141 South Jackson Street (P.O. Box 889)Jackson, MI 49201Phone: (517) 782-8221 (Fax: (517) 780-3688Website: www.gjcc.org

PRSRT STDU.S. Postage

PAIDJackson, MI

49201Permit #139

2007Board of Directors

Teri Ogg*Chairman

Aaron Boatin*Secretary

Robert Smith*Treasurer

John Crist*Past Chairman

Paul Buchholz*Vice Chairman

Carolyn Anderson

Ric Walton

H. Ronald Griff ith*

Bart Hawley

Henry Jones

Andy Longenberger

Daniel Machnik

Andy Mercer

Bob Michaels

Tony Mira

Dale Moretz*

Daniel Phelan

Donn Roberts

Nancy Robidoux

William Ross

Allen Spiess, Jr.*

Craig Tapley

Jan Taylor

Randy Treacher

John Waldron

Mindy Bradish*President

*Executive Committee

Chamber StaffMindy Bradish

Presidentmindy@gjcc.org

Jessica MitchellMembership and Communications

Coordinatorjessica@gjcc.org

Mary Schuessler

Accountantmary@gjcc.org

Dana KeepReceptionist

dana@gjcc.org

In this issue...President's Corner..............................................................2

Welcome New Members....................................................3

Protecting Your Business...................................................3

Calendar of Events............................................................5

J A C K S O N C H A M B E RU R G E S Y O U T O

SHOP LOCALLY‘Tis the season

for decking the halls, holiday festivities and finding the perfect gifts for loved ones. The Greater Jackson Chamber of Commerce wants to remind you to shop locally. Over 75 cents of every dollar spent at an independent, locally owned business stays

in the local economy and recycles through that local economy multiple times. The Jackson area has many unique shops that sell everything from chocolates to jewelry to golf balls. You won’t have to wait in long lines, but you will receive friendly service. Searching for a specific gift? See if a Chamber Member offers it, by heading to our website, www.gjcc.org and searching the Member Directory.

BUSINESS NEWSNovember 2007 ~ Vol. 5 No.10

Keep Local Dollars in Jackson

The Greater Jackson Chamber, while a non-profit, is a business and needs to operate like one. Just

as we watch out for your bottom line by fighting costly legislation and providing promotional opportunities, we need to watch out for our own bottom line as well. Toward that end, the Chamber will be implementing new event payment and cancellation policies in 2008. In order to make these policies easy on our members and staff, we have invested in a portable credit card machine. While we encourage all member to pay for events in advance, we will now be able to take credit cards at events. Please discuss the new policies with your staff so everyone can best be prepared for the changes. We appreciate your cooperation in our efforts. See page 3 for more information.

Chamber UpdatesEvent Po l ic ies

December 2007 Vol . 5 No.12

MLK/Diversity BreakfastWill Inspire Chamber Members in January

A re you ready to be inspired? Attend the 6th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast on January 18.

The event, coordinated by the Greater Jackson Chamber of Commerce and the Jackson Human Relations Commission, will feature William F. Pickard, chairman and CEO of the Global Automotive Alliance based in Detroit. cont. on pg 5

President’s Corner by Mindy Bradish

2 Greater Jackson Chamber of Commerce December 2007 December 2007 Greater Jackson Chamber of Commerce 7

The Greater Jackson Chamber of Commerce is working with local economic development agencies to assist in Jackson

becoming a “SmartZone”. In 2001, the Enterprise Group estimated that this designation would bring $1.7 billion in new investment to Jackson and create 25,000 new jobs. SmartZones attract entrepreneurs, engineering firms, design firms, software developers, and investors to create an environment with the capacity and synergy to compete in world Markets. SmartZones have proven to be successful economic development tools. • 549 businesses located or expanded in the SmartZones • 6,429 new jobs created • 592 companies assisted by SmartZones • $774 million dollars of public and private investment • 15 Incubators/demonstration facilities

Constructed by Cunningham Construction Co. METAL FORM INC.

(New Corporate Headquarters)

GREATER JACKSON CHAMBER PUSHES FORJACKSON’S DESIGNATION AS A SMARTZONE

ThAnK yOu!to the December

Membership Renewals 20/20 Communications

Blue Care Network of MichiganCassity Chiropractic CenterCheap Travel and Vacations

Emerald Outdoor, LLCGene Davis & Sons Banquet & Convention Center

Heartland Home Health Care & HospiceHirst Electric Company

Jackson Automatic Sprinkler, Ltd.Jackson Business & Professional Women

Jackson Truck Service, Inc.Johnny’s Tree Service Inc.

Junior Achievement of the Michigan Edge, Inc.Lake Michigan Mailers

The Lilac TreeMedawar Jewelers

Paragon Charter AcademyShaunta Patton

Patrick Properties, Inc.Potential Development Homes, Inc.

Reinhart Company RealtorsSpring Arbor University-Jackson site

Veach’s Office Bar

Lally Group, PC“Trusted Service for a Confident Tomorrow.”

Principals: David Palmer Steven Patch

Jon Nowinski Lance Knapp Nathan Eads

Lally, Cummings, Palmer, and Patch, CPA’s, P.C. has changed its name to…

Lally Group, PC 110 1ST Street Jackson, MI 49201

(517) 787-0064 www.lallycpa.com

AD_12689

A caring place to call Home!

Independent Semi- Assisted Assisted Living

517-750-0500 www.gantonretirement.com

The Greater Jackson Chamber of Commerce (GJCC) is a voluntary partnership of business and community leaders and residents working together to build a healthy economy and to improve the quality of life in Jackson. The Chamber was established in 1909 because businesses have greater impact, and are more effective, when working in unison. The GJCC’s mission is to be the leading driver and advocate for community and economic development in Jackson County.

Michigan SmartZones are collaborations between universities, industry, research organizations, government, and other community institutions intended to stimulate the growth of technology-based businesses and jobs by aiding in the creation of recognized clusters of new and emerging businesses, those primarily focused on commercializing ideas, patents, and other opportunities surrounding corporate, university or private research institutes. SmartZones provide distinct geographical locations where technology-based firms, entrepreneurs and researchers can locate in close proximity to all of the community assets that will assist in their endeavors. As we move through this process, we will need Chamber members – YOU – to contact our legislators, encouraging them to designate Jackson as a SmartZone. The Chamber will keep you informed about the status of this designation and what you can do to assist.

Print & Design For Modern Times

6 Greater Jackson Chamber of Commerce December 2007 December 2007 Greater Jackson Chamber of Commerce 3

Clearly different.

Call Now517.817.1720

Working For Jackson Small Business

Chamber's Annual MeetingHonors Local Business Leaders

Welcome New MembersA Frame AboveWendy Clifton120 E. CortlandJackson, MI 49201Provides custom frames and sells gifts

Charles Ahronheim1410 Greenwood Ave.Jackson, MI 49203

Robert Dorogi3011 North Pointe St. #KJackson, MI 49202

Treasured EleganceElizabeth Rogers148 W. Michigan Ave.Jackson, MI 49201Sells jewelry, wire art, stained glass, soaps and lotions and more

Brent D. Kelley EnterprisesBrent Kelley2605 Wildwood Ave.Jackson, MI 49202Offers promotional products and embroidery

Jackson Grinding CompanyMichael Alexander1300 BagleyJackson, MI 49203Industrial machinery

COMMERCIAL EXChAnGEWarehouse Space & Office Space Available

www.thecommercialexchange.com517/782-9305517/782-9306

Since 2004, there has been a sharp increase in the number of counterfeit cashier checks, postal money orders and other financial instruments used to facilitate various fraud schemes, including; work at home schemes, lottery fraud, internet auction fraud, romantic chat room fraud, roommate/rental fraud and advance fee (419) fraud. In January 2007, the Alliance for Consumer Fraud Awareness was formed to raise consumers’ awareness of these scams. The Alliance consists of Postal Inspectors, financial industry representatives, consumer advocates, regulatory agencies, retailers and others. The overarching goal of the campaign is to educate consumers regarding the various fraud schemes involving counterfeit financial instruments. The Alliance is utilizing various avenues to educate consumers including; television commercials, print ads, web banner ads, web episodes, emoticons, social marketing, press releases, speaker bureau’s and a consumer awareness DVD. Consumers can visit www.fakechecks.org to obtain additional information regarding the various fraud schemes.

PROTECT YOUR BUSINESS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

by Chrissy Siders ,CUCE CFE Vice President of Risk Management, CP Federal Credit Union

cont. from pg 1

24 Hour Cancellation Reservations must be cancelled 24 hours prior to the event or Member will be charged as if he or she attended. Those events that have a higher priced fee at the door will result in the higher fee being charged if payment has not previously been received.

Prepayment All sponsorship commitments must be prepaid prior to the event’s occurrence. Certain programs will have an “early bird” rate and a higher rate closer to the date of the event. In order to limit the cost of collecting attendance fees post-event and to have an accurate head-count for all events, all attendees are encouraged to pay prior to all events.

"Chamber Updates Event Policies"

The Chamber’s Annual Meeting, to be held on January 24, 2008 at Jackson Community College, will thank outgoing Board of Directors, install incoming Board of Directors and honor local business leaders with the Ambassador of the Year award, Athena award (sponsored by Lloyd Ganton Retirement Centers), Entrepreneurial Spirit award (sponsored by South Central Michigan Works), Brick award and Small Business Person of the Year award (sponsored by Flagstar Bank). The Greater Jackson Chamber is pleased to announce that Brian Surgener from Jackson Coffee Company is this year’s recipient. All other award

winners will be announced on January 24, 2008. Expose your business to the over 600 business, government and community leaders who attend this event by:Becoming a Sponsor Levels range from $2500 to $750Advertising in the Tribute Program Book Ads range from $50 to $150Reserving your Space to Attend Tickets start at $50For more information, call Mindy at 517-782-8221.

January 2008S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5

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hR Issues? We Can helpThe South Central human Resources Management Association, the local ShRM affiliate, offers monthly programs for hR professionals to keep current with today's ever-changing work rules and regulations. Let us show you how we can

serve you! For more information: www.schrma.org or call Terri Ogg @ 517-789-7193.

4 Greater Jackson Chamber of Commerce November 2007 November 2007 Greater Jackson Chamber of Commerce 5

Looking for properties for sale? Check out the Jackson Area Association of REALTORS® NEW website!

www.JacksonMIHomes.com

THE source for all your Real Estate needs! Find a REALTOR® - Search Properties - Open Houses - Mortgage Rates from Local Lenders & much much more!

The Buy Local,Stay Local Economy:When we invest in local companies, theirbusinesses are stronger and they are ableto grow. This means they hire workers whoin turn spend money locally on food,clothing, housing, taxes and charitablecontributions. Jackson Contractors arehighly skilled professionals who live andwork in the community. Support theJackson economy by bidding your workwith Jackson Contractors.

For more information:www.JCCA.bizor write:Jackson Commercial ContractorsAssociationP.O. Box 143, Jackson, MI 49204517.990.9600

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Invest in YourCommunity…

A FestiveBusiness After Hours

The next Business After Hours will be an old-fashioned holiday setting at Good Earth Real Estate, 604 Wildwood Avenue, on December 6. Build your business contacts while enjoying Swan Creek Candle, Cherry Creek Wines and Lenny’s Sub Shop.

Cost: FREE for members; $10 for non-membersRSVP: mary@gjcc.org

Calendar of EventsDecember 2007

December 5 8-10 am Leadership Academy Session 5 The Salvation Army 806 E. Pearl St.

December 6 5-7 pm Business After Hours Good Earth Real Estate LLC 604 Wildwood Ave.

December 10 11 am Sister City Committee Chamber Office 141 S. Jackson

December 11 4:30 pm Leadership Academy Committee Chamber Office 141 S. Jackson

December 14 7:30 am Legislative Committee Bella Notte Ristorante 137 W. Michigan Ave.

December 14 3 p.m. Ambassador Committee Location to be determined

December 19 8-10 am Leadership Academy Session 6 SAU-downtown Jackson Site 113 W. Michigan Ave.

December 24, 25, 31 Chamber Office closed

INCREASE YOUR VISIBILITY

Do you want your business to stand out? Add a website enhancement listing! It includes a link from the Greater Jackson Chamber of Commerce’s website, www.gjcc.org, to yours, as well as a brief description of your company and a logo for only $30. Sign up today. Call the Chamber at 517-782-8221.

Are you looking for opportunities for strategic placement of your business brand through valuable exposure? Look no further, the Chamber's 2008 Sponsorship Grid will be hitting business mailboxes soon. Sign up and get recognized with Chamber programs and events. These opportunities are limited so don't delay, looking for discounts on sponsorships and much more, take a moment to look over the sponsorship grid and sign up for what programs and events you feel best serve your company. For more information or to get an advanced copy of the Sponsorship Grid, contact the Greater Jackson Chamber of Commerce at 517-782-8221.

Chamber Offers ValuableEXPOSURE TO MEMBERS

2008 Sponsorship Grid Helps BusinessesGet High Return on Marketing Dollars

It consists of six manufacturing entities with eight plants in four states and in Canada, which employ approximately 2,000 people. He is also an owner/operator of McDonalds Restaurants in the metro Detroit area. He was the first chairman of the African Development Foundation (ADF). “The key to our business success is people,” said Dr. Pickard. His operating philosophy i s s i m p l e : “You manage t h i n g s ; y o u lead people”. Tickets are $15 each . RSVP: mary@gjcc.org

MLK/Diversity Breakfast cont.

Martin Luther King/Diversity BreakfastWhen: January 18 @ 7:30 a.m.Where: Gene Davis & Sons Banquet & Convention Center 3575 Francis St.Cost: $15 per ticketFor more information: 517-782-8221

* Rate based on credit experience. Payments begin in January with loan to be paid off within one year. Limits available up to $1,000 based on credit history. Rates subject to change, some restrictions may apply.

Don’t Let the Holidays

Cost an Arm and a Leg

C R E D I T U N I O N