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

Coldwater Yoga, LLC

Coldwater Yoga is now offering Belly Dancing with Samhara.
Samhara of Earth Gypsies of southern lower Michigan, has been dancing and performing in a traveling dance duo with her sister (Alimah) in the tri-state area since 2004. Primarily tribal fusion Bellydance with a mix of styles and influences that demonstrate their own unique style.

Class will include a warm-up with some stretches and movement, followed by teaching a few basics moves that we will combine into a short combo put to music. End with a short cool down stretch.

This is an introductory class. No experience necessary.

This class is not included in Coldwater Yoga packages.
The drop-in rate is $10. 8 visits for $60

Four Seasons Design & Remodeling


Deahl honored as IBA Senior Life Director
 
The Indiana Builders Association (IBA) honored Jeff Deahl (Angola) as a Senior Life Director during their December board of directors meeting at Embassy Suites in Noblesville, Ind.

Members must attend 60 meetings or more to be awarded this esteemed position, and are presented with a Senior Life Director blazer when they reach this benchmark.

“Our Senior Life Directors are the natural leaders of our association,” said Rick Wajda, IBA Chief Executive Officer. “They have been a constant presence at our meetings and have a thorough understanding of the association. Jeff is a welcome and well deserving addition to our Senior Life Directors, and I thank him for his dedication to IBA.” 

Deahl is the President of Four Seasons Design and Remodeling in Angola, and has worked in the housing industry for 35 years. He served as his local HBA president in 2001, 2013 and 2014, was named contractor of the year in 1988, 1990 and 1996.

He serves as a board member for the Angola Chamber of Commerce and is a certified green professional and lead renovator.

About the Indiana Builders Association
 The Indiana Builders Association (IBA) is a statewide trade organization representing Indiana’s home building, remodeling and light commercial construction industry. Established in 1952, IBA has 23 local affiliates and nearly 3,000 member companies across Indiana. IBA, along with its affiliates, are associated with the National Association of Home Builders in Washington, D.C. The organization works to educate its members, the general public, elected officials and regulatory bodies to maintain and develop workable and affordable regulations and laws that enable the citizens of Indiana to own a home. More information can be found at www.buildindiana.org.

The Branch County Association of Realtors

The Branch County Association of Realtors® (BCAR) has been serving Branch County since 1958.  They recently held their annual Christmas Party/Benefit Auction at Wings, Etc.  State Representative Eric Leutheuser offered the invocation to kick off the evening.  State Senator Mike Shirkey administered the “Oath of Office” to the newly elected Board of Directors:  President Brian George, Vice President Angie Marsh, Treasurer Carri Foley, Secretary Lynn Mitchell, Directors Sharon Atkinson, Jill Bowers, John Rakocy and Affiliate Director Josh Jones.
 
John Blashfield was honored for 25 Years in Real Estate, as well as 5 Year members Annette Booth, JoEllen Donay, Carri Foley, David Foley, Joi Villa and Valorie Johnson.   
 
President Brian George recognized departing Board President Debbie Lounds-Bowers, Secretary Sherry Haylett and Director Jim Drews for their contributions to the BCAR during their tenure on the board. The “President’s Award” was given to Bruce Hauska for his involvement and support over many years.  Devon Title was awarded the “2019 Affiliate of the Year”.  For only the second time in recent history, there was a tie for “REALTOR® of the Year”.  Carri Foley of First Choice Real Estate and Grace Shortridge-Roberts of Hauska Home & Farm were both named Branch County “2019 REALTOR® of the Year”. 
 
The fun filled evening consisted of live and silent auctions, raffles and live music kept them dancing into the night. The enthusiastic bidding resulted in another great year, with proceeds going to five local charities: Quincy Schools’ “Bird Feeder Program” which provides school lunches to children, Union City Community Schools’ Counselor’s Fund, “Yes for Bronson Schools”, Erin’s Angels Animal Rescue and Branch Area Rescue Coalition (BARC) Animal Rescue.
 
The Branch County Association of Realtors® would like to thank their sponsors, Branch County Abstract & Title, Devon Title, Greenstone Farm Credit Services, Century Bank & Trust , Southern Michigan Bank & Trust and Honor Credit Union, community businesses, donors and BCAR members, along with Committee Members Carri Foley, Sharon Atkinson, Lynn Mitchell, Jill Bowers, Karen Messer and Jessie Thrasher for their hard work to make this event possible.

Marsh Brothers

Marsh Brothers will be attending the 38th Ft. Wayne Boat Show February 14-17 at Memorial Coliseum. We will have several new Polar Kraft boats and Avalon pontoons, as well as parts and accessories. For ticket deals, check out their website FortWayneBoatShow.com. There will be great deals and sweet boats that you won't want to miss!

All Things Serenity Yoga & Events Center


We are now offering a Free Male-only yoga class on Wednesday evenings at 7:15 pm. 

We a new website available showing all my class availability, including Nidra classes. 

It's time to book weddings, showers and parties for 2020 and beyond.  We're seeking small intimate events, under 100 people, to rent my full-amenity, historical and charming venue.  We make it easy on the wallet and your nerves as we have virtually everything you need for indoor or outdoor event planning.  We have excellent catering services across the street with Broadway Grill and Jack's Bakery for all your dessert and wedding cake needs. 

On January 27, 2020 at All Things Serenity Event Center, Union City's Edward Jones office, Brendan McCarthy, is offering a free Dinner and Discussion on Medicare from an investment specialist.  The last dinner and discussion he held at my place was spectacular!  Please RSVP Brendan or Wendy at 517-741-5993

For more information go to https://allthingsserenity.com/

Advanas Foot & Ankle Specialists Gives Presentation

On January 8th,  Paula Hollister, Director of Operations and PMAC presented "The Diabetic Foot" to the Coldwater Lions Club.  The presentation covered the importance of diabetic patients foot care, issues relating to diabetics feet, ulcer care, wound care, diabetic shoes, Advanas's diabetic foot program available to patients, nutritional considerations, special testing for diabetics feet, limb loss prevention, and stories of past experiences.

We would like to thank the Lions Club for inviting us to present such vital information for club and community members alike.

Coach Eby Youth & Family Center Spring Banquet

Michigan Works! SW


The Business Services Team at Michigan Works! Southwest utilizes a Demand Driven Approach to connect local employers with the resources and talent needed to meet industry demands. This is achieved by building relationships with local businesses and key partners in workforce and community development, education, and economic development. 

To lead this endeavor in Branch County, Ben Damerow, Director of Michigan Works! Southwest is excited to introduce Business Services Coordinator, Shawn DeYoung. “Shawn brings 25+ years of sales and business services experience to Michigan Works! Southwest, and we are looking forward to the opportunities and services that he can assist in providing to Branch County employers.” 

Michigan Works! Southwest can assist employers with outreach and job recruitment, screening applications, job postings, hiring events and job fairs, training opportunities and funding, as well as industry specific consortiums. DeYoung says, “I am looking forward to engaging with employers and partners throughout the community and looking forward to learning how the Business Services Team can assist with their talent needs.”

To learn more about the Business Services Michigan Works! Southwest can provide, visit www.miworkssw.org or contact Shawn DeYoung at deyoung@upjohn.org or 269-580-1660.

Meridians Spa

The Best Way to Say "I Love You"

Thoughtful gifts show you care. What better way than to give the gift of relaxation? A gift that tells others you wish them the nicest things that life can bring them and that you're sending them the gift of health, rest and peace of mind. We now offer an easy and convenient way to purchase and send E-Gift Certificates from our website. Come take a look and let us take the stress out your gift giving.

Facial of the Month: Cherry Chocolate Facial
Love is in the air with this “made-for-each-other” cherry and chocolate duo. This perfect couple will warm your skin and tantalize with the indulgent scents of cherry and chocolate. Perfect for normal and combination skin, promotes deep hydration that protects from environmental damage while relieving the surface of signs of aging. This is Cupid's favorite!
1 Hour $55

Table for Two! - $145
Escape with a friend or loved one with our side-by-side couple's massage so you may enjoy the experience together. Your service also includes a champagne & rose foot treatment during your blissful retreat.

Lip Treatment Add On - $10 (Reg. $15)
What a perfect treatment right before Valentine's Day! Add onto any facial, pedicure or lash service. Watermelon lip scrub (delicious!) followed by ToGoSpa collagen infused lip mask and a soothing/hydrating lip balm for plumped soft lips for days to follow!

Daddy Daughter Dance Services - all include glitter! Mini must be under the age of 13
Mommy & Mini Manicures - 2 gel polish polish changes $30
Mommy & Mini Pedicures - 2 basic pedicures $70
Mommy & Mini Mani/Pedis - 2 gel polish changes and 2 basic pedicures $100
Mini Me Spa Day - gel polish manicure and pedicure polish change $35
 
Buy Gift Certificate

The Bronson Chamber Presents: February Coffee Hour - February 17

The Coldwater Chamber Presents:Business for Breakfast on "Jumpstarting Your Downtown" - February 18

The Coldwater Chamber Presents: Bi-Monthly Coffee Hour - February 19

Live at Lunch with Carl Thornton of Five Star Pizza - February 21

Community Leader Members

The Branch Area Rescue Coalition (BARC) - Member Spotlight of the Week


BRANCH AREA RESCUE COALITION
“Working Together to Reduce the Animal Population in
Southern Michigan so No Animal is Without a Loving Home”

 
This week's Coldwater Area Chamber of Commerce "Member Spotlight of the Week" is going out to the Branch Area Rescue Coalition (BARC).  Read more below on why BARC feels that they deserve this week's Spotlight.

Branch Area Rescue Coalition (BARC) is a low cost spay/neuter program that recently celebrated its 5th year of facilitating these surgeries for animals in our area.  BARC was started in 2014 by members of multiple local rescue groups who were frustrated and saddened by the number of homeless animals and wanted to find a way to alleviate these numbers and the burden it places on the community and rescues for space and finances.  They determined the root problem was pet overpopulation and the best way to address that was with affordable spay and neuter options.

As of the end of 2019, BARC has helped 5286 animals (4268 cats/kittens and 1018 dogs/puppies) in 62 communities in 16 counties in 5 states since their inception!  This low cost program is available to anyone, anywhere.  Spaying or neutering not only reduces the number of unwanted litters, it improves the health and wellbeing of the animals who are fixed. BARC offers a monthly transport with drop off and pick up in Coldwater as well as a voucher program with their partner veterinarian in Jonesville.  BARC has relied on community support to make this happen including partners HOPE for Animals, Fieldstone Veterinary Care, and Family Farm and Home.

There are countless members in our community taking care of “inherited” feral and stray cats who have received help through this program to control the population on their properties. BARC also gets many requests for financial assistance from low income, seniors, and multi pet owners, in our area who want to take care of their animals but do not have the resources for this procedure.  Helping to keep these pets with their owners is good for both and keeps the animals out of the shelters.  BARC accepts donations at any time and funds are used towards these surgeries.  BARC is an all-volunteer organization and 501©3 nonprofit.

To donate, schedule a transport surgery appointment or get a voucher, please call 517-227-7288, or visit their website at www.barcspayandneuter.weebly.com, for more information.  Please follow Branch Area Rescue Coalition on Facebook and support their fundraisers!
 



 

MCCU

MCCU is located at 352 S. Willowbrook Rd. in Coldwater (next to the UPS Store). Stop in and visit Branch Manager, Brandee Pabian for a free financial review. Brandee can find ways to help you save money or earn more on your savings. Or, visit Kim Dwyer, our Senior Mortgage Loan Officer. Buying or refinancing your home is a big decision and Kim is an expert in finding the best loan to fit your needs and budget.

“Brandee is a kind and professional young lady. She sat down and explained things and made the whole thing so easy.”

“Kim was very knowledgeable about all aspects of the process. She was awesome through everything. I didn’t have to worry. She is the kindest loan officer I have ever dealt with.”

Contact Brandee or Kim by calling 269.781.9885, to schedule your Free Financial Review at our Coldwater office by February 28, 2020 and be automatically entered to win a $200.00 Visa Gift Card!

“I love MCCU. I am thankful every day that I opened an account here. The biggest bragging point is the Kasasa® account. Due to receiving an ATM refund, I usually never have to go to a branch location. I can get cash anywhere, and be reimbursed later in the month.”

Marshall Community Credit Union is a federally insured full-service financial institution with offices located in Marshall, Battle Creek and Coldwater. For more information on products, services or membership, please contact 269.781.9885 or visit marshallcommunitycu.com.

Lake Access Magazine

Courtney Dirschell of 2nd Story Marketing has made a strategic decision to partner with Dennis Babjack at Lake Access Magazine to help support and bring additional value to the popular yearly magazine about Branch County lake life.

For the last two years, Lake Access Magazine has hand-distributed 10,000 copies of the magazine to all major Branch County lakes, recreational areas, local communities, and advertisers. The magazine features local writers and photos submitted from those who enjoy lake life in Branch County.  Dirschell commenting about the partnership, "Many of our clients at 2nd Story Marketing benefit from the exposure in the magazine.  Lakers are a tough population to reach, because they are so transient.  I love that each magazine only has local content, pertinent to those who visit or live on the lake.  I wanted to be sure this publication was around for years to come, and partnering just made sense."

Babjack will continue to lead the effort contacting advertisers and arranging for local writers to contribute to the magazine, while Dirschell and her staff at 2nd Story Marketing will help advertisers design their ads and formatting the magazine.  "For the last two years, we've heard nothing but praise for the magazine, getting important Branch County information into the hands of visitors that add to the economic impact lakers have in our community," said Babjack,

2nd Story Marketing will also work on ideas for expansion of the magazine into smaller quarterly publications, a streamlined website, social media content, and subscriptions.

For more information about Lake Access Magazine, go to Lake-Access.com or call 517-899-9467

Coldwater Lake Marina

Honor Credit Union

2nd Story Marketing

Lifecare Ambulance

Paper & i

We are celebrating 7(seven years) in business on Friday and Saturday, February 7 and 8. 

Please stop in to celebrate with us from 10-5:30 pm on either day. Our brand new two exclusive Michigan stamps sets will be available for purchase (in-store and online).  Also please enjoy sips and bites and sign up for our door prizes (in-store only).

Thank you to all of our customers for making paper & i your happy place and doing business with us!
Audrey, Owner
 
Visit Paper & i online today at https://paperandi.com/

The Laurels



Laurel Health Care Company – A Great Place to Work®!
Positive employee feedback earns The Laurels certification as a Great Place to Work® for 2020
 
COLDWATER, Mich. – Laurel Health Care Company, operator of The Laurels of Coldwater and a national provider of skilled nursing, rehabilitation, sub-acute and assisted living services, is proud to announce it has earned certification as a Great Place to Work® for 2020.
 
The certification process, conducted through Great Place to Work’s senior care affiliate Activated Insights, considered more than 3,500 employee surveys from across all locations nationwide. The team at Activated Insights, an independent research and consulting firm, evaluated more than 60 elements of employee experience on the job, including employee pride in community impact, belief that their work makes a difference, and feeling their work has special meaning. Rankings are based on employees’ experiences, no matter who they are or what they do. 
 
“All of us at Laurel Health Care Company are thrilled to earn recognition as a Great Place to Work®,” Mohammed Qazi, president and CEO of Laurel Health Care Company, said. “The feedback we received from over 3,500 surveys has overwhelmingly revealed our employees take pride in their work, feel safe and respected in the workplace, and are treated fairly regardless of their background. Our employees’ responses and comments will be invaluable to our leadership team as we continue to build and sustain a great culture at all of our locations.”
 
“We applaud Laurel Health Care Company for seeking out employee opinion and congratulate them on their certification,” Dr. Jacquelyn Kung, CEO of Activated Insights, said. “These ratings measure the company’s capacity to earn its employees’ trust and create a great workplace for high performance.”
 
Laurel Health Care Company employs approximately 5,500 associates in five states – Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, North Carolina and Virginia. Its 46 locations offer a variety of career opportunities, from nursing and nursing assistants, to maintenance and food service.
 
To learn more about employment opportunities with The Laurels, visit the company on Indeed at https://www.indeed.com/cmp/Laurel-Health-Care-Company.

ABOUT LAUREL HEALTH CARE COMPANY
Laurel Health Care Company is a national provider of skilled nursing, rehabilitation, sub-acute and assisted living services dedicated to one simple principle – achieving the highest standards of care and caring. We achieve this goal in partnership with our guests and their families, our employees and the communities we serve.
 
At The Laurels, caring is more than providing excellent medical and guest services. It's also being a companion, and treating each guest with the utmost dignity, respect and compassion. Learn more about #TheLaurelWay at www.laurelhealth.com
 
ABOUT GREAT PLACE TO WORK
Great Place to Work is the global authority on high-trust, high-performance workplace cultures. Through its certification programs, Great Place to Work recognizes outstanding workplace cultures and produces the annual Fortune "100 Best Companies to Work For®" and Great Place to Work Best Workplaces lists for Millennials, Women, Diversity, Small & Medium Companies, industries and, internationally, countries and regions. Through its culture consulting services, Great Place to Work helps clients create great workplaces that outpace peers on key business metrics like revenue growth, profitability, retention and stock performance. Learn more at www.greatplacetowork.com.

Kiess Jewelry

Tibbits Opera House

Tibbits will host the 2020 Academy Award Short Nominated films on Feb 9 at 2pm, the Coldwater Comedy Festival featuring three professional comedians on Sat. March 14 at 7pm, and a variety of great local entertainment over the next few months. If you're sick of winter already, start thinking about summer: Tibbits Summer Theatre season and group tickets are currently on sale for a great professional summer season of live theatre that includes "Ain't Misbehavin'", "Annie", "Man of La Mancha", and "Ken Ludwig's A Comedy of Tenors" along with cabarets at local restaurants, special performances of "Love Letters," and the Best of the Eagles tribute band concert on July 18.  For more information, please visit Tibbits.org.








67TH ANNUAL COMMUNITY AWARDS DINNER - March 5

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

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Chamber E-News - February 2020/Member Spotlight of the Week