141 South Jackson Street
Jackson, MI 49201
Phone: (517) 782-8221 Fax: (517) 780-3688
Website: www.gjcc.org
PRSRT STD
U.S. Postage
PAID
Jackson, MI
49201
Permit #139
BUSINESS NEWS
Chamber Staff
Mindy Bradish
President
mindy@gjcc.org
Jessica Mitchell
Membership/
Communications Coordinator
jessica@gjcc.org
June
2008 2007 ~ Vo l. 5 N oV.10
ol. 6 No.6
November
Angela Machnik
Events Coordinator
angela@gjcc.org
S
ix local business organizations joined forces to fill a need in the
business community by forming the Jackson Retail Success
Academy. The Enterprise Group, Small Business Technology
& Development Center, Jackson Community Development
Department, Midtown Merchants Association, Downtown
Development Authority and the Greater Jackson Chamber of
by Mindy Bradish
Commerce realized that just because a business owner is great at fixing computers
or selling a product, doesn't mean they know how to read a financial statement or
avoid human resource issues.
Mary Schuessler
Accountant
mary@gjcc.org
Dana Keep
Receptionist
dana@gjcc.org
Executive Committee
Chairman Paul Buchholz, Lloyd Ganton Retirement Centers
Vice Chairman Dale Moretz, Moretz Technologies
Immediate Past Chairman Teri Ogg, Manpower Services
Treasurer Robert Smith, Bond and Company
Secretary Aaron Boatin, AMBS Call Center
Ron Griffith, Spring Arbor University
Bob Michaels, RJ Michaels Creative Group
Nancy Robidoux, Comerica Bank
The Jackson Retail Success Academy is a 10 week
program for people who have
owned retail businesses for
five years or less. Each week,
students meet for three hours to
discuss issues important to their
business, such as inventory
control, accounting, marketing,
insurance requirements and
human resource laws.
Participants also have homework assignments between
classes and are assigned a mentor to help them through
business issues for the entire year.
Board of Directors
Carolyn Anderson, Anderson Printing
Freddie Dancy, Lowes
Sarah Ermatinger, CP Federal Credit Union
Scott Fleming, The Enterprise Group, ex-officio
Bart Hawley, JTV
Jim Jansen, Production Engineering
Ronnie Johncox, Technique
Henry Jones, Jones Black Belt Academy
Mike Jones, Consumers Energy
Sammie Lukaskiewicz, Michigan International Speedway
Dan Machnik, Willis & Machnik Financial Services
Jerry Malone, Orthopaedic Rehab Specialists, PC
Andy Mercer, R.W. Mercer Company
Tony Mira, Anesthesia Business Consultants
Chad Noble, Foote Health System
Donn Roberts, Roberts & Associates
Janet Rochefort, Jackson County Convention & Visitors Bureau
William Ross, City of Jackson
Tom Shemanski, Mid-American Products
Craig Tapley, Kellogg Crankshaft
John Waldron, County National Bank
Jackson’s “Success” Story
Summer hours
Now Open Saturdays:
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
While tuition is $750, graduates receive $400 to help
market or advertise their business, $250 to attend
a trade show or join a trade organization, and onecont. on pg 2
In This Issue:
Springport
Speedway
Event
p2
Opportunities
p4
E conomic C lub L uncheon
J
oin the Greater Jackson Chamber’s Economic Club
for this informational luncheon featuring Roger
Curtis, the President of Michigan
International Speedway.
Roger is a 16-year veteran of
motorsports administration. At
the time of his appointment as
the head of MIS in June 2006,
Curtis had served as the vice
president of Sales and Marketing
at California Speedway, where
he supervised the superspeedway’s
cont. on pg 3
Business
After
Hours
p6
Welcome
New
Members
p7
Calendar
of
Events
Insert
2 Greater Jackson Chamber of Commerce June 2008
June 2008
Jackson Success Story... cont.
Welcome New Members
Villas Apartments
Abbey
308 Van Buren St.
year memberships to the chamber and Midtown
Association. The actual value of the program is
more than $6000.
The first class includes: Charles Ahronheim, who is
looking to start a convenience/grocery store; David
Buchanan, Coefficient Media; Cindy Eby, Real
Goods, the Greengrocer; Kathryn Keersmaekers,
who is looking to start a tea shop & gift emporium;
Suzanne McCloskey, Anderson Printing; Andrea
Ramp, Hodge Podge; Barb Smith, Rapid Refill Ink;
and Ellen Yoakam, Costume Gallery.
The community is encouraged to congratulate the
first class of graduates at the Jackson Citizens
for Economic Growth program on June 17 where
Jeff Milchen from American Independent Business
Alliance will speak on buy local programs at Ella
Sharp Museum.
Greater Jackson Chamber of Commerce 7
Chamber Night at
Springport
Motor Speedway
Valvoline Instant Oil Change Modifieds, Performance
Automotive Northwest Sportsmen, Boss Snow Plow
Pony Stocks and Pure Stocks will be in action on the
3/8 mile paved oval during the Jackson Chamber Night
at Springport Motor Speedway on July 12. In addition,
vintage and antique race cars will be on display and
run an exhibition race during intermission. Gates open
at 5 p.m. with racing beginning at 7 p.m.
Tickets for this special event are $8 and available
through the Chamber office. Fifty percent of the ticket
price will be used to increase the quality of life in
Jackson and to promote Jackson as the ideal place to
live, work and play.
The Springport Motor Speedway is three miles north
of Springport at 29849 30 Mile Rd. From Jackson, take
I-94 West to Exit 124, go north on M-99 to Springport,
then follow the signs.
For more information about this event, contact the
Greater Jackson Chamber of Commerce at (517)
782-8221 or www.gjcc.org. For more information
about Springport Motor Speedway, contact (517)
244-1042 or www.springportmotorspeedway.com.
Constructed by Cunningham Construction Co.
Tenneco Automotive Dettman Road Office Renovations
Jackson, MI 49201
(517) 787-2000
Beverley Roberts
Abbey Villas has one, two and three
bedroom apartments and is centrally
located on the bus line. Enjoy
air conditioning, a pool and new
appliances.
Central Transport
3113 Cooper St.
Jackson, MI 49201
(800) 334-4882
www.centraltransportint.com
James Rappaport
Central Transport is a full service
LTL freight company.
Colonial Transportation
500 N. Francis Street
Jackson, MI 49201
(517) 782-7700
Caron Wootten
Colonial Transportation is a
passenger transportation/commercial
small package delivery/courier.
American Family Life Assurance
of Columbus (AFLAC)
(517) 250-2270
Cory Richardson
With AFLAC insurance, you can
provide your employees with the
kind of benefits to help your business
stand out from the crowd—at no
Indian Trails, Inc. dba Michigan Flyer
direct cost to your company.
109 E. Comstock St.
Owosso, MI 48867
Best Buy
(989) 725-5105
1014 Jackson Crossing
www.michiganflyer.com
Jackson, MI 49202
Gordon Mackay
(517) 841-4300
Michigan Flyer is an express luxury
www.bestbuy.com
motorcoach service offering round
Jeffrey Bugeja
trip service between Lansing,
Best Buy sells consumer electronics, Jackson, Ann Arbor and Detroit
home-office products, entertainment Metro Wayne County Airport. In
software, appliances and related
Jackson, Michigan Flyer picks up
services.
and drops off at the Jackson Hotel
and Convention Center.
March of Dimes
2450 Delhi Commerce Dr.
Holt, MI 48842
(517) 699-4863
www.marchofdimes.com/michigan
Sheri Eldred
The March of Dimes is a national
non-profit whose mission is to
improve the health of babies by
preventing birth defects, premature
birth and infant mortality.
Midwest Floor Systems Inc.
2210 Lindsey Rd.
Jackson, MI 49201
(517) 529-9002
Anthony Evans
Midwest Floor Systems offers epoxy
floor coatings and concrete floor
restorations.
Sunrize Safaris
4008 West Michigan Ave.
Jackson, MI 49202
(517) 750-9060
www.tednugent.com
Toby Nugent
Sunrize Safaris is 340 acres of big
game hunting, as well as an outfitter
guide service.
6 Greater Jackson Chamber of Commerce
June 2008
Business After Hours
june 5, 5p.m. - 7p.m.
Network with nearly 100 other business leaders
at the June 5 Business After Hours, sponsored
by TDS Metrocom and Jackson Coffee Co.,
201 South Mechanic St. They will offer you a
Spanish fiesta! Learn how TDS Metrocom can improve your business’s efficiency at
www.tdstelecom.com. For tips on buying and brewing coffee, log onto
www.jacksoncoffeeco.com.
june 19, 5p.m. - 7p.m.
Enjoy a beautiful setting for the June 19 Business After
Hours, at The Country Club of Jackson, 3135 Horton Rd.,
as The Country Club co-sponsors this event with Citizens
Bank. Meet the Citizens Bank staff and the Country
Club’s staff. Learn more about either of these businesses at www.countryclubofjackson.com
or www.citizensbank.com.
June 2008
Greater Jackson Chamber of Commerce 3
E conomic C lub L uncheon
...cont.
advertising and promotions, sales and marketing,
public relations and ticketing operations. Roger will
talk about the 40th anniversary past, present and future
of the MIS facility and racing industry and then take
attendees on a VIP Behind the Scenes Tour of the
facility, Thursday, June 12 from 11:30 a.m.—1 p.m.
in the Champion's Club at Michigan International
Speedway (12626 US 12 Brooklyn)
Chamber Members: $25 In Advance; $30 at the Door.
Potential Members: $45 in Advance; $50 at the Door.
RSVP: Mary@gjcc.org or (517) 782-8221
Full Refunds Available if cancelled 24 hours prior to
event.
Cost for Business After Hours: Free for members; $10 for potential members
RSVP: mary@gjcc.org or (517)782-8221

5144-C
Thank You 
Thank you to these businesses that have renewed their
Chamber membership: (thru May 10)
Abilita
Bank of America/Spring Arbor Rd.
Bio Images Systems, Inc.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
Cascades Urology PC
Century 21 Welty-Farrell Realty Inc.
Coin Op Specialist, Inc.
Collection Data Services, Inc.
DJI Associates Inc./ZEI Inc.
Brad Double, D.C.
Dream Dinners
Edward Jones Investments-Horton Rd.
Exit Realty 1st
Fasco Temporary Services
Greystone Tavern
Grief Matters, LLC
Junior Achievement of the Michigan Edge
Mid-Michigan Mechanical
Contractors Assoc.
Mokey’s Salon
Northwest Refuse
Pinson Urology and Continence Center P.C.
Production Saw & Machine, Inc.
Sam’s Club
Seymour Ford
Signs Plus/Classic Images
Townsend Medical Center
Committed to
www.consumersenergy.com
“People Helping People” & Business Services.
Business Checking
Business Loans & Lines of Credit
Merchant Card Services
Accounting Services
Payroll & Bookkeeping Services
Inventory Management & More!
(800) 554-7101
www.cpfederal.com
4 Greater Jackson Chamber of Commerce
Turning Problems Into Opportunities
June 2008
by Jessica Mitchell
No doubt you’ve heard someone grumble about the high cost of gas and food lately.
Perhaps you’ve even been the one doing the grumbling. It is true-the cost of living is
higher today and times are tough. But I would like to ask our community this question:
Will the grumbling lessen our pain at the pump or the grocery store? Or will it just fuel
someone else’s negativity?
So I’m issuing this challenge to our business leaders. The next time you hear someone
complaining, ask them what they’re doing to turn the problem into an opportunity. My
husband and I have begun carpooling a few days a week to save some money and it’s been great-we’re spending
more quality time together. Here’s another idea: walk or ride your bike more-and perhaps you’ll feel even better.
June 2008
Greater Jackson Chamber of Commerce 5
G ood M orning ! G reater J ackson
The next Good Morning! Greater Jackson is Tuesday June 24 from 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Enjoy breakfast at
Bella Notte Ristorante,137 W. Michigan Ave., while you hear from Glen Yamakawa from the Spring Arbor
University downtown site, Mr. Jackson Hurula, Aaron Ambs from Ambs Call Center and Dan Machnik from
Willis & Machnik Financial Services. The program is broadcast live on NewsTalk 970 WKHM-AM.
$10 for members (includes breakfast); $20 for non-members.
Be prepared to pay in advance or that morning.
RSVP: Mary at mary@gjcc.org or (517) 782-8221
What ideas would work for you? I’d like to hear from you, our members. How are you turning a problem into an
opportunity? It could have to do with your business, the economy or our community. We may share some of them
in our July newsletter so we can all learn from your ideas. Just email me at Jessica@gjcc.org.
When times are tough, we have to band together, support each other and remember that it will get better.
Print & Design
For
Changing Times
I also want to remind you that the Chamber offers these opportunities to help our members succeed:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Save on your bottom line with health insurance, worker’s compensation and office supplies programs.
Save while you use your member-to-member discount card at participating member businesses
(see the list at www.gjcc.org).
Promote your business in the Chamber’s e-newsletter, website, newsletter or Chamber lobby.
Sponsor an event and reach your target audience.
Attend an event and increase your circle of influence.
Have a stronger voice through our advocacy.
Learn how to be a better business person by attending our Leadership Academy.
209 E Washington Ave
Suite 160
Jackson, Michigan
517.783.5500
These are just some of the ways the Jackson Chamber helps our community. To learn more, just email Jessica@
gjcc.org or call (517) 782-8221.
Stay connected 24/7/365…
With our personal, private internet portal
service allowing you instant access to your
business and personal financial information.
Online, anytime, anywhere you have an
internet connection.
Contact us for a demonstration.
Lally Group PC
Certified Public Accountants – Downtown Jackson
“Trusted Service for a Confident Tomorrow”
info@lallycpa.com 517-787-0064
www.lallycpa.com
HR Issues? We Can Help
The South Central Human Resources Management Association, the local SHRM affiliate, offers monthly programs for
HR professionals to keep current with today's ever-changing work rules and regulations. Let us show you how we can
Chamber Ad Copy Feb
& March
2008more information: www.schrma.org or call Terri Ogg @ 517-789-7193.
serve
you! For
jacksoncopies@aol.com
www.glg.oli.us
Thank You!
Chamber Spring Golf Outing
We would like to thank all of our participants and sponsors. The Spring Golf Outing was a huge success all
due to the support of Jackson County businesses! It was an amazing day of food, fun and networking.
Congratulations to the winners: 1st Place - CTX Mortgage with -16, 2nd Place - Foote Hospital with -15,
3rd Place - Lloyd Ganton Retirement Centers with -14
Don’t put away your clubs yet.. the Chamber’s next golf outing is around the corner. It will be September 8 at
Hankerd Hills Golf Course. For a registration or sponsorship form, contact Angela Machnik at (517) 782-8221
or angela@gjcc.org.