9 4 hamber jackson county chamber of commerce 2011 · 6 steps to a knockout presentation knowledge...

Jacksonchamber.org april 2011 Chamber News 1

CHAMBER 2011Jackson county chamber of commerce

“Step by Step: A Healthier Jackson Starts with You!”

changes in taxation and fiscal policy are certain and we need

to be active participants in deter-mining what those changes will be.

There are several issues on the near-term political scene that need your attention:

First, michigan’s declining popu-lation has spurred the redrawing of political boundaries, leading to a loss of one of michigan’s U.s. congres-sional districts. The significance of this move will create a definite loss of michigan’s legislative influence in both Washington and lansing. We need to make sure that Jackson does not lose representation.

second, a bill changing the condi-tions of a state takeover of munici-pal governmental units will establish new, and probably much more pow-erful, limits of authority for the state appointed “czars.”

Third, changes to pa312 are likely to be considered, changes that may range from outright repeal to dra-matic modification. The question is, what is best for our community and state as a whole?

The chamber actively fights for your business by tracking and lob-

bying for issues like these and others.

Your chamber is a voice you can utilize, and it can become a “bullhorn” for your voice. For

more informa-tion and to get in-

volved, contact min-dy at (517) 782-8221

or [email protected].~Dale moreTz

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Chamber Fights for Your Business

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page4 page5 page8 page9KNowLedge is power 6 Steps to a Knockout Presentation

KNowLedge is powerThe Value of Proper Lighting

LoCaL ViewpoiNt May 3rd City of Jackson Special Election

goVerNmeNt reLatioNs Strategy and Fiscal Responsibility

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The Health Improvement Organization (HIO) is a collaborative of more than 30

organizations, founded by Allegiance Health, working together to make Jackson healthier. In 2008 the HIO put together a survey that revealed: 7 out of 10 adults are overweight or obese; 15% of adults have been diagnosed with depression; and more than one quarter of adults (27%) are smokers.

So what is the HIO going to help the com-munity do about it?! The HIO is asking the en-tire community to join forces in “stepping up” to the challenge ahead!

A new community wellness initiative, “Step by Step: A Healthier Jackson Starts with You!” will launch this spring. Step by Step will work closely with Jackson residents to provide the tools and information needed for healthier liv-ing. We are planning an interactive website, the “Every Step Counts” Community Wellness Challenge and numerous community events.

The best part is that Step by Step is focused on the special places and opportunities that are available right here in Jackson County, Michi-gan. So whether you are taking your first step or nearing the finish line - Step by Step has some-thing just for you!

There are so many ways to build a healthier life. Where do you begin? We’ve divided well-ness into these four categories, making it easier for you to decide where to take your next step: Physical activity, Nutrition, Emotional Well-ness and Smoke-Free Living.

“Every Step Counts” Community Well-ness Challenge is a unique health and wellness program that focuses on education, motivation

and personal achievement. By bringing together teams of friends, families, businesses and com-munities alike, Every Step Counts helps members create a lifestyle of healthy habits. The challenge officially begins on May 1st and includes oppor-tunities for both individuals and teams to partici-pate. The HIO will officially launch Step by Step at a free community wide kick-off event on April 30th from 11am until 2pm at the Middle School at Parkside Field House. The Kick-Off will be fun for the entire family and include food tastings, fit-ness demos, games, massages, health screenings and much more! Stay tuned to our website, news-letters like this, and other community postings to find out what other events will happen in your neighborhood.

Please visit our website at www.mystepbystep.org to find out what we have planned for you and what steps you can take today!

For more information or to get involved, please contact Jaye Clement, Community Health Coor-dinator at Allegiance Health, at [email protected] or 517.841.7425.

*Content written by outside sources do not reflect the views & opinions of the Chamber.

Congratulations to allegiance health—recipient of the “Foster g. mcgaw prize.”

2 Chamber News april 2011 Jacksonchamber.org

chamberstaFF

execUTiVeCommittee

boarDoFDirecTors

PrESidENt/CEOMindy Bradish-Orta | [email protected] COOrdiNatOr Angela Machnik | [email protected] & HumaN rESOurCES Mary Schuessler | [email protected] COOrdiNatOr Melissa Jaakkola | [email protected] & COmmuNiCatiONS COOrdiNatOr Susan Franck | [email protected] & admiNiStrativE aSSiStaNt Jennie Hill | [email protected] QuESt ExtErN Ann Radziewicz

Jeff AnderSon | J. Jeffrey Anderson & AssociatesBrad BrelinSki | Curtis & Curtis, P.C.AdAm Brown | Jackson CountywendY Clifton | A frame Abovefreddie dAnCY | AflACJeff edwArdS | Spring Arbor UniversitySAraH ermAtinger | CP federal Credit UnionSCott fleming | enterprise grouptom graCe | maverick industriesSAraH HArtzler | South Central michigan works!BArt HAwleY | JtV miCHAel kHoUri | Commercial exchangemArtin lozier | Aymond, lozier & Arora, PlCSAmmie lUkaSkiewiCz | michigan international SpeedwaydAn mAletiCH | Comerica BankCHAd noBle | Allegiance Healthteri ogg | manpower ServiceswArren renAndo | City of JacksonJAnet roCHefort | Jackson County CVBCraig tAPleY | kellogg Crankshaftken toll | United way of Jackson CountyJoHn wAldron | County national Bank

CHair Dale Moretz | Moretz TechnologiesviCE CHair Mike Jones | Consumers EnergyimmEdiatE PaSt CHairmaN Paul Buchholz | Lloyd Ganton Retirement CenterstrEaSurEr Tom Shemanski | NorthStar Capital, LLCSECrEtary Aaron Boatin | Ambs Call Centerat-LargE Karyn Clow | Orthopaedic Rehab Specialists, P.C. Dan Machnik | Willis & Machnik Financial Services Bob Michaels | RJ Michaels, Inc.

1-11-11 – Hugo’s Bar & Grill , Grand Opening Celebration. 501 Longfellow Drive, Jackson 49203

3-7-11 – Red Pop-Up Gallery, Benefiting the American Red Cross . Courtland Street, Jackson 49201

3-10-11 – Grace Academic Services, Grand Opening Open House. 936 Fleming Avenue, Jackson 49202

3-9-11 Coffee at the Chamber is a FREE early morning networking event that is held quarterly. Coffee & breakfast fare is provided by the Jackson Coffee Co.

2-17-11 Business After Hours at John Ganton’s Countryside - A Planned Adult Community had over 50 chamber members in attendance!

3-15-11 Michael Khouri gave a motivational presentation on taking ownership of your market, environment and management challenges at the Country Club of Jackson.

boarDoFgoVernorsAllen SPieSS, Jr. | kellogg Crankshaftdr. dAniel J. PHelAn | Jackson Community CollegeJoHn CriSt | CP federal Credit UnionlindA fUrgASon | Avis rent A CarPHiliP dUPUiS | duPuis et fils Jewelers, inc.PHiliP m. moilAnen | marcoux, Allen, Schomer, Bower, nichols, kendall, & lindseyUnionSAndY mAeS | Allegiance HealthSteVen PAtCH | The lally groupSUe goldSen | Jackson radio works

3-8-11 The 2011 Restaurant Rally once again sold out! 350 community members, 12 restaurants and 6 Jackson Public School busses combined to make this our biggest and best event ever. The proceeds go to help fund the 2012 Statewide Ambassadors Conference here in Jackson.

what has the Chamber done for you?


aDVerTisersiNdexA Frame Above ..................................................................................................................................................... Page 4

Comtronics ............................................................................................................................................................. Page 12

CP Federal Credit Union ................................................................................................................................ Page 7

Jackson Community College ....................................................................................................................... Page 8

Lloyd Ganton Retirement Centers ............................................................................................................ Page 6

RJM .............................................................................................................................................................................

Spring into ActionSpring is in the air. All the sights and sounds

of the earth coming alive with new growth, lifts the spirit. With the passing of winter, the old dead rubble and trash on the sides of the road stand out. With all the possibilities for new growth, I find it motivating to clean up the dead stuff so the new can stand out.

During April there are many groups organiz-ing clean ups in our community, especially with Earth Day towards the end of the month. Sched-ule time now to join in on the camaraderie and good feelings of making Jackson look fresh and new. It will build community pride and our visi-tors will notice what a nice town we have.

Spring is also a time of fresh attitudes, fresh starts and approaches. It’s time to clean up and clear out the accumulated clutter of the last few months. Clean your desk top off and reorganized your area, look through the office work space and brighten it up, determine to live healthier to feel energized or go after a personal goal to communicate better so that when you speak up your audience will be motivated to action.

We have a lot to be proud of in Jackson and sometimes we need to look up and see it with fresh eyes to realize it. For example, take a look at own Allegiance Health and all that they are be-coming and bringing to our community. Their most recent award, in a long string of awards, is the American Hospital Association’s highest recognition for community service and is given to only one hospital in the United States!

We have hundreds of nonprofits that are ad-vocating for a cause and ensuring our quality of life. According to the Nonprofit Network, there are more than 6300 people employed in non-profits and these nonprofits pump $531 million a year into our economy- just here in Jackson. Our community is a very giving community.

Our parks, lakes and recreational opportuni-ties are overwhelmingly abundant for a com-munity our size. We have a community calen-dar with a listing of all the good things going on in Jackson County. EVERYONE can post on this calendar - for FREE - and it is advertised in 3 states. Go to www.VisitJacksonMi.com to post YOUR events.

These are just a few of our community assets and they are all worth fighting for. Sometimes it feels like a fight when we have so many econom-ic challenges facing us. However, we can work through these challenges together by speaking up, advocating and pitching in to help. When we look up and envision the potential for new growth, rolling up our sleeves to clear the way is easier. Now is the time to spring into action.

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Printing and Mailing by Great Lakes Graphics


KNowLedge is power

Six Steps to a knockout PresentationThe worst speech you

ever heard was given by someone who was not afraid to speak in public. Though many people are deathly afraid of public speaking, the ones who bore you to death are people who cannot write and deliver an interesting speech. When that hap-pens, everybody loses. The speaker loses the respect of the audience, the desired effect of the speech & po-tential for change is nulli-fied. It was a waste of time for both sides.

So how do you create such a speech? The follow-ing steps and tips will help you give a presentation that not only entertains but helps to obtain your objectives.

Step 1-determine your objective. If you want to build a house, your first step is to look at plan books to find a design you like. Plan books start with a picture of the finished house complete with landscaping and window dressings. Like a house plan your speech should start with a finished prod-uct in mind. Determine what you want to happen as a result of your speech. Write this objective down in detail. When you have determined your objective, you can then build the foundation.

Step 2-most speakers use the basic tell ‘em what you’re going to tell em, tell ‘em, tell ‘em what you told ‘em format for a speech. This

format works very well for most presentations. It creates a foundation for the speech. Since you have determined your objectives, you can easily insert them into your foundation. Pick three or four main points you want to illustrate, i.e. roofing, insulation and windows.

Step 3-your opening should grab their at-tention and give them a preview of what is to come. It should be short and succinct. For exam-ple – I am going to explain insulation, windows and roofing.

Step 4-The body or the tell ‘em portion of the speech is where you convince them. De-livery of facts in this format rarely inspires your audience. You must entertain them. That does not

mean telling jokes or sing-ing. It does mean mak-ing your points matter to them. For example, you need 18” of insulation in the attic. That is a fact, but why is it important? You benefit by less heat loss, fewer drafts and lower energy bills. Another way to illustrate your facts is with third party stories that show why your facts are important to the au-dience. For example, one homeowner felt 12” of in-sulation was enough how-ever they found that their house was drafty, uncom-fortable and later required additional insulation at a

higher cost. Step 5-in closing, reiterate what you told

‘em and call for what ever it is you want them to do. Fund your project, buy your plan, write their congressman or remember a skill).

Step 6- Practice. reading an article about effective speaking is akin to taking online swimming lessons. The only way you can be-come truly effective is to do it. Practice in front of a mirror, video your presentation, or join a Toast-masters Club where you can get feedback on your presentation.

The things you say and the way you say them, are integral to your effectiveness. Whether it is opening a weekly staff meeting, motivating a sales team, teaching a class or giving a sales pitch for a high dollar order, preparation is key. Use these tips to make your next speech something your audi-ence was glad they experienced and spur them into action.

Contr ibutor: Steve Rudolph, VP Educa-tion Jackson Trailblazers Toa st ma s -ters

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The Value of lighting

KNowLedge is power

How do you define the value of lighting? It’s important for business own-ers to look at the value of lighting from two different perspectives –

human and economic. From a human perspective, lighting plays a key role in employee/worker productivity. From an economic perspective, lighting plays a crucial role in determining how much a business’s monthly utility bill will be.

The following information is designed to provide some enlightenment when it comes to lighting.

The value of Lighting from a Human Perspective Most people would agree that happy workers are

more productive, which correlates to the over-all success of a company. Over the last sev-eral years, more and more employers have come to recognize this and the demand for ergonomic office materials, such as keyboards, chairs, hands-free headsets and sit-to-stand workstations have in-creased dramatically.

Research shows that full spectrum lights can improve a person’s color perception, visual clarity, mood and productivity. In a study conducted by the Lighting Research Center in Troy, New York, 60-86% of the respondents, which included lighting specifiers, electrical contrac-tors, and facility managers, agreed with the aforementioned benefits.1

Full spectrum light refers to a source that produces a light spectrum cover-ing the entire range of visible light (400-700 nanometers) without gaps in its spectral output. Essentially, full spectrum light mimics the qualities of natural daylight without producing potentially harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Full spectrum lighting significantly reduces side effects associated with our eyes having to adjust to poor quality light because they are designed to see in daylight.

The value of Lighting from an Economic Perspective From an economic standpoint, the type of lighting used in commercial

applications can directly affect the business’s utility bill. The most common forms of lighting currently used to illuminate warehouses and office areas are

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metal halide, high pressure sodium (HPS), and linear fluorescent fixtures. However, not all lighting is created equal.

Businesses can reduce their lighting energy costs by up to 70% when swapping out their inefficient metal halide and HID (high intensity dis-charge) fixtures for more energy-efficient lights, such as Induction or LED. Many people are already familiar with LED technology due to recent hype, so for those of you who are unfamiliar with Induction technology, I will provide a brief explanation.

Induction technology is essentially a fluorescent lamp without electrodes. In this advanced technology the

lamp relies on a magnetic induction to ignite the phosphors rather than electrodes, which are

the components that burn out in a typical fluorescent lamp, resulting in frequent re-placement. Induction lamps use 50-70% less energy than traditional HPS and HID lamps and can last up to 100,000 hours,

making them virtually maintenance-free for up to 15 years.While there are upfront costs for implement-

ing energy-efficient lighting upgrades, the average return on investment for installing induction lights

is 2-4 years. Many utility companies, including Consumers En-ergy, are offering rebates for energy-efficient lighting upgrades using Induc-tion, T5/T8, and LED fixtures. For example, Consumers Energy is offering a $100 rebate for replacing a 175w HID (high intensity discharge) fixture with Induction or LED technology. Additionally, there are federal, state, and local tax incentives available for purchasing the aforemen-tioned energy-efficient lights.

Lindsey Edwards, Spokeswoman for Full Spectrum Solutions, Inc. – Lighting That Makes Life Better 1 http://www.lrc.rpi.edu/programs/nlpip/lightingan-swers/fullspectrum/benefits.asp


apriL eVeNtsthursday, apriL 14busiNess aFter hours - tax day CeLebratioNDo you like the look, smell and taste of wine? Join us at Business After Hours for a mini wine tasting with food parings at the Night Light. We will also be celebrating TAX DAY with The Augustine Group at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney!

Where: � The Night Light with The Augustine Group at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney

When: � 5-7 pmCost: � $10/Free for Chamber Members

moNday, apriL 18eCoNomiC CLub LuNCheoNJoin us to hear why manufacturing is back. Dr. Ron Felber, CEO of Chemetall will be here to discuss that and much more.

Where: � Daryl’s DowntownWhen: � 11:30-1:00 pm

Where: � Michigan Theatre of JacksonWhen: � 5-7- pmCost: � $10/Free for Members

tuesday, apriL 26good morNiNg! greater JaCKsoNAttend this live radio program that features 5 members. The April sponsors are: A Butler 4 U; The Arts & Cultural Alliance of Jackson Co.; Brown’s Advance Care Pharmacy and Medical Supplies; County National Bank; and The Jackson Coffee Co.

Where: � Bella Notte RistoranteWhen: � 7:30-8:30 amCost: � $20/$10 for MembersOther: � Networking & Hot Breakfast Included

apriL meetiNgsFriday, apriL 8Ambassador CommitteeWhere: Hugo’s Bar & GrillWhen: 12-2 pm

CAlEndARJackson county chamber of commerce

To Register: Unless otherwise noted, R.S.V.P. for events to Mary at [email protected] or 517-782-8221 (please have your credit card information handy when you call). All cancellations must be received with a 24-hour notice or no shows will be billed. Non-members are encouraged to attend no more than two networking events before joining. All Chamber events are posted online at www.JacksonChamber.org under Events

Cost: � $25 prepaid/$30 at the door for Members

Other: � Lunch Included

tuesday, apriL 19teCh esseNtiaLs webiNarWebinar participants will: 1. Be able to prepare a basic technology budget 2. Know at least 3 useful websites to obtain additional tech information when needed 3. Understand the trend toward and appropriate use of Internet applications.

Where: � Webinar - at your computer!When: � 10 am - NoonCost: � $25/$15 for Chamber Members

thursday, apriL 21busiNess aFter hours Leadership aCademy graduatioNHelp us congratulate the 2010-2011 Leadership Academy gradates. These students have worked hard for 7 months. Show your support and join us at the historic Michigan Theatre!


tuesday, apriL 19Chamber Board of DirectorsWhere: Bella Notte RistoranteWhen: 7:30-8:30 am

wedNesday, apriL 20Economic Club CommitteeWhere: Chamber OfficesWhen: 4-5 pm

Friday, apriL 22Legislative CommitteeWhere: County Commission ChambersWhen: 12-1 pm

thursday, apriL 28MLK Diversity/Challenge Day CommitteeWhere: Chamber OfficesWhen: 8-9 am

thursday, apriL 28JAXPO CommitteeWhere: Chamber OfficesWhen: 12pm -1 pm

upComiNg eVeNtsthursday, may 5Speed Networking – Creating Connections with Comcast

moNday, may 9Economic Club Luncheon with Rob Fowler - CEO for Small Business Association of MI

Friday, may 13Member Orientation

moNday, may 16Golf Outing 2011

tuesday, may 17Tips for the Accidental Techie Webinar

thursday, may 19Business After Hours - Summer Kickoff at the Country Club of Jackson

tuesday, may 24Good Morning! Greater Jackson

thursday, JuNe 2Leadership Academy Alumni Association Meeting

wedNesday, JuNe 8Coffee at the Chamber

thursday, JuNe 16Business After Hours

moNday, JuNe 20Economic Club Luncheon w/ John Nixon, State Budget Director

tuesday, JuNe 28Good Morning! Greater Jackson

thursday, JuLy 21Business After Hours - Dog Days of Summer

tuesday, JuLy 26Good Morning!Greater Jackson

Friday, august 12Member Orientation

thursday, august 18Business After Hours

tuesday, august 23Good Morning! Greater Jackson

tuesday, august 23JAXPO Vendor Meeting


LoCaL ViewpoiNt

may 3rd City of Jackson Special electionOn May 3rd

the citizens of Jackson will be going to the polls to vote on a special ballot

proposal asking whether the City

Council shall be autho-rized to combine the existing Police and Fire De-partments into a Public Safety Department.

With decreasing revenues and the severe re-duction of state shared revenue, the City of Jack-son, like many other municipalities in Michigan, is facing unprecedented challenges in maintaining a high level of service. Long term strategies must be developed that require a reduction in staff. The citizens must realize that we cannot afford to do things the way we always have.

The largest portion of any municipality’s gen-eral fund budget is consumed by police and fire services. For the City, this equates to 60% of the budget. This year’s budget for the police depart-ment is $7.8 million and for the fire department it is $4.6 million. Currently the police department has 57 sworn officers and 14 civilians. The fire de-partment staffing consists of 28 fire fighters and 2 civilians.

Under the current method of delivery, police and fire act as separate entities and have distinct job responsibilities. Police respond to calls for service ranging from criminal complaints to civil matters. The police department is structured around 12 hour shifts with an average of six officers working each shift. The fire department responds to medi-

cal and fire calls, is structured around a 24 hour shift schedule and has an average of 7 firefighters working each shift.

The question becomes, is that the most efficient way to deliver services to the Jackson citizens? Is there a better or more effective method that will maintain a high level of service while reducing the overall cost?

Under the public safety model, officers are trained to provide both police and fire services.

While there are many variations of “public safety training,” the most commonly used in Michigan cross-trains all employees. Blackman Township does that, as did cities like Hol-land and Kalamazoo. Officers perform the traditional functions of a police officer until a medical or fire call comes in. At that time, they switch roles and perform the function of a firefighter. This model puts a major-ity of the staff on the road instead of waiting at a fire station for a call. This puts more people on the street and provides a more efficient and effective delivery of services.

We are now faced with having to reduce our po-lice and fire departments by a total of 25 officers. By cross-training our younger officers, we can still respond to the 40,000 police calls and the 130 structure fires we have each year. These officers are also trained to respond to “life threatening” medical emergencies. Everyday medical response will still be performed by the Jackson Emergency Ambulance service.

This change will save money only if the cost of cross-training is kept under control. The City also

has to reduce pension costs, medical insurance costs and perhaps, establish a new “two-tier” wage structure for future employees. All of these issues are now being negotiated with the police and fire unions. The one thing we do know is that we can-not keep providing police and fire services the way we have.

We must live within our means and that means we must change.

Karen F. Dunigan Mayor, City of Jackson

*City Mayor Dunigan speaks on behalf of the City of Jackson and not as a representative of the Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber seeks inputs from the com-munity on issues that impact the communities businesses and citizens. The publication of County Administrator Brown’s and City Mayor Dunigan’s comments is one of the ways we meet our obligations in that regard.

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goVerNmeNt reLatioNs

focusing on Strategy and fiscal responsibility: Jackson County’s Budget Process

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The Jackson County Board

of Commissioners recently concluded their budget retreat for the 2012 budget. The budget retreat is

a critical piece of the budget process Jackson

County has employed over the past three years. Staff seeks three outcomes from the board retreat. First, we need the board to reaffirm their strategic priorities. Second, we provide them a revenue and expenditure forecast so that we know the gap we face for the coming budget. Lastly, we provide a five year forecast and ask the Board to approve a recommended target for the next year’s budget.

With performance data, clear priorities, and a fi-nancial future mapped out, staff is able to collabo-rate to fill the gap between the current budget and the upcoming budget. This process is consistent with our core values of Integrity, Leadership, Col-laboration, Responsiveness, and Accountability.

The biggest unknown in the County budget is State Revenue Sharing and potential changes to the Personal Property Tax. The Board of Commis-sioners has been anticipating a cut to State Reve-nue Sharing for 4-5 years. For this reason we have consciously been moving towards a revenue and expenditure target that is structurally in balance without total dependence on State Revenue Shar-ing. Our five year plan uses reserves in a strategic way to deliver important county services with the continuity our citizens expect while putting us in a structural balance by 2015. This plan still anticipates the use of $2 million of State Revenue Sharing, which equates to a 40% reduction from the County’s current allocation. The Governor’s recommendation for State Revenue Sharing was to reduce Counties by 34%, which puts us in a very good position. Our commitment to retaining a high fund balance at 24% is evident by our con-servative use of reserves.

The County is in the process of approving a leg-islative agenda, which give our commissioners and community a platform to speak with our elected

representatives at the state level. The legisla-tive agenda requests the State to plan long term as the County does. It focuses on cuts to State Revenue Shar-ing and Personal Prop-erty Tax and creating improved legislation to collaborate with other governmental units. It also supports the Governor’s tactic of making appropriations based on performance metrics and collabora-tion.

Adam J. BrownJackson County, Interim Administrator/Controller

*County Administrator Brown speaks on behalf of Jackson County and not as a representative of the Cham-ber of Commerce. The Chamber seeks inputs from the community on issues that impact the communities busi-nesses and citizens. The publi-cation of County Administra-tor Brown’s and City Mayor Dunigan’s comments is one of the ways we meet our obli-gations in that regard.


weLComeNew Members

thaNK youRenewing Members1-5 YEARsAldinger Inc.

American Jiffy Tax, Inc.

Christ Centered Homes, Inc.

Craft Electric

Dove Health Alliance/Dove Counseling

Gallery Place Apartments

Heat Controller, Inc.

Jackson Host Lions Club

TransPharm Preclinical Solutions

Willbee Transit-Mix Co., Inc.

Wolverine Seal Coating, LLC

6-10 YEARsJackson Pack N Ship!

Miller Truck & Storage Co.

Norfolk Homes

Perlos Corp.

Sharp & Soltis Construction Co., LLC

Airmaster Fan Company Richard Stone1300 Falahee Road, P.O. Box 968(517) 764-2300www.airmasterfan.comManufacturing / Manufacturers RepresentativesManufacturer of commercial and industrial fans sold through wholesale distributors

Ann Arbor State Bank Bradley Johnson125 West William(517) 879-1072www.a2sb.comBanks/Banking AssociationsAnn Arbor State Bank is locally owned and operated, and best known for its dedication to providing the highest level of personalized customer service, its experienced staff and its enthusiasm to serve local businesses and the community.

Delores Jackson Individual Member

Red Lobster Nick Wenling2400 Shirley Drive(517) 787-7820www.redlobster.comRestaurants: Bars / Clubs / Coffee HouseNamed Best Family Restaurant by Men’s Health Magazine; featuring the Wood Fire Grill, Fresh Catch and Seasonal Specials

Kelly Imports

Lamar Advertising

New York Life Insurance - Joe Lentz

PC Solutions

Professional Consulting Services

Salah Huwais, DDS, PLLC

Sleeping Bear Winery

Taylor Rental Center

The Crimefighter Corps

11-15 YEARsAmerican Resources Group

Apollo Express Inc.

Boyers Tool & Die, Inc.

Curves

Dr. Cynthia A. Rider, D.M.D.

Griswold & Dalton Carpet One

Jackson County Fair

Jackson County Rose Festival

Office Depot

Plante & Moran, PLLC

ServiceMaster Absolute Home & Restoration Services

16 - 25 YEARsAAA Michigan

Community Action Agency

F & S Tool & Gauge Co.

Jackson Computer Center

Lloyd Ganton Retirement Centers

McDonald Roofing & Sheet Metal Co. Inc.

Meade, Wheeler Financial Group

Mid-America Machining, Inc.

Region 2 Planning Commission

Stanton & Associates/Wendy’s

26 - 35 YEARsAbecca Corporation

C & H Stamping

Frederic B. Slete D.D.S., P.C.

Legacy Printing

Safety Systems Inc.

WSYM TV Fox 47

55 YEARsKelly Services, Inc.

63 YEARsPioneer Foundry Company, Inc.

73 YEARs Consumers Energy

Bigger or smaller? every decision we make,

every encounter we have... we get a choice.

are we opening doors or closing them?

It’s so tempting to shut people down, to limit the upside, to ostracize, select and demonize. It makes things a lot simpler. Not seeing means you don’t have to take action. Not opening means it’s easier to announce that you’re done. And not raising the bar means you’re less likely to fail.

Just about all the things we treasure in our world were built by people who were intent on making things bigger, enabling things to be better, opening doors for us to achieve. The line between a realist and an optimist is hard to draw. And both might be self-fulfilling.

[Please don’t confuse this with the issue of focus. Focus involves eliminating options until you have so few moving parts that work actually gets done. You can be focused but still think bigger.]

Reprinted with permission from Seth Godin’s Blog: Set Godin is a best selling author, entrepreneur and agent of change. Website: www.sethgodin.com


imitation - A Sincere Compliment

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2011 Jackson retail Success academy 8 businesses took advantage of a great commu-

nity collaborative and graduated from this year’s Jackson Retail Success Academy.

This local initiative, to strengthen area busi-nesses and to curb ‘Retail Leakage’ out of Jackson County, is catching the attention of surround-ing counties and throughout the state. Current-ly, The Hillsdale Chamber and Lenawee County are coming to us for help in setting up a Retail Suc-cess Academy in their counties!

The 2011 JRSA Graduates are: a Frame above with Wendy & Terry Clifton (custom framing and gifts on Cortland St); bo-Kay Studio (a painting and photography studio at ART 634) with Kenny

& Betty Kay Price; Cuppa (a coffee cart at ART 634) with Evan Farmer; Easy Fit apparel LLC (online mall for special needs apparel) with Ev-elyn Lewis & Amanda Hartle; grace academic Services (College Prep Services on Fleming St) with Eric Beda; in Stitches (Counted Cross Stitch shop at Kibby Cobb Plaza) with Lorna & Jeff Easley, kelly fuels sent their manager of nine (9) convenience stores - Andrea Stone; Sweet Little Paws Cheesecake Co. (the name says it all) with Laurie & Dave White and The Sugar Cookie (Gourmet Cookies – home based) with Mary O’Brien.

We want our local businesses to succeed! The Jackson Retail Success Academy is a partner-

ship between the Jack-son County Chamber of Commerce, the Midtown Association, JXN Local First, the Downtown Develop-ment Association, Enterprise Group, MI Small Business & Technology Center and County National Bank.

Contact: [email protected] or call: 517-782-8221

we Aim to make it eASY!Pre-registering for Chamber events has never

been easier. We offer many ways to save you time and money.

By preregistering and prepaying for events you are assured a seat and will save TIME! It’s the ‘han-dle it once’ concept of time management. Plus you will be on the list should we need to send instruc-tions, directions or make an announcement such as a weather postponement.

When preregistering by email or fax, please reference the event name, your company, all the names of those attending. This will alleviate ad-ditional follow-up emails and any confusion at check in.

As the accountant here at the Chamber I rec-ommend these 3 prepayment options: 1. Keep your credit card number on file with us – it will be secure and we accept American Express, Visa & Master Card; 2. Pay a lump sum, by check or cash, to put on account and instruct me when to

draw from it; 3. Pay at the time you call to regis-ter. For safety, please DO NOT email your credit card information. However, faxing that informa-tion is acceptable.

When something comes up and you cannot make it after prepaying, full refunds are given if cancelled 24 hours prior to the event.

Our AIM is to make it EASY for you! Take a look at the events calendar at www.JacksonCham-ber.org to make YOUR plan of action.


141 South Jackson St. • Jackson, MI 49201

9 4 hamber jackson county chamber of commerce 2011 · 6 steps to a knockout presentation knowledge...

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