St. Charles Regional Chamber’s Post

Look around, and we’re starting to see the first signs of spring appear – new buds, lighter evenings, vibrant greens replacing the browns and greys of winter and, most importantly, the feeling of hope and new possibilities that always comes with warmer weather. It’s this feeling of hope and possibility we’re focusing on this issue, from the richness and inspiration on our doorsteps – our beautiful, diverse landscape – and how this is reflected in our city’s culture and community. Our outward-facing, trading, innovative forefathers made Peterborough and the surrounding area a magnet for settlers over the centuries, and this is a status we enjoy to this day as an ever-evolving, growing city rich in grassroots culture, arts, business, tech and learning. This issue, we’re featuring a range of people and projects that showcase some of the very best aspects of our communities and landscape. There’s a special feature on photographer and paramedic Chris Porsz – a regional treasure who has captured (and cared for) Peterborians for decades. His ‘Reunions’ collection of photographs became a global, viral hit – and we revisit some of his most iconic pictures, and the stories behind them. We also caught up with Matthew Bradbury, the CEO of Nene Park, to find out what Peterborough’s favourite green space has in store for us in the year ahead; we chat with the city’s poets; and we delve into a brand new centre for green technology being built right here, to enhance and future-proof learning and skills. For many, our region and city has been a haven – and we’ve got that covered, too, from refugees to artists. Read about the extraordinary Krystyna Lewandowska – Polish Jewish resistance fighter who, after World War II, found peace and freedom here, and John Clare, the 18th century peasant poet who overcame crippling class barriers to create work that endures to this day. We all know how special Peterborough and its people are – and we like to think of this issue in particular as celebrating that. Dig in, discover more about your city and its inhabitants, and what it has to offer. Click here to read the March 2024 edition: https://lnkd.in/eKN-xNR8

A really interesting webinar delivered by Association of Town & City Management and great to hear the experiences that different towns, cities and communities have faced since the riots began. Check out my insights from the webinar below 👇🏻

Oregon Business asked leaders in Oregon’s business and political sectors what they make of 2023 — and what they hope to see in 2024. Here’s what they said: Jason Brandt President & CEO, Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association Without question, the high point was getting further away from the grueling regulations endured by Oregon’s hospitality industry during the pandemic. The saga of COVID was nothing less than an explosion of disruptions and uncertainty. Moving beyond those challenges and reclaiming a sense of normalcy in our industry remains our focus. And there is plenty left to do in support of our restaurants and hotels as they work to sustain their operations and the employment opportunities they provide in a post-COVID world. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gJfVyAhM

This article does a very good job of putting some recent statistics in context. Well worth the time it takes to read! #baileys #carencro

As real estate experts servicing Prince George's County, we don't just sell homes, we sell experiences. But today, let's take a detour from the usual listings and tour guides. Let's embark on a journey beyond the well-beaten paths of Bowie, Maryland, to discover its hidden gems and local businesses that are the heartbeat of the community. 🚶♀️✨ Think Bowie is just another spot on the map? Think again. From the quaint coffee shops brewing the morning's promise, to the parks where laughter echoes, and family-owned diners dishing out nostalgia, this city hums with undiscovered stories. Here's how we at The Rice Property Team champion local attractions: 1. Shine a Light on Locals: We spotlight small businesses in our newsletters. 2. Community First: We support events that boost local pride and connections. 3. Advocate for Adventure: We encourage exploration of lesser-known parks and trails. Why? Because real estate isn't only about finding the perfect house; it's about finding the perfect heartbeat to your life’s rhythm. Bowie's unique tapestry of people, places, and pursuits might just be where your next chapter begins. 🏡💖 If you're a local professional with a family, longing for space, a yard for your pets, and a thriving community to call your own, let’s talk about how Bowie and its untold attractions can be part of your story. To my fellow Bowie residents, what are your favorite local delights that deserve a shoutout? #BowieMD #LocalGem #CommunitySpirit #RealEstateLife

The latest issue of California Centers has arrived! Dive into "Generational Alternatives," where Generations Z and Alpha are more health-, cost- and sleep-conscious than their predecessors & see how shopping centers and their tenants must change with the times. By Nellie Day; insights from – Najla Kayyem, Pacific Retail Capital Partners; Meghann Martindale, Avison Young; Robert Thompson, Camp Pickle & Jaguar Bolera; John Few, SRS Capital Markets; Sam Bakhshandehpour, José Andrés Group; Brian Sheehan, Phillips Edison & Company. Inside this Issue: Mitigating Weather Risks  Essential strategies for mitigating seasonal weather risks in Southern California.  By David A. Herrera, CAM Property Services Beyond Transactions  Creating destination stores for lasting connections.  By Jaime Bettencourt, Mood Media Read the issue: https://lnkd.in/egCn9EsX #CRE #Retail #CaliforniaCenters #ShoppingCenters #Restaurants #GenZ #GenAlpha

We've all seen the video by now, "Miami Beach Is Breaking Up With Spring Break," and I have to say, I HATE it. Let's talk facts: anti-tourism messaging isn't just misguided; it's downright damaging. The Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce wasn't consulted, leaving local businesses in the cold. Where's the fairness in that? 🌴Sure, spring break brings challenges, but let's not scapegoat the tourists. The real troublemakers? They're often from our own backyard. It's collective punishment, plain and simple. 💡 Instead of knee-jerk reactions, where are the real solutions? I'm tired of empty promises and clickbait. Turning Miami Beach into a fortress isn't the answer; it's a recipe for economic disaster. 🤦🏽♂️ And let's talk about the new administration's incompetence. It's like Groundhog Day every year, the same old mistakes, year after year. It's a joke. 👥 Brace yourselves for the racial undertones, too. It's predictable but no less disappointing. We need real change, not just lip service. 💼 This isn't just about fun on the beach; it's about livelihoods. Local businesses & entrepreneurs alike are taking a hit with little to no time to react to the news and plan accordingly. Take a wild guess on the amount of revenue generated for the city of Miami during the spring break season. Now, zoom out and think about how this is going to impact the state of Florida. ☀️ Let's also reflect on the budget we've previously AGREED to allocate to market to tourists and spring breakers. Glad to see all the results of those (successful) campaigns down the drain. 🗳️ Remember: we get the government we deserve. Only 15% voter turnout? That's on us. Do you think Tampa would cancel Gasparilla? Would New Orleans cancel Mardi Gras? Would a company tank its own #1 best-selling product? Let's stop the madness and start demanding real solutions. I promise it's not $100 parking. Our city's future depends on it. #MiamiBeach #TourismTroubles #RealChange #SpringBreak2024

Thousands of politicians, delegates and members of the news media are descending on Chicago this week for the Democratic National Convention. The big picture: Out-of-towners and people hosting visitors might be wondering what to do outside the convention commotion and pop-up parties. -Though there are plenty of city guides out there, many have the same, predictable ideas for restaurants, museums and tours. Here are some suggestions: What they'll tell you to do: Take the architecture tour on the Chicago River. Yes, it's great. One of the city's top tourist attractions, it does not disappoint. What you should do instead: Skip the lines (and the cost) and take the Chicago Water Taxi to Chinatown. Same beautiful skyline without the guided tour. The cost: $10. What they'll tell you to do: Eat deep-dish pizza. Listen, Chicago is a great pizza town, but Chicagoans love to argue about what kind of pizza town it is. What you should do: Skip the deep-dish. It will weigh you down for hours and, frankly, won't travel well back to the hotel. Tavern-style is Chicago's favorite. We suggest hitting up Pat's in Lincoln Park or, if it's Tuesday night, hop over to Logan Square for Middle Brow's special thin-crust specials. Some practical advice for out-of-towners: -Chicago is a bike-friendly city. Take a Divvy! But don't ride it on the sidewalk. Unless you are 12 years old or younger, you will piss people off. Also, don't throw the bike in the lake. -Don't mistake Chicago for California. Though pedestrians have the right of way, stopping at crosswalks is a relatively new concept for drivers here. So take caution when stepping out into traffic. If you want to be a real Chicagoan, wave the car past and walk when the traffic is clear. #chicago #guide #politicians #convention #democratics #visitors

The Oregon State Chamber of Commerce helps 88 chambers and their members across the state understand and influence decisions impacting their communities. With the legislative “short session” now underway, we’ll be monitoring top shelf issues of particular interest to business and our local economies - housing, land use, M110 reform, and several revenue and regulatory bills. Short sessions are like running a four-minute mile. Stay tuned and stay engaged. https://lnkd.in/gdksrtE2?

Celebrate 314 Day!! It’s time to celebrate our day, our way, St. Louis! 314 Day celebrations, specials and events are underway all week long across the metro and there's something for everyone. For a complete list, visit www.TheSTL.com/314Day and show your local love.    St. Louis' Gateway Arch Saw 2.4 Million Visitors in 2023 The @GatewayArchSTL had 2.4M visitors in 2023 – its highest number since 2012. New data shows that, for every one visitor to the visitors' center, another is on the grounds. More: https://lnkd.in/ge4T93q5 #stlmade   Washington University says it contributed $8.8B to local economy last fiscal year #stlmade @WUSTL recently announced that its direct and indirect contributions to the St. Louis economy totaled $8.8 billion in fiscal 2023 and it supported more than 54K total jobs in the region. More: https://lnkd.in/gQ_gR4iG