MC Chamber - March 2019 by Hearst Midwest

Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com

March 2019

PLATINUM MEMBERS

2019 Executive Board of Directors

2019 Board of Directors

Randy Ostrander President Lake and Lodge Realty, LLC

Danielle Maneke Lakeside Motor Sports

Barbara Seabolt, Past President Mecosta County Habitat for Humanity Michelle Barker President Elect Bridge Title Jennifer Heinzman, Secretary Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce

Heather Bowman City of Big Rapids Tammy Weaver Sears Appliance & Hardware

Mindy Taylor, Treasurer Mecosta County

SILVER MEMBERS

Gail Taylor Original Footwear Eric Gustad Consumers Energy Danette Doyle The Pioneer Group Karen Hahn-Thornton Nestle Waters / Ice Mountain

Leading Businesses, Leading Communities For information on becoming a member of the Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce, please contact us.

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

Clinton Zimmerman, Member At Large Red Fox Market Jeff Godfrey, Member At Large Spectrum Health

GOLD MEMBERS

facebook.com/mcacc

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!

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STAFF

Jennifer Heinzman Executive Director

director@mecostacounty.com

Megan Eppley

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

March 2019

CHAMBER NEWS AND INFO

A Message From Jennifer Heinzman

Congratulations to Breanna Mullins, from Bob Evans our Member of the Month!

Executive Director Marketing is more important today than ever before. The world is brimming with innovative products, services, technologies, and solutions. These new offerings must be brought to market and commercialized in order to generate revenue and profit. Innovation alone cannot sustain a company; it must be paired with marketing. Marketing is a lot like fishing—some companies cast a wide net to scoop up whatever they can get, while others use bait and wait it out until the right customer takes a nibble. To be successful, you need a combination of both techniques to not only grab many new customers at once, but to also allow new business to continuously trickle in through referrals, word of mouth, and general curiosity. Quiet marketing should become a part of your daily routine, to the point that you forget you’re even doing it. It’s almost not worth having a profile at a social networking site like Facebook, Twitter or Instagram if you don't use it. Don’t just pop in every time you have a new promotion or update your website—be an active member of these online communities. Create social content that your followers want to repost, which in turn will help get the word-of-mouth out about your company and help drive up sales. Asking questions, posting brainteasers, or even making jokes are all ways to try to encourage socialization. You may want to also promote your social accounts with other forms of marketing, such as print advertising. Offer Expert Advice - Each one of us is an expert in something— a lawyer is an expert in law, a hairdresser is an expert in beauty care, and a guy who sells hot dogs on the corner is an expert in street food. Start promoting yourself as an expert in your field by offering your opinion to the uninformed. Create your own blog and write guest posts for other websites to market yourself as an authority online.

Offline, you can present yourself as an expert by teaching a class at a local school or library, writing an informative article for the newsletter, or speaking at conferences or expos. Be a Community Sponsor - An easy way to get your brand out into the public’s eye is through sponsorship. This could mean donating money or resources to local events, sponsoring a charity fundraiser, or volunteering some time for community service. Customers generally like to support the businesses that operate in their community, especially when they play an active role in making it better. Donating your money or resources is an easy way to participate without having to make a big deal about your involvement; ideally, someone else will offer you credit. Donating a product is even better because it allows more potential customers to sample your product, which can lead to conversions. Brand Everything - Your brand is your company’s personality. Extend this over everything you do, from adding logos to your letterheads to mission statements in your e-mail signatures. Create a color identity for your brand and use it in your marketing collateral, your website, anywhere that your business is represented. Think about how you should look when you present your business to others, whether you want to be hip and casual or professional and authoritative. When you’ve decided how you want to structure your brand, create a brand book (aka a style guide) so that you don’t stray from the decision. If you’re not sure where to start, look at some other examples of brand books. Code Everything - Now that smartphones are so popular, having a QR code is a great way to subtly attract new business. Placing a convenient QR code with a link to your website on your marketing items will make it more likely that potential customers will

I have been an employee of the Big Rapids Bob Evans for almost 5 years. I have grown as a person and an employee working at this establishment. Even though I have moved on and started working elsewhere in a field that will benefit my future nursing career, I still work at Bob Evans occasionally. When I do pick up a shift, I get to see some of the regular customers that come in, the smile on their faces and mine is picture perfect. That is why I do what I do. I started out as a volunteer at Bob Evans. I was the kid’s coordinator and orchestrated all the events that took place during kid’s night, every Tuesday. I had major events that brought in many little ones. It was a fun evening for not only the kids, but for me as well. Watching their minds grow and see the excitement on their faces was the highlight of my evening. Unfortunately, we no longer have a kid’s night. It brought lots of sadness to the Big Rapids Bob Evans family having to end the event. Even though we do not do the kid’s night event we still

follow through. QR codes can also be set to dial a phone number so that customers who are interested in your services can quickly find out what you can do for them. Keep in Touch - Meeting new people is important in self-promotion, but once you’ve met someone new, you must be willing to maintain the relationship for it to be truly beneficial. Keep up with your former and current clients to let them know you still care. Sending out birthday greetings and promotions to clients is a great way to make them feel appreciated. Take the time to respond to posts on social networking sites. This extends to more than just clients and business relations. It also includes your friends, your neighbors, your old college buddies—everybody you know has the potential to lead you to new business

participate in a lot of the community events around Big Rapids. We bring the mascots, Biscuits and, Gravy the dogs to as many events around town as we can. The kids love seeing and taking pictures with them. Bob Evans has been in Big Rapids for many years, and as the years go by, our guests are what keep us running. We have our regular guests that come in and myself being a server, love seeing them and getting to their names and histories. Bob Evans himself was a family man. He started this business with his family, and I like to think we keep the family name in our hearts and the way we run this business. With many changes happening and still many more to come, I enjoy having the same guests that started with us, continue to follow and grow with us as a business in the Big Rapids region. As Bob Evans said himself, “we treat strangers like friends, and friends like family.” -Breanna Mullins

opportunities. Have an Elevator Pitch - What is it that your company does that nobody else does? How do you set yourself apart from the competition? Why do people need your product or services? These are the questions you’ll need to have answers for in order to effectively promote yourself to a potential customer. Practice finding the quickest and easiest way to explain what you do, so that during brief encounters with potential clients, you can make the most use of your time. They call it an “elevator pitch” because it should be short enough to last an elevator ride while still making an impact. If you need help with your marketing or would like ideas on how to improve your plan, please contact us at the Chamber! As always, if there is anything, we can do for you, please do not hesitate to ask.

Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com

March 2019

Ambassador Club Thanks Hosts Rise & Shine Mecosta scheduled 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 28, hosted by Northwest Chiropractic and Sports Medicine, PLLC Rise & Shine Mecosta! Start your day with networking over morning refreshments. All Mecosta county area residents are welcome to attend this free networking event. Northwest Chiropractic and Sports Medicine 14321 Northland Dr STE 1 Big Rapids, MI 49307 Rsvp is encouraged. Call the chamber at (231)796-7649 or email events@mecostacounty.com Meet the hosts: www.nwsportschiro.com/

Business After Hours will be held on March 21st at 5 p.m. hosted by Two Hats Ranch. Come join businesses from around Mecosta County as Two Hats Ranch located 16665 12 Mile Rd, Big Rapids, MI 49307 hosts Business After Hours. This provides members of the community an opportunity to network and enjoy light hors d’oeuvres beginning at 5 p.m. Everyone in the Mecosta County area is welcome to attend. RSVP is appreciated. Call the Chamber at (231)796-7649 or email events@mecostacounty.com. Meet the hosts: www.twohats.com

Thank you to our February host! B2 Outlet Store 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.

ARTWORKS GALLERY EXHIBITS

2019 Schedule The Ambassador Club of the Mecosta Rise & Shine Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce • March 28: Northwest Chiropractic and sponsors monthly networking events. Sports Medicine, PLLC Business After Hours are on the third • April 25: The Pioneer Group Thursday of the month and Rise & Shine • May 23: Spectrum Health Mecosta are on the fourth Thursday of the RSVP by calling the Chamber at month. Upcoming Business After Hours and (231) 796-7649 or email Rise & Shine Mecosta events will be hosted events@mecostacounty.com. by the following members: Hosting Rise & Shine Mecosta or Business After Hours Business After Hours events are a great • March 21: Two Hats Ranch value included in membership. Contact the Chamber at (231) 796-7649 or email • April 18: Lerner, Csernai & Fath Financial events@mecostacounty.com if you are Group • May 16: The Pioneer Group Chamber Open interested in hosting either.

Painted Turtle Gallery 2019 Exhibit Schedule

Chemical Bank Lower Gallery

Journey of Two Artists: Margo Berke & Marlies Manning March 5 through March 30 What's in the Truck April 4 through May 28 In The Garden at Artworks Amber Prout June 6 through July 27 Collections: A Few of Our Favorite Things August 1 through September 28 Natural Elements: Fiber, Clay and Wood October 3 through November 9 Holiday Artists Market November 17 through December 24

Art Attack February 26 through March 21 What's in the Truck April 4 through May 28 The Eye of the Sparrow: Miniatures in the Garden June 6 through July 27th Collections: A Few of Our Favorite Things August1 through September 28 Natural Elements: Fiber Clay and Wood October 3 through November 9 Holiday Exhibit TBA

2019 Exhibit Schedule

March 2019

Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com

Ambassador Visits

Ferris State University Fine Art Gallery New Exhibit An Army of Women • Reception March 7th 5-7pm This ongoing series of work titled An Army of Women portrays women of all ages as the strong, intelligent and courageous beings they are. Such women are often overlooked and underestimated within our culture's political structure, business and organizational leadership, and decisionmaking roles. These paintings are meant to call out the visibility and the enormous value of capable women everywhere who possess the qualities of intelligence, wisdom, skill,

Community First Federal Credit Union We felt welcomed from hello, they are located at 101 E 4th St downtown Morley. Hours Monday-Thursday 9-5, Friday 9-6 and Saturday 9-12. They are a member-owned financial cooperative, dedicated to providing growth and service in a friendly and professional atmosphere, while building toward a bright and progressive future. Pictured left to right Ambassador Amy Ecker, employees Matthew Aldridge, Branch Manager Lynnsey Ellafrits, Courtney Troost and Ambassador John Milan. Phone them at 231 307 3164.

Land & Sea Variety Winter hours Wednesday-Sunday 10 to 5 located downtown Morley phone 231 307 3118. Pictured here is Michelle Baker and Chamber Ambassador John Milan, not pictured business partner Brooke Snyder. 10% off To Veterans as they have a family of Veterans who also work the business, one who came home with a traumatic brain injury along with PTSD. He's a nice guy who finds therapy in helping out. They carry a variety of name brand items with new inventory all the time. Also custom t-shirts, decals etc!

Cindy’s Cut and Curl Once you become a customer you are family as so many have experienced with Owner Cindy Snavely. Well over 25 years of experience at this full service salon located at 10495 Northland Drive (Roger's Heights) Big Rapids. Open Tuesday-Friday 9-5 and other hours by appointment 231 823 2364. Pictured left to right Cindy and Chamber Ambassador Amy Ecker, sitting longtime customer who had glowing reviews!

knowledge and experience which translate to a true and lasting female beauty. Watch this army grow...

Clinton from the Red Fox Market is working with the chamber to make weekly three-minute-long member spotlight videos. To schedule your appointment email info@mecostacounty.com or call us at 231.796.7649

Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com

March 2019

Attention Outdoor Enthusiasts! January 1st launched the first day of FerrisGetOutside Sp19! FerrisGetOutside is an engagement campaign for the Ferris community to encourage outdoor engagement through collecting and sharing visual stories (… photos). Participants (can) win gear. Anyone 18 years old+ can participate; however most winnings will be directed at students this Spring. Register at: https://www.getfeedback.com/r/X6yKQEkl Follow @FerrisUREC for updates, information, polls, special challenges, and events. Jayna Wekenman, Adventure Coordinator, UREC jaynawekenman@ferris.edu, (231) 591-5308

Festival of Banners 2019 The City of Big Rapids and Artworks would like to thank the 2019 Festival of Banners Sponsors: Lake Osceola State Bank Ferris State University Schuberg Insurance Agency Natural Beauty Salon & Spa Metron Integrated Health Systems Bill Scheible State Farm Blue Cow Café Brad Lubahn & Sons Landscaping & Excavating

Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com

March 2019

AARP Tax Program Ready to Serve Mecosta County Residents

Free Income Tax preparation Program There is a free income tax preparation program designed for taxpayers with low or moderate incomes, with special attention to those, who are 60 or older. The program is run entirely by volunteers who will be assisting clients at four (4) locations from February 1 through April 15, 2019. Retired senior volunteer program (RSVP) at the Mecosta county Service building, Big Rapids – Every Tuesday and Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., beginning 2/5 through 4/11; Morton Township Hall, Mecosta – Every Monday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. beginning 2/4 through 4/15; Morton Township Library, Mecosta – Every Friday, 9:45 a.m.to 4:00 p.m. beginning 2/1 through 4/12; and Wheatland Township Library, Remus – Every Wednesday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., beginning 2/6 through 4/10. To schedule an appointment, call the Retired Senior volunteer Program (RSVP) 231.796.4848, Monday thru Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. beginning January 22, 2019.

Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet On Thursday, Jan 24, the Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its Annual Meeting and Awards Breakfast at Tullymore Golf Resort in Canadian Lakes. Over 100 chamber members, their employees, friends, and family members were in attendance as representatives from the chamber presented several local professionals with awards for their efforts.

Mark and Abby Young of The Winery at Young's Farms were honored with the Entrepreneurs of the Year Award.

Big Rapids Family Eye Care was named Small Business of the Year.

Michelle Moen of Edward Jones was this year's Volunteer of the Year

Chelsey Bark of Lakeland Title was named Young Professional of the Year. Also honored were retiring board members Gary Lambrix, Karen Mackenzie, Roger Schneidt, and Yo Bellingar. Paul Bullock, Mecosta County Administrator, presented a 'State of the County' report, and Big Rapids Mayor Tom Hogenson shared a 'State of the City.' Outgoing chamber president Barb Seabolt reflected on her term before presenting the gavel to 2019 president Randy Ostrander. Ostrander outlined his plans for the coming year, including continuing the business visits that Seabolt and Executive Director Jennifer Heinzman began in the last year.

If you are interested in learning more about Leadership Mecosta, or if you would like to be part of the Class of 2019/2020, contact the Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce (127 S. Michigan Ave., Big Rapids) or online at www.LeadershipMecosta.com.

Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com

Fight Cancer and Register for the 2019 Wheatlake Festival of Races

Team Brooks, supporting Shelly Brooks, at the 2018 Wheatlake Festival of Races. Online registration open at spectrumhealth.org/ wheatlake-races After raising a record-breaking $14,000 in 2018, Spectrum Health invites runners and walkers to support local cancer care once again by participating in the 2019 Wheatlake Festival of Races. This family-friendly event will be held on Saturday, May 18, and will include a half marathon, 10K, 5K run, 5K walk and kids dash. All proceeds will benefit wellness services for patients at the Susan P. Wheatlake Regional Cancer Center, which provides free resources and services for those on a cancer journey. “Cancer touches so many, and this event provides an opportunity to get active while making a great impact in the lives of local cancer patients,” said Danielle Wells, race director. “Many individuals last year ran in honor of someone they love, so this year we’re providing an opportunity to have the names of your loved ones displayed on a commemorative stake placed along the race route.” New this year, participants can purchase a commemorative stake in memory or in support of loved ones who have been diagnosed with cancer. Stakes are available by visiting www.spectrumhealth.org/wheatlakeraces and can be taken home after the race. The Susan P. Wheatlake Regional Cancer Center serves 12 Northern Michigan counties as a comprehensive regional treatment facility. Featured within the center is a Wellness Center that includes a library, boutique and an integrative therapy room where free services are provided to assist patients like Shelly Brooks, of Canadian Lakes, through a cancer journey. “From the minute I stepped in the doors, everyone was so kind and helpful. The Wellness Center was wonderful!” Brooks said. “I received free massages and acupuncture, and was able to rent out several helpful cookbooks from the resource library.” As a recipient of the wellness services that the race

helps provide, Brooks participated in last year’s 5K walk, and plans to do so again this year. The race will feature a half marathon starting at the Reed City Depot, a 10K starting at Paris Park, a 5K run and 5K Wellness Walk both starting at the Big Rapids Bandshell. Children under 10 can participate in a kids dash for no charge. All routes will finish at the Bandshell behind Big Rapids Middle School. Those who register before April 21 will receive a reduced registration fee and are guaranteed a 2019 Wheatlake Festival of Races shirt. To encourage early detection, free skin cancer screenings will be provided at the Bandshell from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on the day of the event. For information or to register, visit spectrumhealth.org/ wheatlake-races or call Danielle Wells, race coordinator, at 231.592.4208. Spectrum Health, a not-for-profit, integrated health system, is committed to improving the health and wellness of our communities. We live our mission every day with 31,000 compassionate professionals, 4,200 medical staff experts, 3,200 committed volunteers and a health plan serving 1 million members. Our talented physicians and caregivers are privileged to offer a full continuum of care and wellness services to our communities through 14 hospitals, including Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, 230 ambulatory sites and telehealth offerings. We pursue health care solutions for today and tomorrow that diversify our offerings. Locally-governed and based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, our health system provided $459 million in community benefit in the last fiscal year. Thanks to the generosity of our communities, we received $30 million in philanthropy in the most recent fiscal year to support research, academics, innovation and clinical care. Spectrum Health has been recognized as one of the nation’s 15 Top Health Systems by Truven Health Analytics®, part of IBM Watson HealthTM.

March 2019

MAKE A MARKETING PLAN

JESSICA KAY VOGEL

Local Marketing Consultant

18770 Indian Village Road Big Rapids, MI 49307 231.303.0330 Offering FREE Small Business Needs Assessments!

Theodore Levitt, a professor at Harvard, states that the purpose of all business is to "find and keep customers." The only way you can achieve this objective is to create a competitive advantage. Thus, the focus of your marketing plan should be making a strategy that ensures your products and services meet customer needs, and wants in and then effectively communicate those benefits. We have all heard the saying, “Do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always gotten” – a quote originated by Albert Einstein. Are you finding yourself starting 2019 in the same manner as 2018? If so, I hope you do not anticipate growth. The plan that made sense for your small business a year or five years ago, isn't going to work today. No matter if you are a small business just starting out or a seasoned veteran, you must evaluate your marketing plan. There’s an old adage from Benjamin Franklin saying - “Failing to plan is planning

to fail”. Preparation is key. A marketing plan will be easier to manage when you break your plan down into multiple, smaller, marketing campaigns. These campaigns are time sensitive and designed to achieve a particular objective outlined in your marketing plan. A common marketing campaign objective formula is: What will be achieved + how long will the marketing campaign run? Every how-to book on the market has a different take on the essential elements of a marketing plan and claims to know all the answers. The truth is, when determining which marketing communication methods and tools to use and how best to combine them is a challenge for everyone. There is no secret sauce. In efforts to aid your planning process. I recommend using a campaign approach and I encourage small business owners to create a living document that you reference often. Things change, people leave, markets evolve, customers come and go and your marketing plan must adapt with these many factors! It is always better to have a well-planned strategy to promote your brand, product or services, right? Marketing campaigns do that for you. Whether you offer a product or a service, choose to promote your brand online or offline—marketing campaigns help by guiding you through the process with manageable steps.

Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com

March 2019

GFWC Supports Artworks

At a fundraiser titled “Bags, Baubles, Bon Bons and Bordeaux”, GFWC Big Rapids raised funds for the children’s programs at Artworks. Club members along with

mecostacounty.com

members of the broader community donated gently used handbags, jewelry and other accessories for sale during the event. With attendance from individuals across the community, the Club raised $630 to support the programs. Picture from left to right: GFWC Club President Melanie Henry, Artworks Executive Director Lynne Scheible, GFWC Club members Pat Rossi and Ann Stellard.

R V

Royal View Retirement Community

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 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

Thank You Mecosta County for Voting Us “Favorite Landlord”

March 2019

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www.carelincmed.com 1250 Perry Ave, Ste D | Big Rapids, MI 49307 | p: 231.796.6623 | Monday-Friday: 8am-5pm @carelincmed

Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com

March 2019

BIG RAPIDS CASH & CARRY Would Like to Welcome the Newest Members of our Kitchen & Bath Design Team.

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Stop in and see our list of $2,500-$4,000 Priced Vehicles In Stock! Reserve Your Car Now!

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Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com

March 2019

5 WAYS TO MAKE YOUR WEBSITE MORE MOBILE FRIENDLY 2. MAKE WEBSITE TEXT EASIER TO READ

MATTHEW HODGES thrivehive.com

1. KEEP PLUGINS AND PICTURES TO A MINIMUM

It’s only natural to want your website to look it’s best. No matter what kind of template or site builder you’re using, there’s no shortage of complex widgets and plugins that add fun, interactive features to your pages. However, while fancy plugins and flashy pictures may make your site look impressive, too many can actually slow your website’s loading speed down. Google has already stated that later this year, they will be using site speed as a ranking factor for mobile searches (Source: Google). In an effort to continue catering to the modern internet user, Google understands that people today want to find information as quickly as possible. What this means is, if someone spends a few seconds too long waiting for your website to load, there’s a good chance they’ll go to one of your competitors instead. Running a simple website speed test, such as through Pingdom.com can give you a good idea of where you stand. If your website suffers from too many pictures and plugins, take some time to go through them all and really determine the ones that create the best user experience. It’s important to attract customers and hold their attention, but don’t overdo it.

Nothing will scare people away faster than a wall of tiny text that requires them to zoom in and scroll from left to right so they can read. If you’ve been on the receiving end of this experience, how long did you stick around on that site? Probably not very long, so neither will your visitors. It may take some trial and error to see which size works best, but start by working with a font size of 14px to see the difference it makes for users. In addition to font size, you’ll want to break up blocks of text into small paragraphs and bullet points where possible. When someone lands on your page, the first thing they do is quickly scan the content to see if they can easily pick out the information they’re searching for. Make it easier for them by creating smaller sections and bullet lists that they can quickly digest. Headlines and titles are where you’ll want to pepper in the most keywords because it’s often the most prominent text on a page. These are the lines that draw the most attention from visitors, so make sure they’re concise and don’t run the full length of the screen unless necessary. It’s also good practice to keep a fair amount of white space between sections so you don’t overwhelm visitors with too much at once. 3. MAKE YOUR BUSINESS EASY TO REACH

It’s easy to automate everything with technology, but at

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the end of the day, people enjoy being in contact with other people. Though this may sound like business 101, from the homepage, you want your company’s contact information to be visible so it’s easy for customers to get in touch. If visitors have to search your website for basic contact information, not only is that going to leave them with a bad experience, but they’ll be less likely to become paying customers. Another good mobile marketing practice is to place a “click to call” button on all of your important pages, making it even easier for potential customers to act in the moment. Since there’s a good chance they’re using a mobile device to check out your website, implementing “click to call” buttons is a simple way to maximize conversions. In fact, 88% of users searching for a local business from a smartphone call or visit that business within 24 hours (Source: Social Media Today). Lastly, you should also include a visible Google Maps icon so visitors can easily navigate to your company’s location. Even if they’re not in the area, it’s an easy and free way to ensure you’re capitalizing on all of the opportunities your website creates. 4. USE YOUTUBE VIDEOS

In recent years, video content popularity has been on the rise, proving to be one of the best ways to grab and hold the attention of website visitors. Whether you create your own content or draw from relevant sources to add more substance to your web pages, it’s important to consider

the way they display on mobile devices. There’s a range of video formats you can use for desktop websites, however, many of them don’t translate properly over to a mobile device, negatively affecting the experience users have. YouTube videos, on the other hand, are responsive by nature, automatically adjusting in size depending on the device. This is the best way to ensure your video content is displaying properly across all formats and having maximum impact on visitors. Now, if you have videos that aren’t in YouTube format, it can be fixed by simply creating an account and uploading them to YouTube so they can be converted. 5. USE A RESPONSIVE TEMPLATE

Responsive themes are naturally built to convert your website into a mobile-friendly format. Even though you may have to make some minor fixes and adjustments so that everything displays the way you want it to, overall, it’s going to drastically reduce the amount of work you’ll put in as opposed to the time-consuming changes a nonresponsive theme requires. If you want to create a more customized experience, more than likely you’ll have to either know a little bit of coding or hire someone to do it. The good news is, many responsive themes come with a plethora of plugins and flashy features that require little to no experience to use, allowing you to build a mobile-friendly website your customers will love.

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March 2019

Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com

5 SOCIAL MEDIA TIPS TO HELP YOU DRIVE SALES Jonathan Long Founder, Uber Brands Entrepreneur.com The evolution of social media and technology has completely reshaped marketing. Today, data is plentiful and insights are easy to gather, allowing social media savvy marketers to drive tremendous results. Social media allows you to build a loyal following and share your message in a unique way, resulting in generating sales and ultimately building a successful business. It’s quickly becoming one of the most effective forms of online marketing. Here are five tips to helps you use social media to drive more sales for your business. 1. USE THE SAME HANDLE FOR ALL OF YOUR SOCIAL PROFILES. It’s important to use the same handle on all social media -- Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, etc. While it sounds like a small detail, it’s a branding play that can have a significant impact on your growth across social media. Consumers have become accustomed to remembering usernames, and most assume a brand’s handle is the same across the board. Something as simple as maintaining a consistent brand, username-wise, ensures that you will always be found, regardless of the social media platform. Personally, when I am creating a new

consumer brand from the ground up, I always make sure the brand name handle is available on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Once I know they are all available, along with the exactmatch ".com" domain, I will begin my trademark research. 2. RE-POST CONTENT FROM REAL PEOPLE USING YOUR PRODUCT. There is no better testimonial than real people posting about your product on social media. Reposting this content on your social media pages is more effective than any forced-advertising. You are letting actual customers do the selling and convincing for you. By sharing content created by consumers who have already purchased your product (or use your service), you are putting out content that instills trust. Consumers love reviews and endorsements by real users -- give them incentive to create this content for you. Create

a branded hashtag and incentivize its use by creating contests or giveaways. 3. TARGET THE SOCIAL NETWORKS YOUR AUDIENCE IS ACTIVE ON. You don’t need to have a social presence on every platform, but you do need to have a strong presence on the platform’s your audience is active on. Graham Kramer, CEO and founder of Artemis Venture Capital, and his business partner, David Mendelsohn, say they use social media marketing to help scale their client’s businesses, and one of the things they focus on it targeting the correct social media platforms. “It’s all about identifying where your target audience is active,” said Kramer, “and creating a message that audience will identify with. You don’t need to speak to everyone -- you just need to speak to those most likely to engage with your brand. This begins with knowing where your

audience is.” 4. SPEAK YOUR AUDIENCE’S LANGUAGE. When building a relationship with consumers, it’s important that you use their vernacular. This is especially true if you are asking a user to take a specific action -- like comment on a post, tag their friends or even purchase one of your products. A great way to show that you understand your target consumers is to speak their language and use keywords, phrases or emojis that resonate with them. When you make that personal connection, your audience is more receptive to your marketing message. Let your brand voice and personality shine. 5. LINK TO THE PRODUCT YOU’RE TRYING TO SELL. At the end of the day, driving sales from your social media efforts is all about making it easy for your followers to convert into customers. If it’s complicated in any way, a potential customer will turn their attention elsewhere. Make it seamless for consumers to clickthrough from your social media page to your website. You can include links in your bios, as well as within your content. If a user can’t access your product page in one or two clicks, your conversions will be extremely low. The social networks are constantly making changes to help their business users perform well, like Instagram’s product tagging.

Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com

Stop Comparing. Start Perfecting.

It can be tempting to compare ourselves to the competition every chance we get. Yes, it's important to know your market well, and have concrete knowledge about your industry. But don’t worry about their new big client is, or what their quarterly sales are. Emotional energy is what makes a business great: it’s the blood, sweat, and tears we put in to make our passions and dreams a reality. Your business needs that energy, your competitors don’t. Don’t sabotage yourself by giving them all your emotional energy. Instead, spend your energy growing and innovating your own business, if all you think of is what your competition is doing, you will struggle to come up with original ideas. You don’t need to tear them down to build yourself up. There is always enough business out there for everyone, there are always new audiences to be reached, new ideas to be had, improvements to be made. If you don’t believe that ask yourself: how do you plan on cultivating a larger customer base?

Focus on what value your product or service brings to the industry. Maybe you’re fast, convenient, eco-friendly, or locally owned and operated. Listen to what your loyal customers have to say so that you can always perfect what you do. Focus on innovative marketing, customer satisfaction, and outreach. An attitude of gratitude is the foundation to win. Reach out to everyone in your field, newcomers, and heavy hitters, introduce yourself, congratulate them on their success, and ask for a later meeting at their convenience. You might be surprised how many people will extend a hand to you. Your competition is curious about you as well. The alternative to this is spending the same, if not more, time and energy comparing yourself to everyone in your industry trying to figure out how to beat them, surpass them, or hijack their customers. This option doesn’t allow for the important guidance and advice to be received along the way. Build bridges to success – not barriers to opportunity.

March 2019

Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com

Join us on Saturday, April 27th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for the 13th Annual Community and Family Expo! The Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce, GreatStart Mecosta-Osceola, Project Connect, and The MOISD General Education Department are partnering once again to bring you the best Expo ever! This event includes games, giveaways, workshops, entertainment and more! Our local mascots will once again be on hand to strut their stuff in our Mascot Dance-Off! Come and cheer on your favorite celebrity mascot as they show off their moves to Mecosta County! CALLING ALL VENDORS! Are you interested in being a part of this great community event? This is a great opportunity to promote your business, network, and inform the community of all you have to offer. This is your chance to reach nearly 3,000 potential customers with your message. Join over 100 local vendors at this highly anticipated event! Don't miss out! The earlier you register, the more promotion your organization can receive for this event! Registration and payment in full must be submitted by April 15, 2019.For a complete list of rules and regulations, please contact events@mecostacounty.com

‘BREAK THE CHAIN’ DOCUMENTARY SHOWING The Meceola Human Trafficking Task Force proudly announces the showing of ‘Break the Chain’ on March 4 at 6:00 p.m. at United Methodist Church, 503 South Chestnut, Reed City. Produced and Directed by Michigan documentary filmmakers, Laura E. Swanson and Kirk Mason, ‘Break the Chain’ is an award-winning feature-length documentary film that addresses the often ”hidden-in-plain-sight” issue of Human Trafficking within Michigan communities and the United States. The film chronicles two survivors of Human Trafficking - providing a detailed look at how trafficking goes unnoticed within our backyards. The event is free of charge. Given some of the adult content, it is suggested that attendees be of high school age and older. For more information, call 231-972-5737

Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com

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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:

RECYCLE! Of Mecosta County MONDAY 9a-5:30p WEDNESDAY 9a-5:30p FRIDAY 9a-5:30p SATURDAY 9a-1p

Big Rapids Community Library bigrapids.lib.mi.us

Friends of the Library Meeting March 6th Knit Night March 7th 6:30 p.m. Library Board Meeting March 14th 5:30p.m. Camera Club Lifestyle Portraiture March 14th 6:00pm

Mary’s Book Club March 15th 12:00 p.m. Birdwatching vs Birding with Greg Bodker March 15th 6:00pm Knit Night March 21st 6:30 p.m. Open Sew March 30th 9:00 am

Preschool Story Time

Every Monday and Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. Computer/Tech Class

Every Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. Tiny Tots Tinker Lab

Every Thursday from 9:30-11 a.m. This program is a free play time for children and their parents to socialize. Please come and enjoy getting to know other parents and kids in your community.

424 N. 4th Street

Big Rapids, MI 49307

Red Fox Market

Red Fox Market hosts a variety of classes each month in its downtown store. For more information on each event, visit Red Fox Market on Facebook! Yoga $7 Facilitated by Amanda Smith Tuesday and Thursday 7am Qi Gong $1 Facilitated by Mary Loche Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 10am Mastering you Energy Body Part 2-4 Facilitated by Sheli Hutchinson

March 3, 10 & 17 Times vary see Facebook event $108.00 Intention and how to use it $10 Facilitated by Caitlin Griffiths March 10 12:30pm - 2:00pm Aura & Chakra Workshop March 31 1pm - 4pm $45

(231) 796-9872

Big Rapids Antique Farm & Power Club Meeting March 21st at 7:00 p.m. at Big Rapids First Baptist Church, 200 S. Stewart Ave. in Big Rapids.

STAGE-M

STAGE-M will return in the spring with new shows. “The Hollow” An Agatha Little Shop of Horrors July 25-28, 2019 Christie Mystery

April 4-7, 2019 Four Agatha Christie mysteries are being considered for this performance, all with her wonderful characters, twisty plots and unusual endings. Stay tuned!

March 2019

The story of Seymour who works and lives in a rundown flower ship 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!

Wheatland Music Organization Squares & Contra Dances March 16th 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm Music by tinkers Folly, French-Canadian Voyageur. Dances led by Wally! Open to the public. Instruction is provided, and no partner or experience is needed. Admission is $5 at the door, those under 18 get in free. To be added to the Traditional Dance monthly email list contact the office at wmo.office@wheatlandmusic.org or call 989.967.8879

Big Rapids Eagles and Auxiliary 2535 Every Tuesday is Burger Night Every Friday is Fish Fry and Prime Rib Fourth Friday is liver and onions Euchre on Saturdays

I❤ Mecosta County

March 2019

Artworks Spring Classes For class descriptions, fees, and registration, visit artworksinbigrapids.org/classes. After School Art $10-$60 Every Tuesday 3:45-5:15p.m. Open Pottery Studio $10-$40 Every other Wednesday 6-8p.m. 3.13.19 & 3.27.19 Beginning Wheel Pottery $140-$150 Session 1: Tuesdays, Jan 22-Mar 5 6-8p.m. Beginning Wheel Pottery $140-$150 Session 2: Tuesdays, March 12th-April 23rd 6-8pm Basket Weaving: Easter Basket $50-$60 March 9th 9am-3pm Fundamentals of Photography $60 – $70 Tuesdays, Jan 29th-Mar 5th 5:30-7:30p.m. Hand Pottery Session 2 $140-$150 Mondays, March 11-April 22 6-8pm Riley MacKenzie Fun Paint Your Pet Fundraiser $35 Sunday, March 3, 2019 1pm-3:30pm Wine & Canvas at Two Hats Ranch $25-$40 Thursday, March 14, 2019 6pm-9pm

Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com

Big Rapids Winter Recreation Programs

FSU Fine Arts Gallery March 4th – April 6th, 2019

Reception: March 7th 5-7pm An Army of Women This ongoing series of work titled An Army of Women portrays women of all ages as the strong, intelligent and courageous beings they are. Such women are often overlooked and underestimated within our culture's political structure, business and organizational leadership, and decisionmaking roles. These paintings are meant to call out the visibility and the enormous value of capable women everywhere who possess the qualities of intelligence, wisdom, skill, knowledge and experience which translate to a true and lasting female beauty. Watch this army grow...

AMVETS Post 1941 & Legion Post 98

Wine & Stained Glass Sun Catcher Workshop $25-$40 Thursday, March 21, 2019 6pm-8pm

See the back cover for regular AMVETS Post 1941 & Legion Post 98 specials and events.

Mosaic $60-$70 Saturday, March 30th 10-2pm For class descriptions, fees, and registration, visit artworksinbigrapids.org/classes.

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!

For registration forms and more information go to www.brpr.org or call (231) 592-4038

ZUMBA GOLD January 10th to April 25th Thursdays 5:30pm – 6:30pm Cost:$2 per participant Big Rapids Middle School Cafeteria (no class March 21st or March 28th) Instructor Janitza Sawyer 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 you love at a lower intensity. The design of the class introduces easy-to-follow Zumba® choreography that focuses on balance, range of motion and coordination. PICKLEBALL October 1st to May 1st Mondays and Wednesdays 5-7p.m. Cost: $5 per participant Ferris State Racquet Center Coordinator: Gary Lenon No need to have a paddle, all new players are welcome! All players must wear tennis shoes in the facility. CO-ED VOLLEYBALL LEAGUE Sundays Scrimmage January 13th League Games Begin:January 20th Cost: $300 per team Big Rapids Middle School Gym Games are played on Sundays starting at 1:00p.m. and ending as late as 9:00 p.m. 10-week season. Ages 18 and older. Registrations Due by January 4th. DADDY DAUGHTER DANCE Friday, February 15th 7:00 p.m.-9:00p.m. Cost $7 per person pre-registered OR $10 per person at the door Big Rapids Middle School Attention all dads, Grandpas, and uncles! This is the event you’ve all been waiting for! Grab your favorite little lady and get ready for a night you’ll both remember forever. Enjoy a night of dancing, refreshments, photos, and crafts! Create memories that will last a lifetime for you and the most important girl in your life! All ages welcome. TAI CHI January 7Th-May 8th Mondays and Wednesdays Noon to 1 p.m. Cost: $2 per participant Artworks 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 participants to improve muscle tone, flexibility, balance and coordination. Newcomers are always welcome! LINE DANCE CLASSES Jan 3rd to April 25th Tuesdays and Thursdays 8-9 a.m. Beginners 9-10 a.m. Intermediate 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. Learn coordinated steps to a variety of music. A social and aerobic activity. Bring a friend! Artworks, Dance Studio MORNING LINE DANCE Tuesdays and Thursdays 8-9 a.m. Beginners 9-10 a.m. Intermediate Learn coordinated steps to a variety of music. A social and aerobic activity. Bring a friend! Artworks, Dance Studio WATER AEROBICS January 14th to May 10th Monday, Wednesday, Friday 8:30 - 9:30 am Cost: $4 per class or $40 for punch card (12 classes) Ferris State Recreation Center Pool Instructor: Sherry Williams Low impact exercise offered for adults. Beginning in the shallow area and progressing to the deep water to allow for a full body workout. SENIOR FIT TIME January 3rd to April 25th Tuesday: 4-5 p.m. Thursday: 3-4 p.m. No class (Feb.25-Mar.6th) Cost: $2 per participant Style Station, 1619 Catherine Street in Big Rapids Instructor: DeMar Hatchew, Certified in Senior Fitness A senior fitness class geared to get those in need of a low impact routine emphasizing cardio, balance and muscle stretching. The class will get you feeling energized and active! Bring a mat, water bottle and personal weights. DELAY THE DISEASE FITNESS FOR PARKINSON’S January 3rd to April 25th Thursdays 1-2 pm Cost: $2 per participant Style Station, 1619 Catherine Street in Big Rapids 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.

Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com

WOMEN OF MOXIE LEADERSHIP EVENT Photo courtesy of the Pioneer

Over 75 of Mecosta County’s professional women were in attendance Thursday, February 14th as the Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce presented its first Women of Moxie Leadership event at Tullymore Golf Resort. Attendees were treated to keynote addresses from Cindy Brown, of The Right Place, and Tamara Davis of the Southwest Michigan Small Business Development Center. Both speakers touched on ways for women to expand in their professional roles. In addition to the speakers, lunch was provided, Michelle Wise of Wise Photography was on hand to take updated professional headshots for the attendees, and several women were the recipient of door prizes at the event. Due to the success of the event and the positive feedback from those in attendance, the chamber plans on making this an annual event and looks forward to expanding the event even more in 2020.

March 2019

2019 TASTE OF MECOSTA Hundreds of Mecosta County residents lined up for a taste of what local eateries have to offer at this year’s Taste of Mecosta, Tuesday, February 19 at the Holiday Inn Hotel and Conference Center. 17 local vendors were on hand to show of their most delectable dishes to the community. With cupcakes to chicken wings and everything in between, this year’s event, sponsored by Lake-Osceola State Bank, featured the theme, “A Taste of Home,” as the eateries offered local comfort foods to attendees. The Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce thanks everyone that attended this year’s event. Another huge thanks to our title sponsor, Lake-Osceola State Bank, for its generous support of this events. Finally, thank you to all our participating vendors: Cran Hill Ranch, Tropical Smoothie Café, Coco Renee, Fatbelly Deli and Creamery, Two Hats Ranch, The Pie Hole, Planet Fitness/Domino's Pizza, Ferris State University Catering, Applebees, Bob Evans, Holiday Inn / Pub 52, Spectrum Health Big Rapids Hospitals, Tullymore Golf Resort, Crankers Brewery, and Three Girls Bakery. Your participation made this one our best Taste of Mecosta events yet. We are looking forward to next year!

March 2019

Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com

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!

mecostacounty.com

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 calling us at 231-796-7649 and

Chamber Member Benefit of the Month

What is it? The Chamber office receives countless inquires via mail, email, phone and walk-in visits and always refers member businesses first.

What should you do? Be sure to keep all of your information updated in Chamber Master to help us always give out the correct information. For help feel free to contact us at 231.796.7649 or email info@mecostacounty.com.

Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com March 3

9a-11:30a AMVETS Auxiliary Monthly Breakfast

1p-3:30p Riley MacKenzie Fun Paint Your Pet Fundraiser at

MARCH 2019

MECOSTA COUNTY CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Artworks March 5

6p-8p Beginning Wheel Pottery Session 1 at Artworks

7:30p-9:00p Night of Theater at Big Rapids High School

March 7

5p-7p An Army of Women Reception at FSU Fine Art Gallery

March 9

9a-3p Basket Weaving: Easter Basket at Artworks

11a-1p Wheatscouts Blue Water Ramblers

2p-5p Jamboree At The Cabin @ Wheatland Music Organization

March 10

8a-11:30a Mecosta VFW Pancake Breakfast

12:30-2p Intention and How to use it at Red Fox Market

March 13

11:30a-1p Lunch and Learn: Cyber Security at Lerner, Csernai, and Fath Financial Group

5:30-7:30p St. Patrick’s Day Dinner at the Big Rapids Eagles

March 14

6p-8:30p Wine and Canvas at Two Hats Ranch

6-8p Camera Club-Lifestyle Portraiture at Big Rapids Community Library

March 15

12-1p Mary’s Book Club at Big Rapids Public Library

March 16

7p-10p Wheatland Traditional Dance French-Canadian Voyageur Dances, Squares & Contras

March 19

7p-9p After the Green Spring Fundraiser - Life Resources Auction @ Two Hats Ranch

March 20

5:30-7:30p Souper Supper Event by Project Starburst at Mecosta-Osceola Career Center

March 21

5p-6:30p Business After Hours: Two Hats Ranch 6p-8p Wine & Stained Glass Sun Catcher Workshop at Artworks

6p-7p Birdwatching vs. Birding with Greg Bodker at the Big Rapids Community Library

March 28 Check out our online calendar at mecostacounty.com/events/calendar

7:30a-8:30a Rise and Shine Mecosta at Northwest Chiropractic and Sports Medicine

March 30

9a-12p Open Sew at Big Rapids Public Library

March 31

1-4p Aura & Chakra Workshop at Red Fox Market

March 2019

SPECIAL DAYS AMVETS POST 1941 & LEGION POST 98 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 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

RED FOX MARKET QI GONG - TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY 10AM YOGA - TUESDAY & THURSDAY 7AM MASTERING YOUR ENERGY BODY PART 2-4 - MARCH 3, 10, & 17 OPEN CHAIR MASSAGE MARCH 23 & 30 11:30AM-3:00PM

BIG RAPIDS EAGLES 2535: Open To The Public DAILY LUNCHES/ 11AM-3PM TUESDAYS: BURGER NIGHT/ 4:30-8PM FRIDAYS: FISH FRY & PRIME RIB/ 4:30-8PM SATURDAYS: EUCHRE AT 12:30 P.M.

BIG RAPIDS DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION WINTER PROGRAMS ZUMBA GOLD – THURSDAYS 5:30PM-6:30PM PICKLEBALL – MONDAYS AND WEDNESDAYS 5-7PM CO-ED VOLLEYBALL LEAGUE – SUNDAYS 1-9PM TAI CHI – 12-1PM MONDAYS AND WEDNESDAYS LINE DANCE CLASSES – TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS BEGINNER 8-9AM INTERMEDIATE 9-10AM WATER AEROBICS – 8:30-9:30AM MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS, AND FRIDAYS SENIOR FIT TIME – TUESDAYS: 4-5PM AND THURSDAYS: 3-4PM NO CLASS FEB.25-MAR.6TH DELAY THE DISEASE FITNESS FOR PARKINSON’S THURSDAYS 1-2PM

DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS, CHAPTER 18 A SERVICE OFFICER IS AVAILABLE TO ASSIST VETERANS IN RECEIVING BENEFITS. THURSDAYS, 10AM- 2PM AT THE DAV IN BIG RAPIDS. ALL VETERANS WELCOME. BIG RAPIDS LIONS CLUB MEETS EVERY 2ND AND 4TH MONDAY OF THE MONTH 6:30pm at #52 Sports Bar and Kitchen

ARTWORKS HAND POTTERY SESSION 1 – MONDAYS 6-8PM AFTER SCHOOL ART – TUESDAYS 3:45-5:15PM BEGINNING WHEEL POTTERY SESSION 1 TUESDAYS 6-8PM GUIDED SKETCHBOOK – THURSDAYS 2-4PM OPEN POTTERY STUDIO – EVERY OTHER WEDNESDAY (3.13.19 & 3.27.19) 6-9PM FUNDAMENTALS OF PHOTOGRAPHY – TUESDAYS 5:30-7:30PM

BIG RAPIDS ROTARY MEETS EVERY TUESDAY AT 12:00PM AT FALCON HEAD GOLF COURSE

BIG RAPIDS COMMUNITY LIBRARY KNIT NIGHT – FIRST AND THIRD THURSDAY OF THE MONTH ( 3.7.19 & 3.21.19) 6:30PM PRESCHOOL STORY TIME – MONDAY AND WEDNESDAYS 10:30AM COMPUTER/TECH CLASS – TUESDAYS 9:30AM TINY TOTS TINKER LAB – THURSDAYS 9:30-11AM

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.

FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY FINE ART GALLERY AN ARMY OF WOMEN MARCH 4TH- APRIL 6TH MONDAY-FRIDAY 11A-6P

BIG RAPIDS ELKS Fridays • Fish Fry 6-8pm