Young Entrepreneurs with Big Dreams

Video game enthusiasts Dion Ferrier and Chad Townsend share a dream of launching a gaming bar in Muskegon. Not familiar with the concept? A dozen or so televisions would be connected to X-box and PS-3 consoles with patrons paying an entrance fee to hang out and play the latest video games with friends. The owners would sell energy drinks and soda in what they describe as a “comfortable gaming environment.”

It’s an impressive plan for an adult. But Dion and Chad aren’t even out of high school. They are one of five teams competing for the Young Entrepreneur Award.

The Chamber’s Entrepreneur Advisory Council, in partnership with the Career Tech Center, created the Young Entrepreneur Award as a way to encourage high school students to turn their passions into potential businesses. The teams recently presented their business plans to a review committee; the first Young Entrepreneur Award winner will be announced March 18 at the Chamber’s Entrepreneur Award Luncheon at the Muskegon Country Club.

The students and business names are: Dion Ferrier and Chad Townsend, The Lag Beast; Matt Tarte and Codey Morey, TMT Accounting; Savanna Bankhead, Community Church News; Blake Whittington, Your College Recruiting; and Dequarius White, Dequarius Jewelry.

Each team received training through the SCORE program where retired entrepreneurs volunteer their time to give counseling to help develop business plans. The winner will receive $250 scholarships from Comerica Bank and West Michigan Power Cleaning and a scholarship from Baker College.

“All of the students are incredibly talented, we are proud of all of them,” said Dawn Johnson, the Chamber’s vice president of member services. “The students were well-prepared for their presentations. They did an amazing job.”

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Muskegon: Not just a summertime destination anymore
(Continued from eNews)

“It’s been a great winter and we’re optimistic about 2011,” said Jill Emery, tourism manager for the Muskegon Area Visitors and Convention Bureau.

Officials with the Winter Sports Complex say traffic to the facility has been brisk this season, thanks in part to a new marketing campaign and a partnership with Travel Michigan, which has assigned press circuits to the facility all winter. Visitors to the facility can ski, ice skate, scoot down the luge shoot and participate in other snow activities.

“This is the best season we’ve ever had,” said Jim Rudicil, executive director of the Winter Sports Complex. “I’d say 90 percent of our luge users are from outside Muskegon and 50 percent are from outside the state. Indianapolis and Chicago are major markets for us.”

Chamber promotes members with 2010 Pocket Guide
(Continued from eNews)

Business and political leaders across West Michigan continue lobbying the federal government to close Illinois shipping locks to protect the Great Lakes against the migration of the invasive Asian Carp.

The channel locks connect infested Asian Carp waters with the Great Lakes. Keeping the Great Lakes pure and protected from such invasive species is critical to maintaining the $50 billion tourism industry in the Great Lakes region

Congressman Pete Hoekstra, R-Holland, held a special forum in Muskegon on Feb. 8, 2010, to give business leaders and the community an update on the push to find a solution. Hoekstra has introduced legislation that would make the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers the point agency to deal with the Asian Carp migration. Doing so would avoid “bureaucratic red tape” that tends to slow progress on many government-run programs, he said.

Members of the Muskegon business community told Hoekstra they fear the financial and environmental impacts Asian Carp would have tourism and Lake Michigan. County commissioners, candidates for Hoekstra’s congressional seat, and business leaders from Grand Haven to Muskegon attended the event at the Annis Water Resource Institute.

If allowed to migrate into Lake Michigan, wildlife experts believe the hyper-aggressive Asian Carp would breed quickly, dominate food supplies and push precious game fish into extinction. That’s not a chance the business community is willing to take given the significant economic impact Asian Carp would have on a $7 billion commercial fishing industry in the Great Lakes region, not to mention the trickle-down on tourism related industries.

So what can you do?

• Visit the Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce Advocacy Center website

• E-mail Congressman Pete Hoekstra by clicking this link.

• E-mail President Barack Obama by clicking this link.

___________________________________________________________________________

By Chad Lerch
Chamber Staff

During his presentation to nearly 350 business leaders, Economist George Erickcek said one of the ways residents can help pull Muskegon out of the recession is to buy local goods and services.

His comments follow on the heels of the Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce’s successful “By Local, Think Global” campaign that encourages residents to do just that.

Erickcek, senior regional analyst for the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research, delivered the 2010 Economic Forecast during the Chamber’s January Business for Breakfast event at the Holiday Inn Muskegon Harbor.

His assessment: 2010 will be better than 2009.

He said “things will get better” for Muskegon County and that signs of an economic recovery nationwide include a climbing stock market. He said consumer confidence will continue to improve, but the rate of improvement will be tied to employment trends.

In addition to encouraging consumers to “buy local,” Erickcek said companies can do their part to bring the economy out of the recession. First, he said banks need to free up money for loans to businesses and consumers looking to buy homes and cars.

However, Erickcek said bankers have told him new government regulations are making it harder than ever to approve loans.

Meanwhile, he said Michigan’s manufacturers need to diversify, especially in light of the statistic that the state has lost 35 percent of its automotive work force. He said manufacturers must focus on quality and designs that appeal to consumers.

Encouraging people who have been laid off to start their own businesses or go back to school for in-demand jobs like new energy technology, will play a big role in the state’s economic recovery as well, he said.

Erickcek said housing prices need to stabilize before an economic recovery can be realized. But the bottom line in Erickcek’s presentation is encouraging: 2010 will be better than 2009.

“If it felt like it was a kidney-stone-kind-of-year, you’d be right,” he said of 2009.

Did you know your membership includes FREE website promotion?

• Post a coupon offer for members and/or non-members through the Members Only Portal.
• Post your community activities on the Community Calendar  page.
• Have your business news, i.e. awards, promotions, etc. posted on the Chamber’s Member News page.  Just email us your good news story to macc@muskegon.org.

 Need off-site space for 4 to 40 people to hold a team meeting or retreat?

• Chamber members can use any of our four meeting spaces free of charge.    Pending availability, meeting rooms may be reserved during Chamber business hours, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday – Friday.  Call the Chamber to reserve the space, 231-722-3751

Connect with your peers

• Attend one of our networking or educational events and make connections that can lead to new business.  Find upcoming events on the Events page of the website.

Networking tip

• ALWAYS get a business card from the person you meet. Write something to remind you of that person on the back of the card, like how they were dressed, what event did you attend when you met them, etc., so later when you go through the cards for your follow up, you will remember who they were and what they do.

Get Involved…Stay Involved…START TODAY!

“Joining the Muskegon Chamber of Commerce and becoming involved with the Ambassador’s is one of the best professional decisions I have made.  Not only has it enhanced our business but I have also made relationships that have greatly enriched my life.  The key is to get out there and get involved.  Attending networking invents, breakfasts and luncheons need to be treated as an investment for your company and the community, not as an expense.” – Kim Mulder, ServPro

“As a local business I feel that having a presence in the community and actively participating in community events is crucial to success!  I have found Muskegon to be a very tight knit community and without the help from the chamber a lot of connections would not have been made.  I have also found the information from Business Briefings to be great training as well!” – Kate Darga, Staffing Inc.

“The Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce has been the best chamber I have been involved with! Their knowledge of the business community is excellent and the networking has been phenomenal. The business and personal connections I have made with the chamber will last a lifetime!” -Scott Blease, Access Health

The Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce welcomes Amy Heisser as its new board chairwoman for 2010. Heisser, of Alcoa Howmet, brings positive energy and a commitment to jumpstarting the business community with her “Start Today” message. 

Heisser encourages businesses to “Start Today” with sustainability programs, advocacy programming and entrepreneurship. Heisser, who has been on the board for four years, said she’s optimistic about Muskegon’s future.

“You can make a difference in this town,” she said in an article published by The Muskegon Chronicle. “There are opportunities to do great things here. You just have to find it.”

“It is great to have a home town gal who is now a global corporate executive leading the chamber.  She loves this community and will use her executive experience to take our organization to a new level,” says Cindy Larsen, chamber president.

The 2010 board plans on launching a campaign this spring aimed at encouraging anyone who has considered opening or expanding a business to “Start Today”.  The Chamber has resources to help people grow their businesses, including the Business Resource Guide and the SCORE program where retired entrepreneurs help develop business plans and review marketing and financing strategies.

Heisser serves as director of human resources for Alcoa Howmet, one of Muskegon County’s largest employers.

Introducing the Chamber’s 2010 Board of Directors:  

Chairwoman: Amy Heisser, Alcoa-Howmet

Vice chairman: Michael Hagen, The Lakes Mall

Treasurer: Tracy Bailey, Huntington Bank

Secretary: Jason Piasecki, Qonverge

When the Chamber staff was asked what they are thankful for this holiday season, here is what they had to say…

“I am thankful that the Chamber survived the most difficult time period in our country’s economic history. We only lost a few members along the way which is a testament to the talented business people who call Muskegon their home. Also, I want to personally thank Wes Eklund for leading the Chamber during this difficult transition. His steady and calm nature was just the type of leadership we needed during this challenging and sometimes frightening period of time.”

Cindy Larsen, President of the Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce

“I am thankful to have the opportunity to share my retail and marketing expertise to take Chamber programming and events to the next level, including the coordination of our first online Living on the Lakeshore Community Profile.”

Pat Ackerberg, Director of Marketing & Programs

“As a new staff member of the Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce, not only am I thankful to be off the unemployment list but also to be part of an organization that is working so hard to get Muskegon County’s economy moving in a positive direction.”

Jamie Burmeister, Accounting/Administration Manager

“What a year to be thankful for! Becoming a first-time mom has given me a new appreciation for women who are balancing a career with family responsibilities. I am grateful for the support and advice I have received both personally and professionally.”

Jennifer Cross, Communications Coordinator

“What can I say?…I’m so very thankful everyday for the opportunity to be the ‘voice’ of the Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce and to interact with so many great people in our community, by phone, email and in person. What a great job I have!”

Debbie Degner, Community Information Specialist

“Although 2009 was challenging for our members, I am thankful for the positive spirit they continued to show and how dedicated they are to their community, their business, their families and themselves….it truly shows!”

Dawn Johnson, Vice President Membership

“2009 provided a wonderful opportunity for me to work with a dedicated and passionate group of people on the Chamber’s Diversity Committee, which spearheaded a number of successful events and programs. “

Linda Ray, Membership Diversity Manager

“I am thankful for all of Muskegon’s business and community leaders who show up for work everyday and serve for the betterment of our community.”

Janessa Stroud, Vice President Government Affairs

Big win for Muskegon and Michigan today.  

A group of eleven business and community leaders testified in Lansing this morning in support of SB 857, an additional advanced battery manufacturing credit for a business looking to locate in Muskegon. The bill passed out of the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee with unanimous support and will be heading to the Senate floor tomorrow for the 3^rd reading. A BIG win!!!! We are one step closer to 700+ jobs in Muskegon.

The Chronicle broke the story this morning with an update this afternoon. Click here to read the article.

Watch WZZM 13 and WOOD TV 8 tonight for more details!!

The Michigan Port Collaborative announced formation of an Interim Steering Committee comprised of local leaders from 19 Great Lakes port communities in Michigan. Janessa Stroud, Vice President of Government Affairs at the Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce, is among the list of appointees. The complete membership of the Interim Steering Committee is listed below.

The Interim Steering Committee will meet on Thursday, December 10, 2009 in Lansing to recommend a permanent organizational structure that will advance the Collaborative’s goal to create an effective voice in Lansing and Washington D.C. for policies and funding that will enable coastal communities to serve as Michigan’s Front Door. 

“Muskegon’s deepwater port and pristine beaches are a valuable asset. In order to be successful, our economic development strategy must take into account the abundant commercial and recreational opportunities we have as a port community,” said Janessa Stroud. “I look forward to representing Muskegon on the Committee.”   

“The Michigan Port Collaborative just completed our very successful Fall 2009 Summit during the last week of October,” said John Kerr speaking for the Collaborative. “More than 150 participants attended and we unanimously agreed that the Collaborative should form an Interim Steering Committee to formalize our structure and mission and maintain our forward momentum. These nineteen members represent all corners of our State, and include both commercial cargo ports as well as smaller recreational harbors.  I’m very grateful to these local leaders for their support for the Collaborative and their willingness to serve on this important Committee,” Kerr stated.

Kerr reported that the 2009 Summit attendance more than doubled that of past meetings, “which demonstrates the solid support and traction the Collaborative has built. At the summit, we agreed to form a state/federal legislative caucus to partner with port communities that join the Collaborative.  We know we are strongest together, and in the coming weeks we’ll be meeting with state and federal elected officials representing Michigan ports to develop our common agenda.”

A report on the Collaborative’s Fall 2009 Summit proceedings will be issued in December and will include the keynote address delivered by Lt. Governor John Cherry, a strong and early supporter of the Collaborative.  

Michigan Port Collaborative Interim Steering Committee Membership List

Blue, Dennis (Small Harbors Coalition / Onekema)

Cisneros, Marci (Grand Haven)

Ervin, Tim (Manistee) 

Evashevski, Deb – (St. Ignace)

Fairchild, Felicia (Saugatuck / Douglas)

Fogal, Marci (Port Huron)

Gilmet, Don (Alpena)

Hall, Beach (Rogers City)

Hoath, Linda (Sault Ste. Marie)

Kerr, John (Detroit / Wayne Co)

Pasakarnis, Helen (East Tawas)

Pott, Ken (St. Joseph)

Roberts, Shirley (Bay City)

Shanley, Lisa (South Haven)

Stanley, Pam (Monroe) *

Stewart, Greg (Luna Pier) *

Stonehouse, Fred (Marquette)

Stroud, Janessa (Muskegon)

Van Sumeren, Hans (Traverse City)

When the going gets tough for business, for some reason, advertising and promotion budgets are the first areas considered for cut-backs.  We would like to encourage member business to rethink this strategy.   

ADVERTISINGis one of the most important things you need to keep in your budget and the Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce has a variety of cost effective advertising opportunities for ANY SIZE business.  Not only does the chamber have advertising venues such as our website, etc., we also have various tools you can use to distribute your own advertising message to Chamber member businesses like mass fax, mailing labels or business category listings. 

In addition, the Chamber has a variety of opportunities for businesses to SPONSOR a diverse selection of programs and events.  Sponsorships are available either individually or as a package, which includes additional promotional benefits such as website banner ads, mailing labels, promotional tie-ins, etc.  Custom and/or exclusive sponsorships are also available.

Your Chamber offers 1 stop shopping for cost effective marketing.  Support of Muskegon Chamber initiatives through advertising and sponsorship is a win-win: it enables the Chamber to offer a greater number of quality programs, events and initiatives, while your business benefits from increased exposure as an active participant in the advancement of this regions’ business community. CLICK HERE to see some of the opportunities available to your company, or contact Dawn Johnson at 231-722-3751.