 Hillsdale County Chamber of Commerce
22 North Manning Street
Hillsdale, MI 49242
Phone: (517) 437-6401 Fax: (517) 437-6408
www.hillsdalecountychamber.com |
2010 Chamber
Associate Members
  
2010 Chamber Partner Member
County National Bank  |
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A Note From Karri
 Dear Chamber Member,
The TUF program has officially been launched! Are you participating in this program? If not, it's not too late to get involved. This county wide shop local program is a great opportunity to promote your business. There is no cost to participate, you simply need to provide a discount on a product, program or service you offer in your business. Businesses can change their offer on a monthly basis. Consumers will purchase a wristband to wear to receive discounts. The first two weeks in May area school children are selling the wristbands as a fundraiser - $4 for every sale goes to the school. After that non-profits will be selling the wristbands also as a fundraiser. The first two weeks in May, you can purchase a wristband at the Chamber Office and designate which participating school you would like the $4 to go to. After the first two weeks, the $4 will go towards launching next year's program. We have over 130 businesses participating with more than 250 offers. The wristbands can be used as often as you like and are good for an entire year. The remaining $6 will be spent on marketing and administration of the program. We have launched a website - www.hillsdalecountytuf.com where all of the offers can be found. Enclosed in this newsletter is a list of the May offers. If you would like more information or if you would like to participate in the TUF program, give the Chamber a call at 437-6401.
The 12th Annual Business Expo was held on May 1 at the Hillsdale County Fairgrounds and was a great success. Area businesses set up display in the New Merchants Building. Businesses set up shop in the New Merchants Building - over 50 business people attended the VIP reception and 400 - 600 people attended the Expo. I have heard from several businesses who received multiple leads from the Expo. Thanks to all who participated.
We are making plans for the 19th Annual Car Show & Summerfest. The Jonesville Fire Department has agreed to host a chicken barbeque at the car show and we are working to secure a second band for the evening portion of the show.
We have sold tickets on the 1956 Ford Fairlane in 38 states so far - our goal is to reach all 50 states for the 3rd year in a row. This is our main fundraiser for the Chamber. The income helps to offset your membership dues. Recently you were mailed 9 tickets for the classic car fundraiser, please purchase the tickets to help support the efforts of your Chamber.
If there is anything we can do for you, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Respectfully,
Karri Doty, IOM
President/Executive Director
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Hello
Hillsdale County Lunch
May 27, 2010
11:45 AM Lunch Buffet
($10 per person)
Location: Warner's Family Restaurant
Speaker: TBA
Join us for lunch and network with other Chamber Members.
Please RSVP for this event by May 25th Register for this event by clicking this link!
Pre-payment or payment at time of breakfast is requested.
An additional $2 fee will be added for those being billed or for those without an RSVP.
Cancellations made less than 48 hours prior to the event and
no- shows will be billed $12.
2010
Hello Hillsdale County dates & locations
June 17
Breakfast
Johnny T's Bistro
July 22
Lunch
Hillsdale Golf
& Country Club
August 26
Breakfast
Saucy Dog's Barbeque
September 23
Lunch
Johnny T's Bistro
October 28
Breakfast
Warner's
Family Restaurant
November 18
Lunch
Saucy Dog's
Barbeque
December 16
Breakfast
Hillsdale Golf
& Country Club
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Michigan's New Web Site Gives Michigan Citizens an Elite Portal
Overhaul of Michigan.gov Improves Usability and Functionality
From: Kurt Weiss
Source: Michigan Newswire
Lansing - The State of Michigan launched an
improved Web site with the new design of Michigan.gov. The new look and functionality of the site gives Michigan citizens an elite portal to the information and services that they need the most. The new site was based on best practices in the Web design industry, providing a crisp and more intuitive site that provides greater ease of use.
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Welcome New Members
Blast Off Bounce Zone
Lizzie Youga
44 Monroe Street
Hillsdale, MI 49242
(517) 610-2979
Indoor Inflatable Party
& Play Center
Flying Colors Graphix
Nick Roden
204 Olds Street
Jonesville, MI 49250
(517) 849-9000
Graphic Design
Jonesville Wal Mart Subway
Amy Poore
701 Olds Street
Jonesville, MI 49250
(517) 849-9780
Restaurant
Spring Arbor University
Kris Rose
106 East Main Street
Spring Arbor, MI 49283
(517) 750-1200
4 Year University
The Salvation Army Thrift Store
Windy Tanner
92 North Broad Street
Hillsdale, MI 49242
(517) 439-1202
Thrift Store |
Sixty Eight Percent Is Yours To Keep
Source: Small Business Trends
By: Diane Helbig
Dan Kennedy conducted a study to discover why
clients leave their vendors. His findings were dramatic
Sixty eight percent of clients who leave do so because they feel unappreciated, unimportant, and taken for granted. Remarkable. So while you are working on the quality of your product, your pricing, and performance, give some thought to your customer service.
Read More
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What a Blog Can Do For Your Small Business
From: Darrell Zahorsky
Source: About.com
The blogging movement is picking up speed as businesses begin to realize the benefits of blogging. Discover what a business blog can do for you.
What is a Blog?
According to Pyra Labs Blogger, "A blog is a web page made up of usually short, frequently updated posts that are arranged chronologically-like a what's new page or a journal." The term is actually weblogs coined by Jorn Barger in 1997.
Read More |
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Did You Know???
JJ Hodshire will be leaving his post of Undersheriff at the Hillsdale County Sheriff Department on May 7, 2010 and will be taking a position at the Hillsdale Community Health Center? Josh Turner, Da Yoopers and Gary Lewis & the Playboys will be performing at the Hillsdale County Fair this year? Jonesville Riverfest will take place May 14, 15, 16? Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc. plans to create 185 jobs in
Calhoun, Hillsdale, Jackson and Monroe counties in the coming year? The Hillsdale County Chamber of Commerce launched the new shop local
program called "Hillsdale County TUF" at the 12th Annual Business Expo? Bill Whorley former Hillsdale City Police Department Deputy Chief recently
accepted the Undersheriff position at the Hillsdale County Sheriff Department? Beth Miller, MSN CS FNP WHNP will be joining Primary Care Associates of Jonesville on May 17? |
The 9 Personality Types of Entrepreneurs
From Darrell Zahorsky, former About.com Guide
Starting and growing your own business requires many skills to be successful. Take a look at the business personality types and find out what you need to succeed. Are you Bill Gates, a Visionary, or an Improver like Body Shop founder, Anita Roddick?
Your business personality type are the traits and characteristics of your personality that blend with the needs of the business. If you better understand your business personality, then you can give your company the best part of you. Find others to help your business in areas you aren't prepared to fulfill.
There are 9 key types of personality and understanding each will help you enjoy your business more and provide your company with what it needs to grow. This entrepreneur personality profile is based on the 9-point circle of the Enneagram.
Read More
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The views expressed in the Commerce Connection may not necessarily
reflect the views of the Hillsdale County Chamber of Commerce or its staff.
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Launched May 1st
"TUF"
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WIN THIS CAR!!!
The Hillsdale County Chamber of Commerce will be raffling off
a 1956 Ford Fairlane - June 2010 at the 19th Annual Hillsdale County
Car Show & Summerfest. If you would like to have this car on display at your business, please contact the Chamber at (517) 437-6401.
Reservations are on a first come first serve basis.
Raffle tickets have been mailed to all members.
Tickets are $10 each, 3 for $20, 9 for $50 or 25 for $100.
All tickets sold or unsold must be returned back to
the Chamber Office by June 4th.
Car to be raffled off June 27th at the 19th Annual
Hillsdale County Car Show and Summerfest.
Raffle License #R03575
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 You are invited to a
Business After Hours
hosted by:  
  
Come see Dr. Matthew McEachren's state of the art facility, meet his staff and learn how he can help to improve your smile and oral health.
Enjoy Cinco de Mayo style hospitality including frozen margaritas while networking with other Chamber Members.
 Please RSVP for this event by May 17th.
Click to Register
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A message from State Representative Ken Kurtz |
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The House of Representatives has been very busy lately with proposals to save money in our state. The first is a retirement incentive proposal. This proposal will effect both teachers and state employees. At this time it is not at all clear what that final version will include. The challenge we face is the ability to fund the wages of older workers when we are experiencing the current economic challenges. These bills will allow us to have more money from the School Aid budget going directly to the classroom. I have high hopes that this budget will be completed by July 1st.
I also supported a bipartisan package of bills to consolidate the House and Senate Business Offices. These bills are now in the Senate for consideration. The legislature is always asking local governments and schools to do more to consolidate and share services. It only make sense that the legislature do the same. This proposal will save nearly 2 million dollars.
As these proposals are moving we are headed into one of the most active political seasons in a long time. Every single state elected position will be on the ballot in 2010. I encourage everyone to not wait until the last minute to get know the candidates. It is very important for voters to know who they are voting for to shape the Michigan we desire for our future.
I will continue to be working to see that bills I have introduced make it through the appropriate committees. These bills include a bill to declare a section of M-99 to be named the "Hillsdale County veterans Memorial Highway", and a bill that will allow charitable organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity to have removed from the tax rolls land that is donated to them while they are building the home for a needy family. I also just introduced a bill that will not allow the state to take away burning barrels for the entire state. This continues to be a local issue not something the state should mandate.
Although our unemployment numbers remain very high, I am pleased that we are seeing manufacturing jobs beginning to come back and seeing expansions in Litchfield and Jonesville. New small business starts are also beginning throughout the county including in Camden and in Reading. I believe this is only the beginning. I will take much time but I do believe as we live within our means and not try to spend more that we have, better days will come.
As always it is a pleasure serving you as your State Representative.
If there is ever anything I can do to help you please feel free to contact me.
Kenneth Kurtz
State Representative 58th District
Phone: (517) 373-1794
Toll Free: (866) 362-8812
kennethkurtz@house.mi.gov |
 By Sen. Cameron S. Brown (R-Fawn River Township)
May 2010
In these economically challenging times, it is important to find ways to save money without jeopardizing the priorities established in the constitution. The $1.7 billion deficit in the 2010-11 budget, dictates that changes will have to be made in way we as a state fund programs and departments. Why not make changes that will save money, and cause little pain in the process? Election consolidation legislation that I sponsored, and that recently passed the Senate, will do just that.
Senate Bills 751-756 would move school board elections to regularly scheduled August and November election dates. By consolidating school elections we will save millions of desperately needed dollars for schools and Michigan taxpayers. In the midst of a financial crisis we must explore every opportunity to save tax dollars and ensure funds allocated to schools are going to the classroom and benefiting our children.
Currently, most schools hold school board elections in May. Turnout for these elections is often below 10 percent and the board of elections are often the only items on the ballot, meaning school districts must foot the bill for the election.
Approximately 110 of the roughly 600 school districts in the state have voluntarily moved their elections to August or November as a cost-saving measure. Estimates indicate that holding all school board elections in conjunction with August or November elections could reduce costs by more that $2 million.
The number of items on the ballot and voters coming to the polls in these May elections may be small, but the cost is certainly not-and schools and taxpayers are footing the bill. The savings achieved through consolidation will be better used in classrooms or returned to taxpayers.
I am honored by the trust you have placed in me to represent your interests in Lansing. As always, I encourage you to contact my office toll free at (866) 305-0316 to express your opinions or concerns.
Phone: 517-373-5932
Toll Free: (866) 305-0316
sencbrown@senate.michigan.gov
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 Featured Member
Flagstar Bank
Amber Holden
50 South Howell Street
Hillsdale, MI 49242
(517) 439-9349
The Hillsdale Branch of Flagstar Bank is a full service financial institution offering checking & savings accounts, certificates of deposit, annuities, mortgages, Christmas & holiday clubs and money market accounts. Flagstar Bank has a financial advisor on staff and they offer a Goal Getter CD program to help customers reach a targeted financial goal.
Flagstar Bank is a participant in the Try Us First "TUF" program and during the month of May they are offering: Any new checking account opened, scheduled financial advisor appointment or loyal savings opened with new money gets you 5 entries into a drawing for
$25 Chamber Dollars.
Branch Manager Amber Holden believes what sets Flagstar apart from other financial institutions is their customer service. Staff take pride in greeting their customers as they walk through the door and make it a habit to get to know they customers by name. They work to establish a
relationship with their clients to better meet their needs.
Amber says their hours are also a significant factor in their customer service as their drive through is open Monday through Friday 7:30 AM - 7:30 PM and Saturday from 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM and lobby hours are Monday through Friday 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM and Saturday from 8:30 AM to Noon.
Flagstar Bank also rewards their customers with a referral program. When customers refer a friend or family member and they open an account they receive $25. All customers who open a new checking account with direct deposits of $250 or more per month receive $100.
Flagstar Bank was recently voted #1 in customer service by J.D. Power and Associates and in honor of this achievement the Hillsdale branch will be celebrating May 10th through the 15th.
To find out more about the services that
Flagstar Bank offers, stop in and see Amber and her staff at 50 South Howell Street or give them a call at (517) 439-9349.
Interested in being a featured member? Please give Jon at call at 517-437-6401
or e-mail at jon@hillsdalecountychamber.com |
 HAVE YOU SEEN ME?
Spot Chamber Charlie in the newsletter
and call the Chamber to win!
Spot Chamber Charlie in this month's edition of the Commerce Connection,
be one of the first three to call the Chamber and correctly identify the location of Chamber Charlie and receive a free Chamber Lottery Ticket.
Awards and number of winners vary from month to month. One winner per year per company. For more information, give the Chamber a call
at (517) 437-6401
or e-mail Jon - jon@hillsdalecountychamber.com
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Advertising, Email Blast & Insertion Rates
Advertising
3" x 2 ½" ad in Commerce Connection ad provided by you (jpeg or PDF format) - $25
or 12 ads - one per month - 4 changes per year - $175
3" x 5" ad in Commerce Connection ad provided by you (jpeg or PDF format) - $42.50 or 12 ads - one per month - 4 changes per year - $410
3" x 7 ½" ad in Commerce Connection ad provided by you (jpeg or PDF format) - $60
or 12 ads - one per month - 4 changes per year - $510
E-mail blast
E-mail blasts will be sent once per week - $35 per blast
Inserts
Chamber composes & prints - (black print & 1 side) $165.00
(exclusive - no other inserts)
You compose & supply 250 copies, Chamber inserts & mails $125.00
(exclusive - no other inserts)
Chamber composes & prints (black print & 1 side) $115.00 (with other inserts)
You compose & supply 250 copies, Chamber inserts & mails $75.00 - Month
(with other inserts) $25 for ads created by Chamber Color printing - $25
Colored paper - $10 Second side printing - $10 black and white & $25 color
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Chamber Board of Directors and Staff
Executive Board of Directors
Chairperson - Jeff Layman - Layman's Service Center
Vice Chairperson - Joe Sanford - Century 21 Action Associates
Member At Large - Raymond Lee - Raymond Lee Custom Carpentry
Treasurer (Non-Voting) - Jeanne Mills - Bottom Line Business Service
Board of Directors
Scott Phillips - Coldwell Banker
Cyndi Young - WCSR
Michael Lee Thorp - The Plant Nook Florist
Chamber Staff
Karri Doty, IOM - President/Executive Director
Jon Doty - Administrative Assistant
Sarah Sanborn - Administrative Assistant
Kathy Spence -Administrative Assistant |
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