| December 2007 Second News Issue | Chamber Express |
Hello Megan, The purpose of the Chamber Express is to keep members up-to-date on all events, programs and news at the Chamber office.
Please let us know if you have any suggestions, comments or questions relating to this issue of the Ann Arbor Area Chamber Express by emailing Megan Turnbow, Marketing Director, or by calling 734.214.0108.
Thank you for your time,
Megan Turnbow |
| How Will it Benefit Your Business? Our New Membership Structure  For the past year, our staff and Board have worked on a new Membership Structure that focuses on increasing member's revenue, promoting employee retention, advocating for business in government and reducing our member's day-to-day business expenses.
New members and current members are currently being placed in our new Membership Structure. If you are interested in finding out what the new structure consists of, please visit our website to find out how your business can best benefit from this exciting new look at membership. Questions? Please contact Cheryl O'Brien, Membership Director, at 734.214.0107.
Together We Profit |
Did you know that by using the Chamber's Member-2-Member Discount program you and all of your employees can take advantage of many great offers? What a great employee retention tool or just a great way to save you some much needed business capital. Here are three current Member-2-Member offers: Borders Group, Inc. is offering 20% off all business related purchases. Contact Dori Helbig for an application dhelbig@bordersstores.com or for more information call 734.668.7652. The Polo Fields Golf & Country Club is offering 50% off a room rental on the Grand Ballroom for a weekday event. For more information contact Peggy Bitondo at 734.998.1555. |
Chamber Business Buzz On the Lucy Ann Lance in the Morning Show  At 7:35am every Monday morning on the Lucy Ann Lance in the Morning Show, the Ann Arbor Area Chamber of Commerce takes time to update the community on what is going on at the Chamber as well as in the business community. The Chamber's Business Buzz can be heard on Talk Radio 1600 WAAM.
Listen on Monday January 7th to hear Barbara Davenport, VP of Programs and Events, with Emmy Award winning guest, Shawne Duperon while they talke about Shawne's presentation at our special NetWorks! on January 10th. Already in the office at 7:35am? The Business Buzz is also streamed live on the web at www.talkradio1600.com. We hope you join us! listen live |
Center for Entrepreneurship to Help Your Business
Would you like your business to be involved in student projects through the Small Business Institute program at Eastern Michigan University? The SBI program, offered through the Center for Entrepreneurship at EMU is seeking interested local businesses to take part in graduate level student business projects providing these consulting services under the supervision of EMU faculty in the areas of management, accounting, IT, and marketing. Special priority will be given to all Chamber member businesses who inquire. This is a chance to have your business analyzed and improved upon at no cost to you! The Center for Entrepreneurship at Eastern Michigan University strives to create, encourage and sustain the entrepreneurial spirit through its various activities. It assists emerging growth companies in the South-Eastern Michigan region with mentoring, seminars, business plan reviews and structured mentoring and networking between entrepreneurs and various resource providers. |
ATHENA Awards The Award is presented annually by Chambers of Commerce, women's organizations and universities. The ATHENA™ Award is established through local host organizations in partnership with ATHENA™ International's national underwriters, local business and individual sponsors. Nominations are solicited and open to the public. An ATHENA™ sculpture is awarded to an individual in the community who meets specific criteria listed below along with a gifted donation to attend the National ATHENA™ conference in Chicago. THE CRITERIA ATHENA™ Award Recipients are individuals who: - Demonstrate excellence, creativity, and initiative in their business or profession.
- Provide valuable service by contributing time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community.
- Actively assist women in realizing their full leadership potential.
To nominate someone click on ATHENA™ Award then click on 'email ATHENA™ Award' and ask for a nomination form. Follow the instructions on the nomination form and submit. Or contact Debra Neal ATHENA™ Award Chairperson for Washtenaw County at 734.845.6993. DEADLINE The deadline for nominations is January 25, 2008. |
Countdown to Ace Thursday, January 17, 2008 Washtenaw Community College Morris Lawrence Building 4800 E Huron River Dr, Ann ArborRegistration & networking begins at 4:00pm 
ACE promotes the development, in Michigan, of high-growth potential new economy business ventures, attracting hundreds of entrepreneurs, service providers, investors, government agents, and students. The event's interactive program includes presentations, business displays, and networking. This year, ACE begins an hour earlier to kick off with early networking and a new series of workshops including: - Innovation in Michigan
- Tapping Michigan Resources
- The Migration from GM to Gee-Whiz
During the main program, attendees will watch the ACE elevator competition, in which six entrepreneurs compete in making three-minute pitches to a panel of venture capitalists and angel investors. MEDC Small Business Advocate, publisher, and TV & radio host Chris Holman will serve as the program's moderator. After the competition, the Great Lakes Entrepreneur's Quest will present Phase I Competition Awards at the event. |
Crain's to Showcase Creatives Crain's Detroit Business has launched an online survey targeted at Southeast Michigan's creative companies as the initial step to promote and support the region's creative economy. The survey is an element of Detroit Renaissance's $80 million Road to Renaissance economic revitalization plan for the region. Survey results will be used to build an inventory of creative assets. This first-ever compilation will document local companies in the following industries: - Advertising
- Architecture
- Art/historic preservation
- Digital media
- Design
- Engineering
- Film/video production
- Marketing
- Media
- Music production
- Public relations
The Creative Economy Inventory will be available on a new website for creatives to be launched by Crain's early next year. The inventory and website can be used locally to help build stronger links among companies and individuals in the creative sector, as well as market the region externally. For younger professionals especially, it's important they know they don't have to go to Chicago or New York to get into the creative fiels; there's a tradition of creativity right here. |
Take the Survey - Make a Cultural Difference!  The Chamber is working with the Arts Alliance to envision the role arts and culture can and should play in Washtenaw County. The voice of business is important in this effort!
|
Ann Arbor SPARK Talent Search
The next HOT SHOTS Career Networking Event will take place in January 2008. Remember, more than 50% of jobs are found through networking. SPARK will post infomation once the date has been finalized. |
Prize Drawing Winners  The 2007 Year Ender was held at
Kensington Court Ann Arboron December 6th. Those who attended were able to participate in a business card drawing for a chance to win one of two main prizes. The winners of the prize drawing are:- Tammy Stone, Real Estate One - Crystal Mountain Gift Certificate
- Tracy Lindsay, Lindsay Exhibit Group - Portable DVD Player
Thank you to everyone who made donations to the food drive. Together, we were able to collect over 1,100 lbs. of food to donate to the Food Gatherers. |
|
|
Megan Turnbow, Marketing Director Ann Arbor Area Chamber of Commerce |
|
|
