Business Views: June 2010

Business Views

June 2010 Ÿ Vol. 20 Ÿ No. 6 Ÿ howell.org

Browse current and archived issues of Business Views online.

In this issue:

Monthly Program Sponsor: Michigan Challenge Balloonfest

Michigan Challenge Balloonfest: An established special event built on family tradition that continues to entertain a new generation

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

The celebration is June 25-27 and is centered around nearly 50 beautiful balloons that decorate the sky during the event that has attracted more than 120,000 guests annually.

The festival starts on Friday night with an early evening balloon launch followed by theMediLodge Fireworks.

Mass balloon launches take place, weather permitting, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings, between 6 and 8 p.m. Early birds can arrive just after dawn on Saturday and Sunday to watch the pilots compete for the title of Michigan Challenge champion as they fly in to the site after launching their craft from locations in the countryside.

The Michigan Challenge is hosted by the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce. PNC Bank is the major sponsor. Supporting sponsors are Citizens Insurance, Tanger Outlet Center and Waste Management. Beverage sponsor is Pepsi. Site host is Howell Public Schools.

Moving into the next 25 years

After celebrating its 25^th anniversary last year, Michigan Challenge XXVI continues to move into the next quarter-of-a-century, and maintains its tradition as one of the best outdoor festivals in the area.

The weekend event features the state championship of hot-air ballooning, as well as family entertainment and activities. New for 2010 is PNC Pistons Parties, antique appraisals, a national mobile tour, a basketball tournament in downtown Howell and the Landing Zone, a creative and entertaining area for kids of all ages to play, shop, eat and explore art.

In the Landing Zone, kids have a chance to “Assemble Some Fun” in the first Balloonfest 500.

“Kids will create wearable cardboard box cars, and then run a foot race on the Balloonfest 500 track,” said Michigan Challenge Director Michelle Tokan. “Along the ‘assembly line’ they will visit booths and attractions in the new Landing Zone destination.”

Also in the Landing Zone is the Howell Conference & Nature Center, Citizens Insurance Family Fun Tent, 7-Eleven Summer of Slurpee Tour with gaming systems, samples and giveaways, and the Howell High School football helmet will be inflated so kids can run through it like the football players do before each home game.

On Sunday near the arts festival in the Landing Zone, Antique Appraisals, presented by The Livingston Antique Outlet are offered from noon - 4 p.m. Carry in items only please, $5 per item.

The Landing Zone is sponsored by LaFontaine Automotive Group and C & L Ward Bros.

Basketball fans can take to the courts at balloonfest this year

At the launch site on Saturday and Sunday from 3 – 5 p.m., score some points at the PNC Pistons Party. Meet Hooper, the Piston's mascot, Automotion and Palace Patrol members and participate in games and special activities at the PNC tent.

On Saturday, June 26 play in the first balloonfest basketball tournament located just north of the historic Livingston County courthouse from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. The tournament is sponsored by Asahi Kasei Plastics North America Inc. and presented by Red Hacker Basketball. Register to play in the tournament at REDHACKERUSA.COM.

“We are very excited to be a part of the Michigan Challenge Balloonfest this year,” said Red Hacker Basketball Owner Mike Matkin. “We look forward to becoming a staple in the festivities for many years to come. Howell is a great city and beautiful location to host a Red Hacker Basketball tournament.”

Favorite attractions return for affordable family fun

A must-see attraction at the Michigan Challenge is the Saturday night balloon glow and night skydiving show. As darkness falls, 20 pilots will return from their competitive flights to inflate their balloons on the launch field. It is a never-to-be-forgotten sight as the many colors of the balloons are illuminated against the night sky. Then, the Renewal by Andersen Skydivers make a nighttime jump complete with pyrotechnics.

Daytime attractions include Windjammers stunt kite shows, music, games, carnival rides, comedy and juggling. Entertainment is sponsored by Atlas Home Improvement, American Laser Centers and Krug Ford.

America’s Best Frisbee Dogs, sponsored by Meijer, jump back onto the field; and artists display their handcrafted work in the juried Arts Festival sponsored by Champion Chevrolet.

Parking passes are $12/day or $20 for a weekend pass. Discounted weekend passes are available for $15 at any PNC Bank office in Livingston County until June 24. Passes include admission for everyone in the car. Parking is sponsored by Art Van and Michigan Remodeling Group.

For more information, call the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce at 517.546.3920or visit the event website at michiganchallenge.com.

Destination downtown Howell

In addition to the new Balloonfest Basketball Tournament on Saturday, visitors to downtown Howell will enjoy great entertainment and activities, centered around the historic Livingston County Courthouse and on the sidewalks of the city.

Saturday is Saint Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital Kid's Day with activity stations for kids set up on the courthouse lawn. See karate demonstrations, listen to story telling and create make-and-take recycled crafts as souvenirs of your balloonfest visit. There is also a bubble factory, watercolor painting, toddler tumbling, ceramics from The Ceramic Studio, and a hot-air balloon ornament to color and keep. Activities are presented by the Livingston County Family YMCA.

Sunday blossoms downtown with Howell’s Sunday Farmer’s Market for fresh produce and flowers.

And, all weekend long, shop downtown Howell for special promotions, sidewalk sales and activities. For details, visit ShopDowntownHowell.com.

The downtown venue - with shops, restaurants and entertainment - is a mile east of the Howell High School complex where the balloons launch. The Michigan Challenge is an event to remember and a visit to downtown Howell provides even more memories!

Visitors are encouraged to come early and stay late all three days to enjoy everything the weekend has to offer. For complete information, visit michiganchallenge.com

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From the desk of the President...

It’s start of magic season.

Last year, during the visit of Budweiser Clydesdales to downtown Howell, a woman came up to me and said, “This town is magic!”

She was referring to Howell and the many unique and wonderful aspects of this community. From architecture that puts us on the National Registry to special events that put us in the spotlight, we’ll be seeing magic created right before our eyes during the next few months.

I’ve got my pink dress lined up for the Pink Party on June 17. This town-wide celebration and support of breast cancer research is in its second year. Congratulations to Kim Wilson of Carriage House Designs who started the Pink Party with an idea to raise some funds and it blossomed beyond her wildest dreams.

This year’s event promises to be just as spectacular, meaningful and fun.

Right on the heels of the Pink Party, Howell welcomes dozens of hot-air balloons as part of the Michigan Challenge Balloonfest, June 25-27.

This is one of the chamber’s signature events. Our events are designed to fit our mission to be a catalyst for a vital business environment and an exceptional community. The balloonfest fits the bill on all fronts.

The event shines a very powerful, positive spotlight on this area. More than 100 thousand people will attend, at least half of these from outside Livingston County.

And those people bring their dollars and spend it on food, gasoline, lodging, shopping and more. Retailers tell me that many people return to their stores throughout the year, telling them their first experience with shopping here was during the balloonfest.

I always compare the balloonfest to a holiday celebration like Christmas. We want our traditions—the decorations, the food, the family—but we also want something new under the tree.

This year, the “new” includes a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, a high-wire act and a new kids’ area called The Landing Zone, with video games, build-your-own race cars and other activities.

I can’t express enough admiration for the Michigan Challenge Balloonfest committee, headed by Lt. John Kowalski of the City of Howell Police Department. This is a group that gets things done and each year creates more memories for our visitors and our residents.

Hope you join us for the magic this month and throughout the rest of the year.

Pat Convery

President

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Margaret Starkey Scholarship winners announced

The Howell Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation has awarded close to $15,000 in Margaret Starkey Scholarships to 11 working students, nominated by their employers.

Each student will receive $1,350 from the scholarship program. Cleary University will provide a $1,000 match to the student attending classes at the school, bringing the total scholarship dollars to over $16,000.

In 2008, an anonymous $100,000 donation was presented to the chamber foundation Margaret Starkey Scholarship program. This gift was followed by an additional donation in 2009 of more than $14,000 in stock from the same anonymous donor, thereby increasing the funds available for distribution to worthy students.

The scholarship is named in honor of Margaret Starkey, who was the chamber executive assistant for 35 years. It is awarded annually to working students who best exemplify her outstanding qualities of dedication, enthusiasm, community service and attention to detail.

Scholarships go to Kevin Blight, Chem-Trend Limited Partnership; Ellen Crossley, AAA Service Network, Inc.; Alexandria Heeg, Saint Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital; Torri Johnson, Howell True Value Hardware; Ann O'Reilly, Pregnancy Helpline; Emily Ott, Howell Carnegie District Library; Laura Phillips, Howell Carnegie District Library; Tiffany Richards, Tanger Outlet Center; Sheri Schoenfield, Livingston Educational Service Agency (LESA); Bob Skrobot, Howell Area Parks & Recreation Authority; and Patti Sutton, Chem-Trend Limited Partnership.

“These students are remarkable role models,” said Pat Convery, president of the chamber foundation. “Despite heavy work schedules and challenges, they have prevailed to become successful professionals who go above and beyond each day while balancing careers, family and other obstacles as they pursue their education.”

Scholarship recipients will be honored at the chamber’s Good Morning Livingston program in September.

“We were amazed at the caliber of the outstanding applications we received,” said Vicki Hartman, chairman of the chamber foundation. “Although the nominees all possessed admirable qualities, the committee determined that these 11 individuals were most deserving of the scholarships.”

Blight, who was nominated by Chris Surato at Chem-Trend, is a laboratory technician at the company. He is enrolled at Eastern Michigan University and is studying supply chain management.

Crossley was nominated by Nancy Schmedlen of AAA Service Network, Inc., where she works in the accounting department. She plans to study physical therapy at the University Michigan Flint campus in the fall.

Heeg, who was nominated by Joy Hopkins at Saint Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital, is a night staff patient care technician. She is enrolled at Lansing Community College where she is studying nursing.

Johnson was nominated by Chuck Chapman of Howell True Value Hardware, where her responsibilities include sales, stocking web management duties and more. She is enrolled at Washtenaw Community College where she is studying nutrition/dietetics.

O’Reilly was nominated by Joan Hutchison at Pregnancy Helpline, where she works as the agency’s development and public relations director. She plans to study marketing/nonprofit management at

Cleary University or Washtenaw Community College in the fall.

Ott was nominated by Kathleen Zaenger at the Howell Carnegie District Library, where she is a circulation supervisor. She is currently enrolled in the graduate program at Wayne State University, working towards a Master’s degree in library and information science.

Phillips was nominated by Kathleen Zaenger at the Howell Carnegie District Library, where she works as front-line customer service provider in the circulation department. She studies psychology and sociology at Eastern Michigan University.

Richards was nominated by Rosemary Ramus at Tanger Outlet Center, where she works as a customer service representative in the mall’s management office. She is currently attending Cleary University and studies marketing, communications and information technology.

Schoenfield was nominated by Janet Hale of LESA, where she provides support for the assistant superintendent for human resources and more. She is enrolled at Baker College where she is studying human resources management.

Skrobot was nominated by Deborah Mikula of the Howell Area Parks & Recreation Authority, where he works as a building/site supervisor and beach/boat launch supervisor. He is currently attending Schoolcraft College and is studying biomedical engineering technology.

Sutton was nominated by Carol Surline at Chem-Trend Limited Partnership, where she works as an assistant human resources manager. She plans to study human resources or business management at

Lansing Community College or Cleary University in the fall.

The 2010 Margaret Starkey Scholarship selection committee was made up of Don Cortez, First Impression Print & Marketing, and Vicki Hartman, PNC Bank, both of the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation board, and Charlotte Swann of Morgan Stanley, local attorney Sue Hamilton, Bob Starkey, grandson of Mrs. Starkey and a teacher at Howell Public Schools, and Convery.

The committee recognizes the additional employees who were nominated this year: Justin Blight, AAA Service Network, Inc.; Debra Brown, MediLodge of Howell; Amy Bugaski, MediLodge of Howell; Nicole Coan, Centurion Medical Products; Jody Epperson, Saint Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital; Cassie Folts, Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency; Kathryn Greenwood, Comerica Bank; Maureen Hartley, Saint Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital; Kathryn Henry, MediLodge of Howell; Joy Hopkins, Saint Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital; Lindsey Jarvinen, McDonald’s; Chelsea Richardson, Livingston County Road Commission; Marie Turchanik, Saint Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital; Brandon Tweedy, Tomato Brothers; Jamie Ward, VG’s Food Center; Deanna Wennberg, Saint Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital; Janet Whiting, Saint Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital; Danielle Wilbanks, RE/MAX Platinum.

“Margaret Starkey was so important to the growth and success of the chamber in its earlier years. This scholarship program is one way of honoring her legacy,” said Convery. “We invite contributions to continue the support of this great program for our hard-working area students.”

For more information on the Margaret Starkey Scholarship, contact Convery at the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation at 517.546.3920.

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Livingston County Community Resource Workshop

Grant funding and other support for community organizations is more important than ever, but identifying and securing that support can be challenging. To that end, the upcoming Livingston County Community Resource Workshop is designed to assist in fostering community collaboration and provide access to resources. This free half-day workshop takes place Wednesday, June 16, from 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., with registration beginning at 8:30 a.m., at Crystal Gardens – Livingston, 5768 E. Grand River Avenue in Howell.

·        Hear presentations from federal, state and non-profit agencies to learn what technical support and/or funding opportunities are available.

·        Talk one-on-one with federal, state and non-profit agency representatives about possible funding and proposals.

·        Network with city officials, local community agencies and potential funders to establish new partnerships and build on strengths and common goals.

·        Receive resource guides (including a current list of hundreds of grant opportunities) and community profile with the pertinent socioeconomic information that is often required in grant applications.

Representatives will be in attendance from various federal, state and local agencies including: MI Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth; MI Department of Environmental Quality; MI Department of Transportation; MI Economic Development Corporation; U.S. Department of Commerce; U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; U.S. Small Business Administration. The workshop is facilitated by the EDA Community Economic Adjustment Program (CEAP) at the University of Michigan in partnership with the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce, Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce, Livingston County United Way, Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, Center for Automotive Research, Economic Development Council of Livingston County, Livingston County Michigan Works!, County of Livingston and University of Michigan.

There is no cost to attend; light refreshments will be served. R.S.V.P. online at http://livingstoncountyresourceworkshop.eventbrite.com. Please note that a password is required to access the registration page. Password is: livingston2010.

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Strategic Growth Initiative moves forward with New Economy 201 event

In the next step of the Livingston County Strategic Growth Initiative, the Howell, Brighton and Hartland chambers of commerce and the Michigan State University Land Policy Institute are partnering to host New Economy 201. The educational event takes place Friday, June 18, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at the Howell Carnegie District Library meeting room, 314 W. Grand River Avenue in Howell.

New Economy (NE) 201 will focus on a vision and goals for regional prosperity, on key principles and practices, and place-based strategies that are rooted in Michigan’s abundant assets. The free training program is geared toward elected and appointed government officials, business people and planning and economic development professionals; however, all interested persons are encouraged to attend, especially those who attended the recent NE 101 program.

"Join us for this important event as part of the initiative to propel Livingston County toward a future of growth," said Pat Convery, president of the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce. "This session will help define measurable goals and strategies for creating our own economic success."

NE 201 is a follow-up to the recent Livingston County New Economy Summit and the subsequent NE 101 training program, and is part of the development of a Strategic Growth Plan for Livingston County. The Summit was attended by over 400 local stakeholders and the NE 101 program had nearly 100 participants.

"The New Economy 201 program focuses on a simple common vision and basic goals for prosperity; it will describe in detail Michigan’s critical assets and then identify place-based strategies to help us create new prosperity on a regional basis," said Glenn Pape, Regional Land Policy Educator at MSU’s Land Policy Institute (LPI).

The complete process for the Livingston County Strategic Growth Initiative will include educational events, stakeholder interviews, asset identification and analysis, and visioning workshops. A plan, with actionable goals and strategies to complete them, will be created by the end of the process, expected to take about nine months.

There is no charge for the New Economy 201 event. Registration is limited to 50 attendees.

For more information, visit landpolicy.msu.edu/MPI. To register, contact the Michigan State University Extension office at 517.546.3950.

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Fiscal Fitness for Small Business

How fiscally fit is your business? In a partnership with the Livingston County Small Business & Technology Development Center (SBTDC), the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation presents "5 Keys to Successful Financial Planning for Small Business: Fiscal Fitness." The event takes place on Wednesday, June 30 from 8 a.m. – noon at the chamber foundation, 123 E. Washington St. in Howell.

This workshop gives business owners an in-depth look at the essentials of using financial information to make effective decisions about improving their business performance. The program, sponsored in part by Fifth Third Bank, is designed for chief executive officers, business owners and financial managers with at least three years of financial history who are seeking a better understanding of how financial statements can inform their business decisions.

Topics covered will include: identifying problems using your balance sheet and income statement; proven ways to increase your company’s cash flow; using breakeven analysis to improve decision-making; planning the working capital to support your growth; and keeping the banker on your side.

Fiscal Fitness will also feature a representative of the Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center (MI-SBTDC) Growth Group (G2). The group was formed to prepare companies for the next stage of growth, and draws on an experienced group of professionals to guide management in the evaluation and selection of strategies using a set of comprehensive business tools.

The cost of the workshop is $25 and includes course materials and light refreshments. Register online at misbtdc.org/training or by contacting the chamber at 517.546.3920 or　chamber@howell.org. Payment will be taken at the event, with checks made out to Livingston County SBTDC.

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Candidate Forum for State Senate seat

In the August primary election, two local figures will be on the ballot for the State Senate seat currently held by Valde Garcia. A Candidates’ Forum will be held on Thursday, July 15 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. featuring both Republican candidates running, Joe Hune, former state representative for the 47^th district, and Paul Rogers, CommTech Services Group, Inc.

The event is hosted by the Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce.

As of this publication, the location is to be determined. Please watch your email for future communication regarding the event.

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Get in the swing, Jimmy Buffett style, for Golf Classic 2010

Calling all golfers, Parrotheads and Jimmy Buffett fans! The 36^th annual Howell Area Chamber of Commerce Golf Classic is on the horizon. This year’s event is set for Wednesday, July 28 at Oak Pointe Country Club in Brighton. The theme celebrates Jimmy Buffett 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 Buffett 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."

As an added bonus, the first 25 foursomes registering for the outing will receive tickets to a Detroit Tigers game.

Golfers are encouraged to dress island-style, decorate their carts and golf bags, and name their foursome in the spirit of the island-theme. Prizes will be awarded for the best-dressed player(s) and best-decorated carts and bags.

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, including wine tastings, cigar samples a gift giveaway and more. 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), a new "Beach-the-Ball" Chipping 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."

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. Additional raffle tickets will be available throughout the day.

For more information about the golf outing, including registration, goodie bag donations or sponsorships, contact Kim Esper, coordinator of the golf outing at the chamber, at 517.546.3920 or kesper@howell.org.

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Reminder: 2010 Livingston County Benefit Survey

Have you submitted your survey data yet? As a reminder, employers who are participating in the 2010 Livingston County Benefit Survey are urged to complete and submit their surveys right away, as the June 7 due date has passed.

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.

"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 to fill out the survey."

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.

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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Summer in the City Business After Hours

A Summer in the City Business After Hours will be hosted by Cobb-Hall Insurance and John S. Lobur, P.C. on Tuesday, August 17 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. in the courtyard at 223 W. Grand River Avenue in the heart of downtown Howell.

Chamber members and guests are invited to the beach-themed event to network and enjoy live music, margaritas, hors d’oeuvres and refreshments outdoors, centered around the fountain and floral displays in the courtyard facing Grand River Avenue.

"This event is a great opportunity for chamber members to meet and network with other business associates in a relaxed environment. Stop by after work and enjoy the refreshments and beautiful weather," said Pat Convery, chamber president.

There is no charge to attend. A rain date is planned for Thursday, August 19. If needed, an email will be sent out to inform the change of date.

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Leadership Livingston invites applicants

Leadership Livingston is now accepting applications for the 2010-2011 class. Individuals interested in ensuring the quality of Livingston County’s social and economic future are encouraged to apply. Area businesses, public and private agencies, civic and other organizations are asked to identify and support a candidate. Individuals also may nominate themselves.

The nine-month program begins in September and meets once a month at various locations throughout the county. Participants have an opportunity to increase their knowledge of all of the services, programs and organizations which are vital to the county. Additionally, participants expand their communication, problem-solving and leadership skills through identification of leadership styles, planned interactive experiences and completing a community-based project.

The program first began in 1992 and is a joint effort of the Howell and Brighton chambers of commerce and Cleary University. Leadership Livingston is not a training program, but is modeled after similar leadership development programs operating successfully across the country designed to bring together individuals with diverse backgrounds and experience.

Graduates of the program have stated that their interaction with media, government officials and local business and community leaders greatly surpassed their expectations of the program and gave them valuable insight into the opportunities and challenges facing the county.

Cleary University sponsors this community program. Reduced tuition may be available to applicants who need financial assistance. For more information visit leadershiplivingston.com or call 517.586.3004.

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Howell Area Chamber of Commerce 2009 revenue and expenses

Revenue	Revenue	Revenue
Membership	Program/Event	Publications/Other
241,518.60	502,354.33	63,763.39

	Total:	$807,636.32



Expenses	Expenses	Expenses
Administration	Operations	Program/Event Cost
344,392.08	143,993.79	315,276.57

	Total:	$803,662.44

	Net Income:	$3,973.88
	Deduct Depreciaton:	$(7,976.76)
	Other:	$0.45
	Net Inc.	$(4,002.43)

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Road Blitz a hit for chamber members, chamber Ambassadors
During their recent Road Blitz outing, the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce ambassadors committee visited about 60 area businesses.

Teams spent the morning calling on the businesses to bring chamber information, goodie bags from member companies and a candy treat, along with the chamber’s Community Guide & Membership Directory.

The ambassadors passed along valuable information to members during their visits, including details about the recent Shapiro study indicating that businesses are 63% more likely to do business with those who are chamber members, as well as details about the chamber’s membership value card member-to-member discount program.

"While meeting with chamber members, the ambassadors encouraged them to peruse the directory when they need a product or service," said Kim Esper, membership director at the chamber. "Most agreed that being able to meet people face-to-face is the best way to do business in our area and many said that they believed networking　would be a great　asset for their business."

In its second year, the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce ambassadors committee is hard at work to both better serve chamber members and increase members’ business connections.

Ambassadors represent the Howell and surrounding Livingston County community and are goodwill "ambassadors" for the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce.

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 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."

Additions to the committee are welcome. For more information about the ambassador program, contact Kim Esper at kesper@howell.org or 517.546.3920.

　
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Spotlight on New Member: EZ Expediting, Inc.

EZ Expediting, Inc. is a full-service expediting, transportation and courier services company. In business for nine years, the company offers immediate expediting within the continental United States, scheduled truck runs dedicated to customers, general transportation and courier service within Michigan.

"We pride ourselves on the personalized service we offer our customers and the individualized attention we give to each and every shipment," said Stephanie Haigh, operations manager for EZ Expediting. "This diligence gives us an advantage over our competition, and allows us to provide services other transporting companies can’t offer."

Shipments are closely monitored, and upon request, customers will be called for notification when delivery is complete. The company strives to meet all their customers’ needs by personalizing each shipment from pick up to the final delivery.

"We’re small enough to be friendly, but large enough to be reliable," Haigh said. "We have quality service with very reliable people. We provide each and every customer with reliable, efficient, honest and dependable shipping."

EZ Expediting is located in Howell. For more information, call 248.240.4172 or visit ezexpediting.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

                                  April 10    March 09     April 09
Livingston County          12.3%        13.3%       10.9%
State of Michigan          13.7%        14.9%         12.5%

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.

Chestnut Development

Steve and Patty Gronow were recently awarded Cleary University’s 2010 Bob Lyons Community Leadership Award. The award is given to an individual or individuals whose volunteer and charitable work has significantly impacted a non-profit organization. The Gronows hosted events and helped acquire over $26,000 in donated goods and services to fix a flooding problem at LACASA.

Humane Society of Livingston County

Humane Society of Livingston County is hosting its 16th annual golf outing Friday, June 18. The fundraising event includes 18 holes of golf, lunch, dinner, contests and prizes. All proceeds to benefit sheltered homeless pets. For more information call 517.552.8050 or visit humane-livingston.org.

LaFontaine Automotive Group

Ryan LaFontaine, general manager of LaFontaine Automotive Group, recently received the Man-of-the-Year designation for 2010 from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Michigan Chapter. LaFontaine raised over $200,000 during the 10-week campaign by hosting fundraisers, which included a car raffle and golf outing. For more information call 248.887.4747 or visit thefamilydeal.com.

Ogihara America Corporation

Chumpol Rangson was recently named president of Ogihara America Corporation, a Thai Summit Group company. Rangson has been with Thai Summit Group since 1980 and served as director of overseas operations.

In other news, Ogihara America Corporation was selected as winner of the 2010 Energy Saving Commercial Project of the Year award presented by DTE Energy and the Engineering Society of Detroit. The award recognizes the company that has made the most effective contribution in reducing energy by implementing a significant project through “hard” equipment or technology installed in 2009. Ogihara’s winning project was the installation of a remote laser welding cell which uses approximately 94% less electricity than a traditional spot weld. The Howell facility provides engineering, stamping and assembly capabilities as well as tool and die design, construction, modification and refurbishment. For more information contact Janet Bottesi at 517.548.6032 or visit Ogihara.com.

RE/MAX PLATINUM

RE/MAX PLATINUM has launched a new website, remaxplatinumonline.com. The interactive website is designed to better serve its customers through trend stories, agent blogs, networking and more. The realty company has four offices located in Livingston, Genesee, Oakland and Washtenaw counties serving all of Southeast Michigan. For more information contact Candye Hinton at 734.794.4109 or candyehinton@remax.com.

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