September 9, 2019
Produced by the Mid-America Chamber Executives
Did you Know?

Iowa’s state flower, the wild rose, has long been used in ancient medicinal treatments. Its petals and rose hips are nutrient rich in Vitamins C, E and K, all of which produce strong antioxidant effects and strengthen the immune system.
Chamber names members of next Leadership CB class

Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce and Leadership Council Bluffs Alumni Association have announced the members of the 32nd class of Leadership Council Bluffs. For 32 years, the Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce has been helping to grow and develop leaders in the Council Bluffs community. 
Grassley, Ernst tell business leaders they support more employment visas, with caveat

Republican U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley told Iowa business leaders this week that he supports recruiting more immigrant labor here — as long as he gets oversight measures. .. "The No.1 issue among businesses across the state is talent," Partnership CEO Jay Byers  wrote in a Des Moines Register op-ed   on March 6, along with Iowa Association of Business & Industry President Mike Ralston and Ames Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Dan Culhane.
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Institute

Institute for Organization Management (Institute) is the premier continuing education experience for chamber professionals. Since 1921, the Institute program has educated and empowered chamber executives with the knowledge and skills they need to be leaders in their organizations and industry.

The Institute curriculum is comprised of four week-long sessions. Each session is five days and is offered at five locations across the country annually. With courses on topics such as advocacy, media training, membership, finance, legal issues, human resources, and much more, Institute ultimately educates participants on all facets of running an association. To view a full listing of course offerings, click here .  

MACE POLL
Does your chamber have a workforce wellness program of any type?
Yes
No
Survey Says:
Does your chamber have a military affairs or similar committee?

Yes: 10.9%

No: 89.1%
St. Paul Businesses Make Health A Priority With ‘Workplace Wellness’ Grants

NAMI Minnesota — a nonprofit that addresses mental health — wants their staff to make health a priority, too...Office perks like these are possible because of a “workplace wellness” grant from Ramsey County and the St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce.
New Chamber of Commerce president starts work in NU

The New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce has a new president. This week Michael Looft arrived to fill the vacant position at the Chamber. The Chamber president position has been vacant since former president Audra Shaneman resigned in April. She is currently the New Ulm Assistant City Manager. “I am really excited,”  Looft said about his new position.  “It is fun to be involved in the community and promoting tourism is important.”
Chamber welcoming new staff members

The Beatrice Area Chamber of Commerce is welcoming two new faces to the organization who are aiming to enhance Gage County. Kristin Jensen and Andrew Christensen began their roles as tourism coordinator and membership and marketing coordinator, respectively, last week.
New chamber executive director is McCook native

A 2016 graduate of McCook High School has taken over the reigns at McCook Chamber of Commerce as the new executive director. But don't let Dawson Brunswick's young age fool you.  The young man has accomplished a lot throughout his high school and college career and is ready to bring that enthusiasm and determination to his duties at the helm of the chamber office.
North Dakota county feels the lure of Amazon for purchases

Should Ward County have an Amazon account? Ward County commissioners heard from a few department heads Tuesday as they considered how far to go in buying online versus purchasing locally...John MacMartin, president of the Minot Area Chamber of Commerce, said he and city staff plan to meet to discuss his organization's thoughts on the buy local preference.
Chamber accepting applications for Young Entrepreneurs Academy

The Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber is now accepting applications for students in its fifth year of the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!). YEA! is a 25-week program that guides middle and high school students through the process of launching and running their own real businesses or social movements.
Tourism numbers were down in June for the Wall area

The Rapid City area wasn't the only place affected by the weather this tourism season...The executive director of the Wall Chamber of Commerce Kelsey Clark says during July their numbers were up compared to last year.
Thune: China must reform unfair trade practices

In it to win it. That was Sen. John Thune’s message on the escalating trade war with China during a forum with the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday. Thune spoke just days after the United States and China imposed new rounds of tariffs, prompting fears that the trade war between the two countries will drag on.
City, Air Force to host public meetings on impact of F-35 jets

Madison residents will have two opportunities this week to learn more about the potential impacts if the city’s Air National Guard base is selected to house a new class of fighter jets...Zach Brandon, president of the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce and an ardent supporter of the project, said past environmental impact statements at the airport have overstated the effect of noise from planes “and this one is no different.”
Latino chamber leader in Madison encourages investment in Latino businesses

The menu at 3 Soles Mexican Restaurant includes plump tortas packed with meat and vegetables, tamales wrapped in banana leafs and a wide range of tacos served in corn tortillas. For Jessica Cavazos, president and CEO of the Latino Chamber of Commerce of South Central Wisconsin, the small business is another shining example of a Chamber incubator program that is helping entrepreneurial Latinos in a nine-county region start their own businesses. 
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