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