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bacc2work
news & updates
May 23, 2022
“Freedom is the right to tell people what they don’t want to hear”

- George Orwell
Breaking News!
Meet the 2022-23 Chamber Board of Directors
At the May meeting of the Board of Directors two new directors were added! Let's welcome

Randy Brown, from The Gardener's Choice & Amy Lucas, from Steel & Stilettos!
Splash Pad Opens Soon!
May 27th - Labor Day
Wayne County's largest splash pad is here in Van Buren Township!
Pay Close Attention To COBRA Notices
According to a recent article in the Bloomberg Law eNewsletter, a rising threat of litigation is prompting benefits attorneys to encourage employers to pay closer attention to the details of COBRA notices they provide about how former workers can continue their health coverage. If employers get it wrong, you will be responsible for paying expensive penalty fees.
  
You can rest easy when you're enrolled in SBAM's COBRA administration. The software we use provides an all-in-one solution to ensure you remain compliant because it includes built-in risk management for federal and state regulation updates. 
  
Our COBRA team can assign custom permission settings and has the ability to track regulatory and system activities. This allows you to run various reports within our COBRA system and have a tracked history of every notice sent, including dates, as well as the ability to view a copy of the actual notice that was delivered. 
  
Your personal COBRA Coordinator sends all necessary letters and notifications, provides you with a monthly activity report and online access to their account, collects premium payments from the COBRA-enrolled beneficiaries, and helps with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network claims. Let our team manage all matters relating to COBRA administration on behalf of your small business – starting at only $35 per month with no initial set-up fees.
Click on picture for full itinerary, sign up forms, and check out our activity sponsors!
Our presenting sponsors ...
Our activity sponsors ...
News | Advocacy | Information
Call to ACTION !
Support small business tax relief! Call to Action!
While small businesses and workers across the state are struggling with rising costs, our state government is awash with cash. It is past time to provide permanent tax relief. SBAM is very supportive of this sensible legislative plan to lower the individual income tax rate, which is the main tax small businesses pay, while also expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit to better support Michigan workers and their families.

“Providing broad, permanent tax relief for Michiganders and small businesses is the fair and equitable thing to do and we hope to see these plans become law in the near future.” 
Going back to the office? What’s acceptable and what’s not?
After working from home so long, it appears that many have forgotten office etiquette. For example, the heating of fish in the microwave, eating tuna fish at the desk, or not showering before coming to the office. For people with olfactory sensory issues, returning to the office could be a nightmare. Then there are those who forget their decibel levels. They can be heard everywhere.

It is easier to be working from home. Screening calls is easier. Dressing doesn’t require thoughtful pause, and background noises can be ignored. Screaming at kids or significant others while on mute could be acceptable – but not from the office. It’s back into society, whatever that may mean today.
Do you need a marketing budget?
Many factors will determine what your marketing budget should be. You’ll want to start by knowing your business goals, and you can evaluate these goals by asking yourself the following questions:
Do you want to:
  • Expand your current customer base? 
  • Break into new markets by increasing your goods and services? 
  • Have a higher customer retention rate? 
  • Determine how much of your products/services you can provide in a 30-day window? 
  • See what your profits are after expenses? 
Pros and Cons of starting a business with your spouse
You’re supposed to choose a business partner just like you choose a spouse. Somebody you know well, who shares your values, whom you can trust implicitly.

So, why not just choose your spouse?
It is a choice that plenty of entrepreneurs have made—and seen great success. Both partners are fully invested in the business, full time. There is always someone to talk about the business, day or night. You have someone who understands what you’re going through at work and at home.
If you missed this ..
If you missed this inspiring talk, here is a link to a summary and the recording …
Member Events | News | Activities!
TODAY! May 23rd
10:30 - 12pm
Belleville Library
If you are just seeing this for the first time, this is TODAY … Networking and registration start at 10:30 at the Library … 2 great speakers on the market, economy, and what is happening in Lansing!

We have room if you have time!

Come on in, this is open to the community … if you are wondering what inflation, high interest rates, a 20% correction in the S&P 500 means, this might be a good place for you to invest an hour ..
Early Registration Open
Member Mixer / Appreciation Night - July 26th, 5pm
Early Registration is now open for our upcoming Member Appreciation night, July 26th at 5pm ... Open bar, expanded appetizers, entertainment, and networking.

Bring your spouse, a guest, or better yet - a prospective new chamber member. This is the night we celebrate our members and give you some insight on what you can expect in the coming year. $10 early registration!
Thanks to our Corporate Members
Belleville Area Chamber of Commerce | bacc2work.org
248 Main Street - Belleville, MI 48111
(734) 697-7151