Held monthly, this lively morning program is designed to keep members up-to-date on community issues. (January-June, September-November)
Morning EditionWednesday, September 15
Weber's Inn
3050 Jackson Avenue, Ann Arbor
7:00am – 8:45am
Register Now!
Speakers:
Russ Collins, Executive Director of the Michigan Theater
Russ hosts this dynamic program designed by the Chamber. The purpose of this event is to keep members informed and up-to-date on vital local issues and offer an opportunity to network with fellow Chamber members.
Audrey Wong Chung, CEO and Founder Beliza Design, LLC
Ken Fischer, President University Musical Society
Patrick Doyle, President & CEO Domino’s Pizza
Derrick Gragg, Athletic Director at Eastern Michigan University
Cost: $25 Chamber members / $35 prospective members
Please pre-register by noon on Tuesday, September 14th.
Questions? Contact Katie Jones, Events Manager, at (734) 214-0105.
Register Now!
“I'm not a morning person, but that was definitely worth getting up early. Very informative. Relaxed opportunity to network with many Chamber members. Very upbeat. I may have to become a regular at those.”
Laurel Mojica, Group Benefits/Insurance Sales
Tregoning & Associates, Inc.
Partial List of Past Speakers:
David Brandon, Athletic Director, University of Michigan
This former CEO of Domino’s Pizza and former U of M Regent also played football for Bo Schembechler. David will now focus his considerable management and leadership skills and his passion for sports on keeping the University of Michigan Athletic Department top notch.
Mitchell Rohde, Ph.D., Chief Operating Officer, Quantum Signal, LLC
Quantum Signal is a mathematics-based engineering solutions company that develops state-of-the-art techniques for intelligent sensing and data analysis. They specialize in applying those techniques to biometrics, intelligent video analysis and simulation.
Jennifer Fike, Executive Director, Food System Economic Partnership
This nonprofit organization connects local food buyers with local food growers. Promoting a local food system (production, processing, distribution, sales and consumption) is good for the environment and good for the local economy.
Adrian Fortino, Co-Founder & CEO, Shepherd Intelligent Systems
This U of M spinoff company has technology that allows bus riders to get travel time information, accurate to within 30 seconds, about the location of a bus in route. It is being used by the U of M bus systems and Ann Arbor Transportation Authority.
Pam Byrnes has lived and worked in Washtenaw County for 35 years. An attorney who practiced in Ypsilanti, Saline and Ann Arbor, Pam is serving her third term in the State House of Representatives and is running for the State Senate in the 18th District.
State Representative Rebekah Warren, Democrat
Rebekah Warren worked in Lansing for nearly 13 years as a legislative assistant and as the executive director of MARAL. Rebekah is currently serving in her second term in the State House of Representatives and is running for the State Senate in the 18th District.
Tom Harrison, President, Michigan Ladder
The Michigan Ladder Company is the oldest full line ladder manufacturer and distributor in the United States. Established in Ypsilanti on December 4, 1901 as a Michigan corporation, their home is now a historical landmark and the business remains a success!
Michael Klement, AIA, Architectural Resource
Architectural Resource is an award-winning, Ann Arbor based boutique architecture design firm that focuses on new home designs, additions and renovations. It handles projects both locally and in places as far away as Portland, Oregon and South Carolina.
Ellen Clement, Executive Director, The Corner Health Center
The Corner Health Center is Michigan's first, largest and most comprehensive teen health center. They educate youth on the long-range implications of health behaviors, encourage responsible behaviors and train teens to take responsibility for their own health.
Megan Torrance, Owner, Torrance Learning
TorranceLearning creates custom internet based learning and blended learning solutions. It is business training that quickly and cost-effectively meets the needs of your business.
Art Timko, Executive Director, WEMU-FM
Come hear from the long-time leader of Washtenaw County’s best public radio station WEMU – featuring the best local new, jazz and blues music plus great NPR programs.
Jim O’Connell, Associate Director Business Formation, University of Michigan, Office of Technology Transfer
A leader in creating startup ventures based on university technology the UM has created Michigan Venture Center, a one-stop hub for entrepreneurs, investors and faculty inventors.
Terry Bertram, PLLC, Legacy Law Center
What do you know about estate planning, probate and Medicaid planning? Come hear about why you should think about your life care planning and care coordination.
Sean Duval, President and CEO, Golden Limousine
Tour through one of Michigan’s beautiful winemaking region in comfort in a tour of five area wineries; enjoy a little taste of Pure Michigan and leave with a souvenir wine glass!
Bill Miller, Superintendent, Washtenaw Intermediate School District
The WISD coordinates programs and services, like special education, that are too expensive for any single school district to offer. WISD faces unprecedented funding problems because of the current economic climate.
Randy Frank, Chief Technology Officer, Internet2
Come learn about Internet2, the foremost networking consortium in the USA. It provides both leading-edge network capabilities and unique partnership opportunities for revolutionary Internet technologies.
Reynold Lowe, President, Materials Unlimited
Materials Unlimited evolved from a demolition company co-owned by founder Reynold Lowe. This interesting and unique business has one of the nation's most impressive collections of antique furniture and architectural appointments.
Greg Stephens, Business Manager, IBEW Local 252
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 252 was established over 85 years ago to provide contracted electrical services. The Local currently has over 950 members committed to providing superior service to our customers and is proud to help to build a brighter Michigan.
Andy Palms, Telecommunications, Network, & Data Center Operations, University of Michigan Information and Technology Services
Ann Arbor and U-M are responding to Google’s March 26 deadline to find the perfect trial community to install a high speed network. Hear how you can help us convince Google that Ann Arbor is the place to install a high speed broadband network.
Congressman Pete Hoekstra, Candidate for Governor
This West Michigan native is currently a U.S. Congressman and candidate for Governor. Pete holds an MBA from the University of Michigan and enjoyed a 15-year career with Herman Miller, Inc. Congressman Hoekstra will share his vision for Michigan.
Ora H. Pescovitz, M.D., Responsible for the second biggest business in Ann Arbor (second only to the UM itself), Dr. Ora Pescovitz is the CEO of UM Health System and a widely recognized pediatric endocrinologist.Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs, University of Michigan CEO, University of Michigan Health System
Sultan Sharrief, Film Maker and Executive Director, Beyond Blue Productions
Sultan Sharrief is a talented filmmaker whose film BILAL'S STAND recently played at the Sundance Film Festival! Come learn about local filmmaking and Sultan’s Sundance adventure.
Alex Milshteyn, GRI, ABR, Associate Broker/Realtor, Edward Surovell Realtors and President, Ann Arbor Area Board of Realtors
A successful real estate sales professional, Alex Milshteyn serves as the President of our local Board of Realtors. He will cue us in about the condition of the local real estate market.
Washtenaw County’s esteemed Administrator will retire this coming May. Come hear about the state of our region and, most importantly, help us wish a warm, “THANKS” to Bob!
Susan Pollay, Emcee, Executive Director, Downtown Development Authority
Susan will fill in for Russ to host this dynamic program designed by the Ann Arbor Area Chamber of Commerce.
Dennis Bickmeier, Vice President Marketing and Sales, Michigan International Speedway
What seats 119,500 people and is home to the largest single-day paid admission sporting event in the state – surprise, it’s not the Big House, it’s Michigan International Speedway. Dennis Bickmeier, MIS Vice President for Marketing and Sales, will share lots of great facts about the economic impact of MIS on the Ann Arbor area.
Dean Jeffery, President, Worknet Systems
Worknet Systems has been helping companies strategically plan, maximize productivity, and protect network security. Dean Jeffery will reveal how Worknet Systems transformed its business from a reactive model to a fixed fee support contract which delivers proactive services designed to keep companies out of trouble from the beginning.
Marisa Smith, President, Whole Brain Group
Sometimes it’s not what you do – it’s who you are. Marisa Smith, President of The Whole Brain Group will talk about the local Small Giants group, a community of businesses that define success by their contributions to the community, dedication to great customer service, and creation and preservation of workplace cultures of excellence.
Diane Keller, President & CEO, Ann Arbor Area Chamber of Commerce
Throughout the County collaborations and mergers are redefining traditional borders to maximize benefits and reduce costs. The Ann Arbor Area Chamber of Commerce and Ypsilanti Area Chamber of Commerce are merging into a single entity– the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber. Diane Keller, President/CEO, will talk about the merger, and how the Chamber is now better positioned to support business interests.
Arie Lipsky, Conductor, Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra
“Vital, alive, and utterly polished” are just some of the words used to describe the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Conductor Arie Lipsky. Mr. Lipsky garners high praise from some of the world’s best conductors, critics, and a large and loyal audience in S.E. Michigan. Mr. Lipsky will tell us how the magic and music of such greats as Beethovan, Gershwin, and Mozart come alive on the stage of the Michigan Theater.
Eric Sieczka, President/CEO, Pixel Velocity Inc.
Come learn how this defense department technology was converted for commercial use to provide highly reliable automated threat detection over very large areas (like Michigan Stadium).
LeAnn Auer, Executive Director, Michigan Venture Capital Association
See how this non-profit trade organization will grow and sustain a vibrant venture capital community in Michigan by providing a concerted voice for Michigan's venture capital industry.
Ted Dacko, President and CEO, Health Media, Inc.
Hear how HealthMedia developed a methodology and technology that emulates health care coaching sessions, saves costs and achieves the same proven behavior change outcomes.
Marisa Smith, President, The Whole Brain Group
Be inspired by this woman owned business that provides custom web-based software for academic institutions and is a leading provider of accreditation management and automation software.
Meet the former chief marketing officer of the Cleveland Plain Dealer who is now guiding Ann Arbor’s new look news source through the choppy waters of change and innovation.











