September 2009 Volume 29, Issue 9

My Business Advocate
Building Better Communities by Building Better Businesses
Seven Things to Avoid to Improve Your Marketing Message
Excerpted from the book, Mind Capture: How You Can Stand Out in The Age of Advertising Deficit Disorder (2008 - Morgan James
Publishing). Reprinted with permission from the author, Tony Rubleski. Taken from A Mind Capture, the premier marketing, publicity,
motivitational and sales newsletter for entrepreneurs, sales professionals and agents of positive change. Subscription information available at
tony@mindcapturegroup.com or fax inquiry to 616-844-0814. Don't miss Tony's workshop on October 8, 2009. sue@southkent.org for info.
1. Not using a headline. Think of of dollars, a rich uncle, incredible correspondence
the headline as an ad for your ad. patience, and your product or service • Using meter mail versus a "live"
Most people still miss this step and is truly geared to the mass market stamp
pay the price in wasted opportunities (rare), this is an incredibly naive and • Using white envelopes like
and few if any people noticing their dangerous answer to a very important everyone else with poorly writtten
ad or message. Enough said. question related to target marketing. teaser copy/or messages typed on
the front of the envelope
2. Not targeting the best 3. Not customizing the message. • A toll-free reply number or general
prospects. I feel silly having to In the age of digital there's an website address to direct leads
remind businesses of all shapes and amazing thing still occurring in and responses to call or send an
sizes that this is vital to increase your offline marketing that most people email inquiry
chance of response or the number never catch. The more presonalized
of people noticing your message. I or customized a message is to a 4. Your logo is not a headline.
have a trick marketing question I ask prospect the higher the chance of it Good grief. As I peruse through
audiences that throws most of them. getting looked at by the target. This is business magazines, newspapers,
Who's your customer? Many times I something direct marketeering pros direct mail pieces, stacks of ad
hear the standard reply such as "Any understand, but 99.9% of the market critiques or glance at billboards and
business looking to..." or "Everyone's never really grasps. other visual media I'm continually
a possible candidate for what we offer." Dead giveaways that I often see are: amazed at why companies are so hell
Newsflash: Unless you have millions • General salutations in marketing bent on putting their logo on the top
letter, versus specific matching of their messages.I'm baffled as to
names
Coming Events • Labels on mailings versus hand- (continued on page 10)
• Burgers 'n Brats Networking written, personalized looking

•
Social
3rd Fridays!
9/17
9/18
Referral Leads at Free Burgers 'n Brats Social
• Metro South Multi Chamber The Activation and services as well as
After Hours Event 9/24 Retention Committee members of the
• Metro South Multi Chamber invites you to an evening Board of Directors
T. Rubleski 10/8 picnic at beautiful Pinery and representatives
• Chamber After Hours 10/8 Park in Wyoming. from your Chamber
• Board Elections-Ballot Ambassadors on hand
Mark your calendar for to welcome you to
Deadline 10/15
Thursday, September 17 the Chamber and to
• 3rd Fridays! 10/18
from 5 to 7 pm and join introduce you to others
• Legislative Luncheon 10/26
us for some great burgers attending.
• Orientation Breakfast 11/9
• Chamber After Hours 11/12 and brats and all of the side dishes
to go with them. Pinery Park is A $70 Sponsorship Package and a
• Santa Parade 12/6 limited number of $35 Showcase
• Annual Meeting and located across from the Wyoming
Senior Center near City Hall and tables are still available. Contact
Silent Auction 1/29/2010 sue@southkent.org to reserve your
the Justice Center on Michael in
Wyoming. spot. There is no cost to attend
Calendars on Pages 4 & 5 but please pre-register so we have
Log on to www.southkent.org enough for everyone to eat. And
for details. There will be businesses on hand
showcasing their products and most important of all, don't forget
to bring lots of business cards!
 YOUR CHAMBER MANAGEMENT
2009 Board of Directors
*indicates Executive Committee Member
*John Crawford - President & CEO
*Todd Duncan - Consumers Energy, Board Chair
*Steve Marshall- MAS Advisory Service, Chair, Fin. &
Budget
*Norine Mulvihill - Sr. V. Chair - American Diabetes
Association
*Kathey Batey - Priority Health/Spirited
Presentations
*Brent Holland - Chameleon Ltd.
*Skip Knapp - EdwardJones Investments
*Tom Kruisenga - The Kruisenga Agency, Past
Chair
*Brent Vander Kolk - Vander Kolk & Vander Kolk
PLC, Legal Counsel
Community Relations Division (Blue)
*Kathey Batey - Vice Chair
Tommy Brann - Brann’s Steakhouse & Grille
Dan Van Dyke - PCO Associates, LLC
*Brent Vander Kolk - Vander Kolk & Vander
Kolk,.PLC
Lillian VanderVeen - Lenger Travel Services
Member Relations Division (Red)
*Brent Holland - Vice Chair
Richard Chrisman - Hungerford, Aldrin, Nichols &
Carter
Danna Mathiesen - Mercantile Bank
John Schwartz - AT&T
Membership Development Division (Gold)
*Skip Knapp - Vice Chair
Bob O'Callaghan - Citadel Broadcasting
Rob Wells - VantagePointe Financial Group
Financial Development Division (Green)
*Norine Mulvihill - Sr. Vice Chair
Betsy Artz - Loeks Theaters (Celebration Cinema)
Joel Iakiri - Huntington Bank
David Szidik - Proforma Infinite Marketing
Matt Uhl - National City
Ex-Officio
Carol Sheets - City of Wyoming, Mayor
Richard Root - City of Kentwood, Mayor
Curtis Holt - City of Wyoming, Manager
Bill Doren - Chamber Foundation Chair
My Business Advocate,
Copyright 2009
Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce
590 - 32nd Street SE
Wyoming, MI 49548-2345
Tel: 616-531-5990
Fax: 616-531-0252
Newsletter/Advert Information: sue@southkent.org
Building Better Communities by
Building Better Businesses
Opinion by John
September 2009
By John J. Crawford, Jr.
President & CEO
5th Metro Cruise® a Big Success
Special congratulations and thanks to all of the
companies that sponsored this year’s 28th Street Metro
Cruise®. Check them out at www.metrocruise.org – and
tell them you appreciate their support! We sure do!
The Cruise was organized by a group of dedicated
volunteer Members as well as your Chamber Staff. We
hosted well over 150,000 visitors to the area to see more
than 7,000 awesome special interest cars. Businesses
all over participated in record numbers. Every car you
see at an event like this has an owner and a fascinating
story behind it and the best part of the event is getting
to know some of these people and hear their story.
Special kudos goes to Chairman Rick Sturim of Steve’s
Antique Auto Repair. Rick stepped in as Chair when
Dan Van Dyke had to step down for health reasons.
Rick was served capably by Charlie Steen as Vice-Chair and
Car Owner Relations, Denise Hughes who professionally
handled PR, Gregg Howard of Moving Solutions Group
who handled the giant job of site management and
logistics. A special member of the committee this year is
Erin Bowen of Lenger Travel. Erin is a senior at GVSU
and majoring in Hospitality & Event Planning and
headed up Visitor Relations for the Cruise.
Others who worked tirelessly too include Bob
O’Callaghan and Christina Elsenbroek of Citadel
Broadcasting (a tip of the hat to the entire Citadel team
– a super bunch of professionals!), Lillian VanderVeen
of Lenger Travel, Lt. Scott Gardner of the Wyoming PD,
Laurie Hable of AT&T, Janna Falicki from WMU, Jerry
Ducat from Grand Rapids First Church and Joel Iakiri
from Huntington Bank . Our own Board Chairman,
Todd Duncan of Consumers Energy, was awesome in
his upbeat spirit, leadership and tireless efforts all week
long!
Bravo to the entire Metro Cruise® team! Everyone is
tired, sore and happy this week following the vent. On
average, the Cruise committee walked between 20 and
45 miles putting on this great event. Thanks to all of
you! You did a Great Job!
Metro South Chambers - Multi-Chamber Events
The Chamber Board approved our ongoing relationship
with our neighboring Chambers to co-promote a number
of events in the coming months. Watch for details
about the September 24 Metro South Chambers After
Hours and other great business-building events coming
up! And that’s my...
Opinion by John

The Biggest and Best Networking Event
of the Year – Oct 29th!
The Business Growth Committee
is pleased to announce the SOUTH
KENT BUSINESS CONNECTIONS
Event on Thursday, October 29th from
11:30 pm to 7:00 pm at Applause
Banquet Center on 28th Street. This
event combines a Lunch ‘N Learn, a
Business Expo, and a Membership
Drive Reception -- all on one action
packed afternoon.
Sponsorship and Showcase Table
information are now available.
Sponsorships are available until
September 8th at $300, $600 and
$1200 levels. Sixty-six showcase
tables are available to Chamber
members for only $175 before
September 18th, and for $275 after
September 18th, if space is still
available, so get your applications in
A.S.A.P.
Open to and marketed to all METRO
SOUTH CHAMBER Members and
Not Yet Members through multiple
Chamber Newsletters, E-mail Blasts,
BUSINESS GROWTH
NewsTalk Radio Advertising and Direct
Mail to W-K Area businesses.
The Lunch ‘n Learn will feature Penny
Georgevich, Executive Director from
BNI Michigan on How to Build Your
Business with Referrals! from 11:30
am to 1:00 pm Cost for the Lunch ‘n
Learn is $15 for Chamber Members
and $21 for Not Yet Members.
A Membership Drive Reception
(Free Appetizers/Cash Bar) from 5
p.m. to 7:00 p.m. will be held in the
Expo area for new members and not
yet members to meet the Board of
Directors, Committee Chairs and other
active members.
Like last year, this event will be the
biggest and best networking event
of the year. Please plan on your
involvement as a sponsor, showcaser
or attendee. Contact julie@southkent.
org or call the Wyoming-Kentwood Area
Chamber of Commerce at 616-531-
5990 for further details.
Social
Networking
is
Good
Business!
Sponsoring
Chamber
Events
is
Good
Business!
Plan on the Lunch 'n Learn at the South
Kent Business Connections Expo on
Thursday, October 29th Presented by the
Business Growth Committee, part of the
Member Relations Division.
Looking to Grow your
Business?
by Amanda Lewis, gNetworks
Chair for the Business Growth Committee
The Business Growth committee
will be starting roundtable
discussions on solutions that may
assist our members in growing
their business. The committee
meets on the second Tuesday of
each month at 9am at the Chamber
Office. The round table discussion
will start each month at 9:30am.
Please join us!
Interested in Free Online
Advertising? This month’s topic
is Merchant Circle. Merchant Circle
is a social networking site for
small businesses. The site allows
businesses to upload pictures,
create blogs, post coupons, and
newsletters for free. In addition, it
allows business owners to connect
with other merchants. Small
Businesses looking to increase their
exposure on Search Engines, may
benefit from Merchant Circle’s free
services.
To learn more about Merchant
Circle, or share your experience
with the site’s services, please join
us September 10th, as we discuss
how Merchant Circle has helped
some chamber members grow their
business.
Do you know of a great solution
that would assist our members
with growing their business? Please
contact Amanda Lewis. Phone
616-451-886 or email alewis@
gnetworks.com.
 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

September 2009
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
Staff Meetings 1 4p
2 8:15a 3 8a 4 5
Ambassadors @ Chamber Recruiting
on the
Main Street Pub Foundation Committee
Thursday
before 3rd
Fridays! and
on all other
Fridays at
10am

6 7 8 Noon 9 10 11 12
Gov Matters at 8a
the Chamber PAC
4p 9-11a SCORE
Education by appt.
Comm @
Celebration
South

13 14 8a 15 11 a 16 8am 17 7:30a
18 19
Gov Matters at Santa Parade Activation & 11:30a-1p
CEO Exch,
Wyoming Committee Retention 9a
3rd Fridays!
City Hall 10a, Bus Growth Pizzazz Banquet
Finance Burgers 'n Brats 1p
11:30a, Social Chamber
Executive 5-7p Pinery Pk Partners
Committee NEWSLETTER
DEADLINE
20 21 22 23 24 10 am
3rd Fri!
25 26
Comm
11:30a
Board Mtg
5-7 pm
Metro South
Chamber After
Hours

27 28 29 11 a 30 31
Santa Parade
Committee

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 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

October 2009
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
Staff Meetings 1 8a 2 3
on the Recruiting
Thursday Committee
before 3rd
Fridays! and
on all other
Fridays at
10am

4 5 Noon 6 4p 7 8:15a 8 5-7 pm 9 8a 10

Gov Matters at Ambassadors Chamber Chamber After PAC
the Chamber @Main Street Foundation Hours 9-11a SCORE
Pub by appt.

11 12 8a 13 11a 14 8a 15 7:30a 16 17
Gov Matters at Santa Parade Activation & CEO Exchange, 11:30a-1p
Kentwood City Committee Retention 9a Bus Growth- 3rd Fridays!
Hall 10a, Location TBA
Finance 1p
11:30a, Chamber
Executive Partners
Committee NEWSLETTER
DEADLINE

18 19 20 21 22 10 a 23 24
3rd Fri! Comm
11:30a
Board of
Directors

25 26 27 11a 28 29 1-7 pm 30 31
Santa Parade South Kent
Committee Business
Connections
(Expo -
Lunch 'n Learn-
Networking)

Promote Your Brand at 3rd Fridays!

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Business Law Estate Planning We'll use them to package handouts at 3rd Fridays!
Business Formation — General Counsel
Contract Review/Drafting
Wills — Trusts Luncheons each month. Our members are leaving each
Powers of Attorney (Financial & Health)
Purchase/Sale Special Needs Planning month with armloads of info and business cards. Make it
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3 Communication Tips for Managers
Talking with Employees about
the Recession
Communication between management
and employees is always important.
But, during times of economic uncertainty
and a struggling job market, effective
communication is key to the survival
and future success of any organization.
According to research conducted in
2008 by Weber Shandwick, a global
public relations and communications
leader, 70% of employees surveyed felt
their company should be communicating
more about problems the current
economic situation is causing the
company. A lack of communication can
cause employees to become distressed,
harming productivity and morale. In
fact, according to a survey released by
Workplace Options, a benefits company
in North Carolina of 711 adults, 48%
of participants reported feeling less
productive at work due to current
economic uncertainty.
With massive layoffs and shrinking
budgets plaguing corporations, it’s
imperative for upper management to
talk to their employees and not keep
Major Upcoming Chamber Events Need Volunteers
All of the meetings and events held
for Chamber Members and for
the Communities we service are
conceived, planned, organized and
run by Members of your Chamber
of Commerce, just like you.
With 2009 winding down soon and
2010 coming fast behind, it's time
to put the finishing touches on this
year's offerings and to start working
on next year's programs.
Many of our committees planning
current activities are looking for
more members. The Education
Committee, Chamber Partners
Committee, Santa Parade
Committee, Activation & Retention
and Member Recruitment are just a
sampling of groups looking for more
hands to pitch in and to add to the
brainstorming sessions that result
in all the wonderful opportunities
to build your business that are
offered by the Chamber every year.
BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
them in the dark about the company’s
plan to combat the recession. A
recession is hard on everyone, but as
managers, you can play a vital role
in easing your employees’ minds by
communicating effectively to ensure that
your employees feel confident in their
jobs and are motivated to do their best.
Be Open and Honest
No news is not good news in
times like these. The absence of
effective communication can cause
your employees to start their own
conversations and form incorrect
conclusions. To keep your staff
from assuming the worst, be sure to
communicate openly and honestly
about the effects the current economic
situation is having on your company.
Be clear where your employees stand
in their jobs and where the company is
headed.
Acknowledge Concerns
Employees are the most valuable asset
in any company, and treating them with
value will go a long way. Ask employees
what their concerns are. This will show
that you care about how this economic
downturn is affecting their lives.
The Education Committee,
responsible for Business 'n Books
and Sport of Words, works closely
with representatives from our
local schools to further education
in our community with business
support. We would like to build
this committee up to about 15
members. We meet once a month
on the first Monday of the month at
4pm at Celebration Cinema-South.
Betsy Artz and Connie Ziebarth
make sure there is always popcorn
and a beverage for everyone at the
meeting.
Chamber Partners Committee
recruit the businesses that are
appropriate for helping you save
money while you build your
business. Volunteers for this
committee meet once a month
on the 3rd Friday of the month,
immediately following 3rd Fridays!
Luncheon and we meet at the same
location as that luncheon.
Provide Hope
Right now, your employees are seeking
not just guidance and reassurance,
but most importantly, hope. Address
challenges head-on. Remind them that
problems can also be opportunities.
Send a clear message that you’re all
in it together and will come through
this together. Hope-filled employees
will give their best – even in the worst
of times. But, be careful not to provide
false hope. If there is no hope, remain
positive but realistic – continue to be
open and honest about the situation.
Effectively communicating with your
employees during difficult economic
times can shape the future of your
company. Being open and honest,
acknowledging concerns, and providing
hope will increase confidence and
productivity among your staff and help
your company weather whatever the
future holds.
Please let us know if you have any
questions or for further discussion,
Express Employment Professionals
616-281-0611, casey.jankoska@
expresspros.com.
Member Recruitment builds
Chamber Membership and growth
by encouraging your referrals
and by following up on leads for
potential members.
Annual Meeting/Silent Auction.
This used to be two committees
but since the event happens on
the same night, we've blended
the groups. Plans are just getting
underway for this gala night on
January 29. Want to help us plan,
organize and make it happen?
There is a committee that meets
at a time and place convenient
for you or your company
representative that can cover any
interest area. For more information
about plugging into a Chamber
Committee and making the most of
your Fair Share Dues Investment,
contact sue@southkent.org or call
the Chamber at 616-531-5990.
For more information on available
opportunities log on to www.
southkent.org.
 CHAMBER EVENT COMMITTEE NEWS
September 2009
Plan to join us on Thursday, October
8th at Applause Catering for
our next Chamber After Hours
Networking opportunity. We'll get
started at 5pm and wrap up the
event at 7pm with some really great
door prizes and a 50/50 Drawing.
You must be present to win, so no
matter what time you arrive, plan
to stay to the end.
This is a no cost networking event
open to any member-in-good-
standing of WKACC and their
guests. Invite those business leaders
that are on your list as potential
membership referrals and let them
see what Chamber Membership can
do for their business.
Showcase Tables are available
but space is limited so reserve
early. (You must be a member to
showcase).
This is also a great opportunity to
meet your Chamber Ambassador if
you haven't already had the
Many WKACC
Group Health Plans
to choose from!
For you and your employees!
Contact janine@southkent.org
for plan pricing and work and
residential eligibility
requirements.
The Chamber.
Now, more than ever.
Pass it on!
pleasure. The Ambassadors are
there to introduce you and help you
Don't Forget!
Marketing
make connections with other
incentives available
members. Please get to know your
from Citadel
Ambassador as your representative.
Broadcasting to all
They can help you stay in touch
new and renewing
with the Chamber, keep up
members.
with future events, plug in to
opportunities to grow your business Make it a point to renew your dues
and keep you up with what is on time or even early if you can.
happening in our communities. There is a great bonus advertising
benefit from Citadel Broadcasting
The Ambassadors are currently for timely renewals. Ask Sue, Julie
seeking applications for After
or John for all the details before
Hours hosts for the Spring of 2010. your Membership is due.
Please contact the chamber office if
you are interested and someone will Refer a New Member and receive
be in contact with you. a $25.00 Chamber Bucks Credit
toward your next invoice. Contact
the Chamber with your referral
information and when your
referral joins you will receive the
credit. Don't forget to mention the
marketing package valued at $1500.
from Citadel Broadcasting.
Download your Criteria Information/Application to Host
or your showcase applicaton for
Chamber After Hours
by logging on to www.southkent.org and going to document
downloads. Send to julie@southkent.org or fax to 616-531-0252.
Are you connecting with your
customer audience?
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your client and in your life, this book shows you how to perform.
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Shipping and
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Name_______________________________________
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Total $14.50 for WKACC eMail Address:__________________________________
Members $17.50 for not-
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(Please expect one week for delivery)
 Seven Things to Avoid to Improve Your Marketing Message
(continued from page 1)
why businesses continue to buy into
this unwise and expensive practice
because it kills off most reponse
and does nothing to advance your
marketing message or proposition.
The goal here is to get people's
attention, not have them glance right
over your marketing message. Unless
you enjoy wasting marketing dollars
stop this now! I plead, beg, urge you
to use a well written and targeted
headline instead. It may not win
awards, but it will increase your odds
of getting attention and results.
5. Quit rambling on about
yourself. People care about one thing
and one thing only: themselves. To
be more succcessful, you must turn
the focal point of your marketing
copy to the benefits the prospect will
immediately gain by reading your
message. The two central questions
to always be thinking about are: 1.
what are you going to do wto help
them solve their problem? 2. How
can you improve their life or present
situation?
Shift your marketing copy and
messages to become "you" foxcused
versus "we". Most marketing copy
done at the small business level is
sloppy, unorganized, and completely
focuesed on the company's ego
versus the most important person:
your customer or key prospect.
People aren't dumb. Each of us has
a built in "anti-ad" or "BS Meter" we
use to quickly sift through, delete or
block out any messages if they look
or sound like a blatant ad or sales
pitch.
6. Not putting in an offer or call
to action. Congratulation! Your
marketing message got attention, and
the targeted prospect has allowed you
Mind Capture and permission to take
up their valuable time. Wait. There's
one big problem. They don't know
what to do next. There's nothing
compelling enough to have them pick
up the phone, visit your website, stop
at your storefront, trade show booth
or email you for more information.
This is a scenario that many
businesses do with their marketing
by not including an offer or call
to action. They work hard to get
attention and then leave the prospect
or customer with no compelling
reason to respond or take action.
They've worked hard up to this point,
but they miss the chance to score
a lead, set an appointment or win a
new order because they fail to finish
the job by using a weak offer or none
at all.
7. No third party proof or
evidence. You must continually
prove yourself in the market.
Very, very few small to mid-size
companies are national brands nor
can they afford to spend hundreds of
thousands of dollars on marketing.
Branding locally or by specific
vertical mareket can be done but
that's a whole other book. To keep it
simple, here's a quick reminder and
checklist of tools you can add to your
marketing arsenal to build proof or
evidence for your company product
or service.
• Testimonial videos, letters and
comments from happy customers
• Articles you've written or been
featured in
• Press releases pertaining to your
product, service, industry or staff
• Positive industry articles or trade
reviews
• Number of clients or specific
industries you serve
• Key designations, certifications or
awards you've received
• Compelling guarantee or service
claims
• Lists of key clients or references
People today are looking for valued
resources and businesses that
educate them, are reputable, save
them time and shorten their search
process. Strong marketing evidence
helps difuse fear and presents a
strong case that you can be trusted
and are much more likely to deliver
on your claims and promises.
Your goal with a prospect is to assist
them in defusing their doubts,
fears, possible bad past experiences,
preceptions of your industry and
persuade them that you're a reliable
and safe choice worthy of considering
and doing business with. Review your
current marketing efforts and make
sure you're not making these seven
common marketing mistakes.

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Wilderness to Wyoming Published
On the eve of the City of Wyoming's
50th Anniversary Celebration, the
Wyoming Historical Commission
announced the release of their
second volume of City of Wyoming
history, Wilderness to Wyoming.
Published 25 years after the
Commission's first book (The
City of Wyoming: A History),
Wilderness to Wyoming covers
a broad range of history, from
the region's earliest settlers to
events of the past year. Over 100
photographs have been included
in the new edition to illustrate the
changes the area has undergone,
and a special chapter has been
written in honor of our local
veterans.
Though a project of the entire
Commission, the book was largely
prepared and edited by Dorothy
Simon-Tibbe, Bill Branz and Kelly
White.
"The City of Wyoming has a deep,
rich history, and we are excited
to share it with local residents,
businesses and neighbors," states
Bill Branz, Historical Commissioner
and manager of the History Room.
To purchase copies of the book
or to contact the History Room
call 616-261-3508 or visit www.
wyomingmi.gov. The Historical
Commission is located at 1155 28th
St SW. The Historical Commission
was organized to preserve, protect
and acquire objects and data of
importance to the City.
The Wyoming-Kentwood Area
Chamber of Commerce owns a
copy of The City of Wyoming - A
History, as well as a copy of The
Story of Kentwood - A History of
Kentwood, Michigan. Contact Sue
or John if you would like the chance
to see these publications.

Sponsorships Available
Platinum Sponsor - $2000 ($1400 for Chamber Members)
• Four of your company banners (provided by you) hung on site at the Forest of Fear.
• Your business’s name mentioned as a sponsor on 104.5 WSNX radio ads.
• Your business’s coupon added to our Great Deals Magazine Full Page ad.
• Your business’s coupon or flyer (provided by you) distributed with every
Forest of Fear. Ticket sold.
• Your business’s logo placed on all Forest of Fear coupons that are distributed.
• A link from the Forest of Fear web site to your business.
• Fifty free Forest of Fear tickets.
• Ten free memberships for the Kentwood Jaycees
Gold Sponsor - $1000 ($700 for Chamber Members)
• Three of your company banners (provided by you) hung on site at the Forest of Fear.
• Your business’s coupon (provided by you) distributed on all nights
with each Forest of Fear Ticket.
• Your business’s coupon added to our Great Deals Magazine Full Page ad.
• Your business’s name mentioned as a sponsor on 104.5 WSNX radio ads.
• Your business’s logo placed on all Forest of Fear coupons that are distributed.
• A link from Forest of Fear web site to your business.
• Twenty free Forest of Fear tickets.
• Seven free membership for the Kentwood Jaycees
Silver Sponsor - $500 ($350 for Chamber Members)
• Two of your company banners (provided by you) hung on site at the Forest of Fear. with advertising on site at the Forest of Fear or we could
• Your business’s logo placed on all Forest of Fear coupons that are distributed.
• A link from the Forest of Fear web site to your business.
• Fifteen free Forest of Fear tickets.
• Five free memberships for the Kentwood Jaycees.
Bronze Sponsor - $250 ($175 for Chamber Members)
• One of your company banners (provided by you) hung on site at the Forest of Fear.
• Your business’s logo placed on all Forest of Fear coupons that are distributed.
• A link from the Forest of Fear web site to your business.
• Six free Forest of Fear tickets.
• Two free memberships for the Kentwood Jaycees.
Contact Jenny Dukarski! jennydooda@yahoo.com (989) 737-4466
Hello Chamber Member Reader!
I am contacting you today to make you aware of an
opportunity in which you can expose your business to over
7,000 people in the Grand Rapids area while also supporting
a local non-profit organization.
For the past eight years, the Kentwood Jaycees
have run a fundraising project called The Forest of Fear.
The Forest of Fear is an outdoor haunted attraction. This
is the primary fundraiser supporting our organization and
it enables us to run many community projects such as
Easter Egg Hunts, Holiday Charity Programs, and Relay
for Life. However, this is a very costly project to run and we
are looking for financial support and in kind donations from
local area businesses. We are always in need of products
or services that would reduce our expenses – such as
building supplies, printing services, or volunteer incentives
such as free services or free meals. Also, we are looking for
businesses to allow us to place coupons and posters for the
Forest of Fear at your place of business for the month of
October.In return we can help you promote your business
bring a giant monster to your place of business to help you
with a special promotion.
Thank you for taking the time to read this, and to
support the Forest of Fear. The Forest of Fear is a strictly
volunteer operation, with over 400 volunteers helping us each
year. For more details, please contact:
Jenny Dukarski
Forest of Fear Chairperson 2008-2006
jennydooda@yahoo.com (989) 737-4466

Member Spotlight
Board Executives meet monthly and select the
outstanding volunteer and Committee for their
effort and results on behalf of WKACC.
August Volunteer
of the Month
Congratulations to Erin
Bowen on being named
Volunteer of the Month.
Erin is an intern from Grand Valley
State University working on her
major in Hospitality with a minor in
Event Planning. She is working part
time with Lenger Travel Center. In
her duties at the Chamber she works
with this years 28th Street Metro
Cruise® Committee as Director of
Visitor Relations. She is responsible
for the VIP Tent and organizing the
Event Program among other duties.
The biggest homework assignment
ever! Nice Job Erin.
August Committee of the Month
3rd Fridays Exchange Luncheon
Committee received the nod in
recognition of the work they do on
our monthly networking luncheon.
(This is the only WKACC committee
that holds a member event every
month).
The event averages 40 businesses
attending each month in with two
months so far in 2009 topping 70
member businesses in attendance.
The committee continues to meet
monthly to work to improve your
networking and showcasing
experiences.
Committee Members include:
Linda Singer- Michigan Lake
to Lake Bed and Breakfast
Association (Chair),
Lisa O'Callaghan- Citadel
Broadcasting (past Chair)
Jeane Ripley- Custom Designed
Draperies by Jeane
Dennis Kavanagh- Central
Payment Corp.
Our Master of Ceremonies is David
Szidik from Proforma Infinite
Marketing
Sue Bynum- Chamber Staff
MEMBER NEWS AND NOTES
Showcase Welcome New
Your Members
Business Children's Assessment Center-
Thomas Zook, 616-336-5160
Friday, Sept. 18
11:30 am to 1 pm Dad's Tent & Party Rental -Dave
Our last luncheon at Pizzazz Banquet Parrish, 616-863-8988
Center with catering by Schnitz' Deli.
Members pay only $15 with early Neighborhood Church Ministries-
John Hulett, 616-974-2000
registration. Not-yet-members and late
member registration is still only $21.00 Whooo...
Showcase tables are available for
September and October while they
last. Reserve yours today for only an
additional $35.00.
Contact sue@southkent.org for
more information or download the Do You Know That
application at www.southkent.org. Should Be A Member?
Register on-line and don't forget your
business cards!
Renewing Members
• Action Tire Center • Hairstyles by Janet
• Alliance For Health • Hancock Chimney Service
• Amerikam, Inc TWENTY YEARS!!!
• Applied Imaging Systems • Harmelink Associates
• Apply With Us Staffing • HME Incorporated
• Aurora Pond • Kentwood Physical Therapy
• Auto Finance, Inc • Lake Michigan Credit Union
• Buchanan Auto Service • Middleton Printing
• Business Update Publication • Noto’s Old World Italian Dining
• Cascade Winery • Prime Products, Inc
• CBS Outdoor • Quick Printing Co, Inc
• Cedar Rock Automotive, Inc • Real Pro Auto – Eastern Ave
• Chris’ Therapeutic Touch • Standard Computer Systems,
• Country Inn & Suites Inc
• Custom Enterprises, Inc • Thomsons Auto Repair, LLC
• Eckhoff & DeVries Painting & • Hyatt Place Grand Rapids
Wallcovering South
• Edward Jones Investments • Travelodge
– Knapp • Van Hydraulics, Inc
• Exactgraphics • Wyoming Public Schools
• GFS Marketplace • Your Way Realty
• Grand Rapids Inn
• H James Telman Renew early or on time
for bonus benefit offers!
Member Milestones
Businesses listed on this page are marking a Member Milestone. Please
take the time to welcome new members and congratulate renewing
members, especially those celebrating an anniversary, on their continuing
support of YOUR Chamber of Commerce.
For more information on any of these members log on to www.southkent.
org and click on information request or call 616-531-5990 for more details.
 2
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