Johnna Reeder Kleymeyer, President and CEO of the Colorado Springs Chamber and EDC, discussed her leadership journey and the chamber's initiatives. She emphasized the importance of measurable outcomes, non-dues revenue, and community engagement. The chamber also addresses workforce development through initiatives like Innovate Pikes Peak and programs for young professionals. Full show notes are at: chamberchatpodcast.com/episode329 Please support this podcast by supporting our sponsors. Bringing Local Back bringinglocalback.com Community Matters, Inc. chamberchatpodcast.com/podcast App My Community appmycommunity.com/chamberchat Resource Development Group rdgfundraising.com Swypit chamberchatpodcast.com/cc Izzy West, LLC theizzywest.com Â
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36:25
When Disaster Strikes Your Community with Sheriffa Jones
Shariffa Jones, Executive Director of the Spencer Chamber of Commerce, discussed the chamber's role in disaster relief following a devastating flood in June 2024. The chamber served 370 businesses and had a budget of $350,000. The flood, compared to Hurricane Katrina, affected 75-80% of buildings, including critical infrastructure like the fire station and city hall. The chamber played a pivotal role in setting up shelters, coordinating relief efforts, and ensuring communication. Post-flood, the community is recovering, with some buildings still affected. Jones emphasized the importance of professional development and staying adaptable to community needs. Full show notes are at: chamberchatpodcast.com/episode328 Please support this podcast by supporting our sponsors. Bringing Local Back bringinglocalback.com Community Matters, Inc. chamberchatpodcast.com/podcast App My Community appmycommunity.com/chamberchat Resource Development Group rdgfundraising.com Swypit chamberchatpodcast.com/cc Izzy West, LLC theizzywest.com Â
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36:44
World Cafe Model for Board Retreats with Elaine Spalding
Brandon Burton hosts the Chamber Chat Podcast, featuring Elaine Spalding, President of the Rowan Chamber of Commerce in North Carolina. Elaine shares her 40-year career in chamber leadership and the Rowan Chamber's 100th anniversary celebration. They discuss the World Cafe model for board retreats, which facilitates board member input through small group discussions. Elaine highlights the model's success in generating new ideas and fostering team building. She also emphasizes the chamber's role as a convener, champion, and catalyst, and the importance of peer-to-peer support groups for young professionals and minority business council members. Elaine encourages chamber professionals to leverage best practices and resources within the industry. Full show notes are at: chamberchatpodcast.com/episode327 Please support this podcast by supporting our sponsors. Bringing Local Back bringinglocalback.com Community Matters, Inc. chamberchatpodcast.com/podcast App My Community appmycommunity.com/chamberchat Resource Development Group rdgfundraising.com Swypit chamberchatpodcast.com/cc Izzy West, LLC theizzywest.com Â
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27:31
Economic & Workforce Development with Sharon Mason
Sharon Mason, President and CEO of the Cobb Chamber of Commerce, discussed her 22 years of chamber leadership and the chamber's significant growth, from a $3 million budget to over $7 million. She highlighted the chamber's role in attracting major companies like the Atlanta Braves, which led to over 46,000 new jobs and $6.3 billion in private investment. Mason emphasized the importance of listening to businesses, adapting policies, and collaborating with local and state entities. The chamber also played a crucial role during the COVID-19 pandemic, administering $50 million in small business grants and hosting weekly recovery webinars. Full show notes are at: chamberchatpodcast.com/episode326 Please support this podcast by supporting our sponsors. Bringing Local Back bringinglocalback.com Community Matters, Inc. chamberchatpodcast.com/podcast App My Community appmycommunity.com/chamberchat Resource Development Group rdgfundraising.com Swypit chamberchatpodcast.com/cc Izzy West, LLC theizzywest.com Â
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33:51
Building the Right Chamber for Your Community with Heather Lebischak
Heather Lebischak, President and CEO of the North Jefferson Chamber of Commerce, discusses the chamber's rapid growth and success. Launched in January 2024 with three founding cities—Fultondale, Morris, and Kimberly—the chamber quickly gained 130 members and is on track for its first full-time hire. Heather emphasizes the importance of collaboration, detailed policies, and community engagement. She highlights the chamber's role in advocacy, event planning, and business support, including a public policy committee and an incubator space for minority-owned businesses. Heather also stresses the need for patience and adaptability in chamber leadership. Full show notes are at: chamberchatpodcast.com/episode325 Please support this podcast by supporting our sponsors. Bringing Local Back bringinglocalback.com Community Matters, Inc. chamberchatpodcast.com/podcast App My Community appmycommunity.com/chamberchat Resource Development Group rdgfundraising.com Swypit chamberchatpodcast.com/cc Izzy West, LLC theizzywest.com Â
This is a show for Chamber professionals (Chamber Champions) to learn about ideas so they can better serve their members and community by understanding the role of their influence. Think of it as a weekly show to deliver the kind of ideas that you would get from you your regional, state, or national association conferences.
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