Clarkston Chamber eNews Connection

February 22, 2011

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

From the President

Chamber President Bill Burr All Saints Cemetery

Thoughts from your President: Your Attitude is the Key to Your Success   I woke up early today excited about all the many things I would do before the clock strikes midnight. I have many responsibilities to fulfill today.  My job is to choose what kind of day I am going to have. Today I can complain because the weather is rainy or II be thankful that the grass is getting watered free. Today I can feel sad that I don’t have more money in my pocket or I can be glad my finances encourage  me to plan my purchases wisely and guide me away from waste. Today I can grumble about my health or I can rejoice that I am still alive. Today I can lament over all that my parents didn’t give me when I was growing up or I can feel grateful that they allowed me to be born. Today I can cry because roses have thorns or I can celebrate that thorns have roses. Today I can mourn my lack of friends or I can excitedly embark upon a quest to discover new relationships. Today I can whine because I have to go to work or I can shout for joy because I have a job to do. Today stretches ahead of me waiting to be shaped, and here I am the sculptor who gets to do the shaping. What today and 2011 will be is up to me.  I get to choose what kind of day and year I will have.  Credited to: Dr. Charles W. Edwards, Jr., Chaplain of the Disabled American Veterans. Continue to prosper,  Bill Burr  .READ MORE From the Presdient

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Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce  

248-625-8055  www.clarkston.org

FACEBOOK 101

Recommended Six-step Approach to Building Your Facebook Page

#1:  Objective

First, be clear on what your primary purpose is for your Facebook page. Examples include raising brand awareness, enhancing customer service, building your email list, driving traffic back to your blog, building community, etc.

#2:  Design Strategy

Once you’re clear on the objective(s) of your Facebook page, the design needs to reflect that. Say your primary objective is to build your email list. You’ll need to feature at least one opt-in box.

#3: Content Strategy

Ideally, just as with your blog, you’ll have an editorial guide (or content matrix) which includes a plan for publishing a mix of updates, photos, videos, and links.#4:  Promotion StrategyNow you’ve built it and need to ensure “they come!” There are many ways to promote your Facebook page inside Facebook, outside Facebook and offline. #5:  Engagement StrategyNow you’re starting to gain traction! But you’ll need to allocate resources to ensure your Facebook page is being monitored and moderated—if not always by you, then by your team.

#6:  Conversion Strategy

The tipping point in social media is between 500-1,000 fans/followers/friends/email subscribers. You’ll start to see measurable results with this size group. You’ll be building trust and loyalty among your fanbase with consistently good content and reliable responses. Now you must have a strategy in place to convert your fanbase to paying clients or customers.

more

Take 5 (Five Fast Facts)

LIFESTYLE Clarkston Area 4 color glossy magazine mailed to residents and businesses in the Clarkston area Spring/Summer  Edition March 2011 Advertising is now available.

 IMPORTANT UPDATE:  Last week, the Chamber experienced a virus on our website. It was apparently linked to the Twitter feed plug in.    The issue was quickly identified and corrected (we're using a different Twitter Feed plug in). If your virus scanning software ever notifies you of a concern, please contact the Chamber office so we can fix the problem as soon as possible. 248-625-8055

1.  Are you interested in GROUPON?  Wondering how much it costs to sign up for the program (there is NO charge!)  Want to know the marketing reach, demographics, return on investment for your Groupon offer?  We're planning a FREE session to learn more--please email us to let us know if you'd like to be in the breakfast/morning session or lunch/noon session.

2.  Office Depot --Store Purchasing Cards are in--if you don't have yours yet, contact Teri at the Chamber.

3. Membership Window Clings have been distributed in the February Advertising Advantage Member Mailing.  If you don't have yours--contact Teri at the Chamber.

4. Community Awards Nominations Form.  Take time today to nominate a Citizen of the Year, Business Person of the Year or any of the other award categories. Deadline for nominations is March 31, 2011.

5.  Relay for Life On Wednesday, March 2 at 6:00, the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Clarkston will officially get underway as event volunteers and participants gather at Clarkston United Methodist Church, 6600 Waldon Road at 6:00 for a Kick-Off Party to launch their fundraising efforts for the year. press release

Upcoming Networking events

	OCN Business Card Exchange Ultimate Sports Bar (Silverdome) February 23, 2011 5:30-7:30  PONTIAC	MEMBER Registration $15 Non-Member Registration $25 BEST VALUE--MEMBERS Save $5 when you sign up and pay in advance!  Reservations should be made with the Pontiac Regional Chamber REGISTER at www.PontiacChamber.com
Women in Business February 24, 2011 10:45-1 pm	The Best Defense Speaker: Clarkston Self Defense Fountains 6060 Maybee Rd. Clarkston MI 48346	MEMBERS registration $50/person. Non-members $50/person BEST VALUE--MEMBERS Save $20 when you sign up and pay in advance. ($30/person) Early Bird discounts apply to registrations received 48 hours prior to the event. Online Reservations

Contributor's Corner

• Check out Ron Delorme, Manage Max article in the Contributors Corner
• Check out State Representative Eileen Kowall's Capital Connection in the Contributors Corner  Rep. Eileen Kowall seeks to increase safety on gravel roads
• heck out State Senator Jim Marleau's Marleau's Michigan in the Contributors Corner
• Check out Lou Melone's Dbusiness Web Xtra columns in the Contributors Corner 
• Check out Stacy Himmelspach's newsletter in the Contributors Corner 
• Check out Advanced Counseling's newslettter in the Contributors Corner 
• Check out Chamber Member Lou Melone's interview on From the Top with DBusiness Magazine!

Members News

• NEW  HEALTH Great Lakes Cancer Institute-Clarkston is offering Free Colorectal Cancer Test Kits. If you are over 50 or have a family history

  you are eligible to receive a free kit. Call 1-866-696-4524 or register online at www.glci.com  

  Offer valid March 1 - March 31, 2011

   

• CONGRATULATIONS to Randolph's Salon.  A the recent Redken Symposium in Las Vegas, Randolph's was awarded the Educational Excellence Award in front of 10,000 salon professionals.  PHOTO  PRESS RELEASE

• NEW CONGRATULATIONS to Fritz Jackson, Ideas for You for receiving Women's Business Enterprise National Council certification for women owned and managed businesses.

• CHARITABLE GIVING February - Hope Closet Donation Site

Independence Township Library (6495 Clarkston Road)

Hope Closet makes it possible for all girls to attend prom by providing new or clean, gently used dresses, shoes, purses, and jewelry.  Please bring your clean, gently used formal wear to the library to donate to this effort. The library will be collecting items through the end of February.

For more Information about Hope Closet, visit the website http://www.hopecloset.com/

• HEALTH McLaren is now a site thru the Riley Foundation and we are able to offer free mammograms for patients without insurance as long as they are over 40 and live in Oakland County.  CLICK for COUPON

• HEALTH Clarkston Hot Yoga now offering ZUMBA Classes ! ! Zumba Wednesday & Saturday morning and Thursday evening.  Zumba Gold Tuesday evening.  Madison and Robin - certified Zumba instructors will take you through a fun cardio dance workout.  No experience needed.  Must wear Zumba shoes or socks/bare feet (Zumba shoes highly recommended).  $10/session or $40 for 5 sessions (no expiration).  This is the only class that is NOT heated!  Come check out the new fitness fun.  We also offer a new member special $30 for a 15-day trial membership for unlimited use of the studio - Yoga, Pilates and Zumba!  Lockerooms w/showers and lockers.  5678 Sashabaw Rd., Clarkston  Corner of Sashabaw Rd. and Maybee Rd (in the Kroger shopping center).

   

• NEW  HEALTHJewels Yoga & Fitness  

  Our breath is like the ever-present wind; flowing and sustaining, bringing about change.  Join us on Tuesday mornings at 9:30am for Blended Yoga; a class that moves as one with ever-changing themes and postures.  All levels are welcome.  Visit our website for the entire listing of classes and so much more - www.jewelsyogafitness.com

  or call 248-390-9270

•  HEALTH Nuview Nutrition Invites you to Spring Clean Your Body! 

                        Detox Express Special 

  Take advantage of this 10 day express liver detox package for $79.99 this detox package includes everything you need to cleanse your liver and remove heavy metals.

  This program uses specially formulated detox medical food, 1 bottle Advaclear, 1 reusable tote bag and shaker cup.  Detoxification will help jump start weight loss, increase energy decrease fatigue, help eliminate aches and pains and much more.  Also included is a free detox class to get you started on Thursday March 3 at 6:30 pm in downtown Clarkston With the purchase of this detox package you can get a BIA (body composition test) for only $25.00.  Please call 248-766-2210 to reserve your kit and seat in the class.
  Cindy Crandell R.N., C.N.

  Lifestyle Educator
  Nuview Nutrition LLC
  248-766-2210

• FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITY Is your organization/club/church looking for a fundraising opportunity that also supports local business? Check out On the Border Gives back Two Fold Letter to Chamber Members

Chamber and Community Events 

EDUCATION10 Steps to Grow & Protect Your Money

Get started with an easy-to-follow process for organizing, coordinating and managing investments.

Thursday, February 24th, 6:30-8:00pm

IRAs & 401(k)s

Learn the features and benefits of IRAs and 401(k)s, including rollover options, minimum distributions, and other rules.

Independence Township Library

6495 Clarkston Road

248.625.2212

www.indelib.org

HEALTH  Thursday, February 24, 2011 7-9 pm Laura Jasurda, Rodan & Fields at Fountains Golf & Banquet Center 6060 Maybee Road You’re Invited Join us for a complimentary Anti- Aging treatment so revolutionary that beauty editors are calling it“better than Injectables.” You’ll see results in one treatment! You’ll also travel through time with the Age-0-Meter and watch your face transform as the years fly by. Then discover how you can apply the brakes with this anti-aging breakthrough that delivers younger-looking, firmer and more radiant skin with just one minute a day. You’ve never seen anything like it, and it’s available through Rodan + Fields Dermatologists, the creators of Proactiv® Solution. With each innovation, we’re changing skin and changing lives. Let us help you change yours.  RSVP laura.jasurda@comcast.net  FLYER

NEW FAMILYClarkston Area Early Childhood Expo,February 28, 2011 7:00-8:30 p.m. Clarkston Area Mothers & More is pleased to sponsor the 2011 Clarkston Preschool Meet and Greet and Early Childhood Expo. This is an annual community service event that showcases over 25 area preschools as well as other organizations that offer services for preschool-age children. Parents that attend the event can collect information in a fair-like setting, speak with school and organization representatives, and prepare for spring open house visits. Admission is FREE. Children are Welcome.

Location: Everest Academy, Girl's School, 5935 Clarkston Road, Clarkston, MI (across from Clintonville Park)
Contact for Additional Information: Amie Moore at 248-507-4839 or ClarkstonClub@gmail.com

NEW EDUCATION/BUSINESS COUNSELING 2011 BAT EDUCATION DAY

The Oakland County Business Center, PNC Bank & Downtown Management Strategies would like to invite you to our 1st Annual Business Assistance Team (BAT) Education Day.
Pre-registration is required to secure your spot  Partner Registration
First come, first served! 

Date : Wednesday, March 2, 2011  9am - 11 am
Place: Oakland County IT Conference 

             Room, Bldg. 49

             1220 County Center Dr. W.

             Waterford, MI 48328

(Located behind the Oakland County Credit Union)

FAMILY  March 2nd, 5-8pm On the Border Dr. Suess Party to kick of March is Reading Month  FLYER

FAMILY March 2nd, 6:30 pm --50-minute workshop:  PARENTS, KIDS AND MONEY

Movies, advertisers, friends . . . they can all affect your childrens' attitudes about life - and money.  Find out how to talk with them about influences, choices and responsible money habits.  

The workshop is designed for parents and their children, ages 6 - 10.  It will help you:  Reflect on the values you would like your children to learn, Teach you children about money and values, Learn practical toos to make teaching about money fun.

 Cost:  FREE Offered by:  Elizabeth Kaniarz, When:  March 2, 2011  -6:30 p.m.St. Stephen Lutheran School, 4860 Midland Avenue, Waterford, MI   48329     RSVP by 2/18/11 to the school office 248.673.5906

 

EDUCATION On March 2, 2011, 7:00pm to 9:00pm the Wild Ones, North Oakland Chapter will host a free ‘Native Bees’ presentation at St. Daniel Catholic Church in Clarkston. The workshop is presented by Julianna Tuell, Ph.D., from the Department of Entomology at Michigan State University.  Presentation topics include: common wild bees in Michigan and how to promote and attract bees to your home garden.  Wild Ones is a national non-profit environmental education, native plant and native landscapes advocacy organization.   

This presentation is free; however registration is recommended.  To register, or for more information, please contact North Oakland Chapter President, Jim Brueck, at: (248) 625-7597, mdbrueck@gmail.com.

 

FAMILY March 5, 2011 Mardis Gras Spectacular-- St. Joseph Hall at Our Lady of the Lakes - doors open at 6:30pm

Food, music, Live and Silent Auctions

For tickets please call Kathy Flesher at 248-819-1599.

30$ at the door, 25$ pre-registered

FAMILY March 6, 2011 (12:30 - 3:00 p.m.)  "An Adventure with Curious George".  Children ages 2 - 6 and their parents are invited to "An Adventure with Curious George".  There will be food, music, stories, crafts, games, and a scavenger hung.  Please R.S.V.P. 248.673.5906. 

 St. Stephen Christian Day School, a ministry of St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 4860 Midland Avenue, Waterford, MI   48329

CHARITABLE RACE MARCH 6, 2011 Fight for Air--Climb Detroit, The American Lung Association's Premier Stair climb event. 70 flights of stairs to reach the top of the Renaissance Center, while raising funds and awareness for lung disease. FightforAirClimb.org  1-800-LUNG-USA

NETWORKING   Tuesday March 8, 2011 from 8am - 10 am Costco Coffee Connect networking  

No charge, light refreshments, games, prizes and lots & lots of networking! Six chambers in the area are invited and guests are also welcome.

Bring lots of business cards and any information you would like to share with others. No RSVP necessary, any questions call the marketing office at 248-648-0020

 Costco Wholesale

400 Brown Rd.

Auburn Hills, Mi. 48326

 

HEALTH  Smoking Cessation Series - two (two) hour classes offered at Great Lakes Cancer Institute, 5680 Bow Pointe, Clarkston please RSVP to Deanna Hart 248-922-6606.

March 16 and 23rd - 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

May 11 and 18th - 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

July 13 and 20th - 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

NEW EDUCATION APRIL 18, 2011  7:30 pm  THINKING OF STARTING A BUSINESS?? 

SCORE &VETBIZ Presentation  “Should I, Could I, start my own business?”

St. Daniel Cushing Center,  7010 Valley Park Drive, Clarkston, MI

Please call Marylou at St. Daniel Job Ministry to confirm you attendance.  (Seating is limited)

(248-625-4583)

CHARITABLE RACE 4th Annual Angel's Place Fun Run/Walk on Saturday, May 21, 2011 in downtown Clarkston (start/finish at St. Daniel's Church). 

RACE Southern Michigan Adventure Racing Team (SMART) will be putting on an "Urban Hybrid" Adventure Race this year (The Blast) in The City of the Village of Clarkston on June 4, 2011.  The race will start and end in Depot Park.  This will be our second year in The City of the Village of Clarkston. for more information: (http://www.smartblast.org) What's an Urban Hybrid Race? It involves two-person teams competing on foot, on bike and by paddling a canoe. Along the way, each team completes special events. The types of special events as well as the course specifics are only found out on race day.

ENTERTAINMENT Peacefest June 4-5, 2011 is looking for bands and artists. Any questions call Darren Graunstadt at 248-623-1648 or Fax 248-666-3325 or e-mail : thepeacefest@aol.com

Join over 50 artists for our Third Annual Peacefest
When : Saturday and Sunday, June 4th & 5th
Where : 5815 Dixie Highway, Waterford MI 48329
and south down the Dixie Corridor to Bank of America
Our featured artist this year is Carl Lundgren Psychedelic Rock Poster Artist
check out his website : www.detroitrockposters.com or carllundgren.com
Featured band : The Rythm Kings of Oakland County & Tons of local bands
Sound provided by : McCourt’s Music of Waterford and Berkley
Stage provided by : Oakland County Parks and Recreation
Kayak Event by : Summit Sports of Rochester
Lodging Provided by : The Olde Mill Inn of Clarkston

ENTERTAINMENT June 4, 2011  M-15 Heritage Route Car Rally (1st Annual)  Clarkston to Vassar

FAMILY and ENTERTAINMENT September 2-5 Great Lakes Agricultural Fair at the Silverdome

We LIKE it when you LIKE us. Did you know that you can post information, invitations and offers on the Chamber's Facebook Page?   Check it out, post some information, promote your business Facebook page.