Ann Arbor / Ypsilanti Regional Chamber

Marvelous Morning Edition

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