Special Events

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

Business After Hours
Chamber Annual Meeting
Economic Club Luncheons
Good Morning! Greater Jackson
Jackson Retail Success Academy
JAXPO
Leadership Academy & Alumni Association
MLK Diversity Breakfast
Party Politics
September Golf Outing
Speed Networking
Spring Golf Outing

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 and JRSA graduation
04/15/10 - Augustine Group at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney
05/06/2010
05/20/10
06/7/10 - Jackson Magazine 30 and Under
06/17/10 - Baker College
07/15/10 - Allegiance Health
08/19/10 - Country Club of Jackson and Citizens Bank
09/16/10 - M&G Kitchen & Bath
9/30/10 - CP Federal Credit Union
10/21/10 - JAXPO
11/04/10
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 Katie Holda at 517-782-8221.

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 at Michigan International Speedway

September 20, 2010 - Candidates Forum

October 21, 2010 - JAXPO Panel of speakers

December 6, 2010 -

2010 Sponsorships
To download the 2010 Economic Club Sponsorship form, click here

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:

ATHENA Award (sponsored by Lloyd Ganton Retirement Centers)

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)

Brick Award (presented by the Ambassador Committee)

Entrepreneurial Vision Award (sponsored by South Central Michigan Works)

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

Small Business Person of the Year Award (sponsored by Flagstar Bank)

2010 Annual Meeting Sponsors
Award Sponsors
Flagstar Bank, Lloyd Ganton Retirement Centers Inc., South Central Michigan Works!

Platinum Sponsor
CP Federal Credit Union

Gold Sponsors
Allegiance Health, Consumers Energy, Great Lakes Home Health & Hospice, Spring Arbor University

Silver Sponsors
Baker College, Bond and Company, PLC, Comerica Bank, Comtronics, Curtis & Curtis P.C., Dawn Food Products, Inc., Enterprise Group of Jackson, Inc., Jackson Community College, Jackson County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Jackson Magazine -Bar Sponsor, JTV, MACI, Michigan International Speedway, Moretz Technologies, LLC, Orthopaedic Rehab Specialists, P.C., Rehmann, Technique, Inc., Tripp's Auto Shop and Collision Center, Inc, Walton Agency, Inc.

Bronze Sponsors
Advance Employment, AMBS Call Center, Another Design Company, Commonwealth Associates, Inc., Fifth Third Bank, Jackson County Intermediate School District, Lally Group PC, Willis & Jurasek, P.C., WKHM AM/K-105.3

Program Book Sponsors
Cascades Humane Society, Chalgian and Tripp Law Offices, PLLC, Commercial Exchange, Commonwealth Commerce Center, Continental Services, County National Bank, Dullock Excavating, Great Lakes Home Health & Hospice, Inosencio & Fisk, LLC, Jackson Business & Professional Women, Jackson County Medical Care Facility, Jackson Public Schools, Manpower, Sylvan Learning Center, Willis & Machnik Financial Services

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

JAXPO

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

To download the 2009 JAXPO Registration brochure, click here.

Thank you to our 2009 Sponsors!
Title Sponsor
Anesthesia Business Consultants
Gold (Lunch) Sponsor
CP Federal Credit Union
Silver Sponsors
Jackson Magazine, JTV, RJ Michaels, Inc., WKHM-K-105.3-WIBM
Bronze Sponsors
106.9 HOME.fm, Hammond Hardware/Kelly Fuels, CP Financial Services, LLC
Business After Hours Sponsor
Orthopaedic Rehab Specialists, P.C.

JAXPO 2009 Vendors:
Premier Booths:
Manpower, Kentwood Office Furniture, Jackson Community College, Blake Woods Medical Park, CP Financial Services LLC - Bronze Sponsor, Best Buy, CP Federal Credit Union - Gold (Lunch) Sponsor, Spring Arbor University, Gordon Food Service Marketplace, Christoff & Sons, Allegiance Health, Centennial Wireless

General Booths:
Hammond Hardware/Kelly Fuels - Bronze Sponsor, Comtronics, TLC Eyecare & Laser Centers, Junior Achievement of the MI Edge, Eastern Michigan University, Comcast Business Class, WKHM/K-105.3/WIBM -Media/Silver Sponsor - Broadcasting Live, Birmingham Cosmetic & Vein Centers, O'Harrow Construction Company, Jackson County CVB, Jackson County Fair, Advance Employment, Brent D. Kelley Enterprises, United Way of Jackson County, MOS - Michigan Office Solutions, Allegiance Home Care Services, Anderson Insurance Agency, Jackson Community Federal Credit Union, Cassity Chiropractic, Jackson District Library, Jackson County Health Department, Another Design Company, JTV- Media/Silver Sponsor, Priority Health, PRO DJ'S LLC, Walton Agency, Inc., Rapid Refill Ink, U.S. Rehab Services, DBI Business Interiors, Baker College, Heartland - HCR, Lloyd Ganton Retirement Centers, Jackson Printing, Sam's Club, Dailey's Carpet Cleaning, University of Phoenix, Anesthesia Business Consultants - TITLE Sponsor, 106.9 HOME.fm - Bronze Sponsor, RJ Michaels, Inc./Jackson Magazine - Media/Silver Sponsor, The Ballooney Bin, Libra Industries - Work Apparel Division, Micro-Armor Lubricants, Legacy Printing, AOS - American Office Solutions, Jackson County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors, Taylor Rental Center/Party Plus, Allskate Fun Center, ADAM - Another Day Another Memory

Non-Profit Booths:
American Red Cross of South Central Michigan, American Cancer Society, Jackson Commercial Contractors Association, March of Dimes , Michigan Theatre of Jackson, The Dahlem Conservancy, Lifeways, The Enterprise Group of Jackson, Inc.

If you have questions please contact Angela at (517) 782-8221 or angela@jacksonchamber.org.

Spring Golf Outing

The 2010 Spring golf outing will be 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

To download the 2010 Spring golf outing registration brochure, Click Here

Congratulations to the 2010 Spring Golf Outing winners:
1st Place
2nd Place
3rd Place

Thank you to the following participants: As Of 3-10-2010:
Flagstar Bank - Goodie Bag Sponsor
Spring Arbor University - Players Cart Sponsor

Teams with Hole Sponsorhsips
Baker College, TDS Metrocom, CP Federal Credit Union, Certainteed

Team Sponsors
Comerica Bank, Jackson Community College, CP Federal Credit Union, Spring Arbor University

Contact Angela Machnik at 517-782-8221.

JRSA

The Jackson Retail Success Academy is now in its 3rd year. It is designed to benefit those who are new to the retail business. Our participants have been in business for less than 5 years, planning on opening a business or taking over a business like a father passing it to his son. Managers would benefit as well.

The JRSA gives the participants real tools in which to succeed. It is taught by local experts covering subjects in Administration, Inventory Management, Financials, Human Resources, Marketing and Advertising.

The class is 8 weeks long, beginning January 25th. The investment to participate is $750 and the return is $400 in advertising credits, $250 in trade show credits, memberships with the Chamber, Jackson Local First, Midtown Association plus a follow-up mentorship for 1 year.

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 received a chance to mingle with political candidates and have their voices heard on several key issues less than a week prior to the November 4 election.

The Jackson County Chamber of Commerce hosted Party Politics on Thursday, October 30, 2008 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at Gene Davis & Sons Banquet Center. The format was that of an educational and informational format that more than 300 Jackson residents attended.

In keeping with past tradition, a mock election was held for those races with broad interest and participants got 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 were invited by the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce to participate.

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

Cost was $5 at the door. Attendees enjoyed complimentary appetizers and a cash bar.

Thank you to this year's Sponsors:
Lloyd Ganton Retirement Centers, Lowe's, Spring Arbor University, Vista Grand Villa/Trellis Gardens

To view the mock election results click here

To view sponsorship opportunities,
click here or contact Angela at 517-782-8221 or Angela@jacksonchamber.org.

MLK Diversity Breakfast

January 15, 2010 at 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

The Eighth Annual Martin Luther King Diversity Breakfast was held at 7:30 a.m. on Friday, January 15, 2010 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 featured Tasha McDowell, the head women's basketball coach for the Western Michigan University Broncos. The MLK committee will also provide an overview of the 2009 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 2010 BREAKFAST SPONSORS:
Citizen's Bank, CP Federal Credit Union, Allegiance Health, Baker College, Center For Family Health, Commercial Exchange, Consumers Energy, Culver's, Enterprise Group of Jackson, Enterprise Holdings, Granger Construction Company, Jackson Community College, Jackson County Intermediate School District, Jackson County Medical Care Facility, JTV, LifeWays, Lloyd Ganton Retirement Centers, MACI, NorthStar Capital LLC., Spring Arbor University, United Way of Jackson County, Walton Agency Inc.

YOUTH TABLE SPONSORS:
Michigan Center Middle School – Comcast Business Services
Hanover Horton Middle School – Comerica Bank
Middle School at Parkside – Consumers Energy
Concord Middle School – Jackson Community College
Napoleon Middle School – Jackson County CVB
Jackson County Youth Center – Jackson District Library
da Vinci Institute – South Central Credit Union
Grass Lake Middle School – South Central Michigan Works!
Columbia Middle School and Northwest Middle School – Anesthesia Business Consultants

THANK YOU TO THESE 2009 CHALLENGE DAY SUPPORTERS:
Grantors
JCCF - Youth Advisory Council, United Way of Jackson County, Jackson Public Schools, Downtown Kiwanis Club, Michigan Center School District, Jackson Interfaith Peacekeepers, Jackson Junior Welfare League, Karen Richard of Culver's, Jackson Community College Foundation, Jackson County Education, Association, Michigan International Speedway, Baker College, Culver's Donation Boxes, JCISD - Kratz Education Center Employees, 2009 MLK Breakfast, Lenny's Sub Shop Donation Boxes, Save Time Convenience Stores Donation Cards, Industrial Steel Treating, Roberts Grocery Donation Boxes

In-Kind Donations
Baker College, Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, Jackson County Intermediate School District, Lifeways, Lenny's Sub Shop, MLK Recreation Center
Meckley's Flavor Fruit Farms, Sysco Foods

Individual Donors
Cathy Brechtelsbauer, Judy Reynolds, Jessica Stroede, Joan Stroede, Sharon Yates, Barb Hughes, Irene Hughes, Tom Hughes
Mary Soley

Challenge Day
If interested in the 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. 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 Leadership Academy & Alumni Association brochure, click here.
To download Leadership Academy & Alumni Association sponsorship opportunities, click here.
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 (4 hrs per month which equals 16 sessions)
You must work with a mentor. We'll help you find one if needed. Please write a 1 page report describing your mentor.
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
Attend one Legislative Committee Meeting
Attend two (2) Business After Hours during September ~ April
Attend two (2) Ribbon Cuttings during September ~ April
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. 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
Conflict Resolution
Team Building
Role of Nonprofits in the Community
Public Speaking
Public Service
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.
ALUMNI
There is a Leadership Academy Alumni Association. Next meeting will be Dec. 3, 2009 at 7:30 am at the Chamber Office.
If you are interested in being part of this association, please contact Angela Machnik at 517-782-8221 or angela@jacksonchamber.org.