Chamber of Commerce Daily News
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U.S. Chamber Awards 17 Local Chambers with Accreditation; 3 in Michigan receive 5 star accreditation
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, at its board meeting earlier this month, awarded accreditation to 17 chambers of commerce for their sound policies, effective organizational procedures, and positive impact on their communities.
“Accreditation validates a chamber as having programs that benefit its local economy and positively influence its community,” said Raymond P. Towle, IOM, CAE, U.S. Chamber vice president of Federation Relations and Institute for Organization Management. “We applaud these organizations for advancing the principles of free enterprise.”
The only program of its kind in the country, U.S. Chamber accreditation recognizes excellence in chamber planning and performance. To achieve accreditation, a chamber must demonstrate quality programs, clear organizational procedures, and effective communications by meeting minimum operation and program standards in the areas of governance, program development, government affairs, and technology.
Local and regional chambers are rated “Accredited,” “Accredited with 3 Stars,” “Accredited with 4 Stars,” or “Accredited with 5 Stars.” State chambers are rated “Accredited State Chamber,” or “Accredited State Chamber with Distinction.” The final determination is made by the accrediting board, a committee of U.S. Chamber board members, and chamber CEOs from across the country.
The following chambers of commerce received accreditation:
Accredited
Wilson Chamber of Commerce, Wilson, NC
Accredited with 4 Stars
Greater Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center, Lexington, SC
Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce, Tomball, TX
Jackson Chamber, Jackson, TN
Accredited with 5 Stars
Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce, Battle Creek, MI
Columbia County Chamber of Commerce, Evans, GA
Frisco Chamber of Commerce, Frisco, TX
Greater Gainesville Chamber, Gainesville, FL
Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce, Irving, TX
Greenville-Pitt County Chamber of Commerce, Greenville, NC
Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, Lakeland, FL
Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, Lansing, MI
Lawton Fort Sill Chamber of Commerce, Lawton, OK
Lubbock Chamber of Commerce, Lubbock, TX
Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce, Holland, MI
Roseville Area Chamber of Commerce, Roseville, CA
South Shore Chamber of Commerce, Rockland, MA
#FamousChamber Of Commerce Quotations: (Be happy!)
"Sometimes you need to take a step aside or behind to keep being useful." Pope Francis
Champaign County Chamber Foundation: Giving Tuesday
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Today, on #GivingTuesday, we ask that you consider contributing to the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
We believe that closing the skills gap is the way to build your workforce. In order to better meet the needs of our business members, the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce has formed a 501c3 not-for-profit charitable foundation. Having our own charitable foundation allows us to pursue external grant opportunities and it also allows members, like yourself, to make a tax deductible contribution to Chamber programming (outside of membership dues) that is important to you and your business.
Our foundation supports the chamber's efforts in the areas of education, workforce development, and leadership development. The foundation supports its mission by developing strategic partnerships and initiatives with schools, businesses, community leaders and other supporters.
In partnership with the Chamber, the Foundation is focused on growing our local workforce through education and leadership development programs. We need your help to do this. Please consider becoming a founding supporter of the Foundation today – so together, we can make a better community tomorrow.
Make a contribution today.
Donate Now
Romeoville Area Chamber of Commerce 2019 Community Membership Directory
The Romeoville 2019 Community & Membership Directory is available at the Romeoville Chamber of Commerce today! Thank you to the Lenny Criddle and Chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!
Romeoville Chamber of Commerce 2019 Community Membership Directory
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.
GreaterWausau.org a powerful new tool for region’s employers
The Greater Wausau Prosperity Partnership (GWPP) has launched a talent attraction and retention website, GreaterWausau.org, for the region. The site has been constructed to serve as a recruitment tool for the region’s businesses and industries. The site was built by Amperage Marketing & Fundraising in Wausau.
“We are fortunate to be blessed with so many excellent and unique resources in a vibrant community, such as excellent healthcare, education, affordable housing and easy access to nature, entertainment and skiing.” said Jim McIntyre, CEO of Greenheck and GWPP Chair. “The launch of our new website, GreaterWausau.org, is an important beginning to sharing our story and bringing talented people and companies to the Greater Wausau area.”
The site tells the story of the region through videos and written narratives of individuals, families, destinations, events, businesses and organizations. GreaterWausau.org will feature frequent content updates to build upon those pieces assembled for the launch.
The website is organized around the following topics:
Explore: This portion of the site highlights the region’s miles of hiking, cycling and running trails; skiing, kayaking and fishing opportunities; and outdoor activities which can be enjoyed in all four seasons.
Experience: Information on dining, shopping, the performing and fine arts and regional events can be found here.
Live: Compare housing options and learn what makes each of more than a dozen communities in the region unique.
Work: Search for jobs, internships and apprenticeships available in the region, with an emphasis on positions in those industry sectors identified for growth in the Economic Development Strategic Plan.
Learn: Explore a variety of public and private school options across the region, along with preschool and daycare possibilities and higher education opportunities.
Get Connected: Browse volunteer opportunities, houses of worship and non-profits in this section of the site.
A toolkit for those who fill positions at regional businesses and organizations is in development. The toolkit will include a guide for usage, digital elements and more.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to tag their photos of outdoor scenery and activities with the hashtag #elevatenaturally. Photos with this tag may be added to the site’s homepage to reinforce the recreational opportunities in the region. Follow or like the social media channels for GreaterWausau.org on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.
Advertising positions are available on the site and are sold monthly by section. Visit WausauChamber.com to review the rates and the available inventory.
For more information on GreaterWausau.org, please contact Brian Otten at 715-848-5947.
#BestChamber practices: Valpo Chamber Business Resources on Website
Business Organizations
BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU NORTHWEST INDIANA
Of the nearly 32,000 businesses in Lake County and 4,800 in Porter County, about 4,200 businesses are listed in the bureau's database for Northwest Indiana. The Merrillville office is part of the Fort Wayne-based Northeastern Indiana Better Business Bureau.
222 Indianapolis Blvd. Ste 201A, Schererville, IN 46375
(219) 227-8400
www.bbb.org
NORTHWEST INDIANA FORUM
A privately-funded economic development corporation for Northwest Indiana. Property search, state and local incentives, maps, regional profiles and more.
6100 Southport Rd, Portage, Indiana 46368
(219) 763-6303
NORTHWEST INDIANA REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
www.rda.in.gov
A privately-funded economic development corporation for Northwest Indiana. Property search, state and local incentives, maps, regional profiles and more.
6100 Southport Rd, Portage, Indiana 46368
(219) 763-6303
NORTHWEST INDIANA REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
www.rda.in.gov
NORTHWEST INDIANA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION
NIRPC is designated the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for Northwest Indiana. As the MPO, NIRPC is responsible for coordinating the urban transportation planning process for the region. This NIRPC function is conducted in cooperation with the Indiana Department of Transportation and other regional transportation interests.
6100 Southport Rd, Portage, Indiana 46368
(219) 763-6060
NIRPC is designated the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for Northwest Indiana. As the MPO, NIRPC is responsible for coordinating the urban transportation planning process for the region. This NIRPC function is conducted in cooperation with the Indiana Department of Transportation and other regional transportation interests.
6100 Southport Rd, Portage, Indiana 46368
(219) 763-6060
NORTHWEST INDIANA SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER
The SBDC is the product of a unique partnership between the Regional Development Company and the US Small Business Administration. Its mission is to create, or keep, jobs in Northwest Indiana. Small business resources, training, and consulting. SBDC representatives also meet clients at the Valpo Chamber office. Call (219) 462-1105 for details.
9800 Connecticut Dr, Crown Point, Indiana 46307
(219) 644-3513
www.nwisbdc.org
NORTHWEST INDIANA SCORE - BUILDING YOUR BUSINESS WITH EXPERIENCE ADVISORS
SCORE's expert mentors provide effective business advice on everything from how to write a business plan, to cash flow management, to growing an existing business. Chamber members can access SCORE's free and confidential mentoring services face-to-face at the Chamber office, on the phone, or online. All SCORE mentors are volunteers with specialized training that increases the quiality and effectiveness of their mentoring. SCORE is a branch of the Small Business Administration with access to inforiaiton and materials, free of charge. Workshps, roundtable discussions and on-site visits provide personalized and customized solutions for growing business. Call the Chamber office or go online: www.northwestindiana.score.org to arrange a meeting, to participate in one of the workshops, or to volunteer.
SCORE's expert mentors provide effective business advice on everything from how to write a business plan, to cash flow management, to growing an existing business. Chamber members can access SCORE's free and confidential mentoring services face-to-face at the Chamber office, on the phone, or online. All SCORE mentors are volunteers with specialized training that increases the quiality and effectiveness of their mentoring. SCORE is a branch of the Small Business Administration with access to inforiaiton and materials, free of charge. Workshps, roundtable discussions and on-site visits provide personalized and customized solutions for growing business. Call the Chamber office or go online: www.northwestindiana.score.org to arrange a meeting, to participate in one of the workshops, or to volunteer.
VALPARAISO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORP.
162 W Lincolnway, Valparaiso, Indiana
(219) 462-1105
www.valpoedc.org
Workforce/Career Assistance
THE CENTER FOR WORKFORCE INNOVATIONS
The Center of Workforce Innovations Workforce Investment Board (WIB) brings private sector leaders together with policy makers from government, education, economic development, labor, and community-based organizations to analyze regional labor market trends, needs, and issues, in order to develop strategic workforce solutions for the system in Jasper, La Porte, Newton, Porter, Pulaski and Starke counties.
2804 Boilermaker Court, Suite E, Valparaiso, Indiana 46383
Phone: (219) 462-2940
www.innovativeworkforce.com
The Center of Workforce Innovations Workforce Investment Board (WIB) brings private sector leaders together with policy makers from government, education, economic development, labor, and community-based organizations to analyze regional labor market trends, needs, and issues, in order to develop strategic workforce solutions for the system in Jasper, La Porte, Newton, Porter, Pulaski and Starke counties.
2804 Boilermaker Court, Suite E, Valparaiso, Indiana 46383
Phone: (219) 462-2940
www.innovativeworkforce.com
PORTER COUNTY CAREER AND TECHNICAL CENTER
(workforce assistance)
Offers career and technical classes and programs: Manufacturing, Health Services, Personal and Commercial Service, Engineering and Computer Technology, Construction, Mechanical Repair, and School-to-Work.
1005 N Franklin St, Valparaiso, Indiana
(219) 531-3170
www.pccte.org
(workforce assistance)
Offers career and technical classes and programs: Manufacturing, Health Services, Personal and Commercial Service, Engineering and Computer Technology, Construction, Mechanical Repair, and School-to-Work.
1005 N Franklin St, Valparaiso, Indiana
(219) 531-3170
www.pccte.org
Carlin Smith to leave Petoskey chamber role, take position with Consumers Energy
'Mr. Petoskey' moves on from long-held Chamber job
With the announcement of Carlin Smith’s upcoming departure from the Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce, incoming chamber board chair Ashley Whitney said it’s a “sad day for Northern Michigan.”
But, Whitney added that members of the board “are very happy” for chamber president Smith, who is on track to become Consumers Energy’s community affairs manager for the northern Lower Peninsula in early 2020. She added that they are “very appreciative of the last 16 years of enormous effort” Smith has put into the president’s role.
“I’m not sure it’s easy to define (the contributions Smith has brought to the chamber),” Whitney said in a phone interview with the News-Review. “He is known colloquially as Mr. Petoskey and he kind of embodies that. He’s been the face of the chamber for the last 16 years and devoted time, effort and energy to making Northern Michigan a better place to live.”
Smith has been chamber president since 2003, and had previously served as downtown coordinator for Petoskey and executive director of the Harbor Springs Area Chamber of Commerce.
Whitney pointed to the Thriving Petoskey initiative as one of the most recent examples of Smith’s leadership. In a separate interview, Smith, himself, highlighted the program as one of his proudest accomplishments.
The effort is a multi-prong approach modeled after the “conscious capitalism” or “conscious business” movement, which follows the philosophy that businesses can find success by prioritizing fair practices toward people and the planet.
Smith maintains that his role with the chamber has been “his dream job” and “a literal labor of love,” but he also said it was some of those same “conscious capitalism” principles that led him toward a long-held admiration of the Consumers Energy business model. He cited some of the ideas espoused by Patti Poppe, CEO and president of the Jackson-based utility company, as evidence.
“Really, the culture (of Consumers Energy) embraces the ‘triple bottom line’ — people, planet, prosperity,” he said. “I knew that this organization gets it.”
Smith will start in his new position on Jan. 6.
“It is bittersweet to see Tim Petrosky, a staple for the company in the northern Michigan communities, retire after 38 years of service,” said Josh Burgett, Consumers Energy’s executive director of community engagement, in the release. “Carlin’s leadership and expertise will help us continue to have strong community relationships as we deliver world-class performance and hometown service.”
Smith added that one of the benefits of the new job is that he will not have to leave home and will still be able to be involved in the community — albeit, in a new context. He will serve as the energy company’s local government and community representative in the following counties: Emmet, Charlevoix, Antrim, Otsego, Cheboygan, Presque Isle and Kalkaska.
Besides the Thriving Petoskey initiative, he said another high point of his career was in 2004, when he helped to form the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance, which now includes nine area chambers of commerce and serves as an advocacy force on issues of regional importance.
“Another accomplishment is the team we’ve established,” Smith said. “I work with such a high-quality group of people who are very driven and make me look good all the time.”
He said that fact instills him with the confidence to know that there will be plenty of people to continue carrying the torch after he has left.
Whitney, who in January will move over as the chamber board’s chair as Margaret Bowers exits that role, said the board’s executive committee will be meeting at the end of this week to discuss the replacement process. She said applications will be posted soon and will be followed by a formal interview process. Read more: Petoskey News
‘It becomes part of you,’ departing chamber of commerce leader says of Jackson
It’s become “a completely different place” from when she first came to town, Bradish-Orta said. The Riverwalk Plaza Hotel and old Consumers building have been torn down and a pair of apartment complexes have gone up downtown – not to mention the hotels and businesses that have opened across the rest of the county.
Bradish-Orta, 43, is president and CEO, of the chamber, the Anchor Initiative and Experience Jackson and played a part in all of this development. But, she’s leaving those roles in January to become the community affairs manager for Consumers Energy in Jackson and Lenawee counties.
Among many accomplishments, downtown Jackson has seen $200 million in private investment in the last five years, per a chamber study.
"That's huge. When's the last time Jackson can say that happened?" Bradish-Orta said. "But I didn't do it. Was I at the table, was I helping? Sure. But I didn't do it, it's not my money."
Bradish-Orta grew up in Leslie and went to Kalamazoo College. She became president and CEO of the West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce in California.
The Jackson chamber job opened up as she was looking to come back to Michigan, Bradish-Orta said, adding she wasn’t committed to staying in Jackson at first.
"It gets into you. It becomes part of you, this community," Bradish-Orta said. "I didn't know (in 2007) that this place would become home. I didn't know that this job wasn't just a way to get me home, but that it would help me find home."
In her new job, Bradish-Orta will be a liaison between Consumers and the governments, businesses and people of Jackson and Lenawee counties. She'll facilitate communication and find efficiencies – like working with the city to coordinate street construction with Consumers infrastructure work, she said.
The chamber board hasn't selected a new leader and will consider internal and external candidates, Bradish-Orta said.
“Changes in leadership tend to lead to a hiccup, a pause, a little bump,” Bradish-Orta said. “But I want everyone to know that the team here is perfectly equipped, knowledgeable and passionate. They have every tool, resource and experience they need to continue serving the business community.” Read more: M LIVE
Starksville - Mississippi's College Town Community Resource Guide
The Starksville Community Resource Guide is available at the Greater Starkville Development Partnership today! Thank you to the chamber team 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 profile or publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633.
Hudsonville Area Chamber of Commerce on LinkedIn
- Excited to announce that our chamber has won the MACP Outstanding Chamber of the Year award in the Small Chamber Category. Looking forward to improving as the year goes on!
Rooster Booster to Celebrate Shopping Local this Thursday
Owensboro, Kentucky – Independence Bank will sponsor the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce Rooster Booster Breakfast this Thursday, December 5 at the Owensboro Convention Center.
The December Rooster Booster will continue the celebration of shopping local! Shop Owensboro, Powered by Independence Bank, participants will be recognized during the event.
“We are doing a focus on Shop Owensboro merchants with fun giveaways and prizes.” said Candance Castlen Brake, Chamber President and CEO. “We want to continue to promote the businesses here who do so much for our community and local economy. We felt like our December Rooster Booster, sponsored by Independence Bank, was the perfect venue!”
The morning will be full of holiday cheer with contests, prizes, photos with Santa and more! Attendees are encouraged to dress in their favorite Christmas sweater or other holiday attire!
The cost to attend is $12 for Chamber Members with reservations, $15 for Members with no reservations and $20 for non-members. Make your reservation and pay online at business.chamber.owensboro.com/events or call the Chamber at 270-926-1860 by noon on Wednesday, December 4.
Founded in 1913, the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce has worked for a century to provide valuable benefits and services to Member businesses and individuals. Today, with a membership base of nearly 1,000, the Chamber is a guiding force in community and business development initiatives, serving as the center of business advocacy for the Greater Owensboro region.
Contact: Candance Castlen Brake, Chamber President and CEO | (270) 926-1860
Contact: Candance Castlen Brake, Chamber President and CEO | (270) 926-1860
Plymouth Chamber of Commerce Community Map
The Plymouth Chamber of Commerce Community Map is available at the New Castle-Henry County Chamber! Thanks to Connie Holzwart and the 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.
Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber Of Commerce Holds Annual Holiday Celebration
The Beckley- Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce Holiday Celebration took place tonight.
The celebration was held at the Beckley- Raleigh County Convention Center from five until seven this evening. There, new and existing Chamber of Commerce members, business representatives and clients interacted with each other while checking out vendors and participating in raffles. Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce Chairman Mike Tyree explained why this event is so important.
“Networking, networking, networking. That’s the lifeblood of the business world and if you get to meet someone in a social setting, away from the office, many times, it’s much easier to do business with them because you feel like you have a relationship with them. We feel like networking is one of the best things we do,” said Tyree.
This event is known as one of the best holiday networking events in Southern West Virginia. Read more: WOAY TV
Good morning #ChamberWorld! It's going to be a GREAT day!
Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S.
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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
