The Fisher Agency Relocation!

Read journalist Kathy Blake's write up of The Fisher Agency's relocation! Click Here to read the entire article.

The Miracle Drug

     The beginning of my education about health happened in my early 20’s in a health club talking to a trainer about the best way to keep weight off.  The trainer said, “The miracle drug, water.”  She said, if you drink half of your weight in ounces of water and eat a healthy diet, the weight will just fall off. Then when I was studying to become a yoga teacher one of the authors I read talked about drinking a quart of water in the morning when you first get up,  I tried that and it changed my life.  I had more energy, better bowel movements and felt much more balanced and relaxed over time.

     Water is truly a miracle drug.  I am not suggesting you start my regime but I cannot stress enough the importance of drinking filtered water.

     Did you know that your brain requires half of all the water you drink to function properly? When you experience that drowsy feeling after lunch, that means your body is dehydrated and needs water.  When you are thirsty your body is already dehydrated. 

     Over half of our body is water. Our muscles are 75% water.  Our fat is 50% water and our bones are 52% water.  There are too many benefits of drinking water to mention here, but in my opinion, the very best one is curbing stress.  When you are dehydrated your cortisol level goes up.   The stress hormone increases.   The stress hormone causes a loss of additional fluid because it pushes up the heart rate and causes us to breathe heavier.  We also tend not to drink or eat well.

So here’s to you drink up!

Lois A Jennings, HC, E-RYT200

L ANN J

If you are interested in a free health consultation, please call me at 248-568-4228 or toll free 1-877-332-0020

Lois33700@comcast.net

www.LoisAJennings.com

Thrive Assisted Living Opens in Bloomfield Township

Thrive Assisted Living is a six bed group home providing services to people with Alzheimer’ disease or dementia.  Their essence memory care program offers structured activities throughout each day.  The program creates opportunities for purpose, meaning and joy.   The administrator and co-owner, Carolyn Merucci-Anderson is a registered nurse and a certified dementia practitioner with over 30 years of experience in caring for elders.

Thrive Assisted Living is a beautifully decorated brick house in a residential neighbor in Bloomfield Township.   They maintain excellent landscaping and keep the appearance inside the house as homey as possible. 

Carolyn is quoted as saying, “It is my honor to be able to provide care for the residents at Thrive.   The smiles, laughter and hugs received each day lets us know we have created a home where our residents are happy and thriving.”   For more information, please visit www.ThriveAssistedLiving.com.

Thrive Assisted Living is a member of the Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber, a member organization dedicated to promoting the economic development, strengthening the business climate and maintaining the quality of life in the Beverly Hills, Bingham Farms, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township and Franklin Michigan.   For more information, please visit www.bbcc.com.

 

Photo Credit:  Doug Ashley, Photography by Ashley

Pictured from left:   Linda Hatfield, Birmingham Bloomfield Credit Union; Linda Lawther, President of the Michigan Center for Assisted Living; Pier Dewberry, Lead Care Partner at Thrive; Carolyn Merucci-Anderson, co-owner; Janet Sheikh, co-owner; Kelly Lewis, Alpha Lifestyle Center of Birmingham.

 

Contact information:

Bonnie Miles  (248) 430-7686

Bonniem@bbcc.com

Credit Union Creates Delightful Donations

Vibe Credit Union of Birmingham gave back in a big way at the Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber Community Leadership Breakfast. The event, which took place in October 2014 at The Village Club, hosted numerous nonprofit organizations in the Birmingham area. Vibe Credit Union created more than 20 elegant table centerpieces for the event out of well known and loved children’s books. These same books were then donated to Beaumont Children’s Hospital in Royal Oak. 

Ladies from Beaumont staff took a moment to add books to their collection, joined by Linda Daly, Community Relations & Business Development Officer at Vibe Credit Union and Andrea Kaczmarek, Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber.

2014 Ambassador of the Year!

Give a warm round of applause to our 2014 Ambassador of the Year- Pam Sarkisian! Ms. Sarkisian heads Sales and Business Development at Evolution IT Services. We took some time to interview Ms. Sarkisian- read below to see how it went!

1. Interviewer (I): When did your business open?
    Sarkisian (S): 1998

2. I: Tell us about your business, including the type of products or services you offer? S:  We are a Leader in IT Consulting, Cloud Services and Tech Solutions for businesses with 10 to 75 computer users. We use our understanding of technology to help our clients deliver greater value to their customers. The products and Services we offer include (but are not limited to): Tech Support and IT Management, Remote Access and Mobility, Cloud Services, Virus/Malware Protection, Consulting and Advise, Back-up and Contingency Planning, Hardware (Computers, Servers, etc.), Email Solutions.

3. I: What makes your business unique?
   S: We use our understanding of technology to help our clients deliver greater value to their customers. We are trustworthy tech partners that are understandable.

4. I: How has the business changed since you opened?
    S: Technology is always changing and we have had to change and evolve with technology;              allowing our customers to maximize their growth and use us as a resource.  

5. I: Would you care to share a memorable story about a Chamber event or experience? S: Being an Ambassador for the Chamber has allowed me to meet many new members and help them with introductions and see the many benefits the Chamber has to offer, helping them make Take Action with the Chamber.  It is rewarding to be of service.

Congratulations Ms. Sarkisian and thank you for being such an integral and involved Chamber member!

Chamber Bucks is Here!

THIS JUST IN!

 

The Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber is proud to unveil....

 

 

A shop local certificate program for our local community, there are 2 ways to show your support and participate in this new program.

 

 

1. Participate as a Merchant: Free to participate! Gift certificates are purchased and redeemed at FULL face value. There's no monthly admin fee, and takes only 30 seconds to sign up here. Use invitation code: BBCC

 

 

2. Purchase Gift Certificates: Encourage your employees to SHOP LOCAL! "gift" a piece a Birmingham as an employee incentive. Gift certificates range from $5-$25 and can be purchased here.

 

 

Watch this video to learn more about this amazing program:

 



Recent Ribbon Cuttings

The Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber celebrated two ribbon cuttings recently. Connect with each new member to find out more about them!

Mad Hatter Bistro has a little something for everyone, from exotic wines to new spins on classic feel-good foods. They also recently began an Afternoon Tea service! Enjoy a classic tea party Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

 

 

 

 

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services can help any kind of home owner, from first time sellers, to experienced house hunters. With over 50 years of experience in the family owned business, they're sure to make any home owner's dreams come true!

 

 

 





What A Success!

Last week's Community Leadership Breakfast was a huge success! According to Hometown Life, we broke our own record by bringing more than 140 people together to discuss local nonprofits. Click here to read the full article.

"'The Community Leadership Breakfast is one of our favorite events,' Chamber President Joe Bauman said. 'Recognizing unsung heroes in our communities is a great way for the Chamber to give back to the residents that support our member businesses.'”

 

 

 

 

 



Thank you to everybody who came out to support and learn about all the wonderful nonprofit opportunities we have right here in our own town!

Birmingham Bloomfield First Citizen for 2014 to be Announced at the 2014 Community Leadership Breakfast

Read all about Dorothy Conrad, the recipient of the Birmingham Eccentric's First Citizen of 2014 award! The award is to be presented during our 2014 Community Leadership Breakfast, this Wednesday, October 8th.

Click here to read the full article.

Tickets are still on sale for the event! Come speak with a variety of non-profit organizations and learn how you can make a difference in our local area. Tickets are $25, and may be purchased at the door or online at www.bbcc.com. 

September Member Coffee

We had a productive and fun-filled morning with our members during our September Member Coffee!

Vine & Dine sparkles with success

11th Annual Vine & Dine
Guests strolled around Cranbrook Institute of Science, enjoying the exhibits while sampling a wide selection of wines and a luxurious buffet featuring the finest restaurants in the area. Read more here

Ribbon Cuttings for Nina McLemore Studio and Karen Egren Jewelry!

Birmingham shoppers will be ecstatic to add two new stores to their list of favorite retail spots. Both Nina McLemore Studio and Karen Egren Jewelry recently celebrated ribbon cuttings along with their grand openings!

Karen Egren, who owns and operates Karen Egren Jewelry, is a discerning curator, stylist and collector committed to helping each individual woman discover her own unique style. Her collection of exquisite accessories brings out the unique beauty in every woman, from globetrotting bohemians to refined sophisticates in Michigan and the world over. Karen’s elegant new studio, located at 550 Merrill in downtown Birmingham, offers an entirely elevated level of service and style that her devoted clientele have come to know over the years. Karen’s pieces are also available on her e-commerce website, www.karenegren.com, where she offers shipping to customers located worldwide.

All good accessories need complimentary stunning outfits, which can be found right next to Karen Egren Jewelry at the newly opened Nina McLemore Studio. Nina designs a collection of clothing to address the needs of senior professional and executive women and women who are active in their communities. There is a significant void in the apparel industry of clothes for women who want beautiful, elegant, colorful, well made clothing that fits and is appropriate for their position and lifestyle. The collection is made in New York of the finest natural fabrics and is designed to take a woman through all aspects of her life - day, evening and leisure with a strong focus on travel. Shopping can also be done online at www.ninamclemore.com.

Vine & Dine Is Coming Soon

Check out which food and wine vendors will be participating in the 11th Annual Vine & Dine event on Wednesday, September 17th. This article also includes all event details, and previews one of the many prizes available during the chance auction!

http://www.hometownlife.com/story/news/local/birmingham/2014/09/10/vine-dine-puts-top-local-restaurants-spotlight/15384595/

If you still haven't purchased tickets- don't fear, you still have time. For registration information, and to buy your tickets, visit http://bbcc.com/vine-dine/

Back to School!

Friday, August 22 the Chamber hosted a panel discussion with Superintendents Dr. Daniel Nerad and Robert Glass to speak about future education in front of the Birmingham Bloomfield community. Some topics discussed were the depletion of funds, valuing teachers, and providing an enjoyable learning experience for students. Hometown Life published an article to recapture the event.

“Our community really supports public education, but we do have to address long-term funding issues so we can maintain the excellence we’ve enjoyed for all these years,” he said. “The outside challenge is the funding issue, and the inside challenge is continuing to find ways to help kids stay passionate about learning. How do we make learning fun? How do we keep them engaged? That’s the challenge” said Steve Scheidt, Birmingham Board of Education Member. 

To read more, click here.  





---
Grossman, J. (2014) Let's talk about schools. Hometown Life.

Ribbon Cutting at Coqueta!

Coqueta is a high-end fashion boutique that sells women's clothing, bags, shoes, and accessories. All the products are brought from the world's fashion capitals, Paris and Milan. The business had its ribbon cutting on July 17. 

The Strength Behind the Chamber - Our Ambassadors!

The mighty Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber Ambassador team met recently at the Lori Tennent Photography Studio and posed for this fierce photo! This hardworking group of volunteers are what make us the growing Chamber of Action!

Pictures - Business After Hours at Lincoln Hills

We had beautiful weather at our Summer Business After Hours Networking Event on July 23. Check out the action photos from Bocce Golf at Lincoln Hills!

Business After Hours & Bocce Golf on July 23

Business After Hours

& Bocce Golf on the Putting Green

Lincoln Hills - Birmingham 

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

5:30-7:30 p.m.

Mix & Mingle at the course and have some fun playing Bocce Golf (included and optional)!

Optional Twilight Golf starting at 7:30 p.m.

$15 includes car, pay Lincoln Hills day of

Business Card Drawing

3 Giveaways: Golf Twosome with Cart

$10 Members in advance, $20 Nonmembers

Click here to register.

Ribbon Cutting for Pulse Design Studio!

On June 19, Pulse Design Studio, located at 2409 Voorheis Street, Pontiac, began their grand opening celebration with a ribbon cutting!  

Their visual communication specialties include presentation and graphic services in PowerPoints, Keynotes, White Papers, and Event Graphics.  Their clients include global brands, marketing, advertising and public relations firms.   

Photo Credit:  Doug Ashley 
Pictured from left:  Sunny Connolly, Patterson BryantGroup; Tany Nagy, Owner of Pulse Design Studio; Paul Taros, Taros & Associates; Jon Isenberg, Elite Networking and Consulting.

Kelsey Fettig, Intern at the Chamber has article published in Birmingham Eccentric newspaper

"Finding your way in business takes perseverance"

In the article, Fettig describes the hard work it takes to earn a college degree and transform from student to professional.

 "Shifting from student to professional can be tricky. As a student, you gain skills for the profession you are perusing, but don’t always know exactly how to apply them. Finding an internship to help understand what it’s like in a professional workplace has been incredibly beneficial to provide a smooth transition for me. Fortunately, I was offered an internship with the Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber for the summer. So far, it has been incredibly beneficial and I feel very privileged to have earned the opportunity.
Now that I have completed half the time I will be spending as the intern for the chamber, I have learned ways to be successful in and out of the workplace. The chamber has helped me reach a balance of completing the task at hand and being a proactive employee. Specifically, I have daily activities like posting news on our website and social media pages. I also complete tasks like attending important meetings, distributing promotional items throughout the area for events and writing press releases to recap events" states Fettig. 

To read the complete article, click the heading above. 

Fettig, K. (2014, June 30) Finding your way in business takes perseverance. Observer & Eccentric. Retrieved from http://www.hometownlife.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2014306290006

51th Annual Birmingham Village Fair raises over $20,000 for local charities!

Hosted by the Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber, the fair enjoyed four days of perfect weather, leading to record crowds and lots of fun.

The fair serves as the Chamber’s largest fundraiser of the year, and it’s also a big boost to the local charities. Chamber President Joe Bauman said over $20,000 in proceeds went to local charities and nonprofits this year.

“We had a record attendance day on Saturday and an overall attendance increase of nearly 20 percent from last year,” Bauman said. “This allowed us to share fair proceeds with 24 local charities and nonprofits this year, which also is a record number for the Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber. We are grateful to the city of Birmingham and North American Midway for helping ensure the success of the fair.”

The Chamber's nonprofit partners attended Business After Hours on Wednesday, June 18 at The Stand Gastro Bistro to celebrate the generous outcome of the fair. The fair operator Danny Houston, Co-CEO North American Midway Entertainment also joined the celebration. 

Welcome Bonnie Miles, New Membership Manager at the Chamber!

Bonnie Miles has recently started her position as Membership Manager for the Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber! Previously, she was the Program Manager of Events at Volkswagen Group of America in Auburn Hills, MI. That position provided her with an advanced skill set which she has used to transition flawlessly to her new position. She is a wonderful addition to the chamber of action!

The 51st annual Birmingham Village Fair was a stunning success!

Hosted by the Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber, the fair enjoyed four days of perfect weather, leading to record crowds and lots of fun.

The fair serves as the Chamber’s largest fundraiser of the year, and it’s also a big boost to the local charities. Chamber President Joe Bauman said over $20,000 in proceeds went to local charities and nonprofits this year.

“We had a record attendance day on Saturday and an overall attendance increase of nearly 20 percent from last year,” Bauman said. “This allowed us to share fair proceeds with 24 local charities and nonprofits this year, which also is a record number for the Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber. We are grateful to the city of Birmingham and North American Midway for helping ensure the success of the fair.”

Hittin' the Streets - North Old Woodward Business Walking Tour

Ladies from Vibe Credit Union (left) and Schakolad Chocolate Factory (right) make a stop at the adorable Bella Belli Maternity shop.

The chamber of action along with the Birmingham Principal Shopping District hosted an enjoyable event along North Old Woodward on Wednesday, May 14 in downtown Birmingham. The Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber presented a walking business tour of over 20 + businesses. More than 55 people attended the event where they were able to view the wonderful elements the businesses have to offer. The chamber also hosted a Business after Hours event at Fleming’s Steak House to end the night with networking and socializing. There was a chance to win seven fantastic prizes such as a $150 gift certificate to Carl Sterr and a $100 valued necklace from Antonio’s Bridal. The event was a booming success and offered a great networking and promotional opportunity for those who were involved.

The next major event on the Chamber’s calendar is the 51st AnnualVillage Fair which takes place at Shain Park. The fair runs Thursday, May 29 thru Sunday, June 1. The four-day event features carnival rides, games and food that you won’t want to miss! Call for more info (248) 430-7688.

Kelsey Fettig, Intern at Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber

Computer-Savvy Service

Computer networking company provides

clients with peace of mind.

Elite Networking & Consulting (ENC) have been advertised for their hard work as a growing business by Open Door Magazine in their May 2014 issue. They gave an inside look on what the company can do for those who are having technology complications.

Jon Isenberg, founder and president of ENC, launched the company in 2010 and it has grown rapidly since. The company now has eight people on staff and offer services to commercial companies, as well as residential homeowners. 

To read the article, click the title located under the picture above. 

Professional Edge Workshop

Begin with the End in Mind

Greg Coyne, sales trainer/sales force developer with Gerry Weinberg & Associates- Sandler Training 

Sales people consistently walk away from prospect meetings wondering why they didn't get a sale and feeling like a failure.  Was it my price?  Maybe I didn't show them this special feature or service that would have "WOW-ed" them?  What if I could have...Is the competition outselling you?  Is your system better than your prospect’s?  Maybe the prospect was never in need of your product or service in the first place? 

If you feel like this, maybe Greg Coyne can help. Greg is a sales trainer and sales force developer with Gerry Weinberg & Associates-Sandler Training and active since 2009.  He has 10 years of success in sales & business development.  He will help you understand the reasons why you may not be succeeding as you like. 

Thursday, June 5, 7:30-9:30 a.m.
Birmingham Public Schools Administration Building 
31301 Evergreen Road, Beverly Hills
Adjacent to Groves High School

Take what you'll learn and apply it today!

4 Days of Fun!

51^st Annual Birmingham Village Fair
Downtown Birmingham, Shain Park May 29-June 1. Grab family and/or friends and swirl, twirl or go round-and-round on a fun-loving ride; bite into classic carnival food; try your luck at a game or sit back and take in the ambiance. Purchase your Birmingham Village Fair ride vouchers at Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber, Birmingham Bloomfield Credit Union or Bank of Birmingham and SAVE $5.