Loan fund a resource for small businesses in Genesee County; Robby Jones Named 2019 Lexington-Rockbridge Chamber of Commerce Business Individual of the Year; Champaign County Chamber: Business Valuations for the Rest of Us; Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Profile Guide; Baraboo Chamber exec Bobbie Boettcher leaves for Circus World; Emerging Leaders - SBA Accepting Applications for Emerging Leaders - Gulfport Chamber announces 2019 board and chair; South Suburban Chamber of Commerce 2018 Community Resource Guide & Business Directory; Kosciusko Chamber Hires New Member Relations Manager and Main Street Coordinator; Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S.

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

Loan fund a resource for small businesses in Genesee County

A little-known financial resource available to help support growing businesses has awarded loans to two Flint companies: BRP Northside Solutions, an upstart customer call center, and Dean’s Auto Sales, a used automobile dealership.

The Small Business Revolving Loan Fund, which is governed by the Genesee County Economic Development Corp. (EDC) and administered by the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce, seeks to create jobs in the community by helping to capitalize businesses.

EDC loans can be used for most business purposes, including building improvements, equipment, inventory and working capital. The maximum loan amount is $100,000 and may not be used to pay off existing debt.

It doesn’t replace conventional business loans but can be used in places where conventional financing may be more challenging, said Tracy Joseph, business finance manager at the Flint & Genesee Chamber. “There may be hurdles related to a borrower’s creditworthiness, collateral or the venture is considered too risky,” she said.

Joseph added the revolving loan fund was restructured post-recession to allow first-lien position financing for qualified applicants. Previously, the fund could only be accessed as gap financing.

The fund is governed by the Genesee County EDC whose nine-member board of trustees are appointed by the Genesee County Board of Commissioners to serve six-year terms. The EDC board is currently evaluating three additional applications from local businesses, said Joseph.

Loan requirements & limitations:

·         Loan amount – up to $100,000

·         Interest rate – Prime plus 2 percent to 3 percent

·         Term – up to 10 years

·         Amortization – up to 25 years

·         The business must create new jobs

·         Owner must have at least 10-percent equity in the deal

For more information, contact Tracy Joseph at (810) 600-1406 or email tjoseph@flintandgenesee.org.

Robby Jones Named 2019 Lexington-Rockbridge Chamber of Commerce Business Individual of the Year

The Lexington-Rockbridge Chamber of Commerce held its 82nd Annual Dinner Dance and Auction on Saturday, February 2, 2019, at Evans Hall on the campus of Washington and Lee University. Among the many highlights of “The Gatsby Gala” was the presentation of the 2019 Business Individual of the Year award. For the past 34 years the Chamber’s Board of Directors has voted on nominations solicited from the membership, and this year Robby Jones of Hamric & Sheridan Jewelers was honored with this distinguished award.

Robby has been an active volunteer and contributor to the Lexington and greater Rockbridge community, serving in various capacities with numerous organizations over the years, including the Rockbridge Area Health Center, the Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Lexington.

After graduating from Virginia Military Institute in 1980, Robby served in the military for six years before returning to Lexington to take over his wife’s family business, Hamric & Sheridan Jewelers, in 1986. Since then, he has built the business on the foundation of openness, honesty, and integrity. This is why he has been a successful business owner and operator for 33 years.

“Robby has been a good friend to many. He is known for his kindness, his generosity to philanthropic causes and his genuine care for others. He is always asking how he can help, and going the extra mile to make sure his customers are taken care of and continue to come back,” says colleague Dee Miriello.

“Robby is one of a kind – your biggest supporter, cheerleader and the first to raise his hand to help others in need,” says Chamber Executive Director, Tracy Lyons. “Strong, successful businesses in our community are built on integrity, generosity and friendliness. Hamric & Sheridan Jewelers is a staple in our community thanks to the hard work of Robby and his team.”

We are fortunate to have such a devoted and caring business individual among us. His friendly and helpful demeanor and contributions to the community made him the perfect choice for the 2019 Business Individual of the Year. “We are so fortunate to live and work in a wonderful community. Giving back and doing what you can to keep it that way is key. I am humbled, and appreciate the Chamber’s recognition” said Jones.

The mission of the Lexington-Rockbridge Chamber of Commerce is to champion civic and economic progress for our community. We currently serve nearly 500 members across all three area jurisdictions. For more information about the chamber or to search our online business directory, visit us at lexrockchamber.com or call (540) 463-5375.

Champaign County Chamber: Business Valuations for the Rest of Us

Presented by Josh Horn, Horn Valuation
In partnership with the Chamber’s Business Advisors' Council

Do you want to know what your business is worth but don’t have a background in accounting? This is the seminar will cover the financial aspects of your business valuation without all the accountant speak- just clear methods, tips and techniques that anyone can use effectively.

Topics Include:

 Three clear ways to value your business
· Simple math to value your business
· Sanity checks on the value of your business
· Issues to fix before looking to sell your business

This workshop will be held from 8:30 - 10:00 a.m. at the Chamber Office.

Cost to attend this seminar is $19 for Chamber members and $39 for non-members.

CLICK HERE for more information about this workshop.


Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Profile Guide

The Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Profile Guide & Membership Directory is available at the Greater Belleville Chamber! Thanks to Wendy Pfeil and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!

Belleville IL Community Profile Guide

Town Square Publications  (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.

Baraboo Chamber exec Bobbie Boettcher leaves for Circus World

The Baraboo Area Chamber of Commerce’s executive director is leaving to take a fundraising post with the Circus World Foundation.

Bobbie Boettcher announced to the Chamber of Commerce’s Executive Committee on Thursday that she’ll leave this spring. The transition plan hasn’t yet been established, but it will begin in March.

“I really want to make sure that, however the board wants to do this, I want to be able to assist,” she said.

Boettcher took the helm at the chamber in 2016. She helped oversee the annual circus parade and, most recently, rolled out the Discover Real Baraboo branding campaign. Before being hired at the chamber office, she worked in administration at UW-Baraboo/Sauk County.

“I wasn’t looking to leave,” Boettcher said. “I love my role in the community and I really enjoy the work here.”

She said serving as the Circus World Foundation’s director of development presented an exciting opportunity. She’ll be a staff of one, working alongside Circus World employees at the state historic site in Baraboo. While the state now funds museum operations, the foundation still plays a critical fundraising role.

“It’s a step upward in trajectory professionally,” Boettcher said.

Circus leaders approached her about the position, which is currently vacant. “It sounded like I have a lot of direct and transferable skills that would fit that bill. It was enough for me to throw in my hat,” she said. Read more: Baraboo News Republic

SBA Accepting Applications for Emerging Leaders

Free Info Session: Thu. 03-07-2019 | 5:30-7:30 pm. Discuss expectations | Outcomes | Testimonies from graduates. RSVP: sharron.johnson@sba.gov

Deadline: Register online here by March 15, 2019. More details here.

Questions: Sharron Johnson | Emerging Leaders Program Manager | SBA Kentucky District Office: sharron.johnson@sba.gov | (502) 582-5971 X 243

Gulfport Chamber announces 2019 board and chair

The Gulfport Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the 2019 Chair, Dr. Jonathan Woodward, Executive Vice President of Teaching & Learning and Community Campus for Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.
Jonathan Woodward began a career as a singer/guitarist and stepped into the realm of music leadership during his high school years. He worked at Gulfport School District, First Baptist Church Gulfport, Crosspoint Church, MGCCC’s Jackson County (JC) Campus, and MGCCC’s Jefferson Davis (JD) Campus.
Woodward holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration with an emphasis in Instructional Technology from The University of Southern Mississippi (USM), including a Community College Leadership Certificate. He also earned a master of music education and bachelor of music education degrees from the University of Southern Mississippi with a double emphasis in vocal/choral music and classical guitar/instrumental music.
Outside of school, Woodward has a variety of interests. He serves as the Chair on the Board of Directors for the Gulfport Chamber of Commerce (2019), Board of Trustees for Goodwill of South Mississippi (2019), member of the Gulf Coast Business Council (GCBC), graduate of Leadership Gulf Coast, graduate of the GCBC Master’s Class, and current member of Leadership Mississippi. He is also a recipient of the One Coast Top 10 Under 40 Award and Phi Theta Kappa International’s Distinguished Administrator Award.
Woodward is actively involved in Crosspoint Church in Gulfport, and serves as the Worship Pastor – a church he helped start in 2004. Woodward regularly presents to organizations about current generational trends, technology, and leadership (e.g., SACSCOC, AERA, AACC, etc…). He has written several plays and enjoys composing, arranging, and performing music.
His most valued passion is his faith and family. Woodward lives in Biloxi with his wife, Eilene, and three children Jude (10), Levi (7), and Eden (1½).

Others serving on the 2019 Gulfport Chamber Board of Directors are:
Casey Lyons: Past Chair, Gulfport – Biloxi International Airport
Ryan Goldin: Chair Elect, Florence Gardens, LLC
Hannah Burnett Yawn: Director, Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
Amy Haygood: Vice Chair of Finance, Trustmark National Bank
Deborah McGhee: Vice Chair of Education, McGhee Realty
Andrew Ratcliffe: Vice Chair of Military Affairs, 1108th TASMG, MSARNG
Tom Wade: Vice Chair of Small Business & Economic Development, Gulf States Engineering
John Payton Hood: Vice Chair of Governmental Affairs, Hancock Whitney Bank
Nikki Johns: Vice Chair of Membership, AGJ Systems & Networks, Inc.
Jesse Alvarez: Vice Chair of Communications and Marketing, Alpha Media
Paul Buchanan: The Peoples Bank
Ken Cole: Holiday Inn
Mildrey Egües: Piltz, Williams, LaRosa & Co.
Randy Richardson: Misssissippi Power Company
Jennifer Lee: Island View Casino Resort
Sophie Nord: The Chimneys
Julia Clarke: American Medical Response
Micahel Pocchiari: Garden Park Medical Center
Trey Lacy: BancorpSouth
Keith Williams, Jr.: Community Bank
Lindsey Shelton: The University of Southern Mississippi, Gulf Park Campus
Johnny Olsen: LPK Architects, P.A.
Russell Young: The First, A National Banking Association
Regina Wood: BancorpSouth
Dawn Lieck: Speedy Cash
Chris Estrade: Hancock Whitney Bank
Kristina Norton: IP Casino Resort & Spa
Cedric Bradley: Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
Emily Sham: Two Men & a Truck Read more: Mississippi Business Journal



South Suburban  Chamber of Commerce 2018 Community Resource Guide & Business Directory  

The Muskego Area Chamber of Commerce 2018 Community Guide & Business Directory   is available at the Chamber of Commerce today! Thank you to Barbara Wesener and the Chamber team for their help and direction putting this together! 

South Suburban Chamber 2018 Community and Visitor Guide

Town Square Publications  (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.

Kosciusko Chamber Hires New Member Relations Manager and Main Street Coordinator



The Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed Trisha Steger to their staff as the new Member Relations Manager and Main Street Coordinator. In her role, Trisha will develop new members and partnerships, while also building and maintaining relationships with existing members. She will also assist with the mission of Warsaw Community Development Corporation, to future encourage economic development in downtown Warsaw. Trisha is well connected in Kosciusko county, having lived in the area for most of her life. Her most recent role was Executive Director of the Builders Association of Kosciusko and Fulton counties. She is looking forward to listening to the needs of Chamber and community members and working together to solve them. More information: Contact: Lauren Klusman - Phone: 574-267-6311 - lklusman@kchamber.com

Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Guides: 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

Chamber Issue: $15 an Hour passes the Illinois Senate: Letter from the Illinois Chamber; #BestChamber practices: Ribbon cutting event: Make the most of it; New Richmond Chamber annual dinner and awards gala set; Newly merged Chamber of Commerce of the Two Virginias discusses future; Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce 2018-2019 Business Directory and Resource Guide; Whitney Waara: Small business is a big deal in northwest Michigan; Vicksburg Plant Food plans $20M expansion, 20 new jobs; ECDC and the Rushville County Chamber of Commerce to host workshop; NKY Chamber sets annual legislative ‘Day in Frankfort’ for March 5; sign up in advance; Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S.

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

Chamber Issue: $15 an Hour passes the Illinois Senate: Letter from the Illinois Chamber

Dear Illinois Businesses,

First off, THANK YOU for contacting your state Senator and voicing your concern to the proposed minimum wage hike. We heard from Senators that the volume of constituent outreach from the business community was overwhelming.

However, the Illinois Senate just passed SB 1 (Lifghtford/Guzzardi), a bill to increase the state’s minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2025 and $13 for those under 18 by 2025. The bill passed today also includes a complex payroll deduction tax credit for employers of 50 or fewer employees and retains the tip credit for restaurants.

Unfortunately, the Senate did not grant the business community’s request of a proposed geographical minimum wage that would soften the blow to suburban and downstate communities.

Click here to see how your state Senator’s voted.

Next Steps: Given today’s action in the Senate, the bill now heads over to the House for their turn to vote or amend the bill. The House can vote as early as next week on this proposal. IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT YOU FOCUS YOUR ADVOCACY EFFORTS ON YOUR STATE REPRESENTATIVES TODAY AND TELL THEM TO VOTE NO ON ANY MINIMUM WAGE INCREASE THAT DOES NOT INCLUDE EMPLOYER PROTECTIONS. 

Our grassroots action letter now shifts the attention to members of the Illinois House of Representatives. You can send a quick letter here or by sharing this link: ilchamberaction.org/engage/15minimumwage . It is also important to follow up your letter with a call to their district or Springfield office.

We'll be in touch with any developments next week.

Thanks,

Tyler Diers

Director of Legislative Relations

Illinois Chamber of Commerce


#BestChamber practices: Ribbon cutting event: Make the most of it

Whenever you get information from your chamber customer for a ribbon cutting (name address, phone number, time of event, etc.), ask this GREAT question at the end:

Please recommend two businesses that you think would benefit from being in the chamber:

Very smart, and the chamber from Florida that came up with this idea said it accounts for 35 members a year.


New Richmond Chamber annual dinner and awards gala set

The New Richmond Citizen of the Year, along with a half dozen business and chamber awards, will be announced at the 2019 New Richmond Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner and Awards Gala at R and D Catering Wednesday, Jan. 30. The decorating theme this year is the Super Heroes.

The event, which annually draws more than 400 people, is the chamber's largest fundraising event of the year. In addition to a wine and spirits raffle, a silent auction, the legendary cake auction will again be part of the evening's festivities. As an added convenience for attendees, valet parking will be available.

New Richmond Chamber Executive Director Rob Kreibich said a major announcement will be made at the annual meeting about an upcoming spring event that could be "the largest ever" held in New Richmond and involves the state's most beloved sports team.

"The annual dinner is always a fun, festive event, but this year will be extra special with the big announcement pending and also the banner year the chamber enjoyed in 2018 that included 72 new members, record event attendance and WCCO TV coverage of New Richmond's favorable business climate," Kreibich said. "We are nearing our goal of 400 chamber members, a huge feat for a community under 10,000 residents."

Social hour, with complimentary hors d' oeuvres, takes place from 4:30-6 p.m., followed by dinner and a short program that will conclude by 8:30 p.m. Tickets for the event are $45. A limited number of sponsorships remain. For more information or to get tickets or sponsorships, contact the NR Chamber at info@newrichmondchamber.com or call 715-246-2900. The event is open to the public. Read more: New Richmond News

Newly merged Chamber of Commerce of the Two Virginias discusses future

A newly-merged chamber of commerce’s members learned more Thursday about new programs and new committees that will be serving businesses in Mercer County and Tazewell County, Va.

In December 2018, the Princeton-Mercer County Chamber of Commerce and the Greater-Bluefield Chamber of Commerce merged to become the new Chamber of Commerce of the Two Virginias. The new countywide chamber is keeping the former chambers’ Bluefield and Princeton offices. Members had the opportunity Thursday to visits the downtown Bluefield office and the offices in Princeton’s McNutt House to learn more about how the new chamber is being organized.

Joshua Cline, who is the merged chamber’s president and CEO, said the meetings were an open forum where members could relax and talk about the upcoming year and 2019 membership. The Chamber of the Two Virginias now has an information packet including a tentative calendar of events, new committees, and new offering to the chamber’s members.

For example, the new Ambassadors Club will allow the new chamber’s past chairs of the board of directors to continue working on its projects, Cline said. This organization will be under the Executive Division.

Another new division is the Community Engagement Division. Cline said this division was created by combining the Special Projects and Community Life Divisions of the former chambers. This division’s volunteers will focus on the community calendar, the Mountain Festival, Autumnfest, lemonade promotions, baseball nights, Shrimpfest and the the Chamber Classic Golf Tournament. The new Business & Professional Development Division will focus on the Bluefield Coal Show, business expositions, Women’s Extravaganza, technical events, and the Young Professionals Network.

Cline said there is also a subcommittee on education under the new chamber’s Education Division.

“We really want to connect with our education partners in K-12, technical education and higher education,” Cline stated. “We want to connect them to our businesses that are members of the chamber.”


Cline said the “biggest thing” for the West Virginia members is access to a health insurance plan that is being sold by local agents. Members can also now decide how much they want to invest in the chamber. In the past, what level of membership a business could have was based on the number of employees. Now members can select their level of participation. The levels range from Primary for $225 to Premier for $2,500. With each level comes more access to chamber services, according to the new chamber’s information packet. Read more: Bluefield Daily Telegraph


Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce 2018-2019 Business Directory and Resource Guide

The Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce 2018-2019 Business Directory and Resource Guide is available at the Virginia Peninsula Chamber today! Thanks to Bob McKenna, Suzy Johnson and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!

Virginia Peninsula Chamber 2018/2019 Business Directory & Resource Guide

Town Square Publications  (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.


Whitney Waara: Small business is a big deal in northwest Michigan



Some things can’t be said or emphasized often enough. One of them is the importance of small business to Northwest Michigan’s economy.

The Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce 15 years ago launched the annual Small Business Celebration to recognize, underscore and thank our small business sector for its role in powering our region’s economic engine. The events and resulting awards allow us to put our local entrepreneurs front and center as we celebrate their creativity, grit, dedication, and the enormous impact that thousands of small businesses play in growing business and building community.

Businesses like Superior Physical Therapy owned by Dr. Andrew Gorecki. Like many entrepreneurs, he forged the business based on his own life experiences, learning what did — and didn’t — work for him to heal from a back injury. His business is dedicated to meet a growing demand for natural solutions to pain without medications, injections or surgeries. The business was strong and had a great team. Then, in 2018, Superior Physical Therapy was honored with the Chamber’s Hagerty Small Business of the Year Award.


Dr. Gorecki cites the award as the driver to boosting his business by more than 30 percent in less than a year. It has opened new doors and opportunities for his company. “I think the biggest impact it’s had on our business is that it’s really boosted the culture and morale of our staff,” Gorecki said. “Everyone is really proud of it.”

Why does the Chamber invest so much time and effort in highlighting small business? The numbers tell the story. According to data from the U.S. Small Business Administration, more than 9 in 10 businesses in Michigan are classified as small businesses, and they employ about half the state’s workforce, totaling some 1.8 million workers. In Grand Traverse County, almost 70 percent of the county’s workforce is employed by small business, and that number is even higher in Leelanau, Antrim and Kalkaska.

Over the years, the Chamber has honored a wide range of businesses with its Hagerty Small Business of the Year award — service providers, medical professionals, small manufacturers — even a member-owned cooperative. Last year we added two new categories to highlight a wider spectrum of participants, including an Emerging Business Award to recognize micro businesses and start-ups, and a Summit Award focused on stable, high-impact local companies of up to 75 employees. The original Hagerty Small Business of the Year Award is centered on businesses with strong revenue an employee growth and demonstrated community involvement.

The Small Business Celebration continues to gain momentum thanks to the strong support from our program and media sponsors. The three primary sponsors — Priority Health, Northwestern Michigan College and Hagerty — are too large to even qualify for these awards. But they all understand the importance of small businesses to our region’s economic health and quality of life, and they are eager to support the up-and-coming entrepreneurs who will help grow and build our region.

The SBC media sponsors at the Record-Eagle, NewsTalk 580 and 9&10 News also have strengthened the competition by contributing invaluable media access and advertising/marketing services to help these companies tell their story and continue to grow.


We encourage everyone to be part of this year’s Small Business Celebration. Anyone can nominate a business, and members of the public are welcome to join in the events that showcase these businesses in the coming months. Read more: Record-Eagle

Whitney Waara is Executive Director at the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce. Contact her at whitney@tcchamber.org.



Vicksburg Plant Food plans $20M expansion, 20 new jobs

Vicksburg Plant Food’s growth accommodates an increase in consumer demand, as well as a new contract.

“Our company is excited to grow in Mississippi and Vicksburg. We find in Vicksburg a set of unique location advantages that are of great importance as we continue to grow our market share and expand our business,” Smith said.

Vicksburg Plant Food has been in operation in Vicksburg since 1989. The company distributes its products across Mississippi, Louisiana and most states along the inland waterway systems of the United States.

“Vicksburg has experienced significant economic growth in recent years, and Vicksburg Plant Food’s expansion continues that momentum,” Gov. Phil Bryant said. “I commend the company for choosing to grow in the River City and bring new job opportunities to the people of Warren County.”.

“The city stepped up to the plate early on and made sure that Vicksburg Plant Food could have predictability regarding timetables and permit procedures. I thank the MDA and Gov. Bryant for their continued confidence in our community and our economic development efforts.”

Smith said he and his staff worked with the Mississippi Development Authority, Warren County Economic Development Partnership and the city of Vicksburg, adding the agencies were “proactive and agile in helping us navigate state and local programs.” Read more: 

The MDA is providing assistance for site development. Read more: Vicksburg Post

ECDC and the Rush County Chamber of Commerce to host workshop

The Rush County Economic and Community Development Corporation (ECDC) and Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a marketing workshop from 8 to 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 30.

“The purpose of these workshops is to help our small businesses become more attuned to marketing strategies and develop a stronger presence on social media,” Executive Director of the ECDC John McCane said. “We have great partners in the Chamber of Commerce and the Small Business Development Center. We will continue to hold workshops quarterly.”

The 2-hour Marketing: Basics for Your Business Success workshop will be held at the ECDC building, which is located at 210 U.S. 52 in Rushville.


The event is free and open to the general public. Those who want to attend should pre-register by Monday, Jan. 28, at www.ecisbdc.org.

The workshop is sponsored by the East Central Indiana Small Business Development Center and funded in part through an agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

The meeting will help business owners get their marketing programs on track to increase sales and improve their bottom line. It will also help owners understand the benefits of creating a marketing plan for their business and define marketing goals.


The workshop will also help businesses create a marketing calendar for the 2019 and beyond.

NKY Chamber sets annual legislative ‘Day in Frankfort’ for March 5; sign up in advance

On Tuesday, March 5, the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce (NKY Chamber) will host “Day in Frankfort,” an annual event that brings constituents and elected officials together at the Capitol Annex (701 Capitol Ave., Frankfort) in Frankfort to discuss legislative priorities.

The daylong event will begin with light breakfast at the NKY Chamber offices, with bus departure at 8:15 a.m. Over the course of the day attendees will have the opportunity to meet with legislative leadership and members of the Northern Kentucky Legislative Caucus to advocate for issues critical to economic development and business growth in Northern Kentucky.

Attendees will return to the NKY Chamber around 5 p.m.

“Traveling to our state’s capital with business leaders is a critical component to our overall legislative strategy,” said NKY Chamber Vice President of Public Affairs and Communications Kristin Baldwin.

“Advocating in person with top legislative leaders on our legislative priorities, including workforce, transportation, healthcare, and education, is something we look forward to doing every year during this event.”

Registration for “Day in Frankfort” is $55 for NKY Chamber members, $75 for future NKY Chamber members, $50 for NKYP Passport holders and includes transportation to and from Frankfort, light breakfast, and legislative luncheon with members of the General Assembly.

For additional information, and to register, visit this website. Space is limited. Pre-registration is required.

Sponsors for “Day in Frankfort” include Title Sponsor Charter Communications, Premier Sponsors Delta and Duke Energy, and Supporting Sponsor First Financial Bank. Read more: Northern Kentucky Tribune

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

5 Star Battle Creek Area Chamber: Netwalking @ Lakeview Square Mall; Birmingham Bloomfield 2018-2019 Membership Directory and Community Resource Guide; 107th Annual Dinner Recap - Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce - (One picture is worth a thousand words); #BestChamber practices: 4 Star Commerce Lexington Inc. - Message from the President; Elected officials to host Lexington (VA) State of Community address; Bullitt County Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Map; Effingham County Chamber's Annual Business Recognition Gala: "The Greatest Place on Earth"; #FamousChamber of Commerce Quotation: (Good advice); East Mississippi Business Development Corporation recognition: Head of the Class awards given out Friday; East Mississippi Business Development Corporation recognition: Head of the Class awards given out Friday;

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

5 Star Battle Creek Area Chamber: Netwalking @ Lakeview Square Mall

The Chamber's Netwalking vision is to create stronger and deeper personal relationships while encouraging friendships and the sharing of ideas; bring people together through walking to build a stronger community that breaks down barriers; and increase local collaboration and group activities – activities bring joy to life.

Netwalking consists of networking and collaborating with community and Chamber members for two miles through Lakeview Square Mall. After completing the first lap around the mall, we encourage attendees to order some lunch at Applebee's Bar + Grill or Buffalo Wild Wings, make the final lap with the group, then pick up your lunch on your way back to work. Or stay after the event to grab some lunch with attendees at either location. Walking and networking can make it easier to get to know other business professionals in our area, and build meaningful connections.

Netwalking will take place on Wednesday, February 6, 2019 from 11 a.m. til Noon at Lakeview Square Mall. Please meet at the Applebee's Grill + Bar and Buffalo Wild Wings entrance where the walk will begin and end.

Let us know you're planning to walk by clicking the "RSVP Me!" button below, or by calling our office at 269.962.4076.




Birmingham Bloomfield 2018-2019 Membership Directory and Community Resource Guide 

The Birmingham-Bloomfield 2018-2019 Membership Directory and Community Resource Guide is available at the Birmingham-Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce today! Thank you to Joe Bauman, Sheryl Geralds, Kelly Bennett and the Chamber team for their help and direction putting this together! 

Birmingham Bloomfield Membership Directory and Community Profile

Town Square Publications (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.


107th Annual Dinner Recap - Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce - (One picture is worth a thousand words)

Last night, we held our 107th Annual Chamber Awards Dinner at the Manahan Orthopaedic Capital Center at Grace College. Around 500 community business men and women along with local and state elected officials were in attendance as several local businesses and individuals were honored.



#BestChamber practices: 4 Star Commerce Lexington Inc. - Message from the President 

On behalf of Commerce Lexington Inc., its 1,700-plus members, and the Bluegrass business community, I would like to welcome you to one of the best cities in the world. Whether you’re visiting here for the weekend or in the process of relocating for business, retirement, or to attend one of the area’s many colleges and universities, you’ll find Lexington residents accommodating, friendly and eager to tell you about our exceptional quality of life.

From exceptional schools to a diverse economy and well-educated workforce to its stronghold as a regional healthcare center and the nearly billion dollars in development you’ll see going on downtown, the “buzz” about Lexington is real and stretches around the world. The area continues to pile up highly coveted economic rankings from some of the most notable publications and survey organizations.

A SAMPLING OF RECENT RANKINGS FOR LEXINGTON/BLUEGRASS: 

#2   Rapid Recovery Leaders (Business Facilities)

#3   Best City to Start a New Life (My Life)

#3   Best Cities to Retire To (CNN Money)

#6   Best College City (WalletHub)

#7   Most Affordable Big City in America (Kiplinger)

#7   Best Cities for Quality of Life (NerdWallet)

#8   Best Cities for Working Parents (NerdWallet)

#10   Great Towns to Retire To (Kiplinger)

#12   Best Post-Recession Recovery (WalletHub)

Lexington has been labeled a great place for business, women, veterans, families, young singles, access to healthcare, men, retirees, and a true housing bargain. And, the list goes on and on. To find out more about our wonderful city or how we can assist your business, visit www.CommerceLexington.com or contact us at (859) 254-4447.

Robert L. Quick, CCEPresident & CEO 

Elected officials to host Lexington (VA) State of Community address
The Chamber of Commerce serving Lexington, Buena Vista, and Rockbridge County will host the 20th annual State of the Community Address Monday morning at the Lexington Golf and Country Club.

"Things are really good," said Tracy Lyons, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce.

"We've seen a lot of activity just in the business community. In general, a lot going on in Rockbridge. A lot of new businesses coming to town and opening and just a lot going on - it's exciting."

Elected officials from the three jurisdictions as well as state legislators will provide overviews from 2018, and look at 2019 events.

Lyons says they expect to hear an update on the I-81 corridor initiative.

"We've been very involved with the I-81 corridor initiative, and getting some recognition on this side of the state so we'll probably hear a little bit about it and what's happening with the corridor and all the improvements that are in the mix, and currently what the House is considering," said Lyons.

"We're excited to hear about those as well."

Lyons says despite the national attention the small town has received from the Red Hen, the economy has bounced back. The number of visitors is up.

"It has kind of brought a lot of attention to us, but sometimes attention is good," said Lyons.

"We've kind of persevered through it."

The state of the community address is 7:15 a.m. too 9 a.m. at the Lexington Golf and Country Club. Read more: Virginia First

Bullitt County Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Map

The Bullitt County Chamber of Commerce Community Map is available at the Chamber today! Thanks to Helen Hill, Anita Stump 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.

Bullitt County KY Chamber map


Effingham County Chamber's Annual Business Recognition Gala: "The Greatest Place on Earth"

This year's theme for the Chamber's Annual Business Recognition Gala was "The Greatest Place on Earth!" In gathering information, the comments were about the people of Effingham County and how they support the community they live in. Click here to view the video showcased at the Gala.

During a recent doctors' visit, Dr. Charly Nguyen commented how Effingham is a very unique community. There is always something new happening, businesses want to be a part of the community, interstates bring lots of visitors & businesses to the area. It is a very sought-after community and everyone is excited to be part of Effingham County.

These comments confirm - "Together - We Succeed!" The Chamber is proud to play an active role in Effingham County's success. We CREATE opportunities for businesses to prosper and grow through programs like The Business Outreach Center and the Effingham Regional Career Academy. We CONNECT people to resources they need to strengthen their business and stimulate regional prosperity through opportunities like Effingham County Vision 2020 and now Impact 2030 and the NEW Effingham Area Connect app. We COLLABORATE with other organizations across the county to tackle tough issues like housing shortages, diversity and inclusion, human trafficking and a lot more.

We appreciate your membership and continued support of the Chamber. Join us in our continued efforts to ensure that Effingham County remains the "Greatest Place on Earth!"

Yours in Business,

Norma Lansing, IOM, ACE
President & CEO
nlansing@effinghamcountychamber.com


#FamousChamber of Commerce Quotation: (Good advice)

“We move toward and become like that which we think about. Our present thoughts determine our future.” Lou Tice

East Mississippi Business Development Corporation recognition: Head of the Class awards given out Friday

The East Mississippi Business Development Corporation recognized two students from each high school across Lauderdale County with the Head of the Class Awards. Alex Smith and Maggie Freeman were the recipients at Clarkdale High School.

“I am surprised,” Smith says. “I didn’t think I would get this and I didn’t know this was happening, so I’m happy and surprised.”

“It’s really exciting and I’m really proud to have received this award because I’m really proud of my grades and I work pretty hard,” Freeman says.

Two awards were given, one for the highest performing student, and one for the most improved student. Jay Youngblood and Trevon Fuller were the recipients at Northeast Lauderdale High School.
“It’s very special to me, I really enjoy this class every day, and I don’t mind going to class,” Youngblood says. “I’ve learned so many wonderful things taking the class, things I’ll use throughout my whole life, and it’s just a really great experience.”

“To receive this award, I am very happy, and honored,” Fuller says. “I was surprised at first because I didn’t expect this.” Read more: WTOK


Chamber Asset: Marshfield woman knows the value of a good mentor“I am a firm believer in paying it forward,” said Diane Wolf.

Wolf knows the value of a good mentor. Her appreciation reaches back to time spent as a nontraditional student, after heading to college when her youngest child was in kindergarten.

“I went back to school – went to the UW (Marshfield) – got an associate’s degree; got a bachelor’s from Stevens Point in business administration, HR, and finance; and then, I got my MBA from Oshkosh,” Wolf recalled.

Right out of college, Wolf’s first job was managing Marshfield’s bustling mall.

“There were 37 stores. It was alive; it was hopping,” she said. “It was just wonderful, but that was the day when the mall was a destination. That’s how I first got involved in the community. I got to know Marilyn Hardacre, and she came to me and she says ‘They are revising MACCI (Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry.) We need a program director.’”

Wolf took the job at the chamber, where she spent the next few years networking. Then, she was approached to run a regional grocery store bank.

“I managed the first Associated (Bank) when it was in Tom Karau’s warehouse,” Wolf added.

When Mid-State started a financial services program, they looked to Wolf due to her experience in both business and banking. Diane then began a 25-year teaching career with the technical college. That teaching career extended to the UW system where she has taught for 32 years.

In addition to her professional career, Wolf has also served the community in a political capacity, becoming the first woman elected to the Marshfield Common Council. Wolf served the residents of District 2 for two terms.

The mentorship she received from her days as a student to her days as a teacher have given her the desire to pay it forward and the Central Wisconsin SCORE program has become a major part of that.

“I’ve had some really good mentors over the years and that is what made me gravitate towards SCORE, because I can pay that forward,” Wolf said. “I think about all of the mentors that I have had in this community… I was taught not to sit back by some wonderful mentors.”

“When you talk about SCORE, think about the fact that you can give this back… It’s that synergistic effect, where everything comes together; and because it does, the outcome is so much better. SCORE is just a real small part of that. If you get people with good ideas, and you help show them where they can get resources and things of that sort, it’s only a matter of time and you are going to pay it forward, too.”

Central Wisconsin SCORE is a group of counselors that provide free, confidential advice, and consultation to any prospective or current business owner in north central Wisconsin and Upper Michigan.

“I think what score brings is they bring experts in various fields to individuals who otherwise may not have that tool available to them,” Wolf said. “This one person came in and she said, ‘Well, you know, I should have come to you first. I spent $300 on this software package, and I spent $300 on this and all of these things, and it wasn’t needed.’ She could have started with us. We are a starting point.

“You get more than you give. In all of the volunteerism I have done over my lifetime, I have gotten far more than I have ever given.”

About score

The Central Wisconsin SCORE chapter is located in the Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry, 700 S. Central Ave., Marshfield. The group has assisted hundreds of businesses in the Marshfield, Neillsville, Wisconsin Rapids, Stevens Point, and Wausau area.

They currently serve the counties of Florence, Forest, Vilas, Iron, Oneida, Price, Lincoln, Langlade, Clark, Wood, Marathon, Juneau, Adams, and portions of Upper Michigan.

While the SCORE program has many counselors with various expertise, the program currently has a large need for women mentors.

“You don’t have to own a business,” said Central Wisconsin SCORE Administrator Karen Olson, “you don’t have to be a CEO of a business, you just have to have some expertise in an area such as financial, marketing, (human resources), all of those different arenas. Read more: Hub City Times

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

Chamber excitement: 3,000 New Members in Cleveland; Lake Zurich Chamber of Commerce Community Guide & Membership Directory; Terre Haute Chamber President David Haynes Announces Retirement; Working group starts hashing out strategic plan for Shenandoah County; Plymouth Chamber of Commerce Community Map; What Lies Ahead for the Barrington Region’s Economy? Gov. Bevin recommits to running at the Ky. Chamber of Commerce dinner; Jackson County honored as an active community; Tom Fisher is new Executive Director at Greater Port Austin Chamber of Commerce; Columbus Lowndes Chamber announces new director of programs and events; Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S.

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

Chamber excitement: 3,000 New Members in Cleveland

The Greater Cleveland Partnership (GCP) had a record year in 2018, adding 3,000 new members. The membership growth stems from the success of its health insurance plan for small businesses. In late 2016, the Ohio Department of Insurance gave the green light for GCP to create a Multiple Employer Welfare Arrangement (MEWA) that allows employers to band together in a self-funded group plan. Since then, GCP has added 5,000 members over the last two years.

Lake Zurich Chamber of Commerce  Community Guide & Membership Directory

The Lake Zurich Area Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Guide & Business Directory is available at the Lake Zurich Area Chamber today! Thanks to Dale Perrin and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!

Lake Zurich Area Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Guide and Business Directory

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. 


Terre Haute Chamber President David Haynes Announces Retirement

Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce President David Haynes announced during Tuesday’s Board of Director’s meeting his plans to retire as President of the Chamber, effective June 30.
Keeping his usual smile, but with an obvious heavy heart, Haynes delivered the news, during the regularly scheduled monthly Board meeting.



Recognizing past Board of Directors chairs that he’s worked alongside, including current Board Chair Brian Kooistra, Chief Operating Officer at Garmong Construction Services – Haynes said his time as the leader of the Chamber has been a “joy” and leaves him full of “pride”.
“It is with equal amounts of appreciation, pride and hope that I announce my retirement as president of the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce,” he said in a statement. “I have great appreciation for this Board and its faith in a Terre Haute native to calm troubled waters and restore the confidence of our business community in this longstanding institution.”
Since being hired in 2014, Haynes has led the Chamber, its membership and staff through an uptick of overall members, an increase of Advocacy efforts, creation of the regional initiative West Central Indiana 2025, the implementation of casino legislation support with “Terre Haute Is All In” and the adoption of Downtown Terre Haute as a branch of the Chamber organization.
“To look back on what’s been accomplished since 2014 is extremely impressive,” Kooistra says. “David has been a great leader of the Chamber, he’s a Terre Haute native that has invested in his community and really made a difference.”
In his retirement Haynes says he plans to spend more time with his wife of 46 years, Nancy, their four sons and six grandchildren; four boys and two girls. A longtime attorney, Haynes will continue to practice law into retirement.
Not without a little humor, Haynes provided a “Toast”, a tradition he’s become known for during the Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting.
“I do believe the Chamber is on the right course,” he says. “I thank you, I hope you share my pride, and with confidence that it will continue well into my retirement, I simply say: “A Toast”.
Kooistra stated to the board that he would be convening the Personnel and Executive Committees in the coming weeks to create a plan on filling the position and a recommendation will be made to the Board in February for their approval.




Working group starts hashing out strategic plan for Shenandoah County

Business leaders, elected officials and town representatives gathered around tables on Thursday afternoon to kick off putting a new strategic plan for Shenandoah County in place.

Thursday’s meeting was the first time for working group members and representatives from RKG Associates Inc., an economic planning and real estate consulting firm, to sit down and talk through how everyone wants to proceed. Kyle Talente, vice president and principal of RKG Associates, asked every member of the group to be frank with any and all concerns they had — assuring everyone there was going to be give and take from everyone involved.

The last strategic plan the county enacted was in 2013. Despite actionable goals and a vision for the future, Kim Woodwell, Shenandoah coordinator of the Alliance for Shenandoah Valley, said little has been done to help towns work together and meet benchmarks.

“I’m looking, I’m researching,” Woodwell said, holding up the county’s last effort. “There is no strategic plan. That’s ideas.”

Talente assured group members he was planning on assessing the previous plan and making sure the new plan lays out a clear path for success.

“Generally, we get to a more granular level in terms of those ideas,” he said, “which makes it easier to hold someone accountable.”

Blake Phillips, a member of the Industrial Development Authority and the committee that selected RKG, said RKG was chosen because of its commitment to creating a clear plan that provided accountability, as well as a willingness to confront differences between individuals and towns.

Keeping everyone accountable is a problem, Talente said, he will help address later. The first order of business was to get everyone thinking about what economic development is.

“This is an engaged process,” Talente said, “and at the end of the day, this is going to be a plan that is presented to the community from the working group with my assistance.”

Ideas about what economic development is and what is best for the county varied between working group members and their backgrounds. Key ideas such as tax diversification, bringing money into the community and creating an environment geared around attracting business were common themes.

Talente asked members to be honest about concerns they had for the group moving forward. Dennis Dysart, president of the Shenandoah County Chamber of Commerce, said resistance to a shift away from agriculture as a central feature of the county has been one of the issues that have held up groups in the past.

“I think we talk about our lifestyle here in Shenandoah County as being one of agriculture,” Dysart said. “I would differentiate and say its a rural-based lifestyle.”

Dysart said the amenities residents enjoy and often think of as “agriculture” are, in fact, the open space and a different way of living. “Preserving” agriculture as a way of life should not be a goal of the strategic plan, he said.

One meeting helped bring concerns like Dysart’s up and offered Talente a jumping off point to assess possible stumbling blocks moving forward. Read more: Northern Virginia Daily

Plymouth Chamber of Commerce Community Map

The Plymouth Chamber of Commerce Community Map is available at the Plymouth Chamber! Thanks to Connie Holzwart and the Plymouth chamber membership for their help and direction putting this together!

Town Square Publications  (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. 

What Lies Ahead for the Barrington Region’s Economy?

BACC Hosts Annual Economic Summit


The Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC) will host its 2019 Annual Economic Summit, "State of the Barrington Region," on Wednesday, Feb. 6 from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. at Barrington’s White House, 145 W. Main St., Barrington. The event gathers village officials from 11 surrounding communities to update local business leaders and the community on current economic conditions and what lies ahead for the Barrington area in 2019. The public is invited. Seating is limited.
“This is a premier event that captures where we are, where we have been, and what’s ahead for our region,” said BACC President Suzanne Corr. “We hear first-hand updates on what impacts local business, residents, and the prosperity of our communities.”

Confirmed speakers include: Karen Darch of Barrington; Martin McLaughlin of Barrington Hills; Beth McAndrews of Deer Park; Nandia Black of Kildeer; Karen Daulton-Lange of Lake Barrington; Bill Jacob of Long Grove; Albert Pino of North Barrington; Shannon Yeaton of Port Barrington; and Paula McCombie of South Barrington.

Speakers will discuss the 2018 year in review, economic development accomplishments, and goals for 2019. The BACC Economic Summit is open to the public; registration is required. Cost is $40 for Chamber Members, $50 for guests, and includes a hot breakfast buffet served by Egg Harbor Café. The BACC Economic Summit is sponsored by Good Shepherd Hospital and Northern Trust Bank.

To register, call the BACC office at 847-381-2525, or email events@barringtonchamber.com. You can also register online at the BACC website, www.BarringtonChamber.com

Gov. Bevin recommits to running at the Ky. Chamber of Commerce dinner

Gov. Matt Bevin assured more than 1,500 business leaders at the annual Kentucky Chamber of Commerce dinner Thursday night that he is going to run for re-election in 2019.

"All of you who have the ability to come up with secret strategies, how do you have time for this," he said. "How do you have time to be that sneaky?"

Speculation about Bevin's future has dominated Kentucky politics for months as the Jan. 29 filing deadline approaches.

The governor hasn't filed paperwork or raised any money toward re-election, and Republican critics — namely U.S. Rep. James Comer — have openly questioned if he can get anything accomplished if re-elected.

A new Morning Consult poll this week also shows Bevin with a 34 percent approval and 51 percent disapproval rating, which makes him the, "least popular governor up for re-election in 2019.”

Bevin used most of his 40-minute speech to address the urgency of overhauling the state's ailing retirement benefits system, and its cost to current and future Kentuckians. He also talked about successes with criminal justice reform and overall economic momentum. Read more: Courier-Journal


Jackson County honored as an active community

Bike trails, hiking, state of the art facilities, those are just a few ways to get active in Jackson County.

"We are an active community not only for our residents, but for visitors. We have tons of outdoor recreation here in our area and I think that people that come here to our area, and also the ones that live in our area, find benefit in having all the different opportunities here," said Black River Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Amanda Gunn.

This month, the county was recognized by Wisconsin Active Together, as one of 14 active communities in the state.

Through the efforts of the Jackson in Action coalition, the county got the designation for the first time.

Jackson in Action was created in 2012 thanks to a grant, and has grown leaps and bounds within the county over the past seven years.

"Not too many years ago we were thought of as one of the poorest communities as far as county health rankings in Wisconsin," said Jackson in Action Leadership Team Member Dawn Jacobson. "So to be able to put a lot of different programs in place over the last few years and to be able to recognize the fact that we are doing a lot to promote physical activity really is a big accomplishment for us." Read more: WEAU TV

Tom Fisher is new Executive Director at Greater Port Austin Chamber of Commerce

The Greater Port Austin Chamber of Commerce recently announced the naming of Tom Fisher as its new executive director.

Fisher will take over for former Executive Director Cameron Schwanitz.

Fisher is a 1978 graduate of Central Michigan University with a bachelor of science degree in chemistry and math. He has had a long career as an environmental scientist and teacher, with additional experience in the retail industry. He is currently in the process of relocating to the area with his wife, Joan, to be near their children residing in the Caseville area.

"My wife, Joan, and I are very much looking forward to our transition to the greater Port Austin area," said Fisher. "I am excited to begin facilitating all the wonderful events in Port Austin."

As executive director, Fisher’s responsibilities include developing and fulfilling the chamber's short- and long-term strategic goals; operations of the chamber of commerce, farmer’s market and village green; management of all aspects of member services, including growth and retention of new members; and various marketing and programming activities supporting the chamber’s mission and strategies. In addition, a focus of his activities will be to develop community programs in coordination with the village, township and downtown development authority to attract new residents, businesses and entrepreneurs.

According to Port Austin Chamber of Commerce President Chris Boyle, the greater Port Austin business community has been experiencing a growth surge. The expansion has occurred as the village becomes an increasingly popular travel destination.

“Tom is joining the Chamber of Commerce team at an important time of growth within the local business community,” said Boyle. “His experience, energy and enthusiasm, combined with his long time connection with the local area will be great assets in helping our business and residential community to continue to flourish."

Columbus Lowndes Chamber announces new director of programs and events

The Columbus Lowndes Chamber of Commerce has announced Ms. Eason Black as director of programs and events. Black joins the Chamber to lead the organization’s planning and programming efforts. Black has worked for the CLCC since May 2018 as an intern, assisting with planning events, social media, email marketing, and upkeep of the Chamber website. A native of Columbus, Black graduated from Heritage Academy and Mississippi State University.

In her new capacity, Black will plan and execute existing programs currently produced by the CLCC ranging in focus on education, youth leadership, military affairs and community development. The previous CLCC Director of Programs and Events, Meryl Fisackerly, is now serving as Golden Triangle Development LINK Project Manager.

CLCC President, Lisa James, completed her fourth and final year at the Institute of Organizational Management this January, a program for chamber and association professionals that awards the IOM certification upon the completion of the four-year course.

“We’re excited about the potential for new growth and innovative programming from the Chamber staffers,” said Joe Max Higgins, Jr., CEO of the Golden Triangle Development LINK. “They bring energy and initiative to the organization and I’m confident that they’ll take the Chamber to a new level.”


The Columbus Lowndes Chamber of Commerce represents approximately 480 businesses in the area. Read more: Mississippi Business Journal

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