Category Archives: Business News

June 22, 2020  •  Muskegon, MICH— Rolar Manufacturing is being recognized as one of the 2020 awardees for the Michigan 50 Companies to Watch award, presented by Michigan Celebrates Small Business. Rolar Manufacturing will be honored at an awards ceremony during the 16th annual Michigan Celebrates Small Business virtual gala event, July 28.

Rolar Products is the preferred producer of precision machined CNC products. Our employees are our most important asset. Through these experts we deliver world class quality in everything we do.

“We are proud to be a recipient of this award! It is an honor for our employees who execute our rewarding, progressive and innovative culture every day,” said Jack Russell, President.

This year’s Michigan 50 Companies to Watch have made a substantial economic impact, totaling $365 million in total annual revenue for 2019. From 2016 through 2019, these companies generated $1 billion in revenue and added 723 employees (both in Michigan and out of state), reflecting a 101.9% increase in revenue and 93.8% increase in jobs for the four-year period. That translates into a 26.9% annual revenue growth and 24.8% annual growth in employees.

“Michigan’s small businesses are the lifeblood of our local economies and play a vital role in making our communities attractive places to live, work, visit and play,” said Josh Hundt, Chief Business Development Officer for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “As the state continues to recover from the COVID-19 outbreak, we are honored to recognize and celebrate these small businesses, which demonstrate the resilience, innovation and grit that sets Michigan apart.”

Companies nominated for the Michigan 50 Companies to Watch award must be second-stage companies, defined as having six to 99 full-time-equivalent employees and generating $750,000 to $50 million in annual revenue or working capital from investors or grants. Additionally, the companies must be privately held and headquartered in Michigan.

Judges from economic and entrepreneurship development organizations selected the 2020 winners. The judges evaluated the nominees’ demonstration of intent and capacity to grow based on the following:

• Employee or sales growth
• Exceptional entrepreneurial leadership
• Sustainable competitive advantage
• Other notable factors that showcase the company’s success

Michigan Celebrates received 575 nominations for the Michigan 50 Companies to Watch award, which surpassed last year’s record of 425 nominations. In addition to a competitive landscape for this award, the businesses who are selected by the judges go through a rigorous due diligence process prior to the final decision.

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About Rolar Manufacturing

Rolar Products has supplied local and international customers for over 30 years. Our products are the result of a dedicated culture of excellence. We pride ourselves on innovative approaches to common and not-so-common challenges. We continue to invest in the latest measuring technologies and processing methods to ensure we have the right tools to meet and exceed your specifications and expectations. Learn more at www.rolarproducts.com/

About Michigan Celebrates Small Businesses (MCSB)

Michigan Celebrates Small Business (MCSB) is a collaboration of trusted statewide founding organizations who offer resources for small businesses. Since 2005, Michigan Celebrates Small Business awards gala has placed a spotlight on how small businesses positively impact our communities and state. The MCSB organization is focused on supporting, promoting and celebrating small businesses in Michigan.

The Manufacturing Growth Alliance is the Managing Partner of Michigan Celebrates Small Business. Founding sponsors are the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, PNC Bank, AF Group, and Dynamic Edge, Inc.

Information about Michigan Celebrates Small Business can be found at www.MichiganCelebrates.org.

There is no doubt that this is an unprecedented time for this country,
especially for the state of Michigan. With the Governor’s recent lift of the stay-at-home order and the
phased reopening of businesses, many business owners have changed their perspective on opening
from “When?” to “Why Not Us?”

For Lari Hines, owner of Salon 297 in Muskegon, and many other salon and spa owners across the state,
frustration is high as many local businesses now have permission to open their doors.

“We are going above and beyond our current in-place sanitation practices to ensure that all CDC
recommendations are met for a safe reopening,” said Hines. “I know by keeping salons and spas closed,
stylists and guests will “go underground” and choose to operate in-home, in potentially unsanitary
environments. If the Governor is really concerned about keeping our community safe, she would open
salons and spas and put our guests in the safest environment possible.”

“What I don’t understand is why we are being held back when multiple states now allow salons and spas
to operate,” added Hines. “Massage therapists are allowed to work in medical offices, but we don’t have
permission to perform the same procedures? We, as business owners, have so many questions that
need to be answered. But, when the time comes, we are safely prepared and ready to take care of our
community.”

Intending to reopen in the very near future, Salon 297 has taken the initiative to retool and remodel
their salon stations, retail, spa and lobby areas to comply with six-foot distancing requirements. They
have implemented and documented additional safety measures to protect their employees and guests.
In addition to required training hours and current sanitation practices, Salon 297 is Barbicide® certified
and adhere to 20 strict standards that represent best practices in infection control.

For salons and spas to become licensed in the state of Michigan, a required amount of “sanitation
patron protection” training hours must be completed. These hours have always been a requirement, not
just since the COVID-19 pandemic. Below are a few examples of what is required by the state to obtain a
license to operate.

• Cosmetologist – 1500 required hours to become licensed – 130 of the 1500 hours are dedicated
to sanitation patron protection
• Massage Therapist – 500 required hours to become licensed – 30 of the 500 hours are
dedicated to sanitation patron protection
• Manicurist – 400 required hours to become licensed – 100 of the 400 hours are dedicated to
sanitation patron protection
• Esthetician – 400 required hours to become licensed – 50 of the 400 hours are dedicated to
sanitation patron protection
“All of my staff, including myself, have dedicated hours to understanding and implementing the proper
way to sanitize and disinfect our salon and spa,” said Hines. “The additional safety measures we have
put into place are simply there to add extra protection to our employees and guests.”
Here is the complete list of changes and safety protocols that will be in place upon the reopening of
Salon 297.

View this video link that also outlines these changes.

• All service areas are six-feet apart for proper
social distancing.
• Doors will be propped open and surfaces
wiped down throughout the day.
• Check-in areas are spaced and equipped with
plexiglass partitions.
• Clients and stylists will wear masks.
• All guests will receive a fresh, clean cape.
• Equipment will be sanitized and disinfected
after each use with Barbicide® disinfectant.
• Purell® sanitation stations and several
handwashing areas have been added
throughout the salon and spa.
• All pedicure and manicure tools will be
sterilized with medical autoclave equipment.

“We are ready to open our doors… safely,” continued
Hines. “We want our clients and staff to know that
we are taking every possible step to make sure that
you are comfortable walking through our doors. And
I sincerely hope that is soon.”

For more information about Salon 297, please visit
salon297.com

Volunteer for Dental, a local Muskegon non-profit, is donating PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) to our volunteer dental offices to thank them for being such an important part of this community dental program! High quality, comfortable, Michigan made face shields will be given to each of our volunteer dental offices as they prepare to reopen their offices.  Our thanks to our 27 dental providers who go above and beyond to ensure the safety of all dental patients in their dental offices in this unusual time of Covid-19! Our dentists are an essential part of our Volunteer for Dental program.

Volunteer for Dental has returned over $1 Million in combined donations of dental services and volunteer hours to the Muskegon community in the past 5 years! Together with the dental providers and the patient volunteers we are creating a healthier Muskegon lakeshore community.

Volunteer for Dental provides dental treatment for Muskegon and Oceana qualifying residents who complete a health education class and volunteer hours in the community at local non-profits in lieu of payment for dental services. Dental work is performed in local private practice dental offices by 27 volunteer dental providers who are general dentists, orthodontists, endodontists and oral surgeons. To learn more, visit https://volunteerdental.org/

Dynamic Conveyor Corporation, the leading manufacturer of innovative belt conveyor systems, announces the addition of a new specialty conveyor line.  The new Hybrid™ specialty conveyors are designed and built specifically to meet the most demanding conveyance objectives that can’t be met with traditional conveyor systems.  The Hybrid line of conveyors rounds out Dynamic Conveyor’s already diverse lines of plastic belt conveyor systems.

The challenges that come with limited spaces; high speeds; heavy loads; heavy impact; abrasive and/or hot and cold products is overcome with the unique design of each Hybrid conveyor system.  Each customer’s specific products, challenges and unique needs are reviewed and considered in the design of every conveyor.  The form, fit and function is met with the specialized design and selection of the ideal materials for each distinct application.

Conveyor widths range from 2 to 120 inches to accompany lengths as long as 100 feet.  Sidewall heights include low profiles as short as 1 inch.  Unlimited angles and geometries allow the creation of precise inclines, declines and lateral turns to fit into the most precise spaces or match perfectly with other equipment.

Hybrid specialty conveyors join Dynamic Conveyor’s other product lines.  Parts manufacturers and packagers have been benefiting for nearly 30 years with the ability to reconfigure their DynaCon® modular conveyor systems.  Since the introduction of DynaClean® conveyors in 2011, the food manufacturing industry has seen a reduction in sanitary conveyor cleaning times by as much as 70%.

Dynamic Conveyor is a privately held women owned company located in Norton Shores, Michigan.  For more information about Hybrid specialty conveyors visit Dynamic Conveyor’s website or call 231.798.1483.

Manufacturer of N95 respirator masks orders conveyors from West Michigan manufacturer

Dynamic Conveyor Corporation, of Norton Shores, Michigan, has been awarded three purchase orders, from one N95 respirator mask manufacturer, to build nine (9) custom DynaCon conveyor systems. The first order of three (3) custom conveyors shipped today – just four (4) days after receipt of the order. Through the Defense Department contract, more than 39 million N95 respirator masks will be provided, over the next 90 days, to help fight against the coronavirus.

Dynamic Conveyor Corporation was founded in 1991 by Curtis Chambers. Chambers is a West Michigan inventor and has owned several manufacturing businesses over the years. Dynamic Conveyor is currently owned and operated as a woman-owned business by Chambers’ daughters. We are honored to serve the community and nation during this critical time.

For more information about Dynamic Conveyor visit www.DynamicConveyor.com or call 231.798.1483.

Requests Statewide SBA Disaster Declaration to Unlock Access to Emergency Loans for Michigan Businesses

Following through on her commitment to find solutions to support small businesses across Michigan impacted by COVID-19, Governor Gretchen Whitmer today formally requested the U.S. Small Business Administration to issue an Economic Injury Disaster declaration for the state.

“I understand that small businesses across our state are facing unprecedented challenges in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Governor Whitmer. “I requested this disaster declaration from SBA as a critical step to ensure every possible resource is made available to businesses, communities, entrepreneurs and others around the state.”

“This request and supporting application is the result of the hard work and collaboration of the Michigan Small Business Development Center and partners around the state pulling together and demonstrating our state’s resilience in working to overcome the temporary loss of revenue businesses are experiencing as a result of coronavirus,” said Mark Burton, CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “We appreciate their significant efforts and will continue to leverage every resource possible to support our businesses, and the livelihoods they provide, throughout Michigan.”

Earlier this month, Congress passed legislation that makes $1 billion available to the SBA to provide low-interest loans to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, and nonprofits that have suffered substantial economic losses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Once granted, an SBA Economic Injury Disaster declaration will make disaster loans of up to $2 million available to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing.

In the interim, small businesses that could benefit from SBA loans are encouraged to start collecting the information they’ll need to complete and submit their application. Examples of information needed can be found here. For additional information or to obtain help preparing the loan application in advance of the declaration, please contact the Michigan SBA offices in Detroit or Grand Rapids.

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s (MEDC) call center stands ready to support businesses looking for assistance through other available state programs. For more information, visit MEDC’s website: https://www.michiganbusiness.org/covid19/ or call 888.522.0103.  The Michigan Small Business Development Center can also provide resources for small businesses impacted by COVID-19. Visit their website https://sbdcmichigan.org/small-business-covid19/ for additional information.

Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.  

For those who have questions about the state’s actions to mitigate the spread of coronavirus, please call the COVID-19 Hotline at 1-888-535-6136 between 8AM – 5PM daily. 

Diamond award recognizes firms who have consistently earned industry-leading satisfaction scores from their clients

Rehmann, a fully integrated financial services and advisory firm, has won ClearlyRated’s Best of Accounting diamond award for providing superior service to its clients for at least five consecutive years. Of the Best of Accounting award winners, only 25% have earned the diamond award. Diamond award winners have proven to be industry leaders in service quality, based on the ratings submitted by their clients.

In 2019, Rehmann received satisfaction scores of 9 or 10 out of 10 based on over 1,700 clients surveyed. Rehmann’s satisfaction score is significantly higher than the industry’s average of just 45%.

“Clients value our ideas and insights, as well as our adaptive nature, which allows us to be available to clients when we’re needed most,” said Mitch Reno, Director of Client Experience at Rehmann. “Earning the diamond award and the Best of Accounting recognition for the fifth consecutive year indicates that our associates’ commitment to client service is not going unnoticed.”

Rehmann also received a Net Promoter® Score of 74.4%, compared to the industry’s average of 24% in 2019. Best of Accounting winners’ clients are 1.9 times more likely to be satisfied than those who work with non-winning firms.

“Now more than ever, providing a consistently remarkable client experience is critical for accounting firms,” said ClearlyRated’s CEO Eric Gregg. “All accounting firms attempt to deliver great service – Best of Accounting winners have proven it. I couldn’t be more proud to showcase these service leaders alongside feedback from their actual clients, on ClearlyRated.com and applaud them for their commitment to service excellence at their respective firms!”

About Rehmann

Rehmann is a fully integrated financial services and advisory firm that provides accounting and assurance, comprehensive technology, accounting and human resource solutions, specialized consulting and wealth management services. For more than 75 years, Rehmann has provided forward-thinking solutions, making it our duty to anticipate our clients’ daily and future needs. Rehmann has nearly 900 associates in Michigan, Ohio and Florida. Rehmann is an independent member of Nexia International, offering clients a global approach. Find us online at rehmann.com.

About ClearlyRated

Rooted in satisfaction research for professional service firms, ClearlyRated utilizes a Net Promoter Score survey program to help professional service firms measure their service experience, build online reputation, and differentiate on service quality. Learn more at https://www.clearlyrated.com/solutions/.

About Best of Accounting™
ClearlyRated’s Best of Accounting® Award recognizes accounting firms that have demonstrated exceptional service quality based exclusively on ratings provided by their clients. The award program provides statistically valid and objective service quality benchmarks for the accounting industry, revealing which firms deliver the highest quality of service to their clients. Winners are featured on ClearlyRated.com – an online business directory that helps buyers of professional services find service leaders and vet prospective firms – based exclusively on validated client ratings and testimonials.

We believe that lives in some of the most challenged areas of the world can be changed through excellent and efficient healthcare and through the message of God’s love for them. Because of this, CURE International and International Aid have united to leverage our shared vision and unique competencies to maximize our ministry impact around the world. Together, we are able to better serve patients entrusted to our care while also expanding our ministry.

CURE and International Aid have a common interest in seeing the love of Christ displayed through ministries that reach the most challenged areas and greatest needs in the world. This natural partnership strengthens both ministries to do kingdom work and demonstrates the power of unity and collaboration in proclaiming the kingdom of God.

CURE hospitals offer life-changing surgery and the hope of the gospel to children with treatable conditions. International Aid provides medical equipment and health services to people in need around the world. International Aid’s experience with hospital equipment procurement will bring more operational efficiency to CURE hospitals. International Aid’s biomedical engineers will train national engineers at CURE hospitals and other hospitals in-country, creating relationships that generate referrals and revenue streams. It’s yet another way that together we can demonstrate the gospel by being a good neighbor.

WHAT WILL THIS PARTNERSHIP LOOK LIKE?

CURE and International Aid have been partners for two decades, and the decision to join forces has been a careful and deliberate process designed to benefit both ministries.

Effective July 1, International Aid became a distinct, but wholly owned subsidiary of CURE International.
Over the remainder of 2019, both organizations will merge resources, teams, and offices into a shared West Michigan presence at International Aid in Spring Lake, MI.

From the standardization of equipment to the growth of our referral network, each entity will experience gains that will ultimately lead to more people served, around the world. The positive effects of this merger will be felt in more places, by more people, for many years to come.

We will remain committed to our partnerships and donors who make our ministries successful. We will continue to carry out our obligations to our funders with integrity. Together, we will become an even better steward of our donor’s entrusted gifts by increasing operational efficiencies to maximize our resources and reach.

RESPONDING TOGETHER

CURE hospitals will continue to heal the sick and proclaim the kingdom of God, now with the institutional consistency of common equipment and excellent biomedical technology services provided by International Aid.

• Over 100 shipments of medical equipment and supplies have gone to CURE hospitals from International Aid since January 2019.

• Four additional containers are going out in the next quarter to Ethiopia, Uganda, Niger and Kenya.

• In fiscal year 2020, 14 biomedical engineer trips are planned to include hospital equipment maintenance and training.

Together, we will continue to serve some of the most under resourced and underserved people in the world regardless of race, gender or ethnicity.

ABOUT CURE INTERNATIONAL

CURE International operates charitable hospitals and programs in 14 countries worldwide where patients experience the life-changing message of God’s love for them, receiving surgical treatment regardless of gender, religion, or ethnicity.

Since its founding in 1996, CURE hospitals have performed more than 205,000 procedures, and surgeons trained by CURE have performed more than 13,000 procedures to treat hydrocephalus and spina bifida.

Most importantly, we have seen God move in the lives of our patients, their families, and their communities and have had the opportunity to reach more than one million people with the good news of the gospel and witness more than 190,000 expressions of faith in Jesus Christ.

ABOUT INTERNATIONAL AID

International Aid’s mission is to glorify Christ by providing medical equipment and health resources to global partners serving people in need. International Aid is one of the largest reconditioners of medical equipment in the nonprofit world and is committed to good stewardship by only sending appropriate, sustainable shipments to partners in areas of greatest need. It also works to direct medicines, health products and nutritional supplements from socially responsible corporations to ministries and humanitarian organizations.

At the heart of International Aid’s mission is compassion and to tangibly demonstrate the love of Jesus to those who are suffering. In fiscal year 2019, International Aid has equipped 92 partners worldwide with $30 million of aid that they depend on to bring healing and restoration to those who desperately need the One True Healer.

Visit cure.org or internationalaid.org to learn more about our work.