Virginia chamber of commerce executive in stable condition after on-air shooting; GOP presidential candidate Kasich to appear at Lansing Chamber Luncheon; 10 Questions: Katie Miller, executive director of the Oconomowoc Chamber of Commerce; Chamber RFP: Laundry consolidation to save millions for Jackson hospitals; Indiana Chamber: Hoosier Businesses can make impact in Washington at 2015 D.C. Fly-In; Buffalo Grove chamber sets business summit; Muskegon-Lakeshore Chamber assist: Housing summer interns is a lot easier with help from Baker College of Muskegon

Good morning Chamber world! Please say a prayer for Vicki Gardner, longtime Smith Mountain Lake chamber executive. (See article below)

Virginia chamber of commerce executive in stable condition after on-air shooting

The chamber of commerce executive shot during a live news broadcast in Virginia was in stable condition Wednesday after undergoing emergency surgery, officials said.

Vicki Gardner, executive director of the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce, was shot in the back, said Barb Nocera, the chamber's special projects manager.

Gardner was recovering at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital in Roanoke, hospital president Steve Arner said. Gardner is also a member of the hospital's board of directors and is "a close friend" of the institution, he said in a statement.

Gardner has been working at the chamber since 2002, according to her LinkedIn profile. Read more: CNN.com

GOP presidential candidate Kasich to appear at Lansing Chamber Luncheon 

Ohio governor and GOP presidential candidate John Kasich will appear at a Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce luncheon next month.

Kasich will speak Sept. 1 at the Eagle Eye Golf Club, located at 15500 Chandler Road in Bath Township, the chamber announced today in a press release. Kasich is expected to discuss issues in the 2016 presidential race.

The event will run from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. It is open to chamber members only.

Visit www.lansingchamber.org or call 487-6340 for more information.



10 Questions: Katie Miller, executive director of the Oconomowoc Chamber of Commerce

Maybe you've been there for the Saturday or Wednesday Farmers Markets, or for Yoga on the Green. Or perhaps you took in the standup paddle board lessons, went to the beach, or attended the recent Festival of the Arts. You may have stopped in for a bite to eat at one of its niche restaurants, or to sip a craft beer. There are so many reasons to visit Oconomowoc that we thought we'd touch base with Katie Miller, the executive director of the Oconomowoc Area Chamber of Commerce, to find out more about how its business community is doing.

1 Downtown seems to be thriving. What is responsible for this revitalization?

Lots of hard work, by a lot of dedicated people over a number of years. Success doesn't just happen and it certainly doesn't happen overnight. It takes a broad vision, a long-term view and talented people who are committed to seeing that vision come to life. Oconomowoc is fortunate to have had all of these over the last 10 years. From the mayor, to city staffers, business leaders, a community dedicated to supporting the local economy and strong business organizations, like the chamber and Downtown Oconomowoc Business Association.

2 What do you feel is needed in Oconomowoc to strengthen its retail/dining profile?

As someone who lives and works in Oconomowoc, I think we're really strong in the retail and dining sectors. There are nearly 60 restaurants in Oconomowoc with everything from grab-and-go, to neighborhood bistros, pubs, casual and finer dining and we've seen a number of new eateries open this year which is exciting and adds to the variety. With few exceptions, diners and shoppers can find everything they need and want in the Oconomowoc area.

3 What kind of feedback do you get from visitors to the community?

We're fortunate at the chamber to get to interact with visitors almost every day. In fact, so far this year, we've personally assisted nearly 500 neighbors and visitors and another 30,000 via our website. Visitor feedback usually runs in three themes — "we just love it here," "It is so beautiful" and "everyone is so friendly and helpful." Oconomowoc is a particularly welcoming community. I'll never forget my first visit here nearly 20 years ago. I was shocked when cars on Wisconsin Avenue actually stopped so that we could cross the street. Those lucky enough to live here assume that happens everywhere. It does not. Read more: Lake County Now

Chamber RFP: Laundry consolidation to save millions for Jackson hospitals

Three Jackson hospitals have joined to consolidate laundry operation in a public-private partnership executives say will save each millions.

University of Mississippi Medical Center, St. Dominic Hospital and Baptist Health Systems will share laundry services using Crown Health Care Laundry Services, a national health care laundry processor that opened a location in Columbia in 2013.

The state College Board approved UMMC’s five-year agreement with Crown last week.

Crown officials expect to hire 30 to 35 additional employees at their Columbia plant as a result of the increased workload from these three contracts.

In October, Crown plans to open a laundry distribution center in the Jackson area to distribute the consolidated laundry from the three hospitals. This distribution center is expected to employ 12-15 people, with employment levels increasing as dictated by laundry volume.

Although each hospital will have a separate contract with Crown, the group issued a joint request-for-proposals through the Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership and jointly negotiated the terms of their contracts. Read more: Clarion-Ledger

Indiana Chamber: Hoosier Businesses can make impact in Washington at 2015 D.C. Fly-In

The Indiana Chamber of Commerce is urging Hoosier business leaders to stand and be heard on the federal bills and regulations that can impact the state’s economy by attending the organization’s Washington D.C. Fly-in on September 16-17.

The event offers business and community leaders an opportunity to speak with Indiana’s congressional delegation and key staff members during a roundtable discussion/dinner on September 16. The second day features a panel of national and state issue experts, followed by numerous group visits to congressional offices.

“The Fly-in gives the Hoosier business community a unique opportunity to interact with members of the Indiana Congressional delegation. It’s a chance to discuss a range of important issues and to learn firsthand what is happening on Capitol Hill. It is a valuable experience that also happens to be a lot of fun,” says Chris Cerone, vice president of global government affairs for Zimmer Biomet of Warsaw. Read more: Indiana Chamber

Buffalo Grove Lincolnshire chamber sets business summit

The Buffalo Grove Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce will hold its Third Annual Business Connection Summit on Oct. 29 AT the Arboretum Club in Buffalo Grove. The summit is designed to help small to medium sized businesses improve their ability to do business with large firms, and with each other. Large firms also benefit by finding new innovative and nimble suppliers and vendors who can help them improve their bottom line profitability. Companies that have confirmed their participation in the event include Walgreens, Metra, and ComEd. To register, go towww.bglcc.org and follow the link to the registration page. Read more: Daily Herald

Muskegon-Lakeshore Chamber assist: Housing summer interns is a lot easier with help from Baker College of Muskegon

 It's typically not easy for summer interns to find housing just for a few months, but Baker College in Muskegon has stepped up with a solution.

The college has  opened its student housing to visiting interns from across the country, and this year is housing 29 university students working as interns for several Muskegon area companies.

Students are living in the college's two-person, two-bedroom townhouses with full kitchens and access to Internet and laundry and exercise facilities.

"Locating housing for summer interns used to be difficult, costly and complicated," said John Workman, president of Eagle Alloy Inc., one of the program's partners. "With Baker College housing available to our interns, we all win. We offer it as a benefit to attract needed engineering and technical talent."

He said the students benefit from being housed near one another where they can share their experiences.

"Most importantly, these potential future employees are getting to know Muskegon and making local connections," Workman said.

Eagle Alloy was one of three companies that began the intern housing partnership with Baker College last summer. The others were GE Aviation and The Salvation Army. This year's participating companies are Eagle Alloy, Alcoa Power and Propulsion, L-3 Combat Propulsion Systems and Grand Valley State University's Annis Water Resources Institute.

Students have come from colleges and universities in Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, New Mexico, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Texas and Wisconsin.

A positive housing experience helps Muskegon attract the best interns, with the ultimate goal of having them return to the community as employees, said Cindy Larsen, president of the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce. Read more: M LIVE

Oshkosh Chamber good news: Army awards tactical vehicle contract to Wisconsin firm; U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly Works at Evansville Otters Game, Meets with Southwest Indiana Chamber of Commerce; Michigan Chamber of Commerce Launches "Don't Sign Away Your Job" Campaign; 2015 Annual Awards from the Northern Kentucky Chamber; Chamber Best Practices: Leadership Mississippi Application; Fairfax Chamber’s NOVABIZPAC Announces New Trustees; Illinois Office of Tourism director Cory Jobe featured at Princeton Area Chamber quarterly luncheon

Good morning Chamber world! Today is going to be a GREAT day!

Oshkosh Chamber good news: Army awards tactical vehicle contract to Wisconsin firm

Wisconsin-based Oshkosh Corp. won a major contract Tuesday to build a new combat vehicle to replace a large share of the U.S. military's Humvee troop carriers.

The Department of Defense awarded the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle contract to Oshkosh Defense, one of three firms that were finalists for the work. The $6.7 billion contract is expected to support thousands of jobs.

The Army and Marine Corps plan to buy as many as 55,000 JLTVs by 2040. Nearly 49,100 would be built for the Army with 5,500 going to the Marines. The vehicle is designed to provide more protection against roadside bombs and mines than Humvees without being as big as another military vehicle produced by Oshkosh, the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle, or MRAP.

--Surplus military Humvees heading to the highway?

Oshkosh Defense beat out Maryland-based Lockheed Martin and Indiana-based AM General for the contract. Pentagon officials declined during a briefing for reporters to say why they chose Oshkosh over its competitors.

Scott Davis, the Army's executive officer for the program, said the big winners are the soldiers and Marines who will gain a vehicle that offers a better balance of protection, payload and performance.

"Our JLTV has been extensively tested and is proven to provide the ballistic protection of a light tank, the underbody protection of an MRAP-class vehicle, and the off-road mobility of a Baja racer," John Urias, president of Oshkosh Defense and a retired Army major general, said in a statement.

Lockheed had said it would build the vehicle at its Camden facility in Arkansas, and state lawmakers there dangled an $87 million incentive package. It's not clear whether Wisconsin or Indiana offered any incentives, but union workers at Oshkosh in 2013 agreed to a contract extension so that the company could nail down its labor costs for the project.

The contract is a timely boost for Oshkosh, which eliminated about 760 jobs last year because of declining defense spending. The company plans to build the vehicle in Oshkosh, with deliveries beginning in 10 months.

"It's really a historic win for Oshkosh and it's a big victory for our employees and really the state of Wisconsin," Oshkosh Corp. CEO Charles L. Szews said in a telephone interview. "It means that we will have a stable revenue base for our company. ... More importantly, it means the brave men and women who go into harm's way will be protected" in a high-speed, light tactical vehicle.

The company initially plans to hire about 100 salaried employees, Szews said, and more production employees might be hired later. Production would begin in two to three years and would ramp up from a few hundred vehicles per year to 3,000 vehicles per year under the contract, he said.

The contract initially calls for 17,000 vehicles, with the Army to decide in 2018 whether to purchase the rest of its share, which would push the value of the contract up to around $30 billion. The Marines will get all theirs up front.

The contact will mean business for companies that supply Oshkosh Corp. and the economic benefits will ripple across the Oshkosh area for years, said Rob Kleman of the Oshkosh Area Chamber of Commerce. Read more: Fox News


U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly Works at Evansville Otters Game, Meets with Southwest Indiana Chamber of Commerce

Spends afternoon in Evansville meeting with business leaders and the evening doing a “Donnelly Day” at Bosse Field
Indianapolis, Ind. — U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly visited Evansville yesterday, meeting with the Southwest Indiana Chamber of Commerce and completing his latest “Donnelly Day” by working for the Evansville Otters during their game against the Rockford Aviators.
Yesterday afternoon, Donnelly met with the Southwest Indiana Chamber of Commerce to discuss issues important to southwest Indiana’s economy. At the Otters game last night, Donnelly threw out the first pitch, flipped burgers, changed the scoreboard, and helped the announcers for his latest “Donnelly Day.” Read more: Donnelly.senate.gov

Michigan Chamber of Commerce Launches "Don't Sign Away Your Job" Campaign

Michigan Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Rich Studley today announced the launch of a statewide campaign against the proposed $900 million corporate income tax hike by three construction unions.

"We are strongly committed to informing voters about the harmful consequences of the proposed 83% tax hike on over 38,000 job providers," said Studley. 'This political attack on employers will cause greater unemployment, increased prices on a wide range of products and services, and would take a wrecking ball to Michigan's economic competitiveness."

"If approved, this union ballot proposal will severely damage our state's economic competitiveness by giving Michigan the second highest corporate tax rate among all states," Studley continued. "Just like alligators, these construction unions will bite the hand that feeds them and voters need to know that their jobs are at stake. We urge voters to not sign away their jobs."

The Michigan Chamber today released two digital advertisements. To view the ads and additional information on the proposed tax increase, go to www.michamber.com/CIT-Tax-Hike. Read more: Michigan Chamber

2015 Annual Awards from the Northern Kentucky Chamber

The Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce will honor several individuals during the 2015 Annual Dinner on September 17.

The recipients:

The Walter R. Dunlevy/Frontiersman Award recognizes individuals who have a life long history of outstanding service to the Northern Kentucky community, exhibit outstanding service to their profession or industry and exemplify the highest standards of personal integrity and family responsibility. 

This year’s recipient is Gary Beatrice with Business Benefits Insurance Solutions. Mr. Beatrice has a respected history of service to the insurance industry, as well as service as chair of the Northern Kentucky Consensus Committee, chair of the HealthPoint Foundation Board, board member for Northern Kentucky University’s Health Innovations Center, and chair of the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce.

The Walter L. Pieschel Award is named after the Chamber’s first volunteer leader and is given to an individual who exemplifies outstanding service to the Chamber. 

This year’s recipient is Dale Silver with C-Forward, Inc. Among many accomplishments, Ms. Silver has been instrumental in the growth of the NKY Chamber’s Women’s Initiative, served on the NKY Chamber Board of Directors, and held leadership positions as an alumna of Leadership Northern Kentucky. Read more: River City News

Chamber Best Practices: Leadership Mississippi Application

Below you will find the full application to become a member of the Leadership Mississippi Class of 2016. Upon completion, you will receive an e-mail with further instructions regarding your application. Your application will then be reviewed by a committee of MEC’s Leadership Mississippi Alumni and a decision will be made regarding your acceptance. You will be notified of the decision in November.

* Please note that your application will not be considered complete until we receive:

• 1. A completed application
• 2. Two letters of recommendation -

• Please send to:
  Cathy Northington
  P.O. Box 23276
  Jackson, MS 39225-3276
• 3. Employer Consent Form
  
• 4. $25 Application Fee

More information and online application: Mississippi Economic Council

Fairfax Chamber’s NOVABIZPAC Announces New Trustees 

Tysons Corner, Va. –The Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce’s (Fairfax Chamber) NOVABIZPAC (Northern Virginia Business Political Action Committee) has announced seven new members to its Board of Trustees. 

The following individuals named to the Board are:

• Doug Brammer, Verizon
• C. Michael Ferraro, TRAINING SOLUTIONS, Inc.
• Mike Forehand, Inova
• Brian Gordon, Apartment and Office Building Association (AOBA)
• Mark Moore, John Marshall Bank, and past chair of the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce
• Phil Panzarella, 5GS, LLC, and past chair of the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce
• Todd Rowley, Cardinal Bank

“I’m delighted to welcome these outstanding Chamber members and business leaders to NOVABIZPAC’s Board,” said NOVABIZPAC Chair, Scott McGeary of Washington Gas. “They will provide valuable service and insights as the PAC considers endorsements of candidates seeking our support. I look forward to working with each of them.”

The seven new board members join a diverse group of trustees from varying industries and sectors of the Virginia economy. A full list of the NOVABIZPAC’s Board of Trustees can be found online.

NOVABIZPAC was founded in 2002 to support Virginia legislators and policymakers who promote a favorable business climate and a high quality of life in Virginia. NOVABIZPAC is administered by a Board of Trustees composed of top executives and government affairs professionals from Chamber member companies. The success of NOVABIZPAC is not possible without the effective participation of the Northern Virginia business community in the political process and the financial support of our members. - See more at: Fairfax Chamber

Illinois Office of Tourism director Cory Jobe featured at Princeton Area Chamber quarterly luncheon

The Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce will welcome Cory Jobe, director of the Illinois Office of Tourism, to Princeton as keynote speaker of the quarterly luncheon.

Jobe is responsible for leading the state’s tourism industry marketing and development efforts. He works in collaboration with tourism industry professionals to promote visitor travel both domestically and internationally, and to help grow the tourism industry throughout the state. Leading a robust tourism industry supports the state’s economic growth and jobs, contributes to the tax base and increases the quality of life for Illinois residents.
The public is invited to join as he shares his principles on Tuesday, Sept. 1, at The Barn located at Hornbaker Gardens in Princeton. Lunch will begin at 11:30 a.m. The cost of the event is $16 per person and includes lunch. Reservations can be made by calling the Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce office at 815-875-2616.
The Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce has more than 340 members and serves as a service and action organization for business as well as a community development organization. The mission of the Chamber is to promote the viability, continued growth and quality of life in the Princeton area through economic development, historic presentation and tourism. Read more: BCRNews.com

Indiana Chamber: Submit Your ‘Best Places to Work’ Application Now; Mississippi Gulf Coast chamber event: Hancock Bank will host special Katrina Business After Hours; #BestChamber Practices: Heart of Wisconsin chamber event: EMV credit card compliance primer set; #Chamber Best Practices: Leadership Battle Creek launches October 12, 2015; Chamber event: A diner's delight at Lake Zurich's Taste of the Towns; Chamber interest: Verona antique mall named largest in country, 225+ dealers; Frankfort Area Chamber To Host Inaugural Tailgate Party for Kentucky State Football

Indiana Chamber: Submit Your ‘Best Places to Work’ Application Now

The Indiana Chamber is now accepting applications for the state’s annual competition naming the “Best Places to Work in Indiana.” In its 11th year, this program honors top companies in the state as determined through employer reports and comprehensive employee surveys.

Companies need to have at least 15 Hoosier employees to be eligible. Out-of-state parent companies are also eligible to participate if at least 15 full-time employees are in Indiana.

Winners are selected in four groups: small companies of between 15 and 74 U.S. employees; medium companies of between 75 and 249 U.S. employees; large companies of between 250 and 999 U.S. employees; and major companies with 1,000 or more U.S. employees.

The application deadline is Friday, November 20. To apply, visit www.bestplacestoworkIN.com.

Mississippi Gulf Coast chamber event: Hancock Bank will host special Katrina Business After Hours

In 2005, Hancock Bank hosted the first post-Hurricane Katrina Coast Chamber's Business After Hours in a tent near the bank's gutted Gulfport headquarters. On Thursday -- 10 years after the storm -- the bank will again host Business After Hours.

This gathering of local leaders will be a celebration of the region's resilience and a decade of recovery. The meeting will be 5:30 from 7:30 p.m. inside the bank's restored corporate complex, One Hancock Plaza, in downtown Gulfport. Admission is free for members of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce and affiliates, potential members, Hancock Bank associates and guests.

"Ten years ago, we came together as a business community to make sure folks were safe and to figure out our strategies for moving forward," Hancock Bank President and CEO John Hairston said. "That event was an emotional occasion for all of us.

"This month's After Hours will likely be emotional, too. We'll tell stories. We may cry a little bit, but most of all, we'll honor and give thanks for the people who gave and continue to give so much to make South Mississippi a great place to live, work and raise families."

He recalls returning to the headquarters bank to find it battered by Katrina. A waterspout generated by the storm had destroyed its roof, sending sea spray, rain and debris down its 15 floors.

The bank launched its restoration efforts within days of Katrina. It asked to host the chamber event on the corporate campus to reunite and encourage local business people.

"Communication was very difficult in the first 30 to 60 days after Hurricane Katrina," said Kimberly Nastasi, CEO of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce. "Many of us were still not sure if our peers and friends from other businesses were safe. People on the Coast needed a chance to come together, and Hancock Bank created that opportunity. Read more: Sun Herald

#BestChamber Practices: Heart of Wisconsin chamber event: EMV credit card compliance primer set

Associated Bank and First Data will host an EMV compliance information session on Sept. 2 for businesses that process credit cards.

Any business not EMV compliant by Oct. 1 can be liable for any and all damages incurred if there is a security breach of its system.

EMV stands for Europay, MasterCard and Visa and is a global standard for cards equipped with computer chips and the technology used to authenticate chip-card transactions, according to www.creditcards.com.

Card issuers in the United States are migrating to this new technology to protect consumers and reduce the costs of fraud, according to the website. For merchants and financial institutions, the switch to EMV means adding new in-store technology and internal processing systems, and complying with new liability rules. For consumers, it means activating new cards and learning new payment processes, the website said.

Unlike magnetic-stripe cards, every time an EMV card is used for payment, the card chip creates a unique transaction code that cannot be used again, according to the website. Read more: Wisconsin Rapids Tribune

Chamber Best Practices: Leadership Battle Creek launches October 12, 2015

We have made major changes to the Chamber's leadership development program for the 2015–2016 year, first is the name: Leadership Battle Creek. Some of the biggest changes are the programming and the cost–it will be offered for $1,000 per participant this year (this is a $1,500 savings from last year). Click here to see the curriculum outline of the program for you to review. Our goal is to have 26 participants for this year’s class and would appreciate any assistance in helping us achieve this goal.

An application is available online for you to share with individuals. The new deadline date for applications is September 30, 2015. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to Kara Beer at kbeer@battlecreek.org or 269-962-4076.

We will be reaching out to each of you after September 30, 2015 with further details in the process. Thank you all for your support, this is going to be outstanding! Read more: Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce

Chamber event: A diner's delight at Lake Zurich's Taste of the Towns

Some of the best culinary delights Lake Zurich has to offer were available for discerning diners Sunday as the Lake Zurich Area Chamber of Commerce held its ninth annual Taste of the Towns in Paulus Park.

This year's free public event featured about 30 local food and beverage vendors showcasing their signature items. 

Menu choices ranged from herb mascarpone and shrimp arancini from Biaggis to a variety of pizza from Domino's, Hawaiian Shaved Ice from My Flavor It! Place, craft beers from Beelow's Steak House and Binny's, and more.

Special activities included a walking parade around the park, presentations and recognition of many longtime residents of the area, performances by a ragtime band and a barbershop quartet, special games and activities reminiscent of the early 1900s.

Proceeds help to fund programs and services provided by the chamber, such as the Young Entrepreneurs Academy. Read more: Daily Herald

Chamber interest: Verona antique mall named largest in country, 225+ dealers

The large 121,000-square-foot building is like a maze of history. Around each corner is a new find and something to discover.
"If it isn't in here, why, I don't know where it would be," said customer Craig Hamilton. "There's always a treasure somewhere."
The Factory Antique Mall in Verona has been named the largest antique mall in the country and boasts more than 225 dealers within its walls.
During a press conference on Wednesday, county and state officials gathered to announce the mall's new status and boast about its previous history.
"This is a tourist destination and a place to look for that certain piece of history," said Linda Hershey, president of the Greater Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce. "Resale malls are a multibillion dollar a year industry." Read more: San Francisco Chronicle

Frankfort Area Chamber To Host Inaugural Tailgate Party for Kentucky State Football

The Frankfort Area Chamber of Commerce will host its inaugural community tailgate event on Sept. 12, at Kentucky State University’s first season football game. Chamber members are welcome to set up for free and showcase their products, services, food and apparel to community members, students and game attendees. 

Bring a picnic basket and chairs and enjoy an afternoon getting to know fellow members and introducing businesses to Frankfort’s university students and staff. For more information, call 502-223-5942. Read more: The State Journal

Chamber proud: Bay St. Louis makes comeback; Chamber collaboration: Entrepreneurs on chasing their dream in Lansing; Chamber Best Practices: Student - Designed 2015 Gaslight Festival Logo; Naperville (Illinois) chamber, Better Business Bureau form strategic alliance; Naperville (Illinois) chamber, Better Business Bureau form strategic alliance; #BestChamber Practices: The Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce Prosperity Project; Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce to host transportation summit; Ann Dahm leaving Michigan City Chamber of Commerce;

Chamber proud: Bay St. Louis makes comeback

Hurricane Katrina’s wind and floodwater nearly wiped out all of Bay St. Louis — homes, businesses, municipal buildings and even the four-lane U.S. 90 bridge connecting the city to neighboring Harrison County.

Only 50 or so homes of the approximately 4,500 escaped destruction.

“How badly damaged were we?” Mayor Les Fillingame asked, repeating the question. “As close to being 100 percent as you could be. There were very few homes that didn’t have major damage. Most outside of those 50 were basically destroyed. Some were still standing, but the floodwaters destroyed them.”

The historic city on a bluff overlooking the Bay of St. Louis has a reputation as a colorful arts colony and casual weekend haven for south Louisiana residents. Clarinetist Pete Fountain lost his beachfront home to Katrina and later sold the property to New Orleans-based political consultants and commentators James Carville and Mary Matalin, who built their getaway home on it.

Getting the city back on its feet was a challenge on every front, recalled Fillingame, who was director of recovery before being elected to his first term as mayor in 2009.

“You had a building department that was virtually working on every home in Bay St. Louis, and you had a city administration that was completely involved in rebuilding the public infrastructure,” he said. Read more:  Clarion-Ledger

Chamber collaboration: Entrepreneurs on chasing their dream in Lansing
Lansing has been home to many influential entrepreneurs.

R.E. Olds built some of the world’s first cars here and a sprawling production complex that once employed more than 20,000 in the city. Bill Demmer took a small machine shop and transformed it into a military hardware manufacturer that now pumps out tanks and personnel carriers. Bill Hamilton worked as a consultant for years while developing the software that would be the basis for Techsmith,

“Those entrepreneurs really helped develop modern Lansing through the 20th century,” said Bob Trezise, president and chief executive officer of the Lansing Economic Area Partnership.

In more recent decades, technology companies began to sprout up, businesses such as Liquid Web, Neogen and Niowave.

And, as the Great Recession hit, Lansing’s focus on heavy manufacturing was forced to shift in order to compete in the new global market, Trezise said. Read more: Lansing State Journal

Chamber Best Practices: Student - Designed 2015 Gaslight Festival Logo

2015 Gaslight Festival 

Sunday, September 13 - Sunday, September 20 

 Congratulations to Joshua Kerby, a student at Sullivan College of Technology & Design, for designing the 2015 Gaslight Festival logo! 

Naperville chamber, Better Business Bureau form strategic alliance

The Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois announced a strategic alliance that they say will provide ongoing support and advocacy of the business community.

The alliance is aimed at creating better growth opportunities for the businesses in each organization, with the goal of driving more traffic to local businesses, chamber President Nicki Anderson and BBB CEO Steve Bernas said in a joint statement.

Together, the agencies will host four events in the 2015-2016 year, as well as promote the value of each other's organization. Read more: Daily Herald

#BestChamber Practices: The Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce Prosperity Project

Your online source for information and resources on issues, legislation and elected officials.

The Wisconsin Prosperity Project is based on this belief: When Wisconsin employees are informed and active in government and elections, our families, our communities and our state benefit.

Our objective is to provide employees with materials that explain, in easy to read language and a nonpartisan way, the importance of state and federal elections.  We can provide Wisconsin's workforce with objective information on candidates, statewide ballot issues, and on public policies that affect our job security and the economy - information to consider when you and your family members go to the polls to vote.  Who are your legislators, and how are they performing? 

The Wisconsin Prosperity Project (P2) promotes a pro-growth, pro-jobs issues environment in the state of Wisconsin.  The public officials we elected have an impact on our economy, our competitiveness and our future.  The P2 seeks to provide greater education and awareness about candidates and their positions on the issues that are important to you.

• Have you heard your energy bills could go up by as much as 95% by this winter?
• $700 billion health care reform bill, or $1 trillion?
• Save the secret ballot - Stop the Employee Free Choice Act.

Read more: Oshkosh Chamber

Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce to host transportation summit

The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a community meeting on Monday focused on transportation.

Numerous local and statewide officials will speak at the event.

The Regional Transportation Summit will be held at the Fredericksburg Germanna Community College campus at 10000 Germanna Point Drive from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

The cost to attend is $20 for the public and $15 for chamber members. Breakfast and coffee will be included.

The summit will include updates on VTrans 2040, which focuses on long-range transportation planning, and from the Commonwealth Transportation Board.

The statewide panelists and speakers will include Charlie Kilpatrick, the commissioner of the Virginia Department of Transportation and a Spotsylvania County resident, and Hap Connors, the area’s representative on the CTB. Read more: Fredericksburg.com

Ann Dahm leaving Michigan City Chamber of Commerce

Ann Dahm will finish her approximately five-year tenure as president of the Michigan City Area Chamber of Commerce later this week when she moves to Port Townshend, Washington, to live by family.

Throughout her career, she has enjoyed a variety of opportunities, especially the opportunity to solve different problems according to the different jobs. At the local chamber, she saw the opportunity to set a standard of excellence, she said.

"It's my view that a chamber of commerce should be a model for a well-run business — so I run it like a business," she said.

She hopes she encouraged all members of the local chamber to continue to set a high standard to which they will strive. Read more: The News-Dispatch

Madison Chamber neXXpo, Forward Festival kicks off Thursday; Chamber event: On visit to Elkhart, Gov. Pence calls on business leaders to 'tell Indiana's story,' help spur the state's economy; Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce Reports Record Retail Sales; Paducah Chamber Kicks Off its Annual Membership and Total Resource Campaign; On the move: Gov. Phil Bryant touts growth at Southaven chamber luncheon; The Marion (Illinois) Chamber of Commerce Legislative Summit; Best Chamber practices: Birmingham-Bloomfield Chamber - Experiences and Epiphanies via Chamber Internship; Friday: 157 Rules for Executive Success in Organization Management (and your Chamber of Commerce) by Patrick McGaughey

Happy Friday, Chamber world! Today is going to be a GREAT day!

Madison Chamber neXXpo, Forward Festival kicks off Thursday

Entrepreneurs of all stripes — and some of the investors who support them — are expected to come together to share ideas, socialize, sample good food and, perhaps, do a bit of imbibing at Madison’s sixth annual Forward Festival.

The eight-day confab, starting Thursday and running through next Thursday, offers 32 events, some free and some for a fee, scattered among 16 locations.

Originally aimed at the Madison area’s technology industry, Forward Fest has taken a wider scope in the past two years.

The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce will hold its neXXpo business expo during Forward Fest this year. The daylong event includes two opportunities for startups to pitch their concepts to other entrepreneurs and potential investors: the Startup Showcase and Pressure Chamber.

Other new events at Forward Fest include a meet-up for people in the video game industry and a “parentpreneur” night, when children are invited to share in ice cream and games and parent-entrepreneurs can meet others who are similarly juggling business startups and family ties.  Read more: Wisconsin State Journal

Chamber event: On visit to Elkhart, Gov. Pence calls on business leaders to 'tell Indiana's story,' help spur the state's economy

Pence addressed a Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce group in a stop here and also visited Keystone RV in Goshen.

Indiana Gov. Mike Pence wants you to email your friends to tout the state’s economy, draw in new business.

“My only last ask is this — tell Indiana’s story,” he told a group of Elkhart area business leaders Thursday, Aug. 13, at a Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce luncheon.

He spent much of his upbeat address touting the state’s economic successes — job creation and business growth — and said it’s up to “ambassadors” like the business leaders gathered to help get the word out to other states. 

“I just ask you before the end of the week, reach out. Send an email, send a text to someone you work with outside the state of Indiana, maybe it’s somebody you went to college with,” Pence said. Spread the word about the pro-business, pro-economic growth policies here ”and ask them if they’d ever be willing to talk to someone around here about bringing all or part of their business to the Hoosier state.“ Read more: Elkhart Truth

Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce Reports Record Retail Sales

The Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce is celebrating record profits today. 

The mid-year report shows sales in every locality in Central Virginia are up. As expected, revenues were the highest in Charlottesville and Albemarle County. From January to June this year, the 2 localities accounted for more than $1.2 billion in retail sales.

Of all localities, the City of Waynesboro actually saw the biggest jump in retail sales. It’s up more than 10 percent from a year ago.

President Tim Hulbert says the trend bodes well for the future. "In 2014, retail sales here finally eclipsed retail sales at the 2007 level, this year in 2015, it's up over 2014, and so things stay on track, 2015 could be and should be another record year for retail sales in our region."  Read more: WNBC 29

Paducah Chamber Kicks Off its Annual Membership and Total Resource Campaign

PADUCAH, KY, August 17, 2015 – The Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce will kick off its annual Membership and Total Resource Campaign on Thursday, August 20, with a celebration at Auburn Place Hotel and Suites from 4 to 6 p.m. Texas Roadhouse and Walker Hall are also sponsors of the kickoff event.  All Chamber members, employees and guests are invited to the celebration.  

More than 100 volunteers are spending the next few weeks in the community recruiting new members and discussing the work of the Chamber in the community.  New members recruited during the campaign are eligible for “special perks” that include advertising specials with The Paducah Sun, WPSD, Comcast, SCORE, WKYX, WZZL, WKMS, Thunderbolt Radio, VUE Magazine, Purchase Area Family Magazine; subscriptions to local publications including Paducah Life; discounts from Socially Present; plus more.   

Bruce Wilcox with Henry A. Petter Supply and Chair elect of the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce, is serving as the Campaign Chairman.  Eleven area business leaders are serving as Team Captains for this year’s event.  The Team Captains and the business they represent include:

Brian Brown – Computer Services, Inc.; Janice Cleary – Paducah Bank; Whitney Denson – McMurry & Livingston, PLLC; Jill Harper – Capstone HR Services, Inc.;           Kathryn Joyner – Baptist Health; David Morse – KeeFORCE; Todd Myers – Community Financial Services Bank; Jessica Newman – Advantage Insurance Services, LLC; Sarah Suitor – US Bank;   Ali Wrinkle – Henry A. Petter Supply Co. LLC; and Tammy Zimmerman – Payment Plus.

Team Captains recruit 10 volunteers. Volunteers are asked to bring in at least one new member to the Chamber. Great prizes are awarded to the top individual and team producers as well as random prizes for the hard working volunteers - last year's winner won a trip valued at $2500!

The Chamber conducts an annual Total Resource Campaign to generate new members and budget reduction items.  It’s always an exciting and FUN time of year for the Chamber and over 100 business volunteers. The chair for the campaign is next year's Chamber Chair-elect - this is always a good way for them to familiarlize themselves and interact with our volunteers!

Team Captains recruit 10 volunteers for their teams for a total of 100 volunteers. Team Captains for this year's campaign will be announced at a later date.

Volunteers are asked to bring in at least one new member to the Chamber. Great prizes are awarded to the top individual and team producers as well as random prizes for the hard working volunteers - last year's winner won a trip valued at $2500!

The Paducah Chamber is the region’s largest business advocacy organization and is the fifth largest Chamber in the state with over 950 businesses as members.  The Chamber has a strong partnership base with local businesses – both small and large, manufacturers, industries, local governments, non-profit organizations and individuals. About two-thirds of the Chamber members represent businesses with 15 employees or less. 

         

In 2011 the Paducah Chamber was awarded the Chamber of the Year by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives.  The Paducah Chamber also is a 4-Star Accredited Chamber by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. This prestigious honor puts the Chamber among the top 10% of chambers nationwide. The Paducah Chamber is also a Kentucky Certified Chamber.

If you are interested in participating or in donating a top prize or random prize, please call the Chamber at 270.443.1746 or info@paducahchamber.org  For more information about joining the Chamber or about the campaign, contact the Chamber at (270) 443-1746 or info@paducahchamber.org.

On the move: Gov. Phil Bryant touts growth at Southaven chamber luncheon

Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant touted successes in Southaven, while intermixing some of his own accomplishments as governor, during Wednesday's address to the Southaven Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Luncheon at the Landers Center.

Bryant, having easily passed through the Republican primary vote Aug. 4, now starts a push for re-election on Nov. 3. The one-term incumbent governor faces challenges from Democrat Robert Gray and Reform Party candidate Shawn O'Hara in November.

Bryant started his talk to a well-populated group of business leaders at the Landers Center by noting the surge in population that has brought Southaven to become the third-largest city in the state of Mississippi.

"If you look at a state of three-million people, that's quite an accomplishment for what used to be a small suburb of Memphis," Bryant said. "You're doing very good, Southaven, you ought to be proud of yourself." Read more: DeSoto Times-Tribune

The Marion (Illinois) Chamber of Commerce Legislative Summit

The Marion Chamber of Commerce Legislative Summit will be held on Friday, August 28 at 11:30 a.m. at Kokopelli.

The event will include a buffet-style lunch (cost $13 to Kokopelli), followed by networking, updates by your Legislators, and then a Q&A session moderated by a member of your Legislative Affairs Committee.

RSVPs are required.

Here are a few Legislators who plan to be in attendance:

• U.S. Rep. Mike Bost
• 117th District Representative John Bradley
• Illinois 59th District Senator Gary Forby
• Williamson County Commissioner Ron Ellis
• Marion Mayor Robert Butler
• Marion Commissioner John Goss
• Marion Commissioner Angelo Hightower
• Marion Commissioner Anthony Rinella
• Marion Commissioner Jim Webb

The Legislative Affairs Committee meets on the third Thursday of each month at 8 a.m. at South Porte Bank in Marion. The Marion Chamber of Commerce Legislative Affairs Committee serves as a research and advisory committee for the Chamber's Board of Directors. The goals of the Legislative Affairs Committee are to monitor governmental matters that could impact the community or local business, present recommendations to the Chamber's Board of Directors, and to assist in the initiation of the appropriate action. The Legislative Affairs Committee is a non-partisan organization and shall neither endorse candidates for public office nor political parties.

Best Chamber practices: Birmingham-Bloomfield Chamber - Experiences and Epiphanies via Chamber Internship

Experience can’t be taught, or so I am told.

It is a widely spread idea that the only proper way to learn a skill with any real merit is to experience it firsthand. During my time at the Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber as the communications intern, I have gained my share of experiences and I could not be more grateful to continue learning the lessons I have through them.

While internships sometimes get a bad rep for only allowing the intern the critical experiences of coffee runs and copy machine assistance, my internship at the chamber has been anything but. I have been offered the opportunity to gain knowledge and improve my skills on a daily basis by being made responsible for myself. My responsibilities have included writing and editing press releases, composing and scheduling social media posts for multiple platforms and designing and updating fliers for events.

As I am about to graduate from Oakland University with a major in communication and a minor in writing and rhetoric, I am trying to accept and embrace any and all opportunities to gain knowledge and experience before I officially enter the business world for myself. With this in mind, I was more than thrilled to have the chance to shadow at Brogan & Partners, many thanks to the chamber. Read more: Birmingham-Bloomfield Chamber

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

RULE #113     Demand the best technology and use it.