MC Chamber - February 2020

CHAMBER newsletter

February 2020

YOU'LL LOVE IT HERE DIRECTOR'S LETTER: LOVE IS A VERB

Inside: Explore how the Chamber shows love for our community!

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Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com

FEBRUARY 2020

PLATINUM MEMBERS

2020 Executive

2020 Board

Board of Directors

of Directors

Danette Doyle President The Pioneer Group

GOLD MEMBERS

Connie Koepke Mecosta County Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Randy Ostrander Past President Lake and Lodge Realty, LLC

SILVER MEMBERS

Josh Pyles Downtown Business Association

Mindy Taylor Treasurer Mecosta County Jeff Godfrey Secretary Spectrum Health

Michelle Rasmussen Ferris State University Jim Sandy

LEADING BUSINESSES, LEADING COMMUNITIES For information on becoming a member of the Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce, please contact us.

Mecosta County

SOCIAL NETWORKING

Development Corporation facebook.com/mcacc

Heather Bowman Member At Large City of Big Rapids Kasey Pressley Member At Large Hampton Inn of Big Rapids

Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce 127 South State Street, Big Rapids Big Rapids, MI 49307 (231) 796-7649 • Fax: (231) 796-1625 mecostacounty.com

Stay connected by reading the Chamber’s blog! My Chamber Connect is updated frequently with helpful articles, information about the county, video tutorials and commentary!

twitter.com/mcacc2017

STAFF

Kim Schwamberger Executive Director

director@mecostacounty.com

instagram.com/mecostacountychamber

FEBRUARY 2020

Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com

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A Message From Kim Schwamberger, Executive Director LOVE IS A VERB With Valentine’s Day around the corner. I wanted to share a few thoughts on using love as a verb, and showing love to all people in our lives. A truth I have come to understand about love and relationships both personal and professional, is that love isn’t just a noun. It’s the actions we take, every single day, to show those around us that we care, that they are loved, and that they are valued.

Sometimes though, it is easy to not feel loved or valued by others.

For example, when someone doesn’t return a text or a phone call right away, we tend to lean towards unfounded conclusions. Or, when someone doesn’t initiate spending

time with us, we can feel like an actions. This could be a stranger at the grocery store, a co-worker, a afterthought or undervalued. neighbor, and or a family member.

When it comes to the “things” Knowing you care about them, or we love and value in our life, we value them, or love them, requires tend to be very careful with them, us to sometimes let go of our ego. right? We don’t want those items To be vulnerable. To have difficult to get lost or broken. Think of conversations. To speak the truth in your most prized possession. It is love. Simply put, relationships are a probably insured, or stored away lot of work. I suspect that’s why so for safe keeping and protected in many fail. But when we choose to some fashion. In addition, to the give to others without expecting things we care about and cherish, anything in return, we begin to we should also be taking that same understand the true meaning of care and consideration with the love. people in our lives.

Life is short. What actions can you The message I am trying to share, start taking, today, to show others is letting all people know that you care for them, love them, or you care about them with your value them?

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Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com

FEBRUARY 2020

CHAMBER NEWS AND INFO

Showcase your business!

Show the community what you do and host a Rise and Shine event at your location.

at The Pioneer Group

Rise & Shine Mecosta! Start your day with networking over morning refreshments. All Mecosta county area residents are welcome to attend this free networking event.

Are you interested in hosting a Rise & Shine? We still have dates available!

Give us a call at (231) 796-7649

Business After Hours scheduled 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 20, hosted by Mecosta-Osceola Career Center Mecosta-Osceola Career Center 15830 190th Avenue, Big Rapids MI 49307 All chamber members, their employees, and the community are invited to attend our monthly Business After Hours event February 20, 2020.

From 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Light refreshments are provided by our hosts, and there is typically a door prize! So bring your business cards and take advantage of this great networking opportunity!

Thank you to our January hosts! The Pioneer Group hosted a Business After Hours. Hosting Rise & Shine Mecosta or Business After Hours events are a great value included in membership. Contact the Chamber at (231) 796-7649 or email events@mecostacounty.com if you are interested in hosting either.

RSVP is appreciated. Call the chamber at (231) 796-7649 or email events@mecostacounty.com to RSVP.

Business After Hours 2020 Schedule February 20, 2020: Mecosta-Osceola Career Center March 19, 2020 Gilbert's Carpet Plus Color Tile April 16, 2020: The Brook of Big Rapids No Business After Hours in May June 18, 2020: Schuberg Insurance Agency

Cash & Carry with Our Brothers Keeper

July 16, 2020: Available August 20, 2020: Isabella Bank - Canadian Lakes Location September 17, 2020: St. Mary-St. Paul Ministry/Resale Shop October 15, 2020: Available November 19, 2020: Available No Business After Hours in December

Rise & Shine 2020 Schedule Enjoy breakfast refreshments, provided by our host, to start your day off right. RNS events begin at 7:30 a.m. and wrap up by 8:30 a.m. RSVP is appreciated.

Call (231)796-7649 or email events@mecostacounty.com to RSVP. February 27, 2020 July 23, 2020 March 26, 2020 August 20, 2020 April 23, 2020 September 24, 2020 May 28, 2020 June 25, 2020 October 22, 2020 No Rise and Shine in November or December. See you at the Annual Meeting in 2021!

Thank you to our January hosts! Big Rapids Cash & Carry co-hosted a Rise & Shine with Our Brothers Keeper. Contact the Chamber at (231) 796-7649 or email events@mecostacounty.com if you are interested in hosting either.

Special Thank You to all of our Ambassador Club Volunteers!

FEBRUARY 2020

Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com

CHAMBER ANNUAL MEETING & AWARDS BREAKFAST Please join us for our Annual Meeting and Awards Breakfast!

Time: February 6, 2020 8:00 a.m. Location: Ferris State University The Board of Directors of the Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce cordially invite you to be our guest a the 2019 MCACC Annual Meeting, generously sponsored by Isabella Bank.

Every year, the Chamber hosts this event to highlight some of our achievements of the year and goals for the upcoming year. This event is also our opportunity to recognize a few of the outstanding achievements of our members. Join us to celebrate the Entrepreneur of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, and the Young Professional of the Year. · This year’s event will take place at Ferris State University · Breakfast will be provided · Tickets are $20.00 · RSVP is required, please email events@mecostacounty.com. Please register by January 31, 2020.

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Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com

Ribbon Cutting

Congratulations to Hungry Howie's Pizza in Big Rapids.

Visit them at 103 S State Street, Big Rapids, or call 231-796-8000.

POLAR PLUNGE BIG RAPIDS Saturday, Feb. 29th 10:30 am Registration

12:30 pm Plunge City of Big Rapids and Elks Lodge 974 Register to Plunge for free! Fundraise to Plunge into a swimming pool outside the Elks Lodge. Plungers must raise a minimum of $75 to receive the 2020 Polar Plunge Event T-shirt. Individuals on a team need to average $75 per person to receive the T-shirt. Additional higher level Polar Plunge incentive items are available the more money you raise!

Online registration is available https://www.classy.org/event/big-rapids-polar-plunge Day-of registration takes place from 10:30 am - 12:30 pm. Parade of Plungers and Plunge will start at 12:30 and After Splash Bash will take place immediately following the last plunger.

FEBRUARY 2020

FEBRUARY 2020

Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com

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Leadership Mecosta is a dynamic 9 month program for people who wish to connect with other leaders in the Mecosta County community. Members have the opportunity to learn leadership skills and principles, grow in serving the community, and lead into the future of Mecosta County. For more information on the 2020-2021 class, please visit www.leadershipmecosta.com

How to join the Chamber All types of businesses are welcome to join the Chamber and anyone that feels they would benefit from additional marketing, networking and educational opportunities are encouraged to take advantage of all of the benefits that the Chamber has to offer!

Joining the Chamber is easy, all you have to do is fill out the application form and submit with your annual dues. Payment options are available. You can receive the application form by going to our website at www.mecostacounty. com, by stopping in our office at 127 South State Street, Big Rapids or by

mecostacounty.com

calling us at 231-796-7649 and requesting a packet be mailed to you. Your benefits start immediately once the application is received. It’s just that easy!

Let us know if you have any questions and we look forward to serving you!

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Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com

FEBRUARY 2020

GFWC SUPPORTS ARTWORKS

Join us January 30 , 2020 8:00 a.m. at the Chamber Conference room 127 S. State Street, Big Rapids This is an informational meeting to learn how this group works together connecting each other’s businesses to the community. The Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to launch a networking leads group as a benefit of membership. We are seeking members of the MCACC to build trusted relationships, learn, and promote other members' businesses in a structured networking setting.

Picture: Lynne Scheible, Artworks Executive Director receiving the check from GFWC President Melanie Henry along with Club members

At a fundraiser titled “Bags, Baubles, Bon Bons and Bites”, GFWC Big Rapids raised funds for the children’s programs at Artworks.

Club members along with members of the broader community donated gently used handbags, jewelry and other accessories for sale during the event. The Club appreciated

the support given to promoting the event

by Artworks staff and Melissa Scheible and Janae Bronkema. Women (and a few men) from all over the community came out to share some treats and shop. As a result, the Club was thrilled to present Artworks with a check for $1,050 to support the programs.

FEBRUARY 2020

Be Engaged

Welcome

Be Engaged

new members Arch Staffing Hungry Howies St. Mary-St. Paul Ministry Resale Shop Edward Jones – Lisa Bondarenko Bulldog Self Storage Bulldog Square BKB Insurance Farmers Insurance – Sara Esiline Agency

Follow the 8-4-2-1 Rule.

Follow the 8-4-2-1 Rule.

Attend. Vocalize. Volunteer. Invest.

Attend. Vocalize. Volunteer. Invest.

8 times.

Commit.

8 times.

4 times.

4 times.

2 times.

2 times.

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Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com

1 time.

1 time.

To help the chamber to be a successful part of your business and marketing, you need to use it. If you commit to our 8-4-2-1 rule, you are sure to feel more connected and engaged with other local businesses, and will also grow new relationships within the community.

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Front End Alignment $29.95

Attend. 8 times.

Pick 8 of our many events to attend throughout the year. Choose from our monthly Business After Hours or Rise & Shine events, as well as our bigger events, like the Community and Family Expo, The Taste of Mecosta, The Holiday Gala and more.

There are plenty of opportunities to grow your network.

Vocalize. 4 times.

Share news about your business in either our electronic newsletter or our monthly print newsletter. Submit events to our Community Events calendar. Tell us about celebrations, events, specials, and we will help spread the word to keep your business' name at the forefront of everyone's mind.

Volunteer. 2 times.

What better way to get to know people than volunteering with them!? Volunteer at an event, join a committee, join a planning team.

Invest. 1 time.

Get your business' name in the community even more by taking advantage of one of our many sponsorship opportunities throughout the year. Let us show the community that your business is a great community partner of the chamber!

Reap the Rewards!

We truly believe that if you follow this model, your chamber membership will help you gain new business connections, build stronger relationships, and will help you feel more connected with the community.

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Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com

ELITE SIGNS & APPAREL

FEBRUARY 2020

Explore

MECOSTA COUNTY

this February!

Pictured left to right Chamber Ambassador Felicia Bielecki, Elite Operations Manager Jacqui Gorczewicz and Chamber Ambassador’s Cassie Smith and Diane Leichty.

Located at 1101 E. Elm St. Big Rapids, Mi. Open 9-5 Monday-Friday and 10-2 on Saturday. They have the capacity to run 1,000 custom shirts in an hour! They partner with schools etc by giving 10% off the already low pricing. They also do vehicle and

N OW A FULL S E RV I C E S A L ON!

boat wraps and all kinds of signs. They also partner with women from Haiti who make a living wage making soft shirts made from plastic bottles, which allow them to keep their children out of orphanages.

Check Facebook or call 2316298376.

231.598.9212 Thank you Mecosta County for voting Monica Schriner, Best Massage Therapist, and Honorable Mention to Best Hair/Beauty Salon, and Ashley King, Honorable Mention!

Ashley King, Spa Manager Brooke Allen, Cosmetologist Alexis Jackson, Cosmetologist Anna Thompson, Cosmetologist

Christie Webster, Cosmetologist Katie Omness, Esthetician Tanya Parks, Massage Therapist Monica Schriner, Massage Therapist

126 Maple Street, Suite C Big Rapids, MI

www.CardinalSpaAndMassage.com

February is just around the corner. Not only is it the shortest month of the year it is typically one of the coldest months as well. Not to worry, there are plenty of exciting events, festivals and activities in Mecosta County to keep you and your family warm and busy this month.

One of the most highly anticipated events in Big Rapids is the annual Festival of the Arts that takes place the entire month of February. Festival of the Arts represents the collaboration of many sponsors. The goal in planning the festival events is to reach all audiences, ages and interests, while representing multiple arts aspects. Enjoy numerous workshops that give you the opportunity to get a handson and up-close art experience. Most of the workshops have limited seating so you will need to register to attend. For complete details, stop into the Mecosta County Welcome Center and pick up your free events booklet or go online to brfota. org or BigRapids.org/events/calendar.

February is also one of two months each year that the Michigan DNR offers Free Fishing, no license required, for the weekend of the 15th and 16th. Residents and out-of-state visitors can enjoy fishing on both inland and Great Lakes' waters for all species of fish. Current fishing regulations will still apply. To find everything you need to know about fishing

in Mecosta County visit our fishing page at BigRapids.org/fishing.

Are you looking to take a break from the winter weather and a hectic schedule?

The Mecosta County CVB has just the cure for those winter blues. Book an overnight, or weekend stay, at one our great lodging facilities here in Mecosta County. Experience an executive room or suite while enjoying an indoor pool, hot tub, workout facilities or have room service deliver your meals right to your door. What better way to relax and get away from it all. Let someone else do the cooking and cleaning – you deserve it! Book your get-a-way today by visiting our website at BigRapids.org/lodging and don’t forget to check out our Lodging Specials Tab for Valentine’s Specials and discounts.

To ensure that you don’t miss out on any of the amazing events, activities and happenings in Mecosta County visit our online Community Events Calendar at BigRapids.org or stop into the Welcome Center on S. State Street and visit us in person.

Connie Koepke – Executive Director Mecosta County Convention & Visitors Bureau

Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com

FEBRUARY 2020

R V

Royal View

COCO RENEE BAKERY

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Retirement Community

Services and Amenities

Three home-cooked meals per day Housekeeping and laundry services Nutritional snacks provided throughout the day Life enriching activities • Beauty/barber shop services Registered Nurse on Staff 24 hour personal care assistance All medical needs monitored • Assistance with medication 9100 Buchanan Rd., Mecosta (Canadian Lakes Area)

231-972-6600

Pictured left to right: Chamber Ambassadors John Milan, Diane Leichty, Cassie Smith and Coco Renee Bakery owner, Nicole Martinez.

Coco Renee Bakery is located inside the Red Fox Market at 112 S. Michigan Ave, Big Rapids and is open Wednesday – Saturday 11am-5pm. Nicole opened the bakery June 2019 and offers a variety of cookies, cakes by the slice, and seasonal treats. Coco Renee is also known for gluten-

free and Keto desserts. Along with their in-store display, Coco Renee Bakery services northern and central Michigan. Making deliveries anywhere from Leelanau to Ludington, owner Nicole prides herself on wedding cakes.

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Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com

2020 CENSUS

HEY, MECOSTA COUNTY! YOUR VOICE DOES COUNT!

FEBRUARY 2020

FEBRUARY 2020

Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com

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6 WAYS TO FALL IN LOVE AGAIN WITH YOUR BUSINESS Nellie Akalp - Contributor AllBusiness Starting your own small business is a bit like falling in love: it’s exciting, exhilarating, and new. You want to savor each moment and be your very best every minute of every day.

However, after the adrenaline rush subsides, reality sets in and you may discover that not everything about running a business is so wonderful. There will be tasks you don’t like to do, activities you find stale and boring, technical difficulties to test your patience, and clients and vendors who might challenge you.

Unfortunately, being a small business owner isn’t all red roses and Lindt milk and white chocolate truffles (my personal favorites).

Thankfully, however, you can rekindle the flames of passion for your business after the honeymoon is over by making a few subtle changes in how you work and think. Here are six tips for falling in love again with your small business.

1. Delegate tasks that you find monotonous If they really don’t need your personal attention or expertise, consider handing them over to someone who is perfectly capable of tending to them. So, if entering expenses in your accounting software or proofreading proposals drags you down, lighten up by giving the responsibility to an employee or virtual assistant.

2. Streamline processes to make things run more smoothly I feel energized when I find ways to “re-invent the wheel” and make my business more efficient.

Take an objective look at how you’re managing your employees, producing your products and services, and running your business overall to identify where your productivity hits roadblocks.

Then, brainstorm with your team to discover tactics and tools that can improve workflow and yield better results.

Today In: Entrepreneurs 3. Take time to work not just “in” but also “on” your small business Having started numerous companies, I’ve learned that business owners need to set time aside not only to do the work, but also to plan. No matter how small or large your business, you need to consider the big picture, identify goals and objectives, and create a roadmap to guide you toward success. I recommend scheduling time on your calendar, at least weekly, to review your master plan and check your progress toward achieving your goals.

4. Join a professional networking group with highenergy, enthusiastic members Socializing face to face with inspiring entrepreneurs and professionals always motivates me.

Energy and enthusiasm are truly contagious. Get out there to mix, mingle, and revive your business drive and determination.

5. Find new opportunities When I look for ways to expand upon my business offerings and enter new markets, it invigorates me. And I especially feel alive when I can add new team members or promote my existing staff to higher positions. New opportunities, whether you’re on the receiving or giving end, can recharge your batteries like nothing else.

6. Remind yourself of the good stuff When you’re in a bit of loveless lull with your business, put forth the effort to remember the positive aspects of entrepreneurship. Make a list of what you’re grateful for. As I remind myself of the perks (such as greater control of my schedule, ability to select the people I work with, limitless professional development opportunities, and others), the pitfalls always seem less significant.

Don’t lose hope if you’re not currently feeling fondness for your business like you used to. Although the spark of adoration may have dimmed as you face the day-inday-out realities and challenges of entrepreneurship, all is not lost.

With a little effort, adjustments, and patience, you can revive your affection and keep your love alive.

Read all of Nellie Akalp's articles on AllBusiness.com.

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Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com

FEBRUARY 2020

9 THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT CREATING A CAREER YOU LOVE

by THE MUSE EDITOR “Follow your passion” is somewhat of a catch phrase these days. Everyone says it’s what you need to do to find a fulfilling career, and there’s plenty of advice out there for how to make it happen.

But what does it really mean to find a career that makes you happy? And how can you actually make the scary leap toward your passion amid vague advice like “just go for it?”

To help you out, we scoured the web for thoughts on creating a dream career that you may not have heard before.

From unique ways to uncover your passions to thoughts on how to turn your current job into your dream job, you’re sure to find something inspiring.

1. The secret to a fulfilling life (and career) might have to do with finding meaning rather than finding happiness.

(Aeon) 2. Having trouble nailing down what your passion is? Think through some of these kind of odd but incredibly thought-provoking questions.

Questions like: What is your tennis ball?

(Fast Company) 3. Your “perfect job” involves more

than just serving in a role that you love.

It also involves everything from your salary to your work-life balance to your ability to advance. (LearnVest) 4. The career path you’re meant to pursue doesn’t always feel like the most logical or stable choice—but it’s important to follow it anyway. (Martha Beck) 5. Creating your ultimate career may be less about finding your passion and more about cultivating it. (Brazen Life) 6. You may not even have to change jobs to make your dream career—think about transforming the job you already have! (popforms) 7. Even if you’re doing something you love, you might have to make sacrifices to achieve your dream career. (Parade) 8. It’s important to know that what you thought was your “dream career” might disappoint. Here’s how to bounce back with the perfect plan B. (The Wall Street Journal) 9. And remember: People change, and it’s never too late to decide what used to be your dream job isn’t working for you anymore and make a shift.

(DailyWorth)

FEBRUARY 2020

Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com

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HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO LOVE YOUR JOB? Much has been touted about how important it is to find a job you love.

Maybe that’s not as critical as we’ve been led to believe.

by Jim Bird, Publisher WorkLifeBalance.com My experience is that most people don’t love their work. Many like it, some tolerate it, but it is a minority who find work they love that also supports their lifestyle.

Does that mean that everyone else is left to live in frustration, desperately seeking that perfect job they can be passionate about? Not at all.

You can and should find enjoyment in your work. Doing so is very valuable to your life in many ways, including greatly increasing your probability of financial success. But you don’t have to love, or even like your overall job to enjoy everyday aspects of it.

It is critical to distinguish between the job and the way you do it. This is important because every job has aspects that will be very unpleasant for you. You need to be able to get through them with a smile on your face.

Let me give you a personal example. Coming out of college I helped start a company that required me to develop a sales pattern to teach to others. The nature of the sales contact was face-to-face cold calling. Unlike some of the great salesmen I’ve worked with since, I DISLIKED SALES. So much so that, for the first year, I got up every weekday, threw up, and then went to work.

Although my specific job literally made me sick, I was proud and took satisfaction in the way I was doing the job. I was giving it my best.

Somebody had to create a successful way of selling our product, and

money and manpower restrictions made me the best choice.

work experiences, many of which were less than ideal.

Why did I put such a concentrated effort into a job that I clearly didn’t love? Because I needed to make a living. I saw a significant opportunity for my partners and myself. And as importantly, it made me feel good about myself. I enjoyed undertaking something and giving it my best. It made me feel better about me, and my life as a whole.

Afraid of being stuck in the same job for life? Don’t worry. Individuals who emphasize the positive and rewarding aspects of their job, don’t stay in unpleasant jobs that long. They get promoted or use their positive record to get a more fulfilling job.

Passionate about the job…no.

Passionate about how well I did the job…yes. Fortunately, the effort paid off and we were able to hire and train others to do what I didn’t like to do.

For a few of those folks, it was their dream job. For most, it was an okay way to make a good living. As for me, I moved to a job that I disliked less.

So if your boss doesn’t appreciate you, you’re underpaid, your company isn’t ideal…that can be OK, for now.

They aren’t the key evaluators in your life. You are. Do your job well for YOU. Even if you don’t like your specific work, or the work environment you are in, you can love the way you do it.

Be able to pat yourself on the back at the end of every day. By doing so, you also set yourself up for finding, within your company or somewhere else, a job you will enjoy more.

And you may discover, as you focus on doing it better, that some of the irritants of your job become more rewarding, or at least less lousy. For me, I eventually grew to like sales, though never to love it.

However, after 30 professional years, I am fortunate to have created a job I love doing. It would have never happened without my previous

So, paraphrasing a verse Stephen Stills penned, If you can’t be in the job you love…

Love the job you’re in (or the way you do it) It will make EVERY JOB much more enjoyable and rewarding.

But what about Passion….Love of Life? Is that dependent on finding a job you love? No. We all need to love life to fully benefit from it. But which parts of our lives generate that ardor, will vary from person to person, and over time. Someone who is passionate about their job is not necessarily living their life any more or less fully than someone who is passionate about their family or their music.

So, other than your job, what is your passion in life? Do you love to learn, or teach, or write? Are you fervent about cooking, sports, cars, or clothes? Do you have a wonderful friend, lover, or a family that you adore? Congratulations! You’ve discovered some of life’s great turnons for you.

Why not expand the joy in your life by regularly blocking time to engage in those activities you love, with the people you love? If it’s cooking

special meals, set an evening a week aside from TV and laundry to be the chef you want to be. If that’s not enough, get a part time job as a prep cook in a restaurant you enjoy. Do it for free if you have to…it’s not your job, it’s your joy.

This is not hard to do. You just have to decide to do it. Then, in a calendar or planner that you use on a daily basis, write it down on the day you will do it. “Buy tickets to Sunday’s game” (tonight), “till my garden” (Saturday), “sign up for a design course at night school” (5 p.m.), “read my new book” (everyday at lunch). Don’t take your loves for granted – plan time with them. And that certainly should include the people you cherish the most. Commit to regular, celebration times, play times, bring them flower times, in addition to the routine.

Please understand that I’m not encouraging you to stay in a job that makes you miserable and find all your joys elsewhere. If you dislike the job you are in, start to lobby or look for a better one today. And create a plan to get it.

But remember, while you are searching for that perfect job, enjoy the way you are doing your present one, and keep celebrating and expanding all the other joys of life that surround you.

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Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com

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Members Bulletin Board

This section is dedicated to Chamber members who are utilizing their marketing opportunities as one of the many values of belonging to the Chamber:

Artworks.

Big Rapids Community Library bigrapids.lib.mi.us

#WorldReadAloudDay, Feb. 5th, 2020 Friends of the Library Book Sale

Mary’s Book Club

World Read Aloud Day

Family Movie Night

Feb 5 - #WorldReadAloudDay

Feb 21, 6-9 pm

Friends of the Library Meeting

Story Time

Feb 1, 9:30-Noon

Feb 5, 4:00 pm

LEGO Architecture Workshop

Feb 6, 13, 20, & 27, 3:30-5:00 pm Foreign Film Club FOTA

Feb 6 & 20, 7 pm

Breast Feeding Support Group

Feb 7, 11:30 am - 12:30 pm Playgroup

Feb 21, 12 pm

After School Art Tuesdays, Feb 4 - Feb 25, 3:45-5:15 pm

Basket Weaving: Cracker Basket Saturday, Feb 1, 9am-3pm

Youth Dance Choreography Mondays, Feb 3 - Feb 24, 5-6 pm

Hand-Building Clay Birdhouse Workshop Saturday, Feb 8, 10am-1pm (See website for details)

Beginning Wheel Pottery Tuesdays, Jan 14 - Feb 25, 6-8 pm Youth Dance Technique Tuesdays, Feb 4 - Feb 25, 6-7 pm Open Pottery Studio Every other Wednesday 11 am - 2 pm & 5-8 pm (See website for details) Hand Pottery Mondays, Feb 3, 17, & 24, 6-8pm

Valentine's Wine & Canvas Feb 13, 6-8:30 pm A New Perspective on Drawing Thursday, Feb 13, 11am-2:30pm Art Glass Fusion Feb 22 & 29, 10am-2 pm For class descriptions, fees, and registration, visit artworksinbigrapids.org/classes or scan QR code

Mondays & Wednesdays 10:30-11:30 am Community Playgroup

Tuesdays 9:30-11:30 am Knit Night

1st & 3rd Thursday 6:30-8:30 pm (2/6 & 2/20) Tiny Tots Tinker Lab

Feb 13 & 27, 10 am-12 pm

Fridays 10:30-11:30 am (2/7, 2/14, 2/21 & 2/28)

Census Job Recruiter

Overeaters Anonymous

Feb 18, 1-4 pm

FEBRUARY 2020

Saturdays 9:30-10:30 am

Card Wildlife Education Center Website: www.ferris.edu/card

Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com

FEBRUARY 2020

FSU Fine Arts Gallery Chorbah - Chadash Jan 13th - Feb 15th

RECYCLE! Of Mecosta County MONDAY 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

FRIDAY 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

SATURDAY 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

424 N. 4th Street Big Rapids, MI 49307 (231) 796-9872

Exhibits at Artworks Batdorff Gallery: Body Images Chemical Bank Lower Gallery: The Beauty We Capture Feb 3 - 29 Reception Feb 13, 5-6:30pm

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Big Rapids Department of Parks & Recreation Programs To register for programs please contact City Hall Recreation Department 226 N. Michigan Avenue, Big Rapids, MI 49307 (231)592-4038

PICKLE BALL

SENIOR FIT TIME

COST: $5 per participant TIMES: Mondays & Wednesdays 5-7 pm, Fridays 8-10am DATES: September 30th - May 1st LOCATION: Ferris Racquet and Fitness Center No need to have a paddle, all new players are welcome! All money goes to help pay for court rental, tape, balls and other supplies.

Tennis shoes are required for on court play.

All players must wear tennis shoes in the facility.

January 7th - April 30th Tuesday: 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm Thursday: 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm Cost: $2 per participant Style Station (1619 Catherine Street) (No class February 24th - March 4th) Instructor: DeMar Hatchew, Certified in Senior Fitness A senior fitness class geared to get those in need of a low impact routine emphasizing cardio, balance and muscle stretching. The class will get you feeling energized and active! Bring a mat, water bottle and personal weights.

CO-ED VOLLEYBALL LEAGUE Sundays Scrimmage: January 12th League Games Begin: January 19th Cost: $300 per team Location: Big Rapids Middle School Gym Games are played on Sundays starting at 1:00pm and ending as late as 9:00pm. 10week season. Ages 18 and older. Registrations due by January 3rd

TAI CHI January 6th - May 6th Mondays & Wednesdays 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Cost: $2 per participant Instructor: Mary Loesch, Certified International Instructor An ancient form of exercise originally developed in China as a martial art. This exercise has benefits to allow participants to improve muscle tone, flexibility, balance and coordination. New comers are always welcome!!

LINE DANCE CLASSES January 7th - April 30th Cost: $2 per participant Instructor: Diane Jones Come join choreographed line dancing while increasing your heart rate for a great cardio workout! You can select the class that best fits your needs.

MORNING LINE DANCE Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:00 am - 9:00 am (Step Instruction and Easy Beginner Dances) 9:00 am - 10:00 am (Intermediate) Learn coordinated steps to a variety of music.

A social and aerobic activity. Bring a Friend.

Artworks, Dance Studio

WATER AEROBICS January 13th - May 8th Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM Cost is $4 per class or $40 for a punch card, good for 12 classes Ferris State Recreation Center Pool (No class March 9th - 13th and April 10th) Instructor: Sherry Williams Low impact exercise offered for adults.

Beginning in the shallow area and progressing to the deep water to allow for a full body workout.

DELAY THE DISEASE FITNESS FOR PARKINSON'S COST: $2 per participant.

LOCATION: Style Station (1619 Catherine Street) DATES: January 7th - April 30th TIME: Thursdays - 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm (No Class February 24th - March 4th) INSTRUCTOR: DeMar Hatchew, Continuing Education in Parkinson's Disease Training Methods A fitness class designed to slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease. No matter what stage of the disease you are battling— it’s never too late to start exercising! The class will incorporate a variety of chair exercises, stretching, balance work, strength training, and vocal and facial exercises. Caregivers are welcome to join participants.

GROOVE January 6th - May 18th Mondays 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm COST - $2 per participant

Big Rapids Middle School Cafeteria Instructor: Janitza Sawyer No dance experience required or fancy choreography to memorize! Do the simple steps your way, at the intensity of your choice, and add your own style! Have fun moving and groovin' to ALL genres of music. GROOVE is a great opportunity to cultivate your innate creativity and self-confidence. Wear comfy clothes to move in & comfy shoes (or go barefoot). Be sure to bring along a water bottle and a towel (or yoga mat) for light stretching at the end. Come for the fun and stress relief! Take a sneak peek of the class at bodygroove.com.

ZUMBA GOLD COST: $2 per participant LOCATION: Big Rapids Middle School Cafeteria DATES: Thursdays - January 9th - May 21st (No Class March 19th or March 26th) TIMES: 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm Zumba Gold is perfect for active older adults, as well as those just starting their journey to a fit and healthy lifestyle, who are looking for a modified Zumba class that recreates the original moves you love at a lower intensity.

The design of the class introduces easy-tofollow Zumba choreography that focuses on balance, range of motion and coordination.

WALKING PROGRAM COST: FREE DATES: November 1st - April 24th Monday - Thursday TIME: 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm LOCATION: Big Rapids Middle School Hallways (No walking January 22nd, February 17th and March 23rd - March 26th) To register, please call or stop into City Hall.

A map of the facility with distance is available.

DADDY DAUGHTER DANCE COST: $7 per person pre-registered or $10 per person at the door DATES: Friday, February 14th - 7-9 pm LOCATION: Big Rapids Middle School Attention all dads, grandpas and uncles! This is the event you’ve all been waiting for! Grab your favorite little lady and get ready for a night you’ll both remember forever. Enjoy a night of dancing, refreshments, photos, and crafts! Create memories that will last a lifetime for you and the most important girl in your life! All ages welcome.

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Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com

FEBRUARY 2020

10 WAYS TO SHOW YOUR COMMUNITY LOVE By: David Alston In many ways, a healthy relationship between your brand and its community parallels that of a healthy relationship between two people.

Both relationships rest on simple tenets like respect, and both should be celebrated whenever possible.

When thinking about the connection you've built with your community and its members, remember these 10 truths of a healthy relationship to keep your community feeling loved and appreciated.

1. Remember to say "Thank you."

People generally enjoy saying or doing nice things for others, and tend to do it without expecting to be thanked for it. However, we all know how great it makes us feel when we are recognized for our efforts. When your community says something nice about you, it's always a wonderful idea to say "thank you."

2. Celebrate their successes. This is the age-old principle of thinking of others before yourself. If you do so, then you will probably notice the great things members of your community are accomplishing. Congratulate them and share their successes with others whenever you can.

3. Be a good listener. This is probably some advice we all received at least once from a parent in our lives.

Like Stephen R. Covey points out in 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, "Seek first to understand, then to be understood." Great relationships are also built on the idea of give and then, perhaps, get. Invest in your community by listening and understanding their needs.

4. Ask for their opinion. There probably isn't a person alive who doesn't like being asked for their opinion. Collaboration on a project almost always produces a better

end result. Social media has given brands an amazingly simple and effective way to engage with those who have thoughts and ideas about them and their products and services.

Remember to ask your community for its opinion.

5. Don't forget about the little things. Sometimes it is the smallest of gestures that can mean the most to someone. Focusing on the little things that matter can show a person that they are indeed worth your time.

When approaching relationships from a long-term frame of mind, it is very possible to make the time along the way for those important details without getting overwhelmed by the idea. Look out for the little touches to help each community member.

6. Be patient. In any relationship, making things work means working through the occasional misunderstanding or frustration with one another. Life is not supposed to be simple; if it were, it wouldn't be all that exciting. It's important that you take a step back and look at every challenge from the other's point of view. Your patience and willingness to try to understand will be appreciated.

Be known for your abundant patience

and caring approach with your community.

7. Admit your mistakes. Nobody is perfect, and holding onto your pride will never do you any favors. When you invest in building relationships within your community, members get to know your brand's human side. You will make errors but, while members may be disappointed, your community generally has the ability and willingness to forgive. Be quick to admit your mistakes and be genuine in asking for forgiveness.

8. Share a common passion. Brands and people are more than capable of setting up daily routines to get things accomplished based on things that need to be done. And while working side by side on something does create a bond, it's usually not a bond that is sustainable over a very long period of time. Finding a common passion, something you both enjoy doing and talking about, creates the strongest bonds. If you are passionate about what you do, then no doubt there are others out there that feel the same way you do. Find them, invite them to your community, and enjoy learning and sharing together.

9. Show respect and gain trust. The strongest relationships are built on mutual respect and trust. But getting to that point should ideally start with you. Be willing to respect the views of your community even though you may not entirely agree with them.

Community members have reasons for their views and it is up to you to understand, or at least accept, them.

And, when making commitments to your community, make sure you meet or exceed their expectations. Being willing to compromise, or give and take, will help your brand demonstrate respect and earn a community's trust.

10. Celebrate Valentine's Day every day. Giving your community a Valentine once a year is definitely a nice gesture, but finding ways to show them how much you love them on a regular basis should be what you strive for. Apply your creative energy to think of new ways to accomplish goals 1-9. Most companies are still just awakening to this idea of focusing on their community, so anything you do to show appreciation for your community now can help your brand stand out in the crowd. And, heck, who doesn't enjoy making someone smile with an unexpected gift?

Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com

FEBRUARY 2020

19

Festival of the Arts booklets are now available for pick up at the Welcome Center!

LUNCH & LEARNS FOR 2020 OPPORTUNITY TO SCHEDULE February 12, 2020: TBD, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

March 11, 2020: Cardinal Spa & Massage Microbiome Therapeutics "What to feed your skin and within", 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

15th Annual Taste of Mecosta Tuesday February 18, 2020 Holiday Inn @ 5:30 p.m. – 7:30p.m.

April 8, 2020: Ice Mountain, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

May 13, 2020: TBD, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

June 10, 2020: TBD, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

July 8, 2020: TBD, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

August 12, 2020: TBD, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

September 9, 2020: TBD, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

October 14, 2020: TBD, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

November 11, 2020: TBD, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

December 9, 2020: TBD, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Call the chamber at (231) 796-7649 or email events@mecostacounty.com to RSVP.

Welcome aboard the S.S. Taste of Mecosta! Put on your favorite tropical outfit and join Mecosta County's best restaurants and caterers as they offer up their most delectable signature dishes and comfort food. Just a reminder that you don't have to travel far to enjoy great cuisine; it is right here in your own backyard!

Tickets available at mecostacounty.com Thank you to our sponsor, Lake-Osceola State Bank!

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Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com

Feb. 2

Auxiliary Monthly Breakfast

MECOSTA COUNTY CALENDAR OF EVENTS

FEBRUARY 2020

9-11:30 AM @ AMVETS Feb. 5

World Read Aloud Day @ BR Community Library

Feb. 6

LEGO Architecture Workshop 3:30-5 PM @ BR Community Library

Feb. 6

Foreign Film Club FOTA 7 PM @ BR Community Library

Feb. 8

Jamboree At The Cabin 2-5 PM @ Wheatland Music Organization

Feb. 9

Mecosta VFW Pancake Breakfast 8-11:30 AM @ Mecosta VFW

Feb. 12

Lunch & Learn 11:30-1 PM

Feb. 13

LEGO Architecture Workshop 3:30-5 PM @ BR Community Library

Feb. 13

The Beauty We Capture Exhibit Reception 5-6:30 PM @ Artworks

Feb. 16

CranHill WinterFest, 2-6 PM

Feb. 18

Taste of Mecosta, 5:30-7:30 PM

Feb. 20

LEGO Architecture Workshop 3:30-5 PM @ BR Community Library

Feb. 20

Foot Care Clinic 10-2 PM @ The Senior Center in Mecosta

Feb. 20

Business After Hours, 5-6:30 PM

Feb. 20

Foreign Film Club FOTA 7 PM @ BR Community Library

Feb. 21

Mary's Book Club 12 PM @ BR Community Library

Feb 21

Family Movie Night 6-9 PM @ BR Community Library

Feb. 27

Rise & Shine Mecosta, 7:30-8:30 AM

Feb. 27

LEGO Architecture Workshop 3:30-5 PM @ BR Community Library

FEBRUARY 2020

SPECIAL DAYS

GFWC MONTHLY MEETINGS

2ND TUESDAY OF THE MONTH, SEPTEMBER THROUGH MAY AT THE BIG RAPIDS PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT. CALL 231-349-7743 FOR MORE INFORMATION.

BIG RAPIDS DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION PROGRAMS

PICKLEBALL - MONDAYS & WEDNESDAYS 5-7PM TAI CHI- MONDAYS & WEDNESDAYS 12-1PM LINE DANCE - JAN 7-APRIL 30 MORNING LINE DANCE - TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS: 8-9AM (EASY), 9-10AM (INTERMEDIATE) SENIOR FIT TIME - TUESDAYS 4-5PM, THURSDAYS 3-4PM WATER AEROBICS - MON, WED, & FRI 8:30-9:30AM DELAY THE DISEASE FITNESS FOR PARKINSON’S -THURSDAYS 1-2PM GROOVE - MONDAYS 5:30-6:30P

ARTWORKS YOUTH DANCE CHOREOGRAPHY: MONDAYS FEB 3–FEB 24, 5-6PM BEGINNING WHEEL POTTERY: TUESDAYS JAN 14-FEB 25, 6-8PM YOUTH DANCE TECHNIQUE: TUESDAYS FEB 4-FEB 25, 6-7PM OPEN POTTERY STUDIO: WEDNESDAYS, 11AM-2PM & 5-8PM HAND POTTERY: FEB 3, 17 & 24, 6-8PM BASKET WEAVING - CRACKER BASKET: SATURDAY FEB 1, 9-3PM HAND-BUILDING CLAY BIRDHOUSE: SEE WEBSITE FOR DETAILS VALENTINE'S WINE & CANVAS: FEB 13, 6-8:30PM A NEW PERSPECTIVE ON DRAWING: FEB 13, 11-2:30PM ART GLASS FUSION: FEB 22 & 29, 10AM-2PM

BIG RAPIDS COMMUNITY LIBRARY STORY TIME - MONS & WEDS 10:30-11:30A COMMUNITY PLAYGROUP - TUES 9:30-11:30A KNIT NIGHT - 1ST & 3RD THURS 6:30-8:30P (2.6.20 & 2.20.20 ) PLAYGROUP - FEB 13 & 27, 10A-12P TINY TOTS TINKER LAB - FRIDAYS 10:30-11:30A OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS - SATURDAYS 9:30-10:30A LEGO ARCHITECTURE WORKSHOP - FEB 6, 13, 20 & 27, 3:30-5P FOREIGN FILM CLUB FOTA - FEB 6 & 20, 7PM CENSUS JOB RECRUITER - FEB 18, 1-4P

FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY FINE ART GALLERY CHORBAH - CHADASH JANUARY 13TH-FEBRUARY 15TH

WHEATLAND MUSIC ORGANIZATION JAMBOREE @ THE CABIN - FEB 8, 2-5PM - FREE CALL 989.967.8879 FOR MORE INFO BIG RAPIDS ROTARY CLUB MEETS EVERY TUESDAY AT NOON AT FALCON HEAD

BIG RAPIDS LIONS CLUB MEETS EVERY SECOND AND FOURTH MONDAYS OF THE MONTH, 6:30 P.M. AT #52 SPORTS BAR AND KITCHEN.

DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS, CHAPTER 18 A SERVICE OFFICER IS AVAILABLE TO ASSIST VETERANS IN RECEIVING BENEFITS. THURSDAYS 10 A.M. TO 2 P.M. AT THE DAV IN BIG RAPIDS. ALL VETERANS WELCOME