cm - january & february 2013

Cadillac AreaA Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce Publication

Business MagazineJANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013 • Volume 19-No. 1

See pageS 6 & 7

Healthy employees, HealtHY bottom line

Visionary Partners:

2 January/February 2013 - CadillaC area Chamber of CommerCe

Mission StatementThe Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce is a visible

business leader that advocates and drives business opportunities. Through business alliances, we are a

catalyst for our membership and provide a persuasive regional voice benefiting our communities.

Mike Hamner, Executive DirectorAvon Protection Systems, Inc. 779-6200

Kelly Cater, Vice-ChairRec Boat Holdings 775-1351

Katy Huckle, Past Executive DirectorNorthwestern Bank 775-9077Scott Hunter, TreasurerBaird, Cotter & Bishop, PC. 775-9789Jon Catlin Chemical Bank 775-6151David CoxWexford-Missaukee ISD 876-2260Eric BakerWolverine Power Cooperative 775-5700Dennis BensonDennis H. Benson, PLC 876-9405 Bill CincoThe Trend Designers 775-5711Bill Kring9 & 10 News 775-3478Dr. Kyle HoggDental Health Professionals 775-9797Melody HurleyWalmart Supercenter Store 775-8778Brian JonesWillow Mercantile LLC 468-2682Kelly SmithBaker College of Cadillac 876-3100Mike StebbinsMercy Hospital Cadillac 876-7200

CHAMBER STAFF 775-9776 Bill Tencza, [email protected] Lanc, Director of Membership [email protected] Gillies, Leadership Director/[email protected] Hamilton, Administrative [email protected] DeYoung, Vice President of Government Relations

and Business [email protected] Shetler, MI-SBTDC Business [email protected]:www.cadillac.orgPrinter: Pleasant GraphicsPublisher: Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce

The Cadillac Area Business Magazine is a publication of the Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber reserves the right to edit or refuse articles and advertisements submitted to the Cadillac Area Business Magazine and reserves the right in its sole discretion to accept or refuse inserts and other mate-rials to be distributed through the publication.

Meet the Board A healthy motivationOur cover story outlines the importance

and overall commitment by some of our member businesses focused on creating a healthier bottom line. The Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce continues to be a visible partner, with a number of communi-ty entities in promoting workplace wellness education and initiatives. As an organiza-tion, we desire to assist our member organi-zations by providing health care education, resource assistance and, when requested, facilitate meetings and sponsor programs. Over the last decade, the Chamber has engaged member involvement and collabo-rated with other community stakeholders as part of an overall regional wellness strat-egy. It is also the reason why we are revisit-ing this important topic in the Cadillac Area Business Magazine. The Chamber is the logical connectivity to our member busi-nesses in forwarding this essential message. The bottom line is that health care costs for our member businesses have averaged in the double digit range (increased costs) for several years running. Adding to all of vari-ables is the complexity of The Affordable Care Act.

The reality is the employee now has a greater personal responsibility in context of the total health care cost structure. This much is known, an overwhelming cost dis-parity is cued directly to medical services rendered in comparison to preventative measures and health promotion. The requi-site need for a healthier workforce has over-arching impact beyond containing health care costs. It is simply the right thing to do. Member businesses highlighted in our

cover story also care about the health of their employees and families. Yes, cost con-tainment is a core motivator for businesses, but the benefits of workplace wellness can positively impact productivity, absentee-ism, morale, recruitment, and retention of employees. In addition, employer-directed wellness initiatives can have an element of fun and reward. Most importantly, work-place wellness initiatives can work for any size business.

Initiating a workplace wellness program does not have to involve significant invest-ment. We have member organizations that have been creative and just as committed to companies with 400-plus employees. I include the Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce in that assessment. Most com-panies promote a wellness component as an employee service or benefit, not a man-date. Michigan and specifically northwest Michigan trail national averages in a num-ber of health care related benchmarks. A discernible strength of any Chamber is the ability of its member businesses to elevate a community for the betterment of a greater goal. I believe the diversity of our member-ship, coupled with additional and commit-ted wellness focus by our member busi-nesses can improve employee wellness and reduce health care costs as a realistic out-come.

Bill tencza, Chamber President

CadillaC area Chamber of CommerCe - january/February 2013 3

BY: ROBERT VAN DELLENVAN DELLEN CONSULTING

For the September/October 2012 issue of the Cadillac Area Business Magazine (Vol. 18, NO. 5), I wrote an essay under the heading “Leadership Lessons,” with the title, “Planning and Communication Are Two Important Lessons to Learn.” Lesson one of that essay discussed the importance of the planning process; the second lesson described the value of keeping board members and employees informed. This essay builds on those two lessons and focuses on creating a quality-driven culture.

Every organization has a culture, some much more explicit and conscious than others. Large manufacturing companies, with mul-tiple divisions and plants, may have distinct cultures at each loca-tion; yet there is also an overriding culture that shapes and defines the entire organization. Likewise, small businesses, local govern-mental entities (such as a city council or county board), non-profit organizations (e.g. local United Way, Community Foundation, Rotary Club, and churches), banks, law offices, retail stores, schools, and hospitals, all have their own unique and discernible culture.

The culture of an organization is designed and determined by the organization’s mission, goals, purposes, and guiding principles. Perhaps even more importantly, the culture is molded by the people within the organization. Written and unwritten regulations, poli-cies, and procedures, as well as traditions, also define the culture. Employee manuals, evaluations, incentives, hiring methods, and other internal practices further reflect and shape an organization’s culture.

One can tell a lot about an organization by examining its cul-ture. Is it driven by obsolete and worn-out command-and-control management directives? Or is it one based on the quality impera-tive of open communication, inclusiveness, and both customer and employee satisfaction? Is it a culture rooted in the old notion that employees are merely removable parts in a well-oiled machine? Or does it encourage and embrace change, innovation, and employee involvement in planning and decision-making at all levels within the organization?

There is a growing body of research around the entire subject of organizational dynamics. This emerging discipline studies “sys-tems,” how they are designed and implemented, how organizations function as a result of these systems, and whether or not the organi-zation achieves quality, peak performance, and sustainable growth because of the systems in place. There is a direct link between orga-nizational success and developing a culture that is open and partic-ipative. Ample research supports this link. Organizations that grow market share, encourage innovation, and attract highly motivated employees have a distinct competitive advantage, because they have developed a culture that strives for excellence. Such a culture moves an organization from good to great.

The Henry Ford notion that workers should leave their brains at home but bring their backs to the factory is long gone, like the Model T. Today’s businesses and organizations depend on knowl-edge workers. The impacts of the technological and information explosions have changed the way organizational systems work for-ever. Nevertheless, the evolution from the old production-driven system to today’s quality-driven culture is very difficult and chal-lenging. It takes hard work, dedication, determination, and a lot of training, supported and modeled by leadership, to transform an organization. A challenge of leadership is to create an environment that both inspires and aspires the employees to achieve their indi-vidual and the organization’s full potential.

Mercy Hospital of Cadillac is one outstanding example of this transformation in action. It did not achieve the Top 100 Hospital Award for three out of the past four years by accident. It imple-mented a diligent and arduous quality-care initiative, which is still on-going. This initiative is broad based, reaching across the entire hospital, engaging its staff, and involving doctors. Mercy provides intensive training, while consistently monitoring, measuring, and revising results. This initiative recognizes that excellent patient care is directly related to outstanding employee relationships. Toward this end, the hospital is consciously developing and sustaining a transformative culture of care.

Coincidentally and at approximately the same time that Mercy Hospital was launching its quality of care cultural transforma-tion, Baker College applied for and was accepted by the Higher Learning Commission, the accrediting body for colleges and uni-versities, as an AQIP institution. AQIP stands for Academic Quality Improvement Program. It also requires a disciplined and dedi-cated commitment to designing and implementing quality initia-tives. AQIP was adopted throughout the entire Baker system and it impacts each campus. It remains a continuous commitment. Like Mercy Hospital, it too is transformational, dramatically changing the culture of Baker College.

The guiding principle of AQIP is to give the staff the necessary tools to improve internal and external relationships for all stake-holders and to build a healthier community on each Baker campus — one based on trust, respect, sharing, and openness. The ultimate purpose of AQIP is to improve education for Baker’s students.

During my tenure as president for the Cadillac campus, I was privileged to be involved in AQIP. For both Mercy Hospital and Baker College, the bottom line is creating a caring culture in order to improve the quality of services. The goal is to achieve excellence.

There is no easy shortcut to building such a culture. Achieving organizational quality is difficult. However, there is sufficient research that indicates organizations must create a quality-based culture if they are going to survive and thrive in the Twenty-First Century. The choice is to be distinct or to become extinct. It is that simple.

Creating the right cultureLessons in Leadership:


Article submitted by: PAul booth,

Peg devereAux, Kyle FArmer,

lAuren heilmAn, And dArcy tAcomA

The Cadillac Leadership Class has spent several months investigating and researching potential, very worthwhile community service projects. We would like to sincerely thank those who sub-mitted a proposal for consideration. At this time, we are pleased to announce our project, DayBreak: The Next Generation.

What is DayBreak? DayBreak is a program that offers adult day-care for seniors over the age of 60 and was established as a com-munity service project of the 1994 Cadillac Leadership Class. DayBreak offers a variety of social and health services to help peo-ple stay mentally and physically active, reduce isolation, improve their health, and prevent decline of their abilities. DayBreak is a great alternative to a nursing home. Caregivers may leave their loved ones at DayBreak while they work, run errands, visit friends or rest. DayBreak clients are provided with a caring, trained staff, nutritious meals, daily activities and even transportation to and from DayBreak. Fees are income-based, which keeps DayBreak accessi-ble for all. Located near Mercy Hospital, Daybreak serves Wexford

and Missaukee Counties, Monday through Friday from 8am to 4pm. For additional information about the DayBreak program, visit the Council on Aging website at http://www.wexfordcoa.org/id60.html.

Our project consists of renovations to the current facility which has several structural and cosmetic issues in need of immediate attention; weathered and multi-layer shin-

gles, damaged soffit and siding, and chipping paint. Our action plan includes raising the approximate $30,000 needed for these repairs to the DayBreak facility and the implementation of these renova-tions. This includes re-shingling of the roof, repair of soffit and fas-cia, installation of vinyl siding and replacement of windows. Fund raising is underway with a goal of completion by May 2013 of a new, more inviting Daybreak facility to serve our aging population for many years to come.

If you would like more information about our project, please con-tact any of the following; Cindy Frohmader 920-4191, Nicole Schultz 878-6544, Jodi Keeler 775-5970, or Jason Black 357-0983. Donations can be sent to: Cadillac Leadership, DayBreak: The Next Generation and mailed to Northwestern Bank, 1573 N. Mitchell Street, Cadillac, Michigan 49601 in care of Jodi Keeler.

Cadillac Leadership Class announces 22nd Community Service Project

cadillac leadership class visits rexair llc on economy day


The Detroit Tigers will send part of their winter caravan to Cadillac on Thursday, January 24 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Doors open at 11 a.m. to view silent and live auction items, all auction proceeds to benefit the Detroit Tigers Foundation.

Meet Tigers Quintin Berry, Andy Dirks and Drew Smyly at the Eldorado (Cadillac Grill) during a tailgate luncheon, and question and answer session on topics of teamwork, winning, traveling and family. Questions will be randomly chosen during the luncheon.

Member cost is $25 per person, call the chamber to register at 231-775-9776.(Note: Players attending is subject to change)

Auction proceeds to benefit the Detroit Tigers Foundation

A Tigers ViewShake off the winter chill and wish the Tigers good luck before they head to spring training.

LIVE auctIon ItEm• 18-Person Luxury Suite for Mutually

Determined 2013 Regular Season Home Game

SILEnt auctIon ItEmS• Al Kaline Autographed Baseball Bat • Miguel Cabrera Autographed 8x10

Photograph • Alan Trammell Autographed Final

Season at Tiger Stadium Baseball • Alex Avila Autographed Jersey • Prince Fielder Autographed Baseball • Max Scherzer Autographed 8x10

Photograph • Doug Fister Autographed 8x10

Photograph • Kirk Gibson Autographed Baseball • Austin Jackson Autographed

Photograph • Torii Hunter Autographed Baseball • Magglio Ordonez Autographed Baseball • Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez Autographed

8x10 Photograph

Ask about a Bridgestone Credit Card

TIRE CENTERCadillac

South U.S.-131 • Cadillac • 231-775-7382OPEN: Mon.-Fri. 7:30 am-5:30 pm, Sat. 8 am-1 pm

Quality is Never expeNsive!• Quality Tires for Passenger

& Commercial Vehicles & Trailers• Brakes • Shocks • Struts • Alignments• Complete Suspension System Service

Cool Logic

K-Series

Viscous

Thermal Shutter

Cadillac Plant

“Our products lead the commercial diesel industry.”www.borgwarner.com 231.779.7500

The Chamber presents


Visit us 24/7 at www.foxfordofcadillac.com

1450 N. Mitchell St., Cadillac 231-775-3448 • 800-748-0143

EXCLUSIVELY FOR CADILLAC AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBERS: SPECIAL SAVINGS ON ANY NEW OR USED VEHICLE.

STOP FOR INFORMATION.Must Present this ad Prior to Purchase.

OPEN:Mon. & Thurs. 9am-8pm

Tues., Wed., Fri. 9am-6pmSat. 9am-3pm

Looking to improve the bottom line at your business? You may want to look at the health of your employees.

Numerous studies indicate that a healthy workforce leads to more efficient production and lower health insurance costs and a strong possibility of improving your company’s bot-tom line.

Mercy Hospital of Cadillac, which employs about 400 people and provides insurance to roughly 1,600 people, experiences increase in health care costs for employees like any busi-ness. With 1,600 people carrying insurance the hospital pays roughly $6 million per year for health insurance.

The hospital expects about a 9 percent increase in health insurance costs, which is more than a $500,000, said Mike Stebbins, Mercy Hospital’s Chief of Human Resources Officer.

“We try and bend that curve and offset some, or all, of the increase,” Stebbins said about the projected increase in health insurance costs.

Mercy implemented a wellness program to help contain its insurance costs. Stebbins said

employees fill out a health and lifestyle sur-vey with Blue Cross/Blue Shield and based on the survey results, the employee is assigned a health coach. The health coach works the indi-vidual’s needs whether it is a disease or healthy lifestyle issues, such as smoking cessation.

The hospital has been offering an associate wellness program, called Come Alive in to a Healthier You, for about a year, Stebbins said. He said there have been about 100 employ-ees who have continued with the program throughout the year. Stebbins said each month has a specific focus, such as October, which was Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Stebbins said the program is designed and managed by the hospital’s wellness team.

“What we try to do is offer resources and incentives to get people into a healthier lifestyle and to make healthier decisions, and to share those with their families as well,” Stebbins said.

There is a voluntary health screening each month which measures areas such as body mass index and blood sugar.

An area of success with Mercy was the num-

ber of people who enrolled and continue to participate in Weight Watchers as part of the Come Alive in to a Healthier You program.

“It is impressive the number of pounds that they have racked up,” Stebbins said. “But what is interesting to me is that they stick with it and bring friends and co-workers into it. They are constantly asking in the cafeteria if they can get the Weight Watchers’ points on the menu.”

Stebbins said Mercy has not seen immedi-ate financial benefits from the program, partly because Mercy Cadillac has been successful in keeping its costs down. He did say that the wellness programs offered are designed for the “long haul.”

While Mercy hasn’t seen a significant finan-cial benefit yet, a survey conducted by Towers Watson in 2011 shows that wellness programs have been successful. Businesses with effec-tive health and wellness programs say turn-over rate has decreased from 10.4 percent to 8 percent, as well as fewer unplanned absences. The survey was conducted among U.S. and Canadian organizations.

A healthier employee generally means A heAlthier bottom line


— Jason J. Elmore, Attorney and Counselor at Law,

Member FDICnwbank.com

The team at Northwestern always greets you with a smile. You feel like a friend and that your business matters to them.”

“

McCurdy, Wotila & Porteous, P.C., Cadillac

Rec Boat Holdings in Cadillac also pro-vides a wellness program, called Re-Think. It is designed to get employees to review their lifestyle health choices including diet, exer-cise, relaxation, sleep and avoiding tobacco, according to a Rec Boat Holdings newsletter.

In the fall, Rec Boat Holdings held a half-day, on-site wellness program that included cholesterol and glucose testing, blood pres-sure readings, flu shot, hearing and vision screenings and even massage.

“As employers, you can make this provision a benefit for both you and your employee by bringing wellness on-site to your business,” said Kelly Cater, Rec Boat Holdings Director of Human Services. “With today’s hectic schedules, we are all pulled in many direc-tions. Often times, what comes in last place is our own personal health. We don’t take the time for a physical or preventative measures even though they may be covered under our health plan at 100 percent. We wait until an actual illness occurs and pay the expense on the backside. This can be a larger expense

for employers with additional diagnostic and medical procedures, not to mention lost time from work.”

Cater said Rec Boat Holdings partnered with Mercy Hospital, Cadillac Occupational Medicine, Munson Hearing Lab, Baker College, Great Start, Weight Watchers, Oasis Family Resources, Blue Cross Blue Shield and Delta Dental. The wellness program a great success, Cater said.

Beside the various screenings employees who did not have a family physician could be provided guidance by a representative from Blue Cross/Blue Shield.

Also, each participant received a T-shirt reminding them of the “Re-Think” theme, a jump rope, tooth brush and stress ball. Those employees who chose to go through at least two stations at the health fair were placed in a drawing for larger prizes.

Many area businesses offer discounted memberships to area health clubs as an incentive to improve employee health and morale. Carolyn Richards, Pine Grove

Athletic Club Owner, said that she has seen many success stories.

“Definitely we have had people that have changed their lifestyle and have motivated people to workout who never wanted to work out before,” Richards said of the corporate membership program.

She said the discounts for memberships and lower employee-share insurance pre-miums have helped motivate people to take more responsibility for their lives, improved productivity at work and reduced absentee-ism because of illness.

Since Pine Grove has been opening at 5:30 a.m., Richards said, they have been attract-ing a lot more people before they head off to work.

“We have heard the feedback from people that they feel way better when they go into work,” Richards said. “They don’t have the tiredness anymore and are fired up and ready for the day.”

Preventative measures can lead to cost-savings later


Baker College of Cadillac celebrates their new addition and dedication of

the Robert VanDellen Business Learning Lab

&Ribbon Cutting Grand Opening

Electronic Advertisers 317 North Mitchell Street

Autumnwood of McBain celebrates their new Respite Room

220 Hughston Street

Uncle Don’s Apple Pies, LLC805 North Mitchell Street

January/February Health Tip:

Six Habits to Improve Mental Wellness

Nutrition - Introducing food that is whole, living and colorful to your diet is the simplest way to improve your overall health.Fitness - It’s almost always been commonly believed that physical activity affects mental wellness.Mental Stillness - A few moments of meditation or even just a bit of peace and quiet can assist anyone in becoming consciously relaxed during hectic times.Mental Exercises - These help the mind function better and longer as people grow older. Training your brain to feel happy will help you stay happy. Therapy - Whether it’s talking with friends about problems or seeing a professional, some type of therapy is always helpful when dealing with mental issues. Kindness - Perhaps the best method for increased mental wellness is to simply display acts of kindness.

1.2.3.4.5.6.

DECEMBERLecture Luncheon

“Looking forward: what message did voters send to Lansing on Nov 6th and what does it mean for the lame duck session & 2014”Was Presented by: Rich Studley, President and CEO of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce

Deadline for the March/April 2013Cadillac Area Business Magazine is

January 30, 2013. Share your business/organization news!

Chamber Calendar


January

9 Rise Up! Cadillac 7AM Hosted By: Pine Grove Athletic Club

24 Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce presents the Detroit Tigers in A Tigers View

11:30AM – 1:00PM at the Eldorado

31 Leadership Learning Series Noon - 3:00PM“Where is My Leader?? ‘Look Within’”

Presented By: Kelly Smith, President of Baker College Baker College of Cadillac Student Center

February

8 Women in Business Noon - 1:15PM The Three D’s Divorce, Disability, Death

Women need to prepare for the “what ifs” in life! Maintaining your own credit ratings, and your own identity!

Lakeside Charlie’s

13 Rise Up! Cadillac 7AM Hosted By: Baker College of Cadillac

Baker College of Cadillac Student Center

15 Lecture Luncheon Noon - 1:15PM Education Update

Presented By: Scott Crosby Baker College of Cadillac Student Center

Sponsored by: Cadillac Insurance Center

NOVEMBER

Rise Up! Cadillac

Hosted by: VanDrie Home Furnishings

Sponsored by: Coldwell Banker Schmidt Realtors

Cadillac Leadership wishes to thank the 224 students, representing eight area school districts, who attended the two day youth leadership workshops held December 5th and 6th! We also thank the many presenters, volunteers, and supporters for the success of these events. Our deepest gratitude to all!Sponsors: Baker College of Cadillac, Blue Care Network of Michigan, Fox Motors of Cadillac, Wexford Missaukee Intermediate School District and the Career Technical Center.

LEAD and LEAD JR.

Save the Date!Detroit Tigers team memberswill be joining us for a Tailgate Luncheon, and Question and Answer session on the topics of Teamwork, Winning, Traveling, and Family.Thursday, January 24th at the EldoradoRegister at [email protected] call the chamber 231-775-9776$25 Per Person


Northern Michigan’s only authorized dealer

PO Box 7046 Traverse City, MI 49686Ph: 231.421.5443 Fx: 231.421.1824

We offer furniture & technology solutions to meet any budget

www. custeronline.com

Baker College, Cadillac MI

For a list of “101 Ways YOU Can Help” Visit our website:

www.wexfordhabitat.org orcontact Debra Maxey, (231) 775-7561

or [email protected]

Make a Difference!• Volunteer On One Of Our Committees

• Help In The ReStore & Office• Volunteer On A Building Site

Mission: Wexford Habitat is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian organization dedicated to eliminating substandard housing and homelessness and to making adequate, affordable shelter a matter of conscience and action. Wexford Habitat was founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should have a simple, decent, affordable place to live in dignity and safety.Wexford Habitat has an open-door policy: all who desire to be a part of this work are

welcome, regardless of religious preference or background.

We are pledged to the letter and spirit of the U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color,

religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin.

7545 E. 34 Rd., Cadillac231-775-8661 ReStore

On Thursday, November 8, 2012 the Cadillac Leadership Class of 2011-2012 dedicated their completed patio project located at the After 26 Depot Café.

The group is very pleased to honor the spe-cial needs employees of the Depot Café as noted on the plaque. We are excited for the

café to open this spring and look forward to supporting the After 26 non-profit organiza-tion with this endeavor.

Thank you to the community for your sup-port of this spectacular outdoor dining space and 21st Cadillac Leadership community ser-vice project.

Cadillac Leadership patio project dedicated


South End Business US-131, Exit 177, Cadillac • www.HighpointAuto.com

(231) 775-1222 • 1-800-828-9852

XTS

Buy

A2013>>>

in cadillac >>>

>>>

XTS

HOME IMPROVEMENTS. MADE IN MICHIGAN.

If you plan to build an addition, remodel the kitchen, repaint the living room, make your home more energy efficient or if you have other home improvement needs, Chemical Bank can help finance your spring projects. Visit ChemicalBankMI.com or a location near you to learn more.

a program of the Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce

November 2012 “Why it is important to have your Five Wishes in place”Presented by, James Siler, Director of Mission Services, Mercy Hospital

Five Wishes is about health decisions, kinds of treatment you want, how comfortable you want to be and most important, what you want your family to know. Jim referenced that close family is not always the best individual to appoint to follow through with your wishes during this time, it could be a close friend. This document can be changed at any time, but all prior copies should be destroyed. An attorney guest at the luncheon mentioned she reminds her clients review their Five Wishes each year at income time.

When completed, a copy of the Five Wishes document should to given to your family, the individual appointed, health care provider, and your hospital. The Five Wishes document is written in everyday language, is a legal document, and only requires two witness signatures.

SAVE THE DATE

February 2013The Three D’s: Divorce, Disability or Death “Keeping your own identity is important”

What if I get divorced, what if my spouse dies what if I cannot work? Women need to prepare for the “what ifs” by keeping their own credit cards and maintaining their own credit ratings.

March 2013The New Work Wear:“Thinking outside the cubical”

Establishing a business casual dress code that allows you to work comfortably in the workplace, yet, project a professional image for customers. Helpful guidelines that will help you determine how much jewelry, makeup and perfume is appropriate for professional work environment.

April 2013The Sandwich Generation:“Finding the Balance in their Lives”

The Sandwich generation is a generation that has three basic challenges to deal with; caring for their aging parents while supporting their own children, and working a full time job.

Womenin business

Luncheons held at Lakeside Charlies Noon-1:15pm

Save the Date!NovemberLecture Luncheon

“What’s the Latest with Healthcare Reform: How are we impacted locally?”Was Presented by: Mary Neff, Chief Operating Officer Mercy Hospital of Cadillac

mary discussed the impact health care reform is having on the Cadillac provider community. Three years ago healthcare reform became a financial imperative for this country. Today healthcare is in transition with greater complexity and volatility than ever. Small hospitals like mercy Hospital Cadillac are especially vulnerable due to these major pressure points: shrinking federal health care funds, medicaid uncertainty, physician and nursing shortages, and downward pressure from commercial payers.


[email protected]

Mitch WhitakerNew Media Marketing Consultant

Call today to set up your FREE consultation.

Get a Healthy Media Mix and stay in tune with the latest way to reach customers!

CadillaC News New Media Marketing

You’ve trusted us to help grow your business for more than 140 years and now we are there to help you take the next step into the world of digital marketing.The Cadillac News is proud to announce a suite of digital marketing services that will help your business grow online and in the physical world. New Media Marketing services include:• Social Media Management• SEO- Search Engine Optimization• Website Design and Development• Email Marketing• Mobile Marketing

Honesty and Integrity are the Foundation of Our Business!

www.DonsAutoClinic.com

1110 N. Mitchell • Cadillac, MI • 775-2413Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 AM-5:30 PM, Sat. 8 AM-2 PM, Other by Appt.

Over 200 vehicles to choose from!If we don’t have what you want in one of

Northern Michigan’s largest inventories - We’ll find it!

®

JaNuaryLeadership Learning Series

“Where is My Leader?

Look Within”

Present by: Kelly Smith,

President of Baker College of Cadillac

Thursday, January 31, 2013 • 12:00-3:00 p.m.

Baker College of Cadillac

Strong leaders know themselves first and their team

second. Their ability to lead effective teams evolves through

thoughtful processes. Two important leadership processes

are building trust and understanding the need to be

reflective of their leadership practice. This energetic, hands

on segment will help emerging and practicing leaders gain

insight into their own strengths and weaknesses. It will give

them strategies and ideas to build trust within their team

and insight of reflective leadership skills.


Home of the Springfield SmartRoof™6509 M-37, Kingsley, MI 49649Phone: 231-263-5300 / 888-469-0059Fax: 231-263-5723info@springfieldsmartroof.comwww.springfieldsmartroof.com

WILLIAM M. LONG, D.O.7800 US-131 S., SUITE C, CADILLAC, MI 49601 • Phone 231.779.1167

Fax 231.779.1175 • www.cadillacwomenshealth.com

Edward DrachtPresident

DRACHT CONSTRUCTION CO.Design • Build • Contracting

Serving the greater Cadillac area since 1972.Butler Steel buildings • CONVENTIONAL FRAMED BUILDINGS

Commercial • Industrial • Institutional • Agriculture • ChurchesOffices • Rubber Roofs • Concrete Flatwork • Complete Turnkey Projects

23350 100th Ave. • Marion, MI 49665 office: (231) 825-0035email: [email protected] fax: (231) 825-0038www.drachtconstruction.butlersteel.com cell: (231) 357-8718

Office Supplies Office Furniture Ad Specialties• Michigan’s Largest Independent Office Products Dealer

• Next Day Free Delivery• Local Single Source Supplier

Phone: (231) 577-7110 Fax (231) 577-7114

Women’s Health

ConstructionOffice Supplies

Roofing

BuSineSS DiRectORy

WelcomeNew Members

Wexford CountyCiviC Center

Todd Foster1320 North Mitchell Street

Cadillac, MI 49601231-779-9520

www.thewex.com

West MiChiganCredit union Pheobe Ginnever215 Bell Avenue

Cadillac, MI 49601231-775-0145

www.wmicu.org

farM Bureau Courtright/

stiCkler agenCyChris Courtright/

Shane Stickler627 North Mitchell Street

Cadillac, MI 49601231-775-0126

kentuCkyfried ChiCken

Steve Rudoni8101 East Boon Road

Cadillac, MI 49601

Wise & CoMpany llCSharon Wise

12074 South Elk Ridge DriveTraverse City, MI 49684

231-360-1549

Dana Willis from New Image Salon, Completes Redken Specialist ProgramDana Willis completed the Redken

Specialist Program to become a certified Redken Specialist and Redken advocate at New Image Salon. Through the four- pro-gram, Willis learned about Redken princi-ples, products, and services and attended hands-on workshops on principle-based technical skills in color, design, and finish-ing facilitated by Redken Artists.

Carrie Fansler To Manage Northwestern Bank’s Granite Street Office

Carrie Fansler has joined Northwestern Bank as manager of their Cadillac South office, located at 150 Granite Street. She has more than 12 years of banking experience.

Carrie studied business management at Baker Community College. She earned her consumer lending and general banking diplomas from the American Institute of Banking.

Businesses in Cadillac and the surrounding areas now have a resource that can take the heavy lifting out of digital marketing thanks to a collection of new services being offered by the Cadillac News.

New Media Marketing has emerged as a must do program for any business interested in increasing its digital reach and the Cadillac News has answered the call by expanding its list of existing digital services.

“As a company that deals with multiple busi-nesses on a daily basis, we were able to iden-tify a number of needs that weren’t being ade-quately met in the area,” said Holly Schonert,

Circulation and Marketing Leader. “We were lucky to have someone in house who had some experience with digital marketing, so we were able to set up shop rather quickly and inte-grate the new services within our existing and highly successful web design and development program.”

The new services being offered include social media strategy and management (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc…), email marketing, mobile marketing, text message marketing, search engine optimization (SEO) and reputa-tion management in addition to the well estab-lished web design and development program.

Cadillac News Launches NewMedia Marketing Services


We have ears to listen and money to lend. At Firstbank, we know our communities and our customers. The

relationships that we build with our customers are very important to us and we want those relationships to

be long term. We have a variety of business loans available to help you refinance your current business loan.

Firstbank is your partner in business. Visit us today.

Firstbank can help your business achieve its financial goals.

Cadillac Downtown231 775-9000

Cadillac North 231 779-8954

firstbankmi.com

It pays to bank local. Make the move.

(Left to Right) Deb Christie, AVP, Mortgage Lender | Pete Stalker, Community Bank PresidentDeb Ballard, Branch Manager, Loan Officer

(Left to Right) Deb Fuller, AVP, Mortgage Lender | Pete Stalker, Community Bank PresidentDeb Ballard, Branch Manager, Loan Officer

Cadillac Java opensanother location

Java Too is NOW OPEN in Cadillac West. Owners Beth and John Wallin and Terri Raffaele are proud to offer the same quality products and great service you have come to expect from Cadillac Java in a location on M-115 next to The Sands.

Foundation awardsgrant to Great Start

The Wexford-Missaukee Area Great Start Collaborative and the Cadillac Area Community Foundation announced a grant of $2,000 will be used to assist in providing a local Early Childhood Conference.

The award is being fund-ed by the Helen and Harvey Pell Fund for Education, a field of interest fund held by the Cadillac Area Community Foundation.

The award is in keeping with the Foundation’s history of more than 20 years of supporting youth, education, and economic development in our community.

The local conference, planned for March 2013 in conjunction with Parenting Awareness Month, is aimed at helping parents, grandparents, care providers and educators to increase their knowledge, skills, expertise, and awareness of child development topics and thus improve the quality of care to infants, toddlers and preschoolers.

Locally, one in five children lives in poverty and 28% of children arrive in kin-dergarten without a preschool experience. Research shows that investing in early childhood reduces child abuse, welfare necessity, absenteeism rates from work, juvenile delinquency, adult criminal activity, special education, and high school dropout rates.

“Our economy cannot afford to keep our children behind!” notes Linda Kimbel, Executive Director of the Cadillac Area Community Foundation.

Cadillac Housing Commission receives grant

for exercise equipmentThe Cadillac Housing Commission has been award-

ed a grant by the Cornerstone Fund, an endowed fund held by the Cadillac Area Community Foundation. The $1,150 grant has been awarded to the Cadillac Housing Commission to purchase exercise equipment for the 84 residents at Kirtland Terrace.

The goal of this project is to encourage exercise and social activity with the new equipment. The residents have requested that the grant funds be spent on a tread-mill and a Wii gaming system.


Data track 2011-2012Wexford County Jan. 12 Feb. 12 Mar. 12 April 12 May 12 June 12 July 12 Aug. 12 Sept. 12 Oct. 12 Nov. 11 Dec. 11 Labor Force 13,224 13,101 13,256 13,123 13,585 13,844 13,831 13,706 13,337 13,245 13,085 13,215 Employment 11,478 11,523 11,666 11,696 12,128 12,278 12,114 12,046 11,953 11,937 11,659 11,620 Unemployment 1,746 1,578 1,590 1,427 1,457 1,566 1,717 1,660 1,384 1,308 1,426 1,595 Rate 13.2% 12.0% 12.0% 10.9% 10.7% 11.3% 12.4% 12.1% 10.4% 9.9% 10.9% 12.1%

Missaukee County Jan. 12 Feb. 12 Mar. 12 April 12 May 12 June 12 July 12 Aug. 12 Sept. 12 Oct. 12 Nov. 11 Dec. 11 Labor Force 5,682 5,738 5,800 5,635 5,777 5,920 5,892 5,760 5,623 5,595 5,601 5,671 Employment 4,950 4,970 5,032 5,044 5,296 5,231 5,225 5,195 5,155 5,148 5,028 5,012 Unemployment 732 768 768 591 624 546 667 565 468 447 573 659 Rate 12.9% 13.4% 13.2% 10.5% 10.5% 9.5% 11.3% 9.8% 8.3% 8.0% 10.2% 11.6%For more information go online to www.cadillac.org/discover/about_LaborActivity.htm

Baker College of Cadillac officials report that all surgical technology associate degree program graduates have passed the rigorous national Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) examination during the August 1, 2011 through July 31, 2012 examination cycle.

The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA), the organization that administers the exam, has awarded Baker College of Cadillac with its annual

Merit Award for achieving the 100 percent graduate pass rate.“These positive results are direct evidence of the hard work

of our students, as well as the dedication of our faculty and staff in providing the skills and training necessary to suc-ceed,” said Kelly Smith, Baker College of Cadillac president. “We’re pleased to offer our students the highest quality train-ing to enable them to perform so well on the national exam.”

Baker College receives Annual Merit Award

Computers Health Education &Human Service

Engineering/Technology

Business

X6405HQ

Have a specific need?Our candidates have specific training.

Hir

eQu

alifi

ed.c

om

When you have a position to fill, you want someone who’s qualified and ready tohit the ground running. Baker College’s HireQualified® can help. Our candidates are highly trained in very specific areas by instructors who are working professionals.They know what’s needed in their industries and teach practical experience over theory. The service is free—the result is just the person you are looking for.

To learn more about how we can help you find the best candidate for your needs, or to schedule a meeting at your place of business, visit HireQualified.com.

Free recruiting services from America’s leading career college.Follow us:

Cadillac AreaChamber of Commerce222 N. Lake St.Cadillac, MI 49601-1874

PRSRT STDUS POSTAGE

PAIDTRAVERSE CITY

MIPERMIT #96

cm - january & february 2013

Documents