March 27 , 2013
Mission Statement: "To provide a positive leadership role in our Community using Chamber resources to promote our Member Businesses while developing new Business growth."
321 E. Main Street, P.O. Box 10, Niles, MI 49120 Phone: (269)683-3720 FAX: (269)683-3722 Email: Chamber@nilesmi.com
www.nilesmi.com Chamber & Community Calendar Thursday, March 28 & April 4
Michigan Works Workshop at Buchanan District Library – See flyer
Saturday, April 6
Al Beethoven Concert by Southwest MI Symphony Orchestra
Thursday, April 11
Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting for Skylight Leadership
Thursday, April 17
Xocai Healthy Chocolate meeting at Riverfront CafĂŠ at 6:30pm
Thursday, April 18
Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting for CornerStone Realty
Tuesday, April 23
How to Start a Successful Cottage Food Business in MI
Wednesday, April 24
Business After Hours: Hosted by Greater Niles Community Federal Credit Union
Thursday, May 9
Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting for AAA Cindy McCall Insurance Agency, LLC
Wednesday, May 22
Business After Hours: Hosted by Tyler Automotive
Thursday, June 6
EXPOsing Greatness! Business EXPO Register Today
Chamber & Community Calendar Saturday, June 22
Shake It Up Baby Now by SMSO
Saturday, June 22
Arts in Motion Downtown Niles
Wednesday, June 26
Business After Hours: Open for Host
Wednesday, July 3
July 4th Fireworks Celebration- Niles
July 13-14
Niles Burn Run
Saturday, July 20
Buddy Holiday Dance Party by SMSO
August 1-4
Niles Riverfest
August 10-11
Fort St. Joseph Archaeological Project Open House & US12 Heritage Route Garage Sale
Saturday, August 17
Shrek the Musical Presented by SMSO
Wednesday, August 28
Business After Hours Hosted by Chemical Bank
September 26-29
Four Flags Area Apple Festival
The Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce
Woman of the Year Sarah Brittin, Pizza Transit
Man of the Year Jim Dahlgren, Craft Press Printing
Business of the Year Advantage Plumbing, Jim Allen
To Business Awards
Industry of the Year Michiana Recycling & Disposal , Henry Valkema
Community Service Award Niles Garden Club
Ambassador of the Year Tim Brown, Brown Funeral Hone & Cremation Services
Ambassador Chair Award Al Koch, CBRE/Bradley
Lifetime Achievement Award Dee Capron, Dees Auto Body & Repair
Past Chair Award Coley Pesce, Chemical Bank
Thank you for your service and accomplishments in this business community
Thank You Sponsors! This Awards Dinner Could Not Be Possible without your continued support. A surprise recognition for our 15 year President/CEO
15 Years of Outstanding Service Award Ron Sather, Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce
1905 Foundation Dr., Niles MI 49120
Register TODAY! (269) 695695-1391 Niles ServSafeÂŽ Essen als Cer ďŹ ca on at the Niles Entrepreneurial and Culinary Incubator (NECI) Culinary entrepreneurs and managers need to know food safety and the cri cal importance of its role. They also need to learn how to share food safety knowledge with every employee. ServSafeÂŽ gives them the knowledge and tools to do just that. In order to use the Niles Entrepreneurial and Culinary Incubator (NECI) facili es, ServSafeÂŽ cer ďŹ ca ons will be required. Some of the concepts covered with ServSafeÂŽ training include: •
Sanita on—learn the dangers of foodborne illness, how to prevent it, and the keys to food safety. See where contamina on starts, the components for good personal hygiene, and how every employee can be a safe food handler.
•
The Flow of Food through the Opera on—discover how to prevent cross-contamina on and how to u lize me and temperature control eec vely. Get the inside story on safe receiving, food storage, prepara on/serving, and cooling/rehea ng. Also learn how taking ac ve managerial control of cri cal foodborne illness risk factors makes all the dierence for a safe opera on.
•
Sanitary Facili es and Pest Management—cover all aspects of cleaning and sanita on in a prac cal applicable manner. You will also learn about pest management and how to keep pests out of the opera on.
Day:
Tuesdays, April 23 & 30, 2013
Time: 6-9 pm on 4/23 and 6-8 pm on 4/30
Cost:
$149
CRN: 60832
Niles Entrepreneurial and Culinary Incubator (NECI) 219 N 4th St, 2nd Floor Niles, MI 49120
Thursday, June 6th NEW LOCATION: Niles High School, 1441 Eagle Street, Niles, MI
FREE Admission Discover Local Business at the Fourth Annual EXPOsing Greatness business expo. The EXPO showcases Michiana’s best and brightest businesses. Come network and find info on local products and services. Enjoy free mini-seminars. Sample delicious food provided by local restaurants and top local chefs. Meet local business professionals, make new connections and reunite with old friends. Come one, come all.
FINAL Exhibitor REGISTRATION DATE: May 16, 2013 Early Bird Registration $100: (Register By March 31st) ONLY 3 DAYS LEFT! Member Registration: $135 (After March 31st) Download PDF Registration Forms Here Presented By : Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce Buchanan Area Chamber of Commerce Lake Michigan College at Bertrand Crossing Southwestern MI Economic Growth Alliance Leader Publications Michigan Works! Your Business Needs Fans
Title Sponsor
United Federal Credit Union
Four Flags Chamber of Commerce Position Opening for President & CEO
The Four The Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce in Niles Michigan is seeking an energetic and motivated professional for the position of President/CEO. Reporting to the Executive Board of Directors, this position serves as the principal professional resource to the Board of Directors, the 500+ Chamber Members, the community, and visitors. The President/CEO oversees all Chamber operations and directs member relations, budget management and analysis, coordinates events and collaborates within the community to build partnerships in support of the organizational mission. Qualifications include exceptional organization, communication, and computer skills. A bachelor’s degree or higher in a business or public relations field is preferred. Demonstrated experience in business or organizational management, marketing or public relations, and leadership is required. Strategic planning, membership recruitment and retention, small business development services, financial management, and community collaboration experience are ideal. The competitive salary/benefit package is commensurate with experience. Applications will be received until 5pm on Friday March 22nd, 2013. Please submit cover letter, resume, compensation history, and professional references to Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Search, Lake Michigan College Bertrand Crossing Campus, 1905 Foundation Drive, Niles, MI 49120 or email your application to the search committee at craig@lakemichigancollege.edu. No phone calls, please. We are an equal opportunity employer.
National Safe Place Week is being celebrated March 17-23 National Safe Place is an outreach program designed to provide access to immediate help and safety for all youth in crisis. Locally, Safe Place is a community initiative under the Link Crisis Intervention Center. We designate youth-friendly businesses, which are listed on our website, as Safe Place sites where youth can access help and supportive resources. Safe Place locations extend the doors of the Link Crisis Intervention Center to support teens in crisis situations, creating a safety net for youth. We welcome new business and volunteers throughout Berrien, Cass and Van Buren counties to join our National Safe Place initiative locally. If you are interested in becoming part of this service to our youth, please contact the Link Crisis Intervention Center by using the contact directory under the “Discover Us� tab at www.cfsswmi.org The Link Crisis Intervention Center deals with many issues faced by the youth in our communities. Here is one of many success stories. A female youth obtained services with Link when she was 16 years old and found relief through the services provided. The youth was considered a throw away. Her parents were deceased and she was living with relatives, experiencing the trauma of being bounced around for years feeling like she didn't belong. The youth frequently stated that she felt alone and believed that nobody loved her. The youth was diagnosed with depression and Attention Deficit Disorder. She became homeless as a result of her situation and was also expecting a child. The Link connected her with resources that could support and assist her in finding stable housing. Eventually, the youth gave birth to her daughter and gained employment. Two years later she feels loved and knows she is not alone.
You can be a part of helping youth in crisis by making a donation on-line to support the Link Crisis Intervention Center.
Cottage to Commercial Ingredients for a Successful Food Business Whether you have dabbled with a home-baked cookie under the Cottage Food Law, or dreamed about bottling grandma’s spaghetti sauce, food products are serious business. This session will deal with basic food processing, regulatory requirements, business development resources, and related topics. Cottage to Commercial will be offered 10:00am to 12:00 noon. Tuesday, April 23 at the Niles Entrepreneur & Culinary Incubator, 219 North 4th Street/2nd Floor, Niles, MI 49120. Michigan State University Extension Educators, Jean Nichols, Joanne Davidhizar, and Mark Thomas will teach the session. Niles Main Street and Lake Michigan College are co-sponsoring the program. MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Persons with disabilities may request accommodations by calling 269-944-4126 There is a $25.00 fee to attend a workshop that will help you have a successful small food business. Make checks payable to Niles Main Street, and mail to Niles Main Street, 333 N 2nd Street, Suite 303, Niles, MI 49120
Lemon Creek Winery Announces New Hours of Operation For March & April at their Berrien Springs location 533 E. Lemon Creek Road, Berrien Springs, MI Phone (269) 471-1321 Website: Monday-Thursday: 12pm-5pm Friday-Sunday: 12pm-6pm
www.lemoncreekwinery.com
Four Flags Toastmasters Club Cordially Invites You Waived New Member Fee for the month of May In celebration of 10 years, Dan Greegor, 2013 Four Flags Toastmasters President , invites you and your associates to become the newest additions to the Four Flags Toastmasters Club. Toastmasters meet each Thursday at the Niles Charter Township Hall at 320 Bell Road. The TOASTMASTERS CLUB helps people develop important communication skills, listen effectively , and speak more confidently. The Toastmasters Club fosters growth in communication skills in a supportive, non-intimidating environment. Toastmasters Club is a non-profit educational organization that operates clubs worldwide for the purpose of helping members improve their communication, listening, public speaking and leadership skills. Mission Statement: TO PROVIDE A MUTUALLY AND SUPPORTIVE AND POSITIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH EVERY MEMBER HAS THE OPPORTUNITY TO DEVELOP AND PRACTICE COMMUICATION AND LEADERSHIP SKILL, WHICH IN TURN FOSTER SELF-CONFIDENCE AND PERSONAL GROWTH. Additional questions regarding the Club, please contact: Margaret Dyer Phone: (269) 683-5743 The club was founded by Margaret and Dave Dyer on May 13, 2003 who have received Distinguished Toastmasters awards. The club currently had nine members . Visit their website here for more information on how to get involved. Founders Margaret & Dave Dyer Kathy Woods Steve Mauro Eloise Woods Joyce Bailey Betty Guy Mary Skinne
www.9117.toastmastersclubs.org
Volunteer Nominations Now Being Accepted:
Business Success Unlimited Helping Business Succeed: connect, motivate and collaborate
269-651-3555 www.success4biz.biz Grand Opening/Open House Saturday, March 23 9am-5pm, 701 Prairie Street, Sturgis, MI At 9am we will have a women’s self defense program ($20) where you’ll learn awareness techniques, and the use of everyday objects to keep yourself safe. Then, after 12, we’ll have live music, a donation benefit for FAFSOM (Friends and Family Support Our Military), food, and lots of other goodies. RSVP @ https://www.facebook.com/events/213110852163691/
You’re Invited! TASTING CELEBRATION WEDNESDAY, April 17th @ 6:30 PM. RIVERFRONT CAFÉ, Niles, MI
It's time to say "thank you" to the wonderful volunteers in our community who are making an impact at local non-profit organizations, schools, and churches! Your help is needed to bring their accomplishments to light. United Way of Southwest Michigan seeks to honor these dedicated volunteers at the annual Volunteer Celebration and Recognition Event with volunteer awards in three categories - The Margaret B. Upton Volunteer Leadership Award, LIVE UNITED Youth Award, and the Powerful Giving Awards in EDUCATION, INCOME, HEALTH, and BASIC NEEDS. Nominations are due by April 30, 2013. Full descriptions and nomination forms can be found online at www.uwsm.org/volunteerevent and hard copies are available by request by calling 269-982-1700.
Margaret B. Upton Volunteer Leadership Award This prestigious award honors a Berrien County resident with a lifetime record of volunteer service. Nominations should demonstrate a candidate's lifetime of exemplary service to the community through a range of diverse projects or services. The winner will receive $3,000 to direct to the non-profit organization of their choice.
LIVE UNITED Youth Award Scholarships Each year United Way honors outstanding youth volunteers, one from Cass County and one from Berrien County. Along with the recognition at the event the winners receive a $500 scholarship. Applicants should show a commitment to volunteerism through innovation, time and dedication, andadvocacy for community improvement.
Powerful Giving Awards Come one! Come ALL and have a ball tasting All the 8 “ XOCAI HEALTHY CHOCOLATE“ products! Learn how to improve your health & your wealth through eating the true dark healthy all natural chocolate WITH Traci Lee Smith & Dennis Holsapple
United Way is proud to announce the Powerful Giving Awards to honor Berrien or Cass County volunteers who are making a difference within United Way's goals in the areas of Education, Income, Health or Basic Needs. The winner in each category will have the opportunity to direct $200 to the non-profit organization of their choice.
www.nilesmi.com Need Help with Your Taxes? Chamber Investment is 100% Tax Deductible View Our Member Accountants & Tax Preparers HERE Maintain Your Vehicle This Winter or Buy a New One View Our Member Automotive Dealers, Mechanics and Services HERE Home Maintenance and Improvement: Heating, Electrical, Septic and More View Our Construction, Repair & Improvement Members HERE Good Eats, Eat Local View Our Member Restaurants, Eateries and Pubs Banks, Credit Unions and Investments View Member Financial Institutions, Insurance & Investment Companies Get Fit, Stay Fit, Be Healthy View Member Fitness and Centers Have Fun, Get Out, Go Play View Entertainment, Parks and Recreation Get Involved in the Community View Member Organizations, Churches & Supporters Get Smart, Learn Local View Educational Opportunities Our Community is rich in service View Member Services Here Want to Market your business locally? View Member Marketing and Ad Services
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Lakeland Named One of the Nation’s 100 Top Hospitals by Truven Health Analytics Lakeland Regional Medical Center, St. Joseph and Lakeland Community Hospital, Niles were named as being in the nation’s 100 Top Hospitals® by Truven Health Analytics, formerly the healthcare business of Thomson Reuters. The federal government recognizes the two hospitals as a single entity; thus, the recognition applies to both hospitals. Truven Health Analytics is a leading provider of information and solutions to improve the cost and quality of healthcare. The Truven Health 100 Top Hospitals® study evaluates performance in 10 areas: mortality; medical complications; patient safety; average patient stay; expenses; profitability; patient satisfaction; adherence to clinical standards of care; post-discharge mortality; and readmission rates for acute myocardial infarction (heart attack), heart failure, and pneumonia. This is the first time Lakeland HealthCare has been recognized with this honor. “Recognition in the 100 Top Hospitals study is a direct reflection of the dedication of our associates to provide exemplary quality and service to our patients – our friends, neighbors, and family members,” said Loren B. Hamel, MD, President & CEO, Lakeland HealthCare. Lakeland HealthCare is a non-profit, community-owned health system which includes four hospitals, an outpatient surgery center, The Marie Yeager Cancer Center, rehabilitation centers, long-term care residencies, hospice care, home care services, and physician practices. Lakeland has over 4,000 associates who provide clinical and support services at locations throughout southwest Michigan, and partners with over 400 physicians and other providers. To conduct the 100 Top Hospitals study, Truven Health researchers evaluated 2,922 short-term, acute care, non-federal hospitals. They used public information – Medicare cost reports, Medicare Provider Analysis and Review (MedPAR) data, and core measures and patient satisfaction data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Hospital Compare website. Hospitals do not apply, and winners do not pay to market this honor. The winning hospitals were announced in the February 25 edition of Modern Healthcare magazine. ”The key to success in a tumultuous environment is visionary leadership that develops and maintains a hospital-wide culture of excellence that cuts across everything, from patient care to housekeeping to administration, and the refusal to rest on laurels when it comes to adopting new technologies and techniques. I congratulate this year’s winners for their persistent drive for excellence.” If all Medicare inpatients received the same level of care as those treated in the award-winning facilities: * More than 164,000 additional lives could be saved. * Approximately 82,000 additional patients could be complication free. * $6 billion could be saved. * The average patient stay would decrease by nearly half a day. If the same standards were applied to all inpatients, the impact would be even greater. More information on this study and other 100 Top Hospitals research is available at www.100tophospitals.com. For more information about Lakeland HealthCare, visit www.lakelandhealth.org.
ALL BEETHOVEN CONCERT Margaret Beckley Upton Memorial Concert Saturday, April 6, 2013 at 7:30pm Pre-concert Conversation at 6:30pm Performing the music of Beethoven is a central part of the life of every symphony orchestra. On this occasion we will perform three of Beethoven’s greatest works: the Prometheus Overture, the magnificent Triple Concerto, and the Eroica Symphony. Joining us as soloists will be the three master musicians of The Blakemore Trio: Carolyn Huebl violin, Felix Wang cello, and Amy Dorfman piano.
Pre-Concert Conversations One hour before each concert, informal talks will give you insight into the evening’s music and music-makers directly from Maestro Fountain and guest artists! Post-Concert Conversations Adult Tickets $15-35 Student Tickets $5 (12 & Under Free)
Join us immediately following each concert for a reception. Mingle with friends, orchestra members, guest artists, and Music Director Robin Fountain. It’s the perfect way to end an evening of beautiful music!
June 22- “Shake It up Baby Now” with this summer’s kickoff event Using authentic instruments, clothing, and hairstyles, The BackBeats transport their audiences on a Magical Mystery Tour of yesteryear, when the whole world first heard the four names of John, Paul, George, and Ringo. The #1 Beatles Tribute show in Michigan! This fundraiser begins at 6:30pm at Shadowland Pavilion in St. Joseph. Tickets go on sale May 1st.
For additional information and tickets contact us at 269.982.4030 or visit us at www.smso.org
July 3 - Independence Day Celebration A night of patriotic music set to the most spectacular views of the fireworks anywhere! Stretch out on a blanket, relax in a chair or gather around a picnic table and enjoy the show! This concert begins at 8:30pm with fireworks at dusk and is at Lions Pavilion Park in New Buffalo. Admission is free!
July 4 - Independence Day Celebration
www.smso.org (269) 982-4030
A night of patriotic music set to the most spectacular views of the fireworks anywhere! Stretch out on a blanket, relax in a chair or gather around a picnic table and enjoy the show! This concert begins at 9:00pm with fireworks at dusk and is at the Shadowland Pavilion in St. Joseph. Tickets go on sale May 1st.
July 20th Buddy Holly Dance Party! John Mueller joins the SMSO for a stunning portrayal and authentic approach to Buddy Holly’s music. This unbridled, high voltage performance will feature songs that instantly became a part of the American songbook, including That’ll Be the Day, Peggy Sue, and Oh, Boy!
August 10 - The Reel Score Part 2 The summer of 2012 took us on a musical journey through the music behind the movies. The concert ended up a box office smash hit with SMSO concertgoers. This summer we will revisit movie music in our “sequel” featuring more of Hollywood’s favorite film scores. This concert begins at 7:30pm at Jean Klock Park in Benton Harbor. Tickets go on sale May 1st.
August 17 Shrek The Musical The hilarious story of everyone’s favorite ogre comes to life! Featuring the SMSO and a talented array of regional performers, you will soon discover Shrek the Musical is part romance, part twisted fairy tale and fun for the entire family! This concert begins at 7:30pm at Shadowland Pavilion in St. Joseph. Tickets go on sale May 1st.
Discounts & Coupons! We are now accepting special offers from Members who would like to offer other Members special discounts or coupons on products and/or services! See Discounts Here! Submit Coupons in jpeg or doc and Email: chamber@nilesmi.com
www.nilesmi.com Member Calendars of Events City of Niles Michiana Christian Service Camp Niles DDA Main Street Four Flags Area Council on Tourism Fernwood Botanical Garden & Nature Preserve Lake Michigan College Bertrand Community Ed Southwestern Michigan College The Daily Star South Bend Tribune Don’t See Your Events Calendar? Send it in!!
Events Include: Open Houses, Fundraisers, Community Events, Networking Events, Seminars, Workshops, Anniversaries & More!
Email Us at chamber@nilesmi.com Please include Date, Time, Location, Contact, Description and Cost (if any). Thank You!
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