Business Views: May 2010

Business Views

May 2010 Vol. 20 No. 5 howell.org

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In this issue:

Monthly Program Sponsor: First National Bank
From the desk of the President...
Deadline for the Margaret Starkey Scholarship is May 14
‘Social Marketing for Business’ at Lunch & Learn
Business After Hours Honoring Elected Officials
NE 101 a hit; Strategic Growth Initiative moves forward
Committee and community create Michigan Challenge Balloonfest
Golf Classic tees up for fun, sun on the links – Jimmy Buffett style
2010 Livingston County Benefit Survey
Is your business in compliance? Get ‘Smoke-Free Building’ signs at the chamber
Congressman delivers annual address at GML
May GML: Adventures in Entrepreneurship
Chamber Ambassadors hit the road
Spotlight on New Member: Prime Arbor Enterprises, Inc.
Office space available
Membership Value Program: Shop chamber members – get discounts!
Unemployment Statistics
Members Moving Forward

Monthly Program Sponsor: First National Bank

First National Bank: “Where other banks have their branches…we have our roots.”
As the only bank headquartered in Livingston County, First National Bank takes pride in its heritage, local decision-making and commitment to the community. When customers walk in the door of any of its branches, they can expect a friendly greeting and personalized service. First National Bank has been voted the “Best Bank” in Livingston County for six consecutive years. First National Bank in Howell continues to be a leader in personal and business banking services.

Reinvesting in our communities
Most of the bank’s customers live in Livingston County and like to know their deposits help support the local economy. Unlike regional banks, First National reinvests deposits back into the local communities it serves in the form of business and personal loans.

Save time and money
First National Bank offers a full array of personal and business accounts with perks like free Internet banking and free online bill pay available on most accounts. In addition to these services, First National maintains a local wealth management department and offers treasury management products.

First National Business Solutions
First National Bank offers small and mid-size businesses a savings in five areas: human resources, payroll administration, group benefits, retirement plans and risk management. First National Bank has teamed up with WorkLife Financial based out of Troy, Michigan to offer group buying power of 15,000. Business owners with one employee or 100 employees are encouraged to spend a few minutes of their time to get a free consultation and quote. Call Carrie Newstead at 517.375.3985 for more details.

Wealth Management
From personal retirement planning strategies to investment policies for municipalities and non-profit organizations, First National Wealth Management goes the extra mile by putting financial education first.

Treasury Management
First National Bank helps business customers streamline their banking by providing a full range of tools to save time and money. From Sweep Accounts and Positive Pay to Merchant Card Services, Remote Capture and ACH (automated clearinghouse) capabilities, the bank offers customers the financial agility to take on larger competitors in a tough economy.

“First National remains committed to the local non-profit organizations, and so do our employees. Over the past three years, our staff has generously donated over 9,826 hours of their personal time supporting local events and charitable groups,” stated Ron Long, president and chief executive officer.
Proud of its historic past and innovative future, First National Bank invites chamber members, area residents and local professionals to bank with a community leader where local decisions and a commitment to the people and communities of Livingston County matter the most.

First National Bank is the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce monthly program sponsor for May.

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From the desk of the President...
Strategic Growth Initiative continues
We’re in the education phase of the Strategic Growth Initiative.

After the phenomenally successful New Economy Summit on April 15, MSU’s Land Policy Institute hosted a New Economy 101 class on May 5. Over 80 community members attended and learned the nuts-and-bolts about how we got to our present challenging situation in Michigan and what we might need to consider to help get us out.

You can download a copy of the NE 101 training program from the chamber's website at howell.org.

There was so much covered in the class and more to come in NE 201. But I was intrigued by a list of 13 potential actions we could take here in Michigan to restore prosperity and thought I’d share them with you here:
1. Diversify our economy. Stop looking out the rear window for the way things used to be.
2. Expand our markets. We have an increasingly global economy, not just made up of English- or Spanish-speaking countries.
3. Embrace the green economy and its focus on alternative energy. Germany has no more sunny days than Michigan (on average), yet they have the largest installed base of residential solar hot water heaters in the world.
4. Promote and support entrepreneurialism. How can we be supportive of people who want to start a business?
5. Focus on talent retention and attractions. Many young people want to come home after college but they want a quality place that provides many of the same amenities as other quality places in the world. How can we create those communities here?
6. Focus on population retention and attraction. Much of our success in the past has come through legal immigration who bring investment and education with them.
7. Focus on the importance of effective placemaking and place-based strategies. Knowledge workers can live anywhere they want to. How do we make Livingston County competitive?
8. Rightsize and maintain our infrastructure. How do we encourage new development while also maintaining our current infrastructure and avoid “breaking the bank” or raising taxes a lot?
9. Continue workforce development and increase participation in lifelong education. A high school education alone is not the key to success anymore.
10. Create regional asset-based economic develop strategies. How do we create regional economic development strategies that are beneficial to local governments, the business community and residents?
11. Work cooperatively to target resources to implement regional strategies. Why do we believe that individual communities are stronger by “going it alone?”
12. Reform financing of public services and investments in our future. How can we maximize the quality of service we receive in return for our tax dollars?
13. Using Strategic Growth Plans to attract federal and other resources. The current administration is advocating for more targeted funding to regions and metro areas that have strategic regional economic development plans in place. Let’s work together to make sure Livingston County has a plan in place with actionable, workable goals.
Keep your eye out for more events and ways you can participate in Livingston County’s future prosperity. Help spread the word. The chamber is proud of its leadership in this initiative. It’s intrinsic to our mission to be a catalyst for a vital business environment and an exceptional community.

Pat Convery
President
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Deadline for the Margaret Starkey Scholarship is May 14

Do you have an outstanding employee who is also a student? If so, just a reminder that applications are due May 14 for the 2010 Margaret Starkey Scholarship.

The Margaret Starkey Scholarship program is designed to assist working individuals seeking to advance their skills and standard of living through advanced education or training. The scholarship is awarded by the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Some of the criteria used to evaluate candidates will include self-motivation, creativity, customer service, community involvement, leadership and self-confidence. Nominees must have been employed with the nominating company since at least September 2009. Winners will be announced June 15 and honored at the September Good Morning Livingston program.

Applications were sent to all chamber members, are also available by calling the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation at 517.546.3920, or are online at howell.org.

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‘Social Marketing for Business’ at Lunch & Learn

With the current economic climate, business owners and professionals can’t ignore opportunities to market their businesses, including those employing social networking channels. The Howell Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s next Lunch & Learn features “Social Marketing for Business” to explore how to use social networking as an effective marketing tool for small business.

The program takes place May 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the chamber foundation, 123 E. Washington in Howell.

The one-hour, hands-on seminar features live demos and examples presented by Five Sparrows, LLC, as part of its “Spring Social Networking Tour” for small businesses, a 14-chamber event for chambers of commerce throughout Michigan during May 2010.

This seminar will address how to use social marketing to find new customers, determine which social networking sites are right for which businesses, update social networking profiles in one easy step, re-purpose existing marketing efforts as social marketing content and use free web-based tools to track and monitor progress, and the business’s reputation, online.

“As the social marketing phenomenon continues to gain popularity in the business world, it has become too important to ignore,” said Lauren Hobson, Five Sparrows. “Small businesses with a social marketing strategy in place already have a significant advantage over their competitors who have to play catch-up in building followers and establishing a presence in the social space.”

The workshop applies to both business-to-business and business-to-consumer markets. It will focus on teaching small businesses how to set up their social networking platforms to be used as part of their regular marketing plans without adding excess time or maintenance. Attendees will learn how to connect with customers, improve search engine rankings and use social networking to grow their small business.

The cost is $20 and includes lunch and program materials; please note reservations are binding. Register online at howell.org or call the chamber at 517.546.3920 to R.S.V.P.

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Business After Hours Honoring Elected Officials

Business After Hours Honoring Elected Officials is a special annual event to honor area elected and appointed officials. Members of the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce and other county chambers, and elected officials from throughout Livingston County are invited to attend the event Thursday, May 20 from 5 – 7 p.m. at Waldenwoods Banquet & Conference Center, 2975 Old US 23 in Hartland. There is no cost to attend.

This evening is a great opportunity to recognize local elected and appointed officials for the many hours put into serving Livingston County and its communities. Guests can meet and exchange ideas with these representatives in a relaxed atmosphere while enjoying complimentary refreshments and live music. Elected officials at the local, county and state levels are invited.

Sponsors of this year’s program are AT&T, Cleary University, DTE Energy, Livingston Community Bank, Waste Management and Waldenwoods Banquet & Conference Center.

Business After Hours for elected officials is a joint program of the Howell, Brighton and Hartland chambers of commerce and the Economic Development Council of Livingston County.

For more information or to R.S.V.P., contact the Howell chamber at 517.546.3920 or chamber@howell.org.

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NE 101 a hit; Strategic Growth Initiative moves forward

Following the recent New Economy 101 class in early May, the Livingston County Strategic Growth Initiative is moving forward as planned. The initiative, which is a partnership among the Howell, Brighton and Hartland chambers of commerce and the Michigan State University Land Policy Institute, began with the New Economy Summit on April 15. The event had a turn-out of over 400 area stakeholders, and was followed up by a training program, NE 101, which focused on the fundamentals of the New Economy.

Attendees of those events who expressed interest in further participation will be contacted soon for a survey on their opinions of assets in Livingston County.

The next step in the education process is the second-level class, NE 201. The program focuses on presenting Michigan’s critical assets and then identifying place-based strategies to help create new prosperity on a regional basis.

NE 201 will be held in June at a location in Livingston County to be announced. The class is open to the public, and all former Strategic Growth Initiative participants are invited to attend. “We encourage all Livingston County stakeholders to attend this class, but it is especially important for local government officials and anyone involved in planning to attend to continue the important progress we’ve achieved so far,” said Pat Convery, president of the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce.

Organizers reported that the NE 101 class was a success. “More than 60 classes of its kind have taken place in various regions throughout the state, and 95 attended our session,” said Convery. “This turnout is a strong indication that the people in Livingston County are ready to be engaged.”

For more information on the NE 101 workshop, see Convery’s column, “From the President” in this issue of Business Views. A complete presentation from the event is also posted on the chamber’s website at howell.org.

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Committee and community create Michigan Challenge Balloonfest

The area can expect a high level of activity as guests plan to attend the 26th annual balloonfest June 25-27 at the Howell High School complex, 1200 W. Grand River, and in downtown Howell.

Captain John Kowalski, City of Howell Police Department, chairs the Michigan Challenge Committee.

“The Michigan Challenge Balloonfest is a premier community event,” said Kowalski. “An event of this size cannot be successful without a dedicated team. The balloonfest committee works year round, and contributes countless hours to keep balloonfest fresh, and they meet those challenges splendidly. I look forward to this year’s balloonfest, and I invite everyone to come and enjoy this very special event.”

PNC Bank is the major sponsor of balloonfest and has been for the past 20 years. Supporting sponsors are Citizens Insurance, Tanger Outlet Center and Waste Management. Pepsi is beverage sponsor, and site host is Howell Public Schools.

The celebration starts on Friday night with an early evening balloon launch followed by the MediLodge Fireworks.

In addition to the balloon launches, new attractions include the Landing Zone, a creative and entertaining area for kids of all ages to play, shop, eat and explore art; PNC Pistons Party; and a Red Hacker basketball tournament in downtown Howell on Saturday.

“This year will be the most exciting since I have chaired downtown balloonfest activities,” said Downtown Co-Chair Dawn Palmer-Van Camp, Livingston County Family YMCA. “Most exciting is the basketball tournament. I anticipate this new activity will draw many more people into downtown to shop and dine while they cheer on the basketball players.”

For more balloonfest information and a complete schedule of events, visit michiganchallenge.com.

Volunteers are needed
in many areas at
balloonfest. If you would
like to join the team,
contact the chamber at
517.546.3920. For added
exposure, Michigan
Challenge Balloonfest
flyers and posters are
available to display at your
business. Balloonfest materials can be picked
up at the chamber.

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Golf Classic tees up for fun, sun on the links – Jimmy Buffett style

Ever been to Margaritaville? Consider yourself a Parrothead, or maybe a land shark? Or if you’re just ready for a great day of networking and fun on the golf course, then look no further than the 36^th annual Howell Area Chamber of Commerce Golf Classic.

This year’s event will be held on Wednesday, July 28 at Oak Pointe Country Club in Brighton. The theme celebrates Jimmy Buffet and Margaritaville, with a relaxed, island atmosphere designed for a full day of fun on the links.

“Our committee is working hard to plan an outstanding event and a great day on the greens. This year’s outing promises to be entertaining for golfers, Jimmy Buffet fans, beach lovers and all. Bring your grass skirts, tropical shirts, flower leis and island attitudes,” said Janine McEvoy of Homewood Suites by Hilton and head of the Golf Classic committee. “We know chamber members and their guests have many outings like this to choose from, so we’re putting the focus on making the Howell chamber outing the best one yet. Our motto is, if you can only make it to one golf outing this year, this is the one to attend.”

An “All-inclusive Beach Bum Golf Package” includes an array of contests, raffles, prizes and awards along with 18 holes of golf in a scramble format. Also included will be a continental breakfast, lunch and refreshments at tiki huts on the course. Complimentary water, soft drinks and beer will be included. Specialty sponsors will provide a complimentary array of products and services to enhance the golfers’ outing experience. The event will end with a “Burgers in Paradise” featuring a build-your-own burger station and an awards program.

Several contests will also be a featured part of this year’s outing, including a “Fins” Skins Contest, the popular Pirate Putt contest (also known as the $Buck$ Putt contest) and the Parrothead Club Cover Contest, with premium prizes. A new, theme-related contest will add fun to the day as well.

“The Golf Classic is a great opportunity to enjoy outstanding golf,” said Pat Convery, chamber president. “And it’s also a wonderful time to do some business networking and entertain clients. Some new sponsorship opportunities have been created this year and we’re ready to customize sponsorship opportunities as well – just give us a call.”

Invitations will be mailed to chamber members in May. A brochure complete with details regarding the event schedule and a variety of sponsorship opportunities, featuring some sponsorships new for this year, will be included.

The chamber is also seeking items for the golfers’ goodie bags such as apparel, golf accessories or packaged goods and sundries, and door prize donations. Items may be dropped off at the chamber building or can be arranged for pick up. Members interested in sponsorship or goodie bag and door prize donation opportunities may contact the chamber for additional details.

The cost to participate in this year’s outing is an outstanding value at $125, which includes $5 in 50-50 tickets, refreshments, lunch, dinner, drinks and more.

For more information about the golf outing, contact Kim Esper, coordinator of the golf outing at the chamber, at 517.546.3920 or kesper@howell.org.

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2010 Livingston County Benefit Survey

It can be very difficult for employers to find information on employee benefits offered in this area. The Howell Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation will help to fill that gap with the foundation's 2010 Livingston County Benefit Survey.

"Each time the survey is conducted, the results prove to be invaluable for employers," said Pat Convery, president. "But in order to compile the information, employers will need to spend a few minutes in the coming weeks to fill out the survey.”

The surveys are being distributed electronically, and the chamber is urging all employers who receive the survey to make sure to return a completed copy by the June 7 due date, as indicated in the materials.

Since wage information is readily available for employers online, only benefits will be surveyed. This cuts the time to complete the survey to only about fifteen minutes.

“The more companies that complete the survey, the more valuable the data will be,” said Convery. The survey is aimed at employers with 15 or more employees, but any Livingston County employer can complete it.

This survey, which is the 10^th employment survey conducted by the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation during the past 18 years, is a cooperative effort of the American Society of Employers (ASE), the Livingston Manufacturers Network of the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce, and Michigan Works! Livingston Service Center. The survey is available on-line and will be sent out to hundreds of area employers with an email introduction and link.

Data will be computed and analyzed by ASE, an organization with over 40 years of survey development experience. It will not cross the desk of any local business organization. Confidentiality is guaranteed.

The comprehensive survey will include information on the latest benefits for hourly and salary employees from manufacturers, retail stores, financial organizations and service companies.

Detailed information on benefits to be surveyed includes: medical coverage, health savings plans, prescription drugs, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, wellness programs, paid leave, workweek and schedules, part-time employees, safety programs, severance pay and cost containment. There is also a category on miscellaneous benefits.

The survey is available electronically and can be completed entirely on-line. Beyond standard benefit data, the survey will compile information on workforce issues such as turnover rates, barriers to recruiting new employees, workforce education levels and much more.

All companies that participate in the survey will receive a copy of the complete results at no charge. The survey results will be available for $175 to those not completing the survey.

A presentation of the survey results with an overview of the benefit survey data will be held at the chamber in late August.

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Is your business in compliance? Get ‘Smoke-Free Building’ signs at the chamber

Michigan’s new smoke-free law went into effect on May 1, and as part of that, all businesses must have appropriate signs posted at every entrance. Vinyl "This Building is Smoke Free" window clings are now available at the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce at no charge. Stop by any weekday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to pick up these signs for your establishment.

The law requires all businesses, including restaurants and bars to be smoke-free effective May 1. Smoking is also banned in enclosed areas of hotels, motels and inns. Smoking will continue to be permitted in: 1) cigar bars that meet specific requirements; 2) tobacco specialty shops that meet specific requirements; 3) private offices where only one person is the employee; and 4) gaming floors of Detroit's casinos.

For more information, click here to visit the Michigan Department of Community Health website.

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Congressman delivers annual address at GML

U.S. Congressman Mike Rogers spoke recently at the April edition of Good Morning Livingston, hosted by the chamber. Rogers gave his annual address on local issues and current national events such as the economy, jobs, health care, national security and more at the program.

He spoke of challenges in the banking industry and its impact on small business. “Access to capital is the number one problem that small businesses in the country are facing.”

Rogers suggested that owners may want to consider skepticism of banking programs that say they have funds for small businesses. “We’ve lost 100 banks this year already, and we will have more in Michigan,” he said.

He notes that only about 12 percent of those who apply will qualify for small business credit or capital, and “it will be very difficult to get.”

His perspective is that the problem stems from the loss loan reserve. “The problem is compounding on itself,” Rogers said. “We need to peel back the regulators, to slow down the loss reserve, and get them in tune.”

Regarding health care, he cited cost as the single reason most people can’t access services. “Health care companies should be telling you how you can get it,” he said. He expressed concern for the current regulations prohibiting customers from purchasing health insurance outside the state in which they reside, thereby creating a lack in competitive rates.

On the national security front, he spoke of nuclear weapons possession in Iran, Russia, China and North Korea. He noted that Iran is in a position of power with many with some countries due to its influence over neighboring countries or those with which is conducts business. As an example, Rogers said that China purchases about 50 percent of its natural gas from Iran.

“When the French tell us we’re not being strong enough on Iran, that’s a problem,” he said.

He also expressed concern with government spending. “The more we borrow and spend that we don’t have, the more we empower China,” Rogers said. “They are the larger holder of U.S. debt.”

He reported that this year, the federal government will spend $1.6 million more than what it takes in, thus building on the United States’ dependence on funds from other countries.

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May GML: Adventures in Entrepreneurship

What’s your pot of gold? Entrepreneurs share dreams, drive at May GML
Do you know what’s in your pot of gold? That’s the question Chris Mathews of Razzmatazz Toys asked attendees at the recent May edition of Good Morning Livingston. The breakfast program, hosted by the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce, entitled, “Adventures in Entrepreneurship” was in recognition of May as small business month.

As Mathews described the journey he and his wife Laura have taken to open their toy store in downtown Howell, he implored the audience to consider what’s in the pot at the end of their own metaphorical rainbow. He said it may not always be “gold,” or personal fortune. It could be a personal satisfaction, a drive to fill a need, to make the world a better place, fame, leaving a legacy, or more. But when an entrepreneur on an endeavor knows what’s in that pot, it can help establish the commitment needed to succeed in small business.

The Mathews family business started when they lived in California and Laura began selling toys online. The couple moved to Michigan so Chris could pursue his graduate degree, and following a series of personal events, decided to open a toy store. Their business started with a location in downtown Linden, and then opened Razzmatazz Toys in downtown Howell, which features quality, built-to-last toys with an educational base.

Perpetual benchmarking, understanding the competition and identifying a need to fill a niche are all tips to success, Mathews suggested. He shared some trepidation about the risks involved with pursuing such a venture, but encouraged the audience with a quote that, “the refreshing glories of life await those that are willing to break their own rules.”

“What started out as a project, turned into a journey…”
Bob Green, creator and designer of the Hug-A-Plug electrical outlet adapter, also spoke at the program. The plug was designed to solve two common problems when connecting power cords to standard outlets: minimizing the space required to plug a cord into an outlet, and reducing damage to cords. The company is based in Brighton and the plug is manufactured in Indiana.

A need for the product is also what drove Green to develop his specialty plug, when he found a gap in the marketplace for such a product. Although he’s encountered hurdles throughout the process that has taken him five to six years to develop, and has consumed what was to be his retirement, he says it has been a great experience.

“It started out as a project, and has turned into a journey,” he said. “You have to have a lot of commitment to the project, but if you are committed and if you believe you can – you can.”

Green, whose company is based in Brighton, was also committed to manufacturing the product in the United States, despite many naysayers. “Even as recent as two to three weeks ago, I was told it had to be made overseas,” he said. He persisted though, and the plug is now being manufactured in Indiana.

Inventing a solution to a need
Dave Allen of RZI Products/WOWproductsUSA, LLC addressed the crowd at GML. Allen has invented many products, and currently has 15 products in production. RZI Products/WOWproductsUSA, LLC is based in Howell and features products designed, manufactured and assembled in Michigan, including auto accessories, landscaping items, pet supply and grocery storage items, and computer and office supply organizers.

Many of Allen’s products were also created based on an identified need. After contemplating creating a franchise to manufacture and distribute his products, he now has the capabilities to manufacture the products and partners with large-scale companies such as Toro and Rain Bird Corporation for distribution.

He expressed challenges with pricing and availability of products. “If products aren’t priced right – they will not move,” Allen said. “The products have to be unique, useful and priced right.”

The company is growing, and Allen hopes to continue that pattern. He is committed to service, sharing his returns with others and finding a way to make it all work. “The challenge right now is funding for the company,” he said. “But I’m really just interested in giving it all back.”

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Chamber Ambassadors hit the road
“The ambassadors had a similar outing last year that was very well received. They had a great time with it and are excited to do this latest Road Blitz,” said Esper. “They'd like the community to know that they're out and about and available to help.”

Ambassadors are usually the most outgoing, pro-active employees in their company, according to Esper. “Ambassadors project a positive image for their company and for the chamber. They perform a wide variety of duties in the communities the chamber promotes, but their main function is to help promote the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce and make Howell chamber events successful and enjoyable for everyone,” she said.

The ambassadors are an extension of the chamber and help mentor new and rookie members by inviting them to programs, meeting with them to help acquaint them with chamber benefits they can utilize and offering their help and expertise in a peer-to-peer capacity. They play many roles in the chamber including greeter, mentor, facilitators and more.

“The chamber appreciates the extra time and work that ambassadors give to help make membership a successful experience and asks you to try to take a few minutes to speak with an ambassador or return a call to them,” said Pat Convery, chamber president. “They are respectful of members' time and provide a valuable resource.”

Howell Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Committee:
Christy Conn, EctoHR, LLC
Gary Kackstetter, Keller Williams Realty
Ted Kuderko, Classic Carpet & Floor Covering, Rugs & Décor
Ralph LeRoy, The Livingston Lamplighters Barbershop Chorus/Jesters Quartet
Janine McEvoy, Homewood Suites by Hilton
Rozalina Mekhael, LOC Federal Credit Union
Carrie Newstead, First National Bank
Carole Smoter, Real Estate One
Debra VanHevele, Comerica Bank

The goals and objectives for the chamber Ambassador Committee are to:
- Provide ongoing membership contact to help promote retention and encourage member involvement
- Welcome and assist all chamber members at meetings and events
- Visit new businesses and inform them of the benefits of becoming a chamber member
- Promote chamber membership peer-to-peer
The committee is planning an upcoming Road Blitz outing for the ambassadors to "hit the road" on June 8. Teams will spend the morning calling on 30 area businesses bringing chamber information and goodie bags. Chamber members are invited to contact Kim Esper, membership director at the chamber and coordinator of the program, if they have suggestions of businesses that might benefit from a visit during the event.
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Spotlight on New Member: Prime Arbor Enterprises, Inc.

Prime Arbor Enterprises, Inc. is a full-service tree care business. The company provides an extensive list of services, including: tree and shrub removal, pruning, planting, stump grinding, cabling, disease diagnosis, mulching, firewood, snow removal and lawn maintenance. Spring and fall clean-up services, as well as emergency storm damage clean up, are also available.

“Our certified arborists believe trees are a legacy to be preserved while enhancing their beauty to add value to the homeowner’s landscaping,” said Suzanne Peltier, president of the company.

Prime Arbor prunes and shapes trees without the use of spikes that could injure the tree, causing its eventual death.

“Each tree is treated as a work of art, sculpting the limbs, removing the deadwood, elevating the limbs in a way that results in our clients stating their landscaping looks like an estate or a park when the work is complete,” said Peltier.

The company strives to make services accessible for customers, and accepts a variety of credit cards. No-interest payment plans may also be arranged for larger projects.

Prime Arbor Enterprises is located at 7527 Rushton Road in Brighton. For more information, call 248.486.4347 or visit primearborent.com.

The Spotlight in the News business is selected from those attending the chamber’s most recent New Member Welcome.

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Office space available

A small office space is available for rent in the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation building, located at 123 E. Washington Street in Howell. The space is available now, and comes fully furnished. Amenities include use of conference and storage space, copy and mail facilities, kitchen, public parking, WiFi throughout the building, and more.

For details, contact Pat Convery at pconvery@howell.org or 517.546.3920.

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Membership Value Program: Shop chamber members – get discounts!

The Howell Area Chamber of Commerce reminds members to shop locally and support fellow chamber member businesses. One way to keep those valuable dollars in the community, and a few more dollars in your own pocket, is to participate in the chamber’s Membership Value Program when purchasing goods or services. The program is a benefit available to all Howell chamber member employees at no cost to participants or shoppers.

Promote and grow your business by offering discounts to thousands of keytag holders through the program, which offers discounts on everything from lunch to auto repair at nearly 100 companies throughout the area. Just show your keytag and claim your discounts.

"Shop the membership value program for all your needs, both business and personal, and use members whenever possible,” said Kim Esper, membership director at the chamber. “Like your business, other members will appreciate your patronage. In addition, it’s a great perk for your employees to use the keytags and receive program discounts.”

A complete listing of participating businesses is accessible by visiting the Member-to-Member Discounts page at howell.org. To enroll in the program or obtain keytags for chamber member employees, contact Kim Esper at 517.546.3920 or kesper@howell.org.

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Unemployment Statistics

Unemployment Statistics
(not seasonally adjusted)
Local and statewide

                                  March 10    Feb. 09     March 09
Livingston County          13.3%        13.3%       11.8%
State of Michigan          14.9%        14.6%         13.3%

Source: Michigan Dept. of Labor and Economic Growth

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Members Moving Forward

Share your business news with chamber members! Have some new faces recently joined your team? Does your business have a grand opening coming up? Is your business moving, adding new products or services, or celebrating an anniversary?

If so, the chamber wants to know. Send your Moving Forward member news for consideration to cdonovan@howell.org. Submissions can come in the form of press releases or announcements, and the chamber reserves the right to edit articles for length and content.

For more information, call 517.546.3920.

Atlas Home Improvement
Atlas Home Improvement, a local family-owned business, recently announced the opening of its interactive showroom in Hartland. The 700-square-foot showroom is located inside the Meijer store at US-23 and M-59. Using one of five monitors, potential customers are able to see before and after pictures and touch many state-of-the-art home improvement products like Gutter Helmet rain gutter guards and Bathwraps bath tub liners. For more information call 810.227.9164 or visit atlashomeimprovement.com.

Carriage House Designs
Carriage House Designs will host its second annual Pink Party, Thursday, June 17 from 5 – 10 p.m. in downtown Howell. The town-wide ticketed event features in-store discounts, giveaways, silent auction, light appetizers and more. All ticket proceeds will be donated to the Susan G. Komen fund. Local businesses can participate by contacting Cindy at cindy@clcdesigns.com. For more information contact Kim Wilson at 517.545.3130, or Julie Dennis at 517.518.0956.

Five Sparrows, LLC
Five Sparrows, LLC has developed and trademarked its new approach to social marketing called Integrated Social Marketing (ISM). The approach enables small businesses to add social marketing to their regular marketing activities without the need for extra staff. The company is a Michigan website development firm providing websites and marketing services to small businesses and non-profit organizations, featuring custom-designed, purpose-built websites. A recent whitepaper published by the company examines some main ideas behind using social media and describes the benefits of implementing an integrated social marketing strategy. For more information call 810.923.1874 or visit fivesparrows.com.

In-House Hospice
In-House Hospice, located at 30400 Telegraph Road, Suite 334 in Bingham Farms, will celebrate its open house Tuesday, May 25 from 3 to 6 p.m. The event will include facility tours, hors d’oeuvres, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place from 10 – 11 a.m. To R.S.V.P. call 800.311.5365.

Keller Williams Realty
Linda Barnwell, of Keller Williams Realty in Brighton, has earned the EcoBroker Certified designation. EcoBroker International’s premier designation program is designed for real estate professionals who want to help their clients benefit from energy-efficient products, services and appliances. For more information call 810.227.5500 or visit kellerwilliamsrealty-brighton.com.

Lansing Ophthalmology Howell
Lansing Ophthalmology has opened a second office in Fowlerville, located at 136 East Grand River Avenue. Services available include routine eye exams, surgical procedures and eye emergencies. For more information call 517.337.1293 or visit loeye.com.

Livingston Arts Council/The Opera House
The Opera House will host a Tribute Series to benefit the historical landmark facility in downtown Howell. The event takes place on Fridays in May beginning at 7 p.m. The series will present live musical entertainment, sponsored by Great Escape Family Fun Center, on May 14, 21 and 28. For performance and ticket information, call 517.540.0065 or visit theoperahouse.us.

Livingston County Daily Press & Argus
Livingston County Daily Press & Argus received 16 awards, including six first-place awards, from the Michigan Associated Press Editorial Association contest for 2009. The Livingston County Daily Press & Argus was one of 18 contestants vying for honors. For more information call 517.548.2000 or visit livingstondaily.com.

Livingston Land Conservancy
Livingston Land Conservancy will hold “Protect our Headwaters” golf outing Sunday, May 16 beginning at 8 a.m. The fundraising event will take place at The Majestic at Lake Walden and includes a shotgun start, lunch, prizes and more. Proceeds will help secure over 29 acres of the Shiawassee headwaters. For reservations contact The Majestic at 810.632.5235; for more information regarding the event contact the Livingston Land Conservancy at 810.229.3290 or info@livingstonlandconservancy.org.

Paulson’s Construction, Inc.
Paulson’s Construction, Inc. was recently presented the 2010 Preservation Award from the Michigan Historic Preservation Network for its restoration of a curved porch on an historic home in Howell. The award recognizes outstanding building preservation projects completed within the past three years that are restoration rehabilitation projects which include exterior rehabilitation work. For more information call 517.545.8651 or visit paulsonsconstruction.com.

SDG Homes
SDG Homes has taken over the development of the Spring Hill subdivision in Brighton. Currently there are five homes built and 20 empty home sites, and three four-unit condos. Building is expected to begin in June. The firm is a fully-licensed, certified and insured design/build Michigan corporation. For more information call 248.935.6500 or visit sdghomes.com.

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