Calendar:

Weekly Meeting:

Our regularly scheduled weekly meeting will be held Wednesday morning at Extraordinary Ventures, Inc., 200 South Elliott Road, Chapel Hill from 8:00 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. Meeting Dues are $5.00 per week.  Place your business card and $1.00 in the Optional Drawing. One card will be selected and that person will receive the week's kitty. For Express Check-In, please arrive with a $5.00, a $1.00, and a business card and we will check you in. We greatly appreciate your bringing correct change. We cannot change large denomination bills ($10, $20, $50, etc.) and cannot accept checks.

This Week's Speaker:

Passion, Power and Purpose - Peter and Susan Henry are passionate about Xocai Healthy Chocolate! Peter and Susan will share some of the latest research regarding the power of dark chocolate to achieve optimal health and discuss the purpose that motivates them to be successful with their healthy chocolate business.

Speaker's Schedule for April / May 2010

12 May - Dan Carleton - New York Life
19 May - Earl Haddon - Bios Life
26 May - Joe Jacob - Haw River Canoe

Keep It Simple - Attend the Leads Group meeting at least 50% of the time for 3 consecutive months. Ask Lou Umscheid to place you on the speakers schedule. Continue to attend at least 50% of the Leads Group meetings until your presentation. Continue to attend the Leads Group meeting to strengthen your new referral network.

Did You Know:

New Chapel Hill Leads Group Attendees - 28 April 2010

Robyn Smith - G & K Services
Mandy Stricklin - G & K Services
Lauren Fitts - NuSkin / Inside Out
Christopher Gamber - Seidel Gamber, PLLC
Madelyn Ashley - Senior Transitions
James Carruthers - Woodmen of the World
Dominic Scimeck - Embracing Elements Web Sites
Jere Staffer - Embracing Elements Web Sites
Bernice Templeman - AGEL

Young Professionals Network - 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Join us at The Crunkleton, located at 320 W. Franklin Street, for our second Young Professionals Network event of the year. Enjoy canapes and a full cash bar provided by The Crunkleton, and mingle with fellow young professionals.

Parking is available in municipal lot P3 (off Franklin Street) and in municipal lot P5 (off Church Street). Both municipal lots are pay-by-space lots, and each space costs 50 cents per 30 minutes. Parking is also available in metered spots along West Franklin Street. Metered spots cost 25 cents per 15 minutes and are enforced 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

To register, visit http://www.carolinachamber.org/events/ or contact Laura Morrison at 357.9989 or lmorrison@carolinachamber.org.

Small Business Roundtable - 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Retirement Planning for Small Businesses - Diane McIntee, CFP® of Optima Asset Management

What you will learn: In her presentation, McIntee will give an overview of various retirement plans for small businesses, and she will discuss the benefits of having a retirement plan and how to identify the best plan for your company.

About the Presenter - McIntee owns Optima Asset Management, LLC, an independent financial advisory firm. She works with both individuals and small businesses to create strategies and manage assets, helping them identify and pursue financial goals.

Attendance is limited to 30 registrants. If you or any of your employees have an interest in this timely and essential session, RSVP to Laura Morrison and reserve your seat today.

The Small Business Roundtable meets the first Wednesday of each month in the Greater Chapel Hill Association of REALTORS Conference Room at the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce, 104 South Estes Drive, Chapel Hill, 27514. Small Business Roundtable membership is open to active Chapel Hill Chamber of Commerce members. Contact Robert Altier of DeWitt Law at 919.338.8200 or  Laura Morrison Member Relations Coordinator of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce at 919.357.9989 for information regarding the Small Business Roundtable.

State of the Community Breakfast Briefing - 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., Friday, May 7, 2010

Interested in how Chapel Hill and Carrboro are performing as a community? Want to learn about how we stack up in retail spending, adult health, and air quality compared to the Triangle and state? Please join us at the May Breakfast Briefing where the Chamber’s Foundation will present the 2010 State of the Community Report. The report is the only one of its kind in the community; it tracks the well-being of Chapel Hill-Carrboro along social, economic, and environmental indicators. Attendees can expect to gain a comprehensive overview of the health of our community, including areas where we are thriving and areas to be improved. Foundation Executive Director Aaron Nelson will present the report and take questions from attendees. The Briefing will be a great opportunity to learn more about our community and includes a full breakfast. The Briefing is hosted and sponsored by the Sheraton Chapel Hill Hotel, located at One Europa Drive in Chapel Hill. The event is also sponsored by Piedmont Health Services, PTA Thrift Shop, Bland Landscaping, Wachovia, BB&T, 1360 WCHL, Progress Energy and A Better Image Printing. Registration required, $10.00 for Chamber Members. To register, visit http://www.carolinachamber.org/events/or contact Laura Morrison at 357.9989 or lmorrison@carolinachamber.org.

Spring Entrepreneurship Seminar and Networking Event - 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, May 11, 2010

EmPOWERment, Inc's Midway Business Center, Carrboro Creative Coworking and the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce present the spring entrepreneurship and networking event: Guerilla Marketing: Low-Cost Strategic Marketing to Get Yourself Known.

Tim Pedersen of Right Brain Branding Consultants will present.

Networking with other local entrepreneurs and brush up on your marketing skills for FREE.

9:30-11:30 a.m., Tuesday, May 11 at the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce - 104 S. Estes Drive, Chapel Hill

RSVP by May 5 to Charles Williams at cwilliams@empowerment-inc.org or (919) 967-8779.

Economic Development and Public Policy Committee - 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, May 12, 2010

This committee identifies issues and devises strategies that will create and sustain a thriving business community. Monitors and makes recommendations to local government on issues affecting Chamber members and their interests. The Chamber is also active with regional, state and national organizations and efforts, and helps leverage its resources to the benefit of members. Committee Chair: Anita Badrock, Smither and Associates; Meetings: every other month (Jan., March, May, July, Sept., Nov.) at the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce, 104 South Estes Drive Chapel Hill, 27514.

What is Green Plus and How does it Work? – 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Thursday, May 13, 2010

Green Plus is a program that helps small businesses strengthen their triple bottom line. We help businesses assess their business policies, environmental stewardship, employee policies, and community engagement. It gives employers affordable, practical support in succeeding financially while being good to their environment, employees and community. Participate in this informational webinar to learn more about the program and how it can effect your business.

The webinar will take approximately 45 minutes and you will learn:

• How focusing on the triple bottom line can help your businesses.
• How the Green Plus program can help you strengthen your business financially, environmentally, and socially
• How to acquire Green Plus certification

Register online at: http://www.gogreenplus.org/events/

Registration required. Questions? Contact Kirsten Hausman | khausman@gogreenplus.org

5th Annual A Southern Season and Chapel Hill Leads Group Food Drive - 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Friday, May 14, 2010

The Fifth Annual Food Drive, benefiting the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina, will take place May 14th, from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m., at A Southern Season in the University Mall in Chapel Hill. Chapel Hill Leads Group volunteers and A Southern Season employees will be staffing the collection table all day to accept your donations of  Food and Non-Food items. Thank you to everyone, who has volunteered to staff the table throughout the day. A few open slots are still available. If you cannot donate the time, a food / non-food item will gladly be accepted. Spread the word to your clients during this week. Let them know about the food drive. Perhaps you might collect items at your business and bring them to University Mall.

A big Thank You goes out to David Stoner of EnviroFix (www.killodors.com or (919) 847-5355) for initiating and overseeing this event. This is a great opportunity for the Leads Group in help those less fortunate. The Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce " Business Matters" will carry this announcement to all of the Chamber's members. The following is a suggested list of Food and Non-Food items being accepted by the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina.

Suggested Food Items     (Please, No Glass Containers) Peanut Butter Canned Meals (Stews, Soups, Tuna, Ravioli, etc.). Pop-top cans a plus! Canned Fruits and Vegetables. Rice Cereal

Suggested Non-Food Items     (Please, No Glass Containers) Paper products (Toilet paper, paper towels, etc.) Hygiene Items (Toothpaste, Shaving items, soap, etc.). Diapers and "Attends" Elderly Nutrition Drinks ("Ensure") Infant formula  Please - No loose jars of baby food as they will have to be discarded due to health regulations.

About the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina
The Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina is a nonprofit organization that provides food for people in need in 34 counties in central and eastern North Carolina. The Food Bank serves a network of more 880 partners agencies offering soup kitchens, food pantries, shelters, and programs for children and adults. In fiscal 2005-2006, the Food Bank distributed more than 31.4 million pounds of food and non-food essentials to these agencies. Sadly, hunger remains a serious problem in central and eastern North Carolina. In these counties, more than 440,000 struggle each day to provide enough food for their families. www.foodbankcenc.org.

Sixth Annual Chapel Hill Leads Group Family Kick-Nic - 5:00 p.m., Saturday, 12 June

The Sixth Annual Chapel Hill Leads Group Kick-Nic (Kickball - Picnic) will continue the great tradition of the "Blue Book" versus "Red Book"  Kickball Tournament on June 12th. We will need an umpire and some people to assist with the food. Everyone kicks during each inning -- The More the Merrier. The Kickball game starts at 6:00 p.m.

6th Annual Chapel Hill Leads Group Family Kickball Picnic
Saturday, 12 June 2010
5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
The Farm
Agenda
5:00 p.m. - Dinner is served
6:00 p.m. - 6th Annual Kickball Tournament begins
8:30 p.m. Picnic ends

Questions: Call Steven R. Miller @ (919) 210-5140

Directions to The Farm:

1. From UNC Campus
   Take Raleigh Road towards Raleigh and I-40. Becomes 54 East. Proceed approximately 1½ miles. Turn right on Barbee Chapel Road (CITGO Gas Station on corner). Barbee Chapel is the next right turn following the Friday Center Drive. Proceed ½ mile and turn right at white sign into the UNC FSRA. Clubhouse and Picnic Shelter event parking is available by taking the first two right turns into lots behind the picnic shelter and hard courts.
   
2. From Points East (Raleigh & Durham)
   From I-40 take exit 273 towards Chapel Hill. Proceed approximately two miles. Turn left on Barbee Chapel Road. Barbee Chapel is the first stoplight after the “Welcome to Chapel Hill” sign on right. There is a CITGO Gas Station on the corner. Proceed ½ mile and turn right at white sign into the UNC FSRA. Clubhouse and Picnic Shelter event parking is available by taking the first two right turns into lots behind the picnic shelter and hard courts.
   
3. Parking:
   There is a large lot behind the picnic shelters on the right hand side of the drive and another lot near the hard tennis courts on the right hand side of the drive. DO NOT park in the lot on the left side of the drive near the farm house. This lot is reserved for tennis players

Bring the family to The Major Chapel Hill Leads Group Family Event of the Year. Come and join the festivities and get to know your fellow Chapel Hill Leads Group members.

Networking In Your Neighborhood

Alamance Leads Group

The Alamance Leads Group (www.alamanceleads.com) meets every Monday at Best Western Inn off Exit 141 of I-40/I-85 in Burlington, 27215. Dick O'Donnell (dick@cablelesssolutions.com) with Cableless Solutions (919-760-5476) is the facilitator. The Alamance Leads Group meet from 8:15 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

Apex Leads Group

The Apex Leads Group (www.apexleadsgroup.com) meets every Tuesday at Carrabba's Italian Grill, 1201 Haddon Hall Drive, Apex 27502. Barry & Ellen Sherrill (aimgrouptwo@yahoo.com) with AIM Group Two Promotional Products (919-387-7588) are the facilitators. The Apex Leads Group meet from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Breakfast Club

Just a reminder that the breakfast club is still meeting at 7:00am at the Weathervane Restaurant. Everyone is invited to share good conversation and a quick breakfast before our regular Leads Group meeting at our new location. This is one way that we can continue to support the management & staff that supported the Leads Group for such a long time.

Cary Leads Group

The Cary Leads Group (www.caryleadsgroup.com) meets Thursdays at the BNC, 649 Walnut Street, Cary 27511. Andy Siouville (919-363-7010) is the facilitator. The Cary Leads Group meet from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Chapel Hill Leads Group

The Chapel Hill Leads Group (www.chapelhillleads.com) meets every Wednesday at Extraordinary Ventures (www.extraordinaryventures.org), 200 South Elliott Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27514. Lee Schearer (919-490-1922) with American Real Estate and Appraisal Company and Don Bonin (919-542-2446) with Town & Country Trader are the facilitators. The Chapel Hill Leads Group meet from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Chatham County Leads Group

The Chatham County Leads Group meets every Tuesday at Virlies Grill, 58 Hillsboro Street, Pittsboro, NC 27312. Don Bonin (chathamcountylg@gmail.com) (919-542-0376) with Town & Country Trader  is the facilitator. The Chatham County Leads Group meet from 8:00 a.m. to 9:15 a.m.

Durham Leads Group

The Durham Leads Group meets every Tuesday at Piper's Deli (www.pipersdeli.com), 3219 Old Chapel Hill Road, Durham, NC 27707. Randy Bernstein (Randy@etchNstitch.com) (919-732-3473) with Etch N Stitch and Jane Clark (Jane.A.Clark@EdwardJones.com) (919-419-1761) with Edward Jones Investments are the facilitators. The Durham Leads Group meet from 8:15 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Hillsborough Leads Group

The Hillsborough Leads Group (www.hillsboroughleads.net) meets every Thursday morning of each month at The Village Diner, 600 West King Street, Hillsborough, NC. Ned Parsons of Parson’s Business Solutions (919-493-0985) and Caryn Byrd of Comfort Assurance Group (919-259-6401) are the facilitators. The Hillsborough Leads Group meet from 8:15 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.

Holly Springs Leads Group

Holly Springs Leads Group (hollyspringsleadsgroup.com) meets every Wednesday at Java Divine (www.javadivine.com) in the Bass Lake Shopping Center, 128 Bass Lake Road, Holly Springs, NC. Wendy Harrington with Sidekick Communications (919-208-7484) and Barb Louis with PartyLite Gifts (919-772-9560) are the facilitators. The Holly Springs Leads Group meet from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

North Raleigh Leads Group

The North Raleigh Leads Group (www.northraleighleads.com) meets every Monday morning at the Stone Wolf Coffee, 8300 Health Park, Raleigh, NC. David Stoner with EnviroFix (919-847-5355) and Charlie Edinger with Second Chance Solutions (919-219-5264) are the facilitators. The North Raleigh Leads Group meet from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Northern Wake Leads Group

The Northern Wake Leads Group (www.northernwakeleads.com) meets every Tuesday morning at the Bottle & Bean, 929 Heritage Lake Road, Suite 600, Wake Forest, NC, 27587. Sue Robinson with 4-Minute Fitness/ Genetic Nutrition (919-570-0913) and Lisa Angell with Mary Kay Cosmetics (919-676-0451) are the facilitators. The Northern Wake Leads Group meet from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Western Wake Leads Group

Western Wake Leads Group (westernwakeleads.com) meets every Thursday morning at the BNC, 649 Walnut Street, Cary NC 27511. Bill Carraway with Pre-Paid Legal (919-605-4895) is the facilitator.  The cost will be $5 and includes breakfast. The Western Wake Leads Group meet from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. For further information click here: http://smallbiz.meetup.com/483/calendar/7054450/ or call the BNC at 919-342-5251.