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March 2010 Volume 30, Issue 3
My Business Advocate
Building Better Communities by Building Better Businesses
Plans to Rebound in 2010? Not Without Employee Engagement
After a year of massive layoffs, longer
hours, increased stress, and less pay,
the number of employees who are
actively engaged in their jobs declined
by nine percent from 2008 to 2009,
according to Watson Wyatt’s Employee
Engagement Index. And even more
alarming, employee engagement among
top-performing workers fell by 23
percent over the same period, raising
concerns for high employee turnover
rates in 2010.
Should employers worry?
In a recent online survey by Express
Employment Professionals, readers
were asked if they would job hop for a
better job opportunity in the coming
year. Of nearly 800 respondents, 81
percent said, “Yes,” they would job hop
in 2010.
What does this mean?
Attrition can cost companies thousands
of dollars per lost employee and can
significantly impact the financial
performance of a company. If employers
want a chance to rebound in 2010 and
avoid high employee turnover, they
must refocus their efforts on employee
engagement and make it a top priority.
How do employers get employees to
re-engage in 2010?
There are many key tactics, but
one tried and true method for
rebuilding trust and increasing
employee engagement is through
communication.
Employers should encourage their
employees to ask questions, no
matter the topic, and address concerns
honestly, no matter what the answer.
Employees are more inclined to stay
loyal and engaged to a company when
they feel their concerns are being
thoughtfully considered.
Employers can also increase
engagement by showing appreciation
and recognizing sacrifices being made
by everyone. Find creative, low-cost
incentives. “If you don’t take a small
amount of money now to invest
in engaging your employees, you
could be out a lot more later when
your employees decide to leave your
company for other opportunities
when the job market opens back up,”
said Robert A. Funk, CEO and cofounder for Express Employment
Professionals.
This recession has had a huge impact
on the workforce, those who have
lost their jobs, as well as the ones
who are worried they’ll be next in
the unemployment line. In times
like these, it’s critical to remember
Highlights of Coming Events
Lunch 'n Learn - How to use LinkedIn
Chamber After Hours - Celebration Cinema-South
Daylight Savings Time Begins
3rd Fridays! Networking Luncheon
Business 'n Books Days (Volunteer to Read)
Lunch 'n Learn LinkedIn Part 2
Kentwood K-12 Career Expo Sport of Words Speech Contest
Multi Chamber Speed Networking
3rd Fridays! Networking Luncheon
Calendars on Pages 6 & 7
Log on to www.southkent.org for details.
3/4
3/11
3/14
3/19
3/22-26
4/1
4/14
4/14
4/16
4/16
that the real reason companies are
successful is because of their people.
Businesses that invest in and value
engagement will achieve higher levels
of employee satisfaction, loyalty, and in
turn, success. These are the companies
that will come out on top and rebound
in 2010.
For more information on workplace and
workforce solutions, please contact
Express Employment Professionals,
616-281-0611 or casey.jankoska@
expresspros.com.
How to use
LinkedIn 201
April 1, 2010
11:30am - 1:00pm
Hilton Grand Rapids Airport
Register on line early!
If you know a little already or were
one of the nearly 60 business
leaders that caught the first part
of this business building workship
you can't miss this sequel on how
to continue to build connections
using Linkedin.com.
Admission includes lunch.
Not-Yet Members - $21
WKACC Members - $15
(You must register by the end of the
day on Monday, March 29th)
After March 29 - $21
Sponsorships of this great Hi-Tech,
Hi-Touch workshop are available
at only $100! Contact julie@
southkent.org.
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
Brent VanderKolk - VanderKolk & VanderKolk PLC,
Legal Counsel
Richard Chrisman - Hungerford, Aldrin Nichols &
Carter, 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: [email protected]
Building Better Communities by
Building Better Businesses
Opinion by John
March 2010
By John J. Crawford, Jr.
President & CEO
Taxing Issues. Tough Issues.
Kentwood and Wyoming are holding very important
millage elections on May 4. We’ve lost state and local
taxpayers and our municipalities are facing some real and
serious cash shortfalls. Fewer taxpayers mean higher tax
rates, all things being equal.
In Kentwood, voters will be deciding a 2.0 mil property
tax hike and in Wyoming, the amount will be 1.25 mils.
In both cases, the city will use the money in their general
funds, the majority of which (about 70%) is spent on
Police and Fire services. Neither city has an Income Tax.
Businesses Also Pay Taxes on ‘Stuff’ IN Their
Buildings, Which Homeowners Do Not
For each $100,000 Market Value ($50,000 SEV), the
Kentwood tax hike is $100 per year and $ 62.50 in
Wyoming. A business with $150,000 SEV in Kentwood
would see a jump of $300 in taxes, while their Wyoming
counterpart will pay $187.50 more.
Two main causes of the problem are 1) a sizable cut in
state revenue sharing and 2) (probably the bigger hit) a
significant decrease in property values, upon which the
taxes are based.
Fewer Taxpayers Means Higher Tax Rates
The Grand Rapids Press reported that the 2010 values
decline in Kentwood is in the 7% to 8% range while the
Wyoming drop is about 8% or 9%.
Actually, because of these drops, in many cases, property
owners could see a small decrease in their tax bills even
with the tax rate hike!
The cities’ cash crunch is real and I can say that it is not
caused by mismanagement. Our cities have both been
good stewards of the money they do receive. They’ve been
scaling back operations the last few years. Both cities
often receive very high scores when it comes to delivered
city services.
Business Cash Crunch is Also Real
One Contractor Member located in Wyoming sent me a list
of the following other increases hitting his 10-employee
company this past year.
•
•
Michigan Unemployment Tax Rate Jump
Federal Unemployment Tax Rate Jump
(Continued on page 8)
Government Cracks Down on Misclassified Employees
A recent federal
study reported
that 3 out of
10 companies
misclassify
employees, which could equate to
millions of workers not receiving the
benefits guaranteed to them by law
and huge tax fund losses for the
government. Those losses could also
result in higher tax cost for regular
employees and businesses.
With federal and state agencies
facing dismal budget deficits, the
Department of Labor is expected
to crack down on employee
misclassification. President Obama’s
2010 budget anticipates the federal
onslaught against misclassified
contractors to generate over $7
billion for government agencies over
the next ten years. It’s a problem
the government is taking very
seriously, and you should too.
Service (IRS) evaluates factors like
instructions and training provided
by the company along with a
worker’s ability to profit or suffer
loss.
Companies who incorrectly qualify
employees as independent
contractors could face the cost of
back taxes along with any penalties
and interest incurred. Protect
your company with accurate
documentation and appropriate
treatment of contract workers.
Workers classified as independent
contractors are not required to
follow instructions on when,
where, and how work is conducted.
So, if you’re providing detailed
instructions on how work is
to be completed or training on
company processes, you may be
incorrectly qualifying an employee
as a 1099 worker. Contractors are
not employees and should not be
treated as such. Treat your
(continued on page 10)
Independent Contractor
Treatment
When determining the classification
of a worker, the Internal Revenue
LOSE BIG, WIN BIG!!
Take the Challenge
Are you up for it? There is a way to
shape up, have fun and make money
while supporting Kentwood Fireworks
and YOUR Chamber of Commerce
Santa Parade.
By joining an 8 week class on
nutrition and weight loss for only
$35, you will feel better, look better
and support two worthwhile events.
A portion of the registration fee will
go into a pot to reward the top three
losers.
Dorris Flockhart from Nutrition 'n
More has issued a challenge to our
membership. Participants will receive:
• A Personal Coach
• Free body analysis
• Group support
• Weekly prizes for most weight loss
• Nutrition information
• New friendships, contacts and fun
Challenges start soon so don't delay.
Contact Dorris at 616-455-1775 and
invite friends, family and co-workers.
The more the merrier and the bigger
the payout to the biggest losers.
MILES
SAVE THE DATE
AUGUST 27 & 28
AND
MILES
OF
COOL
CARS!
WKACC
Education
Committee
Extra
Credit
March is Reading Month in Michigan
Sponsor names will also be listed in
the Sport of Words program. Sport
of Words will be on Wednesday,
April 14 at East Kentwood High
School during the K-12 Career
Expo.
So don't wait any longer to get your
businesses connected. Contact
[email protected] for sponsorship
2010 Kentwood Public Schools
Area Wide Career Expo for
Students K-12. Join us on
Wednesday, April 14 at 6 pm at
East Kentwood High School located
on Kalamazoo just north of M-6,
for our 4th Annual Sport of Words
Speech Contest. This year 5th and
6th Grade Students will compete for
top honor and a $100 U.S. Savings
Bond.
Feed back from parents and
educators on this program in past
years has been very positive. The
children come away with new found
confidence in themselves and a
much healthier sense of self-esteem.
Ba
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Writ
te
y
te
Illu
str
at
e
d
by
D
ez
en
Every child we read to during
Business & Books Days will receive
a coloring sheet that has a letter
to parents on the back which
stresses the importance of reading
for success in life and encourages
parents to read to their children and
to let their children read to them.
Every coloring sheet has the names
of our business sponsors on it.
Books are available for only $19.90.
We can mail it for an additional
$2.00 for shipping. Contact kathey@
spiritedpresentations.com or call her
at (810) 730-6679 to get your copy.
���������������
Jim
All sponsorship packages come
with benefits to help you grow your
business like advertising space,
pre and post event publicity, your
business name on the bookplate
that is placed in each book and
more.
Don't forget to Volunteer to read!
Let [email protected] know if you
would like to be scheduled to read
to a second grade classroom during
Business & Books Days - March 2226. It only takes about 30 minutes
and the experience is unforgettable.
If you have co-workers that would
like to read simply send their name,
email address and block of time
they are available to Sue Bynum
and the Chamber will confirm an
appointment with a specific school,
teacher and classroom.
���������
y
Sponsorship opportunities are
available for all business budgets.
They start at $1,200 at the top level
and can be as low as $25.
details today or log on to www.
southkent.org.
n
an
Make sure your business is
connected to these annual WKACC
Community Events. Your one time
sponsorship will get your business
recognized in association with both
of these programs for students in
our area.
Danny Jimenez, a Rogers High
School senior, was selected to
illustrate a children’s book, “I
Can Eat Fuzzy Caterpillars, But
I Don’t.”
The 23-page children’s book,
written by WKACC Board of
Directors Senior Vice Chair
Kathey Batey, focuses on
childhood obesity and stresses
the importance of healthy eating
habits.
Jimenez’s artwork was chosen
from 10 other submissions from
East Kentwood and Wyoming
seniors. He will receive a $1,000
honorarium from Spirited
Presentations in addition to the
professionally published book to
add to his portfolio.
Volunteer business leaders
will have the chance to read
the story to local 2nd grade
classrooms during the WKACC’s
12th annual Business ‘n Books
Days event the week of March
22-26, 2010.
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 membercustomer.
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 [email protected] 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
Contact Carol Crawford at 616empower you and your
301-8081 or email her at carol@
organization to achieve your
tabmichigan.com.
business vision.
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.
Let us show you something new.
WKACC Chamber Partner
TTrruuee // FFaallssee
JJaassoonn A
A.. R
Ruusssseellll
Broker Director
(616) 490-0911 - direct
[email protected]
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 [email protected] or
[email protected] for a
copy of the Affinity Program and
answers to any questions you may
have about applying for a Chamber
Partner Endorsement.
If you would like to be part of the
Chamber Partners Committee and
help us recruit businesses that
offer business building discounts
to our members.
If you know someone that would
make a good Chamber Partner,
contact [email protected] and
someone will contact the potential
businesses.
Chamber Partners meet on the 3rd
Friday of each month immediately
following the 3rd Fridays!
Networking Luncheon. We meet at
the location where 3rd Fridays! is
held and the meetings last an hour
or less.
Are You
Saving $$
with a
Chamber Partner?
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
Sun
1
March 2010
Mon
Noon
Gov Matters at
the Chamber
Tue
2
4p
Ambassadors
8:15 a
Chamber
Foundation
Wed
3 GolfNoon
Outing
Planning
4
10
7
8
8a
Gov Matters at
Wyoming
City Hall
4p
Education Comm
@Celebration
South
9
14
15
16 9 am
Communications
Committee
@ the Chamber
17
23
24
Daylight
Savings
Time Begins
21
22
10 a,
Finance
11:30 a,
Executive
Committee
Noon
Golf
Committee
Thu
Fri
8a
P.A.C.
11:30 a
Lunch 'N
Learn
Hilton GR
Airport
Sat
5
6
11
9a
Business Growth
5-7 p
Chamber After
Hours
Celebration!
12
13
18
11:30 a-1 p
20
193rd
Fridays!
11:30 a
Community
Roundtable @
Brann's
25
7:30 a
CEO Exchange
10 a
3rd Fri! Comm
11:30 a
Board Mtg @
Brann's
@ Applause!
1p
Chamber
Partners
APRIL
NEWSLETTER
DEADLINE
26
27
Business 'n Books Days - Volunteer to Read to a Second Grade Class!
28
29
30
31
Chamber Office Hours
Monday -Thursday
8am - 5pm
Closed Friday
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Sun
April 2010
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
11
18
25
Sat
1
8a
P.A.C.
2
3
7
8
9a
Business
Growth
9
10
8:15 a
13 Chamber
14
15 11:30 a
16
17
19
20 9 am
Communications
Committee
@ the Chamber
21
22 7:30 a
23
24
26
27
28
29
30
Don't Miss!
April 14
5pm - 8pm
K-12
Career Expo
East Kentwood
High School
Chamber Office Hours
Monday -Thursday
8am - 5pm
Closed Friday
4
Fri
Noon
Gov Matters at
the Chamber
4p
Education
Comm @
Celebration
South
5
12
8a
Gov Matters at
Kentwood City
Hall
4p
6Ambassadors
8:15 a
Chamber
Foundation
Foundation
10 a,
Finance
11:30 a,
Executive
Committee
6pm
Sport of Words
Speech Contest
@EKHS
Community
Roundtable @
Brann's
CEO Exchange
10 a
3rd Fri!
Comm
11:30 a
Board Mtg @
Brann's
7:30 a
Speed
Networking!
11:30 a-1 p
3rd Fridays!
@Celebration
1p
Chamber
Partners
Free Seminars For Business Owners “Taking Your Business to the Next Level”
April 14, 2010
How to select a bank and build
a strong working relationship /
PEO-HRO is it for you?
current clients.
Presented by Eric Mills, Senior
VP of Huntington Bank Business
Banking Group
• This session will provide
background on the right questions
to ask in selecting a bank and what
expectations a good bank will have
for you and what expectations you
should have for your bank.
Presented by Daniel J. Mannes Sr.
Vice President, PEO Division The
Campbell Group.
• A Professional Employer
Organization (PEO) enables
employers to cost-effectively
outsource management of human
resources, employee benefits,
payroll and Workers Compensation
through a co-employment
relationship. Health Services
Organizations (HRO) allows many
of the same services but does
not require a co-employment
arrangement.
(Continued from page 2)
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
May 5, 2010
Direct Mail – NOT a Dinosaur:
How to Improve Results and
Survival of the Fittest: A CPA's
perspective on opportunities and
threats in Michigan's recovery.
Presented by Richard L Chrisman
CPA, MST of Hungerford, Aldrin,
Nichols & Carter PC.
• The current economic
environment presents opportunities
for growth and expansion.
• There are things you can do that
will not only insure survival, but
also give you a competitive edge.
Presented by David Szidik of
Proforma Infinite Marketing
Solutions.
• Direct mail challenges in the
age of information overload. What
techniques can be used to improve
your ROI?
• PURL’s, Variable Data, Mobile
Marketing and email to attract
attention of your prospective and
Non Business Owners $50.00 and
CEO's, Presidents and Business
Owners can attend this entire
FREE series. Register TODAY at
www.tabmichigan.com or Call
616-975-0125. Seminars are held
at The Campbell Group Building,
5664 Prairie Creek Dr. near M-6
and M-37.
Taxing Issues, Tough Issues
All Michigan Licensing Fees
went up
General Liability Insurance
went up
Commercial Auto Insurance
went up
EPA Registrations went up $600
New PRR Training is required
- $1,088 plus 64 hours of lost
staff production time $1,920
Beginning April 2010, Lead
Abatement Insurance now
required $5,000
New Lead Work Techniques
starting April $25,080
Utility costs are up.
Materials costs up 3%
Employee Health Insurance
went up 18% to $10,800 per
employee
These are Tough Issues. AS
Kentwood Mayor Rick Root told us,
the reason for the election is “It’s
Our City. It’s Our Choice”.
Businesses Cannot Vote on
Election Day
But Businesses (and residents)
are taxed on Election Day. While
the crisis at City Hall is real and
services remain professionally
delivered, it’s not caused by
mismanagement.
At the same time, Jobs Providers
ARE paying their fair share and
then some.
A millage hike will solve problems
for a year or two. It will do nothing
to encourage private sector job
growth.
Long Term Solution
The Long Term Solution is to
increase the number of taxpayers.
It is to CHANGE Michigan to a
Business Investment MAGNET.
The Long Term Solution is in
adopting the Michigan FairTax.
At least, that is my
Opinion by John!
Get Ready for Golf!
Our 30th Annual South Kent Swing
Golf Outing committee is planning
a great event in June at Maple Hill
Golf Course.
Watch for more details in this
publication and on line at www.
southkent.org.
Take a day off of work to network
on the golf course! Sponsorships
available. Contact julie@southkent.
org.
April Multi-Chamber
Speed Networking
The next event is April
16, hosted by Hudsonville
Chamber of Commerce
Location to be Determined
For You,
Your Employees and
Their Families!
Contact janine@southkent.
org for plan pricing and work
and residential eligibility
requirements.
Spotlight
Vickey Argo
Business Leadership Network of
Michigan
We’d like to invite our entire
membership to join us on March
11th for the next Chamber After
Hours at Celebration Cinema
South (M6 and Kalamazoo Ave).
Celebration Cinema is our Service
Business of the year for 2009!
Vickey represents the Business
Leadership Network of
Michigan (MIBLN). MIBLN
is a nonprofit business-led
organization that promotes
and advocates for the inclusion
of people with disabilities in
the workplace. Vickey is the
Director/Coordinator for the West
Michigan Business Leadership
Network Council.
Chamber After Hours (CAH) is
a great opportunity to network
with other business owners and
business leaders. It's held from
5pm-7pm with no admission fee
and pre-registration is not required.
Her duties include help in
building the membership of
the local council, coordinating
events, and job development for
those that participate in their
Employment Network.
Are you interested in meeting faceto-face with everyone there? Why
not purchase a Showcase table for
only $35. All attendees visit every
showcase tables because doing
so qualifies them for our fabulous
door prizes. (And CAH ALWAYS
has awesome prizes!)
Vickey is a former staff member
of the WKACC. MIBLN is eager
to work with WKACC, as it does
closely with other Chambers
across the country. Employing
and marketing to people with
disabilities is not just the right
thing to do, it’s good business
sense!
Mark the date: our next CAH
will be on October 7. Reserve
your showcase table with julie@
southkent.org.
If you would like more
information on how you can get
involved, contact Vickey at 269623-2348 or [email protected].
Are You Breaking the Law?
The Government Crackdown on Misclassified Employees
(continued from pg 1)
contractors like the independent
businesses they are, and avoid any
behavior that may have employeremployee connotations.
Independent Contractor
Documentation
Businesses audited by the IRS
must provide documentation that
verifies independent contractors
as separate business entities, and
demonstrates that the worker’s
intent from the establishment of
the contract was to serve as an
independent contractor. Examples
of documentation you should
obtain include the contractor’s
advertisements and business
listings, a business card, insurance
certificates, billing invoices, W9 forms, and 1099’s issued from
other companies.
Employer records should also
include a signed independent
contractor agreement that outlines
the services the contractor will
provide including, specific projects,
towards independent contractors,
you can protect your company from
the risks of misclassifying workers.
due dates, locations, expected
results, and the determined
compensation. Hiring an
independent contractor can be a
flexible and economical solution
for your company’s short-term
projects.
Contracting also allows you
access to the specialized skills
and expertise you need without
the hassle of administrative cost
and benefits. And, by obtaining
the necessary documentation and
displaying the correct conduct
If you’re concerned about
misclassifying employees, consider
using a staffing firm for shortterm contractors and project
professionals as an alternative.
Staffing firms provide the same
advantages like cost saving and
flexibility without the hassle and
stress of interviews and paperwork.
Win - Deluxe Weekend Trip to
the 2010 Indy 500
Raffle Tickets
Available at
The Chamber Office
Only $10.00
Drawing: 3/22/10
Proceeds to benefit
Wyoming-Kentwood Foundation and
South Kent Kiwanis
Raffle License #: R05062
Color Ads at B/W Prices For a Limited Time
Reserve your space(s) in My Business Advocate before March 31 to get black and white pricing on your full color
advertising. You decide when you want the ad to run during 2010 as long as you've reserved space between March 1 and
March 31, 2010. Multiple listings also apply. Ads must be camera ready artwork. Additional charge for design services. This
offer is for members and not-yet-members but please note: Not-Yet-Members higher rates apply, call for details.
Advertise in the New & Improved My Business Advocate
Get Your Message in Front of 750+ Business and Community Leaders Each Month!
(These rates for Members Only. Non-members pay 150% of member rate).
Business Card ize Ad
Quarter Page Ad
B&W 4 Color B&W 4 Color 1X $ 40 $ 75 $ 55 $ 90
3X $ 108 $ 213 $ 147 $ 252 6X $ 192 $ 402 $ 264 $ 474 Half Page Ad
B&W 4 Color
$ 90 $ 160
$ 243 $ 453
$ 432
$ 852
For more information, contact Sue Bynum at 616-531-5990 or at [email protected]
Newsletter deadline is the 3rd Friday of the month prior to publication. Preferred formats
are PDF, Word and JPEG. Other formats may be acceptable, call to verify.
Member Spotlight
Board Executives meet monthly and select the
outstanding volunteer and Committee for their
effort and results on behalf of WKACC.
Renewing Members
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February Volunteer
of the Month
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received the honors. Lisa helped
plan the Annual Meeting and
Silent Auction. Lisa's expertise
in the hospitality business made
her the go to person when we
had questions on the event or the
venue. Lisa has been a dedicated
volunteer for the Chamber and a
Chamber Ambassador for many
years. She continues to support
Chamber Programs when ever
possible and works very hard as one
of your Chamber Ambassadors.
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Lisa Calhoun from the
Hilton Grand Rapids
Airport Hotel
February Committee
of the Month
Annual Meeting/Silent
Auction Committee
Chaired by Carolyn Foote from
Macatawa Bank, this enthusiastic
committee successfully planned two
very labor intensive events on the
same evening. We served 198 people
at our Annual Meeting at Noto's
Fine Italian Dining in January and
the Silent Auction produced more
than $2,000 to be used for 2010
Chamber Programs.
The committee was:
• Carolyn Foote - Macatawa Bank
• Judi Holland - Chameleon Ltd.
• Lisa Calhoun - Hilton Grand
Rapids Airport Hotel
• Casey Jankoska - Express
Employment Professionals
• Ame Seymour - Flagstar Bank
• Amanda Lewis - gNetworks/
Framework Sites
• Ashley Parkes - Hyatt Place
Grand Rapids South
• Shawna Myers - Celebration
Cinema
• Rob Wells - Vantage
Pointe Financial
(Silent Auction Sub-Chair)
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Adoption Advocates
Advance Newspapers/
Jenison Printing
Allied Photographic &
Imaging Lab
ATL Credit Union
Axios, Inc.
BCM International West
Michigan
Berends-Hendricks-Stuit
BMW Motorcycles
Brann’s Steakhouse & Grille
Carrabba’s Italian Grill
City of Kentwood
Cleaning Specialties
D.C. Byers Co.
DHL Global Forwarding
Engels Jewelers
Gerrit’s Appliance, Inc.
Grand Valley Health Plan
Karlson Enterprises
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Kay L. Meerhof Bookkeeping
Services
Loeks Theaters –Celebration
Cinema
MarketingHelp!
Matrix Manufacturing, Inc.
Mercantile Bank
Michigan Turkey Producers Coop, Inc.
National City Bank
New Life Thrift Store
Park Center Bowling, Inc.
Property Tax Appeals
Remax Lifestyles
Specialized Language
Development Center
The Hinman Company
The Kruisenga Agency
Touchstone Systems & Services
L.C.
Trans Overseas Corp.
Welcome New Members
Quad Tech, Inc. - Ronald Redder, (616) 532-1606
Welcome Back Returning Members
WOOD-TV 8
WXSP Channel 41
[email protected]
for more info
Community Connections
Let us know how YOUR Business is building better communities. Submit
community improvement project announcements to [email protected].
Subject to space availability.
Grand Office Supply
We continue to collect gently used stuffed animals for Blare's Bears for Haiti. For
more information on this program, contact [email protected] or go to www.
thunder945.com. Taking donations through March 15, 2010.
For the Kids - 2010 Easter Egg Extravaganza
sponsored by The Grand Rapids Jaycees, Saturday, April 3 2010, 10:00am - 1:00pm,
Centerpointe Mall. Description: Activities include a free Easter egg scramble, carnival
games, inflatable moon walk and obstacle course, face painting, and a free coloring station. The Easter Bunny will be available for photos. Emergency response vehicles and
staff will be stationed outside the mall for viewing and tours. Local mascots will also be
on hand.
Kentwood Cares - Middle School Mentoring Program impacts students
socially, emotionally and academically creating safer, healthier, more productive
citizens of our society. The focus of Kentwood Cares Mentoring Program is to create
caring relationships between students at the brink of success and positive adult role
models who will promote the growth and development of adolescents to help them
build a strong foundation for their future. For more information contact Terry Gates,
Kentwood Public Schools, at 616-455-1200 extension 32275 or email terry.gates@
kentwoodps.org.
Donate Durable Medical Goods to go to Haiti Earthquake Victims
Metro Health is partnering with Physicians for Peace and Hanger Prosthetics and
Orthotics to collect durable medical equipment for Haiti in response to the January
earthquake. Injuries have left many people permanently disabled. Metro Health
is asking for braces, prosthetics (including socks that sit beneath them), slings
and immobilizers. Donations are being accepted at the security office next to the
emergency department entrance from now until August 2010. For more information
contact [email protected].
UCOM Benefit Concert to Fight Poverty
Talented artists like Celtic Woodwinds, Kristen Hartnagel and Philip Pletcher will
perform at the 7th Annual United Church Outreach Ministries (UCOM) Beneft
Concert to fight poverty on Sunday, March 28th at Aquinas Performing Arts Center
located at 16907 Robinson Rd SE in Grand Rapids. The program starts at 6 pm
and tickets are $20 and there will be a 50/50 raffle. Proceeds from this fun raising
fundraiser will be used to support UCOM's various poverty fighting programs like
"Homework House". For more information on UCOM programs and this event, log on
to www.UCOMgr.org or call Bruce Roller at 616-241-4006 to purchase tickets.
2010 Fireworks Fundraiser
Kentwood Parks & Recreation is looking for your support for the 2010 July 4th
Fireworks. Benefit Tickets available for only $10.00 which entitle the bearer to lunch
on Thursday, March 18, 2010 from 11 am to 2 pm at Texas Roadhouse, 3776 28th St
SE, Kentwood. (616) 575-0361. Choose from: 6 oz. sirloin w/tossed salad and baked
potato (incl non-alcoholic beverages) or grilled chicken breast w/tossed salad and
baked potato (incl. non-alcoholic bevarages).