Chamber News & Updates - 23 September 2021

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news & updates

23 September 2021

"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower."

- Albert Camus

Main Events

Live2Lead - October 8th

HURRY - TIME RUNNING OUT

TICKET SALES END THIS WEEKEND

Event is Friday October 8th 8am - 2pm

Angel Food Catering

This is the biggest educational event of the year for the Chamber! Leadership has been the number one request by our members as far as a topic on every survey we have executed. John Maxwell is the world's Leadership Guru! There isn't much better we can bring to you!

Whether you lead a large organization or want to be a better mentor to those around you, you will gain meaningful and relevant insights so you can return home ready to implement your new action plan and lead with renewed passion and commitment.

You will feel like you are in the front row, as we simulcast the Live Event from Atlanta to Angel Food Catering. Get your tickets now and block this date off ... Hot breakfast, Hot Topics, and Great Networking opportunities are going to fill your morning!

Last week for these discount codes:

Members save 20% - Use L2LMEM21

Non Members save 15% - KPGL2L21

Get your tickets here

Virtual Option Live2Lead

If you are hesitant about meeting in person, or you just can't make it to the venue, we have that issue solved as well. The Maxwell organization is providing you the opportunity to watch virtually the day of, or on 2 separate occasions through LeaderPass a very professional Virtual Event Experience. Our discount codes do not work with this, but for $75 you can watch from your home or office.

Check out community events HERE remember, it is FREE to post your events on this community wide calendar! 1,000 people per month visit this calendar, make sure your events are there.

Get your events posted:

Organizations, Schools, Sports Teams, get your events on this calendar! It's the main page that people click! We want to be the HUB of the community - This is FREE - you do not have to be a member.

Meet the new MEDC CEO

MICHIGAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORP.

Quentin Messer, CEO of the MEDC, hasn't had much time to unpack since moving into his downtown Lansing apartment a few weeks ago. Messer, 52, has spent the last couple months touring Michigan, learning its economy and thinking up strategies to make it stronger. A fan of football and boxing, Messer likes aggressive competition. As he sees it, Michigan is locked in a fight for business attraction, talent retention, tourism and economic development.

In his previous role as president and CEO of the New Orleans Business Alliance, he saw first-hand how states compete and cherry pick from each other. Although a newcomer to Michigan, Messer says he is fast at work drafting a winning playbook for the state.

Mr. Messer was interviewed, and here is just a glimpse of his personality:

In terms of attracting companies, what's the big win you've got your sights set on for Michigan?

I can't tell you that. I don't want to telegraph our plays for our competition. That wouldn't be smart. Let's just say this. We want there to be fear in all other 49 states and all the Canadian provinces and the Mexican states that Michigan is not playing around. We are aggressive and we are going to compete. … We need to build a moat around Michigan businesses. Other states literally come and just recruit our companies. And so, we've got to make sure that we have a compelling value proposition for our Michigan businesses to invest right here in Michigan.

...

To read the complete article and interview, click below ... We have ourselves a go-getter in this position, let's wish him luck!

Read complete article

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Live2Lead Watch Promo Video

News | Information | Advocacy

Techniques for reducing distractions

By Linda Olejniczak, courtesy of SBAM Approved Partner ASE

How do we teach ourselves and our employees to reduce distractions that break their focus and drain their brains? It’s tough to weed through the distractions of email, unnecessary meetings, and notifications. Here are some tactics to use to stay focused and be productive.

Determine your most productive time that you can control. Turn off notifications and distractions during this time. Put your head down and plow through some work uninterrupted.

Impending Federal Tax Hikes Affect Businesses and High-Income Earners

Advocacy News – September 21, 2021

On Monday, September 13, 2021, the U.S. House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee announced a budget proposal outlining a plethora of proposed tax changes, including tax hikes for U.S. corporations and high-income earners. The Michigan Chamber of Commerce is working in tandem with the U.S. Chamber to oppose tax increases and damaging investment reforms that weaken our economy and the businesses that build it. Below are some of the more substantial provisions that would impose a higher tax on businesses and individuals.

To view a comparison ...

Effective Policies for the Increasing Demand of Telecommuting Employees

Training Offered by the Michigan Chamber of Commerce

Join the Michigan Chamber and attorney Aaron Graves from Bodman PLC for this webinar on creating, implementing and managing remote and hybrid places that will benefit employers by learning the essential elements remote work policies should include and receive recommendations for handling types of issues commonly occurring in remote workplaces.

More Info and to Register

Winter Fest and Lake Fest News and Inf

Lake Fest Community Conversation

Monday October 11, 6pm - 8pm

Yes, planning starts now - The Chamber is hosting a community conversation to get your input on how to improve the new Lake Fest. If you have an interest in the arts, music, lake activities, kids events, or overall entertainment, we want to know. We will meet, create breakout groups, and start putting together our Community Festival Improvement Plan.

There is no charge for this event, but due to its popularity we are asking you pre register. We have a limit on the amount of people in the meeting room.

Please Register Here

Pop Up Shops on Main

Thursday Dec. 2nd 6pm - 9pm

Our Pop Up Shops, sponsored by Crafted Modern, under the heated tent return for Winter Fest 2021! Click to register your company ... VERY limited space, so hurry... Thursday Dec 2nd 6pm - 9pm during Ladies Night Out. Members $50, Non Members $75 - EARLY BIRD PRICING

More info and reserve your table

Holiday Market

Sunday Dec. 5th 12-5pm

New to Winter Fest, our Holiday Market, sponsored by Pacesetter Painting, will appear on Main Street Sunday Dec 5th from 12pm - 5pm!

Early Bird Pricing $125

More info and to reserve your space

Winter Fest Advertising Deadline Coming Up

Print Deadline is October 7th

Time is running out - If you are planning on investing in Winter Fest, now's the time. Our print deadline, which will hit 24,000 homes in Van Buren, is coming up fast! We need your commitment now, and we will invoice you for payment in November ... There are quite a few things to sponsor directly, or towards the general operations of the event. Remember, we are OPEN, and the P stands for promotion in our slogan ... this is our Premium Event of the Year!

Sponsorship Opportunities (Click to Download)

Parade Application

Sponsorship Opportunities (updated)

Thanks to our Corporate Members