June 2011
relevant search results, and also sites that publish useful, Google’s for businesses and organizations high-quality content; especially already provide original content. Farmer Update: that high-quality, useful content on URL Blocking Why Great Web their sites. Google is getting serious about Knocking Out Content Content rewarding websites that publish Farms top-quality content, and the Matters Farmer update was just one of
Source: www.fivesparrows.com
Content farms are typically defined as websites with very little original content, or sites
By now you’ve probably heard of Google’s latest update to its search algorithm (referred to as the “Farmer” update or the “Panda” update) that was intended to knock low-quality “content farms” out that contain mostly “shallow, of the top search rankings. low-quality” content. This includes certain types of content Apparently, the update was writing services, article successful in removing a directories, and the websites number of annoying, and e-newsletters that low-quality content farm re-publish this type of websites from popping up at the pre-canned content. This top of the Google search results content is now being flagged in pages. This is great news for Google, so it can be dropped in users who want better, more the search results in favor of
the recent initiatives Google has implemented toward that goal. Last week, Google also added a new feature that lets users actually block websites that they do not want included in their search results, called URL Blocking. To use URL Blocking, a user must be logged into his or her Google account, and then perform a search.
Continued on page: 4
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Page 1 June Calendar
Page 2 Page 3 A note from the President Welcome New Members
Page 6 Happening in Hillsdale
June Chamber Calendar of Events *** indicates all may attend
WIN THIS CAR!!!
June 7 Car Show Meeting Chamber Office 6:30 PM June 14 Car Show Meeting Chamber Office 6:30 PM June 15 Chamber Board of Directors Meeting 7:30 AM Chamber Office June 16*** Tools for Success Seminar 9:00 AM Hillsdale County ISD 310 West Bacon Rd. - Hillsdale June 21 Car Show Meeting Chamber Office 6:00 PM June 23*** Hello Hillsdale County Lunch 11:45 AM June 23*** Chamber Chat on WCSR 10:45 AM June 25 & 26*** 20th Annual Hillsdale County Car Show & Summerfest Hillsdale County Fairgrounds 8 AM - Midnight - Saturday 10 AM - 5 PM - Sunday
This Sassy Grass Green 1972 Plymouth Duster will be raffled off at the 20th Annual Car Show & Summerfest on June 26, 2011.
If you would like to have this car on display at your business, please contact the C hamber at (517) 437‐6401 or via e‐mail to jon@hillsdalecountychamber.com
Tickets are $10 each, 3for $20, 9 for $50 and 25 for $100 Reminder: Tickets have been mailed to our members. All members who return all 9 tickets sold by June 8, 2011 will be entered into a drawing to win a free Chamber
Page 1
A NOTE FROM Dear Chamber Member, I can not believe June is already here! Where does time go? This is a very busy time for us at the Chamber as we have many projects we are working on. The 20th Annual Hillsdale County Car Show & Summerfest and classic car raffle is around the corner. We are in need of volunteers and sponsors. The sponsorship list is included in this newsletter. If you are interested in volunteering on June 25 or June 26, please give us a call. Please consider buying or selling your classic car raffle tickets and return them to our office by June 8. This is our main fundraiser which helps sustain our operations and we appreciate your continued support. Any member that returns their sold tickets will be entered into a drawing for a 2012 membership. We are partnering with the Hillsdale County EDP to bring a Tools For Success seminar to our community on June 16 from 9 AM - 12 Noon at the Hillsdale County ISD. We have four speakers lined up who will present information on front office inefficiencies, global competition, lifting techniques and HUB zones as well as many other topics. This seminar is geared for all types of businesses and is free of charge. Additional information can be found on page 5. We also will be hosting two other seminars in August (customer service and employee handbooks). Our annual golf outing will be held August 5 at White Oaks Golf Course in partnership with the Hillsdale County Sheriff Department. We have had several requests for information about Hillsdale County and we are working with the EDP to assist a company with possible relocation to Hillsdale County. We also are assisting a group in planning an itinerary for their visit to Hillsdale County. A few more companies have signed up to participate in the TUF program. Please remember, this program was extended through September. Show your TUF band and SAVE while supporting Hillsdale County businesses. For the past several months, I have been serving on the Business Success Academy steering committee to bring a series of eight courses to business owners which will focus on enhancing retail success. Watch your mail for more information about this exciting educational opportunity. We are in the paginating and proofing stages of the phone directory which will be sent to the printer as soon as possible. I am certain you will pleased with the quality of this publication and appreciate the support we received from this project. We will be beginning the sales canvass for a visitor guide and map in the next several weeks. Visitor guides will be published and distributed at area hotels, motels, bed & breakfasts, campgrounds and all 19 Michigan Welcome Centers among other places. If you are interested in advertising in either of these publications, please give us a call. As always, if there is anything we can do for you, please do not hesitate to contact us. Regards,
Karri Doty, IOM President/Executive Director
Page 2
Recent Ribbon Cutting
Chamber Lottery Tickets
are currently on sale for August. Tickets are $10 each and are good for the entire month of August. You can win multiple times during the month. Proceeds benefit many service organizations as well as the Chamber’s general fund which helps sustain operations.
Sweets for Life 75 North Howell Street - Hillsdale May 13, 2011
We welcome you to our community and wish you many years of successful business!
Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Megan Granda 2880 West Carleton Road Hillsdale, MI 492421 (517) 437-4730 Investment and Retirement Planning Duke Energy Milt Howard 5555 San Felipe Houston, TX 77056 (713) 375-0632 Wind Energy Electric Utility Kyser Construction Jason Kyser Page 3
If you are interested in purchasing a lottery ticket, please contact any Chamber Board Member or call the office at 437-6401 to get yours today.
50 Willow Street Hillsdale, MI 49242 (517) 260-4002 Contractor Rayba’s Tennis Retreat Ronald Rayba 8301 Coman Road Hudson, MI 49247 (517) 383-2212 Tennis and Swim Club
Google’s Farmer Update: Why Great Web Content Matters
Great Content is More Important Than Ever
information, articles, and other original material.
The recent updates at Google 3. Whatever else you do, your underscores the need for your site must still be properly business to consistently offer Continued: From the coded and optimized to be high-quality, useful web content, read and indexed correctly in or risk being dropped from the Front cover the search engines, and you search results altogether. must have lots of quality However, it also provides a After clicking on a result and inbound links pointing to unique opportunity for your clicking “Back” to the Google your site. Those criteria have results page, Google adds a new business to gain significant not changed. But now, you link beside the “cached” link at ground in the search positions must also pay attention to the the end of the listing that reads by ensuring your website has quality (and frequency) of good-quality, search-friendly “Block all [name of site] rethe content being added to content on every page. If you sults.” Users your website on a regular would like your website to basis. can click this link to block the rise – not fall – in the search site from showing up again in engine rankings, consider these So if you’re not sure how (or if) their search results. tips: the Farmer update affected your So far, Google says it will not be 1. If you use a content writing search engine rankings, now is using the domains that users service or re-publish articles the time to run some SEO block as a ranking factor, but as content on your website, reports and find out! (NOTE: also said it will evaluate whether Scan the QR code in the be careful. Pre-canned this would be useful for ranking “Surprise SEO Discount Offer,” content (like content websites in the future. produced by companies like above, to save $100!) Demand Media and eHow So even if you are getting good articles) are thought to be big It is also time to make sure your positions in Google right now, targets of these new Google website has plenty of interestyour website had better contain ing, high-quality information quality initiatives. great content, or users could that users will find compelling. simply choose to block your Make a plan for adding great 2. If your website has old website from showing up in content, hasn’t been updated content to your website at least their results – and Google will in a while, or has very little monthly, and make sure that know about it. What Google your content is fresher and of index-able content on the ultimately does with the inforbetter quality than what your top pages, it’s time to fix it. mation remains to be seen, but Pages with only a couple of competitors provide. Websites don’t be surprised if it becomes paragraphs of text, or pages that do not have fresh, useful a quality score or ranking signal with stale content, are going content are going to be dropped of some sort. from the search results – don’t to be dropped in favor of pages that have fresh content let your site be one of them. and top-quality The views expressed in the Commerce Connection may not necessarily reflect the views of the Hillsdale County Chamber of Commerce or its staff. Page 4
Seminar
Free
Page 5
Free
Happening in
Hillsdale County was honored by Carhartt for being Jonesville and Reading Community the oldest retailer of their products in Schools, has been selected to replace the world. retiring Superintendent Robert Henthorne at the Hillsdale The Exchange Club of Hillsdale County Intermediate School hosted the 31st Annual Book of District. Golden Deeds Awards Banquet The 2011 Hillsdale Academy girls track team won the MITCA Team honoring Robert E. Snow on Hillsdale High School Class of 2011 cumulatively amassed almost 1.3 State Championship for the second Wednesday, June 1 at Johnny T’s year in a row. million dollars in scholarships Restaurant in Hillsdale. awarded while other local schools The American Cancer Society will Roger Sprague is retiring from his and schools of their size across the be hosting their annual Relay for Life position as Litchfield’s City Clerk state totals averaged around June 3rd and 4th at the Hillsdale after serving the city for nearly $600,000 in total scholarships County Fairgrounds 32 years. awarded. Powers Clothing Inc. in Jonesville Michael Potts, Superintendent for Dave Mills of Osseo and husband of Jeanne Mills owner of Bottom Line Business Service, was featured in the July edition of Super Chevy Magazine.
S E N A T O R’ S S P
TLIGHT
& Events Directory, complied by The Michigan Association of Fairs and Events. It highlights the major county fairs and festivals throughout State Budget Completion Earliest Michigan. To obtain your copy of in Two Decades the 2011 Michigan Fairs & Events Directory contact Sen. Caswell, The Legislature finished work on the The House of Representatives state budget on May 26, the earliest bundled all Senate-passed budget toll-free, at 1-866-305-0316, or via e-mail at completion date for the budget since bills together at the end into an 1981. The overall budget shrank “omnibus” budget that I voted against SenBCaswell@senate.mi.gov. because of the precedent that this sets Please include your name and $1.2 billion from the current year mailing address in any message leave budget of $47.1 billion to in closing the budget process to $45.9 billion for the 2011-12 fiscal greater input by members of the or email you send. year. While I supported the majority Legislature and, by extension, the As always, my office is open to citizens we represent. of the budget bills passed by the anyone seeking assistance. My Senate, I voted no on the final School Aid Fund and higher education Michigan Fairs & Event Directory toll-free phone number to my Lansing office is 1-866-305-0316 and budgets because of the net shift of Available $82 million from K-12 education to the fax is (517) 373-5944. the universities. I voted against the I have available for anyone interested, the 2011 Michigan Fairs Senate-passed version of the By Senator Bruce Caswell May 31, 2011
Department of Corrections budget because of the privatization elements that would negatively affect the prison personnel in the district I represent.
Page 6
Participant judging ends at 2 PM both days
SATURDAY erce Comm f o ber Cham unty o C e llsdal 401 he Hi -437-6 t y b all 517 d c e t n n o ti e rma Pres re info For mo 2011 Corporate Sponsor
June 25 & 26, 2011
Top 25 Cars & Trucks, Top 2 Motorcycles, Top Tractor, Dealer Picks, Top Young Gun & People’s Choice
SUNDAY Top 15 Cars & Trucks, Top 2 Motorcycles, Top Tractor, Dealer Picks, Top Young Gun & People’s Choice
Awards presented both days at 4 PM
Hillsdale County Fairgrounds Car participants - enter through South Street entrance on North End of Fairgrounds New this y ear FREE for Y OUNG GU N NS O I SS ADMI dr(gates er open 1/2 hour prior to registration both days) v i c ar &
Registration
Saturday - 8 AM - 11 AM & Sunday - 10 AM - 1 PM
Other show attractions include: *Rib Fest* *Decibel Drag* *Slow Drag* *Breakfast* *Model Car Contest* *Burn Out Contest* *Concessions* *Silent Auction* *Door Prizes* *Craft Show* *Swap Meet* *Car Corral” *Live Band (Saturday Night)* AND MUCH MORE!
Page 7
Win this
1972 Plymouth Duster Tickets $10 each, 3 for $20, 9 for $50 or 25 for $100
Items on this flyer are subject to change
Register online at www.hillsdalecountychamber.com click Chamber Events, then Car Show & Summerfest, then Register for Car Show
or fill out form below and mail to: Hillsdale County Chamber of Commerce 22 North Manning - Hillsdale For more information call 517-437-6401 T-Shirts to first 150 pre--registered participants & T-shirts to the first 30 Young Guns
1.9 million annual hours of redundant reporting burdens on employers and save more than $40 million in annual costs. EPA has proposed eliminating the redundant obligation for many states to require air By: Rieva Leonsky pollution vapor recovery systems Source: smallbiztrends.com at local gas stations. The regulation is unnecessary A longtime because most modern vehicles complaint of small business already have effective air owners – that government regulations are too onerous and hamper their ability to create jobs and profits – is getting an answer of sorts. Back in January, President Obama ordered a government-wide review of regulations affecting businesses. Now, 30 federal agencies and pollution control technologies. departments have announced The change is expected to lead to specific plans to reduce annual savings for businesses of regulations, the about $67 million. Los Angeles Time reports. White House officials said they were committed to getting rid of The State Department and the regulations “that are out-of-date, Commerce Department are taking steps to eliminate unnecessary, excessively unnecessary barriers to exports, burdensome or in conflict with which include removing other rules.” Here are some of the changes proposed under the duplicative and unnecessary regulatory requirements. The “21st Century Regulation” goal is to increase U.S. exports initiative: and create jobs. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is While some of the regulatory changes have already been made, announcing a final rule that is or are in the process of being estimated to remove more than finalized, most of the changes
Will New Move to Cut Government Regulation Help Small Business?
will need to go through formal rule-writing procedures that include gathering public comments. And the comments are already flying fast and furious. The Administration’s goal is to “[protect] public health and welfare while promoting economic growth, innovation, competitiveness, and job creation.” Sounds like two great goals, right? Whether both goals can be achieved is the question. Already, there’s conflict in the business and political communities over the new proposals. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, while supporting the spirit of the White House’s efforts, says the recommendations to remove some regulations didn’t go far enough. The Natural Resources Defense Council, on the other hand, is concerned the changes may go too far and remove protections to public health and safety. See for yourself—and please make your voice heard. After all, if you complain without taking action, you’re part of the problem. Visit The White House Regulatory Reform, to read the proposed changes and offer comments and feedback. Page 8
K E N’ S O R N E R
A message from State Representative Ken Kurtz
eliminating the complicated and burdensome Michigan Business Tax along with its surcharge would be coupled with a determination to control spending and pursue major reforms in the way the state taxes and regulates our job providers. The practice of picking winners and losers through credits and loopholes is being phased out in favor of a flat corporate tax that is more predictable, efficient and fair. This will be encouraging to our struggling businesses, put new life into those who have been cautious and be attractive to new business looking for a home. Already we are seeing a more optimistic outlook by many of our local businesses as well as others throughout the state. This new direction is the basis of the 2011/2012 balanced budget. It is based on real known dollars, not projections, anticipations, one time funding gimmicks or stimulus money. A very deliberate process has been ongoing to arrive at this budget that began with real From the very beginning of the year, the spending reductions of 1.1 BILLION dollars. While the cuts to areas such as Legislature as a whole knew the challenges ahead were tremendous. As State Police, Dept. of Human Services, a result of a long and deep recession, we School Aid, Dept. of Agriculture, Dept. of Corrections and most every other had grown accustomed to these challenges and were even more resolved department are significant, they are not as steep as first proposed due to the fact to face them head on. Without looking that in the first quarter of this year, tax back to point fingers of blame, an dollars to the state increased by nearly entirely new Governor and administration, along with dozens of new $500,000,000.00. This helped to soften some cuts and also provide much needed legislators began 2011 with a shoring up of the Budget Stabilization cautious optimism and energy focused Fund or “rainy day fund.” Funding was on revitalizing Michigan’s economy. also set aside in a reserve fund for the The commitment to create a more ongoing need of the public school business friendly Michigan by June 1, 2011 I am pleased that for the first time since I began serving in the Michigan House of Representatives; a budget has been passed that is both structurally sound and fiscally balanced. In 2009, the budget process drug on and even past the deadline of our budget year, leaving our educational system, our municipalities and our social needs in limbo, facing great uncertainties in funding and direction. At that time, many said, we can and must do better. The following year was some better. We delivered for education, a budget before July 1st, while it took until the end of September to finalize the rest of the budget. With all the new members following the 2010 elections, a new administration and a determined Legislature committed themselves to having the entire fiscal year 2011 budget completed by the first of June. That has happened with even a few days to spare.
Member Checklist Attend a Business After Hours Attend a Hello Hillsdale County Breakfast/Lunch Place business cards and/or brochures in the Chamber Office Place an ad in the Hillsdale County Chamber of Commerce Phone Directory
employee pension fund. This approach represents what I believe is a fiscally responsible means to helping stabilize our state budget for the still uncertain economic future. I am pleased to see that there will be no reductions in state police troopers although some consolidations and closing of offices will occur. There has been roughly $30 Million added to revenue sharing throughout the state for our local government needs. Funding for Medicaid reimbursement for our seniors has been increased. Also, language was included in this budget that prohibits state funding from being used to encourage or provide abortion services. Because there are significant cuts in the upcoming budget, there will be significant adjustments. The people of Michigan have been through some very difficult times within the past decade which is evident by the tremendous job loss, home foreclosure and our stubbornly high unemployment rate. We have gone from near the top to near the bottom. Committing to what we know we have and funding our essential responsibilities, along with setting an appropriate amount back in a realistic savings account while putting some dollars toward our debt is a fiscally responsible and prudent approach. This is exactly what we have to do and have been doing in our homes and businesses when our times are uncertain. I believe we are on our way back, but our climb will be slow. We cannot be what we were until our people find jobs. We cannot fund our needed areas until we have paychecks instead of unemployment checks. We must be cautious and live within our means while paying down our debt and controlling spending. To have an effective public sector we need a vibrant private sector. I am confident as we grow jobs back in Michigan we will grow back the important areas of our public sector. As this Legislature is committed to live within its means it is also committed to positioning this state to be the leader once again in every area. Thank you for the opportunity to serve in this capacity during these times.
Participated in the Chamber TUF program Supported a fellow Chamber member by purchasing a product or service from a member
Page 9
As always feel free to contact me through my office at 517-373-1794. Kenneth Kurtz Michigan 58th District State Representative
WordPress 22 Word Press plug-ins for the marketing mastermind. If you’re online marketing and using the WordPress platform, you’ll want to take a look at Source: this list, especially if you aren’t yet familiar with some of the smallbiztrends.com plug-ins included. WordPress is a powerful tool and the Small business is using technology like never before to availability of plug-ins can help you take your online WordPress create opportunities and leverage resources. Your small marketing to the next level. business is probably bigger Monkeydo Marketing these days because of Social Media technology. But if you’re not Why a social media bubble sure what else is out there or doesn’t mean the end of social how it can help you, invest a few minutes with us. We think media marketing. As stated in you’ll find at least one tool or the video that begins this post, many in the investment world one idea that will help you seem to be getting the distinct transform your business forever. And please feel free to feeling that LinkedIn (and share thoughts, ideas, tools and perhaps Facebook when it finally goes public) may be too resources in the comment highly valued leading to section below. Lets use this roundup as a resource page for another tech bubble. What does incredible small business tools. this mean to your small Share it with a friend and watch business? Absolutely nothing. Read on. Fitzternet the resources grow.
Small Business Tech News You Can Use
do. ”Exterminate” things that don’t work on your blog so you can make room for things that do. Start To Blog Birth of the business blog. Small Business Trends founder Anita Campbell talks about the growth of the business blog in the context of her own online publishing business model. There are many more small business blogs around than when Anita started out. How will you set your content apart? Grind & Thrive E-commerce Online selling at the speed of light. In this post, Christina Giliberti looks at the brave new world of e-commerce in a brand new way. What are you doing to control every aspect of the sales process at your online store? Not nearly enough, we suspect. Bloggertone
Twitter New Twitter Follow Button a game changer? Well, some people think so, it seems. Blogging Mobile Here’s a post from Cendrin “Exterminate, Exterminate.” Edith Yeung’s ginormous Marrouat about the new The words of the terrifying mobile app list for business. Just how big is it? Try 65 small Daleks from the classic Doctor microblogging feature. Have business mobile applications in Who series are what should be you begun to incorporate the Twitter Follow Button into your all with links and brief feature running through your mind when examining your business day-to-day? What do you think information. If you can’t find blog for what belongs and what about the new tool? something here to make your examiner.com does not. Is a particular small business easier to operate, you’re just not looking. We prominent element adding hope you find something here nothing to the blog’s content or your potential revenue? If so, or refer the link to a friend. Continued on page 11 you know what to Small Business Trends Page 10
Small Business Tech News You Can Use Continued from page 10 Facebook 10 tips for Facebook marketing. Facebook is one of the most powerful communication tools, now also a huge tool for small business marketing. As a result, you’ll want to take full advantage of the platform for your small business too. Certainly many people have already been on Facebook and created a profile. Here’s how to take your Facebook campaign to the next level. Travel Blackboard Could Facebook be the new
business network choice? With the buzz over LinkedIn’s initial public offering on Wall Street comes news that some believe Facebook, with its broader user base, may be the true choice for
Conclusion Whay the future holds. It’s Have a topic you would like more probably not surprising that information on or know of an article that could benefit your fellow all these tools will transform Chamber Members? the world completely. But what form will this new Send your requests via email to world take? And what will it Jon - jon@hillsdalecountychamber.com mean for business and with any topic requests or articles you everything else including wish to share and we will do our best to the culture in which your publish the information in the future customers live. Commerce Connection. Avi Solomon interviews Seth Godin for some broad When submitting articles please answers. Check the include the author and source so that permission can be obtained for the usage comment section for the usual boatload of naysayers. of the material. boingboing career networking in the future. With small businesses already
2011 Advertising & Insertion Rates 3” x 2 ½” ad in Commerce Connection
In-
serts Chamber composes & prints (black print & 1 side) $165.00 (exclusive - no other inserts)
ad provided by you (jpeg or PDF format) $25 12 ads (one per month) - 4 changes per year You compose & supply 250 copies, Chamber $175 inserts & mails $125.00 (exclusive - no other inserts) 3” x 5” ad in Commerce
Connection ad provided by you (jpeg or PDF format) $42.50 12 ads (one per month) - 4 changes per year $410
3” x 7 ½” ad in Commerce Connection ad provided by you (jpeg or PDF format) $60 12 ads - one per month - 4 changes per year $510
E-mail blast E-mail blasts will be sent once per week $35 per blast
Page 11
focused on Facebook for B2C marketing, can business networking and B2B be far behind? WSJ
Chamber composes & prints (black print & 1 side) $115.00 (with other inserts) You compose & supply 250 copies, Chamber inserts & mails $75.00 - Month (with other inserts) $25 for ads created by Chamber Color printing - $25 Colored paper - $10 Second side printing - $10 black and white & $25 color
Tune in to WCSR the 4th Thursday of every month for Chamber Chat. Listen to updates from the Hillsdale County Chamber of Commerce. Learn more about Chamber benefits, program and services offered, as well as Chamber event updates. Brought to you by your Hillsdale County Chamber of Commerce.
$10 Lunch t Buffe
Leads Lunch Warner’s Family Restaurant 3380 Beck Road - Hillsdale
RSV June P by 20, 2 011
June 23, 2011 11:45 AM - lunch buffet
Join with us for a fun and energetic networking lunch! Attend for the opportunity to connect with other individuals doing business in our community. Bring your business cards and be ready for a productive & fun time!
Contact Jon at (517) 437-6401 or via e-mail at jon@hillsdalecountychamber.com
Pre-payment or payment at time of lunch is requested An additional $2 fee will be added for those being billed or for those without an RSVP. Cancellations prior to 48 hours and no–shows will be billed $12.
INSURANCE CALL FOR A QUOTE - WE MAKE IT EASY Home
•
Auto
• Business • Aviation • Workmans Comp.
Health
• Medicare Supplement • Long Term Care
Trucking & Bonds Life
•
Jack Smith Agency www.jacksmithagency
800-485-1318
535 Marshall Litchfield, MI 49252
517-542-2946
Page 12
Having access to information, and being It's also important to note that your Plan B doesn't have to focus solely on an "in the know" can be empowering. alternative course that you will take if you are to fail. Your Plan B can be a One thing to be cautious of when Tips for Overcoming the researching and gathering information is way for you to consider and plan for alternative paths to your end goal. This not focusing so much on data that you Fear of Failure When can give you flexibility and help you lose sight of the purpose. It is possible Starting a Business to become so enthralled in the research make adjustments to your primary goal stage that you enter a passive, stationary as you go through the process. By: Alyssa Gregory mode, and have an even harder time Source: About.com taking action. Be diligent and thorough Consider the Price of Inaction Starting a business isn't easy. There are when gathering information, but keep it Envisioning what may happen if you so many things to do, research, test and in perspective. don't take a chance by striving for your explore before you can take the plunge. goal and starting a business can be a Create a Solid Plan When you add the fear of failure to the powerful motivator. The thought of mix, it's no surprise that many aspiring Writing a business plan isn't easy, but it what it may feel like, now and in the small business owners never get their future, to know that you had a dream to is usually well worth the time you put businesses off the ground. Fear of start a business and never took the leap into it. An effective plan can help you failure can be paralyzing. It can make may be enough to push you past the take an idea from the earliest stage and you question what you're doing and why fear. create a thriving business. It can act as you're doing it. Fear can cause you to over plan, and never take the first step. your roadmap by guiding you through Get Support It can eat away at your confidence, and the entire business startup and growth process. eventually, leave you feeling incapable When you do something alone, it's easy of taking action. But fear can also be to get stuck inside your own head. The Setting goals can also be an effective motivating. When you know what uncertainty, questions and fear of failure you're reaching for, and are aware of the way to stick to a plan and eliminate can be overwhelming when you don't fear that might hold you back, you can some of the fear. Breaking down your larger goals into small action steps and have a support system to join you on take steps to use the uncertainty and using the SMART goal setting method your journey. Your support system worry to propel yourself forward. can be effective ways to use planning to could be a business partner, spouse, If you're starting a business or on the mentor, coach, friend or local reduce the fear of failure. brink of another significant networking group. As long as your accomplishment, use these tips to support system boosts your overcome the fear of failure and push Identify a Plan B confidence, helps you think through to success. objectively and cheers you on, you can Some may say that creating a often reduce the fear of failure because contingency plan sets you up for Do Your Research you know you are not alone. failure, but in reality, having a fall-back plan can make it easier to take Fear of failure can often be Fear is not a bad thing. It can make you exacerbated when there is a lengthy list a chance. When you start a business, of unknowns. While you can't possibly you are taking a measured risk, and by work harder, prepare more and enjoy considering the possible outcomes and your success fully. If you're starting a have every piece of relevant planning for them accordingly, you can business and feel overcome by a fear of information, arming yourself with the build confidence and be secure in your failure, trying letting go and embracing most important data and using it to the challenge, and you may be surprised make smarter decisions can help allevi- decisions. where it takes you. ate the fear of failing.
How to Overcome the Fear of Failure
Chamber Testimonials A business owner called to find out if you had to charge sales tax on gift certificates. Karri responded sales tax should not be collected on gift certificate purchases. The business owner thanked Karri for the information and stated she calls the Chamber whenever she has questions about her business and finds the Chamber very helpful. Page 13
The Hillsdale County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors & Staff wish to recognize the following nominees and congratulate the award recipients for their accomplishments in 2010 as they were honored at the 25th Annual Business Celebration Dinner & Awards Presentation
Architectural Award sponsored by Jonesville Lumber The nominees were: the City of Hillsdale – Dial A Ride Building, Martinrea, Olivia’s Chop House, Classic Cuts Plus and Stocks Park. Congratulations to
Martinrea Business Person of the Year sponsored by WCSR The nominees were: Richard Moore, Larry Richards, Eric Leutheuser, Rich Galloway, Eric Hoffman and Wayne Babcock. Congratulations to
Hillsdale County United Way Nominees were: Community Action Agency, Kimball Camp, Hospice of Hillsdale County, In the Key Consignment & Store, Kiwanis Club of Hillsdale, Hillsdale County Agricultural Society, South Central Michigan Works, Men with Vision, King’s Kupboard, St. Peters Free Clinic & Hillsdale County Community Foundation Congratulations to
Hillsdale County Agricultural Society Renovation Award
sponsored by Jonesville Lumber Rich Galloway The nominees were: Key Opportunities – In the Key Chamber Mission Award Consignment Store, sponsored by Sanders Insurance, Here’s to you Pub County National Bank & Grub, Classic Cuts Plus Salon & The nominees were: Spa, Johnny T’s Bistro, Auto Value, Wayne Babcock, Dr. Jeffrey Horton, Hillside Lanes, Gallery 49, Mike Flynn & WCSR, Jill Taylor, Macuso’s/Yum Ez’s, Scott Phillips, Joe Sanford Jonesville Printing, Friendly Tavern, and Rich Galloway. X-Pressions, Mulberry Lane, Olivia’s Congratulations to Chop House, Toasted Mud and Mike Flynn & WCSR Trevethan’s Sweep & Sew. Entrepreneur of the Year Congratulations to sponsored by Classic Cuts Plus Salon & Spa Wolverine Abstract & Title Company Small Business of the Year The nominees were: Kevin Conant, sponsored by Rick & Tammy Tropiano, Nonik Technologies Wayne Babcock, Jill Hardway, The nominees were: Current Office Jonna Macy and Penny Wingate. Solutions, Performance Automotive, Congratulations to Therapeutic Massage, Wayne Babcock Johnny T’s Bistro, G & G Glass, Moore Insurance Services, Saucy Chairperson’s Award Dog’s BBQ and Olivia’s Chop House sponsored by Congratulations to Layman’s Service Center Current Office Solutions Congratulations to
Karri Doty & Cyndi Young Non-Profit of the Year sponsored by
Tina Stevenson Special Recognition Volunteer of the Year sponsored by S & S Trophy Congratulations to
Rosie Dryer & Nancy LoPresto Special Recognition Awards
• Autowares Bumper to Bumper Service Centers • Century 21 Action Associates Joe Sanford • County National Bank • Current Office Solutions • Hillsdale Board of Public Utilities • Hillsdale College • Hillsdale Community Health Center • Hillsdale County Community Foundation • Hillsdale Daily News • Hillsdale Market House • Layman’s Service Center • Nash Drugs • Performance Automotive of Hillsdale & Jonesville • Southern Michigan Bank & Trust • Stillwell Ford • WCSR •
Volunteer of the Year sponsored by S & S Trophy Congratulations to
Page 14
2011 Chamber Associate Members
Hillsdale County Chamber of Commerce 22 North Manning Hillsdale, MI 49242
2011 Chamber Partner Member County National Bank
Phone: 517-437-6401 Fax: 517-437-6408 E-mail: info@hillsdalecountychamber.co m
We’re on the web
2011 Board of Directors Joe Sanford…………………………………………...........Chairp erson Century 21 Action Associates Vice ChairperCyndi Young son WCSR Member At Jeff Layman Large Layman’s Service Center Raymond Lee…………………………………. …….Member At Large Raymond Lee Custom Carpentry Eric Potes…………………………………………………….Tr easurer County National Bank Board MemScott Phillips ber
Staff Coldwell Banker Michael Lee Thorp ber The Plant Nook Florist Karri Doty Director
Board Mem-
President/Executive