Community Sharing Pet Calendar

November 23, 2013

My dogs Sadie and Skippy are in the Community Sharing Pet Calendar again this year – they are the October pets, with the picture you see below. Obviously I enjoy “voicing” them, too.

Skippy and Sadie for calendar

The idea of a pet calendar is cute and I’m happy to help out by putting my dogs into it. The really great thing about this is that all of the funds raised by selling the calendar go to support the Community Sharing Pet Pantry.  This Pet Pantry is the only one of its kind in Michigan and provides pet food for over 400 pets in the area that would otherwise have little to eat. There are lots of very good programs for providing food for needy families, but only this program (at least locally) for also providing food for the pets of those families.

The recent economic downturn was particularly hard on family pets. There were quite a few reported incidents of family moving out of foreclosed homes and leaving pets behind. As is should have been, most of the focus of news stories was about the hardships on the families and children when parents lost jobs and were forced to seek help. Very little was reported about the pets that those families had when hardship struck.

Many family pets ended up in shelters, abandoned by their owners. Both of my dogs were rescues during the Great Recession. You never get the background stories on them, so it’s hard to tell why they were given up, but both are such good dogs that it had to be painful for the families to part with them.  At least it worked out well for the dogs and we got two great furry companions out of it all.

Community Sharing logoCommunity Sharing is a local non-profit charitable organization with the mission – To provide food, clothing, educational and emergency financial assistance to those in need while respecting their dignity and fostering their independence. Community sharing has a number of programs to make sure that energy is not shut off during the winter months, that people and their pets have food, that people have clothes to wear and that they get the traiign and advice that they need to become self-sufficient. To learn more about Community Sharing and how you can help with the program overall or the Pet Pantry in particular go to http://www.community-sharing.org/1/203/index.asp

Community Sharing is a 100% volunteer organization, so all of your donations go right into the deliverables for the program and not into administration or to pay fund-raisers. The calendars can be purchased at these Milford businesses: Veterinary Care Specialists, the Digital Document Store, Main Street Art, Huron Valley State Bank, Huron Valley Furniture, and Fitz Squared. Calendars are $10 apiece and make great Christmas stocking stuffers.

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Posted by Norm Werner

Small businesses can get help with ObamaCare

October 2, 2013

man with question

As a small business owner are you confused about what to do about The Affordable Health Care Act or what’s being called ObamaCare? There’s no need to be confused or fearful. There are lots of options available to you and your employees. What you need is some information and help from people who have been trained on what this all means and what the options are for you and your business.

There are lots of free Web sites with lots of very detailed information about the program and the options; however, you really can’t Google your way out of this one.  If you need to get back to running your business, you need consulting from pros, not lots of suggested articles and places to spend your time doing research. Locally that means you need to contact Debbie Stroup of HD4 and arrange for a free consultation appointment. Debbie is at 248-227-0347.

Debbie and others on her HD4 team will go over what plans and options may fit best for you and what options your employees might be given. While she’s there, ask her how she can also help you in other areas of your small business and with your small business payroll. HD4 is a woman-owned local business with a focus on the needs of the small business owner. Tell her Norm sent you.

For a flyer on their Health Care Reform Services, click here.  For more on HD4, click here.

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Posted by Norm Werner

Are you ready to get fit?

June 26, 2013

sts Active logo

Want a real workout? Ready to challenge yourself to be and look your best? Want to really work up a sweat and not just perspire? Miss the feeling you used to get training for competition or to make the team? If you’ve answered Yes to any of those questions, then STS Active in Highland, Michigan may be the place you should head.

This is no social gathering of people sipping cranberry juice while they watch TV and peddle away on exercise bikes; nor is it just a room full of musclemen picking things up and putting them down. This is a serious training/exercise experience run by people who excelled at athletics and have a desire to stay in shape and help others get in shape.  Go to their web site and take the tour of pictures of their facility. Notice there are no treadmills and exercise bikes. But there are some real training challenges and equipment that might bring back memories from your days as an athlete.

They have a variety of programs, including Zumba and a form of yoga that works up a sweat, too. They have personal trainers available, classes and programs for people who just want to work out on their own.  Talk to the Owner – Stephen Gauthier about what program might be best for you. You’ll quickly discover that this is not just a business for Steve, it’s a passion, too.

STS Active is located at  2825 E. Highland Road, Suite 123, Highland, MI  48356 (next door to the Sky Box Bar and Grill). Are you ready to get fit?

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Posted by Norm Werner

Chamber of Commerce Coffee Club at DDS

June 21, 2013

The Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce Coffee Club met this morning at the Digital Document Store on Commerce Rd in Milford and had another great turn out. The coffee club meets twice a month at various member locations and offers a way for member companies to showcase their facilities.

coffe club

Carlos Allison is the owner of the Digital Document Store and a great supporter of the Chamber, as well as the local Rotary Club and the YMCA. The Digital Document Store serves both as a sales outlet for various Xerox copiers and printers and as a local print shop that is capable of meeting all of the needs of local businesses from business cards to banners and everything in between. The DDS edge is in quick turn around of color or black & white printing in quantities up to about 5,000 pieces. They are also priced very competitively. Other services that are available there include scanning, faxing, copier and computer repairs, copier ink and toner (for Xerox products) and photo restoration. Call DDS at 248-684-1110 for all of your printing needs or to get a copier/printer of your own or for your business.

 

 

 

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Posted by Norm Werner

Featured Business of the Month

April 8, 2013

design solutions 

Featured Business of the Month – Design Solutions:FORE

When do you need an architectural designer? Obviously, any time that you are thinking of building a house; however, you also need one whenever your home improvement project moves beyond simple painting, repairing or minor redecorating. If you’re thinking of adding square footage or doing major remodeling to your home, you need an architectural designer. If you’d like to extend your living space outdoors and want your landscaping to enhance the look of your home, you need an architectural designer. If you want to transform your basement into an entertainment space or in-laws quarters, you need an architectural designer.

Why an architectural designer? These are the people who have the formal education and the creative eye for turning ideas into executable plans that can be used to realize your dream. Architectural designers fuse the artistic flair of the worlds of art and fashion with the engineering knowledge of architectmaterials and building methods and codes, resulting in a vision of what that dream would look like if it were built.

Architectural designers aren’t builders, although they understand building well and may remain involved during the construction process. Architectural designers aren’t artists, yet usually have a great eye for color, spatial placement, balance and harmony. Architectural designers aren’t horticulturists, yet they can create layouts and groupings of plants that are pleasing to the eye and friendly to the environment. Architectural designers aren’t engineers, yet their knowledge of materials and physics are applied to ensure that the things that they design can actually be built, will be structurally sound and will meet local building codes.

Some builders have in-house architectural designers who are probably good at what they do; however, remember who they work for – the builder. If you want someone who is working for you and looking out for your best interests, use the services of an architectural designer. A great local choice is Ronna Freeland, President of Design Solutions:FORE.

Ronna describes herself this way: “I am an Architectural Designer specializing in custom residential architecture, additions, remodeling, interior design and landscape design. Designing the structure to maximize functionality while capitalizing on natural light and features of the site becomes the Ronna Freelandbasis for the finishing touches of interior and landscape design. Seeing the project which I’ve envisioned in its completion is very satisfying, but the most rewarding aspect of my work is in knowing that I’ve improved my client’s environment and positively impacted their everyday lives.”

Ronna explains how she does business – “Each project is unique and involves varying scopes of work, sometimes with a potential for misunderstanding. Prior to beginning a project, I prepare a detailed proposal which includes what is being contracted and what my fees are. Many clients become friends and my proudest accomplishment is when clients refer me to their friends.”

Ronna has an interesting background; transitioning from a successful career in the IT industry to pursue her lifelong love of architecture and design. While the structure and discipline required for computer coding had some appeal for her, it lacked an artistic outlet, so she returned to school to achieve her Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree and gained experience in residential and commercial architecture during a 6-year internship. Since starting her company in 2003, she has completed her Master of Architecture degree while establishing her client base of builders, contractors, and homeowners. She especially enjoys the personal aspect of working directly for homeowners.

Ronna is a member of the Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce and is an Ambassador for the Chamber. I got to know her through that involvement. She’s one of the people that you feel good about knowing and enjoy spending time with. Her website is currently under development, but you can see some of her work by clicking here.

So, before you rush out to the home improvement store to start buying tools and materials for that addition that you have in mind – STOP. You need an architectural designer! Before you take the sledgehammer to that wall in your house that you want to remove to create the great room that you’ve always wanted – STOP. You need an architectural designer. Before you tear out all of the existing plants in your yard and start putting in perennial beds – STOP. You need an architectural designer. Call or email Ronna Freeland at Design Solutions:FORE – (248) 676-2306 or designsolutionsfore@gmail.com. Now you have an architectural designer!

For those who may be interested in knowing more about the differences between an architect and an architectural designer, here is a link to the Wikipedia page on that.

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Posted by Norm Werner

Featured Business of the Month – Raven Loon Comunications

February 22, 2013

 

Raven Loon logo

This month’s Featured Business on my Move To Milford Web site is Raven Loon Communications, which is owned and operated by Joan Witte. Joan is a fellow ex-pat of the big corporate world. Like me she had many years working for and with some of the larger companies and organizations in Southeast Michigan; in her case that included time at Ford Motor and the University of Michigan. She was a key player in the marketing and PR organizations of those organizations and was involved with many of the big projects that have had major publicity efforts over the last few decades.

Joan has also had major involvement in the planning and execution of the publicity and marketing efforts that accompanied some of SE Michigan’s largest infrastructure projects. Those campaigns of TV ads and newspaper articles and neighborhood information sharing events to explain and soften the impact of major road or bridge closures for rebuilding don’t just happen. People like Joan plan them and make them happen, and she did for some of the biggest projects in this area.

Joan is now applying the knowledge and techniques that she developed from those corporate experiences to the world of small to medium businesses and non-profit organizations.  Not every company can afford big, expensive ad and PR campaigns for new product launches or major new projects; however no company can afford to go into those types of things blind. Joan helps companies understand the “who, what, when, where, why and how” of what they need to do in marketing and PR in order to be more successful. She can also help with answering the questions “how much to spend, on what and where”, to achieve the maximum return from whatever limited budget is available. Without those insights you might be just as well off to open the front door and toss the money you’re spending on advertising and marketing out on the street in hopes of attracting a crowd. You really don’t know.

Joan’s services range from simple sit-down sessions to discuss your business’ current marketing efforts and explore potential new directions; all the way to planning and executing full blown campaigns that combine marketing and public relations efforts in support of a new business or a new brand or the rejuvenation of an existing business/brand.

I’ve enjoyed getting to know Joan and understanding her approach to what she does and appreciating her level of professionalism. I can highly recommend her. So, before you let worrying about all of the marketing and public relations issues involved with your business turn you into a raving loon, get help from The Raven Loon.  Call Joan for that first sit-down meeting. You’ll be glad you did. The Raven Loon Communications –  248-438-6786.

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Posted by Norm Werner

Finding fun in Milford in the dead of winter…

January 24, 2013

You know it’s a bit slow when the top headline in the local paper is “Residents Adjusting to New Trash Days.” That was this week’s headline above the fold in the Milford Times. But, hey, it’s winter and it’s Milford. You have to work a little harder to find the things to do for a little fun in the dead of winter. Of course one can always attend the “Basics of Ice Fishing” out in Kensington Metropark.

That’s why a poster sent to me by one of the owners of the Palate restaurant seemed to represent a fun break for the winter blahs. Palate is having a Beer Dinner on Jan 29th. Now a beer dinner is sort of like a wine dinner, but without the wine snob part. I suppose that one could make the case that serving a variety of craft beers is sort of beer snob thing; however, it’s hard to use the words beer and snob in the same sentence, unless you have a bit of a smirk on your face.

Since it opened back in the late summer/early fall, 2012,  Palate has been the place to go for craft beers, with over 30 on tap, and great food. Owners Joe and Bristol Hibbert have worked hard to introduce not only great food but a new, technology-driven restaurant environment to the Milford dining scene. They are also trying to stage special dining events that will take advantage of, and highlight, their craft beer orientation and Joe’s commitment to buying local products and producing great  fresh food dishes.

So, check out the Beer Dinner, Jan 29th. I have uploaded the poster for the even to my Move To Milford web site and you can view it by clicking here. Hey, it’s the middle of the winter and we’re in Milford, Michigan. That doesn’t mean we can’t have fun.  See the poster for cost and where to call for reservations.

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Posted by Norm Werner

Ribon Cutting at Schoen Insurance Agency

December 7, 2012

The Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce had a group of its members over at the Schoen Insurance Agency Thursday for a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Ribbon Cutting at Schoen Insurance

Agency owner Matt Schoen is second from the right (with the official scissors) and Denise Abram, the other agent in the office is next to him. Matt moved his office from Charlotte (just south of Lansing) back in July and has been renovating the space since then, all the while driving back and forth everyday. Now he has the office ready and as just sold his house over in the Lansing area, so I’m helping him look for a new home in this area. His wife still works in the Lansing area, so their new home will be somewhere west of Milford. Matt likes to bow hunt and would like some space on his own land for that, so it will have some acerage.

Matt has been an insurance agent for 6 years and struck out on his own a few years ago, after working for one of the big captive-agent companies. Now, he represents several companies; so he can find the best fit of coverage and price by looking at the offerings  of them all, instead of being locked into the products of only one company. The agency offers all types of insurance, including home, auto, business, life and even pet insurance. Matt also offers vacant home insurance for landlord or homeowners who have properties vacant for periods of time. I’ve put a flyer that they had at the ribbon cutting ceremony that explains their agency and its products better on line – click here to read that flyer.

Now that the hectic pace of a daily one hour commute each way is just about over and the local facility is ready to roll, Matt is looking forward to getting involved in the local community and being active in the Chamber of Commerce. For contact information  about the Schoen Insurance Agency, go to www.movetomilford.com and Click on the Local Business Referrals button, The agency is under the Insurance choice. Stop in and meet Matt and Denise and tell them that you heard about them here on Norms Milford Blog.

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Posted by Norm Werner

Recommended local businesses…

October 19, 2012

I have a section on my web site movetomilford.com in which I feature local businesses. These are usually businesses that I’ve used or who are in my Chamber of Commerce Referral Network and about which I’ve heard good things. I thought I’d also feature them here, starting with this months Featured Business –

There is a point in the growth of every successful small business where “winging it” just doesn’t work anymore, especially where the business’ computers are concerned. It may be when the network outgrown that first router or when you have to add your first or second server.

It’s that tipping point in the life of a company at which things get a bit too complicated for even the most tech-savvy, do-it-yourself small business owner. It’s also at that point where your collection of computers crosses over into becoming your IT (Information Technology) Department. 　That’s the point at which the business owner is crossing over from just being self-employed to becoming a true entrepreneur. That’s the point when having some kid or local geek just won’t hack it any long; that’s when you’ll need Alliance Computer Services.

Ryan & Julie Ryszka are the principals and driving force behind Alliance Computer Services (ACS). They met at Central Michigan University where Ryan obtained a double major degree BS & BA in Management Information Systems. Ryan worked in Corporate IT jobs for 7 years after graduating in 1999, before deciding to become an entrepreneur himself. Julie, who had also worked in the corporate world but who dropped out to have children joined him in launching the company. Ryan opened Alliance Computer Services full-time in 2007. In Oakland County ACS serves the Huron Valley area plus the northeastern part of Livingston County .

A cornerstone of the organization may be found in the name. 　ACS has a large virtual team of technicians and IT specialists with whom they have alliance relationships. Those relationships allow them to quickly put together and deploy the right technology assets to tackle any customer project. 　Ryan usually handles the client assessment and leads the solution design team. He also oversees (and may be a part of or lead) the solution implementation team. In any case the job isn’t done until both Ryan and you say it’s done and done right.

ACS focuses on small businesses, usually between 10-50 employees. ACS has specific skills in Web design and development, IT architecture planning and implementation, network planning and implementation and IT application selection, implementation and tuning. They also have skills in helping companies take advantage of the latest technologies like “cloud computing”, mobile computing and business intelligence. There are Microsoft Certified technicians on staff for most of the Microsoft infrastructure products that small businesses use.

For a full look at all of the services that ACS can deliver you’ll need to go to their web site – http://www.alliancecomputerservices.net. Whether you are that small business that is just crossing the threshold into needing help with your IT needs or an established business that just wants to try something new in IT for which you may not have the IT talent on staff, let ACS do an assessment of your needs and help you be successful.

Ryan likes to use the catch-phrase “Why hire a geek when you can get an expert.” 　That’s particularly true once you’ve outgrown the geek stage in your business. Call them today for a free assessment – 248-714-5369. Tell them you read about them on Norm’s Milford Blog.

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Posted by Norm Werner

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