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October #2 2007
  | Chamber Express | eNewsletter October Second 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 is that time of year again. We are gearing up for our 2008 Ann Arbor Business Directory and you only have until November 2nd to make sure your company is listed in this valuable resource.
If you want to be in the 2008 Ann Arbor Area Chamber Business Directory please contact Cheryl O'Brien at 734.214.0107 before November 2nd, 2007.
All members that sign up for membership after November 2nd will not be eligible for placement in the 2008 Ann Arbor Business Directory. want to join? These are the Last Days!!! Get Your Business Listed in the 2008 Business Directory |
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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 22nd to Sara Tucker discuss one of our member benefits, New Horizon's Learning Center's free technology class to new members. On Monday, Ocotber 29th, Kristie Martin, VP of Governmental Affairs, will be discussing public policy topics affecting businesses in our area. 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 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.
Jesse 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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 On Tuesday, October 16th, the Arts Alliance will kick off its countywide project to build stronger communities and preserve our high quality of life by creating a strategic plan for cultural development.
The breakfast event will take place in the Grand Ballroom of the new Student Center at Eastern Michigan University and will feature Becky Anderson of HandMade in America, an economic development agency that uses craft and heritage to spur community prosperity.
For details and to reserve your place, please contact Tamara Real, Director, The Arts Alliance. Community & Culture: Creating a Plan for Washtenaw County |
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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 (NHCLC) 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 from 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 three current Member-2-Member offers: Cyrus Interiors is currently offering Chamber members 25% off Hunter Douglas Blinds and Shades and rebates available on select products through 2007. Offer expires December 31st, 2007. For more information contact Shirley Wickman at 734.277.2176 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
Hybrid Technologies and Training Partners is offering 10% off on troubleshooting, repair and/or maintenance services exeeding one hour for business or home computers for Chamber members. For more information contact Jeff Morris at 734.621.2093 or visit www.hybridtraining.net
KeyBank is offering Chamber members the Key@Work Program where employees can enjoy a wonderful package of benefits including free checks, free small safety deposit box, loan discounts and much more! Questions? Please contact Emily O'Neal at 734.741.6615 or visit www.key.com |
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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. take the 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 Membership Directory will be in print as well as 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 4:30pm - 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
Hobbs & Black Architects
Weidmayer, Schneider, Raham & Bennett
Yeo & Yeo
Silver Bell
Dykema
Crystal Goblet
Citizens Bank
Ellis, Eby, Conner, Smilie & Bourque, PLLC
Joseph Freed & Associates
Midwestern Consulting, LLC
TeL Systems
Food and Beverage:
Arbor Brewing Company
bd's mongolian barbeque
Bearclaw Coffee Co.
Carlyle Grill
Coffee Connection
Emerald City
Gordon Food Service Marketplace
Katherines Catering & Events
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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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 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 NEF's 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. FREE to NEF Members / $20 for Prospective Members / $5 for Students want to register? |
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Special Marketing Seminar | | Special Event!
Marketing Seminar
Thursday, October 25, 2007
DTE Building's Community Room
425 South Main Street, Ann Arbor
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 Members / $55 Prospective Members want to register? |
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Member Reception | | Thursday, November 15th, 2007Legacy Law Center 2950 S. State St., Ste. 300, Ann Arbor 4pm - 6pm The Ann Arbor Area Chamber of Commerce Member Receptions are open and free to members. This quarterly event takes place at a member location so that our members can meet and mingle with each other; no registration is required don't forget to bring lots of business cards. Legacy Law Center, an estate and elder planning law firm, welcomes you to a U of M tailgating party to prepare for the upcoming U of M vs. Ohio State football game. Test your U of M vs. Ohio State rivalry trivia to win the grand prize or enjoy some traditional tailgating hors d'oeuvres and drinks. Bring a non-perishable food item for donation to Food Gatherers and help someone in need during the holiday season. The first 25 attendees will receive a special gift bag compliments of Legacy Law Center. Questions? Contact Cheryl O'Brien,Membership Director, at 734.214.0107. FREE and open only to members |
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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 | | Thursday, October 25, 2007
Michigan Theater
603 East Liberty, Ann Arbor
7:30pm
The Rape of Europa
Followed by a conversation with author Lynn Nicholas and UMMA Director James. Steward
To mark the formal conclusion of UMMA's Nazi-era provenance research project, this year's Doris Sloan Memorial Lecture presents UMMA Director James Steward on the project's findings; Lynn Nicholas, Author of The Rape of Europa; and a screening of the recent award-winning documentary of the same name based on Nicholas's book.
Questions? Please call 734.763.8662. FREE to UMMA and Michigan Theater Members / $8.50 General Admission / $6.75 Students, Seniors and U.S. Veterans 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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