2
Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com
JULY 2019
PLATINUM MEMBERS
2019 Executive
2019 Board
Board of Directors
of Directors
Randy Ostrander President Lake and Lodge Realty, LLC Michelle Barker President Elect Bridge Title Jeff Godfrey, Member At Large Spectrum Health
GOLD MEMBERS
Connie Koepke Mecosta County Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
SILVER MEMBERS
Heather Bowman City of Big Rapids Kasey Pressley Hampton Inn of Big Rapids
Mindy Taylor,
Josh Pyles
Treasurer
Downtown Business Association
LEADING BUSINESSES, LEADING COMMUNITIES For information on becoming a member of the Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce, please contact us.
Mecosta County
SOCIAL NETWORKING
Danette Doyle The Pioneer Group
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
facebook.com/mcacc
twitter.com/mcacc2017
instagram.com/mecostacountychamber
STAFF
Michelle Rasmussen Ferris State University Jim Sandy Mecosta County Development Corporation
Jennifer Buwalda Program & Events Coordinator
events@mecostacounty.com
Shelby Withers Administrative Assistant
info@mecostacounty.com
Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com
JULY 2019
CHAMBER NEWS AND INFO
A Letter from the President
3
Congratulations to Lowe's our Member of the Month!
Randy
Ostrander Time flies when you’re having fun and I have been having a great time serving as the 2019 Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce President. Not that the weather has been any indication that summer is upon us, yet here we are, already in July. It is an exceptional time to be in Mecosta County as the month kicks off with 4th of July celebrations, parades, barbecues, fireworks, and the arrival of tourists, family and friends. On July 6th, the annual Blues, Brew, & BBQ Festival is at Hemlock Park, with a spectacular musical lineup. Later in the week, the 2019 Mecosta County Agricultural Free Fair begins, running from July 7th to July 13th. This is always a fun week full of entertainment, food, exhibits, races, awards, rides, and so much more! Whether you’ve been every year or have never been before, I challenge you to stop in this year -there’s so much to see and do. Throughout the rest of July and all summer long, don’t forget about the Tuesday and Friday Farmer’s Market, the Wednesday Hemlock Bandshell and Friday Pocket Park summer concert series, all the exciting exhibits at Artworks, educational events at the library, the Lunch & Learns, Rise and Shine’s, and Business After Hours Chamber networking.
Lowe’s has been supporting the Big Rapids area since 2004 by providing the right home improvement products, with the best service and value, across each channel and community we serve. From the start, our store has consistently earned accolades for providing exceptional customer service, achieved Lowe’s “Customer Focused Store of the Year” in 2014, and thanks to this community's business and feedback we were nominated for "Store of the Year" for 2018. Recognizing that great service goes beyond the aisle, each year Lowe’s invests in the community through “Lowe’s Heroes” projects. We provide funds, products, and manpower to repair, rebuild, or renovate local facilities such as schools, parks, playgrounds, veteran’s facilities, and participation in Habitat for Humanity projects. Our associates also choose to donate their time through our “Give Back” program, empowering them to make a difference in the community in their own ways. Lowe’s is continuously adapting to the needs of the community and the customers we serve. Recently Lowe’s has acquired Craftsman® Tools and we are actively expanding our product selection for your DIY or Professional needs. Customers looking for help with their exterior projects can take advantage of free in-home estimates for installed decking, siding, windows, roofing, HVAC and more. Our Pro Business customers have access to every day discounts on all
As you read through this newsletter, you will find much, much more to see and do in our wonderful community. I hope each and every one of you have a great summer and I look forward to seeing you around the county!
purchases, reduced delivery rates, buy-in-bulk savings, customized purchasing options, and personalized service by a team of dedicated sales specialists. Contact us at 231-580-2000, visit us in store, or web on over to Lowes.com for help with your next project today!
4
Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com
Rise & Shine Mecosta scheduled 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 25, hosted by Remax Together Rise & Shine Mecosta! Start your day with networking over morning refreshments. All Mecosta county area residents are welcome to attend this free networking event.
JULY 2019
at Verified Title of Big Rapids
Remax Together 1411 N State St, Big Rapids, MI 49307 RSVP is encouraged. Call the chamber at (231)796-7649 or email events@mecostacounty.com Meet the hosts: remaxtogether.com
Business After Hours scheduled 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 18, hosted by Holiday Inn Hotel and Conference Center Holiday Inn Hotel and Conference Center 1005 Perry Ave, Big Rapids, Mi 49307 Register by phone at: 231.796.7649 Register by email at: Events@mecostacounty.com Meet the hosts: holidayinn.com
2019 Schedule The Ambassador Club of the Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce sponsors monthly networking events. Business After Hours are on the third Thursday of the month and Rise & Shine Mecosta are on the fourth Thursday of the month. Upcoming Business After Hours and Rise & Shine Mecosta events will be hosted by the following members: Upcoming Rise & Shine Mecosta • July 25: Remax Together • August 22: Mecosta County Historical Museum • September 26: The Wood Vacation Rentals
Upcoming Business After Hours • July 18: Holiday Inn Hotel and Conference Center • August 15: Big Rapids Downtown Business Association • September 19: Planet Fitness If you’d like to host a Rise and Shine or Business After Hours event at your workplace, call the Chamber at (231) 796-7649 or email events@ mecostacounty.com. RSVP by calling the Chamber at (231) 796-7649 or email events@ mecostacounty.com.
Thank you to our June hosts! Shoe Sensation hosted a Rise & Shine and Verified Title of Big Rapids hosted a Business After Hours. Hosting Rise & Shine Mecosta or Business After Hours events are a great value included in membership. Contact the Chamber at (231) 796-7649 or email events@ mecostacounty.com if you are interested in hosting either.
Mecosta County Welcomes Big Rapids Chiropractic Call to make an appointment at 231.796.0760. Located at 109 South Warren Avenue.
JULY 2019
Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com
Ambassador Visits
Pictured left to right Chamber Ambassador John Milan, Alexis Field owner of Big Rapids Nutrition and Ambassador Amy Ecker. Located in Downtown Big Rapids at 110 N. Michigan Ave phone 231 740 6499. Open 7-7 Monday- Friday and 10-4 Saturday and Sunday offering nutritious shakes and teas in so many awesome flavors. They have a passion to support our community, so stop in, you'll be glad you did!
Pictured left to right Chamber Ambassador Amy Ecker, Rene Cook- Office Manager and Dr. Jason Manning Chiropractor located at 109 S. Warren Ave, Big Rapids (Dr. Bailey's old practice). Their mission is getting people healthy call 231 796 0760.
Ribbon Cutting
5
Cardinal Spa and Massage celebrated their remodel with a ribbon cutting on June 13, 2019. Check them out at 126 Maple Street, Suite C. Big Rapids MI, or call at 231.598.9212
6
Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com
JULY 2019
Upcoming Artworks Schedule
Ferris State University Fine Art Gallery Faces from the Southern Ocean June 10th -August 16th, 2019 J.J. L’Heuruex
Artist and naturalist J.J. L’Heureux has traveled to Antarctica seventeen times since 2000, documenting the landscape, the creatures that live there, and attempts at human habitation. She recently returned home to open several exhibitions at museums and galleries across the United States. J.J. L’Heureux is a visual artist based in Venice, CA who makes documentarystyle photographs, as well as paintings and collages. She is an environmentalist who is interested in the micro and the macro. This has led her to photograph both near and far — the community around her Venice Beach studio and the exotic Antarctic landscape.
JULY 2019
Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com
Big Rapids Lions Club Honors Local Students
United Church Honors Graduates
The United Church of Big Rapids was thrilled to honor two of their members who graduated this year from Big Rapids High School at their Sunday service. Each graduate received a Bible with their name engraved on the front and a scholarship from the Marie Rowe Scholarship Fund held by the Church. The Fund was started from a bequest from Marie Rowe, a long time Big Rapids educator to provide scholarship grants to young men and women who are members and participants in the United Church of Big Rapids. This year’s recipients are Sara Daniels who will be attending Central Michigan University in the fall and Cecilia deBold who will be traveling to York Pictured –Rick Horst, Lions Club Scholarship Committee Chair, Mackenzie Kidder, Tucker Hathaway University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada in the and Denny Finney, Lions Club President The Big Rapids Lions Club was pleased to host the 2019 recipients of the Lions Club Richard C. fall. Donley Scholarship at a recent Lions Club meeting. The Scholarship carries the name of the donor who was a member of the Big Rapids school system for many years. This year’s Big Rapids High School recipients, Mackenzie Kidder and Tucker Hathaway, each received $1,000 to assist with their college expenses. Mackenzie will be attending Ferris State University majoring in English with plans to teach at the high school level. Tucker will be attending Hope College with a focus on pre-med or pre PA studies and a minor in Spanish. The Lions Club is pleased to be able to assist these deserving students in pursuing their careers and wishes them well in their college studies.
7
Pictured – Wayne McKay, United Church Christian Education Commission Member, Cecilia deBold and Sara Daniels.
8 TH
Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com
5 ANNUAL IDLEWILD EDUCATION, EMPOWERMENT AND MUSIC FESTIVAL WEEKEND
JULY 12-14, 2019 • FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY, BIG RAPIDS, MICHIGAN The 5th Annual Idlewild Education, Empowerment and Music Festival Weekend will be held Friday, July 12 through Sunday, July 14, 2019. The event has grown beyond the capacity of the Idlewild Cultural Center, Idlewild, Michigan. Therefore, for the first time, will be held at the University Center on the campus of Ferris State University, Big Rapids, Michigan. Friday night will host an engaging evening of special entertainment; with Saturday and Sunday hosting two full days of live entertainment and educational sessions. Idlewild historian, Ms. Carlean Gill, former Idlewild Fiesta Doll and Michigan business entrepreneur; and, Michelle S. Johnson, PhD, Professor of African American and African Studies, Western Michigan University will be the event Keynote Speakers. The weekend events will include a tribute to former Idlewild performer and late Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin; along with a poetry tribute to former Idlewild vacationer, Langston Hughes. With each tribute, participants will embark on a journey of the legacy of Historic Idlewild, Michigan. The performance lineup is comprised of Michigan vocalists: Athena Johnson (Ypsilanti), Ren Lowe (Flint) and Kamaria Tilley (Kalamazoo); who will each perform selections from Ms. Franklin’s catalogue of hits. The Langston Hughes poetry tribute will be presented by Michigan poets: Sparrow (Detroit), Anita Caprice (Detroit) and Mary Love (Lansing). Each segment will be a catalyst to engage youth and adults as they learn about the historical and cultural impact of music which stemmed from Idlewild. Throughout the day guest presenters will discuss the acquisition and development of Idlewild as a summer resort for African Americans. They will share inter-generational life experiences to illustrate the impact of Idlewild, Michigan; and empower today’s generation to participate in the growth and re-emergence of this Historic community. This annual event is designed to bring forth greater awareness, appreciation and change the perception of Idlewild, with focus on the values of Idlewild’s culture, past and present. The events’ Title Sponsor is the College of Arts and Sciences, Ferris State University; with additional sponsoring organizations: Express Employment Professionals, Lansing; BetterMade, Detroit; Pure Michigan Radio Show and Michigan Humanities Council. The weekend is presented by T. ROSE Foundation.
About Historic Idlewild, Michigan
This Idlewild weekend event is held to commemorate and celebrate the history of well-known African American entertainers and professionals who owned property and performed at the Historic Resort prior to the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Known as the ‘Black Eden’, this location was one of the few resorts in the United States where African Americans could vacation and purchase property. The National Resource Team applauded the Idlewild community for holding on to the land; approximately 3,000 acres. It is historically, the largest land based African American resort ever assembled in the USA. Idlewild is a rare and valuable national resource with physical and cultural significance.
About the Producer
Theresa 'T. ROSE' Randleman, Founder/CEO: T. ROSE Foundation (a 501c3 education and youth empowerment organization) and T ROSE Entertainment, an internationally recognized (Michigan-based) entertainment management firm, Producer, international Empowerment Speaker and multi award-winning organization. www.t-rose.com For more information, visit our website www.idlewildmusicfestival.com. Ticket, Sponsor and Donation information are also available on the website and Eventbrite or please send email to idlewildmusicfest@gmail.com.
JULY 2019
Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com
JULY 2019
R V
Royal View Retirement Community
Services and Amenities Three home-cooked meals per day Housekeeping and laundry services Nutritional snacks provided throughout the day Life enriching activities • Beauty/barber shop services Registered Nurse on Staff 24 hour personal care assistance All medical needs monitored • Assistance with medication 9100 Buchanan Rd., Mecosta (Canadian Lakes Area)
231-972-6600
PARIS AUTO SALES & SERVICE
9
Front End Alignment $29.95
Center of Big rapids AC
Inspec
tions
Transmission Installed with Warranty Rebuilding Special!
Starting at
$1,295
NAPA Certified Service Center All Work Guaranteed!
FREE Estimates
• Brake Special • Tune-Ups • Struts, Shocks & Ball Joints • Starters & Alternator Service
WE ALSO DO TIRES! STOP IN TODAY!
All Major Credit Cards Accepted • Towing Available from Currie’s & BR Towing
OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE!
231-796-7355
18415 Northland Drive, Big Rapids | Just north of the airport on old 131 OPEN: Mon-Fri 8a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
10
Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com
SO MUCH TO OFFER
JULY 2019
POWER RECLINERS & LIFT CHAIRS
• Full Line of Farm Seeds & Fertilizer
Discover weightlessness in the MaxiComfort Cloud with Twilight positioning.
• Full Range of Pet Foods & Supplies • Chicken Feeds and Accessories • Horse Supplies The Area’s ONLY Drive-Thru Feed Store!
WE SALUTE OUR LOCAL 4-H GROUPS! Twilight Chairs starting at
$2,200
Full Line of Organic Insecticides, Fertilizers & Seeds!
Your source for Wildlife food plot seeds
BULK GARDEN SEEDS
Organic Seeds, Heirloom Seeds, High Quality Flower Bulbs
Visit Big Rapids Farm & Garden at 310 N. Fourth Street with the Area’s Only Drive-Thru Feed Store! Phone: 231-796-6363
www.carelincmed.com 1250 Perry Ave, Ste D | Big Rapids, MI 49307 | p: 231.796.6623 | Monday-Friday: 8am-5pm @carelincmed
Thank You Mecosta County For Voting Meijer Big Rapids People’s Choice for #1 Favorite Grocery Store, Pharmacy, Produce, Cashier and place to purchase meat JOIN
REWARDS TO SAVE MORE!
15400 Waldron Way • Big Rapids
Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com
JULY 2019
231.598.9212
NOW A FULL SERVICE SPA! Our growing team now includes: Christie Webster, Cosmetologist Katie Omness, Esthetician Monica Schriner, Massage Therapist Ashley King, Riverside Massage (231) 580-6357
We offer couples massages, facials, salon services, and body waxing! 126 Maple Street • Suite C Big Rapids, MI
www.CardinalSpaAndMassage.com
11
12
Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com
Thank You Mecosta County for Voting Us “Favorite Landlord”
JULY 2019
Honest and Timely Repairs
Call Today!
231-796-6329
www.silvernailrealty.com Sue Glatz, GRI, CRB, ABR, Broker/Owner Salespersons: Terry Weaver, Katy VanCuren Property Management • Land Contracts
No Air Conditioning? Free A/C check or $89.95 for a recharge!!!
“Helping Buyers & Sellers for over 50 years”
Sue Glatz
Katy VanCuren
SILVERNAIL REALTY 17810 205th Ave., Suite #1 - Big Rapids, MI 49307
johnsonsautobr.com
Schedule Your Appointment On-line.
1305 N. State Street • Big Rapids
231-796-3700
Current Military and Veteran discount available, stop in for details.
JULY 2019
Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com
13
7 EXPENSES MOST ENTREPRENEURS FAIL TO PREPARE FOR By Jayson DeMers Entrepreneur.com
Running a business is expensive. When inexperienced entrepreneurs start planning for the launch and sustenance of their businesses, they naturally get lost in thought about the potential money they can make -- the revenue coming in -- rather than the expenses they’ll incur to keep the business running. They often consider what it takes to get started, such as equipment costs, and cost bases for their main products, such as wholesale figures. But some expenses remain neglected. And that's a mistake. It’s important to recognize these expenses in the planning phase, or they’ll present a nasty surprise down the road:
1. Taxes Corporate taxes can get complicated fast, even if you’re a one-person operation. The good news is, you won’t be paying much in the way of taxes until you start actually making money; but once that revenue starts coming in, you'll need to know exactly how much of it needs to be squirreled away for taxes. Do your research and build those costs into your profitability model; otherwise, you’ll be in for a rude awakening come tax season, when you realize you aren’t making nearly as much money as you thought you’d be.
2. Insurance Insurance is often at the bottom of the list when it comes to cost considerations for a new business. There are many types of business insurance, and your company may not need all of them, but you need to be aware of what your needs are. For example, you may need general liability, product liability or even professional liability insurance policies, depending on what you offer. You may also need commercial property insurance, or other types of insurance, as you see fit.
3. Additional human resources From the outset, you’ll probably underestimate the amount of help you’re going to need. Human resources are expensive, especially if you’re hiring full-timers, so naturally, most entrepreneurs hire as few people as possible to start. But all it takes is a sudden ramp-up in customer needs for you to scramble for new hires. Those hires can throw a major wrench into your financial projections, so try to plan conservatively, with backup plans for freelancers and part-timers, as needed.
4. Emergency repairs An infinite number of things can go wrong in your business. A piece of equipment could fail. Your windows could get broken. Your employee could drop a business phone into the sink. Equipment could get stolen. These aren’t expenses you can accurately predict or anticipate, so when they come up, they can wreak havoc on an otherwise sound budget. The best approach here is to leave
a little wiggle room for general emergencies and unexpected expenses. That way, you’re prepared for practically anything that comes up.
5. Subscription software Whether you’re running a content marketing campaign or just trying to keep track of your inventory, you’re probably going to need subscription software to get the job done. The word “need” here is a bit subjective; of course, it’s always possible to do these jobs manually, but the automation should save you labor costs over time. The problem is, these subscription software packages cost upwards of a few hundred or even a few thousand dollars a month, and if you aren’t prepared for those hits, you’ll face a serious uphill battle in the early stages of your business’ growth.
6. Utilities Most entrepreneurs are savvy enough to project the cost of rent into their financial models, regardless of whether they’ve found a space, but have you thought about the utilities? Depending on the size and location of your business, you could easily end up paying hundreds of dollars a month in Internet costs, and have to add more expenditures for electricity, phone service, water, janitorial services and gas. Do some background research by asking business owners in the area what they typically pay in utility costs.
7. Employee expenses. If you’re working with a small crew or by yourself, you won’t have much to worry about here, but any more than a few employees, and you’ll start shelling out significant employee expenses -- even for basic needs. For example, you’ll have to keep your office stocked with supplies so staffers can work efficiently. You’ll also need to reimburse them for certain kinds of travel, food and other items they need in the process of doing their jobs. These are just a few of the expenses that can sneak up on you as an entrepreneur. No matter how well you plan your financials, there’s no way for you to account for everything, but the more thorough you are in the planning process, the better. Investors and partners want to see that you’ve done your research, so including these items in your calculations can go a significant extra distance in proving the legitimacy of your model. In the meantime, brace yourself for a world of surprises; entrepreneurship never goes exactly the way you think it will.
14
Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com
By Dan Waeston - Realtor RE/MAX TOGETHER • danwestonhomes@gmail.com • Cell: 231.920.0646 Purchasing a home is often one of, if not the largest, investments someone makes in their lifetime. So, how does a person know they are financially prepared to make such a commitment?
TIMING IS EVERYTHING.
Everyone will have to decide when to take the plunge and become a homeowner. Some might also decide renting is the wiser choice for their current situation. For any potential homeowner, the stage of life they are in plays a big role in the decision. To help figure out if the time is right for you, consider the following scenarios:
THE PRESSURE BUY.
It's common to reach a point where you feel pressure to purchase a home. These pressures might come from friends and family. But, they can even come from feeling it is the most logical next step based on societal norms or possibly reaching a certain age that there is expectation to buy. It is so important that you are ready, financially stable, and most importantly comfortable with making this choice.
TO RENT OR NOT TO RENT?
The most obvious reason for continuing to rent is that you plan to move. Whether it is going back to school, changing jobs, or relocation in general as a result of any life event. Most likely your lease will be six months to a year which gives flexibility if you wish to move. Also at this point in your life you may want the freedom from the responsibilities of owning a home such as routine repairs, maintenance and making improvements to the home to keep it up to date. Keep in mind, if you plan to stay in an area more than a couple years, buying is likely the better option. So, you are ready for the responsibility of owning a home and are not planning to move anytime soon? Great! But, what are the benefits to owning vs. renting. First, one of the biggest benefits is that you can pay the mortgage off and rent is always due! Second, you are also able to build equity in your home for when you do sell. So, any return on investment is yours instead of the landlords. Lastly, there are many tax benefits to owning a home as a primary homestead. Not only do you get to deduct interest and property taxes, but in Michigan, as long as it was your primary homestead two of the last seven years you do not have to pay capital gains tax on the house when it is sold. Once you know the time is right, all potential home buyers should speak to a trusted lender to find out what the options are and to decide what is affordable for you.
THE WRAP UP.
Most people do eventually decide they like the stability of owning a home and want to have a community to call their own. So, once the timing has been considered and the benefits have been weighed, call a trusted lender to see which home is right for you! For more information on this topic or real estate in general, feel free to contact me for all your real estate needs.
JULY 2019
Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com
JULY 2019
15
6 WAYS TO INCREASE PROFITS FOR YOUR SMALL BUSINESS By Mitchell York thebalancesmb.com Small business owners need to change their practices to focus more on profit, according to Patricia Sigmon, founder, and president of David Advisory Group, a firm that specializes in helping CEO's and small and mid-sized businesses re-engineer their business practices. Sigmon, the author of the book, Six Steps to Creating Profit, notes that nearly two-thirds of small businesses either didn't make a profit last year or failed to increase their profit from the year before. Today, Sigmon is sharing a few of her key strategies small business owners can take to cut costs, increase profits and improve their bottom lines.
Change Operating Procedures You need to generate more sales while reducing expenses. To increase your sales, try cross-selling— offering new services or goods that complement your current offerings (such as a chiropractor selling vitamins). Switch to a relationship-based sales model that gets customers coming back to you—offering monthly or yearly service plans, or a bundle of visits at a discounted price
(like a series of 10 gym visits). Another operational change that can increase profits is incentivizing new customers to try your product with specials deals, discounts, or shortterm giveaways. On the flip side, to trim expenses, try auditing your administrative functions. Are there routine tasks you could afford to outsource or eliminate to save money? Would it be more cost-effective to hire part-time help instead of a full-time employee to do some of these tasks?
Stay Visible and Connected Accreditations, licenses, and certifications—for your business or individual employees—can set you apart from your competition. Take your reputation online, using social media, your website, and a blog to connect with clients and make strategic alliances. Use advertisement sharing with complementary businesses, find ways to leverage referral selling and take advantage of affiliate marketing tools to drive new customers to your site. Eliminate stale, ineffective alliances that may be dragging you down.
Maximize Your Cash Flow One of the best ways to achieve a stable cash flow is to offer pre-paid retainers or ongoing payment plans for
your clients. For example, instead of a one-off consulting contract at $125 per hour for a full day, tweak your offering and give them a discounted 20-hour retainer plan at $100 per hour. While your hourly rate would be less in this case, you'll be billing for a greater total dollar amount, and locking your client into a longer-term arrangement. At first, this may not seem as lucrative, but it establishes a relationship and keeps the door open for additional work. Maintenance contracts for service-based businesses are another way to create a new revenue stream.
Streamline Management Costs How efficient are your employees? How many customer leads do you get? How much are you owed in accounts receivable? Questions like these need to be answered immediately, and to do so, you need to automate your business. Create a system for employees to access and add data, keep all information updated and synchronized, and be sure to build in back-office administrative time (to manage your accounts and your business) into your project fees, hourly rates, or ongoing charges. Automation will allow your business to run smoothly and will help a scaled-down workforce accomplish more back-office work.
Raise the Marketing Bar Networking used to mean cocktails and handshakes. Now, marketing is all about immediacy. Give your business an instant presence through online networks including
Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn. Set up group meetings, sales presentations, and special promotions using webinars. Offer tutorials, demos, or new certification sessions as webcasts or podcasts for immediate download. Measure all of your marketing efforts to see which ones are cost-effective. You can do this with a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software solution linked to your accounts receivable system.
Make Everyone a Salesperson From telephone to email to face-to-face meetings, every employee has the opportunity to spread your company's message and engage in potential sales-generating behavior. Everyone needs to pitch in to help: cutting costs, selling, networking on the web, marketing, and more. If you can get your employees invested and motivated to sell your message by encouraging self-development, through roundtables, conferences, lunch meetings, and webinars you'll be well on your way to creating an organization that's built around increasing profits. Remember, it pays dividends to reward your employees that seek continuing education, or who make an extra effort to represent the company inside and outside of work.
Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com
ut It! o b A l l A d a Re ber r fellow Cham
h you Share it wit to us as Got news? y sending it b y it n u m m uld d your co photos sho & s members an le ic rt A of each attachment. n the 10th an MS Word a th r te la d no month’s be submitte luded in the following e inc s to: info@ month to b es and photo cl ti ar d n se e 96-7649. issue. Pleas m or give us a call (231) 7 icles ty.co straints, art n mecostacoun co e m ti due to ion. Unfortunately, ct to omiss je b u s re a late submitted
Artworks. Summer Camp! $90-$100 Critter Camp July 9th - 11th Ages 6-14 Globe Trekkers July 23rd - 25th Ages 6-14 LIVE Artist Demonstrations Fridays in July and August 11am to 2pm at Farmer’s Market in Downtown Big Rapids. Featuring: Soap Making by Meadow Rain - July 5 Wood Carving by Bette Harting/Wood Wackers - July 12 & August 23 Watercolor by Joyce Capen - July 19 Color Pencil by Anita Sams - July 26 & August 30 Photography by Jeff Wier - August 2 Knitting by Phyllis Grit - August 9 Acrylics by Juanne Kern - August 16 A Summer Evening of Harmony July 18 At 6:30pm Tickets: $15 at Painted Turtle Gift Shop Featuring: Canadian Lakes Men’s Chorus Upper Deck and Coles Minors Quartets Brian Atkinson- Comedian Preview of Little Sop of Horrors by Stage M. For class descriptions, fees, and registration, visit artworksinbigrapids.org/classes or scan QR code
JULY 2019
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: Mecosta County Historical Society
AMVETS Post 1941 & Legion Post 98
129 S. Steward Ave Big Rapids MI 49307 Friday-Saturday 2-4pm
See the back cover for regular AMVETS Post 1941 & Legion Post 98 specials and events.
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
FSU Fine Arts Gallery Faces from the Southern Ocean June 10th -August 16th, 2019 J.J. L’Heuruex
Big Rapids Antique Farm & Power Club Meeting July 18th at 7:00 p.m. at the Club Grounds 15422 Old Mill Pond Rd. Big Rapids, MI 49307.
Big Rapids Community Library bigrapids.lib.mi.us
Friends of the Library Meeting
July 3rd 4p.m
Library Closed
STAGE-M
Little Shop of Horrors July 25-28, 2019
The story of Seymour who works and lives in a rundown flower shop on Skid Row. He looks for a way to bring the struggling shop (and himself) fame and fortune. He buys an exotic plant, which proves good for business, but learns, to his horror, that it craves blood!
YA is Lit! Book Club
July 18th 5:30p-7p Knit Night
July 4
July18th 6:30p-8:30p
Book Sale
Mary’s Book Club
July 6 10a-12p John Ball Traveling Zoo
July 11th 2p-3p & 3p-4p Camera Club Fair and Carnival Photo Stroll
July11th 6p-8p
Movie in the Park
July 12th 9p-11p @ Anna Howard Shaw Memorial Park Going Global Book Club
July 16th 6p-7p
July 19th 12p-1p
Movie in the Park
July 19th 9p-11p @ Anna Howard Shaw Memorial Park True Story! Book Club
July 25th 6p-7p
Movie in the Park
July 26th 9p-11p @ Anna Howard Shaw Memorial Park Story Time
Wednesdays 10:30a-11:30a
vv
16
Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com
JULY 2019
Angels of Action Saddle Up for Childhood Hunger Saturday, August 3, 2019 D Bar D Ranch 7064 E. 64th St, Chase MI Wagon rides, Guided Rides, Taco Bar, Silent Acution & Prizes, 50/50 Poker Ride $10 a Hand All Pledges and Proceeds Benefit Angels of Action Early Registration: $30 Ends July 1 Register early to enter for a chance to win 20 bales of free hay! To Register, download your pledge sheet, and more information visit: www.angelsofaction.org 734.716.2121 Riders must provide their own horse.
Big Rapids Elks #974 Come to Friday Lunch at the Big Rapids Elks! 203 E. Pine Street. Hot and cold lunches served starting at 11:30 a.m. Take out available (231)796-5451. Menu items include cheeseburgers, hot dogs, pizza, sandwiches, wings, soup, chili, fries, and onion rings!
Sherwin-Williams In-Home Color Consultation. Our professionally trained In-Home Color Consultant will meet with you in the comfort of your home to help you choose the perfect colors Super Sale 40% off paint 30% off supplies July 19 - July 22 Visit or contact store for details. 231-796-8492. 210 N. Michigan Ave.
Antlers Wine Club
Do you enjoy learning and trying new wines while socializing with others? Join the Antlers Wine Club! The club meets throughout the summer with monthly tastings. For more information, visit our website (antlersfiresidegrill.com) or the restaurant.
Antlers Fireside Grill
Banquet Rooms and Catering Available Let antlers be the answer to your next off-site meeting. Holiday Party or social event. We offer private rooms as well as catering services. Your hunt ends here! 231.359.1161
Retired & Senior Volunteer Program
Camp 911 Date: July 17, 2019 Registration: 8-9am Camp: 9am-3pm Location: Big Rapids Department of Public Safety. Register: 231.796.4848 This is a safe day for seniors full of hands-on learning and safety experience, free of charge. Camp 911 is a collaborative effort among Big Rapids Department of Public Safety, Mecosta County Sheriff Department, Mecosta County EMS, and Mecosta County Emergency Management working to develop and implement effective crime prevention and education programs. Lunch and snacks sponsored by Spectrum Health at Home. Dress comfortably for the day!
17
Big Rapids Recreation Summer Programs To register for programs please contact City Hall Recreation Department 226 N. Michigan Avenue, Big Rapids, MI 49307 (231)592-4038
CHARLES E. FAIRMAN COMMUNITY POOL Pool Opens: June 17th Pool Closes: August 23rd (Pool will be closed July 4th) For a full schedule and pool fees, visit brpr.org or call the pool information line at (231) 796-7798. TENNIS IN THE PARK INTRODUCTORY TENNIS LESSONS Mondays-Thursdays $15 Per Participant Session 1: July 8th – 11th Session 2: July 15th – 19th Session 3: July 22nd – 25th 4-6 years old: 5:30pm-6:00pm 7-9 years old: 6:00pm-6:45pm 10 years old through 8th grade: 6:00pm-6:45pm Hemlock Park Tennis Courts Instructors: Jon Coles, Larisa Draves & Members of the Big Rapids High School Tennis Team. Register at Big Rapids City Hall - 231.592.4038 FARMERS MARKET Tuesdays May 14th—September 24th 12:00 pm—5:00 pm Fridays May 10th—October 25th 8:00 am—2:00 pm City Hall Parking Lot TAI CHI May 13th—July 24th Mondays & Wednesdays 12:00 pm—1:00 pm Cost: $2 per participant Hemlock Park (No class July 15th – July 19th) Instructor: Mary Loesch, Certified International Instructor An ancient form of exercise originally developed in China as a martial art. This exercise has benefits to allow 0participants to improve muscle tone, flexibility, balance and coordination. New comers are always welcome!!
LINE DANCE CLASSES May 14th—July 25th (NO CLASS: May 20th-June 10th) Cost: $2 per participant Instructor: Diane Jones Come join choreographed line dancing while increasing your heart rate for a great cardio workout! You can select the class that best fits your needs. MORNING LINE DANCE Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:00 am—9:00 am (Beginner) 9:00 am—10:00 am (Intermediate) Learn coordinated steps to a variety of music. A social and aerobic activity. Bring a friend! Artworks, Dance Studio DELAY THE DISEASE FITNESS FOR PARKINSON’S May 14th—July 25th Thursdays 1:00 pm—1:45 pm No class (June 4 – June 13) Cost: $2 per participant Style Station (1619 Catherine Street) Instructor: DeMar Hatchew, Continuing Education in Parkinson’s Disease Training Methods A fitness class designed to slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease. No matter what stage of the disease you are battling—it’s never too late to start exercising! The class will incorporate a variety of chair exercises, stretching, balance work, strength training, and vocal and facial exercises. Caregivers are welcome to join participants. PICKLEBALL May 1st – Oct. 1st Tuesdays and Thursdays 5pm—7:00 pm Cost: $3 Ferris Racquet Facility Coordinator: Gary Lenon No need to have a paddle, all new players are welcome!
18
Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com
Skerbeck Family Carnival Thursday 1pͲ5p Armband $14 Midway 6pͲ11p Armband $20 Hours & Pricing: Friday Monday 1pͲ5p Armband $14 5pͲ11p Armband $20 6pͲ11p Armband $20 Tuesday Saturday 1pͲ5p armband $14 1pͲ11p Armband $25 6pͲ11p Armband $20 Wednesday Mega Armband $65 in NoonͲ11p Armband $ 17 advance or $75 On site
Highlights
Thursday Rodeo Ͳ Superkicker Wednesday Monday Time: 7:00 pm Harness Racing and Colt Stakes Stock Figure 8 Front Wheel Drive Livestock Sale Stock Front Wheel Drive Off Road Time: Time: 6:30 pm 5:00 pm Derby Price: $5.00 Friday Modified FWD Off Road Derby Tractor Pull Ͳ Michigan Truck & Tractor Pull Tuesday Harness Racing and Overnights Ͳ Power Wheel Racing for Kids Time: 7:00 pm Time: 7:00 pm Celebrity Races Price: $10.00 Price: $10.00 Time: 6:30 pm Saturday Kids Day Price: $5.00 Demolition Derby Time: 1:00 pm Time: 7:00 pm Price: $10.00
Mecosta County Free Fair
Saturday , July 6
Sunday, July 7
9 am Ͳ 2 pm • Exhibit Building Open for Exhibit Placement • Fact to Face Food Judging (First come first serve basis) 4 pm Ͳ 6 pm • Exhibit Building Judging • Demonstration Sign Up (sign up for time during placement)
7 am Ͳ 11 am • Market and Breed stock and nonͲmarket checkͲin for Cattle, Goats, Swine and Sheep • CheckͲin for Cattle, Goats, Swine & Sheep • Market Swine weighͲin 11 am • Market Livestock weighͲin (order: beef steers, dairy steers, feeders, goats, sheep) 4 pm • Roping and Obstacle Course
Tuesday, July 9
Wednesday, July 10 ***Kids Day***
9 am • 4ͲH Market Swine Show (Covered Arena) 10 am Ͳ 9 pm • Exhibit Building Open 11 am • Crosspoles Open, Equitation Over the fences open, Horse jumping, English Huntseat & Saddleseat 11 am Ͳ 7 pm • Rotary Club Annual Chicken BBQ 6 pm • Market Goat Show Ͳ Non Market Goats Following 6:30 pm • Harness Overnights, Celebrity Horse Racing
9 am • Beef Show (Covered Arena) 9 am • Horse Trail Classes (15Ͳ19, 14 & Under, Trial Novice, English/Western Riding Open, Reining Open • Horse Western Classes 10 am Ͳ 9 pm • Exhibit Building Open 11 am Ͳ 7 pm • Rotary Club Annual Chicken BBQ
Friday, July 12
Saturday, July 13
8 am • Horse Show Gymkhana Class 10 am Ͳ 9 pm • Exhibit Building Open Noon • 4H Club Photo Scavenger Hunt 2 pm • Livestock Skill a thon ͲLivestock Arena 6 pm • Ag Olympics/Cookout @ 5pm • Dance will follow till 11 pm
7 pm • MTTP Truck & Tractor Pulls
JULY 2019
8 am • Overall Sweepstakes Showman Ͳ in large horse arena 10 am Ͳ 9 pm • Exhibit Building Open 10 am • Cloverbud Fitting and Showmanship, lead line, walk trot, trail, costume class (5Ͳ7), costume class (15Ͳ19), & 14 and under 7 pm • Night of Destruction
• Market Cattle WeighͲin (beef steers, feeders, and dairy steers) 2Ͳ6 pm Poultry CheckͲin • Market duck, turkey, & chicken weighͲin 2Ͳ5 pm • Market Rabbit weighͲin 2Ͳ8 pm • Rabbit checkͲin • Rabbit Record Books and Project books due to Rabbit Superintendent 6 pm • Record Books due for Market and Non Market, Breed stock cattle, goats, swine, sheep and poultry
Monday, July 8
1 pm • Market Dairy and Market Feeder Show • Kids Pedal Pull 6 pm • Goat/Sheep/Feeder Fun Show Ͳ Livestock Arena 7 pm • Bump & Run Off Road Derby & Figure 8 • Power Wheel Racing for Kids
Thursday, July 11
• Front Wheel Drive & MiniͲVan Demo
Sunday, July 14
Derby
• Stock & Modified OffͲRoad Derby • Stock & Modified OffͲRoad Derby
10 pm • ALL NON MARKET projects released
9 am • Rabbit Show (Rabbit Barn) 10 amͲ 9 pm • Exhibit Building Open 11 am • Poultry Show (Covered Arena/ Poultry Barn) 9 am Ͳ Noon • Dairy Breed stock checkͲin 2 pm • Horse Fitting and Showmanship Classes 9 am • Dairy Breed Stock Show (Covered Arena) • Horse Versatility, Team Competition (15Ͳ19, & 14 and under) • Team Competition (8Ͳ19) Fun Show 10 am Ͳ 9 pm • Exhibit Building Open 11 am Ͳ 7 pm • Rotary Club Annual Chicken BBQ Noon • Baby Calf Show (Covered Arena) 4 pm Ͳ 6 pm
6 pm
• Sheep show
6:30 pm
• Harness Racing/Colt Stakes
7 pm • 4ͲH Horse Demonstrations 8 pm • Dairy Judging
• Buyer's Luncheon (Must have ticket
to eat) 5 pm • Junior Livestock Association Sale (Covered Arena) 7 pm • Superkicker Rodeo
6 am • Market Livestock released on designated trucks 9 am • All Rabbits Removed from Rabbit Barn Ͳ No Exceptions 9 am Ͳ noon • Exhibit Building open for release of exhibits Noon • All livestock stalls must be cleaned
JULY 2019
Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com
19
Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com
JUNE 2019
MECOSTA COUNTY CALENDAR OF EVENTS
20
July 4
Independence Day! See pg 18 for events 9a-6p Our Brothers Keeper Yard Sale
July 5
9a-6p Our Brothers Keeper Yard Sale 11a-2p Soap making at BR Farmer's Market
July 6
9a-6p Our Brothers Keeper Yard Sale 1-10p Blues Brews & BBQ
July 7 AMVETS Auxiliary Monthly Breakfast July 10 11:30a-1p Lunch & Learn at Hampton Inn 6-8:30p Wine & Canvas at Two Hats Ranch July 11 2-3p & 3-4p John Ball Traveling Zoo at Big Rapids Community Library 6-8p Camera Club – Fair and Carnival Photo Stroll at Big Rapids Community Library July 12
9a-12p Car Seat Safety Check at Big Rapids Public Safety 11a-2p Wood Carving at BR Farmer's Market
July 13 8:30a-3:45p Camp 911-A Safe Senior Day for Seniors at BR Dept. of Public Safety 6-9p Live Music at Antlers Fireside Grill July 14 8-11:30a Mecosta VFW Pancake Breakfast July 16 6-7p Going Global Book Club at Big Rapids Community Library July 17
8a-3p Camp 911 at BRDPS 9:30a WISE Annual Golf Outing
July 18 5-6:30p Business After Hours at Holiday Inn Hotel and Conference Center 5:30-7p YA is Lit! Book Club at Big Rapids Community Library 6:30p A Summer Evening of Harmony at Artworks July 19
11a-2p Water Color at BR Farmer's Market 12-1p Mary’s Book Club at Big Rapids Community Library
July 23 5:30-7 Ribbon Cutting: Remax Together July 25 7:30-8:30a Rise and Shine at Remax Together 5-8p Community BBQ at Mecosta County Fair Grounds 6-7p True Story! Book Club at Big Rapids Community Library 7:30p Little Shop of Horrors at BRHS Auditorium July 26 July 27
Big Rapids Antique Farm & Power Club - Swap Meet and Yard Sale 11a-2p Color Pencil at BR Farmer's Market 7:30p Little Shop of Horrors at BRHS Auditorium Big Rapids Antique Farm & Power Club - Swap Meet and Yard Sale 7:30p Little Shop of Horrors at BRHS Auditorium
JULY 2019
SPECIAL DAYS AMVETS POST 1941 & LEGION POST 98 MONDAY – FRIDAY HAPPY HOUR 4 TO 6 P.M. MONDAY NIGHT TACOS- $2.00 PULL TAB BINGO @ 6:00 P.M. 2ND CHANCE @ 7:00 P.M. EVERY OTHER MONDAY TUESDAY $1.00 WELL DRINKS FROM 4-6 P.M. THURSDAY – BURGER NIGHT 5:30 – 7:30 P.M. R.E.D. SHIRT FRIDAY- REMEMBERING EVERYONE DEPLOYED- WEAR SOMETHING RED – THE RED MUST BE VISIBLE! $0.50 OFF BOTTLED BEER, WINE & LIQUOR ONLY 1ST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH – AMVETS LADIES AUXILIARY BREAKFAST FIRST AND THIRD SATURDAY – DINNER SPECIALS CALL (231) 796-6998 FOR LUNCH SPECIALS AND DINNER MENUS ALL MEALS ARE EAT-IN OR TAKE-OUT HOURS - MON-FRI 1 P.M. TO CLOSE (LAST CALL AS EARLY AS 8:30) SAT & SUN 12 P.M. TO CLOSE PENDING 5 MEMBER RULE
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 SUMMER PROGRAMS TAI CHI - MONDAYS AND WEDNESDAYS 12P-1P MORNING LINE DANCE – TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS 8A-9A (BEGINNER) 9A-10A (INTERMEDIATE)
SENIOR FIT TIME – TUESDAYS 4-5PM THURSDAYS 3-4PM (NO CLASS JUNE 4-13TH )
DELAY THE DISEASE FITNESS FOR PARKINSON’S – THURSDAYS 1-1:45PM (NO CLASS JUNE 4-13)
PICKLEBALL – TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS 5-7PM
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
BIG RAPIDS EAGLES 2535: OPEN TO THE PUBLIC TUESDAYS: BURGER NIGHT/ 4:30 TO 8 P.M. FRIDAYS: FISH FRY & PRIME RIB/ 4:30 TO 8 P.M. FROG LEGS 2ND FRIDAY LIVER & ONIONS 4TH FRIDAY SATURDAYS: EUCHRE & 6 OF DIAMONDS PROGRESSIVE RAFFLE
BIG RAPIDS COMMUNITY LIBRARY
PRESCHOOL STORY TIME – MONDAY AND WEDNESDAYS 10:30AM KNIT NIGHT - EVERY FIRST AND THIRD THURSDAY ( 7.18.19) 6:30PM NO KNIT NIGHT ON JULY 4 STORY TIME - WEDNESDAYS 10:30AM MOVIE IN THE PARK - FRIDAYS STARTING 7/12 (7/12, 7/19, 7/26) 9-11P
FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY FINE ART GALLERY FACES FROM THE SOUTHERN OCEAN JUNE 10TH -AUGUST 16TH, 2019 J.J. L’HEURUEX FARMERS' MARKET
EVERY FRIDAY FROM MAY 10TH- OCTOBER 25TH 8:00AM- 2:00PM EVERY TUESDAY FROM MAY 14TH - SEPTEMBER 24TH 12:00PM - 5:00PM *NO MARKET ON JULY, 4* CONCERT SCHEDULE HEMLOCK BANDSHELL - Wednesdays 7 PM POCKET PARK - Fridays 12 PM 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.
BIG RAPIDS ELKS • Fridays • Fish Fry 6-8pm IDLEWILD FESTIVAL WEEKEND • JULY 12, 13 & 14
July 28 2:30p Little Shop of Horrors at BRHS Auditorium