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Your First 30 Days: Designing Onboarding Packets That Accelerate Confidence and Performance
Business owners set the tone for how new employees experience their first days on the job. A thoughtfully designed onboarding packet does more than share paperwork—it shapes clarity, confidence, and culture from day one.Quick Snapshot for Busy Owners Strong onboarding packets reduce ramp-up time and early turnover. Clear structure and pacing prevent overwhelm and build confidence. Culture, expectations, and role clarity should appear early and often. Delivery format matters just as much as
Munson’s New Elk Rapids Specialty Clinic Represents Another Step in Regional Care Transformation Plan
Munson’s New Elk Rapids Specialty Clinic Represents Another Step in Regional Care Transformation Plan Expanding outpatient specialty care outreach seeks to improve accessibility in rural areas Elk Rapids, MI – Munson Healthcare is pleased to announce the opening of an Outpatient Specialty Care Clinic in Elk Rapids on Monday, February 16 as part of ongoing efforts to provide greater access and convenience to patients. The clinic, located at 115 Bridge Street in Elk Rapids, will now offer
Traverse City Horse Shows Opens 2026 Charity Ticket Program
Traverse City, MI – February 17, 2026 – Traverse City Horse Shows (TCHS) has opened applications for its 2026 Charity Ticket Program, continuing an initiative that directs 100% of general admission ticket sales to selected Northern Michigan nonprofits. Now entering its fifth year, the program has contributed more than $175,000 to local organizations serving youth, families, health, education, and community causes. Each week of the 13-week season at Flintfields Horse Park features one nonprofit partner,
Webinar: You're Two Weeks From Month-End. AR is Climbing. Three ''Top Priorities'' Are Stalled. And Nobody Can Tell You Why. If Your Weekly Leadership Meetings Create Talk—But Not Follow-Through—You're Paying For Leadership Time Twice. Here's The Fix.
February 16, 2026 — Most Leaders think they have an execution problem. They don't. They have a meeting design problem. And it's burning 6–10 hours of senior leadership time every single week. On Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at 12:00 PM EST, Swift Profit Systems is hosting a free live webinar that shows exactly how to convert weekly leadership meetings into a simple execution engine—so priorities finish, KPIs drive action, and accountability doesn't depend on memory or follow-up emails at 11 PM. The
Springfield Commercial Roofing Earns Michigan Platinum Contractor of the Year for the Third Time, Specialty Membrane Project of the Year, Reinforcing Statewide Leadership in Commercial Roofing Excellence
KINGSLEY, Michigan – Springfield Commercial Roofing has been named Duro-Last Michigan Platinum Contractor of the Year for the third time, a distinction that recognizes contractors who consistently demonstrate exceptional installation, quality, system performance, and adherence to rigorous industry standards. The Michigan Platinum Contractor designation represents the highest tier of contractor recognition and reflects sustained excellence in workmanship and execution across commercial roofing
Traverse City Kiwanis and Kids Coalition Against Hunger Rally to Combat Child Hunger
Kids Coalition Against Hunger is an international humanitarian organization dedicated to significantly reducing child hunger in the United States and around the world.This year’s meal-packing event will take place on Saturday, February 7, at 9:00 a.m. at Traverse City Central High School on Eastern Avenue. Volunteers aim to pack more than 20,000 meals during the event.For the past 19 years, the Traverse City Kiwanis Club and Kiwanis Family members—including Key Clubs from Traverse City Central High School,
Bruce Grosso Joins Sonny’s Body Shop as Estimator
Sonny’s Body Shop is proud to announce the addition of Bruce Grosso to its team. With over seven years of experience as an estimator, he brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to delivering exceptional service in every interaction.During his career, Grosso has worked in various body shops, including Bill Marsh Auto Group and Serra. Now serving as an estimator at Sonny’s Body Shop, he works closely with customers, insurance companies, and internal team members to ensure a seamless and satisfying repair
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Headshots and Handshakes: Feb 25th
You’re invited to Headshots & Handshakes - a headshot and networking event for MEN AND WOMEN! Come with your authentic self, a stack of business cards, and leave with not only a fresh image but also new connections and friendships! Your headshot is your first visual impression - so make it a good one! I’m hosting Headshot & Handshakes on Wednesday, February 25th from 5:00 - 8:00 pm Secure your session, scheduled every 20 minutes, starting at a special rate of $220 (almost 50% off the regular price).
40 Over 40 Portrait Exhibition Open House: Feb 20th
Almost two years in the making—and now it’s time to celebrate ?? Join me for the 40 Over 40 Portrait Exhibition Open House Friday, Feb 20 | 4–7 PM Studio North Collective 716 Boon St, Traverse City MI 49686 Come celebrate the women, the stories, and the journey that brought this project to life. Light refreshments will be offered. Come and go as you please.
SMB Days at Verizon TEAM Wireless Feb 9-22
TEAM Wireless Verizon is excited to offer the most competitive promotions of the year, for Business Accounts, during SMB Days! February 9-22, new and existing business accounts can expect our best promotions that accommodate new lines, upgrades, phones, business internet, desk phones, tablets, smartwatches, vehicle tracking, etc. Our tenured team, including Business Account Managers, look forward to finding the solutions to your business that make sense for your specific needs. Appointments are
Amy Wiser Joins Sonny’s Body Shop Team
Sonny’s Body Shop is pleased to announce the addition of Amy Wiser as a Customer Service Representative.Amy brings a strong work ethic and a commitment to quality that aligns seamlessly with Sonny’s Body Shop’s core values and dedication to delivering an exceptional customer experience. She joins the team with more than 10 years of customer service experience, having previously worked at Fox Motors Collision Center and Walstrom Marine.“We’re excited to welcome Amy to the team,” said Greg Smith, General
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CMU selected for statewide teacher preparation initiative
CMU selected for statewide teacher preparation initiative CMU will participate in a statewide collaborative to strengthen how future educators are prepared. January 22, 2026 Central Michigan University has been selected as one of five Michigan universities to launch the 2026 Education Preparation Providers (EPP) Collaborative. This two-year statewide initiative is designed to improve teacher preparation recruitment, retention and quality, and form a strong foundation to help teacher preparation
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Northwest Michigan Works! partners with Manistee County Sheriff’s Office to Register first Police Clerk Apprenticeship in the Region
Northwest Michigan Works!, in partnership with the Manistee County Sheriff’s Office, has officially launched the region’s first U.S. Department of Labor–registered Police Clerk Apprenticeship, marking a major milestone for workforce development and professional training in Northwest Lower Michigan. The innovative apprenticeship provides participants with a structured, hands-on pathway into a critical public safety career. Apprentices will complete 2,000 hours of paid, on-the-job training, gaining
CMU earns multiple placements in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best Online Program rankings
January 27, 2026 Central Michigan University earned multiple placements in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Online Programs rankings, reflecting continued performance across undergraduate and graduate online offerings. The rankings recognize institutions that demonstrate strong student engagement, academic quality, and student support, areas central to CMU’s approach to serving working adults, military-connected learners, and students balancing education with professional and personal
Big Brothers Big Sisters Announces Bigs of the Year
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Michigan (Bigs) is proud to announce the 2025 Big Brother and Big Sister of the Year, recognizing two exceptional volunteer mentors who have made a lasting impact on the lives of local youth. Steve Niergarth and Rachel Roe were voted Big Brother and Big Sister of the Year for Antrim, Grand Traverse, and Kalkaska Counties. Each year, Bigs honors outstanding mentors who exemplify the power of connection and the life-changing impact of one-to-one mentoring. Nominated
REHMANN APPOINTS LAURA OBLINGER AS DIRECTOR OF CLIENT SUCCESS AND GROWTH
REHMANNAPPOINTS LAURA OBLINGER AS DIRECTOR OF CLIENT SUCCESS AND GROWTH Firm veteran expands role to maximize client value and lead multi-state growth initiatives Troy, Mich., January 26, 2026 – Rehmann, a fully integrated professional advisory firm, is pleased to announce the expansion of Laura Oblinger’s role from Director of Client Services and Business Development to Director of Client Success and Growth, effective February 1. In this expanded leadership role, Oblinger will support and
Building Lasting Loyalty in the Subscription Era
TL;DR In a world where memberships are one click away from cancellation, loyalty isn’t about gimmicks—it’s about delivering ongoing value, tailored experiences, and effortless renewals. Brands that treat their subscribers as evolving partners, not static accounts, create compounding satisfaction and advocacy.Why Subscription Loyalty Feels Different Now Membership models have replaced one-time transactions. Customers now expect not only what they paid for—but continuous evidence that they made the right
CRYSTAL NEWS: New development, indoor golf, new mascot, and flex passes top the list of highlights for what’s new this winter at Crystal Mountain
THOMPSONVILLE, Mich. (October 30, 2025) – An exciting season of changes is in store at Crystal Mountain this winter. The resort is putting the next phase of development in motion, offering more flexible options for lift tickets, introducing winter golf, welcoming a new mascot, and overall, continuing to invest in winter. This season, guests will notice construction underway as the resort begins the initial stage of its North Village Project with a new Mountain Operations building. Expected to be completed
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How Small Businesses Can Maintain Healthy Cash Flow for Long-Term Stability and Growth
Keeping your business’s cash flow steady is like keeping the heart of your company beating. When cash consistently flows in and out with control, owners can make decisions confidently, plan for expansion, and avoid unnecessary debt. TL;DR Cash flow management is about timing — ensuring your business always has enough on hand to cover expenses while funding future opportunities. Focus on forecasting income, tracking expenses, invoicing consistently, and reinvesting wisely. Why Cash Flow
Brand Like You Mean It: Foundational Moves for Small Business Owners
A logo won’t save you. Neither will a slick font. Branding is a decision—not a decoration. When you’re starting a business, everything feels like it needs to happen at once. But brand work? That’s not extra. It’s structural. Every conversation, every pitch, every page on your site builds from this foundation. Get your brand right, and things start sticking. Get it wrong—or ignore it—and every next step slips through your fingers.Define Who You Are Before Anyone Else Does You don’t start with colors—you
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Scroll-Stopping Stories: Visual Marketing for a Generation Raised Online
In the loud, over-saturated amphitheater of social media, attention isn’t earned through logic—it’s sparked through feeling. For younger audiences who live and breathe in pixels and scrolls, what’s seen matters more than what’s said. They’ve grown up immersed in visual content, fluent in meme-speak and trained to detect inauthenticity faster than a banner ad loads. For brands, this doesn’t just require aesthetic savvy; it demands cultural fluency and a willingness to trade control for creativity. Emotion
Crystal Mountain welcomes two dynamic leaders to the Groups Sales team
THOMPSONVILLE, Mich. (April 24, 2025) – Crystal Mountain, northern Michigan’s premier four-season resort, is thrilled to announce the hiring of two accomplished individuals to its sales leadership team. Ashley Curd and Skye Lemmen have joined Crystal Mountain as Group Sales Managers, bringing a wealth of experience and a shared passion for the region to their new roles.Ashley Curd, a Northern Michigan native, returns to her roots with a strong background in client management and engagement. Most recently,
Steps to Build and Sustain a Profitable Home Services Business
Have you ever dreamed of turning your knack for fixing things or your passion for home improvement into a lucrative business? Launching a home services enterprise could be your gateway to financial independence and professional fulfillment. However, the journey from concept to thriving business involves more than just good intentions – it requires strategic planning, insightful market analysis, and meticulous execution. Whether you’re aiming to become the go-to handyman in your neighborhood or the
The Innovator’s Mindset: Cultivating Creativity in Your Business
In today's fast-paced and increasingly digital world, small and mid-sized business owners are presented with unique opportunities to drive growth and enhance efficiency through digital innovation. The dynamic landscape of digital technology offers various tools and strategies to revolutionize the way businesses operate and interact with their customers. By embracing these technological advancements, you can not only streamline operations but also stay competitive in a rapidly-evolving
Taking the Reins: How to Direct Your Own Marketing Campaigns
In the fast-paced world of business, having a direct hand in your marketing efforts is not just an advantage; it's a necessity for growth and sustainability. Whether you are spearheading a startup, managing a small business, or forging ahead as a solo entrepreneur, understanding and executing effective marketing strategies internally can significantly impact your success. This comprehensive guide provides you with the steps to take charge of your marketing, allowing you to craft a message that resonates
Adobe Acrobat AI Assistant: All You Have to Do Is Ask Acrobat’s Generative AI Document & PDF Tool
Adobe Acrobat has long been an invaluable tool for business owners, entrepreneurs, and employees all over the world thanks to its wide array of PDF generation and editing tools. Now, Acrobat AI Assistant offers new benefits for businesses of all sizes. Acrobat AI Assistant’s revolutionary software can transform your business with its incredible features: Intelligent Search and Retrieval: Entrepreneurs frequently need to access specific information buried within a vast collection of documents. The
Protecting Your Construction Business: Tips for Financial Resilience
In the world of construction and home services, financial stability is the cornerstone of success. Whether you're a construction business owner or a contractor in the home services industry, safeguarding your business from financial downturns is essential. In this article, we peek into practical strategies that can help you fortify your business against economic challenges without overwhelming your budget. Keep a Close Eye on Your Financial Records with PDF Document Management Construction
Unveiling the Impact of Data Visualization: A Guide to Business Insights
In today's data-driven world, the ability to harness the power of data is essential for businesses seeking a competitive edge. Data visualization, the strategy of simplifying complex information by converting it into compelling visual formats, has emerged as a critical tool in this endeavor. In this article, we will explore the core elements of data visualization and its profound impact on businesses. What Is Data Visualization? At its core, data visualization is the art of transforming
