Issue Forums Schedule

On Thursday, August 5, and Friday, August 6, select from three different ISSUE FORUMS each day. 

Thursday, August 5, 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.  

Climate Prosperity Project: Inspirational Strategies for Growing Your Region's Green Economy
Speakers: DOUG HENTON, Chairman and CEO, Collaborative Economics
ANDRE PETTIGREW, Executive Director, Office of Economic Development
ERIC SCHNEIDER, Public Policy Research Director, St. Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association
Eight pilot regions from across the country have embarked on a mission to create and sustain prosperity from cultivating green savings, green opportunity and green talent. Experts and practitioners from several of the pilot regions will share lessons from the field, innovative tools and applicable data that can help put your region on the path to long-term success.

Innovation Nation: How Israel is Sparking the World Economy
Speakers: TOM GLASER, President, American-Israel Chamber of Commerce, SE Region
URIEL LYNN, President, Federation of Israeli Chambers of Commerce
SAMI SHAHEEN, President, Nazareth Chamber of Commerce  
Not long ago, Israel was renowned more for its military prowess than for its economic achievements.  But something's quietly happened over the past couple of decades:  Israel has become the entrepreneurial innovation center of the Middle East and beyond.  Where do Intel, Microsoft, Cisco, and Google turn for their latest hot products?  Why is Israel being called the "Startup Nation"?  And how can North American chambers of commerce tap into this dynamism?  Listen to Mr. Uriel Lynn, president of the Federation of Israeli Chambers of Commerce, and Tom Glaser, president of the largest American-Israel Chamber of Commerce, discuss this very new revolution in a very old place -- and what it means for you and your chamber members today.

Unlock the Power of Social Networking
Speaker: STARR HALL, International speaker, author, publicist and social networking efficiency expert
Social media applications and networking sites are replacing the back fence, the corner store and the company water cooler as the modern vehicle for viral marketing. Are you in on the conversations? Hailed as a "global social media superstar" by Entrepreneur Press, Starr Hall will share real-world case histories and a bottom-line approach to show you how to use new media tools, such as social networking and podcasting, to engage in a two-way conversation with your target market. Also learn how to set and measure the goals and objectives you'd like to attain from your Internet presence.

Friday, August 6, 2:45 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.

Positioning Your Region to Compete
Speaker: J. MAC HOLLADAY, CCE, CEO, Market Street Services
To prosper in this global economy, it is absolutely vital to leverage existing community assets and work aggressively to shore up weaknesses. Veteran chamber executive and community development strategist J. Mac Holladay will share insights on the essential components of regional economic competiveness. Also hear from several chamber CEOs who will provide first-hand examples of how a chamber can lead the entire community forward.

The Secret to Gaining and Retaining Members
Speaker: GRETA SCHULZ, President and CEO, Schulz Training and Consulting; author and columnist
Who are the best sales people at your chamber? Your members! Networking with your members is the best way to have a casual conversation about their needs and expectations. Greta Schulz, who has been involved in sales, sales management, marketing, and training for almost 30 years, will show you how to teach your members to listen first, then determine which of the many chamber offerings can best fit their needs.

Power Tools for Leadership Communication: Likeability & Storytelling
Speaker: BILL GRAHAM, Owner, Graham Corporate Communications; former Director of Creative Affairs, Procter & Gamble Productions
Every time you speak, you are a messenger. But, according to communications expert Bill Graham, the powerful messenger is a likeable messenger who knows how to tell a story. Stories help your listener trust you, remember you, like you and want to work with you. Become a star communicator when Bill shows you how to employ the art of storytelling and turn on that likeability factor to build strong connections and makememorable impressions.