Fairfax Chamber Urges Congress to Avoid a “Government Shutdown”; Chamber excitment: Farmington Hills officials 'excited' about Daimler move; Belleville, St. Clair County leaders anticipate impact of NGA coming to county; EMBDC CEO presentation: Company seeks land purchase for warehouse; 20th Annual Kentucky Chamber Day; Eagle River Chamber partner: People travel from across the country to National Championship Musky Open in Eagle River; Chamber Best Practices: Greater Fort Wayne Inc.: CEO Roundtables; Town Square Publication - Chamber magazines

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

Fairfax Chamber Urges Congress to Avoid a “Government Shutdown”

Tysons Corner, Va. – Today, the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce (Fairfax Chamber), representing nearly 700 member companies with more than 500,000 employees across Northern Virginia, called on members of Congress to enact legislation to continue funding the federal government beyond September 30th without interruption.

Congress’ inability in the past to enact individual appropriations bills has caused significant uncertainty and greatly disrupted business planning by federal contractors in the region. Such practices, combined with annual threats of government shutdowns and, in 2013, an actual shutdown, have caused private sector businesses of all sizes throughout Northern Virginia serious economic harm and forced employee layoffs or furloughs.

“We are gravely concerned that such economic dislocation will again occur if the federal government shuts down on October 1^st,” said Jim Corcoran, president and CEO of the Fairfax Chamber. “The impact of a shutdown would not be limited to the federal government and federal contractor workers in Virginia. As has been shown in the past, the downstream effects of a shutdown will also be harmful to small businesses in Northern Virginia and across the Commonwealth. Accordingly, we urge Congress to work together to promptly enact legislation by October 1st to fund the operations of the federal government without interruption.”

To read the full letter, click here. To learn more about the Fairfax Chamber’s policy platform, please visit our website or contact Joe Vidulich, Vice President, Government Relations.

Chamber excitment: Farmington Hills officials 'excited' about Daimler move

While the number of new jobs Daimler AG is estimated to be bringing to Farmington Hills is a relatively small 30, local officials are still happy to hear the auto giant is bringing more work to the community.

Farmington Hills Acting City Manager Dave Boyer, while stressing any job growth is good, said he's "excited" about the news Daimler AG is adding to its presence in the Farmington community.

"Certainly, we'd like to see that (jobs) number grow, but any new job growth is great for the region," Boyer said. "We're excited they're coming here, because we can see what's going on in metro Detroit with the resurgence of the auto industry. They're all going to end up back here, where the work is being done."

According to a press release from Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder, Daimler AG is consolidating its North American financial services offices in Michigan.

“Michigan is the world’s automotive leader, and Daimler’s decision to increase its presence in state is another indication that we intend to hold that position for generations to come,” Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder said in a statement.

The Michigan move for Daimler North America Corp., the holding company for all of the company’s business units in the U.S., is some 50 jobs, (including 20 workers already here). Michigan already has some 3,000 Daimler employees at Detroit Diesel, a subsidiary of Daimler Trucks North America; Daimler's financial services; and the company’s research and development.

There were no state or local economic incentives offered for the move, according to the Michigan Economic Development Corp., the state’s economic development arm. The move is expected to take place by the end of the year.

After meeting with Daimler executives at the 66th Frankfurt Auto Show, Snyder said the headquarters relocation will bring 30 jobs to Michigan in central office functions including treasury, legal, accounting and executive staff, according to the press release.

Snyder called Daimler “an historic automaker with roots tracing back to the very invention of the car.” Today it manufactures the premium Mercedes-Benz line of vehicles. Daimler’s Michigan operations currently include Mercedes-Benz Financial Services headquarters in Farmington Hills, Detroit Diesel in Redford Township, and Mercedes-Benz Research and Development in Redford and Ann Arbor.

Dan Irvin, the executive director of the Greater Farmington Area Chamber of Commerce, also praised the deal and said it's the result of a "welcoming business climate." Read more: HometownLife.com

Belleville, St. Clair County leaders anticipate impact of NGA coming to county

What would it mean for St. Clair County if 3,100 highly stable jobs that pay an average annual salary of $75,000 were to materialize here one day?

And suppose those 3,100 jobs grew to 4,000 jobs? Then 5,000, and then still more jobs after that?

Those are the sorts of questions dancing through the minds of county elected leaders and economic development officials as they contemplate the county’s odds of landing the new headquarters for the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency.

NGA plans to move out of its cramped and aging facility just south of downtown St. Louis and move into a new home, taking with it 3,100 workers, which the agency plans to house in an 800,000-square-foot building to be built at a cost of $1.6 billion. The NGA workforce could jump up to nearly 4,000 employees when the workers at its Arnold, Mo., facility are moved out when the lease on the building they are working in comes up.

Officially, four sites are still in the running for what is being called NGA West: two are located in St. Louis County, while the third is in North St. Louis. The fourth candidate site is a 192-acre patch of farmland and scattered trees owned by St. Clair County and located just west of Scott Air Force’s northwest boundary and south of Interstate 64.

NGA is scheduled to make the final decision in March, with the building scheduled for completion by 2021.

Politically, however, the race has come down to the North St. Louis site versus the St. Clair County site. The two St. Louis County sites — one in Fenton, Mo. and one in Mehlville, Mo. — have been rejected by Steve Stenger, the St. Louis County executive, who has thrown his support behind the North St. Louis site.

St. Clair County officials are feeling good about the county’s chances of luring NGA West.

In comparing the two contending two sites, they are coming to see that the St. Clair County location has huge advantages over the North St. Louis location, due to a list of factors that include the security that comes from being located adjacent to a major military installation such as Scott Air Force Base, enthusiastic local support, and the fact that — in contrast to North St. Louis — the St. Clair County site has virtually unlimited room for future growth.

What’s more, the North St. Louis site won’t come cheap. St. Louis officials have estimated it will cost that city and the state of Missouri $130 million to bring NGA to the North St. Louis site. This includes the cost of buying up the land from property owners who wish to sell, as well the cost of forcing out those who don’t wish to do so.

In contrast, St. Clair County has offered to turn over its site to NGA for no cost at all. Making the deal even sweeter, this land would be free of litigation and is already under government control.

John Lengerman, the Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce executive director, has to tried to keep his confidence in check during the run-up to Oct. 9, when the Army Corps of Engineers, which is overseeing the site selection process, is scheduled to release the environmental impact statements on each site. The statements are expected to offer the strongest clues as to the identity of the eventual winner. Read more: Belleville News-Democrat

EMBDC CEO presentation: Company seeks land purchase for warehouse

 Southern Cast Products wants to purchase 1.94 acres from the Lauderdale County Board of Supervisors to build a 20,000 square foot warehouse behind its building located in the G.V. Sonny Montgomery Industrial Park.

    East Mississippi Business Development Corporation President & CEO Bill Hannah made the presentation to the board at its Thursday work session at the Davis Annex Building. Southern Cast Products would buy the land at $1,000 an acre and would incur the costs of development of the property.

    "We feel this will be a net gain for the county," Hannah told the supervisors. Board President Kyle Rutledge said Southern Cast Products was having to lease space in the city of Meridian in order to warehouse its products.

    "They need another building to hold their molds," Rutledge said. Hannah said once operating, Southern Cast Products could look into expanding. Read more: Meridian Star

20th Annual Kentucky Chamber Day

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JOIN US AT THE PREMIER KICK-OFF OF THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION

Where should you kick off the new year? At the state’s largest gathering of business and political leaders! Don’t miss your opportunity to network with the who’s who of Kentucky. You’ll get to hear the governor and the state’s top four legislative leaders (all invited) share their visions for Kentucky’s economy, government and politics in the year ahead.

Thursday, January 7, 2016
Heritage Hall (Downstairs)
The Lexington Convention Center
Lexington, Kentucky

Agenda
5 p.m. Registration and Reception
6:30 p.m. Dinner

Featured Guests
Governor of the Commonwealth
House and Senate leadership
(all invited) 

More Info: Kentucky Chamber

Eagle River Chamber partner: People travel from across the country to National Championship Musky Open in Eagle River 
More than 1,000 people will spend the weekend in the Northwoods fishing for musky.
This weekend is the 30th year of the National Championship Musky Open in Eagle River.
The tournament started Friday.
Paul Strelow has been going to the tournament for the past 29 years.
"They started this tournament, we missed the first year, we've been doing this for 29 years and it's just a great time," Strelow says. He caught a 39 inch musky on Lynx Lake on Friday.
"It was a lot of fun, it's always great when a musky hits a surface bait," says Strelow. Registering a musky is the goal for those competing, but whether you catch a fish or not, it's still fun.
"It's just fun, you know, plain and simple," Strelow says. The Musky Clubs Alliance of Wisconsin and the Eagle River Chamber of Commerce organize the tournament. Read more: NewsWatch 12

Chamber Best Practices: Greater Fort Wayne Inc.: CEO Roundtables

CEO Roundtables offer a confidential forum of peers in non-competing businesses to regularly gather and share practical knowledge and best practices in today’s business environment. They are comprised of no more than 15 people of ownership or top management positions based on meeting time availability, business fit, and consent of existing group members.

CEO Roundtables are structured to help business leaders address a variety of important issues and to offer a springboard for solutions to help improve operations and profitability.

By one member’s description: “I couldn’t afford to hire advisors like these to help me once a year – and I get to meet with them every month!”

Each meeting is strictly confidential – what’s said within the group stays within the group. All members are expected to maintain complete confidentiality. Regular attendance, willing participation, and positive attitudes are required. Any member missing more than three meetings per year may be asked to step down from the group.

Members must be GFW Inc. Investors in good standing with annual investment dues. CEO Roundtable dues of $50 per member per year. Special registration fees may be charged for special programs, meetings, outings, etc. Guests or prospective members are allowed to attend by member invitation only.

Interested in being considered for a roundtable? Contact roundtable chairman Dave Kaverman or Investor Relations Director, Jami Thomas.

Town Square Publication - Chamber magazines

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... contact John Dussman directly at the Town Square offices at 847-427-4633. Mailing Address: 155 E. Algonquin Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60005. Email address: jdussman@tspubs.com 

Cuba trip planned for Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce; Best Chamber Practices: New Chamber Branding --- Romeoville Area Chamber of Commerce; Chamber program: Youth Leadership Oshkosh to be honored at October Leadership Wisconsin Conference; Leadership Lansing reaches full enrollment; Elkhart County EDC President Mark Dobson shares thoughts on area's collaboration, growth; Frankfort Area Chamber Sponsor: More Money to Preserve Historic Homes and Buildings? Olivia Munn Named Director of Coast Young Professionals & Leadership Gulf Coast Liason; Pat McGaughey: If a chamber member restaurant names a sandwich after me, I'm going to...;

Cuba trip planned for Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce

The Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce is planning its second cultural exchange trip to Cuba. The chamber says the educational visit is scheduled for April.

The chamber is planning an educational meeting for those who are interested in visiting Cuba on Monday night in Norfolk. The chamber will review its first trip to the island that took place in May after travel restrictions were eased for U.S. citizens wanting to travel to Cuba.

The chamber says its members, business leaders and community members from Hampton Roads are all welcome to travel. Read more: WTOP.com



Best Chamber Practices: New Chamber Branding --- Romeoville Area Chamber of Commerce

We are so excited to share this with the entire community and wanted to let you know that great things are happening! We have a growing membership and our community is reaping the benefits!

We love that local area businesses are coming together with our Chamber Committees to bring more amazing resources to Romeoville! 

If you are not currently a member contact us today to find out how to

be a part of the ongoing progress!

Call or Email today!

Regards,

Michelle Jarnutowski

Executive Director

(815) 886-2076      
info@romeovillechamber.org

Chamber program: Youth Leadership Oshkosh to be honored at October Leadership Wisconsin Conference

Recognizing and celebrating leadership is an important way Leadership Wisconsin achieves our mission — developing leaders to strengthen communities. The Leadership Excellence Awards recognize individuals, organizations, and leadership programs that positively impact their communities, inspire and engage others, and show commitment to leading with inclusion, diversity, collaboration and civility.

The Shaping Wisconsin Leaders Award recognizes a Leadership Development Program that: has demonstrated impact on individual leaders, community, organizations, and/or Wisconsin; serves as an example for other leadership development programs; demonstrates a commitment to inclusion, diversity, collaboration and civil dialogue; and has an innovative curriculum that develops civic-minded leaders.

The Youth Leadership Oshkosh (YLO) program, in its 14th year, is a program of the Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce that brings together 24 public and private high school juniors. The program creates awareness of the community — its challenges and potential — and prepares youth to serve as leaders in their high school and the community. The program also offers students the opportunity to connect and interact with community leaders, gain awareness of and motivation for volunteering, develop an appreciation for what is needed for a vital community and un­derstand the uniqueness of Oshkosh. Read more: The Northwestern.com

Leadership Lansing reaches full enrollment

Leadership Lansing has reached full enrollment in its first year.

The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce’s eight-month program has 36 participants who will engage in seven workshops that feature key institutions, industry sectors and business leaders in Greater Lansing to foster leadership among community members.

“We identified a need in the community to help develop the next generation of community leaders,” said Tim Daman, chamber president and CEO, in a news release. “It is exciting to see a broad cross-section of organizations enroll employees they view as the emerging leaders in their company and the region.” Read more: Lansing State Journal

Elkhart County EDC President Mark Dobson shares thoughts on area's collaboration, growth

After being named the new president of the Economic Development Corporation of Elkhart County, Mark Dobson sat down with The Elkhart Truth to share his plans for the organization’s future.

Dobson, 53, of Elkhart will take over the position Oct. 14. He’s worked in economic and community development for more than 30 years and was most recently president of the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce. He was also named the Indiana Chamber Executive of the Year in 2014 for his implementation of the organization’s strategic plan.

During his interview with the Truth, he talked about his professional experience, as well as the county’s challenges and strengths. 

Q: Can you tell me about your work before starting at the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce? 

Previously, I started my career in a family business, B&R Oil Co. When we were all involved, it became the largest Phillips 66 distributor in the nation. Its headquarters were in Granger. It was a great operation; my father is a brilliant man and really drove a great organization. I transitioned out of that in the late ’90s, was doing real estate, development and sales in St. Joe and Elkhart County. In 2000, I was asked to run for St. Joseph County Commissioner, so I was a two-term county commissioner, and then I transitioned from that to the chamber world. 

Q: How did you transition from local government to community and economic development?

When I ran for office, I believe the issue was we needed to try to create jobs in St. Joe County to grow the economy. A whole lot of ills and problems can be solved when people are working good jobs. When you are in office, you do everything you can. Most elected officials I know do the best job they can and try to always do the right thing, but you always feel like, given the nature of partisan politics, that there’s an element that trusts everything you say because they’re of the same flavor and there’s an element who think, ‘This guy is wacky,’ because you’re of the other flavor. And I felt like, if we really wanted to grow, I think that getting into the chamber world and economic and community development was a better way rather than politics. So that’s really what brought me to the chamber world. I served for a year in St. Joe County and then transitioned to Kosciusko for the past six years. And I’ve had a great run; it’s been phenomenal here. 

Q: Do you have a plan for what you first want to focus on in your new position? 

The EDC have been really great in working with businesses in Elkhart County for job retention, job expansions within the industries that are there. The board thinks that that direction has been great, but they also want to see Elkhart County get sold outside of the region. I call it selling Elkhart County to the world. I’ll be traveling, meeting with site selectors, meeting with folks who could potentially bring new businesses to Elkhart County, so the staff is doing a phenomenal job on the retention piece. We can always improve. Any organization can improve what you do, but I don’t see a need to turn that on its head. It will be this new focus of getting outside of the community with the opportunities that Elkhart County represents for new business. Read more: Elkhart Truth

Frankfort Area Chamber Sponsor: More Money to Preserve Historic Homes and Buildings?

The City of Frankfort and Kentucky Heritage Council are partnering to host a workshop teaching people how to utilize state and federal historic grants in areas designated on the National Historic Register.

Funding Building Rehab: A Historic Tax Credit and Grant Workshop will be hosted Saturday in the Community Room of the Paul Sawyier Library from 9:30 a.m. until noon.

City Manager Tim Zisoff said the workshop will also incorporate information on the city’s historic preservation grant program.

Other organizations sponsoring the Workshop are Downtown Frankfort, Inc., the Frankfort Area Chamber of Commerce, the Franklin County Trust, Preservation Kentucky, the Small Business Development Center and the Kentucky Capital Development Corporation.

KCDC Executive Director Terri Bradshaw said Historic Preservation can play a key role in Economic Development. Read more: The State Journal

Olivia Munn Named Director of Coast Young Professionals & Leadership Gulf Coast Liason

Olivia Munn was named the director of Coast Young Professionals & Leadership Gulf Coast Liaison by the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce Inc. Munn earned her bachelor's degree in business administration with a concentration in marketing, management and international business from Mississippi State University. Source: Sun Herald

Pat McGaughey: If a chamber member restaurant names a sandwich after me, I'm going to...

Sally Jo Harrison - Mesa, AZ

..TELL THE WORLD!

And Sally Jo Harrison at the Mesa, Arizona Chamber of Commerce did just that! Talk about a brilliant stroke of marketing by Ike's Place now featuring Sally's Chamber Club Sandwich.

This is a perfect example of a member multiplying the value of their membership and promoting the local Chamber of Commerce at the same time. This member just can't buy the great marketing Sally provided them on social media. Brilliant.


I think the term here is Win-Win! But there's more, this is a perfect example of how and why a national chain can benefit from every local chamber where they are located. The foundation of Global is Local.

Source: wwww.chambermentor.com 

EMBDC partnership: United Way fundraising campaign to kick off; 2015 "Must Attend" Events for the Michigan Association of Chamber Professionals; Metro Milwaukee Association of Commerce event: Politics and networking at Milwaukee Night in Washington D.C. Galesburg Area Chamber of Commerce Welcomes Member #400! First Time at this Level Since 2009; Virginia Peninsula Chamber Free Webinar: How much is your business worth? Chamber interest: Broadband network aims to connect all of Kentucky; Lakeshore (Indiana) chamber expo to highlight economic development; Chamber Best Practices: Kernersville Chamber of Commerce - E-Blasts to Chamber Membership: $50 to reach 1,000 people;

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

EMBDC partnership: United Way fundraising campaign to kick off

For the first time, the United Way of East Mississippi will partner with the East Mississippi Business Development Corporation to launch its annual fundraising campaign kickoff.

The campaign launch will take place Tuesday beginning at 8 a.m. at the MSU Riley Center during the EMBDC's Business Before Hours.

The theme for this year's campaign is, "What this place needs."

"Each person has their own unique opinion about what this place needs to make it a better community to live in — unity, more jobs, higher graduation rates, collaboration, and more," said Sara Odom, United Way campaign and community impact director. "We really want to hear what this community needs, so that moving forward we can make sure that United Way is helping to meet those needs."

United Way of East Mississippi raised $885,000 during last year's campaign.

Mississippi Power Company Meridian Division Manager Eddie Kelly has been named as the United Way of East Mississippi 2015-16 campaign chairman. Mississippi broadcaster Scott Stevens is the chairman for the Pacesetters program.

"These individuals are volunteers with full time jobs who give their time to me from August to February each year," Odom said. "They go out on the campaign trail with me to meetings, and to talk about United Way." Read more: Meridian Star



2015 "Must Attend" Events for the Michigan Association of Chamber Professionals

October 28-30, 2015
Chamber Convention & 50th Anniversary Celebration
Henry Ford Museum, Dearborn
Help MACP celebrate 50 years of chamber excellence at the Annual Chamber Convention. Recognize outstanding chamber performance, share best practices for staff and volunteers and meet with vendors to help chambers grow!Registration is now open!

Metro Milwaukee Association of Commerce event: Politics and networking at Milwaukee Night in Washington D.C.

Several hundred Milwaukee-area business executives were in Washington, D.C., Wednesday evening for the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce’sMilwaukee night in Washington. Check out the attached slideshow put together by Milwaukee Business Journal freelance photographer Jason Thomas to see who made the trip and scenes from the big party.
The annual party hosted by MMAC is held in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill and is a chance for Milwaukee business executives to network with Milwaukee-area elected officials and their Washington, D.C., staffs. Elected officials in attendance included U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Janesville) and U.S. Rep.Glen Grothman (R-Glenbeulah). Read more: Milwaukee Business Journal

Galesburg Area Chamber of Commerce Welcomes Member #400! First Time at this Level Since 2009

Galesburg, IL (September 16, 2015) – The Galesburg Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that it has surpassed the 400-member milestone for the first time since 2009.

“With the addition of CII Embroidery, located at 60 S. Kellogg Street, we have hit the magic number of 400,” said Executive Director Steven N. Brody.

“When I started in August 2012, the Chamber membership was between 350-360 members, and in a state of decline. I made it a goal to get us back up to 400 members. With a lot of hard work and determination, the Chamber has experienced net increases in 2013 and 2014 in membership for the first time since 2007.”

The Galesburg Area Chamber of Commerce continues to invite former members and future members to join and take advantage of the membership special in recognition of Illinois Chamber of Commerce Week. Businesses can deduct $50.00 from their annual dues if paid in full. For example, a business joining at the standard dues of $250.00 will only pay $200.00, and a non-profit’s amount will be reduced from $150.00 to only $100.00. At the time of their renewal next year, the dues will return to their regular amount.

The Galesburg Area Chamber of Commerce advocates for area business and member interests, while providing quality resources, services, and leadership to its current and future members. More information: 309-343-1194 or sbrody@galesburg.org

Virginia Peninsula Chamber Free Webinar: How much is your business worth?

As a business owner, it’s likely that your business is your largest asset and what you are relying on to fund your retirement.  Do you know its real value?  Having a business valuation is the foundation for making prudent decisions about exit or succession planning, wealth transfer, business protection, income protection, survivor income and retirement income.   The result:   you can put yourself in a position to convert business revenue into personal wealth in tax-advantaged ways.  Tune into this webinar and get the tools to you need to start the business planning conversation.

You will also learn: How The Principal Complimentary Informal Business Valuation and Buy Sell Review can help you identify, quantify and prioritize needs How to identify key employees and a plan for retention of these employees Common strategies for the transfer of your business By attending this webinar, businesses with $500,000 or more in annual gross revenues may request a no-cost, customized  business valuation using five methodologies and/or buy-sell review from the  Principal’s team of CPA’s, attorneys and financial consultants.   1005 Richmond Road, Suite 3 • Williamsburg, VA  23185 • 757.291.8505 • 888.345.1315 [F] www.fiscaldynamics.net

Chamber interest: Broadband network aims to connect all of Kentucky

Broadband network aims to connect all of Kentucky

If all goes according to plan, every county in Kentucky will have access to high-speed Internet in roughly three years.

On Aug. 18, Gov. Steve Beshear’s office issued an executive order calling for the construction of an open-access broadband network that will extend to all of Kentucky’s 120 counties. The project, which requires building a 3,000-mile path of underground fiber optic cables, known as the middle mile, in a loop around the state, is expected to cost $330 million and take until fall 2018 to complete. Read more: Bowling Green Daily News

Lakeshore (Indiana) chamber expo to highlight economic development

Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce will highlight 60 local business enterprises, as they display their wares and services Sept. 23 at the chamber’s 11th annual Business Expo, set for Dynasty Banquet Center in Hammond.

Additionally, the chamber’s popular Expo luncheon will feature a panel of economic development experts who will highlight recent victories in East Chicago, Hammond, and Northwest Indiana.

The Economic Development Panel will consist of Don Babcock/NIPSCO; Heather Ennis/NW Indiana Forum; Karen Laurerman/Lake County Economic Alliance; Milton Reed/East Chicago; Phil Taillon/Hammond, and moderator Jim Dedelow/WJOB Radio.

As the local economy continues to grow, much of the success has been driven by our panel of economic development experts, who have worked together to bring new, high-paying jobs to NW Indiana. If you are familiar with how economic development “leads” come to us, you will know that the NW Indiana Forum and NIPSCO often receive the initial leads from the State of Indiana, because these entities represent a broad region and they have the expertise to determine the needs of the customer. Read more: NWI Times

Chamber Best Practices: Kernersville Chamber of Commerce - E-Blasts to Chamber Membership: $50 to reach 1,000 people

Chamber members may take advantage of this way of reaching the chamber membership with a flyer.  The chamber charges $50 per page to send a promotional flyer out to nearly 1,000 people connected with the chamber.  We maintain a calendar at the chamber to reserve dates to send out flyers to our membership.   Town Square Publications

Town Square Publications parent company, Paddock Publications, with over 100 years’ experience of print product development and dedicated customer service in communities throughout the Midwest, allows Town Square Publications to offer you 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. 

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, contact John Dussman directly at the Town Square Offices at 847-427-4633. Mailing Address: 155 E. Algonquin Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60005.  Email address: jdussman@tspubs.com 

Indy chamber support: iLAB to add 100 new technology jobs in Indiana; Chamber partnership: Arlington Heights trustees satisfied with small business retention program; Reston Chamber of Commerce Offering Workshops as Part of Education Series; The Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce, Inc announced its participants for its Leadership Gulf Coast program; Hillsdale Chamber event: Hudson Dairy Farm rounds up a tour; Chamber Board Member Interest: Frankfort Commission Eyes Big Money for Big Projects; Dowagiac (Michigan) Chamber of Commerce to honor Fred Mathews; Town Square Publications, a division of the Daily Herald Media Group, is a national custom publishing group

Indy chamber support: iLAB to add 100 new technology jobs in Indiana

iLAB, the leading worldwide provider of software quality assurance and performance testing products and services, announced today the expansion of its North American presence with a commitment to add 100 new technology jobs in Indiana by 2019 and the grand opening of its new office in downtown Indianapolis.

“We’ve seen fantastic growth over the last five years, expanding our customer base through strategic partnerships with the world’s most respected names in technology,” said Gerry Bailey, managing director for iLAB in North America. “Indianapolis has served as an exceptional launch platform for our North American operations and a key factor in fueling our growth strategy across the globe by adding 100 more employees over the next five years.”


Since its North American re-launch in 2011, iLAB has grown to more than 50 employees in Central Indiana. The company will invest $1.49 million to lease and equip its new 4,000-square-foot office at the Chase Circle building on Monument Circle in downtown Indianapolis where it will locate 80 new jobs.

iLAB will also hire an additional 20 associates to be based around the state, serving clients in Fort Wayne, South Bend, Gary and Evansville.

“Business growth and development in the tech sector is one of the major reasons why we are experiencing record Hoosier employment numbers,” said Indiana Lieutenant Governor Sue Ellspermann. “I applaud iLAB for choosing to grow their business in a state that works. Today we celebrate Indiana’s international reputation as a great place for businesses to start, expand and prosper.”



The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered iLAB, LLC up to $1.2 million in conditional tax credits and up to $75,000 in training grants based on the company’s job creation plans. These incentives are performance-based, meaning until Hoosiers are hired, the company is not eligible to claim incentives. The city of Indianapolis supports the project at the request of Develop Indy, a business unit of the Indy Chamber. Read more: Tribune Star

Chamber partnership: Arlington Heights trustees satisfied with small business retention program

Two years into an outreach program to retain more small businesses in Arlington Heights, village trustees Tuesday expressed general satisfaction with its progress but also said they wanted more detailed descriptions of individual examples.

The Small Business Development Agreement is a partnership between with the Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce toward which the village pays $50,000 per year.

Village President Thomas Hayes said the program was one he wanted to pursue two years ago because he believed the business friendliness of Arlington Heights had begun to slip.

"The better our business community, the better we can do as a board in keeping property taxes low," Hayes said. "The success of any one of our businesses is felt by the village as well." Read more: Daily Herald

Reston Chamber of Commerce Offering Workshops as Part of Education Series

The Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce is hosting a series of business workshops as part of its Education Series aimed at helping local business owners grow their brands and sharpen their business acumen.Each workshop is free for current chamber members and $15 for each non-member. Silver Spoon Caterers will provide breakfast at each workshop. The workshops will be held from 8:30-10 a.m. at the Reston Chamber headquarters, located at 1886 Metro Center Drive.
The next workshop in the series, titled “5 Critical Ways to Build Your Brand and Reputation,” is scheduled on Wednesday, Sept. 23.
Guest speaker Jen Dalton of BrandMirror will be on hand to instruct the group on what is most relevant to one;s brand and how that brand can help your business stand out in a crowded marketplace. Read more: Patch.com

The Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce, Inc announced its participants for its Leadership Gulf Coast program

The Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce, Inc. announced the 26th class of local business and community leaders selected to participate in its Leadership Gulf Coast program: Tawana Banks, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Gulf Coast; Carlos Bell, Port of Gulfport; Brian Bourn, South Mississippi AIDS Task Force; James Caldwell, Gulfport School District; Andrew Chapman, Eat Cities; Keith Davis, Mississippi Department of Marine Resources; Read more: Sun-Herald

Hillsdale Chamber event: Hudson Dairy Farm rounds up a tour

A small herd of cows lines up single-file at Hudson Dairy Farm while visitors — human ones — line up to watch them. The cows file in, each knowing their designated spot, while dairy hands get them ready for milking.

“They know right where they’re supposed to go,” Hudson’s Amber Clark said.

Hudson Dairy Farm conducts tours like these for interested community members and dairy fans alike. The one held on Thursday night invited the Hillsdale Chamber of Commerce to see the operation in full, touring the barns, feed silos, milking parlor and more.

“We’re happy to have the public here,” Communications Manager Avi Stern said. While the dairy operates 24/7, family and friends of Hudson Dairy Farm staff members stayed after regular business hours to show the tourists their facilities.

From that line of cows and hundreds like them, Hudson Dairy Farm will produce about 240,000 pounds of milk — almost 30,000 gallons — every 24 hours. To make sure that every drop is the best it can be, nutritionists evaluate cows’ best diet based on their age and size. Giving a cow the right nutrients is key to the quality of the milk they produce.

Or, as Stern summed it up, “If you put good stuff in, you get good stuff out.” Read more: Hillsdale Daily News

Chamber Board Member Interest: Frankfort Commission Eyes Big Money for Big Projects 

Frankfort’s City Commissioners discussed a new proposal to revitalize some of the larger buildings downtown at Monday night’s work session.

Renee True, a member of the Frankfort Area Chamber Board, said Commissioner John Sower requested that he come to share an idea with the rest of the commission.

“I really didn’t have an agenda,” True said. “I’m not representing the chamber, I’m not representing any group. I do have quite a few properties in Frankfort so I do have a vested interest in this community’s economic welfare.”

True said the focus of his proposal was on the larger buildings downtown. He said the current preservation grant program that the city is offering does not offer enough money to complete large projects.

“So I thought about something a little bit bigger if at some time the city could find it within their budget or through some kind of federal or state grant program,” True said. Read more: State Journal

A Closer Look Replay: Sheboygan County Chamber Workforce Summit

Click on the link below to find the latest program of "A Closer Look", a public affairs program on WHBL and WSCS.

This program focuses on the topic of workforce development in Sheboygan County.  We speak with Tammy Graf, workforce development director for the Sheboygan County Chamber.  She describes an upcoming workforce summit being held later this month, and how strategies being shared at this event are being used to increase how businesses fill open positions and alleviate the worker shortage in our area. WHBL.com

A Closer Look Replay: Workforce Summit

Dowagiac (Michigan) Chamber of Commerce to honor Fred Mathews

The Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce on Oct. 21 will present its Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. Fred Mathews, founder and former longtime chairman of Southwestern Michigan College, the chamber announced.

The presentation will be part of the chamber's membership meeting and dinner at the Dowagiac Elks Lodge. The award and meeting are firsts for the Dowagiac chamber, it reported.

Mathews came to Dowagiac in 1952 to practice optometry. In the mid '50s, he helped found the Greater Dowagiac Association, the chamber's forerunner. He and others formed the organization to rebuild the city's industrial base after a major employer closed.

In 1964, he founded Southwestern Michigan College. He served as its first Board of Trustees chairman, and retained the post until retiring from the board this year.

He has chaired the Dowagiac Downtown Development Authority.

In addition to the Lifetime Achievement Award, the chamber will honor several employers who have contributed to the organization's success. Read more: Herald Palladium

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