If you’re looking for the next thing to change the world, look no further than artificial intelligence. Recently, I spent some time playing around with ChatGPT, and I was absolutely blown away by its abilities. In fact, as I write this column, I already have a ‘late to the party’ feeling. If you haven’t explored some of the AI resources out there, I encourage you to do so. The world is about to change.
Here are a few of the directives I entered into the ChatGPT database to see what it would produce:
• A letter to MRA members introducing our Annual Report.
• A screenplay about a 12-year-old trying to make it big in the movie industry. (My daughter Olivia is all-in on her acting career. See OliviaHallan.com)
• A legal brief citing Michigan law about whether a fight at work between two employees should be compensable as a workers’ compensation claim.
The results were utterly amazing. In just seconds, the system generated a near perfect piece of work. Each document was even formatted exactly as it should be. Sure, they were all a bit generic, but with very limited editing, each could pass as an original work.
The implications are far-reaching, both in and out of the retail context. Need some copy for a social media marketing post but struggling with writer’s block? Done. Need a diplomatic way to respond to a customer complaint on Yelp? Done. The use case possibilities are endless.
Of course there is potential for fraud. Students are already using the software to author term papers passing them off as their own. Will the film industry rely on AI in the midst of the ongoing writers’ strike? Even in retail, could an AI-generated description of a piece of merchandise cause inaccuracies and mislead consumers? One must proceed with caution.
A couple years ago, I mused about whether some day we’d be holding virtual meetings in the Metaverse. While that has yet to prove out, it seems that Artificial Intelligence has significant staying power. I think we’re just scratching the surface on what this technology can do.
WILLIAM J. HALLAN MRA President and Chief Executive Officer
Bill Golden Chair
Golden Shoes, Traverse City
William J. Hallan President & CEO Michigan Retailers Association
Bryan Neiman Vice Chair Neiman’s Family Market, St. Clair
Peter R. Sobelton Treasurer Mondial Properties, Birmingham
Bo Brines Past Chair
Little Forks Outfitters, Midland
Kim Edsenga Meijer, Inc., Grand Rapids
Becky Beauchine Kulka
Becky Beauchine Kulka Diamonds and Fine Jewelry, Okemos
Dan Marshall Marshall Music Company, Lansing
Orin Mazzoni, Jr. Orin Jewelers, Northville
Joseph McCurry Credit Card Group
Raeann Rouse Bridge Street Baby, Rockford
Thomas Ungrodt TDU Consulting, LLC, Ann Arbor
Larry Meyer
Board Member Emeritus
D. Larry Sherman Board Member Emeritus
William J. Hallan President & CEO
John Leppink Leppink’s Food Centers, Belding
Kendra Patterson Michigan Barn Wood & Salvage, Mason
Joe Swanson Target, Retired
William J. Hallan Publisher
Andrea Bitely Editor
Rachel Schrauben Copy Editor and Content Manager
Josh Delany Design and Layout
Shandra Martinez Contributor
Josh Delany Photographer
Borr’s co-owner Cathy Tubbergen poses in front of Holland’s newest centennial retailer
“When I’m no longer rapping, I want to open up an ice cream parlor and call myself Scoop Dogg.” —Snoop Dogg
Sometimes I feel like a broken record. As we wrap up meetings with most of the newly-elected legislators and new committee chairs, the sentiment I’ve repeated countless times is asking them to be mindful of whether a proposed policy can realistically be implemented.
More times than not, bills have unintended consequences or inadvertently cover circumstances that aren’t the true problem the legislation seeks to solve. In the real world, some things just aren’t feasible. This is particularly true for small business owners who, in addition to making the larger business decisions of which products or services to sell, must also serve in compliance, hiring, HR, accounting, and cleaning roles. There are limited resources, both monetary and time, to meet every new regulation, benefit requirement, or compliance demand.
As I review legislation and talk with lawmakers, I do my best to remind them of this reality. Legislators this term are particularly interested in adding more affordable housing and helping residents adjust to inflation. Yet almost every new program (like the proposed state-run optimal family leave coverage), benefit (like increasing unemployment benefits from 20 to 26 weeks), or environmental goal (like the Senate Democrats’ Clean Energy Future Plan) comes with a cost associated with its implementation. With a finite number of resources, there need to be tough decisions made on how many workers can be employed, how many locations to have and where to locate, which days/hours to be open for business, what products/ services to offer, which benefits can be offered, and which charities to support.
Each of these proposals have some merit and come with concerns. Some, as written, simply aren’t workable. But if several are adopted and businesses must meet a dozen or more new standards and policies, there will be consequences. Those could easily include some businesses reducing their workforce, cutting their local charitable giving, or even closing their doors.
Typically, that’s the opposite of the stated goal. It’s something to be mindful of, even on the most well-intentioned proposal.
For retailers, good customer service is absolutely essential to success. Effective customer service does not occur just when the customer is in the store, but is a continuum from marketing efforts, to the shopping experience, and post-purchase. With that in mind, retailers have to be cognizant of how they use customer data. In today’s world of personalized marketing and customer analytics, none of us are immune from the onslaught of emails, texts, and other forms of communication. At some point we’ve all gone on an “unsubscribe” mission.
In some states, the concern about customer data has led to unnecessary, costly, and overly restrictive legislation. These regulations are put in place despite the fact that good acting retailers already have a vested interest in customer data security and follow identity theft laws and Payment Card Industry standards. While Michigan currently has no such legislation, there is a bill draft circulating that would be harmful to retailers and their business practices, is vague in its mandates, and would impose harsh penalties. MRA is actively lobbying against this proposed bill draft.
Best practices when it comes to data security are relatively straightforward. First, make sure you have a secure method of collecting and storing information, and are regularly reviewing what data you have, what purpose it serves, and how long you are keeping the information. Cyberattacks by bad actors have skyrocketed over the past several years and are a problem across every industry. Second, only collect data that is necessary for your business purposes and allow the customer an opportunity to opt out of any communications. Third, be transparent with your customers by specifically indicating what information is gathered and why.
Retailers and their customers do not need overly burdensome regulations to govern data privacy. Retailers are good stewards of customer information, which is both the right approach to take and a good business practice. Forced and overly broad regulation will only increase costs and make operating a business more complicated without adding substantial additional protections to customers.
Over the last few editions of the Michigan Retailer magazine, I’ve walked you through how to pick which platforms to utilize, how to stage photos, and find your voice on social media (and recommended you reach out to the MRA team for more tips and tricks!).
Now, how do you know what to share on social media and when to share it?
Small business owners should use social media as a tool to connect with their audience, build brand awareness, and promote their products or services. Here are some ideas for what small business owners should post on social media:
Product or service promotions: Share photos, videos, or testimonials of your products or services to create buzz and encourage potential customers to make a purchase.
Behind-the-scenes content: Give your audience a glimpse into your daily operations, the process of creating your products, or a day in the life of your business.
Customer stories: Share stories or testimonials from happy customers to show the value of your products or services and build trust with potential customers.
Industry news or trends: Show you’re knowledgeable and upto-date.
Inspirational quotes or memes: Share motivational quotes or memes that align with your brand values and connect with your audience.
Educational content: Share educational content such as howto guides, tips and tricks, or tutorials related to your products or services.
Employee spotlights: Showcase your team members and highlight their skills, interests, and contributions to your business.
Contests or giveaways: Encourage engagement and grow your audience by running a social media contest or giveaway.
Remember to always keep your brand voice and values in mind when creating content for social media. You want to make sure that everything you post is aligned with your brand and will resonate with your target audience.
The Michigan Jewelers Association was founded by Max Jennings of St. Clair, in 1905, and is believed to be the first state jewelers association to be organized. That same year, the first annual convention and trade show were held. The convention and trade show continued until 2003.
The Michigan Jewelers Association became a division of MRA in November 1956.
Scan below to get to know our other divisions:
MRA is proud to count many notable accomplishments in 2022. To summarize the year, here are some of our most important achievements:
• Celebrated the 100th Anniversary of Willson’s Garden Center in Petoskey, Barden Lumber in Boyne City, and Mieras Family Shoes in Grand Rapids.
• Shipped 67,250 rolls of receipt paper to MRA members.
• All three of MRA’s ORC initiatives were signed into law in July 2022.
• MRA awarded State Representatives Ben Frederick (former) (R-Owosso), Samantha Steckloff (D-Farmington Hills), Mark Tisdel (R-Rochester Hills), as well as State Senators Curtis Hertel (former) (D-East Lansing), Jim Runestad (R-White Lake), Roger Victory (R-Hudsonville) as our Legislators of the Year.
• The inaugural Buy Nearby grants made an impact in Ada, Cadillac, St. Johns, and Vassar - highlighting Michigan’s downtowns with television and digital advertising.
• MRA partnered with Cold Box Films to produce a holiday ad that ran across Michigan on local television and was shared by MRA and our partners on social media.
• Maintained the “A’-Unsurpassed Rating” from Demotech.
• Expanded our marketing and e-newsletters to more agencies.
• Increased policy count and grew written premium 15.7 percent.
• Foundation reached over $650,000 in awards given since 1999.
• Scholarship amounts more than doubled to $3,500 each.
Q & A with Travel Michigan’s David Lorenz and MDA’s Dana
BY: SHANDRA MARTINEZAs we head into summer, many downtown retailers will benefit from the bump in buying that accompanies summer tourism. We checked in with Dana Walker, Director of the Michigan Downtown Association, and David Lorenz, Vice President of Travel Michigan, for their take on how retailers and downtowns can take advantage of the state’s busiest travel season.
What kind of summer tourism numbers do you expect in Michigan this year?
David Lorenz: We’re going to see more travelers exploring lesser-known areas this year and overall travel volume in Michigan should increase over pre-pandemic 2019 levels. Last year, we saw this pent-up demand for record travel volume and spending to well-known areas, sometimes too many at the same time. This year, we’re encouraging people to include our bigger cities as part of their plan to experience unique culture, the arts, festivals, and sporting events.
Dana Walker: A lot of our northern Michigan downtowns have been drawing tourists in the last few years. I don’t foresee that necessarily changing, but depending on what happens in the next couple of weeks with gas prices or people’s feelings about the economy, maybe people won’t travel as far. This could put a spotlight on downtowns closer to home as well.
Walker
What’s your favorite off-the-beaten-path destination?
David Lorenz: Our Pure Michigan campaign this year is called “Keep It Fresh,” and it’s designed to inspire visitors to explore new places and to meet new people along the way. We are encouraging people to find those off-the-beaten-path destinations that offer experiences that allow them to pursue their passions. As an example, our list of 10 Hidden Gems in Michigan includes some of my favorites like Old Town Lansing, Ann Arbor’s Motawi Tileworks and Ocqueoc Falls on the “sunrise side.”
Dana Walker: That’s like picking your favorite child! But, I will say our family makes it a practice to travel the backroads, and we love stopping in smaller downtowns in our state. They maybe don’t get as much media attention but certainly are filled with treasures to explore, like momand-pop shops, bakeries, breweries, and things like that.
What’s one small thing a community can do to improve its downtown and attract more tourists?
David Lorenz: Be welcoming to all. Show your pride of your community and its culture. Michigan is known for being very friendly. I have hosted many international visitors who always end their
DANA WALKER Director of the Michigan Downtown Association
visit by saying, “I had no idea how friendly people are here.” I know it can be a little inconvenient getting around town during festivals and high tourism season, but be patient – and be hospitable. Make sure people know that you are thankful for their visit and that they are welcome to return.
Dana Walker: Little amenities really can add so much to downtowns. Sometimes it’s just a matter of putting a bench out so that a long block doesn’t feel so long. Or adding lights. It’s charming when a restaurant or business adds twinkle lights. They just draw immediate interest, are fairly inexpensive and easy to put up. From plants to lights to art, think of adding anything that’s going to give life to your sidewalks. It will go a long way to grab people’s attention.
David Lorenz: Muskegon is doing a great job welcoming the cruise ship visitors that are coming back to the Great Lakes. Flint and Detroit are adding murals to their downtowns, which are adding to their appeal as arts and cultural destinations.
Dana Walker: Alpena has an incredible art initiative called Fresh Waves, a public art project led by the Alpena DDA, to introduce vibrant, unique murals to its downtown. Lake Orion launched Social District Nights to support the shops and restaurants. It encourages patrons who don’t want to eat or drink inside to order their meal or beverage and consume it in one of Lake Orion’s social districts. Lapeer has done some great things with empty spaces, including turning a burnedout property into parkland.
Aerial view of downtown Petoskey.
Sunset on the sand dunes of Lake Michigan.
Retailers and legislators gathered in Lansing in late April for Capitol Day and MRA’s annual Legislative Reception.
To begin the day, Retail Ambassadors and board members met with their local representatives and senators to discuss issues affecting their stores and how to come together to assist the retail industry.
Following Capitol Day meetings, the ambassadors, legislators, retailers, sponsors, and MRA Board of Directors gathered at Dykema Law Firm for further conversations, drinks, and appetizers.
Thank you to our Legislative Reception Sponsors, and to Busch’s Fresh Food Market for preparing the delicious spread of fresh fruits, cheeses, meats, and desserts.
The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) strives to ensure that Michigan’s insurance and financial services industries are safe, sound, and entitled to the public confidence. With one in five Michiganders working in the retail sector, our work to support retailers as we regulate the insurance and financial services sectors is critical to Michigan’s success.
Over the last three years, DIFS took action to support small businesses when they needed it most, including:
• Working with banks and credit unions as they distributed $21 billion in forgivable Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans to more than 110,000 Michigan small businesses, including ensuring minority-owned and other underserved businesses had the support they needed to navigate this program.
• Working with health and dental insurers to put $102 million in premiums back into the pockets of Michigan consumers and businesses.
• Establishing the Michigan Open Account Coalition to help consumers find low- and no-cost bank and credit union accounts and to save or obtain credit for purchases, bolstering consumer confidence and Michigan’s economy.
DIFS will continue to work with our regulated entities for the benefit of Michigan consumers, our small businesses, and the state’s economy. As you grow your businesses, it is important to understand and assess your insurance needs so that your property, assets, and workforce are protected. Maintaining a strong relationship with your financial service providers will ensure that you have the capital you need to grow your business and the financial tools to be successful.
In addition to providing publications, shopping tips, and other resources on our website, DIFS stands ready to assist with questions or concerns about insurance companies, banks, credit unions, and mortgage lenders. You can contact DIFS’ call center Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 877.999.6442 or file a complaint at Michigan.gov/
DIFScomplaints
Retailers seeing nationwide fake cash card scam
Nationwide retail theft rings are increasingly using gift cards and fake cash cards to steal from retailers around the country. A group of three were caught in North Carolina using fake cash cards to trick sales clerks into accepting fraudulent payment. In this instance, the card looked like just a Wells Fargo card but includes instructions on the back for what the “customer” should tell the clerk to punch in. Retailers should train sales clerks to be suspicious whenever the customer tells them instructions on how to ring payment for a transaction. The money gained from organized retail crime scams like these are often funneled into other illegal activities.
Hands-free driving bills likely to become law on July 1
The Legislature recently sent bills (HB 4250-4252) creating a hands-free driving law and strengthening penalties to the governor’s desk. By the time this publication reaches mailboxes, we expect the bills will be signed into law and they will go into effect on July 1. The July 1 date was chosen since there are more traffic accidents in the summer months.
The new law will prohibit an individual from holding or using a mobile electronic device while operating a motor vehicle, including while it’s temporarily stopped. A first violation would be a $100 civil fine and/or perform 16 hours of community service and second or subsequent offense would carry a $250 fine and/ or 24 hours of community service. The fines are higher for commercial drivers driving with a CDL: $200 and/or 32 hours of community service and $500 and/or 48 hours of community service, respectively.
June 27
The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, requires businesses with 15 or more employees to provide “reasonable accommodations,” such as additional bathroom breaks or modified work duties, for workers who are limited by “pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions.” The law expands upon previous protections enshrined in the decades-old Americans With Disabilities Act and the Pregnancy
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which is tasked with enforcing the law, has not yet proposed regulations governing how it will apply the new law and has a partisan deadlock preventing them from moving forward. Congress gave the EEOC until late December to finalize those rules. In the meantime, the EEOC has put out an FAQ outlining the law’s parameters, and an agency spokesperson said it is planning to host a webinar for employers. Despite a lack of formal rules, the EEOC should be able to enforce the full law and employers should be prepared to follow the new laws as of June 27.
View the FAQs by scanning the QR code:
days of the close of each month. Receipt of a complete Form 5012 is required regardless of payment method.
Quarterly reminders:
Corporate Income Tax (CIT) Estimated Returns and Payments (Jan. 15, April 15, July 15, Oct. 15).
Sales & Use Tax – Quarterly & EFT – On or before the 20th day of the month following the quarter (Jan. 20, April 20, July 20, Oct. 20).
Gov. Whitmer has signed into law legislation requiring anyone selling a firearm to run a background check and to check for extreme risk orders before selling to an individual. The laws prohibit the sale of a firearm to an individual without first performing a background check and prohibits the sale of a firearm to someone who has an extreme risk order on file. Other recently signed bills, Public Acts 14-15 of 2023, exempt firearm safety devices including gun locks, gun safes, ear and eye protection from the state’s sales and use taxes. The new laws will take effect 90 days after the legislature adjourns.
As of April 26, delivery and installation charges should not be included in the “sales price” for sales tax purposes or the “purchase price” for use tax purposes if both the following conditions are met:
• The charges are separately stated on the invoice, bill of sale, or similar document provided to the purchaser; and
• The seller (taxpayer) maintains its books
Withholding Tax – Quarterly – On or before the 20th day of the month following the quarter (Jan. 20, April 20, July 20, Oct. 20).
Unemployment Employer’s Quarterly Wage/Tax Reports (Jan. 25, April 25, July 25, Oct. 25).
and records to show separately the transactions used to determine the sales tax or use tax, as applicable.
Delivery and installation charges that fail to satisfy the above conditions or that involve, or are related to, the sale of electricity, natural gas, or artificial gas by a utility remain subject to sales tax and use tax unless otherwise exempt.
Read the full notice on delivery and installation charges here:
With locations in two popular beach towns, the retailer draws loyal locals and tourists alike
BY: SHANDRA MARTINEZIn her youth, Cathy Tubbergen dreamed of owning a clothing shop. As the coowner of the century-old Borr’s Shoes & Accessories, she appreciates how life has delivered a variation on that dream.
Tubbergen started as a high school student in Borr’s Grand Haven store in the late 1980s. Within a few years, she was chosen to manage the Holland store, then offered a partnership.
“There have definitely been struggles throughout the years, and you just have to kind of go with the flow and change with the times,” she said. “You’re always looking for ways to survive, and not just to survive, but thrive.”
As Borr’s celebrates its centennial, the retailer is doing well with its prime locations in popular beach towns in Ottawa County, Michigan’s fastestgrowing county.
Founded in downtown Holland in 1923 by James Borr, the shop has passed through six owners over the decades. Tubbergen has the distinction of being the retailer’s first female owner. She shares
ownership with Sharon Behm, who runs the downtown Grand Haven location, which opened In 1979. They have worked together for over 20 years and have been business partners for nine years.
The women credit their success to “adaptation, perseverance and lots of prayer.”
“The customer base is ever-changing,” Tubbergen said. “So in order to not only keep our longtime loyal customers but gain new ones, we must be adaptable to the times.”
By doing so, they have built a loyal customer base while attracting new customers who appreciate the value of trying footwear on and the importance of buying local.
The Holland and Grand Haven locations both have been nominated for their local “Best of the Best’’ lists, and Grand Haven has won the People’s Choice Award for Best Shoe Store in the Tri-Cities and Muskegon area for 17 years in a row.
Customers also include those who come
to visit the beach towns, especially during Holland’s Tulip Time Festival in May and Grand Haven’s Coast Guard Festival every summer.
Borr’s carries a wide assortment of styles and sizes from leading brand names and an array of fashionable and functional accessories, including sunglasses, socks, scarves, jewelry, and handbags.
While the retailer’s namesake family no longer owns the store, the business is still very much centered around family.
“Our staff is not only co-workers but ‘family,’ and we boast that we have over 160 years of combined experience, from more than 40 years to just a few months of working together,” Tubbergen said. “We share a common goal of turning each customer into a lifelong client.”
They have also benefited from their longtime Michigan Retailers Association membership.
“Not only does Michigan Retailers Association legislatively advocate on the behalf of independent retailers in Michigan, they support our business with the Buy Nearby campaign, which
encourages local shopping. We receive valuable information on retail practices and trends in our state, and they provide other valuable benefits such as discounted rates on shipping and credit card processing,” Tubbergen said.
The downtown Holland store has been at its current location, 51 E. Eighth St., since 1979. There was a short-lived third store at the Westshore Mall in Holland from 1988 to 1991, when the downtown struggled as the new mall pulled away foot traffic. But multi-
decade revitalization funded with public and private dollars turned Holland’s downtown around.
Understanding that their businesses’ health is tied to that of neighboring stores, both women are leaders in supporting their downtowns. Tubbergen served on the Downtown Holland Principal Shopping District and helped craft its strategic plan. Behm was elected the first female board chair of the Grand Haven Mainstreet Downtown Development Authority in 2016 and served for three terms. Last year, Behm was elected board chair of the Chamber of Commerce and
was chosen to be the grand marshal of the chamber’s annual Jingle Bell Parade in honor of her service to the community. In the past two years, she was elected board chair for the Coast Guard Festival.
Tubbergen hopes that she and Behm eventually will be able to hand off the reins to a new generation of owners who will help keep the stores going for another century.
“It’s been here 100 years, and I would love to see it last past my lifetime,” Tubbergen said.
“Not only does Michigan Retailers Association legislatively advocate on the behalf of independent retailers in Michigan, they support our business with the Buy Nearby campaign, which encourages local shopping. We receive valuable information on retail practices and trends in our state, and they provide other valuable benefits such as discounted rates on shipping and credit card processing,”
– Cathy Tubbergen, Borr’s Co-Owner Sharon Behm, Borr’s co-owner. Cathy Tubbergen, Borr’s co-owner.Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration:
June is Youth Employment Month in Michigan. Give young adults the opportunity to gain work experience and skills for future careers.
As the weather warms and schools break for the summer, many young adults will begin job-hunting and entering the workforce. Hiring young workers will, in turn, help fuel the economy and add welltrained and experienced future workers to the job force.
To make sure you’re up to speed on the Youth Employment Standards Act (YESA), including permissions, regulations, and protections while hiring minors, focus on the following best-practices:
All young adults under the age of 18 must complete a work permit, or obtain a written agreement/contract between employer and school district, academy, or private institution, before they begin their first day of work.
Employers must keep work permits on file for each minor employed. It’s important to note that an employee’s work permit may be revoked if the student has low academic performance.
Minors must be under the supervision of an employee or employer who is at least 18 years of age. A supervisor must be ready and available immediately in an emergency situation.
To prevent costly workers’ compensation claims and/or serious injury to the
employee, adequately training young adults from day one is vital. Drafting a guide that can be easily referenced will help minors better understand tasks and procedures. If able, perform weekly or monthly check-ins. Ensure that all questions your new hire may have, are answered.
Youth employees are limited to working:
• 6 days in 1 week.
• A weekly average of 8 hours per day.
• No more than 10 hours in one day.
In addition, minors under 16 years of age may work:
• 48 hours in 1 week, school and work combined.
• Between 7:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. and not during school hours.
Minors 16-17 years of age may work:
• 48 hours in 1 week when school is not in session or 24 hours in 1 week when school is in session.
• Between 6:00 a.m.-10:30 p.m., not during school hours.
• Until 11:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and when not regularly attending school, e.g., summer vacation.
Youth employees may not work more than 5 hours continuously without a documented 30-minute uninterrupted meal or rest period.
Celebrate Youth Employment Month in Michigan. For downloadable images to share on social media, scan the code:
Youth Employment Standards Act (YESA) Frequently Asked Questions:
Youth Employment Posting Requirement:
Work Permit for Minors :
Summer in Michigan brings us a higher heat index and an increased chance of severe storms. Here’s how to protect your customers, staff, and your business during a severe weather outbreak.
Working in extremely warm conditions for an extended amount of time can be dangerous to your workers. To prevent the possibility of heat-related illnesses before it’s too late, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) suggests encouraging workers to drink water often, giving time for adequate breaks, or opting for shorter working days during the heart of summer.
Recognize the signs of heat-related illness:
• Extreme thirst, rash, irritability, cramping, exhaustion
• Heat stroke - This is severe. Call 911 and cool the individual immediately. Workers experiencing a heat stroke will be confused, disoriented, and may show signs of slurred speech and unconsciousness.
In the event of a severe thunderstorm, significant rainfall, gusting winds, or a tornado, you may need to act fast to protect your customers, staff, and your business.
• Designate a safe space to shuffle patrons to if taking shelter is necessary. If possible, opt for an internal room, in a basement with few, or no, windows.
• Do not send shoppers or employees home during severe weather. Encourage them to wait it out and be ready to seek shelter if needed.
• Have an emergency supply kit readily available.
• Stay alert and aware of incoming weather and forecasts. Pay attention to local sirens and alerts.
No matter the emergency, it’s best to plan ahead and be prepared. Stock an emergency kit with necessary items to outlast the weather phenomena, and wait for help. Items like water, snacks, flashlights, batteries, bandages, and peroxide are a smart start.
Take time to practice your emergency plan during the year. Michigan annually celebrates Severe Weather Safety Week in March and holds a statewide drill. Use this to your advantage and work through any issues before an actual weather occurrence.
Bird’s Eye Outfitters, LLC was awarded a $25,000 grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’ Match on Main program. The grant will be used toward creating a yearround outdoor dining space.
Collectively, the MEDC awarded 28 small businesses totalling $697,325. The individual grants are expected to create over 200 jobs, and generate a total private investment of more than $2.6 million.
Leppinks Food Centers, is a fourth-generation, family owned and operated company with seven Michigan grocery stores in Belding, Dorr, Ferrysburg, Howard City, Lakeview, Stanton, and Newaygo.
The family’s foray into food started in 1928 when John Leppink opened “John Leppink’s Quality Cash Market” in Belding. Over the last 95 years, Leppinks Food Centers continues to provide their customers with fresh products and outstanding customer service.
To celebrate, Leppinks will be kicking off a 5-week anniversary celebration from July 31 to September 3 with various promotions online and in-store.
Diamond Castle Jewelers, Novi
Footwear Footcare Center, Warren
Jewelry Depot, Brighton
Michael Agnello Jewelers, St. Clair Shores
Nye Uniform Company, Grand Rapids
Renaissance, South Haven
Buday’s Home Electronic Simplified, Kalamazoo
DeVos Urban Leadership Initiative, Grand Rapids
N. Schut Greenhouses, Inc., Hudsonville
All of us at MRA look forward to serving you!
Collaborative Advantage Marketing, Algonac
Oak Arbor Company LLC, Ann Arbor
West Side Sand Products Inc., Bad Axe
Healing Touch Chiropractic PLC, Battle Creek
Mr. J’s Sports Bar & Grill, Berkley
John Paul Home Care Inc., Bingham Farms
Strauss Brothers Products LLC, Birmingham
Raceway Hospitality dba The Pines
Sports Bar, Cadillac
Heintz Propane Inc., Clare
Mr. C’s Deli & Pizza, Clinton Township
Alliance Analytical Laboratories Inc., Coopersville
Avenue Cafe LLC dba Dunkin Donuts, Dearborn
Cherry Industries LLC, Detroit
Shkaga Inc. dba Imperial
Fresh Market, Detroit
Detroit Apollo Market dba
Apollo Market, Detroit
The Menu Inc. dba Van Dyke
Coney Island, Detroit
Vernor Food Center, Detroit
Six Stars Inc. dba La Fiesta
Supermarket, Detroit
Urbanum, Detroit
Noyer Inc. dba Parkway Foods, Detroit
Atkinson’s Ace Hardware of Durand, Durand
Loft Cigars LLC, Farmington
Studio 126, Fennville
Efronsino’s dba Sophia’s House of Pancakes, Grand Ledge
Trauma Informed Philanthropy
Consulting, Grand Rapids
Meals on Wheels Western Michigan Inc., Grandville
Vanderlaan Grocers dba Gene’s Family Market, Grant
Truck Services Inc., Hamilton
Gaphat Inc. dba Imperial
Fresh Market, Hamtramck
Apollo Supermarket dba Vegas
Food Center, Harper Woods
Inspire Logistics LLC, Hazel Park
Mayfly Outfitters, Holland
JMS of Holland Inc., Holland
Copper Country Chiropractic PLLC, Houghton
Impact Dynamic Training LLC, Hudsonville
Great Water USA, Illinois
East Lansing Marathon Inc., Jackson
Julie L Stover LLC, Kalamazoo
Heritage Community of Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo
Midtown Fresh Market, Kalamazoo
Ofield Funeral Home LLC, Kentwood
J & H Auto Parts LLC, Lake City
Endurance Logistics LLC, Lansing
One East LLC dba Fairfield Inn & Homestead, Lansing
Plymouth Petroleum LLC, Livonia
Mason County District Library, Ludington
Coach’s III LLC dba Two Hands Corn Dogs, Macomb
Platinum Painters Inc., Macomb
Captain Sal’s Marine Service LLC, Marine City
Marquette GMC, Marquette
Trudell Plumbing & Heating Inc., Marquette
All Things Marquette, Marquette
Range Telecommunications, Marquette
Party Time Events LLC, Marshall
Monroe County Fair Association, Monroe
Epic Farms LLC, Mount Morris
First Defense Security Enforcement, Muskegon
Verts LLC, Muskegon
Ramos Towing LLC, Muskegon
Mike’s Installation LLC, New Baltimore
Sokoloski Brewing LLC dba Great White Buffalo, Northville
HMS Auto Wash LLC, Ossineke
Boven’s Tire, Paw Paw
Mobile Ed Productions, Redford
A-1 Service Holdings Inc., Reed City
Lek Milaj dba Atlas Pro Painters, Rochester
F & D Bistro LLC dba Rochester Bistro, Rochester
Mila Mini Mart, Royal Oak
Nex Transportation LLC, Royal Oak
J & S Logistics LLC, Saginaw
George Kemp Downtown Marina, Sault Sainte Marie
Simon & John LLC, Shelby Twp
LD Caulking & Painting LLC, Shelby Twp
Royal Swimming LLC, Southfield
Gardens and Beyond Inc., St Clair
Ace Seal Right LLC, Traverse City
Lil Bo’s LLC, Traverse City
TC Vietnamese LLC, Traverse City
Twining Food Market LLC, Twining
Diamond Star Quarter Horses LLC, Vicksburg
Starship Enterprises LLC, Vulcan
Sedona Stone & Tile LLC, Walled Lake
Golden Rockies Inc. dba
Moses Roses, Warren
Nadwa Hairloss, White Lake
Jorgensen Farm Elevator Inc., Williamston
Hoonhorst Concrete Inc., Wyoming
W Squared Delivery Inc., Wyoming
Community Alliance, Ypsilanti
The cornerstone is laid at the Women’s Club Building, what is now MRA headquarters. R.E. Olds, the founder of Oldsmobile, dedicated the Women’s Club House to the “Mother’s of Men” in December 1913.
Michigan Retailers Association officially purchased the building in 1998 and moved in the following year, relocating from across town on Pine St.
One thing is certain: It looked like a party!
Photo credit: Forest Parke Library & Archives, Capital Area District Libraries
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