9 1 D I V CO E D I U G Y R E V O C E R
MIDWEST
A Supplement To:
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COVID RESOURCE GUIDE | SUPPLEMENT TO THE LAKE COUNTY STAR
JULY 2, 2020
Two Locations to Serve You! 47 S. Charles, White Cloud, MI 49349
231-689-1280
Monday-Saturday: 8am-9pm Sunday: 8am-8pm 9559 S. M-37, Baldwin, MI 49304
231-745-2761
Monday-Saturday: 8am-9pm Sunday: 8am-8pm
*Designated days and times for elderly and immunocompromised shoppers* White Cloud on Tuesdays from 7-9am Baldwin on Thursdays from 7-9am Independently owned and operated for over 30 years – serving White Cloud, Baldwin, and surrounding communities. Check out our website www.housemansfoods.com for more information on brands we offer, recipes, printable coupons, and more! Curbside Pickup Available GIVE US A CALL!
PLEASE adhere to social distancing guidelines.
JULY 2, 2020
COVID RESOURCE GUIDE | SUPPLEMENT TO THE LAKE COUNTY STAR
y t i v i t a e r C r o f k o Lo
Surviving the pandemic economy is going to take some creative tricks, and that’s where a lot of smaller, local businesses have a leg up on the large corporations. They’re more agile and usually more community-oriented, so look for them to come through big in the COVID-19 clutch. restaurants They aren’t just doing curbside service of their normal menus. They’re selling an entire family meal meant to feed everyone. Or they’re selling off things that would normally be used for their sit-down dining — such as paper goods and
Breweries and distiLLeries Both beer and hand sanitizer have one thing in common: alcohol. And though they are different types — please don’t try to drink hand sanitizer — it can be made with roughly the same equipment. Some breweries are converting one or more of their production lines to turning out the coronavirus holy grail and offering it for purchase or giving it away with a purchase of their beer. States, counties and cities are also easing regulations regarding curbside and drive-up purchase of alcohol and cocktails, giving breweries, distilleries and bars a fighting chance at survival.
onLine saLes Business communities are banding together to promote
the ever-elusive toilet paper — along with their regular
online sales or other activities to responsibly boost business
menus.
during the pandemic. Tallahassee, Florida, businesses and city
Some restaurants are also using their wholesale grocer
officials put on a one-day #rallyfortally, and the city’s
ties to turn themselves into mini-grocery stores, providing
Geographic Information System department turned out an
food where there otherwise wouldn’t be any. Or they’re
interactive map of restaurants serving curbside food. In
devoting whole days to turning out products that are tough
Laramie County, Wyoming, Visit Cheyenne hosted a social dis-
to find, such as loaves of bread.
tancing bingo game where local businesses donated prizes.
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COVID RESOURCE GUIDE | SUPPLEMENT TO THE LAKE COUNTY STAR
JULY 2, 2020
G N I T E K R A CRISIS M Adapt your marketing strategies to the three stages of the COVID-19 crisis
1 SHUTDOWN APRIL - MAY
Adjust your message to meet changing consumer needs - informing customers of changes to your business mode!
2 RECOVERY MAY - JULY
Reinforce your commitment to the community and reassure consumers of the measures in place to protect them
3 SURGE AUGUST +
The impact of pent up demand and an altered marketplace offers climatic opportunity. It is time to amplify your message
Patrick Brooks | Digital Marketing Strategist patrick.brooks@hearst.com 231-592-8383
JULY 2, 2020
COVID RESOURCE GUIDE | SUPPLEMENT TO THE LAKE COUNTY STAR
Baldwin Located in BaLdwin • evart • reed city
NEW StorE HourS Monday - Friday 8am - 6 pm Saturday 8am -1pm Sunday Closed
1325 Michigan Ave. • Baldwin 751 Michigan avenue Baldwin, Mi 49304 (231) 745-2727
231-745-2003 www.shoppartsplus.com
Marquette Trails Golf Club Visit our website at www.boyeragency.com Baldwin Office 896 Michigan Avenue, P.O. Drawer C Baldwin, MI 49304
6409 W 76th St, Baldwin, MI 49304 231.898.2450 | www.marquettetrailsgc.com Serving the beSt breakfaSt in town, our reStaurant iS open 7 dayS a week! try our eat fit menu! 7am-2pm monday - friday 7am-3pm Saturday & Sunday
*Special rateS* new for 2020 SeaSon mondays all day (excluding holidays) Seniors, veterans, military, law enforcement & front line workers $25 - 18 holes w/cart green feeS
monday – friday
9 holes- walking $16, w/cart $25 18 holes- walking $26, w/cart $44
Saturdays, Sundays, holidays
boyerbaldwin@boyeragency.com
Senior rates (55 & older)
Monday all day, Tues. - Thurs. until Noon 9 holes w/cart $19, 18 holes w/cart $30
Located 3 miles south of Baldwin at Big Star Lake
BALDWIN
twilight
4 PM- 18 holes $35 6 PM- Unlimited $24
Junior rates Juniors ride free with paying adult. 9 holes $11, 18 holes $20
N
M-37
P: (231) 745-9770 F: (231) 745-9776
9 holes- walking $19, w/cart $28 18 holes- walking $30, w/cart $48
3 Miles MARQUETTE TRAILS
76th St.
S
Like us on Facebook @MarquetteTrailsGolfClub
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Gleason Sales & Service
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COVID RESOURCE GUIDE | SUPPLEMENT TO THE LAKE COUNTY STAR
JULY 2, 2020
11581 N. Woodbridge • Bitely
231-745-3053 Open Mon. - Fri. 9 - 5; Sat. 9 - 3 • CLOSED TUESDAY & SUNDAY
Used ATV’s & Outboard Motors
Sales & Service
Your
Dealer
Chainsaws, Trimmers & Blowers
JULY 2, 2020
COVID RESOURCE GUIDE | SUPPLEMENT TO THE LAKE COUNTY STAR
t r A p A S S e n i uS B r u o Y g n i t t Se Y r o t S r u o Y g BY tellnign ing/Story Studio s ti r e v d A e v ti a N / Content Marketi
In a world where things are ever-changing due to COVID-19, it is more important than ever to let our potential customers and clients know how we are doing business safely. As we continue our movement towards a “new normal”, we need our business message to be one that meets the needs of our potential clients and customer and that breaks through all the other “digital noise” online. Wouldn’t you agree? What we are learning, especially during this time of re-opening, is that people are doing their own research online before they ever pick up the phone to call your business. They want to know exactly what you do, how you are different from your competitor, and how your business is offering a “safe service” during this time. Meeting our customers in a way that goes along with this behavior is proving to be not only a nice option, but an essential one. The obvious question we are all asking is, how can my business meet this need? This brings us to a different marketing approach than we might be familiar with in traditional advertising (t.v., radio, magazines, billboards) We hear it called by different names like “content marketing”, or “native advertising”. Basically, it is the idea of taking a less in-your-face approach like you might see in a social media or online banner ad. Instead, you can tell your story in an interactive editorial piece with a targeted marketing approach that reaches your specific desired audience online. The good news is, you have an option that can fulfill all parts of this type of marketing campaign all in one place, close to home. Hearst Media Midwest offers a history of over 100 years of telling stories through our newspapers, magazines and online content. We are now using our powerful story telling experience to the advantage of your local business. Writing and telling the story is only half the battle. We need local people to not only be aware of your story, we need them to engage into it and read it. It is uncommon to get any guarantees in the advertising/marketing world, but Hearst’s Story Studio – Native Advertising campaigns come with a guaranteed number of engagements, so your story is not just being glanced at. We deliver your story out to those people interested in what you do until we reach our desired level of engagement. We measure this by only counting an “engagement” when a reader has stayed on the page long enough and has scrolled deep enough to have actually read the content. The magic of Story Studio – Native Advertising, is that we are telling a more complete story about who you are as a business or organization, what you do and how you are doing it safely for your customers trying to get back to normal life. It is time to change our approach in how we reach our desired audience and future customers and clients through our marketing efforts. Let Hearst Media help you tell your story online in a way that will reach those potential customers and clients on their terms. Tell your story. Set yourself apart. Story Studio.
I would love to help tell your story. Give me a call or email me today!
Josh Wilson | Digital Marketing Strategist joshua.wilson@hearst.com - 231-679-5879
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COVID RESOURCE GUIDE | SUPPLEMENT TO THE LAKE COUNTY STAR
JULY 2, 2020
Do you
own a business in these towns?
Baldwin • Big Rapids • Bitely • Morley • Stanwood • Rogers Heights Call me for a free professional marketing consultation.
Julia Logan-Henegar
Media Consultant
(231)-592-8397
julia.logan-henegar@pioneergroup.com
All your print and digital advertising needs from a friendly & familiar face
Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:30 pm Saturday 8:00 - 12:00pm Located at 11169 N. M-37 Irons, MI 49644 231.862.3113
Shopper TRI-COUNTY
115 N. Michigan Ave. • Big Rapids, MI 49307
Visit our website at: www.ironsanimalhospital.com
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JULY 2, 2020
COVID RESOURCE GUIDE | SUPPLEMENT TO THE LAKE COUNTY STAR
e e r F r u o y Claim ! g n i t s i l business As we begin to navigate the return to normalcy, there are many questions that have been left unanswered for consumers. Is your business fully operational again? What safety precautions is your business taking? Are there any coupons or deals being offered right now? The Big Rapids Pioneer, Lake County Star, and The Herald Review are supporting local businesses by creating Open for Business, a free directory, to assist entrepreneurs like you across our community to answer all of these questions, and more!
Claim your Free listing in our open For business direCtory in just 3 easy steps: 1. Head to https://bit.ly/ofbpioneer 2. Fill out the form 3. Verify the listing information It is that simple! Let us help you get back on track! please feel free to spread the word to your friends and fellow entrepreneurs; after all, helping our neighbors — it is what we do best!
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COVID RESOURCE GUIDE | SUPPLEMENT TO THE LAKE COUNTY STAR
JULY 2, 2020
y r e v i l e d d n a T u O Take
Many states and cities have shut down the sit-down portions of restaurants and bars, but that doesn’t mean they’re totally shut down. Some are switching to completely curbside pickup or delivery to keep the lights on and staff employed. Using takeout and delivery services is a safe way to continue supporting local business even during the pandemic. is iT safe? According to the FDA, there’s no evidence of food or food packaging being associated with the transmission of COVID19. It might be possible, the agency says, that you can get the virus by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching your mouth, nose or maybe eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads. If you’re still concerned, just wash your hands well after unpacking your food or other items and disposing of the
and game stores, and other businesses are now offering free delivery in their local area, sometimes with a minimum order. If you need a product, look for a local business that will deliver it. And with pandemic-driven delays in shipping, local delivery may even beat the big online retailers. Look to social media posts, business listings, stories in the newspaper or on the television news, and guidance from local officials to find out what’s open and delivering. There may even be a hashtag you can follow like #wereopen or #openin(your city) to get some ideas of businesses to support.
Waived fees Bear in mind that some delivery services, like Uber Eats, DoorDash, Bite Squad and others, charge restaurants a fee to deliver their food. Try to order directly from the business itself, when possible, or use a service that’s waived those fees for the pandemic. Grubhub, Uber Eats and DoorDash are just a few companies that have waived fees in specific localities. You can always ask the business you’re calling if they
packaging.
Think BeyOnd fOOd Lots of places besides restaurants are taking a page from their playbook. Book stores, pharmacies, nurseries, toy
have to pay a fee for the service. If they do, maybe opt for a curbside option instead, so that the business owner gets to keep more of the money.
JULY 2, 2020
COVID RESOURCE GUIDE | SUPPLEMENT TO THE LAKE COUNTY STAR
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Grand Oaks NursiNg &
rehabilitatioN CeNter 600 Denmark Street Baldwin, MI 49304 (231) 745-4648 Services & Amenities
Convenience, comfort & support from our family to yours.
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COVID RESOURCE GUIDE | SUPPLEMENT TO THE LAKE COUNTY STAR
JULY 2, 2020
e g A T n A v d A h c Te
Zoom meetings, Google Hangouts and FaceTime chats have been around for a while, but with most face-to-face meetings out of the question for a while and many people working from home, they’re now coming into their own. virTuAl MeeTings Look at your pre-pandemic calendar. If you had meetings with a financial planner or real estate agent, that meeting may still be on. Many professionals, particularly in service-related industries, are turning to video chats and other tech services to continue doing business in the time of social distancing. Realtors, for example, are using tech to offer virtual tours and open houses using a variety of videos, touring via FaceTime, live streaming a house tour and more. Spring is typically a hot time for buying and selling houses, and with interest rates at rock bottom, the industry just can’t afford to miss out. Vacant properties can also still be shown, provided agents and potential buyers adhere to proper social distancing protocols. Other professionals that may be offering virtual meetings during this time include financial advisors, bankers, fitness trainers and more.
TeleMedicine Medical and mental health appointments may still be on, too. Insurance providers, Medicare and Medicaid have rapidly expanded their available covered telehealth services so that people can continue to get treatment so long as providers are available during the pandemic. Your provider may ask you to do certain things like verbally acknowledge you accept telehealth treatment and showing that you’re in a private place, but otherwise, the visit should go much like it would in an office. Fluffy may also qualify for a telemedicine visit, the FDA says. The agency recently suspended many requirements of the veterinarian-client-patient relationship. “The FDA recognizes the vital role veterinarians play in protecting public health. This pandemic has had impacts on many of our everyday lives and professions, and during this time, we need to provide veterinarians with the latitude to expand the use of telemedicine in the care of animals,” said FDA Commissioner Stephen M. Hahn. “The FDA is providing flexibility that will help veterinarians maintain the health of animals during the pandemic, while allowing for the social distancing that is so important in limiting the further spread of coronavirus disease across the country and world.”
JULY 2, 2020
COVID RESOURCE GUIDE | SUPPLEMENT TO THE LAKE COUNTY STAR
d r a C t f i g a g n i y Bu
Even with advances in technology, there are some businesses that just can’t open. Beauty salons of all kinds are shuttered, as are a lot of gyms, cleaning services, movie theaters and anywhere else people tend to congregate. Even with the doors closed, though, there are ways you can help. How does Buying a gift Card Help? Buying a gift card is a great way to put money in a business owner’s hands now that they can use for payroll or
them anyway. Many of these providers are independent contractors with little or no safety net during this time.
How do i Buy My gift Card? It’s a rare business these days that doesn’t have social media or a website. Contact the business by email or social media message (no one may be around to answer the phone) and ask to purchase a gift card or gift certificate. If you’re worried about keeping your information safe, you can ask to use a trusted app or payment service, such as Venmo or PayPal. Bonus: Many businesses are offering a little something extra when you buy a card now, like a discount or extra service when you redeem.
bills without having to render the service until later, when
not Just tHe
the pandemic has passed and they’re back on their feet.
serviCe industry
And, chances are, that’s a service you were going to use,
Gift cards can help out anywhere, not just in the service
anyway, particularly if it’s a business you regularly used
industry, and it’s a great way to say thank you to those
before COVID-19.
going the extra mile, like health care workers, journalists
If you already had an appointment with your stylist, your
and first responders. Or just to get some Christmas shop-
lawncare provider, your massage therapist, your personal
ping done early (first check to make sure how long it will be
trainer or any other service provider that you can no lon-
valid). You can get gift cards to coffee shops, restaurants,
ger meet with, try to give them the tip you would’ve given
movie theaters, clothings stores, all kinds of places.
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JULY 2, 2020
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COVID RESOURCE GUIDE | SUPPLEMENT TO THE LAKE COUNTY STAR
d r a o B l l i B g n i k l Be a Wa Many local businesses don’t have
look for the helPers
big advertising budgets, and now
If you see a business owner doing something exceptional,
isn’t exactly the time they have
tell the world. So much of the news is gloomy that it’s easy to
extra money to start. You can help support them here in two big ways, however. Keep reading to find out more. Buy Branded Merch
get depressed. Try looking for the helpers and sending some love their way on social media or by letting a local newspaper or television station know what they’re doing. Some examples to look for might be a restaurant providing free meals to medical staff or a brewery handing out hand sanitizer to first responders. Small businesses are community businesses, and chances are, they’re out there helping.
You’ve walked past the T-shirts at your favorite coffee shop hundreds of times to pick up your daily latte. Now is the time to buy one and wear it. Not only do shop owners make some money on branded merchandise, but you’re also doing some advertising for them. You can let people know they’re still doing business by posting their picture on social media or standing in line (6 feet away from everyone else) at the grocery store. Pro-tip: Merchandise like coffee cups, keychains and shirts also make really neat gifts that show off your civic pride. Buy some now to set aside for Christmas, New Year’s, Teacher Appreciation Year 2021 or next Tuesday. Your pick.
Post on social While people are homeschooling their kids and searching for craft kits to keep them busy, they might be missing that really cool craft store just down the road. Post pictures of your projects and tag them in it, using #shoplocal or other hashtags trending in your area. It gives the owner a morale boost and bumps up their bottom line. Note: It really doesn’t have to be a craft store. Any store would work here.
© adobe stock
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COVID RESOURCE GUIDE | SUPPLEMENT TO THE LAKE COUNTY STAR
JULY 2, 2020
COVID-19
Emotional Support Line 1-855-539-6268
Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Reach Out
1-855-539-6268 If you are having a hard time coping or adapting due to COVID-19, you can receive free emotional support through West Michigan Community Mental Health’s COVID-19 Emotional Support Line. The Emotional Support Line is staffed by trained mental health professionals in Mason, Lake and Oceana counties. This service is free and open to anyone in the community. You do not have to be a client of West Michigan CMH to use this service.
Call 1-855-539-6268 Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. If you call after hours, please leave your name and a contact number where you can be reached. This Call Line is for emotional support only. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call the West Michigan CMH Crisis Hotline at 1-800-992-2061.