What is a Chamber and What we do 
By: Ashley Edwards, Director of Marketing & Communications

What is a Chamber and What we do
​So a Chamber of Commerce is a broad term referring to a business network. This network is usually made up of individuals who invest their time and money into the organization, generally with the goal of advancing their community's economic well-being. 

The Sterling Heights Regional Chamber of Commerce began as a small localized Chamber in 1961. Over the last 60 years we have grown to become Macomb County's leading business organization with close to 1,000 members. 

Our Mission has been, and continues to be very simple: To bring features, benefits and value to our members, and each and every day we strive to bring a Return on Investment (ROI) to our members, and to make their Chamber the best business organization possible. Our Directors, Ambassadors, BRAG™ leaders, volunteers, along with our staff and management are deeply committed to this Mission. 

Our Vision is committed to serving as the focal point for the business community in Macomb County. As the premiere membership-based organization, the Chamber provides a sense of value, pride and results. 

Joining a chamber of commerce provides businesses with access to resources, discounts, and relationships that enable them to save money, market their products, and streamline their processes. Whether your business is looking for B2B partners and sales, help with customer acquisition, or guidance on HR processes, the Sterling Heights Regional Chamber of Commerce can help. 

To view our full membership benefit book and to see all we have to offer, please click here.

So, you've joined the Chamber, now what?
Advocating for your Business, that's what! 
No one understands your business better than you do, and a chamber of commerce is a great resource for your business’ success. 

You can also take your membership a step further by getting involved in committee or subcommittee work. This may allow your business to sponsor activities with the chamber, especially ones which align to your business category. You can also look for speaking and writing opportunities within meetings and events, which further promotes your business and industry knowledge.

We have plenty of ways to get more involved, YoPros (Young Professionals), Elder Health Network, WBOA (women's business owners alliance), Tourism & Hospitality, Nonprofit Network, the Public Policy Roundtable, BRAG™, Ambassadors, and special event committees for everyone to join in on! 

Some Final Tips! 
Some important advice to help you make the most out of your membership. 

1. Read the information we pass out! These materials have all of the details and contact information we have available.
2. Sign up for the Bi-Weekly Chamber Connection E-Newsletter, click here to subscribe! 
3. Take a look at our upcoming event calendar! Look and see what is available to you and how you can get involved.
4. Follow our social media! WE SHARE TONS OF BENEFICIAL CONTENT! Click below to view our social pages. 
   FACEBOOK, TWITTER, LINKEDIN
5. Talk to staff member! Still have questions or concerns? We are here to help! Contact us!
6. Add value to our Chamber blog by providing guest blog posts! Email Ashley Edwards for more details. 
7. Learn about BRAG™! Contact Stacy Ziarko, sziarko@shrcci.com for more information on this dynamic networking and referral program! 

​What is BRAG™ and how does it help your business?
By: Ashley Edwards, Director of Marketing & Communications, SHRCCI

BRAG™ is the Sterling Heights Regional Chamber of Commerce’s trademarked referral and networking program that is exclusive to members. It stands for Business Resource Alliance Groups. BRAG™ has been connecting professionals in the business community for over 20 years and is one of the most respected professional referral programs in Michigan.

Did you know that referrals are some of the most valuable leads that you can get? Thousands of referrals are passed between BRAG™ members annually, most are already warm or event hot! Even if the person doing the referral is in a different industry or situation, the referral comes with a lot of trust, that trust is invaluable, and that trust is created through relationship building in weekly BRAG™ meetings.

It is the mission of BRAG™ to continue to develop and grow member businesses by means of personal and professional relationship building, product and service knowledge, and the referral process. BRAG™ aims to assist in the forming and accomplishment of short-term goals through the continued efforts of the Business Resource Alliance Groups to educate its members and improve its status as a viable and successful marketing tool for our member businesses.

It is extremely important that each BRAG™ member maintain the highest standards of business practices when serving fellow members and their referrals. This is especially important since BRAG™ members share referrals from each other’s client base, family, and friends!

The Sterling Heights Regional Chamber of Commerce BRAG™ members provide a positive proactive environment for Chamber members to network in. These members help to enhance the public perception of the Chamber’s principles of good business practices and supports each BRAG™ member by providing excellent product and/or customer service!

BRAG™ is a benefit of Chamber membership and is lower than most other networking groups with a one-time $100 lifetime registration fee which includes registration, a BRAG™ resource kit, and BRAG™ training specific to BRAG™

To learn more about how you can become a part of this one of a kind dynamic, results driven program visit our website www.shrcci.com or contact Stacy Ziarko, sziarko@shrcci.com. 

10. Business Presence. Out of sight, out of mind! You want to remain in the public's eye, especially when things are good, but even more in times when you need help the most. Smart businesses leverage their resources through the Chamber, giving them cutting-edge visibility by standing out from the competition. Members are added to the Chamber online directory on the website and included in the print edition of the directory that is included in The Net Magazine. 

9. Networking & Sharing. There are endless opportunities to meet new contacts, receive qualified referrals and form relationships that will help grow your business. The Sterling Heights Regional Chamber of Commerce provides niche programming for your business to make these connections such as After 5's, Breakfast & Business, Virtual networking opportunities, and our trademarked BRAG™ program. To learn more about our Business Resource Alliance Groups, click here. 

8. Access. When you join the Chamber and get actively involved, you'll discover that meeting prospects and building relationships is a huge benefit of membership. You'll find yourself in situations where you can identify and meet decision-makers face-to-face. Not sure how to get more involved, ask us how! 

7. Sponsorships & Promotional Opportunities. The Sterling Heights Regional Chamber of Commerce offers a wide variety of affordable promotion options and sponsorship packages that fit every business budget. Being a sponsor provides you with even more exposure, through social media shout outs, eblasts, and more! To become a Chamber sponsor, please reach out to Stacy Ziarko, sziarko@shrcci.com. 

6. Save Money. There are several cost savings programs and member benefits your business can take advantage of. Click here to view our partner programs, and here to view member-to-member/public coupons. 

5. Training & Personal Development. The Sterling Heights Regional Chamber provides educational opportunities to the members through virtual online webinars, in-person programming, and partnerships with trade associations. 

4. Advocacy. Your business is impacted by decisions made outside the community.  The Chamber does its best to represent the business community’s views and to keep the membership informed on local, state and national issues and legislation.

3. Sense of Community. Stay connected and be a part of developing our local economy and future by participating in a variety of Chamber Community programs like Patios' n Pints, Sterlingfest, State of the County, and so many more! A strong business community means a strong overall community. 

2. Relationships. People do not do business with a sign on the outside of a building; they do business with real people. When they need something for business or personal use, they turn to the people they developed a personal relationship with. For instance, people are 36% more likely to purchase insurance from a member of the chamber. 
​
1. Get Noticed! Let people know you're in business even if you don't have time to attend events. Your Chamber membership is working for you 24/7 in our powerful online directory. Members can experience the benefits of getting found 24/7, increase SEO, connect social media sites and receive thousands of referrals! 

To learn more about membership, please contact our Director of Business Development, Susan Burtka, sburtka@shrcci.com. 

Lessons Learned in Continuous Improvement & Change
By: Pete Schmidt, Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center

Throughout my life, I have tried to live by one of my favorite quotes from Mark Twain that says, “Continuous improvement is better than delayed perfection.” Growing up, I always believed there were better ways of doing things and wanted to challenge the status quo.
 
After visiting hundreds of companies across the nation, one thing I have consistently observed among successful companies is they have less resistance to change compared to those that think they have their processes under control and are working at their highest efficiency.
 
I don’t believe in changing things for the sake of change, but I believe there is always a better way of doing things that should be discovered. Changing processes should start with thinking things out based on education, experience and experimentation before implementation. In my experience working with companies, most want proof that something will work before trying a new idea. However, a lot of our knowledge is anecdotal rather than empirical, relying on “gut feelings” rather than hard data. Some of these instincts are valuable and can inspire useful improvements going forward. If it helps, it should be implemented.
 
Additionally, many believe improvements must be drastic. Everyone is looking for the quick, huge improvement to overhaul their company, but those aren’t always possible or real. Take weight loss, for example. Experts agree that slow, steady lifestyle changes will keep weight off more effectively than any radical weight loss program could. Yet, people generally focus on implementing the latter, then are disappointed with the results. The same applies to making improvements in manufacturing – careful, targeted changes implemented over time will lead to impressive, sustained results down the road.
 
Perhaps most importantly, assembling teams is an essential part of the continuous improvement cycle. The more people looking at an opportunity, the more likely an idea for improvement is to be identified. Have you ever worked on a project for hours struggling to find a solution, only to have someone walk by and quickly suggest the perfect answer you were missing all along? Nobody can see everything or know everything, so having a team approach can greatly enhance the continuous improvement process.
 
When I received my Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt training nearly 20 years ago, it brought even more clarity to my perspective of problem solving and continuous improvement.  Although I have not always succeeded with my ideas of change, I would like to believe that over time, the companies I have touched have become better using the ideas and suggestions on which we’ve collaborated.
 
Change done effectively will inevitably make your organization stronger in the long run. Do not fear change – embrace it for the good it can do for your organization. Much like Frank Herbert wrote in his novel Dune, “I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over and through me. And when it has gone past, I will turn to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing, only I will remain.”
 
MEET OUR EXPERT

Pete Schmidt, Business Solutions Manager
Pete Schmidt is a Business Solutions Manager at The Center. Operating directly out of Sterling Heights, Pete provides services and support to small manufacturers in the area to enable them to compete, grow and prosper.
pschmidt@the-center.org

This year has been like nothing any of us have ever seen.

A pandemic has created uncertainty about many things but one thing that remains certain is your ability to vote safely.

Michigan has run two successful elections during the COVID-19 pandemic and will do it again for the presidential election on November 3rd.

You can vote from home with an absent voter ballot. Just go to Michigan.gov/Vote to request one.

Then, it is recommended that your return your ballot as soon as you can to a drop box if your city or township clerk has one, or to the clerk’s office.

If that’s not possible, put it in the mail but do so well in advance of the election – no later than two weeks beforehand.

If you’d like to vote in person instead, you can do that safely too—in your clerk’s office from September 24th to November 2th.

Or you can vote at the polls on Election Day.

Every polling location in Michigan will have social distancing and safety protocols in place.

The Secretary of State’s team will provide all jurisdictions with personal protective equipment and hygiene supplies to ensure all polling places are sanitized.

And all voters are strongly encouraged to wear a mask when voting.
​
So make a plan to vote. You can safely do it in whatever way you prefer and be confident that your vote will be counted. 

So you have finished voting your absentee ballot, sealed it in the return envelope and signed the outside of the envelope. That last step is important. You must sign the outside of the envelope.

Once you’ve done this, you have a few options to return it to your clerk.

If it is before October 19, you can mail it. After that, we recommend you don’t mail it, in case there are postal delays.

Your other options are to bring your ballot to your clerk’s office, or one of their ballot drop boxes. They may be attached to a building or free standing. Some are available for drive-up and drop off.

You can find the locations of your drop boxes and your clerk’s office at Michigan.gov/Vote. Remember, you cannot bring your ballot to a drop box in another city or township. Confirm you’re going to the right drop box by visiting Michigan.gov/Vote or calling your clerk.

Whatever method you use to return your ballot, you can track when it was received by your clerk at Michigan.gov/Vote.

And the earlier you can return your ballot, the more it will help this election go smoothly for everyone. 

You can vote from home in the presidential election with an absentee ballot.

To apply, simply go to Michigan.gov/Vote and confirm your identity with some personal information including your driver’s license or state ID number.

Hit the button to submit your application and wait for your ballot to arrive.

There are other ways you can apply as well.

You can print an application at Michigan.gov/Vote, fill it out and sign it, and then take a photo and email it to your clerk or mail or bring it to their office. If you go to your clerk’s office between September 24th and 4 p.m. on November 2nd, you can both apply and vote while you’re there and be done in one trip.

You can find your clerk’s address and phone number at Michigan.gov/Vote.

If you apply to have your ballot sent to you, you can track your ballot at Michigan.gov/Vote and see when the clerk has received your application and issued your ballot.

Whichever option you choose to submit your application, please do so at your earliest opportunity. The sooner voters let their clerks know they want to vote absentee, the smoother the election will go for everyone. 

If you’re not registered for the November 3rd presidential election, you can register at Michigan.gov/Vote.

You’ll need to confirm your identity with some personal information including your Michigan driver’s license or state ID number.

And then you’ll be registered within a few minutes.

Alternatively, you can download an application, fill it out and mail it in to your clerk.

If you don’t have a Michigan driver’s license or state ID, or access to the internet, you can register at your local election clerk’s office.

Also, if it is within 14 days of the election, after October 19th, you can’t register for the November election online or by mail, and must go to your election clerk’s office to register.

You can find your clerk’s address and phone number at Michigan.gov/Vote.

When you go to your clerk’s office, you’ll need to bring proof of residency.

Acceptable documents include a

• Driver’s license or state ID card
• Current utility bill
• Bank statement
• Paycheck or
• A government check or other government document.

Digital forms of these documents will also work.

You can register at your clerk’s office until 8 p.m. on Election Day and still vote. In fact, after September 24th, if you register at your clerk’s office you can vote while you’re there and get it all done in one trip.
​
So get registered today and make your voice heard in the November 3rd election.

How to Diversify Your Professional Network (Because Your Connections Shouldn't All Be Just Like You) 
Shared by YoPros Committee Member, Alison Trumble, Automation Alley
​
​Be honest: Do all of your professional contacts look and sound the same? Did your boss and all your work friends go to the same kind of school as you? Did everyone in your network take similar paths to get where they are? 

“One of the most important things you should do for yourself personally and professionally is to have a diverse network, a robust network that’s full of different people with various backgrounds at varying levels with assorted life and career experiences,” says Rahdiah Barnes, President of the National Association for Multi-Ethnicity in Communications (NAMIC) in New York.

Maybe you’d never given it much thought before, but recent protests against racial injustice have made you take a hard look at what you could be doing to address inequities in the world and at work. Or maybe you’ve wanted to connect with different people but you’re not sure how to go about it. Either way, there are so many reasons to make the effort to expand and diversify your network.

When you get to know and build relationships with a more diverse group of people, you can help everyone come by the opportunities they deserve by referring and recommending them. You can support efforts to diversify your company and industry. And by connecting with people from all different backgrounds and perspectives, you can gain valuable insight that will make you better at your job, no matter what you do.
If you’re looking to build a more diverse network—so you can be a part of the anti-racist solution and grow as a professional—here are some steps you can take.

1. Start With Your “Why”
Before you start, make sure you’re diversifying your network for the right reasons. How do you get to the bottom of your motives? Ask yourself: “Why am I doing this?” And try to be honest with yourself as you reflect on what your intentions and goals really are.

A healthy answer may sound like, “I want to be able to refer a Black or POC colleague as an option when asked if I have another project manager to recommend for a job,” or, “I want to make sure that whenever I’m making a new hire for my team I’m interviewing candidates from different backgrounds and ultimately building a stronger, more diverse team.” These reasons provide opportunities to support groups of people who are underrepresented.

You should make absolutely sure your reasons aren’t rooted in racial stereotypes or any unconscious bias. You may want to reevaluate your reasons if you think, for instance, “I want to help my Black colleagues come off less angry in meetings and make a better impression.”

Diversity efforts are in no way about charity or pity—it’s about access for everyone. Start from a place of building rapport and familiarity with people different from you so you have a broad network you can support and learn from.

2. Focus on Building Relationships
You wouldn’t go up to someone you don't know and say, “Hey, I’m an ally looking for some new friends, preferably Black.” (Of course not!) So don’t do that in professional settings either. Approach new people from a perspective of interest and wanting to learn more about them and their careers.

Ultimately, the goal is to make sure you forge positive relationships as you meet new people of all backgrounds in different settings. If you set out with that intention, rather than just to check off some diversity boxes, you’ll be more likely to succeed—and everyone will benefit.

As you start going to more events, getting more introductions, and expanding your circle, get into the habit of being a good listener. Use each interaction as an opportunity to learn about experiences different from your own. You can ask questions like:

• “What led you to your current career path?”
• “What’s the biggest challenge you encounter?”
• “What ways do you wish you had more support?”
• “What are you really excited to do next in your career?”

Questions like these also offer insight that you can keep in mind when it comes to looking for ways to support different people. If you know, for example, that someone you met really wants to find a job in sales for a company focused on solar energy where they can interact with clients but also manage a team, you’ll know who to recommend if you hear of a similar opportunity.

The good news is that the same networking tips apply no matter who you’re connecting with. So as you would in any networking situation, make sure you listen more than you talk, prioritize quality connections over quantity, think about what you can offer, suggest a casual way to keep in touch, and then actually follow up. It’s through these kinds of conversations you’ll make natural connections and build relationships that don’t even feel like you’re trying to do anything other than grow as a professional.

3. Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
Even if you’re confident that you’re moving forward for the right reasons, you may still feel awkward actually doing it. Admittingly, connecting meaningfully with people from different demographics and backgrounds may be out of your comfort zone, especially if you haven't done so in the past.

It’s easier than you think to end up with friends and colleagues who are just like you. Perhaps your neighborhood and schools weren’t diverse growing up or your industry is pretty homogenous and you’ve ended up with colleagues who have very similar backgrounds in most jobs you’ve held.

The first step is recognizing where you are and acknowledging that you’ve gotten comfortable. The next is to get in the habit of reaching outside of your bubble so you don't stay in one.

Ask for Introductions
You can even start by turning to your current not-so-diverse network and asking for introductions to people they may know.

You might say, “Hey, your friend from your last company, Luisa, seems to be doing really cool work programming in the edtech space right now and I’d be curious to hear more about what she’s up to. Any chance you could introduce us?” or “Remember you mentioned that former coworker of yours, Jamal, who really wanted to start his own community outreach program for teens interested in public art? I’d love to talk to him. I think I might know a few people who could help him get started.”

You don’t have to put out a public service announcement. But the more introductions you ask for through existing connections, the easier it will be to start getting out of your comfort zone and taking action. And then your new “bubble” becomes a little more diverse and it’s easier to continue on that path. Challenge yourself to get comfortable with being uncomfortable and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Reach Out to Colleagues and New Hires With Intention 
Another place to start expanding your network is within your own organization. Regardless of your role, there are many ways you can be more intentional about reaching out to colleagues and new hires, whether they’re peers or in roles more senior or junior than yours.

Sometimes it can be natural to take the initiative to connect with people who are like you—maybe you notice that a fellow alum from your school who had the same major or was in the same student group a few years after you is joining your company and you reach out to talk about all the things you have in common. But if that’s the only scenario in which you make an effort to talk to a new hire, it won’t help you diversify your network. So try to notice and check your natural tendencies.

Instead, look to welcome new hires at any level and to support and mentor more junior colleagues who aren't like you. For example, if you're a mid-level employee, make sure you're not just drawn to the new entry-level hires and interns who remind you of yourself. Instead, reach out to some from a different background. You can invite them to a coffee chat (in person or virtually) and try to connect every month or so to see how things are going and what you might be able to do to help. You can also mention an upcoming company event and suggest attending together.

The most important thing is to show that your support is genuine and ongoing and not performative. And keep in touch, even if you or they leave the company for another opportunity.

Get Involved With a Company ERG
You can also look to existing communities within your organization. “Engaging with different groups at work is a great way to meet people that you are not exactly alike but have much in common. This is an easy way to make new connections,” Barnes says.

Many companies have ERGs (employee resource groups), employee-led groups that are meant to foster community and support diversity and inclusion within the workplace. The groups can center around race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or military status, to name a few.

ERGs often hold events that are open to anyone at the company, so there are plenty of opportunities to meet new people. “It's not uncommon for employees from different ERGs to attend each other's events. It's encouraged by the company and ERG leaders for networking and company camaraderie. It's also a great way to share best practices and common challenges,” Barnes says. I saw this in action recently when I presented a LinkedIn workshop for an African American Network ERG at a Fortune 500 company and a variety of employees attended, including the Office Managing Partner (the most senior executive).

If you want to take it a step further, see if there are any opportunities to volunteer to help put together an event, support any other projects, or join the ERG as an ally, if that particular group is open to it. By getting more involved, you’ll have a chance to get to know and work closely with people you may not have met otherwise. You can further show allyship by being an advocate when it comes to keeping members in mind for opportunities where their expertise is needed, across the company or outside of it.

Follow Minority and Multicultural Nonprofit and Professional Organizations
Building a diverse network doesn't have to stop at your own company. Another way to find and meet new people is by following multicultural organizations online, attending events, and otherwise getting involved. For example, Barnes’s organization, NAMIC, is for professionals at all levels in the media and communications industry. Her chapter runs regular events that are geared toward career topics that are timely and helpful.

Nonprofit organizations and professional member associations can help you expand your network with a purpose and get to know new people in your field who have different backgrounds but may have similar professional interests. So find diverse organizations you can follow and commit to engaging with new people.
If you’re not sure which organizations there are in your industry, you can look first to general professional groups to find out more. For example, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants can point you to the National Association of Black Accountants, the Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting, and other groups.

Look for upcoming events on their websites and follow their social media pages. Just by following organizations like these and joining in the conversation (whether it’s through in-person or virtual events or on online discussion boards or groups) you’re expanding your circle.

When it comes down to it, expanding and diversifying your network is part of your personal development and professional growth. The more you reach out, the more you’ll also learn about yourself. The key is to remember that this change will not happen overnight. It’ll take time but if you’re intentional, it can be done. Not only will you have a chance to amplify and support others, but you’ll also develop as a professional and grow your career.

*Originally posted on themuse*

Why I Love Cold Calling and You Should Too
Shared from YoPros Committee Member, Alison Trumble - Automation Alley 
When you were a kid, did you dream of cold calling? Looking up all the information you can find on the internet and trying to build rapport with a stranger? Of course not. We want to be firemen, astronauts and doctors. Nobody dreams of a career in sales. In today’s culture, sales positions are abundant and, hey, anyone can sell right?
I went to school for marketing. Upon graduation, however, I learned quickly that every company and their mom were looking for salesmen- salesmen that, if good, could be making the big bucks in no time. That’s how it is always advertised right? Base salary with commission. You can make up to six figures in three years! Sounds promising, doesn’t it? Well after a few (successful and non) attempts at sales, I learned some things that can hopefully help you to make the big bucks.
Believe in your product/service
If you don’t 1000% support what you’re selling, you will hate it.  At my previous job, I was not behind what I was selling, and it showed in my attitude, my numbers and my paycheck. Don’t get me wrong, I had good days, but in the big picture I wasn’t learning, wasn’t happy, and I wasn’t helping myself or others. Now I am at a company where I am chomping at the bit to let people know what we do and how I can help. I am genuinely excited to get to work and call strangers!
Track and set goals
Without good data and tracking you will never figure out what works for you. Is it a call in the morning? At night? Maybe send emails and then set up a meeting. You need to get a good record of what you are doing and determine what is successful. You will start to notice a pattern. From there, you can create a successful plan and sales cycle based on your close rate.
Be persistent and confident
One of the hardest things about sales and cold calling is picking up the phone after getting rejected. One of the ways I combat this is persistence. My boss tells me, “Every no brings you closer to a yes, so ask yourself, “Did I hit my NO quota for the day?”” This is where you can set a goal and watch. As you call more and more, the yes’s go up and the no’s go down. Just keep at it.
Constantly Learn/Review
The only way your sales technique gets better is by learning and reviewing. After every call or meeting, go over how it went. What did you do right? What could have been different? Once you learn how you work best and what phrase really resonates with your customers, you’ll be on a roll.
Not everyone is going to have that salesman charm, but with practice and choosing the right steps, you can get there. I started off cold calling people asking for $25. Now I make sales that are far greater. It takes a little bit of persistence and hard work, but it is true, anyone can be a salesman!