Ann Arbor Area Chamber of Commerce

What would attract business people to a “Business to Business” expo?



That was one question facing my colleagues and myself at AnnArbor.com as 2010 started.



The group sitting around the table had worked in Ann Arbor’s business community for years, most of us had attended the previous incarnation of the B2B expo organized by the Ann Arbor News and none of us had been involved with the planning of those events.



So we honed in on a few key drivers that we thought would make a good event:

1. Ensuring that vendors really did have a B2B message. We all love consumers. But for many products and services, the message is different when selling to a business.

2. A great location – and thanks to Washtenaw Community College, we nailed that one very early on!

3. Networking opportunities.

4. The chance to find a “value add” for attendees to help them work better.



We think we found a winning mix with “Business 2 Business Expo 2010,” AnnArbor.com’s first B2B event designed to benefit both exhibitors and visitors.



The event will be Wednesday, March 31, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Morris Lawrence Building of WCC.





The displays will be an engaging mix of local business. And a list of seminars give guests the opportunity to learn many valuable tips from experts – all day long.



Best of all: They’re free!



I’ll be on one panel (“Media Made Modern”), and others will focus on franchising, search engine marketing and understanding business retirement plans.



Put the date on your calendar and plan to swing by. Bring your staffs. Spread the word.



There’s really nothing to lose by learning more about B2B opportunities in Ann Arbor.



Paula Gardner is the Business Director for AnnArbor.com, covering commercial real estate and development, residential real estate and other business news, and supervises all of the content in the Business Review category.
@PaulaGardner

A2Fiber has quickly splashed into the spotlight – with articles appearing on AnnArbor.com and Crain’s as well as all over Facebook and Twitter. So what is everyone talking about? What is A2Fiber?

Google plans to launch an experiment that will make Internet access much better and much faster for everyone! Google will select one or more trial locations to test their super-high speed broadband networks. They plan to install a fiber optic network that will stream data at 1 gigabit per second, about 100 times faster than most Americans get through their current cable and DSL providers. With the fiber optic network, video conference would run so smooth you would feel like the other person is in the room with you. Downloading an entire movie rental would now take five minutes instead of an hour. The time saved is almost unimaginable.



Super-fast speeds aren’t the only thing that Google is looking to improve with this experiment. Their hope is that the ultra-fast Internet connection will lead to ‘next generation apps, new deployment techniques and openness and choice.’



Google has said “the level of community support” could be a critical factor when it decides where to build, which is why the City of Ann Arbor, the University of Michigan and local high-tech leaders have collaborated to form A2Fiber.com. The goal of the website is to spread the word to the community on why a Google Fiber network would not only improve the quality of life in Ann Arbor, but also bring new jobs by solidifying Ann Arbor as the technological hub of Michigan.



With no up-front investment required, high-tech companies would quickly relocate to Ann Arbor to take advantage of the high-speed Internet available. With several companies relocating, this would obviously create more jobs in our community. This would also bring the opportunity of new public-private partnerships, which would further strengthen the area’s long tradition of encouraging innovation, entrepreneurship and business development.



The competition however is fierce. Several cities want the opportunity to have the fiber optic network tested in their city. It was recently announced that Topeka, Kansas has renamed itself Google, Kansas for a month in hopes of increasing their chances of brining the fiber optic network to their city.



City of Ann Arbor and University of Michigan officials are putting together an application to send to Google before the March 26 deadline. Go to A2fiber.com to learn more about their efforts.



February’s Morning Edition featured a fantastic line up of speakers including Ora H. Pescovitz, Congressman Pete Hoekstra, Sultan Sharrief, Alex Milshteyn and Bob Guenzel. Russ Collins, back from the Sundance Film Festival, was our energetic emcee. Morning Edition began with a special presentation of the 2010 Strategic Alliance Partners, presenting each business with an award for their continued support of the Chamber. February’s Morning Edition was sponsored by Care Response, Inc. Valerie Dockter, Owner and RN, gave the audience a brief background of her company which is guided by four simple words: Listen, Plan, Educate, and Serve.



Ora H. Pescovitz, M.D., Executive Vice President of Medical Affairs for the University of Michigan and CEO of the University of Michigan Health System spoke about the North Campus Research Complex. The NCRC was one of the most important features that attracted Ora to the University of Michigan. She feels strongly that the NCRC will transform Michigan’s entire economy. All research at the University has been done isolated from others. The NCRC is a unique new platform, integrating all areas of research under one roof. Ora believes this will attract more scientists to come to the University of Michigan. Ora’s excitement about the positive implications the NCRC will have on our local and state economy was apparent, filling the room with optimism and hope.



A last minute add to the lineup, West Michigan native Congressman Pete Hoekstra and candidate for governor was in town and able to make time to speak at Morning Edition. Congressman Hoekstra expressed that Michigan has the potential to be a phenomenally great state again. We must be a state that grows again. Michigan has several strengths, including two of the top colleges in the world, a great location and access to several natural resources. Congressman Hoekstra also expressed the need to ‘get back to the basics.’ Michigan is an expensive place to do business – this must change. Much like what the Chambers have done, Michigan needs to streamline government to become more efficient and effective. The great state of Michigan is “worth saving and it begins with us!”



Sultan Sharrief, Film Maker and Executive Director of Beyond Blue Productions, back from the Sundance Film Festival, explained to the audience how it is “weird to have your dreams come true.” While attending the University of Michigan, Sultan wrote “Bilal’s Stand.” He spent years filming and finalizing the project, refusing to submit the film to festivals until it was ready. His dreams came true when the film was selected to be featured at the Sundance Film Festival this year. Sultan explained that it is extremely difficult in this economy to start a business, especially in the film industry. Of the 120 students that he gradated with at U of M, only three are still in Michigan trying to make movies. Sultan is building a bright future for the film industry right here in Ann Arbor.



Alex Milshteyn, GRI, ABR, Associate Broker/Realtor for Edward Surovell Realtors and President of the Ann Arbor Area Board of Realtors gave us a quick Real Estate 101 of his ‘fancy’ acronyms. GRI stands for Graduate Realtor Institute and ABR stands for Accredited Buyers Representative. Alex explained to the audience with enthusiasm that the market is “blowing up!” The tax incentives have really helped the market. Alex said now is the time to buy to take advantage of the tax credits. He also said the prices have finally stabilized in the Ann Arbor area and we aren’t seeing as many significant drops. Alex is very excited for the NCRC and what it will bring to the area; especially people moving to the area in search of a new home.



Bob Guenzel, County Administrator for Washtenaw County received a standing ovation when he reached the podium. Bob announced his retirement in late 2009 after 37 years of service to the county; 22 years as attorney and the last 15 as the administrator. Bob has been working relentlessly on the budget with the Board of Commissioners. Fourteen out of seventeen ‘bargaining units’ took further salary reductions, which saved over 150 positions. Bob has mixed emotions about his retirement in May; he is excited, ‘scared as hell’ and sad. What he will miss most - the relationships, which have been “tremendously rewarding.” Bob will continue in public service and plans to spend more time with his daughters and grandchildren.



The next Morning Edition is Wednesday, March 17th at Weber’s Inn from 7am – 8:45am.



Megan Crosbie
@A2Chamber

In light of their historic merger, the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti Area Chambers of Commerce are seeking a new logo design. This new logo should capture the spirit of this collaborative undertaking.



Logo entries must be received by 5pm on Friday, March 12, 2010. Questions may be directed to Megan Crosbie, Membership Sales & Marketing Coordinator, at 734.214.0108 or Trish Reilly, V.P. of Marketing/Business Development, at 734.482.4920.



Logo Design Contest Rules:



1. Once formally merged, the Chambers will be known as the “Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber of Commerce.” “A2Y” may be used in the logo design as well.



2. The logo must be resizable, no larger than 5” x 5”, and submitted in both original and EPS format. Entries can be submitted via email (in a zipped folder) to Megan Crosbie or Trish Reilly.



3. The logo must be in color, reproducible in black-and-white.



4. The logo will be used in multiple media: web, print, clothing, signage, etc. So please keep designs simple and clean.



5. The logo design contest winner will be recognized through various Chamber publications and marketing outlets including: the ChamberFLASH eNewsletter, a press release announce the winner, on the website and on all Chamber Social Media outlets.



6. The winner will be notified by Wednesday, March 31, 2010.



Megan Crosbie
@A2Chamber

Zingerman’s may be best known for their world famous Deli located downtown in Kerrytown. Many people, even townies, are surprised to learn that there are nine, that’s right – 9, separate businesses. The Zingerman’s Community of Businesses (ZCoB) is “a family of small food related companies in the Ann Arbor area. Each is operated by one or more managing partners who share ownership and work in the day-to-day running of the business.”

The Zingerman’s Community of Businesses includes:
• Zingerman’s Delicatessen
• Zingerman’s Bakehouse
• Zingerman’s Catering & Events
• Zingerman’s Mail Order
• Zingerman’s ZingTrain
• Zingerman’s Creamery
• Zingerman’s Roadhouse
• Zingerman’s Coffee Company
• Zingerman’s Candy Manufactory



Ron Maurer, Vice President of Administration at Zingerman’s, was the presenter at February’s NetWorks! giving the audience a sneak peak at Zingerman’s approach to planning. Financial and business experts are a part of every aspect of the planning process. According to Maurer, every employee at Zingerman’s is a financial and business expert. Every employee learns the financial aspects as well as impacts of their job when they are hired.



The planning process, which may take up to three months, occurs annually at Zingerman’s. One very important item that businesses should discuss during their planning process, Maurer noted, is their vision. Maurer told the audience four aspects that should be considered when creating your vision:
1. Inspiring – a vision should be inspiring to anyone who reads it,    especially the employees
2. Strategically Sound – some visions may be very inspiring; however    a company must be able to achieve the vision.
3. Write it down – it is important that the vision is written down and     every employee has read it; therefore everyone is working together to     reach the vision.
4. Actively Communicated – again, the vision must be communicated    to every employee; therefore everyone is working together to reach    the vision.



In effect for over a decade, the Zingerman’s Community of Businesses has ‘open book finances.’ Each business actively shares all the financial information about the business with every employee. Everyone in the organization, not just the bosses and accountants, are responsible for the financial performance of the business. Each business has a weekly ‘huddle’ to discuss the finances and to find out if they are where they want to be and inline with their vision. Their weekly ‘huddles’ have proved to be very successful for the various Zingerman’s businesses, especially in late 2008 when the economy started to suffer. They were able to readjust with the changing economy.



The bottom line was another topic of Maurer’s presentation. Many businesses have one bottom line – there financial bottom line, which they hope to keep out of the red. At Zingerman’s, they have 3: finance, food and service. Maurer explained that if their food was great, but their service was bad then the financial bottom line would suffer. The key to Zingerman’s success is maximizing all three.

ZingTrain, one nine Zingerman’s businesses, “shares the “Zingerman’s Experience” with forward-thinking organizations from around the world.” ZingTrain has several seminars and training tools to help businesses from Fun, Flavorful Finance to Creating a Vision of Greatness.



Don’t miss the Zingerman’s member reception on Thursday, February 18 from 4pm – 6pm. There, you will be able to sample bread, pastries, coffee, cheese and candy where it’s made served by the folks who make it at Zingerman’s Bakehouse, Zingerman’s Creamery, Zingerman’s Coffee Company and Zingerman’s Candy Manufactory. Also, you’ll get the scoop on their unique brand of organizational training and development with ZingTrain. The first 50 chamber members will receive a gift bag with samples and valuable coupons.



Megan Crosbie
@A2Chamber

Saturday, February 6 is the first ever Winter Warrior event, organized by the Main Street Area Association, from 12pm – 6pm, downtown Ann Arbor. Winter Warrior is a community event meant to encourage people to get outside and come downtown when the cold weather may not be so inviting.





Restaurants and cafes will bring out their sidewalk furniture. If you choose to be a Winter Warrior and sit outside you will be able to enjoy specials such as $2 draught bees and $1 hot drinks (tea, coffee, soda). Some restaurants/cafes may also be offering food specials. All Winter Warrior participants will receive a stamp on their receipt. Present your stamped receipt at participating retailers and receive a special winter warrior discount.



Participating restaurants, bars & cafes:

• Arbor Brewing Company

• BD’s Mongolian BBQ

• Blue Tractor

• Cafe Felix

• Grizzly Peak

• Jolly Pumpkin Cafe and Brewery

• Mighty Good Coffee

• The Arena



participating retailers:

• Salon XL - 20% off products

• Moosejaw - 20% off any one, regular priced item

• Salon Vox - 20% off products

• Schakolad - discounts on hot drinks and prebooked Valentine’s orders

• Sole Sisters - an additional 10% off sale items, 15% off regularly priced items.

• Cupcake Station - free regular coffee with a $2 purchase

• Crazy Wisdom - 15% off one item

• Acme Mercantile - 20% off regularly priced merchandise

• Elmo’s T-Shirts - a FREE Michigan bumper sticker($4.95 value) with the purchase of any t-shirt at regular price (not already on sale) and a FREE tin lunch box ($9.95 value) with the purchase of a second t-shirt. (Saturday & Sunday)

• Carillon Chocolates - BOGO ice cream cones or BOGO coffee (Saturday & Sunday)

• Ann Arbor Art Center - 10% off in gift shop, 20% off for members



Brave the winter elements; get your long underwear, hats, gloves and scarf and come downtown and support local businesses this Saturday, February 6 and become a Winter Warrior!



Megan Crosbie

@A2Chamber

The Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti Area Chambers of Commerce held a Joint Chamber Breakfast on Tuesday, January 12, to further discuss formation of the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber.



Well over 300 people attended to hear Diane Keller, President & CEO of the new Chamber, address the joining of the two organizations – a topic of discussion for the past 25-plus years.



The Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber will mean more benefits and exposure for members. It will afford the joint Chamber and its membership with greater voice.



Both Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti Chamber staffs and Boards are working hard to address remaining issues.



Click here to view the Joint Chamber Breakfast video.

Special thanks to David Peterson, producer – director – editor, of Stone Bridge Productions for kindly producing this phenomenal video!



Megan Crosbie
@A2Chamber

The first Morning Edition of the 2010 season proved to be worthy of the hype that led up to the event. Over 200 members of the business community were in attendance at the beautifully renovated Weber’s Inn this morning ready to network. The program was graciously sponsored by the University of Michigan. Amy Klinke, Associate Director of Corporate Relations addressed the audience about the relationship the University of Michigan has with the business community. She then introduced Ankit Mehta and Doug Fischer, Project Managers of MPowered, a career fair to be held Tuesday, January 26. The very well spoken gentlemen gave a brief overview of the upcoming career fair and encouraged the audience to participate.



With Russ Collins in Utah for the Sundance Film Festival, Susan Pollay, Executive Director of the Downtown Development Authority was on hand to fill in as emcee. The speakers, who were each given 5 minutes at the podium, included Diane Keller, Dennis Bickmeier, Dean Jeffery, Marisa Smith and Arie Lipsky.



Diane Keller, President & CEO of the Ann Arbor Area Chamber of Commerce discussed the announcement of the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber of Commerce. At Impact last September the question was raised, “why are there 7 Chambers of Commerce in Washtenaw County?” An integration committee was formed to address this question and the possibilities of joining the two Chambers. Diane discussed how the Regional Chamber will bring more benefits for Chamber members and a strong voice in public policy. Suggestions, comments, questions and concerns regarding the Regional Chamber can be sent to A2Y@annarborchamber.org.



Dennis Bickmeier, Vice President Marketing and Sales at Michigan International Speedway stunned the crowd with the local economic impact from NASCAR events. There are over 200,000 people who attend the NASCAR races as well as the drivers and 12 – 20 person teams. A study conduced in 2007 found that there is a $260 million direct impact to the economy and greater that $40 million annually. There are two major NASCAR races at the track yearly; however there are several other events at MIS including MHSAA State Cross Country Meet and car shows. Dennis announced that MIS will be the host to the Progressive Insurance Automotive X Prize, which will feature 51 vehicles from 10 nations. Dennis said that Michigan International Speedway is “proud of the economic impact we generate.”



Dean Jeffery, President of Worknet Systems began his first business at the age of the age of 14 building and selling furniture. In his first year he sold 10 and was invited to participate in a Home and Garden show which helped him to grow his business for the next four years. Twelve years ago, after getting his degree from the University Of Michigan College Of Business, Dean launched Worknet Systems at the Chamber B2B expo. Dean discussed how he helps companies strategically plan, maximize productivity and protect their network security. As he finished speaking he asked everyone to write down: “Dean said there is a better way!”



Marisa Smith, President of The Whole Brain Group introduced the audience to ‘Small Giants’ a book written by Bo Burlingham, featuring Zingerman’s. Ann Arbor was chosen as the place to launch the Small Giant, because there are so many businesses in Ann Arbor that have ‘mojo’. Small Giants, is a community of businesses that define success by their contributions to the community, dedication to great customer service and creation/preservation of workplace cultures and excellence. Marisa has been asked to help lead the process. There will be an event held in April, in which Bo Burlingham will attend, to further discuss developing a great place to work. For more information about Small Giants, visit their website.



Finally, Arie Lipsky, Conductor of the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra explained the difference between his job and most others. Arie expressed how thrilled he was to be addressing the audience from his better side, his front side, explaining that in his line of work he stands for two hours with his backside facing large audiences. Arie was very modest, telling the audience, “conducting is very simple – everyone can do it.” He gave us all the 5 things we need to know in order to be conductors:

1) Violins are on the Left
2) Chellos and Violas are on the Right
3) Woodwinds are ALWAYS too Soft
4) The Brass is too Loud
5) “Downbeat and stay the hell out of the way”


He concluded by conducting the audience in singing “Happy Birthday” to one of audience members.



The next Morning Edition is Wednesday, February 17 at Weber’s Inn from 7am – 8:45am. You don’t want to miss it!



Megan Crosbie
@A2Chamber

The Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti Area Chambers of Commerce announced that the respective Boards of Directors have unanimously approved a resolution to pursue joint operation and form the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber. In addition, Diane Keller, current President of the Ypsilanti Area Chamber of Commerce, will be President of the new organization.



Further details will be available at the Joint Chamber Breakfast held on Tuesday, January 12, 7:30am - 9am at Washtenaw Community College’s Morris Lawrence Building. At this event a formal announcement will be made about the joint operation and Chamber leadership will discuss the plan for moving forward.



“The joint operation of these organizations represents a significant step towards more regional efforts to meet the needs of our membership base,” commented Karl Couyoumjian, Chair-Elect of the Ann Arbor Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. “We are also very pleased to welcome Diane with her extensive Chamber background and look forward to her leadership and direction as we work towards serving members of the new organization.”



“Now more than ever we felt it was important to explore collaboration, and I’m pleased to see this effort move forward,” noted Mark Ouimet, current Ypsilanti Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Chair.



A committee of current Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti Chamber board members and member representatives was formed in October to explore the joint operation of the two organizations. The committee met numerous times and concluded that collaboration between the two groups is in the interest of their business members and the community and would result in expanded affinity programs and benefits for members; overall cost savings; increased networking opportunities and a stronger voice in public policy.



Megan Crosbie
@A2Chamber

Last week was Community Service Day at Leadership Ann Arbor, with the focus of discovering the different resources in our community as well as what volunteer opportunities are available. Participants of Leadership Ann Arbor heard from and went to visit several local nonprofits including: 826michigan, Boy Scouts of America, Ele’s Place, Food Gatherers, Habitat for Humanity, Humane Society of Huron Valley, Neutral Zone, NEW, Ronald McDonald House, The Red Cross, Washtenaw United Way and Women’s Center of Southeast Michigan. Community Service Day was merely a snapshot of the nonprofits in the Ann Arbor area.



We heard from a vast range of local nonprofits, all with different missions, but one commonality – they need our help! Many nonprofits are struggling financially and a small gift is greatly appreciated and can go a long way. Some nonprofits need donations of food or supplies, while others need you to donation your time. It is clear that there are several ways to get involved to make our community a better place.



The first step to getting involved it to find an organization that you want to help. When choosing an organization it is important that the mission of the organization parallels your personal beliefs. If you are not an animal lover then volunteering at the Humane Society may not be a good fit. Try to find an organization that you will enjoy to help. Once you have found an organization, call them to determine how you can get involved. Some nonprofits require volunteers to go through an orientation or training; others will want you to start right away.



As the holiday seasons are quickly approaching, we are reminded to help those who are in need. It is important to remember that these people or organizations are in need all year!



Megan Crosbie
@A2Chamber