Irish Hills Young Professionals

News from our Under 30 Connection:

The Brooklyn-Irish Hills Chamber of Commerce formed a committee of young professionals early last year and called this group the Under 30 Connection of the BIHCC.  This committee did some great things in their first year, while trying to figure out exactly what their purpose and goals were.  They met every month, featured guest speakers, took field trips, championed a fundraising Pub Crawl, started the Irish Hills Softball league, and even brought Santa to town.

After a very active first year, they formed an executive team, did some tweaking like all good committees do and came up with a second year plan.

The Under 30 Connection is now changing their name to the Irish Hills Young Professionals and raising the age requirement to 35 or under.  They will continue with all of the successful components of their committee while adding many more to help our young professionals with the hurdles they may be facing in the workplace and as future entrepreneurs. 

If you would like to be a part of this group, please contact chairperson Annette Dupuie at Annette.dupuie@gmail.com (442-6999) or member ambassador Cole Guthrie at cole@brooklynford.com (592-2112).

Does the Irish Hills Need a Community Center?     

Does the Irish Hills need a community swimming pool? That is one of the questions a group called Friends of the Irish Hills Community Center are trying to figure out, and they would like your input.  Do you think we need a community center with a pool, public meeting rooms, or perhaps an auditorium? Would you use such a facility? Would it make the community a more attractive place to live? What do you think?

The Friends of the Irish Hills Community Center would like to invite you to attend a public meeting that has been scheduled for Monday, June 16 at 6 p.m. in the Brooklyn Super 8 banquet room.  This public meeting will be your chance to find out more and ask questions.  For more information on the public meeting, call Bob Linenfelser at 592-2185.

Can’t make it, then post your comments on The Brooklyn Exponent’s Facebook page. 

 

MIS generates $414 million in tourism dollars

MIS generates $414 million in tourism dollars

 

»  Social News
Crowdynews

By Dan Cherry           

Michigan International Speedway’s economic footprint is more than $414 million a year, with nearly $173 million of that affecting Michigan directly, according to a University of Michigan study released Thursday.

MIS President Roger Curtis released the economic impact figures alongside U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow and Lt. Gov. Brian Calley during the Detroit Regional Chamber’s annual Mackinac Policy Conference at Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island.

Hosting a race weekend entails more than simply holding a stock car race, Curtis said.

“It’s about jobs, tourism, national visibility, economic impact and a quality of life for Michigan businesses and residents,” Curtis said. “This racetrack has been a financial shot in the arm for southeast Michigan, including Detroit, since 1968.

“We look forward to bringing in tourists and their dollars, generating jobs, supporting research and development and the economy, and showcasing everything Pure Michigan has to offer,” Curtis said.

The study, conducted by U-M; Mark Rosentraub, the Bruce and Joan Bickner Endowed Professor of Sport Management at U-M; and research assistant Matthew Rust, shows that MIS annually also pays $2.4 million in local property taxes and more than $8.3 million in state sales and use taxes.

A portion of those tax dollars then filter to area education and governmental units. In 2013, Cambridge Township received $115,446.90; $5,489.75 went to Onsted Community Schools; and $1.06 million went to the Columbia School District in Jackson County. The Jackson Intermediate School District received $512,717.34, and the Lenawee Intermediate School District was allocated $1,845.88, according to Lenawee County Treasurer Marilyn Woods.

The track is the largest taxpayer in Lenawee County.

The total economic footprint of MIS and its national effect produce $226.6 million in earnings and 5,413 jobs, according to the study.

Additionally, the track has events throughout the year that draw thousands to the area, such as a large-scale blood drive and the international Formula SAE engineering event. Recent additions include the Michigan Wine and Beer Fest, the Faster Horses three-day country music festival and the Tough Mudder obstacle and endurance course.

Brooklyn-Irish Hills Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Cindy Hubbell on Thursday called MIS “a friend to the Irish Hills.”

“MIS does a lot for businesses and the local economy, especially since adding so many events throughout the entire year,” Hubbell said. “We really see a positive difference. We enjoy working with MIS.”

One of those businesses is Clearwater Motel and Resort at the north end of Devils Lake in Woodstock Township.

“We applaud MIS for being here,” owner Lynn Million said Thursday. “From the races to Formula SAE and Tough Mudder, we are grateful for all they do for the community and for area businesses through their events.”

 

Chamber Businesses Sharing Stories in the Classroom...

 

The Brooklyn-Irish Hills Chamber of Commerce, Junior Achievement  of the Michigan Edge and Columbia Central High School and have come together to teach our students entrepreneurial skills. 

JA Be Entrepreneurial is a program funded by a grant from the Dorothy Blakely Foundation that will be taught through Junior Achievement by Brooklyn-Irish Hills Chamber Member businesses to Kevin Miller’s economic classes at Columbia Central High School.

Seven sessions will be taught over seven weeks on Wednesday, beginning April 16.  Dale Robert, of State Farm Insurance and JA Chairperson will kick off the sessions with “Introduction to Entrepreneurship”.

Six other business community members sharing their stories with the students are Dan Ross of TransPharm Preclinical Solutions, Matt Logan DDS, Jeff Updike of Irish Hills Collision, Teresa Jordan of Lasting Image, Chad Perrine—Attorney from Marcoux, Allen, Bower, Nichols & Kendall and Bill Kerr of Flagstar Bank.

 

“We are so glad to have our chamber members take part in this great program” states Cindy Hubbell, Executive Director of the Brooklyn-Irish Hills Chamber of Commerce, “Junior Achievement’s programs fulfill the same mission as the chamber; strengthening our business community. Teaching our students entrepreneurial skills and hoping that someday, they will use those skills right here in their own hometown”.

 

 

34th Annual Meeting & Awards Dinner

 

 

What an amazing 34^th Annual Meeting & Awards Dinner the Brooklyn-Irish Hills Chamber held  Thursday evening, March 20, 2014.  Thank you to Jerry’s Pub for hosting such a wonderful meal, and Country Market for the cake. 

 

The membership voted Jeff Updike of Irish Hills Collision, Bill Fetters of Woodstock Wine & Cheese and Mark Cornell of Clark Lake Golf Course to the Board of Directors for 3 year terms.  

 

Some great honors were given out during the evening’s program.  Many anniversary awards were given to members including a 90 Year Award to Clark Lake Golf Course and a 160 Year Award to St. Joseph Catholic Shrine.  Our Board President, Bill Kerr gave his President’s Award to Rich Turner of Brooklyn Party Shoppe for this contribution to the Brooklyn Fireworks, also announcing his place in the 4^th of July Parade as 2014 Grand Marshall. 

Spruce Awards were given to TC’s Hardware, Irish Hills Collision, Borek Jennings Funeral Home/Braun Chapel and Whispering Lakes Adventure Resort.  The Ambassador of the Year is Kay Roumell and our Under 30 Connection Member of the Year is Rachel Millyard. The Director’s Award went to our outgoing Board Secretary, Lisa Bascom.  

The Columbia Township Fire Department was honored by the Heart of the Community award for all they do for our community.  Michigan International Speedway was honored with a Governor’s Tribute as a thank you for their economic impact on the business community with all of the great new events, business and people they bring to the Irish Hills. 

Our Business of the Year for 2014 is TransPharm Preclinical Solutions owned by Dan & Samantha Ross, given for how much they support their local community, even though most of their business is nationally, even internationally.  Our 2014 Citizen of the Year is a very deserving Richard Staub, owner of Village Peddler Gift Snack etc.  Make sure you stop in and congratulate him!

Overall, we were able to honor some of our "standout" members, those that went above and beyond, those that gave a little bit of themselves, those that make our community one that we are all proud to live in.

There is so much going on this month in the Brooklyn-Irish Hills Chamber of Commerce!

• Taste of the Irish Hills is a great event coming up on March 8 and 9 (Saturday and Sunday) where 19 of our Irish Hills eating establishments hand out samples of some of their best cuisine to ticket holders.  Tickets are only $20 per person.  Go to IrishHills.com for more info....this truly is an event you do not want to miss!

• The Chamber's 34th Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner is on March 20 at Jerry's Pub and Restaurant beginning at 5:30 pm.  The Board of Directors will be handing our numerous honors that evening to very deserving business community members.  RSVP to 592-8907 or rsvp@brooklynmi.com.

• The chamber, Columbia Central High School and Napoleon High School have teamed up to put together the Irish Hills Career and College Expo.  We have almost 40 booths available for students and parents to ask questions of our businesses, professionals and colleges in the area.  If you are interested in having a booth, let us know by emailing Cindy@brooklynmi.com.

• We have some great advertising opportunities going on right now by way of the Irish Hills Resorter and Buy Local Coupons, just contact Rachel by calling 592-8907 or email Rachel@BrooklynMi.com for more info.

• The Under 30 Connection is looking for players and teams for the new Irish Hills Co-Ed Softball League they are forming.  Anyone over 18 years of age is invited to play, if interested call Kelly at 240-7680. 

• Our Golf Outing Committee is in the process of planning the annual outing.  It is being moved to this spring...May 18 at Hills' Heart of the Lakes Golf Course.  If you would like to sponsor a hole or participate, let us know.

--Cindy

 

Another great workshop from your chamber!


Marketing Your Business Workshop
(Marketing on a Shoestring)

Presented by:  Small Business Development Center of Michigan (SBDC)

 

 

WHO SHOULD ATTEND: Business owners wanting to grow their business, using basic marketing tools to reach a specific target market; based upon valuable tools available free of charge through local resources.

 

ABOUT: The Marketing Your Business workshop presents practical applications of marketing concepts designed to grow your small business. Basic marketing tools are discussed, including market analysis, market research, target marketing, assessing competitors, and key marketing implementation tools.

Participants will be introduced to valuable data bases available free of charge, though your local library and Small Business Development Center to help you gather the demographic information you need to reach your specific target market you desire. 

A strategic, well planned approach to marketing is demonstrated, with several examples of effective hands-on marketing techniques. Focus is on the business’s customers – creating new customers, developing existing customer, and keeping them all engaged.

HOSTED BY:           Brooklyn-Irish Hills Chamber of Commerce (BIHCC)

 

LOCATION:              Irish Hills Eagles # 3689

                                    9500 Wamplers Lake Rd.

                                    Brooklyn MI 49230  

DATE & TIME:        February 26, 2014

Breakfast begins:  8:00 AM
Workshop runs from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM
           

FEES:                        $25 BIHCC Members, $35 for Non-members

Cash or check made payable to:  BIHCC

REGISTRATION:    By Phone at: 517-592-8907

By E-mail at:  RSVP@brooklynmi.com