2019 Girls & Business Conference
Heather Douglas • 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

Let’s be honest—when’s the last time you actually looked at the “Meet the Team” section on your website? Not skimmed it. Not clicked past it. I mean really looked. If it’s been a few years, there’s a good chance that what’s up there doesn’t match the reality of your team today. Maybe Susan grew out her bangs, or Greg hasn’t worn a tie since 2019. Maybe two of the smiling faces in your header moved on ages ago—and yet, there they are, frozen in pixels like ghosts of small business past. It's nothing to be ashamed of. We've all been there. But here's the thing: your team photos aren't just filler. They're first impressions. They're trust-builders. And if they’re out-of-date, awkward, or clearly cropped from someone's wedding—well, you’re not exactly rolling out the welcome mat. Let’s talk about why updating those photos is one of the simplest, most effective ways to level up how people see your business. That “Stock Photo” Energy? Yeah, People Can Tell You know what’s worse than old team photos? Generic ones. We’ve all seen those painfully stiff group shots—everyone lined up like they’re auditioning for a corporate crime drama. Or worse, the fake handshake photos. (Why are those still a thing?) Customers and clients can smell fake a mile away. In a time when people crave authenticity—real faces, real stories—those overly polished, clearly staged images just don’t cut it anymore. What works? Real teams, real smiles, real settings. We recently worked with Women’s Integrated Health Care , which has locations in Grand Blanc, Clarkston, Davison, Fenton, Marlette, and Sandusky. Their team was incredible—warm, welcoming, and passionate about what they do. Our photo shoot focused on capturing that exact energy. Not just headshots, but moments that reflect how they care for their patients and support each other. That authenticity? It jumps off the screen.