Business Views 

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In this issue:

• Follow, Fan and Brand with Social Networking at the chamber

• Ready for a sweet weekend in Howell? Melon Fest is this Friday through Sunday

• From the desk of the President...

• Summer in the City Business After Hours

• What's New launches GML season, Sept. 15

• American Compounding plans $14 million expansion

• Fantasy 5K receives Governor’s Council endorsement

• Ergonomic principles at MIOSHA seminar

• GML subscriptions available

• Art at the Chamber featuring Sandra Guzman

• Golf outing fun fore all

• Celebrations

• New discounts with Membership Value Program

• Unemployment statistics

• Members Moving Forward

• Follow, Fan and Brand with Social Networking at the chamber

  Are you a follower? How about a fan? Do you tweet or post? If not, then let’s learn together. If you do, we'd like you to share your knowledge at a brand new interactive program called "Follow, Fan and Brand with Social Networking." 

   

  

  Social networking with sites such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, has rapidly moved to the forefront of business across industries, channels and demographics. It is a force to be reckoned with, and members of the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce have taken notice. Feedback the chamber has received indicates the need for a forum such as this to explore this powerful movement.

   

  This lab-style training session begins Tuesday, September 1 from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. at the chamber, 123 E. Washington Street in Howell. On the first and third Tuesdays each month, we’ll gather for hands-on instruction, interaction and application, all in a real-time session designed to get results, brand your business and reach your social networking goals. Whether you’re a self-proclaimed pro or a struggling novice, we invite you to join us for this new endeavor each time to share and learn as a group.

   

  Bring your laptop, BlackBerry, internet-enabled cell phone or other wireless device for live connectivity.

   

  Read more about the chamber’s social networking activity in “From the desk of the President” in this issue of Business Views. Visit the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce on Facebook and Twitter, and mark your calendar for “Follow, Fan and Brand with Social Networking” sessions each month, starting September 1.

   

    

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• Ready for a sweet weekend in Howell? Melon Fest is this Friday through Sunday

  

  Melon Fest “run” starts Friday and ends on “sensational” Sunday

  It’s all about melons this weekend, August 14-16, in Howell.

   

  Melon Fest activities start Friday and feature the 32^nd annual Howell Melon Run through the streets of downtown Howell. Runners can register for a 5 or 10K, a 1 mile fun run/walk, 200 yard MelonDash, Tot Trot or Melon Roll. The run starts and finishes at Clinton and State Streets and is sponsored by the Howell Area

   Parks & Recreation Authority. Runners can register at howellrecreation.org.

   

  “This is one of the most scenic and beautiful run/walks through downtown Howell, residential streets, historic Lakeview Cemetery and Howell City Park,” said Debbie Mikula, Director of the Howell Area Parks & Recreation Authority.

   

  The fun continues all weekend long and ends with the finals of the Livingston Sensation from 2:30 to 5 p.m. on the courthouse lawn. Sponsored by the Livingston County Daily Press & Argus, the competition is roughly modeled after television's "American Idol" and aims to discover the county's top singer. Thirteen contestants are competing for the title.

  In between the two signature Melon Fest events, there’s a weekend of family activities for melon heads, melon moms and dads, melon kids and anyone who likes melon fun. Some more unique and interactive activities planned include watermelon skiing, a melon recipe contest, a melon head and face painting contest, Boogie Heads dancing DVDs, street bowling, mad science booths, live mannequins and a melon weigh-in.

   

  In addition, guests can enjoy melon musical acts and concerts, a movie, a melon patch for young children and a melon grove for teens, and melon ice cream. Melon carts will be set up on the four corners of downtown Howell for those who want to purchase a melon to enjoy at home. The complete schedule of events can be downloaded at howellmelonfestival.com.

   

  “We’re inviting all to see how the city and community partners have come together to grow this event into an amazing festival that will attract local residents and out-of-town guests,” said City of Howell’s Assistant City Manager Carol Stone. “We’ve put the focus back on the Howell melons – the reason the festival was started 50 years ago.”  

   

  Melon Fest is an annual event in downtown Howell recognizing the legacy created by Dr. Pat May and the traditions established by the Howell Jaycees. The City of Howell and the Howell Downtown Development Authority are partnering with civic groups and community leaders to present the 2009 Howell Melon Fest. The event will feature Howell melons, melon ice cream, local entertainment and family activities. For more information, visit howellmelonfestival.com.

   

   

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• From the desk of the President...

  It’s hard for me to believe, but…I’m tweeting.

   

  I’ve been using Facebook personally for almost a year now to stay in touch with far-flung (and some nearby) friends and relatives. But I couldn’t see the need for Twitter.

   

  Then I spent a few hours with other executives at the Institute for Organization Management and my eyes were opened to the almost infinite opportunities of social networking for organizations and business.

   

  We all had our laptops, PDAs and Blackberries open as Curtis Picard from the Maine Merchants Association showed us how he uses social networking to stay in touch with members, get feedback and create relationships.

   

  This summer the chamber tested the Facebook water and we accumulated about 50 fans without any official announcement. As soon as I got back from Institute, I opened a Twitter account for the chamber (@howellchamber). I’m the “voice” behind the chamber tweets and have been enjoying posting about the goings-on at the chamber and the community.

   

  Now, if you “follow” the chamber on Twitter, you’ll get occasional tweets (up to 140-character messages) from me.

   

  We know that many of our members are interested in the opportunities that social networking offers. Over the past few months, the chamber hosted two Lunch & Learn programs about it. Both were sold out and were enthusiastically received.

   

  But we heard from those who attended that they’d like some hands-on training and one-on-one time with other Facebook and Twitter users.

   

  Chamber to the rescue!

   

  Starting on Tuesday, September 1, 3:30 – 4:30, we’re hosting Follow, Fan and Brand with Social Networking on the first and third Tuesdays of each month right here at the chamber. Bring your laptops, PDAs, Blackberries, Internet-enabled phones and let’s share what we know and learn from each other. It will be very similar to what I experienced at Institute—all of us contributing or learning from each other. This will be the place to be, even if you’ve never logged on to a social networking site. We’ll learn together.

   

  In the meantime, if you’re up and running, fan us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter. And let us know how we’re doing.

   

  Someone asked me recently why Facebook or Twitter is better than emails.

   

  I replied that it’s not better...or worse. It’s just different.

  We all have ways we like to receive our information and communication. What’s yours?

   

  This weekend, I’ll be one of the Howell Rotarians selling the classic melon ice cream on the courthouse lawn in downtown Howell during Melon Festival. Hope to see you. And kudos to the City of Howell Downtown Development Authority for taking over the reins of this historic community festival.

   

   

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• Summer in the City Business After Hours

  Is it on your calendar? Don't miss this chance to celebrate the summer season in beautiful downtown Howell at a Summer in the City Business After Hours, hosted by Cobb-Hall Insurance and John S. Lobur, P.C. The event takes place Tuesday, August 18 from 4 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 network and enjoy live music, 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 20. If needed, an email will be sent out to inform the change of date.

   

   

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• What's New launches GML season, Sept. 15

  The 2009-2010 Good Morning Livingston season kicks off with What’s New in Livingston County at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, September 15 at Genoa Woods Conference Center, 7707 Conference Center Drive in Brighton. Throughout the season, GML is held on the second Tuesday of the month, but due to the Labor Day holiday, the September program will be held one week later on September 15.

   

  Find out what’s new in the community as local officials and business leaders provide the latest information on developments and projects impacting Livingston County. Guests will hear about future plans for Howell, including the city street project and downtown master plan from City of Howell City Manager Shea Charles. City Manager Dana Foster will discuss developments and updates in Brighton. Rick Terres, associate superintendent/finance and Sandra Moore, executive director of school instruction staff development and curriculum for Howell Public Schools, will share new achievements in the classroom.

   

  “Some of the hottest topics area business people and residents have seen in the news lately will be covered at this program,” said Pat Convery, chamber president. “The September GML is consistently one of our most popular programs. It serves as a great chance to get caught up on the latest developments, and is a solid foundation for what promises to be another exciting and informative GML series.”

   

  Recipients of the 2009 Margaret Starkey Scholarships will also be honored that morning. They are: Kevin Blight, Chem-Trend Limited Partnership; William S. Huetteman, Chem-Trend Limited Partnership; Karen Merlo, National City Bank of the Midwest; Matthew Preuss, Vanishing Point Industries; Holly Robinson, First National Bank; Linda Robinson, Chem-Trend Limited Partnership; Sheri Schoenfield, Livingston Educational Service Agency (LESA); Nicole Wordelman, Saint Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital; and Cindy Zwack, MediLodge of Howell.

   

  Good Morning Livingston is $20 with advanced reservations, $25 at the door and $30 for non-members. GML subscriptions are also available for the season; see the related article in this issue of Business Views.

   

  To R.S.V.P. for the September 15 GML, register online at howell.org or contact the chamber at 517.546.3920 or chamber@howell.org.

   

   

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• American Compounding plans $14 million expansion

  American Compounding Specialties, LLC (ACS) recently announced plans to invest $14 million in its local operations. The Fowlerville-based contract manufacturer of plastics is slated to quadruple the company’s facilities with the project this fall, which will add 45,000 square feet to the existing 15,000-square-foot plant and includes three additional manufacturing lines.

   

  The expansion is projected to increase the plant’s capacity from 60 million pounds per year to 150 million pounds per year, and will be a multiyear project. ACS employs approximately 15 people in a state-of-the-art, modern, clean facility.

   

  The company has experienced steady success since its opening in 2005. Co-owner Randy Rudisill indicates that production runs nonstop seven days a week at times to meet current demand. ACS has two existing manufacturing lines and the expansion would bring that up to five lines. Customers range from entrepreneurs to multinational companies.

   

  ACS is owned by Rudisill and Dave Donie, two plastic manufacturing veterans and long-time members of the Livingston County community.

   

  “We applaud American Compounding for its commitment to this community and to keep building toward the future, even in the face of economic challenge,” said Pat Convery, Howell Area Chamber of Commerce president.

   

  ACS continues its dedication to the community through other means, such as its support of the United Way and recent participation in the state’s Adopt-A-Highway program.

   

  American Compounding adopted the two-mile stretch of I-96 from the Fowlerville exit (129) east toward Howell. The company participated in its first pickup in July and collected 40 bags of trash over its section of the expressway.

   

  For more information on ACS, call 517.223.4300 or visit americancompounding.net.

   

   

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• Fantasy 5K receives Governor’s Council endorsement

  The Fantasy of Lights Fantasy 5K recently received endorsement from the State of Michigan Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness. The road race has been recognized as a quality physical activity event by the council. This year’s race will be Friday, November 27 at 6 p.m. as part of the annual Fantasy of Lights Parade, hosted by the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

   

  The Fantasy 5K is consistently named one of the Top 10 Runs in Michigan by Runner’s Magazine, and over 900 runners participate in this benefit for local charities. The Fantasy race is officially certified as a 5K run by USA Track & Field. The organization’s Road Running Technical Council provides this designation after a course has been formally measured and verified according to standards set forth by the council.

   

  Through the run’s recognition from the Governor’s Council, which endorses local, regional and state events, the Fantasy 5K has been acknowledged as a quality event that significantly contributes to the health and well-being of Michigan residents.

   

  “By endorsing local events all across the state, we hope to bring attention to the importance of physical activity and encourage our citizens to take responsibility for their health,” said Marilyn Lieber, president and CEO of the Governor’s Council. “These local events can have a tremendous impact on health care costs that present a significant challenge for our state’s economy.”

   

  In order to become an endorsed event, an organization must complete an application form for review. Some criteria that are taken into consideration include providing a positive, safe physical activity experience using qualified officials and benefiting a nonprofit or charitable organization.

   

  For more information about the Governor’s Council’s endorsement program, visit michiganfitness.org/endorsements/index.php

   

  Another attraction of the Fantasy 5K is that it’s a night run, which is less common for road races. It also allows runners to give their families a glimpse into their world – thousands line Grand River to encourage the runners as they compete in the race through historic downtown Howell. Families are able to enjoy the entire day’s Fantasy of Lights activities, from the run and the parade lights to a visit with Santa and his reindeer.

   

  Applications for the 2010 Fantasy 5K are available at the chamber or runners may register with Gault Race Management online at gaultracemanagement.com.

   

  For more information on the Fantasy of Lights or the Fantasy 5K, call the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce at 517.546.3920 or visit the chamber’s Web site at howell.org.

   

   

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• Ergonomic principles at MIOSHA seminar

  SafetyNet and the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation will host a Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Act (MIOSHA) seminar September 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

   

  The Ergonomic Principles seminar is held in cooperation with the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth and the Consultation Education & Training (CET) division of MIOSHA. The event will address looking for signs of ergonomic problems, developing ergonomic solutions, implementing an ergonomic management system and more.

   

  This course is a MIOSHA Training Institute (MTI) Level 1 course. Certification/Maintenance Points available.

   

  The program takes place at the chamber foundation building, 123 E. Washington Street in Howell. The cost is $90 per person and includes lunch and course materials.

   

  Contact Janie Willsmore at the chamber at 517.546.3920 or jwillsmore@howell.org for more information or to register.

   

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• GML subscriptions available

  Subscriptions for the 2009-2010 season are available for $160 and include all GML 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 2009 through May 2010, with the exception of December. The September program is delayed by one week due to the Labor Day holiday. The cost of each GML program is $20 with advanced reservations and $25 at the door. The 2009-2010 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.

   

  “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.”

   

  To subscribe for the season series, register online at howell.org or contact the chamber at 517.546.3920 or chamber@howell.org.

   

   

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• Art at the Chamber featuring Sandra Guzman

  Sandra Guzman is a specialty photographer who lives in Howell and has been a member of the Livingston Fine Arts Association since 2008. Her background consists of a degree in fine art and commercial industrial photography. An exhibit showcasing Guzman's work is on display at the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation beginning August 18. Visit redbubble.com/people/sandraalberts and paintermagazine.co.uk/show_profile.php?username=sandraalberts for more information and to see samples from her collection.

   

  During her career working in editorial and product photography, she became interested in the growing field of digital media. Joining together her career and her background in fine art resulted in the creation of unique pieces that combine both photography and painting.

   

  Guzman likes to work on “creative portraiture,” that she describes as “taking an ordinary moment and making it a memorable piece of art.” Spending time with her clients is the key to a good representative portrait of their lives in that moment

   

  In a recent article in Corel Painter magazine featuring Guzman, she was recognized for “combining the two kinds of media she specializes in using Corel Painter to create gorgeously lit portraits and intimate glimpses into subjects’ lives.” Her portraits are created by using a variety of brushes, ranging from soft, diffuse watercolor brushes to thick, painterly oil and impasto brushes.

   

  The collection on display at the chamber foundation building is part of a program of the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation featuring the work of local artists. A new artist’s work is displayed every three months in an effort to encourage art in public places.

   

   

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• Golf outing fun fore all

  Contests, food, fun and a great course made for a spectacular day on the links at the 35^th annual Howell Area Chamber of Commerce Golf Classic. This year’s event was held July 22 at Timber Trace Golf Club in Pinckney with nearly 100 golfers competing in an 18-hole scramble, vying for trophies, prizes and friendly competition.

   

  This year’s outing was packed with choices for golfers with everything from cigars to wine to multiple lunch menus including Buffalo Wild Wings, Jonna's Country Corner Market and Pi's Asian Cuisine, and more. Members have reported rave reviews about the outing and the chamber is already making plans for continued fun next year.

   

  “Our company attends several different golf outings annually in support of our clients and the communities they represent. I have to say that the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce Golf Classic is the one event we all look forward to attending each year,” said Jon Booth, Hubbell, Roth & Clark. “All the different games, events, give-aways, prizes and participation from local businesses make this outing fun for everyone who attends. Keep up the good work. We are already looking forward to next year’s outing!”

   

  A highlight of the day was the $Buck$ Putt, a returning favorite to this year’s outing. The contest allowed golfers the chance to sink a putt and have their name entered into a drawing for a $500 gift card, courtesy of Wal-Mart Supercenter. Hundreds of attempts were made and Jim Gilmore, Hartland Insurance Agency, was the winner.

   

  Also back this year was the Know Your Sponsor contest, sponsored by Brighton Glass, giving golfers the opportunity to track sponsors during the day and be entered for a chance to win a prize. Paul Rogers of CommTech Services Group won a Premier Pistons’ Package, including two tickets in the premium seating area to see a Detroit Pistons’ game at the Palace of Auburn Hills, along with team paraphernalia.

   

  The Motown Club Cover contest, sponsored by AT&T, rewarded three teams for consistently sinking a putt in one shot. The three winning teams received tickets to separate country music concerts featuring Big & Rich, Travis Tritt and Randy Travis, respectively. Winners were the First National Bank team, the Liberty Total Home Comfort team and the Champion Chevrolet, Inc. team.

   

  Additional generous prizes helped up the ante for players, including a $500 voucher for airfare in the continental United States from Capital Region International Airport, $553 in 50/50 Raffle, $340 in Skins contest, over $1000 in door prizes, a free phone courtesy of Wireless Zone, free weekend use of a car courtesy of LaFontaine Automotive Group, and more.

   

  Additional sponsors and golf contest results are listed below.

   

  “The golf classic committee, chaired by Rebecca Gari of R. Gari Sign & Display, along with the many volunteers who helped out that day, did an outstanding job with this year’s event,” said Kim Esper, coordinator of the golf outing for the chamber. “The team worked hard to ensure golfers would have the opportunity for more contests, more prizes, more variety and more fun at our event than any other golf outing.”

   

  In addition to Rebecca Gari, Golf Classic committee members are Dave Grant, Liberty Mutual; Nanette McClellan, Brighton Glass; Janine McEvoy, Homewood Suites by Hilton; Linda O’Neill, Advertising Excellence; Jackie Rogers, Tom Rogers and Asphalt Inc.; and Mark Jackson, Timber Trace Golf Club.

   

   

  Results from the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce Golf Classic 2009:

  Flight winners

  ·        Men’s First Place: the First National Bank team: George King, Tim Vandenberg, Steve Vandenberg and Nathan Orange.

  ·        Men’s Second Place: the Saint Joseph Mercy Woodland Health Center team: Steve Henrie, Dr. Doug Edema, Mike Stoianowski and Walt Byers.

  ·        Mixed Team: the Costco Wholesale #786 team: Mark Dombrowski, Patrick Mulholland, Amy Mulholland and Dave Wallen.

   

  Contest holes were sponsored by Burkhart Ridge, LaFontaine Automotive Group, Livingston Business Forms & Promotional Products, R. Gari Sign & Display and Wireless Zone.

   

  Contest hole winners

  ·        Longest drive: Amy Mulholland, Costco Wholesale #786 team and Luigi Spadafor, Tom Rogers Asphalt team.

  ·        Closest to the pin: Jeff Prince, Hubbell, Roth & Clark, Inc. team.

  ·        Closest to the line: Marty Kremke, TCF Bank/Liberty Mutual team.

  ·        Longest putt: Dr. Doug Edema, Saint Joseph Mercy Woodland Health Center team.

   

   

  Sponsor recognition

  Super Sponsors

  ·        Hole-in-One contest: Krug Ford Lincoln Mercury, a nearly $12,000 pre-paid lease for a new car

  ·        Hole-in-One contest: Liberty Mutual, chance to win a trip for two anywhere in the continental United States

  ·        $Buck$ Putt contest: Wal-Mart Supercenter

  ·        Motown Club Cover contest: AT&T

  ·        Cart Start: Costco Wholesale #786

  ·        Goodie Bags: Champion Chevrolet

  ·        Lunch: BD Electrical, Inc.

  ·        Banquet: Datapak Services Corporation

  ·        Beverage: LOC Federal Credit Union; Howell Care Center; Hubbell, Roth & Clark, Inc.

   

  Other sponsors and Specialty Sponsors

  ·        Water: Culligan Water and VG’s Food Center

  ·        Soft drinks: Pepsi Bottling Group

  ·        Breakfast goodies: Wal-Mart Supercenter

  ·        Signage: R. Gari Sign & Display

  ·        Coffee and Smoothie Station: Maui Wowi

  ·        Sweet Station: Cakes Especially 4 You

  ·        Snowcone Station: LOC Federal Credit Union

  ·        Cigar Station: Smokers Depot

  ·        Wine Tasting Station: Howell’s MainStreet Winery

  ·        Airline voucher: Capital Region International Airport

  ·        Golf program: Livingston County Daily Press & Argus

   

  Hole sponsors

  ·        3Sixty Interactive

  ·        BD Electrical, Inc.

  ·        Backhuus Auto Sales, Inc.

  ·        Cleary’s Pub

  ·        Grace & Porta Benefits

  ·        Highland Engineering, Inc.

  ·        Huron River Financial, a division of Detroit Edison Credit Union

  ·        Myers & Myers PLLC

  ·        SDG Homes

  ·        TCF Bank

  ·        Tom Rogers Asphalt, Inc.

   

  Door prizes added to the fun at the outing. A special thanks to contributors:

  ·        Allstate Insurance – Hochrieter Agency, Inc.

  ·        Bredernitz, Wagner & Co., P.C.

  ·        Advertising Excellence

  ·        Homewood Suites by Hilton

  ·        Livingston County Treasurer Diane Hardy

  ·        Pietila Pools

  ·        Tanger Outlet Center

   

   

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• Celebrations

  Homewood Suites by Hilton

   

  Homewood Suites by Hilton is hosting an open house celebration Thursday, August 20 from 5 – 7 p.m. The hotel is located at 8060 Challis Road in Brighton.

   

  The event is in recognition of the Homewood Suite brand’s 20^th anniversary. Chamber members and the general public are invited to enjoy food, beverages, door prizes, face painting for children and more at the event. WHMI, 93.5 FM will be broadcasting live from the hotel during the festivities.

   

  Homewood Suites is part of the Hilton family of hotels. The Brighton location features suite-style guest rooms with fully-equipped kitchens, an indoor pool, fitness center, meeting facilities and more. For details about the open house, call 810-225.0200.

   

   

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• New discounts with Membership Value Program

  

  New discounts with Membership Value Program

  Promote and grow your business by offering discounts to thousands of keytag holders by participating in the chamber’s free Membership Value Program. The program offers discounts on everything from lunch to auto repair at nearly 100 companies throughout the area. Just show your keytag and claim your discounts.

   

  The Howell Area Chamber of Commerce encourages members to help support each other by using fellow chamber members when purchasing goods or services. The Membership Value Program is a benefit available to all Howell chamber member employees at no cost to participants or shoppers.

   

  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.

   

   

  New participating chamber member:

   

  Maki J's

  121 N. Michigan Ave., Suite C

  Howell

  517.540.1412

  10% off cuts or 20% off color

   

   

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• Unemployment statistics

  Unemployment Statistics

  (not seasonally adjusted)

  Local and statewide

   

                                           June 09     May 09     June 08

  Livingston County              13.3%        11.5%        7.1%

  State of Michigan               15.4%        13.9%        8.4%

   

   

  Source: Michigan Dept. of Labor and Economic Growth

   

   

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• Members Moving Forward

  Contracting Resources

  Contracting Resources, Inc., a Brighton-based design-build and construction management firm, was recently awarded a renovation contract in Ann Arbor. The project includes renovations to the entrance, waiting and reception areas, boardroom and training space for a healthcare information services company. For more information call 810.229.4320 or visit contractingresources.net.

   

  Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan

  The Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan has launched a new Web site, cfsem.org. The site includes information on the foundation, becoming a donor, grant-making, scholarships, resources for professional advisors and more.

    

  Essential Elegance

  Essential Elegance is hosting a “Cut-a-thon PLUS” fundraiser on Sunday, August 30 from noon to 4 p.m. A car wash, discounted haircuts, manicures, chair massages and spa services will be offered at the event. Proceeds benefit the Judson Center, a Howell-based facility that offers personalized support services for children and their families, including autism services, foster care, adoption, counseling and more. Essential Elegance is located at 4218 East Grand River Avenue in Howell. For more information or to make an appointment for the event, call 517.548.4800.

   

  Great Lakes Butcher Supply, LLC

  Central Michigan Butcher Supply is now Great Lakes Butcher Supply, LLC. Located at 5642 East Highland Road in Howell, the store offers fresh and smoked meats, seafood, veal, chicken, lamb, seasonings and spices. For more information call 517.546.7493.

   

  Howell Area Parks & Recreation Authority

  The Howell Area Parks & Recreation Authority recently signed a one-year agreement with Howell Public Schools to assume management of the Howell Area Aquatic Center. All current summer programming will continue as scheduled and a full fall listing will be ready in August. Schedules and updates will be outlined in the Howell Area Parks & Recreation program guide and at howellrecreation.org. For more information call 517.546.0693.

   

  LACASA

  LACASA is hosting “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes”, Saturday, August 29 at the Tanger Outlet Center in Howell. The event is a men’s march to help put an end to domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse. Participants are encouraged to bring their own shoes as a limited number of women’s shoes will be available. Registration is at 9:30 a.m. and the march begins at 10:30 a.m. Pre-registration is available at lacasa1.org or by calling Julie Smith at 517.548.1350.

   

  Livingston Area Human Resources Association

  Livingston Area Human Resources Association will host “LAHRApalooza!” Tuesday, August 18 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at T.W. Friend’s in Howell. The networking event will include appetizers, refreshments and a drawing. Pre-registration is available at livingstonhr.org. For more information call 810.534.0170.

   

   

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