 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,
Well the 19th Annual Car Show & Summerfest is n the books as a success! Over 330 vehicles participated in this annual two day event. Many other activities accompanied the show including a ribfest, two bands, games, silent auction, craft show, swap meet and classic car raffle and over 2,000 people attended. Thank you to all of the volunteers, sponsors and businesses who contributed to help ensure the success of this annual event. Tickets were sold in 48 states on the car raffle and the winner was Mike Miller of Fremont, Indiana. We unveiled our 2011 raffle car - a sassy grass green 1972 Plymouth Duster. Wait until you see this hot rod! Special thanks to Tom Vann of Team Hillsdale Chrysler, Nick Roden of Flying Colors Graphix, Roger Bradford of S & S Trophy, Greg Bennett of Gene's Service and Jeff Layman of Layman's Service Center for going above and beyond to ensure the car show and classic car raffle were successful.
Unfortunately, I don't have any new information to share with you regarding the Mitchell Building. The task force continues to meet and we are now waiting to hear from the Hillsdale city attorney regarding the task force's recommendations. I am hopeful to have information to take to the Chamber Board of Directors by the board meeting on July 15.
Mark your calendars for a "Hole Lot of Fun" August 13 as we are planning a joint golf outing with the Hillsdale County Sheriff Department's POLC at Mill Race Golf Course. This is an event you will not want to miss! Many events are scheduled including four hole-in-one contests.
We are in the process of coordinating a Meet The Candidates night for sometime later this month. We will keep you posted as more information becomes available.
The TUF program is going strong. We have added several new participating businesses this month and are looking to add another 15-20 next month. TUF is a win win program benefiting the consumer and business community. If you are interested in learning more about this program, please give me a call.
As always, if there is anything the Chamber can do to help you or your business, please give me a call.
Respectfully,
Karri Doty, IOM
President/Executive Director
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A tribute to Jack Barker
On June 16, 2010 - Hillsdale County experienced the loss of a great man.
When we think of Jack, many things come to mind - golf, Hillsdale College, traveling and story telling. When I think of Jack, I am always reminded of Walter Matthau
(in Grumpy Old Men). You see, anyone that encountered Jack may have thought the same thing, gruff voice, stern demeanor and a man that pulled no punches - Jack told it how it was - but that was just the cover - once you got to know Jack - there was a whole other side - a man with compassion, generosity, insight and humanity.
Not much seemed to rattle Jack.
Jack contributed to the betterment of Hillsdale County in many ways, both personally and professionally throughout his entire career. He was a charter member of the Hillsdale County Chamber of Commerce, served on Hillsdale City Council, was a member of the Hillsdale Rotary Club, Elks Club & Hillsdale Golf & Country Club. He also served as a board member for the Hillsdale Community Health Center. Jack was just retiring at the age of 73.
The end always comes sooner than we like, but this was truly too soon. We all could have spent more time learning from him. His insight, compassion, humor and innate ability to say what was on his mind was truly and inspiration to all who knew him.
Jack gave all in everything that he did and changed many lives - more than we will ever know. His memory will continue on; however he will be greatly missed.
Thank you Jack for all you gave, who you were, your passion for our community and your strong support of the Chamber! Farewell Walter, I will miss you. |
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Hello
Hillsdale County
Lunch
July 22, 2010
11:45 AM Lunch Buffet
($10 per person)
Location: Hillsdale Golf & Country Club
Join us for lunch and network with other Chamber Members.
Please RSVP for this event by July 16th
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
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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Small Business News: Basically Business
By: Small Business News
Source: smallbusinesstrends.com
There are basic things every small business needs. Some version of a business plan can be helpful as well as some sort of marketing. (Yes, this would include the social Web.) But how about good branding and operations including managing and leading your employees to achieve desired results? Today on the Small Business Trends roundup, we look at the latest on all these issues...and more. Come along and uncover the basics from the business
blogosphere. Learn the basics of small business today.
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20 Tips Your Small Business Can Use To Build Web Credibility
By: Prasad Thammineni
Source: samllbusinesstrends.com
A web site is a must have for any small business in
today's digital age but to stand out among the crowd you need to build credibility. That is, you need to come across as a company that can be trusted to do business with. When your website visitors trust you, you are more likely to convert those visitors into paying customers. Here are 20 tips that have worked for our company and I believe that will work for you as well:
1. Find a Good Name
The company name is usually the first impression the customer gets of your business. If you're going to plaster it all over the internet, be sure the name is easy to remember, spell, and more importantly is relevant to the products or service you are selling.
Read More |
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Did You Know???
Mike Miller of Fremont, Indiana was the winner of the Hillsdale County Chamber of Commerce 1956 Ford Fairlane raffle car?
The Hillsdale County United Way's Golf Outing will be held on July 12?
Hillsdale Board of Public Utilities received the Reliable Public Power Provider Award from the American Public Power Association (one of four public power utilities in Michigan to receive this award) providing consumers with the highest degree of reliable and safe electric service?
Robyn Duke has joined the Therapeutic Massage team?
Peter Beck (former Chamber Board Member) will be retiring from Hillsdale Community Schools after 32 years?
Over 150 businesses are now participating in the TUF program?
Reading Emergency Unit will host Camp 9 1 1 (a free camp for kids) on July 10 & 11?
The Grosvenor House welcomed the return of their19th century grand piano back to the museum after a two year restoration project.
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Consumers Win as Court of Appeals Rules Against
Michigan Basic's Rate Hike
June 10, 2010
Contact: Jason Moon 517-335-1700
http://twitter.com/miofir
http://www.youtube.com/miofir
LANSING - In a unanimous decision this week, the Michigan Court of Appeals upheld a 2008 order by OFIR Commissioner Ken Ross that denied Michigan Basic Property Insurance Association an 18.9% rate hike. In reversing the lower court, a Court of Appeals panel found that the Commissioner properly applied Michigan law when he ruled that Michigan Basic's ratemaking was fundamentally flawed.
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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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GOT GIRL SCOUT COOKIES??? 
The Chamber office has all 8 flavors of Girl Scout Cookies
$3.50 per box. Available Monday - Friday during normal business hours or by appointment.
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Launched May 1st
"TUF"
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AND THE WINNER IS!!!!
Mike Miller of Fremont Indiana was the winner of the
1956 Ford Fairlane Club Sedan
with ticket # 13544.
Thank you to all who purchased raffle tickets for your
continued support of the Hillsdale County
Chamber of Commerce.
If your business still has tickets on the 1956 Ford Fairlane - please return them to the Chamber Office as soon as possible.
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2011 Chamber Raffle Car Unveilled!!!!
This Sassy Grass Green 1972
Plymouth Duster will be raffled off at the
20th Annual Car Show & Summerfest
on June 26, 2011.
If your business would like to have this car on
display at your business, please contact the
Chamber at (517) 437-6401 or via e-mail to jon@hillsdalecountychamber.com
Tickets are $10 each, 3for $20,
9 for $50 and 25 for $100
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A message from State Representative Ken Kurtz |
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Summer has definitely come to us here in Hillsdale County. Along with it comes the opportunity to share our beautiful outdoors and welcome visitors to our beautiful communities. Many are planning on attending the various events that bring us together throughout our area.
Our community has much to be proud of and should enjoy our many opportunities.
As your Representative I will be very busy this summer as we continue to deal with the challenges of this economy and the budget process. There have been significant signs that show that Michigan is beginning to see numbers that show improvement to some degree. The unemployment number has dropped to 13.6% in the state. That number is still too high and I will continue to be on the side of encouraging business in Michigan by eliminating the business surcharge tax, working with others to tackle our overall tax structure within this state as well as dealing with the regulations that inhibit job growth.
I have co-sponsored legislation that passed in the House to open the opportunity for home baked goods and products to be sold at the likes of farmers markets, craft fairs, local festivals and events. This is a good opportunity in these times to allow families and individuals help to create some income without the barrier of additional licensing and regulations. A label must be on any food or product that says, "Made in a home kitchen that has not been inspected by the Michigan Department of Agriculture". This was a two
bill package HB 5280 & HB 5837.
I will look forward to seeing many of you throughout the summer and as
always feel free to contact me through my office
Phone: (517) 373-1794
Toll Free: (866) 362-8812
kennethkurtz@house.mi.gov |
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2010 RIBFEST WINNERS
Big Moe's BBQ of Kalamazoo
1st place - Judges Choice
Big Bears BBQ of Hillsdale
2nd Place - Judges Choice
Big Bears BBQ of Hillsdale
1st Place - People's Choice
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Featured Member
A Spectacular Event Party Rental
Todd & Amanda Shroats
400 Wright Street
Jonesville, MI 49250
(517) 849-7477
http://therentalstore.us/
In 2004, Todd & Amanda Shroats opened The Rental Store on Waldron street in Hillsdale. Realizing that the majority of their business was in renting tables, tents and chairs, Todd & Amanda transitioned their business into more of a party and event rental business. They later changed the name to A Spectacular Event Party Rental.
A Spectacular Event Party Rental specializes in party & event rentals. When their business started in 2004, their tent accommodations only allowed for up to 48 people. Today, they have tents to accommodate 30 - 300 people. They also have tables, chairs, and other party and event related items to insure your event will be unforgettable.
A Spectacular Event Party Rental's website has become a vital asset to their business, a s it not only has a complete inventory of their items available, but it also provides information on caterers, dj's & bands, photographers, and event locations making their website a one stop shop for all event needs.
Amanda says the biggest advantage customers receive when renting party equipment from A Spectacular Event Party Rental is the service that comes along with the equipment. They deliver and set up all equipment for their customers. They also provide a free layout service to help plan space and accommodations.
A Spectacular Event Party Rental believes in supporting the community that supports them and often donates their equipment and services to local community events. They are also a participant in the TUF shop local program. During the month of July take advantage of these specials:
*Free delivery on rentals over  $100 in Hillsdale County.
*Free sidewalls with Wedding Package (up to $100)
*4 hour Pitch Burst rental $75
*$25 off Castle Bounce House rental
*10% off any concession machine
(popcorn, snow cone or cotton candy)
To find out more about the services or products A Spectacular Event Party Rental has to offer, look online at http://therentalstore.us/
or give them a call at (517) 849-7477.
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Congratulations to our volunteer
Melissa "Mo" McKitterick
as she was a multiple medalist at
Special Olympics Summer Games! 
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Featured Member
Evergreen Manor
Terry Schollmeier
924 Charlie's Way
Montpelier, OH 43543
(419) 485-8307
Evergreen Manor located in Montpelier Ohio, opened in 1972 as a 53 bed residential
treatment facility. In 1993, the facility expanded to its current capacity of 73 beds.
Evergreen Manor is a Medicare and Medicaid certified facility specializing in short term rehabilitation & long term medical care & assisted living .
Some of the services offered to their residents include
Intermediate Care, Rehabilitation Services, Recreation Activities, Alzheimer's & Dementia Care, Meal Planning, Resident & Family Counseling, Vacation & Respite Stays & Hospice Care. They are the only regional facility with a full time speech therapist.
Evergreen Manor Administrator Terry Schollmeier says their service is second to none in part because of their dedicated care giver team. Some of his staff have been on site for over 14 years.
Residents are afforded all of the comforts of home
and Evergreen ensures this with the following
amenities: complimentary personal care items, daily housekeeping service, complimentary personal laundry service, beauty salon & barber shop, cable TV and telephone services are available , patio & courtyard, air conditioning, facility van for outings & local transportation. Smoking is permitted in designated
outdoor areas and in private rooms.
To find out more about the services Evergreen Manor has to offer give Terry Schollmeier or his staff a call at
(419) 485-8307 or stop by their facility at 924 Charlie's Way - Montpelier, OH and experience the Evergreen Manor difference where Care & Love Meet.
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 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 August 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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