Representing you in D.C.

Meet our new First Impressions Coordinator 11

Events calendar 14
M O N T H LY
July 2 0 11

emphasis

Chamber Classic tees up

Rejuvenated golf outing swings into action at Brookwood on July 28. Pages 8-9

ALSO INSIDE

Stay ahead of next years taxes

From left are Mindy Szczepanski of Landquest Title Group, Dan Copeland of Business People Magazine, Mike Harris of Brookwood Golf Club, and Michael Hayes of Comcast Business Services, at Brookwood Golf Club on Bluffton Road, the location of this years Chamber Classic on July 28.

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T H E G R E AT E R F O R T WAYN E C H A M B E R O F CO M M E R C E

Gulya Alexander, Operations Manager, Destination: Your Future

LANs, WANs, VoIP, Mobile and more.

Just the space you want, whenever.

For groups from 4 to 80 or more.

Interested? Contact Gulya Alexander @ 260-407-6450 or galexander@niic.net

In Innovation Park, dir Free parking

www.destinationyourfuture.com

LETTER

FROM

THE

PRESIDENT

Mike Landram CEO and President The Chamber mlandram@fwchamber.org

Chamber members and friends, I would like to extend my gratitude to the hundreds of volunteers that took part in our Mission: Possible Membership Event this year. With your help, weve added more than 100 new Chamber members and had a lot of fun! This event has created lots of buzz in the community that will only increase our membership. Thank you for all of your support. On July 1, we are launching our new Chamber web site. You said we needed a more user-friendly web site that showcased you, our members, in a better light. We listened. Thanks to the hard work of King & Knight and the Chambers Communications team, I believe youll like what you see. With member pages that allow you to control your content and upload video and photos, our page becomes your page. Youll see other great features as well like an enhanced community calendar, easier-to-find information, and simpler event registration. The first annual Nonprofit Summit will take place July 13 here at the Chamber. The Nonprofit Summit will provide expert training in areas such
M O N T H LY

as technology, cost reduction, intern programs, and communications. This expert training is not only affordable but also designed to specifically benefit nonprofit organizations, nonprofit board members, and your best volunteers. If you are involved in a nonprofit organization in any capacity, I encourage you to join us. The Chamber Golf Classic will take place on July 28. Weve made big improvements to this event that I think youll like. With one flight starting at 10 a.m., the course will be full of business people to network with. Well be serving lunch and complimentary beverages on the course and will host an awards reception immediately following the event. We are adding valet service and promise fewer distractions on the course. Weve also lowered the cost to make it more accessible to our members. At $100 for members and $125 for nonmembers, you cant afford not to be there. Hope to see you in the month ahead!

emphasis
Volume 21, Issue 7 Mike Landram President/CEO Dave Young Vice President of Air Service Development Michelle Merritt Vice President of Membership and Communications Katy Stafford Director of Government Affairs Jon Swerens Director of Communications and Emphasis Editor Lauren Richwine Communications Specialist and Photographer
CO V E R P H OTO B Y L AU R E N R I C H W I N E

INSIDE

THIS

ISSUE

A limited amount of advertising in Emphasis Monthly is available exclusively to Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce members. For rates and information, contact KPC Media Group: Lynn Sroufe Fort Wayne general manager lsroufe@kpcnews.net (260) 426-2640 ext. 304 Lynette Donley Fort Wayne advertising sales manager lynetted@kpcnews.net (260) 426-2640 ext. 305 Or visit the web site: fwbusiness.com/emphasis

Emphasis Monthly is a publication of The Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce. 826 Ewing Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46802 (260) 424-1435 | www.fwchamber.org communications@fwchamber.org Printed by KPC Media Group Inc., publishers of the Greater Fort Wayne Business Weekly The mission of the Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce is to create a vibrant economic environment by supporting business, advocating on behalf of the business community, and fostering community partnerships to advance a common economic vision.

4 Representing you in D.C. 5 How to keep young people? Engage. Inform. Attract. 6 Get involved in the 2011 Heart Walk 6 Office Depot switching to recyclable delivery bags 7 King & Knight selected to create The Chambers new web site 7 Still time to sign up for Nonprofit Summit 8 The Chamber Classic golf outing 9 China trip deadline is July 1 10 New amenities at Fort Wayne Airport 10 Ribbon cutting 11 How to stay ahead of next years taxes 12 Your Chamber discount guide 12 New and renewing members 13 Chamber Chat: Our new First Impressions Coordinator 14 Chamber Calendar of Events

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GOVERNMENT

AFFAIRS

Representing you in D.C.

Katy Stafford Director of Government Affairs The Chamber kstafford@fwchamber.org

Katy Stafford meets with Chris Gardner, author of the best-selling book, The Pursuit of Happyness. Gardner was one of the many speakers at the U.S. Chamber of Commerces Small Business Summit in Washington.

At the end of May, I traveled to Washington, D.C., for the U.S. Chamber of Commerces Small Business Summit. Geared toward businesses that have 100 employees or fewer, the summit held sessions on improving your impact, the effects of health care reform on small business, using social media as a business tool, procurement tips, risks facing small businesses, and leadership in unique organizations. Among the top-notch speakers was Chris Gardner, author of The Pursuit of Happyness and inspiration for the hit film of the same title. Gardner spoke to the importance of always striving to accomplish your goals, no matter how incredible those goals might be. Dana Perino, former White House Press Secretary under President George W. Bush, moderated the panel on the impact of the Health Care Reform bill passed by Congress last Session. Dr. Martin Regalia, Senior Vice President and Chief Economist at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce outlined the current economic status of the country and how that influences small business. Finally, four-star General Stanley McChrystal, former Commander of U.S. and International Forces in Afghanistan, spoke candidly about the importance of leadership at all levels of an organization. In addition to the stand-out program of exceptional speakers, the summit awarded the U.S. Chamber of Commerces 2011 Dream Big Small Business of the Year Award. The top 75 applicants were awarded the Blue Ribbon Small Business Award earlier this year. Of those 75 businesses, seven finalists from

seven different regions were chosen to contend for the Small Business of the Year Award. The winner, Red Frog Events from our own Great Lakes region, won the top honor and a $10,000 cash prize. To apply for the 2012 Dream Big Small Business of the Year Award, go to www.USChamber.org for information. We would love to have our members awarded with this high honor. As well as attending the summit, my main objective in Washington, D.C., was to meet with the offices of our federal delegation to express our continued support of their legislative agendas and reiterate the concerns our members have on many levels. I met with Sen. Dick Lugars office, Sen. Dan Coats office and Rep. Marlin Stutzman himself. All three offices were very receptive to our concerns regarding overburdening regulations at the federal level, the need for more economic development incentives, the ability to grow existing businesses, and federal legislation that would negatively impact businesses in the greater Fort Wayne area. I also expressed our desire to continue to be a resource, using the slogan, Theres a Member for That. Each office relayed its desire to visit with our members on their visits back to Northeast Indiana and to hear from you directly on the issues that most impact your business. Watch for opportunities from The Chamber to engage the federal delegation in the upcoming months. Next year, I encourage you to attend an event like the summit. I walked away with a lot of ideas on how our members could be positively impacted by the speakers and concepts presented at the summit. Also, anytime you are in Washington, I would encourage you to make an appointment with the offices of our federal delegation. They are always willing to listen and discuss issues that impact you. Feel free to reach out to The Chamber to assist with setting up your meetings. We can help provide talking points and assistance with information on issues, as well as help with navigation to the D.C. offices. Your voice and experience are important. Let them be heard. It is about when, not if. Chris Gardner

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G R A D U AT E

RETENTION

How to keep young people? Engage. Inform. Attract.

Jennifer Fisher Graduate Retention Program Manager The Chamber jfisher@fwchamber.org

Upcoming Live Learn and Intern events

Free summer events for college interns! Go to our web site at graduateretention. com to register: Rivercity Sand Volleyball: July 1, 6 p.m. Tournament with music, food, games and cash bar! TinCaps: July 7, 6:15 p.m. Starts at The Chamber with tailgating! Sweetwater Sound: July 12, 5 p.m. Dinner, tour, and local band Black Cat Mambo! Fort Wayne Childrens Zoo: July 17, 1 p.m. With picnic lunch! Sycamore Hills Golf Club: July 27, 6:30 p.m. Closing banquet with a cash bar!

Ive said it before and Ill say it again: Young people are the future of Northeast Indiana! I truly worry that if we arent attracting and retaining our young high school and college graduates that we may have a shortfall of well trained, highly skilled workers in the next 5 to 10 years. Of course, we already know that internships play a vital role in providing young people with potential job opportunities and that is the first step to enticing them to stay in Northeast Indiana. Jobs arent the only reason young people stay, though. So often, they are looking for more than just a steady paycheck. Things like cost of living Im sure play some role, but even more than that, many young people want to live in a vibrant city. They want to feel attached in some way to their community. They want activities that are fun and inviting. They want to live in a community that values diversity and welcomes them. Introductions first, please So we already know we want our young, talented interns to stay in Northeast Indiana. We also know that their decision to stay is not solely based on a job offer, although that certainly helps. This leaves us with the question: How can we engage and ultimately attract young people to our region? Well, first we have to introduce them to all the wonderful things we have to offer. You may or may not be aware, but the Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce houses the Graduate Retention Program which runs a summer events program called Live, Learn, and Intern. The program is generously funded this summer through a grant from the Wal-Mart Foundation and this year has been planned by local college student Tiffany Aikin who attends Indiana Tech.

Tiffany has planned eight events to introduce area interns to Northeast Indiana through fun and interactive activities designed to help them meet other people and get to know the place they could one day call home. Last month I talked to you about how critical mentoring was to a young persons success. Well, I view this as equally important to helping them make decisions about where to live and work after graduation. Allowing young people to see what Northeast Indiana has to offer is a critical step in helping them see themselves here. What can you do to help? If you have college interns, encourage them to attend the Live, Learn and Intern events. You are welcome to come as well if they are shy about coming alone. The events are free for students to attend and only $10 for supervisors, HR personnel and others. July offers many opportunities to get your intern involved and excited about Northeast Indiana. Interns can get more information about each event and register online at www.graduateretention.com. In addition to encouraging them to attend the Live, Learn and Intern events, you can also engage your intern by taking them with you to meetings and events that you are attending. Introduce them to other professionals and help them start building lasting relationships in our community. By connecting your student intern to people and places, you provide them with a well rounded view of what its like to live and work here. Dont forget, were all in this together and we need to make an effort now to help young people see a future for themselves right here in Northeast Indiana!

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H E A LT H

M AT T E R S

Get involved in 11 Heart Walk

The Chamber discount
If your business has 2 to 50 employees, you qualify for a discount of up to five percent on your small business insurance premiums from PHP. Average annual savings is $2,500. To receive a free quote, call PHP at (800) 9826257 or visit www. phpni.com and click on the Chamber Discount Program link.

Nearly 2,300 Americans die of cardiovascular diseases each day one person every 38 seconds. Cardiovascular diseases claim more lives each year than cancer, chronic lower respiratory diseases and accidents combined. Since 1949, the American Heart Association (AHA) has spent more than $3.2 billion on research to increase our knowledge about cardiovascular diseases and stroke, all in effort of prevention and advancing treatment. You can make an impact in the fight against cardiovascular disease by participating in the 2011 AHA Northeast Indiana Heart Walk. The Heart Walk is the American Heart Associations signature fundraising event, promoting physical activity and heart-healthy living in a fun family environment. Its a great way to promote health and wellness in our community, all while raising money for lifesaving research and pro-

grams. Participants throughout the Fort Wayne community helped AHA raise nearly $200,000 at the 2010 Northeast Indiana Heart Walk. The Heart Walk attracted over 1,100 walkers from nearly 65 Fort Wayne area companies. Mark your calendar for September 17 and join the thousands of participants down at Parkview Field for this years event! Gather your friends or coworkers to form a team. This is a fun and easy way for companies, organizations and families to make a difference in the community and become more heart healthy. To learn more about how you and your company can get involved, visit the web site at www.fortwayneheartwalk.org. Or you can contact Vanessa Lauritsen with the American Heart Association at (260) 494-6530 or vanessa. lauritsen@heart.org.

SMART

SOLUTIONS

Delivery switches to recyclable bags

The Chamber discount
Chamber members can save 60 percent on core catalog items and four percent off retail catalog purchases. You can also monitor expenses with monthly reporting, and order online, via phone or fax, and through retail stores. For more info, contact Chris Michaels at (260) 249-3977.

For the last couple of years, customers of Office Depot have been increasingly asking for a reliable, more sustainable and cost-effect solution as an alternative to traditional corrugated box delivery. With the challenge at hand, our creative logistics team worked on several different ideas. The final product is an innovative and market-changing idea that test groups have embraced all over the county. Bags In Totes! Just as it sounds, Office Depot is going to begin delivering products in recyclable bags that will be packaged in plastic tote bags. Delivery drivers will bring the totes into their stops and unload the bags for the customer. These bags are rated at 30 pounds of capacity so they are sturdy and reliable. Of course, larger items will still be packaged separately or in the traditional boxes. Its hard to determine what the most important benefit of this delivery system is. It might be the great environmentally conscious alternative to cardboard. It might also be the overwhelming cost savings, as Office Depot eliminates two-thirds of

the boxes purchased annually, which totals in the tens of millions of dollars. Thats a savings we can pass along to you, the customer. I think it might be the elimination of those horrible air pillows that come in the oversized boxes holding just a few items. While they do provide incredible protection, they are the biggest pain to dispose of. My son loves the loud popping sound that accompanies stomping these linked pockets of air, but many of my customers simply hate them. But seriously, the greatest benefit is to the customer. No longer do you have struggle with box removal and you have the opportunity to add another green element to your companys efforts to be more sustainable, without adding anything to your bottom line. This great solution begins in mid to late July and will be fully rolled out by the end of third quarter. Once again, Office Depot is leading the marketplace with another Smart, Sustainable Solution to help the environment and your business!

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CHAMBER

NEWS

King & Knight selected to create The Chambers new web site
The Fort Wayne firm of King & Knight has been selected by The Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce to create and design its new web site. The new web site, located at www.fwchamber. org, will go live by July 1. King & Knight is a digital agency located in Fort Wayne. Established in January, King & Knight provides web design, web development, mobile development, and custom software applications for individuals and corporate enterprises. King & Knight can be found on the web at www.kingandknight.com. The founder, Mike King, has more than five years of experience in computer information systems. He graduated from IU Bloomingtons Kelley School of Business with a concentration in Computer Information Systems. King was named to the 2010 class of The Greater Fort Wayne Business Weeklys 40 Under 40. We are excited to award the design of our new web site to a Fort Wayne firm, said Michael Landram, chairman and CEO of The Chamber. The Chamber recognizes the importance of local business and believes this decision exemplifies that. Mikes reputation in the web design industry and his ties to our community make King & Knight a great fit. The new web site will be easier to use for Chamber members, visitors and Chamber staff. Features of the new web site include: A modern look and feel with easy-to-browse menus. Easy-to-locate events, departments and other Chamber information. Shorter, reader-friendly URLs. A reformatted and easy-to-browse business directory with advertising opportunities. An individual web page for each Chamber member with optional add-ons for photos and video. A revamped community calendar. After the web site goes live, The Chamber will host training sessions to help its members fully grasp all the tools the new site offers.

Still time to sign up for Nonprofit Summit

Responding to the needs of its many nonprofit members, The Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce has created the first-ever Fort Wayne Nonprofit Summit to be held on Wednesday, July 13, at the Chamber building, 826 Ewing St., Fort Wayne. Our nonprofit members have spoken loud and clear about the kind of programming they want to see at The Chamber and weve listened, said Chamber President and CEO Mike Landram. The goal of the summit is to provide quality relevant education to nonprofit organizations throughout Northeast Indiana. Attendees will participate in four sessions: Interns: Your Untapped Workforce, with Jennifer Fisher, graduate retention program manager of The Chamber Communication That Works, with Michelle Merritt, vice president of member relations and communications, and Jon Swerens, director of communications, both of The Chamber Daily Cost Savings, with Stacey Smith, president and CEO of Prairie Quest Consulting Demystifying IT for Nonprofits, with Jeff Beights, president and CEO of Source One Solutions Each session was designed specifically to meet the needs of nonprofit organizations. The summit is open to all nonprofit organizations. Nonprofit organizations are encouraged to send their staff, board members, and key volunteers. The nonmember early registration rate is $99 for the day and $129 for nonmembers. The registration fee includes breakfast, lunch, and all materials. Sponsors of the Nonprofit Summit include Prairie Quest Consulting, Source One Solutions, Calhoun Street Soups, Salads and Spirits, and Office Depot.

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CHAMBER

NEWS

Chamber Classic returns July 28

For more information
Sign up for The Chamber Classic golf outing at www. fwchamber.org.

The smell of fresh cut grass, birds chirping, the hum of a golf cart, and a loud voice from the distance yelling, FORE! These are the sounds of summer. Its the time of year when we return to a place where business is done in a comfortable yet highly competitive atmosphere. Yes, The Chamber Classic has returned. Every year, The Chamber Classic brings out the areas best business people. With more than 150 golfers anticipated by The Chamber, there will be lots of great networking to be had. The Chamber Classic is where you want to be seen. It is where the best business will be done. You can always count on running in to old friends and colleagues at our outing, Mike Landram, Chamber President and CEO said. Its also the place to start new relationships with future business partners. This years Chamber Classic will be a return to the great outings of the Chamber past. Chamber members have spoken loud and clear, so weve listened. The Chamber Golf Committee was comprised of these longtime Chamber members: Comcast Business Classs Michael Hayes, Tower Banks Vicki Johnson, and Business People Magazines Dan Copeland. This golf committee was amazing, said Chamber Vice President of Membership & Communications, Michelle Merritt. They were honest about what needed to improve and cared enough to give their time and talent as we improved it. We are proud to return as a sponsor of the Chamber Classic golf outing, said Michael Hayes,

Comcast Business Class Regional Sales Manager. Its always a good time and there are lots of great business people every year. Additional Sponsors for this years Classic include BF Goodrich, PHP, Pro Resources, Glenbrook Mall, Indiana Michigan Power, Lutheran Health Network, Frontier Communications, Ottenweller, Courtyard by Marriott, and Top Notch. With a nod to the outings past, The Classic returns to one flight, improved overall quality, fewer interruptions on the course, and more affordable fees. At just $100 per member for the day, this is an outing you wont want to miss. This year, non members are invited to golf in the Classic at a non

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E M P H A S I S M O N T H LY

China trip deadline is July 1

The Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce is inviting its members and other business leaders to explore China during a nineday trip in October 2011. The trip begins Oct. 24, 2011, from JFK International Airport in New York and ends Nov. 1 at JFK. During the journey, travelers will visit the cities of Beijing, Shanghai, Suzhou, and Hangzhou. Sights include Tian An Men Square, the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, the Ming Tombs, and the Bund. Travelers will also learn about the Chinese business system, visit some of the countrys economic development zones and have the opportunity to meet with business leaders. The cost for the trip is $2,099 per person for Chamber members. Cost is $2,399 for nonmembers. Included in the cost is the following: Round-trip international air fare (does not include travel to and from JFK) 4- and 5-star hotel accommodations Three meals a day Deluxe bus tours Fluent English-speaking tour guides Entrance fees for attractions Join us! Call Michelle Merritt at (260) 4241435 or email mmerritt@fwchamber.org. To register, go to our web site at www.fwchamber.org, download our registration form, print it out and complete it, and return it to us with your nonrefundable $300 deposit, which holds your reservation. For more information, contact Michelle Merritt at (260) 424-1435 or mmerritt@fwchamber.org. Deadline for registration and payment of $300 deposit is end of business day on Friday, July 1.

From left are Michael Hayes of Comcast Business Services, Mike Harris of Brookwood Golf Club, Mindy Szczepanski of Landquest Title Group, and Dan Copeland of Business People Magazine at Brookwood Golf Club.

member rate of $125. We want to provide our members the opportunity to network with members and non members alike so we are opening up the Classic to non members, Merritt said. This allows perspective members to learn more about the Chamber and see what we can do for them. Golf kits will be $40. Your fee for the day includes lunch on the course, beverages, and the award reception to follow. With one very full flight starting at 10 a.m. you are assured the opportunity to meet and mingle with all of the golfers in the outing. Register your team today before it sells out!

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AIR

SERVICE

DEVELOPMENT

The new renovated space on the airside of Fort Wayne International Airport includes Samuel Adams Brewhouse and Seattles Best Coffee. Also at the airport are landside additions of a restaurant and gift shop.

Dave Young Vice President of Air Service Development The Chamber dyoung@fwchamber.org

New amenities at Fort Wayne Airport

If you havent booked a flight or been to Fort Wayne International Airport lately, you may not be aware of all the activity that has been going on: New flights have been added: Allegiant to Myrtle Beach, and Delta to both Atlanta and Minneapolis/St. Paul. Two new dining options have opened. In the space just beyond security that used to house the small caf and smoking area, Samuel Adams Brewpub and Seattles Best Coffee are now serving customers in the newly renovated space. The facelift truly reflects the airports commitment to provide a product that serves the FWA flyers needs and exceeds their expectations. These openings are a welcome addition to FWA, but the renovations are not stopping there. Also new at the airport is the build-out of the new landside (on the ticket-counter-side of the terminal) which provides both a new restaurant and gift shop to those waiting for passengers to arrive, wanting to catch a sandwich with departing passengers or flip leisurely through a magazine. Both of these areas have a similar look and feel to the new restaurants that opened earlier and further enhance the continuing upgrade at the airport. The grand opening for both the Samuel Adams Brewpub and Seattles Best was June 13. As always for those of you who fly FWA often, thank you, and for those of you that may not have of late, be sure to check us out!

RIBBON

CUTTINGS

TownePlace Suites by Marriott celebrates their grand opening with a ribbon cutting in the lobby in May. Participating in the ribbon cutting were, from left, regional director of operations Dale Johns, general manager Ryan Wall, president Jeff Good, Mayor Tom Henry, and Dan OConnell of Visit Fort Wayne.

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GET

S AV I N G

Staying ahead of next years taxes

By Stacey Smith Prairie Quest Inc. Tax season is finally past us, both as businesses and individuals. For those of you who owed money, its a sign that youre a profitable business. Thats a good thing, right? But sometimes when it comes to making those IRS payments, you find that youve been profitable but your cash management isnt what it should be. For those that operated on a loss this year, it shows you can still operate successfully based on your good credit, maintaining exceptional relations with your vendors, and being able to meet your financial obligations. Its OK to do that for a while, but in small business, its not just about making money, its about managing your money. So while the memory is still fresh, lets examine some easy money management solutions that will help maintain your credit rating, create great relationships with both your bank and your vendors and allow you to get a good nights sleep amidst the challenging tax months of March and April. Pay bills on time every month Notice I didnt say Pay your bills in full every month. Thats not necessarily realistic. I juggled credit card payments for years when I started my business. But every month, every creditor got paid at least the minimum amount on time. So set up systems, such as automatic bill payments, to pay at least the minimum payment. Send out your invoices on time every month Believe it or not, many business owners are unbelievably tardy in sending out their bills. I have contractors that sometimes bill me as much as six months late. When you bill your clients late, they pay you even later. Stop it! Send your invoices immediately when someone incurs a debt, and certainly no less frequently than monthly. Talk to your vendors Your vendors control your payment terms. Theyre the ones who say whether you have 30 days or 120 days to pay. That makes a huge difference in your cash flow. Explain your business plan. Most importantly, always take their calls, even when youre late on a payment. Take your banker to lunch A good business banker can make or break a company. Mine helped save my business at least twice. Find a bank and a banker wholl take time to talk to you, learn about your business and understand your ups and downs. Dont have a banker? Time to get one, and a line of credit to access money if times get tough or opportunities arise. Get a free credit report Small businesses get credit based on the owners creditworthiness. Youre entitled to one free credit report per year from each of the three major credit reporting agencies. Get it at www.AnnualCreditReport.com and clear up any inaccuracies. Go after overdue accounts, especially big ones If youve provided goods or services, you deserve to be paid. Otherwise, youre in the lending business, and you cant afford that. Make collecting overdue invoices a continual part of your business. Limit the amount of credit you give to any one customer, even large corporations Big companies are paying slower these days, and the risk of bankruptcy of a big customer certainly challenged my business. Never allow yourself to be dependent on one customers financial health. Set money aside Yes, I know you just made a huge sale, and the money is burning a hole in your bank account. Dont spend it all! Youre just like most entrepreneurs riding the roller coaster of cash flow. Look at seasonal fluctuations, and be a bit paranoid about where your next dollar will come from. Get an accounting software solution If youre still using Excel or a paper journal to keep track of your finances, stop it already! You need a simple accounting program to be able to forecast and look at trends.

Find out more

Visit buywithpqc.com or call the office at 260-420-7374 for more information. Stacey Smith is president and CEO of Prairie Quest Inc., a woman-owned firm specializing in Business Process Management and Acquisition Services.

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MEMBER

BENEFITS

Your Chamber discount guide

For more information
Call (260) 424-1435 or visit our web site at www.fwchamber.org.

PHP If your business has 2 to 50 employees, you qualify for a discount of up to five percent on your small business insurance premiums from PHP. Average annual savings is $2,500. To receive a quote, call PHP at (800) 982-6257 or visit phpni.com and click on the Chamber Discount Program link. Office Depot Chamber members can save 60 percent on core catalog items and four percent off retail catalog purchases. For more info, contact Chris Michaels at (260) 249-3977. Group Purchasing Organization Prairie Quests GPO provides Chamber members with the opportunity to purchase products and services at prices typically only available to large companies. Info at buywithpqc.com. Sams Club savings Chamber members receive a $25 gift card for a

Plus membership or a $10 for a Business membership. Info at samsclub.com/membership. Event discounts and admittance Every employee of each of our members receives the member price for Chamber events. Also, all employees of members can attend member-only events, such as the Third House Forums. Meeting rooms Members get free usage of meeting rooms large and small in the Chamber building during business hours. Call 424-1435 for details. Promotion and referrals Members can create and offer member-to-member coupons on the web site. Members also get free promotion to a readership of 24,000 through Emphasis and free phone and web referrals. Notarization and certification of origin Free for members by our front desk staff.

NEW

AND

RENEWING
Bauman Construction Benco Dental Big C Lumber Company Blue Pony Digital Bower North Productions Bowmar, LLC Bradley Gough Diamonds Brainfood for Business Brookwood Golf Club C & P Machine C 2 IT Advisors Chase Choice Designs Ronald A.Cohen, DDS, MSD CORE Benefits Corporate Housing Systems Craft Laboratories Cripe Architects & Engineers Custom Art Screen Printing Customized Power Services DWD Technology Group DeBrand Fine Chocolates Dunkin Donuts Edible Arrangements Gwendolyn A.Edmondson, DDS EPCO Accounting & Tax Services Educational Opportunity Center The Entrepreneurs Source for Indiana

MEMBERS
Essex Group Family & Childrens Services Fast Print Felderman Design-Build Felgers Peat Moss Fort Wayne Door, Inc. Fort Wayne Mad Ants Fort Wayne Printing Co. Fort Wayne Psychiatry Fort Wayne Wire Die Gator Cases, Inc. Gehres & Associates Habegger Furniture, Inc. Hanna Brothers Drywall & Painting Hercules Machinery Corp. Hightech Signs Humana MarketPoint Huntington Bank Indiana Physical Therapy Indiana Wesleyan University Irmscher JAT of Fort Wayne JB Tool, Die & Engineering Johnstons Cartage & Warehouse KB Search Team Koehlinger Kruse Security Systems Lawyers Title Lopshire Flowers Lowes of Fort Wayne Lupke Rice Insurance & Financial Services Michiana Business Publications Miller Scales & Food Machines Murphy Law Group North Eastern Group Realty Northeast Indiana Building Trades Council Northwestern Mutual Financial Network ONeal Excavating & Construction Orchard Ridge Country Club Orkin Pest Control Pain Management Associates, PC Paragon Landscape Partners 1st. Federal Credit Union Peerless Cleaners J. C. Penney Co. Pizza Hut of Fort Wayne Power Components Corp. Precision Die Technologies Pro Resources Re/Max Results Reconstructive Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC Robert Half International Rudaes School of Beauty Culture SCS Environmental Contracting Schmucker Construction Co. Thomandram S. Sekar, MD, P.C. Shawnee Construction & Engineering Specialized Alternatives for Families & Youth Summit City Bicycles & Fitness Summit Software Sylvan Learning Centers Three Rivers Federal Credit Union Three Rivers Medical Associates Three Rivers Running Co. Top Notch Tourkow, Crell, Rosenblatt & Johnston Tower Bank Tower Staffing, Inc. Trails Edge Apartments Ueber & Friedrich Dentistry United REMC Village Oaks at Fort Wayne Wagner-Meinert, Inc. Wells Fargo Advisors Whitley Mfg. Co. Witwer Construction

New members May 2011 AFLAC Able Construction, Inc. All-Phase Electric Supply Co. Ash Brokerage Corporation Carmike Cinemas The Cleaning Company Family Hospice & Palliative Care Floyd & Partners Focus Audiology & Hearing Services, LLC Harbour Assisted Living Innovative Technology Group, LLC Katz, Sapper & Miller, LLP Petrogas International Corporation Signs Now-Division of Indiana Stamp Renewing members May 2011 Alro Steel Corporation Annes Hallmark Shop Anthony Motor Parts Corp. Anthony Wayne Area Council - Boy Scouts Anthony Wayne Vending Co. Armstrong Flowers Attero Tech, LLC

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CHAMBER

C H AT

About Tim Jones

Tim is the new first impressions coordinator for The Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce. Contact him at tjones@ fwchamber.org or by calling (260) 424-1435.

New First Impressions Coordinator

How has your past employment prepared you for the work you will be doing with the Chamber? My employment prior to The Chamber of Commerce instilled in me the concept that customer service should be the ultimate priority coupled with attention to detail. My reward is the return customer or smile at the end of our interaction. What does your job entail as the first impressions coordinator? My role is an outreach of the communications department here at The Chamber of Commerce. From the warm welcome to the directive of where one will go to complete their own personal mission, I greet in person and by telephone to give a lasting first impression. In your free time, what are you most likely to be found doing? My passion is to be outdoors, whether gardening or designing my personal backyard oasis. When you were a boy, what did you want to be when you grew up (and why)? Growing up, I had desired to be a zookeeper. I love animals and though my vocation did not take me down that path, I remain very passionate about animals. What are some of the challenges as the first impressions coordinator? My challenges in this role are actually opportunities to learn more. Fort Wayne is an amazing and ever-changing blueprint. Staying current on the changes is my biggest challenge, but one that I am glad to face. Is there anything members should know about the front desk that they may not realize? What may have previously been the role of answering a phone or saying good morning now expands beyond and tackles the knowledge of what activities The Chamber is involved with and or championing. I aspire to give more than expected through knowledge and resources.

What are some of your goals for your first year with The Chamber? My dream is that I will be all-knowing about our community and business members and be able to share my community passion with both members and guests. What does it take to make the best first impression possible? I need to not only be a great listener and resourceful to answer questions, but also able to step into the shoes of the person who walks through the door and give back what I would want to see from my Chamber of Commerce. What advice would you give to new members to help them get the most out of The Chamber? New chamber members need to get involved and seek ways as both an individual and as a business partner to benefit from the membership. Following The Chamber on Facebook, checking the web page for noteworthy information and getting to know your first impressions coordinator are all great ways to get more involved at the Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce!

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CHAMBER

CALENDAR

OF

EVENTS

JULY

China Trip registration deadline

Explore China starting Oct. 24 from JFK International Airport in New York and ending Nov. 1 at JFK. Sights include Tian An Men Square, the Forbidden City, and the Great Wall. Included: Round-trip international air fare (does not include travel to and from JFK); 4- and 5-star hotel accommodations; three meals a day; deluxe bus tours; fluent English-speaking tour guides; and entrance fees for attractions Cost: $2,099 for Chamber members; $2,399 for nonmembers. Friday, July 1 | Deposit of $300 must be at The Chamber by the end of the business day Download the registration form at fwchamber.org

JULY

Social Media: Protecting Your Brand, Managing Risk

A Chamber Academy Asher Agencys Kevin Erb and Anthony Juliano on protecting your brand; Barnes & Thornburgs Adam Bartrom and Jason Clagg on managing risk. Cost: Members: $19 | Nonmembers: $39 Wednesday, July 6 | 8-10 a.m. The Chamber building, 826 Ewing St. Register online at fwchamber.org

JULY

Presidents Lunch
Every month, meet a local business leader The July guest is Nelson Peters. Hosted by Chamber President Mike Landram. Cost: $25, including meal | Limited to the first 10 Chamber members to sign up Thursday, July 14 | noon-1 p.m. Chops Wine Bar, 6417 W. Jefferson Blvd. Register online at fwchamber.org

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13

The Fort Wayne Nonprofit Summit

Learn and grow your nonprofit at this educational event. Open to your staff, board members, and key volunteers. Four sessions will teach about communications, interns, IT and cost-savings. Cost: Members of any Northeast Indiana Chamber of Commerce or of NINA: $69, nonmembers $129. Wednesday, July 13 | 7:30 a.m.-4:15 p.m. The Chamber building, 826 Ewing St., Fort Wayne | Register online at fwchamber.org

JULY

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Everything You Ought To Know About Doing Business in India

Nick Shah, an expert in Indian business, on doing business overseas. Cost: Free and exclusive to members Thursday, July 14 | 5-7 p.m. The Chamber building, 826 Ewing St. Register online at fwchamber.org

JULY

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The Chamber Classic

Our pre-eminent golf event returns. Includes lunch on the course, beverages, and the award reception to follow. With one flight starting at 10 a.m., golfers are assured the opportunity to meet and mingle with all of the golfers in the outing. Cost: Members: $100| Nonmembers: $150 Thursday, July 28 | 7:30 a.m.-4:15 p.m. Brookwood Golf Club, 10304 Bluffton Road, Fort Wayne | Register online at fwchamber.org

JULY

Meet Me @ 5
Enjoy an evening of networking with hors duvres and a cash bar. Cost: Members: $5 | Nonmembers: $10 Thursday, July 14 | 5-7 p.m. Three Rivers Festival, at the Entertainment Plaza Headwaters Park East. Register online at fwchamber.org

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How To Measure Your Online Marketing

A Chamber Lunch n Learn Kevin Mullett of Cirrus ABS on how visitors are finding your company online and how to make them customers. Cost: Members: $10 | Nonmembers: $15 Includes a boxed lunch Wednesday, July 20 | noon-1 p.m. The Chamber building, 826 Ewing St. Register online at fwchamber.org

More information on events

Get the most updated events listing at our web site: www.fwchamber.org Contact Liz Struckholz at (260) 424-1435 or lstruckholz@fwchamber.org.

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President & CEO of the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership

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july 28, 2011 brookwood golf club fort wayne

You are cordially invited to the golf event of the season.

With a nod to outings past, this years Chamber Classic returns to one flight, features lunch, beverages and fewer interruptions on the course, and includes an award reception to follow. At just $100 per member and $125 per nonmember for the day, this is an outing you wont want to miss. With one full flight starting at 10 a.m., you are assured the opportunity to meet and mingle with all of the golfers participating.

Register today at www.fwchamber.org.