Habitat for Humanity Huron Valley

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Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley (Habitat Huron Valley) strives to enrich our whole community through a legacy of affordable homeownership for low-income families. Habitat Huron Valley serves the Washtenaw County community through our affordable homeownership program, our Habitat Education Program, and our Home Improvement Program. In 2017, Habitat Huron Valley is renovating our 200th home, making us the number 1 affiliate in the country for number of renovations and number 8 for families served. Our three programs combined serve over 1,000 families annually. We are very thankful to be a part of and serve the Washtenaw County community. Learn how to become a part of the Habitat Huron Valley family at h4h.org and visit our Habitat for Humanity ReStore at 170 Aprill Dr. Ann Arbor, MI 48103. The ReStore is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10:00am- 6:00pm.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®

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At TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Ann Arbor we are proud to serve the South East Michigan area with ten trucks, 40 employees and 15,000 square feet of storage space!  We can meet any of your business or residential moving and storage needs from downsizing to relocating across town or anywhere in the United States. No request is too big or too small for TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Ann Arbor. In our 15 years of being established in the Ann Arbor area, we have completed over 30,000 moves while earning a consistent 96 percent referral rate to prove that customer service is our top priority.  Owning a small business in Ann Arbor and being part of such a great community is also incredibly rewarding.  We are active members of the A2Y Chamber and support Friends in Deed, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, Girls On The Run of Southeastern Michigan, March of Dimes, Movers for Moms and Movers for Military.

The Flying Locksmiths Ann Arbor

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The Flying Locksmiths Ann Arbor, is an all-inclusive mobile security provider. We encompass services ranging from basics of cutting and keying businesses and homes, all the way to card access systems, full commercial door replacements, panic devices, door closers and fully integrated master key systems.  It’s our mission to keep our customers’ property safe and secure. We serve both homeowners and business owners in Washtenaw county and the surrounding areas.

I love this question: “so, why are you FLYING locksmiths?”

Also quite popular: “what is up with the key guy on the van?”

The answer is that they are both key to the history of the TFL family business!

While training to become a pilot in 1946, our company’s founder, WWII veteran William McMenimon, Sr., needed a way to provide for his family. So, he started a locksmith company out of his jeep. Thus the name, and thus the classic pilot mascot – “Buzz”.  Seventy years later, the business is still running strong and franchising, the Ann Arbor office opened in October of 2016.  We plan to continue William’s legacy of providing top notch locksmith and security services to the community, at a fair price, using the highest quality parts, while staying true to family values.

We are eager to earn your business, contact us today via your preferred method, call us at 734-217-4323, email us at AnnArbor@flyinglocksmiths.com or visit on the web at www.flyinglocksmiths.com/ann-arbor.

General Systems Consulting & The LEAD Institute

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Your partner in change and transformation in the areas of strategy, culture and change.

Every organization is different and becoming a high performance organization does not happen by accident. Since 1972 we’ve worked closely with clients to help them address the challenges associated with organizational performance, growth, learning and change. Our clients tell us our capabilities in Strategy, Culture, Leadership & Teamwork are the critical missing pieces to solving their high performance puzzle.

Take Advantage of our upcoming workshops or set up a no obligation meeting to start a conversation about solving your high performance puzzle.

Upcoming Workshops

Assertive Leadership & Influence for Women – June 7-8 <> Holiday Inn Zeeb Rd.

Leadership Skills & Style Development – June 27-29 <> The Ann Arbor Regent

LEAD Program for High Potential Managers – July 10-13 <> The Ann Arbor Regent

Enhancing Influence – August 10 <> Holiday Inn Zeeb Rd.

 

 

Wanderlark Travel

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Wanderlark is a travel & event planning company specializing in customized, unique experiences.

Did you know that 34% of Americans didn’t take a single vacation day in 2016? That is just sad, considering psychological research shows that experiential purchases — including vacations — tend to make us happier than material purchases. Taking time off is necessary for your mental health and wellness. So, don’t be part of the 34%! Plan your summer vacation today with the help of Wanderlark, an Ann Arbor-based travel & event planning company. Wanderlark specializes in customized, unique experiences ranging from budget-friendly staycations in Michigan to two week honeymoons in Europe (and everything in between). Each itinerary is tailor-made, meaning you won’t get a cookie-cutter experience. Let us create your dream itinerary — contact us to get started!

 

Stites Financial, LLC

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With over 25 years of experience, twin brothers Bob Stites and Rick Stites have specialized in employee benefits and retirement plans.

At Stites Financial, LLC, “an independent financial firm, where people come first”, we are able to focus on client service and investment products to ensure our clients receive a personalized plan that is just right for them. In addition to financial advising, we offer employee benefit plans, retirement plans, 401K and 403(b).

As opposed to corporate owned financial companies, our independent financial advisors will spend the time getting to know you and your business. We are able to exercise the freedom to identify insurance and investment products that match with your overall goals. We are not bound to selling one product or service.

Learn more about Stites Financial, LLC by visiting our website at www.StitesFinancial.com and check out our Learning Center to use our calculators, watch videos and more! You can also find us on Facebook and LinkedIn: Rick Stites LinkedIn & Bob Stites LinkedIn

You can contact us at 734-930-2330 or info@stitesfinancial.com to schedule a Complimentary Consultation and allow us the opportunity to earn your business and help achieve your financial future.

A2Y Regional Chamber Partners on New Ypsilanti Wayfinding Signage

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From the City of Ypsilanti:

Ypsilanti, MI, February 28, 2017: The City of Ypsilanti and the Ypsilanti Downtown Development Authority, in partnership with the Charter Township of Ypsilanti, are pleased to announce the installation of new wayfinding and parking signage throughout the Ypsilanti area. This project is the result of many partners’ contributions, including those of the former Ypsilanti Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Washtenaw County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Eastern Michigan University, the A2Y Regional Chamber, Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation, Washtenaw County, Eastern Leaders Group, St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor Hospital, Washtenaw Community College, the Charter Township of Ypsilanti, the Ypsilanti Downtown Development Authority, and the City of Ypsilanti.

“We are pleased to be one of the many stakeholders in the Ypsilanti area in support of this project. Wayfinding helps connect visitors to our attractions, events and other locations of interest,” said Mary Kerr, President & CEO of the Washtenaw County Convention & Visitors Bureau. “This wayfinding program is intended to guide visitors and residents to our various destinations, provide an identity to the area which creates a sense of place, and assist people with locating additional points of interest, encouraging them to spend additional time and dollars in our area,” said Beth Ernat, Director of Economic Development for the City of Ypsilanti. “Signage is important to help people navigate the Ypsilanti area. Adding local artistic designs to the signs celebrates our local community’s creativity and talent,” said Mayor Amanda Edmonds. To that end, the steering committee held an open header design contest in 2015.

Local artist William Burgard’s designs were selected, and they will feature local icons Rosie the Riveter, the Tridge, a Hudson Commodore, and the Great Blue Heron. The project is the result of cooperative efforts and open community involvement, from the development of the signage master plan in 2015 to the final approval for sign design and locations from both the City of Ypsilanti’s City Council and the Charter Township of Ypsilanti’s Board of Trustees in late 2016. A total of eighteen wayfinding signs and nineteen parking signs will have been installed upon the project’s completion. A ribbon cutting will be held on Friday, March 10, 2pm at Ypsilanti City Hall in the upper level parking lot off of South Huron Street. Additional information, including the sign map, may be found at http://cityofypsilanti.com/644/Ypsilanti-Wayfinding-and-Signage-Project.

Photos from the Ribbon Cutting held March 3, 2017 are below:

A Gathering of Stakeholders

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March 10, 2017

On Thursday, February 9, 2017, the Ann Arbor Ypsilanti Regional Chamber celebrated their move to the Atria Park Business Center at 2010 Hogback Road, Suite 4, Ann Arbor. In many ways, the move from downtown Ann Arbor to the more central location on Hogback Road finalizes the merger between the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti Chambers that occurred in 2010. The Chamber is now easily accessible to businesses in both communities. The Open House celebration on February 9 provided a long overdue recognition of the close relationship between these two vibrant communities.

Katie Jones, Director of Marketing and Events at the Chamber, summed it up like this, “The cultural split between Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti is so well established in our collective imaginations, and it’s easy to forget just how much overlap there really is between the two cities. I have no doubt this new location will go a long way in bringing our ‘sister cities’ together even more than ever before.”

Strengthening community was at the top of the menu for this exciting evening. In fact, the Chamber’s commitment to Conscious Capitalism, a business approach predicated on mindful, human-centered practices, was the primary purpose of the event. Bringing the community together to celebrate a more accessible location for the Chamber was a way to target the second tenet of conscious capitalism—stakeholder orientation.

“The stakeholders for our Chamber aren’t just members and business owners,” Rosalind Vaughn, Director of Business Development & Membership explained. “We’re all connected in the end. So a healthy business is more than the bottom line. It’s about the people in our community. Our businesses impact our neighbors, co-workers, associates, and our families. Those are the people that determine whether or not our members thrive or fail. Conscious Capitalism is about integration.”

It was the community stakeholders who made the Open House, such a success. From the shuttles provided by the Hampton Inn and Suites, to the stellar catering from Forte Belanger, many hands came together to work toward the common goal of supporting our communities through business engagement. Of the more than two hundred guests, representatives from Congresswoman Dingell’s office, County Commissioner Jason Morgan, Ypsilanti Township Supervisor Brenda Stumbo, Ypsilanti Township Clerk Karen LoveJoy Roe, and Pittsfield Township Supervisor Mandy Grewal all attended. Of course, this event couldn’t have happened without the generous support of Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Michigan, as well as many other organizations. The offices were especially inviting that evening and featured the additions of beautiful plants from English Gardens and aerial photos by Dale Fisher will remain as a reminder of our great cities for future visitors to enjoy.

Conscious Capitalism includes four principles that guide healthy, profitable businesses: maintaining a purpose or mission higher than monetary gain, staying focused on stakeholders of the business, providing leadership based on service, and fostering a company-wide conscious culture that embodies the higher principals of the company. The Chamber’s embrace of Conscious Capitalism is communicated clearly through this more inclusive new location on Hogback Road.

“We’re eager and excited to see how this location opens up new opportunities for us to connect with more businesses in the Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti region,” said Diane Keller at the Open House early in the evening. “We’re convinced this move is a win-win.”

About The Chamber

The Ann Arbor / Ypsilanti Regional Chamber is a 1,200-member community organization that actively facilitates, educates and advocates on behalf of its business members through their services and programs.  The chamber offers numerous networking opportunities and events, educational seminars, leadership development.  Additionally, they work closely with other organizations in the Washtenaw County area to assist in the promotion and growth of the area.

For more information about the relocation or the Chamber, please contact Katie Jones, at 734-214-0105 or email her at Katie@a2ychamber.org.

Contact:
Katie Jones
Katie@a2ychamber.org

A2Y Chamber New Location Open House

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Sometimes our environments change us—our thinking, mood, and temperament. The A2Y Chamber team was ready for a move, both physically and mentally, and our new offices at the Atria Business Center at 2010 Hogback Road in Ann Arbor, are worth celebrating. That’s exactly what we did at our Open House on February 9. It wasn’t just an excuse for a party, it was a way for us to practice Conscious Capitalism, an approach to business that inspires as effectively as it profits. By bringing our community together, we applied the second tenet of Conscious Capitalism—stakeholder orientation.

We know our community of stakeholders isn’t just made up of our membership! Local and chamber businesses impact our neighbors, co-workers, associates, and families. With six degrees of separation, business impacts the world.

Our community stakeholder made the evening such a success. From the shuttles provided by the Hampton Inn and Suites, to Forte Belanger who provided the stellar catering, many hands came together to work toward a common goal–supporting our communities through business engagement. Of the 200+ guests, we were especially honored to have representatives from Congresswoman Dingell’s office, County Commissioner Jason Morgan, Ypsilanti Township Supervisor Brenda Stumbo, Ypsilanti Township Clerk Karen Love Joy Roe, and Pittsfield Township Supervisor Mandy Grewal. Of course, this event couldn’t have happened without the generous support of Blue Cross / Blue Shield of Michigan, as well as the help of many other organizations.

The building and offices are warm, open, and inviting especially with special touches by the incredible aerial photographer Dale Fisher and beautiful floral arrangements from English Gardens. With members of the business community mingling and networking, we all felt tremendous pride in the place we now call our A2Y Chamber home.

5 steps for Effective Performance Feedback

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FEEDBACK – a simple concept and one that can instantly and simultaneously strike fear and anxiety into the hearts of the person receiving it and giving it. Learning to give effective performance feedback will promote and sustain improved performance and boost morale. It is also a skill that will elevate you to leader status regardless of your potion on the company’s org chart.

Leadership is in the eye of the beholder and being able to provide effective performance feedback is a key skill that will get you noticed when you practice it with your boss, colleagues, staff and clients.

Understanding how powerful giving effective performance feedback can we’ll turn our attention to the 5 steps you need to know to be able to make feedback your new secret weapon.

5 Keys to Effective Performance Feedback

  1. Identify the person to whom you will give the feedback While you should know the name of the person you’ll be giving feedback to you also need to determine how situationally confident they are.
Confidence Level
Low High
Praise

·        Effort

·        Persistence

·        Progress

·        Small accomplishments

·        Asking for help

 Praise

·        Outcomes

·        Results

·        Impact

·        More Challenging accomplishments

·        Helping others
  1. Type of feedback – Positive or Corrective To be most impactful each instance of feedback needs to be addressing either positive performance feedback or corrective feedback. Sandwiching them together will dilute the messages you are trying to get across and this be a failed opportunity to help the receiving party feel good about their accomplishments/ability or help them improve.
  1. Timing – Immediate or Not There is different wisdom around when to provide positive and corrective feedback. The more specific and immediate you can be with positive praise the more useful it will be. Corrective feedback can be overshadowed by strong emotions and situational circumstances. If there is a behavior or issues causing a dangerous conditions. Otherwise it is best to provide corrective feedback to encourage behavior change at the next most likely instance of the behavior happening. Waiting to just prior means the person gets feedback and a timely reminder. For example – if an employee is continuously late coming back from lunch you would speak with them before they leave for lunch instead of when they are coming back late again.
  1. Finding the Words – Scripting Why don’t more people give effective feedback? Because most often we are afraid of saying the wrong thing, not making the right point or carrying on too long. Good feedback is often planned in advance which the DSEECS script allows you to do. Everyone is motivated by something different and this script is designed to touch of each of the 4 motivating factors (power, affiliation, achievement and security). Don’t let the word script spook you, this should only be a minute or two. You can’t go wrong!

The 5 parts of giving effective feedback are:

  • Describe the situation – a short intro and reminder of the situation
  • Specify – be very specific about the behavior or practice you’d like to reinforce
  • Express – how the person’s performance made you feel?
  • Explain – explain the impact the person’s performance had on others/the organization
  • Choose – present a contingency or consequence
  • Specify Again – first things last, specify the behavior/practice again

Have a plan – Grab a piece of paper draw a line down the middle. On the left side list 4-6 behaviors/practices you are looking for from others and number them. On the right side list 4-6 different ways to rewards for displaying the behaviors and practices you are looking for, number them also. One of these should be feedback based on the script. If you have the budget and authority to handout gift cards or pay for lunch those are nice too but the reinforcing reward do not have to be monetary. Think about highlighting the person in a team meeting, presenting them with a certificate, a coffee from the cafeteria, handshake/pat on the back with a “thank you for your hard work”, etc. Keep the list in your desk drawer and everyday roll a die to determine which behavior you’ll look for that day. Roll it again to determine which reward they will receive from you to reinforce they are doing the right things. A good ratio to keep in mind is 3 praising instances of feedback to every 1 corrective instance of feedback. Like most things these days we have an app for this.

Change is hard and awkward and you’ll feel it the first several times you use the script but I promise you’ll find your rhythm with it. The script is not meant to make you sound scripted so the um’s and pauses that come out when your giving the feedback will not be frowned upon but rather make it feel more genuine.

I trust you’ll use this powerful secret weapon only for good. If you want more information about any of the 5 steps for Effective Performance Feedback, to get our Planned Spontaneous Recognition app or for a free coaching call for help with your first script contact me at kate@leadinstitute.com or 734-995-5222.