Kansas City Chamber's Leadership Exchange: Startup 'expats' share why they left KC; Chamber business: Why are things going so well in South Dakota? Auburn Hills Chamber of Commerce recognized as an outstanding chamber in Michigan; Chamber Success Story: Hot Springs Business Expands, Adds More Jobs; Illinois Chamber Benefits Exchange; Chamber Event: 11th Monster Madness at Mills set for Oct. 28;

Kansas City Chamber's Leadership Exchange: Startup 'expats' share why they left KC

Silicon Valley sparkles with entrepreneurism, and its tech industry is unrivaled in the U.S. Through the years, it has crafted a magic formula for success.
But what's the secret?
More than 110 Kansas City business and civic leaders traveled to the San Francisco Bay Area to find out. The September trip was part of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce's 12th-annual Leadership Exchange. One event included a panel of "Heartland startup expats" who left the Kansas City area for Silicon Valley. Read more: Kansas City Business Journal

Chamber business:  Why are things going so well in South Dakota?

Let’s consider:
First, the cost of doing business in South Dakota is low. The U. S. Department of Commerce says our costs – utilities, occupancy, transportation and other costs are reasonably low for businesses – only 88 percent of the U.S. average. Other states like California, Hawaii, New York and New Jersey are all over 112 percent of the national average.

Businesses also have an advantage here because the tax burden is low. We have no corporate income tax, no personal income tax, no business inventory tax, no personal property tax and no inheritance tax. This creates a more favorable environment for growth by putting more money in the pockets of our businesses and workers.

Our reasonable regulatory climate also makes us business-friendly. Earlier this year, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce named South Dakota’s business climate as best in the nation. We don’t make things unnecessarily burdensome for our entrepreneurs. We know things shouldn’t be overcomplicated for job-creators who are trying to know and obey the laws. Read more:  Black Hills Pioneer


Auburn Hills Chamber of Commerce recognized as an outstanding chamber in Michigan

The Auburn Hills Chamber of Commerce was recognized with a 2014 Outstanding Chamber of Commerce Award by the The Michigan Association of Chamber Professionals at the association’s conference in Muskegon, Oct. 2.
“The Auburn Hills Chamber of Commerce received this award based on its accomplishments in leadership and governance, financial stewardship, business advocacy and member programming,” said Bob Thomas, Director for the Michigan Association of Chamber Professionals.Read more: The Oakland Press

Chamber Success Story:  Hot Springs Business Expands, Adds More Jobs

Window Source, a part of the third largest window retailer in the nation, announced expansion of its local operation.

With the help of the Hot Springs Metro Partnership, Window Source entered into an agreement to purchase its new Hot Springs facility from the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC). 

Since the purchase of the new facility, Window Source has already doubled their staff with plans to continue adding jobs over the next five years. 

“All of this could not have been accomplished without the help of the state of Arkansas and everyone involved, from the AEDC, Hot Springs Metro Partnership and Greater Hot Springs Chamber Of Commerce,” said Shaun Keefe, owner of Window Source. Read more: ArkansasMatters.com

Illinois Chamber Benefits Exchange

Flexible Benefit Service Corporation (Flex) has launched a private health insurance exchange powered by InsureXSolutions® for the Illinois Chamber of Commerce. The new Illinois Chamber Benefits Exchange offers a solution to help small businesses assist their employees in connecting with the best health insurance options that meet their unique needs in one centralized private marketplace.  The Benefits Exchange will give employees and individual consumers, including self-employed individuals, the ability to shop and compare health plans, get up-to-date information on the healthcare law and seek expert assistance from licensed insurance professionals.
The Illinois Chamber Benefits Exchange helps small business employees meet ACA mandates. According to ACA regulation, businesses with less than 50 employees are not required to provide health insurance for employees. Instead, employees of these smaller businesses are legally required to obtain their own health insurance plans by 2014. Individuals specifically need coverage by March 31, 2014, in order to avoid ACA penalties. See more at: Illinois Chamber

Chamber Event: 11th Monster Madness at Mills set for Oct. 28

The 11^th annual Monster Madness at Mills, an outdoor Halloween event with activities for kids of all ages put on by the Bryant Area Chamber of Commerce, the Boys and Girls Club of Bryant and the Bryant Parks Department will be held one night only on Tuesday, Oct. 28 at Mills Park, 1003 Mills Park Road.
At 6 p.m., “the real Monster Madness at Mills fun begins,” said Chairperson Carlton Billingsley. Trick or treating between business/candidate booths begins at 6 p.m. Munchkinland, which will feature inflatables, ghouls and pumpkins tic tac toe toss and other games, will cost $3 ticket for the armband for Munchkinland for all evening. Read more: Bryant Daily

Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotations: (Attittude)

"Everyone who is successful must have dreamed of something" - Native American proverb

Leadership Fort Smith program moving to Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce; Michigan Association of Chamber Professionals is Turning 50! Jefferson City Chamber Business Showcase creates exposure; Tulsa Chamber Event: Return on Inclusion Summit set for Oct. 30; Chamber Board Member Shawn Wenko Named New Williston, North Dakota Economic Development Director; Chamber idea: Salina Tech works to start trucking institute; Chamber heart: Walleye Weekend check presented; Chamber Picture: Minnewaska Schools named Chamber Member of the Month; Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotations: (Attitude) - Soren Kierkegaard

Leadership Fort Smith program moving to Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce

After 27 years of affiliation with the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith and the university’s earlier iterations, the Leadership Fort Smith Program will operate as a program of the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce beginning June 30, 2015.
The Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, University of Arkansas Fort Smith, the Leadership Fort Smith Advisory Board, and the Leadership Fort Smith Alumni Association “are all in agreement that this transfer will be a positive change for the program,” according to a statement from the chamber.
The transition will begin after the 2014-2015 class graduates.
“We’re fortunate to have strong leaders in Fort Smith and many, if not all, have participated in Leadership Fort Smith at some point in their careers,” Tim Allen, Chamber President/CEO, said in the statement. “We couldn’t think of a more fitting home for the program than the Chamber. We are proud that the University, the LFS Board of Advisors, and the LFS Alumni Association Board have entrusted us with this remarkable community program. We will be ready to hit the ground running, training the future leaders of our community.” Read more: The City Wire

Michigan Association of Chamber Professionals is Turning 50!  

The Michigan Association of Chamber Professionals will celebrate its 50th Anniversary in 2015 and there are a lot of opportunities for our members around the state:  

• Tell us your chamber story: We want to know your chamber's history and contribution to commerce since your organization started and accomplishments you've achieved in the last 50 years.

Help us celebrate: Show your MACP pride by recording celebration messages and posting on our social media pages. More: Michigan Association of Chamber Professionals

Jefferson City Chamber Business Showcase creates exposure

Hundreds of people were at the Capitol Plaza Hotel to check out more than 150 exhibitors from across the Capital City. KRCG’s Rod Smith was the master of ceremonies at this year’s Jefferson City Chamber of Commerce Business Showcase. KCRG 13

Tulsa Chamber Event: Return on Inclusion Summit set for Oct. 30

The 2014 Return on Inclusion (ROI) Summit will take place Oct. 30 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the DoubleTree Downtown Tulsa, 616 W. Seventh St.

Touted as Oklahoma’s largest professional diversity and inclusion conference, the half-day summit will help executives, human resource professionals and community leaders explore how to develop robust workplace diversity strategies that align with their business objectives.

Full program descriptions are available at roiok.org. New this year is a lunch-only option, making the event more accessible to individuals with limited time or funds.

The Summit also features the popular executive breakfast presented by the Tulsa Regional Chamber’s diversity business council Mosaic. “Secrets Revealed: How Top Business Leaders are using Diversity and Inclusion to Accelerate Results” is an exclusive opportunity for CEOs and other high-level executives to have an intimate conversation about the challenges and benefits of inclusion. Read more: Tulsa World

Chamber Board Member Shawn Wenko Named New Williston, North Dakota Economic Development Director


Williston's Economic Development (WED) Department is under new leadership. The City of Williston named 38-year-old Shawn Wenko as the department's executive director effective on Wednesday, October 1, 2014.
Wenko, a Williston native, returned to his hometown in 2008 to join WED. As deputy director he initially focused on the Williston City Commission's "Build Williston Initiative" which was designed to enhance the three pillars of community development: housing, workforce, and quality of life. The Roundup

Chamber idea: Salina Tech works to start trucking institute

The Salina Area Technical College has been working with employers to start a professional trucking school to meet a growing demand for drivers. During a meeting last week, vice president of instruction Pedro Leite said the technical school was looking for seed money, The Salina Journal (http://bit.ly/1xZmIbf ) reports. "If I find $30,000, the program is off and running tomorrow morning," Leite said.
Many of the 30 people who attended the meeting were needy employers who were invited by the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce and were willing to help. Read more: Kansas City Star

Chamber heart: Walleye Weekend check presented

Tom Kuhlman, Executive Vice President of the Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, presented Krable Menzterof Easter Seals Iowa with a check for $16,114.82. These funds were collected during the 33rd Annual Great Walleye Weekend this past May 3-4. The 34th Annual Great Walleye Weekend will be held May 2-3, 2015.  Read more: Dickinson County News

 Chamber Picture: Minnewaska Schools named Chamber Member of the Month 

The Glenwood Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce recognized Minnewaska Area Schools with the Chamber Member of the Month award last week. Students, staff and faculty gathered with chamber board members to accept the award. Representing MAS students were fifth-graders (front row, left to right): Katelyn Solis, Aliyah Bayer, Berkley Steffen, Alec Larson, Easton Kalina... Read more and see this wonderful picture: Pope County Tribune


Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotations: (Attitude)

“Life is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be experienced.”

~Soren Kierkegaard

 

Chamber event: Missouri Best Places to Work Conference next week; Rapid City Area Chamber of Commerce recognizes local professionals; Springfield Chamber (IL) leaders study Indiana city’s downtown revitalization; Chamber opening: Von Maur opens its first Oklahoma location; Chamber Tweet of the Day: Indy Chamber; Minnesota chamber issue: Ag, mining, labor and business coalition calls for action on pipeline; Clean Harbors Hosts Groundbreaking of New El Dorado Incineration Unit; Mary Engelman, Executive Director of the Greater Farmington Area Chamber of Commerce; Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotations (Attitude):

Chamber event: Missouri Best Places to Work Conference next week

Missouri Business and the Missouri Chamber of Commerce will host the Best Places to Work Conference Oct. 23 at the Reynolds Alumni Center on the University of Missouri’s campus. The program, which will begin with registration and breakfast at 7:30 a.m. and will end around 5 p.m., will feature presentations from Missouri’s top executives on how to attract and retain employees and create a positive work environment.
Speakers include University of Missouri System President Tim Wolfe, Build-A-Bear Workshop founder Maxine Clark, and Shane Mayes, founder and CEO of Onshore Outsourcing. Panels cover topics from training new employees to creating incentives for employees to getting employee feedback. The winning companies of the Best Places to Work Award will also be presented at the conference. This year’s recipients are Onshore Outsourcing, Big Cedar Lodge, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica Inc., Veterans United Home Loans, Graybar and Burns & McDonnell. Read more: Columbia Business Times

Rapid City Area Chamber of Commerce recognizes local professionals 

It was a big night tonight for the Rapid City Area Chamber of Commerce as business people celebrated the 128th Annual Meeting. More than 400 business people got together Saturday night to recognize the achievements of Rapid City professionals. The theme this year was "Creating a Community of Big Possibilities."

Three awards were given out: Ray Hillenbrand received the George award, Anya Mueller received the Young Professional Award and Michelle Lintz was presented with the Black Hills Hero Award.
Also the outgoing Chamber Chair Bryan Vulcan presented the incoming Chair Marnie Herrmann with the gavel of leadership.
Linda Rabe, president and CEO of the Rapid City Area Chamber of Commerce, says it’s a special annual event. "A lot of times we don't take time to really celebrate the success that we've had,” Rabe said. “And as you look around our community, our community is growing and thriving and we are excited to give away these three really special awards.” Read more: KOTA TV - Rapid City

Springfield Chamber (IL) leaders study Indiana city’s downtown revitalization

A recent trip by Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce officials and business leaders to Columbus, Ind., could pay future dividends for Springfield’s downtown.
“We went there to see their nationally recognized workforce education program and downtown revitalization — some of the things Springfield is working on,” said Mike McDorman, chamber president and CEO.
The Indiana city was chosen to study because while it’s slightly smaller in population than Springfield, McDorman said it’s similar in terms of demographics and economic factors, and competes with larger communities.
The largest employer there is Cummins Diesel. The company has been a driving force in revitalizing the community, McDorman said, even paying to bring in internationally acclaimed architects to design buildings there.
“They have incredible mid-century architecture,” McDorman said. Read more: Springfield News-Sun

Chamber opening: Von Maur opens its first Oklahoma location

From inside Vast, dining at the restaurant atop the Devon Tower, the Von Maur family surveyed the twilight the night before their 30th store was set to open. They were impressed: by the view and Oklahoma City.
Grand opening ceremonies were held Saturday morning at Quail Springs Mall in the space formerly occupied by Sears. Now, it’s home to Von Maur’s first location in Oklahoma.
People gathered before the store opened as Mayor Mick Cornett joined the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce in welcoming Von Maur to the city. And while the mayor talked about Oklahoma City’s growth and its friendly residents, the Von Maur family echoed those statements through their initial experiences. Read more: NewsOK.com


Chamber Tweet of the Day:  Indy Chamber

Indy Chamber ‏@IndyChamber 4m4 minutes ago

Get your business global. Learn the ins and outs at #GlobalIndy's Export Bootcamp Oct 30 http://bit.ly/1BJjrxb

Minnesota chamber issue: Ag, mining, labor and business coalition calls for action on pipeline

An unprecedented coalition of agriculture, mining, labor and business groups delivered a resolution to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission calling on the agency to expedite the review of Sandpiper pipeline project routes. Following a September meeting held under the auspices of the Minnesota Agri-Growth Council.

Agri-Growth, Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, Minnesota Grain and Feed Association, American Crystal Sugar Cooperative, Iron Mining Association of Minnesota, United Association, Union of Plumber, Fitters, Welders and Service Techs, Minnesota Forest Industries, Minnesota Petroleum Marketers Association, the Minnesota Petroleum Council (API), Midwest Food Processors Association, Minnesota Retailers Association, and the Minnesota Service Station and Convenience Store Association agreed to urge action by the MPUC. Read more: Agri-News

Clean Harbors Hosts Groundbreaking of New El Dorado Incineration Unit 

Clean Harbors, North America’s leading provider of environmental, energy and industrial services, is hosting a groundbreaking ceremony for its new incineration unit today at 1:30 p.m. at 309 American Circle in El Dorado, Ark. Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe will join Clean Harbors’ business leaders, facility management and community representatives from El Dorado to mark the start of construction of the state-of-the-art industrial waste destruction unit, which will enhance the country’s environmental protection infrastructure and marks the first time in almost 30 years that new incineration capacity has been constructed in the United States.

On the Move:  

Mary Engelman,  Executive Director of the Greater Farmington Area Chamber of Commerce

Mary Engelman was named director of government affairs and public relations at OpTech, a Troy-based information technology, engineering and healthcare workforce solutions provider. Engelman formerly worked as the executive director of the Greater Farmington Area Chamber of Commerce.  Read more:  Oakland Press

Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotations (Attitude):

“Peace is the result of retraining your mind to process life as it is, rather than as you think it should be.” - Wayne Dyer  

Governor Michael Pence to Visit La Porte Indiana Chamber; Two Big Awards Given to Two Northern Michigan Chambers of Commerce: Traverse City Area and Petoskey are winners!; Chamber Tweet of the Day: Madison Wisconsin Chamber; Minot, North Dakota Chamber of Commerce's 91st Meeting; Lanesboro, MN chamber news: National travel writer to experience Bluff Country; Rogers-Lowell (Arkansas) Chamber Attracts Hundreds Of Job Seekers To Jobs Fair; Syracuse chamber: ‘Welcome’ banners should arrive soon; Gregory and Dallas Chamber (SD) Officials Expect Usual Crowd Coming For Opener; Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation: (Leadership): (Jack Welch)

Governor Michael Pence to Visit La Porte Indiana Chamber


Indiana Governor Michael R. "Mike" Pence will meet with members of the Greater La Porte Chamber of Commerce and discuss economic development at a luncheon on Wednesday, October 22^nd.

The public is welcome to hear Governor Pence address the La Porte Chamber at Best Western Plus, 444 Pine Lake Ave, La Porte. Registration begins at 11:15 a.m. Lunch will begin at 11:45 a.m. followed by a speech from the Governor.

Governor Mike Pence is a lifelong Hoosier with legal, small business and policy experience. He was elected the 50th Governor of the State of Indiana in 2012. Prior to being elected Governor, Pence represented Hoosiers in Congress. More information: La Porte Chamber

Two Big Awards Given to Two Northern Michigan Chambers of Commerce: Traverse City Area and Petoskey are winners!

The Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce is very active and now they're getting recognition for what they do. The chamber won Michigan's 2014 Outstanding Chamber of the Year award for the Large Chamber Category. It's their first time winning the award.
The Michigan Association of Chamber Professionals points to the Traverse City group's role in economic development, legislative advocacy and leadership development for their members. Read more: 9&10 News


Chamber Tweet of the Day:  Madison Wisconsin Chamber


Madison, WI Chamber ‏@MadisonBiz 1h1 hour ago

.@younkle We're seeing 16% growth of 20-30/5% 30-40 yrs old per @CityofMadison's #Madison Economic Strategy http://bit.ly/1ratDtD

Minot, North Dakota Chamber of Commerce's 91st Meeting

The Minot Area Chamber of Commerce first came together back in 1923. Today, the chamber gathered once again for its 91st annual meeting. The chamber honored a few local businesses for their dedication to the community, as well as Bob Gross, the founder of DaySun's Day of Giving.

"Ninety-one years, doing things to make the community better, and that's what the chamber is all about," said John MacMartin, the executive director of the chamber. "And recognizing other people that help to make the community better." See more: KFYR - TV

Lanesboro, MN chamber news: National travel writer to experience Bluff Country

For several months, area residents worked to bring the “10 Day Minnesotan” program to the area.
"I am happy to announce that our efforts to attract the '10 Day Minnesotan’ travel writer to our area worked!” Dee Slinde, Lanesboro Area Chamber of Commerce director, expressed earlier this week. “Thank you so much to those that joined our efforts in posting to #OnlyinMN with the many reasons why Lanesboro should be included on the itinerary. This will result in national/international press in travel magazines, blogs, etc."
Glassman began his tour of southern Minnesota in Hastings on Monday, Oct. 13, intending to make his way to Lanesboro on Friday, Oct. 17. Read more: Bluff Country Newspaper Group

Rogers-Lowell (Arkansas) Chamber Attracts Hundreds Of Job Seekers To Jobs Fair

Companies from around the state and job seekers from Oklahoma, Arkansas and Missouri swarmed the John Q. Hammons Center on Wednesday to participate in the Northwest Arkansas Job Fair, sponsored by the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce... Read more: NWA Online

Syracuse chamber: ‘Welcome’ banners should arrive soon

The long-awaited Welcome to Syracuse banners have been ordered and will soon be hanging all around town.  The Chamber of Commerce has been selling the banners to area businesses and individuals for the last year.

A group of people on a “Mystery Tour” from Iowa will be in town on October 28.  They will tour Headwinds (rain gauge makers), the Otoe County Museum of Memories, have supper at B&Js, and then enjoy accordion music after dinner.  The Syracuse Chamber of Commerce helped the organizers plan the visit.

The Chamber is also looking forward to BRAN riders (Bicycle Ride Across Nebraska) staying overnight in Syracuse in 2015.  Area churches will be serving food to the bike-riders who will stay overnight on June 12-13.  This is a yearly ride with 600 participants who spend a week biking across the state. Read more: Journal Democrat

Gregory and Dallas Chamber (SD) Officials Expect Usual Crowd Coming For Opener

Officials say they expect this weekend's annual pheasant opener to draw the usual crowd of thousands even after an unusually low harvest in 2013.

Game, Fish and Parks Director Tony Leif says he's optimistic this season will bring in more hunters but says numbers for the opener are always high. See more: KDLT News

Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation: (Leadership):


Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others. —Jack Welch