Des Plaines Chamber: Mega-Connect Virtual Multi-Chamber Networking Event; Chamber’s Leadership Fredericksburg Announces Class of 2022; UW System to offer vaccinated students $7K scholarships; Grand Rapids Chamber: Feedback Needed on the Going Pro Talent Fund; Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce Accepting Applications for 2021-22 Leadership Lansing Cohort; Auburn Hills Chamber: ILEAD program; Macomb County Chamber: Last Chance to Register for the Governor's Luncheon!; Joliet Region Chamber: Legislative Coffee; Dubuque Chamber: Good morning and happy Monday!; St. Charles Area Chamber looking for new leader; Naperville Area Chamber Announces 4 Under 40 Achievement Award Recipients; Lake Zurich Chamber: Increased Precautions; Land Acquired For Lodge And Conference Center On Lake Okhissa; Ocean Springs Chamber: Blue Moon Art Project Contest; Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories, Maps, Apps, Quarterly Magazines, Digital Directory Sales and Community Profiles: The no cost, no risk BEST Chamber Publishing Partner in the USA!

 Good morning #ChamberWorld! It's going to be a great day! 

Des Plaines Chamber: Mega-Connect Virtual Multi-Chamber Networking Event

Name: Mega-Connect Virtual Multi-Chamber Networking Event

Date: August 12, 2021

Time: 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM CDT

Website: http://www.dpchamber.com

Register Now

Progressive Luncheon

Event Description:

Empower Your Community while Building Connections with Members of 22 Chambers of Commerce!

Multiply your networking potential at this Multi-Chamber Mega Connect Virtual Event.

 

Join the following Chambers for this fast-paced networking experience!

 

 Arlington Hts - Buffalo Grove/Lincolnshire- DBR - Des Plaines - Edgebrook/Sauganash - Evanston - Gladstone Park - Glencoe - Glenview - Highland Park-  Lake Forest/Lake Bluff - LGBTCC - Lincolnwood -Morton Grove - Niles - Northbrook - Park Ridge - Portage Park - Skokie -Uptown - Westridge - Greater Wheeling - Wilmette/Kenilworth and Winnetka/Northfield Chambers of Commerce

The event will begin with informal networking while you enjoy lunch from your favorite local restaurant (optional). Attendees will then be divided into small groups and assigned to “Breakout Rooms” where everyone will give 2-minute presentations on their companies. There will be multiple, random rotations through Breakout Rooms to get you maximum exposure for your business. In addition, everyone will receive a contact list of participants via email after the event. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to expand your reach and resources while maintaining your social distance!

 

Registration Form Click Here

Chamber’s Leadership Fredericksburg Announces Class of 2022 

30 Fellows Selected 

The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber is pleased to announce the Leadership Fredericksburg Class of 2022. Fellows will meet monthly from September 2021 through May 2022. Sessions are at businesses throughout the region. Participants hone their leadership skills and meet with notable community leaders. Each Fellow has a trained mentor that supports his or her progress. Fellows divide into teams to work on an Action Learning Project. The program culminates with a graduation ceremony in May.  

 Leadership Fredericksburg’s faculty leads are Dr. David Corderman with Academy Leadership Associates, Dr. J.R. Flatter with Flatter, Inc. and Chamber President/CEO Susan Spears. Janel Donohue with the Rappahannock United Way and Kimberly Young, with the University of Mary Washington complete the faculty. Mary Washington Healthcare is the program’s Title Sponsor.  

 

Leadership Fredericksburg 2022 Fellows 

 

• Felicia Ainsa, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative 
• Melandie Brown, Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center 
• Cynthia Burris, Wells Fargo 
• Shawn Carrington, MacDoc Realty 
• Stephen Curtis, Rappahannock Area Community Services Board 
• Lauren Dracoules, Micah Ecumenical Ministries 
• Sharon Glover, Central Virginia Housing Coalition 
• Phillip Goodlett, effectv-Comcast 
• Adam Gullickson, Flatter Inc. 
• Mark Haines, Germanna Community College 
• Lisa Henry, Mary Washington Healthcare 
• Megan Hesse, Stafford County 
• Jenna Hudspeth, Matern Staffing 
• Stephen Hughes, Mary Washington Healthcare 
• Mechelle Johnson, Atlantic Union Bank 
• Kristal King, Glam Room Salon Suites  
• Kirk Lancaster, Atlantic Builders 
• Andrea Light, Stafford County 
• Heather Lee, Fredericksburg Christian School 
• Kathryn Lybarger, HDT Global 
• Allison Names, Fredericksburg SPCA 
• Rachael Orzechowski, SimVentions 
• Deanna Pack, University of Mary Washington 
• Michael Pocchiari, Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center 
• Michael Presutto, Fredericksburg Police Department  
• Adriana Puckett, Central Rappahannock Regional Library 
• Camile Sue, The Icing Baking Company 
• Morgan Szymczyk, LifeCare Medical Transports 
• Jessica Thompson, Germanna Community College 
• Will Whittier, HDT Global 

The Chamber thanks the following sponsors whose generosity makes the Leadership Fredericksburg program possible:  

 2021 Program Title Sponsor: Mary Washington Healthcare 

2021 Program Gold Sponsors: Atlantic Builders, Ltd.; Atlantic Union Bank; Flatter, Inc., Germanna Community College; LifeCare Medical Transports; SimVentions; and Stafford County Economic Development Authority. 

 To learn more about Leadership Fredericksburg, please contact Carley Swaim Walker, Senior Director of Membership & Community Advancement at 540-373-9508 or cwalker@fxbgchamber.org. 

Media Contact:  Anna Talcott, Marketing & Communication Manager (540) 373-9527

atalcott@fxbgchamber.org 

 

UW System to offer vaccinated students $7K scholarships




The University of Wisconsin System plans to offer nearly $500,000 in scholarships this fall to students who have been vaccinated against the coronavirus.

System President Tommy Thompson said all vaccinated students at regional four- and two-year campuses that get at least 70% of their students vaccinated by Oct. 15 will be eligible for a drawing for a $7,000 scholarship. Seventy students will win, with more winners coming from campuses with larger enrollments.

UW-Madison students won’t be eligible, Thompson said, because Chancellor Rebecca Blank is working on her own vaccination incentive programs. Asked for details on Blank’s plans, UW-Madison spokesman John Lucas said the flagship university is “on a path” to reach 80% vaccination among students and is “considering incentives” but had nothing to announce.

Thompson has called for campuses to offer at least three-quarters of their courses in-person this fall. He said he set the vaccination threshold at 70% for the scholarship drawing because that’s generally considered the minimum for herd immunity.


“If we can arrive at 70% we’re going to have a very safe year,” Thompson said during a conference call with reporters on Friday. “That’s why I’m pushing so hard.”

Several campuses across the country have launched similar tuition reduction incentives to encourage student vaccinations rather than issue mandates. Purdue in May offered 10 lottery winners free tuition for a year. Rowan University in New Jersey in May offered tuition and housing discounts. Officials in New York state last month launched a drawing in which anyone between the ages of 12 and 17 who got vaccinated could win full tuition and housing to any state school. UW-Oshkosh plans to award 10 $1,000 scholarships to vaccinated students in a drawing this fall.

A $7,000 scholarship would defray a huge chunk of tuition for students at the system’s regional campuses.

Resident tuition at UW-Eau Claire last year was about $8,870. Resident tuition at UW-Green Bay was about $7,873. At UW-Oshkosh it was about $7,700 and at UW-La Crosse it was $9,159. Regents earlier this month adopted a 2021-22 budget that keeps tuition frozen.

Grand Rapids Chamber: Feedback Needed on the Going Pro Talent Fund

The Grand Rapids Chamber has supported the Going Pro Talent Fund since its inception and believes this program will play a vital role in helping Michigan get back on its feet post-pandemic. Talent is the most significant need we are hearing from West Michigan businesses across all industries, and we know employers and employees alike have had to adapt and find new ways to be successful in today’s economy. We will be advocating for significant state investment in training from federal relief funds and want to ensure that these one-time funds are put to their most effective use. The Grand Rapids Chamber feels it is the right time to look further into the Going Pro program, and we are eager to find ways to expand this proven talent tool so more West Michigan employers and employees can benefit.    To aid in our work, we are collecting feedback from members that have dealt with the Going Pro Talent Fund. Whether you’ve received funding, applied without receiving funding, or are a training provider, we’d like your input on ways to improve or expand the program. Our team is in constant communication with leaders in Lansing and the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and would appreciate any insight you could provide to aid in these conversations.  Please fill out this brief survey, or reach out to Alexa Kramer, Director of Government Affairs, at alexa@grandrapids.org to share your ideas.  Haven’t heard of the Going Pro Talent Fund? Find out more about this top Chamber priority here.

Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce Accepting Applications for 2021-22 Leadership Lansing Cohort

 

[LANSING, MICHIGAN] Applications are now being accepted for the 2021-22 Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce Leadership Lansing cohort.  This year’s cohort will run from October to May, with one meeting each month, except for December.

 

Leadership Lansing is an eight-month program in which participants engage in seven workshops where they are exposed to key institutions, industry sectors, and business leaders that are the fabric of the Greater Lansing region. This past session focused on government, education, manufacturing, insurance, health care, homegrown businesses and entrepreneurism, cultural gems in the region, and Lansing history. Participants also receive training in individual leadership skills, including understanding how to identify and leverage their strengths. In the past six years, 227 outstanding leaders have completed the Leadership Lansing program.

“TechSmith is proud to have been able to be a part of several Leadership Lansing cohorts. Year after year, the course has proved to be an outstanding opportunity for our team members to focus on personal development in addition to exploring opportunities to grow perspectives on leadership, teamwork, innovation, and collaboration,” said Wendy Hamilton, CEO, TechSmith. “We have seen immense value not just from the collective program, but also from each meeting that our TechSmithies have attended. Engaging and educational tours of manufacturing plants (and otherwise closed to public businesses) and face time with business, political, and community leaders have also made this unique experience a vital investment for our company and the Lansing community.”

“Leadership Lansing continues to be an excellent program for our team to connect with the community while enhancing their leadership skills, said April Clobes, president and CEO, MSU Federal Credit Union. “All of our graduates have expressed their appreciation for their increased knowledge of the region, an enhanced network of peers, and insights gained from other leaders in the area.”

IDEAL CANDIDATES

Leadership Lansing seeks established and emerging leaders who can make a positive impact in the community. Candidates should have demonstrated past community commitment or a strong desire to become involved. Leadership Lansing seeks a diverse representation or organizations from across the community, including professionals from financial services, education, manufacturing, healthcare, the arts, government, and other sectors. As Leadership Lansing aims to include leaders who reflect Lansing’s diverse cultures and residents, minority and women leaders are strongly encouraged to apply.

PROGRAM COST

Tuition for Leadership Lansing is $2,200 and includes all workshops, materials, and meals. Applications for this year’s Leadership Lansing cohort are available at https://lansingregionalchamberofcommerce.growthzoneapp.com/ap/Form/Fill/r4egjsQp

Deadline for submission is Friday, Sept. 17.

Contact: Ashley Sandborn, Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (517)342-4549                           asandborn@lansingchamber.org

Auburn Hills Chamber: ILEAD program

Five Month Leadership Development Program

August through December 2021

LEARN best practices to develop quality leadership skills

ENGAGE with current and future leaders

ACHIEVE success

DISCOVER your inner leader

REGISTER HERE

Designed for leaders who want to build their strengths in self-awareness, ability to influence, community development, team work, and adaptability while forging life-long relationships with other trailblazers in the Auburn Hills business community. From August through December 2021, participants will meet one day each month to LEARN best practices to develop quality leadership skills, ENGAGE with current and future leaders, ACHIEVE success, and DISCOVER your inner leader.

The ILEAD Class of 2021 will be recognized during the 2022 State of the Community, a great way to build recognition and awareness for your company!

Attendee Benefits

You will be exposed to a wide variety of perspectives. Each of the sessions focuses on a thought-provoking topic ranging from community development and outreach, business and cultural ethics, diversity, and self-discovery. ILEAD will help you:

· Connect with others from a variety of backgrounds

· Develop resilience and adaptability when dealing with difficult situations

· Build a road-map to leadership success

Employer Benefits

Supporting your mid-level leaders shows value for their contribution to your business and a deeper awareness of community engagement while forging life-long relationships with other trailblazers in the Auburn Hills business community. ILEAD will:

· Provide a bigger picture to their role in making an impact to your bottom line

· Build recognition and awareness for your company

· Serve as a retention strategy for employees ultimately boosting morale

Member Tuition: $499 | Future Member Tuition: $599

2021 SESSION LINE UP

Orientation & Session 1: Personality Dimensions Awareness

Tuesday, August 24, 2021

Time: 7:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Personality Dimensions Awareness Workshops are effective in developing leaders and strengthening teams. As a research-based, trait disposition tool, Personality Dimensions is especially useful for professionals managing others or seeking to work cooperatively with a variety of personality types.

Presenter: Joscelyn A. Davis, President and CEO, JADE Strategies

Location: Hawk Woods Lodge, Auburn Hills

Session 2: Our Auburn Hills

Tuesday, September 21, 2021

Time: 8:30 - 11:30 AM

More than 100,000 business professionals drive into Auburn Hills each day to work. During this session, participants will learn the secrets behind the scenes presented by current leaders from the City of Auburn Hills. Learn its unique history and what makes Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills! Plus a special presentation from the Rotary Club of Auburn Hills

Presenters: Auburn Hills Leaders

Location: City of Auburn Hills

Session 3: Conscious Leadership

Tuesday, October 19, 2021

Time: 8:30 - 11:00 AM

There are so many leadership styles and models, where and how does conscious leadership fit? How can I become a more conscious leader? How does becoming a more humane leader influence my business? It shouldn't come as a surprise that a conversation about conscious leadership starts with a series of questions. We will dive into what makes us more thoughtful, awake and intentional leaders, understanding the value of mindset, and learning to live and work with purpose. Plus a special presentation from Holiday Extravaganza.

Presenter: Thomas Sommer, MPP, CFRE, Executive Director, Leadership Oakland

Location: City of Auburn Hills Community Center

Session 4: Lead with Social and Emotional Intelligence

Tuesday, November 30, 2021

Time: 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM

It is no secret that workplace dynamics have radically changed over the past several decades. It has left business leaders working to stabilize their teams while seeking to maintain productivity and profitability. Globalization, cultural & generational diversity, a transient work force, and shifting values and expectations from their employees has contributed greatly to the challenges leaders face. Plus a special presentation from Everybody, Inc.

Presenters: John Ball & Lisa Goyette, Co-Founders, CH Training

Location: City of Auburn Hills Community Center

Session 5: Collaborative Conversations

Wednesday, December 15, 2021

Time: 8:30 - 11:30 AM

A workshop on the Collaborative Conversation Model. This model aligns Stephen Coveys fifth habit of Highly Effective People - Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood, with the four step powerful coaching conversation model. Participants will learn how to address challenges individuals face personally and professionally. Asking the right questions will lead those individuals to self-discover solutions and commit to action! This is a powerful workshop ideal for anyone in leadership, from entry level management to CEOs, helping them to become effective listeners and impactful thought leaders.

Presenter: Davin Salvagno, President & Founder, PurposePoint

Location: The HUB Stadium, Auburn Hills

REGISTER HERE

Macomb County Chamber: Last Chance to Register for the Governor's Luncheon!

August 4 Doors open at 11 a.m.

$50 for Members
$75 for Not-Yet-Members

Today is the last day to register for the Governor's Luncheon!

The Macomb County Chamber and the Sterling Heights Regional Chamber are pleased to once again host Governor Gretchen Whitmer at a luncheon addressing Macomb County’s business community. The event includes networking, a buffet lunch, and the Governor’s answers to your questions.

This year's event will be held at Jimmy John's Field at 7171 Auburn Rd. Utica, MI 48317.

Register Now!

Joliet Region Chamber: Legislative Coffee Add Monday, August 16 to your calendars as we host our quarterly “Legislative Coffee” with U.S. Representatives Bill Foster, Lauren Underwood, and Marie Newman. We’ll cover topics such as the budget, infrastructure, taxes, the recent executive order, and more. We’ll begin at 8 am and discuss through 9:30 at the Joliet City Hall Council Chambers. We hope you can join us and thank CITGO for being our coffee series sponsor. Here is the rsvp & info link: http://jolietchamber.chambermaster.com/events/details/2021-legislative-coffee-series-august-16th-with-u-s-representatives-foster-underwood-newman-6082 Dubuque Chamber: Good morning and happy Monday! The Dubuque Area Chamber is excited to invite you to attend an innovative and exciting new event designed to deliver all benefits of membership in one quick two hour session. During the day, you’ll hear from Dr. Eric Eller, Professor of Finance at Loras College to discuss threats and opportunities for small business post-COVID, followed by Q&A. After a short break, we’ll reconvene to help develop the Chamber’s legislative agenda in real time, and provide input on future education programming from the Chamber. We hope to see someone from your management team at this exciting new event! Registration information is below, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to me at RSempf@DubuqueChamber.com Leaders Over Lunch Thursday, August 19th 11:30am – 1:30pm Hotel Julien Dubuque Register Here

St. Charles Area Chamber looking for new leader The St. Charles Area Chamber of Commerce is looking for a new leader following the announcement that Chamber President and CEO Jim Di Ciaula is leaving the organization next month. He started in his position in January 2018. His last day will be Sept. 3. "I've been spending some time over the last several months thinking about where we've been, what we've accomplished and where it's going next, while at the same time thinking about what do I want to do next and do I want to carry this forward or is it a good time to transition," Di Ciaula said. "I put a lot of energy, passion and focus into bringing it where it is. I thought maybe it's a good time to let someone else come in and bring some fresh ideas and perspectives and continue to move it to another level." Di Ciaula said he is proud of the Chamber's efforts to help the business community navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic. "We did all that we could to help get information, tools and resources out to the community during the pandemic," he said. "And we're continuing to support them in different ways. I do feel good about that." St. Charles Area Chamber Board Chairman Ryan Anderson commended Di Ciaula for all the work he has done. "I think it's well known that he worked tirelessly, especially during COVID, to help our members out," Anderson said. "He along with one of our members, Bill Papp, really did a lot of research on the PPP loans and provided our members with a tremendous amount of information." He said when Di Ciaula came to the Chamber, "he definitely advanced it several steps from where it was." Read more: Daily Herald

Naperville Area Chamber Announces 4 Under 40 Achievement Award Recipients  The Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce (NACC) is pleased to announce this year’s recipients of the 4 Under 40 Achievement Awards. This prestigious award recognizes four young professionals under the age of 40 who demonstrate excellence in community leadership, leadership in business, as well as excellence in career, and life balance.   This 6th annual signature event has been bestowed to the following young professionals:  Megan Lynch DuPage Medical Group, Manager, Charitable Fund Ashley Wilhelm Allegra of Romeoville, Business Development Manager Jessica Gerke Banyan Treatment Center, Intake Supervisor Michelle Clemen Avenida Naperville, Community Manager   “We are consistently in awe of the exceptional character inside our NACC Young Professionals Network,” said Kaylin Risvold, President & CEO of the NACC. “The honorees were poised, prepared, and demonstrated exactly the leadership ideals we wish to promote as future leaders and stewards of positive change inside business.”   The NACC looks forward to hosting this cocktail reception on June 24th, 2021 from 4:00 - 6:00 pm at Elements at Water Street inside the Hotel Indigo at 123 Water Street, 2nd Floor in Naperville, Illinois. The reception will include a brief program where the four award recipients are highlighted as well as the outstanding finalists nominated this year – in addition, 2020 award winners will be recognized.   Risvold concludes, “I believe the most amazing part of this selection process is discovering the talent that exists in our community from this powerful segment of our workforce. Not to mention, we were dually impressed with the number of female nominees that resulted in a special end result of this year’s winners all being women. It is a vital piece of the Chamber’s mission to be serving as your resource for our community – and distinguishing those individuals that shine in their professional and personal capacities is one way to continue to put our mission in action.”

Lake Zurich Chamber: Increased Precautions   The Lake County Health Department is urging the public to take precautions to slow the resurgence of COVID-19. The majority of cases nationwide have been in unvaccinated individuals. Cases have been steadily increasing in Lake County over the past month. We encourage those that have not received a COVID-19 vaccine to do so as soon as possible. Getting vaccinated protects you from severe disease, hospitalization and death. It also protects those in our population that are vulnerable, children, elderly and immunocompromised.   It is also more important now than ever to also stop the spread of misinformation. The U.S. Surgeon General recently released an advisory on Confronting Health Misinformation, stating that “health misinformation is a serious threat to public health." Land Acquired For Lodge And Conference Center On Lake Okhissa Below is a press release from the Scenic Rivers Development Alliance: Scenic Rivers Development Alliance today announced the acquisition of approximately 150 acres of land along the shoreline of Lake Okhissa in Southwest Mississippi from the U.S. Forest Service (USFS). Scenic Rivers Development Alliance is a body politic of the State of Mississippi, which has worked on this rural development project with U.S. Cindy Hyde Smith. Senator Hyde Smith sponsored a provision in the 2018 Farm Bill allowing the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to convey the real USFS property to Scenic Rivers as part of the continued development of Lake Okhissa. Rural economic development has been and continues to be at the top of Senator Hyde Smith’s agenda. Plans for the acreage include a 200-room lodge and a 1,000-person conference center. Scenic Rivers Development Alliance Executive Director, Joseph Parker stated “relationships with the United States Department of Agriculture, the Mississippi Development Authority, the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, Franklin County, the Town of Meadville, along with private companies like C Spire and Franklin Telephone Company have and remain the key to this project.” “There is a shared vision for rural economic development between counties and cities in Southwest Mississippi,” stated Parker. Senator Hyde-Smith and Representative Michael Guest, whose district includes the project, praised the acquisition. “The U.S. Forest Service land transfer to the Scenic Rivers Development Alliance is absolutely wonderful news and a crucial step for this plan to bring jobs and economic development to southwest Mississippi,” Senator Hyde-Smith said. “I’ve long been invested in this project, and I am eager to see the economic benefits it will bring to this rural region. I am also very grateful to the Forest Service and Secretary Vilsack for following through on this.” “Rural economic development is a key component to Mississippi’s overall economic health. The Lake Okhissa project has brought together key players from the public and private sectors in a unified goal to make southwest Mississippi an even better place to live, worship, and raise a family, and it’s been an honor to work with them towards this goal,” Guest said. Work on the lodge and conference center, which will house a variety of workforce training platforms, is expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2021. The proposed lodge will serve as a home base for visitors wishing to enjoy the great outdoors in Southwest Mississippi. Members of the Scenic Rivers Development Alliance are Pike County, Franklin County, Amite County, Wilkinson County, Walthall County, and the City of McComb. The alliance promotes outdoor recreation and tourism in southwest Mississippi. “A shared vision among public and private stake holders will allow Scenic Rivers to bring this project to fruition, as originally envisioned by local planners and the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service,” explained Franklin County Chamber of Commerce President Brad Jones. Source: Northside Sun Ocean Springs Chamber: Blue Moon Art Project Contest The Blue Moon Art Project contest is back ahead of the Peter Anderson Arts and Crafts Festival. Now is your time to enter for a chance to win $2,000 and more. As a part of the contest, applicants across the state, ages 21 and older, are encouraged to submit a painting showing their interpretation of Blue Moon. This year’s theme is ‘Where do you Blue Moon?’ Each piece that’s entered is judged by a jury committee. The winner’s painting will be chosen as the symbol for Blue Moon’s marketing surrounding the following year’s Peter Anderson Arts and Crafts Festival. Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Cynthia Sutton tells News 25 the Blue Moon Art Project Contest provides Mississippi artists with a great opportunity. “It’s a really fun way to get notoriety as an artist and for your art work. It’s also a statewide event. The Peter Anderson Arts and Crafts Festival is the largest fine arts festival in the state and one of the ones in the region. So, the reach to have your artwork out there is far beyond just being here in Ocean Springs or the Mississippi Gulf Coast.” Sutton says this year judges are looking for a more contemporary and abstract piece. For more information on submissions visit the Peter Anderson Festival website. The deadline for submission is October 15th. Read more: WXXV25 Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories, Maps, Apps, Quarterly Magazines, Digital Directory Sales and Community Profiles: The no cost, no risk BEST Chamber Publishing Partner in the USA! 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 or email John Dussman with the subject line: Chamber Publication Proposal Requested. Thank you!

ACCE WELCOMES NEWEST CERTIFIED CHAMBER EXECUTIVE

 

ACCE Welcomes Newest Certified Chamber Executives

Sixteen chamber of commerce leaders have recently joined an elite roster of professionals who have earned the Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) designation.

The first CCE designation was conferred more than 40 years ago. CCE is recognized as the highest professional designation in the chamber of commerce profession. It’s the only globally-recognized certification program exclusive to the chamber of commerce industry.

“In the past year, these chamber leaders not only dedicated themselves to addressing local challenges brought on by the pandemic, but also invested many hours in their professional development to earn their CCE designation,” said Matt McCormick, CCE, IOM, president of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce (Mo.) and CCE commission chairman. “We commend their achievement and are very proud to have them join a long tradition of professional excellence.”

These sixteen leaders represent chambers of commerce in 11 states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia, as well as the Canadian province Ontario.

Congratulations, from your friends at ACCE!

Brian D. Anderson, CCE, IOM

Brian has served as president & CEO of ChamberRVA (Va.) since 2019. Brian has served on ACCE's Metro Cities Council and will be an at-large director for the ACCE Board for 2021-2022. During his tenure serving as a chamber executive in Georgia, he was recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential Georgians for several years. The Leadership of Ft. Benning, Ga., awarded Brian the Meritorious Public Service medal while serving as president & CEO of the Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce (Ga.). Brian focused his CCE presentation on ChamberRVA’s 2020 small business initiative that provided digital and physical toolkits to over 2400 small businesses in the Richmond, Va., region to assist them with reopening safely and responsibly due to COVID-19.

 

Desiree M. Bennyhoff, CCE, IOM
Desiree has served as president/CEO of the Edwardsville/Glen Carbon Chamber of Commerce (Ill.) since 2011, and before that as the chamber's communications director. Desiree is past chair of the Illinois Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (IACCE), currently serves as a board member of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, and is on the Midwest IOM board of regents and curriculum committee for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation's Institute for Organization Management program. Desiree was honored with the Jim Anderson Professional Torch Award by the St. Louis Regional Chamber, was named Distinguished Illinois Chamber of Commerce Executive of the Year by IACCE, and led the Ed/Glen Chamber through the U.S. Chamber of Commerce accreditation process earning 5-Star distinction. Desiree focused her CCE presentation on building a strong government affairs program to advocate on behalf of the business community.

 

Kathy Blank, CCE 

As vice president of the 5-star accredited McKinney Chamber of Commerce (Texas), Kathy is responsible for leading the chamber's business development department. Since joining the McKinney Chamber leadership team in 2016, Kathy has played a pivotal role in growing the Major Investors of the Chamber and developing innovative programs, community initiatives and partnerships. During her chamber career, Kathy has achieved both an ACCE Lifetime Achievement Award – Gold, for $500,000 in membership sales and placed second in Total Member Sales in ACCE's Sales Contest in 2017-2018.  Kathy will be serving as chair of ACCE's Membership Development Division in 2021-2022 and will also serve on the executive committee of the ACCE Board of Directors. While she is most proud of achieving the CCE designation in 2021, Kathy looks forward to receiving her IOM graduate recognition later this year

 

Sandra M. Brewer, CCE, IOM

Sandra has served as vice president of membership and investor relations for the Chattanooga Chamber (Tenn.) since 2012. She has been involved with Rotary Club of Chattanooga, Parkridge Health System and Chattanooga Women's Leadership Institute for many years and served as a board member of each organization. She was honored as a Chattanooga Woman of Distinction in 2012 and honoree of the 2019 Chattanooga State Dinner of Firsts.  Sandra focused her CCE presentation on creating positive change in our community through catalytic leadership and aligned resources, outlining the importance of having a transformational vision and clear communications to raise the resources necessary to move the community forward.  

 

Heather Brothers New, CCE, IOM, TMP, AACE
Heather has served as president & CEO of The Chamber of Gadsden & Etowah County, Inc. (Ala.), since 2011. She is a past chair of the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama, serves on the Business Council Board of Directors and is an advisory council member of the Alabama Department of Public Health’s Office of Women’s Health. She is a graduate of Southeast Tourism Society’s Marketing College and Auburn University’s Government and Economic Development Institute. Heather focused her CCE presentation on a professional development program that immerses 400 educators annually in technical careers in the community through tours and hands-on experiences

 

Adrian Cain, CCE, IOM, CFRE

Adrian has served as senior vice president of leadership and programs of the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce since 2015. Serving in several roles during his time with the chamber, Adrian’s work focuses on building a Charleston community where all have an opportunity to live, learn and earn. Adrian serves on the ACCE Board. In 2020-2021, Adrian was the chair of the Membership Development Division advisory board and an ACCE executive committee member. Adrian’s commitment to his community has been demonstrated through his service on the Charleston Criminal Justice Convening Council, launching the Chamber’s comprehensive diversity, equity and inclusion work, and developing and cultivating local leaders. Adrian focused his CCE presentation on “Raising the Region’s Leadership Quotient” by strategically aligning the diversity, equity and inclusion efforts with the Chamber’s leadership, government relationship and workforce development platforms

 

Lindsay Henderson, CCE, IOM

Lindsay has served as chief revenue officer of the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce (Ark.) since 2016. She serves on the Conway Corporation board of directors and has previously served on the boards of the Arkansas Economic Developers & Chamber Executives and Arkansas Community Foundation of Faulkner County. In 2017, Lindsay was named an Arkansas Business 40 Under 40 honoree and was recognized as a 2019 ACCE 40 Under 40. Lindsay focused her CCE presentation on developing a sales culture and on its importance and value in today’s chamber profession.

 

Andy Johnston, CCE, IOM
Andy has served as vice president of government affairs for the Grand Rapids Chamber (Mich.) since 2010. He is involved in numerous community board and committees and has been named a 40 under 40 recipient by ACCE and the Grand Rapids Business Journal. Andy focused his CCE presentation on the West Michigan CEO Summit and how it connects to the heart of the chamber profession, the sweet spot at the intersection of business, community and government.

 

Tony Moline, CCE, IOM, PCED

Tony has served as the president & CEO of the Cedar Park Chamber of Commerce (Texas) since 2012. He serves on the board for the Texas Association of Business (the State Chamber) and the Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives. Tony has also earned his IOM designation and his PCED (Professional Community and Economic Developer) designation. Tony focused his CCE presentation on strategic communication during a crisis and being the clearinghouse of information for businesses.

 

James Reddish, CCE, CEcD
James has served as executive vice president of the Little Rock Regional Chamber (Ark.) since 2018. He currently chairs the board of directors for MAKO, which represents chamber executives in the states of Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas and Oklahoma. He also serves on the board of ACCE. In 2019, James was named 40 Under 40 by ACCE and in 2021, received the same honor in the state of Arkansas. James focused his CCE presentation on a multi-district public education initiative he is leading called the Academies of Central Arkansas. This work is transforming the public high school experience to ensure all students in all schools have access to relevant college and career preparation, while strengthening their core academic achievement.  

 

Rory Ring, MBA, CCE

Rory joined the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce (Ont.) in 2016 as CEO, moving from Sarnia, Ont., where he was CEO of the Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce for three years. He is a firm believer in the leadership provided by the chamber of commerce network, and those professionals who have dedicated their professional careers to doing what no other leadership role does. He serves as a director on the Ontario Chamber of Commerce Board, is the past chair of the Chamber Executives of Ontario and is a former board member of the Canadian Chamber Executive of Canada.

 

Paul Rumler, CCE

Paul has served as the president & CEO of the Quad Cities Chamber (Iowa) since 2018 and has 15 years of chamber leadership experience. He has a history of actively volunteering for industry and community organizations, including current roles on the board of directors for the John Deere Classic, Iowa Chamber Alliance and Visit Quad Cities. Paul has been recognized for his chamber leadership, including Athena International’s Male Champion of Change Award for his work fostering a diverse and inclusive organization, the ACCE 40 Under 40 Award and 40 Under 40 Leader in Economic Development by Development Counsellors International/International Economic Development Council. Paul focused his CCE presentation on a place management organization the Quad Cities Chamber created to lead affiliated downtown development efforts across multiple cities and states.

 

Amy Shuttle, CCE, IOM
Amy has served as senior vice president of the Bristol Chamber of Commerce (Tenn.) since 2016. She is a member of the Membership Development Division (MDD) advisory board and has served as a MDD sales mentor.  Amy earned her IOM designation at U.S. Chamber Southeast Institute in 2016, was awarded the Bronze Dana Ketterling Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018 and the Silver Dana Ketterling Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021. Amy focused her CCE presentation on generating economy while meeting community and business needs during the pandemic.

 

Curtis S. Sneden, CCE, IOM

Curtis has served as president of the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce (Kan.) since 2019. He has also served as senior vice president of the Greater Topeka Partnership since its inception in 2018. He serves on the boards of the Topeka Community Foundation and Community Action, a non-profit fighting poverty in Topeka. He previously served on the boards of the Topeka Performing Arts Center, the United Way and the Downtown Topeka Rotary Club, which he led as president in 2015-16. Curtis focused his CCE presentation on his role in leading the design and establishment of the Greater Topeka Partnership, a new 501(c)(6) organization which combines the operations of Topeka’s Chamber of Commerce, economic development organization, convention and visitor’s bureau and downtown association under one unified management structure.

 

Heather Valudes, CCE
Heather has served as the vice president of the Lancaster Chamber (Pa.) since 2020, previously working as the chamber's community impact director since 2011. Heather serves on the steering committee for the Coalition for Sustainable Housing, Lancaster County Refugee & Immigrant Coalition and the Clean Water Partners. She has previously been named to the 40 Under 40 from Central Penn Business Journal and ACCE. Heather focused her CCE presentation on her role in the Recovery Lancaster project, a countywide COVID-19 response initiative that delivered almost $50 million in grants to businesses in Lancaster.

 

Becki Zumwalt-Womble, CCE, IOM 

Becki Zumwalt-Womble has served as president & CEO of the Bastrop Chamber of Commerce (Texas) since August 2014. During her tenure, she has taken an active role in local politics and community issues including a school bond and transportation issues. She chairs the Bastrop County Workforce Matters Coalition and serves as a board member for Visit Bastrop, the city’s destination marketing organization. Becki also serves on the Texas Chamber of Commerce and Texas Association of Business state boards. Becki focused her CCE presentation on “The Establishment of a Destination Marketing Organization, Visit Bastrop.” This was an initiative that established an independent organization to market the greater Bastrop area to tourists and attract convention business to the area.

Cabarrus County NC grants offer for-profit and non-profits a ‘pathway to recovery’; #BestChamber practices: Jane Block: The ABC’s of Building Better Boards; 5 local Brookhaven MS banks receive grants to invest in communities; Trip on a Tankful: Charles City Whitewater offers fun for people of all abilities; Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories, Maps, Apps, Quarterly Magazines, Digital Directory Sales and Community Profiles: The BEST Chamber Publishing Partner in the USA!

   Good morning #ChamberWorld! It's going to be a great day! 

Cabarrus County NC grants offer for-profit and non-profits a ‘pathway to recovery’

Request for Proposals process open through August 6

CONCORD, N.C. – Cabarrus County is dedicating a portion of more than $42 million received in American Rescue Plan Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds to help local for-profit and non-profit agencies based in or serving Cabarrus County.

The funding is available to meet a variety of local needs, including support for households, small businesses, impacted industries, essential workers and communities hardest hit by the COVID-19 crisis.

To make the best use of the funds, the County is calling on local for-profit and non-profit agencies to submit proposals for projects aligned to the acceptable uses, which include:
Stabilizing businesses or organizations
Providing job training
Continuing with delayed initiatives
Assisting households with food and shelter
Delivering crisis intervention services
Supporting mental and physical health
Making improvements to help prevent and eliminate COVID-19
And more

Deputy County Manager Rodney Harris believes the flexibility of the grants will encourage businesses and non-profits to apply.

“This is an investment in the people who kept Cabarrus open,” Harris said. “Applicants can customize their request to meet a tailored business or community need. We’ll consider any project that aligns with the requirements. This opportunity is a pathway to recovery for our community.”

About the RFP process
Local administration of the plan includes a Request for Proposals (RFP) process. The proposal deadline is August 6, 2021 at 5 p.m.

County staff will evaluate the proposals based on:
Qualifications, experience and approach
Alignment to the County’s strategic priorities
Ability to comply with County/federal requirements
Ability to comply with County contracting requirements

The County will host a virtual pre-proposal conference (information session) on Wednesday, July 14, 9 to 11 a.m. through Microsoft Teams. The session is not mandatory, but all interested organizations are encouraged to attend. A recording of the pre-proposal conference will be posted after the event.

From July 14 to 21, organizations can submit questions for additional clarity.

View the official Request for Proposals and learn more on the County’s website, cabarruscounty.us/CRG.

Other local economic assistance

The Cabarrus Recovery Grants are one of many County efforts to help stabilize the local economy.

In March, the County announced it received $6.5 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Treasury to support households with financial hardship due to COVID-19. The County’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) offers payment of overdue rent and utilities dating back to March of 2020. Households must demonstrate need, including financial housing and utility verification.

So far, applicants have requested more than $5.5 million in ERAP funds. The County is working to address the influx of applications and encourages applicants to thoroughly review documentation requirements before submitting their requests.

To apply or learn more about ERAP, visit erap.cabarruscounty.us. Paper applications are available at each branch of the Cabarrus County Public Library.

In November 2020, Cabarrus County awarded more than $1 million in Nonprofit Resiliency Grants to 32 local agencies that helped stabilize the community during the pandemic. These grants help maintain and expand educational opportunities; address health and wellness challenges; provide food assistance; and support housing needs and assist with other household expenses. Money for the grants came indirectly from North Carolina Coronavirus Relief Funds.

Best Regards,
Barbi Jones
Executive Director

#BestChamber practices: Jane Block: The ABC’s of Building Better Boards

OK, here is the dilemma: Board members have a set of expectations about what their board service looks like and the staff has a different set of expectations.  Is it any wonder that this can result in frustration and confusion that can lead to missed opportunities for your chamber?

Set High Standards

Like many nonprofits, chambers are often so desperate to find board members that they soften their high expectations for board standards, merely encouraging potential volunteers to “attend some meetings and help out wherever you can.” This is simply not effective in these days of dwindling volunteer resources.  Your chamber is too important to accept just any volunteer whose breath fogs the mirror!  Instead, set high standards for chamber board membership with clearly defined expectations for time, talent and treasure. Put it in writing and hold volunteers accountable.

Clarify Expectations and Reduce Confusion

The most important tool for recruiting effective board members is a job description.  Use this tool to clearly define your expectations for board members. Include requirements for attendance at regular meetings and special events, service on board committees, annual financial commitments, governance and fiduciary responsibilities.  Use the job description as an interview tool for all potential board volunteers. Post it on your web site so that everyone can see what it means to serve. In any membership association, there is the perception that one must be a part of the “In Crowd” to be offered a leadership opportunity.

Build a packet of information for all potential board volunteers.  Include basic and general information about the chamber including mission and purpose, board roster, board operating structure, bylaws, financials, D&O insurance coverage and whatever else is important for a prospective board member to help him/her make an informed decision about joining your board.

Strengthen the Nominating Committee

When several different people recruit board members it can lead to conflicting expectations. Make the most of your nominating committee by setting it as a standing committee in your bylaws.  This committee is perhaps the most important standing committee of your board for it holds the keys to future leadership.

Set a policy that the nominating committee is chaired either by the chair-elect, the past chair or a senior member of the board. I’d suggest that you include at-large Chamber members on the committee to broaden and deepen your reach. Include the Chamber Executive as a non-voting member.

The nominating committee should work year-round, starting immediately after the annual meeting to prepare the next slate.  First, the committee identifies WHAT skills are needed to strengthen the board, noting terms of current members.  Then, it identifies WHO are potential people who can fill those skills, building a plan to get potential volunteers involved.  Working so far in advance allows you to involve potential board members in committees to see if it is a good fit for the organization and the volunteer.

Orientation is a Must

It is unfair to expect new board volunteers to figure things out as they go along.  It is irresponsible to ask new members to vote on things they don’t understand.  Set up formal board orientation for all new members, preferably before their first board meeting. Include review of bylaws, financials and the strategic plan.  Update new members on any key issues facing the board’s decision-making. Review expectations for time and money.

Make it an Honor and a Privilege

Indeed.  Make it an honor and a privilege to serve on your board. Your chamber’s mission is too important to recruit and accept less than the best.

Now that You’ve Got Them, You’ve Got to Keep them!

If you have worked hard and long to recruit effective and committed board members, it is important to focus on keeping them fully engaged until their terms expire.

Annual Commitment Letter

Although volunteers sign on with the intention of staying totally involved, their lives can change and focus in other directions.  What you don’t want is one or more distracted, uninvolved and unproductive volunteers sitting on the board!  I recommend annual commitment letters.

Develop a commitment letter that restates the requirements in your board member job description.  Include a blank space for the volunteer to commit to a specific financial level.  Most important is a paragraph that says “If at any time I cannot fulfill the requirements of serving on this Board of Directors, I will give immediate notice of my resignation to the Chair of the Board.”

Ask every board member to review the commitment annually and sign the letter.  Then, if a volunteer has not fulfilled the commitments, the Chair can discuss options with the board member, either to get involved or step down until he or she can.

Get Organized with Committees

Effective board members expect effective board management.  This expectation requires the board to operate in a manner that respects board volunteers’ time and talent.

Board committees should have annual plans of work, based on the Chamber’s strategic plan. Board committees should be chaired by a member of the board with particular talent and skill for that committee’s scope and should include at-large members from the chamber membership to spread the work around.

Hold Effective Meetings

Respect volunteer time.  Expect board members to come to meetings prepared to do business.  Send a packet before the meeting with agenda, financial report, minutes and any attachments that require board action. Start and end meetings on time.  Delegate committee discussions to the appropriate committee.

Annual Planning

We have to remember that board members are volunteers with lives outside the chamber.  It is critical that you have an annual plan of work for the board so members can stay focused.  An annual planning retreat allows board and key staff to work together to identify and establish priorities and develop the plans to achieve change.  The retreat should include opportunities for fun and team building and should result in a plan of work for the coming year with accountability and time lines.

You Get What You Accept and What You Reward!

Set and keep high standards for board performance.  If it is OK for some members to attend meetings irregularly, then why should others make an effort to come to every one? Or if a few make an annual contribution and others don’t, why should some carry the financial burden for others?

Thank You, Gracias, Danke, Merci

Simply handing out annual volunteer appreciation certificates to every board member regardless of their performance may be the easiest way, but it is perhaps the least effective way to recognize volunteer performance.  It assumes that one-size-fits-all and that is rarely the case. Recognizing outstanding performance is important to keep the performance bar high.  Thanking must be timely and it must be meaningful.

Don’t wait until the annual meeting to thank all board members in the same manner. Find creative and meaningful ways to recognize high performers throughout the year as their performance warrants it.  Visible recognition of achievement as it happens reminds all board volunteers of their commitment to the chamber.

But What About the Great Board Member Whose Term Has Expired?

We’d like to keep some board members forever and ever, but it is important to treat all volunteers consistently.  You don’t have to lose those wonderful volunteers when their term expires, however.  Create an Advisory Board or and Emeritus Board that allows your outstanding board volunteers to remain active in the organization.  Find a special honorary position as Board Advisor, for example, to recognize his or her extraordinary commitment.

Summary

Effective recruitment, retention and recognition techniques = effective board members.  Set and keep high expectations for board performance and hold volunteers accountable for achievement of goals.

Jean Block

Faculty, Institute for Organization Management
President, Jean Block Consulting, Inc, and Social Enterprise Ventures, LLC

Jean Block began her nonprofit career at age 13 in a little college town in Ohio, when she organized her first fundraiser and was hooked on bringing volunteers together to create and support change at the grass roots level. In the 50+ years since then, Jean has served as both board and staff leader for local, regional and national nonprofits. She incorporated Jean Block Consulting in 1996 and is now a nationally recognized speaker, trainer and consultant on nonprofit management, board development and governance, FUNdraising and social enterprise. She is the author of four books.

5 local Brookhaven MS banks receive grants to invest in communities

 

Bank of Brookhaven is one of five banks in the area to receive a grant of $1.82 million dollars recently.

The grants — intended to spur more private-sector investments in local communities — are part of the Treasury Department’s Community Development Financial Institutions Rapid Response Program, funded through the FY2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act.

Community Development Financial Institutions are private financial institutions dedicated to delivering responsible, affordable lending to help low-income, low-wealth and other disadvantaged people and communities join the economic mainstream. As CDFIs, Bank of Brookhaven, BankPlus, Pike National Bank, First Bank and Bank of Franklin — along with 47 other institutions across Mississippi — each received an equal grant, meaning more than $9 million has been invested through grants into the Lincoln County area, and $94.96 million across the state.

“In real terms, it means their having more capital on hand to help businesses and community facilities remain viable as we rebuild after a very difficult economic year,” said Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, of Brookhaven.

Federal studies have shown that for every dollar injected into a CDFI, it injects eight more dollars into the private sector, Bank of Brookhaven CEO Robb Massengill said.

“They have placed funds into these CDFIs that will help with lending, to support operational activities that have had to be invested in as a result of COVID, and that can help build capital,” Massengill said. “What we do best is lend money and we will continue to do that.”

The bank has recently lent monies that have shown investment in the community, he said, like construction of a new spec building in the Linbrook Industrial Park and the 48-home Mill Creek subdivision on South First Street.

“It would mean new lending opportunities in a couple of areas, for capital purposes and operational purposes,” said Massengill.

“The Rapid Response Program will allow these financial institutions in Mississippi to withstand the stresses of the pandemic and provide flexibility to support more private-sector investments in rural and under-served communities,” said Hyde-Smith, the ranking member of the Senate Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Subcommittee.

“We at the Chamber are excited that our local banks, including our home-owned bank, have received these monies,” said Garrick Combs, executive director of the Brookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce and Lincoln County Economic Development Alliance. “It’s our hope that as we continue to recover from the past year-and-a-half that these funds will be reinvested in our community and hopefully with our Chamber members.” Read more: Daily Leader

 

 

Trip on a Tankful: Charles City Whitewater offers fun for people of all abilities

Iowa’s first whitewater park opened in downtown Charles City on the Cedar River 10 years ago, offering one of many reasons to make the trip to northern Iowa.

Ginger Williams, Tourism Coordinator for the Charles City Area Chamber of Commerce, describes why it’s so popular:

“There are three features offering whitewater fun at multiple levels for river enthusiasts of all abilities.” She adds that it produces arguably the “best river wave in the Midwest.”

The first feature is the signature Dam Drop, with glassy waves for surfing and a foam pile just right for beginner and intermediate freestyle paddlers. Doc’s Drop is for advanced paddlers and is utilized in national level competitions. Featuring an aggressive freestyle hole, Doc’s Drop allows for aerial moves. The last feature is Exit Exam, well suited for front surfing and beginner to immediate surfing and freestyle moves. 

Charles City Whitewater doesn’t just offer one or two options for enjoying the rapids, though.

“From tubing, wading, swimming to river surfing and freestyle kayaking, all family members can find something to fit their skills and interests,” says Williams. Read more: Des Moines Register

Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories, Maps, Apps, Quarterly Magazines, Digital Directory Sales and Community Profiles: The no cost, no risk BEST Chamber Publishing Partner in the USA!

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 or email John Dussman with the subject line: Chamber Publication Proposal Requested. Thank you!