Greetings Members & Friends,
Spring has sprung and the warm weather, blooming trees and blossoming flowers give me great hope and additional optimism as we continue to move forward. How to navigate these uncharted waters has been a challenge for our Chamber just as it has been for our member businesses, community organizations, local municipalities and area residents. As our state begins to take steps to slowly reopen certain areas of our economy, the Chamber and our Board of Directors have been working diligently on a multi-faceted plan to safely reopen to the public and resume our normal activities.
For the month of June our calendar of events remains virtual. Our LABAT Groups, Coffee Connects, Education Events and After-Hours Networking will all take place using Zoom. We are pleased to announce that we have rescheduled our
Annual Chamber Golf Outing
to late August. With the assistance of our Golf Committee and the management at Edgewood Country Club, we have resumed planning for this event. We've discussed some contingencies (depending on the circumstances when our golf date arrives 90 days from now) and we will continually reevaluate so that we adhear to state guidelines and with the greatest consideration for the safety of all who participate.
Our Government Affairs Committee will meet virtually during the month of June to discuss future plans for our
Annual State of the Lakes Address
. Typically held in March, this event provides an opportunity for our members and area residents to hear from local municipal leaders. Additionally, Oakland County Executive, David Coulter was scheduled to be our keynote speaker this year. We're reviewing several options as to how this event might be able to move forward either virtually or face-to-face. We'll share an update within the next several weeks and we thank you for your patience as we determine how to proceed.
Plans for our
Annual West Oakland Regional Job Fair,
previously
scheduled for late April, were also put on hold. Our goal is to host this event as soon as we are safely able to do so. Discussions will resume with this committee as we watch to see when indoor events with 50-100 people will be allowed. A virtual Job Fair may also be a possibility. This event has not been canceled just postponed. Please watch for more information to follow.
Lastly, it is with great sadness, that we have made the decision to cancel our
2020 Rockin' Under the Stars
that was scheduled to take place on Saturday, August 1st.
Although canceling this wonderful community event was a difficult decision for event and Chamber leadership, our top priority is the wellbeing of our guests, entertainers, sponsors, volunteers and staff.
We have already started planning a wonderful 10th anniversary Rockin' Under the Stars celebration for next year on August 7, 2021. Our featured bands, Power Play and Magic Bus, are already committed to perform at Rockin' in 2021.
History has shown us that strength rises from adversity, wisdom is gained through struggle, and creativity and resourcefulness materialize during times of hardship. We've seen this happening with so many of you and we're staying the course at the Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce as well. Simply put - we're open for business, we're here to support you and we're continuing to find ways to keep moving forward.
If the Chamber office can be of further assistance, feel free to contact me directly at
[email protected]
. Please stay safe, stay well and keep in touch...
For business and community,
Laura Bolyard
Executive Director
Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce
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Upcoming Chamber Events
Please join us ...
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Monday, June 1
Virtual Town Hall - Reopening Your Business
12:00 - 12:30 pm
Oakland County Treasurer Andy Meisner brings in leading national experts to advise businesses on reopening. Hear from Bradley Dizik, Jon Harris and Angela Osborne from Guidepost Solutions who will share ideas on
- keeping employees and customers safe,
- physical and cyber-security measures for businesses to reopen safely,
- tech solutions for health and safety, and
- responding to COVID-19 with integrity.
Zoom Meeting ID: 298 134 7382, Password: 609027
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Thursday, June 4
Healthcare Network Group
Join us via Zoom
8:30 - 10:00 am
If your business is associated with the healthcare industry please join us as this group will share information & education, pass referrals and help promote the overall well-being of healthcare related businesses within our Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce.
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Presented by John DeBona of Specialistic Construction
Register in advance for this meeting:
Once you've registered you'll receive a confirmation email with the credentials and link to join the meeting.
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Friday, June 5
Virtual 1st Friday Coffee Connect
8:30 - 9:30 am
Bring your own coffee (or beverage of your choice) and join us for this informal morning mixer.
Special Guests from Walled Lake Consolidated Schools:
Kenneth Gutman, Superintendent
Judy Evola, Director Community Relations & Marketing
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Register in advance for this meeting:
Once you've registered you'll receive a confirmation email with the credentials and link to join the meeting.
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Tuesday, June 9
Chamber's Got Talent ~ Virtual Talent Show
Multi-Chamber Event Hosted by the Lakes Area & Novi Chambers & our Young Professionals Groups
Open to Lakes Area and Novi Members of ALL ages
5:00 pm Networking / 5:30 pm Show Starts
Lakes Area and Novi Chamber of Commerce members are invited to showcase your hidden talents. Yes ... we're talking to YOU! Are you a singer, magician, juggler, comedian or maybe you can sing the Alphabet Song backwards?!? Special prize for the best talent from each Chamber. Bring the beverage of your choice and enjoy this fun after-hours networking event / talent show.
Register in advance for this meeting:
Once you've registered you'll receive a confirmation email with the credentials and link to join the meeting.
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Tuesday, June 16
"Auto Insurance Reform - What it Means for You"
Presented by Shayna Levin of Levin Insurance Agency
10:00 - 11:00 am
Join us Via Zoom
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You may have heard a lot of buzz about auto insurance reform in Michigan. A law was passed that may give drivers relief on their auto insurance premiums. While some small changes are in effect now, most of the changes go into effect July 2, 2020. Attend this informative workshop to learn about what has changed, what it means for you and what to do next.
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Register in advance for this meeting:
Once you've registered you'll receive a confirmation email with the credentials and link to join the meeting.
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Wednesday, June 17
Spotlight Lunch
Haang's Bistro
It can't be our usual Spotlight Lunch where we all gather to enjoy lunch and conversation together but Haang's Bistro is open for your carryout business and today would be the perfect opportunity to stop by and support this local business. Let's see how things look but maybe we can even grab our carryout and eat outside in the park right across the street from Haang's when the time comes. Stay tuned for updates ...
Mark your calendar for lunch or grab dinner for you and your family!
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Thursday, June 18
Virtual 3rd Thursday Coffee Connect
8:30 - 9:30 am
Hosted by Michigan Schools & Government Credit Union
Join us as we find out more about MSGCU, an update from their Mortgage Department on the great rates available and we've got a fun, new virtual game to try out. Great info, great company AND you might even win a prize for dropping in.
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Register in advance for this meeting:
Once you've registered you'll receive a confirmation email with the credentials and link to join the meeting.
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Annual Golf Outing rescheduled to August 31st
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Monday, August 31, 2020
Edgewood Country Club
8399 Commerce Road
Commerce, MI 48382
Check-in / Breakfast ~ 9 - 10 am
Chuck-A-Putt / Announcements ~ 10:15 am
Shotgun Start ~ 10:30 am
A day filled with laughter, 18 holes of golf (scramble style), networking, great food, fun games and cool prizes at a private country club! Don't miss it ...
Golf Package Includes:
Continental Breakfast
(provided by Tim Hortons of Walled Lake & Costco-Commerce)
18 Holes of Golf w/ cart
Lunch on the Turn and 1 Drink Ticket
Goody Bag, Games & Prizes
Buffet Dinner & Awards Ceremony
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You will recognize the uniqueness of Edgewood Country Club from the very beginning. At 6,400 yards from the tips, Edgewood’s par 71 layout is a challenging yet player friendly golf course. Edgewood allows you to experience a truly unique game of golf. Over the years, Edgewood has continued to improve. An active involvement by members and a team of professional staff is the nucleus of Edgewood Country Club. World renowned golf architect, Arthur Hills undertook renovation of the golf course in 1989. He rebuilt and reshaped greens, added bunkers and resurfaced cart paths.
Edgewood allows you to experience a truly unique game of golf. You’ll encounter a variety of golf holes which include deep sand bunkers, beautifully groomed fairways framed by overhanging trees, gentle elevation changes, subtle contours…and water. Eighteen holes designed with fairness and challenge for both men and women alike.
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Our Newest Chamber Members
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Elite Leaders, LLC
Dori Matkowski - 407.614.6170
Walled Lake
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ANCA Inc.
Russell Riddiford - 248.926.4466
Member Since 2005
APR Maintenance
Joanne Hoffner - 248.438.1665
Member Since 2005
Associate Member - Cindy Serling
248.939.0711
Member Since 2015
C.F. Long and Sons
Chris Long - 248.624.1562
Member Since 2007
Commerce Township Community Library
Alyson Lobert - 248.669.8108
Member Since 2011
Culver's of Wixom
Charles Paisley -
248.308.3978
Member Since 2013
DFCU Financial Credit Union
Donaa Ellis - 313.336.2700
Member Since 2006
Discraft, Inc.
Janes Kenner - 248.624.2250
Member Since 2007
EA Promotions
Margaret Wright - 248.366.3124
Member Since 2018
Flushmate
Carol Page - 248.446.5300
Member Since 1992
Foundation for Excellence
Walled Lake Schools
Michelle Bianco - 248.956.2116
Member Since 2008
Higher LLC
Cyndie Streather - 248.444.6207
Member Since 2017
Hospitality House
Donovan Neal - 248.960.9975
Member Since 2003
Independence Village of White Lake
Ellen Neill - 248.360.7235
Member Since 2000
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Just Right Heating & Cooling, Inc.
Roger Findley - 248.889.0789
Member Since 2010
Meijer - Walled Lake
Brendan Birchmeier - 248.960.7000
Member Since 1992
Mel's Truly Clean LLC
John Melville - 734.620.0614
Member Since 2019
Moeller Precision Tool
Jacob Morsehead - 248.668.1166
Member Since 2019
Mulligan Heating, Inc.
Bridget Kaspor - 248.698.9700
Member Since 2019
Planet Fitness - Waterford
Mike Shipman - 248.599.9795
Member Since 2018
Pontiac Lake Service, Inc.
Dave Valent - 248.666.1260
Member Since 1983
Spencer Roofing /
Spencer Knish Construction, Inc.
Mike Knish - 248.669.9730
Member Since 2014
Steven Z. Hechtman, DDS
Dr. Steven Hechtman - 248.669.5220
Member Since 2004
Studio Artiza Salon
Susan Motley - 248.624.1200
Member Since 2010
T & M Lawn Maintenance
Terry McNeil - 313.320.5665
Member Since 2014
Wendy's Restaurant Commerce
Kelli Sefton - 248.668.1763
Member Since 2014
West Bloomfield Parks
Meagan Kurnat - 248.451.1900
Member Since 2018
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Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce
Back to Work Toolkit
The purpose of this toolkit is to help business owners get the information they need in order to open, what steps should be taken to put you on the best path of success, and how to assess your business needs.
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WHAT'S INSIDE:
- Get Prepared - Update Policies
- Planning a Safe Reopening
- Sample Re-opening Plans
- Online Checkup
- Signage Printable Posters
- Helpful Links
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#OaklandCounty created the
#COVID19 ReOpen Kit to provide small business owners, local communities, nonprofit and faith-based leaders with materials and guidelines to help resume activities safely in this new environment caused by the pandemic. Request one now:
http://ow.ly/X5H650zTwFO.
As we begin to reopen the county, it is important to have the essential materials you need to serve your visitors and staff while helping ensure their safety. The supply ReOpen Kit contains:
🧤Gloves
😷Masks
🧴 Hand Sanitizer
🌡️ Touch-free digital thermometer
📄 CDC / County Guidance Document
🖼️ Posters to promote ReOpening of business
👣 Stickers for sidewalk / interior spacing
Additionally, Oakland County, in partnership with Honor Community Health, is offering no cost, drive through testing by appointment only. This service has expanded to include all adults and returning workers. Testing service maps and information on how to set your appointment can be found
here
.
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As businesses and organizations begin to plan and execute safety practices to protect the workforce and community during reopening, these resources may be useful.
Last week, the CDC introduced new industry specific guidance, including 1 page tools designed to guide
general workplaces
and
restaurants/bars
as they plan to safely reopen. Please review these valuable tools, including guidance for community events, churches and community organizations, recreational facilities, educational institutions and more
HERE
.
CDC & EPA
guidelines
for all businesses, schools and homes for cleaning and sanitizing the workplace as businesses begin to reopen safely.
The
MIOSHA website
includes guidance on an interim COVID-19 complaint enforcement plan, FAQs, and guidance for businesses on who can perform in-person work under the current executive order.
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According to
Executive Order 2020-91
, businesses are required to develop a
“COVID-19 preparedness and response plan,"
consistent with
guidelines provided by OSHA
.
The Michigan Chamber of Commerce has prepared
templates
for a plan in the 4 categories of low, medium, high and very high risk employers.
The templates should be tailored to the employer’s particular risk level, maintained and implemented. These templates are for information purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact legal counsel to obtain advice with respect to your individual workplace.
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Return to Work Action Plans
Here we are, finally getting to a point of not just thinking about returning to work but actually planning to do so. The question is, how do you go about returning safely?
Setting a return to work action plan can be difficult, confusing, and cumbersome for many small business owners but Autumn is here to help!
Click below for access to a few documents that will help give guidance on how to go about building your plan, suggestions provided by CDC & OSHA, and an action plan template.
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PPP Loan Forgiveness Application & Instructions and Treasury Forgiveness Guidance
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305 N. Pontiac Trail, Ste. A
Walled Lake 48390
Phone: 248.624.2826
Fax: 248.624.2892
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