HOLLY, Michigan – While there seem to be some signs of economic recovery, the Holly Area Chamber of Commerce realizes how critical every dollar earned and saved can be for local business owners. As a result, the Board of Directors has decided to offer a “March Madness” membership discount so that all business owners, whether they are newcomers or long-time members, will have a chance to begin or continue enjoying the benefits of Chamber membership.

“We believe joining the Holly Area Chamber of Commerce is one of the best things business owners can do for themselves,” said Chamber President Sandra Kleven. “We have a very active Chamber and are looking forward to assisting everyone in reaching their financial goals.”

For the entire month of March, former Chamber of Commerce members, current members, and business owners/merchants who have never been Chamber members, may obtain a one-year membership to the Chamber of Commerce for $150, which represents a $25 discount.

Current members having renewal dates that are scheduled for later in the year can still take advantage of the special offer by making the payment by April 1. Those memberships will be extended from expiration date in 2010 through the same date in 2011.

Some of the many benefits of being a Holly Area Chamber of Commerce member include:

• Assistance with development of new business contacts.
• Interaction with established business owners, and community leaders, which includes a monthly networking breakfast on the last Friday of each month, at 7:30 a.m. at Villagers Restaurant.
• The marketing of your business through Chamber events and publications
• Attend seminars and programs pertaining to important business-related issues
• Participate in and work on community events.
• Access to resources and information
• Influence legislators and others through a unified business vote.
• Eligibility for group health insurance for your business at reduced rates
• Listing in the annual Holly Area Chamber Guide

For more information, call (248) 215-7099, or visit www.hollychamber.com.

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Dr. Steven Sulfaro

HOLLY, Michigan – On Friday, Feb. 5, approximately 40 area youngsters were treated to a day in the dentist chair – receiving dental cleaning, exams, x-rays, and fluoride treatments free of charge.

It was all part of “Give Kids a Smile Day,” a national program endorsed by the American Dental Association where member dentists are encouraged to reach out and help kids in need.

Local dentist, Dr. Steven Sulfaro and his team were one of over 20 dental offices from the Genesee District Dental Society to participate in the day, collectively giving nearly 300 area kids a good reason to smile.

“One mother explained that she and her husband own a construction business,” Sulfaro said. “With the state of the economy, their business has been devastated and while she’s tried to get her three young children to the dentist on a regular basis, financially, she’s not been able to do that for the past couple of year,” he said. “Her tear-filled thank you is the main reason why I’ve participated in Give Kids a Smile for the last six years.”

Sulfaro Family Dentistry is located at 607 N. Saginaw St. in Holly and can be reached at (248) 634-4671, or online at www.sulfarofamilydentistry.com.

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Carol Martines owns Holly Art ...

HOLLY, Michigan – Like most business owners in downtown Holly, Carol Martines is fulfilling her lifelong dream of running her own business, and making a living by dealing in what she loves most – framing, artwork and a whole lot more.

A self-described “frame addict,” Martines began collecting old picture frames nearly 40 years ago and hasn’t stopped since. While attending college courses, Martines said she got “sidetracked” and began taking art classes. Wanting to learn more about cutting mats and mounting artwork, Martines took her first framing class in 1984. It was soon after that she discovered her true dream and worked for another framing business until the time was right to open her own shop.

Martines spent two years operating from her first shop on Grange Hall Road, before pulling up stakes and renting a store on Holly’s historic Battle Alley.

“The Battle Alley store was good, but I found I didn’t have enough room to work on my framing,” Martines said. “I was always having to take work home with me.”

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Historical downtown Holly has ...

HOLLY, Michigan – While there’s no denying that Michigan’s sagging economy continues to challenge even the most established of businesses, two downtown business owners have teamed up and used a little ingenuity to get through the tough times.

In October, Nicole Marie Saunders opened “Something Blue,” a bridal and formalwear consignment boutique in downtown Holly. Occupying half of Kel Leigh Coale Photography at 215 S. Saginaw St., the two entrepreneurs believed their respective businesses complimented each other.

While “Something Blue” and “Kel Leigh Coale Photography” are still operating as separate entities, Saunders and Coale wanted to create a bigger “umbrella” under which the two will blend their services – “Studio Two Fifteen.”

Studio Two Fifteen offers it all – events, photography, design, bridal and formal.

Working with five consignment suppliers, Saunders said she offers off-the-rack bridal gowns, new bridesmaid dresses, dresses for the flower girl, jewelry and accessories, custom stationery work including invitations, bridal and baby shower invitations, birth announcements, seating charts and save-the-date notices. Never one to say no, Saunders said she’s even begun to dabble in event planning.