Resolve to utilize your membership in 2010!

Limitations of time, staff and energy can make it difficult to get involved with Chamber activities. but we encourage you to make use of Chamber services, access benefits and attend networking events whenever possible in the coming year. The Chamber works for you regardless of your level of involvement - website presence, referrals, brochure distribution, directory listings, etc. - but you get more from your membership investment when you are present at events and programs and take the opportunity to do some face-to-face networking. The Chamber is all about marketing - yourself, your products, your services - and we are available daily to sit down for a one-on-one conversation about helping your business succeed. Call me anytime at 265-2320. We are here to serve you and your business. Remember that your membership covers all of your employees and they may attend and/or participate in any Chamber program, committee or event!

Ann Hughes
President and CEO
517.265.2320
517.270.1818
www.adrianareachamber.com

We are thankful!

The Chamber staff celebrated Thanksgiving a few days early this past Friday! Taking a break from pulling together a major mailing to the membership, we ordered from a member restaurant and celebrated each other's friendship with a blessing, good food and conversation. All of us at the Chamber are grateful for the unique gifts that each member brings to the organization, Their gifts of time, talent, financial support, ideas, leadership and service are what has enabled the Adrian Area Chamber to grow and flourish.

From each of us to each of you, "May your Thanksgiving holiday be replete with blessings of peace, family and love:.

Today,Wednesday, November 11th will mark the beginning of the Adrian Area Chamber’s 8th year of operation. The last seven years have been indelibly marked by the passion, leadership, service and involvement of countless individuals, businesses and area organizations who share the vision of making our community ever better, stronger and viable. Those years have been ones of opportunity for the Chamber as we grew from an idea nurtured by many in this community into a respected, results-oriented community and business development organization. To each individual, business and volunteer who has participated in any way to bring the Chamber to this point, please accept the sincere appreciation of our Directors, staff and membership!

It’s been seven years of hard work, commitment and accomplishment but you can be assured that we’re not sitting back and resting on our laurels! We’re moving forward with an agenda developed to strengthen local businesses, promote entrepreneurship, the arts, education, tourism and our quality of life. We are committed to marketing the greater Adrian community as the ideal place to locate a business, buy a home, invest, live, work and play. Log on to www.adrianareachamber.com top learnmore about the Chamber or call us at 517-265-2320.

Ann Hughes
President and CEO
517.265.2320
517.270.1818
www.adrianareachamber.com

Downtown glass is half full!

A recent Daily Telegram article quoted me as saying that we have to revitalize our downtown if we want developers, businesses and families to call Adrian home. The downtown is the heart of any community and I am firm in my belief that downtowns must be vibrant, attractive and bustling with people shopping, eating and obtaining professional services.

I am one of those people who grew up here and remember when there were 100+ stores, shops and eateries downtown. Lunch hours and breaks were spent walking the aisles at Kresges, having lunch at the counter at Cunningham’s Drug Store and looking for the perfect outfit for Saturday night’s date at any one of the many clothing stores that were here. While it would be awesome to see that kind of vitality again, I realize it will look different from the 1960’s. But I also realize that it can be done and the Chamber is committed to being a part of the eventual solution.

But, in the meantime, we need to realize what is in our downtown, support those businesses and pass the word to others that downtown Adrian has a variety of viable and attractive businesses. Last Saturday at Graze to Raise, a woman came over to talk to me and commented on what a shame it was that there was so little in our downtown. She was surprised when I told her how many retail shops are here. Do you know how many there are? read this Sunday's Telegram to find out!

Ann Hughes
President and CEO
517.265.2320
517.270.1818
www.adrianareachamber.com

A Great Monday!

The day started out well as I joined a good-sized and enthusiastic crowd in the County Commission chambers in the historic Lenawee County Courthouse as Doug Spade began his quest to make a bit of history of his own! Spade will be running for the 16th District Michigan Senate seat. Doug commented that he wanted to serve in this capacity with all of his heart and the crowd applauded its approval. Check out the photo on the Chamber's Home Page at www.adrianareachamber.com .

The day progressed as I joined a group of Adrian Maples supporters to judge the Adrian Homecoming banners and windows in downtown Adrian. Great work by lots of students who are looking forward to beating Ferndale on Friday night. The theme this year is Dr. Seuss and it was fun to see how the students built the theme in to the artwork! i.e. "We can beat them in a house. We can beat them with a mouse. We can beat them here. We can beat them there. We can beat them anywhere!" Go Maples!

Thank God for Mondays!

What a weekend it was in Adrian and Lenawee County!! Art-a-Licious, the Chamber Golf Tournament, Oh, These Irish Hills Festival, Antique Tractor and Steam Engine Event, Always.....Patsy Cline, Big Bad VooDoo Daddy at the TC A and the ASO's Light's, Camera, Music! Concert. Lenawee County and the City of Adrian - what a great place to live, huh?

Kudos to everyone who worked on and came downtown to take part in Art-A-Licious! It was great. Thanks for making it happen again this year- it just keeps getting bigger and better!

Log on to www.adrianareachamber.com and click on Community events to see what's happening in Adrian and click on www.visitlenawee.com for all the cool things to do in Lenawee County!

Ann Hughes
President and CEO
517.265.2320
517.270.1818
www.adrianareachamber.com

Every day is a chance to learn

We're never too old to learn and we don't have to wait until the beginning of another school year to tackle learning new skills or absorbing new facts and information. There are varied thoughts on ways to acquire needed knowledge and information that is pertinent to the work we do and I wouldn't begin to issue an opinion on what might be the most effective.

But I did have an opportunity to sit in on a what proved to be enlightening in terms of the exchange of ideas and information, participant excitement, and generation of solutions and ideas. These were aimed at assisting individuals at the gathering identify effective solutions to their marketing challenges and questions.

I believe that a group of individuals sitting around a table and brainstorming can be among the most valuable tool any of us can access. Last Friday's Marketing Conversation was the perfect example of people working together to generate ideas not only for themselves but for others in the group as well. They all realized that when one is successful, we are all more successful. Great work and thanks to our marketers: Linda Gentry, Carla Ayers and Gaynor Mielke.

Back - to - School touches all of us

Whether or not you are a parent preparing children for a return to the classroom next month, a teacher developing new lesson plans or are long past the classroom period of your life, back-to-school activity still impacts most of us in this community.

Stores are hoping to be tapped for the purchase of shoes, clothing and supplies. Transportation folks are getting vehicles ready for the first trek to school on September 8th. Dorms, apartment complexes and rental housing is being readied for the returning and new college students coming to our local higher educational institutions. Businesses are stocking their shelves and looking at their marketing and advertising plans in order to attract these young men and women as customers.

Drivers will need to be extra alert as children begin walking or riding the bicycles to school. Crossing guards are dusting off the STOP signs. Moms and dads are disbelieving that their sons and daughters are old enough to be in 1st grade or high school or off to college.

Let's make this a good year for our students and our community. Get involved with your local schools. Volunteer. Participate. Attend sporting and fine arts events. Share your talents and expertise with students.

Ann Hughes
President and CEO
517.265.2320
517.270.1818
www.adrianareachamber.com

Just Do It!

The Chamber staff took the idea and initial conversation of a coupon book to welcome the college students and introduce them to businesses in the City on July 21st to final approval of the 73-page professional book in only 18 business days. Speaking with our sales rep at the company printing the books, we were told that they were doubtful at the beginning that we could pull it off in the allotted time frame and that we did, was a first and caused much amazement among their staff!

It just shows what can be done with determination, commitment, a positive attutude, awesome team members, the right product and willing customers. I can't say enough about the Chamber staff who worked this project: Phil, who sold non-stop for 9 days; Will and Carole for the work they did in researching clip-art and fine tuning logos, putting them into a digital file for the printers; and to our participating businesses for accepting the short time frame and getting their information to us. One of the remarkable aspects was that there were no short tempers or obvious frustrations as we worked toward meeting the deadline - great people and an awesome project. Thanks to everyone who played any part as well as the members of the Chamber's Town & Gown Council who provided the impetus for the project.

Marketing Roundtable starts this week

Following a number of conversations with Chamber members, we have decided to re-format the First Friday Forum into what appears to be a much desired Marketing Roundtable. Meetings will continue to be held on the first Friday of each month from Noon until 1 pm, but will move to the Board Room at the Chamber office. The first meeting, this Friday will be primarily to determine what those present want in terms of marketing topics, speakers, discussions etc. This program is a Members Only benefit and there is no charge. Feel free to bring your lunch and, if you can, call and let us know you are coming - 265-2320. No, more than ever, marketing is critical to business success - come and talk about it. Share ideas on what has worked and what hasn't. Ask questions. We are all seeking the same successful outcome and this is an opportunity to work together to achieve common success. Thanks to Lori Sallows, WLEN for agreeing to facilitate the monthly Marketing Roundtables!

Ann Hughes
President and CEO
517.265.2320
517.270.1818
www.adrianareachamber.com

Thinking of cutting back on marketing?

Just finished an article from www.businessbrief.com/recession-marketing that addressed the question of whether or not it pays to not cut back on marketing during recessionary times. The author researched a 2005 study, "Turning adversity into advantage: Does proactive marketing during a recession pay off?" and discovered reliable information that pointed to active marketing during a down economy does indeed produce good results following the recession. "The most referenced study, one by McGraw-Hill about the 1981-1982 recession, concludes the b2b companies that increased marketing during the recession averaged much higher sales growth for the following three years than those who decreased marketing."

The author concluded by saying that if you have to decreasing marketing budgets, retain those marketing initiatives that have the biggest pay off for your business. Become smarter with your dollars and your marketing activities that will produce the greatest impact.

Ann Hughes
President and CEO
517.265.2320
517.270.1818
www.adrianareachamber.com

Empowering others

I read a great article yesterday about complimenting others. It is easy to see the benefits of complimenting a co-worker, friend or employee one-on-one. The individual smiles, says "Thank You" and is a often a bit embarrased. But no matter how much he or she protests, they are pleased to have had their efforts noticed and appreciated.

However, if you want to maximize the compliment, speak it in the presence of others - peers, co-workers, supervisors, etc. By making sure that others are aware of your opinion of the individual's work, effort or idea, you are ensuring that the ihe or she will grow in stature in the minds of those present. At the same time you are making the individual feel valued and important.

And when someone give you a compliment, don't just shrug it off as though it were nothing. Simply smile and give a sincere "Thank You"!

Ann Hughes
President and CEO
517.265.2320
517.270.1818
www.adrianareachamber.com

Challenging times come with opportunities

It is interesting to listen to conversations about the current economic climate. Some are quite negative and focus only on the downside of the situation. Others are realistic and concerned about what we are facing but they are also positive with speakers talking about how they are fighting back. They are looking for new ways to improve their bottom line, garner more customers, and identify additional niches that they can fill. These individuals are doggedly determined to survive in spite of current conditions. They are realistic but look at the glass as half full rather than half empty. They are creative and not afraid to make changes in how they do business and are seeking product lines and service options that answer unmet needs in their market area. Business owners in this category are looking at ways to expand their market - in the community and beyond, as well as online. We hope you're on of those innovative businesses looking for new ways to survive and thrive.

Celebrating our independence

The community was certainly reminiscent of what we believe makes small towns special. In towns across the county, state and country, celebrations were held to celebrate our freedom and that we are blessed to live in this country. In Lenawee, we marked the 3-day weekend with special activities, family picnics, trips to the park, swimming, grilling and enjoying any one of several outstanding fireworks displays. It was a time to be with family and friends and to keep in mind just how blessed we are in spite of the economy. There is no place like the United States of America!

Credit for Small Business shrinks

While reading the e-newsletter from the Small Business Association of Michigan this morning, I cam across an article about the increasing difficulty small businesses are having with banks cutting credit card lines. Historically many entrepreneurs have relied heavily on credit cards as other forms of financing became less available. The article reported that in 2008, 44% of America's small firms relied on credit cards to assist with their day-to-day operations. As of April, 2009, that figure has escalated to 59%. Does your business rely on credit cards for operations? Have you been impacted by changing bank policies on credit lines? Let us know.

More tech training on the way

Following this morning's Adrian in the AM event with Ben Lorenz of the Human Element in Ann Arbor, presenting the basics of Social Media use, several guests asked us, "So, what do we do now? Having the basic "why" of social networking is great but how do we put it into practice in our organizations?"So, to that end, we will be meeting with a number of Chamber members as well as Ben Lorenz and others experienced in the field and will be putting together a series of programs that teach attendees the "how" and "what" of this technology. Watch for programming to begin in September! Let us know if you would like to be part of the focus group charged with pulling together the outline for the program series.

Ann Hughes
President and CEO
517.265.2320
517.270.1818
www.adrianareachamber.com

What really motivates employees

The Internet is an unending source of news, ideas. professional advice of all sorts and resources that connect us with businesses, places and people. I used to delete many of the e-mails that came in without checking out what nuggets of knowledge they might contain. Now I at least open them, specifically to look at the major idea or focus of the message and to determine if any links contained in the message might be of value to us at the Chamber or to you our members/readers. This morning I received a Twitter from Mike Rodgers from the Small Business Association of Michigan with the link to an articlce about motivating employees, especially in this economy. After reading it, I thought many of you might like it as well. To learn more, click here 5 Myths about Motivating Your Employees in a Recession - Motivating your Employees - Entrepreneur.com.

Ann Hughes
President and CEO
517.265.2320
517.270.1818
www.adrianareachamber.com

Networking, Social and Otherwise

Yesterday, we attended the Annual Meeting of the Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM) in Lansing and the Chamber Partner Summit held prior to the luncheon which featured Joe, the Plumbler.

The topic that was at the top of everyone's mind was social networking and Michael Rogers, the VP for communications at SBAM spoke to the potential effectiveness of such sites for businesses. There were several Chambers of Commerce represented and most had either scheduled sessions on the topic or were planning one soon.

The Adrian Chamber is doing an introductory session this coming Thursday at Adrian in the AM with Ben Lorenz, partner and owner of the Human Element in Ann Arbor. Ben has extensive experience and knowledge in the areas of marketing and business development through effective use of web tools, on-line strategies and social networking techniques.

As Ben pointed out to me on the phone earlier today. social networking brings with it the need for commitment to the effort required to keep sites, etc. current and responsive. He also told me that social networking is only one piece of a diverse and comprehensive marketing strategy. Plan on attending the AM event on Thursday - call 265-2320.

One activity that there is always plenty of at Adrian in the AM is the ever-effective face-to-face networking, which I noticed yesterday was employed by almost everyone in the room. Like social networking, standard networking activity needs to be part of your integrated marketing scheme!

Ann Hughes
President and CEO
517.265.2320
517.270.1818
www.adrianareachamber.com

Marketing through social networking sites

If you, like all of us at the Adrian Area Chamber are interested in driving traffic to your website and marketing your products and services to a broader market, them log on to http://www.startupnation.com/forums/16641/1/1 for some practical and easy-to-implement strategies and tips. The article contains solid information and easy-to-understand directions.

Social Networking/HR Policy formation

Social networking is a relatively new tool that opens new and unique opportunities for individuals and businesses to network, market and share information. For businesses it also brings opportunities for employee misuse in terms of time and job productivity. Most businesses have not yet included the proper use of social networking websites in their personnel policies. Crystal Moore, American Chamber of Commerce Executives has shared a web link to help businesses and organization to find some good sources and ideas for social networking policies. Click on http://humanresources.about.com/od/policysamplesb/a/blogging_policy.htm

Ann Hughes
President and CEO
517.265.2320
517.270.1818
www.adrianareachamber.com

While we talk about the importance of local purchasing on all levels, we need to keep in mind the importance of supporting our state's resources as well as those found right here in Adrian and Lenawee County. "Pure Michigan" is the State of Michigan's program designed to encourage residents to take advantage of all the state has to offer as well as to entice visitors to come and spend their time and resources with our businesses and attractions. Click on the following link to view snippets of several "Pure Michigan" videos: http://tr.im/puremichigan.

Ann Hughes
President and CEO
annhughes@adrianareachamber.com
517.265.2320
517.270.1818
www.adrianareachamber.com

Summer reading a must for kids

This morning I received a copy of the final Youth Asset for this academic year. "Reading For Pleasure" is one of the 40 assests that have been identified as an esential developmental building block that helps youg people grow up to be healthy, caring and responsible. It is a proven fact that skilled readers read more quickly, get more out of what they read and enjoy it more.

This summer, make sure the young people in your life are exposed to appropriate reading materials. Encourage them to enroll in the programs at the Arian Public Library or the Lenawee County Library. Other ideas included in the communication from Communities in Schools include: setting aside regular times for family reading; create a family book club - read the same books and then talk about them; and limit television for all family members.

It was also recommended to donate quality books and books on tape to libraries, youth organizations, child care centers, and Boys and Girls Clubs. Check out the reading programs at Waldens Book Store and the children's (and adult) reading materials to be found at Downtown Adrian's Book Abbey.

I used to spend my summer vacation in the basement of the Adrian Public Library reading and exploring all the wonders that were overseen by the children's librarian, Julia Crukshank, What a wonderul place! Encourage the children in your families to become better acquainted with their public libraries. You can serve as a good role model for the kids by being seen reading frequently.

Business Tips

Below you find some business management tips discussed at today's Adrian in the AM led by Amy Bergman of MasterMind Consulting Network. You can reach Amy at 517.789.9826.

• Don’t try to be all things to all people.
• Look for the “excess fat” in your organization: time; money; energy and resources.
• Harness the power of your people, spending 90% of your time on top performers.
• Have a business plan.
• Set goals and keep them visible. List goals on a sticky note on your computer monitor so they serve as a reminder of what you should be working on.
• Spend the majority of your time on your High Payoff activities. Delegate the rest.
• Utilize technology to more effectively manage and deliver services.
• Don’t over promise, over deliver.
• Create efficiencies.
• Know your core business and/or mission.
• Continually monitor, evaluate and re-align.
• Internal communication is critical. Staff must be aware of happenings within the business which impact their ability to do their jobs well.
• Ask employees to help identify better and more cost-effective and efficient ways of doing things in your workplace.
• Identify the things you do well and work to do them even better.
• Get back to the basics of doing good business – product, price, promotion.
• Think out of the box – identify creative ways to sell, market, manage and contain costs.
• Give employees the authority to do their jobs and take care of your customers.

To find out more about Chamber programs that can provide you with business counsel, networking and marketing assistance, log on to www.adrianareachamber.com.

Learn - Anytime, Anyplace

We frequently hear about life-long learning and how important it is to keep delving into new experiences, develop out abilities, and take advantage of learning opportunities wherever they may be presented. How often have you read about the importance of constantly challenging our brain using puzzles, games, different types of reading and mental activities than we usually do?

The Chamber strives to offer opportunities for our members to flex their learning muscles through a diverse offering. Programs like Adrian in the AM which features Amy Bergman from MasterMind Consulting Network. Bergman will be sharing practical ideas for "Building Lean Muscle for your Businesses" and organizations. Her presentation will be geared toward dealing creatively and effectively with the current economic conditions. Call 265-2320 and let us know you're coming!

The Chamber offers other venues for learning as well, including, Member Briefings, Tech Talk, First Friday Forums and workshops. Watch the website and your e-mail for upcoming announcements and plan to take advantage of all the benefits of membership in the Adrian Area Chamber of Commerce.

Memorial Day is for remembering

The Memorial Day weekend is meant to remember the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country and for each of us. They each played a role in the freedom we enjoy today throughour our land and beyond. Take some time this weekend and reflect on the veterans in your family, living and dead who have served their country. Talk with your relatives who are veterans and learn more about what they endured and their experiences. Talk to your children and explain the significance of Memorial Day. Visit a local cemetery and show them the flags on the graves of those who served in the armed forces. Take a flag and flowers to the graves of loved ones who served their country. Help your children understand and appreciate their sacrifices.

Plan on joining the community at this year's Memorial day parades throughout the County. Adrian's parade begins at the National Guard Armory on West Maumee Street at 11 am and proceeds to Momument Park on East Maumee Street for a formal presentation ceremony. It is a very moving experience at the Park and causes you to think about the meaning of the day.

Have you visited the World War 2 exhibit at the Lenawee Historical Museum yet? Don't miss it. It will be up through the summer and depicts what life was like during the war at home and abroad. There is a large sign that lists the Gold Star Mothers in Lenawee County - the women who lost sons during the Great War. I can't describe the feeling I get when I see the names of my Grandmother, Dora Johnston and my uncle, Judson Johnston who was killed when his plane crashed into the side of a mountain in Bala, Wales. My dad, Harold Johnston served four years in the Army and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. I can't imagine what those experiences were like. For all the hours I spent listening to my Dad's war stories, he never told me about the bad stuff - the fighting and dying.

Say a prayer for the veterans of all our wars this weekend and when you see a vet, thank him or her for what they have done for all of us!

It's all about communication

We may be communicating differently, but letting others know about your business, developing relationships and being known and visible is still all about communication. While we used to communicate via typewriters, land lines, the postal service, and the telegraph, we now reach out through e-mail, fax, and social networking options. Have you noticed how impatient we become when the computer is slow or an e-mail doesn't come through when we expect it. We have gotten so used to instant communication and I often hear people wonder aloud how we ever managed earlier when we had to rely on snail mail! Think about the days when letters were delivered by Pony Express riders who had to contend with indian attack and highwaymen!

It's important to keep current with the new technologies for communicating and knowing how to make using these tools relavant to our businesses and organizations. The biggest challenge I face with social networking, including our blog, Face Book, Twitter, and even our website is making the time and remembering to write frequently and keep everything current. We just launched a new website this week at http://www.adrianareachamber.com/ and it is easier than before to update and put photos on the home page. And I am relying on an old-fashioned form of communication to remind me to keep this log, Twitter and Face Book current - I have a 3M sticky note posted on my computer screen!

Connecting Points

Each month our Board of Directors opens their meeting with an exercise called "Connecting Points". The Chair poses a question and individuals respond with their thoughts. Sometimes the questions are funny, sometimes more personal and often deal with community issues. This past week, the question was, "If money was not a problem, what would you do to improve our community?" I wanted to share the responses with you today: Upgrade the facades on the downtown buildings and make the entire downtown more attractive; build a parking garage; financially sustain local agencies in crisis; create more public transportation; have really free parking; train service to Ford Field and Comerica Park; fill stores downtown and throughout the community with really good businesses; convince more people that Adrian is a great place to live; and give people more reasons to shop here. What would you do for the community if money was not an issue? Let us know.

All About Women

I hope many of you will be attending All About Women this Saturday at Adrian High School. The Health Fair and EXPO runs from 9 am until 4 pm - come for an hour or spend the day. It's a great activity to enjoy with family, friends and co-workers! Health screenings compliments of Bixby Medical Center, classes, fashion, pampering, shopping and lots more. $10 gets you everything but lunch and shopping.

Events like these are important for all of us. For the vendors and exhibitors the event brings increased exposure to persons who, if not right now, may later be in the market for their services and/or products. And for those who attend, the benefits are many: education, networking, learning what's available right in their own backyards,as well as an enjoyable day.

Networking WORKS!

Although some people say that the term "networking" is overused, I am constantly in awe of its power to build relationships for individuals and the businesses and organizations they represent! The Chamber offfers multiple opportunities for our members to network because we believe in the necessity of people coming together to converse about business issues, services products, and experiences.

To be honest, there are very few times when our members come together, whether it is for a formal program or a simple committee meeting that business doesn't get done, So, I encourage you to actively network at not only Chamber events, but wherever you find yourself in a group of people. It's just good business!

Scams abound

Recently, the Chamber found itself the potential target of two scam attempts. The first dealt with the yellow pages (not to be confused with Yellow Book). The caller said he was contacting us to confirm our listing in the yellow pages and once he did so, he went on to explain that our advertising rate would remain at the 2008 level of $431 for this year. When I told him we had never paid to have information placed in yellow pages. He said we had to have paid since he had our information. We went round and round until I simply told him we were not paying for the space and he could remove us from the book. He then asked if we closing our office and assured him we were not but we were not paying. End of conversation! Advertising pages are known for sending official looking envelopes with pretty realistic invoices inside. Many of these are not legitimate bills and should not be paid. Only pay for advertising for which you have a signed contract in hand.

The second instance involved a call from Credit Recovery International on behalf of Progressive Business Publications. They claimed that we owed $240 for a 12-month subscription, that we had received five issues and five invoices as well. They has the first 2 numbers of my birth date and said that proved I had taken out the subscription. They offered to settle for only $100 - the cost of the five issues we were supposed to have received. She accused us of throwing out the invoices, not recognizing the mailings to be ordered publications and pretty basically of lying.

I asked her for a day to check out the claim. We then contacted out attorney who prepared a
letter to both parties indicating that no payment would be forthcoming as we never ordered the publication. Susan Bays in our office Googled Progressive Business Publications and found numerous complaints against them which described the exact same numbers and information given to me on the phone. Our attorney included a reference to the claims as well as copies in his letters. We have not heard from either since.

You know, the thing that bothered me was that even though I knew I had not placed the order, after being harangued for 10 minutes on the phone, I started to doubt myself. I imagine that this is an usual response and the sad thing is that when that happens, I bet some people write the check.

Anytime you have questions about phone solicitations, letters or "invoices" you receive in the mail or any other promotion of which you question the validity, call the Better Business Bureau at 1-800-743-4222 or go their website at www.adrianbbb.org. Their office is in Toledo and serves northeast Ohio and southeast Michigan. Report any attempted scams to the Chamber office as well, so that we can we make others aware.

I'm learning that it takes time to keep up with all the opprtunities afforded by technology. For example, keeping blog posts current. We will keep trying. One thing I do know is that not seeing new information on a regular basis turns off people's interest whether it is a blog or a website. I can't speak to other on-line social networking activities because I haven't ventured there yet!

We have been busy with the recent HAPPY DAYS FUNdraising event held last Saturday at the Country Club. What fun! Great food, great friends and a successful event for the Chamber. Everyone's hard work was rewarded. Thanks to each person and business who made the event great!

This week, as we work to wrap up that event, we are dealing with the fallout from the announcement of CertifiChecks ceasing operations and their plan to file Chapter 7. Information was sent to all Chamber members today in an effort to provide answers to any questions. If you would like a copy, it will be on our website late tomorrow.

Other projects being attended to as well include our Annual Meeting on March 26th, Wine About Winter (we'll be open this Friday from 6-8), and getting ready for the LCAHB Home Show at the Siena Heights University Field House. Stop and see us at booth 31. We'll be there all weekend!

This is an especially busy weekend in Adrian as we have the opportunity to attend Escanaba in Love at the Croswell, check out the Home Show at Siena, stroll through Downtown Adrian Friday evening during Wine About Winter and celebrate with Zonta of Lenawee as they celebrate their 50th anniversary at the Lenawee Historical Museum on Friday evening as well. What a great community in which we live!!

Attitude is important

There is no doubt that we find ourselves in times that are more economically challenging than any in the past 30 or even 80 years. Businesses of all sizes and types, manufacturers, service industries and non-profit organizations like local Chambers of Commerce are facing similar challenges as we all look for the least painful and often most creative ways to keep expenses at a minimum while maximizing available revenue streams. Some things are within our power to affect while others must simply be dealt with as best we can.

However, there are a couple of things we can all do during this time (and beyond) that are simply good business. As we have listened to local business owners and managers, we've learned that they are not standing still or just waiting for the other show to fall.

They are seeking out new markets for their products and services. They're looking a new ways to do things, new uses for their equipment and goods. They're researching what others in their industries are doing - it's not always necessary to re-invent the wheel. Find a good idea that has worked somewhere else, tweak it to fit your needs and situation and give it a try.

The other thing that I have noticed are the people who, despite the economy and all the challenges it has put in our lives, maintain a positive attitude and outlook. These are the individuals who will tell you that we have to be positive and keep doing what it take to move forward. We have to expect things to get better and work to make it happen.

These people are not looking at the world through rose-colored glasses. They know things are not good. But they are refusing to give up the ship. A Chamber in Pennsylvania has billboards throughout their community that read "REFUSE TO JOIN THE RECESSION"! In other words, keep working and anticipating success despite the current economic conditions. We need to move forward whenever possible in order to survive this.

Positive attitudes, positive conversations and a positive outlook will cultivate the same in those individuals with whom we work and converse. We're literally in this together and together we will see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Have good news? Share it on the Chamber Blog. We have heard from a number of businesses who are doing well. Sharing good news business stories serves as positive reinforcement for all of us and gives other ideas as well.

Tech Talk

Technology continues to be a priority here at the Adrian Area Chamber and we are proving that you can teach old dogs new tricks!

Today's Tech Talk focused on Google Apps and the session was attended by Will, Carole and Kathy from our staff. Based on what they learned and our own ingenuity, we have begun utilizing the calendar function on Google and accomplished a great deal today.

Using the Google calendar enables our entire staff to have access to all calendars at-a-glance and facilitates planning and setting appointments. It also focuses more pairs of eyes on the schedule and makes spotting errors in dates, etc. easier. While we stil have some learning to do as far as setting appointments and sending notices and confirmations, we made a lot of progress in a short time! Thanks to Paul Slusser for his Tech Talk presentation and Will Willnow, our webmaster for his sense of humor and patience!

As the work day was drawing to a close, we tackled Google Chat, set up our accounts, invited co-workers to be on our guest list and practiced sending and replying to each other's messages. Utilizing Google's chat feature allows us to "talk" to each other from wherever we are in the building or while traveling. It will make it easy to stay in touch on projects while out of the office.

Google Maps was another topic addressed at Tech Talk and if you haven't tried it yet, check it out. I hadn't realized that Google had come to Adrian and photographed our streets. So, you not only get a great map, but can request a Street View and see the home or business which you are seeking. The Street View screen can be turned etc. and is pretty amazing! I We pulled up the Chamber office, City Hall and a number of local businesses.

I know many of you are way ahead of us at the Chamber in understanding and using the tools offered by technology, but for those of you who are in the learning curve or are hesitant about trying some of what is out there, I encourage you to find a friend or co-worker or a kid and have them get you started. You can take classes and most software has a HELP button as well.

Learning more about how to utilize the tools on your computer is a means of becoming more effecient and effective whatever your occupation. And learning those new things, makes you feel pretty good about yourself too! Here at the Chamber, we are striving to model the learning and use of technology that we are recommending to our member businesses and organizations, encouraging them to become increasingly competent in their use of available tech tools.

Welcome to the first "Chamber Conversations" Post

I am learning much more about the opportunities that are made available via technology than I ever dreamt I would and not to take advantage of them for the benefit of the Chamber and our members wouldn't be wise, so here goes! "Chamber Conversations" will be used to share news, tips, create awareness of business and community issues and topics and give members a channel for their thoughts, opinions and observations. We encourage you to post frequently and be a part of making the "Chamber Conversations" Blog an effective communications tool.

Technology is the focus of many Chamber programs this year as we develop initiatives that serve as learning opportunities for our members. Examples of this include the newly re-formatted "Tech Talk", an interactive lunch-time conversation held on the 2nd Thursday of each month and focusing on a single topic. This Thursday's "Tech Talk" will look at Google Apps.

Mark Murray, Image Center, JCC@LISDTECH, and the Chamber successfully offered a no-cost technology program to the general public last fall. It was a quick bird's eye view of a number of tech topics. Plans call for two similar events to be held again at JCC on North Adrian Highway again this year, so watch for details.

Another new program in 2009 is the "First Friday Forum". Website effectiveness was the topic of last week's first event and those who attended picked up great ideas that can be easily implemented. Here are a few:

• Use your domain name as part of your e-mail address. Make it easily visible on business cards, media placements, billboards and signs to drive people to your website.
• Add a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) to your website.
• Create a simple Response Form to elicit contact with site users.
• Collect all the users data each month, compiling it to use as a selling tool with potential advertisers.
• Add a blog site - an effective way to encourage conversation among your site users, solicit opinions and share observations and expertise. Check out blogspot.com.

The Chamber must model the tech tools we encourage our members to utilize, so expect to see us adding new features through out the year including Member Forums and webinars as well as video. We look forward to reading your postings as we learn from each other.