Tuesday, May 25, 2010

SHOWCASE LUNCHEON May 27

On May 27th we will be hosting our second showcase luncheon at Highland Hills Golf Course. We have 7 new local business members who will be telling you all about their services and how they can be of assistance to you. We will also have one community member. Lunch starts at noon and the cost is $15.00 at the door. We need to have you RSVP so the kitchen can prepare enough food for everyone. Bring your clubs and have a round of golf before lunch or stay after and check out the course.

Ahern Chiropractic located at 525 N. Main Street in Milford Dr. Curt Ahern is all about helping you get to the health goals you have for yourself and your family. He has found that children can benefit from his services so he asks "Do you know someone who has a child who struggles with autism, seizures, asthma/food allergies, bed wetting, colic, etc?" This practice is for those parents who are looking for answers and the missing link to the health of their children."

Creative Awards & Framing is located at 1177 S. Milford Road in Highland. Our company was founded in 1972 in Athens, Georgia. By listening to our customers and creating unique custom products rather than simply supplying the same "industry standard" award and recognition items. Over the years we have been at the forefront of bringing new technologies into the awards and recognition marketplace in our local communities. With our capabilities and desire to be "Creative" there is no limit to going from your imagination to a finished product. Ask Bill why he chose Highland, MI.

Extreme Property Maintenance is a local business that specializes in lawn care, landscaping and snow management. They pride themselves on providing their clients with high quality, professional services — done on time and on budget. Since the first thing your customer sees upon entering your business is the landscaping they fee it is important to retain a professional and experienced team when it comes to protecting and enhancing the image of your home. Extreme Property Maintenance provides experience and the technical know-how to address jobs of all sizes ranging from basic lawn maintenance, servicing existing landscapes, brick pavers, bed maintenance & mulch installation. They are located at 3397 Harvey Lake Road, but you will never find them there, rather they are at another business maintaining their property image.

Highland Township Library is located at 444 Beach Farm Circle. They have lots of services and they will be talking about their adult services. Did you know that there is even an adult book club and just like the kids they offer incentives to dive into a good book. Check out all they have to offer.

I.S.H.A. Sky is a new business operated by Shalynne Barr who also owns Partylite and Two Sisters Gourmet by Partylite. I.S.H.A. Sky provides small business consulting, organizes community promotional events, and gives motivational speeches.Come see how Shalynne can Inspire you so you can achieve and succeed in your business.

MonaVie is owned by Doug and Sheila. They are an independent distributor for MonaVie products. MonaVie is a delicious and healthy blend of 19 body-beneficial fruits - including the Brazilian açai berry, one of nature's top superfoods. Developed with the philosophy Balance-Variety-Moderation, this nourishing beverage delivers the phytonutrients and antioxidants you need to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.

Providence Hospital is located in Novi off Grand River. As new members they have support our Women's Enrichment Day program and provided great educational information. They will again be expanding our knowledge of what this local hospital has for services we can all take advantage of.

Saint's Dragons Lair is a services company. They have a variety of companies to serve your needs. Specialty food, gluten free products, gourmet coffees, dried spices and kitchen gift items from Saint George's Cafe. A cottage rental in Northern Michigan just 4 miles north of Garland's Golf Resort for the week or long weekend known as Smokey's. They also provide design services for interiors, lighting, energy, and social media. Come see what they can do for you.

Stan's chimney & Fireplace Services I have used Stan's services for my chimney cleaning and sweep services for years but did you know they have the largest selection of fireplace accessories, wood burning stoves, gas stoves, fireplaces, gas grills, barbecue grills, and mantels? Stan's offers complete service on all our products, including installation, maintenance and repair of wood and gas burning products. So they do not have a brick and mortar business location, they can be at yours.

National Small Business Week 2010

Celebrate National Small Business Week. With an estimated 27.2 million small businesses in the United States, small businesses are responsible for creating 60-80% of all new jobs each year. "Going Local Does Not Mean Walling Off The Outside World" by Michael H. Shuman says nuturing locally owned businesses means more of your dollars stay in your community. A diagram shows that of every $100.00 spent in local small businesses only $27.00 will leave the community versus $57.00. For more about Local First. The 3/50 project also is about keeping local businesses alive and flourishing. They ask "What three independently owned businesses would you miss if they disappeared? Your purchases are what keeps those businesses around.L If half the employed population spent $50.00 each month in locally owned independent businesses, it would generate more than $42.6 billion in revenue." Check out their website 3/50 Project Local small businesses hire from within the community because these people are locals they provide more customer service and are great ambassadors for the business and community. Small businesses also give back to that community through support of schools and local non-profits. Small businesses purchase from other small businesses in the area and create the distinct one of a kind shops that are unique to the community. Remember Five Star Plumbing in Highland is a wholly owned local small business, even with a nationally known name linked to theirs. Check out our online directory of members and get to know your local businesses. They are involved in community events like Women's Enrichment Day and Sparks in the Park.

Small Business Week has been recognized since 1963 and on May 20, 2010, President Obama signed a proclamation for the observance of the 47th Small Business Week. To learn more about Small Business Week click on this link National Small Businesses This year women business owners have been recognized as small business persons of the year in 24 states, unfortunately Michigan was not one of those states. Let's change that! What local business women could you recognize for making a difference in your life and community? National Business Women's Week is officially celebrated the third full week in October each year. To find out more about the Business & Professional Women Foundation check out this link Women in Business

Friday, May 14, 2010

Top 10 Reasons to Shop Local First

1. Significantly More Money Re-Circulates In Our Community.
When you purchase at locally owned businesses rather than nationally owned, more money is kept in the community because locally-owned businesses often purchase from other local businesses, service providers and farms. Purchasing local helps grow other businesses as well as our community's tax base.

2. Non Profits Receive Greater Support.
Local business owners donate more to local charities than non-local owners.

3. Unique Businesses Create Character & Prosperity
The unique character of our area is what brought us here and keeps us here.

4. Environmental Impact Is Reduced.
Local businesses make more local purchases requiring less transportation. Consumers who shop closer to home reduce fuel consumption.

5. Most New Jobs Are Provided By Local Businesses.
Small local businesses are the largest employers nationally.

6. Customer Service Is Better.
Local businesses often hire people with more specific product expertise for better customer service.

7. Local Business Owners Invest In Community.
Local businesses are owned by people who live in this community, are less likely to leave, and are more invested in the community's future.

8. Public Benefits Far Outweigh Public Costs.
Local businesses require comparatively little infrastructure and more efficiently utilize public services relative to chain stores.

9. Competition And Diversity Leads To More Consumer Choices.
A marketplace of thousands of small businesses is the best way to ensure innovation and low prices over the long-term.

10. Investment In Our Area Is Encouraged.
A growing body of economic research shows that in an increasingly homogenized world, entrepreneurs and skilled workers are more likely to invest and settle in communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinctive character.

This list was posted on several local-shopping themed websites including http://www.localfirst.com/why and http://shoplocalsf.org/

Thursday, May 13, 2010

MICHIGAN ARTISTS WANTED AT "SPARKS IN THE PARK" FIREWORKS FESTIVAL

The 10th annual "Sparks In The Park" Fireworks Festival is call all Michigan artists who are interested in selling their work at the Artist's Market. The "Sparks In The Park" Fireworks Festival is on June 26, 2010. Artists are asked to submit their original artwork entry by May 28th, 2010. For full eligibility, details and application form please check out this website:
http:http://www.huronvalleyarts.org/1/257/files/sparks_call_for_artists_final2%281%29.pdf

The "Sparks in the Park" festival beings at 3:00pm in the Highland Golf and Milford High School grounds off Milford Road. In addition to the artist market the event includes live musical performances, food vendors, children's activities including face painting, bouncey rides and a campfire and storytelling by Nature Connections.
Huron Valley Pools & Fitness is again having "The Great Campout". For $35.00 you have a campsite for tent camping and six campers which includes: a hot dog meal, smores and campfires, open pools until 8:30pm, breakfast sponsored by Dr. Bryan Thomas Family Dentist in White Lake, games provided by Oakland County Parks and VIP parking and fireworks seating. Space is limited, for more details and registration go to this website: http://www.huronvalleyrec.com
The day's activities end with the fireworks display. Come early and make a day of family fun, this event expects approximately 3,000 people

* Rain delay date June 27, 2010

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Dreaming in Green May 13th

To raise money for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society LaFontaine Automotive Group will be having a Dreaming in Green" event on May 13th. This event is for the family and will include classic cars, dunk tanks, bouncy rides, food vendors and a live appearance by 104.3 WOMC "Detroit's Greatest Hits" from 4:00-8:00pm at their Highland Road dealership. Ryan LaFontaine said "Getting diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, has taught me to put my priorities in order. Let’s network with everyone we know and utilize strength in numbers to raise awareness and funds for a great cause. Word of mouth spreads fast, and even a small donation can make a huge impact. Of all funds raised, 100% go to developing a cure for many different types of blood cancer and provide better patient services and education." There are only 1,000 raffle tickets left to win a pair of Pontiac Solstice convertibles. Tickets are $25.00 each or 5 tickets for $100.00. The winner will be announced and keys given to the winner at 8:00pm that evening. Come have lots of fun and support a great cause

Friday, May 7, 2010

TGIF Coffee Hours May 14th

Come join us at Kozy Koffee at 8:00am on Friday, May 14th. This jewel of an independent coffee house is located in the Walgreen shopping center at M-59 & Duck Lake Road in the back corner. They offer great coffee from a local roaster and have pastries from the Milford Bakery, Hot soups daily Family Night on Friday evenings with acoustic open Mic. There is usually a puzzle on the counter and someone playing a Monopoly in front of the fireplace. They have outdoor seating and wi-fi. Their hours are 6:00am-8:00pm Mon through Friday and 8:00am-4:00 on Saturday and Sundays.

Highland Township Community Parade May 15

Everybody loves a parade, so come join us for the Highland Township Community Parade on Saturday, May 15, 2010, the parades begins at 10:00am, but come early to get the place you want on the parade route. Those in the parade will need to be at The Church of Nazarene by 9:00 a.m to line up. There will be floats, old cars, new cars, Little League and Softball players, bands, as well as many business and civic organizations. Prizes will be awarded The parade route is down Livingston County Road and up John Street to Highland Middle School. Come early, bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the parade. For more information call Pat Hamlin at 248-887-2811.

The annual Beautification plant sale will be held behind the Adult Activity Center. A craft show and lunch will be at the Highland Adult Activity Center from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.