Northern Virginia Chamber to Host Congressional Roundtable on Dec. 12; 75,000 expected at Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade to help ring in the season; Jefferson County Chamber - The Ugly Sweater Contest for a Good Chamber cause; Romeoville 2016 Community & Membership Directory; #Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation: Kernersville Chamber - (Thought for the Day); Christian County CEO Kelli Pendleton: Education is Vital to a Successful Workforce; Chamber, city of Vicksburg team up on new website; Indiana Chamber Community of the Year: Fishers; Artery to pump life into vacant Appleton building; Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S.

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



Northern Virginia Chamber to Host Congressional Roundtable on Dec. 12



WHAT: The Northern Virginia Chamber will host its annual Congressional Roundtable on Monday, December 12, from 3:00 – 5:00 PM at the Northern Virginia Chamber in Tysons, Va.

The dialogue will cover several issues at the intersection of federal policy and business – federal spending, energy, trade policy, the sequestration and the effect on Northern Virginia, transportation, taxation and much more. This will be an interactive discussion that will give you the opportunity to ask the important questions on the minds of Northern Virginia’s government leaders.

Registration is $30 for Northern Virginia Chamber members or $50 for non-members and is available online. Registration is free to members of the media who pre-register.

WHO:
Congressman Robert Wittman (R-1)
Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-11)
Congressman Don Beyer (D-8)
Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R-10)
Moderated by: Dr. Mark Esper, Raytheon

WHEN: Monday, December 12, 2016, 3:00 – 5:00 PM

WHERE: Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce: 7900 Westpark Drive, Suite A550, Tysons, VA 22102

NOTES: Members of the media who plan to cover the event, should contact Elaine Gilligan, egilligan@novachamber.org, by Wednesday, December 7 to register.

 

75,000 expected at Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade to help ring in the season

The 65th annual Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade will march to town this weekend, celebrating the mystery and magic of the holidays with a “Holiday Masquerade.”

Beginning at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, the 2016 Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade will roll down Main Street, from the corner of Tienken and Rochester roads south to Third Street.

“We are extremely excited to celebrate the 65th anniversary this year,” said Tim Crawford, who helps organize the parade. “The parade allows our community to come together to kick off Christmas in a community atmosphere.”

The Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade — which is sponsored by Genisys Credit Union — is the largest Christmas parade in Michigan, according to event organizers.

Crawford said that between 75,000 and 100,000 people come out for the parade each year, setting up chairs and blankets along the route as early as that morning to watch the parade’s nearly 3,000 participants.

“Many families have made it a tradition for many, many years. It allows them to showcase everything from what they did when they were youths to their kids and their grandkids as they now march down Main Street — just as they did years ago — in support of many different organizations in our community,” Crawford said.

This year’s parade, which has a Holiday Masquerade theme, will be led by grand marshals Roger and Mary Jo Byrd. The Byrds will be joined in the parade by their four children — Scott, Julie, Michael and David — and their six grandchildren.

For the fifth year, the parade will also host junior grand marshals, who this year are Rochester High School seniors Sophia Shafkalis and Andrew Smith.

This year’s parade will include floats, bands, dancers, horses, a variety of different churches, community organizations, nonprofits and more.

“We have approximately 120 units that will be in the parade, so it will be a little bit longer than in the past, but it should be done by around 4 p.m.,” Crawford said.

Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Sheri Heiney said the chamber is honored to play a central planning role for the parade and is dedicated to bringing the mystery and magic of the holidays to the community. Read more: C and G Newspapers

Jefferson County Chamber - The Ugly Sweater Contest for a Good Chamber cause

Click on the Ugly Sweater to learn more about the luncheon, see the ugly sweater contestants, and RSVP. 

Mike always says come out and play with us and this is the perfect time!

The contest will be between the Chamber of Commerce President, Vice President, Executive Director, and Marketing Director. You can vote for your favorite sweater by paying money at the event in the designated voting areas! You can see the photos above of those that will be in the contest and be thinking about who you want to vote for!

​$1.00 = 1 Vote - All money will benefit CASA of Jefferson County!

Romeoville 2016 Community & Membership Directory  

The Romeoville 2016 Community & Membership Directory is available at the Romeoville Chamber of Commerce today! Thank you to Michelle Jarnutowski, Gina Sopko and the Chamber 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.

#Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation: Kernersville Chamber - (Thought for the Day)

Life is like a landscape. You live in the midst of it, but can describe it only from the vantage point of distance.  

 ~ Charles A. Lindbergh 

Christian County CEO Kelli Pendleton: Education is Vital to a Successful Workforce




Kentuckians have a lot to be proud of. We are home to the most talented basketball teams, fastest horses and best bourbon in the world. We are proud to show off our blue grass and big hats to all who come here to visit. We have a lot of to be proud of, but we have a lot to work on.
Education is vital to a successful workforce. Business leaders and educators need to continue to work hand in hand to encourage our young people to realize their potential. We need to help students open their eyes to available opportunities and skillsets that may be more suitable to them. While participating in Leadership Hopkinsville, I heard people ask multiple times how to connect students with various employment opportunities. We have to continue our efforts in workforce education and capitalize on every opportunity to talk to young people about career opportunities in Christian County.

I want our Chamber to be central to this effort. It is the crossroads of where education meets commerce, where military meets civilian, where vision meets reality.

It is also important to be informed of the legislative issues shaping our region. As members, you will soon receive a survey via email regarding issues that affect our community. We hope you will take the time to take it so that we may forward the issues most meaningful to you to the state capital and the nation's capital. We are here to advocate on behalf of our business community and will continue to work hard on your behalf. You will also start to see more correspondence from the Chamber to you about local legislative matters. This is just to keep you informed on issues that could affect your business.

Finally, I would like to wish our teachers great success this school year. I know you have a big job to do. Your dedication to shaping young minds will produce educated, productive citizens who go on to do great things....even greater than basketball.

Kelli Pendleton, CEO, Christian County Chamber

Chamber, city of Vicksburg team up on new website

The city of Vicksburg has launched a website providing a one-stop shop for people interested in visiting or moving to Vicksburg.

The site, “www.livevicksburg.com,” provides access to 13 different websites operated by local organizations, including the Vicksburg Convention and Visitors Bureau, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Vicksburg Warren School District, Vicksburg-Warren County Board of Realtors and the Vicksburg-Warren County Chamber of Commerce.

The website also includes a brochure showing all organizations in the city that can be downloaded and used by visitors.

The website was idea of Mayor George Flaggs Jr., who said he wanted to provide a location where people could access all the information they needed about Vicksburg.

“The good thing about this is people can go and get all those websites and go all over Vicksburg. It’s all connected,” he said. “You can find out anything about Vicksburg.

“I pulled everybody together. What we did was call in realtors, call in ERDC (U.S Army Corps of Engineer Engineering Research and Development Center), the Corps, the school board … everybody involved, “ Flagg said. “I’m trying to recruit people to live in Vicksburg and try to minimize the number of people who work in Vicksburg and live outside Vicksburg.”

Flaggs said the website is another tool to encourage people to live and enjoy  Vicksburg.

“We’ve got to get back above 25,000 people to be able to qualify for most of the grants that are available to cities,” Flaggs said. “Make ourselves much more more competitive when it comes to grant applications and to enhance the livability in Vicksburg.”

“I think it’s great,” said chamber executive director Jane Flowers. “It was great thinking on the mayor’s part to bring everybody to the table and to try to come up with a brochure that kind of pulls the groups together, so somebody from the outside could look in at the website and see what’s in Vicksburg — there’s a lot to see and do here.” Read more: Vicksburg Post

Indiana Chamber Community of the Year: Fishers

No matter who you talk to – business leaders, local officials or longtime residents – they all cite adopting the vision in recent years to become a “smart, vibrant, entrepreneurial city” as the turning point for Fishers. They credit Mayor Scott Fadness and the city council.

What’s followed is quite the transformation. Major economic announcements are the new norm, not the exception. Innovation is now synonymous with the fast-growing city.

That speaks to how dominant a player Fishers has become in business attraction and expansion. It boasts an impressive entrepreneurial spirit thanks to Launch Fishers, the largest collaborative co-working space in the state (if not the Midwest). Collaboration and embracing change have been crucial.

Mayor Fadness: “They (residents) recognize for the most part that change is inevitable and if you can articulate to them why that change makes sense, they’re apt to go along with that. That positions us well to move our community forward.” Read more: Indiana Chamber




Artery to pump life into vacant Appleton building

The return of Bazaar After Dark, the buzzed-about night market that brought some 3,000 people to Wisconsin Avenue earlier this fall, won't be until sometime in 2017.

But what might be the next best thing is taking over a vacant building in Appleton this weekend.

Pulse Young Professionals Network at the Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce — who put on Bazaar After Dark in September — will put on their fifth urban market event called The Artery from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the former Valley Packaging building at 1325 S. Perkins St.

The event, whose promo materials bill it as "music, mischief and art" featuring "artists, makers, weirdos, entrepreneurs, creative businesses and you," will feature more than 40 vendors, showing off and selling everything from handmade metal jewelry, photography, wood projects, prints, digital illustrations, knitting, crocheting and ceramics to homemade pasta and industrial lighting fixtures.


New this time around is the addition of food vendors, including Texas Fold 'Em Taco Co., Pop Up Fox Cities, The Coffee Bar, Pagoni's Pizza, Savage Henry's Legendary Chili and On The Fritz Concessions.

Green Bay graffiti artist Beau Thomas, of Trackside Designs, will be doing live painting demonstrations (weather permitting). There also will be craft beer and cocktails available and a DJ will help set the vibe. Read more: Post-Crescent


Prince William Chamber Holiday Open House Toy Drive Benefits SERVE

Manassas, VA- On the evening of Thursday, December 2nd the members of the Prince William Chamber of Commerce gathered for their annual Holiday Open House at Chamber Headquarters near the Manassas Regional Airport. Presented by the Chamber’s Board of Directors, the event was sponsored by C.C. Bartholomew, Keller Williams Solutions. Bartholomew is the Chairman of the Chamber’s Board. It was a festive occasion, complete with door prizes, trays of Christmas cookies and roughly a dozen Christmas trees decorating the room. Most festive of all, attendees were asked to bring a toy for the TML-A Xerox Company Toy Drive to benefit the Gifting for Families program of Northern Virginia Family Service; specifically the SERVE campus in Manassas. Nearly 100 toys, games and puzzles were collected to help the Manassas-area homeless shelter and food pantry reach their goal of providing gifts for children in need across Prince William County and the Cities of Manassas and Manassas Park. 

TML employees kicked off the drive by filling half of a large box with toys before sending the box over to the Chamber Open House. When all was said and done, two large boxes were overflowing with toys for local children. TML President Ben Simms and Major Account Executive Will Nance picked up the toys and delivered them to the SERVE campus the next day.

The Gifting for Families program ensures that children in Northern Virginia receive a gift or gift card for the holiday season. In total, close to 2,000 children will be served across Northern Virginia, many of whom live in the Prince William region.

For additional information about NVFS’ Gifting for Families holiday drive or how to donate, please visit www.nvfs.org/giftingforfamilies or contact Sarah Crosley: scrosley@nvfs.org, 571-748-2502. Contact: Andrea Whaley, Prince William Chamber of Commerce, awhaley@pwchamber.org; 571-765-1876

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

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

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

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

Indiana Chamber Unveils Top Legislative Priorities for 2017; Town Square Chamber Publications: Geneva Chamber: Promises made, Promises kept!; Wisconsin’s Reform Lesson; Virginia ranks No. 6 in Forbes magazine's 'Best States for Business' list; Grand Rapids Area Chamber - Business Matters Speaker - The Future of Health Care; Leaders from Business and Faith Institutions Gather to Discuss Prospects for Immigration Reform with New Administration and Congress; Kentucky Senate GOP Leaders to Meet in Paducah This Week; #BestChamber practices: Natchez-Adams County Chamber History on Website;

Indiana Chamber Unveils Top Legislative Priorities for 2017

The Indiana Chamber's top legislative priorities for the 2017 General Assembly session are:

• Support establishing a long-term sustainable funding stream for the state’s roads, bridges, etc.
• Support the expansion of publicly-funded preschool initiatives for children from low-income families
• Support suitable testing for students and accountability for all involved in the education process
• Support comprehensive approach to decreasing the state’s smoking rate
• Support a statewide water policy to assure future resources and our economic prosperity
• Support making technology innovation an integral part of the state’s identity
• Support maintaining and enhancing our attractive tax climate
• Support a work share program that will allow employers to maintain a skilled stable workforce during temporary downturns

More information: Indiana Chamber





Town Square Chamber Publications: Geneva Chamber: Promises made, Promises kept!


The Geneva Chamber of Commerce has worked with Town Square Publications on several publications. Chamber maps and community profiles are well done and we are especially pleased with the quality of the printing and the paper.

Production schedules were provided when we began the projects and the schedule did not waiver from our agreement. Most importantly we had editorial control over the copy and we were able to select the photos and the subjects that are featured. We were able to proof before going to print but we rarely found errors or concerns. Communications throughout the production period were excellent.

We work hard to provide quality and outstanding service to our members. We identify programs that will be good for the business community with an additional benefit – some non-dues income for the Chamber.

We appreciate our partnership with Town Square and will call on them again for the next project.

Jean Gaines
President 
Geneva Chamber of Commerce

Wisconsin’s Reform Lesson

Scott Walker’s union reform has yielded huge political benefits.

The GOP will control the state houses and legislatures in 30 states in 2017, and if Republicans want to use this new power they could do worse than look at the Wisconsin example. Governor Scott Walker’s reform of public union laws has transformed the state’s politics.

Mr. Walker’s 2011 reforms, known as Act 10, removed the ability of public unions to collectively bargain for benefits and required that unions be recertified every year by a majority of all members. The law ended the government’s role as the union’s automatic dues collector, and in 2015 Wisconsin also became a right-to-work state.

Given a choice for the first time, workers have left the union in droves. A recent analysis by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel found that since 2011 the state has seen the largest decline in the country in the concentration of union members in the workforce. By 2015 union members made up some 8.3% of workers in Wisconsin, down from 14.2% before Mr. Walker’s reforms. The Badger State has some 187,000 fewer union members than in 2005, and the Milwaukee Teachers’ Education Association has lost some 30% of its members.

Unions still have clout but they must now operate on the same footing as other groups that represent member interests—such as trade associations—by providing services in exchange for financial support.

Union reforms and right-to-work laws aren’t the only drivers of economic growth, but they do attract many businesses that won’t consider operating in states without them. The reduction in union power has stabilized public finances that were spiraling upward. This in turn gives businesses confidence that they won’t be hit with tax increases year after year, a la Illinois, Connecticut and other states where politics is still dominated by the nexus of public-union donations and government officials.

In 2016 Forbes ranked Wisconsin the 27th state in the country for business, up from 40th in 2011. A survey of CEOs by the Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce found that 84% say the state is heading in the right direction. Read more: Wall Street Journal

Virginia ranks No. 6 in Forbes magazine's 'Best States for Business' list

After slipping for several years, Virginia moved up a notch this year in Forbes’ annual “Best States for Business” ranking.

The annual list, published by the business magazine last week, places Virginia at No. 6 for 2016, up from No. 7 last year.

Virginia had been ranked No. 4 in 2014, and the state was ranked among the top two every year from 2006 through 2013.

“Virginia ranked as the Best State for Business as recently as 2013, but higher business costs and a declining economic climate have pushed it lower,” Forbes said on its website.

Utah was named the Best State for Business for the third year in a row, with Forbes touting the state’s “very pro-business climate” and “energy costs that are 19 percent below the national average.”

North Carolina (No. 2), Nebraska (No. 3), Texas (No. 4) and Colorado (No. 5) rounded out the top five.

Among Virginia’s other neighboring states, Tennessee ranked No. 17, Maryland No. 30, Kentucky No. 37 and West Virginia No. 50.


“Moving up one spot is moving in the right direction, but we think it is a long-term journey to get back to the top, and we want to be the best state for business,” said Barry DuVal, president and CEO of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce. “We need to all work together to do that.” Read more: Richmond.com

Grand Rapids Area Chamber - Business Matters Speaker -  The Future of Health Care Health care is a major issue for our US economy and economic growth. Health care spending for 2016 is projected to be $3.4 trillion, with the majority being hospital care. Several factors are shaping the future of health care – aging population, advances in technology and personalized medicine, new financing models and greater consumer engagement. December’s Business Matters speaker, Christina Freese Decker, is president of Spectrum Health Hospital Group. This breakfast event will explore these trends and Spectrum Health’s approach to navigating the future.

Register Today!

Tuesday, December 13 7:30 – 9:00 a.m. Prince Conference Center $25 for members, $30 for future members or late registration starting Sunday, December 11 Leaders from Business and Faith Institutions Gather to Discuss Prospects for Immigration Reform with New Administration and Congress Local faith and business leaders come together to discuss the continued need for immigration reform following the elections Naperville, IL — TUESDAY DECEMBER 6TH AT 12:00PM CST, the Illinois Business Immigration Coalition (IBIC), the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Partnership for a New American Economy, and Bibles, Badges, and Business will host a luncheon to discuss next steps for immigration reform in light of the 2016 election. Expert panelists from the business and faith community will provide analysis of the 2016 election results, discuss the continued need from the local business and faith community for common sense immigration reform, and provide strategy to work with President-elect Trump and Congress on an immigration reform that secures the nation, upholds our constitution, protects immigrant workers and creates an economy that works for all Americans.  WHO: Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce President Nicki Anderson, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Executive Director of Congressional and Public Affairs & Chief Healthcare and Immigration Lobbyist Jeff Lungren, Bibles, Badges, and Business Midwest Mobilizer Liz Dong, Aurora Regional Hispanic Chamber of Commerce President Karina Garcia, Illinois Business Immigration Coalition Executive Director Rebecca Shi  WHAT: Panel discussion on the 2016 election results and how the business and faith community can work with President-elect Trump and Congress on an immigration reform that secures the nation, upholds our constitution, protects immigrant workers, and creates an economy that works for all Americans.  WHEN: Tuesday, December 6th  12:00PM-1:30PM CST  WHERE: Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce  55 S. Main Street, Suite 351, Naperville, IL 60540  RSVP REQUIRED email IBICEvent@gmail.com.  #BestChamber practices: Natchez-Adams County Chamber History on Website The History of the Chamber of Commerce is the story of progress in our community. Many have worked steadfastly at tasks which have been long forgotten, many others have worked on successful projects which will always be remembered. The combined efforts of all have made the Natchez-Adams County Chamber of Commerce the catalyst for progress in Natchez and Adams County. This brief look at some of our accomplishments during the first 75 years will help us realize that the chamber of Commerce has always been leading the way to a better life for Natchez and Adams County people. 1908 - 1919 June 15, 1908, Natchez Chamber of Commerce was formed, initiation fee was $5 and the annual dues were $24 Instrumental in organization of businesses in early 1900s. These were the Natchez Canning Company, The Natchez Broom Company, W. H. Dameron Cemetery, Aerkosky Meal and Feed Mill, and Rucher Cement Works Active in promoting the construction of a park for the Natchez Bluff Played an integral part in the construction of the Winnsboro Highway which today is still and important entrance to our city During WWI, the chamber building was the headquarters for almost every important meeting including the Red Cross, YMCA, Salvation Army1920-1929 Endorsed a $35,000 bond issue for a project which became the Wilkinson County Bridge which stands on U.S. Highway 61 South today Started the movement for Highway 84 from Washington to Leesdale later to become a part of the Lone Star Trail. The highway would connect Los Angeles, California with St. Augustine, Florida Responsible for construction of a walkway made of concrete from the ferry dock of the river to Natchez on top of the hill Promoted trade, established uniform closing hours and holidays, and made trips to neighboring towns to pro-mote business Petitioned successfully for the completion of Leesdale road, Highway 84 and the highway to Wilkinson County which became Highway 61 South 1930-1939 Established a bureau for local unemployment Negotiated with the Illinois Railroad to bring Easter tourists to Natchez for the Garden Club Pilgrimage, and Mardi Gras tourists to Natchez en route to New Orleans Staged the first Santa Claus Parade Helped to obtain a million dollar high power line due to lobbying efforts of the chamber and worked with Armstrong Tire Company to build a plant in Natchez1940-1949 Assisted in getting airport gains approval, $600,000 was allocated to the project Helped to make it possible for the Post Office to have new building constructed Produced a 67 page brochure promoting the economic advantages of locating industry in Natchez and worked with representatives of Johns-Manville Company and International Paper Company to locate plants in Natchez Helped to secure a bridge spanning the Mississippi River to connect Natchez and Vidalia1950 - 1959 Pressed for construction of connecting a link to river bridge which later become known as John R. Junkin Drive Lobbied for legislation necessary to enable construction of a port facility Through a study, recommended combining charitable organizations into 1 thus the beginning of the United Way Urged passage of a bond issue for construction of a hospital, Jefferson Davis Memorial Hospital1960 - 1969 Formed the Adams County Industrial Development Council which began to market Natchez and Adams County Worked for the passage of a bond issue for a new library Promoted downtown development and pushed for free parking Lobbied for 4 lanes across the Mississippi Recommended that a 4 year college locate in Natchez1970-1979 Advertised Natchez with a "Salute to Natchez Week" in Jackson, visiting local civic and professional clubs Promoted Natchez as a film center and secured movies "Huckleberry Finn" and the "Autobiography of Miss Jame Pittman," formed the Natchez Film Commission Helped in the restoration of Jefferson College, Grand Village, and promoted a state park Wrote letters to the International Paper Company to campaign for the Woodlands Division headquarters which become instrumental in keeping the division in Natchez Started the Tourist Information Center1980 - 1989 Along with the Natchez Trace Parkway Commission, helped to secure the Feltus House on the bypass for use as a state tourism center Entered a key community program and encourage industrial development to develop Foster Mound Industrial Park Created Natchez Tourist Council to join forces to promote Natchez activities Supported the development of Natchez Mall, restoration of the Eola Hotel and other downtown buildings along with formation of the Natchez Arts Commission, and Downtown Business Association Started the "Natchezian Award" and utilized forums to bring groups together to deal with boycotting of businesses Formation of Leadership Natchez to identify, orient, and develop future leaders of the community1990-1999 Interacted with the school system in a round robin discussion to help foster relationships and encourage communication Changed the mission statement to make the chamber an independent voice for business Formed a unification committee to facilitate racial harmony Raised funds to develop a campaign to bring business to Natchez2000-2008 Raised $40,000 to promote the sale of the International Paper Site Secured a $20,000 grant from the Mississippi Department of Transportation for the tree planting along the highway coming into Natchez Created the Community Alliance Committee to foster better communication among a variety of entities Worked together with Economic Development to take the lead on tort reform in Mississippi Started "Shop Natchez First" campaign to help keep local dollars at home during the holidays Educated public on tourism tax which created funding for marketing Natchez Provided forums with both city and county to communicate to the public which lead to a future combined meeting of city and county officials to discuss recreation needs of the community More information: Natchez-Adams County Chamber Good morning #Chamber World! It's going to be a GREAT day! Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S. Town Square Publications, a division of the Daily Herald Media Group, is a national chamber custom publishing group that specializes in developing partnerships by producing high-quality print and digitally integrated publications along with other added value programs dedicated to creating relevancy for local chambers of commerce and other membership focused organizations interested in raising non-dues revenues. Town Square Publications parent company, Paddock Publications, has over 100 years’ experience of print product development and dedicated customer service in communities throughout the Midwest. Our experience allows Town Square Publications to offer you attractive royalty and non-dues revenue share streams, provide direct distribution of your custom designed printed publications, including digital and mobile integration, and all with the quickest turn-around times available in the industry. Town Square also offers multi-media maps in both print and online formats, both with our No-Cost guarantee. More information: Town Square Publications Chambers of Commerce and member focused organizations serve as a valuable resource in the local marketplace. The networking opportunities and representation with a wide variety of diverse businesses in your community is the catalyst of a successful organization. For further information about Town Square's publishing partnership with chambers of commerce and our No-Cost guarantee and Earned Revenue Share Program, To request your chamber publication or map proposal, Contact Town Square Here

Barrington Area Chamber Announces 2017 Business Building Blueprint Workshop Series; Farmville Chamber: The Colonial Inn named Merchant of the Month; City of Ridgeland Chamber of Commerce 2016/2017 Community Map; #BestChamber practices: Jeff Rea, President & CEO, St. Joseph County (IN) Chamber of Commerce - CEO Blog; Coastians bag deals on Black Friday, prepare to shop local Saturday; Job Providers Fight Cities' Attempts To Make Them Tax Collectors; Kentucky Chamber of Commerce CEO on 2017 Legislative Priorities; Beaver Dam Chamber announces annual awards; Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S.

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

Barrington Area Chamber Announces 2017 Business Building Blueprint Workshop Series

(Barrington, IL - 11/30/16) -- The Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC) will present a new Business Building Blueprint series of workshops in 2017 to provide local businesses develop strategies to grow their business. The six-part workshop series will be hosted at the Solana Deer Park, 21840 W. Lake Cook Rd., Deer Park on February 9, 14, 21, 28 and March 7 and 14.

Each program features expert speakers who are noted for their accomplishments in their fields. Topics and speakers include; “Developing a Plan to Build More Business” by John Delany (Giraffe LLC), “What’s Your Curb Appeal? Creating a Story that Sells ”presented by Leah Hoppes and Sean Matthew Whitfield (Vision Force Marketing), “Sparking More Business: How to Develop Leads”  with insights from Barry Schimmel (Microshare Intl, LLC),”Cleaning House: Develop a Customer Experience that Keeps Them Coming Back” featuring David Wiliams (The Solana Deer Park), “Work the Network: Best Networking Strategies for Business Growth” presented by Victoria Cook (The Center for Guilt-Free Success), and “Landing the Business: How to Turn Prospects into Customers” with speaker Mark Repkin, (Big Swift Kick).

The workshop series has been developed by an elite Advisory Council; Stephen Brainerd (Durham Group, Inc.), Victoria Cook (The Center for  Guilt-Free Success); Andrea Herran (Focus HR Consulting); Norman May (Full Services Office Solutions, Inc.), Barry Schimmel (Microshare Int’l),  Jon Delany (Giraffe, LLC), David Williams (The Solana Deer Park). For more information, contact BACC President Suzanne Corr, 847-381-2525 or Suzanne@barringtonchamber.com

Farmville Chamber: The Colonial Inn named Merchant of the Month

One of two businesses that kept Farmville on the map when the tobacco industry shut down is the Farmville Chamber of Commerce’s November Merchant of the Month.

“These two iconic businesses in Farmville brought people to town and saved Farmville, and they are The Colonial Inn and Farmville Furniture Co.,” Judy Gidley, director of the Farmville Chamber of Commerce, said as she presented the award to David Whitley, owner of The Colonial Inn. “Without a doubt, that is why Farmville is known. They put Farmville on the map.”

Whitley, a native of Rocky Mount, opened his restaurant on Nov. 1, 1977, at 3776 W. Wilson St., a block from downtown.

He worked at A.C. Monk Tobacco Co. after completing college, then went from an accountant to a chef.

“I have always had a passion for cooking,” he said.

Whitley’s grandmother was a dietician and introduced him to the career field.

“I love what I do, and I truly appreciate the support throughout the years,” Whitley said.

Whitley semi-retired in 2014. He closed the restaurant side of The Colonial Inn, but continues to cater events throughout the community and at the inn.

He said he has no plan to completely retire any time soon.

“I am thrilled to be part of the Farmville community. I have always loved this town,” he said. Read more: Reflector.com

City of Ridgeland Chamber of Commerce 2016/2017 Community Map

The new City of Ridgeland Chamber of Commerce 2016/2017 Community Map is available at the City of Ridgeland Chamber today! Thanks to Linda Bynum, Sandy Baas and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!

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

#BestChamber practices: Jeff Rea, President & CEO, St. Joseph County (IN) Chamber of Commerce - CEO Blog

 Welcome to my blog! I know you are busy and have information coming at you from all angles. Thanks for taking some time to see what I have to share. 

​In this blog, I'll work to keep you up to date with key business issues, with a large focus on what is happening in North Central Indiana and Southwest Lower Michigan. 

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Celebrating Entrepreneurs

November 16, 2016

|Jeff Rea (jeff.l.rea@gmail.com)

Yesterday we celebrated one of those “holidays” that doesn’t get a lot of attention, Entrepreneurship Day. The day went along without much fanfare, most of us didn’t even know about the special day. But none of us went through the day without interacting with a good… Read More

Go to Jeff’s Blog: http://www.jeffrea.biz/

Coastians bag deals on Black Friday, prepare to shop local Saturday

Coast residents and visitors were in the mood to shop Thursday and Friday, and small business owners in South Mississippi hope that continues into Small Business Saturday.

This will be the seventh year for Small Business Saturday that encourages residents to shop local and dine local, and the streets of downtown Ocean Springs and Bay St. Louis will be bustling.

The holiday shopping season is already off to a great start.

Edgewater Mall in Biloxi was as busy Friday as manager Terry Powell has seen it since Gayfers department store was in business before it became Dillard’s in 1998.

Gulfport Premium Outlets had lines Thursday night and Friday.

Edgewater Mall was closed on Thanksgiving, with only the large stores open for Thursday night sales.

Powell said he’ll likely forgo opening on Thanksgiving again next year.

“I think it’s the right thing for the employees,” he said.

Thursday was a “great night” at Gulfport Premium Outlets, with a lot of people waiting in lines for the stores to open, said Rhonda Roberts, director of marketing and business development. Hours are extended through the weekend at the outlets and many of the national chain stores on the Coast.

“The stores have had some really great sales this year,” Roberts said, and with savings of up to 60 percent off at the outlets, people aren’t just browsing but carrying lots of bags.

She said many Louisiana residents who are recovering from the flooding are out shopping. And gift cards that typically are more of a last-minute gift are already popular, she said.

After a night of bargain shopping Thursday, shoppers were back in line Friday morning looking for more deals. Home Depot opened at 6 a.m. and employees served coffee, hot chocolate and donuts to those waiting in line. With temperatures around 60 degrees, it was a more comfortable wait for the doors to open than some years.

Tools, Christmas trees and trains were on shopping lists, but the 99 cent poinsettias were what drew many people out before dawn and filled lots of shopping carts at Home Depot.

Saturday will be more of a holiday celebration. Local stores are beautifully decorated and their staff are willing to help find gifts and sometimes gift wrap for free.

Pav & Broom Fine Jewelry in Gulfport is advertising deals on diamonds for those who plan to get engaged for Christmas. Powell said Edgewater Mall has a lot of locally owned stores.

“Small Business Saturday is extremely important to us as small business owners,” said Lisa Quirch.

She and her sister, Lucianne Damiens, have “The Birds Nest” booth at Vintage Flamingo in Gulfport.

Typically, the antique and décor market on 14th Avenue is open only on the second weekend of the month, but Christmas shoppers will find the booths open Saturday and purchases will be 10 percent off storewide. The store also will be open the weekend before Christmas.

Vintage Flamingo has more than 30 vendors, said Quirch, “and we all have uniquely different stuff,” both vintage and new.

“When you shop local you will find those unique gifts no large retailer can offer,” said Tish Williams, executive director of the Hancock Chamber of Commerce. “Every dollar spent with local merchants revitalizes our community and promotes continued employment,” she said.

“Small businesses make up a large portion of our market in Ocean Springs,” said Cynthia Sutton, executive director of the Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce Main Street Tourism Bureau. “With hundreds of locally owned shops, restaurants, and galleries small businesses generate a large portion of the sales base in Ocean Springs.” Read more: Sun Herald

Job Providers Fight Cities' Attempts To Make Them Tax Collectors

Job providers from across the state today joined together to speak out against legislation that would mandate suburban employers become the tax collectors for Michigan cities that impose an income tax on their residents. Legislation in both the Michigan Senate (Senate Bill 1127) and House (House Bill 4829) would penalize employers who hire residents of cities that impose a local income tax.

"If cities are unwilling or unable to carry out the responsibilities that come with imposing an income tax on their residents, then maybe they should repeal the tax outright," said Tricia Kinley, Senior Director of Tax & Regulatory Reform for the Michigan Chamber of Commerce. "Or, cities should work to improve their own enforcement mechanisms."

"The legislation should not be viewed as 'just another withholding' that employers can easily do," noted Jeff Wiggins, State Director for the Associated Builders and Contractors of Michigan. "These bills would expose employers to unknown liabilities and never-ending audits."

Twenty-two Michigan cities impose a local city income tax. Under current law, employers located in a city with a tax have an obligation to withhold and remit the tax on behalf of their employees. It is legally sound since the employer has a connection to the city and receives services. However, requiring employers who have no connection to a city to be the tax collector is legally suspect and creates a tremendous amount of complexity for payroll withholding.  

"Senate Bill 1127 and House Bill 4829 are government-imposed mandates on job providers in response to cities that complain they are losing revenue because they are ineffective at collections or due to taxpayer fraud," said Amy Drumm, Vice President of Government Affairs for the Michigan Retailers Association. "Shifting their governmental responsibilities onto employers who otherwise have nothing to do with the city in question is simply unfair." Read more: Michigan Chamber

Kentucky Chamber of Commerce CEO on 2017 Legislative Priorities

The president and CEO of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce says last week’s elections make it much more likely the group’s top legislative priorities will pass next year.

Dave Adkisson says the Republican takeover of the Kentucky House is expected to lead to the passage of bills that have previously been blocked by Democrats.

Some of the items on the Chamber’s wish list include making Kentucky a “right to work” state and creating a charter school pilot project in Jefferson and Fayette counties. 

Adkisson says taking another shot at shoring up the state’s ailing pension systems is also a major priority—but he doesn’t think such a huge task can happen during the regular legislative session. “So on the one hand, I would say that is the overriding issue in Kentucky right now, but it will probably have to wait for a special session in 2017.”

Adkisson says the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce will also once again lobby lawmakers to pass a bill making all workplaces smoke-free. The former Owensboro mayor says that’s one way lawmakers can positively impact the state’s health without spending any money. “I think 27 or 28 other states have already done this. Kentucky ranks number one in certain cancers, including lung cancer, and youth smoking. This is one way that wouldn’t cost Frankfort a penny to start to address that issue.”

Efforts to pass a statewide smoking ban including all enclosed workplaces have failed in past legislative sessions. At least 35 Kentucky cities and counties have local smoking bans in place. Some of those bans cover all workplaces—including bars and restaurants—while others don’t. Read more: WKMS.org

Beaver Dam Chamber announces annual awards

Beaver Dam Chamber of Commerce announced the non-profit, citizen and business of the year Monday.

The non-profit of the year is Green Valley Enterprises, the citizen of the year is Bev Beal-Loeck and the business of the year is Northwoods Paper Converting.

Green Valley Enterprises helps individuals with special needs and their families. It has been performing this function for more than 40 years in Beaver Dam, but has served a clientele from far beyond the city. The staff has touched hundreds of lives directly and thousands more who are family of clients.

Beal-Loeck has been an active volunteer in Beaver Dam for decades. She currently serves on the Beaver Dam Unified School District Board of Education and has served on the boards and as a volunteer for organizations including the YMCA of Dodge County, Beaver Dam Scholarship Board, Downtown Beaver Dam Inc., American Cancer Society Relay for Life—Beaver Dam, Kiwanis Club, Beaver Dam Chamber of Commerce and Church Health Services, the organization that also is her employer. She has also served on the Beaver Dam Planning Commission. In addition to giving of her talent, she also has supported many causes financially.

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Northwood Paper Converting is a homegrown success story. It is the largest 100 percent contract converter in North America with two locations (Wisconsin and Pennsylvania), with more than 180 employees. The company has been in business since 1999, providing sheeting and slitting/rewinding services for paper mills, merchants and printers.

The company has been recognized for excellence in its industry and as a Wisconsin company, including receiving the Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year Award in 2009. NPC has been a generous benefactor to many causes in the community. Read more: Daily Citizen

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

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