Orion Biz Feb. 2011

February 2011 -- What’s The Biz -- Lake Orion 1
BIZ
BIZ
BIZ
BIZ
A monthly collaborative with the Orion Area Chamber of Commerce A monthly collaborative with the Orion Area Chamber of Commerce A monthly collaborative with the Orion Area Chamber of Commerce A monthly collaborative with the Orion Area Chamber of Commerce
Orion Style Orion Style Orion Style Orion Style
Feb. 2011 Vol. 4 #11
Orion Style
A monthly collaborative with the Orion Area Chamber of Commerce
What’s the What’s the
What’s the What’s the What’s the
What’s the
Orion’s open for business
Several indoor recreation facilities among many
new ventures opening up shop in thownship
Inside:
Inside:
2 What’s The Biz -- Lake Orion -- February 2011
Orion Area Chamber of Commerce
2010 Chamber Leadership
Acting President
Bill Kokenos
Orion Senior Center
Treasurer
Alice Young, CPA
Secretary
Loretta Spatafore
uSellOnline
Directors
Martha Bergquist
Coffee News
Carl Cyrowski
Michigan Global Solutions LLC
Theresa Fiorani
Canoe Circle Graphics
Elizabeth Meyer
Genisys Credit Union
Dawn Neely
Seniors Helping Seniors
James Porritt
Attorney at Law
Neal Porter
Vette Products
Linda Sickles
Orion Township Public Library
Monica Squarcia
National City Bank /PNC
Karen Ulrich
Queensland Marketing
Craig Zmijewski
AAA Michigan
Executive Director
Alaina Campbell
Orion Area Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 484
Lake Orion, MI 48361
248-693-6300
[email protected]
www.lakeorionchamber.com
Invoice faster
Anita Gates Delventhal
President & CEO, A.G.
Consulting Services Inc.
By Anita Gates Delventhal
Each year it seems I need to get more
done in less time so I am always looking
for ways to auto-
mate and improve
processes in my
business.
First, I look to
see what I can au-
tomate.
Second, I re-
search products
and/or services
available to help
me automate the
process.
Third, I choose
3 finalists, which
are evaluated side-by-side. In this third step
I always look at how much time, energy
and money this new process will save me
now and in the future.
Fourth, I choose the product and/or ser-
vice that fits my business and budget.
Finally, I implement the new process and
work with it to make it as seamless and
painless as possible.
This year one of the best features added
to QuickBooks 2011 is the new Batch In-
voicing feature.
Perhaps you need to invoice your cus-
tomers the same amount every month for
snow removal services, students for a
dance class each month, dues for your as-
sociation for example.
The fastest way before was to use the
memorized transactions feature in
QuickBooks 2010 and earlier. Sure, it cut
down your time but it still was time con-
suming. Now the Batch Invoicing feature
in QuickBooks 2011 makes invoicing a snap
for these types of situations.
The new Batching Invoicing feature
helps streamline your workflow allowing
invoices that contain the same items, ser-
vice and charges to be created in a batch
with a few clicks of the mouse.
In QuickBooks 2011 access this new tool
in the Customers menu > Create Batch In-
voices.
First, select the customers you want to
include in a single batch process and select
(or create) a Billing Group.
Second, enter the items to be included
in the invoice.
Third, create all the invoices at one time.
Now all you have to do is print or email
them.
Tip: To automate your invoicing pro-
cess effectively, make sure you have all
your customers correct email addresses in
their customer record. Then have the Pre-
ferred Send Method - Email selected in their
record.
For businesses who provide services on
a recurring basis this is truly a time, energy
and money saver.
If you haven't upgraded to QuickBooks
2011 yet, the new batch invoicing alone is
worth the minimal cost of the software.
Anita Delventhal is President & CEO
of A.G. Consulting Services Inc. She is a
graduate of Oakland University, an Ac-
countant, Enrolled Agent with IRS, Accred-
ited Tax Advisor, Accredited Tax Preparer,
Five Star Wealth Manager and a Certified
QuickBooks ProAdvisor ,with 25+ years
of experience in the small and medium sized
business arena. Anita is an expert in the
areas of accounting, taxation and business
planning. For more information visit her
company's website @
www.agconsultingservices.com, Call 248-
393-0403 or Email her at
[email protected].
with ‘Batch Invoicing’ in QuickBooks 2011
BITS AND PIECES
Lake Orion Area Optimist Club
Next meeting is Thursday, Jan. 20,
4:30 p.m. at G’s Pizzeria
Charter Banquet, Friday, Jan. 21 from
7-11 p.m. at King’s Court Castle
For more information contact Katherine
Baumann at 248-505-3067
1,000 Conversations About Mental
Health in Lake Orion
Next meeting is Thursday, Feb. 3 from
6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Kiva at Lake
Orion High School
1000 Conversations is planning an ex-
citing event “Lake Orion’s Got Talent”
to be held on Saturday, March 19 at
the Lake Orion High School auditorium.
For information about how you can
enter to showcase your talent contact
Karen Hudson at 248-391-1352.
Growing Green Earth Day Expo
Planning is underway for the Grow-
ing Green Earth Day Expo. This sec-
ond year will be even bigger and bet-
ter than the first. Mark your calendar,
information and vendor applications
will be mailed out this month. The Expo
will be held on Saturday, April 9 from
10 am to 5 p.m. at the King’s Court
Castle in Canterbury Village on Joslyn
Road. If you have any questions or
are interested in participating as a ven-
dor please contact Jennifer Vezina at
[email protected].
248-393-0403
www.agconsultingservices.com
Email: [email protected]
Answers with Guidance while Committed
to providing winning Solutions
1. Write down all your questions and problems
2. Schedule your appointment at:
a. http://ag-consulting-services.genbook.com OR
b. www.agconsultingservices.com/quickbooks
click on the “booknow” button
3. Email confirmation is sent to you
4. A GoToMeeting link will be sent for your
appointment time
5. During your appointment get your
questions and problems fixed
It’s that simple.
Save Time, Energy and Money by scheduling
time you need to get your QuickBooks
questions answered. Here’s how it works:
February 2011 -- What’s The Biz -- Lake Orion 3
A message from OACC President Bill Kokenos
Briefly
Bill Kokenos,
OACC Acting
President
Supporting the businesses that support your community • Supporting the businesses that support your community • Supporting the businesses that support your community
By Bill Kokenos
I want to start out by wishing every-
one Happy New Year. Last year was a very
busy year at the Chamber with the hiring
of Alaina Campbell as our Executive Di-
rector.
Alaina has been
able to pick up right
where Donna
Heyniger left off. Our
Community Expo last
May was a huge suc-
cess and this year's
Expo could be even
bigger. The Chili
Challenge Committee
did an outstanding job
and it was a hit at
Barn Days.
Our networking Group that meets on
two Wednesdays of the month has really
taken off and keeps getting bigger and big-
ger.
Finally our 60th Anniversary Celebra-
tion was a great evening of old and new
stories, seeing old friends and most of all
seeing why our Chamber has stayed to-
gether for 60 years.
It is the people who are involved that
make this Chamber special. I want to thank
the past Presidents, former Board Mem-
bers and members who attended.
In 2010 we saw the
township get a big boost with
the decision by General Mo-
tors to produce two differ-
ent cars at the Orion Plant.
Orion Township has a
new Senior Community Cen-
ter, and Amphitheater under
construction and the Village
of Lake Orion broke ground
for improvements to
Children's Park and a new downtown
streetscape. We are seeing businesses ex-
pand and new businesses moving in.
All of this makes the Orion area a great
place to live and work.
I would like to thank Rosemary Rangi
and Theresa Fiorani whose terms have
ended on the Board.
Both of these individuals were very in-
strumental in many of the things that were
done by the Chamber.
Their diligence and hard work over the
past three years have been a welcome as-
set to the Chamber. Thank you Rosemary
and Theresa.
Now as we look ahead to 2011 we have
many exciting events on the horizon.
JANUARY
Networking Group
Wednesday, Jan. 19 at the Chamber
office, 1520 S. Lapeer Road, Suite
112 (across from Golling Buick
GMC) 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. hosted by
1,000 Conversations About Mental
Health in Lake Orion
FEBRUARY
Chamber Luncheon
Thursday, Feb. 3, 11:30 a.m. to 1
p.m. at Christi's Bar and Grill
Ron DeLorme from Manage Max
Performance Improvement will be
our speaker.
MARCH
Chamber Luncheon
Thursday, March 3, 11:30 a.m. to 1
p.m. at Kruse and Muer
Lake Orion Village Manager Paul
Zelenak will present a State of the
Village address.
APRIL
Chamber Luncheon
Thursday, April 14, 11:30 a.m. to 1
p.m. at King's Court Castle in Can-
terbury Village
Kathleen Klein from Waste Manage-
ment will speak. Afterwards, attend-
ees can take a tour of the Waste
Management facilities via buses that
will be provided.
MAY
Community Expo
Tuesday, May 10, 4-8 p.m.
Lake Orion High School Field House
For information about exhibiting or
participating in a "Taste of Orion"
please call the Chamber office at 248-
693-6300.
We have our Community Expo again
on May 10 at the High School.
We are looking to partner
with the DDA on two excit-
ing projects.
The first will be an event
that will be combined with
the fireworks and right now
we are calling it Food, Fun
and Fireworks.
Another project with the
DDA is organizing an all you
can eat pancake breakfast on
the Sunday of Dragon on the Lake.
We are also getting close to a proposal
for the possibility of merging with the Ox-
ford Chamber of Commerce.
We are unveiling a new Luncheon
Sponsorship program.
Information will be distributed through
the Monthly Motivator and on our website.
We are also looking for members who
are interested in serving on one of our
many committees.
The Chamber is only as successful as
its members, so if you would like to help
out contact Alaina or JoAnne in the office.
I hope that all of you have a great
month and hope to see you at a luncheon,
networking meeting or just around Orion.
New year's resolutions - we all make
them or even if we don't officially make
them we think about
things we would like
to change or ac-
complish.
The Chamber will
be starting the new
year with some
resolutions as well.
We will begin by
seating two new
board members,
Ron DeLorme from
Manage Max Per-
formance Improve-
ment and Paul Zelenak, Lake Orion Village
Manager.
We are excited about the new ideas and
energy that both of these individuals will
bring to the Chamber's Board.
We will also elect new officers and es-
tablish new working committees.
Alaina Campbell,
OACCExecutive
Director
New year brings new energy
There are several new programs on the
horizon for 2011 that will help increase
business in the community and activities
that will be fun for residents. The
economy is picking up in the area.
At the Chamber we've seen an increase
in new businesses moving in and the ex-
pansion of existing businesses.
These are definitely good signs for our
entire community.
Here in the Orion area we are fortunate
to have many businesses that give back
through donations of their time, talent and
money.
And even though many of our local busi-
ness have seen some rough times in the
past couple of years, they have still come
through for the community in many ways
(please see the sidebar for our special
thanks to the Chamber's 2010 sponsors).
We look forward to serving the com-
munity in 2011 by supporting the busi-
nesses that support your community.
Check out Orion Area Chamber of Commerce on Facebook
Community Expo
Genisys Credit Union
Crittenton Medical Equi p.m.ent
ATandT Prime Wireless
Allstate Agent Richard Spano
Lakes Community Credit Union
Lake Orion Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
Mathnasium
Planet Kids Children's Center
Waste Management
Chili Challenge
Genisys Credit Union
60th Anniversary Celebration
Palace Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/Ram
Golling Buick GMC
Thank You to Our 2010
Event Sponsors
Mark your calendar for
upcoming OACC events
Welcome
to the Chamber
fLipSpot Gymnastics and Cheer
Center
Pre-Paid Legal Services
Physiotherapy Associates
Waldon Park Piano Studio
Orion Area Chamber of Commerce
4 What’s The Biz -- Lake Orion -- February 2011
Kelly Counseling
‘If weeds showed up in your
garden, would you move?’
Muscular strength or flexibility?
By Matt Glenn, DPT, MATcs
For years it has been taught to us in
gym class, by a coach
or by a personal trainer,
that the key to prevent-
ing injury is stretching
our muscles to increase
flexibility.
Even though flexibil-
ity is important, we at
Physiotherapy Associ-
ates take a different ap-
proach to the human
body. It is ours and many
others’ belief that mus-
cular strength should
trump the importance of
flexibility.
It is important for
every muscle in your
body to be functioning
at its full potential in order to perform
daily tasks and sports. Injuries occur
when a muscle decides to either not
work or shut down (muscular weak-
ness). So just because you can bend
Which should be your priority?
With the approach of Valentine's Day
we tend to be a little more thoughtful than
usual where our
spouse is
concerned…right
guys?
With all the
emphasis we
place on sponta-
neity these days
we tend to for-
get that being de-
liberate can en-
hance romance
also.
I often re-
mind couples of
this in marriage
counseling. This reminder is usually in re-
sponse to the common complaint that “the
feelings are gone.”
Often men and women marry assum-
ing marriage will chug along on its own
steam.
There is an underlying expectation that
the initial attraction and excitement they
first enjoyed will carry them through life
together.
George and Tamara Kelly, counselors
over and touch your toes does not mean
that your muscles can control this move-
ment without injury.
For example, we
see gymnastic clients
who have a lot of flex-
ibility, as you would
guess, however they
have a lot of muscular
weakness.
We evaluate their
muscular control and
treat them with special-
ized anatomy based ex-
ercise for the muscles
that they can't control
well.
Muscular weakness
can lead to pain, poor
performance in sports,
tiredness, and tightness
in your body.
We encourage you and your family
to call Physiotherapy Associates in
Lake Orion for a free Muscular Evalu-
ation at 248-814-0500.
Matt Glenn, DPT, MATcs
This just doesn't line up with reality. If
weeds showed up in your lawn or garden,
would you move?
This is un-
likely unless you
have amazing re-
sources and little
resolve. Instead,
you cultivate your
garden.
The same in-
tentionality is
necessary in or-
der for marriage
to flourish. Feel-
ings follow the
choices, commit-
ments, and in-
vestments you make. Your love for each
other can be rejuvenated and even grow
deeper.
We can help you identify what has got-
ten in the way of intimacy and the joy that
should accompany such a wonderful gift
as marriage.
Contact George and Tamara Kelly,
counselors, at 248-651-0900 or visit
www.kellycounselors.com
Physiotherapy
Associates
1375 S. Lapeer Rd.,
Suite 209
Lake Orion
248-814-0500
Located in the
Bald Mountain Medical
Complex
We Specialize In:
• Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
• Sports Medicine
• Spinal Care
• Pre/Post Operative Rehabilitation
• TMJ
• Muscle Activation Techniques (MAT)
• Research and Education
We accept most major
insurances along with a
fee for service plan
Treating the body as
a whole is why we
get the best results!
Does Pain Dictate How
You Live Your Life? It Doesn’t
Have To Be That Way.
FREE
MUSCULOSKELETAL
CONSULTATION
Please Call Us To Schedule Your
Free Consultation
$
165
Value
GEORGE & TAMARA KELLY-
COUNSELORS - 248.651.0900
WWW.KELLYCOUNSELORS.COM
SEE HOW GOD CAN
TURN YOUR LIFE AROUND.
February 2011 -- What’s The Biz -- Lake Orion 5
By C.J. Carnacchio
Special to The Lake Orion Review
Traditionally, the nexus of the landlord-
tenant relationship has been one thing and
one thing only – the rent.
Beyond that monthly check, the two
didn’t get involved in each other’s finan-
cial matters. They didn’t need to. They
didn’t want to.
"It's always been this is your business;
this is my building. I’m the landlord; you’re
the tenant. Good luck,” said Chuck
Schneider, a local real estate developer who
owns numerous commercial properties in
Oxford and Lake Orion.
But given these difficult economic
times, Schneider, who serves on Oxford’s
DDA board, came to the realization that
this age-old relationship must change and
evolve if landlords wish to lease the glut
of empty buildings on the market right now
and entrepreneurs wish to start new busi-
nesses or expand existing ones.
In his view, landlords must now fulfill
the role banks once played by providing
the capital entrepreneurs need. By doing
so, landlords will fill their empty buildings
and over time, see their rents increase.
Schneider’s new model isn’t just talk.
He put his money where his mouth is by
partnering with Donna Walker, a tenant of
his who owns Head to Toes Total Body
Works in Oxford, to open the Spa on the
Lake, located at 302 S. Broadway St. in
Lake Orion. The new business opened
Dec. 7.
”I’ve been at this 30 years. I’ve had as
many as 150 tenants. I’ve never done this
before,” he noted.
Originally, the two-story building owned
by Schneider was Schenden’s Spa, but the
doctor who owned it decided to close it,
concentrate on the medical side of the busi-
ness and centralize his operations in Troy.
Rather than be left with an empty build-
ing decorated by a for-lease sign, Schneider
decided to be proactive and purchase all
the assets.
”I bought the place lock, stock and bar-
rel,” he said. “Here we have a clientele.
We have a staff. We have a furnished
building. Are we going to cast these 16
(employees) adrift, or do we try and keep
this place going?
”The alternative was he goes away, I
put a for-lease sign up and we end up with
who knows what. It just seemed a lot more
intelligent to keep that business that had
been a good business for 10 years. This
just seemed like the logical experience of
owning and operating a successful spa.
She worked there for two years prior to
owning it.
”The plan is ultimately, she’s going to
buy out my assets,” Schneider said. “I’m
just doing this as sort of a stopgap.”
Schneider explained that most banks
these days aren’t lending money for small
businesses despite their advertised claims.
“The billions of dollars (the federal gov-
ernment) gave the banks never filtered
down to the consumer,” he said. “The
banks used it to buy other banks; they
didn’t use it to make loans more afford-
able for people. They’re not opening up
Rent-to-own business? Schneider says landlords must act as banks
their credit, they’re restricting their credit.”
Without capital, entrepreneurs looking
to start a new business or expand an ex-
isting one can’t afford to do it.
“Oakland County has various training
programs – how to write a business plan
and how to decorate your windows. Those
are great, but we’ve got to get the person
in business first,” he said. “That’s where
we’re falling down. The finance piece of
that process doesn’t exist. Without that
finance piece, the business doesn’t exist.”
“Most people don’t have the working
capital. They need the money for their
house payment, their car payment, their
kids’ education and groceries,” Schneider
explained. “They don’t have the resources
to say ‘I’m going to take X amount of
dollars and plunk it here and by the way, I
want to have six months savings to feed
the meter while this business is getting off
the ground.’”
This is where landlords must step in
and follow Schneider’s model of becom-
ing a partner or investor in their tenant’s
business venture, as he’s done with
Walker.
“I’m the bank. I’m basically financing
the purchase of the business,” he said. “She
Landlord Chuck
Schneider (right)
bought all the assets
so tenant Donna
Walker could open
the Spa on the Lake
in Lake Orion.
Eventually, she will
buy him out. Photo
by C.J. Carnacchio.
Continued on page 8
Located on Lapeer Road & Dutton (1/2 Mile N of the Palace) • 248-276-2222
Of Lake Orion
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Basket
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offers. Dine-in Only. Exp. 2-2-11
Stop In To Register To Win
$
100 Culver’s
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2 FREE Pistons Tickets
Next winner announced February 3rd
Congratulations December Winner
Paula Bowman Paula Bowman Paula Bowman Paula Bowman Paula Bowman
Based on purchase at regular menu price. Please no
substitutions. Not validwithanyother offer. Limit one
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$
1 Off
Any Medium
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www.culversoflakeorion.com
6 What’s The Biz -- Lake Orion -- February 2011
Associated Foot Clinic
Jeffrey C.Noroyan,D.P.M.• Tim Snyder,D.P.M.
Gloria Christian,D.P.M.
Physicians and Surgeons of the Foot
191 North Park Blvd • Lake Orion
248-693-8400
Diplomate, American Board of Podiatric Surgery
2375 Stanton Road • Lake Orion
248-693-4695
www.paintcreekgolf.com
EYE HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
& FASHION OPTICAL
“Modern Eye Care, Old Fashioned Caring”
81 Indianwood Road., Ste 1
Lake Orion, MI 48362
248-693-2321 Fax: 248-693-2703
Email: [email protected]
Robert E. Deck III, O.D.
Doctor of Optometry
ENVIRONMENTAL
WOOD SOLUTIONS
Call For Rates 248-391-9446
3500 Giddings Rd. (N of Silverbell)
Hours: Mon-Fri. 8-5 • Sat. 8-1
www.ewsmullins.com
RECYCLING:
• Stumps / Brush / Logs
• Tree Debris / Yard Waste
• Pallets / Crates
• Wood Construction Debris
Screened Topsoil • Planting Mix
Hardwood Mulch • Colored Mulch
Aggregate Materials - Sand & Stone
This space
only
$
39
00
Call For Details
ACCOUNTING, TAX &
BOOKKEEPING
Abacus Accounting
Services
248-693-0003
Alice P. Young, CPA
248-693-3152
B2B CFO
248-814-0666
Gofrank & Mattina
248-601-9500 x12
H & R Block
248-625-7940
We’re Your Ofce
248-672-5798
ADVERTISING
Cofee News of LO
248-391-6730
Ganett Directories
800-338-5970
ATTORNEY & LEGAL
SERVICES
Beier Howlett, PC
248-383-1079
James R. Porritt, Jr.
248-693-6245
Mark E. Crane, PLLC
248-909-0956
The Wolf Law Firm
248-693-6245
AUTO MFG & SALES
Golling Buick GMC
248-693-5900
Leonard Enterprise
248-391-1822
Palace Chrysler-Jeep
248-393-2222
Skalnek Ford
248-683-6241
Wally Edgar Chevrolet
248-391-9900
AUTO SERVICES
Lake Orion Truck
Accessories
248-814-2277
Lombardo’s Towing
Service
248-230-0350
Midwest Wrecker
Services
248-238-6866
Mufer Man–LO
248-814-9292
Vette Products
248-693-1907
BANKS, CREDIT
UNIONS, MORTGAGES
5/3 Bank
248-276-7300
Chief Financial Credit
Union
248-391-1950
Comerica Bank
248-693-7841
Genisys Credit Union
248-370-0530
Lakes Comm. CU
248-814-4000
Oxford Bank
248-693-6261
PNC Bank
248-693-8351
TCF Bank
248-693-6229
BEAUTY, HAIR &
SPAS
LaVida Massage
248-693-0820
Salon U
248-693-8768
Schenden Spas
248-693-2999
BEVERAGE DISTRIB.
Powers Distributing
248-393-3700
BUSINESS &
CONSULTING
First Data Merchant
Services
248-935-3310
Manage Max
Performance
Improvement
248-396-5031
MasterMind Solutions
248-394-3000
NBS Solutions
248-693-0494
Phillips Consulting
248-276-8606
Queensland
Marketing
248-370-9111
Stephen Auger &
Assoc., Architects
248-814-9160
Write Side of Business,
LLC
248-834-0700
CHIROPRACTIC
Dolecki Chiropratic
248-391-1040
Gregg Chiropractic
248-391-1600
CHURCHES &
RELIGIOUS
Divine Grace Lutheran
Church & School
248-391-1131
Unity Church of LO
248-391-9211
Woodside Bible
248-687-7115
CIVIC & NON-PROFITS
1000 Conversations
About Mental Health
in Lake Orion
248-505-6526
Kiwanis Club of
Oxford/Orion
248-628-2533 x245
LO Education Found.
248-821-4592
Lake Orion Lions Club
248-975-6378
Lake Orion Optimists
Club
248-623-7900
Love, Inc.
248-693-4357
North Oakland
Community Coalition
248-520-3786
Orion Historical
Society
248-693-4154
Orion Township
Public Library
248-693-3000
x305
Orion Neighborhood
TV
248-693-3377
Provide, Inc.
248-475-4808
COMPUTER & TECH
Lodden Services
248-724-1400
Secure Solutions
248-872-8426
COMMUNICATIONS
AT&T/Prime Wireless
248-236-9000
Verizon Wireless
248-393-6800
CONSTRUCTION &
REMODELING
All-Pro Restoration
248-693-3200
Alter Eco
248-535-7787
Davis Home
Improvement
248-391-6644
Dunrite Roofng &
Siding
248-393-5000
Everydry
Waterproofng
586-698-3030
J.L.O. Home
Improvement
248-693-8481
Kemp Building &
Development
248-583-9030
Tamis Marine
Construction
586-749-5741
DANCE
L. A. Dance
248-393-1339
DENTAL &
ORTHODONTICS
Deborah DeHaan, DDS
248-391-4477
James Komendera,
DDS
248-693-2194
Joe Mastromatteo,
DDS
248-693-1331
John Blake, DDS
248-693-5800
LO Family Dentistry
248-693-6213
Rocco Ciccone, DDS
248-693-8366
EDUCATION &
CHILD CARE
A+ Nannies
248-834-0808
Divine Grace Lutheran
Elementary School
248-391-1131
Good Shepherd
Lutheran School
Academy of Fine Arts
& Sciences
248-391-7244
Kids Corner, LLC
248-814-9096
Kingsbury School
248-628-2571
LO Community Schools
248-693-5414
LO Community Driving
School
248-693-7600
Mathnasium
248-391-2800
Pee Wee Patch
248-814-1010
Planet Kid Childrens
Center
248-620-9032
Schollegiate College
Advisor
248-889-5807
Stars & Stripes Kids
Activity Center
248-625-3547
The Goddard School
248-628-6268
The Learning
Experience of
Clarkston
248-625-5285
ELECTRICAL
Tuson Electric Inc.
248-814-7228
EMBROIDERY
Custom Threads &
Sports
248-391-0088
ENVIRONMENTAL
Environmental Wood
Solutions
248-391-9446
Waste Management
800-796-9696
EQUIPMENT RENTAL
JSPO LLC
248-640-8396
Orion Area Chamber of Commerce
Þ.O. Box 4B4, Lako Or|on, M| 4B3ß1 · 24B-ß93-ß300 · www.|akoor|onchambor.com
Our Members
LAKE ORION
WINDOW TREATMENTS
47 S. Broadway • Lake Orion
248-693-0124 • Fax 248-693-0031
Custom Draperies • Blinds • Carpet
Upholstery • Hospital Bed Curtains
Commercial • Residential
• Prepare Business & Personal Tax Returns
• Assist New Business in Federal & State Registration
• Payroll Processing • Bank Reconciliation
• Financial Statements • Periodic Tax Planning
• Personalized & Confidential Service
accounting services, inc.
399 S. Broadway • Lake Orion • 248-693-0003
February 2011 -- What’s The Biz -- Lake Orion 7
FULL SERVICE AUTO REPAIR
• Brake Service
• Tune-ups
• Air Conditioning
591 South Lapeer Road • Lake Orion
248-693-1488
BRAKES
Lifetime Guaranteed
Expires 2-28-11
Maintenance
Checkup
Most Vehicles
Expires 2-28-11
Pads or shoes
Most Vehicles
Change Oil & Filter,
Rotate Tires, Check Brakes
$
29
95
$
89
95
Per Axle
WE DO THAT
Lake
Orion
Valley Tent Rental
810-459-7368
FUNERAL HOMES
Modetz Funeral Home
248-371-3777
Sparks-Grifn Funeral
Home
248-693-8336
GOLF & BANQUETS
Boulder Pointe
248-969-1500
Myth Golf Course
248-693-7170
Oxford Hills Golf &
Country Club
248-628-2518
Paint Creek Country
Club
248-693-4695
GRAPHICS, WEB,
PRINTING & SIGNS
Balanced Interactive
248-814-7473
Canoe Circle Graphics
248-391-9916
Grassroots
Technologies
248-854-7625
Marty’s Insty Prints
248-340-7510
M&B Graphics Inc.
248-690-7527
The Marketing Shop
248-330-8787
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Arthemiz
Revitalization Center
248-783-1030
Basketball America
248-693-5858
Curves of Orion
248-393-3119
Great Lakes Athletic
Club
248-393-3085
Powerhouse Gym
248 693-0300
HOTELS & PROPERTY
RENTALS
Heritage Place Apts.
248-693-9197
Indian Lake
Apartment Village
248-391-3040
J & L Rustic Cabins
248-628-6087
SpringHill Suites by
Marriott
248-475-4700
Waldon Lakes Apts.
248-391-5500
INDIVIDUALS
Bill Kokenos
248-802-5521
Bill Peterson
248-535-7787
INDUSTRIAL
Guinn Industrial
Center
248-693-4432
Kay Automotive
Graphic
248-377-4999
INSURANCE
AAA Michigan
248-393-7702 x224
Allstate-Spano Agency
248-391-3272
America’s Business
Beneft
248-906-0342
Backus Payne & Assoc.
248-608-9520
Downey King-Phipps
248-628-2565
State Farm-Bill
Kirchner Agency
248-693-2464
Various Insurance
Planning
248-393-3146
Western Southern Life
586-228-0230 x138
INVESTMENTS &
FINANCIAL PLANNING
Ameriprise Financial
Services
248-865-2517
Financial Benefts
Group
248-371-0300
Michigan Financial
Companies
248-933-0568
Stelman & Associates,
LLC
248-693-3430
LANDSCAPING
Orion Stone Depot
248-391-2490
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
52-3 District Court
248-853-5553
Charter Twp. of Orion
248-391-0304 x101
Mike Gingell,
County Commissioner
248-728-7133
Village of Lake Orion
248-693-8391
MEDICAL SERVICES
Assoc. Foot Clinic
248-693-8400
Bald Mountain
Medical Pharmacy
248-814-9814
Beaumont Hospital
248-964-1807
Crittenton Hospital
Medical Center
248-652-5000
Crittenton Medical
Equipment
248-693-5384
Guest House
248-391-4445
James Bauer, MD
248-693-4271
Lake Orion Nursing
& Rehab
248-693-0505
Orion Family
Physicians
248-693-3551
Orion Medical Center,
Dr. Nashwan Yousif
248-693-8634
POH Medical Center
248-338-5000
Prof. Hearing Clinic
248-693-2600
Treeside Psychological
Clinic
248-693-9614 x61
Waldon Family
Medicine
248-391-9090
MOVING & STORAGE
1-800-Pack Rat
248-276-2358
Lake Orion Self
Storage
248-814-8040
National Storage
Center South
248-391-1470
National Storage
Center North
248-393-1307
Premier Self Storage
248-276-9200
NEWSPAPERS &
MEDIA
Lake Orion Review
248-693-8331
Stickradt Media Group
248-884-1051
The Oakland Press
248-745-4526
PHYSICAL THERAPY
HealthQuest Physical
Therapy
248-393-7707
PLUMBING & HVAC
Comfort King
248-909-1484
LO Plumbing &
Heating
248-693-4775
Oxford Orion
Plumbing Heating
and Cooling Inc.
248-969-8100
Turner Sanitation
248-693-0998
REAL ESTATE
Coldwell Banker
Shooltz Realty
248-628-4711
Michigan Global
Solutions
248-343-2215
RESTAURANTS
Bufalo Wild Wings
248-814-8600
Casey’s Chicken
248-391-1000
Christi’s Bar & Grill
248-693-6224
CJ’s Lakeside Grill &
Sandbar
248-693-8704
Culvers-Lake Orion
248-276-2222
G’s Pizzeria
393-0000
Hamlin Pub
248-814-8109
Hole in One Bagel
248-391-6771
Italia Gardens
248-628-4112
Jet’s Pizza
248-814-7559
Kruse & Muer on the
Lake
248) 814-9500
Oscar’s Bar & Grill
248-393-8600
Palazzo di Bocce
248-371-9987
Pizzarifc
248-393-3600
Tubby’s Sub Shoppe
248-693-4600
Valentino’s
248-814-1100
RETAIL & CONSUMER
SERVICES
Costco Wholesale
248-648-0020
Great Lakes Crossing
248-454-5010
K-mart
248-693-6252
LO Window
Treatments
248-693-0124
My Pic Photography
248-217-0559
Sweet Lane Fudge
Factory
248-393-3340
Three Dog Books
248-430-4580
Twice-Blessed
248-693-3800
The UPS Store
248-814-7781
uSellonline Ebay Spec.
248-421-1839
Vacuum Works
248-393-9950
SENIOR SERVICES
Alliance Senior Care
248-274-2170
American House
Village
248-853-6000
Hope Senior Apts.
248-628-7676
Independence Village-
Waterstone
248-236-8300
Legacy of America
248-377-9569
Orion Senior Center
248-693-2066
Seniors Helping
Seniors
248-969-4000
Visiting Angels
248-693-6567
SHIPPING &
TRANSPORTATION
Superior Logistics
Solutions
866-757-1780
VISION CARE
Eye Health
Professionals
248-693-2321
For more information about the
Orion Area Chamber of Commerce,
visit www.lakeorionchamber.com
Business
Owners
...Did You
Know That
Not Only Does
Sherman
Publications, Inc.
Publish
Award-Winning
Newspapers
we also offer
QUALITY
PRINTING
SERVICES
Call or Stop In
30 N. Broadway•Downtown• 248-693-8331
• Flyers • Brochures • Menus
• Envelopes
• Business Forms
• Business Cards and More
The Lake Orion Review
8 What’s The Biz -- Lake Orion -- February 2011
pays a start-up rent to get her rolling.”
Over time, Schneider said the rent
structure will change and Walker will pur-
chase all the assets from him, thus be-
coming the sole owner of the business.
Gone are the days when landlords could
simply buy a building and wait for some-
one to lease it.
Schneider said landlords have to be
more proactive and willing to take a gamble
on new businesses with their own money.
”You have to look at the individual and
say, ‘I’m betting that you have the skill
set to do this,’” he said. “Those are people
you work with to be successful.”
“Conversely, landlords have to look at
people who aren’t qualified, who have no
experience or know-how, no business plan
or background, and say I’m not taking a
chance on you,” Schneider explained. “You
have to be a good judge of people and what
you think their capabilities are and what
their skills are.”
Basically, landlords must now fill the
role abdicated by banks to help get the
economy moving again.
“We are a credit economy – like it or
not. And when credit goes, this economy
goes because that’s the way it’s been cre-
ated,” Schneider said. “When the credit
tightens up, it’s like putting the brakes on
the train. It just comes to a stop.”
The benefits to landlords – and the com-
munities in which they own properties –
are occupied buildings and higher rents.
“Once the buildings are full, then rents
can rise. But rents will never rise when
you have empty buildings,” Schneider said.
“You have to fill everything up, then cre-
ate demand for the community. Prices will
never rise when you have vacancies and
no line of people saying, ‘Hey, I want to
go to Oxford.”
Schneider noted that Rochester filled
38 stores in one year because the town’s
DDA was “very aggressive” about going
out and recruiting new businesses.
Rochester filled 38 stores in one year
because its DDA was “very aggressive”
about going out and recruiting businesses.
“They had property tours and did a lot
to make the town desirable to people,”
Schneider said. “Thirty-eight stores in one
year is a lot. They’ve turned the corner
there.”
As for Oxford, “we’re not there yet.”
"We still need to do a lot of work to
attract people to the community,” he said.
“For-lease signs don’t say successful and
vibrant, they say just the opposite.”
Rent-to-own
Continued from page 5
Loran S. Coffman, CPhD, RFC
WPS-Investments Inc.
Stone Pine Complex
189 W. Clarkston Rd.
Lake Orion, MI 48362
248-693-5599
www.WPSinvestments.com
By Loran S. Coffman CPhD, RFC
ou may think of life insurance in very
simple terms: you buy a policy so that
your loved ones will have some finan-
cial assistance when you die.
But if you have assets of $1 million
or more, you should view life insurance
as a tool - kind of a Swiss army knife, in
fact. Life insurance has many potential
uses in estate
planning, and a
life insurance
trust can cer-
tainly help a
family.
What does
a life insurance
trust do? It en-
ables you and
your family to
do three things
in particular.
One, it pro-
vides you, your
spouse and your heirs with life insur-
ance coverage after it is implemented.
Two, it allows a trustee to distribute
death benefits from a life insurance
policy as that trustee sees fit.
Three, it gives you the chance to re-
duce your estate taxes.
When you create a life insurance
trust, you are creating an entity (the trust)
to buy life insurance policies for you and
your loved ones.
You don't own the policies, the trust
does. So the insurance proceeds go into
the trust when someone passes away.
Because the trust owns the insur-
ance policies instead of a person, the in-
surance proceeds aren't subject to pro-
bate, income taxes or estate taxes.
The trustee can distribute those pro-
ceeds to one or more parties as stipu-
lated in the language of the trust.
Also, if your estate ends up really
large, the trust can buy additional life
insurance to provide additional cash to
pay additional estate taxes.
Sometimes these trusts establish in-
vestment policies for life insurance pro-
ceeds, and even timelines for who re-
ceives what when (families may want
to delay an heir from legally receiving
an inheritance until age 18 or 21, for ex-
ample). Why not just have someone else
own my insurance policy?
That scenario can lead to major fi-
nancial and familial headaches. If that
person dies before you die, the cash
value of the policy will be included in
their taxable estate.
So the heirs (and relatives) of that
person will have higher estate taxes to
pay as a result. Also, if you do this, you
surrender control of your policy; the
loved one you trust could end up nam-
ing another beneficiary or even cashing
your policy out.
A decision for life. Almost all life in-
surance trusts are irrevocable trusts.
That is, they are legally "set in stone"
once created, unlike a revocable trust
which can be amended or revoked after
creation.
You can make these trusts revo-
cable, but if you do, you lose the tax
benefit: the insurance proceeds will be
included in your taxable estate when you
die, which could increase the estate tax
bill for your heirs.
However, some irrevocable life in-
surance trusts purchase survivorship life
insurance in a profit sharing plan to per-
mit the ability to change beneficiaries.
If you'd like to know more about
life insurance trusts or the potentially sig-
nificant changes in estate taxes over the
next few years, talk to a qualified legal,
financial or insurance professional to-
day.
Loran S. Coffman is a Representa-
tive with H. Beck, Inc. and may be
reached on the web at
www.WPSinvestments.com, by phone
(248) 693-5599, or by email
[email protected].
See "The Science of Financial
Health,” Coffman's exclusive weekly fi-
nancial column on the web every
Wednesday at
www.LakeOrionReview.com.
These views are those of the author
and should not be construed as invest-
ment, tax or legal advice.
Past performance is no guarantee
of future results. All information is be-
lieved to be from reliable sources; how-
ever we make no representation as to its
completeness or accuracy.
Please consult your Investment, Tax
and/or Legal Advisor for further infor-
mation and advice about application to
your specific circumstances. Researched
and authored by Loran S. Coffman &
Peter Montoya, Incorporated.
Securities offered through H. Beck,
Inc. Member FINRA, SIPC. Investment
advisory services offered through
M.R.Spencer Advisory Services, LLC.
WPS-Investments, Inc. is unaffiliated
with H. Beck, Inc. Branch address of
WPS is 189 W. Clarkston Rd., Bldg. A,
Lake Orion, MI 48362
The value of life insurance trusts
An estate planning option more families ought to know about
Loran S. Coffman
WPS Investments
February 2011 -- What’s The Biz -- Lake Orion 9
Here we are starting another new year.
How fast the years pass. We have been
opened here for six months now. We
want to thank all of you that have visited
us, for the friendly welcome you have
given us.
We are very happy with our location
on Baldwin Road. We have met many
wonderful new friends since we opened
here last year.
Gold and Silver are still at historical
highs. Now is a great time to gather up
any broken or unwanted gold, sterling sil-
ver, or platinum jewelry and bring it in
for the best price around.
And don't forget that we buy a lot of
silver. Coins, flatware, tea sets, etc. If it
is sterling, we will buy it.
We are paying higher right now than
ever before.
We know that you have other choices
when you are ready to sell your gold or
silver.
Why should you come to Gold City?
Because we pay more and we will treat
you with the respect and the dignity that
‘We will pay you more and
we will treat you better!’
Gold City
Mark and Sherrie own Gold City LLC.
you deserve. Because of this, we have
many repeat customers and many refer-
rals from satisfied customers.
Come see us today at our clean, se-
cure, and comfortable location on Baldwin
Road across from the Great Lakes Out-
lets. We are a family owned business.
We will pay you more and we will treat
you better!
By Laura Colvin
Lake Orion Review editor
What do batteries, burgers and a
50,000-square-foot BMX park have in
common?
All are examples of the goods and ser-
vices produced at
new Orion Town-
ship businesses.
According to
township supervi-
sor Matthew Gibb,
some 600-700 new
jobs are coming to
town in the months
ahead as dozens of
businesses locate
or relocate in
Orion.
Several new in-
door recreational
facilities – including
a gymnastics and cheer organization, a
BMX park and a volleyball training cen-
ter are all among more than 50 new ven-
tures calling Orion home, and a number
of industrial businesses are also coming
in, or at least taking a serious look at
what the community has to offer.
So what’s behind the new growth?
Gibb said he attributes it to a number of
things.
First, property values are bottoming
out and beginning to stabilize, thus mak-
ing new ventures more affordable and
less risky.
Second, the township recently swept
off the porch and laid out a brand-new
welcome mat.
“We’ve changed the impression people
get from Orion,” Gibb said. “We used to
be very difficult to work with, but we’ve
developed a reputation for being a more
welcoming community, and that’s a huge
accomplishment.”
In years gone by, he explained, the
township was known for requiring pro-
spective business owners, developers and
others to jump through a long string of
administrative hoops.
Most found it difficult – and costly –
to set up shop in Orion.
Word got around, and eventually, most
people looking to establish or grow a busi-
ness didn’t even bother to stop and have
a look around.
“We said ‘no’ a lot,” said Gibb, who
served as township trustee before he was
elected supervisor in 2008.
In 2009, Gibb rallied the troops and
generated support for a significant over-
haul of the township’s Master Plan.
The result, he said, is a “business-
friendly” municipality.
“ Some t i me s
it’s good to say no
– some types of
businesses you
don’t want in your
community – and
sometimes it’s not
good to say no so
much,” he said.
“But we’ve undone
that reputation.”
These days, the
township offers
prospective busi-
nesses incentives
like expedited PUD
(planned unit development) plans, broad,
pre-planned industrial development dis-
tricts, tax incentives and pre-application
meetings that encourage entrepreneurs to
informally approach the planning com-
mission or board of trustees for feedback.
“They don’t have to spend $10,000
to come in and get an answer,” Gibb said.
“They’re not getting held up for six or
12 months.”
And zoning changes now allow busi-
nesses to settle where they once could
not.
For example, after fLipSpot Gymnas-
tics and Cheer applied for and were granted
special land use by the township planning
commission, they got to work outfitting the
building to become what they call “the pre-
miere gymnastics and cheer facility” in the
area. Located at 233 Kay Industrial Drive,
near Lapeer and Silverbell, the otherwise
unused industrial building has exactly what
they need: High ceilings and ample floor
space. They’re planning grand-opening
events for the last two weekends in Janu-
ary.
Other recreational facilities are moving
into Orion, as well. Oakland Elite Volley-
ball, already up and running at 143
Northpointe Drive, caters to young athletes
who are serious about achieving their vol-
leyball goals.
Vert Village is a 50,000 square-foot ware-
house at 4662 Joslyn Road. The facility,
said owner and veteran BMXer Marc Mi-
lam, was designed specifically for BMX rid-
ers.
Orion’s open for business
Several indoor recreation facilities among many
new ventures opening up shop in thownship
Orion Township Supervisor Matthew Gibb
gave a ‘State of the Township’ address at
the Chamber’s Jan. 13 luncheon. Photo
by Gabriel Ouzounian
Continued on page 10
248-451-9090
3913 Baldwin Road • Auburn Hills
(Across from Great Lakes Crossing Mall)
We Pay Top Dollar
For Gold, Fine &
Sterling Silver, Platinum, Broken
or Unwanted Jewelry, Diamonds,
Coins, Silver, Dental Gold,
Flatware and Tea Sets
GOLD CITY
WE BUY GOLD & SILVER
Walk In & Get Paid
Cash Now!
Need Some Extra Cash?
Ask Us About Hosting Your Very Own
GOLD PARTY.
• COINS
• Diamond
Engagement &
Wedding Sets
• COINS
• Diamond
Engagement &
Wedding Sets
We Buy & Sell
• COINS
• Diamond
Engagement &
Wedding Sets
10 What’s The Biz -- Lake Orion -- February 2011
436 S. Broadway (M-24) , Suite C • Lake Orion • www.porrittlaw.com
Licensed Real Estate Broker • Past Chair of OCBA Real Estate Committee
Member of American and State Bar Real Estate Sections
James R. Porritt, Jr.
248-693-6245
Serving Orion and Oxford Areas
Since 1973
ATTORNEY
Real Estate Transactions and
Troubled Mortgage Relief
SIMPLE WILLS
• Self directed disposition of assets
• Your choice of administrator
• Your choice of Guardian for minors
• Your choice of Trust for minors to be set up after your passing.
“Avoiding Probate”does not justify the cost or inconvenience of setting up a Living Trust and
maintaining it for the rest of your life. Michigan’s unsupervised probate procedure is
inexpensive, uses preprinted forms, avoids formal accountings, court appearances, or approval
of asset disposition.
Free Initial
Consultation
Quickie short sales
By James R. Porritt, Jr.
The programs developed for relief to
borrowers under Fannie Mae mortgages
include Modifications under HAMP
(Home Affordable
Modification Pro-
gram).
If a borrower goes
through the HAMP
process and is turned
down for a modifica-
tion, the borrower
then becomes eligible
for an expedited
Short Sale or Deed in
Lieu of Foreclosure
alternative under HAFA. The borrower
is provided pre-approved short sale terms
prior to listing the property for sale.
These terms, if satisfied, will allow the
borrower to be discharged from the defi-
ciency on the debt (of the 1st mortgage).
If the short sale does not work, the
borrower will be eligible for a Deed in
Lieu of Foreclosure.
Again, if the borrower surrenders the
property under the Deed in Lieu of Fore-
closure, the deficiency is forgiven.
These programs are available, how-
ever, only if the borrower first applies for
and is denied a loan modification.
“The closest park like it is in Cleveland,
Ohio,” he said, noting some nearby skate
parks allow bikes in, but only during set
hours. And they’re not designed for bikes.
Milam said he’s currently working to get
the building filled with wooden ramps and
jumps for riders of all skill levels and ages,
with features like classes, a training gym,
café, an apparel and parts shop, and a spec-
tator area.
With sights set on a March 1 opening,
Milam seems to back up the township’s
“business-friendly” claim.
“They were very excited when I told
them about my business,” he said. “They
said they’d help with whatever they could,
and that they wanted to make it as easy as
possible.”
And it’s not just recreation and industry.
According to Alaina Campbell, execu-
tive director for the Orion Area Chamber
of Commerce, some 60 businesses joined
the chamber in 2010.
“Usually we’re out recruiting businesses
to join,” said Campbell. “The last four or
five months, they’ve been coming to us.”
Not everyone who recently joined the
chamber represents a new business, she
pointed out. Some companies have
changed hands, while others are just look-
ing for new opportunities to promote their
endeavors. Still, she said, it’s a positive
sign.
“Lately, I’m thinking ‘Wow, things are
really starting to happen,” said
Campbell, noting she’s heard a
number of people in the local
business community speak
positively about ordinance ad-
justments. “And I think the
changes the township made
have been a big part of that.”
The township has also been
able to lure businesses with tax
abatement incentive packages.
Pipe Systems, Inc., a me-
chanical contractor located at
199 Kay Industrial Drive, was
granted a personal property tax
abatement, and BCG Properties
received a real property abate-
ment. Both were awarded un-
der the industrial facilities ex-
emption.
Other additions to the
township’s new industrial
lineup include LEONI Engineer-
ing Products & Services, Inc.,
at 100 Kay Industrial Drive, and
South Korea-based SB
LiMotive, who announced in
November it would develop
lithium ion battery packs for the
Fiat 500EV at an Orion facility.
The Fiat 500EV, which is being devel-
oped by Chrysler in Auburn Hills for a U.S.
launch in 2012, debuts at the North Ameri-
can International Auto Show in Detroit this
week.
And while General Motors is working
fast and furious in its retooling process at
the Orion Assembly Plant, many of the
operation’s necessary suppliers have not yet
been identified.
Gibb said he’s hoping things
on that front become a little
more clear in the spring.
“Parts manufacturers, all the
logistic pieces, warehousing,
inventory and shipping facili-
ties,” he listed. “We don’t
know where any of that’s go-
ing to land yet; it’s our job to
make sure it lands in Orion.”
Several new fast food res-
taurants are popping up in the
township, as well.
A Taco Bell recently opened
on Baldwin near Brown Road,
a Latshaw Checkers is in the
works on M-24, and
Indianwood Junction is in the
process of completely rebuild-
ing to include a gas station and
restaurant in the long-standing
establishment located near the
intersection/traffic circle at
Indianwood, Baldwin and
Coats.
According to Gibb, it looks
like a new eatery will soon oc-
cupy the former CVS site at
Baldwin and Waldon, as well,
with another likely at Baldwin
and Maybee.
“That will probably happen when the
Census information comes in and we find
out if we’ll get any additional liquor li-
censes,” he said.
James R. Porritt, Jr.,
Attorney
Open for business
Continued from page 9
“We’ve changed
the impression
people get from
Orion. We used to
be very difficult
to work with, but
we’ve developed
a reputation for
being a more
welcoming
community, and
that’s a huge
accomplishment”
Matthew Gibb,
Orion Township
Supervisor
A new program that the Chamber is
pleased to announce, called Art in the Of-
fice, showcases the artwork of local art-
ists in our office.
The first artist selected to showcase her
art, Elaine Darbee, is a charter member of
the Orion Art Center.
She was part of the group that bought
the current Orion Art Center building which
was then moved to its current location be-
hind Children’s Park in downtown Lake
Orion.
The Orion Art Center is a community
gathering place and a nice place to see origi-
nal art.
After graduating from Eastern Michigan
University, Elaine started a business with
another artist, in the 70’s.
They were motivated to encourage origi-
nal art in the area.
Today you can find Elaine Darbee in her
Chamber institutes ‘Art in the Office’
Dragon Fly Studio working all mediums and
sometimes all at once.
She once was more visible with her
work, but after 32 years of marketing, she
is content to create and enter a show now
and then. Four pieces of Elaine’s work are
currently on display in the Chamber office.
The Chamber would like to thank Elaine
for graciously allowing us to showcase her
artwork in our office.
If your office needs some sprucing up
this year, think about supporting our local
artists.
Feel free to stop by the Chamber office
anytime between 10 am and 2 p.m. to view
local art or visit the Orion Art Center and
purchase some pieces.
The Chamber will periodically change
the artwork in the office so that we can
continue to promote our local art commu-
nity.
February 2011 -- What’s The Biz -- Lake Orion 11
4
Mark Your
Calendars
3 Great Special Sections
That Will Be Sure To Increase Your Business
Call Your Ad Representative Today For More Details
248-628-4801
4
Progress
March 23
The Oxford Leader & Lake Orion Review
4
My Doctor
April 23, 2011
The Oxford Leader, Lake Orion Review
The Clarkston News, Penny Stretcher and The Citizen
4
Flower Fair
May 18, 2011
Ad-Vertiser, The Clarkston News
and Penny Stretcher
Carolyn Chevrier
is president of
Lakes Community
Credit Union.
Many benefits to credit
union membership
By Carolyn Chevrier
Have you ever wondered about the
differences be-
tween credit
unions and
banks?
First, let' s
start with their
similarities.
For example,
credit unions and
banks both ac- cept
deposits and
wi t hdrawal s,
while also pro- vid-
ing loans and a v a -
riety of checking and savings ac-
counts.
But credit unions have one very sig-
nificant difference. Unlike banks,
credit unions are not-for-profit, coop-
erative institutions.
Banks are owned by groups of
stockholders and operated by a paid
board of directors for the benefit of
the stockholders, whereas credit
unions are owned by their members
and operated by a volunteer member
elected board of directors for the ben-
efit of the members.
Each credit union's charter defines
its "field of membership." This desig-
nates who can join.
Because of that membership re-
quirement, all members of a particular
credit union are united by a "common
bond." As such, they share something
in common; like where they live or
work, or their association with a rec-
ognized group or organization.
Once someone qualifies for mem-
bership, often family members may join
also.
At Lakes, our membership charter
is open to anyone that lives, works or
worships in Oakland County.
Since credit unions are not-for-
profit associations, profits are returned
to the members in the form of lower
loan rates, higher savings rates, and
many free or discounted services com-
pared to other types of financial insti-
tutions.
What do you have to do to join a
credit union? While the actual require-
ments vary from credit union to credit
union, some sort of action is required
to designate you as a member.
Often, it's as simple as making a
small deposit that acts as your "share"
of ownership in their institution.
Think of it as your share of "stock"
in the business (after all, you are the
owner).
At Lakes, we ask that you deposit
$5 in your savings account.
Credit unions represent a different
type of financial institution as they be-
lieve fair and equitable financial service
is vital to the well-being and stability
of its members.
Some of the most popular services
available through credit unions are sav-
ings and checking accounts, home
mortgage loans, no or low fee ATM/
Debit cards, IRA accounts, vehicle and
personal loans.
Research reflects that credit unions
characteristically provide the finest fi-
nancial assistance at reduced rates and
with fewer finance fees on loans while
offering their members higher rates on
savings accounts.
So if you're a credit union member
and your friends and family are eligible
for membership, let them in on one of
your best secrets. Lakes Community
Credit Union is the best place to, well,
bank. Because at Lakes, we consis-
tently endeavor to provide the very best
and most economical financial services
possible to meet our members' needs.
The Lake Orion Review is partnering with our community
of entrepreneurs and small businesses to held one another
other succeed.
Join us for a free weekly Coffee Club networking event,
every Friday at the Lake Orion Culver’s from 7:30 to 9 a.m.
Coffee? Join the club!
12 What’s The Biz -- Lake Orion -- February 2011
Where you come first.
22 Southeast Michigan locations,
find more at www.genisyscu.org
Need a bigger car?
Auto Loans
%
APR*
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low
as
up to 60 months
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Orion Branch
248-370-0530