Business Views 

January 2010 Ÿ Vol. 20 Ÿ No. 1 Ÿ howell.org                                        

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In this issue:

  • Community stars honored at annual dinner

    Is your name on the guest list?

    Enjoy an evening among the stars at the 53rd Annual Dinner and Citizen of the Year presentation Wednesday, January 27 at the Johnson Center at Cleary University in Howell.

    The event is sponsored by Saint Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital.

    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.

    The prestigious event includes the chamber’s Citizen of the Year presentation as well as a number of other awards presented by the chamber.

    “We invite all chamber members to join us, and be among the first to know who is honored with awards including the 2009 Citizen of the Year,” said Pat Convery, president of the chamber.

    Businesses, nonprofit organizations and individuals can design a centerpiece for display that evening. Guests will be able to bid on the centerpieces in a benefit for the designated charity. The centerpiece can be incorporated with a business or organization identity, if desired.

    “Community improvement is one of the chamber’s lines of business,” said Michelle Tokan, event director. “The centerpiece silent auction at the dinner is another way the chamber and its members are helping the community.”

    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, Howell Carnegie District Library, First National Bank, Livingston Community Bank, Recycle Livingston, The Arc of Livingston, Detroit Tigers and Detroit Lions.

    The chamber’s annual meeting takes place at 5:45 p.m. where new board members will be installed. A cocktail reception begins at 6 p.m. Dinner is served at 7:15.

    A brief recap of the year will be presented along with many awards. At the end of the evening, the highly coveted and very secret Citizen of the Year award will be announced by Don and Sandie Cortez, First Impression Print & Marketing, and 2008 Citizens of the Year.

    Cost to attend is $54/person. Tables of eight are available for $425, and tables of 10 are $500.

    Will you be there? The tabloids are already speculating, but only the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce knows for sure.

    To R.S.V.P., contact Tokan at 517.546.3920 or register online.

  • Membership affirms board members

    Steve LaCommare, Kizer Law Firm; John W. Moyer, Asahi Kasei Plastics North America, Inc.; and Mike Tittl, VG’s of Howell have been affirmed by the membership as directors of the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce for 2010.



    Current board members Jessica Clum, Crystal Gardens – Livingston and Candye Hinton, RE/MAX PLATINUM, have been affirmed to serve a second three-year term, beginning in 2010.

    LaCommare, Moyer and Tittl will replace Linda Barnwell, Keller Williams, Rich Perlberg, Livingston County Daily Press & Argus and Dennis Perkins, Attorney, who are ending their terms on the board. Each of the new directors will serve a three-year term beginning in 2010.

    The new members of the board of directors and officers will be officially installed at the 5:45 p.m. annual meeting preceding the chamber’s Annual Dinner and Citizen of the Year Presentation set for Wednesday, January 27 at the Johnson Center at Cleary University in Howell.

    This year’s nominating committee members were: Daryll Bryant, Pepsi Bottling; Sandie Cortez, First Impression Print & Marketing; Mike Hall, Cobb-Hall Insurance; Vicki Hartman, National City, now a part of PNC; Mike Herro, CertaPro Painters; and Gary Kackstetter, Keller Williams.


    Newly-elected and returning board members
    Jessica Clum – Director of Sales & Catering, Crystal Gardens - Livingston
     Howell-native Jessica Clum conceptualized and now runs the off-premise catering division of Crystal Gardens, in addition to coordinating in-house events, handling marketing, advertising and public relations. She also manages the human resources division of the company. Jessica has a masters of science in general administration from Central Michigan University (CMU) with an undergraduate degree also from CMU. She is currently completing a partial term on the chamber’s Board of Directors. Jessica has been involved with a variety of community organizations including the Livingston County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Livingston County United Way and the Livingston Sunrise Rotary. Jessica is currently on the Good Morning Livingston Committee and the Community Development Committee for the Howell chamber.

    Candye Hinton – Realtor, RE/MAX PLATINUM
    Candye Hinton is a sales manager with RE/MAX PLATINUM. In 1999, she became a professional coach and undertook extensive training through The International Academy of Coaching in Australia. She is the founder of one of the largest and widely recognized list serve resource groups for coaches, The New Coach Connection. Candye is president of the Livingston Diversity Council. Her community involvement includes work with the Livingston Association of Realtors and Gleaners Community Food Bank. She is a certified diversity trainer for the National Association of Realtors and was named Volunteer of the Year by that organization. Candye is currently completing a partial term on the chamber’s Board of Directors.

    Steve LaCommare – Attorney, Kizer Law Firm
    Steve LaCommare is a 1989 graduate of the University of Michigan. He attended the Detroit College of Law and graduated Cum Laude in 1995. Steve then became an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in Oakland County. He served in the Livingston County Prosecutor’s Office as an Assistant Prosecutor from 1996 to 1999. He became a partner in the Kizer Law Firm in 2002. Steve has conducted school programs educating children about our legal system. He has been a guest speaker at D.A.R.E. graduations, Howell chamber events and is past president of the Livingston Sunrise Rotary Club. In addition, Steve is an active member of the Livingston County Bar Association.

    John W. Moyer – President, Asahi Kasei Plastics North America, Inc.
     Moyer has been president of Asahi Kasei Plastics North America since 2005 when Asahi Thermofil and Asahi Plastics America merged into one plastics company located in Fowlerville. Before Asahi, John worked for Dow Chemical Company for 24 years in various locations. He has worked in Torrance, California; Indonesia; Singapore; Connecticut; Hong Kong and Midland, Michigan and has held several different management roles in each of those locations. John is on the board of the Livingston County Red Cross, has been active in fundraising for the Livingston County United Way and is a member of the Fowlerville Business Association. He is a past president of the Torrance, California Jaycees and has been a member of several Rotary Clubs.

    Mike Tittl – Store Director, VG’s of Howell
    Tittl has been with VG’s for 22 years, the last three as store director in Howell. He started his career at the company as a part-time, night stock person. Since then, he has held leadership positions at the Marine City, New Baltimore, Waterford, Brighton and Howell VG’s stores. Under Mike’s leadership, VG’s has actively supported Howell Area Chamber of Commerce programs such as the Fantasy of Lights Parade, Golf Classic and the Michigan Challenge Balloonfest.

     

     

  • To Con-Con, or not to Con-Con

    Every 16 years, Michigan’s state constitution mandates that voters weigh-in on whether or not they want a constitutional convention. Essentially, this is the public’s opportunity to decide if Michigan’s constitution should be revised or rewritten. In November of this year, Proposal 1 will be on the ballot asking voters to decide if a constitutional convention (“Con-Con”) should be convened. The last convention took place in 1962.

    This subject has been met with great debate, both for and against the proposal, and will be the topic of the next Good Morning Livingston program, hosted by the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce. The event takes place February 9 from 7:30 – 9 a.m. at Crystal Gardens – Livingston, 5768 E. Grand River in Howell.

    “Issues that could be addressed by a Con-Con include term limits, public school district consolidation, sales tax, eliminating townships, and more,” said Pat Convery, president of the Howell chamber. “Some fear addressing a re-write of Michigan’s constitution is chaos in the making, while others are concerned that a continued state of inaction is a certain path to further turmoil. This Good Morning Livingston program promises a lively, informative and balanced conversation about the merits of both positions.”

    Bob LaBrandt, of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce will present information opposing the proposal, and Craig Ruff of Public Sector Consultants will share view points supporting the Con-Con.

    LaBrandt is senior vice president, political affairs and general counsel for the state chamber. In addition to directing the Michigan Chamber PAC and its ballot question committee, he serves as the chamber’s lobbyist on campaign finance, election law, lobby law and redistricting legislation. LaBrant also coordinates litigation by the Michigan Chamber. One of the lawsuits brought by the Chamber reached the U.S. Supreme Court in 1990 (Austin v. Michigan Chamber of Commerce). In 1999 LaBrant was named by “Michigan Lawyers Weekly” as one of its lawyers of the year.

    LaBrant is a former Captain in the U.S. Army, with service in Vietnam and a graduate of Wisconsin State University with a Political Science degree, Summa Cum Laude. He completed his graduate studies in Public Relations at the American University in Washington, D.C. LaBrant holds a Juris Doctorate, Cum Laude, from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing, Michigan.

    Craig Ruff is a senior policy fellow at Public Sector Consultants (PSC). Prior to joining the firm, Ruff served in Michigan's executive office, first as special assistant for human services to Governor William G. Milliken and then as chief of staff to Lieutenant Governor James H. Brickley. He developed legislation, coordinated interdepartmental policies, reviewed agency budgets and worked closely with numerous professional associations and interest groups.

    Ruff attended the University of Michigan, earning a BA in Political Science and a master's degree in Public Policy Studies. He is an adjunct lecturer at the University of Michigan's Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy. As the first holder of the Robert and Marjorie Griffin Endowed Chair in American Government at Central Michigan University from 2001 to 2003, he taught a weekly seminar on American government and led two public policy forums annually. He received the highest recognition, for distinguished service, from the University of Michigan Alumni Association in 2001.

    The cost for the February 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, February 4 by registering online at howell.org or by calling the chamber at 517.546.3920.

     

  • From the desk of the Chairman...

    For the past two years, the board chair who wrote this column alluded to the economic issues that 2007 and 2008 brought. Unfortunately, we haven’t seen much relief in 2009. Will 2010 be the year that we start to rebound? The good news is that your chamber is poised to not only survive, but to succeed. There are four good reasons for this:
     

    1. Your new board chair, Mike Hall of Cobb-Hall Insurance, has been taking action to position Howell as a force to be reckoned with when things do start to turn around. Mike has been chair of the Community Development Committee for the past two years. He continuously looks for ways that the Howell chamber can not only survive these trying times, but ensure that we remain a catalyst for building a better future for everyone involved in our entire county.

      His endeavor began with a Business Stakeholders Summit in 2008 and evolved into a Livingston County Municipal Summit in October of 2009. I’m confident that the next summit, which will bring public and private sectors together, will be a grand slam. That’s what Mike is working toward and he’s just the person to make sure we have the bases loaded and hit it out of the park! I could write an entire column on Mike’s commitment to the Howell community. For the sake of space (I was limited), let me remind you that he is a former Citizen of the Year, he throws a great party (Summer in the City), and he sponsors Fantasy of Lights!

    2. Your Chamber President, Pat Convery. We are so fortunate to have Pat at the helm. You probably haven’t heard, because Pat is so humble, but she received the 2009 Michigan Chamber Professional award. This recognition is awarded by the Michigan Association of Chamber Professionals and only received by seven chamber professionals in the state. Pat earned the award because of her achievements in Professional Development, Professional Service and Professional Performance over the past year. Everyone on the board and staff have known for years what a dynamic professional Pat is… it was fabulous to see the state association recognize it as well!

    3. Your Chamber Staff. I have had the opportunity over the past several years to work closely with many members of the chamber staff. They are positive, professional and serve from their hearts. This year the staff has been instrumental in creating cost-cutting initiatives and ensuring that we move forward technologically. They worked tirelessly to bring the chamber to a year-end close “in the black.”

      You can now find the Chamber on Facebook and Twitter, Business Views is now available electronically, and they brought us the social media initiative to help members move forward technologically as well. The Maximize Your Membership workshop was developed. As a member, if you haven’t attended this one, please do – it’s a “do not miss” workshop.

    4. Your Board Members. I’d like to thank three board members who have completed two full terms on the board. Linda Barnwell of Keller Williams Realty, Dennis Perkins, Attorney, and Rich Perlberg of the Livingston County Daily Press & Argus. Thank you so much for your commitment, your insight and your never-ending humor! I’d also like to welcome three new board members: Steve LaCommare, Kizer Law Firm; John W. Moyer, Asahi Kasei Plastics North America, Inc.; and Mike Tittl, VG’s of Howell. The board will continue to be a diverse group of engaged individuals who provide proactive leadership.

    I’d like to thank everyone for their assistance in helping me chair the board while I took on a new position at National City. The commitment of this community continues to amaze me.


    Vicki Harman
    2009 Chairman of the Board

     

     

  • Brunch & Learn: Hospitality and customer service workshop at the chamber

    The Howell Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation is hosting a special Brunch & Learn workshop on hospitality and customer service. The training program is sponsored by the Southeast Michigan Regional Skills Alliance for Hospitality and Tourism. The event takes place on February 17 from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the chamber foundation building, 123 E. Washington Street in Howell.

    Due to the length of the program, please note the time has been changed from the chamber’s usual Lunch & Learn schedule to a breakfast program.

    Adopted by the Michigan Travel Commission as a state-wide initiative, it is presented in an interactive manner and in a four-hour session. The program has two main objectives:

    • To review and practice the behaviors that provide exemplary customer service.
    • Learn local facts, attractions, information and directions to provide visitors compelling reasons to visit the state of Michigan.


    The training is based on the concept that visitors’ perceptions of any area are based on their contacts with people in that area. Their most frequent contacts are restaurant servers, hotel/ motel employees, transportation service employees, retail employees, gas station attendants and parks and recreation employees. Visitor expectations of these contacts are: friendliness and courtesy; attention to their needs/questions; attentive listening; information about services, events, attractions; and accurate directions that are simple and easy to follow.

    “Business owners and employees need to understand how they can work together to deliver the kind of outstanding customer service that can have a positive impact on the local economy,” said Pat Convery, president of the chamber foundation. “This is a great opportunity for chamber members and small business owners throughout the community to enable front-line employees to understand and implement exceptional customer service.”

    The Ambassador Hospitality Training program is a customized program for front-line employees in the state of Michigan. The program was developed as a regional collaboration between the Convention and Visitors’ Bureaus and Michigan Works! under the Southeast Michigan Regional Skills Alliance for Hospitality and Tourism, to foster skill development in Customer Service and to promote state and regional destinations for travel.

    The cost to attend the program is $20, and includes materials and breakfast. To register for the Howell workshop on February 17, visit the online registration page at howell.org or call 517.546.3920. This program will also be offered at the Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce on January 28. To register for the Brighton workshop, call 810.227.5086.

     

     

  • 2010 Community Guide & Membership Directory on its way

    Make valuable networking contacts by helping to distribute the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce 2010 Community Guide & Membership Directory! Chamber members are invited to be among the first to pick up the new guides, and select the member businesses they would like to visit and personally deliver the guide.

    By coming to the special guide distribution kick-off at the chamber office, 123 E. Washington Street, on Tuesday, February 2, members can pick up packets for delivery and choose their preferred businesses to visit. Along with the guide and materials from the chamber, members participating in guide deliveries are welcome to include their own business information with this unique member-to-member opportunity.

    Additional information regarding the distribution event was recently emailed to members and will be communicated again as the date approaches.

    Available for pick up will be packets including copies of the 2010 Guide, sponsored by Krug Ford-Lincoln-Mercury, as well as 2010 door decals, new membership value cards and brochures.

    The latest edition of this annual reference book features cover artwork designed by Susan Pominville of Abovo Visual Communications. The publication is printed by First Impression Print & Marketing.

    The guide is available at no cost and is filled with information on the Howell area, including sections on housing, education, industry, healthcare, special events and recreation. In addition, there are comprehensive lists of community services and government offices.

    “Our members are also welcome to pick up extra copies of the guide to have on hand at their business and to give to other business people they think may be interested in joining,” said Kim Esper, membership director at the chamber. “This beautiful, coffee table-style publication is a valuable resource that is worth $10 and we're distributing them at no charge.”

    The membership section of the printed resource, which serves as a sort of “yellow pages” directory, lists Howell Area Chamber of Commerce member companies both in alphabetical order and under their business classifications.

    “The Community Guide and Membership Directory is a valuable publication with resources for businesses, newcomers, long-time residents and those considering relocation to the Howell area,” said Pat Convery, chamber president. “It offers an excellent overview of the community, plus a useful list of the companies that can provide you with the goods and services you may need.”

    For further details on 2010 Guide distribution, contact Esper at 517.546.3920 or kesper@howell.org.

     

     

  • Work continues on inroads made at Livingston County Municipal Summit

    At the Livingston County Municipal Summit held this past October and in the event’s follow-up survey, participants made it clear that there is a desire to continue the conversation about the future of the county, its strengths, opportunities and strategies for success.

    The event was hosted by the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce. Through input and feedback from by the event, the chamber was directed to bring business and government together for future dialogue and strategy.

    “The chamber and its Community Development Committee are investigating some avenues and processes to do just that,” said Pat Convery, chamber president.

    The chamber is in conversation with leaders at the Michigan State University Land Policy Institute, which participated in the summit, and hopes to soon announce an opportunity that will bring together business, government and citizens to strategize the county’s future.

    “As valued stakeholders in this process, we will keep members informed on our next steps,” Convery said. “We will need the minds, experience and voices of many to help shape a prosperous future for Livingston County.”

    More information will be communicated with members as details become available.

     

  • Safety fundamentals at 3-day seminar

    SafetyNet and the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation will host a Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Act (MIOSHA) a Fundamentals of Safety and Health series March 4, 11 and 18 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

    The General Industry 10-Hour+ (Fundamentals of Safety and Health) seminar is held in cooperation with the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth and the Consultation Education & Training (CET) division of MIOSHA. The three-day event is designed to address the fundamentals of safety and health in the workplace, including inspections and citations, elements of a comprehensive safety and health system, record keeping, accident investigations, hazard recognition, machine guarding, industrial hygiene and more. Participants will receive a MIOSHA General Industry 10-Hour+ card upon successful completion of the class.

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

    The program takes place at the chamber foundation building, 123 E. Washington Street in Howell. The cost is $210 per person and includes lunch and course materials.

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

     

     

  • Livingston County Home Show booth spaces available

    Select spaces can be reserved for the 47th annual Livingston County Home Show March 26-28 at the Howell High School Field House.


    Main floor and outdoor heated tent spaces are available.


    New for exhibitors is a hospitality area provided by Five Sparrows. This mobile office will include free wireless Internet access, complimentary use of laptops, refreshments and a covered outdoor networking area for visiting with vendors or clients.


    “We want to make it easy for Home Show exhibitors to do business on site during the event,” said Susan Lundin, event coordinator. “The area will let exhibitors check into their offices while they are working their booths.”

     

    Another new exhibitor attraction for 2010 is a home-based business showcase in the balcony of the field house.

    “Special exhibit fees have been set for this area. We know more people are now working from home offices and we wanted to provide spaces for these growing businesses,” said Lundin.

     

    Sponsors for the 2010 Livingston County Home Show are WHMI 93.5 FM and the Livingston County Daily Press & Argus. Heated tent spaces are sponsored by Irish Sales & Service and Wood Master.

    More than 200 exhibitors are expected to showcase the latest in home improvement, construction, décor, landscaping and financing. Daily drawings for $500 in Home Show Bucks and other prizes are designed to attract customers and promote exhibitors.

     

    “Home Show is a popular event and a win-win for exhibitors and attendees,” added Lundin. “Contractors and home improvement businesses can reach the important target market of local homeowners, and homeowners get access to area experts on interior and exterior home renovation and remodeling.”

    The Home Show is also the venue for the Taste of Livingston County, Fine Arts Show and the Community Resource Fair, hosted in collaboration by the Livingston County United Way, Department of Human Services, Howell Area Parks & Recreation, and Big Brothers Big Sisters.

     

    In addition to exhibitor spaces, applications are also available for food vendors to participate in the Taste of Livingston County, sponsored by Costco Wholesale, on Saturday March 27.


    Exhibitor information can be found at livingstoncountyhomeshow.com. To reserve a space, contact Lundin at the chamber at 517.546.3920 or slundin@howell.org.

  • ChamberConnect success story

    ChamberConnect is a structured networking program that meets monthly at a different chamber business. At the December session at Independence Village of Brighton Valley, new member Matt Beckerson of Mow and Mole attended and went home with a new client.

    “These direct connect meetings have been some of the most informative and useful events I have ever attended for my business, said Matt. “I really appreciate everything!”

    The February ChamberConnnect is Wednesday, February 3. It is hosted by Linda Barnwell at Keller Williams Realty in Brighton.

    “Members build one-on-one business relations at ChamberConnect and get to know one another on a personal and professional basis” said Michelle Tokan, program manager.

     

    To host a ChamberConnect in 2010 or register for the February program, contact Tokan at mtokan@howell.org.

     

     

  • “Strike Out Against Unemployment” program rolls out for area job seekers

    Local job seekers struggling to find a job will have a new place to search for work beginning next month – a local bowling alley. Howell Bowl-e-Drome and Livingston County Michigan Works! recently announced a partnership to help unemployed residents find a new job while they are having fun.

    “Strike Out Against Unemployment” takes place on Tuesdays from noon to 3 p.m. through April 6 at the Howell Bowl-e-Drome, 907 E. Grand River in Howell. The program is offered to members of the community who have recently lost their jobs or who are laid off. The event combines free bowling with an opportunity to network with local employers, community resource organizations and other job seekers. Each week, up to 200 job seekers can participate.

    Job seekers must be registered at Livingston County Michigan Works! to participate in the program. Once registered, job seekers can request a bowling voucher from Michigan Works! which can be used for three free games of bowling and shoe rental. At each weekly session, different local businesses, colleges, trade schools, and community agencies will exhibit. The weekly list of exhibitors will be posted on lcmw.org and howell-lanes.com.

    The program is modeled after a highly successful effort in Calhoun County where Michigan Works! and a local independent bowling proprietor received national recognition for the program.

    Community businesses and organizations are invited to consider participating through donations to support the program. For more information, contact Jerry Hudson at the Bowl-e-Drome at 517.546.0820.

    Employers, educational institutions and community organizations who wish to exhibit at the Job Seekers Bowling Club should contact Lindsy Buck at Livingston County Michigan Works! at 517.552.2154. There is no cost to exhibit.

     

     

  • Monthly Program Sponsor: Comerica Bank

    Networking tips during challenging times
     During these tough economic times, business owners are cutting costs to save money – especially small business owners. Advertising and marketing budgets are usually the first to be pared back, but obtaining new clients and maintaining steady business does not have to be negatively impacted. By networking, business owners can maintain their company’s revenues and even grow their customer base while conserving funds. James Terrell, Senior Vice President, Small Business, Comerica Bank, recommends the following tips to effectively network:

    Word-of-Mouth. The single greatest way to network and generate new business is through word-of-mouth referrals. Seek out a client base within the community, be it ethnic, religious, socio-economic or simply local. Referrals made within tight-knit communities can be the foundation of a very lucrative business, so business owners should make sure associates in their personal lives know what it is they do, the services they provide and about their successful track record.

    “Establishing a new small business in a small community is challenging,” Terrell explains. “I have many clients who have used word-of-mouth marketing to get their foot in the door locally, which ultimately led to larger companies and clients recognizing their value.”

    Terrell says an excellent way to assure positive word-of-mouth referrals is to over-serve current clients. By assuring their current clients are happy, business owners can ensure their positive endorsement within their business circles.

    Join an Organization. Professional organizations and civic organizations like local chambers of commerce or Rotary Club are excellent platforms for networking. Business owners will meet other business people this way but the setting is typically more casual so they are able to establish personal relationships while broadening their network of business associates.

    Go Online. Social networking sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter are great tools to get the business’ name out there and they are free. Like any form of marketing, business owners should know their audience and market themselves to appropriate people. For example, if business owners decided to join Twitter, they should post updates about their sale of the day. For example, the owner of a small bakery could say “2 dozen cookies for $12.99 today.” Link to other, like-minded, online groups to increase the fan-base and client base for the business.

    Find a Mentor. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Business owners should search within the community for another business owner they admire and cultivate a relationship. Simply asking for advice is a great way to foster and mentor these relationships.

    Consult with Other Professionals. Talk to the people who can use their experience to help make the business a success. For example, if a business owner is looking to establish a new business development plan, connect with other development directors/executives through industry-based organizations. Terrell also recommends that business owners should maintain a strong relationship with their banker and be candid and timely in sharing what their business is experiencing. After all, the business’ banker has experience with other clients with similar challenges and can assist with new ideas and connect business owners with an expert who can help.

    For more information, please contact Debra VanHevele at DLVanHevele@comerica.com at 517.342.5729.


    Comerica Bank is the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce monthly program sponsor for January.

  • ‘Keep the faith…we will have a recovery,’ predicts economic expert at recent GML

    “There is hope for Americans, even in Michigan, even in manufacturing,” Chris Ruth, chief investment officer of Comerica Asset Management, said at the chamber’s 2010 Economic Forecast edition of Good Morning Livingston. Ruth spoke at the recent event as he presented 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.

    At the breakfast meeting, Ruth said of the country’s present economic state, “I think most of the damage is done. The sun will come, you just have to be careful where you make your opportunities.”

    He noted that closures for some, and the prudent caution most large business entities are operating with now may present a chance for smaller businesses to seize opportunities for development in similar markets. “Large corporate America went through liquidity quite well, but small business got hurt so now may be their chance to make gains,” Ruth said.

    He also shared positive statistics about the productivity in manufacturing, indicating that output today is triple where it was in 1980 and double that from 1990.

    “Keep the faith,” Ruth said. “It’s not going to be a smooth recovery, but we will have a recovery.”

    The core inflation rate is predicted to stay relatively low, and there won’t be broad-based inflation similar to what took place in the 1970s and early ‘80s, according to Ruth. He referenced several experts’ predictions for economic growth in the coming year, ranging from three percent to eight or nine percent. Ruth expects growth to come somewhere in the middle of that range, at around four or six percent.

    In the housing market, he noted some good news in that inventories are coming down. He said some markets in California have even experienced a rebound of about 10 to 15 percent. For Michigan, he said the state didn’t have the “over-building” similar to what took place in other markets such as Las Vegas and Florida.

    “We’re seeing baby steps toward a recovery,” Ruth said.

    He said that although the country’s unemployment rate seems to be hovering at around 10 percent, the underemployment rate is more likely at 17 to 18 percent because so many people have dropped out of the job market. He suggested that Michigan’s unemployment rate has hit bottom at 15 percent, and may drop to near 12 to 14 percent toward the end of the year.

    “Stabilization is the operative word for Michigan,” said Ruth. “We may get production back, but we’re not going to get jobs back. The future is bright though, because we have such a strong education base.”

     

  • 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.  

     

     

  • Celebrations: Sign A Rama Brighton

    Sign A Rama Brighton is hosting a grand opening and Ground Hog’s Day party at the full-service sign center, located at 5050 S. Old Highway 23 in Brighton. The event takes place Tuesday, February 2 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., and includes a ribbon cutting ceremony, lunch, door prizes, networking and more.

    For more information or to R.S.V.P., call Michelle at 810.494.7446 or visit signarama-brighton.com.

     

     

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

    With the new year upon us, 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

     

                                            Nov. 09    Oct. 09    Nov. 08
    Livingston County                 12.1%      13.2%       7.0%
    State of Michigan              14.1%      14.3%       8.7%

     

     

    Source: Michigan Dept. of Labor and Economic Growth

     

     

  • Members Moving Forward

    LAHRA
     James Goebel, co-founder of Menlo Innovations and affiliate of LAHRA, will present “Hiring Team Oriented People by Changing the Way You Interview.” The seminar will be held Tuesday, January 19 from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Crystal Gardens – Livingston in Howell. To make reservations, visit livingstonhr.org.

    Livingston Arts Council/The Opera House
    Livingston Arts Council/The Opera House is hosting its winter concert series, Acoustic Café, beginning Friday, January 15 at 7:30 p.m. Acoustic Café offers a mix of easy-listening musical entertainment including folk, jazz, new age and light rock that takes place at The Opera House in downtown Howell. For more information call 517.540.0065 or visit theoperahouse.us.

    Livingston Co. Catholic Social Services
    Livingston Co. Catholic Social Services has changed its name to Livingston County Catholic Charities. The local organization is a member of the Catholic Charities USA national network. Services are available regardless of age, race, religion, gender, disability or financial ability. For more information contact Mark Robinson at 517.545.5944.

    Livingston County United Way
    The Livingston County Homeless Continuum of Cares will host Community Connect Saturday, January 30 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The free event helps those in need connect to information and services such as housing assistance, health screenings and legal consultation. Complimentary lunch and on-site professional childcare will be provided. No registration is required to attend. Businesses or persons interested in providing free services during the event may call Jody Buchholz at 517.552.2110, or Lindsay Beaudry at 517.552.7140.

    The Livingston County Basic Needs Workgroup, including organizations such as the Livingston County United Way, OLHSA, The Salvation Army and LACASA, has produced a resource guide. The guide includes information on basic needs programs, on-line resources and a county-wide listing of food programs and pantries. To receive a copy call 810.494.3000, visit lcunitedway.org or co.livingston.mi.us/hscb.

    Professional Engineering Associates, Inc.
     Professional Engineering Associates, Inc. of Howell has been named landscape architecture firm of the year by the Michigan Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architecture. The Michigan based company has been in operation for over 60 years and is a full-service consulting firm. For more information call 517.546.8583 or visit peainc.com.

    Pure & Simple Catering
    Pure & Simple Catering will host its grand opening Thursday, February 4, from 5 to 8 p.m. with a ribbon cutting at 6 p.m. The event will be held in the Johnson Center at Cleary University and include cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, facility tours and a drawing. For more information call 517.375.4564 or visit pure-simpleservices.com.