Lansing Chamber project grooms tomorrow’s civic leaders; Indiana Chamber Membership Meeting to Take Place November 4; Northern Kentucky Chamber's Women’s initiative to kick off year with leadership expert; Naperville chamber to host economic forecast event; Community Encouraged to Attend Annual Prince William's Chamber Buy Local Expo for a “Taste” of Local Goods & Services; Twin Lakes Area Chamber event: The Spy Who Loved Me to Death; Biloxi Bay Chamber Talk over coffee will be South Mississippi's military bases; Town Square Publications Chamber Directories

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

Lansing Chamber project grooms tomorrow’s civic leaders

The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring an eight-month long program to train the next generation of civic leaders. We talk with a coach and a participant of the first Leadership Lansing session, starting this month.

Cities large and small spend much of their time trying to improve their residents’ quality of life. The things that create a successful community go beyond the normal politician-taxpayer relationship. Civic life also depends on business leaders who can bring financial resources and social skills to the equation.

That’s the mindset behind a new program starting this month in mid-Michigan. Leadership Lansing is an intensive eight-month program designed to help business professionals hone their talents and leadership abilities. It’s sponsored by the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce. Read more: WKAR.ORG

Indiana Chamber Membership Meeting to Take Place November 4

Register today for the Indiana Chamber’s annual membership meeting – 10:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. on November 4 at the Indiana Convention Center.

In conjunction with the Chamber board of directors meeting, all members will have the opportunity to:

• Attend the Volunteer of the Year awards luncheon, featuring an address from Rob Smith of Eli Lilly and Company on corporate social responsibility
• Learn about entrepreneurial efforts across the state
• Receive a political update focused on statewide poll results
• Elect new directors and officers for the year ahead

Register online or contact Nick at (800) 824-6885.

Northern Kentucky Chamber's Women’s initiative to kick off year with leadership expert

The Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Women’s Initiative, one of the largest professional women’s groups in the area, will celebrate its seventh anniversary next year, kicking off with its annual breakfast on Jan. 27, at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center, Covington.

Internationally recognized leadership expert, Dr. Tasha Eurich, will be the keynote speaker to a crowd of an expected 800 plus attendees. Eurich is an executive coach, and New York Times best-selling author of “Bankable Leadership: Happy People, Bottom-Line Results and the Power to Deliver Both.”

Her life’s work is to make leaders awesome, and during the last 15 years, she’s helped thousands transform. Dr. Tasha Eurich has built a reputation as being a fresh and modern voice in the leadership world. Read more: Cincinnati.com

Naperville chamber to host economic forecast event

The Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce and Calamos Investments will co-host the Regional Economic Forecast from 7-9 A.M. Oct. 29 at Hotel Arista at CityGate Centre, 2139 CityGate Lane.

The event will feature a panel of local and national industry experts who will share insight and analyses of market conditions for the coming year and provide attendees with economic perspective to help them better manage their business.

Financial expert Terry Savage will moderate the discussion. Her columns, blogs and TV appearances have helped Americans make sense of markets and the economy for years. She is a regular guest on CNN and CBS and wrote two best-selling books.

This year's panel includes John P. Calamos Sr., CEO and global co-CIO of Calamos Investments; Blu Putnam, managing director and chief economist for the CME group; and Caroline L. Harris, chief tax counsel and executive director of tax policy for the U.S. 

Chamber of Commerce, the world's largest business federation.

Nicki Anderson, President and CEO of the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce believes that panels like this are invaluable to the business region.

"In a time where the markets continue to shift, the Regional Economic Forecast allows attendees to get up close and personal to the issues impacting the economy and business climate. The top-notch panel of experts at this event offers a valuable perspective that you can't find anywhere else," shared Anderson. Read more: Daily Herald

Community Encouraged to Attend Annual Prince William's Chamber Buy Local Expo for a “Taste” of Local Goods & Services

Manassas- The Prince William Chamber of Commerce invites the entire community to CONNECTIONS 2015, Prince William’s Buy Local Expo, on October 22, 2015 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Freedom Aquatic & Fitness Center in Manassas. Over 100 local businesses will exhibit to an audience of close to 1,500 community-minded residents of Prince William County and the Cities of Manassas and Manassas Park. The expo is free to attend with free parking and free food by Glory Days Grill, UNO Chicago Grill and Chick-fil-A. All are welcome.
Presenting sponsors for the event are Manassas Mall, My Plumber Heating & Cooling, Offix and the American Red Cross (their sponsorship is paid for by local manufacturer QMT Windchimes). 
New this year are Tasting Stations, featuring locally manufactured and distributed artisanal products available for sampling. Try coffee from the Prince William area’s only small-batch coffee roaster, Monument Coffee Roasters. E&G Gourmet Goods will offer some of their best-selling gluten-free baked goods and the Inn at Vint Hill will showcase some of their farm-to-table catering options. Heart 2 Heart Catering will offer a complete party experience. Also in attendance will be Manassas Olive and So Olive, both offering a pared down version of their in-store tastings of olive oils from across the globe. 
“The Prince William Chamber has been hosting CONNECTIONS for close to 15 years,” says the Chamber’s Director of Membership Development Kris Johnson, “The great thing about this event is the people who come out year after year,” says the Chamber’s Director of Membership Development, Kris Johnson, “Those who want to spend their hard-earned dollars with the businesses investing in this community. When you do business with Chamber members, you are quite literally providing local jobs, bolstering the tax base and encouraging a strong and vibrant local economy. It may sound strange to say it, but just coming out for 30 minutes and walking through the expo is a great way to start giving back to your community. You never know what you might find!”

All attendees will have the chance to enter to win $500 cash. Just fill out an entry form at the door and drop it off at the Prince William Chamber of Commerce booth (#80). The winner will be notified on October 23^rd. Go to PWChamber.org/connections for even more information, including an up-to-date list of exhibitors and available door prizes.  


Twin Lakes Area Chamber event: The Spy Who Loved Me to Death

A Mardi Gras-themed charity auction and murder mystery begins at 5 p.m. Saturday at Rumpoles Banquet Hall, 352 E. Main St.

Staged by the Twin Lakes Area Charity Corp. and Twin Lakes Area Chamber and Business Associates, the event includes auctions, raffle and the murder mystery “The Spy Who Loved Me to Death,” presented by Murder By Design.

Cost is $70 per person, $130 per couple or $499 for a table of eight.

Participants are asked to dress in Mardi Gras garb.

For reservations or more information, call the Chamber at 262-877-2220 or email info@twinlakeschamber.com. Read more: Kenosha News

Biloxi Bay Chamber Talk over coffee will be South Mississippi's military bases

The Oct. 22 Biloxi Bay Chamber of Commerce Coffee Talk will be on the value of military installations to South Mississippi.

The discussion, sponsored by the Harrison County Development Commission, will begin at 8 a.m. at the Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum, 115 E. First St. in Biloxi.

The panelists will be Lt. Gen. Clark Griffith (Ret.), Capt. Lou Marchette (Ret.), Lt. Gen. Mike Peterson (Ret.) and Brig. Gen. Joe Spraggins (Ret.). Read more: Sun-Herald

Town Square Publications Chamber Directories, Community Profiles, Maps, Re-Lo Guides and Custom Maps 

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. Click here

Read more here: http://www.sunherald.com/news/business/article38968152.html#storylink=cpy

Virginia Chamber of Commerce looking for fastest growing companies; Christian County (Kentucky) Chamber: Brainstorming to boost retail; Innovate Mississippi to host Discovery Luncheon event Tuesday, October 20 in Oxford; Alpena Chamber's Staff Chats To Recognize Chamber of Commerce Month; Lindenhurst-Lake Villa Chamber of Commerce: Joint Women's Outstanding Networking Luncheon titled "From Adversity to Strength"; Arts used as way to revitalize economy in rural Wisconsin; Elkhart Truth, Chamber of Commerce to host candidates forum Wednesday at Elkhart Memorial High School; Town Square Publications Chamber Directories

Virginia Chamber of Commerce looking for fastest growing companies

The Virginia Chamber of Commerce announced Tuesday it has opened nominations for its 2016 Fantastic 50 award program, which recognizes the fastest-growing companies in the state.

Nominations for the annual program are due Jan. 8, the chamber said in a news release.

To be eligible, a company must be privately-held, headquartered in Virginia and show sales between $200,000 and $200 million. It also must have positive revenue and net income growth in its most recent fiscal year over the previous year.

Companies are judged on four-year sales revenue history. Accounting and advisory firm Dixon Hughes Goodman will verify entries.

The Fantastic 50 award program is now in its 21st year. Virginia Business is one of the sponsors of the program and publishes the list of winners in its May issue.

To access the nomination form, visit http://www.dhgllp.com/about-us/locations/virginia/fantastic-50.

Source: Virginia Business

Christian County (Kentucky) Chamber: Brainstorming to boost retail

For Lanita Wilson, vice president of community affairs with the Christian County Chamber of Commerce, success in the community is possible when a cross section of people come together.

She believes that success is becoming obtainable for the chamber’s community vision plan.

In the fourth community consultants meeting Thursday, a product of the vision plan, local officials, business owners and community members brainstormed on how to move the community forward.

This particular meeting focused on assisting local retailers through campaigns and creating a community speakers program.

In terms of assisting local businesses, the vision plan’s target is to increase local sales 10 percent by 2020.

To do so, attendees agreed businesses and the community have to join forces, assisting one another along the way.

One attendee pointed out that in order to grow small businesses, the community has to be aware of what is available. An idea was presented to produce one collective list of all the local businesses in Christian County. The challenge comes in producing the material and disbursing it at a reasonable cost. Read more: Kentucky New Era

Innovate Mississippi to host Discovery Luncheon event Tuesday, October 20 in Oxford

Innovate Mississippi announces that the next Discovery Luncheon, which is a community-based event that spotlights Mississippi’s rich entrepreneurial culture, will be held Tuesday, October 20, in Oxford at the Powerhouse from 11:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. 
Organized by Innovate Mississippi, this first Oxford Discovery Luncheon is presented in partnership with FNC and the Oxford-Lafayette County Economic Development Foundation. “We’re excited to bring the Discovery Luncheon series to Oxford,” said Tony Jeff, president and CEO of Innovate Mississippi. “This event’s proven format helps people discover the remarkable innovation and entrepreneurial activity taking place in their own community – and all in a fun, educational environment designed to encourage networking. 
Innovate Mississippi holds Startup Weekends, Mississippi Angel Investor Network meetings and various other events in Oxford and at Ole Miss throughout the year, and we are happy to now expand into the area with this popular event.” The agenda begins at 11:30 a.m. with registration and networking. The lunch program will begin promptly at 12:00 noon. Josh Mabus, founder and president of the Mabus Agency, a creative marketing firmed based in Tupelo and Jackson, will serve as the featured speaker. Chip Wade, Ph.D., chief science officer of OrthoKinematics, a medical imaging startup launched in Mississippi, will present as the entrepreneur speaker. Time for Q&A with the speakers will be included. The event will conclude at 1:00 p.m. 
“The EDF is excited that Innovate Mississippi chose Oxford for a Discovery Luncheon,” said Jon Maynard, president and CEO of the Oxford-Lafayette County Economic Development Foundation and Chamber of Commerce. “Our efforts at job creation in Lafayette County are heavily focused on innovation and entrepreneurship. The University of Mississippi provides Oxford the opportunity to be a prime location in Mississippi for new businesses being developed. - See more at: the Local Voice

Alpena Chamber's Staff Chats To Recognize Chamber of Commerce Month

Many are unaware that October is Chamber of Commerce Month in the state of Michigan, and Alpena's Chamber is celebrating that by introducing staff chats.

The Chamber held its second staff chat Friday at JJ's downtown, and the goal of these is to get together with members in the community at public places to talk about anything they may be interested in.

President and CEO Jackie Krawczak, who is present at the chats, feels this public welcoming of community members is a way to reiterate what the Chamber's mission is and recognize the relationship between the Chamber and community members. Read more: WBKB 11

Lindenhurst-Lake Villa Chamber of Commerce: Joint Women's Outstanding Networking Luncheon titled "From Adversity to Strength"
Lindenhurst-Lake Villa Chamber of Commerce: Joint Women's Outstanding Networking Luncheon titled "From Adversity to Strength" at 11:30 a.m. at Lehmann Mansion, 485 N. Milwaukee Ave., Lake Villa. Area chambers include Antioch, Fox Lake, Grayslake, Kenosha, and Round Lake Area. Speaker Julie Savitt with AMS Earth Movers, Inc. will discuss how she turned her life around when her Guatemalan-born husband was deported, leaving her with a business to run in a male-dominated industry, three teenagers and a lot of debts. Cost is $12. Registration required. Details, 847-356-8446. Read more: Chicago Tribune

Arts used as way to revitalize economy in rural Wisconsin
In rural Sauk County, acres-long art installations inhabit farm fields and musicians strum guitars within earshot of lowing cattle.

In Reedsburg and Baraboo, fledgling nonprofits work to build stronger communities and vital economies via the arts.

And in the tourism juggernaut of Wisconsin Dells, officials seek to transform a magnet for summer vacationers into a year-round destination with a new arts district.

In those places and elsewhere in rural Wisconsin, "the arts," loosely interpreted, star in a movement driven by 21st century cultural and economic forces.

"We're in an interesting historical moment right now," said Anne Katz, executive director of Arts Wisconsin. "The economy is changing and we're living it." Read more: Star-Tribune

Elkhart Truth, Chamber of Commerce to host candidates forum Wednesday at Elkhart Memorial High School

Candidates in the race for Elkhart mayor and City Council will take the stage atElkhart Memorial High School Wednesday for a forum sponsored by The Elkhart Truth and the Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce.

Both mayoral candidates — Democratic incumbent Dick Moore and Republican challenger Tim Neese — have agreed to participate in the forum. Also invited are the 17 candidates in the contested City Council races.

The mayoral forum will take place from 7 to 7:45 p.m. and will be followed a forum for candidates in the 1st, 3rd, 4th and 6th districts. The forum for the nine candidates in the at-large council race will begin at approximately 8:45 p.m.

The forum at the auditorium of the high school, 2608 California Road, is free and open to the public. It will be broadcast live on Truth Radio 1340 (WTRC), and the mayoral portion of the forum will be rebroadcast at 8 a.m. Thursday. Read more: Elkhart Truth

Town Square Publications Chamber Directories

For further information about Town Square's publishing partnership with chambers of commerce and our No-Cost guarantee and Earned Revenue Share Program, please contact us. To request your publication proposal, Click here

Loudoun County Chamber Learns About State of Education; The 2016 Kentucky Legislative Preview: Join the most prominent and influential policy-makers in Kentucky! MEC concern: Sleeper issue in Mississippi election? Transportation money; Elkhart County's Gale Gerber on tourism council; Beaver Dam chamber innovation: Manufacturing day is Oct. 20; Mary Whiteford, 80th District hopeful, endorsed by Michigan Chamber; Geneva Chamber Chat: Ghost Walk and more on tap in Geneva; Kernersville (NC) Chamber of Commerce Thought for Today; Town Square Publications Chamber Directories, Community Profiles, Maps, Re-Lo Guides and Custom Maps

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

Loudoun County Chamber Learns About State of Education

Innovation was definitely on the menu at the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce’s “State of Innovation in Education” breakfast on Friday, September 18^th, at the Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) Administrative Offices in Ashburn.

The keynote speaker for the event was Former Virginia Secretary of Education and Chair of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce’s K-12 Committee Jim Dyke.

“You can’t rest on your laurels and continue to be aggressive and innovative. That’s where the business community can play a major, major role,” Dyke told Chamber members and their guests.

Preparing students to compete in a global economy is a participatory sport, not a spectator sport, he added. “In order for us to predict what the future workforce is going to look like, we have to be engaged.”

Dyke said the best way to predict the future is to shape it. He also was clear about where the greatest improvement in education can be made. “Any discussion about improving the performance of our educational system must start with the teachers in the classroom.”

The task for business, Dyke said, is “to encourage our best and brightest students to enter teaching.” The biggest difference between America and nations that are making huge educational strides can be summed up quickly. “They treat teachers as if they are the most important professionals in the workplace. And you know why? Because they are. These other nations pay their teachers way more than we pay ours to get the best and the brightest students to become teachers and they put them on a pedestal. We need that same commitment to teachers in our country.” Read more: Viva Loudoun

Join the most prominent and influential policy-makers in Kentucky!   Don't miss the Kentucky Chamber’s Annual Legislative Preview Conference, presented by Brown-Forman, Monday, Dec. 14, at the Griffin Gate Marriott Resort & Spa in Lexington. The 2016 Kentucky Legislative Preview is a one-day gathering of the most prominent and influential policy-makers in Kentucky. Key elected and appointed officials will be on hand to discuss the fast approaching legislative session. Join us as we look ahead to the 2016 General Assembly. Lawmakers will convene in Frankfort to consider legislative proposals – including many that will impact business. To help you stay informed, the Legislative Preview provides you with a rare opportunity to hear many of Kentucky's top public officials discuss their plans, priorities and predictions for next year's legislative session – you'll get the inside scoop from those who know. Register Now!  December 14, 2015 | Griffin Gate Marriott Resort & Spa | Lexington, Ky. MEC concern: Sleeper issue in Mississippi election? Transportation money For Gaylon Reed, the choice is stark - break the law or let his rice crop rot in the field. The 47-year-old Reed has been farming on the Panola-Quitman county line with his father for 29 years. All that time, he’s driven trucks and tractors across the bridges on Mississippi 6 that connect his family’s fields and link them to ports where grain is shipped. But last fall, state transportation officials called farmers and other haulers to a meeting in Clarksdale and told them the artery’s bridges are so deteriorated that they were unsafe for heavy trucks to cross. For a time, Reed said, officials were ticketing trucks exceeding weight limits. Northern District Transportation Commissioner Mike Tagert, a Starkville Republican, said the state plans temporary bridges by next fall and permanent replacement bridges by fall 2017, a $60 million project. For now, though, Mississippi 6 is the only way from part of Reed’s 3,500 acres to grain bins where he stores harvested rice and soybeans. That means sending trucks with 40 tons of grain across bridges posted for 11 tons. “We did have to go across bridges that are illegal,” Reed said. “We’re not the only ones doing that.” Reed’s case illustrates Mississippi’s struggle to maintain roads and bridges. Amid talk of education and the economy, transportation is a less prominent issue in this November’s election. But a major push to improve state funding could be coming in the 2016 Legislature, which means officials elected this fall will decide whether Mississippi will raise taxes to pay for asphalt and bridges. The pinch comes as highways age that were built following Mississippi’s 1987 passage of its four-lane highway program. Mississippi Department of Transportation officials estimate they need $400 million more a year just to stop deterioration. Mississippi’s gasoline tax of 18.4 cents per gallon hasn’t been raised since 1987. A panel led by Senate Transportation Committee Chairman Willie Simmons, D-Cleveland, proposed raising taxes to increase revenue by $600 million in 2013. Then, Gov. Phil Bryant, Lt. Gov Tate Reeves and some business groups rejected tax increases. The Mississippi Economic Council, the state’s chamber of commerce, is conducting its own study, and its support could be key to any successful plan. Executive Vice President Scott Waller said the council plans to release the study just after election day, and acknowledged it will contain options for revenue, but said he’s not ready to discuss the options. Read more: Washington Times Elkhart County's Gale Gerber on tourism council Nappanee Water & Wastewater Superintendent Gale Gerber said he’s been fortunate to have been part of many city, county and even state committees in his career, but his latest appointment to the Indiana Tourism Council still has him a little awed. The appointment comes from Gov. Mike Pence. The official certificate reads in part that the governor has “full faith and confidence in Gale Gerber” to carry out the duties of the tourism council. Of the 19 people appointed this year Gerber is the only member from Elkhart County. He said he believes he was nominated because he served two years as president of the Indiana State Festival Association. In that role he came to know Mark Newman, executive director of the Indiana Department of Tourism and Development. Gerber said he and Chamber of Commerce Director Jeff Kitson gave Newman a tour of Nappanee and according to Gerber, Newman loved Rocket Science’s ice cream and said he liked where the city was going and the growth it was having. Gerber said he was definitely shocked and knew nothing about the nomination. He recalled when he first heard about it. “The mayor and I and two department heads were in Indy when I got the text that I was nominated. The mayor said, ‘Gale you need to do this. It’s an honor and a privilege,’” he said. From there he filled out tons of paperwork and had to undergo training, including ethics training. He said the other people on the council are from various aspects of life and many are tied to tourism. He said the lieutenant governor’s chief of staff conducts the meetings, which include two senators and two representatives. At the time of this interview he’d only attended one meeting and that agenda was focused on grants. Gerber shared that in the council’s discussion of grants he was able to us the Nappanee Apple Festival as a prime example of how grants could help smaller communities. He said when he joined the Apple Festival Committee as director he felt the festival was going down so he wanted to get involved. Attendance at the festival went from 7,000 to 100,000. Read more: Goshen News Beaver Dam chamber innovation: Manufacturing day is Oct. 20 The Manufacturing Business Alliance is hosting a Manufacturing Month event in Dodge County area high schools and at Moraine Park Technical College. The event is “Careers in Manufacturing” and it will be held Oct. 20. Several manufacturers will be participating by giving educational tours that highlight manufacturing careers to area high school students. Tours are followed by a lunch presentation explaining educational paths that put students into those manufacturing careers. Area high schools participating in MBA’s manufacturing month event are Beaver Dam, Columbus, Fall River, Juneau, Horicon, Mayville, Randolph and Waupun. Area manufacturer’s providing tours are Apache Stainless Equipment Corp., Breuer Metals, Burgess-Norton, Federal-Mogul, John Deere Horicon Works, Kirsh Foundry, Lyco Manufacturing, Mayville Engineering Corp. (MEC), RCI Engineering and Signicast. The tours are followed by lunch at John Deer Horicon Works with a presentation by Moraine Park Technical College on apprenticeships, technical coursework, and degree programs available to get into a career in manufacturing. Manufacturing Month is a statewide event to recognize the importance of the manufacturing sector to Wisconsin’s economy. It is promoted and celebrated by numerous state agencies including Wisconsin Dept. of Workforce Development , Wisconsin Technical College System and Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce. The MBA is organized under the Beaver Dam Chamber of Commerce as an official affiliate organization. Since 2013, the MBA has been engaged in providing networking between manufacturers, business and educational institutions and works directly with the Wisconsin Workforce Development Board of South Central Wisconsin for resources and support. Read more: Daily Citizen Mary Whiteford, 80th District hopeful, endorsed by Michigan Chamber Whiteford's candidacy for 80th District House representative is being endorsed by the Michigan Chamber of Commerce. The statewide business organization announced its endorsement Wednesday of Whiteford in the Republican primary election to be held Nov. 3. "Mary Whiteford will be a strong supporter of job creation and economic growth and we are pleased to endorse her in this special election," Michigan Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer Richard Studley, said in a press release. "The residents of Allegan County deserve better representation," he said. "We believe Whiteford possesses the experience and strength of character necessary to serve the 80th House District well." Whiteford, a pediatric emergency nurse and small business owner from South Haven, is among seven candidates looking to fill the 80th State House District in Allegan County now vacant as a result of the expulsion of Cindy Gamrat, a Plainwell Republican. Gamrat is among the seven. Read more: M Live Geneva Chamber Chat: Ghost Walk and more on tap in Geneva October is one of my favorite months. It may be the cooler weather, the beautiful colors fall produces, the chance to pull out forgotten sweaters or the fact the festive holiday season is quickly approaching. Here at the Geneva Chamber of Commerce, the Christmas Walk and House Tour already have us in holiday mode. I will share some information at the end of this column and greater detail next month, because this month is about the celebration of fall flavors and colors, ghosts, goblins and – of course – Halloween in our BOOtiful city. Shops are displaying decorating ideas and items for the season, and restaurants are creating dishes using the fall harvest. Who knew how many ways pumpkin could be used? Get your October off to a spooktacular start by visiting downtown Geneva on a Sunday. Many places are open on Sundays in downtown Geneva. Brunch and shopping on a crisp day – just perfect. Read more: Kane County Chronicle Kernersville (NC) Chamber of Commerce Thought for Today Change your thoughts and you change your world. ~Norman Vincent Peale Town Square Publications Chamber Directories, Community Profiles, Maps, Re-Lo Guides and Custom Maps  Town Square Publications, a division of the Daily Herald Media Group, is a national chamber custom publishing group that specializes in developing partnerships by producing high-quality print and digitally integrated publications along with other added value programs dedicated to creating relevancy for local chambers of commerce and other membership focused organizations interested in raising non-dues revenues. Town Square Publications parent company, Paddock Publications, 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 attractive royalty and non-dues revenue share streams, provide direct distribution of your custom designed printed publications, including digital and mobile integration, and all with the quickest turn-around times available in the industry. Town Square also offers multi-media maps in both print and online formats, both with our No-Cost guarantee. More information: Town Square Publications Chambers of Commerce and member focused organizations serve as a valuable resource in the local marketplace. The networking opportunities and representation with a wide variety of diverse businesses in your community is the catalyst of a successful organization. For further information about Town Square's publishing partnership with chambers of commerce and our No-Cost guarantee and Earned Revenue Share Program, To request your publication proposal, Click here

Naperville Chamber: From President Nikki Anderson, Are you Maximizing Your Membership?; Racine Area Manufacturers and Commerce speaker: Reading, mental health issues presented at legislative forum; Fairfax Chamber to Host Cybersecurity: Is Your Business Prepared for Attack & Recovery?; Bowling Green Chamber: Targeted Business and Industry Appreciation Month Begins October 1st; Mississippi Coast Chamber calls town hall meetings; Chamber Executive in OnStar commercial filmed in Elba last week; Chamber corporate sponsor: Good vibes power Crawfordsville Electric Light & Power celebration; Pat McGaughey: What Yogi Berra meant to Membership; Town Square Publications Chamber Directories, Community Profiles, Maps, Re-Lo Guides and Custom Maps

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


Naperville Chamber: From President Nikki Anderson, Are you Maximizing Your Membership?

Click to watch the President's Corner in video format.

Six times a year, the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce hosts a Member Success Orientation. The purpose of the orientation is to help new Members learn how to successfully navigate the Chamber so they’re able to maximize their Membership. In addition to that, the Chamber staff provides them with tips. Given that many of you haven’t attended one of our orientations, I wanted to bring the tips to you.

Here are ways you can maximize your Membership!

-  Utilize the Member Directory. Call 3-5 Members per month to set up a coffee. At the end of the year that can add up to as many as 60 new contacts annually.

-  Make sure you visit your portal to ensure that all of your content is up-to-date. Remember, that’s what people are seeing when they click on your business. If you need your login information, you can contact  tletcher@naperville.net  orrbalance@naperville.net

-  Don’t feel like you have to visit every event when you first join. Look at the Chamber calendar, and put the events that interest you most in your calendar. You should ideally shoot for 3-4 programs/events per month.

-  Join a committee or TEAM, it’s a great way to get to know other Members in a more intimate environment. The size of our Chamber can be overwhelming, smaller groups make it more manageable. 

-  Make sure your portal has all of your social media links on it. Connect with the Chamber via social media.  Post coupons and discounts on the Chamber website. If you’re not sure how to do this, you can reach out to lholtz@naperville.net . Read more: Naperville Chamber

Racine Area Manufacturers and Commerce speaker: Reading, mental health issues presented at legislative forum

Speaking before over a dozen state legislators Tuesday afternoon, Racine Unified School District Superintendent Lolli Haws said a key way the state can support urban education is by ensuring new teachers can teach children how to read.

She said many first-time teachers start their jobs unprepared to teach elementary reading, and both universities and the state need to require more rigorous course work to aspiring teachers as undergraduates instead of during post-graduate degrees.

“We and all of our parents and all of our community, I believe really, should expect that a teacher coming out of college knows how to teach reading, and we are not ensuring that,” Haws said. “What the Department of Public Instruction and what our colleges and universities provide in teacher training is inadequate.”

She noted that school districts spend “millions of dollars of taxpayer money” giving teachers extra training or sending them to get masters degrees to get teachers trained to teach reading.

Haws was one of numerous local leaders in education, business and government who spoke during a public hearing at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, 900 Wood Road, Tuesday afternoon before a task force of state legislators on urban education – set up by Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester.

About 40 people attended the hearing on Tuesday afternoon, including several members of the Racine Unified School Board.

Speakers from the Racine Unified and Kenosha Unified school districts detailed local successes as well as how the state can assist urban communities effectively educating urban students, often dealing with stresses of poverty and limited resources.

Administrators and counselors from the Kenosha Unified School District placed particular emphasis on the need for state action to facilitate students getting access to treatment for mental health issues.

Local speakers also included Jim Ladwig, President & CEO of Racine Area Manufacturers and Commerce (RAMAC), who spoke on businesses partnering to set up the “career academies ” in Racine Unified high schools to connect job seekers with difficult to fill jobs in the community. Read more: Journal-Times

Fairfax Chamber to Host Cybersecurity:

Is Your Business Prepared for Attack & Recovery?

Fairfax Chamber’s Cybersecurity: Is Your Business Prepared for Attack & Recovery? on Tuesday, October 27th, from 7:30 – 9:30 AM at the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce in Tysons Corner, Virginia.

The Chamber’s Cyber Forum: Is Your Business Prepared for Attack & Recovery? will share best practices and lessons learned with your organization, along with addressing various threats, challenges, and business opportunities on the horizon.

During the event, panelists will discuss the detailed lifecycle of cyber threat preparedness and incident response including:

 The legal environment and proactively addressing threats prior to an attack

 Cyber threat intelligence and steady state information sharing and analysis operations, and

 Incident response and recovery

Registration is available online. Entry is $60 for Fairfax Chamber members and $80 for non-members.

Panelists include:

 Ben Beeson, Senior Vice President and Leader of the Cybersecurity Practice, Lockton Companies

 Jim Halpert, Partner, Co-Chair US Cybersecurity Practice and Co-Chair Global Data Protection for Privacy and Security Practice, DLA Piper

 John Peterson, Director, Supply Chain Cybersecurity & Special Missions and International Solutions Intelligence, Information and Services, Raytheon Company

Keynote Speaker and Moderator:

 Kevin Brancato, Director of Government Contracts Research, Bloomberg Government

Tuesday, October 27th, 2015 7:30 – 9:30 AM at Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce

7900 Westpark Drive, Suite A550; Tysons Corner, VA 22102

More info: Alex Chagouris, Director, Communications & Marketing <achagouris@fairfaxchamber.org>

Bowling Green Chamber: Targeted Business and Industry Appreciation Month Begins October 1st 

The Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce has named October as Targeted Business and Industry Appreciation Month in South Central Kentucky. Beginning October 1^st, the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce will host a series of events to celebrate and honor the accomplishments of the over 100 targeted businesses and industries and their contributions to the region’s economic prosperity.

Since 2012, the Chamber has recognized the first Friday of October as Manufacturing Day, a grassroots campaign dedicated to informing the public about the potential of modern manufacturing and fostering interest in manufacturing careers. Manufacturing is an important sector across the nation, and this is especially true in South Central Kentucky. As our manufacturing sector has grown in size and impact, we have chosen this year to celebrate our targeted businesses and industries for an entire month. 

South Central Kentucky is home to a diverse group of business and industry leaders ranging from international headquarters operations to advanced manufacturing to transportation, distribution and logistics and everything in between. In 2015 alone, these businesses have contributed to over $800.7 million in capital investment and the creation of 753 new jobs in the local community. In fact, the advanced manufacturing and transportation, distribution and logistics sectors alone account for over 31,600 jobs, the region’s largest employment sector at 30% of the workforce.

Throughout the month, the Chamber hopes to increase public awareness of the impact of these businesses as well as the career pathways and local job opportunities available in these sectors. With over 900 open positions available in Warren County alone, October is the perfect time to launch a new career in advanced manufacturing or a related industry. Read more: Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce

Mississippi Coast Chamber calls town hall meetings

Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce is hosting a series of forums in Gulfport, Biloxi, Long Beach and Pass Christian in October to hear the needs of the business community.

Aisa Templeton, membership development manager, said the meetings will provide businesses and individuals the opportunity to educate the chamber on their needs so the agency can identify and fill gaps in services.

The meetings are 8:30 a.m. Wednesday at The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Park campus, Long Beach; 8:30 a.m. Oct. 22 at Knight Nonprofit Center, Gulfport; 4:30 p.m. Oct. 22 at Pass Christian Library; and 8:30 a.m. Oct. 23 at Hancock Bank Community Room, Biloxi. Read more: Sun Herald

Chamber Executive in OnStar commercial filmed in Elba last week

The ‘lights, camera and action’ involved in creating a television commercial highlighted activity at the Elba Chamber of Commerce office and around the city last Thursday, Sept. 24, at an advertising crew from Michigan was in town shooting a commercial for OnStar, a product available on General Motors vehicles.

OnStar is a subsidiary of General Motors (GM) that provides subscription-based communications, in-vehicle security, hands free calling, turn-by-turn navigation, Wi-Fi, and remote diagnostics systems for GM vehicles, including Chevrolet. It was the Wi-Fi option that brought the advertising crew to Elba last week to create a commercial for OnStar.  

Sandy Bynum, executive director for the Elba Chamber of Commerce, purchased a Chevrolet Equinox from Cook Chevrolet in Elba several months ago. Shortly after making the vehicle purchase, Bynum and her sister, Buffy Lusk, and nieces, Mary Lacy and May Morgan Lusk, were all traveling together when from the back seat came dissension from Mary Lacy and May Morgan on who could use either the phone or tablet with available data service.

Bynum said she asked them why were they arguing.

“This vehicle has Wi-Fi,” she said. “You both can use your devices and be happy.”

Upon completing a survey regarding the purchase of the new vehicle, Bynum said she explained what had happened that day on their trip and how both girls were gleeful to learn they each could stay in-tune with the social media world without a hitch. It also made both she and her sister smile because suddenly the arguing vanished and all could travel happily. Read more: Elba Clipper

Chamber corporate sponsor: Good vibes power Crawfordsville Electric Light & Power celebration

Crawfordsville Electric Light & Power has not only been lighting up the community for 125 years, it has been helping shape its destiny.

Employees of the local utility company paused Friday to commemorate the major milestone with an open house, while the board of directors for the Crawfordsville/Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce conducted a special ribbon cutting ceremony outside the utility office at 808 Lafayette Road. 

“We’ve had 125 years of public power,” Phillip Goode, CEL&P manager, said. “We were the first public utility in Indiana. The first public utility in Indiana to produce power. And one of the first communities to have street lights.”

Although proud of its past, company officials are focused on the future.

“Today, because of our community’s vision, the city fathers, the city council, the utility service board, the mayor and the county commissioners, we now have 3 megawatts of solar power in Crawfordsville.”

Goode said the future is about being able to continue offering low cost utility rates, while attracting more commerce.

“We have some of the lowest utility rates in the state, and we have the best reliability matrix in the state and we are above the national average,” Goode said.

Crawfordsville Mayor Todd Barton said CEL&P has been the hallmark of the community.

“If you look at how Crawfordsville developed and why it attracted industrial-minded people, you will see that CEL&P was a big part of that,” he said. “You could do business here around the clock because we had an electrical system . As we go out and try to recruit new businesses, we are constantly reminded about the importance of not only affordable electricity, but reliability.”

Goode credited employees, both past and present, for the company’s overall success.

“We’ve made it through a lot and we will rise to future challenges,” he said. 

Goode gave special recognition to CEL&P employees, John Keller and Myron McAlister, who have worked for the company for 43 and 40 years, respectively.

“A lot of our history and our culture was based on what these two guys passed on to the rest of us,” he said. “We know it’s not about us, it’s about the little lady on Market Street who needs her power restored or providing low-cost power to our residents.”

Raj Rao, president and chief executive officer of the Indiana Municipal Power Agency, also was on hand at Friday’s open house. He conveyed a message of congratulations from the other 60 IMPA members. CEL&P is one of the 11 founding IMPA members, which was created in 1980.

“Without Crawfordsville’s push there wouldn’t be an IMPA today,” Rao said. “Our portfolio now includes coal, natural gas, nuclear, wind and solar. With these, we can help your community grow.”

Chamber Director Steve House also congratulated CEL&P on its 125th anniversary. He recognized the local utility as one of the Chamber’s eight corporate sponsors and gave a nod to IMPA, a Chamber member. Read more: Journal Review

Pat McGaughey: What Yogi Berra meant to Membership

"I ain't in no slump, I just ain't hittin."

Yogi-ism's were smarter than we thought First, please understand that Yogi Berra was my childhood baseball hero. I wore #8 until I attended a new high school and the number was taken; so I played tennis that year. R.I.P. Lawrence "Yogi" Berra  My favorite Yogi-ism, "I ain't in no slump, I just ain't hittin," defines how the media (and sometimes our boards) often work. They are trained to focus on the negative. When board members want to spend time discussing why members drop out, they should take the advise from Yogi Berra and stop focusing on the 'slump' and start focusing on the hits! Yogi may not have been articulate in a way we like but he ended up with more championship rings than any other New York Yankee. Focus and hold discussions on why new members say yes and why long-term members keep saying yes.  Save the negative discussion for committee work and the positive discussion for your leadership in the board room. Source: www.chambermentor.com Town Square Publications Chamber Directories, Community Profiles, Maps, Re-Lo Guides and Custom Maps  Town Square Publications, a division of the Daily Herald Media Group, is a national chamber custom publishing group that specializes in developing partnerships with chambers 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. More information: Town Square Publications To request your publication proposal, Click here