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Business Views 

September 2009 Ÿ Vol. 19 Ÿ No. 9 Ÿ howell.org                                        

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Browse current and archived issues of Business Views online.

 

 

In this issue:

  • Livingstson County Municipal Summit: Getting Ready for the Turnaround

    The Community Development Committee of the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting a municipal summit designed to help governmental units and municipalities positively affect the growth and prosperity of Livingston County in preparation for the economic turnaround. This free workshop will focus on how municipalities can become more attractive for entrepreneurs and existing business expansions.

     

    The event takes place on Thursday, October 22 from 7:30 – 9:30 a.m. at Crystal Gardens-Livingston, 5768 E. Grand River, Howell. A continental breakfast will be served. There is no charge.

     

    Experts in the areas of entrepreneurship, legislation and advocacy will speak on how communities can prepare for the upswing in the economy and become more business-friendly and entrepreneur-ready. The event is geared toward elected and appointed officials from cities, townships and villages; county officials; municipal leaders; school board members and administrators; library employees and board members; and anyone part of governmental units in Livingston County.

     

    “With conference and professional training budgets tight for so many organizations today, we want to bring the experts here to help keep Livingston County open for business,” said Pat Convery, chamber president. “Entrepreneurs and other businesses can, more and more, choose to locate anywhere. Why Livingston County? Why a particular community? How can you create an atmosphere in which businesses want to locate, expand and succeed? This summit will bring together the resources and knowledge to help make that a reality.”

     

    The chamber’s Community Development Committee (CDC) recently created a definition of a business-friendly municipality, which was adopted by the chamber’s board of directors. That definition will also be shared at the event.

     

    “We’ve learned many of the benefits and challenges local businesses face. To be successful, businesses need to operate in a community where they are valued,” said Mike Hall, chair of the CDC. “We need to make Livingston County a place where new businesses want to locate and existing businesses want to expand. By sharing information from a business standpoint, the goal is to learn more from the community’s perspective.”

     

    Speakers for the Livingston County Municipal Summit include:

     

    Barbara Fails, Ph.D. is Associate Professor and Associate Director for Entrepreneurial Communities, Land Policy Institute at Michigan State University. She works with communities to develop ecosystems and programs that support entrepreneurs. She also teaches entrepreneurship and chairs EnGen, a mid-Michigan university collaboration that extends entrepreneurship opportunities to undergraduates.

     

    Arnold Weinfeld is Director of Public Policy and Federal Affairs for the Michigan Municipal League. He serves as the league’s lead lobbyist in Washington, D.C. coordinating federal advocacy efforts and working directly with Michigan’s Congressional delegation and national local government organizations such as the National League of Cities.

     

    Bill Anderson is the Legislative Liaison for the Michigan Townships Association. He monitors, researches and analyzes legislation affecting township government and works for the passage or defeat of various legislative bills or amendments. He also represents the interests of MTA members before various house and senate sessions and legislative committee meetings.

     

    R.S.V.P. by October 20 in order to ensure adequate accommodations. There is no charge. For more information or to register, contact the chamber at 517.546.3920

     

     

  • Community Guide & Membership Directory ads get results

    The Howell Area Chamber of Commerce 2010 Community Guide & Membership Directory, sponsored by Krug Ford-Lincoln-Mercury, is under way. The guide is the community’s source for membership and economic development information, and advertising opportunities within the publication are available now.

     

    Livingston County customers expect Howell chamber members to be better-than-average companies and a recent study showed customers were 63% more likely to buy from chamber members. Members are listed twice in the guide, both alphabetically and by business category. Advertising is exclusive to chamber members, and the 2010 version offers ads in both the printed guide as well as posted on the chamber’s Web site at howell.org.

     

    “Remember – only those people and businesses that know about your company can buy from you,” said Kim Esper, membership director for the chamber.

     

    Chamber members have reported the annual Howell Area Chamber of Commerce Community Guide & Membership Directory is among the most valuable programs offered by the chamber. Each year, thousands of the books are provided at no cost to members, residents, newcomers and those considering locating a business or home in the Howell area.

     

    “Advertising in the Guide has resulted in many business owners coming to or calling National City. Many members use the Chamber Guide rather than a telephone book,” said Vicki L. Hartman, vice president, National City Bank. “What a great way to support fellow chamber members and to shop and serve locally!”

     

    “Once I started using the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce Community Guide & Membership Directory, I got rid of all the phone books I had. The directory was so easy to use and the members were helpful to work with, it’s all I need,” said Deborah E. Mikula, director, Howell Area Parks & Recreation Authority.

     

    The new edition of the guide will be available in early 2010. The publication will be printed by First Impression Print & Marketing, with cover design by Susan Pominville, Abovo Visual Communications.

     

    For information on how to maximize your visibility in the guide, contact Esper at 517.546.3920 or kesper@howell.org.

     

     

    Get it right for the Guide

    Is your company’s information accurate – address, e-mail, phone, Web site, contact name? Want to purchase listings for your company to gain exposure under additional categories? Contact the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce at 517.546.3920 or chamber@howell.org so your listing will be correct in the 2010 Community Guide & Membership Directory.

     

     

  • From the desk of the President...

    Every month I make calls to members. Just to say “hello.” Just to make a connection. Just to remind them that the chamber is here to help, provide resources, exposure and advocacy.

     

    I’ve been enjoying these calls a bit more lately. I’m hearing more and more good news.

     

    At the risk of stating the obvious, this has been a time of monumentally bad news for business in Michigan. Many of you have been struggling to keep your companies viable and keep your staff employed.

     

    Sales have dropped. Consumer confidence has faded.

     

    The economic indicators are still pretty dim for Michigan, although they’re brightening a bit nationally.

     

    But if my calls and one-on-one conversations with some of you are any indication, there are glimmers of turn around in Livingston County.

     

    I’m hearing about sales upticks, production increases and employees returning after lay off. More homes are being sold. Cars are leaving the dealership lots—even after the Cash for Clunkers is over.

     

    I’m sure not ready to say the worst is over. But are we seeing some light at the end of the tunnel? Let me know what you think – pconvery@howell.org

     

    It’s been a wonderful summer and it’s not quite over yet.

     

    I’ve been exhorting folks to remember that summer is NOT over. The last full day of summer is September 21, not Labor Day.

     

    But, sadly, as you read this my favorite season of the year is coming awfully close to its calendar end. I’m still clinging to summer with my fingertips, but know I’ll have to let go shortly. Within days.

     

    Sigh.

     

    How does autumn look?

     

    Our Good Morning Livingston series (second Tuesday mornings of most months) will be content-rich. ChamberConnect (first Wednesdays of each month) will forge more relationships and business. Lunch & Learns (third Wednesdays) will give you information you can use in your business right away.

     

    Follow, Fan and Brand, our new social networking “lab” experience (first and third Tuesdays) is scoring high marks by members who have learned to market and create relationships with this powerful new media.

     

    And don’t forget the Fantasy of Lights Parade on November 27. Let us know if you’d like to participate.

     

    I think I better go grab a sweater.

     

     

  • Monthly Program Sponsor: Lansing Community College

    LCC grows to meet expanding educational needs of Livingston County's changing community

    While Lansing Community College (LCC) has been providing classes in Livingston County for over 30 years, the educational needs of the community continue to change. The transformation of Michigan’s economy from manufacturing to services and R&D (research and development) has increased the demand for higher education and re-education of our residents.

     

    “Lansing Community College has responded to this need by expanding the classes offered at its Livingston County Center located at the Parker Campus on D-19,” said Howard Dillman, director of the center.

     

    This year for the first time, LCC has provided classes in Alternative Energy Engineering Technology as part of the nearly 200 classes that will be available at the Parker Campus this fall, spring and summer semesters. In addition, LCC offers over 150 online classes to help students complete their course of study while continuing to meet their employment and family commitments. There are now 80 qualified faculty providing students personal attention in small, affordable classes in a wide variety of subjects at the Parker facility.

     

    “Whether their desire is to transfer to a four-year university, complete an associate degree, or simply obtain skills they can transfer to the workplace, students at the Livingston County Center get a valuable education that will serve our community well,” Dillman said.

     

    “LCC is to be commended for its commitment to meeting the increasing educational needs of Livingston County, as exemplified by the over 1600 enrollments this fall semester alone. This continued commitment shows LCC is truly dedicated to Livingston County,” he said.

     

    For more information about Lansing Community College and their Livingston County Center visit lcc.edu, call 517.545.3522 or visit the campus on D-19 two miles south of I-96.

     

     

    Lansing Community College is the chamber’s September program sponsor.

     

     

  • Business After Hours Honoring Educators

    One of the most popular after hours events of the year will take place Thursday, October 22 from 5 – 7 p.m. as the chamber hosts Business After Hours Honoring Educators. The event will be held at the McPherson Mansion in downtown Howell, 915 N. Michigan Avenue.

     

    Chamber members and area educators are invited to attend this annual event as an opportunity to get to network with other business leaders and get to know and say “thank you” to local teachers and school personnel in an informal setting.

     

    The event is sponsored by LOC Federal Credit Union.

     

    “We appreciate the support of our partners in this event, with Howell Public Schools and the generous sponsorship from LOC. Our thanks also go out to Steve and Patty Gronow and Kelly and Roger Myers for the ‘loan’ of the beautiful and historic McPherson Mansion for this event,” said Pat Convery, chamber president.

     

    “We invite all chamber members and school employees to stop in after work to enjoy an evening dedicated to the teachers, administrators and staff people who work together to make our schools great,” Convery said.

     

    The event includes refreshments and entertainment. There is no charge to attend; however, reservations are requested. Please contact the chamber at 517.546.3920 or chamber@howell.org.

     

     

  • WALLY commuter rail supported by community, chamber

    The Ann Arbor Transportation Authority (AATA) recently announced that findings of a recent market study indicate broad community support for the proposed Washtenaw-Livingston Line (WALLY) commuter rail that would serve residents between Ann Arbor and Howell.

     

    The survey, conducted by Illium and Associates of Bellevue, Washington, interviewed 100 Washtenaw County residents and 101 Livingston County residents within the areas along the proposed WALLY commuter rail line to gauge the public’s interest in a commuter rail service. 

     

    According to the research report, 75 percent of Washtenaw County and 80 percent of Livingston County residents surveyed support the idea of a Washtenaw-Livingston county commuter rail service. Within Livingston County, the study found that 61 percent of respondents would be interested in using WALLY for their daily commute.

     

    “We still have a lot of work ahead of us to make sure WALLY can move forward,” said AATA CEO Michael Ford.  “But the findings in this survey are very encouraging.” 

     

    The survey also found that 79 percent of Livingston county respondents and 92 percent of Washtenaw County respondents said that public transportation is important to the local economy.

     

    “It’s clear that area residents can see the benefits of commuter rail and believe that WALLY would be an economic boost to the area,” said Ford.  “Our next steps will be to continue the planning process to ensure that WALLY is a viable north-south transportation solution.”

     

    The board of directors of the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce has also expressed its support of the project. “The chamber and its board recognize the importance of this project, and feel strongly about the positive impact this development will have on the community,” said Pat Convery, president of the chamber.

     

    The WALLY Coalition, a broad-based group of community organizations seeking to determine the feasibility of a north-south commuter rail service between Ann Arbor and Howell, has been working on the project for the last two years. In addition to AATA and the Howell chamber, the WALLY Coalition includes representatives from the cities of Ann Arbor and Howell, Washtenaw and Livingston counties, the University of Michigan, Washtenaw Area Transportation Study, the Michigan Department of Transportation, Northfield and Hamburg townships, the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority, Washtenaw Community College, St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, local chambers of commerce, and other interested groups and individuals from throughout the WALLY proposed service area.

     

    For more information, including the full WALLY survey reports, frequently asked questions and more, visit theride.org/wally.asp.

     

     

  • "How to Find a Job in Michigan" class offered at no cost

    To assist the thousands in Livingston County grappling with unemployment, a four-part class on “How to Find a Job in Michigan” is being offered at no cost to participants. The class is hosted by State Representatives Bill Rogers and Cindy Denby, and each of the four segments takes place at Cleary University in the Johnson Center Building located at 3750 Cleary Drive, Howell, MI 48843.

     

    For more information or to register for the class, contact Rogers’ office at 517.373.1784 or billrogers@house.mi.gov.

     

     

    Segment #1: Online Job Resources, Interviewing Skills and Resume Reviews

    Friday, September 18

    2 – 6 p.m., with resume reviews from 4:30 – 7 p.m.

     

    Segment #1 focuses on how to utilize the World Wide Web to search for jobs and proper online and interviewing etiquette and skills. Professional resume builders will be available, offering complimentary five- to 10-minute resume reviews for all attendees.

     

     

    Segment #2: State Jobs and State Training Resources

    Monday, September 28

    1 – 4 p.m.

     

    Segment #2 focuses on how to search and apply for state jobs, while also learning about all the different training resources offered by the state.

     

     

    Segment #3: Job Career Fair

    Tuesday, October 6

    3 – 8 p.m.

     

    Segment #3 is a county-wide career fair.

     

     

    Segment #4: Social Networking and Advertising Yourself to Employers Effectively

    Monday, October 12

    6 – 8 p.m.

     

    Segment #4 focuses on the social networking sights available, proper social networking sight etiquette, and how job-seekers can effectively advertise themselves to employers using social networking tools.

     

     

  • Grow your network with Follow, Fan and Brand at the chamber

    Have you heard the tweets? The chamber’s new “Follow, Fan and Brand with Social Networking” program is a hit.

      

     This lab-style training session takes place on the first and third Tuesdays each month. The next sessions are on October 6 and 20. Chamber members are invited to 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.

     

    Join us for the opportunity to learn together and share your knowledge at this interactive program as we explore social networking with sites such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, regardless of your experience or level of expertise.

     

     

    “For me, Follow, Fan and Brand is a fun, non-threatening way to learn to use social media tools for building business relationships,” said Cheryl Cunningham, president of Cunningham, Inc., a human resource development and training firm. “It’s delightful to be a part of the synergy that comes with a chamber conference room full of business people sharing their ideas and various levels of knowledge. Chamber staff members bring just the right balance of leading this very informal shared learning experience. Getting this on my calendar is my way of spending a couple of hours a month bolstering my level of sophistication in this ever-changing area.”

     

    The program is open to the public, so guests, colleagues and business associates are welcome. Bring your laptop, BlackBerry, internet-enabled cell phone or other wireless device for live connectivity.

     

    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.

     

    To R.S.V.P. for the October sessions, contact the chamber at 517.546.3920 or chamber@howell.org.

     

     

  • Fantasy of Lights Parade plans for festive, family event

    Plans are under way for the fast approaching fun of the 26th annual Fantasy of Lights Parade on Friday, November 27 at 7 p.m. The parade is hosted by the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation, with major sponsor Cobb-Hall Insurance.

     

    The chamber foundation is seeking entries for the parade. Applications are being accepted for floats, vehicles and marching bands. Each entry in the Fantasy of Lights parade must be illuminated with a minimum of 5,000 holiday lights.

     

    Marking the traditional arrival of the holiday season in Howell, the spectacular nighttime parade has attracted up to 30,000 spectators lining the Grand River Avenue parade route to view dozens of illuminated floats, marching bands and of course, Santa Claus. Additional activities at Christmas Alley from 3-8:30 p.m. and throughout various downtown locations include cookie decorating, live entertainment, visits with Santa, the Fantasy 5K Run, arts and crafts, ice sculptures, seasonal refreshments, gingerbread house display and live reindeer.

     

    The run begins at 6 p.m. and applications will be available at the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce, 123 E. Washington Street in Howell, or may be completed online at gaultracemanagement.com.

     

    The Fantasy 5K is consistently named one of the Top 10 Runs in Michigan by Runner's Magazine. It attracts more than 900 runners, 30 percent of whom come from out of state and Canada. The Fantasy of Lights Fantasy 5K recently received endorsement from the State of Michigan Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness. 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.

     

    The Fantasy race is also 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.

     

    Area students are invited to participate in the Snow Court Essay Contest. Winners in each category will be awarded prizes and will ride on a float in the parade.

     

    Applications for parade entries and arts and crafts and food vendors are available online at howell.org, at the chamber or by email to slundin@howell.org.

     

    For more information and details on additional sponsorships, parade entries and more, contact Susan Lundin at 517.546.3920 or slundin@howell.org.

     

     

  • News correspondent John Stossel headlines LEC lunch event October 5

    Emmy Award winner and news anchor John Stossel is the featured speaker at the Livingston Economic Club’s fall luncheon and networking event on October 5. The event takes place from 11:30 a.m. through 1:30 p.m. at Cleary University’s Johnson Center, 3750 Cleary Drive in Howell.

     

    Stossel recently announced plans to leave his position as an ABC News correspondent and co-anchor of “20/20” to join the Fox Business Network in October. He will host a weekly prime-time program, and will also make regular appearances on the Fox News Channel.

     

    Stossel has won 19 Emmy Awards and has been honored five times for excellence in consumer reporting by the National Press Club. He joined “20/20” in 1981 and began doing one-hour primetime specials in 1994. The specials have consistently rated among the top news programs when broadcast. In his segment for “20/20” called “Give Me a Break,” Stossel has taken skeptical looks at people who want to censor cartoons, regulate flagpoles and have Congress rule on what prices are “fair.”

     

    Individual tickets for the event are $60 and include one assigned seat and lunch. Tickets must be purchased by Friday, October 2 and can be obtained online at livingstoneconomicclub.com or by contacting Dennis Purdy at 734.929.9107 or lec@cleary.edu.

     

    The Livingston Economic Club is sponsored by Cleary University. The mission of the program is to enrich the Livingston County community by hosting speakers who can share a broad spectrum of social, political, intellectual and cultural experiences. Past Luncheon Series speakers have included Dick Morris, Eleanor Clift, Wally Amos, Mike Jensen, Steven Emerson and Ann Coulter. The 2010 line-up features Carl Camden, president and CEO of Kelly Services; Michael Reagan, author of “Twice Adopted” and son of Ronald Reagan; and Elizabeth Edwards, author of “Resilience.”

     

     

  • Howell Main Street Program wins top award; Carriage House owner honored for Pink Party

    The Howell Main Street/Downtown Development Authority program has been selected as the Michigan Main Street Program of the Year. The award is granted by the Michigan Downtown Planning Partners and Michigan Main Street Center, and was presented at the Michigan Downtown Conference in Downtown Lansing on September 16.

     

    “This prestigious award is given annually to only one Main Street community in the State that has demonstrated excellence in downtown revitalization and commitment to the Main Street Four-Point Approach, a proven approach to downtown revitalization, developed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in the early 1980s,” said Nathan Voght, director of the Howell Main Street program.

     

    The Howell Downtown Development Authority formally began using the Main Street approach in 2005, and received National Accreditation in 2008 through the Michigan Main Street Center and National Trust for Historic Preservation.

     

    Also honored at the Michigan Downtown Conference was Kim Wilson, owner of Carriage House Designs in downtown Howell, who received the Award for Downtown Innovation. Wilson organized a city-wide Pink Party in June as a fund raiser for breast cancer research. The event drew hundreds of visitors and engaged more than 70 businesses and community groups in Howell and the surrounding area to participate with in-store discounts, food and wine tastings, art exhibits, mini spa and body treatments, quick yoga, silent auction and quilt exhibit. Luminaries were also placed throughout downtown to honor cancer survivors.

     

     

  • Businesses urged to take pro-active steps in preparing for flu season

    Get ready for the upcoming flu season with all the latest information on the H1N1 flu as well as the seasonal flu. The County of Livingston Department of Public Health has prepared a variety of information and resources for employers and businesses, designed to help with prevention and dealing with a flu outbreak amongst employees.

     

    A toolkit is available to help implement recommendations from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) to plan and respond to the 2009-2010 influenza season. The toolkit includes quick reference guides, fact sheets for employers and employees, action steps to keep businesses and employees healthy, ways to stay healthy at work, template e-mails or letters and text messages for businesses to send employees, and additional resources.

     

    Visit lchd.org for more information, and pandemicflu.gov/professional/business to download the toolkit.

     

     

     

     

  • Downtown master plan in Howell, redevelopment in Brighton and ‘steady as she goes’ at Howell schools

    The latest information on city street projects, developments throughout downtown Brighton and Howell and updates from Howell Public Schools were the focus of the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce September Good Morning Livingston program. Nearly 100 chamber members and business community leaders heard from local officials and business leaders at “What’s New in Livingston County.” The program took place at Genoa Woods Conference Center in Brighton, marking the opening of the 2009-2010 GML season.

     

    Carol Stone, assistant city manager for the City of Howell shared future plans for Howell, including the city street project and downtown master plan. Stone noted details from the plan that includes projects in the near term of within the next three years, mid-term within three to six years and long term of seven years or more into the future.

     

    Possibilities for improvements to downtown reflect options for both a transit-oriented development, if the Washtenaw-Livingston Line (WALLY) commuter rail project is approved (see related article in this issue of Business Views), and for a more mixed-use development if it does not proceed. Plans include creating additional parking near the Howell Carnegie District Library, potentially reopening Court Street, changing the design of State Street to allow two-way traffic and improving pedestrian access and streetscaping along Grand River. Long-term ideas incorporate a potential roundabout at the intersection of Grand River and Michigan Avenue.

     

    “Downtown has great bones, and that has allowed us to grow,” Stone said of Howell, which is celebrating its 175th anniversary in 2010. “For the long term, it’s important to think ahead to be a place that attracts investors.”

     

    Community Development and Planning Director Matthew Modrack discussed developments and updates in the City of Brighton. Projects there are focusing on private investment, redevelopment of liquor licenses, and capital improvements and grants.

     

    “We look for opportunities, listen to people and try to remove barriers to make Brighton a welcoming place to do business,” he said. With corporate downsizing and lay-offs, he spoke of a recent trend in entrepreneurs taking their buyouts and starting a new business, such as Two Brothers Coffee, Oh My Lolli and an upcoming cheese market all located in downtown Brighton.

     

    With the redevelopment liquor licenses, Modrack expressed that they provide an opportunity for some of the smaller restaurateurs to provide alcoholic beverages at their establishments, where often only larger chain venues can afford the costly traditional license. This approach has ranked Brighton as second only to Grand Rapids in the number of redevelopment liquor licenses issued.

     

    He noted that because of Brighton’s proximity to major expressways and area attractions such as Kensington Metro Park, the city is a recognizable location throughout the state and serves as a draw for development. “Everyone has heard of Brighton and knows where it is,” Modrack said. “Everybody meets in Brighton.”

     

    Rick Terres, associate superintendent/finance and Sandra Moore, executive director of school instruction staff development and curriculum for Howell Public Schools, provided updates on the education front. Terres described the current state of Howell’s school system as “steady as she goes.”

     

    With existing economic conditions, he said the schools are focusing on continued academic improvement and remaining fiscally responsible. Enhancements include new curriculum documents, online grades, new report cards, a redesigned Web site and the just-approved online high school completion program.

     

    “Now, schools are so competitive,” Moore said. “Anything that the best districts in the state offer, Howell should offer.”

     

    “We believe in the philosophy that it takes a village to raise a student,” said Terres.

     

    For complete presentations from each of the speakers, visit the Resource Corner page of howell.org.

     

    Recipients of the 2009 Margaret Starkey Scholarships were also honored that morning.

     

    The October Good Morning Livingston features State Representatives Cindy Denby and Bill Rogers and State Senator Valde Garcia on the latest information in Lansing, the state budget and more. The event takes place Tuesday, October 13 at 7:30 a.m. at Crystal Gardens – Livingston in Howell.

     

    To R.S.V.P. for the October 13 GML or sign up for a GML subscription, register online at howell.org or contact the chamber at 517.546.3920 or chamber@howell.org. For the October program, please R.S.V.P. by Thursday, October 8 to ensure adequate accommodations.

     

     

  • Chamber board nominations needed

    The Howell Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking chamber members as candidates for nomination to the 2010 board of directors.

     

    A nominating committee will review prospective candidates and make recommendations based on current board composition and the member’s commitment to the chamber.

     

    If you know a member in good standing who would be an asset to the board, or if you are interested in filling a position, please contact Pat Convery, president of the chamber, at pconvery@howell.org or 517.546.3920.

     

     

     

  • 2009 Starkey Scholarship winners honored at GML

    Recipients of the 2009 Margaret Starkey Scholarships were honored at the recent September Good Morning Livingston program, “What’s New in Livingston County.”

     

    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.

     

     

     

  • Spotlight in the News: Trainings With Impact!

    A major key to a company's sustainability is remaining competitive. Trainings With Impact! Is a professional training and facilitation services company to help give businesses that competitive edge.

     

    “Training your staff – providing new skills, keeping them motivated and working together as a team – is essential to achieving that goal,” said Debi Drick, owner and certified master trainer.

     

    The company offers professional development and soft skill trainings, as well as facilitation services for organizational/corporate retreats. Drick has more than 20 years of experience, including working with secondary- and higher-education institutions, corporate, non-profit, government and civic organizations. She has extensive community service experience, including working with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Leadership Livingston, Rotary, Kiwanis, Optimist Club and is currently a Howell Public Schools board trustee.

     

    “Trainings With Impact! workshops are interactive, entertaining and participants are able to utilize the tools immediately. Trainings are custom-created specifically to meet your needs, and sessions conclude with a plan of action designed to get results. You will not walk away from a session feeling you got good information but do not know what to do with it, or asking yourself ‘now what?’  You and your team will have worked together to design a formula to get you on track to success,” Drick said.

     

    For more information, contact Drick at Trainings With Impact! At 517.819.1988 or visit trainingswithimpact.com

     

     

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

     

     

  • 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 will be available beginning in October, 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

     

                                             July 09     June 09     July 08

    Livingston County              13.4%        13.3%        6.6%

    State of Michigan               15.6%        15.4%        9.1%

     

     

    Source: Michigan Dept. of Labor and Economic Growth

     

     

  • Members Moving Forward

    American Cancer Society

    The American Cancer Society is hosting Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, Saturday, October 10 in downtown Howell. The event is a three-mile non-competitive walk. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m., opening ceremony at 8 and the walk begins at 9. For more information call 734.971.4300 or visit cancer.org.

     

    Art Van Furniture

    Art Van Furniture, located at 4101 East Grand River Avenue in Howell, is hosting design classes beginning September 17 at 6:30 p.m. This is a four-week complimentary curriculum offering home decorating tips and information from the Art Van visual merchandising team. Register in person at each class or call 888.619.2199.

     

    AT&T

    James Murray was recently named president of AT&T Michigan. Murray served as vice president of government relations for AT&T Michigan for four years, and has 14 years experience in legislative offices. AT&T services include wireless, high speed Internet, voice services and advanced TV services.

     

    Cobb-Hall Insurance

    Cobb-Hall Insurance, located at 223 West Grand River Avenue in Howell, has been named one of the top 10 growth agencies by Auto-Owners Insurance. Cobb-Hall Insurance has represented Auto-Owners since 1956 and provides a wide variety of insurance coverage. For more information call 517.546.1600 or visit cobbhall.com.

     

    Contracting Resources, Inc.

    Contracting Resources, Inc., a Brighton-based design-build and construction management company, has been named construction manager for the Hyundai Dynamometer. The project includes site work, foundations, concrete, steel building erection and mechanical/electrical work for the new 1,800 square-foot mapping facility located in Superior Township.

    Contracting Resources, Inc. has also been named construction manager for the Charyl Stockwell Academy. The project will consist of a new 28,000 square-foot educational facility located in Brighton. For more information call 810.229.4320 or visit contractingresources.net.

     

    Elite Insurance Agency

    Elite Insurance Agency, located at 3399 East Grand River Avenue in Howell, was recently named a Top Ten Nationwide Agency from Secura Insurance Company. The agency donated $36,000 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Elite Insurance Agency is locally-owned and family-operated, providing full-service insurance and offering Blue Cross Blue Shield for chamber members. For more information call 517.545.9325 or visit eliteinsuranceagency.com.

     

    Five Sparrows, LLC

    Five Sparrows, LLC, a Hartland-based web design and development company, has integrated social networking features into its online expo program. The new features are also available in the individual online expo “booths” of each business currently participating in the program. The expo provides chamber members with a virtual expo booth that provides additional opportunities to connect with customers and extend a small business’ Web presence. For more information call 810.923.1874 or visit fivesparrows.com

     

    Hartland Insurance Agency

    Barbara Walker of Hartland Insurance Agency has received the Aschom Education Award by the Michigan Association of Insurance Agents. The award is given annually to the agent who excels in promoting continuing education and technical expertise in the insurance industry. Hartland Insurance Agency represents a collection of property and casualty insurers in Michigan. For more information call 810.632.5161 or visit hartlandinsurance.com.

     

    Howell Public Schools

    Howell Public Schools has chosen Pepsi Bottling Group, located at 755 McPherson Park Drive in Howell, to be the schools’ soft drink supplier. The products will be available throughout the schools beginning with the 2009-2010 school year. For more information call 517.548.6200.

     

    LACASA

    LACASA was recently awarded a $10,000 grant from Art Van Furniture’s 50th anniversary “Million Dollar Charity Challenge.” The grant will help LACASA provide programs and services to students and peer support groups through the organization’s Prevention and Education Program. For more information call 517.548.1350 or visit lacasa1.org.

    LACASA volunteer training begins Tuesday, September 22. Volunteer training provides information on how domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse impact the community. Staff members will be on hand to facilitate the training sessions.  For details contact Candy Jones-Guerin at 517.548.1350 or visit lacasa1.org.

     

    Livingston Area Human Resource Association 

    Livingston Area Human Resource Association will present “The Economic Outlook for the US and Michigan – When Do Better Times Return?,” Tuesday, September 15 from 7:30 to 9 a.m. The breakfast program will be held at Genoa Woods Conference  Center in Brighton and feature speaker Charles Chesbrough, CSM Worldwide. For more information or to make reservations visit livingstonhr.org.

     

    Livingston Land Conservancy, Inc.

    Livingston Land Conservancy, Inc. will host “Land on the Horizon” Saturday, September 19 at 6:30 p.m. The fundraising event will take place at Lakeland’s Golf & Country Club in Brighton, and includes refreshments, cash bar and silent and live auctions. Money raised will go to the Land Acquisition and Stewardship Fund. For more information call 810.229.3290 or visit livingstonlandconservancy.org.

     

    Operating Engineers Local 324 Education and Training Center

    Operating Engineers Local 324 Education and Training Center, located at 275 East Highland Road, donated the use of the organization’s property to the FBI, state and local police for “post-blast” car bombing training. Students were required to process the scenes from real-life scenarios intentionally set up by experts.

     

    Servpro of Brighton/Howell  

    Servpro of Brighton/Howell will host an open house for members of the Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce and Howell Area Chamber of Commerce, Thursday, October 1 from 4 to 7 p.m. Refreshments and tours of the operation center will be provided. The company provides professional cleaning and disaster restoration services, fire and water clean-up and restoration, 24-hour emergency service and construction, repairs and remodeling. For more information call 810.220.3711 or visit servpro.com.

     

     

 
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