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 March 25th, 2010

Oakland Schools Technical Campus Southwest will be hosting the Highland Business Association’s luncheon. The Culinary Department’s high school students will be creating the lunch and serving. After the luncheon tours of the various areas of discipline will be given. The luncheons starts at noon and tours will begin at just after 1:00pm.

Come see how these students may be able to assist your business, while they earn knowledge and skills as an intern. The programs at this campus include: Biotechnology and Environmental Science, Business Management, Marketing and Technology, Culinary Arts/Hospitality, Engineering/Engine Technologies, Health Sciences, Visual Imaging and so much more. You need to find out what these young people have to offer your business and our community.

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.

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.