Upcoming Events for early 2011 :)

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!

"After-Holiday Networking Mixer"

at Dave & Amy's in White Lake

Thursday, January 6th @ 7:00pm

"T.G.I.F. Coffee"
at Five Star Ace Hardware in Highland

Friday, January 14th @ 8:00am

* There are still opportunities for HWLBA members to host a coffee throughout the year.

Please contact the office to get your spot before they fill up :)

"Showcase Luncheon"
at 59 West in Highland

Thursday, January 27th @ 12:00pm

* If you would like to host a luncheon at your establishment, please sign up soon, as spaces are filling up fast.

Our blog spot is another way for us to keep you informed of our upcoming events. If you have any questions or concerns, please call Tami or Heather at (248) 889-1422.

Learn about our upcoming events on our website at: http://http//www.thehba.net/1/84/index.asp or follow our blog spot.

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!

"After-Holiday Networking Mixer"

at Dave & Amy's in White Lake

Thursday, January 6th @ 7:00pm

"T.G.I.F. Coffee"

at Five Star Ace Hardware in Highland

Friday, January 14th @ 8:00am

* There are still opportunities for HWLBA members to host a coffee

throughout the year. Please contact the office to get

your spot before they fill up :)

"Showcase Luncheon"

at 59 West in Highland

Thursday, January 27th @ 12:00pm

* If you would like to host a luncheon at your establishment,

please sign up soon, as spaces are filling up fast.

Our blog spot is another way for us to keep you informed

of our upcoming events. If you have any questions or

concerns, please call Tami or Heather at (248) 889-1422.

Women's Enrichment Day

Come & enjoy a

Ladies Day Off
with NO kids, NO chores, and NO cooking!

Saturday, March 20, 2010
8am - 1:30pm
at Highland Middle School

As the new year approaches, so does the 8th annual Women’s Enrichment Day, hosted by Women In Business, a division of the Highland-White Lake Business Association. Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 5, 2011!

The purpose of Women’s Enrichment Day is to provide the women of our community day full of information, entertainment and inspiration. At the same time we will be providing businesses with opportunities to reach out to key decision makers and network within the community.

Have fun, learn, and be inspired with other women. Enjoy different workshops with lots of topics to choose from. Also, you can check out the expo table with jewelry, gift ideas, massages and much, much more!

Details and registration available on our website:
http://www.thehba.net/1/84/enrichment_day.asp
OR FIND US ON FACEBOOK!

Admission: $5 - Proceeds to benefit the Huron Valley Education Foundation

YOU CAN WIN AN ULTIMATE MAKEOVER! SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR DETAILS!

2010 HBA Comedy Night

The Highland-White Lake Business Association and Women In Business is hosting a Comedy Night at the White Lake Inn on Saturday, November 13th, beginning at 7pm.
Tickets are only $15 per person and are available at the HBA office, or may be purchased by credit card on our web site at www.theHBA.net. Food and drink available for purchase during the event. White Lake Inn is located at 3955 Ormond Road in White Lake.

Connie’s engaging, animated delivery on a variety of topics from “ladies’ nights out” to those who would not think twice about taking a hair dryer into the shower will draw the audience, regardless of background, age or sex, into a shared appreciation of life’s little ironies, guaranteeing that a good time will be had by all! This year’s Make-Over winner, Leslie Ruggles will be revealed, and we would like for you to celebrate her success with us!

For more information on the HBA Comedy Night or the make-over, please contact the HBA office at: 248-889-1422 or email to info@thehba.net.

New Sign Ordinance has been Finalized

To provide an update on the status of Highland's new sign ordinance, it was passed last night (November 4th) at the Township Board Special Meeting. It is expected tol go in effect November 18th. Here’s a link to the revised ordinance: http://www.highlandtwp.com/uploaded_pics/pdf-20101110115822.pdf

The Township Officials did make a few adjustments to what was originally proposed including eliminating the tighter limits on interior window signs (it will remain at 75% coverage allowed) and increasing the number of times per year that businesses will be allowed to have Special Event Temporary Signs from 3 to 6 times per year per property. Businesses will need to apply for a permit each time these are done and they cannot be placed within 15 feet of the driving portion of the road. (See pg 14-9 &10). They’re also allowing businesses to place a temporary sign just outside their door each day and bring it in at night (these were illegal in the old ordinance).

After much discussion about vehicles with advertising on them, they assured HBA Staff that this ordinance would not be used to harass businesses who have vehicles that are used regularly in the course of their business that are parked in their own parking lots. We wish they had put more specific wording into place about what exactly that means. If area businesses will help to keep HBA staff informed of how these rules are being enforced, we will continue to interact with the township staff and officials to pursue policies that are as business friendly as possible.

New Sign Ordinance Update

Highland Township is considering a revised ordinance which includes the sign rules for businesses. Some of the proposed changes for signs were:
- Some LED changeable copy will be permitted
- “Sandwich Board” type signs permitted near store entrance (must be taken in at night)
- Allowance for temporary signs (14 days, three times per year)
- Tighter limits on interior window signs (25% coverage)
- Six foot maximum height on freestanding signs (discourages new “pole” signs)
You can read the proposed ordinance here: http://www.highlandtwp.com/uploaded_pics/pdf-20100824095612.pdf

HBA requested the township board to consider revising the ordinance on several issues. You can read our letter here: http://www.highlandbusinessassociation.com/1/84/news.asp?artID=31937

The board discussed the portion of the ordinance that relates to signs during a special session on October 27th and decided to make a few adjustments including eliminating the tighter limits on interior window signs (it will remain at 75% coverage allowed) and increasing the number of times per year that businesses will be allowed to have Special Event Temporary Signs from 3 times to 6 per property. (Businesses will need to apply for a permit each time these are done and they can not be placed within 15 feet of the driving portion of the road)

It doesn't seem likely that there will be any further discussion on altering the sign rules. The board does plan to continue to discuss the other portions of the zoning ordinance at a special meeting this Thursday, November 4th at 5:30 at the Township Hall. At the end of the discussion, they may decide to hold a vote to accept the ordinance, which would be preceded by a opportunity for public comment.

We strongly encourage area businesses to review the proposed ordinance and voice your opinions to the township officials before this vote is held. You can contact the Township offices by phone at 248-889-3791 or email Supervisor Pilchowski at pilchowskit@twp.highland.mi.us (please send a copy of your email to the HBA at info@thehba.net). Attending the meeting is a great way to show the officials your concern. The Township Hall is located at 205 N. John Street in Highland.

There has been a moratorium on enforcement on the use of temporary signs for some time - which will end when the new ordinance is accepted. The new ordinance could take effect in as little as 7 days after it is accepted.

Pet-A-PALooza

HBA Halloween Pet-A-PALooza

Throughout the year, the Highland-White Lake Business Association develops new strategies to raise money for the annual Sparks in the Park event, along with new ways to network your business. This year, we are determined to host a unique, family event, for the community to enjoy in addition to raising money for Sparks in the Park.

The Association will be hosting an event in conjunction with Veterinary Care Specialists at 205 Rowe Road in Milford this Saturday, October 30th from 10:00am to 2:00pm. Halloween Pet-A-PALooza is designed for your pets, and will be a great opportunity for you to gain more knowledge and information, have a photo taken of your pet (or with your pet) and take your pal out for some tricks and treats. With local animal establishments among the vendors at the event, your special friend is guaranteed to feel welcome.

Prizes will be given away in the photo contest, there will be raffles, and one lucky animal will receive a gift basket, and the chance to ride on, or walk beside the HBA float in the annual Hi-White Parade. Some of our local animal lovers will include; the Silver Bone, Pet Supplier, Adopt-A-Pet, Kathy’s Klips and more. Think about our animal friends, and how you can become more involved! This event will be free of charge, but donations are always accepted and welcomed.



To find out how to become a part of this event, or to request more information, please call

248-889-1422 or at: http://www.thehba.net/1/84/news.asp?artID=31841