Brought to you by:
The Ionia Area Chamber of Commerce
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This Edition has a lot to unpack... you may want to skim now and come back later when you have more time and attention to give. :) Just remember, some of these opportunities are time-sensitive!
While we're on the topic, we've actually been working on streamlining our e-blasts and social media strategy so you don't miss content that is important to you and so that we can maximize the reach of YOUR content. There is always room for improvement, but we think you will start to notice some improvements in consistency.
We will continue to send emails that highlight a specific opportunity, topic or event as frequently as deemed appropriate, but our goal is to send an e-blast each Wednesday, as outlined below:
Week 1: "IACC Insider Exclusive" Monthly E-Newsletter
Week 2: "In Case You Missed It (ICYMI)" - Bulleted summary of full newsletter with link
Week 3: "What's Happening at the Chamber" - Summary of upcoming Chamber events & opportunities
Week 4: *COMING SOON - "Word On the Street" (More info next month)
This allows us to provide summarized information while ADDING new content as it received throughout the month. Plus, it gives you something to look forward to on Wednedays. ;)
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Quick Poll - Your Feedback Matters! |
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What's the best day/time for a monthly networking lunch? (~1 - 1.5 hr @ rotating restaurants)
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What's Happening at the Chamber? |
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Again, there is a lot to digest in this newsletter so we will try to keep it brief.
Keep an eye out for:
- Business Roundtable with Congressman John Moolenaar - Wednesday, April 13
- Healthcare Industry Cluster - Thursday, April 14th
- Golf Registration and Promotional Opportunities
- Vendor Registration for SMAT Community Day Event
- Learn more about SBAM at this month's Wake Up Shake Up Networking Breakfast
- Discover Ionia County Guide
- and more!
A few updates:
Government Contacts Webpage
Have you tried to find contact information for your local legislators and elected officals but didn't know where to start? Now you can find contact information and more at our new "Government Contact" webpage (click the button below). In contains Federal, State, County, City, Village and Township information all in one convenient location plus helpful information and links. Please feel free to share and let us know if you see anything that needs to be corrected.
Expo
SAVE THE DATE: The "Community Expo" RETURNS... with a twist! The Expo Committee has settled on Saturday, September 17th to host the return of one of the area's favorite events. What's the twist? Well, we aren't quite ready to spill all of the beans but we think both businesses and community members are going to LOVE the ideas that the committee has for this years event. More info will be provided in the coming months, but if you are interested in having a booth, contact us to jump on the unofficial list now.
Strategic Planning/Board Operations
The past couple of months, we have mentioned that we have been working on our Strategic Plan. You can view an overview of the plan below. In this past month, we have recruited chairpersons for each of the committees that we identifed as neccessary to achieve our goals. These committee chairs are working to recruit their teams and identify their objectives for the remainder of 2022. Now that we are honing in on our process, we will likely be starting the planning process for 2023 in just a couple of months.
Speaking of committees, serving on a committee is a great way to build relationships and have an influence in your Chamber and community. If you might have an interest in serving on a Chamber committee, please contact us!
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Upcoming Networking
& Educational Opportunities
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Ribbon Cutting Celebration - Mine & Yours Consignment
Mine & Yours is a new consignment store in downtown Ionia featuring a variety of local, unique and exclusive items. Join us to celebrate this new business!
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Business Roundtable with Congressman John Moolenaar
You will have the opportunity to learn more about Congressman Moolenaar and his legislative priorities. Participants will also have the opportunitity to offer the Congressman insight to the local business community and economic landscape through round-table discussion.
There will also be brief opportunity for Q&A.
This is also a great opportunity to grow your network beyond Ionia County, meet and mingle with like-minded business owners in our neighboring county!
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Ionia County Healthcare Industry Cluster
Our Purpose:
To provide a platform for local healthcare providers and other stakeholders in local public health to develop relationships, share best practices & resources, and identify opportunities to collaborate for the common good
Expected Outcomes:
To address the healthcare needs, concerns and challenges of our community and improve access and availability of information for local health resources
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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 event is FREE for all Members to attend & refreshments will be provided compliments of the sponsor.
Next Meeting: April 26th @ 7:15am
April Sponsor: The Small Business Association of Michigan
April Location: Linda's Corner Landing | 128 W. Grand River Ave. Ionia
Members - This is a great opportunity to learn about the Member Benefits & Resources available to you through your S.B.A.M Membership (included with your Ionia Chamber membership).
BONUS POINTS for bringing a prospective member friend!
Interested in sponsoring an upcoming event? View Sponsor Information - CLICK HERE
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Events & Promotional Opportunities |
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Ionia Chamber Golf Classic
One of the BEST Fridays of Spring!
Teams are filling up QUICKLY, make sure to submit your registration ASAP!
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NEW promotional opportunities available!
Not interested in golfing? This event is still a great way to promote YOUR business or organization. We have several promotional opportunities available in a wide range to fit your needs, for example:
- Donate a Door Prize ($25 or less), Raffle Prize ($25 - $100 Value), or Grand Prize ($100+ Value)
- Sponsor a Tee Sign ($80 each)
- Choose from one of our other NEW options!
Click the button below or contact us to learn more
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SMAT Community Day & Local Vendor Showcase
The Ionia Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking local businesses, organizations, craftsmen and artisans to join our Community Showcase at SMAT'S annual Community Day Event
Highlight your products and services to nearly 1,000 event guests
in a fun and family-friendly setting!
Notable changes from last year - shortened vendor hours & LOWERED booth fees!
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Ionia Community Cash is a GREAT marketing tool for your business!
HOW DOES IT WORK? It's as easy as 1, 2, 3!
- Customer purchases certificates online at www.ioniachamber.org in denominations of $5, $10, $20 or $25 to email to the recipient of their choice. The recipient prints the certificate, which includes a list of local businesses and chooses where to spend!
- Once your merchant account it active, you simply validate the certificate using either your computer or smartphone
- We will reimburse Chamber Members 100% of the redeemed certificate amount!
Sign up today to start connecting with new customers.
Still have questions? Contact us for more information!
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Chamber Lobby Welcome Center Promotional Material
Exclusive opportunity for
Members and Community Partners only!
Ionia County residents and visitors are always looking for information about the local and surrounding area.
Just drop off your brochures, flyers, business cards, coupons, etc. at your convenience during business hours!
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Discover Ionia County
Visitor & Residents Guide
See more information below in "Member Benefit Spotlight" section
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Please Help us Welcome Our Newest Members! |
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(Click logo for more info) |
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(Click logo for more info) |
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(Click logo for more info) |
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Member Employment Opportunities |
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(Click logo for more info)
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(Click logo for more info)
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Bookeeper / Payroll Specialist
(Click logo for more info)
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Do You Have Employment Opportunities to Share? |
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American Pickers to Film in Michigan
Seeking large, rare collections and things they'e never seen before.
To be considered, contact the production company (contact information included at redirect link)
(Click the image to be redirected to the full news release)
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(Click the image to be redirected to the full news release)
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West Michigan Works is Moving!
(Click on the image to be redirected to the full news release)
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Additional Optometrist Joins Advanced Eyecare Professionals (AEP) Eye Care Team
(Click on the image to be redirected to the full news release)
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Habitat for Humanity of Ionia County to host Informational Board Meeting to offer opportunities to learn more about the organization.
Habitat Orientation, Office & ReStore tour, meet current directors, learn about board vacancies & opportunities
(Click on the image to be redirected to the full news release)
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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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FREE Emergency Ready Profile Advantage
(Click the logo to be redirected for more details)
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Take 10% off of your product order when placed directly with Linda Downes
(Click the logo to be redirected for more details)
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Mothers Day Member Discount
(Click the logo to be redirected for more details)
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Have a Public or Member-Only Deal you'd love for us to share?
Don't forget to add it to the Member Information Center!
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Have an upcoming event you'd love for 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 05
Saturday, May 22
Monday, May 30
Thursday, June 02
Saturday, June 04
Saturday, June 11
Saturday, June 11
Saturday, June 18
Saturday, June 18
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June 22 - 26
Thursday, June 30
Uncle Sam Jam
Thursday, June 30
Thursday, July 07
Saturday, July 09
July 15 - 23
Every Sat. | June - Sept.
Every Sat. | June - Sept.
Every Sat. | June - Oct.
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West Michigan Works!
Summer Youth Work Experience Program
Employer Registration Open
Grow your Workforce!
Give local youth the work experience they need and help train YOUR future workforce!
The youth work experience program at West Michigan Works!
• serves young adults 14 - 24 years old.
• lasts for six weeks at 18 hours/week.
• provides a real-life work experience.
• educates youth about your industry.
• contributes to our region’s economy.
• provides soft skill training.
Program Dates: June 20 - July 29
Are you ready to help prepare our region’s young adults for future success?
Learn more about the benefits of a work experience program and how to get started.
Contact Samantha Salter:
ssalter@westmiworks.org or (202) 744-9670
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**IACC Member Benefit Spotlight** |
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Ionia County Visitor & Residents Guide
As a Chamber Member, your Business or Organization is exclusively listed in the guide's Directory for FREE!
- Full color 8.5" x 11" glossy magazine
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3,000 copies distributed at MDOT Welcome Centers, area campgrounds, hotels, motels, area attractions, neighboring town and local events
That is 3,000+ opportunities for visitors & residents to find you!
To ensure they are able to reach you, make sure your profile is up to date today!
Information listed includes:
- Company/Organization Name
- Primary Phone Number
- Website
- Directory Categories
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Advertising Opportunities:
We have partnered with The Daily News to produce the 2022 publication of the eagerly anticipated 'Discover Ionia County Guide'.
We are excited to share this year's advertising opportunities with you. However, they are in the finalization stage at the moment. We will share that information via email within a week or so. Within the next month, The Daily News will be reaching out to our membership list to discuss these opportunities further and answer any questions.
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Our Leadership Team - Spotlight |
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Don't forget to submit your content to the Member Information Center by the FINAL Wednesday of
each month to be included in our next Newsletter!
Ideas to get you started for May
(Are you running any specials or events?) -
Home & Garden, Outdoor Recreation, Mothers Day Specials or Menus, Memorial Day, etc.
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As always, please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or comments |
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Kat Reed | Executive Director
Ionia Area Chamber of Commerce
(616) 527-2560
info@ioniachamber.net
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