Special Events

The Jackson County Chamber of Commerce offers several events for our members to network and learn.

Business After Hours

BAH at EECU - A Community Credit Union
Business After Hours highlights a different Chamber business on the 3rd Thursday of every month. The business that sponsors the event opens its doors for Chamber members to get a behind-the-scenes look at its operation. It’s a wonderful opportunity to showcase an organization to the community and to mix and mingle with business leaders.

Cost to attend: FREE for Chamber members. $10 for Non-Chamber members

Click here to download the agreement to host a Business After Hours.

2012 Schedule
No January BAH
2/16/2012 - Resolution solution at the Jackson YMCA
3/15/2012 - Adjust your life at Cassity Chiropractic
4/12/2012 - TAX DAY Celebration
4/19/2012 - Leadership Academy Graduation - Michigan Theatre
5/17/2012 - County National Bank - Cortland Branch
6/21/2012 - Sleeping Bear Winery/Bad Bear Brewery
7/19/2012 - OSB Community Bank and Hard Knock Grill at Hard Knock Grill
8/16/2012 - Jackson Citizen Patriot/MLive Media Group
9/13/2012 - The Holiday Inn - 1 year celebration
10/18/2012 - JAXPO
11/8/2012 - EECU - A Community Credit Union
12/6/2012 - 30 and Under with Jackson Magazine - Jackson Magazine
12/13/2012 - Holiday Partner BAH

Sponsor information: Contact Angela Machnik at 517-782-8221.

Good Morning! Greater Jackson

Join radio personality Greg O’Connor and co-host Ric Walton as they interview sponsors live on 970 AM WKHM from Bella Notte Ristorante from 7:30-8:30 a.m. Good Morning! Greater Jackson takes place on the 4th Tuesday of every month. Members can sponsor a portion of the show (up to 5) or the entire show.

Cost to attend (includes breakfast): $10 for Chamber members. $20 for Non-Chamber members

2012 Schedule
1/24/12
2/28/12
3/27/12
4/24/12
5/22/12
6/26/12
7/24/12
8/28/12
9/25/12
10/23/12
11/27/12
No December

Sponsor information: Contact Susan Franck at 517-782-8221. Click here for sponsorship applications.

Economic Club Luncheons

December 2011 ECL - Dave Brandon - Athletic Director at U of M

The Economic Club Luncheon, put on by the Chamber’s Economic Club Committee, gives busy professionals the chance to keep up to speed with important issues facing Jackson business. Enjoy an informative speech and a delicious meal. Presenters are chosen based on the benefit and information they can provide to Jackson’s business community.

Cost to attend (includes lunch):
$25 if paid in advance, $30 at the door for Chamber members.
$45 if paid in advance, $50 at the door for Potential members.

Thank you to our 2012 sponsors:
Baker College
Comerica Bank
Commonwealth Associates, Inc.
Consumers Energy
CP Federal Credit Union
EECU - A Community Credit Union
Eye Services, LLC
Fifth Third Bank
Jackson Community College
Jackson County Convention & Visitors Bureau
JTV
LJ Ross & Associates, Inc.
MACI
Manpower
REHMANN
South Central Michigan Works!
Spring Arbor University
Tri-Star Trust Bank
Walton Agency, Inc.
Willis & Machnik Financial Services
WKHM AM 970/ K-105.3/WIBM 1450

2012 Schedule
Feb. 27, 2012 – BPW and Athena at Bella Notte with Dr. Betty Overton-Adkins with Spring Arbor University
April 16, 2012 - Dan Heyns and Randy Treacher with the Dept. of Corrections
May 14, 2012 – Randy Lewis, Finance Academic Chair and Vilma Edginton, Finance Professor - The Impact of Global Disasters on Local Busines
June 18, 2012 – Mark Hollis, MSU Athletic Director
Sept. 10, 2012 - Candidate Forum - State Reps
Oct. 18, 2012 - JAXPO Panel
Dec. 3, 2012 - TBD

ECL Sponsorships
This is a yearly sponsorship, not an actual per lunch sponsorship.

If you have an idea or speaker for a future Economic Club Luncheon: Contact Angela Machnik for consideration. Each topic and speaker will be presented to the Economic Club Committee during our monthly meetings where a decision will be made.

For Further information: Contact Angela Machnik at 517-782-8221.

Chamber Annual Meeting

The 103rd Annual Meeting was held on January 19, 2012 at the JCC Potter Center from 5:30 - 9:00 pm.

SAVE THE DATE - January 24, 2013 for the 104th Annual Meeting at the JCC Potter Center

Held on the 3rd Thursday each January, the Chamber’s annual meeting is an evening event that attracts more than 500 business leaders. It includes the installation of new Board members, thanking outgoing Board members and the presentation of the following awards:

ATHENA Award (sponsored by Lloyd Ganton Retirement Centers)
The ATHENA Award honors individuals who strive toward the highest levels of personal and professional accomplishment, who excel in their chosen field, devote time and energy to their community in a meaningful way, and forge paths of leadership for women to follow.
ATHENA Award Recipients are individuals who:
1. Demonstrate excellence, creativity and initiative in their business or profession
2. Provide valuable service by contributing time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in their community
3. Actively assist women in realizing their full leadership potential

Past ATHENA Award Recipients:
2012 - Eileen Lehnert, 2011 - Karen Dunigan, 2010 – Cheri Lyn Deary, 2009 - Patricia L. Anderson, 2008 - Kathryn Keersmaekers, 2007 - Nancy Cerqueira, 2006 - Faith F. Small, 2005 - Nancy Miller, 2004 - Manya Otis, 2003 - Judith Ganton, 2002 - Margaret Eaton, 2001 - Carolyn Bloodworth, 2000 - Ila Smith, 1999 - Sandy Petykiewicz, 1998 - Connie Poisson, 1997 - Patricia Willis, 1996 - Sandra Maes, 1995 - Elaine Truman, 1994 - Audrey Vohlken, 1993 - Rosemarie Herbert, 1992 - Delores Jackson, 1991 - Carlene Walz-Lefere, 1990 - Carol F. Kobert, 1989 - Linda M. Furgason, 1988 - Carol Moss-Cash, 1987 - Shirley Zeller, 1986 - Elaine Lewis *Year is when the recipient was given the award

Small Business Person of the Year Award (sponsored by 106.9 HOME.fm and Flagstar Bank)
This award highlights the role of small businesses in our community and across the nation. It symbolizes the personal strengths of owners and managers of successful small businesses. It represents the successful business person’s ability to see each business factor from every perspective while preserving the view of the whole. The criteria is parallel to those of the state and national small business awards, thereby making the Jackson recipient eligible for entry into those levels of competition.

Past Small Business Person of the Year Award Recipients:
2011 - Phil Tripp, Tripp's Auto Shop and Collision Center Inc.; 2010 - Michael Nevins, Full Spectrum Solutions, 2009 - Dennis DeCosta, Commonwealth Associates, Inc., 2008 - Jerry Malone, Orthopaedic Rehab Specialists, P.C., 2007 - Bart Hawley, JTV, 2006 - Kathryn Ring, Eye Services, LLC, 2005 - Kim & Victor Gamez, Mickey Wiginton, The Crazy Cowboy, 2004 - Ted Christoff, Christoff & Sons Floor Covering, Inc., 2003 - Al Cavasin, Great Northern Sentry Company, 2002* - Bruce and Sue Goldsen, WKHM/WIBM/K 105.3 FM, 2002* - William Deary, Great Lakes Home Health and Hospice, 2001 - John Campau, Comtronics, 2000 - Lloyd Ganton, Lloyd Ganton Retirement Centers, 1999 - Phil Willis, Willis & Jurasek, P.C., 1998 - Ric Walton, Walton Agency, Inc. * Dates adjusted to reflect achievements rather than the year award was presented

Albert Earle Ambassador of the Year Award (presented by the Ambassador Committee)
2011 - Terri Papiersky, 2010 - Freddie Dancy, 2009 - Dr. Michelle Shields, 2008 - Susan Franck, 2007 - Jamie Hill, 2006 - Tim Bair, 2005 - Camille Soles, 2004 - Deanna Leicht, 2004 - Erin DuBois, 2002 - Beth Philo, 2001 - Debbie Eccleton

Phoenix Award (presented by the Ambassador Committee)
2011 - Jackson County 2nd Floor; 2010 - Bhogi Patel with the Holiday Inn

Brick Award (presented by the Ambassador Committee)
The Jackson County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors are seeking nominations for the annual "Brick Award".

Past Brick Award Recipients:
2011 - Arbor Manor & Rehabilitation & Nursing Center, 2011 - Baker College Welcome Center, 2010 - Smarch Chiropractic, 2010 - Vandercook Lake Public Schools, 2009 - Comtronics, 2009 - Pool Productions, 2008 - Christoff & Sons Floor Covering, 2008 - Anesthesia Business Consultants, 2007 - Steve’s Ranch Family Restaurant, 2006 - Jackson Coffee Company, 2006 - Ella Sharp Museum of Art & History, 2005 - Michigan International Speedway, 2005 - Good Earth Real Estate LLC, 2004 - AMBS Call Center, 2003 - Wendy’s, Airline Drive, 2003 - American 1 Federal Credit Union, 2002 - Consumers Energy, 2002 - Highland Alzheimer Care Residence, 2001 - Allegiance Health, 2001 - Charles Finkbeiner & Associates, 2001 - Gene Davis & Sons Catering & Banquet Facility, 2000 - General Materials, 2000 - Sounds Incredible, 1999 - Divinity Design Studio, 1999 - Vermeulen Furniture, 1998 - Dennis Hurst & Associates, 1998 - Vista Grande Villa, 1997 - The Atrium, 1997 - Willis & Jurasek, P.C., 1996 - Rider’s Hobby Shops, 1996 - Commonwealth Commerce Center, 1995 - Sherry’s Shoes, 1995 - Midbrook Products, 1994 - JCC Downtown Center, 1994 - Dawlen Corporation, 1993 - Kellogg Crankshaft

Entrepreneurial Vision Award (sponsored by South Central Michigan Works!)
This award honors an individual or organization that has made an outstanding contribution to the entrepreneurial growth of Jackson County through assisting entrepreneurs to become successful by providing business, educational and/or community support. This award will recognize an individual or organization that has consistently contributed time, money, encouragement, and/or skill development to further the cause of entrepreneurship.

Past Entrepreneurial Vision Award Recipients:
2011 - William Deary, Great Lakes Caring; 2010 - Philip C. Wrzesinski, Toy House and Baby Too; 2009 - Philip Curtis, Curtis & Curtis P.C.; 2008 - Dale Moretz, Moretz Technologies; 2007 - Brian Surgener, Jackson Coffee Co.

2012 Annual Meeting Sponsors
Award Sponsors
106.9 HOME.fm, Flagstar Bank, Lloyd Ganton Retirement Centers Inc., South Central Michigan Works!

Platinum Sponsor - CP Federal Credit Union, EECU - A Community Credit Union, Jackson Citizen Patriot

Gold Sponsors - Allegiance Health, Consumers Energy, Jackson Community College, Tripp's Auto Shop and Collision Center, Inc.

Silver Sponsors - Baker College, Christoff & Sons Floor Covering, Comerica Bank, County National Bank, Fifth Third Bank, Jackson County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Jackson County Intermediate School District, JTV, Lally Group, PC CPA's, Priority Health, RJ Michaels, Inc., Rehmann, Spring arbor University, Walton Agency

Bronze Sponsors - Ambs Call Center, Another Design Company, Holiday Power Sports, Jackson County Medical Care Facility, MACI, Northwest Machine & Tool, Orthopaedic Rehab Specialists, PC, OSB Community Bank, Willis & Jurasek, WKHM/K-105.3/WIBM

Bar Sponsor - Jackson Publishing

For more information: Contact Angela Machnik at 517-782-8221.

JAXPO

Celebrating 22 years of Connecting Business Leaders!!

This one day expo is the Chamber's annual business to business expo, where businesses can highlight their products, services and talents to the business community.

JAXPO 2012 will be held at the Allskate Fun Center on Thursday October 18, 2012.

JAXPO VENDOR MEETING - "How to put your best foot forward"
This meeting is for all JAXPO vendors, it will take place on Tuesday August 28, 2012 from 8:45 am - 10:00 am at Bella Notte.

To download the 2012 JAXPO Registration brochure (coming soon)

Visit our fanpage on Facebook to see more pictures from the event.

Thank you to our 2012 Sponsors!

JAXPO 2012 Vendors:
Premier Booths:
General Booths:
Non-Profit Booths:

If you have questions please contact Angela at (517) 782-8221 or A ngela@JacksonChamber.org.

Spring Golf Outing

The Chamber's Annual Golf Outing will be held at the Country Club of Jackson on Monday May 21, 2012.

To get your Team and Sponsorship secured click here to download the registration brochure.

Schedule of Events
11:30 am         Registration Begins
12:00 Noon     Lunch
1:00 pm           Shotgun Start
6:30 pm           Dinner and Awards

The Country Club of Jackson
3135 Horton Rd.
Jackson, MI 49203

Thank you to the following participants:
Beverage Cart Sponsors -
Players Cart Sponsor -
Mulligan Sponsor -
Hole Sponsors -
Longest Drive Contest -
Closest to the Pin Contest -
Goodie Bag sponsors -

Team with a Hole Sponsors -
Team Packages -
Individual Golfers -

Contact Angela Machnik at 517-782-8221.

Hall of Fame – “IMAGINE What’s Possible”

The Jackson County Chamber of Commerce has partnered with Willis & Machnik Financial Services for The One Time Only Motivational Presentation by Martha Mertz, Founder of the Athena Award will be held on Wednesday, September 19, 2012 at The Country Club of Jackson.

The purpose of this event is to bring together the past Annual Meeting award recipients, Leadership Academy Outstanding Past Graduates as well as Business and Community leaders to “IMAGINE What’s Possible” in our community.

Schedule of Events
5:30 – 6:30pm           VIP Reception with Past Award Recipients and Keynote speaker (invite only)
6:30 – 7:30pm           Keynote Speaker – Martha Mertz, Founder of the Athena Award
7:30 - 8:30pm            Autographs and Photographs

SPONSORS
Title Sponsor: Willis & Machnik Financial Services
Professional Sponsor
Motivational Sponsor
Inspirational Sponsor

For more info on the event contact Angela Machnik, Events Coordinator 517-782-8221 or Angela@JacksonChamber.org

Jackson Retail Success Academy

“I would absolutely recommend it to everyone. I feel much more empowered as a small business in a bad economic time. I feel I have gained a wonderful support & a mentor system from this.” - Andrea Ramp of The Hodge Podge

Next session starting in January 23, 2012

Monday Nights 6-8:30 pm
Jackson District Library- Carnegie Branch Cost: $425 They say you don't know what you don't know. Let experienced retailers help you succeed. This 8 session program will give you the tools for taking your business to the next level and includes

• 24 hours of top level instruction on topics such as Inventory Management. Marketing & Advertising, Financials, Customer Service, Hiring & Training, Succession Planning
• A FREE membership in the Chamber of Commerce ($300 value)
• A FREE membership in Midtown ($50 value)
• A $200 credit towards advertising
• A mentor to help guide you through the trials and tribulations of retail.
Think about it like this... You're going to sign up for the Chamber & spend money on advertising so why not get all the free advice too? If you learn just one thing worth $1000 it pays for itself three times over.
We want our local businesses to succeed! The Jackson Retail Success Academy is a partnership between the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, the Midtown Association, the Downtown Development Association, Enterprise Group, MI Small Business & Technology Center and County National Bank.

Contact: Susan Franck or call: 517/782.8221

Speed Networking

Speed Networking is a structured, efficient and fast paced event where participants have the opportunity to speak face to face with 15 - 17 other business at a table, 4 minutes at a time. Picture speed dating if you like. It’s enough time to hear what the other person has to offer, say your piece and exchange contact information for follow up.

Cost to attend: $25 / $15 Members

Speed Networking Schedule

02/09/12
03/22/12
05/03/12
08/23/12

Contact Susan Franck or call 517-782-8221.

Party Politics

The Jackson community will have a chance to mingle with political candidates and have their voices heard on several key issues less than a week prior to the November 2 election.

The format is that of an educational and informational format that more than 300 Jackson residents are expected to attend.

In keeping with past tradition a mock election will be held for those races with broad interest and participants will get a chance to vote on any statewide proposals.

All candidates running for U.S. Senate & House Seats, State Senate & House seats, County Commissioners and JCC Board of Trustees will be invited by the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce to participate.

No speeches are given during the event, but voters have an opportunity to talk to the candidates in one-on-one and group situations. At the end of the evening, voting will be tabulated and announced.

Cost is $5 at the door. Attendees can enjoy complimentary desserts and drinks.

For sponsorship opportunities, contact Mindy at 517-782-8221 or Mindy@JacksonChamber.org

MLK Diversity Breakfast and Challenge Day

Martin Luther King Jr.

The 10th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Diversity Breakfast was held at 7:30 a.m. on January 13, 2012 at Gene Davis & Sons Banquet and Convention Center (3575 Francis Street). Our keynote presenter was Benny Napoleon, Wayne County Sheriff.

SAVE THE DATE - January 18, 2013 for the 11th Annual MLK Diversity Breakfast

The event is coordinated by the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and the City of Jackson Human Relations Commission. The MLK committee also provided a video overview of the 2011 Challenge Day program with 7th grade middle school students from 13 participating school.

Our mission is to promote community collaboration to reflect Dr. King’s dream and to motivate youth for service and excellence.

THANK YOU TO OUR 2012 BREAKFAST SPONSORS:

Corporate Table Sponsors
Allegiance Health, Center for Family Health, Comcast, Consumers Energy, CP Federal Credit Union, Flagstar Bank, Jackson County Intermediate School District, JTV, LJ Ross Associates, Inc.

Youth Table Sponsor
American 1 Federal Credit Union (Columbia Middle School)
Culver's (Michigan Center Middle School)
Comerica Bank (Hanover Horton Middle School)
Consumers Energy (Middle School at Parkside)
Jackson Community College (Concord Middle School)
Jackson County Convention & Visitors Bureau (East Jackson)
(Grass Lake Middle School)
South Central Michigan Works! (Western Middle School)
EECU - A Community Credit Union (Napoleon Middle School)
MLK Diversity Committee - (Vandercook Lake Middle School)
South Central Credit Union (da Vinci Institute)
(Springport Middle School)
(Northwest Middle School)
Jackson District Library (Jackson County Youth Center)

Full Table Sponsor
City of Jackson Human Relations Commission, Community Action Agency, Co-Sponsors Edwina Divins and Carlene Walz Lefere, Jackson Community College, Jackson County Medical care Facility, Jackson County Sheriff Department., LifeWays, MACI, Spring Arbor University, Walton Agency

Half Table Sponsors
Baker College, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Comerica Bank, Jackson Community College, Lloyd Ganton Retirement Centers, Nonprofit Network, NorthStar capital LLC, ServiceMaster Absolute Home & Restoration Services, South Central Credit Union, United Way of Jackson County

Challenge Day

If interested in the local Challenge Day project please visit The Jackson Middle School Challenge website for more information.

If interested in the national Challenge Day project please visit the Challenge Day website for more information.

If you would like to support the Challenge Day Program at the Lily Missions Center, please download the Challenge Day supporter brochure, click here.

THANK YOU to the 2011 Challenge Day supporters to date:
100+ Women Who Care
United Way of Jackson County
Youth Advisory Council - Jackson Community Foundation
Jackson Public Schools
Allegiance Health Community Projects Fund
Concord Community School District
Kiwanis Club of Jackson
Western School District
Comcast
Michigan Department of Corrections
MIS Cares Foundation
Jackson County Chamber of Commerce
Dawn Foods Foundation
Vandercook Lake Public Schools
Acro Legal Copy Service Inc.
Jackson County Education Association
Karen Fischer
Nancy Miller
Culver's Donation Boxes

For additional information please contact Angela at 782-8221 or Angela@JacksonChamber.org