Cadillac Area

A Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce Publication

Business Magazine
MAY/JUne 2012 Volume 18-NO. 3

Be your own
best lobbyist
It is a good time to make
your point with Legislators
See pages 4 to 6

look inside for the special:

in business
Women
Publication
 Mission Statement
The Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce is a visible
business leader that advocates and drives business
opportunities. Through business alliances, we are a Visionary Partners:
catalyst for our membership and provide a persuasive
regional voice benefiting our communities.

Meet the Board

Katy Huckle, Chair
Northwestern Bank 775-9077
Dean DeKryger, Vice Chair
The DK Design Group
Scott Hunter, Treasurer
779-4002
Apathy is not an option
Baird, Cotter & Bishop, PC. 775-9789
Mickey Putman, Past Executive Director Our cover story points to the efforts and November election will be significant on a
Central Professional Services Inc. 775-3458
importance of the Northern Michigan number of fronts for the State of Michigan.
Eric Baker
Wolverine Power Cooperative 775-5700 Regional Chamber Alliance. The Alliance The November ballot will likely be crowded
Dennis Benson exists in large measure to bring value to with a handful of ballot proposals, with the
Dennis H. Benson, PLC 876-9405 our individual chamber members through core initiatives potentially harmful to busi-
Kelly Cater this unique and pioneering partnership. ness. Add into the equation, often the way
Rec Boat Holdings 775-1351
Although legislative advocacy is the pri- Michigan goes is an indicator of the likely
Jon Catlin
Chemical Bank 775-6151 mary focus of the Alliance, other collective winner in the presidential election. It has
Bill Cinco efforts on behalf of our member investors is transpired six times since 1980. The excep-
The Trend Designers 775-5711 in place too. tion was in 2000, when George W. Bush lost
David Cox The Northern Michigan Regional Michigan and ultimately won the presiden-
Wexford-Missaukee ISD 876-2260
Chamber Alliance is comprised of the tial election.
Mike Hamner Cadillac, Alpena, Benzie County, Charlevoix, It is critical that our members become
Avon Protection Systems, Inc. 779-6200
Gaylord, Marquette, Petoskey, and Traverse knowledgeable of the candidates that seek
Dr. Kyle Hogg
Dental Health Professionals 775-9797 City Chambers. Our eight chambers repre- your vote as well as the ballot proposals.
Melody Hurley sent approximately 6,500 member investors Apathy is not an option. I would encour-
Walmart Supercenter Store 775-8778 and plenty of northern Michigan geogra- age our members to check our Alliance
Brian Jones phy and business clout. Our strength is best Northern Michigan Business Blog, which
Willow Mercantile LLC 468-2682
served through our members who invest can be accessed on www.cadillac.org for
Bill Kring
9 & 10 News 775-3478 independently in our organizations and legislative updates, and Alliance informa-
Paul Liabenow communities. Over the next few months, tion. If you have legislative questions or
Cadillac Area Public Schools 876-5000 the Alliance will create additional value input, please contact Doug DeYoung, Vice-
CHAMBER STAFF 775-9776 through our legislative efforts and position- President of Government Relations and
Bill Tencza, President ing through member education initiatives Business Advocacy at deyoung@tcchamber.
president@cadillac.org because 2012 is a pivotal election year. org or 231-995-7109.
Doreen Lanc, Director of Membership Services I suspect, independent of insider political
membership@cadillac.org circles, many of our members may not be
Deb Gillies, Leadership Director/Accountant ready to embrace the August primary and
leadership@cadillac.org
possibly are already fatigued by campaign
Amanda Hamilton, Administrative Assistant
info@cadillac.org battle lines forging little appetite for either
Doug DeYoung, Vice President of Government Relations the primary or fall election. However, the Bill TeNcza, Chamber President
and Business Advocacy
deyoung@tcchamber.org
Annie Shetler, BTA Coordinator
annieshetler@nwm.cog.mi.us

Belle Oakes Living Center

Website:www.cadillac.org
Printer:Pleasant Graphics
Publisher:Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce
Editorial Committee: Chris Huckle, Doreen Lanc, Distinctive and Affordable
Rich Langton, Bill Tencza, Bob Nelson, Robert Van Dellen
and Joy VanDrie. Relax and enjoy an independent Bella Rose
The Cadillac Area Business Magazine is a publication of the lifestyle, our senior apartments offer Rehabilitation
Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber reserves spacious living with amenities and and
the right to edit or refuse articles and advertisements submitted
to the Cadillac Area Business Magazine and reserves the right extras youll really enjoy. Aquatic Center
in its sole discretion to accept or refuse inserts and other mate-
rials to be distributed through the publication. Respite Room Available NOW OPEN!
On the cover: Sen Darwin Booher delievers a presentation at 2353 S. LaChance Rd. Lake City 231-779-4671 Esther Nederhood, RN, Owner
a Lecture Luncheon held at Baker College.

2 May/June 2012 - Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce

 The 2012 Cadillac Leadership Class wishes to thank our program sponsor, Fox Motors of Cadillac.
Strengthening our community awareness
By Cody Dick, Karl Marcusse, Dana Willis and Brian Schweigl
This years Leadership Class recently completed themed days cover-
ing Cadillacs local health and human services as well as our culture
and history.
Thanks to the help of many local experienced professionals, the class
was brought to a fuller understanding of the recent trends in health-
care, and how these trends will affect us on both a national and local
level. Groups toured various health/human service locations and held
discussions regarding the purpose, utilization, and benefits of these
local facilities.
Cultural day was another great experience where the class deepened
their understanding of our citys and surrounding communities past,
learning the history of Cadillac and how our city came to be what it
is today. If you have never taken the time to study the rich heritage of
Cadillac, be sure to take the opportunity to visit the Wexford County
Historical Museum where you will find historic memorabilia and
valuable information about times gone by. In addition to an in depth
study of our communitys history, the class also enjoyed the opportu-
nity to hear about life in other cultures, and better understand how
our country is viewed through the eyes of others around the world.
Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce - May/June 2012 3
Over the past seven months the Cadillac Leadership Class has been
provided with in-depth information on how the various businesses,
schools and government of our community operate. We have also
studied different ways that people learn, interact and work together.
In short, Cadillac Leadership gives its students a fuller view, a better
view, of what exactly makes our great community work. This experi-
ence will prepare you to take on new challenges within your commu-
nity, your workplace, and yourself. In addition, you will get the oppor-
tunity to meet great people, form new friendships, while having fun
along the way.
Of course none of this would be possible without the support the
program receives from this great community. Special thanks go out
to the board members, presenters and also to the many local busi-
nesses that have contributed time and space in order to accommodate
and host our group. We also want to thank the community for their
support of our service project, Building Hope, The After 26 Patio
Project. The continued positive voices, words of encouragement, and
generous financial donations we have received, are what makes it all
possible, and what makes us believe in Cadillac.
 Get activated
As the state begins to rebound time
is good to get on legislators agenda
The states economy is starting to bounce back after one of the worst
decades on record.
Growth is expected, but it will be slow, 3 to 5 percent over the next
decade. While funding will still be scarce, state legislators have a little
more flexibility when it comes to spending. Those legislators will be
making decisions about tax dollars whether or not they hear from you.
That is why now is important time for Chamber members to get more
vocal and make sure decision-makers know the issues you are facing.
If our voice isnt heard, if members arent engaging, things will
still happen, said Doug DeYoung, Vice-President of Government
Relations and Business Advocacy. Things are going to happen with or
without us. If it happens with us, we need to engage in discussions to
make sure our region gets its fair opportunity, gets our fair share of it.
The Northern Michigan Regional Chamber Alliance has developed a
list of legislative priorities to set the region up for continued growth,
but its chances of success are improved if members can take up a call
to action to help forward the Alliances agenda.
It is a good time, there is a good opportunity, for community mem-
bers to engage, to be a part of the discussion as the state moves for-
ward,DeYoung said.
While the larger urban areas of the state, southeast and southwest
Michigan, will continue to have strong representation in Lansing, the
Alliance has worked with legislators from northern Michigan to put a
stronger, regional voice in Lansing.
We can make sure we are a part of the discussion, DeYoung said.
It is important for our region, we are seen as a stronger voice.
DeYoung said that the Alliance meets with a group of legislators
from northern Michigan frequently. The rapport helps legislators get
a better understanding of the issues facing the region. Now when the
group of legislators are in Lansing they can be unified on address-
ing the issues of the region with the rest of the legislators during bill
debates.
Story continues on page 5

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 Effective communication
Continued from page 4
It gives us a larger voice at the table than just one person talking
about one issue, DeYoung said. Thats the power of having a larger
voice on issues.
There are several top priorities for the Alliance, including equitable
funding for northern Michigan schools, infrastructure and a consistent
and timely permitting process.
DeYoung said Chamber members should watch out for calls to
action from the Alliance, which will give background information on
issues as well as contacts.
He also suggested that if members get an opportunity to address a
legislator it is good to relate personal experience regarding an issue.
He gave an example of an employer who had to change the location of
a drain three times because of three different interpretations of a rule
by three different inspectors. That cost the employer $100,000.
Have a real example (when speaking to a legislator), DeYoung sug-
gested. Have some background information to start the conversation.
It is important to add your own personal experience. If it is some-
thing you are really passionate about, add your personal experience.
DeYoung said that a person who is passionate about an issue typically
can relate how the issue impacts real life, giving legislators a better
idea how legislation is impacting everyday activities.
When contacting a legislator it is good to show your passion for an
issue, but it is important to not be overzealous, said Patrick Tiedt,
Chief of Staff for State Senator Darwin Booher.
Story continues on page 6
Tips on Meeting a Member of
Legislature or a Member of the Staff
A personal visit with your legislator is an effective way to emphasize your interest
in an issue or bill. Some tips for meeting a Legislator to urge support or opposition
to legislation:
When making an appointment, state the subject to be discussed and identify per-
sons who will attend, noting whether they are constituents.
Select a spokesperson if others are going with you and agree on your presentation
in advance of your meeting.
Know the facts, both legislatively and related to your position. If discussing a bill,
know the number and title.
Present the facts in an orderly, concise, positive manner. Stay on the issue. Dont
try to talk about too many different topics or your position may become confused.
Relate the positive impact of legislation you support and the problems it corrects. If
you are affected personally, tell them your story and how an issue will impact you,
your child, or your family.
Relate the negative impact of legislation you oppose and the problems it would
create.
Leave fact sheets if possible.
Encourage questions. Be prepared to discuss.
Ask for favorable consideration, thank the legislator for his/her time and courtesy,
and leave promptly.
Be sure to get the name of the staff member covering your issue.
Follow up with a note of thanks.
You may end up meeting with a staff member instead of the legislator if he/she is
called away for votes or committee business. The staffer will convey your message
to the Legislator.
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Photos for Illustration Pu
 2012 Annual Meeting & Awards Dinner

Where Super
Heroes Unite!
Presented by the
Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce

Wednesday, June 20
Caberfae Peaks Ski & Golf Resort
Reception: 5:30PM Dinner: 6:15PM
$35 per guest ($45 non chamber member)
Semi-Formal Attire

2011/2012
Leadership Graduation

Outstanding Citizen
Spirit of
Community Awards
Reserve by calling the Chamber at 231-775-9776

Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce - May/June 2012 7

March On March 20th, 2012,
Wexford Habitat for Humanity celebrated
Rise Up! Cadillac 25 years of Building Homes,
and Building Hope

Hosted by:
Wexford Missaukee Career Technical Center

Chamber Calendar

May
9 Rise Up! Cadillac - 7AM
Hosted By: Cadillac-Wexford Public Library
Sponsored by: Citizens Bank
Sponsored by: & Express Yourself Promotional Products
Blick Dillon Insurance
11 Members Luncheon - Noon - 1:15PM
Healthy Bottom Line through Healthy Blue Living
Presented by: Dean Ferris, CEO Grotenhuis
Baker College of Cadillac Student Center

23 Briefcase Open Golf Outing

9:30AM Eldorado
10AM McGuires Resort (Host Course)
Register at www.cadillac.org in the Chamber Calendar

June
13 Rise Up! Cadillac - 7AM
Sponsored by: Hosted By: Bella Rose Rehabilitation & Aquatic Center
Firstbank Cadillac Sponsored by: Manpower

14 Leadership Learning Series Noon - 3PM

Deadline for the July/August 2012
Cadillac Area Business Magazine is
June 06, 2012. Share your
business/organization news!
Deliver the Worlds Best Customer Experience
Presented by: Bill Quiseng
Baker College of Cadillac Student Center
20 Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce
Annual Meeting & Awards Dinner - 6PM
Caberfae Peaks Ski & Golf Resort

8 May/june 2012 - Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce

 Regional legislative
news
March can be found in a pu
blication
Lecture Luncheon
of the Northern Mich
igan
regional Chamber Al
liance
held at Baker College of Cadillac Student Center can be found at:
www.cadillac.org un
der
Legislative Advocacy
, click
on Northern Michiga
The State of the Wexford/Missau- n Blog
kee Judiciary: Where is it now, what
are the challenges, and what the
future might bring?
Cadillac Area
Presented by: Honorable William Fagerman, o u
y Chamber of Commerce
Chief Circuit Judge of 28th Circuit Court H a ve y our
tere d
regis yet? 19th Annu al
team
Briefcase
Open Golf Outi ng
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
APril
Lecture Luncheon
McGuires Resort (host course)
and Eldorado
illac Student Center
held at Baker College of Cad
Team registration &
Hole sponsorships
are available at: www.cadillac.org
new
Social Marketing, the
network,
way to brand, market,
s!
and build your busines
Presented by: Chris Wendel, Healthy Tip:
Initiatives
Commercial Lender, Northern Guidelines for Healthy Foods
and Beverages at Meetings
Part of being a business professional is
meetings, lunches, and dinners. Having
April healthy foods and drinks available at
meetings, makes sense and supports good
Leadership Lear nin health. Your guests will appreciate your

held at Baker College of

g Series considerations for a healthier option.
1. Stay away from heavy foods and sugary
Cadillac Student Center
beverages. Offer healthy food choices
at meeting breakfasts, lunches, and
Five Keys to Lead
ing dinners.
Highly Effective Te
ams 2. Mid-morning and mid-afternoon
Presented by: Terry Wisn
er, MSA meeting breaks often involve eating
International Speaker, Au
thor & Coach food; offer a low calorie, healthy snack.
This was a workshop for 3. Provide a healthy beverage like iced
team leaders, business ow
and individuals who want ners, tea or bottled water.
to become better team pla
ers. Guest Speaker, Terry
TJ Wisner, has over thr
y- 4. Keep foods safe from harmful bacteria
decades of experience and ee and viruses are vital for healthy
research in the often misun
derstood area of teamwork - eating. Refrigerate all chilled foods
. He discussed in this hig
interactive and energetic hly immediately after use to reduce
workshop how you will
stand The CPO Institute become aware of and un spoilage.
s, Five Keys to Highly der-
Teamwork Continuum, and Eff ective Teams, how to use
the Factors of Team Failu the 5. Lead by example: when group leaders
help your team become res. He explained how to role-model healthy eating and
more highly effective and
is operating in a highly eff how to determine if your physical activity, it makes a powerful
ective manner. team
statement.

Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce - May/June 2012 9

 BTA Peer Networking Group
All too often, small business owners find themselves in a rut. Whether
its a financial rut, a planning rut, or an Im too busy to know what to
do next rut, these are all too common for the local entrepreneur who
owns and operates his or her own small business.
Every month, the Business Training Alliance (BTA) hosts a special
peer networking group for existing business owners.
This group has been specifically tailored to address the critical
issues facing small business owners on an everyday basis, states
Annie Shetler, BTA Coordinator and MI-SBTDC Consultant.
Small business owners are often too busy to make the connections
they might need or maybe theyre not even sure of the next questions
to ask.
Brian Jones of Willow Mercantile recently led the group in a discus-
sion regarding the ins and outs of successfully exiting a business for
both the owner and the business.
Its not always the favorite topic of discussion, but I continue to find
when counseling small businesses that they very rarely have a plan for
exiting the business; and whether they like it or not, they will exit their
business either by choice, financial force, or even death and thats
not setting either the owner or the business up for success in the long
run, explains Shetler.
Shetler explained that future topics for discussion are derived from
past group meetings based on what is brought up or requested by the
participants. Future meeting topics will include subjects like negotiat-
Buy a
ing strategies, the ins and outs of payroll versus subcontracted labor,
intellectual property, business and commercial insurance, and plan-
ning for growth or expansion, to name a few.
The Peer Networking Group meets the last Friday of each month
at AAR Mobility Systems on Haynes Street. Contact Annie Shetler at
annieshetler@nwm.cog.mi.us to register to attend the next group ses-
sion. The cost to attend is only $5 per person.
More information about the BTAs programs FREE Business
Startup & Feasibility Workshops (monthly), Business EXPRESS
Classes, and counseling services as well as its partnership with
the Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce, find us online at www.
BusinessTrainingAlliance.org or call 888-774-7988.
Submit your Nominations for
2012 Outstanding Citizen and
Spirit of Community Awards
Forms can be found at www.cadillac.org
due Friday, May 25, 2012.
Awards will be announced at the
Annual Awards Dinner, June 20, 2012.

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 Community
Silent Observer Foundation
provides funding for
The Cadillac Area Silent Observer Organization recently celebrated 21 years of Intervention Services
anonymously fighting crime. One concerned citizen, with the help of the Cadillac
Area Chamber of Commerce and law enforcement officials, started this program. at Eagle Village
Because of the continued success of the program, Silent Observer has expanded
to include Wexford, Missaukee and Osceola Counties. Since its beginning, Silent The Cadillac Area Community Foundation
Observer has received over 3,700 tips and is encroaching on 1000 tips that have has awarded grant funds to Eagle Village to be
directly lead to an arrest. These tips have lead to arrests for homicide, criminal sex- used specifically for families within the Wexford
ual assault, robbery, burglary, assault, larceny, destruction of property, and most Missaukee ISD. This grant was awarded from the
other crimes. Pell Fund for Education, an endowment fund of
By calling Silent Observer, you can do your civic duty by helping to solve a crime the Cadillac Area Community Foundation.
and get reward money for your information. Or, by donating money to the pro- The intervention services available with these
gram, you can keep this valuable community asset. Either way, you can have the funds will provide opportunities for families and
satisfaction of knowing you have helped keep our community safe. Silent Observer teenagers from the Wexford Missaukee ISD to
exists because of generous individual and business donations. For additional secure help at Eagle Village.
information, please contact Amanda Hamilton at the Cadillac Area Chamer of Linda Kimbel from the Community Foundation
Commerce at 231-775-9776 or info@cadillac.org. said, Providing financial support for these
unique programs will hopefully help put sev-
eral area youth and their families back on the
right track so that they can function positively at
home, stay in school to reach their potential, and
become an asset to their communities.

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Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce - May/June 2012 11

 9&10 News
Welcome New Members
Named Station of the Year
The Michigan Association of Broadcasters (MAB) and The Associated Press Blossom of Cadillac LLC
(AP) have released the results of their 2011 Broadcast Awards. WWTV-WWUP/TV Jamie Nelson
9&10 News received over 20 awards, including both the AP General Excellence 108 North Mitchell Street
Award and the MAB Station of the Year Award. Cadillac, MI 49601
The full list of awards received by the station from the MAB includes Station 231-775-6461
of the Year, Best Marketing Materials and Promos, Best News Special, Best www.facebook.com/BlossomCadillac
Community Involvement, Merit Investigative Story, Merit Mini-Documentary
or Series, Merit News Special, Merit Newscast, Merit Photojournalist, Merit Friends of Jason Elmore
Breaking News Story, Merit Sports, and Merit Weathercast. Jason Elmore
From the AP, 9&10 News received the General Excellence Award, Best Newscast, P.O. Box 1015
Best Spot News, Best Hard News, Best Continuing Coverage, Best Feature Story, Cadillac, MI 49601
Best Enterprise/Investigative Reporting, Best Weathercast, Newscast Honorable 231-884-6383
Mention, Spot News Honorable Mention, News Documentary Honorable Jason@mwplegal.com
Mention, Feature Story Honorable Mention, Natural Sound Honorable Mention,
Spot Photojournalism Honorable Mention, and Individual Photojournalism Oneness Apostolic Sanctuary
Honorable Mention. Reverend Andrew Kauffman
We are very honored to accept these awards. Our staff is committed to pro- 1420 West 13th Street
ducing a high quality news product for Northern Michigan and these awards Cadillac, MI 49601
reflect our dedication, says Kevin Dunaway, News Director of 9&10 News. 231-779-9007
pastorkauffman@gmail.com

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B&P Manufacturing was named as the Michigan Small Business Government Richard Clous
Contractor of the Year and honored at the 8th annual Michigan Celebrates Small 8049 Crestview Drive
Business (MCSB) event held on May 3 in Lansing. Cadillac, MI 49601
B&P is an aluminum fabrication company known for manufacturing high 231-775-0788
quality material handling equipment such as hand trucks, platform trucks, dock www.clousconstruction.com
boards, and plates. B&P also makes containers for housing missiles and torpe-
does used by the U.S. military. Heartland Home Care &
The Michigan Celebrates Small Business (MCSB) event is an annual event that Hospice
recognizes Michigans 50 Companies to Watch and 14 leading small businesses Matt Gibson
who greatly contribute to the overall growth of Michigans economy. 218 South Mitchell Street
Cadillac, MI 49601
231-775-6840
www.hcr-manorcare.com
Baker College announces new
agriculture technology program
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Baker College of Cadillac officials announce the addition of a new
agriculture technology associate degree program to its fall curricu- WEBSITE TIP:
lum. In addition to general education and core agriculture classes, A clean layout that uses
a lot of white space
> > > > > > > > > > > >>

the program will include an animal science track.

Animal science is very pertinent to the Cadillac area, where the enhances a sites looks.
primary forms of agriculture are dairy, fruit and tree farming, said
Mark Lagerwey, Baker College of Cadillac CIS/technology dean. We
Websites are not a do-it-yourself project.
are very pleased to offer an agriculture program that focuses on ani-
mal science and provides our students with the advanced training
necessary to compete in todays technology-driven farming industry. cadillacnews.com
design & development

Affordable Rates, Professional Results.

Call today, 231-775-6565 to set up your FREE consultation.

12 May/june 2012 - Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce

 Dennis, Gartland
& Niergarth
earns successful
peer review
The accounting firm of Dennis,
Gartland & Niergarth (DGN) success-
fully completed a rigorous independent
review of its accounting and auditing
practice, and has been recognized for its
professional standards.The reviewers
concluded that that the firm complies
with the quality control standards set by
the American Institute of Certified Public
Accountants (AICPA), the national pro-
fessional organization of CPAs. DGN has
participated in the AICPA Peer Review
Program since 1987.
LaLonde achieves Advanced
QB ProAdvisor certification for 2012
Kelly LaLonde, CPA, of Dennis, Gartland & Niergarth has passed the highest level QuickBooks
training examinations to earn designation as a 2012 QuickBooks Certified ProAdvisors -
Advanced by Intuit, Inc.
Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisors are independent accountants, bookkeepers, computer consultants,
and trainers who have completed advanced training and testing in QuickBooks software programs.
Coldwell Banker Schmidt Realtors
Cadillac office achieves highest honors
The Cadillac office of Coldwell Banker Schmidt Realtors (CBSR) has been named a Coldwell
Banker Premier Office for 2011, the highest honor given to Coldwell Banker offices.
The Premier Office award is the most prestigious designation that can be given to an individual
Coldwell Banker office, representing the highest level of teamwork and achievement, said Ken
Schmidt, chief executive officer of CBSR. We commend our entire team in Cadillac for the out-
standing effort put forth to earn this award.

Chamber Business Directory

Promotional Products Office Supplies Eye Care
The Latest Looks
in Sunglasses!

Office Supplies Office Furniture Ad Specialties

Richard M. Brenz, M.D.
Michigans Largest Independent Office Products Dealer
502 Cobbs Street, Cadillac
Next Day Free Delivery
231-775-1248
Local Single Source Supplier
Open 5 Days/Week
Phone: (231) 577-7110 Fax (231) 577-7114 Locally Owned

Roofing Real Estate

Buying, Selling or Investing Cadillac
You can rely on my 25 years of
Real Estate Experience! Chamber
Call Jerry today, 231-876-0717
jerry.faloon@cbgreatlakes.cm
SCHMIDT REALTORS
Member
www.cadillacrealtor.com
Open 7 Days a Week, 18 Agents to Serve You.
Home of the Springfield SmartRoof
6509 M-37, Kingsley, MI 49649 www.cbgreatlakes.com
Phone: 231-263-5300 / 888-469-0059
Fax: 231-263-5723 SCHMIDT REALTORS Living & working in your community
info@springfieldsmartroof.com
www.springfieldsmartroof.com 2721 Sunnyside Dr., Cadillac Jerry Faloon (231) 775-1737

Womens Health Dental Construction

Edward Dracht
President

DRACHTDesign
CONSTRUCTION
Build Contracting
CO.
Serving the greater Cadillac area since 1972.
Butler Steel buildings CONVENTIONAL FRAMED BUILDINGS
Commercial Industrial Institutional Agriculture Churches
WILLIAM M. LONG, D.O. Your Cosmetic & Implant Dental Team Offices Rubber Roofs Concrete Flatwork Complete Turnkey Projects
7800 US-131 S., SUITE C, CADILLAC, MI 49601 Phone 231.779.1167 Michael E. Lueder, DDS Loren J. DeHaan, DDS 23350 100th Ave. Marion, MI 49665 office: (231) 825-0035
Fax 231.779.1175 www.cadillacwomenshealth.com John D. McKellop, DDS Timothy J. Reaume, DDS email: ed@drachtconstruction.com fax: (231) 825-0038
Matthew Plotnikiewicz, DDS Kyle D. Hogg, DDS Nadine Kobty-Hogg, DDS www.drachtconstruction.butlersteel.com cell: (231) 357-8718

Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce - May/June 2012 13


Strong Tower Radio
reaches new listeners
The Strong Tower Radio Broadcast Network has begun
broadcasting on its newly acquired 50,000 watt radio station
WIHC 97.9FM in Newberry. WIHC 97.9FM will cover all of the
eastern Upper Peninsula and Sault Ontario, Canada.
Strong Tower Radio (91.9 FM) has studios in Cadillac.
DGNs Nat Gray
Earns Certified Valuation
Analyst Designation
Nathaniel D. Gray, CPA, an audit senior at Dennis, Gartland
& Niergarth has earned Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA) des-
ignation by the National Association of Valuators and Analysts
(NACVA). The NACVA trains and certifies Certified Valuation
Analysts to perform business valuations as a service to both
the consulting community and users of their services.
Tips for
Business Networking
Networking is building business relationships;
you will be a walking/talking billboard for your
business. Keep in mind:
Networking is about being genuine and
authentic, building trust.
Consider what your goals are in
participating in networking meetings. Is it
based on earning, making contacts, and/or
volunteering rather than on strictly making
business connections?
Attend organizations that spark your
interest. Notice the tone and attitude of the
group. Do the people sound supportive of
one another? Does the leadership appear
competent? Many groups will allow you to visit
two times before joining.
Get involved by volunteering. This is a great
way to stay visible and give back to groups that
have helped you.

A Healthy Work
Environment
Starts Here
We understand that a successful business
begins with healthy employees. As a full
service occupational health clinic, our
team specializes in workplace concerns.

Work injury treatment & follow up care

Pre-employment physicals and screenings
DOT physicals
Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT)
Substance abuse screenings

7985 Mackinaw Trail, Suite B1 | Cadillac, MI 49601 | (231) 876-6180 | cadillacoccupational.com

14 May/june 2012 - Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce

 HAVE A GOOD
COVER STORY IDEA?
The Cadillac Area Business Magazine Committee is
seeking input from our members for future cover story
topics relevant to business. If you have a topic for a
future cover story, please free to submit your idea to
Doreen Lanc at membership@cadillac.org

Data track 2011-2012

Wexford County Jan. 12 Feb. 12 Mar. 11 April 11 May 11 June 11 July 11 Aug. 11 Sept. 11 Oct. 11 Nov. 11 Dec. 11
Labor Force 13,224 13,101 13,549 13,325 13,797 13,810 13,560 13,220 12,832 12,750 12,750 12,938
Employment 11,478 11,523 11,609 11,571 12,023 12,042 11,734 11,521 11,276 11,343 11,358 11,322
Unemployment 1,746 1,578 1,940 1,754 1,774 1,768 1,826 1,699 1,556 1,407 1,392 1,616
Rate 13.2% 12.0% 14.3% 13.2% 12.9% 12.8% 13.5% 12.9% 12.1% 11% 10.9% 12.5%

Missaukee County Jan. 12 Feb. 12 Mar. 11 April 11 May 11 June 11 July 11 Aug. 11 Sept. 11 Oct. 11 Nov. 11 Dec. 11
Labor Force 5,682 5,738 6,109 5,936 6,040 6,152 6,013 5,881 5,708 5,649 5,642 5,738
Employment 4,950 4,970 5,190 5,174 5,376 5,385 5,246 5,152 5,042 5,072 5,078 5,062
Unemployment 732 768 919 762 664 767 767 729 666 577 564 676
Rate 12.9% 13.4% 15% 12.8% 11.0% 12.5% 12.8% 12.4% 11.7% 10.2% 10% 12.5%
For more information go online to www.cadillac.org/discover/about_LaborActivity.htm

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Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce - May/June 2012 15

 CadillacArea PRSRTSTD
Chamber of Commerce US POSTAGE
222 N. Lake St. PAID
Cadillac, MI 49601-1874 TRAVERSE CITY
MI
PERMIT #96

gr w
a healthy work force.
Sustainable health care solutions
for your small business

For more information on

how to live Simply Blue,
visit bcbsm.com/grow or
call your contracted agent.

bcbsm.com/grow

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network are nonprofit corporations and
independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
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