At a time when consumers are becoming more selective with their business and supplier choices, the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce invites them to browse products and services available from over 70 local businesses on Wednesday, March 7 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the 6th Annual South Oakland Business Expo (SOBE). The event will take place at Club Venetian Banquet Center (29310 John R. Road in Madison Heights).

Admission is FREE and features chamber member businesses from Berkley, Birmingham, Clawson, Ferndale, Madison Heights/Hazel Park and Royal Oak.  These businesses range from home improvement to financial services to medical service providers to marketing and healthy living options.

“Consumers like to work with businesses committed to their community,” explained Royal Oak Chamber Executive Director Shelly Kemp. “SOBE gives them a chance to meet and talk one-on-one with a variety of small businesses, empowering them to find a local resource that best meets their needs.”

Exhibitors will offer opportunities to win free and specially priced merchandise and services, along with “SOBE Specials,” discounts exclusive to the event and event attendees.  In addition, they will provide information about high quality offerings available through merchants of the local business community.

“SOBE give area consumers a chance to comparison shop and see what’s new in the marketplace of their own backyard,” said Kemp. “It is an entertaining and informative opportunity for residents to experience what these local businesses have to offer and develop relationships that benefit everyone involved. Those relationships will help the economy of this region and its individual communities continue to flourish. “

SOBE 2012 is presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield, Beaumont Health Services, Benepro, Citizens Bank, EA Schensky, Northwood Credit Union, Van Every Family Chiropractic, C&G Newspapers, Observer & Eccentric Newspapers, TC Green Media, and Signs by Tomorrow.

A limited number of exhibitor openings are still available. Businesses interested in participating should call 248.547.4000.

Due to its popularity last year, SOBE organizers have again arranged for exhibiting businesses and attendees to access a range of small business resources. On site this year offering information on funding, growth opportunities and other business counseling will be representatives from the following organizations:

• Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE)
• U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
• Center for Empowerment and Economic Development (CEED)
• State of Michigan Procurement and Real Estate Services Administration (PRESA)

The 2012 SOBE Seminars are not business advertisements but instead 30 minute sessions that offer tangible, applicable and timely information about hot topics challenging today’s businesses and career minded individuals. This year’s seminars are as follows:

11:45 – 12:15   The Power of Direct Mail –

Presented by Shannon LaBruyere, Royal Oak Post Office

Description: There is a wide variety of marketing channels in today’s world. Successful marketing no longer relies on one versus the other in terms of media choices.  Instead, almost all marketing channels now live in harmony, especially when they are integrated in an opportune manner. Direct Mail integrates easily and measurably with all other varieties of marketing tools. This seminar will provide you tips, tools, resources and insights on how mail can help make the multi-channel marketing mix work for your business.

Synopsis:

• The Changing Media Landscape
• The Value of Direct Mail 
• Direct Mail Basics
• Direct Mail with Staying Power
• Direct Mail Resources

12:30 – 1:00     Marketing Strategies: Print v Social Media –

Presented by Abby Elowsky, Golfing in Michigan

Synopsis: In today’s marketing environment, where is it best to put your limited dollars? Is print really dead? Is social media the only way to engage your clients? Find out how to utilize the strengths of both of these powerful media types to your advantage. Combine and conquer! Gain brand awareness, internet traffic, and fans of your product by implementing some simple techniques.

• Is print dead?
• Social Media: The Time Sucker
• What types of marketing work for you?
• Find the Sweet Spot of Combo-Marketing
• Specific techniques for Print and Social Media Advertising
• Close/Q & A

1:15 – 1:45       Facebook Timeline Strategies –

Presented by Heather Coleman & Ron Marshall, Ferndale Career Center

Description: Learn how to utilize the new Facebook Timeline for strategic communication personally and professionally. The focus is marketing your business and positioning yourself in your career.

2:00 – 2:30       New Media for Business –

Presented by Heather Coleman & Ron Marshall, Ferndale Career Center

Description Client relations are established and grown though the use of media platforms such as FourSquare, Google+, BlogTalk Radio, WordPress and mobile application integration. Learn more about how to incorporate these platforms into your social marketing strategy!

2:45 – 3:15       How to Obtain a Business Grant –

Presented by Michelle Gordon, Kingdom Creations

Description: Have you ever wanted to learn how companies secure thousands and millions of dollars in funding for their businesses?  The “How to Obtain a Business Grant” seminar will help companies explore the basic skills that are needed to secure federal, state and municipal dollars.  The comprehensive seminar will help companies navigate through basic concerns regarding the differentiation between start up funding and grants that are exclusively earmarked for expansion an operational needs.  The workshop will also help companies understand the difference between grants, proposals, loans and capital investments.  Companies will finally be able to end their frivolously search for business funding by learning how to directly contact and cultivate sustainable relationships with funders.  The “How to Obtain a Business Grant” seminar will also provide exclusive tips on how to organize business documents and grant proposals. 

3:30 – 4:15       Starting & Marketing A Small Business

Presented by Representatives from the Small Business Administration (SBA), Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) and the Center for Empowerment & Economic Development (CEED)

“The presence of all these business resources in one place makes SOBE a destination for the owners of new businesses as well as local residents considering changing jobs or starting their own business. Plus, it provides important information for established businesses who are looking for guidance, mentoring or assistance in creating or expanding marketing and business plans,” Kemp added.

SOBE provides opportunities for networking and offers consumers face-to-face marketing. For additional information, please call 248.547.4000. Only Berkley, Birmingham, Clawson, Ferndale, Madison Heights/Hazel Park and Royal Oak Chamber members may exhibit at SOBE.

Source: Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce