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 engagement and the value of building relationships with local businesses and organizations. The conversation emphasizes the evolving nature of community and the critical role chambers play in fostering connections and supporting local development.

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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 episode offers actionable strategies for strengthening team dynamics, improving organizational relationships, and unlocking the full potential of your staff.

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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.

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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 chambers in building trust within communities, and the necessity of adapting to the fast-paced changes in today's world.

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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. They also explore non-dues revenue strategies, the implementation of a lodging tax, and the future of chambers in fostering community connections.

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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 options, and the future role of chambers in advocating for their communities. The conversation emphasizes the value of education, relationship building, and leveraging resources to enhance chamber operations.

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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 into their mission. Throughout the conversation, Ray provides real-world examples of how relationships can lead to community growth and success, and he stresses the need for continuous personal and team development within chambers. The episode concludes with insights on the future of chambers and the importance of innovation and adaptability.

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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 conversation emphasizes the need for clear focus and collaboration within the chamber community to drive impactful change.

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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 emphasizes the importance of community collaboration, positive thinking, and the evolving role of chambers of commerce in supporting local businesses.

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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, and the future role of chambers in economic development. The conversation emphasizes the need for chambers to adapt and evolve to meet the changing needs of their communities.

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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 importance of diversifying local economies and advocating for small businesses in a frontier community. She highlights the region's natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and the need for a balance between tourism and maintaining the community's rural charm.

Shelly elaborates on the various attractions that draw tourists to Lake County, including its designation as the largest dark sky sanctuary in the world, alkaline lakes, and historical significance. She also touches on the innovative ways the community is working to attract visitors while preserving its unique character. The conversation wraps up with Shelly offering insights on how chambers of commerce can remain relevant by focusing on community strength and collaboration, rather than just event planning. This episode is a treasure trove of information for anyone interested in rural tourism and community development.

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