Highland-White Lake Business Association

As we approach the New Year, we begin with a new method to our business plans and a great start to the New Year. Bigger, stronger, better; whatever the case may be, the Highland-White Lake Business Association is here to assist our local businesses in their success. Established in 1981, the Highland-White Lake Business Association is dedicated to our community, and the success of our local conglomerates. Affordable rates allow neighborhood establishments to join the association and utilize the many benefits of the HBA. Along with membership comes various networking, advertising and promotional opportunities. The Highland-White Lake Business Association hosts several events annually providing members with the chance to become more involved with the community. Our luncheons and the TGIF Coffee take place monthly, and provide members with the ability to network within the organization. Sparks in the Park is sponsored by the association annually, and there are some innovative events approaching. On October 23rd, mark your calendar for the 1st Annual “Taste of Oktoberfest”, a fundraiser for the Scholarship Fund. At Veterinary Care Specialists in Milford, on October 30th, bring your pets to the Pet-A-PALooza and your pet could win prizes, or the chance to be a part of the Hi-White Parade. The events and fundraisers put on by the Highland-White Lake Business Association are done in an effort to keep our community shopping at local businesses, and our local businesses in the community. Please feel free to contact us at: (248) 889-1422 or visit our website: http://www.thehba.net/ .

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

Luncheon February 25th

February 25th Robert Miller of R. J. Miller PC will be speaking to members about the changes in tax laws. He is going to cover the New Rule for Unemployment Compensation, Schedule L – New IRS Tax Form – Regarding Standard Deduction Change, Schedule M – New IRS Tax Form – Making Work Pay Credit, Change in Education Credits, and Home Buyers Credits. Come listen to Bob make sense of all the changes and understand how they will affect your business and you filing next year.

Lunch is being held at the Highland Business Association’s long time member “The Highland House” at 2630 E. Highland Road just west of Duck Lake Road. The Highland House has been serving those phenomenal breadsticks, Greek salads and ribs for over forty years. Bring a business colleague or a friend and join us for good food, great networking and get updated on how the tax changes will affect you. Don’t forget to RSVP to 248-889-1422 so we will have room for you!

January 28th Business Showcase Luncheon

Business Showcase Luncheons showcase local member businesses. This month our luncheon starts at Noon and is held at Lafontaine Automotive Group located at 4000 West Highland Road in Highland. Their cafe will be providing lunch for attendees.
We are showcasing a number of local businesses. This is your opportunity to learn more about fellow members' businesses. Business Showcase Luncheons enable each of the Highland Business Association members to become more familiar with who other members are and the types of products and services they offer. Business relationships can be developed and long-term meaningful relationships result. Business Showcase Luncheons provide an environment in which we can develop these professional business relationships. As we utilize fellow member's services and products we can then feel comfortable in referring others to these businesses. Your customers know and trust you; they will know that a referral from you is of value to them.
Some of the presenters at January 28th Showcase Luncheon are:
Stans Fireplace and Chimney Service - Since 1983 Stan's has specialized in fireplace and chimney cleaning, chimney sweep services, fireplace and chimney inspection, fireplace and chimney repair, and installation. But did you know that they also offer repair of wood and gas burning products, fireplace accessories such as grates, fireplace hardware sets. They can provide gas logs to create a realistic fire without all the work, as well as inserts. Check out all the services and products they offer - they are not just chimney cleaners.
Adzzoo is dedicated to helping local businesses reconnect with their local markets. Adzzoo’s cutting-edge solution designs and implements a complete geo-targeted online advertising campaign providing these owners a solution allowing them to compete with national chains and major corporations. Come visit Tom Cullen and have him talk to you about what Adzzoo could do for your business.
Kids In Motion is a pediatric therapy service for physical, occupational, and speech and language therapy. They consider the child's needs and regardless of what may need to be learned or worked on the therapists do it in a fun and creative environment.
Accunet Web Services is owned and operated by Paul Braun AccuNet, Inc. is a website development and consulting firm that specializes in small to mid-size business Internet needs. They offer a full range of web services from Flash Animation, database applications, virtual tours to custom website design.
Their latest offering is SiteBuilder by AccuNet, which allows you to build and maintain your own professional website.
Beading Friendzy A great way to connect with a grandchild or sister and create a wonderful piece of jewelry or maybe a gift item for that best friend. Beading Frenzy carries Trollbeads, jewelry kits and so much more. Whatever you want to create Stacey and crew will provide the supplies and instructions...you provide the talent! Check out this "gem" of a business in downtown Highland.
Oakland Schools Southwest Campus The mission statement for Oakland Schools Technical Centers (OSTC) is to provide a learning system that provides informed career preparation decisions, skills and knowledge (academikc, technical & workplace) and preparation to compete. The final components of renovation were completed which allows students to necessary training for Health Science, Smart Home Technologies, Alternative Energy Technologies, GIS Technologies and Microsoft 2007 Transition. Some of the programs offered to the students are: Summer Health Academy which is a three week program for 25 students between their junio and senior years. In partnership with local hospitals the students obtain both theory and clinical on-site instruction. Health Opportunity Days allows over 500 students to participate in 17 health career areas at Highland Lakes OCC campus. There are also Beaumont Saturday Series for Emerging Technologies, Oakland County Global Trade Mission, GM Academy, Vehicle Design & Engineering Academy, CAD/drafting contests, Business Briefing Day just to name a few. The partnership between OCC and OSTC in the following areas: Architectural Design, Allied Health, Business Information Systems, Collision Auto Repair, CAD/drafting, Computer Information Systems, Early Childhood Development, entrepreneurship, Environmental technology, Landscape design & Robotics Technology. Come talk to the representatives from OSTC and form a business partnership with them. Come find out what their students can do for your business.

If you are interested in being a showcased business please contact the Highland Business Association office at 248-889-1422 or info@thehba.net. Find out more about us at thehba.net

Coffee Hour January 8, 2010

Highland Business Association's Coffee Hour will be hosted by Carpet Classics Floor Studio. Carpet Classics has been around sine it was founded by Marge Aretha in 1984, They changed their name from Carpet Classics to Carpet Classics Floor Studio because they wanted the public to know that they were so much more than just carpeting; how about tile, hardwood, laminates, linoleum, cork and so much more. As most independent entrepreneurs Marge Aretha founded her busines on the principals of personalized service and unbeatable selection. Which translates into wonderful quality, attention and caring at reasonable prices. I know that I like going into a store where they know my name and maybe even the last project I was working on at my home so that they can assist in moving me forward. As most of our local sommunity businesses this one too started as a family business and everyone from nieces and nephews to close friends were found working at this wonderful establishment.

Carpet Classics was originally located at the corner of M59 & Duck Lake Rd, in the Highland Corners center. In 1989, they moved to their current location at 144 South Milford Road, in the Highland Station district. They offer samples to take home and see how they look in your environment under your lights, they have their own installers, they give free estimates and most importantly they are local merchants who live and work in our community. Because they live and work in our community they have a give back to the community program where you can pick the charity.

They remember their beginnings and strive to maintain Marge's vision every day. To provide service, selection, and value, where you and your project no matter the size are as important to them as it is to you and you won't get run over by a forklift, like one of those "Big Box" stores. Stop by this wonderful local business on Friday and check out how they can assist you in your next project no matter the size or budget.

Check out the photos from this event.

Winter Networking Gathering January 12th, 2010

So many times when we hear about a networking event we think this is about having a business card to hand out to everyone. We often hear the phrase “work the room” when you are at a networking event. I particularly have found it hard to “work the room” and felt that when I spend most of my time with one or two persons at a networking event I had not done my job of promoting my business. Then a sage business person told me, that is what networking was about. Building relationships which means spending time with a person to understand their business, their drive, why they are in this business, what their hobbies are, their favorite sports teams, well you get the idea. January 12th 2010, the Highland Business Association, White Lake Township Business Association and Women In Business have dedicated 7:00pm-9:00pm at Dave & Amy’s in White Lake to allow their members the opportunity to build business and personal relationships away from all the demands of business, and personal lives. It is tempting to say, forget this networking event, after having worked a full day and the quiet and relaxation of home is calling. I would ask you to reconsider and set aside this time to find someone who may know that impossible business owner you have been trying to see or someone new whose product you may be able to use who is local and has added customer service and value than the big box store you have been using or just reconnect with an associate you have lost contact with. Start the new year by gathering with old friends and meeting new at Dave & Amy’s (www.daveandamys.com) they are located at 9595 Highland Road, White Lake, MI 48386-2314 and can be reached at (248) 698-2010. While you are there please welcome our newest members to the White Lake Township Business Association. This event is always well attended, with appetizers provided and a cash bar, so please RSVP to (248) 889-1422 so there is enough for everyone.

Member Luncheon - Broadview Tree Farm

Highland Business Association's traditional December lunch at Broadview Tree Farm is on December 10th at Noon. Reminder dress warm, we will again be in the warming hut having hot cocoa and a casual lunch starting at noon. If you haven't gotten your tree for Christmas this is the time to do it! Again, as a previous local business I would remind you to shop locally because 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.

Now a little bit about our wonderful hosts for this event - straight from their website "Broadview Tree Farm www.broadviewtreefarm.com is located on 118 acres in Highland Township where wildlife abound. It is not uncommon to see deer, rabbits, pheasants, fox and occasionally coyotes running ahead of our tractors. Canadian honkers and sandhill cranes constantly cross our skyline. A little history about our luncheon site - Broadview Farm was farmsteaded by our ancestors in 1849. Cash crops and sheep were the primary endeavors until 1947 when Ott and Betty Brian planted their first Christmas trees. Through the years they covered many acres and eventually began selling them to neighbors and passersby. In 1972 their children and spouses joined in a joint Christmas tree operation, and Broadview Christmas Tree Farm became a reality. As our tree plantation grew, so did our need for help—family and friends came to our rescue and continue to do so. Each tree harvesting season they appear like helpful elves. Each weekend night everyone gathers in the kitchen to enjoy a potluck supper and talk over the day. Our farm operation involves year-round tasks, including planting seedlings, spraying for insects and weed control and pruning as well as harvesting during the holiday season. We would not be able to operate without our crew of local kids. Over the years we have watched them learn the value of hard work and take pride in their efforts, as well as have fun working together. Even after college graduation, many return to help out and share memories. The year we celebrated 50 years of choose and cut tree harvesting, we passed out a handmade Christmas tree ornament to each family as they came by our cashier window. When we gained sesquicentennial status (150 years same family line ownership), we gave out tree bags to celebrate. Over the years we have donated many Christmas trees to the community and participated in local fundraisers. We enjoy celebrating the holidays with a traditional real tree as the centerpiece and so do our families and neighbors and especially our customers, who return year after year to make more traditional holiday memories. At the present time six families live on this farm with a seventh one anticipated--the fifth through the eighth generations make the farm their home as do many pets, both dogs and cats. Broadview Christmas Tree Farm is truly a family operation."

Why belong to Highland Business Association

If you are an independent business without the funds that franchises or conglomerates have for television ads, radio ads or even online ads how do you draw traffic to your business. If have an at home business or an online business it is typically even harder to draw attention to your business. Local business associations can assist in marketing your business in a variety of ways. They have networking events throughout the month that allows members to share what they do with other members. Every member of your business association becomes a promoter of your business. Every networking opportunity is also an opportunity to let the other members know what you have to offer, so when they are talking to their clients, customers or even friends they can send business your way. The Highland Business Association is almost 200 members strong. Some of the events sponsored are TGIF Coffee Hour (second Friday of each month from 8:00am-9:00am) hosted by a local business, Luncheons (4th thursday starting at noon) hosted by a local business, 25,000 copies of the membership directories are distributed to every home and business in the Highland and White Lake Townships, listing on their website, discounted rate to participate in the Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce's Business Expo, Ladies Enrichment Day, monthly newsletters, advertising opportunites at a variety of events just to name a few.
The Highland Business Association coordinates many community service projects; such as, Red Box Food Drive, Movie Night at the Library, the Highland Christmas Tree Lighting and Sparks in the Park . The organization also awards college scholarships to outstanding area graduates.
All of these events truly support and promote your business and that may be reason enough to belong, but these activities also promote and support local communities and families. So whether you want to pay it forward because you have an established business or need assistance because you are a new struggling business consider joining the Highland Business Association where members become friend and business partners.