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December 2015 Volume 15, Issue 12
Chamber Insider
Chris Heugel, President
Executive Board
Dr. Todd Christy, Chair
Fred Welch, Vice Chair
Phil Laney, Treasurer
Lesa Phillips, Secretary
David Krock, Past Chair
Inside this issue:
December recap 1
Holiday Safety 2
New Members
SLN, Calling all experts
3
November Events Re-
cap
4
November Calendar 5
December Calendar 6
HR Summit 7
Member Job Postings
Hot Deals
8
Senior PGA Small
Business Initiative
9
Whirlpool Holiday Mar-
ket
10
Export 201 11
Chamber YP
Member news
12
Greetings Cornerstone Chamber of Commerce Members!
It’s been a year already! As usual there is lots happening with the Cornerstone Chamber of Commerce.
The chamber continues to grow every week, there are several projects in the works for our members
and we are in the midst of planning some fantastic member programs in 2016! Hint, look at the ad
above. I can tell you that we couldn’t be more thrilled to bring back the Disney Institute to Southwest
Michigan after 10 years to the date!
We continue to keep our members busy with events, this Thursday, December 3rd from 5-7pm we are
hosting an Ugly Sweater Party and Toy Drive for the Cornerstone Chamber Young Professionals at
Round Barn Public House in Baroda.
Friday December 4th is Networking Group at Planks Tavern at the Inn at Harbor Shores at 7:30a . If you
can’t make that one we have our final Networking Group of the year at Lake Michigan Hills Golf Club
December 15th.
Wednesday, December 9th is our next Business After Hours at Slumberland Furniture.
We have two ribbon cuttings this month; December 11th at the new Wire-less Land on Niles at 1pm
and on December 17th at 4pm the YMCA in St. Joseph.
Tickets are now on sale for the Business Recognition Breakfast on February 11th.
Don’t forget that Friday the 11th is the deadline to get your nominations in!
I know the question on everyone’s mind is “ When will we be getting renewals for 2016?” Have no fear
they are on the way! This year memberships are changing to a tier program, this is of course after
careful consideration from the board and membership committee. This will allow members to par-
ticipate more in benefits and chamber activities that best suit your specific business needs, it also gives
you the option to bundle marketing opportunities, and assists budgeting in chamber event premier
sponsorships. Within the next few weeks you should receive an invoice and letter in the mail. We have
done our best to keep your membership inline with what your current dues are based off of your cur-
rent account. Once you receive it if you have any questions you can contact me and I’d be happy to
assist. You can also view the new programs at www.cornerstonechamber.com
In this issue there is a lot. You’ll find everything from holiday safety tips, event information, member job
posting, and lots of chamber member opportunities. Keep up with the involvement and please keep
sending us your feedback; we are listening. There’s tons of exciting things coming to the Cornerstone
Chamber of Commerce and we sincerely hope that you continue to grow with us. Please feel free to
contact either one of us if there is anything you need.
Thanks for a great year everyone! Looking forward to working for all of you in 2016.
Sincerely,
Patricia Muellen, Director- Cornerstone Chamber of Commerce
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DESIGNATE A DRIVER THIS HOLIDAY SEASON As family and friends reunite this holiday season the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association and Sheriff Bailey want you to know if you drive drunk
you will be arrested and prosecuted. Berrien County Deputies will be out in full force to prevent impaired driving. If you are arrested the
cost of your defense and potential fines can be thousands of dollars and you could lose your driving privileges forever.
The winter holidays are among the deadliest times of the year due to increased incidences of impaired driving. Many people simply
do not realize the consequences of driving after drinking. The statistics from 2014 are alarming: 806 people were killed and over 9,200 were
injured in alcohol related crashes last year in Michigan.
If you are impaired Sheriff Bailey encourages you to either take a cab home, have a sober designated driver take you home or stay
the night where you are.
“Drunk driving has a devastating effect on our community,” said Sheriff Bailey. “Deputies will make every effort to keep the roads
in Berrien County safe by arresting those irresponsible individuals that make the decision to drive after drinking.”
CONTACT: SHERIFF BAILEY 269.983.7141 For more safety tips Sheriff Bailey encourages residents to visit www.bcsheriff.org, Facebook and The Michigan Sheriffs’ Association web-
site at www.misheriff.org where you can sign up to receive monthly newsletters. Founded in 1877 the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association is the
oldest law enforcement organization in Michigan.
Chamber Insider
SHERIFF BAILEY URGES HOLIDAY SHOPPERS TO STAY SAFE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 11-25-15 The holidays, a time for cheer, hope and joy, are here, but with
them can come an increase in crime. “Crooks love the holidays as much as everyone else because they
represent an increased opportunity for crime,” said Sheriff Bailey. To help your shopping go safely Sheriff
Bailey offers the following tips:
Stay alert and be aware of what’s going on around you.
Deter pickpockets and purse-snatchers. Carry a purse close to your body and zipped up.
Put your wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket.
Never leave your purse unattended in a shopping cart. Keep it zipped and secured with baby strap.
Never carry large amounts of cash. Whenever possible use credit cards, debit cards or checks.
Park in a well-lighted space, and be sure to lock vehicle, cover bags and gifts or put in the trunk.
When returning to your car or home always have your keys in hand, ready to open the door.
Before entering your vehicle check the front and rear of the vehicle for anyone that may be hiding there.
Shop with friends or relatives. There is safety in numbers.
Teach your children to go to a store clerk, security guard or front counter in case you get separated.
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Welcome Our Newest Members!
It’s officially holiday crunch time! With 50% of holiday shoppers browsing and shopping online this year, there’s no better time to pump up your online marketing on Save Local Now!
Make sure your business is found:
1. Claim Your Business: sign in and update your business profile. Boost your localized Search Engine Optimization by
adding a detailed business description and keywords. Hint: a keyword is anything a consumer would search for to find that specific business.
2. Create a post: it’s important to remember that a post can be anything! A deal, a discount, a promotion, or a simple “Happy Holidays!” post is a great way to show your personality and commitment to the local community.
3. Share the post: Make it easy for customers to find what they’re looking for by sending targeted promotions to their
inbox and sharing your promotions on social media. FACT: 70% of holiday shoppers are searching on social media to find the perfect gift. Wishing you a holly jolly!
Holiday Sales with Save Local Now!
Are you an expert ?
We are looking for chamber members to facilitate one-hour
educational sessions and or workshops in 2016. If you are an
expert in your field and wish to be considered please send the
following:
Name, Title, Business
Experience Level/ Background
Subject for class with a brief description of content
Email: [email protected]
INSPIRED MINDS HYPNOTHERAPY
CONSIQUENTIAL MINDS
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Volume 15, Issue 12
Thank you to The Boulevard Inn & Bistro for a great Business After Hours!
After Hours!
The next Business
After Hours December 9th Click here TO
register. 5-7pm
Slumberland Furniture
Thank you to The Bread Bar for hosting our FIRST Chamber Young Professionals!
After Hours!
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December
Benton Harbor City Council 7 p.m. St. Joe Charter Township Board 7 p.m.
Benton Town-ship Board meeting 5:30 pm
St. Joseph City Commission 6 p.m.
Benton Township Board meeting
1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
27 28 29 30 31
St. Joseph City Commission 6 p.m.
Benton Harbor City Council 7 p.m.
Chamber 101 12-1
Business After Hours Slumberland Furniture
Merry Christmas! Chamber Closed
Chamber Young Professionals at Public House
November Ribbon Cuttings
Chamber closed
Networking Group Live Mannequins
Reindog Holiday Parade
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Member Job Postings!
Slumberland Furniture– Sales Associate Gianola Investments– Full Time carpenters
Taylor Rentals– Driver & Warehouse Midwest Family Broadcasting– Seeking Qualified Sales
Renaissance Athletic Club– Massage Therapist Western & Southern Life- Financial Representative
Universal Induction- Office Manager Mass Mutual– Financial Services
Lakeland Health– Registered Nurse 2016 Senior PGA Championship–Championship Sales Coordinator
American Electric Power-AEP Careers Berrien RESA– Administrative Assistant
SWMI Regional Airport– Part to Full time Seasonal Pro Muffler & Break Shop - Auto & Light Truck Mechanic
Ocean Clean Janitorial– Part Time
**View and Post your jobs now on cornerstonechamber.com
Fall Trade Fair photos 10/13/15 For more visit facebook.com/cornerstonechamber.com
OxiFresh Carpet Cleaning– 20% off first cleaning for chamber members
Small Business Initiative- 2016 Senior PGA Hospitality Tickets 1/2 off for chamber members!
$8 movie tickets– Buy 2 through the chamber get FREE popcorn in December
Edible Arrangements- $50 Gift certificate for only $30!
Tickets are now $8.00 each!
Buy movie 2 tickets in the month of December from the chamber get a popcorn voucher
free!
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This is a paid member advertisement
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We want to recognize your achievements!
Business expansions, professional certifications or credentials, industry
recognition and services donated are some examples.
Submit your business news to [email protected]
Kenny Lomonaco is an Electronic Health Record (EHR) Manager at Lakeland
Health. In his current role, Kenny is responsible for providing operational leadership
to staff, including talent management and project prioritization for
Ambulatory (physician offices), Beacon (oncology) and Community Connect teams.
Kenny is also responsible for Lakeland’s Meaningful Use initiative. Kenny obtained his
associate’s degree in nursing from Lake Michigan College in Benton Harbor, Michigan
and then went on to obtain his bachelor’s in nursing from Bethel College in
Mishawaka, Indiana. Currently, he is pursuing his master’s degree in medical infor-
matics from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, graduating in 2015. He lives
in St. Joseph with his wife, Molly, son, Jackson and dog, Ted. He is also expecting
another son in April, 2016.
Be sure to introduce yourself to Kenny at the Chamber Young Professional events!
Meet the Cornerstone Chamber Young Professionals!
Join us for the second Cornerstone Chamber Young Professionals event this
Thursday, December 3rd from 5-7 at the Round Barn Public House
in Baroda! Join the Cornerstone Chamber Young Professionals and this time...
BRING YOUR UGLY SWEATERS!
This 2 hour young professional "Ugly Sweater Holiday Party" also unwrapped toy
drive (encouraging area young professionals ages 40 and under) mixer. Join us free
appetizers, drink specials, prizes, maybe learn something from the speaker and most
of all networking with other local area young professionals such as yourself!
Ugly Sweaters are optional but encouraged as is bringing an unwrapped toy for a local
family in need.
All gifts will be donated to The First Church of God Wonderland Toy Store and
The Blue Roof Church Christmas Toy Shop.
Cornerstone Chamber Young Professional at Cravings Bistro & Brew Pub
Thursday, January 7th from 5-7pm
Meet our January Speaker:
Whitney Behnke is the new Executive Director of St. Joseph Today. For the past five years, she has worked in
Higher Education and has studied the Millennial generation. In 2013 she founded the Young Professionals of Greater Dowagiac
and was appointed to the City of Dowagiac Planning Commission. She obtained her Master of
Science in Integrated Marketing Communications in 2014. Whitney recently relocated to St.
Joseph and is eager to connect with young professionals and become engaged with the
community. Whitney is married, has a one year old son and two dogs. Anytime you want to
schedule coffee, lunch or drinks, Whitney is your gal!
Register today: http://business.cornerstonechamber.com/events/details/cornerstone-chamber-
young-professionals-1480
