Michigan’s oldest furniture store celebrates 165 years
In June, Gov. Whitmer announced the establishment of a council designed to grow Michigan’s population. The Executive Order states that the “Growing Michigan Together Council” will seek to accomplish its mission by focusing on four areas:
• Jobs
• Talent and people
• Infrastructure
• Education
It sounds great, right? And it looks good in a press release. Unfortunately, behind the scenes, some of the policies the legislature is considering this fall are more likely to bring Michigan to a grinding halt.
The overall philosophy the legislature is using is based on creating more benefits for employees – and doing that through new government mandates. The faulty assumption is that employers will just be able to afford these new benefits. The reality is that most business owners operate on thin profit margins, and new costs do not translate to more jobs (i.e., population growth).
One example on the docket this fall is a wide-ranging bill that would require employers to offer up to 15 weeks of paid leave to all employees. There are no carve-outs for small employers, and employers would have to fund the benefits (likely through payroll contributions). Every employee would be covered, regardless of the number of hours worked.
Of course, there are good intentions behind offering paid leave, such as allowing an individual to care for a newborn or recover from a serious injury. And many business owners already offer generous benefits. But mandating a one-size fits all scheme is not the right approach, and these are the sorts of policies that have been adopted in California – resulting in a mass exodus to business-friendly states like Texas.
What is the fastest way to bog down business growth and the fastest way to make us less competitive? Government regulation that raises costs for businesses.
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
Thomas P. Clement VP, Operations and General Counsel
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, Layout, and Photographer
Shandra Martinez Contributor
email Rachel Schrauben at rschrauben@retailers.com
WILLIAM J. HALLAN MRA President and Chief Executive OfficerFrom the CEO Making Michigan Less Competitive
Under the Dome Striking the Right Balance of Government Input
Creative Counsel Move Your Facebook Page Front and Center
Regulatory Rundown
UIA: Unemployment and Your Business
MRA Member News
Milestone Members
New Members
From the Archives
John Winglemire, Penny Raupp, and Richard Winglemire stand proudly as the fifth generation of Winglemire Furniture.
“Frost was in the wind, and between gusts the curious stillness of autumn.”
– John Steinbeck, In Dubious Battle
As your voice in Lansing, our job is to raise questions and concerns about government intervention and regulation for retailers, grocers, and other small businesses.
Our goal is a thoughtful and balanced approach to government involvement, emphasizing that good policy should be wellconsidered, efficient, and effective, while cautioning against overregulation and the potential consequences of hasty decisionmaking.
Who should be able to tell you, as a business owner, what to do? Who should be held responsible when it goes wrong? What’s the government’s role in any of this?
Those are frequent questions when it comes to legislation and potential mandates.
I’ll caution that good policy takes time – and we want it to be done thoughtfully and thoroughly. So who should get to decide what you have to do? Which level should it be done at? The goal should be to tackle tough policy questions in a way that causes minimal disruption, applies efficiently and effectively, and solves the problem at hand while considering all the potential impacts. We want thoughtful policy that actually works, not short-sighted policy made from talking points. That means the higher the platform, the more attention and scrutiny it faces, the more likely it will actually result in good, workable policy.
Consider this: last year in Michigan, a whopping 278 bills became law. This year, there are already 120 new laws on the books, with a staggering 1,392 pending bills awaiting consideration. Moreover, there are 214 active, pending administrative rules from various state agencies, dating all the way back to 2019. Can you name even a fraction of these proposed laws and rules? Do we truly need so many more? The pending bills run the gamut from designating the monarch as the state’s official butterfly to establishing an entirely new staterun paid family leave program.
In this whirlwind of legislative activity, it’s essential to ask: are all these laws and rules truly necessary, or do they risk becoming mere clutter in our legal system? Finding the right balance between government involvement and individual freedom is a challenge that demands thoughtful consideration, ensuring that the policies we adopt are well-founded, efficient, and most importantly, effective in addressing the real issues at hand.
In the end, it’s a question of striking a balance - protecting the interests of businesses and citizens while ensuring that government intervention doesn’t become excessive or counterproductive. We should all strive for a system where the policies put in place genuinely benefit the community and its businesses, without unnecessary red tape or hastily made decisions.
In all likelihood, your business accepts payments through Visa and Mastercard. If that is the case, and you accepted these types of payment between Jan. 1, 2004 and Jan. 25, 2019 (the “settlement period”), you are likely entitled to a share of $5.54 billion in settlement funds due to excessive interchange fees that you were charged.
Interchange fees are charged to a merchant to cover risks associated with processing credit card transactions. No retail business wants to incur these fees, but they are generally viewed as a necessary cost of doing business. Certainly, however, no one wants to pay excessive interchange fees, which is exactly what occurred through Visa and Mastercard transactions during the settlement period.
Recently, a class action settlement in In re Payment Card Interchange Fee and Merchant Discount Antitrust Litigation (MDL NO. 1720) was approved by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York. Claim forms have been approved and filing will likely begin in December 2023.
If you did accept Visa and Mastercard during the settlement period, in order to recover you must first file a claim or have a claim filed on your behalf. As your advocate, Michigan Retailers Association realizes that you may have neither the time nor the resources to pursue a claim and we are here to help. We have partnered with Managed Care Advisory Group (MCAG) to assist all eligible merchants pursue settlement. By using MRA’s historical processing data, we can help maximize your recovery. MCAG is a class action settlement filing expert that will assist you with all of the requirements necessary to file a claim including record gathering, date tracking, data review, claim compliance, and recovery optimization. Thousands of our merchants have already enrolled.
If you would like to use MCAG’s services, you only need to register at www.vmc.mcaginc.com/?code=MRA100. This is a simple form that will save you time at minimal cost. Alternatively, you may pursue settlement on your own by visiting paymentcardsettlement.com
The Visa and Mastercard interchange settlement is an opportunity to recover meaningful funds that you and your business were overcharged. MRA strongly encourages you to take the time to register with MCAG so that a claim may be filed on your behalf or pursue filing a claim on your own. If you have any questions, contact us at 800.366.3699 or mra@retailers.com
Payment Card Settlement Disclaimer: On December 13, 2019 the Court granted final approval of the settlement filed on September 18, 2018 for the Rule 23(b)(3) Class Plaintiffs in this action. No claim forms are available at this time, and no claim-filing deadline exists. No-cost assistance will be available from the Class Administrator and Class Counsel during any claims-filing period. No one is required to sign up with any third-party service in order to participate in any settlement. For additional information regarding the status of the litigation, interested persons may visit www.paymentcardsettlement.com, the Court-approved website for this case.
Advertising is an expensive part of owning a business, but there are steps you can take to put yourself in front of your customers in places they already are. One example of this is utilizing Facebook. Many people have had a personal Facebook account for many years (upon writing this, I realized I have personally been a member for 19 years!), but having a personal account is very different from having a business page. Here are a few ways that you can start or improve your business’ presence on Facebook:
1. Set up a dedicated business page separate from your personal account. This allows you to maintain a professional online presence. Use a high-quality profile picture and cover photo that represent your brand.
2. Complete Your Profile. Fill out all the necessary information on your business page, including your contact details, website, business hours, and a concise and engaging “About” section.
3. Post Quality Content Regularly. Share content that is relevant to your audience and industry. This could include blog posts, videos, images, product updates, and customer testimonials. Maintain a consistent posting schedule to keep your audience engaged.
4. Use Visual Content. Visual content, such as images and videos, tends to perform better on Facebook. Use highquality visuals to showcase your products or services.
5. Interact with Your Audience. Respond promptly to comments, messages, and reviews. Engage with your audience by asking questions and encouraging discussions. Use Facebook Messenger to provide customer support and answer inquiries.
6. Partner with complementary businesses or influencers in your industry for cross-promotion. This can help you reach a broader audience.
Remember that building a strong Facebook presence takes time. Be patient, experiment with different approaches, and focus on building genuine connections with your audience to maximize the benefits for your small business.
The Michigan Grocers Association was founded as the Michigan Business Men’s Association at its first annual convention in Detroit on Aug. 23-24, 1898. On Sept. 16, 1903, a resolution was adopted to change the name of the organization to the Retail Grocers and General Merchants Association of Michigan. Incorporated on Jan. 17, 1917, the group worked to encourage improvements in business methods and to advance the interest of retail grocers and general merchants. The Michigan Grocers Association became a division of MRA on Jan. 1, 2018.
The Michigan Grocers Fund was established in 2014 with the sole purpose of keeping members’ workers’ compensation costs low, reliable and predictable. Owned and operated by its members, the Michigan Grocers Fund offers the same protection as an insurance company.
The Fund returns all premiums not used for claims or administrative expenses to members. Since the Fund’s inception, members have received over $4 million.
Are you eligible to join the Michigan Grocers Fund? Find out by scanning the QR code.
Michigan Apples are the Best of Fall Time! Contact your supplier today!
MichiganApples.com
Being there for their communities wasn’t easy for B/A Florist or Washtenaw Dairy, but it’s the kind of dedication that builds loyalty.
Retailers can become a part of the fabric of a community. Often, this relationship is built over years and can deepen when times are tough.
Longtime retailers B/A Florist in East Lansing and Washtenaw Dairy in Ann Arbor are examples of businesses making the sacrifices required to be there for their customers and the community when they are most needed.
The tragic shooting on the Michigan State University campus in February prompted B/A Florist to go above and beyond by donating flowers to support the grieving students and families, while Washtenaw Dairy stepped up in the aftermath of winter storms to make sure their commercial and residential customers who were left in the dark by power outages had enough dry ice to preserve their frozen and refrigerated food.
The staff at B/A Florist was working late on the eve of Valentine’s Day, getting ready for the shop’s busiest day of the year, when they heard the shocking news about a deadly shooting on the MSU campus, less than a mile away from the shop, which is at 1424 E. Grand River Ave. Police were urging everyone to take shelter.
The next morning, the calls started coming in canceling orders. But instead of buying flowers for their romantic partners, people were buying flowers to put at memorials on campus to mourn the three students killed and the five students wounded. When people purchased a bouquet, MSU alum and longtime owner Laurie Van Ark gave them double, asking them to put them out on behalf of the shop.
“People came in and they would start telling their story, and we would see strangers that didn’t know each other,” said Van Ark. “They were just standing in line to get some flowers for memorials. They were hugging and they were crying and offering support.”
She provided flowers to a group of MSU graduate students who created the “Welcome Back” event the following Sunday. The event grew so quickly and became so massive that the university eventually took over and organized the campus-wide event. News started spreading of the shop’s generosity.
“I received the nicest notes from people who found out about our donations of flowers,” Van Ark said.
Although the shop took a financial hit with the donations, she has no regrets. This act of kindness came during her last months of ownership. Over the summer, Van Ark sold the store that her mom, Barbara Ann Hollowick, opened in 1979, and that she owned for decades, to Sarah Soltis. Van Ark, the shop’s lead designer, is staying on to provide assistance, especially for weddings.
“I received the nicest notes from people who found out about our donations of flowers.”
- Laurie Van Ark
Washtenaw Dairy has been a part of Ann Arbor since 1934. This community gathering place, at 602 South Ashley Street on the city’s old west side, is where locals come for huge scoops of ice cream and homemade donuts.
It also steps in to provide an essential service when storms take out the power grid by selling dry ice, which keeps food cool until power is restored.
In January, when an ice storm left a swath of Ann Arbor without electricity, businesses and residents began lining up at the dairy for dry ice. Washtenaw Dairy stepped up, though that meant taking a financial hit. The dairy didn’t raise prices, even though dry ice was more costly during this time because high demand forced the dairy to send trucks to make additional pickups.
“Normally we get it delivered from our main supplier,” said owner Mary Jean Raab, “but we have a secondary supplier, and we were able to set up. We started running our trucks twice a day to go pick up more dry ice and ended up getting 10,000 pounds in the next couple of days.”
Raab joined the family business in 2016 after a successful corporate career to help her 90-year-old uncle, Doug Raab, after his business partner died. She bought the business, which is evenly split between retail and wholesale operations. The latter supplies dairy and associated products to restaurants, hotels, coffee shops, daycares, nursing homes and schools.
“In order to make our customers happy and the community happy, we always try to do everything we possibly can to help out people and businesses during any kind of tough times,” Raab said.
“In order to make our customers happy and the community happy, we always try to do everything we possibly can to help out people and businesses during any kind of tough times.”
- Mary Jean Raab
How five generations of the Winglemire family created Michigan’s oldest family-owned furniture retailer.
BY: SHANDRA MARTINEZAt 165 years, Winglemire Furniture, in downtown Holly, is the oldest familyowned furniture retailer in Michigan. That distinction is the result of the hard work and innovation of five generations of the Winglemire family.
John Winglemire and his sister, Penny Raupp, are the fifth-generation owners. They believe the survival of the business through wars, recessions, the COVID-19 pandemic, and other hardships shows its resilience.
“The furniture store has stood the test of time, and we have 165 years of collective experience in the furniture industry, strengthening the heritage of each generation,” John said.
The Winglemire family has been synonymous with furniture and the historic village of Holly since 1858. That year, Joseph and Christine Winglemire moved into the north Oakland County community and set up shop.
Joseph Winglemire brought his woodworking skills from his native Bavaria to the United States. Like many other furniture-makers of the 1800s, he also worked for a time as an undertaker, built caskets, and had two matching black horses to pull a hearse.
In 1858, he built a furniture store, which included his family’s living quarters, at 107 N. Saginaw Street. Joseph and
Christine had six children, and most of them worked in the business. Their son, John, inherited the store, and John’s son, Maurice, took over when his father died in 1926.
Although Maurice led the business for less than two decades, his contributions were significant. He was very active in the community, and he came up with the slogan the store still uses: “Let Winglemire’s feather your nest with a little down.” A mural on the side of the store still displays the slogan. While keeping the original store and its property, Maurice bought a former auto service garage across the street, at 112 N. Saginaw Street, to expand the business.
Maurice and his wife, Edna, had two children, Donald and Barbara. Maurice died suddenly in 1943, just as Don graduated from high school and was drafted and served in World War II. Edna took over the operation until Don came home, and then they ran the store together until her death in 2003. Don continued to manage the store until his death in 2017.
Don and his wife, Hazel, had four children: Lynn, John, Penny, and Richard, who have been active in the business throughout the years. Lynn passed away suddenly this year. John, Penny, and Richard work in the store in different roles.
‘has stood the test of time’
The retailer continues to evolve to meet customers’ needs, including having an online presence with a website at Winglemire.com and Facebook page. The store carries quality brands such as Smith Brothers, Flexsteel, Restonic Bedding, and Mavin.
Anna’s Interiors has joined the footprint of the store. Owner Elena Neirink brings 36 years of experience, from window treatments to kitchen design. The collaboration has allowed the store to become a one-stop shopping experience for design, furniture, cabinets, window treatments, and accessories.
Looking back at the store’s past, the siblings have a few favorite stories.
The most amusing may be the one about Penny and John’s great-great Aunt Claradaughter of founder Joseph Winglemirewho would climb into the caskets to show the customer how the body fits.
Penny adds that in the early years of business, bartering was common. Customers would trade chickens and eggs for a mattress.
“Our father, Don, would have children bring their used Christmas trees down to the store and give the children a ticket to get into the Holly Theatre to watch a movie,” Penny said.
John recalls freight coming in by railroad until the early 1960s. He and Don would go to the Holly Depot, pick up the shipments, which arrived in wooden
crates, and haul them to the store. The house of Don’s sister, Barbara Winglemire Keener, was made from those crates and is still standing and owned by the family.
The store’s reputation beyond Michigan was evident during its sesquicentennial celebration in 2008, when thenPresident George W. Bush sent a letter of congratulations.
The family believes that goodwill has been built every day over the last 165 years.
“Quality work and friendly service are what we’re all about.” John said. “When you shop at our store, you interact with the owners. We understand how
important the customer’s homes are to them. We take pride in finding manufacturers that give the consumer a range of products and prices to meet their needs. We’re also delivering the product to you and setting it up.”
The original building remains a host to thriving retail businesses to this day. Member Since: 1977 Services: Credit Card Processing
BY: RACHEL SCHRAUBEN
Ken and Pam Sandy owned a cabin in Cadillac and they wanted to move up, full-time, from downstate near the Michigan-Indiana border. Ken, a wanderer at heart, loves to drive around and take in the beauty of the forest. While out and about, they stumbled upon a general store.
Owners: Ken & Pam Sandy
Member Since: 2022
Services: Workers’ Compensation
They stopped because of advertised smoked fish. The couple met the owners, loved the store, bought the smoked fish, left, and couldn’t find it again. The name escaped them, as did the specific location in the forest.
Fast forward a few years, the two had made a trip north to look at a farm they hoped to purchase. The car pulled up to a stop sign, and the pair looked to the right and there was the Meauwataka General Store.
Ken yelled, “There’s the store! And it’s for sale!”
“We’re not buying it! We’re buying a farm,” Pam responded.
Months later, as the Sandy’s were moving into their new farm, their daughter and son-in-law made the trip up north to help.
“My daughter called me and told us about a really cool store nearby, and again I had to tell her we are not buying it!”
“They loved the area, and also wanted to move up near us, and next thing you know, they joined us and we bought the Meauwataka General Store.”
“We wanted to downsize and simplify our life. We went the other direction,” said Ken.
The Sandys had experience running a business, however, it takes a different type of business plan to own a general store, compared to barber shops, powder coating, and steel fabrication like they’d operated in the past.
“My daughter, Cort, is a very important piece to the store and helped us get our feet moving. She had managed and worked in the restaurant business, and brought her expertise to the MGS. We put all of our unique experiences together and as one group, we have all the skills we need.”
The Meauwataka General Store isn’t surrounded by many other nearby restaurants. If someone local was looking for a place to grab a bite to eat, they’d have to drive 20 minutes into downtown Cadillac. Pam wanted to try having hot dishes to go a few days a week to see what kind of traffic it would bring.
“We had always wanted to own a business up north, but never made plans to look into businesses for sale, until we stumbled upon the Meauwataka
“The little store, atop a hill, in a forest”A poem by Ken Sandy General Store.” - Pam Sandy
Business boomed. Locals would call ahead every day and ask what was for lunch and dinner. A few days a week turned into seven days a week.
But that led to making some bigger, much-needed repairs to an 85-year-old business. Walk-in coolers, ice cream freezers, outdoor freezers had to be replaced, and quickly. A new picnic area and carport were recently added, along with propane heaters to increase seating space. The area trails bring many ORV, snowmobilers, and side-by-side riders year-round.
The repertoire of dishes evolved as local patrons made requests. More smoked meats, pizzas, and sandwiches were added to the menu.
“Ken makes the best barbecue you will ever eat,” Pam proudly added about her husband’s additions to the menu.
“We do everything we can to source our goods in Michigan and keep it local. We’re proud to be able to tell our customers where our products come from.”
Brinks Family Creamery and Donuts, Fenner Farms Beef, Owl Eye Coffee, Underground Cheesecake, Iron Fish Distillery, Little Town Jerky products from Ebel’s, Great Lakes Potato Chip Co., local produce, candles, jewelry, apparel, and gift items, as well as Michigan-made liquor and craft beers all have a presence in the store.
The family laughs about how everything had to fall into place at the right time and owning the store was truly meant to be. Since moving in and taking over the general store, the family has found loads of local history in the farm’s attic.
“There’s one specific old letter from a Grandma Dorie, that tells the tales of her family frequenting the Meauwataka General Store and buying things on credit during hard times,” said Cort. “How special and lucky are we to witness this legacy in such a beautiful place in Michigan.”
Pam put it plainly, “Don’t go looking for a farm, because you might end up with a general store.”
BUYING NEARBY
IN THE
IF YOU WERE TO REDIRECT JUST 10 PERCENT OF YOUR OUT-OF-STATE ECOMMERCE PURCHASES TO LOCAL BUSINESS,
IF YOU WERE TO REDIRECT JUST 10 PERCENT OF YOUR OUT-OF-STATE ECOMMERCE PURCHASES TO LOCAL BUSINESS,
MICHIGAN WOULD SEE THESE BENEFITS MICHIGAN WOULD SEE THESE BENEFITS
DID YOU KNOW? DID YOU KNOW?
MICHIGANDERS SPENT AN ESTIMATED $33.8 BILLION IN OUT-OF-STATE ECOMMERCE LAST YEAR.
THE STATS COMPARE TO LAST YEAR
$700 MILLION Sponsored by fb.com/BuyNearbyMI @BuyNearbyMI @mibuynearby
HOW
As the Director of the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency, I regularly interact with business owners who have questions about my agency. The most frequently asked question is: “Why is that the amount I need to pay in unemployment taxes?”
Your and every other company’s history of employee benefits and retention has an impact on the amount of taxes paid, with the cost directly tied to the number of claims made and the amount remaining in an employer’s account.
For an employee to qualify for benefits, they must meet wage requirements based on full- or part-time earnings from all of their employers over the previous 18 months. This means you could be charged for all or part of the benefits being paid out.
Here are five other topics I’m asked about by employers, who are important customers for us, just like anyone who applies for jobless benefits.
Benefits for seasonal workers: Seasonal employers must let their workers know they are not entitled to unemployment benefits during the off season. Workers can, however, receive benefits if they are laid off during seasonal work.
Check your MiWAM account often:
• Respond to fact finding requests within 10 days.
• View determinations or decisions, and verify benefit charges and credits.
• Protest a decision of benefits eligibility within 10 calendar days of receiving notice if an employee was terminated or within 30 calendar days if they quit.
• Provide information about why your account should not be charged no later than 30 days after receiving a letter from the agency.
For Employers: Register for Employer Seminars, covering a range of topics at UIA-EmployerAdvisor@Michigan.gov. Also available, a free monthly Employer Advisor newsletter. Sign up at Michigan.gov/UIA Coming soon, the Employer Help Center, a centralized hub to manage the most common tax and claim issues.
For Employees: The UIA Claimant Roadmap at Michigan.gov/ UIAClaimantRoadmap is an easy-to-follow guide to filing for benefits. Workers can sign up for first-time filer online coaching sessions with UIA staff. Visit Michigan.gov/UIA.
Save this number: For information about UIA’s many programs for employers, call the Office of Employer Ombudsman at 855.484.2636.
Unemployment
Employers will not see a change next year in the taxable wage base (the amount of an employee’s wages taxed by UIA). Contributing employers currently pay taxes on the first $9,500 of earnings.
As of June 30, the trust fund balance was $2.2 billion. The taxable wage base is only reduced when the balance in the Michigan Unemployment Compensation Fund equals or exceeds $2.5 billion and the UIA projects the balance will remain at or above that level for the remainder of the calendar quarter and for the entire succeeding quarter. If the trust fund threshold met those parameters, then the taxable wage base would have been reduced to $9,000. Since it’s below $2.5 billion, employers will not see a reduction in the taxable wage base for 2024.
The taxable wage base is mainly for contributing employers since reimbursing employers do not pay quarterly taxes but rather report only the wages for their employees. Employers would qualify for future taxable wage base reduction if they are not delinquent in paying employment contributions, penalties, or interest. An employer is considered delinquent if they owe $25 or more to their account.
The first-in-the-nation ‘FORCE’ Team and Organized Retail Crime Unit – established by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel in January – announced new convictions in midSeptember in a KitchenAid mixer theft scheme targeting Detroitarea Target stores. The FORCE Team and ORC Unit works with retail investigators to target criminal organizations that steal products from retailers to repackage and sell for a profit. Two assistant attorneys general serve the unit full-time, working with special agents within the Department of Attorney General and Michigan State Police detectives to investigate and prosecute these crimes. This is a first-in-the-nation unit, unique in the 50 states as being the first such unit with embedded, dedicated staff from the Department of Attorney General.
The ‘FORCE’ Team is dedicated to working collaboratively with retailers and local law enforcement agencies to combat ORC. Local law enforcement agencies or retailers with evidence of organized retail fraud are encouraged to email the ‘FORCE’ Team at MSP-FORCE@michigan.gov.
Half of U.S. job postings listed on Indeed in August included at least some employer-provided salary information, which is the highest percentage recorded on the site so far, according to a Sept. 14 report from Indeed’s Hiring Lab. Overall, the share of postings with pay transparency information has nearly tripled
from 18% in February 2020 to 50% in August 2023, and it’s likely to grow in coming months, according to the report.
MI WIC to inspect formula invoices for safe products
Michigan WIC has set expectations for WIC retailers to verify that infant formula has only been purchased from accepted suppliers. Michigan WIC may ask to review infant formula invoices during routine monitoring visits and/or on-site inventory audits. These concerns stem from reports of infant formula being stolen and resold, often as a result of Organized Retail Crime (ORC) activity. Stolen products may be unsafe if the product or label has been tampered with, is expired, and/or has been stored improperly.
WIC Vendors must adhere to infant formula purchase requirements. Per MI-WIC Vendor Policy 2.02, Item 1, a, vii., as a requirement of WIC program participation, all Vendors must “Purchase WIC-approved foods, formulas, and medical foods exclusively from WIC-accepted suppliers.”
WIC-accepted suppliers are defined as:
• A Michigan-based wholesaler, distributor, or retailer that is licensed to distribute food by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD);
• A non-Michigan-based wholesaler, distributor, or retailer that is licensed to distribute food by the MDARD equivalent in the jurisdiction in which it is located;
• A Michigan-based pharmacy that is licensed by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA);
• A non-Michigan-based pharmacy that is licensed by the LARA equivalent in the jurisdiction in which it is located; or
• A manufacturer that is registered with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
A regularly updated list of MDARD-licensed sources can be found on the WIC Vendor website at Michigan.gov/WICVendor. Any additional questions may be directed to the WIC Vendor Relations Unit at 517.335.8937 or MDHHS-WICVendor@michigan.gov
The Michigan legislature plans to quickly take up Gov. Whitmer’s call for a state-run paid leave program. They will consider legislation creating an unemployment-style, bureaucrat-run system to offer up to 15-weeks paid leave, funded likely by payroll contributions, that covers every single employee at every business, regardless of business size or number of hours worked.
The policy has good intentions for a parent to bond with a newborn or adopted child, to treat the employee’s or a relative’s severe injury or illness, preventative care/doctors visits, a military member’s deployments or healthcare, or meetings with a child’s school related to their health. Unfortunately, the legislature plans to create a one-size-fits-all program with no flexibility for what a business and its employees may truly need or want.
We need to understand what small businesses are offering in terms of paid leave or time off today and what your concerns and actions would be if this type of proposal passes. Please take a few minutes to share what you currently offer and how you’d be impacted by this proposal.
– CBD/hemp processor-handler license renewal deadline. These licenses are required for retailers who wish to sell CBD products. The annual license applies to consumable and non-consumable hemp and hemp products.
Monthly reminders:
Sales & Use Tax – Monthly & EFT – On or before the 20th day of the following month.
Withholding Tax – Monthly & EFT – On or before the 20th day of the following month.
Retailer’s Prepaid Wireless 911 Surcharge – within 30 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)
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 (April 25, July 25, Oct. 25, Jan. 25)
Let us know what paid leave or time off you currently offer and how you’d be impacted by this proposal.
of people plan to celebrate $108.24 $12.2B planned spending per person According to the National Retail Federation’s annual Halloween spending survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics. For more holiday spending data, visit NRF.com.
total planned spending
In an increasingly diverse and competitive business landscape, certification as a veteran, woman, Indigenous, or Black-owned business can connect a merchant with new and unique opportunities.
Certification often opens the doors to networking opportunities and mentorship programs specifically designed for businesses who have sought out these certifications. These networks can provide invaluable support, guidance, and access to potential collaborators or investors. Business owners and leaders can connect with like-minded individuals who understand the unique challenges and opportunities faced by businesses in these categories.
Early funding is a key to growing a business and some lending institutions offer financing options for businesses led by a veteran, woman, Indigenous or Black entrepreneur. In Michigan, Huntington Bank has created Huntington’s Lift Local Business® program that supports minority-, woman-, and veteran-owned small businesses throughout the business life cycle — from start-up to expansion. The program offers loans, business planning support, free financial entrepreneurial courses, and other services to help small business owners achieve their goals.
Michigan women entrepreneurs can also apply for a MicroLoan through Michigan Women Forward. The loans range from $2,500 to $50,000 and can be used for start-up and continuing business expenses for business owners unable to get a loan from a traditional lender.
Certification can also enhance a business’ reputation and brand image. Being certified as a veteran, woman, Indigenous, or Black-owned business can be a valuable marketing tool that resonates with socially conscious consumers. It can also help differentiate a business in a crowded marketplace, leading to increased customer loyalty and trust.
Certification often comes with access to educational and training programs tailored to the unique needs of businesses in these categories. These programs can help entrepreneurs and business owners acquire essential skills and knowledge to navigate challenges and seize opportunities in their respective industries.
Certified businesses are often listed in directories and databases that procurement officers, government agencies, and corporate partners use to identify potential suppliers. This increased visibility can lead to more business opportunities and partnerships, helping grow and expand their customer base.
Being certified can also lead to increased support from local communities and advocacy groups. Certified businesses are seen as contributors to economic empowerment and diversity, and they often receive backing from organizations and community leaders that promote their success.
Certification as a veteran, woman, Indigenous, or Black-owned business can be a game-changer for entrepreneurs and small business owners. It opens doors to corporate partnerships, access to capital, networking opportunities, and much more.
Financial details and a comprehensive list of assets and equipment will be made available to serious inquiries upon request.
The competitive asking price for the sale of Danny’s Fine Foods includes the business, equipment, and goodwill.
For over 80 years, Danny’s Fine Foods stores have been a cornerstone of Monroe, offering a personal and old-fashioned over-the-counter service, along with a reputation for exceptional quality and customer care. From the full-service delis and butcher shops to the fresh produce, opportunity awaits a new owner with the sale of Danny’s Fine Foods and Danny’s Fine Foods II.
Key Features:
• Prime Location: Situated in the heart of Monroe, Danny’s Fine Foods enjoys high visibility and a steady flow of foot traffic. The stores are conveniently located near major roadways, neighborhoods, and the Promedica Hospital System, attracting both local patrons and tourists.
• Specialty Foods: Danny’s Fine Foods is renowned for its diverse options behind the counter, featuring beef, lamb, veal, pork, and poultry. Danny’s mix of freshly sliced meats and cheeses, salads and spreads, have also become staples of the area.
• Established Customer Base: Over the years, Danny’s Fine Foods has cultivated a loyal customer base that appreciates the stores’ commitment to high-quality cuisine and service. With a reputation for consistency and excellence, these stores enjoy a steady stream of repeat customers and positive word-of-mouth referrals.
your safety box with Retailers Insurance Company
Wet leaves on a hard surface can become a dangerous Slip N’ Slide®, leading to costly workers’ compensation claims. Be proactive and clean leaves before they build-up.
Speaking of leaves, falling debris can fall onto roofs and find itself in your gutters. Take a moment to inspect your gutters and clear any obstructed paths. Clogged waterways can lead to water pooling in the wrong areas, and can even cause ice jams in the colder months.
It’s likely getting dark outside during your store hours. Make sure to provide ample lighting near your entrance(s) and parking lot(s). It will add to your employees’ and customers’ peace of mind as they head home. Providing ample lighting should decrease the likelihood of a slip and fall, but to be sure: salt, salt, salt!
With longer hours of darkness, workers that are outside on the job should wear proper clothing: reflective gear, and layers. Stay warm and stay safe!
Check your tire pressure often. When the temperatures drop during the colder fall and winter nights, tire pressure typically decreases. For accurate psi levels in your vehicle’s tires, ask your local dealership or nearby repair shop.
Your tires are the connection between you and the roadmake sure the tread is good going into winter. The penny test is a good way to figure it out without fancy tools. Place your penny into a tread groove upside down. In other words, your penny should be going into the tread headfirst. If you can see the top of Abe’s head over the tread, your tread is shallow. Repeat the penny test in several grooves of your tires. If you can always see the top of his head, your tire is worn and it’s time for a replacement.
Maintain at least a quarter tank of gas in your tank. When it’s cold, it may take a few moments to fire up your engine if you’re running on empty. It’s also smart to keep an emergency stash in your vehicle, such as blankets, batteries, flashlights, hats, gloves, and more, in the event you become stranded in a ditch.
After 44 years, Mike Monahan, owner of Monahan’s Seafood in Kerrytown, is passing the business on to his nephew, Tommy Lammers. Tommy has worked at the restaurant since 2018.
“I am thrilled to take the helm as the new owner of Monahan’s Seafood in Ann Arbor. We look forward to continuing to provide our community with excellent service and the freshest seafood in town,” said Lammers. Monahan’s Seafood Market opened in 1979 and specializes in fresh fish daily, lunch-time gourmet meals, and your-choice filets.
Baron’s Window Coverings, located in downtown Lansing will close its door in October. Baron’s opened in 1944 by Herman Baron and Don Baron took over in 1970. Don passed away earlier this year after a short battle with cancer.
In a press release, third-generation owner Neil Baron said, “Following the death of company President Don Baron, with no future generations to take over, it feels like the right time to say goodbye.”
Owners Jim and Nancy Mitchell of Mitchell’s Department Store in Leslie will close their doors sometime in October. The Michigan Centennial Retailer has been a vital part of downtown Leslie for over 135 years.
Jim began working in the store 60 years ago and Nancy for almost 50 years. The couple celebrated their 50 year anniversary this year.
During their retirement, Jim and Nancy plan to go golfing, travel, and spend time with their family and grandkids.
All of us at MRA look forward to serving you!
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Many, many, many years from now, MRA employees will look back at the Michigan Retailer publications in 2023 and think, “it must’ve been the year of the Centennial Retailer.”
Five out of the last seven issues of the magazine include at least one (or manyFeb./March 2023)
Michigan Centennial Retailer, an honor given to 100-year-old businesses that have lasted the test of time.
To our past, present, and future Michigan Centennial Retailers, we commend your grit! We’re honored to highlight your history, contributions to your downtowns, and celebrate your legacy.
Every now and then, we stumble upon gems from our archives.
Winglemire Furniture, featured on page 8, found itself on a tear-out advertisement, following the first official year of naming centennial businesses.
At SpartanNash, our flagship exclusive brand, Our Family, was developed more than 115 years ago; the oldest and most well-established in the industry. The number one reason for this success and longevity is our commitment to keeping the customer first - listening, responding, performing.
2500+ SKUs currently available throughout the entire store
Product quality guarantee for consumers
Exclusive marketing support, including industry leading social media solutions
Multi-tiered community support program
Comprehensive merchandising program
Associate engagement plan
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