Happy Friday #Chamber World! Have a GREAT weekend!
Saginaw County Chamber: Common
Sense Regulation for Ridesharing Companies Provides Safety and Allows Growth
Saginaw, Mich – Ridesharing
(services like Lyft and Uber) is changing the way we think about transportation
here in Michigan and across the country.
Transportation Network Companies (TNC’s) are providing our state with
increased access and options for transportation while spurring entrepreneurial
pathways for many of our residents. Ridesharing can do this by utilizing an
innovative technological platform that makes getting a ride in your
neighborhood possible in minutes with just the click of a phone application.
Ridesharing
allows for quick access, easy cashless payments and the ability for drivers to
work on their own schedule. The
technology is new, however, that should not spur the government to overregulate
TNC’s. Instead, common sense
legislation such as the Transportation Network Company Act, currently being
reviewed by the Senate Regulatory Committee, should be passed as the framework
for how ridesharing is regulated in our state.
This
legislation offers simple, but effective oversight. Specifically, the Act stipulates that any TNC
wishing to operate in our state must first register and obtain a permit from
the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). Very similar to what’s already taken place in
over 36 states across the country, permits will only be given to TNC’s that
conduct extensive background checks on drivers and must adopt a zero-tolerance
policy for drugs and alcohol. Also,
TNC’s must secure insurance coverage for all those participating in the
transportation experience, including for passengers, drivers and fellow
motorists on the road. The Act would
keep Michigan rider’s safe, while at the same time allowing for growth and
expansion of the TNC services across our state.
The Saginaw County Chamber
of Commerce supports growth and business expansion. We support and promote business to better
spur our local economy. We advocate for
policy that allows businesses to thrive and provide ways for people to earn
needed income, rather than to be hindered by overregulation. The Transportation
Network Company Act is an effective package of bills that would regulate TNC’s
for the purpose of safety, accessibility and accountability while at the same
time allowing them to operate efficiently in our state. Our state must welcome and adopt business
that will only add to our thriving communities. Learn More about us here: Saginaw County Chamber
#BestChamber Practices:Covington County MS Strategic Plan 2012-2017
The following strategic plan has been developed in cooperation with the Covington County Board of Supervisors, Economic Development Authority, Chamber of Commerce, and local leaders. This plan represents common goals and objectives for our county over the next several years. It serves as a basis for uniting our communities, developing a spirit of cooperation, and for providing a vision for Covington County.
Goal 1: Improve public perception, increase graduation rate, attack poverty level, increase respect for learning.
Objective: Establish a Covington County Learning Center in a partnership with JCJC.
Goal 2: Increase positive information about schools.
Objective: Designate a person to head up bi-weekly articles being published via all outlets to include newspaper, website, school newspapers and possibly social media. Include an article in the chamber newsletter quarterly.
Goal 3: Provide a parent training opportunity at each public library/ other facility for parents of non-served pre-school age children as identified through outreach in churches, social media, newspaper, etc. Serve up to 50% of parents.
Goal 4: Increase graduation rate by starting a research committee to determine viability of a guaranteed tuition program in partnership with JCJC.
Goal 5: Decrease dropout rate by setting up an “in house” GED program.
Goal 1: Increase access to broadband technology.
Goal 2: Industrial site in the county.
Goal 3: Improve and expand infrastructure.
Goal 1: Actively market the county through a professional economic developer
Goal 2: Continue an active existing industry program
Goal 3: Improve education through more community development
Goal 1: Get behind our school system and provide more support from the community that will benefit a greater number of students.Objective 1a: Encourage more educators to get involved in the community to express the needs of the school.Objective 1b: Promote and grow the MS Scholars program.
Objective 1b: Promote and grow the MS Scholars program.
Objective 1c: Encourage civic groups and private sector entities to support the school system.
Objective 1d: Promote education programs that discourage teen pregnancy.
Goal 2: Promote tourism particularly in our niche markets of agri-tourism, genealogical research, recreation particularly involving water-related activities, and cultural events.
Objective 2a: Support publicity of cultural events.
Goal 3: Promote safer communities through an increased level of transparency in reporting crime rates in a timely manner.
Objective 3a: Give law enforcement officials greater support for choosing to do the right thing in making arrests. Source: Covington County Chamber
Greensburg-Decatur County chamber: Shopping for a better local economy
Several dozen local ladies spent the day Wednesday shopping Tree City small businesses as they worked toward building a better economy during the tenth annual Shopping Scramble hosted by the Greensburg-Decatur County Chamber of Commerce.
The annual event lasts six hours, though its impact lingers far longer. Because $0.68 of every dollar spent at a locally-owned business is recirculated in the community, the scramble benefits not only the store owners, but the Greensburg economy as a whole, according to Chamber Executive Director Jeff Emsweller.
In addition to supporting Greensburg merchants, the program also yields financial support for a Decatur County non-profit and the Chamber’s small business grant program. Sixty-eight shoppers hit the streets to support small businesses.
“There’s no reason you can’t buy locally,” Emsweller said. “It keeps the economy going and makes us a great community.”
Local food pantry Greensburg Bread of Life was the recipient of a $500 check at the Shopping Scramble’s kick-off ceremony hosted at Arbor Grove Village Wednesday morning.
After being unleashed to flex their pocketbooks in both the downtown shopping district and elsewhere in the city, shoppers gathered at Aspen Place Health Campus to end the day with gourmet desserts and prizes.
Emsweller also thanked the event’s sponsors. “We can’t thank our sponsors enough. All that money is going to good use and we hope they receive benefits as well. We’ve had merchants ask to do this more than once a year.”
The funds from the Shopping Scramble will help fund the Chamber’s annual $1,000 small business grant.
The youngest shopper clocked in at age 21 and the oldest at over 80. Though the group of 68 is small compared to Greensburg’s population of over 20,000, these ladies likely spent several thousand dollars in just six hours. More than one woman spent more than $300 at a single place and the shopper that spent the most shelled out over $500.
While Emsweller said the totals have not been calculated yet, “I’m going to estimate shoppers spent about $5,000.” Emsweller added that there was only about 4.5 hours of shopping time, making the total that much more impressive. Read more: Greensburg Daily News
Marion County Chamber Chili Cook-Off
The annual Chamber Chili Cook-off at the Dickens Christmas Celebration in downtown Lebanon will be held on Friday, Nov. 25, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Participants will be placed along Main Street near participating businesses. All of the money raised this year will be donated the Marion County Area Technology Center. To register, please contact the Marion County Chamber of Commerce by Nov. 18. If you have questions, please email director@MarionCountyKyChamber.com or call the Chamber office at 270-692-9594. More information: Marion County KY Chamber
#BestChamber Practices:Covington County MS Strategic Plan 2012-2017
The following strategic plan has been developed in cooperation with the Covington County Board of Supervisors, Economic Development Authority, Chamber of Commerce, and local leaders. This plan represents common goals and objectives for our county over the next several years. It serves as a basis for uniting our communities, developing a spirit of cooperation, and for providing a vision for Covington County.
PEOPLE AND EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Mission Statement: Improve the culture to provide learning for students so they leave school having met the criteria to become employed or enrolled in further education. Ask businesses and churches to partner with the schools to accomplish this task. Establish pride is primary in our community, schools, and families.Goal 1: Improve public perception, increase graduation rate, attack poverty level, increase respect for learning.
Objective: Establish a Covington County Learning Center in a partnership with JCJC.
Goal 2: Increase positive information about schools.
Objective: Designate a person to head up bi-weekly articles being published via all outlets to include newspaper, website, school newspapers and possibly social media. Include an article in the chamber newsletter quarterly.
Goal 3: Provide a parent training opportunity at each public library/ other facility for parents of non-served pre-school age children as identified through outreach in churches, social media, newspaper, etc. Serve up to 50% of parents.
Goal 4: Increase graduation rate by starting a research committee to determine viability of a guaranteed tuition program in partnership with JCJC.
Goal 5: Decrease dropout rate by setting up an “in house” GED program.
PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE
Mission Statement: To provide and promote physical infrastructure conducive to economic development, quality of life, which sets us apart from other communities.Goal 1: Increase access to broadband technology.
Goal 2: Industrial site in the county.
Goal 3: Improve and expand infrastructure.
JOBS AND BUSINESS COMMITTEE
Mission Statement: Create good paying jobs, support existing industries in the county, establishing new businesses in great locations.Goal 1: Actively market the county through a professional economic developer
Goal 2: Continue an active existing industry program
Goal 3: Improve education through more community development
CIVIC/CULTURAL/SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE
Mission Statement: To cultivate and continuously pursue unique community attributes that recognizes Covington County as the destination in Mississippi for researching genealogy, for agri-tourism, and for recreation that creates an inviting and entertaining place to live.Goal 1: Get behind our school system and provide more support from the community that will benefit a greater number of students.Objective 1a: Encourage more educators to get involved in the community to express the needs of the school.Objective 1b: Promote and grow the MS Scholars program.
Objective 1b: Promote and grow the MS Scholars program.
Objective 1c: Encourage civic groups and private sector entities to support the school system.
Objective 1d: Promote education programs that discourage teen pregnancy.
Goal 2: Promote tourism particularly in our niche markets of agri-tourism, genealogical research, recreation particularly involving water-related activities, and cultural events.
Objective 2a: Support publicity of cultural events.
Goal 3: Promote safer communities through an increased level of transparency in reporting crime rates in a timely manner.
Objective 3a: Give law enforcement officials greater support for choosing to do the right thing in making arrests. Source: Covington County Chamber
Cottage Grove Chamber of Commerce 2016 Community Profile & Membership Directory
The Cottage Grove Chamber of Commerce 2016 Community Profile & Membership Directory is available at the Cottage Grove Chamber today! Thanks to the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!
Town SquarePublications (www.townsquarepublications.com) can help you accomplish your chamber's gloss map, directory, community profile or publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633.
#BestChamber Practices: Front Royal- Warren County Chamber: Benefits of Membership
Advertising
Promote your business through the Chamber’s multiple publications, emails, social media, print media, radio, events, and websites.
Promote your business through the Chamber’s multiple publications, emails, social media, print media, radio, events, and websites.
Access of Information
Your Chamber has a wealth of valuable information and a knowledgeable staff to answer your business and community questions.
Your Chamber has a wealth of valuable information and a knowledgeable staff to answer your business and community questions.
Brown Bag Luncheons
These luncheons held the third Wednesday of every month provide valuable education and information on various topics and networking opportunities. Attendance is free to members ($15 for non-members) and lunch is provided.
These luncheons held the third Wednesday of every month provide valuable education and information on various topics and networking opportunities. Attendance is free to members ($15 for non-members) and lunch is provided.
Bulk Mailing
Chamber members can take advantage of the Chamber’s bulk mailing permit for direct mail pieces. Use of this permit results in significant savings on mailing costs.
Chamber members can take advantage of the Chamber’s bulk mailing permit for direct mail pieces. Use of this permit results in significant savings on mailing costs.
Business After Hours
Monthly networking events held in a variety of member locations to help you network and connect with fellow chamber members and potential new clients.
Monthly networking events held in a variety of member locations to help you network and connect with fellow chamber members and potential new clients.
Business Directory & Quality of Life Publication
The Chamber’s Business Directory and Quality of Life Publication is published and distributed annually free of charge to members, businesses, residents and potential residents. All Chamber members receive a complimentary listing in the directory to give greater exposure to your products and services and you are encouraged to pick up extra copies for distribution at your place of business.
The Chamber’s Business Directory and Quality of Life Publication is published and distributed annually free of charge to members, businesses, residents and potential residents. All Chamber members receive a complimentary listing in the directory to give greater exposure to your products and services and you are encouraged to pick up extra copies for distribution at your place of business.
Chamber Thing
A quarterly direct mailing to all Chamber members which includes flyers and brochures with special offers and information from Chamber members.
A quarterly direct mailing to all Chamber members which includes flyers and brochures with special offers and information from Chamber members.
Conference Room Space Use
Members are welcome to use meeting space in the chamber office with advance notice. There are two rooms available (board room seats 10 and conference room seats 15.) AV equipment is available.
Members are welcome to use meeting space in the chamber office with advance notice. There are two rooms available (board room seats 10 and conference room seats 15.) AV equipment is available.
E-connections
This weekly email newsletter provides you with timely business information, Chamber updates and events, and member news. (Members can submit information for member news to priffle@frontroyalchamber.com)
This weekly email newsletter provides you with timely business information, Chamber updates and events, and member news. (Members can submit information for member news to priffle@frontroyalchamber.com)
Involvement Opportunities
You are encouraged to join the committee (s) of your choice and have a direct impact on Chamber programs/projects and the future of your community while promoting your business.
You are encouraged to join the committee (s) of your choice and have a direct impact on Chamber programs/projects and the future of your community while promoting your business.
Job Fairs
These events give you direct access to potential employees and afford you the opportunity to promote your company’s culture and benefits for future hiring.
These events give you direct access to potential employees and afford you the opportunity to promote your company’s culture and benefits for future hiring.
Leadshare
LeadShare is a proactive approach to giving and receiving business leads and expanding your business network through focused networking and fellowship.
LeadShare is a proactive approach to giving and receiving business leads and expanding your business network through focused networking and fellowship.
Leadership Front Royal-Warren County
An innovative program which has a mission of developing a source of informed, civic-oriented, volunteer leaders who are interested in helping direct the future of the community.
An innovative program which has a mission of developing a source of informed, civic-oriented, volunteer leaders who are interested in helping direct the future of the community.
Legislative Initiatives
The Chamber monitors and notifies you of important local and state issues that affect businesses and the quality of life for residents of Front Royal-Warren County.
The Chamber monitors and notifies you of important local and state issues that affect businesses and the quality of life for residents of Front Royal-Warren County.
Literature Displays
All members are encouraged to display their brochures and business cards in the Chamber lobby as another way to capture new customers and attention.
All members are encouraged to display their brochures and business cards in the Chamber lobby as another way to capture new customers and attention.
Mailing labels
Target your marketing with the hottest mailing list in town.
Target your marketing with the hottest mailing list in town.
Membership Decal
63% of consumers say they are more likely to buy from a Chamber member… so proudly promote your Chamber membership with this handsome window decal.
63% of consumers say they are more likely to buy from a Chamber member… so proudly promote your Chamber membership with this handsome window decal.
Networking.. Networking… Networking
The Chamber offers many monthly networking opportunities allowing our members to create new partnerships and generate new business.
The Chamber offers many monthly networking opportunities allowing our members to create new partnerships and generate new business.
New Member Orientation
New members are welcomed with an orientation that provides an in-depth overview of the services and benefits available to them to help them maximize their investment.
New members are welcomed with an orientation that provides an in-depth overview of the services and benefits available to them to help them maximize their investment.
Notary Service
The Chamber has a notary on staff to assist members at no charge. Members should call ahead to arrange an appointment.
The Chamber has a notary on staff to assist members at no charge. Members should call ahead to arrange an appointment.
Professional Development
Your Chamber offers numerous seminars, roundtables, and educational activities geared specifically to the business community and the continuing education of you and your employees.
Your Chamber offers numerous seminars, roundtables, and educational activities geared specifically to the business community and the continuing education of you and your employees.
Referrals
The Chamber refers members… we love referring your business. Whether through phone inquiry, email, online, or a visit to the Chamber offices, business, residents, and visitors alike will find information about your company. Referrals through the Chamber’s website and social media sites continue to grow and generate new leads for Chamber members.
The Chamber refers members… we love referring your business. Whether through phone inquiry, email, online, or a visit to the Chamber offices, business, residents, and visitors alike will find information about your company. Referrals through the Chamber’s website and social media sites continue to grow and generate new leads for Chamber members.
Relocation Packages
Our relocation packages are distributed to newcomers and potential residents through mail requests and walk in visits. Your advertising brochures and ad specialty items can reach these newcomers first; before they establish buying patterns.
Our relocation packages are distributed to newcomers and potential residents through mail requests and walk in visits. Your advertising brochures and ad specialty items can reach these newcomers first; before they establish buying patterns.
Ribbon Cuttings
The Chamber enjoys helping members celebrate the grand openings of their businesses by conducting ribbon cutting ceremonies complete with media representatives and elected officials and helping members promote the good news.
The Chamber enjoys helping members celebrate the grand openings of their businesses by conducting ribbon cutting ceremonies complete with media representatives and elected officials and helping members promote the good news.
Social Media Promotion
Our Chamber has a strong social media presence. Member’s events, specials and news are posted on our social media outlets to increase exposure and advertising.
Our Chamber has a strong social media presence. Member’s events, specials and news are posted on our social media outlets to increase exposure and advertising.
Valley Business Today
The Chamber hosts an edition of “Valley Business Today” on The River 95.3 on the first Wednesday of each month. Chamber members are invited to be guests on the show.
The Chamber hosts an edition of “Valley Business Today” on The River 95.3 on the first Wednesday of each month. Chamber members are invited to be guests on the show.
Website
The Chamber’s website is full of member business and community information, giving you 24/7 access to tools designed to help your business succeed. All members are listed in our online business directory with a link to your website and description of your company. More Information: Front Royal-Warren County Chamber
The Chamber’s website is full of member business and community information, giving you 24/7 access to tools designed to help your business succeed. All members are listed in our online business directory with a link to your website and description of your company. More Information: Front Royal-Warren County Chamber
#BestChamber practices: Barrington Area Chamber: Women’s Biz Net
The Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce’s Women’s Biz Net (WBN ) is a network of women empowering women. WBN offers monthly meetings and programs that bring relevant topics, networking opportunities and a forum for building relationships that can enhance your business aspirations and enrich your life.
Mission Statement:
“To gather professional women to inspire, enrich, empower and benefit from the unique talents of extraordinary women!”
WBN offers monthly meetings at lunch or breakfast. Each May they host the ATHENA Awards, a prestigious international Leadership Award. Nominees must demonstrate excellence, creativity and initiative in their business or profession; provide valuable service to improve the quality of life for others in their community; and actively assist or mentor women in achieving their leadership potential. Being nominated by your peers is a wonderful accolade.
The 2015 ATHENA Award will be presented at the WBN ATHENA luncheon on Thursday, May 28 at the Biltmore Country Club in North Barrington. To submit an ATHEANA nomination, click here for the 2015 ATHENA form.
Another amazing event hosted by our WBN is the annual Holiday Bliss event, held each year at one of our first-rate banquet facilities. The event includes a delicious Holiday lunch, vendor booths for some pre-holiday shopping, guest speakers to help you prepare for the holidays, free gift bags to attendees, raffle prizes and more. Holiday Bliss this year will be held on November 19 at the Marriott Northwest. Read more: Barrington Area Chamber
Chamber contribution: Sparta to open at-risk youth program
The Sparta Area Chamber of Commerce has more than just the business community on its mind.
Over the last year, the organization has been working to start The Transition Program. It's a collaborative effort between the Wisconsin Challenge Academy, The Sparta Area Chamber of Commerce and other local organizations.
The program is offering recently graduated cadets from the Wisconsin National Guard Challenge Academy an opportunity to transition out of the academy and into the workforce.
The goal is to help at-risk youth who typically attend the the Challenge Academy because of bad habits and tough life experiences. Program leaders say transitioning out of the program, often times leaves the youth fearful of what's next. But that will soon change.
"So essentially offering them an opportunity to rather than going back to environments that they view as unfavorable, the opportunity to stay closer, to continue to stay connected with the Challenge Academy and in a community that they've been serving for the last five and a half months," said Kristi Paulsen, a member of The Transition Program committee.
Director of the Wisconsin Challenge Academy says The Transition Program is the right next step for cadets who have already been preparing for life after the academy.
"The cadets have a responsibility to put a five step plan together that talks about what their initial, their intermediate and their long term goals are, and then put an action plan together of how they're gonna get there," said Kevin Greenwood.
Greenwood said those goals will be easier to meet, when the opportunity is already there.
"Part of The Transition Program is to offer our cadets the opportunity or an option for when they graduate from the program," he said.
Director of the Wisconsin Challenge Academy says The Transition Program is the right next step for cadets who have already been preparing for life after the academy.
"The cadets have a responsibility to put a five step plan together that talks about what their initial, their intermediate and their long term goals are, and then put an action plan together of how they're gonna get there," said Kevin Greenwood.
Greenwood said those goals will be easier to meet, when the opportunity is already there.
"Part of The Transition Program is to offer our cadets the opportunity or an option for when they graduate from the program," he said.
The Transition Program will officially begin June of 2017 and plans to start with six graduated cadets.
The Sparta Area Chamber of Commerce invested 2,000 dollars to help start the program. Read more: News 8000
Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S.
Town Square Publications, a division of the Daily Herald Media Group, is a national chamber custom publishing group that specializes in developing partnerships by producing high-quality print and digitally integrated publications along with other added value programs dedicated to creating relevancy for local chambers of commerce and other membership focused organizations interested in raising non-dues revenues.
Town Square Publications parent company, Paddock Publications, has over 100 years’ experience of print product development and dedicated customer service in communities throughout the Midwest. Our experience allows Town Square Publications to offer you attractive royalty and non-dues revenue share streams, provide direct distribution of your custom designed printed publications, including digital and mobile integration, and all with the quickest turn-around times available in the industry. Town Square also offers multi-media maps in both print and online formats, both with our No-Cost guarantee. More information: Town Square Publications
Chambers of Commerce and member focused organizations serve as a valuable resource in the local marketplace. The networking opportunities and representation with a wide variety of diverse businesses in your community is the catalyst of a successful organization. For further information about Town Square's publishing partnership with chambers of commerce and our No-Cost guarantee and Earned Revenue Share Program, To request your chamber publication or map proposal, Contact Town Square Here
Friday: 157 Rules for Executive Success in Organization Management (and your Chamber of Commerce) by Patrick McGaughey
RULE
#38 Give 30 days’ notice when leaving
