Chamber Chat Podcast

In this episode, Michelle Bundren, President and CEO of the Murray-Calloway County Chamber, shares insights into her leadership journey, innovative workforce development programs, and the chamber's role in regional growth. Discover how their initiatives are shaping the future of their community and the importance of strategic collaboration. Transcript and show notes found at this link . Please sup...

In this episode, Ricardo Mora, President and CEO of the El Paso Chamber of Commerce, shares insights on cross-border economic development, infrastructure projects like the Bridge of the Americas, and innovative community initiatives. Discover how the chamber advocates for regional growth and navigates complex infrastructure challenges. Transcript and show notes found at this link . Please support...

In this episode, Ryan Tarrant, CEO of Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, shares insights into their innovative 20-year community development plan, Drive Jackson, and how strategic programs are transforming Jackson's economic and social landscape. Transcript and show notes found at this link . Please support this podcast by supporting our sponsors. Community Matters, Inc. chamberchatpodcast.com/po...

In this episode of Chamber Chat Podcast, Brandon Burton interviews David Jackson, President and CEO of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce, about innovative programs in community resilience and early childhood development. They explore how these initiatives support economic growth, workforce stability, and community recovery, offering valuable insights for chambers aiming to enhance their impact.  ...

This panel discussion features chamber professionals sharing their experiences with the CCCE program that is provided through TCCE, highlighting its impact on leadership, community engagement, and professional growth. Discover insights on overcoming challenges, building relationships, and leveraging the program for success.

In this episode, Matt Pivarnick shares insights into the formation and operation of the Greater Myrtle Beach Collaborative, highlighting how regional organizations can align efforts for community and economic development. Discover strategies for successful collaboration, shared services, and future trends in community organizations.  Transcript and show notes found at this link . Please support th...

In this episode, Josh Cross, CEO of the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce, shares insights on community development, workforce initiatives, and innovative programs like Get Your Business Online and family-friendly workplaces. Discover how local chambers are adapting to future challenges and supporting small businesses effectively. Transcript and show notes found at this link . Please support this pod...

In this episode of the Chamber Chat Podcast, host Brandon Burton interviews Becky McCray, a rural entrepreneur and co-founder of Save Your Dot Town. Becky shares insights on modernizing volunteer efforts in small communities by moving away from traditional committee structures and embracing more flexible, activity-based involvement. She emphasizes the importance of enticing rather than convincing...

In this episode, Megan Curtis, Executive Director of the Illinois Valley Chamber of Commerce, shares insights on how a small chamber leverages its role as a gateway community to boost tourism, support local businesses, and foster community pride. Discover strategies for building partnerships, promoting outdoor recreation, and enhancing visitor experiences in rural areas. Transcript and show notes...

In this episode of Chamber Chat Podcast, host Brandon Burton speaks with Ryan Egli, the president and CEO of the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce. They discuss the chamber's growth, innovative strategies for economic development, and the importance of community engagement. Ryan shares insights on the 3P growth strategy—people, product, and power—and how it has driven success in Lawrence County....

In this episode of Chamber Chat Podcast, host Brandon Burton speaks with Mike Conn, a people coach and culture strategist, about the importance of communication and culture within organizations, particularly Chambers of Commerce. They discuss Mike's journey into coaching, the significance of employee retention, and how to create a positive workplace culture. Mike emphasizes the need for leaders to...

In this episode of Chamber Chat, host Brandon Burton speaks with Matt Owen, the executive director of Chamber Professionals of Ohio. They discuss the importance of professional development for chamber leaders, strategies for coping with burnout, and the evolving role of chambers in their communities. Matt emphasizes the need for continuous learning, effective board development, and strategic plann...

In this episode of Chamber Chat Podcast, host Brandon Burton speaks with Tony Vedda, the president and CEO of the North Texas LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce. They discuss Tony's extensive background in chamber leadership, the growth and impact of the LGBTQ Chamber, and the importance of communication and training in executive and board relationships. Tony shares insights on the future of chambers, emph...

In this episode of Chamber Chat, host Brandon Burton speaks with Shanon McKinley, the executive director of the Story City Chamber Main Street Program. They discuss the importance of community connections, the challenges of engaging residents and non-residents alike, and the need for flexibility in planning community events. Shanon shares insights on leveraging technology to enhance community enga...

In this episode of Chamber Chat Podcast, Bob Durkin shares practical insights on managing teams with diverse personalities and strengths. The conversation explores how Chamber leaders can adopt a personalized approach to leadership—balancing consistency with an understanding of individual differences. Drawing on real-world experience and leadership principles inspired by Vince Lombardi, this episo...

I recently attended The Center for Chamber of Commerce Exellence at Texas A&M.  This is a 3-year certification program offered by the Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives.   I was able to visit with TCCE Chair, Mary Frazior, and incoming Chair, Renee Earls about the benefits of the CCCE program. Please support this podcast by supporting our sponsors. Community Matters, Inc.   chamberchatpodcast.co...

In this episode of Chamber Chat Podcast, host Brandon Burton speaks with Charles Wood, President and CEO of the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce. They discuss the importance of evolving and modernizing chambers of commerce, the strategic focus on economic development, and the integration of leadership programs with economic goals. Charles shares insights on embracing change, the future role of...

In this episode of Chamber Chat, host Brandon Burton speaks with Sheila Thomas, President and CEO of the Table Rock Lake Chamber of Commerce. They discuss the importance of diversifying programming to enhance economic development and tourism marketing. Sheila shares insights on the Chamber's operations, including their innovative Chamber University, which offers educational programming for members...

In this episode of Chamber Chat, host Brandon Burton speaks with Karyn MacRae, Senior Director of the Institute for Organization Management at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. They discuss the importance of professional development for chamber professionals, the benefits of attending the Institute program, and the networking opportunities it provides. Karen shares insights on the curriculum, funding...

In this episode of Chamber Chat Podcast, host Brandon Burton speaks with Ray Hernandez, a seasoned leader in community and economic development. Ray shares his journey through various chambers of commerce in Texas and emphasizes the importance of relationship building in the chamber industry. He discusses the unique role of the Lake Houston Partnership and how they integrate economic development i...

In this episode of Chamber Chat, host Brandon Burton speaks with Brian Anderson, the president and CEO of Chamber RVA. They discuss Brian's journey into the chamber world, the strategic focus of Chamber RVA, and the importance of economic mobility and workforce development. Brian shares insights on building partnerships, measuring success, and the future challenges facing chambers of commerce. The...

In this episode of Chamber Chat, host Brandon Burton speaks with Deb Brown, co-founder of Save Your Town, about revitalizing rural communities through innovative strategies. Deb shares her experiences as a chamber executive and discusses the impactful 'Tour of Empty Buildings' initiative, which aims to change the narrative around vacant spaces and inspire local entrepreneurship. The conversation e...

In this episode of Chamber Chat, host Brandon Burton speaks with Linda Parsons, president and CEO of the Moore County Chamber of Commerce. They discuss Linda's extensive experience in chamber leadership, the innovative co-working space developed by the chamber, and the importance of networking and collaboration within the community. Linda shares insights on strategic planning, embracing technology...

In this episode of the Chamber Chat podcast, host Brandon Burton welcomes Shelly Batty, the Chamber Director for the Lake County Chamber of Commerce in Oregon. Shelly shares her unique experiences living in a vast, sparsely populated area, emphasizing the challenges and opportunities of promoting rural tourism. With a population of just 8,000 spread over 8,000 square miles, Shelly discusses the im...

In this episode of Chamber Chat Podcast, host Brandon Burton speaks with Chris Heck, the president and CEO of the Pittsburgh Area Chamber of Commerce. They discuss Chris's extensive background in economic development, the unique challenges and opportunities faced by chambers of commerce, and innovative strategies for member retention and growth. Chris shares insights on the importance of personali...