Chamber Chat Podcast

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 success in generating new ideas and fostering team building. She also emphasizes the chamber's role as a convener, champion, and catalyst, and the importance of peer-to-peer support groups for young professionals and minority business council members. Elaine encourages chamber professionals to leverage best practices and resources within the industry.

Full show notes are at: chamberchatpodcast.com/episode327

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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 listening to businesses, adapting policies, and collaborating with local and state entities. The chamber also played a crucial role during the COVID-19 pandemic, administering $50 million in small business grants and hosting weekly recovery webinars.

Full show notes are at: chamberchatpodcast.com/episode326

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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. She highlights the chamber's role in advocacy, event planning, and business support, including a public policy committee and an incubator space for minority-owned businesses. Heather also stresses the need for patience and adaptability in chamber leadership.

Full show notes are at: chamberchatpodcast.com/episode325

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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 customer service, experiential retail, and right-sizing physical space to drive business success.

Full show notes are at: chamberchatpodcast.com/episode324

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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 notes are at: chamberchatpodcast.com/episode323

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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

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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 affairs, sharing his success in passing a bond initiative to increase teacher pay.

Full show notes are at: chamberchatpodcast.com/episode321

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Rudy Flores shares how his chamber has created a very effective, income generating, community matersplan.

Full show notes are at: chamberchatpodcast.com/episode320

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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

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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

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