August 6, 2018
Produced by the Mid-America Chamber Executives
Did you Know?

Hudson, Wisconsin is home to the Little Free Library headquarters and the first Little Free Library.
Hartford investing in community amenities to attract residents

Hartford, a small bedroom community 45 minutes northwest of downtown Milwaukee, is the second-fastest growing municipality in Wisconsin...“For years the city has invested in downtown, so now this is the next step, to have a vibrant Main Street,” said Scott Henke, executive director of the Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce.
New reports cite growth of Madison and Milwaukee as tech employment clusters

Madison and Milwaukee are making significant progress in developing as technology-based employment clusters, according to two recent studies..."You can't understate the value of Epic in the sheer number of jobs the company creates," said Zach Brandon, president of the Madison Chamber of Commerce.
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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
Is your chamber advocating for online sales tax collection?
Yes
No
Survey Says:
With all of the buzz in the media about Tariffs and global trade, are your members talking about this issue?

More: 75%

Less: 25%

Don't Know: 0%
Muscatine Chamber to assist in Laborshed project

An employment study to identify the areas where Muscatine's workforce are commuting from will be conducted by the Greater Muscatine Chamber of Commerce and Industry in partnership with Iowa Workforce Development and Iowa Economic Development Authority.
Destination Iowa: Bacon-N-Hops Fest

For the fourth year, Manchester and Delaware counties are hosting a Bacon-N-Hops Fest Saturday, Aug. 11, in Manchester...“The area is mostly rural with agriculture being our largest industry,” said Jessica Pape, executive director at the Manchester Area Chamber of Commerce. 
One year after construction, some Stillwater merchants say bridge hurts business—Most Disagree

It's the bridge that changed everything. Since the new St. Croix River bridge opened one year ago, the impact has rippled outward — boosting tourism, business, housing and civic pride as far as 15 miles away...Robin Anthony, executive director of the Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce, said businesses overall are delighted with the bridge. "It gave us our little town back," she said. "The bridge has opened up our town for opportunity."
Serving for the services: Fundraiser held for new Bemidji Veterans Home

A lunch fundraiser Thursday for the future Bemidji Veterans Home project was successful not just in collecting donations, but in making connections to the community. “I was told once that fundraising is more about friend-raising, in that you try to raise awareness,” said Bemidji Area Chamber of Commerce President Deb Pfaff. 
Survey finds business, consumer confidence moderate in Nebraska as Grand Island’s economy continues to grow

Business and consumer confidence fell in Nebraska during July, according to the latest monthly surveys from the Bureau of Business Research at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. But in Grand Island, the community experienced good growth and development, according to the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce.
Woman Accused of Stealing From Chamber of Commerce

An Omaha woman has been accused of stealing more than $41,000 when she worked for an Omaha suburb's chamber of commerce. Douglas County District Court records say 42-year-old Michelle McElligott is charged with felony theft. Her attorney didn't immediately return a call Tuesday from The Associated Press.
North Dakota One of the Hardest Working States

North Dakotans have some of the longest work weeks in the country, clocking in more hours than the national average...22 percent of employed North Dakotans work more than 50 hours a week, second only to Alaska. The national average for employees that work more than 50 hours is 17 percent. The Chamber of Commerce says the low unemployment rate is a big factor.
Council slows rush for change

Members of the Minot City Council decided Tuesday not to rush into any economic development changes, including the formation of a new task force, despite interest in getting to work on recommendations in a consultant’s report...John MacMartin, president of the Minot Area Chamber of Commerce, urged council members to delay putting the matter on next Monday’s council agenda. 
The 130-year-old startup: How Montgomery's family owners are setting up for future growth

When she’s in the Sioux Falls store, Clark Sinclair’s 7-year-old granddaughter will start asking about orders and offering help to customers...The state’s efforts protected fairness in the marketplace for local retailers such as Montgomery’s, said Jason Ball, president and CEO of the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber supported the state’s efforts from the first day officials proposed updating the law to require a remittance of sales tax.
South Dakota Businesses Not Finding Enough Skilled Workers

private partnerships to develop workforce are having an impact, but businesses are still struggling to find the workers they need. Dave Owen, President of the South Dakota Chamber of Commerce and Industry, says it is still a matter of fitting the skills to the workers…..
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