Judy Crockett

Judy Crockett
Judy Crockett

Thursday, February 04, 2010

Gail Robinson - - Laughing Matters

From Gail Robinson:

Dear Friends,
I wish I could visit with each of you to hear what is happening in your life and tell you about my new enterprise. In lieu of that, I shall simply apologize for the impersonal aspect of a group email and hope you understand.
I have been working with people interested in transformative experiences for the past ten years and feel confident that it is time to serve a larger population. Please take some time to read the document below and consider sharing it with others. I value your feedback and, most of all, would love to hear from you.
With gratitude and good cheer,
Gail

231 256-3477
Life Is A Kaleidoscope
“Retreat is not to be confused with flight. Flight means saving oneself
under any circumstances, whereas retreat is a sign of strength.”
The I Ching (Book of Changes)
When unexpected change turns your world upside-down
When you need support on your journey to healing
When you simply want a safe resting place
✴ Stop. Breathe. Quiet your mind and your heart.
✴ Utilize tools that access your inner-wisdom.
✴ Look at your situation from a different angle.
✴ Create a visual reminder of your further insight.
✴ Leave feeling more centered and grounded.
Plan a Personal Retreat
at a tranquil, wooded refuge in
Leelanau County, Michigan
Gail Robinson is a highly qualified guide with experience as a
parent, Montessori teacher, yoga instructor, and Reiki practitioner,
as well as, a laughter leader and trainer. As a teacher, mother, and
friend Gail practices detachment: “the capacity to care deeply from
an objective place.” As a traveler on her own journey she relies on
trust: trust that, as in a kaleidoscope, shifting patterns really do
settle into perfect, new designs. These new designs support the
forward evolutionary momentum of the soul. Gail believes that at
the bottom of every quiet heart is happiness and pure love.
“Gail offered light in the darkest of times, healing my heart and building the
confidence I needed to begin a joyful new chapter in my life.” S.W.
Ask about Half-Day, Full-Day, and Two-Day Retreats
231 256-3477 or gail@laughingmatters.us
Starting at $150.00

Monday, August 17, 2009

IPR Fund Raiser in Manistee Tuesday Aug 18th

Interlochen Public Radio fund raiser tomorrow - Tuesday August 18th at 444 Third Street Manistee 6-7:30 pm to support the expansion of news coverage from Manistee and Ludington area - - learn more - stop by - - everyone invited. Hope to have the new Manistee area tower up and running by the end of the year.

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Zonta "AugustFest" Sunday August 2

Contact:
Sue Ann Schnitker
Cartier Mansion
409 E. Ludington Ave.
Ludington, MI 49431
231-843-0101
garyandsueann@charter.net

The Zonta Club of Ludington Area will hold its annual fundraiser Sunday, August 2, 2009, 3:00-5:00 pm at Cartier Mansion (409 E. Ludington Avenue). This year’s fund-raising theme is “AUGUST FEST” and will feature beer and wine from northern Michigan breweries and vineyards. All beverages are available for purchase on site. Attendees may sample locally made brats and cheese. Original Clark E. Blanchard’s watercolor paintings of Ludington will be on display.

Pre-event tickets are $20.00 and can be purchased at Cartier Mansion, Northside Market or from a Zonta member. Ticket sales are limited and if available can also be purchased at the door the day of the event for $25.00.

Proceeds will support the following local Zonta service projects throughout the year: 2 WSCC scholarships, NASA Space Camp scholarship, WSCC Women’s Center, Jericho House, COVE, West Shore Pregnancy Care Center, Retired Women’s Reception and Petunias-On-Parade.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

A COLLABORATIVE EFFORT - ARRA FUNDS

MANISTEE - - - Local health and human service agencies in Manistee County recently got together to consider a Homeless Prevention and Rapid Rehousing Program grant opportunity. American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 dollars are available to Manistee County through the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA).
"This will be a true collaborative effort," said Judy Crockett, Coordinator of the Manistee County Human Services Collaborative Body (HSCB). "We do not have a single agency in a position to apply for and administer this grant. Our agencies have come together to share in the responsibility."
The grant can bring in $65,000 of ARRA stimulus dollars to help prevent homelessness in Manistee County. Throughout Michigan, communities including Manistee County are committed to ending homelessness in ten years. This funding holds the promise of being the catalyst to support the creation of new programs to address homelessness through prevention and rapid rehousing which will result in a significant decrease in shelter usage.
Members of Manistee County's Continuum of Care housing group will write the grant and provide the case management to individuals who are served through this program. If awarded, the grant will provide dollars over two years.
The Manistee County HSCB is dedicated to improving the quality of life of our communities by maximizing collaboration, mobilizing support, and providing leadership in identifying community needs and seeking creative, dynamic, efficient and effective solutions. For more information contact the HSCB at hscbmanistee@gmail.com.

Poverty Reduction Awareness Week Set

MANISTEE - - - The Poverty Reduction Movement Ad-hoc committee of the Manistee County Human Services Collaborative Body (HSCB) has established the week of October 4th through the 11th as Poverty Reduction Awareness Week. The theme for the week is "In Their Shoes -- Helping Others - Helping Ourselves".
The Movement will kick-off in area churches Sunday, October 4th. Crop Walk will take place later that day. There will be a host of activities during the week including a Take Back the Night walk, a free community table dinner, a homeless overnight simulation for youth, home repair projects, The Salvation Army winter coat drive, the United Way of Manistee County campaign, and more. The week will close in area churches on Thanksgiving Sunday, October 11th, when church communities are asked to give thanks for what we each have, and thanks for all that we share.
“The movement is an attempt to change the language and perception of poverty in our midst and to educate our local community about the impact of poverty,” said Jim Scranton, Chair of the PRM ad-hoc committee. “We will participate in a continuing dialog and brainstorm ideas for addressing community needs and implementing solutions that reduce poverty rates, build understanding, and improve efficiencies right here in Manistee County.”
The PRM committee is made up of individuals representing area agencies, consumers, churches, and governmental bodies. The formation of the steering committee was the direct result of a statewide November Poverty Summit in Detroit called "Voices for Action" and a two-day region-wide conference held in May in Traverse City featuring Donna Beegle, an authority on poverty.
As Manistee County moves forward to reduce poverty among our neighbors, the HSCB's PRM committee will plan action steps for educating the community and to learn more about what is going on in our community. The committee will work to be sure we have authentic opportunities to help people through awareness week activities.
"We will put a face on poverty in Manistee County," said Scranton. "We have a story to tell, and the main characters are our friends and neighbors right here in Manistee County. For this event, we are looking for community service organizations, churches, governmental bodies, businesses, and individuals to host projects and activities that call awareness to issues of poverty in our communities, or that assist those in need."
The Manistee County HSCB is dedicated to improving the quality of life in our communities by maximizing collaboration, mobilizing support, and providing leadership in identifying community needs and seeking creative, dynamic, efficient and effective solutions. For more information contact the HSCB at hscbmanistee@gmail.com.
For more information about awareness week or to host an event, contact Judy Crockett at the Manistee County Human Services Collaborative Body at hscbmanistee@gmail.com Learn more about the HSCB on their blog at http:// manisteecountyhscb. blogspot.com If you need community resources, call Manistee County 2-1-1 at 1-877-211-5253.

Golfing for a Cure Benefits Local Agency

MANISTEE - - - Manistee National Golf and Resort recently hosted the annual Rally for a Cure Women's Invitation golf outing that raised dollars for the Susan G. Koman Foundation for breast cancer research and locally supported CHOICES of Manistee County, the domestic violence shelter. The Foundation will receive $1,200 and CHOICES received nearly $1,700 in the July 10th event.
"This annual event continues to grow in popularity," said Judy Crockett, Coordinator of the Manistee County Human Services Collaborative Body (HSCB) who co-chaired the local portion of the event with Jo Hall, store manager at The Salvation Army. "We had more golfers, more sponsors, and raised more dollars that we ever have with this event. Golfers continue to tell us how much they enjoy the interaction they have with sponsors on each hole. It is something that is unique to our event."
Golfers had the opportunity along the way to taste local sweet cherries provided by Countryside Painting, get a free copy of Women's Lifestyle Magazine, enjoy treats from The Salvation Army, get a free one-day membership to West Shore Health Connections by making a pledge to Manistee County 2-1-1, get a water bottle or golf towel from Mary Sturdevant State Farm Agency, to win a botox treatment from the Laser Institute of West Michigan, and even to win a Kohler toilet on "Hole Number 2" from Kendra Thompson Architects.
"Manistee National has been generous in allowing us to partner with them at this growing event to benefit a local agency that assists women and families," said Crockett. "It is so much fun to work with these generous golfers and sponsors and benefit an organization locally that does so much."
In receiving the check, Jackie Kiszlik, Director of CHOICES thanked the golfers and asked them to think about what it would be like to invite 15 or 16 family members home for Thanksgiving Dinner, and then to have them stay for a full year. That, she said, it what it is like everyday at CHOICES. She noted the domestic violence shelter has been operating at full capacity for a long time.
CHOICES is a member of the The Manistee County HSCB. The HSCB is dedicated to improving the quality of life in our communities by maximizing collaboration, mobilizing support, and providing leadership in identifying community needs and seeking creative, dynamic, efficient and effective solutions. For more information contact the HSCB at hscbmanistee@gmail.com.

Tuesday, June 02, 2009

Benefit Rummage Sale June 26 - 27

Love, INC along with MACC - the Manistee Area Community Clinic is hosting a rummage sale June 26th from 9:00am - 6:00pm and June 27th from 9:00am - 3:00pm - - rain or shine - - at the Briny Building at 50 Filer Street in Manistee. All proceeds will benefit the ministries of the Manistee Area Community Clinic and Love INC of Manistee.

Drop off donations at the Briny Building: June 4th 1-4pm; June 12th 3-7pm, or June 23 & 24th 1-7pm.

Call Love INC at 231-723-6613 to arrange pick up of larger items. Donations in good condition are tax-deductible.

Thank you for supporting our local agencies working to build capacity and improve the quality of life for all individuals in Manistee County.

These agencies are members of the Manistee County Human Services Collaborative Body (HSCB).

Afternoon Tea at Bear Lake Manor

The Bear Lake Manor Bed and Breakfast located at 7812 Main Street in Bear Lake is hosting afternoon teas each month through December. Tours of the 106 year old home will be available for those interested. Private teas are also available for individuals and groups.

Cost per event is $15 per person. They are schedule from 3-5pm. Attendees will also receive a 50% off coupon for any one item at J.J. Witty's - -downtown Bear Lake, ($50 maximum)

Call for information and reservations: 231-864-2242

Tea Dates: Wed. June 3rd; July 1st; Aug. 5th; Sept. 2nd; Oct. 7th; Nov. 4th; Dec. 2nd.

Monday, June 01, 2009

Free College Credits and Mentoring Training

FREE MENTOR TRAINING: Receive mentor training and three free WSCC college credits by participating in an 8-week course covering active listening, goal setting, community resources, boundaries, learning styles, and social class. Part of the efforts underway in Manistee County to Reduce Poverty and End Homelessness. Contact Susan Mencarelli 231-723-6597 for more information. Training begins week of June 1, 2009.

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

SBA America's Recovery Capital Loans Available June 15, 2009

SBA America's Recovery Capital Loans available June 15, 2009! Contact your Local Lenders for assistance.Small businesses suffering financial hardship as a result of the slow economy may be eligible to receive temporary relief to keep their doors open and get their cash flow back on track through to a new loan program announced by SBA. Beginning on June 15, SBA will start guaranteeing America’s Recovery Capital (ARC) loans. ARC loans are deferred-payment loans of up to $35,000 available to established, viable, for-profit small businesses that need short-term help to make their principal and interest payments on existing qualifying debt. ARC loans are interest-free to the borrower, 100 percent guaranteed by the SBA to Bank Lenders, and have no SBA fees associated with them. (Courtesy of MI-SBTDC) SBA America’s Recovery Capital Loan Information: http://www.sba.gov/recovery/arcloanprogram/index.html Lender-specific Information at: http://www.sba.gov/idc/groups/public/documents/sba_homepage/sba_rcvry_act_arc_lnderloans.pdf

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Dress For Success Seminar May 20th

You’re Invited To Our
BUSINESS ETIQUETTE SEMINAR
This is a FREE SEMINAR offered by the Sandy Shores Chapter of the
International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP)
along with the Mason County SCORE Chapter.
DRESS SUCCESS for
• Appropriate dress
• Using the correct handshake and why
• Eye contact
• Introductions
• Vocabulary
• Telephone etiquette
• Social efficiency
• Avoiding and handling faux paux
• Settings and culture in workplace
• Fabrics and care of them
• Shoes
• Amazing wardrobe on a small budget
• Choosing a base color
• Wardrobe selection
• Dressing to advance
• Appropriate hair color etc.
Professionals Judy Stouder and Carole Christofferson
will present office etiquette, proper dress and
grooming for the workplace!
This seminar is open to all who are
interested in getting ahead in the workplace!

Wednesday, May 20th, 2009 • 6:00 p.m.

Ludington Area Chamber of Commerce
US 10 at the Ludington Airport
$5 non-member fee • Chamber & IAAP Members free.
Please RSVP to Laura Nowsch at (231)845-0324 or lauran@ludington.org

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Healthy Active Manistee Week!

Please check out the City of Manistee website and the schedule of events for H.A.M. it UP week. The week is full of free or nearly free activities designed to showcase the City ammenities and get yourselves motivated to get up and out and active. The kick off is a 5K this Saturday, May 16, 2009 at Lion's Pavillion, First Street beach. For more info stop by or call Zeller and Johnson Chiropractic, 1109 (US-31) Mansitee, 231.723.3144. Spread the word!

www.ci.manistee.mi.us

Book Signing May 15th with Pauline Jaquish

You are invited to meet the author of UNCOMMON SENSE by PAULINE JAQUISH at a BOOK SIGNING FRIDAY, MAY 15 4-7 P.M. at APPLE HILL CREATIONS DOWNTOWN BEAR LAKE

What the readers are saying:
PJ…. If ANYONE could turn out a book like Pondering with PJ, it would have to be some nut like you!!! May your retirement fund grow….and when you get to be REALLY famous…don’t forget the small fry! JB, Big Rapids

PJ..I really enjoy your articles in the News Advocate….my aunt enjoys your articles too so I think your book would be a great birthday gift for her. SE, Manistee

PJ…Thank you for all the happy moments you bring to the lives of others. God Bless You. DR, Ludington

Rally for a Cure July 10

The date is set. Friday July 10th is the day set for Rally for a Cure - - at Manistee National Golf and Resort. This year, our efforts will benefit CHOICES of Manistee County along with the Susan G. Koman Foundation. Jo Hall is the coordinator of the event. Thanks to Ian Ziska at Manistee National, we will hold both a 9 -hole and an 18-hole event followed by dinner. Hole Sponsorships are still available but filling up fast. So Mark Your Calendars and get your game on. A fun day is in store with lots of prizes and we'll be supporting a great organization that serves the needs of many women, children and families in Manistee County. Contact Jo Hall at the Salvation Army Thrift Store for sponsorship information. Golf Registration will take place at Manistee National. See you on the 10th of July! Come Rally for a Cure.

Monday, May 11, 2009

Dan Scripps Supports Equal Pay

Scripps: Equal Pay for Equal Work Protects Michigan Families
Lawmaker targets fair and equal pay, calls for end to wage discrimination
— April 28, 2009

LANSING – Standing alongside groups fighting to end wage discrimination, State Representative Dan Scripps (D-Leland) backed legislation introduced today to create new legal avenues and provide tougher penalties for employers that engage in this practice. Scripps was joined by advocates of pay equity in recognition of Equal Pay Day.

"It's time that Michigan ends this discriminatory practice and finally act on the promise of equal pay for equal work," Scripps said. "With so many families struggling to make ends meet in this economy, we can't afford to have some of our friends and neighbors fall behind because of our unfortunate history of inequality that has forced too many women to be paid like second-class citizens. This plan will force employers to look only at the merits of an employee when deciding a fair and equitable wage."

According to the American Association of University Women (AAUW), Michigan is ranked 44th in the nation for wage parity between men and women. Women working in Michigan are paid 71 cents for every $1 men make. This puts Michigan far behind the national gender pay gap of 78 cents per dollar.

Last year, the Senate blocked a similar House plan that would have established new penalties for wage discrimination and created new legal avenues to pursue those who discriminate and deprive employees of their right to fair wages. Under the plan introduced today, failing to provide equal compensation for work of comparable value will be a violation of the state's Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act. Under the plan, gender-based pay discrimination would be a misdemeanor, with employers facing up to $2,000 or up to 90 days in jail for not complying. Employers guilty of a third violation would face fines up to $15,000.

"It is shameful that Michigan has lagged so far behind in dealing with the issue of wage discrimination," Scripps said. "Michigan families, many of whom rely on a woman's income, deserve better. By addressing this issue now, we can help families across Michigan who have been hurt by this unfair and arbitrary pay gap."

Groups gathering alongside the lawmakers included: the AAUW, Business and Professional Women, WomenWork!, National Organization for Women, Pay Equity Network, League of Women Voters, Michigan Women's Commission and others.

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Uncommon Sense - - by Local Author Pauline Jaquish Now Available

Pauline Jaquish <pj646@centurytel.net>

Tue, Apr 28, 2009 at 9:28 PM
Uncommon Sense Has Arrived!
UNCOMMON SENSE -- HOT OFF THE PRESS

For those of you who pre-ordered copies of "Uncommon Sense" and need them before Mother's Day, I will have them available at Bear Lake After Hours from 5 to 7 p.m. this Thursday at the Bear Lake Bar & Restaurant. There will be a Book Signing at Apple Hill Creations, downtown Bear Lake, on Friday, May 15, 4 to 7 p.m.

Books are also available at Ringel Real Estate, 318 Parkdale Ave., Manistee on Mondays 1-5 p.m. and Tuesday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The price.....$9.43 plus the Governor....10 Bucks!

"Uncommon Sense" is a short book with humorous short stories, true and extremely exaggerated. Just what the Doctor ordered!

Thank you for contributing to my retirement fund!

Pauline Jaquish

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

LWV Updates and Upcoming Events...read on!

1. A reminder to all those who have voiced their opinion that County meetings should be held in the evening to be accessible to all working citizens: to show your support, please plan on attending the April 28, 2009 Regular County Commission meeting, Third Street, Manistee County building- as this meeting is being held at 6pm as a trial to indicate future attendance.

2. Manistee County has announced May 14, 8.30 am - 4 pm as the date of the next Regional Summit. Location Kaleva VFW, 13300 Nine Mile Road, Kaleva.
Reservations are due by May 7, cost is $15 to cover lunch which can be paid on the day but please send registrant details to: Regional Summit, Attn: Tom Kaminski, Manistee County, 415 Third Street, Manistee, MI 49660

Topics to be covered: From Senator Levin's Office - an overview of the Stimulus package From Senator Stabenow's Office - an overview of opportunities in the "Green Economy." Mary Pitcher - Alliance For Economic Success - Countywide Recycling Brian Piccolo - DNR - Phragmites invasive species impact Regional Goal setting.

3. May 3 - 8 is National County Government Week
Wednesday, May 6. 7:00A.M.to Noon-Tours at the Road Commission
Wednesday, May 6. 1:00P.M. Historical Tour at the Courthouse with Steve Harold
Thursday, May 7. 9:00 A.M.to Noon-OpenHouse at the Sheriff's Office
Friday, May 8. 1:00P.M.-Historical Tour at the Courthouse with Steve Harold
Friday, May 8. 3:00P.M.-Coffee Hour with Rep. Dan Scripps at the Courthouse

ALLWEEK* Children can decorate a paper flower for the wall garden at the Library and be entered into a drawing for a book. The Library will also feature a display of green themed books.* The Courthouse will be a household battery recycling drop-off location.
* Free Energy Star and recycling information available at the Courthouse.*
Food Drive for the Salvation Army throughout the week at the Courthouse. 415 Third Street Manistee, MI 49660231-398-3500

Manistee County Road Commission8946 Chippewa Highway. Bear Lake,MI 49614231-889-0000
Manistee County Sheriff's Office 1525 East Parkdale Avenue. Manistee,MI 49660231-723-8393
Manistee County Library 95 MapleStreet Manistee,MI 49660231-723-2519
League of Women Voters Manistee County created this e_list as a means to create a grass roots information network to ensure timely notice of upcoming events, activities and meetings which deal with local government in Manistee County.

If you have a meeting set that you would like to publicize you can either email us for inclusion here or post the announcement on the League's Moderated Blog at http://manisteecountylwv.wordpress.com
The Blog has an RSS feed for you to subscribe to updates. Please feel free to add a link to your web site, Blog or Twitter account - we firmly believe in the power of 'word of mouth'!! Sign up and you will receive an automatic email notice when something has been added or changed.
Membership is encouraged, but not required, to attend or participate in any public League event. A LWV Manistee County Membership form is available on the web site - we also encourage local supporting members at any rate of contribution. (Such contributions are non-voting.)

The purpose of the League of Women Voters is to encourage citizen participation in local government and to provide a forum where citizens can become better informed about local, state and national issues which affect their daily lives - and get involved!Our firm belief is that there are many ways to be inclusive and build a community.

Dendra J. Best. PresidentLeague of Women Voters Manistee CountyWe Grow Democracy One Vote At A Time!PO Box 320, Bear Lake, MI 49614-0320(231)864-2686www.lwvmanisteecounty.org

Friday, April 24, 2009

Carol Atkins' Book Featured at NOW Conference

Book will be on display at the Michigan NOW Conference at OCC Orchard Ridge in Farmington Hills April 25
The Trouble with Turtles
by Carol Atkins

". . .I make decisions every day, and sometimes they are life-changing decisions. Like the time I decided to be arrested." from The Trouble with Turtles

A wise and witty memoir spanning 50 years by a veteran columnist and noted feminist. Author Carol Atkins, 85, is a member of AAUW Manistee Branch and a Michigan Women's Hall of Fame Inductee (2008). The Trouble with Turtles
ISBN 978-0-9718214-6-0
136 pages
Softcover
5.5 x 7.75 $15.95
Also on Amazon.com

Contact H. Buchanan, (313) 515-8122, aquariuspress@sbcglobal.net, www.aquariuspressbookseller.net


ORDER DIRECT AND GET THE NOW CONFERENCE SPECIAL PRICE: $14.00 (THRU 4-30-09)
"Pajama Days" Excerpt from The Trouble with Turtles © 2008 by Carol Atkins Every so often I have to sit myself down and have one of those dreaded "little talks." You know the kind I mean. It's when you say to yourself (in a tone of voice that you swore you would never use with your children, but did) - "You can do better than this. Surely, after all these years, you can manage your life better than this! Here you've gotten yourself into yet another mess, when you know perfectly well you can't do all that you have promised to do."
This time, even all my brand new excuses failed to convince me that I have any valid excuse whatsoever. After all, the word "no" is one of the shortest and most effective words in the English language and you'd think that by now I would have learned to use it. Especially since we have added two words to it which make it polite, and therefore socially acceptable. Those two words, in case you are not following my meanderings, are "thank you."
So now we have a perfectly acceptable, even polite, way of refusal, and I am such a chicken that I can't or won't use it. So I over-schedule myself regularly and end up not doing the other things I should do, or doing them sketchily, which pleases no one, least of all me. Or I find myself falling behind so hopelessly that I have to cancel some things, which is entirely against my principles.
Last week, while we were enjoying a family visit with daughter Cindy and her husband, Bill, I had to straighten out a couple of the messes I had created, so she sat me down and had a "little talk." But her "little talk" was somehow much more productive than mine have been. She even made some suggestions for progress that I had never thought of before. I am sure that if I can a) remember them and b) carry them out, my whole life will be better.
Among them was taking "Pajama Days."
Now, Pajama Days are days when you plan to do nothing. That's right, nothing. And if you are going to do nothing that day, there's no point in getting dressed, is there? You can just stay right in your PJs all day, and in fact, you'd better, because once you put on clothes you start to do something constructive. And we can't have that, now can we?

Monday, April 20, 2009

Inforum West Michigan Seminar "Step Up Your Business; Social Media in Action"

Contact: Judy Welch, 616.336.5506 or jwelch@inforummichigan.org
Event Date: Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Inforum West Michigan Seminar "Step Up Your Business; Social Media in Action"

GRAND RAPIDS, MICH.-Inforum, Michigan's largest organization for business women, hosts a "Step Up Your Business with Social Media" seminar in Grand Rapids on Thursday, May 19. Experts will present tips and tactics on how to build business and personal brands by effectively using social media, digital marketing, search engine optimization, Google analytics, online brand building and more.
Social media provides measurable results! Companies and individuals can track their fans and followers, follow link traffic to see who is seeking more information about them, and measure the growth of personal or corporate brands on online.
Following a panel discussion with experts, attendees choose to attend one of these breakout sessions: A) The how to's of LinkedIn and Twitter B) YOU are your own social network: create consistency in social mediaC) Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and learning the tools of Google.
The panel of speakers includes:John Hill, Director of Alumni Career Services, Michigan State UniversityLynne Jarman-Johnson, President and CEO, Jarman-Johnson CommunicationsDan Klyn, Technology and eCommerce Director, Flannel
Moderated by Derek Mehraban, CEO, Ingenex Digital Marketing and founder, Social Harbor.com.Date: Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Time: 7:30 a.m. Registration/Continental Breakfast; 8 a.m. Panel discussion; 9:30-11 a.m. Breakout sessions
Place: Grand Valley State University, Eberhard Center, 301 West Fulton, Suite 201, Grand Rapids, MI 49503Cost: Inforum members $50; Non-members $70 (Add $10 after May 12)
Register for May 19 on the calendar at www.inforummichigan.org or call 877.633.3500.
The program is presented by Inforum which has nearly 1,800 members and is one of the largest and most prestigious business forums for women in the nation. Founded as the Women's Economic Club in 1962 in Detroit, Inforum now has affiliates in Grand Rapids and Lansing, Mich. For more information, visit www.inforummichigan.org or call 877.633.3500.

Athena Honorees Announced

Along with fly-fishing and daffodils, spring in Manistee County delivers nominations for the annual ATHENA Award. The ATHENA Award is presented to exceptional individuals who have achieved excellence in their business and professional lives, have served the community in a meaningful way, and have assisted women in reaching their full leadership potential. Four honorees will be recognized for distinctive service to women in Manistee County.

Cyndy Fuller is the president of Harbor Village. She was elected to Manistee City Council in 2005 and as mayor of Manistee in 2007and 2008. Under her leadership, the City of Manistee has adopted a three-year strategic plan, built community assets, and created a new vision to become a “destination of choice” for businesses and families. Cyndy has served as a member of the Manistee Planning Commission and has been an active member of the Uniqueness Committee, Alternatives for Area Youth, West Shore Community College Foundation, Manistee Recreation Association, and Downtown Development Authority. Cyndy also dedicates her time to youth and has coached JV girls’ basketball and volleyball in Manistee County schools.

Joni Purgiel is Vice President, Branch Sales Manager of National City Bank. She has worked at National City for over 30 years. Joni has been active with many local organizations including: United Way of Manistee County, West Shore Healthcare Foundation, Women’s Economic Resource Center, STRIVE Mentor Program, Women’s Economic Development Outreach, ATHENA Award Program, Sunrise Rotary of Manistee, Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassador, Manistee County Habitat for Humanity and the American Cancer Society. She has received numerous awards including: U.S. SBA Michigan Women in Business Champion, National City Bank Outstanding Women’s Business Advocate and National City Bank Market Dominator Award.

Cynthia Swan-Eagan is the instrumental music director at Manistee High School. As a music educator, Cindy has mentored hundreds of young musicians and has guided several generations of female students who have followed in her footsteps as music educators. Professionally, she has received numerous awards including the Chamber Music America Certificate for Outstanding Chamber Music Teaching in America, the Manistee County Community Foundation Influential Person Award, the Manistee Board of Education Award, the Michigan Band Teacher of the Year Award, and election into the American School Band Directors Association. Cindy is also on the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp summer conducting staff and has served as adjunct professor of music at Ferris State University.

Dr. Amy Wojciechowski is professor of business studies at West Shore Community College (WSCC). Amy has been instrumental in making quality education accessible to women in our community. She introduced the first online business course and facilitated Ferris State University’s bachelor’s degree program at WSCC. She is involved with Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Manistee Habitat for Humanity, United Way of Manistee County, College of Teaching and Learning Team, Michigan Business Education Association, Michigan Education Association, National Career Pathways Network, TRENDS Planning Committee, Love INC, and H.E.L.P. Ministries. Amy has received numerous awards, including being named the Post Secondary Teacher of the Year by the Michigan Business Education Association.

The recipient of the 2009 ATHENA Award will be announced at a luncheon on Wednesday, May 6, 11:30 a.m., at Manistee Golf & Country Club. Everyone is invited to attend by making reservations at 723-2575 or contact @manisteechamber.com. Cost of the event is $15.

The Manistee County ATHENA Award is a program of the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce. The Manistee ATHENA Award is underwritten locally by National City Bank. Local sponsors include Blarney Castle Oil Company, Goody’s Juice & Java, Macbeth & Co., Manistee ATHENA Award Recipients (Nancy Lyon, Betty Noteware, Beth McCarthy and Carol Atkins), Super 8 of Manistee and Wendy’s Old-Fashioned Hamburgers. More information about the ATHENA Program is available by calling the Chamber at 723-2575.