Datebook: Workshop on thriving in a tough market and more

• March 16: Are You Scared of Social Networking? 6 p.m. Weber's Inn, 3050 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor. The regular meeting of the Maia Chapter of the American Business Women's Association. This month's meeting topic is “Are You Scared of Social Networking” Presented by Lauren Hobson. Cost: $19, Pre-paid registration required at www.abwa-maia.org or e-mail rayrr@umich.edu or call 734-763-9631.

• March 17: Entrepreneur Education 1.0: Product Innovation. 5-7 p.m. SPARK Central, 330 E. Liberty, Ann Arbor.The Entrepreneur Education 1.0 series are programs designed for innovation based entrepreneurs that are in the process of launching their company. In this unit, you will focus on defining your customers, their needs and their personas in order to create insights into product strategies for various market segments. $10. Click here to register.

• March 17: Chamber of Commerce's Morning Edition. 7-8:45 a.m. Weber's Inn, 3050 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor. The purpose of this event is to keep members informed and up-to-date on vital local issues and offer an opportunity to network with fellow Chamber members. Russ Collins of the Michigan Theater hosts the program. For more information, contact Barbara Davenport at 734-214-0104.

• March 17: Ten Things You Must Know About Mailing. 3:30 p.m. Allegra Print & Imaging, 1283 Industrial Drive, Saline. This seminar will take the mystery out of direct mail including how to save money on mailing costs, how to get a better response through targeted mailing lists and design, why there is no need for your own mailing permit, how to take advantage of presort, standard and first class mail rates and what are automation discount and barcode opportunities. Free, but advance registration is required by calling 734-944-1404.

• March 18: It's OK To Be The Boss. 7:30-10 a.m. The Polo Fields Golf and Country Club, 5200 Polo Fields Drive, Ann Arbor. Sponsored by Women's Exchange of Washtenaw. Speakers: Terri Barlow, Megan Torrance and Dr. Kay Woodiel. As a woman business leader, are you worried that "being the boss" means you'll be perceived as overbearing, domineering, or even dictatorial? Unfortunately, your team will never be truly successful until you accept your responsibility to be their leader, coach, motivator and manager. It's OK to be the boss! In fact, it's critical to the success of your workplace and your company. $25. Click here to register.

• March 18: Secrets of the Investor/Investee Relationship. 5 p.m. Holiday Inn North Campus, 3600 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor. Sponsored by New Enterprise Forum a panel will address the inside details that help make the important investor/investee relationship work. Make sure you come with questions for our panel -- no secrets here! Free for NEF members, $5 for students, $25 for all others. Click here for more information.

• March 18: Executive Luncheon - For entrepreneurs and small business owners. 11 a.m. Sandler Training Center, 501 Avis Drive, Ann Arbor. Attend this 2-hour high level in depth look at the sales process and find out how most of your prospects are buying, how most of you are selling, and why there are so many problems. Free, but registration is required. For more information or to register, call 734-821-4830 ext. 2.

• March 18: Attorneys' Dinner Meeting. 5:30 p.m. Weber's Inn, 3050 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor. The Washtenaw County Bar Association and the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan will host Marilyn J. Kelly, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Michigan, as the keynote speaker, Continuing the annual partnership of the associations, the event promises to be a unique and exciting opportunity for area lawyers. The cost is $25-35, depending on your dinner selection. Reservations are recommended, but walk-ins may be accommodated for an additional $10. To reserve your seat, call or e-mail the Washtenaw County Bar Association office at 734)-994-4912 or newtonc@ewashtenaw.org.

• March 18: Professional Development - March Session. 5:45-8:30 p.m. Carlyle Bar & Grill, 3660 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor. The Institute of Management Accountants, Ann Arbor Chapter, regular monthly meeting will feature speaker David Haffey on the topic "Form 990 and speaker Jerry Scrivo on the topic: "Cash Flow in a Manufacturing Environment." $25, includes both professional development sessions and dinner. RSVP to mfcgram@yahoo.com or call 734-434-6218 .

• March 19: Starting Your Own Business. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Key Bank Building, 301 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti. At this forum you will learn about personality traits that impact entrepreneurialism, create a marketing plan for your business, learn about legal, accounting, franchises, business plans and financing options. You will receive one on one counseling with a business expert and have an opportunity to get advice from a variety of business experts and organizations that are available to support new ventures. $25. Click here to register.

• March 19: Washtenaw Contractors Association's PYRAMID awards. 6:30 p.m. Kensington Court Hotel, 610 Hilton Blvd., Ann Arbor. The Washtenaw Contractors Association will recognize the outstanding performance of firms and individuals working in the construction industry in Washtenaw County. PYRAMID Awards will be presented in three categories: Best Project Team, Best Subcontractor and Best Innovation. Click here to register.

• March 23: Saline Area Chamber of Commerce's Building Business Relationships Breakfast. 7:30-9 a.m. Brecon Village, 200 Brecon Drive, Saline. This networking event will also feature speakers Brian Iott of Iott Insurance Agency; Jim Craig of Investment Solutions Services; and Mike and Susan Schoonmaker of Great Clips. The emcee will be Andrew Lund, Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing N.A. Inc. For reservations or more information, call (734) 429-4494.

• March 24: Lunch Ann Arbor Marketing meeting. 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. Conor O'Neill's, 318 S. Main St., Ann Arbor. Topic: Engaging a Target Market/Graduating from User Traffic to User Advocate. Presenter: Shauna Nicholson, entrepreneur. For more information, e-mail info@la2m.com.

• March 25: 2010 Green IS Lean conference. 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Cleary University’s Johnson Center, 3750 Cleary Drive, Howell. The mission of the Green IS Lean alliance is to help enterprises, communities and organizations to apply and benefit from green and lean tools and technologies through workforce training, consulting and community/industry outreach. The 2010 conference is designed to demonstrate how integration of green and lean principles can help improve business success and showcase leading edge work in various leading companies in holistic integration of these strategies.

• March 25: Cooley Law School open house. 4-7 p.m. Cooley's Ann Arbor campus, 3475 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor. Talk with representatives from the admissions, financial aid and career services offices, faculty, current students and alumni. Attend a mock class, an overview and honors scholars and accepted students sessions. Park on campus. Register online at cooley.edu. For more information, call (517) 371-5140, ext. 2244 or 2245.

• March 31: Lunch Ann Arbor Marketing meeting. 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. Conor O'Neill's, 318 S. Main St., Ann Arbor. Topic: Social Marketing and Online Consumer Reviews. Presenter: Joel Vergun, AV Consulting. For more information, e-mail info@la2m.com.

• May 11-12: Michigan Growth Capital Symposium. Registration starts at 11 a.m. May 11. Marriott Eagle Crest, 1275 S. Huron St., Ypsilanti. Premier equity event for leaders in the venture capital investment world to connect with entrepreneurs, startups and emerging growth companies that are actively searching for partners and funding. For more information, visit www.michigangcs.com.

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