Michigan Beer Cellar

Have you ever been to an establishment that has their own microbrewery? Michigan Beer Cellar, located at 500 E. Division in Sparta, makes their own beer, wine and artisan spirits, including vodka, whiskey, rum and gin.
Dan Humphrey opened the microbrewery in June. He said they have a large selection of microbeer with 12 on tap, six wines, and a large selection of mixed drinks. They serve their own products in a 4,000 square-foot taproom along with appetizers, paninis and grilled wraps.

In the future they hope to bottle and sell their product out in the market. They also plan to add an open mic night on Thursdays and bands on Saturdays in the fall.

Hours are Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sunday noon-2 a.m. Call (616) 205-5286.

Angela’s Hair Salon and Day Spa

Looking for a new hair stylist or place to get a pedicure? A salon and day spa opening in Howard City may be just what you are looking for.

Angela’s Hair Salon and Day Spa will be opening on September 3, at 20055 W 46 in Howard City. The salon will provide all types of hair services, waxing, pedicures, nails, tanning and massages.

Owner Angela Troost said the salon would have a family friendly atmosphere. “We will always make you feel like part of our family here,” she said. She noted that they have lower prices, and want to be “the home of the $10 haircut.” They will also have later hours to accommodate busy schedules.

Troost said that their massage therapist is professional and will make you feel comfortable and will make you feel comfortable whether it’s your first or your fifth time.

Hours are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call (231) 937-7800 for more info.

Black Dog Outfitters

There’s a new sporting goods store in town, and they plan to carry everything you need to hunt, fish, camp and travel in the great outdoors.

Black Dog Outfitters, formerly Wilderness Dreams, is located at 53 E. Lake Street in Sand Lake. New owner Ryan Wheeler said they now offer an expanded line of archery and fishing gear, fly fishing, duck hunting, bow technicians, bait, gifts, and more.

One thing they specialize in is their guiding service. “We do fishing, fly fishing and duck/goose hunting guided trips,” said Wheeler. “No one provides a full range of outdoor supplies as well as the guide service.” He added that bait is available 24 hours a day.

Hours are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call (616) 636-4859 for more information.

Direct Impact Mix Martial Arts Kickboxing

If you are looking for a way to get physically fit, you might want to try Direct Impact, a new martial arts center located at 73 S. Main Street, next to Cedar Pub. Owner Carlito Rodriquez said his business provides one-on-one personal training for those interested in Mix Martial Arts, extreme fitness training and speed training. They specialize in stand-up techniques such as Muay Thai kickboxing, Jeet Kune Do (Bruce Lee techniques), speed training, pinpoint accuracy, dynamic strength training and toning, core training, balance and timing, and self-defense.

So what does he think gives his students an edge? “Learning the skills to turn your body into a weapon and having the confidence to be your own security,” said Rodriquez. He said his mission is to teach clients the balance and focus of body and mind training, and to turn beginners into a martial artist within a four-month intensive training program. “I tailor all programs to meet the needs of my students in a professional and safe environment,” he explained.

Rodriquez said he also hopes to inspire area youth to make a positive impact on the community.

Hours are Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 4-5:30 p.m. Private appointments available by request.  Call (616) 826-9269 or email directimpactmma@yahoo.com for tuition/lesson fees. Group rates available.

(NAPSI)-Jobs are few and far between these days, so more people are hanging out their own shingle and starting a business.

But not everyone is cut out to be an entrepreneur. Hours can be long, starting up can be expensive and there’s no guarantee for success. But for many, the satisfaction of being their own boss is priceless.

“The rewards of successfully operating a business are phenomenal,” says Jim Hogge, a business adviser in one of the most entrepreneurial states in the country–Idaho, which ranks fifth in the nation for new startup businesses.

Hogge, director of Idaho’s Small Business Development Centers, says certain factors need to come together in order for entrepreneurs to be successful.

So what does it take to be an entrepreneur?

Here are some questions to ask yourself before starting a business:

1. Can you be a leader? Do you have the vision, passion, discipline, organizational skills and the motivation to work through the good and bad times?

2. The average entrepreneur works 67 hours per week. Are you willing to devote the time to make the venture successful?

3. The founder typically provides 25-35 percent of the funds needed to start a business. Do you have access to this much money?

4. Do you have experience in operating this type of business or a similar business? It is challenging to start a business without having to learn everything about the business as you go.

5. Entrepreneurship is a family endeavor. The business will initially take much of your time and can be a lonely journey. Will your family provide the support you will need?

6. Is your location helping you? Choosing a place with low taxes, access to university assistance, a dedicated workforce and low energy and business costs is more important than ever when every dollar counts.

“The entrepreneur can build something that is enduring and financially rewarding,” says Hogge. “Most importantly, there is a great deal of enjoyment, satisfaction and even fun in building your own business.”
To learn more, visit www.commerce.idaho.gov/building-your-business.

The Cedar Springs Lion’s Club extended another helping hand late last month, when they donated 12 boxes of used books to the Cedar Springs High School Media Center. According to Lions Club member Roger Gren, the books were donated to them by the Veteran’s Home in Grand Rapids. The Lion’s Club donated a similar amount of books last spring to the Cedar Springs Public Library.
The Lions Club is known for helping members of the community with free eyeglasses, eye exams and hearing aids.

Buck’s Surplus

If you are looking for military surplus goods, or airsoft or paintball supplies, you need to check out Buck’s Surplus, 25 S. Main Street in Cedar Springs. Owner Jerrod (Buck) Roberts opened the business June 19.

According to Roberts, his business provides various types of military items ranging from vintage to modern day fatigues, packs, hydration systems, boots and tactical gear. Their fatigues come in a variety of colors, from OD to MultiCam. They offer duty belts and pouches for enforcement personnel as well. There is a 10 percent discount for all veterans, police and fire department personnel.

Along with military and enforcement gear, they also supply items for the airsoft and paintball community. “We offer quality airsoft and paintball guns, ammo, batteries, CO2 canisters, and spare magazines,” noted Roberts.

They hope to later put in a consignment store in the back where people can bring in used sporting items and clothing, and also plan to install a CO2 filling station to better serve the paintball community.

Business hours are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Tuesday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 616-520-5218 for more information.

Rosie’s Ice Cream treats library

Rosie’s Ice Cream (formerly Jo Jo’s Cone Zone) in Sand Lake, presented the Sand Lake/Nelson Twp. Library with an extra-special treat last month. They gave a money gift of $220 as part of the library plant sale and auction fundraiser that was held June 12. Rosie’s donated 10 percent of all food purchases that day to the library.

Co-owners Kathy Ortiz, Craig Moore, and Manager Laura Grice are all advocates of the library. “We love the library,” said Grice. “The library connects our entire community together through a love of reading.”

Ortiz shares Grice’s enthusiasm. “This gift is more than a percentage of sales. We gave a personal gift as well. We’re honored to be a part of this community and support the library.”

“The honor is all ours,” said Jennifer Sylvester, library plant sale co-chair. “The owners of Rosie’s have been supportive of this event since day one. Who would’ve predicted such a positive response?…We’re really grateful for all the support from Rosie’s and the community.”

From the Better Business Bureau

The Deepwater Horizon oil spill continues to threaten the environmental and economic health of the Gulf Coast.  In the wake of the largest environmental disaster in U.S. history, a coordinated effort is underway to clean up the spill and provide aid to affected families. Your Better Business Bureau warns that the recovery effort creates a great opportunity for scammers to make an easy dollar by deceiving those who are trying to find work, file claims with BP or donate money or volunteer to help with the cleanup.

“It’s tragic that scammers are taking advantage of an already disastrous situation,” said Ken Vander Meeden, President of the BBB Serving Western Michigan. “Unfortunately, history has shown that in the wake of a national disaster, scammers find a variety of ways to prey on the misfortune of others.”

Whether you’re looking for work or financial assistance or want to help out by donating money or volunteering your time, the BBB recommends doing your research and avoiding the following scams:

The Job Scam: Several organizations including BP and the BBB have reported on job scams in the wake of the oil spill.  Most commonly, job hunters say they were told to pay an upfront fee to get a job or pay for training. The BBB has also heard from people who were recruited for cleanup work by outfits that did not seem to have a contract with BP.

Jobs available directly with BP are posted on BP’s website.  For jobs through the state, such as Florida, Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi, you can visit the states’ job websites.  If you have been recruited by a company that claims to have a contract with BP, research the business fully and try to confirm with BP that they are a legitimate employer for the oil spill cleanup.  The BBB advises job hunters to be wary of companies that require applicants to pay an upfront fee.

The vast majority of jobs created will go to Gulf residents or industry specialists. Many of the jobs involved in the cleanup also require specific training or certifications, such as Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response training.  For most cleanup jobs, the employer will provide appropriate training for new employees.

The Claim Scam:  Unsolicited emails claiming that the recipients qualify for compensation from BP are landing in inboxes.  Additionally, the FTC warns against phony adjusters who ask for fees to expedite services

BP is accepting claims from individuals and businesses for property damage, loss of income and bodily injury or illness.  At this point it is unclear whether or not BP is accepting claims from vacationers who are seeking reimbursement for cancelled trips to the Gulf.

The toll-free BP claims line is 1-800-440-0858.  The line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or you can file a claim online through BP’s website.  Additionally, there are many claims offices along the Gulf Coast.  More information is available through the Deepwater Horizon Response website and on BP’s website.

The Charity Scam: Following any major disaster, scammers will pose as charitable organizations and try to solicit donations from well-meaning individuals.

The oil spill is unlike previous disasters and constraints in the cleanup effort limit what charities can do with your money or how you can volunteer.

While you can’t donate or volunteer to clean up oil, opportunities may include shoreline monitoring, fund raising, office work help in food programs for families in need and providing transportation.  Numerous charities with volunteer programs ask that you register with them so that they can assess your skills and place you appropriately when openings arise. The BBB Wise Giving Alliance has compiled a list of nationally soliciting charities that meet BBB standards that are asking for donations and volunteers for the Gulf effort.

How to Contact BP and Where to Report Fraud:

BP has set up phone numbers to address specific concerns surrounding the Oil Spill.  You can find a contact list on their website.

BP has also set up a fraud hotline at 1-877-359-6281.  Additionally, you can alert the FBI by calling (866) 720-5721 or via email disaster@leo.gov.  Also contact your local BBB so we can help get the word out and warn other people.

For more advice on finding a job, funding your business or donating to a charity, visit http://www.bbb.org/us/Consumer-Tips/.

Wooden swingset company receives tax exemption

The Solon Township board granted Jason Guyout Properties LLC (maker of the Woodlawn swingset) an industrial facilities exemption at its board meeting last week Tuesday, May 18.

The company is located at 13901 Woodlawn Hills Drive, off 17 Mile Rd.

Guyout reportedly wants to invest $125,000 in equipment, and $35,000 in facilities improvement. They would also be taking their current woodwaste and converting it into a usable resource. Guyout told the board that the number of full-time jobs would increase from 7 to 15.

The board held a public hearing on the issue, then voted to give them a 12-year exemption.

Panaceas under new ownership

Panaceas Natural Health Foods, 4320 14 Mile Road, located in the Cedar Rock strip mall just west of 14 Mile and Northland, is under new ownership and is offering new products. Vivian Felde took over the store, which was established in 2003. The store offers natural and organic foods, specialty foods, vitamins, and supplements. Felde said one of the things that makes them unique is that they offer case quantity discounts and a buyer’s club to help offset the cost of eating healthier. They also offer senior discounts to those 60 and over everyday. They are open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 10-4, and closed on Sunday. Phone (616) 866-7100.

MVF Thrift Store

The new Michigan Veterans Foundation Thrift Store had its grand opening on Saturday, May 1. The store, located at 4780 Cornfield Drive, ¼ mile north of 14 Mile, is a resale store dedicated to helping veterans and their families with food, housing, job placement assistance, clothing, etc. It is an extension of the Michigan’s Veterans Foundation, a non-profit agency, whose overall objective is to fill the gaps that currently exist in providing services to veterans.

They currently have a number of items they would like to donate to needy veterans, including an electric wheelchair, Dyna care peripheral circulatory assist for bed, merits scooter (needs battery), crutches, walkers, hoyer sling (xlg), and other items. They also appreciate donations. Contact them at 696-1800 or (616) 822-0390. Hours are Monday through Friday 9-6, Friday 9-5, and Saturday 9-2. Volunteers welcome.

DeltaTron Communicatins Service

Are you looking for a communications service for your business? Then check out DeltaTron Communications Service. Established in 2009 by owner James Pate, they offer business voice and data services for telephones and computers. They install and service business telephones, computer, and PA equipment. They offer networking, Wi-Fi, VOIP, and internet cameras. They cover areas of Grand Rapids, Muskegon, Holland and Kalamazoo. And they make sure the customer is happy. “We do it right the first time so our customers have less downtime. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” said Pate. “If it isn’t right, we make it right, and stick with it until it is.” They offer quality service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call them at (616) 799-0517, or visit their website at www.deltatrontelecom.com.

New quilt store opens

Garden Path Quilts, located at 25 S. Main Street in Cedar Springs, had its grand opening last week. Owner Barb Grutter is the store manager and has 18 years of quilting experience. The store offers quality quilt fabric, quilt books and patterns, and notions. They also teach quilt classes to beginners that follow all the way through to the final stitch. “We focus on beginner quilters, and take pride in our classes,” noted Grutter. “You can always get your quilt questions answered here.” Visit them Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 10-5, Thursday from 10-7, and Saturday from 10-2. Call (616) 263-9434 for more information.

Complaints to the Better Business Bureau about airlines have increased by more than 170 percent in the last five years. Good news is on the horizon, as the BBB explains, new rules and regulations went into effect last month to provide better consumer protection for air travelers.

According to the Department of Transportation (DOT), most complaints against airlines are about flight problems – including delays and cancellations – and lost baggage.  Some more famous angry customers took their complaints online in the last year by performing songs like “United Breaks Guitars” for YouTube or posting videos of being stuck for hours on the tarmac with other angry passengers.

“Harried air travelers have grown increasingly angry and vocal both online and offline about how they feel they are being treated and the Federal Government is taking notice,” said Ken Vander Meeden, BBB of Western Michigan CEO. “These new regulations will hopefully result in happier fliers and fewer complaints to the BBB.”

The following are the new regulations that go into effect April 29 by the DOT to improve customer protections when flying in the US:

Customer Complaints – Airlines are now required to acknowledge customer complaints within 30 days and address the issue within 60 days.

Tardy Takeoffs – DOT is now allowed to penalize airlines for any domestic flight that is more than 30 minutes late on at least half its trips each month for four months in a row.

Tarmac Tribulations – Airlines are required to provide adequate food and potable drinking water for passengers within two hours of the aircraft being delayed – lavatories must also remain available and operable. If the plane is delayed more than three hours on the tarmac, it must return to the gate and deplane the passengers – barring any safety or airport disruption concerns.

Web Site Wait Times – Airlines are required to display on their Web site flight delay information for each domestic flight they operate. The Wall Street Journal reports, however, that the airline industry is asking for an extension on the deadline for compliance on this specific issue because of technology constraints.

Relaying Your Rights – Airlines must include on their Web site a customer service plan which, as recommended by DOT, would outline the company policies in regard to overbooking, baggage handling, handling customer complaints and many other customer service issues.

More information on these new rules can be found online at regulations.gov. Upset airplane passengers are encouraged to file a complaint with both the DOT and the BBB online.

For more advice you can trust to become a smart traveler, visit http://www.bbb.org/us/consumer-tips-travel/.

(NAPSA)—While politicians, economists and the American public ponder how to strengthen the U.S. economy, a majority of U.S. teens say they don’t understand how to effectively balance their spending and saving.

That’s one of the key findings of the eleventh annual “Teens and Personal Finance Survey” conducted by Junior Achievement (JA) and The Allstate Foundation.

Nearly half of the 1,000 U.S. teens surveyed (45 percent) say they are unsure about how to effectively invest their money, and nearly a quarter of teens (22 percent) said they do not budget their money.

Budgeting Is For Adults

Among teens who do not manage their money, the survey found that 42 percent aren’t interested in money management, 37 percent don’t know how to manage their finances, and 32 percent think budgeting is for adults so it doesn’t matter how they spend their money.

Over Half Of Teens Polled Not Clear On How To Use Credit

While many teens predict being as well-off or better off than their parents (86 percent), the survey found that 54 percent of teens say they are unsure about how to effectively use credit, and 74 percent think they should get a credit card by age 21.

Teens Still Have High Hopes

“Teens are admitting that they don’t have knowledge of some of the basic money-management skills around investing, budgeting and using credit. Despite the alarming numbers, teens overwhelmingly have high hopes for future financial stability,” said Jack E. Kosakowski, president of Junior Achievement USA. “The poll shows we need to do a better job of ensuring our youth are financially literate.”

“This volatile chapter in the nation’s economy is bringing teens and parents together in agreement about at least one topic: There is a huge need in this country for financial literacy education,” said Vicky Dinges, assistant vice president, public social responsibility at Allstate.

Free Tips For Parents

Junior Achievement and The Allstate Foundation have partnered to create Junior Achievement, $ave USA, a financial literacy initiative comprised of free money-management exercises for parents and their children to do together—and free classroom lessons for students at the elementary, middle and high school levels.

For more information on the initiative or the survey, visit www.ja.org.

(NAPSA)-Consumers with overwhelming credit card debt may be tempted to seek help from companies that promise to erase their debt for pennies on the dollar, but the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, urges caution.

Debt settlement companies claim they can negotiate with your creditors to reduce the amount you owe. Some say they can arrange for your debt to be paid off for a much lower amount -anywhere from 30 to 70 percent of the balance you owe.

But there is no guarantee that debt settlement companies can persuade a credit card company to accept partial payment of a legitimate debt. Even if they can, you must put aside money for your creditors each month and pay the hefty fees that debt settlement companies charge before they settle any of your debts. On top of that, you may have to pay a final fee to a debt settlement company that’s a percentage of the money you’ve supposedly saved. Meanwhile, it may be months-or even years-before the debt settlement company negotiates with your credit card company to settle your debts. And, if you stop making your payments in the meantime, the credit card company will usually add late fees and interest to the debt each month. That can cause your original debt to double or triple.

When You’re in a Hole…

The FTC suggests that the first thing you should do if you are having trouble managing your credit card debt is contact your credit card company and try to negotiate a settlement, even if you have been turned down before. If at first you don’t succeed, be persistent.

Another option is to contact a credit counselor. A new law requires credit card issuers to include a toll-free number on their statements that directs cardholders to information about finding nonprofit counseling agencies. Reputable credit counseling organizations advise people on managing money, bills and debts, help them develop a budget, and usually offer free information and workshops.

If you decide to pay a company to negotiate your debt, do some research. Consider other people’s experiences. One way to do that is to enter the company name with the word “complaints” into a search engine. Read what others have said.

Red Flags

The FTC suggests it’s best to avoid any company that promises to settle your debt if it:
•    touts a “new government program” to bail out personal credit card debt;
•    guarantees it can make your unsecured debt go away;
•    tells you to stop communicating with your creditors;
•    tells you it can stop all debt collection calls and lawsuits;
•    guarantees that your unsecured debts can be paid off with pennies on the dollar;
•    requires that you pay the full fee within the first few months.

To learn more about getting out of the red without spending a whole lot of green, read “Settling Your Credit Card Debts” at www.ftc.gov/MoneyMatters or call toll-free 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357).

Joe Marckini, Vice President of the Cedar Springs Public Schools board of education, was one of 16 Kent County school board members honored recently by the Michigan Association of School boards for the extra classes and training they take to be a better board member.

Marckini received awards for level one certification, an award of merit, award of distinction, and an advocacy skill specialty.

“School districts are facing exceptional challenges, and new opportunities challenge our thinking every day. In this environment, it’s more important than ever that our school leaders are informed and have the most up-to-date information available,” said MASB Executive Director Kathy Hayes. “Training equips them with the tools necessary to make the best decisions for the kids of our state.”

To achieve Level One and become “certified,” board members receive 30 hours of classroom training in subjects ranging from school law and finance to community relations. Higher levels of recognition require even more coursework, service and leadership responsibilities.

Marckini took the following training to earn the awards:

Certified Boardmember Award: Nine 100-level CBA classes
Award of Merit: Level 1 plus 45 education credits
Award of Distinction: Levels 1 and 2, four advanced level CBA classes and 208 education credits.
Advocacy Skills Specialty: Level 1 and six advanced level communications classes.