Here at CommunityLink, we’re already looking forward to getting together with friends and colleagues at this year’s ACCE convention in Los Angeles. Last year’s gathering in Milwaukee was a blast, and our gears are turning to figure out how we can top the good times we had at Lucille’s dueling piano bar downtown.

The August convention may still be a few months off, but in the meantime you can check out our virtual booth at the ACCE convention virtual expo. The virtual expo features a variety of the exhibitors who will be in LA and gives a neat preview of what’s to come. Visit our “booth” at http://accevirtualexpo.com/#/communitylinkpublications and then navigate around to see who else will be there.

Of course, there “ain’t nothin’ like the real thing,” so be sure to make plans to visit us at the convention in person August 3-6.

ACCE Convention

Last week, four of us from CommunityLink participated in a “career buffet” at our local high school. Sponsored by the Pinckneyville Chamber of Commerce, the event brought local professionals together with Pinckneyville High School students to give the students ideas about careers that are available in the region.

Unlike most career fairs, the Pinckneyville High School Career Buffet had a speed-dating sort of structure. The student body was divided into small groups of four to seven students, and then each group rotated through stations until they had been in contact with every professional at the event. At each station, the professionals had three minutes to explain what they do for a living, how they came to that career, and the ups and downs of their field. At the end, students used rating cards to quantify their interest level in each career and request a chance to job shadow.

Local news crews were at the event, and one of the regional newspapers produced a video – including footage of CommunityLink CEO Craig Williams presenting the opening address – which you can view at www.thesouthern.com/app/videos/#vmix_media_id=68896921. Check it out and then let us know about your career fair ideas in the comments section.

Career Buffet, Career Fair

Having a strong sales campaign for your community profile magazine positively impacts the size of the publication, which strengthens it as a marketing tool for your chamber. It also impacts the royalty that the chamber will receive, creating a better bottom line for annual non-dues revenue. The sales staff at CommunityLink is ready to carry the ball and work with chamber members to make your map and publication sales campaigns a success, but there are also some little things that chambers can do to help maximize that effort. (more…)

Advertising sales, Distribution, Sales campaign

The official (unofficial) CommunitttyLink/ACCE After-Party in Old Town Milwaukee last night was, according to many chamber professionals, “THE event of the week!” Almost 200 ACCE attendees joined us for good times with good friends and dueling pianos at Lucille’s. We all had a blast.

The party turned into a double celebration as the whole crowd congratulated the Chamber of the Year winners in their respective categories. We offer a big salute to all of the finalists and once again congratulate CommunityLink partner Oak Ridge, TN – as well as the chambers from Owensboro, KY; Tulsa, OK; and East St. Tammany, LA – on their big win.

It’s another great day in the convention center today, and we’re all looking forward to tonight’s Brewers vs. Astros game! Be sure to stop by the booth and say hello.

ACCE Convention

CommunityLink Booth at ACCE

Here’s the latest update from the CommunityLink booth at the ACCE Annual Convention:

Milwaukee started rockin’ ACCE-style last night with a great opening banquet featuring comfort foods like fried cheese curds, brats & kraut, and fried walleye. Oh, yeah, there was some healthy stuff on the menu, too. We felt right at home, and Milwaukee is already proving to be a welcoming and friendly host.

The CommunityLink crew had a great time hitting the town last night to meet up with old friends and make some new ones, but tonight is the big official (unofficial) ACCE after-party at Lucille’s – a great dueling piano bar just down the street from the convention center at 1110 N. Old World 3^rd Street. Stop by booth 500 to get your CommunityLink BUZZ card today, then bring your ACCE lanyard and the BUZZ card to Lucille’s tonight for FREE admission and a FREE drink on the Link!

Hope to see you there.

ACCE Convention