chairm an `s le t ter - Jackson Chamber of Commerce

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POWER POINTS FROM PEERS
4 Tips for Success;
Communication is Key
POWER POINTS FROM PEERS
Give More to Get More
Anchor Initiative Update
Downtown Construction
Update
CHAMBER
News
VOLUME13 NUMBER3
*Content written by outside sources does not reflect the views & opinions of the Chamber.
2015
Jackson County Chamber of Commerce
CHAIRMAN’S LET TER
Embrace the action, appreciate the progress, and please
visit your chamber buds in the
construction zone. They will
certainly be happy to see you!
Sarah Ermatinger
VP of Marketing
CP Federal
Credit Union
Member Referral
Program
T
Our fellow chamber members
need our support now and let
me tell you it would take more
than an extra half a block walk
and some scaffolding to keep
me from my “One Jackson
Square” sandwich at the Pickle
Barrel Deli or a Viva Mexico salad from the Chop House.
The
Jackson County Chamber
of Commerce values the pursuit
of growth and excellence. As a result, we continuously work to provide increased value to each of our
members. As a valued member of
our organization, YOU can play an
active role in helping the Chamber
grow its membership by forwarding your referrals to our membership department! By referring these
companies or organizations to the
Chamber, you’re not only contributing to the vitality of our broader
business community, but also to
the continued success of your colleague’s business.
To thank you for each referral resulting in membership, the Chamber is introducing a great monthly
reward generously sponsored by
member companies. If you refer
five or more members throughout 2015, in addition to the
monthly reward, you will also receive a $100 gift certificate! For
every referral, you will be given a
ticket into the end of the year drawing for a grand prize experience at
Michigan International Speedway.
We would like to say “thank you”
to Chamber members who have
helped us introduce this new pro-
JACKSONCHAMBER.ORG
RS
IG H
“The road to success is always under construction.” We
are well on our way in downtown Jackson so grab a hard
hat and let’s roll. Orange cones,
street closings and piles of dirt
are in full effect, but don’t let
that stop you from supporting
the businesses, restaurants and
shops that are still open and
ready to serve you.
BE
TL
Chamber Members!
MEM
PO
Support Downtown
JULY/AUG./SEPT.
gram by being a sponsor! For more
information, please call us: (517)
782-8221.
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
• Michigan International Speedway
• In Good Company
• Grand River Brewery
• Cherry Creek Cellars
• Culvers Restaurant
• On Two Wheels
• Anytime Fitness
• Jackson Coffee Company
•Rally’s
• Mat’s Cafe & Catering
• The Chase Bar & Grill
• Finley’s American Grill
• Olive Garden Italian Restaurant
JULY/AUG./SEPT. 2015 CHAMBER NEWS 1
CHAMBERSTAFF
PRESIDENT/CEO
Mindy Bradish-Orta | [email protected]
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Mary Schuessler | [email protected]
EVENTS DIRECTOR
Angela Machnik | [email protected]
MEMBER SERVICES
Michael Walters | [email protected]
MARKETING & EVENTS COORDINATOR
Kristen Cloyd | [email protected]
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Kelly Sharrer | [email protected]
The Chamber in Action
The Jackson County Chamber of Commerce is active in bringing its members
networking events (Business After Hours, Speed Networking), educational
events (Economic Luncheons, Leadership Jackson classes) and promotional
events (Good Morning! Greater Jackson, Ribbon Cuttings/Groundbreakings).
Please see our Calendar (pages 8-9) to save future dates on your calendar!
EXECUTIVECOMMITTEE
CHAIR
Sarah Ermatinger | C P Federal Credit Union
VICE CHAIR
Josh Burgett | Michigan International Speedway
IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRMAN
Mike Jones | South Central Michigan Works!
TREASURER
Dan Maletich | Comerica Bank
SECRETARY
Bob Moore | Pentar Stamping
AT-LARGE
Dan Machnik, CIS | Willis & Machnik Financial
Services
Freddie Dancy | Dancy’s Fancy Butter
Karen Richard | Culver’s Restaurant
Chamber members learned how the
future of 3D printing will impact their
businesses at our April Economic
Luncheon.
Leadership Jackson graduates celebrated
their success at their Business After Hours
graduation ceremony in April.
Craig Thiel from the Citizens Research
Council joined Chamber members for
lunch and shared important information
on Proposal A in May.
Chamber members enjoyed a sunny day
of golf at the Country Club of Jackson
in May. (First place winners from Lloyd
Ganton Retirement Centers pictured here)
BOARDOFDIRECTORS
JEFF ANDERSON | Anderson & Makulski, PC
MARK BAKER | Spring Arbor University
MARILOU BELL | Chair, Experience Jackson
BRAD BRELINSKI | Curtis & Curtis
PAUL BUCHHOLZ | Lloyd Ganton Retirement Centers
PAT BURTCH | Jackson City Manager
TED CHRISTOFF | Christoff & Sons Floor Covering
WENDY CLIFTON | A Frame Above
DAN DUBOIS | Christman Constructors, Inc.
MIKE ENGLAND | Johnstone Supply
MARY GARCIA | Garcia Clinical Laboratory
JERRY GRANNAN | Allegiance Health
SARAH HARTZLER | South Central Michigan Works!
KYLE HOCKLEY | Picture This . . . Jackson
AMY MANVILLE | In Good Company Food & Spirits
MIKE OVERTON | Jackson County Administrator
CATHY REYNOLDS | Consumers Energy
TIM ROGERS | Enterprise Group
MICHELLE SHIELDS | Jackson College
KEN TOLL | United Way of Jackson County
Please
RSVP!
BOARDOFGOVERNORS
JOHN CRIST | CP Federal Credit Union
LINDA FURGASON | Avis Rent A Car
SUE GOLDSEN | Jackson Radio Works
RON GRIFFITH | Spring Arbor University
SANDY MAES | Allegiance Health
ROBERT MICHAELS | RjM
PHILIP M.MOILANEN|Marcoux,Allen,Schomer,Bower,
Nichols, Kendall, & Lindsey
Chamber members had a first look at
recent renovations at the Cascades Falls
at the June Business After Hours.
We welcome all Chamber members
to join us at our events! If you
do plan to attend, please RSVP
(517.782.8221) in advance to allow us
to plan for food and other provisions
accordingly. Thank you!
TERI OGG | Manpower Services
STEVEN PATCH | The Lally Group
DANIEL J. PHELAN | Jackson College
2 CHAMBER NEWS JULY/AUG./SEPT. 2015JACKSONCHAMBER.ORG
Join Smart Commute and Live Active!
As most of us spend at least eight
hours of our day working, finding time
for physical activity can be a challenge.
At Fitness Council of Jackson, we want
to get people thinking about physical
activity in a different way. It is no longer
something we have to make time for
before or after our work day; it can be
something we fit into our lives as they
already are.
Now in its 10th year, our Smart Commute
program is a way to help people live a
more active lifestyle. Smart Commuting
is traveling to your destination by foot,
bike, or bus. It isn’t just about getting to
work, but going all the places that you
go. We want to challenge you to find a
cheaper, healthier, and greener way to
get around town.
According to the Health Improvement
Organization’s 2014 Community Health
Assessment, only 29% of surveyed
Jackson residents reported that their
employer provides them opportunities
for physical activity in the workplace.
As a registered Smart Commute
participant you receive a free t-shirt,
access to official Smart Commute events
and a 10% discount at P&T Fitness and
Walt’s Health Foods on those event
days. You may participate in numerous
partner events which give you more
opportunity to fit some physical activity
into your day, such as a few free classes
at the Jackson YMCA and organized
lunch hour walks.
Smart Commute goes far beyond work.
Take the stairs to your next meeting,
take a walk on your lunch hour, ride your
bike to the library this weekend. It’s all
about finding those small opportunities
to get some much needed activity in
your day. You just may notice a boost
of energy and productivity after your
midday activity!
Fitness Council
of Jackson is
a nonprofit
organization
striving for
more physical
activity in
Jackson County.
A L E XA N D R A C
AS
H
“...only 29% of surveyed
Jackson residents
reported that their
employer provides
opportunities for
physical activity in the
workplace.”
Promoting Smart Commute to your
employees gives them numerous ways
to participate in active living during their
workday.
ADVERTISERSINDEX
Accident Fund.........................................................................................................................................Page 7
Anytime Fitness......................................................................................................................................Page 1
ASK...........................................................................................................................................................Page 12
Best-One Tire & Service of Central Michigan.............................................................................Page 14
Comerica Bank.....................................................................................................................................Page 14
Comtronics............................................................................................................................................Page 16
CP Federal Credit Union.....................................................................................................................Page16
Experience Jackson............................................................................................................................Page 13
Finley’s Grill and Smokehouse........................................................................................................Page 11
Jackson College...................................................................................................................................Page 15
Lally Group, CPA’s................................................................................................................................Page 10
Lammers Heating & Air Conditioning..........................................................................................Page 15
Lloyd Ganton Retirement Centers..... ............................................................................................Page 9
Michigan Automotive Compressor, Inc.........................................................................................Page 3
St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea...................................................................................................................Page 8
Walton Insurance Group...................................................................................................................Page 12
Advertise with us! Contact the Chamber for size options for our next newsletter.
Layout & Graphic Design by RjM & Kristen Cloyd | Printing and Mailing by Great Lakes Graphics
Editor: Kristen Cloyd | Copy Editor: Justin Cloyd
JACKSONCHAMBER.ORG
JULY/AUG./SEPT. 2015 CHAMBER NEWS 3
NEW MEMBERS
WELCOME
New Members
50Tel
Jessica Koch
229 S. Mechanic St.
Jackson, MI 49201
(877) 294-8588
Telecommunications Sales,
Services & Consulting
Aloha Travel
Jennifer Rudloff
2216 E. Michigan Ave.
Jackson, MI 49202
Travel & Tour Agencies & Clubs
Big Mitten State Fair and
Festival, LLC
Terry Bonnell
604 Wildwood
Jackson, MI 49201
(269) 806-5108
Event & Party Planning
BIGGBY Coffee - #434
Jackson East
Lori Fox
3039 E. Michigan Ave.
Jackson, MI 49201
(517) 668-0033
Restaurants: Bars / Clubs /
Coffee House
Compassionate Ministries of
Jackson County
Terry Williams
3905 Clinton Rd.
Jackson, MI 49201
(517) 782-7084
Non-profit & Charitable
Organizations / Foundations
Employment Plus
Justin Barnes
209 E. Washington Ave. #205
Jackson, MI 49201
(517) 789-9675
Employment Agencies
Essential Energies
Glenda Prus
915 Airport Rd.
Jackson, MI 49202
(517) 796-2082
Health & Fitness - Centers /
Equipment
Faith Baptist Church
Mark Clark
14402 Devereaux Rd.
Jackson, MI 49224
(231) 884-2642
Churches
BIGGBY Coffee - #438
Springport
Lori DeYoung
2900 Springport Rd.
Jackson, MI 49201
(517) 795-2812
Restaurants: Bars / Clubs /
Coffee House
Goodwill Industries of Central
Michigan’s Heartland, Inc.
Taneka Thomas
617 North Mechanic
Jackson, MI 49202
(517) 787-0570
Non-profit & Charitable
Organizations / Foundations
Britches-n-Bows
Karen Lewan
1212 Wildwood Ave., Suite A
Jackson, MI 49202
(517) 782-8046
Clothing / Apparel / Shoes
Huff Auto Group
Gary Huff
2800 Wildwood
Jackson, MI 49202
(517) 780-4994
Dealers
Christman Constructors, Inc.
Dan DuBois
324 E. South St.
Lansing, MI 48910
(517) 482-0554
Construction Companies /
General Contractors
Jackson Journeys LLC Historic Prison Tours
Judy Gail Krasnow
100 Armory Court, #107
Jackson, MI 49202
(517) 817-8960
Historical Tours & Storytelling
Jackson School of the Arts
Kim Hastings
634 N. Mechanic St.
Jackson, MI 49204
(517) 784-2389
Non-profit & Charitable
Organizations / Foundations
TAC Manufacturing, Inc.
Scott Sturgis
4111 County Farm Road
Jackson, MI 49201
(517) 789-7000
Manufacturing/ Manufacturers
Representatives
K & A Machine & Tool, Inc.
Connie Fridd
4821 W. Michigan Ave.
Jackson, MI 49204
(517) 750-9244
Manufacturing
/ Manufacturers
Representatives
US Drive Right
Dan Machnik
4257 Page Ave.
Michigan Center, MI 49254
(517) 750-3093
Automobile Services / Sales /
Repair
LifeSpans...A Community
Service
Barbara Freysinger
524 N. Jackson St.
Jackson, MI 49201
(517) 784-4426
Mental Health Services
Lily Missions Center, Inc.
Rev. James Hines
1117 W.G. Wade Drive
Jackson, MI 49204
(517) 783-6553
Non-profit & Charitable
Organizations / Foundations
Little Tadpoles Child Care
and Learning Center
Lezlie Bowles
929 Sunburst Rd.
Jackson, MI 49203
(517) 782-9813
Child Care / Preschool
Rise Above
Neil Fernandes
936 Fleming Ave.
Jackson, MI 49201
(517) 513-3892
Non-profit & Charitable
Organizations / Foundations
Vantiv
Thomas Troyer
(517) 755-6696
Banks / Banking Associations
Western School District
Michael Smajda
1400 S. Dearing Rd.
Parma, MI 49269
(517) 841-8100
Schools & Colleges
Westwood Mall
Scott Finch
1850 W. Michigan Ave.
Jackson, MI 49202
(517) 784-1170
Shopping Centers
XCEL Staffing, Inc.
Jennifer Kinstle
146 W. Cortland St.
Jackson, MI 49201
(517) 782-9600
Employment Agencies
Shaunta Patton - Love Inc
of Jackson County
Shaunta Patton
PO Box 1831
Jackson, MI 49204
(517) 782-9766
Churches
4 CHAMBER NEWS JULY/AUG./SEPT. 2015JACKSONCHAMBER.ORG
RENEWING MEMBERS
THANK YOU
Renewing Members
1 - 5 Years
Acro Legal Copy
Service, Inc.
Advertising Solutions TODAY!
AdviCoach of Mid-Michigan
Airmaster Fan Company
All Star Rental
Ann Arbor State Bank
AP Motors, Inc.
Arrow Uniform
Breakfast Rotary Club of Jackson
Brent Family Chiropractic
Brooklyn Country Market
Mat’s Cafe & Catering
Jackson Orthopedic Specialists, PLLC
Merchants Crossing Improvements LLC
Jackson Small Business Support Center
Mister Spatz’ Shoe Repair
Kentwood Office Furniture
Northwood University
L & L Machine & Tool, Inc.
Paris Agency LLC
March of Dimes
Paul Bengel Mechanical Contractors
Midwest Floor Systems, Inc.
Phil Hoffman
Pinson Urology and Continence Center
P.C.
Polly’s Country Market
Polly’s Country Market - Parnall Road
Polly’s Country Market - Summit
Township
Purple Rose Theatre
Seymour Ford Lincoln
Strouss Construction LLC
Polly’s Country Market - Vandercook Lake
TransPharm Preclinical Solutions
Pound & Pound Family Dentistry
Tripp’s Auto Shop and Collision Center,
Inc
Promise Jewelers
Walton Reed Wealth Management
Partners of Raymond James
Brooklyn Exponent
Reese Robertson- New Horizons
Computer Learning Centers
Colonial Life
Starr Commonwealth-Albion
Comcast Spotlight
State Representative Earl Poleski
Community Normalization Homes
Tamrox Automotive
Dale Fisher Galleries
Tanfastic Suntanner
Denny’s
The Pickle Barrel Deli
Bio Image Systems, Inc.
Diversified Engineering & Plastics LLC
The Salon Academy
Brad A. Double, D.C.
Edward Jones Investments - Kelly Langley
Victoria Pointe Apartments
Christoff & Sons Floor Covering Inc.
Elm Plating Co.
Village of Brooklyn
Country Club Turf Inc.
F.P. Miller Company
Fitness Council of Jackson
Weatherwax Pharmacies, Inc.
11-15 Years
F & H Manufacturing Co., Inc.
6-10 Years
Gilbert Chocolates
Gallant Transportation
Alexander C. Perlos - Perlos Corp.
Jackson Canvas Company
Grand River Brewery
Anderson Insurance Agency
Great Start Collaborative of Jackson
Another Design Co.
Jackson Commercial Contractors
Association
Handyman Stan LLC
Barker Weber Insurance Agency
Hankerd Inn Resort
Candy Snow - Independent Herbalife
Distributor
Fran’s Lean-On-Me Adult Foster Care
Family Home
Heat Controller LLC
Huron Valley Financial ITC Holdings
Jackson Appliance Service
Jackson Host Lions Club
Cherry Creek Cellars
Culver’s Restaurant
Erik Smith Investments
Jackson Inventors Network
Full Spectrum Solutions, Inc./Everlast
Lighting
Johnson Sign Co.
Good Earth Real Estate, LLC
K & J Total Design
Granger
Key Opportunities, Inc.
HIBU - Yellowbook USA
Law Offices of Richard C. Mills &
Associates
In the Kitchen Personal Chef Services, LLC
JACKSONCHAMBER.ORG
Heartland Health Care Center - Jackson
Meijer, Inc. - Airport Rd.
Mid-Michigan Mechanical Contractors
Assoc.
Sandhill Crane Vineyards
22 Years
Sam’s Club
59 Years
Kelly Services, Inc.
Indian Trails, Inc. dba Michigan Flyer
JULY/AUG./SEPT. 2015 CHAMBER NEWS 5
POWER POINTS FROM
PEERS
POWER
POINTS
4 Tips for Success
W
hen I was asked to share ideas as
to how business leaders can be
successful, I realized that all the thoughts
I had were imparted to me by those who
have mentored me. That being said, I
am very happy to spread their knowledge. It is my hope that these ideas will
be helpful and can be incorporated into
your daily work-life routine.
Focus on your bread and butter. As a
business owner, always remember what
pays the bills. Be the very best you can
be at your primary business. Whether
that’s being the best employee you can
be or providing the best product or service to your customers, your main business should always be your main focus,
no matter what else comes your way.
‘Power Points from Peers’ is a series of short articles sharing
best business practices, recommendations and lessons learned
from various Chamber member businesses.
Communication is Key
Build other pillars of revenue. Opportunities may come up. As an entrepreneur or leader, recognize and seize those
that make sense. Building other sources
of revenue will enhance your entrepreneurial skill set and can add to your
success. As an employee, this may mean
reaching beyond your comfort zone to
seek out new initiatives that enhance
your role.
C
ommunication is the single most important element of our customer
relationships. It’s a bold statement, but I stand by it. We must communicate to build a connection and solve problems. We become our
customers’ trusted partner, helpful resource and go-to team by serving
them consistently and professionally. The foundation of productive client
relationships is clear, consistent, and quality communication.
Think about it: What companies do you love doing business with? Probably not the ones that never speak to you after a sale or the ones that only
contact you to sell something. The companies we all enjoy working with
value us as customers, create solutions for our biggest frustrations, and offer advice. Those companies are passionate about their business and make
it a priority to make your life easier and more enjoyable.
A M A N DA W
AS
&
Be skeptical. Always remember that the
opposite of skepticism isn’t optimism—its
gullibility. Being skeptical means asking probing questions, doing your due
diligence and making
AC H N I K , W
ILL
NM
informed, unemoIS
DA
tional decisions.
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CHNIK FINANC
ROU
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IA
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ION
S
Whether you are communicating face to face, on a blog or via a newsletter,
be mindful of your tone, your professionalism, and your purpose. Communication is the foundation of your relationships with customers. Create
goals and make them happen!
SE
RV
ICES
6 CHAMBER NEWS JULY/AUG./SEPT. 2015JACKSONCHAMBER.ORG
O
As business owners, our focus shouldn’t be on
simply closing a deal, but on building relationships that will last for years. When our priority
is building trust and actively supporting our
customers, communication will come easily.
Effective customer communication involves taking the time to get to know what your customers
want and making the effort to give it to them. We will
communicate our appreciation, inquire about our customers’ needs and actively try to add value to our industry.
UR
MA
Surround yourself with the
best. Throughout the course
of running
businesses, I
have come to realize that there are
many things which
are definitely not within
my knowledge base. When these obstacles come up, surround yourself with
the very best talent you can find to help
you be successful. Whether that means
outsourcing, hiring, or tying yourself to
a mentor, remember to do so skeptically
and make the best decisions you can.
POWER POINTS FROM
PEERS
Give More to Get More
T
oday’s businesses try to exceed expectations by providing the best product
or service and being the most efficient, fastest, or most attractive. However, looking at sales statistics, people are still drawn to one common denominator: they want to buy from those they like.
Residents in my retirement community will tell you they chose their current
home because of the emotional connection they felt during their shopping
process. When you gain that emotional connection, those customers are at
least three times more likely to refer and re-purchase, and they are less likely
to be sensitive to pricing.
How do you facilitate the emotional connection your customers want? Give
more of yourself. Ask more, learn more. When in conversation, listen to everything they have to say. Question not only their “needs” for your product or
HMIELE WSK service, but really get to know them. Send handwritten notes
I, V
AC
N
IS including details from your encounters; this shows that you
EN
were paying attention. Mention details they shared like
their family, career, upbringing, etc. Create commonality
between you by showing them that you care and they
are important to you.
TA
J
FROM
PEERS
GR
AND
E VILLA
open
To consistently engage your prospects and current
customers, it is vital to create a customer service and
hospitality culture. Your entire team must be involved
in this process. Create a welcoming feeling every day. As
sales expert Patricia Fripp has said, “You don’t close a sale; you
a relationship if you want to build a long-term, successful enterprise.”
JACKSONCHAMBER.ORG
JULY/AUG./SEPT. 2015 CHAMBER NEWS 7
CALENDAR
Jackson County Chamber of Commerce
Chamber event dates and times are subject to change. Please RSVP to Kelly Sharrer at 517.782.8221 or [email protected]
WEDNESDAY, JULY 15
SPEED NETWORKING
SPONSORED BY THE
RICHMOND AGENCY, INC.
Expand your professional network in
a structured - and fun - environment!
This fast-paced event gives you
the opportunity to connect faceto-face with at least 24 other
business representatives and is
ideal for both experienced and
nervous networkers. For this
event to be a success, we require
advanced RSVP’s. Attendees must
arrive before the program begins
to participate, and plan to stay the
entire time. Please send only one
representative per company.
2-5pm | The Chase Sports Bar (105 E. Mi
Ave., Upstairs) | Parking is available in
the lot behind Jackson Coffee Company
| $25 Future Members | $15 Chamber
Members | $25 at the door
TUESDAY, JULY 28
GOOD MORNING! GREATER
JACKSON
Attend our live radio program,
courtesy of WKHM-AM 970, that
features four (4) members, a hot
breakfast, and networking. Spots are
still available - call to reserve yours!
7:30-8:30am | Bella Notte Ristorante
(137 W. Michigan Ave.) | $20 Future
Members | $10 Chamber Members
THURSDAY, AUGUST 20
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
WITH THE COMMONWEALTH
COMMERCE CENTER SUMMER ROAD TRIP
Have you ever wanted to tour the
CCC? Here is your chance! We
will start in the ballroom with a
roadmap. Guests will travel through
the halls/floors of the CCC, meet
participating Chamber member
businesses and receive a special
token (think Amazing Race style!).
There will be food and drinks along
the way, provided by CCC Catering
and Atrium Cafe’.
5-7pm | Commonwealth Commerce
Center (209 E. Washington Ave.) | $10
Future Members | Free to Chamber
Members
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21
COFFEE WITH THE CHAMBER
SPONSORED BY ASK
Start your morning with the Chamber
staff and other members, discover
future business partnerships and take
advantage of your member benefits
at Coffee with the Chamber. A light
breakfast (and coffee!) will be served.
Space is limited, so please RSVP
early!
7:30-9:00am | Chamber Office (141 S.
Jackson St.) | Free to Chamber Members
8 CHAMBER NEWS JULY/AUG./SEPT. 2015JACKSONCHAMBER.ORG
TUESDAY, AUGUST 25
GOOD MORNING! GREATER
JACKSON
Attend our live radio program,
courtesy of WKHM-AM 970, that
features four (4) members, a hot
breakfast, and networking. Spots are
still available - call to reserve yours!
5:00-7:00pm | Comerica Bank (245 W.
Michigan Ave.) | $10 Future Members |
Free to Chamber Members
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
ECONOMIC LUNCHEON |
CANDIDATES FORUM
7:30-8:30am | Bella Notte Ristorante | $20
Future Members | $10 Chamber Members
Please join us for lunch and a
candidate forum for the City of
Jackson Mayor & Council.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 25
11:30am-1:00pm | Cascades Manor House
(1970 Kibby Rd.) | $45 Future Members |
$25 Chamber Members
If you are new to the Chamber’s
annual business to business
showcase, attend this kickoff meeting
to learn what tools you need to
succeed at JAXPO 2015!
GOOD MORNING! GREATER
JACKSON
JAXPO 2015 KICKOFF
MEETING
8:45-10:00am | Bella Notte Ristorante
(137 W. Michigan Ave.) | RSVP required
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS WITH
COMERICA BANK
Learn about Comerica’s personal,
business and wealth management
services at our September Business
After Hours!
JACKSONCHAMBER.ORG
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22
Attend our live radio program,
courtesy of WKHM-AM 970, that
features four (4) members, a hot
breakfast, and networking! This
month’s show sponsors are: United
Way of Jackson County, Experience
Jackson and 2 spots still available call to reserve yours!
7:30 - 8:30am | Bella Notte Ristorante (137
W. Michigan Ave.) | $20 Future Members |
$10 Chamber Members
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30
THOMAS H. COBB
PRESIDENT’S LEADERSHIP
SPEAKER SERIES LUNCHEON
WITH AMY COSPER, EDITORIN-CHIEF AT ENTREPRENEUR
MAGAZINE
One of the most prominent
voices in the world on the topic of
entrepreneurship, Amy Cosper is
the Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur
Media Inc. Named Fast Company’s
“25 Smartest Women on Twitter”,
Cosper has not only been reporting
and commenting on the world of
entrepreneurship, she has been
shaping it through the pages of a
magazine that has seen meteoric
growth, and become the most
respected resource in its field.
11:30am-1:00pm | Spring Arbor
University, Ralph Carey Forum (106 E.
Main St.)
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15
SAVE THE DATE | JAXPO 2015
Reserve your booth today!
Contact [email protected] or
call 517.782.8221 for more information
on JAXPO 2015 and booth availability.
JULY/AUG./SEPT. 2015 CHAMBER NEWS 9
Growth in Jackson:
An Anchor Initiative Update
What is the Anchor Initiative?
Jackson’s larger employers and its colleges are responding to Governor Snyder’s challenge for
anchor institutions to take more responsibility for their downtowns. Anchor institutions are the larger,
fixed-asset entities in a community. For Jackson, these are comprised of some 20 organizations
including larger businesses, three colleges and the Chamber of Commerce. These institutions
have joined the effort to work toward transforming downtown Jackson into a vibrant urban place
– the kind of place that appeals to the millennial generation and its young, talented workers.
Economic & Social Improvement
Continuing to improve the economic and social fabric of our downtown is
in the best interests of all in Jackson’s public, private and non-profit sectors.
With an appealing and millennial-infused downtown, our employers grow
in their ability to attract and retain talented workers. The government also
benefits from improved economic performance and the resulting positive
impact on the tax base. The community as a whole gains an increased level
of civic engagement and the emergence of a new generation of leaders.
The Hayes Hotel
The most iconic project associated with The Anchor Initiative is the renovation of the Hayes Hotel. The
Holland-based consortium of Geenan DeKock Construction and InSite Capital was introduced to the project
in 2014, and they are now in the process of completing their feasibility studies. The project has the potential to
address the needs identified both by an independent outside assessment of our downtown as well as by local
businesses, government, educational institutions and our own millennial generation. Although the feasibility
studies are not complete, the preliminary concept for this 10 story, 130,000 square foot project promises
first floor retail space, a restaurant, an approximately 75-room hotel and up to 50 market rate apartments.
Placemaking
The Anchor Initiative will include elements of placemaking (creating a desirable physical environment),
social capital (providing for increased social interaction and civic participation) and community/economic
development (stimulating growth in jobs and livelihoods). We are following successful models used
elsewhere with a focus on three
pillars -- Live Local, Invest Local,
and Innovate Local. “Live Local”
aims to populate the downtown
area with a more professional and
creative residential base. “Invest
Local” efforts will be a beneficial
result of millennials living in
downtown as the demand is
created for more local goods and
services, and “Innovate Local”
will be a natural outcome of
young creative people interacting
in a vibrant urban neighborhood.
10 CHAMBER NEWS JULY/AUG./SEPT. 2015JACKSONCHAMBER.ORG
Call For Board Members
Do you want to help set strategic direction and priority for the Chamber?
The Chamber is seeking Board of Directors nominations. Email
[email protected] with your name, organization, why you
want to be involved and what skills/experience/connections you would
bring to the Chamber. Board members are responsible for setting overall
strategic direction & policies for the Chamber and are expected to
attend monthly Board meetings, help recruit/retain members and attend
committees and events as available.
The Chamber’s Nominating Committee will review all nominations and
send a ballot to the Chamber membership who votes for the candidates.
The candidates with the most votes are elected to a three-year term.
Nominations are due by July 31st.
This is a great opportunity to help lead the leading driver and advocate
for business & economic development in Jackson County.
Annual Meeting Award
Nominations Due
Nominations for the following awards will be due September 11!
Brick Award
sponsored by the Chamber Ambassador Committee
Entrepreneurial Vision Award
sponsored by South Central Michigan Works!
ATHENA Award
sponsored by Lloyd Ganton Retirement Centers
Small Business Person of the Year Award
sponsored by Fifth Third Bank
Save the Date!
Please mark your calendar for upcoming Chamber events!
October 15, 2015
JAXPO 2015
January 15, 2016
14th Annual MLK Diversity Breakfast
January 28, 2016
107th Annual Meeting
JACKSONCHAMBER.ORG
JULY/AUG./SEPT. 2015 CHAMBER NEWS 11
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premises, you would not receive a
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Instead, you would only receive
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M
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IK E
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Case in point: the Balanced Scorecard. The Balanced Scorecard was
developed in the early 1990’s by Drs.
JACKSONCHAMBER.ORG
!
An active strategy leads to focus.
I’m surprised how many organizations
fail to realize they’re in the relationship business, not the transaction
business. Today, more than ever, customers want relationships with their
providers. They want a sense of connection and belonging. This gets lost
when we try to measure everything.
Norton
and Kaplan, introduced
in a Harvard
Business Review
ar ticle.
It’s an engineer’s dream because it
reduces everything to a digit. The
problem is that relationships can’t be
digitized. Try saying to your spouse,
“Okay honey, let’s sit down and review our first quarter performance. I
see we are over our goal in family income and activities attended, but we
fell short in personal intimacy. Don’t
worry, it will all balance out”. Yeah, let
me know how that turns out!
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strategy
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Strategy is the fuel that drives an
organization. It has vision, direction, and inspiration. A strategy that
sits in a file is like fuel that remains
in an underground storage tank. It’s
there, but no one sees it. It’s useless.
One of the things I have always been
proud of is how often we update the
Chamber’s strategic plan. It’s a living,
breathing document. It has direction
and a sense of purpose. How many
organizational leaders ask to see, let
alone review, their plan? Do the employees even know it exists?
MIC
There’s an interesting book by Simon Sinek entitled Start With Why,
and it focuses on building a world
where people are inspired by the
work they do. Seems noble. Any organization can explain what they do
and how they are different or better, but very few can articulate why.
I thought about why a lot of organizations become uninspiring places.
Simply put, they lack strategy, focus,
and connection.
So that brings us finally to connection. Connection means to be “connected” to the greater good. To have
a higher calling. Organizations like
Apple are connected. Steve Jobs
didn’t set out to create an iPhone.
He set out to change the world. He
had a higher calling. Connected organizations have very active Boards
and employees who are consistently
promoting and selling their brand.
We should be proud that we have a
Chamber Board who does this. In the
last 90 days, how many Boards can
say they have actively and aggressively promoted the brand of the organization they serve to business and
community leaders or government
officials? If not, why not?
Leaders need to ask themselves
whether they are in the relationship
or transaction business. There’s no
right answer. However, if you’re going to be in the relationship business
you need to have strategy, focus, and
connection.
JULY/AUG./SEPT. 2015 CHAMBER NEWS 13
Rail Transportation in Jackson
Jackson County has a proud railroad
history, but for the business community the rail is not mere history; it’s a
present economic engine. Rail is the
top transportation link for 70% of finished automobiles as well as the vast
majority of our state’s 60% increase in
agricultural productivity.
Our north-south railroad, the Jackson
& Lansing Railroad (JAIL), has seen tremendous growth in 2015 with some
businesses doubling their freight rail
usage.
Key rail issues in Congress that impact
Jackson are renewal of the Short Line
Railroad Rehabilitation and Investment
Act (H.R.721, S.637) which will allow
short line railroads like JAIL to continue to invest private sector dollars
on freight railroad track rehabilitation.
Thanks to Congressman Walberg as
well as Senators Debbie Stabenow and
Gary Peters for cosponsoring this important legislation.
For Jackson County, while MDOT recently took over ownership and maintenance of the east-west rail line, Norfolk Southern Railway (NS) still provides
freight service and maintains a strong
local presence with multiple locomotives and employees located at the
rail yard on Elm Street. NS is currently
hiring locally for a Conductor position.
Previous railroad experience is not a
must as NS has a comprehensive training program. Entry pay starts at a mini-
mum of $41,000 with outstanding benefits and coverage from the Railroad
Retirement Fund. Nation-wide, NS
plans to invest $2.4 billion in private
dollars throughout 2015 on key items,
such as fielding 200 new locomotives.
This will mean more power and velocity along NS’s network, with greater efficiency for businesses that utilize rail.
Jackson County’s strong veteran presence should be aware that more than
4,200 NS employees—about 14 percent of their workforce—are veterans.
Indicative of the whole rail industry, NS
has hired more than 1,300 veterans in
the last seven years.
Interested in
seeing how your
business could
benefit from rail?
Interested in seeing how your business
could benefit from rail? Contact Brenda Rice, JAIL (734-641-2300, brice@
abrailroad.com), or Dayne Tate, NS
(317-819-7672,
dayne.tate@nscorp.
com).
As trans-load (transferring
freight from one mode of transportation to another) capacity grows, direct
rail access is not a must. Contact Dave
Heins (517-782-0371, [email protected]) at Miller Truck and Storage
about local truck-rail options.
~ Larry Lloyd
14 CHAMBER NEWS JULY/AUG./SEPT. 2015JACKSONCHAMBER.ORG
The “Dig Downtown Jackson” project continues to
move forward. Most recently, the focus
of the city’s contractor, Dunigan Brothers, has been two-pronged: While one
crew finished the replacement of the
antiquated brick sewer with PVC pipe
at one of end of the project, another
crew connected the new water main to
the city-wide water distribution system
down the street.
As the two Dunigan Brothers crews
work on their tasks, subcontractor J.
Ranck Electric has continued its work
to install new foundations and conduits
within the Jackson Street intersection for new mast arm-mounted traffic
signals. These traffic signals will look
similar to those installed along Washington Avenue last summer. The mast
arm poles will be installed later in the
project to make it easier for equipment
to move within the project zone.
Still to come on the fast-paced construction timeline, Dunigan Brothers
will continue utilizing its two-crew system, installing the new water main to
all four corners of the Jackson Street
intersection while connecting buildings between Jackson and Mechanic
Streets to the new water main in that
block. When installation of the new
signal foundations and water main
within the Jackson Street intersection
is complete, the intersection will be
opened to north-south traffic.
JACKSONCHAMBER.ORG
Sections of sidewalk have been removed
for the installation of traffic signal foundations and service connections, but will be
restored with a temporary concrete surface to reduce inconvenience to pedestrians. As always, the sidewalks through
downtown remain open.
As each building is connected to the
new water main during the project,
service to that building will be interrupted. Dunigan Brothers will communicate with each business to minimize
the unavoidable inconvenience.
Significant progress was also made on the
utilities owned and operated by Consumers Energy. The gas system along Michigan Avenue is the first utility system to
be 100% completed. The new gas mains
are now ready to give reliable service for
future generations. The Consumers Energy crews responsible for replacing the
gas mains have loaded up their equipment and vacated the site. This makes
it possible for Consumers Energy to accelerate work on the underground electrical system. The contractor doing this
job for Consumers Energy has completed
its work within the Michigan Avenue and
Mechanic Street intersection and is now
working toward Jackson Street.
Once completed, the systems serving
each building will be completely new and
able to provide reliable service for generations, without the need for the occasional repairs that have been necessary
in recent years. During the accelerated
timeline for this project, you can show
your Jackson pride by stopping downtown and supporting your favorite local
shops and restaurants.
JULY/AUG./SEPT. 2015 CHAMBER NEWS 15
PRSRT STD
U.S. Postage
PAID
141 South Jackson St. • Jackson, MI 49201
Jackson, MI
517.782.8221 • www.jacksonchamber.org
49201
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16 CHAMBER NEWS JULY/AUG./SEPT. 2015JACKSONCHAMBER.ORG