January 2010 Volume 30, Issue 1
My Business Advocate
Building Better Communities by Building Better Businesses
Annual Meeting" and Silent Auction: Gala Event Planned
Invitations are in the mail!
Our dedicated group of volunteers
got together the week after
Christmas to send out your personal
invitation to our 29th Annual
Meeting and Awards Dinner. We
hope you can join us.
Send back the reply card by January
18th or contact Sue at the Chamber
to reserve your seats for only $45.00
each. (Phone reservations must
include a credit card payment).
Reserve early and save! The
price goes to $65 after January 18
and tickets are $85 at the door.
(All sponsorship levels include
reservations for dinner).
Who will win Business of the Year We'll wrap up 2009, gear up
Awards for 2009? Suspense is for 2010 and recognize special
building for the big announcment
accomplishments by volunteers
of our newest Gerald E. Fessel and area businesses at our 29th
Distinguished Service Award. We'll Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner.
reveal the best kept secret in Kent
County at our 29th Annual Meeting
Our Businesses of the Year have
on Friday, January 22, 2010 been selected and we are waiting
at Noto's Old World Fine Italian anxiously to hear the outcome.
Dining. Don't miss the big reveal!
Many great nominations for
Business of the Year were submitted
Coming Events
Children's Book Sale Dec '09-Jan '10
3rd Fridays! Networking Luncheon 1/15/10
Annual Meeting and Silent Auction 1/22/10
Chamber After Hours 2/11
Metro South Multi Chamber Speednetworking 2/12
3rd Fridays Networking Luncheon 2/19
Chamber After Hours 3/11
Business 'n Books Days 3/22-26
Kentwood Career Expo and Sport of Words Speech Contest 4/14
Calendars on Pages 6 & 7
Log on to www.southkent.org for details.
this year and all of them were
deserving. Congratulations
to everyone who recieved a
nomination and we wish all of you
the best in the coming year.
Don't forget the Silent Auction
held during the evening. Your
donated item will help us raise
non-dues revenue to support 2010
Chamber Programs. And your high
bid could result in scoring a great
bargain on goods and services you
can use in business or in your
home. Donation forms are available
on line or by emailing sue@
southkent.org.
Get the details for both of these
great events happening in one gala
evening and register on line at
www.southkent.org or email sue@
southkent.org for assistance.
Get Your Business Noticed
with a donation for our C
2010 Silent Auction! D
C
Your donation of desirable goods A
or services will C
• support 2010 Chamber P
programs and events. E
• Build Brand Recognition W
while your company name is D
displayed at the auction. N
• Receive Donating Business M
listing in the Auction Catalog C
• Listing of your item and *
business name on our on line
catalog at www.southkent.org *
d
Contact sue@southkent.org for
more information or to submit P
a donated item. We request _
that items donated not require _
additional cost to redeem after a
purchase.
 YOUR CHAMBER MANAGEMENT
2010 Board of Directors
*indicates Executive Committee Member
*John Crawford - President & CEO
*Norine Mulvihill - American Diabetes Association,
Board Chair
*Todd Duncan - Consumers Energy, Past Chair
*Kathey Batey - Priority Health/Spirited
Presentations, Senior Vice Chair
*Matt Uhl - National City Bank
*Danna Mathiesen - Mercantile Bank
*David Szidik - Proforma Infinite Marketing
TBD - Legal Counsel
TBD - Chair, Fin. & Budget
Community Relations Division (Blue)
*Kathey Batey - Sr. Vice Chair
Tommy Brann - Brann’s Steakhouse & Grille
Richard Chrisman - Hungerford, Aldrin, Nichols &
Carter
John Schwartz - AT&T
Brent Vander Kolk - Vander Kolk & Vander Kolk,.
PLC
Lillian VanderVeen - Lenger Travel Services
Member Relations Division (Red)
*Matt Uhl - Vice Chair
Betsy Artz - Loeks Theaters (Celebration Cinema)
Skip Knapp - EdwardJones Investments
Tom Kruisenga - The Kruisenga Agency
Membership Development Division (Gold)
*Danna Mathiesen - Vice Chair
Bob O'Callaghan - Citadel Broadcasting
Joel Iakiri - Business Interconnect Group, LLC
Financial Development Division (Green)
*David Szidik - Vice Chair
Brent Holland - Chameleon Ltd
Carol Crawford - The Alternative Board
Dan Van Dyke - PDS Group LTD
Denise Hughes - D2 Marketing
Rob Wells - Vantage Pointe Financial
Ex-Officio
Jack Poll - City of Wyoming, Mayor
Richard Root - City of Kentwood, Mayor
Curtis Holt - City of Wyoming, Manager
Bill Doren - Chamber Foundation Chair
My Business Advocate,
Copyright 2010
Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce
590 - 32nd Street SE
Wyoming, MI 49548-2345
Tel: 616-531-5990
Fax: 616-531-0252
Newsletter/Advert Information: sue@southkent.org
Building Better Communities by
Building Better Businesses
Opinion by John
January 2010
By John J. Crawford, Jr.
President & CEO
It's a Brand-New Decade!
With each New Year celebration, we take the time to craft
new plans and re-dedicate ourselves with renewed optimism.
With 2010 here, the first decade of the 21st Century has
drawn to a close and we're launched into an entirely new
decade. While business challenges still remain large, let's
use this milestone to look forward to business and job
growth and renewed prosperity.
When you look back over past decades, many successful
businesses, like Ford Motor Co (1903), Chevron Oil (1930),
HP (1939) and Gentex (1974) were created during economic
downturns. Many millionaires began
building their fortunes in cyclical
troughs. This can be a great time to
build your business!
The Chamber will focus even more this
year on helping create opportunities
for you to increase your sales. We'll
also work to line up workshops and
speakers who are succeeding to share
with you ideas and management
strategies that work.
Annual Meeting Shines a Bright Spotlight - Silent
Auction Provides Great Values
Plan to join us on Friday, January 22 for the Chamber's
29th Annual Meeting. Tony Noto and his crew will be hosting
us at his beautiful Noto's Old World Italian Dining
Conference Center! Great networking with business and
community leaders, great values on items offered at the
Silent Auction and, of course, the chance to recognize
outstanding companies and individuals. We'll also
thank Todd Duncan of Consumers Energy and his 2009
Board of Directors for a terrific Chamber year. Details at
SouthKent.Org.
You'll also meet Norine Mulvihill from the American
Diabetes Assn, our 2010 Chamber Board Chair and
hear her vision for a great 2010. Your Board of Directors
works tirelessly all year long - along with more than 15
committees of Member volunteers - to bring you firm
extraordinary Membership value!
I want to mention how proud I am, too, of the other
Chamber staff members who help carry out the Chamber's
mission each day. Janine Burns, Sue Bynum and Julie
Janes-Brown have risen to meet many challenges in 2009
and are looking forward to kicking off an awesome 2010!
The Chamber. Together, we'll all achieve more.
At least that's my
Opinion by John
 Community Turns Out for Chamber Santa Parade

Santa Claus and Janine Burns (staff

liaison for the committee), pose at
Brann's Steakhouse and Grille where
Rogers High School Marching Band lines up to escort Santa to
Santa stopped after the parade for
town. Rogers was one of four bands that participated this year.
pictures with his fans.

A young parade fan takes time to give
Santa his wish list after the parade.
Tommy Brann hosted Santa and invited
everyone to bring cameras for pictures
with our Guest of Honor.
Celebration Cinema had a "Princess and the Frog" float
complete with a pond and princes and princesses among the
lilypads.

Santa came to town in his very own sleigh

mounted on a float furnished by Huntington
Bank. Thanks to all of the "elves" that rode with
him as his escorts.

Great big thank you to everyone who came out to

march. We had 48 entries in this year's parade
which lasted about an hour. Families from the
Wyoming and Kentwood Area lined S. Division
Avenue to get a glimpse of Santa and to wish our
marchers Merry Christmas.

WKACC
Education
Committee
Extra
Credit
Congratulations to Danny Jimenez
from Rogers High School on his
newest project. Jimenez was one of 11
entrants in Kathey Batey's illustration
contest held to find an artist for her
latest children's book. The contest
was open to senior students in the
Wyoming and Kentwood Areas. Kathey
received drawings students from all
over the area and had to recruit a
panel of judges to help her make the
final decision.
"Every year I continue to be impressed
by the level of talent that can be
found in our local school systems,"
Batey told the Education Committee
when she revealed the entries. "It gets
Children's Book Sale
The Education Committee has a
limited supply of surplus children's
books from past Business 'n Books
Days Events available for purchase.
Give the Children in your life the gift
of reading and support the WKACC
Education Committee by purchasing
a quality children's book. There are
7 different titles available at $15 per
book. Special: Purchase a 4 pack
of titles for only $50.00!
These are small quantities of these
quality children's stores selected
specifically for our second grade
audience. Only one copy of some
titles is available and when supplies
are gone, they're gone.
Plan ahead for birthdays, Easter and
special occasions by purchasing a
4 pack of titles and save $10.00 off
the per book price. Contact sue@
southkent.org for details.
Rogers High School Senior Illustrates 2010
Business 'n Books Selection
harder every year to make a decision, ���������
so I decided to recruit some help this
year".
���������������
With just such help from our Illu
str
local school systems and Kent
y at
e
te d
by
Ba
D
y
he
District Library, she recruited some
an
at
ny
yK
Jim
nb
en
professionals to make the choice with
ez
te
Writ
her.
Jimenez has been working closely with
Batey on the rest of the illustrations.
This will be the third year in a row
that we've been able to offer this
opportunity to a senior student in our
area.
In past years, illustrators have
received up to $1,500 in scholarship This contest winning illustation will
and honorarium not to mention press be the cover of the newest children's
book by author Kathey Batey which
coverage, college portfolio materials
will also be the selection read for our
and the experience of professionally Business 'n Books Days Event in
illustrating a hardcover children's March.
book.
Recruitment Challenge Nets 19 New Members!
The 2009 Member Recruitment Keep on Referring! This challenge
may be over, but we still want your
Committee worked hard during the
referrals and you can still earn
2009 Calendar year encouraging
$25 in Chamber Bucks (credit
members to refer potential
toward Chamber event admissions,
businesses for membership.
showcase fees and more), for every
activated membership that lists
As a result of those referrals, we
you as the referring member.
are pleased to announce a total
of 19 Businesses signed on as
Referrals are easy. Just give us
members as a direct result of
the name of your contact, the
Member Referrals.
business name and email address.
We'll forward printed material
As promised, we have one final
recruitment incentive drawing. and the application for you and
answer any questions the potential
Our winner this time will receive
member may have.
a 1/2 page of advertising in this
publication anytime during 2010.
Once we activate the new
membership, you will be notified
Congratulations to Denise Hughes
of your Chamber Bucks arriving in
of D2 Marketing. Her referral of
Dorris Flockhart from Nutrition your Chamber Account. Nothing
for you to do to redeem them
'n More not only earned $25 in
except attend Chamber Events
Chamber Bucks Credit but got her
and Activities.
an entry into the final Recruitment
Challenge Drawing.
 CHAMBER PARTNERS
These WKACC Members are offering
discounts to Members on products
and services that you need to run
your business. Using a Chamber
Partner will help you increase your
bottom line while you support
members and the Chamber at the
same time.
Chamber Partners have agreed to
provide non-dues revenue to the
Chamber for every member that
uses their services in addition
to special rates to the member-
customer.
Choice Business Services
As a Chamber Partner, Choice Business Services offers
any member of the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber
of Commerce a significant discount on all office support
services.
CBS provides professional business support through Business Address,
Conferencing Services, Clerical/Administrative Support services.
Telephone Answering, Temporary and Permanent Office Leasing and
much more…..You give us the task we figure out the best way to
complete it! Contact Debra Bates at deb@choicebiz.com or call 616-975-
0100 for discount details.
TAB has been a ChamberPartner
since 2008 and recently renewed
their partnership for another year.
The Alternative Board helps you
grow your business, make more
TAB offers business owners peer money and work fewer hours.
advice, at a discounted rate, to
empower you and your Contact Carol Crawford at 616-
organization to achieve your 301-8081 or email her at carol@
business vision. tabmichigan.com.
Take the Benefits Challenge!
1) It would be beneficial to have an Employee Benefits plan that
‘ b e n e f i t e d ’ all employees - including our lower-paid hourly and
part-time staff at NO-COST to me, the employer.
TTrruuee // FFaallssee
2) I’d like our group health insurance rates to decrease by 40%
immediately and remain stable into the future.
TTrruuee // FFaallssee
Let us show you something new.
JJaassoonn A
A.. R
Ruusssseellll
Broker Director
(616) 490-0911 - direct
WKACC Chamber Partner
Jason@eagleadministrators.com
You're getting real value when
you use a Chamber Partner. Only
products and services that will
help you grow your business for
less money are endorsed by the
Chamber Partner Committee.
If you would like information on
becoming a Chamber Partner
contact sue@southkent.org or
carol@tabmichigan.com for a copy
of the Affinity Program and answers
to any questions you may have
about applying for a Chamber
Partner Endorsement.
Member 2 Member
Discounts
A program of WKACC Chamber
Partners for any Member in Good
Standing. Contact sue@southkent.org
or dszidik@proforma.com to list your
Member 2 Member Discount.
Save on Ink and Toner!
Mark Schabacker - Owner
(o) 616-818-5555 (f) 616-987-3018
grandrapids@thecartridgedepot.com
www.TheCartridgedepot.com
20% OFF initial orders for
New Customers
Lower your Toner & Ink Costs Today!
FREE Pick Up and DELIVERY for local
Businesses,
SAVE up to 50% On Ink & TONER needs!
Locally Owned & Operated
Michael DeVries from
Principal Financial Group
is offering Members of the
Wyoming-Kentwood Area
Chamber of Commerce significant cost
savings on Disability Insurance and only
for our Chamber Member Employers
and their employees. Contact Michael
at 616-942-1251 ext 3020 for price and
coverage details.
 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

January 2010
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 2
Chamber Office Hours
Monday -Thursday
8am - 5pm HAPPY
NEW YEAR
Closed Friday
Chamber Office
Closed

3 Noon
4Gov Matters 5 4p 6 8:15 a 7 8a 8 9
at Ambassadors Chamber Recruiting
the Chamber Foundation Committee
4p
Education
Comm @
Celebration
South

11:30 a-1 p
10 11 8a 12 13 14 9a 153rd Fridays!
16
Gov Matters at Bus Growth
Wyoming @ Applause!
City Hall 1p
Chamber
Partners
FEBRUARY
NEWSLETTER
DEADLINE

17 18 19 20 8a 21 7:30 a 22 6p 23
Activation & CEO Exchange Cocktail Hour
Retention 10 a 7-9 p
10 a, 3rd Fri! Comm 29th Annual
Finance 11:30 a Meeting &
11:30 a, Community Awards Dinner
Executive Roundtable and Silent
Committee @Brann's Auction

24 25 26 27 28 11:30 a 29 30
Board Mtg @
Brann's

31

4641 N. Breton Ct., SE

Kentwood, MI 49508
Phone: 616.656.1090
E-mail: Brinks.Law.Firm@
Prodigy.net
WEB: BrinksLawFirm.com
 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

February 2010
Sun
Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 Noon 2 4p 3 8:15 a 4 5 6
Gov Matters at Chamber
Ambassadors
the Chamber Foundation
4p
Education
Comm @
Celebration

7 8 8a 9 10 11 5-7 p 12 13
Gov Matters at Chamber After
Wyoming Hours
City Hall

14 15 16 17 10 a, 18 9a 1911:30 a-1 p 20
Finance Business 3rd Fridays!
11:30 a, Growth @ Applause
Executive 11:30 a 1p
Committee Community Chamber
Roundtable @ Partners
Brann's MARCH
NEWSLETTER
DEADLINE

21 22 23 24 25 7:30 a 26 27
CEO Exchange
10 a
3rd Fri!
Comm
11:30 a
Board Mtg @
Brann's

28
Chamber Office Hours
Monday -Thursday
8am - 5pm
Closed Friday
 Metro Guide
Advertising Visible
All Year - Community
Wide
Promote your business in
this high quality publication
with a full year of circulation.
The Wyoming-Kentwood Area
Chamber of Commerce is, once
again, offering advertising
opportunities for our 2010
publication.
Your Chamber Membership
includes a complimentary double
listing. Member Businesses are
listed alphabetically by the name
of the business and also in a
directory classified by the service
or product provided. There is no
cost to your business for these
listings but we need to have
current contact, address, phone
and email information about your
business.
Something new this year:
• Upgrade your listing.
In addition to display
advertising, business features
are available to those wishing
to convey their message in an
editorial format.
• This combination editoral/
advertising vehicle resembles
a magazine article in content
and appearance.
• Each business feature
consists of 100 to 150 words,
plus photography.
Features are available in full and
half page sizes.
High Employee Turnover Expected
Reprinted with permission from Express
Employment Professionals, Employmentpresented with other opportunities,
Trends Newsletter. For more information
contact Casey Jankoska at casey.
jankoska@expresspros.com.
According to a recent survey from
Opinion Research Corporation, an
infoGroup company, employers
may find themselves with a high
employee turnover rate once the job current employer. CCH Aspen
market bounces back. Of those
surveyed, 80% reported they would
Your Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber
of Commerce Community Profile
and Metro Guide is distributed community
wide to City Halls, Doctors Offices, Libraries,
Hotels and Restaurants. Quantities are
available for distribution and use by your
company.
Ad space is available in all sizes
and at a price to fit any business
budget. Full and half-page
advertisers also receive a banner ad
on the Chamber website for one full
year at no extra cost.
For more information and prices
call 1-800-491-1760 or book your
ad on-line at www.harborhouse.
com/wyoming.htm.
Contact sue@southkent.org to
update your membership records
to insure your 2010 listing will be
accurate.
leave their current position if
while 25% said they already have
plans to leave their current
employer once the job market
stabilizes. Employees who are most
likely to job hop are between the
ages of 18-34. The survey showed
that only 19% are happy with their
Publishers - Dec. 2, 2009
Community Roundtable
Mishelle Bakewell from Metro
Health will chair the first meeting
of the Community Roundtable
on January 21 from 11:30-12:30
at Brann's Steakhouse & Grille
located at 4157 S Division. This
Community Roundtable Group will
meet on the 3rd Thursday of each
month during 2010 and we'd love
to have your input.
Community Roundtable is an
informal forum for business,
governmental and educational
sectors to come together monthly
to discuss relevant issues and
concerns. It's a great way to stay
plugged in to what is happening in
our community.
Contact Mishelle at (616) 252-4779 or
email mishelle.bakewell@metrogr.
org or contact Sue Bynum at julie@
southkent.org for more information
or to volunteer to serve on the
committee.
For You,
Your Employees and
Their Families!
Contact janine@southkent.
org for plan pricing and work
and residential eligibility
requirements.
 Free Seminars “Taking Your Business to the Next Level”
Chamber Member Businesses are • See how and why the right
providing a series of seminars for employees can make your business
business owners and decision and the wrong ones can break your
makers that will help take your business.
business to the next level.

Presented by Mark Andresky, Non Business Owners $50.00 and

January 13, 7:45 - 11:30 am:
Michigan's Economy/Business
Outlook presented by Carole
Valade, Editor - Grand Rapids
Business Journal and John
Crawford, President - Wyoming-
Kentwood Area Chamber of
Commerce.
February 3, 2010
How to Run Your Business So You
Can Leave It in Style! and Baby
Boomers to XYZ Generation
CEO's, Presidents and Business
CExP, ABI, CBI is the founder of
Performance Business Advisors. Owners can attend this entire
FREE series. Register TODAY at
• A step-by-step plan to reaping
top dollar when you sell or transfer www.tabmichigan.com or Call
616-975-0125. Seminars are held
your business.
• Business owners will learn how at The Campbell Group Building,
5664 Prairie Creek Dr. near M-6
to create and preserve value within
their businesses using tools they and M-37.
already have. Maximize profit and
minimize tax liability. Presented by
Sean Banks & Nick Oostveen from
Aerotek Commercial Staffing.

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Visit YourEnergySavings.com to find out how you can save energy and save money.

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 Join us on the 3rd Fridays! Luncheon for lunch by any representative
know it is the best of your company. Miss up to 3
3rd Friday each
monthly networking lunches in 12 months and still
month January bargain around. And they save!
through March at know that networking is
more effective when it is Add a Showcase Table
consistently done. anytime. It's simple to add
a showcase table to your
In the spirit of helping lunch admission pass. Just
our businesses grow their call or email the Chamber
bottom line, the Chamber and let them know you'd like
is offering a 3rd Fridays! to pay $35 to showcase your
The 3rd Fridays! Networking Annual Pass for only business with your paid lunch.
Luncheon is on the move again. $126.00. That's a 25% savings
Join us on Friday, January 15, off the monthly early registration
for our first networking event at charge for lunch and it guarantees
Applause Banquet Center located your automatic reservations at the
at 2728 Birchcrest Dr SE, behind next 12 consecutive 3rd Fridays! Frequent
Pietro's on 28th Street, just west Luncheons. Networking
of Breton. Cost is still only $15
for early member registration. Be Contact us if you can't attend. No is
sure to register before noon on need to call ahead or forgetting to
register on time to beat the early Good
Tuesday, January 12 and save.
registration deadline. We'll only Business!
Annual Pass Saves Networking need to know if you can't make it.
Dollars. Members taking Can't always make the luncheon?
advantage of the monthly The pass is issued in YOUR
networking opportunities at our COMPANY NAME and may be used


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    
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    
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 
 
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   
    
   
  

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
 Member Spotlight
Board Executives meet monthly and select the
outstanding volunteer and Committee for their
effort and results on behalf of WKACC.
December Volunteer
of the Month
Congratulations to Susan Sasek
from Tony's Tunes Entertainment
Services. Susan chaired the Santa
Parade Committee. A dedicated
volunteer for the Chamber,
Susan has been involved with past
Wyoming Relay for Life events,
Burger's 'n Brats, and the Business
Connections Expo among others.
Susan tells us, "I was very happy
to see the success of the Santa
Parade. With each passing year it
gets better! All of the committee
members did a fantastic job. Thanks
to everyone who participated,
especially, Tommy Brann who
provided a room for the kids to have
their picture taken with Santa.
Special thanks to the Maintenance
Department at Godwin High
School, for the beautiful throne
for Santa. You guys were fantastic!
Hope to see everyone in 2010
for the 4th Annual Wyoming-
Kentwood Santa Parade. Watch
my blog at www.wyoming-
kentwoodsantaparade.blogspot.com.
December Committee
of the Month
Santa Parade Committe. Our Santa
Parade Committee started working
together in April to put together the
most successful and well attended
parade to date. Susan Sasek chaired
this dedicated group of people and
received the nod for Volunteer of the
Month. We would like to thank this
hard working group for providing
a great parade. Santa's helpers
included:
• Susan Sasek (Chair) - Tony's
Tunes Entertainment Services
• Amanda Lewis - gNetworks
• Betsy Artz - Loeks Theaters -
Celebration Cinema
• Bill Doren - South Kent Kiwanis
• Gregg Howard - Moving
Solutions Group
• Jerry DeGood - Auto Finance Co.
• Cindy Buist - Godwin Heights
Public Schools
• Janine Burns - Staff
Renewing Members
• Adeline Leigh Catering • Passion for Sales
• Booking.com • Petroleum Technologies Group
• Country Fresh, LLC • Ramada Plaza Hotel
• Business Leadership • Standard Computer Systems
Network of Michigan • Style with A Smile
• Crosby & Henry • Superior Asphalt Inc.
• Ervine’s Auto Repair • Tarbo Products Co.
• Fast Signs • The Hinman Group
• Fibercare, LLC • Timber Ridge Apartments
• Group Five Management • Tracy Time Systems
• Hendricks Heating Co. • United Church Outreach
• Hungerford, Aldrin, Nichols Ministries
& Carter • Valvoline Instant Oil Change
• ITT Technical Institute – 28th St SW
• Ken’s Kustom Installation • Waterchase Apartments
• Kent County Credit Union • WJK Properties
• Lacks Enterprises, Inc • Woodland Creek Apartments
• Lichterman Law, PLC • Woodland Hospital for Animals
• Manpower, Inc • Workpaths.com
• Mary Kay Cosmetics • Xibitz, Inc
– Whitesell • Young Champions
• Miller Johnson
Welcome New and Returning Members
• Business Interconnect, LLC - Joel Iakiri, (616) 502-3749
• Care Free Coaches -Lance Weersma, (616) 735-0600
• Nutrition-N-More -- Dorris Flockhart, (616) 455-1775
We've Added Locations to our Memberships!
Some of our current members have more than one location in our
area and have opted to upgrade their membership to be able to list all
of their locations as members. Please stop in and say hello and invite
them to join you in Chamber events and activities.
• Family Fare - Corporate • Family Fare - Don Fetrow, 4325
Office, Terry Blanding, 616- Breton SE, Grand Rapids
878-2000 • Community West Credit Union,
• Family Fare - Rick Skorupski, Sue Rublein, 4205 32nd Ave,
6127 Kalamazoo SE, Grand Hudsonville
Rapids • Community West Credit Union,
• Family Fare - Scott Cabagnaro, Karen VanTil, 2757 44th St,
1148 28th St SW, Wyoming Wyoming
• Family Fare - Ellis Luchies, • Community West Credit Union,
2900 Burlingame SW, Wyoming Kristi Reed, 4045 60th SE,
Kentwood
In March of 2010, the US Census Bureau will conduct its 22nd national census and you will receive a form
in the mail. Though it may not seem like a big deal, this count of all the people living in the United States is
extremely important to the business community for a number of reasons!
•
Affects the distribution of over $400 billion in federal funds are each year
which support vital infrastructure and services that impact us everyday,
such as hospitals, schools, job training centers, bridges, roads, and
emergency services.
• Determines how many seats Michigan has in the U.S. House of
Representatives.
• Provides valuable statistics and information for community advocates,
local governments, researchers, etc. Often, their initiatives affect quality
of life and important community development programs.
• Helps local governments to understand their residents and make
informed decisions that account for the entire community.
You can do your part by filling out your 2010 Census form when it arrives
in March and sending it in by April 1st, National Census Day. You can also
help promote the Census by sharing this information with your family, friends and colleagues. Remember,
the success of the 2010 Census is IN OUR HANDS! For more information log on to http://2010.census.gov/
2010census/

Granholm Signs Smoking Ban Legislation

Law prohibits smoking in public places, including restaurants, hotels and bars
LANSING - Governor Granholm
recently signed legislation that will
prohibit smoking in public places
such as restaurants, bars, and
hotels, or any place that serves
food or beverages.
The Ron M. Davis Law, named
after the late chief medical officer
of the Michigan Department of
Public Health, takes effect May
1, 2010, and will make Michigan
the 38th state to ban smoking in
public places.
Individuals and business owners
who violate the law will be subject
to penalties of $100 for the first
offense and $500 for subsequent
offenses.
Secondhand smoke is the third Detroit casinos, but the other
leading cause of preventable casino bars and eateries must
death in Michigan, resulting be smoke-free, including the
in about 2,500 deaths. When casinos' restaurants and hotels.
smoking occurs in the workplace, (Michigan's 20 American-Indian
employees find they are exposed casinos are not covered by
to cancer-causing substances all state law). Cigar bars, tobacco
day. specialty shops, home offices,
commercial trucks and motor
Smoking-related illnesses in vehicles are also exempt.
adults include heart disease,
cancer, stroke, chronic
lower respiratory illnesses
and diabetes. Children
and adolescents exposed to
secondhand smoke can develop
asthma, ear infections, colds and
pneumonia.
The new law allows exemptions
for the gaming floors at the three