Archive: August 2006 July 2006 June 2006
GESTAMP US HARDTECH SET TO EXPAND IN MASON
Gestamp US HardTech, Inc., the company named the Mason Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2006 Excellence in Business award winner, has announced exciting news for our area’s economic development. The company plans to invest $74 million to expand its operations in Mason, including the manufacturing of a new line of automotive safety products. The expansion project will create many new jobs over the next several years, both directly and indirectly.
Assistance has been given by the City of Mason and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. The MEDC has authorized a tax credit valued at more than $2.5 million over 15 years. The city is reviewing a 12-year tax abatement valued at $7.8 million.
The official announcement was made at the plant recently by MEDC President/CEO James Epolito, US Hardtech President Sten Sjoberg, City of Mason Mayor Leon Clark, and State Senator Valde Garcia.
US HardTech manufactures strong and lightweight safety and structural components for the automotive industry. Their customer base is diverse and includes most of the regional auto and truck manufacturers. They currently employ 170 people at their plant at the corner of Kipp and Hull Roads on Mason’s south side.
WANGER HOME PROJECT NEEDS YOUR HELP
Our Chamber’s newest member, the Greater Lansing Homebuilders Association Foundation, would like to introduce you to Francis and Arlene Wanger of Mason. The couple has committed their lives to raising special needs children. They currently have 11 children, many of whom are adopted foster children. Seven children live at home with special needs ranging from physical to mental handicaps, hearing and speech impairments, to those who are wheelchair bound. All nine people live in a home that is less than 1,000 square feet built in 1922 that is unable to meet the family’s daily living needs and suffers from a lack of many necessary structural repairs
The Wanger’s did not ask for a new home. They originally asked GLHBA member Mark Voss and their church for some help with needed repairs to get them through last winter. When Mark assessed the extent of their needs, he brought the project to the GLHBA’s Community Service Committee. From there, the project grew to building the Wanger’s a new home. Go to www.glhba.org/WangerHome.htm to find out how you can help.
MHS BAND AND CHEER SQUAD AT LAST TNL! CONCERT
The west Courthouse lawn will once again be alive with the sound of music on the last Thursday evening of September. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets to downtown Mason for a wonderful free concert, courtesy of our sponsors. The summer musical entertainment series concludes with the Mason High School Band on Thursday, September 28 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., led by Beth Bousfield, MHS Band Director. The Mason High School Cheer Squad will join the Band for the September program. A concert sponsorship is still currently available.
YOU DESERVE TO BE RECOGNIZED
Get noticed by area decision-makers by advertising in the Chambers’ 2007 Membership & Business Directory, which includes members of the Mason, Lansing, Clinton County, Grand Ledge, and Williamston chambers of commerce. Opportunities range from $20 to $2,000. Contact Martha Howley directly by calling (517) 853-6466 or mhowley@lansingchamber.org right away! Copies of the 2006 directory are free to MACC members at our office.
NEW MEMBERS JOIN
Welcome to the following new Chamber members!D’Haene Insurance Agency – Farmers Insurance
136 W. Ash Street ~ Mason, MI 48854
Phone: (517) 244-0355 ~ Fax: (517) 244-0388
adhaene@farmersagent.com
www.farmersagent.com/adhaene
Anne D’Haene
Farmers is dedicated to being the right choice for auto insurance, homeowners, renters, life insurance, business insurance, boat and recreational vehicle insurance, and a whole lot more. As your local Farmers agent, Anne D’Haene will help you develop the coverage that's right for you.
Greater Lansing Homebuilders Association (GLHBA) Foundation
6240 W. Mt. Hope Hwy. ~ Lansing, MI 48917
Phone: (517) 323-3254 ~ Fax: (517) 323-0390
doug@glhba.org
www.glhba.org
Doug Carr
The Greater Lansing Homebuilders Association Foundation is a non-profit, charitable organization. The Foundation exists to provide students with scholarships, to assist with providing shelter to families in need, and to assist other organizations that support the homebuilding industries.
Columbia Lakes Investment Group LLC
1427 W. Saginaw, Suite 200 ~ East Lansing, MI 48823
Phone: (517) 664-4137 ~ Fax: (517) 664-4157
tarwynr@strathmoredev.com
www.columbialakes.net
Tarwyn Rouse
Columbia Lakes Investment Group is the proud owner of the 509 unit Columbia Lakes – Mason’s newest and most inviting community offering residents fantastic amenities.
Baja Grille
402 S. Jefferson Street ~ Mason, MI 48854
Phone: (517) 249-1181 ~ Fax: (517) 249-1187
cartercontrol@cablespeed.com
Ryan and Shannon Carter
Baja Grille is a newly renovated restaurant at the site of the previous Cayenne Grille. Preserving the best of the Cayenne menu, the restaurant features many new additions, as well.
NEWS FROM OUR CHAMBER MEMBERS
The Mason Area Chamber of Commerce and Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors jointly provided a ribbon cutting for Mason State Bank’s new Mason State Financial Center at 2200 Coolidge Road, Suite 14 in East Lansing. The open house that followed attracted six past presidents of the Mason Area Chamber of Commerce that day. Attending were Jim Leasure, Tim Gaylord, George Hayhoe, Tom Schroeder, Ron Rhodes and Doug Klein.
The Ingham County Sheriff’s Office recently received a $1,000 grant from Limited Brands, Inc. The Office will use the money to support the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program they provide to six school districts in Ingham County. Limited’s stores include Bath & Body Works, The Limited, Victoria’s Secret, and Express.
Gorsline-Runciman Funeral Homes invites the public to a picnic lunch from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM on Wednesday, September 13th at the Ball-Dunn Chapel, 621 S. Jefferson Street to pay tribute to local heroes who have fought for the public's safety and security.
The
Mason Area United Way invites you to stop by anytime during the lunch
hour of Thursday, September 7th for its annual kickoff event on the
Courthouse lawn. Various agencies will be there with information and members
of the MHS Cheer Squad will be serving ice cream.
The Mason Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors provided a ribbon cutting for D'Haene Insurance Agency in Mason recently. Such events take place promptly at the time the Ambassadors set in advance. Ribbon cutting photos are then graciously published in the Ingham County Community News soon after the event. This past month, the cuttings included D’Haene, Mason State’s new financial center, and the City Limits Sports Grill at the Mason Bowling Center. What you don’t see in the newspaper are those who show up too late to be in the "official photo." Ryan Carter of Baja Grille and Martha Joy of LAFCU (at left) missed the D'Haene cutting by minutes!
MASON CARES SEPTEMBER 11
Dart Bank and Dart Mortgage Company are proud to
organize the fourth annual "Mason Cares" on Monday, September 11, 2006 to
honor the memory of those who lost their lives five years ago in terrorist
attacks by showing our community’s appreciation for our local police, fire,
and rescue personnel. The event will again be at the James M. Pelton Memorial
Fire Station, 221 W. Ash Street in Mason from 1 to 7 PM. Teams and individuals
will be working on many projects, including the ever-popular washing and
waxing of fire trucks. Support donations are also being accepted. Contact
Colleen Briggs at (517) 244-4421 or at cbriggs@dartbank.com to participate.
LEARN DISNEY MAGIC AT LANSING INSTITUTE
The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, of which we are a member, is bringing the Disney Institute to Lansing. Learn proven Disney success strategies that you can adapt to your organization in "The Disney Keys to Excellence" and "Team Creativity, Disney Style."
These programs will challenge you to look at your business - whether it's small, mid-sized, or large - in an entirely new light. Attend with others from your organization and be prepared for a day full of insight, ideas, and inspiration!
LRCC is extending an invitation to all of our Mason Area Chamber members to register at the Lansing member price. This event will be held on Thursday, October 26, 2006, from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM at the Lansing Center. If you are interested in receiving more information on this, feel free to contact the Lansing Regional Chamber directly at 517-853-6451. Make sure to tell them that you are a member of the Mason Area Chamber of Commerce.
MASON HOMETOWN U.S.A. VALUES TO BE SUPPORTED
The Mason Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of
Mason’s Downtown Development Authority are working together on a new promotion
for Mason area merchants. The program is called Mason "Hometown USA" Values on
Thursday Evenings. If you would like to participate, please let us know so
your information can be included.
Any business who wants to participate may set up an event. Each business does their own planning and mailing for some sort of open house, grand opening, ribbon cutting, mixer, tour or anything to invite people to the Mason area on a Thursday evening. Ideas include: a trunk show of an artist’s jewelry, art opening, book signing, new sandwich, new beverage, etc. -- anything to get customers to visit Mason on a late Thursday afternoon and evening – that would help build traffic for all businesses. If open house type events would happen from 4 to 7 PM, they would attract
both those leaving work in Mason and those coming home to Mason.We have designed a postcard for your use. The postcard can then be filled in on the back with your information and mailed to your customers. The Chamber will also send out press releases for publicity on such events. A map will eventually be created which will show everyone who is participating, their location, and information on their event.
This is an inclusive project. Anyone who wants to participate is welcome. Because the Chamber is involved, businesses outside of the downtown area are encouraged to participate. Contact us if you have questions.