It’s been a week now since our Neighborhood Bar-B-Q and it was a great success!  We decided that our theme would be “Encouraging Neighborhood.”  The idea for the theme began with wanting to be more involved in our business community and getting to know the businesses and folks around us.  We realize that oftentimes businesses get “tunnel vision”—and who can blame them?  There are always so many day-to-day details to deal with in business that one can easily get caught up in their work.  As the old adage says--"There are never enough hours in the day."  So...the theme of "encouraging neighborhood" actually originated from the fact that we wanted to encourage companies around us to break away from their routine and engage with each other.  That’s why we were (and still are) encouraging neighborhood interaction.  We want the neighborhood to be an encouraging body, not just another business networking group.

Attending the Neighborhood Bar-B-Q, there were a total of 22 companies represented by approximately 55 individuals.  We enjoyed pulled pork, brats, fresh fruit, salads, grilled vegetables, baked beans, and wonderful desserts.  We also had some great live music from local "neighborhood" talent.

At MOVE, we believe that business is not about just "dollars and cents"; it’s about "relationships."

We’d like to extend a big neighborly "thank you" to the following organizations that came out in support of our Neighborhood Bar-B-Q!

A2Y Chamber of Commerce—For more information about joining the Chamber, contact Cheryl O’Brian at (734) 665-4433.

A2 Fiber wants you to help them "Google" to install a high-speed broadband network in AA.

A2Y Leadership—Be a leader.  Explore your community.

AutoKnowledge provides knowledge management software applications for automotive product developers.

Baker Strategy helps you make SMART Customer Strategy happen.

Dominant Systems Computer Networks is offering neighborhood coupons for free analysis services--up to one free hour of telephone support, and PC repair for a flat rate of $159.  (Contact Dominant Systems for more information.)

Eagle Crest Conference Resorts is considered to be "The Resort of Southeast Michigan," an initiative of Eastern Michigan University and a partner with Marriott Hotels.

GDI InfoTech collaborates with their customers to deliver technology solutions that help build high-performance businesses. 

Goeztcraft Printers has been serving the community since 1900 with full service printing from pre-press to bindery.

Info Ready is a new category of powerful software that streamlines the grant development process.

JOUST Strength and Fitness is offering a neighborhood special for 50% off on workout programs in August.

Marriott Hotels and Resorts is a beautiful facility in Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti that is partnered with the Eagle Crest Conference Resort.

Master Automotive Diagnostics is offering the "neighborhood" a Free Vehicle Inspection Program (V.I.P.) and a detailing package for cars at $79.95 ($89.95 for trucks, SUVs, vans, and crossovers) that includes a coupon for a free V.I.P. oil change. (Contact Master Automotive Diagnostics for more specific information.)

MOVE Communications is an integrated marketing communications company that will help make sure you have the right idea to set your sales in motion.  Call us to set up a free 1-hour consultation on how to improve your marketing by enhancing your website or creating a brand video.

Prakken Publications publishes magazines that focus on technology and education.  Their publications include TechDirections and The Education Digest.

The Produce Station offers delicious fresh produce and superior catering services.

Ribeiro Jiu-Jitsu is a highly accredited Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy.

Rightaway Delivery specializes in time-sensitive scheduled deliveries as well as emergency deliveries.

Signs By Tomorrow creates affordable, high-impact signs and visual messaging solutions.

The Southside Business District is a network of some of the best-kept shopping secrets in AA.

U of M Herbarium is a world-class research museum dedicated to the study of plant and fungal diversity in Michigan, the Great Lakes and globally.

Whirly Ball is a game that combines the skill of basketball and Jai-Alai, and is played from electric bumper cars.

Zingerman’s Mail Order offers corporate gifts with ZING!

Yesterday, the Eagle Crest Resort hosted an A2Y Chamber Reception for all members.  The networking event was a great opportunity, especially for me, to meet other members.  The reception was held in the beautiful clubhouse overlooking the golf course and Ford Lake.  Eagle Crest gift bags were handed out, prizes were given (unfortunately none to me), and hors d’oeuvres and drinks were served.

After the reception ended, Eagle Crest allowed A2Y Members to play golf at the twilight rate with a cart.  Bruce from Benz Insurance was nice enough to invite us into his golf party and also invited an individual player named Justin, who does electrical work in the area, to play with us as well.  We were quite a dynamic foursome--Bruce and Justin being the better players, with Don and I being there more for visual encouragement.  I finished my first nine holes at Eagle Crest at 52.  Don, on the other hand, doesn’t want me to publically announce his score, but if you come over to MOVE HQ, I would be more than willing to show you our scorecard. 

I would highly recommend playing at Eagle Crest!  It is fun, challenging, and offers great views of Ford Lake.  A big "thank you" goes out to the awesome A2Y Chamber and Eagle Crest!

On Wednesday, June 16, Carol Hart and I had the opportunity, with some of the newly combined A2Y Chamber members, to take a tour of the renovations of the Big House during Morning Edition. 

Now, while I want to be 100% sure to claim allegiance to my true colors—green and white—I was very impressed with the renovations.  Our main tour was through the club seats and box office sections, but all of the improvements include:

• Wider seats and aisles with handrails to make it easier for fans to move in the aisles.
• New elevated concourses with additional restrooms and concessions along both sidelines.
• More wheelchair locations along the sidelines.
• Two new buildings on the north end of the stadium that will house additional restrooms, concessions and public safety services.
• A new building on the south end of the stadium that will offer additional concessions and restrooms.
• A new press box.
• Refurbished restroom facilities.
• 650+ new chairback seats on the west side.
• 46 suites in the west side structure (33 suites located on the first level and 13 suites on the second level).
• 1,900+ outdoor club seats and stadium lounge on the first level of the east side structure.
• 250+ indoor club seats and 850+ covered outdoor club seats and stadium lounge on the second level of the east side structure.
• 36 suites on the third level of the east side structure.
• Four towers, one at the end of each sideline structure, which will have elevators and wide stairways to bring patrons to the new concourses and premium seating areas.
  

The project is scheduled to be completed in time for the Wolverines to play UCONN on September 4th. 

Photos of this project and more details can be found at:
http://www.mgoblue.com/victorsclub/michigan-stadium-details.html