Chamber eNews Connection

April 28, 2009

www.clarkston.org

5856 S. Main St.

Clarkston, MI 48346

248-625-8055

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From the President

Heidi Wood

Genisys Credit Union

Contributors Corner

Informational articles by the Chamber's Contributing Writers

Welcome our New Members

March new members now online!

PROFILE: Town Planner

PROFILE: Hypnotherapy for Health and Happiness

NEW AWARD: Four Seasons Chem Dry

NEW OFFER:  Randolph's Salon

Ambassador of the Month

Gary Hintz, Micos Real Estate LLC

Community Awards

Sign up to attend the Michigan Week Awards Breakfast May 21 2009

Concerts

Schedule now online!

Golf

Early bird deadline ends May 1st

Taste of Clarkston

Sign up to receive Chamber eBlasts and eNewsletters

Take 5 (Five Fast Facts)

1. GOLF CLASSIC early bird deadline is May 1st--don't forget to sign up and SAVE on your Golf Registration & sponsorships

2. Find out how you can support local, independently owned businesses--check out the national movement: www.the350project.net

3. For updates on Chamber member Bill Wint's condition following his accident-and to leave get well messages of encouragement--visit www.caringbridge.org/visit/billwint

4. Clarkston Area Chamber is now on Twitter and Facebook!  Sign up to be a FAN of the Chamber on Facebook!

5. GOOGLE reports that last month--for the first time ever--"Coupon" had more Google Searches than "Britney Spears"

Upcoming Networking events

Don't miss the Oakland Chamber Network April 29, 2009 Business Card Exchange in West Bloomfield.

Save Money with the Chamber

Advertising Advantage. Now through September 1, 2009, you can insert your flyer in a mailing to 1000 area businesses for just $125 (that’s a $50 savings off the regular price!) Next deadline-Noon on May 1, 2009

Community Connections

SCAMP raffle tickets to win a $1,000 shopping spree at Waterfall Jewelers are available from the Chamber Office.  All proceeds will benefit Clarkston SCAMP, a special camp for special kids.  Winning ticket will be drawn at the 27th Annual Clarkston SCAMP Home Tour Patrons' Event at Deer Lake Banquet Center--June 6, 2009.

Charitable Giving--we know you give a lot to the community.

Tell us the events, causes, fundraising campaigns and initiatives you support and we can post the information on the Chamber's website FREE of Charge.

 

 The Oakland Press's Best of Best will be published soon!  Watch your papers!

CONTRIBUTORS CORNER  

Capitol Connection

by State Representative Eileen Kowall

April 21, 2009

The Stimulus isn't a Blank Check

The current recession has taught many a tough lesson - the concept of budgeting and living within our means. After a booming economic success, this was a tough pill to swallow, but we've learned it and will be better off because of it.

Unfortunately, state government has yet to learn this lesson, which will   . . . . NEXT

Improving Business Performance by Ron DeLorme, Manage Max Performance Improvement

April 21, 2009

The Battle for Customers:  What Best-in-Class Companies are Doing! (Part 2)

Last month, we discussed the intense, competitive nature of the current business climate and I put my money on the most likely winners of the “survival of the fittest business” contest . . .

This month, we examine the final step in the Trilogy and it is just as important as the first 2 steps.

3.  Remove Unprofitable Products/Services and Eliminate  . . . . . .NEXT

Quick Bytes

by Mike Mercier, PC Miracles

 

Social Media Corner 

by Jason T. Ryan

Vision Fuel Media

Follow me on Twitter

April 21, 2009

Twitter, to tweet or not to tweet.  That is the question.

Are you on Facebook?  Do you update your status?  If so, you are not far from “tweeting.”  Twitter is a mico-blogging site, with over 14 million users that limits you to 140 characters. 

People use Twitter for a wide variety of reasons, to promote a brand, strictly as a social tool, to get feedback, to read news, for marketing, to generate leads, or maybe to drive traffic to a blog or website.  Twitter allows you to listen in on and enter . . . . NEXT

Worth Asking 

by Sue Kinch, Fresh Eyes Business Services

April 21, 2009

What do my customers hear when they call my business?

An incoming call may be the first and only opportunity to make an impression on a potential customer.  Every caller hangs up with “a lasting . . . .NEXT

Don't Rush Me

by Don Rush, Sherman Publications (Clarkston News)

April 6, 2009

String, pencil & tack marketing

I recently read about "low tech marketing's prince," postcards.  And I got to pondering that bit of marketing prose, in relations to low-tech marketing's king--community newspapers.

There is no doubt, postcards are a great part of any marketing strategy employed by small businessfolk.  Heck, we use them.  We send out about 40,000 a week, touting our classified section and to remind folks . . . . NEXT

Guest Columnists

April 6, 2009

Mike Turk, Director, Independence Township Park & Recreation

Too many expenses? Try a ‘Staycation’

Independence Township has many amenities for families to enjoy during the summer.  If gas and food prices have you watching your budget and force you to stay home this summer, you won’t be disappointed by . . . . NEXT
   
Are you interested in being a contributing writer for the Chamber? Email Penny@clarkston.org to find out how to get your articles published on the Chamber's website.