Community Capital

In this episode, Cameron chats with Michelle Cousineau of Engrave It All USA—a laser-engraving powerhouse run on passion, not ads. From pumpkin pies to yoga mats, Michelle personalizes everything with heart, including tumblers, signs, and even spicy gifts for bachelorette parties. She’s raising thousands for veteran support programs, leaving her mark with QR codes, handwritten notes, and unmatched customer care. Tune in for creative engraving tales, future storefront dreams, and a peek into the sentimental (and cheeky) side of custom gifts.

00:36 Engrave It All USA Update

01:11 Supporting Veterans

02:47 Upcoming Events

03:37 The Journey into Engraving

05:40 Popular Engraving Items

08:03 Personal Touches in Business

10:37 Creative Engravings

12:44 Future Plans and Partnerships

14:17 A Call to Local Customers

15:05 The Spicy Side of Engraving

16:41 How to Connect with Michelle

Show Links

Learn more about the Brighton Chamber by visiting our website.

Website: https://www.brightoncoc.org/

Guest Links

Michelle

Website: EngraveItAllUSA.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EngraveItAllUSA

Email: [email protected]

Ph: 734.652.0783

In this special episode of the Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce podcast, Karen Storey welcomes Nancy Fredenburg, President of the Brighton Area Historical Society, for a warm and insightful conversation about the upcoming Mellus Hospital Heritage Day.

Karen and Nancy reflect on the legacy of Mellus Hospital, Brighton’s first official hospital founded in 1931 by Dr. Horace Mellus, and explore how this iconic Georgian-style building became a symbol of care, community, and progress. Together, they preview the upcoming celebration—complete with guided tours, local history, and stories from the past.

They also highlight the day’s special guests, including Dave LewAllen, retired Channel 7 News anchor and Mellus Hospital baby, who will deliver the keynote, and John O'Malley, President of Trinity Health Livingston, who will speak to the ongoing legacy of healthcare in the region.

Tune in to learn more about this heartfelt community event, and how you can take part in honoring the past while celebrating Brighton’s enduring spirit.

Want to learn more about the Mellus Hospital Heritage Day? Click Here

Date and Time: Saturday Jul 19, 2025

10:30 AM - 1:30 PM EDT

01:10 Mellus Hospital Heritage Day

04:40 The Building’s Rich History

06:30 Honoring the Legacy of Mellus Hospital

09:00 Ghost Stories and Historical Anecdotes

12:00 Trinity Health’s New Hospital

14:00 Transitioning from Hospital to Chamber

17:00 Community Engagement and Special Guests

Show Links

Learn more about the Brighton Chamber by visiting our website.

Website: https://www.brightoncoc.org/

Guest Links

Nancy Fredenburg, President of the Brighton Area Historical Society.

Website: https://www.brightonareahistorical.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrightonAreaHistoricalSociety

Email: info@Brighton Area Historical Society

Brighton is throwing a party you won’t want to miss! On this episode, Cameron is joined by Ken Larscheid and Mac Hawes from Believe in Brighton to talk all things Taste of Brighton—from mouthwatering local eats and bounce houses to fireworks lighting up the sky for the first time in 41 years! Get the scoop on how Main Street transforms July 11–12 into a bustling hub of music, family fun, and hometown pride, and even shuttle service to keep things smooth.

00:37 What is the Taste of Brighton?

01:28 Exciting New Additions: Fireworks!

02:55 Festival Location and Setup

03:30 Musical Performances at the Festival

04:10 A Culinary Celebration

04:49 Navigating Parking and Transportation

05:54 Event Dates and Times

06:30 More Than Just Food: Retail and Activities

07:50 Family Fun and Kid-Friendly Activities

Show Links

Learn more about the Brighton Chamber by visiting our website.

Website: https://www.brightoncoc.org/

Event Links

Website: https://believeinbrighton.com/

Website: Taste of Brighton: https://believeinbrighton.com/a-taste-of-brighton-festival/

Cameron chats with Andrew Storm, the young entrepreneur behind Stormy’s Outdoor Services in Brighton, Michigan. What started as a teen lawn-mowing gig has grown into a full-blown landscaping, hardscaping, lawn care, and snow removal business! Andrew shares how he’s shaping outdoor spaces with everything from fire pits to 3D designs—and why some backyard projects are better left to the pros.

00:34 The Birth of Stormy’s Outdoor Services

01:12 Hardscaping vs. Landscaping

02:05 Current Trends in Outdoor Spaces

03:03 DIY vs. Professional Help

04:01 Understanding Materials: Sand and Pavers

06:13 Landscaping Services Overview

07:35 Snow Removal Services

10:40 The Benefits of Brine Over Salt

12:31 Young Entrepreneurs in Landscaping

Show Links

Learn more about the Brighton Chamber by visiting our website.

Website: https://www.brightoncoc.org/

Guest Links

Website: https://stormysoutdoor.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StormyOutdoorServices/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stormysoutdoorservice/

Ph: 810.623.4041

Email: [email protected]

Rob talks with Vincent Pernicano, the VP of Sommerset Paving. In this episode, we hear the inspiring origin story of a paving business built from the ground up. The conversation dives into the wide range of services they offer for both residential and commercial clients, and explores why they proudly consider themselves a “small giant” in the industry—delivering big results with a personal touch.

Show Links

Learn more about the Brighton Chamber by visiting our website.

Website: https://www.brightoncoc.org/

Guest Links

Website: https://getpaving.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getpaving

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincent-pernicano-b58a42223/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sommerset_paving

Email: info@getpaving .com

Ph: 734.929.0641

This week on the podcast, Cameron chats with Gavin Johnson, President & CEO of the Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce, about all the can't-miss fun lighting up the region this summer! From toe-tapping festivals like Country Boots and Beats to Food Truck Fridays, art fairs, races, and even a Gilmore Girls-themed celebration — there’s something happening in every corner of the Chamber’s vibrant community. Whether you're into music, food, local history, or supporting small businesses, this episode is your guide to making the most of summer in the Greater Brighton area!

00:27 Understanding the Greater Brighton Area Chamber

01:15 Summer Events Kickoff

02:54 Learning Opportunities for Chamber Members

03:38 Exciting Upcoming Events: Country Boots and Beats Festival

05:03 Food Truck Fridays in Pinckney

05:55 Community Partnerships and Events

07:13 Special Events in July

09:45 Art and Music Festivals in August and September

12:02 The Gilmore Girls Celebration

14:07 Support Local and Stay Informed

15:05 Where to Find More Information

Show Links

Be sure to check out the Events link on their website!

Learn more about the Brighton Chamber by visiting our website.

Website: https://www.brightoncoc.org/

Get ready for a wild ride! In this episode, Cameron chats with Tina Bruce, the CEO of the Howell Nature Center, where injured animals get second chances and kids get unforgettable adventures. From animal rehab and ziplining through the trees to epic summer camps and wildlife education, it’s all about healing, learning, and having fun in nature. Discover their amazing nature programs, epic high ropes courses, and unique rental spaces perfect for your next event. Plus, find out how you can get involved, volunteer, and maybe even feed a hawk!

00:00 Welcome to the Howell Nature Center

01:22 The History of Howell Nature Center

02:40 Animal Rehabilitation Insights

04:49 Nature Education and Community Engagement

05:51 Summer Camps at Howell Nature Center

07:36 Optimal Visiting Times and Animal Behavior

08:32 Event Spaces and Unique Rentals

10:25 Upcoming Events and Community Programs

11:29 Exploring the Nature Center’s Layout

13:01 Community Support and Volunteer Opportunities

Show Links

Learn more about the Brighton Chamber by visiting our website.

Website: https://www.brightoncoc.org/

Guest Links

Website: https://www.howellnaturecenter.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/howellnaturecenter/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howellnaturecenter/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@howellnaturecenter?lang=en

Email: [email protected]

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (517) 546-0249

Get ready for a summer packed with creativity, community, and cornhole! Cameron chats with Michelle Tokan of the Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce about can’t-miss local events, including the 33rd annual Art in the Park festival in downtown Pinckney (May 31–June 1), where nearly 100 juried artists will showcase everything from ceramics to photography. With food trucks, kids’ activities, live music, and giveaways, there’s something for everyone. Plus, discover what’s cooking at Food Truck Fridays and how to mix business with pleasure at the Chamber’s Summer Series Networking events.

00:34 Art in the Park: A Summer Highlight

01:50 Understanding Juried Art Festivals

02:41 Food and Family Fun at Art in the Park

03:51 Exciting New Food Trucks for Food Truck Fridays

04:52 Networking Opportunities This Summer

05:32 Entertainment Lineup for Art in the Park

Show Links

Learn more about the Brighton Chamber by visiting our website.

Website: https://www.brightoncoc.org/

Event Links

Art in the Park – May 31 and June 1; hours are 10 to 5

BJ’s Masterpiece Sponsor – 50th anniversary

Sponsor Street – thank all of the sponsors

Juried artists

Food Trucks

Kids Activities and entertainment

https://business.brightoncoc.org/events/details/pinckney-art-in-the-park-46039

 

Food Truck Fridays – June 20, July 18 and Aug. 15; hours 12 to 8

New food trucks – Bavarian Inn’s Cluck Truck, Spudhut, Mrs. C’s Grilled Cheese

Sweet Street

Headliner bands – Itchycoo Park, Local Heroes, The Phoenix Theory

Early Learner Lane presented by For Kid’s Sake – pop-up play space for kids 0-5

Foam Parties

Business Booths

https://www.brightoncoc.org/food-truck-fridays/

 

PPHH Chamber Summer Series

Networking events on the third Tuesday of June, July, Aug. and Sept. from 5 to 7 pm

First one is on Tuesday, Jun 17 at Zukey Lake Tavern

https://business.brightoncoc.org/events/details/pphh-chamber-summer-series-47217

Cameron welcomes Ed Walter of Walter Financial Partners for a fast-paced, eye-opening chat about the truth behind insurance. From rising rates to claims chaos, Ed breaks down why many see insurance as a scam—and how supplemental coverage can actually be a financial game-changer. With real stories, sharp insights, and a no-nonsense approach, Ed makes a compelling case for smarter protection and putting people before policies.

00:26 Journey into Insurance

01:22 Understanding Insurance Skepticism

03:25 The Concept of Supplemental Insurance

06:30 The Importance of Financial Safety Nets

12:18 The Role of Insurance Agents vs. Brokers

15:11 Why Supplemental Insurance Matters

17:44 Educating Clients on Financial Preparedness

Show Links

Learn more about the Brighton Chamber by visiting our website.

Website: https://www.brightoncoc.org/

Guest Links

Website: https://wfpmichigan.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edward-walter-1ab9a811/

Email: [email protected]

Rebecca O’Connell, Government Affairs Manager at Lake Trust Credit Union joins Rob this week to highlight the distinctive role of credit unions, particularly emphasizing Lake Trust’s commitment to community involvement and relationship-building with its members. Rebecca outlines how credit unions, being member-owned and not driven by Wall Street, effectively serve local communities by reinvesting deposits into local economies through loans for homes and businesses. Despite serving about 40% of Americans, credit unions manage less than 9% of total banking assets, often supporting those without other banking options. To further support local entrepreneurs, Lake Trust has partnered with Mixer Media, a bold new initiative offering commercial videography services, free creative consultations, and social media strategy sessions to help members grow their digital presence and tell their stories. From financial empowerment to creative support, this episode shows how Lake Trust is going way beyond banking.

01:17 Understanding Lake Trust Credit Union

02:33 The Credit Union Difference

05:11 Local Impact and Community Development

06:40 Strategic Growth and Community Needs

08:37 Innovative Acquisitions for Community Support

10:39 Empowering Local Businesses

12:27 Advocacy and the Future of Credit Unions

Show Links

Learn more about the Brighton Chamber by visiting our website.

Website: https://www.brightoncoc.org/

Guest Links

Website: https://laketrust.org/

Mixer Media Website: https://laketrust.org/our-story/who-is-lake-trust/mixer-media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LakeTrustCreditUnion

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laketrust/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lake-trust-credit-union/