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bacc2work
news & updates
February 17, 2022
"In matters of style, swim with the current;
in matters of principle, stand like a rock.”

- Thomas Jefferson

On this day in 1804, following a tie in the electoral college,
Jefferson was elected President by the House of Representatives
Featured Events
Last day to register for Happy Hour
Wednesday Feb 23rd Yankee Air Museum, 5pm - 7pm
Happy Hours return! February’s is at the Yankee Air Museum! Your $10 entry fee gets you appetizers, drinks AND a chance to win Tiger Opening Day Tickets ...

Drawing for Tiger tickets at 6pm
Must be present to win
Opportunity for Improvement
Monday Feb 21, 6:30 - 8:30pm
Watch 2 great keynotes, and discuss how you can use these lessons to make 2022 your best year ever.
New Grants announced for multiple types of business
The State of Michigan will distribute up to $409 million of its American Rescue Plan Act funds as grants to eligible businesses who have suffered financial hardship due to COVID-19. The Michigan Department of Treasury is administering this grant.

What Types of Businesses are Eligible?
  
Afflicted businesses cannot be tax exempt. Eligible business include: 
  • Entertainment venues
  • Recreational facilities/public places of amusement
  • Gyms/Exercise facilities
  • Food service establishment
  • Cosmetology or barber services
  • Nursery dealer/grower 
  • Athletic trainer
  • Body art facility
  • Hotel or bed and breakfast


Under the Afflicted Business Relief Grant Program, eligible businesses in operation before October 1, 2019, may receive a percentage of their loss in total state sales through a grant. Eligible businesses that began operating between October 1, 2019, and June 1, 2020, may receive a grant equal to 25% of certain specified costs.


The application will open at 8:00am ET on Tuesday, March 1, 2022. An application must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. ET on March 31, 2022. Paper applications will not be accepted. Applications must be submitted online only. These applications are NOT first-come, first-served. Grant amounts may be prorated based on number of eligible applicants.
Advocacy
Great Market Insight
Our Corporate Member Alicia McGovern from Edward Jones, has graciously allowed us to share some great market insights. This is a fantastic look at what is going on the the stock market, interest rates, and inflation predictions.

Whitmer Budget Proposal Spends Everything The State Could Spend
February 15, 2022
(GRAND LEDGE) – The Governor‘s record-breaking $74.1 billion spending plan for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 recommends spending all of the $14-$15 billion in extra state and federal revenue the state currently has at its disposal on education, infrastructure, health care and other services.

Michigan is supposed to receive $5 to $6 billion from the President’s infrastructure law over a series of years, so Wednesday’s budget doesn’t allocate all of that money. 
However, everything on the balance sheet, with some minor exceptions, would go out the door.
The Secret to Sales isn't what you think
Best selling Author Bob Burg (Go-Giver Series of books) in a great interview with Success Magazine, talks about what it means to be successful as an entrepreneur. I highly recommend his original Go-Giver book to anyone that is in any position of leadership or sales.
Who have you referred lately?
Nielsen report that 92% of consumers believe suggestions from friends and family more than advertising. ... And 74% of consumers identify word of mouth as a key influencer in their purchasing decisions.

Below is a link to our member directory. Find one that you do business with, and put a referal, recommendation, or rating on their Social Media, LinkedIn, FB or Website! Go to Google ratings, YELP, or even your own page, and write a review. Your voice and opinion matter! Do this every time you do business with someone locally!
Michigan Mid-Terms Could See 16 Ballot Proposals
The 2022 gubernatorial election is shaping up to contain a record number of ballot proposals allowing voters to take on a wide array of hot-button issues.
  
A total of 16 proposals have been put forward to the Michigan Secretary of State with topics from dueling voter amendments to drugs and abortion amendments to a variety of COVID-19 pandemic topics and the raising of the state minimum wage. None of the proposals have been approved to appear on the ballot as of Feb. 7. 
  
The Michigan Board of Canvassers was expected to meet on Feb. 11 to approve language on several proposals.
  
The Michigan Board of Canvassers has received four ballot proposals to amend the state Constitution: 
There are three Michigan constitutional amendments up for a vote that have been proposed by the Michigan Legislature. The Legislative constitutional amendments have to be passed by the Michigan Senate and House by a two-thirds majority before heading to the ballot:
There are nine citizen-initiated state statutes that are heading to the state Board of Canvassers. These proposed laws can create veto-proof legislation that can be directly passed by the Michigan Legislature if they collect the number of signatures to end up on the ballot. If the legislation is not taken up by the Legislature, then the proposals end up on the ballot:
Member Promotions / Job Postings
Farmers Market Applications
Monday's June thru end of October
Our Farmers market is coming back this year, and the Chamber is a Signature Sponsor. It pays to be a member of the Chamber. You get up to a 20% discount if you are a chamber member for the full season or 4 week exhibit fee! Plus, advertising in this weekly newsletter and FB promotions!
Polar Plunge
Saturday 12pm BYC
Live Music 5-9pm
The Special Olympics Polar Plunge is this coming Saturday! The BYC is open to the public all day! If you want to watch the plunge, it is at 12pm - Come out and enjoy one of the best places on the lake. Live music starts at 5pm.
Paczki Fundraiser
We all love this time of year ... Paczki time. Get your order from the Rotary this year, fill yourself up in the various flavors, and help them raise some money for their club. Talk about a win, win ...

What are your favorite flavor and fillings?
Fair & Secure Elections
Nothing but the Facts
March 2nd - 7pm
This program will be a hybrid virtual/in-person program. In person attendees are required to wear a mask. The program will also be presented via zoom. Registration is not required to attend in person, but registration with an email address is necessary to watch via Zoom. Call the library to register and to receive your ZOOM Link
Thanks to our Corporate Members
Belleville Area Chamber of Commerce | bacc2work.org
248 Main Street - Belleville, MI 48111
(734) 697-7151