 Hillsdale County Chamber of Commerce
22 North Manning Street
Hillsdale, MI 49242
Phone: (517) 437-6401 Fax: (517) 437-6408
www.hillsdalecountychamber.com |
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2011 Chamber Associate Members
 
2011 Chamber Partner Member
County National Bank
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February 2011
| Issue No. 2 |
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A
A Note From Karri
Dear Chamber Member,
I apologize for the delay in getting the newsletter to you this month. In this month's in print issue of the Commerce Connection, you will find a new layout and more content in which I hope you find even more appealing. Jon has worked diligently to improve the quality of our newsletter.
Tune in to WCSR on the 4th Thursday of each month for Chamber Chat. You will hear Chamber updates and information about your Chamber.
I am excited to present two new Chamber affinity programs. We have partnered with Merchant Solutions International (a Michigan based credit card processing company) to offer our members competitive credit card processing fees. A few members have already switched to their service and are saving hundreds of dollars annually. We have also partnered with Comcast to provide business class internet, digital voice, tv and spotlight advertising. Both of these programs are only available to Chamber Members at these competitive rates. I am also excited to announce we have partnered with HHS Business Professionals of America Club to offer our members graphic design, website and print media services at little to no cost.
If you still are interested in advertising in our phone directory, please give us a call at your earliest convenience. The sales canvass will be ending soon, so don't delay - call today!
If you are interested in learning more about any of the services I have mentioned, please give us a call. We will be glad to help. We are here for you in any capacity we can help.
There are a lot of great things happening at the Chamber and 2011 is already off to a great start. 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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Chamber
February Calendar of Events
February 3
Chamber Board of Directors Strategic Planning
February 9
Business After Hours***
Olivia's Chop House
205 East Chicago Street, Jonesville
February 10
Ribbon Cutting***
Hillsdale Glass & Door
1334 Hudson Road - Hillsdale
February 11
Used Car Sale Focus Group
11:00 AM - Chamber Office
February 13
Chamber Board of Directors
Strategic Planning
February 17
Chamber Board of Directors Meeting
7:30 AM - Chamber Office
February 23
Car Show Committee Meeting
6:30 PM
February 24
10:45 Chamber Chat
WCSR - 92.1 FM/1340 AM
February 24
Hello Hillsdale County
Lunch ***
11:45 AM - Olivia's Chop House
March 1 Ribbon Cutting*** 4:00 PM
Olivia's Chop House
205 East Chicago Street, Jonesville
*** indicates all may attend
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Hello
Hillsdale County
Leads Lunch
 February 24, 2011
11:45 AM Lunch Buffet ($10 per person)
Join with us for a fun and energetic networking lunch! Attend for the opportunity to connect with other individuals doing business
in our community.
Bring your business cards and be ready for a
productive & fun time! Please RSVP for this event by February 21st.
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.
Interested in promoting your business as a
sponsor of
Hello Hillsdale County?
Please contact the Chamber if you are interested.
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Member Checklist
* Attend a
Business After Hours
* Attend a Hello Hillsdale County Breakfast/Lunch
* Place business cards and/or brochures in the Chamber Office
* Place an ad in the Hillsdale County Chamber of Commerce Phone Directory
* Participated in the Chamber TUF program
* Supported a fellow Chamber member by purchasing a product or service from a member
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We are pleased to announce a partnership with
Hillsdale High School's BPA
(Business Professionals of America) Club.
Students put their skills to work for you
designing, creating and implementing logos,
websites, brochures.
These services are available at little to no cost.
If you are interested in any of these services, please contact the Chamber at 437-6401
for an application.
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Is Social Media Bringing Down Your Regime?
By: Jim Mathis Source:jimmathis.com
A look at today's headlines says it all. Social media assisted in bringing down the regime in Tunisia two weeks ago. Now the Egyptian government has shut down all internet communications to stave off their own demise.
People are rioting in the streets and the authorities are turning the communication lines OFF.
Read More
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How to Reduce Small Business Costs
10 Ways You Can Reduce the Cost of Running Your Small Business
By: Alyssa Gregory
Source: About.com Guide
Reducing costs in your small business and creating processes that will cost you less money over time doesn't have to take a lot of time or even a lot of effort. In many cases, it's about making smarter choices when deciding where to put your small business funds. Here is a look at 10 ways you can reduce business costs and improve your bottom line.
Read More |
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Superior Customer Service:
Strategies for Success
By: Barbara Wold
Barbara Wold International
"It is not necessary to change.
Survival is not mandatory."
W. Edwards Deming,
American statistician, professor, author, lecturer and consultant
Many experts believe that, while the global economy may have turned a corner, recovery will be prolonged and sluggish. Changing consumer attitudes and behavior will play a key role in setting the pace of recovery and generating new opportunities for growth.
Read More
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60 Seconds to a Better Office Space Design
By: Darrell Zahorsky
Source: About.com
With the growth of the Internet and other computing applications, small business and home offices today use computers in a wide range of business functions. According to research by U.S. Chamber of Commerce and IBM over 96% of small businesses have a personal computer. But does your office space design maximize your productivity and reduce stress?
Read More
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President Obama Addresses U.S. Chamber: Our View
By Tom Collamore (US Chamber)
February 7, 2011
The President strolled across
Lafayette Park this morning to speak to us here at the U.S. Chamber. He received a nice, warm introduction from more than 200 chamber members and staff and a gracious welcome from Tom Donohue, who noted that the tradition of Presidents visiting the Chamber goes back to President William Howard Taft in 1912.
"I'm here today," the President said, "because I'm convinced we can and must work together." We welcome and take seriously his commitment to working with the American business community, and there's no better place to deepen that relationship than right here at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Read More
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Welcome
New Member
Evergreen Pest Control
Kim Dunno
28 South Clay Street
Coldwater, MI 49036
(517) 278-8855
Pest Removal Service
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Chamber
Lottery Tickets
are currently on sale for March.
Tickets are $10 each and are good for the entire month of March. You can win multiple times during the month.
Proceeds benefit many service
organizations as well as the Chamber's general fund which helps sustain operations.
If you are interested in purchasing a lottery ticket, please contact any Chamber board member or call the
office at 437-6401 to get yours today.
Or you can purchase online by clicking the link below!
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Michigan HB 4158
The Chamber will continue to monitor this bill to regulate
certain pricing of consumer items and the advertising of consumer items, services, goods, merchandise andcommodities.
This bill will save Hillsdale County businesses thousands of dollars and other Michigan businesses more than $2 billion dollars.
We believe this is a wise
decision for businesses in
Michigan. Currently 49 other states work without this restriction. If we are going to move Michigan forward, we have to help businesses as much as possible and this is a step in the right direction.
What do you think? We want to hear from you. Please contact the Chamber and let us know your thoughts so your voice can be heard in Lansing.
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Have a topic you would like more information on or know of an article that could benefit your fellow Chamber Members?
Send your requests via email to Jon - jon@hillsdalecountychamber.com
with any topic requests or articles you wish to share and we will do our best to publish the information in the
Commerce Connection.
When submitting articles please include the author and source so that permission can be obtained for the usage of the material.
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Phone Directory Ad Upgrade Drawing
We will be hosting a drawing between now and March 31, 2011 for a free phone directory ad upgrade. Each time your company is represented at any of our Chamber events (January - March), your company will be put into a drawing to receive a free phone directory ad upgrade
(you must be a current advertiser to qualify).
Recruit a business to join the Chamber or advertise in our phone directory and receive five additional entries into the drawing. The business must
mention your name as a referral for you to receive entries.
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Interested in serving on the Expo, Car Show or TUF committee?
Would you like to serve as an ambassador?
Please call the Chamber at 437-6401 to learn more.
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Chamber
Testimonials
Chamber Staff.... "Thank you so much for all of your help, your input and ideas are much appreciated" TW - Hillsdale
Karri...."I just wanted to thank you so much again for your help. Our daughter-in-law is signing up for the sessions and was grateful for the
information you gave her. Again thank you!!"
MW - Jonesville
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Last chance to advertise in the
2011 Hillsdale County
Chamber of Commerce Phone Directory?
Time is running out to place your ad in the 2011 directory.
Don't be left out of the #1 Hillsdale County
Phone Directory.
Contact Larry Mears at the
Hillsdale County Chamber of Commerce today at
(517) 437-6401
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Jill Taylor of County National Bank was promoted to Marketing
& Public Relations Officer?
Rick Tropiano from Johnny T's has entered into a partnership with the Hillsdale Golf
& Country Club and will be assuming the restaurant operations?
Clor's Outpost has been named Ping's Regional Club Fitter of the Year?
Robert Henthorne - Superintendant of the Hillsdale County ISD will be retiring after nearly 10 years of service in June?
After 33 years of service Terry Helmick of Stillwell Ford retired on January 27th?
Glory to God's building across from their main location on Lewis Street in Hillsdale is now home to RC car racing on Friday nights and is the only location within 100 miles to offer this service?
The Hillsdale Housing Commission - Hilltop Apartments has become smoke free on the grounds and in the public areas of the building and will ban all new tenants from smoking in their apartments?
Olivia's Chop House was awarded a $10,000 façade improvement grant from the Jonesville DDA to assist in the cost of construction.
Just as Nice - a used clothing store has opened in Waldron and all
proceeds from the business will go to benefit the Village of Waldron and Waldron Area Schools?
Ronald R. Reed Appointed President and Chief Executive
Officer of Century Bank and Trust?
Hillsdale Hornet Booster Club is selling raffle tickets for their
annual fundraiser to help fund HHS athletics. To purchase a ticket,
contact Jeff or Debbie Layman at 437-3821.
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Featured Member
Camden Publications
Julia Hite
331 East Bell Street
Camden, MI 49232
(517) 368-0365
In 1898, the Farmers Advance began publication in Camden Michigan. The Farmers Advance is a weekly publication featuring agricultural news, market information, auction listings and classifieds. In 1982, the Farmers Advance evolved into Camden Publications. Camden publications still prints and home delivers the Farmers advance and until recently the Equine Times which ended a nearly 25 year production run.
Camden Publications is also home to Camden Printing a local full service printing company capable of printing products from business cards to multipage forms.
Camden printing also specializes in coroplast yard signs, vehicle signs and magnetic signs. Camden Printing also produces vinyl banners.
Camden Publications offers their customers small friendly service with big city services at affordable and competitive rates.
To find out more about the Farmers Advanceor the products and services Camden Publications and Camden Printing have to offer,
or to get a quote give Julia Hite or her staff a call at (517) 368-0365.
 
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Do you have a product, program or
service you would like others to know about?
Call the Chamber today to become a
featured member at 517-437-6401.
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The views expressed in the Commerce Connection may not necessarily reflect the views of the Hillsdale CountyChamber of Commerce or its staff. |
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Pre-Grand Opening Business After Hours
Rescheduled
February 9th - 5:30 to 7:30 PM
205 East Chicago Street - Jonesville
Enjoy hors d'oeuvres & spirits
Network with other Chamber Members while
getting a preview of Olivia's Chop House
prior to the grand opening.
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By S en. Bruce Caswell
February 1, 2011
The Senate opened the new two-year legislative session on January 12. At this point we are awaiting the first bills to advance through committee in order to vote on them. I have had numerous meetings each day, working on laying the groundwork for the upcoming budget. I have been appointed to the Senate
Appropriations Committee through which all the budget bills must pass
before the full Senate can vote on them. With the ongoing financial difficulties the state faces, we have our work cut out for us this session. I have been named the chairman of the Department of
Human Services subcommittee and the vice-chairman of the Department of Community Health subcommittee, the School Aid subcommittee, and the
Retirement subcommittee. Each of the budgets covered by these subcommittees has its own unique issues and I have been working hard to uncover where we can make each department more efficient in order to cut costs and save the taxpayers money.
As always, my office is open to anyone seeking assistance. My toll-free phone number to my Lansing office is 1-866-305-0316 and the fax is (517) 373-5944. You may email me at SenBCaswell@senate.michigan.gov
If you send an email, please indicate your name, address, and a phone number at which we may reach you.
My mailing address is: P.O. Box 30036, Lansing, MI 48909. Sign Up For Email Updates From
Senator Bruce Caswell Senator Bruce Caswell invites
citizens to sign up for email updates on his website: http://www.SenatorBruceCaswell.com. Visitors to the website will find a link to a sign-up form on the right hand side of the main webpage and also a graphic link mid-page that they can click to take them to the form. Sen. Caswell plans to send out a periodic email to update citizens on legislative items of interest and things happening at the Capitol. |
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The Chamber is pleased to announce a new partnership with
They offer: Business Class Internet (one free month of service per year)
Business Class Digital Voice (one free month of service per year)
Business Class TV (one free month of service per year)
Spotlight Advertising (10% discount on advertising packages) For more information contact Dan Campbell at 248-331-6979
Or e-mail - Daniel_Campbell@cable.comcast.com
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A message from State Representative Ken Kurtz
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January 25, 2011 During the last month, much has been put into place in
respect to committee assignments and so forth within the
state legislature. I will serve as Chair of the Families, Children,
and Seniors Committee. I will serve on the Agriculture Committee
and the Health Policy Committee as well. I expect to be very busy working
with my colleagues within these committees as we strive to address and
consider the important issues that come before us. I am optimistic that
good, common sense ideas will be thoroughly considered and moved
through these committees to the benefit of Michigan's citizens.
On January 19th, Governor Rick Snyder delivered his first State of the
State Address. I personally watched and listened with many others within
the House Chamber as Governor Snyder began to lay out his plan for
reinventing Michigan. He proposed elimination of the Michigan Business
Tax along with the "MBT Surcharge" and replacing it with a simpler corporate
income tax. He focused on economic "gardening" as compared to economic
"hunting." In other words, let's not neglect those businesses which already have
their roots established in Michigan for the sake of luring companies which may or may not stay
here. The Governor presented a number of ideas, and I was especially encouraged with his
attention to agriculture as a big part of Michigan's economic growth. The Republicans in the
House of Representatives are eager to work with the Governor on many of the issues he
presented. The idea of accountability and measurable results from every area of state government
is one that I believe we will all be constantly reminded of in the months ahead.
I just recently introduced a House Bill which would allow a business to have a sign of less than
forty square feet on private property without a state required permit. These signs would still fall
under the regulation of local ordinances within a city, township, village, etc. Our businesses must
be encouraged and have every tool necessary to succeed. The requirement for a "billboard permit" on signs that have been in place for, in some cases, a number of years is not encouraging
to our business owners. Businesses within Branch and Hillsdale Counties have been threatened
with fines and/or having their signs removed if a valid permit was not on file with the state. As it is,
Michigan has a limited number of permits available, and these businesses couldn't get a permit if
they tried. I believe this is a common sense change that needs to happen, and I am hopeful this
can be passed into law relatively soon.
In the month of February, we will be presented with Governor Snyder's budget proposal.
This should provide a clearer direction as to how the Governor plans to address a 1.5 to 1.8
billion dollar budget deficit. One theme that has been consistent throughout Governor Snyder's
first month is that he is striving for a corporate tax that is simple, fair and efficient. The challenge is
substantial, but I believe the desire to see Michigan return to a thriving and prosperous state is
evident within the legislature and the new administration.
As always feel free to contact me through my office.
Kenneth Kurtz State Representative 58th District Phone: (517) 373-1794 Toll Free: (866) 362-8812 |
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The Chamber is pleased to announce
a new partnership with
They offer competitive credit cardprocessing rates.
This Michigan based company offers a turn-key solution for merchants, with a
wide array of products and services to fit your business. Their goal is to increase
your customer's conveniences thus enhancing your profitability.
To learn about competitive credit card processing rates for your company, call
Marlene Oxender at 419-699-0248.
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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 - Joe Sanford - Century 21 Action Associates
Vice Chairperson -Cyndi Young - WCSR
Member At Large - Jeff Layman - Layman's Service Center
Member At Large - Raymond Lee - Raymond Lee Custom Carpentry
Treasurer -Eric Potes - County National Bank
Board of Directors
Scott Phillips - Coldwell Banker
Michael Lee Thorp - The Plant Nook Florist
Chamber Staff
Karri Doty, IOM - President/Executive Director
Jon Doty - Administrative Assistant
Kathy Spence -Administrative Assistant
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