This week a security company’s computer was hacked and money stolen from many customer accounts.  It’s more important than ever to resolve to be a savvy internet user and wise consumer. Your Better Business Bureau offers the following New Year’s resolutions to become a safer and wiser consumer in 2012:

1.    Fight identity theft. Always shred paper documents that include sensitive financial data and dispose of computers, cell phones and digital data safely.  Don’t provide your social security number, credit card number, debit card pin, bank account information, or your driver’s license number to anyone on the phone unless you are certain they represent a legitimate business.  Don’t leave financial information in your mailbox that might be accessed by identity thieves.
2.    Keep criminals from stealing information on your computer and online.  Every password and every computer can be hacked with enough time and effort. Purchase virus software and keep it updated.  Don’t click through to links or websites you are unsure of.  The more difficult you make it for someone to get your password, the better.  Use at least 8 characters in your password, only do business online with reputable organizations on secure (https) websites.  Don’t use the same password on different important online accounts.
3.    Beware of job offers to make easy money. Scammers are targeting job hunters, so beware of offers, work-at-home schemes or business opportunities promising big money for little work and no experience.
4.    Never wire money to someone you don’t know. Many scammers request that you wire money back to them. Scammers know tracking money sent via MoneyGram or Western Union is extremely difficult. Even more troubling, it’s nearly impossible to get your money back.
5.    Fight fake check fraud. Educate yourself on the common types of check fraud and be wary of checks that come with claims you’ve won the lottery, are eligible for a government grant or have landed a job as a secret shopper.
6.    Get everything in writing. Don’t just take a business’ word for it. Get agreements in writing to limit miscommunication and misunderstandings between your expectations and what the business delivers.
7.    Look for the BBB seal and always check businesses out before buying. 400,000 businesses meet the BBB’s Standards for Trust and bear the BBB Accreditation Seal.   Your BBB doesn’t just report on Accredited Businesses, you can access BBB Business Reviews for nearly 4 million businesses by visiting www.bbb.org or calling (616)774-8230 or toll free (800)684-3222.
8.    Ask your BBB for help. File a complaint with your BBB if you have a disagreement with a business or been ripped off by a scammer.  The BBB will contact the business and ask for their explanation of the issue.  Often, the BBB can assist in reaching a resolution.

(ARA) – It might be coincidental that the new year and the beginning of tax season arrive so close together. Many people resolve to be wiser with their money in the new year, and it just so happens that being smart about your taxes is a good way to get started.
Whether it’s your only resolution or just one of a few, sticking to your new year’s tax resolutions throughout the whole year is the trick to being successful. And just like taking losing weight during the year will have you in better shape for the future, following your financial resolutions can make tax time far easier next year.
Use these tips to help build a successful approach to your tax resolution.
* Get started now. Procrastination can be your downfall – it often happens that the longer you put something off, the more daunting a task it seems. And the last thing anyone needs is an excuse to be more overwhelmed by the thought of working on taxes. If you know that you struggle with preparing your return, make the call to a professional who can help you. But again, don’t wait – tax preparers’ appointment books fill up fast during tax season.
* Set up a filing system and stick to it. The flurry of paperwork is stressful enough when you’re doing your taxes—not being able to find a necessary slip of paper only makes it worse. Create files for receipts and other documents and be sure to keep them updated. If you want to go digital, use a scanner to file everything neatly away in specialized folders on your computer.
* Take advantage of tax-saving benefits offered by your employer. If they’re available to you, consider how much smarter it is to use pre-tax dollars for things like medical expenses and childcare. If you need more guidance about how to best take advantage of the offered programs, check with your human resources department, or your own tax preparer or financial planner.
* Promise to give yourself a tax check-up twice a year. Don’t let yourself be shocked when tax time rolls around. the psychological and financial stress of being unprepared for a big tax bill can take a major toll. Do yourself a favor by checking on your tax liability a couple of times through the year. If you need to make adjustments to your withholding, do so as quickly as you can. Even if you find that nothing needs to be changed, you’ll have something to smile about and one less worry to occupy your mind.
* Make it a habit to save. Putting extra money away is always a good habit, whether the intent for it is to help pay off tax bills or to purchase a new vehicle. Giving yourself a little extra cushion to fall back on doesn’t have to make you feel fiscally stressed, though. Put away $20 here and there, or have a percentage of your paycheck sent directly to a savings account, and you’ll be excited by how much you have at the turning of the next new year.
Bothersome as taxes can seem, if you prepare for them throughout the year, you might find the experience far easier the next time you have to file. For more ideas about a financially sound new year, visit blog.equifax.com.

Matthew Taylor and Kathryn Klemesrud, of Cedar Springs, have opened Taylor Klemesrud Law PLC at 2410 Burton Street SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546. The law firm is a general practice, taking all types of cases and legal matters. The two attorneys are eager to open a new business in Michigan.

“We look forward to serving the Greater Grand Rapids community by providing quality legal services to our clients,” said Matthew, who is a 2003 graduate from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. He is licensed to practice law in Michigan and Ohio.

Kathryn is a 2008 graduate from Saint Louis University School of Law. Kathryn is licensed to practice law in Michigan, the United States District Court Western District of Michigan, and Illinois. “Our law firm is conveniently located in Grand Rapids, but we aim to accommodate clients who cannot come to our office, and will make arrangements to meet clients at locations throughout the county,” she said.

Those who wish to contact Taylor Klemesrud Law PLC can call the firm at 616-710-3339 or email the firm at TKL@taylorklemesrudlaw.com.

The Curiosity Shoppe, an antique and consignment shop, recently opened up in the strip mall at 14111 White Creek, near Jet’s Pizza and Max Fitness.

According to owner Kim Conti, the shop sells both antiques and collectibles. “Anything from the very vintage to the retro,” explained Conti. “We offer booth and showcase rentals.”

Conti says what makes her business unique is that they are only 15 minutes north of Grand Rapids, and they offer moderately priced antiques—postcards, dolls, vintage hats, primitives and a variety of glassware.

Conti hopes to eventually open a second store north of Cedar Springs.

Business hours are Monday through Saturday 10 to 6 p.m., and Sundays 12 to 5 p.m. Call 696-3696 for more info.

A new indoor garden supply shop opened up last month at 14111 White Creek Avenue, in the strip mall near Max Fitness and Jets Pizza. Owner Jamie Taylor grew up in the Cedar Rock area, and his family are members of the community. He said he is pleased to bring this business to the Cedar Springs community.
The shop provides organics, nutrients, grow lights and indoor growing expertise with cutting edge equipment. “We are always studying what is new in hydroponics, as well as soilless mix gardening,” said Taylor.
Hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more info, call (616) 263-9465.

The “Simply Give” food donation program is running again this year to help restock local food pantries, including North Kent Community Services.
The program, which runs from November 6 through January 7, encourages Meijer shoppers to purchase a $10 Meijer food pantry donation card at special displays throughout the store. The donation cards will be converted into gift cards and given to local pantries selected by the store.

MJ Dalton joins Hair Taylors

Hair Taylors, located at 4633 14 Mile Road, welcomes MJ Dalton to the select group of stylists at the salon.
Hair Taylors, owned by Dawn Roberts, is a group of professional women stylists who have closed or left a previous business and rent space in the Hair Taylors salon.
“The women here have become co-workers, friends, and team members,” said stylist Susan Reason. “As women in business, it’s imperative we come together. In this economy we have to find ways to cultivate services, to offer a relaxing atmosphere, and be affordable,” said Susan. “We are happy to have MJ Dalton in our family.”
The salon will be offering several buy one service, get one free specials throughout the holidays. Check out their specials in future issues of the Post! To make an appointment or get more info, call 696-2096.

Cyber Spot Electronics

A Greenville electronics store has a new location.
Cyber Spot Electronics, owned by David Ries and Greg Keates, is now located on M-91, one-half mile south of M-57. The shop, which specializes in computer and TV repairs, gives customers a quick turn-around  by doing their repairs immediately, when possible. The owners say what makes their business unique is that they can fix any electronic device with a battery, and can also aid in data recovery. They also carry refurbished PCs as well.
This family-oriented business said they plan to “grow-up with Greenville” and have bought the building they are now in. Stop by and check them out!  They are open Monday through Friday 10-6 and Saturday 10-2. Closed Sunday. For more info call (616) 232-2099.

Independent Bank

Hank Risley has taken the role of senior vice president of retail lending at Independent Bank. Risley will lead the retail lending team statewide. Risley previously worked as a senior vice president of retail banking in West Michigan. This change will provide expanded service to Independent Bank’s customers throughout Michigan.
Brian Talbot, senior vice president of retail banking at Independent Bank, has an expanded role as the leader of retail administration throughout West Michigan. Talbot previously oversaw the retail administration in Ionia and Newaygo counties.

Meet and greet for Linda Lehman

Linda Lehman, Finance Director for the City of Cedar Springs, has taken a job with the City of Rockford. There will be a public meet and greet to say goodbye to her on Monday, November 28, from 1-3 p.m. at Cedar Springs City Hall.  Cake and punch will be served.

ChoiceOne Bank Director Gary Gust, of Gust Construction, was honored when he was selected as the Grand Marshal of the Cedar Springs Red Flannel Festival which took place Saturday, October 1.
Each year, the Red Flannel Festival Board of Directors solicits nominations from the entire community for the prestigious title of “Grand Marshal” of the Red Flannel Festival. The Grand Marshal presides over the entire Festival, attending several key events and presiding over the Grand Parade.
“I was honored to be selected as the Grand Marshal this year,” stated Mr. Gust. Lolly and I are very active in our community and have enjoyed participating in this event for many years. This brought great pride to both of us.”
Gust has been a director of ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc. and ChoiceOne Bank since the merger with Valley Ridge Financial Corp. and, prior to that, was a director of Valley Ridge Financial Corp. and Valley Ridge Bank/Kent City State Bank, which was consolidated with The Grant State Bank on December 6, 1996, to form Valley Ridge Bank, since 1991.
“Gary has been a long-standing board member of ChoiceOne Bank,” said President and CEO James Bosserd. “As a local business owner that believes in supporting his community, he has provided valuable advice and character to our local community bank franchise.”
Gust attended Cedar Springs High School, and went on to Ferris State University, where he played tennis and met his wife, Lolly. Gary owned Gust Construction Company from 1979 until 2009.
ChoiceOne Bank is a full service financial institution with offices in Kent, Ottawa, Muskegon and Newaygo Counties. ChoiceOne Bank offers insurance and investment products through its subsidiary, ChoiceOne Insurance Agencies, Inc. ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc. is the holding company headquartered in Sparta, Mich., and the parent corporation of ChoiceOne Bank. For more information, please visit ChoiceOne’s website at www.choiceone.com.

The Better Business Bureau of Western Michigan is pleased to welcome new President/CEO Phil Catlett.
Catlett served as Vice-President and General Manager of area radio stations for more than 20 years, and recently has worked with public media development projects.  Phil is excited to be joining the BBB and said, “I am honored to be working with the BBB team, and continuing to grow the vital role of business-consumer trust in west Michigan.”
Nick Hrnyak, BBB Board Chairman, said the search process involved regional and national candidates for the new CEO position.  Search committee members received positive feedback about the impact of the BBB in Western Michigan.  “We interviewed many highly qualified candidates, and we were impressed by the respect and impact the BBB has earned in Western Michigan.”  The non-profit BBB was started locally in 1937 and will celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2012 when the national BBB organization celebrates its 100th anniversary.
Ken Vander Meeden, retiring as the President/CEO of the organization he has led since 1992, stated, “It has been my distinct pleasure for 19 years to serve within the BBB system. Having spoken in every one of our 38 counties has reinforced the idea that west Michigan businesses and charities care about right and wrong, fair play, and integrity issues. The organization is in transition and Phil Catlett will be a great addition to our experienced staff and to the future program developments needed to continue our growth in all areas of the region.”
The BBB of Western Michigan serves a population area of nearly 3.5 million people in 38 counties, advancing marketplace standards where buyers and sellers can trust each other.  In addition to dispute resolution, reviewing truth-in-advertising problems, and charity evaluations, the BBB encourages and promotes ethical business practices as a neutral third party.

Collected candy supports troops overseas

CedarRock Dental Care will be paying one dollar for every pound of unopened candy turned in to them after Halloween. This is part of Operation Gratitude, a nonprofit organization that will collect the candy, package it all, and ship it to our troops overseas. If possible, they would love to have the children also bring a letter or card to send along with the candy, wishing our soldiers well and hoping they enjoy the candy. They will also send Beanie Babies and phone calling cards. The soldiers not only love the candy and other items for themselves, but they also give them out to the children in the communities they patrol—winning hearts and minds all over the world.
Please help CedarRock Dental Care send an enormous amount of candy to our troops. Bring it to their office on Monday, Nov. 1, between 4:00 and 6:00 p.m. only, at 4655 14 Mile Road NE, Rockford, directly across the street from John Decker Chevrolet. For further information, please call (616) 866-4461 or (616) 696-2600.