October 2014 Chamber Chat

MICH
I G A N ’ S L I T T L E B AVA R I A
I T TM
L EUBT
’ SELN
A NK
AVH
ARIA
F R AI GN
FRANKENMUTH
MICH
chamberchat
October 2014
letter from the president
Jamie Furbush
inside
Chamber Staff Notes:
Jamie Furbush......... page 1
Chamber Success... page 5
Visitors Center.........page 5
Member Profile:
Slo’ Bones BBQ Smokehaus
Spotlight.................. page 3
Editorial & Pics:
Casino Cruise Highlights
..................................page 2
New Members........ page 8
Golf Outing Highlights
................................. page 6
Save the Date..............page 8
promotions
Peppermint Perks
$5 off $25 or more
at over 30 participating
Frankenmuth retailers,
November 15 thru
January 5. Get your Perks
card at the Frankenmuth
Visitors Center
Since our last edition
of the Chamber Chat,
we have had many
big things happen like
2 amazingly successful
fundraisers, which you
can read about later in
this newsletter. I would
like to personally thank all who
sponsored, donated prizes and/or
attended! We do these things for
you, so your support tells us you
like what we are doing.
We aren’t really good at tooting
our own horns, however, we
received some really impressive
results from the membership
survey this summer that are
appropriate and exciting
to share. We had over 90
participants respond. When
members were asked about
their overall satisfaction, 94%
were either satisfied or highly
satisfied. That is a number we
are certainly proud of. Your
satisfaction is important to us,
so as we approach the time of
year for membership renewal,
I encourage you to contact
our office if you have any
questions about the value of
your membership. We learned
a lot of important things from
the member surveys, so thank
you to all who responded. There
were some definite trends that
came forward and
became good
discussion topics
for our Board of
Directors as they
went through the
planning process.
Additionally, the
staff is using that
collective feedback
in our work plan for
the coming year.
We always have high expectations
and standards for our work and the
community, and we always wish
we could do more, but the reality
is that we have limited resources
and must focus our time and
talents to accomplish the most we
can. It takes a very talented and
professional team to execute our
mission. This past month, we bid
farewell to an incredibly talented
team member who helped to rebrand Frankenmuth over the past 6
years. Her work will live on here and
she really set us up for success in the
future as well. Anita will be missed
by our organization, but we are
excited to see her continue to share
her gifts with another local business,
The Rummel Agency. So when you
see Anita in town, please thank
her for all she did for us and wish
her well in her new endeavor. We
cannot attempt to replace Anita’s
artistic talent, however, we have
assessed our needs and structured
our roles accordingly. A search
is already underway for our new
continued on page 4
Casino Cruise
The first annual dinner on
the Covered Bridge &
Casino Cruise on the Cass was held
on Thursday, July 10 and was a
great success and an outstanding
opportunity for both sponsors and
attendees. The night started out with
the staff at Bavarian Inn Restaurant
serving a signature-plated meal for
our 100 attendees, once everyone
was done wining and dining on the
Holzbrucke, the attendees enjoyed a
Vegas-inspired evening with high-class
entertainment and a sunset cruise on
the mighty Cass River. The evening
was something to croon about.
We would like to thank all of our
sponsors who made the night all
possible:
Ÿ Bavarian Belle Riverboat
Ÿ Bavarian Inn Restaurant & Lodge
Ÿ Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland
Ÿ Covenant HealthCare
Ÿ Emil Rummel Agency, Inc.
Ÿ Frankenmuth Credit Union
Ÿ Frankenmuth Insurance Company
Ÿ Frankenmuth Travel
Ÿ McDonald’s of Frankenmuth
Ÿ Schaefer & Bierlein Chrysler
Ÿ Mike Young Buick-GMC, Inc.
Dodge Jeep RAM
Your Local Business Phone Provider
Since 2009
- Save 30% to 70%
- Local, Personalized Service
- No Contracts
“In an effort to reduce costs at my museums and
retail locations, we switched to Virtel Voice. The
move has paid off handsomely as my monthly phone
bills were reduced by OVER 50%... I wish I had done
it earlier.”
Jonathan Webb- Director, Frankenmuth Historical Museum/ Lager Mill
Beer Store & Brewing Museum
For more information, call
(989) 607-0467
page 2
Virtelseptember
Voice2014
126 S. Main St., Frankenmuth, MI 48734
chamberchat
member spotlight
Jim Jones
Tell us about yourself
and your business
Slo’ Bones provides high quality
smoked barbecue cuisine
in a “blues music” themed
atmosphere. The menu includes high quality ribs, brisket and
pulled pork, with our own interpretation of all of the classic sides.
Slo’ Bones strives to provide a quality lunch alternative at a
great value. Due to the nature of the BBQ process, we are
able to serve items from our lunch menu in 15 minutes or less.
And speaking of lunch, we offer a Lunch Loyalty program
which rewards our guests for continued patronage.
What Makes us Great
There are no direct competitors in the area for great BBQ
and Blues. Slo’ Bones will serve as a complimentary element
to the local market
which already includes
excellent dining options
such as Zehnder’s, The
Bavarian Inn, Tiffany’s, The
Frankenmuth Brewery,
T-Dubs, DaVinci’s and
Sullivan’s Black Forrest,
among others.
Slo’ Bones is differentiated
by being off the beaten path. We offer a comfortable
family dining atmosphere that happens to have a large, fully
stocked bar. Guests can relax and catch the game on one of
our 8 television screens or enjoy the peacefulness of the South
River District while enjoying a cocktail on our deck. Don’t
forget join us on the weekend for live Blues and Classic Rock!
Earlier this year we accepted an invitation to participate
in the Rock’n Ribs BBQ competition in Saginaw. It was
extremely difficult for us to meet this commitment as we were
in the midst of preparations for our opening. We sold out of
ribs during the first hour of the event! It was a great honor for
us to be recognized with the Overall People’s Choice Award.
This was fantastic early feedback on the quality of our BBQ.
How we got into Business
The Slo’ Bones BBQ Smokehaus concept emerged to serve
Frankenmuth with the best Barbecue cuisine and Blues music
in Michigan. This is perhaps the greatest untapped food and
entertainment niche in a community which already excels in
both areas.
Local Frankenmuth resident, Jim Jones, has had the
opportunity to travel extensively and experience some of
the best Smokehouses and Blues joints in the country. It is
from his lifetime of experience and passion that Jim gradually
developed the concept of a Blues themed BBQ restaurant.
page 3
chamberchat
october 2014
When the building which was
previously occupied by such
businesses as the Stein Haus, The Blue
Dolphpin and Sevin O’briens came
on the market, Jim began evaluating
it as a potential location to manifest
his dream. He began developing
a business plan and running various
financial projections in an attempt to
“talk himself out of it.”
Jim has a great deal of organizational
management and operations
experience which was gained during
his 15 years of employment at Nexteer
Automotive as well as his MBA in
Finance. This makes him qualified to
manage some of the business aspects
of a restaurant, however, Jim is not
particularly proficient in the intricacies
of restaurant operations nor in the skills
required to produce large scale BBQ.
So he had to find a team that was up
to the challenge.
While researching for BBQ restaurant
competition, Jim came across local
BBQ champion, Dick Bourdow, of
Bavarian Smoke. Dick has won
several local and national BBQ
competitions, including winning Blues,
Brews & BBQ and twice placing high
at the Jack Daniels World competition
in Tennessee. Dick is now the residing
Pit Master at Slo’ Bones.
Jim was also able to add Executive
Chef Doug St. Souver to his staff.
Doug has a rich culinary history,
including stints at several restaurants
and country clubs in the Detroit and
Flint areas. Doug has also appeared
on four Food Network competitions
where he three times walked away
with the top prize.
Slo’ Bones’ daily operations are
under the capable watch of General
Manager, Joe Nagy who has 20
years of experience in the industry.
It is the strength of this team that
had ultimately established Jim’s...
confidence that his dream could
indeed be made into a reality.
Hardest Lesson Learned
The most difficult lesson was in trying
to gain financing. You would think
continued on pg 4
member spotlight
continued from page 3
that a sound business plan, a ripe market
and a strong staff would have lenders fighting for
the opportunity to be a part of this opportunity.
Unfortunately, that was not the case. Although
everyone was excited about the idea and were
impressed with the detail of the business plan and
were impressed with the quality of the financial
projections, the stigma of a start-up restaurant
was too much of an obstacle to overcome. So
we ended up with a lot of well wishes and several
offers to be taste testers, but no money. At the
last minute, on the eve of the expiration of the
purchase agreement, a local private investor
emerged and saved the dream.
Something Readers Might Not Know
Executive Chef Doug can be found in the
letter from the president
continued from page 1
position of Sales & Communications Coordinator.
You will likely see minor things changing over the
course of the coming year, but I assure you that
we are approaching this change as we always do;
an opportunity to grow and prosper. As I noted in
a previous newsletter ‘progress’ was a watchword
in our organization’s history and progress we shall
make. Together we prosper!
Guinness Book of World Records for creating the
world’s largest popcorn structure.
I Couldn’t do Without
I could not have managed this project without
the strength of my staff and the support and
understanding of my wonderful wife and family.
Favorite Piece of Technology
My favorite piece of technology is the Southern
Pride smoker we use at the restaurant. The unit is a
through-the-wall installation which opens up inside
the kitchen to reveal a large, self-basting rotisserie
capable of handling large quantities of pork,
chicken or brisket. The wood is loaded into the fire
box from outside the restaurant. This allows us to
store the wood outside while being able to safely
handle the product in the clean environment of
our kitchen.
City sidewalks...busy sidewalks. Frankenmuth
is dressed in holiday style! Celebrate the
official kickoff to the Christmas Season at
Frankenmuth’s 41st Annual...
ž Christmas Carols
ž Free hot cocoa & cookies
One Night A Week
Can Change Your Life
ž Christmas story told by local clergy
ž Serene candlewalk to community Christmas tree
989-262-8686
roF
dnuh
epoh
morf
sirhC
ruos
g-efil
tulos
soht
h rof
era eW
ecivreS
udividni
oc htiw
res erac
vreserp
a ot erac
s roines
edfinoc
Formerly Lutheran Homes of Michigan and
Lutheran Child & Family Service of Michigan
wellspringlutheran.com | 989.652.3470
Hope flows through us.
october 2014
chamberchat
page 4
Greetings
from the Visitor
Center. This past
summer has been filled
with new faces behind
the front desk counter
as we worked alongside
four Sister City German
Students. First we
greeted Irina Edel and
Simon Kirsch from July
8-August 1 and secondly
Cynthia Pforr and
Christof Zischler from
August 11-28. Their visit
included celebrating
birthdays with the two
young ladies, an adventure in the trees with Irina and
Simon and many hands on activities with all four of
them. Many thanks to host families, Mark Schutte and
others who help make this internship in Frankenmuth so
meaningful to our German friends.
Peggy Reinhardt
If your business is hosting an event, special appearance
or activities give us a call at 989-652-6106. Let us help
you promote it; your member benefit provides indoor
and outdoor brochure racks; a listing on the website
and a personal reference from our Hospitality Service
Representatives. Information can be dropped off at the
Visitor Center: Monday-Friday 8-5pm, Saturday 10-5pm
and Sunday 12-5pm.
The beautiful array of color brings many visitors to
Michigan and to Frankenmuth. The Hay Steins at
the Chamber are a sure sign fall is here. This year
we commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the
Frankenmuth Oktoberfest. I hope you found time to visit
the Oktoberfest, enjoy the music with a pretzel in one
hand and a mass of beer in the other. It’s important
to support the activities driven to bring visitors to
Frankenmuth, see what the visitors see and be apart of
the fun and consider volunteering.
Scarecrows will turn to Christmas trees and before we
realize the Ho! Ho! of Santa will ring in our ears. The
Holiday Celebration & Candlewalk is on November 28th
and is a special event, the telling of the Christmas story
and the Candlewalk lead by the star all have significant
Christian roots in Frankenmuth. Celebrate the season
and be thankful.
page 5
chamberchat
october 2014
“Summer should get a
speeding ticket” at least
I’m sure this is how most
of us are feeling this year.
It sure was a busy few
months for all of us here
at the Chamber and the
months flew by. In July
I attended ORGPRO,
hosted by Michigan
Society of Association
Executives, in Grand
Rapids. It was a great
conference to attend
and provided great
exposure to association
executives. Frankenmuth
was the breakout session sponsor for three separate
sessions which entailed speaking about our destination
for 3-4 minutes before introducing the speaker. There
was also a team building activity which was great one
on one interaction with association planners. I’m looking
forward to next year’s conference. August was a busy
month of chapter meetings for SGMP and MMPI as well.
Christie Bierlein
Looking forward to the next few months, I will be
attending MSAE’s diamond awards along with Circle
Michigan’s annual conference. In November I will be
heading to Ontario to attend the Ontario Motor Coach
Association annual conference. I’ve set up some great
appointments and I’m hoping we see new business
from attending.
Plumbing
Refrigeration
Services
Heating & Air
Conditioning
Golf Outing ‘14 Golf Outing
Highlights
The 2014 Golf Outing took place
on Thursday, August 21 and
we couldn’t have asked for a
better day. A special thank
you to our sponsors, golf teams
and businesses that made a
donation to our raffle; the event
would not have been successful
with you. We look forward to
seeing everyone on the course
in 2015!
Save the Date: August 20, 2015
1st Place Men’s Team:
Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth
John Shelton
Jack Brown
Brent Wolgast Terry Martin
1st Place Women’s Team:
Team: CBS Outdoor
Ivy Taylor Julie Gotberg
Lue Grady Alysha Goodes
1st Place Mixed Team:
Schaefer & Bierlein
Kyle Bierlein
Joe Seckora
Justin Schultz
Annie Bruker
Putting Contest: $200 cash
sponsored by Mike Young BuickGMC Andrew Koester
Men’s Closest to Pin Mike Anscomb
Longest Putt John Shelton
Women’s Longest Drive
Kathy Tucker
Men’s Longest Drive
Karl Conzelmann
Mulligan Raffle: 4 Tigers
tickets sponsored by
Fabiano Brothers Terry Weiss
Women’s Closest to Pin
Noelle Conzelmann
october 2014
chamberchat
page 6
Healthcare
is a
career
choice!
Find
more out
today
!
9
89-7
cmich 90-0200
.edu/S
aginaw
Sagina
w@cm
ich.ed
u
Heat up your future
with a healthcare program from
CMU’s GlobalCampusinSaginaw
Bachelor of Science degree with an
Option in Community Development,
Concentration in Health Sciences
Graduate Certificate in Health
Services Administration
Master of Science in Administration
degree, Concentration in Health
Services Administration
•
•
•
•
Customizableprograms
8-weekclassterms
Eveningandweekendclasses
Earncreditforwork,life,
or training experience
Central Michigan
University’s Global
Campus in Saginaw
Online Health Programs
Grad Certificates: International Health, Health Systems Leadership
Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics
Doctor of Health Administration
A proud part of the
GreatLakesBayRegion!
6200 State Street, Suite 4
HorizonsConferenceCenter
Saginaw, MI 48603
CMUisanAA/EOinstitution(seecmich.edu/OCRIE).405549/14
welcome new members
Slo’ Bones BBQ Smokehaus
Jim Jones
175 East Jefferson Street
Frankenmuth, MI 48734
Phone: 989-992-3953
Premium barbecue cuisine in a classic
blues atmosphere. Family dining, full
bar and catering with live music on
the weekends.
Clam & Lobster Fest
October 10 & 11
Contact: 989-776-2100
Michigan’s Big Country Fest
October 17 & 18
Contact: 989-652-8008
Scarecrow Fest
October 18-19 and 25-26
Contact: 800-600-0105
Holiday Celebration & Candlewalk
November 28
Contact: 989-652-6106
635 South Main Street
Frankenmuth, MI 48734
Masud Labor Law Group
Katherine Gardner
4449 Fashion Square Blvd, Suite 1
Saginaw, MI 48603
Phone: 989-792-4499
Law firm representing employers
exclusively in the area of labor
Prost Wine Bar & Charcuterie
Zak McClellan
576 ½ South Main Street
Frankenmuth, MI 48734
A gathering place built on the love of
wine, an appreciation of culture and
a passion to inspire; but with visions of
change.
Prost Wine Bar &
Charcuterie
Ribbon Cutting/
Grand Opening
October 8 at 4pm
chamberchat
Kringles Christmas Cookies
April Meadows
500 South Main Street
Frankenmuth, MI 48734
Phone: 855-457-4645
Mrs. Kringle’s kitchen where she
and the elves create special sugar
cookies, brownies, treats and gifts.
And you can have your photo
taken in Santa’s giant chair too!
and employment law, including, but
not limited to, wrongful discharge,
employment discrimination, policies/
handbooks, collective bargaining,
grievance arbitration, union
organizing, unfair labor practice
charges, strikes, lockouts and
injunctions.
frankenmuth chamber of commerce newsletter
HAWK
Monica Whitburn
393 List Street, Suite B
Frankenmuth, MI 48734
Phone: 810-626-3026
Manufacturing & distribution of
hunting products & crossbows
upcoming events