Volume 92 Issue 3
Inside this Issue

Member Highlights
  In the Spotlight
  Member Recognitions
  Welcome New Members
  Renewing Members
Classifieds
News Flash
Calendar
  Community Events
  Chamber Meetings
Contact Us
Photo Album

Promo Quick Links

Seahawk Sailing School
Brown's Beach House
Financially Surviving Divorce: 3/3/09
Legislative Coffee Hour: 3/20/09
SCC Road Commission: 3/11/09
The Brand of Choice: 4/2/09
After-Hours Mixer: 3/12/09
Funny Business: 5/14/09
Emergency Response Guidelines
Stretch your Advertising Budget

Chamber Member Benefits: Are You Using Them?

On February 25, the Chamber had the pleasure of hosting our 2nd Bi-Annual New Member Breakfast, sponsored by our group health insurance partner: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. The February breakfast was for members who joined the Chamber from August-January (we will host another breakfast in August for members who join February-July.) We enjoyed sharing all of the many ways our members can get involved in the Chamber!

We thought it would be a good idea to share it again with all of the Chamber veterans as well! So, the question is: Are you using your membership benefits? Look at the list below and check the programs and events your organization participates in. You may be surprised at some of the easy ways you can get involved and promote your business!

  • I regularly submit Members News briefs and/or promote my organization in the Chamber Connection newsletter.
  • I keep my business information current with the Chamber for their referral list by logging into the Member Portal. (Note: The Chamber will not refer non-members. If someone asks about a non-member business, they are informed that the business is not a member, therefore we have no information regarding that business.)
  • I promote my business by taking advantage of advertising opportunities exclusive to Chamber members, such as advertising in the Chamber directory, enhanced Web site directory listings, and placement of flyers or display ads in the Chamber newsletter.
  • I display my business cards in the Chamber office on the members-only business card display and fill it regularly.
  • I network with my fellow members by attending the Annual Dinner, After Hours mixers, Annual golf outing, luncheons, committee meetings, and other events.
  • I participate in Chamber committees.
  • I display my Chamber membership decal where my customers can see it.
  • I’ve showcased my business by hosting or sponsoring an After Hours mixer.
  • I have sponsored Chamber events throughout the year.
  • I have checked the Chamber Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Insurance to see if I could be saving money.
  • I’ve taken advantage of the Chamber hosting a grand opening or ribbon cutting ceremony for my business.
  • I have participated in the Annual Business Awards and Ceremony.
  • I have placed literature about my business at the Chamber for visitors to examine and have supplied the Chamber with brochures to include in relocation packets.
  • I take advantage of the number of discounts offered through the e-coupon program in the Member Portal.
  • I have posted an e-coupon for other members in the Member Portal.
  • I do business as often as I can with other members.
Well, how did you do? Out of the items listed, to what extent are you taking advantage of your Chamber membership benefits? We encourage you to get involved today! Contact our office for more information and be on the lookout in the coming weeks for some new exciting ways that we will be helping you promote your business in the community!

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SailTime Port Sanilac & Seahawk Sailing School
...making sailing easy, fun and affordable!

You're Invited to the Port Sanilac Marina Open House.

Say goodbye to winter and join us at the Port Sanilac Marina Open House. Sailboats, free pizza and refreshments, and open house specials await you.

Step aboard the new Hunter 49 and 36, the Hunter 41 and 31, and the hit of Strictly Sail Chicago, the newly introduced Hunter Edge. Learn about the SailTime Port Sanilac Fractional Sailing program. Check out the ASA-certified sailing classes offered by Seahawk Sailing School and take advantage of early sign-up discounts.

SailTime is an innovative sailing business that offers a different twist on traditional boat ownership. With SailTime you can take your family, or your customers, sailing all summer long. Sail a newer Hunter sailboat as if you own it, but with no maintenance, less cost, and more fun. ASA sailing lessons included at no charge. Now with locations in St. Clair Shores and Port Sanilac.

"Adding SailTime to the existing Port Sanilac Marina facilities, boat sales and brokerage, ships store, the First Mate Ice Cream shop, Seahawk Sailing School and Uri's Waterfront Dining and Spirits, really rounds out a great destination for boaters and non-boaters alike", said Chester Kolascz, owner of Port Sanilac Marina.

Stop by and say hello and receive a complimentary copy of the American Sailing Association's "Sailing Made Easy." Be the first to learn about the new SailTime offerings, including shorter and longer guaranteed sailing times. And don't forget to enter to win a "Day of Sailing on Lake Huron or Lake St. Clair" on one of our Hunter 33s.

When: Saturday, March 21st
Time: Between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM
Where: Port Sanilac Marina


Learn how to sail! At Seahawk Sailing School you'll learn how to sail and have fun doing it. ASA certified instruction from the basics through chartering in the Caribbean. Classes available on Lake Huron, Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair. You can even train on your boat at your location.

Make your sailing dreams come true. For more information, email jkaza@sailtime.com, or call (586) 778-5152.

If you have been thinking about sailing but just haven't gotten around to it, now is the time. Don't let another summer pass you by.

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Board of Directors

2009 Officers


Martin Doorn, Chairperson
WGRT

Doug Dolph, Chair Elect
Physician Healthcare Network

Michelle Myrick, Treasurer
E & A Credit Union

Ed Brooks, Officer
Huron Automatic Screw Co.

Rick Dionne, Officer
Earl Smith Distributing

Rich Seim, Officer
Michigan Petroleum Technologies

Vickie Ledsworth, Secretary
Blue Water Area Chamber

2009 Directors

Ernie Albert
Kerr Albert Office Supply

Dan DeGrow
St. Clair County RESA

Timothy Dowd
The Times Herald

Chris Fulks
St. Joseph Mercy Hospital

Michael Glenn
Oppenheimer & Co., Inc.

Dr. Connie Harrison
Baker College of Port Huron

Al Jones
Comfort Keepers Home Care

Norm Krol
GNK Enterprises

John Liston
Port Huron Hospital

Paul Lydy
Eastern Michigan Bank

Michelle Mueller
St. Clair County Community College

Rob Patterson
Mid-West Appraisal Co.

Marc Reno
Bauer-Reno & Assoc. Real Estate

Katherine Walker, Ex-Officio
Sarnia Lambton Chamber

In the Spotlight: New Board Officer 2009
Rick Dionne, Earl Smith Distributing

Vice President and General Manager of Earl Smith Distributing Company, Rick Dionne, has been serving our Chamber as the Public Affairs Committee (PAC) Chair. In January of 2009, Mr. Dionne extended his duties to the Chamber as a Board Officer and we welcome him aboard!

Rick has given his time to many worthy causes over the past 20 years and has helped fund-raise for organizations such as Blue Water Charity Sports, Blue Water Charity Golf and many youth charities. Rick is also a member of the Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association, National Beer Wholesalers Association and the Michigan Chamber of Commerce.

Rick's passions are family, work, hockey and fitness. He is married to his wife, Vicki and has two adult children, Michael and Ashley.

Rick is a graduate of Walsh College (BBA), Alumnus of SC4 (Associate of Business) and has served at Earl Smith Distributing for 29 years. Earl Smith Distributing is a mid-size beverage distribution company serving retailers in the counties of St. Clair, Sanilac, Huron, Tuscola and the thumb area. As Vice President, Rick oversees Sales, Operations, Accounting, and Human Resouces.

We are grateful to have Rick's experience and expertise as part of our Chamber team as we move forward in helping to create a sustainable business environment in the Blue Water community!

For more information about the Public Affairs Committee, please contact the Chamber office at (810) 985-7101 / info@bluewaterchamber.com


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Contact Us
Blue Water Area Chamber of Commerce
512 McMorran Blvd.
Port Huron, MI 48060
(810) 985-7101
(810) 985-7311 fax
info@bluewaterchamber.com
www.bluewaterchamber.com


Chamber Staff
Vickie Ledsworth
President & CEO
Amanda Will
Director of Sales & Marketing
Kelli Plater
Administrative Information Technology Coordinator

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Thank you
Renewing Members!

All Star Services

Allstate Fournier Insurance Agency

Armstrong Trucking Company

Cici's Pizza

Covenant Associates

Davis Insurance Agency LLC

Edward Jones

IKON Office Soluntions

MetroPCS

Port Huron Housing Commission

Port Huron Masonic Temple

Raymond James & Associates

Red Mudd Studio LLC

Village Siding & Windows

Welcome
New Members!

Brown's Beach House

Golden Crest Apartments

Ritter Electric PC

Serenity Senior Living

Member Recognitions

330 Families fed at Free Food Giveaway

February 4th, 2009 - Chamber member, Cross Current Church and auctiongiver.com partnered with Eastern Michigan Food Bank to hand out 25,000 pounds of food to 330 families who live in St. Clair County. The giveaway took place in the church's auditorium with 76 volunteers helping hand out the food. Due to the overwhelming response from the community and the church family, the Free Food Giveaway will continue for the next two months, March 4th and April 1st, from 4 - 6 p.m. located at Cross Current Church 4864 Lapeer Rd. in Kimball. Anyone who lives in the St. Clair County area is welcome to come. Proof of residency is required.

100th Issue of The Community News!

The Community Marketing Group, LLC is proud to announce the 100th issue of the Community News has been distributed on January 19th, 2009. This is a proud moment for owner and editor, Trina Avedisian. The Community News started as a 4-page publication and has grown to 12 pages over the last several years. It is distributed from Lakeport to St. Clair and west into Wadhams. It is found online at www.bluewatercommunitynews.com. It also has over 200 people signed up to receive it in their email inbox every issue.

The Community Marketing Group, LLC is a company that can help businesses with all their marketing needs. The Community News is one facet that offers unique advertising opportunities to local businesses and groups. To find out more, contact Trina Avedisian at (810) 966-9982 or email her at yournews@communitynewsph.com.

New Sandusky Office Opened by the Law Offices of Timothy J. Lozen, P.C.

A new Sandusky office has been opened by the Law Offices of Timothy J. Lozen, P.C. at 200 S. Elk Street in the TLC Insurance Building (formerly known as the Sandusky Insurance Building).

The Lozen firm is a full-service firm servicing business, professionals, individuals and families and its Sandusky office is headed by Sandusky native Timothy C. Wrathell whose practice includes Estate Planning, Real Estate Law, Criminal Law, Family Law, Business and Corporate Law, Drain Law, and Litigation.

Firm founder, Timothy J. Lozen, stated: "We look forward to being involved in the community and are delighted Attorney Wrathell has agreed to join us to assist in better serving businesses, individuals and families in Sandusky and the Thumb area."

The firm's main office is in the Port Huron Office Center at 511 Fort Street, Suite 402 in Port Huron and has almost 40 years of combined experience in the general practice of law and specialty areas including Environmental Law, Condemnation, and Drain Law.

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SecureStep Technology Announces FREE Online Technical Support

In the midst of a tough Michigan economy, there is a ray of hope for those plagued by computer issues, as SecureStep Technology announces the launch of their free online computer help forum. The site: http://computerhelp.securesteptech.com will host a forum for users to ask questions to the SecureStep staff, as well as several resources for computer clean up, articles, and an area to post photos of the Blue Water Area.

SecureStep Technology, which is located in downtown Port Huron, has launched the service to help area users resolve problems that might otherwise require a computer technician to service the PC. Staff will be on the site periodically throughout the day, to answer user questions and provide support.

In order to support the upkeep of the site SecureStep Technology will be offering ad placements to local business owners. Sponsorship is important if the site is to remain free.

Art Sturdevant, owner of SecureStep Technology, says he came up with the idea after talking with local area residents. "The economy is tough, and I think we understand that. We know not everyone can afford to have their computer fixed right now, but I think this is a way for people to be able help themselves".

SecureStep Technology LLC, formed in September 2008, offers a full line of services designed to make IT easier for both residential and commercial users. For more information, please call Art Sturdevant at 810-990-8507 or email art@securesteptech.com.


Read this week's Capitol Report from the Michigan Chamber of Commerce.


Wall Street Journal highlights Chamber Database Software

The Wall Street Journal published a story about how chambers of commerce are helping small businesses stay abreast of the latest technologies. WebLink, the company that hosts the Blue Water Area Chamber of Commerce database was a contributor to the article. Be on the lookout in the next couple of months for new things that we are doing in the Blue Water Area using our database to drive your business! Read the full article



Chamber Member Classifieds
For Sale:
Class C/SDM liquor license transferrable in St. Clair County. $30,000 or best offer, assorted restaurant equipment including a Vulcan 10 burner gas stove, steam table, True refrigerator, undercounter freezer, point of sale system, much more. $7,000 or make offer on individual items. Call Paul at (810) 364-4854.
For Sale:
Riverside Cinemas in Marine City is for sale at a bargain price. $20,000 will get a buyer the assets of the business. Riverside has been a valued operation since 2003 and is a solid investment. For more details, contact Jason Lillmars, MBA, MSA at (616) 318-5472.
Leaders/Entrpreneurs Wanted:
The Rodan + Fields® Executive Team is looking in St. Clair County. Drs. Rodan + Fields are the creators of Proactiv® Solutions and are launching their 2nd business in the country. For interview, call Stephanie Patalon at 586-703-6647.
Place Your Classfied Here
Chamber members: If you need to post a business related item, the Chamber can help. Submit up to 4 lines of text at no cost, or for an enhanced classified, we can add a link to a full page of text, photos or your web lage for only $10/month.


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Calendar of Events
  For detailed information about these events and for future community
events, check out the Chamber's Community Calendar


 

March 2009 Events

 

Chamber Meetings
After Hours Wine & Cheese
Date: March 12
Where: Icehawks Office
When: 6:00-8:00 pm
Executive Board Meeting
Date: March 11
Where: Chamber office
When: 3:00 pm
Ambassadors Committee Meeting
Date: March 10
Where: Maritime Center
When: noon
Finance Committee Meeting
Date: March 19
Where: Chamber office
When: Noon
BbR Meeting High Fivers
Date: March 2, 16
Where: Casey's Pizza & Subs
When: Noon
Fund Development Meeting
Date: March 10
Where: Chamber office
When: Noon
Blue Water Young Professionals
Date: March 3 / March 17
Where: Chamber Office / TBD
When: 5:30 pm
Public Affairs Committee Meeting
Date: March 4
Where: Bob Evans
When: 7:30 am
Business Education Meeting
Date: March 10
Where: Chamber office
When: 9:30-10:30 am
Shameless Networkers
Date: March 3, 10, 17, 24
Where: Cici's Pizza
When: 8:00 am - 9:00 am
Chamber Board Meeting
Date: March 26
Where: Great Lakes Maritime Center
When: 7:45 am

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