WKACC Newsletter Mar 2010

8/14/2019 WKACC Newsletter Mar 2010

1/12

My Business AdvocateBuilding Better Communities by Building Better Businesses

March 2010 Volume 30, Issue 3

Highlights of Coming EventsLunch 'n Learn - How to use LinkedIn 3/4

Chamber After Hours - Celebration Cinema-South 3/11Daylight Savings Time Begins 3/143rd Fridays! Networking Luncheon 3/19Business 'n Books Days (Volunteer to Read) 3/22-26Lunch 'n Learn LinkedIn Part 2 4/1Kentwood K-12 Career Expo 4/14Sport of Words Speech Contest 4/14Multi Chamber Speed Networking 4/163rd Fridays! Networking Luncheon 4/16

Calendars on Pages 6 & 7Log on to www.southkent.org for details.

Plans to Rebound in 2010? Not Without Employee EngagementAfter a year of massive layoffs, longerhours, increased stress, and less pay,the number of employees who areactively engaged in their jobs declinedby nine percent from 2008 to 2009,according to Watson Wyatts EmployeeEngagement Index. And even morealarming, employee engagement amongtop-performing workers fell by 23percent over the same period, raisingconcerns for high employee turnover

rates in 2010.

Should employers worry?

In a recent online survey by ExpressEmployment Professionals, readerswere asked if they would job hop for abetter job opportunity in the comingyear. Of nearly 800 respondents, 81percent said, Yes, they would job hopin 2010.

What does this mean?

Attrition can cost companies thousandsof dollars per lost employee and cansignicantly impact the nancialperformance of a company. If employerswant a chance to rebound in 2010 andavoid high employee turnover, theymust refocus their efforts on employeeengagement and make it a top priority.

How do employers get employees to

re-engage in 2010?

There are many key tactics, but

one tried and true method forrebuilding trust and increasingemployee engagement is throughcommunication.

Employers should encourage theiremployees to ask questions, nomatter the topic, and address concernshonestly, no matter what the answer.Employees are more inclined to stayloyal and engaged to a company when

they feel their concerns are beingthoughtfully considered.

Employers can also increaseengagement by showing appreciationand recognizing sacrices being madeby everyone. Find creative, low-costincentives. If you dont take a smallamount of money now to investin engaging your employees, youcould be out a lot more later whenyour employees decide to leave yourcompany for other opportunitieswhen the job market opens back up,said Robert A. Funk, CEO and co-founder for Express EmploymentProfessionals.

This recession has had a huge impacton the workforce, those who havelost their jobs, as well as the oneswho are worried theyll be next inthe unemployment line. In timeslike these, its critical to remember

that the real reason companies aresuccessful is because of their people.Businesses that invest in and valueengagement will achieve higher levelsof employee satisfaction, loyalty, and inturn, success. These are the companiethat will come out on top and reboundin 2010.

For more information on workplace and

workforce solutions, please contact

Express Employment Professionals,616-281-0611 or casey.jankoska@

expresspros.com.

How to use

LinkedIn 201April 1, 2010

11:30am - 1:00pm

Hilton Grand Rapids Airport

Register on line early!

If you know a little already or wereone of the nearly 60 businessleaders that caught the rst partof this business building workship

you can't miss this sequel on howto continue to build connectionsusing Linkedin.com.

Admission includes lunch.Not-Yet Members - $21WKACC Members - $15(You must register by the end of thday on Monday, March 29th)After March 29 - $21

Sponsorships of this great Hi-TechHi-Touch workshop are availableat only $100! Contact [email protected].


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YOUR CHAMBER MANAGEMENT

2010 Board of Directors*indicates Executive Committee Member

*John Crawford - President & CEO*Norine Mulvihill - American Diabetes Association,

Board Chair*Todd Duncan - Consumers Energy, Past Chair

*Kathey Batey - Priority Health/Spirited

Presentations, Senior Vice Chair*Matt Uhl - National City Bank*Danna Mathiesen - Mercantile Bank*David Szidik - Proforma Innite Marketing

Brent VanderKolk - VanderKolk & VanderKolk PLC,Legal Counsel

Richard Chrisman - Hungerford, Aldrin Nichols &Carter, Chair, Fin. & Budget

Community Relations Division (Blue)*Kathey Batey - Sr. Vice Chair

Tommy Brann - Branns Steakhouse & GrilleRichard Chrisman - Hungerford, Aldrin, Nichols &Carter

John Schwartz - AT&TBrent Vander Kolk - Vander Kolk & Vander Kolk,.

PLCLillian VanderVeen - Lenger Travel Services

Member Relations Division (Red)*Matt Uhl - Vice Chair

Betsy Artz - Loeks Theaters (Celebration Cinema)Skip Knapp - EdwardJones InvestmentsTom Kruisenga - The Kruisenga Agency

Membership Development Division (Gold)*Danna Mathiesen - Vice Chair

Bob O'Callaghan - Citadel BroadcastingJoel Iakiri - Business Interconnect Group, LLC

Financial Development Division (Green)*David Szidik - Vice Chair

Brent Holland - Chameleon LtdCarol Crawford - The Alternative BoardDan Van Dyke - PDS Group LTD

Denise Hughes - D2 MarketingRob Wells - Vantage Pointe Financial

Ex-Ofcio

Jack Poll - City of Wyoming, Mayor

Richard Root - City of Kentwood, MayorCurtis Holt - City of Wyoming, ManagerBill Doren - Chamber Foundation Chair

My Business Advocate,Copyright 2010

Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce

590 - 32nd Street SEWyoming, MI 49548-2345

Tel: 616-531-5990 - Fax: 616-531-0252Newsletter/Advert Information: [email protected]

Building Better Communities by

Building Better Businesses

Opinion by JohnMarch 2010By John J. Crawford, Jr.President & CEO

Taxing Issues Tough Issues

Kentwood and Wyoming are holding very importantmillage elections on May 4. Weve lost state and localtaxpayers and our municipalities are facing some real anserious cash shortfalls. Fewer taxpayers mean higher tarates, all things being equal.

In Kentwood, voters will be deciding a 2.0 mil propertytax hike and in Wyoming, the amount will be 1.25 mils.In both cases, the city will use the money their generalfunds, the majority of which (about 70%) is spent onPolice and Fire services. Neither city has an Income Tax

Businesses Also Pay Taxes on Stuff IN Their

Buildings, Which Homeowners Do NotFor each $100,000 Market Value ($50,000 SEV), theKentwood tax hike is $100 per year and $ 62.50 inWyoming. A business with $150,000 SEV in Kentwood

would see a jump of $300 in taxes, while their Wyomingcounterpart will pay $187.50 more.

Two main causes of the problem are 1) a sizable cut instate revenue sharing and 2) (probably the bigger hit) asignicant decrease in property values, upon which thetaxes are based.

Fewer Taxpayers Means Higher Tax Rates

The Grand Rapids Press reported that the 2010 valuesdecline in Kentwood is in the 7% to 8% range while theWyoming drop is about 8% or 9%.

Actually, because of these drops, in many cases, properowners could see a small decrease in their tax bills even

with the tax rate hike!

The cities cash crunch is real and I can say that it is nocaused by mismanagement. Our cities have both beengood stewards of the money they do receive. Theyve bescaling back operations the last few years. Both citiesoften receive very high scores when it comes to deliveredcity services.

Business Cash Crunch is Also Real

One Contractor Member located in Wyoming sent me a lof the following other increases hitting his 10-employeecompany this past year.

Michigan Unemployment Tax Rate JumpFederal Unemployment Tax Rate Jump

(Continued on page


3/12

LOSE BIG, WIN BIG!!Take the Challenge

Are you up for it? There is a way toshape up, have fun and make money

while supporting Kentwood Fireworksand YOUR Chamber of CommerceSanta Parade.

By joining an 8 week class onnutrition and weight loss for only$35, you will feel better, look betterand support two worthwhile events.A portion of the registration fee willgo into a pot to reward the top threelosers.

Dorris Flockhart from Nutrition 'nMore has issued a challenge to ourmembership. Participants will receive:

A Personal CoachFree body analysisGroup supportWeekly prizes for most weight lossNutrition informationNew friendships, contacts and fun

Challenges start soon so don't delay.Contact Dorris at 616-455-1775 andinvite friends, family and co-workers.

The more the merrier and the biggerthe payout to the biggest losers.

Government Cracks Down on Misclassied Employees

A recent federalstudy reportedthat 3 out of10 companiesmisclassify

contractors to generate over $7billion for government agencies overthe next ten years. Its a problemthe government is taking veryseriously, and you should too.

Companies who incorrectly qualifyemployees as independentcontractors could face the cost ofback taxes along with any penaltiesand interest incurred. Protect

your company with accuratedocumentation and appropriatetreatment of contract workers.

Independent ContractorTreatmentWhen determining the classication

of a worker, the Internal Revenue

Service (IRS) evaluates factors likeinstructions and training providedby the company along with a

workers ability to prot or sufferloss.

Workers classied as independencontractors are not required tofollow instructions on when,

where, and how work is conducteSo, if youre providing detailedinstructions on how work isto be completed or training oncompany processes, you may beincorrectly qualifying an employeeas a 1099 worker. Contractors arenot employees and should not betreated as such. Treat your

(continued on page 1

S A V E T H E D A T E

A U G U S T 2 7 & 2 8 M I L E S A N D M I L E S O F C O O L C A R S !

employees, which could equate tomillions of workers not receiving thebenets guaranteed to them by lawand huge tax fund losses for thegovernment. Those losses could alsoresult in higher tax cost for regularemployees and businesses.

With federal and state agenciesfacing dismal budget decits, theDepartment of Labor is expectedto crack down on employeemisclassication. President Obamas2010 budget anticipates the federalonslaught against misclassied


4/12

WKACC

Education

Committee

ExtraCredit

March is Reading Month in MichiganMake sure your business isconnected to these annual WKACCCommunity Events. Your one timesponsorship will get your businessrecognized in association with bothof these programs for students inour area.

Sponsorship opportunities areavailable for all business budgets.

They start at $1,200 at the top leveland can be as low as $25.

All sponsorship packages comewith benets to help you grow yourbusiness like advertising space,pre and post event publicity, yourbusiness name on the bookplate

that is placed in each book andmore.

Every child we read to duringBusiness & Books Days will receivea coloring sheet that has a letterto parents on the back whichstresses the importance of readingfor success in life and encouragesparents to read to their children andto let their children read to them.Every coloring sheet has the namesof our business sponsors on it.

Sponsor names will also be listed inthe Sport of Words program. Sportof Words will be on Wednesday,April 14 at East Kentwood HighSchool during the K-12 CareerExpo.

So don't wait any longer to get yourbusinesses connected. [email protected] for sponsorship

details today or log on to www.southkent.org.

Don't forget to Volunteer to read!Let [email protected] know if you

would like to be scheduled to readto a second grade classroom duringBusiness & Books Days - March 22-26. It only takes about 30 minutesand the experience is unforgettable.If you have co-workers that wouldlike to read simply send their name,email address and block of timethey are available to Sue Bynumand the Chamber will conrm anappointment with a specic school,teacher and classroom.

Books are available for only $19.90.We can mail it for an additional$2.00 for shipping. Contact [email protected] or call herat (810) 730-6679 to get your copy.

2010 Kentwood Public SchoolsArea Wide Career Expo for

Students K-12.Join us onWednesday, April 14 at 6 pm atEast Kentwood High School locatedon Kalamazoo just north of M-6,for our 4th Annual Sport of Words

Speech Contest. This year 5th and6th Grade Students will compete fortop honor and a $100 U.S. SavingsBond.

Feed back from parents andeducators on this program in past

years has been very positive. Thechildren come away with new foundcondence in themselves and amuch healthier sense of self-esteem.

Danny Jimenez, a Rogers HigSchool senior, was selected toillustrate a childrens book, ICan Eat Fuzzy Caterpillars, BI Dont.

The 23-page childrens book,written by WKACC Board ofDirectors Senior Vice ChairKathey Batey, focuses onchildhood obesity and stressethe importance of healthy eatihabits.

Jimenezs artwork was chosenfrom 10 other submissions froEast Kentwood and Wyomingseniors. He will receive a $1,0honorarium from Spirited

Presentations in addition to tprofessionally published bookadd to his portfolio.

Volunteer business leaderswill have the chance to readthe story to local 2nd gradeclassrooms during the WKACC12th annual Business n BookDays event the week of March22-26, 2010.

Writt

enbyK

atheyB

ate

y

IllustratedbyDanny

Jim

enez


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CHAMBER PARTNERS

ChoiceBusinessServices

JJJaaasssooonnn AAA... RRRuuusssssseeellllllBroker Director

(616) 490-0911 - [email protected]

1) It would be beneficial to have an Employee Benefits plan thatbenef i ted all employees - including our lower-paid hourly andpart-time staff at NO-COST to me, the employer.

TTTrrruuueee /// FFFaaalllssseee

2) Id like our group health insurance rates to decrease by 40%immediately and remain stable into the future.

TTTrrruuueee /// FFFaaalllssseeeLLeett uuss sshhooww yyoouu ssoommeetthhiinngg nneeww..

WKACC Chamber Partner

TTaakkee tthhee BBeenneeffii tt ss CChhaa ll ll eennggee!!

TAB offers business owners peeradvice, at a discounted rate, toempower you and yourorganization to achieve yourbusiness vision.

TAB has been a ChamberPartnersince 2008 and recently renewed

their partnership for another year.

The Alternative Board helps yougrow your business, make moremoney and work fewer hours.

Contact Carol Crawford at 616-301-8081 or email her at [email protected].

As a Chamber Partner, Choice Business Services offersany member of the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber

of Commerce a signicant discount on all ofce supportservices.

CBS provides professional business support through BusinessAddress, Conferencing Services, Clerical/Administrative Supportservices. Telephone Answering, Temporary and Permanent OfceLeasing and much more..You give us the task we gure out the best

way to complete it! Contact Debra Bates at [email protected] or call616-975-0100 for discount details.

Michael DeVries from

Principal Financial Groupis offering Members of theWyoming-Kentwood Area

Chamber of Commercesignifcant cost savings on Disability

Insurance and only for our Chamber Member

Employers and their employees. Contact

Michael at 616-942-1251 ext 3020 for price

and coverage details.

These WKACC Members are offeringdiscounts to Members on productsand services that you need to run

your business. Using a ChamberPartner will help you increase yourbottom line while you supportmembers and the Chamber at the

same time.Chamber Partners have agreed toprovide non-dues revenue to theChamber for every member thatuses their services in additionto special rates to the member-customer.

You're getting real value whenyou use a Chamber Partner. Onlproducts and services that willhelp you grow your business forless money are endorsed by theChamber Partner Committee.

If you would like information on

becoming a Chamber Partnercontact [email protected] [email protected] for acopy of the Afnity Program andanswers to any questions you mayhave about applying for a ChambePartner Endorsement.

If you would like to be part of theChamber Partners Committee andhelp us recruit businesses thatoffer business building discountsto our members.

If you know someone that wouldmake a good Chamber Partner,contact [email protected] andsomeone will contact the potentialbusinesses.

Chamber Partners meet on the 3rFriday of each month immediatelyfollowing the 3rd Fridays!Networking Luncheon. We meet athe location where 3rd Fridays! is

held and the meetings last an houor less.

Are YouSaving $$

with aChamber Partner?


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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

8:15 aChamber

Foundation

4 pAmbassadors

8 aGov Matters at

WyomingCity Hall

4 pEducation Comm

@CelebrationSouth

11:30 a-1 p3rd Fridays!@ Applause!

1 pChamberPartnersAPRIL

NEWSLETTERDEADLINE

NoonGov Matters atthe Chamber

10 a,Finance11:30 a,

ExecutiveCommittee

25

9 amCommunications

Committee@ the Chamber

9 aBusiness Growth

5-7 pChamber After

HoursCelebration!

11:30 aCommunity

Roundtable @Brann's

7:30 aCEO Exchange

10 a3rd Fri! Comm

11:30 aBoard Mtg @

Brann's

Chamber Ofce Hours

Monday -Thursday

8am - 5pmClosed Friday

March 20108 a

P.A.C.11:30 aLunch 'N

LearnHilton GR

Airport

Business 'n Books Days - Volunteer to Read to a Second Grade Class!

29 30 31

NoonGolf Outing

Planning

Daylight

Savings

Time Begins

NoonGolf

Committee


7/12

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat21 3

4 765 1098

11 1412 13 1715

21201918 242322

28272625

16

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

8:15 aChamber

Foundation

4 pAmbassadors

8:15 aChamber

Foundation

11:30 aCommunity

Roundtable @Brann's

NoonGov Matters atthe Chamber

4 pEducationComm @

CelebrationSouth

7:30 aCEO Exchange

10 a3rd Fri!Comm11:30 a

Board Mtg @Brann's

8 aGov Matters atKentwood City

Hall

10 a,Finance11:30 a,

ExecutiveCommittee

6pmSport of WordsSpeech Contest

@EKHS

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

Chamber Ofce HoursMonday -Thursday

8am - 5pmClosed Friday

8 aP.A.C.

7:30 aSpeed

Networking!11:30 a-1 p3rd Fridays!

@Celebration1 p

ChamberPartners

9 amCommunications

Committee@ the Chamber

April 2010

3029 Don't Miss!April 14

5pm - 8pmK-12

Career ExpoEast Kentwood

High School

9 aBusinessGrowth


8/12

current clients.

Non Business Owners $50.00 andCEO's, Presidents and BusinessOwners can attend this entire

FREE series. Register TODAY atwww.tabmichigan.com or Call616-975-0125. Seminars are heldat The Campbell Group Building,5664 Prairie Creek Dr. near M-6and M-37.

Free Seminars For Business Owners Taking Your Business to the Next Level

April 14, 2010

How to select a bank and builda strong working relationship /PEO-HRO is it for you?

Presented by Eric Mills, SeniorVP ofHuntington Bank BusinessBanking Group This session will providebackground on the right questionsto ask in selecting a bank and whatexpectations a good bank will havefor you and what expectations youshould have for your bank.

Presented by Daniel J. Mannes Sr.Vice President, PEO Division TheCampbell Group.

A Professional EmployerOrganization (PEO) enablesemployers to cost-effectivelyoutsource management of humanresources, employee benets,payroll and Workers Compensationthrough a co-employmentrelationship. Health ServicesOrganizations (HRO) allows manyof the same services but doesnot require a co-employmentarrangement.

May 5, 2010

Direct Mail NOT a Dinosaur:How to Improve Results andSurvival of the Fittest: A CPA'sperspective on opportunities andthreats in Michigan's recovery.Presented by Richard L ChrismanCPA, MST ofHungerford, Aldrin,Nichols & Carter PC. The current economicenvironment presents opportunitiesfor growth and expansion.

There are things you can do thatwill not only insure survival, butalso give you a competitive edge.Presented by David Szidik ofProforma Innite Marketing

Solutions. Direct mail challenges in theage of information overload. Whattechniques can be used to improve

your ROI? PURLs, Variable Data, MobileMarketing and email to attractattention of your prospective and

Taxing Issues, Tough Issues(Continued from page 2)

All Michigan Licensing Feeswent upGeneral Liability Insurance

went upCommercial Auto Insurance

went upEPA Registrations went up $600New PRR Training is required

- $1,088 plus 64 hours of loststaff production time $1,920Beginning April 2010, LeadAbatement Insurance nowrequired $5,000New Lead Work Techniquesstarting April $25,080Utility costs are up.Materials costs up 3%Employee Health Insurance

went up 18% to $10,800 peremployee

These are Tough Issues. ASKentwood Mayor Rick Root told us,the reason for the election is ItsOur City. Its Our Choice.

Businesses Cannot Vote on

Election DayBut Businesses (and residents)are taxed on Election Day. While

the crisis at City Hall is real andservices remain professionallydelivered, its not caused bymismanagement.

At the same time, Jobs ProvidersARE paying their fair share andthen some.

A millage hike will solve problemsfor a year or two. It will do nothing

to encourage private sector jobgrowth.Long Term Solution

The Long Term Solution is toincrease the number of taxpayersIt is to CHANGE Michigan to aBusiness Investment MAGNET.

The Long Term Solution is in

adopting the Michigan FairTax.

At least, that is mOpinion by Joh


9/12

Spotlight

Vickey ArgoBusiness Leadership Network ofMichigan

Vickey represents the BusinessLeadership Network of

Michigan (MIBLN). MIBLNis a nonprot business-ledorganization that promotesand advocates for the inclusionof people with disabilities inthe workplace. Vickey is theDirector/Coordinator for the WestMichigan Business LeadershipNetwork Council.

Her duties include help inbuilding the membership ofthe local council, coordinatingevents, and job development forthose that participate in theirEmployment Network.

Vickey is a former staff memberof the WKACC. MIBLN is eagerto work with WKACC, as it doesclosely with other Chambersacross the country. Employingand marketing to people with

disabilities is not just the rightthing to do, its good businesssense!

If you would like moreinformation on how you can getinvolved, contact Vickey at 269-623-2348 or [email protected].

Wed like to invite our entiremembership to join us on March11th for the next Chamber AfterHours at Celebration CinemaSouth (M6 and Kalamazoo Ave).Celebration Cinema is our ServiceBusiness of the year for 2009!

Chamber After Hours (CAH) isa great opportunity to network

with other business owners andbusiness leaders. It's held from5pm-7pm with no admission feeand pre-registration is not required.

Are you interested in meeting face-to-face with everyone there? Whynot purchase a Showcase table foronly $35. All attendees visit everyshowcase tables because doingso qualies them for our fabulousdoor prizes. (And CAH ALWAYShas awesome prizes!)

Mark the date: our next CAHwill be on October 7. Reserveyour showcase table with [email protected].

For You,

Your Employees and

Their Families!

Contact [email protected] for plan pricing and workand residential eligibilityrequirements.

April Multi-ChamberSpeed Networking

The next event is April

16, hosted by Hudsonville

Chamber of Commerce

Location to be Determined

Get Ready for Golf!

Our 30th Annual South Kent SwingGolf Outing committee is planninga great event in June at Maple HillGolf Course.

Watch for more details in thispublication and on line at www.southkent.org.

Take a day off of work to networkon the golf course! Sponsorshipsavailable. Contact [email protected].


10/12

Advertise in the New & Improved My Business AdvocateGet Your Message in Front of 750+ Business and Community Leaders Each Month!

(These rates for Members Only. Non-members pay 150% of member rate).

Business Card ize Ad Quarter Page Ad Half Page AdB&W 4 Color B&W 4 Color B&W 4 Color

1X $ 40 $ 75 $ 55 $ 90 $ 90 $ 1603X $ 108 $ 213 $ 147 $ 252 $ 243 $ 4536X $ 192 $ 402 $ 264 $ 474 $ 432 $ 852

For more information, contact Sue Bynum at 616-531-5990 or at [email protected] deadline is the 3rd Friday of the month prior to publication. Preferred formatsare PDF, Word and JPEG. Other formats may be acceptable, call to verify.

Color Ads at B/W Prices For a Limited TimeReserve your space(s) in My Business Advocate before March 31 to get black and white pricing on your full coloradvertising. You decide when you want the ad to run during 2010 as long as you've reserved space between March 1 and

March 31, 2010. Multiple listings also apply. Ads must be camera ready artwork. Additional charge for design services. This

offer is for members and not-yet-members but please note: Not-Yet-Members higher rates apply, call for details.

(continued from pg 1)contractors like the independentbusinesses they are, and avoid anybehavior that may have employer-employee connotations.

Independent ContractorDocumentationBusinesses audited by the IRSmust provide documentation thatveries independent contractorsas separate business entities, anddemonstrates that the workersintent from the establishment ofthe contract was to serve as anindependent contractor. Examplesof documentation you shouldobtain include the contractors

advertisements and businesslistings, a business card, insurancecerticates, billing invoices, W-9 forms, and 1099s issued fromother companies.

Employer records should alsoinclude a signed independentcontractor agreement that outlinesthe services the contractor willprovide including, specic projects,

due dates, locations, expectedresults, and the determinedcompensation. Hiring anindependent contractor can be aexible and economical solution

for your companys short-termprojects.

Contracting also allows youaccess to the specialized skillsand expertise you need withoutthe hassle of administrative costand benets. And, by obtainingthe necessary documentation anddisplaying the correct conduct

Win - Deluxe Weekend Trip to

the 2010 Indy 500Rafe Tickets

Available at

The Chamber Ofce

Only $10.00Drawing: 3/22/10

Proceeds to benetWyoming-Kentwood Foundation and

South Kent KiwanisRafe License #: R05062

towards independent contractorsyou can protect your company frothe risks of misclassifying worker

If youre concerned about

misclassifying employees, consideusing a stafng rm for short-term contractors and projectprofessionals as an alternative.

Stafng rms provide the sameadvantages like cost saving andexibility without the hassle andstress of interviews and paperwor

Are You Breaking the Law?The Government Crackdown on Misclassied Employees


11/12

Welcome New Members

Quad Tech, Inc. - Ronald Redder, (616) 532-1606

Welcome Back Returning Members

WOOD-TV 8

WXSP Channel 41

Renewing Members

February Volunteerof the Month

Member SpotlightBoard Executives meet monthly and select the

outstanding volunteer and Committee for their

effort and results on behalf of WKACC.

February Committeeof the Month

Annual Meeting/SilentAuction Committee

Chaired by Carolyn Foote fromMacatawa Bank, this enthusiasticcommittee successfully planned twovery labor intensive events on the

same evening. We served 198 peopleat our Annual Meeting at Noto'sFine Italian Dining in January andthe Silent Auction produced morethan $2,000 to be used for 2010Chamber Programs.The committee was:

Carolyn Foote - Macatawa BankJudi Holland - Chameleon Ltd.Lisa Calhoun - Hilton GrandRapids Airport HotelCasey Jankoska - Express

Employment ProfessionalsAme Seymour - Flagstar BankAmanda Lewis - gNetworks/Framework SitesAshley Parkes - Hyatt PlaceGrand Rapids SouthShawna Myers - CelebrationCinemaRob Wells - VantagePointe Financial

(Silent Auction Sub-Chair)

Lisa Calhoun from theHilton Grand RapidsAirport Hotel

received the honors. Lisa helpedplan the Annual Meeting andSilent Auction. Lisa's expertisein the hospitality business madeher the go to person when wehad questions on the event or thevenue. Lisa has been a dedicatedvolunteer for the Chamber and aChamber Ambassador for manyyears. She continues to support

Chamber Programs when everpossible and works very hard as oneof your Chamber Ambassadors.

Adoption AdvocatesAdvance Newspapers/Jenison Printing

Allied Photographic &Imaging Lab

ATL Credit Union

Axios, Inc.BCM International WestMichigan

Berends-Hendricks-StuitBMW MotorcyclesBranns Steakhouse & Grille

Carrabbas Italian GrillCity of Kentwood

Cleaning SpecialtiesD.C. Byers Co.

DHL Global ForwardingEngels JewelersGerrits Appliance, Inc.

Grand Valley Health PlanKarlson Enterprises

Kay L. Meerhof Bookkeeping

ServicesLoeks Theaters Celebration

CinemaMarketingHelp!

Matrix Manufacturing, Inc.

Mercantile BankMichigan Turkey Producers Co-

op, Inc.National City Bank

New Life Thrift StorePark Center Bowling, Inc.

Property Tax AppealsRemax LifestylesSpecialized Language

Development CenterThe Hinman Company

The Kruisenga AgencyTouchstone Systems & Services

L.C.Trans Overseas Corp.

[email protected]

for more info


12/12

Grand Ofce Supply

We continue to collect gently used stuffed animals for Blare's Bears for Haiti. Formore information on this program, contact [email protected] or go to www.thunder945.com. Taking donations through March 15, 2010.

For the Kids - 2010 Easter Egg Extravaganzasponsored by The Grand Rapids Jaycees, Saturday, April 3 2010, 10:00am - 1:00pm,Centerpointe Mall. Description: Activities include a free Easter egg scramble, carnivalgames, inatable moon walk and obstacle course, face painting, and a free coloring sta-tion. The Easter Bunny will be available for photos. Emergency response vehicles andstaff will be stationed outside the mall for viewing and tours. Local mascots will also beon hand.

Community ConnectionsLet us know how YOUR Business is building better communities. Submit

community improvement project announcements to [email protected] to space availability.

Kentwood Cares - Middle School Mentoring Program impacts studentssocially, emotionally and academically creating safer, healthier, more productivecitizens of our society. The focus of Kentwood Cares Mentoring Program is to createcaring relationships between students at the brink of success and positive adult rolemodels who will promote the growth and development of adolescents to help thembuild a strong foundation for their future. For more information contact Terry Gates,Kentwood Public Schools, at 616-455-1200 extension 32275 or email [email protected].

Donate Durable Medical Goods to go to Haiti Earthquake VictimsMetro Health is partnering with Physicians for Peace and Hanger Prosthetics andOrthotics to collect durable medical equipment for Haiti in response to the Januarearthquake. Injuries have left many people permanently disabled. Metro Health

is asking for braces, prosthetics (including socks that sit beneath them), slingsand immobilizers. Donations are being accepted at the security ofce next to theemergency department entrance from now until August 2010. For more informatiocontact [email protected].

UCOM Benet Concert to Fight PovertyTalented artists like Celtic Woodwinds, Kristen Hartnagel and Philip Pletcher willperform at the 7th Annual United Church Outreach Ministries (UCOM) BeneftConcert to ght poverty on Sunday, March 28th at Aquinas Performing Arts Centerlocated at 16907 Robinson Rd SE in Grand Rapids. The program starts at 6 pmand tickets are $20 and there will be a 50/50 rafe. Proceeds from this fun raisingfundraiser will be used to support UCOM's various poverty ghting programs like

"Homework House". For more information on UCOM programs and this event, log onto www.UCOMgr.org or call Bruce Roller at 616-241-4006 to purchase tickets.

2010 Fireworks FundraiserKentwood Parks & Recreation is looking for your support for the 2010 July 4thFireworks. Benet Tickets available for only $10.00 which entitle the bearer to lunchon Thursday, March 18, 2010 from 11 am to 2 pm at Texas Roadhouse, 3776 28th StSE, Kentwood. (616) 575-0361. Choose from: 6 oz. sirloin w/tossed salad and bakedpotato (incl non-alcoholic beverages) or grilled chicken breast w/tossed salad andbaked potato (incl. non-alcoholic bevarages).

WKACC Newsletter Mar 2010

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Transcript of WKACC Newsletter Mar 2010