Happy Monday, Chamber World! It's going to be a GREAT day! Chamber managed: Indiana INTERNnet to Host Three Summer Networking Events for Interns, Mentors; Chamber production: Taste of Reston 2016 Needs Volunteers ASAP; Hancock Chamber accepting applications for leadership class; Economic Alliance of Kankakee County Launches Redeveloped Attraction-focused Website; Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce 2016 Community Profile & Membership Directory; Birmingham-Bloomfield Chamber host: It's fair time in Birmingham; Kyndle tech luncheon to focus on Skype for business; Hair apparent: Milton Area Chamber Wally's Music Fest to feature '80s rock; Town Square Publications Chamber Re-Location Guides and Custom Maps;

Happy Monday, Chamber World! It's going to be a GREAT day! Chamber managed: Indiana INTERNnet to Host Three Summer Networking Events for Interns, Mentors  Indiana INTERNnet, the statewide resource for internship opportunities managed by the Indiana Chamber, will host a series of intern networking events this summer to encourage community engagement. Interns from organizations throughout Central Indiana are invited to events at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis (June 14), Indianapolis Zoo (July 14) and Indiana State Fair (August 5). Each will offer professional development and networking opportunities in addition to time to explore the venues. Parking and admission are free for each event. In 2015, more than 300 interns participated in Indiana INTERNnet events at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis and Indiana State Fair. A feeling of community connectedness is a significant factor in a young professional’s decision regarding where he or she lives and works. “Retaining talent in Indiana is at the core of Indiana INTERNnet’s mission,” emphasizes executive director Janet Boston. “To complement the real-world experience interns gain on the job, these engagement events provide an opportunity for students to build relationships through networking and develop community pride.” - The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis (June 14): The event will begin at 9 a.m. (check-in at 8:30 a.m.) with professional development. Following the programming, attendees will be free to explore the museum at their leisure until it closes at 5 p.m. An optional lunch will be served around noon, and guests will have the unique opportunity to go on a behind-the-scenes tour of the museum’s collections. - Indianapolis Zoo (July 14): The event will take place from approximately 1-5 p.m. Following professional development programming and zoo experiences, attendees will be invited to enjoy the Animals and All That Jazz concert and food stations from 5:30-8:30 p.m.- Indiana State Fair (August 5): The event will begin at 9 a.m. (check-in at 8 a.m.) with a welcome and networking activity where Peter Dunn (aka Pete the Planner) will speak to attendees. Dunn is an award-winning comedian and financial mind. He is the author of 10 books, and is the host of the popular radio program, “The Pete the Planner Show”, on 93 WIBC FM. Interns will be invited to enjoy the fair at their leisure and participate in an optional social media contest administered by Indiana INTERNnet. The contest will conclude in the early afternoon. Fair bucks will be provided for each attendee to be used at food vendors throughout the fair. Capacity is limited and registration is required. The reservation deadline is June 1 for The Children’s Museum, July 1 for the Indianapolis Zoo and July 15 for the Indiana State Fair. Contact Katie Coffin to RSVP at INTERNnet@indianachamber.com or (317) 264-7535. For more information about the Indiana INTERNnet program, visit www.IndianaINTERN.net or call the hotline at 317-264-6852. More: Indiana Chamber Chamber production: Taste of Reston 2016 Needs Volunteers ASAP The "No. 1 Food Festival in Northern Virginia" wants you to be a volunteer. Taste of Reston 2016 is just a couple weeks away, and the event still needs people working behind the scenes -- and you can even promote your business in the process, according to a statement. About 300 volunteers are expected at the event on Saturday, June 18, and organizers are welcoming anyone who is willing to participate -- co-workers, friends and even neighbors. If you're able to get four volunteers to cover at least one volunteer shift, you'll be officially declared a "team," which means you'll get your company name listed on the event website and signage. You'll also get 12 tickets per volunteer to enjoy the event itself, and a T-shirt for each volunteer. "Taste of Reston, produced by the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce, is the largest outdoor food festival in the area and has been voted 'Northern Virginia’s Best Food Festival' by Virginia Living magazine since 2012," according to the site. "Join us this June at the Reston Town Center for two days of restaurants and community vendors, live entertainment on three stages, the Family Fun Zone! and our Wine ‘n Dine area." Read more: Patch.com Hancock Chamber accepting applications for leadership class Applications are being accepted for the Leadership Hancock County 2016-17 class. The program is managed by the Hancock Chamber, and participants are selected based on their application and leadership potential, and who have time to commit to the program and future community service. The annual fee to participate is $395 per person and partial scholarships may be available. Participants must be residents of Hancock County or employed in Hancock County and be a Chamber member representative. Applications will be accepted through Aug. 1 and can be submitted online at hancockchamber.org (under Programs) or can be picked up at the chamber office at 100 Beach Blvd, Suite A, Bay St. Louis. Details: 467-9048, or email sally@hancockchamber.org. Read more: Sun Herald Economic Alliance of Kankakee County Launches Redeveloped Attraction-focused Website

The Economic Alliance of Kankakee County this week launched its newly redeveloped website - kankakeecountyed.org. Among the site's enhancements are: Better positioning of the community as a part of an asset-rich region with global access, and Dramatically increased opportunities for user engagement and activation. The site was designed by LinkPoint Media of Bourbonnais, Illinois, and developed by industry-leading economic development software provider Community Systems of Denver, Colorado. "Our key message to prospective investors in our community," notes Alliance President/CEO Tim Nugent, "is that Kankakee County is industrially vibrant, with significant growth capacity. "We are well positioned from all angles - geographic, utilities, transportation, workforce, incentives - to attract more advanced food processing, warehouse/logistics, energy projects, metals manufacturing and bioscience to this community," Nugent adds, "and the new website will be a primary means to start those conversations." Among the fastest growing metros in the Chicagoland region, Kankakee County is situated 50 miles south of Downtown Chicago along the I-57 Corridor. Ready access to the interstate, rail, all utilities, fiber and workforce means a diverse business community, including Fortune and Global 500 companies, is able to thrive. Two Enterprise Zones provide property tax abatement, sales tax exemption and other growth incentives. Kankakee County saw more than $1 billion in capital investment in FY 2014 and 2015. "With the correct design, development and search engine optimization strategies," explains Alliance Director of Marketing & Business Attraction Lisa Wogan, "an economic development website is the most efficient and effective generator of leads from around the world. "Our goal is that this powerful tool will help us to reach 25,000 website visits, 100 new qualified prospect conversations and at least 10 site selector visits annually to our community," Wogan adds. More Information: Economic Alliance of Kankakee Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce 2016 Community Profile & Membership Directory The Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce 2016 Community Profile & Membership Directory is available at the Crossroads Regional Chamber today! Thanks to Sue Reed and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together! Town SquarePublications  (www.townsquarepublications.com) can help you accomplish your chamber's gloss map, directory, community profile or publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633. Birmingham-Bloomfield Chamber host: It's fair time in Birmingham  For kids of all ages, the Village Fair marks the true beginning of summer. Coming annually the weekend after Memorial Day, this year marks the 53rd Annual Village Fair, hosted by the Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce. Located in and around Shain Park to the delight of fairgoers, cotton candy-lovers and carnival game fans. The fair opened Thursday, June 2, at noon, and will run until Sunday, June 5, at 9 p.m. Hours for the fair are Friday, noon to 11 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and Sunday, noon until 9 p.m. The park is full of all kinds of rides, from tame kiddie rides for wee tykes to hair-raising ones for wild teens. Rides include a beautiful merry-go-round, Ferris wheel, bumper cars, giant slide, Freak Out, tea cups, and many others. There are many games of chance, most benefitting non-profit organizations, including Birmingham Youth Assistance, Rotary Club of Michigan, Michigan Birmingham Education Foundation, Julian Boivin Courage for Cures Foundation, Birmingham-Bloomfield Symphony Orchestra, and others. Read more: Downtown Publications Kyndle tech luncheon to focus on Skype for business The next Kyndle Tech Tuesday luncheon will focus on Skype for business. Kyndle will host its Tech Tuesday luncheon at noon Tuesday at in the training room at Kyndle offices on the fifth floor of the Soaper Building at Second and Main streets. It is free to Kyndle stakeholders. The presentation will be made by Bob Parsons, president and founder of Automated Office Solutions in Evansville. Parsons has been in the IT field for more 36 years and holds numerous IT certifications as well as a bachelor's degree from Purdue University in general management/marketing. Parsons will focus on four main topics related to Skype that include: Using Skype across different devices, complete meeting solutions, business calls using Skype and security, controls and compliance. At the end of the luncheon Kyndle will give away one free year of Microsoft Office 365. Read more: The Gleaner Hair apparent: Milton Area Chamber Wally's Music Fest to feature '80s rock In the '80s, Michael Jordan debuted in the NBA, John Lennon died and the Berlin Wall came tumbling down. Mount St. Helens erupted, and “The Simpsons” first appeared on “The Tracy Ullman Show.” It truly was a newsworthy time, but all anybody ever wants to talk about is the big hair and rock music. And that's … just … fine. Those who grew up in the days after disco remember Kip Winger, Jon Bon Jovi and David Lee Roth, stacks of compact discs and heavy doses of MTV. Our focus was on fun and, aside from not buying stock in Aqua Net, we had very few regrets. On June 10-11, the Milton Area Chamber of Commerce takes music fans back to the decade of good music and bad fashion choices with the first-ever Wally's Music Fest at Schilberg Park on High Street. - See more at: Gazette Extra Town Square Publications Chamber Re-Location Guides and Custom Maps  Town Square Publications parent company, Paddock Publications, has over 100 years’ experience of print product development and dedicated customer service in communities throughout the Midwest. Our experience allows Town Square Publications to offer you attractive royalty and non-dues revenue share streams, provide direct distribution of your custom designed printed publications, including digital and mobile integration, and all with the quickest turn-around times available in the industry. Town Square also offers multi-media maps in both print and online formats, both with our No-Cost guarantee. More information: Town Square Publications Chambers of Commerce and member focused organizations serve as a valuable resource in the local marketplace. The networking opportunities and representation with a wide variety of diverse businesses in your community is the catalyst of a successful organization. For further information about Town Square's publishing partnership with chambers of commerce and our No-Cost guarantee and Earned Revenue Share Program, To request your publication proposal, Click here

Happy Friday, Chamber World! Have a GREAT weekend! Chicago-Southland chamber: HOW THEY VOTED: MICHAEL MADIGAN'S $7 BILLION IMBALANCED ILLINOIS BUDGET; Vicki Gardner to speak at FCHS’s 66th commencement; Kentucky Chamber: 2016 a year of legislative victories for businesses; Leadership Gulf Coast’s 2016 Alumni Breakfast set for July 29; Indiana Chamber Welcomes New Environmental, Energy Lobbyist; Michigan Chamber: Are You Ready to E-Verify? Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce 2016 Community Profile & Membership Directory; Fox Cities Chamber Expo has problem-solving focus; Town Square Publications Chamber of Commerce Membership Directories and Custom Maps; Friday: 157 Rules for Executive Success in Organization Management (and your Chamber of Commerce) by Patrick McGaughey

Happy Friday, Chamber World! Have a GREAT weekend!



Chicago-Southland chamber: HOW THEY VOTED: MICHAEL MADIGAN'S $7 BILLION IMBALANCED ILLINOIS BUDGET

As the Illinois budget battle heated up in Springfield last week, House Speaker Michael Madigan pushed a budget bill that was $7 billion out of balance through the Illinois House.

It was a classic Madigan move: a controversial, 500-page bill brought to the House floor for a vote less than two hours after it was handed out to Republican lawmakers for review. It contained $700 million in additional funding for K-12 education - an area where Gov. Bruce Rauner and Republicans had said they wanted to increase spending. Its $39 billion price tag funded higher education and social services with no regard for the fact that the state would take in only $32 billion in revenue in the coming fiscal year. READ MORE

Executive Director Vicki Gardner to speak at FCHS’s 66th commencement

Vicki Gardner

Vicki Gardner, executive director of the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center, will be the keynote speaker at Franklin County High School’s 66th commencement Saturday.

FCHS’s graduation exercises will begin at C.I. Dillon Stadium-Fred M. Brown Memorial Field at 10 a.m.

The Class of 2016 is comprised of 475 graduates, 44 of whom are distinguished honor graduates and 256 are honor graduates.

Distinguished honor graduates (grade point average of 4.0 or higher) will wear white gowns and will be first in the processional and recessional lines.

Those who are members of the National Honor Society will be wearing gold stoles.

Honor graduates will wear red gowns with gold tassels.

Gardner has served as executive director of the SML Regional Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center since September 2002.

Active in local, regional and state chamber affiliations, Gardner was the 2012 president of the Virginia Chamber Executives & Virginia Chamber Board of Directors and a graduate of the U.S. Chamber Institute of Organizational Management program. She is also a 2016 recipient of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Tourism Ambassador Award. Read more: Franklin News Post

Kentucky Chamber: 2016 a year of legislative victories for businesses 

Many in the business community didn’t know what to expect when the 2016 General Assembly convened in early January. Gov. Matt Bevin had just been sworn in a few weeks before after a contentious gubernatorial campaign, House Democrats were barely hanging on to their majority after several key appointments and party flipping by members, and there was a special election for four seats in the House that had the potential to shift the balance of power.
However, despite the odds, policy trumped politics this year, making the session one of the most successful the business community has seen. The state budget and pension problems dominated the session, and we at the Kentucky Chamber think Frankfort made major strides in getting the state’s fiscal house in order.
The divided legislature was able to come up with a budget that is arguably the most responsible in years because it deals with our public pension problems head­ on, putting an additional $1 billion into the state’s ailing pension systems.
While we regret that our universities and community colleges will experience additional cuts, we are pleased that the budget contained targeted money for workforce development, more funds for college tuition assistance, and criteria for performance ­based funding of higher education, something the Chamber has supported for years.
In addition to the budget, the Chamber logged several other victories for the business community. The passage of public-private partnership (P3) legislation, a top priority for the Chamber for three years, will enable increased private investment in state and local infrastructure projects. Felony expungement legislation will address Kentucky’s workforce shortage by providing a second chance for thousands of Kentuckians who have a single, low­-level felony charge.
Legislation to modernize rules for distillers, wineries and breweries will spur tourism and economic development, and a new workers’ compensation task force the Chamber lobbied for, will make recommendations to improve the workers’ compensation system. Read more: Kentucky Chamber

Leadership Gulf Coast’s 2016 Alumni Breakfast set for July 29

Kimberly Nastasi

Mississippi Gulf Coast – The annual Leadership Gulf Coast Alumni Breakfast will be held on July 29, 2016 at the IP Casino Resort & Spa. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. and the program begins promptly at 8:00 a.m. Dr. John Kelly, Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Gulfport, will be the featured speaker for this event.

Since the start of the program in 1988, the Leadership Gulf Coast has graduated over 900 leaders. The goal of the program is to understand real problems and opportunities in our community and to create a communication network between present and emerging leaders dedicated to the improvement of the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

“Leadership Gulf Coast continues to be an exceptional program which connect, informs and develops the best minds on the Mississippi Gulf Coast” said Kimberly Nastasi, Chief Executive Officer of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce, Inc.

Tickets for the event are $30, which includes breakfast. Tables and sponsorships are also available.  For additional information or to purchase tickets, tables or sponsorships, contact 228-604-0014.


Indiana Chamber Welcomes New Environmental, Energy Lobbyist

The Indiana Chamber has tapped Greg Ellis, an administrative law judge for the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission since 2010, as its new vice president of energy and environmental policy. 

Ellis will begin his work with the Indiana Chamber on May 31.

“Greg brings with him lobbying experience at the state and federal levels, as well as a history of working in the environmental arena – including with several agencies in state government. We are delighted to have someone with Greg’s extensive background join our organization and represent our members in these important issue areas, including continuing development of the state’s water resources plan,” says Indiana Chamber President and CEO Kevin Brinegar.

Among Ellis’ various roles with the state of Indiana: He served as the business ombudsman for the Indiana Department of Environmental Management and legal counsel for the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. He was also chief legal counsel and legislative liaison for the Indiana Civil Rights Commission. In addition, Ellis served as an Indiana representative on the Council of Great Lakes Governors during development of the Great Lake Compact. 

“I believe the Indiana Chamber is the perfect place to apply what I have learned throughout my career,” Ellis says. “I’m excited to be part of a team that has played a major role in helping craft our state’s excellent business climate. There is plenty of work left to do, from dealing with rising energy costs to building upon the water resource efforts of the past few years. I’m ready to tackle those challenges and more.” 

Ellis, who lives in Zionsville with his wife and three children, received his bachelor’s degree from Indiana State University and his law degree from the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law.

Vince Griffin retired from the Indiana Chamber on April 29 after more than 18 years of service in the same position. Source Indiana Chamber

Michigan Chamber: Are You Ready to E-Verify?

E-Verify is a fast, free, and easy-to-use internet-based service run by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and partnership with the Social Security Administration that allows employers to verify the eligibility of their newly hired employees to legally work in the United States. It is important that employers understand E-Verify and employee rightsduring the federal employment eligibility verification processes.

All U.S. employers are required by law to complete the Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9 for every worker hired. That includes citizens and non-citizens.

E-Verify takes the Form I-9 process one step further. It compares information provided on a Form I-9 against information in government records. In most cases, It tells the employer in just seconds if an employee is eligible to work in the United States.  

E-Verify is currently used by over 656,000 employers at 2.1 million hiring sites. It is growing rapidly, with more than 1,400 new businesses enrolling each week. Since September 2009, E-Verify is mandatory for many federal contractors.

Visit the E-Verify website to learn more: www.dhs.gov/E-Verify.

Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce 2016 Community Profile & Membership Directory

The Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce 2016 Community Profile & Membership Directory is available at the Crossroads Regional Chamber today! Thanks to Sue Reed and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!

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

Fox Cities Chamber Expo has problem-solving focus

Helping businesses overcome obstacles is the main focus of an event today, at the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel in downtown Appleton.

Amy Flanders of the Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce says more than 70 companies are participating in the business expo. She says each of them will talk about how they solved a problem. Flanders says they could range from getting a small business loan, to choosing a financial advisor.

The expo runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. It's free. Read more: WHBY.com

Town Square Publications Chamber of Commerce Membership Directories 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, has over 100 years’ experience of print product development and dedicated customer service in communities throughout the Midwest.More information: Town Square Publications

To request your publication proposal, Click here




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

RULE #2        If they write the plan, they will underwrite the plan.

Good morning Chamber World! It's going to be a GREAT day! Northern Virginia Chamber Announces New Distinguished Service Awards; Jeff Rea, St. Joseph County Chamber: Census estimate a good sign for the region; Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce event: 2016 Mexico Business Forum; Greater Beloit Chamber collaboration: Irontek U coming to Beloit students; Mount Pleasant 2016 Community Guide; The Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce is seeking volunteers for this weekend's 11th annual Red, White & Blueberry Festival.; Kyndle Brown Bag: Lecture to Focus on Smart Payroll Solutions for Small Business; Chamber event: Caro Cars & Crafts Weekend begins June 3, thousands expected downtown; Town Square Publications Chamber Directories

Good morning Chamber World! It's going to be a GREAT day! 
Northern Virginia Chamber Announces New Distinguished Service Awards

Winners to be Announced Live at Awards Gala July 19

Tysons, Va. –The Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce (Northern Virginia Chamber), formerly Fairfax Chamber, has announced a new Distinguished Service Awards program aimed at honoring individuals, companies, and non-profit organizations for their service to veterans in the Greater Washington business community. Nominees were selected by an independent committee and winners will be announced live at a July 19 awards gala at the Falls Church Marriott Fairview Park.

“We are thrilled to announce the new Distinguished Service Awards,” said Jim Corcoran, Northern Virginia Chamber president and CEO. “The companies selected as nominees represent the unsung heroes in our business community who have dedicated their time and resources to help veterans succeed.”

The Awards are presented in recognition of community stewardship and business leadership.

Veteran Business Mentorship Award – honoring an individual, company, or non-profit organization that has made meaningful contributions to support and/or mentor veteran entrepreneurs and/or veteran-owned businesses in the Greater Washington region within the past year.

Nominees:
The Capitol Post (Bunker Labs D.C.)
Dog Tag Bakery
Easter Seals Serving MD | VA | DC

Meritorious Veteran Owned Business Award – honoring a successful veteran owned business in the Greater Washington region that has demonstrated positive integration into the community, and is poised for future success.

Nominees:
Emerging Business – less than 3 years in business
MILLIE
Sonoma Cellars

Established Business – more than 3 years in business
Evoke Research and Consulting, LLC
Three Wire Systems
Two Marines Moving

In addition, Dr. J. (Jack) Phillip London, Executive Chairman and Chairman of the Board, CACI International, will be honored with the Lifetime Distinguished Service Award for his commitment and contributions to help veterans succeed in business in the Greater Washington region. A keynote address will be presented by John C. Harvey, Jr., Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs, Commonwealth of Virginia.

More information about the Distinguished Service Awards can be found at www.novachamber.org.

Jeff Rea, St. Joseph County Chamber: Census estimate a good sign for the region

Jeff Rea

Census data help the state and communities make some assumptions about their overall health.

In 1902, the Census Bureau was formed for the purpose of counting the number of people in the United States. The data collected would become valuable for important tasks like allocating federal funds each year and determining the seats of the U.S. House of Representatives to the states based on their population. The data is to be collected every 10 years.

Throughout the other years, the bureau conducts dozens of other censuses and surveys, including the American Community Survey, the U.S. Economic Census and the Current Population Survey. The various censuses and surveys conducted by the bureau today help allocate more than $400 billion in federal money every year and help states, local communities and businesses make informed decisions.

The bureau has recently released its 2015 population estimates. Indiana’s growth remains slow, with more than half of Indiana counties losing population. Overall, Indiana has grown at about 2 percent since the last decennial census in 2010. But Indiana’s growth outpaces our neighbors in Michigan, Illinois, Ohio and Kentucky. The Midwest is growing at only 0.3 percent.

Most growth in Indiana has been in the center of the state, with four of the five fastest-growing counties surrounding Indianapolis. Generally, those suburbs outside metro areas have experienced the most gains while rural counties have experienced the most losses.

In our area, the populations of St. Joseph and Elkhart counties have increased again; both are among the faster growing counties outside the center of the state. In 58 of Indiana’s 92 counties, the population shrank or stayed flat. In St. Joseph County, we’re bucking a trend that included decades of population stagnation.

Population growth is at the center of the Regional Cities mission. Experts had predicted slow to no growth for our area, but Regional Cities projects are intended to help buck that trend. We’re off to a good start, but it’s a little early to celebrate our success. Read more: South Bend Tribune

Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce event: 2016 Mexico Business Forum

Date: June 22, 2016
Time 8:30 am-11:00 am
Location  Miller Canfield Paddock and Stone, PLC | 225 West Washington Street, 5th Floor
Tickets  Member: $35 --- Non-Member: $70




Mexico is Illinois’ second largest trading partner – behind only Canada – with a trade and investment relationship that continues to deepen. Mexico is one of the most competitive countries for productive investment; its open economy guarantees access to international markets through a network of free trade agreements and the country boasts a strategic geographic location and competitive costs to service global markets.

Learn from an expert panel about the benefits and challenges of doing business in Mexico as well as an update on trade relations between Illinois and Mexico: Register Now



Greater Beloit Chamber collaboration: Irontek U coming to Beloit students

 Thanks to a partnership between the School District of Beloit and local businesses, REACH Advanced Career Education students at Beloit Memorial High School will have the opportunity to work alongside business mentors on special projects at the Irontek — Beloit’s newest business incubator. The new partnership is being called Irontek U.

“It’s going to be great getting the students exposed to an atmosphere that appreciates out-of-the-box thinking. Maybe the student entrepreneurs will headquarter their businesses in Beloit one day,” said Irontek community manager Erin Clausen.

Irontek is a new one-stop shop for businesses in Beloit to help foster entrepreneurship and support business development. Irontek’s offices are available for rent for small start-up companies. Shared conference room space also is available. In the middle of Irontek are about 40 individual spaces that freelance workers can rent.

Acculynx, Comply365, Premier Technologies, Resonate Web Marketing and the Greater Beloit Chamber of Commerce, all located in Irontek at 635 Third St., have stepped forward to work with students on computer science and IT projects. Projects may include working on a website or developing an app for either iPhone or Android.

Use of the space at Irontek is being paid for through a Carl Perkins grant, federal dollars which school districts are given for improvement of their career and technical education programs, said School District of Beloit Career & Technical Education Director Ryan Rewey. Read more: Beloit Daily News

Mount Pleasant 2016 Community Guide 

The Mount Pleasant 2016 Community Guide & Membership Directory is available at the Village of Mount Pleasant today! Thanks to Anna Marie Clausen, Logan Martin and the village team for their help and direction putting this together!

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


The Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce is seeking volunteers for this weekend's 11th annual Red, White & Blueberry Festival.

Read more here: http://www.sunherald.com/news/business/article81278347.html#storylink=cpy

The Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce is seeking volunteers for this weekend's 11th annual Red, White & Blueberry Festival.

The festival is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the L&N Depot Plaza. Free vanilla ice cream with fruit topping will be served and the Ocean Springs Fresh Market and cooking demonstrations also will be happening.

Volunteers are needed to set up the tents, tables and chairs, pick up supplies on Friday and on Saturday to cut and wash fruit, scoop ice cream and clean up.

Contact: Cynthia at cynthia@oceanspringschamber.com

Kyndle Brown Bag: Lecture to Focus on Smart Payroll Solutions for Small Business

Smart Payroll Solutions for Small Business will be the focus of Kyndle’s next Kyndle Brown Bag Series lecture scheduled for Monday, June 13.

The presentation will be made by Jill M. Cape, CPA, CPP, Pay Day Payroll. Cape is a graduate of Western Kentucky University and has 30 years of experience in the payroll industry. She has owned and operated Pay Day Payroll for 11 years.

The brown bag will concentrate on four main topics: timekeeping, employee vs. contract labor, withholding taxes and how to handle overtime. There will be time at the end of the lecture for questions.

The Brown Bag is free to Kyndle stakeholders. It will start at noon in the training room at the Kyndle offices on the fifth floor of the Soaper Building at Second and Main streets.

For reservations, contact Kyndle at Info@Kyndle.us or 270-826-7505. Read more: Lane Report

Chamber event: Caro Cars & Crafts Weekend begins June 3, thousands expected downtown

 Yesterday, officials at the Caro Chamber of Commerce were already looking at the weather forecast for next weekend in the Thumb region, fingers crossed that predictions for how Mother Nature will behave are accurate.

The reason is simple: better weather means more people will take part in the 27th Annual Caro Cars & Crafts Weekend and 9th Annual Bike Show that begins next Friday, June 3 and continues all day Saturday, June 4.

“It really depends on Mother Nature and the weather,” said Susan Rickwalt-Holder, president, board of directors, Caro Chamber of Commerce. “We’ve had 125 cars and we’ve had 75 cars so it really depends on the weather and so forth.

“I don’t want to jinx myself, but the weather, right now, looks wonderful. Perfect.”

In addition to those who set up for the car show, Rickwalt-Holder said the event usually draws about 50 crafters who are set up. Read more: Tuscola Today

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

MMAC issue: We want to hear from you on the impact of the federal OT rules; Columbus-Lowndes Chamber partnership: Sounds of Summer set for June 9 kickoff; Kyle Morey leaving Madison County Chamber; Clearbrook leader honored at Rolling Meadows Chamber Circle of Success; #BestChamber Practices: Chamber of Commerce serving Lexington, Beuna Vista and Rockbridge County: Make your "out of office" email a blockbuster; Troy Chamber Gets Fresh New Look for Spring; Lake County Chamber of Commerce 2016 Community Guide & Membership Directory; Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce Excellence Awards Luncheon; Town Square Chamber of Commerce Publications

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

MMAC issue: We want to hear from you on the impact of the federal OT rules
Business executives throughout southeastern Wisconsin are scrambling to review the federal overtime rules that will go into effect Dec. 1.

The federal Department of Labor recently published revisions to the overtime exemption regulations that are expected to cause more than 4 million workers to lose their exempt status. The new regulations take effect Dec. 1, so employers have some time to make adjustments.

The rule would make any worker earning less than $47,476 a year eligible for overtime if they work more than 40 hours a week, even if they are managers or professionals. That’s double the current overtime pay threshold.

We want to hear from you. How will this rule change impact you? What are you doing to prepare for its implementation? Will you increase salaries or move employees to part-time status? What questions do you have? Read more: Milwaukee Business Journal

Columbus-Lowndes Chamber partnership: Sounds of Summer set for June 9 kickoff

Sounds of Summer will soon return to downtown Columbus. The 2016 series of free summer concerts at the Riverwalk launches Thursday, June 9 with entertainment by the Juke Joint Gypsies from 7-9 p.m. Additional concerts are June 23 with Poor House Band; July 7 with Charlie Burgin and Southbound Train; and July 21 with The Bouncing Betty.  

The series is a joint venture sponsored by Main Street Columbus and The Columbus-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce. It began in 2008 and features riverside entertainment by area musicians. Food and beverage concessions are available for purchase.  

For a fifth year, the Southeast Tourism Society has tapped Sounds of Summer as a Top 20 Event in the Southeast for the months of June and July. 

"We are so excited to again be recognized as one of the best events in the Southeast," said Main Street Columbus Executive Director Barbara Bigelow. 

"Sounds of Summer is a diverse, quality event that offers something for everyone while showcasing our community and local talent. It is truly an event that the community enjoys. We are so appreciative of our business sponsors and volunteers who make it possible." 

Columbus-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce President Joey Bragg said, "Sounds of Summer is an outstanding event that we take great pride in. We love our partnership with Main Street Columbus. Local businesses and sponsors helping deliver quality, family-friendly events to our area is what we like to reach for year after year."  Read more:  The Dispatch

Kyle Morey leaving Madison County Chamber

Kyle Morey has announced his resignation as president and CEO of the Madison County Chamber of Commerce, effective Aug. 1.

Morey was appointed CEO of the local Chamber of Commerce in 2010. He had previously served as vice president of the Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce in Arizona and was affiliated with the One Southern Indiana Chamber of Commerce before moving to Anderson.

Morey has also recently served as a public affairs specialst for the Muncie stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Mike Montgomery, chairman of the Madison County Chamber of Commerce board, said Morey informed the board this week of his decision to leave the chamber to take another position.

“We have formed a transition committee to start the search for a new president,” Montgomery said.

“I think everyone was surprised,” he said of Morey’s decision. “I believe at the time he was hired we realized he was a young guy and this would not be his last stop.”

Morey replaced Keith Pitcher, who served as president of the local Chamber for 13 years.

“He’s done a great job,” Montgomery said of Morey’s tenure in Madison County. “The Chamber is moving in a positive direction.”

Tammy Rimer, a former chair of the Chamber board, said Morey will be missed and board members were saddened to receive his resignation letter.

“He brought a lot of technology to the Chamber," she said. "He moved us into the 21st century.” Read more: Herald-Bulletin

Clearbrook leader honored at Rolling Meadows Chamber Circle of Success

After more than two decades at the helm of Clearbrook, which provides services for thousands of children and adults with disabilities, Carl M. La Mell is retiring at the end of this year -- but not without recognition from one of the communities the group has served for years.

On Thursday night, La Mell was given a special recognition during the Rolling Meadows Chamber of Commerce Circle of Success dinner, where he was greeted with a standing ovation and praise from former Mayor Ken Nelson.

"His leadership has impacted thousands of lives in ways that will not be forgotten," Nelson said.

La Mell said that the final months before his retirement are bittersweet, but that he is proud of the work Clearbrook has done to make life better for people with disabilities and their families. He thanked the Rolling Meadows community for its support of Clearbrook over the years.

"It's been wonderful," La Mell said. "This community has really stood out. This is a wonderful place to call home."

La Mell's honors were the last of the night that also included awards for top business leaders and volunteers in Rolling Meadows over the past year.

Plumbing Manufacturing International was recognized for its work earlier this year in Flint, Michigan.

Following the water crisis, PMI -- a nonprofit that represents more than 90 percent of plumbing equipment manufacturers -- rallied its members and sent 500 plumbers to Flint to install new faucets in 1,500 homes, said Dawn Robinson, communications director for the group, which is headquartered in Rolling Meadows.

"We're so grateful for the award, but also to be able to do something for the people of Flint," Robinson said. Daily Herald

#BestChamber Practices: Chamber of Commerce serving Lexington, Beuna Vista and Rockbridge County: Make your "out of office" email a blockbuster. 

Hello,

We are wrapping up the fantastic May - celebrating the Bonnie Blue Festival at the Virginia Hose Center on May 12 and teeing off for our 19th annual Golf Classic on May 20 at LGCC. 

I will return to the office on Monday, June 6 at 9:00 a.m.

If you are in our community visiting - I hope you enjoy your visit! We have great shopping, lodging and restaurants. These can also be found in our directory; enter the keyword restaurant, hotel or whatever your needs might be and a listing of our members should appear.... 

If you are contacting us to find REALLY COOL FACTS ABOUT OUR COMMUNITY, please check out liverockbridge.com. 

If you are seeking a product or service in our local community, please visit our website at lexrockchamber.com.

You will find our member directory at the above link. Simply enter the word that best describes the item/service you are seeking, hit enter, and the information should appear.

If it is urgent that you reach me, please call me on my cell at XXX-XXX-XXXX (editor's choice). I will return your call at an appropriate time. All Chamber Weekly submissions should be sent to info@lexrockchamber.com.

Thank you and have a wonderful day!

Tracy

  

--

Tracy E. Lyons

Executive Director

18 East Nelson Street, Suite 101

Lexington, VA 24450

(540) 463.5375

Troy Chamber Gets Fresh New Look for Spring

The Troy Chamber of Commerce’s marketing materials and website have a fresh new look.

The new collateral materials were created by Troy-based Basso Design Group, an award-winning digital marketing agency a member of the Chamber.

The logo, which uses monochromatic shades of blue and a Museo Slab typeface, has been applied to marketing materials and the newly designed website.

“Our website takes on a different feel and ease in order to create a positive experience for our members,” Ara Topouzian, president and CEO of the Troy Chamber of Commerce said in a news release.

Lake County Chamber of Commerce 2016 Community Guide & Membership Directory

The Lake County Chamber of Commerce 2016 Community Guide & Membership Directory is available at the Lake County Chamber today! Thanks to Stewart Kerr, Renee Coco and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!

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

Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce Excellence Awards Luncheon

 The Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce named award winners in several categories and recognized previous winners today at the annual Excellence Awards Luncheon at the Knicely Conference Center.

The luncheon was presented by Chamber Board Chairman Mark Iverson and Excellence Awards co-chairs Michelle Gorman and Lindsey McClain. Keynote speakers included 2016 Small Business Person of the Year David Paschall of Batteries + Bulbs and 2016 ATHENA Shannon Vitale of Hilliard Lyons.

"We truly have such outstanding businesses in this community, and their dedication and willingness to serve others illustrate the essence of our community," said Chamber President and CEO Ron Bunch. "Today's event honors and celebrates some of the many remarkable people in our region. Because of them and the businesses they represent, South Central Kentucky continues to thrive, and I want to thank each of them, along with our partners, for their support of our community."

2016 Mid-Size Business Person of the Year (Sponsored by Western Kentucky University) - This award recognizes an area mid-size business owner for making outstanding contributions to his or her employees and community. The for-profit business has 101 to 500 employees and the owner has financially invested his/her own money in the enterprise. The award acknowledges a business that has experienced recent growth and is involved in the development and growth of our community. Read more: Read more: WBKO

Town Square Chamber of Commerce 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.

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

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