chairma n `s letter - Jackson County Chamber of Commerce

Transcription

PAGE4
PAGE5
Knowledge is Power
6 Steps to a Knockout Presentation
PAGE 9
PAGE8
Knowledge is Power
The Value of Proper Lighting
Local Viewpoint
May 3rd City of Jackson Special
Election
CHAMBER
News
Government Relations
Strategy and Fiscal Responsibility
*Content written by outside sources do not reflect the views & opinions of the Chamber.
Volume9 Number4
2011
April
Chairman’s Letter
Chamber Fights for
Your Business
C
hanges in taxation and fiscal
policy are certain and we need
to be active participants in determining what those changes will be.
There are several issues on the
near-term political scene that need
your attention:
First, Michigan’s declining population has spurred the redrawing of
political boundaries, leading to a loss
of one of Michigan’s U.S. Congressional 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 conditions of a state takeover of municipal governmental units will establish
new, and probably much more powerful, 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 dramatic 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 lobbying 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
information and to get involved, contact Mindy at (517) 782-8221
or Mindy@JacksonChamber.org.
~Dale Moretz
“Step by Step: A
Healthier Jackson
Starts with You!”
T
Mem
be
Jackson County Chamber of Commerce
r
otlight
p
S
Congratulations
to Allegiance
Health—recipient
of the “Foster G.
McGaw Prize.”
he 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 community do about it?! The HIO is asking the entire community to join forces in “stepping up” to
the challenge ahead!
A new community wellness initiative, “Step
and personal achievement. By bringing together
by Step: A Healthier Jackson Starts with You!”
teams of friends, families, businesses and comwill launch this spring. Step by Step will work
munities alike, Every Step Counts helps members
closely with Jackson residents to provide the
create a lifestyle of healthy habits. The challenge
tools and information needed for healthier livofficially begins on May 1st and includes opporing. We are planning an interactive website, the
tunities for both individuals and teams to partici“Every Step Counts” Community Wellness
pate. The HIO will officially launch Step by Step
Challenge and numerous community events.
at a free community wide kick-off event on April
The best part is that Step by Step is focused
30th from 11am until 2pm at the Middle School
on the special places and opportunities that are
at Parkside Field House. The Kick-Off will be fun
available right here in Jackson County, Michifor the entire family and include food tastings, fitgan. So whether you are taking your first step or
ness demos, games, massages, health screenings
nearing the finish line - Step by Step has someand much more! Stay tuned to our website, newsthing just for you!
letters like this, and other community postings to
There are so many ways to build a healthier
find out what other events will happen in your
life. Where do you begin? We’ve divided wellneighborhood.
ness into these four categories, making it easier
Please visit our website at www.mystepbystep.
for you to decide where to take your next step:
org to find out what we have planned for you and
Physical activity, Nutrition, Emotional Wellwhat steps you can take today!
ness and Smoke-Free Living.
For more information or to get involved, please
“Every Step Counts” Community Wellcontact Jaye Clement, Community Health Coorness Challenge is a unique health and wellness
dinator at Allegiance Health, at jaye.clement@alprogram that focuses on education, motivation
legiancehealth.org or 517.841.7425.
JacksonChamber.orgApril 2011 Chamber News 1
CHAMBERSTAFF
President/CEO
Mindy Bradish-Orta | Mindy@JacksonChamber.org
Events Coordinator
Angela Machnik | Angela@JacksonChamber.org
Accountant & Human resources
Mary Schuessler | Mary@JacksonChamber.org
Membership Coordinator
Melissa Jaakkola | Melissa@JacksonChamber.org
Education &
Communications Coordinator
Susan Franck | Susan@JacksonChamber.org
Communications &
Administrative Assistant
Jennie Hill | Jennie@JacksonChamber.org
Career Quest Extern
Ann Radziewicz
ExecutiveCommittee
Chair
Dale Moretz | Moretz Technologies
Vice Chair
Mike Jones | Consumers Energy
Immediate Past Chairman
Paul Buchholz | Lloyd Ganton Retirement Centers
Treasurer
Tom Shemanski | NorthStar Capital, LLC
Secretary
Aaron Boatin | Ambs Call Center
At-Large
Karyn Clow | Orthopaedic Rehab Specialists, P.C.
Dan Machnik | Willis & Machnik Financial Services
Bob Michaels | RJ Michaels, Inc.
BoardOFDirectors
Jeff Anderson | J. Jeffrey Anderson & Associates
Brad Brelinski | Curtis & Curtis, P.C.
Adam Brown | Jackson County
Wendy Clifton | A Frame Above
Freddie Dancy | AFLAC
Jeff Edwards | Spring Arbor University
Sarah Ermatinger | CP Federal Credit Union
Scott Fleming | Enterprise Group
Tom Grace | Maverick Industries
Sarah Hartzler | South Central Michigan Works!
Bart Hawley | JTV
Michael Khouri | Commercial Exchange
Martin Lozier | Aymond, Lozier & Arora, PLC
Sammie Lukaskiewicz | Michigan International
Speedway
Dan Maletich | Comerica Bank
Chad Noble | Allegiance Health
Teri Ogg | Manpower Services
Warren Renando | City of Jackson
Janet Rochefort | Jackson County CVB
Craig Tapley | Kellogg Crankshaft
Ken Toll | United Way of Jackson County
John Waldron | County National Bank
What has the Chamber
done for you?
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.
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.
BoardOFGovernors
Allen Spiess, Jr. | Kellogg Crankshaft
Dr. Daniel J. Phelan | Jackson Community College
John Crist | CP Federal Credit Union
Linda Furgason | Avis Rent A Car
Philip DuPuis | DuPuis et Fils Jewelers, Inc.
Philip M. Moilanen | Marcoux, Allen, Schomer, Bower,
Nichols, Kendall, & LindseyUnion
Sandy Maes | Allegiance Health
Steven Patch | The Lally Group
Sue Goldsen | Jackson Radio Works
2 Chamber News April 2011
JacksonChamber.org
Spring into Action
We have hundreds of nonprofits that are advocating for a cause and ensuring our quality of
life. According to the Nonprofit Network, there
are more than 6300 people employed in nonprofits 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 opportunities are overwhelmingly abundant for a community our size. We have a community calendar 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 economic 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.
Fr
pring 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 organizing clean ups in our community, especially with
Earth Day towards the end of the month. Schedule 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 visitors 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 becoming 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!
ck
an
B y S u sa n
S
AdvertisersIndex
A 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.............................................................................................................................................................................. Page 3
Printing and Mailing by Great Lakes Graphics
Knowledge
is Power
T
Six Steps to a Knockout Presentation
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 attention and give them a preview of what is to
come. It should be short and succinct. For example – 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. Delivery of facts in this format rarely inspires your
audience. You must entertain them. That does not
mean telling jokes or singing. It does mean making 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 audience. For example, one
homeowner felt 12” of insulation was enough however they found that their
house was drafty, uncomfortable 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 become truly effective is to do it. Practice in front of
a mirror, video your presentation, or join a Toastmasters 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 audience was glad they experienced and spur them
into action.
ph
Contributor:
ol
d
Steve Rudolph,
VP Education Jackson
Trailblazers
Toastmas ters
B y S te v e R
u
he 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 happens, everybody loses. The
speaker loses the respect of
the audience, the desired
effect of the speech & potential for change is nullified. It was a waste of time
for both sides.
So how do you create
such a speech? The following 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 product 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
JacksonChamber.org
Knowledge
is Power
The Value of Lighting from a Human Perspective
Most people would agree that happy workers are
more productive, which correlates to the overall success of a company. Over the last several 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 increased 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 contractors, and facility managers, agreed with the aforementioned benefits.1
Full spectrum light refers to a source that produces a light spectrum covering 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
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 discharge) 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 replacement. 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 implementing energy-efficient lighting upgrades, the average
return on investment for installing Induction lights
is 2-4 years. Many utility companies, including Consumers Energy, are offering rebates for energy-efficient lighting upgrades using Induction, 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
s
ard
are federal, state, and local tax incentives
dw
available for purchasing the aforementioned energy-efficient lights.
Lindsey Edwards, Spokeswoman for Full
Spectrum Solutions, Inc. – Lighting That
Makes Life Better
yE
ow do you define the value of lighting? It’s important for business owners 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.
By Lindse
H
The Value of Lighting
1 http://www.lrc.rpi.edu/programs/nlpip/lightinganswers/fullspectrum/benefits.asp
CAlendar
Jackson County Chamber of Commerce
To Register: Unless otherwise noted, R.S.V.P. for events to Mary at Mary@JacksonChamber.org 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
April EVENTS
Thursday, April 14
Business After Hours - Tax
Day Celebration
Cost: $25 prepaid/$30 at the door for
Members
Other: Lunch Included

Tuesday, April 19
Tuesday, April 26
Do 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 pm
Cost: $10/Free for Chamber Members
Webinar 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 - Noon
Cost: $25/$15 for Chamber Members
Monday, April 18
Thursday, April 21
Economic Club Luncheon
Join 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 Downtown
When: 11:30-1:00 pm
Where: Michigan Theatre of Jackson
When: 5-7- pm
Cost: $10/Free for Members

Tech Essentials Webinar
Business After Hours
Leadership Academy
Graduation
Help 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!
Good Morning! Greater
Jackson
Attend 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 Ristorante
When: 7:30-8:30 am
Cost: $20/$10 for Members
Other: Networking & Hot Breakfast Included
April Meetings
Friday, April 8
Ambassador Committee
Where: Hugo’s Bar & Grill
When: 12-2 pm
JacksonChamber.org
Tuesday, April 19
Monday, May 16
Thursday, August 18
Chamber Board of Directors
Where: Bella Notte Ristorante
When: 7:30-8:30 am
Golf Outing 2011
Tuesday, May 17
Tuesday, August 23
Tips for the Accidental Techie Webinar
Good Morning! Greater Jackson
Economic Club Committee
Where: Chamber Offices
When: 4-5 pm
Thursday, May 19
Tuesday, August 23
Business After Hours - Summer Kickoff at the
Country Club of Jackson
JAXPO Vendor Meeting
Friday, April 22
Tuesday, May 24
Wednesday, April 20
Legislative Committee
Where: County Commission Chambers
When: 12-1 pm
Thursday, April 28
MLK Diversity/Challenge Day Committee
When: 8-9 am
Thursday, June 2
Leadership Academy Alumni Association
Meeting
Wednesday, June 8
Coffee at the Chamber
Thursday, April 28
Thursday, June 16
JAXPO Committee
When: 12pm -1 pm
Monday, June 20
Upcoming Events
Thursday, May 5
Speed Networking – Creating Connections
with Comcast
Monday, May 9
Economic Club Luncheon w/ John Nixon,
State Budget Director
Tuesday, June 28
Thursday, July 21
Business After Hours - Dog Days of Summer
Economic Club Luncheon with Rob Fowler CEO for Small Business Association of MI
Tuesday, July 26
Friday, May 13
Friday, August 12
Member Orientation
Member Orientation
Good Morning!Greater Jackson
Local
Viewpoint
May 3rd City of Jackson Special Election
O
n 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 authorized to combine the existing Police and Fire Departments into a Public Safety Department.
With decreasing revenues and the severe reduction of state shared revenue, the City of Jackson, 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 general 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 department 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 department 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 Holland 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 majority 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 police 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 cannot 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
B y K a re n
Du
*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 comn
munity on issues that impact the
ga
communities businesses and
ni
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.
JacksonChamber.org
Government
Relations
Focusing on Strategy and Fiscal Responsibility:
Jackson County’s Budget Process
representatives at the
state level. The legislative agenda requests
the State to plan long
term as the County
does. It focuses on cuts
to State Revenue Sharing and Personal Property 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 collaboration.
Adam J. Brown
Jackson County, Interim Administrator/Controller
*County Administrator Brown speaks on behalf of Jackson
County and not as a representative of the Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber seeks
n
inputs from the community on issues
w
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.
ro
he
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 financial future mapped out, staff is able to collaborate to fill the gap between the current budget and
the upcoming budget. This process is consistent
with our core values of Integrity, Leadership, Collaboration, 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 Commissioners has been anticipating a cut to State Revenue 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 Sharing. 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 conservative use of reserves.
The County is in the process of approving a legislative agenda, which give our commissioners and
community a platform to speak with our elected
B y Ad a m B
T
Bigger or smaller?
Every decision we make,
every encounter we have...
we get a choice.
Welcome
New Members
Airmaster Fan Company
Richard Stone
1300 Falahee Road, P.O. Box 968
(517) 764-2300
www.airmasterfan.com
Are we opening doors or
closing them?
Manufacturing / Manufacturers Representatives
Manufacturer of commercial and industrial fans sold
through wholesale distributors
Ann Arbor State Bank
Bradley Johnson
125 West William
(517) 879-1072
www.a2sb.com
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.]
Banks/Banking Associations
Ann 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 Wenling
2400 Shirley Drive
(517) 787-7820
www.redlobster.com
Restaurants: Bars / Clubs / Coffee House
Named Best Family Restaurant by Men’s Health
Magazine; featuring the Wood Fire Grill, Fresh
Catch and Seasonal Specials
Reprinted with permission from Seth Godin’s Blog: Set Godin is a
best selling author, entrepreneur and agent of change. Website: www.
sethgodin.com
THANK
YOU
Renewing Members
1-5 Years
Kelly Imports
Aldinger Inc.
Lamar Advertising
American Jiffy Tax, Inc.
New York Life
Insurance - Joe Lentz
Christ Centered
Homes, Inc.
Craft Electric
Dove Health Alliance/
Dove Counseling
PC Solutions
Professional Consulting
Services
TransPharm Preclinical
Solutions
Willbee Transit-Mix
Co., Inc.
Wolverine Seal Coating,
LLC
6-10 years
11-15 Years
16 - 25 Years
26 - 35 Years
American Resources
Group
AAA Michigan
Abecca Corporation
Apollo Express Inc.
Community Action
Agency
C & H Stamping
Boyers Tool & Die, Inc.
F & S Tool & Gauge Co.
Curves
Jackson Computer
Center
Legacy Printing
Lloyd Ganton
Retirement Centers
WSYM TV Fox 47
Dr. Cynthia A. Rider,
D.M.D.
Griswold & Dalton
Carpet One
Jackson County Fair
Jackson Pack N Ship!
Jackson County Rose
Festival
Sleeping Bear Winery
Miller Truck & Storage
Co.
Office Depot
Heat Controller, Inc.
Taylor Rental Center
Norfolk Homes
Jackson Host Lions
Club
The Crimefighter
Corps
Perlos Corp.
ServiceMaster Absolute
Home & Restoration
Services
Gallery Place
Apartments
Salah Huwais, DDS,
PLLC
Sharp & Soltis
Construction Co., LLC
Plante & Moran, PLLC
McDonald Roofing &
Sheet Metal Co. Inc.
Meade, Wheeler
Financial Group
Frederic B. Slete D.D.S.,
P.C.
Safety Systems Inc.
55 Years
Kelly Services, Inc.
63 Years
Pioneer Foundry
Company, Inc.
Mid-America
Machining, Inc.
73 Years
Region 2 Planning
Commission
Stanton & Associates/
Wendy’s
Consumers Energy
JacksonChamber.org
Imitation - A Sincere Compliment
2011 Jackson Retail Success Academy
8 businesses took advantage of a great community collaborative and graduated from this year’s
Jackson Retail Success Academy.
This local initiative, to strengthen area businesses and to curb ‘Retail Leakage’ out of Jackson
County, is catching the attention of surrounding counties and throughout the state. Currently, The Hillsdale Chamber and Lenawee County
are coming to us for help in setting up a Retail Success 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
We AIM to make it EASY!
draw from it; 3. Pay at the time you call to register. For safety, please DO NOT email your credit
card information. However, faxing that information 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.JacksonChamber.org to make YOUR plan of action.
hu
re-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 ‘handle it once’ concept of time management. Plus you
will be on the list should we need to send instructions, 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 additional follow-up emails and any confusion at
check in.
As the accountant here at the Chamber I recommend 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
s
es
ler
B y Ma r y S c
P
& Betty Kay Price; Cuppa (a coffee cart at ART
634) with Evan Farmer; Easy Fit Apparel LLC
(online mall for special needs apparel) with Evelyn 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 partnership between the Jackson County Chamber
of Commerce, the
Midtown Association,
JXN Local First, the
Downtown Development
Association,
Enterprise
Group,
MI Small Business &
Technology Center
and County National
Bank.
Contact: Susan@
JacksonChamber.org
or call: 517-782-8221
141 South Jackson St. • Jackson, MI 49201
JacksonChamber.org