Ann Arbor Area Chamber of Commerce

Saturday, February 6 is the first ever Winter Warrior event, organized by the Main Street Area Association, from 12pm – 6pm, downtown Ann Arbor. Winter Warrior is a community event meant to encourage people to get outside and come downtown when the cold weather may not be so inviting.





Restaurants and cafes will bring out their sidewalk furniture. If you choose to be a Winter Warrior and sit outside you will be able to enjoy specials such as $2 draught bees and $1 hot drinks (tea, coffee, soda). Some restaurants/cafes may also be offering food specials. All Winter Warrior participants will receive a stamp on their receipt. Present your stamped receipt at participating retailers and receive a special winter warrior discount.



Participating restaurants, bars & cafes:

• Arbor Brewing Company

• BD’s Mongolian BBQ

• Blue Tractor

• Cafe Felix

• Grizzly Peak

• Jolly Pumpkin Cafe and Brewery

• Mighty Good Coffee

• The Arena



participating retailers:

• Salon XL - 20% off products

• Moosejaw - 20% off any one, regular priced item

• Salon Vox - 20% off products

• Schakolad - discounts on hot drinks and prebooked Valentine’s orders

• Sole Sisters - an additional 10% off sale items, 15% off regularly priced items.

• Cupcake Station - free regular coffee with a $2 purchase

• Crazy Wisdom - 15% off one item

• Acme Mercantile - 20% off regularly priced merchandise

• Elmo’s T-Shirts - a FREE Michigan bumper sticker($4.95 value) with the purchase of any t-shirt at regular price (not already on sale) and a FREE tin lunch box ($9.95 value) with the purchase of a second t-shirt. (Saturday & Sunday)

• Carillon Chocolates - BOGO ice cream cones or BOGO coffee (Saturday & Sunday)

• Ann Arbor Art Center - 10% off in gift shop, 20% off for members



Brave the winter elements; get your long underwear, hats, gloves and scarf and come downtown and support local businesses this Saturday, February 6 and become a Winter Warrior!



Megan Crosbie

@A2Chamber

The Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti Area Chambers of Commerce held a Joint Chamber Breakfast on Tuesday, January 12, to further discuss formation of the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber.



Well over 300 people attended to hear Diane Keller, President & CEO of the new Chamber, address the joining of the two organizations – a topic of discussion for the past 25-plus years.



The Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber will mean more benefits and exposure for members. It will afford the joint Chamber and its membership with greater voice.



Both Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti Chamber staffs and Boards are working hard to address remaining issues.



Click here to view the Joint Chamber Breakfast video.

Special thanks to David Peterson, producer – director – editor, of Stone Bridge Productions for kindly producing this phenomenal video!



Megan Crosbie
@A2Chamber

The first Morning Edition of the 2010 season proved to be worthy of the hype that led up to the event. Over 200 members of the business community were in attendance at the beautifully renovated Weber’s Inn this morning ready to network. The program was graciously sponsored by the University of Michigan. Amy Klinke, Associate Director of Corporate Relations addressed the audience about the relationship the University of Michigan has with the business community. She then introduced Ankit Mehta and Doug Fischer, Project Managers of MPowered, a career fair to be held Tuesday, January 26. The very well spoken gentlemen gave a brief overview of the upcoming career fair and encouraged the audience to participate.



With Russ Collins in Utah for the Sundance Film Festival, Susan Pollay, Executive Director of the Downtown Development Authority was on hand to fill in as emcee. The speakers, who were each given 5 minutes at the podium, included Diane Keller, Dennis Bickmeier, Dean Jeffery, Marisa Smith and Arie Lipsky.



Diane Keller, President & CEO of the Ann Arbor Area Chamber of Commerce discussed the announcement of the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber of Commerce. At Impact last September the question was raised, “why are there 7 Chambers of Commerce in Washtenaw County?” An integration committee was formed to address this question and the possibilities of joining the two Chambers. Diane discussed how the Regional Chamber will bring more benefits for Chamber members and a strong voice in public policy. Suggestions, comments, questions and concerns regarding the Regional Chamber can be sent to A2Y@annarborchamber.org.



Dennis Bickmeier, Vice President Marketing and Sales at Michigan International Speedway stunned the crowd with the local economic impact from NASCAR events. There are over 200,000 people who attend the NASCAR races as well as the drivers and 12 – 20 person teams. A study conduced in 2007 found that there is a $260 million direct impact to the economy and greater that $40 million annually. There are two major NASCAR races at the track yearly; however there are several other events at MIS including MHSAA State Cross Country Meet and car shows. Dennis announced that MIS will be the host to the Progressive Insurance Automotive X Prize, which will feature 51 vehicles from 10 nations. Dennis said that Michigan International Speedway is “proud of the economic impact we generate.”



Dean Jeffery, President of Worknet Systems began his first business at the age of the age of 14 building and selling furniture. In his first year he sold 10 and was invited to participate in a Home and Garden show which helped him to grow his business for the next four years. Twelve years ago, after getting his degree from the University Of Michigan College Of Business, Dean launched Worknet Systems at the Chamber B2B expo. Dean discussed how he helps companies strategically plan, maximize productivity and protect their network security. As he finished speaking he asked everyone to write down: “Dean said there is a better way!”



Marisa Smith, President of The Whole Brain Group introduced the audience to ‘Small Giants’ a book written by Bo Burlingham, featuring Zingerman’s. Ann Arbor was chosen as the place to launch the Small Giant, because there are so many businesses in Ann Arbor that have ‘mojo’. Small Giants, is a community of businesses that define success by their contributions to the community, dedication to great customer service and creation/preservation of workplace cultures and excellence. Marisa has been asked to help lead the process. There will be an event held in April, in which Bo Burlingham will attend, to further discuss developing a great place to work. For more information about Small Giants, visit their website.



Finally, Arie Lipsky, Conductor of the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra explained the difference between his job and most others. Arie expressed how thrilled he was to be addressing the audience from his better side, his front side, explaining that in his line of work he stands for two hours with his backside facing large audiences. Arie was very modest, telling the audience, “conducting is very simple – everyone can do it.” He gave us all the 5 things we need to know in order to be conductors:

1) Violins are on the Left
2) Chellos and Violas are on the Right
3) Woodwinds are ALWAYS too Soft
4) The Brass is too Loud
5) “Downbeat and stay the hell out of the way”


He concluded by conducting the audience in singing “Happy Birthday” to one of audience members.



The next Morning Edition is Wednesday, February 17 at Weber’s Inn from 7am – 8:45am. You don’t want to miss it!



Megan Crosbie
@A2Chamber

The Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti Area Chambers of Commerce announced that the respective Boards of Directors have unanimously approved a resolution to pursue joint operation and form the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber. In addition, Diane Keller, current President of the Ypsilanti Area Chamber of Commerce, will be President of the new organization.



Further details will be available at the Joint Chamber Breakfast held on Tuesday, January 12, 7:30am - 9am at Washtenaw Community College’s Morris Lawrence Building. At this event a formal announcement will be made about the joint operation and Chamber leadership will discuss the plan for moving forward.



“The joint operation of these organizations represents a significant step towards more regional efforts to meet the needs of our membership base,” commented Karl Couyoumjian, Chair-Elect of the Ann Arbor Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. “We are also very pleased to welcome Diane with her extensive Chamber background and look forward to her leadership and direction as we work towards serving members of the new organization.”



“Now more than ever we felt it was important to explore collaboration, and I’m pleased to see this effort move forward,” noted Mark Ouimet, current Ypsilanti Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Chair.



A committee of current Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti Chamber board members and member representatives was formed in October to explore the joint operation of the two organizations. The committee met numerous times and concluded that collaboration between the two groups is in the interest of their business members and the community and would result in expanded affinity programs and benefits for members; overall cost savings; increased networking opportunities and a stronger voice in public policy.



Megan Crosbie
@A2Chamber

Last week was Community Service Day at Leadership Ann Arbor, with the focus of discovering the different resources in our community as well as what volunteer opportunities are available. Participants of Leadership Ann Arbor heard from and went to visit several local nonprofits including: 826michigan, Boy Scouts of America, Ele’s Place, Food Gatherers, Habitat for Humanity, Humane Society of Huron Valley, Neutral Zone, NEW, Ronald McDonald House, The Red Cross, Washtenaw United Way and Women’s Center of Southeast Michigan. Community Service Day was merely a snapshot of the nonprofits in the Ann Arbor area.



We heard from a vast range of local nonprofits, all with different missions, but one commonality – they need our help! Many nonprofits are struggling financially and a small gift is greatly appreciated and can go a long way. Some nonprofits need donations of food or supplies, while others need you to donation your time. It is clear that there are several ways to get involved to make our community a better place.



The first step to getting involved it to find an organization that you want to help. When choosing an organization it is important that the mission of the organization parallels your personal beliefs. If you are not an animal lover then volunteering at the Humane Society may not be a good fit. Try to find an organization that you will enjoy to help. Once you have found an organization, call them to determine how you can get involved. Some nonprofits require volunteers to go through an orientation or training; others will want you to start right away.



As the holiday seasons are quickly approaching, we are reminded to help those who are in need. It is important to remember that these people or organizations are in need all year!



Megan Crosbie
@A2Chamber

Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn have given people an opportunity to connect and network. Many professionals are diving into social media, networking with current and potential clients. Social media is an excellent, new and innovative way to connect with other professions; however we can’t forget about the ‘old school’ approach to doing business. Meeting people face-to-face to build and maintain relationships is still the best way to network, which was apparent last night at the Chamber’s Year Ender.



Before the doors even opened at 4:30pm yesterday at Kensington Court, the check-in area was filled with Chamber members ready to network. Chamber members continued to flow through the doors with food to donate to our food drive benefit Food Gathers throughout the event. Though it is hard to know exactly how many people attended the Year Ender, it is estimated that there were between 700 and 800 people. The Chamber Year Ender is an excellent opportunity for Chamber members to network, face-to-face and most importantly, have fun!





The Chamber held a food drive at the Year Ender to collect nonperishable food for Food Gathers. We collected 1256 pounds of food last night. Thank you so much to everyone who brought a donation!



Megan Crosbie
@A2Chamber

One of the many benefits of membership with the Chamber is that members have access to Workers Compensation Insurance through Accident Fund Insurance Company of America, with a guaranteed savings of 5%. During 2007 – 2008, the group of Chamber members participating in the program was extremely safe in their work practices resulting in a premium dividend of $106,275!

Over 80 participation businesses will split the $106,275 premium dividend, ranging from $18 to $12,500, with an average dividend of over $1,300. The dividend amount returned is based on each participant’s premium costs.

Safety at work leads to fewer injuries and fewer worker compensation claims. Fewer workers compensation claims leads to the ability to earn a dividend from Accident Fund Insurance Company of America.

The three Chamber members who received the largest dividends were presented their checks on Wednesday, November 18 at Morning Edition.

Saline Area Fire Department - $1,170.48

Recycle Ann Arbor - $7,287.76

Services to Enhance Potential - $12, 605.68

Congratulations to all of the participants of the program!

For more information about Workers Compensation Insurance through the Chamber please contact Jennifer Coleman, director of member benefits at 734.214.0106.

Megan Crosbie
@A2Chamber

“Alone we can do so little; together we can so much.”
- Helen Keller

One of the best resources small businesses have are the partnerships they form with other small businesses. With few employees, small businesses may not be able to accomplish as much if not for their relationships with other businesses. The Chamber is an advocate for developing, building and forming partnerships with other Chamber members – together we profit.

The Chamber recently partnered with the Whole Brain Group, Arbormoon Software, Torrance Learning and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan to plan, create, develop and promote a m2m iPhone application. While meeting with the Whole Brain Group about m2m discounts, Marisa Smith had the idea of creating an iPhone application. Arbormoon Software was brought on board to develop the actual application.

Torrance Learning, another local Chamber member, created an eClickMap - an interactive demo. The demo allows you to view the features of the app, learn about the benefits of advertising member-2-member discounts and find out how to sign up to get your business listed in the app. The eClickMap serves as a way to education people about the new app as well as promote the new m2m iPhone app.

Finally, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, one of the Chamber’s affinity partners, sponsored m2m iPhone application. Without the partnerships the Chamber formed, we would have not been able to create a new, innovative way to give our members more exposure for FREE!

The m2m A2Chamber iPhone application is now available to download for free from the App Store on iTunes or your iPhone!

Megan Crosbie
@A2Chamber

The Chamber has always promoted commerce between our members. The m2m discount program was created to assist this initiative. A 16-page front and back word document was created to display all of the m2m discounts available. Not only was this format old-fashion and unattractive, it was also not environmentally friendly. We had three major problems with the way we were promoting commerce among members:

1) No one carried their 16-page, unattractive word document,
around with them

2) The m2m discount catalog did not offer much exposure for
member

3) It was not environmentally friendly to print copies of the m2m
discount catalog

That is how the idea to create a m2m iphone app was formed and the i team was born.

The i team consists of several partnerships:
•  Ann Arbor Area Chamber of Commerce
•  The Whole Brain Group
•  Arbormoon Software
•  Torrance Learning

The i team worked diligently to create the m2m iphone app which will be available in for FREE in November. Torrance Learning created a click through map to explain to members how the application works.

Learn more about the A2Chamber iPhone App in this AnnArbor.Com article.

Megan Crosbie
@A2Chamber

Many people area unfamiliar with the getDowntown program, located at the Ann Arbor Area Chamber of Commerce. The getDowntown program is a partnership between the City of Ann Arbor, the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority, the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority and the Ann Arbor Area Chamber of Commerce that was formed in 1999. The getDowntown program provides information and assistance to downtown businesses and employees on commuting options such as biking, riding the bus, walk, carsharing, carpooling and Zipcars. In addition to offering services and resources, the Program also runs educational programs promoting the many benefits of sustainable transportation.

The go!pass is one of the many resources offered by the getDowntown program. Not only does the go!pass provide unlimited usage of the bus, there are several other benefits of having a go!pass.

Benefits:

• Unlimited Bus Rides: employees get free rides on any AATA bus, including buses from the Ypsi area as well as from the Park and Ride Lots.

• Free Parking: employees can park for FREE at any of AATA’s Park and Ride Lots and take the bus.

• 50% off A2Express Buses: employees can save 50% when they take the A2Chelsea or A2Canton express service.

• Discount on Night Ride: $1 for the AATA’s Night Ride.

• Discounts to downtown stores: this may be the best benefit of the go!pass. Even employees who don’t use the bus may still use their go!pass for for tons of discounts to downtown stores. More than 30 businesses, including coffee shops, clothing stores, and more offer a go!pass discount of at least 10%.

For more information about the getDowntown program contact Nancy Shore, Program Director, at 734.214.0114.

For more information about go!passes go to: http://getdowntown.org/bus/gopass/index.html.

Megan Crosbie
@A2Chamber