October 2011 -- Whats The Biz -- Lake Orion 1

Its official
BIZ
BIZ
BIZ
BIZ
A monthly collaborative with the Orion Area Chamber of Commerce A monthly collaborative with the Orion Area Chamber of Commerce A monthly collaborative with the Orion Area Chamber of Commerce A monthly collaborative with the Orion Area Chamber of Commerce
Orion Style Orion Style Orion Style Orion Style
October. 2011 Vol. 5, No.9
Orion Style
A monthly collaborative with the Orion Area Chamber of Commerce
Whats the Whats the
Whats the Whats the Whats the
Whats the
It was painful but it all seems worth it now.
With a triumphant roar of clapping and cheers, the business owners in downtown
Lake Orion cut the ribbons and officially opened the roads of downtown. The ceremony
had several speakers of renown, including Senator Jim Marleau, Representative Brad
Jacobsen, County Commissioner Michael Gingell, former Township Supervisor Mat-
thew Gibb, Village Supervisor Paul Zelenak, and several others. The ceremonys finale
ended with each streets business owners lining up along a ribbon stretched across the
crosswalks to simultaneously take a cut. LOPD was present to stop traffic to allow
the ceremony to proceed. Photo by G. Ouzounian
2 Whats The Biz -- Lake Orion -- October 2011
Anita Gates
Delventhal President
& CEO, A.G. Consulting
Services Inc.
Tips for getting organized at a small business
2633 S. Lapeer Road, Suite F
248-393-0403 www.agconsultingservices.com
Looking For A New Payroll Provider?
Give Us A Call
Our Payroll Service includes all of this per payroll:
You submit payroll information based upon your schedule
- Weekly, semi-weekly, bi-weekly or monthly
Your payroll is prepared timely and directly deposited into
employees accounts by your pay date
Payroll reports are sent electronically to you per
pay
All payroll taxes are paid electronically for you
on time
Prepare your journal entry to enter into your
accounting system
All quarterly payroll returns are prepared and
filed electronically
All annual payroll returns are prepared and
filed electronically
Awarded 2010 and 2011 Five Star
Professional Wealth Manager
Accountants & Tax Advisors
All this for one price per payroll
No setup fees either
We take the stress out of handling payroll
Looking For A New Payroll Provider?
Give Us A Call
In j ust a few short days
QuickBooks 2012 will be out. There
are many new features and improve-
ments to all 3 types
of QuickBooks so-
lutions PC Desk-
top, Mac Desktop
and Online. A few
new features for the
PC Desktop ver-
sion are
1) Calendar View
which allows you
to view invoices,
billing and other
important tasks easier,
2) Lead Center which allows you
to track and follow up on new
leads, and
3) Manage FIFO Inventory -
Sneak Peak at QuickBooks 2012
First-in First-out, (its about time
they did this one).
For Mac Desktop users a few new
features are
1) Progress Invoicing for your
projects,
2) Download online banking trans-
actions, and
3) Redesigned forms to be Mac
style.
The Onl i ne Sol ut i ons for
QuickBooks are still
1) Online Simple Start,
2) Online Essentials and
3) Online Plus. These three ver-
sions are in the cloud.
For those who still are wondering
what the cloud is, this is where your
data is stored on Intuits (the maker
of QuickBooks) server at all times,
never on your computer. You access
your company data via the internet
(of course), giving you the anytime
anywhere access to your data.
Keep in mind, when you move to
one of these Online versions, you do
not have the software or your data
on our desktop. If you are on the
road all the time and need access to
your data, one of the Online versions
would probably work well for you.
Or if you have 1 or 2 employees who
work in different locations and need
access to this information, the Online
version would probably work well
here too.
If you are using any version of
QuickBooks older than 2010, this
would be a good time to upgrade your
accounting system. Or if you are
Three versions for three different types of people are available
t hi nki ng about swi t chi ng t o
QuickBooks, you should definitely
seek advice from a qualified profes-
sional.
Choosi ng whi ch versi on of
QuickBooks (or any software for that
matter) can be quite overwhelming.
It is a necessary part of your busi-
ness that isnt going to go away. You
might not like accounting, but we do.
Anita Gates Delventhal is Presi-
dent & CEO of A.G. Consulting
Services Inc. She is an accoun-
tant, tax advisor and Certified
QuickBooks ProAdvisor with over
30 years of experience and educa-
tion. Anita has also been Awarded
the Five Star Wealth Manager, 2
years in a row 2011 and 2010, in
the areas of Accounting, Business
Planning and Taxation. Visit her
companys websi t e @
www.agconsultingservices.com,
Is your business relevant as
you think it is? Call the Lake
Orion Review to make sure
local folks know what your
local business is doing. Ask
for Eric Lewis, 248-628-4801
The National Renewable Energy
Laboratory recently tapped the knowl-
edge of a local energy auditor as it
worked to develop new national guide-
lines for training programs in six ar-
eas Operating engineer/building
technician, Building energy auditor,
Energy /susceptibility manager, En-
ergy modeler, Commissioning/retro-
commissioning practitioner, and Facil-
ity Manager. Richard Buzard, presi-
dent of Lake Orion based Facilities
Performance Services, served as a
subject matter expert for commercial
building energy audits at a Denver
workshop in May 2011.
The purpose of the study was to
identify and catalog the activities a
worker performs in doing a commer-
cial building energy audit, and the
knowledge, skills, and abilities needed
to successfully complete an accurate
audit using the most reliable and rec-
Local Firm Provides Expert Input
ognized guidelines, standards, and
analysis tools, such as those provided
by ENERGY STAR, ASTM, ANSI,
ASHRAE, and the Department of En-
ergy.
The results of the study will be a
set of national guidelines that training
organizations can draw from in devel-
oping their curriculum and for use by
the General Services Administration
and the Department of Energy to help
meet the requirements of the Federal
Contiued on page 10
October 2011 -- Whats The Biz -- Lake Orion 3
Briefly
Mark your calendars!
Upcoming Events
September
Before-Hours Networking
Wednesday, September 28
7:30 am to 8:30 am
fLipSpot Gymnastics and
Cheer
233 Kay Industrial Drive
October
Chamber Luncheon
Thursday, October 6
Oscars Bar & Grill
11:30 am to 1:00 pm
3575 S. Baldwin Road
After-Hours Multi-Chamber
Mixer
Wednesday, October 12
5:30-7:30 pm
Indianwood Golf and Coun-
try Club
Host of the 2012 US Se-
nior Open
1081 Indianwood Road
Before-Hours Networking
Wednesday, October 26
7:30 am to 8:30 am
Custom Health Center
3631 S. Baldwin Road
Welcome to the
Chamber
Swirlz Frozen Custard
The Goddard School
Lake Orion
Great Harvest Bread
Company
Lake Orion Plumbing &
Heating
AAA-Gary Warner
Hertz Local Edition
Batteries Plus #811
Peewee patch reaccredited
By Gabriel Ouzounian
Review Staff Writer
Peewee Patch Child Devel-
opment Center is already
trusted by numerous parents
and teachers, and now the
NAEYC (National Association
for the Education of Young Chil-
dren) has reaccredited the fa-
cility for the next five years.
Program Director Kristi
Spear said the designation is
a really big deal.
Were the only center in
the Orion and Oxford area that
has an NAEYC acredidation,
she said. What that means is
we meet high standards in 10
areas put fort h by t he
NAEYC. Within those 10 ar-
eas are multiple criteria that
we actually had a validation
visit for three days for in June.
Once we passed those cri-
teria they sent out a validator
and soon we had the accredi-
tation.
The 10 criteria, which in-
clude the assessment of a
facilitys relationships, cur-
riculum, teaching, assessment
of child progress, health, teach-
ers qualifications, family part-
nerships, community relation-
ships, physical environment,
and management help establish
the overall quality of the facil-
ity, internally and externally.
Out of 100 for each category,
Peewee Patch scored in the
high 80s and up for every one.
A normal class period at Peewee Patch. Photo submitted
Spear said one reason for
the high ratings was Peewee
Patchs dedication to unique
activities and teaching style
that are not seen elsewhere in
the Orion and Oxford area. Its
also the only center in the area
to offer traditional play-based
education and Montessori-style
teaching.
Out teachers are highly edu-
cated and trained, and encour-
age all kinds of extracurricular
activities, said Spear. We of-
fer dance, music, spanish, all of
the usual activities and new to
2011 - Tae Kwan Do.
Some of the other things
we offer include some of the
basi c st uff l i ke food and
snacks, all of which are re-
viewed by a nutritionist and
prepared by our cook. We
have before and after school
care and transportation to and
from area schools. We also
have a number of events go-
ing on for members including
our bi-annual book fair which
is coming up in October.
Peewee patch is located at
1796 S. Lapeer Road just
north of Scripps. The facility
is open from 5:30 a.m. 6:30
pm. on weekdays and closed
on weekends. They can be
contacted at (248) 814-1010.
For more information visit
t hei r websi t e at
peeweepatch.com.
Kids enjoy a little freetime durnig a play period. Photo submitted
4 Whats The Biz -- Lake Orion -- October 2011
Supporting the businesses that support your community Supporting the businesses that support your community Supporting the businesses that support your community
Orion Area Chamber of Commerce
Thanks to all who
took the challenge!
Alaina Campbell,
OACC Executive
Director
Thank you to our 2011
Chili Chal-
lenge par-
t i c i pa nt s
for serving
up some
a ma z i n g
chili at the
Chambers
10t h An-
nual Chili
Challenge
d u r i n g
B a r n
Daze.
Those who t ook t he
challenge were Eye Health
Professi onal s, Geni sys
Credi t Uni on, Crai g
Johnston, Skalnek Ford,
Lake Ori on Pl umbi ng,
Heat i ng and Cool i ng,
Howarth United Methodist
Church, wiches and KLM
Scape and Snow. A big
where are the antacid tab-
lets thank you goes to the
judges who tasted all that
chili- State Senator Jim
Marl eau , Joe Zi mmer
owner of Culvers Restau-
rant, Matt Heasley owner
of Poppyseed Del i &
Fountain, Paul Zelenak
Lake Orion Village Man-
ager and Chamber Board
member, Chief Jerry Narsh
Lake Orion Police, and Jim
Porri t t Chamber board
member.
Special thanks to the
Chili Challenge Committee
chaired by Jim Porritt and
members Loretta Lussier
Spatafore from uSellonline,
Joyce Schobe from Eye
Health Professionals, Scott
Henman from Allstate-Rick
Spano agency, and Paul and
Kat hy Sandst rom from
Howarth United Methodist
Church.
Another special thank you
to Teri Hockstad and her
vote counting crew from Aba-
cus Account i ng for once
again ensuring an accurate
and fair Chili Challenge!
Everyone did a great job
organi zi ng a successful
event. And now a drumroll
please to announce the win-
ners of the 10th Annual Chili
Challenge! Born to be Mild-
best mild chili-went to new-
comer Craig Johnston from
Highland; Scorned Woman-
best spi cy chi l i -went t o
Geni sys Credi t Uni on;
Peopl es Choi ce went t o
Lake Orion Plumbing, Heat-
ing and Cooling and the grand
winner for Best Overall Chili
went to Eye Health Profes-
sionals. Congratulations to
everyone!
If you are interested in tak-
ing the challenge next year
and entering your famous chili
recipe we are offering a $10
discount for early registration.
Contact the Chamber office
at (248) 693-6300 for more
information.
Bill Kokenos,
OACC President
It was reported to the
Chamber by the Township
of Brandon that an area
business pressured a senior
citizen into work that
wasn't necessary and also
charged them for work
that they didn't perform.
The business also changed
the contract and didn't give
this senior a copy of the
contract. The senior citizen
had just lost his daughter
and recently his grand son
was in a car accident
which left him paralyzed
from the chest down. The
Township of Brandon is try-
ing to help this person but
as of now the best they
have done is filed a com-
p l a i n t
with the
B e t t e r
Business
Bu r e a u
and also
with the
Attorney
Generals
Office.
Many
of us
have fam-
ily, friends and neighbors
who are senior citizens and
may become targets by in-
dividuals who want to take
advantage of them in their
time of sorrow. If you see
or hear of something like
this happening here is what
you should do.
If they have family
please contact the family
at once.They may not
know what their family
member in doing. If they
don't have family contact
the business owner to see
if they know what their
employee is doing and ask
them to correct the prob-
lem. Call your
Villages,Township or Cities
Offices to complain and ask
them for help.Also contact
the Attorney Generals of-
fice. Contact the Better
Business Bureau first to re-
port the business and then
to see what the businesses
rating with the Better Busi-
ness Bureau. Contact your
local County Prosecutor's
office and ask to file a com-
plaint against the business.
Please also remember that
this just doesn't happen to
Senior Citizens. It could
happen to any one of us.
It has also been brought
to my attention that in the
last couple of months some
of our area businesses have
been approached by indi-
viduals who say that they
are ill, dying or have family
members that are sick.
They are asking for money,
food, transportation, etc. I
would hope that those indi-
viduals are being truthful
but caution should be taken.
I have spoken to Chief
Jerry Narsh of the Lake
Orion Police Department
and he recommends that
you ask these individuals
for a solicitation permit that
would be issued either by
the Village of Lake Orion
or by Orion Township. If
they have a permit then
their story is factual. If they
don't have one than there
is a possibility that they are
a fraud. We know there
are many people suffering
in this economy, however
many of these individuals
are using this as a method
to enter and scope out the
business for criminal intent.
If possible call your local
police department to come
and handle the situation while
they are still in your business.
This way you and other busi-
nesses will be protected.
Individuals who need assis-
tance can contact Love INC of
North Oakland County, a local
clearinghouse, where people
can connect with local churches
and agencies that provide assis-
tance. Their number is (248)
693-4357.
Times are tough,
some turn to crime
October 2011 -- Whats The Biz -- Lake Orion 5
436 S. Broadway (M-24) , Suite C Lake Orion www.porrittlaw.com
Licensed Real Estate Broker Past Chair of OCBA Real Estate Committee
Member of American and State Bar Real Estate Sections
James R. Porritt, Jr.
248-693-6245
Serving Orion and Oxford Areas
Since 1973
ATTORNEY
Real Estate Transactions and
Troubled Mortgage Relief
SIMPLE WILLS
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 the rest of your life. Michigans unsupervised probate procedure is
inexpensive, uses preprinted forms, avoids formal accountings, court appearances, or approval
of asset disposition.
Free Initial
Consultation
Is Your Business
Relevant?
Does everybody in town know you exist?
Why should anybody use your business over your competitors?
James R. Porritt, Jr.,
Attorney,
OACC member
Uncapping of property taxes
Tax Consultation and Preparation
Financial Report
Compliance Payroll Services
Business Consulting
Reasonable Inclusive Monthly Costs
PADGETT BUSINESS SERVICES
OF NORTH OAKLAND
1520 S. Lapeer Rd., Ste. 211
Lake Orion, MI 48360
248-693-6222
b.edwards@smallbizpros.com
smallbizpros.com/b_edwards
Were Taking The Worry
Out Of Business Taxes
We continually assess tax changes
and their effect on your business.
This knowledge combined with our
personalized consultation gives our clients
peace of mind knowing that prompt,
accurate reporting
of their tax information is taken care of.
It doesnt have to be
this way.
We eliminate the stress
of business taxes
The issue of whether the limita-
tion on property tax increases apply
to particular trans-
fers of ownership
has not been on the
front burner of
concerns lately be-
cause the values
have been declin-
ing. Where a prop-
erty is owned by a
corporat i on or
other business en-
tity the issue has
been presented whether a transfer
of ownership of the company or a
transfer of a majority interest in the
company will result in an uncapping
of the taxes. An uncapping allows
the taxing authority to tax the prop-
erty on its current state equalized
value rather than the more limited
taxable value. More recently the
Michigan State Tax Commission has
redefined the uncapping that pertains
to joint tenancy.
A transfer to create a new joint
tenancy with the current owner con-
tinuing as an owner is exempt from
the uncapping. The termination of a
joint tenancy is also exempt. The is-
sue was whether a surviving co-ten-
ant, not the original owner, could cre-
As we move into football and stimu-
lus season, one often thinks about tax
time if only for a fleeting moment.
But like football and the stimulus, ef-
fective blocking and tackling wins
games and deficits will have to be paid
through taxes. And with change,
business and personal tax planning with
a professional now can pay dividends
for years to come.
Padgett Business Services of North
Oakland prides themselves on provid-
ing business advice throughout the year.
Clients pay a regular monthly fee for
their accounting and/or payroll services
and as part of the deal they receive
regular consultations without the bill-
able seconds of other firms. This cus-
tomer service is a valuable margin of
difference.
In fact, with their service, many busi-
nesses can avoid internal accounting
personnel (very real savings) as their
professionals collect all of the informa-
tion efficiently every month and pro-
cess it into financial reports. With
these monthly accounting records they
are able to both monitor the progress
of the business and provide their cli-
Tackling the problem
ents with exceptional tax preparation
services. Bruce W. Edwards, JD, LLM,
MBA, CEO of Padgett Business Services
of North Oakland says, It is like hav-
ing a medical chart for the business.
Thus, it is the right time to be think-
ing about your taxes not only for
2011, but also 2012. It is just way too
late after the first of the year. Have
you thought about the changes in the
Michigan Business Tax, whether an
LLC or an S-corporation is best for your
business? And how will the stimuli af-
fect your business?
Padgett Business Services of North
Oakland is part of a family of 400 busi-
nesses in the United States and Canada
that have been around since 1964. Their
firm has the experience and education
to serve the needs of local business
well. Edwards notes, we have the tal-
ent of a metropolitan firm and the man-
ners and prices of a small town busi-
ness. Now that is a winning combi-
nation.
Bruce W. Edwards, JD, LL.M,
MBA
Padgett Business Services
Continued on page 11
6 Whats The Biz -- Lake Orion -- October 2011
The more you know (formerly bits & pieces)
Luncheon sponsorship opportuni-
ties
Need an inexpensive way to create
more exposure for your business? Be-
come a 2011 Chamber Luncheon Spon-
sor. A $125 sponsorship gets your com-
pany name and logo on the front of the
luncheon postcard, in the Monday Info
email blast and in the Monthly Motiva-
tor. You get a table and table cover at
the luncheon where you can also dis-
play your company banner and you
may give a five minute presentation.
You will also receive one free lunch.For
$50 you can have a table at the lun-
cheon to distribute your information.
You can also sponsor the luncheon post-
card mailing for $50. Your logo will be
included on the back of the postcard.
For more information contact Alaina at
(248) 693-6300.
Basketball America Grand Re-Open-
ing
Come see the newly renovated Basket-
ball America facility on Saturday, Septem-
ber 24 from 9 am to 5 pm located at 257
W. Clarkston Road in Lake Orion. Free
open gym all day, dunk contests, volley-
ball serving contests, 3 on 3 basketball
tournament, Jets Pizza, barbecue and door
prizes will all make for a fun day! For more
information contact Jim Otto at (248) 693-
5858 or go their website at
www.bballamerica.com.
Orion Healthy Pet Big Event
The Orion Healthy Pet Big Event
is Saturday, October 8 from 10 am to
4 pm at 1472 S. Lapeer Road in Lake
Orion. From Great Danes Rescue to
Pet Psychic Laurie, Oakland County
Police Dog Unit, pet food vendors, and
all sorts of supplies, giveaways and
contests-this falls Big Event is go-
ing to be the best one yet. Healthy Pet
coordinates this event to raise money
for the Great Dane Rescue and the K9
Police Dog Fund. For more informa-
tion call Healthy Pet at 248-690-7796
or visit their website at
www.orionhealthypet.com.
Lake Orion Optimist Club
Lake Orion Area Optimist Club meet-
ings are held the first Thursday of the
month, 7:30 am at Times Square Res-
taurant and the third Thursday of the
month, 4:30 pm at Gs Pizzeria. Busi-
ness owners, educators, community
leaders, retirees, professionals and citi-
zens are all invited. For more informa-
tion contact Katherine Baumann at 248-
505-3067.
ONTV Business Exposure
Seeking business exposure? The Ex-
perts Panel is a segment in the ONTV
revised local news program. Orion
Neighborhood Television is looking for
experts in a wide variety of fields:
physical fitness, taxes,
auto repair, wine making, pretty
much anything. How does it work?
One hour appointment, guide sheet pro-
vided in advance, video at your busi-
ness or our studio, one or more seg-
ments per session, logo and contact
information included. Contact Heather
Muzzy, Outreach Coordinator at 248-
693-3377.
Lake Orion Farmers Market
The Lake Orion Farmers Market
is held every Wednesday from 2-7 pm
until September 28 at 93 S. Ander-
son in downtown Lake Orion next to
Childrens Park. For more informa-
tion check out their website at
www.lakeorionfarmersmarket.com.
Come shop for fresh, locally grown
produce and products.
13th Annual Rural Pearl of a Ride
The Polly Ann Trail will be hosting
the 13th Annual Rural Pearl of a Ride
on Saturday, September 24 beginning
at 7 am. This bicycle event is an im-
portant fundraiser for the Polly Ann
Trail and will draw hundreds of par-
ticipants. Local businesses can set up
a table/tent on the trail free of charge
to promote their businesses in
Leonard, Oxford and Orion Township.
The only requirement is that the busi-
ness provide some type of refreshment
for the participants. For more informa-
tion contact Juliane Bagley, Trail Man-
ager at (248) 969-8660 or
manager@pollyanntrailway.org.
Heal thQuest Physi cal Therapy
Job Opening
HealthQuest Physical Therapy, an
expanding company in Orion Town-
ship, is looking for a part time recep-
tionist who is quality driven and wants
to make a difference in peoples lives.
Schedule is Monday through Friday
from 9 am to noon. For more informa-
tion contact Stacy at
sfilarski@hqpt.com or fax your re-
sume to (248) 650-8670.
Oxford Chamber of Commerce
Multi-Chamber Mixer
The Oxford Chamber of Commerce
will host a multi-chamber mixer on
Tuesday, September 27 from 5-8:30 pm
at Oxford Hills Golf Club, 300 E.
Drahner Road in Oxford. Invited
Chamber s are Orion, Lapeer,
Metamora and Clarkston. Cost to at-
tend is $20 for chamber members and
$25 for non-members. RSVP early and
receive a free gift (first 50 registrants).
Call the Oxford Chamber at (248) 628-
0410.
Your neighborhood Genisys Credit
Union would like to share some impor-
tant information that could one day pre-
vent you from becoming a victim of
identity theft. Most people are unaware
of how often someones identity is sto-
len and some may not even be aware
of what identity theft is. Genisys Credit
Union would like to explain exactly
what is identity theft is and also pro-
vide a few helpful tips that could pro-
tect you from one day becoming a vic-
tim.
Identity theft occurs when someone
What is identity theft?
Tips from Genisys Credit Union
assumes your identity by using your
social security number and personal
information to open bank accounts,
credit cards and/or other accounts in
an attempt to commit fraud or theft.
The Federal Trade Commission re-
ported approximately 300,000 cases
of identity theft in 2002.
If you become a victim of iden-
tity theft, act quickly in order to clean
up your credit.
Obtain a copy of your credit
reports from the three major credit
report i ng agenci es: Equi fax,
Experian and TransUnion. Ask them
to place a fraud alert on your credit
report. Include a statement that asks
creditors to call you for permission
before any new accounts are opened
in your name.
Contact creditors for any ac-
counts that have been tampered with
or opened without your knowledge.
Be sure to put complaints in writing.
File a police report and send
copies to your creditors and credit
bureaus as proof of the crime.
Report the fraud to the Office
of the Inspector General' s fraud
hotline.
You can protect yourself against
identity theft in the following ways:
Guard your Social Security num-
ber and keeping track of all of your ac-
counts.
Routinely check your credit report
for unauthorized activity - get a credit
report at least once a year and clean
up any errors.
Buy a shredder and destroy bills,
pre-approved credit offers, and other
documents with personal information
before throwing them out.
Continued on page 10
October 2011 -- Whats The Biz -- Lake Orion 7
Val l ey Tent
Rental proudly an-
nounces the opening
of its showroom and
party supply store-
front l ocat ed at
10280 Hi l l Rd,
Goodrich, Mi.
Val l ey Tent
Rental has been suc-
cessfully operating
and servi ng sur-
rounding areas for
14+ years. Upon ex-
pansion Valley Tent
Rent al purchased
the venue to more
efficiently service
their current cus-
tomer base and fu-
ture customers by
supplying a visual aid
in their showroom,
allowing the oppor-
tunity for clients to
come into the store
and meet wi t h a
planning consultant
to make their event
everyt hi ng t hey
want it to be, as well
as providing a con-
venient location for
customers and locals
to purchase party
supply items.
Val l ey Tent
of numerous paper products and linen
options. Balloon arrangements can be
pre-ordered for pick up on your event
day or the customer may come in and
design their own arrangement.
Valley Tent Rental purchased the
building in June 2011 and has to date
reported an increase in overall effi-
Rental prides itself in being a one-stop
party supply company by offering ev-
erything from Tents, Tables, Chairs,
Linens, Coolers, Trash cans, Porta-
pot t i es, Ent ert ai nment opt i ons,
Inflatables, Carnival Games, Conces-
sion equipment and now a full line of
balloons and paper products to coor-
dinate with your event. Valley Tent
Rental welcomes customers to come
in and browse the showroom, select
your party items and as needed meet
with a business associate to aid in your
planning process.
The storefront also includes a vari-
ety of mylar and helium balloons for a
majority of your themed parties and
events, as well as a stocked inventory
A One-stop shop for large party needs
ciency and accessibility to our clients
for pick up opportunities. Hours of op-
eration are Mon to Fri, 10 a.m. to 6
p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and
by appointment only on Sunday.
Pl ease vi si t
www.valleytentrental.net or call 810-
459-RENT
Have you ever wondered about the
differences between credit unions and
banks?
First, let's start with their similari-
ties. For example, credit unions and
banks both accept deposits and with-
drawals, while also providing loans
and a variety of checking and savings
accounts. But credit unions have one
very significant difference. Unlike
The Benefits of Belonging to a Credit Union
banks, credit unions are not-for-profit,
cooperative institutions. Banks are
owned by groups of stockholders and
operated by a paid board of direc-
tors for the benefit of the stockhold-
ers, whereas credit unions are owned
by their members and operated by a
volunteer member elected board of
directors for the benefit of the mem-
bers.
Each credit union's charter defines
its "field of membership." This desig-
nates who can join. Because of that
membership requirement, all members
of a particular credit union are united
by a "common bond." As such, they
share something in common; like
where they live or work, or their as-
sociation with a recognized group or
organization. Once someone qualifies
for membership, often family members
may join also. At Lakes, our member-
ship charter is open to anyone that
lives, works or worships in Oakland
County.
Since credit unions are not-for-
profit associations, profits are returned
to the members in the form of lower
loan rates, higher savings rates, and
many free or discounted services com-
Continued on page 11
8 Whats The Biz -- Lake Orion -- October 2011
MARK E. CRANE, PLLC
Attorneys At Law
www.markcranelaw.com
950 W. University, Suite 102 Rochester
248-656-9600
Serving
North Oakland
County
Family Law
Estate Planning
Civil Litigation
Criminal Defense
By Joe St. Henry
Review Editor
Over the last several months, to the
delight of local real estate agents and
home sellers alike, sales in the Village
of Lake Orion and Orion Township
have picked up significantly.
Houses are selling much quicker
t han i n t he past , sai d Shi rl ey
Coronado, a real estate agent for Cen-
tury 21 Town & Country who special-
izes in the Lake Orion market. Sta-
tistically, I guess its still considered a
buyers market, but its behaving like
its a sellers market.
Were seeing houses receive mul-
tiple offers and sell in days, maybe a
few weeks, rather than months or
years.
In July, a total of 56 homes were
sold in the township and village com-
bined, as compared to 35 homes dur-
ing July 2010, according to Realcomp
II Ltd., the Farmington Hills real es-
tate information company.
The median price for homes sold in
the village this July was $152,500; in
the township, $127,500. This compares
to $111,500 in the village last summer;
$118,000 in the township last July,
Realcomp also reported.
Christine Porritt, owner of Beacon
Real Estate Company in Lake Orion,
said multiple- listing services report
year-to-date (YTD) home sales in
Lake Orion and the township during
2011 stand at 343 through August, up
from 275 during the same YTD pe-
riod last year.
The perfect storm is forming in the
area to prompt sales, Porritt said. In
the past, many prospective buyers in
the area were just looking or they were
most interested in trying to steal a
home at a great price. These days,
buyers are ready to buy and offering
fair prices.
Sellers who held out for the market
to rebound are now putting their
homes up for sale, she said.
As in the past, the key to selling a
home quickly anywhere is to price it
competitively to reflect todays mar-
ket conditions, Coronado said. As
long as seller recognizes true market
value of home, were seeing offers
fairly quickly on those in clean,
showable condition.
Coronado explained home buyers are
looking for granite countertops, lots of
closet space and master suites with pri-
vate, updated bathrooms, in particular.
Given the free fall in all home prices
in recent years, older homes that have
not been updated with the above
amenities struggle to appeal to todays
homebuyers, the Century 21 real es-
tate agent said. The fact is new homes
in the same price range sell quicker,
she explained, noting there is espe-
cially strong interest in ranch homes.
Porritt offered additional advice to
homeowners looking to sell. They
should take a hard look at their homes
and make those improvements they
have been postponing, she stressed.
A well-cared-for home is a sure fire
winner. Add some sparkle, de-clutter
and spruce up the grounds. Lastly,
price your home correctly . . .There
are buyers in the market ready to buy.
Both realtors agreed foreclosed
homes in the area are affecting ap-
praisals and selling prices, but their
impact was much stronger during the
previous couple of years.
Tighter mortgage-lending rules also
make the home-buying process more
complex these days, Coronado said,
saying underwriters are now very
picky.
You hold your breath with every
transaction, she said. Nothing is for
sure until the closing. This can be frus-
trating for everyone.
Coronado also pointed out while
state equalized assessed values of
homes in the community may have
officially dropped again this year - by
9.44 percent, according to Oakland
County this does not reflect current
market activity.
There is a lag time between what
takes place in the market and what
the county reports by up to a year,
she offered. It isnt reflective of
current market values . . . Im very
optimistic.
Property sales in Lake Orion up
By Olivia Shumaker
Special Writer for The Review
At Orion Healthy Pets, located on M-
24 in Lake Orion, providing local dogs
and cats with better food is the companys
highest priority.
The business, owned by Tom Peters
and Mary Beth Darby, may now focus
on pet nutrition, but this was not always
the case. Believe it or not, when Orion
Healthy Pets first started they were sell-
ing immune supplements to people.
More and more people were buying
them and a guy who was using the supple-
ments for his lymphoma decided to treat
his dog, which also got lymphoma, said
Peters. He started giving it to his dog,
and it improved significantly.
That experience spring-boarded Orion
Healthy Pets to its current success. Pe-
ters and Darby began selling immune
supplements for pets six years ago, and
also began getting questions about what
to feed dogs. They informed customers
that the major brand dog food they were
Dogs eat smart at
Ori on Heal t hy Pet s
feeding their pets was actually unhealthy
but, at the time, could not recommend
other options.
So the two began making a better dog
food in the store, Peters said. Orion
Healthy Pets now makes four varieties,
all of which are dehydrated for shipping.
Once bought, a dog owner needs only to
add water and meat to make a fresh meal
for his or her pet.
The goal of making the dog food was
to eliminate the bad qualities of major dog
food brands, so Peters and Darby elimi-
nated a few ingredients. No grains,
byproducts, preservatives, herbicides and
floor sweepings are added.
Floor sweepings, or brewers rice,
were at one time sold to gas stations and
similar businesses to dump on spilled oil,
so that it could be swept up, thus the name
floor sweepings, the owner explained.
Orion Healthy Pets has an online pres-
ence and ships its food all over North
America and Europe. In Lake Orion,
Continued on page 10
October 2011 -- Whats The Biz -- Lake Orion 9
Chamber
Chili
Challenge!
The Orion Area businesses Eye Health Pro-
fessionals, Genisys Credit Union, Craig
Johnston, Skalnek Ford, Lake Orion Plumb-
ing, Heating and Cooling, Howarth United
Methodist Church, wiches and KLM Scape
and Snow made sure no one at Barn Daze,
Sept 10, went hungry, as homemade chili was
dished out to everyone who wanted some.
Those interested in next years rendition
should contact the Orion Area Chamber of
Commerce at (248) 693-6300.
State Senator Jim Marleau, Joe Zimmer owner of Culvers Restaurant, Matt Heasley owner of Poppyseed Deli & Fountain, Paul Zelenak Lake Orion
Village Manager and Chamber Board member, Chief Jerry Narsh Lake Orion Police, and Jim Porritt Chamber board member served as judges for the
contest.
Photos by Gabriel Ouzounian
Paul Sandstrom, of Orion, serves up a healthy helping to the Sawdicks, of Oxford.
Doctor Deck, from Eye Health Professionals, took home first
prize according to the judges with the help of hit devils. Dana
Berkholz, or Orion, was one such devil.
10 Whats The Biz -- Lake Orion -- October 2011
New Energy Auditor
Training Standards
Located on Lapeer Road & Dutton (1/2 Mile N of the Palace) 248-276-2222
Car Show
BBQ Chicken and
Pulled Pork Buffet
Cruiser Appreciation Day
Saturday, Sept 24 12-6 pm
Last year over 400 Cruisers
for our annual event!
Rain Date Sunday, Sept 25th
Special Guests
The
Viceroys!
12 Noon - 1:30 pm The Oldies DJ Phil with Music & Trivia
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm BBQ Buffet Only $6.00
1:30 pm - 3:30 pm The Viceroys - Live Oldies Band
3:30 pm - 4:00 pm Phil with 50/50 Raffle & Oldies Music
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm Tom Mazzaro
Schedule of Events
Chicken, Pulled Pork,
Baked Beans, Cole Slaw
Singing your favorite songs: Frank Sinatra, Neil Diamond,
Paul Anka, Richi Valli & More! Tomknows over 300 songs by memory!
Tuesday Nights
join us for our
FALL & WINTER
CRUISES!
Evenings 5-8 pm
Cruisers
15% Off Meals
Fun For The Whole Family!
Many DOOR PRIZES All Day Long!
Bounce House & Face Painting
for The Kids!
Orion Healthy Pets is known for both
its storefront and fundraising events for
dog rescues.
In September, the store is hosting a
Great Dane rescue, bringing in a pet
photographer, a pet psychic, and rep-
resentatives from the healthy dog food
brands that they sell in the store. The
event benefits local dog rescue groups
and the Lake Orion K-9 unit. A vet-
erinarian also will be available to an-
swer questions about dog health, said
Peters.
Besides selling healthier dog food,
Continued from page 9
OrionHealthy pets
Orion Healthy Pets provides a variety
of other dog and cat items, including
an unusual chew toy for dogs: deer and
elk antlers. The antlers come from
free-roaming deer and elk, dropped
naturally and cut down to a variety of
sizes and prices. Peters said unlike
rawhides or other chews for dogs, ant-
lers help to clean teeth, are full of vita-
mins and minerals, and have no calo-
ries.
To contact the store or check on up-
coming events, visit
orionhealthypets.com.
The Peters-Darby family shows off their wares and one customer.
Buildings Personnel Training Act of 2010.
It was an honor
t o be sel ect ed t o
hel p devel op t he
new national guide-
lines, Buzard said.
A lot of companies,
even utility provid-
ers, provide energy
audi t s. Some are
based on phone calls
or online forms, by
unqualified employ-
ees, or are done by companies who
have a product to sell. It's really a case
of buyer beware. Companies who use
these guidelines in training their audi-
tors can assure their clients that their
products meet standards for perfor-
mance and quality.
Buzard started his career with 18
years in the Navy where he served as
a member of engineering, repair, re-
pair planning and training departments
in the submarine and surface fleets,
then went on to earn an Associates
degree in HVAC & Refrigeration and
a BS degree in Facilities Management.
His experience includes positions as
a Program Manager, Project Manager,
Area Facilities Manager, and Site Di-
rector of Facility Services. He started
Facilities Performance Services in
2006 to address the energy efficiency
and facilities management needs of
businesses throughout the region.
Facilities Performance Services is
an ENERGY STAR Partner, Michi-
gan Corporation, and Veteran-owned
small business.
Facilities Performance Services
can be reached at support @fps-
fm.com or at (248)935-9097.
Continued from page 2
Stay on top of your finances, espe-
cially bill due dates, so you'll know if
a bill is missing.
Carefully monitor
your bank accounts
and reconcile your
checkbook regu-
larly.
Know your
bank's policies re-
garding account errors and loss. Read
the fine print.
Genisys Credit Union is proud to be
making a difference in our communi-
Richard Buzard
Facilities Performance
Services Persident
Continued from page 6 ties, and we truly believe that Genisys
is Where you come first. We are lo-
cally owned, locally controlled and
continue to receive BauerFinancials
five-star rating for
fi nanci al safet y
and soundness.
Fol l ow Geni sys
Credit Union on
Facebook and
t wi t t er for con-
tests, promotions and other helpful in-
formation. A calendar of events can
al so be found on our websi t e at
www.genisyscu.org.
Identity theft
October 2011 -- Whats The Biz -- Lake Orion 11
pared to other types of financial insti-
tutions.
What do you have to do to join a
credit union? While the actual require-
ments vary from credit union to credit
union, some sort of action is required
to designate you as a member. Often,
it's as simple as making a small de-
posit that acts as your "share" of own-
ership in their institution. Think of it as
your share of "stock" in the business
(after all, you are the owner). At
Lakes, we ask that you deposit $5 in
your savings account.
Credit unions represent a different
type of financial institution as they be-
lieve fair and equitable financial ser-
vice is vital to the well-being and sta-
bility of its members. Some of the most
popular services available through
credit unions are savings and check-
ing accounts, home mortgage loans,
no or low fee ATM/Debit cards, IRA
accounts, vehicle and personal loans.
Research reflects that credit unions
characteristically provide the finest fi-
nancial assistance at reduced rates and
with fewer finance fees on loans while
offering their members higher rates on
savings accounts.
So if you're a credit union member
and your friends and family are eligible
for membership, let them in on one of
your best secrets. Lakes Community
Credit Union is the best place to, well,
bank. Because at Lakes, we consis-
tently endeavor to provide the very
best and most economical financial ser-
vices possible to meet our members
needs. Plus stop by our Lake Orion
office on October 20th for Credit
Union Day to see the difference be-
tween credit unions and banks.
Continued from page 7
Credit unions vs. banks
The similarities and differences
Continued from page 5
The Orion Area Chamber is looking for
volunteers to form a committee to work
with Orion Township, The Village of Lake
Orion and Indianwood Country Club on
the 2012 Senior Open, July 9th thru the
12th at Indianwood Country Club.
The committee will work with the
three groups to help get businesses in-
Looking for Business Owners
to help with 2012 Senior Open
volved in this great event. We are look-
ing for people from all types of busi-
nesses that will help bring the millions
of dollars this event generates here to
the Orion area.
If you are interested please call Bill
Kokenos at 248-802-5521 or email
b21koko@gmail.com.
ate yet another successive joint ten-
ancy and avoid the uncapping. The
Supreme Court and the Tax Commis-
sion have concluded that the convey-
ance to another joint tenancy is not
exempt and accordingly is subject to
an uncapping by the taxing authority.
Seemingly simple real estate transac-
tions can hold surprises for the unin-
formed. Be sure to consult with a
qualified real estate attorney.
Uncapping of
property
The Lake Orion Review is
partnering with our community
of entrepreneurs and small
businesses to help one an-
other other succeed.
Join us for a free weekly
Coffee Club networking event,
every Friday at the Lake Orion
Culvers from 7:30 to 9 a.m.
Coffee?
Join
the club!
EYE HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
& FASHION OPTICAL
Modern Eye Care, Old Fashioned Caring
81 Indianwood Road., Ste 1
Lake Orion, MI 48362
248-693-2321 Fax: 248-693-2703
Email: eyehealth@dnsci.com
Robert E. Deck III, O.D.
Doctor of Optometry
ENVIRONMENTAL
WOOD SOLUTIONS
Call For Rates 248-391-9446
3500 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 Mix
Hardwood Mulch Colored Mulch
Aggregate Materials - Sand & Stone
FULL SERVICE AUTO REPAIR
Brake Service
Tune-ups
Air Conditioning
591 South Lapeer Road Lake Orion
248-693-1488
BRAKES
Lifetime Guaranteed
Expires 10-31-11
Maintenance
Checkup
Most Vehicles
Expires 10-31-11
Pads or shoes
Most Vehicles
Change Oil & Filter,
Rotate Tires, Check Brakes
$
29
95
$
89
95
Per Axle
WE DO THAT
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
Associated Foot Clinic
Jeffrey 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
248-693-8400
Diplomate, American Board of Podiatric Surgery
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
12 Whats The Biz -- Lake Orion -- October 2011
Looking for
Free ATMs?
we've ol 28,000l
Al rosl . Loo| lor l||s .
www.genisyscu.org
22 3oul|easl V|c||ar |ocal|ors,
lrd ore al ZZZJHQLV\VFXRUJ
:KHUH\RXFRPHILUVW