June 2011
Content
My Business Advocate
Building Better Communities by Building Better Businesses
Members pay only $15 when you register 48 hours prior to registration. Late registration is only $21.00 Not-yet-members are welcome to attend and their lunch is only $21.00. If you know someone that could benefit from a Chamber Membership, invite them to come and find out what we're all about. If your guest joins the Chamber, you could be eligible for $25 in Chamber Bucks! A limited number of Showcase Tables are available to members only. Cost to Showcase is only $35 but you must be a member-ingood-standing to participate. Anyone can distribute literature, coupons or samples by registering in advance or letting us know at the registration desk the day of the event. Cost is only $15 to put your items on chairs and you do not have to be a member. Register early and save at www. southkent.org. Pay on-line when you register with Visa or MasterCard. Payment in advance is preferred. Mark your calendars on Friday, July 15 when we will be at Peppino's Pizzeria and Sports Grill, located at 1515 Eastpointe Dr SE. Just off of Kalamazoo, north of M-6 near Celebration Cinema South. June 17, 2011 from 11:30 am 1:00 pm plan to join us at 6600 28th St SE in Grand Rapids for a delicious lunch provided by Noto's Fine Italian Dining. Meet other Chamber Members and get in on some intense networking.
June 2011 Volume 31, Issue 6
Chamber Offices Relocate to 47th Street Location
On May 23rd, the WyomingKentwood Area Chamber of Commerce relocated its business office. Formerly on 32nd Street west of Eastern, the organization has moved to 921 47th Street just west of Clyde Park and south of 44th Street. The phone, fax and website information remain the same and you'll still have access to the same familiar staff faces. "The difference in the monthly cost of leasing the new location made it well worth our time and effort to relocate," assured Ken
June
Malik. "We are appreciative of D&D Construction who was a great landlord for years. As always, the Chamber strives to be good stewards of our Membership Dues Dollars." Hours of operation are as follows: Monday-Thursday, 9 am - 5 pm Janine will work 9 - Noon and Sue will be in from Noon to 5 pm. President and CEO, Ken Malik is available when needed. Contact him at 616-531-5990 or email [email protected] if you'd like to meet with him.
Highlights of Coming Events
06/03 Connected Chamber Women - noon-1:30 pm Davenport U, Caledonia
06/09 JX Peterbilt - 11 am-2pm Grand Opening, Noon ribbon cutting 06/09 Ribbon Cutting - Waterchase Apts 4-7 pm open house/grand reopening
06/17 3rd Fridays! - 11:30 am, @ Noto's Fine Italian Dining
July
07/03-09 Chamber Office Closed 07/04 Independence Day - No Government Matters Meeting 07/15 3rd Fridays! - 11:30 am, @ Peppino's Pizzeria & Sports Grill 08/15 South Kent Swing Golf Outing @ The Highlands 08/19 3rd Fridays! - 11:30 am @ Noto's Fine Italian Dining 08/26-27 Foremost Insurance 28th St Metro Cruise
Calendars on Pages 6 & 7 Log on to www.southkent.org for details Pay Event Fees On-line with Visa or MasterCard!
August
We will be back in the office at 9 am on Monday July 11. We wish all our members and their families a safe and happy Independence Day Celebration. For Certificates of Origin please call 616-534-9625 and ask for Lillian VanderVeen.
Chamber Offices will be closed July 4-8
YOUR CHAMBER MANAGEMENT
*indicates Executive Committee Member
2011 Board of Directors
2011 GRUB CRAWL – A Huge Success!
The feedback from the 200+ participants in the 2011 Grub Crawl experience held on May 19th was a huge success. Congratulations to Bob Carpenter, the Committee Chair who was voted the Volunteer of the Month (May) and to his team which was voted the Committee of the Month (May). The Chamber is very appreciative to our lead Platinum Sponsor, TDS Metrocom and to Macatawa Bank for its Copper Sponsorship.
*Kathey Batey - Priority Health/Spirited Presentations LLC, Board Chair * Rob Wells - VantagePointe Financial, Sr. Vice Chair *Ken Malik - President/CEO *Norine Mulvihill - American Diabetes Association, Past Chair *Betsy Artz - Loeks Theaters (Celebration Cinema) * Brent Holland - Chameleon Ltd *Brent Vander Kolk - Vander Kolk & Vander Kolk PLC, Legal Counsel *Richard Chrisman - Hungerford, Aldrin Nichols & Carter, Chair, Fin. & Budget Community Relations Division (Blue) *Rob Wells - Sr. Vice Chair Vic Krause - Metro Health Jerry DeGood - Auto Finance Member Relations Division (Red) Richard Chrisman - Hungerford, Aldrin, Nichols & Carter Anna Kruse - workpaths.com Bob O'Callaghan - Citadel Broadcasting Membership Development Division (Gold) *Brent Holland - Vice Chair Tommy Brann - Brann’s Steakhouse & Grille Amanda Lewis - gNetworks Financial Development Division (Green) *Betsy Artz - Vice Chair Lillian VanderVeen - Lenger Travel Services Jessica Ann Tyson - Celebration Cinema Ruth Gaudard - AT&T Ex-Officio Jack Poll - City of Wyoming, Mayor Richard Root - City of Kentwood, Mayor Curtis Holt - City of Wyoming, Manager Bill Doren - Chamber Foundation Chair
Copyright 2011 Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce 921 47th St SW Wyoming, MI 49509 Tel: 616-531-5990 - Fax: 616-531-0252 Publisher: Ken Malik, [email protected] Newsletter/Advert. Information: [email protected]
We thank the participating restaurants for being gracious hosts and for their sumptuous hors d’oeuvres. Please take the time to visit our participating restaurants: Brann's Steakhouse & Sports Grille - Cascade. Gippers, Hooters, Noto's Fine Italian Dining, Papa Vino's, Smokey Bones, Spinnaker and Sundance Grill If you or someone you know attended and did not receive an electronic feedback survey, please contact Ken Malik via e-mail ([email protected]) or by calling 616.531.5990. Watch our web site for the next big Grub Crawl Celebration of the best restaurants our area has to offer. If you'd like to be part of the planning committee for the next event, contact the Chamber at 616-531-5990.
My Business Advocate,
Building Better Communities by Building Better Businesses
2011 METRO GUIDE AVAILABLE IN A DIGITAL FORMAT
The 2011 Metro Guide can be accessed at http://www. harborhouse.com/digital/ wyoming.htm or go to www. southkent.org and click on the photo of the cover in the left column. This year's publication profiles Wyoming's and Kentwood's forward thinking business-friendly climates, their focus on education, and public services. These create safe communities to live, work and play in. The Metro Guide also contains our Membership Listing (as of the date of publication), both Alphabetically and by Buyer's Guide Categories. We have a limited number of printed copies so stop by our new location to pick one up. "I really like the new digital Metro Guide." - Eric DeHaan, Communiciations Manager, Kent District Library told us.
2011 Membership Signs are Here!
Dust off that acrylic frame. The 2011 Membership Signs are here. Contact your Chamber Ambassador or [email protected] if you still
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After all, it’s about people.
Volunteers, Golfers and Sponsors Needed for Golf Outing
We welcome your participation in this near the end of summer event as a player and/or sponsor and/or volunteer on August 15th. Yes you can play and volunteer. Most of the members of the committee look forward to playing 18 holes. Your input into this annual event would be much appreciated. There are sponsorship packages for all business budget levels. Most of them include player spots. Don't miss this chance to put your business in front of the entire field of golfers all day long! Get your business name on the carts! SPONSORSHIP DEADLINE – July 1, 2011 to BE INCLUDED IN ALL ADVERTISING Register and PAY by July 28th and cost is only $65.00 per Golfer (Save $20 but payment must be received by July 28th or you pay $85.00 per golfer). All golfer registrations must be received no later than August 8. For more information, log on at www.southkent.org or please contact Ken Malik at ken@ southkent.org or via phone at 616.531.5990.
YOUR DAY INCLUDES • • • • 18 Holes of Golf Driving Range Use Putting Contest Many more games & prizes • Lunch
August 26 & 27, 2011
Miles of cool cars and exciting events from Wyoming to Kentwood along 28th Street Friday 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm Saturday 9:00 am – 8:00 pm Visit www.metrocruise.org for complete details
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:
Title Sponsor
MEDIA PARTNERS:
August 26 & 27, 2011
Volunteer Application
Last Name: Email Address: Street Address: City/State/Zip: T-Shirt Size Age Group ____________________________________ First Name: _____________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ S 16 TO 18 M 18 TO 20 Yes Support Fri Afternoon Yes Sat Evening No L 21 TO 40 No Set Up Any Any All XL 40+ 2XL
Home Phone: ___________________________ Work Phone: __________________________ Cell: ______________________
If under the age 16, please complete Parental Consent Form and provide your age here _________ Have you worked the Metro Cruise before? Position Required Dates Available Shifts Available (4 hrs.) Security Thurs Morning If yes, what positions have you worked? _______________________________________________________________________
I am available for multiple shifts and dates.
Please list any factors (sun exposure, lifting, walking, etc) that may prevent you from performing a designated task. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ I hereby RELEASE and DISCHARGE the Metro Cruise, the Metro Cruise Committee, the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce, the City of Wyoming, the City of Kentwood and Kent County, their officers, directors, trustees, agents, representatives employees, members, managers, and volunteers or any other individuals involved in the 2011 Metro Cruise from any and all claims, damages, rights of action, or causes of action and/or any liability whatsoever, present or future, whether the same be known or unknown, anticipated or unanticipated, arising out of any accident, injury (physical or mental), sickness (physical or mental), death, damage or loss which may be sustained by me which arises out of my participation as a volunteer for Metro Cruise. I also hereby agree to indemnify and hold harmless any of the above-named entities and/or individuals from all claims, liabilities, losses, damages and expenses as incurred (including all attorney fees and court costs) relating to or arising out of the Metro Cruise event. Furthermore, I hereby WAIVE any and all liability against the Metro Cruise, the Metro Cruise Committee, the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce, the City of Wyoming, the City of Kentwood and Kent County, their officers, directors, trustees, agents, representatives, employees, members, managers, and volunteers or any other individuals involved in the 2011 Metro Cruise.
I understand THAT IF ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED IS FALSE, if I do not show up for my shifts, or if I show up for my shifts under the influence of drugs or alcohol, this will result in my immediate dismissal. I understand that any violations of the Rules of Conduct/Code of Ethics in the Volunteer Handbook could also result in my immediate dismissal as well and that any dismissal would affect the possibility of returning as a volunteer in the future. In signing this Agreement, I hereby acknowledge and represent that I have read and understand this Agreement in its entirety, and that I sign this Agreement voluntarily as my own free act and deed. I am of lawful age and legally competent to enter into this Agreement.
Signature: NOTE: We require that you provide 2 emergency contacts.
Date:
________
Name: ___________________________________________ Relationship: _________________ Home Phone: __________________ Work Phone: __________________ Cell: ______________ Name:___________________________________________ Relationship: _________________ Home Phone: __________________ Work Phone: __________________ Cell: ______________
Return this form to: Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce 921 32nd StSt SW 590 47th SE Wyoming, MI 49509 Wyoming MI 49548 Fax: 616-531-0252 Email: [email protected]
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Sun
Mon
Tue
June 2011
Wed
1 2
Thu
Fri
3Noon - 1:30 4
pm Connected Chamber Women @Davenport, Caledonia Campus
Sat
Chamber Office Hours Monday -Thursday 8am - 5pm Closed Friday
5
6
Noon Gov Matters @ Chamber
7
8
9 11am - 2 pm
10
11
4 pm Ambassadors
JX Peterbuilt Grand Opening 4-7 p Waterchase Apartments Ribbon Cutting
12
13
8 am Gov Matters at Kentwood City Hall
14
15
4 pm Finance 5 pm Executive Committee
16
17
11:30 am 3rd Fridays! @ Noto's JULY NEWSLETTER DEADLINE
18
19
20
21
Noon Santa Parade Committee @ Chamber Office
22
10 am 3rd Fri! Planning Committee at The HInman Group, 2851 Charlevoix Dr SE, Ste 208
23
Board Mtg 11:30 am Brann's
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
Noon - 2 pm Maranda's Park Party @ Lsmsr Park, Wyoming
Whooom..... .....Do You Know That Should Be a Member?
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Sun
Mon
Tue
July 2011
Wed
Thu
1
Fri
2
Sat
Chamber Office Hours Monday -Thursday 8am - 5pm Closed Friday
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Chamber Office Closed
10 11
8 am Gov Matters at Wyoming City Hall
12
13
14
15
11:30 am 3rd Fridays! Peppino's Pizza AUGUST NEWSLETTER DEADLINE
16
17
18
19
20
24
25
26
27
10 am 3rd Fri! Planning at The HInman Group, 2851 Charlevoix Dr SE, Ste 208 4 pm Finance 5 pm Exec Committee
21
22
23
28
Board Mtg 11:30 am Brann's
29
30
31
[email protected] for more info
New Member Breakfast Orientation for Most Recent Members
27 people including 16 new members attended the May 17th Breakfast hosted at the Comfort Suites South – thanks to Chris Fuller, General Manager, for the great venue. Ken Malik welcomed the new members and outlined many opportunities that our members can take advantage of to grow their businesses. Several of our Committees (Ambassadors; New Member Breakfast, Metro Cruise) outlined volunteer opportunities to become further engaged in the Chamber. Skip Knapp reinforced how his involvement in the Chamber helped him with his business – thanks to Skip for his enthusiastic presentation. Please join Karen Brittner, Comerica Bank (Chair) and the other Committee Members; (Vicky Argo, Business Leadership Network of Michigan; Sue Hoekwater, Interlogic Outsourcing, Inc.; Camille Gibson, Independent Sales Rep, Avon; Rich Wadsworth, Edward Jomes Investments; and Chris Fuller, Comfort Suites, South) on June 21st @ 4:00 pm @ the Comfort Suites South to discuss the next New Member Breakfast scheduled for August 16th at 7:30 am. The location will be announced in the July Newsletter.
Lunch with Legislators - Monday, Oct 24
Mark your calendar for our Annual South Kent Regional Legislative Luncheon on Monday, October 24 at the Hilton Grand Rapids Airport Hotel. We encourage you to attend and engage with our elected officials from all levels of government. We're inviting elected officials from local, county, state and federal offices. We will also have a well known keynote speaker who will address issues of current concern. The speaker will be announced on our website www.southkent.org and in a future issue of My Business Advocate. Registration for this event will be opening soon. Check back at www.southkent.org to register and pay on-line with your Visa or MasterCard beginning in July In the meantime, invite anyone you know that would like to take advantage of this opportunity.
Remember, businesses don't vote. This is your Important Sidebar! chance to have a voice with LOOK FOR TAPED INTERVIEWS OF your elected officials.
We thank our first two sponsors AT&T & Metro Health Hospital, for their continuing support of our luncheon. Sponsorship packages are available for any business budget. Don't miss the opportunity to support this very worthwhile event. Sponsorships for this very important Chamber Meeting are available and affordable for any business budget. Many of the packages offered include reservations for lunch. Impress your business acquaintances with whom you know. Let them know the Chamber cares about their business. For more information log on to www. southkent.org or email ken@ southkent.org.
CITY OF KENTWOOD COMMISSION CANDIDATES - ON OUR NEW WEBSITE BY LATE JUNE. PRIMARY ELECTION IS TUESDAY, AUGUST 2.
WKTV will be taping interviews with the City of Kentwood Commission Candidates. Each Candidate will be asked several questions regarding their qualifications and their potential contributions to the community in 5 – 7 minutes. Be an informed citizen so you can make the best choice on election day. Watch our website for the interviews and when they are posted, we'll publish the link at www.southkent.org.
Kentwood/WKACC Forum a Huge Success
The City of Kentwood and the WyomingKentwood Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a May Forum of Business Critical Issues & Opportunities that was well attended. Our keynote speaker, Win Irwin, Owner and CEO of Irwin Seating and the four panels informed an audience of business owners and elected officials on a wide range of critical business issues including: • global operational issues, • profitable sustainability initiatives, • • • health care challenges, technical talent recruiting tips and an update on the State Budget.
We are grateful to our sponsors, Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone, P.L.C., Express Employment Professionals and ARCPoint, for making the Forum possible. Please plan on attending our next Business Forums which will be announced on our web site.
The City of Kentwood and the WyomingKentwood Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a Forum of Business Critical Issues & Opportunities on May 11th at the Kentwood City Library.
Despite Sunny Weather Santa Parade Planning Underway
Although we are looking forward to enjoying a few months of summer fun, Chris Fuller, Manager at Comfort Suites, South and Chair of the Santa Parade Committee, and his team will continue meeting to plan our Annual Wyoming-Kentwood Santa Parade. They would like to invite you to sit in on their next meeting on June 21st at Noon at the new Chamber office. The Committee will be meeting to continue planning this year’s parade down Division Avenue and would love your input. This year's parade will be held on Saturday, December 3 at 10 am. The parade steps off onto South Division Avenue at 34th Street, from the parking lot at the 34th Street Mall (formerly Hope Network) and proceeds southbound ending at Brann’s Steakhouse & Grille with Santa greeting all the children who want to put in their toy requests.
Bring your camera and take a picture with Santa himself at Brann's!
What can your business do to be a part of this community event? There are several ways you and your employees can participate. We welcome your involvement in this Holiday event as a participant and/or sponsor and/or Committee volunteer. Log on at www.southkent.org for more information or contact Ken Malik at [email protected] or via phone at 616.531.5990 for more information.
WKACC and the Kids Welcome Santa to town with his very own parade!
Entrepreneurs Likely to Lose Tax Break
In the last ten years the majority of job creation has directly come from newly formed small businesses, many of which are in the hardest hit areas of the nation. One positive aspect of the Small Business Jobs Act was that it gave entrepreneurs a leg up by allowing them to make an impact on their bottom line with a full health insurance deduction. The 2010 Small Business Jobs Act allowed self-employed individuals the ability to deduct their health insurance premium costs on last year’s taxes. However, this may be short-lived as there are two bills currently on the floor of Congress. One bill may extend this tax break permanently for small business owners, while the other may remove it entirely, citing the home office deduction. Which one wins depends on several factors, including the push for a more level playing field between the self-employed and traditionally employed individuals who already benefit from having their health insurance premiums deducted on a pre-tax basis.
“We have to shift our focus on helping businesses at the start up.” Kristie Arslan
Early in May, Kristie Arslan, the proactive executive director of the National Association for the SelfEmployed (NACE), spent time in Washington lobbying for the extension of section 2042 of the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010. Hoping to get a positive response from senators who are champions for the small business community, she is determined to make sure that freelancers and entrepreneurs get a fair break. “Our current policy isn’t focused on new businesses and only when they are successful are we going to give them preferential tax treatment through tax deductions,” Arslan stated. According to the Joint Committee on Taxation, the Small Business Jobs Act saved an estimated $1.9 billion just in
2010 alone. For many small business owners, these savings were considered to be more desirable than even the home office deduction that has been around for some time. A survey conducted by the Small Business Administration earlier this year indicates that less than half of all small businesses claimed the generous $1,500 home office deduction for fear of being audited or because they didn’t want to deal with the complexity of filing for it in the first place. The health insurance premium deduction made a bigger impact with self-employed individuals as a whole. What will Congress do when faced with a steep deficit in the USA right now? If we are to see any positive changes in the economy and a way to cope with the overwhelming debt that the United States has found itself in, we must do what it takes to back bills that protect the well-being of the small business community. Look for a continued gridlock as lawmakers squabble over this dilemma in the coming
elections.
Express Employment Professionals' Simulcast Communicated Leadership Principles
Express Employment Professional’s Simulcast, held on May 18, at the new Davenport Sneden Center attracted over 120 professionals who listened to Ken Blanchard, Peyton Manning and Walter Bond convey a host of leadership principles that, when applied to their business, will lead to profitable business growth. Our Chamber proudly copromoted this Professional Development event and we are grateful to the generosity of the attendees in donating to our Chamber Foundation which will invest the money in local educational programs.
We'll have more opportunities if you missed this one.
Watch our website for the next Professional Development event scheduled for October 27th. Details will be posted at www.southkent.org and in My Business Advocate as they become available. We welcome volunteers to assist our Committee Chair, Katie Miller from gNetworks, in planning this and future Professional Development programs that will help you grow your business. If you have a specific topic of interest or are interested in
doing a presentation for our membership on a topic that will promote business growth, leadership development, or other business building skill, please let Katie Miller know. You may contact Katie at gNetworks, 616-451-8869 Ext. 611 or email her at kmiller@ gnetworks.com.
Board Executives meet monthly and select the Outstanding Volunteer of the Month for their effort and results on behalf of WKACC.
Member Spotlight
Renewing Members
Alliance for Health Amerikam, Inc. Animal Medical Center Of Wyoming B C Hunter Engineering, Inc. Costco - Wyoming Franklin Press, Inc Gebbens Management, Inc. Kerkstra Portable Restroom Service, Inc. Lenger Travel Center, Inc. Main Street Pub - Wyoming Maple Hill Golf Course My Personal Credit Union Pines Golf Course Priority Construction Inc. Sonrise Clippers, LLC Spirited Presentations Travelodge Whispering Springs Condominium #1 William F. Idema X-Rite YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids ZZ Performance
May Volunteer of the Month
Bob Carpenter - Kentwood Rotary is our May Volunteer of the Month. Bob is an active Chamber Ambassador as well as the Chairperson for our 2011 Grub Crawl Committee. We would like to take this opportunity to thank him for volunteering his time. Our 2011 Grub Crawl was a huge success.
Congratulations to our Grub Crawl Committee. The 2011 Grub Crawl was a huge success. This hard working Committee planned a great evening and the event nearly sold out. Over 200 people took advantage of this great opportunity to sample some of the best our local eateries have to offer. The whole evening was the result of months of hard work by the following members: Bob Carpenter - Kentwood Rotary Katie Pyle - Grand Office Supply, Ame Seymour - Flagstar Bank Carolyn Foote - Macatawa Bank Lindsey Simmons - Restaurant Partners and Cyndi Sullivan.
May Committee of the Month
Firestone, Corky Thorstein - 616-957-5977 Higher Health Chiropractic, Eric Kowalke - 616-401-2803 John De Bruin Painting, Inc., John DeBruin - 616-554-9413 JX Peterbilt – GR, Larry Raspor - 616-532-3654 Senator Dave Hildenbrand - 517-373-1801 TDS Metrocom, Catherine Sionkowski - 734-838-1925 Team Trivia of Michigan, Dale Schumaker - 616-886-0417
Welcome New Members
June 3, 2011 Connected Chamber Women
Women from all over West Michigan met on June 3rd to hear Kathey Batey from Spirited Presentations and Chair of the 2011 WKACC Board of Directors, speak on opportunities to LAUGH, LEARN AND LAVISH. The event was a huge success. Watch future issues of My Business Advocate and our event calendar at www. southkent.org for future Connected Chamber Women events.
Watch this spot for resources for local workshops, seminars and organizations that can help you grow and expand your customer base and/or your business. If we hear about it, so will you.
1. Check out the interesting article in the May 31st USA Today where successful entrepreneurs give advise to three small businesses that share challenges that may be similar to those your business may face. See if their advise is applicable to your business: http://www.usatoday.com/money/smallbusiness/2011-0530-challenge-marketing_n.htm 2. June 14th in Muskegon, there are two free seminars on “Finding your way to the General Services Administration (GSA)” and “Effective Techniques for Selling to the Government”. If you would like to learn more about selling to the GSA, check out these two opportunities. For more information, contact Marcia Holmes at [email protected] or by phone at (231) 722-7700. 3. Submissions should be sent to [email protected] or [email protected] for consideration at least 6 weeks prior to desired publication month. Contact us by phone at 616-531-5990.
EDUCATIONAL CORNER - Business Building Resources
Let us know how YOUR Business is building better communities. Submit community improvement project announcements to [email protected]. Subject to space availability.
Community Connections
City of Wyoming Clean Water Plant Receives Clean Corporate Citizen Award from
the State of Michigan. On May 26, the City of Wyoming’s Clean Water Plant accepted the Clean Corporate Citizen award from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. The Clean Water Plant received the news in Feb. that it had been designated as the first Michigan municipal treatment facility to be accepted as a Clean Corporate Citizen. The award recognizes the outstanding staff dedication and overall employee culture of striving for excellence in all aspects of its operations and environmental programs. Please be advised that the City of Wyoming will no longer be supporting the email address extension of @ci.wyoming.mi.us after June 30, 2011. The old email extension will be replaced with @wyomingmi.gov. Please update your contacts lists, e-newsletters distributions, etc.
Splash into Summer with Day Camp at the Kroc - The Ray and Joan Kroc
Corp Community Center is introducing a new day camp in Grand Rapids that starts June 13 offering 11 themed weeks of summer day camp opportunities for children ages 6-12 years old. Day campers will participate in exciting structured activities that are focused on each child’s spiritual, mental, physical and emotional development. Each week of the day camp will feature themes with supporting activities and end with a field trip to a local offsite adventure. If you'd like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Major Marc Johnson, please call Stephanie Denton at 616-401-9835 or e-mail at [email protected]
United Church Outreach Ministry (UCOM) - FREE--You are invited--Bring the
children--Bring all your friends--FREE "Little Red Riding Hood" Wednesday June 22 at 1pm at First (Park) Congregational United Church of Christ. It's a favorite children's story of all time "Little Red Riding Hood" set to an original 20th century musical score, and performed by the Red Barn Players. In celebration of National Summer Learning Day, UCOM and Believe 2 Become summer reading program invite everyone to Seymour Barab's delightful opera. This hour-long performance, directed by Patricia Knox Huyge, was a hit on stage for six performances at The Red Barn Theater in Saugatuck, ...and now you and all area children and adults are invited to one FREE performance. Make plans now to attend. Questions: Email bruce.roller@ UCOMgr.org.
The Wyoming Community Enrichment Commission announced their
2011 Concerts In The Park line up. The nine week long series kicks off on June 14 with singer-songwriter Carol Johnson, and concludes with the August 9 performance by The Harmonica Traditions. All concerts take place at Lamar Park and start at 7:00 p.m. They are handicap accessible, and several concerts will be signed for the hearing impaired. Concerts are free. The Wyoming Community Enrichment Commission's purpose is to offer various cultural and enrichment programs throughout the year for the citizens of Wyoming. For many years they have offered free, family-friendly Concerts In The Park on Tuesday evenings in Lamar Park.
The Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce will be
participating in Maranda's Park Party at Lamar Park located north of 28th St and West of Burlingame between Porter and Chicago Drive in Wyoming on Thursday, June 30 from Noon to 2 pm. Volunteers are welcome to come and greet the public. Last year we interacted with more than 300 kids and their parents.
Building Better Communities by Building Better Businesses
Members pay only $15 when you register 48 hours prior to registration. Late registration is only $21.00 Not-yet-members are welcome to attend and their lunch is only $21.00. If you know someone that could benefit from a Chamber Membership, invite them to come and find out what we're all about. If your guest joins the Chamber, you could be eligible for $25 in Chamber Bucks! A limited number of Showcase Tables are available to members only. Cost to Showcase is only $35 but you must be a member-ingood-standing to participate. Anyone can distribute literature, coupons or samples by registering in advance or letting us know at the registration desk the day of the event. Cost is only $15 to put your items on chairs and you do not have to be a member. Register early and save at www. southkent.org. Pay on-line when you register with Visa or MasterCard. Payment in advance is preferred. Mark your calendars on Friday, July 15 when we will be at Peppino's Pizzeria and Sports Grill, located at 1515 Eastpointe Dr SE. Just off of Kalamazoo, north of M-6 near Celebration Cinema South. June 17, 2011 from 11:30 am 1:00 pm plan to join us at 6600 28th St SE in Grand Rapids for a delicious lunch provided by Noto's Fine Italian Dining. Meet other Chamber Members and get in on some intense networking.
June 2011 Volume 31, Issue 6
Chamber Offices Relocate to 47th Street Location
On May 23rd, the WyomingKentwood Area Chamber of Commerce relocated its business office. Formerly on 32nd Street west of Eastern, the organization has moved to 921 47th Street just west of Clyde Park and south of 44th Street. The phone, fax and website information remain the same and you'll still have access to the same familiar staff faces. "The difference in the monthly cost of leasing the new location made it well worth our time and effort to relocate," assured Ken
June
Malik. "We are appreciative of D&D Construction who was a great landlord for years. As always, the Chamber strives to be good stewards of our Membership Dues Dollars." Hours of operation are as follows: Monday-Thursday, 9 am - 5 pm Janine will work 9 - Noon and Sue will be in from Noon to 5 pm. President and CEO, Ken Malik is available when needed. Contact him at 616-531-5990 or email [email protected] if you'd like to meet with him.
Highlights of Coming Events
06/03 Connected Chamber Women - noon-1:30 pm Davenport U, Caledonia
06/09 JX Peterbilt - 11 am-2pm Grand Opening, Noon ribbon cutting 06/09 Ribbon Cutting - Waterchase Apts 4-7 pm open house/grand reopening
06/17 3rd Fridays! - 11:30 am, @ Noto's Fine Italian Dining
July
07/03-09 Chamber Office Closed 07/04 Independence Day - No Government Matters Meeting 07/15 3rd Fridays! - 11:30 am, @ Peppino's Pizzeria & Sports Grill 08/15 South Kent Swing Golf Outing @ The Highlands 08/19 3rd Fridays! - 11:30 am @ Noto's Fine Italian Dining 08/26-27 Foremost Insurance 28th St Metro Cruise
Calendars on Pages 6 & 7 Log on to www.southkent.org for details Pay Event Fees On-line with Visa or MasterCard!
August
We will be back in the office at 9 am on Monday July 11. We wish all our members and their families a safe and happy Independence Day Celebration. For Certificates of Origin please call 616-534-9625 and ask for Lillian VanderVeen.
Chamber Offices will be closed July 4-8
YOUR CHAMBER MANAGEMENT
*indicates Executive Committee Member
2011 Board of Directors
2011 GRUB CRAWL – A Huge Success!
The feedback from the 200+ participants in the 2011 Grub Crawl experience held on May 19th was a huge success. Congratulations to Bob Carpenter, the Committee Chair who was voted the Volunteer of the Month (May) and to his team which was voted the Committee of the Month (May). The Chamber is very appreciative to our lead Platinum Sponsor, TDS Metrocom and to Macatawa Bank for its Copper Sponsorship.
*Kathey Batey - Priority Health/Spirited Presentations LLC, Board Chair * Rob Wells - VantagePointe Financial, Sr. Vice Chair *Ken Malik - President/CEO *Norine Mulvihill - American Diabetes Association, Past Chair *Betsy Artz - Loeks Theaters (Celebration Cinema) * Brent Holland - Chameleon Ltd *Brent Vander Kolk - Vander Kolk & Vander Kolk PLC, Legal Counsel *Richard Chrisman - Hungerford, Aldrin Nichols & Carter, Chair, Fin. & Budget Community Relations Division (Blue) *Rob Wells - Sr. Vice Chair Vic Krause - Metro Health Jerry DeGood - Auto Finance Member Relations Division (Red) Richard Chrisman - Hungerford, Aldrin, Nichols & Carter Anna Kruse - workpaths.com Bob O'Callaghan - Citadel Broadcasting Membership Development Division (Gold) *Brent Holland - Vice Chair Tommy Brann - Brann’s Steakhouse & Grille Amanda Lewis - gNetworks Financial Development Division (Green) *Betsy Artz - Vice Chair Lillian VanderVeen - Lenger Travel Services Jessica Ann Tyson - Celebration Cinema Ruth Gaudard - AT&T Ex-Officio Jack Poll - City of Wyoming, Mayor Richard Root - City of Kentwood, Mayor Curtis Holt - City of Wyoming, Manager Bill Doren - Chamber Foundation Chair
Copyright 2011 Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce 921 47th St SW Wyoming, MI 49509 Tel: 616-531-5990 - Fax: 616-531-0252 Publisher: Ken Malik, [email protected] Newsletter/Advert. Information: [email protected]
We thank the participating restaurants for being gracious hosts and for their sumptuous hors d’oeuvres. Please take the time to visit our participating restaurants: Brann's Steakhouse & Sports Grille - Cascade. Gippers, Hooters, Noto's Fine Italian Dining, Papa Vino's, Smokey Bones, Spinnaker and Sundance Grill If you or someone you know attended and did not receive an electronic feedback survey, please contact Ken Malik via e-mail ([email protected]) or by calling 616.531.5990. Watch our web site for the next big Grub Crawl Celebration of the best restaurants our area has to offer. If you'd like to be part of the planning committee for the next event, contact the Chamber at 616-531-5990.
My Business Advocate,
Building Better Communities by Building Better Businesses
2011 METRO GUIDE AVAILABLE IN A DIGITAL FORMAT
The 2011 Metro Guide can be accessed at http://www. harborhouse.com/digital/ wyoming.htm or go to www. southkent.org and click on the photo of the cover in the left column. This year's publication profiles Wyoming's and Kentwood's forward thinking business-friendly climates, their focus on education, and public services. These create safe communities to live, work and play in. The Metro Guide also contains our Membership Listing (as of the date of publication), both Alphabetically and by Buyer's Guide Categories. We have a limited number of printed copies so stop by our new location to pick one up. "I really like the new digital Metro Guide." - Eric DeHaan, Communiciations Manager, Kent District Library told us.
2011 Membership Signs are Here!
Dust off that acrylic frame. The 2011 Membership Signs are here. Contact your Chamber Ambassador or [email protected] if you still
We understand your business is not just about numbers...
It’s about people.
IOI is committed to the people we serve and making a difference. Our expertise in payroll and HR administration helps our clients achieve greater efficiencies and reduce bottom-line costs. At IOI, we strive to exceed our client’s expectations by providing the best possible products and services available. Simplify your payroll through IOI’s userfriendly web-based platform and award-winning customer service. Call 888.697.0021 or visit us at www.ioipay.com to experience the difference a partnership with IOI can make for your business today!
After all, it’s about people.
Volunteers, Golfers and Sponsors Needed for Golf Outing
We welcome your participation in this near the end of summer event as a player and/or sponsor and/or volunteer on August 15th. Yes you can play and volunteer. Most of the members of the committee look forward to playing 18 holes. Your input into this annual event would be much appreciated. There are sponsorship packages for all business budget levels. Most of them include player spots. Don't miss this chance to put your business in front of the entire field of golfers all day long! Get your business name on the carts! SPONSORSHIP DEADLINE – July 1, 2011 to BE INCLUDED IN ALL ADVERTISING Register and PAY by July 28th and cost is only $65.00 per Golfer (Save $20 but payment must be received by July 28th or you pay $85.00 per golfer). All golfer registrations must be received no later than August 8. For more information, log on at www.southkent.org or please contact Ken Malik at ken@ southkent.org or via phone at 616.531.5990.
YOUR DAY INCLUDES • • • • 18 Holes of Golf Driving Range Use Putting Contest Many more games & prizes • Lunch
August 26 & 27, 2011
Miles of cool cars and exciting events from Wyoming to Kentwood along 28th Street Friday 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm Saturday 9:00 am – 8:00 pm Visit www.metrocruise.org for complete details
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:
Title Sponsor
MEDIA PARTNERS:
August 26 & 27, 2011
Volunteer Application
Last Name: Email Address: Street Address: City/State/Zip: T-Shirt Size Age Group ____________________________________ First Name: _____________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ S 16 TO 18 M 18 TO 20 Yes Support Fri Afternoon Yes Sat Evening No L 21 TO 40 No Set Up Any Any All XL 40+ 2XL
Home Phone: ___________________________ Work Phone: __________________________ Cell: ______________________
If under the age 16, please complete Parental Consent Form and provide your age here _________ Have you worked the Metro Cruise before? Position Required Dates Available Shifts Available (4 hrs.) Security Thurs Morning If yes, what positions have you worked? _______________________________________________________________________
I am available for multiple shifts and dates.
Please list any factors (sun exposure, lifting, walking, etc) that may prevent you from performing a designated task. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ I hereby RELEASE and DISCHARGE the Metro Cruise, the Metro Cruise Committee, the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce, the City of Wyoming, the City of Kentwood and Kent County, their officers, directors, trustees, agents, representatives employees, members, managers, and volunteers or any other individuals involved in the 2011 Metro Cruise from any and all claims, damages, rights of action, or causes of action and/or any liability whatsoever, present or future, whether the same be known or unknown, anticipated or unanticipated, arising out of any accident, injury (physical or mental), sickness (physical or mental), death, damage or loss which may be sustained by me which arises out of my participation as a volunteer for Metro Cruise. I also hereby agree to indemnify and hold harmless any of the above-named entities and/or individuals from all claims, liabilities, losses, damages and expenses as incurred (including all attorney fees and court costs) relating to or arising out of the Metro Cruise event. Furthermore, I hereby WAIVE any and all liability against the Metro Cruise, the Metro Cruise Committee, the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce, the City of Wyoming, the City of Kentwood and Kent County, their officers, directors, trustees, agents, representatives, employees, members, managers, and volunteers or any other individuals involved in the 2011 Metro Cruise.
I understand THAT IF ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED IS FALSE, if I do not show up for my shifts, or if I show up for my shifts under the influence of drugs or alcohol, this will result in my immediate dismissal. I understand that any violations of the Rules of Conduct/Code of Ethics in the Volunteer Handbook could also result in my immediate dismissal as well and that any dismissal would affect the possibility of returning as a volunteer in the future. In signing this Agreement, I hereby acknowledge and represent that I have read and understand this Agreement in its entirety, and that I sign this Agreement voluntarily as my own free act and deed. I am of lawful age and legally competent to enter into this Agreement.
Signature: NOTE: We require that you provide 2 emergency contacts.
Date:
________
Name: ___________________________________________ Relationship: _________________ Home Phone: __________________ Work Phone: __________________ Cell: ______________ Name:___________________________________________ Relationship: _________________ Home Phone: __________________ Work Phone: __________________ Cell: ______________
Return this form to: Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce 921 32nd StSt SW 590 47th SE Wyoming, MI 49509 Wyoming MI 49548 Fax: 616-531-0252 Email: [email protected]
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Sun
Mon
Tue
June 2011
Wed
1 2
Thu
Fri
3Noon - 1:30 4
pm Connected Chamber Women @Davenport, Caledonia Campus
Sat
Chamber Office Hours Monday -Thursday 8am - 5pm Closed Friday
5
6
Noon Gov Matters @ Chamber
7
8
9 11am - 2 pm
10
11
4 pm Ambassadors
JX Peterbuilt Grand Opening 4-7 p Waterchase Apartments Ribbon Cutting
12
13
8 am Gov Matters at Kentwood City Hall
14
15
4 pm Finance 5 pm Executive Committee
16
17
11:30 am 3rd Fridays! @ Noto's JULY NEWSLETTER DEADLINE
18
19
20
21
Noon Santa Parade Committee @ Chamber Office
22
10 am 3rd Fri! Planning Committee at The HInman Group, 2851 Charlevoix Dr SE, Ste 208
23
Board Mtg 11:30 am Brann's
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
Noon - 2 pm Maranda's Park Party @ Lsmsr Park, Wyoming
Whooom..... .....Do You Know That Should Be a Member?
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Sun
Mon
Tue
July 2011
Wed
Thu
1
Fri
2
Sat
Chamber Office Hours Monday -Thursday 8am - 5pm Closed Friday
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Chamber Office Closed
10 11
8 am Gov Matters at Wyoming City Hall
12
13
14
15
11:30 am 3rd Fridays! Peppino's Pizza AUGUST NEWSLETTER DEADLINE
16
17
18
19
20
24
25
26
27
10 am 3rd Fri! Planning at The HInman Group, 2851 Charlevoix Dr SE, Ste 208 4 pm Finance 5 pm Exec Committee
21
22
23
28
Board Mtg 11:30 am Brann's
29
30
31
[email protected] for more info
New Member Breakfast Orientation for Most Recent Members
27 people including 16 new members attended the May 17th Breakfast hosted at the Comfort Suites South – thanks to Chris Fuller, General Manager, for the great venue. Ken Malik welcomed the new members and outlined many opportunities that our members can take advantage of to grow their businesses. Several of our Committees (Ambassadors; New Member Breakfast, Metro Cruise) outlined volunteer opportunities to become further engaged in the Chamber. Skip Knapp reinforced how his involvement in the Chamber helped him with his business – thanks to Skip for his enthusiastic presentation. Please join Karen Brittner, Comerica Bank (Chair) and the other Committee Members; (Vicky Argo, Business Leadership Network of Michigan; Sue Hoekwater, Interlogic Outsourcing, Inc.; Camille Gibson, Independent Sales Rep, Avon; Rich Wadsworth, Edward Jomes Investments; and Chris Fuller, Comfort Suites, South) on June 21st @ 4:00 pm @ the Comfort Suites South to discuss the next New Member Breakfast scheduled for August 16th at 7:30 am. The location will be announced in the July Newsletter.
Lunch with Legislators - Monday, Oct 24
Mark your calendar for our Annual South Kent Regional Legislative Luncheon on Monday, October 24 at the Hilton Grand Rapids Airport Hotel. We encourage you to attend and engage with our elected officials from all levels of government. We're inviting elected officials from local, county, state and federal offices. We will also have a well known keynote speaker who will address issues of current concern. The speaker will be announced on our website www.southkent.org and in a future issue of My Business Advocate. Registration for this event will be opening soon. Check back at www.southkent.org to register and pay on-line with your Visa or MasterCard beginning in July In the meantime, invite anyone you know that would like to take advantage of this opportunity.
Remember, businesses don't vote. This is your Important Sidebar! chance to have a voice with LOOK FOR TAPED INTERVIEWS OF your elected officials.
We thank our first two sponsors AT&T & Metro Health Hospital, for their continuing support of our luncheon. Sponsorship packages are available for any business budget. Don't miss the opportunity to support this very worthwhile event. Sponsorships for this very important Chamber Meeting are available and affordable for any business budget. Many of the packages offered include reservations for lunch. Impress your business acquaintances with whom you know. Let them know the Chamber cares about their business. For more information log on to www. southkent.org or email ken@ southkent.org.
CITY OF KENTWOOD COMMISSION CANDIDATES - ON OUR NEW WEBSITE BY LATE JUNE. PRIMARY ELECTION IS TUESDAY, AUGUST 2.
WKTV will be taping interviews with the City of Kentwood Commission Candidates. Each Candidate will be asked several questions regarding their qualifications and their potential contributions to the community in 5 – 7 minutes. Be an informed citizen so you can make the best choice on election day. Watch our website for the interviews and when they are posted, we'll publish the link at www.southkent.org.
Kentwood/WKACC Forum a Huge Success
The City of Kentwood and the WyomingKentwood Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a May Forum of Business Critical Issues & Opportunities that was well attended. Our keynote speaker, Win Irwin, Owner and CEO of Irwin Seating and the four panels informed an audience of business owners and elected officials on a wide range of critical business issues including: • global operational issues, • profitable sustainability initiatives, • • • health care challenges, technical talent recruiting tips and an update on the State Budget.
We are grateful to our sponsors, Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone, P.L.C., Express Employment Professionals and ARCPoint, for making the Forum possible. Please plan on attending our next Business Forums which will be announced on our web site.
The City of Kentwood and the WyomingKentwood Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a Forum of Business Critical Issues & Opportunities on May 11th at the Kentwood City Library.
Despite Sunny Weather Santa Parade Planning Underway
Although we are looking forward to enjoying a few months of summer fun, Chris Fuller, Manager at Comfort Suites, South and Chair of the Santa Parade Committee, and his team will continue meeting to plan our Annual Wyoming-Kentwood Santa Parade. They would like to invite you to sit in on their next meeting on June 21st at Noon at the new Chamber office. The Committee will be meeting to continue planning this year’s parade down Division Avenue and would love your input. This year's parade will be held on Saturday, December 3 at 10 am. The parade steps off onto South Division Avenue at 34th Street, from the parking lot at the 34th Street Mall (formerly Hope Network) and proceeds southbound ending at Brann’s Steakhouse & Grille with Santa greeting all the children who want to put in their toy requests.
Bring your camera and take a picture with Santa himself at Brann's!
What can your business do to be a part of this community event? There are several ways you and your employees can participate. We welcome your involvement in this Holiday event as a participant and/or sponsor and/or Committee volunteer. Log on at www.southkent.org for more information or contact Ken Malik at [email protected] or via phone at 616.531.5990 for more information.
WKACC and the Kids Welcome Santa to town with his very own parade!
Entrepreneurs Likely to Lose Tax Break
In the last ten years the majority of job creation has directly come from newly formed small businesses, many of which are in the hardest hit areas of the nation. One positive aspect of the Small Business Jobs Act was that it gave entrepreneurs a leg up by allowing them to make an impact on their bottom line with a full health insurance deduction. The 2010 Small Business Jobs Act allowed self-employed individuals the ability to deduct their health insurance premium costs on last year’s taxes. However, this may be short-lived as there are two bills currently on the floor of Congress. One bill may extend this tax break permanently for small business owners, while the other may remove it entirely, citing the home office deduction. Which one wins depends on several factors, including the push for a more level playing field between the self-employed and traditionally employed individuals who already benefit from having their health insurance premiums deducted on a pre-tax basis.
“We have to shift our focus on helping businesses at the start up.” Kristie Arslan
Early in May, Kristie Arslan, the proactive executive director of the National Association for the SelfEmployed (NACE), spent time in Washington lobbying for the extension of section 2042 of the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010. Hoping to get a positive response from senators who are champions for the small business community, she is determined to make sure that freelancers and entrepreneurs get a fair break. “Our current policy isn’t focused on new businesses and only when they are successful are we going to give them preferential tax treatment through tax deductions,” Arslan stated. According to the Joint Committee on Taxation, the Small Business Jobs Act saved an estimated $1.9 billion just in
2010 alone. For many small business owners, these savings were considered to be more desirable than even the home office deduction that has been around for some time. A survey conducted by the Small Business Administration earlier this year indicates that less than half of all small businesses claimed the generous $1,500 home office deduction for fear of being audited or because they didn’t want to deal with the complexity of filing for it in the first place. The health insurance premium deduction made a bigger impact with self-employed individuals as a whole. What will Congress do when faced with a steep deficit in the USA right now? If we are to see any positive changes in the economy and a way to cope with the overwhelming debt that the United States has found itself in, we must do what it takes to back bills that protect the well-being of the small business community. Look for a continued gridlock as lawmakers squabble over this dilemma in the coming
elections.
Express Employment Professionals' Simulcast Communicated Leadership Principles
Express Employment Professional’s Simulcast, held on May 18, at the new Davenport Sneden Center attracted over 120 professionals who listened to Ken Blanchard, Peyton Manning and Walter Bond convey a host of leadership principles that, when applied to their business, will lead to profitable business growth. Our Chamber proudly copromoted this Professional Development event and we are grateful to the generosity of the attendees in donating to our Chamber Foundation which will invest the money in local educational programs.
We'll have more opportunities if you missed this one.
Watch our website for the next Professional Development event scheduled for October 27th. Details will be posted at www.southkent.org and in My Business Advocate as they become available. We welcome volunteers to assist our Committee Chair, Katie Miller from gNetworks, in planning this and future Professional Development programs that will help you grow your business. If you have a specific topic of interest or are interested in
doing a presentation for our membership on a topic that will promote business growth, leadership development, or other business building skill, please let Katie Miller know. You may contact Katie at gNetworks, 616-451-8869 Ext. 611 or email her at kmiller@ gnetworks.com.
Board Executives meet monthly and select the Outstanding Volunteer of the Month for their effort and results on behalf of WKACC.
Member Spotlight
Renewing Members
Alliance for Health Amerikam, Inc. Animal Medical Center Of Wyoming B C Hunter Engineering, Inc. Costco - Wyoming Franklin Press, Inc Gebbens Management, Inc. Kerkstra Portable Restroom Service, Inc. Lenger Travel Center, Inc. Main Street Pub - Wyoming Maple Hill Golf Course My Personal Credit Union Pines Golf Course Priority Construction Inc. Sonrise Clippers, LLC Spirited Presentations Travelodge Whispering Springs Condominium #1 William F. Idema X-Rite YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids ZZ Performance
May Volunteer of the Month
Bob Carpenter - Kentwood Rotary is our May Volunteer of the Month. Bob is an active Chamber Ambassador as well as the Chairperson for our 2011 Grub Crawl Committee. We would like to take this opportunity to thank him for volunteering his time. Our 2011 Grub Crawl was a huge success.
Congratulations to our Grub Crawl Committee. The 2011 Grub Crawl was a huge success. This hard working Committee planned a great evening and the event nearly sold out. Over 200 people took advantage of this great opportunity to sample some of the best our local eateries have to offer. The whole evening was the result of months of hard work by the following members: Bob Carpenter - Kentwood Rotary Katie Pyle - Grand Office Supply, Ame Seymour - Flagstar Bank Carolyn Foote - Macatawa Bank Lindsey Simmons - Restaurant Partners and Cyndi Sullivan.
May Committee of the Month
Firestone, Corky Thorstein - 616-957-5977 Higher Health Chiropractic, Eric Kowalke - 616-401-2803 John De Bruin Painting, Inc., John DeBruin - 616-554-9413 JX Peterbilt – GR, Larry Raspor - 616-532-3654 Senator Dave Hildenbrand - 517-373-1801 TDS Metrocom, Catherine Sionkowski - 734-838-1925 Team Trivia of Michigan, Dale Schumaker - 616-886-0417
Welcome New Members
June 3, 2011 Connected Chamber Women
Women from all over West Michigan met on June 3rd to hear Kathey Batey from Spirited Presentations and Chair of the 2011 WKACC Board of Directors, speak on opportunities to LAUGH, LEARN AND LAVISH. The event was a huge success. Watch future issues of My Business Advocate and our event calendar at www. southkent.org for future Connected Chamber Women events.
Watch this spot for resources for local workshops, seminars and organizations that can help you grow and expand your customer base and/or your business. If we hear about it, so will you.
1. Check out the interesting article in the May 31st USA Today where successful entrepreneurs give advise to three small businesses that share challenges that may be similar to those your business may face. See if their advise is applicable to your business: http://www.usatoday.com/money/smallbusiness/2011-0530-challenge-marketing_n.htm 2. June 14th in Muskegon, there are two free seminars on “Finding your way to the General Services Administration (GSA)” and “Effective Techniques for Selling to the Government”. If you would like to learn more about selling to the GSA, check out these two opportunities. For more information, contact Marcia Holmes at [email protected] or by phone at (231) 722-7700. 3. Submissions should be sent to [email protected] or [email protected] for consideration at least 6 weeks prior to desired publication month. Contact us by phone at 616-531-5990.
EDUCATIONAL CORNER - Business Building Resources
Let us know how YOUR Business is building better communities. Submit community improvement project announcements to [email protected]. Subject to space availability.
Community Connections
City of Wyoming Clean Water Plant Receives Clean Corporate Citizen Award from
the State of Michigan. On May 26, the City of Wyoming’s Clean Water Plant accepted the Clean Corporate Citizen award from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. The Clean Water Plant received the news in Feb. that it had been designated as the first Michigan municipal treatment facility to be accepted as a Clean Corporate Citizen. The award recognizes the outstanding staff dedication and overall employee culture of striving for excellence in all aspects of its operations and environmental programs. Please be advised that the City of Wyoming will no longer be supporting the email address extension of @ci.wyoming.mi.us after June 30, 2011. The old email extension will be replaced with @wyomingmi.gov. Please update your contacts lists, e-newsletters distributions, etc.
Splash into Summer with Day Camp at the Kroc - The Ray and Joan Kroc
Corp Community Center is introducing a new day camp in Grand Rapids that starts June 13 offering 11 themed weeks of summer day camp opportunities for children ages 6-12 years old. Day campers will participate in exciting structured activities that are focused on each child’s spiritual, mental, physical and emotional development. Each week of the day camp will feature themes with supporting activities and end with a field trip to a local offsite adventure. If you'd like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Major Marc Johnson, please call Stephanie Denton at 616-401-9835 or e-mail at [email protected]
United Church Outreach Ministry (UCOM) - FREE--You are invited--Bring the
children--Bring all your friends--FREE "Little Red Riding Hood" Wednesday June 22 at 1pm at First (Park) Congregational United Church of Christ. It's a favorite children's story of all time "Little Red Riding Hood" set to an original 20th century musical score, and performed by the Red Barn Players. In celebration of National Summer Learning Day, UCOM and Believe 2 Become summer reading program invite everyone to Seymour Barab's delightful opera. This hour-long performance, directed by Patricia Knox Huyge, was a hit on stage for six performances at The Red Barn Theater in Saugatuck, ...and now you and all area children and adults are invited to one FREE performance. Make plans now to attend. Questions: Email bruce.roller@ UCOMgr.org.
The Wyoming Community Enrichment Commission announced their
2011 Concerts In The Park line up. The nine week long series kicks off on June 14 with singer-songwriter Carol Johnson, and concludes with the August 9 performance by The Harmonica Traditions. All concerts take place at Lamar Park and start at 7:00 p.m. They are handicap accessible, and several concerts will be signed for the hearing impaired. Concerts are free. The Wyoming Community Enrichment Commission's purpose is to offer various cultural and enrichment programs throughout the year for the citizens of Wyoming. For many years they have offered free, family-friendly Concerts In The Park on Tuesday evenings in Lamar Park.
The Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce will be
participating in Maranda's Park Party at Lamar Park located north of 28th St and West of Burlingame between Porter and Chicago Drive in Wyoming on Thursday, June 30 from Noon to 2 pm. Volunteers are welcome to come and greet the public. Last year we interacted with more than 300 kids and their parents.
