Good morning #ChamberWorld! It's going to be a great day!
Wisconsin Manufacturing & Commerce LEGISLATIVE ALERT: Tell Your Lawmakers to Protect Businesses from Frivolous Lawsuits
Contact your lawmakers today!
Good Afternoon,
As you know, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused thousands of infections and has cost hundreds of thousands of jobs in Wisconsin. While other members of the business community band together to help restart our economy and support those in need, Wisconsin trial lawyers are looking to profit off of others’ tragedy.
Unfortunately, many trial lawyers are already spending significant amounts on advertising to recruit COVID-19 plaintiffs to sue Wisconsin businesses, schools and homeowners. The legislature needs to act now to protect businesses – many already financially stretched to the brink – from potentially bankruptcy-causing litigation.
Thankfully, Sen. Chris Kapenga, and Reps. Mark Born and Dan Knodl have introduced legislation that would protect businesses, non-profits, schools and homeowners from these frivolous lawsuits. But their colleagues need to hear from you!
Lawmakers have until Sept. 25 to sign onto this legislation as a co-sponsor. Click the button below to contact your legislators and the governor today.
Contact your lawmakers today!
#BestChamber Practices: Muskego Chamber: 2021 Planning - Survey Your Members!
Dear Chamber members,
I hope your last days of
summer and first days of fall are profitable. It certainly has been a unique
summer (as has the entire year). I apologize for missing the second newslink in
August and encourage you to read this one as I attempt to catch up on news.
Like most of your businesses, the Chamber office is preparing plans, budgets, and events for 2021. Interesting process, don't you agree? With that in mind, we are interested in your feedback regarding the following questions. You can send responses to: executivedirector@muskego.org.
· In what areas does the Muskego Chamber help your
business or organization? Especially looking toward 2021?
· As we consider membership and community events,
which one(s) does your business or organization find most beneficial? Would you
consider participating in 2021? Would you consider sponsoring? The current
in-person activities/events we offer are:
· Networking Lunches
· Business After Hours
· Educational Activities with students(currently
on hold until further notice)
· State of the City Breakfast
· Annual Gala & Auction
· Jammin' on Janesville
· Taste of Muskego
· Golf Outing
· Small Business Saturday
· Festival & Parade
· Jingle on Janesville
· Women's Business Connections activities
· Communication, marketing, and business exposure
are more important than ever. Which of these help your business?
· Chamber website (directory, posting
jobs/events/deals)
· Chamber updates regarding important
business/community info
· Chamber's annual Partner Sponsor program
· Sharing your business items across social media
· Advertising in:
·
Muskego Chamber's annual
Community Guide
·
Chamber Newslink e-blast
·
As a sponsor for an
event
·
Valpak Opportunities
· Printed promotional items in:
·
The Chamber Office
(Visitor Display and business card wall)
·
New Resident Welcome
Packets
·
Event Swag Bags
Thank you. I look
forward to hearing from many of you regarding these thoughts!
Enjoy the beautiful fall
days ahead!
Krisann Durnford
Executive DirectorCEDARBURG, WISCONSIN — Any trip to Cedarburg begins on Washington Avenue, which welcomes visitors with its small town charm and a serious dose of American history.
Less than a two-hour drive from Chicago, Cedarburg lies about 20 miles north of Milwaukee and less than 5 miles west of Lake Michigan. Just like the “Cream City” to the south, the town is known for its collection of light-colored brick and limestone buildings, many of which date to the 19th century. The town claims to have more than 200 historic buildings and nine listings on the National Register of Historic Places; with 11,600 citizens, Cedarburg must have one of the highest rates of such sites per person in the Midwest.
The historic Washington House Inn on Washington Avenue was founded in 1846. Originally a wooden building, the three-story brick structure was finished in 1886. Today, it’s a top ranked hotel in the state. Guests stay in 34 rooms, many encased in thick stone and original wood. Many city dwellers from Chicago and Milwaukee who long for small town Americana land at the inn.
Continuing the Washingtonian theme is Rebellion Brewing, in the basement of the town’s massive five-story gristmill. Patrons entering the brewery walk over a rushing water wheel and are greeted by a sign that reads “BEER FOR THE PEOPLE.” American flags from different eras hang on the walls of the bar, making it feel almost like 18th century New England — a perfect underground place to scheme against the redcoats over a few pints.
The gristmill was built in 1855 in a Greek Revival style. Early German settlers harnessed the water of Cedar Creek to grind up to 120 barrels of flour daily. More than 150 years later, the building still has a feed store. That German influence also endures: During normal times, the town draws thousands for its annual Oktoberfest festival. The Winter Festival, Strawberry Festival, Cedarbrew, Wine & Harvest and Cedarburg Christmas attract a steady flow of tourists throughout the seasons.
Cedar Creek, which tilts closer to a river than a creek, remains one of the prominent features of the town. The success of the original gristmill helped kick-start construction of other factories along the waterway. A woolen mill was finished in 1864 just a half-mile north; today that building houses the popular Cedar Creek Winery.
The Cedarburg Covered Bridge is the last remaining covered bridge in Wisconsin, and shores on either side are now a grassy park, complete with picnic tables and grills. A bit farther south, the Interurban Bridge transcends the creek; it’s an old railway bridge that connected Milwaukee to Sheboygan in the first part of the 20th century. Today it’s used as a biking and pedestrian trail. Seemingly every landmark has been preserved and pragmatically renewed for life today.
That’s certainly the case for the dozens of small gift shops, ice cream parlors, clothing stores, confectionary stores and more that occupy some of those historic buildings on Washington Avenue. The chamber of commerce lists 48 retailers in Cedarburg and 38 restaurants, remarkable numbers for a town its size but buoyed by tourism. Read more: Chicago Tribune
Successful Fund-Raising Event: Byron Chamber of Commerce Duck Race
Presenting Sponsor : Envoy Mortgage
After Party Sponsor : Byron Bank
General Duck Sponsor : Weezy's Sports Bar & Grill
We would also like to thank the Byron Park District (Hamas Park) and Hairy Cow Brewing Company for hosting us throughout the day, we could not have done it without you!
We are very happy and excited to report that we SOLD OUT of duck's! In total, we dropped 2,039 ducks into the Rock River and they all made it through the finish line!
We are also happy to announce our winners -
1st Place winning a total of $4,162 for our 60/40 : Bryan Novak
2nd Place winning $50 : Brad Strite
Lazy Duck winning $10 : Iconic Energy - Teague Dickey
The chamber could not have done this without our amazing volunteers that spent the day with us - Sarah Downs, Kristen Diehl, Nick Peterson, Kathy Mitchusson, Brian Peterson, Brian Downs, Stephanie Bailey, Linda Hewitt, Larry Hewitt, Liz Johnson, Sean Smith, Connor Reardon, Jay Vazquez, Alisa Patterson, Sam Snider, Courtney Snider, Russ Crull, Jim Musgrave, Kathy Wickler, Kerry Wickler, Shawn Knight, Beth Ippen, Matt Brick, Erin Wierschke
In all, we cannot thank everyone involved enough and we are so excited to see where this event can go in the future!
Arlington Heights Membership Chamber of Commerce 2020-2021 Insider's Guide To Arlington Heights Guide
The Arlington Heights Membership Chamber of Commerce 2020-2021 Insider's Guide To Arlington Heights Guide is available at the Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce today! Thank you to Jon Ridler, Mindy Philips and the Chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!!
#BestChamber practices: Batavia Chamber Weekly Digest with new events, community updates and more
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Happy Monday!
Tomorrow, with the autumnal equinox, we are officially in the fall season. At the Chamber, we celebrate autumn every year with our Harvest Celebration. Following safety guidelines for events, we must limit attendance, so please sign up early if you’d like to attend! Scroll down for more information
State and County Grants Open
Kane County Grant applications for small businesses and nonprofits are now open! Please visit the Kane County website for pertinent information and to submit your application. You must use the online portal to apply. Nonprofits and small business applicants have different portals.
During Friday's webinar, it was confirmed that it is first come, first served, with no guarantees of fund availability through the shutoff date of Oct. 2. Do not delay if you intend to apply! Check it out here: https://www.countyofkane.org/Pages/CRF.aspx
Thursday, Sept. 17, the second round of the Business Interruption Grant (BIG) Program opened for applications. These grants will be available to all small businesses statewide that experienced losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Grants will be awarded and funded on a rolling basis until funding is depleted. Application details, including links to eligibility criteria is available here.
DCEO will be hosting a series of webinars regarding this program. You can register for any of the webinars by using the links below:
· September 23, 9:30am-10:30am
· September 30, 9:30am-10:30am
Many of you have been viewing Mayor Schielke’s weekly videos. You can access last week’s September 18th video by clicking this link. The Mayor comments about Batavia's participation in the County bikeshare program - the bikes are now here. He also talks about The Elderday Center and Seniors Helping Seniors ribbon cutting ceremony last week. Scroll down for a photo!
Please scroll down for upcoming events and other content. If you have news to share, remember to send it to us! We continually update our home page, bataviachamber.org when new resources and information comes out. Also, check our calendar for new events from us and the community.
Our local businesses need all of our support – please remember to shop and dine local! As always, we are now, and will be in the future, here for you.
Most sincerely,
Margaret, Patti and Shirley
Your Batavia Chamber of Commerce Staff
Chamber Collaboration: City Oasis: Keep Ridgeland Beautiful Create a Hidden Garden Featuring Sculptures, Flowers
At the West Jackson Street gateway and a few steps away from the parking lot, one may almost forget that he or she is close to a major interstate and within the Ridgeland city limits.
Wildflower blooms reach several feet into the air, and when walking along the trails that wind through the field, the sounds of the city are replaced with the sounds of nature. Brilliant colors, hundreds of butterflies and local art have added to the beauty of the three-acre meadow.
The wildflower field is part of Keep Ridgeland Beautiful’s Wildflower Trails of Mississippi. The program, started by Keep Mississippi Beautiful, was created to enhance communities and natural areas across the state.
Keep Ridgeland Beautiful brought the wildflower project to the West Jackson Street site three years ago with wildflower seed provided by the program. However, over time, Keep Ridgeland Beautiful Chairperson Jan Richardson said the wildflowers stopped reseeding themselves.
In Ridgeland, the pandemic allowed for additional time for Keep Ridgeland Beautiful members to upgrade the already beautiful space. Since March, they have added berms featuring sculptures by artist Harry Day and a maze of trails leading from berm to berm.
In addition to the wildflower seeds from Wildflower Trails of Mississippi, plant and bulb donations were gifted for the project from residents who were splitting them this spring.
A previously unused bench was brought in and now sits at the entrance of one of the trails surrounded by flowers that were donated and planted by students from Ridgeland High School.
Along the trails and installed on the berms, Day’s sculptures depict activities that residents in Ridgeland enjoy, from baseball to walking with dogs to cycling.
Ridgeland Recreation and Parks staff member Tim Taylor drew up the plan for the space. In addition to planning the design, Taylor also cut the trails and installed the sculptures.
In the center of the field, the trails lead to a large sign featuring the city logo carved into it alongside Day’s sculptures.
This year, the dominant flowers are sulfur cosmos. Other species featured in the field include lance leaved coreopsis, black-eyed susans, indian blanket, clasping coneflower and California giant zinnia mix.
In addition to the flowers, a variety of bushes and trees were planted on the berms by Keep Ridgeland Beautiful and Parks and Recreation employees, including drift roses, magnolias, crepe myrtles and some perennials like cannas lilly, gladiola, purple heart and lantana.
“We will plant some hydrangeas on the bank and will replant the field next spring,” Richardson said. “There is enough permanent structure and plants that it should be inviting to visit year round. It’s a great play to bird watch and identify pollinators in action.”
Richardson said Keep Ridgeland Beautiful is always looking for flower donations to add to the field. She mentioned daylilies, hydrangeas, Oak Leaf hydrangeas and tiger lilies in particular. They are also hoping a resident who may have an old jon boat they aren’t using might consider donating it to be part of a sculpture for the wildflower field. The plan is to create a sculpture depicting another passtime: fishing.
Residents are invited to walk the trails, enjoy the views and take photographs. Cutting flowers is not allowed. However, residents are welcome to cut blooms at the other wildflower field located along Highway 51 in front of the city center site.
The Keep Ridgeland Beautiful committee members are Rachel Bradley, Rachel Collier, Ginger Cocke, Barbara Hunter, Claire Jackson, Lea Anne Stacey, Phyllis Parker, Polly Hammett and Jan Richardson.
Richardson said Ridgeland Public Works Director Mike McCollum, Parks and Recreation Director John North, Mayor Gene McGee, the board of aldermen, Keep Mississippi Beautiful member Sarah Kountouris, Karen McKie and the Ridgeland Chamber of Commerce also played a role in the success of the project. Read more: Northside Sun
WELCOME HOME - The Nation's Premier New Resident Marketing Program for Your Chamber Members
Welcome Home, the nation's premier new resident marketing program,is a new mover marketing program designed to help get your chamber members' businesses in front of the most valuable audiences - new residents.
Exclusive to chamber members, the WELCOME HOME program is a remarkable advertising tool, highly visible, targeted and delivered direct to new resident's mailboxes, catching them as they establish new buying habits.
In addition, WELCOME HOME is distributed to local libraries, park districts, municipalities and your local chamber office.
Get your members in front of one of the most valuable audiences: NEW RESIDENTS.
Don't miss this opportunity to promote your member businesses to new residents ON A MONTHLY BASIS, ALL YEAR LONG!
Mailed monthly to new movers from the previous 30 days!
They are new to the neighborhood. They have money to spend. They need your member's businesses and services.
Welcome Home Geneva
Town Square Publications (www.townsquarepublications.com) can help you accomplish your chamber's NEW MOVER publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633.
Kentucky Newsmakers: KY Chamber of Commerce CEO Ashli Watts; Lexington Center CEO Bill Owen
On the latest episode of Kentucky Newsmakers, WKYT’s Bill Bryant talks with Kentucky Chamber of Commerce CEO Ashli Watts and Lexington Center CEO Bill Owen.
This has been an unusual and difficult year for businesses across the country, including here in Kentucky. Retailers have had to shut their doors or limit capacity, big limits are being put on restaurants, and bars and other types of businesses are having to adapt. The Kentucky Chamber of Commerce advocates for, and works to help the state’s businesses. They’re also focusing on dealing with the drug epidemic during the pandemic. The president and CEO of the Kentucky Chamber Ashli Watts joins WKYT to discuss the state of Kentucky businesses.
As we look for encouraging signs and anything that puts us beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, we find one in the middle of downtown Lexington. The Central Bank Center held a topping off ceremony this week, where the American flag was hoisted up on the final beam. Bill Owen is president and CEO of Lexington Center, which manages the arena and convention center, and the 11 acres around it. He also oversees the Lexington Opera House. Bill Owen joins Bryant to discuss this week’s ceremony, plans for Rupp Arena moving forward, and more. See more: WKYT
From Jenn Kinne: Farmville Area Chamber: Free Grant Writing Webinar
The Chamber will be offering a free grant writing webinar with presenter Todd Fortune, Deputy Director of the Commonwealth Regional Council, on September 30th at 11:30AM. Grant writing can be super overwhelming and we hope this will provide tips to help you write successful grants. This is free and open to the public. You can register here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2MTVbaGQTJaxvJfenELHQA
Happy Friday,
Jenn Kinne | Director of Marketing
Fox Cities Chamber Welcomes 2020-2021 Leadership Fox Cities Class
APPLETON, Wis. (September 16, 2020) – The Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce is welcoming a new group of professionals to its long-standing Leadership Fox Cities program which begins at a full-day retreat at Stone Prairie in Brillion on September 17.
Leadership Fox Cities is a community-based leadership program which allows participants to grow as leaders and get engaged in the Fox Cities communities. The class gathers each month from October through May to learn about community accolades and challenges.
This year’s class is comprised of 31 professionals from both non-profit and for-profit organizations, large and small.
Leadership Fox Cities Class of 2020-2021:
Dale Bushman, Old National Bank
Brittany Call, Business Lending Group
Jodi Carlson, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh MBA Program
Kristin Comerford, Appleton Area School District
Sarah Cooper, BLC Community Bank
Amanda Dix, Miller Electric Manufacturing LLC
Lucas Dorow, East Wisconsin Savings Bank
Kimberly Gehrke, Network Health
Chad Hackbarth, Nicolet National Bank
Brittny Hagenow, American National Bank Fox Cities
Adam Hatlak, Miller Electric
Joni Heinz, City of Neenah
Rebecca (Becca) Jakubek, Menasha Packaging
Danielle Johnson, Community First Credit Union
Matthew Kasriel, Town of Grand Chute Fire Department (Wisconsin)
Amanda Knueppel, Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Central Wisconsin
Taylor Metcalf, Country Financial
Amy Molitor, Neenah Public Library
Kelsey Parry, Heckrodt Wetland Reserve
Dawn Pennington, Nicolet National Bank
Karly Potratz, VF Outdoor
Kimberly Prophett, Heid Music
Ashley Schutte, The Boldt Company
Kimberly Smart, Capital Credit Union
Amy Smits, Bank First
Mariha Stewart, Ogden & Company, Inc
Rebecca Tellock, ThedaCare
Kirk Vandenberg, ThedaCare
Mike Voss, Miron Construction
Laina Wydeven, Employment Resource Group, Inc.
Sarah Wylie, Greater Fox Cities Area Habitat for Humanity
“During this unprecedented time due to COVID-19, we recognize now more than ever there is a tremendous need for strong leadership,” shared Amy Schanke, Director of Leadership Fox Cities at the Fox Cities Chamber. “Along with the dedicated Leadership Fox Cities Steering Committee, we are adapting the program as needed to ensure an impactful experience for this year’s participants.”
Each monthly Leadership Fox Cities session highlights a different community focus, from human services to arts and education. Participants are immersed in full-day sessions which include guest speakers, hands-on experiences, tours and relationship building. The goal of each session is to challenge thinking and inspire participants to get further involved in the community. Monthly sessions will be adjusted as deemed necessary due to the impact of COVID-19. Most sessions throughout the 2020-2021 class will be a hybrid of both in-person presentations and virtual tours.
Participants are assigned to small groups at the kick-off retreat and are charged with the task of identifying an issue or program in the community that needs attention. These groups then plan and execute sustainable community projects which are presented at the Leadership Fox Cities commencement in May.
For information on Leadership Fox Cities, please contact Amy Schanke, Director of Leadership Fox Cities at the Fox Cities Chamber, at (920) 734-7101 or aschanke@foxcitieschamber.com.
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126th Muncie-Delaware County Chamber Annual Meeting
Board Chairman, Jeff Parsons, invites all members to the 126th Annual Meeting on Thursday, October 15, 2020 at the Horizon Convention Center.
At the Annual Meeting, we recognize some outstanding members, thank the outgoing Chamber Board members, and meet incoming directors. You won't want to miss this special celebration!
The cost to attend is $50 per person or $200 for a table of four.
The event will begin with cocktails and silent auction shopping at 5:30 p.m.
We are currently accepting nominations for our Community Impact, Excellence in Public Service, Outstanding Contribution to Education, and Spirit of Small Business awards!
We are also accepting donations to our Silent Auction. This is a great opportunity for members to donate a product or service and gain exposure for attendees AND the Muncie-Delaware County community as our auction is conducted online! Your donations make the Silent Auction a great time for networking and spirited bidding.
Rochester Regional Chamber: Pinnacle Awards Gift Sponsorship Opportunity
We'd like to extend the opportunity to RRC members to market your business to area business leaders in the community, high level business professionals, dignitaries, and elected officials with by being a Swag Gift Sponsor. Projected Boxes: 170 (minimum)
Gift Box Sponsor – $250 (6 Available; Industry Exclusive)
· “Sponsored by” name & logo recognition included in gift box
· “Sponsored by” name & logo recognition included in video credits
· Premier logo recognition on select marketing materials, (Chamber website, social media, The PULSE e-Newsletter)
· Ability to place gift item in gift box along with one ½ page marketing flyer that sponsor is responsible to provide to the Chamber no later than Friday, October 19th, 2020
· 2-VIP registrations to the event
Gift Suggestions:
· Webcam privacy cover
· Journal no bigger than (7" length x 6"width)
· Wireless speaker
· Stainless steel Straws
· Stainless steel coffee mug
· Earbuds with case
· Phone stand
· Wireless phone charging pad
To be a Gift Sponsor, you must be an RRC Member and contact Maggie Bobitz at maggieb@rrc-mi.com.
Des Plaines Chamber Fall Leadership Series
During this unprecedented time with COVID-19 it is so important to build on our strengths and stay connected!
Join us for our Virtual Fall Leadership Series beginning on October 6th and learn how to tap into your Leadership Potential.
This Four Week Series explores Management Skills, Marketing and Customer Service, Ergonomics and Health in the Workplace and Team Building Techniques. The link below gives you details, dates and fees for this event co-sponsored with Workforce Development & Corporate Training of Oakton Community College.
Click Here
Register online at www.dpchamber.com or respond to this email!
Andrea Friedman
Program Director
afriedman@dpchamber.com
Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce
847-824-4200
