email : Webview : CCC Chamber@Work Newsletter (4-8-2014)

Fuel Business Growth through the Chamber’s New Tech Education Program

I couldn’t be happier with the turnout and response for the keynote at The Exchange 2014. Daymond John was inspirational and entertaining, while Derek Kennedy of Boston Consulting Group and Thomas Hansen of Microsoft provided invaluable information on how to fuel growth for your business through the use of technology. Over 500 people attended, hundreds of whom engaged with each other and the speakers via social media during the presentation. The Chicago Tribune’s Blue Sky Innovation also ran a great piece with highlights from the keynote.

The Chamber is building on the themes discussed at last week’s Exchange and working actively with our partners to equip local businesses with the latest tech tools and know-how to grow their bottom lines and skill sets. In my last message, I focused on why technology is key to small business success and how technology can significantly help their business grow. Today, I am thrilled to announce that, in conjunction with Microsoft, we are launching new technology education programs and an exclusive e-Learning Center for our members.

This new e-Learning Center combines course content, skills-based testing and virtual training on one platform so you can access free, on-demand classes for Microsoft Office, Office 365, Windows, and much more. Our technology education program also includes live, interactive webinars, hands-on clinics, and starting this month, Tech Tuesday lunch n’ learns for the latest technology and business solutions.

The Chamber‘s new eLearning Center is designed to advance small business development and entrepreneurial success through education and training by providing free access to technology and business content across multiple digital devices anywhere, anytime. Our goal is to accelerate the growth of existing businesses and the creation and support of new ventures.

Click here for more information on the new tech education programs and free e-Learning Center.

Sincerely,

Theresa E. Mintle
President & CEO
Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Responds to Mayor Emanuel's Pension Reform Plan

The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce is a long-time advocate for state and local government pension reform so we welcome Mayor Emanuel’s proposed funding plan as a compromised approach toward stabilizing the City’s fiscal situation.

“We need substantive, permanent pension reform in Chicago, and this is a giant step in the right direction,” said Theresa E. Mintle, President and CEO of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce.

The City currently faces $19.5 billion in unfunded pension liabilities. The Mayor’s proposal requires increased contributions from city workers as well as a bump in property taxes, a plan which will place about 30 percent of the burden on employees and the rest on city and taxpayers.

“We recognize that there needs to be shared pain among the city, employees and taxpayers,” said Mintle. “While we are concerned about the long-term impact of raising property taxes on business owners, we know that pension reform opens the door for future economic growth and fiscal strength. The Chamber will continue to work with the City and elected officials to avoid unnecessary burdens on local business and ensure a friendly business climate for Chicagoland.”Read More

The Shark - Daymond John - Highlights the Exchange 2014

Daymond John - star of the hit show “Shark Tank” and the Founder of FUBU – says we are all born thinking like entrepreneurs, most of us just put on blinders that prevent us from becoming one. Judging by the response to the fashion mogul’s keynote presentation at The Exchange, more than a few people in attendance took those blinders off last week.

With a new Keynote Presentation, a VIP Luncheon, and four breakout sessions added on to the annual tradeshow networking event, the revamped 2014 version of The Exchange did not disappoint. Over 500 people filled up Columbus Hall at the Hyatt Regency Chicago to hear Daymond John’s story of entrepreneurial success followed by compelling insight on small business and technology from Microsoft’s Thomas Hansen and Boston Consulting Group’s Derek Kennedy. CNBC contributor and self-proclaimed Twitter junkie Carol Roth emceed the event.

The engagement on social media among attendees and the speakers made the event that much more enjoyable. Click here to view a "Storified" recap of the event, which features some of the best tweets and photos from The Exchange 2014.

Looking Back at 110 Years of History

Chamber History

The Chicago Association of Commerce and Industry was cited as one of the nation’s top 10 organizations promoting U.S. Exports in 1962. President John F. Kennedy himself presented an “E-For Export” award to CACI President and CEO Thomas H. Coulter on March 28, 1962 during a ceremony at the White House (photo) in recognition of the organization’s contribution to the nation’s increase in international trade.

Charter Member History

In August 1889, Byron Laflin Smith — one of the most respected bankers in Chicago, Illinois — created The Northern Trust Company to serve the city’s affluent individuals and organizations. By 1906, Northern Trust had grown from a single room into a flourishing organization, and moved into a permanent home at 50 South La Salle Street. One of our founding members in 1904, Northern Trust is still a fixture of the city and an active member of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce.

Please Welcome Our Newest Members

• Ascent Digital Producitons
• Chicago Yacht Club
• Computer Systems Institute
• Cubic Transportation Systems, Inc.
• Daniel A. Zeft Attorney at Law
• Fixed Rate Power
• Groupon
• Jilin Business Center
• Kane & Co
• Neumann Family Services
• TrainSmart
• Uhlmann Price Securities

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