Buy Local- Make a Difference!

Do you want to make a difference in today’s tough economic climate? You can, by supporting your fellow Chamber members. Many companies in our area are struggling, some are even closing their doors. We need to support our friends and neighbors. We can do this by shopping locally. If the community has a strong business base, it encourages new growth and jobs in the area. It’s environmentally friendly because there is less traffic and pollution.

The money spent at local businesses is reinvested back into our community. This, in turn, helps other local businesses, creating greater product diversity while maintaining our communities unique appeal.

According to the Michigan Department of Agriculture if every household started spending $10.00 of their grocery budget per week on locally grown foods, we would keep more than $37 million each week circulating in Michigan’s economy. Many local stores carry Michigan grown/made products. Check to see where the products you are buying are produced.
Over the past year, I have really made an effort to shop locally. Instead of shopping as I have in the past, I consult the Chamber’s member directory and make it a point to shop with one of the Chamber members.

Within the past few months alone I’ve made purchases from at least five Chamber members that I hadn’t patronized in the past. This was money I was going to spend anyway, but by making a choice to use a Chamber member, I can be sure the money stays in our community.
When $1 is spent locally, that $1 impacts three to seven different local businesses before leaving the local economy.

Just think what a difference it would make in our local economy if one person at each of the 639 businesses in the Chamber did the same.

Visit our online directory at www.clarkston.org or the printed member directory to find some Chamber members you can support.

Promoting your business at Taste of Clarkston

If you’ve been a Chamber member for any length of time, I hope you’ve noticed that the Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce is all about BUSINESS!

Every activity/mixer/meeting/committee that we do focuses on one thing and that is promoting business opportunities for our members.

Taste of Clarkston, while seemingly all about food and restaurants on the surface, is no exception to our business focus. Taste of Clarkston is the most effective way to reach over 18,000 of our community members on the day of the event (September 26, 2010 Noon to 6pm.)

We have surveyed our crowd in past years and found that the vast majority of participants are from Clarkston and the surrounding areas. We have surveyed our members in past years and found that the majority of our members are interested in reaching consumers.

Taste of Clarkston has opportunities for members of all sizes to participate and take advantage of this consumer audience that we have built. Any of our members can participate by exhibiting downtown during the Taste of Clarkston ($1000/$500/$250 levels.) We have structured the pricing so that any size business can participate and get the benefits of this consumer audience during Taste of Clarkston.

We also have opportunities for businesses that cannot exhibit but wish to show the community that they are involved and support this event through Restaurant Sponsorship ($500/$350) and also through Shuttle Sponsorship ($100). Anyone can participate at these levels and the reason we want you to be a part of this event is so that you can see the increase in BUSINESS that will result! If you have any questions on how you can be involved, please contact us and we can work with you and answer any questions.

Restaurant sponsorships and Booth spaces are assigned on a first-come first-served basis, so for the best spot, get your paperwork in to the Chamber quickly.

WE NEED YOUR HELP
As we move through August and into September, we realize that to build our event and increase our crowd to record numbers to the benefit of all of our members, we need to continue to promote this event. We are focusing on Clarkston and the surrounding areas to promote this event and we need your help:
 Do you have a location you can post a yard sign?
 Can you help us by displaying a poster in your office/store?
 Will you hand out flyers with your invoices/receipts or at your counter?
 Is there a newsletter you can post an announcement in?
 Can you email the information to a list you belong to?
 Will you take the time to help us by volunteering at the event itself?

PLEASE consider helping us with the promotion of the event so we can benefit ALL of our members and our community with this flagship event that has gained recognition state wide. We look forward to seeing all of you downtown for the event and please let us know if you can help us!

How to Use Your Chamber Membership

1. The Membership Team helps you navigate our programs and projects.
Teri Robinson with support from Geri Batt make up our membership team. They are familiar with all Chamber events, programs and projects and are good resources to help you take advantage of what the Chamber has to offer. Looking for the best Business to Business Opportunities, Teri or Geri can help. How about finding ways to better reach the Business to Consumer audience? They can help you find your target audience.

2. Check out the FREEBIES
As a Chamber member you can have a member profile in our eNewsletter at no cost to you. Write up your profile (about 250 words) and submit with a photo or logo to Penny@clarkston.org.

The email address you give us when you sign up, automatically generates access to the MEMBERS ONLY area of the Chamber's website. There you'll find a .txt file of the Chamber membership database that you can download for free and import into Excel or other database software to generate customized direct mail, telephone and email pieces.

The Chamber has a brochure on Ribbon Cutting Tips, address labels of local officials, ribbon and scissors for your grand opening. If you're a new business, celebrating a special anniversary or remodeling, you might want to do a Ribbon Cutting ceremony.

Chamber eNewsletterand eBlasts
Criteria for qualifying for an eBlast include:
 Chamber members only
 Clearly advertising the member business only
 Must be time sensitive and include a special invitation or member to member offer available only for Chamber members.
 Limit one eBlast per event/activity per member per month.

3. Advertise your membership!
Put your membership sticker in the window.
Ask Teri for a Membership window cling--great for cars, interior office windows and more.
Include the Chamber logo in your print advertising and on your website.

4. Investigate cost savings opportunities you may qualify for now that you're a Chamber member.
Access to group rates for health insurance, including Blue Cross/Blue Shield.
Office Depot Discount program--sign up on line and start saving with your next order! (link at www.clarkston.org)
Access to employee benefit resources such as 401k's, liaibility insurance and more.
**The Chamber has a brochure of our Chamber members who offer employee benefits and which benefit programs they work with--ask Teri or Trisha for an updated copy.**

5. Read your mailings from the Chamber to get to know other Chamber members and learn more about Chamber events.

6. Include your flyer in Advertising Advantage (monthly mailing to 1000 area businesses.) for just $150 (Special price through December 2010)

7. Begin to meet other Chamber members at BOBs, Luncheon Mixers, Open Houses and Ribbon Cuttings. There are many opportunities throughout the year to jump in and meet some fellow members. If you're a little shy about coming to an event, connect with an Ambassador ahead of time and ask them to meet you there. Ambassadors are excellent at making it comfortable and fun to meet new people.

8. Consider volunteering on a committee or for just a few hours at an event. Every opportunity that you have to work with and meet other Chamber members is an opportunity to grow your personal referral network!
There are many ways to take advantage of your Chamber Membership, even if you have limited time and resources.
These are just a few suggestions to help you get started!

No, we are not raising your dues investment for 2011

The summer months are planning months for the upcoming fiscal year. Our programs, projects and budget are researched and developed.

It's a time for data collection and analysis. And for review of past strategies, goals and outcomes.
I ran across this column that I wrote 2 years ago and decided to share it with you


SEPTEMBER 2008
It's Budget Time. Or shall I say, Budget Crunch time?
As the Board of Directors set the parameters and guidelines for the 2009 Fiscal Budget, they have engaged in more serious discussion and debate than we have ever experienced at the Chamber.
Like you, we are experiencing inflationary increases in overhead costs such as utilities, banquet/meal costs, shipping and postage.
The gap between the amount of revenue brought in by Dues Membership and the actual expenses to run the Chamber continues to be a challenge.
The Board has discussed raising Dues and/or raising the registration fees for our networking events. Unanimously, however, they are selecting HOLD THE LINE on any increases.
Overhead expenses have been trimmed back.
We've returned (and not replaced) office equipment whose leases are up and we are seeking out more in kind trades and donations to help us meet our capital expenses and maintenance goals.
Like you, we know that business is out there and it takes more work to get it.
Like you, we are taking care with all of our resources to make sure we are strategically maximizing every dollar and every volunteer hour.
We appreciate you.
We know that you are loyal and committed Chamber members.
In today's economy, we are doing all we can to hold the line--without cutting the service, chamber value, programs and projects that you need to help your business be successful.

So as I read this, I realized that while the Board may change, the Presidents may change--the Chamber Vision continues to be true to putting MEMBERS first!

With careful budget planning, the Chamber is no longer in a severe financial crunch. We are close to meeting our target goal for fund equity. Our membership is slowly rising again and our events are growing in attendance and reputation.

The Board continues to hold the line on membership dues. There will not be an increase for 2011. We continue to review overhead expenses and critique events carefully to make sure we are doing the best we can with the resources at hand--for our members.

Congratulations to all our Graduates!

Tis the Season for many fresh faced, nervous, full of knowledge graduates to leave the classroom and head out in to the brave new world.

This morning we asked our Ambassadors to share some advice for new graduates.

Follow Your Dream

There will never be a better time to pursue your dream than TODAY.

As the Chinese Proverb goes: The Best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The second best time is today.

Don't Worry

If you don't know what your dream is yet, or what you're truly passionate about--you're not alone. It will come to you. In the meantime--Never stop looking for that dream!

Be patient

It is the journey that is the wisdom, grasshopper, not the destination. It is easy to want it all and want it immediately. Take care not to get so wrapped up in the goal that you missed the journey.

Make good choices
Each day, we make an average of 32,000 choices. Make good ones. Together the little ones add up to big results.

Strive for balance
Balance isn't just the scales of justice, with things being exactly even. Balance is keeping your footing on a surfboard as you ride a wave towards shore. You have to shift your weight at times to stay on the board--that applies in life too. The goal is also the same. Don't wipe out!

Find a mentor
Throughout your life, you may have one or many mentors. People you look up to, who have knowledge, wisdom and advice that can help you achieve your goals. It's not unusal to have a collection of mentors whom you turn to for advice in different areas. You are not an island. It is good to learn from peers and role models.

Learn from your mistakes
We all make mistakes. Successful people learn from that experience and move beyond it.

Do what YOU want to do
And take responsibility for owning your own life's decisions. It is easier to let someone else make key decisions for you. (That way you can blame them if things don't turn out as planned.) Be strong--and do what YOU want to do. And OWN it if things aren't exactly as you expected. (see: Learn from your mistakes)

Be a lifelong learner. The diploma you earned is a license to learn. It demonstrates that you have the skill set necessary to continue learning, exploring and growing as a person, a partner, a parent and a citizen.

Oh, and sorry to break the news . . . .however . . .

The easiest part of your life just ended. You won't want to believe us now, but it's true.

Go forth with confidence and remember that one person can change the world in fact, it's the only thing that ever has. (Margaret Mead)

Motivation--I am not a quitter! Are you?

I've been thinking a lot about motivation this past month.

1) Reward is motivating.

I prefer the "carrot approach" when it comes to motivation.

Knowing what the reward is, helps me align resources and push harder. I didn't really understand this until I started running. I'm not fast. But I will finish. Especially if I earn a medal for doing so. I am surprisingly gullible when it comes to medals.

2) Motivational mantras are . . . guess what? Motivating

One of the best advertising slogans ever is Nike's "Just Do It" It cuts to the chase and moves you to action. Stop the debate about 20 minutes more sleep vs the weather report and long term fitness goals. Just Do it!

3) Motivational mantras can override common sense.

This past weekend I participated in the Traverse City Bay Shore 1/2 Marathon. This was my first race without a pacing partner. The usual suspects hadn't signed up before the event sold out, so they were doing the 10K race, making signs of support and promising to be at the finish line. I was on my own.

It was a beautiful day to race. I watched the sun come up over the Bay and as the race started, I was feeling good. Real good. This was going to be THE race to set a personal best.

The 1/2 Marathon starts at the end of Mission point and runs back to the city. The full Marathon starts a 1/2 hour earlier at the city--comes out to the point and then runs back to the city.

At mile 2--I saw the elite runners zip by. This was the perfect seat to watch the marathon. I got to see every runner.

By mile 3 my leg started to hurt. I'd injured it 3 weeks earlier--shin splints, I figured. So I dropped back to a fast walk and as the pain eased, kept trying to kick it up to a run again.

At mile 4 the elite runners zipped by again . . . lapping me. My mile 4, their mile 17. As the clock ticked by, more marathoners lapped me. I kept pushing--instead of working my game plan.

By mile 10 I was in a lot of pain. My support team greeted me with a classic sign "The End is Near!" and I felt uplifted--tried to run a little for the camera and then dropped back to a walk.

Just as I reached mile 11, a marathon runner was coming up to my left to pass me. We both heard this loud crack/gunshot and paused--looking at each other--what was that? Then a huge rustle from the trees to our right and a dead tree slammed into the road in front of us--shattering.

Was this an omen? Should we stop?

A little freaked out--and the adrenaline kicking in--we both navigated around the log and stepped it up, trying to speed away from the wreckage. I admit, he was running a lot faster than I was.

By mile 12, with just 1 mile left, I'm thinking this has been a really really bad idea. My leg hurts so bad I'm having trouble walking. I try to remember the last time the race support bicyclists had zipped by. If I stop and sit on the curb, how long before they come to get me?

And that's when the Motivational Burma Shave signs started to get to me. "You can Do it!"
"This is what you trained for!" "Pain is Temporary--Quitting is forever!"

Quitting is FOREVER . . . I'm not a quitter. I'm NOT a quitter!

I pushed on.

And it hurt.

The race ended in the high school stadium and the crowd cheers you in as you run the last lap. There was no walking for this--you really need to run. Give it everything you have.

Pain is temporary.
Quitting is forever.

I finished. I got my medal. I sat down on the first clear piece of grass and waited for my support team to come find me.

After ice, rest and a trip to Ready Care--it was confirmed as a stress fracture. It's now 5 days after the race and I'll be on crutches another week and a half. No running for a minimum of 8 weeks--likely more like 12 weeks.

The pain has lessened tremendously. The crutches help. If I forget to use them, I remember REAL FAST!

I have a medal, though.

And I have to say . . . Pain is temporary . . . Quitting is forever.

I now know that I can finish a 1/2 Marathon even in pain. I'm not a quitter.

There are things I will do differently in my next race. Things that will prevent another injury--I hope. Things like--Work your PLAN, don't get caught up in the moment.

There WILL be a next race, though.

I am not a quitter!

What's YOUR Boston Marathon? Are you Dreaming Big Enough?

It's Patriot's Day. April 19, 2010.
So you know what that means?
It's the Boston Marathon!

Many of you know that when I turned 50, I decided to do a marathon to celebrate. Not QUITE sure what I was thinking, but it sounded like an appropriate challenge. It took 11 months of training to get off the couch and conditioned enough that I could finish the race.

Afterwards I expected some brilliant enlightened moment to hit me. Something profound. Something magical.

Sorry to dissappoint. Perhaps I'm a slow learner, but there was no profound inspiration . . . not at that moment. I learned I could set goals, keep an exercise schedule, enjoy sweating and not freak out when my heart reached aerobic target areas.

Upon reflection, though--I realize I didn't set my goals high enough.

I spent 11 months visualizing finishing the marathon. I trained so that I could sustain the minimum pace to win a medal. (For non-marathoners, EVERY person who finishes the race in the prescribed time gets a medal--not just the top 3. Thus part of the appeal is definately race bling.)


So guess what? I finished the race. And I did it with 4 minutes to spare. If I had taken 1 more potty stop or slowed 9 seconds a mile . . . I wouldn't have qualified for my medal. Nothing like cutting it close!

After the race--it felt goooooood to relax. It felt great to sleep in on a Sunday morning instead of hitting the treadmill for a long run. I was a "Marathoner!" I'd already proved to myself I could do it, so it was time to slack off a little on the training and ENJOY being an athlete.

I continued racing (shorter races), but stopped putting the effort into it. My next race results reflected my lack of effort.

A year after doing my first marathon, I had returned to being a couch potato. One that could finish a race--but not an athlete. It wasn't my knees or legs that let me down--it was my head. I had stopped dreaming goals.

What if I had dreamed a higher goal? That I would not only finish a marathon--but do it faster? what if I dreamed of a regular set of races, working towards a faster marathon? What if I dreamed of winning my age class?

What if I dreamed of the Boston Marathon? I'm very aware of how much work it would take to qualify and it scares me. But if you don't even dream it . . . how will it ever happen?

I believe this is true in business as well. We can have all the right tools, all the right aptitudes --but without the dream--the goal--we won't get very far. We'll do "just enough" to get by. That might be okay for most people. Getting by can be comfortable. Getting by is just great . . . for your competition. But what about you?

In your heart,--do you dream big? Do you open yourself to the possibility that if you dream it--it can happen?

What's your Boston Marathon? Are you willing to commit?