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Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce
March 22, 2010
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Contact Us
71 Walnut, Suite 110
Rochester, Michigan 48307
W: www.rrc-mi.com
E: info@rrc-mi.com
P: 248-651-6700
Thank you to our February 2010 Renewing Members
BD's Mongolian Barbeque

Bear Creek Management, LLC

Beaumont Hospital

Chase - Rochester

ConferenceDirect

Dr. Shary Henderson, DDS

eChamber Connect

Edward Jones Investments

EEI Global

Eisenhower Dance Ensemble

Fidelity Bank

Focal Pointe Project Management Solutions

Froggy's Toy Stop

Habitat for Humanity Oakland County

Heart of the Hills Barbershop Chorus

Hollywood Markets

Jonathan R. Crane, P.C.

Kendal & Co.

LEGEND The Band

Lewis Travel

Life Time Fitness

Media Concepts, Inc.

Michigan United Physicians, PC - Kumar

Motor City Landscape Design & Installation

Mr. B's Food & Spirits

North Oakland Family YMCA

Nuisance Wildlife Service

Rick Young & Associates - Butler

Rochester Area Neighborhood House

Shaklee

SJ Video Productions

Strategic Funding

Successfully Single, Inc.

Sunrise Assisted Living of Rochester

The Painted Pot

Wal-Mart

Waltonwood at University

Web Litho, Inc.

Chamber Essential Tool   Auto Alley Logo  SLBC Logo

Greetings!

Sheri Heiney, Executive Director
The 2010 Chamber Golf Outing is quickly approaching and with the wonderfully warm weather we've been having, I'm sure you are all excited to get out on the course!  Please see the detailed flier below on ways to become involved.  Contact the Chamber office at info@rrc-mi.com for more information.

We've launched a new online coupon program.  Advertise your product or service on the Chamber's website and become part of the shopLocal buyChamber community for only $100 per year!  See flier below or contact Anne Burns for details. 

Please join us online on the following sites -
www.rrcmi.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/RochRegChamber

Click here to view our FaceBook page!  Please join us on FaceBook!  We have a goal to have the largest Chamber FaceBook community.
 
Everyone, don't forget we have a section on our website for job postings.  Click here to see our listings. 

Grow Your Business with netSuccess!

Sheri Heiney, Executive Director

 Downtown Rochester
DDA Logo
Thank you to our Partners!

Sponsor Logos_2010

Featured Business of the Month - Great Oaks Country Club
GOCC_4
Featured Business of the Month - ACT NOW!
This advertising space could be yours! 

Featured Business of the Month
and
Retailer of the Month

ads now available! 

Contact Anne Burns at anneb@rrc-mi.com for details.

Featured Business of the Month
Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce
Blue Cross Blue Shield
BCBS LOGO

Through the Chamber, members have access to the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan insurance program with the most coverage options, best available price and a host of services to compliment their health insurance plan.
    
The Chamber program has a full suite of products for businesses of all sizes.  Choose from a menu of PPO, HMO, and consumer-directed options.  Individuals can also access the full MyBlue portfolio. Dental, vision and prescription drug plans are available to accompany medical coverage.  

Members in the Chamber's health program also benefit from services designed to save time and reduce liability.  Working in partnership with the Chamber's insurance service center, and in cooperation with your agent, members have a dedicated resource for benefit questions and billing inquiries, employee additions and change of status requests.  

For more information call (888) 844-1530 or visit www.mibenefitadvisor.com/rochesterregionalchamber.

Click here for six reasons to join the Chamber's healthcare program.
Upcoming Chamber Events & Networking Opportunities
Click here to register online!  Registration required for all meetings and events.  Please note, for events with fees, registration MUST be cancelled 24 hours in advance to avoid late charges.

Monday, March 22, 2010
Chamber Orientation    
9:00 - 10:00 a.m. - 9 am session FULL, please register for the 4:00 pm session.
4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Chamber Office
71 Walnut, Suite 110
Rochester, MI 48307
No charge

Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Understanding the basics of wireless: iPhones, Netbooks, Blackberries, and Beyond    
8:00 - 10:00 a.m.    
Oakland Community College
Student Center, room G-240
Campus Map (closest parking is lot #14)
2900 Featherstone
Auburn Hills, MI 48326
To register for this event:
1.Go to Oakland Community College website: www.oaklandcc.edu
2.Click on "Online Services" link
3.Click on "Continuing Education (Non-Credit)" link
4.Click on "Register for Company Sponsored Workshops and Seminars" link
(Company code is: NCQD1)

Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Marketing Resource Group refreshments donated by Whole Foods Market
8:30 - 10:00 a.m.    
Fieldstone Winery
223 S. Main St.
Rochester, MI 48307

Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Spirit at Work refreshments donated by Whole Foods Market
4:00 - 5:00 PM    
Chamber Office
71 Walnut, Suite 110
Rochester, MI 48307
No charge

Friday, March 26, 2010
Coffee Talk sponsored by Flagstar Bank
8:30 - 10:00 a.m.
St. John Lutheran
1011 W. University Dr.
Rochester, MI 48307
No charge

Friday, March 26, 2010
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
5:30 p.m.
Rochester Holistic Arts
118 Terry Ave., Ste A
Rochester, MI 48307
No charge
Coffee Talk
 
Coffee Talk_March 2010

 
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Rochester Holistic Arts
  Roch Holistic Arts Ribbon Cutting
New Program - Chamber Online Coupons!
 
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Chamber Golf Outing!
Golf Outing 2010
Business Women's Roundtable Sponsorship Available!
 
BWR Sponsor Flier_030810
 

 
Orientation Ad
 
Chamber Starts Social Team Bowling - Join Now!
 
Chamber Bowling Ad
 
Oakland Community College Chamber Seminar Series
 
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Royal Park Hotel and Rochester Mills Beer Co. team up to present a night of locally brewed beer and food pairings in a strolling dinner experience.
On March 23, 2010 Royal Park Hotel will host local Brewmaster Eric Briggeman, President of the Michigan Brewers Guild. Eric will present 7 different selections from the Rochester Mills Beer Co., located in downtown Rochester, Michigan. Eric has been Brewmaster at the Rochester Mills for 13 years and recently has been elected to the Board of Directors of the Michigan Brewers Guild for his 4th consecutive two-year term. Highlights for the dinner include the Mills signature Rochester Red, Wits Organic, Paint Creek Porter and the creamy Milkshake Stout.

Chef Colin Brown of Royal Park Hotel and his team have created an array of delicious small plates to complement the beer selections. Featuring many locally produced Michigan products; selections include Smoked Whitefish Canapés, Pear & Walnuts Salad with Goats Cheese and Sweet Harvest Light Vinaigrette, Beer-Braised Smoked Brisket of Beef with Onion Beer Bread and many more savory delights. The "dessert" beers will be complimented with Royal Park Hotel house-made treats including Warm Mini Chocolate Cakes with Grand Marnier Truffle, Sweetheart Cherry Pies and Chocolate Cheesecake Lollipops.

At just $40 inclusive per person, this Strolling Beer Dinner is sure to be a sell out. For reservations and more information on this unique dining opportunity, call Royal Park Hotel at (248) 652-2600.
Genisys Named Rochester Christmas Parade Presenting Sponsor

Genisys_Christmas Photo Linda Zabik, Manager of Public Relations & Community Involvement, Angela Swain, Rochester Hills (Avon) Branch Manager, Jennifer Robert, Director of Operations (East Region), Dennis LaPorte, Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce Chair, & Keri Marentette, Rochester Hills (Crooks) Branch Manager, pose as the chamber presents Genisys with an award for their sponsorship of the 2010 Rochester Christmas Parade.

Auburn Hills, MI, March 19, 2010 - Genisys Credit Union will be the presenting sponsor for the 2010 Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade and the co-presenting sponsor for the Grand Marshal Celebration. "Genisys Credit Union's presenting sponsorship of this community-wide endeavor cannot be underestimated," said Tim Crawford, Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade Chairman. "We are very grateful that they chose to support the greater Rochester area, and the tens of thousands of parade attendees, volunteers and participants."

The parade, which is the largest Christmas Parade in Michigan, will be held on Sunday, December 5, 2010 in downtown Rochester. The Grand Marshal reception will kick off the festivities on Thursday, December 2, 2010 at Great Oaks Country Club. "Genisys is excited to be the presenting sponsor at the Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade this year," said Lon Bone, Vice President of Public Relations & Community Involvement. "It's a great way to celebrate the holiday season and give back to the greater Rochester area where we have two branch locations."

Around 3,000 people including families, businesses and organizations come together to partake in the yearly parade with thousands of spectators braving the cold to watch the magic of the holiday season.
If you are interested in participating in the 59th annual parade this year or would like to nominate a Grand Marshal, please contact Anne Burns at (248) 651-6700 or anneb@rrc-mi.com. You can also check out the website at www.rochesterregionalchamber.com.

Genisys Credit Union is glad to be part of your community, and we truly believe that Genisys is "where you come first." Follow our community involvement on Facebook at www.facebook.com/genisyscu and Twitter at www.twitter.com/genisyscu to find out what's going on in your neighborhood. A calendar of events can also be found on our Web site at www.genisyscu.org.

# # #
Attention Networkers!

Attention Networkers! Get the latest on ROTH IRA CONVERSIONS and TAX INCENTIVES ON NEW HOME PURCHASES by Industry Experts at this FREE SEMINAR. Networking Group 6 is sponsoring this event at the Rochester Community House on Wednesday, March 24 at both 5:30 and 7:30 pm. If you, or someone in your network, would be interested in this FREE SEMINAR, please rsvp to Dawn Schricke of HR Block at dawn.schricke@hrblock.com. Group 6 targets networking opportunities with business owners, wealthy individuals and other movers and shakers in our community. If you're looking for a networking group that goes beyond traditional networking, send an email to david@therandolfgroup.com to learn more about joining this dynamic group. We are expanding, but space is extremely limited!

###

Royal Park Hotel and Rochester Mills Beer Co. team up to present a night of locally brewed beer and food pairings in a strolling dinner experience.
On March 23, 2010 Royal Park Hotel will host local Brewmaster Eric Briggeman, President of the Michigan Brewers Guild. Eric will present 7 different selections from the Rochester Mills Beer Co., located in downtown Rochester, Michigan. Eric has been Brewmaster at the Rochester Mills for 13 years and recently has been elected to the Board of Directors of the Michigan Brewers Guild for his 4th consecutive two-year term. Highlights for the dinner include the Mills signature Rochester Red, Wits Organic, Paint Creek Porter and the creamy Milkshake Stout.

Chef Colin Brown of Royal Park Hotel and his team have created an array of delicious small plates to complement the beer selections. Featuring many locally produced Michigan products; selections include Smoked Whitefish Canapés, Pear & Walnuts Salad with Goats Cheese and Sweet Harvest Light Vinaigrette, Beer-Braised Smoked Brisket of Beef with Onion Beer Bread and many more savory delights. The "dessert" beers will be complimented with Royal Park Hotel house-made treats including Warm Mini Chocolate Cakes with Grand Marnier Truffle, Sweetheart Cherry Pies and Chocolate Cheesecake Lollipops.

At just $40 inclusive per person, this Strolling Beer Dinner is sure to be a sell out. For reservations and more information on this unique dining opportunity, call Royal Park Hotel at (248) 652-2600.
Welcome New Chamber Members
Farmers Insurance Agency
Fadia Meyou-Abushukur, Insurance Specialist    
70 West Long Lake Rd., Ste. 116    
Troy, MI 48098    
248-906-1166    
Insurance Services
                                
Meadow Brook Theater Guild
Judy Dery, Corresponding Secretary
Maryann Foxlee, President
PO Box 80933
Rochester, MI 48308
248-370-3349
www.mbtheatreguild.com    
Non-Profit                    

Green Leaf Salon & Spa
Krenar Vasha, Owner
4862 N. Adams Rd.
Rochester, MI 48306
248-364-4772
www.greenleafssalonandspa.com
Salon & Spa
March Business Workshops Offered By Oakland County
Waterford, Michigan - February 8, 2010 - Business owners and entrepreneurs who need assistance are invited to attend seminars in March, 2010 offered by the Oakland County Business Center. Business Basics workshops are now offered in the evenings on alternating months.

QuickBooks® Essentials - This introduction to small business financial management provides an overview of accurate recordkeeping, report interpretation and utilization, and management of the variety of tools provided in this system. Presented by Kildal Services, LLC.
Session I
·    Basic accounting terminology
·    New company file setup
·    Customizing forms and letters
·    Working with bank accounts
Session II
·    Invoicing customers
·    Receiving payments & making deposits
·    Entering vendor bills/paying vendor bills
·    Using credit card accounts

Thursday, March 25, 2010
Session One from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Session Two from 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Oakland County Executive Office Building Conference Center,
2100 Pontiac Lake Road, west of Telegraph, Waterford.
For pre-registration and location specifics, visit our website at oakgov.com/peds/calendar, or call (248) 858-0783.
Session I: $40/person, Session II: $40/person
Both Sessions: $75/person. No refunds.
Includes:  60 day QuickBooks®  software demo
Laptop highly recommended.

The Web site address for Oakland County Planning & Economic Development Services Workshops is www.oakgov.com/peds/calendar.

###
Green Careers Fair presented by the Rochester Area Jaycees
Green Career Fair

MEMBER ADVERTISEMENTS


Dear Friend,

I am delighted to invite you to join as a supporter of the Oakland University Alumni Association Scholarship Auction.  This inaugural event will take place on Friday, April 16, 2010 at the Royal Park Hotel in Rochester.

The event will draw OU Alumni as well as donors, dignitaries and community leaders who will enjoy an evening of great food, fun and entertainment.  The evening will include a silent and live auction.  

In a year where the economic climate has challenged students to attend college, it is of vital importance that we raise money to offset educational costs.  Our scholarship fundraiser will assist the best and brightest in the state as well as those with financial need.  Our goal for the event is to raise $50,000 for the Scholarship Fund and we can't reach this goal without your help.  
 
In order to achieve this goal, we are asking for your help by donating a silent auction item.  Your generosity will help to make a difference in our students' lives.  

As an auction donor, you will receive recognition with your name in the event program book.  To participate, please complete the enclosed form and return it in the self-addressed envelope or fax to (248) 364-6141.

Please feel free to contact Katie Groves, special events director, at (248) 364-6109 with any questions you may have.  

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Adrienne Bass
Director, Alumni Relations


Net proceeds benefit the Oakland University Alumni Association Scholarship Fund.

"Little Women" to grace OU's Varner Studio Theatre stage

The March sisters will share their story on Oakland University's Varner Studio Theatre stage in a production of "Little Women," a musical based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott, March 18-28, 2010.

"Little Women" follows the lives of the March sisters - Jo, Meg, Amy and Beth - and their beloved Marmee as they muddle through life in Concord, Massachusetts while their father serves during the Civil War. The OU Department of Music, Theatre and Dance is pleased to continue its relationship with Terptheatre, and will present a shadow-signed performance on March 28, 2 p.m. TerpTheatre's team of sign language interpreters specialize in Shadowing - instead of interpreting off to the side of the stage, they're included on-stage and move throughout the actors. The interpreters are costumed, and blend into the cast.

Performances are scheduled:
Wednesday, March 24, 2010 · 8 p.m.
Thursday, March 25, 2010 · 8 p.m.
Friday, March 26, 2010 · 8 p.m.
Saturday, March 27, 2010 · 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Sunday, March 28, 2010 · 2 p.m. (shadow interpreted performance)

Directed by Michael Gillespie with musical direction by Fred Love, "Little Women" was written by Allan Knee, with lyrics by Mindi Dickstein and music by Jason Howland.

Tickets $17 General Admission, $9 Students and $7 all 10 a.m. matinee seats. General admission tickets may be purchased on-line with no service fee. To reserve or for more information, visit oakland.edu/mtd and click on "Tickets" in the left-side menu. Oakland University is located at 2200 N. Squirrel Road in Rochester.

Consolidated Financial Management & Tax Service
 
Timo
 
Proenergy Consultants
    

ProEnergy_022210
BizMatchConnect

Biz_Match_030810
eChamber Connect
eChamber_Dream
The MYTH Golf & Banquets
The Myth_March 2010
Whole Foods Market
 
Whole Foods_020110 
MG Photography
 
MGPhoto_022210 
Trent Design
 
Trent Design_011110 
Amazing Michigan Race
 
Amazing Race_030810 
The Phone Guy
 
Phone Guy_032210 
Time to make a reservation for your......
SUMMER VACATION!
 
Carol's Condo* Think about the mile of warm sandy beach on the shore of Little Traverse Bay, Lake Michigan in beautiful Harbor Springs.

* Picture you and your friends and family swimming, sail boarding, bike riding, hiking through the lush forest, stream side of the condo.

* Spend the day at the private beach house, walking distance from condo, or grill out on the beach and enjoy the long summer evenings. 

* Across from the condo on the other side is an outdoor swimming pool and pool house, next to the tennis courts and indoor pool, Jacuzzi and sauna.

* Choose Harbor Springs & Petoskey for shopping, dining and entertainment (or try your luck at the Odawa Casino in Petoskey).

3.5 Bedrooms, 2.5 baths
completely appointed for your holiday enjoyment.   JUST SHOW UP!

Saturday to Saturday Summer bookings available.
Phil Lowman 248.705.7752 or Carol Lowman 248.505.5950

Time to Fix the Deck!  
Dillman & Upton hosts FREE seminar for homeowners
Remodel, reface and hit your new deck this summer!  Celebrating its 100th Year Anniversary as a family-owned company, Dillman & Upton is proud to continue its perennial FREE Deck Clinic where you can learn all about fixing or building a deck.  Thursday, March 25, at 7 pm Dillman & Upton gathers its best deck builders and specialists to educate homeowners about material choices, costs and construction options.   You'll be able to ask lots of questions in a fun, small group setting as you rotate through learning stations around the Design Center.   

"The great thing about our Deck Clinic is that many of our experienced Deck Builders are on hand with their portfolios of recent projects.  It's a convenient opportunity for homeowners to meet and talk with them in addition to learning about all the material options," says Brad Upton.

Dillman & Upton has the best deck displays in southeast Michigan featuring the latest maintenance free materials, railing systems, lighting and decorative hardware.  New this year is their exclusive Deck Design Packages and Rebates and a Deck Center featuring take-home sample boards and their signature GREEN Decking.  

Clinic attendance is limited. To make your reservation, call or visit the Dillman & Upton Home Center at 607 Woodward Street in Downtown Rochester, 248.651.9411. Or register on line at www.dillmanupton.com.

# # #
Brooksie Way Half Marathon and 5K - October 3, 2010
Brooksie Way Half Marathon and 5K - October 3, 2010
Online registration is now available for the third running of the Brooksie Way Half Marathon and 5K. 

Join thousands of area runners as they begin the race at Oakland University and traverse the cities of Rochester Hills, Rochester, the Clinton River Trail and the Paint Creek Trail. 

Early Bird Special - Online processing fees waived until May 1st! Save $30.00 over race weekend price.  Featuring a new look Brooksie Way t-shirt and expanded post race festival.

Register today at www.thebrooksieway.com.
Non-Profit Advertisements
Sponsored by: Fox Automotive Group
www.autobyfox.com   (248) 656-0400
Easter Egg Hunt

Flagstar_Easter_030810



Easter Egg Hunt

YMCA Mom-to-Mom Sale




Paint Creek Center for the Arts

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Community Organization Resource Exchange
CORE



Make Plans to Participate in Michigan's Largest Earth Day Celebration
Make plans to participate in Michigan's largest Earth Day Celebration, on April 23-25, 2010, celebrating what is working in our community and showcasing leadership in green business, government and non-profit programs. The MI Earth Day Fest will welcome to downtown Rochester an anticipated audience of 100,000 people from around Michigan, eager to learn about green and healthy living. Businesses and organizations committed to the triple bottom line-people, planet and prosperity-are invited to sponsor and exhibit. Gain the benefits of exposure, recognition, sales, community service, networking and association with this high-profile, family-friendly event. For information, visit www.miearthday.com or contact Steve Rogge at steve@trigreen.biz or 248-535-9390.
Lighthouse's Hunger Walk Focuses on Charity and Fun
PONTIAC - Fighting hunger will be fun for supporters of Lighthouse of Oakland County who can take part in its "Walk 'n Wings" activities as part of the 28th annual Hunger Walk this April and May.  

By supporting Lighthouse's "Walk 'n Wings" activities this spring, area residents will help fight hunger by giving the gift of hope for families in need and the southeastern Michigan community. Participants can have fun getting donations for and being a part of Hunger Walk through the streets of Pontiac on May 1 and enjoying a meal and a festive atmosphere at your local Buffalo Wild Wings on April 26.

"Spring is the time of the year to enjoy the warmer weather and become active. We are fortunate to have the support of various partners that are adding new activities," said John Ziraldo, CEO and president of Lighthouse of Oakland County. "Helping others should be fun and now our generous supporters have various opportunities to do just that."

Buffalo Wild Wings locations throughout southeastern Michigan will donate 20 percent of its total sales on Monday, April 26 to Lighthouse's Hunger Walk efforts. Patrons should mention at the time of their order that they would like 20 percent of their bill donated to the Hunger Walk.

Most Buffalo Wild Wings locations will offer 60-cent wings on that Monday, and patrons can also watch the Detroit Tigers facing the Texas Rangers, or NBA and NHL playoff action on the big screens that evening,

With one-in-eight Americans struggling with the reality of hunger and food insecurity, area businesses that support Lighthouse and the Hunger Walk are happy to continue their support of the organization. And if there is a way to have some fun while supporting the needs of area residents, that makes it even more enjoyable for volunteers and donors.

"We are committed to the Lighthouse Hunger Walk, as a way for us to make a difference in our local community," said Linda Zabik, manager of public relations and community involvement for Genisys Credit Union, one of the Hunger Walk's corporate sponsors. "We're excited to have several of our community partners join this year's Hunger Walk, as together we will be able to make a difference and achieve more in helping our neighbors."

Hunger Walk supports Lighthouse of Oakland County Emergency Services, which is the organization's response to poverty, hunger and homelessness. The clients who need short-term help are all in need of immediate and emergency attention to help them get back on their feet. Lighthouse Emergency Services allows these clients to begin the healing process that is required to overcome crisis situations.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) is another of the sponsors for the Hunger Walk, and the company and its employees recognize the hope that the event brings to many area residents.

"With the state of the local economy, the need for support services is greater than ever," said Dennis Winkler, director, technical programs. "Events like The Lighthouse of Oakland County's Hunger Walk give us the opportunity to help people in need throughout the state. We're proud to be a sponsor and participate in building healthier Michigan communities."

Area residents who want to support the Hunger Walk's "Walk 'n Wings" effort this April and May can learn more and sign up to participate individually or as a team in the Hunger Walk by visiting www.lighthouseoakland.org, or calling 248-920-6000. More information can also be found at www.buffalowildwings.com.

Anyone who would like to support the Hunger Walk effort with financial donations can make a check out to Lighthouse of Oakland County and mail it to:

Lighthouse Oakland County
P.O. Box 430508
Pontiac, MI 48343-0508
Rochester Symphony Orchestra
RSO_Fashion Show

 
Whole Foods Nonprofit
MHS Pet of the Week - Toby
Toby_032210Hi there, the name's Toby! I'm a nine-month-old male kitty who's looking for a forever friend to spend my life with. I'm a super-friendly boy who loves receiving attention and being petted. My favorite hobby is playing with toys, so I hope this is something you might enjoy too! My adoption package includes age-appropriate vaccinations, sterilization surgery, no-cost microchipping and more. Please visit or call the Michigan Humane Society Rochester Hills Center for Animal Care at 248-852-7420 and provide my Pet ID number, A0999438. Can't wait to meet you!