2019 Girls & Business Conference
March 15, 2019
Presented by the Fenton Regional Chamber of Commerce
Last week the Fenton Regional Chamber of Commerce was excited to host the annual Girls & Business Conference at John's Pizzeria and Restaurant in Fenton, MI. This year's conference hosted nearly 70 young women from Linden High School
, Fenton High School
and Lake Fenton High School
along with 12 businesswomen (and one businessman) to from our local communities.
Special thank you to our sponsors:
Financial Plus Credit Union
John's Pizzeria and Restaurant
John's Pizzeria and Restaurant
Operating Engineers 324
The State Bank
Medawar Jewelers
The day was led by Chairman and Lead Facilitator, Chelsea Mills of Behind Your Design/Freeze Frame Photo Lounge/HorseStarz
; keynote speaker, Joanie O'Sullivan-Butler of J.P. O'Sullivan Distributing, Inc
; a branding presentation given by Ed Koledo of Talent Development & Talent Investment Agency
; and Tracy Ledford of Financial Plus Credit Union
who shared insight regarding credit and debit.
Our other facilitators included:
Tracy Aubuchon, Owner of Rejuv Ave Skin Spa
Heidie Cieselski, Executive Director of Fenton Area Public Schools
Ashley Prew, Attorney with The Law Offices of Casey D. Conklin, PLC
Heather S. Menary, CFO of Dee Cramer
Shawn Hall, Owner of Sugar Shack | Life+style
Alisa Chapple, Owner of Chapple Electric Services
Jen Ward, General Manager of Tri-County Times
Melinda Keway, Director of Epic CNC Training Academy
Elizabeth Kavanagh, Apprentice Operator of Operating Engineers
Heidie Cieselski, Executive Director of Fenton Area Public Schools
Ashley Prew, Attorney with The Law Offices of Casey D. Conklin, PLC
Heather S. Menary, CFO of Dee Cramer
Shawn Hall, Owner of Sugar Shack | Life+style
Alisa Chapple, Owner of Chapple Electric Services
Jen Ward, General Manager of Tri-County Times
Melinda Keway, Director of Epic CNC Training Academy
Elizabeth Kavanagh, Apprentice Operator of Operating Engineers
The committee who coordinates this event:
Chairman: Chelsea Mills, Behind Your Design
Shelly Day, Fenton Regional Chamber of Commerce
Cheryl Reardon, Fenton Area Public Schools
Heather Fuller, Linden Community Schools
Brad LaRowe, Lake Fenton Community Schools
Stacy Daul, The State Bank
Liz Knight, Corner Bar & Grill

When it comes to promotional apparel, the details really do matter. One of the best ways to elevate a sweatshirt or hoodie is through raised embroidery, a technique that gives logos a bold, dimensional look you can see and feel. We recently created a custom zip-up hoodie for the Maryville Retreat Center using raised embroidered logo detailing. The result was a piece that didn’t just display their brand, it brought it to life through texture and craftsmanship. For Maryville Retreat Center, the goal was to create apparel that felt welcoming, durable, and aligned with their mission. The raised embroidered zip-up hoodie achieved that balance, offering a clean design with just enough texture to make it feel special. It works well for staff, volunteers, and guests, making it both functional and meaningful. What Is Raised Embroidery? Raised embroidery, sometimes called 3D or puff embroidery, uses specialized stitching and sometimes a foam base to lift parts of a design off the fabric. Instead of lying flat like print, the logo stands up from the garment, creating depth and texture. It’s a simple technique that instantly makes apparel feel more premium and intentional. Why Raised Embroidery Works So Well It elevates the look and feel Raised embroidery adds instant dimension, which naturally makes apparel feel higher quality. Even simple logos look more refined when they have texture and depth. It creates a strong first impression Because the design physically stands off the garment, it catches light differently and stands out without needing bold colors or oversized artwork. It’s built to last Embroidery is stitched into the fabric, not sitting on top of it. That means no peeling or cracking over time, even with regular wear and washing. It works especially well on hoodies and sweatshirts Heavier fabrics like fleece hold embroidery well, allowing the raised stitching to stay clean and structured. It helps strengthen brand recognition A textured logo becomes more noticeable and memorable, helping your brand stand out in everyday settings. Raised embroidery turns apparel into something people actually notice and remember. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference in how your brand is perceived.

Not all promotional products are the same, and that is a good thing. Different goals call for different types of items. Sometimes a simple, cost-effective giveaway works perfectly. Other times, a higher-end product creates a more meaningful experience. We recently worked with Interactive Training Systems to create custom embroidered Carhartt cooler backpacks as a gift for their employees. This is a great example of how thoughtful promotional products can elevate a brand and strengthen team connection.

In industries like engineering, manufacturing, and automotive, innovation never slows down. The companies that stand out are always thinking about what comes next. That mindset should show up not just in what you do, but in how you present your brand. We recently partnered with Interactive Training Systems to create a logo design that reflects both where they have been and where they are going. The end result is a modern brand identity that supports their continued growth. Why Intentional Branding Matters A logo is often the first impression your business makes. It should quickly communicate who you are and what you stand for. For companies in technical industries, that means finding the right balance. Your branding needs to feel modern and forward-thinking, while still showing experience and credibility. Every detail plays a role, from typography to color to overall style. A strong logo helps build trust, show expertise, and set you apart from competitors. A Thoughtful Approach to Logo Design Interactive Training Systems came to us looking for a logo that captured both their history and their future. As a company focused on technical training and innovation, it was important that their brand felt precise, smart, and adaptable. We started by getting a clear understanding of their business, their audience, and their goals. From there, we explored concepts that included: Clean, modern lines to show forward movement Subtle technical elements tied to engineering and manufacturing A polished look that reinforces trust The final design feels current, while still staying true to their foundation. Branding That Grows With You Your brand should evolve as your business grows. Too often, companies treat logo design as a one-time project, but it should be something that supports you long-term. This new logo gives Interactive Training Systems a strong foundation for what is ahead. It reflects innovation while still respecting their history, which is key in an industry like theirs. Why the Right Partner Makes a Difference Good branding comes from collaboration. It is about working with a team that listens, understands your vision, and knows how to bring it to life. At Behind Your Design, that is always the goal. We focus on creating branding that not only looks good, but actually works for your business. If your current branding no longer reflects where you are headed, it might be time for a refresh. The right logo can make a bigger impact than you think.

Custom branded golf balls are one of those promotional items that just make sense. Whether you run a golf course, a tournament, a resort, or simply want a unique way to connect with clients, they offer a fun and practical way to keep your brand in play. Golf balls are naturally tied to relaxation, leisure, and connection . That makes them a powerful marketing tool. When your logo is on something that people are actually excited to use, your brand becomes part of a positive experience. Every swing, every round, and every time someone reaches into their bag, your business is right there with them. For golf-related businesses, branded balls are an easy win. They are great for member giveaways, tournaments, pro shop merchandise, and corporate outings. If you are not in the golf industry, they still make an excellent client gift or a memorable handout that feels personal and unexpected. It is a simple way to say “thanks for your business” while staying top of mind long after the first tee. Behind Your Design has recently created custom golf balls for The Ally Challenge , Epic Machine , and Lewis & Knopf . Each one was designed to reflect the brand while still feeling clean, professional, and ready for the course. And let’s be honest, it is hard to find a promotional item with more staying power. These are not getting tossed in a drawer and forgotten. They are getting teed up, driven down the fairway, and maybe even lost in a water hazard or two. Either way, your brand is along for the ride. When it comes to marketing, combining business with leisure is a hole-in-one strategy. It builds connection in a relaxed environment where people are already in a good mood and open to engagement. That kind of brand association is priceless. If you are ready to put your brand in play, contact Behind Your Design today and start creating custom golf balls that keep your business top of mind from the first tee to the final putt.


