Business Views 

December 2009 Ÿ Vol. 19 Ÿ No. 12 Ÿ howell.org                                        

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In this issue:

  • Economic forecast at January GML

    Christopher M. Ruth, chief investment officer of Comerica Asset Management, is the keynote speaker for the chamber’s annual Economic Forecast edition of Good Morning Livingston. The event takes place Tuesday, January 12 at 7:30 a.m. at Crystal Gardens – Livingston, 5768 E. Grand River Ave. in Howell.

    Ruth will present his forecast for 2010, including state and national trends as well as an outlook on manufacturing, retail, housing and real estate markets.

    Ruth is responsible for managing investments for a wide range of high-net worth individuals and organizations. He also serves as chairman of the Investment Policy Committee for Comerica Asset Management.

    “In the current economic climate, it is critical for business professionals to arm themselves with information so they can be proactive in adapting to variable conditions,” said Pat Convery, chamber president. “Chamber members are invited to hear what promises to be valuable insight to the coming year. I would encourage everyone to get their reservations in early.”

    The cost for the January Good Morning Livingston is $20 for chamber members with reservations; $25 at the door; and $30 for non-members. Reservations should be made by Thursday, January 7 by registering online at howell.org or by calling the chamber at 517.546.3920.

     

  • Chamber wants to know…what’s on your mind?

    The annual “5-Minute” Membership Survey from the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce was recently sent to chamber members.

    The survey is being administered online, which allows the chamber to access, tabulate and compile your feedback to serve our membership even better. Click here to be directed to the survey:

    http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/78SKH25

     
    The survey acts as a planning tool for the chamber’s future direction and as a chamber scorecard for members to weigh in on services and programs.

    “The feedback we receive from our chamber members provides a foundation for guiding the planning, programming and services we offer to best meet your needs,” said Pat Convery, chamber president. “To help ensure a solid return on your investment in chamber membership, your input and candid response to the survey is critical.”

    Survey responses are requested by December 30.

    For members without email who would like to participate in the survey, contact the chamber at 517.546.3920 to be provided with a paper copy.

     

  • Training funds available to local workers

    Do you have a few outstanding employees who need training? Here’s an opportunity that’s not to be missed.

    In a program just announced through Livingston County Michigan Works! and the Livingston County Workforce Development Council, local employers can apply for up to $5,000 of incumbent worker funds to train small numbers of employees. Open enrollment programs offered by community colleges, private or public universities, Michigan Technical Education Centers (M-TECs) or private training vendors may be eligible for approval through the plan.

    “We know that growth in the economy is going to be based on the strength of our small businesses,” said Bill Sleight, director of Livingston County Michigan Works! “We encourage small businesses to invest in training employees. By upgrading the skills of existing companies, we’re optimistic they’ll be able to stay in business, hopefully grow and add more employees.”

    Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis and will be reviewed weekly through an expedited process. Funding decisions will be made within 10 working days of submission. Sleight noted that funds are limited, at least initially with the program, and will be awarded on a first come, first-served basis so businesses are encouraged to act quickly. He advised that the application process for employers should take approximately an hour to complete.

    Priority in the review process will be given to:

    • Companies that have openings in occupations or industries which are forecast to be in demand in the region.
    • Companies referred by the Economic Development Council of Livingston County and/or the Michigan Economic Development Corporation as new or expanding companies.
    • Companies that need training to reduce or avoid layoffs, or to prevent relocation or closure.
    • Companies that need training to diversity products or services.
    • Companies that are willing to commit their own resources to the training program.

     
    Program requirements:

    • Companies can submit up to two requests per year, with a maximum award of $5,000 per year.
    • Cost per trainee should be $1,500 or less.
    • Companies with existing incumbent worker grants are not eligible to apply.
    • Trainees must submit a Training Information Form to Livingston County Michigan Works! prior to the start of the training program. The form contains identifying and demographic data on the trainee, which is required by federal regulations.
    • Companies receiving grant awards must agree to post job openings on the Michigan Talent Bank.

     

    For more information and to request an application, contact Sleight at wsleight@co.livingston.mi.us.

     

     

  • Reserve your place among the stars at the annual dinner

    We hope Wednesday, January 27 is highlighted on your 2010 calendar; and we hope you will join us at the 53rd Annual Dinner and Citizen of the Year awards held that night at the Johnson Center at Cleary University.

    Advanced reservations can be made online at howell.org. Cost to attend is $54 per person. Tables of eight are available for $425 or $500 for a table of ten.

    Guests will enjoy a complimentary welcome drink and appetizers from Pure & Simple, the on-site caterer at the Johnson Center. Dinner includes a Genoa salad, medallions of beef tenderloin accompanied by chicken wrapped around asparagus topped with béarnaise sauce, boursin whipped redskins and California blend vegetables. Dessert is fresh berry cobbler.

    In addition to the great food and hospitality, chamber members and their guests will be recognized. The evening ends with an awards ceremony honoring business and community leaders including the announcement of the prestigious 2009 Citizen of the Year.

    Another festivity of the dinner is a centerpiece silent auction to benefit non-profit organizations. Businesses, non-profit organizations and individuals can design a centerpiece for display that evening. Guests will bid on the centerpieces in a benefit for the designated charity. The centerpiece can be incorporated with a business or organization identity, if desired.

    Thanks to these organizations that have already donated a centerpiece - Howell Band Boosters, Buffalo Wild Wings, Livingston Business Forms & Promotional Products, First Impression Print & Marketing, Detroit Tigers and Detroit Lions.

    The dinner is sponsored by Saint Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital.

    For more information on the event or centerpiece silent auction, contact Michelle Tokan at mtokan@howell.org or 517.546.3920.

  • From the desk of the President...

    I’m feeling particularly appreciative these days.

    2009 is about over and even with these “challenging” times (“challenging” being the new euphemism to describe the economy), the chamber has had a successful year.

    We end 2009 “in the black” while maintaining a strong membership, successful events that pumped millions into the economy and some new initiatives in the areas of advocacy and economic development.

    I give a great deal of credit for this achievement to two groups:

    • A very professional, hard-working, caring, innovative and empowered chamber staff. They can turn on a dime, manage programs, make necessary changes and save money, all while keeping our members needs first and foremost.
    • An engaged and supportive board of directors. Our board represents the entire membership so well, staying in tune with what business needs while providing vital direction to our organization.

    Here’s an example of how both groups made a big difference recently.

    Every month we scrutinize our income and expenses. In the fall, I put together a proposed budget for the board to review, revise and adopt for the upcoming year.

    Prior to the budget process, with their eyes toward the possibility of more uncertainty next year, the board directed me to convene the chamber staff in a brainstorming session. Basically, the direction given to staff was: “Take a look at every line item and decide if there’s room to trim costs or augment income.”

    It was an amazing session. Ideas came fast and furious as one thought built on another until we had an extensive list. Many of these suggestions we were able to implement quickly, others we’ll investigate to determine cost versus benefit. Some resulted in dollars of savings. Others in thousands of dollars in savings.

    Needless to say, the board was impressed—but not surprised. They’ve always known that chamber staff can rise to any challenge.

    It’s my privilege to work here at the chamber with an amazing staff and to have such a knowledgeable and engaged board of directors setting our direction.


    Can’t let this opportunity go by without a huge “thank you” to the Fantasy of Lights committee and the community. The entire event was a delight. From the pre-parade activities and the Fantasy 5K Run, followed by the culmination of the day – the sparking Fantasy of Lights Parade – it was a magical, almost breathtaking event.

    The first chairs along the parade route were put in place at 5:30 a.m. (as in the morning!) and were there, along with hundreds other, at parade time when thousands of happy people convened in our beautiful downtown.

    We wouldn’t have a parade without the schools, community groups, churches, businesses and individuals who invested time, talent and creativity into luminous parade entries.

    Did you miss the parade?

    Here are links to two videos of this year’s parade:

    The first is a video of the entire parade done for the chamber by George Moses of the George Moses Company.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvaC8B-HKK4

     
    This one is a shorter promotional video by Peter Carey who produced it for the city’s Downtown Development Authority. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dilOcPJqwXM


    There’s no place like Howell for the holidays! Thanks gentlemen!

     

  • Graphic Design Bootcamp at Lunch & Learn

    If you are like many business people, you don't have a background in graphic design and you don't always have the luxury of hiring a graphic designer. Yet, you still need to put together attractive leave-behinds, fliers and other marketing materials.

    To help solve this challenge and more, the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation is hosting a Graphic Design Bootcamp program at the next Lunch & Learn. The event takes place on Wednesday, January 20 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

    Join Rebecca Osterman, graphic designer and owner of Green Otter Graphics, for this program geared toward business owners, administrators and marketers.

    This interactive workshop will provide basic tools and tricks that can be put to use immediately to improve the look and effectiveness of marketing materials for businesses. Topics include layout, font selection and use, image use and formatting, copyright, target market and branding.

    Participants have the opportunity to receive feedback on the design of one of their own marketing pieces. For specific tips on improving a marketing piece, attendees should email a copy of their piece to rebecca@greenottergraphics.com or bring a copy to the Lunch & Learn program.

    Lunch & Learn is a program of the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation. R.S.V.P. online, or contact the chamber at 517.546.3920 or mtokan@howell.org.

  • Howell Chamber: Help Us Help Area Businesses and We'll Show You the Money!

    Don’t miss your chance to have fun and help other Livingston County businesses while helping your business and the chamber too! Members who refer businesses now through the end of December will receive $25 off their renewal dues invoice, up to the amount of the renewal dues, for each new member they refer who joins the chamber. One new member: $25 off; two new members: $50 off; etc. If a member refers enough businesses to surpass the amount of renewal dues, an additional incentive will be awarded to these super-referrers.

    Referring members will be recognized at the Good Morning Livingston Breakfast in January along with broadcast e-mails, and article(s) in Business Views. Top 2008 referrers were Trevor Brooks, The UPS Store and Sherry Hardwick, APT Services Inc. Other valued referrals were given by Renae Behr, Manpower/Manpower Professional Search; Becky Best, Citizens Insurance; Bill Bettis, Bettis Insurance Agency;  John Harvey, Proessional Engineering Associates; Jake Heikkinen, STRIVE Financial; Brian Jonckheere, Livingston Co. Drain Commissioner; Camille Lievense, Livingston Arts Council; Dan Murdock, JDM International LTD; Pam Reitsch, Life Member; Luanne Schonfeld, Traveling Photography; and Lori Sims, Datapak Services.

    Members should notify the chamber when they have a referred a business so they will receive credit for it. Members are welcome to take information to the business or the chamber will be happy to contact the business. Kim Esper, membership director, will provide membership kits to interested referring members and will keep a record of referrals.

    This incentive will run through 2010. Now is a great time to refer businesses to become new members while they can still be included in the 2010 Community Guide & Membership Directory. New members who join in December will also be entered into a drawing for prize packages. The drawing will take place in January, so any new members through the end of December will be entered.

    The referral program is open to all members – current and new.

    Contact Esper at kesper@howell.org or 517.546.3920 for more information or membership kits.

  • Holiday Open House a hit

    Hundreds of chamber members and guests enjoyed the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce annual Holiday Open House Friday evening, December 4.

    The sparkling evening featured live entertainment with piano by Steve Devereaux, delicious refreshments, great networking and more, in the chamber building decked out for the season.

    “We enjoyed a delightful evening among friends and business associates, and many thanks go to our members for their generosity with the wonderful food and lovely decorations,” said Pat Convery, president of the chamber. “The annual holiday open house is a special night and the chamber’s way of celebrating the holidays and the blessings of the year with all our members. Special appreciation goes to Janie Willsmore who coordinates this yearly event and the chamber staff for their assistance in creating a night to remember.”

    It was also a chance for chamber member companies to show off their ability to create outstanding holiday food and decorations. Many thanks to the following chamber members for their generous contributions that were enjoyed by all the attendees at this year’s Holiday Open House: Bella’s Market; Bennigan’s; Bordine Nursery; Buffalo Wild Wings; C.C. Catering; Cleary’s Pub; Country Lane Flower Shops; Copper Pickle Deli & Market; Costco Wholesale #786; Crystal Gardens-Livingston; Diamond’s Steak & Seafood; El Patron, LLC; Harry and David; Hauenstein Schnitzel House; Highlander Restaurant; Howell’s Mainstreet Winery; Jonna’s Market; Kensington Inn of Howell; Mr. B’s Rustic Tavern; Outback Steakhouse; Pure & Simple Catering Services; Snedicor’s Cleaners LTD.; VG’s; and Wal-Mart Supercenter.

    The large tree in the chamber lobby was decorated and designed by Country Lane Flower Shops. The tree is enjoyed by all who visit the chamber throughout the holiday season.

     

  • Monthly Program Sponsors recognized

    The Howell Area Chamber of Commerce would like to extend a special thank you to its 2009 Monthly Program Sponsors.

    “The Monthly Program Sponsor program is a program exclusive to chamber members,” said Pat Convery, president of the chamber. “The program provides a valuable opportunity for the chamber to partner with our members and has been very successful and popular.”

    Included in the benefits of becoming a Monthly Program Sponsor are the opportunity to distribute company brochures and address the crowd at the Good Morning Livingston breakfast, a feature story and ad in Business Views, space in the chamber lobby to display information about the member business and tent cards with the business name and logo placed throughout the chamber building for the entire month.

    “We also put tent signs with your company name and logo displayed on each table at Good Morning Livingston, identifying you as sponsor,” said Janie Willsmore, coordinator of the sponsorship program at the chamber. “Other benefits include your company’s logo and Web site link on the chamber’s Web site homepage for the entire month.”

    2009 sponsors were: Comerica Bank, LOC Federal Credit Union, Brighton Hospital, First National Bank, Lansing Community College, Cleary University and Citizens Insurance.

    For information about 2010 Monthly Program Sponsorship opportunities, contact Willsmore at 517.546.3920 or jwillsmore@howell.org. 

     

  • Office space available

    A small office space is available for rent in the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation building, located at 123 E. Washington Street in Howell. The space is available now, and comes fully furnished. Amenities include use of conference and storage space, copy and mail facilities, kitchen, public parking, WiFi throughout the building, and more.

    For details, contact Pat Convery at pconvery@howell.org or 517.546.3920.  

     

     

  • Art at the chamber

    An exhibit showcasing the work of Karyn Elaine Stetz is on display now through mid-February at the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Stetz is a painter who has a fondness for soft pastels and subject matter including figure, still life and landscape.

    Stetz has studied at the University of Michigan and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in Fine Arts. She has also taken various workshops on other methods of painting and art-related courses.

    “My process begins outdoors, where I photograph areas of interest and complete color studies of the subject. Sometimes paintings are completed on site, other times I bring the photographs and color studies back to my studio and complete the paintings indoors,” Stetz said in her artist’s statement. “I find that nature is the greatest classroom and instructor, and by starting outdoors more energy ends up in the work.”

    For more information on Stetz and her collection, contact her at karynes@aol.com.

    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.

     

  • Spotlight in the News: Pet X Supply & Tack

    Pet X Supply & Tack/Pet Xtras is a retail pet supply and grooming facility that offers an array of products and services for pets of all sorts. The store is located at 132 W. Highland Road, Suites 101 and 201, in front of the Kroger plaza in Howell.

    Pet X specializes in organic, natural, raw and holistic pet food and treats. “Our staff is strongly committed to promoting animal wellness through excellent nutrition, herbal and homeopathic approaches which support the body’s ability to prevent disease and heal itself,” said owner Debbie Fazica.

    “By offering the consumer pet-smart products that meet the quality standards they deserve, we can help them make the best decisions for their pet,” she added.

    Grooming services at Pet X include a full-service pet salon that uses a wide variety of natural pet products. Examples include oatmeal shampoos with berry extracts to enhance the condition of pets’ coats and blueberry vanilla facials to help remove tear stains.

    Training services and complimentary potty training classes are available as well.

    For more information, visit mypetx.com or call 517.546.6740, or 517.546.3595 for grooming.


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

     

  • Membership Value Program: Shop chamber members – get discounts!

    As the holiday season approaches, the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce reminds members to shop locally and support fellow chamber member businesses. One way to keep those valuable dollars in the community, and a few more dollars in your own pocket, is to participate in the chamber’s Membership Value Program when purchasing goods or services. The program is a benefit available to all Howell chamber member employees at no cost to participants or shoppers.

    Promote and grow your business by offering discounts to thousands of keytag holders through the program, which offers discounts on everything from lunch to auto repair at nearly 100 companies throughout the area. Just show your keytag and claim your discounts.

    "Shop the membership value program for all your needs, both business and personal, and use members whenever possible,” said Kim Esper, membership director at the chamber. “Like your business, other members will appreciate your patronage. In addition, it’s a great perk for your employees to use the keytags and receive program discounts.”

    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.

     

  • Unemployment statistics

    Unemployment Statistics

    (not seasonally adjusted)

    Local and statewide

     

                                            Oct. 09    Sept. 09    Oct. 08
    Livingston County                 13.2%       13.6%       7.0%
    State of Michigan              14.3%       14.8%       8.7%

     

     

    Source: Michigan Dept. of Labor and Economic Growth

     

     

  • Members Moving Forward

    ACD.net
    ACD.net, a Lansing-based company, now offers residential and business phone and Internet services in the Howell area. ACD.net is a telecommunications and broadband provider with a network covering Lower Michigan. For more information call 517.999.3252 or visit acd.net.

    Custom Millworks & Cabinetry
    Custom Millworks & Cabinetry in Howell was recently listed as one of the top 25 WOOD 100 companies by CNC Software, Inc. WOOD 100 is a listing of companies that occupy the #1-25 spots on the WOOD 100 list of fastest growing wood product companies in the United States. For more information call 517.545.4865.

    LaFontaine Automotive Group
    LaFontaine Automotive Group, located at 4000 West Highland Road in Highland, is hosting complimentary pictures with Santa. The event takes place Saturday, December 19 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. For more information contact Carol Peters at 248.714.1164 or cpeters@laftaineauto.com.

    Livingston Arts Council/The Opera House
    Livingston Arts Council/The Opera House is hosting Project Runway Repurposed. The event, held at 123 West Grand River Avenue in Howell, is a sewing competition for area youth and adults. Interested participants are invited to the Opera House Thursday, January 7 from 3 – 7 p.m. to register and select fabric/clothing to integrate into a new garment. The event culminates with a public fashion show on Sunday, January 31. For more information call 517.540.0065.

    Livingston County Convention & Visitors Bureau
    Livingston County Convention & Visitors Bureau (LCCVB) recently received the Diamond award for best Web site from the Michigan Society of Association Executives. The mission of the LCCVB is the marketing and promotion of Livingston County as a destination for leisure travelers, motor coach tours, meetings and conventions. For more information call 517.548.1795 or visit lccvb.org.

    Livingston County United Way
    The Livingston County United Way’s Wishes Booklet is now available. The booklet is a collection of products and services needed to assist agencies in maintaining programming. The booklet contains “wishes” from 24 area non-profit organizations, and is available at the Howell and Brighton chambers of commerce, local libraries and online at lcunitedway.org. To have a copy mailed, call Tracy Dudansky at 810.494.3000.

    Myers & Myers, PLLC
    Attorneys Roger and Kelly Myers, husband-wife partners in Myers & Myers, PLLC, were recently awarded the title of 2009 Michigan Super Lawyers by Law & Politics magazine. The super lawyer designation is a distinction accorded to the top five percent of attorneys in the state as nominated by their peers. Roger Myers specializes in business litigation, real estate, and zoning and land-use law while Kelly Myers specializes in bankruptcy and creditor rights, banking and real estate law. For more information call 517.540.1700 or visit myers2law.com.

    Recycle Livingston
    Recycle Livingston, located at 170 Catrell in Howell, is open every Wednesday through the winter from noon to 5:30 p.m. The center now has four compactors, on loan through a partnership with Royal Oak Recycling, to facilitate safer and more expedient drop-off conditions. For more information call 517.548.4439 or visit recyclelivingston.org.

    Sanford Rose Associates – Brighton
    Sanford Rose Associates has moved its office to 132 East Grand River Avenue in Brighton. The firm offers mid and senior-level employment placement in the areas of human resource, finance, sales and marketing, operations, engineering, purchasing, project management and international trade compliance. Phone and fax remain the same at 517.552.9230 and 517.552.9231, respectively.

    Work Skills Corporation
    VeLoie Alling has joined Action Home Health Care, a division of Work Skills Corporation, as community services supervisor. Alling will work with area senior and independent living centers, community organizations and area chambers of commerce. Action Home Health Care specializes in services to those and their families faced with illness, recovery or diminished ability to care for themselves. For more information contact Tina Jackson at 810.227.4868, extension 104.

    Yorkshire Place Apartments
    Yorkshire Place Apartments and Prentis Estates Apartments are offering preferred employer discounts to employees of chamber members for apartment rental rates. For more information call Yorkshire Place Apartments at 517.546.5900 or Prentis Estates Apartments at 517.546.8200.