Great Lakes Cottage Watch Earns Accreditation for Home Watch Services
ELK RAPIDS, MI—Great Lakes Cottage Watch has earned accreditation for its Home Watch services from the National Home Watch Association. The NHWA was formed in 2009 in order to establish and maintain the highest industry standards for Home Watch and absentee homeowner services throughout the United States and Canada (https://nationalhomewatchassociation.org/). Home Watch is a visual inspection of a home or property, looking for obvious issues, which means that it is a service that “keeps an eye on things” at
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Strengthening Michigan Downtown Development Authorities: Regional Collaboration and Local Flavor Shine in Elk Rapids
Strengthening Michigan Downtown Development Authorities: Regional Collaboration and Local Flavor Shine in Elk Rapids Elk Rapids, MI — The Elk Rapids Downtown Development Authority (DDA) hosted Strengthening Michigan Downtown Development Authorities, an evening of networking and learning. The October 2 event engaged DDA leaders, local officials, and community partners from across Northern Michigan. Participants from Bellaire, Central Lake, Ellsworth, Mancelona, and Fife Lake filled the Historic Elk Rapids
Starting a Business? 10 Rookie Errors That Can Derail Your Success
Starting a small business is one of the most rewarding journeys an entrepreneur can take — but also one filled with hidden pitfalls. Many new owners struggle not because their ideas lack merit, but because they underestimate the systems, structures, and habits required for sustainable growth. This guide will walk you through the most common mistakes small business owners make — and, more importantly, how to avoid them. 1. Neglecting Legal and Administrative Foundations The excitement of launching a
Paddle Antrim Ripple Effect Mini Grant
Paddle Antrim is excited to announce that they are accepting applications for the 2025 Ripple Effect Mini Grant Program. This competitive grant program funds projects that protect the waterways and connect people to them. Potential projects must focus on stewardship, education, or increasing accessibility to the lakes and rivers. Since 2015, they have awarded over $38,000 to 37 projects. The Ripple Effect Mini Grant Program is funded from income earned through Paddle Antrim events such as the Paddle
Small Moves, Big Loyalty: How Small Businesses Win Trust Daily
Customer engagement is about showing up in ways that feel personal, timely, and real. It’s not a numbers game—it’s a recognition game. People stay where they feel seen. They notice when you remember their name, their order, the thing they mentioned offhand last time. In an environment built to rush, slowing down to notice someone is magnetic. There’s no one-size-fits-all script. The best engagement moves are quiet, specific, and often invisible from the outside—but unforgettable from
Struggle Less, Show Up More: Smart Marketing with Small Business AI Tools
In the whirlwind of running a small business, marketing often becomes the first thing to get squeezed. Time is tight, teams are small, and standing out can feel like yelling into a void. But AI? It’s no longer just the playground of massive tech firms. It’s here, it’s affordable, and it’s working overtime to make smart marketing less of a grind and more of a game-changer.Create More Without Working More You don’t need a 10-person creative team to produce content that lands anymore. Once you start
