Chamber of Commerce Daily News

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Friday, December 15, 2017

#BestChamber Practices: Effingham County Chamber of Commerce #100 Acts of Service: Valpo Chamber: FYI Business Workshop - Business & Real Estate Property Valuation; Plainfield Area Chamber of Commerce 2016 Community Profile & Directory; Flint Momentum continues with opening of Capitol Theatre; Congratulations to the Winners of the 52nd Annual Williamsburg Christmas Parade!; The Cedarburg Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Guide; Janesville family star in back-to-Wisconsin video; Best Places to Work in Kentucky; Madison The City Chamber: Festival of Trees; Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S..

Good morning #Chamber World! It's going to be a GREAT day!

#BestChamber Practices: Effingham County Chamber of Commerce: #100 Acts of Service

#100 Acts of Service - What are you doing this holiday season to help others? We Want to Know!

As part of the Chamber's Centennial year, we have included identifying #100 Acts of Service as part of our celebration efforts. It is through these acts that Effingham County continues to grow and develop and attract people who recognize giving as essential to their everyday living.#100 Acts of Service don't need to be significant. It can be as simple as ringing bells for Salvation Army, buying gifts for children and families in need or supporting your favorite local charity in some special way. It can be an individual project, family effort or business or group activity. Reporting your #100 Acts of Service is simple too.

We are looking forward to recognizing these #100 Acts of Service at the Business Recognition Gala in January when we close out our Centennial Year.

P. S. There's still time to be a Centennial Candle Sponsor, too!

Thank you for being a valued member of the Chamber. You are important to us!

Yours in Business,

Norma Lansing

Valpo Chamber: FYI Business Workshop - Business & Real Estate Property Valuation

Wednesday, December 13, 2017 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM CST

Valpo Chamber
162 W Lincolnway
Valparaiso, IN 46383

Business & Real Estate Property Valuation

Presented by Tom Sibo, CPA ABV, Sibo & Associates LLC and Aaron Ingram, Valuation Services, LLC
At this workshop, you will be given a “fly over” guide for business owners who may be considering having a business entity or real property appraisal performed. Additionally, for our other chamber members, the materials presented serve to help business owners when thinking about their investments and/or financial practitioners interested in learning about appraisal services. The program is designed to be informative and educational for the typical business owner, providing thoughts, considerations and insights that are often covered during an appraisal engagement.

Below is a list of topics to be covered:
•   Reasons for Valuations
•   Importance of the Appraiser
•   Types of Valuations & Reports
•   Interests Appraised
•   Scope of Work
•   Approaches & Methods to Valuations
•   Key Considerations in Valuations
•   Key Governance in Valuations
•   Valuation Adjustments
•   Tangible Asset Appraisals
•   Intangible Asset Appraisals
•   Fair Value in Financial Reporting & Impairment Testing
•   And More… .
Wednesday, December 13
8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
.
Valpo Chamber
162 W Lincolnway
$10 per person/member

Plainfield Area Chamber of Commerce 2016 Community Profile & Directory

The Plainfield Area Chamber of Commerce 2016 Community Profile & Directory is available at the Plainfield Area Chamber today! Thanks to Tasha Kitson, Mari Edmondson, Vitella Barnes, Kellie Wujek and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!

If you walk down the streets of downtown Flint, you can feel the momentum that is fueling the revitalization of the area.Just this past week – after nearly 20 years – the historic Capitol Theatre opened and a ceremonial program and ribbon-cutting was held as a crowd of nearly 800 people cheered on. It was one of the most exciting days in my career. As I looked across the stage and out into the audience, I saw the partners – the state of Michigan and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the City of Flint, The Whiting, Uptown Reinvestment Corporation, Uptown Developments, and the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and Hagerman Foundation. it was a great reminder of what can be accomplished through strong, private-public partnerships.

The importance of the Capitol’s restoration extends far beyond the building itself. The theatre is a symbol of the transformation occurring in downtown Flint and is part of an epicenter of commercial, residential and public space. It will also contribute significantly to the quality of life for Flint and Genesee County residents and beyond. And now that the Capitol is open for business, it’s expected to draw thousands of people for a great show, as well as to dine or shop, creating a strong economic impact, over time.

The equally great news is that the revitalization doesn’t stop with the Capitol. Work will continue in 2018 on several projects including a mixed-income housing complex, Mott’s culinary school and café, and potentially a new hotel.

As always, I ask that you help the Chamber communicate good news and watch for more project updates. In the meantime, enjoy the holidays. I’ll see you in the New Year!

Tim Herman, CEO

Congratulations to the Winners of the 52nd Annual Williamsburg Christmas Parade!

Williamsburg, VA – The Greater Williamsburg Chamber and Tourism Alliance hosted the 52^nd annual Community Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 2^nd. We had a number of beautiful “Winter Wonderland” themed floats, lively bands, multiple community organizations, and of course our special guests, Santa & Mrs. Claus, that participated as we ushered in the holiday season in Williamsburg! If you missed the parade, you can watch it from our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/WilliamsburgChamber/videos/1645816495440139/

We had 9 categories for judging and our winners for 2017 are as follows:

Animal Units:

1^st Colonial Newfoundland Club

2^nd Siberian Husky Rescue

Commercial Organization:

1^st Williams Landscape & Design, Inc.

2^nd DoubleTree by Hilton Williamsburg

Religious Organization:

1^st Greenwood Christian Academy

2^nd Covenant Christian School

General Floats:

1^st Williamsburg Host Lions

2^nd Virginia Regional Ballet

Civic Organization:

1^st James City Lions Club

2^nd Williamsburg Area Rotary Club

Vehicle Unit:

1^st VA Classic Thunderbirds

1^st Citizens and Farmers Bank

2^nd Williamsburg Model-T Owners

Children’s Floats:

1^st Power House Dance
1^st Boy Scout Troop 103

2^nd Girl Scout Troop 1346

Non-Profit Floats:

1^st Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center

2^nd Institute for Dance

High School and Middle School Bands:

1^st Warhill High School

2^nd Jamestown High School

Congratulations to the winners and thank you to all the units and participants in the parade! A special thanks to our Bronze sponsors, Childcare Network, Shorty’s Diner, Williams Landscape & Design, Inc., and our Silver Sponsor Yankee Candle. Happy holidays from the Greater Williamsburg Chamber & Tourism Alliance! Contact: kayla@williamsburgcc.com

The Cedarburg Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Guide

The Cedarburg Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Guide & Map is available at the chamber today ! Thanks to the Jennifer Andreas and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!

Cedarburg Community Guide

The state's largest business association chose a Janesville couple for a new video designed to persuade more young people to return to Wisconsin and bolster the workforce.

The video shows Will and Katie Springer, two young professionals, talking about how they left Chicago when their first child was born, after Will got a job at a Janesville law firm.

The video emphasizes the short commutes to work, safety and opportunities to be part of a community, all things they didn't find in Chicago.

Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce hopes the message resonates with young people, especially those who left Wisconsin to live in the Chicago area.

Wisconsin is facing a “demographic crisis,” said Kurt Bauer, WMC's president and CEO, who wants state lawmakers to spend more money on similar efforts.

“If you want your economy to grow, you need more people,” Bauer said.

Bauer put out the word to local affiliates, looking for examples of people who have chosen Wisconsin after choosing Chicago.

John Beckord of Forward Janesville passed it on to members, which is how WMC found the Springers.

Will is from Iowa County in southwest Wisconsin, Katie from Fond du Lac. They both went to college in Wisconsin.

They met and started their family in Chicago, where Will got his law degree and Katie got her master's degree in psychology.

Will was working for a Chicago law firm and realized that his late hours and long mass-transit commute would mean he would often miss the opportunity to put his first son to bed, he said.

They moved to Janesville in 2012. Now both 33, they were able to afford a house they could never have bought in Chicago, Will said. Both parents work full time.

Will was able to drop off his son at Janesville Community Daycare and still get to work at the Brennan Steil law firm downtown in 10 minutes, he said.

“Anywhere in Janesville, whether you're grocery shopping or going to any sort of event, it takes 15 minutes max,” Will said.

Katie took jobs in the social service field. She's now with Rock County, in adult protective services.

Their oldest son is now in kindergarten at St. John Vianney School, while their 1-year-old goes to day care in Milton, so Will has a longer commute, but he enjoys the time to think and listen to the radio, he said.

Will still works hours dictated by the needs of his clients, but he can work into the evening and still get home in time to tuck his sons into bed.

“That's kind of the balance we were looking for,” Will said.

“I can walk down the street with my wife and two boys and feel safe,” he says in the video.

Will likes how the city has blossomed in recent years. He enjoys two new additions, microbrewery Rock County Brewing Company and Lark restaurant. And he likes the downtown redevelopment project known as ARISE.

“I think it's a really good thing and one of reasons why we're staying here and we want to be a part of that,” he said of ARISE.

And while the restaurant selection and shopping are nothing like in Chicago, access to bigger cities via the interstate highways is a plus, he said.

And they're both much closer to their families.

Will likes being able to get involved in the community and meet new people through his work with Janesville Youth Hockey, where he coaches and is vice president of the board.

WMC's Bauer, a Beloit native, said when his organization started thinking about the demographic problem, members focused on the need for skilled trades workers, such as welders, electricians and millwrights.

Then they realized the need will be much greater.

UW-Madison Applied Population Laboratory did a study showing the working-age population will grow by only 0.1 percent from 2010 to 2040.

“You can see by that jarring statistic that we need people, period,” Bauer said. “We need bus drivers. We need teachers, people to work in office buildings, you name it.”

Bauer said a lack of workers could lead to a demography-driven recession like the one that hit former economic powerhouse Japan.

But the need is not somewhere in the future, according to WMC. The association surveys its members each year, asking if they have trouble hiring workers.

In 2015, 64 percent of the members—from across the business sector, from manufacturing to services—said they had that problem. By June of this year, the percentage was 77. And a new survey to be released in January will show 80 percent can't find workers they need.

Last year, WMC produced a video focusing on Milwaukee as a great place for millennials to start careers or businesses, Bauer said

This time, they wanted to appeal specifically to former Wisconsinites who have left the state for the Chicago area, trying to capitalize on the population losses Illinois is suffering, Bauer said.

“Wisconsin is already getting its fair share of refugees from Illinois,” Bauer said.

The point of the new video was to show a young couple finding a great place to raise a family, “and Wisconsin, I think, has that in spades,” Bauer said. Read more: Gazette Extra

Best Places to Work in Kentucky

Best Places to Work in Kentucky is dedicated to identifying and recognizing

Kentucky’s best employers, but it doesn't stop there. This exciting initiative also offers sponsorship opportunities designed to achieve recognition and brand awareness among a distinguished audience.

As a sponsor, you will create new sales opportunities, generate leads and position your organization
as a supporter of the only award in Kentucky that recognizes the places where people love to work.

The presenting sponsorship is available and offers maximum exposure with recognition beginning immediately after sign-on!

Click here to view event demographics and key metrics that demonstrate the value of sponsorship.

Act now to secure your sponsorship, limited opportunities are available!

Interested in learning more about sponsorship opportunities? Contact Andrea Flanders, sponsorship development manager, at 502-848-8723 for more information about this unique and exciting
investment opportunity!

Madison The City Chamber: Festival of Trees

Festival of Trees

Madison the City is shining brightly again this Christmas season with its annual Festival of Trees.

Christmas trees, sponsored by local businesses, fill the grounds of Madison Square Center for the Arts along Main Street through the month of December.

Festival of Trees is sponsored by Madison the City Chamber of Commerce which encourages visitors to enjoy the lights and stay to shop and eat in our local businesses. More information: Madison the City Chamber

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 Chamber Proposal

Friday, December 8, 2017

Hot off the press: Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce (WMC): Manufacturers Marketplace; Greater Owensboro Creates Momentum With Millennials: Candance Castlen Brake, President and CEO, Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce; Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Profile & Membership Directory; #BestChamber Practices: DesPlaines Chamber of Commerce & Industry: Membership Matters-December- Recapping the Year; Fyah! Fyah! Fyah! How Tacitus Bailey-Yabani is bridging worlds and bringing Ghana to Muskegon; GEICO gecko returns as grand marshal of Bristol Christmas Parade; Jefferson County Chamber 2017 Community Guide; Michael Dixon Named New Executive Director of Greater Pinebelt Community Foundation; Levon Johnson named new Greater Elkhart Chamber CEO; Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S.

Happy Friday #Chamber World! Have a GREAT weekend!

Hot off the press: Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce (WMC): Manufacturers Marketplace

The Manufacturers Marketplace is the marketplace for all your supply chain needs and was developed to be the most comprehensive, unique, searchable buyer and seller network of manufacturers in the United States.

It currently contains listings and information for hundreds of thousands of manufacturing companies in every industrial sector across all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Businesses both large and small are listed—whether or not they are a member of the National Association of Manufacturers or a leading state manufacturing association partner.

Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) has partnered with the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) to offer this new tool to manufacturers in Wisconsin.

How It Works:

As manufacturers register for access to the Manufacturers Marketplace, you are prompted to search and then claim your listing. From there, registered users are encouraged to expand their listings with detailed information, including additional locations, certifications, equipment, capacities, zip codes, NAICS, SIC, and much more.

As registered members add information to the listings, the Manufacturers Marketplace becomes an even more powerful tool—a tool that enables manufacturers of all sizes, sectors and points in the supply chain to find and be found, mitigate risk for their business and increase visibility among the largest pool of potential partners.

Ultimately, the goal of the Manufacturers Marketplace is to empower all U.S. manufacturers to unleash their promise and advance the future of manufacturing in America.

Manufacturing members of WMC will gain full access to this powerful tool at a significantly discounted rate. If you would like to register for this program or get additional information, please contact WMC’s membership team:

Colton Haas & Mallory Wipperman
608.258.3400

Click here to Learn More about the Manufacturers Marketplace.

Greater Owensboro Creates Momentum With Millennials: Candance Castlen Brake, President and CEO, Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce

This week’s latest accolade from Business Insider rating Owensboro as one of the top communities for Millennials was a welcomed honor. We are usually too busy to pause and celebrate those accolades. But a Courier-Journal online article expressed surprise that Owensboro made the list. So, we figure we have some explaining to do.

Our momentum in millennial home ownership can be attributed to several factors including a community with proactive, community-minding banking institutions and affordable quality housing and walkable neighborhoods. It can also be attributed to our community’s intentional focus on creating infrastructure to attract and retain young people.

One of the Strategic Goals in the Chamber’s Plan of Work is to Develop and Connect Leaders for the Future of Greater Owensboro. We do this in many different ways including our Leadership Owensboro program, Chamber Young Professionals, our Chamber Internship Program, our partnership with the Business Education Alliance and the 40 Under 40 Group. Our local government and economic development leaders embarked upon a downtown placemaking strategy that was developed and financed with the future in mind. To date, over $400 million investment of public and private dollars have transformed our downtown and new projects are being announced weekly.

Communities across the country that are growing strong economic bases are the ones who understand the importance of our younger generations. Our economy continues to evolve in a way where jobs follow people. Building a community that is attractive and interesting to our Gen Ys and our Millennials will pay dividends for generations to come. Continuing to engage this group going forward will ensure that we grow when other communities our size are experiencing wage and population decline.

On September 27 our community presented to Kentucky’s Interim Joint Committee on Local Government Co-Chaired by Senator Joe Bowen. Senator Bowen afforded us the opportunity to share the story of our community’s success relating to the retention and recruitment of young people.

We told our story – Chamber Board Chair Wade Jenkins and Chair Elect Bart Darrell were joined at the podium by seven different YPs testifying – about the limitless opportunities we are finding as we engage our young people – and how the Under 40 residents in turn are fueling a renaissance in the Owensboro Region which has led to deeper engagement of a group who have much to offer, a stronger economy with steady and sustainable growth and a livable community where you can get involved and make a difference, no matter your age.

We have young business leaders in professional services such as law and accounting. We have leaders in manufacturing with international reach. We have leaders in agriculture who are innovating the way we produce food and the way we view food production in general. We have small business owners in their 20’s and 30’s that just a short time ago were rare in our community. During the last city commission and mayoral cycles, several Millennials were on the ballot. And Representative Matt Castlen was elected in his 20’s.

Many Under 40’s can be found at work in non-profit fields, education and community and economic development. They are community volunteers; youth team coaches and homeroom moms and dads. And to the person… they are vested in where Owensboro is headed.

We share with a video that was conceptualized by our creative team of Millennial Chamber Staff and Tanner+West, a multimedia company owned and staffed entirely by Millennials. https://www.facebook.com/GOChamber/videos/10155912807712370/

We know we have much more to do. But instead of us over 40’s deciding what is best for the young leaders, they are at the table shaping our community, developing markets and innovating this small city that we love.

Come to Owensboro and check us out.

Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Profile & Membership Directory

The Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Profile & Membership Directory is available at the Crossroads Regional Chamber today! Thanks to Sue Reed and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!

#BestChamber Practices: DesPlaines Chamber of Commerce & Industry: Membership Matters-December- Recapping the Year

Dear Members,
As 2017 winds down and 2018 approaches, it is the perfect time to reflect on everything we have accomplished together over the past 12 months. I am very grateful to have led the Chamber this year and couldn’t have done it without a wonderful Board of Directors, amazing members & volunteers, and an incredible staff -- Andrea and Marisa!
Some of this year’s highlights include an enchanted “Night in Oz” (where our journey began together), our Valentine’s Day open house, “New” Woman’s Power Hour fieldtrips to Jewel/Osco and Square Deal Shoes, Des Plaines “opting in”, and through our grassroots lobbying efforts, “opting out” of the Cook County mandates. Together we created new events like the Mid-Year Business Summit where we had over 150 members in attendance, and created in memory of Barbara Ryan, the Des Plaines Chamber Excellence Award that was given to the Des Plaines History Center. We did several joint chamber events like June’s after hours at Rivers Casino, where we had over 250 in attendance, and had several members host afterhours and events throughout the year.
Community was a big part of the year as well! We partnered in several events like the Taste of Des Plaines, FallFest, Halloween Hoopla, and Winter Wonderland this past weekend. We even had a day of giving where we got hundreds of stuffed animals donated, and had Two Men and A Truck and the Chamber deliver them to several organizations like the Food Pantry and AMITA’S Children’s Hospital.
The Foundation gave thousands of dollars away in college scholarships, donations, career enhancing gifts and educational packages this year. We launched a Veteran’s Boot Camp in July, and with the help of several giving members (some with donations and some with their time), notably Rivers Casino, Jewel/Osco, AT& T, LSG Sky Chefs, Garagestore! We were able to help many Veterans in need. Please save the date for our Veterans Career Fair on January 24th where we will continue to help community Veterans find jobs with our member companies.
Your Chamber is ending the year strong with many of our members renewing and over 100 new member companies that have joined us this year. Thank you all for making this year a successful one and my first year with the Chamber a wonderful and busy year.
With gratitude,
Andrea B.

Fyah! Fyah! Fyah! How Tacitus Bailey-Yabani is bridging worlds and bringing Ghana to Muskegon

As Tacitus Bailey-Yabani walks around downtown in November’s frigid autumn air, he can’t go more than a couple steps without someone yelling out his name, or more often, shouting “fyah, fyah, fyah!”

“Yeah, man, fyah, fyah, fyah!” Bailey-Yabani, who moved from Ghana in West Africa to Muskegon in 2014 and is the owner of Abeshi Fotos + Crafts, a photography, art, clothing, and jewelry business that operates in one of the new chalets at the downtown Western Market, will yell back, smiling and pumping his arm in the air as he says the phrase that’s become a mantra in his own life.

“I’m a street boy; I lived on the street in Ghana. You have to do your best to survive on the street, so ‘fyah, fyah, fyah’ means your energy, your love, your hustle,” says Bailey-Yabani, who moved to Muskegon to be with his wife, Jessica, whom he met at a music festival in his home country. “It’s the fire that’s coming out; it’s the fire that people are enjoying with love.”

As Bailey-Yabani has become a familiar face throughout Muskegon, hearing this succession of fyahs has become increasingly commonplace. A couple weeks ago, when we were interviewing him outside his Western Market shop, passersby regularly shouted the phrase, to which Bailey-Yabani would raise a hand in greeting and laugh as his friends—downtown shop owners and brewers and politicians—emphatically waved to him before disappearing into the warmth of places like Rootdown and Unruly Brewing.

“Everyone around here knows me,” he says, explaining the flood of hellos he receives. “They know me and love me, and I love them.”

And it’s true: in a matter of just a couple years, Bailey-Yabani has become something of a local celebrity, with everyone from Muskegon Mayor Stephen Gawron (whom the shop owner calls “one of his favorite people”) frequenting Abeshi to Unruly Brewing naming a beer “Fyah fyah fyah,” a chocolate coconut stout, in his honor this past summer.

“Tac is this to-the-top brimming over vessel of love and excitement,” Gawron says, using Bailey-Yabani’s nickname. “You’re coming down the street, and you hear, ‘yah man, yah man, yah man’ and ‘up, up, up’ from him. Abeshi means I am here; we are here, doing this together. If that doesn’t tie into the idea of Muskegon, into Muskegon rising, I don’t know what does. Read more: RapidGrowth.com

GEICO gecko returns as grand marshal of Bristol Christmas Parade

What stands 6.9 inches tall, is green in color and jumps across State Street in downtown Bristol?

The GEICO gecko, of course, and this Thursday, Martin — as he’s affectionately known — will return to the Twin City to serve as the grand marshal for the annual Bristol Christmas Parade.

“We wanted something different for this year’s parade, and as most people know, the GEICO commercial was very successful,” said Beth Rhinehart, president and CEO of the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, which sponsors the parade. “We made a phone call to The Martin Agency, who is behind the commercials, and we’re excited to have the gecko as our grand marshal.”

The nationally produced commercial, which ran for several weeks, begins with an iconic view of the historic Bristol slogan sign, then pans down to the green pitchman as he jumps back and forth across the state line on a State Street marker.

After standing in both Virginia and Tennesee, the gecko proclaims he’s in “Virginessee.”

“During the parade, GEICO will be passing out T-shirts and miniature geckos, so we’re really excited about that as well,” Rhinehart said. “The Bristol Christmas Parade has such a rich history in our community.” Read more: Herald Courier

Jefferson County Chamber 2017 Community Guide

The Jefferson County Chamber 2017 Community Guide is available at the chamber of commerce today! Thank you to Philip "Mike" Beard and the Chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!

Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce Community Guide

Michael Dixon Named New Executive Director of Greater Pinebelt Community Foundation

Michael Dixon has been named executive director of the Greater Pinebelt Community Foundation by its board of directors.

“We are very excited that Michael Dixon will be leading our excellent staff and outstanding board of directors,” said Terri Bell, the Foundation’s president. “Michael brings a wealth of experience and a clear vision for mutual cooperation and support among non-profits in the Pinebelt and beyond.”

David Fortenberry, past president, was in agreement.

“Michael is an excellent communicator and networker,” he said. “Michael knows how to collaborate and help other non-profits succeed.”

Dixon and others started a church in Hattiesburg known as Ekklesia which adopted Hawkins Elementary School as its primary mission. Three years ago he became executive director of Extra Table, a non-profit organized by Hattiesburg restaurateur Robert St. John, that connects food and food resources across the state of Mississippi.

“We have been blessed with strong leadership” said board member Paul Laughlin. “Michael will build on a strong foundation laid by his predecessors, Bill Pace and Theresa Erickson.”

According to Brady Raanes, a member of the search committee, “We interviewed many highly qualified candidates. We believe Mike Dixon is the right person to lead us as we seek to increase visibility and grow endowments that will permanently impact the Pinebelt.”

Dixon will begin serving in his new post on Jan. 8, 2018.

“Mike brings to this position a passion to help others, vision for expanding philanthropy in our region, and practical experience in translating ideas into action and results,” he said. “He will be working with an outstanding staff already in place at the Foundation. This will be a powerful team.”

The Foundation was founded in 1997 through the Area Development Partnership’s Young Leaders program. The Foundation helps generous people create a lasting legacy that will benefit the Pinebelt in perpetuity Since its founding 20 years ago, the Foundation has grown to manage over $5 million in endowments and is accredited by the Council on Foundations. Each year the Foundation gives away close to $2 million.

The Foundation is located at 1501 Adeline Street in Hattiesburg, a building donated by generous supporters of the Foundation.

For more information, contact the Foundation at 601-583-6180 or www.PineBeltFoundation.org or www.FaceBook.com/PineBelt Foundation. Source: Hub City Spokes

Levon Johnson named new Greater Elkhart Chamber CEO

New leader for Elkhart Chamber: The Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has named Levon Johnson president and chief executive officer. Johnson, who most recently served as supervisor for corporate and community partnerships with Elkhart Community Schools, succeeds Kyle Hannon, who stepped down earlier this year.

Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S.

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Chicago Federal Reserve: William Strauss: Lake County Chamber of Commerce 2018 US and Midwest Economic Forecast Luncheon; Plainfield Area Chamber of Commerce 2016 Community Profile & Directory; Oxford, MS, has been selected a top retirement destination by Where to Retire magazine; #BestChamber practices: Plymouth Chamber of Commerce: Business Resources: Indiana Small Business Development Corporation; Chambers working for afterschool STEM; New Castle-Henry County Chamber of Commerce Community Map; A Chamber story you should know: Christian County Chamber: 32nd Annual Gander Memorial Wreath Laying Ceremony; Virginia Gov. -elect Northam wants state economic development efforts 'under one tent' as chamber readies blueprint for growth; Fox Cities Chamber to host its Annual Report to the Community on January 18; A growing hotel landscape: Several factors led to influx of Southwest Michigan hotels; Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S.

Good morning #Chamber World! It's going to be a GREAT day!

Chicago Federal Reserve: William Strauss: Lake County Chamber of Commerce 2018 US and Midwest Economic Forecast Luncheon

Find out what the economy has in store for 2018. This is the MUST attend business event of the year!

Economic Forecast Lake County 2018; presented by the Lake County Chamber of Commerce, provides Lake County’s business and government leaders a chance to examine the issues, challenges and opportunities in 2018.

We are pleased to welcome back Mr. William Strauss; Senior Economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and Economic Advisor, to present his forecast for the coming year, with an economic assessment of the US and Midwest economy for 2018.

Opening remarks by Mundelein Mayor; Steve Lentz.

Thursday, January 18th
11:30 am - 1:15pm
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Libertyville - Mundelein
510 East IL Route 83, Mundelein, IL 60060

Tickets and Registration
www.lakecountychamber.com
admin@lakecountychamber.com

or Call: 847-249-3800
Please register before January 15th 2018

Plainfield Area Chamber of Commerce 2016 Community Profile & Directory

The Plainfield Area Chamber of Commerce 2016 Community Profile & Directory is available at the Plainfield Area Chamber today! Thanks to Tasha Kitson, Mari Edmondson, Vitella Barnes, Kellie Wujek and 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.

Oxford, MS, has been selected a top retirement destination by Where to Retire magazine

Houston, TX (Dec. 5, 2017) – Oxford, MS, has been selected a top retirement destination by Where to Retire, the only magazine in America geared toward helping people with retirement relocation decisions. Oxford is profiled in a feature titled “8 Tax-Friendly Cities” in the January/February 2018 issue, available nationwide on Dec. 12.

Where to Retire Editor Annette Fuller said many relocating retirees consider taxes when making their move. “Retirees find they must take into account the tax situation in their potential location to make a well-rounded, wise decision. With a historic downtown and all the benefits of the University of Mississippi, Oxford paints an overall rosy picture, with a lesser tax bite,” Fuller said.
Each year, 700,000 Americans relocate to new towns to retire. Generally, relocating retirees are healthier, better educated and more affluent than those who choose to not relocate. They bring significant economic benefits to their new states and hometowns. Nationally, two dozen states and hundreds of towns seek to attract retirees as a source of economic development.
Where to Retire, now in its 26th year of print, is published six times a year. The magazine covers the best retirement regions, towns and master-planned communities, and recently released its 10th biennial list naming the 50 best master-planned communities in the U.S. It has a national circulation of 200,000 and is sold on various newsstands and at Barnes & Noble bookstores. A one-year subscription is $18. All material in the magazine is protected by copyright law, and reproduction of content requires the permission of the magazine. Print and electronic reprints of an article may be purchased through Dave Hart.

#BestChamber practices: Plymouth Chamber of Commerce: Business Resources: Indiana Small Business Development Corporation

Individual ISBDC advisement services are offered monthly in Plymouth. Entrepreneurs, potential entrepreneurs and business owners in Marshall County are encouraged to sign up for one on one, confidential business counseling with Alan Steele, Advisor with the North Central ISBDC.
The next session will be Tuesday, December 5th, at the offices of Marshall County Economic Development, 2864 Miller Drive, Plymouth. Preregistration is required. Please call 574-520-4291 or email asteele@isbdc.org, identifying yourself as a Marshall County participant.

Read more: Website >

ACCE: Chambers working for afterschool STEM

Chambers of commerce are teaming up with the Mott Foundation’s 50 State Afterschool Network to advance STEM programming for elementary school-aged students. Read this review (based on this recent webinar) to learn how South Carolina and Washington are helping the future workforce get a head start, outside of normal school hours Read more: ACCE Weekly

New Castle-Henry County Chamber of Commerce Community Map

New Castle-Henry County Chamber map

The New Castle-Henry County Chamber of Commerce Community Map is available at the New Castle-Henry County Chamber today! Thanks to Missy Modesitt, Mary Campbell and 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 guide or publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633.

A Chamber story you should know: Christian County Chamber: 32nd Annual Gander Memorial Wreath Laying Ceremony

The Military Affairs Committee of the Christian County Chamber of Commerce invites the public to attend a Wreath Laying Ceremony to honor those lost in the plane crash in Gander, Newfoundland. The event will be held on Tuesday, December 12, 12:00 p.m. at the Fort Campbell Memorial Park in Hopkinsville, KY.

Just before dawn on the chilly December morning of December 12, 1985, a charter jet carrying 248 Fort Campbell soldiers took off from Gander International Airport in Gander, Newfoundland. Most of the soldiers were members of the 101st Airborne Division and headed home for Christmas. Returning from a six-month deployment to the Sinai Peninsula, they carried toys and gifts for spouses and children who planned to meet them at the Campbell Army Airfield on post.

The plane crashed less than a mile from the runway where it had just stopped to refuel on its way from the Sinai Peninsula to Fort Campbell's airfield. Everyone on board, including eight crew members, died. Investigators later ruled that ice on the jet's wings caused it to go down.

"This is a story about our community, about family and loss. It's important to remember what happened in Gander, Newfoundland, and especially the soldiers who died and their families," stated Katie Lopez, Director of Military Affairs.

The Wreath Laying Ceremony takes place at 12:00 p.m. at the Fort Campbell Memorial Park in Hopkinsville. Parking for attendees will be available along 41-A and the Hopkinsville Police Department will be on site to assist with pedestrian safety.

If you have any further questions about the ceremony, please contact Katie Lopez at klopez@christiancountychamber.com , or by calling (270) 885-9096.

Virginia Gov. -elect Northam wants state economic development efforts 'under one tent' as chamber readies blueprint for growth

Improving Virginia’s economy will be the top priority of Gov.-elect Ralph Northam, who says he wants to bring all of the state’s economic development initiatives under one authority in his administration.

Northam said Thursday the state has “a lot of tools in the toolbox” to diversify and grow the state’s economy, including the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Center for Innovative Technology, and GO Virginia, a fledgling attempt to foster regional collaboration in developing new industries.

“I really want to bring those together under one tent,” the governor-elect told news media at the Virginia Press Association’s annual legislative day at its headquarters in western Henrico County.

Northam is expected to deliver the same message on Friday to the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, which will deliver its “Blueprint Virginia 2025” to the incoming governor at its annual economic summit in Williamsburg.

“I like the direction the governor-elect is going,” said Barry DuVal, president and CEO of the state chamber, which expects a record crowd of more than 900 people at the eighth annual summit on Friday. Read more: Richmond.com

Fox Cities Chamber to host its Annual Report to the Community on January 18

The Fox Cities Chamber will hold its annual Report to the Community on Thursday, January 18, 2018. Registration will begin at 7:30 a.m. with a light breakfast and networking. The Report will commence at 8:00 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. The event is scheduled to be held at The Best Western Premier Bridgewood Resort Hotel & Conference Center, located at 1000 Cameron Way, Neenah, Wisconsin 54956. Chamber members and non-members are encouraged to attend this annual event that will feature stories told from Chamber partners about their experiences, relationships and the resources that inspire the community, invest in people and talent, and continue to strengthen businesses in the Fox Cities Region.

Bob Mundt, Fox Cities Chamber President/CEO shared, “The Fox Cities Chamber would like to invite you to join other business and community leaders as we share our successes and transformations of the past year and present our plans for what’s to come in 2018. Community stakeholders involved in the Chamber will be showcasing their successes and delivering valuable information to our guests. This year, we’re thrilled to introduce new staff additions to the Chamber and the Partnership who will be leading the organization forward. I hope everyone can attend and contribute to our ongoing success.”

This event is open to the public and there is no cost to attend, however registration is required. To register, please visit foxcitieschamber.com or call (920) 734-7101.

A growing hotel landscape: Several factors led to influx of Southwest Michigan hotels

For many travelers, hotels are the lighthouses of the highway.

They stand as a beacon for weary motorists and families on vacations. In Benton Township, there’s an entire row of these lighthouses beckoning I-94 drivers in search of refuge.

In Southwest Michigan, hotels have been popping up at an accelerated rate within the last five years. To the surprise of several municipalities and residents, there are more planned for the next few years.

The newest hotel in the area belongs to Michael Patel and his business associates at Ganesh Hotels, a hotel management company in Elkhart, Ind.

The Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott opened this summer along Red Arrow Highway in Stevensville. Before that, Patel was the first to plant a flag along the hotel corridor in Benton Township with the opening of the Hilton Garden Inn. In addition to co-owning the Hilton and Fairfield Inn, Patel is also the manager and owner of Comfort Suites in Stevensville.

Patel and his partners in Ganesh Hotels have put a focus on tourism in St. Joseph in recent years.

Patel could not be reached for comment on the amount of hotels in the region, but has previously spoken to the importance of how giving people places to stay can serve as a big draw from I-94.

“We chose this location because (Exit 23) is the gateway to St. Joseph,” Patel said when Fairfield Inn and Suites first opened. “On top of all the weddings this area pulls in, it’s hard to accommodate everyone during the peak holiday summer seasons. That’s not to mention all the sporting events. This hotel should help alleviate that problem.”

Speaking of tourism

Millicent Huminsky, executive director of the Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council, said there are 23 hotels and motels located in Benton Harbor, St. Joseph and Stevensville.

While Phillips spoke of how the Senior PGA has brought more attention to the area, Huminsky said it’s more than that.

“The Senior PGA is huge for the area in May,” Huminsky said. “Players, media and spectators come for the week. But it’s only every other year. It’s not as big for hotels.”

Huminsky surmised the abundance of hotels can be traced to tourism.

Unlike most tourist seasons, Southwest Michigan’s doesn’t end in September due to the emergence of the region’s wineries and breweries. The wine and beer trail has managed to stretch the tourist season to more than the months that run from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Businesses are seeing more visitors from April through the end of October.

Huminsky made an argument that area businesses have also contributed to the growth in the hotel market.

“We’re fortunate to have Whirlpool and Lakeland (Health) that do business year-round. That means a lot of overnight travelers,” she said. “The outages at the Cook Nuclear (Power) Plant means hundreds come and stay for four or more weeks. That’s big for the area in the off season.”

In addition to businesses and outages, Huminsky said football can be a factor for the region.

When the University of Notre Dame’s football team has a successful season like this year, that equates to overflow travelers who can’t find a place to stay in South Bend for home games.

Cornerstone Chamber of Commerce Director Chris Heugel is at the forefront of tourism in Southwest Michigan. He’s spent 25 years in the hospitality industry as a general manger and operator of hotels, while taking part in market studies for the construction of new hotels.

Heugel said the region has changed exponentially in the last decade, which has brought more hotels with it. He said Southwest Michigan has spent the last 10 to 15 years embracing the culture of a tourist destination.

“We’ve been found,” Heugel said. “We used to be a Chicago vacation spot, but now we’re getting them from all over the Midwest. That means bigger markets in Indiana, Wisconsin and the rest of Michigan.” Read more: Herald Palladium

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