orion biz april 2010

8/9/2019 Orion Biz April 2010

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April 2010 -- Whats The Biz -- Lake Orio

Inside:

BIZBIZBIZBIZBIZA monthly collaborative with the Orion Area Chamber of CommerceA monthly collaborative with the Orion Area Chamber of CommerceA monthly collaborative with the Orion Area Chamber of CommerceA monthly collaborative with the Orion Area Chamber of CommerceA monthly collaborative with the Orion Area Chamber of CommerceOrion StyleOrion StyleOrion StyleOrion StyleOrion Style

Whats theWhats theWhats theWhats theWhats theWhats the

April 2010 Vol. 3 #13 In theIn theIn theIn theIn the

Pee Wee PatchPee Wee PatchPee Wee PatchPee Wee PatchPee Wee Patch

Orion business SCATE-ing across the web -- and winning national awards along the way.

Big enough to offer the best in early childhood education, and caring enough to understand its the relationships -- between child, teacher, and home -- that count most, Pee WeePatch now offers extended hours, from 6 a.m.-11 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Flexible programs are available for infants, toddlers, preschool/Pre-K, and school age children.For more information, visit www.peeweepatch.com or call 248-814-1010 to schedule a personal tour of the school.

In theIn theIn theIn theIn the

Pee Wee PatchPee Wee PatchPee Wee PatchPee Wee PatchPee Wee Patch


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2 Whats The Biz -- Lake Orion -- April 2010

Have some Lake Orion

business news to share

with the community?

Send information and

photos to

[email protected]

GrowingGreen

Its time to re-think, re-energize,re-charge and re-educate ourselves.

We encourage you to partner withOrion Township as we increase ourefforts to forge ahead and take the

green community challenge.We invite you to showcase yourefforts at our Growing Green EarthDay Expo 2010. Several thousand

people will be attending this excitingExpo on Thursday, April 22, at KingsCourt Castle-Olde World CanterburyVillage, located at 2369 Joslyn Court.

Exhibits will consist of an array ofgreen products and services, reliableeducation resources, green organiza-tions, energy efficiency and conserva-tion incentives, green career opportu-nities, green growing resources, green

parks and trails leisure, green pantryand healthy living, organic closets andhomes, recycling incentives, and somuch more.

We are putting together a GreenTeam comprised of business repre-sentatives, property owners and non

profit organizations that offer incen-tives, products and services support-ing green alternatives.

If you are interested in becominga vendor at our Growing Green EarthDay Expo, contact Lisa Sokol, Direc-tor of Community Programs at theParks and Recreation Office [email protected] or call 248-391-0304, ext. 134.

A message fromLisa Sokol

Orion Townships Director ofCommunity Programs

Orion Area Chamber of Commer

2010 Chamber Leadersh

PresidentRosemary Rangi

Crittenton Medical Equipment

Vice PresidentBill Kokenos

Orion Senior Center

TreasurerAlice Young, CPA

SecretaryLoretta Spatafore

uSellOnline

DirectorsMartha Bergquist

Coffee News

Carl CyrowskiMichigan Global Solutions LLC

Theresa FioraniCanoe Circle Graphics

Elizabeth MeyerGenisys Credit Union

Dawn NeeleySeniors Helping Seniors

James PorrittAttorney at Law

Neal PorterVette Products

Linda SicklesOrion Township Public Library

Monica SquarciaNational City Bank /PNC

Karen UlrichQueensland Marketing

Craig ZmijewskiAAA Michigan

Orion Area Chamber of CommerP.O. Box 484

Lake Orion, MI 48361248-693-6300

[email protected]

When a divorce is inevitable it is avery emotional time for all parties in-volved.

There are many issues and concernsthat have to be ad-dressed which makesthe whole process emo-tionally draining.

Then comes the alldocuments that must befiled with the courts,settlement agreements,QUADROs, etc.

Now, you think yousee light at the end ofthe tunnel.

The settlement has been decided,parenting issues have all been addressed,etc. The lawyers have filed all the legaldocuments and the final stamp of approval

has been rendered.You are now legally divorced and can

finally move on with your life.Did anyone prepare the required tax

forms you need to claim those depen-dency exemptions?

How about the documents requiredby the investment firms to transfer the401ks, IRAs and/or other investments ac-counts that are to be divided as agreedupon?

Were any of these documents signedat the same time as your final divorce pa-

pers?

Unfortunately most people think, orshould I say, are lead to

believe because youhave a court documentstating your depen-dency exemptions andsettlement informationthe IRS and investmentfirms have to follow it.

This is not goingto happen. Each ofthese agencies havetheir own rules and

regulations they are required to follow.You need to have these agencies re-

quired forms prepared correctly andsigned by all the parties involved at the

time you sign your final divorce papers.It requires time, energy and follow-

up on your part to make sure all theseforms are ready.

If you dont do this before and waituntil after your final papers are signed andfiled, you will need some luck to get thingsdone after it is all said and done.

Youre ready to start a new chapterin your life. Make sure you include yourfinancial future in this new chapter.

Divorce Other Documents Required

Unfortunately most people

think...because you have a

court document stating your

dependency exemptions and

settlement information, the

IRS and investment firms

have to follow it. This is not

going to happen.

248-393-0403www.agconsultingservices.com

Your QuickBooks,Tax & Financial Resource Center

1. Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor / Accountant

2. Tax Preparation & Tax Planning / Tax Advisor

3. Benefits Counselor

Answers with Guidance

while Committed to providingwinning Solutions

We will always return your call

248-393-0403

Ready to make a change

and move forward?

Earth Day ExpoApril 22


3/12


Orion Area Chamber of Commerce

Welcome Alaina Campbell, executive directoA message from Chamber President Rosemary Rangi

Briefly

Rosemary Rangi,President

Orion Area Chamber

I am very pleased to announce thatwe have found a replacement for the

position previouslyheld by DonnaHeyniger.

Our new Ex-ecutive Director isAlaina Campbelland she will be as-suming her duties inthe next few

weeks.She comes to

us brimming withenthusiasm and lots of ideas to helpmove our Chamber forward in a direc-tion focused on better serving our mem-

bership. We look forward to having heras a vital part of our organization.

On Tuesday, March 23, our JazzIt Up With The Chamber networkingevent was held at Canterbury Castlefrom 5:30-8:00 p.m.

This was our Multi-Chamber

Mixer and we had invited the AuburnHills, Clarkston, Metamora, Ortonvilleand Oxford Chamber members to joinus. We were entertained by a live jazz

band and there were lots of opportuni-ties to mix and mingle.

We also formally introduced Alainathat evening to those who attended.

Our first Parrot Poker Charityevent was held last weekend and it wasa tremendous success.

It was held Saturday through Tues-day from 6 p.m. to 2 p.m. (We did openone day however, at 2 p.m. due to de-mand from patrons!) We were able tomake around a $2,800 profit. My thanksgo out to all of the Chamber memberswho very generously volunteered theirtime, but particularly to Bill Kokenos,Chamber Vice-President, and LorettaSpatafore, Chamber Secretary, and herhusband Frank, who worked the latetime slots to 2 a.m. Also, kudos to thestaff at Parrot Poker, especially Scott

Cummins the owner who runs anotch facility.

It was my first time going theris a clean, friendly environmentthose who like to play poker and nate to a worthy charity all at the stime. Thanks Scott for letting us h

Our next big event will be herefore we know it. This is the annCommunity Business Expo on May

This is an event the whole c

munity will enjoy attending and free.

There will be a whole array ofcal businesses participating who wioffering their services, showing twares and some may also have itthat you can purchase on the spoalso includes the Taste of Oriwhich is local eateries who will be ing away free samples! Save the d

Spring is right around the corget out there and enjoy all of the gthings Lake Orion has to offer.

Its all fun and games at the OrionArea Chamber of Commerces 2010Community Business Expo.

The event, scheduled for May 11from 4 to 8 p.m. at Lake OrionHigh School, is a chance for local

businesses to showcase their mer-chandise and services to a thou-sand or more visitors who passthrough the Field House doors.

An Orionopoly theme wasdevised by a creative LOHS mar-keting student team which is as-sisting the Chamber with the plan-ning, promotion and execution of theevent.

Soon flyers and posters will be seenthroughout town announcing the Expoand the businesses who are participat-ing as exhibitors.

The marketing team is carryingtheir game theme throughout their

promotional materials.Early registrants logos will appear

on the game board piecesala Mo-nopolyon the flyers and posters the

team is creating.The Chamber encourages its mem-

bers and other businesses in the com-munity to consider purchasing space at

the Expo to display their products orinformation about their services.

They also would like companies tobring their merchandise to sell at theevent in cash-and-carry fashion.

The Expo is being held duringSpring parent-teacher conferences atthe high school.

With over 2,300 students attendingLOHS, the potential for many parentsto stroll through the Expo doors isgreat.

Along with promotion throughthe area to solicit non-LOHS pareand with free shuttling from the CElot, the Chamber hopes to attract sc

of consumers to come find more about participating bnesses.

Additionally, a dozen or sotaurant and food vendors will bhand with food samples as parthe Taste of Orion feature ofExpo.

Exhibitors fees are $150Orion Area Chamber members

$250 for non-members.There are also several sponsor

opportunities available.For more information about par pating in the Expo, www.lakeorionchamber.com to doload a brochure, or email the chamat [email protected] totain a copy of the brochure.

Also, look for more informatiothe Whats the Biz and theLake Or

Review as the Expo event nears.

All fun and games at upcoming Chamber Exp

Orion Area Chamber of Commerce hosts

the 2010 Community Business ExpoMay 11

4 to 8 p.m.

Lake Orion High School

Networking Group

Wednesday, Mar.ch 31

7:30 to 8:30 a.m.

Essential Touch Massage

Cost: FREE! PLUS...Melody

is giving all who attend a

coupon for a FREE 15minute massage

Ambassador Group

Tuesday, March 30th

10 a.m.

Panera Bread on Baldwin

Cost: FREE

Luncheon

Thursday, April 1st

11:30 a.m.

Canterbury Village

Cost: $20 members$25 non-members

Multi-Chamber Mixer

Tuesday, March 23

5:30 to 8 p.m.

Kings Court Castle

atCanterbury Village

$10 per person

Orion area

Chamber of

Commererce

upcoming

events


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Whats forlunch?

Focusing on increasing member-ship, retention of current members andbuilding local partnerships will be toppriorities for the Chambers new Ex-ecutive Director Alaina Campbell.

A strong and vital local Chamberis crucial to our community and espe-cially our local businesses during thesedifficult economic times, saidCampbell.

With a background that includeslobbying on behalf of Michigans pub-lic universities, an executive director ofseveral organizations, and a home-basedbusiness owner, Campbell brings a wide

array of experience to the position.Growing up on a dairy farm with

eight children, 4 of whom were adoptedcousins with special needs, Campbellknows the value of hard work and com-mitment.

There were no sick days and weall had to work together to keep thefarm running smoothly, she says.

That kind of work ethic will be

valuable in moving our local Chamberof Commerce forward.

Residents of Lake Orion for the last12 years, Alaina and her husband Mikehave two children, Carissa, who is afreshman at Lake Orion High Schooland Caleb who is in third grade at PineTree Elementary.

We love the Lake Orion commu-nity. It has a hometown feel with allthe modern conveniences of a largercity.

From a wide variety of wonderfullocal businesses to fabulous parks andexcellent schools, Lake Orion was ex-

actly the type of community we wantedto raise our children in, said Campbell,and Im excited to be in a positionwhere I can help make our communityeven better.

Campbells enthusiasm for the jobis evident when she talks about a wholehost of ideas she has for improving theChamber and helping to make it an in-valuable resource in the community.

New chamber director highlights prioritiesFocus on increasing membership, retention of

current members and building local partnerships

Lake Orions Dairy Queen is serv-ing up warm-weather favorites, andwith the temps in the mid 60s lastweek, kids and parents flocked to DQfor some hot dogs and ice cream.

Its a great place to bring family.Its a cool place to hang out with kid-friendly atmosphere, said ManagerEd Khammo. And everythingsgood.

Khammo said a trip to DairyQueen for a hot dog or chili cheesedog is almost as good as that first

spring baseball game.Tack on a Blizzard a DQ classic and nothings better, he said.

Blizzards are Khammos favoriteitem on the menu.

Nothings better than DairyQueen ice cream, he said. Its

Springtime calls for

hotdogs and ice cream

At Lake Orion's Dairy Queen and Orange Julius, Liz, Manager Khammo and Stephanie offer up sweet treats. Photo by Megan Co

something you never get sick of.And at Lake Orions DQ, cust

ers have even more options not ice cream and hot dogs. Its alsoOrange Julius shop, serving up frofruit drinks, said Khammo.

Its really unique to this area,said.

Care for a fruit smoothy? Theygot that, too. Khammo said some ctomers order it with protein powmaking it a meal.

Stop in to DQ and Orange Jul

located at 1038 S. Lapeer Road, inK-mart plaza at Clarkston and LapRoads. Theyre open 11 a.m. t

p.m., Sunday through Thursday,11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saday. Hours will soon be 11 a.m. to

p.m. every day, after Easter.

www.LakeOrionReview.comLocated on Lapeer Road & Dutton (1/2 Mile N of the Palace) 248-276-2222

Of Lake Orion

Based on purchase at regular menu price. Pleaseno substitutions. Not valid with any other offer.Limit one coupon per person per visit. Valid onlyat Lake Orion Culvers. Expires 4-21-10


RegularLemon

Smoothie orCooler

$100 Off


$100 Off $100 OffAny

LargeSalad

Walleyeor CodDinner

Kids NightEvery Wednesday

Kids Meal

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Ask us about our COMMUNITY FUND RAISERS

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Wow! Less Than 6 Weeks Until

CulversCar Cruise

Party RoomAvailableFor Birthdays

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5/12


Working on a tiled showerproject?

Water management is an essen-tial. Tiled showers are beautiful, du-rable, and hygienicwhen designed andinstalled properly,and offer a myriad ofdesign options otherassemblies simplycant match.

However, poordesign and installa-tion can result in

leaks and mold growth, which maycause damage to the surroundingstructure and lead to an unsanitaryenvironment.

Showers are critical areas withrespect to mold and moisture control.They are commonly exposed to thou-sands of gallons of water per yearand high humidity levels.

The tile covering alone will notprevent water and moisture penetra-tion.

As such, it is essential that an ef-fective moisture management system

be designed and installed properly toprotect surrounding building materi-als and prevent mold growth.

The traditional method for install-ing tiled shower assemblies createsa water in/water out system.

Since shower pan liners areplaced below the mortar setting bedin these assemblies, moisture is al-lowed to saturate the mortar bed be-fore exiting the system through theweep holes in the drain.

When the pan liner is placed ona level substrate instead of a slopedsurface, a relatively common error,moisture in the system will have nomeans to exit through the weep holesin the drain and the mortar bed willremain saturated for extended peri-

ods of time.

Debbie Burgess

Spend just a few minutes in his of-fice and its easy to see; ScottOckerman cares

about people.At the Scott

Ockerman Insur-ance Agency, Inc.,one principle standsabove everythingelse.

The most im-portant thing I do iseducate people,said Ockerman.Ill sit down andteach them about in-surance, how andwhats covered; Illreview their portfolio and teach them

how mutual funds work so whether Iget their business or I dont I feel goodknowing they learned something forthe time they spent with me.

A whiteboard across the roomfeaturing a pie chart sketched in

blueillustrates his story.I draw pictures, explain things so

they understand, he said. I wantpeople to walk out feeling more joyful

than they did when they came in.Through State Farm, Ockerm

offers everything from auto, ho

renters, and life insurance to car loand certificates of deposits; annuiand mutual funds are also popular whis clients.

When he sits down with someOckerman said, he wants to teac

I have their best interest at hand I want them to feel that way,explained. I want my clients to derstand so that they can feel cfortable choosing whats best for thinstead of me deciding for them

He also stated, people often thless is more, and just as often ripped off by insurance premiu

Therefore, he thinks its impor

to review everything and make clients are preparedprior to uh-oh moment.

Its evident Scott and his tstrive to make a difference.

Scott Ockerman InsuraAgency is located at 2555 S. LapRoad in Orion Township. Call 2391-9300 for more information oschedule an appointment.

Water management critical in

new shower installationThe continued presence of mois-ture, combined with organic materi-als carried into the mortar bed by therinse water, warm temperatures, andreduced pH as soluble salts arewashed out of the mortar bed, in-creases the risk of mold growthwithin the system.

The Schluter-KERDI is an inte-grated family of products that cre-ates a sealed system. Schluter-KERDI is a bonded waterproof mem-

brane that is installed on top of themortar bed and solid backing on walls.

Tile is installed directly over themembrane using thin-set mortar. TheSchluter-KERDI-DRAIN was de-signed specifically to ensure a simpleand secure connection to bonded wa-terproof membranes, such asKERDI, at the top of the assemblyrather than below it.

The resulting assembly does notpermit moisture penetration into thesolid backing or mortar bed, thus lim-iting the amount of water behind thetile covering and allowing the showerto dry out between uses.

Furthermore, Schluter-KERDI isa vapor retarder that protects wallcavities from water vapor penetra-

tion. Thus, the Schluter-Shower Sys-tem provides superior moisture man-agement and reduces the potential formold and growth within the system.

Regardless of the system used towaterproof a tiled shower, it is im-

portant to provide adequate ventila-tion (e.g., exhaust fans) in the bath-room to effectively manage watervapor and reduce condensation on all

bathroom surfaces.For more information visit

www.BuildersCustomFlooring.com.Dann and debbie Burgess ownBuilders Custom Flooring in down-town Lake Orion, the only authorized

Schluter Dealer in Oakland County.

Business

Profile

Scott Ockerman Insurance Agenc

Scott Ockerman

Walking for warmthWalking for warmth

s different enough. ~Arthur Freed

Your most unhappy customers are yourgreatest source of learning.

~Bill Gates, Business @ the Speed of Thought

Lakes Community Credit Union staff and families participate in tWalk for Warmth event, which took place Feb. 7


6/12


Associated Foot ClinicJeffrey C. Noroyan, D.P.M. Tim Snyder, D.P.M.

Gloria Christian, D.P.M.Physicians and Surgeons of the Foot

191 North Park Blvd Lake Orion

248-693-8400Diplomate, American Board of Podiatric Surgery

2375 Stanton Road Lake Orion248-693-4695

www.paintcreekgolf.com

EYE HEALTH PROFESSIONALS& FASHION OPTICALModern Eye Care, Old Fashioned Caring

81 Indianwood Road., Ste 1

Lake Orion, MI 48362248-693-2321 Fax: 248-693-2703Email: [email protected]

Robert E. Deck III, O.D.Doctor of Optometry

ENVIRONMENTALWOOD SOLUTIONS

Call For Rates 248-391-94463500 Giddings Rd. (N of Silverbell)

Hours: Mon-Fri. 8-5 Sat. 8-1

www.ewsmullins.com

RECYCLING:

Stumps / Brush / Logs Tree Debris / Yard Waste

Pallets / Crates Wood Construction Debris

Screened Topsoil Planting MixHardwood Mulch Colored Mulch

Aggregate Materials - Sand & Stone

LAKE ORION

WINDOW TREATMENTS

47 S. Broadway Lake Orion

248-693-0124 Fax 248-693-0031

Custom Draperies Blinds Carpet

Upholstery Hospital Bed Curtains

Commercial Residential

Prepare Business & Personal Tax Returns

Assist New Business in Federal & State Registration

Payroll Processing Bank Reconciliation

Financial Statements Periodic Tax Planning

Personalized & Confidential Service

accounting services, inc.

399 S. Broadway Lake Orion 248-693-0003

This space

only$2900

Call For Details


7/12


FULL SERVICE AUTO REPAI

Brake Service

Tune-ups

Air Conditioning

591 South Lapeer Road Lake Orion

248-693-1488

BRAKES

Lifetime GuaranteedExpires 4-30-10

MaintenanceCheckup

Most VehiclesExpires 4-30-10

Pads or shoes

Most VehiclesChange Oil & Filter,

Rotate Tires, Check Brakes

$2995 $8995Per Axle

WE DO THAT

Business Owners...Did You Know That

Not Only DoesSherman Publications, I

Publish Award-Winning Newspap

we also offer

QUALITYPRINTING SERVICE

Call or Stop In

666 S. Lapeer Rd. Oxford 248-628-4

Flyers Brochures Menus Envelopes Business Forms Business Cards and More

The Oxford Leader

Lake

Orion


8/12


436 S. Broadway (M-24) , Suite C Lake Orion

Licensed Broker Chairperson of County Bar R.E. CommMember American & State Bar R.E. Sections

James R. Porritt, Jr.

248-693-6245

30 Years Real Estate Experience

ATTORNEY

For Sale By Owner

TRANSACTION Advice, preparation of Purchase Agreement,

Mandatory Disclosures & related documents. Coordination of financing, inspections, surveys,

appraisals, title work & closing

Cash To New Mortgage Transaction 1/2of 1%

Seller Financed Sales 1%

SIMPLE WILLS FreeInitialConsultation

Self directed disposition of assets Your choice of administrator Your choice of Guardian for minors Your choice of Trust for minors to be set up after your passing.

Avoiding Probatedoes not justify the cost or inconvenience of setting up a Living Trust and maintaining it for therest of your l ife.Michigans unsupervised probate procedure is inexpensive, uses preprinted forms, avoids formalaccountings, court appearances, or approval of asset disposition.

Short SalesProcedures & Negotiations

If You Must Sell Your Home

And Cannot Without A

Reduction In Your Mortgage

Balance, Call For An

Appointment.(Land contracts, private mortgages, lease with option)

Orion business SCATE-ing across the webBy Leah YanuszeskiLake Orion Review Intern

Since 2001, SCATE Technolo-gies, Inc., have been making a mark onsocial media and web-based operations.

Or, more like making the marks.Their products are sold essentially in

every country on the planet, and used bysome of the biggest companies in todaysmarket.

Recently, SCATE -- with corporateoices located in Orion Township -- wonthe title Best of Michigan Business byCorp! Magazine.

SCATE accepted their award this lastFebruary, along with the distinction of win-ning a TiE Midwest 20 award last Octo-ber. Steve Sadler, SCATE President andCEO, is also in line to accept a Leadersand Innovators award.

It feels more like an overnight suc-cess in ten years, said Jeff Holth, CTOof SCATE.

Comparable to a Mini-Adobe,SCATEs product line evolved from cus-tom software development. Off-the-shelfproducts include those concerned witheLearning, search engine-optimization forglobal clients, as well as marketing andvideo production. Consulting services are

The maker of a living trust favoredsome friends and family over others inthe ultimate distribution of her estate.

She also provided that in the eventthe residuary beneficiaries had all died,that her estate would pass to her favor-ite well-recognized charity.

When some of the family memberschallenged the validity of the trust, thecharitys attorney joined in the dispute.

They claimed that if the residuary beneficiaries who all survived, were

shown to have been guilty of unduefluence, that they would be barred,the trust could still be valid and the city would take all.

The trust was relatively small could not afford long term litigation.

The trustee settled and ended up ping the charity to get out of the litigat

In cases where a challenge to a tmight be expected, makers of trshould think twice about opening the to contentious charities.

Think twice about openin

door to contentious charity

also offered as one of SCATEs products.We help companies answer the question:

How can I market myself, without break-ing the bank, Holth said.However, after the rise of social me-

dia, SCATE jumped on to that market, andhasnt stopped riding the wave created bythe increasing popularity of Twitter,MySpace, and Facebook. Successfulcompanies are nimble enough to go wherethe market is, Sadler said.

Instead of sticking to a rigid five-yearplan, SCATE hopes to surpass their ex-pectations, and competitors.

One of their products, influenced bythe market created by social media, allowsusers to share photos, videos, documentsand pdf files with others on twitter. Itscalled ScreenTweet, and its free to cus-tomers.

Twitter fans are not the only ones whoemploys SCATE. Their customer baseranges from the everyday user, to For-tune 500 companies, and everyoneinbetween.

Former Detroit Lions wide receiverHerman Moore teamed up with SCATE in2004. His company, Simple One Media,

provides exposure to high school studentswho seek exposure for recruiting. He hopes

to expands his business into fantasy sports.When asked why Moore teamed up

with SCATE, his response was simple:professionalism and on-time delivery.They understand the clients needs

and they are very sensitive to that. Mooreadded.

SCATE is continually inventing newsoftware products for their market. Onaverage, 8 to 10 products are being con-sidered for sale. Whether it is released ornot depends on if there is a market thatwill fund it.

All this work is being done in Orion,by local residents. We dont outsourceanything outside of the Orion and OxfordTownships. Sadler states.

SCATE has localities in Ontario,Canada, and Arizona as well. How SCATE

does business is over the web, and thhow they will exponentially grow. H

ever, any physical expansion will be dhere, in Michigan. Its not by accithat we employ locally. We live herehave families here too. We are commvery strongly to keeping jobs here. Hsays.

At the moment, SCATE emplotwelve, however they will be growinnumbers.

They hire students directly out olocal universities, keeping the recent gin Michigan.

We made it through last year, cments Holth, and we are glad to be cing out the other end. The market ocial media appears to be exclusivelycreasing, and thats good news for SCA


9/12


Youve found the perfect someon

We have the perfect placeYour wedding vows can be as per-

sonal and special as your wedding day.Use these steps to write heartfelt wed-

ding vows that will bless your beloved.Ask. Make sure your husband or

wife-to-be is on board with the idea ofpersonal wedding vows and ask your min-ister, pastor or priest if there are any lim-iting parameters.

Reflect. Take a picture of your loveto a quiet place. Capture answers to thefollowing questions in writing. Let yourthoughts flow.

What three adjectives best describeyour future spouse?

When did you know you were go-ing to marry this person?

What promises do you want to maketo your future spouse?

Research. Put your thoughts asideand search the internet for samples ofwedding vows, love poetry, or scripture.Print the writing styles you especiallylike.

Write. Using your research samplesand the very best of your reflections,draft your vows.

Just a sentence or three followea closing line that starts with "I promor "I vow.

Sample: "Chris, like the song sToday, at long last, love has arrived.day, I thank God Im alive because yo

just too good to be true. You are beful, compassionate and joyful. Im ored and humbled you have choseshare your love and life with me. I prise to love, respect, protect, and stay you for the rest of our lives."

Prepare. Read what youve wrout loud to a trusted friend. Be opeinput but hold fast to content that is

portant to you. Practice, memorizewrite your vows on a note card for y

best man or maid of honor to have in case.

Enjoy. May the joy and peace wonly God can give, and which cannotaken away by anything in this worldyours today and in all life's tomorrAmen.

Anne Marie Roop is the owneOakwood Wedding Chawww.oakwoodweddingchapel.com

Business owners and entrepreneurs whoneed assistance are invited to attend semi-nars in April, 2010 offered by the OaklandCounty Business Center.

Business Basics workshops are now of-fered in the evenings on alternating months.

Fundamentals of Marketing Your Busi-ness - Marketing is an essential of businesssuccess.

All products/services must be sold towell-targeted audiences with a wide-rangingmarketing mix.

Our staff/SCORE counselors can guide

you through successful techniques and mar-keting principles helping you to promote yourproducts and services to the most promisingcustomers-your target audience. Presentedby The Michigan Small Business & Technol-ogy Development Center (MI-SBTDC).

Thursday, April 8, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. toNoon

The fee is $40. No refunds.FastTrac Listening to Your Business

Workshop - The day-to-day responsibilitiesof running your own business leave little timeto focus on long-time vision, goals and strat-egies. Find time in your schedule to spend itwith Listening to your Business, a half-dayworkshop from FastTrac. Created for en-trepreneurs just like you, Listening to YourBusiness makes the most of the knowledge

you have about your businessand the lim-ited time you have to make it better.

Friday, April 9, 2010 from 8:00 a.m. toNoon

Pre-Business Research - Are you think-ing of starting your own business and wantto research your business idea? Are you abusiness owner who wants to understandwhich research sources to use for your busi-ness plan and where to find the informationyou need? Presented by The OaklandCounty Business Center, The EntrepreneursSource, Oakland County Market ResearchDepartment, and a Business Reference Li-brarian.

Thursday, April 15, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30p.m.

This workshop is free, but pre-registra-

tion is required.FastTrac NewVenture is an intensive,

10-week program that helps you evaluatebusiness opportunities and develop an ac-tion plan for owning your own business.

Written by entrepreneurs for aspiring en-trepreneurs, FastTrac NewVenture offersessential business information to help youdevelop your entrepreneurial skills and buildyour business on a strong foundation.

FastTrac NewVenture provides the

April business workshops

offered by Oakland Countyopportunity to objectively evaluate your con-cept and plans for moving forward, beginbuilding an infrastructure for your businessoperations and processes, understand howto access the human, financial and businessresources, and build an actionable businessplan.

The class is from Tuesday, April 20through June 22, 2010 (ten consecutive ses-sions) from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The fee is $700. No refunds.Fundamentals of Starting a Business is

a seminar for anyone thinking about going

into business. Participants examine their en-trepreneurial skills, learn how to implementtheir ideas and receive a list of pitfalls to avoidwhen starting a business.

Thursday, April 22, 2010 from 6:00 p.m. to9:00 p.m.

The fee is $30. No refunds.Legal & Financial Basics for Small Busi-

ness - This workshop covers many of the keylegal and financial issues faced by both newand existing small businesses in Michigan.The program initially focuses on the manymanagement and liability concerns faced byentrepreneurs, as well as today's taxconsequences.The program also providessolutions and techniques for business con-cession and individual investment and retire-ment planning. Presented by Carter & Affili-

ates, P.C.Tuesday, April 27, from 9:00 a.m. to NoonThis workshop is free, but pre-registra-

tion is required.Sales II: Is Following Up Your Best Sales

Strategy? - Learn what questions to ask tohelp the prospect discover why to buy fromyour company. Better understand why com-panies buy from you, and why they don't.Presented by Gerry Weinberg & Associates

Wednesday, April 28, from 9:00 a.m. toNoon

For pre-registration and location specif-ics, visit our website at oakgov.com/peds/cal-endar, or call (248) 858-0783.

The fee is $45. No refunds.Fundamentals of Writing a Business

Plan is a workshop for small business owners

who are developing a plan to serve as theirroad map to success.

Thursday, April 29, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00p.m.

The fee is $40, which includes all materi-als. No refunds.

For pre-registration and locationspecifics for all classes, visitoakgov.com/peds/calendar, or call(248) 858-0783.

A New Place to Party in Oxford

Youre Invited - Light Refreshments & Previewof Oakwood Wedding Chapel Reception Center

Saturday, March 27, 2010 1:00pm-4:00pmThe perfect setting for Oakwood Wedding Chapel has a new

party spot. Our brides are elated with our new reception room,says Anne Marie Roop, owner of the historic Oakwood WeddingChapel, and it is perfect for any type of celebration for up to 120guests.

The historic Oakwood Wedding Chapel is nestled on fourrolling acres with multiple photo sites, separate dressing areasfor the brides and grooms, oversized stained glass windows,candlelight options, a warm wood ceiling and chapel seating for180 guests. The new reception room has warm metallic goldshimmering walls and can be set with round or banquet tables.Our remodeled bathrooms have slate floors and marblecountertops. I hope people will come to the open house to seethe potential for themselves, said Roop.

Open house guests will enjoy light food and beverages andsee howOakwood Wedding Chapel uses strategic partners tooffer all-inclusive wedding services. Brides can book the ceremony,tuxedos, invitations, videography, photography, flowers, limousine

services, DJ, travel and now their reception, all in one place.

2750 N Baldwin Road (just south of Oakwood) Oxford, MI 48371

(248) 431-7556 www.OakwoodWeddingChapel.co

Oakwood Wedding Chapel Weddings Receptions

Showers Graduation

Parties Birthdays

OfficeGathering


10/12


Optimistic economists are forecastingbrighter financial times ahead, pointing togreen shoots heralding a return to prosper-ity.

Several business owners arent waitingfor an economic springtime to arrive in LakeOrion.

These entrepreneurs are sowing seedsfor success through hard work and face-to-face networking facilitated by the Greater OrionLocal Business Network (LBN).

Our local business climate reflects theoverall health of the national economy, saidGrant Fodor, financial advisor, Edward Jonesin Oxford and president of the Greater OrionLBN. Times are tough.

These challenges can be overcome, be-ginning at the grassroots level. All LBN mem-bers are advocates and representatives forevery other business partner in the organiza-tion, providing leads and referrals.

Connecting personally to prospec-tive customers locally is a powerful sales tool,Fodor said, but the potential impact of areaLBN membership is magnified by the scopeof the larger LBN organization.

Nearly 40 LBN chapters throughoutMichigan constitute the Clarkston-based Lo-cal Business Network. (The Greater Orion LBNchapter was founded in 2007.)

Each member of the Greater Orion LBNchapter has access to and is listed on theLBN intranet site, expanding networking po-tential dramatically.

Additionally, every member of the GreaterOrion LBN is encouraged to attend meetingshosted by other chapters, increasing referralopportunities.

The real strength of the Greater OrionLBN lies in the ability for every member tocommunicate with hundreds of other LBNmembers in Michigan, said Robert Mott,owner of Cartridge World of Orion Townshipand secretary of the Greater Orion LBN. All

LBN referrals are recorded to guarantee emember is receiving maximum memberbenefits.

Based upon the information collenearly 60 percent of all sales-generating larrive from outside the local LBN chapte

Networking potential is that powand it costs business owners around $1day.

The Greater Orion LBN chapter mfrom 7:15 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. on the secondfourth Tuesdays of every month, at CJs in downtown Lake Orion.

Each business representative providone-minute overview of their enterprise, awith a description of an ideal referral custo

Additionally, one member at each ming provides a detailed business overviea 10-minute presentation, creating welformed representatives.

Im thrilled to have a team of dedicprofessionals working on my behalf, saidfrey Alspach, owner of Affordable Weand IT Specialists and vice president oGreater Orion LBN. For my business,working has become as important as myvertising and marketing efforts.

Greater Orion LBN members incJamie M. Verdi, Esq., founder, Michigantient Advocacy Liaison; Sharon CroParkhurst Homes; Robert Mayes, Oak Etric; Wendy Machak, National Benefit PTeresa King, Downey King Phipps InsuraNick Couretas, Studio C Photography

Ulrich, Queensland Marketing; PhStayhue, Exuberance Communications Land Leslie Bean, Schendens Spa.

Learn more about LBN opportunthroughout the state by visiting the Webwww.LocBusNet.com.

For membership information abouGreater Orion LBN chapter or to attend a ming as a guest, contact Grant Fodor at 693-9123.

The Greater Orion LBN chapter meets at CJsCaf in downtown Lake Orion, second andfourth Tuesdays each month at 7:15 a.m.

LBN: Networking for busines

Credit union members are receiv-ing significant auto maker discounts onthe purchase of new vehicles fromGeneral Motors and Chrysler.

The discounts are being offeredthrough the Invest in America Pro-gram in a joint effort by credit unionsand the auto companies.

When you combine those discountswith Michigan Catholic Credit Unionslow auto loan rates, you have a greatdeal.

Its easy. Follow these steps foryour new vehicle discount:

Get pre-approved with MCCU.

Call or apply online.Go to

www.lovemycreditunion.org and clickon Credit Union Discount.

Follow the steps to receive yourdiscount.

Fax your purchase order toMCCU.

Sign and Drive.

Its that simple...Its a done deal.Michigan Catholic Credit Union has

an outstanding reputation as a trustwor-thy and reliable lender and is well knownfor its low rate auto loans.

If you currently have an auto loanwith another lender, take advantage ofthis offer to refinance your vehicle atthose low rates. If we cant beat yourcurrent car payment, well give you a$100 Dining Dough Card* good for dis-counts at dining locations in your neigh-

borhood and on gifts.For more details about these dis-

counts, call Diane, Branch Manager at

MCCUs, Lake Orion Branch today, at248.693.3400, ext. 1500; stop by the

branch at 845 South Lapeer Road; orvisit online at www.michcathcu.org

*Must bring in other financial institutionsloan papers to verify current loan payment. Ifvehicles value is less than loan refinance,MCCU reserves the right not to approve theloan. Offer is based on credit worthiness andcollateral value. Other restrictions may ap-ply.

Use Invest in America Program

at MCCU for great new car deal


11/12

April 2010 -- Whats The Biz -- Lake Orion

The Orion Township Fire Departmentis looking for individuals interested in be-

coming volunteer paid-on-call firefighters.Basic fire and EMS schooling and

equipment are provided.Applicants must be a citizen or legal

resident of the U.S., at least 18 yearsold, and must possess a high school di-ploma or GED equivalent.

In addition, candidates must also un-dergo a criminal and driving record check,

pass the fire department agility test aswell as a physical exam, and meet other

requirements set by the department.Paid-on-call personnel are paid

monthly for responding to emergencycalls and attending station drills.

Current pay rates range from $8-$15per.

For more information or to requestan application, call the Fire Department

business office at 248-693-9701.

Hey, wheres the fire?Orion seeks volunteer paid-on-call firefighters

4

Mark YMark YMark YMark YMark Yourourourourour

CalendarsCalendarsCalendarsCalendarsCalendars3 Great Special SectionsThat Will Be Sure To Increase Your Business

4

Call Your Ad Representative Toda

For More Details

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4

Spring SectionApril 14

The Lake Orion Review & Oxford Leader

Lake Orion

Business ExpoApril 28


248-628-4801

Flower FairMay


Carolyn Chevrieris president ofLakes CommunityCredit Union.

The signs of spring are showingup everywhere tulips and daffodilsstarting to grow, buds opening up onthe trees, raccoonstrying to open upgarbage cans wait-ing along the road for

pick-up and thewonderful sense ofwarmer weather.

Many peopleassociate this timewith spring clean-ing a time to

brighten things up

and get the houseorganized for theyear.

Does this sound like you?With spring cleaning in the air,

its also a time when you start to realize I could sure use some more storagespace for my organization project.

Maybe some new shelving, ormaybe its time to finally refinish your

basement to help you meet your needs.You could be thinking that you are

outgrowing your house, but are con-cerned that you wont be able to getthe selling price you would like sincehousing prices have lowered over the

past several years.

As an alternative, maybe adding afamily room, or a new bedroom mighthelp ease up the sense of beingcrowded out in your own home.

All of this sounds nice, but wheredo you get the funds?

If you are like the majority of home

owners, you dont have a stash of sav-ings put away to cover these home im-

provements.But all hope is not lost - it could be

a great time to consider taking out ahome equity loan.

If you have built up some equity inyour home over the time you haveowned it, you might qualify to take outa home equity loan and be able to makethose changes youve been dreamingabout.

Home equity loans tend to have in-terest rates that are much lower thancredit cards, and you may be able to

deduct the interest you pay on your loandirectly on your income tax returns,easing up part of your tax liabilities.

You may hear many financial insti-tutions arent giving out loans, espe-cially anything to do with home im-

provements but, we are.Lakes Community Credit Union has

money to loan and have been activelyhelping those that qualify to get a homeequity loan, a new car, or a recreationalvehicle to have fun with.

Anyone that lives, works or wor-ships in Oakland County can join ourCredit Union.

We are your community creditunion, and your savings are federally

insured through the National CreditUnion Association.Call us or make an appointment to

speak with a loan officer and see if wecan help you achieve your dreams!

Lake Orion branch: 248-814-4000Waterford branch: 248-618-9800

Spring projects? Lakes Community

Credit Union has money to loan

www.LakesCommunityCU.org

350 N. Park Blvd. (Lapeer Rd.) Lake Orion

248-814-4000*Restrictions apply, stop in or call for more details.

Check Out Our

Home Equity

LoansRates as low as

4.25% APR*

Ready To Do SomeHome Improvement?Ready To Do Some

Home Improvement?


Home Improvement?

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12/12


Whereyoucomefirst.

Happydrivers.3.99%APR*

aslowas

up to 72 months*Rate determined at time of application and based on individual creditexperience. Must have Autopay and take Credit Life and Disabilityinsurance to qualify for the lowest rate. Expires 4/30/2010.

Lake Orion Branch

248-370-0530

22 Southeast Michigan locations,find more at www.genisyscu.org