Community & Member News

Brought to you by:

The Ionia Area Chamber of Commerce

A Word from the Director

I hope you all have had a holiday season filled with love, laughter, and making magical memories!

2022 was a rebuilding year for many of us; and while there will always be trials and challenges to overcome, we think it's important to remember to take count of all of the things we have to be appreciative for.

It can be easy to forget that other communities face their own unique challenges. For every person who compains about the community they live or work in, there is another person who dreams of being a part of such a place. We hear it time and time again from people who travel across the country to visit our community, people who relocated here from the city, or people who travel here to work. Our community is a truly special place that values community, family, and tradition. We have a rich history as well as a wide variety of opportunities for shopping, dining and recreation. We're a hub of industry-leading manufacturing and agricultural activity. Our area offers world class educational programs and a spectrum of state-of-the-art health care services. Government, Construction and Business & Professional Services are some of the other leading industries in our area.

We are so grateful for the opportunity to serve our Members and our community and to promote our many great assets.

Like many of you, we took some valuable time off during the holidays to spend with our loved ones - but that doesn't mean things have slowed down. The end of the year is always a busy time as we wrap up the previous year and update and prepare for the incoming year.

On January 14th , at the Annual Celebration and Awards, we will be officially releasing our 2022 Annual Report, 2022 Year in Review Video, 2023 Initiatives, 2023 Calendar, and more. Don't forget to purchase your tickets! You'll see more information about that later in this issue.

Before we continue, we'd like to send another HUGE thank you to:

Twinkle Town Light Tour Sponsors:

Greenridge Realty - Darin Elliot

McDonald's of Ionia

Holiday Shopping Passport Sponsors:

Sparrow Ionia Hospital

The Daily News

Quick Poll - Your Feedback Matters!

In the future, would you be more likely to attend the Annual Dinner on which night of the week?

Thursday

Select

Saturday

Select

What's Happening at the Chamber?

Member Renewal

Reminder - Membership Renewals are due on January 15th. Take advantage of our new Auto-pay option by adding your billing profile in the Member Information Center. Contact us with questions or concerns.

We're Hiring!

Do you know someone that you think would be a great fit at the Chamber? We're looking for part-time (~10-20 hours per week) help to assist with:

Primary:

Membership growth & engagement
Administrative/reception

Secondary:

Marketing & Communications
Events

Please share our contact information with any one you think may be a good fit!

Chamber Office

Please note that our office will be closed Friday, January 20th through Monday, January 30th.

2023 Annual Plan Highlights

CLICK HERE to view a summary of our 2023 Strategic Initiatives

Upcoming Chamber Events

January 14th: Annual Celebration & Awards at Shadow Ridge Golf Course & Banquet Center
Unable to attend but want to show your support? Consider donating to our envelope wall! (More info below)

2023 Chamber Ambassadors - Contact us to learn more about becoming an Ambassador!

Upcoming Networking

& Educational Opportunities

Chamber "U" - Maximizing Your Membership

Tuesday, January 10th | 11AM - 1PM

Power Networking Lunch

Join us for your lunch break at our monthly Power Networking Lunch!

The luncheons feature open and structured networking and will be highlighted by 3 presentation tables from members.

Cost:

$15 | IACC members*

$20 | Non-Members*

*includes lunch

$50 for presentation table (includes lunch for 1 and table for promo materials with 5 minutes to present)

Pre-register by 4pm on the 2nd Tuesday of each month:

(January 10th, February 07th, March 09th)

Legislative Update

Learn what YOUR state Senators and Representatives are working on at this FREE to the public monthly meeting! Local county, city and township officials, including commissioners and city officials are also in attendance to provide updates. Question & answer period at the end.

Wake Up & Shake Up Networking Breakfast

Starting in January 2023 - This event costs $5 per member* to attend

*Prospective Members are invited to attend up to two events at the member rate ($10 after)

Refreshments will be provided compliments of the sponsor.

Next Meeting: January 24th @ 7:30am

January Sponsor: Montcalm Community College

January Location: TBD

2023 Line Up:

January: Montcalm Community College

February: Habitat for Humanity Ionia County

March: PFCU

April: Small Business Association of Michigan

May: School of Missionary Aviation Technology

June: AVAILABLE

July: Portland Downtown

August: Pending

September: DOC Odds & Ends

October: AVAILABLE

November: AVAILABLE

Interested in sponsoring in 2023? View Sponsor Information - CLICK HERE

The Small Business Briefing

Airs Mondays and Thursdays at 3pm ET. Watch to get the latest news from SBAM’s Brian Calley and Sarah Miller, along with special guests!

Watch live on Facebook or register to watch via Zoom

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What Employers Need to Know Now - The Top Legal Changes and Issues for 2023

Date: Wednesday, January 18, 2023

Time: 10:00 AM

Location: Online

FREE to Members of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce (IACC Members) | $49 Non-Members

(Active IACC Members)

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Pooled Employer Retirement Plan

Date: Wednesday, January 18, 2023

Time: 1:00 - 2:00 PM

Location: Online

FREE to Members of the Small Business Association of Michigan

Member of the Ionia Area Chamber of Commerce are also members of SBAM through our strategic partnership

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Cybersecurity. 2022 Look Back. 2023 Look Forward.

Date: Thursday, January 26, 2023

Time: 1:00 - 2:00 PM

Location: Online

FREE to Members of the Small Business Association of Michigan

Member of the Ionia Area Chamber of Commerce are also members of SBAM through our strategic partnership

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SCORE Workshops

2023 Hottest Business Ideas, Trends, and Markets

Date: Thursday, January 12, 2023

Time: 1:00 PM

SEO Marketing for Small Business Websites

Date: Tuesday, January 24, 2023

Time: 1:00 PM

How To Create a Marketing Plan For Your Small Business

Date: Tuesday, January 31, 2023

Time: 1:00 PM

These are a FREE online workshops hosted by SCORE

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Free Confidential Business Consulting

Ambassador Meeting

Board of Directors Meeting

Events & Promotional Opportunities

The Annual Celebration & Awards

is the networking event of the year where businesses and individuals are celebrated for their achievements and contributions to the Chamber and our community.

Attendees will also receive brief important updates from the Chamber and will enjoy dinner, drinks and more.

ATTEND

Registration is OPEN - Click "Learn More" below to be redirected to event page, then click "Register"

General Admission - $50/each

Includes Strolling Dinner & 1 Drink Ticket

(arrive at 6:30pm)

VIP Admission - $75/each

Includes Strolling Dinner, 2 Drink Tickets, Invitation to VIP Reception @ 5:30PM for Exclusive Networking, Hors D'oeuvres, beer & wine sampling, and VIP name badge

It's all happening on Saturday, January 14th at Shadow Ridge Golf Course and Banquet Center...

Here's a Sneak Peek at what we have planned!

PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS

Hors D'oeuvres - Water Tower Grille & Smokehouse

Strolling Dinner - The Alibi, Four Friars, Linda's Corner Landing, Olivera's

Dessert - Mooville Creamery - The Udder Store

RAFFLES & DONATIONS

1) Fill the Wall Challenge (Envelope Wall)

Simply choose an available envelope, labeled $1, $2, $3.... up to $75 to donate online, prior to the event. Remaining Envelopes will be available at the event.

All Funds raised will support the Chamber's 2023 Initiatives

(All who donate will be recognized on the Chamber's social media)

CLICK HERE TO DONATE

2) Heads or Tails Raffle Game - $10/entry

Your chance to win an overnight stay at Tree Vistas Luxury Treehouse Resort!

As you arrive and check-in, don't forget to stop by and purchase entry into this fast-paced and fun game.

ITINERARY

5:30PM - VIP Cocktail Reception (VIP Admission Only)

6:30PM - Attendee Check-in & Strolling Dinner

7:30PM - Program & Awards Presentation

Welcome Address by Ashley Brownell, IACC President
Introduction of Board of Directors & Ambassadors
Year in Review & Looking Ahead by Kat Hansen, Executive Director
Award Presentation

8:30PM - Strolling Dinner Continues (dessert)

9:30PM - Event Ends

AWARDS

We are honored to present awards in the following categories:

Community Partner of the Year
Small Business Achievement
Emerging Business of the Year
Non Profit of the Year
Citizen of the Year

DONATE

We still have a couple of opportunities available to represent your business at the Annual Celebration & Awards! Contact us for more information

Learn More

Holiday Shopping Passport

Congratulations to our winners -

Ashley Reisbig and Heidi Wenzel!

Thank you to all participants and sponsors!

Twinkle Town Holiday Light Fest

Congratulations to The Whimsical Den - our 1st Place Business Storefront!

Honorable mention:

2nd Place - Brick Street Studio

3rd Place - SunTitle Agency

Thank you to all participants and sponsors!

Please Help us Welcome Our Newest Members!

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LEARN MORE ABOUT CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP

Or click here to schedule an appointment today

Member Employment Opportunities

Do You Have Employment Opportunities to Share?

ADD A JOB POSTING

Member & Community News

Consumers Energy Provides $7.25 Million to Help Michiganders with Winter Heating Bills

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Charles R Barker Jr DO Family Practice Welcomes Emily Wallace, PA-C

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Have News you'd love for us to share?

Don't forget to add it to the Member Information Center!

Add News/Press Release Now

Member Hot Deals

Great Deal at Tropical Smoothie Ionia

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FREE Emergency Ready Profile Advantage

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Have a Public or Member-Only Deal you'd love for us to share?

Don't forget to add it to the Member Information Center!

Add Hot Deal Now

Member Events

January 07

Community Open House

January 17

Alzheimer's Association

Caregiver Support Group

January 17

Euchre Tournament - Floral Building Fundraiser

Sponsorship Opportunities Available!

January 24

He-man Book Lovers Club at Steele Street Brewing

Have an upcoming event you'd love for us to share?

Don't forget to add it to the Member Information Center!

Add Event Now

Community Events Calendar

Saturday, January 14

Chamber Annual Celebration & Awards

MORE COMING SOON!

Hot Topics & Resources

Friday, March 24th

Lakewood High School

7223 Velte Rd. Lake Odessa, Mi 48849

Students from Lakewood, Belding, Ionia, and Saranac High Schools will be in attendance.

More details coming soon. Contact the Chamber if you are interested in participating as a business.

Check back next month!

**IACC Member Benefit Spotlight**

FREE ADVERTISING:

Business Listing
Landing Page
Share your News
Showcase your materials in the Chamber Lobby
Distrubute company promotional products through New Member Welcome Bags, Golf VIP Bags, and more
Display your membership decal/badge proudly!
Ionia Community Cash
Ribbon Cuttings & Celebrations
Membership Lists
Share your Events
Share Job Openings
Share Member to Member Deals and Community Hot Deals
Volunteering and Committees

AFFORDABLE ADVERTISING:

Website Banner Ads
Email Newsletter Advertising (*New)
Word on the Street e-blast advertising. (*New)
Welcome to Ionia County Guide
Premiere Partnership (*New)
The networking opportunities at mixers, breakfasts and annual events is top notch through your local chamber.
Event and Program Sponsorship

Don't forget to submit your jobs, news, events, and deals to the Member Information Center by the FINAL Wednesday of each month to be included in our next Newsletter!

As always, please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or comments

Kat Hansen | Executive Director

Ionia Area Chamber of Commerce

(616) 527-2560

info@ioniachamber.net