Monthly Roundup: September 2026
Economic and Community Development / September 4, 2026
- The St. Petersburg Area Chamber released the results from a recent survey of members that provides a snapshot of the business community’s outlook on the local economy and two significant issues appearing on this year’s ballot.
- The Tillamook Chamber gathered community leaders, local officials and regional partners for a property tour showcasing historical downtown spaces that sat quiet for decades, highlighting how these long-vacant upper floors and storefronts are coming back to life with renewed purpose.
- The Kentucky Chamber held a listening tour that gathered feedback from more than 100 community leaders on how housing challenges are affecting economic growth, talent attraction and quality of life across the Commonwealth.
- The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber is planning a gathering of economic development, local government, education, nonprofit and private industry leaders to focus on strengthening regional collaboration, building community capacity and connecting participants with resources.
- The Cortland Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation was awarded a $75,000 grant for the expansion of childcare in Cortland County. The grant will be used to turn Parker School into a childcare hub in the heart of Cortland.
- The Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce is calling on candidates in the 2026 municipal election to commit to actions business leaders see as helping strengthen the city. The chamber is focused on three priorities: getting things done, creating safe and vibrant communities and fostering competitive growth.
- The Michigan Chamber of Commerce Foundation launched its “Support MI Clerks” campaign aimed at encouraging businesses to help spread awareness of poll worker opportunities and support employees who choose to participate. Michigan’s need for poll workers has grown with the expansion of early voting, which requires election sites to operate for additional days before Election Day.
- The Greater Omaha Chamber is launching Digital Boost, a new technology and digital business initiative designed to help small and emerging businesses strengthen operations, adopt digital tools and compete in today’s economy. Digital Boost will offer workshops, technology training, one-on-one business consultations and practical resources that help entrepreneurs improve efficiency, expand their online presence and integrate technology into their day-to-day operations.
- The Georgia Chamber Foundation released a new resource designed to help local leaders across Georgia better understand housing challenges and develop community-specific strategies to increase housing options.
- The Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce, through its foundation, created the Wayne County Chamber Business Bridge Grant Program, an emergency relief initiative designed to help small businesses impacted by the August 2026 floods remain operational while awaiting insurance reimbursements and state or federal disaster assistance.
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