Business Views 

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In this issue:

• Chamber hosts seminar on how to appeal tax assessments

• Chamber Foundation receives $14,000 donation for Margaret Starkey Scholarship program

• Livingston County Municipal Summit: Getting Ready for the Turnaround

• From the desk of the President...

• Advertising with impact in 2010 Community Guide & Membership Directory

• Monthly Program Sponsor: Cleary University

• Business After Hours Honoring Educators

• City is the perfect place for “Howell-ween” fun

• Wish you were here...? New postcards highlight Howell destinations

• Fantasy of Lights Parade offers a time to shine

• Run to the fun at 15th annual Fantasy 5K

• Government, business have to work together to help pull state out of slump

• Office space available

• Plans underway for 53rd Annual Dinner

• Celebrations: In-House Hospice

• Unemployment statistics

• Members Moving Forward

• Chamber hosts seminar on how to appeal tax assessments

  In response to questions from member businesses, the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce will host a workshop and discussion on real estate and personal property tax appeals in the Michigan Tax Tribunal, and how to pursue an appeal of tax assessments. The seminar takes place Wednesday, November 11 at 8 a.m. at the chamber, 123 E. Washington Street in Howell.

   

  Joe Rogowski of Berry Reynolds & Rogowski, PC. will present this workshop about the process of a tax appeal and what’s needed to prepare for an appeal. Rogowski is an AV-rated attorney, a ranking by his peers designating him at the highest level of professional excellence. He practices eminent domain, property tax appeals, commercial litigation, real property litigation and land use law. 

   

  “We're in an unusual situation now where property values are plummeting, but taxes are not,” said Pat Convery, chamber president. “We’ve heard from chamber members that they have questions about how to appeal their business real estate and personal property taxes, so we encourage anyone challenged with this issue to hear from a foremost expert on the subject and help get you pointed in the right direction.”

   

  The workshop is $15 for chamber members and $30 for non-members, and includes a continental breakfast. To register for the November 11 event, contact the chamber at 517.546.3920 or chamber@howell.org.

   

  Rogowski is the current chair of the real estate section of the Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association. He was president of the barristers of the Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association (DMBA) in 2003-2004, was a member of the 2004 and 2006 DMBA Judicial Candidate Evaluation Committee, and held the position of barrister in the Oakland County Inn of Court.

   

  Rogowski holds memberships in the Oakland County, Detroit Metropolitan, Michigan and American Bar Associations. He is a graduate of Albion College, where he was a member of the Mortar Board and the Gerald R. Ford Institute for Public Service. He is also a graduate cum laude of the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, where he was a member of the Justice Frank Murphy Honor Society, the Moot Court Board of Directors and the American Inns of Court.

   

   

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• Chamber Foundation receives $14,000 donation for Margaret Starkey Scholarship program

  A donation of more than $14,000 in stock was recently made to the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation Margaret Starkey Scholarship program from the same anonymous donor who contributed $100,000 in 2008.
  
  The chamber foundation thanks the chamber member businesses and individuals who also made contributions to the organization and scholarship program throughout 2009. Donations were received from Louis Anderson, CertaPro Painters, Maurice Coles, Edward Doane, First National Bank, Sarah Johnson, Le Boutique Upscale Resale and Audrey and Don Murray.
  
  The scholarship is named by the chamber foundation in honor of Margaret Starkey, who was the chamber’s executive assistant for 35 years. The scholarship was established over 20 years ago as a Howell Area Chamber of Commerce program, prior to the creation of the chamber foundation and has continued since then. It has been awarded annually to working students who best exemplify her outstanding qualities of dedication, enthusiasm, community service and attention to detail. Scholarship recipients are nominated by their Livingston County employers and may attend any recognized school of higher education.
  
  According to the anonymous benefactor’s attorney, Sue A. Hamilton, P.C., the donor chose the Margaret Starkey Scholarship program because of its emphasis on non-traditional, working students who have risen above personal challenges. The matching scholarship dollars Cleary University has provided were also important. It is the hope of the donor that others in the community who share a commitment to education will come forward with donations to create a continuing endowment for the Margaret Starkey Scholarship fund.
  
  “In these trying economic times, education is the key to success and thanks to these scholarship funds, will be attainable for the students selected for this award,” said Pat Convery, president of the chamber foundation.
  
  For more information on the chamber foundation or the Margaret Starkey Scholarship program, contact Convery at 517.546.3920 or pconvery@howell.org.
  

   

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• Livingston County Municipal Summit: Getting Ready for the Turnaround

  To prepare governmental units and municipalities throughout Livingston County for the anticipated bounce-back in the economy, the Community Development Committee of the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting “Livingston County Municipal Summit: Getting Ready for the Turnaround.” The event takes place Thursday, October 22 from 7:30 – 9:30 a.m. at Crystal Gardens-Livingston, 5768 E. Grand River in Howell.
  
  This free workshop focuses on how municipalities can become more attractive for entrepreneurs and existing business expansions. 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.
  
  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.
  
  “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. “We are inviting our governmental and municipal leaders to participate in this impactful discussion about the future of our county. Entrepreneurs and other businesses can, more and more, choose to locate anywhere. Why Livingston County? Why a particular community? How can government and municipalities 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.”
  
  Speakers include Barbara Fails, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Associate Director for Entrepreneurial Communities, Land Policy Institute at Michigan State University; Arnold Weinfeld, Director of Public Policy and Federal Affairs for the Michigan Municipal League; and Bill Anderson, the Legislative Liaison for the Michigan Townships Association.
  
  Fails 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.
  
  Weinfeld serves as the Michigan Municipal 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.
  
  Anderson 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 Michigan Townships Association members before various house and senate sessions and legislative committee meetings.
  
  The chamber’s Community Development Committee 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.
  
  There is no charge for this event. A continental breakfast will be served. Reservations are required in advance and are requested by October 20 to ensure adequate accommodations. For more information or to register, contact the chamber at 517.546.3920 or chamber@howell.org.
   

   

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• From the desk of the President...

  In today’s economy, many businesses can locate just about anywhere they want.
  
  Gone are the days when geographic location dictated which customers were served. These days entrepreneurs can work in one state and have customers all over the world.
  
  Which begs the question: If businesses can locate just about anywhere, why would they choose Livingston County?
  
  That’s the thinking behind the chamber’s Livingston County Municipal Summit: Getting Ready for the Turnaround that will take place Thursday, October 22.
  
  We’ve invited elected, appointed and staff officials from municipalities and other governmental units from across Livingston County to gather and learn the latest on becoming entrepreneurial.
  
  “Entrepreneurial” might seem an odd word to apply to government. But it’s being applied more and more. Just as business needs to be attractive to its customers, communities that create opportunities, a welcoming environment and an outstanding quality of life will attract economic development and expansion—and the resultant employment and tax revenue.
  
  We are delighted that Barbara Fails, director of Michigan State University’s entrepreneurial communities initiative will be our first speaker of the morning. She’ll be followed by Arnold Weinfeld of the Michigan Municipal League and Bill Anderson of the Michigan Townships Association. Both organizations have been spreading the entrepreneurial word to their members already.
  
  Results of last year’s Stakeholder Summit (attended by business owners) will be shared with our government guests, as well as the chamber’s Business-friendly Municipality definition.
  
  Many thanks to the chamber’s Community Development Committee, chaired by Mike Hall of Cobb-Hall Insurance, who developed the Municipal Summit and have been out there encouraging attendance.
  
  They’ve been an inspiration to work with.
  
  In terms of most economic development, we’re in a “pause” mode right now. The chamber’s goal is that the Municipal Summit will get communities ready for the inevitable turnaround.
  
  
  Good news
  In my column last month, I wrote about some encouraging news. These days, I love to hear and share good things that are going on.
  
  So, it was quite a delightful surprise when I was notified earlier this week that the “Anonymous Donor” who gave $100,000 to the Margaret Starkey Scholarship in 2008 gave the scholarship program another $14,000 this year.
  
  The scholarship program is in a great position to continue to fund scholarships for non-traditional college students for years to come, thanks to this donor and others who have written generous checks.
  
  The scholarship applications will go out in March of 2010. Start looking around your place of business to see if you have an employee who might quality.
  
  Contact me for more information—or if you’d like to make a donation.
  
  And keep sharing the good news! 
   

   

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• Advertising with impact in 2010 Community Guide & Membership Directory

  Work is underway on the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce 2010 Community Guide & Membership Directory, sponsored again by Krug Ford Lincoln Mercury. Fellow chamber members are currently placing ads in the guide – a members-only opportunity for advertising. Don’t miss the November 2 deadline; reserve your ad space now.
  
  The guide is the community’s premier source for membership and economic development information and is distributed throughout Livingston County to provide potential customers an easy reference for products and services, and to assist business owners in reaching key decision-makers.
  
  The Howell Area Chamber of Commerce is a three-star accredited chamber; in the top 3% of chambers in the United States and one of only a handful in Michigan. Livingston County customers expect Howell chamber members to be better-than-average companies and a recent study showed customers are 63% more likely to buy from chamber members.
  
  “Advertising in the guide – the publication that promotes your business as a member – can help you gain your share of those 63% more likely to buy,” said Kim Esper, membership director at the chamber. “This publication will encourage members to use your business and position your company as a key business in the community; increasing your visibility.”
  
  Web site ads are available at a special rate of $50 for those members also purchasing a guide print ad. Web site ads will be displayed through 2010. The chamber’s Web site at howell.org receives about 3,500 unique visitors and over 250,000 hits each month, making this an exceptional marketing opportunity.
  
  Chamber members say:
  “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. What a great way to support fellow chamber members and to shop and serve locally!”
  Vicki L. Hartman, Vice President
  National City Bank
  
  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.
  
  

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• Monthly Program Sponsor: Cleary University

  Cleary University: Working to support the community
  Through an on-going effort to be the leading resource of practical, application-based education in the area, Cleary University has hosted several programs and activities to enhance the lives of people and businesses in the surrounding communities.
  
  This fall, through its Fall Career Series, Cleary sponsored several free events and career fairs aimed at providing valuable tools and networking skills for people who are currently job-hunting or looking to make a career change. The sessions included “Do What You Love,” “Networking: It’s as Easy as PIE” and “Speed Interviewing.” In addition, working with State Representative Bill Rogers, Cleary hosted four segments on “How to Find a Job in Michigan.”
  
  Celebrating 126 years of excellence
  In 1883, when Patrick Roger Cleary founded The Cleary School of Penmanship, he most likely never envisioned that 126 years later, Cleary University would become nationally recognized as a leader in business education with thousands of alumni across the country and ever-expanding academic offerings and campuses.
  
  During Cleary’s annual Founder’s Week, faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends of the university gather together to celebrate Cleary’s founding with an Open House and picnic. This year the university is fortunate to be able to celebrate the 20-year tenure of President Tom Sullivan, a consummate leader at Cleary and in the community. Under his guidance, Cleary implemented several innovative programs including accelerated degrees, distance learning options and degrees designed for mid-career adults—programs which have helped establish Cleary as pioneer in meeting the needs of an educational community.
  
  Educational programs in demand
  Holding true to its tradition of providing education on the cutting-edge of business, this year Cleary University introduced several new programs designed to enhance students’ knowledge of in-demand fields.
  
  Acknowledging the importance of the virtual world, Cleary has introduced an Associate of Business Administration degree in e-Marketing and a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in e-Business Communications. The e-Marketing program provides preparation for a career in Web-based design, e-marketing communications and relationship strategies while the e-Business Communication program offers students an integrated education, combining studies of both business and communication in a global context.
  
  An industry where jobs opportunities are predicted to increase by 20 percent through the year 2016 is event management. Recognizing the need for skilled professionals in this area, Cleary has developed an Associate of Business Administration in Event and Meeting Management degree. The ABA programs in Event and Meeting Management and e-Marketing are both offered in the evenings in order to meet the demands of students.
  
  Finally, Cleary University has launched three new business programs at the graduate level: a Graduate Certificate of Financial Planning; an MBA in Financial Planning; and an MBA in Organizational Leadership. The Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning is designed to meet the educational requirements of the Certified Financial Planner exam and is registered and approved by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards. The program is for someone who already has an undergraduate degree and is interested in the body of knowledge specified by the CFP Board in a formal educational setting.
  
  The MBA in Financial Planning is designed specifically for the student interested in earning a master’s in addition to acquiring the Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning, while the MBA in Organizational Leadership is designed for upwardly mobile, mid-career professionals seeking to advance to the leadership level in a contemporary organization.
  
  Cleary offers master’s, bachelor’s and associate degree programs and is currently accepting applications for both the fall and winter term. For further information, call 888.5.Cleary or visit whycleary.com.
  
  
  Cleary University is the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce monthly program sponsor for October.
  

   

   

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• 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.

   

   

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• City is the perfect place for “Howell-ween” fun

  Costumed creatures and contests, candy stations, a haunted alley and a Headless Horseman 5K will greet guests in downtown Howell for the Legend of Sleepy Howell on October 24.
  
  Activities include trick or treating at more than 20 candy stations, contests, music, hay rides and maze, creepy campfires and smores, haunted alley, graveyard, story telling at The Opera House, spooky theatrical reenacting at the Howell Depot, broom ball and more.
  
  New this year is an entertainment stage, and the Headless Horseman 5K produced by Howell Area Parks & Recreation Authority.
  
  The “spooktacular” event takes place on Saturday, October 24th from 5 to 8 p.m. Sponsored by the Howell DDA/Main Street program, it is one of Livingston County’s premier Halloween attractions. More than 8,000 people enjoyed the festivities last year. To allow for more activities, please note that Grand River Avenue will be closed to traffic during the Legend of Sleepy Howell.
  
  
  “Thriller” planned in haunted alley
  Guests to downtown Howell may be wondering if it’s a demon or a dancer behind the fog in the haunted alley on State Street.
  
  The spooky attraction steps it up this year with choreographed dance lessons to the popular Michael Jackson song, “Thriller.” The dance adds to the thrill of the fog, lights and ghoulish fun in the haunted alley.
  
  For those who can handle a higher level of fright, the Depot Graveyard offers fog, tombstones, coffins, mummies, skeletons and zombies.
  
  
  Entertainment is amazing
  Look for bats and spiders, jump on board for a hayride or listen to magical music in downtown Howell.
  
  Start window shopping on October 19 for bats and spiders in their Halloween habitats in the storefronts in downtown Howell. Children can count the creatures and enter the Spooky Spider and Battling Bat Games for a chance to win a prize.
  
  The band “Not Yet Dead” plays on the entertainment stage in front of the courthouse. At the other end of town, enjoy “Renown Sound” at the Cobb-Hall Insurance courtyard. Hayrides will also start and depart at the courtyard. And hey, if that’s not enough, hay rides are also boarding at the depot, a howelling hay climb is on the courthouse lawn and a preschool pedaling hay maze for tikes on tricycles is located on Grand River.
  
  In addition to the event activities, discounted “spirit” wear or legend gear can be purchased in advance. T-shirts and sweatshirts are available. The Legend of Sleepy Howell event hotline is 517.545.4240, ext. 6797 for weather updates. For more information, visit sleepyhowell.com.
  
  

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• Wish you were here...? New postcards highlight Howell destinations

  Wish you were here

  Now residents and visitors to Howell can send that greeting on new postcards that represent the city.
  
  Eight postcards are currently available and feature Howell destinations including special events and historical buildings. The postcards can be purchased at Livingston Business Forms & Promotional Products new storefront in downtown Howell next to Mr. B's Rustic Tavern and at the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce.

   

   

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• Fantasy of Lights Parade offers a time to shine

  Businesses, bands and booths have a chance to participate in the 26th annual Fantasy of Lights Parade on Friday, November 27 in downtown Howell.
  
  “We’re inviting everyone to be a part of this day after Thanksgiving tradition in Howell,” said Susan Lundin, event coordinator. “Applications are available for floats and marching bands in the parade as well as vendors for Christmas Alley.”
  
  Each entry in the Fantasy of Lights parade must be illuminated with a minimum of 5,000 holiday lights. The event marks the arrival of the holiday season in Howell and has attracted up to 30,000 spectators lining the Grand River Avenue parade route.
  
  The event is hosted by the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Entertainment and activities such as cookie decorating, visits with Santa, live reindeer, ice sculptures and gingerbread house displays begin at 3 p.m. The Fantasy 5K Run begins at 6 p.m. followed by the start of the parade at 7 p.m.
  
  “The event has a wonderful history of spreading the holiday spirit, and past Fantasy participants say they’re not just building floats, but building team and community spirit, too,” Lundin said.
  
  Major sponsor of the 2009 Fantasy of Lights Parade is Cobb-Hall Insurance.
  
  In addition to applications for parade entries, applications for arts and crafts and food vendors are available by contacting Lundin at the chamber foundation 517.546.3920, online at howell.org or by e-mail to slundin@howell.org.
  
  

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• Run to the fun at 15th annual Fantasy 5K

  Need some exercise the day after Thanksgiving? Register for the Fantasy 5K Run, a nighttime run down Grand River in downtown Howell.
  
  As part of the pre-parade festivities at the 26th annual Fantasy of Lights Parade, the run starts at 6 p.m. Friday, November 27 at the First Presbyterian Church in Howell.
  
  Consistently named one of the Top 10 Runs in Michigan by Runner’s Magazine, more than 1,000 runners participate in this benefit for local charities. The Fantasy race is certified as a 5K run by USA Track & Field. The organization’s Road Running Technical Council provides this designation after a course has been measured and verified according to standards set forth by the council. The 5K is also endorsed by the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports.
  
  “Participating in the run is fun and festive as runners wear lights, dress up in holiday themes and interact with the crowd along the parade route,” said event coordinator Susan Lundin. “More importantly, it’s a healthy activity and a chance to race in one of the few runs held at night.”
  
  Applications are available at the chamber or runners may register with Gault Race Management online at gaultracemanagement.com. Pre-registration is discounted at $18/runner and includes a custom t-shirt and luminary lights.
  
  For more information on the Fantasy of Lights, call the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce at 517.546.3920 or visit howell.org. 
  
  

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• Government, business have to work together to help pull state out of slump

  There was no sugar-coating the economic position the state of Michigan is in by State Senator Valde Garcia and State Representatives Cindy Denby and Bill Rogers. The local legislators spoke about the state budget, taxes and more at the chamber’s Good Morning Livingston program on October 13. Over 100 chamber members and business leaders attended the event at Crystal Gardens – Livingston in Howell.
  
  “I have to be frank, I know Lansing is messed up,” said State Senator Valde Garcia. “We have a lack of leadership on all sides and we can’t get reasonable people to agree.”
  
  He noted the volume of people depending on decisions from the state government, but despite leadership from 110 state representatives, 37 senators and the governor, “we can’t get enough momentum to do something about it.”
  
  Although Michigan ranks highest in the country for unemployment and is facing economic uncertainty in the housing markets and automotive industry, Garcia said there is hope for the state to recover. He referenced the mining industry of West Virginia, the steel industry in Pittsburgh and throughout Pennsylvania, as well as corporations Boeing and Caterpillar as examples of companies, industries and states that have rebounded from desperate times.
  
  “Hope is not going to come from Lansing, but instead from entrepreneurs and business people,” he said. “We have to roll up our sleeves and turn the state around.”
  
  State Representatives Cindy Denby and Bill Rogers also addressed the group, sharing their experiences with the state government.
  
  Rogers, who was newly elected in 2009, noted his disappointment in the delay legislators took in approving the state’s budget. He told how the legislature was able to literally “stop the clock on the floor” during the final proceedings to approve the budget. “I didn’t realize the kind of power that a legislature had – there’s a switch to stop the clock so it doesn’t go into the new budget year,” he said, expressing frustration that the process wasn’t concluded sooner.
  
  Denby was also elected in 2009, but served six years on staff for former State Representative Joe Hune. She believes there is a strong working relationship among legislators, regardless of party and is optimistic for the future. “We’ll see that people came to Lansing for the right reasons, and they’ll be working together,” she said.
  
  The next Good Morning Livingston program takes place on Tuesday, November 10 at 7:30 a.m. Watch for the November 2009 Event Announcement for further details. To R.S.V.P. for the event, contact the chamber at 517.546.3920 or chamber@howell.org. The cost is $20 for members; $25 at the door; and $30 for non-members.
  

   

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• Office space available

  A small office space is available for rent in the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation building, located at 123 E. Washington Street in Howell. The space 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.

   

   

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• Plans underway for 53rd Annual Dinner

  The Howell community has many stars – volunteers, project leaders and citizens – who are honored each year at the annual dinner and awards presentation. Is there someone you know who has star quality? The chamber is accepting nominations for Citizen of the Year as well as suggestions for recognizing those who go above and beyond, create outstanding community projects or deserve to be honored as a lifetime member of the chamber.
  
  The annual dinner will be held on January 27, 2010 at the Johnson Center at Cleary University. The dinner is sponsored by Saint Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital.
  
  To submit a nomination for the Citizen of the Year or “Above and Beyond” award, contact Pat Convery at pconvery@howell.org or 517.546.3920.
  

   

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• Celebrations: In-House Hospice

  In-House Hospice is hosting a grand opening of its new location at 3469 East Grand River Avenue in Howell. The event takes place Tuesday, November 17 from 4 – 7 p.m., and includes a ribbon cutting ceremony, complimentary refreshments and prizes for guests.
  
  In-House Hospice specializes in hospice care in nursing facilities, assisted living residents and hospitals and serving Livingston, Ingham, Genesse, Washtenaw and Eaton counties. For more information call 517.540.9721 or visit in-househospice.com.
  

   

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• Unemployment statistics

  Unemployment Statistics

  (not seasonally adjusted)

  Local and statewide

   

                                          August 09     July 09     August 08

  Livingston County              13.1%          13.4%        6.5%

  State of Michigan               14.7%          15.6%        8.6%

   

   

  Source: Michigan Dept. of Labor and Economic Growth

   

   

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• Members Moving Forward

  Akin-Akin, Inc.
  Akin-Akin, Inc. recently received the total quality agency designation by the Michigan Association of Insurance Agents. To achieve the designation, an insurance agency must complete a nine-month, five-step process implementing an action plan that includes several criteria. Fewer than 50 agencies out of 10,000 in Michigan receive this designation. For more information call 517.546.4810 or visit akinakin.com.
  
  Barley & Bittner, P.C.
  Barley & Bittner, P.C. has relocated its firm to 710 East Grand River Avenue in Howell. The law firm specializes in business, criminal and family law, as well as personal injury, civil litigation and estate planning. Phone and fax remain the same at 517.546.7363 and 517.546.5860, respectively.
  
  Baymont Inn & Suites Howell
  Baymont Inn & Suites Howell, located at 4120 Lambert Drive, recently received the “Best of Baymont” award. The award was given to the top 20 Baymonts in the country and recognizes the properties for excellence in customer service, quality and overall performance. For more information call 517.546.0712 or visit baymontinns.com.
  
  Cleary University
  Cleary University, in partnership with Michigan State University Extension, will present Body Works Health and Wellness. The five-course class will include topics on healthy lifestyles, the benefits of physical activity, healthy eating and meal preparation. Enrollment is complimentary. For session dates and times contact Leslie Donovan at 800.686.1883, extension 2242 or ldonovan@cleary.edu.
  
  Hartland Electric, LLC
  Jeffrey Lakatos and Hartland Electric, LLC are co-sponsors of the Livingston Energy Summit & Expo. Lakatos is chairperson of the board for the event’s planning committee. The summit is a program of Automation Alley, a statewide technology business association. The event takes place Friday, October 30 from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Johnson Center at Cleary University. Speakers will present state-of-the-art technologies and the latest developments in environmentally friendly products. For registration information visit livingstonenergysummit.com.
  
  Howell Mainstreet and DDA
  The Howell Mainstreet and DDA will host The Legend of Sleepy Howell on Saturday, October 24 from 5 to 8 p.m., with a rain date of October 25. The event will feature complimentary family-focused activities including a costume contest, story telling, live entertainment, trick-or-treating and more. For more information call 517.545.4240 or visit downtownhowell.org.
  
  Irish Construction Company
  Irish Construction Company, recently announced the completion of the MSU Surplus Store and Recycling Center. Located in East Lansing, the 65,000 square-foot facility was constructed utilizing an array of green technologies and sustainable design. Irish Construction Company, located at 4640 West Grand River Avenue in Howell, is a full-service company offering direct “hands-on” performance and management. For more information call 517.548.3440 or visit irishconstructionco.com.
  
  Kensington Woods High School
  Kensington Woods High School, located at 3700 Cleary Drive in Howell, now offers block scheduling and blackboard to students. Block scheduling consists of longer class periods on alternating days. Blackboard is an on-line educational system offering college level e-learning in a virtual classroom setting. For more information call 517.545.0828 or visit kwoods.org.
  
  Lindhout Associates Architects
  Jason McIntyre, of Lindhout Associates Architects, recently passed the architectural registration exams and is now licensed in the state of Michigan. McIntyre has been with the firm since 2005, has experience in local design projects, and will now participate in all phases of design and project management. For more information call 810.227.5668 or visit lindhout.com.
  
  Livingston 4C Council
  The Livingston 4C Council will host the 19th annual Regional Early Childhood Conference Saturday, November 7 at the Howell High School Campus located at 1200 West Grand River Avenue. The conference provides information and tools to create holistic, integrated programs for children and their families. It is aimed at anyone who cares for children, including parents, educators, physicians and program directors. The all-day program includes three breakout sessions and a keynote address by Duke Kelly, CEO, Education Illustrated LLC. For more information call 517.548.9112, email childcareL@aol.com, or visit childcare4c.com.
  
  Livingston Area Human Resource Association
  The Livingston Area Human Resource Association will host The Authentic Journey to Creating the Eco-Place. The program focuses on sustained human, organizational and facility performance and is presented by Progressive AE, a national full-service architecture, engineering, construction and consulting firm. The event takes place Saturday, October 20 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Johnson Center at Cleary University. For more information call 810.534.0170, or to register visit livingstonhr.org.
  
  Livingston Arts Council/The Opera House
  Livingston Arts Council/The Opera House is hosting its Winter Marketplace beginning Sunday, November 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The market will feature produce, arts and crafts, baked goods and more. For a complete schedule of market dates call 517.540.0065 or visit theoperahouse.us.
  
  Motor City Health & Fitness
  Motor City Health & Fitness now offers tailored classes at locations of the client’s choice, including in-home programs, private studio sessions and gym setting fitness plans. Other services include nutritional consulting and yoga. For more information call 517.672.6724 or visit motorcityhealthandfitness.com.
  
  Paulson’s Construction, Inc.
  Paul McClorey recently received his Graduate Master Remodeler (GMR) designation, administered by the National Association of Home Builders and sponsored by the Home Builders Association of Livingston County. GMR designation recognizes those remodelers who have shown a commitment to educational excellence, demonstrated exceptional business integrity and established longevity in the remodeling industry. Paulson’s Construction, Inc., located at 115 University in Howell, is a full-service remodeling, renovation and restoration company. For more information call 517.545.8651 or visit paulsonsconstruction.com.
  
  Renewal by Andersen
  Renewal by Andersen was recently recognized with the Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) Indoor Advantage Gold certification. The certification is in recognition of indoor air quality and recycled content. Located at 37720 Amrhein Drive in Livonia, the company is a start-to-finish window replacement subsidiary of Andersen Corporation. For more information call 734.237.1059 or visit renewalbyandersen.com.
  
  The Dispute Resolution Center
  The Dispute Resolution Center in Ann Arbor, is offering mediation training for individuals interested in becoming volunteer community mediators. 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.
  
  Thomas Kellogg, DDS
  Thomas Kellogg, DDS, located at 1250 Byron Road in Howell, recently sponsored Dentistry from the Heart. The free one-day dental clinic provided dental care to uninsured individuals. Over 60 patients were treated for routine cleanings, extractions and dental fillings. For more information call 517.546.3330 or visit smilemaker.org.
  

   

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