August 13, 2018
Produced by the Mid-America Chamber Executives
Did you Know?

Mammoth bones are found in abundance in Iowa, especially in Mahaska County.
Area agencies and churches assisting with tornado victims

The Marshalltown Regional Partnership and Chamber of Commerce is providing the following information to the public regarding local services after the recent tornado damage to Marshalltown.
Time Machine: 100 years for the Cedar Rapids Chamber of Commerce

The Cedar Rapids Chamber of Commerce, formed in 1918, is marking its 100th year as a promoter of economic and community development. It has had different names over the years and has moved a number of times, but it’s been “pushing” issues for a century.
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Federation Advocacy & Growth Conference  

Register for the 2018 US Chamber Federation Advocacy and Growth Conference in New Orleans on September 12-14.

MACE POLL
How old is your chamber?
0-24 years
25-49 years
50-99 years
100+ years
Survey Says:
Is your chamber advocating for online sales tax collection?

Yes: 33.3%

No: 66.7%
Eagan businesses mull impact of Vikings training camp

Eagan businesses are working to assess the economic impact of being the new home of the Minnesota Vikings' training camp...Details of the camp's economic impact will become clearer later on, according to the Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Proposed back-road route hits bumps in northern Minnesota

His Jeep Wrangler lurched over protruding rocks and wobbled atop potholes on forest back roads as birch and pine scratched at his windows...The International Falls Area Chamber of Commerce encouraged proponents to explore using local back roads to direct four-wheel drive enthusiasts to their community near the Canadian border.
Nebraska Chamber reports worker shortage impacting many businesses

After last week’s immigration raid in and around O’Neill, Nebraska’s labor market is getting a lot of attention. Bryan Slone is the president of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and says businesses they are in contact with all report the same problem. Slone says, “It is clear for our employers that the number one issue is workforce."
Chamber honors three ag leaders

Central Nebraska Regional Airport was presented the 2018 3rd District Excellence in Economic Development Award by Rep. Adrian Smith, R-Neb., Wednesday at the airport. Smith and Mike Olson, the airport’s executive director, were joined at the ceremony by representatives of the Grand Island Area Economic Development Corp., the city of Grand Island and the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce.
Awards to ND Towns for Building Healthy, Vibrant Communities

Three North Dakota towns are getting a financial boost for projects to help improve life in their communities...The Hettinger Area Chamber of Commerce is among the winners, and Executive Director Jasmin Fosheim says an outdoor game space will be installed in Hettinger’s community plaza to help people of all ages connect. 
Change at the Chamber

Becky Thatcher-Keller said the Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce is in good shape as she plans retirement at the end of August. "We have a good base and for a town of our size we have a good chamber membership," she said. "A lot of larger towns don't have as many members as we do."
Deadwood Sees Retail Sales Increase Amid Gambling Decline

Deadwood's gambling revenue may have fallen, but the city's retail revenue appears to be booming...Deadwood Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lee Harstad expects even higher tax receipt increases as businesses expand offerings to the city's visitors.
Sioux Falls mayor proposes nearly half-billion dollar budget, largest in city's history

Mayor Paul TenHaken Tuesday unveiled the most ambitious budget in the history of the city of Sioux Falls that would add more cops, custodians and health workers to the city payroll...Jason Ball, Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce president, said the new positions in the planning office will be welcome additions for the developers and contractors building in Sioux Falls as a bag log of permits and site plans can often delay progress on large-scale projects.
Wisconsin may cut income tax rates to offset rise in online sales tax revenues

Income tax filers in Wisconsin may soon reap benefits from a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision requiring that more out-of-state online retailers collect and remit sales taxes on purchases...Vicki Markussen, executive director of the La Cross Area Chamber of Commerce, said her chamber is currently aiding members that did not previously collect the sales tax to set up accounting procedures to track and pay state sales taxes when required.
Pewaukee Chamber names marketing strategist Dick Strassburger its new president

Dick Strassburger has traveled the world as a marketing strategist and consultant, but has returned to Pewaukee, where he calls home, to use his skills to better local businesses. The Pewaukee Chamber of Commerce named Strassburger its president on July 23. 
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