Vol. 4, March 2009 "On-line" Newsletter
Features:
1. Brian Braddock Joins NLEA Staff Team
2. Save the Date - NLEA Annual Lunch, May 11
3. New Program Provides Single Point of Entry for Business Services
4. Manufacturers! Learn How to Diversify Your Customer Base
5. Government Contracts - Yes...Local Companies are Getting Them!
6. Great Workshops, Seminars & Conferences
7. East Jordan Chamber Recognizes NLEA with "Annual President's Award"
1. Brian Braddock Joins NLEA Staff Team
Brian Braddock, long time Petoskey banker has joined the NLEA as the “Acting Director” for the NLEA Entrepreneurial Division. Braddock will serve in that capacity until the search process is completed for a permanent director to replace Lori Meeder, who will be leaving the NLEA at the end of March.
“We are delighted to have Brian step up and help us out during this transition period” stated NLEA President Andy Hayes. “Brian brings a wealth of proven expertise, knows the area and our organization, and will be able to hit the ground running.”
Brian Braddock can be contacted at: brian@northernlakes.net or 231-582-6482.
2. Save the Date - NLEA Annual Lunch, May 11
Save the date and plan on attending the annual NLEA Annual Lunch, Monday, May 11, at Boyne Mountain. Join the over 300 local, state and federal business, community and government leaders interested in economic development in our region. A “can’t miss” event, more details and ticket information will be released soon.
3. Michigan Opens New "Business One-Stop"
Governor Jennifer M. Granholm unveiled "Michigan Business One Stop", a one-of-its-kind program that reforms the way companies will now do business with the state of Michigan. As the governor called for in her 2008 State of the State address, the program provides more than 650,000 businesses across Michigan with a single source for government information and services they need.
"Our one-stop-shop for business represents a significant reform in how we are serving the business community," Granholm said. "We've streamlined our operations and created a single point of entry to state government for businesses that call Michigan home or those looking to establish a presence in our state."
Michigan Business One Stop is an online service that guides users who want to start, operate or expand a business in Michigan. Business owners can apply for or renew permits and licenses, file annual reports and pay unemployment taxes, or any other fees they are subject to under state law. Information is shared across state departments with one, easy e-payment system, and the site provides businesses information about transaction status in a new, paperless environment.
In addition to the new web site, the program offers a staffed consolidated call center .
Michigan Business One Stop can be found at http://www.michigan.gov/business
4. Manufacturers! Learn How to Diversify Your Customer Base
Every business is concerned about having too many eggs in one basket. If you are too, then help is on the way. The MI Economic Dev Corp (MEDC) has launched a “traveling road show” of Manufacturing Diversification Summits.
Experts will be on hand to show manufactures the opportunities that exist to produce parts within four main focus areas: Aerospace, Medical Devices, Government Contracts and Alternative Energy.
Sessions are conducted monthly around the state and on July 15 will be held in our area. For complete details and list of all sessions and locations click on the flyer below.
To see a quick explanation via You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppmJIAgxSGs
5. Government Contracts - Yes...Local Companies are Getting Them!
Government contracts are a great way to diversify your customer base. Our local PTAC (Procurement Technical Assistance Center) reps conduct regular business hours at the NLEA office and other locations around the region. If you’re at all interested, we highly recommend attending one of the free sessions to learn what it takes. There are several local companies of all sizes that have recently received contracts. There is plenty of assistance available. For information on when the sessions are please see the flyer below.
PTAC Monthly Workshops - Charlevoix Co.Click here to Download
6. Great Workshops, Seminars & Conferences
Click below for location, complete details and how to register.
March 26: Wind & Bio-Energy Workshop
March 31: Michigan Agri-Energy Conference
March 31 & April 7: Looking for Highly Qualified Employees? MI Works hosts 2 Job Fairs
April 2: Cheboygan & Presque Isle Co. Spring Job Fair
April 7: Bidmatch - Locating Government Contracts for Your Business
April 21-23: 5th Annual Small Town and Rural Development Conference
April 21 & 23: Unemployment Law - What Every Employer Needs to Know
April 22: Human Resource Mistakes to Avoid
April 22: How to Start a New Business
7. East Jordan Chamber Recognizes NLEA with “Annual President’s Award”
At their annual meeting, Mary Faculak, President of the the East Jordan Chamber presented the NLEA with its annual President’s Award.
In Mary Faculak’s own words:
“Looking back over my 2008 daily schedule and reviewing the multitude of meetings and projects that I attended or participated in appeared a common thread or connection throughout the entire year. In this time of change and reinvention we are being told building partnerships, collaboration and talent sharing are critical for businesses and communities to move forward and succeed. I’m very confident in saying that in our area we figured out this concept long ago and we have been implementing this program of work for many years. Our Chamber and region is very fortunate to have a partner organization that has been a vital part of our economic development in our communities for the past 25 years. Not a week goes by that I am not calling or meeting with a team member of this organization. Whether it is working with a team member on a business counseling session, “How to Start a Business Class”, grant writing, agri-business question, incubator prospect, business retention contact, Breezeway Task Force meeting, Hotel Task Force brainstorming, Business Resource Library preparation and set-up, Financial Lending update plus much more. This organization is truly my partner on a daily basis and the spirit of cooperation, the level of professionalism and commitment to their entire four county service area is remarkable.
The members of this organization are not only members of their team, but they have ALL become entrenched in the community’s teams that they have partnered with. ALL of these vivacious individuals have become familiar, helpful faces to not only community leaders, but also to inspiring entrepreneurs and long time business and industrial owners. It is with much gratitude and appreciation that I present the 2009 President’s Award to the Northern Lakes Economic Alliance - Andy Hayes – Executive Director and his ENTIRE TEAM.”
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