October 2012 321 E. Main Street, P.O. Box 10, Niles, MI 49120 Phone: (269)683-3720 FAX: (269)683-3722 Email: Chamber@nilesmi.com Web: www.nilesmi.com
Mission Statement: "To provide a positive leadership role in our Community and using Chamber resources to promote our Member Businesses while developing new Business growth."
Tuesday, Oct 9-Nov 18
William Jensen Gallery Exhibit at Fernwood Opening Reception Friday, Oct 12 at 5:30pm
Thursdays: Oct 11- Nov 8
College Essentials: A Guide for Adult Learners Free LMC-BX Room 111
Thursdays: Oct 11- Nov 15
40 Days of Love: A six week Study Presented by Niles Outreach
Friday, October 12
Slice of Hope at Pizza Transit
Sunday, October 14 & 21
Knitted Holiday Garland at Fernwood 1-3:30pm
Tuesday, October 16
Coffee & Cards A.M. Networking 7:30am RSVP Here
Wednesday, October 17
Art of Maximizing Human Capital w Enterprise Synergy 11:30 am RSVP Here
Thursday, October 18
How to Create a Facebook Marketing Campaign by YBNF 8:30am RSVP Here
Thursday, October 18
Trine University Open House @ 5:30pm
Friday, October 19
Brawley & Friends Fish Fry at the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Niles 4:00-6:30pm
Saturday, October 20
Beginners Pastels Made Fun 2-5pm at Fernwood
Saturday, October 20
How to Take Care of Your Money LMC-BX Free Room 109
Tuesday, October 23
Double Feature: Debate Night! Part 1 at 7pm Mike O’Brien (D) & Rep. Fred Upton (R)
Tuesday, October 23
Double Feature: Debate Night! Part 2 @ 8:15pm Jack Arbanas (D) & Dave Pagel (R)
Tuesday, October 23
NECI: Managing Yourself & Business
Wednesday, October 24
Debate Featuring Michigan House District 59 Candidates
Wednesday, October 24
Trine University Open House @ 5:30pm
Wednesday, October 24
Business After Hours: Hosted by United Federal Credit Union ** RSVP Here**
Thursday, October 25
What is Your Product/Service Seminar by MSU Extension 4pm RSVP Here
Thursday, October 25
Debate Featuring Michigan House District 79 Candidates
Thursday, October 25
What is Your Product/Service Workshop Presented by MSU Product Center
Saturday, October 27
GRAND OPENING! Kerri’s Avenue Salon Too 10am-4pm
Saturday, October 27
Niles District Library Costume Contest & DT Niles Safe Trick-or-Treat
Saturday, October 27
1st Annual PUMPKIN Race! Register Today! Hosted by Niles Noon Optimist Club
Sunday, October 28
St. Mary’s Trunk-or-Treat 3-4pm
Sunday, October 28
Niles Elks Trunk-or-Treat 4-6pm
Wednesday, October 31
Blood Drive at Lake Michigan College Bertrand Crossing 12pm-4pm Room 109
Thursday, November 1
United Way Day of Action for Seniors
Saturday, November 3
Fernwood Botanical Gardens Annual Holiday Market
Saturday, November 3
How to Build a Gingerbread House: NECI 2nd Floor $40
Saturday, November 3
Dinner Theater at Orchard Hills: The Wedding Song at 7pm
Sunday, November 4
Dinner Theater at Orchard Hills: The Wedding Song at 5pm
Tuesday, November 6
Intermediate EXCEL Training Workshop by Computer Trainers 4 You 1pm RSVP Here
Wednesday, November 7
Trine University Graduate Open House @ 5:30pm
Saturday, November 10
St. Mary’s Holiday Bazaar & Food Drive 9am-2pm
Saturday, November 17
Santa’s Arrival in Niles MI at the Riverfront Park Amphitheater 11am FREE
Saturday, November 24
Holiday Homecoming: Downtown Niles
December
Holiday at Fernwood Botanical Gardens
Saturday, December 1
The Life & Times of Scouting’s Camp Madron LMC BX Room 109 Free
Saturday, December 1
Hometown Christmas Event! 4:30pm to 6pm at the Historic Amtrak Depot, Niles
Wednesday, December 5
Holiday Business After Hours: Hosted by Fifth Third Bank at OHCC
Monthly Meetings Held at the FFA Chamber of Commerce Building, 321 E. Main Street, Niles 2nd Tuesday
General Board of Directors Meeting at the Chamber Building 4pm
2nd Thursday
Chamber Ambassador Meeting 8:30am
3rd Tuesday
Coffee & Cards A.M. Networking
1st and 3rd Wednesdays
Four Flags Snowmobile Club 7pm Now trru 4/3/13
Every Thursday
BNI-Biznet Meets at the Chamber Building 7am Visit www.bni-mi.com for More Info
Every Sunday
St. Boniface Evangelical Lutheran Church 9:30am
Niles Service League 2012 Christmas Ornament
St. Mary’s School
Trunk-or-Treat
Sunday, October 28th 3:00pm-4:00pm “Trunk or Treat” provides a safe and fun way for families to enjoy Halloween! During a Trunk or Treat, children (dressed in costume) go from car to car “trunk or treating”. Please have your vehicle in the school/church parking lot, parked, decorated and ready to be judged no later than 3:00pm. The best decorated trunk will win a prize! Join us for some SPOOKTACULAR fun!!!
TOM RASLER INSURANCE AGENCY, LLC Tom Rasler, Agency Principal Debbie Bookout, Producer
1914 S. 11thStreet Belle Plaza Niles, MI 49120
(269) 687-6274 Email: tlrasler@aaamichigan.com M-F 8:30 AM -5:30 PM Saturdays by Appointment MEMBERSHIP AUTO – HOME – LIFE INSURANCE FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMERCIAL - BUSINESS
Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce Professional Development Seminars & Workshops,Fall 2012 The Art and Science of Maximizing Human Capital: Presented by Enterprise Synergy, LLC Wednesday, October 17th, 2012, Time: 11:30 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce (Lower Level), 321 E. Main Street, Niles, MI 49120 A workshop designed to show participants how an understanding of three core dimensions of thinking can serve to improve personal decision-making, employee selection, employee retention, productivity, team composition, group dynamics, employee allocation, effective presentations, and more. Bio: Arthur Maxwell, the CEO of Enterprise Synergy, has managed several small businesses and worked as a university professor for many years. He is formally trained as a leadership coach and facilitates organizational development. He is certified to conduct organizational and personality assessments. Maxwell is also the principal of The Workforce Hub, an organization dedicated to equipping disadvantaged individuals for the workplace and for life. He currently manages two small businesses and pursuing a doctorate in Organizational Development Psychology. Maxwell is a dynamic public speaker with a commitment to excellence and high ethical and moral values. He has presented to small and large audiences in the USA and internationally. Cost: $29 for Chamber members; $39 for non-members **Register Here** How to Create a Facebook Marketing Campaign: Presented by Your Business Needs Fans Thursday, October 18, 2012, From 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce (Lower Level), 321 E. Main Street, Niles, MI 49120 Want to turn more fans into customers/clients? Want more people to see your posts and be able to buy from you immediately. This program is designed for those who already have a Facebook Business page and are ready to learn how to create a Facebook Marketing campaign that includes Facebook strategies and paid Facebook Advertising. Participants will learn how to advertise on Facebook on any budget ($25 - $2000 will be our focus)- creating a campaign specific to their products or services, combining effective page promotional activities, call to action strategies and Facebook ads. 90 minute program with 30 minute Q & A time before we start and 30 minute individual follow up after the session. 8:30-9:00 - Set Up and One-on-one Q & A: 9:00-10:30- Workshop 10:30-11:00- One-on-One Follow Up time Cost: $35 for Chamber members; $45 for non-members **Register Here**
Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce Professional Development Seminars & Workshops, Fall 2012 What is your product/service? Presented by Michigan State University Extension Thursday, October 25th, 2012, 4-6pm Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce (Lower Level) 321 E. Main Street, Niles, MI 49120 The MSU Product Center sparks and develops business innovation and economic development in food, agriculture, natural resources, and the bio-economy of Michigan. Through educating, counseling, and assisting entrepreneurs and existing ventures, they use best practices, knowledge and experience along with collaboration from internal and external partners to support clients in the creation of successful ventures. Join Mark Thomas and Joanne Davidhizar for a workshop on how to develop a good handle on the product or service as it relates to your market. Cost: $29 for Chamber members; $39 for non-members **Register Here**
Excel for Intermediate Users Workshop: Presented by Computer Trainers 4 You Tuesday, November 6th , 2012 1-5pm Lake Michigan College at Bertrand Crossing (Room 111) 1905 Foundation Drive, Niles, MI 49120 This workshop will be for those interested in learning how to better utilize and gain information from user created Excel workbooks, creating simple formulas, understanding the Function Library, along with understanding, utilizing, and modifying Office pre-designed Templates. The workshop will last for 3 hours of instruction and provide 1 hour for questions more specific function setups. For more details request a copy of the topics excel file from the Chamber office or ask questions by contacting Maxine Brown at 269-470-2262 or email: ComputerTrainers4You@gmail.com. Lake Michigan College-Bertrand Crossing Computer Lab, Room 111 Cost: $29 for Chamber members; $39 for non-members **Register Here**
All Registrations should be made with the Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce By email or phone at chamber@nilesmi.com or (269)683-3720 Thank You!
Slice of Hope at Pizza Transit : October 12th 215 E. Main Street, Niles, MI
Call (269)684-6600 Partnering with pizzerias across the country, for their second year , Pizza Transit will again be participating in Slice of Hope. 20% of their total sales for Friday, October 12th will be donated to the Karen Mullen Breast Cancer Foundation. Enjoy some great pizza and help end this terrible disease.
DID YOU KNOW? Area businesses are welcome to participate in the Safe Downtown Trick-Or-Treat event in Downtown Niles Main Street, scheduled for Saturday, October 27th from 4:00 p.p. to 5:00 p.m. Cost is FREE to participate, except for the cost of treats or tricks purchased for the kids. Contact Lisa Croteau at Niles Main Street to be assigned a space. (269)687-4332.
Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce The First one Went so well‌ we’re bringing it back!
Coffee & Cards Morning Networking
Tuesday, October 16th 7:30 am to 9:00 am (Program begins promptly at 8:00 am) Designed to help community and business professionals come together to network, learn and share their valuable work experiences. Exclusive to chamber members, or guests of members by invitation. One representative per organization You will have the opportunity to introduce your business or organization, and talk with other professionals about each others business goals and successes. Come develop and foster your network of people. Bring business cards, brochures or other info to share among the group. Coffee, juice & light breakfast provided Cost is $5 per attendee. Pay at door or prepay.
Registration is required. Register Today! (269)683-3720 or email kelly@nilesmi.com Space is limited to the first 30 people Meeting will be held in the Lower Level conference room of the Chamber Building. Free Parking in Parking Lot and Street
PRINT ME
Lawn Care Fall Fertilization, Over Seeding Aeration & Sod
Hard-Scapes Retaining Walls, Patios, Block or Flagstone
Fall Cleanups Leaf Cleanup, Pruning, Beds & Yards
Snowplowing Firewood Deliveries Top Soil, Stone, Mulch
Rob (574)340-7949 Ellen (269) 759-1012
LADIES AID RUMMAGE AND BAKE SALE St. Paul Lutheran Church 1340 Sycamore St., Niles, MI Friday, October 19 from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Saturday, October 20 from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. There is a $5.00 box sale on Saturday from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. (rummage only).
ADVANCED IMAGING SOLUTIONS NAMED ELITE DEALER BY THE WEEK IN IMAGING FOR SECOND YEAR IN A ROW. Advanced Imaging Solutions has again been awarded the Elite Dealer Award by The Week in Imaging, an online information and news publication for imaging technology, supplies and services. This esteemed award honors the best print and document imaging dealers in the nation. Advanced Imaging Solutions has received the Elite Dealer Award for both 2011 and 2012. The award honors the best and brightest dealers in the imaging technology industry. Elite Dealer honorees were chosen based on growth, innovative marketing and sales efforts, community leadership, corporate culture and entrepreneurship. “We firmly believe all of those are important qualities of an Elite Dealer,” adds Cullen, publisher and editor of The Week in Imaging. “It’s not any one trait, but a combination of traits that make an Elite dealer and a dealership such as Advanced Imaging Solutions truly Elite.” “It is our mission to consistently demonstrate ethical practices while creating mutually beneficial partnerships with our clients that allow them to leverage leading-edge technology through the use of our products, services and employees to achieve healthy and sustainable growth for them, for us and for our surrounding communities, says President, Steve Klatt, “Advanced Imaging Solutions is honored to be recognized as an Elite Dealer by The Week in Imaging.” Advanced Imaging Solutions - 4070 Meghan Beeler Ct. - South Bend, IN 46628 - 1.800.332.6793 - www.advancedimaging.net
Hosted by
Please let us know if you plan to donate a door prize.
Cost: $5/Chamber Members or $10/Not Yet Members
Kerri’s Avenue Salon Too 16533 Cleveland Rd, Suite 420 Granger, IN 46530
You’re Invited! October 27,2012 from 10 am - 4 pm In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness month, Kerri’s Avenue Salon Too is partnering with RiverBend Cancer Services and CureDaisy.org for their Grand Opening. Prizes, Pink Everything, Food, Guest Speakers, Tours of the New Salon, and Information about and the opportunity to give to these two amazing foundations! Contact Kerri or Lindsay at(574)247-0049
Trine University Open House Schedule Location: Trine University – 4101 Edison Lakes Parkway, Suite 250 , Mishawaka, IN 46545 Day/Time: Wednesday, October 24th @ 5:30 pm Interested in furthering your education? Trine could be the fit for you! We offer several degree programs at the Associate, Bachelor, and Master Degree level. You have the option to choose between face-to-face or online courses. All of these courses are only 8-weeks long which allows you to get your degree faster than ever! Want to learn more? Come check out our Open House! We will provide you with campus tours, informational packets, and insight directly from professors. Trine University Graduate Open House Location: Trine University – 4101 Edison Lakes Parkway, Suite 250 , Mishawaka, IN 46545 Day/Time: Wednesday, November 7th @ 5:30 pm Description: Interested in pursuing a one-year Masters of Science in Leadership or a one-year Masters of Science in Criminal Justice? Come learn more at our Open House! We will provide you with campus tours, informational packets, and insight directly from our Department Chair!
**Chamber Members** Receive a $100/per credit hour discount towards the Masters of Science in Leadership RSVP @ 574.243.0500 or trinesb@trine.edu. Hope to see you then!
Fernwood Botanical Garden & Nature Preserve: 2012 Events www.fernwoodbotanical.org
(269)695.6491
info@fernwoodbotanical.org
October 9–November 18: Opening Reception Friday, October 12, 5:30–7:30pm: William Jensen Gallery Exhibit: Shades of Pastels & Oils: A prolific and proficient artist, Jensen’s exhibit shows oils along with his lovely pastels at Fernwood for the first time. His subjects include dunes, landscapes, waterfronts, shorelines, and lighthouses. Meet the artist at a reception on Friday, October 12, 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Interested in learning how to do pastels? See Jensen's class offering below. October 20: Beginners Pastels Made Fun: 2:00 to 5:00 pm Artist William Jensen, whose pastel and oil paintings will be on exhibit in Fernwood’s Gallery from October 9 through November 18, will teach this pastels class for beginners. Jensen has been doing pastels for over 15 years, and he says it is the easiest and most forgiving medium. Pastels can be soft and blended or bold and rich in color. In his pastel paintings, he tries to capture the effects of nature or the differences of structures in his own impressionistic way. Jensen makes this beginning pastels class fun and easy. Supplies are provided. Register by October 17. $40 (Members $32) October 14 & 21: Knitted Holiday Garland: Two Sessions, 1:00–3:30 pm Participants in this class with Nan Crofoot will knit up to three strips of garland and make ornaments to button onto each strip, forming a unique holiday garland. Or you may prefer to hang the ornaments separately. This project is a creative way for experienced knitters to use up their “stash” yarns while exploring knitting techniques and color selection. Materials list provided. Register by October 7. Both sessions $50 (Members $40) November 3: Fernwood’s Annual Holiday Market–Find hand-crafted gifts, items made in Michigan, garden items, and more at Fernwood’s annual Holiday Market. December: Holiday at Fernwood–Enjoy holiday programming and events. Visits from Santa, music, indoor railway garden, special programming, shopping, and more. Two Options for Spring Flower Bulb Planting Benefit Fernwood Fernwood is taking orders for spring flower bulbs through a company called Flower Power. Place your order with Fernwood or order online at http://www.flowerpowerfundraising.com/ by October 19 and receive delivery at your home for fall planting. Flower Power will donate 50% of your purchase to Fernwood. Or mention that you are a member of Fernwood Botanical Garden when placing an order with White Flower Farm, and they will donate 10% of your product purchases to Fernwood. Visit White Flower Farm at www.whiteflowerfarm.com. Enjoy a Fall Walk and Sculpture Fernwood Enjoy the sculptures of Sculpture Fernwood this fall as you walk Fernwood's grounds. The exhibit is curated by Father Austin I. Collins, CSC, Professor of Sculpture in the Department of Art, Art History and Design at the University of Notre Dame. A map is available for your visit and an exhibit catalog is available for purchase. All sculptures but Lorenzo are for sale. See the work of artists Phillip Shore, Fritz Olsen, Richard Hunt, Dora Natella, Garrett Krueger, Cambid-J Choy, William Kremer, Fredrick Prescott, Barry Tinsley, and Austin I. Collins.
October 23 -- 7 pm: Double-Feature Debate Night - Part I United States Congress Michigan District 6 Candidates Mike O’Brien (D) and Rep. Fred Upton (R) Format: Debate Moderator: TBD October 23 -- 8:15 pm: Double-Feature Debate Night - Part II Michigan House District 78 Candidates Jack Arbanas (D) and Dave Pagel (R) Both at Cook Plant Buchanan Office Building, 500 Circle Dr. Format: Debate Moderator: TBD October 24 -- 7:00 pm: Debate Featuring Michigan House District 59 Candidates Rep. Matt Lori (R) and Mike Moroz (D) At the Cass County Council on Aging Building, 60525 Decatur Rd, Cassopolis October 25 : Debate Featuring Michigan House District 79 Candidates Carl Oehling (UST), Jim Hahn (D), and Rep. Al Pscholka (R) At the Area Agency on Aging, 2900 Lakeview Ave., St. Joseph Co-Sponsors: Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce , Leader Publications, Berrien Springs/Eau Claire Rotary, Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, professional honorary society of women educators , Dowagiac Rotary, Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce , Harbor County Chamber of Commerce , Rotary Club of the Three Oaks Area
1st Annual Niles Pumpkin Race Presented by Niles Noon Optimist Club Race your Pumpkin down Sycamore hill to victory! Saturday, October 27th Race Begins Promptly at Noon www.nilespumpkinrace.com Never before seen in the city of Niles, the Great Pumpkin Race will begin it's first heat with the pumpkins lined up and taking off down the notorious Sycamore Street Hill with one goal in mind‌to win it all! Be a part of the action at the Niles Pumpkin Race!
What is a pumpkin race? It’s simple. Take a pumpkin, decorate it and insert 2 independent axles through the pumpkin, and attach wheels. Put on a costume to match your pumpkin, display your pumpkin in the pumpkin pit, and keep your eye open for the cheater pumpkins. Most of all have fun!
Two ways to play! Classic: Decide to go the easier softer way! Pick up a kit with axle wheels and a pumpkin at the Bell building in Niles- located at Sycamore and 4th street on Friday October 26th or Saturday October 27th before 11:30 AM. Cost: 1st kit $20 2nd kit $35 $10 each after the 1st two kits Includes entry fee Free Style: You prefer to go your own way and design the ultimate pumpkin racer. Let your own creative style go wild-just follow a few simple rules or risk the Mallet of Destruction! Cost: $10 Includes entry fee The Pumpkin Racer Pledge
I promise to always do my very best and play by the rules because Cheater Pumpkins never prosper.
Pumpkin Race Rules
1.Craft your pumpkin race car using a single pumpkin 2.Insert a minimum of two independent axles through your pumpkin and attach the wheels to the axle. 3.The axles must go through the wheels. 4.No castor wheels. Spice up your racer with style. 5. You may not attach your pumpkin to a pre-fabricated chassis of any kind (office chair, Tonka truck, skate board-you get the idea). 6. No explosives or pyrotechnics 7. No pushing "helping" your pumpkin on the starting line. 8. No last minute shove, the hidden thumb flick, early release, etc. 9. No chasing your pumpkin down the track to make it go straight. 10.NO CHEATING. Feel great about being honest and fair. Use the honor system and obey the rules!
Registration & Pumpkin Pickup Friday, October 26th From 11am to 5 Saturday, October 27 From 9am to 11:30am
Pumpkin Build and Testing Build and test your pumpkins Saturday October 27th From 9 am to 11:30 am Location: Bell Building , Corner of 4th and Sycamore in Niles, MI
Bring your appetite
Pulled Pork Sandwiches $5 2 Hot dogs $5 Combo (Meat, chips drink) $5 Chips $1 Drinks $1
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
Events Include: Open Houses, Fundraisers, Community Events, Networking Events, Seminars, Workshops, Anniversaries & More!
“Supporting Local Business Since 1919”
www.nilesmi.com
Member Calendars of Events Chamber Calendar 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!!
Email Us at chamber@nilesmi.com Please include Date, Time, Location, Contact, Description and Cost (if any). Thank You!
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