February 2011

Circulation of the Almighty Dollar Back in Black

More than just an AC/DC song, it’s a shout out for celebration as MCC returns to a black-operating budget after four plus years in the red.

With the success of the Get Linked Expo, Annual Gala, and other event and membership initiatives, the Madison County Chamber generated an additional $80,000 in gross revenues and realized $10,000 in cost savings in less than six months.

“I am thrilled to advance into the new year with a stable budget, a diversified board of directors, and a motivated staff to inspire economic growth,“ says Kyle Morey. “If the chamber can find success in our current economy, then anyone can.”

Additional successes include adding Angela Barbosa and Amy Debiak to the team, rotating board meetings around the county, increasing attendance at events, achieving 3 million impressions for Madison County, improving internal processes, doubling social media and press coverage, building regional relationships in 19 counties, and studying commerce in China.

“2011 is here. Let’s make some noise!” - Kyle Morey

February 1, 2011

US Chamber’s Tom Donohue recently identified four immediate priorities to boost competitiveness in a global market. I would like to hone in on one

in particular and discuss it from a Madison County perspective:

expanding our trade base.

Donohue’s objective is to double US exports over a five-year period and then to double it again over another five years. Why? To improve the circulation of the dollar through the US economy. In other words, new money.

Let me illustrate. A few weeks ago, I was asked to present to a group of non-profit executives regarding the business community’s reaction to our MCC’s message of regionalism. I displayed the following two images:

Circulating the same old dollar around the county is a good thing. For example, you buy cookies from Zinszer’s Bakery. Judy Zinszer takes some of your money and purchases a website from CN Design & Marketing. Tammy Rimer uses some of that cash flow to pay rent to the Flagship Enterprise Center. Out of his earnings,

Chuck Staley buys a ticket to Anderson Speedway. At the last moment, Rick Dawson buys Zinszer’s cookies for his wife’s birthday. The dollar has just circulated. The economy is good.

But wait. Judy wants to expand her operations and grow her customer base; however, she has exhausted her reach in Anderson. What can she do? Expand her footprint to Madison County? Yes. Export her cookies in a 30-mile radius? Of course.

Judy realizes a new market online as well. Now, new crisp ten-dollar bills are circulating through Zinszer to the county from new sources. With her success, Judy decides to open a second location and commissions a local realtor. Tammy hires more employees to service the ever-increasing demands from online cookie sales. Chuck gets a raise and buys season tickets for all his staff to Anderson Speedway. Rick, with more money from ticket sales, spends more to target a regional market. It works. New Anderson Speedway visitors decide to stop at Zinszer’s Bakery for a treat after the race. The Madison County’s trade base has just expanded. Exports have increased. The circulation of the almighty dollar has improved.

A simple illustration to impress upon the mind a simple solution: begin exporting more goods and services and importing more jobs and commerce. Are you an Elwood business? Expand your footprint into Muncie. Pendleton business? Find more market share in Noblesville. Already global? Then buy some cookies for your staff at Zinzser’s Bakery.

Connecting Business. Creating Commerce.

Put your business in the hands

of 800 plus decision makers for only $199. You print it and fold it, we’ll mail it. Save on cost of mailing through this unique, shared medium.

Contact Rita Puckett [email protected]

GETLINKEDMADISON

Madison County Chamber | 2701 Enterprise Dr. #109 | Anderson, IN 46013 | 765.642.0264 | www.getlinkedmadison.com

>> Join the conversation: facebook.com/madisoncountychamberceo

Powered by:

Madison County Chamber Board of Directors

Kyle Morey, CEO

We offer a heart-felt thank you to members, spon-sors, exhibitors, advertisers, vendors, partners, board of directors, ambassadors, volunteers, media part-ners, and community leaders for your support, your business, and your friendship in 2010.

Same old circulation

Adding new dollars to the circulation

Our programs, events, and services are made possi-ble because of you. We hope we have exceeded your expectations. We look forward to offering you more opportunities to be seen, to be heard, and to be fa-mous in 2011. — MCC TEAM

Jan 31 | 8 am to 9 am

THIRD HOUSE LEGISLATIVE MEETING Local state legislators will present their views on issues expected to be considered during the upcoming session of the Indiana General Assembly. Invited to attend are State Senators Luke Kenley and Tim Lanane and Representatives Terri Austin, Jack Lutz and Scott Reske. In conjunction with the League of Women Voters. Cost: Complimentary

Where: Anderson Public Library, 111 E 12th St

Feb 10 | 8 am to 9 am

AMBASSADORS REGIONAL The “get linked” crew for Madison County, these champion connectors meet monthly to discuss upcoming events and brainstorm programs. Cost: Complimentary (by invitation only)

Where: (need to secure location by Thurs) Feb 17 | 7 am to 8:30 am

WAKE UP BREAKFAST The largest ongoing networking event in Madison County, WUB links businesses from Pendleton to Alexandria and everything in between.

Cost: $15 (includes networking and breakfast buffet)

Where: Hoosier Park Racing and Casino, Exit 26

Upcoming Events For more information or to register >> www.getlinkedmadison.com

The Future is Bright!

“Kyle, you know why I have these sunglasses on?” asks Purdue University's Barb Alder after being honored as the Ambassador of the Year 2010. “Because the future is so bright!”

So set the theme for the 2011 Annual Gala. Honors were bestowed. Messages of hope offered. A joyful noise was made.

MCC’s president, Kyle Morey, outlined three immediate priorities for growing the economy: make some noise regionally with an extensive public affairs campaign; position Madison County as a great place to live, work, and play; and link up Madison County leaders to improve the circulation of commerce.

“We are preaching the good word of commerce,” Morey said. “It’s time to share it regionally.”

Both Kyle Morey and newly appointed chairperson Marcy DeShong read in the new board of directors, honored Nardco Sheet Metal Co., Madison County Federal Credit Union, and Surbaugh & Son for tenure in business, awarded Barb Alder as Ambassador of the Year, and awarded Mike Austin with the Chairman Award. The Character in Business Award was renamed the Keith J. Pitcher Character in Business Award and presented posthumously to his

wife and family.

“Keith Pitcher will be missed,” said Keith Trent with Community Hospital Anderson. “But his impact on this community will be felt for a very long time.”

Bill and Gloria Gaither offered inspiring words of hope and even got a crowd of 250 to sing “Thank God for the promise of spring.”

Close to $5,000 from the silent auction was raised to support the newly formed Education Coalition.

A heart-felt thank you to CarDon for making the “joyful noise” a reality as well as gold and silver sponsors, Herald Bulletin and WQME, our musicians, board members, BluFalls, and of course, Bill and Gloria Gaither. Let’s make some noise, Madison County!

Madison County Chamber | 2701 Enterprise Dr. #109 | Anderson, IN 46013 | 765.642.0264 | www.getlinkedmadison.com

> More Gala pictures online by Dale Pickett