New App Puts Chamber Members in the Palm of Your Hand
The Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce puts local businesses in the palm of your hand with new Smartphone application called “My Chamber App.” Free to download, My Chamber App provides instant access to all Chamber member businesses, allowing users to visit websites, call or get directions from where they are standing to a business front door.
The Grand Rapids Chamber is the first chamber in West Michigan to use this technology. “We saw the tremendous benefit to our members, so we thought we would jump on board early with the new application,” said Jeanne Englehart, President & CEO of the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce. “We are thrilled to be the first kid on the block to offer this service to our members. In fact, I have already used the app several times!”
The application was designed by Target Marketing, the largest exclusive chamber map publisher in the country, and is available for the iPhone, Android and Blackberry. Just search for "My Chamber App," then download it to start supporting Chamber member businesses. For questions about the My Chamber App, contact Laurie Forte at fortel@grandrapids.org or 616.771.0339.
Top
Minority Business Expo and Business After Hours is August 17
www.grandrapids.org/business-after-hours
top
A Stylish Soiree to Benefit the ATHENA Scholarship Fund!
Register for this event at www.grandrapids.org/athena-scholarship.
top
Don’t Miss Chamber Day at Michigan International Speedway on Aug. 13!
Join Michigan chambers and Office Depot for Chamber Day at Michigan International Speedway on August 13. Attendees will experience the qualifying practice for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and a Q & A discussion with Ryan Newman, driver of the #39 Army Chevrolet. All chamber members are welcome to attend. Remember to bring your business cards!
Date | Friday, August 13, 2010
Time | 10:00AM – 1:00PM
Location | Michigan International Speedway Acceleration Club
Cost | $35 ($5 goes toward charity)
Must be 18 years of age or older to attend and attire is business casual.
Each Attendee Will Receive:
· One (1) grandstand ticket to qualifying practice on Friday for the NASCAR® Sprint Cup Series
· Complimentary lunch
· Free Parking
· Q & A Session with Ryan Newman, driver of the # 39 Army Chevrolet
To purchase Michigan Chamber Day tickets at MIS call the MIS Ticket Office at 517.592.1285 (only phone orders are accepted).
top
Workers Comp Insurance Program Pays You Back!
The Chamber and Accident Fund Insurance Company of America have partnered for more than ten years to provide our members with the most comprehensive and rewarding workers compensation insurance plans available. Workers’ compensation insurance is just one of the expenses employers have to consider, and joining the Chamber Group Program can make it a smaller part of your budget.
This Group Program is offered exclusively to Chamber members and gives you:
• 5% up-front savings on your premium
• Dividend eligibility based on group performance
• No minimum premium to qualify
• Convenient billing options
• Loss prevention tools
Our Chamber group continues to be the strongest performing group in the state of Michigan with annual dividends ranging from 7-14 percent of premiums returned!
Would you like to save money and be eligible for a dividend? Contact Mark Allen at 616.771.0348 or email allenm@grandrapids.org for more information.
top
Be on the Look Out for Your Electronic Business Directory Verification Form
As part of our Chamber sustainability efforts, we are moving to electronic verification of membership information. We want to make sure we have the most up-to-date information on file for you and your company to ensure you are listed correctly in the 2011 Business Directory. By updating your business information, you guarantee that your company is kept informed of Chamber happenings, and because your company's contact information and business details are directly linked to our website, you will be helping improve your company's business referrals.
Watch for an email later this month, and be sure to respond with your edited information by August 27 to ensure you get the most from your Chamber membership!
top
Guess Who’s Celebrating?
Members who are opening new businesses, expanding, renovating, relocating, and celebrating milestone anniversaries – that’s who! All Chamber members are welcome and encouraged to attend these events! What a great way to visit with fellow members and learn about what they do.
Click here to view Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings & Celebrations.
top
Take Advantage of the 3 Remaining Chamber University Classes for Summer 2010!
Chamber University’s summer session features a variety of marketing, management, and diversity classes taught by Chamber members in their areas of expertise. Classes are available to members at only $20 per person, per class and $35 per person for future members. Enroll for two or more classes and save $5 off each (note: online registration is not available for this discount)
109: Brand Building - Doing It Right | August 10, 7:30 – 9:30 a.m.
110: Internal Communications Best Practices | August 10, 10:00 a.m. – Noon
103: Little Things Mean A Lot™ (Micro-Inequities To Macro-Affirmations) | NEW DATE: August 24, 7:30 – 9:30 a.m.
See class descriptions and download a registration form at www.grandrapids.org/chamber-university.
top
Partnership For a Sustainable Community’s First Community Meeting!
Join to hear from Jeff Remtema from Progressive AE as he presents simple sustainable fixes that will save you money. A Q&A session will follow Jeff’s presentation.
Date | Wednesday, August 11
Time | 2-3pm
Location | Chamber Offices, 111 Pearl St. NW
Cost | FREE
To register, please contact Abby Albers at 616.771.0336 or albersa@grandrapids.org.
top
Attend the JAYCEES Network Connect, August 18 at The Viceroy!
The Grand Rapids JAYCEES and the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce invite you to the August Network Connect Luncheon on August 18th at The Viceroy.
If you are looking for ways to market yourself, services, or just looking to network and meet business professionals in the Grand Rapids area, this is an event for you.
This month's featured speaker will be Mark Sellers, owner of the Hopcat, The Viceroy, and Stella's Lounge. He will speak about why he and others are choosing to invest in Grand Rapids.
Date | Wednesday, August 18
Time | 11:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.
Location | The Viceroy 53 Commerce SW, Grand Rapids (Enter Code 1930 on keypad to enter)
Cost/Lunch | Not normally open for lunch, The Viceroy will have a lunch menu available. Lunch is at your own expense.
RSVP by August 16 at gr.network.connect@gmail.com.
top
CEO Roundtable Program Fall Sign-up is Underway
CEOs, Presidents, Partners or Owners can participate in this rewarding program, and are able chose from the following types of CEO Roundtables:
• Original (mix of industries)
• Family-owned
• Non-profit
• Manufacturing.
Senior-level managers can be involved in the CEO Roundtable program by taking advantage of one our specialized Roundtables:
• Sales
• Marketing
• Finance
Roundtables meet once a month and have 10-13 participants, and cost $60 per year. Deadline for new participants to join the program is Friday, September 3! Applications and more information available at www.grandrapids.org/ceo-roundtable-program or by contacting Bridget Meyers at meyersb@grandrapids.org or 616.771.0342.
top
“Like” Us on Facebook & Win Weekly Prizes
Do you like the Chamber? Then let your friends know it! If you “Like” the Chamber on Facebook, you will be entered to win gift cards to cool places such as Meijer Gardens, San Chez, Bar Divani, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, McFadden’s, Cortexx Hair Salon and etc. in upcoming drawings!
Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter, too. You can find us #GRACC for all the latest news, new members and more.
top