4 6-7 8-12 13 membership calen dar healthy workforce ......taking an hour out of the office to get...

jan./feb./mar. 2019 Chamber News 1*Content written by outside sources do not ref lect the views & opinions of the Chamber.

2019 j a n . / f e b . / m a r .Volume 18 number 1

News4 6-7 8-12 13

CaLenDarmembership heaLThY WOrKfOrCe DisneY insTiTuTe

I recently heard Jennifer Carpenter, Global Head of Talent Acquisition for Delta, refer to the differences

in people as the gap between them. Sometimes gaps are good, especially when it means that we are surrounded by people with different backgrounds, experiences, education, thought process, etc. However, there is one catch, it only works if you attend. I can guarantee you that you will get out what you put in, actually much more.

Mrs. Carpenter went on to say that we should breathe oxygen into those gaps, growing them and feeding them because “innovation is born in the gaps”.

This makes a world of sense because it’s when we engage with different people that we find new ideas and innovative ways of doing things. But we can’t just throw people together without creating a safe environment where honest, open dialogue can happen without judgement or fear.

A good leader will facilitate conversations with their team to start building trust and keep the conversation moving in an appropriate direction. Office book clubs and team building activities encourage learning to work with different personality types and bring about conversation of safe business topics.

So, when thinking about how to provide a healthy environment for your employees, think also of how to create healthy gaps in the team and how to

provide them the courage and trust to challenge themselves and

grow as humans which will in turn grow your

businesses.

Regards,

mINDY braDIsh-OrTa

President / CEO

Pr

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ID

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eT

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THE GAP RE d u c E S T RE S S A n d PRo m oT E H E A lT H

We reached out and asked our members how they promote a healthy workforce. How do they help

sustain a healthy worker? How do they help reduce employee stress?

We wanted a look into the tips, insight, and practices going on in our county throughout different industries and companies.

Some companies have detailed programs available to employees who can take advantage of opportunities regularly. Others find time to take their teams out of the office for a Ferris Bueller approach of taking the time to look around and gain perspective before diving back into the daily grind. Whatever your company can do, the main goal is to ensure your team remains healthy physically and mentally.

According to a study by Health Hero, healthy employees reduce:

1. Accidents 2. Work-related illnesses 3. Sick pay 4. Insurance costs 5. Stress on other employees picking up

the slack 6. Low morale 7. Workers compensation claims 8. Turnover 9. Stress

Healthy employees improve company health and culture in all the following ways:• Productivity, energy, engagement and

morale • Business and job performance • Self-confidence • Leadership • Goal achievement and sense of

accomplishment • Team building opportunities and

cooperation Happiness • Community sense • Positive company image

At the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, we like to have fun. From plank challenges to taking an hour out of the office to get ice cream at the Jackson County Fair, we find time to challenge and reward ourselves. We have an

optional staff book club where we read professional development books and discuss them. There are talks of an upcoming wall sit challenge.

There is no wrong answer when implementing a program or providing opportunities to reduce employee stress and promote all around health. Read about what fellow members do to keep their team healthy. We hope this will inspire you to try something new with your team.

Sarah Lyman / Marketing & Events Coordinator /

Jackson County Chamber of Commerce

Reference: Diaz, A . (2016, December 05). 10 Benefits of Healthy Employees. Retrieved September 14, 2018, from https://www.gohealthhero.com/blog/10-benefits-of-healthy-employees/

2 Chamber News jan./feb./mar. 2019 jackSonchamber.org

T h e c h a m b e r I n a c T I o n

boarDOFDIrecTorSKyle Hockley | Picture This...Jackson Mike England | England Family Agency - Farm Bureau Freddie Dancy | Dancy’s Fancy Butter Paul Buchholz | Lloyd Ganton Retirement Centers Cathy Reynolds | Consumers Energy - Downtown Tim Rogers | The Enterprise Group of Jackson, Inc. Ted Christoff | Christoff & Sons Floor Covering Inc. Sandy Maes | Board of Governors Dr. Michelle Shields | Jackson College Mike Overton | Jackson County Patrick Burtch | City of Jackson Jeffrey Anderson | Anderson & Makulski, PC Jim Coutu | Michigan Works! Southeast Sue Goldsen | Board of Governors Jamie McKibbin | Jackson’s Hit Music Station - K105.3 Monica M Moser | Jackson Community Foundation Dave Page Jr. CPA | Rehmann Ryan Smithson | Baker College of Jackson Tabitha Williams | Comfort Inn & Suites Anita Maria Quillen | Diversified Engineering & Plastics LLC Linda Schaub | Spring Arbor University Doug Backinger | Caster Concepts Neil Fernandes | Rise Above/Notch 8

boarDOFgoVernorSMike Jones | Michigan Works! Southeast Robert Michaels | RjM John Crist | C P Federal Credit Union Sandy Maes | Henry Ford Allegiance Health Linda Furgason | Avis Rent A Car Steven Patch | Lally Group, CPA’s Teri Ogg | Manpower Inc Philip M. Moilanen | Marcoux, Allen, Bower, Nichols & Kendall, P.C. Dr. Daniel J. Phelan | Jackson College Sue Goldsen | Jackson’s Hit Music Station Ron Griffith | Spring Arbor University

Chamber sTaffpresiDenT/CeOMindy Bradish-Orta | [email protected] impressiOns DireCTOrCasey Hansen | [email protected] & evenTs COOrDinaTOrSarah Lyman | [email protected] LiaisOnKelly Sharrer | [email protected] Schuessler | [email protected] Of evenTs & LegisLaTive affairsMatt Swartzlander | [email protected] DeveLOpmenT managerJim Taipalus | [email protected] TO business faCiLiTaTOrJessica Webb | [email protected]

exeCuTive COmmiTTeeChair: Ted Christoff | Christoff & Sons Floor Covering Inc.viCe Chair: Karen Richard | Culver’s RestaurantpasT Chair: Josh Burgett | Michigan Land BankTreasurer: Chrissy Siders | CP Federal Credit UnionseCreTarY: Bob Moore | Pentar StampingaT-Large: Kyle Hockley | Picture This… Jackson Jamie McKibbin | Jackson’s Hit Music Station- k105.3 Mollie Bolton | Edward Jones Investments

bOarD Of DireCTOrsJeff Beal | Jackson Public SchoolsGeoff Bontrager | Northwest Public SchoolsPaul Buchholz | Lloyd Ganton Retirement CentersPatrick Burtch | City of JacksonJim Coutu | Michigan Works! SoutheastNeil Fernandes | Rise AboveSandy Maes | Board of GovernorsSteven Makulski | Anderson & Makulski, PCRobert J. Michaels | Political Action Committee ChairMonica Moser | Jackson Community FoundationMike Overton | Jackson CountyDave Page | RehmannCatherine Reynolds | Consumers Energy – DowntownMichael Ritter | Eaton CorporationJenifer Robinson | Flagstar BankTim Rogers | The Enterprise Group of Jackson, Inc.Linda Schaub | Spring Arbor UniversityTabitha Williams | Experience Jackson

bOarD Of gOvernOrsSarah Ermatinger | C P Federal Credit Union Linda Furgason | Winzeler Dry CleanersSue Goldsen | Jackson’s Hit Music Station – k105.3Ron Griffith | Spring Arbor UniversityMike Jones | Community MemberSandy Maes | Henry Ford Allegiance HealthRobert J. Michaels | RjMPhilip M. Moilanen | Marvoux, Allen, Bower, Nichols & Kendall, P.C.Teri Ogg | Manpower IncSteven Patch | Lally Group, CPA’sDr. Daniel J. Phelan | Jackson College John Crist | Retired

We welcome all Chamber members to join us at our events! If you do plan to attend,

please RSVP (517-782-8221) in advance to allow us to plan for food and other provisions

accordingly. Thank You!

Please RSVP!

The Jackson County Chamber of Commerce is active in bringing its members networking events (Off The Clock, Speed Networking), educational events (Economic Luncheons, Leadership

Jackson Classes), and promotional events (Good Morning! Greater Jackson, Ribbon Cuttings/ Groundbreakings). Please see our Calendar (pages 6-7) to save future dates on your calendar!

Business leaders from the community gathered to hear an informative speech, discuss important issues facing Jackson businesses and enjoy a delicious meal at the September Economic Luncheon at Cascades Manor.

The 38th Class of Leadership Jackson kicked off as the largest class to date.

The 2nd Annual Regional Off the Clock at Awaken Haunted Attraction brought together area Chambers and businesses to grow relationships that will strengthen our greater Michigan Community and foster business growth in our greater Jackson and Lansing communities.

Brew with the Board sponsored by ASK and hosted at Vito’s Espresso provided a morning of great networking, coffee, and atmosphere.

Legislative Rise and Shine with Congressman Walberg provided discussion on important issues nationally and locally with coffee from Vito’s Espresso and breakfast from Grady’s Custom Catering.

Legislative Rise and Shine with Senator Gary Peters was a time Chamber Members could ask question and share about Jackson County.

The Economic Luncheon at JA XPO 2018 was almost standing room only as chamber members learned more about how Dr. Salah Huwais grew Versah into an international company out of Jackson, MI.

jackSonchamber.org jan./feb./mar. 2019 Chamber News 3

aDVerTISerSIndex Page

Anytime Fitness ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 1

Experience Jackson ............................................................................................................................................................................... 3

Rooney’s Sewer, Handyman & Cleaning Service ............................................................................................................... 5

Allegra ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 7

Accident Fund ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 8

Lloyd Ganton Retirement Centers ............................................................................................................................................... 9

AOS................................................................................................................................................................................................................10

Vista Grande Villa .................................................................................................................................................................................11

Comerica ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 12

DBI - We Do Office ..............................................................................................................................................................................14

Comtronics ...............................................................................................................................................................................................16

Graphic Design by Allegra of Jackson | Printing and Mailing by LTi | Editor: Sarah Lyman

| Advocating For Your Business

The Chamber Political Action Committee (PAC) is proud to announce that all six

of our endorsed candidates won their seats last November. We now move forward

with more elected officials as partners in policy as we continue our work in creating

and maintaining a strong business atmosphere for Jackson County.

Actively engaging as a member of the Chamber in the Legislative process is a part of the

benefits for you as a Chamber member. My position, working with our growing legislative

committees, are here to help you through the twists and turns that will come with the

transitions of government. At the Federal Level, tariffs and tax reform will continue to be big

topics as we move forward in the new year. In the state, continuing to work with employers on

the impacts of marijuana legalization in the work place. We are also excited to continue our

work with State Senator Mike Shirkey as he is now Senate Majority Leader.

While there are always things we are working on behind the scenes here at the Chamber

on your behalf, we want to know what is affecting you on the front lines. At the end of our

Legislative Committee agendas is a standing item, Horizon Scanning. This agenda item is

there to keep our eyes up and looking down the road on issues that might affect you in the

future. We need your eyes up, looking, and then having the conversation with us to ensure

that you can do what’s important, run your business.

517-782-8221 or [email protected]

Matt Swartzlander / Jackson County Chamber of Commerce / Director of Legislative Affairs

BECOME JACKSON CERTIFIED

WHAT IS JACKSON CERTIFIED?

Jackson Certified is a fun way to

help people become more aware

and involved with the great

things of Jackson!

WHY IS IT GOOD FOR BUSINESS?

BOOSTS MORALE

BUILDS LOYAL CUSTOMERS

CREATES TEAM BONDING

IMPROVES LOCAL KNOWLEDGE

Contact Jessica Webb to

find out more and get your

business certified!

[email protected]

517-764-4440

Certif ied.ExperienceJackson.com


THAnK YOURenewing Members1-5 YeArsBerg Insurance Services - Gary PageauSt. John Catholic CemeteryThe Hub Teen CenterCR Motors of HudsonAngel Of Mine Home Care LLCThe Locomotive Co.The Parlor of JacksonRepublic ServicesF & S Tool & Gauge Co.Never Rest Lawn and SnowBuffalo Wild WingsWatson Diesel Service CoCountryside~A Planned Adult CommunityOur Neighbor's KeeperRush JacksonPeak Manufacturing Pangborn Landscaping Inc.Awaken Haunt, LLCHealthQuest of JacksonFranke Center for the ArtsDr Martins Foot and Ankle ClinicStop 1 Insurance Agency

Handyman Stan LLCGreater Jackson Habitat for HumanityThe Jerrid Ehlinger Agency (Farmers Insurance)Multum MediaPremiere SportsJackson Preparatory & Early CollegeThe Lost Railway MuseumOutback SteakhouseVersahAdvance Turning & Manufacturing Inc. - Morrill FacilityThe Junk Yard DogChallenger Technologies, LLCJackson UnderworldJackson County Prosecutor Jerry JarzynkaYe Ole Carriage ShopLomar Machine & Tool Company BNI Profits-A-R izin'Century 21 AffiliatedHealth Alliance Plan (HAP)WLNS-TV 6

Choice Auto Sales of Jackson Allen Brothers Fence CoRoyal Adhesives & SealantsExchange Club of JacksonArt Van FurnitureLTI Printing, Inc. US Staffing Agency of West Michigan, LLC. Fitzgibbons Fleet FabricatorsSchafer Dry CleaningJackson Area Catholic SchoolsAnytime FitnessCorrigan Oil Co.MedExpress Urgent CareIntegro, llcFive One Seven Salon/SpaPatriot USA Professional Property Restoration - Factory RoadCompass Self StorageThe Chase Sports BarGrand R iver BreweryRoadhouse Grill & BarHighfields, Inc.A Healing Place LLC

6-10 YeArsVerizon - Wireless ZoneCatholic Charities of Jackson, Lenawee and Hillsdale CountiesProduction Realty Property ManagementTravelodgeLJ Ross Associates, Inc.Moors Condominium Assoc. (MCDA)A AR PLeMatic, Inc.Gillmore's Heating & Cooling, LLCHoliday Inn Jackson NWLarry LloydNorthStar Capital, LLCGregory OpticalKiwanis Club of JacksonU-Store of JacksonChateau Aeronautique WineryAnderson & Makulski, PCDillon & AssociatesInosencio Fisk, PLLCR X OpticalMVP Sports Store / Michigan Custom Embroidery

11-15 YeArsGSL TechnologiesCaster Concepts Inc.G & C Sales LLCJackson Truck Service, Inc.Chelsea Comfort Inn & Village Conference CenterHirst Electric CompanyWalMartAbbott, Thomson, Mauldin, Parker & Beer, PLCJohn George Home, Inc.Holiday Inn ExpressGene Davis & Sons Banquet & Convention CenterJohnny's Tree Service Inc.

15-20 YeArsOffice Depot / Office MaxJackson County Medical Care FacilityDunigan Brothers, Inc.

WelcOmeNew Members

reneWing/neW members

Dms Technology Consultants1519 Lansing Ave Jackson, MI 49202 (517) 219-1110 Moses Lyons Computer Consulting atlas salon LLC True north820 W High Street Jackson, MI 49203 (517) 395-4687 Denise Geisman Salon / Spajax 603501 Wildwood Avenue Jackson, MI 49202 (517) 783-2711 David Small Entertainment hackett auto museum 615 Hupp Avenue Jackson, MI 49203 (248) 302-0073 Ted O’Dell Museums

DK security700 N Washington Ave #201 Lansing, MI 48906 (517) 676-4007 Johnny Kendall Security/Surveillancenorfolk homes6480 Devon Dr Jackson, MI 49201 (734) 408-0777 Lisa Linton Real Estatemike’s Diesel performance7251 Clark Lake Rd. Jackson, MI 49201 (734) 385-4208 Mike Winter Automotive Services applied imaging5858 South Aurelius Road Lansing, MI 48911 (877) 509-0770 Brian Lowman Computer Consulting / Services / Sales / Supplies

supporting strategies Lansing/jackson3368 Camino Del Sol Dr. Williamston, MI 48895 (517) 301-9829 Brad Jacokes Accounting / Bookkeeping / Payroll Cracker barrel2494 Airport Road Jackson, MI 49202 (517) 783-5300 Justin Hines Restaurantsegue inc.212 E. Biddle Street Jackson, MI 49203 (517) 784-6729 Diane Reynolds Health Careruoff home mortgage141 S. Jackson St Jackson, MI 49201 (517) 796-3161 David Leightner Mortgage Company

here 4 You hearing2136 Robinson Rd., Ste. 3 Jackson, MI 49203 (517) 740-0784 Kristin Regan Health Care brown’s advanced Care medical supplies1015 W Michigan Ave Jackson, MI 49201 (517) 750-2180 Kim Shanks Health Care The Lofts of jackson159 W Michigan Ave Jackson, MI 49201 (517) 618-1979 Dave Lammers Apartments Tru by hilton2401 Shirley Dr. Jackson , MI 49202 (517) 867-5000 Angela Mault Hotels

muddy mabel mobile grooming salon3479 Jamaica Dr Jackson, MI 49203 (517) 435-5600 Nicole Brady Pets / VeterinaryQuality glass napoleon310 W Brooklyn Rd Napoleon, MI 49261 (517) 536-8202 Shelly Babcock Construction jackson antique mall201 N. Jackson Street Jackson, MI 49201 (517) 784-3333 Timothy Bos Retailpostnet156 W. Michigan Ave Jackson, MI 49201 (517) 544-0404 Jeff Case Printers, Publishers, Mailings & Graphics

home of new vision407 W. Michigan Avenue Jackson, MI 49201 (517) 788-5596 Adriene Davis Non-profit bOs auctions & appraisal services, LLC. 4701 County Farm Road Jackson, MI 49201 (517) 784-2177 Timothy Bos Retailnorthwest Dental excellence, pLLC1500 W Parnall Rd Jackson, MI 49201 (517) 513-8070 Brianne Mezo Dentistregion 2 area agency on aging102 N. Main Street Brooklyn, MI 49230 (517) 592-1974 Julie Wetherby Non-profit

Jackson Business and Professional Women (BPW)ER A Reardon Realty - JacksonGLG Print

21-30 YeArsC P Federal Credit Union - Clinton RdApplegate Heating & Air Conditioning Inc.The Enterprise Group of Jackson, Inc.Greenwood Acres Camp Ground

31-40 YeArsMichigan DentistsBrown's Advanced Care Pharmacy

76-80 YeArsCity of Jackson


membership Tip

Did you know that al l your employees are Chamber members and can take advantage of many savings, networking and learning opportunities through the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce?

Set up an appointment with the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and we will come to your business and share all the great things you can take advantage of with your staff.

Call (517) 782-8221 to schedule your Unlock the Chamber and help spread the word of all the great businesses we have right here in Jackson County.

Learn about:Member2Member Discounts • Networking Opportunities • Learning Opportunities

at JacksonChamber.org

Membership TipHElP YouR EmPloYEES SAvE $

Call 24/7 (517) 788-6371RooneyService.com

10% off labor for all Chamber

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Call us for Sewer & Drain Cleaning,

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Our services include:

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Drywall

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Power Washing

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JAcKSonA City On The Rise

Aaron Dimick / Public Information Officer / City of Jackson

Over the next two years, downtown Jackson’s skyline will go through a dramatic transformation,

thanks to new mixed-use developments and rehabilitation projects. They are changes that are taking shape thanks to the close collaboration of leaders from the City of Jackson, community partners, and private investment.

The opening of the Lofts on Louis development was just the beginning with several exciting projects planned in 2019.

Next to the Lofts building on S. Jackson Street, a new mixed-use development called The 200 will spring up on a vacant piece of property that was primed for redevelopment by the City. The four-story building will feature commercial space on the first f loor, and 86 market-rate apartments that target young professionals.

All age ranges and income levels will soon be able to take advantage of downtown living. A 45-unit apartment building for seniors is planned on Francis Street near downtown. In the former Jackson Citizen Patriot building, a 73-unit apartment project is in the works for low to moderate-income tenants.

While those projects get off the ground, a new mixed-use development, the Lofts of Jackson, is repurposing a commercial building next to City Hall. Five newly constructed apartments became available for leasing in fall 2018 at market-rate and low-income rents. A hair salon is planned on the first f loor.

With new investment coming in, and partnerships formed, the City’s leaders are working to restore Jackson’s urban core; positive energy and economic development that is sure to spread throughout the entire Jackson community.

Mayor Dobies, Vice Mayor Robinson, Councilwoman Sullivan, and Councilwoman Heck at The 200 unveiling on September 28, 2018.


Jackson county chamber of commerce

DeC. 31 - JaN. 1Chamber Office Closed Happy New Year!

FrIDaY, JaN 18MLK Diversity Breakfast 2019 presented by AARP MichiganJoin the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, The Jackson County Intermediate School

District, the City of Jackson Human Relations Commission, Business Leaders and students from Challenge Day 2018 as we honor and remember Dr. Martin Luther King while hearing an inspiring, motivational and encouraging speech from Dr. Agustin V. Arbulu, the chief executive officer of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR)

• WHere: Gene Davis & Sons Banquet & Convention Center (3575 Francis St.)

• WHen: 7:30am-9:00am

• cOsT: $35 for Chamber Members in advance / $45 after January 11 (includes breakfast) RSVP's are required

TuesDaY, JaN 22Good Morning! Greater Jackson Your monthly opportunity to network, learn, and meet with community and business leaders. Join us along with NewsTalk 970am/101.5fm as we explore exciting things happening at our Chamber Member Business and organizations. If you want to know what is happening in Jackson, this is the event you’ve been looking for.

• WHere: Weatherwax Hall (215 W. Michigan Ave.)

• WHen: 7:30am-8:30am

• cOsT: $10 for Chamber members in advance; $15 at the door (includes breakfast)

FrIDaY, JaN. 25Legislative Rise & ShineJoin your Jackson County Chamber of Commerce for a hot breakfast and discussion of your important business issues with your local, state and federal elected officials.

• WHere: Chamber Office

• WHen: 7:30am-8:30am

• cOsT: $20 for Chamber Members in advance; RSVP's a must; member-only

FrIDaY, Feb 1Brew with the Board Sponsored by ASKAll Chamber members are encouraged to attend Coffee with the Chamber, sponsored by ASK, to meet our staff, learn how the Chamber adds value to your business and discover the best ways to maximize your membership. Start your day with us, make new business connections and take advantage of this opportunity to share what your business offers with other members.

• WHere: Lean Rocket Lab (133 W Michigan Ave.)

• WHen: 7:30am-9:00am

• cOsT: FR EE to attend. Space is limited, so please RSVP.

ThursDaY, Feb. 7110th Annual MeetingThe Chamber’s Annual Meeting is the time when we recognize and honor the Board of Directors and select businesses for their outstanding work in the community. We will be presenting awards for the Ambassador of the Year, the Brick Award (Sponsored by the Jackson Commercial Contractors Assoc.), Citizens of the Year (Sponsored by Mlive Media Group/Jackson Citizen Patriot, Reach HIR E Award (Sponsored by Michigan Works! Southeast) Athena Award (Sponsored by Lloyd Ganton Retirement Centers) Small Business Person of the Year (Sponsored by Willis & Machnik Financial Services) and the Ominitoshi Award (Sponsored by Experince Jackson).

• WHere: Jackson College Potter Center (2111 Emmons Rd.)

• WHen: 5:30pm-9:00pm

• cOsT: $65 for Chamber Members in advance / $75 after January 20 (includes heavy appetizers) RSVP's are required

Feb. 18Chamber Office Closed President's Day

weDNesDaY, Feb. 20Off The ClockJackson's Premier Professional Networking Event, join other Chamber members to network in a fun and unique atmosphere. With food, entertainment, live radio remote, dessert, drink and business sponsors, you'll not want to miss this.

• WHere: Lomar Machine and Tool Company (135 Main St, Horton)

• WHen: 5:00pm-7:00pm

• cOsT: $5 for Chamber members; $10 for future Chamber members

To Register: Unless otherwise noted, R.S.V.P. for events to Kelly at [email protected] or 517-782-8221 (please have your credit card information handy when you call). All cancellations must be received with a 24-hour notice or no shows will be billed. Non-members are encouraged to attend no more than two networking events before joining. All Chamber events are posted online at www.JacksonChamber.org under Events.

regIsTer OnlIne AT JAcKsOncHAmber.Org

Save The Date110th Annual

Meeting Thursday,

February 7th


mONDaY, Feb. 25Economic Luncheon with the 2018 ATHENA Recipient and the Jackson Business & Professional Women Nike Award RecipientJoin the Jackson Chamber, the Past ATHENA Award Recipients and the Jackson Business & Professional Women as we honor the 2018 Jackson ATHENA recipient and a local women with the Jackson BPW Nike Award.

• WHere: TBD

• WHen: 11:30am-1:00pm

• cOsT: $25 for Chamber members in advance; $30 at the door (includes lunch)

TuesDaY, Feb. 26Good Morning! Greater JacksonYour monthly opportunity to network, learn, and meet with community and business leaders. Join us along with NewsTalk 970am/101.5fm as we explore exciting things happening at our Chamber Member Business and organizations. If you want to know what is happening in Jackson, this is the event you’ve been looking for.

• WHere: Weatherwax Hall (215 W. Michigan Ave)

• WHen: 7:30am-8:30am


weDNesDaY, mar. 13Speed NetworkingThe plan is simple: We bring Jackson's professionals together to network (and have fun!). This is a unique way to meet people, generate new contacts and business leads in a structured environment - in one afternoon! Maximum participants: 35.

• WHere: TBD

• WHen: 2:30pm-5:00pm

• cOsT: $15 for Chamber Members in advance; $25 at the door - RSVP's a must

TuesDaY, mar. 26Good Morning! Greater JacksonYour monthly opportunity to network, learn, and meet with community and business leaders. Join us along with NewsTalk 970am/101.5fm as we explore exciting things happening at our Chamber Member Business and organizations. If you want to know what is happening in Jackson, this is the event you’ve been looking for.

• WHere: Weatherwax Hall (215 W. Michigan Ave.)

• WHen: 7:30am-8:30am


ThursDaY, mar. 28Brew with the Board Sponsored by ASKAll Chamber members are encouraged to attend Coffee with the Chamber, sponsored by ASK, to meet our staff, learn how the Chamber adds value to your business and discover the best ways to maximize your membership. Start your day with us, make new business connections and take advantage of this opportunity to share what your business offers with other members.

• WHere: Lost Railway Museum (142 West Michigan Ave., Grass Lake)

• WHen: 4:30pm-6:00pm

• cOsT: FR EE to attend. Space is limited, so please RSVP.

regIsTer OnlIne

AT

JAcKsOncHAmber.Org

1232 S. West Ave.Jackson, Michigan 49203

Phone (517) 784-8800Fax (517) 784-1898

[email protected]

allegrajacksonmi.com

Serving Jackson Since 1988Locally Owned & Operated

Chamber Member for 30 Years

Jackson county chamber of commerce


heaLThY WOrKfOrCe

mAnAGinG on -THE -Job STRES S

Theresa McIntyre / It’s Your Life Health Management Coordinator / Henry Ford Allegiance Health

While stress at work may be

unavoidable, too much

stress can negatively impact

physical and emotional health, as well as

interfere with job performance. Managing

stress is especially important when

your “customers” are patients in need of

excellent care and attention. At Henry Ford

Allegiance Health (HFAH), our goal is to

ensure we have a healthy team providing

exceptional care.

The resources below are

available to HFAH team

members to support

their well-being and

the care they provide.

It’s Your Life health

management program

offers a variety of

wellness education

programs to staff which

includes wellness education

online, including a video and resources

for stress management.

Workshops & classes are available

throughout the year to help staff identify

what’s causing their stress and how to create

a work/life balance. Discussion topics

include discovering what happens when

stress goes unmanaged and connecting

stress with food choices.

Henry Ford ENHANCE Employee

Assistance Program provides services and

resources to our team and their loved ones

to help them manage life’s challenges, such

as emotional problems, substance abuse,

relationship struggles, family concerns

and other everyday worries, so they may

experience the highest quality of life, both

at work and at home.

Code Lavender is a holistic response to the

emotional and physical stress associated

with caregiving. Code Lavender provides

stress-reduction resources with an onsite

response team offering complimentary

services such as aroma therapy, massage

and a soothing cup of tea for a stress-

relieving break.

Henry Ford Allegiance Wellness Center

offers 24-hour access to everything needed

for a complete cardiovascular

workout and overall strength

training. Staff benefit

because not only is

physical activity a

proven stress reliever,

it is also known to

provide a boost in

“feel-good” hormones

and improve sleep

quality. All HFAH team

members receive a discount

on the annual Wellness Center

membership fee.

Post-Crisis Response Team helps

team members cope with life-changing,

traumatic events that occur on the job

by holding Critical Incident Stress

Debriefings. These teams are comprised of

trained, on-call staff members.

not only is

physical activity a

proven stress reliever, it is

also known to provide a

boost in

“feel-good”

hormones

Work safer, smarter, together.

5%

As a member of the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, you can take advantage of savings on premiums, loss prevention tools, convenient billing options, the potential to earn dividends, and more. So join us and see how we make workers’ compensation work for you.

FIND AN AGENT NEAR YOU.

AccidentFund.com/Groups

Up-front savings on workers’ compensation premiums and potential to earn a dividend.


Take a Personal and Varied APPRoAcH To WEllnES S

Marilynn Fryer / Marketing & Communications / Jackson College

Recognizing that a healthy worker is a happier worker, workplaces have gotten the wellness bug!

Employee wellness programs can help companies contain health care costs and lessen the need to pass increases on to employees. It also gets employees involved in their own health, building awareness of needs and helping them at the “front” end – before it becomes a crisis. Otherwise, situations left unchecked may turn serious and send the person to the emergency room or operating room, much more costly measures.

“Our employees are like family, and we want to take care of them. To that end, we want our employees to be happy, healthy, productive and confident,” said Cindy Allen, vice president of administration and human resources at Jackson College.

Healthy tip #1: Knowledge is power.

Working with the It’s Your Life wellness program from Henry Ford Allegiance Health, Jackson College employees can gain knowledge, leading to better health and a better life. Following a basic health screening, participants meet with a health coach three times a year to work on healthy behaviors. This helps build awareness and start employees toward the path of change. Employees who participate receive a reduction in their health insurance premium costs.

Healthy tip #2: Ease of access.

With this knowledge, employees need access and opportunity to make healthy choices. In the last several years, the College has opened both a Health Clinic and Oasis Center behavioral health center right on Central Campus. This availability helps to prompt change, whether that includes using the clinics when you are sick, going through a difficult time, or

monitoring changes. In the past, Weight Watchers met on campus during lunchtime to help interested employees.

“Having a program like Weight Watchers was so convenient,” said Monica Bouman, director of the Center for Student Success. “It created a ‘no excuses’ mentality for all that utilized the service. Having the support of your own colleagues was also very encouraging!”

Healthy tip #3. Options increase use.

Take any group of people and you have many personalities, likes, dislikes, abilities and motivations. Convenience is key with today’s busy lifestyles. To encourage healthy behaviors among all workers, multiple options help. At Jackson College, all employees are eligible to work out in the Victor Cuiss Fieldhouse. Healthy food options are available each day in the Robert Snyder Dining Commons in the Potter Center. In the future, a walking course with various activity stations around the campus to encourage exercise. In addition, events throughout the year focus on health.

“Because of HealthWise (an on-campus health screening event), I was able to find out that I was having a problem with my cholesterol,” said Del Belcher, social media specialist. “Through the yearly health checkups and ‘It’s Your Life’ meetings, I’ve been working on getting my cholesterol down and tracking it the entire time. Thanks to JC, I have hard data showing the connection between my actions and my health improvements.”

Helping to boost employee wellness and health helps everyone. What are some ways your organization can help increase employees’ options to make a healthy change?

heaLThY WOrKfOrCe

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According to TinyPulse, an HR software and consulting

company, 83% of US workers are stressed; stress results in

as much as $300 billion in lost productivity; 60% to 80%

of workplace accidents result from stress; 1,000,000 employees miss

work each day because of stress; and stressed employees spend 46%

more on healthcare.

If you're a leader in your organization or in any way have people

reporting to you, you have an opportunity to make decisions that

will affect the lives of your employees and improve their ability to

handle stress and be productive.

Here are three things you can do to help your employees manage

stress and improve their ability to excel at work:

1) Remove BarriersMost people want to work: show up, work hard, make a difference.

Barriers, unexpected or ongoing, create stress that can quickly derail

your employee's day and result in loss of productivity. Your job is to

remove as many barriers as possible.

Barrier example: Your entry level line-worker who is usually reliable

and hard-working is on his way to work when his car breaks down.

He calls to let you know he's going to be late and explains the

situation. Would it be worth it to you in production value to assist

him in getting to work and help him deal with his car? Maybe you

could go pick him up or arrange for a ride to get him to work and

have his car towed to a repair shop.

Barrier example: One of the employees in your marketing

department is a single mom. Her grade-schooler is home sick. She

doesn't want to miss work, but she can't send her child to school and

heaLThY WOrKfOrCe

3 THinGS lEAdERS cAn doto Help Relieve Stress in The Workplace

Wendy Clow / Executive Director / Jackson Habitat for Humanity

doesn't have a child care backup. Could this employee do her job at

home with a laptop and cell phone? Chances are good that her child

will be resting or sleeping most of the day, and mom will have time to

get her work done. She's likely to be just as productive as if she were

at work, because she won't have the typical office distractions, and

she won't have the stress of being at work and worrying about her

child.

2) Weekly 1 on 1 MeetingsSchedule and keep weekly one-on-one meetings with each of the

employees who report directly to you. Use this time to review

progress on current goals, define future goals, and address production

related issues that need to be resolved. At least once a month, include

discussion related to the employee's job satisfaction and career path.

3) Create a Positive CultureThere are two opposite mindsets for relating to your employees:

1) As if the employee were simply an object or a 'cog in the wheel'.

2) Remembering and truly feeling that the employee is a person,

with his/her own needs, ideas and issues. Give it some thought and

assess which mindset you're in with each encounter you have with

your employees. Whichever mindset you're in will be apparent to the

other person and will have a direct impact on the outcome.

A company culture is formed from the top down. Many books have

been written about how to create a positive workplace culture. The

most basic tip for this is the rule we've heard all our lives: Treat

others as you'd like to be treated yourself.

In closing, stress is part of life. It's unavoidable. Your employees'

ability to handle it depends greatly on their surrounding

circumstances. The good news is that

you have the ability to manipulate those circumstances for the better if you can identify the root of potential issues and make sure your team has as many resources as possible to be able to do their job. That is, after all, the primary responsibility of every leader.


AccESS To WEllnESS Kim Braun / Director of Administrative Services / Vista Grande Villa

At Vista Grande Villa, we empower and challenge our team members to take control of their health; to

achieve fundamental well-being and overall happiness in their personal and professional life. We offer various programs for the staff, such as step competitions with fitness trackers provided, weight loss challenges, and healthy dining options available from our on-site dining venues. By meeting basic health objectives, employees can also earn discounts on their monthly insurance premiums.

Vista Grande Villa provides an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), free of charge, to all staff members in order to assist with managing stress in both their work and personal lives. We have found that providing an anonymous avenue for staff to tackle and support challenging issues works very well in our family-like environment. That’s what we think is key to our success—supportive systems in place, so that our staff can lean on each other or reach out through tools we provide on a daily basis, so everyone feels they have a “family” to turn to when needed.

Our residents and staff are encouraged to be well together. We find that when our staff are taking care of themselves, they also encourage our residents to do the same, and vice versa. Wellness events and activities are structured to support not only our staff, but their families, our residents, and outside caregivers. Wellness is multifaceted, and we engage every angle. In addition to offering opportunities to our employees, Vista Grande Villa offers an array of wellness opportunities for our residents including a variety of exercise programs, social opportunities, and spiritual wellness

support.

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Here are a few ways Vista Grande Villa encourages wellness at the workplace:

• Vista Grande Villa hosts an annual Health & Wellness Event by inviting local Jackson Health & Wellness professionals, Vista’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provider, and showcases healthy cooking demonstrations.

• We promote walking at least 5,000 steps per day.

• We offer many healthy choices when dining; it’s all about balance.

• Development and implementation of a smoke-free campus.

• Participation in Wellness Challenges, which offers weekly support, encouragement, accountability and fun prizes!

At Vista Grande Villa, we encourage

everyone to “live well” and provide many

ways to accomplish this goal. Commitment

to wellness is a pillar of our success and we

strive to provide options to our staff who

are caring for our residents, so that we are

able to provide excellence to all at every

stage of life.

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11/18

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SENIOR LIVING FOR TODAY

WITH BENEFITS FOR A LIFETIME

We believe healthier employees create happier and more productive employees;

education and prevention are essential.


5 STRATEGiESTo A Healthy Organizational Culture

Is your company culture healthy?

Employee health is not just about the

physical body and employers should

look at their company culture to see if it

aligns with their health and wellness focus.

Let’s look at five strategies for promoting a

healthy organizational culture.

1Eliminate Culture Killers: Start

with the Sacred Cows and Bullies.

These can be the untouchables in

your company that get away with treating

others poorly because of their sales record

or their relationship to the owner. Keeping

someone on the team that doesn’t treat

their coworkers with dignity and respect

just because they have great sales numbers

doesn’t breed a healthy culture. Once that

negative inf luence on the team is removed,

other employees will feel relieved and will

demonstrate less signs of workplace stress.

2Promote WIFM: What’s In It For

Me? Give your team reasons to be

engaged and committed to your

organization. Provide career development

opportunities by outlining a career path

and training plan to support it. Sponsor

a mentoring program for seasoned

employees to mentor others and share their

knowledge. Get creative with out-of-the-

box benefits such as on-site yoga, on-site

Amy M. Bergman, SPHR, SHR M-SCP / Vice President / Workforce PayHub

daycare, student loan repayment incentives,

etc. Identify someone on the team that has

a creative passion that they’d like to share

with others and allow them to use your

space to demonstrate or teach that craft as a

team building activity.

3Be Flexible: Workplace f lexibility

is fast becoming more important

to job seekers than a company that

offers the highest starting pay. Consider

f lexible scheduling, job sharing, remote

working, giving more time off instead of

cash incentives, or f lex the dress code.

There are lots of creative ways to be f lexible

and still run your business and service

your customers. Ask your employees what

f lexibility means to them and pull together

a team to create f lexible options for your

consideration.

4Seek Feedback and Foster

Inclusion: Culture is driven

by employee engagement and

engagement is fueled by employees feeling

like their voice is heard and included in

decision making. Start with the newest

employees and solicit their feedback during

the crucial 30, 60 and 180-day checkpoints.

Follow up annually with all-staff

engagement surveys, then do something

with the results! Give employees

heaLThY WOrKfOrCe

opportunities to be part of work teams and

committees that are meaningful and allow

them to feel valued in their contributions

to the organization. Consistent and regular

communication from leadership to the

team is essential in fostering a healthy

organizational culture as well. Employ new

methods of employee communication such

as texting or quick video clips. Texts have

a 98% open rate to a mere 20% email open

rate.

5Be Fast: Are your internal processes

up-to-date? Is it time to bring your

recruitment/hiring/onboarding

process into this era? Employees get

frustrated with outdated technology

and inefficient processes. Frustration

deteriorates culture. An unhealthy culture

leads to employee stress and increased

turnover. In our fast-paced society the

expectation is that things should move fast

at work too. Are your meetings effective or

do employees dread them? Contemplate

making meetings virtual or stand-up and

stick to an agenda with time boundaries.

Eliminating frustrating processes and

constraints will improve the morale and

satisfaction of the employees and positively

impact the organizational culture.

These five strategies for promoting a

healthy organizational culture along

with your initiatives to promote their

physical health will further your employee

engagement and overall employee

satisfaction. Healthy employees and

healthy cultures result in healthy

companies!

Amy Bergman is a Partner & VP of Human

Resources Consulting with Insight HR M, LLC

a sister-company to Workforce PayHub, and

provides strategic Human Resource solutions

to area organizations.


Wednesday, June 26, 2019

Presents

For more information and to register, visit JacksonChamber.org

Discover Why Delivering Exceptional Customer Service is All in the Details.

Disney Institute shares the operational practices used to serve Guests at their parks

and resorts for over 60 years. They know that excellent service does not simply come

from a friendly smile or easy transaction. It results from truly understanding the customer's needs and putting the right

customer service standards in place, so they can exceed their expectations.

When an organization puts the customer at its core—empowering its people and unifying its processes—outstanding customer service becomes possible on a consistent basis, from the first greeting to the final meeting. When all touch points are exemplary experiences, a customer has a much greater incentive to return, as well as recommend us to others.

Learn How To:• Assess and improve your organization's commitment to quality service• Differentiate and elevate your service to become a provider of choice

• Design standards for quality service and create a consistent service experience• Gauge the needs, wants, stereotypes and emotions of your customers at an individual level

• Understand the processes necessary to develop a culture that consistently delivers exceptional service• Recover effectively from a service failure and turn it into an opportunity to strengthen customer relations

DisneY insTiTuTe


Bullying, teasing, exclusion,

isolation—these are commonplace

in schools, but their effects can be

devastating: poor grades, low self-esteem,

truancy, depression, substance abuse,

violence, and even suicide. The MLK

Diversity Committee (a collaboration

between the Jackson County Chamber,

the Jackson County ISD, the Jackson

Human Relations Commission, and other

community partners) works with Jackson

County middle schools to empower

students to be agents of positive change,

and to help students and staff create schools

in which kindness, respect and support are

the norm.

This Jackson County Middle School

Challenge project draws on a one-day

experiential workshop called Challenge

Day but goes much further. Participating

students are empowered to make a change

in their community and to help reduce the

bullying, violence and alienation students

face from peers. The one-day workshop

teaches students a safe means for emotional

cHAllEnGE dAY A Middle School Anti-Bullying Ef fort

Catherine Brechtelsbauer / Director of Human Resources & Legal Services / Jackson County ISD

expression, as well as understanding and

acceptance of peers, conf lict resolution

skills, self-awareness, self-acceptance, and

tools to positively impact other students’

The project also engages students after the

Challenge Day experience to introduce

and reinforce the lessons learned during

Challenge Day. Immediate aftercare is

provided for students who demonstrate a

need for follow up support by either school

counselors or through other professional

referrals.

More than 125 adult community

volunteers and staff from Integro, LLC

are needed to make the project a success.

Jackson College and Western Schools

hosted our Challenge Days and provided

additional in-kind support. The project is

financially supported by area businesses,

foundations, service clubs, individuals and

schools. Anyone interested in supporting

the project in the future is encouraged to

call Matt Swartzlander at the Chamber

(517) 782-8221 or learn more about

Challenge Day at www.challengeday.org.

Participating students

are empowered to make

a change in their community

and to help reduce the bullying,

violence and alienation

students face from peers.

behaviors. During November 2018, each

middle school in Jackson County was

offered more than 40 student “slots” to

participate in a Challenge Day. Seventeen

public, charter and private middle school

programs 17 were able to participate.


The Affinity Program provides high-impact value and a unique alliance for Chamber

Members, Affinity Partners, and the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce. To become an

Affinity Partner, a business must provide direct cost-savings on quality products and services

for members in the Chamber and share returns of those benefits back with the Chamber. By

doing so, the Affinity Partner receives a greater membership level that provides unique and

impactful exposure at the initial cost of a basic membership.

How does this help all organizations involved?

cHAmber members: • Provides benefits that are unique only to Chamber members

• Provides a price savings on goods and services that often exceed the cost of membership

• Aligns with the Chamber mission of enabling members to thrive in their business

through connecting them with new customers and business opportunities.

• Connects new members with discounted services

AFFInITY PArTners: • Low cost, high-impact membership exposure

• Receives access to new clients and members each month

• Increases visibility on website and new member packets

• Creates a unique return on investment opportunity

JAcKsOn cHAmber: • Helps attract and retain Chamber Members

• Services provided by Affinity partners help the Chambers bottom line

If your business is interested in becoming an Affinity Partner or utilizing an Affinity

Partner’s services, contact the Jackson Chamber of Commerce at (517) 782-8221 or email

[email protected].

E XEcuTivEmEmbERS

AffiniT Y PARTnERS

Executive Level Membership is the highest

and most exclusive level of Chamber

membership for businesses who want to

set the standard for endorsement of the

Chamber of Commerce and leadership

in the local business community.

Correspondingly, Executive Members

receive the highest level of benefits and

services.

Businesses that are Executive Members are

in partnership with the Jackson County

Chamber of Commerce and assist the

Chamber in its mission to be a leading

driver and advocate for community and

economic development in Jackson County.

For more information about Executive

Level Membership contact Jim Taipalus

at the Jackson County Chamber at (517)

782-8221.

THAnK YOU TO OUr execUTIVe members


134 W. Michigan Ave. • Jackson, MI 49201

517.782.8221 • www.JacksonChamber.org

110th Annual MeetingSmall BuSineSS PerSon of the Year award Sponsored by

Willis & Machnik Financial Services

ATHENA AwardSponsored by Lloyd Ganton Retirement Centers

Brick AwardSponsored by Jackson Commercial Contractors Association

Reach HIRE AwardSponsored by

Michigan Works! Southeast

Jackson College Potter Center February 7th, 2019award reciPientS

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