Call for Nominations - Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce

Vol. 13 No. 1 January 2012 

Published by 

Call for Nominations: Citizen of the Year 2011 & Eagle Awards 

Citizen of the Year is the Chamber’s 

highest honor and it is awarded each year to 

the top candidate that meets all of the following 

criteria: 

• Significant contributions in time and effort 

to the community 

• Service above duty and not job related 

• Promotion of Mt. Pleasant to people 

outside the area 

• Establishment of civic activities in 

the area 

Although it has always been the highest 

honor to be named Citizen of the Year, the 

stature of this prestigious award increases 

every year because of the ever-growing list 

of extraordinary individuals that won in the 

past. We need your help. Please take the 

time to contact the Chamber to nominate the 

person that you feel should be honored. You 

can mail or fax the nomination form that is 

enclosed to the Chamber office. 

At the Annual Awards Banquet, we also 

honor outstanding volunteers and local 

organizations that have won an “Eagle 

Award” for excellent service and leadership. 

Contact the Chamber if your club 

or organization would like and Eagle Award 

Nomination form. 

Citizen of the Year and Eagle Award 

Nomination forms are available on our 

website www.mt-pleasant.net. Nominations 

for Citizen of the Year should be submitted 

by January 18, 2012, to be considered for 

the 2011 award. 

Why Join The Mt. Pleasant Area Young Professionals Network? 

After reading the mission statement behind the 

Mt. Pleasant Young Professionals Network you might 

be wondering why join? While the mission statement 

explains what the goal of the group is and its benefits, 

the question “So what?” still remains. Many groups and 

organizations advertise to young professionals with the 

same key pieces to success: professional development 

and resume building tools. With many other opportunities 

and groups to join, what is different about the 

Young Professionals Network? 

The Mt. Pleasant Area Young Professionals Network is 

much more than just something to put on your resume, it 

is real world experience. We understand the importance 

of networking in both job searching and career advancement. 

In terms of job searching, the key phrase, “It’s not 

Top left to right: Bill Sowle, Ken Bovee, Tom Moffit, Lon Morey, Rick Barz 

Bottom Left to right: Jack Anson, Evelyn Bovee, Daniel Kostrzewa, Kenneth Schaeffer, Shirley Decker 

The Mt. Pleasant Area Young Professionals Networks 

encourages young professionals to network, continue personal 

growth and professional development and give back to the 

community that they live and work in. 

what you know, but who you know”, really comes to life. 

The Young Professionals Network provides you the tools 

and opportunities needed to meet important individuals 

in your community who could potentially give or help 

you get an internship or job. For career advancement, 

networking with other professionals in the community 

could help you advance to the next level in your career. 

Networking is a large component in the success of the 

Young Professionals Network and you can never have 

too many connections. In today’s economy receiving 

an education is not enough to land your dream job, its 

making connections with those along the way who can 

help. For more information contact Morgan Orr at 

morr@mt-pleasant.net. 

A joint publication of The Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce and The Morning Sun.

2 • Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce BUSINESS NEWS • January 2012 

Young Professionals 

Network Kick-Off 

Event 

Get to know other YP’s in the Mt. Pleasant area while learning about hot topics that 

effect young professionals today! 

Creating a Positive Impact - 

It’s Not What You Say, But How You Say it! 

Feature Speaker Adam Barragato 

January 27, 2012 12:00 – 1:00pm 

Italian Oven 

As a young professional today, obtaining well developed communication skills is very 

important! However, getting those well developed communication skills is something 

that we must continue to work towards, which is why our kick-off event topic is on effective 

nonverbal communication! 

Enjoy great food and beverages while networking with other YP’s on Friday, January 

27th from 12-1pm as Adam Barragato discusses the basics to nonverbal communication! 

The cost is $10.00 and lunch will be provided by the Italian Oven. 

About Our Speaker, Adam Barragato 

Sponsored by: 

Adam is a graduate of Central Michigan 

University and majored in broadcasting. Upon 

graduation in 2005, he worked as a producer/ 

engineer at 1240 WJIM and an on-air jock 

at 94.9 WMMQ (Lansing). One year later he 

returned to Central Michigan University to 

complete his masters degree in communication. 

Upon graduation in May 2010, he took 

a fulltime position as a temporary faculty 

member in the communication department. 

During the last three semesters Adam has 

focused his teaching efforts on small group 

communication and public speaking. He has 

worked extensively with the Faculty Center 

for Innovative Teaching (FaCIT) researching 

new technologies for the classroom as 

well as student engagement. Adam has also 

taught FYE 101 where his primary goals were 

to help freshman students make the difficult 

transition from high school to college. 

To register email Morgan at morr@mt-pleasant.net or online at www.mt-pleasant.net. 

“My Exit” As 2011 Board Chair 

of the Chamber of Commerce 

Do you remember how your elders use to say, “Boy 

Time Sure Flies!” Well, 2011 Flew by for me as Board 

Chair and it was a year with successful programs and 

exciting events! 

The community shares our pride in the success of 

LeTour, and Mt. Pleasant was overdue for a wonderful 

event in our “Own Home Town!” We saw an outpouring 

of community members who recognized LeTour 

as a good fit for them and local businesses. Those 460 

individuals who volunteered their services are eagerly 

looking forward to next year’s race. It is not difficult to 

recognize what a great benefit this bicycle race has been 

for our Chamber members and all types of businesses in 

our community. It has joined many different people in Lucinda M. Clark 

our community together who may have never thought 

of grouping before: young, old, physically challenged, etc., whether they were in 

a group or a single person, “All Had A Place and Were Welcome to Partake in The 

Fun!” And anytime you can combine “fresh air and physical activity” you have a 

Winning Recipe for Success! 

There were challenges too, program participation and attendance was down, however 

it was not due to the quality of the programs, it was the ever looming “economy” 

still rearing its ugly head. We have all faced higher gas prices and other cost of living 

expenses rising in our own lives, and the Chamber was not exempt either. 

As I worked shoulder to shoulder with Lisa, April, Miranda, Barbara and Morgan I 

recognized the true ownership they take in their jobs. 

An amazing camaraderie between the staff and their willingness to assist each other 

with any task is a true asset and they function as a fine tuned machine. Each time 

the Board asked for additional reports or information it was provided within an acceptable 

time frame without hesitation. We should feel lucky that we share in their 

talents, because they are working for our business success as a Chamber Member. 

Lastly, I would like to share my thoughts after a year as Board Chair: The Chamber 

of Commerce is only as strong as their membership. Each member had their own 

reason to join and their individual needs were many. However, without membership 

input the Chamber cannot grow or help their members prosper. So, the future of 

your Chamber is up to you…don’t let another year “Fly By” without getting involved. 

Attend the wonderful programs/events that are offered and let the Chamber 

know how it can help you and your business…after all, it is Your Chamber. 

I would like to say a warm Welcome to the incoming 2012 Chamber of Commerce 

Board Members and to our New Board Chair, David Moscardelli. 

Thank you for the opportunity to meet new friends, share new experiences and take 

the memories with me. 

I am off to work on my real job “Toys for Tots” and Semper Fi (Always Faithful) 

Lucinda M. Clark 

www.mt-pleasant.net TheMorningSun.com

January 2012 • Mt. Pleaseant Area Chamber of Commerce BUSINESS NEWS • 3 

Spotlight On: 

Recovery Unlimited Counseling 

Recovery Unlimited Counseling is a business based on its name; recovery is unlimited. 

Nancy Parsons began her private practice in 1997, opening her first location in 

St. Louis. “The idea for my business became a warm glow of hope in my heart, and 

a twinkle in my eye, on my third day of recovery from alcohol and drug addiction at 

St. Lawrence Hospital in 1983”, said Nancy. Nancy is a recovering addict herself and 

wanted to start up a business to help people in similar situations. The Mt. Pleasant Recovery 

Unlimited Counseling location opened up one year later in 1998. 

The nature of Recovery Unlimited Counseling is to heal wounded souls and broken 

hearts including, but not limited to, addictions, co-dependency issues, and a myriad of 

other challenges. In Mt. Pleasant and the surrounding areas she provides court ordered 

screenings and assessments, secretary of state evaluations, counseling couples and 

children, alcohol/drug highway safety education programs, anger management, grief 

counseling, traffic safety programs and theft awareness programs. 

One thing Nancy would like others to know about Recovery Unlimited is that her job is 

much more than a paycheck, to her. It is about caring for others and walking the walk 

with them, not just talking the talk! When clients walk in the door they are told they 

are entering as a human being, although after some counseling, when they will leave 

Recovery Unlimited they will be leaving as a human-becoming! 

Recovery Unlimited Counseling takes pride into getting clients in the same day if 

they call for an appointment. Nancy also expresses how thankful she is that she has the 

courage to tell her clients the truth, even when it is hard for them to hear, while encouraging 

them to grow and change. No matter how someone finds their way to Recovery 

Unlimited Counseling a new, courage filled, healthy life awaits them because recovery 

is truly unlimited. 

For more information on Recovery Unlimited Counseling visit www.recoveryunlimitedcounseling.com 

or call the St. Louis location at 989-681-5119 and the Mt. Pleasant 

location at 989-779-7722. 

TheMorningSun.com www.mt-pleasant.net


Lunch & Learn: Obtaining 

Financing For Your Small Business 

Tuesday, January 24, 2012 

Chamber Office (200 E. Broadway) 

12:00-1:00pm 

Are you looking to start your own business? 

Interested in learning about how to finance your small business? 

Do you have questions about financing and do not know who to ask? 

Join us on January 24th, from 12-1pm, at the Chamber office as Paul Scoby 

and Tom Gross of Isabella Bank discuss important information you would 

need to know about financing your small business. They will give a quick 

presentation and then allow time for Q &A. The cost to attend is $10.00 and 

lunch will be provided by Isabella Bank. 

To register call Morgan Orr at the Chamber (989) 772-2396, email 

morr@mt-pleasant.net or register Online at: www.mt-pleasant.net. 

2012 VIP Passes Now Available! 

Once again, the Chamber 

is offering its members VIP 

Passes. The VIP Pass makes 

checking into Chamber 

events faster while saving 

you money. For the purchase 

of one VIP Pass you will 

receive: 

Entrance to 10 BAH’s, 6 

BOB’s, 2 Legislative Breakfasts 

and 2 Guest passes 

(good for one use each). For 

only $100.00! A $50 Savings! (Valued at $150) 

PASS 

Pay one price up front and you don’t have to wait in long lines again! 

To order your 2012 VIP Pass email morr@mt-pleasant.net or call 

(989) 772-2396 and have it for the January Business After Hours! 


Greetings From Jennifer Lewis, 

2012 Ambassador Chair 

Greetings and Happy 2012! 

It brings me great joy to be the Chairman of Mt. Pleasant’s Chamber Ambassadors 

this year. With many exciting value-added additions to the Chamber Membership, a 

team of dedicated Ambassadors with a passion to ensure your membership is working 

for you, a great city and wonderful people, we are in for a prosperous 2012! 

Mt. Pleasant Chamber offers many things for you to get involved and network with 

others in our community; our monthly Business After Hours, Business Over Breakfast’s, 

and our Annual Golf Outing to name a few. If you haven’t been to one of 

these events in a while, please come out and join us…bring a friend, network with 

us. Can we count on seeing you at one of our next events? Come out and see for 

yourself what all the hype is about! 

Our team of Ambassadors is out serving our community daily. Chances are you will be visited or called on by 

one of them very soon- please take this opportunity and share what is working well for and what you would like 

to see changed. Feedback is a gift that benefits us all. 

I am honored to be part of such a great team, thankful for the many friendships I have gained through this journey 

and looking forward to 2012. 

“Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.” 

Henry Ford 

Kindly, 

Jennifer Lewis, 

Ambassador Chair 2012 


Jennifer Lewis 

2012 Advertising Opportunities Available for 

Chamber Publications and Website 

2012 Advertising Opportunities Available for Chamber Publications 

and Website 

The Chamber has advertising opportunities for every budget. 

If you would like to reach a target market…the business community, 

consider advertising with the Chamber. 

E-NEWSLETTER - The Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of 

Commerce’s E-Newsletter is sent out twice a month to over 

1,000 business people. The ads are only at $125 each (700 

pixels W X 600 pixels H). Limited advertising space is available 

per newsletter so call the Chamber at (989) 772-2396 to 

reserve your ads. 

WEBSITE - The Chamber also offers Web Banner advertising 

on the Chamber’s Website. To have your business featured 

on the Web Banner of the Events Page the cost is $100 

for 3 months and the Business Directory Page is $150 for 3 

months. (480 pixels W X 60 pixels H) 

NEW FOR 2012 – ability to be a SPONSOR under your 

Business Category page of the Chamber website for $180 

(per category) for 3 months. Not only does your Web Banner 

display at the top of the page, but it highlights your business 

listing and displays above other members listings. (More 

than one business can purchase an ad on the Category Page in 

which the ads will scroll.) 

BUSINESS NEWSLETTER - To advertise in the Chamber’s 

Business News that is inserted in the Morning Sun 

Newspaper and is delivered to over 12,000 homes throughout 

the Mt. Pleasant area the first Tuesday of every month, 

contact your Morning Sun representative. 

If you would like more information or if you would like to 

reserve advertising space, please contact Barbara Cataldo 

at the Chamber at (989) 772-2396 or email bcataldo@mtpleasant.net. 



Ribbon Cutting & Grand Openings 

Baymont Inn 

The Baymont Inn has had full renovations including 37" flat screen TV’s, microwaves 

and refrigerators added in all rooms. All carpet and furniture has been replaced as well. 

They are offering public swimming Monday-Thursday and a free Casino shuttle for our 

guests. For more information contact Tara Lee Nemeth at 989-775-5555. 

Bucks Run Virtual Golf 

Bucks Run Virtual Golf is conveniently located just west of downtown Mt. Pleasant, 

across from the former Carter Lumber. They have leagues and 15 different golf courses 

available. They also offer simulator lessons, club fitting and club repair. For more 

information call 989-400-4603. 

NEWS & VIEWS 

FOR & ABOUT OUR MEMBERS 

In celebration of EMC Insurance Companies 100 years in business, they have awarded 

Woodland Hospice a check for $25,000. Woodland Hospice is one of four charities 

to receive this grant as part of EMC’s “100 Ways of Giving” campaign. In appreciation 

of the communities that support EMC, the company awarded a $1000 to 91 non-profit 

organizations, then created an online contest to give a $25,000 grant to the four charities 

that received the most votes. 

Woodland Hospice, nominated by the General Agency Company in Mt. Pleasant, had 

voters around the world casting almost a million votes in support of this most worthy 

recipient. 

John Olson, CFO of the General Agency Company stated “We’re so pleased to have 

a partner like EMC giving back to our community by supporting Woodland Hospice. 

It’s a wonderful organization.” 


WELCOME NEW 

MEMBERS 

BLOCKCO 

Heath Block 

2185 Remus Rd 

Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858 

Phone: 989-317-4141 

http://www.blockco.co/ 

Retail 

If you know of a business that 

would benefit from joining the 

Chamber, contact April Osburn 

at (989) 772-2396 or email aosburn@mt-pleasant.net 

. 

Attention Chamber Members: 


MARK YOUR CALANDER 

JANUARY 

11 Executive Board Meeting at 12:00 p.m. at 

Chamber Office 

11 Business After Hours at Mt. Pleasant 

Brewing Company 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. 

17 Board Meeting at the Chamber Office 

11:30 a.m – 1:00 p.m. 

24 Lunch & Learn at Chamber Office 11:30 - 1:00 p.m. 

-Obtaining Financing for your Small Business with 

Paul Scoby and Tom Gross from Isabella Bank. 

27 Young Professionals Network Kick-off Event 

featuring speaker Adam Barragato at Italian Oven 

from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. 

FEBRUARY 

8 Business After Hours & CMU Basketball Game at Mc- 

Guirk Arena. Business After Hours 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. 

and Game at 7:00 p.m. 

21 Board Meeting at the Chamber Office 

11:30 – 1:00 p.m. 

Look for your 2012 Membership Directory 

and Community Profile to be in your 

business mailbox soon. This full colored 

magazine style publication is a valuable 

resource that promotes, the community, the 

Chamber and its members. 

For an second year, an interactive digital 

format will be provided to you also, along 

with our normal hard copy to use in your 

marketing and education efforts. This live 

publication uses a page-turning effect and 

interactive content that allows the reader to 

go directly to a chamber member’s website, 

email an advertiser, or watch a video 

embedded in digital ads by the click of a 

mouse. The online version can be distributed 

to customers and clients through a link to 

a website or via email. You can also include 

this link in your Facebook and Twitter feed 

or even in your email signature. 

As in previous directories, all current 

members are listed alphabetically with 

phone numbers for easy reference and 

categorically by the business type. This annual 

publication features information on our 

community’s healthcare, economic development, 

education, recreation and more. Five 

thousand copies will be printed for this year 

and distributed by the Chamber and the 

Mount Pleasant Area Convention and 

Visitors Bureau to the full membership, 

hotels, doctors offices, banks, area manufacturers, 

professional and business persons, 

government agencies, financial and educational 

institutions, as well as to students, 

Welcome Centers throughout Michigan. In 

addition to the printed copies, the directory 

will also be on the Chamber’s website. 

If you have not received our Mt. Pleasant 

Directory and Community Guide by the first 

week in February, please contact the 

Chamber office at 989-772-2396. 

STAFF 

Lisa Hadden 

President & CEO 

lhadden@mt-pleasant.net 

April Osburn 

Vice President of Membership 

& Programs 

aosburn@mt-pleasant.net 

Barbara Cataldo 

Marketing Director 

bcataldo@mt-pleasant.net 

Miranda Walker 

Office Manager 

mwalker@mt-pleasant.net 

Morgan Orr 

Communications Coordinator 

morr@mt-pleasant.net 

Business News is a monthly 

publication of 

Mt. Pleasant Area 

Chamber of Commerce 

200 East Broadway 

Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858 

Phone: (989)772-2396 

Fax: (989)773-2656 

www.mt-pleasant.net 

BOARD OF 

DIRECTORS 

Executive Board 

Dave Moscardelli, Chair of 

the Board 

Scott Gillespie, Vice Chair 

Jim Holton, Secretary & 

Treasurer 

Lucinda Clark, Immediate 

Past Chair of the Board 

Rob Stout, Past Chair 

Board of Directors 

Gregg Beeg 

Frank Cloutier 

Kathy Hill 

John Olson 

Darcy Orlik 

Rick Rautanen 

Alan Schilling 

Mark Smith 

Bernadette Stocking 

Chris Stovak 

Erin Strang 



Insist on Open MRI 

Great news! Now you don’t have to sacrifice your comfort to get the highest image quality. 

Choose the area's only true Open MRI instead of the old tube routine. 

Comfortable 

Roomier than any tube, Open MRI is more comfortable and less stressful, especially for 

claustrophobic patients. It’s open enough to hold your loved one's hand during the procedure. 

Convenient 

At our outpatient clinic, you'll enjoy up-close parking, easy in-and-out and one bill with 

no hidden fees or hospital charges. Eliminating those hospital fees could save you money. 

Super High-Definition 

High-definition images provide more information for an accurate diagnosis. The open table 

enables the body part of interest to be centered in the magnetic field for sharper image quality. 

Ask your doctor for a referral. Find out more at 

www.openmrimtpleasant.com or call (855) 777-OPEN. 

Crapo Professional Building • 211 South Crapo Street, Suite H 

“Open bore” is not really open; 

it’s a tube! 

Conventional and open bore MRIs can't match the 

comfort and convenience of the new Open MRI. 

Ask your doctor for Open MRI Mt. Pleasant.

Call for Nominations - Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?