Caro Chamber of Commerce Road Rally

Caro Chamber of Commerce
November 30 - December 5 - Gingerbread Village
December 19 - Chamber Board Meeting - 8:00 a.m. - Municipal Building
December 20 - After Hours - Chemical Bank - 5 p.m.
December 25 - CHRISTMAS
January 1 - NEW YEAR’S DAY
January 16 - Chamber Board Meeting - 8:00 a.m. - Rolka Building
January 17 - After Hours - Caro Chamber/Tuscola County EDC/Rolka
Building
November/December 2012
429 North State Street, Suite 101,Caro, MI 48723
GATOR RAFFLE
This year Caro will once again be transformed into the Gingerbread Village
welcoming the Bread Family, Santa, and friends and neighbors from near and far.
Gingerbread Central located at 260 North State Street will be the center of familyfriendly fun. This year’s event will take place from November 30 - December 5,
2012. Some of the events that highlight this year’s festivities include:
Downtown Open House with Special Friday Shopping Hours and Holiday
Bargains, Prizes and Gingerbread Dough - November 30th
Downtown Art Walk, Musicians, Entertainment and Carriage Rides
Annual Lighting of the Christmas Tree with the Bread Family and Santa &
Mrs. Clause.
Taste of Caro - Brentwood - Thursday, November 29th
Free Children’s Matinee at Strand Theatre
Thumb Area Center for the Arts Christmas Concert
Gingerbread House Competition
And much, much more!
Help us continue the tradition of bringing to life the sights, sounds and smells of the
Gingerbread Village - an old-fashioned holiday in Caro . . . where true happiness is
homemade! (See insert.)
Road Rally
Garden Gate Bed & Breakfast
Hungry Howie’s Pizza
Pizza Hut
Thumb Meat Market
A great time was had by all who
attended the Caro Chamber Road Rally
event on Saturday, October 27th. They
solved the clues to complete the Fairy
Tales scavenger hunt! After “the hunt”
there were prizes, dinner, fun and more
festivities.
We want to thank Anderson, Tuckey,
Bernhardt & Doran and Bell Wasik
for sponsoring the event. A big thank
you goes to those providing food for
the dinner:
The Chamber directors and members
who planned, organized and did a
tremendous amount of work on the
event are:
Leianne Nichols - Caro Pool &
Supply
Mandy Board - Goodwill Industries
Wendy Jacot - Human Development
Commission
The John Deere utility vehicle raffle
turned into a 50/50 raffle since not
enough tickets were sold. Total ticket
sales were $7,310. The drawing was
held at the end of the end of the
Tuscola County Pumpkin Festival
with Meggen Jensen’s name on the
winning ticket.
We thank Tri-County Equipment for
working with us on this project.
Presenting Meggen (left) with the
check is Susan Holder, Chamber
President.
Dr. Mark Strzelewicz - Caro
Veterinary Clinic
Also, many Caro businesses donated
prizes that were given out to each
member of every team. Those
businesses are:
Caro Big Boy
(continued on insert - front)
The first place team (left to right) - Lori
Offenbecher, Lori Ertman, Wendy Jacot and
Mandy Board.
Page 2
429 North State Street, Suite 101, Caro, MI 48723
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
“Growing …to serve
you better”
THUMB LAWN & SNOW, LLC
Caro Chamber of Commerce
429 North State Street, Suite 101
Caro, MI 48723
Owner:
Brad Goslin
(989) 673-5211
FAX: (989) 673-2517
Address:
PO Box 1
Caro, MI 48723
E-MAIL:
executivedirector@carochamber.org
WEB: www.carochamber.org
Phone:
989-665-2549
2012-2013 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PRESIDENT
Susan Rickwalt-Holder
Tuscola Behavioral Health Systems
VICE PRESIDENT
Mark Strzelewicz
Caro Veterinary Clinic
TREASURER
Tony Budreau
Independent Bank
SECRETARY
Sandra “Sam” Gutierrez
Happy Feet Floor Gallery
DIRECTORS
Steve Erickson
Tuscola County Economic Development Corp.
Danielle Folino
Signature Bank
Wendy Jacot
Human Development Commission
Olena “Len” Jensen
Thumb Cellular
Meggen Jensen
The Advertiser
Leianne Nichols
Caro Pool & Supply
Mark Ransford
Ransford Collon Funeral & Cremation Services/
Ransford - Wasik
Tom Striffler
City of Caro
Christine Trisch
Heritage Hill
CHAMBER STAFF
Brenda Caruthers
Chamber Administrator
INTERN
Stephanie McLoskey
Delta College
DISCLAIMER - The fliers and other
advertisements included with this publication are
provided by COC as a general service to our
members and the community.
Employees:
5 in Summer
10 in Winter
Hours:
7 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Our business offers the following services:
Summer - Lawn Mowing, Fertilizing, Scraping, and Grub Control
Winter - Snow Removal, and Salting
Our business began in 1988 providing snow removal and in 1993 added lawn care.
We pride ourselves in offering quality service in a timely manner with a fair price.
In the future, we plan to continue with our snow removal part of the business and
expand in the Caro and Cass City areas in the lawn care area.
NOMINATIONS FOR BOARD TERMS
The Chamber is seeking nominations for a total of 4 board vacancies. Nominees
should be an active member in good standing and agree to accept the responsibility
of directorship. It is imperative that elected directors be committed to the Caro
Chamber and to their community and realize the importance of active participation
in meetings and participation in Chamber events. Directors whose terms are
expiring are Susan Rickwalt-Holder, Sandra “Sam” Gutierrez, Wendy Jacot and
Christine Trisch. If you have not received a form by mail or e-mail, contact the
Chamber office. Please, only one nomination per Chamber member business.
Our Mission: “The mission of the Caro Chamber of Commerce is to
create a positive and productive environment where business can grow and
prosper, while enhancing the quality of life in the Caro area.”
This Newsletter may also be viewed on our website: www.CaroChamber.org
429 North State Street, Suite 101, Caro, MI 48723
D r i f t w o o d
Enterprises LLC is
a new business in
Caro that has joined
the Caro Chamber.
They operate a
specialized service
primarily
for
delivery of fitness
and rehabilitation
equipment
to
hospitals, doctors’
offices, YMCA organizations and high-end residential
customers such as Joe Dumars, Oprah Winfrey, Rashid
Wallace, Cleveland Cavaliers and others. The owner,
Mark Gray, bought the building at 438 Green Street early
this year. He has made and continues to make
improvements inside and has plans for outside growth
and improvements including purchasing more property
and constructing a new façade and loading docks. He is
delivering equipment to the Midwest region and is
currently expanding deliveries to the east.
Mark’s business is a great success story. He first opened
Driftwood Enterprises in Cass City approximately 15
years ago and stayed there for a few years. He downsized
and moved to Kingston then downsized again to a pole
barn at his residence in the Fairgrove area for 4-5 years.
Things turned around and his business began to boom.
Within the past 3 years, his business has grown
remarkably. Because of this business, he was able to
open the popular State Street Fitness business at 160
North State Street in 2007.
For more information, call Driftwood at 989-672-6456 or
see their website at www.driftwoodfitness.com.
Bob Garske is the
Caro Postmaster and
has joined the Caro
Chamber as an
individual. Bob has
lived in the Thumb
of Michigan since
1990. He has been
with the United
States Postal Service
for 28 years and has served in Caro since September of
2009.
Bob is proud to serve the Thumb communities in a
federal level service position. He says networking is key
to his position. Fifteen to twenty post offices work
directly with him which brings the Thumb area together
and creates a great Michigan district. M-53 is the dividing
line for the Detroit district, but he also works with the
Bad Axe postmaster to keep things working smoothly for
the entire Thumb. He has been forced to scale back, but
his goal is to keep area small town post offices open by
having shorter hours. The Caro office has expanded in
Page 3
order to keep the Akron/Fairgrove office profitable. He
says, “It will be interesting to see what the new postal
systems looks like a year from now.”
Bob has an open door policy and wants to be a help to
businesses. If you have questions or want to know more
about any of the postal service marketing tools, contact him
at 989-673-3104.
Bob wishes to be involved more in the community, and we
look forward to seeing him as he participates, as his time
permits, in events. We welcome Bob Garske to the Caro
Chamber!
We would like to
welcome Hudson
Produce Farm to
the Caro Chamber.
Their
farm
specializes
in
commercial
v e g e t a b l e
production,
and
they offer their products for sale at the Caro Farmers
Market and at their farm located at 1780 Colwood Road, 3
miles northeast of Caro.
Hudson Produce Farm is owned and operated by Dr. Hal &
Mrs. Alice Hudson along with their children - Dalice, age
16; Hal Jr., age 13; and Lecretia, age 10. All three of their
children are students at Caro Community Schools and are
involved in the Northern Lights 4-H Club.
The Hudsons have grown produce for over 10 years, the
first 3 years in Clare and the last 7 years in Caro. Produce
grown varies from year to year, but usually includes:
tomatoes, potatoes, green beans, cucumbers, peppers, sweet
corn, spinach, lettuce, and salad mix.
Hudson Produce Farm recently achieved Michigan
Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program verification
with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural
Development for the farmstead, cropping, and livestock
systems for their farm.
Dr. Hudson serves as Extension Horticulture Educator for
commercial/consumer vegetable production with MSU
Extension and shares his expertise and programming on a
statewide basis. Anyone desiring further information on
vegetable production may contact him at MSU Extension at
989-672-3870 or by e-mail at hudsonh@anr.msu.edu.
Hal serves as chair of the Caro Farmers Market Committee
for the Caro Chamber of Commerce. The Caro Farmers
Market is a major event hosted weekly by the Caro
Chamber of Commerce beginning the first Saturday in May
and running through the Saturday of the Tuscola County
Pumpkin Festival.
Page 4
The Chris Barrios Agency, a State Farm
Insurance provider and Chamber
member, hosted a Grand Opening and
Ribbon Cutting celebration on Saturday,
October 6. Pictured from left: Rodney
Christopher Barrios, Nancy and David
Barrios, Chris Barrios - Agency Owner,
Brenda Caruthers - Caro Chamber of
Commerce Executive Director, Steve
Erickson - Tuscola County EDC
Executive Director, Grant Rose and
Silena Rogers - Insurance Sales. Not
pictured are Amanda Light and Kerry
Rose.
Chris opened the Agency on September
1st in the former Team One Credit Union
building. Chris is a 2009 graduate of
Saginaw Valley State University, where
he received a BS in Kiniesiology and
minor in Coaching. While attending
SVSU, Chris was a sprinter on the
SVSU Track and Field Team and earned
GLIAC All-Conference recognition.
Prior to opening his own agency, Chris
worked for the Rollie Stephens State
Farm Agency in Flushing, and he
completed his internship with the Andy
Wilder Agency in Yale, MI.
Chris currently lives in Cass City, and is
the youngest son of David and Nancy
Barrios.
Allure Salon & Spa opened their doors
on October 15, 2012, at 1152 East Caro
Road in a beautiful new building which
is welcoming and relaxing inside and
429 North State Street, Suite 101, Caro, MI 48723
out. Owner Renee Kilbourn and the
experienced staff provide every type of
hair service plus much more - kertatin,
Klix hair extensions, toner, gloss
treatments, malibu, protein, special
occasion style, blowout, updo, updo with
extensions, a bridal package, a salon and
style package, a variety of massages,
body treatments and teeth whitening.
Their hours are 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. and are
flexible with customers needing evening
hours. The Allure team is available to
serve their customers and make them
feel appreciated. For more information
or an appointment, contact the salon at
989-672-1231.
Pictured at the First Dollar Presentation
are (left to right) Chamber Directors
Leianne Nichols of Caro Pool & Supply
and Susan Rickwalt-Holder of Tuscola
County Behavioral Health Systems,
stylist Kendra Rummel, Chamber
Director Steve Erickson of Tuscola
County EDC, owner Renee Kilbourn,
and Chamber Directors Brenda
Caruthers, Len Jensen of Thumb
Cellular and Meggen Jensen of the
Advertiser.
We welcome Sunny Physical
Therapy to Caro and to the Chamber.
Owner Pat Peachera recently opened
the business at 1525 West Caro Road
in the Caro Health Plaza building
across from VG’s. Pat says, “A healthy
body without pain or pain medications
is within everyone’s reach. Yours can
be obtained through our proactive,
quality, one-on-one approach. All of
our treatments are provided in a
relaxed and private environment.”
All of their care is provided by a
licensed physical therapist, never an
aid or technician. The physical
therapist will work only with you
during your appointment, and you will
see the same physical therapist for all
your treatments. Pat says, “You will
get faster results in fewer sessions
through their hands-on techniques.”
They serve Tuscola and Saginaw
counties. Their hours are Monday Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. but are flexible
for people who need evening hours.
Their contact number is 888-994-4244.
We welcome Save-A-Lot to the Caro
Chamber. Last newsletter we read about
Save-A-Lot being purchased and kept
open by three generations of grocers
Tim, Tom and Paul Freeman of Freeman
Family Enterprise. The store has been
remodeled, and the parking lot has been
repaved and striped. Stop in and meet
Manager Jason Lemanski and see the
spacious and inviting grocery store.
Store hours are 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Monday
through Saturday and 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. on
Sunday. It is located in Sugar Creek
Plaza at 1253 East Caro Road.
Legion
Building
Corporation of Caro
has joined the Chamber.
This is a non-profit
corporation
that
manages 2 properties.
The first is the memorial home of
Theron W. Atwood Sr. American
Legion Post No. 7 located at 110 West
Frank Street in Caro. It has 250
members and is the largest Veteran
Service Organization in Tuscola
County. Its primary function is to
assist veterans.
The second property is the Starlite
Event Center located at 1517 North
Henry Street in Bay City. Starlite is
the income generator, sponsoring 5
Bingo events per week. All profits
(continued on page 5)
429 North State Street, Suite 101, Caro, MI 48723
(continued from Page 4 - Legion)
are used to maintain the properties,
meet the financial obligations of the
American Legion and Starlite Event
Center. Any surplus is put into a
philanthropic fund to assist veterans,
civic organizations and other charities.
Page 5
County EDC, Executive Director Brenda
Caruthers and Jim McLoskey of Senator
Mike Green’s office.
For hall rental and other information,
call 989-673-0643.
Caro NAPA has joined the Chamber.
Under new ownership, Jason Lockwood
has managed the business for the past 2
years. This is an auto and truck parts
store that also provides hydraulic hose
assembly and testing of
batteries,
alternators and starters.
On Trak Consulting & Career
Coaching is owned by Julie Carr and is
a new Chamber member. Julie is a
certified career coach and inspirational
speaker who is passionate about
helping people find their passions and
designing a direction that will help
them to fulfill their career dreams and
live life with purpose.
Julie lives in Caro and has been an
independent contractor with Thumb
Works! for over 10 years, working with
individuals in career transition both in
one-on-one and group workshops. She
has worked mainly with females
seeking career change or transitioning
into the work force. She is currently
developing curriculum for adolescents
to choose a career that defines their life
purpose and utilizes their talents and
gifts to their fullest potential.
Julie conducts workshops around the
state entitled, “Succeed Despite the
Economy.” She has flexible hours and
is offering 10% off coaching and
workshop participation for Chamber
members. For more information,
contact Julie at 989-325-0636 or
jcarrontrak@gmail.com.
Pictured at a First Dollar Presentation
are (left to right): Chamber Director
Sam Gutierrez - Happy Feet Floor
Gallery, Julie Carr - owner, Chamber
Director Steve Erickson - Tuscola
They are presently located in the
Industrial Park on the west side of Caro.
They are remodeling the former Midwest
Rotary building at 1065 East Caro Road.
They will move in the next week or two.
They look forward to being more visible
and having more space to better serve
the needs of their customers.
Their store hours will continue to be
7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 - 2 p.m. on Saturday. They are
offering Chamber members a 10% discount off total purchase.
Watch for their opening in the new
location and stop in to get acquainted
and wish them the best. For more
information, they may be contacted at
989-672-4525.
P r o - T e c h
Computing,
located at 116
East Frank Street.
has joined the
Caro Chamber.
John Walker is
the owner. He has
been in business
over 10 years and
opened
the
business in Caro
2 years ago. He has one full-time
employee.
John says they “strive to do the best at
what they do.” Everything is backed
100%. They provide quick turn-around
and the same-day service as much as
possible. They sell new laptops and
cus to m-b uilt P Cs wit h 2 - year
warranties on parts and labor. They do
repair on PCs and laptops and
networking virus removal. They also
provide data recovery and free
diagnostics.
Pro-Tech services the Thumb of Michigan with hours Monday - Thursday 10
a.m. - 6 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
and Saturday 10 a.m. to 12 noon. They
are offering a 10% discount on service
to Caro Chamber members.
G.C. Express broke ground to begin
the construction of a new fueling center
and Subway restaurant at the corner of
M-46 and M-24. G.C. Express is an
expansion of Marlette Oil and Gas
Company which is a company locally
owned by its shareholders (customers).
It has been serving the Thumb area
since 1920.
The new 7,000-square foot facility will
i n c l u d e a S ub wa y r e s t a u r a n t ,
hand-dipped ice cream, and a fullystocked convenience store. There will
be a separate fueling area for cars and
trucks along with a fully-equipped
shower area for over-the-road truck
drivers.
Poet Biorefining is excited about the
opening of this business. Michigan’s
first ethanol processor has given a grant
to G.C. Express to help with the cost of
constructing E-85 blender pumps for
the distribution of E-85 in the area.
E-85 has a number of advantages over
conventional gasoline. One advantage
is a reduction in tailpipe emissions and
increased performance. A
diversification of fuel sources reduces
the dependence on foreign oil. The
project is expected to create 25 new
(continued on page 6)
Page 6
jobs. During the Ground Breaking
ceremony, Scott Dorman from Marlette
Oil and Gas expressed his appreciation
to State Senator Mike Green, Steve
Erickson of Tuscola County Economic
Development Corporation and Fremont
Township Supervisor Henry Wymore
for their assistance in the initial phrase
of the project.
Tuscola County EDC Executive
Director Stephen Erickson thanked G.C.
Express for filling a much-needed gap
in Tuscola County. The long anticipated
truck stop is needed to spur economic
growth in the area and to work with
Poet Biorefining in constructing a
pro-ethanol retail outlet locally.
Pictured at the Ground Breaking on the
previous page are (left to right): Ron
Lindberg, Keith Bauer of Poet
Biorefining, Don Adamyczk, Scott
Dorman, Steve Erickson of Tuscola
County EDC, Senator Mike Green, Bill
Bushaw of Tuscola County EDC and
Scott Walker.
ABOUT OUR MEMBERS
H&R
Block
has moved their
office to 1146
Cleaver Road
( b e s i d e
Mancino’s).
They remodeled
the building to
provide office
space for all
their staff in the
same location.
They continue
to
provide
b o o k k e ep i n g ,
payroll,
tax
preparation and advice to those needing
their services. Daniel Block, franchise
owner, wants his customers to know
they look the same and have the same
feel. It is just a bigger, better and more
visible location.
They continue to grow and have
recently purchased the Caro Tax &
Accounting business located at 1796
West Caro Road, Suite B. Business will
continue there as usual as they make the
transition to H&R Block.
429 North State Street, Suite 101, Caro, MI 48723
Stop in and see the new office and
congratulate Dan on his successful and
growing business. He may be contacted
at 989-673-3257. Check out their
website at www.hrblock.com
Team One Credit Union Hires
Laura Crase as Branch Manager
Team One is pleased to welcome Laura
Crase as the branch manager of their
Sandusky office located at 625 South
Sandusky Road. Laura comes to Team
One from State Farm where she was an
Agent and Registered Representative in
Caro for many years. She brings more
than 12 years of experience in the
financial service field, in addition to her
insurance background, to her new
position as branch manager.
Laura has always been very active in
the community. She served as a Caro
Chamber director and officer for several
years and is also a Rotary member.
“I’m proud to be joining Team One, an
organization that cares about and is
involved in the communities where they
are located,” states Laura.
“It’s
something that is very important to me
as a former business owner in a small
community, and I’m happy that it is a
top priority of Team One as well.”
Laura is excited to be back in the
financial service field as it’s something
she truly has a passion for. At the
Sandusky branch, she joins a dedicated,
friendly team of individuals that are
committed to providing exceptional
service to members of the community.
Laura and her husband Ken, a police
officer in Marlette, have 3 children and
live in Marlette.
Our Vision: “Our vision is to be the
foremost voice for area businesses and
organizations. We exist to provide
leadership and to serve and represent
our members. We maintain a strong
presence in the community by
organizing or assisting in activities that
benefit the citizens and the business
sector. The Chamber actively engages
our members to be involved in the
community and provides opportunities
to socialize, exchange ideas and
network.”
Bullet Auto & Truck Service Center
continues to grow and expand their
business. They have remodeled their
lobby and it is now warm, comfortable
and inviting for anyone needing to wait
for their vehicle. They are improving
their façade, but because of the
weather, it will be spring before it is
completed.
They have expanded their wrecker
service to 24 hours and they accept
most insurances now. They also carry a
line of remote starters and can install
one while you shop or get a haircut
downtown!
Pictured are owners and technicians
Eric Spreder (left) and Randy Putman.
Their winter hours are Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Saturdays by
appointment. Stop in to see them or
give them a call at 989-672-2277.
Independent Bank
Independent
Bank
announces some staffing
changes. Barbara Haranda
formerly Branch Manager
for the Caro office was
recently promoted to Vice
President Community Banking for
Independent Bank. As a Community
Banker, she will be leading sales and
mentoring efforts for the following
offices: Kingston, Marlette, North
Branch, Lapeer and Clio. Her home
office is now Marlette.
Tony Budreau has been promoted to
Branch Manager of the Caro office. He
was the Assistant Manager for the Caro
office and has 4 years of experience
with the Caro customers. He is active in
the Chamber and is doing a great job as
treasurer of the Board of Directors. He
has also helped with various Rotary
functions.
BUY LOCAL
Keep Dollars in Caro!
429 North State Street, Suite 101, Caro, MI 48723
Page 7
$$ MEMBER-TO-MEMBER DISCOUNTS $$
BELL-WASIK, INC.
1014 E. Dayton Road, Caro, MI
989-673-6126
10% Discount on Service
BER-WA-GA-NA CAMPGROUND
2601 W. Sanilac Road, Vassar, MI
989-673-7125
10% Discount
BULLET AUTO & TRUCK SERVICE CENTER
403 N. State Street, Caro, MI
989-672-CARS (2277)
15% Discount, except for oil changes
CARO CHIROFIT
765 N. State Street, Caro, MI
989-673-5559
10% Discount on 60 minute massage
CARO DRUGS
1525 W. Caro Road, Caro, MI
989-672-1080
20% Discount
CARO NAPA
1065 E. Caro Road, Caro, MI
989-672-4525
10% Discount
CARTER LUMBER COMPANY
1250 Carter Drive, Caro, MI
989-672-3108
10% Discount
CURVES
1243 W. Caro Road, Caro, MI
989-673-4888
No Set-up Fee
DRIFTWOOD ENTERPRISES
438 Green Street, Caro, MI
989-672-6456
15% Discount on Reconditioned Fitness Equipment
FRAMEWORXZ
3540 N. Hurds Corner Road, Caro, MI
989-550-7648
10% Discount
H & R BLOCK
1184 Cleaver Road, Suite 300, Caro, MI
989-673-3257
10% Discount
HAPPY FEET FLOOR GALLERY
526 S. State Street, Caro, MI
989-670-7747
10-20% Product Discount
HOLZWORTH SIGNS
3696 E. Bevens Road, Caro, MI
989-673-5295
10% Discount
INNOVATIONS
166 N. State Street, Caro, MI
989-672-5500
15% on Products
MAPLE GROVE VETERINARY
CLINIC
1710 W. Caro Road, Caro, MI
989-673-7387
Free Temperament Test
MUFFLER MAN
751 S. State Street, Caro, MI
989-673-6263
10% Discount
NARAYAN MEDICAL CLINIC
1004 W. Caro Road, Caro, MI
989-672-8700
10% Discount on Fitness & CashBased Medical Equipment
ON TRAK CONSULTING & CAREER
COACHING
1111 Luder Road, Caro, MI
989-325-0636
10% Discount on Coaching or Workshop
Participation
PRO-TECH COMPUTING
116 East Frank Street, Caro, MI
989-670-0063
10 % Discount on Service
RUMMEL INSURANCE AGENCY
1018 E. Caro Road, Caro, MI
989-673-4169
Up to 15 % Discounts
S & B AUTO REPAIR
176 Columbia Street, Caro, MI
989-673-3808
10% Discount on total bill except for
oil changes
SERVPRO
3465 Mertz Road, Caro, MI
989-673-7680
10% Discount on Carpet Cleaning
STATE STREET FITNESS
160 N. State Street, Caro, MI
989-672-0787
Reduced Sign-On Fee
TAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHY
516 N. Almer Street, Caro, MI
989-529-35578
Free 8x10 photograph
THE DIAN Z
113 S. State Street, Caro, MI
989-323-0010
10% Discount
THE GARDENS AT GRICE’S
2560 Mertz Road, Caro, MI
989-673-8733
10% off Hall Rental
THE OVEN
875 S. State Street, Caro, MI
989-673-2285
10% Discount - Dine-in only
THUMB AREA
TOURISM COUNCIL
9281 Lane Road, Millington, MI
810-569-6856
15% Discount on Membership Fee
THUMB COOLING & HEATING
837 S. State Street, Caro, MI
989-673-4948
5% Discount
THUMB OFFICE SUPPLY
779 S. Van Dyke Road, Bad Axe, MI
989-269-8122
10% Discount (excluding sale items)
THUMBS UP DIRECTORY
9545 W. Fairgrove Road, Reese, MI
989-220-5920
20% Discount
VAUGHAN’S RV CENTER
2104 W. Caro Road, Caro, MI
989-672-4100
10% Discount on Parts and Service
WILL’S GREENHOUSE
3605 Apache Road, Vassar, MI
989-673-6451
Will pay Sales Tax on Purchases
WORTH’S MARKET
4730 Main Street, Millington, MI
989-871-2101
10% Discount
SUNNSATIONAL TANNING AND
EMBROIDERY
1425 W. Caro Road, Caro, MI
989-673-7866
$5 off tanning purchase with lotion
*Employees of your business may need to show I.D.
*Other stipulations may apply; please check with each member.
Offering special discounts or money-saving packages to other members brings new business
through your door, increases word-of-mouth advertising, and establishes a business-to-business
connection with other Chamber members. Contact the Chamber office to register your Memberto-Member Discount benefit and we’ll promote it for you! The Chamber number is 989-6735211, and our e-mail is executivedirector@carochamber.org.
CARO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
AFTER HOURS
Don’t miss these evenings of fun,
refreshments, and networking with other businesses in the area!
A delightful After Hours was held at
Caro CHIROFIT in November. Dr.
Tim and his staff gave tours of the new
office to Chamber members and most
everyone attending enjoyed a chair
massage from one of the therapists Stephanie Adams or Katie Findlay.
Pictured below left are staff members (left to right): Katie Findlay, Laura Beckman, and
Tammy Crowder (Stephanie Adams is not pictured). Pictured below right is Dr. Tim
Sala explaining door prize supplements to Bob Moore. We met new people and had a
great time networking with other Chamber members.
UPCOMING AFTER HOURS
Thursday, December 20,
2012
Chemical Bank
Thursday, January 17, 2012
Chamber/EDC
If you would like to host an After
Hours or need someone to partner
with, please contact Brenda at the
Chamber office.
Insert — Front
429 North State Street, Suite 101, Caro, MI 48723
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR and
JR. CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
The Caro Chamber of Commerce is now
seeking nominations for the 2012
Citizen of the Year and Jr. Citizen of the
Year. Nominations should be submitted
on or before December 31, 2012. To
make a nomination for Citizen of the
Year just give us their name and your
contact information. We will do the
research and compile the information
regarding their accomplishments. The
person should be an individual who
resides in the Caro area and has
selflessly given his or her time while
making an outstanding contribution
promoting Caro and volunteering their
time in Caro.
A committee of past Citizen of the Year
recipients will select the 2012 Citizen of
the Year.
Nominations for the Jr. Citizen of the
Year will be compiled from the Caro
Area School District. Freshmen through
senior year students are eligible. This
student needs to be academically
talented, demonstrate the potential to be
an outstanding citizen, have high morals
and values. Involvement within the
school,
church,
community
and
workforce is also important. A
committee from the Chamber of
Commerce Directors will interview
candidates and make a selection.
Letters of nomination should be
addressed to:
Caro Chamber of Commerce
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
OR
JR. CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
429 North State Street, Suite 101
Caro, MI 48723.
Both honors, Citizen of the Year and Jr.
Citizen of the Year, will be announced
during the annual Citizen of the Year
dinner on Saturday, February 23, 2013,
at the Caro Knights of Columbus Hall.
“Christmas gift suggestions: To
your enemy, forgiveness. To an
opponent, tolerance. To a friend,
your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every
child, a good example. To
yourself, respect.”--Oren Arnold
(continued from page 1 - Road Rally)
Caro Pool & Supply
Caro Veterinary Clinic
Chris Barrios Agency - State Farm
Family Video
Feathers & Furry Friends
Goodwill Industries of Mid-Michigan
Holly’s Hair Design
JJ Jamokes
Kenneth Tiseo, DDS
Lasting Impressions
Moore Motor Sales
Pat Curtis Chevrolet - Cadillac
The Fowler Center
The Oven
Valley Title
VG’s
Wear-A Bouts Resale Store
White Chiropractic Health Care
AFTER HOURS
Thank you to Caro Chamber members
who have hosted an After Hours in 2012
to showcase your business and provide a
great networking opportunity.
Yellowbook
Thumb Cooling & Heating
PJ O’Brien Catering & Party Rental/
Town & Country Bridal
Team One Credit Union
The Fowler Center
A Dove Nest Bed and Breakfast
Rock Products
Tuscola Behavioral Health Systems
Maple Grove Veterinary Clinic
Caro CHIROFIT
Chemical Bank
Those scheduled for 2013 are:
January 17 - Caro Chamber of
Commerce/Tuscola County EDC/
Rolka Building Open House
February 21 - Moore Motors
March 21 - ServPro
April 18 - Consumers Energy
May 16 - The Dian Z
June 20 - Osentoski Reality
July 18 - BER-WA-GA-NA
Campground
August 22 - Caro Centre
September 19 - Westover Wild
Wings Poultry Processing
October 17 - Chris Barrios Agency State Farm
November 21 - Law Office of Renee
Wood
December 19 - Anchor Cove
Outreach Church
Mark your calendar and plan to attend
as many as you can in order to get to
know what our businesses and their
owners provide to the community and
surrounding areas.
Merry
Christmas
and
Happy New
Insert—Back
AMERICAN SMALL
BUSINESS LEAGUE
The Chamber office received this
information and wanted you to be
aware of the following information:
In January of this year, President
Obama proposed closing the Small
Business Administration by
combining it with the Department of
Commerce. That was followed by
S. 2129, the “Reforming and
Consolidating Government Act.” This
legislation will give President Obama
the power to close the SBA. Because
the SBA is the only federal agency
protecting America’s 27 million small
businesses, we want to make sure this
legislation does not pass.
Small businesses are vital to the U.S.
economy. There are 27 million small
businesses nationwide, making up
more than 99 percent of U.S.
companies. According to the U.S.
Census Bureau, small businesses
create more than 90 percent of net new
jobs. Small businesses also employ
half the private sector workforce and
generate more than half the gross
domestic product (GDP). Clearly,
small businesses are the engine of
economic growth.
We believe the passage of this
legislation will severely damage or
dismantle several longstanding federal
programs aimed at helping small
businesses, including minority-owned,
women-owned and service-disabled
veteran-owned small businesses.
The American Small Business League
(ASBL) is hoping you will contact
your senators and ask them not to
s u p p o r t t h e “R e f o r mi n g a n d
Consolidating Government Act.”
For your convenience, we have
included a link to contact information
for your senators and a couple
relevant news stories. If you have any
questions or concerns, please don’t
hesitate to contact me.
Thank you for your time and
consideration.
(continued)
429North State Street, Suite 101 Caro, MI 48723
Best regards,
Erin Newton
Outreach Assistant
American Small Business League
707.789.9575w | 707.789.9580f
erin@asbl.com | www.asbl.com
S. 2129: Reforming and Consolidation
Government Act of 2012
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/
bills/112/s2129
Senate Contact Portal:
http://www.senate.gov/general/
contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm
Obama calls for a ‘Secretary of
Business’
By Peter Schroeder, The Hill
October 29, 2012
http://thehill.com/video/
campaign/264589-obama-calls-for-asecretary-of-business
Obama adds cabinet seat for SBA
administrator, proposes merging
commerce agencies
J.D. Harrison, The Washington Post
January 13, 2012
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/
on-small-business/post/obama-addscabinet-seat-for-sba-administratorproposes-merging-commerceagencies/2012/01/13/
gIQAd00KwP_blog.html
Congratulations to Marty & Kris
(McArdle) Reinelt who were married at
Timberlee Hills in Traverse City on Oct.
13, 2012. Kris is the President/Project
Specialist of Infinite Creative Services,
Inc. They are now living in Bridgman,
MI, but Kris is still available to all her
customers in Caro and the surrounding
areas. You can reach Kris at 810-5696856 or infinitecs@earthlink.net.
Shop Locally
With People you Know
And
Businesses You Trust
Caro Post Cards are Available
in the Chamber Office!
The Chamber is not working
with anyone for maps or
t-shirts at this time!
Chamber Member Opportunities
Anyone Interested
► in having an After Hours Event? - Now scheduling for 2014
► in putting an insert in our newsletter? - $10 cost
► in buying Chamber Bucks? - Purchase at banks or the Chamber office at face
value. Promote shopping in Caro!
► in providing coupons/fliers at Farmers Market? - Market begins in May
and the Chamber will have a table each Saturday morning. We don’t want the
Market to compete with your business but to enhance it by bringing people to
Caro. We encourage you to provide coupons or sale fliers to us, and we will
display them on the table each Saturday free of charge for you.
► in getting information regarding events to other Chamber members? - E-mail
us your prepared information and once a week we will send it on to members.
If you are able to be a part of any of the opportunities above, please contact us at 989673-5211 or e-mail us at executivedirector@carochamber.org.
WELCOME TO CARO’S
G I N G E R B R E A D V I L L A G E !!!
Event Locations
Thanks to the continued support of the
community, our generous contributors, and the
Caro Chamber of Commerce, our magical
holiday recipe continues for the seventh year.
Many of the traditional ingredients you’ve come
to know over the years return for the holiday
celebration.
This year’s Gingerbread Village runs from
Nov. 30 - Dec. 5, 2012, and features the original
ingredients of Taste of Caro (Nov. 29),
downtown open house, Gingerbread Dough, and
shopping specials, Artist & Musician Walk,
Community Christmas Concert, holiday tea, and
plenty of community-wide entertainment,
specials, and events.
Be sure to invite the children in your life to join
you for Lunch with Santa & Friends at TACA
followed by the fun of a FREE children’s matinee
at the Strand Theatre afterward.
Also consider getting into the holiday fun with
our gingerbread house competition and make-ntake activities going on throughout the event.
Gingerbread Central
Compliments of the Tuscola County Democratic Party
260 N. State Street
(between PJ O’Brien’s Catering & Chemical Bank)
Gingerbread Central Hours
Friday 11/30: 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Saturday 12/1: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sunday 12/2: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Mon. 12/3 - Wed. 12/5: 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Arrowhead Golf Club
1201 Gun Club Road
Bullet Auto & Truck Service Center
403 N. State Street
Brentwood
178 Park Drive
Caro Roadhouse Museum
235 S. Almer Street
Chemical Bank
240 N. State Street
First Presbyterian Church
203 N. Almer Street
Strand Theatre
101 S. State Street
Thumb Area Center for the Arts (TACA)
102 Joy Street
So be sure to run as fast as you can to Caro’s
old-fashioned holiday ... it’s where true
happiness is homemade. Check the calendar
for specific event times and locations.
Fred, Ginge
r, Cookie &
Snap
A community event brought to you by:
Caro Chamber of Commerce
and
Friends of the Gingerbread Village
429 N. State Street, Suite 101
Caro, MI 48723
(989) 673-5211
www.carochamber.org
© 2012 Gingerbread Village • Caro Chamber of Commerce
All rights reserved. Material accurate at time of publication.
Produced by: Infinite Creative Services, Inc. • Bridgman, MI
Taste of Caro
Downtown Open House
Carriage Rides
Shopping Specials
Gingerbread Dough
Artist & Musician Walk
FREE Children’s Matinee
Make-n-Take Activities
Gingerbread Jam
Lunch with Santa & Friends
Community Christmas Concert
Victorian Tea & Fashion Show
Gingerbread House Competition
AND MUCH MORE!!!
BE A PART OF THE GINGERBREAD VILLAGE RECIPE ...
ADD YOU & YOUR FAMILY TO ONE OR MORE OF THE ACTIVITIES!!!
7 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 29
5 - 8 p.m.
Taste of Caro ($) - Brentwood
8 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 30
5 p.m. Gingerbread House Penny Vote
Competition Kicks off (concludes
at noon on Wed. Dec. 5)
5 - 9 p.m.
Gingerbread Central Open
6 p.m.
Gingerbread Village Mascots and
Santa & Mrs. Claus Arrive for
Lighting of the Christmas Tree
6 - 9 p.m.
~ Downtown Shops Open Late
~ Shopping Specials
~ Downtown Gingerbread Dough
(Drawing 8:45 p.m. at
Gingerbread Central - MUST
BE PRESENT TO WIN)
~ Artist & Musician Walk
~ 98 FM KCQ Live Remote
~ Gift Wrapping (Blessing Center)
6:30 - 8 p.m.
Pictures with Santa - Gingerbread
Central (courtesy of Northstar
Bank)
6:30 - 9 p.m.
Downtown Carriage Rides - Bullet
Auto (weather permitting)
Saturday, Dec. 1
9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
9:45 a.m. - 1 p.m.
12 - 4 p.m.
1:30 p.m.
2:30 - 4:30 p.m.
4 or 7 p.m.
6 p.m.
Fun Day - Shopping Time
Lunch with Santa & Friends TACA ($)
Caro Roadhouse Museum Open
House & Antique Toy Display
FREE Matinee featuring Arthur’s
Christmas - Strand Theatre
(doors open at 1 p.m.)
Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the Bread
Family (Fred, Ginger, Cookie &
Snap) visit Gingerbread
Central
Kiwanis Candy Cane Bowling
Tournament (9 pin, no tap) Brentwood ($)
Bake Sale, Wreath Sales &
High School Youth Spaghetti
Supper - Sacred Heart Catholic
Church, Parish Center ($)
Caro Community Hospital
Endowment Foundation Ball ($)
Gingerbread Jam with Live Band Arrowhead Golf Club ($) Proceeds go to Good Samaritan
Food Bank
12 - 4 p.m.
2 - 4 p.m.
Bake Sale, Wreath Sales &
High School Youth Breakfast Sacred Heart Catholic Church,
Parish Center ($)
Caro Roadhouse Museum Open
House & Antique Toy Display
Children Activities and Make-nTake - Gingerbread Central
(courtesy of Caro Area Kiwanis)
Monday, Dec. 3
8:30 a.m. - Noon
7 p.m.
HAVE INVESTED IN THE
GINGERBREAD VILLAGE RECIPE!
Dough Maker - $1,000 & More!
Pat Curtis Chevrolet Cadillac
Sunday, Dec. 2
10 a.m.
A HEARTFELT THANKS TO THOSE WHO
Children’s Field Trips Gingerbread Central
TACA Community Christmas
Concert - First Presbyterian
Church (donations welcomed)
Tuesday, Dec. 4
8:30 a.m. - 2:20 p.m. Children’s Field Trips &
Storytelling - Gingerbread
Central
Wednesday, Dec. 5
8:30 a.m. - 2:20 p.m. Children’s Field Trips &
Storytelling - Gingerbread
Central
2 - 4 p.m.
Victorian Tea & Fashion Show TACA ($)
5 p.m.
Gingerbread House Penny Vote
Competition Winners and Store
Front Facade Winners
Announced at Gingerbread
Central
5 p.m.
Holiday Coloring Contest Winners
Selected - Chemical Bank
6 p.m.
Closing of Gingerbread Central
www.carochamber.org/gingerbread.php
Cookie Cutter - $500 to $999
Caro Community Hospital
Community First Title Agency, LLC
Moore Motor Sales
Tuscola County Democratic Party
Baker - $250 to $499
Bell-Wasik Buick GMC
Gambles Hardware
Infinite Creative Services, Inc.
Michigan Sugar Company
PJ O’Brien’s Catering & Party Rental
Strand Theatre
Team One Credit Union
Thumb Area Center for the Arts (TACA)
Tri County Equipment
Tuscola County Medical Care Facility
Decorator - $100 to $249
A Cut Above
Anderson, Tuckey, Bernhardt & Doran P.C.
Brentwood
Caro Big Boy Restaurant
Caro Centre
Caro McDonald’s Restaurant
Chemical Bank
Continental Home Centers
Greenstone Farm Credit Services
Heritage Hill Assisted Living
Majestic Sky Link, LLC
Signature Bank
State Farm Insurance - Chris Barrios Agency
Stephens & Moore, PLLC - Attorneys at Law
Sugarcreek Plaza
Other Recipe Ingredients
Arrowhead Golf Club
Bullet Auto & Truck Service Center
Caro Roadhouse Museum
City of Caro
First Presbyterian Church
Goodwill Industries of Mid-Michigan - Caro Store
Members of Caro Chamber of Commerce
Placemats 4 You
Tuscola Technology Center
Women’s Life Chapter #879
New ingredients are added daily!
For a complete list, please visit Gingerbread Central.
The Chris Barrios Agency opened its doors on September
1st of this year. Chris and his licensed insurance
professionals, Silena Rogers, Amanda Light and David
Barrios were recognized by the Saginaw and Bay City
Area Field Office region as September Agency of the
Month.
Chris’ office is in the former Team One Credit Union building located at 1230 Cleaver Road
here in Caro. His office location allows him to provide convenient, hassle free customer
parking, and his extended office hours meet the needs of many working people in our
community. His office hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.,
Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Chris is a graduate of North Branch Area Schools and participated in the Thumb Meet of
Champions and MHSAA track and field state competitions. He received a BS in Kinesiology,
and minor in coaching from Saginaw Valley State University, where he was a four year
letterman and received GLIAC “All Conference” track and field recognition. Chris has one son,
Rodney Christopher, and he currently resides in Cass City.
Chris worked for State Farm for two years prior to opening his own agency. He was a licensed
sales representative for the Rollie Stephens Agency in Flushing, which was one of the top
producing State Farm offices in the state, and completed his State Farm internship at the Andy
Wilder Agency in Yale, MI.
In addition to offering basic Auto, Home, Life and Health insurance coverage, Chris is licensed
to offer a variety of banking services, auto loans, credit cards, IRA’s and mutual funds. Stop by
our office, or give us a call to set up a free Discount Double Check appointment. Our office
phone is 989-672-FARM (3276).
We look forward to meeting the insurance and financial needs of the citizens of Caro and
surrounding communities.
Chris, Silena, Amanda, Dave and Nancy