August 2009 Volume 29, Issue 8

My Business Advocate
Building Better Communities by Building Better Businesses
City of Wyoming 50th
Anniversary Celebration!
A four day celebration, August
26th-29th, will feature family-
friendly fun events such as a bed
race, fireworks, a parade down
Division Avenue, and a special
"Kid's Day" to just list a few. The
celebration is open to all of West
Michigan with many of the events
free of charge.
Barbecue Cook-Off at City Hall 5th Annual 28th Street
on Metro Cruise® Saturday
Metro Cruise®
August 29th from 7 am until 3 pm,
join the City of Wyoming for award
Friday,
winning barbecue in the Wyoming City August 28th
Hall Parking Lot.
1 pm to 9 pm and
Come and enjoy some of the best BBQ
this side of Memphis as more than Saturday,
15 professional and amateur teams
compete for top honors.
August 29th
Take time to enjoy the live blues music
9 am to 9 pm
and festival atmosphere that only a See Page 14 for a
BBQ cook-off can supply. With music schedule of events.
featured by The Truckstop Cobras
this free event promises to be fun for
anyone who loves music, great BBQ
and fun with friends and neighbors.

Bill Engvall Performs on Metro Cruise® Friday! For complete information along
with updates on all of the events
Bill Engvall will bring his down-home
style of humor to Wyoming for a special check out the City of Wyoming's Day of Event
performance on Friday, August 28 at 7 Official 50th Anniversary web site Volunteers Needed!
pm at Resurrection Life Church. Tickets at www.wyoming50.com. Contact 531-5990 for details.
available at www.startickets.com.
No-Cost Multi-Chamber Speed Networking
In This Issue
Wyoming 50th Anniversary 1
Metro Cruise® 1
Speed Networking 1
Opinion by John 2
Santa Parade 3&4
ChamberPartners 5
Hot Deals 5
3rd Fridays! 8
Business Expo 8
Chamber Ambassadors 9
Member 2 Member Discounts 10
Skipp Knapp, from EdwardJones
Dues Payment Plan 10
Investments and Mark Schabacker,
Member 2 Member News 11
from Cartridge Depot got six Friday, August 14th, 2009
Metro Guide 12
Member Milestones 13
minutes to exchange info and 7:30am to 10 am
business cards. Just two of the 70+ Hudsonville City Hall
Metro Cruise Schedule 14
businesses from 3 area Chambers
of Commerce that attended the April Community Room
Celendars on Pages 6 & 7
Log on to www.southkent.org
2009 event. Expanded Networking 3275 Central Blvd
Sessions will allow even more
for details.
contact time at the August 14th in Hudsonville
event. 616-531-5990 to register
 YOUR CHAMBER MANAGEMENT
2009 Board of Directors
*indicates Executive Committee Member
*John Crawford - President & CEO
*Todd Duncan - Consumers Energy, Board Chair
*Steve Marshall- MAS Advisory Service, Chair, Fin. & Budget
*Norine Mulvihill - Sr. V. Chair - American Diabetes
Association
*Kathey Batey - Priority Health/Spirited Presentations
*Brent Holland - Chameleon Ltd.
*Skip Knapp - EdwardJones Investments
*Tom Kruisenga - The Kruisenga Agency, Past Chair
*Brent Vander Kolk - Vander Kolk & Vander Kolk PLC, Volunteer! It’s a Lot of Fun!
Legal Counsel
Community Relations Division (Blue)
*Kathey Batey - Vice Chair
Tommy Brann - Brann’s Steakhouse & Grille
Dan Van Dyke - PCO Associates, LLC
*Brent Vander Kolk - Vander Kolk & Vander Kolk,.PLC
Lillian VanderVeen - Lenger Travel Services
Member Relations Division (Red)
*Brent Holland - Vice Chair
Richard Chrisman - Hungerford, Aldrin, Nichols & Carter
Danna Mathiesen - Mercantile Bank
John Schwartz - AT&T
Membership Development Division (Gold)
*Skip Knapp - Vice Chair
Bob O'Callaghan - Citadel Broadcasting
Rob Wells - VantagePointe Financial Group
Financial Development Division (Green)
*Norine Mulvihill - Sr. Vice Chair
Betsy Artz - Loeks Theaters (Celebration Cinema)
Joel Iakiri - Huntington Bank
David Szidik - Proforma Infinite Marketing
Matt Uhl - National City
Ex-Officio
Carol Sheets - City of Wyoming, Mayor
Richard Root - City of Kentwood, Mayor
Curtis Holt - City of Wyoming, Manager
Bill Doren - Chamber Foundation Chair
My Business Advocate,
Copyright 2009
Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce
590 - 32nd Street SE
Wyoming, MI 49548-2345
Tel: 616-531-5990
Fax: 616-531-0252
Newsletter/Advert Information: sue@southkent.org
Building Better Communities by
Building Better Businesses
Opinion by John
August 2009
By John J. Crawford, Jr.
President & CEO
The 5th Annual 28th Street Metro Cruise®
is August 28 & 29
Plan to be there and support the businesses on 28th Street!
We’re expecting about 200,000 or more of our closest friends
to be there with more than 12,000 Special Interest cars – it’s
really a sight to behold!
If you’re available in blocks of four hours, be a part of the
Event Crew! Check out this newsletter and the web site at
www.metrocruise.org or call the Chamber at 616.531.5990 for
more details.
We have super-dedicated Members that make up the
Metro Cruise® Exec Committee this year. Joel Iakiri from
Huntington Bank stepped up this year and serves as the
Board Member Director-Coach for the project. Superb job!
Dan Van Dyke was planning to Chair the event this year,
but health issues changed his plans. Dan just re-joined the
Committee (Welcome Back, Dan!!), but in the meantime, one
of our Chamber heroes this year, Rick Sturim of Steve’s
Antique Auto Repair stepped in and picked up the leadership
flag and has done a beautiful job as Chairman! (THANKS,
Rick!)
Other Members include Charlie Steen who is heading up Car
Owner Relations, Erin Bowen, our Intern from Lenger Travel
& GVSU who is heading up Visitor Relations, Denise Hughes
from eTool Developers (Public Relations) and Gregg Howard
who is leading the Logistics, Site Mgmt and Public Safety
efforts. The great folks from Citadel Broadcasting are also
doing a great job above and beyond being the Radio Media
Sponsor this year!
$10/Hour Minimum Wage Proposed for
Michigan Last Week
The Government Matters Committee, chaired by Dave
Van Houten of HWC Corp, urges you to participate on the
Committee! Stop by the Chamber the FIRST Monday at Noon
and plug in!
There is a veritable tsunami of tax and regulation changes
headed toward your business! Some may help, some may not.
High on the list are a proposed $10 Minimum Wage introduced
in the Michigan House last week and the nationalization of
many industries in this country. Right now, we need you to
contact our Representatives Ehlers & Hoekstra and Senators
Levin & Stabenow and tell them to STOP the take over of
the nation’s health care system. The system has issues, but
nationalization is not the solution!
Plug in today! We need your input and help to make our
voices heard.
At least, that’s my Opinion by John!
 2008 SANTA PARADE MEMORIES
Entries Limited Only By Imagination - Sponsorships Available
Some of the more than 50 entries in
the 2008 Santa Parade were from
(left upper) Steelcase, The Rapid,
(center top) Lake Michigan Credit
Union, Express Employment
Professionals, Celebration Cinema,
Cap'n Jack, (upper right) Window
World, Two Men and a Truck of
course, Santa himself in his very
own sleigh and many many more!

Head Elf - Dave VanHouten from Home

Works Corporation and Window
World chaired the 2008 committee.

Santa is Coming!
We expect hundreds of families to
line S. Division Avenue between
34th and 43rd Streets beginning
at 10 am on Saturday, December
5, 2009 when WKACC Members
welcome Santa with a BIG parade.
Members of the Wyoming Kentwood
Area Chamber of Commerce
are invited to join not-for-profit
organizations, local churches
phone 616.281.0611
and schools and not-yet-member
fax 616.281.1737
businesses in welcoming Santa to
help kick off the 2009 Christmas
Shopping season and to begin the
celebration of one of our most loved
Client Relationship Manager
holidays.
casey.jankoska@expresspros.com
To be a part of this celebration,
333-44th St SE
Grand Rapids MI 49548
contact janine@southkent.org
or call 616-531-5990 today.
Sponsorships are available for every
www.expresspros.com business budget.
 2009 Wyoming/Kentwood Santa Parade
Saturday December 5, 2009
Member Sponsorship Packages*

Tree Topper Sponsor (Only 1 Available) $2500
• Logo on 2 Billboards – (Brought to you in part by…)
• 3’ X 8’ Company Banner carried toward head of Parade
• Logo prominently displayed in all print advertising
• Elementary School handouts - approximately 10,000 handouts
• Public Service Announcements on Radio and TV
• Advertisements at Main Street Pub – shown between Trivia games
• Logo (Printable coupon) on Santa Parade web site
• 3 entries in parade
Sleigh Bell Sponsor (4 Available) $1000
• Logo (1/8 page ad) in all print advertising
• Elementary School handouts - approximately 10,000 handouts
• Public Service Announcements on Radio and TV
• Advertisements at Main Street Pub – shown between Trivia games
• Logo (Printable coupon) on Santa Parade web site
• 2 entries in parade
Band Sponsor** $750
• Logo (1/8 page ad) in all print advertising
• 3’ X 8’ Company Banner carried in front of Band
• Elementary School handouts - approximately 10,000 handouts
• Public Service Announcements on Radio and TV
• Advertisements at Main Street Pub – shown between Trivia games
• Logo (Printable coupon) on Santa Parade web site
• 1 entries in parade (Additional entries available for $15)
Silver Bell Sponsor (6 Available) $500
• Logo (1/16 page ad) in all print advertising
• Elementary School handouts - approximately 10,000 handouts
• Public Service Announcements on Radio and TV
• Logo (Printable coupon) on Santa Parade web site
• 1 entry in parade (Additional entries available for $15)
Jingle Bell Sponsor $250
• Logo (Text Print) in all print advertising
• Elementary School handouts - approximately 10,000 handouts
• Public Service Announcements on Radio and TV
• Logo (Printable coupon) on Santa Parade web site
• 1 entry in parade (Additional entries available for $15)
Reindeer Sponsor $100
• Business name in Text Print in all print advertising
• Elementary School handouts - approximately 10,000 handouts
• Public Service Announcements on Radio and TV
• Logo (Printable coupon) on Santa Parade web site
• 1 entry in parade (Additional entries available for $15)
Santa Float Sponsor Additional $300
• Additional to a Silver Bell, Sleigh Bell, or Tree Topper Package
• Santa and trailer provided, your support adds the decorations!
* Sponsorship Packages subject to slight changes
** A Portion of Sponsorship Money Will Be Given To Each of the
Participating School Bands

Application/Agreement
Company Name: ____________________________________________  [Member? YES / NO]
 
Note to Sponsors:
Contact Name: _____________________________________ Phone: ________________
  To participate in the parade, you
Address: _________________________________________________________________ MUST also fill out a Participant
  Application/Agreement.
City, St, Zip ________________________   e-Mail ______________________________

We hereby apply for and agree to be a Sponsor of the 3rd Annual Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce Santa Claus Parade as indicated below.  We
understand that this application shall become an Agreement when the Company receives a copy of this Application/Agreement signed by the Chamber
President. We hereby agree to pay the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce the amount indicated when invoiced.  We further agree that we will
provide logos, artwork and other materials for promotion, signage, etc. to the Chamber for use in this event on or before the stated deadline.  We also agree
that displays, floats, banners and other marketing presence at the event shall be at the Company’s sole expense.

AD COPY & MATERIALS “Drop Dead” Deadline Date:   NOVEMBER 5, 2009- Check appropriate Sponsorship
Package above: 

Company Rep Signature: _______________________________________ Date: ___________
 
Chamber Representative: _______________________________________ Date: __________ 
 
Chamber President: ___________________________________________ Date: ___________
 
It pays to be a Member of the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce!  Annual Dues in the Chamber are extremely reasonable!  If your company
is not currently a Chamber Member, you can receive Chamber Member pricing simply and quickly by joining the Chamber of Commerce!  Just request a
Membership Application!  Various Sponsorships are filled on a First-Signed, First-Served basis.

Meet Our Newest ChamberPartner
Debra Bates,
President and
Owner, contact
her at deb@
choicebiz.com
Choice Business Services;
Professional Office Support at
Special Member Rates
Choice Business Services and
Business Center provides you-
the entrepreneur, home-based
business owner, sole proprietor,
telecommuter, satellite office,
and sales office, with professional
business support through our
Business Address, Conferencing
Services, Clerical/Administrative
Support, Telephone Answering,
Temporary and Permanent Office
Leasing and much more…..You give
us the task we figure out the best
way to complete it!
As a Chamber Partner, Choice
Business Services offers any
member of the Wyoming-Kentwood
Area Chamber of Commerce a
significant discount on all office
support services.
All Chamber Partners provide
discounts or special rates to
members of the Wyoming-Kentwood
Area Chamber of Commerce that
can help grow their business, cut
expenses and increase income,
while at the same time providing
financial support to the Chamber.
CHAMBERPARTNERS
Always Free
to Members
The Chamber
offers free-any-
time ad space on
the website.
It's simple to use
your member
login information
and password to access your Hot
Member to Member Deals Site. Start at www.southkent.
Discount Programs org and click on the Hot Deals
You don't have to be a Chamber Logo.
Partner to advertise your Member
to Member Discounts. (This is not If you don't have your login
information and password you can
the same as Hot Deals). Member
to Member Discounts are offered get it by contacting the Chamber
for as long as your business cares Office.
to run them for the low cost of only For help posting Hot Deals, log on
$25.00 per month. For this months to www.southkent.org or contact
discounts check out page 10 of this julie@southkent.org or call the
publication. Chamber Office at 616-531-5990.
How Does My Business Become a ChamberPartner?
The Committee looks for Members A ChamberPartner must also provide
that provide services that benefit the Chamber with a source of
WKACC Members at a discounted non-dues revenue. Revenue earned
price that will help improve our through all ChamberPartner
members’ profits by reducing their Programs helps keep your annual
expenses for items they need to run membership dues rates low.
their business. Call 616-531-5990 for more
information.
Take the Benefits Challenge!
1) It would be beneficial to have an Employee Benefits plan that
Working
‘ b e n e f i t e d ’ all employees - including our lower-paid hourly and
part-time staff at NO-COST to me, the employer.
with
TTrruuee // FFaallssee Chamber
2) I’d like our group health insurance rates to decrease by 40%
immediately and remain stable into the future.
Partners
TTrruuee // FFaallssee is
Let us show you something new.
JJaassoonn A
A.. R
Ruusssseellll Good
Broker Director
Business!
(616) 490-0911 - direct
WKACC Chamber Partner
Jason@eagleadministrators.com

Non-Dues revenue that help keep

our fair share dues rates low and
provide extra funding for Chamber
events and programs throughout
the year.
If your business would like more
information on becoming a
Chamber Partner contact
Committee Chair, Carol Crawford
at carol@tabmichigan.com or sue@
southkent.org.
TAB offers business owners peer
advice, at a discounted rate, to
empower you and your
organization to achieve your
business vision.
TAB has been a ChamberPartner
since 2008 and recently renewed
their partnership for another year.
The Alternative Board helps you
grow your business, make more
money and work fewer hours.
Contact Carol Crawford at 616-
301-8081 or email her at carol@
tabmichigan.com.
 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

August 2009
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
Staff Meetings 1
on the
Thursday
before 3rd
Fridays! and
on all other
Fridays at
10am

2 3 Noon 4p
4Ambassadors 5 8:15a 6 8a
7 8
Gov Matters at @ Chamber Recruiting
the Chamber Main Street Pub Foundation Committee
4p
Education
Comm No
Meeting in July

9 10 8a 11 12 10a, 13 14 7 a-10a 15
Gov Matters at Finance Multi Chamber
Wyoming 11:30a, Speed
City Hall Executive Networking
Committee 8a
PAC
9-11a SCORE
by appt.

16 17 18 11 a 19 8a 7:30a
20CEO Exch,
21 22
Santa Parade Activation & 11:30a-1p
Committee Retention 9a Bus Growth 3rd Fridays!
10 am 3rd Fri! Pizzazz Banquet
Committee 1p Chamber
11:30a Partners
Board of
Directors
Meeting

23 24 25 26 27 10 am
28 29
3rd Fridays!
Planning
Committee

30 31

IFIF YOU’RE NOT

YOU'RE NOT AT
ATYOUR
YOURLAST JOBJOB,
LAST ,
YOUR 401(K) SHOULDN'T BE EITHER.
YOUR 401(k) SHOULDN’T BE EITHER.
To
Tosee
seewhy
whyititmakes
makessense
sense to
to roll
rollyour
your401(k)
401(k)totoEdward
EdwardJones,
Jones,call
calltoday.
today.
S A (Skip)
S.A. (Skip)Knapp III III
Knapp 4641 N. Breton Ct., SE
Financial Advisor
Financial Advisor www.edwardjones.com
www.edwardjones.com Member
MemberSIPC
SIPC Kentwood, MI 49508
.
1801
Phone: 616.656.1090
1801 Breton
Breton RdRdSE SE,
SuiteSte
E E E-mail: Brinks.Law.Firm@
Grand Rapids,
Grand Rapids, MI 49506
MI 49506
616-942-5770 Prodigy.net
616-942-5770
WEB: BrinksLawFirm.com
 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

September 2009
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
Staff Meetings 1 4p
2 3 4 5
on the Ambassadors @
Thursday Main Street Pub
before 3rd
Fridays! and
on all other
Fridays at
10am

6 7 Labor Day 8 Noon 9 8:15a 10 8a 11 12

Holiday Gov Matters at Chamber Recruiting
Chamber Office the Chamber Foundation Committee
Closed

13 14 8a 15 16 8a 17 7:30a 18 19
Gov Matters at Activation & CEO Exchange, 11:30a-1p
Wyoming City Hall Retention 9a Bus Growth 3rd Fridays!
10a, 5p-7p Pizzazz Banquet
Finance Meet the Center
11:30a, Members Picnic 1p
Executive Chamber
Committee Partners

20 21 22 11a 23 24 25 26
Santa Parade 7:30a
Committee Multi Chamber
Speed
Networking
10 a
3rd Fri! Comm
11:30a
Board of Directors

27 28 29 30

Chet Trybus
IOI PAYROLL SERVICES

IOI
Interlogic Outsourcing, Inc.
An Employer Services Company

4595 Broadmoor SE, Ste 295

Grand Rapids, MI 49512
(616) 822-2928
chet.trybus@IOIpay.com
 NETWORKING
Friday, August 21
11:30a - 1 pm
Showcase Tables still
Available for August
The WKACC's Most Popular
Networking Event

"We are averaging 45 businesses at

each 3rd Fridays! Networking Event
with many new faces each time,"
Committee Chair, Linda Singer
informs the Advocate.

South Kent
"Twice already in 2009 our
numbers have topped 70 businesses

Business Connections
at one event. If you get one or two
referrals for your $15 lunchtime
investment, (member rate w/early Great Learning and Great Connections to Build Your Business
registration), your lunch pays for
itself. YOUR business can't afford
to miss these opportunties," Linda The Biggest and Best
advises.
Networking Event of the Year
If your business isn't able to
Showcase, consider placing your
Is Coming Thursday October 29, 2009
information on each chair for a 11:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
minimal fee of only $15. This charge Mark Your Calendars Now!
is payable at the door the day of
the event. Just let them know when
you register that you will be paying
Sponsorship and Showcase Applications
to place info on the chairs. Now Being Accepted. SPACE IS LIMITED!
For Information Contact
Sue Bynum at 531-5990 or sue@southkent.org
Being Active
on a Produced By
The Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce
Chamber Building Better Communities by Building Better Businesses
Committee
is Good
Business!

Promote Your Brand at 3rd Fridays!

!!! FREE !!!
Attendance not required.
We Need bags with
YOUR COMPANY LOGO AND / OR NAME
We'll use them to package handouts at 3rd Fridays!
Luncheons each month. Our members are leaving
each month with armloads of info and business cards.
Make it easier to get everything back to the office with
your donation of logo'd plastic or paper bags. No limit
or minimum number. We'll take 1 or 100.
Let them know who you are!
 CHAMBER EVENT COMMITTEE NEWS
August 2009
Fall is just around the corner and
so are the last two Chamber After
Hours of the Year.
Mark your calendars for October
8th and November 12th. 5pm-
7pm. Each of the After Hours will
provide a great opportunity for
casual networking, or you could
choose to purchase a showcase
table for the evening. You can stop
in for a few minutes, but we'd love
to have you stay all night. Food
and drinks are always provided
by our hosts. More details on the
locations is coming soon.
Download your Criteria Information/Application to Host
or your showcase applicaton for
Chamber After Hours
by logging on to www.southkent.org and going to document
downloads. Send to julie@southkent.org or fax to 616-531-0252.
Many WKACC
Group Health Plans
to choose from!
For you and your employees!
Contact janine@southkent.org
for plan pricing and work and
residential eligibility
requirements.
The Chamber.
Now, more than ever.
Pass it on!
Don't Forget!
Marketing
incentives available
from Citadel
Broadcasting to all
new and renewing
members. Ask Sue, Julie or John
for all the details before your
This is also a great opportunity to Membership is due.
meet your Chamber Ambassador if
Refer a New Member and receive
you haven't already had the
a $25.00 Chamber Bucks Credit
pleasure. The Ambassadors are
toward your next invoice. Contact
there to introduce you and help you
make connections with other the Chamber with your referral
information and when your referral
members. Please use your
activates their membership you will
Ambassador as your representative
receive credit for the referral. Don't
to stay in touch with the Chamber
forget to mention the marketing
and therefore the community.
package valued at $1500. from
Citadel.
We are currently seeking
applications for After Hours hosts
for the Spring of 2010. Please Referring
contact the chamber office if you
are interested and someone will be New
in contact with you.
Members
Is
Good
Business!
Are you connecting with your
customer audience?
Broadening Your
Platform of Influence
( By Kathey Batey)
When you need to make a dramatic difference in your business,
your client and in your life, this book shows you how to perform.
It's $12.00 that can make the $12,000 difference.
1. What is your platform?
2. Why do you want influence?
Order Now!
3. How do you broaden your platform?
Only $12.00* for
4. What is your message?
WKACC Members! Send this order form to:
(Not-yet-Members only Spirited Presentations LLC
*$15.00) PO Box 150286, Grand Rapids, Mi. 49515.
Or order this and other books at:
*Add $2.50 for www.spiritedpresentations.com
Shipping and
Handling, tax
Name_______________________________________
Address______________________________________
included)
City, State, Zip_________________________________
Total $14.50 for WKACC eMail Address:__________________________________
Members $17.50 for not-
yet-members.
WKACC Chamber Member through_________________
(Please expect one week for delivery)
 ORdER... gET...
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(These rates for Members Only. Non-members pay 150% of memberservice
rate). with a minimum 2-year Voic
Business Card ize Ad Quarter Page Ad Just
Half
callPage Ad
248-233-4823 today or vis
B&W 4 Color B&W 4 Color B&W 4 Color
1X $ 40 $ 75 $ 55 $ 90 But
$ you
90 better
$ hurry,
160 this great deal
3X $ 108 $ 213 $ 147 $ 252 Sincerely,
$ 243 $ 453
6X $ 192 $ 402 $ 264 $ 474 $ 432 $ 852
Rebecca Myers
For more information, contact Sue Bynum at 616-531-5990 or at Business
Sue@southkent.org
Account Executive

248-233-4823

City of Wyoming Parks and
Recreation
WYOMING, MI, July 6, 2009
– The T.E.A.M. 21 After-School
Program, a collaborative effort
between the City of Wyoming Parks
and Recreation Department and
Wyoming Public Schools. Students
will be selling student made and
grown items at the Metro Health
2009 Farm Market to raise money
for the City of Wyoming Dog Park.
Contact them at 616-530-3164
and don't forget to ask about the
new Pickle Ball Courts opening in
Wyoming.
City of
Wyoming
Senior Center
Blogspot
Want to know what’s going on at
the Wyoming Senior Center? You
can now follow their blog at www.
wyomingseniorcenter.blogspot.
com. The blog is another way to
share information with individuals
currently participating in Wyoming
Senior Center programs and those
who would like to learn a little more
about them.
MEMBER 2 MEMBER NEWS
Members Team Up
and Dr. Suzette Ona
Healthy Smile
COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Healthy Smile Parking Lot
2021 44th St SE, East of Kalamazoo
More than 140 pints of blood must
be donated every day year-round to
care for patients in Kent and Barry
county hopitals! In conjunction
with Michigan Community Blood
Centers - the only source of
blood for all hopitals in Kent and
Barry county, Healthy Smile is
sponsoring a blood drive on August
4th from 2pm to 6pm, in the MI
Community Blood Bus located
in the back parking lot. Please
join the cause to save lives in our
community. To sign up, contact
Molly Lang at 616-281-8338 or
e-mail healthysmile.dr.ona@gmail.
com.
"We will be scheduling donors every
15 minutes. Please call or e-mail
to reserve your spot today! Thank
you", Dr. Suzette Ona & Healthy
Smile Staff
Remember
to tell them
"I saw it
in
My
Business
Advocate!"
Members Team up to Provide
Affordable Family Get Away
The Country Inn & Suite South
Grand Rapids has a new Family
Fun Package that includes 4 free
passes to Craig's Cruisers (a $52.
value) that includes:
• 4 complimentary All You Can
Eat Pizza Buffet passes
• 4 activity passes, each good for
Go-Karts, Out Door Go-Karts,
Laser Tag, High Ropes Course
or many other options plus 5
Game Credits
The Hotel also offers:
• Free Breakfast
• Free access to the indoor pool
• Free High Speed Internet and
much more!
Make your reservation today by
calling 616-246-6612 or on line at
www.countryinns.com/womingmi
For a limited time: Stay with
Country Inn & Suites and get 15%
off your roomrate.
Study Skills
Class Offered
August 17-20
9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Cost is only $150 per
student!
Specialized learning Development
Center is offering students entering
grades six through eight basic study
skills to help prepare for back-to-school
days.
Areas covered include:
• Learning Survey
• Time Management
• Effective Study Strategies
• Note Taking Skills
• Reading for Information
• Test Preparation
To Register email lpodein@sldcenter.org
or call us at 616-361-1182. Located at
3056 Walker Ridge Dr NW. Call them at
616-361-1182 for more information.
 2010 Wyoming-Kentwood Area
Chamber of Commerce

Community Profile &

Metroguide Magazine

Full and half-page advertisers

also receive a banner ad on the
Chamber web site for one full
year at no additional cost.

By advertising in this important publication your company will gain valuable

exposure to thousands of individuals, companies and prospects that will use
this tool to make their buying decisions over the next year. In addition, with
your support, your Chamber can produce this high quality tool to be used for
economic and business development.

Used by people who want to The publication is designed to

be your customers
� Well written
� Beautifully illustrated
� Full color, magazine style
� Designed for easy use and
readability
� Coffee table quality, the user
will use over and over again
� One low cost gets a full-year of
selling your services and products
Used by the Chamber of
Commerce to:
� Stimulate interest in the
Wyoming-Kentwood area
� Fulfill information requests
� Provide visitors and residents
with a useful buyer’s guide to
local businesses
� Promote the Wyoming-Kentwood
area business community both
inside and outside of the area
� As an economic development tool
� As a device for business
recruitment
� As a business-to-business
sales tool
both stimulate interest and
fulfill requests for information
� 4,000 targeted copies distributed
Your advertisement will appear both in print and on
� Useful directory and community
the Chamber’s web site in an interactive format
profile to local business and
industry
� Chamber member listings
� This is THE tool used by the
Chamber to promote business
recruitment and retention Promote your business
Extensive and highly in this high quality
targeted distribution
� Full Chamber membership publication with a
� Business prospects
� Trade shows full year of circulation
� Information requests
� Educational and financial
institutions
� Governmental agencies
� Visitors to the Wyoming area Business Features also available
� Newcomer packets In addition to display advertising, business features are available to
those wishing to convey their message in an editorial format:
• This combination editorial/advertising vehicle resembles a magazine
article in content and appearance.
• Each business feature consists of 100 to 150 words, plus photography.
• Features are available in full and half page sizes.

Call 800-491-1760 or Book your ad online: www.harborhouse.com/wyoming.htm


Member Spotlight
Board Executives meet monthly and select the
outstanding volunteer and Committee for their
effort and results on behalf of WKACC.
July Volunteer of the
Month
Congratulations to David
Van Houten from Home
Works Corporationa
and Window World on being named
Volunteer of the Month in July.
David chairs this years Government
Matters Committee and was the 2008
chair of the Santa Parade Committee.
The committee, led by Van Houten
has spent the first half of 2009
revamping the committee, recruiting
new membership and making
stronger connections in local, state
and federal government.
MEMBER NEWS AND NOTES
Showcase Welcome New
Your Members
Applause Catering-
Business
Friday, August 21 Stephanie McIntyre, 616-
11:30 am to 1 pm 940-0001
Our second of three Luncheons at
Pizzazz Banquet Center with catering Gebbens Management, Inc
by Schnitz' Deli. Members pay only $15 -Dexter Gebbens, 616-530-
with early registration. Not-yet-members 0051
and late member registration is still only
$21.00 One on One Computers-
Jody Horton, 616-774-8480
Showcase tables are available for
August while they last. Reserve yours (welcome back Jody!)
today for only an additional $35.00. Rainbow International of
Contact sue@southkent.org for South Grand Rapids- Scott
more information or download the Morehouse, 616-281-1234
application at www.southkent.org.
Register on-line and don't forget your Who Do You Know That
business cards! Should Be A Member?

July Committee of the Month Renewing Members

2009 Government Matters • Ancient Accepted •
Metropolitan Building
Committee- Our thanks to this Scottish Rite Maintenance
dedicated group for connecting • Broadmoor Motor Sales • MiBiz
with legislators and keeping our • C & K Floor Covering • Micro Visions, Inc
membership informed.
• Chris’ Therapeutic Touch • Motel 6
John Schwartz-AT&T • Dan Pfeiffer Lincoln • Multi Products Credit
Tommy Brann-Brann's Steakhouse Mercury Union
& Grille
• F.D. Lake Machinery • Net Options, LLC
Joanne Voorhees-Council Member,
City of Wyoming • Fed Com Credit Union • Remax Lifestyles
Megan Sall-Director of DDA, City of • Hearthstone Assisted • Reverend Father Keith
Wyoming Living W. Lowe
Barb VanDuren-City of Wyoming • Holiday Inn Express • Springthrough
Yolanda Lewis-Consumers Energy
& Crossroads Banquet • Timmer’s Service
Roger Royer-DTE Energy
Bill Hahn-Flagstar Bank Center • Tony’s Tunes
Dave Van Houten-Home Works • Huntington Bank – Entertainment Services
Corp & Window World Bayberry • Trivalent Group
Joel Iakiri-Huntington Bank, • Interlogic Outsourcing, • United Foam
Bayberry
Inc. • Voss Lighting
Lillian VanderVeen-Lenger Travel
Center • J & S Car Care Center • Walgreen Drug Store
Vic Krause-Metro Health Hospital #11801
Steve Middleton-Middleton Printing Member Milestones
Kathey Batey-Priority Health & Businesses listed on this page are marking a Member Milestone. Please
Spirited Presentations take the time to welcome new members and congratulate renewing
Rusty Richter-Rietberg Companies members, especially those celebrating an anniversary, on their continuing
John Stedman-Stedman Insurance support of YOUR Chamber of Commerce.
Brent Vander Kolk-Vander Kolk &
Vander Kolk, PLC For more information on any of these members log on to www.southkent.
Julie Janes-Brown-Chamber Staff org and click on information request or call 616-531-5990 for more details.
 'RQ¶t Miss the Schedule of Events
Wyoming-Kentwood Area &KDPEHU¶s
5th Annual
x Car Show
x Car Club Parking
x Apparel-MI Easter Seals & Food Vendors
x Metro Health Hospital First Aid Station
x Grand Rapids First Church Waterfest
x Citadel Broadcasting Entertainment & Beer Tent
for Catholic Charities of W Michigan

Friday and Saturday, Aug 28 & Studio 28

29
Friday 1:00 PM ± 9:00 PM x American Legion Riders Motorcycle Team
Saturday 9:00 AM ± 9:00 PM x Motorcycle Poker Run for W MI Veterans Hospital

Win a
.OLQJPDQ¶V)XUQLWXUH
1969 Mercury COUGAR!
x GM Futurliner Display presented by Wyoming
Downtown Development Authority
x Foremost Insurance VIP Area
Courtesy of and o 0XVLFE\7RQ\¶V7XQHV
x Huntington Bank NASCAR Simulator & INDY500®
Trip give-away
or aa
And Feature-Packed Trip x 1969 Mercury COUGAR give-away by Harold
Zieglar Ford & Citadel Broadcasting
to the
x )DUPHU¶V,QVXUDQFH0RELOH&ODLPV2IILFH

2010 INDY500 ® x Wyoming Youth Coalition Kids Carnival at

.OLQJPDQ¶V3DUN
x Metro Million Display of High-Valued Cars
Courtesy of x Food Vendors

Look for the Great Deals Booklet at
the Cruise and Shop at Stores
Displaying the Metro Merchant
sign!
Centerpoint Mall
x Apparel-MI Easter Seals & Food Vendors
x Swap Meet & Car Corral Sales Area
x Metro Health Hospital First Aid Station
x Grand Rapids First Church Waterfest
x Citadel Broadcasting Entertainment & Beer Tent
for Catholic Charities of W Michigan
Woodland Branch

x Car Show/Street
Rod Display

CHAMBER MEMBERS are VIP!!

In addition to our Official Sponsors, as a Member
in Good Standing, you may request up to TWO (2)
9,33DVVHVIRUWKLV\HDU¶V&UXLVHBut, when 100
are gone, they are gone! LOGIN and REGISTER
ONLINE at www.southkent.org to receive your Two
FREE VIP Member Passes!
Sears Auto Center ± Woodland
x Safety City
x Food Vendors
x MI Masons Child I.D. Program
x Vehicle Inspection by Sears Auto Center
x Child Safety Seat Inspections by Sears Auto
Center

www.metrocruise.org 1RWR¶s Old World Italian Dining

x Italian Car Show

Web Design by eToolDevelopers
 3rd Fridays! SHOWCASER REGISTRATION

Event: Month______ Day _______________ Year_______

Business Showcased

Contact name & phone

Contact e-mail address

SPACE IS LIMITED PLEASE RESERVE EARLY, TABLES ARE FILLED FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED

WHAT ARE YOUR PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

8’ covered and skirted table provided Other (please describe)__________________________________

Will you offer a Raffle Prize Yes___No ___

__________________________________________________________________________________
Prize Description

Will you need Electrical Yes___No___

SHOWCASER AGREES:
x Verbal presentation is limited to two minutes
x Hand-out materials to be placed on chairs – not on tables
x Set up may start as early as 11 a.m., with showcases ready to go at 11:30 a.m. Tear
down not before 1:15 p.m.
x Raffle tickets to be collected between 11:30 a.m. and 12 noon – not at time of raffle
drawing.
x Payment of $35.00 will be made to the WKACC. Lunch is not included in the Showcase
Fee.

Signature ___________________________________________________Date _________________

Questions or concerns? Contact the Chamber at 616-531-5990.

Log on at www.southkent.org
PAYMENT INFORMATION

† Payment is Enclosed † Credit Card † Other________________________________

† Visa † MasterCard Card N umber: _____________________________________________

Exp. Date: ________________ CC ID: ________________

Name and Address on Card:

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

Office use only:

Registered: _________________ Invoiced: ________________ Paid: ______________

Adv: _______________________ Signage: _________________ Logo: _____________
Other: ______________________ Division: _____________________________________
ChamberPartner (50%) ________ Chamber Bucks: ______________________________
 Criteria for Hosting a

Chamber After Hours

The Chamber is proud to introduce a unique opportunity to network, look at what other businesses are doing, and have a
great time doing it. As the Host, you will be in the unique position to network to other Chamber Members on a one to one
basis. Any business wishing to host the Chamber Members at their place of business may do so for a nominal fee and
assumes the following responsibilities.

1. The Host Business will be asked to pay a $100 non-refundable fee to the Chamber of Commerce prior to hosting the event. This is to cover the cost of signage
and promotion which includes your business logo and contact information in My Business Advocate and on our website at least one month prior to the
event. Host is responsible for providing an electronic file or clean copy of their company logo to the Chamber office 8 weeks prior to hosting the After Hours.

2. The Host will be responsible for food, beverages and a door prize. (Unless there is an opportunity to utilize a cash bar.)

3. Tours of your facility may be conducted upon your direction. The Chamber assumes no responsibility for these tours.

4. At the Chamber After Hours other Member businesses will be invited to participate by “showcasing” their business. We will ask the host to provide tables,
table cloths, and skirts for a limited number of participants. Number of Showcase Tables will be based on available space at the discretion of the hosting busi-
ness.

Business After Hours are generally held February, March, October and November. In January we hold our Annual Meeting; in September, the Taste of Wyo-
ming; and in December the Chamber’s Open House. In order to provide consistency Hosts are asked to please schedule on the second Thursday, 5
- 7:00 pm. Other arrangements can be made at the Hosts request. You can host one of these fun events and take advantage of this opportunity to spotlight
your business by contacting Sue at the Chamber office at 531-5990 or simply complete this form and fax it to 531-0252. Remember, Hosting opportunities are
available on a first come, first served basis.

Company Name: ________________________________Contact Person: ____________________________ Date: _______________________

Address: ___________________________________________________Phone:_____________________Fax:_____________________

e-Mail Address: _________________________________ _____________________________________________________

(Signature required)

Please Indicate Your Preferred Date: (1st & 2nd Choices)

Oct. Nov. Feb. Mar

____ ____ ____ ____

Space for other Businesses to Showcase
_____We have room for _____tables and will provide tablecloths and skirts. Tables size _____ x _____.

_____We would like to host, but we don’t have room for any other businesses to Showcase.

If you need help with ideas for our promotional flyer, or door prizes, please feel free to contact the Chamber office for ideas.
PAYMENT INFORMATION

 Payment is Enclosed  Credit Card  Other________________________________

 Visa  MasterCard Card Number: _____________________________________________

Exp. Date: ________________ CCID: ________________

Name and Address on Card: _____________________________________________________________________

_____________

__________________________________________________________________________________
Office use only:

Registered: _________________ Invoiced: ________________ Paid: ______________

Adv: _______________________ Signage: _________________ Logo: _____________
Other: ______________________ Division: _____________________________________
ChamberPartner (50%) ________ Chamber Bucks: ______________________________