mission welcome - Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce

new members
Monday, June 4th
A Taste of India
Battle Creek Baymont Inn & Suites
Behnke Warehousing, Inc.
Bossy Studios
Capital Catering
Captain Luey’s Calabash Seafood
Continental Pastries & Delicatessen
Gothberg Construction & Design, Inc.
Heart Link Network
Mac R. Behnke Rentals LTD
Monarch Community Bank
Siena Heights University
The Tobacco Shoppe
Verizon Wireless
2012 Chamber Golf Outing
at Battle Creek Country Club
mission
statement
The mission of the Battle Creek
Area Chamber of Commerce
is to provide member services,
business advocacy and
Golf has always been known as the top sport for mixing business and pleasure.
Playing a great round on the golf course with clients, coworkers and business leaders
is an invaluable asset for men and women in business. An opportunity for you to build
business relationships! Opportunities for face to face time with important clients,
introducing yourself to competitors and possibly gaining
a little name recognition if you play well.
Driving range & lunch 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
1:00 pm tee-off
6:00 pm dinner & awards
Please contact the Chamber at (269) 962-4076 for more
information or to register your team. Sponsorships available for
the golfer and the non-golfer. Registration forms are due May
25th and sponsorships are on a first come first serve basis.
and networking.
6/42
201
15 Mins to Fitness – for Business!
Troy Huggett, Owner of Troy Huggett’s Fitness Pros, L.L.C. will present the revolutionary
fifteen minute program that produces amazing fitness results. Every business owner wants
to have healthy, energetic and motivated employees, and better fitness has proven to be
an effective path to achieving these goals.
To achieve our mission,
development/quality of life,
day
Tuesday, June 12th
positive economic environment.
business advocacy, workforce
on
eye opener breakfast
representation to produce a
we focus on membership,
May–June 2012
Time to Tee Up!
M
welcome
a publication of the Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce
insight
Huggett will dissolve the excuse of not having enough time to get in shape! He will
present a program that is geared towards 3 days a week for 15 minute sessions. Troy
holds both B.S. & M.S. degrees in Physical Education, is a certified Personal Trainer
and Gold Certified Health & Fitness Specialist through the American Council on Exercise.
He also teaches the ACE Exam Review and Practical Training programs internationally.
Please RSVP by June 7th if you will be attending.
Food Sponsor
®
The Eye Opener Breakfast will take place at Riverside Golf Club & Banquet Center, 245 East Columbia, Battle Creek.
Business Networking begins at 7 a.m., the program is from 7:30-8:30 a.m. and Business Networking continues from
8:30-9:00 a.m. Breakfast will be served.
269.962.4076
Monday–Friday 9am–5pm
One Riverwalk Centre, Suite 3A, 34 West Jackson Street, Battle Creek, MI 49017
www.BattleCreek.org
chamber corner
May – June
Tuesday, May 1
Monday, May 28
Eye Opener Breakfast/Business
Expo, 7:00 a.m., Burnham Brook.
Chamber Closed for
Memorial Day Holiday.
Thursday, May 3
Monday, June 4
Eye Opener Committee Meeting,
9:00 a.m., Chamber Boardroom.
Friday, May 4
Chamber Golf Committee Meeting,
11:00 a.m., Chamber Boardroom.
Wednesday, May 9
Business Leaders Luncheon,
11:30 a.m., McCamly Plaza Hotel.
Thursday, May 10
Membership Services Committee,
12:00 p.m., Chamber Boardroom.
Friday, May 11
Annual Chamber Golf Outing
Fundraiser, 1:00 p.m.,
Battle Creek Country Club.
Thursday, June 7
Eye Opener Committee Meeting,
9 a.m., Chamber Boardroom.
Friday, June 8
Rap with your Reps, 7:30 a.m.,
McCamly Plaza Hotel.
Friday, June 8
Chamber Golf Committee Meeting,
11:00 a.m., Chamber Boardroom.
Annual Silent Observer Golf Outing
Fundraiser, 12:30 p.m., Riverside
Golf Club & Banquet Center.
Saturday, June 9
Tuesday, May 15
Tuesday, June 12
World’s Largest Breakfast Table,
8:00 a.m., Downtown Battle Creek.
Chamber Board Meeting,
12:00 p.m., B.C. Community
Foundation Boardroom.
Eye Opener Breakfast/Business
Networking, 7:00 a.m., Riverside
Golf Club & Banquet Center.
Wednesday, May 16
Wednesday, June 13
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony,
2:00 p.m., Midwest
Communications, Inc. – WIN.98
Ambassador Committee Meeting,
11:45 a.m., TBD.
Thursday, May 17
Membership Services Committee,
12:00 p.m., Chamber Boardroom.
Public Policy, 10:00 a.m.,
Chamber Boardroom.
Thursday, May 17
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony,
2:00 p.m., The Tobacco Shoppe
of Battle Creek.
Friday, May 18
Chamber Member Orientation,
8:30 a.m., Chamber Boardroom.
Friday, May 18
56th Annual Armed Forces Day
Luncheon, 12:00 p.m.,
Fort Custer Training Center.
Friday, May 18
Spring into the Arts, 5:00 p.m.,
Downtown Battle Creek.
Tuesday, May 22
Ambassador Committee Meeting,
11:45 a.m., A Taste of India.
Wednesday, May 23
Annual Business Awards Ceremony,
5:00 p.m., Yarrow Golf
& Conference Center
Wednesday, June 13
Friday, June 15
Chamber Member Orientation,
8:30 a.m., Chamber Boardroom.
Friday, June 15
Public Policy, 10:00 a.m.,
Chamber Boardroom.
Wednesday, June 20
Silent Observer Committee
Meeting, 8:00 a.m.,
Village of Mill Creek.
Do consumers really support
businesses because they are
chamber members?
Kara E. Beer, Executive Director
Advocates of chambers of commerce have long
believed that when a company is active in its local
chamber, it is doing the right thing not only for the
community but for its own success as well. While there is
plenty of evidence to show the impact of chambers of commerce on their
communities, it is much harder to find data that quantify the impact of
belonging to a chamber. According to a study done by The Schapiro Group
recently, in an effort to determine the real value to companies in terms of
consumer outcomes of joining and being active in their local chamber of
commerce, we ask, do consumers really support businesses because they are
chamber members?
Data collected came from 2,000 adults nationwide by means of a scientific
web-based survey*. This approach yields powerful results because it bypasses
the subjectivity of most opinion polls. Some prove this to be the case.
• Most consumers (59%) think that being active in the local chamber of
commerce is an effective business strategy overall.
• If a company shows that it is highly involved in its local chamber,
consumers are 12% more likely to think that its products stack up better
against its competition. The consumer infers that the company is
trustworthy, involved in the community, and is an industry leader.
• When consumers know:
–A restaurant franchise is a member of the chamber of commerce,
they are 40% more likely to eat at the franchise.
–An insurance company is a member of the chamber of commerce,
they are 43% more likely to consider buying insurance from them.
–A small business is a member of the chamber of commerce, they are
44% more likely to think favorably of it and 63% more likely to
purchase goods or services from the company.
So I ask you, do consumers really support businesses because they are
chamber members? If you know of businesses that would benefit from
joining the chamber, contact Kara Beer at (269) 962-4076.
All my best!
Thursday, June 21
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony,
4:30 p.m., Sir Pizza.
*The Schapiro Group. The Real Value of Joining a Local Chamber of Commerce. A Research Study.
Wednesday, June 27
Military Affairs Committee
Meeting, 8:00 a.m., Navy
Operational Support Center.
Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce Staff
Kara E. Beer – Executive Director
Debbie Baker – Executive Assistant / Office Manager
Alicia Davis – Program and Special Events Manager
Kristi Trader – Manager of Leadership
Jennifer Blank – Bookkeeper
Chamber Refund & Cancellation Policy
Please visit www.battlecreek.org for our complete policy details.
2 | Visit us online at BattleCreek.org
Image courtesy of the Calhoun County Visitors Bureau
member’s business spotlight
Post Community Credit Union Opens
its Fourth Branch Office
Post Community Credit Union, headquartered in Battle Creek, MI is
delighted to announce the opening of its fourth branch office, located at
2340 E. Centre Ave near the intersection of Centre Ave and Portage Rd.
“The new office offers a spacious lobby with a coffee bar, two drivethrough lanes, a 24 hour surcharge free CO-OP ATM and Night-Deposit
lane. We are fully equipped to handle the financial needs of the area,”
said Alan Baumann, PCCU Portage Branch Manager. Contact information:
(269) 966-3900, www.postcommunitycu.com.
KCC Nursing Employees Earn Certified Nurse
Educator (CNE) Designation
Three Kellogg Community College
nursing employees have earned
Certified Nurse Educator (CNE)
designations from the National
League for Nursing.
KCC nursing instructors Temple
Stovall and Liia Thatcher and
Assistant Director of Nursing Education Tonie McMaster have all earned
certification through the NLN’s CNE program “after meeting strict
eligibility criteria and successfully completing a rigorous certification
examination,” according to the NLN. Contact information: (269) 965-3931,
www.kellogg.edu/alliedhealth/nursing.
GLMI is Recognized for Yearly United Way Efforts
Great Lakes Microsystems, Inc. (GLMI) has been
recognized as a finalist for the Michigan Association
of United Ways (MAUW) 2nd Annual Spirit of
Michigan Award. The award recognizes Michigan
companies of all sizes that demonstrate positive
community engagement strategies.
Each year, GLMI conducts an office fundraising
campaign as well as participates in several United Way sponsored
community events in an effort to better the Battle Creek community
in the areas of health, income and education. As a company, GLMI has
100% employee participation and offers a corporate match for each gift.
Contact Information: (269) 963-1040, www.GLMI.com.
Fireworks Fridays
The Battle Creek Bombers and State Farm
Insurance are excited to announce Fireworks
Fridays every Friday night throughout the
2012 season. The shows will also have
increased displays which will make nights
even more electrifying.
On June 1st, the Bombers will open the
season against the newly formed Lakeshore
Chinooks with a Fireworks display, Championship Celebration and
Magnet Schedule giveaway. Contact information: (269) 962-0735,
www.BattleCreekBombers.com.
OMNI Gives Back
Kreis, Enderle, Hudgins & Borsos, P.C. Recognized
Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan
is trying to encourage more
participation from the female youths
of Battle Creek, which is low due
to lack of funding and parental
commitment and involvement.
With the OMNI “Gives Back” Grant,
the program plans to provide financial assistance and scholarships to girls
in the Battle Creek Area.
The law firm of Kreis, Enderle, Hudgins & Borsos, P.C. was recently
recognized as one of the co-recipients of the trophy awarded for the first
annual 2011 Gerard Thomas United Way Community Law Challenge. This
presentation is a collaboration of the Kalamazoo County Bar Association,
the Judge Charles A. Pratt Bar Association and the Greater Kalamazoo
United Way. This trophy demonstrates the firm’s commitment to the
spirit of giving, advocating and volunteering on behalf of the Greater
Kalamazoo United Way. Contact Information: (269) 966-3000,
www.kreisenderle.com.
OMNI is now accepting applications for the grant program. Contact
information: (269) 441-1400, www.omnigivesback.org.
Chamber Insight May – June 2012 | 3
Alicia Davis
Program and Special Events Manager
Keyes Auto Body celebrating their “1 Year Grand Opening
Anniversary” under New Ownership by Chris Smead. Keyes can
be reached at (269) 963-4607, www.keyesautobody.com.
H2O celebrated their “Grand Re-opening.” H2O’s contact information
is (269)962-7622, www.waterfrontbattlecreek.com.
Edward Jones’ Financial Advisor Rick Reeves
announces his “Grand Opening.” Edward Jones can be reached
at (269) 962-0791 www.edwardjones.com.
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4 | Visit us online at BattleCreek.org
269.746.4411
Battle Creek Central students celebrated their
“Futures Program.” B.C. Central can be reached at (269) 965-9526,
www.battlecreekpublicschools.org.
First Community Federal Credit Union celebrated their
seventeenth branch office. (269) 382-9845, www.1stcomm.org.
Bossy Studios welcomed the Chamber to celebrate the
“Grand Opening” of their new Salon. Bossy Studios contact information
is (269) 420-0986.
AccessVision Volunteer Award
On Thursday, February 16, 2012
the Battle Creek Area Chamber of
Commerce, and Battle Creek Unlimited
received the “Community Awareness”
2012 AccessVision Volunteer Award for
both the “Chamber Channel” & “BCU
Presents”. The Chamber Channel and
BCU Presents air’s every Wednesday evening at 8:30 p.m. on AccessVision
(Channel 17), our local community cable station.
Gothberg Construction & Design, Inc. celebrating
the “Grand Opening” of their new Kitchen & Bath Studio. You can
reach Gothberg at (269) 965-2911, www.gothbergdesign.com.
Friday, May 18th
12:00pm – Fort Custer Training Center
56th Annual
Armed Forces Day Luncheon
“Peace Through Strength”
Note: Due to security, tickets must be purchased no
later than May 11th to gain entrance to the Fort Custer
Training Center.
The Charitable Union celebrated 125 Years of Service.
They can be reached at (269) 964-7234, www.charitableunion.org.
The Military Affairs Committee of the Battle Creek Area Chamber
of Commerce host the Annual Armed Forces Day Luncheon
each year. This year, will be the 56th consecutive year, and if you
haven’t already got your tickets there is still time.
During the event, we will present the General of the Army Omar
N. Bradley Service Awards along with several other distinguished
acknowledgements. We will also be presenting a Community
Service Award to an individual who has provided outstanding
service to our community.
A Taste of India celebrated their “Grand Opening” of their
new restaurant. A Taste of India can be reached at (269) 962-9033,
[email protected].
Calhoun County Visitors Bureau
May – June Event Listing
May
• May 9: Mass Chaos Tour Godsmack & Staind Tour – Kellogg Arena
• May 13: Trans-Siberian Orchestra – Kellogg Arena
• May 18: Spring into the Arts – Downtown Battle Creek
• May 19-20, 26-28: Mayfaire Renaissance Festival
– Calhoun County Fairgrounds
• May 20: Corvette Show – Cornwell’s Turkeyville USA
Newsletter design by:
Cost is $20.00 per person – open to the public. For more
information about this event and to purchase your tickets please
contact the Chamber. We hope you will be able to join us for this
special community luncheon.
GreenStreet
ADVERTISING & M ARKETING
June
• June 1: Opening Night Battle Creek Bombers – Bailey Park
• June 2: Hero Rush, Firefighter Obstacle Course
– Calhoun County Fairgrounds
• June 8: Cereal Festival Parade – Downtown Battle Creek
• June 9: Cereal Festival – Downtown Battle Creek
• June 27 – July 1: Field of Flight Air Show & Balloon Festival
269.963.9922
| greenstreetmkg.com
Chamber Insight May – June 2012 | 5
Stephanie Breitbach,
of Ermisch Travel of Battle Creek,
accepts a $100 check for referring
New Member Monarch
Community Bank.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Chamber Business Leader Luncheon
Would your business benefit from On-the-Job Training
reimbursement funds?
• Do you find it time consuming to screen applications and resumes?
• Would you like to be featured as the Employer of the Day to recruit talented job seekers?
Neal VanderWaal of
Neal J. VanderWaal & Associates
accepts a check for referring
New Member Gothberg
Construction & Design, Inc.
• Does your business struggle with employees who may not possess the appropriate soft skills?
• Would you like to find a screening assessment that will help match job seekers to the right position?
• Would your business benefit from On-the-Job Training reimbursement funds?
Join the Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce and Michigan Works! at the Business Leader Luncheon at
McCamly Plaza Hotel. This luncheon will be from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and will be an informative luncheon for any
size business. A panel of Michigan Works! business service professionals will provide information on the employer
services that are free of charge to your business and answer any questions you may have about these services.
The Michigan Works! business services team, partners with local economic developers, workforce development,
and educators to bring the needed resources and services to the businesses of Battle Creek in a way that optimizes
the value of its services to all.
Make your reservations today by contacting the Chamber office at (269) 962-4076 or by emailing
[email protected]. Reservations due by May 1, 2012. Chamber members in good standing who make
reservations by May 1, $20 per person, after May 1, $25 per person. Potential members who wish to attend may do
so by making reservations by May 1, $25 per person, after May 1, $30 per person.
City of Battle Creek (45)
Please visit www.Battlecreek.org for complete refund & cancellation policy details.
Professional Apparel Company (25)
WJ Schroer Co. (25)
Charitable Union (20)
CS-Systems (20)
Triangle Plumbing (20)
Lakeview Card & Gift Shop (15)
Citizens Supporting Mike Nofs (10)
Mega-Bev (10)
Professional Towing
Services, LLC. (10)
CEM Supply, Inc. (5)
Schweitzer Construction, Inc. (5)
6 | Visit us online at BattleCreek.org
Stephanie Breitbach, is the President of Ermisch Travel of Battle
Creek, Inc. and has been with the company for a total of 34 years. She is
very active in the Battle Creek area and is involved in many community
events and programs. Stephanie has been a Battle Creek Area Chamber
of Commerce Ambassador since 2007 and has really enjoyed being part
of a great organization. In the past year Stephanie has referred several
NEW Chamber Members for the Battle Creek Chamber. Community
Supporters like her help make the Chamber what it is today!
The Annual
Business Excellence Awards
Wednesday, May 23 from 5:00 – 8:00pm,
Yarrow Golf & Conference Resort
The Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce
and partnering agencies present the Annual
Business Excellence Awards program. This
premier business event has been revitalized
this year! We are hosting an evening affair
that will be recognizing the achievements
of successful businesses, nonprofits, organizations and industry people
in the greater Battle Creek area and the contributions they make to the
growth and prosperity of the economy.
The slate of awards for 2012 has been updated and will include: Start Up
Business of the Year, Small Business of the Year (under 25 employees),
Mid-Size Business of the Year (26-50 employees) and Large Business of
the Year (51 + employees). This year we are also presenting the Harley
Simmons Award, the Battle Creek Area Young Professionals “Battle
Creek’s Future 15 Award”, Regional Health Alliance’s “Workplace Wellness
Recognition Award”, Nonprofit Alliance at Kellogg Community College’s
“Nonprofit Excellence Awards”, and the Urban League of Battle Creek’s
“Randall Brock Memorial Award.”
Finish your Bachelor’s or Master’s degree
with Siena Heights University on the
campus of Kellogg Community College!
Contact Us Today!
Phone: (269) 965-3931 ext. 2950
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.sienaheights.edu/kcc
Individual tickets ($25 per person) and sponsorship available, for more
information please email [email protected].
Theresa Ross
Group and Association Specialist,
and a WorkSafe Person
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• Up-front premium discounts
• The potential for annual dividends
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our customers.”
Chamber Insight May – June 2012 | 7
insight
Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce
One Riverwalk Centre, Suite 3A
34 West Jackson Street
Battle Creek, Michigan 49017
Friday, May 11, 2012
Annual Silent Observer
Golf Outing Fundraiser/Dinner
Traditional BBQ Dinner served at 5:30 p.m.
$20 – Open to the Public
Riverside Golf Club & Banquet Center, 245 East Columbia Ave.
The Silent Observer Program is a nationally recognized
model for community crime fighting and was first
established by the Battle Creek Area Chamber Foundation.
Since that time the program has been duplicated across the
world either as “Silent Observer”, or “Crimestoppers”. The
premise is simple. Only through citizen participation can law
enforcement solve crimes.
Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce
Member Benefit Pays Out Dividend
Participating chamber members receive checks for successful
Accident Fund workers compensation group performance
The Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that
several members have earned over $76,113.00 in dividends through the
Accident Fund Insurance Company of America workers compensation
group program. Congratulations to our chamber members who participate
in the program!
Since the Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce is a designated group,
our members receive 5 percent up-front savings on Accident Fund workers
compensation insurance rates. Plus, when the group performs well,
participating chamber members are eligible for dividends.
In January 2012, our chamber’s group program was reviewed and it was
determined that we earned a 13.0 percent dividend for members that
participated in the October 1, 2009 to September 30, 2010 program. The
$76,113.00 in dividends is being paid to nearly 38 participants, so the
average dividend to participating members is over $2,000.00. The group will
be reviewed again this same time next year for another possible dividend distribution.
Since 2004 Accident Fund Insurance Company of America has paid participating
Battle Creek Area Chamber members dividends in excess of $694 thousand dollars.
Please note: You must be a member in good standing to participate in this program.
PRSRT. STD.
US POSTAGE
PAID
BATTLE CREEK, MI
PERMIT NO. 619