Brought to you by:
The Ionia Area Chamber of Commerce
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Woo-hoo! Spring break is almost here! For many of you, that means you'll be spending some extra quality time with family or perhaps taking a family vacation. For some of us, it will be business as usual. But whatever your plans are, I hope it's a great week!
Last month, we shared information about an Art Festival that the Chamber is planning for our community. Since then, our committee has met several times and has made the decision to launch this event in 2024. We want to make sure it's everything our community deserves, so we're excited to have more time to plan and execute.
We'll be moving forward with the planning process and are still looking for contacts as requested in the March edition.
In other news, it seems like we've been discussing Ionia Community Cash for nearly a year now. We had an opportunity to change to a MasterCard based program and have been soliticing for feedback for several months as our Board of Directors has been discussing the change. As with anything, there were a few major flaws that were identified and as such, we have unfortunately decided NOT to make a change at this time.
I would be happy to discuss the decision in more detail with anyone who is interested in learning more. We truly appreciate the feedback provided through the decision making process. And remember, just because it's off the table for now, doesn't mean we won't revisit the subject in the future.
I quickly want to thank all of our businesses who participated in the Lakewood Career Fair - what a great turnout! It sounds like there may be some tentative plans in the works for a career fair at Ionia High School in 2024 - as always, we will keep you posted!
We have some fun events coming up - check out the ribbon cutting at "The Stone" on April 13th or the Mega Mixer on May 17th. The networking lunch moves to Tropical Smoothie Cafe and will be indoor/outdoor weather permitting.
In addition, the Small Business Association of Michigan will be hosting the networking breakfast this month. IACC Members are also members of SBAM and have access to a TON of resources for business solutions and savings. This will be a great opportunity to learn more about your membership benefits and new programs. If you are not yet a member, please join us to learn more about why you should become one.
One last note - make sure to scroll all the way to the bottom to view the member benefit spotlight this month - it's a wildly popular one!
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Quick Poll - Your Feedback Matters! |
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Would your company be interested in advertising in a New Mover Mailer?
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What's Happening at the Chamber? |
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Chamber Board of Directors - Open Position
There have been a few changes in our current Board of Directors:
- After many several years of service on the IACC Board of Directors, we are sad to announce the resignation of Heather Poland-Sizemore from our leadership team. We think having some time to focus on other priorities is very well deserved and want to express enormous gratitude to Heather for her years on service and contributions to the Chamber!
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In Accordance with our by-laws, the board of directors have appointed Amy Herbruck, Marketing and Community Support Manager at Herbruck's Poultry Ranch to the vacant position created by Heather's resignation. Abby has been a Director at Large for a couple of years (one year term) and we are so excited to welcome her to fill the remainder of Heather's 3-year term expiring on December 31st, 2023. Congratulations Amy!!
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Amy's appointment has created a vacancy for a Director at Large, to fill the remaining term expiring on December 31st, 2023. Board service is an excellent way to have an influence in YOUR Chamber and community, develop personally & professional, and network. If you have an interest in being considered for this position, please find more information about our Board of Directors by clicking here.
Interested candidates may complete and submit a "Candidate Data & Interest"
form, which you can download here. Candidates must be an active member in
good standing.
Annual Membership Survey
Please take 5 - 10 minutes to complete this survey - CLICK HERE
Your feedback is essential to our annual review and planning process to ensure we are delivering quality services and benefits to our members and community. Thank you for taking the time to complete.
Please submit all responses by end of day on April 30th
2023 Promotional and Advertising Opportunities - CLICK HERE
Upcoming Chamber Events
- May 17: Mega Mixer
- June 02: Golf Classic
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Next Appointments -
Date:
Friday, April 7
Time:
9:00AM: Open
10:00AM: Open
11:00AM: Open
Location:
Unless otherwise arranged, consulting appointments are hosted at Sozo Coffee Roasting
576 N. State St.
Ionia, MI 48846
Cost:
FREE
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Free Confidential Business Consulting
Considering starting a business or making changes to an aspect of your business?
Remove some of the risk by meeting with our free and confidential Business Consultant - Make your appointment for the first Friday of the month through the Ionia Area Chamber of Commerce.
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Upcoming Networking
& Educational Opportunities
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Power Networking Lunch
Join us for your lunch break at our monthly Power Networking Lunch!
The luncheons feature open and structured networking and will be highlighted by 3 presentation tables, allowing Chamber members to spotlight their business. The event usually lasts 90 minutes and allows attendees to make important connections within the business community.
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Next Event -
Date:
Thursday, April 13
Time:
11:30AM - 1:00PM
Location:
Tropical Smoothie Cafe
3153 Commerce Lane, Ionia
Cost (Includes lunch:
$15 | IACC members
$20 | Non-Members
$50 | Presentation tables (2 remaining - first come first serve)
Contact us to purchase a Quarterly Pass
Pre-register by 4pm on April 11th
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Next Event -
Date:
Monday, April 24
Time:
9:00AM - 10:00AM
Location:
West Michigan Works
603 W. Adams St., Ionia
Cost:
FREE to attend
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Legislative Update
Learn what YOUR state Senators and Representatives are working on at this FREE to the public monthly meeting! Local county, city and township officials, including commissioners and city officials are also in attendance to provide updates. Question & answer period at the end.
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Wake Up & Shake Up Networking Breakfast
This monthly event gathers business and community representatives for a presentation by a local business or organization and information sharing. Conversation, leads, referrals, info-sharing and more to KICK-START your day!
Refreshments will be provided compliments of the sponsor.
Interested in sponsoring in 2023? View Sponsor Information - CLICK HERE
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Next Event -
Date:
Tuesday, April 25
Time:
7:30AM - 8:30AM
Location:
Linda's Corner Landing
128 W. Grand River Ave. Ionia
Sponsor:
The Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM)
Attend to learn more about your IACC Member Benefits, which includes a membership to SBAM ($249 value)
Cost:
$5 per member*
*Prospective Members are invited to attend up to two events at the member rate ($10 after)
Contact us to purchase an Annual Pass
Bring your business cards, brochures and flyers!
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Next Event -
Date:
Tuesday, May 9
Time:
11:00AM - 1:00PM
Location:
Ionia Armory Community Center - Lion's Room
439 W. Main St. Ionia
Cost:
FREE
BYO lunch (water, soda and chips provided)
Bring a laptop or tablet if possible.
Registration Appreciated
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Chamber "U" - Maximizing Your Membership
Whether you are a prospective, new or long-time member; Chamber U - Mazimize Your Membership is an opportunity to "Meet the Chamber" and learn more about benefits, resources, opportunities, and events available through Chamber Membership.
- Network with other business professionals
- Learn about your Chamber of Commerce
- Meet your Chamber staff and volunteers
- Start utilizing your membership benefits
- Learn about Chamber Programs, Events & Committees
- Discover Promotional & Advertising Opportunities
- Learn how to access and use the Members-only portal to promote your business
- Q&A
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The Small Business Briefing
Airs Mondays and Thursdays at 3pm ET. Watch to get the latest news from SBAM’s Brian Calley and Sarah Miller, along with special guests!
(Click image to redirect)
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Hiring Strategy for the Modern Workforce
Date: Wednesday, April 19, 2023
Time: 10:00AM
Location: Online
FREE to Members of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce (IACC Members) | $49 Non-Members
Contact us for Member Code to apply discount
(Active IACC Members)
(Click image to redirect)
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SCORE Workshops
5 Strategies to run a more Effective Business
Date: Tuesday, April 25, 2023
Time: 1:00 PM
These are a FREE online workshops hosted by SCORE
(Click image to redirect)
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Events & Promotional Opportunities |
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“The Stone” is Candlestone Golf Resort’s new addition that includes a bar, pool tables, darts, etc. as well as the area’s only indoor golf simulators!
They will have appetizers, a special drink menu, some giveaways and will be allowing people to try out the simulators for free!
*this is a Tri-Chamber Event, featuring Belding, Greenville and Ionia
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Mega Mixer
APPETIZERS | CASH BAR | DRAWING FOR DOOR PRIZES
Networking & Business Connections
All Members of the business Community are welcome!
Bring a door prize and receive 1 minute at the microphone to promote your business
Bring plenty of business cards
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Date
Wednesday, May 17, 2023
Time
6:00 - 8:00PM
Location
The Bowling Alley
420 N. Dexter Rd. Ionia
Fees/RegistrationNo Bowling
$15 IACC Members $20 Others
With Unlimited Bowling
$25 IACC Members $30 Others
Add $10 for day of / at the door registration
(All pricing includes heavy appetizers, change to win door prizes, and networking - family welcome)
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Ionia Chamber Golf Classic
One of the BEST Fridays of Spring! The event typically has 128 players and 12 volunteers helping to fund raise to fulfill the Chamber's mission of providing resources for businesses and promoting a vibrant community image.
Teams FULL
If you are unable to attend, there are many ways
to have your business represented
TEE SPONSORSHIP - $80/Each
Grand Prize Donations - $200+ Value
Raffle Prize Donation - $20 to $200 Value
Door Prize Donation - $20 or less Value
Bag Stuffers - coupons, freebies, etc. (see sponsorship guide for more ideas)
Other Sponsorship & Promotional Opportunities - CLICK HERE
Give us a call at 616-527-2560 to donate a prize or discuss other options!
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New Member Welcome Packets
When a business or organization becomes a Member of the Chamber, we send a packet of Welcome Information to help them become familiar with our Organization and fellowMembers.
Many of these new members are looking to fellow members to do business with, as well as getting more familiar with the many options in our community.
A coupon, special offer, or small free gift is a great way to encourage new Members to learn about your products and services and encourage future business and referrals.
This is a FREE opportunity for Chamber Members to participate in.
Please Contact us at (616) 527-2560 if you are interested in participating.
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Fill the Wall Challenge
(Envelope Wall)
Officially kicked off at the beginning of 2023, our goal is simple... to raise funds to fill the donation wall to support the Chambers 2023 Initiatives.
Simply choose an available envelope, labeled $1, $2, $3.... up to $75 to donate online. We will also bring the envelope wall to ALL Chamber events until the wall is filled.
All who donate will be recognized on the Chamber's social media
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Please Help us Welcome Our Newest Members! |
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(Click image for more info) |
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Member Employment Opportunities |
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Do You Have Employment Opportunities to Share? |
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Have News you'd love for us to share?
Don't forget to add it to the Member Information Center!
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$15 Off Non-covered Eye Exams & 10% Off any Non-covered Glasses Purchase
(Click the logo to be redirected for more details)
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50% Off Any 24oz Smoothie
(Click the logo to be redirected for more details)
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FREE Emergency Ready Profile Advantage
(Click the logo to be redirected for more details)
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Have a Public or Member-Only Deal you want us to share?
Don't forget to add it to the Member Information Center!
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Weekly Monday - Thursday @ 11am
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Have an upcoming event you want us to share?
Don't forget to add it to the Member Information Center!
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Community Events Calendar |
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Thursday, May 4
Saturday, May 13
Saturday, May 20 - Sunday, May 21
Thursday, June 1
Saturday, June 3
Saturday, June 10
Saturday, June 10
Saturday, June 17
Saturday, June 17
SMAT Community Day
Wed., June 21 - Sun., June 25
Thursday, June 29
Thursday, July 8
Saturday, July 10
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Friday, July 14 - Saturday, July 22
Thursday, August 3
Saturday, August 12
Saturday, August 12
Saturday, August 12
Thursday, Sept. 7
Thursday, Sept. 7 - Sunday, Sept. 10
Saturday, Sept. 9
Saturdady, September 16
Expo Block Party
Friday, Sept. 22 - Sunday, Sept. 23
Wizard of Oz Festival
Thursday, October 26
Autumn Celebration / Chili Dawg Challenge
Sunday, October 29
Every Sat. 9am - 1pm | June 3 - Oct. 7
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IONIA AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
PREMIER PARTNERS
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Thank you for your investment and support! |
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Workforce continues to be a challenge for organizations of all shapes and sizes,
but there are resources available to help!
Both of these items were shared with me by the Ionia County Economic Alliance / The Right Place - please take a look and feel free to share with your contacts.
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Talent & Diversity Resource List
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Join the Michigan Chamber Wednesday, April 5 for the 2023 Small Business Summit. This event features in-demand sessions with Q&A, networking opportunities, and cutting-edge, actionable advice on many of the most pressing issues facing small businesses today.
This event has something for everyone, including business owners and other professionals working in human resources, finance, marketing, sales, and more.
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**IACC Member Benefit Spotlight** |
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Tools for Employee Attraction & Retention
Did you know that membership to the Ionia Area Chamber of Commerce also provides you with a dual membership to the Small Business Association of Michigan
That's a savings of $249 per year!
SBAM offers many tools, resources and benefits that can provide solutions and savings for your business.
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It's time to add to your employee benefit's package!
Through IACC Membership, your employees and their spouses and dependents are eligible to receive a 20% tuition discount at Davenport University.
That's a savings of over $5,000 per person, per year!
Contact us today to learn more!
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Don't forget to submit your jobs, news, events, and deals to the Member Information Center by the FINAL Wednesday of each month to be included in our next Newsletter! |
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As always, please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or comments |
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Kat Hansen | Executive Director
Ionia Area Chamber of Commerce
(616) 527-2560
info@ioniachamber.net
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