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Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce
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E-Newsletter
04/26/2010 | |
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Sheri Heiney, Executive Director | Greetings!
Please join us this week for a couple of invaluable networking opportunities at our Marketing Resource Group or Spirit at Work. Both events are on Wednesday and there is no charge to attend either event. See below for details.
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 Click here to download the flier. 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! Click here for the flier or contact Anne Burns for details.
Please join us online on the following sites - TwitterClick here to view our FaceBook page!
Everyone, don't forget we have a section on our website for job postings. Click here to see our listings.
Sheri Heiney
Executive Director
As always, we'd like to thank our partners!
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Featured Business of the Month - Great Oaks Laundry & Dry Cleaning
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Featured Business of the Month - Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
 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 herefor six reasons to join the Chamber's healthcare program.
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Upcoming Chamber Events
Click here to register
 Monday, April 26, 2010
Chamber Orientation
9:00 - 10:00 a.m. Session 1
4:00 - 5:00 p.m. Session 2
Chamber Office
71 Walnut, Suite 110
Rochester, MI 48307
No charge
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Marketing Resource Group- "Learn Dynamic Presentation Skills"
8:30 - 10:00 a.m.
Fieldstone Winery
223 S. Main St.
Rochester, MI 48307
No charge
Refreshments provided by Whole Foods Market
Wednesday April 28, 2010
Spirit at Work - Refreshments provided by Whole Foods Market
4:00 - 5:00 PM
Chamber Office
71 Walnut, Suite 110
Rochester, MI 48307
No charge
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April Business Workshops Offered by Oakland County
Business owners and entrepreneurs who need assistance are invited to attend seminars in April, 2010 offered by the Oakland County Business Center. Business Basics workshops are now offered in the evenings on alternating months. Click here for a full schedule.
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MEET ME AT THE MARKET ON MAY 1
Families, Friends, Farmers and You!
 ROCHESTER, Mich. - April 15, 2010 - After a long winter, spring has officially sprung! And what better way to start the season than at the Downtown Rochester Farmers' Market Opening Day on Saturday, May 1.
Celebrating its 11th season, the Farmers' Market is a frequent stop for area residents to enjoy the vibrant colors, aromas and flavors of southeast Michigan's growing season. Located at the corner of E. Third and Water Street, just one block east of Main Street, the market is open every Saturday, May 1 through October 30, from 8 am - 1 pm.
"Shopping at the Downtown Rochester Farmers' Market is a great way to gain a sense of community," said Nancy Voges, marketing coordinator for the Rochester Downtown Development Authority. "The market has become a weekly outing for many families. It's a great way to support Michigan farmers and buy locally produced, fresh foods."
Opening Day festivities will include:
· FREE Farmers' Market Tote Bags sponsored by Crittenton Hospital Medical Center, filled with special offers from your favorite Downtown Rochester merchants, for the first 500 adult customers
· Live music by blues artist, Paul Miles
· Children's activities include pot-a-plant, a scavenger hunt for Pete the Pineapple, a visit from market mascot, Julien d'Carrot and a kids' craft activity by Paint Creek Center for the Arts
· First Saturday Drawing - Enter-to-win one of more than 20, $25 gift certificates donated by Downtown Rochester merchants
· Weekly Harvest Basket Drawing - Enter-to-win a collection of products donated by Market vendors
The market features only Michigan-grown (or made) products including vegetables, fruits, flowers, container gardens, fresh cut flowers, herbs, homemade baked goods, gnocci, jams and jellies, honey, maple syrup, locally roasted coffee and various certified organic products including eggs, beef and chicken.
The Downtown Rochester Farmers' Market is presented by the Rochester Downtown Development Authority. For more information about the market, please visit www.DowntownRochesterMI.com or contact the Rochester DDA office at 248/656-0060.
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Young Professionals of Rochester
New Networking Group Forming!
 The YPR is pleased to announce its first Professional Referral Group. This will be a fantastic way to build strong ties with other young professionals in the community. This will be the only group of its kind, and there's an estimated 200 young professionals already active within the YPR. Like the other PCN groups there will be one spot per profession, so space is limited. For those of you in the coveted slots of; realtor, P&C insurance, financial planning, attorney, CPA, web design, health insurance, to name a few. You'll want to RSVP and be sure to attend the first meeting. The first meeting tentatively is scheduled for May 6th, but is subject to change. 1st and 3rd Thursday mornings of every month, 7:30am-8:30am, Rochester Chamber Conference Room. Brad Saarela with Somerset Lending Corp will be the first Chair of this group, please RSVP with him at brad@somersetlendingcorp.com or call at 248-499-9640 with questions. The group is also looking for a co chair and a membership recruiter, if interested state so with your RSVP. |
MI Earth Day Fest
 The MI Earth Day fest drew thousands of people to the greater Rochester area this past weekend. Congratulations on the wonderful festival to all who participated! www.MIEarthDay.com |
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Welcome New Chamber Members
Georgio's Pizza & Pasta George Gjenkaj, Owner 117 S. Main Street Rochester, MI 48307 248-601-2882 www.georgiospizzaandpasta.comPizzeria Paint Creek Tutoring Susan McGill 1329 Dutton Rochester Hills, MI 48306 248-608-2575 Tutoring Clarkston Cleaning Services of RochesterDawn Raffler, President Amber Raffler, Office Manager 5912 S. Main Street Clarkston, MI 48346 248-726-7010 www.clarkstoncleaning.com Home Cleaning Services Alzheimer Activity Services Amira Tame, Activity Therapist PO Box 250313 West Bloomfield, MI 48325 248-360-7904 www.alzheimeractivitiesservice.comActivities for people with Alzheimers American House StoneRoxann Brown, Assistant Director 3741 S. Adams Road Rochester Hills, MI 48309 248-853-2330 www.americanhouse.comSenior Living Community |
Upcoming Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies
Please Join Us in Welcoming These New Businesses
Thursday, May 6, 2010 - 4:00 p.m.
Marie's Salon & Spa of Rochester
402 East St.
Rochester, MI 48307
Thursday, May 13, 2010 - 4:00 p.m.
Re/Max Defined
125 E. Third St.
Rochester, MI 48307
Thursday, May 20, 2010 - 4:00 p.m.
Cupcake Apparel & Gifts
424 Main St. (On the East Alley)
Rochester, MI 48307
Friday, May 21, 2010 - 4:00 p.m.
Firebrick Gallery & Pottery Studio
404 S. Main St.
Rochester, MI 48307
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Member Spotlight
The Rochester Citizen
The Rochester Citizen - Your On Line
Source for Hometown News
 The Rochester Citizen, in some ways was born when the Rochester Eccentric died in May of 2009 and two local citizens, Bruce Fealk and June Hopaluk, started discussing the need for local news coverage. Throughout the summer of 2009, the two met with a small group of advisers to discuss the venture.
The Rochester Citizen went live in December of 2009 with a single story. In February, a small group of freelance writers joined the team and the paper was off and running. "Our goal is to be the primary source for local news in Rochester, Rochester Hills, and Oakland Township," said managing editor Bruce Fealk.
Now the Rochester Citizen wants to cover local business news and attract advertisers. Reach Bruce at bfealk@therochestercitizen.com or call 248-652-8781. Visit the paper at www.TheRochestercitizen.com
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NEW - Good News!
Successfully Single
http://www.successfullysingle.org/
We had great success at the American Red Cross Fundraiser for the Haiti Earthquake Relief Efforts "Dancing with our Local Stars" on March 13 at the San Marino Club. We had approx. 650 people in attendance and raised thousands of dollars for the American Red Cross.
There was an abundance of media coverage: 8 newspapers wrote articles about the event and both WDIV and Fox 2 sent their crews out before the event and during the event for coverage. There are clips of the evenings highlights on my website homepage as well as www.myfoxdetroit.com and http://www.clickondetroit.com.
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Are You Qualified Under HIRE Act?
On March 18, 2010 President Obama signed into law a new act creating tax breaks for businesses hiring new workers and extending higher expensing limits for small business that make capital investments. The new act allows Employers to receive an exemption from Social Security payroll taxes for every worker hired after February 3, 2010 and before Jan 1, 2011, if that worker has been unemployed for at least 60 days.
The HIRE Act Employee Affidavit (Form W-11) was released TODAY by the Internal Revenue Service. In order for employers to claim HIRE Act benefits, including a payroll tax exemption or a new-hire retention credit, a qualified employee must complete and sign the affidavit. The form is to be kept on file by the employer. A qualified employee is a new hire who begins employment after Feb. 3, 2010, and before Jan. 1, 2011. The new hire must not have been employed for more than 40 hours during the 60-day period ending the day the employee begins employment.
Form W-11 is available at the IRS website http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw11.pdf.
For more information or questions on this topic, please contact your professional at UHY Advisors in Southfield (248) 355-1040 or Sterling Heights (586) 254-1040 or visit us on the Web at uhy-us.com.
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Online Coupons on Chamber Website
Click here to download the PDF version.
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BizMatchConnect.com
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MG Photography & Design
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The Disney Way
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Tom's Carpet Cleaning
 "To make a point, to make a friend, to make a profit"
There are more Fortune 500 companies today that are service oriented than in any previous decade on record.
If competition is the name of the game, it will take more than a base hit, a free throw or a slap shot on goal to win the hearts of the fans. To be a winner you have to score every time. No mulligans, no gimmies and definitely no more do over's.
We can't do anything about a predatory company posting specials on things that move and things that don't move, offering ridiculously low prices for the express purpose of running us out of business. But we can do something to stop them. It's called the Chamber of Commerce.
Please join us by using only businesses that belong to a local chamber of commerce. We all have choices. For example there are some really good carpet cleaning services in our area to choose from. They even partner with us from time to time. It's called strategic alliances. We are bridge builders, not fence builders and our communities benefit from the jobs we create between each other.
So why would anyone choose Tom's Carpet Cleaning Services? Because, "Our family business, will work hard to earn your family's business". 80% of our accounts are from referrals, 10% are web site generated and 10% are from our loyal friendly competitors.
To learn more about us, take time to visit our web site. Remember to shop local, buy local and hire local. Don't do it just for us! Just do it! You'll be glad you did.
tomscarpetcleaningservices.com
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Get help with your most critical issues...
Join us for a free webinar especially for business owners.
As a business owner in an ever-changing economy, you're faced with many challenges, some happening right now. One of our responsibilities is to ensure that you get the help you need to not only survive, but thrive, even during challenging times. This is exactly why we are inviting you to a Businesses Getting Results webinar (online seminar).
From the convenience of your office or home computer, you can attend a seminar that offers solutions and strategies for overcoming your most common issues. In just one hour, you'll gain valuable information and ideas that you can put into action immediately. Following is information on our next Businesses Getting Results (BGR) Direct webinar.
SUSTAINING COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE
April 29, 2010
1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. ET
Click here to register: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/471468867
We hope you join us and take a powerful step toward resolving the issues that limit your success. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Patty Harrell at 248.659.5275 or pharrell@croskeylanni.com.
Future topics include "The Business Plan-Roadmap to Success", "Failing to Plan is Planning to Fail", "Building a Winning Team", and "The 4 Ways to Grow Your Business".
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Time to make a reservation for your......
SUMMER VACATION!
 * 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
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Assistance League Seeks Sponsors For Signature Mistletoe Marketplace Fundraiser
 Assistance League of Southeastern Michigan is seeking sponsors and donations for their November 18, 2010 Seventh Annual Fundraiser, Mistletoe Marketplace. Held at Palazzo Grande in Shelby Township, the over 600 attendees will enjoy a luncheon, boutique-shopping,fashion show by the ReSale Connection, and raffles.
Honorary Chairperson will once again be Monica Gayle, Fox 2 News anchor.
Assistance League is a non-profit 501(c)(30 service organization. Proceeds benefit thousands in need in local communities in Michigan .
For sponsorship and donation information, please contact mistletoe.info@gmail.comor call 248 656 1162 or visit their website: www.semich.assistanceleague.org
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Common Ground's 2nd Annual Walk Steps up to Help People in Crisis
Common Ground, an Oakland County based nonprofit, will hold its second annual Walk On Common Ground, presented by Whole Foods, on Sunday, May 2, 2010 at 10 a.m. on the campus of Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan. The 5k walk will raise awareness for Common Ground, while raising critical funds to support the agency's crisis intervention services. Registration begins at 9 a.m.
"Walk on Common Ground is Common Ground's signature event," states Walk Chair, Richard Astrein. "While Common Ground serves more than 40,000 people annually, many more just aren't aware of the many programs and services available. This is an event where the entire family can be together while exercising for a good cause."
Terrie Meerschaert, a client of Common Ground's Survivor's of Suicide Support Group, is this year's ambassador for the event and will be speaking at the walk about her personal experiences with her son's suicide and with Common Ground. There is no fee to participate in the walk and every walker that raises a minimum of $100 will receive a commemorative Walk On Common Ground t-shirt. While Whole Foods of Rochester is the presenting sponsor, Buddy's Pizza of Auburn Hills, is the official food sponsor for this year's Walk. Other sponsors include, Absopure, Einstein Brothers Bagels, Starbucks, Costco, Cosi. Astrein's Creative Jewelers, Best Bet Party Rental, Peer Choices, (providing food and water for your four legged friends) and DJ Vic Trevino of Music for the Masses.
There will be prizes for the teams and individuals who raise the most money. "We know how difficult it is to make charitable donations in hard economic times," said Common Ground President and CEO, Tony Rothschild. "This is an affordable way for the community to support us while raising awareness of crisis services available to the community."
Last year's event was a first for Common Ground with approximately 300 walkers, who raised over $40,000. Dogs are welcome as long as they are kept on a leash.
To register for the walk, to volunteer the day of or for more information, go to www.walkoncommonground.org, or contact Cindy Hurley at churley@commongroundhelps.orgor call 248-451-3735.
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Lunch and Learn at Meadow Brook Hall
Join us for National Train Day as we rediscover the railway through Detroit Historical Museum's Glancy Train Collection.
ROCHESTER, MI, April 13, 2010 --- Join the Meadow Brook Hall Squires for a presentation on the "Glancy Trains Collection: Detroit Historical Museum", with special guest speaker Bob Cosgrove, Adjunct Curator and model trains specialist, at the Detroit Historical Museum.
On Saturday, May 8, join us in the Ballroom for lunch at 11:30 a.m. followed by welcoming comments and a brief history of Meadow Brook Hall by Meredith Long, Museum Services Coordinator, and John Lohmeier, president of the Meadow Brook Hall Squires. Immediately following, Cosgrove will present a lecture on the classic, colorful, and cherished Glancy Trains Collection. After the presentation guests will be invited to tour The Hall.
The Meadow Brook Hall Squires are requesting a $25 donation per guest. Please call for reservations, space is limited. All proceeds to benefit the preservation and interpretation of Meadow Brook Hall.
For additional information about Meadow Brook Hall's Lunch & Learn or to make a reservation please call (248) 364-6209 or visit www.meadowbrookhall.org.
The Meadow Brook Hall Squires is a men's volunteer group dedicated to supporting the museum operations of The Hall. They are always looking for a few more good men to help with preserving the building and grounds, fundraising, maintenance, small repairs, gardening and much more! Call (248) 364-6213 for more information.
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Relay for Life
The Rochester Jaycee's and Friends
To benefit the 2010 Relay for Life of Greater Rochester
Celebrate. Remember. Fight Back.
(ROCHESTER, MI) - Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar -Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Everyone is invited to gather at Buffalo Wild Wings in Rochester (1234 Walton Rd.) for lunch, dinner, or a snack. On this day, 20% of purchases accompanied by the certificate will be donated to Relay for Life of Greater Rochester. (Valid towards dine-in or carry-out only. Not valid towards gift card purchases)
Please visit our website at www.relayforlife.org/rochestermi to print out the certificate to present to your server.
Please contact Cheryl Satterthwaite @ cheryl_ann_s@yahoo.com or 586 914 1217 if you have any questions.
4th Annual Tastefully Simple Party
To benefit the 2010 Relay for Life of Greater Rochester
Friday, May 7, 2010 @ 7:00 p.m.
Gary & Elspeth Coats' Home
20% of all sales will go to the Rochester Relay
Please contact Cheryl Satterthwaite @ cheryl_ann_s@yahoo.com or 586 914 1217
for directions or an electronic invitation to the party!
If you are unable to attend the night of the party, you can view the catalog or place an order online by visiting: www.tastefullysimple.com (when checking out, select the Host: Cheryl Satterthwaite)
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Museum Collections go on Display
The Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm has unveiled its new exhibit Collections from our Lively Town on display through November, 2010. For over thirty years, the Rochester Hills Museum has served as the public repository for local history items related to the Rochester and Rochester Hills Communities. This exhibit has allowed the display of Civil War diaries, textiles woven in 1844 by local weavers, uniforms from World War I soldiers, archival information on mills and hundreds of archival documents from community celebrations, advertisements, newspapers, schoolhouses, photographs, and more. Rochester Hills Museum Director Patrick McKay is excited about displaying these historical treasures. "We just never have enough space to display everything we have. We want to show how our community was affected by various world events, trends, transportation, centennials, wars, and what local businesses and economies shaped our community."
The Rochester Hills Museum is a 16 acre complex consisting of the 1840 Van Hoosen Farmhouse, 1850 Red House, 1927 Dairy Barn, and beautiful gardens and grounds bordered by Stoney Creek. The site is part of the Rochester Hills parks system. The Museum is open for drop in public tours on Fridays and Saturdays from 1-4 p.m. and anytime can be scheduled for group tours. The Museum store has a wide variety of local history publications and locally made merchandise. A full calendar of events can be found on the Museum website at www.rochesterhills.org/museum.htm. The Museum is located on Van Hoosen Road, one mile east of Rochester Road off Tienken Road and one mile north of downtown Rochester. For more information call 248.656.4663 or email rhmuseum@rochesterhills.org
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R.A.H.S. PRESENTS ANTIQUE APPRAISER
"WHAT MAKES SOMETHING AN ANTIQUE?" is the topic of the May 6 evening meeting of the Rochester - Avon Historical Society. Fred Fleming, professional antique appraiser is well-known to those who come to Appraisal Days sponsored by R.A.H.S. and the Oakland Township Historical Society. Some of the aspects of appraising will include determination of the value of an item, how to determine the "agedness" and some helpful suggestions concerning buying items at auctions. He will welcome questions from the audience .
The meeting will be held in the Rochester Hills Library, 500 Olde Town in Rochester, May 6 from 7:00-8:30. The public is invited; there is no charge. For more information call Jo Ann Bourez (248) 651 - 7526.
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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.
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Pet of the Week
 Meet Charizard, a two-year-old male kitty who's ready to find true love with a forever family! Charizard is a comical little guy who loves to play and make friends with anyone he meets. With his friendly, outgoing personality he should transition easily into a new home, and would do well with children of all ages. His adoption fee includes age-appropriate vaccinations, no-cost microchipping and much more. Please visit or call the Michigan Humane Society Rochester Hills Center for Animal Care and provide Charizard's Pet ID number, A10164340.
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