Brighton Chamber Podcast

167: Engrave It All USA

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: michelle@engraveitallusa.com
Ph: 734.652.0783

166: Mellus Hospital Heritage Day

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

165: Taste of Brighton -2025

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/

164: Stormy's Outdoor Service

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: stormysllc@gmail.com

163: Sommerset Paving

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

162: What’s Hot Around Brighton - Summer 2025

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/

161: Howell Nature Center

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: tinab@howellnaturecenter.org
Email: summercamps@howellnaturecenter.org
Phone: (517) 546-0249

160: Summer Fun with the Pinckney Putnam Hamburg Hell (PPHH) Chamber

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