Accomplishments - Southern Wayne County Chamber of Commerce

2005 Accomplishments
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Legislative | Economic Development | Member Services | Education

LEGISLATIVE

Governor Jennifer Granholm and
Scott McKelvey of MBT Downriver.

Congressman John Dingell and 2005 Chairperson Nancy Gray of Oakwood Healthcare System.

State Senators Bruce Patterson (left) and Ray Basham with Rob Bovitz (center) of Bovitz CPA, P.C.

Hosted 12 successful Legislative Forums with key elected officials:

Ų January 31 - Congressman John Dingell

Ų February 14 - Chuck Hadden, V.P. of Government Affairs, Michigan Manufacturers Association

Ų March 14 - State Senators Ray Basham & Bruce Patterson

Ų April 25 - Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick

Ų May 16 - Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano

Ų June 20 - Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson

Ų August 22 - Patrick Holland, Detroit International Bridge Company, and Paul E. Tait, Executive Director, Southeast Michigan Council of Governments. Both speakers discussed the proposed new bridge crossing between Michigan and Canada.

Ų September 14 - Mohammed Alghurabi, Senior Project Manager for the Detroit River International Crossing (DRIC) Study at the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), and Dave Wake, Windsor Project Coordinator, Ontario Ministry of Transportation. Both speakers discussed the proposed new bridge crossing between Michigan and Canada.

Ų September 26 - Wayne County Commissioners Edward A. Boike, Jr., Joseph Palamara, John J. Sullivan, Ilona Varga and Gary Woronchak

Ų October 24 - State Representatives Ed Clemente, Barbara Farrah, Hoon-Yung Hopgood and Kathleen Law

Ų November 7 - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm

Ų November 21 - Dick DeVos, Republican candidate for Governor

Published "The Branch" in the Business Connection magazine each month to keep members informed of legislative issues at state, federal and local levels.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Cookies by Design, Southgate
(Left to right): Diane Thomas (baker), Renay Garrison (owner), City of Southgate Mayor Dennis David, Lynn Estes (field rep), Perla Garrison (owner), Susan Girard (decorator), Steve Fortuna (SWCRC Board Member), Mike Holtschlag (SWCRC Board Member).

Famous Dave’s, Taylor
(Left to right): City of Taylor Mayor Gregory Pitoniak, Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber (SWCRC) Vice-President Sandy Mull, SWCRC President Alan Anderson, SWCRC Chairman of the Board Nancy Gray of Oakwood Healthcare, Inc.

Set against a deep blue background, photos representing four Downriver communities along with the Chamber’s logo, are featured on the cover. The cover photos showcase the attractiveness of the region, such as recreation, housing, business growth and quality of life. The inside section of the map also features photos and information, which highlights these attractions as well as education, culture and history.

Grand Opening Assistance: Chamber staff, board members and Ambassadors assisted businesses in the area with their grand opening ceremonies by providing the ceremonial scissors and inviting city officials to the event. The event was later publicized in the Chamber's monthly magazine, the Business Connection and in the local newspaper, the News-Herald.

Small Business Assistance: The Chamber continuously assisted existing and start-up businesses by linking them to the appropriate resources and by providing Small Business Start-Up packets and the Industrial Guides.

Information and Communication: Published monthly newsletter "Developing News" to keep members informed of projects, plans and new developments in their area. The newsletter can be read at www.swccc.org.

Maintained the Southern Wayne County Regional Alliance economic development pages on the Chamber's web site at www.swccc.org. The pages were created in 2001 by the Chamber, through a partnership with the Downriver Community Conference, to keep the public informed of economic development activities and accomplishments in the Southern Wayne County region.

Business & Lifestyles Exposition: On April 7, 8 and 9, 2005, the Chamber hosted its successful business exhibition with approximately 100 members showcasing their products and services to an audience of more than 5,000.

Regional Map: The Chamber published a new, glossy, four-color map of the region. The new regional map marks the first time in over ten years the Chamber has produced a map for visitors, residents and businesses. A revised map was in high demand to satisfy the requests of new residents relocating to the area. The map also serves as an excellent marketing tool, showcasing the region’s numerous scenic parks, golf courses, ice rinks, educational institutions, marinas, boat and yacht clubs. In addition, the area’s museums, churches, libraries, hospitals and business parks are also designated on the map. Each Chamber member business received one copy of the map. Additional maps can be purchased for $2 each. In addition to printing 5,000 maps, 10,000 tear-off maps were printed and will be distributed to local hotels and restaurants. A digital map is available for viewing on the Internet by clicking on the southern Wayne County map link on the Chamber’s website at www.swccc.org. The Web page features an interactive map where users can zoom in on a particular community or the entire regional map. The Web page also features links to Chamber member advertisements and a map to their business locations.

Member Services

Paul and Marcia Gauthier of Arbonne International and Lisa LaLande of Arbonne-Sunshine Solutions attend the New Members’ Reception at Pier 500 in Wyandotte on August 25, 2005.

Staff of the News-Herald Newspapers proudly display their award for second place Best Multiple Booth at the 2005 Business & Lifestyles Expo.

2005 Member Tribute Award Recipients: (L to R): Janet Miesiak, Heartland Healthcare, Melanie Colaianne, Masco Corp., Gregory Pitoniak, City of Taylor, and Karen Wilson, Central Distributors of Beer.

Tillie Balogh of Jean Bowyer
Hartford Downriver Realty and
Steve Fortuna of E.W. Smith Insurance Agency with Biker Bob’s mascot. The Harley Davidson store in Taylor was the host of the July ABO.

Networking: The Chamber held many successful member networking opportunities, including:

Ų 9 ABOs ("After Business Ours") at different member locations:

o January 26 hosted by Southgate Fun & Fitness Centre Downriver Family YMCA, Rhapsody Café and Banquet Center, and the City of Southgate

o February 24 hosted by Downriver Community Conference (DCC) and E.W. Smith Insurance Agency

o April 28 hosted by MBT Downriver

o May 26 hosted by The Guidance Center

o June 30 hosted by Holiday Inn Southgate

o July 28 hosted by Biker Bob’s Harley Davidson

o September 29 hosted by Pentiuk, Couvreur & Kobiljak, P.C.

o October 27 hosted by Crystal Gardens

o November 17 hosted by Ray Hunter Florist

Ų Golf Outing (June 13)

Ų Steak Roast (September 8)

Ų Salute to Government Officials (December 1)

Ų New Member Receptions

o May 12 hosted by Josephine Ford Cancer Center-Downriver (JFCC-D)

o August 25 hosted by Pier 500

o December 15 hosted by Taylor SportsPlex

Ų Member Tribute (February 10 hosted by Downriver Italian-American Hall)

Ų Black Tie Preview Party (April 7)

Ų Business & Lifestyles Expo (April 7,8 & 9)

Member Tribute: On Feb. 10, 2005 the Chamber hosted its second-annual Member Tribute, an event that recognizes exemplary businesses and individuals for their outstanding contributions to the community and the Chamber. The evening was a success, as more than 100 people gathered to enjoy the wonderful array of hors d’oeuvres and desserts provided by Jeanne’s Catering at the Downriver Italian-American Hall in Wyandotte. Gregory E. Pitoniak, Mayor, City of Taylor, was presented with the Image Award for actively promoting a positive image of southern Wayne County to both the internal and external public. The Community Service Award was given to Karen Wilson, president and owner of Central Distributors of Beer, Inc. Wilson was recognized for her volunteerism and expertise that contributes to the betterment of the quality of life in southern Wayne County. Masco Corporation was the recipient of the Corporate Citizen Award, which acknowledges a business that has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to and achieved success in the demanding area of industry and commerce. Janet Miesiak of Heartland Healthcare received the 2004 Ambassador of the Year award in recognition of her vital role in adopting new members, volunteering for events and bringing non-members to events.

Breaking the Boundaries: On March 22, 2005 the Chamber hosted a networking event in conjunction with the West Suburban Area Chamber Council (WSACC). More than 400 business professionals from WSACC member chambers attended the event, including: Allen Park; Belleville; Canton; Dearborn; Dearborn Heights; Farmington/Farmington Hills; Garden City; Livonia; Northville; Novi; Plymouth; Redford; Southfield; Westland and Wayne. Breaking the Boundaries was held at Burton Manor in Livonia, and provided a unique opportunity for businesses to spread the word about their products and services outside the Downriver area. The event featured a speed networking session when individuals were given a few minutes at a time to introduce themselves to as many people in the room as possible.

Cruisin' Downriver Kick-Off Party: The second annual Cruisin’ Downriver Kick-Off Party was a huge success. Hundreds of people gathered at Crystal Gardens in Southgate on Thursday, June 23 to enjoy a classic car show featuring new and vintage convertible Ford Mustangs and other vehicles. The event was hosted by the Chamber, AutoAlliance International (AAI), Inc., Crystal Gardens and the News-Herald Newspapers to gear up for the sixth annual Cruisin' Downriver, which took place on June 25, 2005. A number of auto-related vendors and Chamber member businesses exhibited their products and services at the three-hour event. Guests enjoyed picnic food, live music and many valuable prizes were awarded throughout the evening.

Cruisin' Downriver: The Chamber worked with four local communities and the News-Herald Newspapers on the sixth annual Cruisin' Downriver, a car cruise down Fort Street on June 25, 2005, that attracted over 300,000 car enthusiasts and spectators and promoted recreational activities.

Web Site: The Chamber's web site was established in 1996 to keep the public informed of Chamber programs and activities and to promote Chamber member businesses. The site receives more than 50,000 hits per month and features an on-line membership application form, event registration form, a membership directory searchable by city location and alphabetically, categorical listings of members, Member Advantage program discounts, the Web Site of the Month contest, the Southern Wayne County Regional Alliance economic development pages and links to city web sites.

E-NEWS: The Chamber continued to produce an electronic newsletter called E-NEWS, e-mailed to approximately 800 members each month. E-NEWS is an informative e-mail blast that features Chamber news including the Ambassador of the month, the Web Site of the Month, Chamber and community events and clips from The Branch and Developing News.

Buyer's Guide: The Chamber published its annual business and community directory featuring valuable information on community demographics, government and state agencies, an alphabetical list of members and a special "yellow pages" section, listing members by classifications. More than 150 Chamber members advertised in the 2005 edition. Members’ ads were placed within close proximity to their classifications and their alpha listing was highlighted in a gray box for added recognition.

Business Connection: Twelve issues of the Chamber's monthly business-to-business magazine were published in cooperation with the News-Herald Newspapers. The magazine features Chamber events and member news and announcements. In addition, several feature stories were written about economic development and quality of life in the Southern Wayne County region. (Distribution: 4,500 businesses)

Broadcast e-mails: The Chamber increased communication to members by sending more e-mail notices on upcoming events to approximately 800 Chamber members. Throughout the year, several Chamber members used this service to advertise their products and services for a minimal fee.

Public Relations: The Chamber maintained contact with local media to keep the public informed of Chamber events, activities and projects, all focused on improving the quality of life and attracting new business for economic growth of the area.

Membership Recruitment and Retention: Chamber staff worked with the Ambassador committee to welcome new businesses to the community and invited them to attend Chamber networking functions to promote their business. The Chamber worked to retain members throughout the year through personal visits and telephone contact to address concerns and answer questions. The Web site also served as a productive recruiting tool, receiving an average of three membership applications per month. The Chamber welcomed close to 150 new members in 2005.

Discount Program: The Chamber continued to offer and promote the Member Advantage program, a member-to-member discount program, with over 40 participating members offering special discounts to Chamber members. The program was established to promote trade between SWCRC member businesses. The discounts can be viewed on the Chamber's web site. They also are publicized in the Business Connection.

Education

Students of Riverview High School with Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano, the guest speaker at the May Legislative Forum.

2005 Youth Leadership graduates

Legislative Exposure: The Chamber sponsored the attendance of area high school students at its monthly Legislative Forums, at which time the students were encouraged to meet law-and policy-makers. This could not happen without the generous support of member businesses sponsoring student tables.

Leadership 21: The 10th Leadership 21 class graduated in June 2005. The six-month course, which runs from January to June, involves six major topics covering the areas of government and media, health, economic development, education, leadership and quality of life. Participants share ideas and discuss issues as well as build a network of contacts to help facilitate involvement and build their personal databases.

Youth Leadership: For the seventh consecutive year, the Chamber recruited students from local high schools to participate in the Youth Leadership program (modeled after the Chamber's Leadership 21 program). After completing several modules in the areas of economic development, healthcare, legislative issues and quality of life, the class graduated in June 2005.

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