History of Business in Clarkston
Info gathered by Geri Batt
March 8, 2005
Interview with Dick Morgan (born in 1915)
In 1932, Dick opened his business in Clarkston, Morgan’s Service, a full service auto repair with a gasoline pump. At that time the town was full of retail businesses: 4 grocery stores, 2 hardware stores, 3 car dealerships, 3 barber shops, an apothecary and a bank. There was also a grist mill, central telephone operator, and a restaurant. Dick described Clarkston as a “thriving town”. Farmers would bring their crops into the mill, go eat, and shop in town. He mentioned enjoying conversations with who he referred to now as the “old timers”. Personal service was important in those years. If you dropped off a prescription, it was filled and delivered to you when requested. At the grocery stores, 2 men worked to fill your order. Customers were treated with kindness and waited on. Dick said, “Fifty years ago, no one was in a hurry”. He too prided himself on giving personal service.
Through the years, the village has remained the same size, one square mile but the downtown area has changed considerably. The grist mill is now a real estate office as is one of the old dealerships. Dick believes the development of franchise businesses forced the independent business owner out. Pharmacies like Walgreens, Rite Aid, and CVS of today replaced the small business owner. The independent town hardware stores were also slowly driven out of business first by franchise stores and then “big box” businesses like Home Depot. While this was a gradual process in the town of Clarkston, the 80’s brought forth the greatest changes. Offices replaced retail in many buildings.
Dick stated that “Time waits for no one”. Dick, who has lived on Washington Street since 1945, says he continues to spend 10 hours a day at work.
(Dick Morgan passed away October 2005. He was 90 years old)
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Anniversaries--and Core Values
This February, my parents will be celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary. So much has changed since 1951. They raised 5 kids, have 13 grand children and 5 great grandchildren.
My father turns 80 this year and he's still a techie. He's got 2 computers--a super fast desk top and an efficient lap top. He's on Facebook (but thinks Twitter is ridiculous) and regularly reads newspapers, blogs and sports columns online.
While he's an early adopter, mom is more traditional. She makes Dad type up her volunteer organization newsletters. She knows what data bases can deliver in terms of customized letters and mailing labels, but she pretends not to know how to "turn the computer on."
In 1951, when my parents got married, they had no idea or expectation that their children and grandchildren would be speaking multiple foreign languages, travel all over the world on a regular basis to do business. That 7 of the 13 grandchildren are working in careers that didn't exist in 1951.
What got me thinking about this was the fact that Royal Oak Chamber and Ferndale Chambers are celebrating 75 years in 2011 . . . . 75 years! Do the math--it means they were founded in 1936.
Think about it. All of the changes in the world, the business world--technology, communication, marketing, radio, TV, Internet. Think about how different Detroit is--How different Michigan is.
Did the charter members of these Chambers dream about what their chambers would look like, or be in 75 years? Where would you begin to even dream? The context of what the world is like and how businesses interact in it--is so different from 1936.
Perhaps that's why we build our foundation with core values. Values that do not change even when technology or the world changes.
The Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce is member focused. We intentionally include new members and rotate leadership opportunities. We believe in positive promotion of our member businesses--not high pressure sales and spiteful competition.
Lifelong learning is important and it requires continual investment in listening, learning and evaluating what works. This isn't 1936 . . . or 1951.
How you grow your business is different than what you might have done in 1970. The tools available are certainly different. And the value of your personal brand--your honesty, integrity and value offerings have never carried so much weight.
A glitzy marketing campaign no longer covers up a lackluster product.
Miserable customer service isn't a secret for long and is a business killer.
The command performance expectation of, "you should do business with me because I'm here." just doesn't cut it anymore. (if it ever did)
When I think about our Chamber 75 years from now, I believe the core values will be the same. What we look like, how we do business--flying cars--that remains to be seen.
My father turns 80 this year and he's still a techie. He's got 2 computers--a super fast desk top and an efficient lap top. He's on Facebook (but thinks Twitter is ridiculous) and regularly reads newspapers, blogs and sports columns online.
While he's an early adopter, mom is more traditional. She makes Dad type up her volunteer organization newsletters. She knows what data bases can deliver in terms of customized letters and mailing labels, but she pretends not to know how to "turn the computer on."
In 1951, when my parents got married, they had no idea or expectation that their children and grandchildren would be speaking multiple foreign languages, travel all over the world on a regular basis to do business. That 7 of the 13 grandchildren are working in careers that didn't exist in 1951.
What got me thinking about this was the fact that Royal Oak Chamber and Ferndale Chambers are celebrating 75 years in 2011 . . . . 75 years! Do the math--it means they were founded in 1936.
Think about it. All of the changes in the world, the business world--technology, communication, marketing, radio, TV, Internet. Think about how different Detroit is--How different Michigan is.
Did the charter members of these Chambers dream about what their chambers would look like, or be in 75 years? Where would you begin to even dream? The context of what the world is like and how businesses interact in it--is so different from 1936.
Perhaps that's why we build our foundation with core values. Values that do not change even when technology or the world changes.
The Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce is member focused. We intentionally include new members and rotate leadership opportunities. We believe in positive promotion of our member businesses--not high pressure sales and spiteful competition.
Lifelong learning is important and it requires continual investment in listening, learning and evaluating what works. This isn't 1936 . . . or 1951.
How you grow your business is different than what you might have done in 1970. The tools available are certainly different. And the value of your personal brand--your honesty, integrity and value offerings have never carried so much weight.
A glitzy marketing campaign no longer covers up a lackluster product.
Miserable customer service isn't a secret for long and is a business killer.
The command performance expectation of, "you should do business with me because I'm here." just doesn't cut it anymore. (if it ever did)
When I think about our Chamber 75 years from now, I believe the core values will be the same. What we look like, how we do business--flying cars--that remains to be seen.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
A word from one of our Ambassadors
Town Planner Community Calendar
www.TownPlanner.com
Jay/Deb Gordinier
248-620-5332
11632 Old Oaks Dr
Davisburg , MI 48350-3447
gordinier@townplanner.com
Monday, February 7, 2011
On the hunt for great values?
Did you know that Chamber member businesses that host BOBs (Business Over Breakfasts) often have special offers/values available while you're at the event?
I'm just saying, that if you're looking for the perfect Valentine's gift, you may want to check out the February BOB at Belle Visage Spa.
I'm just saying, that if you're looking for the perfect Valentine's gift, you may want to check out the February BOB at Belle Visage Spa.
February 10, 2011
7:45-9:00 a.m.
Belle Visage
6507 Town Center Dr.
Clarkston, MI 43846
Monday, January 31, 2011
A word from one of our Ambassadors
Allstate Insurance Company
www.vaughnallstate.com
Ron Vaughn
248-673-9430
3093 Sashabaw Rd
Waterford , MI 48329
Fax: 248-673-9450
ron@vaughnallstate.com
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Great Networkers--Great Expectations (A Goofus & Gallant Blog)
Recently a chamber member brought a concern to my attention.
This person is what I would refer to as a "Great Networker." They noted that there are people out there that think just because you've been introduced and exchanged business cards that you're now obligated to purchase their services or send a referral. The member with Great Expectations may (or more likely may not) have done the same as they're expecting, but the expectation is there.
Now stop and think about this for a minute. Is everyone you meet a prospective customer or client? Is it possible to give business to everyone you meet for the first time WHEN you meet them for the first time? (We have nearly 600 members in our Chamber alone--and many of our members belong to multiple networking groups.)
Yes, networking can pay off with valuable referrals--but there's a difference between being a Great Networker and getting those referrals and being a "Great Expectations" kind of networker. Which one are you?
Great Networker
People do business with people they know.
Great Expectations
I gave you my business card--so now we know each other--give me business.
Great Networker
People do business with people they like and trust.
Great Expectations
I'll like you better when you give me business.
Great Networker
Relationships are about the lifetime value of a connection--not a flash in the pan.
Great Expectations
If you're not giving me business--there's no lifetime value.
Great Networker
It's not just the person I'm meeting and getting to know--it's about all of their connections too. Maybe you aren't a good prospect for my goods or services--but I'll bet you know someone who is. I treat our relationship with respect and care--it's an example of how I treat customers and clients. So even if you don't use my services or products--you know I have high integrity and value. Hopefully that makes it easy for you to think of me when a referral opportunity crops up.
Great Expectations
I'll give you some more business cards you can give your friends.
Great Networker
I ask questions about your business, learning more about you, your goals, how things are going.
Great Expectations
Why are you asking me all of these questions about my business? If you're not a potential customer or client, stop wasting my time.
Great Networker
After learning about your business, I often am asked similar questions about my own business.
Great Expecations
Well I told you all about my business--time to move on.
Rereading this before posting, I am reminded of the old Highlights Magazine cartoon strip "Goofus and Gallant." Yes, I'm a baby boomer--this was long before the days of Dilbert or Calvin & Hobbs.
Basically these are classic themes about having good manners. I strongly urge you to NOT be a Goofus.
This person is what I would refer to as a "Great Networker." They noted that there are people out there that think just because you've been introduced and exchanged business cards that you're now obligated to purchase their services or send a referral. The member with Great Expectations may (or more likely may not) have done the same as they're expecting, but the expectation is there.
Now stop and think about this for a minute. Is everyone you meet a prospective customer or client? Is it possible to give business to everyone you meet for the first time WHEN you meet them for the first time? (We have nearly 600 members in our Chamber alone--and many of our members belong to multiple networking groups.)
Yes, networking can pay off with valuable referrals--but there's a difference between being a Great Networker and getting those referrals and being a "Great Expectations" kind of networker. Which one are you?
Great Networker
People do business with people they know.
Great Expectations
I gave you my business card--so now we know each other--give me business.
Great Networker
People do business with people they like and trust.
Great Expectations
I'll like you better when you give me business.
Great Networker
Relationships are about the lifetime value of a connection--not a flash in the pan.
Great Expectations
If you're not giving me business--there's no lifetime value.
Great Networker
It's not just the person I'm meeting and getting to know--it's about all of their connections too. Maybe you aren't a good prospect for my goods or services--but I'll bet you know someone who is. I treat our relationship with respect and care--it's an example of how I treat customers and clients. So even if you don't use my services or products--you know I have high integrity and value. Hopefully that makes it easy for you to think of me when a referral opportunity crops up.
Great Expectations
I'll give you some more business cards you can give your friends.
Great Networker
I ask questions about your business, learning more about you, your goals, how things are going.
Great Expectations
Why are you asking me all of these questions about my business? If you're not a potential customer or client, stop wasting my time.
Great Networker
After learning about your business, I often am asked similar questions about my own business.
Great Expecations
Well I told you all about my business--time to move on.
Rereading this before posting, I am reminded of the old Highlights Magazine cartoon strip "Goofus and Gallant." Yes, I'm a baby boomer--this was long before the days of Dilbert or Calvin & Hobbs.Basically these are classic themes about having good manners. I strongly urge you to NOT be a Goofus.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Chamber Luncheon Mixers are BACK!
Join us Thursday, January 20, 2011 11:45-1 pm at Outback Steakhouse, Clarkston.
They're opening special just for our luncheon!
After our holiday season hiatus, Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon mixers are back!
January -August + October, the Chamber holds monthly luncheon mixers at various Chamber member restaurants in our area. This year we'll return to some familiar haunts and also stop by some new locations. This gives you a chance to experience the culinary treasures of our area while networking--meeting new and old friends.
We have spent years evaluating and designing our events based on member needs, member feedback and keeping things member focused.
1. We value your time and pledge not to waste it or keep you waiting. All Chamber events start on time and end on time. We know you have busy schedules. We will not keep you waiting for an event to start or finish. You can count on us.
2. Early bird registration saves you money and will save you time at check in. How many times have to gone to an event, stood in line to register or check in and waited while the people in front of you take forever at the registration table--either to make a name badge, pick up a name badge, pay for the event or chit chat with the registration staff.
We don't have a registration table. We greet you at the door with our clipboards. Your name badges are on the luncheon tables. When you're preregistered you breeze right through check in and get to the fun stuff--meeting friends and new businesses!
Not to be too blunt about this--but we offer that early bird discount to help us help YOU get the most out of an event. That's why the discount is only offered up to 48 hours prior to the event. In the last 48 hours we're already in motion, planning seating, pulling name badges, placing strategic seating charts together. We do a lot behind the scenes to make it EASY when you get there.
3. A little of this--a little of that.
If you observe an event, you learn that people have predictable behaviors. When you enter a room you gravitate to a familiar face. You smile, say hi and catch up. It feels familiar and comfortable.
Out of politeness, you'll often reserve a table and invite your friends to sit with you.
To a newcomer, it's intimidating to break into that clique--and yes--you're being cliquey. You may not mean to be--but it's a clique.
At our events, we let you meet and greet on your own and when it comes time to sit down, we've got a place for everyone with our reserve seating. We do table seating charts to help you meet more people. Who's your target audience? Tell us and we'll seat you at their table. Where possible your table will include at least one ambassador or board member. They're there to help facilitate conversation, make introductions, answer questions and help YOU get the most out of this event.
4. Eat first--and you will Listen better.
Okay--we really learned this lesson when we were raising our families--but it's true at networking events too. People will not pay attention and listen if they are hungry. That's why we serve food first at luncheon mixers and bring the speaker out after everyone has been served.
5. Keep it Short and Sweet (The KISS rule)
We carefully select chamber speakers and presentations. It must be timely. It must be applicable to the largest target audience attending the event and it has to be short--15-20 minutes. On rare occasions for special speakers, (like L. Brooks Patterson) we juggle the schedule to allow for more time.
6. We close our event with the Rolling Jackpot Drawing. Our treasure box has every chamber member's name in it. When we draw a name (you must be present to win) we plan to give away $50! If you're not there--the $50 is rolled into the next month's drawing and builds until we give it away. Then we start it all up again.
JANUARY 2011--the Rolling Jackpot is at $100.
7. And we're done! At 1:00 we conclude the event, though many people may stay after to ask questions of the speaker or continue networking. We never kick you out of the restaurant.
They're opening special just for our luncheon!
After our holiday season hiatus, Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon mixers are back!
January -August + October, the Chamber holds monthly luncheon mixers at various Chamber member restaurants in our area. This year we'll return to some familiar haunts and also stop by some new locations. This gives you a chance to experience the culinary treasures of our area while networking--meeting new and old friends.
We have spent years evaluating and designing our events based on member needs, member feedback and keeping things member focused.
1. We value your time and pledge not to waste it or keep you waiting. All Chamber events start on time and end on time. We know you have busy schedules. We will not keep you waiting for an event to start or finish. You can count on us.
2. Early bird registration saves you money and will save you time at check in. How many times have to gone to an event, stood in line to register or check in and waited while the people in front of you take forever at the registration table--either to make a name badge, pick up a name badge, pay for the event or chit chat with the registration staff.
We don't have a registration table. We greet you at the door with our clipboards. Your name badges are on the luncheon tables. When you're preregistered you breeze right through check in and get to the fun stuff--meeting friends and new businesses!
Not to be too blunt about this--but we offer that early bird discount to help us help YOU get the most out of an event. That's why the discount is only offered up to 48 hours prior to the event. In the last 48 hours we're already in motion, planning seating, pulling name badges, placing strategic seating charts together. We do a lot behind the scenes to make it EASY when you get there.
3. A little of this--a little of that.
If you observe an event, you learn that people have predictable behaviors. When you enter a room you gravitate to a familiar face. You smile, say hi and catch up. It feels familiar and comfortable.
Out of politeness, you'll often reserve a table and invite your friends to sit with you.
To a newcomer, it's intimidating to break into that clique--and yes--you're being cliquey. You may not mean to be--but it's a clique.
At our events, we let you meet and greet on your own and when it comes time to sit down, we've got a place for everyone with our reserve seating. We do table seating charts to help you meet more people. Who's your target audience? Tell us and we'll seat you at their table. Where possible your table will include at least one ambassador or board member. They're there to help facilitate conversation, make introductions, answer questions and help YOU get the most out of this event.
4. Eat first--and you will Listen better.
Okay--we really learned this lesson when we were raising our families--but it's true at networking events too. People will not pay attention and listen if they are hungry. That's why we serve food first at luncheon mixers and bring the speaker out after everyone has been served.
5. Keep it Short and Sweet (The KISS rule)
We carefully select chamber speakers and presentations. It must be timely. It must be applicable to the largest target audience attending the event and it has to be short--15-20 minutes. On rare occasions for special speakers, (like L. Brooks Patterson) we juggle the schedule to allow for more time.
6. We close our event with the Rolling Jackpot Drawing. Our treasure box has every chamber member's name in it. When we draw a name (you must be present to win) we plan to give away $50! If you're not there--the $50 is rolled into the next month's drawing and builds until we give it away. Then we start it all up again.
JANUARY 2011--the Rolling Jackpot is at $100.
7. And we're done! At 1:00 we conclude the event, though many people may stay after to ask questions of the speaker or continue networking. We never kick you out of the restaurant.
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