FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                      
May 10, 2010
Media Contact: Anne Burns
248-651-6700
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The Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce (RRCC) is announcing its Good News! Campaign. This award-winning Chamber will be focusing its social media and E-Newsletter announcements on good news about its Chamber members, and the greater Rochester community.

“This deliberate positive focus helps to remind us that good things are happening in the community and that Chamber member businesses are growing” said Sheri Heiney, RRCC Executive Director.

If you are a Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce member or have a good news story about the Rochester area please e-mail in 50 words or less to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

The Chamber invites the public to become a Facebook Fan of the Rochester Regional Chamber, as well as, follow it on Twitter.  To find out more about the 2009 Non-profit Organization of the Year (Automation Alley) and 2008 Michigan Chamber of the Year contact them at 248-651-6700 or visit www.rrc-mi.com.

Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce thanks their partners Oakland University, Crittenton Hospital Medical Center, Bill Fox Chevrolet, Fox Automotive, Shelton Pontiac Buick GMC, Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Michigan and The Oakland Press.

The mission of the Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce is to provide leadership and resources in order to advance business development in partnership with civic, cultural and educational interests for the benefit of its members and the community.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 14, 2010

Rochester, MI - The Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce will host a Welcome Reception and Ceremony for the opening of new the summer tour “Treasures of Childhood: Growing up in the Great Estate” on Tuesday, June 1, 2010 at 4:00 p.m.  Meadow Brook Hall is located in Rochester on the campus of Oakland University. 

Imagine a childhood where all the gifts of summer – adventure, freedom, beauty – lay spread before you across 1500 acres, ready to be explored, ready for all of your games and make – believe … ready for horseback riding, swimming, hunting and fishing. Imagine stepping into 88,000 square feet of art and books and secret staircases, all awaiting eager eyes and hungry imaginations. Join us this summer for a sneak peek into how the children of Meadow Brook lived in “Treasures of Childhood: Growing up in the Great Estate.”

Meadow Brook Hall is the historic home built by one of the automotive aristocracy’s most remarkable women, Matilda Dodge Wilson, widow of automobile pioneer John Dodge, and her second husband, lumber broker Alfred Wilson.  Constructed between 1926 and 1929, for $4 million, Meadow Brook Hall represents one of the finest examples of Tudor-revival architecture in America.  It is especially renowned for its superb craftsmanship, architectural detailing and grand scale of 88,000 square-feet and 110 rooms, making it the fourth-largest historic house in the United States and the largest in the Midwest.  It was the center of a country estate that included 1,500 acres, numerous farm buildings, recreational facilities, several residences and formal gardens. 

Please join the Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, June 1, 2010 at 4:00 p .m. for a Welcome Reception and Ceremony.  Tours will be free for all Rochester residents and business owners from 4:30 – 6:00 p.m.  Refreshments and snacks will be available in the Great Hall.  Reminiscent of 1930s childhood, visitors can also watch the classic television series “Our Gang” in the Ballroom on the big screen.

Meadow Brook Hall is a museum that offers special events, education programs and tours for the public to enjoy.  The museum may also be rented exclusively for weddings and private events.  The Hall is self-supporting, relying on museum rental revenue, tour fees and fundraising to preserve, interpret and operate the building.

The Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce thanks their partners Oakland University, Crittenton Hospital Medical Center, Shelton Pontiac Buick GMC, and Walmart.

The Mission of the Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce is to provide leadership by advancing business development in partnership with civic, cultural and educational interests for the benefit of its members and the community. 

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May 13, 2010                       
Media Contact: Kelly Bennett

248-651-6700
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Rochester, MI - The Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce will host a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Firebrick Gallery and Pottery Studio located at 404 Main Street, Rochester, Michigan, 48307 on Friday, May 21, 2010 at 4:00 p.m.

Firebrick Gallery showcases Michigan artists, including pottery, photography, oil and acrylic paintings, mixed media, jewelry, garden décor, and more. We are also a fully equipped pottery studio, school, and practice space for beginners and ceramic artists. Our summer classes will be gearing up in June, offering classes/workshops on painting, drawing, wheel throwing, jewelry for ages 6 up to adults.

Firebrick Gallery and Pottery Studio has been voted for two years in a row as 2nd best art gallery in the Metropolitan Detroit area! 

Please join the Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce on Friday, May 21, 2010 at 4:00 p.m. for the free official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Firebrick Gallery and Pottery Studio. 

The Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce thanks their partners Oakland University, Crittenton Hospital Medical Center, Bill Fox Chevrolet, Fox Automotive Group, Shelton Pontiac Buick GMC, and Walmart.

The Mission of the Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce is to provide leadership by advancing business development in partnership with civic, cultural and educational interests for the benefit of its members and the community. 


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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    
March 19. 2010  
Media Contact: Jennifer Fulton
248-651-6700
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Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce Hosts Annual Legislative Update
Emerging Issues 2010: The Future of Michigan

Rochester, MI- Members of the community are invited to participate in a Legislative Update hosted by the Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce.  The update will take place at the Older Persons Commission (OPC) on Friday, April 16, 2010.  Light refreshments will be served at 7:30 a.m. and the program will begin promptly at 8:00 a.m.  The event concludes at 10:00 a.m.

The Legislative Update is an annual event coordinated by the Rochester Regional Chamber’s Legislative Committee.  The focus of this year’s discussion will center on the topic of Emerging Issues 2010: The Future of Michigan.  Guest speakers will include Senator Mike Bishop and State Representative Tom McMillin. These distinguished speakers will give the audience a general update for their respective areas of government.  The speakers will then provide an update regarding the forecast for our great state of Michigan.  Attendees will be able to address any questions or concerns directly to the speakers following the updates. 

Sheri Heiney, Chamber Executive Director stated, “We hope the community joins us for this event.  The Legislative Update is a wonderful opportunity to hear and question our local legislators about the state of our government.”  

Do you have a question for one of the legislators?  Submit your questions to Senator Bishop and Representative McMillin to the Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce!  Email your questions to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Selected questions will be asked during the Chamber's annual Legislative Update on April 16, 2010 at the OPC.

The Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce Legislative Committee meets quarterly to discuss current topics of legislation and its effects on our business community, for more information or to join this committee, please call the Chamber at 248-651-6700.  

The Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce thanks their partners Oakland University, Crittenton Hospital Medical Center, Shelton Pontiac Buick GMC, and Walmart for their continued support.

The Mission of the Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce is to provide leadership and resources in order to advance business development in partnership with civic, cultural, and educational interests for the benefit of its members and the community. 

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The Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce (RRCC) invites those interested in meeting and networking with fellow business professionals to attend a Chamber event.  In 2010, over 100 networking events are available – many are free!

As Automation Alley’s 2009 Non-profit Organization of the Year and Michigan’s 2008 Outstanding Chamber of the Year, RRCC is dedicated to helping people build relationships and business contacts.  Whether you want to improve the bottom line of your business, start a business, or are in the midst of a job change the Chamber offers you many opportunities to meet people and network.  Those that are interested in seeing what the RRCC is all about are invited to attend one Chamber event.  Although most events are free, there is a minimal charge for those that are ticketed.  A calendar of Chamber happenings can be found on its website at www.rrc-mi.com or call the Chamber at 248-651-6700 for details.

Chamber membership is open to individuals, entrepreneurs, businesses and corporations of all sizes, and nonprofit organizations.  The cost of a business membership is very affordable, starting as low as $200 annually. All students and Oakland University alumni receive a discounted rate.  

Targeted networking groups are available for all Chamber members such as the Young Professionals of Rochester, free Preferred Client Networking Groups and a monthly Business Women’s Roundtable Luncheon. For those interested in networking via committee the Legislative Affairs, Economic Development or the Workforce Development Committee is available.  

There are many other opportunities available including free classes and business counseling, and other invaluable services that are all part of a Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce membership.  To sign up for an event or to receive more information contact the Chamber at 248-651-6700 or visit www.rrc-mi.com.  The Chamber office is located at 71 Walnut, Suite 110 (corner of First and Walnut streets) in downtown Rochester.

The Mission of the Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce is to provide leadership and resources in order to advance business development in partnership with civic, cultural and educational interests for the benefit of its members and the community.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                           
March 23, 2010
Media Contact: Tim Crawford
248-402-5005
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Rochester, MI -The Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce has announced the theme for the 2010 Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade.  This year’s theme is Candy Lane on Main.  This sweet inspiration will lend itself to fun and original floats. The Presenting Sponsor for the 2010 parade is Genisys Credit Union.

Held on Sunday, December 5, 2010, the parade begins at 1:45 p.m. at the corner of Tienken and Rochester Roads and continues south along Main Street to Third Street in Downtown Rochester.  Parade committee chairman, Tim Crawford said, “I am positive the kids in our community will be thrilled to incorporate ‘candy’ into their floats and costumes!”

Parade applications are available at the Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce.  Call 248-651-6700 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information.

The Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce thanks their partners Oakland University, Crittenton Hospital Medical Center, Shelton Pontiac Buick GMC and Walmart for their support. 

The Mission of the Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce is to provide leadership and resources in order to advance business development in partnership with civic, cultural, and educational interests for the benefit of its members and the community.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                            
March 23, 2010               
Media Contact: Tim Crawford            
248-402-5005                                                   
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Rochester, MI - A woman who represents the spirit of Rochester, Pat Botkin, managing director of The PrivateBank has been named Grand Marshal of the 59th annual Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade.  The 2010 parade is presented by Genisys Credit Union. 

Pat has been a long time resident of Rochester and has served in the community for over 25 years generously giving her time to local philanthropic organizations.  She has been a member and offered her leadership skills to many organizations including the following:

•    Art & Apples Festival
•    Boy Scouts of America
•    Crittenton Hospital Medical Center
•    GeneRochCity
•    Prayer Breakfast
•    Rochester Community Schools
•    Rochester Area Neighborhood House
•    Rochester Rotary Club
•    Greater Rochester Community Foundation
•    The Legacy Project
•    Women’s Fund

Pat Botkin is known throughout the community for her “zest for life, enthusiasm and humor.” When she was notified of the Grand Marshal position, Pat stated “I am so surprised and overwhelmed to be the Grand Marshal of this year’s Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade!  It is truly an honor and I am blessed to both live and work in a wonderful community filled with caring people.”

The Grand Marshal will lead the historic parade down Main Street in downtown Rochester and be honored at the annual Grand Marshal’s reception, held at Great Oaks County Club on Thursday, December 2, 2010.  The Presenting sponsors of the Grand Marshal Celebration are Walmart and Genisys Credit Union.

The 2010 parade will be held on Sunday, December 5th, starting at 1:45 p.m., and includes dignitaries, bands, children’s group, community organizations and local businesses.  The parade is broadcast live on WXYZ-TV Channel 7 and recorded by Community Media Network for cable telecast and DVD recordings. 

The Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce thanks their partners Oakland University, Crittenton Hospital Medical Center, Shelton Pontiac Buick GMC and Walmart for their support. 

The Mission of the Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce is to provide leadership and resources in order to advance business development in partnership with civic, cultural, and educational interests for the benefit of its members and the community.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                   
February 25, 2010

Media Contact: Anne Burns
(248) 651-6700
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Rochester, MI – The Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce (RRCC) is very pleased to announce that Genisys Credit Union will be the presenting sponsor for the 2010 Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade and the co-presenting sponsor for the related Grand Marshal Celebration. Walmart is the other presenting sponsor for the Grand Marshal Celebration.

“Genisys Credit Union is in the top five largest credit unions in Michigan and serves 125,000 members through 25 branch locations.  Our community involvement spans over 200 events and 5,000 community hours each year.  We have a 96% member satisfaction rating for our excellent service and we truly believe that Genisys is ‘where you come first.’ ” stated Linda Zabik, Manager, Public Relations/Community Involvement for Genisys Credit Union.

Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade Chairman Tim Crawford said “Genisys Credit Union’s presenting sponsorship of this community-wide endeavor cannot be underestimated.  We are very grateful that they chose to support the greater Rochester area, and the tens of thousands of parade attendees, volunteers and participants.”

The parade will be held on Sunday, December 5, 2010 in downtown Rochester.
The parade excitement begins with the Grand Marshal reception on Thursday,
December 2, 2010.

The Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade was founded in 1951 and in 2010 will be its 59th year of celebration.  The parade was begun by a service organization, the Rochester Lions Club to emphasize the “happy Christmas Season.”  In 1962 the Rochester (Regional) Chamber of Commerce was asked to assume event and financial responsibility for the parade and to maintain this holiday tradition for generations of families. 

The parade’s popularity and growth have been tremendous.  Now, as the largest Christmas Parade in Michigan, its estimated 3,000 parade participants represent a collaborative effort among families, businesses, non-profit and civic organizations, schools, colleges, universities and special interest groups. 

The chosen Grand Marshal will lead the historic parade down Main Street in downtown Rochester, and is honored at the annual Grand Marshal reception, held at Great Oaks Country Club.  Nominations are currently being accepted for Grand Marshal.

The Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce is Oakland County’s largest chamber and was awarded the 2009 Automation Alley Non-Profit Organization of the Year Award. In 2008 it won the Outstanding Chamber Award in Michigan. The Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce thanks their partners Oakland University, Crittenton Hospital Medical Center, Shelton Pontiac Buick GMC and Walmart for their support.

The Mission of the Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce is to provide leadership and resources in order to advance business development in partnership with civic, cultural, and educational interests for the benefit of its members and the community.

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December 11, 2009

A glorious winter sun shone brightly on the 58th annual Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade.  Held on Sunday December 6th, and presented by the Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce and local sponsors, the parade is the highlight of a day filled with family fun and community spirit.  Lifetime Rochester resident and Director of the Rochester Community House, Mary Lee Kowalczyk,  served as Parade Marshall and led the bands, marchers, clowns and floats through downtown Rochester.  

The 2009 parade's theme was the popular holiday song “The Twelve Days of Christmas” and the day's entries reflected the song’s lyrics unusual list of gifts and their creators’ abundant imagination. A panel of judges spent the bright, cold morning before the parade determining which entries deserved special recognition.

Adult Float
1st Place –Rochester Area Neighborhood House
2nd Place – Rochester Lions Club and Leader Dogs for the Blind
3rd Place – Oakland Township Historical Society

Business/Industry Float
1st Place – Royal Park Hotel
2nd Place – Bloomingdale Construction
3rd Place – Art Van Furniture

Youth Float
1st Place – Baldwin Cub Scout Pack #106
2nd Place – Macomb County 4-H Midnight Riders Club
3rd Place – Cub Scout Pack 356 St. John Lutheran School

Clowns
1st Place – Rochester Fire Department

Marchers
1st Place – Michigan Ballet Theatre
2nd Place – Canine Academy
3rd Place – Rochester Area Jaycees

Drill Team
1st Place – Crittenton Hospital Medical Center
2nd Place – Rochester Hills Public Library
3rd Place – Rochester Adams Cheer Teams

Novelty
1st Place – Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve
2nd Place – One Wheel Elves
3rd Place – Famous Dave’s BBQ

Grand Marshal Award
Rochester Area Neighborhood House

WXYZ-TV, Channel 7 Detroit shared the event’s excitement with the approximately 115,000 metro Detroiters tuned in to the broadcast.  Local cable broadcast station Community Media Network also filmed the parade.  This recording can be seen on viewers’ local cable stations and DVDs of this recording can be purchased for $15 at the Chamber office.

“We couldn’t put on this parade without the support of our sponsors, volunteers, participants and spectators,” explains Sheri Heiney, the chamber’s executive director, “We would like to especially thank all the city, police, sheriff and fire officials that give the parade their assistance and time.  We just couldn’t do this without all of them!”

The Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce is Oakland County’s largest chamber and was awarded the 2008 Michigan’s Outstanding Chamber award and winner of the 2009 Automation Alley Non-profit of the Year Award.  The Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce thanks their partners Oakland University, Crittenton Hospital, Bill Fox Chevrolet, Shelton Pontiac Buick GMC, Walmart, and Blue Cross Blue Shield for their support. 

The Mission of the Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce is to provide leadership and resources in order to advance business development in partnership with civic, cultural, and educational interests for the benefit of its members and the community.

June 12, 2009 

February 26, 2009                      

Rochester Chamber Launches Targeted Buy Local Initiative

ROCHESTER, MI – The Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the launch of the shopLocal buyChamber program.  This program is part of a larger community awareness campaign by the Chamber focused on educating the greater Rochester area on the positive economic benefits associated with shopping and buying goods and services locally from Chamber members.

Chamber Executive Director Sheri Heiney said, “The shopLocal buyChamber program pays a dividend directly to our community.  It gives participating Chamber members an opportunity to continually reach potential customers with their valuable discount offer.  For anyone interested in saving money all they need to do is show the program’s “Connect & Save” card to a participating Chamber member. It is that simple.  The Rochester Regional Chamber’s goal is to have all of our members involved in the shopLocal buyChamber program.”

When a buyer uses the shopLocal buyChamber program it creates and maintains community jobs that provide the financial bedrock for the Rochester area.  Shopping locally and buying from these members generates sales tax revenue and keeps dollars in the city where consumers live, work and do business.

The current economic market trend shows buyers are turning to coupons to save money.  They are also becoming aware that it saves time and energy when you buy locally from a Chamber member who cares and is committed to customer satisfaction and growing the community. When you factor in the cost of gas into the price of a good or service the shopLocal buyChamber program becomes not only a cost-effective decision but also a green one!

The shopLocal buyChamber discount card will be available at the Chamber office located at 71 Walnut, Suite 110, the corner of First and Walnut streets in downtown Rochester.  A temporary card can be downloaded from the Chamber’s website at www.rrc-mi.com. It will also be available at area locations and in community newspapers.  Current discount offers for the program can also be found on the website.  New discount offers will be updated frequently.  Anyone interested in joining the program or for more details contact the Chamber
at 248-651-6700.

The Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce is Oakland County’s largest chamber and was awarded the 2008 Michigan’s Outstanding Chamber award.  They thank their partners Oakland University, Crittenton Hospital, Bill Fox Chevrolet, and Shelton Pontiac Buick GMC, Trent Design, C&G Newspapers and the Rochester Post for their support of the shopLocal buyChamber program. 

The Mission of the Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce is to provide leadership and resources in order to advance business development in partnership with civic, cultural and educational interests for the benefit of its members and the community.