MC Chamber - December 2018

Inside :

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

December 2018

PLATINUM MEMBERS

2018 Executive Board of Directors

2018 Board of Directors

Randy Ostrander President Lake and Lodge Realty, LLC

Danielle Maneke Lakeside Motor Sports

Barbara Seabolt, Past President Mecosta County Habitat for Humanity Michelle Barker President Elect Bridge Title Jennifer Heinzman, Secretary Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce

Heather Bowman City of Big Rapids Tammy Weaver Sears Appliance & Hardware

Mindy Taylor, Treasurer Mecosta County

SILVER MEMBERS

Gail Taylor Original Footwear Michelle Rasmussen Ferris State University Danette Doyle The Pioneer Group Karen Hahn-Thornton Nestle Waters / Ice Mountain

Leading Businesses, Leading Communities For information on becoming a member of the Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce, please contact us.

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

SOCIAL NETWORKING

Clinton Zimmerman, Member At Large Red Fox Market Jeff Godfrey, Member At Large Spectrum Health

GOLD MEMBERS

facebook.com/mcacc

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

Jennifer Heinzman Executive Director

director@mecostacounty.com

Megan Eppley

Program & Events Coordinator

events@mecostacounty.com

Shelby Withers Administrative Assistant

info@mecostacounty.com

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

December 2018

CHAMBER NEWS AND INFO

A Message From Jennifer Heinzman Executive Director Whether your company experiences an annual slow season or you’re simply going through a slump, off-season marketing techniques allow you to combat this issue. While there may not always be a way to avoid the slump entirely, strategically marketing during the off-season can improve sales and reinvigorate your client base.

When your business is busy, you barely have the time to stay on top of everything. However, the slow season gives you the opportunity to catch up with projects and ideas that fell by the wayside. Those blog posts you didn’t get to, the social media profiles that need updating, the email campaign idea you’ve been thinking about... Now is the time to give all these initiatives the attention they deserve.

When did you last send a targeted message to potential leads? Those interested parties may only need to hear from you to re-engage their curiosity about your company. Focusing your off-season marketing efforts on people who have already shown interest in your business is an easy way to grab that low-hanging fruit. As you reach out to these leads, use the analytics generated from your email marketing software to clean out your subscriber list. Remove any users that didn’t open your messages, deleted them, or ones that bounced back. Once you’ve cleaned out your subscriber list, your messaging will only be delivered to those who are interested in shopping your business.

Most businesses find success by building a loyal customer base. Reward their loyalty by offering your regulars exclusive discounts that are only good during the off-season. Sweeten the deal by adding complementary products and/or services when they make a purchase. Also, your regular clients are an untapped resource for potential leads. Ask these individuals for referrals and send them a coupon or gift certificate to show your appreciation. This will only encourage these people to continue using your business.

If your business needs more customer reviews, entice clients to take this action by providing an incentive to do so. When a customer writes a

review on Google, LinkedIn, Yelp, or Facebook for your company, give them something to show your appreciation, such as a one-time offer for an exclusive service/product.

There’s always a reason not to get involved when your business is busy. However, while things are slow, invest the time in partnering with a nonprofit organization. Socially responsible businesses draw higher brand loyalty, increased opportunities to generate leads, and improve public image.

Brainstorm how your company can ingratiate itself into the community. For example, work with other small businesses in the area to market products and services together. Sponsor a local children’s sports team to help get your name out there. Offer to write guest blog posts for local news sites. The possibilities are endless.

Sometimes the most effective strategy for building a business is working with a smaller target audience.

If you are attempting to grab everyone’s attention, your message may go unnoticed. However, niche audiences appreciate having their specific needs addressed. Rather than trying to engage everyone, reach out to the niche audience that can use your products or services. Find unique ways to whet their appetite to drive purchases. These niche audiences can quickly convert into regular customers if you engage them now.

Just because it is your off-season, doesn’t mean you should slow down your marketing efforts.

Continue publishing blog posts. Keep posting content regularly on your social media channels.

Off-season marketing means rethinking your tactics, not discontinuing them. Find seasonal tieins for marketing techniques to engage your target audience. Take the time to update your information with the Chamber as we are often referring your business to your future customers. Make sure you are taking advantage of all the promotional opportunities available as part of your membership and as always, if there is anything we can do for you, please do not hesitate to ask.

Merry Christmas!

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Congratulations to Jordan Balkema Elder Law Center, our Member of the Month!

As baby boomers approach their golden years, elder law is becoming more necessary and sought out. While many attorneys have the ability to create a will or trust document, the practice of Elder Law is a very specific practice of law that is designed to assist retirees in protecting their assets from probate expenses, federal estate taxes and long-term care expenses. While it isn’t an easy subject to discuss, the long-term benefits of having the appropriate documents in place can be monumental for families.

The Jordan Balkema Elder Law Center has four offices located in Big Rapids, Cadillac, Gaylord and Traverse City and has been serving clients since 1986. We have a passion for educating and assisting seniors

with the preservation of their hardearned assets. Our four attorneys work with individuals and couples planning out their future estate plans, elder individuals who require nursing home care and Medicaid assistance, families who are handling a probate or trust administration matter for a family member, those needing deed preparation, and the list goes on.

For your convenience, our hours in the Big Rapids office are 8 a.m.to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Cadillac, Gaylord and Traverse City offices are staffed alternate days throughout the week. Appointments are required and a free consultation for estate planning is available. For more information or to schedule an appointment to see an attorney, call 231-796-4012.

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

December 2018

Ambassador Club Thanks Hosts Annual Chamber Meeting Thursday, January 24, 2019 7:30-9:00 a.m.at the Tullymore Golf Resort

Business After Hours will be held on December 20, 2018 at 5 p.m. hosted by Red Fox Market.

Come join businesses from around Mecosta County as Red Fox Market located 112 S Michigan Ave, Big Rapids, MI 49307 hosts Business After Hours. This provides members of the community an opportunity to network and enjoy light hors d’oeuvres beginning at 5 p.m. Everyone in the Mecosta County area is welcome to attend.

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

Meet the hosts: http://www.redfoxmarket.com/

2018 Schedule The Ambassador Club of the Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce sponsors monthly networking events.

Business After Hours are on the third Thursday of the month and Rise & Shine Mecosta are on the fourth Thursday of the month. Upcoming Business After Hours and Rise & Shine Mecosta events will be hosted by the following members: If you’d like to host a Rise and Shine or Business After Hours event at your workplace, call the Chamber at (231) 796-7649 or email events@ mecostacounty.com.

Business After Hours • December 20: Red Fox Market • January 17: Big Rapids Dental Associates • February 21: B2 Outlet Store Rise & Shine Mecosta • January 24 : Annual Meeting at Tullymore Golf Resort • February 28: TBD • March 28: TBD

RSVP by calling the Chamber at (231) 796-7649 or email events@ mecostacounty.com.

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.

Thank you to our November Host! Artworks hosted Business After Hours. Hosting a Rise & Shine or Business After Hours event is a great opportunity included in your membership. Contact the Chamber at (231)796-7649 or email events@mecostacounty.com if you are interested in hosting either of these events at your business.”

New Members You’ll Like Doing Business With Big Rapids Pennzoil 710 N State Street, Big Rapids, MI 49307 (231) 796-4730

Encounters of Big Rapids 204 S. Michigan Ave. 49307 Big Rapids, Michigan (231) 629-8469

The Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce encourages you to patronize the following businesses and all of your Chamber colleagues. For a complete listing of Chamber members in good standing, go to the member directory online at www.mecostacounty. com.

December 2018

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

Ambassador Visits

The Ambassador's Club stopped by one of Big Rapids' most highly anticipated businesses, JOANN Fabric and Craft Stores located at 1250 W. Perry Ave. in Big Rapids! Joann Fabrics celebrated their grand opening and ribbon cutting on Friday, October 26th. Stop by and welcome manager Jeff and his team to Mecosta County!

The Leadership Mecosta Class of 2018 presented Ferris State University President President David Eisler with a check for the creation of the Leadership Mecosta Endowed Scholarship. The class created this as their Leadership Service project, raising funds in the community to create this opportunity. All funds raised will be matched by FSU as part of their Now and Always campaign to create a scholarship to be awarded annually to a local student admitted to Ferris State University.

The class thanks all of the local community partners for making this scholarship a reality and are grateful for all of the help they had to make this a successful campaign.

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Here at The Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce, your business is our business.

We want to make sure that as a small business, your profits are not going out the window with outdated utility programs. With that in mind, we present Small Business Energy Solutions.

On December 12, join Michelle Johnson, Business Customer Care Manager and Mindie Grazler, Energy Efficiency Expert, both from Consumers Energy, and learn about some energy solutions to help your business save money and keep your energy costs low.

Programs and resources include rate evaluation, reliability education and review, energy efficiency, renewable energy, Pure Michigan Business Connect, value added products and services, and economic development resources.

RSVP is appreciated. Register for this FREE event today at mecostacounty.com/events or email events@mecostacounty.com!

Lunch will generously be provided by Consumers Energy.

If you are interested in learning more about Leadership Mecosta, or if you would like to be part of the Class of 2019/2020, contact the Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce (127 S. Michigan Ave., Big Rapids) or online at www.LeadershipMecosta.com.

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

December 2018

Clinton from the Red Fox Market will be working with the chamber to make weekly three minute long member spotlight videos. We are currently scheduling for January 2019 to schedule your appointment email info@mecostacounty.com or call us at 231.796.7649.

Jingle & Mingle with MCACC! Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce will host Jingle and Mingle, its 33rd annual holiday gala, on Friday, Dec. 7, at the Holiday Inn Hotel and Conference Center.

This event brings residents, business owners, family, and friends together to enjoy networking and to support one another in an effort to build a strong community. It is also the Chamber’s biggest fundraiser of the year, and all proceeds from this event support future community events hosted by the Chamber.

The evening will feature raffles, as well as silent and live auctions, and donations are needed for these categories. Raffles items are valued up to $150, silent auctions items are valued between $151 and $350, and live auction items are valued at more than $351. Guests also will have opportunities to participate in games throughout the night, including the necklace game, the winner of which will receive their choice of live auction item.

The menu will include burgundy beef tips, champagne chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy from the beef, seasonal mixed vegetables, assorted breads, deluxe salad bar, and a dessert bar. A cash bar also will be available.

Local musical duo Havusbak will play jazzy Christmas tunes throughout the evening.

Michelle Wise of Wise Photography will be on site offering professional photo sessions.

Tickets are $60 per person or two for $100. Purchase an entire table of 10 for just $500, and for an additional $100, your business can be a table sponsor. To purchase tickets for the gala, visit the Events tab on mecostacounty.com.

To donate a raffle or auction item, contact the Chamber by calling (231) 796-7649. Donors who commit to an auction item by Friday, Nov. 16 will have their item and business name listed in this year’s program.

Santa Visits •

Dec. 1 10:30 a.m. Salvation Army

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Dec. 8 2:00 p.m. Artworks

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Dec. 13 5:00 p.m. Big Rapids Community Library

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Dec. 15 10:00 a.m. AMVETS

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Dec. 15 12:00 p.m. JCPenny

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Dec. 21 11:00 p.m. Lowes

St. Mary - St. Paul Catholic Parish’s sets dates for annual Christmas Bazaar Everyone is invited to attend the St. Mary - St. Paul annual Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, Dec. 1 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Sunday, December 2, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the St. Mary Parish Center, 919 Marion Ave. in Big Rapids.

This event includes a luncheon on Saturday, handmade crafts, bake sale, book sale, grandma’s attic, jewelry booth, gift baskets, raffle and an array of fresh greens made into wreaths, swags and holiday centerpieces.

On Sunday morning, while shopping at the bazaar, everyone is welcome to attend the Knights of Columbus pancake breakfast.

Parish Council of Catholic Women (PCCW) sponsors this event. Please call (231) 7965202 for more information.

Volunteers needed as tax aides AARP is looking for tax aides for the winter tax season. Training, equipment, and mentors are provided. Previous tax preparation experience is not required. Contact the RSVP Office at (231) 796-4848 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to apply or receive additional information.

December 2018

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

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Spectrum Health Big Rapids and SBAM offers Dale Carnegie Reed City achieve 5-star ratings training for members Various services receive highest rating in annual Healthgrades study

Spectrum Health Big Rapids and Reed City Hospitals have both received 5-star ratings for services in a new nationwide study released today by Healthgrades, a leading online consumer information resource about physicians and hospitals.

Spectrum Health Big Rapids Hospital is 5-star rated for Pneumonia, Sepsis and Respiratory Failure outcomes according to the latest annual Healthgrades study. Reed City Hospital is also 5-star rated for Sepsis outcomes. A 5-star rating indicates that clinical outcomes are statistically significantly better than expected when treating the condition or performing the procedure being evaluated.

“Clinical quality varies significantly between hospitals, so it’s important for consumers to use information about outcomes to assess where to receive care,” said Brad Bowman, MD, Chief Medical Officer at Healthgrades. “These 5-star ratings for Treatment of Pneumonia, Sepsis and Respiratory Failure showcases the expertise and commitment of Spectrum Health Big Rapids and Reed City Hospitals to their patients.”

These results are among the new findings and data featured in the Healthgrades 2019 Report to the Nation. Healthgrades says the new report demonstrates how clinical performance continues to differ dramatically between hospitals regionally and nationally.

“Above all this is a recognition of the quality focus of our medical providers and clinical staff,” said Caroline Ring, chief nursing officer for Spectrum Health Big Rapids and Reed City Hospitals. “Quality of care is a constant focus for our clinical teams and it’s paying off with consistently excellent outcomes for our patients.”

Spectrum Health’s Big Rapids Hospital has received 5-star distinctions in its treament of Sepsis for six consecutive years (2014-2019) and its Treatment of Respiratory Failure for two years in a row (2018-2019). Spectrum Health Reed City Hospital has received the 5-Star Distinction for Treatment of Sepsis for a second consecutive year (2018-2019).

Variation in care has a significant impact on health outcomes, according to the Healthgrades report. For example, from 2015 through 2017, if all hospitals performed similarly to hospitals receiving five stars, then on average 222,210 lives could potentially have been saved and 157,210 in-hospital complications could potentially have been avoided.* A 5-star rating indicates that a hospital’s clinical outcomes are statistically significantly better than expected when treating the condition or performing the procedure being evaluated.

Additionally, from 2015 through 2017, patients treated for Sepsis in hospitals with five stars for in-hospital mortality have, on average, a 40.2 percent lower risk of dying than if they were treated in hospitals with one star for inhouse mortality.* Similarly, patients treated for respiratory failure in hospitals with one star for in-hospital mortality have, on average, a 50.7 percent lower risk of dying than if they were treated in hospitals with one star for in-house mortality.* Other Spectrum Health hospitals throughout West Michigan also received 5-star ratings in a variety of categories. * Statistics are based on Healthgrades analysis of MedPAR data for years 2015 through 2017 and represent three-year estimates for Medicare patients only.

SBAM is proud to highlight a new product through Dale Carnegie, provided to you in partnership with the Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce: Professional training from the best in the business!

SBAM Strategic Partner members can access Talent Development Training Tools powered by Dale Carnegie that typically cost as much a $1,554 per person, for as little as $199!

This program was specifically created to serve our members through customized certificate paths that help employees learn a series of important skills. As a result, they become more valuable leaders, salespeople, and representatives of their company.

One of the best parts of the certificate paths is that they are offered in a Live Online environment, providing the opportunity to strengthen the skill-sets of individual employees, managers, and owners, with flexible schedule offerings, and without having to send them away for training. That means that anyone in the state of Michigan (or around the world for that matter) can access the public trainings, and will have the ability to participate actively from wherever they work.

If you'd like to talk about the Talent Development Training Tools powered by Dale Carnegie available to your members as an SBAM Strategic Partner, please contact Sherry Bryan at (517) 267-2210 or sherry.bryan@sbam.org or visit www.sbam.org/talent.

Michigan Castle to be lit for the holiday season!

CANADIAN LAKES, MI – This holiday season, from 5:30pm to 9:30pm each Friday and Saturday evening beginning November 23, 2018 through January 5, 2019, Century 21 White House Realty will present Nights of Lights at the Castle in Canadian Lakes, located at 9400 Pere Marquette in Canadian Lakes. The event will feature over 120,000 LED lights and an interactive music and light show construction by Christmas Décor by Devries of Jenison, Michigan that will repeat throughout the night.

Chip Issette, Owner/Managing Broker of Century 21 White House Realty, not only wanted to gain recognition for his real estate office, but also wanted to create a promotion that would give back to the community. Jessica Slendak, Marketing Director of Canadian Lakes, always works to promote Canadian Lakes, a private residential community, to people near and far.

When the two conversed, Jessica explained her vision of making Canadian Lakes a holiday destination for all by lighting their iconic landmark, The Castle, in Canadian Lakes. It was then that Century 21 White House Realty’s Nights of Lights was born. Everyone will be able to experience the castle. Non-Canadian Lakes members are required to obtain a vehicle pass at nightsoflights. org.

Canadian Lakes was founded in 1963 when

Donald Bollman had a vision. Located an hour north of Grand Rapids and a few hours northwest of the Detroit area, the private residential community brings an active social environment to the beautiful woodlands of northern Michigan.

With three stunning golf courses, all-sports lakes with five beaches, serene waterways, delectable dining, and much more, the 11 square miles of rolling hills, Canadian Lakes is considered “the GOOD life” by its members.

Membership is gained through property ownership. Learn more about the many opportunities Canadian Lakes brings at canadianlakes.org. Century 21 White House Realty is the leading real estate office in the area where agents pride themselves in their ability to help in providing detailed real estate services to clients and customers while at the same time giving back to our community in way of donating their time, energy and resources to charitable causes that enhance the quality of life in the communities we serve. Century 21 White House Realty serves Canadian Lakes, Tri-Lakes and surrounding areas of Mecosta County and the surrounding counties. Century 21 White House Realty specializes in recreation properties including waterfront, golf and hunting land. To connect with Century 21 White House Realty, go to century21whitehouse.com or call (231) 9727676.

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

December 2018

Holiday Concert Coming to Ferris State The FSU Symphony Band, The FSU West Central Concert Band, The FSU West Central Chamber Orchestra, and Dr. Richard Scott Cohen, Musical Director and conductor, present A Symphonic Santa Sunday Family Holiday Concert, Sunday, December 9th, 2018 at 4:00 p.m. at Williams Auditorium, located on the campus of Ferris State University.

This annual holiday concert is a lively presentation of holiday tunes, including Christmas music, Chanukah songs, an audience Christmas Sing-Along, music by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and the perennial holiday classic “Sleigh Ride!” Special assistance

will be provided by Donna Smith, Holiday Chamber Ensembles.

Dynamite the Clown, Beebee the Clown, and Santa Claus will also be there with treats for the kids! This event is free and open to the community.

Our 11th Annual Holiday Concert Charity Drive is being held this year in support of Project Starburst.

Voluntary donations of canned goods and other non-perishable foods will be gratefully collected at the concert in the lobby. For more information please call Project Starburst at (231)796-5342.

Anyone with a disability who needs special accommodations

to attend this program must contact (231)591-3676 or williams_ auditorium@ferris.edu at least 72 hours in advance of event.

Ferris State University is an equal opportunity institution.

For more information on the University’s Policy on NonDiscrimination, visit ferris.edu/non-discrimination. For additional information, please contact Ferris State University Music Center, 1030 Campus Drive, Big Rapids, MI 49307, or call (231)5912501, or email RichardScottCohen@ferris.edu.

Artworks announces 2018-19 foreign film series Artworks’ foreign film series is underway now at the Big Rapids Community Library.

Each showing is at 7 p.m. See the schedule below!

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

December 2018

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SILVERNAIL REALTY

Holiday Block Party

We sell all types of real estate and offer property management.

We work for buyers AND sellers!

Sue Glatz

EXCLUSIVE agents

A.B.R., G.R.I., C.R.B., Owner/Broker - ssilvernail@charter.net

Real Estate Office & Property Management Office: 17810 205th Avenue, Big Rapids Mercantile Bank of Michigan, Lakeland Title of Mecosta County, Canadian Lakes Pharmacy, Sweeney Holbeck Edison Insurance Agency, Rose/Beemer Financial Group, Verified Title Agency and Canadian Lakes Eyecare all invite you to attend their holiday block party on December 6th, 2018 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Visit each business for hors d’oeurves, drinks, desserts and Holiday Cheer!

(East of the airport)

Bus: (231) 796-6329 • Fax: (231) 796-0509

Catch us on the web at www.silvernailrealty.com

15400 Waldron Way • Big Rapids

Tis The Season and The Reason to Shop Meijer for All Your Holiday Gift Needs JOIN

REWARDS TO SAVE MORE!

December 2018

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

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1250 Perry Ave, Ste D | Big Rapids, MI 49307 p: 231.796.6623 | www.carelincmed.com Monday-Friday: 8am-5pm

CHECK US OUT, Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce!

We’re excited about our expanded location in Big Rapids.

Our team is prepared to care for you better than ever before!

US T I S I V AY

TOD

EŽǁ ŝƐ ƚŚĞ dŝŵĞ͊ ZŝŶŐ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ EĞǁ zĞĂƌ ǁŝƚŚ ƚŚĞ ZŝŐŚƚ ŚŽŝĐĞ ŝŶ ZĞĂů ƐƚĂƚĞ͊

Big Rapids Realty, Inc & Reed City Realty, Inc ~Est. 1969~ And ready to serve YOU!

“For the Best Move You’ll Ever Make!”

202 S State Street, Big Rapids 231-796-4871 @carelincmed

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

December 2018

Royal View

R V

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

ESTABLISHED 1971

WE HAVE EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR WINTER! PLUS FEED AND ANIMAL SUPPLIES • Wild Bird Feed • Great Gift Ideas • Food & Pet WE’VE GOT THE AREA’S Supplies ONLY DRIVE-THRU

• Bird Feeders • Ice Melter • Wood Pellets • Snow Shovels • Live Stock Feed

FEED STORE!

310 N. Fourth Street • Big Rapids 231-796-6363

Our Design Team...

Is dedicated to helping you make the right choice!

Big Rapids

14150 Northland Dr. Big Rapids, MI 49307

South end of Big Rapids

231-796-2700

Find us on Facebook or visit our website to learn more!

There’s still time to get new flooring installed before the holidays!

Stop in and let our knowledgeable staff work with you today.

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

December 2018

Holiday Gift Guide Struggling to find a unique gift for someone this holiday season? Here are just a few of the businesses in Mecosta County to check out.

-Golf membership at Clear Lake Golf Club, Falcon Head Golf Club, or Tullymore Golf Resort.

-Membership at the Ferris State University Racquet & Fitness Center or Planet Fitness.

-Flowers from Patterson’s Flowers & Gifts.

-Pamper her with gift certificates from Fashion Nails, and Cardinal Spa and Massage, -Tickets to a class, a gift certificate, or a gift from Artworks and The Painted Turtle Gift Shop.

-Tickets to see a show at Stage – M. -Baked goods at The Pie Hole or Three Girl’s Bakery.

-Check out the selection of unique gifts and stocking stuffers at the Red Fox Market, while you’re there check out all of the Michigan made food, and the health goods.

-Gas card from Curries BP Amoco, EZ Mart, or Wesco.

-Check out the impressive selection of Christmas decorations at Martz & Shapley Hometown Pharmacy.

-Take a loved one to the tasting room at The Winery at Young Farms.

NON-PROFIT/ CHARITIES • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

American Red Cross AMVETS Angels of Action Animal Rescue Coalition of Mecosta County Better Business Bureau Big Rapids Elks Big Rapids Jaycees Big rapids Lions Club Big Rapids Rotary Club Disabled American Veterans Downtown Business Association of Big Rapids Eagle Village Friends of Ferris Friends of the Big Rapids Community Library GFWC Big Rapids, Inc Goodwill Industries of Greater Grand Rapids

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Tips on how to improve business especially during the winter Flash sales during warm days

On the days that driving isn’t so bad, consider having a flash sale! This draws the crowds of people who only come out when its nice out, directly to your business. The opposite approach might also be a good idea, have a flash sale during the worst times for sales, this might make it worth it for to people to visit.

-Pick up a bottle of wine or some spirits at Bulldog Party Store or Grunst Brothers.

-Consider Family Farm and Home for the gardener in your life.

-Maybe get mom the family photo she’s been wanting from Amanda Greenwood Photography, Mallory Jackson Photography, Silent Photography, or Wise Photography.

-Maybe a snowmobile, four-wheeler, or jet-ski for the family from Lakeside Motor Sports.

-Use the Chamber Directory to find an exciting restaurant that you may not have been to like The Pie Hole, Blue Lake Tavern, Nawal’s Mediterranean Grille, Szot’s Bar & Grill or one

Great Start Collaboration Hope Network West Michigan Life Resources of Northern Michigan, Inc. Mecosta County Agricultural Fair Association Mecosta County Community Foundation Mecosta County Development Corporation Mecosta County Habitat for Humanity Mecosta County Senior Center\ Mecosta County Sheriff’s Office Mecosta Osceola United Way Michigan Rehabilitation Services Mid-Michigan Community Action Agency Muskegon River Watershed Assembly Our Brothers Keeper Project Starburst The Salvation Army

• • •

of the 22 other incredible options and ask if they have a gift certificate.

-Get inspired with a list of local retail stores such as Pazsians Boutique, Serendipity, the brand new B2 Outlet Store or maybe one of four more options, by checking out the Chamber Directory.

-Make a donation in someone’s name to one of the wonderful charity’s listed in the Chamber Directory.

Focus on online and phone sales, ship products if possible

Find the Chamber Directory online by going to www.mecostacounty.com/members/ or pick up a copy by stopping into the Chamber at 127 South State Street in Big Rapids.

Maybe its not possible for you to ship your products, maybe they’re perishable, maybe they’re too big to ship, but can they be delivered? Grocery delivery services are on the rise, as well as many other fast food delivery services, even cars are being delivered. If its not possible for you to deliver on demand maybe take orders to be delivered at a few specific times a day, this way you don’t need to constantly be out making deliveries. Most people don’t even mind a delivery fee.

SLD Read Special Olympics Michigan Women’s Information Service, Inc. (WISE)

RETAIL AND GIFT SHOPS •

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Artworks and The Painted Turtle Gift Shop B2 Outlet Stores Lularoe Aimee FrancesMatchsticks, Inc Meijer stores Pazsians Boutique Red Fox Market Serendipity Shoe Sensation Walmart

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RESTAURANTS

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Applebee’s Biggby Coffee Blue Cow Café Blue Lake Tavern

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Bob Evans Farms, Inc. Buffalo Wild Wings Copper Top Pub Cranker’s Restaurant & Brewery Jets Pizza Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwich Shop Lakeside Pizza & Grinders Mancino’s Pizza & Grinders McDonald’s Murphy’s Bar Nawal’s Mediterranean Grille Raven Brewing & BBQ Sawmill Saloon Schuberg’s Bar Star Shooters State Street Scoops Szot’s Bar & Grill The Pie Hole Tropical Smoothie Café Ttowa

It may benefit you to update your website, is it possible to sell your product online?

If so, do it! This tip is not only for the winter but nowadays people are too busy to stop into a physical location so if you’re not marketing your product online you’re missing out!

Offer a delivery service

Be sure to advertise all your sales

Facebook is a great way to get cheap or free advertising, and if you’re a member of the chamber you can email us at events@mecostacounty.com about your sale or event and we will share it to our Facebook as well! Members can also advertise sales on our website at www.mecostacounty.com/hotdeals/ you just need to log in and add your sale under the hot deals tab, feel free to contact us if with any questions you may have. Radio is also a great avenue for advertisements, some good local stations to advertise with include B103.9, Sunny 97.3, and WGLM 106.3. The Pioneer Group has countless incredible advertising opportunities as well.

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

How Winter Impacts Local Businesses With an average temperature of 20.°F, along with black ice, white out blizzards, lake effect snow, sleet, and freezing rain, Michigan winters are known to be some of the worst in the country. This cold weather can cause treacherous roads resulting in countless auto accidents; in general, this is enough to keep many of your customers at home. However, the weather also plays a role in productivity: if a blizzard snows your employees, in nothing can be done, not to mention cabin fever causing low spirits. Dealing with the damage caused by winter weather can also quickly cut into your bottom line: just having someone plow your parking lot costs at least $30-$90 per visit, this adds up quickly. Even if you don’t have a parking lot, shoveling and salting your walk way can take up a lot of time and money.

Here are some ways that some of our local businesses are affected by Michigan’s winter weather.

“In Michigan, especially in the snowmobile business, we depend on a good snowy winter. The snow drives sales beyond just snowmobiles, it helps fuel sales for snowblowers, snowplows, ATVs, clothing and accessories. A good snowfall also helps our service department stay busy. While our customers can almost always drive north to find good trails, local snowfa ll is such a driver for the local economy. When we have good, rideable snow in Mecosta county, our used snowmobile sales go up, businesses and restaurants along the trails get busier, snowplow busine sses have work, it all trickles down and keeps money being spent within our county.”

Danielle Maneke Lakeside Motor Sports| 10964 90th Ave, Mecosta, MI 49332| (231) 972-4146 motorists and safe and clear of stranded e part in keeping the roads larg a s ing the winter Dur play fic. stry traf indu of ing flow tow the “The unsafe situation or hinder an be ld e-offs, cou (slid ch k whi wor s icle very abandoned veh and especially reco large spike in breakdowns perly prepare their pro to d nee they that months, we tend to see a very w n kno sure who live and work in Michiga prepare our fleet by making accidents, etc.). Motorists , however many do not. We ther lines wea ch nt win eme es, incl hos ing lic vehicles for the com lace any brake parts, hydrau uire winter from top to bottom and rep req k ks truc h truc eac the of ect e insp Som we that of service. se the truck to be placed out or other parts that could cau l. wel as ins rators prior cha duct meetings with our ope rated tires and a set of tire as well. We make sure to con habits nce bad orta and imp ed, ost icat utm mun the of com Safety is per driving techniques are pro ths, that so mon e ter win thes of ing ent dur to the commencem h as 10 times our average d could expand to as muc kloa wor Our ed. ress add are Adam Currie “be on our toes”. “ so it is imperative for us to Maple St, 620 | co Currie’s BP Amo ) 796-5351 (231 | 07 493 MI ids, Rap Big

“Winter weather means snow and ice. These two things affect our business by adding more tasks at hand and minding people’s safety. Shoveling daily, making sure the sidewalks are clear and then the salt or sand is spread out to minimize slipping and falling. Inside the store this means more mopping (daily) as the salt, sand and slush is then tracked in both front and back entrances and throughout the whole store.

I feel that this is also an opportunity to show our pride that we take in our store, customers and passersby always take notice and appreciate a clean sidewalk.”

Clinton Zimmerman Red Fox Market | 112 S Michigan Ave, Big Rapids, MI 49307| (231) 660-9000 cialty to highlight and feature spe us at Nawal's! This is a time for time ce iting odu intr exc an also is We “The winter season cakes and bread pudding. ts with gourmet desserts like cup well as themed dinner nigh as flavors of the season with s day holi the for or dec ul utif holidays bea the with for ts kies ues coo req ed er ord gourmet them r is busy too, with special yea the of and time efit ben This nt. music and entertainme seasons of the year to our son. We always try to use all here sea osp ter atm m win war the ing and or dur dec ties and par ine, desserts, tive things to do with our cuis have fun, exciting and crea ys.” enjo us to ily fam like e mor are Nawal Braden Swart which our customers who 14253 Northland Dr, | s sert Des Gourmet Cupcakes and ) 598-9303 Nawal’s Mediterranean Grille, Big Rapids, MI 49307 | (231

December 2018

Muskegon River Voyage

by George Heartwell Director, MRWA

“Let’s take this one to the left, Papa.”

“OK.” “Wait, wait! Maybe right would be better.”

“OK.” “No! Wait! I think we can just squeeze under through the middle.”

“Uhhhh….too late!”

Day two of a source-to-mouth canoe trip on the Muskegon River. My youngest grandchild, Gabe, and I had already spent more time out of the canoe, it seemed, than in it. Hauling the craft over sandbars; over, under, through…and only when we had to, around…deadfalls that reached from bank to bank. The 14-year-old seemed to be holding up better than the 69-year-old but we were both determined to see this through.

The “Mighty Muskegon” starts as a modest flow out of Houghton Lake and gathers waters from marshes and creeks in what is called the Deadstream Swamp, backed up by Reedsburg Dam. Below the dam it starts to look more riverine, though, as noted above, it was choked with fallen trees and, in drought-wracked early August, would certainly have benefitted from six inches more water. The first smart thing we did was to drop our 100 pounds of gear at White Birch Campground, our first night’s stop, and proceed bare-boat through the first day. Then there was an incredible act of kindness by White Birch owners Dave and Lindsay Howard who Sherpa-ed our gear to Leota; and the gracious act of Susan Heartwell – who reminds me that I owe her big-time – to schlep it from Leota to M-61.

From that point on we could carry the gear with us and be dependent on no one.

Well, that’s not exactly true.

At the end of Day 4, feeling strong and having reached M-66, our intended stop, earlier than expected, we pushed on, confident we could find a place to stretch our camping hammocks for the night. The rumble of distant thunder soon came closer and louder and no suitable camp sites presented themselves. We passed a home with a wooded side yard and a man working outside. One look at this bedraggled crew and he said “Sure. Pitch your camp in my yard.” River people are good people! Thank you Noel Senneca!

There were, of course, three major power dams to portage: Rogers, Hardy and Croton and they tested our endurance and commitment. There were the Class II rapids at Big Rapids to navigate. But on the ninth day the river opened into Muskegon Lake. What a sense of accomplishment!

What did we learn?

First, like Brahma of Hinduism, this river-god shows many faces. He is at times wily, serpentine, darting here and there. Then he is raucous, rolling, with one rapid after another. Then he is serene, quiet, lake-like. Just about the time you embrace that serenity he shows a towering dam and, below it a mighty river. One face is solitude, the quiet

of the upper reaches, miles and miles of shoreline with no signs of human habitation. Another face is shore-to-shore inner tubes, kayaks; or, on the “ponds”, wake-boats and water skiers, houseboats and pontoons.

Second, we learned that animal life recedes as human activity increases. We kept a tally of Bald Eagle and Osprey, Great Blue Heron and Green Heron, deer, bank beavers and muskrats, and more Kingfishers, Ducks and Geese than we could count. But on Day 7 – Brower Park on Hardy Pond to Newaygo – a hot, sunny Saturday, we saw nothing but humanity! In fairness, everybody was having a good time…and the river belongs to everyone.

But still I wonder: what are its limits?

Third, we saw everywhere the fingerprints of history in the life of the Muskegon. Ancient saw logs lay like pick-up sticks on the river bottom and it takes little imagination to see the devastation on the “roll-aways” where logs would cascade down hillsides taking sand and soils that cover gravel spawning beds even to this day. Anyone spending time on the Muskegon has seen the remnants of logging walls built to steer the massive log floats to their destination saw mills. The power dams did their part in changing the history of this river: blocking spawning runs, warming waters, taming rapids. Of course, lumber and electric power both have their roles in building the great nation we know. But still I wonder: is the damage irreparable?

Evident though the past is in the life of the Muskegon River, its future is less clear. This beloved water faces a host of threats: storm run off from agricultural fields and highway parking lots; bank erosion and resulting sedimentation from human activity; invasive species from as far away as the Black and Caspian Seas; and over-use for recreational purposes. Our Muskegon River is “Mighty” but even the mighty can fall.

Seeing the river in its entirety over nine days drove home for me the importance of protecting this natural wonder.

Our Muskegon River Watershed Assembly is dedicated to protecting, yes even enhancing, the river. Tree planting to shade the tributaries means cooler water entering the main river. Farm grants to provide buffer zones from fertilized crops means less phosphate in the water, less “food” for toxic blue-green algae production. Soil erosion projects stabilize banks and keep further sediment-wash from the river. Riparian property owner education means smarter use of the border between water and land.

And YOU! You are part of the solution to keeping the Mighty Muskegon majestic for generations unborn to enjoy. We need your help. No…the River needs your help! Your membership in the Watershed Assembly and your financial gifts to our work will go a long way toward ensuring the future of these waters.

I imagine this scene: Gabe (now a 69 year-old grandfather) and his 14 year old grandson; the year is 2073.

“Let’s take this one to the left, Papa.”

“OK.” For more information on the MRWA, visit them online at www.mrwa.org and if you would like to subscribe to the MRWA’s newsletter, contact jarretp@ferris.edu.

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

December 2018

business and fill your appointment calendar in January. Try this: Make or buy some token gifts. (my favorite is mix up a batch of to-die-for fudge that I create and drop off at the homes of friends and clients.) Maybe it is something you make or buy, such as a holiday tree ornament or some other gift… something that costs under $5. Skip the calendar; it stinks of marketing and generates zero appreciation.

Send business-oriented emails to your clients and prospects. The email should talk about the value of year-end decisions; making or deferring tax decisions, conducting an annual review of coverage and assets, etc. Close with a suggestion that they contact you to arrange an appointment. However, do not follow up on this contact. Let your clients bring it up… if they choose.

Schedule no sales appointments after mid-month. Instead, call and schedule personal drop-by visits with your clients and prospects. Each visit should take no longer than ten minutes. Just go in, give your gift, thank clients for having given you their trust this past year, and then get out. Never mention your earlier email. If they bring it up, that’s when you ask when they would like to meet. Let it be

1

A December Marketing Strategy

By John Insrisao, CLU Many of us don’t know what to do in December. As a result, our year-end efforts are typically devoted to either…

Racing to close year-end business, pulling out the stops to generate a ton of sales that will make the final, annual numbers look good.

One problem: If this describes you, why are you waiting for the last minute? It isn’t like the end of the year comes as a surprise. It happens on December 31 every year. Besides, the last thing many of your clients/prospects want is to deal with life insurance and other issues right around

the holidays. It can be a turn off… unless they initiate the contact. (more on that in step #2, below.)

Or laying low and doing nothing deciding that there is no business to be had this time of the year, so just tuck away the briefcase, shop for presents, and enjoy the family. Do that and you are doing a disservice to yourself and to your clients.

Neither one of these two extremes makes much sense. Instead, here is a potential game plan that will build relationships, give you some

How to get the most out of the last-minute holiday rush CREATE AN EASY GIFT SET BUNDLE No matter what, every year it seems like everyone always forgets to buy someone a gift.

Why not make it easy for your customers to quickly grab a great pre-wrapped gift bundle on the way to their Christmas party.

MARKET A HOLIDAY SALE USING A FACEBOOK SHARE RAFFLE A great way to promote a holiday sale is to make a holiday raffle on Facebook. Its best to make the rules for your raffle as easy as possible like one share equals one entry, and one entry per day. As you can imagine this starts a chain reaction with one person seeing it, and sharing it, which lets all their friends see it and share it, and so on. The prizes don’t even need to be huge a $20-$50 value is usually enough to get the ball rolling.

OFFER INCENTIVES TO SPEND MORE Consider offering store credit redeemable after the holidays. There are plenty of ways to do this, you could do a certain amount of store credit per dollar spent ex: ‘Get $0.10 store credit for every $1 spent!’ Generally a better way to do it is offer a certain amount of credit when you reach a spending goal ex: get $1 for every $10 spent, this way people have a reason to spend a little extra, say someone’s total is $19 they are going to feel like they should pick something else out for $1 to get the store credit, however many of them wont find something else they want for $1 so they may pick something out for $5 so just like that your $19 sale turned into $24. Having the credit redeemable after the holidays also brings them back after the holiday rush while your business is in the winter lull. $1 for $10 works out to 10% off, so you may need to adjust this for your business.

2 3

15

their idea.

Follow up with calls for appointments right after the New Year. In January, people generally are ready to get back down to business. Spend the first week in January lining up appointments for the rest of the month. You may be amazed how many you will obtain.

Why this system works: You promote the relationship, not your products or services, in December. Many prospects/clients will be a bit surprised that you called and visited without saying a word about business. They’re probably not used to it since, too often, we call only when we want to discuss their needs.

This is one of the most powerful ways to build relationships. Remember, people work with you the rest of the year because they like you and trust you. Taking a very non-businesslike position in December will build that good will during this time of year… and it will bear fruit all the way through the next year.

Bonus: this will also help remind you that you are in this business not just to make money, but also to help people achieve their goals and solve their problems.

The bottom line:Work hard, build relationships, and have fun this December

4

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

ut It! o b A l l A d a Re ber r fellow Cham

h you Share it wit to us as Got news? y sending it b y it n u m m uld d your co photos sho & s members an le ic rt A of each attachment. n the 10th an MS Word a th r te la d no month’s be submitte luded in the following e inc s to: info@ month to b es and photo cl ti ar d n se e 96-7649. issue. Pleas m or give us a call (231) 7 icles ty.co straints, art n mecostacoun co e m ti due to ion.

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Big Rapids Community Library bigrapids.lib.mi.us

BRCL Teen Writing Club Wrap Party

Dec. 3, 4pm Friends of the library meeting

Dec. 5, 4pm Knit Night

Dec. 6, 6:30 pm Foreign Film

Library Closed

Dec. 22- Dec 25, Dec. 29- Jan 1 Holiday Hours

12-5pm Dec. 26-28 Holiday Gift workshop with the 3-D Printer

Dec. 3-14

Dec. 8, 7pm Gingerbread Decorating Fun!

Dec. 11, 4pm Library Board Meeting

Dec. 11, 4pm

Preschool Story Time

Every Monday and Wednesday at 10:30 a.m.

Computer/Tech Class

Every Tuesday at 9:30 a.m.

Santa Visit

Dec. 13, 5pm Camera Club-Capturing the Holidays

Dec. 13, 6pm Teen Movie Night

Dec. 14, 6pm Knit Night & Holiday Yarn Swap

Dec. 20, 6:30 pm Friends Book Club

Dec. 21, 12pm

Tiny Tots Tinker Lab

Every Thursday from 9:30-11 a.m.

This program is a free play time for children and their parents to socialize. Please come and enjoy getting to know other parents and kids in your community.

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

December 2018

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:

RECYCLE! Of Mecosta County MONDAY 9a-5:30p WEDNESDAY 9a-5:30p FRIDAY 9a-5:30p SATURDAY 9a-1p 424 N. 4th Street

Big Rapids, MI 49307 (231) 796-9872

Big Rapids Antique Farm & Power Club

See you next year! The club will resume meetings in February 2019 at Big Rapids First Baptist Church, 200 S. Stewart Ave. in Big Rapids.

AMVETS Post 1941 & Legion Post 98

Red Fox Market

Red Fox Market hosts a variety of classes each month in its downtown store. For more information on each event, visit Red Fox Market on Facebook!

Auricular (ear) Acupuncture with Lyni Nowak Nurse Practitioner 6 p.m. on Dec. 4 9 a.m. on Dec. 12

Santa is coming to Red Fox Market December 20 6pm

Big Rapids Eagles and Auxiliary 2535 Every Tuesday is Burger Night Every Friday is Fish Fry and Prime Rib Fourth Friday is liver and onions Euchre on Saturdays Swiss steak dinner 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Dec. 12 Members-Only Christmas Brunch 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Dec. 16 Kids’ Christmas Party

2-4 p.m. on Dec. 16 Musician’s Night Starts at 4 p.m. on Dec. 23 Admission is $10, with all proceeds benefitting Angels of Action and another charity chosen by the Eagles New Year’s Eve Party Noon to 6 p.m. Early party 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Late Party Bring munchies to pass. 50/50 raffles and games will take place throughout the evening.

See the back cover for regular AMVETS Post 1941 & Legion Post 98 specials and events.

Big Rapids Elks #974 203 East Pine Street Big Rapids

I❤ Mecosta County

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

December 2018

Artworks Fall Classes For class descriptions, fees, and registration, visit artworksinbigrapids.org/classes.

Pottery Wheel Workshops

Jesse VanderBand, instructor Dec 12 6-8pm After School Art

Drop-in $10 or 8 session punch card $60 Ginny Veneklase, instructor Tuesdays: September 11-December 18 3:45-5:15 p.m.

Ages: 6+ Holiday Market

Nov19-Dec22 Basket weaving: Winter Market Basket

$55-65 Instructors: Jeanette Fleury and Nancy Randall Dec 1 9am-3pm

FSU Fine Arts Gallery

October 23 – December 15 Tatsuki Hakoyama’s “The Space Between” exhibit “The Space Between” is a series of oil paintings that reflect on the search for balance between oppositions, with an emphasis on the contradicting nature of traditional and contemporary lifestyles.

Especially with globalization that allows for cross-cultural interactions, my goal is to search for the ideal balance of the different cultures that contribute to the ‘third-space’ as discussed by Homi Bhabha.

Winter Floral Arrangement

$30-$40 Instructor: Anja Fitzgerald Dec 4 6-7:30pm Holiday Wine & Stained Glass Ornament Workshop

$30-$40 Instructor: Sharon Bulger Dec 7 6-8pm Santa Visits!

Dec 8 2- 5pm A Christmas Evening of Harmony

$15 Dec 13 6:30-8:30

Big Rapids Fall Recreation Programs For registration forms and more information go to www.brpr.org or call (231) 592-4038

TAI CHI September 5 to December 19 Mondays and Wednesdays Noon to 1 p.m.

Cost: $2 per participant When weather permits (60° or above) class will meet at Hemlock Park. Otherwise class will be held at the Old Jail.

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. Newcomers are always welcome!

LINE DANCE CLASSES September 4 to December 20 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 9-10 a.m. Beginners 10-11 a.m. Intermediate Learn coordinated steps to a variety of music. A social and aerobic activity. Bring a friend!

Artworks, Dance Studio WATER AEROBICS September 10 to December 15 Monday, Wednesday, Friday 8:30 - 9:30 am Cost: $4 per class or $40 for punch card (12 classes)

Are you between 21-40 years old and interested in making a positive impact in the community while practicing leadership skills?

Consider joining the Big Rapids Jaycees. For more information, find us on Facebook @brjaycees, www.brjaycees.com, or email us at brjaycees@gmail.com.

STAGE-M

STAGE-M will return in the spring with new shows.

The story of Seymour who works and lives in An Agatha Christie Mystery April 4-7, 2019 Four Agatha Christie mysteries are being considered for this performance, all with her wonderful characters, twisty plots and unusual endings. Stay tuned!

Little Shop of Horrors July 25-28, 2019

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a rundown flower ship on Skid Row. He looks for a way to bring the struggling shop (and himself) fame and fortune. He buys an exotic plant, which proves good for business, but learns, to his horror, that it craves blood!

STAGE-M’s monthly meeting will be held at 9am at the United Church in Big Rapids.

Ferris State Recreation Center Pool 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.

SENIOR FIT TIME September 4 to December 20 Tuesday: 4-5 p.m.

Thursday: 3-4 p.m.

Cost: $2 per participant Style Station, 1619 Catherine Street in Big Rapids 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.

DELAY THE DISEASE FITNESS FOR PARKINSON’S September 6 to December 20 Thursdays 1—1:45 pm Cost: $2 per participant Style Station, 1619 Catherine Street in Big Rapids 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.

Greens Workshop for Big Rapids Garden Club

2018 Big Rapids Garden Club will host a Greens Workshop, Monday, December 10, 2018, at the First United Methodist Church, located at 304 Elm St in Big Rapids.

Club members will be on hand to assist attendees as they make their own centerpiece, kissing ball, swag, wreath, porch pot, mailbox cover, tree, or decorated picture frame.

Other items will be available as well. Prices start at $15.00 per item. Fresh greens and kits are included. Extra trims and containers are also available. Please bring old gloves and scissors or small pruners.

Tables can be reserved for pre-paid groups of six or more. Walk-ins are welcome.

Doors will open promptly at 6:00 p.m.

Pre-pay options are available on December 10th from 9:00 a.m.—12 noon or 5:30—6:00 p.m. at the church (304 Elm Street, Big Rapids). Attendees can pre-pay, so they can be ready to start when the doors open.

For questions, or to make reservations, email TLMKozak53@gmail.com or call Terry at 231-796-2365.

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

December 2018

December is National Business Plan Month By: Minority Business Development Agency www.mbda.gov

Are you interested in starting a business? Creating a business plan is one of the most important steps you will take because the plan serves as your road map for the early years of your business.

The business plan generally projects 3-5 years ahead and outlines the route a company intends to take to reach its yearly milestones, including revenue projections. A well thought out plan also helps you to step-back and think objectively about the key elements of your business venture and informs your decision-making on a regular basis.

SBA's Business Plan Tool provides you with a step-by-step guide to help you get started. All your information entered this tool can only be viewed by accessing your account using the password you have specified. Not only can you save your plan as a PDF file, you can also update it at any time, making this a living plan to which you can often refer.

Essential Elements of a Good Business Plan What are the key elements of a business plan?

From market analysis to your company financials, this guide walks you through the essential components of your plan, including how to develop a funding request.

• Business Plan Executive Summary Your executive summary is a snapshot of your business plan and touches on your company profile and goals. Read these tips about what to include.

• Market Analysis Before launching your business, it is essential for you to research

your business industry, market and competitors.

• C o m p a n y Description Your company description provides information on what you do, what differentiates your business from others, and the markets your business serves.

• Organization & Management Every business is structured differently.

Find out the best organization and management structure for your business.

• Marketing & Sales How do you plan to market your business? What is your sales strategy?

Read more about how to include this information in your plan.

• Service or Product Line What do you sell? How does it benefit your customers? What is the product lifecycle? Get tips on how to tell the story about your product or service.

• Funding Request If you are seeking funding for your business, find out about the necessary information you should include in your plan.

• Financial Projections If you need funding, providing financial projections to back up your request is critical. Find out what information you need to include in your financial projections for your small business.

• Appendix An appendix is optional, but a useful place to include information such as resumes, permits and leases. Find additional information you should include in your appendix.

SUCCESSFUL MARKETING IS ALL ABOUT HAVING THE RIGHT ENERGY By: David Meltzer |Entrepreneur, CEO and Founder, Sports 1 Marketing | www.entrepreneur.com

Many young professionals have a shortage of experience or situational knowledge; they also lack a huge network of relationship capital. Having this capital is all a variable of time, nothing else. But, by putting an effort into networking, anyone can accelerate their success.

This is where the energy that you carry comes into play. Relationship capital is an immensely valuable part of business success. And one of the best ways to build this asset is to put your energy, intention and attention on networking. Energy makes it, quote-unquote "network," meaning the energy that you carry is what makes your connections work.

a place or a situation where you can network is simply to put yourself into the right frame of mind.

First, think of yourself as an equal. You mustn't think of yourself as separate, inferior or even superior.

Don't fall victim to your ego! Envision yourself on a level playing field.

If you don't have the right energy before you step into a networking or connection situation, then you must shift your energy. I can't tell you how many times that I've entered a room of my own family where I've felt separate, inferior or superior. And it always tends to make situations worse. This is why we must first have our energy aligned and be connected as one. You must feel like you belong, especially if you're younger and you don't have ENERGETIC FIRST STEPS The first step when you have identified an event, many relationships that you can leverage. If you

don't carry the right energy when networking, you SECOND, THAT EMOTION When formulating your question, remember will not be very successful. that people "buy" on emotion for logical reasons.

BRING YOUR VALUE Therefore, it's a good idea to connect emotionally.

When you walk into a room, you want people to feel and know that you provide value and can be of Emotion is energy in motion. There are numerous service. Also, that you're radically humble and can ways to establish an emotional connection from the ask for help. I want the energy that I carry to utilize outset. You can share a passion for a sports team, the 100/20 Rule: Everyone who speaks with me or for the place where you grew up or the community meets me knows that I'm giving much more value you serve. If you both have children, you can talk about their school activities. Or anything that's than I'm asking for.

Networking will be easier if you have a simplified important to you, and in common with the other approach to your interactions or connections. Once person.

Finally, when networking, be "more interested you have the right energy, make sure you maintain than interesting." Simply put: Find out what they eye contact, smile and always have at least one know, rather than showing off what you know. question to ask.

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

December 2018

19

Member Benefit Spotlight: Chamber Directory mecostacounty.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 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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Just north of the airport on old 131

phone numbers sorted into categories, so people can find your business easily.

What should you do?

Our updated directory goes to print in January, so please make sure your information is updated with us and that your membership is renewed as soon as possible.

MAKING DREAMS COME TRUE SINCE 1948

• Brake Special • Tune-Ups • Struts, Shocks & Ball Joints • Starters & Alternator Service

231-796-7355

What is it?

Member information is listed in an annual publication that is distributed throughout the year to over 2,500 of our members, visitors, community members, and at various events, expos, in our office, mailed by request, and there’s even an online directory on our website www.mecostacounty.com. It contains all of our members business names, addresses, and

DYLAN THIEL Service

JASON VANBROCKLIN Service

ADAM FLANERY Service Manager

GARY SIRDAN Service

DON LUCHA Service

231-796-7743

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Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com Dec 1

DECEMBER 2018

MECOSTA COUNTY CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Dec 2

Dec 4 Dec 6 Dec 7 Dec 8

Dec 9 Dec 10 Dec 11

Dec 12

Dec 13 Dec 15

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Dec 19 Dec 20

Dec 21

5:30 p.m. AMVETS/Bar dinner Annual Holiday Artist Market Starts 9:00 a.m. St. Mary - St Paul Christmas Bazaar at St. Mary’s Parish Center 919 Marion, Big Rapids 10:30 a.m. Santa Visits the Salvation Army 8:30 a.m. St. Mary- St Paul Christmas Bazaar at St. Mary’s Parish Center 919 Marion, Big Rapids 9:00 a.m. AMVETS Auxiliary Monthly Breakfast 4:00 p.m. Senior Fit Time at the Style Station 1619 Catherine Street 5:30 p.m. Holiday Block Party 5:30 p.m. The 33rd Annual Chamber Holiday Gala at the Holiday Inn Hotel and Conference Center 2:00 p.m. Santa Visits Artworks 5:30 p.m. AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary Dinner 7:00 p.m. Artworks Foreign Film Series: “Tangerines” at the Big Rapids Community Library 7:00 p.m. Voca Lyrica Annual Holiday Concert at Big Rapids High School Auditorium 8:00 a.m. Mecosta VFW Pancake Breakfast 6:00 p.m. Riverview Elementary School Concert in the Big Rapids High School Auditorium 6:00 p.m. Brookside Elementary School Concert in the Big Rapids High School Auditorium 4:00 p.m. Senior Fit Time at the Style Station 1619 Catherine Street 11:30 a.m. Lunch and Learn: Small Business Energy Solutions at Michigan Works! 14330 Northland Drive, Big rapids 5:30 p.m. Eagles Swiss steak dinner 5:00 p.m. Let’s Create Family Traditions at Eastwood Early Childhood Center 10:00 a.m. AMVETS Breakfast with Santa, Sign up by 12/5 12:00 p.m. Santa Visits JCPenney 1:00 p.m. AMVETS Chili Cook Off 11 a.m. Eagles Members Only Christmas Brunch 2:00 p.m. Eagles Kids’ Christmas Party 4:00 p.m. Tuba Bach Christmas at the Big Rapids High School Auditorium Annual Holiday Artist Market Ends 4:00 p.m. Senior Fit Time at the Style Station 1619 Catherine Street 7:00 p.m. Big Rapids Middle/High School band concert in the Big Rapids High School Auditorium 7:00 p.m. Big Rapids Middle/High School band concert in the Big Rapids High School Auditorium 10:00 a.m. Foot Care Clinic at the Mecosta County Senior Center12954 80th Ave. Mecosta, MI 49332 5:00 p.m. Ho-ho-home for the Holidays Shopping event 5:00 Business After Hours at the Red Fox Market 7:00 p.m. Big Rapids Middle/High School band concert in the Big Rapids High School Auditorium 11:00 a.m. Santa Visits Lowes

December 2018 Dec 23 Dec 31

4:00 p.m. Musician’s Christmas Party at the Big Rapids Eagles Eagles New Year’s Eve Party Noon to 6 p.m. Early party 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Late Party

SPECIAL DAYS

AMVETS POST 1941 & LEGION POST 98 NEW HOURS - MON-FRI 1 P.M. TO CLOSE (LAST CALL AS EARLY AS 8:30) SAT & SUN 12 P.M. TO CLOSER PENDING 5 MEMBER RULE NOW SERVING DAILY LUNCH SPECIALS MONDAY – FRIDAY STARTING AT NOON. HOMEMADE SOUP AVAILABLE. EAT-IN OR TAKE-OUT. CALL 231-7966998 FOR MENU. IF YOU WANT TAKE-OUT, CALL US AND WE’LL HAVE YOUR LUNCH READY WHEN YOU NEED IT. BREAKFAST IS BACK! THE AMVETS AUXILIARY WILL BE SERVING BREAKFAST AGAIN ON THE FIRST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH STARTING ON SUNDAY, OCT. 7 FROM 9-11:30 A.M. MENU INCLUDES SCRAMBLED EGGS, BACON, SAUSAGE LINKS, PANCAKES, TOAST, BISCUITS AND GRAVY, COFFEE AND JUICES. MONDAY – FRIDAY: HAPPY HOUR 4 TO 6 P.M. MONDAY NIGHT TACOS- $2.00 PULL TAB BINGO @ 6:00 P.M. 2ND CHANCE @ 7:00 P.M. EVERY OTHER MONDAY TUESDAY $1.00 WELL DRINKS FROM 4-6 P.M. THURSDAY – BURGER NIGHT 5:30 – 7:30 P.M. R.E.D. SHIRT FRIDAY- REMEMBERING EVERYONE DEPLOYED- WEAR SOMETHING RED – THE RED MUST BE VISIBLE! $0.50 OFF BOTTLED BEER, WINE & LIQUOR ONLY 1ST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH – AMVETS LADIES AUXILIARY BREAKFAST FIRST AND THIRD SATURDAY: DINNER SPECIALS CALL (231) 796-6998 FOR LUNCH SPECIALS AND DINNER MENUS ALL MEALS ARE EAT-IN OR TAKE-OUT

BIG RAPIDS EAGLES 2535: Open To The Public DAILY LUNCHES/ 11AM-3PM TUESDAYS: BURGER NIGHT/ 4:30-8PM FRIDAYS: FISH FRY & PRIME RIB/ 4:30-8PM SATURDAYS: EUCHRE

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 ELKS Fridays • Fish Fry 6-8pm BIG RAPIDS ROTARY MEETS EVERY TUESDAY AT 12:00PM AT FALCON HEAD GOLF COURSE BIG RAPIDS LIONS CLUB MEETS EVERY 2ND AND 4TH MONDAY OF THE MONTH 6:30pm at #52 Sports Bar and Kitchen

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