The Kentucky Entrepreneur Hall of Fame to Induct Three Accomplished Entrepreneurs; Experiencing Oxford art: NEA Chairman visits Oxford; Rapid City Area Chamber Ag & Natural Resources Committee Annual Picnic; Muskego Area Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Resource Guide & Business Directory; Annual Capital Region Business Forum to Convene Top Regional Leaders on September 27; Chamber host: Support New Educators in Kosciusko County; Young Professionals Group Launching "Immersion Project"; Schaumburg Business Association: Newly Hired Director of Economic Development; The Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber of Commerce announces its new Director of Membership Services; Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S. Friday: 157 Rules for Executive Success in Organization Management (and your Chamber of Commerce) by Patrick McGaughey (Chamber Mentor)

The Kentucky Entrepreneur Hall of Fame to Induct Three Accomplished Entrepreneurs

Awesome Inc, the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce and Sustainable Business Ventures Corporation are pleased to bring you the eighth annual Kentucky Entrepreneur
Hall of Fame (KEHOF) induction ceremony, presented by Delta Dental.

We will honor this year's inductees on Wednesday, November 15, 2017, at the Louisville
Marriott Downtown.

The Kentucky Entrepreneur Hall of Fame celebrates the stories of Kentucky's most successful entrepreneurs, with a mission to raise awareness around the impact entrepreneurship has made
in the Commonwealth and to encourage others to pursue similar ambitious endeavors.

2017 Kentucky Entrepreneur Hall of Fame inductees:

Doug Cobb | Founder of The Cobb Group, Founder of Chrysalis Ventures

Kimberly Knopf | Founder of Innovative Mattress Solutions

Joe Steier | Founder of Professional Healthcare Services, Founder
of Signature HealthCARE

Table, individual tickets and sponsorships are available.

For questions about registration, contact Sarah Cathey at 502-848-8719.
For questions about sponsorship opportunities, contact Andrea Flanders at 502-848-8723
For more information about the Kentucky Entrepreneur Hall of Fame, visit entrepreneurhof.com.

Experiencing Oxford art: NEA Chairman visits Oxford

Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts Jane Chu came through Oxford Monday afternoon to tour the Powerhouse and learn more about what Mississippi art communities are doing to strengthen the profession.

Malcolm White, executive director of the Mississippi Arts Council was in charge of guiding Chu around the state during her visit. White said that one of Chu’s goals when she first entered office three years ago was to see every state’s art community and make personal connections. She has one year left in office and Mississippi is her second to last stop on her tour of the states.

“You always want your national leader to come and see the work that you do,” White said. “She represents the endowment, which is our federal partner. It’s very important to us that we meet the chairman and they see the work of their grants and our money and the money of our partners.”

After a tour of the Powerhouse and speaking with officials, Chu said she was really impressed with what the city and the arts council are doing to support the arts and serve local artists.

“It’s been great,” Chu said when asked what she thought of the town. “I love it here. Oxford has so much history and an imbued heritage that so many people recognize nationally and internationally. Oxford has its own characteristic, so we celebrate that. There are legendary traditions that Oxford has to offer the whole nation, especially in literature and so many other things.”

Chu was greeted by Yoknapatawpha Arts Council Director Wayne Andrews, Mayor Robyn Tannehill and President and CEO of the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce John Maynard.

Chu, standing beside Tannehill, said that she really admired how the city government is working with the arts council to make sure they have what they need to function properly and serve local artists. She said this can be seen in the Powerhouse’s role in the community. Read more: Daily Journal

Rapid City Area Chamber Ag & Natural Resources Committee Annual Picnic

Howdy! Have you registered for the Ag & Natural Resources Committee Annual Picnic yet? If not, you still have time! We hope you plan to join us at the Ag Picnic on Tuesday, August 1st for an educational and entertaining glimpse into western South Dakota's Ag Industry. This year we will have a delicious ribeye steak dinner* catered by Old West Dutch Oven Catering, a live band, yard games, educational kid games, various vendors and a petting zoo! The evening is a family friendly event. The RSVP deadline is Friday, July 21st at 5:00pm. RSVP today!

*There is a kid option for $10 that includes a hamburger or hot dog and all the sides.

You may RVSP by going online, emailing day@rapidcitychamber.com or calling 718-8454.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thanks and see you on August 1st!
Rachel

Rachel Day
Events Manager
718.8454
day@rapidcitychamber.com



Muskego Area Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Resource Guide & Business Directory  

The Muskego Area Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Guide & Business Directory   is available at the Chamber of Commerce today! Thank you to Krisann Durnford and the Chamber team for their help and direction putting this together! 

Muskego Area Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Resource Guide & Business Directory

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.




Annual Capital Region Business Forum to Convene Top Regional Leaders on September 27

Each year the two Governors and Mayor of the National Capital Region share the stage at the Capital Region Business Forum. This year the forum is scheduled for September 27th and jointly hosted by the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce (Northern Virginia Chamber), Greater Washington Board of Trade (Board of Trade), and Prince George’s Chamber of Commerce (Prince George’s Chamber).


This prestigious event will be held at the new MGM National Harbor and will address the most critical, pressing issues and opportunities that affect the District of Columbia, the State of Maryland, and the Commonwealth of Virginia. Topics will include:
Infrastructure and transportation initiatives,
Outlook of federal presence and implications of change,
Identifying ways to apply smart cities regionally,
Collaborative opportunities for economic development and regional cooperation, and more.


“This important public forum for our two Governors and Mayor often acts as the catalyst for action such as Metro funding, trade missions and even last year’s opioid agreement,” said Terry McCallister, Chairman & CEO, WGL Holdings, Inc. and 2017 Chairman, Greater Washington Board of Trade. “The Board of Trade proudly partners with our colleague organizations to present this special event.”


“Working together to secure, maintain, and cultivate healthy business partnerships within the metro area is essential to having a voice in this nation. Being a part of this Annual Forum is a step in the right direction,” said David C. Harrington, Prince George’s Chamber of Commerce President & CEO.


“We are thrilled to bring these leaders together to address the issues our region faces,” said Jim Corcoran, Northern Virginia Chamber President & CEO. “We must continue to work together to plot a course for the future that will grow our regional economy and set us on a path to success for decades to come.”


This event, a joint initiative of the Northern Virginia Chamber, Board of Trade, and Prince George’s Chamber, will provide the leaders the opportunity to discuss their plans to work cooperatively to bolster the regional economy in an ever-competitive global marketplace.


Registration is available on the Northern Virginia Chamber’s website. Media interested in attending the event should contact Alex Thompson, athompson@novachamber.org, to register.


Chamber host: Support New Educators in Kosciusko County

The Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a luncheon next Friday for the new educators in Kosciusko County. This is a great time for us to welcome them and thank them for their investment in our future. Please consider donating an item to include in a gift bag for each of the 80-100 new educators who will be in attendance.

You can stop by the Chamber anytime between 8AM and 5PM next week to drop off your donation or call us at (574) 267-6311 and we can come and pick it up. Thank you for your consideration!

We still have a few sponsorship opportunities available for this event. If you are interested, please email us at events@kchamber.com for more information.


Young Professionals Group Launching "Immersion Project"

The HYPE Young Professionals group will be launching what they're calling "The Immersion Project" in September. The goal of the project is to help teach young professionals about the benefits of living and working in Central Wisconsin.

Renee Krings, Talent Development Director with the Wausau Chamber of Commerce, says the project is designed to give people meaningful experiences that will hopefully make they want to remain in the area.

"The hope or the intent is that through these experiences, that they'll become more aware of important topics and issues relevant to the area. And, also become cemented and grow roots within the Central Wisconsin Community," she said.

Krings says although this event is being put on by a young professionals group, it's really open to anyone.

"The idea is that anyone that would have an interest in learning more about what really makes North-Central Wisconsin a great place to live would benefit from this type of a program," said Krings.

Those interested in signing up for the event can do so by going to WausauChamber.com. The cost is $500 for members of the chamber and $750 for non-members.


Session and topic dates for the event are:

Session 1: Team Building, Tuesday, September 12
Session 2: Heritage and History, Tuesday, October 10
Session 3: Government, Tuesday, November 14
Session 4: Business and Commerce, Tuesday, December 12
Session 5: Education, Tuesday, January 9
Session 6: Public service/non-profit, Tuesday, February 13
Session 7: Arts, Culture and Recreation, Tuesday, March 13
Session 8: Professional Development, Tuesday, April 10
Session 9: Graduation, Tuesday, May 8

Read more: WSAU.com
Schaumburg Business Association: Newly Hired Director of Economic Development 

The Schaumburg Business Association is proud to announce that Kyle Schulz as the newest member of the team. Schulz has been hired as the Director of Economic Development. In this position, working closely with the Village of Schaumburg, Schulz will be focusing on the development and growth of the business community in Schaumburg.Schulz joins the SBA team having spent the last 10 years in the economic development industry. Schulz brings a diverse set of national economic development experiences to the position including a being a project manager for the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity where he oversaw multiple statewide initiatives and as a digital consultant working with economic development organizations around the country to implement progressive digital marketing strategies.

Schulz has spent the last five years working in economic development in the Austin, Texas area where he developed a recognized business retention and expansion program that identified over $2 million in workforce grant funding, developed an award-winning crowdfunding portal, and served as the lead business recruiter for the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce where he worked to attract national and international companies firms to the greater Austin area by directing a series of on-going trade mission trips that brought small, medium and Fortune 500 companies to the 15-city economic development partnership of greater Austin.

The SBA members and staff are very excited to have Kyle on board.

Contact:
Kyle Schulz
kschulz@schaumburgbusiness.com
1501 E. Woodfield Road, Suite 115N, Schaumburg, IL 60173
(847) 413-1010 ext. 1014
www.SchaumburgBusiness.com


The Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber of Commerce announces its new Director of Membership Services

The Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce its new Director of Membership Services, Jessica Pinto. Pinto, who is set to start her new role on July 31, most recently served as a recruiting consultant with Qualigence International.

“I am thrilled to have Jessica join our team at the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber of Commerce,” commented Chamber president Ronald J. Hinrichs. “Jessica’s passion, energy and experience will take our Chamber and our entire community to a new and exciting level.”

Jessica Pinto started her career with Qualigence International as a Research Consultant before she was quickly promoted to the position of Recruiting Consultant. As a Recruiting Consultant, Jessica engaged passive candidates with new opportunities in areas like sales, marketing, education, legal, and information technology. She recently earned the recognition of the “Brightest and Best Employee” Award.

Prior to working at Qualigence International, Jessica worked as an Events Intern at the Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce, making her well-versed in the Chamber field. Jessica earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Minor in Mathematics with High Academic Distinction from the University of Michigan-Dearborn.

Be sure to follow the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber of Commerce on Facebook at facebook.com/SWCRC, on Instagram @swcrchamber, and the Chamber website for all the latest Chamber news and events.

The Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber of Commerce provides nearly 600 members with the opportunities and resources to engage and network with other businesses and community partners, enhancing financial growth, professional development, and the ability to contribute to a thriving community environment. 

For More Information, Contact: Ronald J. Hinrichs, President, Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber of Commerce - Tel: 734.284.6000

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 Chamber Proposal

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

RULE #69      Guarantee every membership.

2K+ credentials awarded through New Economy Workforce program; #FamousChamber of Commerce Quotation: (Abraham Lincoln): "A House Divided against itself..."Chamber idea: Naperville Jaycees Help Fund Smart Park; Front Royal Warren County Community Profile & Membership Directory 2017; Sheboygan-area young professionals get course on gun safety; Grand Rapids Area Chamber: It's that exciting time of year again; Video: Columbus Lowndes County Chamber Of Commerce Annual Luncheon; Kyndle: Farm to Table event leaves a good taste in your mouth; Chamber conference: Preparing healthy meals with limited time; 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!

2K+ credentials awarded through New Economy Workforce program

Virginia community colleges provided workforce training that enabled 2,173 Virginians to secure industry-recognized credentials, licenses, and certifications needed for high-demand careers, in the first year of the New Economy Workforce Credentials Grant program.

Governor McAuliffe awarded the 2,172^nd and 2,173^rd credentials at an event commemorating this achievement this afternoon. This milestone nearly triples the number of people who were credentialed last year, bringing the total to 4,268 Virginians.

More than half of the credential earners, 2,173, took advantage of the New Economy Workforce Credentials Grant program.  Training for the remaining 2,095 credentials was funded by employers, federal grants, or other private sources.

“Today’s announcement is a landmark achievement for our workforce development efforts,” said Governor Terry McAuliffe speaking at the announcement event.  “Clearly, the timing was right for this innovative initiative to help our businesses find qualified workers and empower more Virginians to seek good-paying jobs.  In partnership with the General Assembly and our public and private sector partners, we are filling key gaps in the workforce pipeline and putting more Virginians to work in the new Virginia economy.”

“Whether we’re attracting new businesses to Virginia or helping our existing employers grow and compete, we need to continually strengthen our workforce,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Todd Haymore. “Today’s announcement marks a nearly 180 percent increase in earned credentials in the first year of this program.  This significant growth is a great sign for what we can do for Virginia’s workforce moving forward.”

With broad bipartisan support, the 2016 General Assembly created the New Economy Workforce Credential Grant Fund and program to encourage more Virginians to prepare for careers that require specialized training, but not necessarily college degrees. This fund provides grants covering two-thirds of the tuition for students who are enrolled in a workforce training program designed to fill in-demand jobs in their home region.

The year before the new workforce training grant program went into effect, community colleges provided training for 1,528 Virginians to earn those professional credentials.

“This success is a tribute to the power of collaboration,” said Glenn DuBois, Chancellor of Virginia’s Community Colleges. “As we ramped up our workforce training capacity to respond to the new state grants program, we also created new training opportunities that motivated students to tap into a variety of other funding sources.”

“This is a significant milestone in Virginia’s efforts to better align the workforce system to help close the skills gap and prepare Virginians for good careers in high priority industries,” added Mark Herzog, Chair of the Virginia Board of Workforce Development.

Virginia’s businesses are eager to hire workers with a wide variety of skills in fields ranging from information technology and advanced manufacturing to education, health care, logistics and transportation.  By pursuing industry-recognized credentials, students can qualify for promising careers in weeks or months instead of semesters and years, and without incurring large amounts of student debt.

“Through better and more accessible training, Virginia is boosting its ability to create a 21st century workforce,” said Barry DuVal, President and CEO of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce.  “This is great news for our business community and for people who are starting out or getting a fresh start on their careers.” Read more: Augusta Free Press

#FamousChamber of Commerce Quotation: (Abraham Lincoln): "A House Divided against itself..."

"A house divided against itself cannot stand. I believe this government cannot endure, permanently, half slave and half free. I do not expect the Union to be dissolved — I do not expect the house to fall — but I do expect it will cease to be divided. It will become all one thing or all the other. Either the opponents of slavery will arrest the further spread of it, and place it where the public mind shall rest in the belief that it is in the course of ultimate extinction; or its advocates will push it forward, till it shall become lawful in all the States, old as well as new — North as well as South."

Chamber idea: Naperville Jaycees Help Fund Smart Park

“We need to stay in front. We always have. And this is one of those projects that will keep us in front,” said Naperville Mayor, Steve Chirico.

That project? An outdoor smart park – now closer to becoming a reality thanks to a legacy donation from the Naperville Jaycees. The mayor, along with Councilman Kevin Coyne and other longtime Jaycees made a strong case to the group to back the project with a $200,000 donation – a prospect met with an overwhelming yes.

“I’ve always had this vision of wanting to do something significant for our community,” said Matt Eastman, Internet Vice President of the Naperville Jaycees. “And to see that all of our members kind of got behind this idea, and saw its kind of significance for the Naperville community, it’s pretty incredible to see what our organization has done and to kind of use this as a roadmap for what we can do in the future.”

The idea for an outdoor office park next to the municipal center initially came from Chamber President Nicki Anderson, who was trying to find ways to attract newer companies and younger workers to Naperville. The Mayor backed the idea, making it a talking point in his State of the City address this year.

“The space would provide Wi-Fi, power outlets, shade and seating for users. We’re still in the dream stage, and we’re continuing to work on this, but sometimes it helps when you can see your dreams coming to life before your eyes,” said Chirico at the 2017 State of the City Address.

And that dream is now achievable with the Jaycees financial commitment. They’ll foot nearly half of the $412,000 bill for the internet park – and in return, secure naming rights. The other portion of the funding has been secured from private donors. Read more: NCTV 17

Front Royal Warren County Community Profile & Membership Directory 2017 

The Front Royal Warren County Community Profile & Membership Directory 2017 is available at the Front Royal Warren County Chamber of Commerce today! Thank you to Niki Foster and Pam Riffle and the Chamber team for their help and direction putting this together! 

Front Royal Warren County Community Profile & Membership Directory 2017

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.


Sheboygan-area young professionals get course on gun safety

They’re loud.”

That was Joshua McKinley’s succinct warning before about a dozen young adults reached for polished firearms — and individually packaged sets of earplugs — and began shooting at nearby paper targets.

The Coastal Young Professionals Network, part of the Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce, sponsored an “Intro to Firearm Safety” program Tuesday evening at the Sheboygan Rifle and Pistol Club. McKinley, a leader with the network and a self-described firearms hobbyist, said the effort was largely aimed at introducing guns to people who might not otherwise get much exposure to them.

Likening it to rock-wall climbing or piloting an airplane, McKinley, himself a young professional, said shooting can be a tough hobby for newcomers to get into if they don’t have an experienced guide to show them the ropes. Millennials and young adults these days, he said, often lack opportunities to get introduced to firearms, and Tuesday’s program was aimed at filling that experience gap.

“Guns can be dangerous, just like a chainsaw,” McKinley told the handful of young adults who showed up to the rifle and pistol club’s lakeside shooting range. Like a chainsaw, he said, guns can be used to hurt people. But they also make handy tools when used safely.

After going over a few safety tips and talking briefly about how guns can be used — for anything from hunting to sport; from defense to antique collecting — attendees paired up with volunteers who showed them how to handle and shoot a small cache of handguns and rifles.

Then things got loud. Read more: Sheboygan Press



Grand Rapids Area Chamber: It's that exciting time of year again

Join your fellow Center for Community Leadership alumni and community leaders in recognizing and supporting current and future leaders at our next CCL Annual Fundraiser. We will also be recognizing community leadership with three awards. In addition to connecting with alumni and leaders, we will be raising funds to support scholarships for CCL programs and recognizing CCL alumni with three awards. Distinguished Community Trustee Award Recognizing the distinguished accomplishment of an individual in their work as a community trustee. Uncommon Greatness Award Recognizing the work of an organization to help create a community of uncommon greatness. Create Great Collaboration Award Recognizing an outstanding project that benefits our community and was accomplished through a group collaboration. Register Today! Wednesday, August 23, 2017 5:30 — 8:30 p.m. Grand Rapids Art Museum – 101 Monroe Center $80 for members, $100 for future members. Late registration starting Wednesday, August 16 – $100 for members, $120 for future members If you or your company is interested in sponsorship opportunities for the CCL Annual Fundraiser, please contact Omar Cuevas at omarc@grandrapids.org

Video: Columbus Lowndes County Chamber Of Commerce Annual Luncheon

The who’s, who among Columbus-Lowndes County, turned out to honor those who’ve gone above and beyond for the community.

In the annual Columbus Lowndes Chamber of Commerce luncheon, members cast a light on the success of the programs and events the chambers held throughout the year, also awarded outstanding volunteers, businesses and members of the chamber.

C.L.C.C. president Lisa James says the members work so hard during the year this is just a small way to show chamber appreciation.

“The chamber is vital to the success of the business community here. If you want to be a successful business in Columbus you need to join the chamber. We are doing amazing things minimize road blocks or speed bumps in the business climate so that you can have a successful business,”C.L.C.C. president Lisa James.

The award categories included; volunteer of the year, new member of the year, and small, medium, and large business of the year. WCBI

Kyndle: Farm to Table event leaves a good taste in your mouth
Food and fun might be the best words to describe Kyndle's annual Farm to Table event.

People appeared to be having fun as they sampled food dishes at Farm to Table on Monday evening at the Henderson County Fairgrounds. The food was prepared as a partnership between Henderson Farmers Market vendors and local restaurants.

"We see a lot of people at this event that we don't normally see at other Kyndle events," said organizer Chuck Stinnett, Kyndle's vice president of chamber services and public relations "This is definitely opening up the umbrella for other people."

The event is a fundraiser for the Henderson Farmers Market and Kyndle agriculture committee. During the Henderson County Fair, which will be held July 20-July 25, the Kyndle ag committee will buy a pig or goat that will benefit a young FFA student, Stinnett said.

"It is a fundraiser, but a really big part of it is to just expose the Farmers Market to the public and let them see where the possibilities are," he said. Read more: The Gleaner

Chamber conference: Preparing healthy meals with limited time

Anne Meer and Holly Pray, Decatur County Memorial Hospital, Greensburg, registered dietitians, presented "Nutrition for Working Women" during the recent Little Black Dress Women in Business Conference.

"We juggle a lot of things in our lives, and we want to help you," Pray announced.

"What does a wonder woman eat? You need the five food groups: complex carbohydrates; fruits and vegetables – the more color you get on your plate, the more nutrients you're getting; lean protein; calcium; and healthy fats."

When it comes to making food, she suggested setting aside two hours one day a week for meal preparations. During this time, "wash your fruits and vegetables; cook the plain protein, such as chicken – You can season it later; and pre-portion snacks."

Meer noted, "The freezer is incredibly helpful, and it's great to have the meat done in advance .... You can even separate it into what you need before you freeze it."

Pray reported, "Egg cups are quick and easy to do, and you can make them in advance and freeze them for busy mornings (please see box). You can add whatever (ingredients) your family prefers."

Meer added, "They warm up so nice in the morning."

This recipe also has these benefits, the duo revealed:

• Protein, "which helps avoid midmorning hunger";

• Veggies "to help you get a head start on your five to seven servings per day";

• The "cheese adds calcium";

• "You can eat it with a slice of toast or fruit for a nutritious combo of protein and carbohydrates"; and

• "It's lower in sodium than typical breakfast sandwiches."

Meer also recommended a yogurt parfait for the first meal of the day. "You can make it with good, healthy ingredients. Start with Greek yogurt, which is higher in calcium and protein than other kinds. You can wash and cut the fruit ahead of time. Choose frozen or fresh seasonal fruit to add extra vitamins and fiber to your breakfast. Blueberries thaw very quickly. Granola adds a great crunch and flavor to it."

Pray said, "For the kale, quinoa and avocado salad, if you don't like kale, you could use a spring mix or romaine lettuce. Quinoa has a ton of protein and fiber, which keeps you fuller longer. Avocados give us great healthy fats and nutrients."

For a quick supper, she reported, "you can use the chicken you prepared earlier," flavoring it with lemon pepper.

"You can add roasted veggies, which are tossed with oil and salt and put in the oven," Meer noted. "Roasting adds a great flavor."

Pray said, "You can make some extra potatoes and use them for potato salad or soup later. This will save time on busy nights .... The leftover chicken can also be used for chicken salad or soup."

What is the best way to get children to eat vegetables?

Meer, who has four sons, emphasized, "I like to add flavor to my vegetables. When you add a little butter or salt to them, I find my kids are much more likely to eat them. They're growing and they need nutrients from fat as well.

"I also find ways to slide things in. With milder vegetables like zucchini or squash, I add them to other vegetables if they're the same color. I have found that if I keep trying different ways to prepare vegetables, my kids will eat them. I have one son that doesn't like asparagus, but I've been trying it on the grill, and he loves it.

"In our house, they have to take two bites of something they don't like. We talk about how sometimes your taste changes. After they try it, if they say they don't like it, that's fine .... Once it becomes a fight, it sticks in their mind. If it's not a fight, they're much more likely to try it."

The conference, which was sponsored by the Greensburg/Decatur County Chamber of Commerce with assistance from the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce, was held at Greensburg Elementary School. Read more: Batesville Herald Tribune

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 Chamber Proposal

Greater Reston Chamber: GovCon Series: Federal Cyber Eligibility - Establishing Your Company's Qualifications; Kernersville Chamber of Commerce 2017-2018 Community Guide; Chamber interest: Daily Herald Business Ledger 2017 Entrepreneurial Excellence Awards; #BestChamber practices: Midland Area Chamber of Commerce: Cool Things to Share in your Weekly Newsletter; Logan County chamber exec, commissioner visit Fleming Town Board; #BestChamber practices: Fulton County Chamber: Making your newsletter personal; Chamber delight: Growth on Evelyn Gandy Parkway picks up pace; #BestChamber practices: Burlington Gift Checks – a program that works!; 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!



Greater Reston Chamber: GovCon Series: Federal Cyber Eligibility - Establishing Your Company's Qualifications


Wednesday, July 19 - 8:00 - 10:00 am

Join us to determine if your business is prepared to comply with federal contractor information security responsibilities and obligations. The new requirements are in addition to the current FAR requirements regarding "federal contract information" as well as existing DHS, GSA and other agency obligations. By December 31, all companies that do not have these regulations in place may face elimination from supply and service chains.  

As experts in their fields, speakers Diane Janosek, Deputy Commandant of the NSA National Cryptologic School; Nancy Sumption, Senior Legal Director and Global Cybersecurity Counsel at Medtronic; and David Dempsey, Partner at Dempsey Fontana, PLLC, will make sure you are fully prepared for the new regulations. Learn More or Register





Kernersville Chamber of Commerce 2017-2018 Community Guide 

The Kernersville Chamber of Commerce Community Guide is available at the Chamber of Commerce today! Thank you to Chris Comer and the Chamber team for their help and direction putting this together! 

2017-2018 Kernersville Chamber of Commerce Community Guide

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.



Chamber interest: Daily Herald Business Ledger 2017 Entrepreneurial Excellence Awards

The Entrepreneurial Excellence Awards recognize and build entrepreneurship in Cook County, DuPage County, Kane County, Lake County, McHenry County and Will County. Honorees demonstrate the best traits of entrepreneurship, including willingness to take risk, drive, perseverance and business creativity.

CLICK HERE FOR NOMINATION FORM

Nomination Guidelines

The Entrepreneurial Excellence Awards - recognizing and building entrepreneurship in suburban Cook County, DuPage County, Kane County, Lake County, McHenry County and Will County.

Honorees should demonstrate the best traits of entrepreneurship, including willingness to take risk, drive, perseverance and business creativity.

In order to qualify, a nominee's company or organization must be based in, have been founded in, or have a significant presence in the suburban Chicago areas noted above.

Nomination Procedure:

• Nominations must be submitted online at www.dhbusinessledger.com


• A statement either from business management, customers, employees or others familiar with the nominee can be very helpful to the judges.


• Nominees will be contacted and asked to submit a nomination portfolio consisting of supporting materials.


• Self-nomination is permitted.

Nomination deadline is 4:00 p.m. Friday, July 21 All supporting material is due 2 weeks after the nomination deadline) to Kat Polomsky, Daily Herald Business Ledger, 155 E. Algonquin Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60005. Your information can also be emailed to: blawards@dailyherald.com.

Selection Process:

Judges' decisions are made from personal knowledge of the nominees and/or the quality of the supporting materials that are submitted.

All nominees will be notified of their status following the judging.

Primary Criteria for Entrepreneurial Excellence:

Entrepreneur must be the founder of the business, or have been critical to its growth.

The entrepreneur's company must be based in, or have been founded in, or have a significant presence in suburban Cook County, DuPage County, Kane County, Lake County, McHenry County or Will County.

• The company should demonstrate profitability.


• The company should demonstrate significant growth and long-term potential.


• The entrepreneur should note contributions to the community through charitable or leadership roles.


• The company should demonstrate innovative employee programs and corporate culture.


• The entrepreneur should demonstrate the ability to overcome adversity.


Additional Considerations:
• Entrepreneur has founded more than one company.


• Entrepreneur's company has received local, regional, national or international recognition.


• Previous honorees will be considered if involved in a venture different from one that was previously recognized.

Recognition:

Award recipients will be honored at an evening reception to be held Thursday, Sept, 14, 2017..

Honorees will be profiled in a special supplement of the Daily Herald Business Ledger in the Oct. 16 issue.

Entrepreneurial Excellence Award Categories:

1. Early Stage Award: The award recognizes an individual whose company or organization has shown great promise and achievement in its early stages. Entrepreneur's company should demonstrate a likely prospect of profitability. The company should have been in business for five or fewer years.


2. Growth Award: Honorees are recognized for significant revenue growth over a two year period.


3. Innovation Award: Transforming the entrepreneurial dream into the reality of a tangible product or technology that will solve a problem is the first defining benchmark of entrepreneurial success. This award recognizes the best innovation-based products, technologies, systems or practices.


4. Young Entrepreneur Award (under 40): Honorees must meet the primary entrepreneurial criteria, and they must be under the age of 40 at the time of the nomination deadline (July 21, 2017).


5. Outstanding Service to Entrepreneurs: Through both personal and professional service, the recipient of the Outstanding Service to Entrepreneurs Award exhibits a strong commitment to helping entrepreneurs in a variety of industries. These honorees provide entrepreneurs with the resources they need to give our community its competitive edge. Examples of candidates would be attorneys, accountants, consultants, teachers and others who work with entrepreneurs.


6. Regional Spirit Award: Honorees should demonstrate commitment to the growth and well-being of the region through outstanding corporate citizenship and promotion of regional ties. Honorees should demonstrate the following:
   • Be active in local and regional business groups
   
   
   • Promote charitable and civic causes
   
   
   • Work to build the region's work force and enhance its quality of life
7. Lifetime Achievement Award: Honorees should demonstrate the following:
   Contribution to the growth of the suburban business community for at least one decade. Provide inspiration to younger entrepreneurs by examples of risk-taking, community mindedness and success. Provide information regarding outstanding achievements in business and in the community at- large, or development of the region's economy.

Candidates may be nominated in multiple categories, but may only be honored in one category. The judges will make that determination.

For more information regarding the Entrepreneurial Excellence Awards, as well as for advertising and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Andy Zielonka, Daily Herald Business Ledger, at (630) 955-3592 or azielonka@dailyherald.com.

Nominee Checklist

Please use this guide for providing supporting materials for your nomination portfolio. Include whatever information or materials you think would be helpful to the selection committee in considering this year's honorees. Remember, judging is conducted solely from the quality of the information and materials submitted. Please do not submit audio/visual materials or materials that must be returned.

Entrepreneur Biography: This may include the entrepreneur's resume and history, as well as mission/vision statements for the company or organization. Include information that tells the story of the entrepreneur. Include brochures if applicable, as well as testimonials or articles.

Growth: Describe how the entrepreneur has contributed to the growth of the company or organization. Please include measurable data such as statistics showing significant revenue growth over a period of time and how the entrepreneur contributed to this growth. Also describe the entrepreneur's potential for continued growth and achievement going forward.

Innovation: Describe a unique quality of the entrepreneur and/or their company or organization. This may be a tangible product or technology, a customer service system or practice or something that distinguishes the entrepreneur, company or organization within its industry.

Workforce Potential: Describe how the entrepreneur has developed the potential of the company or organization's workforce.

Achievements: List honors, awards, or achievements that the entrepreneur and/or the company or organization has earned.

Service and Entrepreneurial Spirit: Describe how the entrepreneur and the company or organization has reinvested in its community. List any involvement with business organizations, charitable or civic causes or any involvement that would enhance quality of life and give back to the community.

Category: Describe how the entrepreneur fits the awards category.

All nomination-supporting materials are due by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 4, 2017 to Kat Polomsky, Daily Herald Business Ledger, 155 E. Algonquin Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60005. You may also e-mail your information to: blawards@dailyherald.com. Please do not submit any material that must be returned. Please do not submit any audio/visual material.



#BestChamber practices: Midland Area Chamber of Commerce: Cool Things to Share in your Weekly Newsletter

Cool Stuff to Share Cool Article: Seven Habits of Extra Interesting People - What makes interesting people captivating? Many reasons. But there are ways to learn how to be more engaging. Cool Podcast: Disruptive Leadership - Various TED speakers discuss what it takes to become a leader and shake up the status quo. Cool Website: Thought Economics - Recognized for their exclusive interviews with thought leaders from around the world. These individuals have shaped our culture and our future and discuss topics from business to science to medicine. If you follow a good business newsletter, app, or a favorite business-related podcast, please feel free to let us know so we can tell others. Feel free to email your ideas to tlynch@macc.org.

Logan County chamber exec, commissioner visit Fleming Town Board

Fleming Town Board entertained a couple of visitors Tuesday night and both said the same thing - they work for all of Logan County, not just Sterling.

Glenna Aurich, recently-appointed director of the Logan County Chamber of Commerce, gave the trustees copies of her membership welcome packets and Destination: Logan County, a magazine insert from the Journal-Advocate.

Aurich told the board the Chamber is focusing its marketing efforts on online delivery systems such as social media. She said towns can be Chamber marketing members but not full members, although she encouraged the trustees to ask businesses in town to become full Chamber members.

Logan County Commissioner Byron Pelton also visited and told the trustees he hopes to sit in on a town board meeting every few months, if possible. Fleming is in Pelton's district, but he said he's vitally interested in all of the municipalities in Logan County.

Pelton had visited the Merino Town Board's meeting on Monday night. Read more: Journal-Advocate

#BestChamber practices: Fulton County Chamber: Making your newsletter personal

Dear Chamber Members and Friends,

I am so grateful to have therapy and doctor appointments behind me for right now so we can get to business and prepare for the second half of the year. I am always so grateful for July because it is an opportunity to re-order, catch up, and prepare for the next busy season. There may have been a minute when I felt like we weren't going to be able to get to the re-order stage because we have so many projects going on, but in true ebb and flow style we were able to have a free moment to sit down and plan to get that catch up planned and preparation moving.

So, what do we have in the works for the next month and our next season?

First, we are working diligently to prepare and launch our Fulton County Tourism Commission website. This has been quite a project, but we are grateful to the team who has worked so hard to ensure it is the best representation of Fulton County that it can be! Unfortunately, we had a bit of trouble collecting content from folks so we have decided to launch it without full content with the sole understanding that a little bit more work needs to be done to complete it. Our hope is that if folks see what it is that we have been asking for that they will be able to more fully understand and we can get that info from them that we need to tie everything up. In addition, we are looking forward to the Tourism videos that one of the FCLA groups decided to partner with us on. Our goal with these videos is to provide an opportunity for us to capture the essence of Fulton County and what we offer.  These videos, prepared by Landon Smith of Midwest UVA, will not only be displayed on our completed Tourism website, but will be available for individuals to use to share our story. Our hope is that we can help others to fall in love with Fulton County and want to either visit, invest, or move here so we can continue to grow our great community! The new website will be available at www.county25.com  starting on Friday, July 14^th.

Second, we are doing our final follow up meetings on this past month's Living Local Fest. We have had a lot of lively conversation and great ideas. We are looking forward to making final decisions and preparing for what this new family tradition will look like for next year. We will get a save the date out asap so everyone can plan to attend next Summer!

Next, we are going to spend the month continuing to work on our updated policy manual, working on starting to dream about what we desire for next year, and prepare to welcome another great intern who will be with us for the Fall.

Lastly, don't forget we have two save the dates we are working on, one being for the third and final Women In Business networking breakfast which will occur on Friday, September 8^th and the second being for our Annual Chili Cook-Off which will be on Saturday, October 14^th. We have a lot of planning which will happen for these events in the next month or so, but meanwhile get those dates on your calendars and stay tuned for more details.

As always thank you for helping us to continue to make changes to make Fulton County a stronger and more vibrant place and for your patience as we walk this out. We are honored to walk this journey with you!  

Blessed to be in Fulton County,

Amy A. Roe 

More information: Fulton County Chamber




Chamber delight: Growth on Evelyn Gandy Parkway picks up pace

New businesses are beginning to open along the Evelyn Gandy Parkway at a faster pace now — nearly 11 years after the stretch of highway opened from Interstate 59 to just east of Byrd Parkway.

Development along has come in spurts over the years, but it has taken off exponentially in the last few years.

"It's just exciting to see so many different new businesses opening up and existing businesses being reinvented," said Valerie Wilson, executive director of the Petal Area Chamber of Commerce.

In the last year, several new businesses opened on the parkway, with even more in the planning or development stages. Read more: Hattiesburg American

#BestChamber practices: Burlington Gift Checks – a program that works!

Burlington Area Chamber of Commerce Gift Checks make an ideal thank you gift, a wonderful Christmas or Holiday gift, perfect for babysitters, teachers, just about everyone on your list. Certificates are available at Associated Bank and Johnson Bank in Burlington.

The checks are available in any amount of $10.00 or more at either bank and they will make the checks to "Any Burlington Area Business" in the amount that you request. There is a designated line on the check for you to fill in the recipient's name. You just write one check to one of these banks and all of your holiday chores are completed!

This is how it works for any merchant. Any Burlington Area Business can accept the gift check. The check should be accepted as cash.  Merchants will then simply deposit the check with their regular business deposit. 

What if the amount is not exact?  When the merchants receive the gift check and it is not an exact amount, the merchant will accept it as cash then give the customer the change of whatever is remaining. For example: If the amount of the gift check is $20 and the customer spends $11.56, the customer will receive back the difference.

Questions? If you have any questions on how to handle these checks that support our “Buying Locally” program, please call the Burlington Area Chamber of Commerce at 763-6044, Associated Bank at 262-763-9955 or Johnson Bank 262-757-1150.

Burlington Area Chamber of Commerce would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support of our fine community. We hope that this program will continue to be of value to you and your company. Remember to stop by the banks that sponsor this program to purchase the Gift Certificates. If your business needs a large quantity, just call ahead to make the arrangements. Source: Burlington Area 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 Chamber Proposal