November 2009 Volume 29, Issue 11

My Business Advocate
Building Better Communities by Building Better Businesses
Noto's Site of 29th Annual Meeting and
Awards Dinner
Plan to join us on Friday evening, networking and an all around
January 22, 2010 as we gather fun event you'll remember for a
at Noto's Old World Italian long time. The evening is black-
Dining located at 6600 28th tie optional, business formal
St SE in Cascade for our 29th attire.
Annual Meeting and Awards
Dinner. Watch for your invitation
in the mail in early January
and send in your RSVP right
away. Don't forget to make
reservations for your guests at
Jamie and Bret VanderKolk, attornies from the same time.
VanderKolk & VanderKolk, PLC (left) and
Sue and Tommy Brann (right) from Brann's Unlike many things lately,
Steakhouse & Grille, took the opportunity, We'll wrap up 2009, gear up the cost to attend the Annual
before the evening began, to chat with State for 2010 and recognize special Meeting remains $45 per person
Representative Kevin Green, R-77th accomplishments by volunteers with your reservation before
District, (center) at the 28th Annual Meeting and area businesses at our 29th January 15. Reservations are
and Awards Dinner. Annual Meeting and Awards only $65 from January 16.
Dinner. Cost at the door will be $85.
Sponsorships Available Many sponsorships include
Sponsoring the Annual Meeting and There will be bidding at a Silent
Auction during the evening, up reservations for dinner.
Silent Auction means high visibility at a
price meant to fit your business budget. until we present the Business of Get the details and register
With your pre-paid sponsorship, your the Year Awards. Proceeds will on line at www.southkent.org
company name will appear on all the be used to benefit 2010 Events or email sue@southkent.org for
pre-event publicity, in press releases, as outlined in the Program of assistance.
on nearly 500 event invitations and on Work completed by your newly
a banner at the event. elected Board of Directors.
2010 Silent Auction
Join us for a very special night,
some great food, powerful Seeks Donations
Donations are now being accepted
at the Chamber Office. We are
Coming Events looking for merchandise, gift
cards and gift baskets that will
Government Matters @ Chamber Office 11/2 encourage our members to bid
Finance and Executive Board 11/18 high and bid often. All proceeds
Orientation Breakfast 11/19 benefit 2010 Chamber Programs.
Chamber After Hours - Ramada Plaza 11/12
3rd Fridays! @ Hilton GR Airport Hotel 11/20 You may receive a call from
Board of Directors 11/24 someone on the committee
Santa Parade 12/5 asking for your donation. Take
Finance and Executive Board 12/9 the opportunity to remind those
attending the Annual Meeting
Board of Directors 12/17
and Awards Dinner that you're a
Annual Meeting and Silent Auction 1/22/10
members. All donating businesses
Calendars on Pages 6 & 7 will be mentioned during the
Awards Dinner, from the podium.
 YOUR CHAMBER MANAGEMENT
2009 Board of Directors
*indicates Executive Committee Member
*John Crawford - President & CEO
*Todd Duncan - Consumers Energy, Board Chair
*Steve Marshall- MAS Advisory Service, Chair, Fin. &
Budget
*Norine Mulvihill - Sr. V. Chair - American Diabetes
Association
*Kathey Batey - Priority Health/Spirited
Presentations
*Brent Holland - Chameleon Ltd.
*Skip Knapp - EdwardJones Investments
*Tom Kruisenga - The Kruisenga Agency, Past
Chair
*Brent Vander Kolk - Vander Kolk & Vander Kolk
PLC, Legal Counsel
Community Relations Division (Blue)
*Kathey Batey - Vice Chair
Tommy Brann - Brann’s Steakhouse & Grille
Dan Van Dyke - PCO Associates, LLC
*Brent Vander Kolk - Vander Kolk & Vander
Kolk,.PLC
Lillian VanderVeen - Lenger Travel Services
Member Relations Division (Red)
*Brent Holland - Vice Chair
Richard Chrisman - Hungerford, Aldrin, Nichols &
Carter
Danna Mathiesen - Mercantile Bank
John Schwartz - AT&T
Membership Development Division (Gold)
*Skip Knapp - Vice Chair
Bob O'Callaghan - Citadel Broadcasting
Rob Wells - VantagePointe Financial Group
Financial Development Division (Green)
*Norine Mulvihill - Sr. Vice Chair
Betsy Artz - Loeks Theaters (Celebration Cinema)
Joel Iakiri - Huntington Bank
David Szidik - Proforma Infinite Marketing
Matt Uhl - National City
Ex-Officio
Carol Sheets - City of Wyoming, Mayor
Richard Root - City of Kentwood, Mayor
Curtis Holt - City of Wyoming, Manager
Bill Doren - Chamber Foundation Chair
My Business Advocate,
Copyright 2009
Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce
590 - 32nd Street SE
Wyoming, MI 49548-2345
Tel: 616-531-5990
Fax: 616-531-0252
Newsletter/Advert Information: sue@southkent.org
Building Better Communities by
Building Better Businesses
Opinion by John
November 2009
By John J. Crawford, Jr.
President & CEO
Defending Free Enterprise
It is a sad commentary when the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
announced this month that it was spending $25 Million on an
advertising campaign extolling the virtues of Free Enterprise. Wow!
Back in the 1992 Presidential campaign Arkansas Governor
Bill Clinton energized his campaign team and kept them on
message with his slogan “It’s the Economy, Stupid!” The
slogan was correct and Clinton went on to an impressive
victory over incumbent President Bush (41).
Although it has taken enormous hits in the last few years,
I will always be a defender of Capitalism and the Free
Enterprise system. There is no question that it has worked to
elevate the living conditions of masses of people everywhere
that it has been tried far better than any other system ever
devised.
Has it done so perfectly? No, because humans are involved.
But its records of achievement are still far superior to every
other system tried.
Economic Liberty
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are
endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that
among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.
Our nation was born on this foundational concept, despite
efforts over the last 40 years to re-write history. It is
functionally impossible to have Liberty without having
Economic Liberty. Just ask those around you who live with
personal debt how much Liberty they really feel. Business
entities are merely the devices used by We the People to
organize our efforts for the greater good and to achieve some
Economic Liberty for ourselves.
Free Enterprise allows anyone a shot at becoming a
millionaire - or a “hundred-thousandaire” – or simply the
chance to leave their kids with something more than they
had. When the rules are followed, Free Enterprise cannot
create millionaires without creating dozens of hundred-
thousandiares and often, other millionaires! Ray Kroc, for
example, had created 15 millionaires in his McDonalds
system in his first 7 years before he even took a steady
paycheck
The U.S. is experimenting with wealth redistribution and
socialist programs right now. Let’s not ever forget, though,
the Free Enterprise system and work to restore it.. This
Chamber needs to remain proud of defending Free
Enterprise and every business man and woman putting
it all on the line to make it work. It is the rising tide
that will lift all boats.
At least, that’s my Opinion by John.
A tip of the Hat to Blair and Crew - Blair Entenmann of
MarketingHelp! – you and your Business Connections Expo
team did a super job on last month’s Expo! Congratulations!
 Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce
Nominate Businesses of the Year 2009
The Chamber’s Businesses of the
Year Awards will be presented on
Friday evening, January 22, 2010 at
the Chamber’s Annual Meeting. This
is our chance to recognize exceptional
area businesses in each of three cate-
gories for going above and beyond the
call of duty. This has been another
great year for many enterprises and
the Chamber wants to celebrate by
recognizing outstanding businesses
in these classes.
The Chamber Executive Committee
and past award winners serve as the
judging committee and will be looking
at several areas of contribution. It is
possible to win with contributions in
just one area.
Although it is encouraged and will
likely be used as a tie breaker, Cham-
ber Membership is not a requirement
to be a nominee or to submit a nomi-
nation. Contributions of the nomi-
nees must have been in the 2009
calendar year. Submission deadline
is Monday, December 14, 2009.
Award Nomination Criteria.
Business Operations Activity that
that exemplifies community leader-
ship and/or exceptional customer
service in a retail, service or manu-
facturing business.
Chamber Support Activity or con-
tribution which is above and beyond
the call of Chamber membership and
which helped the Chamber of Com-
merce further its mission in some
significant way.
Economic Development Activity
that resulted in the creation of jobs
or an increase in wealth or capital
investment in the Wyoming-Kent-
wood Area.
Education Development or partici-
pation in training and education pro-
grams resulting in a better-trained
workforce either currently or for the
future.
Humanitarian Efforts Activities
or significant contributions that re-
sulted in the improvement of human
conditions anywhere in the world.
Quality of Life Coordination of any
local project or activity that improved
the quality of life for residents of the
Greater Wyoming-Kentwood com-
munity.

Forms must be received at the Chamber offices by 5:00 pm on

Monday, December 14, 2009. You may also e-mail form to sue@southkent.org
Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce  590 32nd Street SE  Wyoming, MI 49548

Businesses of the Year 2009

NOMINATION FORM

Category (check one):  Retail  Manufacturing  Service

Nominee’s Company Name: ___________________________________________________

Address: ___________________________________________________________________

City, State: _____________________________________ Zip: ___________________

Contact Name: _____________________________ Phone: ________________________

Nominator’s Name: __________________________Relationship to Nominee: _________

Nominator’s e-Mail: ___________________________ Phone: _______________________

Please provide a detailed description of the nominee’s contributions on a second sheet of paper. Explain when
and under what circumstances these contributions were made. Please provide as much detailed information
as possible relative to career, family, education and volunteer commitments. A judging committee shall review
each nomination and select a winning organization in each category. The judges’ decisions shall be final.
Complete and return the form to Sue Bynum via mail to the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce,
590 32nd Street SE, Wyoming, MI 49548-2345, or fax to 616-531-0252 or e-mail to sue@southkent.org.
 High School Contest Held to Benefit Business 'n Books 2010
Kathey Batey, owner of Spirited
Presentations has just announced
the name of the area high school
senior that will be illustrating the
next book she will be publishing
for the 2010 Business ‘n Books
Program in March.
Danny Jimenez from Wyoming's
Rogers High School entered the
contest with a drawing based on a
character from the storyline that
was provided to the students by the
author. In addition to the drawing,
Senior Students had to have
endorsements from their principal
and an instructor to qualify for the
contest.
The new book is “I Can Eat Fuzzy
Caterpillars...But I Don’t!”, Batey
told the Education Committee at
a recent planning meeting. “With
childhood obesity being a challenge
for our community and our state,
I wanted a story that was relevant
and fun for 2nd graders to help
them stop and think about what
they put in their mouths.”
Eleven entries were submitted to
Saturday, December 5,
10 am on S. Division
33rd St to St. Dominic's at Bellevue St.
Now accepting applications for
participants and sponsors. Contact
janine@southkent.org today!
our panel of judges. Danny received March to read to a class.
the nod to do the book.
Two of the runner-up entries will
receive honorable mention and a
$25 gift card courtesy of Kathey
Batey. Minji Kwak and Megan
Sinderson of East Kentwood High
School.
All the judges were very impressed
by the level of talent displayed
by all of the senior students who
entered,” stated Batey.
Batey, author of both children’s
books and motivational books for
businesses and everyday living,
has authored three other children’s
books used in the Business ‘n
Books Program. They include
Exaggeration Aggravation, Math
is Everywhere and Where Eagles
Fly.
Volunteer Chamber Members
visited more than 65 second
grade classrooms in 2009 and the
Education Committee hopes to
improve on that number in 2010.
Plan to volunteer 30 minutes in
Check the Chamber Calendar for
dates soon to be posted
The Education Committee is also
working on an area wide K-12
Career Fair in April in cooperation
with Kentwood Community Schools.
Watch the “Advocate” and www.
southkent.org for details as they
develop.
Stephanie Leonardos, President of
Amerikam,volunteered some time to read
to a second graders at Holy Name of
Jesus School during a previous Business
'n Books Event.
Don't Forget!
Marketing incentives
available from Citadel
Broadcasting to all
new and renewing
Members:
Make it a point to renew your dues
on time or even early if you can.
There is a great bonus advertising
benefit from Citadel Broadcasting
for timely renewals. Ask Sue, Julie
or John for all the details before
your Membership is due.
Refer a New Member and receive
a $25.00 Chamber Bucks Credit
toward your next invoice.
Contact the Chamber with your
referral information and when
your referral joins you will
receive the credit. Don't forget to
mention the marketing package
valued at $1500. from Citadel
Broadcasting.
 CHAMBER PARTNERS
These WKACC Members are offering
discounts to Members on products
and services that you need to run
your business. Using a Chamber
Partner will help you increase your
bottom line while you support
members and the Chamber at the
same time.
Chamber Partners have agreed to
provide revenue to the Chamber
for every member that uses their
services in addition to special rates
to the member-customer.
Members are carefully screened to
Choice Business Services
As a Chamber Partner, Choice Business Services offers
any member of the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber
of Commerce a significant discount on all office support
services.
CBS provides professional business support through Business Address,
Conferencing Services, Clerical/Administrative Support services.
Telephone Answering, Temporary and Permanent Office Leasing and
much more…..You give us the task we figure out the best way to
complete it! Contact Debra Bates at deb@choicebiz.com or call 616-975-
0100 for discount details.
TAB has been a ChamberPartner
since 2008 and recently renewed
their partnership for another year.
The Alternative Board helps you
grow your business, make more
TAB offers business owners peer money and work fewer hours.
advice, at a discounted rate, to
empower you and your Contact Carol Crawford at 616-
organization to achieve your 301-8081 or email her at carol@
business vision. tabmichigan.com.
Take the Benefits Challenge!
1) It would be beneficial to have an Employee Benefits plan that
‘ b e n e f i t e d ’ all employees - including our lower-paid hourly and
part-time staff at NO-COST to me, the employer.
TTrruuee // FFaallssee
2) I’d like our group health insurance rates to decrease by 40%
immediately and remain stable into the future.
TTrruuee // FFaallssee
Let us show you something new.
JJaassoonn A
A.. R
Ruusssseellll
Broker Director
(616) 490-0911 - direct
WKACC Chamber Partner
Jason@eagleadministrators.com
insure you are getting real value
when you use a Chamber Partner.
Only products and services that
will help you grow your business
for less money are endorsed by the
Chamber Partner Committee.
If you would like information on
becoming a Chamber Partner
contact sue@southkent.org or
carol@tabmichigan.com for a copy
of the Affinity Program and answers
to any questions you may have
about applying for a Chamber
Partner Endorsement.
Member 2 Member
Discounts
A program of WKACC Chamber
Partners for any Member in Good
Standing. Contact sue@southkent.org
or dszidik@proforma.com to list your
Member 2 Member Discount.
Save on Ink and Toner!
Mark Schabacker - Owner
(o) 616-818-5555 (f) 616-987-3018
grandrapids@thecartridgedepot.com
www.TheCartridgedepot.com
20% OFF initial orders for
New Customers
Lower your Toner & Ink Costs Today!
FREE Pick Up and DELIVERY for local
Businesses,
SAVE up to 50% On Ink & TONER needs!
Locally Owned & Operated
Michael DeVries from
Principal Financial Group
is offering Members of the
Wyoming-Kentwood Area
Chamber of Commerce significant cost
savings on Disability Insurance and only
for our Chamber Member Employers
and their employees. Contact Michael
at 616-942-1251 ext 3020 for price and
coverage details.
 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

November 2009
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 Noon
2Gov Matters 3 11 a
4 8:15a 5 8a 6 7
Daylight at Santa Parade Chamber Recruiting
the Chamber Committee Foundation Committee
Savings 4pm 4p
Time Ends Education Ambassadors
Fall Back 1 Comm @ @Main Street
Hour Celebration Pub
South

8 9 8a 10 11 a 11 12 9a 13 8a
14
Bus Growth PAC
Gov Matters at Santa Parade
5-7 pm 9-11a SCORE
Kentwood Committee
Chamber After by appt.
City Hall
Hours

15 16 17 11 a 18 8am 19 7:30 a 20 11:30a-1p 21

Santa Parade Activation & Orientation 3rd Fridays!
Committee Retention Breakfast Hilton Hotel
10a, 7:30a 1p
Finance CEO Exchange Chamber Partners
11:30a, DECEMBER
Executive NEWSLETTER
Committee DEADLINE

22 23 24 10a 25 10 a 26 Happy 27 28
Bus Connections 3rd Fri! Comm Thanksgiving! Office closed
11 a Thursday and
Santa Parade open by appt
Committee Friday
11:30a
Board of
Directors

29 30 Staff Meetings
on the
Thursday
before 3rd
Fridays! and
on all other
Fridays at
10am

Promote Your Brand at 3rd Fridays!

!!! FREE !!!
Attendance not required.
We Need bags with
YOUR COMPANY LOGO AND / OR NAME
4641 N. Breton Ct., SE We'll use them to package handouts at 3rd Fridays!
Kentwood, MI 49508 Luncheons each month. Our members are leaving each
Phone: 616.656.1090
month with armloads of info and business cards. Make it
E-mail: Brinks.Law.Firm@
easier to get everything back to the office with your donation
Prodigy.net
WEB: BrinksLawFirm.com of logo'd plastic or paper bags. No limit or minimum number.
We'll take 1 or 100.
Let them know who you are!
 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

December 2009
Sun
Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 11 a 2 8:15a 3 8a 4 5
Santa Parade Chamber Recruiting
Committee Foundation Committee
4p
Ambassadors @
Main Street Pub
10 a
Santa Parade
6 7 Noon
8a 8 9 10a, 10 9a 11 8a 12
Gov
GovMatters
Matters at at Finance Business PAC
the Chamber
Kentwood City Hall 11:30a, Growth 9-11a SCORE
4pm Executive by appt.
Education Committee
Comm @
Celebration

13 14 8a 15 16 8a 17 7:30a 18 11:30a-1p 19
Gov Matters at Activation & CEO Exchange 3rd Fridays!
Kentwood Retention Hilton Hotel
City Hall 1p
Chamber Partners
JANUARY
NEWSLETTER
DEADLINE

20 21 22 23 24 10 a 25 26
3rd Fri! Comm

MERRY
CHRISTMAS
Chamber Office
Office open by
Closed
appt after 12 p

27 28 29 30 31 Staff Meetings
on the
Thursday
before 3rd
Fridays! and
on all other
Fridays at
10am

IF YOU'RE NOT AT YOUR LAST JOB,

Tell Them You Saw It YOUR 401(K) SHOULDN'T BE EITHER.

To see why it makes sense to roll your 401(k) to Edward Jones, call today.
Advertised In S.A. (Skip) Knapp III
Financial Advisor www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC
1801 Breton Rd SE, Ste E

The Advocate
Grand Rapids, MI 49506
616-942-5770
 Orientation Breakfast Not Just for New Members
There is no cost Our host will be Chamber Board future 3rd Fridays! Networking
to attend our Member, Tommy Brann at Brann's Luncheon or Chamber After
next Orientation Steakhouse and Grille. Now, you Hours Event to two lucky
Breakfast on may not think of breakfast when attendees.
Thursday, you think of Brann's but believe
November us when we say, Brann's knows To register log on to www.
19th from 7:30 breakfast like they know Sizzlers! southkent.org or email sue@
to 9:00 am southkent.org. Invite your
at Brann's We'll have Staff, Board Members potential member referrals to
Steakhouse & and Ambassadors on hand to attend as your guest. There
Grille located at 4157 S. Division in answer questions. You'll get lots of is no better way to give them
Wyoming. information on Chamber programs information about the benefits of
and benefits that can help you membership. Space is limited so
Chamber Members and potential grow your bottom line, networking register early.
members, interested in finding with fresh faces, all the fresh
out more about the benefits of hot coffee you can drink and a
Chamber Membership or that may delicious breakfast at absolutely
have questions they'd love the no cost. Sometimes its worth
chance to ask. are the target for the waking up a little bit early!
last Orientation Breakfast in 2009.
This is the meeting that can help There is still one $70 sponsorship
your business get involved and get available for this event. Proceeds
more benefit for your chamber dues will be used to provide a free
dollars. showcase opportunity at a

Reading Challenges?
“Engage Their Brains”
Specialized Language Development Center (SLD) Offers a Free
Workshop for Educators, Parents, Grandparents and Struggling
Readers....do you know how the brain processes language?
For You,
SLD Center is offering a workshop titled “Engage Their Brains!”©.
This two-hour session will cover the topic of brain based education, Your Employees and Their
neuroplasticity and why reading is not a natural act for the brain. It is a Families!
concise, timed process involving many areas of the brain. In order to be
an effective, efficient reader, this process needs to be automatic. Reading
Different plans and different levels of
problems can occur when there is a miscommunication or misfire in the
brain. coverage are available. Get the benefit
of group rates whether you insure
Research indicates that incorporating a multisensory approach into any yourself, one or all of your employees.
learning environment helps ensure success for students by teaching to
their preferred modality. We share ideas and inexpensive materials to use
• Another way to benefit from your
in your classroom or at home!
Chamber Membership!
The brain loses attention to a single task after 15-20 minutes. Engage
their Brains by using multi-sensory techniques. • Enroll within 30 days of your new
Chamber membership.
Date: Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: Kent Intermediate School District - • Open enrollment will begin in March
Educational Service Center (Lot # 11) 2010.
2930 Knapp N.E.
Grand Rapids, MI 49525 Contact janine@southkent.org for
plan pricing and work and residential
To register for this free workshop or for more information please
contact SLD Center at (269) 345-2661 or visit www.sldcenter.org. eligibility requirements.
 B.O.S.S. Series - Free Seminars "Taking Your Business to the Next Level"
Carol Crawford
from The
Alternative
Board has organized a group of
Chamber Member Businesses to
provide a series of seminars for
business owners and decision
makers that will help you guide
your business with more confidence
and less stress.
The seminars will be held at The
Campbell Group Building, 5664
Prairie Creek Dr. near M-6 and M-
37.
November 4 - 7:45 - 11:30 am:
Introduction to Social Media/
Cast Away to the Islands!
Thursday, November 12, 2009
from 5pm - 7 pm
it's absolutely- FREE!-
to attend. Showcase tables are
available for only $35.
julie@southkent.org.
Our last no-cost Chamber After Hours in
2009 will be at the Ramada Plaza Hotel
located at 3333 28th St SE at E. Beltline in
Kentwood. Complimentary appetizers and
a cash bar will be available.
Door Prizes: Four overnight stays for 2 at
Ramada Plaza Hotel and the Grand Prize
is an Overnight stay courtesy of Ramada
Plaza, $50 Gift Certificate for Dinner
for Two courtesy of Noto's Fine Italian
Dining and two movie tickets courtesy of
Celebration Cinema. And don't forget the
50/50 cash drawing. You must be present
to win! Bring a guest or two!
Public Relations for Small
Business presented by Jason
Johnson, MicroVisions, Inc. and
Lynne Jarman Johnson of Jarman-
Johnson Communications, LLC.
December 2, 7:45 - 11:30 am:
How To Capture More Market
Share In a Challenging
Economy! Uncommon Sense
Sales Processes presented by
Tony Rubleski, president of Mind
Capture Group and Author of the
#1 selling book "Mind Capture: How
You Can Stand Out In The Age of
Advertising Deficit Disorder," and
Metro Guide Advertising Opportunities Open
Promote your business in
this high quality publication
with a full year of circulation.
The Wyoming-Kentwood Area
Chamber of Commerce is, once
again, offering advertising
opportunities for our 2010
publication.
Your Chamber Membership
includes a complimentary double
listing. Member Businesses are
listed alphabetically by the name
of the business and also in a
directory classified by the service
or product provided. There is no
cost to your business for these
listings but we need to have
current contact, address, phone
and email information about your
business.
Something new this year:
• Upgrade your listing.
In addition to display
advertising, business features
are available to those wishing
Carol Crawford of The Alternative
Board.
January 13, 7:45 - 11:30 am:
Michigan's Economy/Business
Outlook presented by Carole
Valade, Editor - Grand Rapids
Business Journal and John
Crawford, President - Wyoming-
Kentwood Area Chamber of
Commerce.
CEO's, Presidents and Business
Owners can attend this entire
series absolutely free. Register at
www.tabmichigan.com or Call 616-
975-0125.
to convey their message in an
editorial format
• This combination editoral/
advertising vehicle resembles
a magazine article in content
and appearance.
• Each business feature
consists of 100 to 150 words,
plus photography
Features are available in full and
half page sizes.
Ad space is available in all sizes
and at a price to fit any business
budget. Full and half-page
advertisers also receive a banner
ad on the Chamber website for
one full year at no extra cost.
For more information and
prices call 1-800-491-1760 or
book your ad on-line at www.
harborhouse.com/wyoming.htm.
Contact sue@southkent.org to
update your membership records
to insure your 2010 listing will be
accurate.
 7 Relationships All Leaders Need (And How to Build Them)
Advice from Express Employment Professionals, reprinted with permission. Contact Casey Jankoska at 616-281-0611 or email
casey.jankoska@expresspros.com for more information.
As a business leader, relationships
are critical to your current and
future success. But, what sort of
people should you surround yourself
with? Here are seven people every
leader needs in their life and ways
you can start (or continue) building
these relationships today.
1. The Peer Climber - A peer in the
same career path, organizational
level, field, or industry. This person
can help you understand current
trends and demands in your business
world. They’ll offer insight, ideas,
and help when you need to talk to
someone who just gets it. Spend time
together outside of work to cultivate
this relationship. Join a professional
organization together, or set up regular
lunch meetings with this individual.
Consider having a peer-to-peer
business book club together so you
can share insights and issues as they
come up.
2. The Trendsetter - This lifelong
learner is always on top of the
trends. They are always ahead of
the curve with innovative thinking
and solutions in business and life.
They’re not waiting to see what
everyone else is doing. They’re too
busy forging ahead and trailblazing
Annual Pass Saves Money on Networking at 3rd Fridays! Luncheon
Members taking advantage of the
monthly networking opportunities
at our 3rd Fridays! Luncheon
know it is the best networking
bargain around. And they know
that networking is more effective
when it is consistently done.
In the spirit of helping our
businesses grow their bottom
line, the Chamber is offering
a 3rd Fridays! Annual Pass
for only $126.00. That is a
25% savings from the monthly
early registration charge for
lunch and it guarantees your
automatic reservations at the
what’s next. With today’s pressures
of tighter budgets, limited
personnel, and critical business
goals, you need someone in your life
to help you keep your eyes open to
fresh and interesting ideas. They
can help you keep up to date on
trends that matter and point you
to the people and resources you’ll
need when it’s time to move beyond
the status quo. The trendsetter will
appreciate ideas and information,
so ask them to share interesting
articles they come across, and
return the favor by opening up
your resources and professional
knowledge to them. Register to
attend a conference or convention
on an emerging trend with this
individual to bond over a learning
experience.
3. The Experienced Executive
- More seasoned in the business
world than you are, they broker
influence and garner respect within
your industry and community,
whether or not they have an
executive title.
Their insight and been-there-
done-that knowledge will be a
vital resource as you address the
continual challenges leadership
next 12 consecutive 3rd Fridays
Luncheons.
All you'll need to do is contact us
if you can't attend. No need to call
ahead or trying to remember to
register on line every month to beat
the early registration deadline.
brings. No matter where you are
in your career, they are always
someone you can learn from. With
a busy, seasoned professional,
the main challenge to building a
relationship will most likely be
time. So, be direct and honest
with this individual, letting them
know you’d like them to serve as
a mentor. Then, create a formal or
informal time to meet so you can
regularly learn from the experience
they have to share, and find ways
to lead up to make their time
investment truly valuable.
4. The Honest Anchor - This
person ties you to reality and tells
you things like they are. They
may or may not be a member of
your organization, industry, or even
the work world. Regardless, they
have the ability to listen first and
then cut through the drama,
politics, or emotion to help give you
perspective to see any situation for
what it really is. Their discernment
and honesty will help you see the
perspective of others, which you
will need as you make the difficult
decisions leadership requires. Don’t
just go to this person when you have
a problem. Spend time getting to
(Continued on page 12)
Can't always make the
luncheon? The pass is issued in
your company name and may be
used by anyone employed by your
company.
Interested in a monthly
showcase table to go with that
lunch? We also have an Annual
Showcase Pass that will entitle
you to 12 consecutive showcase
tables at 3rd Fridays. Cost for the
showcase pass is only $396.00
and that includes an 8' table,
networking and lunch. Contact
sue@southkent.org to sign up or
for more information.
 Member Spotlight
Board Executives meet monthly and select the
outstanding volunteer and Committee for their
effort and results on behalf of WKACC.
October Volunteer
of the Month
Congratulations to
Carolyn Foote from
Macatawa Bank on being named
Volunteer of the Month. Carolyn is a
Chamber Ambassador and is chairing
the 29th Annual Meeting and Silent
Auction Committee. Meetings are
underway and the planning has
begun for the January 22, 2010
Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner
at Noto's Fine Italian Dining, and
we look forward to a very special
night. Thank you for chairing this
committee Carolyn.
October Committee
of the Month
Our Business Growth Committee
receives the nod this month
from the Executive Board.
Special recognition goes to Blair
Entenmann from MarketingHelp!
and Amanda Lewis from gNetworks
for their hard work on the South
Kent Business Connections Event
held in October. The Business
Connections Event was planned by
a hard working sub-committee of
the Business Growth Committee
Volunteers. The amount of planning
and legwork involved in this
event was truly amazing and this
hardworking sub-committee was
well up to the task. Our gratitude
goes out to these dedicated
volunteers.
Committee Members include:
• Rick Chrisman - Division
Director
• Amanda Lewis - gNetworks,
• Blair Entenmann -
MarketingHelp!,
• Dennis Kavanagh - Central
Payment Corp.,
• Ella Nyanor - Lake Michigan
Credit Union,
• Susan Sasek - Tony's Tunes
Entertainment Services
Renewing Members
• ACI Parts Warehousing • Lake to Lake Bed &
• Apparitions Comics & Breakfast Association
Books • Lee’s Varieties
• B C Hunter Engineering, • Marge’s Donut Den
Inc • Modern RV Center
• Central Payment Corp • National City Bank
• Century 21 Acc-Sell • Pamela Steward Home
• Church of the Open Door Day Care
• Contractors Steel • Patrick S. Bell &
Company Associates
• Corey, Murphy & Harbor, • Purity Cylinder Gases
PC • Roeder & Co, Inc
• Craig’s Cruisers • Rogers Plaza Town Center
• Franklin Press • The Campbell Group
• Gen Med Corporation • The Granger Group
• Grand Rapids Gravel Co • Timeless Hair Studio
• Grand Rapids Rubber • Yellow Book
• Hope Network
Welcome New Members
American Diabetes Health Motion Physical
Association - Norine Mulvihill, Therapy - Andrew Krietemyer.
(616) 458-9341 ext 6717 (616) 554-0918
CFO Solutions, LLC - Ed Holiday Inn - Grand Rapids
Corlett, (616) 308-4998 Airport - Katie Kober (welcome
back Katie!), (616) 285-7600
Flexchecks, Inc - Diane Pelak,
(616) 791-7900 Infusion Communications
Group - Marnie Johnson, (616)
Grand Office Supply - Pete 308-4446
Cortese, (616) 534-8400
Member Milestones
Businesses listed on this page are marking a Member Milestone. Please
take the time to welcome new members and congratulate renewing
members, especially those celebrating an anniversary, on their continuing
support of YOUR Chamber of Commerce.
For more information on any of these members log on to www.southkent.
org and click on information request or call 616-531-5990 for more details.
Member Referral Challenge Ends November 30
In August, the WKACC Board of Who do you know that should be
Directors challenged membership a member? Talk to your vendors,
to successfully refer a total of your business customers and
25 new members for Chamber your business neighbors. They'll
Membership by the end of thank you for introducing them to
November 2009. We're nearly the benefits of membership and
there. Staff has been following up you'll earn $25 in Chamber Bucks
on your recommendations and and help us make our goal by the
we're nearly at 25 successful new end of the month. Contact sue@
memberships as a result. southkent.org and we'll follow up.
 7 Relationships All Leaders Need (And How to Build Them)
(Continued from page 10)
know them so you can develop
a close, trusting bond. True
honesty only stems from a close
relationship of mutual respect, so
focus on ways you can build that
valuable asset.
5. The Up-And-Comer - An
emerging professional with
leadership potential who is eager
to learn and ready to take on
the challenges and rewards of
leadership. Surrounding yourself
only with people at your level
or above can quickly get you
out of sync with the realities
of those you lead. The passion
and drive of an outstanding new
professional can energize you
and help you stay in tune with
the trends and needs of your
workforce. Plus, investing time
into mentoring someone less
experienced than you is one
of the greatest rewards of true
leadership. Whether you develop
a formal or informal mentoring
relationship, make it a point to
meet regularly just to chat and
share information and insight. You 7. The Breath of Fresh Air -
may find yourself learning just as Someone outside of your normal
much as you are teaching. business pace. They may be retired,
stay at home with children or family,
6. The Community Connection
or be a digital nomad and write their
- The go-to guy or gal in your
own rules for work. The different
community, this person is involved,
pace of life they lead will help you
connected, and respected in your
get a fresh look at the world away
local market. More than simply
from work. They will help you set
a walking, talking Rolodex, they
priorities for work and life that aren’t
will be able to keep you up to
just focused on the here and now
date about community activities
or the strategic business future.
you should be involved in as a
They’ll help you say “no” when you
leader. They’ll have a good idea
need to and help you prioritize for
of what boards you should serve
important things like family time,
on, what projects to volunteer for,
vacations, and leisure activities. Take
and what people you should get
an afternoon off every once in a while
to know locally. This person will
to experience life in their shoes during
probably be very visible within
your normal workday. Read a book
the community, but they might
of fiction together, start a cooking
be very busy as well. To become
club, or take your pets to the park.
more than simply one of many
Spend time with this individual in a
acquaintances, develop a close
setting they’re comfortable in, and
relationship by finding a common
try to steer clear of business talk
passion and volunteer with this
when they’re around. Then, use the
person to help an important
inspiration you receive from them to
cause or organization. Go beyond
approach work with fresh eyes. And
surface-level networking and build
remember that work’s not all there is
a friendship that adds value to
to life.
both of your lives.

Chamber Foundation Offers Entertainment Bargains

Purchase your 2010 Entertainment ™ Passbook and support the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber
Foundation. Passbooks only cost $20 and they're chocked full of two-for-one coupons at local
restaurants, entertainment facilities and much much more. We have them at the Chamber office. Get
yours today by contacting Julie at 616-531-5990 or email her at julie@southkent.org. Books are also
available from any member of the WKA Chamber Foundation Board.

Your Chamber Foundation uses revenue to further programs in the community that promote business.
For more information contact john@southkent.org.