The Milan News-Leader
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Milan networking group grows
Business Relations Builders forms
By Sue G. Collins, Staff Writer
PUBLISHED: May 29, 2008
A new kind of networking group has been launched from Milan, bringing together owners of small businesses and home-based businesses who want to serve their community and share ideas.
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Business Relations Builders evolved from the Coalition for Home-Based Businesses, previously operating under the umbrella of the Milan Area Chamber of Commerce. The new group will serve Washtenaw and Monroe counties and beyond, organizers say.
"We wanted to expand from Milan to include more than just the home-based or network marketing businesses," said Christine Mann, a Milan resident, owner of Proforma First Place Marketing and president of the Milan Area Chamber of Commerce. "We want to bring in small-business owners, too, like sole proprietors or franchise owners. We share many of the same challenges and can learn from one another."
Mann was also a director in the Milan Home-Based Business Coalition. She has joined forces with two other small-business owners, Maudie Abraham of Moments Like This and Amy Dapprich, who is opening an Aflac Insurance agency in downtown Milan.
Abraham's business handles estate liquidation and brokers antiques. She enjoys working out of her home in Ypsilanti Township for the convenience and because it's good business.
"I like the low overhead," she said.
"This group will be very helpful for small-business owners who would like some support outside their office and who would like to get more involved in their community," said Abraham, who has worked with Mann in building the group. "We are going to get our hands dirty. After all, since we are looking for our communities to help support our local businesses, we want to give back."
The group will meet the first and third Monday of each month for a brown bag lunch and short program. This may mean brainstorming, idea sharing or advice from an outside speaker who can address specific needs of home-based and small businesses.
Dapprich is the first president of the group and got involved after developing the Web site, which is set to go live this month.
"Christine presented a very thorough business plan for the new group and I am very excited to be involved," Dapprich said.
To join the Business Relations Builders or find out about the location of the next lunch meeting, call Mann at 439-2904.
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