Election analysis
We had good voter turnout Tuesday and we're sure all Chamber members voted. So, what happened? It was exciting to have a real presidential primary in Indiana. But we are scratching our heads a little bit about the impact. Hillary Clinton won Indiana (though Obama won Elkhart County) and the national pundits are saying she should drop out of the race now. Huh? Well let Washington sort that out. Locally, we had a few interesting races. But with the exception of Rep. John Ulmer, incumbents won. In most races, they weren't even opposed and don't have an opponent in the fall. However, we are hearing that the Democratic Party will be working this next month to fill a full slate of candidates. It could be an interesting election in November. Stay tuned.
Best Places to Work
The Indiana Chamber has recognized the Best Places to Work in Indiana for 2008. Congratulations to all the winners, but especially members of the Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce: Edward Jones, Baker & Daniels, Crowe Chizek & Company, Indiana Business College, Network Solutions, Inc.
Next week at the Chamber
Monday, May 12 9:00 am, Staff Meeting 5:30 - 7:00 pm, Elected Officials Reception, Christiana Creek Country Club Tuesday, May 13 8:00 am, Beautification Council 9:30 - 10:00 am, Women's Council Planning Committee 10:30 am, El Maguey Ribbon Cutting - 56028 Parkway Ave., Ste A (near CR 17) 11:30 am - 1:30 pm, Leadership Graduation Luncheon @ Trinity Life Center, 2715 E. Jackson Wednesday, May 14 8:00 am, Technology Council Executive Committee 8:00 am, Government Council 2:00 pm, Accreditation Meeting (All) Thursday, May 15 8:00 am, EDI-ECI 11:30 am - 1:00 pm Women's Council Luncheon, Christiana Creek 4:00 pm, Business Recognition 6:30 - 8:30 pm, SCORE
|
Smoke Free. Now what?
Elkhart city passed an anti-smoking ordinance that takes effect next week, May 15. All restaurants and workplaces within the city will be smoke free. We could debate about whether it was the right thing for our city to do. Believe me, opinions are split. But debate doesn't change the reality. Let's be proactive instead. The ordinance is not going away, so why not try to capitalize on it? To date, only the progressive, "hip" communities are the ones with smoking bans. Maybe we need to start marketing Elkhart as progressive and hip. We would like to attract more of the creative class to Elkhart and our new smoking ban might play into that. "Enjoy dining in Elkhart where all our restaurants are smoke free." "Clear the air in Elkhart where the air is always clear." "No butts about it, Elkhart workers breathe cleaner air." We're sure there are better slogans. The anti-smoking forces proclaim all the benefits of being smoke free. Let's make the best of this situation and take advantage of those benefits.
US 31 meetings
The US 31 project is still cruising along. To find out the latest updates and see how local roads will be impacted, attend one of the public meetings: Monday, May 19, 4 - 7 p.m., Jackson Intermediate Center, 5001 S. Miami Rd., South Bend. Tuesday, May 20, 4 - 7 p.m., Newton Center, 601 N. Michigan St., Lakeville.
Right to work
Labor unions do not like Right to Work states, but apparently, employers do. This story shows that Right to Work states are more successful in economic development than non-Right to Work states. Should our legislature take a serious look at Right to Work legislation? At least one of our lawmakers has suggested this privately.
|
