Clarkston Chamber eNews Connection
February 2, 2010
Welcome to the Electronic Newsletter of the Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce
www.clarkston.org
5856 S. Main St.
Clarkston, MI 48346
248-625-8055
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Chamber President Johnna Struck Changing Places Moving & Services |
Do you track your marketing plan…Business plans, marketing plans, financial plans…they are important in helping us navigate, but theses plans mean nothing unless you TRACK!!!
I will hear in passing that a chamber member is dropping their membership and when asked they will say they are not getting anything from their membership. When asked what marketing plan is working one will typically get the “deer in headlights” look and they will respond by saying “Well I just know, I track in my head”. Well I have learned that the tracking you keep in your head is rarely accurate and what is kept in the head usually stays there and never comes to fruition.
TRACK you business. Create a spreadsheet. Actually what form of marketing is supporting your business or sales base? Also remember that while you are tracking dollar generating leads, keep a side note of the knowledge or informational leads (other known as Supporting Actions) that help with your bottom line.
This article wouldn’t be complete if I did not have the testimonials to back up the idea of tracking…
“My company has generated $3,500 worth of moving and storage from chamber leads in the past year, but even more importantly my position on the Chamber Board has taught me a system of evaluating our movers; that has not only assisted in employee retention, lower claims, and actually goal setting amongst the movers” Johnna Struck, Changing Places Moving
“In 2009, the Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce was the best chamber source of business for my company resulting in 11% of new business. That is a return on my membership dues of over 1000%.” Steve Hyer, IGD Solutions
“I have gained an enormous amount of knowledge concerning our local businesses and what they provide to our area…by attending workshops and networking events. This allows me to not only utilize their services (which I have done on a regular basis – benefiting the SHOP LOCAL campaign), but to offer our services and know how to sell our service based on the benefits these local businesses may need. It’s not always about the numbers; it’s about the “future” numbers and building relationships that are priceless.” Donna Bullard, Clarkston Brandon Community Credit Union
Membership works…you need to connect, look to give, be ready to follow through and track your results!
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Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce
248-625-8055 www.clarkston.org
Take 5 (Five Fast Facts)
1. JUST ANNOUNCED: Business Roundtable Breakfast with Attorney General Mike Cox. Friday, February 19, 2010 7:45-9:00 a.m. at Fountains. Register here
2.BEER UNIVERSITY is BACK! Dean Dan Izydorek has called a special Winter Session so SAVE THE DATE Weds Feb 10, 2010 at Hamlin Pub 5:00-8:30. We'll be researching Winter Lagers. Save your seat at the Bar Alumni ticket price is just $25 per person (through Feb 5) LIMIT 10 tickets per alumni. CALL to order your tickets today! 248-625-8055. You are an alumni if you've ever attended a Clarkston Chamber Beer University event in the past (we keep your transcripts on record).
3. Palace Sports & Entertainment SPECIAL OFFERS for concert tickets, season tickets, DTE and more.
4. US Debt Clock (Thanks to Don Bolton, Clarkston State Bank for forwarding us the link!)
5. Detroit Free Press CHART See how Property Values have plummeted in Oakland and Macomb Counties.
Upcoming Networking events
 8 Styles of Winter Beers with appetizer food pairings Take home gift SILENT AUCTION and 50/50 Raffle |
Beer University WINTER TERM "Winter Lagers" Wednesday February 10, 2010 5:00-8:30 pm |
TICKETS at the door $40 Earlybird ticket sales $30* ALUMNI $25* *Earlybird and Alumni pricing ENDS February 5, 2010 Guests must be at least 21 years old to attend this event. |
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BOB Belle Visage Laser Spa February 11, 2010 7:45-9:00 a.m. Facilitated Networking over coffee and light breakfast |
REGISTRATION MEMBERS: Earlybird ticket sales $10 "Bill me" and at the door $15 |
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Luncheon Mixer Via Bologna February 18, 2010 11:45-1:00 pm SPEAKER: County Commissioner Tom Middleton |
REGISTRATION MEMBERS: Earlybird ticket sales $20 "Bill me" and at the door $25 |
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Business Roundtable with Attorney General Mike Cox Fountains Golf & Banquet 6060 Maybee Rd. Clarkston, MI February 19, 2010 7:45-9:00 a.m. |
REGISTRATION $15 per person |
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Women in Business Red Knapps 10:45-1 pm February 25, 2010 Creating a World with More Birthdays SPEAKER: McLaren Breast Center |
REGISTRATION $30 Member's Early bird rate. $50 "Bill Me" and At the door Price |
Chamber and Community CALENDAR Events
FEBURARY 11 Open Your Heart fund raiser for Lighthouse Emergency Services
MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS
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Coats Funeral Home Purchases Vacant Clarkston Building New Funeral Home to Open March 2010 Coats Funeral Home, a Waterford-based, family-owned and operated business since 1925, has purchased the vacant building at 8909 Dixie Highway (formerly known as Harrington Funeral Home) and is planning to open Coats Tribute Center in March 2010. They will offer traditional funeral services, yet cater to those families interested in highly-personalized tributes. Timothy Nye of Clarkston has been appointed the site’s director and was formerly a director at Coats’ Waterford location for 12 years. Nye received his bachelor’s degree from Wayne State University and his mortuary license in December 1993. “Our family has served the Oakland County community for 85 years and we believe that our relationship with a community begins long before a death occurs and continues for as long as you need the support.” said Heather Coats. “We are proud to have Tim leading our services for Clarkston families and he will be a great asset to the local business community.”
Coats Funeral Home - a fourth generation family-owned and operated business since 1925 - is committed to the professional and personalized care of families in need. They offer a wide range of funeral services from pre-arrangements, on-site banquet services in their Sky Room and web-casting (live-stream video of funeral and memorial services). For more information, log onto www.coatsfuneralhome.com. |
Maxx Storage 8483 Andersonville Rd. Clarkston, MI 48346 Lisa Gooch Self Storage Specialist P: 248-620-0101 |
Maxx Storage is an official drop off site for “Cell Phones for Soldiers." These phones are sent to ReCellular, which pays Cell Phones for Soldiers enough to provide an hour of talk time per phone to soldiers abroad. Cell Phones for Soldiers was founded by teens Robbie and Brittany Bergquist from Norwell, Mass. With $21 of their own money. Since then, the registered 501c3 non-profit organization has raised millions of dollars in donations and distributed more than 500,00 prepaid calling cards to soldiers serving overseas. From 2008 through 2013 the Bergquist family hopes to raise more than $9 million to fund new programs, such as providing video phones with prepaid service to allow soldiers abroad to see their families on a regular basis. We all have old phones (and accessories) in drawers at home! A lot of businesses provide phones to employees and periodically upgrade them. This is a great way to get rid of them and provide a meaningful service.
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RESOURCES
- Hallmann Advisors offers Tax Preparation discount to Chamber members
Wed. 2-3 SCORE Workshop Could I, Should I Start My Own Business?
In one of their series of workshops for small business, Detroit SCORE Chapter 18 helps potential entrepreneurs answer the question; “Could I, Should I Start My Own Business?”. Attendees learn what it takes to start and manage a business; why some businesses fail while others succeed and what personal skills are required to start a business. From 8:45 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., Wed., Feb. 3, at Southfield Public Library, 26300 Evergreen Rd. in Southfield. $10. Call 313-226-7947 to register.
Tuesday, February 9, OAKLAND COUNTY BUSINESS Workshop Pre-Business Research 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Are you thinking of starting your own business and want to research your business idea? Are you a business owner who wants to understand which research sources to use for your business plan and where to find the information you need? Presented by The Oakland County Business Center, The Entrepreneur’s Source, Oakland County Market Research Department, and a Business Reference Librarian.
Oakland County Executive Office Building Conference Center, 2100 Pontiac Lake Road, west of Telegraph, Waterford.
For pre-registration and location specifics, visit our website at oakgov.com/peds/calendar, or call (248) 858-0783.
This workshop is free, but pre-registration is required.
Wed. 2-10 SCORE Workshop Planning Your Own Business
In one of a series of workshops for small businesses, Detroit SCORE Chapter 18 presents “Planning Your Own Business.” This workshop discusses how potential entrepreneurs should do the research and planning necessary for writing a comprehensive business plan and starting a successful business. Featured are interactive discussions with SCORE counselors sharing their years of business experiences in management, marketing, manufacturing, and IT systems.
From 8:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Wed. Feb. 10 at Southfield Public Library, 26300 Evergreen Rd. in Southfield. $45. Call 313-226-7947 to register.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010 OAKLAND COUNTY BUSINESS Workshop Fundamentals of Starting a Business 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. is a seminar for anyone thinking about going into business. Participants examine their entrepreneurial skills, learn how to implement their ideas and receive a list of pitfalls to avoid when starting a business.
Oakland County Executive Office Building Conference Center, 2100 Pontiac Lake Road, west of Telegraph, Waterford.
For pre-registration and location specifics, visit our website at oakgov.com/peds/calendar, or call (248) 858-0783.
The fee is $30. No refunds.
Wed. 2-17 SCORE Workshop Basic Marketing
This workshop covers the basic concepts of marketing, presented in easy, ready-to-use steps that can be applied immediately to your specific business. Learn basic concepts of marketing: identify your target markets; packaging and present your services, developing marketing and promotional strategies; identifying your competition, goal setting; monitoring results and more!
From 8:45 a.m. - 12:00 a.m. Wed., Feb. 17 at Southfield Public Library, 26300 Evergreen Rd. in Southfield. $45. Call 313-226-7947 to register
Wed. 2-17 SCORE Workshop CEO Roundtable
Join your peers and experienced SCORE counselors in a lively discussion of business topics chosen by you! What issue causes you the most concern? Here’s your chance to get expert advice from those who have “been there, done that.” Sharing experiences, adding perspective, and refining strategies – it’s all part of the CEO Roundtable. From 9:00 a.m.-12:45 p.m. on Wed., Feb. 17 at Bloomfield Township Library, 1099 Lone Pine Road Bloomfield Hills 48302. $150.
Call 313-226-7947 to register.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010 OAKLAND COUNTY BUSINESS Workshop 9:00-Noon
Team SBA Financing Roundtable - Before you apply for a business loan, we recommend that you first attend a Financing Roundtable. The roundtables are a free loan orientation conducted by a business banker, a business consultant from the SBA’s network of Small Business Development Centers, and an SBA representative. During the roundtable, we’ll debunk the myths and demystify the process of small business financing. You'll learn how the lending process works and what is expected of you and you'll understand how the SBA can assist with our SBA Guaranteed Loan Program. This session is best suited to those who have good credit, a solid business idea, and some money to invest in their business. Because the SBA does not provide loan guarantees to real estate investment firms, including purchasing and rehabbing houses for sale, this type of financing is not discussed at the roundtables. Presented by: Small Business Administration (SBA) Representative, Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center (MI-SBTDC) Consultant, and Business Banker.
Oakland County Executive Office Building Conference Center, 2100 Pontiac Lake Road, west of Telegraph, Waterford.
For pre-registration and location specifics, visit our website at oakgov.com/peds/calendar, or call (248) 858-0783.
This workshop is free, but pre-registration is required.
Tuesday, February 23, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. OAKLAND COUNTY BUSINESS Workshop Fundamentals of Writing a Business Plan is a workshop for small business owners who are developing a plan to serve as their road map to success. Oakland County Executive Office Building Conference Center, 2100 Pontiac Lake Road, west of Telegraph, Waterford.
For pre-registration and location specifics, visit our website at oakgov.com/peds/calendar, or call (248) 858-0783.
The fee is $40, which includes all materials. No refunds.
Wed. 2-24 SCORE Workshop Writing a Successful Business Plan
In one of their series of workshops for small business, Detroit SCORE Chapter 18 shows potential entrepreneurs “How to Write a Successful Business Plan”. Attendees learn what is required for their business plan with examples and templates for the marketing, management and financial sections. From 8:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m. on Wed., Feb. 24, at Southfield Public Library, 26300 Evergreen Rd. in Southfield. $45. Call 313-226-7947 to register.
Wed. 2-24 SCORE Workshop Introduction to Quick Books
In one of their series of workshops for small business, Detroit SCORE Chapter 18 presents “Introduction to Quick Books”. Basic financial management is explained with the use of a demo disc that teaches how to put “the numbers” to work for you. Attendees will learn how to set up business files, manage funds, track expenses and use reports to understand profitability and sales trends. From 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Wed., Feb. 24, at Michigan Works! Ferndale Career Center, 713 E. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale, Michigan 48220. $59. Call 313-226-7947 to register.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m OAKLAND COUNTY BUSINESS Workshop
Women's Business Certification (WBE) Orientation - Learn about the benefits and process of becoming a Women's Business Enterprise (WBE.) Benefits include certification to private sector WBE's and access to procurement opportunities with major national companies. For additional information visit www.miceed.org. Presented by the Michigan Women's Business Council.
Oakland County Executive Office Building Conference Center, 2100 Pontiac Lake Road, west of Telegraph, Waterford.
For pre-registration and location specifics, visit our website at oakgov.com/peds/calendar, or call (248) 858-0783.
The fee is $25 (Please make checks payable to C.E.E.D.). No refunds.
Thur. 2-25 SCORE Workshop SCORE/SBA Small Business Loan Workshop
In one of their series of workshops for small business, Detroit SCORE Chapter 18 and the SBA Michigan District Office show entrepreneurs what a banker looks for in a loan application. They will also learn the 5 “C’s” of credit and details of the SBA loan guarantee programs. From 8:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m. on Thur., Feb. 25 at Oakland County EOB Bldg. 41 West, 2100 Pontiac Lake Road, Waterford. $20. Call 313-226-7947 or 248-858-0783 to register.
Thursday, February 25, 2010, 9 a.m. to Noon OAKLAND COUNTY BUSINESS Workshop
Small Business Loan Workshop - Getting a small business loan can be a challenging process. Learn the "5 C's of Credit", how to develop a winning loan proposal and what you need to know to position your business to be "bankable" before you meet with a lender. Presented by The Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE), U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Oakland County Business Center.
Oakland County Executive Office Building Conference Center, 2100 Pontiac Lake Road, west of Telegraph, Waterford.
For pre-registration and location specifics, visit our website at oakgov.com/peds/calendar, or call (248) 858-0783.
The fee is $20 per person (Please make checks payable to S.C.O.R.E.). Includes: Handouts and SBA Source Book. No refunds.
The Web site address for Oakland County Planning & Economic Development Services Workshops is www.oakgov.com/peds/calendar.
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