Audio Logos, Elevator Speeches and 60-Second Introductions at Lunch & Learn
How long has it been since you've revamped your "elevator speech"? Or even created one? Can you effectively describe your business in the time it takes for the average elevator ride? Here's an opportunity to develop your 60-second introduction, or your company’s “audio logo,” in a casual, non-threatening environment at the next Howell Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation Lunch & Learn.
The program takes place Wednesday, July 21 from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the chamber foundation building, 123 E. Washington Street in Howell.
Join Ralph LeRoy of Sales in Action – Business Boot Camp as he presents a structured approach to creating powerful and memorable introductions when meeting new acquaintances and potential customers. The goal of the session is for participants to leave with their "meet and greet" intro well in hand so they can get out and sell their 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.
Asset surveys, Visioning Sessions next step in Strategic Growth Plan Initiative
E-mail surveys intended to identify Livingston County’s assets are going out soon and visioning workshops will take place, as the next phase of the Livingston County Strategic Growth Plan Initiative. Participants of the Livingston County New Economy Summit, held earlier this spring, who expressed an interest in being further involved in the initiative should expect to receive the surveys within the next week.
Glenn Pape, Regional Land Policy Educator at Michigan State University’s Land Policy Institute (LPI) will distribute the surveys and manage the input process.
The goal of the survey is to identify what is important to Livingston County stakeholders in terms of what currently exists within the county. Examples of assets may include green space, workforce, education, business or cultural offerings.
A steering committee is currently being assembled to help formulate a plan of action following the results of the asset surveys and upcoming visioning sessions.
Visioning workshops will be held in late July through mid-August and are open to anyone interested in the county’s future. At these sessions, participants will identify their “vision” of the county for 10 to 20 years in the future. There will be a total of six workshops held in various locations throughout the county for easy access by all who are interested in participating.
A workshop for chamber members has been set for Thursday, August 12 from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at the Livingston Educational Service Agency (LESA) building, 1425 W. Grand River Avenue in Howell. There is no charge for the event, and light refreshments will be served. Participation is limited to the first 50 registrants. To R.S.V.P. for the workshop, contact the chamber at 517.546.3920 or chamber@howell.org.
The Strategic Growth Plan Initiative is a partnership of the Howell, Brighton and Hartland chambers of commerce and the Michigan State University Land Policy Institute.
“We encourage your continued investment in this important initiative to propel Livingston County toward a future of growth, and invite you to join us for the chamber’s upcoming visioning workshop,” said Pat Convery, president of the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce. “Candid responses to the surveys and participation in the visioning workshops provide a significant opportunity as we strive toward creating our own economic success.”
Maximize Your Membership
Want to get the highest possible R.O.I. from your chamber membership? These days, every dollar needs to stretch as far as possible and the chamber wants to help make that happen with your investment in membership. Learn how to “Maximize your Membership” on Wednesday, August 25 from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. at the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce, 123 E. Washington Street in Howell.
This workshop is designed to assist all chamber members with getting the biggest bang for your buck. The Howell Area Chamber of Commerce is the community’s leading advocate and champion for business. Its primary objective is to create a climate of growth and success in our community.
At the program, learn more about how your business can benefit from this commitment.
- Learn more about chamber benefits and valuable programs.
- Networking ranks high on importance for why members join the chamber – learn how to make new contacts and get the most out of your networking opportunities.
- Hear more about how the chamber is currently advocating for your business.
- Help us help you – the chamber wants to know what issues are critical to the success of your business and how we can provide the tools you need to get there.
There is no cost to attend; light refreshments will be served. To R.S.V.P., contact the chamber at 517.546.3920 or chamber@howell.org.
GML subscriptions available
Subscriptions for the 2010-2011 season are available for $160 and include all Good Morning Livingston programs from September to May. Chamber members purchasing a subscription before the first program of the season will receive one free guest coupon that allows them to invite a co-worker or business prospect.
Good Morning Livingston programs are held at 7:30 a.m. the second Tuesday of most months from September 2010 through May 2011, with the exception of December. The cost of each GML program is $20 with advanced reservations and $25 at the door. The 2010-2011 program subscription is $160.
Subscriptions are transferable between company representatives, allowing for a variety of employees to benefit from the timely updates and information, networking with business and community leaders, and delicious breakfast at this valuable program every month.
Program topics for the coming year include: What’s New in Livingston County, an election preview with political pundit Tim Skubick, 2011 Economic Forecast, annual update with Congressman Rogers and Adventures in Entrepreneurship.
“Make the most of your morning with a GML subscription,” said Pat Convery, president of the chamber. “Chamber members can relax and enjoy networking, breakfast and settling in for the program without waiting in line to check in at the door. With the convenience of a Good Morning Livingston subscription, it’s as easy as walking in and picking up your name tag.”
FastTrac training program for entrepreneurs set to launch this fall
Are you ready to bring your entrepreneurial dreams to fruition? Ready to dive in and really commit to working on your business? Beginning this September, budding entrepreneurs and small business professionals will have a means to learn in-depth knowledge about what they need to know to start or grow a business.
FastTrac New Venture Entrepreneurial Training takes place Fridays from 8:30 – 11:30 a.m., September 17 through November 19, at the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce, 123 E. Washington Street in Howell. In a partnership with the Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce, the Hartland Area Chamber of Commerce and the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce, the program is presented by the Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center (MI-SBTDC), funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
The class will be facilitated by sales and leadership training expert, Joanne Estes of Vision Quest.
FastTrac is an intensive, 10-week program designed to helps evaluate business opportunities and develop an action plan for owning a business. Through the program, participants can test their business idea, broaden their understanding of business, plan their financial needs to avoid cash-flow problems, structure their business operations for efficiency and develop entrepreneurial skills by learning from other entrepreneurs.
The program features industry and market research assistance, small group activities and hands-on coaching during each session. There will also be a MI-SBTDC consultant assigned for individual assistance outside of sessions. Entrepreneur guest speakers will share their stories and insights during the program. Workshop content is derived from text and online training materials from the nationally-recognized FastTrac New Venture program proven through use with thousands of businesses.
Through the course of the program, participants will learn a process to launch their business with confidence, identify opportunities to start their business, learn new concepts to apply to their business each week and address individual planning needs.
FastTrac is offered at $100 for the complete program. The class is valued at $700, but is available at the reduced cost of $100 due to financial support from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
For more information, visit misbtdc.org/training/ or contact Nancy Johnson of the Livingston County SBTDC at 810.227.5086.
Community wins with Michigan Challenge Balloonfest
 Although pilot Chuck Walz from Munith, Michigan claimed the title of Michigan Challenge XXVI Champion, the event was declared a winner by many who attended and partnered with this annual community event.
“Thanks to the Michigan Challenge Committee for putting together a great community event that was enjoyed by all,” said Michelle Tokan, Michigan Challenge director.
Our guests agreed, according to these Facebook posts on the Michigan Challenge Balloonfest group page.
Simply stated by Greg O’Callaghan, "This is for sure a must see in Michigan!"
"It was worth it driving from Utica to Howell last night, to see the launch of the 47 spectacular balloons! Fireworks were awesome too! My kids (ages six and eight) declared it the 'best day ever'!" -- posted by Daniela Ristova-Trendov.
And closer to home, from Jacquelyn Boven -- “If I didn't already love living in Howell, this would cement it! We are so lucky to have such an amazing event in our backyards, eh?! Awesome.”
Highlights of the weekend included performances at three entertainment venues, new activities in the Landing Zone, Carla Wallenda and her performance on a 100’ sway pole, extensive TV media coverage in the Detroit and Lansing markets and the night shows at balloonfest including the Friday night MediLodge Fireworks and the Saturday night balloon glow and night skydiving show.
In addition, PNC bank celebrated its 20th anniversary as major sponsor of the Michigan Challenge Balloonfest. Supporting Sponsors were Citizens Insurance, Tanger Outlet Center and Waste Management. Beverage Sponsor was Pepsi. Site host Howell Public Schools provided the main balloonfest venue.
In addition to the major and supporting sponsors, Dr. Sam Daniels sponsored the VIP hospitality room. Renewal by Andersen sponsored the skydivers. Champion Chevrolet sponsored the Arts Festival. Krug Ford, Atlas Home Improvement and American Laser Centers sponsored entertainment. Meijer sponsored America’s Best Frisbee Dogs. The new Landing Zone was sponsored by LaFontaine Automotive Group and C & L Ward Bros. Art Van and Michigan Remodeling Group sponsored parking. The VIP reception and fireworks were sponsored by MediLodge. Dozens of local companies sponsored balloons that flew in the Michigan Challenge.
In downtown Howell, Saturday was Saint Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital Kids Day and featured the first Balloonfest Basketball Tournament sponsored by
Asahi Kasei Plastics North America Inc.
Work has already begun on Michigan Challenge XXVII. Individuals or businesses that want to participate can contact Tokan at mtokan@howell.org or at 517.546.3920.
2010 Michigan Challenge Committee Chairs
The Howell Area Chamber of Commerce thanks these community leaders who make balloonfest a successful community event.
Chairperson: John Kowalski, City of Howell Police Department
Vice chair: Mike Peterson, Howell Public Schools
Parking: Don Cortez, First Impression Print and Marketing and Steve Barlow, Coach’s
Landowner Relations: Paul Butler, Impressive Imprints
Vendors: Ron Ernst and Sue Dolato, Rep. Cindy Denby’s office
Competition Director: Dick Rudlaff
Security: Chief George Basar, Captain John Kowalski and Sgt. Scott Mannor, City of Howell Police Department
Fire Safety: Deputy Chief /Fire Marshal Les Rodwell, Howell Area Fire Department
Arts Festival: Debby Gearns, Lake Trust Credit Union
Finance: Greg Clum, Bredernitz, Wagner & Co.
Hospitality: Rozalina Mekhael, LOC Federal Credit Union
Entertainment: Reed Kittredge, WHMI and Trevor Brooks, The UPS Store
Site: Jeff Lakatos, Hartland Electric
Information: Tammy Yeagle, Metropolitan Title
Sanitation: Carey Weihmiller, Waste Management
Pilots: Renae Behr, Manpower; Roy Coons, Cleary University; Matt Beckerson, Mow and Mole and Paul Butler, Impressive Imprints
Downtown: Dawn Palmer Van-Camp, YMCA and Rick Currie, Vantage HR.
Cleary University Micro-Business Incubator accepting applications
Community
The National Business Incubation Association reports that there are approximately 1,000 incubators across the country, primarily started by government agencies, universities, foundations and the private sector. This past March, Cleary University Micro-Business Incubator (CUMBI) officially opened as the first incubator of its kind in Livingston County.
The goal of the CUMBI is to provide guidance and low-cost assistance to small and start-up enterprises to foster economic development and employment opportunities in Livingston and Washtenaw Counties. The CUMBI occupies part of a 2,500-square-foot newly-renovated Cleary Welcome Center on the University’s Howell campus. It provides tenant office space for up to five micro-business clients as well as resources such as office furniture, utilities, high-speed internet, video teleconferencing facilities, a conference room, copy and fax services and mentoring and consultation activities.
Stewart Brannen serves as director of the CUMBI. Brannen, an instructor in the business management school at Cleary, is also the president of Stewart Brannen & Associates LLC, a consulting firm. He has over 20 years of business experience in economic development, banking, business acquisitions, joint-ventures, turnarounds and business plan consulting. In his role as CUMBI director, he works to guide and motivate entrepreneurs and provide an open and inclusive approach to business and economic development.
“The CUMBI is perfectly positioned to act as a wonderful catalyst for the entrepreneurial spirit in the greater Livingston County area, and that is exciting,” said Brannen. “For the most part, entrepreneurs just want to be understood and appreciated for what they’ve accomplished or are even thinking about. At whatever business stage they are in—idea or viable opportunity—the CUMBI offers an open and confidential platform for entrepreneurs to experience just that. This fosters a lot of creative energy, and that is what’s exciting to me as director.”
Brannen said the incubator is “like a brokerage looking to provide access for businesses to professional services such as attorneys, accounts, management consultants and more, at a discount
“The priority objective of the incubator is to develop a pipeline of start-up businesses,” said Brannen. “On a grander scale, the goal is to provide virtual services such as courses via web conferencing.”
Chamber members and area entrepreneurs are invited to explore the resources and opportunities available through the CUMBI. Brannen notes, “There are lots of folks with ideas who just need a little more to bring those ideas to fruition.”
CUMBI tenants are selected through an application process which considers the candidate development readiness stage, potential for success and projected area employment and economic impact. Selection committees of Cleary University and community volunteers evaluate applications and select CUMBI tenants. Tenants are expected to not exceed a two-year term in the incubator.
For more information about the Cleary University Micro-Business Incubator or to obtain an application, contact Brannen at sbrannen@my.cleary.edu.
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.
Unemployment Statistics
Unemployment Statistics
(not seasonally adjusted)
Local and statewide
May 10 April 10 May 09
Livingston County 11.3% 12.3% 11.6%
State of Michigan 12.8% 13.7% 13.5%
Source: Michigan Dept. of Labor and Economic Growth
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.
American Red Cross Blood Services
The American Red Cross Blood Services is currently holding blood drives in various locations across Livingston and Washtenaw counties including several local churches, Cleary University, American Legion Devereaux Post 141 and more. Currently there is a critical need for O, B and A negative blood types. For donation and location information call 800.733.2767 or visit redcrossblood.org.
Carr’s Finishing Touch Auto Repair & Service
Carr’s Finishing Touch is hosting a grand opening celebration on Saturday, July 31 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event includes tours of the facility, complimentary refreshments, a ribbon cutting at noon and prize drawings. The auto repair and service business is located at 5540 E. Highland Road (M-59) in Howell. Visit carrsfinishingtouch.com for more information.
Hartland Insurance Agency, Inc.
Hartland Insurance Agency, Inc. has been named a 2009 top 10 growth agency by Auto-Owners Insurance for the eastern Michigan region. The agency has been representing Auto-Owners Insurance since 1978 and also represents a collection of property and casualty insurers such as Frankenmuth, Citizens/Hanover. The agency provides coverage for business, health, auto, motorcycle insurance and more. For more information call 810.632.5161 or visit hartlandinsurance.com.
Howell Rotary Club
The Howell Rotary Club recently hosted its 85th annual meeting at the Howell Carnegie District Library. The following individuals were recognized with a presidential citation for their contributions to the club and the community: Jim Gilligan; Tim Shamoun of Howell Village Market; Dan Murdock of JDM International; Patti Griffth of First National Bank; Pat Convery of the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce; Kim Dane of the Tanger Outlet Center; Peter Bowen of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney; and Sandie Cortez of First Impression Print & Marketing. Jeanne Clum of the Livingston County United Way received the “Rotatarian of the Year” award. The Howell Rotary is a philanthropic organization that raises money to promote literacy and education, clean drinking water and many other community initiatives. For more information contact Jeanne Clum at 810.494.3000 or visit howellrotary.org.
Livingston Arts Council/The Opera House
The Livingston Arts Council is hosting its eighth annual fine art show at The Opera House Friday, August 20 from 5 to 9 p.m.; Saturday, August 21 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, August 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Booth space is available for this mixed media show. For more information call 517.540.0065.
Livingston County Catholic Charities
The Livingston County Community Alliance, a member of the Livingston County Catholic Charities, has free table tents available to local businesses to educate the public about the new smoke-free law. The table tents have a smoking quiz and a list of the benefits of smoke-free air. For more information contact Daydra Cormican at 515.545.5944 or lccal@sbcglobal.net.
Livingston County United Way
The Livingston County United Way announces Emmalie Quella from Hartland High School as the winner of the Day of Caring logo contest. Second place went to Hannah Bihlmeyer from Kensington Woods High School and third to students from the Hartland High School DECA program.
In other news, the Livingston County United Way will host its ninth annual Day of Caring on Wednesday, August 18. The purpose of this event is to raise public awareness of the health and human service needs within Livingston County. Work sites and volunteers are needed, and a variety of project shifts and sizes are available. To sign-up a project, visit lcunitedway.org and click ‘Our Work,’ or to volunteer, register at volunteerlivingston.com.
Oakland Livingston Human Services Agency
Oakland Livingston Human Services Agency will host a virtual Walk for Warmth Waddle on Wednesday, August 25 at noon. Funds raised will help pay for heating emergencies in Oakland and Livingston counties. Register online at olhsa.org by Thursday, July 29. Participants and potential sponsors can contact Lindsey Grosso at 248.209.2623 or lindseyg@olhsa.org.
PNC Bank
In June, PNC Bank celebrated its 20th anniversary as the major sponsor of the Michigan Challenge Balloonfest. In recognition of the milestone, PNC donated $20,000 to the Women’s Resource Center’s Healthy Families Livingston program, which provides home visits to families with children ages 5 and under as a method of preventing child abuse; and $7,500 to the Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation. For more information call 517.546.3410 or visit welcometopnc.com.
| |
|
