FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD...

Russ Hickey

Entertainment Under The Stars
Summer is in full swing! The Entertainment Under The Stars series will conclude on July 25^th at the Four Corners Park. The final performer is musical group, Shades of Grey. The group will perform a variety of hits from the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s. The Coldwater Area Chamber of Commerce partners with generous local businesses to bring the six weeks of live music to downtown Coldwater. 2017 SPONSORS: Branch County Republican Party, Chemical Bank, Haylett Auto & RV Supercenter, R & M Service, Glowing Embers Fireplace and Stove Shop Chris Pierce Appraisers, Drew's Place, Real Alloy, Century Bank and Trust, Longstreet Living, Coldwater Board of Public Utilities, Royal Chevy Buick GMC, Southern Michigan Bank & Trust, Gift Basket Dazzle.

80’s Night Pub Crawl
This Saturday, downtown Coldwater comes alive with the annual Branch County United Way fundraising event. Congratulations to incoming Executive Director, Kevin Sheppard. Thank you, Judy Krzeminski, for your many years of successful leadership! While I won’t be “crawling” literally this year, I am looking forward to seeing the great 80’s gear, collecting my punches at the six downtown locations, and dancing to finish off the night. Registration begins at Broadway Grille at 5:00pm and the crawl begins at 5:30pm.

Farmers Market
I’m writing this article late in the afternoon. As my hunger for dinner is on the increase, I’m wondering if writing on an empty stomache about food is anything like shopping on one? When the idea of the return of a Farmers Market was presented in 2014 for 2015, I inherently knew the cause was a good one. A quick google search on the benefits of the local farmers market led me to the website of CUESA. Following are some benefits I’m particularly fond of from that list. Their food is fresh, not shipped very far, not stored for long periods of time, and not subject to artificial processes. The food quality and creativity are unique and, well, yummy. I enjoy meeting the creative people that put their hearts and souls in to the products they bring to the market. Last on my list, but perhaps the most important, is connecting with others in my community. It’s a great feeling to allow a little extra time to sip coffee and find out how the neighbor’s child did during a recent baseball or softball game. I hope to see you all this Saturday morning, beginning at 9am.

Too Much Fun?
It is a great time of year to be out around Coldwater. All of this “fun” is made possible because of the collaboration of various groups and individuals. I’m proud of my business’ Chamber membership and I’m pleased to know that a portion of that membership is being used wisely to improve the business environment of Coldwater. A portion of my membership is being used to improve the quality of life in Branch County through promotion, development, support, coordination, education and influence of activities and organizations. Please visit this website for a copy of the 2016 Annual Report. https://issuu.com/coldwaterareachamber/docs/2016_annual_report. The report is a terrific snapshot of everything the Chamber represents!

Russ Hickey is the Chairman of the Coldwater Area Chamber of Commerce for 2017. He is also a Customer Service Manager at Infinisource in Coldwater. Russ and his wife, Tasha Hickey, operate Phil’s Driving School, LLC (517.278.8888 – www.philsdrivingschool.net), a long time chamber member that provides driver education to teens and adults in a variety of Michigan locations.


FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD... Russ Hickey Entertainment Under The Stars Summer is in full swing! The Entertainment Under The Stars series will conclude on July 25^th at the Four Corners Park. The final performer is musical group, Shades of Grey. The group will perform a variety of hits from the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s. The Coldwater Area Chamber of Commerce partners with generous local businesses to bring the six weeks of live music to downtown Coldwater. 2017 SPONSORS: Branch County Republican Party, Chemical Bank, Haylett Auto & RV Supercenter, R & M Service, Glowing Embers Fireplace and Stove Shop Chris Pierce Appraisers, Drew's Place, Real Alloy, Century Bank and Trust, Longstreet Living, Coldwater Board of Public Utilities, Royal Chevy Buick GMC, Southern Michigan Bank & Trust, Gift Basket Dazzle. 80’s Night Pub Crawl This Saturday, downtown Coldwater comes alive with the annual Branch County United Way fundraising event. Congratulations to incoming Executive Director, Kevin Sheppard. Thank you, Judy Krzeminski, for your many years of successful leadership! While I won’t be “crawling” literally this year, I am looking forward to seeing the great 80’s gear, collecting my punches at the six downtown locations, and dancing to finish off the night. Registration begins at Broadway Grille at 5:00pm and the crawl begins at 5:30pm. Farmers Market I’m writing this article late in the afternoon. As my hunger for dinner is on the increase, I’m wondering if writing on an empty stomache about food is anything like shopping on one? When the idea of the return of a Farmers Market was presented in 2014 for 2015, I inherently knew the cause was a good one. A quick google search on the benefits of the local farmers market led me to the website of CUESA. Following are some benefits I’m particularly fond of from that list. Their food is fresh, not shipped very far, not stored for long periods of time, and not subject to artificial processes. The food quality and creativity are unique and, well, yummy. I enjoy meeting the creative people that put their hearts and souls in to the products they bring to the market. Last on my list, but perhaps the most important, is connecting with others in my community. It’s a great feeling to allow a little extra time to sip coffee and find out how the neighbor’s child did during a recent baseball or softball game. I hope to see you all this Saturday morning, beginning at 9am. Too Much Fun? It is a great time of year to be out around Coldwater. All of this “fun” is made possible because of the collaboration of various groups and individuals. I’m proud of my business’ Chamber membership and I’m pleased to know that a portion of that membership is being used wisely to improve the business environment of Coldwater. A portion of my membership is being used to improve the quality of life in Branch County through promotion, development, support, coordination, education and influence of activities and organizations. Please visit this website for a copy of the 2016 Annual Report. https://issuu.com/coldwaterareachamber/docs/2016_annual_report. The report is a terrific snapshot of everything the Chamber represents! Russ Hickey is the Chairman of the Coldwater Area Chamber of Commerce for 2017. He is also a Customer Service Manager at Infinisource in Coldwater. Russ and his wife, Tasha Hickey, operate Phil’s Driving School, LLC (517.278.8888 – www.philsdrivingschool.net), a long time chamber member that provides driver education to teens and adults in a variety of Michigan locations.
Chamber E-News - 07.21.2017