Business Views 

March 2009 Ÿ Vol. 19 Ÿ No. 3 Ÿ howell.org                                        

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In this issue:

  • Business Views goes electronic

    Business Views launches new electronic format

    Welcome to the new online version of Business Views. Beginning with the March issue, Business Views will now be delivered electronically each month to members’ inboxes.

     

    The chamber partnered with web design and development company Website Forge to create, host and deliver the new version of this monthly business publication. Website Forge provides the hosting services and content management tool for the chamber’s Web site at howell.org. Using the content management tool, chamber staff members have the capability to manage and update the site. The tool also provides the technology to build and deliver the e-newsletter via the same system.

     

    Artwork for the new email format is by Susan Pominville, Abovo Visual Communications, and is consistent with the cover design for this year’s chamber Community Guide & Membership Directory. Pominville created the guide cover in celebration of the chamber’s 60th anniversary in 2009.

     

    The change in layout and delivery method for Business Views comes as a result of a recent survey asking members about the quality of the publication and how they would like to receive it.

     

    Members indicated in favor of a monthly publication by 54 percent, and an electronic distribution format by 82 percent. Members also voted a 74 percent satisfaction rate with the overall publication and 15 percent were extremely satisfied. When asked if Business Views effectively provides information important to the overall needs of chamber members, the response was positive by 96 percent.

     

    The new electronic delivery method for the publication is consistent with the survey results and supports further embracing technology as well as eco-friendly and cost-conscious business options.

     

    “Times have changed with the way business professionals get their news, and the chamber welcomes the opportunity to share news with members in a way that provides convenient, time-effective and user-friendly access to events and member information,” said Pat Convery, president of the chamber. “We hope you enjoy this new way of receiving Business Views. Rest assured, the publication is still the same trusted old friend chamber members have looked to for years for news, updates and resources – it’s just been repackaged to meet the needs of today’s professionals.”

     

    Business Views, a major communication tool between the chamber and its membership, delivers on issues of importance for and about the business community and keeps members up-to-date on important local items of interest as well as chamber events, programs and member news.

     

    Visit the Business Views page on howell.org for a complete listing of current and archived issues of the publication.

  • Livingston County Home Show, March 27-29
    Refresh, Remodel, Renovate…at the Livingston County Home Show

    Ready to leave winter behind and breathe some new life into your home? Tired of your dysfunctional kitchen or outdated bathroom? Dreaming of creating an outdoor escape right in your own backyard? Providing home owners with all the resources necessary for these projects and more, the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce will host the 2009 Livingston County Home Show March 27-29 at the Howell High School Field House, 1200 W. Grand River in Howell.

     

    The 46th annual show is a three-day extravaganza designed to fulfill nearly every home improvement dream, with over 200 exhibitors showcasing the latest in home improvement, construction, décor, landscaping and financing ideas. Sponsors for this year’s show are Comcast, the Livingston County Daily Press & Argus and WHMI 93.5 FM.

     

    And further expanding the appeal of the event, this year’s show is going green. A Green Living Zone with eco-friendly home improvement products will be featured in the balcony exhibit area at the high school field house. A 30-by-20-foot simulated-home structure will be constructed, equipped, decorated and furnished highlighting various environmentally-conscious products such as flooring, cabinets, windows, closets, landscaping, bathroom fixtures, appliances, roofing, paint, insulation, siding, heating/cooling, furniture, window treatments, alternative energy and more.

     

    The home structure will be constructed using insulated concrete forms by Thermal Builders, with insulation from Applegate Home Comfort, windows from Renewal by Anderson, geo-thermal heating unit from Michigan Energy Services, a reverse-osmosis water filtration system from Culligan Water, flooring from Carpet Depot, floor coverings and décor from Classic Carpet & Floor Covering, Rugs & Décor, landscaping and materials from Beauchamp Landscape and Leppek Landscape, paint from CertaPro Painters and more options and products focused on green living. Visitors may enter for a drawing for $500 in Home Show Bucks by visiting the Green Living Zone.

     

    In addition to the indoor exhibits at the Livingston County Home Show, the event features outdoor exhibit tents heated by Woodmaster Outdoor Natural Energy Furnaces by Irish Sales & Service as well as the popular Virtual Home Show at livingstoncountyhomeshow.com.

     

    Thousands of area residents are expected to tour the event and glean ideas on how to spend their home improvement dollars on everything from bathrooms to bedrooms to balconies.

     

    Great food, family fun, art and prizes abound

    Beyond home remodeling and improvements, the Livingston County Home Show also offers the Taste of Livingston County, a Fine Arts Show and a Community Resource Fair as well as prizes, demonstrations and give-aways galore for a family-friendly weekend.

     

    The popular Taste of Livingston County takes place Saturday, March 28 from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the high school cafeteria. The event often serves up as many as 10,000 “tastes” of the finest in food and beverages from the areas top restaurants, delis and caterers. Sponsor for this year’s Taste is Costco Wholesale.

     

    The Fine Arts Show also takes place throughout Home Show weekend. The show, coordinated by the Livingston Fine Arts Association, features the work of local artists on display in the main lobby area of the school.

     

    Returning this year is a Community Resource Fair hosted by the Livingston County United Way, in collaboration with the Department of Human Services, Citizens Insurance, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Livingston County and the Howell Area Parks & Recreation Authority. The event showcases area services and resources available for Livingston County residents, with hundreds of programs featured by nearly 60 organizations. The Community Resource Fair takes place on Friday, March 27 from 4:30-8 p.m. in the cafeteria.

     

    Each day of the Home Show, one lucky person will win $500 in Home Show Bucks. Event-goers can enter by simply filling out their ticket stub for the chance to win Home Show bucks that can be used just like cash at any of the over 200 exhibitors at the show.

     

    Other fun activities including prizes, give-aways, demonstrations and a complimentary child ID service provided by the Howell Police Department.

     

    For more information on the Livingston County Home Show, contact Lundin at the Howell chamber at 517.546.3920 or slundin@howell.org. Visit livingstoncountyhomeshow.com for complete details.

     

     

    2009 Home Show Committee

    Thanks to these dedicated volunteers for their commitment and dedication to the organizing a successful Livingston County Home Show:

    Chair: Grace Perry, Livingston County Daily Press & Argus

    David Beeman, Art Craft Display, Inc.

    Paul Butler, Impressive Imprints

    Jeanne Clum, Livingston County United Way

    Carol Donovan, Howell Area Chamber of Commerce – Taste of Livingston Coordinator

    Bob Dymond, R & D Screw Products Company

    Sharon Fisher, Livingston Fine Art Association

    Ted Kuderko, Classic Carpet & Floor Covering, Rugs & Décor

    Susan Lundin, Howell Area Chamber of Commerce – Home Show Coordinator

    Brian MacDonald, MacDonald’s Funeral Home

    Rozalina Mekhael, LOC Federal Credit Union

    Dennis Perkins, Attorney

    Al Perry, J.G. Squared Electric

    Les Rodwell, Howell Area Fire Department

    Tammy Yeagle, Metropolitan Title

     

  • From the desk of the President...

    Home…what a wonderful word.

     

    It evokes images of comfort, family, rest, solace.

     

    It’s the safe cocoon in which we gather our family, entertain our friends, grow a garden, prepare a meal. We need our homes more than ever to be safe, comfortable havens from the stresses of every day life.

     

    In this area, we are fortunate to have many businesses that can help make our home improvement dreams reality. And for 46 years, the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce has been proud to present many of those businesses at the Livingston County Home Show. 

     

    Speaking of “home,” this year the show is returning to its long-time home at the Howell High School Field House.

     

    Home Show weekend, March 27-29, will mean even more to our exhibitors and our guests this year. With many of us looking to improve our homes rather than move, our exhibitors have an opportunity to get their names, products and services in front of a clientele that is in the market to buy.

     

    That could mean anything from a fresh coat of paint to a full-blown addition or basement remodel.

     

    Other visitors are now taking advantage of great prices to find their first home…a new “nest” in which they can create their dreams.

     

    The Livingston County Home Show has all of that and more.

     

    I hope you’ll take some time to attend and see what our quality local businesses have to offer. Take some time to browse and dream. Spend your home improvement dollars with the companies that support our local cities and towns through their services, employment and tax base.

     

    Talk with our hundreds of exhibitors – all experts in their fields. Consider this show the gateway to making your house the beautiful and efficient home you’ve always wanted.

     

    Check out the new Green Living Zone to learn more about how your home can help you can use energy more efficiently, be kind to the planet and save dollars. 

     

    On Saturday, please join us for the Taste of Livingston County sponsored by Costco, featuring some great food from our culinary community. And don’t miss the Fine Art Show all three days.

     

    Many, many thanks to our Livingston County Home Show sponsors who make this event possible. Our thanks go to Comcast, the Livingston County Daily Press & Argus and WHMI 93.5 FM.

     

    I’d like to extend my congratulations and thanks to the hard-working members of the Livingston County Home Show committee. They’ve been working for months to create this great event.

     

    The help and cooperation of the Howell Public Schools is a key in the success of the Livingston County Home Show. We could not do it without them, and their assistance is greatly appreciated by the chamber and the entire business community.

     

    Let’s celebrate—and improve—our homes together. See you at the Home Show!

  • Gift certificate reimbursement

    Gift certificate program cancelled

    Due to circumstances beyond the control of the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce, the chamber’s gift certificate program has been cancelled. But the chamber will honor all valid, unredeemed Howell Area Chamber of Commerce Gift Certificates.

     

    The provider of this program, CertifiChecks, Inc. of Dayton, OH, announced filing under Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection and has stated it will no longer honor the gift certificates it sold through the Howell chamber and many hundreds of chambers of commerce across the country.

     

    The Howell Area Chamber of Commerce will honor its commitment to those businesses and individuals who purchased the certificates in good faith from the chamber office. “These customers are devoted to doing business locally and should be commended for their commitment to this community,” said Pat Convery, chamber president.

     

    Individuals or businesses with un-cashed, valid Howell Area Chamber of Commerce Gift Certificates should bring them to the chamber office at 123 E. Washington Street, Howell, during regular business hours (9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday) for reimbursement.

     

    “Our chamber is strong and our goal is to support the hard work of our local business people in this challenging economic time,” said Convery. “We appreciate the patience and understanding of all those affected by this unforeseen event.”

     

    For any questions or comments, contact the chamber at 517.546.3920.

  • 2009 Livingston Regional Job Fair

    Local employers showcased at job fair

    Businesses interested in recruiting employee candidates, or educational institutions and non-profit organizations seeking to promote their programs and services, are invited to participate in the 2009 Livingston Regional Job Fair. The fifth annual event will take place Wednesday, April 22 from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Crystal Gardens-Livingston, 5768 E. Grand River Avenue in Howell.

     

    Local employers seeking to fill positions will have a chance to meet and interview potential candidates. Last year the event attracted 1600 job seekers and 72 exhibitors.

     

    The job fair is presented by the Job Fair Planning Committee, a collaborative committee of representatives from more than 15 local organizations including Livingston County Michigan Works, the Livingston County Workforce Development Council, the Economic Development Council of Livingston County, the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce, Cleary University, the Hartland Area Chamber of Commerce and other community partners. Media sponsors are the Livingston County Daily Press & Argus, The Marketeer and WHMI, 93.5 FM.

     

    “The Job Fair is an excellent venue to put companies that are hiring directly in contact with candidates. In this challenging employment market, this event serves as a resource for both employer and candidate, and helps establish that critical connection,” said Pat Convery, president of the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce.

     

    The event will be heavily marketed and as a sponsor or exhibitor at the job fair, businesses will be featured in publicity expected to reach thousands in and near Livingston County. Further benefits available include company name and logo on the Livingston Regional Job Fair Web site for one month prior to the event, signage at the event and space for recruitment, interviewing or promotional purposes at the event.

     

    For additional details on exhibitor or sponsor packages, contact Convery at the chamber at 517.546.3920 or pconvery@howell.org. Information is also available at the job fair link at lcmw.org.

  • Starkey scholarship program applications available

    Nominate a working student for the Margaret Starkey Scholarship

    Businesses are invited to nominate employees who are also attending college or technical school for the 2009 Margaret Starkey Scholarship. This program is designed to assist “non-traditional” students seeking to advance their skills and standard of living though advanced education or training.

     

    The scholarship is awarded by the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation and is named to honor Margaret Starkey, who worked for the chamber for 31 years. The foundation will award a total of up to $15,000 in scholarships to worthy students who are nominated by their employers.

     

    In 2008, an anonymous $100,000 donation was presented to the chamber foundation Margaret Starkey Scholarship program. The foundation funds the scholarship through programming and donations.

     

    “Today’s students are facing the challenges of the general Michigan economy and are working to achieve their goals by advancing their education,” said Pat Convery, president of the chamber foundation. “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.”

     

    The scholarship has traditionally been awarded to employees who possess an extraordinary work ethic, echoing that of Margaret Starkey’s. These hard-working and dedicated individuals go above and beyond expectations on the job while making sacrifices to improve themselves through education and training. Many winners have overcome obstacles in life.

     

    Some of the criteria used to evaluate candidates will include self-motivation, creativity, customer service, leadership and self-confidence. Nominees must have been employed with the nominating company since at least September 2008.

     

    The deadline for returning applications to the chamber foundation is May 15. Winners will be announced June 15 and honored at the September Good Morning Livingston.

     

    Applications for the 2009 Margaret Starkey Scholarship will be available online at howell.org by the end of March for any area business wishing to nominate an outstanding employee. Chamber member businesses will receive applications by mail or email at the end of the month.

     

    The Howell Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation was formed to receive and administer funds for educational, cultural, scientific and charitable purposes and for the public welfare of the Livingston County community. Contributions to the chamber foundation for programs such as the Margaret Starkey Scholarship are accepted throughout the year or upon renewing annual membership dues.

     

    For more information about the Margaret Starkey Scholarship or the chamber foundation, call Convery at the chamber at 517.546.3920.

  • Go green and save green

    Putting renewable energy in action

    At the February Lunch & Learn, attendees learned how to go green and save green.

     

    The program was presented by Jeff Lakotos, Hartland Electric, and Mark Hagerty, Michigan Solar Solutions. According to the speakers, energy costs have increased at about 5 percent a year for the last several years. In addition, reports have been issued recently by Forbes, the Associated Press and NextEnergy warning of brown and blackouts in the future because of issues with the power grid and generation capacity this year. They also warn of skyrocketing energy prices in the near future.

     

    Ideas were presented for home and business including solar panels, wind power and LED lightings. Some tips that can be implemented easily and one fun fact:

    • Put your water cooler on a timer to save electricity.
    • Use LED light bulbs. Please remember to dispose of old light bulbs by putting them in a plastic bag. In Ann Arbor, changing to LED lights in the city’s street lights saved one million dollars the first year.
    • Shoes worn by military employees actually produce energy that can be used to power laptops, etc.

    For more on going green, see the Lunch & Learn presentation in the resource section at howell.org. Also, visit the Green Living Zone in the balcony at the Livingston County Home Show, March 27-29 at Howell High School.

  • Members Moving Forward

    American Imaging

    American Imaging has moved to its new location at 7041 Grand River Avenue, Unit 500, in Brighton. The company is an Independent Digital Office Equipment dealer and has been serving Southeastern Michigan for 16 years. Phone and fax remain the same at 810.220.5800 and 810. 220.5858 respectively.

     

    Contracting Resources, Inc.

    Contracting Resources, Inc., located at 403 East Grand River in Brighton, has been retained to manage the Farmington Hills city hall design-build project, along with the architectural firm of Lindhout Associates Architects. The project includes 23,000-square feet in renovations and a 34,000-square-foot addition and will include geo-thermal, solar and other green items. For more information call 810.229.4320.

     

    Courtyard by Marriott – Brighton

    Courtyard by Marriott, located at 7799 Conference Drive in Brighton, has partnered with the Whitmore Lake Elementary School system to provide lunches for students. Contributions to the company’s “Dollars for Dreams” program are being collected from employees, guests and the general public. For more information call 810.225.9200, ext. 704.

     

    Howell Area Parks & Recreation Authority

    The Howell Area Parks & Recreation Authority has opened the Internet Café, a part of the Howell Teen Center located in the Barnard Community Center. The project was made possible through contributions made by many local businesses, including the City of Howell, Taylor Moving & Storage, Latitude CommTech Services Group, Abovo Visual Communications and Buffalo Wild Wings. Citizens Insurance contributed $14,500 and an in-kind donation of their employees’ time to complete the work. For more information call 517.546.0693.

     

    Howell Carnegie District Library

    The Howell Carnegie District Library will hold a blood drive in memory of Martha McKenzie Friday, March 20 from 10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Martha was a long-time Michigan Challenge Balloonfest and Fantasy of Lights volunteer.  To schedule an appointment call 800.GIVE.LIFE or visit givelife.org, sponsor code HCDL.

     

    InSights Group

    InSights Group, located at 7187 Grand River Avenue in Brighton, recently celebrated the company’s first anniversary. The company offers an alternative work space environment for home-based business owners, traveling sales personnel and telecommuting employees. Office space is rented as needed and amenities include mail delivery, phone, conference room and office equipment usage. For more information call 810.623.5839 or visit insights-group.com.

     

    Irish Construction Company

    Irish Construction Company, located at 4640 W. Grand River Avenue in Howell, received CAM’s (Construction Association of Michigan) honorable mention in the Green Project of the Year category for A3C’s Green Renovation and Rooftop Retreat in Ann Arbor. In addition, the firm’s work was featured in CAM’s January 2009 magazine. For more information call 517.548.4066 or visit irishconstructionco.com.

     

    LACASA

    LACASA will begin volunteer training Tuesday, March 24. Volunteer training provides information on how domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse impact our community. Staff members will be on hand to facilitate the training sessions. For details contact Candy Jones-Guerin at 517.548.1350, or email cjones@lacasa1.org.

     

    Livingston Arts Council/The Opera House

    Blythe Patterson, owner of the Great Escape, has been elected board president of The Livingston Arts Council/The Opera House. New board members include Debbie Mikula, Howell Area Parks & Recreation Authority, Michele Nicoletti, Neil Woodward and Sue Hamilton, Sue A. Hamilton, P.C. The Livingston Arts Council/The Opera House serves as an arts and cultural center for the community. For more information call 517.546.0065 or visit theoperahouse.us.

     

    Livingston County Catholic Social Services

    Livingston County Catholic Social Services “Be Our Guest” adult day care program has moved to its new location at 2020 East Grand River, Suite 103 in Howell. New phone and fax are 517.546.9910 and 517.546.9922 respectively.

     

    Livingston County United Way

    David Rex, Rex Materials, Inc., has been elected president of the Livingston Co. United Way board of directors. New board members include Peter Bowen, Morgan Stanley, vice president, and Greg Clum, Bredernitz, Wagner & Co., secretary/treasurer. The organization provides funding to over 50 area health and human service programs serving Livingston County residents. For more information call 810.494.3000 or visit lcunitedway.org.

     

    Paulson’s Construction, Inc.

    Paulson’s Construction, Inc. has been named the 2009 Regional Contractor of the Year by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). Contractors from seven regions around the country vie for the award annually. Paulson’s Construction, Inc., located at 115 University in Howell, has been serving the Livingston County area for over 12 years. For more information call 517.545.8651 or visit paulsonsconstruction.com.

     

    The Arc of Livingston

    John Galleher has been elected vice-president of The Arc of Livingston. New board members include Reed Hextall, Kelley Blanck, Holly Carter, Sue Ann Daniel and Susan Shimokochi. The Arc of Livingston, located at 1044 Durant Drive in Howell, was established in 1954 to provide advocacy and support to persons with disabilities, and has been a United Way member agency since 1982. For more information call 517.546.1228 or visit arclivingston.org.

     

    The Dispute Resolution Center

    The Dispute Resolution Center, located at 110 North Fourth Avenue Suite 100 in Ann Arbor, is offering mediation training for individuals interested in becoming volunteer community mediator. The program includes a comprehensive 40-hour skill-building curriculum focusing on civil court and community cases. For registration information call 734.222.3745 or visit mimediation.org.

  • Membership Value Card Program newest participants

    Membership Value Card savings

    The chamber’s Membership Value Card program offers discounts on everything from lunch to auto repair at nearly 100 companies throughout the area. Just show your card and claim your discounts. A complete listing of participating businesses is available by visiting the Member-to-Member Discounts page at howell.org. To enroll in the program, contact Kim Esper at 517.546.3920 or kesper@howell.org.

     

     

    New participating chamber members:

     

    Buffalo Wild Wings

    Doug Blair                  517.545.2100

    10% off entire bill

     

    First Presbyterian Children’s Care Center

    Julie Aramian              517.546.1310

    10% off weekly tuition for one year

     

    Handyman & More, Inc.

    Kevin Damaske           248.939.1530

    10% off labor or a free service call

     

    Howelling Coffee

    Michael Andrade         517.552.5501

    50% off the purchase of a second drink (of equal or lesser value)

     

    Motor City Health and Fitness

    Angela Stevers            248.767.0589

    25% off fitness package

     

    Noreen Owens Photography

    Noreen Owens             734.260.4353

    A complimentary in-studio session ($50 value)