269.962.4076Monday–Friday 9am–5pmOne Riverwalk Centre, Suite 3A, 34 West Jackson Street, Battle Creek, MI 49017www.BattleCreek.org

insighta publication of the Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce May – June 2013

welcomenew membersBeauty & Sweet Treats

Brite-N-Klean Hygiene

Larry Burbank

Cruise Planners

Curves

Elle Ingalls

Fancy Nancy’s Boutique

FireKeepers Casino and Hotel

Johnson Pet Services

On Deck Sports Bar and Grill

RiverRun Press, Inc.

Sheets Trucking Inc/Sheets Transport LLC

The First Tee of Battle Creek

The Technology Pool

West Michigan Construction Alliance (WMCA)

Zemlick Office Products & Furniture

The Battle Creek Area Chamber

of Commerce will provide the

best in member services and

aggressive business advocacy

to create a climate for employer

growth and a prosperous

community for all.

missionstatement

ourvisionThe Battle Creek Area Chamber of

Commerce is the premier business

association whose influence,

solutions, and networks drive

economic growth in the Battle

Creek area, enabling businesses

and people to prosper in an ever-

changing economy.

eye opener breakfast program & expoTuesday, May 14, 20137:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.Business 2 Business ConnectBurnham Brook Community Center

Customer Satisfaction | Reaching New Markets | Social Media | Profitability and Business Growth

The Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce is listening to our members. We want to know more, share more, engage more, and for that we are asking for your participation more. In our annual member survey, members stated that they were faced with the following four challenges in 2013. Join us on May 14 to discuss these topics and more. We are connecting you with your community and the opportunities it offers you. By being informed and sharing what you know, you are developing yourself, your employees and your business.

Customer Retention

Customer satisfaction and retention represent constant challenges, especially for businesses with multiple competitors. We will ask each roundtable member to share successful strategies for connecting with customers.

New Markets

Reaching new markets often means marketing existing products or services to new market segments. We will ask each roundtable member to share a market expansion success, as well as a challenge or temporary setback.

Social Media

Social networking websites and online business networks often help a business expand. We encourage social media-savvy attendees to help hesitant business owners understand social media components and benefits.

Profitability and Business Growth

A business owner concerned about his current bottom line may not concentrate on his long-term business outlook. We will ask each attendee how he/she developed his/her business vision and how she/he monitors short- and long-term profitability.

Attendance to Eye Openers is included in chamber membership, and potential members and the general public may attend for a minimal cost of $10. Call today to learn more.

Please RSVP your attendance by May 9, 2013 to office@battlecreek.org or by calling the Chamber (269) 962-4076.

The Eye Opener Breakfast Program and Expo will be held at Burnham Brook Community Center at 200 West Michigan Avenue, Battle Creek, MI 49014.

Thank you to our Business Networking Expo and Food Sponsor.

2 | Visit us online at BattleCreek.org

chamber corner

Thursday, May 2Professional Development Committee, 9:00 a.m., Chamber.

Friday, May 3Government Affairs Breakfast, 8:00 a.m., Chamber.

Wednesday, May 8Ambassador Committee, 11:45 a.m., Location TBD.

Thursday, May 9Marketing and Awareness Committee, 10:00 a.m., Chamber.

Friday, May 10Silent Observer Golf Outing and Fundraiser, 12:30 p.m., Riverside Golf Course.

Tuesday, May 14Eye Opener Breakfast & Business Expo, 7:00 a.m., Burnham Brook.

Tuesday, May 14Workplace Education Committee, 2:00 p.m., Chamber.

Wednesday, May 15Silent Observer Committee, 8:00 a.m., Commerce Pointe.

Thursday, May 1657th Annual Armed Forces Day Luncheon, 11:30 a.m., HDI Federal Center.

Thursday, May 16Chamber Mixer, 5:00 p.m., CTI Mechanical, (New Location: 1320 East Columbia Ave. Battle Creek).

Wednesday, May 22Military Affairs Committee Meeting, 8:00 a.m., Chamber.

Wednesday, May 22Annual Business Excellence Awards, 5:30 p.m., Yarrow Golf & Conference Resort.

Friday, May 24Business Leader Luncheon, 11:30 a.m., FireKeepers Casino Hotel.

Monday, May 27Chamber Office Closed, Memorial Day.

Thursday, May 28Member 2 Member Committee, 9:00 a.m., Chamber.

Monday, June 3Chamber Golf Outing, 11:30 a.m., Yarrow Golf & Conference Resort.

Thursday, June 6Professional Development Committee, 9:00 a.m., Chamber.

Thursday, June 6New Member Orientation, 5:00 p.m., Chamber.

Friday, June 7Government Affairs Breakfast, 8:00 a.m., Chamber.

Tuesday, June 11Eye Opener Breakfast & Business Expo, 7:00 a.m., Burnham Brook.

Tuesday, June 11Workplace Education Committee, 2:00 p.m., Chamber.

Wednesday, June 12 Ambassador Committee, 11:45 a.m., Location TBD.

Thursday, June 13Marketing and Awareness Committee, 10:00 a.m., Chamber.

Tuesday, June 18Chamber Mixer @ Battle Creek Bombers Game, 5:00 p.m., C.O. Brown Stadium.

Wednesday, June 19Silent Observer Committee, 8:00 a.m., Commerce Pointe.

Tuesday, June 25Member 2 Member Committee, 9:00 a.m., Chamber.

Tuesday, June 25 Business Blind Date, 11:30 a.m., Location TBD.

Wednesday, June 26Military Affairs Committee Meeting, 8:00 a.m., Chamber.

Wednesday, June 26Business Networking Committee Meeting, 4:00 p.m., Chamber.

Doing Business with the GovernmentKara E. Beer, Executive Director

How much opportunity is there in doing business with the government? Quite a bit.

Since any contracts that fall between $2,500 and $100,000 are reserved for small, small disadvantaged,

small women-owned and small veteran-owned businesses that means that almost 10 million contracts

were reserved for small businesses in just one year. Only 5 percent of the contracts were for more than $100,000 in value, and many of those were for major weapon systems, information management services, or large construction projects.

Looking at it from a small business perspective, most contracts use simplified procedures and are not much different that those found in the commercial world. According to a recent congressional report, government contracting has increased over 100% between 2000 and 2008 and with the Stimulus Act added in, there will be many opportunities for small business, although government contracting opportunities are starting to wane.

Government Prime Contract Goals

The government has the following designated goals for awarding prime contracts to small businesses:

• 23% to small businesses • 5% to small disadvantaged businesses for prime and subcontracts • 5% to small women-owned businesses for prime and subcontracts • 3% to HUBZone small businesses • 3% to small service-disabled, veteran-owned businesses for prime and subcontracts

Keep in mind that these are government goals, not government quotas. Quotas are set objectives that one must achieve; goals are set objectives that one must attempt to achieve. In any event, you probably will not get a contract just to help the government reach its goal. As in any commercial setting, contracts are awarded on the basis of what makes good business sense, with price, quality, and performance being the ruling factors.

Another useful web site for information on government contracting is http://www.wingov.com/. This site can help you to navigate some of the government’s databases or to find your local PTAC counselor.

All my best!

May – June

Chamber Refund & Cancellation Policy Please visit www.battlecreek.org for our complete policy details.

Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce StaffKara E. Beer – Executive Director

Jennifer Blank – Accountant

Emma Gunnett – Community Information Specialist

Sara Macon – Program Coordinator

Kristi Trader – Manager of Leadership

Nadina Williams – Membership Coordinator

Chamber Insight May – June 2013 | 3

Wednesday, May 22nd, 2013 5:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Annual Business Excellence Awards Hosted by Yarrow Golf & Conference Resort (10499 N. 48th Street, Augusta)

Join us for this evening affair where we’ll be recognizing the achievements of successful businesses, nonprofits, local entrepreneurs, organizations and industry people in the greater Battle Creek area, and the contributions they make to the growth and prosperity of the economy.

Heavy hors d’ oeuvres begin at 5:30 p.m. with awards presentation starting promptly at 6:30 p.m. Afterglow dessert party immediately following program.

Make sure you don’t miss this opportunity to join our members and guests as they gather to pay tribute to the award recipients, and honor business and community excellence!

Ticket & Sponsorship Information*

Individual tickets – $25 per person

Sponsorships:

• Platinum Sponsor – $750 • Gold Sponsor – $500 • Silver Sponsor – $400 • Bronze Sponsor – $250

*all sponsorships include tickets to the event

RSVP by May 10th to office@battlecreek.org or call the Chamber at (269) 962-4076 for general information about the Annual Business Excellence Awards.

Please provide the names of the individuals attending from your organization.

To sign up for sponsorships or more information about sponsorship packages please email Sara Macon at smacon@battlecreek.org.

BUY ONE DINNER ENTREE GET SECOND ENTREE

FREE

Valid for dinner only. Lunch buffet Mon – Sat 11:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Best Practices = Awards“If I was down to my last dollar, I’d spend it on Public Relations,” said Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft.

Successful businesses require third party advocates, and outside sources to influence amongst community and business atmospheres. In order to acquire those I would encourage business leaders to adopt the ideal of the 3 “R’s” in said order:

Responsibility, Reputation, and Relationships.

• The business has a responsibility to perform a service. • The business acquires reputation based on the integrity of said service. • The business acquires relationships based on the reputation of how said service is conducted.

A leader who possesses strong business insight recognizes that their reputation is more valuable than their service because their reputation will develop their relationships. Those relationships will establish a loyal/disloyal community or customer base that will or will not utilize their service. Influence is a very powerful tool for any business, and media is a catalyst for influence and control over perception. Third party sources allow others to willingly receive a perception about people, places, or things without persuasion from the direct source. As a result, the first time that a potential customer chooses to accept a third party perception as their own; the relationship has already begun between that potential customer and the organization regardless of a transaction being experienced.

Utilizing these best practices will allow you to forge partnerships with companies whom help you achieve the 4th “R.” Reward.

Jerold K. Johnson, CRPC® is a licensed Financial Advisor with Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.—focusing his practice on financial planning, managing investments and helping his clients achieve a confident retirement.

Jerry joined the Chamber in October of 2012, and became an Ambassador in January. Jerry is very involved with the Chamber and especially enjoys meeting and assisting new members get the most out of the Chamber. In Jerry’s own words: “Being a member of the Battle Creek Chamber of Commerce is an honor and a huge boost to my practice. When I help other members get more out of the Chamber—the membership, Chamber, community and I ALL benefit. I have many new business contacts, clients and friends because I chose to join this Chamber,

and you should, too!” We appreciate Jerry’s enthusiasm and efforts!

Image courtesy of Conway Photography

4 | Visit us online at BattleCreek.org

eye opener program & expoTuesday, June 11, 2013 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Mayor Susan Baldwin – Second Annual City AddressBurnham Brook Community Center

The Eye Opener Breakfast Program provides a unique opportunity for the public to hear from Battle Creek Mayor Susan Baldwin during what will be her second appearance at the annual event. The annual State of the City is an opportunity for us to let residents and business leaders know what the city is doing to create a climate for employer growth and a prosperous community for all. This is an excellent opportunity for us to evaluate where we’ve been and get the community involved in where we’re going.

Members of the community will get an informative and compelling presentation by the mayor at this event. This year, Mayor Baldwin will be sharing her thoughts on the local social and economic climate along with her vision for the growth and future of Battle Creek.

This event provides a valuable opportunity to enjoy breakfast with civic, business and political leaders of the Battle Creek community. The event includes breakfast, networking, and a business expo and the public is invited to attend.

Attendance to Eye Openers is included in Chamber membership and potential members and the general public may attend for a minimal cost of $10. Call today to learn more.

Please RSVP your attendance by June 6, 2013 to office@battlecreek.org or by calling the Chamber (269) 962-4076.

The Eye Opener Breakfast Program and Expo will be held at Burnham Brook Community Center at 200 West Michigan Avenue, Battle Creek, MI 49014.

Thank you to our Business Networking Expo and Food Sponsor.

thank youF O R YO U R T R U S T A N D LOYA LT Y

CTS has a strong history that has been built on quality and trust. Thank you for allowing us to grow and provide you with quality, reliable communication services for 100 years. We look forward to the next 100 years.

Get connected, stay connected with CTS.

269.746.4411CTSTELECOM.COMCTSTELECOM.COM 269.746.4411

member’s business spotlightImage courtesy of Conway Photography

Chamber Insight May – June 2013 | 5

Pool Giveaway at C.O. Brown StadiumThe Battle Creek Bombers and Woods Pools, are pleased to announce a unique giveaway opportunity. Throughout the season, fans will have the opportunity to sign up for a free pool giveaway, courtesy of Woods Pools. Sign-ups will be available during Bombers home games, as well as at Woods Pools. On July 31, 2013 the Bombers and Woods Pools will select one lucky winner for an above-ground pool (winner must be present).

Contact Information: Bombers: (269) 962-0735, battlecreekbombers.com. Woods Pools: (269) 965-7552, www.woodspools.com.

Southern Michigan Orthopaedics Welcomes Anne Marie SimsRecently joining the Southern Michigan Orthopaedics team is Anne Marie Sims in the position of Practice Manager. Anne is a Healthcare professional with the passion and management experience needed to manage the business operations at the two offices in Battle Creek and the office in Marshall.

Contact Information: (269) 704-3133, www.somiortho.com

PCCU Now Accepting Scholarship Applications For 2013Post Community Credit Union is taking applications for its Caesar Sams Scholarship; this monetary award will provide financial assistance to members pursuing higher education through college, university, or trade school. All completed applications must be postmarked by May 24th. 

For an application, members can visit www.postcommunitycu.com or any branch office. Questions may be directed to: Phone: (269) 966-3900 ext 228, Email: bsloan@postcommunitycu.com.

KCFCU Announces New Business and Mortgage Loan OriginatorKellogg Community Federal Credit Union (KCFCU) is pleased to announce the recent hiring of Norm Kellogg as Business and Mortgage Loan Originator. Norm brings over 35 years of lending and business development experience to KCFCU.

Contact Information: (269) 968-9251, www.kelloggcfcu.org.

Sean P. Fitzgerald RecognizedCongratulations to Sean P. Fitzgerald, a partner at Kreis, Enderle, Hudgins & Borsos, P. C., who has been recognized as a “2013 Leaders in the Law Honoree” by Michigan Lawyers Weekly.

Contact Information: (269) 966-3000, www.kreisenderle.com

Fresh Food. Local Farmers.   Battle Creek Farmers Market! The Battle Creek Farmers Market opens on Saturday, May 4 at 9:00 a.m. The focus is on providing locally grown, fresh, and high-quality foods. The Market is conveniently located downtown at Festival Market Square, on the corner of McCamly and Jackson Streets in downtown Battle Creek. During July and August you can shop the market and be entertained by live music! Contact Information: (269) 441-1668, www.downtownbattlecreek.com.

Curves of Battle Creek is a weight management/ fitness facility for women. Curves recently moved to a new location—2245 W. Columbia. They can be reached at: (269) 565-4412, or curvesstaff@gmail.com.

Women’s Life Recovery Program facility, (known as “Emily Andrus House”) is a newly redecorated and furnished physical space, which will host the Women’s Life Recovery Program. Contact them at: (269) 441-1701, www.thehavenbc.org.

Beauty & Sweet Treats is a new business that offers beauty and personal products, along with chocolate! They can be reached at: (269) 964-2289, www.beautynsweettreats.com.

“Opening New Worlds” art exhibit, was on display at Lakeview Square Mall. The exhibit featured a life-sized campfire scene, and focused on literacy. For more information contact Michelle Frank at: (269) 578-3726, or expcounts@gmail.com.

6 | Visit us online at BattleCreek.org

Save the Date Business Blind DateWhen: Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Where: TBD

Cost: $20 per person to be paid to the Chamber prior to event

Business Blind Date: exciting, open, and daring and without complications or uncontrolled risk. In this concept we gather 20-30 people at a hot spot to be surprised and inspired from each other. There are several connections made on these business related blind dates. Register for lunch and we will arrange for you to have lunch with potential new clients, friendships, board members or more.

How it will work:

Step 1: Call or email the Chamber office to register for the Business Blind Date by June 20th (269) 962-4076 or email office@battlecreek.org.

Step 2: Arrive for your scheduled date with business cards, a great attitude, a healthy appetite, and the desire to meet new and exciting people.

Step 3: Build on existing relationships, create new friendships, and grow your business network.

Seating will be assigned and is designed to pair you with people you might not already know or currently do business with. There will be guided networking questions or discussion topics at each table to help keep the conversation flowing.

Chamber Insight May – June 2013 | 7

A Taste of India celebrated their first anniversary on Friday, March 15. They were rated as best new restaurant in 2012 in the Enquirer’s Best Bites survey. Contact them at: (269) 962-9033, www.atasteofindiabc.com.

Fancy Nancy’s Boutique features trendy and unique apparel and accessories at an affordable and competitive price. You can reach them at: (269) 441-9204, www.fancynancysboutique.com.

Brite-N-Klean, celebrated over 15 years of service as a restroom Hygiene Company. They specialize in odor control for public restroom, kitchens, and more. You can reach them at (269) 282-0734, www.BritenKlean.com.

Johnson Pet Service is a one stop shop for the care of your pet. Contact them for daily specials at: (269) 964-2289, www.johnsonpetservices.com.

• Saturday, June 15 Registration at 12:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. Shot Gun Start Dinner at 6:00 p.m.

• Cedar Creek Golf Course 14000 Renton Road Battle Creek

• $75 per golfer Proceeds go to the College of Aviation Student Organizations

• 18 Holes Prizes & surprises: longest drive, closest to the pin, longest putt

College of Aviation 3rd Annual Golf OutingFundraiser Event

Register by June 1st atwmich.edu/aviationor 269.964.6375

ahhh!

...quick and convenient

w w w. k e l l o g g c f c u . o r g | 8 0 0 . 8 5 4 . 5 4 2 1 | c e l e b r a t e t h e d i f f e r e n c e .

John Mor r i s , DD S

*To qualify member must have credit score of 640 or higher, and be current on all loans. Offer does not apply to refinancing of existing KCFCU loans. Other restrictions apply. Federally insured by the NCUA.

that’s how I feltwhen I experienced the ease of getting

an auto loan from KCFCU— it was a simple, stress-free process!

I’ve been a member of Kellogg Community Federal

Credit Union for over 20 years! Their 90 Day No Pay Auto Loan program was very convenient.

I’m in the smile-making business and KCFCU makes me smile.

90DAYNOPAYnew & used auto loans

*

*

8 | Visit us online at BattleCreek.org

Know your Market and AdjustIt takes time to connect with a new client, be patient. Approach the client with an element of education. If you are in a service industry designed to provide an intangible, the value of your purpose is not always clear or apparent to the client.

Try to have an understanding of your offer as well as the offer of your competitor. If you simply dismiss the offer of your competitor, you will learn nothing. You reach your initial goal when given a chance to talk about what you do. If you use education to build trust, the client will see you as an ally and not a person simply out for the sale.

Be open, listening and learning about your competitor every chance you get. The more you know about their product or offer, the better you can adjust. If your product or service is not the best, take the information you have learned and improve it. The best thing about competition is that the client is usually the benefactor.

An educated client is a person that will challenge you from time to time and give you the chance to defend your service or product offer to the next guy in line.

In the world of sales, the best approach is to put the customers’ interest first. Give an honest assessment, offer an honest price, and provide the services you promised.

Thursday, May 16th, 20135:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. May Business After Hours/MixerHosted by CTI Mechanical Contractors, Inc.(New Location: 1320 East Columbia Ave. Battle Creek)

CTI Mechanical invites you to attend the May After Hours/Chamber Mixer at their new location! Come share the excitement with the owners of CTI, Chad and Tina Kyger. They are very excited about the increased efficiency, elbow room, and visibility the new location will provide.

Refreshments will be served.

Please RSVP by Tuesday, May 14 at office@battlecreek.org, or (269) 962-4076.

BATTLE CREEK 269.963.9922 KALAMAZOO 269.250.8343greenstreetmkg.com

Newsletter design by:

50 yearsHoward Johnson

WWMT – Channel 3

20 yearsSpring Arbor University – Battle Creek Site

Sunshine Toyota, Inc.

15 yearsNorthPointe Woods

10 years AA Trucking L.L.C.

Columbia Metal Services, Inc.

Davenport Excavating

Dermatology & Skin Surgery Center

Farmers Mutual Fire Insurance Co.

Michigan Radiation Oncology, PC

Murray, Tymkew & Associates, Inc.

R&S Tree Service

Skanska USA Building, Inc.

5 years ADT Security

Awards Plus Engraving, Inc.

Carr Brothers & Sons, Inc.

Jase Bolger

Tuesday, June 18, 2013Chamber of Commerce Night with the Battle Creek BombersThe Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce in association with the Battle Creek Bombers is proud to announce “Chamber of Commerce Night” on Tuesday, June 18, 7:05 p.m. vs. Madison Mallards at C.O. Brown Stadium in Battle Creek.

The Bombers will be hosting a Business after Hours prior to the game from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. out on the HBC Fan Deck with all Chambers attending.

Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce members will receive:

• Twenty (20) complimentary general admission tickets mailed to all Chamber businesses for that game only (tickets to be mailed approximately 2 weeks prior to event)

• Drawings during the game for prizes

• First pitch by Chamber Executive Director

• Ability to reserve GA seating area for Chamber guests during game

• Members who attend the Business after Hours may purchase All-You-Can-Eat/Drink HBC Fan Deck tickets (Includes beer) for $17 a person. (Normally $23)

• Thunderstix Giveaway to 1st 2,500 fans, Twinkie Dog Tuesday (buy one get one free) & Tiger Tuesday (Free Detroit Tigers tickets given away every Tuesday)

We encourage you to give the tickets to individuals, customers, friends, and family. We hope you will take advantage of this offer and unique opportunity.

Chamber Insight May – June 2013 | 9

Image courtesy of the Battle Creek Bombers

PRSRT. STD.US POSTAGE

PAIDBATTLE CREEK, MIPERMIT NO. 619

insightBattle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce

One Riverwalk Centre, Suite 3A34 West Jackson StreetBattle Creek, Michigan 49017

Mark your calendar for June 3, 20132013 Chamber Annual Golf Outing & DinnerHosted by Yarrow Golf & Conference Resort (10499 N. 48th Street, Augusta)

Golf has always been known as the top sport for mixing business and pleasure. Playing a great round on the golf course with clients, coworkers and business leaders is an invaluable asset. We are looking for 128 Chamber Members (32 teams) to participate in this great business networking event.

On Monday, June 3, the Chamber will be in full swing!

• Lunch – 11:30 a.m. Box lunch provided by Blue Cross Blue Shield of MI.

• Tee Time – 1:00 p.m. Opportunities to participate in the closest to the pin, longest drive, putting contests and more.

• Dinner – 6:00 p.m. Dinner will be served on the patio with entertainment by Scott Seifferlein, author of “The Game of Golf and the Art of Business.” Scott will talk about the three lessons from the game of golf that apply to the art of business.

Awards will be given out after the dinner and show. Estimated end time is 7:15 p.m.

Play & Sponsorships:

• Hole Sponsorship with Team – $700 • Team Package – $600 • Individual Player – $125

Want to be part of the outing without golfing? We have several marketing opportunities. Contact us today as these are limited.

• Beverage Cart Sponsor – $500 • Driving Range Sponsor – $150 • Players Cart Sponsor – $250 • Hole Sponsor – $200

To sign up for the outing or for general information, please email office@battlecreek.org or call the Chamber at (269) 962-4076.

To sign up for sponsorships or sponsorships packages please email Sara Macon at smacon@battlecreek.org.