Election Results are in – We Won!

by DonBrown on August 7, 2010

Excerpt from Advisor Source

By MATT DECEMBER

Voters in northern Macomb County turned out in higher numbers than expected and at a better average than residents from throughout the county for the Aug. 3 primary election.

Voter turnout in Bruce Township, which was expected to be around 18-25 percent, was higher than the county average at 31.5 percent. In Washington Township, 30.8 percent of voters made it to the polls and in Ray Township, 33.7 percent of voters turned out.

Don Brown won the race for county commissioner of the 7th District with 70.8 percent of the votes. Joseph Fortuna received 29.2 percent of the vote.

Nobody ran as a Democrat so Brown will run unopposed in the November general election, technically making him the winner of the 7th District seat on the Macomb County Board of Commissioners.

Brown said he was pleased with the turnout and is looking forward to continuing his work as a county commissioner.

“I’m deeply honored by the strong show of support that the voters have given me,” he said. “I will work to continue to represent the taxpayers on the Board of Commissioners.”

District 7 encompasses approximately 76,000 residents and six townships. Brown said he had already started work to acquaint himself with his new areas of responsibility in Ray, Richmond, Armada and Macomb townships, adding that he already has strong relationships in some of those communities.

Brown said he will be able to work with whoever is elected as county executive as well as the rest of the Board of Commissioners.

“I am looking forward to it,” he said. “It is going to be an interesting time.”

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Macomb County Commissioner Don Brown speaks to the issues.

by DonBrown on July 25, 2010

See Macomb County Commissioner Don Brown speak to the issues at a recent Romeo Area Tea Party candidate forum. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V191fUzeuqs

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Welcome to the web page to Re-Elect County Commissioner Don Brown to the new 7th District!

by DonBrown on June 26, 2010

 

 

 Don Brown proudly serves northern Macomb using his broad experience in the private sector and government to work for our community. Commissioner Brown is a proven fighter who gets things done for his constituency.

As a Commissioner, Don Brown has rejected calls to raise taxes and has focused his efforts on cutting spending to balance the budget. He has pressed for transparency by leading efforts to televise the Full Board of Commissioners meetings, placing county finances online for public inspection and opening up the county appointments process to the public.

 

Commissioner Brown serves on the following committees:
• Budget Committee
• Finance Committee
• Personal Committee
• Planning and Economic Development
• Health and Senior Services

 

Don is Chairman of the Macomb Orchard Trail Commission and was the leadng advocate for its development on the Board of Commissioners. He continues to work to see the rest of the trail paved and the completion of the Romeo Trail Side Park in the coming year.

 

In addition, Commissioner Brown has worked with elected officials and administrators at all levels of government including the following roles:

 

• Community Outreach Director for Congresswoman Candice Miller
• Southeast Michigan Liaison for the Michigan Department of State
• Associate Director of Governor John Engler’s Southeast Michigan office
• Washington Township Trustee
• Multiline Insurance Agent

 

Commissioner Brown is married to Audrey (Wilamowski) Brown and they have four children. The Browns have lived in Washington Township for over 30 years.

 

Don graduated from Rochester Adams High School, earned a B.A. in Political Science from Oakland University, and earned a Certificate, Executives in State and Local Government from Harvard University.
VOTE TUESDAY, AUGUST 3
DON BROWN (R)
County Commissioner for District 7
www.donbrownformacomb.com

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Macomb County Small Business & Techology Center

by DonBrown on June 10, 2010

I serve on the Planning and Economic Development Committee of the Board of Commissioners and we have launched the Small Business & Techology Center to help local entrepreneurs and established businesses enhance their operations and grow.  Below is a discription of the center, do you know anyone who might benefit  from this innovative program? 

Ninety-five (95) percent of the businesses in Macomb County are defined as a “small business” – one that employs fewer than 50 people. Every day, the Macomb County Department of Planning & Economic Development works to help these businesses grow and assists entrepreneurs in starting their own small businesses.

Since 1983, MCPED has been a regional host to the Macomb County Small Business & Technology Development Center. Our office features four Certified Business Consultants who are prepared to work with you and your small business in a variety of areas including; marketing, financial analysis and planning, strategic planning, management and operations.

This professional staff has more than 65 years of combined experience dedicated to Macomb County’s main street retail and world class manufacturing community. Last year, the Macomb County SBTDC assisted 665 small businesses across our region.

SBTDC’s four key service areas include Training, Counseling, Research and Advocacy.

Training

The Macomb County SBTDC offers a number of classes and workshops catering to the needs of entrepreneurs. Many one-day seminars are held throughout Macomb County at a minimal fee. If you are looking for more comprehensive training, entrepreneurship classes are offered in conjunction with Macomb Community College’s Continuing Education Division.

Counseling

The Macomb County SBTDC also provides free, confidential business counseling assistance. This service allows you to schedule an appointment to meet one-on-one with a certified business consultant to address your specific needs. Business Plan development, marketing plans, sources of financing, financial analysis and general management issues are areas of expertise that reside in the center.

Research

A distinct advantage that the SBTDC enjoys through its state and national affiliations, and in being hosted by the Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development, is its immediate access to vast resources for gathering and analyzing market research, economic and demographic data. The benefit to you is that these tools allow you to track business and industry data and enhance your decision-making ability as you consider the feasibility of business opportunities or deliberate regarding site locations.

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Blue Water Bridge Contractors Forum

by DonBrown on May 24, 2010

 If you know any one who might be interested in bidding for work with Michigan Department of  Transportation (MDOT) 700 million dollar Blue Water Bridge Plaza exspansion, they need to attend this contractors forum.  This will be the largest construction project in our state for the next couple of years.  Our region’s skilled work force could find much needed work on this major project.  Please pass this information along to those who might be interested.

Blue Water Bridge Contractors Forum
June 9, 2010
1:00 – 3:30 p.m.
M-TEC Building on SC4 Campus (735 Erie Street)
 SEATING IS LIMITED – REGISTRATION REQUIRED

 

St. Clair County Contractors/Businesses
REGISTER:  April 29th – May 14th

Contractors/Business Outside of St. Clair County
REGISTER:  May 15 – June 4

To register, please email
tfrazer@edascc.com and include
Attendee(s) First & Last Name
Company Name
Type of Service/Work provided by your company
Phone Number
Email Address
County (your business resides in)

**Seating is limited and registration is required** Sign up for St. Clair County businesses/individuals is April 29 – May 14http://www.edascc.com or call 1-877-982-9511
TO PRINT A COPY OF THE CONTRACTORS’ FORUM INVITATION GOT TO CLICK HERE “PDF” BELOW:

all others may sign up from May 15 – June 4

Interested parties need to register at the EDA web site

at

Click here for a PDF

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“Meet Me on the Trail” Coming May 22!

by DonBrown on May 17, 2010

What: “Meet Me on the Trail,” an event to celebrate the county’s
growing biking/walking/running trail system, health and wellness, and to
call awareness to the growing recreational trail system in Macomb
County. (Currently, 44 miles of the 70-mile trail loop have been
completed, with construction beginning in Utica and Harrison Township
this summer, and Mt. Clemens, Shelby/Utica and New Baltimore in 2011.)

Who: Anyone — whether you are an experienced bicycle rider or
walker/runner, or a novice, bring your bike or running shoes! Families
and nature-lovers are also welcome to take a walk or ride the trail.

When: 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, May 22, 2010. Rain or shine.

Where: Rainbow Plaza, southeast corner of 25 Mile & Shelby, Shelby
Township

Family Fun things to do:
● Get a FREE bicycle inspection/tune up by bike shop
professionals!
● Go for a 10 mile bike ride (helmet required) or try a 3-5 mile
walk/run
● See the latest bicycle equipment on display!
● FREE information from Healthy Kids, Healthy Futures;
Huron-Clinton Metro Parks; Michigan Mountain Biking Association and more

● FREE refreshments, giveaways
● FREE t-shirts to the first 200 people for their participation

How: Just show up! No registration necessary.

This event is free and open to the public. It is sponsored by the
Macomb County Board of Commissioners and local
bicycle shop owners.

# # #

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Don Brown seeks Consolidation

by DonBrown on May 1, 2010

News

Tax assessors may operate countywide

Thursday, April 29, 2010

By Chad Selweski, Macomb Daily Staff Writer

Consolidation process under review

“County officials are looking to streamline the property assessment process by consolidating all assessors and their staff into a single countywide department.

A plan discussed this week by the county Board of Commissioners could create a county assessing department comprised of about 75 employees. The savings from that move would depend on how many cities and townships participate in the attempt to end duplication.

“Taxpayers of this county won’t be paying twice for services,” said county Commissioner Don Brown, a leading advocate of the plan. “We need to streamline government wherever we can.”

Under the current property tax system, local assessors keep tabs on properties and real estate sales on a daily basis in their municipality and annually determine the rise or fall in assessments across the community based on a 1-year sales study.

Those assessment rolls are then reviewed and analyzed by the county’s 10-man property equalization department to determine if the valuation process, according to state law, was conducted uniformly across the county.

Under the proposal, the Equalization Department would handle both phases of the annual process. Equalization Director Steve Mellen estimates that a department of 60 or 65 assessors would be needed and an overall work force, including clerical staff, of about 75. Most, if not all, of those workers would consist of township employees who would move up to the county level.”

http://www.macombdaily.com/articles/2010/04/29/news/doc4bda49b021edc101403252.prt

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Commissioners ask state to not withhold funds collected by courts.

by DonBrown on April 25, 2010

Story:

The Macomb County Board of Commissioners Courts and Legal Affairs Committee approved a resolution April 20 to send before the budget committee and the full board this week that would request the state keep from withholding approximately $1 million in funds collected by the 42-1 and 42-2 district courts.

“The committee passed a resolution for the state to fund their unfunded mandate,” said Macomb County Commissioner Don Brown. “If we were to keep the money they take, which is about $1 million, we wouldn’t have a problem with the district courts – they would be self-sufficient.

For more of this story, click on or type the URL below:

http://www.sourcenewspapers.com/articles/2010/04/23/news/doc4bd1c8f8f3665388175452.txt

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Business Classes & Seminars

by DonBrown on March 24, 2010

 

Small business is one of the keys to Macomb County’s economic recovery.  The Macomb County Planning and Economic Development Department offers the following classes for aspiring business owners to teach or enhance their skills. 

 

START-UP ASSISTANCE:

Fundamentals of Starting a Business:
The following seminars are free, and run 9 am – Noon.
Designed for people who are considering self-employment, or are at the beginning stages of starting their business. The basics of business ownership are discussed along with resources available to help launch new ventures in Michigan.  Please call the Macomb County SBTDC to register at (586) 469-5118, or visit www.misbtdc.org/region10.  Follow the links for trainings, sort by County.

      1-13-10                    Wednesday         Mount Clemens
      2-10-10                    Wednesday         Clinton Township
      3-10-10                    Wednesday         Mount Clemens
      4-7-10                      Wednesday         Clinton Township
      5-5-10                      Wednesday         Mount Clemens
      6-9-10                      Wednesday         Clinton Township
      7-14-10                    Wednesday          Mount Clemens
      8-11-10                    Wednesday          Clinton Township
      9-8-10                      Wednesday          Mount Clemens
      10-6-10                    Wednesday         Clinton Township
      11-3-10                    Wednesday         Mount Clemens
      12-1-10                    Wednesday          Clinton Township

Fundamentals of Business Legal Issues:
The following seminars are free, and run 9 am – Noon.
Designed to guide prospective business owners in setting up the legal structure that will help protect them from unnecessary legal challenges. Introduces key tax and non-tax considerations for different types of legal entities available in Michigan.  Please call the Macomb County SBTDC to register at (586) 469-5118, or visit www.misbtdc.org/region10.  Follow the links for trainings, sort by County.

      1-20-10                   Wednesday          Mount Clemens
      3-24-10                   Wednesday          Mount Clemens
      5-12-10                   Wednesday          Mount Clemens
      7-21-10                   Wednesday          Mount Clemens
      9-22-10                   Wednesday          Mount Clemens
      12-8-10                  Wednesday           Mount Clemens

BUSINESS PLAN:

Fundamentals of Writing a Business Plan: 
The following seminars are free, and run 9 am – Noon.
Designed for people who want to increase their chances for successful self-employment.  Specifies of marketing, finance, legal, regulatory issues, operations, information based planning and management are covered.   Please call the Macomb County SBTDC to register at (586) 469-5118, or visit www.misbtdc.org/region10.  Follow the links for trainings, sort by County.

     2-17-10                   Wednesday          Mount Clemens
     4-14-10                   Wednesday          Mount Clemens
     6-16-10                   Wednesday          Mount Clemens
     8-18-10                   Wednesday          Mount Clemens
     10-20-10                 Wednesday          Mount Clemens

 

MARKETING:

Fundamentals of Marketing Your Business :
The following seminars are free, and run 9 am – Noon.
Designed to present practical applications of marketing concepts. Covers basic marketing tools including market analysis and research, target marketing, assessing competitors, and key marketing implementing tools.
      
      3-31-10                   Wednesday          Mount Clemens
      5-26-10                   Wednesday          Mount Clemens
      7-18-10                   Wednesday          Mount Clemens
      12-1-10                   Wednesday          Mount Clemens

 

FINANCING:

Team SBA Financing Roundtable: 
The following seminar is free, and runs 9 am – Noon.
Learn how a lender analyzes your loan request, and what they look for in a credit application.  Meet with bankers, SBA loan officers and small business consultants to discuss your financing needs.  You must know how much money you need to borrow.  A completed business plan is highly recommended.  Please call the Macomb County SBTDC to register at (586) 469-5118, or visit www.misbtdc.org/region10. Follow the links for trainings, sort by County.

      1-14-10                   Thursday               Mount Clemens, 9th Floor
      4-29-10                   Thursday               Mount Clemens, 9th Floor
      7-29-10                   Thursday               Mount Clemens, 9th Floor
      10-14-10                 Thursday               Mount Clemens, 9th Floor

Fundamentals of Finance: 
The following seminar is free, and runs 9 am – Noon.
The basics of financial management, including how to start an accounting system, and how to apply information from financial statements to help you manage the business are covered.  Preparation of the balance sheet, profit & loss statement, cash flow analysis and break even analysis are explained.  Please call the Macomb County SBTDC to register at (586) 469-5118, or visit www.misbtdc.org/region10. Follow the links for trainings, sort by County.

      2-24-10                   Wednesday               Mount Clemens, 9th Floor
      5-19-10                   Wednesday               Mount Clemens, 9th Floor
      9-15-10                   Wednesday               Mount Clemens, 9th Floor
      11-10-10                 Wednesday               Mount Clemens, 9th Floor

CONSTRUCTION/HOUSING:

     
None at this time

HR/ACCOUNTING:

 

None at this time

 

TAXES:

How to Report Small Business Income & Expenses:
Topics Include: Reporting Income, Transportation Expenses, Insurance Expenses, Entertainment Expenses, Depreciation, Record Keeping
     8-25-10                  Wednesday          Mount Clemens

Employees & Taxes: What You Need to Know:
Topics Include: Worker Classification, (Employee vs. Independent Contractor), Information Returns, (940, 941, 1099, W-2), Employer’s Obligations, Record Keeping
     9-29-10                  Wednesday          Mount Clemens

Tax Information for Sole Proprietors:
Topics Include:, Schedule C, Estimated Taxes, Self-Employment Tax, Record Keeping
     10-27-10                Wednesday          Mount Clemens

Taxes & Your Home Office:
Topics Include: Determining Eligibility, Form 8829 Overview, Record Keeping
     11-17-10                Wednesday          Mount Clemens

 

OTHER:

FastTrac® to the Future is a program created by the New Economy Initiative
and the Kauffman Foundation to provide a jumpstart down the road to
entrepreneurship through mentoring, training and resources. Click here for flyer.

 

 

Contact Us

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St. Patrick’s Eve Party

by DonBrown on March 13, 2010

Friends, would you join us now as we mark the coming of the warm breezes of spring with a St. Patrick’s Eve Party to benefit our County Commissioner Don O’ Brown.  Don is running for the northern Macomb Commissioner district created under the new county charter.  He’s looking forward to catching up with old friends and making new ones. So won’t you come out and be the first to wear the green of spring, relax with a pint of your favorite beverage among friends at Santino’s in Washington Township.  http://www.santinosbar.com

 
What:   St. Patrick’s Eve Party
Where: Santino’s, 59529 Van Dyke, Washington
When:  Tuesday, March 16th, 5:30 pm until ?
Donation: $50.00 per person

Please make checks payable / send to CTE Don Brown
6515 Old Coach Trail, Washington MI 48094
(Sorry no corporate checks per state law.)

 

 

 

Paid for by the CTE Don Brown, 6515 Old Coach Trail, Washington MI 48094

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