Business News - Jackson Chamber of Commerce

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Jackson, MI
49201
Permit #139
141 South Jackson Street (P.O. Box 889)
Jackson, MI 49201
Phone: (517) 782-8221 (Fax: (517) 780-3688
Website: www.gjcc.org
2007
Board of Directors
Chamber Celebrates Excellence
John Crist*
Chairman
Aaron Boatin*
Secretary
Robert Smith*
Past Chairman
Paul Buchholz*
True to its theme, the 98th Annual Meeting of the Greater
Jackson Chamber of Commerce was a circus of activity, with
the presentation of several awards and honors "under the big
top."
More than 500 people attended the event at Jackson
Community College.
Kathryn Ring, co-owner of Eye Services LLC was
Vice Chairman
Treasurer
Directors
Betty OvertonAtkins
Carolyn
Anderson
Dale Moretz*
Daniel Phelan
DuBois Named Interim Head
Bruce Rasher
Steve Czarnecki
Donn Roberts
Anthony
Gardner
Nancy Robidoux
H. Ronald
Griffith*
Allen Spiess, Jr.*
Bart Hawley
Craig Tapley
Henry Jones
Jan Taylor
Andy Mercer
Scott Theiss
Bob Michaels
Randy Treacher
William Ross
Tony Mira
Susan L. Milhoan, APR*
President
*Executive Committee
Chamber Staff
Susan L. Milhoan, APR
President
[email protected]
Kara Beer
Program Manager/
Manager of Special Events
[email protected]
Christina Stephenson
Membership Services Coordinator
[email protected]
Teresa Smith
Information Specialist
[email protected]
Business News
98th Annual Meeting "Under the Big Top"
Officers
Teri Ogg*
Vo l . 5 N o . 2
February 2007
2007
February Events
Upcoming Events
Business After Hours
February 1
Jackson Coffee Company
Economic Club Luncheon
February 6
Daryl's Downtown
Business After Hours
February 15
Aspen Heating & Cooling/The Gratehaus
Good Morning! Greater Jackson
February 27
Bella Notte Ristorante
Stephen M.R. Covey - The SPEED of Trust
February 25
Michigan Theatre
Greater Jackson
Chamber of Commerce
Chair, Teri Ogg and Jackson
County Convention and
Visitors Bureau Chair
Janet Rochefort announced
January 25 that Robert D.
DuBois will serve as Interim
President/Executive Director
for both organizations while
a search is conducted for
Robert DuBois
a permanent successor to
departing Susan Milhoan.
DuBois, currently Summit Township Clerk, has served
in the past 10 years as an interim leader for a half dozen
Michigan school districts and the United Way of Jackson
County. “We are delighted that Bob has agreed to help during this
critical transition period,” commented Ogg. “His expertise
and involvement allows both organizations the time to thoroughly review candidates and make a wise decision.”
“Working with an extended time frame to find a replacement will give the CVB and the Chamber the opportunity to
identify an individual who meets both our needs, even if it is
necessary to expand the search beyond Jackson,” Rochefort
said.
DuBois holds a masters degree from the University of
Michigan and a bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan.
He is a Jackson native.
Milhoan, joined the Chamber as President and the
Jackson County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) as
Executive Director in January 1999, is leaving to accept a
position in Norfolk, Virginia.
recognized as Jackson Small Business Person of the Year and
Foote Health System Director of Volunteer Services Nancy
Cerqueira, was named 2006 ATHENA recipient.
The Jackson Coffee Company (201 S. Mechanic Street)
and Ella Sharp Museum were honored with Brick Awards for
facade improvements. Tim Bair was recognized as the first
recipient of the Albert Earle Ambassador of the Year Award,
renamed to honor 25-year veteran Ambassador Earle.
Turn to page 5 for more photos.
Feb. 6 Economic Club
Honors Local Women
The first Economic Club event of 2007 celebrates local
women and will be held February 6 at Daryl's Downtown.
The event is designed to honor recently named ATHENA
recipient Nancy Cerqueira and identify the winner of the
newly created Nike Award presented by the Jackson Business
and Professional Women to honor a woman-owned business.
Registration will begin at 11:30 a.m. with lunch and the
program getting underway shortly thereafter. For reservations, contact Kara Beer at the Chamber (517/782-8221) or
by e-mail at [email protected].
2 Greater Jackson Chamber of Commerce February 2007
President’s Corner
Leaving Jackson is Not an Easy Thing
As you know, in mid-February I will
be leaving Jackson for a career opportunity
in Norfolk, Virginia.
As hackneyed as it may sound, I will
really miss Jackson.
Eight years ago, we didn’t know
anyone. Now I would say my closest
friends live here.
I had never lived in a community as
small as Jackson County, but never for
a moment have I felt at a disadvantage.
Jackson, and the residents I have had the privilege to know, are
trusting, caring, honest and unassuming.
There is a saying that life is not measured by minutes, but
by moments. I am leaving with a wealth of memories I will
treasure, but there are a few defining moments.
I hope I have learned enough about being a good friend
and neighbor by having been on the receiving end of great
kindness. For instance, when we first arrived here we were
completely unfamiliar with anything having to do with ice
hockey. A business associate knew we were ignorant and - unasked -- stopped by our house the night before my son’s
first time on the ice to make sure he knew how to get all the
equipment on.
Another associate heard me talk about my oldest son’s
love affair with auto racing and generously lent him an extra
go-kart he happened to own. Similarly, another business
contact provided him with a trailer to haul his vehicle around.
As a result of those experiences, my son has now pegged
motorsports as his life ambition.
Since living here, both boys have pursued their sports
ambitions with support and encouragement from friends
and people we barely know. At races or hockey games I am
Question of the Month . . .
Q. Why did my membership dues increase?
A. In October 2006, the Chamber Board determined to increase all base dues by $10. This is
the first dues increase in six years and well below
the national average. Most Chambers of more
than 800 members charge significantly more for a
basic membership.
delightfully surprised when I am approached by people who
have no reason to be there other than to be supportive.
In our new hometown it is unlikely I will ever again
experience the honor of being trusted by a stranger such as
the time I bought a month’s worth of groceries at a local store
and discovered at check-out that I had left my wallet at home.
Without hesitation, the cashier told me that since I came into
the store regularly, I could bring money back later.
Is genuine caring a trait of a small town or a distinct Jackson
characteristic? I experienced it first-hand when my son cut his
hand while on the school bus. Since he was the last stop on
the route, the driver stopped at a friend’s house who happened
to be a nurse to make sure the minor cut was just that. That
afternoon the school district transportation dispatcher called
me at work to explain my latch-key son would be a little late
getting home due to the injury.
If you have ever misplaced your billfold in a public place,
you can appreciate how safe I felt when one of my sons lost
his wallet while playing hockey. One of the referees found it
and brought it to our house.
Jackson is home to some remarkable people...artists,
inventors, business professional and volunteers. In another
community such people might be cloistered away, but here
they are part of the fabric of day-to-day community life.
There is no superficial barrier and so it is not uncommon to
run into a corporate leader sharing a meal with his friend the
corrections officer or an artist enjoying the companionship of
a mechanic.
I will also sincerely miss those aspects of living in Jackson
that may have once irritated me: always seeing someone you
know, even if you don't want to be seen; having people know
and care about what's happening in your life.
I would ask that other newcomers to the community be
treated as we have, but that would be silly: I don't think it
could be played any differently.
I have been paid for my work, and I have been pleased
with many of the results. My true reward, however, has been
in being allowed to work in this wonderful community with
Boards that are committed and genuine people who continue
to strive for and reach new heights.
Thank you.
Susan L. Milhoan APR
Constructed by Cunningham Construction Co.
Parkside School Renovation
February 2007
Greater Jackson Chamber of Commerce 11
Welcome New Members
CG Investment Group
2136 Robinson Road, Suite 3
Jackson, MI 49203
517/750-9170
For the past four years Chris Gaddy of CG Investment Group
has offered the most complete financial services. Everything
from Stocks, Bonds, and Mutual funds to Retirement
planning; 401(k)'s Rollovers, IRA's and even College Savings
Plans (529's).
Cascades Civil War Muster
1992 Warren Avenue
Jackson, MI 49203
517/768-2902
The Cascades Civil War Muster, held the third weekend in
August, is Jackson's largest free family event. Visit www.
cacadescivilwarmuster.org for more information.
HD Vest Investment Services
2545 Spring Arbor Road, Suite 103
Jackson, MI 49203
517/784-5556
A non-bank subsidiary of Wells Fargo & Company, H.D. Vest
remains the nation’s leader in providing comprehensive
financial planning services including retirement, education
and insurance solutions.
Independent Copier Service, Inc.
7851 Spring Arbor Road
P.O. Box 427
Spring Arbor, MI 49283
517/750-4980
With 20 years of experience; Bob Brown opened the ICS
retail print and copy center in Spring Arbor. Jackson County's only Authorized Xerox dealer. Providing both sales and
service for Xerox copiers, printers, faxes and multifunction
machines.
J. Mason Construction
14721 Glenbeigh Lane
Somerset, MI 49281
517/688-9073
With three years of experience J. Mason Construction is the
one to call for all of your contractor needs. Specializing in
a flat & metal roof coating system; they are also available
for remodeling, new construction, siding, and is certified to
supervise the removal of lead based pants.
Jackson Coffee Co.
201 South Mechanic Street
Jackson, MI 49201
517/990-6770
The JACKSON COFFEE CO. started in response to the need
for a local roaster of exceptional quality coffees. With our
experience and passion for coffee, we offer unparalleled
fresh coffee and exceptional service. We are dedicated to
providing freshly roasted coffee and espresso based drinks,
in a real coffee house atmosphere. We accomplish this by
roasting coffee, fresh daily, in our store.
Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc.-Horton
1227 Morton Road
Horton, MI 49246
517/688-5393
Pre-Paid Legal offers Legal Service Plans providing access to
justice for middle-income individuals and families. Our plans
are designed with the cost-conscious consumer in mind.
Tanfastic Suntanner
P.O. Box 401
Michigan Center, MI 49254
517/764-5492
Tanfastic is Jackson’s choice in Tanning for over 20 years
with seven locations and growing. Tanfastic offers five levels
of tanning starting at just $18.87 a month.
U.S. Army Recruitment Office
1066 Jackson Crossing
Jackson, MI 49202
517/788-8712
Conveniently located at the Jackson Crossing Mall! Here you
will find the recruiter(s) for this area.
Victory Lane Quick Oil Change
1260 W. Parnall Road
Jackson, MI 49201
517/768-9005
Victory Lane Quick Oil Change is a Michigan based franchise
in operation at the West Parnall Road location for over four
years. This owner-operated location is dedicated to providing the highest possible level of service for your automotive
maintenance needs.
Willbee Transit-Mix Co., Inc.
2323 Brooklyn Road
Jackson, MI 49203
517/782-9493
Willibee Transit-Mix is a leader in the ready mix concrete
field. Celebrating 100 family-owned years in 2007, anything
concrete related is our specialty!
Anthony Raduazo
1339 Horton Road
Jackson, MI 49203
517/782-6800
Individual
10 Greater Jackson Chamber of Commerce
AA
February 2007
Restaurants Line Up to Offer Tastings
March 15 Restaurant Rally Shaping Up
Just when it is bleak outside, the Chamber Ambassadors
offer a bright alternative to the winter blahs: the first Ambassador
Restaurant Rally scheduled for 5-8 p.m. on Thursday, March 15.
For just $20, attendees will enjoy a sampling of signature
foods and special beverage prices while visiting as many as 12
different local restaurants and taverns. Patrons may elect to stay
in a single location, but may attempt to visit all the participating
establishments during the rally. One ticket admission gains entry
to all the locations.
Restaurants committed to the event are Bullinger's Pub,
Daryl's Downtown, and Veach's Office Bar. Transportation
among the restaurants is available to participants courtesy of
Banana Joe's Party Bus.
Attendees will be provided with identification bracelets and
listings of participating businesses. They may start the evening
at the location of their choice. Many will be within walking distance, while others may require transportation.
Tickets are $20 each and are available from Ambassadors or
by contacting the Chamber. Only 300 tickets will be sold.
Establishments interested in participating in the event should
contact the Chamber. Each will be provided with special signage
and will be included in all advance publicity.
For more information on the event, to become a sponsor,
participating business or to purchase tickets, contact Christina
Stephenson at [email protected] or at the Chamber (517/7828221).
Jaycees are Hunting
For a Haunting Place
Unlike the merry, gift giving, red bowed season everyone just
enjoyed, Halloween offers the Jackson JAYCEES the opportunity
to give people the gift of a good scare. This frightening yet fun
occasion brings about the onset of a few haunted houses in the
community.
For 2007 the Jackson JAYCEES are looking to put on the
scariest, most ghoulish and terrifying haunted house in the
Jackson area. However, this cannot be accomplished without the
help of the community. The JAYCEES need a location in which
to construct the horrifying haunted house. If you can help or are
unable to donate a space but would like to be a part of the fake
blood and ghostly music please contact the JAYCEES by visiting
their website at: www.jacksonmijaycees.com or Jennifer Paul,
Management Vice President, at 517/206-0449.
Greater Jackson Chamber of Commerce 3
February 2007
Member News
Potter Center has a full line-up of events for February
including a 1 p.m. Saturday, February 3, presentation of
“Seussical.” "Oh, the thinks you can think" when Dr.
Suess's best-loved stories collide and cavort in an unforgettable musical caper! Adapted from the Broadway version,
this production was made especially for young audiences
and features thirteen actors. General Admission Tickets
are $6. At 7 p.m., Sunday, February 11, enjoy multi-faceted performer Kathy Griffin (best known for her four-year
stint on the NBC sitcom, “Suddenly Susan”). Tickets are
$32-29-15. At 8 p.m., Saturday, February 24, the son of
the legendary jazz singer Mel Torme sings his father’s best
known songs, including such hits as “Lulu’s Back in Town,”
“Mountain Greenery” and of course “The Christmas Song.”
Tickets are $24-21-18. For tickets or more information,
please call the Potter Center Ticket Office at 796-8600
Calendar of Events
February
Feb. 1
8:30 a.m.
MLK / Diversity Breakfast
Chamber Offices
Feb. 1
5-7 p.m.
Business After Hours
Jackson Coffee Company
(Mechanic Street)
Sponsored by TDS Metrocom
Feb. 6
11:30 a.m.
Economic Club Luncheon
Daryl’s Downtown
Feb. 7
8:00 a.m.
Membership Committee
Jackson Coffee Company
The Jackson Jaycees offer opportunities to men and
women 21-40 years of age for business development and
career advancement through community action. Meetings
which are held the first Monday of each month, 6 p.m. at
the Chamber of Commerce offices, 141 S. Jackson. Jaycee
members not only increase their leadership and professional
skills but help sustain community interest in adding events
that make Jackson a great place in which to live! For membership information contact Matt Phillips at [email protected] or 517-569-2864. Further information
can also be found at www.jacksonmijaycees.com or www.
myspace.com/jacksonjaycees.
Feb. 8
7:30 a.m.
Image Committee
Chamber Offices
Feb. 9
7:30 a.m.
Legislative Committee
Bella Notte Ristorante
Feb. 9
Noon
Ambassador Committee
Ella Sharp Museum
Feb. 12
4:00 p.m.
Golf Committee
Chamber Offices
Feb. 13
4:15 p.m.
Leadership Academy Committee
Chamber Offices
The Cascades Civil War Muster is the beneficiary of a
dinner gala to celebrate the birthday of President Abraham
Lincoln at 6 p.m., Monday, February 12 at Cascade Manor
House. President Lincoln and his wife, the Honorable
Governor and Mrs. Austin Blair and Major-General and
Mrs. Ulysses S. Grant will be in attendance. Tickets are
$65 per person ($120/couple). For more information, call
517/563-2685.
Feb. 14
7:30 a.m.
Executive Committee
Chamber Offices
Cheap Vacations is helping promote a "Cabin Fever Flea
Market - Antique Show March 2-3 at the Fair Events Center
with proceeds going to "...For Their Eyes Only." For more
information call 517/784-7750.
Catch
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Channel 17
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Feb. 15
7:30 a.m.
Feb. 15
5-7 p.m.
Economic Club Committee
Chamber Offices
Business After Hours
Aspen Heating & Cooling /
The Gratehaus
Feb. 19
11:00 a.m. Sister City Committee
Chamber Offices
Feb. 20
7:30 a.m.
Chamber BOD
Bella Notte Ristorante
Feb. 21
7:30 a.m.
Leadership Academy
Chamber Offices
Feb. 22
Noon
JAXPO Committee
Chamber Offices
Feb. 22
4-6 p.m.
Stephen M.R. Covey
The Speed of Trust
Michigan Theatre
Feb. 23
7:30 a.m.
Member Orientation
Chamber Offices
Feb. 27
7:30 a.m.
Good Morning! Greater Jackson
Bella Notte Ristorante
4 Greater Jackson Chamber of Commerce
Early Bird Special Offers Discounts to Golfers
February 2007
Greater Jackson Chamber of Commerce 9
Adults Needed to Facilitate Program
February 2007
It's Never to Early Think About the Golf Outing
Challenge Days Planned for March
The early bird catches the worm, and that is the case with
this year’s Chamber golf outings. March 9 is the deadline for
companies and individuals to get the early bird rates for the
golf outings.
The May Golf Outing (May 21) will again be held at the
Country Club of Jackson. The Fall Golf Outing is changing
locations this year. We are sure you will be thrilled with the
new location in September.
The golf packages are for both May and September’s outings. They include-lunch, dinner, team photo, drink tickets,
goodie bags and door prizes for the May outing. In September
enjoy breakfast, lunch, goodie bags, team photo, drink tickets
and door prizes. Sponsorship Packages will go quickly so act
now and reserve your spot. Package rates will increase after
March 9, 2007.
The following summary represents sponsorships available (prices represent single cost for both May and September
events unless otherwise noted):
Hole Sponsorship with Team $1,500
Corporate Team Package $1,200
Corporate Lunch Sponsor 000,4$
Corporate Dinner Sponsor (May)
$2,000
Corporate Breakfast Sponsor (Sept.)
$1,000
Sandy Sponsor (Goodie Bags)
$150
Team Players Package
$1,200
Individual Players Package
$250
Hole Sponsor with Team
$1,500
Hole Sponsor
$500
Practice Range Sponsor $1,000
Cart Sponsor
$1,000
Several dozen local middle school students met the challenge
issued by the Martin Luther King/Diversity Breakfast Committee
to "Be the Change." In the latter months of 2006 these students
identified changes they wanted to see take place in their schools
or community and developed action plans to address those issues.
Many of these projects were showcased at the January 12 MLK
Breakfast.
Now, many of these same students are being invited to
participate in the Challenge Day Program scheduled for Jackson
County March 12-13. Since 1987, the Challenge Day programs
have touched the lives of close to half-a-million teens and adults
nationwide. The Challenge Day Program has received numerous
awards from the juvenile justice system, government officials and
many school districts and cities throughout the nation. The program was also featured in the book Chicken Soup for the Teenage
Soul and the Emmy Award-winning documentary Teen Files:
Surviving High School.
Challenge Days are powerful, high-energy programs in
which youth and adult participants are guided through a series of
experiential learning processes. The overall goals of the program
are to increase personal power and self-esteem, to shift dangerous
peer pressure o positive peer support and to eliminate the acceptability of teasing, violence and all forms of oppression. Challenge
Day programs are designed to unite the members of the school
We invite you to take
advantage of this
35
$
00
Gift Certificate
Good towards any new rental, only one certificate
per person, per storage unit. This offer is good
at both of our locations. Please present this ad.
Beverage Cart Sponsor $1,000
Photo Sponsor
$500
Meal Package $100
For more information please contact Kara Beer at the Greater
Jackson Chamber of Commerce at 517/782-8221 or via email
Retirement isn’t what it used to be.
Neither are retirement plans.
Retirement isn’t what it used to be. Living a longer, more active and productive life means your retirement plan needs to work as hard as it can
right now to help you have the lifestyle you envision. Call me, and
together we’ll determine if your plan is properly structured and allocated to position you to meet your financial goals in the years to come.
Call me for a no-obligation retirement plan analysis:
Matthew D. Augustine
Senior Vice President–Wealth Management
Retirement Plan Consultant
Senior Investment Management Consultant
3101 Spring Arbor Road, Suite 400, Jackson, MI 49203
(517) 768-7709
IRS Circular 230 Disclosure: Citigroup, Inc., its affiliates, and its employees are not in the business of
providing tax or legal advice. These materials and any tax-related statements are not intended or written
to be used, and cannot be used or relied upon, by any such taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding tax
penalties. Tax-related statements, if any, may have been written in connection with the “promotion or
marketing” of the transaction(s) or matter(s) addressed by these materials, to the extent allowed by
applicable law. Any such taxpayer should seek advice based on the taxpayer’s particular circumstances
from an independent tax advisor.
NOW 2 LOCATIONS
West:
East:
4885 W. Michigan Ave.
5333 S. Meridian
(US127 South)
Jackson, Mich. 49201
(517) 750-3098
Jackson, Mich. 49201
(517) 990-0220
and/or community and to
empower them
to carry the
themes of the
program back
to the greater
school population. Challenge
Days successfully address
the issues of
violence, teasing, social oppression, racism, harassment, conflict management,
suicide, peer pressure, alcohol and drugs.
During the program, youth are given several opportunities
to speak out about what’s really going on for them, and what
they need from one another. Please note that while the program
focuses primarily on global and community issues and concerns,
individual students can and often do share personal difficulties and
experiences with the group. The process of sharing is often both
empowering and emotional.
At the conclusion of the program, the majority of youth leave
feeling bonded, empowered and committed to making a positive
difference. At times youth may need additional support. Students
will be provided with resources. Adults and parents of participants are invited to share in this experience by volunteering for a
day.
Sponsors for the Challenge Day include the Jackson County
Community Foundation, Consumers Energy, United Way of Jackson County, Jackson Peacekeepers, the Greater Jackson Chamber
of Commerce and Downtown Kiwanis.
For more information about the program or to volunteer, contact Kara Beer at 517/782-8221 or via e-mail at [email protected].
©2006 Citigroup Global Markets Inc. Member SIPC. Smith Barney is a division and service mark of
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8 Greater Jackson Chamber of Commerce
February 2007
February After Hours Keeping Participants Warm
February Morning Show
Focusing on Insurance
If the thought of insurance and investments makes your
head reel, the February Good Morning! Greater Jackson
may help you cut through all the confusion.
The entire program on February 27 is sponsored by
Matt Augustine - SmithBarney and will help attendees and
listeners better understand options that are available for
investing and protecting your future.
The Good Morning! Greater Jackson program gives
participants the opportunity to access resource partners and
network with other business colleagues facing similar business challenges. Through the networking and specific business discussion, this interactive program connects you with
other professionals and helps direct your business towards
growth. This roundtable format provides the opportunity for
participants to interact with other business colleagues and
"work on their businesses."
Hosts Greg O'Connor and Ric Walton will entertain attendees and listeners as they ask questions designed to help
the audience understand more about the sponsor. Please join
the Chamber at 7:30 a.m. on February 27 at Bella Notte
Ristorante in downtown Jackson for a morning of great
business connections and amazing networking. The cost is
only $10 for members and $20 for non-members.
For more information on Good Morning! Greater
Jackson or for sponsorship information contact Christina
Stephenson at [email protected] or 517/782-8221.
of 100 members. Similarly, sponsorships sell quickly and very
few spots remain available for the 2007 calendar.
Reservation are not necessary, but are recommended to aid
in planning and to assure that a name tag is available. Chamber members attend free of charge, while non-members pay
$20.
For more information on sponsoring a Business After
Hours or to make a reservation for either February event,
contact Christina Stephenson at 517/782-8221 or via e-mail at
[email protected].
Greater Jackson Chamber of Commerce 5
Chamber Annual Meeting Recognizes Honorees
Lloyd and Judi Ganton, sponsors of the ATHENA
Award, describe the characteristics of the ideal recipient
and with the help of 2005 recipient Faith Small (above
right), announce the 2006 honoree, Nancy Cerqueira
(right), director of volunteer services for Foote Health
System.
2006 Ambassador of the Year Tim Bair
(right) with veteran Ambassador Albert
Earle for whom the award is now named.
Invest in Your
Community…
The Buy Local,
Stay Local Economy:
Ella Sharp Museum Executive Director
Lynn Loftis (center above) was surrounded by Board members while accepting
the Brick Award for facade improvement.
Brian Surgener (left) accepted a Brick
Award for the exterior improvements
made to his Jackson Coffee Company
building.
When we invest in local companies, their
businesses are stronger and they are able
to grow. This means they hire workers who
in turn spend money locally on food,
clothing, housing, taxes and charitable
contributions. Jackson Contractors are
highly skilled professionals who live and
work in the community. Support the
Jackson economy by bidding your work
with Jackson Contractors.
For more information:
www.JCCA.biz
or write:
Jackson Commercial Contractors
Association
P.O. Box 143, Jackson, MI 49204
517.990.9600
1000729160-01
In spite of the fact that up until late January, Jackson's
winter was fairly mild, cabin fever begins to set in by early
February. That's why February's two Business After Hours
events are designed to keep attendees warm and cozy and connected.
Join the Greater Jackson Chamber of Commerce at 5
p.m. on February 1 for a warm beverage at the Jackson Coffee Company. The event, sponsored by TDS Metrocom, will
allow the host to show off the delightful 136-year-old building that was recognized as a Brick Award winner at the recent
Chamber annual meeting.
Two weeks later at 5 p.m. on February 15, Aspen Heating and Cooling/The Gratehaus will hold its annual winter
event amidst its remarkable showroom of toasty fireplaces.
The business - celebrating 25 years of service -- has selected
Valentine's Day as a theme for the event. Attendees at "Hearts
a Fire,"will enjoy food catered by Sam's Club. Beer and wine
will also be available.
Business After Hours events over the past several years
have grown in popularity, with most events drawing in excess
February 2007
Eye Services LLC co-owner Kathryn Ring accepts the
2006 Small Business Person of the Year Award.
6 Greater Jackson Chamber of Commerce
February 2007
Ambassadors Recruiting New Members
The Ambassador Committee of the Chamber is in the
process of recruiting new members to the ranks of its group.
Ambassadors are volunteers who assist at all Chamber
programs and events. Annually, this committee recognizes a
local firm or organization for improvements to its building
facade, thereby enhancing the image of their organization and
the community. Volunteers also assist in ribbon cutting ceremonies for all grand openings, new businesses, re-openings,
ground breakings and grand events. The group meets at noon
second Friday of every month at the Chamber.
Membership on the Ambassadors Committee requires an
individual with unique attributes. It is a coordinated team effort that demands cooperation among members. For these reasons, participation in the Ambassadors Committee is governed
by special procedures. Any Chamber member may be recommended as an Ambassador. Candidates are reviewed by the
Ambassador Committee and may then be invited to a meeting
by the chairman or the staff liaison. An invitation to Ambassador membership is issued only by the chairman and only after
the candidate is recommended by two or more current Ambassadors.
Ambassadors sign a commitment letter which includes the
following assignments:
 Attend a Member Orientation for initial training and annually thereafter.
 Attend monthly Committee meetings (9 of 12)
 Mandatory assistance with the Chamber Golf Outing, Annual Meeting and JAXPO
 Promote member growth through recruitment and referrals
of potential members to Chamber
 Encourage Chamber members to become involved in the
programs, committees and activities
 Mentor new members in how to fully utilize all aspects of
their Chamber membership
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Greater Jackson Chamber of Commerce 7
Tickets Selling Fast for February 22 Event
February 2007
Covey Program Expected to Sell Out
The first fliers have yet to be printed or distributed, and
already tickets are selling briskly for the Chamber's February 22 SPEED of Trust event featuring author Stephen M.R.
Covey.
As savvy business leaders are probably aware, high trust
organizations outperform low trust organizations by nearly 3
times according to a 2002 Watson and Wyatt study.
Those considering attending the event might ask themselves this penetrating question. "Who do you trust?" Covey
suggests individuals test this from their own experience.
How does it feel not to be trusted? To be hovered over and
checked up on? To be over-managed and under-led? There is
a visceral feeling that fosters resentment in teens and workers
when we do not trust them.
According to a recent Watson Wyatt survey of 12,000
2006-7 Ambassador Chair Camille Soles with veteran Ambassador
Albert Earle.
 Represent the Greater Jackson Chamber of Commerce at
events outside Jackson County
 Support the Chamber by paid attendance at two (2) or
more Chamber functions when not functioning as an Ambassador
 Keep informed of Chamber events, benefits and services
 Volunteer to be an active Ambassador at 2 Chamber functions in addition to the mandatory events
Twice each year the Ambassador Committee accepts
nominations of individuals interested in joining the Ambassador Committee. Nominations should be submitted to Christina
Stephenson no later than March 9. You may nominate yourself
or someone you know by contacting Christina at 517/782-8221
or via email at [email protected].
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workers, only 39% of the
workforce trusted their senior
managers, while only 45% had
confidence in their management's abilities.
The same study revealed
that in the U.S., Europe and Japan, fewer than 30% of opinion
leaders say that CEO's or CFO's
are credible sources of information.
SPEED of Trust advocate
Stephen M.R. Covey
Jack Welch, former CEO, General Electric is quoted as saying,“Remember, when you were
made a leader, you weren’t given a crown, you were given a
responsibility to bring out the best in others. For that, your
people need to trust you.”
Based on his firsthand experience over two decades advising executives around the world on leadership, Covey now
asserts that the ability to establish, grow, restore and extend
trust is the key leadership competency of the new, global
economy.
Attendees at the special Economic Club presentation will
resonate with this fresh pragmatic approach to leadership developed from Covey's unique perspective as the former CEO
of a $100 million enterprise. He contends that there is nothing
as fast as the speed of trust. There is nothing as profitable as
the economics of trust. There is nothing as relevant right now
as the pervasive impact of trust.
The February 22 event begins at 4 p.m. at Michigan
Theatre. Tickets are available at $15, $25, $35 and $45 from
the Theatre ticket office (517/73-0811). The event is sponsored by Bond and Company PLC, CP Federal Credit Union,
Jackson Community College, Jackson County Convention
and Visitors Bureau, Manpower Services, Inc., Michigan
Braille Transcribing Fund, Spring Arbor University and TDS
Metrocom and American Title Co.
Sponsorship opportunities for the event are still available
which include 25 tickets to attend and dinner with Covey for
two representatives.
For more information about the program or to become
a sponsor, call the Chamber at 517/782-8221 or via e-mail
[email protected].
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