Brought to you by:
The Ionia Area Chamber of Commerce
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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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We're a little behind in getting this month's newsletter out, but we've had a busy month!
I just want to quickly say thank you to everyone who participated in the Ionia Apple Festival & the City of Ionia Sesquicentennial Celebration! If interested, you can watch the commemorative ceremony from Sesquicentennial on the Chamber's Facebook page.
Up next for the Chamber:
- Autumn Celebration / (Independent Bank) Chili Dawg Challenge | Thursday, October 26th
- Holiday Shopping Passport | November 10th through January 1st
- Hometown Holiday Parade | December 1st
- Annual Celebration & Awards | January 13th - Nominations now open
You can find information about each of these events/programs below. We are looking for sponsorship support for each of these programs. Please contact me to inquire.
IMPORTANT INFO - I've had several calls & emails about this, and it's totally my fault. I was supposed to send out an email to inform everyone that we are working with a new publisher for the Discover Ionia County guide, E&M Consulting. They are currently making contacts for advertising sales for the 2024 guide. In moving to this new publisher, we will be able to reach even more visitors & residents by offering a fully digital version with LIVE LINKS in addition to the print version, which is distributed through the state of Michigan as well as locally through sponsors, the Chamber and local events.
That being said… we owe a tremendous THANK YOU to our Expo Block Party sponsors, vendors & volunteers! We had ~70 businesses and organizations represented between our vendors and Main Street merchants. We're looking forward to hosting the event again on September 14, 2024 and are again already making plans for improvement.
You can see photos from the event on our Facebook Page - CLICK HERE
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Congratulations to the winners of the 2023 MI Pitch Competition!
5th Place - Portland Express LLC - $1,000 cash prize (Join us at the October networking lunch to learn more about this new local transportation option!)
Thank you for all who attended to support the entrepreneurs and enjoy a Tri-Chamber networking opportunity!
Click the image to learn more read the full story in the Daily News.
Photos courtesy of the Daily News
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What's Happening at the Chamber? |
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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:
Thursday, October 12
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 (2 remaining)
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October Presenters:
- Lisa Balderson. - Owner of Portland Express LLC - local transportation company and 5th place winner of 2023 MI Pitch Competition.
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Date:
Monday, October 23
Time:
9:00AM - 10:00AM
Location:
West Michigan Works
603 W. Adams St., Ionia
Cost:
FREE to attend
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Date:
Tuesday, October 24
Time:
7:30AM - 8:30AM
Sponsor:
Montcalm Community College
Location:
West Michigan Works! 603 W. Adams St.
Ionia, MI 48846
Cost:
$5 per person
Contact us to purchase an Annual Pass
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Vote for your favorite Seasonal Storefront in downtown Ionia between 12pm on Wednesday, October 18th and 6:30pm on Thursday, October 26th. Winners announced live during the Autumn Celebration & Chili Dawg Challenge.
Downtown (Ionia) Businesses - Please register by Tuesday, October 17th
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Don't forget to sign up for Trunk 'r Treat or Scarecrow Alley -
FREE for members of the Ionia Area Chamber of Commerce ($25 - $50 for others)
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Next Appointments -
Date:
Friday, November 3rd
Time:
9:00AM: Open
10:00AM: Open
11:00AM: Open
Cost:
FREE
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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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Shop local for a chance to win November 10 through January 1st.
To participate as a passport destination - please register at the link below.
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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
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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 700 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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Physicians Health Plan Announces New Medicare Advantage PPO Plan
(Click the logo to be redirected for more details)
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Consumers Energy Counters Extreme Weather with Plan for Stronger and Smarter Energy Grid
(Click the logo to be redirected for more details)
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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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Did you know that the Ionia Area Chamber of Commerce pays for each of our partners to have a premium membership to the Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM?)
SBAM provides access to insurance for small business while saving you time, money, and simplifying your ability to offer employee benefit plans.
We rely on the licensed agents to provide the quoting and enrollment services for our members and prospects. If you need to be connected with an agent, contact us and we’ll find someone in your area who can help.
Contact:
Sherry Bryan
Strategic Partner Representative
sherry.bryan@sbam.org
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Click on the image below to reserve a table |
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$50 million in grants available to help businesses in growing talent, supporting employees
Michigan employers looking to take advantage of the Going PRO Talent Fund program will be able to apply for a share of approximately $50 million in competitive training awards in the first Going PRO Talent Fund cycle starting today!
The Going PRO Talent Fund helps ensure employers have the talent they need to grow and stay competitive by providing awards to assist in training, developing and retaining current and newly hired employees. Training must fill a demonstrated talent need experienced by the employer and lead to a transferable, industry-recognized credential.
Since the program’s launch, the Going PRO Talent Fund has provided training for approximately 175,000 Michigan workers and supported the needs of more than 6,000 businesses.
Going PRO Talent Fund helps local businesses secure the in-demand, high-skill talent they need to grow while giving local workers a clear path to high-wage careers that offer a better quality of life for themselves and their families.
Going PRO Talent Fund grants are awarded to employers through the Michigan Works! network (MWAs). Participating employers play an integral role in defining their key training needs, then working with their local MWAs and other partners to develop an appropriate training plan.
Among other responsibilities, employers who apply for Going PRO Talent Funds are expected to participate in the planning and designing of the training project and use Pure Michigan Talent Connect (MiTalent.org) and their local MWAs to recruit for job openings.
Businesses interested in learning more or applying for funding should contact their local Michigan Works! Service Center.
The application period for the first award cycle ends Friday, October 27 at 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, and selected applicants will be announced in December 2023. The second application cycle will open spring 2024.
To learn more about the Going PRO Talent Fund, Click Here.
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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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