Chamber Executive Michigan Intelligence Report December 19, 2017
Here is news you can use as a Michigan Chamber of Commerce professional:
Flint Momentum continues with opening of Capitol Theatre
If you walk down the streets of downtown Flint, you can feel the momentum that is fueling the revitalization of the area.Just this past week – after nearly 20 years – the historic Capitol Theatre opened and a ceremonial program and ribbon-cutting was held as a crowd of nearly 800 people cheered on. It was one of the most exciting days in my career. As I looked across the stage and out into the audience, I saw the partners – the state of Michigan and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the City of Flint, The Whiting, Uptown Reinvestment Corporation, Uptown Developments, and the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and Hagerman Foundation. it was a great reminder of what can be accomplished through strong, private-public partnerships.
The importance of the Capitol’s restoration extends far beyond the building itself. The theatre is a symbol of the transformation occurring in downtown Flint and is part of an epicenter of commercial, residential and public space. It will also contribute significantly to the quality of life for Flint and Genesee County residents and beyond. And now that the Capitol is open for business, it’s expected to draw thousands of people for a great show, as well as to dine or shop, creating a strong economic impact, over time.
The equally great news is that the revitalization doesn’t stop with the Capitol. Work will continue in 2018 on several projects including a mixed-income housing complex, Mott’s culinary school and café, and potentially a new hotel.
As always, I ask that you help the Chamber communicate good news and watch for more project updates. In the meantime, enjoy the holidays. I’ll see you in the New Year!
Tim Herman, CEO
Birmingham Bloomfield 2017-2018 Membership Directory and Community Resource Guide
The Birmingham-Bloomfield 2017-2018 Membership Directory and Community Resource Guide is available at the Birmingham-Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce today! Thank you to Joe Bauman and the Chamber team for their help and direction putting this together! Birmingham-Bloomfield 2017-2018 Membership Directory and Community Resource Guide
Town Square Publications (www.townsquarepublications.com) can help you accomplish your chamber's gloss map, directory, community profile or publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman at [email protected] or call (847)-427-4633.
#BestChamber Practices: Clarkston Area Chamber: 8 Reasons to Shop Local this Holiday Season
Support your Community
When spending $100 at a local business, $68 stays in the community, versus, $100 at a large corporation, only $43 stays in the community.
Unique Gifts
No one wants to give the same gift as someone else. Small local businesses offer unique, handmade products you can't find elsewhere.
Create Jobs in Your Community
Small businesses are the nation's largest employer. By supporting small business, you help create and keep jobs in your area.
Less Impact on the Environment
Shopping local uses less fuel due to lowered shipping costs by supplying local stores with local resources.
Experience Better Customer Service
Small businesses are able to focus on personalized customer service because of their passion to be connected to the community.
Connect with Your Community
Shopping local allows you to connect with other community members and stay current with what is happening near you.
Give Back
Small businesses are more likely to give to local non-profits and charities compared to large corporations.
Build Your Community
When shopping local you are helping your local economy grow. This allows for more tax dollars to be spent in your community on better schools, libraries, and public services.
Fyah! Fyah! Fyah! How Tacitus Bailey-Yabani is bridging worlds and bringing Ghana to Muskegon
As Tacitus Bailey-Yabani walks around downtown in November’s frigid autumn air, he can’t go more than a couple steps without someone yelling out his name, or more often, shouting “fyah, fyah, fyah!”
“Yeah, man, fyah, fyah, fyah!” Bailey-Yabani, who moved from Ghana in West Africa to Muskegon in 2014 and is the owner of Abeshi Fotos + Crafts, a photography, art, clothing, and jewelry business that operates in one of the new chalets at the downtown Western Market, will yell back, smiling and pumping his arm in the air as he says the phrase that’s become a mantra in his own life.
“I’m a street boy; I lived on the street in Ghana. You have to do your best to survive on the street, so ‘fyah, fyah, fyah’ means your energy, your love, your hustle,” says Bailey-Yabani, who moved to Muskegon to be with his wife, Jessica, whom he met at a music festival in his home country. “It’s the fire that’s coming out; it’s the fire that people are enjoying with love.”
As Bailey-Yabani has become a familiar face throughout Muskegon, hearing this succession of fyahs has become increasingly commonplace. A couple weeks ago, when we were interviewing him outside his Western Market shop, passersby regularly shouted the phrase, to which Bailey-Yabani would raise a hand in greeting and laugh as his friends—downtown shop owners and brewers and politicians—emphatically waved to him before disappearing into the warmth of places like Rootdown and Unruly Brewing.
“Everyone around here knows me,” he says, explaining the flood of hellos he receives. “They know me and love me, and I love them.”
And it’s true: in a matter of just a couple years, Bailey-Yabani has become something of a local celebrity, with everyone from Muskegon Mayor Stephen Gawron (whom the shop owner calls “one of his favorite people”) frequenting Abeshi to Unruly Brewing naming a beer “Fyah fyah fyah,” a chocolate coconut stout, in his honor this past summer.
“Tac is this to-the-top brimming over vessel of love and excitement,” Gawron says, using Bailey-Yabani’s nickname. “You’re coming down the street, and you hear, ‘yah man, yah man, yah man’ and ‘up, up, up’ from him. Abeshi means I am here; we are here, doing this together. If that doesn’t tie into the idea of Muskegon, into Muskegon rising, I don’t know what does.
Doug Luciani: A brighter outlook for northwest Michigan
Unemployment levels down; property values have rebounded
What a difference a few years can make. It wasn’t that long ago that the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce Economic Outlook Breakfast was a rather bleak affair. As the state and regional economy were being rocked by the Great Recession, the event entailed more questions than answers, more uncertainty than optimism and more caution than action.
Fast forward a few years and it’s a far different outlook today. Our regional unemployment levels — 4.5 percent for September — are less than half of what they were during the depths of the recession. Property values have rebounded past pre-recession levels, the region’s construction and manufacturing sectors are humming again and the tourism industry is reaching new heights. Nationally, Michigan’s “rustbelt” image is being replaced with accolades as a “Comeback State” from authoritative sources like the Wall Street Journal. Regions across Western Michigan — from Kalamazoo/Grand Rapids to Traverse City/Petoskey to the Upper Peninsula — can take pride in playing a major role in Michigan’s economic recovery.
Cycles in the economy will always happen, but it’s important to pay close attention to what moves the economic needle to ensure long-term, sustainable growth. Two of the factors in Michigan cited by the WSJ included a major reform to Michigan’s business tax structure back in 2011, and a measure approved by Michigan voters in 2014 to repeal the Personal Property Tax for small businesses and manufacturers. Both measures were strongly supported by the Traverse City Area Chamber and its Alliance partners.
Numerous other factors, of course, helped Michigan’s economy turn around. But these were critical because they involved fundamental changes to state operations. Not one-time or temporary fixes, but foundational change that businesses use to make long-range decisions, investments and expansions. Michigan leveled the playing field to make it more competitive with other Midwest states, and capital investment and job creation surged across the state. As the Journal points out, since 2011 Michigan has led the Great Lakes region in manufacturing growth, and the state’s unemployment rate has dropped to near the national average.
Here in late 2017, the challenges faced by the region are different — but no less important to tackle. Our priorities must lie with building on the momentum that’s been generated. We must resist the temptation to become complacent, or worse yet, to buy into the false notion that things will always be good or that businesses will always want to come to the Traverse City area. Very recent history shows us otherwise.
To meet those challenges, the Chamber will continue to put its focus where it’s always been — strengthening the foundational building blocks of the region to accommodate the people and businesses that want to be here. It’s been an effective approach for more than a century, from our earliest days of helping launch the region’s tourism industry, to building a regional airport and community college, to clearing an industrialized bay front. The business leaders of this community have always taken a straightforward but successful approach to economic growth — focus on the region’s cornerstone needs, and it will continue to thrive.
Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Map
The new Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce 2017 Community Map is available at the Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber today! Thanks to Bob O'Callaghan and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together! Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber 2017 Community Map: https://issuu.com/tspubs/docs/wyoming-kentwood-mi-map?e=23334948/46429079
Town SquarePublications (www.townsquarepublications.com) can help you accomplish your chamber's gloss map, directory, community guide or publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman at [email protected] or call (847)-427-4633.
#BestChamber practices: Midland Area Chamber: Cool Stuff to Share
Cool Stuff to Share
Cool Article 1: A Guide to Midland's Economic and Community Development Organizations http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20171210/news/647316/a-guide-to-midlands-economic-and-community-development-organizations Crain's Detroit recently published articles featuring economic development in Midland! The Midland Business Alliance's own Midland Tomorrow was featured in this article!
Cool Article 2: Optimism Among U.S. Small Businesses Jumps to Highest Level Since 1983 http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20171212/news/145386/optimism-among-us-small-businesses-jumps-highest-level-1983 Optimism among small companies in the U.S. advanced last month to the highest level in more than 34 years as owners became more upbeat about future economic conditions and sales prospects, according to a National Federation of Independent Business survey released Tuesday.
If you follow a good business newsletter, app, or a favorite business-related podcast, please feel free to let us know so we can tell others. Email your ideas to [email protected].
#FamousChamber Speaker: Bob Harris CAE, One of the Top Five Chamber Speakers of All Time:
Organizational Excellence - It starts with the heart - the PASSION of volunteers and staff to be great. Then the focus is on governance, operations, and strategy. Finally, finally mix in smart practices and benchmarks to ensure excellence. - Bob Harris, CAE - www.nonprofitcenter.com
Businesses Honored At Bay Area Chamber Of Commerce Event
Two long-time Bay Area Chamber of Commerce members and community pillars celebrating milestone anniversaries were honored at the organization' s Eye Opener Breakfast held on Friday, December 15, 2017, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Bay City - Riverfront.
Herman Hiss & Company and The Bay City Players received proclamations honoring their 150 and 100 year anniversaries, respectively. Jacob Bennett, Deputy District Director for U.S. Representative Dan Kildee, State Senator Mike Green, State Representative Brian K. Elder and State Representative Gary Glenn presented the proclamations.
Eye Opener Breakfasts are held monthly and are open to the public. For more information, you may call the Chamber at 989.893.4567 or visit baycityarea.com.
The Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, founded in 1882, is a private, non-profit business organization with nearly 800 members that provides programs to assist local businesses grow and prosper. The Bay Area Chamber of Commerce joins area busi nesses and the community for the economic growth and well-being of the entire Bay Area. Contact: Ryan Tarrant (989) 893-4567 - Email:[email protected] - Web: www.baycityarea.com.
A growing hotel landscape: Several factors led to influx of Southwest Michigan hotels
For many travelers, hotels are the lighthouses of the highway.
They stand as a beacon for weary motorists and families on vacations. In Benton Township, there’s an entire row of these lighthouses beckoning I-94 drivers in search of refuge.
In Southwest Michigan, hotels have been popping up at an accelerated rate within the last five years. To the surprise of several municipalities and residents, there are more planned for the next few years.
The newest hotel in the area belongs to Michael Patel and his business associates at Ganesh Hotels, a hotel management company in Elkhart, Ind.
The Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott opened this summer along Red Arrow Highway in Stevensville. Before that, Patel was the first to plant a flag along the hotel corridor in Benton Township with the opening of the Hilton Garden Inn. In addition to co-owning the Hilton and Fairfield Inn, Patel is also the manager and owner of Comfort Suites in Stevensville.
Patel and his partners in Ganesh Hotels have put a focus on tourism in St. Joseph in recent years.
Patel could not be reached for comment on the amount of hotels in the region, but has previously spoken to the importance of how giving people places to stay can serve as a big draw from I-94.
“We chose this location because (Exit 23) is the gateway to St. Joseph,” Patel said when Fairfield Inn and Suites first opened. “On top of all the weddings this area pulls in, it’s hard to accommodate everyone during the peak holiday summer seasons. That’s not to mention all the sporting events. This hotel should help alleviate that problem.”
Speaking of tourism, Millicent Huminsky, executive director of the Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council, said there are 23 hotels and motels located in Benton Harbor, St. Joseph and Stevensville.
While Phillips spoke of how the Senior PGA has brought more attention to the area, Huminsky said it’s more than that.
“The Senior PGA is huge for the area in May,” Huminsky said. “Players, media and spectators come for the week. But it’s only every other year. It’s not as big for hotels.”
Huminsky surmised the abundance of hotels can be traced to tourism.
Unlike most tourist seasons, Southwest Michigan’s doesn’t end in September due to the emergence of the region’s wineries and breweries. The wine and beer trail has managed to stretch the tourist season to more than the months that run from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Businesses are seeing more visitors from April through the end of October.
Huminsky made an argument that area businesses have also contributed to the growth in the hotel market.
“We’re fortunate to have Whirlpool and Lakeland (Health) that do business year-round. That means a lot of overnight travelers,” she said. “The outages at the Cook Nuclear (Power) Plant means hundreds come and stay for four or more weeks. That’s big for the area in the off season.”
In addition to businesses and outages, Huminsky said football can be a factor for the region.
When the University of Notre Dame’s football team has a successful season like this year, that equates to overflow travelers who can’t find a place to stay in South Bend for home games.
Cornerstone Chamber of Commerce Director Chris Heugel is at the forefront of tourism in Southwest Michigan. He’s spent 25 years in the hospitality industry as a general manger and operator of hotels, while taking part in market studies for the construction of new hotels.
Heugel said the region has changed exponentially in the last decade, which has brought more hotels with it. He said Southwest Michigan has spent the last 10 to 15 years embracing the culture of a tourist destination.
“We’ve been found,” Heugel said. “We used to be a Chicago vacation spot, but now we’re getting them from all over the Midwest. That means bigger markets in Indiana, Wisconsin and the rest of Michigan.” Read more: http://www.heraldpalladium.com/news/local/a-growing-hotel-landscape-several-factors-led-to-influx-of/article_c0becb39-9760-5290-a3de-b94d4c3f679a.html
United Shore to receive Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber Thrive award at annual meeting
United Shore Financial Services will receive the Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber’s inaugural Thrive Award during the Chamber’s Annual Meeting Dec. 7 at the Iroquois Club in Bloomfield Township.
The Thrive Award was created by the Chamber to recognize a member company that incorporated Conscious Capitalism into its business practices and promotes “profit with purpose” throughout its organization.
“We could not think of a better company than United Shore to receive the Chamber’s first Thrive Award,” said Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber President Joe Bauman. “The Chamber’s board of directors adopted a new, five-year strategic plan last December, and one of the four strategic priorities is to spread the message and practices of Conscious Capitalism throughout our membership and our six communities.”
Mat Ishbia, United Shore’s president and chief operating officer, will accept the award on the company’s behalf, and will also participate in a discussion with Crain’s Detroit Business Editor and Publisher Ron Fournier on his company’s unique business practices.
Founded in 1986 as a family owned, local mortgage company, United Shore has grown to become the largest wholesale mortgage lender in the country.
“United Shore has experienced unprecedented growth and success in its industry while at the same time putting its employees first and supporting a host of community organizations,” said Bauman. “The company is a shining example of the main premise of Conscious Capitalism that caring for your people, customers and the community actually improves your financial bottom line because consumers are drawn to these types of businesses.”
Among United Shore’s many unique initiatives are its “Firm 40” program that discourages employees from working more than 40 hours per week, and its Pay if Forward program that allows team members to earn points and exchange them for a company donation to a charity of their choice. Team members also were given the opportunity on company time to coordinate a bottled water drive following the Flint water crisis and a building project for Habitat for Humanity.
The Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber’s annual meeting is open to the public and is scheduled for 8-9:30 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 7 at the Iroquois Club, 43248 Woodward Ave. in Bloomfield Township. Tickets are $25 and includes a full, plated breakfast.
For more information, please visit the Chamber’s web site at www.bbcc.com, or call the offices at (248) 430-7689.
Leadership 21: SWCRC
The Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber is proud to host a dynamic, and premier leadership program, training and developing our next generation of small business and community leaders in the Downriver region! Welcome class of 2018!
Mission:
To provide an intensive, dynamic leadership program that challenges, educates, and develops a diverse, select group of emerging small business, and organizational leaders in Southern Wayne County.
Purpose:
To prepare participants to lead with a vision, to affect a positive change in the community on a long-term basis, to interpret complex social and economic issues, and to establish a network of community leaders.
Benefits to Participants:
Increased awareness of important issues facing your community
Ideas for shaping the future of your community
Complimentary Admission to Chamber networking events
Benefits to Organizations:
Improved leadership skills
Improved ability to interact with other employees (teamwork)
Improved self-confidence resulting in more willingness to assume responsibility
Positively represent organization in the community
Issues to be Explored:
Private sector
Non-profit sector
Leadership
Economic Development Community Education
Government
Candidates:
A small group of individuals annually will participate in the program. They will represent a cross section of the community, including, but not limited to, business, government, education, civic groups, health service, and community organizations.
Selection Criteria:
Potential participants must demonstrate the following criteria:
Commitment and motivation to serve the Southern Wayne County area
Interest in seeking major volunteer and/or appointed leadership roles
Ability to set and attain personal goals resulting in achievement in his/her field
Experience and record of achievement in community activities which indicate potential leadership
Potential to shape policy and exert influence on critical issues facing the community
Availability of time to participate in Leadership 21 activities
Program:
A one-day orientation retreat is scheduled for October, 2017, followed by one session a month. A graduation banquet will be hosted in February or March, 2018.
Process:
Candidates are selected on their own merits from written applications submitted to the Leadership 21 Executive Committee.
Applications must be received by the committee by August 24, 2017
Applicants will be notified of acceptance by September, 2017
Those not selected for this year’s program are encouraged to apply again next year.
Requirements:
Participants must have the full commitment of their respective corporations or organizations. Attendance is expected at all sessions.
2017-2018 Meeting Dates (Subject to Change):
October, 2017 – Orientation
November, 2017 – Non-Profit Sector
January, 2018 – Private Sector
February, 2018 – Community Relations / Government
February/March, 2018 – Graduation
Tuition: $250 per person.
Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber of Commerce. For more information call 734.284.6000, ext. 25 or email [email protected].
St Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce 2017 Regional Profile and Membership Directory
The St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce 2017 Regional Profile and Membership Directory is available at the St. Cloud Area Chamber today! Thanks to the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together! St. Cloud Regional Profile and Membership Directory: https://issuu.com/tspubs/docs/st_cloud_mn_afd27ac863ad7d?e=23334948/44328930
Town SquarePublications (www.townsquarepublications.com) can help you accomplish your chamber's gloss map, directory, community profile or publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman at [email protected] or call (847)-427-4633.
Chamber Executive Ongoing Education Weekly New Idea: One book I still read every week: Train Your Brain for Success - by Roger Seip
Train your mind to achieve new levels of success!
Professionals and entrepreneurs do a great job of keeping up appearances. But if they're honest with themselves, they're short on living the life they really want. Train Your Brain For Success provides the perspective to analyze how you got where you are and, more importantly, learn the skills to get where you truly desire to be. Train Your Brain For Success explains specific ways of thinking and acting that will get anyone where they want to go, fast. Learn to condition your mind to move towards success automatically, by discovering greater memory power and fundamental techniques for boosting reading speed and comprehension.
Get a proven strategy for succeeding and becoming a record-breaking performence:
Learn to live in the moment
Chapter 16 -Your Energy Management Tools and Chapter 17 - The Power Hour - are tools for the rest of your life - JD
Train your mind for new levels of success by boosting memory power, reading speed and comprehension. More information: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/train-your-brain-for-success-r-seip/1110784856
Royal Oak Chamber Holiday Soiree w/Pool Tournament
The Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce annual Holiday Soiree will take place on December 5, 2017 from .5:30 PM – 8:30 PM EST.
The Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce annual Holiday Soiree will feature a festive environment for networking along with musical entertainment, food provided by local restaurants, a cash bar and an exciting Pool Tournament (limited opportunity and advance registration required!)
Teams of Two will compete in the Holiday Soiree Pool Tournament. To register, contact Jennifer at 248.547.4000 or email [email protected]. May the best team win.
Location: Upstairs at Fifth Avenue, 215 W. Fifth Avenue, Royal Oak, MI
Fees/Admission: $20 per person.
Sign up or for more info: https://www.royaloakchamber.com/events/details/holiday-soiree-249
ACCE: Nominate a legend for the Life Member Award
ACCE’s Life Member Award — the profession’s highest individual honor — celebrates a chamber leader’s stellar career, enduring influence and lifetime of service to the profession. Review the criteria and eligibility requirements https://secure.acce.org/awards/life-member-awards/#cfc and submit a nomination https://secure.acce.org/awards/life-member-awards/#nom for this pinnacle award by Feb. 1. Life Members will be recognized at #ACCE18 in Des Moines.
Michigan Continues to Climb in Latest Economic Competitiveness Study
The Michigan Chamber of Commerce's 2017 Economic Competitiveness Study shows Michigancontinues its upward climb. The most recent study, conducted by Northwood University's McNair Center for the Advancement of Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, shows Michigan has climbed to No. 21 on Northwood's proprietary State Competitiveness Index.
Now in its sixth year, the study compares all aspects of Michigan'seconomy against the other 49 states. In 2012, the inaugural study ranked Michigan No. 47 based on data from 1998 to 2012. In 2016 Michigan ranked No. 25. In fact, the 2017 study notes since the end of the Great Recession in 2009, Michigan ranks as the ninth most competitive economy in the country.
"This study offers the most detailed and honest assessment of our state's economy," said economist and study co-author Timothy Nash, senior vice president of strategic and corporate alliances and the director of the McNair Center at Northwood University. "Michigan has led the Great Lakes Region in average GDP growth since the end of The Great Recession, ranking sixth nationally."
Michigan showed strong signs of growth since The Great Recession, Nash noted. The ranking of 21st uses economic data from 1998 until 2016.
"When looking at the general macroeconomic environment in Michigan, the ranking jumped to seventh in 2017 study from No. 48 in the 2012 study," Nash said. "In fact, Michigan ranks ninth in overall competitiveness since 2009 with real GDP growth ranking sixth and per capita wage growth ranking third nationally over the same period".
"Since the study began, the overall United States economy has shown underwhelming performance," said Keith Pretty, co-author, president and CEO of Northwood University. "This study and others, however, show Michigan remains on a strong growth trajectory".
New in the 2017 study is a look at the Michigan and U.S. automobile industries. The resurgence of the automobile industry in Michigan has clearly contributed to GDP growth. In 2016, the U.S. automobile industry reached an all-time record high for automobiles sold, at more than 17.5 million, with 2017 sales on pace to challenge that number. The auto industry remains the state's biggest economic driver.
"Michigan's economy has been on a path of strong recovery and growth," said Bob Thomas, executive director of the Michigan Chamber Foundation. "We are optimistic that Michigan can become an overall top 15 state by 2020."
Rich Studley, president and CEO of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, also highlighted the importance of tax climate, an indicator of how a state's tax laws affect economic performance.
"We are pleased to see Michigan's improvement in state business tax climate, where we now rank second in the Great Lakes Bay Region, and twelfth overall," he said. "We are also pleased to see that Michigan'scorporate tax environment is now ranked eighth best nationally by The Tax Foundation". Read more: http://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/Michigan-Continues-to-Climb-in-Latest-Economic-Competitiveness-Study-1007444228
The Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce promotions for Kelli Vanden Bosch And P.J. Lemanski
The Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce Kelli Vanden Bosch as the new Director of Events and Media Relations. Kelli’s first signature event was Holiday Gala & Auction that took place on December 8th!
Kelli has been employed with the Chamber for three years as the Director of Small Business Development & Director of Certifications. In that time with the Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce team she has devoted her efforts to serving and enhancing the Dearborn area. “We are delighted that Kelli & our staff are growing & providing even more value to our membership & area.” Jackie Lovejoy, President noted. “Kelli’s expertise, enthusiasm & attention to detail make her well suited for this role!”
Kelli brings a background of event management to her new role. Prior to joining the Chamber staff, Kelli served as event coordinator at the Dearborn Hills Golf Course, owned and operated by the City of Dearborn & was a Catering Manager at The Ritz-Carlton, Dearborn. Vanden Bosch is a resident of Dearborn with her husband Curt and their 2 children, Harper & Hunter.
Vanden Bosch will work with the Chamber President Jackie Lovejoy and staff, along with the board of directors and embers, to engage Chamber members in significant membership outreach and signature events including the 21st Annual Alberta Muirhead Teacher of the Year Awards, Taste of Dearborn and other annual events and activities.
“It is an honor to take the position as Director of Events & Media Relations. I am enthusiastic and passionate about the Dearborn Area and the Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce and look forward to driving creativity and excitement!”
For more information, please contact the Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce by phone at 313-584-6100. Be sure to follow the Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce on Facebook at facebook.com/DearbornAreaChamber, on Twitter @DbnAreaChamber and online at www.dearbornareachamber.org for all the latest news and events.
The Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce provides 600+ members with the opportunities and resources to engage and network with other businesses, enhancing financial growth, professional development, and the ability to contribute to a thriving community environment.
The Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce Patrick Lemanski as the new Director of Small Business Development and Director of Certificates of Origin.
P.J. is joining the Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce team after working as an intern on major projects summer 2017. With the chamber P.J. was directly involved in the management and execution for one of our largest events this summer the Taste of Dearborn, as we hosted over 1000 attendees during the strolling appetizer crawl. “His talent and drive were exemplary” commented Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce President Jackie Lovejoy. “We are delighted to have P.J. on board, his past experience and enthusiasm will contribute to our mission of growth, progress, and innovation. We love to surprise our members and the public with our events & offerings. P.J. will help contribute to the spirit of philanthropy and development that we deliver to our members and the community.”
Lemanski thoroughly enjoyed his internship and is excited for the opportunity to work with the chamber. “I am thrilled to have the chance to make an impact and to work in my field. I’m delighted to continue my commitment to non-profits and all the good they provide. The chamber and this great city have welcomed me once again!”
P.J. Lemanski is a Harper Woods, Michigan native and a Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant graduate. P.J.’s recent experience includes supervising and maintaining events in the city of Harper Woods for their Parks & Recreation department, and will bring those skills to his new position.
For more information, please contact the Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce by phone at 313-584-6100.
Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories, Chamber maps and Community Profiles: The best in Michigan
Town Square Publications, a division of the Daily Herald Media Group, is a national chamber custom publishing group that specializes in developing partnerships by producing high-quality print and digitally integrated publications along with other added value programs dedicated to creating relevancy for local chambers of commerce and other membership focused organizations interested in raising non-dues revenues.
Town Square Publications parent company, Paddock Publications, has over 100 years’ experience of print product development and dedicated customer service in communities throughout the Midwest. Our experience allows Town Square Publications to offer you attractive royalty and non-dues revenue share streams, provide direct distribution of your custom designed printed publications, including digital and mobile integration, and all with the quickest turn-around times available in the industry. Town Square also offers multi-media maps in both print and online formats, both with our No-Cost guarantee. More information: http://townsquarepublications.com/
Chambers of Commerce and member focused organizations serve as a valuable resource in the local marketplace. The networking opportunities and representation with a wide variety of diverse businesses in your community is the catalyst of a successful organization. For further information about Town Square's publishing partnership with chambers of commerce and our No-Cost guarantee and Earned Revenue Share Program, To request your chamber publication or map proposal, contact http://townsquarepublications.com/contact-us/jd-contact-us/
Top Five Daily Postings in the last month at Chamber of Commerce Daily News – click to go there or Google search “Chamber of Commerce Daily News Dussman blog”
Chamber Executive Ongoing Education Weekly New Ide...
https://midwestchamberofcommerce.blogspot.com/2017/11/chamber-executive-ongoing-education.html
Nov 21, 2017
#BestChamber Practices: Effingham County Chamber o...
https://midwestchamberofcommerce.blogspot.com/2017/12/bestchamber-practices-effingham-county_15.html
Dec 15, 2017
United Shore to receive Birmingham Bloomfield Cham...
https://midwestchamberofcommerce.blogspot.com/2017/12/united-shore-to-receive-birmingham.html
Dec 4, 2017
Chamber Executive Ongoing Education Weekly New Ide...
https://midwestchamberofcommerce.blogspot.com/2017/11/chamber-executive-ongoing-education_29.html
Nov 29, 2017
Chicago Federal Reserve: William Strauss: Lake Cou...
https://midwestchamberofcommerce.blogspot.com/2017/12/chicago-federal-reserve-william-strauss.html
Dec 6, 2017
Last Month’s Stories
Thank you for the warm welcome at the MACP Annual Convention. Kudos to the Michigan Chamber, Bob Thomas at MACP and the Grand Rapids Chamber for such a wonderful event. The Grand Rapids Ambassadors were fabulous.
Flint & Genesee Chamber Receives Top Awards Recognizing Excellence, Innovation www.flintandgenesee.org
Chamber Executive Ongoing Education: Emotional Intelligence 2.0
Mark Davidoff Elected Chair of Michigan Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors for 2018 http://michamber.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=19845&item=137252
Bay Area Chamber To Present Jerome L. Yantz Award At The Business & Education Forum Contact: Ryan Tarrant (989) 893-4567
#BestChamber Practices: Birmingham-Bloomfield Chamber: Refer a member and get a $50 gift card to chamber members or Chamber Bucks-(248) 430-7686 or [email protected]
#BestChamber practices: Newsletter: Midland Area chamber of Commerce: A Must-Read weekly newsletter - Rivalries Make us Better By Jenny Bruzewski - She can be reached at [email protected]
U.S. Chamber Briefing: What Senate Republicans are proposing in their tax plan ABC News: http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/senate-republicans-proposing-tax-plan/story?id=51037758
#FamousChamber of Commerce Quotations: (Realize your FULL potential!)
“Most people live whether physically, intellectually or morally, in a very restricted circle of their potential being”. - William James
Monroe Bank & Trust CEO to Keynote Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber’s Business Forum www.SWCRC.com.
Two West Michigan downtowns receive $3.1M makeover and it's 'well worth it' M LIVE: http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2017/09/two_west_michigan_downtowns_re.html
Flint & Genesee Chamber: Kiva, A Lending Resource for Budding Entrepreneurs - For more information or questions about Kiva, contact Tracy Joseph at tjoseph@flintandgenesee
Business groups oppose local income tax ideas floated by two Michigan cities Watchdog.org.