Mason Area Chamber of Commerce | May 2023
*Photo Credit: Vision Real Estate
Mid-Month Update!
**Do you have news to share? Email news and announcements to:
amy@masonchamber.org!
UPCOMING EVENTS!
May 25th - Thursday Night Live Concert
May 29th - Memorial Day Parade
June 1st - MACC Mixer - Bestsellers Books & Coffee
June 2nd - MACC Office Closed
June 8th - Thursday Night Live Concert
June 15th - Good Morning Mason
Good Morning Mason! is a Chamber event with a quick-paced agenda of local news and community updates. Two-minute reports are given by select officials, sponsors, community members, and new businesses.

$5 admission for MACC members
$8 admission for non-members
Admission includes a continental breakfast
Admission is paid at the door. Cash, check, Visa/Mastercard accepted.
Invoices are available at business level or above.
NEWS FROM YOUR CHAMBER!
CHAMBER OFFICE - The Mason Area Chamber of Commerce office is open Tuesday - Friday 9 am - 2 pm. However, we are periodically out of the office for member appointments, please call the office at 517-676-1046 as needed.

CHAMBER VOLUNTEERS: WE NEED YOU!! MACC is in need of volunteers to assist at each of the events we host. Please let us know if we can add you to our list to receive notification via Sign-Up-Genius for alerts when we need help. And feel free to let your friends and co-workers know of this opportunity. Volunteering at our events is an excellent opportunity for you to network with others in our community. Please contact the MACC at masonchamber@masonchamber.org if you are interested in volunteering.

SHARE THE NEWS: Please share this communication with your employees, your co-workers, your family & friends and any others you think might be interested in news from our Chamber. They can sign up to receive future notifications from the Mason Area Chamber of Commerce via email by simply emailing their name; business or community connection with their preferred email address to masonchamber@masonchamber.org

MORE INFO & DETAILS: Available 24/7 on our www.masonchamber.org website and be sure to like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/masonchamber
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
The Chamber community extends a warm welcome to our newest members: 
**Nitrex,The Butcher Block Food Truck, Hometown Champion Fund,
Fifth Third Bank, MB Dental Solutions, Steed Entertainement, Print Tech**
MACC WORD ON THE STREET!
"The MACC is very involved in the community and super supportive of small, local businesses!" Amy Lark, Lark Farm
Modern Woodmen of America presents $2,500 matching fund project to the Mason Area Chamber of Commerce!
Thank you, Modern Woodmen, for your contribution and continued support!
NEWS OF OUR MEMBERS!
We are so proud of you FRC 3655 Tractor Technicians ! Top 8 on the world stage! Thank you for representing our Mason community and showing the world what #TractorNation is all about. You modeled the values of FIRST: discovery, innovation, impact, inclusion, and teamwork at the highest level. We are excited to watch you grow and return to the Enstein stage. Be proud of your accomplishments! #MoreThanRobots #omgrobots #PeopleofSTEAM
Magpie Tales gives new life to the Mason Antique District

MASON, Mich. — Mason is home to eight antique stores, and if there's one thing Magpie Tale's owners Teresa Bates and Tara Wilson know, it's that antiques are better when there’s more, and the same goes for antique stores.
Bates and Wilson were frequent antique shoppers at Simply Vintage, and they met and decided to start one of their own after overhearing customers inquire about the district.

"Where can I go next, is this place open, I’ve heard of this one. Can you tell me where there’s more shopping, so it was, it was just kind of meant to be," said Wilson.
But there is still a question to be answered, where does it all come from. Bates says most items come from thrift stores, estate sales, along the roads and even dumpsters.
"Sourcing is pretty easy, garage sales, people you know, your own house a lot of times just items you no longer want or need," said Wilson.

Vendors keep the space diverse as well, but they’re not the only ones lining the stores.

"There are vendors within these buildings that have been here for 30-40 years, and they have a following which helps," said Bates.
And many Mason residents bring items to be appraised after a loved one's death.
"All of a sudden you have this person's stuff, all their stuff, and you don't know what to do with it," said Bates.
Magpie Tales is also looking to open a retail clothing section in their store.

Want to see more local news? Visit the FOX47News Website.
The Kiwanis Club celebrated its 100th year of service with a ribbon cutting ceremony on April 28th, 2023, at the Kiwanis Club house. The celebration was attended by current and past members of the club, community leaders, and distinguished guests.
The event was marked by a keynote address from Gary Nesbit, who highlighted the achievements of the Kiwanis club over the years past and the impact it has had on the community. He praised the dedication and commitment of the club members to serving the needs of the community and fostering leadership skills among the community.
The event also featured presentations highlighting the various projects and initiatives undertaken by the club over the years, including community service projects and fundraising efforts. Attendees were treated to a display of historical memorabilia, showcasing the evolution of the club over the past 100 years.
In his closing remarks, President, Mike Waltz, expressed his gratitude to all those who have supported the club over the years, and pledged to continue the club's legacy of service for the next 100 years and beyond.
The celebration was a memorable and inspiring event that showcased the club's contributions to the community and celebrated its rich history of service.
Mason Area Historical Society Celebrates 25 years!
Mason, MICH. (WLNS) – The Mason Area Historical Museum marked 25 years of operations Monday with a ribbon cutting to ring in another year of collecting the area’s stories.
Members of the Mason Area Historical Society invited the public to stroll through the former church. Each room is packed with the history of the city and major businesses.
They said the building was bought by the historical society from the Christian Science Mason Society and opened in 1998.
Local and state leaders presented proclamations noting the society’s work in keeping the building running.
Society president, Charlie Herrick, said the building allowed for more space to hold exhibits and presentations.
“I don’t think every town in the country of this size would have this kind of facility,” he said. “We want to make sure it’s the entire Mason area and not just the city represented in the artifacts here and the stories we celebrate.”
Herrick said he hopes the next 25 years will bring more stories to share through the museum and monthly presentations.

Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News.
Wilson Talent Center Students Place
at SkillsUSA State Leadership Conference
Five Wilson Talent Center students placed in the top three in their respective categories at the SkillsUSA State Leadership & Skills Conference in Grand Rapids, April 14-16, 2023. Students earned the honor of advancing to the state competition by placing at the regional level. In addition, one student has advanced to the Skills USA National Leadership & Skills Conference which will be held June 19-23 in Atlanta, Georgia.
SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. A nonprofit national education association, SkillsUSA serves middle-school, high-school and college/postsecondary students preparing for careers in trade, technical and skilled service occupations. SkillsUSA serves more than 331,000 students and instructors annually.

The Wilson Talent Center students who placed in the top three in their respective categories include:
  • · Zach Fletcher (Stockbridge), Construction Technology, Second Place, Plumbing
  • · Anne Neverdusky (Lansing Sexton), Criminal Justice, First Place, Job Skills Demonstration
  • · Joshua Pillar (Fowlerville), Precision Machining Technology, First Place, Lathe
  • · Austin Primeau (Fowlerville), Precision Machining Technology, Third Place, Overall Machining
  • · Grace Reed-Smith (Haslett), Criminal Justice, Third Place, Job Skills Demonstration

Neverdusky will advance to the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference by placing first in her category. Pillar also placed first, but his category does not have a national competition.
“We are extremely proud of these students for their performances at SkillsUSA state competition,” notes Joe Wenzel, principal. “Their instructors have prepared the students well and they have demonstrated knowledgeable skills that will be beneficial to them in their future endeavors,” Wenzel also noted.
 

The Wilson Talent Center, operated by Ingham Intermediate School District, offers career and technical education programs for high school juniors and seniors who reside in Dansville, East Lansing, Haslett, Holt, Leslie, Mason, Okemos, Stockbridge, Waverly, Webberville and Williamston. Applications are also accepted from Lansing School District, Fowlerville Community Schools and Eaton and Clinton County schools. For more information, visit Wilson Talent Center (www.inghamisd.org/wtc). 
LAFCU has been chosen as the winner of the Michigan Credit Union League’s Innovation Award for its Shields Up! Campaign, and Ryan Larson, LAFCU director of professional services, was named MCUL Young Professional of the Year.
The award marks the fifth time in eight years LAFCU has been recognized by the state’s credit union trade organization as the winner of the Innovation Award. Shields Up! includes a variety of engaging tactics to educate LAFCU team members on what to watch out for related to cybercrime.
“Keeping our team well informed and knowledgeable about possible cyberthreats is the driving force behind the comprehensive campaign,” said Patrick Spyke, LAFCU CEO. “This recognition by MCUL of the Shields Up! campaign demonstrates our success in creating something innovative and memorable around the important topic.”
The Shields Up! campaign was inspired by the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency of the federal government. LAFCU’s take on the national effort featured a humorous banter between two of its IT professionals in a series of videos and eblasts to remind staff to remain vigilant against cybercrime.
MCUL also named LAFCU executive team member Ryan Larson the Young Professional of the Year for his exemplary service, dedication, and leadership to LAFCU and the credit union industry.
Larson serves as the credit union’s government affairs representative and leads LAFCU’s Professional Services Department.
“It’s fitting that Ryan was named Young Professional of the Year,” said Spyke. “He embodies professionalism and leadership daily through his mentorship of other LAFCU staff and credit union professionals, his dedication to his career and our organization, and his tremendous empathy for others.”
Larson is very active in the community and works to support and create positive change in the credit union industry by serving on a variety of boards and committees, including the secretary and political affairs forum representative for the Capital Area Chapter of Credit Unions; political affairs forum representative and MCUL Political Action Committee Board of Trustees; secretary for the Mid-Michigan Treatment Courts Foundation, South Lansing/Holt Rotary Board of Directors and scholarship chair; and co-founder and vice president of the Leadership Lansing Collective, an alumni group for the distinguished cohort.
LAFCU and Larson will be recognized at the Michigan Credit Union League annual convention, June 7-9 in Grand Rapids.

About LAFCU
Chartered in 1936, LAFCU is a not-for-profit financial cooperative open for membership to anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in Michigan and to businesses and other entities located in Michigan. The credit union serves more than 74,000 members and holds over $986 million in assets. It was named a Best Credit Union to Work For in 2020. LAFCU offers a comprehensive range of financial products and services as well as an expanding complement of financial technology solutions. Members enjoy benefits such as low fees, low-interest rates on loans, high yields on savings, discounts, knowledgeable employees and nationwide access to fee-free ATMs. A recipient of the national Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Community Service Award for credit unions, LAFCU enriches the communities it serves by supporting many organizations and causes. To learn more about LAFCU, call 800.748.0228 or visit www.lafcu.com.
TRUE Community Credit Union
Celebrates its 70th Birthday
TRUE Community Credit Union was delighted to celebrate its 70th birthday on Friday, April 28.
 
TRUE Community provided cupcakes and party favors to members who visited any of its 12 branches, and is hosting a month-long giveaway of $70 to 70 winners. The drawing is open from April 24 through May 21, with winners announced on Monday, May 22.
 
“We are so excited to be celebrating 70 years of being TRUE to our members, TRUE to our communities, and TRUE to each other!” said TRUECCU President and CEO Chrissy Siders. “I am so grateful to that small committee of individuals that met 70 years ago to form a financial cooperative to provide members with a safe, convenient place to save, and a source of credit, when needed, at or better than competitor’s rates. I am also grateful for all of the people that have come and gone, and still remain, over the past 70 years, who continue to provide that same vision, plus so much more! We can’t wait to continue cultivating legacy-defining moments for countless years to come!”
 
What began in 1953 as the financial cooperative Jackson Consumers Power Employees Federal Credit Union has evolved to serve its changing membership and has become one of the strongest and financially healthy credit unions in the state. In the fall of 2020, the credit union changed from a federally chartered to a state-chartered credit union to expand its membership to anyone that lives, works, worships, or attends school in Michigan and became known as CP Financial Credit Union.
 
More growth proceeded as CP merged with Washtenaw Federal Credit Union in January 2021 to become TRUE Community Credit Union. Today the credit union serves more than 65,000 members with $700 million in assets and 12 branch locations in Jackson, Ingham, and Washtenaw counties, and brings a combined 138 years of serving members, communities, and employees.
 
Visit www.TRUECCU.com to learn more about TRUE, its products and services, and the culture that allows them to provide the best service to their members.
ORIGAMI RECEIVES GRANTS TO HELP
SUSTAIN MISSION

Origami has recently received two generous grants to help sustain our mission and support various initiatives. The Community Foundation has selected Origami to receive a 2023 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Capacity Building Grant. This grant allows Origami to work with an expert to continue creating a safe, welcoming, and respectful environment for all individuals. In addition, Origami was awarded a $25,000 grant from General Motors for our Driver Rehabilitation service. Funds from the grant help to provide drivers education and training for individuals with neurological dysfunction and developmental disabilities.
IZZO LEGACY RACE RECAP

We were honored to be an Izzo Legacy Charity Partner once again this year. A big thank you to the Izzo family, sponsors, volunteers, donors, team members, walkers/rollers, and other community charity partners for making this event so wonderful!

VISION THERAPY

Origami’s specially trained occupational and physical therapists work with optometrists and ophthalmologists across the state to carry out customized treatment plans. In addition, we are fortunate to have two talented neuro-visual optometrists who provide monthly vision clinics at Origami Main and West for children and adults.
Call 517-455-0264 to schedule an appointment today.
ORIGAMI TEAM MEMBERS
INSPIRE EXCELLENCE

Natasha Huffine, Origami’s Clinical Manager, recently published a paper titled, “Examining the Evidence From Single-Case Experimental Designs to Treat Challenging Behaviors Following Moderate To Severe Traumatic Brain Injury.” Read the full article here. Victoria Fex, a Direct Support Professional at Origami, was recently selected as the recipient of the nationally competitive Barry M Goldwater Scholarship. Fex is an Honors College junior majoring in neuroscience.
INTRODUCE 100 NEW
PEOPLE TO ORIGAMI

Help us introduce 100 new people to Origami! We invite you, your family, friends, etc., to join us for a Moments Matter Tour. These 30-minute virtual tours are a great way to learn about our mission, the incredible people we serve, and hear some inspiring recovery stories. The more people who know about Origami, the more lives we can impact
JOIN US AT THE 2023
LIDS FOR KIDS EVENT

Join us at Lids for Kids – Lansing on Saturday, May 20, 2023. All kids in attendance will receive a free fitted bike helmet. At this family-friendly event, kids will have the chance to win a new bike, meet local law officials and firefighters, tour a fire engine, and more!
"
The American Cancer Society is attacking cancer in many ways. From funding break through research for new treatments, to providing patient programs and services, to advocating for policy changes that saves lives, and more. We are doing everything in our power to create a world without cancer. And we need more help from people like you.

Relay For Life fundraising is a great way to make a difference in the fight against cancer. And a fun event to join too.
 
The ACS Relay For Life of Greater Lansing communities will be held on Friday June 23, 2023, opening ceremony at 6pm to the closing ceremony at 10am Saturday, at the Holt Jr High School on Aurelius Road. We celebrate our Survivors with a special reception and walk between 7-7:30pm with check-in beginning at 5pm. to register as a Survivor and more information, or online donations, our web site is relayforlife.org/greaterlansingmi. The lighting of the luminaries will be at dusk and memorials soon after, weather permitting. Other planned activities Friday night includes, Silent Auction, live Dessert Auction, 50/50 raffle, and games and snacks at our team campsites. Winning raffle ticket drawings will be Saturday about 9am.
 Rain or shine, cold or heatwave please join us, walk the track with us to raise awareness and funds to ensure our Survivors have more birthdays.
Independents Month
July 2023
Independents Month is a time to recognize our locally owned and independent businesses and the community values they embody:

  • Their spirit of entrepreneurship, individuality, uniqueness, and character.
  • How they give back to their community with their time, talents, goods, and services.
  • How they fulfill needs that make their community healthier and wealthier.
Partners will receive:
  • A listing on our Independents Month webpage.
  • Weekly email updates with ideas on how to keep our message strong throughout May.
  • Campaign templates — including a press release, social media posts, and other materials.
CASA for Kids, Inc. is joining the Capital Region Community Foundations 35 Hours of Giving Campaign to increase our endowment fund.
 
$35 to build up CASA's future! 

For less than the cost of a family dinner out, you can ensure CASA has long-term sustainability and can continue changing children's stories in our community. Mark May 3rd and 4th in your calendar to give online or send a check via mail today!
 Reminder: Member Event. RSVP Required.






Hello!
SummitChapter 18353 invites you to join your fellow Modern Woodmen members at our next event, Dog Training Day!, an educational event for members.

When: Saturday, May 20, 2023
      01:30 PM - 03:30 PM

Where: Ingham County Animal Control and Shelter
       600 Buhl Street
       Mason, MI

The cost is Event is free, a donation for the shelter is appreciated..
Shelter dogs only are used for this training event. Humans simply need to come to class.

Join us for this FREE event! Bring a friend to enter prize drawing! Donations for the Shelter are encouraged!

Please RSVP by contacting me at (517) 881-3168 or cynthia.a.richey@mwarep.org. You may also contact Cynthia Richey, Financial Representative at 5178813168. (Note: This email account is not monitored. For more information, contact me directly.)

I hope to see you there!

Cynthia Richey
Chapter activities coordinator
Access your member discounts and benefits! Create an account at member.modernwoodmen.org or download the Modern Woodmen mobile app from your favorite app store.
WTC 50th Anniversary Car & "Big Toy" Show
SATURDAY, JUNE 10, 2023 AT 9 AM – 4 PM
Our summer camp schedule is out and posted on our website. CAMPS ARE FILLING UP FAST!!! Check out our schedule and register soon. A $35 per camp deposit is all that’s required to hold your spot. Space is limited. Register today and get your child signed up for some non stop fun at Living Arts. livingartsdancestudio.com
Dart Container Corporation is hiring
Dart Container Corporation located in Mason, Michigan is hiring. Interested individuals should visit our website at www.dart.jobs

If you have any questions, please contact Alex Darling at (517) 244-3210.

| Dart Container Corporation 500 Hogsback Rd. Mason, Michigan 48854
(833) HRC-DART | www.dart.jobs
Looking for a meeting venue?

Located in historic downtown Mason, Michigan, The Jefferson Mason is a beautifully renovated storefront and business center. Available for small gatherings, business meetings, photography, classes, networking and MORE, this multi-use space is rentable by the hour.
We're open, and ready to help you book your meeting or event.




Amenities:

  • 700 square feet
  • Private bathroom
  • Flat-screen television
  • WIFI
  • Conference table
  • Upscale modern furnishings
  • Catering partners
Rate:

  • $50/hour
  • $40/hour for 4-hour block
  • $30/hour for 12-hour block

*Your rented time slot includes time for both set up & clean up.





Hours:

Monday – Sunday: 8:00AM – 8:00PM


The Jefferson Mason
415 S. Jefferson Street, Mason, MI 48854
info@thejeffersonmason.com
(910) 650-132