Wkacc Newsletter December 2009

December 2009 Volume 29, Issue 12

My Business Advocate Building Better Communities by Building Better Businesses

Silent Auction to Support 2010 Events Donations are now being accepted at the Chamber Office for our next Silent Auction Fundraiser. We are looking for merchandise, gift cards and gift baskets that will encourage our members to bid high and bid often. All proceeds benefit 2010 Chamber Programs. You may receive a call from someone on the committee asking for your donation. We hope you can take advantage of this fun opportunity to remind those attending the Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner that you're a member.

We'll wrap up 2009, gear up for 2010 and recognize special accomplishments by volunteers and area businesses at our 29th Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner. There will be bidding at the Silent Auction during the evening, up until we present the Business of the Year Awards. Proceeds will be used to benefit 2010 Events as outlined in the Program of Work completed by your newly elected Board of Directors.

Watch for your invitation in the mail in early January and send Plan to join us on Friday evening, in your RSVP right away. Don't forget to make reservations for your January 22, 2010 as we gather guests at the same time. at Noto's Old World Italian Dining located at 6600 28th Unlike many things lately, the St SE in Cascade for our 29th cost to attend the Annual Meeting Annual Meeting and Awards remains $45 per person with your Dinner. reservation before January 15. Reservations are only $65 from January 16. Cost at the door will be $85. Many sponsorships include reservations for dinner.

Your donated auction items will be displayed with your company name and/or logo and include a mention in the Auction Catalog. Companies donating will be mentioned from the podium during the Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner.

Get the details and register on line at www.southkent.org or email [email protected] for assistance.

Sponsorships Available

Sponsoring the Annual Meeting and Silent Auction means high visibility at a price meant to fit your business budget. With your pre-paid sponsorship, your company name will appear on all the pre-event publicity, in press releases, on nearly 500 event invitations and on a banner at the event.

Community Roundtable Group Now Forming Coming Events Santa Parade 12/5 Finance and Executive Board 12/9 Board of Directors 12/17 3rd Fridays! Networking Luncheon 12/18 Chamber Office Closed 12/24,25 & 12/31-1/1/10 3rd Fridays! Networking Luncheon 1/15/10 Annual Meeting and Silent Auction 1/22/10 Chamber After Hours 2/11 3rd Fridays Networking Luncheon 2/19 Calendars on Pages 6 & 7 Log on to www.southkent.org for details.

Mishelle Bakewell from Metro Health Hospital will be chairing WKACC's 2010 Community Roundtable. Meetings start in January. This committee is just forming. Community Roundtable is an informal forum for business, government and educational sectors to come together monthly to discuss relevant issues and concerns. Contact Mishelle at (616) 252-4779 or email mishelle.bakewell@metrogr. org.

YOUR CHAMBER MANAGEMENT 2009 Board of Directors

*indicates Executive Committee Member

*John Crawford - President & CEO *Todd Duncan - Consumers Energy, Board Chair *Steve Marshall- MAS Advisory Service, Chair, Fin. & Budget *Norine Mulvihill - Sr. V. Chair - American Diabetes Association *Kathey Batey - Priority Health/Spirited Presentations *Brent Holland - Chameleon Ltd. *Skip Knapp - EdwardJones Investments *Tom Kruisenga - The Kruisenga Agency, Past Chair *Brent Vander Kolk - Vander Kolk & Vander Kolk PLC, Legal Counsel Community Relations Division (Blue) *Kathey Batey - Vice Chair Tommy Brann - Brann’s Steakhouse & Grille Dan Van Dyke - PCO Associates, LLC *Brent Vander Kolk - Vander Kolk & Vander Kolk,.PLC Lillian VanderVeen - Lenger Travel Services Member Relations Division (Red) *Brent Holland - Vice Chair Richard Chrisman - Hungerford, Aldrin, Nichols & Carter Danna Mathiesen - Mercantile Bank John Schwartz - AT&T Membership Development Division (Gold) *Skip Knapp - Vice Chair Bob O'Callaghan - Citadel Broadcasting Rob Wells - VantagePointe Financial Group Financial Development Division (Green) *Norine Mulvihill - Sr. Vice Chair Betsy Artz - Loeks Theaters (Celebration Cinema) Joel Iakiri - Huntington Bank David Szidik - Proforma Infinite Marketing Matt Uhl - National City Ex-Officio Carol Sheets - 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 2009 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 December 2009 By John J. Crawford, Jr. President & CEO

Thanksgiving and Other Thoughts This has been an amazing year of Hope for many and Change for others. I hope you are looking at winding up 2009 with a big finish and are making plans for a better 2010. I am sure that there are many people that you know that are heading into the holidays with a little fear, anxiety and depression. My Pastor at church correctly pointed out that it’s impossible for Anxiety, Depression and Gratefulness to co-exist in the same heart at the same time. As we are coming off a great Thanksgiving weekend, it’s my hope that you can think about that idea for a couple minutes. Fear is a powerful paralyzer, but now is the time for each of us to take positive actions in building our businesses. Taking time to reflect, to give real thanks for the opportunities that you do have and for the myriad of other gifts, blessings, people and friends in your life. That’s often the prescription you need to allay anxiety and doubt. From there, you’ll be ready to go - taking action on your plan shouldn’t be far behind. A huge gift in my life that I’ll remain grateful for is the opportunity to work with so many passionate, dedicated people in the Chamber and in our Community. This is truly a unique seat to hold and the view has been great! The active members in this Chamber are fantastic! Need a lift? Get around some WKACC members a few times! Santa Parade Dec 5, 10:00 AM I urge you to do a couple things – get involved on a Chamber Committee or Project and recommend a company or colleague that you know to join you in Chamber Membership. You’ll be well on your way to building new and lasting friendships and business relationships. You’ll have a lot of fun and, when you look back on it, a wealth of people and experiences to be thankful for! If you want to get in the right frame of mind, have a lot of fun and show off your Company, contact the Chamber NOW at 616 531-5990 to arrange to participate in the Santa Parade THIS Saturday, Dec 5! Details can be found at www.southkent.org. Thanks for all that you do! It’s important and it’s appreciated! At least that’s my Opinion by John.

Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce Nominate Businesses of the Year 2009 The Chamber’s Businesses of the Year Awards will be presented on Friday evening, January 22, 2010 at the Chamber’s Annual Meeting. This is our chance to recognize exceptional area businesses in each of three categories for going above and beyond the call of duty. This has been another great year for many enterprises and the Chamber wants to celebrate by recognizing outstanding businesses in these classes.

to be a nominee or to submit a nomination. Contributions of the nominees must have been in the 2009 calendar year. Submission deadline is Monday, December 14, 2009.

The Chamber Executive Committee serve as the judging committee and will be looking at several areas of contribution. It is possible to win with contributions in just one area.

Areas Include: Chamber Support Activity or contribution which is above and beyond the call of Chamber membership and which helped the Chamber of Commerce further its mission in some significant way.

Although it is encouraged and will likely be used as a tie breaker, Chamber Membership is not a requirement

Award Nomination Criteria.

Business Operations Activity that exemplifies community leadership and/or exceptional customer service in a retail, service or manufacturing business.

Economic Development Activity that resulted in the creation of jobs or an increase in wealth or capital investment in the Wyoming-Kentwood Area. Education Development or participation in training and education programs resulting in a better-trained workforce either currently or for the future. Humanitarian Efforts Activities or significant contributions that resulted in the improvement of human conditions anywhere in the world. Quality of Life Coordination of any local project or activity that improved the quality of life for residents of the Greater Wyoming-Kentwood community.

Forms must be received at the Chamber offices by 5:00 pm on Monday, December 14, 2009. You may also e-mail form to [email protected] Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce

 590 32nd Street SE  Wyoming, MI 49548

Businesses of the Year 2009 NOMINATION FORM

Category (check one):



 Retail



Manufacturing

 Service

Nominee’s Company Name: ___________________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________________________________ City, State: _____________________________________ Zip: ___________________ Contact Name: _____________________________ Phone: ________________________ Nominator’s Name: __________________________Relationship to Nominee: _________ Nominator’s e-Mail: ___________________________ Phone: _______________________ Please provide a detailed description of the nominee’s contributions on a second sheet of paper. Explain when and under what circumstances these contributions were made. Please provide as much detailed information as possible relative to career, family, education and volunteer commitments. A judging committee shall review each nomination and select a winning organization in each category. The judges’ decisions shall be final. Complete and return the form to Sue Bynum via mail to the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce, 590 32nd Street SE, Wyoming, MI 49548-2345, or fax to 616-531-0252 or e-mail to [email protected].

Kentwood Public Schools and WKACC Education Committee Plan Area-wide Career EXPO, Speech Contest

WKACC Education Committee

Extra Credit

Kentwood Public Schools would like to invite members of the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce to join other businesses and organizations in the South Kent County area in an area wide K12 Career Expo. Mark your calendar for Wednesday, April 14, 2010 and help us show our future work force what career options are out there.

Business 'n Books, Event will happen in March 2010. We'll need volunteers to read to 2nd Grade Classrooms in Wyoming and Kentwood Schools! Sport of Words Speech Contest will be Wednesday, April 14, at E. Kentwood HS Auditorium as a featured event at the EXPO!

The event is a great opportunity for students to interact with professionals in a variety of career areas. There is no fee to participate in the Career Expo.

Refer a New Member and receive a $25.00 Chamber Bucks Credit toward your next invoice. Contact the Chamber with your referral information and when your referral joins you will receive the credit. Don't forget to mention the marketing package valued at $1500. from Citadel Broadcasting.

Electrical outlets are available but limited and will be assigned as requested. Consider donating a door prize or gift certificate ($15 value or more) for the Career EXPO Prize drawings.

Do You Know Your Ambassador? ribbon cuttings, Chamber After Hours and other official Chamber sponsored events.

Don't Forget!

Marketing incentives available from Citadel Broadcasting to all new and renewing Members: Make it a point to renew your dues on time or even early if you can. There is a great bonus advertising benefit from Citadel Broadcasting for timely renewals. Ask Sue, Julie or John for all the details before your Membership is due.

Your participation includes: • The use of 1 display table per business. • The use of a tablecloth and 2 chairs. • EXPO Education Packet (helpful suggestions for talking to students). • Opportunity to represent your company to hundreds of students and their families.

The Ambassadors would like to thank everyone that came to the Fall 2009 Chamber After Hours. In October, we had about 65 people that came to Sarah Care in Wyoming and in November about 60 to the Ramada Plaza in Kentwood. It was great to see lots of news faces and to also see our regulars. Thank you to our hosts at Sarah Care and Ramada Plaza!!

We also promote the projects and public relations efforts at the WKACC. Our role is also to attract and retain ACTIVE members. One way we retain active members is to serve as the members voice and act as a liaison between the membership, Board of Directors and Chamber staff.

Our next Chamber After Hours will be on February 11 and March 11. More details coming soon.

Please make yourself available to your Ambassador when you get that phone call from them. We want to hear your feedback about how the Chamber is doing, what we can do better, or learn more about what the Chamber can provide to Build Better Businesses.

Just a reminder about our Ambassador roles and our purpose: We serve as official hosts for WKACC and represent the Chamber at open houses,

Display your membership sign! When an ambassador, board member or staff person spots it, you'll get a free business card sized ad in The Advocate!

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 616-9750100 for discount details. TAB has been a ChamberPartner since 2008 and recently renewed their partnership for another year.

TAB offers business owners peer advice, at a discounted rate, to empower you and your organization to achieve your business vision.

The Alternative Board helps you grow your business, make more money and work fewer hours.

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

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.

Member 2 Member Discounts

A program of WKACC Chamber Partners for any Member in Good Standing. Contact [email protected] or [email protected] to list your Member 2 Member Discount.

Save on Ink and Toner!

Mark Schabacker - Owner (o) 616-818-5555 (f) 616-987-3018 [email protected] www.TheCartridgedepot.com

20% OFF initial orders for New Customers Lower your Toner & Ink Costs Today! FREE Pick Up and DELIVERY for local Businesses, SAVE up to 50% On Ink & TONER needs! Locally Owned & Operated

Contact Carol Crawford at 616301-8081 or email her at carol@ tabmichigan.com.

Take the Benefits Challenge! 1)

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.

TTrruuee // FFaallssee

JJaassoonn A A.. R Ruusssseellll

Broker Director (616) 490-0911 - direct

[email protected]

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

December 2009

Mon

Tue

1

11 a Santa Parade Committee 4p Ambassadors @Park Center Lanes

Noon 8 7Gov Matters at

6

the Chamber 4pm Education Comm @ Celebration South

2

9

Wed

8:15a Chamber Foundation

10a, Finance 11:30a, Executive Committee

Thu

Fri

Sat

8a 3 Recruiting Committee 10a 3rd Fridays! Planning Committee

4

10

11 7:30 - 9am

12

8a PAC 9a Bus Growth 5-7 pm

5

10 a Santa Parade Multi Chamber Speed Networking 9a -6p 2010 Board Planning Mtg

13

14

15

16

17

7:30a CEO Exchange 11:30 Board Mtg @ Brann's

18 11:30a-1p

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

8a Gov Matters at Kentwood City Hall

8am Activation & Retention

10 a 3rd Fri! Comm

Office open by appt after 12 p

27

28

29

30

31

Office open by appt after 12 p

4641 N. Breton Ct., SE Kentwood, MI 49508 Phone: 616.656.1090 E-mail: Brinks.Law.Firm@ Prodigy.net WEB: BrinksLawFirm.com

3rd Fridays! Hilton Hotel 1p Chamber Partners JANUARY NEWSLETTER DEADLINE

MERRY CHRISTMAS Chamber Office Closed

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Sun

January 2010

Mon



Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri 1

Sat 2

HAPPY NEW YEAR Chamber Office Closed

3

4

5

6

10

11

12

13

14

17

18

19

8am 20 Activation &

21

22

6pm Cocktail Hour 7-9pm 29th Annual Meeting & Awards Dinner and Silent Auction

23

28

29

30

Noon Gov Matters at the Chamber 4pm Education Comm @ Celebration

8a Gov Matters at Kentwood City Hall

4pm Ambassadors @ Park Center Lanes

8:15a Chamber Foundation

25

26

27

8

9

15 11:30a-1p

16

8a Recruiting Committee 10 a 3rd Fri! Comm

9a Business Growth

Retention 10a, Finance 11:30a, Executive Committee

24

7

7:30a CEO Exchange 10 a 3rd Fri! Comm

11:30 Board Mtg @ Brann's

3rd Fridays! TBD 1p Chamber Partners FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER DEADLINE

31

IF YOU'RE NOT AT YOUR LAST JOB, YOUR 401(K) SHOULDN'T BE EITHER. To see why it makes sense to roll your 401(k) to Edward Jones, call today. S.A. (Skip) Knapp III Financial Advisor

1801 Breton Rd SE, Ste E Grand Rapids, MI 49506 616-942-5770

www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC

South Kent Business Connections Expo a Success! With a “standing room only” Lunch ‘n Learn workshop on Referral Marketing by Penny Georgevich, Executive Director of BNI Michigan and 45 showcase tables, this year’s South Kent Business Connections Expo on October 29th at the Applause Event Center gave over 500 business owner and executive attendees – about half of them non WKACC members – a reason to be excited about doing business locally. Blair Entenmann, owner of MarketingHelp! and this

year’s Expo Chair said, “The Expo’s mission was to spotlight member businesses to other businesses in the south Kent County area in a convenient venue. Based on the feedback from exhibitors and attendees, we accomplished our mission!”

with.” Theresa Peterlein, VP of Sales and Marketing at Presort Services, full-service direct mail business and Silver Sponsor agrees, “This is the best organized event of all the local Chambers. Turnout was great. This event keeps growing and keeps getting better.”

One exhibitor, Paul Bradshaw, owner International Minute Press, a commercial printer and exhibitor says “I was pleased with the turnout, there were certainly enough people to connect and talk

Mark your calendars now for the 2010 South Kent Business Connections Expo on October 28th because a Chamber volunteer will be contacting you next Summer about participating.

House Bill Would Extend COBRA Eligibility A provision in a 2009 economic stimulus law that requires the federal government to pay 65% of COBRA health care premiums for employees who were involuntarily terminated will expire at the end of November if legislation to extend the provision does not pass. Under the current provision, employees who lost their jobs after

Sept. 1, 2008 are eligible to receive the subsidy for up to nine months. Those who lose their jobs after Dec. 31, 2009 will not qualify. The new provision would extend the subsidy eligibility through June 30, 2010 and increase COBRA coverage up to 15 months. workforceManagement.com - Oct. 30, 2009.

For You, Your Employees and Their Families! Contact janine@southkent. org for plan pricing and work and residential eligibility requirements.

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 

Klingman's

Beltline Bar Grace Bible College

Huntington Bank

Family Fare Hobart Sales & Service Home Works Corporation Lacks Enterprises Lake Michigan Credit Union Tony's Tunes Two Men and A Truck

     

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Auto Finance Brann’s Steakhouse & Grille gNetworks Gordon Food Service Kent County Credit Union

Free Seminars “Taking Your Business to the Next Level” Chamber Member Businesses are providing a series of seminars for business owners and decision makers that will help take your business to the next level. December 2, 2009 7:45 a.m. – 11:30 am: How to Capture More Market Share in a Challenging Economy! The Uncommon Sense Sales Process Tony Rubleski – President of Mind Capture Group and Author of the #1 selling book “Mind Capture: How You Can Stand Out In The Age of Advertising Deficit Disorder” will discuss How to generate referrals - How to get ‘Mind Capture’ in a crowded market - Effective ways to improve

Outlook presented by Carole Valade, Editor - Grand Rapids Business Journal and John Crawford, President - Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce. your marketing evidence - Proven ways to stay in touch and generate repeat business. Carol Crawford of The Alternative Board will discuss - Do you trust Sales as a process or magic? Do you hold sales people accountable? Do you have a Sales Plan and work the Plan? Upgrade your sales within your Organization from Good to Great!

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.

January 13, 7:45 - 11:30 am: Michigan’s Economy/Business

Metro Guide Advertising Visible All Year - Community Wide Promote your business in this high quality publication with a full year of circulation. The Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce is, once again, offering advertising opportunities for our 2010 publication. Your Chamber Membership includes a complimentary double listing. Member Businesses are listed alphabetically by the name of the business and also in a directory classified by the service or product provided. There is no cost to your business for these listings but we need to have current contact, address, phone and email information about your business. Your Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce Community Profile and Metro Guide is distributed, community wide, to City Hall, Doctors Offices, Libraries, Hotels and Restaurants. Quantities are available for distribution and use by your company

Something new this year: • Upgrade your listing. In addition to display advertising, business features are available to those wishing

to convey their message in an editorial format • This combination editoral/ advertising vehicle resembles a magazine article in content and appearance. • Each business feature consists of 100 to 150 words, plus photography Features are available in full and half page sizes. Ad space is available in all sizes and at a price to fit any business budget. Full and half-page advertisers also receive a banner ad on the Chamber website for one full year at no extra cost. For more information and prices call 1-800-491-1760 or book your ad on-line at www. harborhouse.com/wyoming.htm. Contact [email protected] to update your membership records to insure your 2010 listing will be accurate.

LEARN what y o u c a n D O. . .

...to KNOCK OUT FLU How is seasonal flu different from H1N1? Is a vaccine available? How sick is too sick to go to work? Free 1-hour presentations are available for community groups, businesses, schools and child care centers to learn about staying healthy during the upcoming flu season. Presentations are for audiences of 20 or more and can be tailored for all ages. To schedule a presentation, call the Kent County Health Department at (616) 632-7290. TUJDLJUUPUIFGMVDPN

3rd Fridays! Annual Pass Saves Networking Dollars Members taking advantage of the monthly networking opportunities at our 3rd Fridays! Luncheon know it is the best monthly networking bargain around. And they know that networking is more effective when it is consistently done. In the spirit of helping our businesses grow their bottom line, the Chamber is offering a 3rd Fridays! Annual Pass for only $126.00. That's a 25% savings off the monthly early registration charge for lunch and it guarantees your automatic reservations at the next 12 consecutive 3rd Fridays! Luncheons. Contact us if you can't attend. No need to call ahead or forgetting to register on time to beat the early registration deadline. We'll only need to know if you can't make it. Can't always make the luncheon? The pass is issued in YOUR COMPANY NAME and may be used for lunch by any representative of your company. Miss up to 3 lunches in 12 months and still save! Add a Showcase Table anytime. It's simple to add a showcase table to your annual pass luncheon admission. Just call or email the Chamber and let them know you'd like to pay $35 to showcase your business with your paid admission. Showcase tables are available, first-come-first-serve as long as space allows. Interested in a monthly showcase table to go with that lunch? We also have an Annual Showcase Pass that will entitle you to 12 consecutive showcase tables at 3rd Fridays. Cost for the showcase pass is only $396.00 and that includes an 8' table, networking and lunch. Contact [email protected] to sign up or for more information.

Member Spotlight

Board Executives meet monthly and select the outstanding volunteer and Committee for their effort and results on behalf of WKACC.

November Volunteer of the Month Blair Entenmann MarketingHelp! gets the volunteer of the month award for the second time in 2009. This time for heading the Business Connections Expo subcommittee. Blair is a committee member on the Business Growth Committee and took the lead role in organizing a crew and planning the Business Connection event at Applause Banquet Center in October. The attendance was outstanding and our featured Lunch 'n Learn event was standing room only!

November Committee of the Month

Government Matters Committee Your Government Matters Committee is the only committee that meets regularly twice a month to discuss issues on the local, county, state and federal levels of government that affect your business and our communities. Nominated for the successful Legislative Luncheon held in October, this hard working committee consists of: • • • • • • • • • • • •

Dave VanHouten - HWC & Window World (Chair) Tommy Brann - Brann's Steakhouse & Grille Kathey Batey - Priority Health & Spirited Presentations Vic Krause - Metro Health Hospital Yoland Lewis - Consumers Energy Steve Middleton - Middleton Printing Rusty Richter - Rietberg Companies Roger Royer - DTE Energy John Schwartz - AT&T John Stedman - Stedman Insurance, Inc. Brent Vander Kolk - Vander Kolk & Vander Kolk, PLC Lillian VanderVeen - Lenger Travel Center

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Renewing Members

ATC Associates, Inc Batteries Plus Bouma Bros. Sales & Serv. Inc Celebration Banquet & Catering City of Wyoming Comcast Covenant Developments Creative Benefit Systems, Inc Custom Upholstering Dyna-Plate, Inc Ecenbarger Eye Care Express Employment Professionals Gordon Food Service Harbor House Publishers Hoekwater Family Dentistry Huffman, Crown & Bridge Studio

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Kent Rubber Supply Co. Kentwood Jaycees L &D Growers Lenger Travel Center, Inc Main Street Pub Michigan Lake to Lake Bed and Breakfast Association NovaCare Paychex Proforma Infinite Marketing Solutions Real Pro Auto – 28th St. Scholtens Electric The Alternative Board Van Dam Iron Works Western Districts Members Credit Union Willamson Staffing

Welcome New and Returning Members D2 Marketing - Denise Hughes, 616-451-2335 (welcome back D2 Marketing)! Holiday Inn Grand Rapids Airport - Katie Kober, 616-2857600 (welcome back Holiday Inn GR Airport)! Family Fare Supermarkets - Terry Blanding, 616-878-2000 (Welcome Back Family Fare)!

Food Design by Chef Brech Steve Brechting, 616-735-3121 Health Motions Physical Therapy - Andrew Krietemyer, 616-554-0918 Heartland Payment Systems Brian Justema, 616-498-2225 MBS Enterprises, LLC - Bruce Schwartz, 616-271-3671

Non-Chamber Event

Woodland Creek Networking Event Benefits Toys for Tots December 10th 2009 5-7:30pm Woodland Creek Apartments is hosting an After Hours Networking meet up to benefit Toys for Tots Grand Rapids. We will have a silent auction and raffle as well as appetisers and drinks. Admission is one new unwrapped toy donation. Registration is required by emailing: [email protected]

Lake Michigan Credit Union Offers 2010 Lloyd F. Hutt Scholarships Enter the 2010 Lake Michigan Credit Union Lloyd F. Hutt Scholarship Competition. All your student needs to do is write an essay about the following topic: “Describe Your Best Day Ever Past, Present or Future.”

Eight $2,000.00 Scholarships will be awarded. Enter today! For details, talk to your child's guidance office or any Lake Michigan Credit Union branch location.

More information is available by contacting Lake Michigan Credit Union. Contact Vickie Smith at 616-242-9788 or download the application and brochure at www. lmcu.org/hutt.

Chamber Foundation Offers Entertainment Bargains Purchase your 2010 Entertainment ™ Passbook and support the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber Foundation. Passbooks only cost $20 and they're chocked full of two-for-one coupons at local restaurants, entertainment facilities and much much more. We have them at the Chamber office. Get yours today by contacting Julie at 616-531-5990 or email her at [email protected]. Books are also available from any member of the WKA Chamber Foundation Board. Your Chamber Foundation uses revenue to further programs in the community that promote business. For more information contact [email protected].