Traverse Chamber Bulletin
Top Talk
August 12, 2015
Tee Off For Leadership
It's just a week away! The annual Chamber Golf Outing arrives next Wednesday, August 19, at the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa. This outing that supports Chamber leadership programming is a near sell-out, although a handful of tee times are still available.

Don't miss this opportunity to network with hundreds of area business people, enjoy lunch AND dinner, pick up some nice swag and get a chance to win some wonderful prizes donated by our fine Chamber members. Hole sponsorships and prize donations will be accepted through Thursday, August 13. Contact Andi Wagenschutz at andiw@tcchamber.org 

The Chamber Golf Outing is made possible by:


Traverse City manager Marty Colburn
Chamber Welcomes New TC Manager
The Chamber Board welcomed Marty Colburn, the new city manager for Traverse City, to its monthly meeting this week and heard some encouraging words from the city's top official. Colburn called the business community "a critical component of the city" and urged local business people to get more involved. Learn more about what the new city manager shared with chamber directors.
IMPACT | Advocacy for Business
Alliance members met Tuesday in Traverse City
Alliance Tracks Payroll, Overtime Rules
The U.S. Department of Labor is considering significant changes to overtime and other payroll rules affecting exempt or "white-collar" workers.

The Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance is monitoring these changes and advises its members to learn about the proposals and respond appropriately. Click here for a brief overview of the proposed rule changes and recommendations on how to be prepared on the issue. You can access the actual federal register entry that includes the public comment link by clicking here. Public comment on the proposals is being accepted through September 4.

The Alliance is also gathering input from its members and expects to offer recommendations on the proposed rule changes. Questions or comments can be directed to Alliance Government Relations Director Kent Wood at kentw@tcchamber.org

Pints and Politics Debuts August 24
"Pints & Politics" is a new Chamber event that premieres this month, offering our members an opportunity to meet with their legislative leaders in an informal setting to help them gain insight into the issues facing the local business community. Right Brain Brewery in Traverse City will host Pints & Politics on:
  • August 24 with state and federal officials
  • September 24 with Traverse City officials
  • October 19 with Grand Traverse County officials
Registration is free for Chamber members. Sign up here  

Pints & Politics is presented by:

CONNECT | Events and Programs
Chamber Ambassadors at the Avanon Open House
Help Promote Your Chamber
Thanks for your great response in the past week to our call for Chamber Ambassadors. They work as liaisons between the organization and our current and potential members to help them understand the benefits of Chamber membership. Ambassadors also assist the Chamber in developing programs and services to better meet our members' needs.

Are you interested in growing your local connections and expanding the Chamber family by serving as a Chamber Ambassador? Membership Sales Representative Sheila Peek can provide more information at sheilap@tcchamber.org
 
Or click here to learn more about the Chamber Ambassadors.

Co-hosts Ron Jolly and Laura Oblinger
Inspiring Stories of Success
The return of the Chamber's Weekly Entrepreneur Focus each Wednesday morning at 8:30 a.m. on NewsTalk 580 shines a spotlight on some of the region's best businesses and the people that make them work. Local entrepreneurs share their stories of hard work, perseverance - sometimes good fortune - but always lessons that everyone can learn from.

Join Chamber Executive Director Laura Oblinger and WTCM's Ron Jolly for this dynamic half-hour program each week. If you miss an episode, visit the Chamber website for a full archive of programs.

The Chamber's Weekly Entrepreneur Focus is sponsored by:

&
INSPIRE | Leadership Development
LGT members explore the Boardman River Nature Center
LGT Application Deadline Looms
Time is running short to apply for the Fall 2015 semester of Leadership Grand Traverse. Applications are needed by August 21.
Leadership Grand Traverse is the Chamber's signature leadership development program, helping launch that's hundreds of participants in to prominent community roles for almost 40 years. LGT takes class members inside the institutions and organizations that make our community special. They learn about state and local government, education, arts and culture, natural resources and more, gaining new insight and appreciation for what makes our region tick.
 
Scholarship opportunities are also available. Access the application form
The Oscars of Leadership
Everyone has a favorite movie - or several - that changed the way you look at the world. Leadership at the Movies is a new Chamber program that highlights leadership lessons and themes told through memorable scenes from classic films.

The curtain next rises on Wednesday, September 9 from 7:30 - 9 a.m. at the Bijou by the Bay theater across from the Chamber office on Grandview Parkway. This pre-work program is free to Chamber members and it's a great way to start your day with a powerful, informative professional development session. Barbara Ellis of the Center for Coaching & Leadership Development will present "The Transformational Power of a Leader" through the film Braveheart starring Mel Gibson.

 Register here

Chamber Leadership Programming is supported by:

 
Partner News
Help Shape Downtown Kalkaska
Planning the next steps in the redevelopment of Railroad Square in downtown Kalkaska is part of the fourth annual Kalkaska Street Festival @ Railroad Square that kicks off this Thursday, August 13, and continues through Saturday.

Sarah Lucas of Networks Northwest will present the results of the Railroad Square Survey as part of the Community Forum and Family Picnic on Thursday evening from 6 - 8 p.m. Input from the community is a needed as the village and its Downtown Development Authority work on the redevelopment of Railroad Square in the heart of downtown.

There's also a Community Concert on Friday evening, an all-day Street Festival on Saturday, plus a 3-day downtown street sale, food vendors, a beer tent and other activities. Click here to learn more. 
Upcoming Events
Click Event to Register
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Local Point of Sales System Provider
Give us a call today to discuss the options available for your business. 231-577-9599
Welcome to Ferris @ NMC Quality education. Convenient location. Endless possibilities.

United States Air Force 
Thinking of career options? Think about enlisting in the US Air Force!
 
Savings for Chamber Members
Fuse North Non-Profit Expo
In Case you
Missed it...
Read Chamber Executive Director Laura Oblinger's column in the August Traverse City Business News
 
Get connected to more Chamber program info: www.tcchamber.org

Suggestions for topics you would like to read here? Email: info@tcchamber.org