June 2020 Newsletter/Member Spotlight of the Week
Your Place for Business News, Local Events and Updates

Non Profit Showcase 1 of 5 - TOMORROW AT 8AM

Southern Marsh Realty Open House/Ribbon Cutting - June 16

Educator Appreciation Night - August 20th

A Message from ProMedica Coldwater Regional Hospital

The last several weeks have brought feelings of uncertainty, fear and grief to us all as we grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic. In these extraordinary times, it’s important to take a moment to stop and reflect on what we’re most appreciative of as individuals, businesses and as a community.

ProMedica’s healthcare workers have stepped up in remarkable ways to care for our community through the COVID-19 pandemic. Through it all, they’ve shown courage, resilience and strength. We appreciate and applaud their selfless efforts.
And just as our healthcare workers have been here for you, you’ve been there for us, too. The community has rallied around us in ways we could not have imagined. We’ve received kind words of encouragement and thanks; generous donations of food and hand-sewn masks; monetary donations; and so much more. We can’t thank you enough for the outpouring of support. In this time when we needed you the most, thank you for being there for us. We’re proud to be here for you.
 

The Branch County Community Foundation & The Branch County United Way

The Community Foundation is closely monitoring the development of COVID-19 and the effects to our community. We have partnered with the Branch County United Way, sending $15,000 so far to support funding for an emergency relief grant cycle. Applications for the grant cycle are available on our website. We have also partnered with the St. Joseph County United Way, sending $5,000 to help Colon residents affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
The Community Foundation created an Emergency Relief Fund through the Forever Fund to address the immediate needs in our community during this pandemic. With these funds, we will continue to make emergency grants to local nonprofits responding to emergency needs in Branch County and Colon. The generous gifts from our donors to the Emergency Relief Fund have allowed us to continue supporting local nonprofits and the needs of our community. You can donate to the Forever Fund for Emergency Relief on our website today!
 
The Emergency Relief Grant Cycle Application is available here:
https://www.brcofoundation.org/covid19response.html#/
 
Donate to the Forever Fund for Emergency Relief here:
https://www.brcofoundation.org/emergencyrelief.html#/
 

Southern Michigan Bank & Trust Supports Thousands of Local Jobs

The recently enacted Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act has provided a variety of emergency relief programs for businesses around the nation. A vital portion of the CARES Act was the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), an incentive designed to enable small businesses the ability to keep workers on their payroll.

In response, Southern Michigan Bank and Trust’s dedicated team of employees has worked tirelessly over the past five weeks to support local businesses in this time of emergency. Currently, the bank has funded 630 PPP loans totaling approximately $75 million. Nearly 30 loans supported local non-profit organizations with funding in the amount of $1.5 million.

“As soon as this federal program became available, we were tasked with developing new processes and procedures to properly administer the hundreds of applications that came through the door. We understood the importance of the PPP loans, and acted quickly, as we knew this would be vital in the effort to maintain jobs in our communities,” said John Castle, SMB&T Chairman and CEO.

Additionally, Southern was able to support hundreds of residential customers through forbearance or deferments of loan payments.

Safety remains a top priority as well, and Southern has taken steps to assure the protection of employees and customers, such as emphasizing drive-thru services and enabling nearly one-half of bank employees to work remotely, all while never furloughing a single employee.
“In all, a herculean effort with unbelievable collaboration across our departments,
regions, and individual employees has enabled us to accomplish what we did so
quickly,” said Castle.

Southern continues to look for ways to support their customers and communities during
this unprecedented time.

Southern Michigan Bancorp, Inc. is a bank holding company and the parent company of
Southern Michigan Bank & Trust. It operates fourteen branches within Branch, Calhoun,
Hillsdale, Kalamazoo and St. Joseph Counties, providing a broad range of consumer,
business and wealth management services throughout the region. For more information,
please visit the Southern Michigan Bank & Trust website at www.smb-t.com.

Graphics 3 is Here for You!

We at Graphics 3 have been providing the following services for many customers as they reopen:
  • Brochure printing (and mailings)
  • Postcards (and mailings)
  • Signage (banners, yard signs)
  • COVID-19 door, floor, and wall graphics (face mask, social distancing, hand washing, etc.)
  • Disposable menus
  • Any printing needs you may have. We are running at full capacity.
  • Contact us for help. We have plenty of ideas.
Visit us online today at g-three.com or call us at 1.800.526.9204 for more information!

New Media Productions

New Media Productions is a Coldwater based firm that is taking on select clients that are serious in utilizing online media to advance one’s company, group or individuals who need to build reputation and authority to build one’s business.  Owner Todd Cochrane (Quincy native and podcasting pioneer) was recently featured in Columbus C.E.O magazine for all of his incredible accomplishments.  You can read the write-up on Mr. Cochrane HERE.

Integrity Apparel

We at Integrity Apparel are selling protective masks and thus far have sold almost 600 masks in our local communities. We do have access to a variety of facemask styles and you can buy them either printed or unprinted. We also have access to hand sanitizer. Another thing we have done is assist the Chamber and the DDA with some fundraising to help those in need during this critical time. As a result of these promotions and people seeing what we have done on Facebook, we have gotten inquiries and opportunities from the Battle Creek and Grand Rapids areas. These came from a person who lives in Coldwater and works in Battle Creek and a former Coldwater resident who now works in Grand Rapids.  We at Integrity Apparel are here to help and support our area communities in any way possible!  For more information on all of our products and services available visit us on Facebook or call us at (517) 278.8101.

Paper & i

Crafting is calming and allows people to get creative during this time of unease in our world.
Be sure to follow us on Facebook for Fridays at 2:00pm Facebook Live. This is all about tips and techniques for card making. New every week!
On Monday nights at 6:00 pm we show and sale gift items alternating with paper crafting the next week. It is always a fun time.
 
We are here for you curbside, shipping and by personal appointment too.
We are paper & i in Marshall. Go to paperandi.com for information.
 

Latest Update from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

Are you in need of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) including face masks, face shields, gloves and goggles as your business transitions to in-person operations over the coming weeks? Pure Michigan Business Connect (PMBC) is collecting data in order to help you source these needs and services within Michigan.  Click HERE to visit the MEDC online to learn more!

Chamber Member 2 Member Discounts


CLICK HERE FOR FURTHER M2M DISCOUNT DETAILS
Would you like to offer a discount to other Chamber members?  Reply to this email and let us know if you would like to get involved in our new Member 2 Member discount program!  All renewing and new members will receive M2M discount key tags so they can receive M2M discounts at these locations: https://www.coldwaterchamber.com/m2m-offers.html

Community Leader Members

Kiess Jewelry - Member Spotlight of the Week

Kiess Jewelry may be the House of Diamonds but they also offer in-house repair services, custom designs, colored gems, giftware, clocks, watches and the latest in fun fashion trends. With their infamous little black and white striped bag, Kiess Jewelry has been a staple of downtown Coldwater for 90 years and look forward to serving the Coldwater community for many more.
 
Originally, Kiess Jewelry started in the small town of Edon, Ohio by D.T. Kiess in the late 1800s. He later opened a second location in Montpelier, Ohio and in 1930, D.T.'s two sons, Ken and Rex, decided to expand the business into Michigan. Ken opened in Hillsdale and Rex in downtown Coldwater. Throughout the years, the businesses transitioned and all the locations closed except Coldwater.
 
Since opening in downtown Coldwater, Kiess Jewelry has continued to maintain a strong connection to its Ohio origins. Rex Kiess sold the store to Ken and Marilyn Miller in 1966. Both Ken and Marilyn were from Montpelier and Ken was a former employee at the Montpelier store. In 1978, Brad and Patty Rockey joined the team. Brad, born and raised in Montpelier, was recruited by Ken through their hometown connections. Brad and Patty acquired ownership of the store in 1990 and continue today to uphold the integrity originally established by Rex Kiess.
 
Kiess Jewelry remains committed to providing their customers with the best possible service and selection. Their intimate bridal counter offers you the space to browse and design the ring of her dreams. They offer a variety of styles in stock ready to be set with your choice of stone or can custom make your ideal piece....whether it's modifying a display ring or creating a new ring from just a picture you've found online. They are here to help you design exactly what you're looking for; starting with that one-of-a-kind engagement ring followed by the matching wedding bands. With a diverse selection of men's wedding bands, they can help you design a ring just for him. From classic karat gold to cool contemporary metals with exotic wood or carbon fiber inlays, guys too can get the ring of their dreams.
 
Along with wedding jewelry, customers also come in with cherished heirlooms they would like to reset, redesign and make their own. Kiess Jewelry's staff can offer ideas on how to modify existing pieces or reset sentimental stones into new mountings that match the customer's unique style. With their on-site goldsmith, they can quickly turn around these one-of-a-kind pieces while also repairing and maintaining your existing treasures. Over time, stones can loosen and metal can wear so they recommend stopping in annually to have your jewelry checked and cleaned. Doing so helps preserve your jewelry so you can continue to enjoy it for many years to come.
 
If you're in the market for a new item...from an anniversary gift, mother's pendant or a treat for yourself, their showroom proudly displays a wide variety of products. Rare fancy-cut colored gems, designer sterling silver fashions from ELLE and LaFonn, locally made artisan jewelry by Rheta Erts and the latest in men's alternative metal from Inox are just a few of the many jewelry collections available. If you see something that catches your eye, their in-store wish list makes it easy to remember that favored piece or to drop a gift idea to that special someone. Kiess Jewelry's diamond earring trade up program, add-a-pearl necklaces and club card savings are just a few of the many offerings their customers actively enjoy.
 
Kiess Jewelry wants every customer to feel at home when they walk through their doors. From class rings to engagement rings, baby's first locket and charm bracelets, jewelry can be that keepsake you enjoy and pass down throughout generations. Kiess Jewelry is here to help you find exactly what you're looking for and invites you to join their family of treasured customers!
 

Consumers Energy

Even during the COVID-19 pandemic Consumers Energy remains committed to achieving our clean energy goals! One pillar of our Clean Energy Plan is to help our customers use energy more efficiently. To keep those goals on track, we are working with Google to give away 100,000 Nest Thermostat Es to Consumers Energy residential customers from May 19 through the end of July.
 
We know that people who use the Nest E reduce their energy usage by up to 15 percent on average. Which is why we’re eager to get the word out about this exciting new program.
 
Click on https://www.consumersenergy.com/~/media/ce/documents/energy%20efficiency/smart-thermostat-program-flyer.pdf for more details about how to take advantage of this limited time offer or visit www.ConsumersEnergy.com/freethermostat to start saving today.

Animal Aid of Branch County 2020 Golf Outing - September 27

Beginnings Care for Life Center 2020 Walk & Run - August 1

The Branch County Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence 5K Virtual Run

The Branch County Association of Realtors

A pandemic is not going to keep Branch County Association of Realtors® (BCAR) members from doing what they do best: supporting the community!  
 
BCAR members recently held a virtual "Food Pantry Donation Drive" and raised $5,000 that will be donated to Branch County food pantries in Bronson, Union City, Quincy and Coldwater. Our area food pantries use the South Michigan Food Bank which matches 10% donated and provides food at a very discounted rate. A $5,000 donation becomes $5,500 and can purchase as much as $16,000 worth of nutritious food for Branch County families in need!
BCAR members recently donated 20 cases of bottled water to the staff at the Lakeland Correctional Facility.  As Realtor® Jill Bowers stated, “They put themselves at risk every day. This is just a small token of our appreciation for all they do to keep us safe .” 

Clemens Food Group is Hiring

Tibbits Opera House

With the tagline “Conquering Covid One Show at a Time,” Tibbits is forging ahead with a new professional summer theatre season, keeping the safety of all in mind while becoming one of the few theatres to produce a live summer theatre season. From July 9 through August 29, Tibbits will provide 7 different full-staged readers theatre, cabaret, and concert-style productions. Show dates and descriptions at Tibbits.org.​

 

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Chamber E-News - June 2020 Newsletter/Member Spotlight of the Week