Clarkston Chamber eNews Connection

October 13, 2009

Welcome to the Electronic Newsletter of the Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce

Take 5 (Five Fast Facts) 

1.  What a pleasure it was to support the local economy at the Farmer's Market in downtown Clarkston this year.  As the season ended this past Saturday, the crisp air was a reminder that the holidays are just around the corner!

2.  The downtown businesses are busy planning a Holiday Walk on November 7 with family shopping from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and adult shopping from 5-9 p.m.

3.  Consumers are 44% more likely to think favorably of a small business that's a member of the Chamber and 63% more likely to purchase from them.

4.  It's not too early to think about participating in the Holiday Lights Parade hosted this year by Team RUSH, the robotics team from Clarkston High School.  The parade is Saturday, December 12.  www.teamrush27.net

5.  Kudos to our Chamber President Johnna Struck and her crew at Changing Places.  They've been awarded the "Gold Quality Customer Service Award" at the Arpin Convention for the 6th consecutive year!

Upcoming Networking events

BullsEye Small Business Conference

Presented by Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce in Collaboration with Waterford Area Chamber of Commerce and Pontiac Regional Chamber of Commerce

Thursday October 22, 2009 7:30 a.m.-Noon Registration opens at 7:30 a.m. Full Breakfast Buffet Oakland Intermediate Schools MAP 2111 Pontiac Lake Rd. Waterford, MI REGISTRATION: $79 Save on registration by signing up and paying in advance EARLYBIRD REGISTRATION $40 (deadline October 16, 2009)

Featured speakers:

Event format

Plan to arrive at 7:30 to take advantage of the full breakfast buffet and networking opportunities before the program begins.

All presentations will take place in the large meeting room with breaks between speakers to allow you to get up, mix and mingle.

Exhibitors will find that this year, we are placing your tables/exhibits inside the meeting room (along the perimeter, so you are ALWAYS part of the action)

This event is open to everyone.  Chamber members are encouraged to take advantage of the nearly 50% in savings when you sign up with our early bird pricing.  (Early bird rates end October 17, 2009)

FLU SHOT CLINICS

at Clarkston Specialty Health Care Oct 14; Nov 18; Dec 9  INFO  Must call to pre-register for your shot

Chamber and Community Events

• OCTOBER 15, 2009 Chamber Luncheon Mixer at Stir Crazy Guest Speaker: Dan Elsea, President- Brokerage Services - Real Estate One   REGISTER HERE
• OCTOBER 20, 2009 Lion's Club Fundraiser at Pete’s Coney Island II, 6160 Dixie Hwy in Clarkston.  4:00-8:00pm.  The purpose of this event is to raise money for “The Vision and Hearing Impaired” in the Clarkston Area. 
• OCTOBER 21, 2009 Oakland Chamber Network (OCN) Business card mixer 5:30-7:30 Avis Ford, Southfield
• OCTOBER22, 2009 Bullseye Small Business Conference 7:30-noon
• OCTOBER 24, 2009  Trunk or Treat 5k/1 mile fun run Clarkston United Methodist Church Flyer  Registration Sponsorship  About Emily
• OCTOBER 30, 2009 THE 8TH ANNUAL WORKPLACE DIVERSITY FORUM 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (Troy)

NOVEMBER 3, 2009 The Auburn Hills Chamber of Commerce is inviting all Chamber members from Oakland, Wayne and Macomb Counties to join us for a  November 3rd  “Bounce Back” networking opportunity at the Palace of Auburn Hills.  The $35 price includes networking from 5:30 – 7:30 PM and the Pistons vs. Orlando game tickets.  Hors d’oeuvres will be served during the networking session with a cash bar available.  Everyone is welcome.    FLYER
• NOVEMBER 5, 2009 Rotary Wine Tasting at Bordines
• NOVEMBER 12, 2009 Chamber EXPO at Clarkston High School 6-8 pm  (5:00 Exhibitors' B2B Hour)

Clarkston News launches a Virtual Clarkston Shopping Experience.  

NoMall -- where local retailers can list (with pictures) inventory items to sell with e-commerce. This will be up and running by the end of October, in time for the Christmas shopping season.

The idea being, locals want, can and will shop locally if given more opportunity. They can now shop online locally from their home or office computers . . . save money on shipping, etc., by arranging a pickup time if they want.

Check out this flyer which includes an introductory offer, first come first serve. Once you look at what we're giving to launch this, you'll see why we can only offer it for a short while!

Churches, schools to offer career transition series

A group of local churches, in partnership with Clarkston Schools, will present a series of five sessions called “Take Charge of Your Career Transition.”

The series, sponsored by Clarkston Schools and Steeples, covers several aspects of career transition, ranging from job search to finances to inventorying one’s skills and interests. Experts in the various areas will lead the sessions.

The weekly sessions, which begin Tuesday, Oct. 6, are open to everyone at no charge. Each session will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Clarkston Junior High School, 6595 Waldon Rd., Clarkston, Mich., 48346. CJHS is located behind Clarkston Elementary School.

The following sessions are scheduled:

Oct. 13 – So You’re Thinking About a Career Change?

Oct. 20 – Utilizing Recruiters in Your Job Search

Oct. 27 – Your Finances in Transition

Nov. 3 – Basics of Résumé Writing & Marketing Material

Clarkston Schools and Steeples is a partnership of Clarkston Community Schools, Church of the Resurrection, Clarkston Community Church, Clarkston Free Methodist Church, Clarkston United Methodist Church and St. Daniel Catholic Church.

For more information, call (248) 625-1611, ext. 226.  FLYER