Wkacc Newsletter September 09

September 2009 Volume 29, Issue 9

My Business Advocate Building Better Communities by Building Better Businesses

Seven Things to Avoid to Improve Your Marketing Message Excerpted from the book, Mind Capture: How You Can Stand Out in The Age of Advertising Deficit Disorder (2008 - Morgan James Publishing). Reprinted with permission from the author, Tony Rubleski. Taken from A Mind Capture, the premier marketing, publicity, motivitational and sales newsletter for entrepreneurs, sales professionals and agents of positive change. Subscription information available at [email protected] or fax inquiry to 616-844-0814. Don't miss Tony's workshop on October 8, 2009. [email protected] for info.

1. Not using a headline. Think of the headline as an ad for your ad. Most people still miss this step and pay the price in wasted opportunities and few if any people noticing their ad or message. Enough said.

of dollars, a rich uncle, incredible patience, and your product or service is truly geared to the mass market (rare), this is an incredibly naive and dangerous answer to a very important question related to target marketing.

2. Not targeting the best prospects. I feel silly having to remind businesses of all shapes and sizes that this is vital to increase your chance of response or the number of people noticing your message. I have a trick marketing question I ask audiences that throws most of them. Who's your customer? Many times I hear the standard reply such as "Any business looking to..." or "Everyone's a possible candidate for what we offer." Newsflash: Unless you have millions

3. Not customizing the message. In the age of digital there's an amazing thing still occurring in offline marketing that most people never catch. The more presonalized or customized a message is to a prospect the higher the chance of it getting looked at by the target. This is something direct marketeering pros understand, but 99.9% of the market never really grasps. Dead giveaways that I often see are: • General salutations in marketing letter, versus specific matching names • Labels on mailings versus handwritten, personalized looking

Coming Events • • • • • • • • • • • •

Burgers 'n Brats Networking Social 9/17 3rd Fridays! 9/18 Metro South Multi Chamber After Hours Event 9/24 Metro South Multi Chamber T. Rubleski 10/8 Chamber After Hours 10/8 Board Elections-Ballot Deadline 10/15 3rd Fridays! 10/18 Legislative Luncheon 10/26 Orientation Breakfast 11/9 Chamber After Hours 11/12 Santa Parade 12/6 Annual Meeting and Silent Auction 1/29/2010 Calendars on Pages 4 & 5 Log on to www.southkent.org for details.

• •

•

correspondence Using meter mail versus a "live" stamp Using white envelopes like everyone else with poorly writtten teaser copy/or messages typed on the front of the envelope A toll-free reply number or general website address to direct leads and responses to call or send an email inquiry

4. Your logo is not a headline. Good grief. As I peruse through business magazines, newspapers, direct mail pieces, stacks of ad critiques or glance at billboards and other visual media I'm continually amazed at why companies are so hell bent on putting their logo on the top of their messages.I'm baffled as to (continued on page 10)

Referral Leads at Free Burgers 'n Brats Social

The Activation and Retention Committee invites you to an evening picnic at beautiful Pinery Park in Wyoming.

Mark your calendar for Thursday, September 17 from 5 to 7 pm and join us for some great burgers and brats and all of the side dishes to go with them. Pinery Park is located across from the Wyoming Senior Center near City Hall and the Justice Center on Michael in Wyoming. There will be businesses on hand showcasing their products and

services as well as members of the Board of Directors and representatives from your Chamber Ambassadors on hand to welcome you to the Chamber and to introduce you to others attending.

A $70 Sponsorship Package and a limited number of $35 Showcase tables are still available. Contact [email protected] to reserve your spot. There is no cost to attend but please pre-register so we have enough for everyone to eat. And most important of all, don't forget to bring lots of business cards!

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

5th Metro Cruise® a Big Success Special congratulations and thanks to all of the companies that sponsored this year’s 28th Street Metro Cruise®. Check them out at www.metrocruise.org – and tell them you appreciate their support! We sure do! The Cruise was organized by a group of dedicated volunteer Members as well as your Chamber Staff. We hosted well over 150,000 visitors to the area to see more than 7,000 awesome special interest cars. Businesses all over participated in record numbers. Every car you see at an event like this has an owner and a fascinating story behind it and the best part of the event is getting to know some of these people and hear their story. Special kudos goes to Chairman Rick Sturim of Steve’s Antique Auto Repair. Rick stepped in as Chair when Dan Van Dyke had to step down for health reasons. Rick was served capably by Charlie Steen as Vice-Chair and Car Owner Relations, Denise Hughes who professionally handled PR, Gregg Howard of Moving Solutions Group who handled the giant job of site management and logistics. A special member of the committee this year is Erin Bowen of Lenger Travel. Erin is a senior at GVSU and majoring in Hospitality & Event Planning and headed up Visitor Relations for the Cruise. Others who worked tirelessly too include Bob O’Callaghan and Christina Elsenbroek of Citadel Broadcasting (a tip of the hat to the entire Citadel team – a super bunch of professionals!), Lillian VanderVeen of Lenger Travel, Lt. Scott Gardner of the Wyoming PD, Laurie Hable of AT&T, Janna Falicki from WMU, Jerry Ducat from Grand Rapids First Church and Joel Iakiri from Huntington Bank . Our own Board Chairman, Todd Duncan of Consumers Energy, was awesome in his upbeat spirit, leadership and tireless efforts all week long! Bravo to the entire Metro Cruise® team! Everyone is tired, sore and happy this week following the vent. On average, the Cruise committee walked between 20 and 45 miles putting on this great event. Thanks to all of you! You did a Great Job! Metro South Chambers - Multi-Chamber Events The Chamber Board approved our ongoing relationship with our neighboring Chambers to co-promote a number of events in the coming months. Watch for details about the September 24 Metro South Chambers After Hours and other great business-building events coming up! And that’s my... Opinion by John

BUSINESS GROWTH

The Biggest and Best Networking Event of the Year – Oct 29th!

The Business Growth Committee is pleased to announce the SOUTH KENT BUSINESS CONNECTIONS Event on Thursday, October 29th from 11:30 pm to 7:00 pm at Applause Banquet Center on 28th Street. This event combines a Lunch ‘N Learn, a Business Expo, and a Membership Drive Reception -- all on one action packed afternoon.

NewsTalk Radio Advertising and Direct Mail to W-K Area businesses.

Sponsorship and Showcase Table information are now available. Sponsorships are available until September 8th at $300, $600 and $1200 levels. Sixty-six showcase tables are available to Chamber members for only $175 before September 18th, and for $275 after September 18th, if space is still available, so get your applications in A.S.A.P.

A Membership Drive Reception (Free Appetizers/Cash Bar) from 5 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. will be held in the Expo area for new members and not yet members to meet the Board of Directors, Committee Chairs and other active members.

Open to and marketed to all METRO SOUTH CHAMBER Members and Not Yet Members through multiple Chamber Newsletters, E-mail Blasts,

The Lunch ‘n Learn will feature Penny Georgevich, Executive Director from BNI Michigan on How to Build Your Business with Referrals! from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm Cost for the Lunch ‘n Learn is $15 for Chamber Members and $21 for Not Yet Members.

Like last year, this event will be the biggest and best networking event of the year. Please plan on your involvement as a sponsor, showcaser or attendee. Contact julie@southkent. org or call the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce at 616-5315990 for further details.

Social Networking is Good Business!

Sponsoring Chamber Events is Good Business!

Plan on the Lunch 'n Learn at the South Kent Business Connections Expo on Thursday, October 29th Presented by the Business Growth Committee, part of the Member Relations Division.

Looking to Grow your Business? by Amanda Lewis, gNetworks Chair for the Business Growth Committee

The Business Growth committee will be starting roundtable discussions on solutions that may assist our members in growing their business. The committee meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 9am at the Chamber Office. The round table discussion will start each month at 9:30am. Please join us! Interested in Free Online Advertising? This month’s topic is Merchant Circle. Merchant Circle is a social networking site for small businesses. The site allows businesses to upload pictures, create blogs, post coupons, and newsletters for free. In addition, it allows business owners to connect with other merchants. Small Businesses looking to increase their exposure on Search Engines, may benefit from Merchant Circle’s free services. To learn more about Merchant Circle, or share your experience with the site’s services, please join us September 10th, as we discuss how Merchant Circle has helped some chamber members grow their business. Do you know of a great solution that would assist our members with growing their business? Please contact Amanda Lewis. Phone 616-451-886 or email alewis@ gnetworks.com.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Sun



Mon

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

September 2009 Tue

Wed

4p 1 Ambassadors @ Main Street Pub

2

8:15a Chamber Foundation

6

7

8

9

13

14

15

16

20

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

8a Gov Matters at Wyoming City Hall

21

11 a Santa Parade Committee

22

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

23

Thu

28

11 a 29 Santa Parade

30

5

10

11

12

17

18

19

25

26

8a Recruiting Committee

8a PAC 9-11a SCORE by appt.

7:30a CEO Exch, 9a Bus Growth

Burgers 'n Brats Social 5-7p Pinery Pk

24

10 am 3rd Fri! Comm 11:30a Board Mtg

31

Committee

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

Sat

4

3

5-7 pm Metro South Chamber After Hours

27

Fri

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

11:30a-1p 3rd Fridays! Pizzazz Banquet 1p Chamber Partners NEWSLETTER DEADLINE

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

October 2009 Sun



Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu 1

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

8a Recruiting Committee

2

3

8

5-7 pm Chamber After Hours

9

10

16

17

5

11

12

13

14

15

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29 1-7 pm

30

31

8a Gov Matters at Kentwood City Hall

4p Ambassadors @Main Street Pub

11a Santa Parade Committee

11a Santa Parade Committee

7

Sat

4

Noon Gov Matters at the Chamber

6

Fri

8:15a Chamber Foundation

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

7:30a CEO Exchange, 9a Bus Growth-

10 a 3rd Fri! Comm 11:30a Board of Directors

South Kent Business Connections

8a PAC 9-11a SCORE by appt.

11:30a-1p 3rd Fridays! Location TBA 1p Chamber Partners NEWSLETTER DEADLINE

(Expo Lunch 'n LearnNetworking)

LICHTERMAN LAW, PLC Helping Individuals and Businesses Protect What Matters Most

Phone: (616) 827-7596 Fax: (888) 818-6225

[email protected] www.lichtermanlaw.com

Business Law

Estate Planning

Business Formation — General Counsel Contract Review/Drafting Purchase/Sale

Wills — Trusts Powers of Attorney (Financial & Health) Special Needs Planning Estate Administration Probating Estate

AVIATION LAW Plane Purchase/Sale - Club Formation Aviation Business Counsel - Pilot Defense

250 Monroe Ave. N.W., Suite 400 • Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Promote Your Brand at 3rd Fridays!

!!! FREE !!!

Attendance not required.

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!

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

3 Communication Tips for Managers

Talking with Employees about the Recession

Communication between management and employees is always important. But, during times of economic uncertainty and a struggling job market, effective communication is key to the survival and future success of any organization. According to research conducted in 2008 by Weber Shandwick, a global public relations and communications leader, 70% of employees surveyed felt their company should be communicating more about problems the current economic situation is causing the company. A lack of communication can cause employees to become distressed, harming productivity and morale. In fact, according to a survey released by Workplace Options, a benefits company in North Carolina of 711 adults, 48% of participants reported feeling less productive at work due to current economic uncertainty. With massive layoffs and shrinking budgets plaguing corporations, it’s imperative for upper management to talk to their employees and not keep

them in the dark about the company’s plan to combat the recession. A recession is hard on everyone, but as managers, you can play a vital role in easing your employees’ minds by communicating effectively to ensure that your employees feel confident in their jobs and are motivated to do their best. Be Open and Honest No news is not good news in times like these. The absence of effective communication can cause your employees to start their own conversations and form incorrect conclusions. To keep your staff from assuming the worst, be sure to communicate openly and honestly about the effects the current economic situation is having on your company. Be clear where your employees stand in their jobs and where the company is headed. Acknowledge Concerns Employees are the most valuable asset in any company, and treating them with value will go a long way. Ask employees what their concerns are. This will show that you care about how this economic downturn is affecting their lives.

Provide Hope Right now, your employees are seeking not just guidance and reassurance, but most importantly, hope. Address challenges head-on. Remind them that problems can also be opportunities. Send a clear message that you’re all in it together and will come through this together. Hope-filled employees will give their best – even in the worst of times. But, be careful not to provide false hope. If there is no hope, remain positive but realistic – continue to be open and honest about the situation. Effectively communicating with your employees during difficult economic times can shape the future of your company. Being open and honest, acknowledging concerns, and providing hope will increase confidence and productivity among your staff and help your company weather whatever the future holds. Please let us know if you have any questions or for further discussion, Express Employment Professionals 616-281-0611, casey.jankoska@ expresspros.com.

Major Upcoming Chamber Events Need Volunteers All of the meetings and events held for Chamber Members and for the Communities we service are conceived, planned, organized and run by Members of your Chamber of Commerce, just like you. With 2009 winding down soon and 2010 coming fast behind, it's time to put the finishing touches on this year's offerings and to start working on next year's programs. Many of our committees planning current activities are looking for more members. The Education Committee, Chamber Partners Committee, Santa Parade Committee, Activation & Retention and Member Recruitment are just a sampling of groups looking for more hands to pitch in and to add to the brainstorming sessions that result in all the wonderful opportunities to build your business that are offered by the Chamber every year.

The Education Committee, responsible for Business 'n Books and Sport of Words, works closely with representatives from our local schools to further education in our community with business support. We would like to build this committee up to about 15 members. We meet once a month on the first Monday of the month at 4pm at Celebration Cinema-South. Betsy Artz and Connie Ziebarth make sure there is always popcorn and a beverage for everyone at the meeting. Chamber Partners Committee recruit the businesses that are appropriate for helping you save money while you build your business. Volunteers for this committee meet once a month on the 3rd Friday of the month, immediately following 3rd Fridays! Luncheon and we meet at the same location as that luncheon.

Member Recruitment builds Chamber Membership and growth by encouraging your referrals and by following up on leads for potential members. Annual Meeting/Silent Auction. This used to be two committees but since the event happens on the same night, we've blended the groups. Plans are just getting underway for this gala night on January 29. Want to help us plan, organize and make it happen? There is a committee that meets at a time and place convenient for you or your company representative that can cover any interest area. For more information about plugging into a Chamber Committee and making the most of your Fair Share Dues Investment, contact [email protected] or call the Chamber at 616-531-5990. For more information on available opportunities log on to www. southkent.org.

CHAMBER EVENT COMMITTEE NEWS

September 2009 Plan to join us on Thursday, October 8th at Applause Catering for our next Chamber After Hours Networking opportunity. We'll get started at 5pm and wrap up the event at 7pm with some really great door prizes and a 50/50 Drawing. You must be present to win, so no matter what time you arrive, plan to stay to the end. This is a no cost networking event open to any member-in-goodstanding of WKACC and their guests. Invite those business leaders that are on your list as potential membership referrals and let them see what Chamber Membership can do for their business. Showcase Tables are available but space is limited so reserve early. (You must be a member to showcase). This is also a great opportunity to meet your Chamber Ambassador if you haven't already had the

pleasure. The Ambassadors are there to introduce you and help you make connections with other members. Please get to know your Ambassador as your representative. They can help you stay in touch with the Chamber, keep up with future events, plug in to opportunities to grow your business and keep you up with what is happening in our communities. The Ambassadors are currently seeking applications for After Hours hosts for the Spring of 2010. Please contact the chamber office if you are interested and someone will be in contact with you.

Don't Forget!

members.

Marketing incentives available from Citadel Broadcasting to all new and renewing

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.

Download your Criteria Information/Application to Host or your showcase applicaton for

Chamber After Hours

by logging on to www.southkent.org and going to document downloads. Send to [email protected] or fax to 616-531-0252.

Are you connecting with your customer audience? Broadening Your Platform of Influence

Many WKACC Group Health Plans to choose from!

( By Kathey Batey)

For you and your employees! Contact [email protected] for plan pricing and work and residential eligibility requirements.

The Chamber. Now, more than ever. Pass it on!

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When you need to make a dramatic difference in your business, your client and in your life, this book shows you how to perform. It's $12.00 that can make the $12,000 difference. 1. What is your platform? 2. Why do you want influence? 3. How do you broaden your platform? 4. What is your message? Send this order form to: Spirited Presentations LLC PO Box 150286, Grand Rapids, Mi. 49515. Or order this and other books at: www.spiritedpresentations.com Name_______________________________________ Address______________________________________ City, State, Zip_________________________________ eMail Address:__________________________________ WKACC Chamber Member through_________________ (Please expect one week for delivery)

Seven Things to Avoid to Improve Your Marketing Message (continued from page 1) why businesses continue to buy into this unwise and expensive practice because it kills off most reponse and does nothing to advance your marketing message or proposition.

block out any messages if they look or sound like a blatant ad or sales pitch.

The goal here is to get people's attention, not have them glance right over your marketing message. Unless you enjoy wasting marketing dollars stop this now! I plead, beg, urge you to use a well written and targeted headline instead. It may not win awards, but it will increase your odds of getting attention and results.

6. Not putting in an offer or call to action. Congratulation! Your marketing message got attention, and the targeted prospect has allowed you Mind Capture and permission to take up their valuable time. Wait. There's one big problem. They don't know what to do next. There's nothing compelling enough to have them pick up the phone, visit your website, stop at your storefront, trade show booth or email you for more information.

5. Quit rambling on about yourself. People care about one thing and one thing only: themselves. To be more succcessful, you must turn the focal point of your marketing copy to the benefits the prospect will immediately gain by reading your message. The two central questions to always be thinking about are: 1. what are you going to do wto help them solve their problem? 2. How can you improve their life or present situation?

This is a scenario that many businesses do with their marketing by not including an offer or call to action. They work hard to get attention and then leave the prospect or customer with no compelling reason to respond or take action. They've worked hard up to this point, but they miss the chance to score a lead, set an appointment or win a new order because they fail to finish the job by using a weak offer or none at all.

Shift your marketing copy and messages to become "you" foxcused versus "we". Most marketing copy done at the small business level is sloppy, unorganized, and completely focuesed on the company's ego versus the most important person: your customer or key prospect. People aren't dumb. Each of us has a built in "anti-ad" or "BS Meter" we use to quickly sift through, delete or

7. No third party proof or evidence. You must continually prove yourself in the market. Very, very few small to mid-size companies are national brands nor can they afford to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on marketing. Branding locally or by specific vertical mareket can be done but that's a whole other book. To keep it simple, here's a quick reminder and

checklist of tools you can add to your marketing arsenal to build proof or evidence for your company product or service. • • • • • • • •

Testimonial videos, letters and comments from happy customers Articles you've written or been featured in Press releases pertaining to your product, service, industry or staff Positive industry articles or trade reviews Number of clients or specific industries you serve Key designations, certifications or awards you've received Compelling guarantee or service claims Lists of key clients or references

People today are looking for valued resources and businesses that educate them, are reputable, save them time and shorten their search process. Strong marketing evidence helps difuse fear and presents a strong case that you can be trusted and are much more likely to deliver on your claims and promises. Your goal with a prospect is to assist them in defusing their doubts, fears, possible bad past experiences, preceptions of your industry and persuade them that you're a reliable and safe choice worthy of considering and doing business with. Review your current marketing efforts and make sure you're not making these seven common marketing mistakes.

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 Quarter Page Ad B&W 4 Color B&W 4 Color 1X $ 40 $ 75 $ 55 $ 90 3X $ 108 $ 213 $ 147 $ 252 6X $ 192 $ 402 $ 264 $ 474

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For more information, contact Sue Bynum at 616-531-5990 or at [email protected] Newsletter deadline is the 3rd Friday of the month prior to publication. Preferred formats are PDF, Word and JPEG. Other formats may be acceptable, call to verify.

MEMBER 2 MEMBER NEWS Member 2 Member Discount

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

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Wilderness to Wyoming Published

On the eve of the City of Wyoming's 50th Anniversary Celebration, the Wyoming Historical Commission announced the release of their second volume of City of Wyoming history, Wilderness to Wyoming.

"The City of Wyoming has a deep, rich history, and we are excited to share it with local residents, businesses and neighbors," states Bill Branz, Historical Commissioner and manager of the History Room.

Published 25 years after the Commission's first book (The City of Wyoming: A History), Wilderness to Wyoming covers a broad range of history, from the region's earliest settlers to events of the past year. Over 100 photographs have been included in the new edition to illustrate the changes the area has undergone, and a special chapter has been written in honor of our local veterans.

To purchase copies of the book or to contact the History Room call 616-261-3508 or visit www. wyomingmi.gov. The Historical Commission is located at 1155 28th St SW. The Historical Commission was organized to preserve, protect and acquire objects and data of importance to the City.

Though a project of the entire Commission, the book was largely prepared and edited by Dorothy Simon-Tibbe, Bill Branz and Kelly White.

Sponsorships Available Platinum Sponsor - $2000 ($1400 for Chamber Members) • • • •

Four of your company banners (provided by you) hung on site at the Forest of Fear. Your business’s name mentioned as a sponsor on 104.5 WSNX radio ads. Your business’s coupon added to our Great Deals Magazine Full Page ad. Your business’s coupon or flyer (provided by you) distributed with every Forest of Fear. Ticket sold. Your business’s logo placed on all Forest of Fear coupons that are distributed. A link from the Forest of Fear web site to your business. Fifty free Forest of Fear tickets. Ten free memberships for the Kentwood Jaycees

The Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce owns a copy of The City of Wyoming - A History, as well as a copy of The Story of Kentwood - A History of Kentwood, Michigan. Contact Sue or John if you would like the chance to see these publications.

Hello Chamber Member Reader!

I am contacting you today to make you aware of an opportunity in which you can expose your business to over 7,000 people in the Grand Rapids area while also supporting a local non-profit organization. For the past eight years, the Kentwood Jaycees • have run a fundraising project called The Forest of Fear. • The Forest of Fear is an outdoor haunted attraction. This • is the primary fundraiser supporting our organization and • it enables us to run many community projects such as Gold Sponsor - $1000 ($700 for Chamber Members) Easter Egg Hunts, Holiday Charity Programs, and Relay • Three of your company banners (provided by you) hung on site at the Forest of Fear. for Life. However, this is a very costly project to run and we • Your business’s coupon (provided by you) distributed on all nights are looking for financial support and in kind donations from with each Forest of Fear Ticket. local area businesses. We are always in need of products • Your business’s coupon added to our Great Deals Magazine Full Page ad. or services that would reduce our expenses – such as • Your business’s name mentioned as a sponsor on 104.5 WSNX radio ads. building supplies, printing services, or volunteer incentives • Your business’s logo placed on all Forest of Fear coupons that are distributed. such as free services or free meals. Also, we are looking for • A link from Forest of Fear web site to your business. businesses to allow us to place coupons and posters for the • Twenty free Forest of Fear tickets. Forest of Fear at your place of business for the month of • Seven free membership for the Kentwood Jaycees October.In return we can help you promote your business Silver Sponsor - $500 ($350 for Chamber Members) • Two of your company banners (provided by you) hung on site at the Forest of Fear. with advertising on site at the Forest of Fear or we could bring a giant monster to your place of business to help you • Your business’s logo placed on all Forest of Fear coupons that are distributed. with a special promotion. • A link from the Forest of Fear web site to your business. Thank you for taking the time to read this, and to • Fifteen free Forest of Fear tickets. support the Forest of Fear. The Forest of Fear is a strictly • Five free memberships for the Kentwood Jaycees. volunteer operation, with over 400 volunteers helping us each Bronze Sponsor - $250 ($175 for Chamber Members) year. For more details, please contact: • One of your company banners (provided by you) hung on site at the Forest of Fear. • Your business’s logo placed on all Forest of Fear coupons that are distributed. Jenny Dukarski • A link from the Forest of Fear web site to your business. • Six free Forest of Fear tickets. Forest of Fear Chairperson 2008-2006 • Two free memberships for the Kentwood Jaycees. [email protected] (989) 737-4466

Contact Jenny Dukarski! [email protected] (989) 737-4466

MEMBER NEWS AND NOTES

Member Spotlight

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

August Volunteer of the Month Congratulations to Erin Bowen on being named Volunteer of the Month. Erin is an intern from Grand Valley State University working on her major in Hospitality with a minor in Event Planning. She is working part time with Lenger Travel Center. In her duties at the Chamber she works with this years 28th Street Metro Cruise® Committee as Director of Visitor Relations. She is responsible for the VIP Tent and organizing the Event Program among other duties. The biggest homework assignment ever! Nice Job Erin. August Committee of the Month 3rd Fridays Exchange Luncheon Committee received the nod in recognition of the work they do on our monthly networking luncheon. (This is the only WKACC committee that holds a member event every month). The event averages 40 businesses attending each month in with two months so far in 2009 topping 70 member businesses in attendance. The committee continues to meet monthly to work to improve your networking and showcasing experiences. Committee Members include: Linda Singer- Michigan Lake to Lake Bed and Breakfast Association (Chair), Lisa O'Callaghan- Citadel Broadcasting (past Chair) Jeane Ripley- Custom Designed Draperies by Jeane Dennis Kavanagh- Central Payment Corp. Our Master of Ceremonies is David Szidik from Proforma Infinite Marketing Sue Bynum- Chamber Staff

Showcase Your Business

Welcome New Members Children's Assessment CenterThomas Zook, 616-336-5160

Friday, Sept. 18 11:30 am to 1 pm

Our last luncheon at Pizzazz Banquet Center with catering by Schnitz' Deli. Members pay only $15 with early registration. Not-yet-members and late member registration is still only $21.00

Dad's Tent & Party Rental -Dave Parrish, 616-863-8988 Neighborhood Church MinistriesJohn Hulett, 616-974-2000 Whooo...

Showcase tables are available for September and October while they last. Reserve yours today for only an additional $35.00. Contact [email protected] for more information or download the application at www.southkent.org. Register on-line and don't forget your business cards! • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Do You Know That Should Be A Member?

Renewing Members

Action Tire Center Alliance For Health Amerikam, Inc Applied Imaging Systems Apply With Us Staffing Aurora Pond Auto Finance, Inc Buchanan Auto Service Business Update Publication Cascade Winery CBS Outdoor Cedar Rock Automotive, Inc Chris’ Therapeutic Touch Country Inn & Suites Custom Enterprises, Inc Eckhoff & DeVries Painting & Wallcovering Edward Jones Investments – Knapp Exactgraphics GFS Marketplace Grand Rapids Inn H James Telman

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Hairstyles by Janet Hancock Chimney Service TWENTY YEARS!!! Harmelink Associates HME Incorporated Kentwood Physical Therapy Lake Michigan Credit Union Middleton Printing Noto’s Old World Italian Dining Prime Products, Inc Quick Printing Co, Inc Real Pro Auto – Eastern Ave Standard Computer Systems, Inc Thomsons Auto Repair, LLC Hyatt Place Grand Rapids South Travelodge Van Hydraulics, Inc Wyoming Public Schools Your Way Realty Renew early or on time for bonus benefit offers!

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.

A special offer for new

Wyoming / Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce Members

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er f f O l ia Spec ew For N ntwood g/Ke bers n i m Wyo Mem r e b Cham Congratulations on joining the Chamber! The Grand Rapids Press is offering new Chamber members a 2 for 2 special.

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