Top Talk

April 22, 2015

Alliance Speaker Series Draws Near

The Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance is excited to launch its new Speaker Series in 2015 bringing some of Michigan's top decision makers to Northern Michigan. It kicks off May 1 featuring state Budget Director John Roberts. Join the Alliance from 3:30 - 5 p.m. at NMC's Hagerty Center for an update on the state's financial picture and what it means for Northern Michigan. It's a free program but registration is necessary. Sign up today.

Registration is also open for the second installment on June 12 featuring Detroit Mayor Michael Duggan. It's a luncheon from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa and is sponsored by Consumers Energy. Register here.

CONNECT | Economic Development

Chamber Talent Search Continues

If you're looking to join a dynamic team in a growing organization, the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce is looking for you.

The Chamber is hiring an administrative assistant to staff its front desk and help out its membership team. If you like dealing with people and serving your community, this could be a position for you. Applications are needed by May 4 and you can click here for a detailed job description and information on how to apply.

The Transformative Power of Networks

How can locally-based networks contribute to stronger, more resilient communities? Learn how as the Chamber teams up with Networks Northwest, Rotary Charities and NorthSky Nonprofit Network to welcome nationally recognized author and speaker June Holley for an informative program on May 18 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. at NMC's Hagerty Center.

Holley is a leading expert on how local networks, through self-organization, innovation and collaboration, can make a significant difference in their communities. Sign up for this event.

INSPIRE | Leadership Growth

Steve Nance of Oryana and Kevin Schlueter of Kalkaska Screw Products, past SBC winners

Learn from the SBC Top 10

The best part of the Chamber's Small Business Celebration is learning from our participants about how they separate themselves from the competition. The SBC Meet the Top 10 Breakfast is a tremendous opportunity to hear directly from some of our region's top small businesses on what they do to make their companies great. These inspiring stories and anecdotes may be just what your company needs to bolster its operation!

Join us May 5 starting at 7:30 a.m. at NMC's Hagerty Center for the Meet the Top 10 Breakfast to congratulate our Top 10 finalists and learn from their unique and varied experiences. Sign up today. You can also reserve a seat for the big SBC event - the Small Business Celebration Awards Ceremony on May 28.

The Small Business Celebration is supported by:

Membership Anniversaries

April means it's time to shower praise and thanks on the nearly 70 Chamber businesses celebrating their membership anniversaries this month. Leading the way are businesses in the 40-years-plus club that include Kwik Print, Munson Healthcare, Holiday Park Campground, Village Press and the Traverse City Record-Eagle.

Here's a complete list of our April member anniversaries. Remember to thank these businesses for supporting the Chamber and patronize them whenever possible.

Honoring Supportive Workplaces

Do you know a business that goes the extra mile to support its employees? The Chamber is teaming up with the Traverse Bay Poverty Reduction Initiative and the Traverse Area Human Resources Association to present the Supportive Workplace Awards.

Supportive workplaces promote teamwork among employees, retain effective workers and offer assistance to their employees, especially those on a lower income scale. They help their employees deal with challenges before they impact worker productivity. If you know an area company that's working hard to improve the lives of their employees, click here to learn more and submit your nominations by May 1.

IMPACT | Advocacy for Business

A Push for Prop 1

The state-wide election on Proposal 1 is less than two weeks away. Approval of the May 5 ballot issue will raise more than $1.2 billion of much-needed revenue for our state's roads and transportation network through a 1-cent increase in the state sales tax.

The Traverse City Area Chamber joined business groups across Michigan in supporting Proposal 1, and the Small Business Association of Michigan produced a series of informative videos that further explain the issue. Click here for more information and make sure you head to the polls.