Local organizations unite to present Business Development Series

HOLLY, Michigan – The Holly Chamber of Commerce and the Holly Area Economic Development Task Force are teaming up this summer to help area residents and business owners hone their skills and make their businesses stronger without paying a fortune in the process.

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Janet Leslie

“Members of the EDTF noticed that many of the same marketing concerns were repeatedly voiced by members of the community,” Janet Leslie, coordinator for the EDTF said. “They would ask, “How can we create a better Web site without investing much money?  Should we be on Facebook? How can we get our projects reported to the press? What should we do to recruit new members?”  Leslie said the EDTF was quick to respond. “We thought it would be useful to present answers to these questions in a group setting so that all of our hardworking stakeholders can have access to the same body of information.”

Leslie said the EDTF decided to partner with the Holly Area Chamber of Commerce for a couple of reasons. “We partnered with the Holly Area Chamber of Commerce because they graciously offered to help us promote the event, and because many Chamber members have expertise that they may wish to offer in future seminars,” Leslie said.

The 2010 Summer Business Development Series begins Thursday, Aug. 5 by presenting “Spinning a Sticky Web (site),” a course on how to develop and maintain of an effective Internet presence. The 90-minute seminar will be taught by Ryan Bladzik, owner/principal of Great Lakes Creative Marketing and Communications, LLC.

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Ryan Bladzik

On Thursday, Aug.12, Bladzik will be back at it, this time presenting, “Will you be my Friend? Building Social Media Relationships to Build your Business.” Discussing social media sites like Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn, Bladzik will show seminar-goers how to use social media tools to boost business.

The third seminar, “Stop the Presses! How to Build a Great Relationship with the Press,” will be held Aug. 19. Taught by EDTF Chair Janet Leslie, the seminar promises to divulge the secret of cultivating a great relationship with the press, including proper etiquette used when working with the press, how to write a professional press release, and media strategies.

Bladzik will be back Thursday, Aug. 26 to present “Making Value Your Hottest Product: Membership Marketing in Non-profit Organizations.” With declining memberships in professional, business and social organizations, Bladzik will talk about different types of value motivations and how they can be used to promote growth and strengthen membership within the organization.

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Sandra Kleven

Chamber President Sandra Kleven said her organization is pleased to be partnering with the EDTF. “We have wanted to do this for a while, but with all the other projects we have going on, it just kept getting pushed to the back burner,” Kleven said. “When Ryan (Bladzik) first mentioned it, I jumped on board, and it’s great having him and Janet (Leslie) involved and sharing their knowledge to the rest of the Chamber.”

All seminars begin at 7 p.m. at the North Oakland County Fire Authority Station 1 training room, 5051 Grange Hall Road. Cost is $5 at the door.

“We are very appreciative of Chief Jeremy Lintz and his staff allowing us the use of the beautiful new NOCFA Station 1 training room for the entire series,” Leslie said. “And if all goes well, we’re hoping to offer an additional four-seminar series to happen later this winter and into the early part of next year.”