Jacksonchamber.org may 2013 Chamber News 1

CHAMBER 2013Jackson county chamber of commerce

Protect Your Businesses Intellectual Property

maY

Volume11 number4

News

Page4 Page5 Page8 Page9Power PoiNts From Peers Growing a New Company; Bullying Brands

Power PoiNts From PeersIf We Knew then...; Right Service, Right Price

eCoNomiC DeveloPmeNt SAU Hosmer Center; Baker Business Incubator

eCoNomiC DeveloPmeNt Connecting Graduates;Connecting Entreprenuers

Intellectual Property (IP) is a catch-all phrase meaning patents, trade secrets, copyrights,

and trademarks. These are the tools with which a business – of any size, in any market – distinguish-es itself from competitors and protects its market share. Don’t be one of those unfortunate business-es who unknowingly give their valuable IP away or only appreciate their IP after it is stolen by a ren-egade employee or an unscrupulous competitor.

Follow these three steps to protect your IP as-sets: (1) Locate IP; (2) Look for danger; (3) For-malize IP agreements.

(1) Locating IP starts with a thorough look at business confidential information, e.g., customer lists and marketing plans. These are trade secrets and should be labeled “confidential,” kept in a se-cure location and shared only on a need-to-know basis. Next, consider the way customers recognize your business and its products/services. These are trademarks. Trademarks can reside in any word, name, symbol or device that customers use to link goods or services to a particular business. A repu-table IP attorney can help you decide if your trade-marks should be registered. You quite likely have a copyright in things you have written or created, such as websites, product catalogs, photographs, design drawings, instruction sheets, or software. It’s a good idea to place copyright notices (e.g., © 2013 Acme Products) to such materials and consult your IP attorney whether to register the copyrights. Lastly, look for inventions – unique solutions to technical problems. Your IP attorney can help you

decide whether filing a patent application is smart business.

(2) Looking for danger should follow the same methodical order as Step 1 (i.e., Confidential Information – Trademarks – Copyrights – Inven-tions). Ask yourself “Is there anything in this business that someone else might claim as IP and assert against us?” If your due diligence uncovers anything questionable, call your IP at-torney to determine if there is a genuine issue and formulate a remedial plan.

(3) Formalizing agreements involves looking in four directions: up, down, inside and outside. With an eye on the IP identified in Step 1, and perhaps any sensitive areas raised by Step 2, look “up” toward your customers and consider what legal agreements are needed to protect the busi-ness IP and to neutralize infringement issues. The “down” direction looks to vendors and suppliers with the same question. “Inside” refers to employ-ees and agents of the business, who should be bound with confidentiality, IP assignment, and perhaps non-compete agreements. The “outside” direction refers to joint-venture partners, con-sultants, and other collaborative relationships.

The good news is that Intellectual Property is flourishing in Jackson! If Intellectual Property ac-tivity and growth is an indicator of future develop-ments then indeed we have many good things in store for our community!

*Content written by outside sources do not reflect the views & opinions of the Chamber.

Contributors: Jon E. Shackelford & Bradley L. Smith, Registered U.S. Patent Attorneys, Endurance Law Group PLC

It’s easy to get overwhelmed be-tween overseeing the day-to-day

operation of your business, de-termining the most cost-effective marketing plan, hiring and training the best employees, figuring out which regulations you must follow and which best practices will keep your business safe.

The Jackson county chamber understands these challenges and has arranged a new member ben-efit through the michigan retailers association (mra). We expect it will support you and your business by offering free content, pertinent to you, already filtered and researched by the expert staff at mra. michi-gan retailers has been a trusted business resource for more than 70 years and is the nation’s largest state trade association of retail and other businesses.

The mra Partner-member Pro-gram is free of charge and includes: invitations to free business webi-nars; a prescription discount card for you and your employees; digital delivery of their four publications - michigan retailer, governmental affairs news, Payment Processing

news, and retail news. We expect that you will enjoy the ben-

efits of your mra Partner member-ship. Please let us know if you have any ques-

tions or would like more information.

New Member Benefit

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May 24, 8:30-4:00pm in Ypsilanti, MI Hosted by:

2 Chamber News may 2013 Jacksonchamber.org

The newly renovated Saddle Saloon Banquet Center at Airport Lanes, complete with in house catering and a full bar, was the location of the February 21st Busi-ness After Hours and Ribbon Cutting.

Chamber members, guests, and residents enjoyed a Ribbon Cutting celebration for the new wing addition to Arbor North Living Center on February 28th. Owners Kevin & Leigh Ganton have created a very special, comfortable, and visually appealing addition to their wonderful facility!

Home Depot invited the Chamber to celebrate 10 years of business in Jackson with a fun Ribbon and Board cutting on February 6th. We are proud to have such a great company so invested in the Jackson community!

The Chamber and guests welcomed the second Huntington Bank location into Jackson on April 8th. The first location is at the Airport Rd. Meijer. Congratulations on your success in the Jackson community!

Congratulations to the Michigan Theatre on their newly renovated bar, concessions area, and theatre floor! The Chamber, guests, and theatre supporters had the opportunity to get a first look at these improvements and enjoy refreshments on the evening of March 28th.

On February 22nd, the Chamber and guests celebrated with owners Kevin Charles and Michael & Tammy Putnam on the Grand Opening of their NEW business, Tamrox Automotive. They have served in the automotive repair industry for 23 years. Welcome!

The Chamber in Action

The Chamber, community members, and elected officials came out to support the Grand Opening of the House of New Beginnings on February 21st. This safe haven for homeless teen girls fills a need in Jackson that Frances Keane decided to make her dream and then she worked hard, along with support from the community, until it came true! Congratulations on this great accomplishment!

chamberstaFF

execuTIVeCommittee

boardoFdIrecTors

PreSIDeNT/CeOMindy Bradish-Orta | Mindy@JacksonChamber.orgeveNTS COOrDINATOr Angela Machnik | Angela@JacksonChamber.orgACCOuNTANT & HuMAN reSOurCeS Mary Schuessler | Mary@JacksonChamber.orgeDuCATION & COMMuNICATIONS COOrDINATOr Susan Franck | Susan@JacksonChamber.orgreCePTIONIST Elizabeth James | Reception@JacksonChamber.org

J. Jeffrey Anderson | Anderson & Makulski, PCMArk BAker | Career Quest Learning Centers Brad A. BreLinski | Curtis & Curtis, P.C.Josh Burgett | Michigan international speedwayPAt BurtCh | City of JacksonWendy CLifton | A frame AboveJeff edWArds | spring Arbor universitysArah hArtzLer | south Central Michigan Works!dAn MALetiCh | Comerica BankBoB Moore | Pentar stampingChAd noBLe | Allegiance healthMike overton | Jackson CountyshAnnon PriCe | Baker CollegeBrandon ransoM | experience JacksontiM rogers | enterprise group of Jackson, inc.dr. MiCheLLe shieLds | Jackson Community CollegeBArB sMith | rapid refill inkken toLL | united Way of Jackson County

CHAIr Michael M. Jones | South Central Michigan Works!vICe CHAIr Sarah Ermatinger | C P Federal Credit UnionIMMeDIATe PAST CHAIrMAN R. Dale Moretz | Moretz Technologies, LLCTreASurer Tom Shemanski | NorthStar Capital, LLCSeCreTAry Aaron Boatin | Ambs Call CenterAT-LArge Daniel Machnik, CIS | Willis & Machnik Financial ServicesFreddie Dancy | Independent Insurance Agent

boardoFgoVernorsPAuL BuChhoLz | Lloyd ganton retirement Centers

John Crist | CP federal Credit union

PhiLiP duPuis | duPuis et fils Jewelers, inc.

LindA furgAson | Avis rent A Car

sue goLdsen | Jackson radio Works

ron griffith | spring Arbor university

sAndy MAes | Allegiance health

BoB MiChAeLs | rjM

PhiLiP M. MoiLAnen | Marcoux, Allen, schomer, Bower, nichols, kendall, & Lindseyunionteri ogg | Manpower services

steven PAtCh | The Lally group

dr. dAnieL J. PheLAn | Jackson Community College

ALLen sPiess, Jr. | kellogg Crankshaft

Jacksonchamber.org may 2013 Chamber News 3

A Logo never sold a ticket

adVerTIsersiNDexAccident Fund Insurance Company ...................................................................................................................Page 11

American Office Solutions .......................................................................................................................................Page 12

Auto Lab of Jackson .....................................................................................................................................................Page 10

Comtronics .......................................................................................................................................................................Page 12

CP Federal Credit Union ..........................................................................................................................................Page 3

Jackson Community College .................................................................................................................................Page 9

Lloyd Ganton Retirement Centers ......................................................................................................................Page 6

MIWI Midbrook Industrial Washers Inc .........................................................................................................Page 11

RjM .......................................................................................................................................................................................Page 7

Spring Arbor University.............................................................................................................................................Page 8

Graphic Design by RjM | Printing and Mailing by Great Lakes Graphics Editor: Susan Franck, Communications Coordinator

Spring has sprung and the fun and sun of summer is undeniably approaching. That, of

course, means Michigan International Speedway and our community can look forward to welcom-ing tens of thousands of guests.

Many of our guests at the track will have spent weeks, if not months, planning for their visit while others may have made a more spontaneous deci-sion. A number of our guests have visited previ-ously and others are visiting for their first time. In either circumstance, we are going to introduce and reinforce our brand, our true brand.

As Director of Guest Services at MIS, I believe it is critically important to realize the truth of a brand. A brand, our brand, is something intangi-ble. It is not something that can be seen, touched or measured. It is abstract and exists entirely in our guests’ minds. Our brand is a product of the perceptions and experiences of our guests. Consequently, our true brand lies in the memories and stories our guests tell about their visits.

Advantage can be gained in a competitive ser-vice marketplace by those who understand the ab-stract nature of their brand and not mistaking the truth of the brand with branding. Branding is the activities and efforts which attempt to positively affect experiences, stories, memories and percep-tions. Simply stated, branding is architecture, tag-lines, campaigns, PR, signage and logos.

Branding strategies are not a brand, and logos don’t sell tickets. Our brand is devel-oped through the personal contacts and

relationships our guests experience when making arrangements to, or visiting the track. Our true brand lies in our people; their friendliness, attentiveness, care and knowledge. It is these actions that will ul-timately make or break our brand.

Without a doubt, the most corrosive element in the disintegration of a brand is a guest’s percep-tion that the very individuals tasked with the de-livery of service and the ones most responsible for their experience and memories, don’t care at all.

Conversely, the most constructive element of a brand and the roadmap to brand loyalty is a con-sistent commitment (read, culture) to create an emotional connection with guests. An emotional connection is gained incrementally over time with an unfailing display of behavior that demon-strates respect, care, service (including service re-covery) and a welcoming, grateful environment.

Reliably, positive gestures lead to a re-lationship, relationships lead to an emo-tional connection, emotional connections leads to loyalty, loyalty leads to a success-ful brand and it is a successful brand that sells tickets. Guest Editorial-ist: Tim Booth, Director of Guest Servic-es, Michigan International Speedway b

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4 Chamber News may 2013 Jacksonchamber.org

Power PoiNts From Peers

When I started Local Logic Media, I did not have much formal business training. I had a

few ideas about helping people with their internet marketing, and from there the biggest resource was other business owners who were able to coach me through some of the steps in getting a business off the ground.

I soon realized how important it is to structure the business well early on, because it’s much harder to change later. I learned that working on the struc-ture and vision of the business is the best thing I can do, rather than getting consumed in project details and micro-managing in areas that aren’t my strength. It’s better to hire the right talent early and then give them room to grow.

We’re still a small company, and we couldn’t have gotten here without the businesses we have built relationships with. To that end, the community can encourage growth by making it easier for business owners and entrepreneurs to connect. As with any local startup, it has been important for us to know who is doing what in Jackson and how we can col-laborate. I would love to see forums where new busi-ness ideas are celebrated and talked about, because a little publicity early on goes along way.

We need to support new ideas in Jackson because I think thefuture of this city lies in innovation. Some people have a dismal attitude toward Jackson. But if you look closely, a lot of new things are happening, and we’re proud to be a part of that.

Contributor: Ken Seneff, Founder, Local Logic Media

Editor’s note: See ‘Support for Your Busi-ness’ article on page 11

growing a new Company

if We knew Then What We know now

Bullying BrandsAre you running your Brand… or is your Brand running

you?When I started my company 10 years ago, I focused on

my brand well before I released it to the public. It was pol-ished, primed and ready for business.

To me, your brand is almost like a business partner and with a strong partner, you’re sure to have a strong company.

Unfortunately 9 times out of 10 the brand is overlooked and last on the list to get the attention it deserves. When first participating in networking opportunities, multi media ad-vertising even social media, many times your brand is taken at face value more than yourself… which can be scary, because everyone wants to be well liked.

Keeping your logos and company col-ors constant and updated along with your print and digital imaging can keep that brand doing its job… represent-ing you.

So don’t let your brand bully your company around, take charge and make the brand shine… after all, who’s running this business, you or your brand?

Contributor: Brian McVay, Another Design Co.

‘Power Points from Peers’ is a series of short articles sharing best business practices, recommendations and lessons

learned from various chamber member businesses.

Power PoiNts

briaN mCvaY

KeN seNeFF

Jacksonchamber.org may 2013 Chamber News 5

Power PoiNts From Peers

if We knew Then What We know now

Opening the doors to our small business, Cake Connection, five and a half years ago was a very scary venture for

my husband and I, but we had the determination to make it work. Having owned a custom bakery for the fifteen years prior to this, along with having worked several years at a large retail chain in my younger days, I felt I had enough experience and knowledge to make our retail supply shop successful.

To turn back the clock, we would have taken the Jackson Retail Success Academy™ PRIOR to opening the business. The information received during the class, even the little things we were urged to think about, have been invaluable to us.

The main stumbling block we continue to run into has been accounting (or lack thereof !) What I wouldn’t give to have taken a micro course on accounting, or even a workshop directed towards QuickBooks or something similar. We are still fighting an uphill battle to get a good grasp of where things stand and controlling our inven-tory properly. Before we opened, I did stop at a local business data shop (no longer here) and asked about purchasing a POS system… he advised us to not “waste our money” because we were too small. In hindsight, I truly believe that was the worst piece of advice that we listened too.

right service, right Price

Many businesses have their own shipping ac-counts directly with UPS, Fed Ex and the

Postal Service. The goal for doing this is to make shipping much more convenient. Just like online shopping, you can ship in your pajamas and never have to leave the building. It is enticing to be your own DIY shipper, but there is danger, Will Robin-son! Unless you have vast shipping expertise, you could easily and massively overpay for shipping.

We see many DIY shippers using FedEx or UPS overnight services for packages that might normal-ly be delivered in one day using Ground. Unless you know transit times by state, you are probably overpaying.

There are many other service choices for docu-ments that do not need a day definite delivery but do need some kind of proof. An opportunity for the right service and the right price exists by using a Flat Rate USPS envelope with delivery confirma-tion or Certified First Class Mail. Unless you know all the options, you are probably overpaying.

Many overpaying DIY shippers do not know that size matters – a lot! One inch bigger box can land you with a $60 oversize box fee. Overpaying for this cause is made worse when you think it was probably for shipping an inch of air. O the horror!

Get the right service at the right price and elimi-nate over paying for shipping.

Contributor: Kelly Sowers, Jackson Pack N Ship

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From Peers

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Contributor: Diane Simmons, Cake Connection

6 Chamber News may 2013 Jacksonchamber.org

maY eveNtsweDNesDaY, maY 8member orieNtatioNOrientation for new members, new managers and sales professionals, learn more about chamber benefits, opportunities and events.

� Where: Chamber Office � When: 7:30-9:00 a.m. � Cost: FREE � Other: Hot coffee and light breakfast fare

moNDaY, maY 13eCoNomiC Club luNCheoN - miChigaN eCoNomiC DeveloPmeNt CorPoratioN (meDC) PaNelThe Jackson County Chamber of Commerce Economic Club is pleased to welcome 3 MEDC representatives to Jackson to discuss the following topics: The MEDC Export Programs, Economic Gardening, Talent Enhancement (MichAgain) and how they are impacting the state and the Jackson community.

with the County Club of Jackson to host the Annual Chamber Golf Outing, the premier golf outing and networking event in Jackson. Swing into action on Monday, May 20th for a day filled with fun, food, prizes, a little golf and networking too! A few sponsorships are still available.

� Where: The Country Club of Jackson (3135 Horton Road)

� When: 11:30-7:00 p.m. � Cost: Varies � Other: Golf, Food, Prizes and more.

tuesDaY, maY 28gooD morNiNg! greater JaCKsoNAttend this live radio program that features five (5) members. The May sponsors include: CP Federal Credit Union; Eye Services of Jackson; Sam’s Club; Sylvan Learning Centers

� Where: Bella Notte Ristorante (137 W. Michigan Ave.)

� When: 7:30-8:30 a.m. � Cost: $20/$10 for Members � Other: Enjoy a hot breakfast and

open networking.

CAlEndARJackson county chamber of commerce

The Michigan Retailers Association (MRA) sponsored the April 10th Coffee with the Chamber held at Bella Notte Ristorante. Mike Dorland presented the benefits of the new partnership between the Chamber and the MRA and then talked about the Whiz Bang! Retail Marketing Boot Camp coming up on May 24th. Freddie Dancy, an independent insurance agent and Lidija Fremeau of LAF Lines Photography were the lucky winners of a free pass (worth $99) to the Boot Camp.

� Where: One Five One (Formerly Daryl’s Downtown)

� When: 11:30-1:00 p.m. � Cost: $45/$25 for Members � Other: Lunch included

thursDaY, maY 16busiNess aFter hours - a souND visioN realizeD…Do you love music? Join us May 16th to see the newly renovated Jackson Symphony Orchestra downtown office. The staff will be providing tours of the building, great food and beverages, as well as giving you the opportunity to learn more about their classes, programs and concert series.

� Where: Jackson Symphony Orchestra (215 W. Michigan Ave.)

� When: 5:00-7:00 p.m. � Cost: $10/FREE for Members � Other: Snacks and beverages will be provided

moNDaY, maY 20Chamber golF outiNg 2013The Chamber is proud to once again partner

Jacksonchamber.org may 2013 Chamber News 7

maY meetiNgsFriDaY, maY 3Ambassador CommitteeWhere: Allegiance Health Specialty CenterWhen: 12:00-2:00 p.m.

weDNesDaY, maY 15Economic Club CommitteeWhere: Chamber OfficeWhen: 4:00-5:00 p.m.

tuesDaY, maY 21Chamber Board of DirectorsWhere: Allegiance Health Specialty CenterWhen: 7:30-8:30 a.m.

thursDaY, maY 23MLK Diversity/Challenge Day CommitteeWhere: Chamber OfficeWhen: 8:00-9:00 a.m.

thursDaY, maY 23JAXPO CommitteeWhere: Chamber OfficeWhen: 12:00-1:00 p.m.

moNDaY, maY 27Legislative Committee-Cancelled

moNDaY, maY 27Chamber Office Closed-Memorial Day

uPComiNg eveNtsmoNDaY, JuNe 3JRSA Reunion Party

moNDaY, JuNe 17Economic Club Luncheon - PURE Michigan with George Zimmerman

thursDaY, JuNe 20Business After Hours - MLive HUB

thursDaY, JuNe 27Summer Business Bootcamp- Financials & Inventory Management

thursDaY, JulY 11Summer Business Bootcamp- Customer Service & Staff Training

thursDaY, JulY 18Business After Hours - Making Workforce Investments Count with South Central Michigan Works!

weDNesDaY, JulY 24Speed Networking

thursDaY, august 8Summer Business Bootcamp - Marketing & Branding

FriDaY, august 9Member Orientation

thursDaY, august 15Business After Hours - Empowering individuals on their journey to wellness with LifeWays

weDNesDaY, august 21Speed Networking

weDNesDaY, sePtember 18Hall of Fame - “IMAGINE What’s Possible”

thursDaY, oCtober 17JAXPO 2013 - Chamber’s Annual Business 2 Business Showcase

To Register: Unless otherwise noted, R.S.V.P. for events to Mary at Mary@JacksonChamber.org or 517-782-8221 (please have your credit card information handy when you call). All cancellations must be received with a 24-hour notice or no shows will be billed. Non-members are encouraged to attend no more than two networking events before joining. All Chamber events are posted online at www.JacksonChamber.org under Events

Benefit of the Month

Would you like to feature your business on the

radio AND have a captive audience of over 40 people? You can by

sponsoring a portion of Good Morning! Greater Jackson for only $85!

Contact the Chamber for more information.

8 Chamber News may 2013 Jacksonchamber.org

eCoNomiC DeveloPmeNt

hosmer Center for entrepreneurship &

innovationSeveral years ago Spring Arbor University

(SAU) integrated entrepreneurship into our School of Business curriculum. This ability for the university to do so was through a gift from Harry and Jauneta Hosmer who are true entre-preneurs. Their passion for the success of others has transformed many businesses and lives, thus the Hosmer Center for Entre-preneurship & Innova-tion (HCEI) strives to propel the vision of these two alumni beyond the campus of SAU.

HCEI has begun to look at a variety of opportunities to pro-mote success for existing small businesses, start-up ventures as well as those with an “idea”. One area that seemed to receive little attention was the field of “arts entrepreneurship”. This summer the Spring Ar-bor university and the Hosmer Center will be offering a series of workshops/seminars spe-cifically targeting our local arts community. We are working in collaboration with the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Jackson County as well as the

Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs to coordinate our efforts.

Jackson County has an abundance of talent in the “cultural industries”; our intent through the Hosmer Center is to be a catalyst for these

individuals and groups to become suc-cessful businesses. Developing

businesses in the areas of art, literature, music, dance,

film, handicrafts, adver-tising is an important ingredient for the on-going economic success of Jackson and beyond.

SAU and the HCEI are proud to

play a role in promot-ing business success and

our community. We are ac-tively exploring all areas of en-

trepreneurship and will continue to facilitate business success.

It is our vision to actively promote the “ideas to market” concept.

Contributor: Ron Griffith, Special Assistant to the President and Executive Director Hos-mer Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Spring Arbor University ron.griffith@arbor.edu

busiNess iNCubator at

baKer College

the baker College business tech-nology Center (bCbtC) is look-

ing for startup companies to apply to occupy space at the Center.

Their first tenant, local logic media (llm), successfully grew and moved to downtown Jackson after only a year. at the center, llm owned by kenny seneff, flourished after being provided with the much needed office space and numerous other benefits from baker college and The enterprise group (eg). kenny was able to expand his client base, dramatically increase his accounts receivable, and hired ad-ditional staff.

baker college and the eg manage the bcbTc smartZone Incubator, part-nering with blackman charter Town-ship in an effort to support high-tech jobs to the community by helping startup businesses offset their costs. baker college provides office space, furniture, and other essentials to get each tenant started at no cost, while The enterprise group provides pro-gramming, counseling, and other re-sources for the tenants. If a start-up company is interested, then it submits an application to The enterprise group with a business plan. a committee then evaluates the applicant to deter-mine if it meets the required admis-sion criteria.

Patty kaufman, president of the Jackson campus, said, “I would like to see this young wave of entrepreneurs receive the necessary tools to grow their businesses and assist them to become successful and independent. We want them to stay in Jackson and work to positively impact the business community in Jackson. “

For more information about the in-cubator at the baker college business Technology center, contact The enter-prise group at 517-788-4455 or ator-res@enterprisegroup.org.

Contributor: Dr. Jack Jordan, Dean of Business and Technology, Baker College

Jacksonchamber.org may 2013 Chamber News 9

eCoNomiC DeveloPmeNt

Connecting graduates with Business

After working for years to receive a college de-gree, the last thing a person wants to have to

worry about is finding out who is hiring and how to contact that employer.

To meet the large demand of highly skilled positions, daily posted on MiTalent Connect, South Central Michigan Works!(SCMW)is contacting both graduating students and colleges statewide. Businesses in Jackson County need everything from Registered Nurses to bachelor’s level mechanical and electrical engineers. Our local connections make it easy to fill the nursing positions; howev-er we have had to travel as far as Grand Rapids to talk with colleges that offer engineering programs. Surprisingly, they have students desperately need-ing internships and permanent positions in vari-ous engineering careers.

SCMW can help students with job place-ment and offer their perspective employers funding for hiring them. When an employer has two qualified employees to choose from and one can offer funding to orientate them to their new job, this improves their chances of being hired. One employer said that it costs them $6,000 to orient a new nurse. We can help cover some of that cost. This program is free and the job seeker must qualify based off of their income for the past twelve months and they must make at least $11 an hour as a new full time employee. This program

does not cost the employer or student anything due to the Workforce Investment Act.

We are here to help Jackson County businesses expand and meet their workforce and human resource needs. Employers may contact me at dcrumbsy@scmw.org

Contr ibutor: Donny Crumbsy, BusinessServic-es Coordinator at South Cen-tral Michigan Works!

JCC & JiN: CoNNeCtiNg

eNtrePreNeurs to suCCess

successful entrepreneurship involves making connections in a variety of

ways. Jackson Community College (JCC) has been actively connect-ing with the wealth of resources in our community to promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneur-ship. Jcc’s new associate’s degree program in entrepreneurship not only equips students with specific manage-rial skills, it also exposes them to the wisdom offered by many successful entrepreneurs in Jackson county and throughout the state of michigan.

For example, Jcc plays a key role in the robust Jackson Inventors’ network (JIn)—a talented group of active and retired engineers, attorneys, and busi-ness people who freely share their best practices with aspiring entrepreneurs. JIn’s monthly meetings are held at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of each month in room 159 of Jcc’s Whiting hall. each meeting is open to the pub-lic and involves three major elements: a formal presentation from an expert in a specific area of entrepreneurship; an informal “in the trenches” discus-sion during which practical lessons are shared by members of the group; and an extended time of networking while enjoying refreshments.

In addition to the monthly meetings, JIn provides confidential “product re-view” sessions for entrepreneurs who seek candid appraisals of their ideas. The only cost is $30 to hold a specific review time. after every product review I have witnessed, the entrepreneur has glowingly expressed that the session was overwhelmingly helpful. For more information about Jcc and JIn, please send me an email: betzigronalde@jc-cmi.edu

Contributor: Ron Betzig, Director of JCC’s Entrepreneurship Program & Board Mem-ber of JIN

DoNNY CrumbsY

10 Chamber News may 2013 Jacksonchamber.org

thaNK YouMarch Renewing Members

Ace Roofing LLCWilliam Powell240 W. Euclid Avenue(517) 782-8601aceroofingjackson.comRoofing- Contractor / MaterialsSince 1969, we are one of Jackson’s oldest roof companies. Licensed and insured, we are known for our hard work, professionalism, quality, and customer service. We aim to satisfy our customer’s individual roofing needs, whether that means a new roof or a complete repair!

Huntington Bank - E. Michigan AveBob Wahr3333 E. Michigan Avenue(517) 789-9110www.huntington.comBanks/Banking AssociationsA full service bank that is open 7 days a week. We are proud of our J.D. Power and Associates award for “Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Small Business Banking”. We are the #1 SBA 7(a) lender in our region, and have committed $4 billion to small business lending.

Huron Valley FinancialCasey Daniels833 Laurence Avenue(517) 768-1500

www.huronvalleyfinancial.comMortgage CompanyA Michigan based company since 1997, we offer more than great residential mortgage rates and flexible financing. We offer great relationships with experienced lending professionals who value every client.

Pound & Pound Family DentistryDr. Nate Pound2885 Spring Arbor Road(517) 787-0900www.jacksonfamilydentists.comDentists/Dental Labs/Oral SurgeryOur goal is to provide you and your family with the best dental care in a comfortable setting. You will be treated professionally and courteously at all times. We are here to provide your complete dental treatment with a caring touch.

Shelar Excavating & PumpingDuane Shelar1478 Falahee Road(517) 764-1650www.shelars.comSewer CleanersIf you are looking to pump a septic tank or build a new septic system, call us for a quote. In business for 60 years, our goal has always been to keep septic pumping prices affordable and provide a great service.

welComeMarch New Members

1-5 YEARsAdviCoach

Airmaster Fan Company

American 1 Credit Union

Blake Electric Inc.

Blue Diamond Concierge

Buffalo Barbeque Wings

Choice Connections

Detail Man

Erik Smith Investments

Frontier Communications

GAI Consultants, Inc.

Hammond Hardware

Jackson Blazer

L & L Machine & Tool, Inc.

Midbrook Medical

MidState Title Co.

Polly’s Country Market

PS Advanced Solutions

The Brooklyn Exponent

Victoria Pointe Apartments

Wolverine Seal Coating, LLC

6-10 YEARs Cherry Creek Cellars

Christoff& Sons Floor Covering Inc.

Country Club Turf Inc.

Exit Realty 1st

Gilbert Chocolates

GSL Technologies

Holiday Power Sports

Mission of Hope Cancer Fund

Rando Activity Center

Weatherwax Pharmacies, Inc.

11-15 YEARs Beacon Forms & Labels, Inc.

Comcast Business Services

Grande Golf Club

Jennie Crittendon

JTV, Inc.

Marvin Huizenga

Office Depot

Silver Foam Distributing Co.

16-20 YEARs Cascades Humane Society

Professional Communication Services, Inc.

21-25 YEARs Girl Scouts-Heart of Michigan

Jackson County

Meade, Wheeler Financial Group

Northwest Community Schools

Stanton & Associates/ Wendy’s

Summit Township Supervisor

29 YEARs Brooklyn-Irish Hills Chamber of Commerce

30-40 YEARs Estate & Pension Plans, Inc.

Jackson YMCA

Westwood Mall

49 YEARs Allegiance Health

68 YEARs Comerica Bank

70-75 YEARs Consumers Energy

Eaton Corporation Fluid Conveyance Systems Division

Jacksonchamber.org may 2013 Chamber News 11

support for your BusinessI’ve often said that the Jackson County Chamber

is the PACE setter for business. Through Pub-licity, Access, Connections and Education, the Chamber sets the pace for succeeding in business.

•Your Chamber PUBLICIZEs its members businesses, programs and services through free and inexpensive advertisements in its publications and online, as well as celebration ribbon cuttings, sponsorship opportunities to showcase members and on-air promotion at Good Morning!Greater Jackson.

•Your Chamber provides ACCEss to informa-tion on its website and in its publications and AC-CEss to decision-makers at various events such as the MLK Diversity Breakfast, Annual Meeting, JAXPO and golf outing. Committees also offer members an opportunity to be informed and net-work.

•Your Chamber helps you build CONNEC-TIONs at regular networking events such as Cof-fee with the Chamber, Business After Hours, Speed Networking and Good Morning! Greater Jackson.

•Your Chamber provides EDUCATION so employees and business owners can success. From programs like Jackson Retail Success Academy, Summer Business Bootcamps and Economic Club Luncheons to informative articles in the Chamber Business News and enewsletter to the Whiz Bang Training Modules, the Chamber has an education-al tool and opportunity for every member.

Beyond what the Chamber offers its members, the community at large has various valuable re-sources for businesses from Jackson Inventors Net-work, the Michigan Small Business Technology Development Center and Jackson Small Business Support Center to our institutions of higher learn-ing and business services at South Central Michi-gan Works!

If you are in need of something for your business that you don’t see here, please let us know. We just may know who can help you … or we may create something just for you.

Contributor: Mindy Bradish-Orta, President & CEO, Jackson County Chamber of Commerce

get your front door swingin’ and your register ringin’!

Check out the Whiz Bang! Retail Mastery System – Foot Traffic Formula. Watch the FREE 4-part

course on the chamber website: JacksonChamber.org/Get Connected/Resources/Whiz Bang

All 11 modules of the Whiz Bang! Retail Mas-tery System are available FREE for members to borrow through the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce.

The modules include:Marketing • Staff Development Electronic Marketing • Personal Business Skills

Customer Service • Inventory management Store Operations • Selling • Visual Merchandising Financial Management

Each module is available on loan from the Chamber. 1 module for 1 month with a $250 refundable deposit for members; a $250 deposit for non-members with $150 refundable and $100 of the rental fee applicable towards a JCCC membership. The complete set retails for $2497. For more information contact: Susan@Jackson-Chamber.org, call 517-782-8221

12 Chamber News may 2013 Jacksonchamber.org

141 South Jackson St. • Jackson, MI 49201

517.782.8221 • www.jacksonchamber.org