President's Commentary

April 28, 2010
By: Bay Area Chamber of Commerce

The Great Lakes Bay Region's three Chambers will once again join forces to create a networking opportunity like no other. Join your Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, along with the Midland Area and Saginaw County Chambers of Commerce, at the Great Lakes Bay Regional Business Expo on May 4 at Saginaw Valley State University's Ryder Center.

With booths, a luncheon speaker, entertainment, seminars and networking, all in attendance will be wowed at what's on tap for the day. If you are a Chamber member, you can attend the expo at no charge. Future Chamber members only pay $5.

Purchasing a booth is also a great way to get involved. Last year we had nearly 2,800 attendees. Call Show Manager Diane Card at 989.964.0113 for more information. Something new this year is the Booth to Booth Connections Expo from 8 to 10:30 a.m., allowing exhibitors time to network with participating exhibitors.

The luncheon speaker is Cal Thomas, syndicated columnist and author. The topic is "The Bottom Line Isn't Necessarily the Bottom Line." The luncheon is set for 11 a.m. and tickets are $45. Reservations can be made by calling the Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce at 989.752.9055.

The expo is open to the public from 1 to 5:30 p.m. Visit www.greatlakesbayexpo.com to see the growing list of exhibitors and details on the seminars.

The seminars are being presented by Masud Labor Law Group of Saginaw, Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works! and The Bay City Times, Saginaw News & MLive.com.

Masud Labor Law will present "Labor & Employment Legislation and Case Update," "Managing the Problem Employee" and "Ten Top Tips for Successfully Protesting Unemployment Claims."

Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works! will present "Why Customer Service is Essential to Your Business." They are sponsoring Kaleidoscope Learning Circle's programs: "Horse Reactions Speak Louder Than Words: Practicing Non-verbal Communication to Enhance Your Customer Service Skills" and "Developing & Co-Creating Effective Customer Relations."

The Bay City Times, Saginaw News and MLive.com will present "How We Can Help Customers Find You on Google, Yahoo and Bing."

The main stage will have everything from work out demonstrations and a fashion show to cooking demonstrations by Chef Craig of Fusion 1 Café and "Hair Jams" by A Spencer Gellise Salon.

Another new component is a Silent Auction to benefit the Chamber Foundation.

I hope you all can make it!