Growth News

Painted Turtle Inn and B&B opens doors in St. Joseph

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Fifteen years ago Christine Shull stayed at a bed and breakfast in Frankfort and she knew then that someday she would run one of her own.

She loves to cook, to talk with people, loves design and she's always wanted to be her own boss. "Everything about it is right up my alley," Shull says.

First there was family business, however. She and her family lived in Chicago and then in Indiana as they stayed close to aging parents. When her parents died the Shulls found it was a good time to move to a spot where they could be innkeepers.

Over the past four years Shull says she has educated herself on what it takes to run a B&B -- she even spent time working in three different bed and breakfasts to learn the business -- and this week she and her husband Joel celebrate the opening of the Painted Turtle Inn Bed & Breakfast in St. Joseph.

Shull says before they decided on the location on 3205 Lakeshore Dr. they looked at existing inns, but after reviewing their options decided instead to take a home and turn it into the type of bed and breakfast they wanted. That move also gave more free range for Shull's design skills.

Now they have completely remodeled and redesigned home to create five guest rooms, each with a private bath. Each of the rooms also have a theme.

To keep up with the work, during the season this summer Shull expects to employ four part-time employees to help with the cleaning.

As for the guests' experience, when they check in and on each day of their stay, they will be invited to an afternoon reception featuring the hors d’oeuvres of the day. This gives them a chance to meet the other guests at the inn and enjoy an afternoon snack.

Shull says her summer treats will feature local produce in season, such as vegetable pizzas, bruschetta or salsas made from locally grown tomatoes, peppers and herbs. In the winter, she will serve soups to keep her guests warm. Each morning, Shull prepares a gourmet breakfast that also features local produce in season and as many fresh, local ingredients as they are available.

And at the inn on Lakeshore Drive, overlooking the bluff, offers a view of Lake Michigan from each of its rooms.

Writer: Kathy Jennings, Second Wave Media

Source: Christine Shull, The Painted Turtle Inn Bed & Breakfast

Asylum Lake Preservation Association invites visitors to Preserve

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Kalamazoo area conservation groups and friends will have a chance to come together May 18 to experience Asylum Lake Preserve.

Plans for the day started as a way to honor Montford Piercey and Renay Piercey-Nesius for their work to preserve the area and through the enthusiasm of its organizers the event grew into an afternoon to celebrate the land, too.

The preserve encompasses Asylum Lake and Little Asylum Lake and is open to the public as a passive-use recreation area under an agreement between the University and City of Kalamazoo. The property is used by many area residents as place for bird watching, running, walking, cross country skiing, swimming, and fishing. It also supports research and education at all school levels.

Lauri Holmes, of Asylum Lake Preservation Association (ALPA), says the day grew from the seed of the idea to honor the couple who were instrumental in organizing the Asylum Lake Preservation Association and its hoped it wil remind people that the preserve that they enjoy and maybe even take for granted is something that people had to work for.

"The day is bringing neighbors together and bringing the environmental community together," Holmes says.

Local naturalists and bird watchers will be able to take tours led by the Michigan Botanical Club and the Audubon Society through the preserve near Drake Road and Parkview Avenue.

Various groups working to protect the Earth and preserve its natural resources will have exhibits at a tent on the property.

Later in the day there will be the dedication of a memorial stone and plaque.

The 274-acre Asylum Lake Preserve is owned by WMU and managed by the University in conjunction with the community-wide Asylum Lake Policy and Management Council.

ALPA is a volunteer organization dedicated to assuring that Asylum Lake Preserve remains a natural open space, to see that it is preserved as habitat for wildlife, and for continued use by the community.

Writer: Kathy Jennings, Second Wave Media

Source: Lauri Holmes, Asylum Lake Preservation Association

A Day of Celebration Events sponsored May 18 by Asylum Lake Preservation Association (ALPA), Asylum Lake Management and Policy Council and the WMU Natural Areas Program.

• Displays at Gibbs House by local environmental groups.

• Blue Grass music and refreshments. Tours

• 1:30 p.m.--Birds of Asylum Lake Preserve - Audubon Society

• 2 p.m.--Plants of Asylum Lake Preserve - Michigan Botanical Club

• 3 p.m.--A brief dedication of a memorial to Renay and Monty Piercey pioneers in the Association who were part of keeping Asylum Lake Preserve a natural area.

• 3:45 p.m.--History, Features and Future of the Preserve

Joyce L. deJong to head WMU department of Pathology

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Joyce L. deJong has been named the founding chair of the department of pathology in the Western Michigan University School of Medicine. Her appointment is effective July 1.

Over the next year, she will make a transition from her current position as medical director of forensic pathology at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing. During the transition she will continue to serve as medical examiner of Kalamazoo, Ingham, Muskegon, Allegan, and Livingston counties, and deputy medical examiner of Barry, Eaton, Montcalm and Shiawassee counties.

She is a clinical associate professor in the division of human pathology and also in the department of neurology and ophthalmology at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. Dr. deJong also is currently pursuing a master’s degree in medical education.

At WMU School of Medicine, Dr. deJong will be responsible for overseeing the pathology education of the medical students and the development of a medical examiner program to serve Southwest Michigan.

"We are fortunate to have Dr. deJong join us in this key leadership position," says Dr. Hal Jenson, dean of WMU School of Medicine. "She is a well-known and highly respected forensic pathologist who also brings passion and experience in teaching medical students. She will actively participate in our continued curriculum development in preparation for our first class in August, 2014."

Dr. deJong earned her undergraduate degree from Grand Valley State University in Allendale. She earned her medical degree from Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine in East Lansing and completed a residency in anatomic pathology at Michigan State University’s Grand Rapids campus. Dr. deJong completed a fellowship in forensic pathology at Emory University and the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office in Atlanta, Ga.

Writer: Kathy Jennings, Second Wave Media

Source: Laura Eller, Western Michigan University School of Medicine

How can unemployed and employers get together?

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Can collaboration close the gap between employers who have jobs and employees who need jobs but may not be qualified for them? Is that the real problem?

Educators, economic developers, and workforce development professionals will come together May 17 to grapple with the question of why so many Michiganders are unemployed while businesses say they can't fill open positions.

At a regional talent summit experts from education, economic development and workforce development will work on creating an alignment between the supply of skilled workers and the demands of employers.

Also at the event, Keynote speakers Senior Regional Analyst George Erickcek of the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research will provide economic and employment forecasts for the region. Erickcek's research focuses on issues of regional economic development including tax policy, economic and fiscal impacts, program evaluations, and economic development strategies and analyses.

The 2013 Regional Talent Summit will take place at the Fetzer Center on the campus of Western Michigan University, 2350 Business Ct., Kalamazoo. Breakfast and networking will begin at 8 a.m. with the meeting starting at 8:30 a.m. Erickcek will present at 10:25 a.m. and the summit will adjourn around noon.

The event is hosted by Michigan Works! Kalamazoo and St. Joseph, Michigan Works! Barry, Branch, and Calhoun, and Kinexus.

Regional Talent Summits are bi-annual meetings held across the state that bring together Michigan Talent Network members to discuss talent issues. The goals of the Local Talent Summits are to: Identify areas of strength, weakness, and opportunity; Evaluate how the State can help the area reach its talent goals; and Strengthen and build partnerships.

Writer: Kathy Jennings, Second Wave Media

Source: Kathy Olsen, Michigan Works

Virtue Farms opens Fennville tasting room, hires distributor

Thursday, May 09, 2013

So far Virtue Cider has been available only in Chicago. No more. The maker of craft cider has chosen Kent Beverage to be its distributor in Southwest and West Michigan.

Kent Beverage's initial distribution area will cover 29 counties in an area that includes Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, Lansing and communities on much of the Lake Michigan coast.

"The U.S. cider market is projected to take a 3 percent market share in the next five years and is a category that we’ve been paying close attention to,” says Brendan Gary, Craft Brands Manager at Kent Beverage.

Virtue is the craft cider venture, launched in June 2011 by Gregory Hall, former Brewmaster at Goose Island Brewing Company, and co-founder Stephen Schmakel. Virtue purchased a 48-acre farm in Fennville in March 2012. The company's vision is to create a sustainable, authentic cider house experience where guests can tour the farm and taste locally made ciders.

Gary says they have worked with Greg Hall for many years and his knowledge, name recognition, and the quality of this products encourages Kent Beverage to believe Virtue Cider brand will be a major player in Michigan markets.

In other news from Virtue Cider's farm in Fennville the tasting room celebrated its grand opening on Wednesday, May 1. The building that houses the apple press, fermentation tanks and a small bottle shop all are in operation.

“Fennville is our home, as much as Chicago," says Hall, "and we can’t wait to share our ciders with our local community as well as visitors to this beautiful area.”

Virtue produces ciders that combine old world farmhouse styles with modern craft fermentation and aging techniques. The company's mission is to make authentic English, French and Spanish style ciders using the heirloom apple varieties sourced from local farmers. It also partners with local farmers to find the highest quality heirloom apples.

Writer: Kathy Jennings, Second Wave Media

Source: Helen Baldus, Watershed Communications

Kalamazoo walkers, runners can help community win grant

Thursday, May 09, 2013

There's no doubt that exercise helps those who do it. Now Kalamazoo walkers and runners have a chance to help the community at the same time.

In an event called MI Big Green Gym Blue Community Challenge, Kalamazoo is competing against the cities of Marquette and Traverse City to see which can log the most minutes or miles of exercise. The eight-week competition got under way April 27 and each of the three communities will win a grant for their participation.

But when the Blues Community Challenge ends in July the city whose residents log the most activity -- walking, jogging, or running -- will win the biggest prize. The grants will be used to support public health and wellness investments in the communities. (Right now Marquette and Traverse City have moved into the lead.)

This inaugural challenge is is sponsored by the Michigan Recreation and Park Association (MRPA), in partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

The sponsors are not only looking promote better health among Michigan residents but they hope Michigan residents to take advantage of the state’s extensive network of quality parks and pursue recreation options at 101 state parks and hundreds of community recreation agencies that offer a wide variety of physical activities.

The City of Kalamazoo's Parks and Recreation Department is participating in the challenge.

Writer: Kathy Jennings, Second Wave Media

Source: Sean Fletcher, Kalamazoo Parks and Recreation Department

Two join team at Community Healing Centers

Thursday, May 09, 2013

Ed Musolff has joined Community Healing Centers of Kalamazoo as payroll and benefits administrator.

He previously was manager of payroll, benefits and facilities for Cardiogenesis Corporation of Irvine, Calif. His previous experience also includes management of human resources, facilities, and sales functions in various roles in the medical device industry.

A second new employee for Community Healing Centers is Ashely Outman.

She is a Temporary Limited License Psychologist and joins CHC as a residential therapist specializing in substance abuse assessment and counseling. Prior to joining Community Healing Centers Ashley was with MPI Research.

Ashley earned an M.A. in Counseling Psychology from WMU and will be practicing at the Jim Gilmore Jr. Community Healing Center.

Community Healing Centers is a non-profit provider of integrated healing services and professional counseling. Programs are available at Community Healing Centers offices, in homes, schools, churches, after-school programs, juvenile court, and a variety of community locations.

Writer: Kathy Jennings, Second Wave Media
Source: Marni Berghuis, Community Health Centers

Fifth Annual Kalamazoo Improv Fest brings in the laughs

Thursday, May 09, 2013

For the fifth time in as many years, Crawlspace Theatre Productions invites improv comedians from Chicago and Grand Rapids to join those from Kalamazoo to create instant hilarity.

"This is the fifth Fest, and we're welcoming a lot of teams back that have done the Fest before," says Dann Sytsma, director of Crawlspace Theatre Productions and fest organizer. "This year will have more of that feeling of familiarity between teams, but also with the audience. The audience will recognize groups and jump on board with them quicker. I think the groups' familiarity with the Kalamazoo audience will also lead to better shows."

The Fifth Annual Kalamazoo Improv Festival is set for May 10 and May 11 at Farmers Alley Theatre. Two firsts for this year's festival are comedians from Detroit and a Happy Hour performance. A ticket gets event goers a drink and admission to the happy hour show.

Performances are at 6 p.m., 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Friday. There also will be an 11:30 jam Friday for those who want to play on stage or simply watch. Shows are at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Saturday.

Local rock group Fishlips will be performing before each show.

So who's on the lineup? Here are a few that fest goers will want to be sure to check out though all of the acts are strong:

• Piebenga Plumbing. This is Mark and Scott Piebenga as a duo improv team. Systma says: "I've worked with both guys over the years and love what each of them bring to an improv stage. Both are dynamic, physical improvisers that commit 100 percent. I can't wait to see how they join forces for improv good."

• The Late 90's. "This team typifies Chicago's i.O. improv theatre's style of longform improv," Sytsma says. "They take the form to a new level of execution. It's as if longform improv was tailor made to draw out the genius of each member on the team. They are a force. Plus, everyone on the team is genuinely nice and a great deal of fun to hang out with."

• Rattlesnake High School. "This team was formed probably close to a decade ago and has been seen off and on since their inception," Sytsma says."They're like and eclipse, you don't see it often, but you want to be around when it happens. Unlike an eclipse, feel free to look directly at them.

The complete lineup is here:

Monkapult, Kalamazoo College’s legendary troupe and Crawlspace Eviction take the stage at the 6 p.m. Friday Happy Hour Shortform Show. At 8 p.m. its Freak Table, Piebenga Plumbing and local favorites t&a. At 10 p.m. Jessica, Crawlspace Eviction and Chicago's ButchMAX.

At 8 p.m. Saturday Detroit's Mars, Grand Rapid's hilarious Pop Scholars and Late 90's. At 10 p.m. Saturday see MegaPawn, The Album, Eleanor and Rattlesnake High School.

There also are workshops for current and aspiring improv actors.

At 1 p.m. Saturday, May 11 Instructor Alex Moffat will teach "Group Mind: Learning To Intuit The Needs Of The Ensemble" Also at 1 p.m. Saturday, Mark Piebenga's workshop is "Status and Subtext." Participants will learn to make their job as improv comedians easier by focusing how they say things through games and exercises.

At 4 p.m. Saturday Joe Anderson will offer "Play to Your Weaknesses! (Strengths are for Wimps!) Participants learn both their great and not so great experiences will make them better. Also at 4 p.m. Ben Johnson will lead "Self-directed Ensemble Improv." The workshop is intended for those who want to start an improv ensemble but who can't pay a for a director or theater. "Are you interested in forming an improv ensemble and striking out on your own? You can absolutely do it!" Johnson says.

Tickets are $10 general admission for each show, or get a $25 fest pass and see as many shows as you want. Workshops are Saturday, May 11 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Admission is $15 per workshop.

Sytsma adds: "The Fest performers always rave about how great the Kalamazoo audience is; very smart and very gracious. There's a sublime energy when these improv teams are paired with a great audience, and that's what the Improv Fest is all about.

Writer: Kathy Jennings, Second Wave Media

Source: Dan Sytsma, Kalamazoo Improv Festival and Crawlspace Theatre Productions

Shoe Dept. Encore moves to larger space in Lakeview Square Mall

Thursday, May 02, 2013

If you shop at Shoe Show at Lakeview Square Mall don't worry later this month if you can't find it where it used to be. The store is changing its name to Shoe Dept. Encore and relocating to a larger space in mid-May.

The new store, located between Campus Den and Vitamin World, will be nearly three times larger than the current store.

The retailer that currently employs 19 will be hiring new staff for the larger store.

Shoppers can find shoe fashions in the most recent trends at Shoe Dept. Encore. Peep toe wedgies, sky high skinny heels and casual flats from brand names such as Hot Cakes, Skechers, Jellypop and Tommy Hilfiger are all found there.

Favorite athletic shoe brands, including Saucony, Mizuno, New Balance, Converse and Fila also are among those carried. To accompany business attire for men there are such brands as Antonio Mazzetti, Bass, Stacy Adams and Bostonian.

Shoe Show Inc. operates 1,129 stores in 37 states. The company’s headquarters are located in Concord, North Carolina.

"Shoe Dept. Encore appeals to every customer segment with styles from trendy to everyday shoe needs. We welcome this newest addition to the broad array of merchandise offerings at Lakeview Square Mall," says Mark Dycus, mall manager.

Lakeview Square Mall, located at 5775 Beckley Road in Battle Creek, is home to JCPenney, Macy’s and Sears and more than 50 shops, restaurants and services.

Writer: Kathy Jennings, Second Wave Media

Source: Marianne Fasano, GK Development

Body Love Project opens in downtown Kalamazoo

Thursday, May 02, 2013

For Laura Sprague, providing physical therapy was too limiting. Psychology didn't involve enough movement. And being a trainer in a someone else's gym just wasn't satisfying.

"I decided to put it all together to do something I'm really good at," Sprague says.

She wanted to share not only her lifelong passion for movement but her philosophy of respect for the body. So she opened Body Love Project at 210 Farmers Alley. (Through creative scheduling, she shares the space with James Tucker's Ballroom Dance Studio.)

Sprague, a personal trainer on a mission to teach self-empowerment to her clients, started her own business to create a fitness environment where you will never hear: "let's get skinny."

"We don't allow any trash talk," Sprague says. For example, if you say, "I hate my legs." Sprague might suggest you think of all the things your legs do for you, to redirect your thoughts in a more positive direction.

Another way she is promoting appreciation of the body can be seen from 5 to 9 p.m. May 3 during Art Hop at studio 424 Parks Trade Center. There will be readings from Sprague's stage play "Woman No Shame" and Seamless Body Art by Elizabeth Snyder.

She is a personal fitness coach, a rehabilitation specialist, a stretch therapist, an in-office ergonomics consultant, and a teacher of exercise classes and on how the anatomy functions. Sprague has a degree in behavioral psychology and also has acquired extensive formal and personal study on anatomy and movement. And she likes to keep it all playful and fun

As part of her fitness classes, Sprague offers Pilates, cordio, a practice that involves core fitness and cardio training, and stretching, which is like yoga without the spiritual element.

Sprague, the daughter of a professional dancer, says she has always loved movement and even when she was employed in other lines of work -- like the mental health field -- she found movement to be important for those she worked with.

A self-described "anatomy geek," Sprague also found she has a knack for helping people align their bodies through exercise. And she's worked with all ages from teens training for athletic pursuits to an older woman she sees in the woman's home.

"I love it," Sprague says. "It's very rewarding to be in class and have someone say 'thanks, I needed that so much. My knees don't hurt anymore.'"

Writer: Kathy Jennings, Second Wave Media

Source: Laura Sprague, Body Love Project

Bronson hires two nurse practitioners for various locations

Thursday, May 02, 2013

Bronson LakeView Family Medicine -- Acute Care and Bronson Internal Medicine Oshtemo both recently welcomed nurse practitioners.

Betty Growe, NP, joins the Bronson LakeView acute care team in Paw Paw.

Growe earned her master’s degree in nursing from Grand Valley State University and bachelor’s degree from the Western Michigan University.

She also is a certified as a family nurse practitioner.

Growe will be available to established patients of Bronson LakeView Family Care for immediate care needs if their provider is not available.

Sian Ghosh, NP, joins the Bronson Internal Medicine Oshtemo team. She will be working with Sarah Beth Custodio, MD; Jennifer Newcastle, MD; Luis Ortiz, MD; Elizabeth Warner, MD; and Holly Husted, NP.

Gosh earned her master’s degree and bachelor’s degree from the University of Delaware. She is also certified as a family nurse practitioner.

Writer: Kathy Jennings, Second Wave Media

Source: Candice Elders, Bronson Healthcare Group

ServiceWorks helps businesses learn how they can improve

Thursday, May 02, 2013

Constructive criticism has always been a strength for Lara Hobson. Her husband once remarked on her detailed critique of businesses and restaurants they went to together and wondered if she could turn it to good use. Now she's found a way to use that skill to help local businesses.

Her Portage-based business, ServiceWorks, is rooted in part in Hobson's subsequent experience working for a national company, visiting restaurants to rate and report on the service and other aspects of the operation without letting the staff know she was there.

It's known as being a mystery shopper, though Hobson doesn't like that term as it has developed a negative connotation for some who see it as clandestine.

Hobson liked the work enough though to consider starting her own business working with local restaurants and other types of businesses. She was encouraged by a friend starting a business as a life coach who got coaching experience working with Hobson and helping her formulate her business plans.

Two-and-a-half-years later, ServiceWorks, provides evaluations of such things as cleanliness, transaction time, telephone procedures, ID Verification and other aspects of the business the owner would like to see reviewed.

Hobson has a group of 125 independent contractors who visit local businesses. She works closely with those she sends out as anonymous evaluators to make sure they understand they are to be 100 percent discreet; they can't make themselves known to the staff in any way. The evaluation must be objective and is to be based on the current visit not prior experience with the establishment. She preps them on what is to be reviewed, and emphasizes that reports must be filed promptly.

Writing skills are a must for those she contracts with since the comments portions of the report are critical to the business owner. Reports are returned to the client within 48 hours of the visit.

Many of her clients use the service monthly so that they can be aware immediately if any part of the business is not performing as expected.

"I have one business who always gets high ratings every time we send someone out," Hobson says. "But he has us come back every month because he wants to know and catch it quickly if he is slipping. That attention to detail shows, too. He's doing great business."

Another way businesses can use the evaluations is to find out if staff is successfully using techniques to introduce customers to options that would encourage them to buy more or higher priced goods or services.

Since its start in 2010, ServiceWorks has more than doubled its business and Hobson has big goals for the company. The MBA grad from Western Michigan University hopes to see it grow regionally and nationally in years to come.

Hobson notes the name of her business is something of a nod to her father's company, Service Electric. He set very high expectations for those who worked for him and the customer was always number one. From him she learned that service to customers works in bringing in repeat business.

"People will frequent a place when they are treated well," Hobson says. "If someone calls them by name they are going to go back."

Writer: Kathy Jennings, Second Wave Media

Source: Laura Hobson, ServiceWorks

Newmind Group says let's build IT together

Thursday, May 02, 2013

Information is meant to be shared. In that spirit, Kalamazoo-based Newmind Group is bringing together business, nonprofit, education and government IT department leaders and staff to share what they have learned.

"As we've been working with local IT executives, we recognized a huge void in the communication between companies that are all trying to make technology work for them," says Matt Vollmar, of Newmind Group. "We think that getting the IT community together will allow us to learn from each other and increase the innovation that happens in West Michigan."

Newmind Groups is hosting the half-day event that gets under way at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 21 at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in downtown Kalamazoo. Registration is free, but the number of attendees is limited. To register, visit here.

The event is billed as a chance to learn from peers, compare your IT system confidentialy with others and find out about some of their practices, explore new IT ideas and solutions from leading vendors, and as a chance to go home with a new toy -- Chromebooks and tablet giveaways are planned.

Workshops will be on such topics as work in the future--a look at robotics, wearables, realtime and mobile; disaster recovery; and using help desks.

The company says Newmind Group wants to be a part of helping Southwest Michigan community build IT together, learn from each other, and benefit from collaboration.

Newmind Group was recently named as one of Michigan's Top 50 Companies to Watch. It began as a small, regional IT company in 2003, an now has offices in Charleston, Minneapolis, and Silicon Valley. It is a national provider of cloud computing solutions for businesses of all sizes. Its specialty is moving legacy systems to more cost effective and reliable cloud based systems.

Writer: Kathy Jennings, Second Wave Media

Source: Daniel Proczko, Newmind Group

Neighbors in Vine to meet to discuss need for grocery

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Residents of the Vine Neighborhood say they want to be able to walk to a market where they can buy whole foods, fresh fruit and vegetables, and healthy deli products.

A Neighborhood Grocery Committee has been formed at the Vine Neighborhood Association and those who want to help make the market a reality are invited to attend its first meeting, at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 4, at the Vine Neighborhood Association offices, 511 West Vine.

There, participants will begin the work of identifying strategies and actions that can be taken to demonstrate that a neighborhood grocery would be a profitable investment by current or prospective business leaders.

Residents, business owners, landowners, agency leaders, and investors all are invited to the meeting. Childcare will be provided.

The Local Grocery Project seeks to bring together neighborhood residents, find out what strengths they have that will help in building the case that there is demand for a local grocery.

In conjunction with the resident committee, Vine Neighborhood Association staff will seek business and agency partnerships, State and Federal funding, and other resources in order to help bring a grocery to the neighborhood.

Last year, Vine Neighborhood Association organized residents to develop of a new neighborhood action plan. Neighborhood Association staff canvassed the neighborhood, set aside office hours for resident visits, and facilitated small group meetings with a goal of helping everyone share a vision for completing a plan.

For more information, contact James Ryven Valeii here.

Writer: Kathy Jennings, Second Wave Media

Source: James Ryven Valeii, Community Development Coordinator

Renew Crew hires 6 for power wash and treatment service

Thursday, April 25, 2013

It's not enough to power wash many outdoor items. To keep them looking their best a special treatment is required. That's the thinking behind Renew Crew of Southwest Michigan.

Decks, paver patios, walkways and driveways, siding, gutters, and fences are all cleaned and protected by the Renew Crew, a new company in Royalton Township. Indoor and outdoor window cleaning also is offered.

It's one of three companies Ken and Julie Wuerfel have opened, their third franchise. They also operate Cleaning Authority of Berrien County and Mosquito Squad.

Renew Crew opened March 1 when the company began taking orders for spring clean up. Julie Wuerfel says orders began coming in quickly and they now have six employees. At a home show in early March they were very well received and the business got off to fast start.

On April 1 their teams were at work. "The men were out there freezing in the 40 degree spring weather," Wuerfel says. "People are ready for spring and spring cleanup is part of that."

It helps that the Wuerfels already have a base of customers to build on from their other businesses.

For Renew Crew, Ken Wuerfel is responsible for making quotes on jobs, training employees in cleaning and treating process. At busy times, he might be on the job for a cleaning, too. To deepen the level of knowledge on the team, their lead technician also has been trained in Springfield, Mo.

Julie takes care of the office responsibilities, handling the books and marketing.

Renew Crew's cleaning involves a three-part process -- spraying a foam that loosens and lifts the loosened dirt, bringing it to the surface, and also kills mold and mildew without using harsh chlorines; a pressure rinse that removes grime, releases gray wood fibers and restores surfaces to close to their original appearance; and treatment with special polymers that enhance and prolong the natural beauty of woods and extend the life of other surfaces. The protective finish fights weather damage by repelling the elements, including UV rays. It also seals pores to fight dirt buildup.

Julie says that their customers appreciate the training that goes into understanding the chemistry used in the treatment. "People feel confident when they hear of the training that's required and that our team knows what it's doing," she says.

Writer: Kathy Jennings, Second Wave Media

Source: Julie Wuerfel, Renew Crew