wkacc newsletter november 09

8/14/2019 WKACC Newsletter November 09

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My Business AdvocateBuilding Better Communities by Building Better Businesses

November 2009 Volume 29, Issue 1

Coming Events

Government Matters @ Chamber Ofce 11/2Finance and Executive Board 11/18Orientation Breakfast 11/19Chamber After Hours - Ramada Plaza 11/123rd Fridays! @ Hilton GR Airport Hotel 11/20Board of Directors 11/24Santa Parade 12/5Finance and Executive Board 12/9Board of Directors 12/17Annual Meeting and Silent Auction 1/22/10

Calendars on Pages 6 & 7

Jamie and Bret VanderKolk, attornies fromVanderKolk & VanderKolk, PLC(left) andSue and Tommy Brann (right) fromBrann'sSteakhouse & Grille, took the opportunity,before the evening began, to chat withStateRepresentative Kevin Green, R-77thDistrict, (center) at the 28th Annual Meetingand Awards Dinner.

Plan to join us on Friday evening,January 22, 2010 as we gatherat Noto's Old World Italian

Dining located at 6600 28thSt SE in Cascade for our 29thAnnual Meeting and AwardsDinner.

We'll wrap up 2009, gear upfor 2010 and recognize specialaccomplishments by volunteersand area businesses at our 29thAnnual Meeting and AwardsDinner.

There will be bidding at a SilentAuction during the evening, up

until we present the Business ofthe Year Awards. Proceeds willbe used to benet 2010 Eventsas outlined in the Program ofWork completed by your newlyelected Board of Directors.

Join us for a very special night,some great food, powerful

2010 Silent Auction

Seeks Donations

Sponsorships AvailableSponsoring the Annual Meeting andSilent Auction means high visibility at a

price meant to t your business budget.With your pre-paid sponsorship, yourcompany name will appear on all thepre-event publicity, in press releases,on nearly 500 event invitations and ona banner at the event.

Donations are now being acceptedat the Chamber Ofce. We arelooking for merchandise, giftcards and gift baskets that will

encourage our members to bidhigh and bid often. All proceedsbenet 2010 Chamber Programs.

You may receive a call fromsomeone on the committeeasking for your donation. Takethe opportunity to remind thoseattending the Annual Meetingand Awards Dinner that you're amembers. All donating businesses

will be mentioned during theAwards Dinner, from the podium.

networking and an all aroundfun event you'll remember for along time. The evening is black-tie optional, business formalattire.

Watch for your invitation

in the mail in early Januaryand send in your RSVP right

away. Don't forget to makereservations for your guests atthe same time.

Unlike many things lately,the cost to attend the AnnualMeeting remains $45 per perso

with your reservation beforeJanuary 15. Reservations areonly $65 from January 16.Cost at the door will be $85.Many sponsorships includereservations for dinner.

Get the details and registeron line at www.southkent.orgor email [email protected] forassistance.

Noto's Site of 29th Annual Meeting and

Awards Dinner


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YOUR CHAMBER MANAGEMENT

2009 Board of Directors*indicates Executive Committee Member

*John Crawford - President & CEO*Todd Duncan - Consumers Energy, Board Chair

*Steve Marshall- MAS Advisory Service, Chair, Fin. &Budget

*Norine Mulvihill - Sr. V. Chair - American Diabetes

Association*Kathey Batey - Priority Health/SpiritedPresentations

*Brent Holland - Chameleon Ltd.*Skip Knapp - EdwardJones Investments*Tom Kruisenga - The Kruisenga Agency, Past

Chair*Brent Vander Kolk - Vander Kolk & Vander Kolk

PLC, Legal Counsel

Community Relations Division (Blue)

*Kathey Batey - Vice ChairTommy Brann - Branns Steakhouse & GrilleDan Van Dyke - PCO Associates, LLC

*Brent Vander Kolk - Vander Kolk & VanderKolk,.PLC

Lillian VanderVeen - Lenger Travel Services

Member Relations Division (Red)

*Brent Holland - Vice ChairRichard Chrisman - Hungerford, Aldrin, Nichols &

CarterDanna Mathiesen - Mercantile BankJohn Schwartz - AT&T

Membership Development Division (Gold)*Skip Knapp - Vice Chair

Bob O'Callaghan - Citadel BroadcastingRob Wells - VantagePointe Financial Group

Financial Development Division (Green)*Norine Mulvihill - Sr. Vice Chair

Betsy Artz - Loeks Theaters (Celebration Cinema)Joel Iakiri - Huntington BankDavid Szidik - Proforma Innite Marketing

Matt Uhl - National City

Ex-Ofcio

Carol Sheets - City of Wyoming, MayorRichard Root - City of Kentwood, Mayor

Curtis Holt - City of Wyoming, ManagerBill Doren - Chamber Foundation Chair

My Business Advocate,Copyright 2009

Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce590 - 32nd Street SE

Wyoming, MI 49548-2345Tel: 616-531-5990

Fax: 616-531-0252

Newsletter/Advert Information: [email protected]

Building Better Communities by

Building Better Businesses

Opinion by JohnNovember 2009By John J. Crawford, Jr.President & CEO

Defending Free Enterprise

It is a sad commentary when the U.S. Chamber of Commerce

announced this month that it was spending $25 Million on anadvertising campaign extolling the virtues of Free Enterprise. Wow

Back in the 1992 Presidential campaign Arkansas GovernorBill Clinton energized his campaign team and kept them onmessage with his slogan Its the Economy, Stupid! Theslogan was correct and Clinton went on to an impressivevictory over incumbent President Bush (41).

Although it has taken enormous hits in the last few years,I will always be a defender of Capitalism and the FreeEnterprise system. There is no question that it has worked toelevate the living conditions of masses of people everywherethat it has been tried far better than any other system everdevised.

Has it done so perfectly? No, because humans are involved.But its records of achievement are still far superior to everyother system tried.

Economic Liberty

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men areendowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, thatamong these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.

Our nation was born on this foundational concept, despiteefforts over the last 40 years to re-write history. It isfunctionally impossible to have Liberty without havingEconomic Liberty. Just ask those around you who live withpersonal debt how much Liberty they really feel. Business

entities are merely the devices used by We the People toorganize our efforts for the greater good and to achieve someEconomic Liberty for ourselves.

Free Enterprise allows anyone a shot at becoming amillionaire - or a hundred-thousandaire or simply thechance to leave their kids with something more than theyhad. When the rules are followed, Free Enterprise cannotcreate millionaires without creating dozens of hundred-thousandiares and often, other millionaires! Ray Kroc, forexample, had created 15 millionaires in his McDonaldssystem in his rst 7 years before he even took a steadypaycheck

The U.S. is experimenting with wealth redistribution and

socialist programs right now. Lets not ever forget, though,the Free Enterprise system and work to restore it.. ThisChamber needs to remain proud of defending FreeEnterprise and every business man and woman puttingit all on the line to make it work. It is the rising tidethat will lift all boats.

At least, thats my Opinion by John.

A tip of the Hat to Blair and Crew - Blair Entenmann of

MarketingHelp! you and your Business Connections Expoteam did a super job on last months Expo! Congratulations!


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Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of CommerceNominate Businesses of the Year 2009

The Chambers Businesses of theYear Awards will be presented onFriday evening, January 22, 2010 atthe Chambers Annual Meeting. Thisis our chance to recognize exceptionalarea businesses in each of three cate-gories for going above and beyond thecall of duty. This has been anothergreat year for many enterprises andthe Chamber wants to celebrate byrecognizing outstanding businessesin these classes.

The Chamber Executive Committeeand past award winners serve as thejudging committee and will be lookingat several areas of contribution. It is

possible to win with contributions injust one area.Although it is encouraged and willlikely be used as a tie breaker, Cham-

ber Membership is not a requirementto be a nominee or to submit a nomi-nation. Contributions of the nomi-nees must have been in the 2009

calendar year. Submission deadlineis Monday, December 14, 2009.

Award Nomination Criteria.Business Operations Activity thatthat exemplies community leader-ship and/or exceptional customerservice in a retail, service or manu-facturing business.

Chamber Support Activity or con-tribution which is above and beyondthe call of Chamber membership and

which helped the Chamber of Com-merce further its mission in somesignicant way.

Economic Development Activitthat resulted in the creation of jobor an increase in wealth or capitainvestment in the Wyoming-Kent

wood Area.

Education Development or participation in training and education programs resulting in a better-traine

workforce either currently or for thfuture.

Humanitarian Efforts Activitieor signicant contributions that resulted in the improvement of humanconditions anywhere in the world.

Quality of Life Coordination of anlocal project or activity that improvedthe quality of life for residents of thGreater Wyoming-Kentwood community.

Forms must be received at the Chamber ofces by 5:00 pm onMonday, December 14, 2009. You may also e-mail form to [email protected]

Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce 590 32nd Street SE Wyoming, MI 49548

Businesses of the Year 2009

NOMINATION FORM

Category (check one): Retail Manufacturing Service

Nominees Company Name: ___________________________________________________

Address: ___________________________________________________________________

City, State: _____________________________________Zip: ___________________

Contact Name: _____________________________Phone: ________________________

Nominators Name: __________________________Relationship to Nominee: _________

Nominators e-Mail: ___________________________ Phone: _______________________

Please provide a detailed description of the nominees contributions on a second sheet of paper. Explain wheand under what circumstances these contributions were made. Please provide as much detailed informatioas possible relative to career, family, education and volunteer commitments. A judging committee shall revieweach nomination and select a winning organization in each category. The judges decisions shall be nal.

Complete and return the form to Sue Bynum via mail to the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce590 32nd Street SE, Wyoming, MI 49548-2345, or fax to 616-531-0252 or e-mail to [email protected].


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Don't Forget!

Marketing incentivesavailable from Citadel

Broadcasting to allnew and renewing

Members:

Make it a point to renew your dueon time or even early if you can.

There is a great bonus advertisingbenet from Citadel Broadcastingfor timely renewals. Ask Sue,Julior John for all the details before

your Membership is due.

Refer a New Member and receivea $25.00 Chamber Bucks Credittoward your next invoice.Contact the Chamber with yourreferral information and when

your referral joins you willreceive the credit. Don't forget tomention the marketing packagevalued at $1500. fromCitadelBroadcasting.

Saturday, December 5,

10 am on S. Division

33rd St to St. Dominic's at Bellevue St.Now accepting applications for

participants and sponsors. Contact

[email protected] today!

High School Contest Held to Beneft Business 'n Books 2010Kathey Batey, owner of SpiritedPresentations has just announcedthe name of the area high schoolsenior that will be illustrating thenext book she will be publishingfor the 2010 Business n Books

Program in March.Danny Jimenez from Wyoming'sRogers High School entered thecontest with a drawing based on acharacter from the storyline that

was provided to the students by theauthor. In addition to the drawing,Senior Students had to haveendorsements from their principaland an instructor to qualify for thecontest.

The new book is I Can Eat Fuzzy

Caterpillars...But I Dont!, Bateytold the Education Committee ata recent planning meeting. Withchildhood obesity being a challengefor our community and our state,I wanted a story that was relevantand fun for 2nd graders to helpthem stop and think about whatthey put in their mouths.Eleven entries were submitted to

our panel of judges. Danny receivedthe nod to do the book.

Two of the runner-up entries willreceive honorable mention and a$25 gift card courtesy of KatheyBatey. Minji Kwak and MeganSinderson of East Kentwood HighSchool.

All the judges were very impressedby the level of talent displayedby all of the senior students whoentered, stated Batey.

Batey, author of both childrensbooks and motivational books forbusinesses and everyday living,has authored three other childrensbooks used in the Business n

BooksProgram. They includeExaggeration Aggravation, Math

is Everywhereand Where EaglesFly.

Volunteer Chamber Membersvisited more than 65 secondgrade classrooms in 2009 and theEducation Committee hopes toimprove on that number in 2010.Plan to volunteer 30 minutes in

March to read to a class.Check the Chamber Calendar fordates soon to be posted

The Education Committee is alsoworking on an area wide K-12Career Fair in April in cooperation

with Kentwood Community SchoolWatch the Advocate and www.southkent.org for details as theydevelop.

Stephanie Leonardos, President ofAmerikam,volunteered some time to reto a second graders atHoly Name ofJesus Schoolduring a previous Busine'n Books Event.


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CHAMBER PARTNERS

ChoiceBusinessServices Member 2 MemberDiscounts

A program of WKACC Chamber

Partners for any Member in GoodStanding. Contact [email protected] [email protected] to list youMember 2 Member Discount.

Save on Ink and Toner!Mark Schabacker - Owner

(o) 616-818-5555 (f) [email protected]

www.TheCartridgedepot.com

20% OFF initial orders forNew Customers

Lower your Toner & Ink Costs TodayFREE Pick Up and DELIVERY for loca

Businesses,SAVE up to 50% On Ink & TONER nee

Locally Owned & Operated

JJJaaasssooonnn AAA... RRRuuusssssseeellllllBroker Director

(616) 490-0911 - [email protected]

1) It would be beneficial to have an Employee Benefits plan thatbenef i ted all employees - including our lower-paid hourly andpart-time staff at NO-COST to me, the employer.

TTTrrruuueee /// FFFaaalllssseee

2) Id like our group health insurance rates to decrease by 40%immediately and remain stable into the future.

TTTrrruuueee /// FFFaaalllssseeeLLeett uuss sshhooww yyoouu ssoommeetthhiinngg nneeww..

WKACC Chamber Partner

TTaakkee tthhee BBeenneeffii tt ss CChhaa ll ll eennggee!!

TAB offers business owners peeradvice, at a discounted rate, toempower you and yourorganization to achieve yourbusiness vision.

TAB has been a ChamberPartnersince 2008 and recently renewed

their partnership for another year.

The Alternative Board helps yougrow your business, make moremoney and work fewer hours.

Contact Carol Crawford at 616-301-8081 or email her at [email protected].

As a Chamber Partner, Choice Business Services offersany member of the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber

of Commerce a signicant discount on all ofce supportservices.

CBS provides professional business support through Business Address,Conferencing Services, Clerical/Administrative Support services.

Telephone Answering, Temporary and Permanent Ofce Leasing andmuch more..You give us the task we gure out the best way tocomplete it! Contact Debra Bates at [email protected] or call 616-975-0100 for discount details.

Michael DeVries fromPrincipal Financial Group

is offering Members of theWyoming-Kentwood Area

Chamber of Commerce signicant costsavings on Disability Insurance and onlyfor our Chamber Member Employersand their employees. Contact Michaelat 616-942-1251 ext 3020 for price andcoverage details.

These WKACC Members are offeringdiscounts to Members on productsand services that you need to run

your business. Using a ChamberPartner will help you increase yourbottom line while you supportmembers and the Chamber at thesame time.

Chamber Partners have agreed toprovide revenue to the Chamberfor every member that uses theirservices in addition to special ratesto the member-customer.

Members are carefully screened to

insure you are getting real valuewhen you use a Chamber Partner.Only products and services that

will help you grow your businessfor less money are endorsed by thChamber Partner Committee.

If you would like information on

becoming a Chamber Partnercontact [email protected] [email protected] for a copyof the Afnity Program and answeto any questions you may haveabout applying for a ChamberPartner Endorsement.


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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

8:15aChamber

Foundation

11 aSanta ParadeCommittee

4pAmbassadors

@Main StreetPub

8aPAC

9-11a SCOREby appt.

8aGov Matters at

KentwoodCity Hall

11:30a-1p3rd Fridays!Hilton Hotel

1p

Chamber Partners

DECEMBERNEWSLETTER

DEADLINE


Staff Meetingson the

Thursdaybefore 3rdFridays! andon all otherFridays at

10am

November 2009

NoonGov Matters atthe Chamber

4pmEducationComm @

CelebrationSouth

4641 N. Breton Ct., SEKentwood, MI 49508

Phone: 616.656.1090E-mail: Brinks.Law.Firm@

Prodigy.netWEB: BrinksLawFirm.com

8aRecruitingCommittee

7:30 aOrientationBreakfast

7:30aCEO Exchange

9aBus Growth

5-7 pmChamber After

Hours

Promote Your Brand at 3rd Fridays!!!! FREE !!!Attendance not required.

We Need bags with

YOUR COMPANY LOGO AND / OR NAME

We'll use them to package handouts at 3rd Fridays!Luncheons each month. Our members are leaving eacmonth with armloads of info and business cards. Make

easier to get everything back to the ofce with your donaof logo'd plastic or paper bags. No limit or minimum num

We'll take 1 or 100.Let them know who you are!


Ofce closed

Thursday andopen by appt

Friday

Happy

Thanksgiving!

Daylight

SavingsTime Ends

Fall Back 1

Hour

10aBus Connections


11:30aBoard ofDirectors

10 a3rd Fri! Comm

8amActivation &Retention

10a,Finance11:30a,

ExecutiveCommittee


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Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

8a

Gov Matters at

Kentwood City Hall

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

8:15aChamber

Foundation

11 aSanta Parade

Committee4p

Ambassadors @Main Street Pub

Staff Meetingson the

Thursdaybefore 3rdFridays! andon all otherFridays at

10am

7:30aCEO Exchange

December 2009

8aActivation &

Retention

8aRecruiting

Committee

1801 Breton Rd SE, Ste E

Grand Rapids, MI 49506

616-942-5770

To see why it makes sense to roll your 401(k) to Edward Jones, call today.

www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC

S.A. (Skip) Knapp IIIFinancial Advisor

IF YOU'RE NOT AT YOUR LAST JOB,YOUR 401(K) SHOULDN'T BE EITHER.

11:30a-1p3rd Fridays!Hilton Hotel

1p

Chamber Partners

JANUARYNEWSLETTER

DEADLINE

31

8aPAC

9-11a SCOREby appt.

10 a3rd Fri! Comm

9aBusinessGrowth

8aGov Matters at

KentwoodCity Hall

NoonGov Matters atthe Chamber

4pmEducationComm @

Celebration

MERRY

CHRISTMAS

Chamber OfceClosed

Ofce open by

appt after 12 p

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

10a,Finance11:30a,

ExecutiveCommittee

10 aSanta Parade

Tell Them You Saw It

Advertised In

The Advocate


8/12

For You,

Your Employees and TheirFamilies!

Different plans and different levels ofcoverage are available. Get the benetof group rates whether you insure

yourself, one or all of your employees.

Another way to benet from your

Chamber Membership!

Enroll within 30 days of your newChamber membership.

Open enrollment will begin in March2010.

Contact [email protected] forplan pricing and work and residential

eligibility requirements.

Orientation Breakfast Not Just for New Members

Reading Challenges?

Engage Their Brains

Specialized Language Development Center (SLD)Offers a Free

Workshop for Educators, Parents, Grandparents and StrugglingReaders....do you know how the brain processes language?

SLD Center is offering a workshop titled Engage Their Brains!.This two-hour session will cover the topic of brain based education,neuroplasticity and why reading is not a natural act for the brain. It is aconcise, timed process involving many areas of the brain. In order to bean effective, efcient reader, this process needs to be automatic. Readingproblems can occur when there is a miscommunication or misre in thebrain.

Research indicates that incorporating a multisensory approach into anylearning environment helps ensure success for students by teaching totheir preferred modality. We share ideas and inexpensive materials to use

in your classroom or at home!The brain loses attention to a single task after 15-20 minutes. Engagetheir Brains by using multi-sensory techniques.

Date: Tuesday, November 10, 2009Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pmLocation: Kent Intermediate School District -Educational Service Center (Lot # 11)2930 Knapp N.E.Grand Rapids, MI 49525

To register for this free workshop or for more information pleasecontact SLD Center at (269) 345-2661 or visit www.sldcenter.org.

There is no costto attend ournext OrientationBreakfast on

Thursday,November

19th from 7:30to 9:00 amat Brann's

Steakhouse &

Our host will be Chamber BoardMember, Tommy Brann at Brann'sSteakhouse and Grille. Now, youmay not think of breakfast when

you think ofBrann's but believeus when we say, Brann's knowsbreakfast like they know Sizzlers!

We'll have Staff, Board Membersand Ambassadors on hand toanswer questions. You'll get lots ofinformation on Chamber programsand benets that can help yougrow your bottom line, networking

with fresh faces, all the freshhot coffee you can drink and adelicious breakfast at absolutelyno cost. Sometimes its worth

waking up a little bit early!

There is still one $70 sponsorshipavailable for this event. Proceeds

will be used to provide a freeshowcase opportunity at a

future 3rd Fridays! NetworkingLuncheon or Chamber AfterHours Event to two luckyattendees.

To register log on to www.

southkent.org or email [email protected]. Invite yourpotential member referrals toattend as your guest. Thereis no better way to give theminformation about the benets omembership. Space is limited soregister early.

Grille located at 4157 S. Division inWyoming.

Chamber Members and potentialmembers, interested in ndingout more about the benets ofChamber Membership or that mayhave questions they'd love the

chance to ask. are the target for thelast Orientation Breakfast in 2009.This is the meeting that can helpyour business get involved and getmore benet for your chamber duesdollars.


9/12

Cast Away to the Islands!Thursday, November 12, 2009

from 5pm - 7 pm

it's absolutely- FREE!-

to attend. Showcase tables areavailable for only $35.

[email protected].

Our last no-cost Chamber After Hours in2009 will be at the Ramada Plaza Hotellocated at 3333 28th St SE at E. Beltline inKentwood. Complimentary appetizers and

a cash bar will be available.

Door Prizes: Four overnight stays for 2 atRamada Plaza Hotel and the Grand Prizeis an Overnight stay courtesy ofRamadaPlaza, $50 Gift Certicate for Dinnerfor Two courtesy ofNoto's Fine ItalianDining and two movie tickets courtesy ofCelebration Cinema. And don't forget the50/50 cash drawing. You must be presentto win! Bring a guest or two!

Metro Guide Advertising Opportunities Ope

Promote your business inthis high quality publication

with a full year of circulation.The Wyoming-Kentwood Area

Chamber of Commerce is, onceagain, offering advertisingopportunities for our 2010publication.

Your Chamber Membershipincludes a complimentary doublelisting. Member Businesses arelisted alphabetically by the nameof the business and also in adirectory classied by the serviceor product provided. There is nocost to your business for these

listings but we need to havecurrent contact, address, phoneand email information about yourbusiness.

Something new this year:

Upgrade your listing.In addition to displayadvertising, business featuresare available to those wishing

to convey their message in aeditorial format

This combination editoral/advertising vehicle resembles

a magazine article in contentand appearance.Each business featureconsists of 100 to 150 wordsplus photography

Features are available in full andhalf page sizes.

Ad space is available in all sizesand at a price to t any businesbudget. Full and half-pageadvertisers also receive a bannerad on the Chamber website for

one full year at no extra cost.

For more information andprices call 1-800-491-1760 orbook your ad on-line at www.harborhouse.com/wyoming.htm

Contact [email protected] toupdate your membership recordto insure your 2010 listing will baccurate.

B.O.S.S. Series - Free Seminars "Taking Your Business to the Next Level"Carol Crawfordfrom The

Alternative

Public Relations for SmallBusiness presented by Jason

Johnson, MicroVisions, Inc. andLynne Jarman Johnson of Jarman-

Johnson Communications, LLC.

December 2, 7:45 - 11:30 am:How To Capture More MarketShare In a ChallengingEconomy! Uncommon Sense

Sales Processes presented byTony Rubleski, president of MindCapture Group and Author of the#1 selling book "Mind Capture: HowYou Can Stand Out In The Age ofAdvertising Decit Disorder," and

Carol Crawford ofThe AlternativeBoard.

January 13, 7:45 - 11:30 am:Michigan's Economy/BusinessOutlook presented by Carole

Valade, Editor - Grand RapidsBusiness Journal and JohnCrawford, President - Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber ofCommerce.

CEO's, Presidents and BusinessOwners can attend this entireseries absolutely free. Register at

www.tabmichigan.com or Call 616-975-0125.

Board has organized a group ofChamber Member Businesses toprovide a series of seminars for

business owners and decisionmakers that will help you guideyour business with more condenceand less stress.

The seminars will be held at TheCampbell Group Building, 5664Prairie Creek Dr. near M-6 and M-37.

November 4 - 7:45 - 11:30 am:Introduction to Social Media/


10/12

whats next. With todays pressuresof tighter budgets, limitedpersonnel, and critical businessgoals, you need someone in your life

to help you keep your eyes open tofresh and interesting ideas. Theycan help you keep up to date ontrends that matter and point youto the people and resources youllneed when its time to move beyondthe status quo. The trendsetter willappreciate ideas and information,so ask them to share interestingarticles they come across, andreturn the favor by opening up

your resources and professionalknowledge to them. Register to

attend a conference or conventionon an emerging trend with thisindividual to bond over a learningexperience.

3. The Experienced Executive

- More seasoned in the businessworld than you are, they brokerinuence and garner respect within

your industry and community,whether or not they have anexecutive title.

Their insight and been-there-

done-that knowledge will be avital resource as you address thecontinual challenges leadership

7 Relationships All Leaders Need (And How to Build Them)

As a business leader, relationshipsare critical to your current andfuture success. But, what sort ofpeople should you surround yourself

with? Here are seven people everyleader needs in their life and waysyou can start (or continue) buildingthese relationships today.

1. The Peer Climber - A peer in thesame career path, organizationallevel, eld, or industry. This personcan help you understand currenttrends and demands in your businessworld. Theyll offer insight, ideas,and help when you need to talk tosomeone who just gets it. Spend time

together outside of work to cultivatethis relationship. Join a professionalorganization together, or set up regularlunch meetings with this individual.Consider having a peer-to-peerbusiness book club together so youcan share insights and issues as theycome up.

2. The Trendsetter - This lifelonglearner is always on top of thetrends. They are always ahead ofthe curve with innovative thinkingand solutions in business and life.Theyre not waiting to see whateveryone else is doing. Theyre toobusy forging ahead and trailblazing

brings. No matter where you arein your career, they are alwayssomeone you can learn from. Wita busy, seasoned professional,

the main challenge to building arelationship will most likely betime. So, be direct and honest

with this individual, letting themknow youd like them to serve asa mentor. Then, create a formal oinformal time to meet so you canregularly learn from the experienthey have to share, and nd waysto lead up to make their timeinvestment truly valuable.

4. The Honest Anchor - This

person ties you to reality and tellyou things like they are. Theymay or may not be a member of

your organization, industry, or eventhe work world. Regardless, theyhave the ability to listen rst andthen cut through the drama,politics, or emotion to help give yperspective to see any situation fo

what it really is. Their discernmeand honesty will help you see theperspective of others, which you

will need as you make the difcu

decisions leadership requires. Dojust go to this person when you haa problem. Spend time getting to

(Continued on page

Advice from Express Employment Professionals, reprinted with permission. Contact Casey Jankoska at 616-281-0611 or [email protected] for more information.

Members taking advantage of themonthly networking opportunitiesat our 3rd Fridays! Luncheonknow it is the best networkingbargain around. And they knowthat networking is more effective

when it is consistently done.

In the spirit of helping ourbusinesses grow their bottomline, the Chamber is offeringa 3rd Fridays! Annual Passfor only $126.00. That is a25% savings from the monthlyearly registration charge forlunch and it guarantees yourautomatic reservations at the

next 12 consecutive 3rd FridaysLuncheons.

All you'll need to do is contact usif you can't attend. No need to callahead or trying to remember toregister on line every month to beatthe early registration deadline.

Annual Pass Saves Money on Networking at 3rd Fridays! LuncheonCan't always make the

luncheon?The pass is issued inyour company name and may beused by anyone employed by youcompany.

Interested in a monthlyshowcase table to go with that

lunch? We also have an AnnualShowcase Pass that will entitle

you to 12 consecutive showcasetables at 3rd Fridays. Cost for theshowcase pass is only $396.00and that includes an 8' table,networking and lunch. [email protected] to sign up orfor more information.


11/12

Welcome New Members

Renewing Members

Member MilestonesBusinesses listed on this page are marking a Member Milestone. Pleasetake the time to welcome new members and congratulate renewingmembers, especially those celebrating an anniversary, on their continuingsupport of YOUR Chamber of Commerce.

For more information on any of these members log on to www.southkent.org and click on information request or call 616-531-5990 for more details

October Volunteerof the Month

Congratulations toCarolyn Foote from

Member SpotlightBoard Executives meet monthly and select the

outstanding volunteer and Committee for their

effort and results on behalf of WKACC.

October Committeeof the Month

Our Business Growth Committeereceives the nod this monthfrom the Executive Board.Special recognition goes to BlairEntenmann from MarketingHelp!and Amanda Lewis from gNetworksfor their hard work on the SouthKent Business Connections Event

held in October. The BusinessConnections Event was planned bya hard working sub-committee ofthe Business Growth CommitteeVolunteers. The amount of planningand legwork involved in thisevent was truly amazing and thishardworking sub-committee waswell up to the task. Our gratitudegoes out to these dedicatedvolunteers.

Committee Members include:

Rick Chrisman - DivisionDirectorAmanda Lewis - gNetworks,Blair Entenmann -

MarketingHelp!,Dennis Kavanagh - CentralPayment Corp.,

Ella Nyanor - Lake MichiganCredit Union,

Susan Sasek - Tony's TunesEntertainment Services

Macatawa Bank on being namedVolunteer of the Month. Carolyn is aChamber Ambassador and is chairingthe 29th Annual Meeting and SilentAuction Committee. Meetings areunderway and the planning hasbegun for the January 22, 2010Annual Meeting and Awards Dinnerat Noto's Fine Italian Dining, andwe look forward to a very specialnight. Thank you for chairing thiscommittee Carolyn.

American DiabetesAssociation - Norine Mulvihill,(616) 458-9341 ext 6717

CFO Solutions, LLC - EdCorlett, (616) 308-4998

Flexchecks, Inc - Diane Pelak,(616) 791-7900

Grand Ofce Supply - Pete

Cortese, (616) 534-8400

ACI Parts WarehousingApparitions Comics &BooksB C Hunter Engineering,IncCentral Payment Corp

Century 21 Acc-SellChurch of the Open DoorContractors SteelCompanyCorey, Murphy & Harbor,PCCraigs CruisersFranklin PressGen Med CorporationGrand Rapids Gravel CoGrand Rapids RubberHope Network

Lake to Lake Bed &Breakfast AssociationLees VarietiesMarges Donut DenModern RV CenterNational City Bank

Pamela Steward HomeDay CarePatrick S. Bell &AssociatesPurity Cylinder GasesRoeder & Co, IncRogers Plaza Town Center

The Campbell GroupThe Granger GroupTimeless Hair StudioYellow Book

Health Motion Physical

Therapy - Andrew Krietemyer.(616) 554-0918

Holiday Inn - Grand Rapids

Airport - Katie Kober (welcomeback Katie!), (616) 285-7600

Infusion CommunicationsGroup - Marnie Johnson, (616)308-4446

Member Referral Challenge Ends November 30

In August, the WKACC Board ofDirectors challenged membershipto successfully refer a total of25 new members for ChamberMembership by the end ofNovember 2009. We're nearlythere. Staff has been following upon your recommendations and

we're nearly at 25 successful newmemberships as a result.

Who do you know that should bea member?Talk to your vendors,your business customers andyour business neighbors. They'llthank you for introducing them tothe benets of membership and

you'll earn $25 in Chamber Bucksand help us make our goal by theend of the month. Contact [email protected] and we'll follow up.


12/12

(Continued from page 10)know them so you can developa close, trusting bond. Truehonesty only stems from a closerelationship of mutual respect, so

focus on ways you can build thatvaluable asset.

5. The Up-And-Comer - Anemerging professional withleadership potential who is eagerto learn and ready to take onthe challenges and rewards ofleadership. Surrounding yourselfonly with people at your levelor above can quickly get youout of sync with the realitiesof those you lead. The passionand drive of an outstanding newprofessional can energize youand help you stay in tune withthe trends and needs of your

workforce. Plus, investing timeinto mentoring someone lessexperienced than you is oneof the greatest rewards of trueleadership. Whether you developa formal or informal mentoringrelationship, make it a point tomeet regularly just to chat and

share information and insight. Youmay nd yourself learning just asmuch as you are teaching.

6. The Community Connection

- The go-to guy or gal in your

community, this person is involved,connected, and respected in yourlocal market. More than simplya walking, talking Rolodex, they

will be able to keep you up todate about community activities

you should be involved in as aleader. Theyll have a good ideaof what boards you should serveon, what projects to volunteer for,and what people you should getto know locally. This person will

probably be very visible withinthe community, but they mightbe very busy as well. To becomemore than simply one of manyacquaintances, develop a closerelationship by nding a commonpassion and volunteer with thisperson to help an importantcause or organization. Go beyondsurface-level networking and builda friendship that adds value toboth of your lives.

7. The Breath of Fresh Air -Someone outside of your normalbusiness pace. They may be retired,stay at home with children or family,or be a digital nomad and write their

own rules for work. The differentpace of life they lead will help youget a fresh look at the world awayfrom work. They will help you setpriorities for work and life that aren

just focused on the here and nowor the strategic business future.

Theyll help you say no when youneed to and help you prioritize forimportant things like family time,vacations, and leisure activities. Takan afternoon off every once in a whileto experience life in their shoes durin

your normal workday. Read a bookof ction together, start a cookingclub, or take your pets to the park.Spend time with this individual in asetting theyre comfortable in, andtry to steer clear of business talk

when theyre around. Then, use theinspiration you receive from them toapproach work with fresh eyes. Andremember that works not all there isto life.

7 Relationships All Leaders Need (And How to Build Them)

Chamber Foundation Offers Entertainment Bargains

Purchase your 2010 Entertainment Passbook and support the Wyoming-Kentwood Area ChamberFoundation. Passbooks only cost $20 and they're chocked full of two-for-one coupons at localrestaurants, entertainment facilities and much much more. We have them at the Chamber ofce. Getyours today by contacting Julie at 616-531-5990 or email her at [email protected]. Books are alsoavailable from any member of the WKA Chamber Foundation Board.

Your Chamber Foundation uses revenue to further programs in the community that promote business.For more information contact [email protected].

wkacc newsletter november 09

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