Chamber Business

Cadillac Area

Magazine
A Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce Publication FIRST QUARTER 2017

School Readiness,
what does it mean to
our children, our employers
and our community?
 Mission Statement
Engaging in Early
The Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce is a visible
business leader that advocates and drives business
opportunities. Through business alliances, we are a

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

Economic Development
2016/2017 Board of Directors
Dave Cox, Executive Director
Wexford Missaukee ISD

Doug DeYoung, Vice Chair

Consumers Energy

Trent Mulder, Treasurer

Baird, Cotter & Bishop, PC.

Kelly Smith, Past Executive Director

Baker College of Cadillac

Kelly Cater,

I
Rec Boat Holdings was just reading an article about ment of a regional Imagination Library.
resolutions for conservatives. We continue to serve on a regional
Karl Marcusse,
PADNOS The final three points of the steering committee (Great Start) for
article really do apply to our early childhood development and
Don Schepers,
Schepers Agency, Inc. local early childhood develop- physically house the area Great Start
ment efforts. We need to: 1) Build the Collaborative staff. We recently held
Jennifer Brown,
Cadillac Area Public Schools farm team by being a catalyst 2) stay our monthly Lecture Luncheon on
engaged and 3) make a long-term com- early childhood and school readiness.
Stephen King,
Law Office of King & King mitment to be a part of the process. To date, we have given thousands
That means that we need to invest time of children and parents access to our
Tim Knaggs,
Fekete Knaggs & Burr Insurance and resources at the very start of the Imagination Library. We have increased
human (personnel) development pro- the number of children with access to
Dan Minor,
Cadillac Castings, Inc. cess to facilitate and actively work on high quality preschool opportunities
this development. and came together as an area to make
Tonya Smith,
Munson Healthcare Cadillac Hosptial How can we help our community to early childhood an investment prior-
be a place where people want to come, ity. As we look across the Northwest
Pete Stalker,
Mercantile Bank of Michigan to invest and to grow their business? Michigan region, we see Chamber of
We want high quality early childhood Commerce involvement in Manistee
Brian Williams,
Blue Heron Caf & Bakery development and school systems. As and Traverse City, as well as in Cadillac.
employers, we want to have the best The business community, educators
CHAMBER STAFF possible talent base from which to and the general public have come
Scott Crosby, Interim President draw; each step forward builds on that together to build their early childhood
president@cadillac.org base and the data shows this. We want systems as a pillar of economic develop-
Mike Acosta, Great Start Consultant our young children to be engaged in ment. Going forward, we need ongoing
macosta@wmisd.org
reading and have pre-school programs commitment and involvement to build
Deb Gillies, Leadership Director/Accountant
leadership@cadillac.org that insure they will be ready to learn on our success. If you would like to be
Amanda Hamilton, Administrative Assistant when entering school. And ultimately, involved please contact the Chamber or
info@cadillac.org we want our children ready for employ- the Great Start Collaborative staff.
Paula Jasper, Director of Membership Services ment when they reach early adulthood.
membership@cadillac.org
The Cadillac Area Chamber of
Kent Wood, Director of Government Relations Commerce has been actively support-
kentw@tcchamber.org
Website:www.cadillac.org
ing early childhood development (eco- Scott Crosby
Printer:Pleasant Graphics
nomic development) for years. Along Interim President
Publisher:Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce
with generous donations and the Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce
involvement of chamber members, we
The Cadillac Area Business Magazine is a publica- have helped to support the develop-
tion 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 materi-
als to be distributed through the publication.

Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce

222 Lake Street
231-775-9776

2 - Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce Business Magazine- 1st quarter 2017

 In Loving Memory Visionary Partners:

Chamber Ambassador & Friend,

Jerry Faloon

Business Directory
MUNSON HEALTHCARE
Cadillac Hospital
Construction Technology
Edward Dracht
President Full Spectrum IT Support - 24/7
DRACHTDesign
CONSTRUCTION
Build Contracting
CO.
Serving the greater Cadillac area since 1972.
Butler Steel buildings CONVENTIONAL FRAMED BUILDINGS
Commercial Industrial Institutional Agriculture Churches
Offices Rubber Roofs Concrete Flatwork Complete Turnkey Projects
23350 100th Ave. Marion, MI 49665 office: (231) 825-0035
email: ed@drachtconstruction.com
www.drachtconstruction.butlersteel.com
fax: (231) 825-0038
cell: (231) 357-8718
Contact Us (231) 577-2080

Construction Excavating
Dispatch
Jason Bigelow
231.878.9023
CJs EXCAVATING, INC. Leadership Partners:
Office STONE - GRAVEL GRADING & FILL DIRT
Megan Schepers BACKHOE WORK BULLDOZING SEWER & AT&T
Redi-Mix & Construction Materials 616.677.0053 SUBDIVISION & BASEMENTS WATER Belle Oakes Living Center Inc.
LAND DEVELOPMENT EARTH MOVING
BorgWarner Thermal Systems
Plant Location Mailing Address (231) 775-1773 B&P Manufacturing
10429 West Watergate Rd. 10578 Linden Dr. NW (231) 775-0703 Fax
Cadillac, MI 49601 Grand Rapids, MI 49534 9051 E. 48-1/2 RD. CADILLAC Cadillac Area Public Schools
SHOP - JUNCTION OF M-115 & US-131
Visit us at www. CallahanSupply.com Bonded & Insured Consumers Energy
DTE Energy
Insurance Concrete Construction Fekete Knaggs & Burr Insurance Agency
FIAMM Technologies LLC
Services: Services
Structural Concrete Fifth Third Bank
Site Concrete ITC
Concrete Pumping
Telebelt Excavation Mercantile Bank of Michigan
231-468-3559 Walkley Agency of Cadillac
Reinforcing Michigan Rubber Products, Inc
Locations in Allendale & McBain Polished Concrete
Fax 231-468-3061 919 N. Mitchell -Ste. B Locations in Allendale & McBain Rexair LLC
231-468-3560 Cadillac, MI 49601 10578 Linden Drive NW McBain, MI 49657
rjwalkley@aaamichigan.com Grand Rapids, MIDrive
49534NW Ph. (231) 825-8051 Walmart Supercenter Store
Renee Walkley 10578 Linden
Fax (231)
Ph. (616) 677-0053 Fax (616) 677-0062 McBain, MI825-8051
49657 Wexford-Missaukee ISD
Membership Travel Agency Principal Grand Rapids, MI 49534
Insurance Financial Services PhoneVisit
(616)us at www.schepersconcrete.com
677- 0053 Phone (231) 825-8051
Fax (616) 677-0062 Fax (231) 825-8051

VisitArea
1st quarter 2017 - Cadillac us at www.schepersconcrete.com
Chamber of Commerce Business Magazine - 3
 Early childhood education
pays big dividens for the community
By Mike Acosta
Director, Great State Collaborative
There is an extensive body of research show-
ing that children, families and the commu-
nity all benefit from the investment in quality
early childhood experiences for all our chil-
dren.
The most famous is a 40-year study by the
HighScope Foundation here in Michigan.
Sometimes known as the Perry Preschool
Project, the study followed a group of at-risk
4-year-olds who were offered a quality pre-
school program and a matched control group
of similar socioeconomic and at-risk status
who did not have benefit of the program. The
two groups have been followed for 40 years.
The study demonstrated the outcomes of
quality early childhood education include:
Children are less likely to be in special edu-
cation
Show higher achievement scores at age 14
Demonstrate higher graduation rates and
increased likelihood of going on to college
Delayed childbearing
Great program, great start
By Mike Acosta
Director, Great State Collaborative
The Wexford Missaukee Great Start
Business Engagement Committee wanted to
do more and wanted to focus on all the com-
munitys children. Out of that desire came
the Wexford Missaukee Imagination Library.
In April 2013, we began signing up chil-
dren and in June of 2013, the first 148 chil-
dren began receiving books. Since then,
2,621 children have received books through
the Wexford Missaukee Imagination
Library. A total of more than 42,200 books
have been delivered as of December 2015.
Funded by Dolly Parton in 1995 in Sevier
County, Tennessee, where she grew up, the
Imagination Library has been replicated
across the country.
The program provides a book in the mail
each month to children from birth until their
fifth birthday. These are high quality, colorful
books meant to build a love of reading in the
child. But much more than that, each book
includes a letter to parents telling them what
4 - Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce Business Magazine - 1st quarter 2017
Less likely to be in poverty
Increased earning capacity which equals
increased taxes paid
Decreased involvement with criminal jus-
tice system, both as a juvenile and as an adult
This translates into a more productive
workforce
Business needs qualified workers and the
U.S. is falling behind global competition. It is
projected that 63 percent of all American jobs
will require some form of college education in
the next eight years, but the U.S. lags behind
our global competitors in both high school
and college graduation rates. By 2018 it is
predicted that our workforce will fall short of
employer needs by nearly 8 million workers
with at least some post-secondary credential.
Children cultivate 85 percent of their intel-
lect, personality and skills by age 5. The
first months and years of life set the stage
for lifelong achievement. According to the
HighScope study, a $1 investment in high-
quality early childhood programs will return
as much as $17 to the community in later sav-
to do before reading the book, while reading
the story and how to follow up afterward to
build on the childs learning experience.
The books are offered to all families,
regardless of income, at no cost. The pro-
gram is funded 100 percent by donations.
Businesses, individuals and others have pro-
vided the funding to allow the program to be
offered locally.
But we need your help. The first thing you
can do is to encourage employees and the
public to sign up their children, grandchil-
dren and neighbors. Children can be enrolled
in the program at http://usa.imagination-
library.com. You can pick up paper forms
at the Chamber office, at local libraries or
ings. A 2003 study by the Federal Reserve
Bank of Minnesota demonstrated an annual
real rate of return which exceeded 16 percent.
The Great Start Collaborative is working,
through the leadership of the Cadillac Area
Chamber of Commerce, to improve outcomes
for children in the Wexford-Missaukee area.
Improving the readiness of children enter-
ing kindergarten is one of our targeted goals.
Among other successes over the last several
years, we have succeeded in getting the state
legislature to increase funding for preschool
for low income families.
schools. You can
also pick up busi-
ness cards for your
office front desk
or reception area
which tell parents
how to sign up.
Secondly, you can
help by providing
financial support
through a direct designation at the United
Way or by sending a contribution to the
Cadillac Area Community Foundation with a
notation for the Imagination Library.
Any questions and for more information go
to greatstart@cadillac.org.
The Imagination Library is just one of the
ways that the Great Start Collaborative is
working to improve outcomes for all of the
children in our community. Quality early
childhood experiences matter and make a
difference to the future of our community,
making it a more attractive place to live,
work and play.
 Healthy Families Northern Michigan
Patricia Drenth, MS, BSN, RN
Healthy Families Northern
Michigan Coordinator
Health Department of
Northwest Michigan
focused support in the comfort and con-
venience of the familys home. Family sup-
port workers also share information about
available community resources. The fam-
ily is in the drivers seat!

Healthy Families Northern Michigan Proven results:

(HFNM) is a voluntary, non-income
based, free home visiting program that
offers guidance, information, and support
to help parents be ready for their babys
birth and raise a healthy family.
HFNM support workers can begin see-
ing families during pregnancy and contin-
ue until the childs fourth birthday. HFNM
follows the Healthy Families America
(HFA) model, whose vision is that all chil-
dren receive nurturing care from their
family essential to leading a healthy and
productive life.
Healthy Families Northern Michigan
recognizes that parents are their chil-
drens most important teachers. Healthy
Families shares child growth and devel-
opment information and activities with
families, along with personalized, family-
Nurtures child development, including
long-term improvements in school per-
formance
Helps parents be the best they can be
and reach personal goals
Studies have shown improvements
in: child safety; child health, includ-
ing increased birth weight; parent-
child interaction; school readiness and
adjustment in 1st grade; family self-suf-
ficiency; and coordination of services
and referrals.
Healthy Families Northern Michigan
offers support to families throughout 12
counties in northern Lower Michigan. It
is a partnership among four local health
departments:
Central Michigan Health Department
Roscommon County
District Health Department No. 2
Iosco and Ogemaw Counties
District Health Department No. 10
Crawford, Kalkaska, Manistee,
Missaukee and Wexford Counties
Health Department of Northwest
Michigan Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet
and Otsego Counties
Call your local health department, visit
their website, or visit www.healthyfami-
liesamerica.org for more information.

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1st quarter 2017 - Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce Business Magazine - 5

 Ready for school? Are you sure?
CADILLAC When someone asks if a child
is ready for school, it usually refers to whether
the child is academically prepared.
That is only part of the answer. Focusing
solely on academics could be doing a disser-
vice to the child.
Whats truly important is whether the capa-
bilities of children, their families, schools and
communities will promote student success in
kindergarten and beyond.
That was the topic of discussion during
a Lecture Luncheon at Baker College of
Cadillacs campus. The event was sponsored
by the Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce
and presented by the Wexford-Missaukee
Great Start Collaborative.
Nicole Schultz, Great Start Collaborative
lead coordinator, said the point of the event
was to increase awareness about being
school-ready and what it means for not only
the child entering school but also their family,
community, and the school itself.
They (children) will enter school at 5 (years
old), but we want them as a whole child to be
ready and not just academically or socially,
Schultz said.
Schultz had those in attendance break into
groups based and consider what it means to
be a ready child, ready family, ready school
and ready community.
A ready child is prepared socially, personally,
physically, and intellectually within the five
domains of school readiness, including physi-
cal well-being and motor development; social
and emotional development; approaches to
learning; language and literacy development; vides seamless transition to quality learning.
and cognition and general knowledge. A ready school also is environmentally engag-
A ready family has adults who understand ing.
they are important in the life of a child, and Finally, a ready community plays a crucial
take responsibility for the childs school readi- part in supporting families in their roles as
ness through direct and frequent interactions. primary stewards of childrens readiness and
A ready school accepts all children and pro- supports schools and a culture of education.

FREE PRESCHOOL
School NURTURING QUALITY SCHOOL READINESS

Readiness Apply Now For

FALL 2017
Currently taking
Jennifer Brown Applications for 3 & 4
year
Cadillac Area Public Schools Superintendent Olds for the 2017-2018
School year.

We all have a role to play in school readiness. Children ages FREE QUALITY
PRESCHHOL EDUCAT
2 through 5 build the skills, knowledge and attitudes nec- ION

essary for success in school and lifelong learning. We can all Please share this
Opportunity with others
contribute to school readiness by supporting early childhood Today to impact the life
of
programs, reading with our children, acting as role mod- A child tomorrow!

els and continuing to advocate for education. Cadillac Area Schedule your
Public Schools is a community partner providing robust early Appointment today!
childhood programming for students and families. It is criti-
cal that families have affordable access to quality programs
that develop a childs physical, intellectual, social and emo-
tional health. CAPS provides quality programs that are per-
sonalized to meet the needs of children and families includ-
Phone: 1-800-443-55
ing partial day, full day, extended day and extended year pro- Phone: 1-800-632-73
18: Emmet; Charlevoix;
Antrim
34: Benzie; Grand Tra
grams. Highly qualified staff set educational, social and emo- Phone: 1-800-443-22 verse
97: Wexford; Missaukee
Phone: 1-989-366-06 ; Kalkaska
tional goals for our students and work closely with families to 54 / 1-989-275-9514:
Roscommon
provide child development resources connecting the home to
school. For more information about all early childhood pro- Head
Start
grams available through Cadillac Area Public Schools, please All families and child
ren of all abilities
schedule a visit. Contact us at 231-876-5000. are encouraged to appl
y.
nmcaa These materials were
under a grant awarded
developed
by the
Transportation options
may be
Michigan Department
of Education. available.

6 - Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce Business Magazine - 1st quarter 2017

 The Importance of
High Quality Child Care
Candice Hamel
Director, Great Start to Quality
Northwest Resource Center
High quality child care supports both children and families they serve.
Children in high quality settings are in a safe, nurturing environment
where there are ample opportunities to learn and grow. Children are
encouraged to explore what interests them, by caregivers who under-
Welcome to the NEW
stand their developmental stages and are able to support their interests
through a variety of learning opportunities. Social/emotional growth
and cognitive development are promoted through available experienc-
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es as well as role modeling self-regulation and problem solving skills.
These skills are critical for successful transition into early elementary
settings and beyond.
High quality programs
are welcoming to fami-
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engagement. Families are
invited to participate in CUSTOM GRAPHICS
program activities at any LOGO DESIGN
time. Working families who
COMPANY BRANDING
lack consistent, high quality
child care have higher rates
of absenteeism, tardiness
and low productivity.
Early Childhood Professionals who are supported are best able to
meet the needs and high demands of our youngest learners. Great
Start to Quality provides free, onsite consultation and support to Early
Childhood professionals as well as professional development offer-
ings, and a lending library with educational materials/toys at no cost WEBSITE DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT WEB ADVERTISING
to providers. Parents seeking high quality care can also utilize Great CONTENT MANAGEMENT EMAIL MARKETING
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tem. STAR ratings for early childhood programs are based on statewide ECOMMERCE STORE SITES LISTING DIRECTORIES
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1st quarter 2017 - Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce Business Magazine - 7

JANUARY 2017
Rise Up! Cadillac

Sponsored by:
Hosted by: Sponsored by:
Hagstroms Flowers Legacy Community
Holdship Family of Funeral
and Gifts Church Outreach
Homes and Cremation Services
Center

1st Quarter Group Settings Help

Health Tip: With Fitness Goals
It has been proven that people who
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s than people who go it alone. The
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Accountability: as you become a
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Welcome New Members

Biggby Cadillac Legacy Community Legacy of Faith Family
MaryAnn Macintosh Outreach Center Inc. Church
1818 North Mitchell Terry and Laura Ingleright Terry and Laura Ingleright
Cadillac, MI 49601 3689 US 131 South 1800 East M-55
231-444-6065 Cadillac, MI 49601 P.O. Box 844
231-846-1490 Cadillac, MI 49601
Legacycommunityoc.org 231-775-9636
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8 - Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce Business Magazine - 1st quarter 2017

 Ambassador Club
Ribbon Cuttings
44 North
Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce

24th Annual Briefcase

Open Golf Outing
Friday, May 19, 2017
Evergreen Resort (Host Course)
& Cadillac Country Club
*Proceeds benefit Chamber programs,
services and legislative advocacy.

Cadillac Commons

Save the Date

Annual Leadership
and Friends Dinner
10, 2017
Friday, Marchlac Grill
Eldorado/Cadil
J&H Family Stores
Your Chamber
is now on Socia
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Find us on
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hamber

Deadline for the 2nd Quarter

Cadillac Area Business Magazine
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business/organization news!

1st quarter 2017 - Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce Business Magazine - 9

 Leading the Way in Cadillac
By Jake Punelli
CADILLAC LEADERSHIP CLASS

I attended college at Iowa State University a short 30 minutes from

where I grew up in a small suburb outside of Des Moines, Iowa. After
graduating with a degree in exercise science and finding limited oppor-
tunities close to home, I decided to look out of state where I found a great
opening in Cadillacs YMCA. After interviewing and much discussion
with loved ones, not even a month later I found myself stepping foot for
the first time in the state of Michigan having not even seen my apart-
ment. It was a leap of faith, to say the least.
I was fortunate enough to have the chance to apply for the Cadillac
Leadership class, and was accepted. I showed up on the first day not
knowing a soul in the room, but I was eager to see what the class had to
offer. After the first day, and meeting many new faces, I knew this was
going to be a great program. The amount of passion by these community
members who are dedicated to making positive changes was powerful.
The leadership program has given me opportunities I never would
have had otherwise, and has connected me with a wonderful group of
people throughout the city. This program has been truly incredible and
has shown me so much about Cadillac and the surrounding counties.
We are well underway in the class now and I am very excited about our
community service project of installing an EZ launch dock system in
Mitchell State Park. This system will allow everyone easier access to use
our beautiful lakes for kayak and canoe recreation. If you would like to
donate to our project please visit the chamber website at www.cadillac.
org or talk to myself or any other member in this years leadership class.

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10 - Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce Business Magazine - 1st quarter 2017

 Cadillac Leadership Class visits MiNews 26 on Media Day

2016-2017 Cadillac Leadership Project

Launch Cadillac
Universally Accessible EZ Launch Dock
for Canoes and Kayaks on Lake Cadillac
Each year, the Cadillac Leadership Class devotes a great deal of time
and effort toward a worthy community service project. The 2016/2017
class has selected to do a project that we believe will be a signifi-
cant asset to the community. Our goal is to purchase an EZ Launch
Docking System to be placed in Lake Cadillac at the Mitchell State
Park. We are working alongside the Friends of the Mitchell State Park
to make this project a reality. Proudly Sponsored by:
The EZ Launch Docking system is a docking system that is univer-
sally accessible and allows easy kayak and canoe access into Lake
Cadillac. This dock will benefit all members of our community,
including the elderly, youth and people with disabilities. their communities. With the increased interest in water trails, kayak-
The DNR at the Mitchell State Park has already committed to creat- ing and canoeing, we will be a front runner in Michigan communi-
ing more parking and an ADA accessible walk way down to the dock. ties by providing recreation access. Our lakes and trails are a valuable
The DNR will assume all responsibility of the maintenance and care resource to us. The Mitchell State Park, as well as the Carl T. Johnson
of the dock once its in place. The Friends of the Mitchell State Park Hunting and Fishing Center, play a large role within our community
currently have a kayak rental set up close to where the dock will be to capitalize on those resources, making the state park the perfect
located. Staff from the state park will be available to assist dock users. location to place the dock.
They will also provide some kayak and dock training to those who are For more information, please contact Leadership members, Sarah
interested. Moeller at (231) 429-5617 or Jason Owens at (231) 846-0270. If you
Its important to us as a class to inform our community of this rec- wish to support our efforts, please visit the Cadillac Area Chamber of
reation access point. Many communities around Michigan that have Commerce website at www.cadillac.org to make an online donation
rivers and lakes as a recreational resource are placing these docks in to this project.

1st quarter 2017 - Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce Business Magazine - 11

 &
Do you know someone deserving?
2017
Outstanding Citizen
Spirit of Community Awards
The Outstanding Citizen Award recognizes and
honors individuals who strive toward the highest Submit your Nominations for
level of professional accomplishments. Men and 2017 Outstanding Citizen and
women, who excel in their chosen profession, have
devoted significant time and energy to improve the
Spirit of Community Awards
communitys quality of life and have provided lead- Forms can be found at www.cadillac.org
ership to assist others in becoming involved in the
due Friday, May 19, 2017 by 5p.m.
community.
Awards will be announced at the
The Spirit of Community Award recognizes and
honors individuals who have devoted significant Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce
time and energy to improve the communitys quality Annual Awards Dinner,
of life and have provided leadership in development Wednesday, June 21, 2017
and/or expansion of volunteer projects, which have at Fox Hill Event Center.
benefited members of the community.

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Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 AM-5:30 PM, Sat. 8 AM-2 PM, Other by Appt.

12 - Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce Business Magazine - 1st quarter 2017

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 Patti ODell joins Baker College again
Baird, Cotter, and Bishop ranked in top tier by two
Patti ODell, JD MST has joined
military media groups
the team at Baird, Cotter, and Baker College has again been recognized by two media organizations for
Bishop, PC. ODell has over 22 its ongoing dedication to make quality higher education available to U.S.
years of experience in account- military personnel, veterans and families.
ing, with the last 17 years in pub- The 2017 recognitions are:
lic accounting preparing finan- Military Friendly Gold Award in the category for private institutions
cial statements and income tax with more than 10,000 students from Victory Media for outstanding pro-
returns. ODell has experience in a grams and positive education outcomes for veterans and their families.
wide variety of industries, includ- Top 20 Best for Vets in the career and technical college category from
ing Construction, Real Estate, Military Times in recognition of a commitment to provide educational
Professional Service Firms, opportunities to veterans, service members and military families.
Manufacturing, Agribusiness, and
closely held businesses. ODells area of expertise include
income tax planning andpreparation for both individuals
and business, estate and gift planning, and consulting with
Foundation Announces
small businesses.
ODell grew up in Manton and attended Central Michigan
2017 Scholarship Programs
University where, in 1995, she received a Bachelor of Science
in Business Administration degree. She also attended Walsh
Accepting Applications
College and in 2002, she received a Master of Science in In addition to grants that improve our community, the Cadillac Area
Taxation degree with a specialty in Estate and Gift. Then Community Foundation also offers a variety of student scholarship pro-
she attended Thomas M. Cooley Law School and in 2006, grams. Many of the scholarship programs are accepting applications at this
received her Juris Doctor Degree. time, and they have various deadlines for application. To learn more about
When ODell is not working, she enjoys spending time with the Scholarship Programs that are being offered, and their guidelines and
her Shelties and various farm animals, researching family geographic conditions, please visit the website at www.cadillacfoundation.
history, knitting, spinning, or attending dog shows. org, and click on the Scholarship tab on the tool bar. If you have questions,
contact the Foundation office at 775-9911.

Cadillac Area YMCA Announces

New Aquatic Director
The Cadillac Area YMCA is pleased to announce that Mary Crisenbery has accepted the posi-
tion of Aquatic Director at the Cadillac Area YMCA. Mary brings a B.S from Eastern Michigan
University in Therapeutic Recreation which lends a perfect fit here at the YMCA. Swimming has
been a part of my life as long as I can recall says Mary. Both outdoor and indoor swimming is
such a wonderful recreation and fitness resource. She added.
The Cadillac Area YMCA is very excited to have Mary as our new aquatic director. Please contact
the Cadillac Area YMCA at 231-775-3369 with any questions.

Cadillac Plant
www.borgwarner.com 231.779.7500

Our products lead the commercial diesel industry.

The Lakeview of Cadillac

The Lakeview of Cadillac is now...
Senior Living
K-Series Thermal Shutter
has a new name!
We will remain dedicated to
you and your loved ones
rehabilitation, memory care
and skilled nursing needs.
Call (231) 775-0101 or visit DuroSpeed Viscous
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1st quarter 2017 - Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce Business Magazine - 13

 Caberfae Peaks CAPS Forest View Elementary
Wins Award receives National Recognition
Caberfae Peaks has been recognized as one of Forest View Elementary School is being recognized as a National Title I Distinguished
the Beginner Friendly, Most Challenging, Family School during the National Title I Conference held in California February 22-25, 2017.
Friendly, Best Snow Quality and Best Value ski Forest View was selected by demonstrating exceptional student performance for
areas in the Midwest, winning a 2016-17 Best in two or more consecutive years. Forest View is one of only two districts in Michigan to
Snow Award, Powered by Liftopia. be awarded this honor for operating an exceptional Title I program.
Our staff works As part of this achievement, the Michigan Department of Education, Office of Field
very hard year Services will send four guests from Cadillac Area Public Schools to receive the Title
around to ensure our I Distinguished Schools recognition and to participate in this extraordinary profes-
snow conditions are sional development event for educators.
the best we can make
them. When nature
brings it, we love it,
but over the years Vredewoogd joins Bard,
our snowmaking
equipment allows
us to have snow on
Cotter, and Bishop
our hills into April,
which is our goal Baird, Cotter and Bishop, P.C. is pleased to announce that
every year, says Tim Meyer, General Manager Craig Vredevoogd, CPA has joined our firm. Vredevoogd
of Mountain Operations at Caberfae, we have brings many years of public accounting experience working
invested heavily in new snow making infrastruc- in the areas of income tax preparation, assistance to non-
ture, more snow machines, more pumping capac- profits, auditing, payroll tax compliance and Peachtree/
ity, maintaining our groomers, installed a new Sage assistance.
triple chairlift, and continue to develop additional Craig and his wife Amy live in McBain and keep busy with
terrain, but were not done yet. their three children.

Investing in the
Local Community.

At Mercantile Bank were committed to strengthening business here in the Cadillac

area. Over the past year we have financed numerous construction projects, helping
businesses to develop and expand. All of this impacts new job creation and
promotes economic prosperity which helps to build a stronger community.

Moving business forward, its just another way Mercantile is

Here to get you there.

231.775.9000 - Downtown Cadillac

Member FDIC 231.779.8954 - Cadillac North

14 - Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce Business Magazine - 1st quarter 2017

 Mitchell Graphics
Receives Award
Mitchell Graphics Inc. has been selected for the 2017 Corporation of the Year
Award amongst its state-wide peers and competitors by the Michigan Printing
Week Association.
Each year, the Michigan Printing Week Association reviews nominations iden-
tifying companies that have achieved demonstrable success in their commitment
to the graphic arts industry, the State of Michigan and their community.
Mitchell Graphics Inc. has consistently demonstrated a high regard for uphold-
ing business ethics and company values. This recognition by association marks a
significant achievement as an emerging industry leader.

Data track 2015 and 2016

Wexford County Jan. 16 Feb. 16 Mar. 16 April 16 May 16 June 16 July 16 Aug. 16 Sept. 16 Oct. 16 Nov. 16 Dec. 16
Labor Force 14,474 14,558 14,549 14,465 14,612 14,677 14,560 14,504 14,289 14,175 14,347 14,486
Employment 13,576 13,634 13,615 13,688 13,885 13,923 13,702 13,773 13,638 13,480 13,677 13,711
Unemployment 898 924 934 777 727 754 858 731 651 695 670 775
Rate 6.2% 6.3% 6.4% 5.4% 5.0% 5.1% 5.9% 5.0% 4.6% 4.9% 4.7% 5.3%

Missaukee County Jan. 16 Feb. 16 Mar. 16 April 16 May 16 June 16 July 16 Aug. 16 Sept. 16 Oct. 16 Nov. 16 Dec. 16
Labor Force 6,867 6,978 7,032 6,951 7,014 7,119 7,189 7,058 6,917 6,729 6,813 6,885
Employment 6,405 6,473 6,524 6,547 6,676 6,760 6,790 6,719 6,625 6,417 6,529 6,539
Unemployment 462 505 508 404 338 359 399 339 292 312 284 346
Rate 6.7% 7.2% 7.2% 5.8% 4.8% 5.0% 5.6% 4.8% 4.2% 4.6% 4.2% 5.0%
For more information go online to www.cadillac.org/discover/about_LaborActivity.htm

TM

1st quarter 2017 - Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce Business Magazine - 15

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