special-events

Special Events

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

Business After Hours

Business After Hours

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

2010 Schedule

  • 02/18/10 - Allegiance Home Medical Equipment/Hyperbaric Center
  • 03/18/10 - WestWood Mall (old GAP store) and JRSA graduation
  • 04/15/10 - Augustine Group at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney at Night Light
  • 05/20/10 - Cassity Chiropractic Center
  • 06/7/10 - Jackson Magazine 30 and Under
  • 06/17/10 - Sleeping Bear Winery (2110 North Concord Road)
  • 07/15/10 - Allegiance Health Specialty Center (1201 E. Michigan)
  • 08/19/10 - Country Club of Jackson and Citizens Bank at CCJ.
  • 09/16/10 - M&G Kitchen & Bath
  • 9/30/10 - CP Federal Credit Union
  • 10/21/10 - JAXPO
  • 11/04/10 - JTV - Celebrating 10 years
  • 11/18/10 - TDS
  • 12/16/10 - Good Earth Real Estate

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 4) or the entire show.

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

2010 Schedule

  • 01/26/10
  • 02/23/10
  • 03/23/10
  • 04/27/10
  • 05/25/10
  • 06/22/10
  • 07/27/10
  • 08/24/10
  • 09/28/10
  • 10/26/10
  • 11/23/10

Sponsor information: Contact Susan Franck at 517-782-8221.

Economic Club Luncheons

Economic Club Luncheons

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 Non-Chamber members.

Thank you to our 2010 sponsors:
106.9 HOME.fm
Baker College
Comerica Bank
Commonwealth Associates, Inc.
CP Federal Credit Union
Envirologic Technologies, Inc.
Eye Services, LLC
Faith Haven Senior Care Centre
Fifth Third Bank
Jackson Community College
Jackson County Convention & Visitors Bureau
Laura Dwyer Schlecte/Prudential Premier Properties
MACI
Manpower
Rehmann
RJ Michaels Inc.
South Central Michigan Works!
Spring Arbor University
Walton Agency, Inc.
Willis & Machnik Financial Services
WKHM 970/ K105.3/1450 WIBM

2010 Schedule:

  • February 22, 2010: BPW/Athena Luncheon -Bella Notte - Philippa Webb, first lady of Spring Arbor University
  • April 19, 2010 - Full Spectrum Solutions and Heat Controller will dicuss “Going Green”. Then there will be a tour of the new Full Spectrum Solutions Building
  • May 10, 2010 - Steven Hogwood, Owner’s of McDonalds in Jackson. He will discuss how to survive in this economy.
  • June 10, 2010 - Roger Curtis, President at Michigan International Speedway
  • September 13, 2010 - Candidates Forum - Michigan Governor and 7th District Reps
  • September 20, 2010 - Candidates Forum - 64th and 65th State Reps and 17 & 19th Senate Reps
  • October 21, 2010 - JAXPO Small Business Person of the Year Panel of speakers
  • December 6, 2010 - Business Leaders for Michigan with Dave Joos

 2011 Sponsorships
To download the 2011 Economic Club Sponsorship form (coming soon)

If you have an idea for a future Economic Club Luncheon: Contact Angela Machnik

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

Chamber Annual Meeting

SAVE THE DATE: January 20, 2011 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 Board members and the presentation of the following awards:

To download the 2011 Annual Meeting Sponsorship Opportunities, please click here.

ATHENA Award (sponsored by Lloyd Ganton Retirement Centers)
Previous Athena Award Recipients:
Elaine Lewis, Shirley Zeller, Carol Moss-Cash, Linda M. Furgason, Carol F. Kobert, Carlene Walz-Lefere, Delores Jackson, Rosemarie Herbert, Audrey Volken, Elaine Truman, Sandra Austin, Pat Willis, Connie Poisson, Sandy Petykiewicz, Ila Smith, Carolyn Bloodworth, Marqaret Eaton, Judi Ganton, Manya Otis, Nancy Miller, Faith Small, Nancy Cerqueira, Kathryn Keersmaekers, Patricia L. Anderson, Cheri Lyn Deary

To download the Athena nomination form (page 2) click here.

Albert Earle Ambassador of the Year Award (presented by the Ambassador Committee)
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)
2010 - Bhogi Patel with the Holiday Inn

Brick Award (presented by the Ambassador Committee)
Previous Brick Award Recipients:
Comtronics, Pool Productions, Christoff & Sons Floor Covering, Anesthesia Business Consultants, Steve’s Ranch Family Restaurant, Jackson Coffee Co., Ella Sharp Museum of Art & History, Good Earth Real Estate LLC, Michigan International Speedway, AMBS Call Center, Wendy’s on Airline Drive, American 1 Federal Credit Union, Consumers Energy, Highland Alzheimer Care Residence, Allegiance Health, Charles Finkbeiner & Associates, Gene Davis & Sons Catering, General Materials, Sounds Incredible, Divinity Design Studio, Vermeulen Furniture, Dennis Hurst & Associates, Vista Grande Villa, The Atrium, Willis & Jurasek, P.C., Rider’s Hobby Shops, Commonwealth Commerce Center, Sherry’s Shoes, Midbrook Products, JCC Downtown Center, Dawlen Corporation, Kellogg Crankshaft

To download the Brick nomination form click here.

Entrepreneurial Vision Award (sponsored by South Central Michigan Works)
Previous Recipient of the Entrepreneurial Vision Award:
2009 - Philip Curtis, Curtis & Curtis P.C.
2008 - Dale Moretz, Moretz Technologies

To download the Entrepreneurial Vision Award nomination form click here.

Past Recipient of the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award:
2007 - Brian Surgener, Jackson Coffee Co.

Small Business Person of the Year Award (sponsored by 106.9 HOME.fm and Flagstar Bank)
Previous Recipients of the Small Business Person of the Year Award:
Dennis DeCosta, Commonwealth Assocaites, Inc.; Jerry Malone, Orthopaedic Rehab Specialists P.C., Bart Hawley, JTV; Kathryn Ring, Eye Services of Jackson; Kim & Victor Gamez & Mickey Wigginton, The Crazy Cowboy; Ted Christoff, Christoff & Sons Floor Covering; Al Cavasin, Great Northern Sentry Company; Bruce & Sue Goldsen, WKHM/WIMB/K105.3; William Deary, Great Lakes Home Health; John Campau, Comtronics; Lloyd Ganton, Lloyd Ganton Retirement Centers; Phil Willis, Willis & Jurasek, P.C., Eric Walton, Walton Agency, Inc.

To download the Small Business Person of the Year Award nomination form (page 2) click here.

2011 Annual Meeting Sponsors
Award Sponsors
106.9 HOME.fm, Flagstar Bank, Lloyd Ganton Retirement Centers Inc., South Central Michigan Works!

Platinum Sponsor
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
Program Book Sponsors

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

JAXPO

Celebrating 20 Years!!!

JAXPO 2010 will be at the Allskate Fun Center on Thursday October 21, 2010.

To download the 2010 JAXPO Registration brochure, click here.

To download the 2010 JAXPO ticket, click here.

Thank you to our 2010 Sponsors!

Title Sponsor
Anesthesia Business Consultants
Gold Sponsor
CP Federal Credit Union
Silver Sponsors
106.9 HOME.fm, Jackson Magazine, JTV, RJ Michaels, Inc., WKHM-K-105.3-WIBM
Bronze Sponsors
CP Financial Services, LLC
Business After Hours Sponsor
Orthopaedic Rehab Specialists, P.C.

JAXPO 2010 Vendors:

Premier Booths:
Advance Employment, CP Federal Credit Union - Gold Sponsor, AT&T, Manpower, Heartland Jackson, TDS, Lloyd Ganton Retirement Centers, Anesthesia Business Consultants - Title Sponsor, 106.9 HOME.fm - Silver Sponsor, Spring Arbor University, Walton Agency, Visiting Doctors P.C.

General Booths:
Freeland Photography, DBI Business Interiors, Jackson Citizen Patriot, Physicians Health Plan, County National  Bank, Brent D. Kelley Enterprises, WKHM/K105.3/WIBM - Silver Sponsor, O'Harrow Construction, Data Protection International, Aflac, Wireless Zone, Jackson Community Federal Credit Union, Another Design Co., Firekeepers Casino, Jackson Small Business Support Center, Art Van Furniturem, Baker College, Chalgian & Tripp Law Office, Priority Health, JTV - Silver Sponsor, Christoff & Sons, Rapid Refill Ink, Ganton Home Care, Cassity Chiropractic Center, Legacy Printing, Jackson Community College, Jackson Magazine/RJ Michaels, Inc. - Silver Sponsor, The Ballooney Bin, Gallery Place Apartments/Springbook Meadows, Chelsea Community Hospital, American Resources Group, ServiceMaster Absolute Home and Restoration, US Rehab Services, CP Financial Services, LLC - Bronze Sponsor, Sams Club,Allegiance Health,Allegiance Health

Non-Profit Booths:
United Way of Jackson County, Jackson District Library, Paragon Charter Academy, Jackson Downtown Development Authority, The Enterprise Group of Jackson, The Dahlem Conservancy, Jackson Business & Professional Women, South Central Michigan - American Red Cross
 
If you have questions please contact Angela at (517) 782-8221 or Angela@JacksonChamber.org.

Spring Golf Outing

The SOLD OUT 2010 Spring golf outing was held at the Country Club of Jackson on Monday May 17, 2010.

Schedule of Events
11:30 am Registration Begins
12:00 Noon Lunch
1:00 pm Shotgun Start
6:00 pm Dinner and Awards
The Country Club of Jackson
3135 Horton Rd.
Jackson, MI 49203

Congratulations to the 2010 Spring Golf Outing winners:
1st Place - American Office Solutions and Hirst Electric with -16
2nd Place - There was a tie
Spring Arbor University and Flagstar Bank with -12
 
Thank you to the following participants: As Of 5-14-2010:
Door prize sponsors – Citizens Bank, Country Club of Jackson, Jackson Coffee Company, Jackson Magazine, Michigan Theatre of Jackson, Orthopaedic Rehab Specialists P.C., Re/Max Mid Michigan, South Central Michigan Works!, United Way of Jackson County
Goodie Bag sponsors – Allegiance Health, CP Federal Credit Union, DBI, Firekeepers Casino, Flagstar Bank, Slingshot Transportation, Stanton & Associates/Wendy’s, We’re Better Together
Hole Sponsors - Chelsea Community Hospital, Dullock Excavating, MACI, Padbury & Padbury D.D.S., M.S., P.C.

American Office Solutions/Hirst Electric – Players Cart Sponsor
Physicians Health Plan Mid-Michigan - Driving Range Sponsor
TDS Metrocom - Driving Range Sponsor
Spring Arbor University - Players Cart Sponsor and Goodie Bag sponsor
Art Moehn Chevrolet Honda, Augustine Group at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney - Hole in One sponsor
Dawn Food Products - Mulligan Sponsor
RJ Michaels, Inc. - Beverage Cart Sponsor

Team with Hole Sponsorship
Baker College, CP Federal Credit Union, Certainteed, South Central Credit Union, Physicians Health Plan Mid-Michigan, Firekeepers Casino, Culver’s, Markowski & Company CPA’s, Rehmann, NorthStar Capital LLC, Lally Group PC CPA’s

Team Sponsors
Comerica Bank, Jackson Community College, Spring Arbor University, CP Federal Credit Union, Michigan International Speedway, Orthopaedic Rehab Specialists, P.C., Willis & Machnik Financial Services, Kelly Fuels, Fifth Third Bank, JTV, Allegiance Health, Tri Star Trust Bank, Citizens Bank, Flagstar Bank, American Office Solutions, Hirst Electric, County National Bank, Inosencio & Fisk, PLLC, Priority Health, Walton Agency Inc., Jackson Machine Tool, Christner Insurance Agency, EECU-A Community Credit Union

Individual Golfers
Wendy Zaggy, Ron Ellison, Gregory Shack, Tonya Neill
John Berkaw, Jim Sandy, James Dimmer, William Ives
Tom Norton, Joe Pudil, Al LaCrone, Mark Behm

Contact Angela Machnik at 517-782-8221.

Jackson Retail Success Academy

Congratulations to the 2010 JRSA graduates!

Admission Requirements:

  • Open to all Retailers & Managers (however service industry and non profits have benefited as well)
  • Must be in business & not just going into business

Retailers learn about a number of ways to improve their effectiveness in an ever more challenging marketplace.  Taught by local successful retailers and experts.

Topic include:

  • how to improve the cash flow of a business without adding debt
  • how to increases sales with existing customers
  • how to manage inventory so it doesn’t kill your business
  • marketing
  • operations
  • training
  • common mistakes

Cost: $350
Benefits:

  • Free Chamber, Jxn Local First & Midtown Memberships.
  • $200 in advertising and educational credits with sponsoring organizations
  • Follow-up, year-long mentoring

Next session starts in January 2011

Contact:  Susan Franck at the Chamber Email or call 517-782.8221

The JRSA is a partnership between the Chamber, the Midtown Association, Jackson Local First, the Downtown Development Association, Enterprise Group, MI Small Business & Technology Center and South Central Michigan Works!  We want our local businesses to succeed!

Speed Networking

New to the chambers schedule of networking events is 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: $15 per person

2010 Schedule

  • 02/11/10 - 12:30pm
  • 04/08/10 - 7:30am
  • 06/10/10 - 5:00pm
  • 07/08/10 - 7:30am
  • 08/12/10 - 12:30pm
  • 09/09/10 - 5:00pm
  • 10/14/10 - 7:30am
  • 11/11/10 - 12:30pm
  • 12/09/10 - 5:00pm

Sponsor information: Contact Susan Franck at 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 Jackson County Chamber of Commerce will host Party Politics on Tuesday October 26, 2010 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at Gene Davis & Sons Banquet Center.

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 enjoyed complimentary desserts and a cash bar.

Thank you to this year’s Sponsors:

To view the 2008 mock election results click here

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

MLK Diversity Breakfast and Challenge Day

MLK Diversity Breakfast

January 14, 2011 at 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

The ninth Annual Martin Luther King Diversity Breakfast will be held at 7:30 a.m. on Friday, January 14, 2011 at Gene Davis & Sons Banquet and Convention Center (3575 Francis Street).

The event is coordinated by the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and the Jackson Human Relations Commission and will feature a guest speaker. The MLK committee will also provide an overview of the 2010 Challenge Day project with 7th grade middle school students.

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 2011 BREAKFAST SPONSORS:

YOUTH TABLE SPONSORS:

THANK YOU TO THESE 2010 CHALLENGE DAY SUPPORTERS:
Grantors

In-Kind Donations

Individual Donors

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 this year’s Challenge Day Program(Nov. 1-4, 2010)

To download the Challenge Day support brochure, click here.

For more information please contact Angela at 782-8221 or angela@jacksonchamber.org.

Leadership Academy & Alumni Association

To download the 2010-2011 Leadership Academy brochure, click here.

To download Leadership Academy sponsorship opportunities, click here.

Thank you to our 2010-2011 Sponsors
CP Federal Credit Union
Consumers Energy
Acro Legal Copy Service

 Why Should YOU Register for the Leadership Academy?

  • Accelerate your leadership skills development
  • Expand your knowledge of the Jackson community
  • Identify personal passions and leverage skills to meet the emerging needs of the community
  • Have a positive impact on those around you both at work and in your community
  • Inspire you to become active in community efforts that will make Jackson a better place to live
  • Understand how to function in a changing workplace
  • Create personal goals which will allow you to reflect and assess leadership concepts and skills for your future development

Why Should You Send Your Staff Through The Leadership Academy?
Empower your employees to achieve all of the points listed above as well as preserve institutional knowledge, enhance diversity, and develop the skills that will allow your employee to go above and beyond for you and your customers. This will also allow you to provide challenging, growth orientated and rewarding opportunities for your employees. Your business will see an immediate return on investment from employees who are Leadership Academy graduates.

Are your employees worth this investment?

Expectations of Leadership Academy Participants
To get more out of your Leadership Academy experience, participants are required to complete the following activities during the program:

  • Attend all class sessions (two 2 hour sessions per month for 7 months)
  • Work with a mentor and write a one page report describing your mentorship experience.
  • Attend one Jackson City Council meeting
  • Attend one Jackson County Commissioners meeting
  • After graduation, spend time volunteering on a committee or on a board of directors at a non-profit of your choice.
  • Attend one of the Chamber of Commerce Board meetings. Must RSVP.
  • Attend one (1) Business After Hours or one (1) Ribbon Cutting

 Commitment:
Leadership Academy takes place on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month from September to April. The classes are from 8 - 10 am at Spring Arbor University downtown site 2nd floor, 113 W. Michigan Ave. Jackson. Light breakfast and coffee are provided during each session.

You can call the Chamber at 517-782-8221 or email Angela at angela@jacksonchamber.org for more information.

The Leadership Academy committee is always looking for knowledgeable and creative speakers for the following sessions

  • Business and Professional Image
  • Understanding Yourself and Others
  • Workplace Ethics
  • Generational Variance & Leadership Styles
  • Team Building
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Public Speaking
  • Stress and Time Management
  • Marketing and Media
  • Developing Your Strategy

If you are a knowledgeable and creative speaker or know someone who is please contact Angela at 517-782-8221 or angela@jacksonchamber.org.

Leadership Academy ALUMNI
There is a Leadership Academy Alumni Association.
The meeting schedule for 2010 is as follows:

  • March 4
  • June 3
  • September 2
  • December 2

All meetings are 7:30 am - 8:30 am at the Chamber offices.

If you are interested in being part of this association, please contact Angela Machnik at 517-782-8221 or angela@jacksonchamber.org.

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