Metro Detroit Students Embark on a 30-Week Journey to Start Their Own, Real Businesses; Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce Announces November 13, 2015 Reality Store ™; Ocean Springs Chamber Event: 37th Annual Peter Anderson Arts and Crafts Festival; Kentucky Chamber honors Rep. Brent Yonts with Chamber MVP award; #BestChamber Practices: Hampton Roads Chamber to welcome new CEOs to the region; Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce: Top Technology Trends for 2016; WMC: Teaming up to tackle worker shortage; Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotations: (Positive Thinking); Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories, Community Profiles, Re-Lo Guides and Custom Maps

Good morning Chamber world! Today is going to be a GREAT day!


Metro Detroit Students Embark on a 30-Week Journey to Start Their Own, Real Businesses

Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce Launches the 3rd Year of a Prestigious Program for Metro Detroit Young Entrepreneurs

16 of the best and brightest middle and high school students throughout Metro Detroit have started a 30-week journey of launching their own, real businesses as a part of the Metro Detroit Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!), hosted by the Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the University of Michigan-Dearborn, the DTE Energy Foundation and the Metro Detroit Young Entrepreneurs Academy Ambassadors Club.

A competitive application process required students to complete an essay, write responses to short answer questions, submit their school transcripts and a reference, and participate in an in-person interview prior to acceptance into the program.

Students accepted in the 2015-2016 Program include Ahmed Hassoun (Dearborn), Alyeldin Shahin (Dearborn), Asia Al-Battawi (Detroit), Destinee Humphrey (Dearborn Heights), Destyne Moss (Detroit), Eman Azrak (Bloomfield Hills), Grant Sobczak (Livonia), Hajer Noshi (Detroit), Malak Mohsen (Dearborn Heights), Marihon Westley (Canton), Mohamad Dabaja (Dearborn), Nolan Beaty (Orchard Lake), Nya Kidd (Detroit), Paige Lyles (Detroit), Shelby Bradford (Detroit), and Zeinab Al-Hachami (Detroit).

Throughout the academic year students will work in close cooperation with local business leaders, community leaders and educators who use their personal experiences to demonstrate how to develop business ideas and objectives, write a business plan, pitch to investors, obtain funding, register with governmental agencies, establish e-commerce and a web presence, and much more.

By the end of the 30-week class, students own and operate fully-formed and functioning businesses, which may be carried after their graduation from the program.

The Metro Detroit YEA! program, hosted by the Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce receives major funding from the DTE Energy Foundation, and from the Metro Detroit Young Entrepreneurs Academy Ambassadors Club, including Eric Nemeth of Varnum Attorney’s at Law and Rudaina Hamade of RPMS Group, co-founders and Premier Ambassadors, and Marlon Westley of Master’s Plumbers, Inc, Gold Ambassador. The program is also sponsored by the University of Michigan-Dearborn, Sean McGraw-State Farm Agency, Sun Glo Restoration, the Dearborn Rotary Club, Active Solutions Group, the Dearborn Branch of Raymond James, Member Focus Community Credit Union, Janet Pipkens of Citizens Bank, ACCESS Growth Center, Eastborn Market, Al-Ameer Restaurant, Empire Realty Group, Inc., Sam Baydoun of Century 21, Khansa Medical Center, Leader Printing and Mailing, Little Caesars of Dearborn, Sam’s Club, John Zadikian Multimedia Communications, Fairlane Town Center, Henry Ford Village and Biggby Coffee of Dearborn. The University of Michigan-Dearborn is hosting this year’s program on their main campus.

Be sure to follow the Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce on Facebook at facebook.com/DearbornAreaChamber, on Twitter @DbnAreaChamber and the Chamber website for all the latest Chamber news and events. 



Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce Announces November 13, 2015 Reality Store TM

Friday, November 13, 2015 ~ 7:00 a.m. till 2:45 p.m. Colonel Wheeler Middle School, 401 Joliet Street in Crown Point will be the site of the Crown Point Reality Store^SM.   

The Reality Store is a day when 8th graders experience what it is like to be 28 years old financially! The Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce Education Committee hosts this event 2 times a year, once for Crown Point and once for Merrillville.  This is a way for businesses to touch the lives of approximately 600 students in one day.  Volunteers are seated at various stations where each student will have monthly expenses extracted from their paycheck.  Students get a real dose of “REALITY” that day, which helps them better plan for their future!

The event would not be possible if were not for the nearly 100 business people who have volunteered! 

The Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce would like to extend a special Thank you to  the businesses that are sponsoring a table at this event; Bapple & Bapple, Inc. CPA's, Ben's Soft Pretzels, BMO Harris Bank, Brown Mackie College, Centier Bank, Chick-fil-A, Crown Point Christian Village, Grand Canyon University, Health Linc Community Health Center, Hilton Garden Inn & Suites, Indiana Wesleyan University, Lakeshore EMS, Liss CARSTAR Collision, NorthShore Health Centers, NWI Hypnosis Center, Oak Partners, Inc., Optimal Chiropractic, Peoples Bank, Richter Dental, Sparta Sports Dome of Crown Point, Tech Credit Union and TrueWealth Advising Group.

Contact Lee Hartsell, Office Manager, Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce  lee@crossroadschamber.org 

Ocean Springs Chamber Event: 37th Annual Peter Anderson Arts and Crafts Festival 

The weekend’s inclement weather didn’t stop business from booming at the 37th annual Peter Anderson Arts and Crafts Festival. 

Scattered showers and low temperatures weren’t enough to stop shoppers from attending the Peter Anderson Festival in Ocean Springs. Sculptor Sean Corner said, “Had no issues with my sales because I have a great client base and they come back rain or shine.”

This year the festival provided more than 400 food vendors, painters, sculptors and more due to a new online application process called zapplication. Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce PR Specialist Cynthia Sutton said, “And that actually reaches artists, more than 70,000 artists throughout the United States. So, we have artists from California, Indiana, Illinois, all over.”

This year, the Peter Anderson Festival wanted to focus on incorporating more demonstrative artists, hoping to increase the interaction between those that are selling and those that are buying. 

Also new to the festival is the Young and Art Market held at the Walter Anderson Museum of Art. “That is where kids age 8-18 actually get to make their own work and see it as if they’re artists as well,” said Sutton. 

Sutton tells News 25 she hops new additions such as these will help increase the overall economic impact of the festival. “Well, we did an economic impact study a few years back and the impact was almost 150,000 individuals throughout the two day event. So we hope these numbers are close,” said Sutton. Read more: WXXV.com

Kentucky Chamber honors Rep. Brent Yonts with Chamber MVP award 


On Thursday, the Kentucky Chamber presented Rep. Brent Yonts of Greenville with the Chamber MVP Award. Rep. Yonts was among a select group of legislators recognized for conspicuous actions supporting Kentucky’s business community during the 2015 Kentucky General Assembly. “With so many important business issues in play during a legislative session, we feel it is important to highlight the efforts of those legislators who went out of their way to help ensure a positive business climate,” said Kentucky 11/16/2015 Kentucky Chamber honors Rep. Brent Yonts with Chamber MVP award | Bottom Line http://kychamberbottomline.com/2015/11/13/kentucky­chamber­honors­rep­brent­yonts­with­chamber­mvp­award/ 2/3 Chamber President and CEO Dave Adkisson. “Representative Brent Yonts is one of a select group of leaders who fought for a better business climate. As a small token of our appreciation, we are presenting him with an engraved Louisville Slugger to thank him for going to bat for business.” In addition to monitoring the progress of bills that directly relate to the strength of the Commonwealth’s business community, the Chamber tracks how each legislator votes on these bills. The Chamber’s MVP award recipients displayed more than just a business­friendly voting record, but also went out of their way, and at times across party lines, to support or oppose an issue critical to the business climate in Kentucky. Read more: Kentucky Chamber

#BestChamber Practices: Hampton Roads Chamber to welcome new CEOs to the region

The Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce will host its annual CEO Welcome Breakfast on Nov. 6 at Founders Inn.

Top regional executives in four categories - municipal, business, nonprofit and military - who are new to their positions and/or new to the area will be recognized.

The event begins with registration and networking at 7:30 a.m., followed by the program and breakfast at 8 a.m. Chamber President and CEO Bryan Stephens will welcome attendees to the event, which will be emceed by WVEC Channel 13 reporter Joe Flanagan.

Founders Inn is located at 5641 Indian River Road in Virginia Beach.

Tickets are $30 for chamber members and $40 for nonmembers. Table sponsorships also are available for $650. Read more: Inside Business

Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce: Top Technology Trends for 2016

Thursday, December 10th 2015
4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
ÄKTA, 205 West Wacker Drive, 21st Floor , Chicago, IL, 60606

Keeping up with rapidly changing technology has become a job in and of itself for businesses in today’s marketplace. How will tech trends impact your organization? Which trends should you invest time and resources into for 2016?

Panelists:

• Drew Davidson, Vice President of Design, ÄKTA
• Ted Souder, Head of Industry, Google
• Chris Taylor, General Manager, Uber
• Nicole Yeary, Founder & CEO, Ms. Tech
• MODERATOR: John Pletz, Technology Reporter, Crain's Chicago Business

Join the Conversation | #TechTrends2016  Read more: Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce

WMC: Teaming up to tackle worker shortage

Three years ago, the Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce Foundation went to more than 50 cities in the state and met with more than 300 manufacturers. The next year the foundation visited all 16 Wisconsin technical colleges and heard from 1,200 leaders in business, government and education circles.

What has emerged from all of those sessions is a wide-ranging group of partners who are determined to address several issues Wisconsin will need to solve, some in the very near future.

Of foremost concern to WMC Foundation President Jim Morgan — who was in Chippewa Falls Thursday speaking at a meeting of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce executives — is a looming worker shortage of large proportions.

“If we don’t find ways to attract people to work in this state, nothing else matters,” he said.

Statistics paint an alarming picture. The number of people age 65 and older in Wisconsin is expected to double in the next 25 years, to 1.5 million, he said.

Meanwhile the University of Wisconsin forecasts only an additional 15,000 people of working age in that same time.

“When you match the numbers up, they don’t work,” said Mike Jordan, president of the Chippewa Falls Area Chamber of Commerce.

The problem of not having enough workers to replace those who are leaving the workforce isn’t unique to Wisconsin. In particular many other Midwestern states are staring at the same dilemma.

“There’s no doubt that (lack of) workforce is an issue,” Jordan said, noting signs from businesses in the industrial park and elsewhere looking for workers. “That tells you we have some needs for qualified people.” Read more: Chippewa Herald

Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotations: (Positive Thinking)

“Great men are they who see that spiritual is stronger than any material force, that thoughts rule the world.”  Ralph Waldo Emerson


Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories, Community Profiles, Re-Lo Guides and Custom Maps 


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, with over 100 years’ experience of print product development and dedicated customer service in communities throughout the Midwest, 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 publication proposal, Click here

Hundreds gather for Traverse City Area annual chamber breakfast and expo; IU President McRobbie, Southwest Indiana Chamber focused on regional topics before Evansville visit; Oxford Lafayette County Chamber Makes Plans for 2016 Leadership Lafayette Program; Gloucester County Chamber's wine fest returns for 6th year; Leadership Kentucky brings November session to Ashland; Sheboygan County Chamber Tourism nets Platinum MarCom award; Chamber Holiday House Tour: Tickets Available for Holiday House Tour in Geneva; Town Square Publications Chamber Directories and Community Profiles

Happy Friday, Chamber world! Today is going to be a GREAT day!

Hundreds gather for Traverse City Area annual chamber breakfast and expo

A panel discussing Michigan’s future in energy cost and efficiency took the stage at the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce 2015 economic outlook breakfast.

“This is an important issue that everyone knows is impacting their business, but they don’t necessarily know how,” said Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Laura Oblinger. “Today was able to explain the energy issue to our members in layman’s terms and how it’s going to impact them.”

Panelists discussed the future of Michigan’s energy market, the role of renewable energy and what local business owners can do to cut their own monthly energy bills.

“Business owners want to know that their natural gas and energy prices are going to be stable and predictable,” said David Mengebier, discussion panelist and senior vice president of Consumers Energy. “As we introduce more technology into the business community, these businesses want to make sure they have reliable and competitively priced electricity so they can plan for their futures.” Read more: Record-Eagle


IU President McRobbie, Southwest Indiana Chamber focused on regional topics before Evansville visit

 Indiana University President Michael A. McRobbie spoke to members of the Southwest Indiana Chamber on Tuesday morning as a part of the chamber's series of signature events to educate and engage members on key issues of importance to the region. McRobbie updated chamber members on IU's progress and discussed the important connections between southwest Indiana and the university.

Justin Groenert, director of public policy and government relations for the Southwest Indiana Chamber, moderated the conference call, in which approximately 50 members participated.

During the 30-minute call, McRobbie covered several topics concerning IU Bicentennial priorities, with a specific focus on student success and catalyzing research.

Student success

IU has taken a number of steps to ensure that all academically qualified students are able to participate in programs that are accessible, affordable and of high quality, including helping them better manage their student debt. The MoneySmarts Financial Program, which has garnered nationwide acclaim, has helped reduce IU student borrowing by more than 16 percent over three years, resulting in an approximately $82.5 million reduction in graduate and undergraduate student borrowing over that period.

"Due to a large increase in institutional financial aid for undergraduate students over the past eight years, and our donor support, IU Bloomington has kept the average net cost of attendance the lowest among any other university in the Big Ten," McRobbie said. "And we take great pride in that."

Catalyzing research

IU will catalyze research through its recently announced Grand Challenges research program, the most ambitious such program in the university's history. Over the next five years, IU will invest at least $300 million in the Grand Challenges research program to develop transformative solutions for some of the planet's most pressing problems. Read more: Indiana University

Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber Makes Plans for 2016 Leadership Lafayette Program

-Leadership Lafayette 2016 Class Call for Applications

-Interested Individuals can acquire an application at www.oxfordms.com

-Application Deadline is Friday, December 11, 2015

                Oxford, Miss.—Emerging community leaders of Oxford and Lafayette County once again have an opportunity to participate in the annual Leadership Lafayette program presented by the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce.

The nine-month program, beginning in January 2016, is a series of training sessions and activities, designed for emerging community leaders.  It is intended to assure the continuity of leadership in Lafayette-Oxford-University community and assist already established community leaders, who seek more effective ways to contribute to the community.  In addition to the sessions, class members will also participate in a community based project.

                “Leadership Lafayette is a great opportunity for community leaders to engage in their community through networking, education and group projects. Each session is coordinated by alumni of the program who put considerable thought into making each year the best it can be,” said Torie Marion White, Leadership Lafayette Program Chair.

The objectives of the program include identifying potential community leaders, developing individual leadership potential, acquiring knowledge about community and current issues in Lafayette County, creating dialogue and rapport among participants and current leaders, and promoting a sense of "community" through shared efforts benefiting the local community.

                Each month will involve an all day session from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  These sessions are packed with information about Oxford and Lafayette County and the needs of the community. Participants will acquire knowledge about current issues that surround them, as well as focused leadership training.

Leadership Lafayette participants will be selected by a steering committee on the basis of completed applications received by Friday, December 11, 2015.  Preference will be given to candidates who, in addition to their potential for leadership, would contribute to the overall diversity and strength of the class and have available time to commit to the program and future community service.  Program participation is limited to 25.  The program requires a tuition fee of $350 upon acceptance.

Leadership Lafayette is a program of the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce and sponsored in part by Chaney's Pharmacy, Charter Road Hospitality Group, and Holli's Sweet Tooth.

The 2016 Leadership Lafayette Steering Committee includes: Chair: Torie Marion White,  University of Mississippi Alumni Association; Wayne Andrews, Yoknapatawpha Arts Council; Steven Ash, Newk’s; Quentin Brewer, BancorpSouth; Sierra Cannon, Re/Max Legacy Realty; Jennifer Eastland, Baptist Memorial Hospital; Kinney Ferris,  Visit Oxford; Ashley Frye, Executive Assistant to Dr. Thomas Fowlkes for Coleman Funeral Home; Kelly Graeber, Oxford School District; Gwen Knight, FNC, Inc.; Adam Lee, The University of Miss.  Foundation; Kristi Peeples, Renasant Bank; Susan Peterson, Security Check; Megan Prescott, City of Oxford Police Dept.; Jeremy Roberts, The University of Mississippi; Kimberly Taylor, FNC, Inc.; Ryan Upshaw, The University of Mississippi; Pat Ward, The Orchard Church; Peyton Warrington, Baptist Memorial Hospital; and Jessica Windham.  All steering committee members are graduates of the Leadership Lafayette program. 

Individuals interested in the program are encouraged go to the Chamber’s website and view the application at www.oxfordms.com or call Pam Swain at the Chamber at 662-234-4651.

Gloucester County Chamber's wine fest returns for 6th year

Organizers say the sixth annual Gloucester Wine Festival this weekend is a fun opportunity to bring the community together.

The festival, hosted by the Gloucester County Chamber of Commerce, is set for 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday at Brent and Becky's Bulbs located at 7900 Daffodil Lane.

It will feature 12 Virginia wineries, food, live music, retail vendors, wine tasting, art and crafts, and educational seminars.

“The Wine Festival is a celebration of a growing industry in Virginia, and we are proud to host 12 Virginia Wineries from all over the Commonwealth, right here in Gloucester,” Gloria Williams, executive director of the Gloucester County Chamber of Commerce, said in a news release. “Each year, the festival continues to grow and incorporate new ideas and concepts.” Read more: Daily Press

Leadership Kentucky brings November session to Ashland

Leadership Kentucky will hold its November session on energy, natural resources and environment in Ashland from Wednesday until Friday.

The non-profit educational organization’s 2015 class includes 51 participants from across the state from various areas of the public and private sectors.


Since it was founded in 1984, 15 Ashland residents have participated in Leadership Kentucky, according to a release from the organization.

First Vice President and Kentucky Region Manager of City National Bank Lori Arthur is the Ashland session chair. She is a 2014 Leadership Kentucky alumna. Read more: Daily Independent

Sheboygan County Chamber Tourism nets Platinum MarCom award

MarCom Awards has announced the winners for the 2015 international awards competition that recognizes outstanding creative achievement by marketing and communication professionals, which included Sheboygan County Chamber Tourism being awarded a Platinum MarCom award in the book category

More than 6,500 entries from throughout the U.S., Canada and 15 other countries participated in the 2015 competition. Sheboygan County Chamber Tourism was awarded for the cover of the 2015 Sheboygan County Visitors Guide designed by Creative Services Manager Bailey Dolson. Tourism also received a Gold MarCom award in the poster category for Dolson’s original artwork, as well as two honorable mentions for additional pinups.

MarCom entries come from corporate marketing and communication departments, advertising agencies, PR firms, design shops, production companies and freelancers. Read more: Sheboygan Press

Chamber Holiday House Tour: Tickets Available for Holiday House Tour in Geneva

Tickets are now available for the Geneva Chamber of Commerce’s holiday house tour.

Five exquisite homes in Geneva will be open to visitors for self-guided tours from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Dec. 4 and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Dec. 5. Tickets include a traditional holiday tea and a booklet with delightful Christmas decorating and entertaining ideas for every corner of the house.

Tickets are $30 per person and can be pre-orderd by calling 630-232-6060. The tickets are also available for purchase at the Geneva Chamber of Commerce, 8 South Third St., and at various other locations throughout the community. Read more: Geneva Patch

Town Square Publications Chamber Directories and Community Profiles


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, with over 100 years’ experience of print product development and dedicated customer service in communities throughout the Midwest, allows Town Square Publications to offer you attractive royalty and non-dues revenue share streams. More information: Town Square Publications

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 publication proposal, Click here

Lansing Regional Chamber Calls for Public/Private Sector Collaboration to Move the Region Forward; Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Executives; Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce Joins Virginia International Trade Alliance (VITAL); Indy Chamber assistance: Trio to serve as Hogsett transition team co-chairs; Beloit Chamber interest: Group rallies around Riverside Project; Chamber Best Practices: Winners of the 60 Ideas in 60 Minutes at IACCE conference; Chamber Best Practices: We want to feature YOU on our Shop Oxford Discount Postcards!; #BestChamber Practices: Virginia Peninsula Chamber - Member Testimonials; Kernersville Chamber Learning Seminar - Emotional Intelligence; Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Publications

Good morning Chamber world! Today is going to be a GREAT day!



Lansing Regional Chamber Calls for Public/Private Sector Collaboration to Move the Region Forward

Regional cooperation, economic development, creating investment and jobs and financial health of local municipalities among top issues
The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC) is urging the business community and local elected officials to begin forging a new era of stronger public/private collaboration in addressing the major issues in the Greater Lansing region.
“The nature of election years is that deliberations on the really tough issues are placed on the back burner until after the election is over,” said LRCC president & CEO Tim Daman. “The Lansing Regional Chamber looks forward to getting back to the business of building a better future for the Greater Lansing region”
Among the issues LRCC contends are the leading priorities in the region are addressing the financial health of the City of Lansing, which continues to face the challenge of solving $600 million in unfunded healthcare and pension liabilities. LRCC also stressed the continued emphasis on public policies that create an environment that encourages business investment and jobs. In the City of East Lansing, voters identified economic development and adoption of a plan for the long-stalled Park District project as top priorities.
“It’s time to bring people together in a way that allows the Park District and other important investments to become a reality,” said Steve Japinga, LRCC director of government relations. “The Chamber looks forward to being involved in positive solutions that can be embraced by everyone involved.”
“It’s our expectation that whatever the issue or challenge that we face that everyone involved will engage in dialogue with civility and respect for others, even when there are disagreements,” said Daman. Read more: Lansing Regional Chamber

Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Executives

• The Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Executives, the professional development society for local chambers of commerce across the state, has announced its new board: President – Brad Schneider, Kyndle (the economic engine for Henderson, McLean, Union and Webster counties); President-Elect –Brad Richardson, Hardin County Chamber; Treasurer – Aaron Dail, Murray-Calloway County Chamber; Secretary – Deanna Herrmann, London-Laurel County Chamber; Immediate Past President – Amy Cloud – Jessamine County Chamber. Board members: Jill Cutler, Mercer County Chamber; Jacob Colley, Southeast Kentucky Chamber; Carmen Inman, Frankfort Area Chamber; Shawna Burton, Greater Louisville Inc.; Lee Lingo, Madisonville-Hopkins County Chamber; Vicki Steigleder, Maysville-Mason County Chamber; and Dana Zinger, Commerce Lexington. Aimee Hiller and Patrick Merchakof the Kentucky Chamber serve as ex-officio members. Source: Lane Report

Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce Joins Virginia International Trade Alliance (VITAL)

International export service now available to Chamber members in Northern Virginia

Richmond, Va. - The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) today announced that the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce (Fairfax Chamber) will partner with the Virginia International Trade Alliance (VITAL), an initiative to increase international trade in Virginia. Through its participation in VITAL, the Chamber will expand services to its member companies as they grow their international sales. VITAL, which was launched in July 2015 by Governor Terry McAuliffe and is managed by VEDP, expands the Commonwealth’s nationally recognized international trade program via formal partnerships with Virginia’s public universities, industry associations and chambers of commerce.

Fairfax Chamber President & CEO Jim Corcoran stated, “The Fairfax Chamber, the Voice of Business in Northern Virginia^TM, is thrilled to partner with VEDP and the VITAL program to grow and diversify the Northern Virginia economy. The VITAL program promises to expose Virginia businesses to new markets and new customers abroad, allowing them to be more successful and employ more Virginians. This collaboration between government, business, and higher education will help shepherd in a new Virginia economy.”

VITAL builds upon Virginia’s proven export assistance programs, including tailored market research, face-to-face meetings with qualified partners overseas, and VEDP’s award-winning Virginia Leaders in Export Trade (VALET) Program. Goals for VITAL include:

·         Growing Virginia exports by $1.6 billion in five years

·         Creating 14,000 trade-supported jobs in five years

·         Serving 390 companies per year via Virginia’s international trade programs

Speaking about the Fairfax Chamber’s decision to join VITAL, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones said, “We have a great opportunity in Virginia to help our wonderful businesses in all corners of the state find customers outside of the country, where 95% of the world’s consumers live. Northern Virginia is home to many of these businesses, and we look forward to working with the Fairfax Chamber to help those businesses find international customers and grow.”

The Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce joins 12 partners in VITAL, including:

·         Virginia Chamber of Commerce

·         Virginia Manufacturers Association

·         Virginia Maritime Association

·         Christopher Newport University

·         College of William & Mary

·         James Madison University

·         George Mason University

·         Old Dominion University

·         University of Mary Washington

·         Virginia Commonwealth University

·         Virginia Military Institute

·         Virginia Tech

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership was created by the Virginia General Assembly in 1995 to encourage, stimulate, and support the development and expansion of the economy of the Commonwealth. To accomplish its objectives of promoting economic expansion within the Commonwealth, the Partnership focuses its efforts on business recruitment, expansion and international trade. VEDP offers numerous programs to assist Virginia companies with selling into the global marketplace. Source: Fairfax Chamber

Indy Chamber assistance: Trio to serve as Hogsett transition team co-chairs

Indianapolis Mayor-Elect Joe Hogsett announced the co-chairs of his transition team Friday, and it includes a prominent Republican.

Rep. Andre Carson (D), former Lt. Gov. Kathy Davis (D), and Indy Chamber President Michael Huber (R) will act as co-chairs on Hogsett's transition team over the next two months before he takes office in January.

Hogsett said the trio represent "inclusion, cohesiveness and bipartisan spirit."

"It's the kind of leadership I hope will govern this city for the next four years," Hogsett said.

Hogsett said Indianapolis residents "want a local government that moves past those things that divide us, and frankly they want a local government that brings our community together as one city - a safer and stronger city." Read more: WTHR TV

Beloit Chamber interest: Group rallies around Riverside Project

A group of Rock County stakeholders have formed to advocate for the pending Riverside Project.

Groups like Forward Janesville, City of Beloit, Town of Beloit, Rock County Board of Supervisors, Greater Economic Development Corporation and the Greater Beloit Area Chamber of Commerce have joined together to support the project, calling themselves the Power Up Riverside Coalition.

The group plans to have representatives at the Nov. 17 public hearing for the project, the meeting is at 2 p.m. and again at 6 p.m. at the Beloit Old Courthouse, West Room, 250 Garden Lane in Beloit.

"We know Alliant Energy, we're familiar with them. They're involved in our community," said Greater Beloit Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Tim Dutter. "We're lucky to have them choose the Township of Beloit. Most economic developers compete for this type of project whereas they choose Beloit. It's going to help all my chamber members."

The $750 million Riverside Project is being challenged by Wisconsin Electric Power Company (We Energies). The Milwaukee-based company was allowed by the state's Public Service Commission to present an alternative plan.

WE Energies argued that consumers will likely pay between $46.5 million for transmission upgrades to complete the new power plant, it states that it has enough power to service Alliant customers while maintaining low costs for consumers. If WE Energies proposal is approved, the Riverside Project could be delayed for nine years.

"We need people to show up to the courthouse and say 'We want this to happen," said Dutter. Read more: Beloit Daily News

Chamber Best Practices: Winners of the 60 Ideas in 60 Minutes at IACCE conference

The winners of the Illinois Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives "60 ideas in 60 minutes"

(From Left,) Jan Anderson, Hinsdale Chamber of Commerce; Most Ideas 

Angie McElwee, Monmouth Chamber, 3rd Place, 

Elaine Kemna-Irish, Evanston Chamber, 2nd Place, Restaurant Dues

Jane Abe, Aurora Regional Chamber, program moderator

Matt Duffy, Dekalb Chamber, 1st Place, Proudly Dekalb

Chamber Best Practices: We want to feature YOU on our Shop Oxford Discount Postcards!

* The Chamber and Visit Oxford are partnering once again to publish a printed 15% off coupon postcard at area merchants for local consumers to use this holiday/winter season.  We publish these three times a year and they have been extremely successful!

* We need confirmation that you want to be a part of the special promotion and be featured our "Shop Oxford" postcard coupon valid mid-November through February 2016. All special promotions will be a onetime use 15% off special on one item, and each merchant or listing will be marked off by the member once it is used.  The consumer keeps the card to use at a another establishment.  Inclusion in the card costs you nothing! 

* Coupon is for one regularly priced item within your store, and noted on the card is "Limited exclusions may apply, see store for details" in case there is anything you need to exclude from the promo. 

* Deadline for inclusion is FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13th AT NOON

* Email Pam Swain to be included

Postcards distribution plan :ü 5,000 postcards will be printedü Distribution plan:
 Chamber of Commerce office
 Visit Oxford office
 Merchants included in the special
 Chamber/EDF Christmas Partyü Promoted on Head to Head radio Show special the Tuesday before Thanksgivingü Promoted via social media outlets, including pick up locationsü Placed in any large group bags assembled at Visit Oxford

Don't miss out on this great opportunity! 

#BestChamber Practices: Virginia Peninsula Chamber - Member Testimonials

Jeffrey D. Wassmer - President/CEO, Spectrum

“Spectrum arrived on the Virginia Peninsula in early 2001 with ten employees.   Almost ten years later with the help of The Chamber, we are nearly 300 strong.  The VPCC has helped in many ways, including: introductions to vendors, savings on our medical costs, seminars and a job fair that is one of our most productive each year.  A personal strength the Chamber has provided is their Leadership Institute in which I have personally attended, as well as over 12 members of our corporate team.  It is a great introduction to the wealth of the Peninsula in many ways and has broadened our network greatly.  The Chamber has had a very positive effect on us, helping our small business feel big!”Guy Manchester, Branch Manager, Financial Securities Management, Inc.

"Over 20 years ago I changed careers.  I retired from a fantastic military career to spend more time with my teenage daughter and my wife.  I wanted to take charge of my life, and my future, in a manner that would also help others.  I picked three organizations that I thought could help me build a business here in Hampton Roads; the VPCC was one of those three.  My association with the VPCC helped me learn the who, what, and where of business.  Successful members gladly shared their “secrets” and “regrets”, so that I could use the former and avoid the latter.  I found encouragement, education, resources, and lifelong friends and business partners through the VPCC.  Today I successfully manage millions of client dollars and count the VPCC involvement a major component in that success. I would recommend that any new business consider making the VPCC a vital part of their business plan and to carve out the necessary time it takes to be an active member."

More Testimonials: Virginia Peninsula Chamber


Kernersville Chamber Learning Seminar - Emotional Intelligence

Join us for our final seminar for the year! On Friday, November 6th Karen Jo Shapiro will be at the Swisher Center to talk about Emotional Intelligence in the workplace. Come at 7:30AM for breakfast and networking followed by the presentation at 8:00AM. RSVP to taylordubois@kernersvillenc.com

Karen Jo Shapiro is a psychologist and executive coach who will be teaching this FREE seminar on Emotional Intelligence. Come join us to learn more about how Emotional Intelligence can help you succeed in business on Friday, November 6th from 7:30-9:30AM. RSVP to taylordubois@kernersvillenc.com



Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Publications


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. More information: Town Square Publications
To request your publication proposal, Click here

Grand Rapids Chamber: Enhance Your Business Strategies at Diversity & Inclusion Forum; Prince William Chamber Seeks Community Help to Impact Local Students in Two Significant Ways Over Next 30 Days - Both Residents and Business Leaders Invited to Participate; Paducah Area Chamber initiative: Area Youth Chosen for L.E.A.D. Class for 2015-16; Elkhart Chamber of Commerce offers seminars, training, resources for its members; Skokie Chamber of Commerce Women In Business - Wednesday, November 18; Chamber interest: Focus on Unique Shopping in Brookhaven; 2015 Twin Lakes (Wisconsin) Chamber Gala coverage; Town Square Publications Chamber Directories

Grand Rapids Chamber: Enhance Your Business Strategies at Diversity & Inclusion Forum

Have you thought about your business strategies lately? Are you looking for ideas to grow a stronger, more impactful organization? Join regional experts for a half-day forum exploring the latest research and best practices for enhancing your business and supporting equitable growth in West Michigan: • Discover key takeaways from the “Business Case for Racial Equity” report—including relevant findings for Grand Rapids—during a feature presentation from La June Montgomery Tabron, president and CEO of W.K. Kellogg Foundation. • Engage with a panel of experts, including Abe Carrillo of Herman Miller and Kathy Crosby of Goodwill, who will discuss lessons learned in managing D&I organizational strategies. • Participate in one of two concurrent breakout sessions: 1) a discussion on managing culture change led by John Malnor, chief development officer at Skytron, and 2) an examination of diverse purchasing best practices with Tracy Joshua, VP of Indirect Procurement at Kellogg Company. Don’t miss this year’s Diversity & Inclusion Forum! Date | Friday, November 20, 2015 Time | 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Location | Salvation Army Kroc Center, 2500 S. Division Ave. Cost | $50/member, $65/future member Registration | Visit www.grandrapids.org/diversity-inclusion-forum to register or for more info. Prince William Chamber Seeks Community Help to Impact Local Students in Two Significant Ways Over Next 30 Days - Both Residents and Business Leaders Invited to Participate Manassas, VA-  “We believe that strong business and strong community go hand in hand.  Today’s school children are our future workforce, our future leaders.  It is important that we let them know this is a community that values their education and stands ready to help them reach their full potential,” says Debbie Jones, President & CEO of the Prince William Chamber, referring to the efforts of the Prince William Chamber of Commerce Education & Innovation Committee, sponsored by the Prince William Education Association. The Education and Innovation Committee is a power-house group of business and community leaders committed to developing an equipped and confident future workforce through partnerships with local school systems. Each year the group leads the businesses of the Prince William Chamber of Commerce through project after project with November through February being the time of year when their community impact is at its peak. Residents of the communities of Prince William County, Manassas and Manassas Park are invited to participate in two of their upcoming initiatives: Winter Warm-Up (Now thru December 14, 2015) With fall in full swing and early morning temperatures near freezing, there are many children in local schools in need of help in meeting a very basic need—staying warm so they can focus on their studies. Michelle Rao, of Laser Quest Corporation, co-chair of the Chamber’s Education & Innovation Committee, says that while many coat drives are conducted over the holidays, often-times local children lack warm clothing underneath, showing up to school in shorts and t-shirts covered by winter coats which they are often not permitted to wear once the school day begins. To meet their need, each year the Committee organizes a Winter Warm-UP online clothing drive.  This year’s drive is now in full swing. For only $10, donors can purchase a “kit” containing a hat, gloves, sweatpants and sweatshirt. The Committee, with the help of student volunteers from Manassas Christian School, then distributes these warm clothing “kits” to Title I schools* in Prince William County and the Cities of Manassas and Manassas Park.  The goal is to keep kids focused on learning by meeting one of their most basic needs; the need for warm clothing during cold weather months. Kits will distributed to schools in mid-December, 2015 and again in early February, 2016.  More information: Contact: Andrea Whaley, Director of Marketing & Communications, Prince William Chamber of Commerce - awhaley@pwchamber.org or 571-765-1876 Paducah Area Chamber initiative: Area Youth Chosen for L.E.A.D. Class for 2015-16 The participants for the Youth L.E.A.D. (Leadership, Education and Development) class for 2015-16 have been selected. Leadership Paducah Foundation, Inc. and Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce are pleased to announce that 26 area youth have been selected to participate in Class #5. Class members take part in a six month educational course that began in October with an orientation retreat and concludes in April 2016 with their graduation at the Paducah Chamber Power in Partnership breakfast. Youth L.E.A.D. is a program designed to develop and prepare students for future community support and leadership roles in Paducah-McCracken County. Youth L.E.A.D. targets high school juniors in Paducah Independent, McCracken County Public, and the private school systems. The selection of class participants was conducted in partnership by the school administrators and a committee made up of representatives of the boards of the Leadership Paducah Foundation and Paducah Area Chamber. The students spend one day a month for five months learning about human needs and service learning, communication and career development, business and economy, law and government, and health care in Paducah and McCracken County. Read more: West Kentucky Star Elkhart Chamber of Commerce offers seminars, training, resources for its members For the Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce, meeting business members’ internal needs — through training and seminars — is among the keys to meet the external need to spur economic development The Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce is not your typical chamber, if there even is such a thing.  “The saying is, ‘If you’ve seen one chamber, you’ve seen one chamber,’” said Kyle Hannon, president of the organization.   The Elkhart chamber’s aim, he said, is to educate, advocate and elevate. Like many chambers in the state, Elkhart’s staff attends ribbon-cutting and groundbreaking events, goes to Indianapolis and Washington, D.C., to support local businesses, and offers a networking system for members. But what sets the Elkhart chamber apart, Hannon said, is the number and variety of classes, seminars and training resources it offers members, large and small businesses alike.  As part of its mission to educate, the Elkhart chamber has offered seminars on QuickBooks, Facebook, Occupational Safety and Health Administration compliance, lean manufacturing, customer service and more. The chamber has even offered environmental safety workshops and set up conferences with the Indiana Department of Transportationcommissioner, Hannon said.  Read more: Elkhart Truth Skokie Chamber of Commerce Women In Business - Wednesday, November 18 "How Getting Involved In Your Community Can Help Your Business" After over 40 years in the food service industry, and 30 years of that time owning her own large upscale catering and restaurant business in Lincolnwood (Food For Thought), Susan Trieschmann opened Curts Café, a non-profit workforce development program, in Evanston 3.5 years ago.  Her goal was to help at-risk young adults 15 - 24 years old build LIFE and job skills with the goal of job placement.  She has expanded the program recently to include teen mothers and their program is hosted in a second location in south Evanston.  Through community support Curts Café has been able to help over 100 highly at risk young people find jobs, safe housing, graduate high school and become a contributing part of their community.  But it would have been impossible without the support of local businesses, who found that by supporting a local charity they could build their business and enhance their professional story.  At this month's Women In Business program, Susan will share her story and what she's learned about building business through community involvement. We'll also discuss local opportunities for getting involved in the community that can help you build your business. Women In Business is presented by BMO Harris Bank.   Wednesday, November 18, 2015 *Please Note 3rd Wednesday this month only. 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Skokie Public Library, Radmacher Room 5215 Oakton St., Skokie $15 for pre-registered members, $20 for walk-ins and prospective members. Includes lunch. For More Information & To Register, Click Here Chamber interest: Focus on Unique Shopping in Brookhaven Shopping in Brookhaven has long been one of its most attractive qualities, bringing travelers to the area to take advantage of a unique retail store experience. The fact that Brookhaven has a wealth of unique, carefully grown and respected privately owned businesses makes retail a hidden gem in this town. There is, however, little consistency in the shopping hours throughout town as private businesses create their own hours. People new to town who haven’t learned or become accustomed to the sometimes arbitrary­ seeming operating hours of businesses find themselves wondering: With most shops open 9 or 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, when am I supposed to shop? Brookhaven­-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce Program Director Kay Burton said beginning Thanksgiving, as many as 30 participating stores will extend their hours until 8 p.m. each Thursday until Christmas to help solve that problem. “It will offer a little more stability in the busy retail season,” Burton said. “And having a consistent store­hour presence will benefit shoppers [who are more active this time of year.]” Leading up to the period of extended hours, the Chamber will host Christmas Open House on Nov. 7 and Nov. 21 when all participating businesses will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Read more: Daily Leader 2015 Twin Lakes (Wisconsin) Chamber Gala coverage Twin Lakes Area Charity Corp. presented is annual gala Saturday night at Rumpoles in Twin Lakes. This year’s theme was Mardi Gras Charity Auction and Murder Mystery. Neil Patrone of Spring Grove was the “victim” M&M, of “The Spy Who Loved Me to Death”, and attendees played various roles and suspects. Only five people guessed the perpetrator. The evening also included dinner, costume contest, silent and loud auction, and 50/50 raffle. Proceeds benefit a scholarship fund, local charities and events. Th event was administered by the Twin lakes Are Chamber & Business Association, Inc. Town Square Publications Chamber Directories 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. 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 publication proposal, Click here