1. finance
2. bank

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October 2012 | g ra nd b l a ncch a mb e r .org
The New Al Serra Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram
Service Facility is Open
If
you’ve driven by the Al Serra
Auto Plaza lately, you may
have noticed the handful of
mid-month.
According to Paul Householder, Serra
Automotive Fixed Operations Director,
construction projects that have been
the new facility will increase capacity
underway over the summer are now
and help improve the speed and ef-
winding down.
ficiency of what is already the No. 1
In addition to the September 1 opening
Ranked Service Team in all of Michigan.
of the new Volkswagen of Grand Blanc
Currently, the finishing touches are being
dealership, construction of a new, state-
applied to the brand-new Subaru and Ca-
of-the-art service facility for Al Serra
dillac stores. Both buildings are expected
Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram was completed
to open in November. n
(L-R) Attending the ribbon-cutting event were
Grand Blanc Township Supervisor, Micki Hoffman;
Grand Blanc Chamber President, Jet Kilmer
& Al Serra Automotive CEO, Joe Serra.
G
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Calendar
COM M E RC E
Women’s Expo to
Feature Celebrity
Chef, Financial
Guru
Grab your girlfriends for
two days of fun at the MLive-
Thursday, October 4th
Tuesday, October 9th
Ribbon-Cutting
Speed-Networking –
4pm
10 Chambers
Werschky & Lewis Family Dentistry MLive/Flint Journal
5225 Cook Rd.
5:30pm | The Rowe Building
Grand Blanc, MI 48439
Downtown Flint
Refreshments to follow
$5 at the door
Thursday, October 4th
The Flint Journal Women’s
Expo at Perani Arena on October 5th and 6th!
Friday, October 5th
Breakfast Meeting/
Candidate Forum
Sponsor(s): Health Alliance Plan
& Suan, Glynn & Co., PC
Thursday, October 11th
Ribbon-Cutting
Creative Financial Centre
10:30am
5405 Gateway Centre, Suite A
Flint, MI 48507
Brick Street, Grand Blanc
7am Networking
7:30 Meeting
ceries and much more. Get a
massage, jump into the photo
booth, get pampered, taste
samples, play games and have
the time of your life.
The Women’s Expo hours
are Friday from 12 noon - 8
available online or at any
VG’s location. The parking
is FREE, compliments of All
Weather Seal. This event
Grand Blanc Huntsman’s Club
12:30pm Lunch
2:00pm Shotgun Start
(see Registration Form, pg. 7)
shoes, purses, gift cards, gro-
- 5 pm. Tickets are $7 and
“Take Your Best Shot” Clay Shoot
5pm-11pm
Blackstone’s Downtown Flint
Tickets $35
to Win It!” and more. Win
pm and Saturday from 9 am
Wed., October 10th
Financial Plus FCU “Pink Night”
“Let’s Make a Deal”, “Minute
will knock your stilettos
off … come for the whole
Chef Steven Meese
The event will feature a
day! For more info, visit
Women2WomenMichigan.
keynote address on Friday at
com. n
6 pm by entrepreneur/“Good
The Value of
College Planning
Morning America” contributor, Tory Johnson, who will
Many parents know about
take the main stage with
funding a 529 Plan and taking
Thursday, October 11
“Spark & Hustle!” Celebrity
Friday & Saturday,
Oct 5th & 6th
the standard college funding
Run4Wine
Chef Steven Meese will treat
deductions on their 1040 tax
form. Business owners have
“Best Ever Women’s Expo”
$30
Run4Winerace.com
attendees to desserts and
truffles, and Dawn Bause
many more options for paying
will demonstrate cooking
their student’s college bill;
for health and beauty. At 7
one example is to make the
pm on Friday, Stephanie K
student an employee of the
of WWCK 105.5 radio will
business.
6 pm | The Jewel of Grand Blanc
MLive/Flint Journal
Produced by
Women2Women Michigan
Tickets $7
Ribbon-Cutting
7:30pm | Alexander J’s
5490 Fenton Rd.
Flint, MI 48507
Free Comedy Club for Members
Perani Arena,
Lapeer Rd., Flint
Friday 12-8pm
Saturday 9am-5pm
Wed., October 17th
New Member Luncheon
12 noon to 1pm
Atlas Valley Country Club
8313 Perry Rd.
Grand Blanc, MI 48439
$10
Business Index
512 E. Grand Blanc Rd.
Grand Blanc, MI 48439
p. 810.695.4222
f. 810.695.0053
grandblancchamber.org
President: Jet Kilmer
G
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CHAMBER
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Business Index is a publication of the
Grand Blanc Chamber of Commerce for
distribution to 500 business and community leaders in the Grand Blanc area.
For advertising, call 810.695.4222.
host a fashion show presented by Premium Outlets,
VG’s Grocery and Landaal
Packaging. Singer/songwriter/
actress Eleni Kelakos will
present “Stop Playing Small”
and First Lady Crisette Ellis
lower the costs of college?
Faith Filled?” On Saturday
The average time to earn a
at 2 pm, Liz Pulliam Weston
Bachelor’s degree is now six
asks, “Is Your Money Making
years instead of four. Why?
You Crazy?” plus, get paint-
Generally, it’s one of four
ing tips, tile tips and more on
reasons – or a combination of
the Home Stage. Saturday’s
them:
agenda also includes a fashion
show at 2 pm.
Attendees have chances to
win tons of prizes by playing
2
grandblancchamber.org | October 2012
What about other ways to
asks, “Are You Fear Filled or
• The student changes his/
her major.
• The student transfers.
• The student runs out of
starting at 10 am. Titles for
advice on future allocations.
great way to spend time with
the 2012 festival include “The
Call 810.695.7510 or visit
the family.
Smurfs,” “Zookeeper,” “Dol-
BarnettMRPG.com. n
required major courses on
phin Tale,” “Dr. Seuss: The
a regular cycle.
Lorax” and “Madagascar 3:
The State Bank
Now Offers Mobile
Banking
money.
• The school doesn’t offer
Good college planning ad-
Europe’s Most Wanted.” Tick-
dresses the first three rea-
ets to all of the Family Film
sons, making it much more
Festival movies are available
likely that the student won’t
on the day of the show 100
spend that extra year or
percent free of charge.
two in school. According to
iPhone mobile applications, as
college/university in 2011-
well as a mobile banking web-
12 was $21,447. Spending two
to well over $40,000.
Taking steps to ensure a stu-
Thank you to everyone in
the community for a great
summer 2012 and they hope
dent graduates in four years
to see you soon. n
instead of six is a very smart
ATTENTION 401(k),
403(b) & 457(b)
Plan Participants &
Employers
“college plan.” David Newbill, Financial Advisor, is an
experienced college planner.
Call him at 810.239.8825 to
schedule an appointment.
Disclaimer: Neither CFD
Investments, Inc. nor Creative Financial Designs, Inc.
provides legal or tax advice.
Advisory services are provided
through Creative Financial
Designs, Inc., a Registered
Investment Adviser, and securities are offered through CFD
Investments, Inc., a Registered Broker/Dealer, Member FINRA & SIPC, 2704 S.
Goyer Rd., Kokomo, IN 46904,
765.453.9600. n
Free Family Film
Festival Is Back!
to announce the rollout of
release includes Android and
in-state resident at a public
more years in college adds up
The State Bank is excited
on September 24th 2012. This
age cost of attendance for an
a show about the stars. Spend
time with your favorite kids
by playing a board game or
discovering a book together in
the newest gallery, Wisner’s
Mobile Banking taking place
the College Board, the aver-
Discover new worlds with
site that can be accessed on
any smartphone with Internet
access.
Features available to Bank
Whizbang Emporium. Pose
for a photo behind the wheel
of the museum’s “climb-on
car”, a 1917 Buick Touring.
There’s always something fun
to do! Call 810.237.3450 or
visit SloanLongway.org. n
Citizens Bank
Serving Local
Communities
Since 1871
customers through both the
mobile banking app and the
mobile site include check-
Citizens Bank was estab-
ing account balances, view-
lished in 1871 at the height of
ing transactions, transferring
Flint’s great lumber industry.
money between accounts and
Citizens also played a key role
est rates and a questionable
finding ATMs/branch loca-
in the development of the U.S.
economy, it’s no wonder that
tions.
auto industry in this coun-
With record low inter-
people have stopped opening
They are very excited to of-
the monthly plan statements
fer this new delivery channel.
General Motors, W.C. Durant,
they receive in the mail.
“With today’s busy lifestyles,
has acknowledged that a loan
convenience is a top priority
he and his partner, J. Dallas
403(b) and 457(b) programs
for their customers,” explains
Dort, received from Citizens
and the employees utilizing
The State Bank Vice President,
Bank in 1886 enabled him to
such programs have prob-
Stacey Webb. “The State Bank
start his vehicle manufactur-
ably noticed rather stagnant
Mobile Banking delivers that
ing career.
account values. Participants
convenience in an easy-to-use
in these programs all across
format that is protected by
est bank headquartered in
the country face the same is-
the highest level of mobile
Michigan and provides clients
sues and questions: the fixed
security. It truly is the next
with full service banking,
account doesn’t pay anything
generation for banking.”
including online and mobile
Employers offering 401(k),
and other options are too
For more info, please call
try. One of the founders of
Today, Citizens is the larg-
banking.
volatile. In all likelihood, out-
810.629.2263 or visit
NCG Cinemas is proud to
side of contributions, account
thestatebank.com. n
locations to serve you:
announce that the Free Family
holders have seen little to no
Film Festival will return to all
growth in their portfolios over
11425 S. Saginaw St. – Call
Sally Coletti, 810.953.0992
locations every Friday, Sat-
the past ten years.
Discover Longway
Planetarium
urday and Sunday from Sept
28th-October 28th.
Doors open at 9:15 am with
a new movie each weekend
Have Barnett Financial
& Tax review your defined
contribution plan program
and let a local expert give you
There are two Grand Blanc
12770 S. Saginaw St. – Call
Elisha Hodge, 810.695.3940
An Equal Housing
Come and enjoy the day at
Lender, Citizens Bank is
Longway Planetarium, Sloan
an FDIC Member. Visit
Museum, & Buick Gallery – a
citizensbanking.com. n
October 2012 | grandblancchamber.org 3
Award-Winning
Engineers Serving
Grand Blanc
Fleis &
VandenBrink
Engineering, Inc. (F&V) has
to final design, bidding and
construction. F&V also has a
construction management arm
that provides full construction
oversight. Recently, F&V was rec-
a new or gently used coat
to Coats for Kids. Last year,
almost 2,000 Genesee County
children received coats to
Collection boxes are located
and private clients throughout
Firm” by Zweig White Letter
Michigan and Indiana. Their
(top 175 firms in the U.S.),
Grand Blanc office (formerly
one of the “101 Best & Bright-
Gould Engineering) has served
est Companies to Work For”
Genesee County and the sur-
and ACEC’s “MI Firm of the
rounding area including the
Year”. For additional info,
City of Grand Blanc for over
please visit fveng.com. n
Thrift Stores, and The Salva-
75 years.
Help Keep a Child
Warm
downtown Flint at 211 W.
When
ing, environmental, architectural, surveying and sitedevelopment services across
multiple diverse industries;
from preliminary concepts,
design and mapping/platting
Church (12534
winter weather.
ognized as a “National Hot
F&V’s professional staff
Faith Lutheran
protect them from our harsh,
eight offices that serve public
provides full-service engineer-
Free “Trunk or
Treat” At Faith
Lutheran
in Genesee County at Genesee
Valley Center (inside the JC
Penney entrance), Courtland
Mall (food court), Absolutely
the Best Cleaners at 3607
Beecher Road, Salvation Army
tion Army business office in
Holly Rd.) is hosting a free “Trunk or Treat”
event on Wednesday, Oct.
24th from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Several church members
will have the trunks of their
cars decorated in various
child-friendly themes and,
of course, will have treats
for the children. Guests are
invited to wear their costume
Kearsley Street.
If you would like to spon-
cleaning out
sor a collection box at your
your closets
location, please contact Con-
this fall,
nie at The Salvation Army,
please con-
810.232.1684. n
of choice. After visiting the
trunks, everyone will go inside the gym for donuts, cider
and a costume parade. In case
of bad weather, all events will
be indoors. sider helping
If you have questions,
a child in need by donating
G
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CHAMBER
COM M E RC E
New Member
Luncheon
Wed., October 17th
12 noon to 1pm
$10
Atlas Valley Country Club
8313 Perry Rd.
Grand Blanc, MI 48439
4
grandblancchamber.org | October 2012
please call 810.694.9351,
who holds a Master’s Degree
team met with Grand Blanc
visit faithgb.org or email
in Structural Engineer from
Chamber of Commerce presi-
[email protected] .
Lawrence Tech. Interestingly,
dent, Jet Kilmer, to discuss
Don’t forget that they’re also
he was asked this past month
ways to make the newsletter
here to pray for you. Let us
to teach as an adjunct profes-
more valuable to the mem-
know your requests. n
sor at Lawrence Tech for a
bership. “We’re very excited
AT&T Advertising
Solutions Has
New Name
Master’s Degree in Advance
to partner with Click Design
Concrete Class for the spring
to produce our Newsletter,”
2013 semester. He will be
said Kilmer. “Now in full
testing for his P.E. Licensing
color, it will more attractively
Exam in April, 2013.
highlight the exciting events,
Formerly
AT&T Advertising Solutions,
YP provides
advertisers with a robust suite
of advertising products that
are proven to drive leads to
your door. As a leads leader,
YP’s advertising programs are
built to provide results via the
Internet, mobile devices, print
and highly targeted direct
mail.
YP experiences over
180,000,000 Internet searches
monthly in Genesee County
on YP.com and the YP Local
Ad Network. Baby Boomer’s
have the most income today
and are proven to continue
their use of the directory.
YP’s Genesee County Directory is distributed to 358,200
homes and businesses. YP will
ensure that you are seen and
found! You can contact YP at
810.768.0769. n
Bud Design &
Engineering
Welcomes New
Staff
Bud Design &
Engineering Services continue
to diversify in
the Architectural/Engineering
Industry.
In January, Bud Design was
proud to welcome Biniam
Aregawi, a native of Ethiopa
In April, Bud Design & Engi-
ribbon-cuttings, grand open-
neering was fortunate to add
ings and speakers we host.
experienced chief engineer
“Our Board looks forward to
Alexander Shteynvil, P.E. to
enhancing promotional efforts
the staff. He has amassed over
for local businesses and all
30 years’ of structural engi-
Chamber members.”
neering knowledge, as well
A full service agency, Click
as experience in vehicular,
Design has national and
railroad and pedestrian bridge
international clients, includ-
design for MDOT counties and
ing popular tanning product
private clients. He is also a
maker, Australian Gold.
Certified Bridge Inspector.
Services include complete
Thirdly, Armando Martinez
corporate identity creation,
graduated from Lawrence Tech
product packaging, every-
in May 2012 with a Bachelor’s
thing from business cards to
Degree in Architecture. He
billboards, as well as website
starts working on his Master’s
development. “Our award-
degree program under Brian
winning graphic design team
J. Smedley, AIA, NCARB, our
is a great fit for this project,”
licensed Architect, for four
said Click owner and Grand
years and state testing to be-
Blanc Chamber of Commerce
come licensed.
Board of Directors member,
These newer staff and the
rest of the Bud Design & Engineering team would be grateful to service your architectural, interior and structural
needs. n
Click Design Studio
Gives Newsletter a
New Look
Flintbased Click
Design Studio
has re-designed and is now
producing the Grand Blanc
Chamber of Commerce’s
monthly newsletter.
Over the summer, the Click
Vince Lorraine. “I’m confident
that the result will be very
Speed-Networking
Tuesday,
October 9th, 2012
5:30 – Networking
6:00 – Speed Round
Admission $5
Network with local
business professionals!
Members & Non-members
welcome
Appetizers & Adult
Refreshments
MLive/The Flint Journal
Rowe Building
Downtown Flint
540 S. Saginaw St., Suite 101
For more info, call the Chamber
810.695.4222
Or learn more on
well received.”
“We know you’ll thoroughly enjoy the new look,”
continued Kilmer. “I want to
extend a grateful ‘thank you’
to Lori Tomlinson of Tomlinson Design for all of her
past effort and work on this
publication.” n
Marketing Corner
Another football season and the cooler temps of autumn are
upon us! The fall calendar is shaping up with many exciting
events.
With several ribbon cuttings and three big events happening in October, including Speed Networking, the Clay Shoot
and New Member Luncheon, the “new” GB Chamber website
is sure to get many more views by folks in and around the
business community looking for valuable information. Now
online for an entire six months, the re-designed website has
been a big success! We’ve heard nothing but rave reviews for
its appealing look and ease of use. Members have said that they
actually look forward to visiting our website every week to see
what’s new.
Advertising on the Chamber’s website is a fantastic marketing tool! Thank you to Great Clips, Heath Alliance Plan,
Hartland Insurance and Momentum Entertainment for being
our home page sponsors. There’s still room to promote your
business on the site – contact Chris at the Chamber for details,
[email protected].
October 2012 | grandblancchamber.org 5
2011
Clay Shoot
Grand Blanc Hunstman’s Club
6
grandblancchamber.org | October 2012
The Grand Blanc Chamber of Commerce Presents
5th Annual Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Grand Blanc Hunstman’s Club
12:30pm – Lunch Served
1:00pm
–Registration
1:45pm – Safety/Rules Review
2:00pm – Shotgun Start
This year’s annual Clay Shoot will support local Michigan soldiers who will return from Afghanistan this year. A portion of the proceeds will
support The Soldier Family Support Program, which provides food, clothing, heat and replaces broken appliances, etc.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2012
Sponsorships____________________________________________________________
$
Title Sponsor – Your company name on all printed promotional materials & 3’ x 6’ event banner
1,500.00
$
Lunch Sponsor – SOLD 3’ x 4’ banner near grill area where lunch is served (Financial Plus FCU)
750.00
$
Gold Sponsor – Your company name OR logo at all 13 Trapper Stations
500.00
$
Award Sponsor – Your company name acknowledged during banquet & awards presentation
400.00
$
Silver Sponsor – Your company name OR logo at 7 Trapper Stations
300.00
$
Ammo Sponsor – Your company logo on boxes of shells given to all Shooters (Limit 2 Sponsors. 1. Colony Quality Meats) 300.00
$
Bronze Sponsor – Your company name & phone number at one station on 18” x 24” sign
75.00
$
Attend Lunch Only 20.00
Sponsor Information______________________________________________________
Company: ___________________________________ Contact Name:___________________________________
Phone Number:________________ Sponsorship:________________________________ Cost:_________________
Credit Card #:______________________ Exp. Date:_________ Signature:_________________________________
Clay Shoot Participants____________________________________________________
Individual – $85.00
Team of 4-6 – $75.00 each
Cost includes 3 boxes of shells (12 or 20 guage) for sporting clays, lunch, welcome bag, fun & good fellowship!
First, second & third individual prizes awarded, PLUS a traveling trophy awarded to top team!
Participant Information____________________________________________________
Company: ___________________________________ Contact Name:___________________________________
Phone Number:___________________ Number of Participants:_____________________ Cost:_________________
Credit Card #:______________________ Exp. Date:_________ Signature:_________________________________
PARTICIPANTS – All Shooters will be placed on teams of 4-6
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Loaner Guns
_____ < enter number of loaner gun(s) needed (limited number of loaner guns available.)
Make checks payable to Grand Blanc Chamber of Commerce & mail to 512 E. Grand Blanc Rd., Grand Blanc, MI 48439
Or fax with credit card info to 810.695.0053. Questions? Call 810.695.4222.
October 2012 | grandblancchamber.org 7
Congrats, Geena!
Join us for our next
breakfast meeting.
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COM M E RC E
Friday, October 5th
Breakfast Meeting/
Candidate Forum
Sponsor(s): Health Alliance Plan
& Suan, Glynn & Co., PC
Brick Street, Grand Blanc
7am Networking
7:30 Meeting
At the August Breakfast Meeting at Brick Street, Grand Blanc Chamber
of Commerce celebrated Geena Gall, Grand Blanc native & 2012 Olympic semi-finalist in the 800-meter race. Gall promises to run in the 2016
Olympics in Rio.
Meet the Local Candidates for
the November election.
For a complete list, visit grandblancchamber.com
Business Index is a publication of the Grand Blanc Chamber of Commerce for distribution to 500 business
and community leaders in the Grand Blanc area. For advertising, call 810.695.4222.
Business Index
G
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COM M E RC E
512 E. Grand Blanc Rd. Grand Blanc, MI 48439
p. 810.695.4222 f. 810.695.0053
grandblancchamber.org
President: Jet Kilmer
PRESRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
GRAND BLANC, MI
PERMIT NO. 166