Top Talk

April 15 2015

Meet the SBC Top 10

Congratulations to the Top 10 finalists in the Chamber's 2015 Small Business Celebration. Now the real work begins to determine which of these thriving small businesses will be crowned the Chamber's Hagerty Small Business of the Year.

Here's a rundown of the Top 10 SBC finalists. Register today for the Meet the Top 10 Breakfast on May 5 starting at 7:30 a.m. at NMC's Hagerty Center. You can also sign up for the SBC Award Ceremony on May 28.

The 2015 Small Business Celebration is sponsored by:

Kalkaska Chamber Luncheon

We're less than a week away from the annual Kalkaska Chamber Luncheon. It's coming up this Tuesday, April 21, at the Kalkaska Church of Christ starting at 11:30 a.m. Join the Kalkaska business community as it honors Shetler Family Dairy as the Business of the Year, and Dan and Sherry Johnson as Citizens of Year. Kevin Rogols will also present an update on activities at the Kalkaska Memorial Health Center. Reserve your seat today.

The Kalkaska Chamber Luncheon is presented by:

CONNECT | Economic Development

Business After Hours Tonight

Spring has sprung! It's time to start renewing your business connections and prepare for the busy summer season. There's no better place for that than the Chamber's Business After Hours, the region's original business networking and social event.

Business After Hours returns this evening from 5 - 7 p.m. at Fox Motors 3464 North U.S. 31 South. We'll feature food, refreshments, plenty of fun and prize drawings including free auto services from our hosts. Don't miss it.

Business After Hours is presented by:

Chamber Position Opens

All good things must come to an end - in this case the Chamber career of Administrative Assistant Ella Bole, who is relocating to Colorado to get married this summer. Ella has been a tremendous asset to the Chamber in her duties in the Membership department and in welcoming those entering the Chamber building.

If you're an energetic individual looking to join a dynamic organization and team, the Chamber is looking for you. Learn more about the position and how to apply.

INSPIRE | Leadership Growth

Leadership at the Movies Returns April 22

Are you registered for the next installment of Leadership at the Movies? It's the Chamber's new leadership initiative offering leadership examples and lessons through scenes from popular movies set at the Bijou by the Bay theater across from the Chamber office.

This Wednesday, April 22, Todd Sanders of Sanders Solutions leads the discussion through the movie 300. It's a free program at a convenient before-work time slot of 7:30 - 9 a.m. so you can start your day with an inspiring leadership message shared with fellow Chamber members. Sign up today.

Chamber leadership programming is supported by:

Tune in to Weekly Entrepreneur Focus

Inspiring stories of business success through innovation, imagination and hard work continue each week on the Weekly Entrepreneur Focus on NewsTalk 580 WTCM-AM. Each Wednesday from 8:30 - 9 a.m., the Chamber's Laura Oblinger joins host Ron Jolly and a different Chamber member to talk about their business and what it takes to make them grow and thrive.

If you miss an episode or would like to hear it again, click here for a full catalog of shows available on the Chamber's website.

The Weekly Entrepreneur focus is sponsored by:

IMPACT | Advocacy for Business

Energy Guys Talk Power Supply

Energy supplies, production, distribution and related topics are sparking plenty of discussion in the state Legislature in recent days and weeks. Reliable and affordable energy is critical to Michigan's business future and is a top priority of the Traverse City Area Chamber and the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance.

The Chamber features a monthly podcast called "The Energy Guys" hosted by representatives of area utility companies offering their input on pending energy issues and policy. Check out the latest episode featuring former Chamber board chair Tony Anderson of Cherryland Electric Cooperative and Craig Borr, CEO of the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association.

State Budget Director John Roberts

Alliance Speaker Series Debuts May 1

The Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance continues to grow as a strong voice for Northern Michigan's business sector, and some of the state's top decision-makers are taking notice.

Join us May 1 as the Alliance's new Speaker Series debuts with state Budget Director John Roberts. Get registered for this free program from 3:30 - 5 p.m. at NMC's Hagerty Center featuring one of Michigan's top fiscal policy experts.

The series continues June 12 at a luncheon program featuring Detroit Mayor Michael Duggan. The presenting sponsor is Consumers Energy. It's from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa and you can register here.