Fysical Therapy and Balance Center
ESCANABA –Marv and Jayne Szukalowski celebrated the ribbon cutting and grand opening of their new facility, Fyzical Therapy and Balance Center outpatient clinic located at 322 North Lincoln Rd., Suite 4 (in the Watertower Center). This is the first Fyzikal clinic in the Upper Peninsula. This unique franchise is locally owned, but nationally-known. It is located next to Anytime Fitness, which is a separate franchise also owned by the Szukalowskis. At Fyzical, patients do therapy while in a harness, which helps significantly with their care, while taking the liability out of physical therapy. It also allows adaptations to be made, as the fear of falling is gone.
“This is not your typical physical therapy facility,” Dr. Jarett Sadler, Fyzical Physical Therapist, said. “Because they are harnessed, our patients feel safer and empowered, since they cannot fall.”
If you are interested in being a patient of Fyzical, call (906) 553-7049 or email escanaba@ fyzical.com”to schedule a free balance assessment, or to make an appointment with Dr. Sadler. He can help you with physical therapy and balance issues. Hours are Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. Though the official grand opening was on August 22, the facility has been open since late July.
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Phone: 906-786-2021 ext. 156 / Fax: 906-786-3752 issuu.com/upbusinesstoday
Upper Peninsula Business today is published monthly by the Daily Press, 600 Ludington Street, Escanaba, Michigan 49829. Periodical Postage paid at Escanaba, Michigan 49829, publication No. 022165. “Postmaster” Send address changes to Upper Peninsula Business Today, Escanaba, Michigan 49829
September 2024 • Vol. 36 • Number 9
BUILDING HEALTHCARE FACILITIES
ACROSS THE U.P.
Gundlach Champion has experience building hospitals, new clinics, long-term medical care facilities, MRI units, medical office buildings, emergency departments, and senior living facilities across the Upper Peninsula. We spend the time to fully understand your project and healthcare operations to be able to meet your exact needs with a positive impact on your patients, staff, and community.
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Advanced Tech Service Center
By Dan Trumble
Advanced Tech Service Center is a beacon of excellence in the automotive industry, renowned for its unwavering commitment to honesty, integrity, and professionalism. In an industry where trust is paramount, this auto service center stands out as a shining example of how business should be conducted. From the moment customers walk through the door, they are greeted with a warm, friendly atmosphere that instantly puts them at ease. This welcoming environment reflects the company’s dedication to treating every customer with respect and dignity, regardless of the nature or complexity of their automotive needs.
One of the most impressive aspects of Advanced Tech Service Center is their ability to service all makes and models of cars. Whether you drive a domestic or a foreign import, a compact car or a large SUV or a pick up truck you can rest assured that the skilled and certified technicians at Advanced Tech Auto Service have the expertise and equipment to handle it. This versatility is a testament to their deep knowledge of the automotive field, as well as their commitment to staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in vehicle technology. It is clear that they are passionate about their work and take great pride in providing top-notch service to every customer who entrusts their vehicle to them.
At the heart of Advanced Tech Service Center’s success is their unwavering dedication to honesty. In an industry where many customers feel vulnerable due to their lack of technical knowledge, this company goes above and beyond to ensure that their clients are fully informed about the condition of their vehicles and the work that needs to be done. They provide clear, transparent explanations of any issues they discover, along with straightforward recommendations for how to address them. This approach builds trust and confidence, as customers know they can rely on the team at Advanced Tech Auto Service to give them accurate, unbiased information without any hidden agendas.
This company has earned a stellar reputation for doing the right thing, even when no one is looking. Whether it’s using only high-quality parts, adhering to strict safety standards, or honoring their warranties, they consistently demonstrate a commitment to ethical business practices. This integrity extends to their pricing as well, with fair and competitive rates that reflect the true value of their services. Customers never have to worry about surprise charges or inflated costs, as every estimate is provided upfront and explained in detail.
Professionalism is the thread that ties all of these qualities together, and it is evident in every interaction with Advanced Tech Auto Service. From the courteous and knowledgeable staff at the front desk to the skilled technicians in the garage, everyone at this company is dedicated to providing an exceptional customer experience. They understand that having a car serviced can be a stressful experience, so they do everything in their power to make the process as smooth and hassle-free as possible. Their attention to detail, commitment to quality, and respect for their customers’ time all contribute to a level of service that is truly second to none.
Advanced Tech Service Center is a model of excellence in the automotive industry. Their honesty, integrity, and professionalism set them apart from the competition, and their ability to service all makes and models of cars makes them a one-stop-shop for all your automotive needs. For those seeking a reliable, trustworthy auto service center, Advanced Tech Auto Service is the clear choice. You can contact them at (906) 789-6591 or visit their website here: https:// advancedtechautoservice.com
The House of Ludington
Partridge Creek Farm Welcomes 2 New Directors
ISHPEMING — Partridge Creek Farm has announced the addition of two new directors to their staff this past month: Sara Johnson, executive director, and Mary Antonia Andronis, director of programs and partnerships, according to a company news release.
Dan Perkins, founder and board member of PCF, expressed his confidence in Sara and Mary’s capabilities.
community since 2006 and recently completed an extensive remodeling project.
The enhanced store features an improved layout for convenient and accessible shopping as well as a new customer service hub with upgraded digital tools to help customers find what they need.
“At Tractor Supply, we constantly work to improve the customer experience, from product offerings to instore features,” company officials said in a news release.
to build a full-service banking office to further serve the Copper Country.
“Bringing both of these directors onto the Partridge Creek Farm team marks a significant step forward for the organization,” he said. “Sara’s leadership in the local food movement and Mary’s rare expertise in developing regenerative food systems strengthens our commitment to local food education and community health.”
For more information on Partridge Creek Farm please visit partridgecreekfarm.org.
Partridge Creek Farm is a non-profit educational farm that provides yearround food access and wellness education that empowers Ishpeming residents to connect with their food and one another. PCF aims to impact the Ishpeming community through reducing food insecurity, and providing intergenerational learning opportunities on sustainable food systems through hands-on education.
Its mission is to provide local food access and education to connect the community with one another.
Tractor Supply Remodels IM Store, Expands Product Lines
IRON MOUNTAIN — Tractor Supply in Iron Mountain has been a source of farm supplies and other items in the
“These exciting upgrades have completely transformed our store, making it an even better option for customers shopping for Life Out Here,” they added, referencing the company’s brand.
“We are excited for customers to visit our new space that now features more products than ever before, including our new apparel department, expanded feed and food selection and broader tool assortment. We know that customers will love these upgrades as much as we do, and we hope to share them with both familiar and new faces from the Iron Mountain community.”
Tractor Supply is located at 1860 S. Stephenson Ave. in Iron Mountain. Store hours are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.
Upper Peninsula State Bank Announces Plans To Build Office in Houghton
MARQUETTE — Upper Peninsula State Bank is pleased to announce their plans to expand their presence in the greater Houghton area.
The Bank recently purchased property at 908 and 912 College Ave. in Houghton and has plans
Upper Peninsula State Bank currently has a fullservice banking office in Houghton located at 960 Razorback Drive, Suite #1, opened in July 2022. The Bank has offices in Escanaba, Gladstone, Iron Mountain, Marquette, and Houghton. Upper Peninsula State Bank President and CEO, David C. Williams stated, “Our decision to build a new office underscores our commitment to the Copper Country and solidifies our long-term strategic goal of focusing on the economic well-being of the Upper Peninsula. We have been extremely proud to expand to the Copper Country and bring this progressive area our full complement of banking services. These include commercial, mortgage, and consumer loans, a full array of deposit products, e-banking services, brokerage services, and video teller technology 7 days a week — all with a client and results-driven focus.”
Upper Peninsula State Bank is a full-service bank established in 1902 and headquartered in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula with offices in Escanaba, Iron Mountain, Gladstone, Marquette and Houghton. The Bank represents great levels of safety and soundness and maintains excellent financial metrics including high levels of capital and reserves. For more information, please visit www. upstatebank.net.
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CMS Rates MMC-D Hospital at Four Stars
IRON MOUNTAIN — The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has given Marshfield Medical CenterDickinson a four-star rating, placing the facility in the top 25% nationwide.
CMS on July 31 updated the Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings on its Care Compare website and Provider Data Catalog. The 2024 Overall Star Rating selects 46 of the hospital quality measures CMS publicly reports on Medicare.gov and divides them into five measure groups: Mortality, Safety of Care, Readmission, Patient Experience, and Timely and Effective Care.
“Our entire team is very proud to earn again the CMS four-star rating,” said Mandy Shelast, Marshfield Michigan Region president.
“We work hard, every day, to monitor and improve the services in our hospital that are vital to our patient’s overall health and wellness.”
MMC-D is also denoted on the Medicare.gov website with the “BirthingFriendly” distinction.
“Birthing-Friendly” is the first-ever CMS designation to describe high-quality maternity care. To earn the designation, hospitals and health systems report their progress on CMS’s Maternal Morbidity Structural Measure to the Hospital Inpatient Quality Reporting Program. The measure identifies whether a hospital or health system has: — Participated in a statewide or national perinatal quality improvement collaborative program.
— Implemented evidence-based quality interventions in hospital settings to improve maternal health.
Marshfield Clinic Health System is an integrated health system that serves Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, with
more than 1,600 providers comprising 170 specialties, health plan, and research and education programs. Primary operations include more than 60 Marshfield Clinic locations, 11 hospitals, Marshfield Children’s Hospital, Marshfield Clinic Research Institute, Security Health Plan, and Marshfield Clinic Health System Foundation. Learn more at www.marshfieldclinic.org.
Aspirus Iron River Nurse Calkins Recognized with DAISY Award
IRON RIVER — Aspirus Iron River Hospital and Clinics recently honored registered nurse Heather Calkins with the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, recognizing her commitment and patient-centered approach to care.
The award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s program to recognize the efforts nurses perform every day.
Aspirus Iron River Hospital DAISY Award recipients are nurses who go above and beyond patient expectations by providing service with respect, compassion, and integrity; generating enthusiasm and energy while carrying out everyday duties and responsibilities; significantly making a difference and listening not only with ears but also with heart.
Today, more than 3,200 health care facilities in every state and 22 countries honor nurses with the DAISY Award. Nurses may be nominated by patients, families, visitors and col-
leagues and they are chosen by a multi-disciplinary team to receive the DAISY Award.
Aspirus Health is a nonprofit system based in Wausau, Wis., serving northeastern Minnesota, northern and central Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The system operates 18 hospitals and 130 outpatient locations with nearly 14,000 team members, including 1,300 employed physicians and advanced practice clinicians.
Blank Joins Re/Max North Country
CRYSTAL FALLS — Jordyn Blank has joined RE/MAX North Country as a new sales associate. She also will be licensed assistant to Danelle Dove, broker owner of RE/ MAX North Country. Blank was born and raised in the Crystal Falls area. She has a background in mortgage lending and public service, which helped her pivot over to the real estate world.
Blank spends her free time with her family and her dog, Myah; camping; and going on side-bysides. She also looks forward to marrying Collin Leonarduzzi of Iron River at the end of the summer.
Whether looking to sell or purchase a home, land, rental property or commercial space, Blank is ready to help.
She works out of the Crystal Falls office and can be reached at 906875-6331, directly at 906284-3547 and by email at jordynl@remax.net.
For more information about RE/MAX North Country, go to www.remaxnorthcountrymi.com.
Heather Calkins
Jordyn Blank
FDS Engineering & Electrical Services
By Dan Trumble
FDS Engineering & Electrical Services in Iron Mountain is a family owned and operated company through and through. They have established themselves as a premier provider of electrical control systems and services, earning a reputation for excellence in the industry. As a company that holds 508A and 698A certifications, FDS ensures that every panel they design and build meets the highest standards of quality and safety. These certifications, granted by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), are a testament to the company’s commitment to delivering reliable and compliant solutions. The 508A certification, in particular, highlights the company’s expertise in creating industrial control panels that are not only functional but also built to withstand the demands of harsh environments. The 698A certification further underscores FDS Engineering’s capabilities, signifying their proficiency in designing panels for hazardous locations, where safety and precision are paramount.
Furthermore FDS has employees on staff that are NFPA 70E certified. This certification handles things like risk assessment, job planning, principles, procedures and controls.
Safety is at the core of FDS Engineering & Electrical Services operations. The company’s approach to safety is holistic, encompassing not only the products they create but also the services they offer and the way they conduct their business. Arc flash studies are a critical part of FDS’s safety protocols. These studies assess the risk of electrical explosions in the workplace, providing crucial information that helps in designing systems that minimize these risks. By conducting thorough arc flash studies
for their clients, FDS Engineering & Electrical Services ensures that their clients’ operations are safeguarded against potential electrical hazards, protecting both personnel and equipment.
In addition to their technical expertise, FDS Engineering & Electrical Services places a strong emphasis on safety training. They understand that a well-informed workforce is the best defense against accidents and injuries. The company offers comprehensive safety training programs that equip employees with the knowledge and skills needed to operate safely in potentially dangerous environments. This training is not limited to internal staff; FDS
also extends their training services to their clients, helping to create a culture of safety that extends beyond their own operations. Because of their explosive growth they are always looking for passionate safety minded people to join their team. You can contact FDS for electrical, control panel or safety training needs at: (906) 239-6061 or visit their website at: https://www. fds-engineering.com/
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To adverise call Dan at 906-786-2021 Ext. 156
A ‘Side Hustle’ Can be a Way To Try Out A New Business Idea
NEW YORK (AP) — A “side hustle” can be one way to try out a new business idea before taking a full-fledged jump.
Nearly 1 in 3 Americans earn money on the side in addition to working full time, a Bankrate survey found.
But having a side hustle can be tricky to maintain. And if you’re not prepared, you might be on the hook for unpaid taxes and other headaches. Here are some tips to start working for yourself, even if it is just on the side.
First: be organized.
Even if you’re simply turning a hobby into a way to make a few dollars, creating a detailed step-by-step business plan can help prevent problems later. Keep detailed records of all expenses and communication. Downloading an an expense-tracking app may make bookkeeping easier.
Second: keep taxes top of mind.
Anyone earning over $400 from self-employment must file a tax return. And the IRS requires self-employed workers to file estimated taxes quarterly. It might be worth consulting a tax professional to determine the best tax filing route to take.
Third: avoid burnout.
Taxes aside, it’s important to figure out how much time you want to dedicate to the side hustle so you don’t get burnt out or overwhelmed. And building a customer base is key: gathering email and other contact information from customers can help you get feedback that could determine next steps.
Ruble’s Rodent Removal Hosts Chamber Ribbon Cutting
Iron Mountain, MI (August 26, 2024)- Recently Ruble’s Rodent Removal decided to join forces with the Dickinson Area Chamber of Commerce, join and hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate.
Ruble’s Rodent Removal has been operating for 18 years. Their first five years mainly consisted of trapping nuisance skunks and raccoons. Approximately 13 years ago, owner Nathan Ruble ventured into exclusion work with mice, squirrels and bats. The exclusion portion of his business allows the nuisance squirrels and bats to leave the home, but they cannot get back in.
Nathan said “The main portion of my business is mouse exclusion. In the past ten years, I have excluded mice from over 1500 homes and businesses in the area. Just because we live in the beautiful Northwoods doesn’t mean that we must live with mice in our homes. We have an over 90% success rate after the first visit for keeping mice out of people’s homes. However, if mice are still present after a month, we do not charge for a follow-up visit.”
Nathan puts customer service at the top of his list, making himself available to answer questions and discuss customer concerns before and even months and years after the service was provided.
Exclusion is 80% of Nathan’s business, working with mice, bats, red squirrels, gray squirrels, flying squirrels and snakes. Currently Nathan traps skunks, raccoons, woodchucks, opossums and pigeons.
White Water Associates Specializes In Lab Testing, Analysis
AMASA — A company in Amasa has been testing water supplies and more in the Upper Peninsula and beyond for nearly 40 years.
White Water Associates’ mission is to provide top-quality, competitively priced laboratory and consulting services in the fields of analytical chemistry, environmental analysis and ecology.
can even be of service to an individual homeowner — anyone who has concerns about their water.
“People are kind of realizing what is in their water, that it is very important to your health,” Toivonen said. “You do not taste arsenic or uranium, but you need to know if it is in your water.”
White Water Associates is open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, go to www.white-water-associates.com or call 906-8227889.
Ruble’s Rodent Removal may be reached by calling Nathan at 906-221-0021 or visit them on Facebook at upbats.com.
Slap Shot Sandwiches Celebrates
Negaunee, MI - Slap Shot Sandwiches is thrilled to announce its grand opening at 400 Iron Street, Negaunee, MI 49855. The Lake Superior Community Partnership assisted in hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the exciting occasion on July 10, 2024.
Slap Shot Sandwiches is a new eatery bringing a unique blend of vintage hockey charm and delicious, locally sourced fare to Negaunee. Customers experience a nostalgic trip to the past with their retro diner seating and vintage hockey dÈcor. Owners Alex Babcock and Jaquelyn Lambert, originally from Marquette, bring their passion for great food and community to Negaunee.
With their all-day breakfast menu, Slap Shot Sandwiches serves breakfast favorites any time. They are proud to make their own corned beef, cudighi, breakfast sausage, and chorizo sausage. Their meats and cheeses, including their prime rib cheesesteak, are freshly sliced in-house. They use locally sourced ingredients and support local farms and bakeries by sourcing their eggs, bread, and produce from nearby suppliers.
Slap Shot Sandwiches is open Monday through Saturday from 7:00 a.m.to 3:00 p.m. and a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy high-quality, locally sourced meals in a charming, nostalgic setting.
White Water Associates began in 1985 when founder Bette Premo of Amasa started the company in her basement before moving to the current location at 429 River Lane.
The company’s headquarters underwent a major expansion in 2011, doubling in size. It continues to grow, opening a second office last year in Kewaunee, Wis.
Current owners Sally Hedtke and Jen Toivonen purchased White Water Associates 2 1/2 years ago. Hedtke has been with White Water Associates since 2016 and Toivonen joined the company in 2020.
Their areas of expertise compliment each other, with Hedtke handling the business operations and Toivonen heading up the laboratory.
White Water Associates
One notable project White Water Associates now does is studying COVID, RSV and norovirus in wastewater for the state of Michigan.
White Water Associates does environmental consulting as well, performing studies of the mussels, reptiles, birds, invasive species and more inhabiting lakes or other water bodies. Currently they are doing a study for We Energies identifying the different species of birds in a given area.
White Water Associates employs 26 skilled workers, with six in the ecology department that include biologists, molecular biologists and chemists. Toivonen said that White Water Associates has a reputation as a good place to work and coordinates with universities to offer internships that draw top-notch talent.
Shown left to right: Chamber Executive Director Suzanne Larson, Ambassadors Teresa Schettler, Tamara Juul, Emily Gunville, Denise Lind, David Kopp, Tania Mishra, Kristine Schroeder. Owners of Ruble’s Rodent Removal Abby, Henry, Daniel and Nathan Ruble, Ambassadors Mick Gayan, Jana Vish and Ray King.
SALLY HEDTKE, LEFT, and Jen Toivonen have owned White Water Associates for 2 1/2 years. Behind them is the new ICPMS machine that helps analyze metals in water. (Jim Paul/ Daily News photo)
