| Neighbors |
Among other good business news, it looks like the car wash business is booming in southwest Michigan. With St. Patrick's Day coming this week maybe all the "wearing of the green" will start the full green-up of our countryside. The muddy season is wreaking havoc on my car but I consider that a fair price to pay for the joy of living in the country.
While waiting in the car wash line, I started thinking of other joys we experience living in the country instead of a big city. When you buy a house in a large metropolitan area, you get a street name and number. When you buy a house in the country, you get history and neighbors. You know how it goes, everybody knows your house if you bought the old Smith place. If you see a stray dog in the city, you might avert your eyes or call animal control. If you live out here, you'll call him by name and take him home. If he's been out all night, you might share your sandwich too. Have you ever noticed how many times you hear about somebody lending a helping hand in time of need and later says, "I'm no hero"? I'm privileged to know a number of people just like that. You probably have your own stories about country neighbors looking out for each other.
The people of southwest Michigan make this the best place to live and do business. The second article below talks about an opportunity for us to pull together and support our local businesses just the way we support our friends and neighbors. Actually, these business owners are our friends and neighbors so please plan now to participate in this event - I'll be there so stop me and tell me why you love living here. If you tell me your dog's name, I'll bring him home if he's down my road.
See you at EXPOsing Greatness in May!
Shelley Klug |
| Berrien County Manufacturers Council Annual Meeting |
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The BCMC Annual Meeting is coming up March 22, 2010. If you have not already made plans to attend, please RSVP to Shelley Klug at 269-683-1833 or via email at southwesternalliance@gmail.com.
U.S. Congressman Fred Upton is the featured speaker at this annual event for manufacturers. The meeting provides important opportunities for networking with each other and to share ideas with Congressman Upton about doing business in Michigan. This breakfast meeting will be Monday, March 22 at 8:00 a.m. at the Orchard Hills Country Club in Buchanan. |
| EXPOsing Greatness! |
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Plans for the first annual Business to Business Expo for the Greater Niles/Buchanan area are well underway. The Expo is a collaborative event organized by the Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce, the Buchanan Area Chamber of Commerce, Lake Michigan College (Bertrand Crossing) and the Southwestern Michigan Economic Growth Alliance. The event is sponsored by United Federal Credit Union with UFCU employees actively participating in the organization of the event.
This venue is a perfect way for local businesses to support each other by taking an opportunity to look close to home for commercial, retail, and service needs. Exhibitors plan to bring their employees and are encouraging them to view other exhibitors' goods and services. The public is also invited to give exhibitors the opportunity to open new networks of customers. In addition to being a great promotional tool for business, the event promises to be fun with free food samplings, prizes, and music throughout. For more information and to register for booth space, please check out the website: www.exposinggreatness.com or by calling either Chamber of Commerce or the Southwestern Michigan Economic Growth Alliance at 269-683-1833. |
| SMEGA Annual Meeting |
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Save the date for the Annual Meeting of the Southwestern Michigan Economic Growth Alliance planned for April 21, 2010. The luncheon meeting will be held at Fernwood Botanical Gardens on Range Line Road. The keynote speaker is Mr. Greg Main, president of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Invitations with more information will be sent soon. |
| New Member! |
The Southwestern Michigan Economic Growth Alliance (SMEGA) is supported primarily by businesses in southwestern Michigan with a vested interest in the economic growth and development of the community. It is always a privilege to welcome new members and offer them the opportunity to share the highlights of their business. This month we welcome a brand new business in Niles - Acorn Services. Acorn Services is a fully insured local service-oriented company providing lawn care and plowing services for both residential and commercial. Owner Scott Powers can be reached at 269-591-0851 or through his email at acornservices.niles@gmail.com. The SMEGA website will soon feature a link to Scott's contact information. |
| Happy Employees |
One of our partner organizations, T-Factor, has put together some great ideas for happier, more productive work places. This business consulting group also has a new website! Check out these Top Ten Tips for happy employees. |
