Wkacc Newsletter June 09

June 2009 Volume 29, Issue 6

My Business Advocate Building Better Communities by Building Better Businesses

Marketing in a Recession - How To Survive and Thrive Marketing your products or services during a recession is always difcult. Every business, regardless of industry or maturity should advertise their products and services to create a favorable sales environment and generate qualied prospects. There are two things survivors do with their marketing during a recession. 1. Maintain or Increase Marketing Spending and 2. Focus on Smarter Marketing Maintain or Increase Marketing Spending. Study after study after study says businesses that maintain their marketing spending during a recession increased market share and had higher sales protability than those that reduced marketing spending in both the short-term and long-term! Increasing marketing spending during a recession offers even greater benets. THIS MAY SEEM DIFFICULT TO DO as you have pressure to cut costs everywhere you can to survive. You may be

Inside This Issue Survive and Thrive Opinion by John South Kent Swing Member Recruiting ChamberPartners Real Estate Update eTool Developers Ambassadors' Corner Road Cosntruction Info Cruise Corner Metro Merchant Info Membership Value

1 2 3 4 5 8 8 9 9 10 10 11

Calendars on Pages 6 & 7 Log on to www.southkent.org For details.

experiencing lower results from your marketing spending, but you are better off making deeper cuts elsewhere. Cutting back during a downturn can be like throwing away your equity. Maintenance today costs much less than rebuilding tomorrow. Another perspective to consider is that advertising is a cumulative effort. Maintaining brand recognition should be considered an “on-going business investment” and the moment it stops, it begins to lose power immediately – and future sales are in jeopardy. Increasing advertising spending during economic expansion often yields no improvement in market share, because 80% of your competitors are also increasing their spending. Conversely, at least half of businesses reduce their adverting spend during an economic downturn, stated the Association of National Advertisers in a recent article. Focus on Smarter Marketing. Customers are not in a risk-taking mood. If they are not in your market now, they won’t be until economy gets better. This is not the time for try to grow the market for your product or services. You need to offer very deep price discounts today to generate trial -– loss leader pricing will put you out of business today. Today’s customer wants VALUE in the products and services that they MUST buy. Discretionary purchases are being delayed. This means you should ADVERTISE THE “NEEDS”, NOT THE “WANTS” YOU OFFER in today’s environment. Focus on encouraging current customers to increase the frequency

or size of purchase and to purchase other products or services from you (cross sell/up sell) that they haven’t done historically. Consider adding a Frequent Buyer Program to build customer loyalty. On-going customer communication (Newsletters, reminder postcards, and courtesy phone calls) is more important than ever, so they know you are still in business. Live by the old marketing saying, “If it works, do more of it – if it doesn’t, stop doing it.” Use proven advertising media that works for you and other businesses in West Michigan to promote the business. Don’t take a risk with unproven “fringe” advertising vehicles. TARGETED Direct Mail Advertising works in any economic environment if done properly. Focus on generating referrals from customers and others in your sphere of inuence. Attend every networking event you can. Join a referral group like BNI or The Catalyst Group to maximize your marketing spending ROI. In a business climate like today where decision makers want to buy, not be sold, you need to be a farmer, not a hunter. This means taking a low– pressure, highly visible, relationship approach to your marketing. Keep a good attitude and good luck in your marketing in the near future…the recovery is right around the corner. Blair Entenmann is President of MarketingHelp!, a Grand Rapids based marketing firm specializing in helping clients catch and keep customers with better marketing strategies, programs and implementation. For more information, visit www.mktghelp. com or call 616-866-1198.

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 - Option 1 Credit Union, Sr. V. Chair *Kathey Batey - Priority Health/Spirited Presentations *Brent Holland - Chameleon Ltd. *Skip Knapp - EdwardJones Investments *Tom Kruisenga - W. MI Business Group, 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 Rob Wells - AXA Advisors Diane Zandstra - W. MI Center for Family Health Financial Development Division (Green) *Norine Mulvihill - Sr. Vice Chair Betsy Artz - Loeks Theaters (Celebration Cinema) Joel Iakiri - Huntington Bank David Szidik - Proforma Innite Marketing Matt Uhl - National City Ex-Ofcio 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]

Opinion by John June 2009 By John J. Crawford President & CEO

Feel Like You’re Winning Again Michigan, and indeed our country, are going through big changes right now and it can be un-nerving to watch the news. Always remember, though, that life is about change and that business success can be achieved in any market condition. Many millionaires began making their fortunes during economic down cycles. Very successful business people, in fact, are in a buying mode right now because there are great deals on business assets in today’s market. What do they know that maybe I don’t? Well, (in addition to having some liquidity that I don’t), they know that the economy will eventually be climbing again. They position themselves to win as the economic cycle begins to pick up during the slow times. It Starts With Your Mindset The journey begins with your decision to win and to DO something about your own position. In most cases, the farthest distance you’ll have to travel on this trip is six inches – the distance between your ears. Getting your attitude set starts by being around a bunch of like-minded winners. The Chamber. Now, more than ever. Your W-K Chamber of Commerce is the perfect place to launch your journey or to give your trip a boost! NOW is the time, more than any other, to join The Chamber, to get involved and to invite friends and colleagues to join you in The Chamber. The enthusiasm of the 75 people at our Speed Networking event with our friends from the Grandville-Jenison, Hudsonville and Lowell Chambers captured it all! I promise you, as Business Community Leaders in the area, by sticking together and keeping each other encouraged, we’re working wonders as a Chamber and building our businesses to new and better heights! Feel like a Winner again! • Join The Chamber • Get Active in The Chamber • Invite a Colleague to Join You in The Chamber

And that’s my Opinion by John!

Get Ready to SWING into Summer Networking Our 29th Annual South Kent Swing Golf Outing will be on Friday, June 12th at The Pines Golf Course.

Registration begins at 10 am with an 11 am shotgun start. The day includes use of the driving range and putting green, 18 holes of golf, cart, refreshments on the course, a box lunch and dinner at the end of the day for only $85 per golfer. NO REFUNDS after June 5, 2009.

Located at 5050 Byron Center SE in Wyoming. The Pines has been a Member since 1994.

Sponsorships still Available: Packages can include advertising: on the course, carts, volunteer shirts and in the program. Some packages also include a marketing booth on the course, golng spots and website advertising. Prices range from $100 to $1000. Contact [email protected] or call 616531-5990.

Attention Junior Golfers! The Kent Optimist Club invites Junior Golfers ages 12-18 to join us for our local qualifying tourney for the Optimist International Junior Golf Championship on June 15 at Thornapple Pointe Golf Club. Registration form and details available at www.grandrapidskentoptimists.org or call Harry at 616.475.1167

The Grand Rapids Champter of SCORE can provide the tools and knowledge you need to start or improve your business. Contact SCORE for more information on free counselling opportunities and low cost workshops. A SCORE Representative, Ernie Birge is available to meet with you by appointment. Contact him at 616-771-0305 or log on to www.scoregr.org for more information.

Golf Prize Alert!

Put your business in the spotlight when you donate a prize or prizes for our 29th Annual South Kent Swing Golfers. We love the big stuff but we need items for the Golfers' Goody Bags too! Some suggestions include, but are not limited to, electronics, gift certicates or cards, gift baskets, golf accessories, golf balls and tees, sunscreen and bug repellant. Contact [email protected] to make a contribution. We'll acknowledge your business in the golfers' programs and at the Awards Banquet at the end of the day.

Contact [email protected] or drop off prize donations before Wednesday, June 11 at 5pm.

Put the Power of Pizza working for your Business! Many WKACC Group Health Plans to choose from. For you and your employees. Contact [email protected] for plan pricing and work and residential eligibility requirements.

One flyer delivered with every pizza delivered by Domino’s Pizza during July and Aug! Wyoming-Grandville delivery area! Ad size 2” X 3 ¾”

Only $70, Two Spots For $125! Contact Jerry Fennell, 334-5150 [email protected]

MEMBER RECRUITING

Member Recruiting Meet Pat Pols - Owner of Re/Max Lifestyles and Chair of the 2009 Member Recruitment Committee Pat Pols is an Associate Broker and one of the owners of RE/ MAX Lifestyles. She works as a team with husband, John who is the Broker. John and Pat have both attended Chamber functions. Her daily activities at Re/Max Lifestyles include listing and selling properties, recruiting and mentoring agents, and ofce management. She has a BC in Accounting. Her business qualications include: • ABR, Accredited Buyers Representative • GRI, Graduate Realtor Institute • ASP, Accredited Staging Professional • Certied Mentor, Training, Mentoring for Agents In addition John and Pat have 4 children - 2 boys, 2 girls (3 are married) and 4 grandchildren - 2 boys and 2 girls.

Pat Pols, co-owner of Re/Max Lifestyles. Pat assures us she still has time for her hobbies and her interests including biking, walking, camping, reading, and traveling.

Pat's Chamber Activities include but are not limited to Chamber Ambassadors, Member Recruiting Committee (chair), and the After Hours Committee (a sub-committee of the Chamber Ambassadors). When we asked what her biggest need was, she responded "We're looking for new ideas! I would like to invite any of our members who can spare an hour in the morning on the rst Thursday of the month to join our committee." Add your ideas to the mix. The Member Recruiting Committee meets on the rst Thursday of each month at 8 am at the Chamber Ofce. New members of the group are welcome at any time. Come and help us grow the Chamber. Contact sue@southkent. org or call 616-531-5990 for more information or to rsvp for the meeting.

Several members made referrals during the months of April and May. The winner of a two night stay at Woodland Creek Apartments. will be announced at the June 3rd Fridays! Networking Luncheon. Stay tuned for our next BiMonthly Recruiting Challenge. If your business would like to donate a prize to support member recruitment contact [email protected]. Ask her how providing a incentive prize can benet your business. It's easy to make a referral. Contact the Chamber at 616531-5990 or email sue@ southkent.org and share the name of the business, a contact name and phone number or email address. We'll make the contact. As soon as we activate your referrals membership, you'll receive $25.00 in Chamber Bucks Credit and have and entry in the next drawing.

!!! News Flash !!! Citadel Broadcasting to provide Members with great incentives! "Congratulations on being a part of the WyomingKentwood Area Chamber of Commerce, an organization dedicated to building the West Michigan economy and helping your grow your business. We look forward to working with you in the coming year." Kate Conley, Citadel West Michigan

New Members will receive broadcast and web advertising through Citadel Broadcasting, a package valued at $1500.00, with their new membership! Renewing Members will get recognition on the Citadel Website and a 10% discount on all advertising purchased on any Citadel Grand Rapids Radio Station. Some restrictions apply to both

of these offers. Please contact sue@southkent. org or julie@southkent. org for information on how to claim your incentive from Citadel Broadcasting. Don't delay, call us today!

The Chamber. Now, More Than Ever. Pass It On!

CHAMBERPARTNERS

The Alternative Board Offers Business Growth Advice WKACC Members at a discounted price that will help improve our members’ prots by helping reduce their expenses for items they need to run their business. A ChamberPartner must also provide the Chamber with another diverse source of non-dues revenue.

ChamberPartners can help you grow your business while saving money on necessary products and services. Your business can save money on products and services you need, support other members and provide a source of non-dues revenue for the Chamber every time you work with a ChamberPartner. (It's the best way we know to keep dues dollars low).

How Do I Become a ChamberPartner? The Committee looks for Members that provide services that benet

The Alternative Board TAB offers business owners peer advice, at a discounted rate, to empower you and your organization to achieve your business vision. 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 We are very pleased to be able money and work fewer hours. Contact Carol Crawford at 616301-8081 or email her at carol@ tabmichigan.com.

Member to Member Discount Programs You don't have to be a Chamber Partner to advertise your Member to Member Discounts. (This is not the same as Hot Deals). Member to Member Discounts are offered for as long as the business cares to run them for the low cost of only $25.00 per month. Your Member to Member Discount Package includes: • Advertising in My Business Advocate for the month(s) the discount applies. • A listing on the Chamber Website for the month(s) the discount applies. • An email blast announcing your

Working with a ChamberPartner is Good Business!

Being Active on a Chamber Committee is Good Business!

offer at the beginning of each month the discount applies. • Contact [email protected] to list your M2M offer in My Business Advocate and on the Chamber Website for only $25.00 per month. For info on Hot Deals, log on to www.southkent.org or contact the Chamber Ofce.

Plan to join us after your lunchtime networking. The Committee meets on the 3rd Friday each month immediately following the 3rd Fridays! Luncheon at the same location. If you would like to help develop programs that increase Membership Value, Chamber Non-dues Revenue and Membership Numbers this committee welcomes your input. For a list of participants in the ChamberPartner Program, information on becoming a Chamber Partner or to join the committee contact [email protected]. or call 616-531-5990.

Eagle Administrators offers a fully insured limited benet (mini-medical) group health insurance plan for both full-time and part-time employees typically unable to access group health coverage due to cost and/or eligibility. The plans offer quality coverage on a guaranteed-issue basis and are affordable enough for virtually any employee. Plans can be set-up on a 100% voluntary basis, costing the employer nothing! Supplemental Vision and Dental plans are also available. Contact Jason Russell, Broker Director at jason@eagleadministrators. com. More info at www. eagleadministrators.com.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Sun

June 2009

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Staff Meetings on the Thursday before 3rd Fridays! and on all other Fridays at 10am

1

Noon Gov Matters at the Chamber 4p Education Comm @ Celebration Cinema South

2

3

7

8

9

10

11

14

15

16

17

7:30a 18 1911:30a-1p CEO Exchange,

21

8a Gov Matters at Kentwood City Hall

22

4p Ambassadors

11 a Santa Parade Committee

23

8:15a Chamber Foundation

8a Activation & Retention 10a, Finance 11:30a, Executive Committee

24

4

Fri

8a Recruiting Committee

11:30a 25 Board of Directors Meeting 4p 3rd Fridays! Planning Committee

28

29

30

www.edwardjones.com

Member SPIC

5

6

12

13

8a PAC 11a Shotgun Start South Kent Swing Golf Outing at The Pines

9a Business Growth

Sat

3rd Fridays! Craig's Cruisers (Recession Buster Price only $12.00!) 1p Chamber Partners

26

20

27

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

July 2009 Sun

Mon

Tue 1

Staff Meetings on the Thursday before 3rd Fridays! and on all other Fridays at 10am

5

Wed

Noon 6Gov Matters at

7

8:15a Chamber Foundation

2

Thu

Fri

8a Recruiting Committee 4 pm Chamber

3 Independence

4

10South8aKent

11

9

4p Ambassadors

8

13

19

20

8a Gov Matters at Wyoming City Hall

14

15

16

17

18

22

11:30a 23 Board of

24

25

21Santa11a Parade

8a Activation & Retention 10a, Finance 11:30a, Executive Committee

Committee

26

27

28

Independence Day Holiday

PAC 9-11 a S.C.O.R.E. (by appt)

the Chamber 4p Education Comm @ Celebration Cinema South

12

Day Holiday Observed Chamber Office Closed

Sat

7:30a CEO Exchange, 9a Business Growth

11:30a-1p 3rd Fridays! Networking Location TBD 1p Chamber Partners

Directors Meeting 4p 3rd Fridays! Planning Committee

29

30

31

Plexicase, Inc. Acrylic Fabrication - Display Fixture Design CNC Machining - Screen Printing PH 616-246-6400 2431 Clyde Park SW Fax 616-246-6404 Wyoming MI 49509 www.plexicase.com e-mail: [email protected]

INFORMATION FOR BUSINESS

The Real Estate Corner $8000 Tax Credit for New Homebuyers by Don Feikema Real Estate 360 LLC 3790 28th St SW Grandville, MI 49418 616-745-2356 [email protected]

There has been a lot of news coverage on the $8000 tax credit for new homebuyers, and that includes someone who has not owned a home in three years. The tax credit is good for homes $80,000 and above, and would be 10 percent of the value below $80,000—i.e. $70,000--$7000 tax credit.

Currently, the homeowner cannot use this as a down payment, but can have their tax return amended to receive the funds, or wait until they le their 2009 tax return. The government does not have the entities in place (as of this writing) to put the current “promise” of being able to use the funds from the tax credit as a down payment. The deadline for the $8000 tax credit is 12/1/2009. You qualify if your modied adjusted gross income is $75,000 or less for an individual, and $150,000 and under for married couples. There is a percentage of the tax credit available up to $95,000 for an

individual, and up to $170,000 for married couples. Restrictions include not purchasing a home from a spouse, parent, grandparent, child, or grandchild. The home must be your primary residence for 36 months after the purchase date, or the taxpayer is required to repay the tax credit. The mortgage payments, however, can be paid by someone else. I believe land contracts may be available too, but check with your CPA to make sure. Contact a Chamber Member loan ofcer or real estate professional if you have further questions.

eTool Developers - Ofcial Website Sponsor of the Metro Cruise eTool Developers is an internet marketing and hosting company focusing on the automotive aftermarket industry which includes manufacturers, warehouse distributors and retailers.

match parts to specic vehicles and custom interfaces unique to the individual companies. eTool developed web sites come with easy-to-use content management and ecommerce capabilities.

While the current focus is primarily in this industry sector, the eTool team has also worked extensively with local and national businesses in other industries such as nonprots, medical, conference, online retail and many others.

Luanne Brown is the owner and founder of eTool Developers, celebrating its eighth year last December. The eTool Developers team is managed by Deign Hughes. Denise Hughes works in sales and marketing. Luanne worked with this team for several years before ofcially hiring them in October, 2008.

The eTool eCMP platform allows our clients to manage their web site content and data in a web environment. eTools has created online catalogs, applications to

The ofce is located at 6095 28th Street SE in Cascade.

Denise Hughes currently volunteers at the chamber as Public Relations chair for the 28th Street Metro Cruise. eTool Developers is developing and hosting the 28th Street Metro Cruise® web site as well. The site can be found at www. metrocruise.org. Check it out and if you like what you see, give them a call. If you are looking for a professional team to help you with your internet marketing needs or for more information, please contact eTool Developers at 616-451-2335 or email Denise Hughes at denise@ etooldevelopers.com.

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 B&W 4 Color 1X $ 40 $ 75 3X $ 108 $ 213 6X $ 192 $ 402

Quarter Page Ad B&W 4 Color $ 55 $ 90 $ 147 $ 252 $ 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]

AMBASSADORS COMMITTEE

Ambassadors Corner June 2009 by Amy Pierce, Express Employment Professionals Ambassadors Corner The results are in…The 1st Annual Grub Crawl was a success!!! The Ambassador’s are pleased that our 1st effort at planning a Grub Crawl went off with very few hitches. Nearly 350 tickets were sold, 11 restaurants participated, lots of food was consumed, and many drinks were poured. The event certainly exceeded our expectations for being an inaugural event and being a new event to the area. A committee will be forming again to explore the options and to being planned the 2nd Grub Crawl. The Ambassadors would like to thank the following businesses that donated to the Business Expo Balloon Explosion on April 18th: • Marge’s Donut Den • Celebration Cinema • Brann’s Steakhouse • Healthy Smile • Bestway Cleaning (AND THESE AMBASSADOR AFFILIATED BUSINESSES:) • Chris’s Therapeutic Touch • Empress Employment Professionals • Macatawa Bank • Cambridge Partners • Mercantile Bank • Hilton • ReMax • Grand Rapids Press • Crosby & Henry • GNetworks • Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce

Remember to tell them "I saw it in the Advocate!"

Who are your Ambassadors? Vickey Argo, Doug Bredberg, Lisa Calhoun, Bob Carpenter, Carolyn Foote, Jim Gilbert, Marcie Goldberg, Maurice Groce, Chris Gross, Buz Helwig, Brent Holland, Judi Holland, Casey Jankoska, Dennis Kavanagh, Katie Kober, Amanda Lewis, Danna Mathiesen, Shawna Myers, Amy Pierce, Pat Pols, Jason Russell, Matt Uhl, Rob Wells, Julie Janes-Brown

Business Leadership Network Crosby & Henry Hilton GR Airport Complete Source Macatawa Bank Creative Benet Systems Flagstar Ban Mercantile Bank Chris’ Therapeutic Touch The Grand Rapids Press Chameleon Ltd Chameleon Ltd Express Employment Professionals Central Payment Corp Holiday Inn Select gNetworks Mercantile Bank Cambridge Partners Express Employment Professionals Re/Max Lifestyles Eagle Administrators & Mapes Insurance National City AXA Advisors Chamber Staff

Road Construction Information Avalable The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has provided WKACC a supply of maps detailing the road repair projects going on in Kent County this summer. 2009 Paving The Way Road Repair Projects is available at the Chamber Ofce in limited quantities. Contact sue@ southkent.org or stop in. Larger supplies for distrubution to employees, customers and clients, can be ordered at www.michigan. gov/drive. An online version of the map is also available on the same website.

28TH STREET METRO CRUISE

The Cruise Corner Ladies and Gentleman "Start Your Engines..." Only 100 days until the largest spectator event in West Michigan, the 5th Annual 28th Street Metro Cruise®. The Cruise Corner wants to thank all the Chamber Members who have shown interest in becoming involved with this year's Cruise. We'd especially like to thank the Members of the Chamber Education Committee, the Chamber Ambassadors and all the new members that have expressed an interest in getting involved. Thanks to all of you and now the work really begins. Here is a partial list of the local merchants that have become 2009 Metro Merchants • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Klingman's, a Designs for Living Company Southland Auto Wash Flagstar Bank Gordon Food Service Consumers Energy Marge's Donut Den Country Inn and Suites Eagle security Howard Johnson's Holly's Back Door Citadel Broadcasting Action Tire Your Business Could be Here!

Be a part of the 28th Street Metro Cruise®. Contact the Chamber at 616-531-5990 or email julie@ southkent.org for more information. Wanted! Volunteers to work at 2009 "Blues on the Mall" Metro Cruise® Booth during the summer. Please call the Chamber Ofce to volunteer some of your time one night a week or just one night.

Be a Metro Merchant!

Cost to participate as a Metro Merchant depends on your membership status and business location. •

Your Business Name: • will be posted on the 28th Street Metro Cruise® Website • will be posted in the Metro Merchant Directory including your coupons and/or discounts • will be listed in the Day of Event Program • will receive two 4X4 static cling Metro Merchant window decals an invitation to attend a Seminar entitled "Marketing My Business" at one of three locations.

• •

$100.00 - Chamber Members and Not-Yet-Members located in the DDA District. $250.00 - All other Chamber Members $375.00 - All other Not-Yet Members

Don't miss these opportunities to get your business name in front of more than 300,000 people during the largest Car Event in West Michigan. Be a part of the 28th Street Metro Cruise®. Contact the Chamber at 616-531-5990 or email [email protected] for more information.

Ofcial Metro Cruise Website Sponsor

Denise Hughes Phone (616) 451-2335 fax (616) 454-1250 6095 28th St SE, Ste 6, Grand Rapids MI 49546 Corp: 101 Washington St, Grand Haven, MI 49417 www/etooldevelopers.com email: [email protected] Citadel dropped the Green Flag... on radio advertising on Memorial Day 2009. Tune in today!

Event Radio Partner Local Broadcasting from Citadel Broadcasting include programming from WLAV-FM 97 Classic Rock, HOT FM 105.3, WBBL Sports Radio, 1340 AM, Thunder Radio 94.5 FM and WKLQ at 107.3 FM. Additional Citadel Stations broadcast from Muskegon, Lansing, Flint, Detroit and Saginaw.

PUT YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO WORK

The iTis Group Offers Valuable Tips

MEMBER NEWS AND NOTES Renewing Members • • • • • • • • • •

AXIOS, Inc Holy Name of Jesus Elementary School Kentwood Plumbing & Heating Mini Storage Depot Ramada Plaza Hotel Springrove Variety Timber Ridge Apartments Vanderveen's Dutch Store West Michigan Business Group Renew on Time for Bonus Benets from Citadel Broadcasting!

Member Milestones Businesses listed on this page are marking a Member Milestone. Please take the time to welcome new members and congratulate renewing members, especially those celebrating an anniversary, on their continuing support of YOUR Chamber of Commerce. For more information on any of these members log on to www.southkent.org and click on information request or call 616-531-5990 for more details.

Welcome New Members AFLAC- John Rice, 616-2616200 Ext 32 Cartridge Depot - Mark Schabacker, (616) 818-5555 EdwardJones Investments - Ryan Ten Have, (616) 9400933

Who do You Know?

Member Spotlight Your Board Executives meet monthly and select the Volunteer and Committee of the Month to spotlight outstanding volunteer effort and results on behalf of your Chamber.

Friday, June 19 11:30 am to 1 pm. Our last Luncheon at Craigs Cruisers in 2009. We more to a new location and regular pricing in July. "Special Ination Buster Pricing": Members pay only $12 with early registration. Notyet-members and late registration is still only $21.00 Showcase tables are available in June while they last. Reserve yours today for only $35.00. Contact sue@ southkent.org for more information or download the application at www. southkent.org.

May Volunteer of the Month

May Committee of the Month

Congratulations to Shawna Myers from Woodland Creek Apartments on being named Volunteer of the Month in May. Shawna is a Chamber Ambassador and worked hard on the rst South Kent Grub Crawl. Shawna made outstanding contacts and successfully submitted an impressive number of sponsorships. Her contribution to the nal success of this event was very much appreciated by the Committee, and the Staff, Board and Members of WKACC. Thank you Shawna!

The Committee of the Month is a subcommittee of the Chamber Ambassadors. The South Kent Grub Crawl Committee took a brand new idea and ran, and we mean ran, with it. Our congratulations to the following Chamber Members for their outstanding contribution to an outstanding event: • Vickey Argo, Business Leadership Network • Judi Holland and Brent Holland, Chameleon Ltd. • Bob Carpenter, Complete Source • Jason Russell, Mapes Insurance and Eagle Administrators • Amy Pierce, Express Employment Professionals • Amanda Lewis, gNetworks/ Framework Sites • Katie Kober, Holiday Inn Grand Rapids • Danna Mathiesen, Mercantile Bank • Shawna Myers, Woodland Creek Apartments (Cambridge Partners) • John Crawford and Julie JanesBrown, Staff This committee plans to do it again in the Fall in Wyoming!

Boost Your Brand Recognition There are a multitude of ways to advertise and market your business through your Chamber Membership.

Consider an event sponsorship. It's not a donation or a gift to the Chamber but a comprehensive marketing package for your business. Sponsorship include marketing packages to enhance your brand. Those can include newsletter advertising, website advertising, signage, program advertising and much more. Sponsorship levels vary by event so there is something for every business budget.

Take charge and boost your brand. Put your logo and company name everywhere you can. In this economy, you have to let them know you're out there, you're doing business and you are going to thrive, not just survive. Let WKACC help you spread the word and support Chamber programs at the same time. Consider sponsoring an event. Contact anyone at the Chamber by calling 616-531-5990 and we'll be happy to talk to you about what you need to build your business.