March / April 2008 15th Annual EXPO showcases area businesses

March / April 2008
Chamber News
The Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce
Proudly Serving Commerce, Highland, Milford & White Lake for 46 years!
15th Annual EXPO showcases
area businesses & services
The Huron Valley EXPO, scheduled for
March 29th & 30th, promises to be bigger
and better than ever - offering excitement for
exhibitors and attendees alike!
The Saturday, March 29th Business 2 Business
Networking Pre-Show is the premier event
for previewing the show and networking with
area business leaders. Sponsored by Bob
Saks Automotive Group, the invitation-only
event takes place in the Milford High School
Field House from 5 - 8 p.m. Guests will enjoy
strolling appetizers provided by Stucchi’s of
Milford, Sweet Retreats Chocolate Shoppe
and The Village Butcher Shoppe. As always,
fabulous door prizes will be given away
including the giveaway of a Gift Certificate for
limousine services from Perfection Limousine.
The EXPO opens to the public on Sunday,
March 30 at 11 a.m. and runs until
4 p.m. Back for the second year is the
“Tantalizing Tastes of the Huron Valley” in
which area restaurants offer taste samplings
throughout the show. Restaurants including
Milford House Bar & Grill, Milford Big Boy,
Global Warming Salsa Co., and MVP Grill, just
to name a few, will be on hand with delicious
food treats. Guests will receive an ample
number of “taste tickets” at the door with their
paid admission. Attendees are encouraged
to bring a non-perishable donation for
Community Sharing on Sunday and they will
receive $1 off the price of admission.
The Village Fine Arts Association
will be on hand again this year as well.
Fine art from local artists will be on
hand for viewing and for purchase and
several artist will also offer on-site
demonstrations.
Kids will have plenty to keep them busy
as Milford Country Day offers kids
crafts, Huron Valley Ambulance brings
“Andy the Talking Ambulance” and the
Milford and Highland Senior Centers
will offer storytime for the kids on the
hour beginning at noon. Be sure to bring
your camera as Darth Vader will make
appearances at
1 & 3 p.m. to take photos with the
youngsters.
Limited booth spaces are still available.
For more information about the show
and how you can participate, contact
the Chamber office at 248-685-7129
or visit the EXPO Web site at www.
huronvalleyexpo.com.
Upcoming Events
Thursday, March 13, Rodnick
Chiropractic Life Center Ribbon
Cutting; 2685 Union Lake Road,
Commerce; 5:30 p.m.
Friday, March 14, Coffee Club; Bob Saks
Buick Pontiac GMC, 56195 Pontiac Trail,
New Hudson; 8 - 9 a.m.
Saturday, March 15, Huron Valley Egg
Hunt; Duck Lake Pines Park; 11 a.m.
Tuesday, March 18, Lunch & Learn
Series - “The Apraiser’s Role Within a
Re-Balancing Market”; chamber office,
317 Union St.; 12 - 1:30 p.m.
Tuesday, March 25, State of the
Chamber Annual Meeting; Highland
Township Offices, 205 N. John Street,
Highland; 7 a.m. refreshments; 7:30 a.m.
Board Mtg.
Saturday, March 29, Huron Valley
EXPO - Business 2 Business
Pre-Show; Milford High School Field
House, 2380 S. Milford Road; 5 - 8 p.m.
Sunday, March 30, 15th Annual Huron
Valley EXPO; Milford High School Field
House, 2380 S. Milford Road, Highland;
11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Tuesday, April 8, Lunch & Learn Series
- “Bringing Mindfulness”; Chamber
office, 317 Union St.; 12 - 1:30 p.m.
Wednesday, April 9, Ambassador/
Membership Meeting; Chamber office,
317 Union Street; 4 p.m.
Wednesday, April 16, Business
Brainstorming Session; Chamber office;
7 - 9 p.m. RSVP the chamber $15 for members; $20 non-members
Friday, April 18, Coffee Club;
Community Sharing, 1550 S. Milford
Road, Highland; 8 - 9 a.m.
Wednesday, April 23, Administrative
Professionals’ / Staff Appreciation
Luncheon; Five Lakes Grill, 424 N. Main
Street, Milford; 12 - 2 p.m.
Cost $20 / person - Fashion Show by Up
Town Threads
Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce
2008 Board of Directors
Executive Committee
Don Nurkala, President
Merrill Lynch
Colleen Kilpatrick, 1st Vice-President
Colleen & Company
Rick Kirchner, 2nd Vice-President
Advance Concrete Products Co.
Michael Glagola, Treasurer
General Motors Proving Ground
Kellie Hett, Secretary
Community Choice Credit Union
Perry Sinacola, Member Advocate
Milford House Bar & Grill
Jeffrey P Petrillo
Donald I Gillis
Financial Advisor
Financial Advisor
Stocks
Bonds
Mutual Funds
IRA Rollovers
Roth IRAs
Financial Planning
401k/403b/457 Plans
529 College Plans
Variable Annuities
Fixed Annuities
Directors
Chris Baker ~ Baker’s of Milford
Jack W. Bolling ~ Law Office of Jack W. Bolling
Louis Chiara, M.D. ~ Milford Dermatology
Doreen Durandetto ~ William & Marie Carls YMCA
Don Green ~ Milford Township Supervisor
Bruce Kaier ~ AAA of Michigan & HBA Liaison
Judy Kiley ~ Highland Township Treasurer
Kevin Mechigian ~ Bob Saks Buick, Pontiac, GMC
Gordon Muir ~ Sierra Consulting Services
Patricia Pilchowski ~ Highland Township Supervisor
Janet Roberts ~ Huron Valley Schools
Jack Shubitowski ~ Huron Valley State Bank
Arthur Shufflebarger ~ Milford Village Manager
Christine St. George ~ St. George’s Cafe & MBA Liaison
Lynn Torossian ~ Huron Valley - Sinai Hospital
You first.
Life Insurance
Long Term Care
Fee-Based Accounts
Managed Accounts
CDs
2753 S Milford Rd Ste 101
Highland, MI 48357
248-676-2003
800-400-0771
56330 Grand River Avenue • New Hudson, MI 48165
Brenda W. Smith&Company, PC
Certified Public Accountants
• Accounting: Bookkeeping, Financial Statements, Quarterly Payroll Taxes
• Taxes: Business & Personal, IRS Problem Resolution, Tax Planning
• Personal Financial Services: Pre-Retirement Counseling, Post-Death
Accounting Services and F.A.F.S.A. Application Processing
Phone: 248.437.6010 Fax:
Visit us:
248.437.0395
BWSmithCPA.com
Chamber Staff
Joell Beether
Executive Director
[email protected]
Laura Bolyard
Office Manager
[email protected]
Yvonne Peake
Executive Assistant
[email protected]
Michele Tucholke
Membership & Sponsorship Manager
[email protected]
Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce
317 Union Street, Milford MI 48381
P: 248- 685-7129 F: 248- 685-9047
Web site: www.huronvcc.com
2
“Friendly Professional Service in Words You Can Understand”
Administrative Professionals’ Luncheon offers a real treat
Looking for a way to tell your administrative staff how
much you appreciate them and value their hard work and
dedication? Gather your staff and treat them to an afternoon
of food, fun and fashion at the Annual Administrative
Professionals’ Luncheon on Wednesday, April 23rd. We’ll
make all the arrangements, all you need to do is make it a
date!
Hosted again this year at the acclaimed Five Lakes Grill
in downtown Milford, guests will enjoy the lunch of their
dreams while viewing a fashion show presented by Up Town
Threads. Models will wear the latest in jewelry designs by
Rottermond Jewelers and look their best after receiving
makeovers from Polished Outlook and Total Dimension.
Sponsored this year by Global Warming Salsa Co., each
guest will receive their own sample of salsa along with other
great door prizes. The cost is only $20 per person and space
is limited, so make your reservation today!
The
Coffee
Club
Join us for this free and informal morning mixer scheduled the
third Friday of every month for our long-term, brand new and
prospective members.
We are currently taking reservations for our 2008 host
businesses - only a few spots remain. Let us know if hosting
an upcoming Coffee Club would benefit your business.
What a great way to visit with chamber friends or meet new
customers. Come check it out . . .
Can we pour YOU a cup?
Next two Coffee Clubs . . .
Guests were all smiles at the 2007 Annual
Administrative Professionals’ Luncheon.
Huron Valley Educational
Foundation hosted our
January Coffee Club at
Muir Middle School.
Executive Director for the
Foundation, Matt Jenkins,
accepts a check from Joell
Beether, HVCC Executive
Director, donated on
behalf of the Huron Valley
Chamber of Commerce
to help support the
Foundation’s activities.
Another ongoing collaboration between the Chamber and
HVEF is the 100 for $100 program - looking for 100 chamber
businesses to each donate $100 towards the Foundations efforts.
For more information on this program, contact Matt Jenkins at
248-676-8308.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Coffee Club is the talk of the town . . .
Stop by for a cup and a smile on your way to work
and see what everyone is talking about!!!
Friday, March 14 from 8 - 9 a.m.
(second week of the month this time only!)
Bob Saks Buick Pontiac GMC - NEW LOCATION
56195 Pontiac Trail, New Hudson
Friday, April18 from 8 - 9 a.m.
Community Sharing
1550 S. Milford Road, Highland
Guests enjoyed a real breakfast treat at the February
Coffee Club hosted by Milford Park Place as Chef Jason
prepared custom omelettes (among other things) and
Director Nancy Price informed visitors of the renovation
/ expansion plans for their beautiful facility.
3
Easter Bunny visits the Valley
Mark your calendars now, as the
Easter Bunny is scheduled to visit the
Huron Valley on Saturday, March 15
at Duck Lake Pines Park in Highland.
Thousands of candy-filled easter
eggs will be scattered to be found by
children ages 2 - 10 at the sixth annual
Egg Hunt. Sponsored again this year
by T & C Federal Credit Union, each
child will receive a goodie bag filled
with age appropriate games and prizes.
4
Special thanks also to Rodnick Chiropractic
Life Center for helping to fund the event allowing a special tent covered area where
kids will have an opportunity to have their
photo taken with the Easter Bunny. Moms
and dads and aunts and uncles need to bring
their camera to capture the moment! Easter
comes early this year, so don’t forget to dress
appropriately as the event goes on rain or shine
or should we say snow or sleet.
Goodie bags will be distributed
beginning at 10:30 a.m. with the egg
hunt times as follows:
11 a.m. - ages 2 - 4 years old
11:10 a.m. - ages 5 - 7 years old
11:20 a.m. - ages 8 - 10 years old
Pictures with the Easter Bunny will
run from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
HVCC Member Profile
New continuing article where members tell how they got started, what they do and how the
Chamber serves their business needs
Photo by Chris Wall

From Corporate America to Cozy Tea Room:
How Two Sisters Made Their Business Dream Come True
Tell me about your business.
We co-own and operate a tea room and gift shop at the southwest
corner of Huron and Main Streets in Milford. At Tea J’s guests can
enjoy a soothing cup of tea, homemade lunch and delicious desserts
in the comfort and charm of a traditional tea room. It’s a great place
to relax with friends or meet with clients.
How did you get started in this business?
Cindy: In December 2000, Fiona and I were living in Arizona
and working in Corporate America. That month, our Mother came
from Michigan for a visit and the three of us enjoyed our first “tea”
together.The time we shared in that charming little tea shop was so
special and unique that we talked about the possibility of opening
our own tea room. We even came up with the name “Tea J’s” after
our Mom, Thelma Joy. For two years it was just a dream. Then in
2002 we decided to leave our corporate jobs and turn our dream
into reality.
What happened next?
Cindy: As soon as I left my corporate job, I began planning our
tea room. I took a job at a local tea room, went to a National Tea
Conference and worked with the Small Business Association
to develop my business plan. We envisioned our tea room in a
charming, older home but it was very difficult to find such a home
in Arizona. So we worked with our Mom back in Michigan to find
the perfect location. Within a few weeks of finding the home in
Milford, we were packing our bags and moving north.
What new offerings are on the horizon for Tea J’s?
We are excited to be introducing our new “Tea and Talk” events presentations given by local experts on a variety of interesting
topics. Our first event, a Psychic Tea,was a big hit! In February we
hosted a women’s networking event and on Monday, March 24th
from 7 - 9 p.m.we’ll host, “The Mystery of Victorian Festivities.”
What do you enjoy most about what you do?
Cindy:Creating new recipes in the kitchen is great fun for me.
It’s so rewarding to see our guests enjoying our efforts. I also
really enjoy meeting new people. At the same time, it has been
wonderful rekindling friendships with people we knew growing-up
here! Fiona: I like being able to come to this beautiful old home
to work! Knowing I have a stake in the business and I can make it
better with my ideas is important to me. I also enjoy shopping for
the fun gifts we sell in the tea room shop!And I truly enjoy seeing
old friends and making new ones.
Cindy Kometh and Fiona Hammock, owners of
Tea J’s Tea Room & Gifts, located at 314 S. Main
Street, can be reached at 248-684-6819.
What is your business philosophy and approach
to working with clients?
We want our customers to come into our shop and feel
like they’re home. It gives us great pleasure to read our
customer comment cards and find words like,
“charming”, “cozy”, “inviting”, “welcoming”,
“soothing”, and “relaxing”.
Do you host private parties at Tea J’s?
Absolutely! We host bridal and baby showers,
anniversary and birthday parties, girlfriend gatherings
and business meetings. We enjoy helping the hostess
of an event select the perfect menu and décor for her
guests and her budget. We’ll even make her favorite
recipes! We do whatever it takes to make the event or
celebration special. Last week, the hostess from one of
our recent bridal showers came in with a group of her
friends for lunch. She brought photos of her son’s
wedding and talked about how much fun all her guests
had at the shower. That’s what makes our work so
rewarding.
Colleen Kilpatrick is a Business and
Marketing Coach. She provides business
owners and professionals with the ideas,
information and resources they need to
attract, delight and retain their ideal client.
She can be reached at
248-685-9226 or at colleen@
colleenandcompany.com.
Get Profiled: Send your name,
e-mail address and a brief business
overview to [email protected]
5
MEMBERS
A Hello, everyone! Hope you are getting excited about the arrival of spring, and the fresh energy it brings!
about energy - it’s hard to keep up with the flurry of day-to-day activities, plus our Huron Valley EXPO just around the corner
T Talk
(March 29-30), Milford Memories committee meetings already underway, and our beautiful new Business Directory & Buyer’s
about to arrive, hot off the press! As we have started working on our own “mental spring cleaning” here at the Chamber
T Guide
office, one of the topics we wanted to review with you this newsletter is awareness of some of our fellow organizations who are
E focused on business advocacy. We are so fortunate in the Huron Valley community to have several organizations - in addition to
your Chamber, of course! - working toward the success of our businesses. Look for these groups that will be listed under the catR egory of “Business Advocacy” in our upcoming Directory, and give ‘em a call if they can be of service to you (plus check the page
S of Clubs and Organizations as well as the “Organizations/Non-Profit” category for other types of terrific groups too!)
Highland Business Association - Assist area businesses/community in continued prosperity and maintained growth ...
(248) 889-1422 ... www.thehba.net
Highland DDA - Revitalizing the Highland Station area and surrounding commercial/industrial district ...
(248) 887-7200 ... www.highlandDDA.com
Local Business Network - Local and regional networking/referral organization with Milford/neighboring chapters...
(248) 620-6320 ... www.locbusnet.com
Milford Business Association - Downtown merchants working together make Milford a shop and dine destination ...
(248) 889-0397 ... [email protected]
Milford DDA - Focused on improving economic viability, beauty and historic significance of district ...
(248) 684-9719 ... www.meetmeinmilford.com
M
E
Also, the Oakland Chamber Network is an organization made up of 20+ chambers in Oakland County, working together on
M
various topics including ways to provide additional opportunities for chamber members to network across the region. We
will include information about regional mixers and events as details become available. Lastly, we are part of Southeast
B
Michigan Chamber Alliance, accessing some of the benefits provided by Detroit Regional Chamber’s large corporate memE
bers (such as Office Depot and Blue Cross/Blue Shield). Throughout the year, we will bring you more information about
your own benefits of Huron Valley Chamber membership, and update you on the “bigger picture” of local commerce. Whew! R
Good thing that enthusiasm of springtime is coming!
MATT E R S
Michele Tucholke, Membership & Sponsorship Manager
January Jump-Start mixer starts the year off right
Members got their business engines
in gear at the 1st Annual January
Jump-Start Membership Mixer held
at The Comeback Inn in late January.
Members mixed and mingled at the
1st Annual January Jump-Start
Networking Event.
6
Thanks to the night’s sponsor, Bob
Saks Automotive Group, members
networked the night away and enjoyed
awesome appetizers at no-cost . . .
Sharr Garza from Bob Saks presented a
$500 Car Care Kit to Chamber member
David Reading of Reading Technologies,
LLC who won the door prize drawing.
. . . and received free one-on-one
consultations with fellow chamber
members hoping to pass on some helpful
tips. Thanks to the great turnout and the
comments from those in attendance, we’ll
be hosting this event next year for sure!
(above from l. to r.) Board members
Don Nurkala, Perry Sinacola and Chris
Baker were among the happy guests in
attendance. Don’t miss all the fun - be
sure to join us at our next mixer!
Get with the Program
Ever feel like technology moves faster than your
business can keep up with? Need some help getting
“with the program?” Well, the Chamber Online Expo
Callcanfor
details
Program
help!
The Chamber’s Online Expo Program is a cost-effective,
easy way to promote your business on the web – where
your customers and prospects can find it. The program
was designed to help Chamber members effectively
build
inbound links, get higher placements
in search
Calendars
Holiday
Cards
engines like Google, advertise with unlimited online
$22.98
$29.99/Qty.
25
coupons,
publicize upcoming events
with links to custom
marketing materials, generate more traffic and leads, and
get their business 248-887-2400
information ONLINE
customers
• Faxwhere
248-887-1187
can find it!
1100 S. Milford Rd., Suite 100
holiday=specials
q
Highland, MI 48357
When you consider that
almost 80% of today’s shoppers
[email protected]
turn to the web FIRST before making buying decisions
or purchases, you can see the importance of having a
strong online presence. Customers also tend to perceive
businesses that use web technology as being credible,
up-to-date, and desirable to do business with, so make
sure your business is keeping up! An Online Expo booth
can give your business the “online edge” needed to build
an online presence and successfully promote on the web,
with the credibility and exposure necessary to succeed in
today’s business environment.
AMBASSADOR PROGRAM &
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
Next Meeting: Wednesday, April 9, 2008
4 p.m. at the Chamber office
Who should attend? For those members who want to be
Ambassadors and be in contact with more business people
by opening doors with this relationship. The position of an
Ambassador gives them more reason to meet and get to know
fellow business
people and
community
members.
MANY
MORE
ITEMS
AVAILABLE!!
How does it work? Why should I want to be an
Ambassador?
* Choose a handful of “Business Buddies” from our existing and new members each quarter
* Work with your buddies to encourage participation in programs and attendance at chamber events
* Act as a greeter/host at mixers and ribbon cuttings
* Discuss ideas for new networking/member events
* Provide feedback from your experience with others
* Ambassador Spotlight in Chamber News features one or
two individuals each issue
* Plus, through your efforts you earn points toward FREE Chamber goods and services
MUST BE A MEMBER IN GOOD STANDING
TO PARTICIPATE - PLEASE RESERVE YOUR
ATTENDANCE WITH THE CHAMBER OFFICE AT
248-685-7129
Let the Chamber help you “get with the program” – the
MANY
MORE
AVAILABLE!!
Online Expo
program
– andITEMS
put the web
to work for your
business
today!
To
get
started,
call
us
at
BAGS • MOUSEPADS • COOLERS 248-685-7129
• COOLIES
or sign up at www.hvcc.michiganbizsearch.com.
Why you should attend:
/PPORTUNITYTOMEET"OARDOF$IRECTORS
9EAR%ND2EVIEWs'OALS
/PPORTUNITYTOASKQUESTIONSANDSHAREYOURINPUTFORTHE
FUTUREDIRECTIONOFTHE#HAMBER
2ESERVATIONSHELPFULCALLTHE#HAMBERTORESERVEASPACE
• TRAVEL CHAIRS •
(IGHLAND4OWNSHIP/FFICEs.*OHN3T(IGHLAND
AMREFRESHMENTSsAMBOARDMEETING
NOW AVAILABLE AT:
[email protected]
• BOTTLE OPENERS •
MUGSExpo
• PENS
• SHIRTS
• KEY with
CHAINS
• SIGNS
Online
booths
are fully loaded
complete
business information, search engine keywords, numerous
inbound links, uploaded logos, photos, and online
coupons, and links to marketing
materials like flyers,
248-887-2400
brochures, price lists, menus,Fax
etc.248-887-1187
For less than the price
Milford you
Rd., can
Suiteadvertise
100
of a one-time print ad or1100
pressS.release,
Highland,
MI 48357
your business all year long with
an online
expo booth!
State of the Chamber Annual Meeting
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Color Copy your
HBA Newsletter Inserts
for only .39¢ each
with this coupon!
Open to all Chamber
Members
No other discounts
apply. Set-up additional
Color Copy your
HVCC Newsletter Inserts
for only .39¢ each
with this coupon!
eal!!
D
a
t
a
No other discounts apply. Set-up additional
Wh
248-887-2400 • Fax 248-887-1187
1100 S. Milford Rd., Suite 100 • Highland, MI 48357
www.allegrahighland.com • [email protected]
a
Whaatl!!
De
Colonial Motors
Ltd
www.ColonialMotorsLtd.com
248-887-2400 • Fax 248-887-1187
Select Used Cars,
Vans
1100Trucks,
S. Milford
Rd., Ste. 100
& CollectorHighland,
Cars
MI 48357
211 South Main Street
Milford, MI 48381
www.allegrahighland.com
Jeff Saunders
[email protected]
Bus. 248-684-6020
Cell: 248-459-8813
Fax: 248-684-2063
Brown Bag
Lunch & Learn
Tired of eating your lunch at your
computer? Looking for a way to learn
more about a unique topic but can’t afford
all the expensive lunchtime seminars?
Well, look no further . . . Join us at our
Lunch & Learn Series where we’ll book
a different guest speaker each month to
come to the chamber office and give a
short presentation. You bring your own
lunch with you and we’ll all learn and
lunch together. Let us know if you would
like to present information regarding your
area of expertise or if you have a potential
topic for us to pursue. Space is limited call the chamber to reserve your spot.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Norma Nicholson & Bonnie Miller
present “The Appraiser’s Role Within a
Re-Balancing Market”; 12 - 1:30 p.m.
Real estate appraisers discuss many
aspects within the appraisal such as
condition, updates and cost to cure beyond
the normal topics. Find out how Cost
to Cure can affect your value and why
you should refinance before you start
home improvements. Also included is an
understanding of your D & B business
credit scores and how to raise those scores.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Meena Puri presents “Bringing
Mindfulness”; 12 - 1:30 p.m.
Do you lie awake at night, completely
exhausted, desperately wanting to sleep,
but can’t? Is your mind moving a million
miles a minute with overwhelming
thoughts? Diverting the attention,
counting to 10, or repeating a mantra
hasn’t worked? Did you know stress is
the by-product of an over busy mind?
Come and learn how to bring mindfulness
to your thoughts and actions resulting in a
calmer mind and stress-free life.
Business
Brainstorming
Sessions
Chamber Golf
League back in the
swing
Facilitated by Business and Marketing
Coach, Colleen Kilpatrick, the Business
Brainstorming Sessions have flourished
and offer the opportunity for business
owners and other professionals to come
together to share ideas, resources and
contacts to help each other achieve their
goals.
Thanks to the efforts of Mike Arce the
Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce
Golf League is back in action. Mike has
coordinated with the Highland Business
Association and the Hartland Chamber
of Commerce to offer a combined golf
league amongst these three community
organizations.
Here’s how it works: After brief
introductions, attendees take turns sharing
a business goal they’re trying to attain,
the progress they’ve made to-date and
the challenges they’ve encountered along
the way. Then, for a set amount of time
everyone in attendance brainstorms
creative ideas and solutions. A Business
Brainstorming is the ideal way to get
feedback, information and new ideas
and best of all these innovative sessions
will train your mind to focus on infinite
possibilities - no matter what the economy
is doing.
Golf will begin on Monday April 21, 2008
and end with the Banquet on September
15, 2008. Golfers will tee off on
Mondays at Highland Hills Golf Course
between
3 - 4 p.m. The league is limited to 32
teams - so register today!
Participation in Business Brainstorming
Sessions is $15 for Chamber members;
$20 for non-members. Sessions are held at
the Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Reservations are required as space is
limited. For more information or to
register, contact the Huron Valley Chamber
of Commerce at 248-685-7129.
Future Business Brainstorming Sessions
are scheduled for:
Wednesday, April 16 from 7 - 9 p.m.
Monday, May 12 from 7 - 9 p.m.
Monday, June 16 from 7 - 9 p.m.
Monday, July 14 from 7 - 9 p.m.
Green fees are $12.50 per week for 18
weeks of golf - totaling $225 if paid in
advance. By paying in advance, Highland
Hills Golf Course grants you a “Monday
Membership” good for unlimited golf on
Mondays for the entire year. Green fees if
paid weekly are $13 / week. Cart fees for
league play are $7 / 9 holes.
For more information, go to www.
golfweb.ws/12092/ or call Mike Arce at
248-330-3525 or email him directly at
[email protected].
Thanks again to Mike and all the others
for helping to coordinate the group golf
league. Good luck on the links!
Insurance Advisors, Inc.
Complete Insurance Service
Ruslana Medyanikova, Owner
8884 Commerce Rd.
Commerce Twp, MI 48382
(248) 363-5746
fax: (248) 363-9554
525 N. Main St., #140
Milford, Mi 48381
(248) 684-7899
fax: (248) 684-7910
www.agencyadvisors.com
8
News from our members . . .

Prestwick Village Golf Club
announces the launch of their new
golf academy. Location and a world
class practice facility make Prestwick
Village the ideal club to house a premier
golf academy. Relocating from sunny
Florida (but a Michigan native), Bob
Krause, the academy Director brings
over sixteen years of combined teaching
and professional touring experience.
“Bob’s level of skill and knowledge
of the game is rare” commented Vijay
Singh of the PGA Tour. From beginner
to the PGA pro, Bob’s goal is always the
same, teach every student with respect
and help them achieve their maximum
potential. Bob can be contacted at
Prestwick Village Golf Club at
248-887-4334 ext. 223 or bkrause@
pvgcc.com

The Sierra Group, Ltd.,
LLC recently moved their offices to
downtown Milford and is currently
looking to hire a part-time CPA. Office
support will be provided, although the
accountant will primarily be working
with client advisors. Ideal for a retiree
or a stay at home parent, they are
offering flexible hours (16-20 per week)
and will work around your schedule.
Pay will be based on a fee per job. If
you or someone you know is interested,
contact Vivian Muir at The Sierra Group
via email: vmuir@sierragrouponline.
com or call 248-684-2400 ext. 102.

Women’s Just for Fun - No
Score Golf League debuts this summer
at White Lake Oaks Golf Course. The
10-week program starts on Tuesday,
June 17 at 11:30 a.m. at a cost of $90/
person (cart rental not included) 36
players maximum. This recreational
league emphasizes fitness and the social
aspects of golf. Players can move their
balls to a better lie, take a “mulligan”
or even sit out holes. Players need their
own set of clubs, basic knowledge of the
game and no established handicap. Last
day of play includes a light lunch and
prizes. If you sign up with a partner,
you both will receive a $10 discount off
the league fee. For more information
or to register, contact Oakland County
Parks at 248-698-2700.

Huron Valley Council for the Arts
hosts Art from Refuse - Recycled Art Exhibit in
April 2008. The exhibit is open to artists all over
the U.S. using recycled, post-consumer items in
their artwork. The exhibit will help educate the
public about the after-life of garbage and cause
us all to look at our garbage cans in a new way!
There will be cash prizes and an artist-friendly
entry fee of only $10. This exhibit will tie in
with the many Earth Day events happening in
the Huron Valley and will feature an opening
reception on Friday, April 4 from
7 - 9 p.m. with “green” refreshments and
recycling inspired music. Questions should be
directed to the Huron Valley Council for the Arts
at 248-736-5491.

Local salon and Chamber member
Nail Effects will be changing locations in early
March. New owner, Stacy Gularski, has decided
to move the salon from its current location in
downtown Milford to nearby Highland. The
same friendly staff and fabulous services can be
found at their new storefront at 1350 S. Milford
Road in Highland. Conveniently located in the
Highland Plaza across from The Comeback Inn,
they can be reached at 248-889-9028 to schedule
an appointment.

Our thoughts and prayers are with
the family of Thomas E. Callan who recently
passed away. Tom spent years supporting
the growth and development of the town he
grew up in by participating in membership
with organizations such as the Chamber of
Commerce, Milford Jaycees, Rotary Club and
the Downtown Development Authority. He was
committed to maintaining the integrity of the
town’s history and also to guiding its growth to
serve coming generations. Tom will be missed
by many!

Community Sharing
is a local non-profit organization
that currently supports over 200
families in the Milford/Highland
area. Community Sharing partners
with different area businesses in the
Business of the Month Program
to spread awareness and accept
donations on their behalf. Here’s how
it works: Your business will be listed
as the Community Sharing Business
of the Month, flyers will be distributed
throughout the community describing
your business and/or services and
promoting the partnership with
Community Sharing in which you
will help to collect donations ( i.e.
non-perishable foods, gently used
seasonal clothing and cash donations).
A Community Sharing volunteer will
collect all donations on a weekly
basis. In return for your generous time
and efforts, your business will receive
recognition from the Huron Valley
Chamber of Commerce as well as a
photo in The Milford Times.
Business of the Month Participants:
January 2008 - William & Marie
Carls Family YMCA
February 2008 - Colasanti’s
On behalf of Community Sharing thanks to Allegra Print & Imaging
for also helping to promote and
support this endeavour.
If you are interested in participating or
have questions, please contact Susan
Stevens at CommunitySharing@gmail.
com or call 248-714-5671.
9
Welcome to our new Chamber members . . .
Huron Valley Pools & Fitness
Heartland Payment Systems
Papa Romano’s
Jeff Muck
5061 N. Duck Lake Road
Highland, MI 48356
phone: 248-676-8393
fax: 248-676-8453
www.huronvalley.k12.mi.us
fitness Mike Moses
5251 Pentwater Drive
Howell, MI 48843
phone: 248-410-1198
fax: 517-552-1753
www.heartlandpaymentsystems.com
credit card processing / payroll services
Hilda Shunia
134 W. Huron Street
Milford, MI 48381
phone: 248-684-7272
pizzerias
Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc.
Rodnick Chiropractic Life Center
Global Warming Salsa Co.
Lisa Schiller, Independent Associate
1458 Anchor Lane
Highland, MI 48356
phone: 313-550-0147
www.prepaidlegal.com/hub/lschiller
legal / identity theft plans
Dr. Adam Rodnick
2685 Union Lake Road
Commerce, MI 48382
phone: 248-366-6378
www.rodnickchiropractic.com
chiropractor
Dan & Cherie Houston
6900 Teluride Drive
White Lake, MI 48383
phone: 248-882-3266
www.globalwarmingsalsa.com
gourmet foods
Support Systems, Inc.
Amerifirst Home Mortgage
Real Estate One
Dr. Sueanne Magyar-Hill
317 Union Street, Ste. G
Milford, MI 48381
phone: 248-887-3000
psychologist
Chris Warzecha
1550 N. Milford Road, Ste. 102B
Milford, MI 48381
phone: 248-714-9728
fax: 248-714-9729
www.amerifirstmilford.com
mortgage banking
Nancy Hutchison
560 N. Milford Road
Milford, MI 48381
phone: 248-910-4971
fax: 248-529-6087
www.nancyhutchison.net
realtor
The Sierra Group LTD, LLC
Aubergine Gallery
Nail Effects
Vivian Muir
522 N. Main Street, Ste. 200
Milford, MI 48381
phone: 248-684-2400
toll-free: 888-684-2404
fax: 248-684-2401
estate planning
Janine Radzki
435 N. Main Street, Ste. 300
Milford, MI 48381
phone: 248-684-9340
www.auberginegallery.com
art
Stacy Gularski
1350 S. Milford Road
Highland, MI 48357
phone: 248-889-9028
nail salon
Coratti’s on Main
Home & Hospice Advantage
Biologix
Pete Coratti
335 N. Main Street
Milford, MI 48381
phone: 248-685-0989
fax: 248-684-3463
restaurants
Laurie Hudson, RN, Administrator
2753 S. Milford Road, Ste. B
Highland, MI 48357
phone: 248-684-7634
fax: 248-684-9514
www.hospiceadvantage.com
hospice and home health
Troy Powe
50168 Pontiac Trail
Wixom, MI 48393
phone: 248-275-8532
fax: 248-624-3399
biotechnology
Local Business Network
Prestwick Village Golf Club
Little Caesars Pizza
Sandra Simmons, Regional Director
5446 Bristol Parke Drive
Clarkston, MI 48348
phone: 248-620-6320
fax: 248-620-6321
www.locbusnet.com
business advocacy & referral organization
Bob Kraus
136 Inverness
Highland, MI 48357
phone: 248-887-4334 ext. 223
fax: 248-887-5211
www.pvgcc.com
golf academy / banquet facility
Michael Angona
630 Highland Avenue
Milford, MI 48381
phone: 248-685-0955
pizzerias
New continuing guest column series featuring news and information from our members!
LEGAL EASE
Common Reasons that Cause Business Partnerships to Fail, and How to Avoid Them
Small Businesses that are partnership-based are often plagued by problems. What was started with every expectation of success
degenerates into squabbles, lack of communication and a general breakdown of the partnership concept. Unfortunately, this tends to
lead to a reduction in business profitability, partner and employee stress, and sometimes a total business loss.
Why does this happen? In my experience as an attorney and as a small business owner, although the reasons are varied, ultimately
they come down to two main reasons: 1.failure to have a well-written partnership contract, and 2. lack of a comprehensive
business plan.
In both circumstances, having these would usually have either prevented the partnership problem altogether, prevented the problem
from becoming as big as it did, or possibly, even would have made the people involved re-think whether the partnership was right for
them.
When partners are family members or good friends, frequently no contract is ever executed because the relationship is supposed to be
based on trust. However, as I tell my clients and business students, “We often have misunderstandings and disagreements with our
loved ones. What makes you think that when money and livelihood are involved, this will be any different or better? Yes, you trust
one another—but get it in writing anyway!”
Alternatively, there may be a partnership agreement, but it doesn’t cover the issues relevant to that partnership. Many times, when
non-legal persons attempt to take on legal matters, there are gaps in the contract that cause major problems down the road. Every
business partnership is different; don’t make the mistake of thinking a fill-in-the-blank legal document is going to cover your situation.
The same holds true for business plans. I am consistently amazed at how many people jump into starting a business without doing
even the most basic of business planning. This is especially important with partnerships, because how do you and your partner know
where you’re going without a plan? How will you agree on the future of the business without one?
Even if you’re already in a business partnership, it isn’t too late to thoroughly document the rights and responsibilities of each
partner, or to review your current partnership agreement to see if it is sufficient to meet your future needs. Also, it is never too late
to do a business plan. Remember: contracts and plans are meant to be preventive maintenance for your business….use them to your
businesses’ advantage!
__
About the Author: Nicole Wipp is an attorney and small business owner in Milford. She has numerous articles of interest to
business owners on her website, www.wipplaw.com. She may be reached through her site or by phone at (248)787-0947.
like to be a guest columnist? contact laura at
248-685-7129, ext.104
Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce
317 Union Street
Milford, MI 48381
PST-STD
U.S. Postage
PAID
Milford, MI
Permit No. 16
To promote and support Huron Valley businesses in creating a better community.