CHAMBER newsletter May 2020
Supporting Small Business & Living Through a New Sense of Normal
Inside: Marketing Tips & Activities to do During Social Distancing
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Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com
MAY 2020
PLATINUM MEMBERS
2020 Executive Board of Directors Danette Doyle President The Pioneer Group Randy Ostrander Past President Lake and Lodge Realty, LLC Mindy Taylor Treasurer Mecosta County
2020 Board of Directors Connie Koepke Mecosta County Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Josh Pyles Downtown Business Association
Jim Sandy Mecosta County Development Corporation Pat Currie Currie's BP Amoco Josh Eling Isabella Bank Shelly Keene Michigan Work! West Central
Member At Large City of Big Rapids
LEADING BUSINESSES, LEADING COMMUNITIES For information on becoming a member of the Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce, please contact us.
Dave Hamelund Hamtech, Inc.
Stay connected by reading the Chamber’s blog! My Chamber Connect is updated frequently with helpful articles, information about the county, video tutorials and commentary!
Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce 127 South State Street, Big Rapids Big Rapids, MI 49307 (231) 796-7649 • Fax: (231) 796-1625 mecostacounty.com
SOCIAL NETWORKING facebook.com/mcacc
Secretary
Heather Bowman
SILVER MEMBERS
Michelle Rasmussen Ferris State University
Jeff Godfrey Spectrum Health
GOLD MEMBERS
twitter.com/mcacc2017
STAFF
Allison Jackson
Events Coordinator & Administrative Assistant events@mecostacounty.com
instagram.com/mecostacountychamber
MAY 2020
Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com
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Leadership Mecosta is a dynamic 9 month program for people who wish to connect with other leaders in the Mecosta County community. Members have the opportunity to learn leadership skills and principles, grow in serving the community, and lead into the future of Mecosta County. For more information on the 2020-2021 class, please visit www.leadershipmecosta.com
How to join the Chamber All types of businesses are welcome to join the Chamber and anyone that feels they would benefit from additional marketing, networking and educational opportunities are encouraged to take advantage of all of the benefits that the Chamber has to offer! Joining the Chamber is easy, all you have to do is fill out the application form and submit with your annual dues. Payment options are available. You can receive the application form by going to our website at www.mecostacounty. com, by stopping in our office at 127 South State Street, Big Rapids or by
mecostacounty.com
calling us at 231-796-7649 and requesting a packet be mailed to you. Your benefits start immediately once the application is received. It’s just that easy! Let us know if you have any questions and we look forward to serving you!
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Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com
CHAMBER NEWS AND INFO Showcase your business! Show the community what you do and host a Rise and Shine event at your location. Rise & Shine Mecosta! Start your day with networking over morning refreshments. All Mecosta county area residents are welcome to attend this free networking event. Are you interested in hosting a Rise & Shine? We still have dates available! Give us a call at (231) 796-7649
No Business After Hours for the month of May. Light refreshments are provided by our hosts, and there is typically a door prize! So bring your business cards and take advantage of this great networking opportunity! RSVP is appreciated. Call the chamber at (231) 796-7649 or email events@mecostacounty.com to RSVP.
Business After Hours 2020 Schedule No Business After Hours in May June 18, 2020
September 17, 2020: St. Mary-St. Paul Ministry/Resale Shop
July 16, 2020: Fremont Area Community Foundation
October 15, 2020: Altercare of Big Rapids
August 20, 2020: Isabella Bank - Canadian Lakes Location
No Business After Hours in December
November 19, 2020: Available
Rise & Shine 2020 Schedule Enjoy breakfast refreshments, provided by our host, to start your day off right. RNS events begin at 7:30 a.m. and wrap up by 8:30 a.m. RSVP is appreciated. Call (231)796-7649 or email events@mecostacounty.com to RSVP. May 28, 2020 - New Horizons Landscape June 25, 2020 July 23, 2020
August 27, 2020 - Life Resources of Northern Michigan September 24, 2020 October 22, 2020 - Available!
No Rise and Shine in November or December. See you at the Annual Meeting in 2021!
Special Thank You to all of our Ambassador Club Volunteers!
MAY 2020
Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com
MAY 2020
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HOW TO SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL SMALL BUSINESSES DURING THE COVID-19 EPIDEMIC Here are six steps you can take to help keep your local businesses afloat during the COVID-19 outbreak experiencing slow traffic, low sales, and even the prospect of having to close their doors in the meantime? Here are six steps you can take to help keep your local businesses afloat during the COVID-19 outbreak. BUY GIFT CARDS
By Chanell Turner, myasbn.com For the past two to three weeks, the COVID-19 outbreak has impacted every part of our daily lives. From going to the movies to visiting local bars, many of the activities we are used to are on pause. This drastic change has heavily impacted small businesses in every part of the country. With small businesses having to close their doors, many are already having to suspend work or let go of their teams altogether. In response to this situation, the Trump Administration has set up an economic relief package for smaller companies, but it may take up to a month before this takes effect. So, what can you do to help support your local small businesses who may be
Even though you likely cannot physically buy items from your local stores, many businesses offer gift cards online. Get in touch with local businesses that you frequent and see how you can purchase gift cards from them. Not only does this gesture help to funnel revenue their way, but you still get to practice social distancing. This act also sends the message that you will be shopping with them again in the future once things return to normal. ORDER TAKEOUT Why not take a break from eating whatever is in the refrigerator, and order out? While many bars and restaurants may be closed to the public, some are still operating as takeout only. Services like Ubereats, Doordash, and even Postmates are still running during this time. So, see if your favorite restaurant is open and either delivers or is using these rideshare programs to get food out to customers. Again, you are practicing social distancing, taking a break from probably digging back into leftovers, and offering some revenue to a local eatery who needs it. RESCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENTS INSTEAD OF CANCELLING
During times like these, everyone can use a morale boost. While we may not know what tomorrow or next week may look like, looking at this situation as if it is temporary—and it is—will help you and the local businesses in your area maintain positivity. One of the ways you can do this is by rescheduling any appointments you have instead of canceling. Again, we have no idea how long this situation will last, but postponing an appointment lets that small business know that they still have customers who are ready to jump back into their regular routines once this situation ends. It also allows local companies to see that they have a loyal customer base and that there is a light at the end of the tunnel for all involved. BRING SOME MUCH NEEDED ATTENTION THEIR WAY If you know of a business that is still open, or a restaurant offering takeout, be sure to spread the word about what they do to family and friends in the area. Invite those you know to purchase gift cards, order take out, or learn about the business so they can visit once the outbreak is under control. Everyone in your area may not know about that stylish boutique, delicious ramen restaurant, or neat crafts store. So, offer those businesses some much needed publicity by directing people to their websites, e-commerce stores, and social media accounts. SELECT LOCAL BUSINESSES FOR YOUR NEEDS IN QUARANTINE In most parts of the country, individuals are being urged to stay inside. As a result, many of us are
realizing that we need to restock supplies while self-quarantining. So, if you need to replenish items like activities or games for children, educational resources, books, cleaning supplies, and even non-perishable foods, see if you can order these items from a small business in your area that has an e-commerce store. If no one locally is offering these items, still look for small businesses online that do. BUY THEIR BRANDED MERCHANDISE You’ve likely seen it—that favorite coffee shop, bakery, or book store that has that stylish merchandise. Well, now’s a great time to buy some t-shirts, hats, tote bags, pins, mugs, or any other swag those local businesses may offer. Check out their online store—if they have one— and see what you can buy. A great tactic to add on is take a photo of yourself with the merchandise once it is sent to you and post the photo with a tag of the business on social media. Not only will it raise their spirits, but it will also notify others of who they are and what they do. YOU CAN MAKE A HUGE IMPACT ON THE SMALL BUSINESSES IN YOUR AREA Again, the effects of COVID-19 have become a reality for many. However, small businesses are bearing a unique financial burden. Fortunately, you can help keep these companies afloat with some small, but incredibly helpful measures. Not only does it help them, but it also allows you to find another way to enjoy a company that you cannot currently visit.
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MAY 2020
MARKETING DURING COVID-19: 4 ESSENTIAL COPYWRITING GUIDELINES By Kristen McCormick, WordStream
The COVID-19 outbreak has affected all aspects of our lives, including marketing. Even if your business is not health-related, you are most likely incorporating the pandemic into your content and messaging. Yet you are also most likely trying to figure out exactly how to stay relevant while also appropriate during such an unprecedented time. This guide was written to help you with that. It includes: • Guidelines for staying sensitive • Resources for ensuring accuracy • Suggestions for modifying your offers • Tips for keeping track of it all COVID-19 has not only shifted business trends, but also consumer priorities and the entire marketing landscape. The goal of this guide is to help you adapt your messaging accordingly so you can continue purposeful, quality communication with your audience and stand strong with your customers. Let's start with the most important one. BEING SENSITIVE COVID-19 has impacted individuals on a personal level world-wide, so the risk of inadvertently coming off as insensitive or even exploitative is higher than ever right now. And with social media communication at a peak, one small mistake could mean far-reaching and long-term consequences for you. Follow these guidelines to make sure you're communicating appropriately during the COVID-19 outbreak. Better too serious than sorry While it’s normally common and effective for brands to keep a conversational tone, it’s best to steer clear of using humor or wit to accomplish that right now. Even being overly casual can be off-putting. Your content may not be as colorful or aligned with your brand personality, but it’s far better to be more
serious than you want to be than to be more sorry than you can express. We recommend keeping a positive, inspirational, and helpful tone. Avoid being humorous, witty, or casual. There’s a right way to make light of the situation Being more serious doesn’t mean somber. You can still stress the bright side; just know the difference between positivity and humor, and between being uplifting vs dismissive of the situation. Check for insensitive words You know not to use overt puns, but keep in mind that there are several words and phrases that prior to COVID-19 were completely harmless. For example: • Killer (as in a “killer deal”) • Contagious (“how to create contagious content”) • Health or checkup-related terms (“give your budget a pulse check”) • Spread • Contagious
• Infectious • Viral • Gather • Event Take a neutral or supportive stance If your business is still operating and relevant, be careful with your positioning. For example, among the Federal government's COVID-19 measures is a steep interest rate cut. For mortgage brokers, “Take advantage of the low interest rate now!” conveys an inappropriately exciting message. On the other hand, “Let us help you navigate the unstable economy” offers security and respects the gravity of the situation. Similarly, marketing and advertising agencies reaching out to these businesses should take a position not of helping businesses to "capitalize" on the current times, but rather of helping them to make themselves as visible/accessible as possible right now to those who need them. • Use: “contribute,” “connect,” “play a role,” “navigate,” “cope,” “respond”
• Do not use: “capitalize,” “advantage,” “offer,” “gain,” “profit” • Be careful with: “opportunity,” “make the most” Think contribution, not conversion If you’re one of the less or non-essential businesses with respect to COVID-19, there are still ways to stay relevant. However, your motive here should not be to get more business but to continue offering value to your audience. People are just trying to say afloat right now, so think contribution, not conversion. ENSURING ACCURACY Now more than ever, taking the extra steps to stay accurate will help you to maintain the trust you’ve worked so hard to build with your audience. It will also help you to keep up with changing search trends and even filter out any unreliable COVID-19 resources of your own. Here are some guidelines and resources to help you stay accurate. Use credible COVID-19 sources Effective copywriting provides information while simultaneously delivering a greater
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MAY 2020
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Continued from page 6 message. Your intended message may be “I am here to help you,” but if your information is inaccurate, this is not the message that will come through. At best it will say “I’m careless,” and at worst, “I can’t be trusted.” Inaccurate information about the coronavirus is everywhere, so make sure you get your facts straight when copywriting— especially for social media captions or ads that can get shared. The best places for reliable information are:
Stay optimistic, but don’t overpromise It’s important to inspire hope and forwardthinking through your copywriting, but remember that this is an unprecedented situation; even expert predictions have questionable accuracy. All that you can promise your audience is that you’ll stay committed to handling the situation and serving them the best way you can. Ensuring anything else, even if to keep up morale, could backfire on you.
• Centers for Disease Control
MODIFYING YOUR OFFERS
• World Health Organization
Google has banned advertising on travelrelated services, but there are still a lot of businesses that can, and should, advertise relevant services during COVID-19. Just make sure to modify your copywriting so that calls to action are appropriate. Also, keep in mind that things are evolving fast, so keep your messaging as versatile as possible so you don’t have to be constantly updating your copy. Here are some guidelines and suggestions for CTAs with respect to COVID-19.
• The Department of Public Health for your state • Factcheck.org's Coronavirus Coverage Guide Employ proper grammar Checking for grammar is a no-brainer when it comes to copywriting, but it’s especially important when it comes to COVID-19. Improper grammar can undermine the validity of your facts, and even alter your message. For example, “the governor put a shelter in place for the city” actually means a shelter was put into place and even implies a gathering. Small details matter. To clarify, for this example: • Shelter in place is a verb (action): "We advise you to shelter in place." • Shelter-in-place is an adjective (description): "We've instated a shelter-inplace policy." And for your coronavirus-related copywriting in general, there are two great tools that we can suggest: • Topical Guide on COVID-19: This simple yet super-helpful guide was created by the Associated Press to help with coverage of the coronavirus. • Grammarly: This is a contextual editor that catches important fixes that slip past regular spell check. It’s a free plugin you can download and use across all applications. Checking up on details like this takes some extra time, and maybe your audience will know what you meant, but better to be safe than sorry. Plus, COVID-19 isn’t a trending topic; its effects are going to be long-lasting, so your content is likely to stay relevant for a while. Make sure it’s as up to standard as the rest of your copywriting.
Ease up on urgency “Call now” or “Book now” buttons are fine; but excitement- or scarcity-driven copywriting, like “Don’t miss out!” or “Grab your spot before it’s too late!” is not going to resonate with consumers or businesses right now. Nothing is as urgent as COVID-19, and this type of tone is more likely to cause you to come off as unaware or ignorant. Adjust for relevance Check your offerings and make sure your copy is aligned with COVID-19 safety measures and lifestyle changes For example: • Change irrelevant value propositions like “more dog walks” or “more diners in your doors” to something more neutral, like “more leads,” or more timely, like “more online orders.” • Reword inapplicable CTAs, like “join now” for facilities that are closed. “Learn more” could work here. • Use words to reinforce the safety of your audience, such as “contact-free,” “virtual,” “remote,” “in-home,” “downloadable,” “delivery,” “online.” Check your scheduled content Don’t forget to check your automated emails or scheduled posts for relevance and
appropriateness. This may include: • April Fools humor • Easter gathering-related content • Birthday or anniversary offers • Automated nurture campaigns STAYING ON TRACK If you’re feeling overwhelmed with all of the changes you need to make to your copy, just remember that you’re not alone. Everyone is having to make adjustments right now and settling into new rhythms. Here are some tips to help you through. • Prioritize. You won’t (and shouldn’t) make the above changes to all of your copy. Start with top-trafficked content and new content moving forward. • Track your changes: Create a spreadsheet of the changes you make so you can keep
track of what to change back when things start to settle out. • Don’t delete anything: Save your good ideas and well-performing campaigns for reinstatement in the future when they will be more effective. Things will return to normal someday. A new normal, but a normal nonetheless. MAINTAIN YOUR COPYWRITING STANDARDS WHILE MARKETING DURING COVID-19 COVID-19 may be a new era, and your messaging and offers may change, but your copywriting standards should be the same. At the end of the day, you are still supplying information, adding value, and conveying to your audience that you are in tune with their needs.
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Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com
MAY 2020
Explore
MECOSTA COUNTY this May!
Explore Region!
the
Big
Rapids
Spring is the time of year that we all look forward to with the arrival of warmer weather, sightings of Robins and Geese along with flowers such as Daffodils and Crocus beginning to pop through the ground. This time of year brings a welcome change of seasons, longer days and a burst of new life. This year, spring also brings with it continued concerns during times that no one would have ever thought we would be facing. We are, however, extremely fortunate to belong to one of the most amazing and caring communities out there. We have strong and passionate roots within our businesses, residents and schools. You see it daily in the heartfelt support all are showing to one another during these difficult times. While we are anxiously waiting for the return of some form of normalcy it is also a good time to find inspiration in what we do have as opposed to what we do not. As the temperature may be brisk, the sun is still out every day making it a great time to get out and experience Mother Nature’s Playground here in Mecosta County. Trails, lakes, parks and the Muskegon River can all be great venues for you to enjoy both
Head to www.mecostacounty.com to the events tab for dates & to join the Chamber Connect group!
physically and mentally.
Restaurants are still open to serve you with either curbside pickup and/ or delivery. Many of our small and independent businesses are open as well. Health and wellness stores, flower shops, grocery stores, hotels and car repair facilities are all essential businesses and ready to assist you. All have made adjustments to ensure they are following required state and federal safety guidelines. This is also a great time to plan that eagerly anticipated get-a-way, once it is safe to do so. The Mecosta County Convention & Visitors Bureau will be here to help you with information on area activities, great lodging specials and All Things Mecosta County. Many of our area communities have had to look at rescheduling their annual events to either later this year or next year. Once new dates have been confirmed we will be keeping you up to date via our Community Events Calendar, Facebook page and Annual Events listing on our website at BigRapids.org. Stay safe Mecosta County! Connie Koepke – Executive Director Mecosta County Convention & Visitors Bureau
Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com
MAY 2020
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10 CONSIDERATIONS FOR TRANSITIONING BACK TO WORK IN A POST-COVID-19 WORLD By Cindy Coleman, Don Ricker, and Jane Stull, Gensler.com The COVID-19 pandemic has presented new and incredible challenges for millions of workers around the globe. In just a matter of weeks, the workforce at large has quickly and strategically navigated the sudden shift to remote working, while maintaining the symbiotic relationship between business continuity and employee well-being. As we look ahead, our clients across the globe are grappling with how they can plan, communicate, and transition hundreds to thousands of employees back into the office with new guidelines and policies to maintain the health of both employees and the company. They’re asking: How do we start planning the transition back into the office when the time comes? What can we start doing now? For many organizations, implementing an effective outcome starts with those on the front lines: the IT, human resources, real estate, facilities, and service teams who support teams remotely and accommodate the critical staff who still remain in the office. These teams are challenged with the logistics of planning and implementing new ways of working that balance business continuity with employee safety — now, and in the months to come. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach, we’ve outlined some considerations, tools, and methodologies that we’re working with clients on that may help guide other organizations who are facing these unprecedented challenges: 1. Rethink density to prioritize physical distancing. For critical departments and workers who remain in the office or are soon heading back, we’re seeing utilization of the entire, now largely vacant, workplace being used to accommodate physical distancing. While maintaining the existing layout of desks and furniture, seating can be assigned to accommodate the latest recommendations for safe physical distancing. Using generative algorithms, Gensler has developed a physical distancing tool, ReRun™ — a data-driven process for postCOVID workplace occupancy planning. Using the existing layout of a workplace, ReRun can quickly generate many scenarios and identify the most optimized plan for a variety of physical distancing conditions, whether an organization has hundreds or thousands
of seats. As workplaces begin to phase in more employees, ReRun can continue to generate scenarios that increase in density to help inform organizational return planning strategies. 2. Plan phased scenarios for returning to work. With limited seating available and essential workers identified, organizations can plan for phased reentry to the office based on role and vulnerability criteria. The time frame between each group phasing back in may be based on need and the continued health of employees. We’re seeing organizations with hundreds or thousands of seats challenged with the logistics of planning a phased model. With scenario planning in our space management software, Wisp®, we’re helping clients visualize and communicate to their teams which seats are available for occupancy at a floor, neighborhood, or departmental level. This high-level approach of color coding a floor plan can be quickly implemented across a portfolio for immediate physical distancing planning and future scenarios. 3. Identify essential and vulnerable workers. While many office workers have transitioned to working from home, some individuals cannot work remotely due to the nature of their role or for security reasons. Some of these individuals may still be going to the office or will be some of the first staff to phase back in. HR data is being used to help identify which workers are critical to remain in the office so that accommodations can be made. Decisions about vulnerability are being made based on considerations such as an individual’s age, health conditions, or cohabitation situation. Some offices in Asia have begun phasing employees back into the workplaces based on vulnerability criteria. It’s not too soon to engage departments on identifying and prioritizing their essential staff. Departmental space needs for staff in the office can then be weighted against other factors, such as HR data. Ultimately, all of this information can be applied towards a phased plan for reentering the office. 4. Reconfigure flex spaces. While using every other desk may cut your capacity in half or more, activating conference rooms, focus rooms, learning labs, and break out spaces as dedicated
seating areas can increase the headcount of staff in the office while maintaining physical distancing. As workers return to the office, these spaces will again be used to enhance collaboration in a safe way. Clearly identifying which seats respect physical distancing and removing excess seating will help users follow guidelines. 5. Reconsider the use of free address seating areas. Free address workplaces typically operate on a first come-first serve basis and offer fewer desks than people. The immediate concern with this type of workplace is cleanliness and cross-contamination from multiple people sharing desks. These spaces may need to be used differently until the COVID-19 threat is over. To reduce spread of germs, plans to phase employees back into these environments may involve dedicating seats to individuals for a set period of time. If alternating the occupants assigned to each desk on different days or weeks, clearly communicating the plan with cleaning services will be paramount for instilling confidence in staff that desks have been sanitized. 6. Track who sits where. With essential employees spread out across the office and temporarily sitting at a desk previously assigned to someone else, clear communication regarding the expected seat assignments can add transparency and clarity to all parties. Indicating the respective desks, break rooms, and bathrooms to be used can also help facilities teams prioritize cleaning plans for spaces being used. Knowing where employees are assigned and their likely circulation paths throughout the day can support a focused cleaning response if an employee does exhibit symptoms, and also indicate other employees assigned to the same vicinity. Using Wisp, our clients are putting names to seats to clearly communicate which desks are assigned to each individual now and for future states as more employees return to the office. 7. Introduce shift work. This approach allows for more individuals to use the workplace on a shift basis. With clearly assigned desks, physical distancing can be maintained for those on the same shift, while making the office accessible to a larger number of employees over time. It also allows for facilities to plan their cleaning schedule. Shifts may take place over daily or weekly timeframes, depending on the needs
and goals of each organization. 8. Designate isolation rooms. In the event an employee begins exhibiting symptoms — whether in building lobbies, common areas, or tenant spaces — organizations will need the ability to isolate anyone who is or becomes symptomatic while at work. Designating and communicating spaces so that every manager and employee knows their location and purpose is necessary for ensuring workers’ well-being. An isolation space can be any type of enclosed room. Considerations should be taken for special cleaning protocols in these spaces, ideally with special ventilation or negative air pressure to further reduce exposure to others in the area. 9. Plan and communicate cleaning regimens. With cleanliness top of mind for individuals returning to work, organizations need to plan, communicate, and enforce cleaning regimens to both support services and employees. Identifying which spaces are assigned to employees, and when, will help cleaning services prioritize their work. The Gensler Consulting team is working with clients to designate occupancy zones and track what areas have been cleaned through data layers in Wisp. Adding physical indicators, such as printed cleaning schedules, to desks and spaces can strengthen confidence that the spaces have been attended to. 10. Screen for admittance to the office. To mitigate the chance of bringing COVID-19 to the office, companies are implementing mandatory screening protocols for all employees every day before they enter the office. Screening questions range from travel-related questions to health symptoms. The results of the screen will indicate whether the individual should enter the workplace or remain home on each day. As we proceed into the months ahead, and plans commence for the return to the office, we hope these considerations can support the balance of business continuity and the safety of workers everywhere. We believe every organization should have the tools needed to plan for safety and success during these uncertain times, and we want to help. Please contact us to begin a conversation about how these tools and consulting services can support you now and into the future.
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MAY 2020
5 DIGITAL MARKETING TRENDS TO FOCUS ON DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC By Nany Kapoor, Social Media Today The COVID-19 lockdowns around the world are causing major economic impacts, but one key benefit that we have in modern society, that hasn't been available in pandemics of the past, is the internet, and increased connectivity, which has enabled many businesses to continue operation despite not being able to open their physical stores.
the available means could be the difference between staying afloat or going under, and suffering massive financial burden as a result. To help with this, the team from Grazitti Interactive have put together a listing of key digital marketing trends worth focusing on amid the COVID-19 lockdowns, which could help to maximize response, and subsequent sales performance.
And while the human impact of the crisis You can check out Grazittit's full listing cannot be overstated, for those that are able, of trend notes and tips in the following minimizing the economic impact through infographic.
MAY 2020 Continued from page 10
2020 CENSUS
HEY, MECOSTA COUNTY! YOUR VOICE DOES COUNT!
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MAY 2020
MAY 2020
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WORKING FROM HOME? 4 TIPS FOR STAYING PRODUCTIVE By Kim Mok & Gabriel Manga, About distractions: They’re one of the biggest challenges of working remotely. Think with Google
COVID-19 has led many companies to recommend that employees work from home. For many, remote work is a new reality and one that takes some getting used to. Below are a few tips for working remotely from Google’s Primer team to help you make the most out of the situation. A version of this tutorial originally appeared in the free Primer app. Whether it’s done by choice or by necessity, working from home has its benefits, like avoiding your daily commute. But it also means it’s up to you to motivate yourself and get as much out of your time as you would in an office setting.
To keep your brain in the right mode, avoid doing nonwork tasks during your work time. For example, schedule a separate time to do laundry instead of tackling it while you’re finishing a work presentation. Tip 2: Stay motivated with a list
A simple to-do list can do wonders for keeping you both organized, motivated, and productive as you work from home. As you create your list, think about big, long-term goals, like finishing a project, as well as small goals, like completing tasks that lead to that big goal. Checking off those smaller goals lets you know you’re making progress, which gives you positive reinforcement throughout your day. And work feels much more doable when it’s not all one giant task.
To help, here are four tips to keep yourself accountable, collaborative, and Write or type out your list instead of productive as you work from home. just having it in your head. You won’t ESTABLISHING A DESIGNATED have to devote headspace to constantly WORKSPACE CAN HELP TELL YOUR remembering what you have to do, and BRAIN YOU’RE IN THE PLACE WHERE the pleasure of crossing tasks off your it visible to your coworkers with a list can help you stay motivated. YOU DO WORK PRODUCTIVELY. shared calendar. This way, they’ll know Tip 3: Make a schedule for everything Tip 1: Create “work” triggers for your when you’re free to meet and when brain Remote work requires a schedule you’ve blocked out work and personal When you work in an office, the daily much like a typical office job, except times. It’s also a good idea to make sure routine of getting ready and commuting you’re the only one holding yourself friends and family understand your helps your brain get ready for the day. accountable. That doesn’t mean your schedule and respect it. Set boundaries When you’re working remotely, you can entire day has to be work only (it’s and expectations by letting them know create “start the day” triggers that get actually important to take regular that working remotely doesn’t mean your head ready for work in a similar breaks to refresh yourself mentally, you’re free all the time. way, like exercising, reading the news, physically, and emotionally), just that Tip 4: Create a process for collaboration any nonwork activities also need to be or making coffee. scheduled. Working from home might seem A workspace may also be key. If like a solo experience, but it usually When creating your schedule, take you can sit down and be productive still involves interacting with others, anywhere, that’s great. If you need more into account the other commitments whether it’s meeting with your team, structure, establishing a designated in your life and find a routine that lets getting assignments, making decisions, you take care of those as well. If you workspace — whether it’s a separate or giving and receiving feedback. So have a child, build their care into your room, a fully stocked desk, or just a it’s important to set up methods for schedule. If you play sports or volunteer, clean part of your kitchen table — can collaboration while you work remotely. schedule time to get work done before help tell your brain you’re in the place or after these activities. TALKING FACE TO FACE CAN HELP where you do work productively and without distraction.
Once you’ve set your schedule, make COLLABORATION,
SO
VIDEOCONFERENCING FOR THESE MOMENTS. While email can be effective for making an official decision or passing on information, people’s inboxes can get clogged up quickly. If you need to ask a quick question or send a fast update to your team, chat apps like Google Hangouts or Slack are a good alternative to email.
Brainstorming or detailed discussions usually require an official meeting. Talking face to face can often help collaboration, so you might consider videoconferencing for these moments. Videoconferencing is also a great way of having regular check-ins with your team. This can help you stay abreast of what others are doing, and also help everyone keep up a rapport that might otherwise go neglected from not CONSIDER sharing a workplace.
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Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com
MAY 2020
CELEBRATE THE SEASON WITH THESE SOCIAL DISTANCING–FRIENDLY SPRING ACTIVITIES Even if you're stuck indoors, you can still enjoy these rites of spring.
By Lisa Milbrand, REAL SIMPLE The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2You may have to take a rain check on some of your favorite social springtime activities—going to a ball game, berry picking at a local farm, Easter egg hunts. But that doesn't mean you can't find plenty of fun spring things to do at home. Cross these off your bucket list before the first day of summer arrives. 1. CHECK OUT THE CHERRY BLOSSOMS AND SPRING BLOOMS Cherry blossom festivals have been canceled or curtailed significantly due to the coronavirus outbreak, but that doesn't mean that you can't enjoy the beauty of the season. You can check out cherry blossom live cams around the country, including the legendary cherry blossoms along the National Mall in Washington, DC. Google Earth has 3D virtual tours of the best cherry blossom spots in the world, including stopovers in Japan, South Korea, London, and Vancouver. Or follow the hashtag #ourgardensyourhome on social media to see video and photo tours of the lush botanic gardens around the world from the comfort of home.
3. TRY THE PERFECT SPRING COCKTAIL Raise a glass of the perfect cocktails to toast to the new season. Look for something with a touch of berries, like these pretty berry vodka spritzers. (You can also toss berries in seltzer for a festive non-alcoholic drink.) 4. CHECK OUT BABY ANIMAL LIVE CAMS Get your daily dose of cuteness at one of the dozens of cameras on Explore.org, whether you want to check up on baby eagles in their nest, or watch kittens and puppies frolic. Baby goats are available on the Goat Milk Stuff live cams. 5. MAKE PINWHEELS
s'mores dip. If the parks are closed near you, you 8. LOOK FOR RAINBOWS— might not have enough space available OR MAKE YOUR OWN to fly a kite—but pretty pinwheels are Grab your rain gear and head an easy, kid-friendly spring craft that outside for a walk in the rain for a can also take advantage of a windy day. (And hey, you can make fruit-filled rainbow hunt. And keep your eyes on the windows and sidewalks in your dessert pinwheels as well.) neighborhood. Many families have 6. PLAN A SEASONAL FEAST started decorating with rainbows to Berries, asparagus, leeks, rhubarb, bring a little hope and joy. peas, and ramps are among the first 9. TAKE UP BIRD WATCHING spring produce to arrive on store The birds are likely back in your shelves—so go ahead and work them 2. PLANT AN HERB GARDEN neighborhood, so spend a little time at into a spring-friendly menu. Herb gardens tend to be one of the the window—or on a walk outside— 7. SAVOR A LITTLE easier things for gardening novices to seeing who you can spot. If you don't EASTER CANDY accomplish—and can be sized to your have birdseed, you can feed the birds Go ahead and raid your kiddo's space, whether you want to create an with sunflower seeds, oats, fruit like Easter basket—we have the perfect indoor herb garden in a few pots or pears and apples, or even Cheerios. wine pairings for Cadbury creme have room to dedicate a significant 10. FRESHEN UP YOUR HOME eggs, chocolate bunnies, jelly beans, plot of land to it outdoors. The scent Spring cleaning is probably one of of lavender can help you reduce stress, and other treats of the season. the best things to do while you're stuck and herbs like rosemary, mint, and basil Marshmallow Peeps are ubiquitous this time of year—and they're perfect at home. But you can also find other make great additions to your spring for making gooey s'mores or even a dishes or drinks. ways to give your home an update.
Have fresh spring flowers delivered, change up your decorating scheme, or do a little online shopping and swap out your throw pillows or other accessories to give your space a lighter look for the season. 11. ROCK YOUR SPRING BREAK Your spring break vacation plans may have changed, but you can still have a lot of fun with your family on a spring break vacation at home. 12. TAKE A SCENIC DRIVE Tired of staring at your same four walls? Take a short drive out to check out the local scenery from the safety of your car. 13. FIND THE PERFECT SPRING READ Curl up with a good book that's perfectly suited to the season. We have our own book club recommendations to get you started.
MAY 2020
Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com
NOMINATE YOUR HEROES Even as we face uncertainty and a new reality, many of our friends, family and neighbors are rising to the occasion, making our communities a better place to live even in crisis. Inspiring stories of hope and helping in the face of the unknown are popping up on our screens, right from our neighborhoods. We want to share those stories. To submit your heroes, please visit www.bigrapidsnews.com and search "Nominate your Heroes Unmasked in Mecosta County"!
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Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com
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MAY 2020
Members Bulletin Board
This section is dedicated to Chamber members who are utilizing their marketing opportunities as one of the many values of belonging to the Chamber:
Big Rapids Community Library bigrapids.lib.mi.us
Activities & Events have been suspended until further notice.
For more information and updates visit our website or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
RECYCLE! Of Mecosta County MONDAY 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. FRIDAY 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. SATURDAY 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 424 N. 4th Street Big Rapids, MI 49307 (231) 796-9872
Please call ahead or check out an organization's website for up-to-date schedules & information!
Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com
MAY 2020
Artworks. Activities & Events have been suspended until further notice. Please follow us on our website or Facebook for updated information. For class descriptions, fees, and registration visit artworksinbigrapids.org/classes or scan QR code
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Big Rapids Department of Parks & Recreation Programs To register for programs please contact City Hall Recreation Department 226 N. Michigan Avenue, Big Rapids, MI 49307 (231)592-4038
CO-ED VOLLEYBALL LEAGUE
9:00 am - 10:00 am (Intermediate)
simple steps your way, at the intensity
Sundays
of your choice, and add your own style!
Cost: $300 per team
Learn coordinated steps to a variety of music. A social and aerobic activity. Bring a Friend.
Location: Big Rapids Middle School
Artworks, Dance Studio
opportunity to cultivate your innate
League Games Begin: January 19th
Games are played on Sundays starting
WATER AEROBICS
at 1:00pm and ending as late as 9:00pm.
January 13th - May 8th
10-week season. Ages 18 and older.
Monday, Wednesday and Friday
Registrations due by January 3rd
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
TAI CHI
Cost is $4 per class or $40 for a punch card, good for 12 classes
January 6th - May 6th
Ferris State Recreation Center Pool
Mondays & Wednesdays 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
(No class March 9th - 13th and April 10th)
Cost: $2 per participant
Instructor: Sherry Williams
Instructor: Mary Loesch,
Low impact exercise offered for adults. Beginning in the shallow area and progressing to the deep water to allow for a full body workout.
An ancient form of exercise originally developed in China as a martial art. This exercise has benefits to allow participants to improve muscle tone,
genres of music. GROOVE is a great creativity and self-confidence. Wear
Gym
Certified International Instructor
Have fun moving and groovin' to ALL
GROOVE
flexibility, balance and coordination. New January 6th - May 18th Mondays comers are always welcome!! 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
comfy clothes to move in & comfy shoes (or go barefoot). Be sure to bring along a water bottle and a towel (or yoga mat) for light stretching at the end. Come for the fun and stress relief! Take a sneak peek of the class at bodygroove.com. ZUMBA GOLD COST: $2 per participant LOCATION: Big Rapids Middle School Cafeteria DATES: Thursdays - January 9th - May 21st (No Class March 19th or March 26th) TIMES: 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm Zumba Gold is perfect for active older adults, as well as those just starting their journey to a fit and healthy lifestyle, who are looking for a modified Zumba class that recreates the original moves
MORNING LINE DANCE
COST - $2 per participant
Tuesdays and Thursdays
Big Rapids Middle School Cafeteria
of the class introduces easy-to-follow
8:00 am - 9:00 am
Instructor: Janitza Sawyer
Zumba choreography that focuses
(Step Instruction and Easy Beginner
No dance experience required or fancy choreography to memorize! Do the
on balance, range of motion and
Dances)
you love at a lower intensity. The design
coordination.
COVID-19 RESOURCES Card Wildlife Education Center Website: www.ferris.edu/card
www.nih.gov/coronavirus www.CDC.gov www.michigan.gov/coronavirus www.epa.gov/pesiticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2
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Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com
MAY 2020
TAKING CARE OF YOUR MENTAL HEALTH IN THE FACE OF UNCERTAINTY By Doreen Marshall, PhD AFSP.org Human beings like certainty. We are hard-wired to want to know what is happening when and to notice things that feel threatening to us. When things feel uncertain or when we don’t generally feel safe, it’s normal to feel stressed. This very reaction, while there to protect us, can cause all sorts of havoc when there is a sense of uncertainty and conflicting information around us. A large part of anxiety comes from a sense of what we think we should be able to control, but can’t. Right now, many of us are worried about COVID-19, known as the “Coronavirus”. We may feel helpless about what will happen or what we can do to prevent further stress. The uncertainty might also connect to our uncertainty about other aspects of our lives, or remind us of past times when we didn’t feel safe and the immediate future was uncertain.
In times like these, our mental health can suffer. We don’t always know it’s happening. You might feel more on edge than usual, angry, helpless or sad. You might notice that you are more frustrated with others or want to completely avoid any reminders of what is happening. For those of us who already struggle with our mental wellness, we might feel more depressed or less motivated to carry out our daily activities.
on a cruise ship you aren’t on?).
It’s important to note that we are not helpless in light of current news events. We can always choose our response. If you are struggling, here are some things you can do to take care of your mental health in the face of uncertainty:
Get outside in nature--even if you are avoiding crowds. I took a walk yesterday afternoon in my neighborhood with my daughter. The sun was shining, we got our dose of vitamin D, and it felt good to both get some fresh air and quality time together. Exercise also helps both your physical and mental health.
Stay connected and reach out if you need more support. Talk to trusted friends about what you are feeling. If you are feeling particularly anxious or if you are struggling with your mental health, it’s ok to reach out to a mental health professional for support. You don’t have to be alone with your worry and it can be comforting to share what you are experiencing with those trained to help.
Challenge yourself to stay in the present. Perhaps your worry is compounding—you are not only thinking about what is currently happening, but also projecting into the future. When you find yourself
We are in this together, and help is always available. If you’re feeling alone and struggling, you can also reach out to The Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741 or National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK.
Separate what is in your control from what is not. There are things you can do, and it’s helpful to focus on those. Wash your hands. Remind others to wash theirs. Take your vitamins. Limit your consumption of news (Do you really need to know what is happening
Do what helps you feel a sense of safety. This will be different for everyone, and it’s important not to compare yourself to others. It’s ok if you’ve decided what makes you feel safe is to limit attendance of large social events, but make sure you separate when you are isolating based on potential for sickness versus isolating because it’s part of depression.
worrying about something that hasn’t happened, gently bring yourself back to the present moment. Notice the sights, sounds, tastes and other sensory experiences in your immediate moment and name them. Engaging in mindfulness activities is one way to help stay grounded when things feel beyond your control.
Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com
MAY 2020
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LUNCH & LEARNS FOR 2020 OPPORTUNITY TO SCHEDULE June 10, 2020: TBD, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. July 8, 2020: TBD, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. August 12, 2020: TBD, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. September 9, 2020: TBD, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. October 14, 2020: TBD, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. November 11, 2020: TBD, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. December 9, 2020: TBD, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
MAY 17-23, 2020
Call the chamber at (231) 796-7649 or email events@mecostacounty.com to RSVP.
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Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com
MECOSTA COUNTY CALENDAR OF EVENTS
MAY 2020
*All events are subject to change or cancellation. May 3
AMVETS Auxiliary Monthly Breakfast
May 5
Cinco de Mayo
May 6-12
National Nurses Week
May 10-16
National Police Week
May 17-23
National Emergency Medical Services Week
May 10
Mecosta VFW Pancake Breakfast
May 10
Mother's Day
May 15
2020 Artworks Annual Gala
May 16
Wheatlake Fesitval of Races
May 25
Memorial Day
May 28
Rise & Shine: New Horizons Landscape
MAY 2020
SPECIAL DAYS GFWC MONTHLY MEETINGS 2ND TUESDAY OF THE MONTH, SEPTEMBER THROUGH MAY AT THE BIG RAPIDS PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT. CALL 231-349-7743 FOR MORE INFORMATION.
BIG RAPIDS DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION PROGRAMS TAI CHI- MONDAYS & WEDNESDAYS 12-1PM MORNING LINE DANCE TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS: 8-9AM (EASY), 9-10AM (INTERMEDIATE) WATER AEROBICS - MON, WED, & FRI 8:30-9:30AM GROOVE - MONDAYS 5:30-6:30P
ARTWORKS PLEASE SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR DETAILED CLASS & EVENT INFORMATION
BIG RAPIDS COMMUNITY LIBRARY STORY TIME - MONS & WEDS 10:30-11:30A COMMUNITY PLAYGROUP - TUES 9:30-11:30A KNIT NIGHT - 1ST & 3RD THURS 6:30-8:30P TINY TOTS TINKER LAB - FRIDAYS 10:30-11:30A
BIG RAPIDS ROTARY CLUB MEETS EVERY TUESDAY AT NOON AT FALCON HEAD BIG RAPIDS LIONS CLUB MEETS EVERY SECOND AND FOURTH MONDAYS OF THE MONTH, 6:30 P.M. AT #52 SPORTS BAR AND KITCHEN. DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS, CHAPTER 18 A SERVICE OFFICER IS AVAILABLE TO ASSIST VETERANS IN RECEIVING BENEFITS. THURSDAYS 10 A.M. TO 2 P.M. AT THE DAV IN BIG RAPIDS. ALL VETERANS WELCOME