Brought to you by:
The Ionia Area Chamber of Commerce
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Sign up to Stay in Touch! |
When you sign up for our text list, you'll receive updates about Chamber events and other opportunities for you and your business/organization. |
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Please Help us Welcome Our Newest Members! |
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Click on the image to redirect to their page for more information! |
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Don't forget - the deadline to nominate for the Annual Celebration & Awards is coming up on December 1st.
The event will be held on January 13th and is the only event in Ionia County with the aim to bring the local community together in celebration of local businesses and individuals who have worked hard throughout the year.
Scroll down to the "Events" section to learn more!
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It's the most wonderful time of the year!
Christmas in Ionia is truly magical, like something out of a Hallmark movie or snowglobe. There are so many activities planned for local businesses, families and visitors.
Are you hosting any holiday sales or events? Like we did for Halloween, we plan to put together a "Holiday Festivities" promotion featuring our members for social media. It will be posted the week of Thanksgiving and re-shared as needed throughout the month of December. To have your event / special offer included in the promotion - simply send us the information by Friday, November 17th at 5pm to be included.
Christmas Parade & Festivities
Click here to register for the Twinkle Town Christmas Parade.
Once you click on that link, you'll be redirected to a page that contains the FULL line-up of activities that have been organized by various partner organizations this holiday season, including the Twinkle Town Light Fest.
Holiday Shopping Passport -
Did you know that roughly 50% of the population will start their Christmas shopping in November? It's a good thing our Holiday Shopping Passport kicks off this Friday, November 10th! Scroll down for more details and please help us share the program and encourage folks to support local this holiday season!
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DONATIONS REQUESTED ~
The Chamber is trying to collect donations of 4,000 (of each) packets of hot cocoa and fruit snack for Seasons of Caring Holiday Hope Bags- if you can help, please drop off by December 1st at the Ionia Armory Community Center (439 W. Main St.).
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In addition -
Thank you to all who helped make the 2023 Autumn Celebration & Chili Dawg Challenge a huge success, including our sponsors & partners, participants, volunteers, and attendees!
- Chili Dawg Challenge presented by Independent Bank
- Presenting Sponsors Herbruck's Poultry Ranch, Biggs Dickinson & Roberts Wealth Management Services, American Inn & Suites, Dumpster On Demand
- City of Ionia for everything you do to make these events possible
- Restore Church (Harvest Carnival), Lucky Dog Grooming Salon (Pet Costume Contest), Meijer of Ionia (Kid Costume Contest), City of Ionia DDA (business trick or treat)
- GooseMan Photography
Congratulations to our Autumn Celebration Contest Winners!
You can see photos from the event on our Facebook Page - CLICK HERE
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What's Happening at the Chamber? |
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Coming Soon!
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The 5-Chamber After Hours RETURNS on February 29 @ "The Stone" (Candlestone Golf Resort) - featuring Ionia, Belding, Greenville, Lowell & Rockford Chambers of Commerce. This event has been on hiatus since 2019, but returns in 2024 with a new feel. Gone are the days of the intricate themes (if you remember, you know what we're talking about). Now, it's going to be a "GAME NIGHT" theme... stay tuned for more info!
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Chamber Podcast - Weekly on Tuesday at 12pm (starting on January 2nd) to cover local and Chamber happenings, news and events PLUS offer a platform to feature our members. Each week we will host a special member guest to co-host and feature their business / organization. We will start sending out a sign-up link (first come first serve) in December. This will be free to all members of the IACC. In addition, there will be quarterly advertising placement available. More info coming in December.
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Office Hours are changing - In an effort to more effectively serve our membership and better manage expectations, we are making some changes to the way we do business. As you may know know, our job regularly requires the office to be closed while our staff attends important meetings and events to serve our members and community. We currently have one full-time staff member, and more and more we are receiving requests to meet with our members at their place of business, as it's often more convenient than asking them to leave their work to come to us. That said, our staff spends a lot of time out in the community working to grow our membership base, promoting chamber programs and events, collaborating with economic partners, and working with existing members to take advantage of resources and programs to help their business grow. But, we also understand that sometimes you want to drop in, and we want to make sure that we're at the office when you do!
- As of January 1, 2024, the Ionia Area Chamber of Commerce office will be open by appointment only, with the exception of:
- Tuesdays from 10AM to 3PM
- Wednesdays from 2PM to 5:30PM
- This change will also allow us to focus on hiring part-time support staff that is goal-oriented versus "receptionist" oriented. Our goal is to provide flexible work conditions that we hope will help us attract and retain qualified help that will have a greater impact on the objectives of the Chamber. For instance, we may hire a part-time Event Coordinator, as well as a commission-only Ad Sales position in 2024. This would allow our E.D. to fully focus on everything else, including membership, marketing, strategic projects, collaborations, planning, financials, business support services/resources, etc.. For example, when it comes to calling the Chamber, you'd be able to call the main number and then would have the option to connect directly with the event coordinator for event related inquiries, ad sales coordinator for advertising, and the Executive Director for everything else. These calls will be directly forwarded to each staff members cell phone to eliminate the "middle-man".
Membership Drive
There's never been a better time to join with these amazing incentives - CLICK HERE to view to flyer and please help us spread the word!
Can you help us reach our goals?
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REFER A MEMBER - Current members will receive $50 off 2024 renewal for each qualified referral
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SHARE A TESTIMONIAL - Are you willing to send us a few words, or a video, highlighting your success stories and reasons for being a member? Please email to info@ioniachamber.net. Thank you!!
2023 Promotional and Advertising Opportunities - CLICK HERE
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IONIA AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
PREMIER PARTNERS
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Thank you for your continued investment and support! |
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Upcoming Networking
& Educational Opportunities
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Date:
Tuesday, November 14
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)
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Date:
Thursday, November 9
Time:
11:30AM - 1:00PM
Location:
The Alibi Bar & Grill
1394 E. Riverside Dr. Ionia
Cost (Includes lunch):
$15 | IACC members
$20 | Non-Members
$50 | Presentation tables (3 remaining)
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November Presenters:
- None - 3 available for December 14, promote your business and enjoy lunch for just $50!
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Date:
Monday, November 27
Time:
9:00AM - 10:00AM
Location:
West Michigan Works
603 W. Adams St., Ionia
Cost:
FREE to attend
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Date:
Tuesday, November 28
Time:
7:30AM - 8:30AM
Sponsor:
Farm Depot
Location:
Farm Depot
2690 S State Rd,
Ionia, MI 48846
Cost:
$5 per person
Contact us to purchase an Annual Pass
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Registration is appreciated, but not required |
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Next Appointments -
Date:
Friday, December 1
Time:
9:00AM: Open
10:00AM: Open
11:00AM: Open
Cost:
FREE
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Don't forget to sign up for Twinkle Town Christmas Parade!
FREE for members of the Ionia Area Chamber of Commerce ($25 - $50 for others)
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Shop local for a chance to win November 10 through January 1st.
Shoppers will earn stamps for every purchase and turn in UNLIMITED completed passports for a chance to win one of (TWO) Grand Prize packages valued over $1,000 each.
The Chamber is accepting prize donations from any and all businesses, even if being a destination on the passport isn't a good fit for you. (Example - The Law Offices of Duff, Chadwick & Associates has donated free Will Packages) - contact us if you're interested in contributing! Thank you to our sponsors and partners!
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Event on Saturday, January 13th ~ Nominations open until December 1st!
* Small Business Achievement Award
* Large Business Achievement Award
* Emerging Business of the Year
* Non Profit of the Year
* Community Partner of the Year
* Business POTY
* Citizen of the Year
Did you know you can self-nominate?
Beyond the immediate advantages for businesses (read more in the "Member Benefit" section below), awards provide larger benefits that align with the economic development and prosperity of Ionia County.
How running the awards helps our region:
- Decrease economic leakage by promoting and highlighting the outstanding products and service offerings in our towns, as well as innovation, leadership and sustainable practices across a wide variety of industries.
- Puts the Ionia County region ‘on the map’ and gives credibility to our towns in terms of attracting tourists or day trippers.
- Create a level excellence and customer service that can motivate and inspire others in the business community, in turn increasing the credibility and attractiveness of the region leading to development, growth and expansion.
- Helps to attract and retain people relocating to the area especially those who own businesses
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Business Promotion Opportunities |
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Click on the postcard to see the September mailer |
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WELCOME MAILER SERVICE
Sent, monthly , to 75+ new residents in the greater Ionia area.
Did you know?
- New residents spend 8- 10 times more in their first six months than established residents spend in a two year period
- New homeowners are stable and creditworthy
- New movers have IMMEDIATE product and service needs
- New movers establish their buying patterns within the first three months following their move
Only $40 / month to be featured
Annual Discounts Available
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CHAMBER NEWSLETTER ADS
A digital version of the IACC Insider Exclusive is sent monthly to over 900 contacts, including all members (49% Open Rate). It is also posted online at ioniachamber.net, and on social media with hyperlinks to your website/page.
Just $25 / month to be included
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Member Employment Opportunities |
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Have Employment Opportunities to Share?
Add them to the Chamber Website in the Member Information Center
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Have News to share?
Add it to the Chamber website in 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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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 to share?
Add it to the Chamber website in the Member Information Center!
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Have an upcoming event to share?
Add it to the Chamber Website in the Member Information Center!
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Community Events Calendar |
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NOW LOCATED IN WELCOME MAILER -
This section will be disappearing but you can always click on the welcome mailer postcard in the "Business Promotion Opportunities" section above in the future for the updated mailer.
You may also click here to visit and bookmark the page on our website that will be updated monthly with the new mailer. |
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**IACC Member Benefit Spotlight** |
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Group Health, Dental & Vision Insurance |
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We believe the event has wide-reaching effects for both businesses and Ionia County as a whole.
Being a Chamber Member sets you apart from the rest. Your investment in your business, the Chamber, and the local economy is highly valued and we honor that by ensuring that only Chamber Members are eligible to receive all awards with the exception of Citizen of the Year.
We talked above about how it benefits our region, but you may still be wondering -
How does participating benefit your business?
- Brand Awareness / Marketing & Promotion of products and services
- Morale boost and improved employee motivation & talent attraction
- Increased customer trust, leading to increased customer base
- Reputation boost (especially for winners) setting you "apart from the crowd."
- If you're a new or up-and-coming business winning awards can help to cement your presence
- Enjoy a night of celebration with your team and feel part of the bigger business community
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Click on the image below to reserve a table |
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The Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD) is offering a grant opportunity to promote the sustainability of land-based industries and support infrastructure that benefits rural communities.
Land-based industries included:
- Food and Agriculture
- Forestry
- Mining
- Oil and Gas Production
- Tourism
Funding Areas:
Funding will be focused on the following types of projects in rural areas:
- Infrastructure Development
- Examples of projects could be roadways, bridges, renewable energy, wastewater, rural housing, broadband, etc.
- Rural Capacity Building
- Examples of projects include museums, local and regional tourism campaigns, technical assistance programs, shared service models, feasibility studies, etc.
- Business Development
- Examples for projects include business expansion ensuring long-term creation or retention of jobs with a strong local and/or regional impact.
- Talent Development and Training
- Examples of projects include local and regional workforce development programs, workforce training, rural housing projects, childcare, etc.
Eligible Applicants:
- Individuals
- Organizations
- Businesses
- Local Units of Government (county, city, township, village, school district; any authority composed of counties, cities, townships, villages and school districts or combination of these entities)
- Federally Recognized Tribes
- Educational Institutions
30% fund match required.
Informational Webinar - November 14, 2023, at 2:00pm EST | Join the webinar online via Microsoft Teams here. Join the webinar by phone: Dial: 1-517-220-9975 Conference ID: 791109643#
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Ionia County Community Foundation Grant Applications
The Ionia County Community Foundation makes grants to organizations that benefit residents in the county of Ionia. Primary consideration will be given to projects that are community-based, family-orientated, and impact a broad number of residents.
Grant applications must be submitted online through Grant Central by 5:00pm on December 31st. Applicants are notified of the Fund’s decision by February 28th.
Non-profit organizations (including churches, schools, government agencies, and community groups with a 501(c)(3) non-profit status) may apply for grants for programs that benefit residents in Ionia County. Applications from religious organizations for non-religious purposes will be considered. Grant proposals for religious purposes, individual scholarships, salaries, or wages will not be supported.
CLICK HERE for more information or instructions on how to apply.
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The Small Business Briefing
Airs Mondays and Thursdays at 3pm ET. Watch to get the latest news from the Small Business Association of Michigan's Brian Calley and Sarah Miller, along with special guests!
(Click image to redirect)
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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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