MC Chamber - March 2020

CHAMBER newsletter March 2020

Spring your

business

forward this March!

DIRECTOR'S LETTER:

Spring Cleaning

Inside: Read some tips & tricks for giving your business & employees a much-needed refresh

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

MARCH 2020

PLATINUM MEMBERS

2020 Executive Board of Directors Danette Doyle President The Pioneer Group Randy Ostrander Past President Lake and Lodge Realty, LLC Mindy Taylor Treasurer Mecosta County

2020 Board of Directors

GOLD MEMBERS

Connie Koepke Mecosta County Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Josh Pyles Downtown Business Association

SILVER MEMBERS

Michelle Rasmussen Ferris State University Jim Sandy Mecosta County Development Corporation Pat Currie Currie's BP Amoco Josh Eling Isabella Bank Shelly Keene Michigan Work! West Central

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

Dave Hamelund Hamtech, Inc.

Jeff Godfrey

SOCIAL NETWORKING facebook.com/mcacc

twitter.com/mcacc2017

Secretary Spectrum Health Heather Bowman Member At Large City of Big Rapids

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!

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

instagram.com/mecostacountychamber

STAFF

Kim Schwamberger Executive Director

director@mecostacounty.com

Allison Jackson

Events Coordinator & Administrative Assistant events@mecostacounty.com

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

MARCH 2020

A Message From Kim Schwamberger, Executive Director SPRING CLEANING Spring is a time for new beginnings – and what better place to start than with “spring cleaning” your business. Do you have a plan to evaluate how you are setting forth the strategies that will help you work smarter, not harder? Whether you are the business owner, department manager, or team member this process should be done annually.

I hear from our some of our members that they are challenged with keeping up with promoting the business. It is hard to get to networking events, finding the time to maximize the online tools available through the Chamber, and managing their social media platforms.

Spring is a great time to examine and evaluate all your business' current marketing strategies.

It may start with something as basic as de-cluttering your desk and re-evaluate your business goals to what is important, did it change from last year?

Spring is about possibility and potential. It’s when we’re full of ideas, excited about the future and feel the energy to make them happen. After the slowness and rest of winter, we’re ready to jump back in with both feet and start planting seeds for new growth. Business, like life, is a cycle. It takes time to focus and get into action, so be aware of

your business “season”. If Spring is your busiest time of year, then create a “Spring” cleaning plan in the slower time of year.

As you are cleaning out the dust bunnies, ask yourself if you have reviewed your membership benefits lately? Are you using any member to member benefits that may have a discount on a product or service you are already using?

For example, insurance. Have you attended a networking event?

Your Chamber membership is extended to the Small Business Association of Michigan, where there are many benefits available to you, including an energy evaluation that may save you money. Also included is access to the benefits extended by the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, and more.

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

MARCH 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 Mecosta-Osceola Career Center

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, March 19th, hosted by Gilbert's Carpet Plus Color Tile Gilbert's Carpet Plus Color Tile 14150 Northland Dr, Big Rapids, MI 49307 All chamber members, their employees, and the community are invited to attend our monthly Business After Hours event March 19, 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 February hosts! The Mecosta-Osceloa Career Center 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 March 19, 2020 Gilbert's Carpet Plus Color Tile

August 20, 2020: Isabella Bank - Canadian Lakes Location

April 16, 2020: The Brook of Big Rapids

September 17, 2020: St. Mary-St. Paul Ministry/Resale Shop

No Business After Hours in May June 18, 2020: Schuberg Insurance Agency July 16, 2020: Fremont Area Community Foundation

Annual Meeting

October 15, 2020: Altercare of Big Rapids 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. March 26, 2020 August 27, 2020 - Life Resources of April 23, 2020 Northern Michigan May 28, 2020 - New Horizons Landscape September 24, 2020 June 25, 2020 July 23, 2020 October 22, 2020 - Available!

No Rise and Shine in November or December. See you at the Annual Meeting in 2021!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Annual Meeting in February.

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!

MARCH 2020

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

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CHAMBER ANNUAL MEETING & AWARDS BREAKFAST

Pictured from left to right: Ambassador Laurie Foos, Award Winners Chip Issette of Century 21 White House Realty, John Duvall, Jean & Jonathan Yordy, Brian Stearns. Photo courtesy of Wise Photography.

At the Annual Chamber Meeting on February 6th, 2020, the Ambassadors Club of the Chamber presented four awards to deserving recipients from our community.

Business of the Year : Century 21 White House Realty Volunteer of the Year: John Duvall of Lake-Osceola State Bank Entrepreneur of the Year: Jean & Jonathan Yordy of BR Lunch Box Young Professional of the Year: Brian Stearns of Lerner, Csernai & Fath Financial Group Congratulations again to all of our award recipients. We are honored to have such amazing people within our community!

Head to www.mecostacounty.com to the events tab for dates & to join the Chamber Connect group!

SAVE THE DATE!

SATURDAY 25, 2020 • 9:00 – 1:00 p.m.

FREE to the public • Vendor Table Space available.

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

MARCH 2020

Welcome to our new Board of Directors Members!

Pat Currie

Josh Eling

Pat Currie, BP Amoco. The Curries have serviced the Big Rapids area for over 70 years. Pat is community-minded and involved in many charitable organizations. Most noted, for the Celebrity Harness Race. He keeps his community connected with his “Matchless Marquee.”

My name is Josh Eling and I am happy to service on the Chamber Board once again. I have lived in worked in Big Rapids for more than 10 years. Currently, I am the West Regional Market President for Isabella Bank. I am married to Christie Eling and our children Emma and Parker attend Big Rapids Public Schools. Our hobbies are spending time on our boat and enjoying the Michigan outdoors.

Shelly Keene

Dave Hamelund

Shelly Keene is the Executive Director at Michigan Works! West Central where she oversees the employment and training programs in a six-county region. She has been with Michigan Works! West Central for the past four years. Prior to joining Michigan Works! West Central she spent 18 years working at EightCAP Inc., serving in the Head Start department and the Central Area Michigan Works!

Consortium. Shelly has a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Child Development from Central Michigan University, and Master of Business Administration in Project Management from the

Dave Hamelund is married to his wife Nancy. Dave has been a resident of Mecosta County his entire life, and has worked at Hamtech, Inc for 38 years. He works extensively within the community, serving the Lions Club, the Manna Pantry, the Mecosta County Development Corp, and now as a member of the MCACC Board of Directors. Dave enjoys wood working, traveling, hunting, fishing, and living in a small community.

American InterContinental University.

She resides in Mecosta County with her family and is looking forward to joining the Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

MARCH 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

Explore

MARCH 2020

MECOSTA COUNTY It’s hard to believe that Festival of the Arts is wrapping up for another year but what an amazing month of events it has been; hands-on workshops, musical and theatrical performances, educational classes and intriguing presentations. The Festival of the Arts’s committee should be proud of all the hard work that was put into this amazing month of festivities. Great job to all involved.

Festival of the Art’s will conclude on March 1st at 4:00pm in Williams Auditorium as Ferris State University’s Bands and Orchestra celebrate the end of 2020 Festival of the Arts and the beginning of Women’s History month This amazing program will feature musical selections by and about women. Under the leadership of directors Richard Scott Cohen and Dale Skornia, Ferris’ West Central Concert Band, Symphony Band and West Central Orchestra join forces to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment, and pay tribute to those who led the movement for change.

Come and join Ferris instrumental ensembles in this multi-media celebration.

At the Mecosta County Convention & Visitors Bureau we are gearing up for not only a great month of March but we are also planning for the fast approaching spring and summer season.

Some of our upcoming projects include; golf shows that will put information about

this March!

all of the Big Rapids region in front of 17,000 to 20,000 attendees to working on the details of great festivals and happenings such as Bands, Brews & BBQ (formerly Blues, Brews & BBQ) as well as working with our partner, the Pioneer Group, with the Crusin’ Downtown Car Show.

St. Patrick’s Day is also right around the corner and a great opportunity to support your fellow chamber members during your celebrations. Check out the chambers list of great members that you can support by utilizing their businesses and services.

To make sure you don’t miss out on any of the great things to explore, experience and enjoy in Mecosta County visit our county wide Community Events Calendar at Bigrapids.org. Do you know of an event happening in the county that is open to the public but not listed on our Community Events Calendar? If so, please contact us directly at information@bigrapids.org or go to the “submit new event” link at the top of the Community Events Calendar where you can add all of the details yourself.

There is always something great happening in Mecosta County so be sure and make time to get out and Explore the Big Rapids region!

Connie Koepke – Executive Director Mecosta County Convention & Visitors Bureau

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

MARCH 2020

Schuberg Agency is Celebrating 75 years!

Alice Schuberg Founder

Alice was born in Big Rapids on April 20, 1887. As a young woman, she attended County Normal classes at Ferris Institute. This program was designed to educate teachers and was taught

by Woodbridge Ferris.

In 1923, Alice married Carl A. Schuberg, a first generations swede and owner of Schuberg’s Bar. Alice would teach at various schools in Mecosta County.

Then, In 1945, Alice founded the Schuberg Agency and pledged to protect the financial security of our community.

Rex Schuberg 3rd Generation

In June of 1977, Rex joined Carly at the Schuberg Agency. Rex graduated from Big Rapids High School and Ferris State University. He was a member of the FSU Track team.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Rex was heavily involved with various local groups: Jaycees President, Chamber President, DBA President, chaired the Big Rapids Bandshell Project, created the pocket park music series, and much more. Rex set a new standard of excellence at the agency by winning awards such as Business Person of the Year, MAIA Insurance Agent of the Year, and 2 President’s Club Awards for being top 25 in life sales.

Carl M. Schuberg 2nd Generation

Carly joined the Schuberg Agency in August of 1946 after his discharge from the Marines. Selling insurance was one thing, but Carly also started Schuberg Reality, announced Horse Racing, was a huge supporter of 4-H, was an Auctioneer, made maple syrup, farmed, and served on the Chemical Bank Board. He was involved with various groups: Former Chamber President, was a founding member of the Big Rapids Jaycees, and served/contributed to many more.

None of us will forget the sleigh rides, the pancake supper or our Swedish roots!

Tyler Schuberg 4th Generation

HOME • LIFE • AUTO • BUSINESS The Schuberg Agency is celebrating 75 years of business in 2020.

To commemorate this special milestone, the Schuberg Agency is introducing a new logo!

After Graduating and playing football for Ferris State University, Tyler joined the Agency in April of 2004. Tyler married Marcie Rathje in 2006, and she joined the Schuberg Agency in December of 2006. Tyler and Marcie have worked along side each other truly making it a family business. He has also followed the footsteps of prior generations. Tyler has been apart of various local projects and groups: Jaycees President, past Chamber Board Member, Leadership Mecosta, past DBA Board Member, past chair of the St. Mary’s School Board, Artworks and enjoys coaching his kids youth sport teams. Tyler continues to follow Alice’s pledge to protect the financial security of our community.

Community Driven • Policyholder Focused • Education Based

www.schubergagency.com • OFFICE: (231) 796-5881 • FAX: (231) 796-5022

Thank You Mecosta County for Voting us #1!

Historic Downtown Big Rapids

Tyler Schuberg, CIC Principal

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Diane Leichty

Commercial Sales

Marcie Schuberg Sales

Emily Robison Sales

Gail Jacobs

Account Manager

Marisa Johnston

Account Manager

Nedra Neumann Accountant

Jessica Lytle Receptionist

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

PARIS AUTO SALES & SERVICE Center of Big rapids

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Front End Alignment $29.95

MARCH 2020

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614 N. State Street, Big Rapids statestreethardware.com

231-796-8122

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

MARCH 2020

R V Thank You for voting us Best Farm/Garden & Feed Store!

Royal View 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

310 N. Fourth Ave., Big Rapids • 231 .796 .6363

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

Ashley King, Spa Manager Brooke Allen, Cosmetologist

231.598.9212

Alexis Jackson, Cosmetologist Anna Thompson, Cosmetologist

Christie Webster, Cosmetologist Katie Omness, Esthetician

Tanya Parks, Massage Therapist Monica Schriner, Massage Therapist

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

126 Maple Street, Suite C, Big Rapids, MI

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www.CardinalSpaAndMassage.com

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

MARCH 2020

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MARCH 2020

2020 CENSUS

HEY, MECOSTA COUNTY! YOUR VOICE DOES COUNT!

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

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

LMT

3 WAYS TO SPRING CLEAN YOUR BUSINESS

by TONY ROBBINS

Spring is the time to kick out the dust, clear the air and re-organize more than just your home — it’s a time to revamp your business, too. Instead of breaking out the mops, it may be time to re-evaluate what’s working and what’s not in your business. From employees to processes, this is what you need to do to make your company shiny and brand new this spring.

RE-EVALUATE YOUR FINANCES — AND THAT MEANS YOUR CFO, TOO When executives go to their accounting department looking for information, they are often left confused. Accounts can give Pictured left to right, Chamber Ambassador Felicia Bielecki (Isabella Bank) and owner Amanda Langell you figures, but you don’t always LMT operates out of the Red Fox Market, pain management options that work! Call to set an know what those figures mean on downtown Big Rapids as a Licensed Massage appointment 231-598-1354. their own. You need more than just Therapist on Fridays. If you’re in pain, she has numbers. What you need is data that you can understand.

THE STUDIO BARBER

Every business must have a Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Here’s why: they turn numbers into intelligence.

If your CFO is a glorified accountant, they are not adding the value that they could be. Numbers on their own are just that: numbers. They need to be interpreted and turned into information that you can use to make decisions in your business.

How are your company’s finances? Do you have a CFO that is interpreting your numbers? If not, there is a void in your business — and spring is the perfect time improve the financial intelligence of your company. Use that data to make better decisions so you can take your company to the next level.

NURTURE THE RIGHT STAFF

Pictured left to right, standing Chamber Ambassador Felicia Bielecki (Isabella Bank), Jamar Washington (Multi Award Winning Barber for free style and fade and style in National Barber Battles), John Milan Chamber Ambassador (Preferred Office Machines-

MARCH 2020

The success or failure of your company is dependent on the Xerox, sitting satisfied customer Matt Lauckner personal goals of your employees. If the vision for your employees lives (Century 21 Whitehouse Realty). is not aligned with your company’s Call The Studio, located at 106 S Michigan Ave to overall vision, they will not be a set an appointment with Jamar! 231-598-4247 long-term fit, or they will leave

shortly after being hired. Many people will take any job as long as it pays, but if it’s not what they want to do long-term, then both parties are wasting their time.

Often, when a company is lacking in some way, the first inclination is to hire someone. But it’s not the person you fail to hire that destroys a company; it’s the person you fail to fire. The wrong person in your company can singlehandedly take it down, even if you have a great product or service. But, if you have the right person, they can take a product or service that is not so great to new heights.

Another thing to consider is what level each employee is performing at. Are they gold-, silver- or bronzelevel employees? If they are performing at the highest level (gold), they are in line with the company’s mission, are focused on the outcome of everything they do, and they produce great work.

Silver-level employees also have a great skill set and attitude. Their work just isn’t at the highest level, and they have room to grow. Lastly, bronze-level employees have a good attitude and do a good job most of the time, but they pick and choose what’s important to them instead of putting their best foot forward on everything that they do.

OPTIMIZE YOUR PROCESSES Spring cleaning your business doesn’t have to involve changing everything or starting from scratch with new and exciting initiatives.

It’s the small changes that will ultimately make the biggest difference in your bottom line this coming year. Here’s a great starting point: what could you be doing better? Start by getting your team together to identify processes that you can optimize which will save time in productivity and decrease costs for the coming year.

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

MARCH 2020

MECOSTA COUNTY READS SHARES WITH THE BIG RAPIDS LIONS CLUB

SECOND ANNUAL SOUPER SUPPER

Project Starburst will host its Second Annual Souper Supper fundraiser on Wednesday, March 25th from 5:00-7:00pm; a snow/ice day is scheduled for March 26th with the same times. It will be held at The Starting Place in the Mecosta-Osceola Career Center, 15830 190th Avenue, Big Rapids.

An event you won't want to miss; come at a convenient time for you to warm up enjoying a delicious bowl of soup with bread and dessert while listening to local musical entertainment.

Picture – Lions Club 1st Vice President Wendy Fowler, Big Rapids Community Library Director Lauren Moran and Suzanne Finney from the SLD Read.

Representatives from the Mecosta County Reads collaborative shared information regarding the collaborative, its goals and programs. With representation from business, industry, schools and libraries as well as the Great Start Collaborative, this community literacy initiative was formed to raise awareness of the issue of literacy in our community, provide resources for individuals, and offer assistance. Using data from a number of

sources, the collaborative was able to spotlight the significant literacy needs of young children, youth and adults in Mecosta County. They are developing programs to improve literacy for the early care, school age and adult populations.

One of the new initiatives the early care group promotes is “Talking is Teaching” which uses tools for Talk, Read, Sing, and Play. The hope is that this will become a community-wide campaign.

Welcome

new members Gwin Girls Winery & Tasting Room Carl A Schuberg Inc. Shopping Center, featuring: · Rite Aid · Verizon Wireless · Biggby Coffee · Domino’s · Tropical Smoothie · Qdoba

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Soup choices include chili, chicken with rice, and cream of broccoli (gluten free and vegetarian). The best part is your ticket donation will support Project Starburst services! You will also receive a quilted bowl buddy to take home with you.

Tickets are only $20; Ages 6-17 $10 and children age 5 and under eat free. Tickets are on sale at Patterson's Flowers and Project Starburst. Thank you in advance for your support.

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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

March is Women's History Month!

Friends of the Library Book Sale

Panda Day: All Day Craft

Friends of the Library Meeting

Crime Will Tell Book Club

Mar 4, 4 pm

Mar 18, 4-5 pm

Building Bricks

Mary’s Book Club

Breast Feeding Support Group

10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's

Mar 7, 9:30-Noon

March 6, 4-5 pm Mar 6, 11:30 am - 12:30 pm Family Movie Night

Mar 6, 6-9 pm Playgroup

Mar 12 & 26, 10 am-12 pm Library Board Meeting

Mar 12, 5:30-6:30 pm

Women's History Month Film Series

Mar 13, 20 & 27, 6-9 pm

MARCH 2020

Mar 16, 10 am - 5 pm

After School Art Tuesdays, Mar 3 - Mar 31, 3:45-5:15 pm

Mixed Media City Scape Saturday, Mar 14, 2-4:30pm or 6-8:30pm

Youth Dance Choreography Mondays, Mar 2 - May 4, No Classes Mar 9 & 30 5-6 pm

Basket Weaving: Waste Basket Saturday, Mar 21, 9am-3pm

Youth Dance Technique Tuesdays, Mar 3 - May 5, 6-7 pm Open Pottery Studio Every other Wednesday 11 am - 2 pm & 5-8 pm (See website for details)

Creative Night Out: Stained Glass Suncatcher March 18, 6-8:30pm (See website for details) Sketchbook Toolbox Mar 28, 10-12:30pm For class descriptions, fees, and registration, visit artworksinbigrapids.org/classes or scan QR code

Mar 20, 12 pm

Mar 24, 6-7:30 pm Story Time

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 (3/5 & 3/19) Tiny Tots Tinker Lab

Fridays 10:30-11:30 am

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

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

MARCH 2020

FSU Fine Arts Gallery 2019 Art & Design Faculty Exhibit: The Bigger Picture March 16 - April 9 Opening Reception & Author Celebration - March 25th

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

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

9:00 am - 10:00 am (Intermediate)

COST: $5 per participant

Learn coordinated steps to a variety of music.

A social and aerobic activity. Bring a Friend.

TIMES: Mondays & Wednesdays 5-7 pm, Fridays 8-10am

Art Attack MOISD K-12 Student Art & the Arts and Literacy Project March 3 - April 15 Reception March 15, 11am-3pm

stretching, balance work, strength training, and vocal and facial exercises. Caregivers are welcome to join participants.

Artworks, Dance Studio

GROOVE

DATES: September 30th - May 1st LOCATION: Ferris Racquet and Fitness Center

SENIOR FIT TIME

January 6th - May 18th

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

Mondays

Tuesday: 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

5:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Thursday: 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

COST - $2 per participant

Cost: $2 per participant

Big Rapids Middle School Cafeteria

Style Station (1619 Catherine Street)

Instructor: Janitza Sawyer

(No class February 24th - March 4th)

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.

CO-ED VOLLEYBALL LEAGUE Sundays 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

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.

WATER AEROBICS January 13th - May 8th

TAI CHI

Monday, Wednesday and Friday

January 6th - May 6th

8:30 AM - 9:30 AM

ZUMBA GOLD

Mondays & Wednesdays

Cost is $4 per class or $40 for a punch card, good for 12 classes

COST: $2 per participant

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Exhibits at Artworks

17

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!!

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

LINE DANCE CLASSES

COST: $2 per participant.

January 7th - April 30th Cost: $2 per participant

LOCATION: Style Station (1619 Catherine Street)

Instructor: Diane Jones

DATES: January 7th - April 30th

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.

TIME: Thursdays - 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm (No Class February 24th - March 4th)

MORNING LINE DANCE Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:00 am - 9:00 am (Step Instruction and Easy Beginner Dances)

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,

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.

18

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

MARCH 2020

We would like to take a moment to thank all our vendors & those who attended out 15th Annual Taste of Mecosta event on Feb 18th, 2020. We appreciate having such great community support, and we hope that you all enjoyed yourselves & made some great connections with local residents and vendors.

LUNCH & LEARNS FOR 2020 OPPORTUNITY TO SCHEDULE

15th Annual A special congratulations to the Holiday of Inn teamMecosta for Taste being selected as the “Best Table Display” for our

Tuesday February 18, 2020 Holiday Inn @ 5:30 p.m. – 7:30p.m.

cruise ship theme this year.

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

The Pie wHole Thank you to our sponsor, Lake-Osceola State Bank!

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

MARCH 2020

19

HOW TO KEEP YOUR EMPLOYEES HAPPY AND HEALTHY THROUGH THE WINTER

by Sophie Deering Winter – The dreaded flu season.

It’s cold outside, half your office have got the snuffles and you just know that most of them would much rather be snuggled underneath a duvet at home watching daytime TV. If the Winter blues have struck your workplace you may want to think about introducing an employee wellness program within the organisation in order to keep your staff happy and healthy in the stretch up to the light at the end of the tunnel, aka the Summer.

Measure your employer brand The Winter months can be a particularly tough time for keeping employees engaged, as the rise in

illness and Winter blues can leave people feeling a bit out of sorts.

This not only means a peak in staff absences, but work performance can also deteriorate as team morale drops.

By encouraging your staff to look after their health and providing them with support to do so, you can combat the cold weather and keep a smile on your employees’ faces!

Encourage your employees to get moving: The majority of weight gain happens over Christmas and New Year – no surprise there! Many will set themselves the resolution of losing weight, but only half will actually do so.

The cold weather also contributes

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PRICES AS LOW AS $ 100.00/MONTH

to weight gain, as people are less likely to be active, as in the Summer months.

To combat this you can encourage employees to get involved in outdoors activities and sports and offer prizes as an incentive to get involved.

Combat cold & flu among your team: December-February are the most popular months for employees to call in sick, due to a weakened immune system during the cold season.

The average company loses around $100,000 due to employee illness each year.

To counter this encourage your staff to stay fit over the Winter, as

this will give their immune system a boost. Something as simple as taking the stairs instead of the elevator will help.

Champion a healthy diet: Christmas aside, people are much more likely to turn to unhealthy comfort food when it’s cold and this can lead to weight gain over the Winter and a weakened immune system.

Though you can’t control what your staff eat, you can help them to adopt a healthier diet by removing unhealthy snacks from vending machines, and replacing them with healthier options like fruit and nuts.

Over 70% of workers want healthier cafeteria and vending machine options, so it’s win-win.

DIGITAL RACKS ARE PLACED IN HIGH TRAFFIC AREAS IN OUR READERSHIP AREA CONTACT YOUR SALES REP TODAY

Scott Devries • (231) 592-8366 • sdevries@pioneergroup.com Nancy Albrecht • (231) 592-8345 • nalbrecht@pioneergroup.com Chris Emerick • (231) 592-8329 • Chris.Emerick@pioneergroup.com Mark Kuzma • (231) 592-8321 • Mark.Kuzma@pioneergroup.com Julia Logan-Henegar • (231) 592-8397

• Julia.Logan-Henegar@pioneergroup.com

Jesse Shively • (231) 592-8343 • Jesse.Shively@pioneergroup.com

Run your ad on our Digital Newspaper Rack

20

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

Mar. 1

AMVETS Auziliary Monthly Breakfast

MECOSTA COUNTY CALENDAR OF EVENTS

MARCH 2020

9-11:30am Mar. 6

Building Bricks @ BRCL, 4-5pm

Mar. 6

Family Movie Night @ BRCL, 6-9pm

Mar. 8

Mecosta VFW Pancake Breakfast 8-11:30am

Mar. 11

Lunch & Learn with Cardinal Spa & Massage 11:30am-1pm

Mar. 12

Women's History Month Film Series @ BRCL, 6-9pm

Mar. 15

Art Attack Reception @ Artworks, 11am-3pm

Mar. 18

Crime Will Tell Book Club @ BRCL, 4-5pm

Mar. 19

Foot Care Clinic @ Mecosta Senior Center 10am-2pm

Mar. 19

Business After Hours @ Gilbert's Carpet Plus Tile, 5-6:30pm

Mar. 20

Mary's Book Club @ BRCL, 12pm (Noon)

Mar. 20

Women's History Month Film Series @ BRCL, 6-9pm

Mar. 24

10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's @ BRCL, 6-7:30pm

Mar. 25

FSU Art Gallery Opening Reception: The Bigger Picture

Mar. 26

Medication and Needle Take Back @ Big Rapids Hospital Main Lobby, 3-6pm

Mar. 27

Women's History Month Film Series @ BRCL, 6-9pm

MARCH 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 MAR 2-MAY 5, 5-6PM YOUTH DANCE TECHNIQUE: TUESDAYS MAR 3-MAY5, 6-7PM OPEN POTTERY STUDIO: WEDNESDAYS, 11AM-2PM & 5-8PM MIXED MEDIA CITY SCAPE: MAR 14, 2-4:30PM OR 6-8:30PM BASKET WEAVING - WASTE BASKET: SATURDAY MAR 3, 9A-3PM AFTER SCHOOL ART: TUESDAYS, MAR 3-MAR 31, 3:45-5:15PM CREATIVE NIGHT OUT - STAINED GLASS SUNCATCHER: MAR 18, 6-8:30PM SKETCHBOOK TOOLBOX: MAR 28, 10A-12:30PM

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 PLAYGROUP - MAR 12 & 26, 10A-12P TINY TOTS TINKER LAB - FRIDAYS 10:30-11:30A BREAST FEEDING SUPPORT GROUP - MAR 6, 11:30A-12:30P PANDA DAY: ALL DAY CRAFT - MAR 16

FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY FINE ART GALLERY 2019 ART & DESIGN FACULTY EXHIBIT: THE BIGGER PICTURE MARCH 16 - APRIL 9

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