orion biz june 2010

8/9/2019 Orion Biz June 2010

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June 2010 -- Whats The Biz -- Lake Orio

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June 2010 Vol. 4 #3

Success

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ExpoSeepag

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A monthly collaborative with the Orion ChamberA monthly collaborative with the Orion ChamberA monthly collaborative with the Orion ChamberA monthly collaborative with the Orion ChamberA monthly collaborative with the Orion ChamberA monthly collaborative with the Orion ChamberA monthly collaborative with the Orion ChamberA monthly collaborative with the Orion ChamberA monthly collaborative with the Orion ChamberA monthly collaborative with the Orion Chamber


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

Process payments faster in QuickBooks 2010Orion Area Chamber of Commer

2010 Chamber Leadersh

PresidentRosemary Rangi

Crittenton Medical Equipment

Vice PresidentBill Kokenos

Orion Senior Center

TreasurerAlice Young, CPA

SecretaryLoretta Spatafore

uSellOnlineDirectors

Martha BergquistCoffee News

Carl CyrowskiMichigan Global Solutions LLC

Theresa FioraniCanoe Circle Graphics

Elizabeth MeyerGenisys Credit Union

Dawn NeelySeniors 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

Executive DirectorAlaina Campbell

Orion Area Chamber of CommerP.O. Box 484

Lake Orion, MI 48361248-693-6300

[email protected]

248-393-0403www.agconsultingservices.com

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BY ANITA GATES DELVENTHAL

As QuickBooks prepares to stopsupporting all versions of 2007 lets takea peek at some of the new featuresthey have added inQuickBooks 2010.

First, if you areusing a QuickBooksversion older than2006 then you aredefinitely in the tech-nology dark ages.This older platformwas OK.

In 2006,QuickBooks was put on a whole newplatform which has evolved (and is stillevolving) into an awesome software for

small to medium sized businesses.In 2007 and 2008 they made im-

provements on the functionality of thebasic accounting functions along withminor bells and whistles. In 2009 manyof the improvements were made for ac-countants.

With QuickBooks 2010 many bellsand whistles were added for everyone.For example, there are more ways to

process customer payments better and

faster.We have been able to processcredit and debit card payments withinQuickBooks for several years with theirmerchant services account.

Now they have an Online Termi-nal that works with any internet con-nection, no additional hardware, andyou are able to process all major creditcards.

Having the ability to accept creditand debit card payments while out onthe road is a big bonus.

For those tech savy users there iseven an app for your mobile phone to

process these payments.Two other payment improvements

are 1) Check Solution and 2) CheckSolution Online Virtual Terminal. If youdont accept credit cards, then this so-lution is a good one for you (but youshould really look at accepting credit/debit cards).

The first option, Check Solution, al-lows you to accept checks over the

phone through your QuickBooks soft-ware (it is similar to processing credit

card payments).

The second option, Check SolutionOnline Virtual Terminal, allows you to process customer check paymentsfrom anywhere with an internet con-nection.

This feature allows businesses toprocess phone payments, paper checksand direct debits anywhere, anytime.Also, your funds will be in your accountthe next day.

I hear small business owners say itis too expensive to accept credit cards.Well..how much time does it take foryou to prepare your deposit (especiallyif you do it by hand)? Then you haveto get in your car and drive to the bankto make your deposit.

How about if you cant get to thebank that day? Your deposit has to waituntil you (or someone) can get the

bank.Now youve just delayed the pay-

ment even longer. How much time isthis delay costing you?

Now .lets look at how much isyour time worth? How about yourassistances time (if youre luckyenough to have one)?

Yes, that may be part of yourassistances job but wouldnt you ratherhave her (or him) be more productive

by helping you make money instead ofcosting you money (i.e. preparing an

estimate for your customer)?Oh, but what if the check bounces,how much of your time will you wastechasing those customers for pay-ment? Unfortunately, some mightnever pay you and now you have a baddebt.

When you upgrade to QuickBooks2010 you will have taken a big step mov-ing yourself and business forward. Icant stress enough the importance ofkeeping your systems upgraded. If youdont believe me, call me and Ill proveit to you.

Anita Gates Delventhal is President& CEO of A.G. Consulting Services Inc.She is an accountant, tax advisor and ben-

efits counselor with 25+ years of experi-ence in the small business arena helpingher clients handle employee benefits, ac-counting/QuickBooks and tax issues. Sheis also a Certified ProAdvisor forQuickBooks and Registered Representa-tive.

For more information call 248-393-0403 or email her [email protected].


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Orion Area Chamber of CommercA message from OACC PresidentRosemary Rangi

Briefly

Shop local:Soothing servicefor soldiers

Tell the world

your businessWhats happening? Hows busi-ness? Win an award? Bring on a newassociate or specialist? Offering anew product or service?

Send your business news andphotos to us at The Lake Orion Re-view and well help spread the wordhere in the Biz - no charge! Email usat [email protected].

BY ALAINA CAMPBELLWith over eighty exhibitors, food

and a fabulous Orionopoly theme,t h e

Ch a mb e r s2010 Com-munity Busi-ness Expowas a greatsuccess.

The Tasteof Oriondrew crowdsof hungry

people wheree v e r y t h i n gfrom pizzaand subs tofudge and cake were available.

Scores of attendees enjoyed

browsing the exhibit booths to learnmore about our dedicated local busi-nesses and non-profit organizations.

This was truly a community eventand we thank everyone who partici-

pated - exhibitors and attendees.The Chamber offers many other

opportunities for businesses and com-munity members to network.

One way is through our Network-

ing Group that meets every otherWednesday at 7:30 a.m.

Hosted by various local businesses,these free gatherings provide the host

business with an opportunity toshowcase their business and at-tendees with an opportunity toshare their expertise.

The next one is scheduledfor Wednesday, May 26 andhosted by Allstate Insurance-Rick Spano at 4301 S. BaldwinRoad.

Working together to helpmaximize your business or organizationsexposure is what the Chamber is all about.

To that end we are pleased that theOxford Chamber of Commerce will hosta joint luncheon with our Chamber onThursday, May 20 at beautiful Paint

Creek Country Club from 11:30 a.m.-1p.m.This is a great time to network with

other area businesses and keep abreastof local issues.

Cost is $20 for members and $25 fornon-members. Be prepared to give a oneminute commercial about your businessor organization.

You may want to include informa-

tion about any upcoming special evediscounts or activities that you h

planned.Dont miss this great opportunit

reach out to Oxford aPlease note last months arlisted the locaas Boulder Poi

The correccation is PCreek CounClub.

Our Chamber events arent all stusuit and tie events and to show you hmuch fun we can have, the Chambhosting a free picnic on Thursday, Jufrom 11:30 a.m.-1 pm at Civic CePark, 2525 Joslyn Road. J

oin us for one of your first sumcook-outs, the sunshine is on order!For more information about Ch

ber events or to find out about becoma member of the Chamber please ctact me, Alaina Campbell at 248-66300.

More information can also be foon our website www.lakeorionchamber.com.

Chamber PicnicThursday, June 311:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.Civic Center Park

2525 Joslyn RoadFree

Chamber: Community Business Expo a succes

LaVida Massage of Lake Orionwill offer a free 30-minute clothedmassage to all veterans Friday, May28 in honor of Memorial Day.

Massage is proven to reducestress and aid in better day-to-daymobility, siad owner StephanieParenti. We believe massage is the

perfect thank you for the men andwomen who work so hard for ourcountry.

In addition to the free massage,LaVida will also offer a limited sup-

ply of the newly published book AStory of Love and War: World WarII Recollections From Letters Writ-ten to a Soldiers Sweetheart. The

book was written by former long-time resident and city attorney Rob-ert Parenti.

All proceeds from the sale bookwill be donated to the Orion Veter-ans Memorial. LaVida Massage islocated at 556 N. Lapeer Rd in theKroger shopping plaza. Free mas-sages are available on a first come,first serve basis between 9 a.m.-9

p.m. Participants must show military

I.D. or proof of service.

Rosemary Rangi,OACC President

Alaina Campbell,OACC Executive

Director

BY ROSEMARY RANGIIf you have attended any of the

Chamber functions in the last severalmonths, youshould havenoticed a con-sistent theme -SHOP LO-CAL.

We have been encour-aging our

members toutilize local b u s i n e s s e sand servicesto meet their

needs whenever possible.The purpose of sending this mes-

sage is two-fold. Not only does itstrengthen the relationship between

our members as they network and col-laborate but also by buying things in ourarea, we put some much needed dollars

back into our local economy.As I have become more involved in

this community,I am amazed to find out how many

people that own or operate businessesin the Orion area also live here, as well.

I personally have lived in Lake Orionfor more than five years now and haveoverseen a business in the area for about

seven years.Just think- the person you buy some-thing from could possibly be your nextdoor neighbor!

We have all faced the difficult eco-nomic climate these past couple of years.

The difference in Lake Orion is thatwe faced this together as a community.I am convinced that if we continue to

support one another, we will be onroad to financial recovery. I hope when you go to make that next purchyou pause and remember to: SHOP CAL!

Rosemary Rangi is Director of erations for Crittenton Medical Eqment.

Mark your calendars to be partof the 2010 North Oakland Caregiverand Senior Expo, held Thursday,May 27, noon-5 p.m. at Kings CourtCastle at Canterbury Village in OrionTownship.

Vendor Packets are available atwww.oriontownship.org and selectthe Orion Senior Center page.

Senior Expo


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Located on Lapeer Road & Dutton (1/2 Mile N of the Palace) 248-276-2222

Of Lake Orion

Come Out To

THE CRUISE

Join Us Every Tuesday from 5-8 pm & Check It Out

Over $500 In Prizes Given Away Each Tuesday

Over 175 CarsOn Our First Cruise This Year!

Kids NightEvery Wednesday 4-9 pm

Kids Meal$199

Join the Culvers Cruise Club and receive a15% discount at Culvers of Lake Orion - Year Round!

Tuesday, June 8th

LIVE BANDThe Viceroys

50/50Raffle

For

Lake Orion

Cheerleaders

The Orion Area Chamber ofCommerce is looking for a qualified

person to serve as an office assis-tant, and hopes to fill the positionthrough a Michigan Works! program.

The Mt. Clemens office of Michi-gan Works! currently has a programdesigned to assist seniors in findinggainful employment.

To qualify, applicants must be 55years of age or older, currently un-employed, and considered low-in-come.

MI WORKS will then try to matchseniors with an appropriate position,in which they will acquire valuable

job skills.

Once a match is made, the seniowill work 19 hours per week and receive the current minimum wage pehour while participating in the program.

Applicants for the Chambers ofice assistant position must posses

basic office skills, and will be traineto assist the executive director in thdaily operations of the OACC ofice.

For more information, contact ether Alaina Campbell, executive drector of the Orion Area Chambeof Commerce at 248-693-6300 oMarcie Burt at Michigan Works! a586-783-8710.

Orion Chamber seeks office help

Email marketing can be an effectivetool to attract and retain customers foryour business. You can reach a large group

of your clientele in an inexpensive way andbe able to track the effectiveness of yourcampaigns.

However, if done incorrectly, emailmarketing can harm your business morethan you may expect.

Organizations that send email news-letters and announcements en masse tocustomers are governed by the CAN-SPAM Act, a law that determines rules forcommercial email and establishes tough

penalties for violators.If you plan to market via email, famil-

iarize yourself with this law by visiting theFederal Trade Commission website(www.ftc.gov, and search for CAN-SPAM to find resources).

Basically, to be able to email marketto your customers, clients or members,the recipients must give you permissionto email them by either:

Signing up on your website to receiveyour emails

Giving you their email address on aform or their business card with the un-derstanding that they will receive youremails

Having done business with youwithin the past two years.

To avoid the $16,000 per offense pen-alty for violating the CAN-SPAM laws, donot add recipients to your email list:

Whom you have not done businesswith in the past two years;

Whose email address you have takenoff a website or some other list withouttheir knowledge or consent;

Whose email address you have pur-

chased from a third party.Protect yourself. There are sim

things you can do to comply with

CAN-SPAM Act.Be able to document where and w

the recipient gave you permission toceive your emails.

Include a brief statement in your eheader or footer indicating where youtained the recipients email address (signed up on our website or you amember of our organization, for exam

Make it easy for recipientunsubscribe when they no longer wareceive your emails.

All these guidelines can be folloeasily by subscribing to an email maring service like ConstantConta(www.constantcontact.com). Theremany others who also provide this

vice. All make it easy for businessemarket to their customers and to comwith the law.

The Orion Area Chamber of Cmerce uses ConstantContact to assemand send its email newsletter. Chammembers are entitled to a Chamber count if they sign on for this service. Ctact the Chamber for more informati

The OACC does not sell our mememail list, nor do we provide our m

bers email addresses to other memor businesses. We want to protectmembers from unsolicited emails comply with the CAN-SPAM law.

Chamber members can obtain a ming list of member addresses for direct

purposes since the CAN-SPAM law dnot extend to posted mail. For more inmation, contact the Orion [email protected].

It was business, but not as usual when TheLake Orion Review kicked off the first of itsCoffee Club meetings in May. Partnering withour community of entrepreneurs and smallbusinesses, the club offers participants the op-portunity to network, exchange informationand help one another succeed. The Coffee Club

Coffee, anyone?Coffee, anyone?meets Fridays, 7:30 a.m.-9 a.m. at Culvers ofLake Orion on M-24. Above, Sherman Publica-tions Assistant Publisher Don Rush shares alaugh with Culvers owner Joe Zimmer afterthe first Coffee Club meeting. Photo by LauraColvin

Protect yourself from SPAM penaltie


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Liquor license limbo

By Laura ColvinLake Orion Review editor

Michael Becker got a little choked up at arecent meeting of the Orion Township Boardof Trustees as it became clear he wouldntget his liquor license. Not tonight.

Its always been a dream of mine to makethis business successful, said Becker, whoopened Pizzariffic on Baldwin Road in OrionTownship about two years ago, and recentlymade a request for the townships last avail-able Class C liquor license.Im willing to do anythingnecessary to accomplishit.

But the board voted 5-1in favor of a 90-day post-ponement on the decision.Trustee John Steimel castthe dissenting vote, butmade no comments duringthe discussion; TreasurerAlice Young is on a medi-cal leave.

Like other municipalities,the township is limited to aset number of licenses is-sued through the LiquorControl CommissionsPopulation Quota System.Orion currently has 33 ac-tive licenses; the Village ofLake Orion has nine.

Becker, a 1980 lake OrionHigh School grad who grew up in Keatington,paid the township a nonrefundable $1,000application fee, and told the board he cur-rently works for Chrysler, but arrives at therestaurant at 4 p.m. each day and works untilclosing.

Essentially, Becker noted, hes dumped hislife savings into the business, and would liketo oblige customers whove requested theaddition of beer and wine to complementmeals.

(The restaurant) is the most importantthing in my life right now, he said. Im juststraddling; Ive yet to make any profit, Imjust paying my billsbut I truly believe theaddition of wine and beer would put me overthe edge.

But some members of the board said theypreferred to hold the license for an unknownand yet-to-arrive and larger business withthe potential to dump more tax revenue intotownship coffers.

I am concerned we have but one license,

Liquor license limbo

said Trustee JoAnn Van Tassel. I am con-cerned about the economic benefit of thatlicense to the township with a number of dif-ferent restaurants making inquires about lo-cating here, adding tax base. At this point intime I cannot vote in favor of a liquor licensefor Pizzariffic because it is no economic ben-efit to the township.

Van Tassel said she didnt believe valueon Beckers real or personal property waslikely to increase because a liquor license is

issued, and noted she hadother concerns as well.

Are there other restau-rants in this area that wouldlike a liquor license? VanTassel said. If were goingto actively consider grantinga license, then anyone whohas an interest ought to begiven an equal opportunity.

But Beckers attorney,Christy Pudyk, noted shedpreviously inquired whetherany other applications werepending. The reply fromtownship staff: no.

Even if others were inter-ested, Pudyk wonderedwhere they were.

We got on the agenda,she said. They didnt. Andthey didnt put the moneyforth and they didnt call the

State of Michigan to say Are there any li-censes left and they didnt call your officesto say Are there any licenses left? And theydidnt spend money on an attorney and theydidnt spend the thousand dollars to payyour fee.

Becker, she continued, supports a num-ber of local organizations.

Hes a strong member of the community,Pudyk said. He was born and raised in thecommunity and lives in (Orion Township)currently.

Pudyk also noted 33 licenses currently es-crowed in Oakland County, and while Beckercant afford the cost, those licenses are avail-able to other businesses.

Mr. Becker is standing before you plead-ing with you, she told the board. He is giv-ing the township a chance, and hoping youwill give him a chance.

But Supervisor Matthew Gibb said the li-cense was a valuable tool for the township.

Were trying to have every conceivable

benefit (for) anyone who wants to reinvestor invest into the community, Gibb said.

Holding the license out as a proverbialcarrot, he said, could entice a business to setup shop in Orion, while awarding the licenseto go to an existing business could cause thetownship to lose potential revenue.

We can use it to attract someone else toreplace that 200 million plus in taxable valuewe lost in the last 12 months, Gibb said,adding that neighboring Carrie Lees didntexactly get a license overnight in this town.

Beckers mother, Theresa Becker, told theboard she found the arguments odd.

Its sort of a bizarre logic, she said, not-ing both she and her son have lived in Orionsome 45 years and have contributed to thecommunity in many, many ways.

Im hearing that, because we have in-vested, it works against us. If we were newpeople...it would work for us. Its a shamewhen members whove been part of a com-munity as long as we have feel like they wouldhave fared better if theyd been strangers.

Trustee Neal Porter said he didnt neces-sarily agree with Gibb and Van Tassel, butwould like some questions answered beforemaking a decision on the issue.

I do agree that some of these people whohave been here and invested money should

Longtime resident waits while Orionofficials hem and haw over decisionhe says could break his business

be recognized, and I do not agree with M

(Gibb) that it has to be someone new, Pter said.Trustee Mark Crane concurred.As an attorney running a law firm,

focus has to be on satisfying existing cents prior to trying to bring in new clienhe said. The idea that someone outsthe community is more importthan...someone whos in the communiwhos taken a chance on the communand put their money where their mouth ipersonally, Id be inclined to approve thi

Later, Becker said he was surprisedthe townships unwillingness to take cof their own.

I could have put my house and my buness in Sterling Heights right next to job at Chrysler, he said. I chose to pu

here in Lake Orion . Do you know whBecause I love Lake Orion, and everythabout it -- especially the people. I lovewith a passion.

Becker said hes had a lot of suppfrom the community, and hes not givup.

Im a good businessman and I hagood food, he said. Im totally confidI can make this business a success -- license would really help.

I could have put my

house and my business

in Sterling Heights, right

next to my job at

Chrysler. I chose to put it

here in Lake Orion . Do

you know why? Because

I love Lake Orion, and

everything about it --

especially the people. I

love it with a passion.

-Michael Becker,Pizzariffic owner

Michael Becker said customers often re-quest a glass of wine to complement anItalian meal -- or a cold beer to go with apizza -- at Pizzariffic. Photo by Megan Collier


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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)

Attorney JamesR. Porritt, Jr.

BY JAMES R. PORRITT, JR.The Court of Appeals recently held

that even though a limited liability com-pany had not officiallyfiled with the statewhen it entered into awritten contract, the

principals nonethelessenjoyed protectionfrom personal liability.

A fundamental rea-son for forming a busi-ness entity is the pro-tection from personalliability afforded to the

business owners.The law requires that the business

name include its designation as being

Understanding limited liability

By Megan CollierLake Orion Review Staff WriterTired of fast food for lunch? Dont want a

meal thats been frozen and reheated? Dontcare to spend more than $10 at a restaurant,but still want something suitable for corpo-rate, social and family needs?

Palazzo di Bocce is your place, saysMichael Thomas, Jr., the restaurant and bocceball centers director of operations, notingtheres not one bad thing on the menu, whichincludes lunch specials all week long.

On Mondays, get a half pound burger for$5.99, made from beef ground specially forPalazzo di Bocce.

You cant get this burger anywhere else,said Thomas.

Tuesday through Friday, the restaurant

has what Thomas calls real lunch food, likeoven-roasted half chicken and meatloaf withpan gravy, not just sandwiches, for $7.95.Lunch specials run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The director of operations, who used tobe a cook way back when says two phi-losophies guide Palazzo di Bocces menu:dont over think it, and use quality ingredi-ents.

In real Italian cooking, the ingredientsshine through. Dont overcomplicate things,

Mike Morris, Palazzo di Bocce kitchen manager, serves up lunch tempting enougto lure bocce players from the most intense game. Photo by Megan Collier

said Thomas, adding, When you start outwith a good ingredient its that much easierto get to a good product. When you startwith a cheap ingredient its almost impos-sible to get to a good finished product.

He says the restaurants food is defi-nitely not fast food, noting, Its not cheapfood, from a bargain-basement standpoint,but its a quality food.

Lunch patrons can expect to pay about$10 for lunch, all said and done. Sandwichestop out around $8.

Care for a mid-day game of bocce? Thecourts are open during all restaurant hours.The price is about the same as going to themovies, says Thomas $10 for an hour anda half.

The appeal of bocce, he added, is that

its fun for all age groups kids to seniors.That, combined with quality food at a rea-sonable price, makes Palazzo di Bocce agood dining option.

Palazzo di Bocce is located at 4291 S.Lapeer Road, south of Silverbell on the eastside of the road. Dining hours are Mondaythrough Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Fri-day and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., andSunday, 3 to 9 p.m. Visit them online atwww.palazzodibocce.com

Palazzo di Bocce: Real lunch foodWhats for Lunch?

incorporated, a company, or a limitliability entity.

Such designation is intended to ginotice to anyone entering into a buness transaction or contract with thentity that they will not be able to hothe individuals liable and will be left collect from the assets that actually blong to the entity if a claim should aris

Anyone entering into an agreemewith such an entity should take prcautions to insure that they will ulmately be able to recover any damages from some source.

Typically, if there are limited assein the entity, third persons will deman

personal guarantees or insurance coerage.


7/10


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On April 22, 2010, the EPAs Reno-vation, Repair & Painting (RRP) legis-lation made RRP certification manda-tory for renovators who disturb paintin pre-1978 and child-occupied facili-ties.

Despite the new regulation, manyhomeowners and contractors are stillunaware of the new legislation and how

it will affect them.The new rule from the EPA (40CFR Part 745) states that any contrac-tor/renovator who disturbs more thansix (6) square feet of painted surfacemust follow lead safe practices.

Renovations affected by the newrule include activities such as sanding,cutting drywall, demolition, etc.

Under the new rule, a contractorwill need to become a certified renova-tor, taking a training course from anaccredited training provider.

Once they are certified, they willneed to only work for a certified firm,whether their own company, a prop-erty management firm, or another con-

tracting company.Weeks after the Environmental Pro-

tection Agencys (EPA) Renovation,Repair & Painting law went into effect,many area contractors andhomeowners still have not heard of it.

The law impacts roughly two-thirdsof U.S. homes, yet many local residentsare unaware of the law and the addi-

tional requirements for home and building contractors.

Even with the new law in placeIm astounded by the number of peoplhomeowners and contractors in our arewho are completely oblivious to its existence, said Dan Burgess, Vice Presdent of Builders Custom Flooring iLake Orion. There really hasnt bee

a whole lot of media coverage regarding the new RRP law, so unless yourfamiliar with environmental safety anlead removal, you probably arent upto-speed on the new regulation.

The RRP bill affects thousands ocontractors in renovation, remodeling

painting, window replacement, plumbing, electrical work, heating and air-conditioning, demolition, plus work performed by trades like carpenters, eletricians and handymen.

The rule also applies to individuaworking for rental property ownerschools, day care providers, non-proits, and government agencies.

Lead exposure is a serious healt

hazard that we all need to be consciouof, said Burgess. Even though yodont need to be certified as a homeowner, you should make sure that ancontractor working at your home is RRcertified. This way you can ensure thathe individuals working on your homwill take all necessary precautions tkeep your family safe.

Law requires contractors to

follow lead-safe paint practices

New restaurants on menu for Lake OrionBy Megan CollierLake Orion Review staff writer

Theres a new man in town, and he broughtsome money, some cooking experience andan idea for a new restaurant with him.

Ferdinand Deda, a Troy resident andowner of 453 S. Broadway the empty build-ing between McDonalds and TCF Bank says he envisions a family-style restaurant,serving up Italian, Greek and American food.

The village council granted Deda a classc liquor license package by a 6-1 vote at theirApril 12 meeting. The package was trans-ferred from The Wagon Wheel at 102 S. Broad-way, located in the historic downtown.

It will allow Deda to sell packaged beerand comes with a dance permit.Councilmember Mike Toth was the sole dis-senting vote.

Some on the council were wary of letting

one of the villages liquor licenses leavedowntown and others were wary of allowingDeda a dance permit.

Zoning issues can be very sensitive,sometimes, with entertainment, said PoliceChief Jerry Narsh.

But Deda says his restaurant wont havedancing as long as the family restaurant ideagets on its feet, and he doesnt plan to pullany permits for entertainment.

Its going to be a family-style restaurant,he said. Probably later, if what Im thinking

about the family restaurant isnt working, Illget the proper permits and have dancing or asports bar. It all depends on how its going togo.

When asked about starting up a restau-rant and the associated financial burden in an economic recession, Deda said, Imnot afraid for this area.

Its hard now, but nothing will go downfurther. The economy is going to come back.Were going to try from the very beginningto have reasonable prices and very good,quality food. I believe so much in this area its going to be good, he added

Deda, who already owns a restaurant inTroy, says getting into the business wassomething that excited him early on in hisprofessional career.

The Albanian-born man moved to Michi-gan 17 years ago and got his feet wet in therestaurant industry soon after.

Deda plans to open his new restaurant assoon as October, if we rush a little bit, hesaid. His original dream of a restaurant in LakeOrion included purchasing The WagonWheel, but Deda said he decided renovatingit would be too much work.

Youd have to start from scratch, he said.

Ferdinand Deda saysthe building betweenMcDonalds and TCFBank could be LakeOrions newestrestaurant by October.Photo by MeganCollier


8/10


If you and the local tow truck driverare on a first-name basis, or you arespending your free time searching forcheaper gas for your guzzler, a new carmight be in your near future.

Michigan Catholic Credit UnionsAuto Loan Special can help you get thecar you want with payments tailored tofit your budget.

MCCU is offering auto loan rates aslow as 3.99 percent APR* on modelyears 2008-2010 with terms up to 84months and 4.99 percent APR** onmodel years 2001-2007 with terms up

to 66 months.This spring take advantage of these

great rates and MCCUs quick loan ap-proval to get on the road again in thevehicle you want.

An MCCU auto loan gives you: Great terms and payments to fit your

budget Low rates on new, used and classic

vehicles Discounted Auto Insurance plus

GAP, Credit Life & Disability insuranceavailable on new and used autos***

Michigan Catholic Credit Union hasearned an outstanding reputation as atrustworthy and reliable lender and is wellknown for its low-rate auto loans.

We suggest that you speak with oneof our loan experts and get your loan

pre-approved before you take your firsttest drive.

That way, youll know the price rangeand the payment amount you can com-fortably afford. Then, you can shop withconfidence knowing youll avoid anyhassle or pressure at the dealership.

If you already have an auto loan withanother lender, we invite you to stop by

any Michigan Catholic Credit Uniobranch to take the Beat Your Car Pament Challenge.

If we cant lowe your current cpayment, well give you a $100 DiniDough Card**** good for substantidiscounts at dining locations in yoneighborhood and on gifts.

MCCU is a member-owned, full-svice financial institution. We are committed to helping enhance the financilives of the Catholic community by prviding quality financial products and sevices at an affordable cost. We foc

on building lifelong relationships with omembers and their families.

MCCU has seven branch locationLake Orion, Rochester, WeBloomfield, Troy, Sterling Heights, AArbor, and Lansing.

For more information about the auloan special, refinancing a current auloan, or about credit union membershcall Diane Leier, Branch Manager Michigan Catholic Credit Unions LaOrion Branch, today at 248.693.340ext. 1500. Or stop in at MCCU at 84South Lapeer Road for details.

*As low as 3.99% APR (Annual Percentage Rate) up to 84 months. ** Rate as low as 4.99% APR for up tomonths.

***Mechanical Breakdown, Credit Life and Disaity, and GAP Advantage are offered through Allied So

tions. Auto Insurance is offered through Members Hoand Auto and AAA of Michigan insurance companies

****Offer is subject to credit approval. Other resttions may apply. Member must bring in other financinstitutions loan papers to verify

current loan payment. If vehicles value is less th

loan refinance, MCCU reserves the right not to approloan. Offer is based on creditworthiness and collateral vaDining Dough Cards are purchased though Fidelity Ntional Information Services.

Your rate is determined by your credit profile and

count relationships with MCCU. Rates current as of 5.4and subject to change without notice. Membership el

bility required.

Auto loan special makes it easierShift into drive with MCCUPulte Homes hosted a grand opening

celebration of The Ravines at Stonegateon Saturday, May 15 from 1 p.m. to 4p.m.

Home shoppers were invited to tourthe model homes, enjoy refreshments andlearn about the many features that have

Pulte Homes opens subdivision in Lake Orion

Bits and Pieces

Save the date: TheOakland CountyBusiness Centerwill host its 2010 Bid andBrunch matchmaking event WednesdayOct. 20.

The purpose, facilitators said, is to in-troduce business owners to procurementspecialists on corporate, government, mu-nicipal and institutional levels in an effortto build and diversify theirbusinesses.Attendees will face-to-face withover 100 purchasing professionals, creat-ing opportunities to:

Identify the decision makers who pur-chase yourproducts/services

Uncover the products/services variouscorporate, government and non-profit pro-

curement departments put out to bidMeet and establish connections with

corporate, governmentand non-profit pur-chasing departments

Discover future bid opportunitiesDiversify client base and create a re-

cession proof business.Although minority and women-owned

small businesses are the target audience,the event is open to all.

The 2010 Bid and Brunch matchmakingevent takes place 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.,Wednesday Oct. 20 at the Southfield Pa-vilion. Cost is $50 until Sept. 30, or $75after Sept. 30.For more information or toregister for the event, call 248-858-0783.

County to host 2010 Bid and Brunchevent

made Pulte Homes the most awardedbuilder in the history of the annual J.D.Power and Associates New-Home BuilderCustomer Satisfaction Study in additionto making the homes energy efficient,company representatives said.

Located in Lake Orion, The Ravines

at Stonegate features a host of activeamenities for the entire family, including

athletic fields, a 15-acre park, and a com-munity pool.

Once completed, it will be a commu-nity of 106 colonial style homes that offerfour bedrooms and at least 2.5 baths.Prices start from $264,990.

Interior features include soaring ers, optional walk-out lower levels, ex

sive windows, gourmet kitchens, anluxe master suites. The event took pat the communitys sales center locate4975 Middlebury Dr. Its not too lavisit; please call 248-276-0123 or chout www.pulte.com.

Powers Distributing earns Presidents AwardOrion Township-based Powers Dis-

tributing, a beer distributor, recentlywon the MillerCoors Presidents Award,the highest award MillerCoors gives toa distributor and the second time in two

years Powers has received a mMillerCoors award.

This year s Presidents Award hors the top 5 percent of MillerCoorstributors nationwide.


9/10


Carolyn Chevrieris president ofLakes CommunityCredit Union.

What now? Rebuild financial stability with help from Lakes Community Credit Union

Whats happening in Lake Orion Community Schools? Whats

the local government doing with your tax dollars? Stay on top

of all the local news with The Lake Orion Review. Subscrip-

tions are just $30 annually. Call 248-693-8331

www.LakesCommunityCU.org

350 N. Park Blvd. (Lapeer Rd.)

Lake Orion

248-814-4000*Restrictions apply,stop in or

call for more details.

No Gimmick VISA

FREE Checking*

100s of Surchar ge Free ATMs*

New & Used Car Loans

Free Yourself From

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Be sure to check out our

article on page 11

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Mark YMark YMark YMark YMark Yourourourourour

CalendarsCalendarsCalendarsCalendarsCalendars3 Great Special SectionThat Will Be Sure To Increase Your Busines

4

Call Your Ad Representative TodaFor More Details

4

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248-628-4801

Graduation IssuesJune 9 - The Oxford Leader

June 9 - The Lake Orion Review

Health & WellnessJune 23

The Oxford Leader & Lake Orion Review

Celebrate OxfordJuly 28

The Oxford Leader & Lake Orion Review

BY CAROLYN CHEVRIERDid it happen to you? Did it hap-

pen to a family member, or one of yourfriends?

Financial turmoil weve all beenaffected one way or another. You mighthave experienced a

big loss in your re-tirement funds.

Your place of business started tolay off people, and

perhaps evenclosed. Or the busi-

ness stayed open,kept you employed,

but cut your wages.You may have

lost your car. Yourcredit scorecrashed. Yet, now,you may be starting to get your feet

back on the ground.Theres talk that our economy is

improving. Employers are starting tocall people back to work or hire newhelp. People are starting to spend more,helping stimulate the economy. Yourethinking to yourself what now? Howcan I keep improving my situation?

Beware of debt counselors youveseen advertising call us and be debtfree in no time. It eems too good to betrue, and in many cases, it is.

There are many companies beinginvestigated for unethical practices thatleave you, the consumer, in a terriblecredit position and they charged youhuge fees to do it.

At Lakes Community CreditUnion, we offer at no cost to our mem-

bership counseling through one of thefew government approved counselingcenters - ACCEL.

You can work with ACCEL andmap out a path that will let you get backinto a better financial position in your

life and improve your credit score.

Did you know that a good creditscore allows you an opportunity to bor-row money at lower rates than a poorcredit score does which can meanhundreds of dollars in savings?

What are some other ways to im-prove your credit score?

Make payment arrangements on past due or charged of debts. Dontfall behind in your payments. Somecreditors will settle for less than thefull amount owed if you pay the settle-ment amount in full.

Open a credit card with a small

credit limit. Dont use it or, if you do,pay if off each month. A credit cardwith very low balances can improveyour credit score very quickly.

What if you need a loan? Unse-cured loans are harder to come by thana loan that is backed by collateral.

What do you own free and clearthat you can offer as collateral? Canyou get a qualified co-signer to backyou up on your loan application?

Are you in need of a car? Lookfor a used car that wont eat up all yourincome. Many lenders will considerloaning you money for a used auto thatis reasonably priced with lower pay-

ments that you can afford.Save up fora down payment lenders will appre-ciate and take into consideration yourvested interest in the vehicle. And en-

joy the benefits of lower auto insur-ance premiums as well.

Lakes Community Credit Unioncares about you and wants to help youget back on your feet again.

Dont forget our members getthe benefit of free counseling with areputable government approved busi-ness.

Our membership is open to any-one living, working or worshiping inOakland County. Come experiencethe Credit Union difference. Youll

be glad you did.


10/10


Whereyoucomefirst.

Lake Orion Branch248-370-0530

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

Fast. Easy. Convenient.Loans for any purpose.

Apply

Today!

orion biz june 2010

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