Submit your nominations for Chamber Small Business Celebration

Top Talk

February 4, 2015

Help Small Business Take a Big Step

Taking part in the Chamber's Small Business Celebration is a great way for companies to grow their business profile, evaluate themselves and learn from others in the local business community.

Nominations are open for the Chamber's 2015 Small Business Celebration, now in its 11th year. For-profit businesses in the 5-county area with up to 150 employees and operating at least three years are eligible. Individuals can nominate up to 10 companies, and the cut-off date is March 13.

Get your favorite small business involved in this exciting journey. Make plans to attend all the upcoming Small Celebration events.

The Small Business Celebration is supported by:

Let's Talk Roads

Some serious discussions are ahead over the state road plan that goes before Michigan voters on May 5. The Chamber's Government Relations Committee will review the proposal later this month. Chamber Government Relations Director Kent Wood is reaching out for feedback and input from Chamber members, and wants to hear from you. Get the facts on this proposal in this analysis from the state House Fiscal Agency.

Let us know your views on this important issue through the Chamber Bulletin comment box. Or you can email Wood at kentw@tcchamber.org.

CONNECT | Economic Development

Connect with Michigan Agriculture

Food suppliers are a growing sector of the Chamber and here's a special opportunity for them - more than 200 food procurement needs with Michigan-based companies through the Pure Michigan Business Connect Program.

Chamber members Meijer, Cherry Capital Foods and other major purchasers are looking for suppliers to fill scores of buying contracts for fresh fruit and dairy products, meat and poultry, dried foods, spices and much more. The second annual Pure Michigan Agriculture Matchmaking Summit will be held March 19 at DeVos Place in Grand Rapids, and your business could gobble up a valuable procurement contract.

Here's more information including a link to apply. The priority deadline for applications is February 22, so don't delay.

A Big Membership Month

As the calendar turns to February, it's worth reflecting on a successful membership month in January that included dozens of member anniversaries - including from some of our longest-tenured and loyal members. See who recently celebrated their Chamber birthdays and join us in thanking them for their support. And welcome these new members to the Chamber family in January.

Remember to patronize your fellow Chamber members whenever possible, and thank them for their support of the Chamber. Do you know a business owner that wants to learn about joining the Chamber? Have them contact Membership Sales Representative Sheila Peek at sheilap@tcchamber.org.

Free SCORE Workshops

Our partners at SCORE Traverse City have several upcoming free workshops aimed at small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. They're held the second Tuesday of each month from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at the Traverse Area District Library. Check out the upcoming schedule and get registered.

INSPIRE | Leadership Growth

Lights, Camera - Action on Leadership!

Leadership at the Movies is an engaging new Chamber leadership initiative inspired by the Traverse City area's love for cinema! Participants gain valuable leadership lessons through dynamic speakers dissecting classic films.

This new weekly series debuts next Wednesday, February 11, from 7:30 - 9 p.m. at the Bijou Bay the Bay theater across from the Chamber office. Nathan Harvey, CEO at Thrive Consulting Group, will lead the program. Get registered for this event that's free to Chamber members.

Mini MBA is Back

There's a great opportunity coming this spring to expand the business IQ of your company's managers and executives. The Chamber's Mini MBA program through Ferris State University returns in April, offering a compact yet comprehensive nine-week course providing hands-on business experience through a team of seasoned FSU business instructors. Participants must be Chamber members and hold a bachelor's degree. Learn more about this dynamic program.

Chamber Leadership Programming is supported by:

IMPACT | Advocacy for Business

GL Chambers with U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell

Fly-in Talks Lakes, Energy and More

Members of the Great Lakes Metro Chambers Coalition - including the Traverse City Chamber's Kent Wood - are in Washington D.C. this week for the Coalition's annual Fly-in to meet with Congressional representatives on a variety of issues impacting the Great Lakes region. See what the Coalition delegation is up to in the nation's capital.