The ANNOUNCER July 2023

ALLENDALE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Announcer is delivered to you as a free monthly publication serving Allendale Township. It is brought to you by the Allendale Area Chamber of Commerce.

Scan Me!

ADDRESS:

11325 54th Ave. Allendale, MI 49401 (616) 892-2632

WEBSITE: www.allendalechamber.org

OFFICE HOURS: By Appointment

ADS SENT TO: Christie Tidd at allendaleannouncer@gmail.com

2023 Sustaining Partner Circle

INTRODUCING ANGIE ECKLUND

h experience in member focused, peoplemphasis in the non-profit world. Her exactly the energy our organization needs

Michigan community of Allendale. My perspective of Allendale has changed quite a bit over the years, from a student who lived here all 4 years at GVSU, a newly married young professional, a business owner, and now a parent in the school system To say I am and have been ALL IN for Allendale is an understatement. I'm proud to call this place, home. You can often find me starting my day with a latte from Biggby or Affogatos. My husband can regularly be found wondering through True Value to find something we need in the garage. My girls, well they live for a picnic at the Allendale Township Park. I live here, I work here, we do our business here, and we play here

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I am eager to do my part in supporting a thriving business community and fostering dynamic relationships necessary to keep moving our town and our businesses forward. Thank you for the opportunity to support and partner with you." – Angie

You will have the opportunity to meet Angie at various events in the coming months, but while she is getting started you don't have to waitfeel free to reach out to her and give her a warm welcome. We are eager for her to learn the ins and outs of our member businesses. Email Angie at aacc@allendalechamber.com to schedule a member visit!

NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR THE ALLENDALE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WELCOME

Brandie Tenney Grand Valley State University

Dr. Patricia Roslund Allendale Eye Care & Refined Sensory Solutions

Kristin Siebers City2Shore Gateway Group

LaRon Henderson The Huntington National Bank

Abbey Vaughn Honor Credit Union

Philip Tolman Tolman's Auto Tech Group, Inc.

Terri Jeruink Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy

July Calendar of Events

*Please check with location or event before attending as information may have changed since publication

local events

SAT, JULY 1

9AM

SUN, JULY 2

7AM

MON, JULY 3

10AM

TUES, JULY 4

10AM

TUES, JULY 4

11AM - 2PM

TUES, JULY 4 10:15PM

THURS, JULY 6 6:30PM

MON, JULY 10

10AM

MON, JULY 10

2PM

TUES, JULY 11 10AM

TUES, JULY 11

2PM

TUES, JULY 11

6PM

WED, JULY 12

9:30AM

THURS, JULY 13

10AM

THURS, JULY 13

8PM

FRI, JULY 14

2PM

SAT, JULY 15

8AM

Pop-In Playtime at the Library

Pop in anytime between 9 AM and 12 PM for some fun, free play.

GVSU Sunday Autocross

Check out the event for more information: https://fb.me/e/3EmMCT3yO

Storytime at the Library

We'll read stories, sing songs, practice early literacy skills, and have fun, ages 6 + under

Allendale 4th of July Parade + Flyover performed by the Holligans Flight Team!

Gather at the PK-8 Campus, sto catch all the fun on the ground and in the sky!

Allendale 4th of July Activities in the Allendale Community Park

We will have food, games, and fun for all ages.

Allendale 4th of July Fireworks

Join us at the PK-8 APS Campus for a wonderful fireworks display after dusk!

Graphic Novel Book Club at the Library

Join us for the discussion of the Wings of Fire: The Dragonet Prophecy, school age kids

Storytime at the Library

We'll read stories, sing songs, practice early literacy skills, and have fun, ages 6 + under

Cupcake Battles for Teens at the Library

Put your creativity, imagination, and sweet tooth to the test! Register on the library's website

Creative Dance at the Library

Come by and learn with Lake Michigan Dance Academy, 6 and under with an adult

Card Games at the Library

Come out and play Hand and Foot with your neighbors

Concert in the Park - Neil Woodward

Free concert in the Allendale Community Park Bandshell, food trucks available!

Popsicles and Splash Pads with LifeKids at the Allendale Community Park

Life West Church would love for you to join them for all the fun!

Playful Exercise for Kids with IvyRehab at the Allendale Community Park

A class geared toward kids 3-10, work on strength and flexibility all while having fun!

Comedy Night at Trail Point Brewing Co

Grab a drink, some food from the food truck and end the night with some laughs!

Learn how to Knit at the Library

All ages welcome, registration required, bring your own supplies as they are limited

Car Meet Up + Coffee, City2Shore parking log, 5596 Lake Michigan Dr

Ready to show off your ride? Classic, muscle, exotic cars all welcome - coffee and donuts!

SAT, JULY 15 10AM

MON, JULY 17

10AM

TUES, JULY 18

10AM

TUES, JULY 18

2PM

TUES, JULY 18

6PM

TUES, JULY 18

7PM

WED, JULY 19

July Calendar of Events

*Please check with location or event before attending as information may have changed since publication

Home Depot Kids Workshop at the Library

First come, first served as we make our own toolboxes! Ages 6-18

Storytime at the Library

We'll read stories, sing songs, practice early literacy skills, and have fun, ages 6 + under

Coffee + Crafts at the Library

Register today to craft with your neighbors!

Knitting for Allendale at the Library

Interested in giving back to the community? Stop in and knit with us to give to those in need!

Backyard Family Fun Night at Second CRC

Enjoy fun worship, play a game, complete an activity and make a cool craft. And slushies!

Concert in the Allendale Community Park - Sunchaser

Come on out for some free live music and food trucks!

Agriculture in the Classroom: Engineering Ice Cream at the Library

1:30PM Explore the journey of milk from a cow to ice cream in a bag, Ages 6-10

THURS, JULY 20

OAISD Play N Learn at the Library

10AM For birth to 5, read, play, craft and do activities together, each child brings home a book!

THURS, JULY 20

3PM

MON, JULY 24 10AM

TUES, JULY 25

Drawing Class at the Library

Create your drawing adventure, registration required, ages 6-18

Storytime at the Library

We'll read stories, sing songs, practice early literacy skills, and have fun, ages 6 + under

Card Games at the Library

2PM Come out and play Euchre with your neighbors

TUES, JULY 25

Concert in the Allendale Community Park - Sweet Justice

6PM Come on out for some free live music and food trucks!

WED, JULY 26

7PM

THURS, JULY 27

Laser Tag for Teens at the Allendale Community Park

Two sessions available, register online, ages 11-18

Magic Show at the Allendale Community Park

10AM Join us for a magic show with magician, Tom Plunkard! For all ages.

THURS, JULY 27

11AM

THURS, JULY 27

6:30PM

THURS, JULY 27

Contractor Appreciation Day at True Value

Calling all Contractors! A once a month chat with different brand reps.

Adult Book Discussion at the Library

Join us! We'll be discussing The Maid by Nita Prose

Friends of the Library Meeting

7:30PM Our friends group needs your help! If you love volunteering, this might be a good fit!

FRI, JULY 28

Chalk the Block at the Library

10AM - 4PM Chalk provided, come out and create chalk masterpieces on our sidewalk!

July Calendar of Events

*Please check with location or event before attending as information may have changed since publication

WEEKLY EVENTS

Tuesdays:

Walking Fit with Ivy Rehab: Meet at Life Stream Church at 5:30pm and meet some new neighbors!

Trivia + Food Truck at Trail Point: See you at 7pm nerds!

Karaoke at Main St Pub: Get your sing on and join us for some late night specials starting at 8:30pm

Wednesdays:

Food Truck at Trail Point

Trivia at Main St Pub: Put your useless knowledge to the test and win some prizes, starting at 8:30pm!

Thursdays:

Senior Fit Time at Allendale Community Park: Find us at the Lions Pavillion at 11am, all abilities welcome!

Trivia at Farmhaus Cider: Grab some cider and food for dinner, stay for trivia at 7pm!

Food Truck at Trail Point

Fridays:

Trivia at Embassy Bar and Grill: Grab some grub and stay for trivia at 8pm

Food Truck at Trail Point + Farmhaus Cider

Saturdays:

Karaoke at Embassy Bar and Grill at 9pm

Food Truck at Trail Point + Farmhaus Cider

Sundays:

Food Truck at Trail Point

Food Truck at Farmhaus Cider

ON THE MOVE // JULY 2023

The real estate market in West Michigan and Allendale in particular is still very strong, an increase in new home construction which is still woefully behind needed volume to alleviate some of the inventory issues we are seeing in West Michigan. Locally and nationally, interest rates have steadied around the 7% range and there is likely not going to be much fluctuation over the next several months. 7% is still under the 30-year average which means as a buyer this is the right time to buy. Renting is still very expensive and when I’m asked by renters if they should buy now or wait, the answer is “by remaining a renter you are paying someone else’s mortgage! You are carrying renters’ insurance and are at risk of eviction. Buying a home ASAP often gets you your own home, for less than the rent you are paying monthly and helps you build credit and earn equity. There are some great programs from low-income, first-time home buyers and people with low credit scores. Don’t wait any longer to buy.

If you would like to talk more about your options to sell or buy including timing and values, please feel free to message me for some direction.

Gbrown@city2shore.com 1-616-895-8000

From City2Shore Gateway Group

ALLENDALE AREA REAL ESTATE BLOG

Allendale is not just a pit stop on Lake Michigan Drive but a bustling space that continues to grow. Nothing makes this more apparent than the presence of The Rouge Salon and Spa, a high-quality salon, spa, and boutique where anyone can relax and enjoy a moment of wellness.

This month, I was lucky enough to interview the new Rouge Salon and Spa owners: Shanda and Kyle Vandepol!

CONTINUING THE LEGACY

The Rouge has been a staple in our community since 2006, when it was founded by Cory and Stacy Anderson, who created an incredible (and successful!) place to pamper yourself here in Allendale. Back in 2007, Shanda worked as a hairstylist for The Rouge, making close ties and great connections with both previous owner Stacy and the Allendale community during her time there.

In May 2019, Shanda parted on excellent terms to pursue her entrepreneurial dream as the Roots Salon and Spa owner in Hudsonville. In March 2023, she and her husband Kyle returned to become co-owners of The Rouge, hoping to preserve the legacy of The Rouge Salon and Spa that Cory and Stacy have built.

"It's been amazing working here with all the stylists and the community for all these years…" says Shanda. "I love the area [Allendale], and I love the people, so I wanted to continue to see The Rouge thrive and grow.”

Shanda Vandepol, a talented hair stylist and cosmetologist, still does some hair behind the chair. Most days, though, she is on the floor ensuring that The Rouge's clients are well taken care of and that its stylists feel supported.

"It was always Stacy's goal, and now mine, to create a culture and mindset of high quality that our team helps build every day," says Shanda.

Kyle Vandepol, an ace in retail and management, hopes to expand Ophelia's Boutique - their onsite clothing and accessories store - to include a men's fashion line. He also

Under New Ownership: Preserving the Legacy of The Rouge Salon and Spa!

By: Shelby Sullivan Writer for the AACC

hopes to continue to make the salon's "Men's Room" a unique part of The Rouge experience for all clientele.

"The client experience is our number one priority," Kyle explained. "The Men's Room and Ophelia's Boutique were both great additions to meet that goal. As we move toward expanding to a men's line, I want to make sure to pick the right fashion brands that I would want to see and wear, too."

HIGHLY TRAINED STYLISTS & QUALITY PRODUCTS

The salon floor is lively and fun at The Rouge, with friendly chatter and a welcoming atmosphere. When you get your haircut, stylists prioritize a wonderful "moment of wellness" at the start. This includes fragrant essential oils and a neck and scalp massage to help you relax before your haircut.

"If a client comes in from their job or has had stressors all day, our moments of wellness give them a moment to relax, setting the tone for the entire appointment,” says Shanda.

Once that is done, you may get your hair washed and rinsed with the salon's all-natural shampoo and conditioner products.

"We carry Surface and Aveda, which are naturally derived, plant-based, clean brands," Shanda told me. "Both Aveda and Surface align with our mission here to provide quality experiences for our clients.”

Alongside the fun, The Rouge Salon and Spa also places great importance on continuing education for its stylists. They know that fashion trends, procedures, and policies in the beauty industry are constantly evolving, so stylists at The Rouge stay ahead by embracing change.

"A lot of our senior stylists are involved in getting their Aveda and Redken color certifications," says Shanda. "That means our stylists are able to give the absolute best in client experience."

Stylists are encouraged to participate in ongoing education programs run by beauty industry professionals, which take place every two months. These education programs usually focus on hair styling, coloring, techniques, and industry changes, but The Rouge also recently provided a makeup class to take on those beautiful summer weddings!

STAY INFORMED WITH THE ROUGE SALON AND SPA!

You can always stay updated on The Rouge Salon by following their Facebook page and social media profiles. But did you know they also have a newsletter?

The Rouge's monthly newsletter includes exciting product features and service highlights to help clients understand what the salon offers. Each month, they even have a featured spotlight on one of their talented stylists, allowing people to get to know them better and learn about their interests!

In addition to the regular product features, The Rouge has monthly promotions that keep changing, providing fresh opportunities for readers to explore. And that's not all!

THE SPA

If the salon floor is lively, the spa side of The Rouge is a separate space where clients can unwind and be pampered.

"Our goal is to create a relaxing experience for our clients," says Shanda. "The spa provides that by giving clients a quiet place away from the styling floor to unwind."

The Rouge’s spa cosmetologists provide services from manicures and pedicures to waxing and lash extensions, and their esthetician provides facial treatments. Even better, Shanda and Kyle are working towards reintroducing massage therapy to their service menu, aiming to create a holistic and relaxing experience for their clients!

The newsletter also includes special updates for Ophelia's Boutique, ensuring readers are the first to know about the month's featured items - stay tuned for more information about that men’s fashion line!

Readers can sign up for The Rouge Salon and Spa’s newsletter by emailing rougesalon@therougesalon.com to be added, or they can sign up on their website: TheRougeSalon.com for more information!

Saturday, July 15th | Location: Honor Credit Union, 6065 Lake Michigan Dr Time: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM (or until the truck is full)

*Please limit the number of bags/boxes/bins of material to no more than 10 per person or business

www.allendale twp.org

TOWNSHIP INFORMATION

Township board mee ng dates are July 10 and 24 at 6:00 pm. You can nd board agendas and minutes on our website: www.allendale twp.org.

Concerts in the Park are held from 6pm 8pm with the excep on of July 4th. Please contact Elizabeth Szymanski, at 616 892 3118 or elizabeths@allendale twp.org with ques ons.

July 4 | John and Tamara Andrews (11am 1pm)

July 11 | Neil Woodward

July 18 | Sunchaser

July 25 | Sweet Jus ce

ALLENDALE TOWNSHIP LIBRARY

Summer Reading Program

Our Summer Reading Program con nues through Saturday, August 5. Make sure to nish and bring your reading log to the library to redeem your prizes!

Check out our website (www.allendale library.org) for a full schedule of events for all ages!

This project is funded in part by Michigan Humani es, an a liate of the Na onal Endowment for the Humani es, and the Michigan Arts and Culture Council.

BizStream: Q&A with Brian McKeiver

NEUGVSU.com is an online publication produced by the Richard M. And Helen DeVos Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEI) in the Seidman College of Business at Grand Valley State University. We generate content around innovation, new waves in entrepreneurship and the resources available to startups and small businesses in West Michigan. CEI serves to champion and catalyze the vocation of entrepreneurship. To accomplish this mission, the CEI practices two objectives: talent development and the support for business.

By: Hunter Mylek June 12, 2023

Q: CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR JOURNEY AFTER GRADUATING FROM GVSU?

A: “I was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, attended GR Catholic Central High School, and graduated from Grand Valley State University with a degree in Computer Science in 2002. Right after graduation, I joined my business partner Mark Schmidt at BizStream. We knew each other from our time together at GVSU. I have been at BizStream ever since. Today I lead the services side of the company and get to be in both the technology world and business development/sales world. I love the fact that I have been able to grow the business to what it is today and stay in West Michigan to raise my family. My wife and three daughters keep me busy outside of work too. In my “spare time” I run a blog and host a podcast about the technology we use at BizStream. I also love lifting heavy things and pushing myself at CrossFit Allendale every morning.”

Q: DID YOU ALWAYS SEE YOURSELF BECOMING AN ENTREPRENEUR?

A: “Originally, no, I did not see myself as an entrepreneur. I kind of fell into it. I would say it happened out of necessity.”

Q: FOR THOSE WHO DO NOT KNOW CAN YOU TALK ABOUT WHAT BIZSTREAM IS AND DOES?

A: “BizStream, is a full-service digital agency focused on brands, websites, and products. We specialize in strategy, custom design, and complex implementations that deliver results and make our customers long-term raving fans. We have extensive experience with a wide range of online tools and technologies, and we’re one of the most respected CMS partners in the world. Our team of 35+ employees is a highly skilled group of developers, designers, digital strategists, and support sta .”

Q: WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO ENTER THIS INDUSTRY, DID CONSULTING ALWAYS INTEREST YOU?

A: “I was lucky enough to have parents who sparked an interest in computers very early on for me. I had my first computer at age 8 and was already looking for ways to break it. Combine that with an interest in video games, and it was pretty clear for me that I wanted to get into computer programming. That interest is why I took Computer Science at GVSU. The experience and knowledge I had from an early age really helped me get into this industry. Consulting on the other hand, is not something I ever envisioned doing. But now, most of my day is spent helping developers get unblocked, talking through solution architecture with our clients, and teaching others about the latest technology trends. I guess it just kind of happened naturally.”

Q: DID YOU FACE ANY HURDLES WHEN STARTING YOUR OWN BUSINESS, IF SO, HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THEM?

A: “There are too many hurdles to count with owning and operating a small business. The professional accomplishment that I am proudest of has nothing to do with being profitable or winning any accolades. It has to do with surviving the biggest hurdle we ever had to overcome. Back in 2008 / 2009 when the recession was in full e ect, BizStream struggled greatly. Up to that point, most of our customer base had been in the government and automotive sectors. When the downturn happened, custom software development and integration with systems was one of the first things to be cut. Like many other technology companies, BizStream felt the full brunt of the downturn. We were and are a self-funded company, we had no investors or credit available to us at the time. We had to cut our workforce from a size of 13 to about 3 or 4. These team members were actually our friends before they came to work with us, and not being able to fund a payroll to pay them was the worst feeling I and my business partner have ever had to go through. We did everything we could to keep our doors open. My business partner, Mark, and I ran through every asset, income stream, and credit cards we had. We cut spending as much as possible, at one point we ate nothing but peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for a few weeks. As Mark and I were considering di erent job opportunities we closed a large deal for our internal product, YouthCenter. This deal kept us afloat for the rest of that year. Many other similar tech companies have come and gone through our 20+ years, and many did not make it through 2008 and 2009. I believe that we were able to survive and overcome this hurdle because of our never give up attitude and ability to stay consistent with the one thing that matters the most, delivering high quality service to our clients.”

(cont) worked in before, things like defining global digital strategies, further integrating artificial intelligence capabilities, building modern composable projects, and implementing cloud-native solutions for our enterprise clients. On the product side of the business, where we have a few SaaS based tools and solutions in the criminal justice space, we are gaining traction and growing our market share here in Michigan and around the United States. Our three-year picture and 10-year target have some large goals that we want to accomplish, and we have the people and plans in place for how to reach them. It’s a very exciting time for us.

Q: LASTLY, WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OUR STUDENTS WHO ARE ASPIRING TO BECOME ENTREPRENEURS?

A: “Being an entrepreneur is not easy, if it was, everyone would do it. Don’t walk into this thinking it is a short cut or an easy way out. On the flip side, it can be very rewarding and is worth the e ort. I would advise anyone to try to find a field, industry or focus that you have a genuine interest in. It helps to work in what you like doing.”

Q: WHAT DOES THE FUTURE OF BIZSTREAM LOOK LIKE?

A: “The future of BizStream is very bright. We are growing in terms of new business opportunities, employee count, and revenue. We are expanding our services into new areas that we have not historically

Ask the Eye Doctor

ALL YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED ABOUT CONTACTS

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I REPLACE MY CONTACT LENS CASE?

It is recommended to replace your contact lens case every three months to minimize the risk of contamination.

CAN I SWIM WITH MY CONTACT LENSES IN?

No, it is not recommended to swim with contact lenses in, as they can be contaminated by water and increase the risk of serious eye infections such as acanthamoeba. It is never advisable to mix water and contacts!

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I CLEAN MY CONTACT LENSES?

Contact lenses should be cleaned daily. Follow the instructions provided by your eye care professional or use a recommended multi-purpose solution to clean, rinse, and disinfect your lenses.

CAN I SLEEP WITH MY CONTACT LENSES ON?

Unless specifically prescribed for extended wear, it is generally not recommended to sleep with your contact lenses on. Sleeping with lenses can restrict oxygen flow to the eyes and increase the risk of eye infections.

IS IT SAFE TO WEAR CONTACT LENSES WHILE USING EYE DROPS?

Generally, it is safe to use eye drops while wearing contact lenses. However, it's best to consult with your eye care professional to ensure compatibility with your specific contact lens brand. Preservative free drops are generally recommended.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I REPLACE MY CONTACT LENSES?

The replacement schedule for contact lenses varies depending on the type! Daily disposable lenses are replaced daily, while other types may need to be replaced every two weeks or monthly. Follow the instructions provided by your eye care professional. Overwearing contacts can decrease the amount of oxygen getting to your cornea, as well as increasing the risk of serious eye infections that can lead to permanent vision loss!

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY CONTACT LENS FEELS UNCOMFORTABLE?

The replacement schedule for contact lenses varies depending on the type! Daily disposable lenses are replaced daily, while other types may need to be replaced every two weeks or monthly. Follow the instructions provided by your eye care professional.

CAN I SHARE MY CONTACT LENSES WITH SOMEONE ELSE?

No, sharing contact lenses is not safe. Contact lenses are individually fitted to each person's eyes and sharing them can lead to eye infections, corneal damage, or other complications. Each person should have their own set of contact lenses.

Meet your Doctors!

DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

7:00am Bi-monthly Meetings

March 21, May 16, June 20, July 18, September 19, October 17, November 21

Board Members

Bob Chapin (Chair)

Jeremy Borgman

Kellen Brusveen

Brent Clark

Kristin Corner

Adam Elenbaas

Angela Hatto

Rence Meredith

Steve Spriensma

Ross Stevens

David Vander Wall

Tom Zuniga