March 2013 - Jackson Chamber of Commerce

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Power Points From Peers Chamber in Action
Spirit; Pride; Connections & Redefining Awards and News to Know
Success
PAGE 11
PAGE12
Government Relations
No Budget No Pay, Business Support
*Content written by outside sources do not reflect the views & opinions of the Chamber.
Volume11 Number2
2013
March
President’s Letter
E
Visionary
Execution
ntrepreneurship continues to
be a buzz word with various
organizations, including the Chamber, offering programs to help create an entrepreneurial culture.
These programs are usually based
on a common belief that entrepreneurs are great thinkers but poor
executors with little business acumen. So, we try to teach them
business skills from marketing to
HR law to inventory management
to fiscal management.
However, in John Maxwell’s
Good to Great, we learn that successful people are those who surround themselves with experts
rather than becoming experts
themselves.This idea of having the
right people “in the right seats, on
the right bus” seems like a better
strategy for helping entrepreneurs.
I believe the greatest asset we
can give entrepreneurs is the freedom to think coupled with the connections to make dreams into reality. If you are interested in being
that support system behind a great
idea, let us know. We are compiling a list of businesses (attorneys, accountants,
designers, etc) that
are willing to forego some profit
up-front to be
part of the bigger end result.
~ Mindy Bradish-Orta
JacksonChamber.org
2012 Economic
Development
Highlights
S
pring is a great time to look at the prospects for
the year ahead and take stock of recent accomplishments. Each year the Chamber provides the
Enterprise Group (EG) an opportunity to share
our perspectives with each of you.
2012 was a year of definitive positive changes
for the Jackson area economy. Business activity improved dramatically, unemployment came down
and business investment saw a strong increase.
Business trends tend to run in cycles and we are
finally on the upside of the cycle here in Michigan.
The EG, like many of our partners in economic development, have been working hard to assist clients
with the challenges of the new economy.
Some highlights of 2012 include-
• HCLAmerica Inc. announced their new
location in Jackson, committing to bring over 300
technology jobs to the Commonwealth Commerce Center. Consumers Energy, the City of
Jackson and the EG worked diligently to bring
HCL to downtown.
• Chemetall opened its state of the art manufacturing facility in Blackman Charter Township.
• Work began on the demolition of the former
Consumers Energy building and the Riverwalk
Hotel.
• The Baker College Business Technology Center/EG Incubator had its first graduating business
which grew from one to 5 employees during its
stay prior to relocating to downtown Jackson.
• The Procurement and Technical Assistance
Center had its best year ever assisting Jackson
Me
Jackson County Chamber of Commerce
Spotl
ber
m SUPPORT YOUR ig
CHAPTER, GO TO:
REDCROSS.ORG.
ht
CHAMBER
News
Business Therapy
Adding Professionalism to Small
Businesses
MARCH IS RED CROSS MONTH—
THE AMERICAN RED CROSS,
SOUTH CENTRAL CHAPTER, MOBILIZES
VOLUNTEERS TO HELP
THEIR NEIGHBORS AND
GIVE BLOOD.
County businesses with over $11.6 million in
new contracts secured.
• Our partners at JAMA, and its affiliate
the Academy for Manufacturing Careers,
continue their outstanding work in providing high level skills training for our area
workforce. Their program was recognized
by the US Dept of Labor as a 21st Century
Apprenticeship Innovator. JAMA’s program
was selected as one of only 70 programs from
over 24,000 registered programs nationwide.
• The EG completed over 130 retention calls
to local business and industry in 2012. The
projects the EG assisted with technical expertise
and financing programs resulted in over300 jobs
retained, over 400 jobs created and in excess of
$37 million in new investment.
• The EG as an organization also saw some
major changes. The Board took a critical look at
the EG and refocused its efforts to be a stronger
business development organization. The Chamber, Experience Jackson and all of its members
have been very supportive of that process and we
thank all of you!
We look forward to working with all of you,
our partners in education, training and our units
of local government to continue this momentum
in 2013.
Contributor: Tim Rogers, Executive Director, Enterprise Group of Jackson
March
2013 Chamber News 1
CHAMBERSTAFF
President/CEO
Mindy Bradish-Orta | [email protected]
Events Coordinator
Angela Machnik | [email protected]
Accountant & Human resources
Mary Schuessler | [email protected]
Membership Coordinator
Emily Garrison | [email protected]
Education &
Communications Coordinator
Susan Franck | [email protected]
Receptionist
Elizabeth James | [email protected]
The Chamber in Action
ExecutiveCommittee
Chair
Michael M. Jones | Consumers Energy
Vice Chair
Sarah Ermatinger | C P Federal Credit Union
Immediate Past Chairman
R. Dale Moretz | Moretz Technologies, LLC
Treasurer
Tom Shemanski | NorthStar Capital, LLC
Secretary
Aaron Boatin | Ambs Call Center
At-Large
Daniel Machnik, CIS | Willis & Machnik Financial Services
Karyn L. Updike | Orthopaedic Rehab Specialists, P.C.
Freddie Dancy | Independent Insurance Agent
BoardOFDirectors
J. Jeffrey Anderson | Anderson & Makulski, PC
Mark Baker | Career Quest Learning Centers
Brad A. Brelinski | Curtis & Curtis, P.C.
Josh Burgett | Michigan International Speedway
Pat Burtch | City of Jackson
Wendy Clifton | A Frame Above
Jeff Edwards | Spring Arbor University
Sarah Hartzler | South Central Michigan Works!
Dan Maletich | Comerica Bank
Bob Moore | Pentar Stamping
Chad Noble | Allegiance Health
Mike Overton | Jackson County
Shannon Price | Baker College
Brandon Ransom | Experience Jackson
Tim Rogers | Enterprise Group of Jackson, Inc.
Dr. Michelle Shields | Jackson Community College
Barb Smith | Rapid Refill Ink
Ken Toll | United Way of Jackson County
BoardOFGovernors
Coffee at the Chamber started off networking for 2013 on January 9th with about 25 in attendance. We meet in
the morning from 7:30-9:00a.m. Our next Coffee at the Chamber event is on April 10th.
Speed Networking is bringing a diverse crowd, with
numerous newcomers and representatives from other
chambers. We had 32 in attendance for the January
16th event and 40 for the February 13th one. Our next
event is on July 24th.
The Martin Luther King Diversity Breakfast had 400
people in attendance on January 18th. We honored our
youth and remembered the birthday of a great icon.
Pictured here is the MLK Committee and keynote
speaker, John F. Drake of the Lindgap Center.
The 6th edition of the Jackson Retail Success Academy
meets on Monday nights throughout February and
March at the Jackson District Library.
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, Jackson
OnTrack and other community members toured
Jackson’s very own Gilbert Chocolate Factory on
February 9th. Thirty people were in attendance.
In spite of frigid weather over 40 people were in
attendance for the January 22nd Good Morning Greater
Jackson show. This live radio show is aired on AM970
WKHM and held at the Bella Notte Ristorante.
The Chamber hosted a Roundtable Discussion with
Congressman Tim Wahlberg on January 28th at the
Jackson District Library.
Paul Buchholz | Lloyd Ganton Retirement Centers
John Crist | CP Federal Credit Union
Philip DuPuis | DuPuis et Fils Jewelers, Inc.
Linda Furgason | Avis Rent A Car
Sue Goldsen | Jackson Radio Works
RON GRIFFITH | Spring Arbor University
Sandy Maes | Allegiance Health
Bob Michaels | RjM
Philip M. Moilanen | Marcoux, Allen, Schomer, Bower,
Nichols, Kendall, & LindseyUnion
Teri Ogg | Manpower Services
Steven Patch | The Lally Group
Dr. Daniel J. Phelan | Jackson Community College
Allen Spiess, Jr. | Kellogg Crankshaft
2 Chamber News March 2013
JacksonChamber.org
Simplify
revolutionize your organization. Clear and simple next steps are motivating.
As great as these ideas are in concept, it is
more than one person can accomplish on their
own. So what CAN you do about that? You
CAN surround yourself with people that do
what they do best so you can do what you do
best. You CAN choose to keep the important
things important and redefine what success really is. You CAN break down the complex into
smaller more manageable chunks and delegate.
You CAN create a culture of ownership for the
‘manageable chunks’ delegated. You CAN say
‘no’ if it doesn’t fit in with your strategic plan.
You CAN ask for help.
The Chamber of Commerce is here to help
you as a resource: we connect you with those
who can assist; we help you to see the big picture of what is going on; monitor what is happening on the legislative front and serve as your
advocate. In this issue of the Chamber News, we
have lots of good things to reflect on from 2012
and even more to think through as we move forward into 2013.
Carry on and
ck
find more ways
an
to simplify!
Fr
f you’re looking for a way to add
instant value in your organization, look for something to simplify. ”
says Mark Miller, a business leader, best-selling
author, communicator and VP of Training and
Development at Chick-fil-A.
Now that statement challenges and excites
me. Yet to come up with simpler ways to do
things requires time to think it through.
There is a reason we are advised to
work ON our businesses, and not just IN
them. Scheduling time to pause and reflect is
healthy; it can bring clarity to your mind, your
business and allow you to see the big picture
opportunities coming at you. By scheduling time to think and simplify what you
choose to focus on, you will do more
than just get to the superficial solution,
you might just find the brilliant one.
To simplify is to transform the complex into
the simple. That is one of the greatest services
you can offer your employees and your customers.
Muddled minds are not effective.
Clarity on the other hand empowers.
Does everyone on your team know what you
want to accomplish? If it can’t be said in a sentence or two, how will it be remembered?
How can you make a process simpler? Customers will especially like this consideration.
Ask the questions of how you can do this easier
to reduce the number of steps.
Is everyone clear on the next steps? Who will
do what by when? This single practice could
B y S u sa n
“I
AdvertisersIndex
American Office Solutions........................................................................................................................................Page16
Comtronics........................................................................................................................................................................Page16
CP Federal Credit Union...........................................................................................................................................Page3
Jackson County Higher Education Association............................................................................................Page10
Lally Group........................................................................................................................................................................Page13
Lloyd Ganton Retirement Centers.......................................................................................................................Page9
Lone Oak Vineyard Estate.........................................................................................................................................Page 12
RjM........................................................................................................................................................................................Page8
South Central Michigan Works!............................................................................................................................Page11
Graphic Design by RjM | Printing and Mailing by Great Lakes Graphics
Editor: Susan Franck, Communications Coordinator
JacksonChamber.org
March 2013 Chamber News 3
Power Points
from Peers
Capturing
the Spirit
I
Building Pride
T
he building industry is a major contributor to the economy, and business is picking up for
many in the Jackson area. From the foundation to the finishing touches, those who have
worked through the recent lean times are thriving now and looking to continue the trend upward.
The greater Jackson area is fortunate to have many talented, licensed and insured contractors who have been building and remodeling homes for years. They have forged relationships
with local suppliers and trade contractors, creating a vast network of businesses who
work well to complete projects, no matter the size or scope. These companies are proud
of their work and the reputations they have built. These small, family-owned businesses employ many people and keep dollars circulating in the local economy.
As Dorothy said when she clicked her heels together, “There’s no place like home.” Whether
you have a cozy cottage or anamazing mansion, owning a home is a part of the American Dream.
That’s why, if you are considering a remodel, renovation, or new
Je a n
Be
home build, be sure to hire a licensed and insured contractor
m
who is invested in the greater Jackson community.
If you are in the market for products or services for
your home, please attend the 37th Annual Home and
Lifestyle Show ~ HOME EXPO 2013, which will be
held March 22-23-24 at the Fair Events Center, Jackson
County Fairgrounds. For more information, including
show hours, admission and a complete list of exhibitors,
please visit www.hbajmi.com
t
au
sl
4 Chamber News March 2013
es
Contributor:
Therese L.
Hesslau,
Relationship
Specialist,
Fifth Third
Bank
‘Power Points from Peers’ is a series of short articles sharing
best business practices, recommendations and lessons
learned from various Chamber member businesses.
en
will be forever grateful for the wonderful honor
of being named Citizen of the Year by the Jackson Citizen Patriot/MLive Media Group. This was
made possible by my involvement with several organizations but more specifically, Business and Professional Women and Kiwanis Club of Jackson. Working side-by-side with so many outstanding men and
women for a greater cause has been life changing.
It is my firm belief that volunteering and community service can be elevated to the next level
when employers encourage their employees to
follow their passion and give back to their community. Capturing this spirit through involvement works to the company’s advantage and the
employees become great ambassadors of the
company.
Employers can make a huge difference by encouraging their employees and supporting them in
any number of ways: flexibility in work hours; financial support of dues and meeting meals; sponsoring
events and activities; and more. Employees in turn
not only help those targeted in the organization they
are involved in, but as importantly, grow personally
and professionally by sharpening their leadership,
time management, and team building skills.
All of this makes for a win-win situation. Happy
employees are more productive employees and
this can increase employee retention and company loyalty. Plus, volunteers live longer than nonvolunteers, a University of Michigan study found
last year.
When employers and employees work together
in volunteering, a synergy is created that impacts
and strengthens the relationship of both individuals
and the community in a posiTherese
tive and rewarding way.
L.
H
Power
Points
Contributor: Jean Bement, Executive Officer, Home Builders
Association of Jackson, Inc.
JacksonChamber.org
Power Points
from Peers
Why Jackson
It’s the
Connections!
from
Peers
W
ey
Success Redefined
I
r
ye
have worked in the retail or sales industry my entire adult life and owned numerous businesses
with my husband for many years. We have had many successes and some difficult struggles in
our businesses. At one time, we owned and operated Hudson’s Grill, Airport Lanes, Whiskey’s
Gourmet Deli, Little Caesars Pizza Parlor and the Saddle Saloon. We employed over 50 full and
part time people and gave back to the community through sponsorships and volunteer service,
particularly on the Jackson County Visitors Bureau Board of Directors and work with Northwest
School District. All businesses were doing well and some might say that we were very successful.
Then, we were struck with the realization that in all of our efforts to create these businesses, we
had created a situation in our family that none of us could have predicted but which ultimately
shaped our future. In 2011, my daughter was diagnosed with an eating disorder, which for someone who owns restaurants (successful ones at that), was quite difficult to learn.
Now “success” is defined as spending more time with family and helpTamm
ing others with eating disorders. In December of 2011, my daughter
yM
and I started Project SAVE, a non-profit that helps people with
eating disorders by raising awareness and offering support. We
talk at local high schools, have monthly panel discussions
to educate people of the different kinds of eating disorders
and provide help wherever we can. It’s not as glamorous
or fruitful as owning numerous businesses, but maybe
it will be successful in saving a life or two.
s
Contributor: Tammy Myers, Airport Lanes &
Project S.A.V.E.
hen faced with
L aura M
the prospect
ob
l
of starting a new
staffing service
in Michigan I
knew the first
office would
be in Jackson.
Some people
would say “Why
Jackson?” My answer is “It’s the connections!”
After 14 years of local involvement in Jackson,
my work required more out of town travel. I opened
six branches throughout Michigan and Kentucky
for another staffing service and observed what their
communities had to offer. What I found was that
Jackson is a great communityand that it offers
numerous opportunities to get involved.
It is hard to put an ROI (Return on investment)
in a monetary value on networking and contributing.Over the years, I have developedconnections
through my membership at the Chamber, the Business and Professional Women’s Club(BPW), Business Networking International(BNI), South Central Human Resource Management Association
(SCHRMA) and the Rotary Club. I found that
these great organizations helped me to build an
incredible foundation for my business futureand they filled my heart with the joy of giving
back.
Becoming involved strengthens your business relationships, promotes your business in a
variety of ways and helps you to grow personally.
I may have been away for a while, but I am back
now and excited to re-involve myself…. I hope
to see some of you involving yourself too! It’s
something you cannot put a price on!
Contributor:Laura Mobley, Director, Flexible
Staffing Solutions of Michigan, Inc.
JacksonChamber.org
March 2013 Chamber News 5
Chamber
in Action
Annual Meeting Awards
Photo Credits:
Picture This…Jackson
Over 500 Chamber members helped us honor the Board of Directors, Officers and award
recipients on January 24th at the 104th Annual Meeting. Thank you to all who made this
evening possible and memorable.
Chamber of Commerce Award Recipients
Albert Earle Ambassador of the Year - Taryn Smith, Advertising Solutions TODAY!
Athena - Molly Kaser, Center for Family Health
Brick Award - Jim Winter Auto Group and Full Spectrum Solutions, Inc./Everlast Lighting
Entrepreneurial Vision of the Year - John Hopkins, Jackson Inventors Network
Small Business Person of the Year - Pat Willis & Dan Machnik, Willis &Machnik Financial Services
MLive Media Group/Jackson Citizen Patriot - Distinguished Citizens of the Year
Distinguished Citizen of the Year 2013 - Jason Mulholland; Bob Inman; and Mike Hirst
Youth Citizen of the Year 2013 - Maggie Flick
Corporate Citizen of the Year 2013 - Michigan International Speedway
Citizen of the Year 2013 - Therese Hesslau
We would like to thank these sponsors: Platinum Sponsors - CP Federal Credit Union, Mlive Media Group/
Jackson Citizen Patriot; Award Sponsors - Fifth Third Bank, Downtown Loan Center (Small Business Person of the
Year), Lloyd Ganton Retirement Centers Inc. (Athena), South Central Michigan Works! (Entrepreneurial Vision)
6 Chamber News March 2013
JacksonChamber.org
Chamber
in Action
2012
Numbers
to Know
26
Net gain in membership
4,900
Number of attendees
at Chamber events
1,794
Number of people who visited
www.MadeInJackson.com
(five month time span)
2:15
Local Women Honored
The Chamber along with Past Athena recipients and the Jackson Business and
Professional Women honored the 2013 Athena recipient Molly Kaser and the 2012 Nike
Award recipient, Karen Richard, and heard a keynote address from Cheri Carlson, cofounder of the Youth Haven Ranches Inc. at the February 25th Economic Club Luncheon.
Molly
Molly has headed the Center for Family Health
since its inception, originally as a program
to address the low birth weight/high infant
mortality rates in Jackson County. Since then,
the Center has changed and grown dramatically,
and is now a significant provider of primary care
for over 20,000 patients in Jackson County.
The Center made a significant investment in the
community with its new facility that combines five
separate locations under one roof. Patients are no
longer sent to different locations for different aspects of
care. And, Molly is no stranger to volunteerism. From Community Action Agency to
Jackson Health Plan Board and Baker College Board of Regents, one can find Molly
passionately fighting for low-income families and a health community.
Cheri
Along with her husband Larry Carlson, Cheri is cofounder of Youth Haven Ranches, Inc. which ministers
to dis-advantaged children both in Michigan and
Arizona. Cheri discussed how she is very clear
about the top five passions in her life and those
things that matter most to her, how she gets upset
and thrown off track when unexpected situations
and circumstances arise, how she makes
decisions based on what will help her live her
passions most fully and how she spends her days
doing things she loves, surrounded by people she loves.
Average length of time someone
spent on www.JacksonChamber.org
31,840
Number of times the Chamber
referred business to its members
(via phone, in person, email and
website)
This is the second year that
I’ve had the privilege of
attending the Jackson Chamber
of Commerce Annual Meeting,
and I continue to be impressed
by the sense of community
and member involvement.
As I listened to the stories of
the award recipients, I was
reminded that great things
can be achieved when ordinary
people recognize a need and
embrace the opportunity to
step up.
Karen
Karen Richard, owner of Culver’s in Jackson and Ann Arbor is the 2012 NIKE Award
recipient. The NIKE award was presented to Karen by the Jackson Business and
Professional Women at the February 25, 2013 Economic Club Luncheon. This award
is presented to a woman who exemplifies the qualities the
NIKE Award represents: progress, strength, freedom and
triumphs while facing adversity. Karen is involved with
the MLK Diversity Breakfast committee as well as an
active participant in the Middle School Challenge
Day project and many more. Her commitment
to the community has manifested itself through
working with the local schools and community
organizations.
Linda Harvey
Printwell Sales Representative
JacksonChamber.org
March 2013 Chamber News 7
CAlendar
Jackson County Chamber of Commerce
The Chamber Staff at the 104th Annual Meeting on January 24, 2013: L-R Mary Schuessler, Accountant & HR; Angela Machnik, Events Coordinator;
Mindy Bradish-Orta, President & CEO; Susan Franck, Education and Communications Coordinator; Beth James, Administrative Assistant; & Emily
Garrison, Membership Coordinator. Photo courtesy of Picture This…Jackson!
March Events
Tuesday, March 5
Leadership Academy Alumni
Association Meeting
Connect with past Leadership Academy
participants and discover the many
opportunities to use your Leadership Academy
training. Our featured nonprofit presenter will
be Big Brothers Big Sisters and we will also
hear from Lynne M. Thompson on how the
leadership academy has impacted her career. Be
sure to bring a guest – all those in attendance
will be receiving a surprise compliments of
Wendy’s/Stanton Associates. Please join us!
„„ Where: Jackson Coffee Co.
(201 S. Mechanic St.) in the upstairs conference room
„„ When: 11:30 -12:30 p.m.
„„ Cost: Free for past Alumni
„„ Other: Please RSVP to Angela if planning
to attend
8 Chamber News March 2013
Tuesday, March 5
Restaurant Rally 2013
Support local businesses and spend a Tuesday
night on the town. Get hours of great food at
fantastic Jackson County Venues!
„„ Where: Various Restaurants
„„ When: 6:00-9:00 p.m
„„ Cost: Entry buttons are $20 each or 6 for $100
„„ Other: Check our Facebook page
for updates and insider tips.
Monday, March 18
Business After Hours
Whether you’re building, remodeling or
planning an improvement project, lots of
decisions need to be made. General Materials
knowledgeable staff makes it easy with practical
solutions and sound advice. Browse their
showrooms for hands-on experience with
quality products you expect for your home.
„„ Where: General Materials
(2995 Brooklyn Road)
„„ When: 5:00-7:00 p.m.
„„ Cost: Free for Members/$10 for NonMembers
Tuesday, March 26
Good Morning!
Greater Jackson
Attend this live radio program that features five
(5) members. The March sponsors are Eradico
Services, Highland Alzheimers Care, OSB
Community Bank, Rapid Refill Ink, Verizon
Wireless
„„ Where: Bella Notte Ristorante (137 W.
Michigan Ave.)
„„ When: 7:30-8:30 a.m.
„„ Cost: $20/$10 for Members
„„ Other: Included: Hot Breakfast and
Open Networking
March Meetings
Friday, March 1
Ambassador Committee
Where: Allegiance Health Specialty Center
When: 12:00-1:00 p.m.
JacksonChamber.org
Monday, March 4
Jackson Retail Success Academy
Where: Jackson District Library Auditorium
When: 6:00-8:30 p.m.
Wednesday, March 6
Leadership Academy Session
Where: Baker College Welcome Center
When: 8:00-10:00 a.m.
Monday, March 11
Jackson Retail Success Academy
Where: Jackson District Library Auditorium
When: 6:00-8:30 p.m.
Tuesday, March 12
Leadership Academy Committee
Where: Chamber Office
When: 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Monday, March 18
Economic Club Committee
Where: Chamber Office
When: 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Tuesday, April 23
Monday, March 25
Member Orientation
Legislative Committee
Where: Jackson County Commission Chambers
When: 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Economic Club Luncheon
Thursday, March 28
Monday, May 20
MLK Diversity/Challenge Day Committee
Where: Chamber Office
When: 8:00-9:00 a.m.
JAXPO Committee
Where: Chamber Office
When: 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Tuesday, March 19
Coffee with the Chamber
Leadership Academy Session
Where: Baker College Welcome Center
When: 8:00-10:00 a.m.
Monday, May 13
Thursday, May 16
Upcoming Events
Wednesday, March 20
Friday, May 10
Jackson Retail Success Academy/Graduation
Where: Jackson District Library Auditorium
When: 6:00-8:30 p.m.
Jackson Retail Success Academy
Where: Jackson District Library Auditorium
When: 6:00-8:30 p.m.
Chamber Board of Directors
Where: Allegiance Health Specialty Center
When: 7:30-8:30 a.m.
Good Morning! Greater Jackson
Wednesday, April 10
Monday, April 15
Economic Club Luncheon-Affordable Care Act
Thursday, April 18
Business After Hours - Leadership Academy
Graduation
Business After Hours - A Sound
Vision Realized… Jackson Symphony Orchestra
Chamber Golf Outing 2013
It’s refreshing working with
the Chamber. They do a great
job marketing the members and
community as a whole.
Ron Ellison,
American Title Company of Jackson
Every day the Chamber
adds value to others, both
directly and indirectly. They
are consistently helping others
grow in their endeavors.
Dr. Rob Rando, Rando Activity Center
To Register: Unless otherwise noted, R.S.V.P. for events to Mary at [email protected] or 517-782-8221 (please have your credit card information handy when you call).
All cancellations must be received with a 24-hour notice or no shows will be billed. Non-members are encouraged to attend no more than two networking events before joining. All
Chamber events are posted online at www.JacksonChamber.org under Events
JacksonChamber.org
March 2013 Chamber News 9
advertorial
Intern Today…Workforce Tomorrow
enhancing our towns and communities.
A college education provides valuable knowledge and skills to students. An internship in the
community adds value to the students experience
more importantly it’s a huge benefit for the sponsoring businesses. For many companies it’s a
J
ackson Community College
recognizes that some students
desire the opportunity to apply what
they are learning to real-world situations. Internship/Externship experiences offer a quality educational
experience that involves integrating academic learning with the performance
of meaningful activities under the direct supervision of an administrator in
10 Chamber News March 2013
a workplace setting. We respect and appreciate our service communities as
they support the educational endeavors of our students by serving as host
sites for learning based opportunities (ins
ld
ternships). We can’t thank you enough for
ie
your generosity and mentorship! I invite
you to connect with me, Michelle
Shields – JCC’s Certified Career and
Professional Coach at 517.990.1381
or email ShieldsMichellM@jccmi.
edu to further discuss hosting opportunities.
A
t Spring Arbor University, over half of
our majors have a required
internship/practicum
ranging from 1-12 credits
and students are highly
encouraged to participate in one with the remaining majors. SAU students
must complete a minimum of 40 hours per academic credit at their site within a 15 week semester (Fall, Spring, Summer) and they may be either paid
or unpaid. If for academic credit then it has an Academic component which
needs to be approved by the appropriate deck
Be
partment. We appreciate your participation
in our internship/practicum programs and
providing our students opportunities to work
with professionals in a chosen field and showcase their talents and capabilities while providing a valuable service for your organization.
For more information, please contact John
Beck, Director of Career Development at
517-750-6330 or e-mail [email protected].
n
Lindy L. W
ils
ince 1911, Baker College has
had one single focus—to prepare
people for successful, rewarding careers in specialized areas of expertise.
Our internship program is a required
academic course (credit awarded
upon successful completion) for our
students and is designed to provide each of them the opportunity to use their
learned classroom skills to gain hands-on, real-world experience. When you
bring an intern into your business and provide them meaningful experiences
related to their field of study, you are giving a student both mentorship and
a valuable growth opportunity that will serve as a bridge to their future career. Baker interns complete a minimum of 120 hours at their site within a
ten week quarter (Spring, Summer, Fall
or Winter-paid or unpaid) which is paired
on
with an online Academic component that
rounds out their experience. Students
are now interviewing for Spring quarter
Work Experience. For more information or to set up a meeting at your
convenience, please contact Lindy
L. Wilson, Work Experience Coordinator at 517-841-4537 or e-mail lindy.
[email protected].
Sh
S
way to keep a stream of potential hires moving
through the firm, testing future candidates,
tackling long-ignored side projects and bringing in fresh ideas. Read on to see how you can
adopt an Intern today.
J oh
igher education is a vital, driving force for
the future. As leaders of Jackson County’s
three institutions of higher education – Baker
College, Jackson Community College and Spring
Arbor University – we are pleased to offer educational opportunities that play an integral role in
Michelle
H
JacksonChamber.org
T
he Senate made great strides during the last
legislative session, focusing on our commitment to make Michigan a pro-jobs, pro-worker
and pro-growth state. We have been on the job for
the hard-working men and women of Michigan
by bringing fairness and equality to the workplace,
simplifying the tax structure, eliminating barriers
to growth in our economy and making Michigan a
better place to do business.
The Michigan Business Tax was replaced, ending double taxation for more than 95,000 small
businesses. We reformed personal property tax,
a tax that literally punished our manufacturers for
growth and expansion. At the same time, we maintained levels of funding to local governments to
preserve police and fire services.
Finally, Michiganders were given the freedom
to choose to belong to a union. This change to the
law guarantees workplace fairness and equality
along with making Michigan more competitive
nationally and globally.
This year, we will continue to reform state gov-
yR
nd
ichardvil
le
Senator R
Business Support
a
Government
Relations
ernment to
make it work
for our citizens. We will
also be focusing
more on education and our number
one priority: jobs. The budget will be finished
well ahead of schedule in time for local communities and schools to make their own financial plans; a budget that is timely and an efficient
use of taxpayer funds.
My colleagues and I have many ideas and priorities for the people we represent that will continue Michigan’s growth and improvement. Our
top priority is good-paying jobs for the hardworking people of Michigan by attracting new
business and expanding businesses already
located here.
Contributor: Michigan Senator Randy Richardville,
Contact Information: [email protected] call (866) 566-7917
No Budget, No Pay
important, the No Budget, No Pay Act* obligates
both the House and the Senate to each pass a budget or paychecks will be withheld to members of
Congress. If Congress can’t do its job, it shouldn’t
get a paycheck. Sometimes doing our job means
making tough, but necessary choices.
I remain committed to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in passing legislation that controls spending, meets our obligations
and moves us towards a healthier economy. We
can do this.
* Legislation passed Januive Tim Wa
tat
l
es
U.S. Repr
b
g
ary 23, 2013
en
Contributor: U.S.
R epresentative
Tim Walberg
Please visit Congressman Walberg’s website at
www.house.gov/
Walberg and subscribe to the Walberg
Weekly Wrap-Up update at http://walberg.
house.gov/contact-me/newsletter.
er
Small businesses in Jackson plan and live within their means in large part because they create
responsible and sensible budgets. Unfortunately,
Congress has not taken its cue from hard-working
taxpayers and America is more than $16 trillion
in debt because of overspending. Congress needs
to manage its spending more like the people that
it seeks to serve by cutting the federal budget and
not your business. This will help push us towards
a healthier economy.
Both Republicans and Democrats can agree
our massive debt is undermining our economic
recovery. However, while an increase in the debt
limit might help us avoid an initial default, an increase that is not accompanied by responsible
spending reductions will put us closer to a downgraded credit rating that will hurt families and destroy jobs.
Recently, my colleagues and I in the House voted in favor of a temporary three-month debt limit
increase to avoid default, but only for the payment
of already-approved immediate obligations. More
“The Jackson County Chamber solicits informative editorials from elected officials representing Jackson County businesses. The information provided here does
not represent the interests, beliefs or values of the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce but is provided as an informational resource for the membership.”
JacksonChamber.org
March 2013 Chamber News 11
Business
tHERAPY
How To Add Professionalism
To Your Small Business
E
We Want Visitors to
Know About You!
xperience Jackson, formerly the Jackson
County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau,
exists to help promote Jackson to visitors. Our
popular website is one of the ways visitors find out
about Jackson. There are three ways your business
can be included on our website; a business listing,
a calendar event or a news story. For your business listing, just email your information to info@
experiencejackson.com. If your business benefits
visitors, we will include it on our website.
The Experience Jackson Community Calendar
is an opportunity to promote community events
for free!
Does the event belong on the Community Calendar?
Does it have a date? Does it occur in Jackson
County? Is it open to the public? Is your post free
from profanity, etc.?
12 Chamber News March 2013
business, you want to ensure their first experience
is a positive one.
Create a Big Web Presence: The great thing
about the web is that even the smallest businesses
can gain a large following if they are doing it right.
Shared Work Spaces: These are typically offices that allow you to either pay a monthly fee or
per-visit fee in return for a professional environment to work. Many of these spaces also offer
access to conference rooms, giving you a professional setting for your business meetings and presentations.
Boatin
*A blog post
on
r
condensed with
a
permission by Ambs
Call Center. To read
more go to http://
www.memetics.com/
how-to-add-professionalism-to-yoursmall-business/
A
hether you operate a small business from
your home or a tiny office outside of town,
you may face certain obstacles that come with
the territory of being the “little guy. Fortunately,
there are several ways you can have the big business presence with the small business service and
cash flow.
PO Boxes & Virtual Offices: If you operate
a home-based business, the last thing you want
to do is post your home address everywhere; for
both safety and professional perception reasons.
On the other hand, if you own commercial workspace but it is either unflattering, or you’re business requires you to be constantly on the move, it
may be worth utilizing a PO Box or a virtual office.
Answering Services: Are you using your cell
phone as your primary business line? Do customers call your office and whoever is nearest to the
phone picks up with whatever greeting pops into
their head? When someone calls you, it is often
their first human contact with your company.
Since first impressions are especially critical in
By
W
If the answer is yes, start posting. Follow the
instructions on our website or assign this task to
another team member today. ExperienceJackson.
com/calendar
Have good news? Share It!
Have a new product? A new addition? A new
location? Received an award?
If your business has news that will affect visitors,
tell us about it. Go to ExperienceJackson.com/
news and upload your news release today.
Don’t forget to:
Subscribe to our eNewsletter Experience
Jackson.com
Like us on Facebook ExperienceJackson
Follow us on Twitter @ExperienceJxn
Pin with us on Pinterest @ExperienceJxn
+1 us on Google+ Experience Jackson
JacksonChamber.org
Chamber
In Action
Your INVESTMENT
in the Jackson County
Chamber of Commerce has
a satisfaction Guarantee!
The Jackson County Chamber
of Commerce Board of Directors
believes so strongly in the
organization’s value and your
involvement that your investment
comes with a money back
guarantee.
If you are not satisfied with
your membership in the Jackson
Chamber after someone from
your company has attended
the following within 6 months
of joining, the Chamber will
give you a full refund on your
membership:
2 Business After Hours
2 Good Morning! Greater Jackson
1 Speed Networking
so
ri
P
urchase tickets in advance from the Jackson
County Chamber of Commerce (141 S. Jackson Street, 517/782-8221)
With many amazing venues and only 3 hours
it will be hard to visit every establishment. Visit
venues you are most interested in first so you don’t
miss the opportunity to try a new place!
Restaurant Rally is designed to give you a taste
of each restaurants specialty items.
Portions are not designed to be a meal but a
sampling, please be courteous to others.
In effort to quickly move from one establishment to the next consider cashing out when ordering drinks instead of running a tab.
Remember to thank AND tip Restaurant Staff!
As there will not be buses this year, please designate a driver for this event, carpool with friends, or
T
caravan from each
restaurant!
Pa r t i c i p a t ing
Restaurants: Ground
Round, New
Country China
Buffet, Cherry’s
Café, The Saddle
Saloon, Finley’s American Restaurant, Little Caesar’s, Wool E. Bully’s, Culver’s, Buffalo Barbeque
Wings, Greystone Tavern & Sandhill Crane Vineyards.
Like the Restaurant Rally Facebook Page to
get exclusive updates and insider specials as
more Restaurants join this great event!
FOREcasting FUN
he Chamber’s Annual Golf Outing provides
a great day for networking with business associates as well as golf enthusiasts who want a day
of golf at a challenging course with friends. The
event includes lunch, goodie bag, golf and cart,
beer and soda on the course and a dinner, plus
PRIZES! PRIZES! PRIZES!!!
We invite your business to participate as a sponsor. Sponsorships provide an excellent opportunity for you to promote your business to the area
golfers and businesses! This is your chance to let
people know about your facilities, where you are
located, and everything you have to offer. The value
of your giving is returned to you in our many services that benefit the entire business community.
May 20, 2013
Country Club of Jackson (3135 Horton Rd.)
11:30 – 7:00 pm
Sponsorships and Teams Spots Still Available Hurry, this event does SELL OUT.
Contact: Angela at 517.782.8221
See you on the GREEN!
n
By Emily G
ar
1 Economic Club Lunch
Restaurant Rally Tips for a
Fantastic Time…
JacksonChamber.org
March 2013 Chamber News 13
Welcome
January New Members
Allen Burnham
(517) 563-8587
Individuals
Citizens Bank - 1 Jackson Square
Jammie Konecny
1 S. Jackson Square Suite A
(517) 788-2753
www.citizensbanking.com
Banks/Banking Associations
Citizens Bank is a diversified financial services company
providing a wide range of commercial, consumer,
mortgage banking, trust and financial planning services
to a broad client base. Citizens serves communities in
Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin and Indiana
Citizens Bank
Jammie Konency
202 Cass Avenue - (517) 783-4604
1712 E. Michigan Avenue - (517) 782-3894
2030 4th Street - (517) 789-4336
306 W. Michigan Avenue - (517) 789-4279
1514 W. Morrell Street - (517) 783-4530
111 W. North Street - (517) 788-2852
www.citizensbanking.com
Banks/Banking Associations
CNB Trust & Investment Services
Barry Malek
1800 N. Wisner Street
(517) 783-1500
www.countynationalbank.com
Financial Planning/Investments
County National Bank offers financial products
and services to the Jackson Community. As a local
community bank, CNB’s core business is gathering
deposits in the communities it serves and then making
consumer, mortgage, and business loans in those same
communities. We offer competitive products and
continue to make investments in technology to make
banking easy and convenient. CNB’s great customer
service makes us stand out from the competition.
County National Bank - Hanover
Emily Sullivan
125 W. Main Street
(517) 563-8332
www.countynationalbank.com
Banks/Banking Associations
County National Bank - Horton Road
Melissa Stroede
1523 Horton Road
(517) 782-2500
www.countynationalbank.com
Banks/Banking Associations
County National Bank - Spring Arbor
Linda Cavasin
119 W. Main Street
(517) 750-4011
www.countynationalbank.com
Banks/Banking Associations
14 Chamber News March 2013
Liz Earle
(517) 787-1934
Individuals
Fraza Forklifts
Roger Bulley
39550 Schoolcraft Road
(734) 455-5150
www.frazaforklifts.com
Machinery - Sales and Service
Forklift Dealership - new & used, sales, service, & parts.
Freddie Dancy
(517) 740-1250
Insurance
Nine years of experience, independent insurance agent
working with health, disability and life insurances.
House of New Beginnings, Inc.
Frances Keane
P.O. Box 1877
(866) 271-1123
Non-Profit
Empowering teens to live safe, self sufficient and violent
free lives by providing counseling, support groups, legal
advocacy, safety planning, assistance with emergency
needs, career planning, tutoring, violence prevention and
education.
Jackson Collision
Matt Bicknell
735 E. South Street
(517) 784-6825
www.jacksoncollisonofmichigan.com
Automobile Services / Sales / Repair
Collision repair, auto body shop, honest people. We offer
deductible or rental car assistance.
Jason Wright, Realtor, Howard Hanna
2131 Ferguson, Suite 116
(517) 315-1262
www.JasonWrightHomes.com
Individuals
LAF Lines Photography, Inc.
Lidija Fremeau
PO Box 1321, 49204
(517) 917-4302
www.LAFLinesPhotography.com
Photography - Studios / Equipment / Supplies
As a portrait photographer I will come to you. Relax in
your own home (or at a location of your choosing) while
I capture your family in action. I will set everyone up in
a portrait pose and allow life to happen. The results will
reflect who you are as a family. I specialize in intimate,
on-location, natural-light portraiture; for those of any age
and any stage of life.
Lenny’s Sub Shop
Bill Bush
133 West Michigan Avenue, Suite B
(517) 782-2444
www.lennys.com
Restaurants: Bars / Clubs / Coffee House
Awesome subs sliced to order – authentic Philly
Cheesesteaks – catering available. Lenny’s commitment
to its guest is clear – More Food, More Taste, More
Personality®
MDK Recycling LLC
Brian Miotke
1410 W. Ganson Street
(517) 740-7211
Waste Management/Removal
Now offering on site, mobile, secure paper shredding for
your business or personal use! MDK Recycling is also
available to service your recycling needs at their business
location. Call MDK today!
MI-SBTDC
Jackson, Hillsdale, & Lenawee Counties
Norma K. LaVallee
PO Box 4097, 49204
(517) 240-1977
www.misbtdc.org
Consultants - Business/Business Consultants
The Michigan Small Business & Technology
Development Center (SBTDC) provides counseling,
business education, information-based planning and
technology commercialization to new and existing
businesses throughout Michigan’s 83 counties. Our
consultants assist business owners and entrepreneurs
with establishing their small business, developing business
plans, acquiring capital, analyzing financials, identifying
growth opportunities, marketing, and more.
Midbrook Industrial Washers, Inc.
Bruce Davis
2080 Brooklyn Road
(517) 787-3481
www.midbrookindustrial.com
Manufacturing / Manufacturers Representatives
MIWI, Midbrook Industrial Washers, Inc, is a Jackson
based, locally owned, manufacturer of automotive parts
and dunnage washers. MIWI’s Technology Lab does 3rd
party gravimetric/microscopic particle count/size testing
to ISO16232 standards, plus testing to standards for a
variety of industries throughout the USA and worldwide.
MIWI’s Production Washing supplies part cleaning,
dunnage washing, deburring, de-rusting and inspection
work, supplying the workspace, equipment and workforce
to take your “plan” and make it a reality.
Save the Date Events & Decor
Curtrina Brenner
7864 Dixon Road
(517) 315-3157
Event & Party Planning
We are a Jackson area event planning and decorating
company. Our goal is to provide you with that feeling of
excitement, enjoyment, and an overall relaxing event for
you and your guests. We can do large corporate events to
a quaint wedding for two. Whether we are functioning as
a planner, your decorator, your source for Linens, or just
invitations we strive to provide the best service and to
exceed your expectations. So Let us Focus on the Details....
so You can Focus on the Moment.
Wool E. Bully’s
Michael Carrigan
300 W. North Street
(517) 782-9556
Restaurants: Bars / Clubs / Coffee House
Under NEW management. We are here to provide a fun,
safe, and relaxing environment with quality food and
drinks along with the best live DJ’s, country and rock
bands in Michigan! Take out and delivery available from
our delicious menu.
JacksonChamber.org
THANK YOU
January Renewing Members
1-5 Years
Ann Arbor State Bank
Celestial Nutrition
Dahlem Conservancy, The
Delores Jackson
Edward Jones Investments-Timothy Hubbard
Erik Smith Investments
Firestone Complete
Auto Care
General Materials Inc.
Greystone Tavern
Ground Round Restaurant
GuideStream Financial
Hampton Inn
Industrial Steel Treating Company
Jackson County Republican Committee
Laughlin’s Slice of Spice
Morgan Stanley
Smith Barney
New Mobility Solutions
Northwest Tool & Machine, Inc.
Blackman Charter Township
Envirologic Technologies Inc.
Cassity Chiropractic Center
Faith Haven Senior Care Centre
Fleming & Fleming P.C.
Great Northern Sentry Co.
Grief Matters, LLC
Headliners Boutique Inc.
Jackson Orthopedic Care & Surgery, P.C.
Innovative Financial Strategies
Kibby Park Animal Hospital, P.C.
Kelly Fuels
LegalShield
Knight’s Steakhouse & Grill
Miller Truck &
Storage Co.
Michigan Paving & Materials Co.
PC Solutions
M-R Builder, Inc.
Springbrook Meadows Apartments
Nonprofit Network
Summit Woods Family Dental Care
Sylvan Learning Center
Willbee Transit-Mix Co., Inc.
11-15 Years
Accident Fund Insurance Company of America
ServiceMaster Absolute Home & Restoration Services
Smith Group JJR
Apollo Express Inc.
South Central Michigan Works!
Professional Consulting Services
Reynolds Management, Inc.
Center for Family
Health, Inc.
Senator Mike Nofs
Comfort Inn & Suites
Vermeulen Furniture
County National Bank - Cortland Branch
Automated Logistics System, LLC
Ron Beurmann Golf Shop
AFT Inc.
Blake Woods Medical Park Surgery Center
Arbor Manor Rehabilitation &
Nursing Center
Plante& Moran, PLLC
Aeroquip Credit Union
Ashton Ridge Apartments
Arbor Hills Golf Club
O’Harrow Construction Company
Siena Heights University @ JCC
Printwell Inc.
6-10 Years
Office Depot
da Vinci Institute
Daryl’s Downtown
David L. Latz, D.D.S., P.C.
DBI Business Interiors
Eastern Michigan University-Jackson
TDS Telecom
Trulife Inc.
16-20 Years
Ajax Heating & Air Conditioning
Bailey Excavating Inc.
Baker College
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Cascade Ridge
Cascades Manor House
Country Club of Jackson
Dawlen Corporation
Dove & Hickey, PLC
DuPuisetFils Jewelers, Inc.
Comtronics
Gerdau
Ella Sharp Museum of Art and History
Hallas Doghouse Acres
Girodat&Marienfeld, PLC
Home Builders Association of
Jackson, Inc.
Handley Industries, Inc.
F & S Tool & Gauge Co.
Fredon Handling, Inc.
Great Lakes Caring
Hankerd Hills Golf Course
Highland Alzheimer’s Care Residence
Kellogg Crankshaft
LifeWays
McCleer Power, Inc.
Michigan Theatre of Jackson, Inc
Jackson Crossing Mall
Jackson District Library
Jackson Optimist
Ice Arena
Jackson Small Business
Service, Inc
Lloyd Ganton Retirement Centers
Parr & Stout
Jackson County Intermediate School District
James C. Butterfield, Inc. Investments
Ladwig’sCulligan Water Conditioning
Libra Industries Inc. of Michigan
Markowski& Company,
CPA’s
The Water Store, Inc
Michigan International Speedway
Mid-America
Machining, Inc.
26-30 Years
Rendall Tool Company
Abecca Corporation
Moretz Technologies, LLC
Advance Turning & Manufacturing Inc.
41-50 Years
Ripstra &
Scheppelman, Inc.
Baymont Inns & Suites
South Central
Credit Union
Thinking Real Estate
21-25 Years
AAA Michigan
Acro Legal Support Services, Inc.
Advance Employment
Ambs Call Center
American Title Company of Jackson
Anesthesia Business Consultants
Blue Cross Blue Shield
of Michigan
Bond and Company, PLC
Chelsea Community Hospital
Commonwealth Associates, Inc.
Commonwealth Commerce Center
Brown’s Advanced Care Pharmacy
C & H Stamping, Inc.
Eye Services, LLC
Jackson Area Association of Realtors
Jackson Center for Cosmetic/Restorative Dentistry
Cardon & Sorrow, P.L.C.
CISCO
Commercial
Exchange, Inc
Jackson Glass Works, Inc.
Jim Winter Auto Group
McGowan Electric
Supply Inc.
OmniSource Michigan
51-60 Years
Jackson Computer Center
Cunningham Construction Company
Mark E. Iocca, D.D.S
Kelly Services, Inc.
RW Mercer Company
REHMANN
Sharon Calbert
WILX TV 10
TLC Eye Care & Laser Centers
61-70 Years
Vista Grande Villa
31-40 Years
Advance Packaging Corporation
C. Thorrez Industries
Citizens Bank
Dawn Food Products, Inc.
Toy House Inc.
Beffel Lighting
71 Years
Frederic B. Slete D.D.S., P.C.
City of Jackson
Benefit of the Month
Did you know you have access to over 3000 potential client e-mail addresses?
Contact the Chamber today and schedule your e-mail blast!
JacksonChamber.org
March 2013 Chamber News 15
141 South Jackson St. • Jackson, MI 49201
517.782.8221 • www.jacksonchamber.org
16 Chamber News March 2013
JacksonChamber.org