63 million in 2012.
The retail trade analysis was released by the University of Minnesota Extension Service using data from the Minnesota Department of Revenue sales tax information.
"The way I would interpret this study is positive," said Coni McKay, executive director of the Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce.
"Although the Department of Revenue sales tax collection reports are always two years behind due to timing of collections and reporting, I believe that the local retail environment has gotten stronger since 2012 here in the Alexandria Lakes area," McKay said. Read more: TwinCities.com

Indiana's St Joseph County Chamber counters one sided 'video view' of South Bend; Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce Receives CCEM Award; Chamber connection: Art proves to be economic, educational connector for Northwest Arkansas; Chamber sponsorship: Meeting set to discuss possible Eau Claire-St. Paul passenger rail service; Chamber partnership: Midwest City, OK will hold Veterans Day parade; Chamber Tweet of the Day: State Chamber of Michigan; #BestChamber practices: 50 Ways to say Muscatine: Small businesses make big impact on community; Chamber initiative: Beatrice Council approves multi-entity branding project; Chamber Executive Article: Every Week Is Manufacturing Week In Owatonna; Dodge City Chamber supports legalization of charity raffles; Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce touts economic benefits of airport improvements; #Chamber Chuckle - Wacky Wednesday Weirdest Chamber Requests

Indiana's St Joseph County Chamber counters one sided 'video view' of South Bend

The St. Joseph County Chamber of Commerce is out to makeover South Bend’s image online and on the streets.
The chamber made four new videos designed to whet the uneducated viewer’s appetite and to counter some other less flattering portrayals of the city.
If someone who knows nothing about South Bend does a search on YouTube to learn more, “Benzo the rapper, I believe is his name, has traditionally been the video that came up when you typed in South Bend,” said President Jeff Rea of the St. Joseph County Chamber of Commerce. Read more: WNDU

Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce Receives CCEM Award

The Chamber of Commerce Executives of Missouri (CCEM) recently honored the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce with the Award of Excellence in Programs & Campaigns for the Chamber's Young Professionals Network (YPN) Curbside Recycling Campaign.
Following the 2011 tornado, YPN saw a need for recycling options in the area and championed a ballot initiative in 2014 for curbside recycling. With the support of the Joplin Chamber they led a campaign to educate citizens on the value of recycling. Read more: KOAM - TV7

Chamber connection: Art proves to be economic, educational connector for Northwest Arkansas

The past several years – if not decades – have proven that Northwest Arkansas is a cradle for entrepreneurship. Sandy Edwards believes such entrepreneurship has a connection with the arts and has created a metro area “rich in cultural entrepreneurship.”
Edwards, deputy director for Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, was joined by Sam Dean, director for the Amazeum, and Peter Lane, director for the Walton Arts Center, as speakers for this month’s Business Matters. The program, sponsored by the Bentonville-Bella Vista Chamber of Commerce, is geared to help chamber members stay connected to developments and issues in the region. The City Wire

Chamber sponsorship: Meeting set to discuss possible Eau Claire-St. Paul passenger rail service

Eau Claire will be one of the cities in a series of public input meetings being conducted by the Minnesota Department of Transportation as the agency updates its federally-mandated State Rail Plan.
The local meeting will take place from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 6, at Chippewa Valley Technical College (620 W.Clairemont Ave., Room 103A in the Casper Conference Center. Parking is available in Lots P8 or P9 next to the building or P3 across the footbridge.
West Central Wisconsin is included because MnDOT’s current plan, adopted four years ago, recognizes the significance of regional interconnections and includes a Twin Cities-Hudson-Menomonie-Eau Claire passenger train corridor as part of its envisioned future system. The public and major stakeholders are encouraged to attend outreach meetings to comment on the plan.
The Nov. 6 event will begin with an open house at 5 p.m., then a presentation and Q&A starting at 5:30 p.m. Local sponsors are the City of Eau Claire, Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce, the West Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission, and the West Central Wisconsin Rail Coalition. MnDOT staff and local representatives will be on hand to talk with interested persons. Read more: The Dunn County News

Chamber partnership: Midwest City, OK will hold Veterans Day parade

The city and the Midwest City Chamber of Commerce will co-sponsor a Veterans Day parade, “Where Patriotism Lives,” at 10 a.m. Nov. 11.
Maj. Gen. Miles Deering and Staff Sgt. Rusty Dunagan will serve as co-marshals and lead a parade of more than 75 entries.
Deering is adjutant general of the Oklahoma National Guard. He is the highest-ranking member of the Oklahoma National Guard, responsible for managing the affairs of the Oklahoma Military Department and for advising the governor.
He and his wife, Pam, live in Midwest City.
Dunagan is a veteran of the U.S. Army who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. While serving in Afghanistan in 2010, he was injured when a squad member stepped on a landmine connected to a secondary bomb. The blast caused immediate amputations of both of Dunagan’s legs along with amputation of his left arm at the elbow. During his two-and-a-half-year recovery, Dunagan was hospitalized in military medical centers in Afghanistan, Germany and the U.S. Read more: NewsOK.com

Chamber Tweet of the Day: Michigan Chamber of Commerce



Rich Studley ‏@rstudley 8h8 hours ago

Voters give Snyder 4 more years to lead Michigan! http://www.crainsdetroit.com/mobile/article/20141104/NEWS/141109946/voters-give-snyder-4-more-years-to-lead-michigan?X-IgnoreUserAgent=1 …

#BestChamber practices: 50 Ways to say Muscatine: Small businesses make big impact on community

This is the 49th in a 10-week series, "50 Ways to Say Muscatine," that will look at the people, places and things that tell the tale of the Pearl City. Today's topic: Small business.
MUSCATINE, Iowa — Ask anyone at the Muscatine History and Industry Center what built Muscatine and you be given the same answer: small businesses. The lumber industry, followed by the pearl button industry, shaped Muscatine in its early years. Later, larger industries began to settle in the Pearl City but small business still reigns. Read more: Muscatine Journal

Chamber initiative: Beatrice Council approves multi-entity branding project

The Beatrice City Council voted Monday to enter into an agreement with the Beatrice Area Chamber of Commerce, Main Street Beatrice, NGage and Beatrice Public Schools for a coordinated community branding project.
During a Council work session on Sept. 30, Lora Young, executive director of the Beatrice Area Chamber of Commerce, said the ultimate goal of the branding project is to get everyone on the same page, speaking the same language and having the same language as it pertains to Beatrice.
“Moving forward with one voice brings us together,” she said. “If we’re all saying the same message, we have a larger chance of attracting the right kind of businesses, the right kind of tourism, the right kind of dollars into our community.” Read more: Beatrice Daily Sun

Chamber Executive Article: Every Week Is Manufacturing Week In Owatonna


Governor Dayton has declared October 19th through the 25th as Manufacturing Week. The intention is to acknowledge the value of manufacturing on the state wide economy. Certainly, a worthwhile goal as manufacturing provides more than 826,000 high-skilled, high-wage jobs across the state, provides $18.3 billion in wages, and provides 16% of Minnesota’s GDP.
So to our many and committed manufacturing companies and all of your employees- THANK YOU! Read more: SouthernMinn.com


Dodge City Chamber supports legalization of charity raffles

The Dodge City Area Chamber of Commerce has backed an amendment to the state constitution that would allow non-profit and charitable organizations to legally hold raffles.
The "Kansas Charitable Gaming Measure" was added to the ballot by an act of the Kansas Legislature earlier this year and would allow the Legislature to "authorize the licensing, conduct and regulation of charitable raffles by nonprofit religious, charitable, fraternal, educational and veterans organizations."
"What it does is legitimizes an activity that's been going on for a long time," Rep. Bud Estes (R-Dodge City) said. Estes, along with 101 other representatives voted for the bill; 19 representatives voted against the bill over concerns about expanding gambling in the state. The bill passed unanimously in the Senate. Read more: Dodge Globe

Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce touts economic benefits of airport improvements

Analysts say a good indication of the strength of our local economy is the ability to invest in our future, and that’s what the redevelopment of Salt Lake City International Airport represents.

The Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce released a report Thursday on the long-term economic impact of improvements coming to the airport.
In order to accommodate four million more travelers more efficiently and safely, they’re updating the building, which is more than 50 years old. There will be a new terminal complex, parking, and rental car facilities.
“It’s a vital part of our economy, it connects us to the rest of the country and the world,” said Natalie Gochhnour, who is the chamber of commerce’s Chief Economist.
Researchers from the chamber of commerce and CBRE believe the improvements could attract other airlines, and in turn give travelers more options.
“It’s a hub airport, Delta, obviously, is hubbed there, that brings us more direct flights, more nonstop flights to more markets, a lot of employees in our town, and a lot of convenience for travelers,” Gochnour said.
But perhaps the biggest benefit the new and improved airport will bring is the addition of nearly 24,000 jobs. Read more: FOX 13 News


#Chamber Chuckle -  Wacky Wednesday Weirdest Chamber Requests

"Can you come fix my outside light?"

Chamber Executives: Networking with peers creates optimism — and a bevy of ideas; KC Chamber aims to recruit younger members; Reginald King: 1954-2014 Rites held for Reginald King, longtime Greenwood (Oklahoma) Chamber of Commerce manager; Shakopee MN Chamber president appointed to IOM Midwest Board of Regents; Michigan road funding: Chamber of Commerce talking petition drive if lawmakers don't act; Chamber Tweet of the Day: Indiana Chamber Re-Tweet: @IndianaChamber; Eau Claire Chamber news: Justin Vernon Launches New Eaux Claire Music And Arts Festival In Wisconsin For 2015; Chamber news: Arkansas Nominations are Open for the 2015 Small Business Week Awards; Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotations (Attitude);

Chamber Executives: Networking with peers creates optimism — and a bevy of ideas

by Tammy Wellbrock, Hays Chamber of Commerce Executive DirectorAttending conferences allows for a wealth of knowledge to be consumed.

The first of October, I attended the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Kansas fall conference. Attending with me were approximately 50 other directors from across the state. From swapping funny stories to lending a supportive ear, I continue to be amazed at how much of an impact this experience is for me. I so enjoy the networking with my peers and the sharing of advice, encouragement and ideas with one another.

And, of course, this collaboration allows us to be more efficient so we don’t have to “re-create any wheels.”

So, what exactly, do I learn at these conferences and how can this knowledge positively affect the local business community and chamber members? Read more: Hays Post

KC Chamber aims to recruit younger members

The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce is placing a greater emphasis on recruiting younger members. The chamber recently elected new officers and board members, and its treasurer, Bardavon Health Innovations CEO Matt Condon, is among the younger members.

"We're not your grandfather's chamber anymore," chamber CEO Jim Heeter said. "We've made a conscious decision to add young members to our board of directors, as well as minority and women leaders, because we know that a variety of voices and perspectives can only benefit our organization and the work we do for Kansas City business and our regional community."

This year also marks the first time a GenKC member has served on the board, said Pam Whiting, vice president of communications and media relations. GenKC is a chamber program that helps people in their 20s and 30s make connections through community service projects and networking events. Read more: Kansas City Biz Journals

Reginald King: 1954-2014  

Rites held for Reginald King, longtime Greenwood (Oklahoma) Chamber of Commerce manager

From former babysitters opening child-care centers to hair stylists and auto mechanics going into business for themselves, Reginald King witnessed plenty of entrepreneurial dreams come true. And as business resource manager for the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce, he liked nothing better than playing a role in it.

“My favorite part,” King once told the Tulsa World, “is seeing businesses develop — tracking them, working with them.” Taking an almost paternal pride in such work, he became well known in north Tulsa as the go-to guy for startups. Read more: Tulsa World

Shakopee MN Chamber president appointed to IOM Midwest Board of Regents

Angela Whitcomb, president of the Shakopee Chamber of Commerce, has been appointed to the Midwest Board of Regents of the Institute for Organization Management, the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Source: Twincities.com

Michigan road funding: Chamber of Commerce talking petition drive if lawmakers don't act

The Michigan Chamber of Commerce is discussing a potential road funding petition drive if lawmakers fail to approve a comprehensive solution by the end of the year.

“We’re urging the Legislature to do its job, and we’re hopeful they will,” said President and CEO Rich Studley. “But if they don’t, we’ll look at other options.”

The chamber is among a number of organizations that have lobbied state lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to increase road funding by more than $1 billion a year. The business group argues the investment would create jobs and make the state more economically competitive. Read more: M Live

Chamber Tweet of the Day: Indiana Chamber Re-Tweet: @IndianaChamber

Indiana Chamber retweeted

wfyi ‏@wfyi 3h3 hours ago

We're live on #NoLimitsWFYI w/ guests @JohnKetz, Kevin Brinegar @IndianaChamber & Julia Vaughn Common Cause Indiana.

Eau Claire Chamber news: Justin Vernon Launches New Eaux Claire Music And Arts Festival In Wisconsin For 2015

Justin Vernon is starting his very own music festival. According to The Current, the man behind Bon Iver has teamed up with the people behind Boston Calling to launch the Eaux Claire Music and Arts Festival in Vernon's hometown of Eau Claire, Wisconsin next summer. A permit for the event passed through its final round of approvals and is officially slated to take place on July 17 and 18, 2015.

Crashline Productions is setting up the logistics of the two-day event, which will take place at the Foster Farm - home of the popular Country Jam festival - located about 90 minutes from Minneapolis in a vast, remote wooded area.

No lineup has been announced yet, though organizers anticipate up to 25,000 festivalgoers will attend each day. The set-up includes two main outdoor stages, one 6,000-person capacity tented stage, as well as on-site camping. Vernon will curate the lineup of music and art installations.

The event is expected to bring in eight or nine million dollars of tourism revenue to the town, according to Bob McCoy, president and CEO of the Eau Claire Chamber of Commerce.

Read more: MusicTimes.com

Chamber news: Arkansas Nominations are Open for the 2015 Small Business Week Awards

The U.S. Small Business Administration Arkansas District Office is seeking amazing entrepreneurs and champions of small business to honor during the 2015 National Small Business Week Awards event in May.  Nominations are being accepted through Jan. 5, 2015 at 2:00 pm central time.

“More than half of Americans either own or work for a small business and many of them have amazing stories to tell.  They help fuel our economy, drive innovation and increase America’s footprint in the global arena.” said Yolanda Garcia Olivarez, SBA South Central Region Administrator.  The region covers Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas with more than 3.3 million small businesses.  “Now is the time to help us single out the top entrepreneurs in your area.  These are the ones who think big, take risks and work hard to achieve the American dream, strengthen the middle class and create good paying jobs.  We want to spotlight their success.”

The Arkansas Small Business Person of the Year will be selected based on number of years in business, growth in employees, increase in sales, innovations in product or service, response to adversity, and contributions to the community.   The Arkansas award winner will go on to compete for the 2015 National Small Business Person of the Year award.  Additional awards will honor small businesses and champions at the Arkansas and South Central Region levels. Read more: SBA.gov

Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotations (Attitude)

“We either make ourselves miserable, or we make ourselves strong. The amount of work is the same.”

~Carlos Castaneda

 

Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce Elects New Chair; Auburn Hills Chamber of Commerce recognized as an outstanding chamber in Michigan; Chamber Economics: Oklahoma Inc.: Energy growth continues in Oklahoma; Wisconsin Rapids initiative: Heavy Metal Bus Tour explores manufacturing careers; Chamber issue: $4.5 million South Sioux City road overhaul nears finish; Chamber Economic Development: SynergyTech hosts H.O.T. Day to raise awareness about manufacturing; Chamber partnership: Local Business Retention and Expansion Program Holds Orientation Meeting; Chamber Tweet of the Day: Detroit Chamber Chamber Study: Indiana needs $10M for water planning; Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotations: (Leadership)

Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce Elects New Chair

Terry Dunn, President & CEO of JE Dunn Construction Group, was unanimously elected the new Chair of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce. His term will begin November 1, 2014, succeeding previous Chair Roshann Parris, President & CEO, Parris Communications.

Dunn becomes only the second person in Chamber history to serve more than one term as Chair of the KC Chamber. The first was Conrad Mann, who held the post from 1928 to 1934. Dunn says he’s looking forward to once again serving as Chamber Chair, adding, “Entrepreneurship and Kansas City’s economic competitiveness will be my top priorities during the coming year.” Read more: Kansas City Infozine

Auburn Hills Chamber of Commerce recognized as an outstanding chamber in Michigan

The Auburn Hills Chamber of Commerce was recognized with a 2014 Outstanding Chamber of Commerce Award by the The Michigan Association of Chamber Professionals at the association’s conference in Muskegon, Oct. 2.
“The Auburn Hills Chamber of Commerce received this award based on its accomplishments in leadership and governance, financial stewardship, business advocacy and member programming,” said Bob Thomas, Director for the Michigan Association of Chamber Professionals.Read more: The Oakland Press

Chamber Economics: Oklahoma Inc.: Energy growth continues in Oklahoma

Oklahoma’s energy industry has accounted for about 20 percent of all the jobs in the state and almost two-thirds of the jobs created since the recession ended in 2010.

The ongoing oil and natural gas boom continued to drive the state economy over the past year, creating tens of thousands of new jobs and directing hundreds of millions of dollars to state coffers.

The energy industry has accounted for about 20 percent of all the jobs in the state and almost two-thirds of the jobs created since the recession ended in 2010, Oklahoma City University economist Russell Evans said.
“When you look at the economic impact of the oil and gas industry, it dwarfs almost anything else we look at,” said Evans, executive director of Oklahoma City University’s Steven C. Agee Economic Research and Policy Institute. “Oklahoma’s economy is founded upon an energy-based economy.”
The boom also propelled most of the state’s energy companies to strong gains over the past year as the industry swept the Oklahoma Inc. top 10.
“It confirms the story we’ve been telling — that Oklahoma City has become the center of domestic oil and gas exploration,” said Roy Williams, president of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce. “Houston is the international center, but when you look at what’s going on in the United States, we are the leader now.” Read more: NewsOK.com

Wisconsin Rapids initiative: Heavy Metal Bus Tour explores manufacturing careers

Local businesses opened their doors to about 45 high school sophomores Wednesday to teach the students about careers in manufacturing.
Wednesday's event was the Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce's fifth Heavy Metal Bus Tour, created to pique students' interests in manufacturing-related jobs by linking them with local employers.
"As the baby boomers retire, we are going to have more jobs in this community than we have people to fill them," said Melissa Reichert, Chamber of Commerce president. "So we are going to need word-of-mouth from students, parents and anyone who cares about the community, to develop the workforce we need for these positions." WisconsinRapidsTribune.com

Chamber issue: $4.5 million South Sioux City road overhaul nears finish

Businesses affected by a nearly six-month road construction project on Dakota Avenue are hoping residents will resume their former shopping habits. Ten blocks were upgraded.
The reconstruction project, which started in early May, was designed to address safety concerns and fix drainage issues along one of the city's main thoroughfares. The street is scheduled to reopen on Tuesday.
"This has been difficult for all our businesses along South Dakota Avenue," said Lori Warner, president of the South Sioux City Area Chamber of Commerce. Read more: Sioux City Journal

Chamber Economic Development: SynergyTech hosts H.O.T. Day to raise awareness about manufacturing

Steve Cox, vice president of Economic Development with the Rogers-Lowell chamber also said reshoring is changing the dynamic in Northwest Arkansas.
 
“The recent onshoring initiatives have had an impact in NWA,” Cox said. “Companies are not only looking at our area as a place to operate a new business which will create new jobs and help improve the local economy, but it also has in impact in existing businesses by creating more demand for local sourcing like raw materials, plastic molds, or shipping and logistics.” Read more: The City Wire

Chamber partnership: Local Business Retention and Expansion Program Holds Orientation Meeting

Over 22 community leaders met at Belle Plaine City Hall last Tuesday evening to prepare for the community’s economic future. The two-hour meeting was the orientation and formal kickoff of the Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) program, which is jointly sponsored by the Belle Plaine Chamber of Commerce, Xcel Energy and Scott County Community Development Agency.
The BR&E program is receiving technical and research support from the University of Minnesota Extension Agency. Last Tuesday night’s orientation program was led by Michael Darger, program director of BR&E, and Chelsea Alger, Belle Plaine community development director.
“Existing firms are the best sources of growth we have in our community. We want to find out how we can help them to grow. We have a great team in place to work on this and we expect excellent results,” said Kelly Melo, Belle Plaine Chamber of Commerce executive director and BR&E visitation coordinator.
The program is designed to stimulate economic development by assisting existing industry, according to Darger. He pointed out that to assist industry, a community must first identify industries’ needs and problems and then address those concerns to improve the local business climate. Read more: Belle Plaine Herald

Chamber Tweet of the Day:  Detroit Chamber



Detroit Chamber ‏@DetroitChamber 10m10 minutes ago

.@Oakgov's new #Tech248 initiative aims to grow & connect the county's emerging tech industry: http://ow.ly/DJSt3 

Chamber Study: Indiana needs $10M for water planning

The author of a study on the link between water and Indiana's economy is calling on region environmental leaders to push for a state planner dedicated to turning the data into action.
The perceived problem, he said, is the annual $10 million budget it would take to make it happen.
"The political leaders right now realize this is important but don't know what to do and are afraid it will be labeled a tax," Jack Wittman, principal geoscientist for Bloomington's Intera Inc, said. "That's $1.75 per person per year in the state and we won't pay it."
Wittman spoke to the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission's Environmental Management and Policy Committee meeting earlier this month at the commission's Portage office.
Wittman was commissioned by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce to review data on current and predicted water use and population growth in an effort to forecast future water needs and resources. The study was released in August. Read more: NWI Times

Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotations: (Leadership)


“Real leaders are ordinary people with extraordinary determinations.” ~ John Seaman Garns 

Forbes 46/50