- January 13th-visit Veterinary Care Specialists/VCS Pets First in Milford for some light networking at the HWLBA T.G.I.F. Coffee from 8am - 9am
- January 19th-enjoy come casual networking and light appetizers at the HWLBA Annual Winter Networking Mixer as we co-host this exciting event with the Hartland Chamber of Commerce. $10/members & $15/non-members.
- January 26th-members will have the opportunity to showcase their business at this unique lunch & stroll Showcase Luncheon beginning at 12pm at the White Lake Inn. If you had not had a chance to participate, please let us know: (248) 889-1422
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
HWLBA Happenings for January 2012
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Shop Local Shop Highland
Holiday options abound in downtown Highland
With Michigan's economy slowly showing signs of recovery, business owners throughout the state are hoping a strong holiday shopping season propels them into prosperity for 2012.
More and more people are jumping on board with the "shop local" theme, trying to support local businesses instead of throwing their disposable income at faceless corporations and foreign entities.
There's a simple reason why people should consider shopping in the local community, according to Missy Dasevich, executive director the Highland Downtown Development Authority. "It's to keep your neighbors employed," she said.
The idea seems to have merit. Research indicates more than two-thirds of the money spent shopping at local, independent stores is reinvested in the local community. Whether those businesses are paying local taxes, employing friends and neighbors or donating to any number of school or civic fundraiser, local businesses help maintain a thriving community.
"It's so important to shop local, because the money that you spend stays local. If you really enjoy those local merchants - the corner gift store, markerts - you should make an effort to visit them, to keep them around," said Dashevich.
A popular email making the rounds in people's inbox reinforces the idea. The email encourages people to take a different route this gift-giving season by giving loved ones what they need while supporting the local gift shop, restaurant or professional business.
"As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply-produced goods - merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor," the email states. "This year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift-giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes there is."
The chain email suggests purchasing gift certificates for loved ones.
The Huron Valley community has a wealth of locally-owned businesses that would love your support.
Perhaps your sister has a labrador retriever that likes to roll around in whatever stench it can find in the back field. Or maybe your daughter has a Pomeranian with a penchant for ribbons and feathers in its hair.
Then a gift certificate for a place like Silver Bone pet groomers in Highland may be the perfect present.
Or if you have a young grandchild in the family, and you want to help start him on his road to riches, consider opening a savings account some place like Kensington Valley Credit Union.
With haircuts, oil changes, restaurants or massages, there's no shortage of ideas if you go the gift certificate route.
But sometimes you want to see your loved ones rip the paper off the box and tear into the box to see what's inside. There's still plenty of stores within a few miles of your home to find what you're looking for.
Stores like Fragments on Milford Road have a little bit of everything for kids and adults alike. Fragments also features local artists, so you're supporting the local community even more when shopping. Or Caveman Consignments just down the street has just about anything you need for that man in your life.
Looking for something even more personal? Local crafters spin their own wool to create scarves, or forge their own jewelry, or mold their clay pots or build unique wooden boxes.
The Huron Valley Council for the Arts is an option for finding a one-of-a-kind gift. Their holiday market - all local artists - runs through December and can help ensure no one else will give Aunt Clara the same present as you.
Shopping locally isn't something to be restricted to the holidays. There's a number of benefits to keeping your spending dollars close to home.
In addition to keeping money in the community, independent businesses help keep the community unique. Where you eat, shop and have fun all helps make the Huron Valley home. These shops help create a distinct character, something that defines it as unique, instead of simply a feeling of being anywhere.
So when you head back out to pick up those last few presents, save some time and help build up the community by shopping local.
By Philip Allmen (Printed in the Milford Times 12-8-11)
Monday, November 21, 2011
HWLBA 2011 Community Award Winners
- Business of the Year-LaFontaine Automotive Group
- Business People of the Year-Mike & Deb Maher
- Volunteer of the Year-Dick Russell
- One Step Beyond-Greg Morris
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Red Box Food Drive Nov 15-Dec 15th
The mission of Highland-White Lake Business Association is…local business united with our community and the HWLBA is ready to help our local community during this holiday season with the annual Red Box Food Drive and going through December 15th. The donated non-perishable food items will benefit 3 of the local non-profit food pantry’s; including the Goodfellows of Highland, Community Sharing and Open Door Outreach Center. The drop-off locations consist of a variety of our local businesses, and the complete list can be found at www.HWLBA.com.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
HWLBA Administration Changes
As we progress into the New Year, the Highland-White Business Association will undergo some transitions within the organization. To begin with, Tami Flowers will be leaving the HWLBA to seek full-time employment. Her position as the Administrator for the association has enabled us to grow and progress toward our mission…local business united for our community. Tami has been an asset and allowed our organization to adapt successfully with the advancements made in the social media channels, while keeping the members and the board well-informed of upcoming events, challenges and maintaining a steady budget.
While her position has been a difficult one to fill, the Board Members have decided to hire Kim Lucas to take over in Tami’s role as the Administrator for the HWLBA. Kim will be stepping down as the current President of the Highland-White Lake Business Association, and Dave Thurau will be assuming the position of HWLBA President for the remainder of the year.
The HWLBA staff and members have developed and implemented some comprehensive marketing and public relations plans covering our local area. We look forward to another successful year, and strive toward growth and local business united with our community.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Senior Breakfast
For over 15 years, area businesses have been giving back, and saying “thank you” to our local seniors in many ways. On Thursday, October 13th at
To request more information, donate items, or to volunteer, please call or e-mail the HWLBA at:
WHAT: HWLBA Annual Senior Breakfast
WHEN: Thursday, October 13th @ 9:00am
WHERE:
COST: FREE
Monday, September 26, 2011
October-November 2011 Newsletter
Friday, September 23, 2011
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Post-Highland HeyDays
- "Fire in the Hole" Chili Cook-Off benefiting the Highland-White Lake Firefighters
- HeyDays Queen Barbara Workman is crowned, revealing her "Women's Enrichment Day" Make Over
- Highland Feed & Supply hosted their annual Square Dance fundraiser benefiting the Aicardi Foundation, and it was a huge success and lots of fun!
- The Highland-White Lake Business Association sponsored the beer tent and chili cook-off this year during the 1st half of this exciting 2-day festival!
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
HeyDays Queen
As we progress toward the unveiling of the 2011 Women's Enrichment Day Make-Over Winner and Highland HeyDays Queen, we want to make sure the community will be there to show their support for Barbara Workman. Barb is a long-time member of the Huron Valley Optimist Club and a very busy hobby farmer. She has worked extensively with the sponsors at this year's Enrichment Day, and would like to invite her supporters to attend the crowning at the Saturday evening portion of Highland HeyDays. Some of the sponsors for the make-over include:
- Dr. Montico-Providence Family & Athletic Medicine-Health Evaluation
- Nancy McDaniel-Formula for Fitness-Physical Trainer
- Wendy Loncar-Mary Kay Cosmetics-Facial & Make-Up Appointments
- Carol Cota-Hair Chase Salon-Hair Cut, Color & Style
- Josh Mulder-Ameriprise Financial-Financial Review
- Tammy Ware-Essential Massage & Wellness-Facial Massage
- Dr. Allain-West Oakland Advanced Dental Artistry-Teeth Whitening
- The Clothing Cove-one outfit for the unveiling
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Highland HeyDays
Highland HeyDays is quickly approaching. September 10th & 11th, we will celebrate our families, pets and our wonderful community. This event is sure to put a smile on your face, and warmth in your heart. On Saturday, September 10th, we will kick off with a Fire in the Hole Chili Cook-Off benefiting the local firefighters. Following the Chili Cook-Off, Highland Feed & Supply will host a Square Dance from 7pm-9pm. There will be food provided throughout the evening in effort to raise money for the Acairdi Foundation. Music will fill the air all night, as we will provide DJ entertainment from 9pm-midnight. The Highland-White Lake Business Association will host a beer tent for this event.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Monday, June 20, 2011
Sparks in the Park 2011
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Monday, June 6, 2011
Sparks in the Park is almost here!
- Emcee-Nancy McCauley Branstetter & Lauren Branstetter
- Corey Kapanka & Steven Wozniak (acoustic)
- Random (teen band)
- Snowball Band (classic rock)
- Special Guest Star-Winner of the Huron Valley 'Got Talent' Competition
- Damage Control (classic rock)
- The Infatuations (funk, soul, disco & pop w/a rock twist)
- Addy O'Brien-The National Anthem
Friday, May 13, 2011
May 26th HWLBA Showcase Luncheon @ Prestwick Village
Monday, May 2, 2011
Dine 4 Dollars-Sparks in the Park
Sparks in the Park family activities will again feature:
- Bounce Houses
- Kids Activities
- Live Music
- Great Campout
- Food Vendors
- Nature Connection
Don’t miss out on the 2011
Friday, April 1, 2011
Highland-White Lake Business Association along with the event coordinators are committed to increasing success for our local area businesses and to make this summer festival a must-attend event. Camping, food, music, kid’s activities, fireworks, raffles and more will fill “Sparks in the Park” with your help through sponsorships, donations, joining the planning committee, or simply volunteering at this fun-filled & free community event. This display of fireworks has been enjoyed by as many as 10,000 attendees each year, and our goal for this year is to make it even bigger and better! There will ba a new addition to this year’s Sparks in the Park called the “Sparks Market Avenue” which will host a variety of locally crafted, hand-made products including fresh grown produce, annuals/perennials, yard and garden décor, fresh fruits and vegetables as well as crafts, restaurant samplers, make-up/cosmetics, jewelry and clothing. Please join us to help make this new market a success. For more information, or if you would like to be involved on a sponsorship or volunteer level, please contact the HWLBA office, or visit the web site at: www.SparksinthePark.com.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Ribbon Cutting at Highland Breeze featuring Grove's Pizza
The Highland-White Lake Business Association & Highland Breeze featuring Grove's Pizza would like to invite EVERYONE to celebrate the Grand Re-Opening of this great establishment. Come and say "hello" to the newest (and oldest) restaraunt in the area. Join us on Thursday, February 24th at noon for the luncheon, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony immediately following. Throughout the day, Highland Breeze will feature their delicious food, as well as an all day celebration, featuring the Snowball Band in the evening. For more details, contact the HWLBA office, or visit the web site at www.thehba.net. We hope to see you there!
Friday, February 4, 2011
Please help us by volunteering during one 4 or 5 hour shift, and have some fun at the Shark Club. Below is the volunteer schedule. We need 2 volunteers per each shift, so we welcome you to bring your spouse, friend or anyone over 21 to help make this a success.
We have 16 dates scheduled this year. The first are coming up on February 10-13 and continue March 10-13, April 7-10, and May 13-16.
Mar 10-13 Texas Hold’Em at the Shark’s Club in Waterford
Mar 24 Luncheon at Billy’s Tip ‘N Inn in White Lake
Monday, January 24, 2011
Feb 4 Ribbon Cutting for The Flower Factory @ 9am
Feb 5 Comedy Night at the White Lake Inn (see insert)
Feb 9 Board Meeting @ HBA office at 8:30am
Feb 10-13 Texas Hold’Em at the Shark’s Club in Waterford
Feb 24 Luncheon at Highland Breeze with Ribbon Cutting
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Mar 5 Women’s Enrichment Day 8am-1pm
Mar 9 Board Meeting @ HBA office at 8:30am
Mar 10-13 Texas Hold’Em at the Shark’s Club in Waterford
Mar 24 Luncheon at Billy’s Tip ‘N Inn in White Lake
Learn about our upcoming events on our website at: http://http//www.thehba.net/1/84/index.asp or follow our blog.
If you would like to join the Highland-White Lake Business Association, please call the office at (248) 889-1422, or Heather at (248) 242-3887. Time is limited to get into the 2011 directory, distributed to over 10,000 homes in our area.
Here are a few of our upcoming events for January 2011. If you would like to participate, sponsor or attend these events, please feel free to do so.
We look forward to seeing you in 2011!