The new year is almost here, and the chamber is ready.

2011 is an exciting time for the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber. Not only are we now six months into the merger of the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti Area Chambers, we are also starting off this new year with new programs, events, and offerings that will serve the entire membership and continue to grow a vibrant business community.

In the new year, the chamber will be combing the morning breakfast series (First Tuesday Breakfast and Morning Edition) to form the A2Y Early Edition. The first Early Edition will take place on Wednesday, Jan. 19 at Kensington Court beginning at 7 a.m. Season passes are currently available by going to www.a2ychamber.org.

There will be nine morning meetings for $185 plus one free guest pass. Members who purchase an annual pass now save $40 and will not have to worry about registration for the rest of the year!

Individual monthly attendance for 2011 will be $25 per person. Each Season Pass has the name of the person that plans to use it each month. However, that person has the option of loaning the pass to another individual. That individual will also have a prepared name tag as long as the attendee's name is called in prior to the breakfast. Season passes are available until Jan. 31, 2011.

The upcoming breakfast dates for 2011 are:

• Jan. 19

• Feb. 16

• March 16

• April 20

• May 18

• June 15 (off site)

• Sept. 21

• Oct. 19

•Nov. 16

In addition to the popular morning breakfast series, the Chamber is also planning its Seminar Series, Networks, Legislative Events, Get Connected Program, Chamber Nights, Leadership A2Y, Back to Business Series, Member Reception, Ypsilanti Pride, Corporate Duck Race at the Heritage Festival, Golf Outing, Foundation Gala and, of course, the ever popular Year Ender for the upcoming year.

For more information on joining the Chamber, please go to http://www.a2ychamber.org or phone 734-665-4433.

Trish Reilly is V.P. of Marketing/New Program Development for the A2Y Chamber.