September 2013, Volume 9, Issue 9, www.manhattan.org
A publication of the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce
Breaking News for Chamber Members
Contact us:
501 Poyntz Avenue Manhattan, KS, 66502-6005 785-776-8829 phone 785-776-0679 fax chamber@manhattan.org www.manhattan.org TDD Kansas Relay Center: 800-766-3777
Connect with the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce through Social Media.
For example: • When consumers know that a business is a member of the local chamber, there is now a 49% increase in e r favorability toward that business (up rs a e m o m from 44% in the 2007 study). r u yf u b Cons o • When consumers perceive that a ly t rs. e e k i b l business is a chamber member, m more ber me there is a 73% increase in consumer awareness and a 68% increase in cham local reputation (51% and 57% respectively in 2007). • Consumers are 80% more likely to A national survey of 2,000 adults reveals patronize a business in the future that that a business that is a member of a they believe is a member of the local local chamber of commerce is enjoying chamber of commerce (63% in 2007). increasing favorability. In the second such survey in five years, The Schapiro Group, The study also has more good news for an Atlanta-based market research firm, chamber members that sell to other found positive attitudes among adults in businesses. 2012 have actually increased over the very favorable findings of the first study • When business decision makers believe in 2007. a business is a chamber member, favorability increases by 42% (37% in 2007),
80%
perceived awareness and reputation grows to 78% and 65%, respectively, (51% and 58% in 2007), plus the likelihood of future patronage increases by 74% (59% in 2007).
Supporting the previous findings, the study also reveals a positive perception for the local chamber itself.
• Regarding the chamber’s impact on the local economy, 86% of respondents believe that the local chamber of commerce helps create jobs and promotes local economic development (82% in 2007). The results of the 2007 and 2012 Schapiro studies are clear: Positive perception increases among consumers and business owners when a business is known as a member of the local chamber of commerce, and now we know that positive perception is growing.
2013 & 2014 Health Care Reform Implementation Presented by James L. Gordon, CPA with Sink, Gordon & Associates LLP Public Accountants
The time to discuss Health Care Reform is over. We must all prepare for implementation, decisions need to be made now and the implementation process must be started now. No employer can afford to wait! Major Seminar Topics Include:
Fall 2013 Health Care Reform Provisions that impact ALL employers:
• Required Notices to all Employees • Education of employees on their Health Insurance Options & Exchanges • Individual Mandate Penalty Calculation and Exemption 2014 Health Care Reform Provisions that impact ALL employers: • • • •
Payroll System Requirements Classification of all employees Selection of Insurance Plans Enrollment Forms and signed elections
2014 & 2015 Health Care Reform Provisions that impact employers with more than 50 Full Time Equivalent employees:
• Selection of the following periods: - Measurement Period - Administrative Period - Coverage Period • Selection of Safe Harbor calculations related to “affordable” regulations • Flowchart of applicable penalties • Calculation of penalties - Failure to provide Coverage - Failure to provide Affordable Coverage
Date: Tuesday, September 10 Time: 9:00 – 11:00am OR 1:30 – 3:30pm (sessions will be identical) Location: Manhattan Country Club Fee: Chamber Members – $30 General Admission - $60
To register for the seminar, contact the Chamber office by email at chamber@manhattan.org , call 785776-8829 or contact Kathy Stevens.
Space is limited, so make your reservations today! Continued on page 2