Chamber Chat Podcast

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 a...

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 r...

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...

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 listenin...

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. Sh...

Heather Thompson, Vice President of Economy and Engagement at the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce, discusses her role and the chamber's initiatives. She shares her experience in creating the "Making Edmonton Digital" program, which helped 3,500 businesses during COVID-19, securing $2 million in funding. Heather emphasizes the shift from value-driven to purpose-driven consumers and the importance of c...

Thomas Sullivan, Vice President of Small Business Policy at the US Chamber of Commerce.,  discusses the challenges small businesses face, particularly inflation, and the importance of advocacy. He emphasizes the need for small business owners to engage with lawmakers directly and highlights the US Chamber's initiatives, including the CO digital platform for small business resources. Full show note...

Anne Hutchinson, President and CEO of the Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce, discusses the chamber's strategic plan, Northern Colorado Prospers, which focuses on economic growth, talent ecosystem, transportation, and a business-friendly environment.  Full show notes are at:  chamberchatpodcast.com/episode322 Please support this podcast by supporting our sponsors. Bringing Local Back bringinglo...

TJ Sullivan, President and CEO of the Parker Chamber of Commerce discusses his journey from a top college leadership speaker to chamber executive, highlighting his role in rebuilding the Parker Chamber post-COVID. He emphasizes the importance of data-driven decision-making, such as canceling a loss-making event and right-sizing membership fees. TJ also stresses the need for advocacy and government...

Rudy Flores shares how his chamber has created a very effective, income generating, community matersplan. Full show notes are at:  chamberchatpodcast.com/episode320 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   r...

Joe Aldaz addresses his driving motivation for his work in the Chamber world which is his overall chamber passion. Full show notes are at:  chamberchatpodcast.com/episode319 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...

Crystal Narr shares her experience as she has collaborated with other non-profits in her community for the greater good. Full show notes are at:  chamberchatpodcast.com/episode318 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 Develo...

Warren Call tells the story of a complete chamber turnaround which has resulted in what is now known as Traverse Connect. Full show notes are at:  chamberchatpodcast.com/episode317 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 Devel...

Carl Blackstone shares strategies he has found successful to engage partners in purpose. Full show notes are at:  chamberchatpodcast.com/episode316 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...

Jennifer Hanson shares her experience of working to overcome obstacles while trying to turn around her chamber.  Full show notes are at:  chamberchatpodcast.com/episode315 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 Gr...

Michelle Epling shares how her chamber has enhanced their events to be much better than a rubber chicken dinner. Full show notes are at:  chamberchatpodcast.com/episode314 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 Gr...

Peter Guzman leads the Latin Chamber in Nevada.  He joins us for this episode to talk about his passion for supporting small business. Full show notes are at:  chamberchatpodcast.com/episode313 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 R...

Bryan Daniels shares how the Blount Partnership has been able to grow the National Signing Day program in their community which has turned it into a huge workforce win. Full show notes are at:  chamberchatpodcast.com/episode312 Please support this podcast by supporting our sponsors. Bringing Local Back bringinglocalback.com Community Matters, Inc.   chamberchatpodcast.com/podcast App My Community...

Nikki Devitt share ways that you can really get excited about the positive things your community has to offer which will allow for you to create a thriving community no matter where you live. Full show notes are at:  chamberchatpodcast.com/episode311 Please support this podcast by supporting our sponsors. Bringing Local Back bringinglocalback.com Community Matters, Inc.   chamberchatpodcast.com/po...

Ryan Tarrant shares how the Jackson Chamber is taking some big swings by thinking big and really leaning into the placemaking aspects to create a desirable community for businesses and residents alike. Full show notes are at:  chamberchatpodcast.com/episode310 Please support this podcast by supporting our sponsors. Bringing Local Back bringinglocalback.com Community Matters, Inc.   chamberchatpodc...

Tara Lea's position with the Nebraska Chamber has allowed her to create a system of conveners across the state.  She shares great insights on how you can create conveners in your community as well. Full show notes are at:  chamberchatpodcast.com/episode309 Please support this podcast by supporting our sponsors. Bringing Local Back bringinglocalback.com Community Matters, Inc.   chamberchatpodcast....

Angela Wilson shares her thoughts around navigating contracts with other entities that your chamber may formally partner with.  Her experiences provide great insight to make sure your chamber is protected. Full show notes are at:  chamberchatpodcast.com/episode308 Please support this podcast by supporting our sponsors. Bringing Local Back bringinglocalback.com Community Matters, Inc.   chamberchat...

Bob Thomas, COO of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, discussed strategies for negotiating compensation and benefits in the chamber industry. He emphasized understanding market rates, including private sector comparables, and having transparent conversations with supervisors and boards. Thomas suggested alternatives like performance bonuses, flexible work schedules, and professional development bud...

Rachel Beld, President and CEO of the Vista Chamber of Commerce, discussed the chamber's paid internship program, which matches high school students with local businesses. The program, funded initially by ARPA money and now by the school district, has grown from 42 students in its first year to 74 last year. Students work 100 hours over the summer, gaining valuable experience in various fields lik...

Michael Guymon, President and CEO of the Tucson Metro Chamber, discussed the chamber's advocacy efforts to bolster community competitiveness. Guymon emphasized local advocacy, focusing on workforce development, public safety, transportation, housing affordability, and quality of life. He highlighted successful initiatives like the Coalition Against Retail Theft and the Tucson Jobs event, which inc...