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October #1 2007
  | Chamber Express | eNewsletter October First Edition | | |  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.
Don't forget to scroll down to the bottom of this email to find out about all of the Chamber's events.
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
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For the past year, our staff and Board have worked on an 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 want more information? Changing the Way we Work with our Members Our New Membership Structure |
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 It's no secret that Michigan is at the most critical period in our lifetimes. Economic, governmental, and social systems are floundering. We need energized, mobilized, pragmatic leadership to navigate through our present crisis and lay the foundation for our future prosperity. And we need an intense, inclusive statewide discussion about our future and concerted action to achieve it.
A group of more than 100 diverse Michigan leaders is guiding this unfolding discussion. In collaboration with the Center for Michigan, an IRS- approved 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in 2006 by Phil Power, these leaders are launching an ambitious campaign to combine broad state, regional, and community leadership with public engagement and action to move our state to a new era of prosperity. This transformational campaign is called "Michigan's Defining Moment" (MDM). read more Michigan's Defining Moment Spend a Little Time on the Future of Your State |
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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, October 15th, Jesse Bernstein, President & CEO, will be discussing Chamber news. On Monday, October 22nd listen to Sara Tucker discuss one of our member benefits, New Horizon's Learning Center's free technology class to new members. Already in the office at 7:35 in the morning? The Business Buzz is also streamed live on the web at www.talkradio1600.com. We hope you join us! listen live The Chamber Business Buzz |
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At Zingerman's Next Door (Upstairs)  Jesse will not be at Even Thursdays on Thursday, October 18th. He will be attending the Michigan Leaders Speak event at Barton Hills Country Club. He will be back at Zingerman's Next Door on Thursday, November 8th. Jesse Bernstein, President & CEO, will be talking to business owners and community members about their issues at Zingerman's Upstairs from 7am-9am. Joining Jesse at Even Thursdays is a great way to have your voice heard in all types of business concerns. He has created an informal environment to find solutions to problems that may be affecting your business. more on Even Thursdays Even Thursdays |
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 Check the Chamber 1st to: - Increase Sales
- Save Money
- Retain Employees
- Access Business Education
- Gain a Voice in Public Policy Issues
We have programs with many businesses that will help you reduce your overhead, save you time and energy and increase your bottom line. Questions? Contact Sara Tucker, Member Benefits Coordinator, at 734.214.0106. check out all the ways to reduce your expenses Check the Chamber 1st |
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New Horizons Computer Learing Centers of Michigan  Need to bridge the gap between the skills you already have and the skills you need? Why not give New Horizons Computer Learning Centers of Michigan a try? New Horizons is the leading provider of learning solutions for Information Technology, PC Desktop Applications, Project Management and Business Skills training. New Horizon's classroom and online training offer quality education that can be tailored to meet your individual learning style. New Chamber members, Corporate level or higher, which are new customers to NHCLC are offered a complimentary PC Desktop Applications or Business Skills class - a $250 value! Please contact Joy Olivetti for course details and schedule information at 734.525.1501 ext. 1083. Questions? Please contact Sara Tucker, Member Benefits Coordinator, at 734.214.0106. want more information? Benefit of the Month |
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 The NetWorks! Planning Committee is looking for your input for the 2008 program season.
Plan to attend an annual planning meeting on Thursday, October 18th at 9am - 10:30am at the Chamber offices, 115 West Huron, 3rd Floor. The committee is looking for your ideas, feedback and topic suggestions. Questions? Please contact Barbara Davenport at 734.214.0104. Volunteer Opportunity! |
| | Updating Your Membership Information For the 2008 Ann Arbor Area Business Directory We have started to personally contact every member instead of sending out letters and postcards to have members update their membership information for the 2008 Ann Arbor Business Directory. This project will assure that all membership information is up-to-date and correct in our online and printed directory.
We have been calling each member's main contact for this update information since Friday, September 30th and will continue to do so through Friday, October 18th. We simply ask members to take the time to make sure that all their information is current while we are on the phone. questions? |
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Look at all the Savings! Check out the Chamber's Member-2-Member Discount Program 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 two current Member-2-Member offers: mpcsoft is currently offering Chamber members a 25% discount off the purchase price of an accounting software system. Offer expires 12-31-07. For more information contact Matt Cantillon at 734.395.5417 or visit To find out about other great Member-2-Member Discounts and how you can take advantage of them, visit our Member-2-Member Discount web page or you can contact Sara Tucker, Member Benefits Coordinator, at 734.214.0106. check out all of our Member-2-Member Discounts
Summers-Knoll School is offering application fee waived for Chamber members and their employees. For more information contact Admissions Coordinator, Jill Sanvordenker at 734-761-1084. |
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 Help us shape the programs provided by getDowntown to best suit your needs by participating in this survey. Questions? Please contact Nancy Shore, getDowntown Program Director at 734.214.0100. ear on the street survey Take the Ear on the Street Survey! |
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We are gearing up for the printing of the 2008 Ann Arbor Area Chamber of Commerce Business Directory. In doing so, we are working toward updating our membership database as well as selling advertising space. Advertising in the Ann Arbor Area Chamber of Commerce Business Directory is a great way to reach community leaders, business owners, residents and visitors. Each member of the Chamber receives at least one free copy of the Business Directory and community members and visitors can purchase them at our office.
New in 2008 our printed Membership Directory will be in an online, interactive format where your advertisment will be seen by our website visitors!!! If you are interested in advertising in the 2008 Business Directory or would like pricing information, please contact want more information? Sara Szabo at 734.929.0122. 2008 Directory Ad Sales Open |
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 Mark your calendars for the largest networking event of the year - The Ann Arbor Area Chamber of Commerce Year Ender presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. The Year Ender will be held at the Kensington Court - Ann Arbor from 4:30 - 7pm on Thursday, December 6th. Sponsorships are still needed to help keep this event free to all Chamber members. 
We again invite Chamber members with a food or beverage specialty to participate. For further information please contact Barbara Davenport at 734.214.0104.
Don't forget your non-perishable food donation for Food Gatherers. With the help of community donations, Food Gatherers provides enough food for more than 5,500 meals a day through more than 150 community programs each year. Current Sponsors:
Bell of the Ball
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
Shrimp:
LaSalle Bank
TDS Metrocom
NSK
The Ann Arbor News
Ann Arbor Transportation Authority
Golden Garland
Weidmayer, Schneider, Raham & Bennett
Yeo & Yeo
Silver Bell
Dykema
Crystal Goblet
Citizens Bank
Ellis, Eby, Conner, Smilie & Bourque, PLLC
Midwestern Consulting, LLC
TeL Systems
Food and Beverage:
Arbor Brewing Company
bd's mongolian barbeque
Carlyle Grill
Coffee Connection
Gordon Food Service Marketplace
Mediterrano
Weber's Inn
want more information? Sponsors needed for the 2007 Chamber Year Ender! |
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We encourage you to shop and support your fellow Chamber members. Click here to browse fellow members by category, name or by special offers on products and services that Ann Arbor Area Chamber members offer their fellow Chamber members. online membership directory Support Your Fellow Chamber Members |
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NetWorks! | |  Thursday, October 11, 2007
Conor O'Neill's
Celtic Room
318 South Main Street, Ann Arbor
11:30am - 1pm
Please pre-register by noon on Wednesday, October 10th. Speaker: Scott Huckestein, The Schakolad Chocolate Factory
"Home Grown Stories." Several times a year we present a local story of interest that we hope will inform and inspire you in your business. Understanding the background of local businesses and their owners will help you become part of the fabric of this community.
Program: Concerned with corporate layoffs and looking for a better work/life balance for their family, Scott and his wife, Dianna, opened the franchise, Schakolad Chocolate Factory, in July of 2003 on Washington street in Downtown Ann Arbor.
Schakolad Chocolate Factory is the internationally acclaimed brand for fresh, handmade European style chocolates. Their signature chocolates are prepared with the finest ingredients and presented in the time honored traditions of quality, artistry and innovation. Questions? Want to register? Contact Barbara Davenport at 734.214.0104. $25 Chamber Members / $30 Prospective Members want to register? |
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Morning Edition | |  Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Weber's Inn
3050 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor
7am - 8:45am
Please pre-register by noon on Tuesday, October 16th.
Sponsor: Yeo & Yeo  Russ Collins, Executive Director of the Michigan Theater, hosts this dynamic program designed by the Ann Arbor Area Chamber of Commerce. The purpose of this event is to keep members informed and up-to-date on vital local issues and offer an opportunity to network with fellow Chamber members.
Tim Fagan, Owner, Coach's Catastrophe Cleaning and Restoration Services
This award-winning locally owned company can remediate large fire and water damage catastrophes. They can also do a fine job of simply cleaning your carpet!
Lou Belcher, Former Ann Arbor Mayor and Recently Retired Business Owner
Ann Arbor's Mayor from 1978-1985, Lou Belcher's perspective on city politics and the rise and fall of Ann Arbor area businesses will give pause, as well as hope for our future.
 Alex Young, Managing Partner, Zingerman's Roadhouse
Chef Alex was nominated for a 2007 James Beard Foundation Award for Best Chef in the Great Lakes! Come hear what he is planning for Ann Arbor's favorite upscale diner.
 Ken Fischer, President, University Musical Society
Ken Fischer is celebrating his 20th year of guiding the U of M's internationally respected performing arts presenting organization. Come learn what the new UMS season will bring.
Questions? Contact Barbara Davenport at 734.214.0104. $25 Members / $30 Prospective Members want to register? |
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New Enterprise Forum | |  Thursday, October 18, 2007
Holiday Inn North Campus
3600 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor
5pm - 9pm
Will Your Ideas $ell To Real Customers? How to build customer desire and demand for your new product or service?
Before you invest time and money in "the next big thing," attend our October meeting and learn how customer needs & expectations, market trends, and the competitive landscape could and should inform your product development and marketing decisions.
About the Speakers:
Tom Kinnear -
Eugene Applebaum Professor of Entrepreneurial Studies, Executive Director of the Samuel Zell and Robert H. Lurie Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies, and Professor of Marketing at the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan: Tom is active in the entrepreneurial community as a co-founder, advisor, angel investor, and board member for a number of startup companies. He has worked as a marketing consultant for many top international brands.
Bhushan Kulkarni -
Founder, President, and CEO of GDI Infotech: Bhushan founded GDI in 1993, steered it through the tech bust, and today is leading the transition of the company into a top-level IT consulting company. He has received numerous recognitions for his entrepreneurial achievements and is active on local boards.
Larry Schmitt -
Founder and President of Inovo Technologies Inc.: Larry founded Inovo in 2001 as a consultancy for advancing the technologies of innovation. He has worked for and with companies that have used innovative technology to create competitive advantage for over 25 years, and has developed practical methods and tools of innovation for all types of organizations.
Moderator:
George Levy -
Executive Vice President and CFO at GDI Infotech: George has broad experience in corporate strategy and has participated in the development and growth of numerous Michigan high-tech start-ups. $20 for non-members / $5 for students want to register? |
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Special Marketing Seminar | | Special Event!
Marketing Seminar
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Location: TBD
8am - 10am
"7 Secrets to Improve Your Marketing & Get More Sales"
Presenter - Tony Rubleski, President, Mind Capture Group  Tony is the President of Mind Capture Group. His latest venture is the release of his first book titled "MIND CAPTURE: How To Generate New & Repeat Business In The Age of Advertising Overload." The book has received excellent reviews from many of the top marketing minds and thought leaders on the planet.
Questions? Contact Lindsay McCarthy at 734.214.0109. $40 Chamber members / $55 Non-members want to register? |
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MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THE NETWORKING EVENT OF THE YEAR! | | Year Ender
Thursday, December 6th, 2007
Kensington Court Ann Arbor
610 Hilton Boulevard
4:30pm-7pm
Mark your calendars because you won't want to miss out on all the fun and networking opportunities the Year Ender affords! Bring your business cards, prepare to mingle and eat as much shrimp as your heart desires.
The Year Ender is presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.
The Year Ender is a FREE event held in celebration of our members.
Only open to members.
No need to register for this event, we just ask you swing by and enjoy the party!
Don't forget your non-perishable food donation for Food Gatherers. With the help of community donations, Food Gatherers provides enough food for more than 5,500 meals a day through more than 150 community programs each year. FREE more information |
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Other Events | | Employer Opportunities in Washtenaw CountyThursday, October 18, 2007Washtenaw Community College Morris Lawrence Building Room 121 8:30am - 10:30am Business and Industry Services at Washtenaw Community College would like to invite you to a breakfast meeting to introduce you to the training and education funding and services that are available to you as an employer in Washtenaw County. Presentations will be made by WCC and our partners the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center, Ann Arbor Spark, Michigan Works! and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Program and Course Offerings- Advanced Manufacturing/ Alternative Energy - Innovation in the Workplace - Information about funding opportunities for training - Economic Development Job Training Grants - Incumbent Worker Training Grants - Employer eligibility and application processes - Other employer assistance and where to get it - No Worker Left Behind - Apprenticeships Please call 734-677-5087 or email elaineb@wccnet.e du to reserve your place by October 11, 2007. Visit www.wccnet.edu for more information. want more information? |
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Megan Turnbow, Marketing Director Ann Arbor Area Chamber of Commerce phone: 734.665.4433 |
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