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.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Thursday, April 16, 2009
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!
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!
Friday, April 3, 2009
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.
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.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
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!!
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!!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
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.
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.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
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.
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.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
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:
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)