Business

June 22, 2015– Hiring a contractor is never easy.  And it’s even more nerve-wracking when you’re trying to clean up after a storm.  Whether you are cleaning up from high winds, downed trees or even a tornado, you need to take certain precautions when it comes to hiring a contractor.   When you find yourself in need of an improvement or repair, Better Business Bureau (BBB) Serving Detroit and Eastern Michigan recommends these tips you should consider before hiring a contractor or signing any contracts: • Stay calm. Although you may be anxious, especially after a storm, don’t be pressured into making an immediate decision. • Contact your insurance company first.  By contacting your insurance company first, you are able to determine what the insurance company will cover, who they recommend to do the repairs and what they need from you and/or your contractor to pay the claim.  Without that knowledge in hand, you may end up paying for the entire repair.   • Shop around. Get at least 3 estimates based on the same specifications and materials. • Verify credentials and reputation. Verify that any contractor you are considering is licensed, insured and, if required in your area, that they are registered to do the…

Jackson, MI – On May 26, 2015 Jackson BPW installed a new slate of officers for the 2015 Fiscal Year, starting June 1, 2015. The officers are: Angela Machnik, Secretary; Jodi Snyder, Treasurer; Marie Bonkowski, Vice President; and returning for her second year of a 2-year term is President Dana Ashlock. Monica Moser, CEO of the Jackson Community Foundation was the guest speaker, and Carolyn Gilg, BPW State Vice-President and Albion member, performed the installation. President Ashlock presented a theme for the year of “Vision & Vitality,” symbolized by the ginkgo leaf representing hope, resilience and longevity, and the peregrine falcon representing higher vision and knowledge. 2015 BPW Officer Affiliations President: Dana Ashlock, Program Director, Jackson Community Foundation Vice President: Marie Bonkowski, Dean of Health Sciences, Baker College of Jackson Secretary: Angela Machnik, Events Director at the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce Treasurer: Jodi Snyder, Owner of Acro Legal The Jackson BPW meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of every month at the Cascades Manor House at 12noon. A business meeting on the second Tuesday provides an overview of the workings of our organization.  Program meetings on the fourth Tuesday feature speakers on topics of interest to our members. www.JacksonBPW.org…

Jackson, Mich.— Jackson Area Career Center counselor Paula Freehling has been named Counselor of the Year by the Jackson Counseling Association (JCA). The award was selected through a voting process open to all members of the JCA, which includes 32 members representing each of the county’s 13 public high schools along with several other colleges and agencies. "This is great recognition for Paula and all her efforts to support students at the Career Center,” said Mark Pogliano, Career Center principal. “We are very fortunate to have Paula and the other counselors who understand the importance of career training, academic support, and postsecondary options for each of our students." Freehling started with the JCISD in 2001 as a Career Prep Coordinator before coming on as a counselor at the Career Center in 2003. “It was an honor to be recognized by my peers for this award,” said Freehling. “I truly enjoy having the chance to make a difference in students’ lives and help prepare them for success after the Career Center.” Nominations for the award are made by fellow counselors, and are based upon the recognition of qualities that include the counselor’s effectiveness, dedication to the position, and the level of…

Jackson, MI, May 28, 2015 –Michigan Community Credit Union was honored with the Friend of Education Award from the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International Alpha Iota State. “We are so lucky to have a financial institution like Michigan Community Credit Union that does so many worthwhile activities for education, whether it’s for students, teachers, retired educators, or the community,” said Cecily Savick, Chapter Beta Beta President. This award is given once a year and the criteria includes service and commitment to educators and overall continuous efforts on behalf of education. Michigan Community Credit Union was founded as a teachers’ credit union in 1936, and now serves all communities in southern Michigan. The Credit Union honors their founding members by providing financial education and support for their members, community, and in local schools and colleges. They also offer college scholarships and award quarterly grants for educational ideas and projects via their Forward Thinking Grant. “It is such an honor to receive the Friend of Education Award. We are very touched and grateful to be recognized for our financial education efforts,” said Tina Hamilton, CEO of Michigan Community Credit Union. The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International’s mission is to promote professional and…

JACKSON, Mich., May 24, 2015  -- Memorial Day marks the unofficial beginning of summer, when thoughts turn to vacations, travel, outdoor activities and do-it-yourself projects. Consumers Energy encouragesMichigan residents to make safety a top priority throughout the summer months. "We urge everyone to play it safe this summer and put safety first while taking advantage of summer weather and activities," said Michele Kirkland, Consumers Energy's vice president of energy operations. "Following simple safety tips can help everyone stay safe while enjoying all the benefits this season has to offer." Kirkland offered safety tips for three key areas: while working or playing overhead, working underground and traveling on the road. Electric Safety A key safety motto to remember is "look up and look out" for electric power lines, which are not insulated. Always assume a power line is energized and dangerous. Stay away from power lines at all times. Look for and avoid power lines when: Flying kites and model airplanes. If one gets stuck on a power line, do not attempt to remove it as an electric shock can be fatal. Using ladders or motorized equipment to work on siding, gutters, roofs, antennas, satellite dishes, etc. Ladders, poles, pipes and other…

Please join us in observing Memorial Day by saluting those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting and serving our country. AT&T employees in Michigan and throughout the country are honoring those who died in active military service. As part of an effort to restore the true meaning of Memorial Day, AT&T is teaming up with Carry the Load on a Memorial May National Relay to honor the sacrifices made by members of the military, law enforcement, firefighters and their families. Carry The Load participants, including AT&T Veterans, will continue to walk insupport of the organization’s mission and collect donations for this year’s nonprofit partners, including Snowball Express, Marine Corps-Law Enforcement Foundation, Building Homes for Heroes, Adaptive Training Foundation, Heroes on the Water, Legacies Alive and Team RWB. Funds raised during Memorial May programs allow Carry The Load to grow its vision and execute its mission, as well as provide existing nonprofit partners with valuable visibility, resources and meaningful connections. At this solemn, special time we come together with military families and friends to honor, restore and celebrate the true meaning of Memorial Day.