Wkacc Newsletter November 09

November 2009 Volume 29, Issue 11

My Business Advocate Building Better Communities by Building Better Businesses

Noto's Site of 29th Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner

Plan to join us on Friday evening, January 22, 2010 as we gather at Noto's Old World Italian Dining located at 6600 28th St SE in Cascade for our 29th Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner.

Jamie and Bret VanderKolk, attornies from VanderKolk & VanderKolk, PLC (left) and Sue and Tommy Brann (right) from Brann's Steakhouse & Grille, took the opportunity, before the evening began, to chat with State Representative Kevin Green, R-77th District, (center) at the 28th Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner.

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.

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 a 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. Join us for a very special night, some great food, powerful

Coming Events Government Matters @ Chamber Office Finance and Executive Board Orientation Breakfast Chamber After Hours - Ramada Plaza 3rd Fridays! @ Hilton GR Airport Hotel Board of Directors Santa Parade Finance and Executive Board Board of Directors Annual Meeting and Silent Auction Calendars on Pages 6 & 7

11/2 11/18 11/19 11/12 11/20 11/24 12/5 12/9 12/17 1/22/10

networking and an all around fun event you'll remember for a long time. The evening is blacktie optional, business formal attire. Watch for your invitation in the mail in early January and send in your RSVP right away. Don't forget to make reservations for your guests at the same time. Unlike many things lately, the cost to attend the Annual Meeting remains $45 per person with your reservation before January 15. Reservations are only $65 from January 16. Cost at the door will be $85. Many sponsorships include reservations for dinner. Get the details and register on line at www.southkent.org or email [email protected] for assistance.

2010 Silent Auction Seeks Donations

Donations are now being accepted at the Chamber Office. 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. Take the opportunity to remind those attending the Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner that you're a members. All donating businesses will be mentioned during the Awards Dinner, from the podium.

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 November 2009 By John J. Crawford, Jr. President & CEO

Defending Free Enterprise It is a sad commentary when the U.S. Chamber of Commerce announced this month that it was spending $25 Million on an advertising campaign extolling the virtues of Free Enterprise. Wow! Back in the 1992 Presidential campaign Arkansas Governor Bill Clinton energized his campaign team and kept them on message with his slogan “It’s the Economy, Stupid!” The slogan was correct and Clinton went on to an impressive victory over incumbent President Bush (41). Although it has taken enormous hits in the last few years, I will always be a defender of Capitalism and the Free Enterprise system. There is no question that it has worked to elevate the living conditions of masses of people everywhere that it has been tried far better than any other system ever devised. Has it done so perfectly? No, because humans are involved. But its records of achievement are still far superior to every other system tried. Economic Liberty We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. Our nation was born on this foundational concept, despite efforts over the last 40 years to re-write history. It is functionally impossible to have Liberty without having Economic Liberty. Just ask those around you who live with personal debt how much Liberty they really feel. Business entities are merely the devices used by We the People to organize our efforts for the greater good and to achieve some Economic Liberty for ourselves. Free Enterprise allows anyone a shot at becoming a millionaire - or a “hundred-thousandaire” – or simply the chance to leave their kids with something more than they had. When the rules are followed, Free Enterprise cannot create millionaires without creating dozens of hundredthousandiares and often, other millionaires! Ray Kroc, for example, had created 15 millionaires in his McDonalds system in his first 7 years before he even took a steady paycheck The U.S. is experimenting with wealth redistribution and socialist programs right now. Let’s not ever forget, though, the Free Enterprise system and work to restore it.. This

Chamber needs to remain proud of defending Free Enterprise and every business man and woman putting it all on the line to make it work. It is the rising tide that will lift all boats. At least, that’s my Opinion by John. A tip of the Hat to Blair and Crew - Blair Entenmann of MarketingHelp! – you and your Business Connections Expo team did a super job on last month’s Expo! Congratulations!

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. The Chamber Executive Committee and past award winners 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. Although it is encouraged and will likely be used as a tie breaker, Cham-

ber Membership is not a requirement 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.

Award Nomination Criteria.

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

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].

High School Contest Held to Benefit Business 'n Books 2010 Kathey Batey, owner of Spirited Presentations has just announced the name of the area high school senior that will be illustrating the next book she will be publishing for the 2010 Business ‘n Books Program in March. Danny Jimenez from Wyoming's Rogers High School entered the contest with a drawing based on a character from the storyline that was provided to the students by the author. In addition to the drawing, Senior Students had to have endorsements from their principal and an instructor to qualify for the contest. The new book is “I Can Eat Fuzzy Caterpillars...But I Don’t!”, Batey told the Education Committee at a recent planning meeting. “With childhood obesity being a challenge for our community and our state, I wanted a story that was relevant and fun for 2nd graders to help them stop and think about what they put in their mouths.” Eleven entries were submitted to

our panel of judges. Danny received March to read to a class. the nod to do the book. Check the Chamber Calendar for dates soon to be posted Two of the runner-up entries will The Education Committee is also receive honorable mention and a working on an area wide K-12 $25 gift card courtesy of Kathey Career Fair in April in cooperation Batey. Minji Kwak and Megan with Kentwood Community Schools. Sinderson of East Kentwood High Watch the “Advocate” and www. School. southkent.org for details as they develop. All the judges were very impressed by the level of talent displayed by all of the senior students who entered,” stated Batey. Batey, author of both children’s books and motivational books for businesses and everyday living, has authored three other children’s books used in the Business ‘n Books Program. They include Exaggeration Aggravation, Math is Everywhere and Where Eagles Fly. Volunteer Chamber Members visited more than 65 second grade classrooms in 2009 and the Education Committee hopes to improve on that number in 2010. Plan to volunteer 30 minutes in

Stephanie Leonardos, President of Amerikam,volunteered some time to read to a second graders at Holy Name of Jesus School during a previous Business 'n Books Event.

Don't Forget!

Marketing incentives available from Citadel Broadcasting to all new and renewing Members:

Saturday, December 5, 10 am on S. Division 33rd St to St. Dominic's at Bellevue St. Now accepting applications for participants and sponsors. Contact [email protected] today!

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. 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.

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 revenue to the Chamber for every member that uses their services in addition to special rates to the member-customer. Members are carefully screened to

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)

insure you are 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



1

Daylight Savings Time Ends Fall Back 1 Hour

Mon Noon 2Gov Matters at the Chamber 4pm Education Comm @ Celebration South

November 2009 Tue

Wed

11 a 3 Santa Parade Committee 4p Ambassadors @Main Street Pub

4

8:15a Chamber Foundation

Thu

5

6

8a Recruiting Committee

Fri

Sat 7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20 11:30a-1p

21

22

23

24

25

26

29

30

8a Gov Matters at Kentwood City Hall

11 a Santa Parade Committee

11 a Santa Parade Committee

10a Bus Connections 11 a Santa Parade Committee 11:30a Board of Directors

9a Bus Growth 5-7 pm Chamber After Hours

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

10 a 3rd Fri! Comm

7:30 a Orientation Breakfast 7:30a CEO Exchange

8a PAC 9-11a SCORE by appt.

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

Happy 27 Thanksgiving! Office closed Thursday and open by appt Friday

28

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

Promote Your Brand at 3rd Fridays!

!!! FREE !!!

Attendance not required.

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

We Need bags with YOUR COMPANY LOGO AND / OR NAME We'll use them to package handouts at 3rd Fridays! Luncheons each month. Our members are leaving each month with armloads of info and business cards. Make it easier to get everything back to the office with your donation of logo'd plastic or paper bags. No limit or minimum number. We'll take 1 or 100. Let them know who you are!

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Sun

December 2009

Mon



Tue

1

Wed

11 a Santa Parade Committee 4p Ambassadors @ Main Street Pub

2

4

8a Recruiting Committee

12

16

17

18 11:30a-1p

19

23

24

25

26

9

13

14

15

20

21

22

10a, Finance 11:30a, Executive Committee

8a Activation & Retention

9a Business Growth

8a PAC 9-11a SCORE by appt.

7:30a CEO Exchange

10 a 3rd Fri! Comm

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

Office open by appt after 12 p

28

29

5

11

8

27

Sat

10

7

8a Gov Matters at Kentwood City Hall

3

Fri

10 a Santa Parade

6

Noon 8a Gov GovMatters Matters at at the Chamber Kentwood City Hall 4pm Education Comm @ Celebration

8:15a Chamber Foundation

Thu

30

31

MERRY CHRISTMAS Chamber Office Closed Staff Meetings on the Thursday before 3rd Fridays! and on all other Fridays at 10am

Tell Them You Saw It

IF YOU'RE NOT AT YOUR LAST JOB, YOUR 401(K) SHOULDN'T BE EITHER.

Advertised In

To see why it makes sense to roll your 401(k) to Edward Jones, call today. S.A. (Skip) Knapp III

The Advocate

Financial Advisor

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

www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC

Orientation Breakfast Not Just for New Members There is no cost to attend our next Orientation Breakfast on Thursday, November 19th from 7:30 to 9:00 am at Brann's Steakhouse & Grille located at 4157 S. Division in Wyoming. Chamber Members and potential members, interested in finding out more about the benefits of Chamber Membership or that may have questions they'd love the chance to ask. are the target for the last Orientation Breakfast in 2009. This is the meeting that can help your business get involved and get more benefit for your chamber dues dollars.

Our host will be Chamber Board Member, Tommy Brann at Brann's Steakhouse and Grille. Now, you may not think of breakfast when you think of Brann's but believe us when we say, Brann's knows breakfast like they know Sizzlers! We'll have Staff, Board Members and Ambassadors on hand to answer questions. You'll get lots of information on Chamber programs and benefits that can help you grow your bottom line, networking with fresh faces, all the fresh hot coffee you can drink and a delicious breakfast at absolutely no cost. Sometimes its worth waking up a little bit early!

future 3rd Fridays! Networking Luncheon or Chamber After Hours Event to two lucky attendees. To register log on to www. southkent.org or email sue@ southkent.org. Invite your potential member referrals to attend as your guest. There is no better way to give them information about the benefits of membership. Space is limited so register early.

There is still one $70 sponsorship available for this event. Proceeds will be used to provide a free showcase opportunity at a

Reading Challenges? “Engage Their Brains” Specialized Language Development Center (SLD) Offers a Free Workshop for Educators, Parents, Grandparents and Struggling Readers....do you know how the brain processes language? SLD Center is offering a workshop titled “Engage Their Brains!”©. This two-hour session will cover the topic of brain based education, neuroplasticity and why reading is not a natural act for the brain. It is a concise, timed process involving many areas of the brain. In order to be an effective, efficient reader, this process needs to be automatic. Reading problems can occur when there is a miscommunication or misfire in the brain. Research indicates that incorporating a multisensory approach into any learning environment helps ensure success for students by teaching to their preferred modality. We share ideas and inexpensive materials to use in your classroom or at home! The brain loses attention to a single task after 15-20 minutes. Engage their Brains by using multi-sensory techniques. Date: Tuesday, November 10, 2009 Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm Location: Kent Intermediate School District Educational Service Center (Lot # 11) 2930 Knapp N.E. Grand Rapids, MI 49525 To register for this free workshop or for more information please contact SLD Center at (269) 345-2661 or visit www.sldcenter.org.

For You, Your Employees and Their Families! Different plans and different levels of coverage are available. Get the benefit of group rates whether you insure yourself, one or all of your employees. •

Another way to benefit from your Chamber Membership!

•

Enroll within 30 days of your new Chamber membership.

•

Open enrollment will begin in March 2010.

Contact [email protected] for plan pricing and work and residential eligibility requirements.

B.O.S.S. Series - Free Seminars "Taking Your Business to the Next Level"

Carol Crawford from The Alternative Board has organized a group of Chamber Member Businesses to provide a series of seminars for business owners and decision makers that will help you guide your business with more confidence and less stress. The seminars will be held at The Campbell Group Building, 5664 Prairie Creek Dr. near M-6 and M37.

November 4 - 7:45 - 11:30 am:

Public Relations for Small Business presented by Jason Johnson, MicroVisions, Inc. and Lynne Jarman Johnson of JarmanJohnson Communications, LLC.

December 2, 7:45 - 11:30 am:

How To Capture More Market Share In a Challenging Economy! Uncommon Sense Sales Processes presented by 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," and

Introduction to Social Media/

Carol Crawford of The Alternative Board. January 13, 7:45 - 11:30 am: Michigan's Economy/Business Outlook presented by Carole Valade, Editor - Grand Rapids Business Journal and John Crawford, President - WyomingKentwood Area Chamber of Commerce.

CEO's, Presidents and Business Owners can attend this entire series absolutely free. Register at www.tabmichigan.com or Call 616975-0125.

Metro Guide Advertising Opportunities Open

Cast Away to the Islands! Thursday, November 12, 2009 from 5pm - 7 pm it's absolutely- FREE!-

to attend. Showcase tables are available for only $35. [email protected]. Our last no-cost Chamber After Hours in 2009 will be at the Ramada Plaza Hotel located at 3333 28th St SE at E. Beltline in Kentwood. Complimentary appetizers and a cash bar will be available. Door Prizes: Four overnight stays for 2 at Ramada Plaza Hotel and the Grand Prize is an Overnight stay courtesy of Ramada Plaza, $50 Gift Certificate for Dinner for Two courtesy of Noto's Fine Italian Dining and two movie tickets courtesy of Celebration Cinema. And don't forget the 50/50 cash drawing. You must be present to win! Bring a guest or two!

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. 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.

7 Relationships All Leaders Need (And How to Build Them) Advice from Express Employment Professionals, reprinted with permission. Contact Casey Jankoska at 616-281-0611 or email [email protected] for more information.

As a business leader, relationships are critical to your current and future success. But, what sort of people should you surround yourself with? Here are seven people every leader needs in their life and ways you can start (or continue) building these relationships today. 1. The Peer Climber - A peer in the same career path, organizational level, field, or industry. This person can help you understand current trends and demands in your business world. They’ll offer insight, ideas, and help when you need to talk to someone who just gets it. Spend time together outside of work to cultivate this relationship. Join a professional organization together, or set up regular lunch meetings with this individual. Consider having a peer-to-peer business book club together so you can share insights and issues as they come up. 2. The Trendsetter - This lifelong learner is always on top of the trends. They are always ahead of the curve with innovative thinking and solutions in business and life. They’re not waiting to see what everyone else is doing. They’re too busy forging ahead and trailblazing

what’s next. With today’s pressures of tighter budgets, limited personnel, and critical business goals, you need someone in your life to help you keep your eyes open to fresh and interesting ideas. They can help you keep up to date on trends that matter and point you to the people and resources you’ll need when it’s time to move beyond the status quo. The trendsetter will appreciate ideas and information, so ask them to share interesting articles they come across, and return the favor by opening up your resources and professional knowledge to them. Register to attend a conference or convention on an emerging trend with this individual to bond over a learning experience. 3. The Experienced Executive - More seasoned in the business world than you are, they broker influence and garner respect within your industry and community, whether or not they have an executive title. Their insight and been-theredone-that knowledge will be a vital resource as you address the continual challenges leadership

brings. No matter where you are in your career, they are always someone you can learn from. With a busy, seasoned professional, the main challenge to building a relationship will most likely be time. So, be direct and honest with this individual, letting them know you’d like them to serve as a mentor. Then, create a formal or informal time to meet so you can regularly learn from the experience they have to share, and find ways to lead up to make their time investment truly valuable. 4. The Honest Anchor - This person ties you to reality and tells you things like they are. They may or may not be a member of your organization, industry, or even the work world. Regardless, they have the ability to listen first and then cut through the drama, politics, or emotion to help give you perspective to see any situation for what it really is. Their discernment and honesty will help you see the perspective of others, which you will need as you make the difficult decisions leadership requires. Don’t just go to this person when you have a problem. Spend time getting to (Continued on page 12)

Annual Pass Saves Money on Networking at 3rd Fridays! Luncheon Can't always make the luncheon? The pass is issued in your company name and may be used by anyone employed by your company.

Members taking advantage of the monthly networking opportunities at our 3rd Fridays! Luncheon know it is the best 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 is a 25% savings from the monthly early registration charge for lunch and it guarantees your automatic reservations at the

next 12 consecutive 3rd Fridays Luncheons. All you'll need to do is contact us if you can't attend. No need to call ahead or trying to remember to register on line every month to beat the early registration deadline.

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.

October Volunteer of the Month

Congratulations to Carolyn Foote from Macatawa Bank on being named Volunteer of the Month. Carolyn is a Chamber Ambassador and is chairing the 29th Annual Meeting and Silent Auction Committee. Meetings are underway and the planning has begun for the January 22, 2010 Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner at Noto's Fine Italian Dining, and we look forward to a very special night. Thank you for chairing this committee Carolyn.

October Committee of the Month

Our Business Growth Committee receives the nod this month from the Executive Board. Special recognition goes to Blair Entenmann from MarketingHelp! and Amanda Lewis from gNetworks for their hard work on the South Kent Business Connections Event held in October. The Business Connections Event was planned by a hard working sub-committee of the Business Growth Committee Volunteers. The amount of planning and legwork involved in this event was truly amazing and this hardworking sub-committee was well up to the task. Our gratitude goes out to these dedicated volunteers. Committee Members include: • Rick Chrisman - Division Director • Amanda Lewis - gNetworks, • Blair Entenmann MarketingHelp!, • Dennis Kavanagh - Central Payment Corp., • Ella Nyanor - Lake Michigan Credit Union, • Susan Sasek - Tony's Tunes Entertainment Services

Renewing Members • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

ACI Parts Warehousing Apparitions Comics & Books B C Hunter Engineering, Inc Central Payment Corp Century 21 Acc-Sell Church of the Open Door Contractors Steel Company Corey, Murphy & Harbor, PC Craig’s Cruisers Franklin Press Gen Med Corporation Grand Rapids Gravel Co Grand Rapids Rubber Hope Network

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Lake to Lake Bed & Breakfast Association Lee’s Varieties Marge’s Donut Den Modern RV Center National City Bank Pamela Steward Home Day Care Patrick S. Bell & Associates Purity Cylinder Gases Roeder & Co, Inc Rogers Plaza Town Center The Campbell Group The Granger Group Timeless Hair Studio Yellow Book

Welcome New Members

American Diabetes Association - Norine Mulvihill, (616) 458-9341 ext 6717

Health Motion Physical Therapy - Andrew Krietemyer. (616) 554-0918

CFO Solutions, LLC - Ed Corlett, (616) 308-4998

Holiday Inn - Grand Rapids Airport - Katie Kober (welcome back Katie!), (616) 285-7600

Flexchecks, Inc - Diane Pelak, (616) 791-7900 Grand Office Supply - Pete Cortese, (616) 534-8400

Infusion Communications Group - Marnie Johnson, (616) 308-4446

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.

Member Referral Challenge Ends November 30 In August, the WKACC Board of Directors challenged membership to successfully refer a total of 25 new members for Chamber Membership by the end of November 2009. We're nearly there. Staff has been following up on your recommendations and we're nearly at 25 successful new memberships as a result.

Who do you know that should be a member? Talk to your vendors, your business customers and your business neighbors. They'll thank you for introducing them to the benefits of membership and you'll earn $25 in Chamber Bucks and help us make our goal by the end of the month. Contact sue@ southkent.org and we'll follow up.

7 Relationships All Leaders Need (And How to Build Them) (Continued from page 10) know them so you can develop a close, trusting bond. True honesty only stems from a close relationship of mutual respect, so focus on ways you can build that valuable asset. 5. The Up-And-Comer - An emerging professional with leadership potential who is eager to learn and ready to take on the challenges and rewards of leadership. Surrounding yourself only with people at your level or above can quickly get you out of sync with the realities of those you lead. The passion and drive of an outstanding new professional can energize you and help you stay in tune with the trends and needs of your workforce. Plus, investing time into mentoring someone less experienced than you is one of the greatest rewards of true leadership. Whether you develop a formal or informal mentoring relationship, make it a point to meet regularly just to chat and

share information and insight. You may find yourself learning just as much as you are teaching. 6. The Community Connection - The go-to guy or gal in your community, this person is involved, connected, and respected in your local market. More than simply a walking, talking Rolodex, they will be able to keep you up to date about community activities you should be involved in as a leader. They’ll have a good idea of what boards you should serve on, what projects to volunteer for, and what people you should get to know locally. This person will probably be very visible within the community, but they might be very busy as well. To become more than simply one of many acquaintances, develop a close relationship by finding a common passion and volunteer with this person to help an important cause or organization. Go beyond surface-level networking and build a friendship that adds value to both of your lives.

7. The Breath of Fresh Air Someone outside of your normal business pace. They may be retired, stay at home with children or family, or be a digital nomad and write their own rules for work. The different pace of life they lead will help you get a fresh look at the world away from work. They will help you set priorities for work and life that aren’t just focused on the here and now or the strategic business future. They’ll help you say “no” when you need to and help you prioritize for important things like family time, vacations, and leisure activities. Take an afternoon off every once in a while to experience life in their shoes during your normal workday. Read a book of fiction together, start a cooking club, or take your pets to the park. Spend time with this individual in a setting they’re comfortable in, and try to steer clear of business talk when they’re around. Then, use the inspiration you receive from them to approach work with fresh eyes. And remember that work’s not all there is to life.

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].