MACkite, originally known as the Mackinaw Kite Co., has been in business for over 30 years. It was founded by brothers Bob and Steve Negen, whose passion for flying kites prompted them to try selling kites for a living. In 1981, the Negen brothers decided to open the Mackinaw Kite Co., located in Mackinaw City, Michigan. Due to its popularity and success, a second store soon followed in 1986, which is located in Grand Haven, Michigan. The Grand Haven location has grown exponentially to include not just kites, but yo-yos, unique toys, windsocks and spinners, kiteboarding equipment, paddleboard equipment, and surf shop apparel and accessories. Today, MACkite is one of the most renowned, largest, and oldest kite stores in the world.
MACkite carries kites for all skill levels from beginner to expert, as well as kites of all types, shapes, and sizes. MACkite also offers kite lessons and safety courses for those new to the fun sport and hobby of kite flying.
Free Kiting Events from MACkite
MACkite holds several free events and festivals annually to promote the hobby and sport of kite flying. Events include:
The Great Lakes Kite Festival in May, the weekend before Memorial Day at Grand Haven State Park
The Mackinaw City Kite Festival in June
The King of the Great Lakes Kiteboarding Competition in September at Grand Haven State Park
>One Sky One World International Kite Fly For Peace, 2nd Sunday in October at Grand Haven State Park
The Reeds Lake Ice Fly in January or February (depending on ice conditions) in East Grand Rapids
Great Lakes Kite Festival Celebration
Mackinaw Kites & Toys recently hosted its 25th Annual Great Lakes Kite Festival. The festival is fun for all observers and participants of all ages and skill levels. The activities included:
Kite Ballets – watch some of the world’s best kite flyers fly their kites synchronized to music – Saturday and Sunday afternoon
World’s Largest Outdoor Kite Store- browse the best in kite flying gear and more – Friday afternoon through Sunday
Inflatable Obstacle Course for kids – Saturday and Sunday afternoon
Giant Kites- watch several kites flying that are as large as a school bus – All day Saturday and Sunday- wind permitting
Indoor Fly- indoor kite flying competition – Friday night
Kiteboarding Demonstrations – Saturday and Sunday afternoon- weather permitting
Night Fly – illuminated kites light up the sky – Saturday at dusk
Open Flying Field- bring your own kite or test fly a kite – Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Congratulations to MACkite on more than 30 years in business and in celebrating the 25th Annual Great Lakes Kite Festival!
ZEE Medical is a leading provider of van-based first-aid, safety, and emergency solutions in the United States and Canada. Their mission is “to create a safer, healthier, and more productive workplace by providing unequaled customer service, training, education, and products”. They have nearly 1,000 representatives across the nation and 50 years of service experience. ZEE understands the balance between the time, energy, and costs involved in providing workplace health and safety, and that employees are the most valuable asset to an organization, so it is important to keep them safe and healthy.
ZEE’s professional representatives will work with you in setting up a complete first aid and safety program. They offer:
First Aid for the workplace
Safety equipment and solutions
Training programs
Emergency preparedness
To start, a ZEE Representative will conduct a thorough workplace safety evaluation which will identify industry specific needs ranging from first aid solutions and first responder needs, to fire protection, personal protective equipment, and more.
ZEE Medical is an industry trusted source for first aid and safety needs. Being well prepared and equipped for accidents, illness, and medical emergencies can make all the difference.
Join us in congratulating ZEE Medical on their 50th anniversary!
REI, one of the nation’s largest consumer co-op’s and a trusted retailer of outdoor gear, is proud to celebrate its 75th anniversary this year.
History
REI was founded as an outdoor gear co-op on July 21, 1938 by Seattle mountaineer Lloyd Anderson. Lloyd had wanted a reliable ice axe at a reasonable price, but had no success in finding one locally. He finally found one in an Austrian alpine gear catalog for only $3.50 which included the shipping to the U.S. Word quickly spread among Seattle climbers about his amazing find. This led Lloyd and his wife, Mary along with 21 fellow climbers to establish the outdoor gear co-op. Today, REI has over $1.6 billion in sales. Its leadership has earned the title of Fortune Magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” 15 years in row!
About
REI is committed to helping people enjoy the great outdoors to the fullest, from weekend family camping trips to Mt. Everest expeditions, by offering innovative and high-quality outdoor gear and apparel. REI’s values are reflected in everything they do, from their focus on customers to their commitment to environmental stewardship. Their values serve as a foundation for how they conduct business, how they serve members and how they treat each other.
Authenticity- being true to the outdoors
Quality- providing trustworthy products and services
Service- serving others with expertise and enthusiasm
Respect- embrace differences and listen and learn from each other
Integrity- demonstrate rock-solid ethics, honesty and decency
Balance- encourage personal growth and fun to enjoy all aspects of life
Milestones
1938- The first REI logo
1938- REI begins selling merchandise in the Richfield gas station
1940- Begins the decade with 200 members and $3,000 in annual sales
1944- The first REI store opens in Seattle
1945- Co-op creates a gear rental business
1946- Hiring of first part-time employee
1950- Begins the decade with 3,000 members and $40,000 in annual sales
1954- First of many expansions
1956- The co-op officially becomes Recreational Equipment, Inc. when members vote to incorporate as a nonprofit
1960- Begins the decade with 20,000 members and $500,000 in annual sales
1963- Grand Opening of REI’s 2nd location in Seattle
1962- Warehouse blow-out flood sale marks beginning of used-gear sales
1963- Jim Whittaker –sales manager and one of REI’s first employees, becomes first American to summit Mount Everest
1966- Debut of profit sharing plan
1967- THAW corporation- subsidiary of REI begins making sleeping bags and soft goods
1969- Climbing safety pioneer Cal Magnusson joins REI as the first quality control engineer
1970- Begins decade with 200,000 members, 2 retail locations in Seattle, and $5 million in annual sales, Lloyd Anderson retires
1972- REI announces 250,000th member
1975- Grand opening of REI’s first retail location outside of Seattle in Berkeley, CA
1976- REI launches giving program to support outdoor recreation
1977- First distribution center opens along with administrative headquarters, Tukwila, WA
1980- Begins the decade with 1 million members, 6 retail stores, and $50 million in annual sales
1983- REI launches Novara, a line of bikes, cycling clothing, and accessories
1987- REI Adventures is launched featuring unique travel itineraries focusing on sustainable, human-powered outdoor adventures, off the beaten path, in iconic destinations
1989- REI co-founds the Conservation Alliance to fund the protection of wild places
1990- Begins the decade with 2 million members, 26 retail stores and over $230 million in annual sales
1993-Mary and Lloyd Anderson are inducted into the Cooperative Business Association’s Hall of Fame
1993- Launch of REI Foundation in honor of 3 Seattle employees who died on Mt. Rainier
1996- flagship store opens in downtown Seattle and REI.com is launched as the largest outdoor gear and apparel store on the Internet
1998- REIoutlet.com launched
1998-2013- Forbes “Top 100 Companies to Work For”
2000- Begins decade with over 5 million members, 61 retail stores, and nearly $700 million in annual sales
2006- REI celebrates $1 billion in annual sales by awarding $1 million in grants to 100 national parks
2008- REI goes mobile and joins social media
2010- Begins decade with 10 million members, 114 retail stores, and $1.66 billion in annual sales
2013- REI celebrates 75 years
REI is celebrating 75 years by having an anniversary sale of up to 30% off items and offering members 20% off one full price item. Congratulations REI on 75 years!
The Minnesota Zoo is celebrating 35 years of connecting people, animals, and the natural world. After more than a decade of dreaming, planning, and construction, the Minnesota Zoological Garden opened on May 22 1978. The Minnesota Zoo is one of only two state-owned zoos in the United States. Since the opening, the zoo has welcomed more than 36 million visitors, the number of animal species has more than doubled, and the number of animals has increased from 1,200 to 4,300 animals. The zoo has won numerous awards for innovative and cutting-edge exhibits, is a leader in tiger conservation, and has become the largest environmental learning center in the state.
History
The zoo was made possible by local conservationists who began lobbying for a new and expansive zoo facility back in the 1960’s; Dakota County officials who donated 500 acres of land; legislators who supported the creation and continue to support the Zoo’s annual funding requests; dedicated staff and volunteers; loyal corporate donors; and individual donors and the public who proudly support the zoo. The Minnesota Zoo’s concept and design was radically different from most other zoos of its time. The exhibits were open, natural settings, with glass partitions. This was an exciting change for guests and a much better environment for the animals. Many zoos have since followed the example set by the Minnesota Zoo. Some of the favorite animals at the zoo’s beginning were beluga whales, tapirs, moose, flamingos, Japanese macaques or snow monkeys, and Amur tigers.
Conservation efforts
The Minnesota Zoo has a deep commitment to conservation, and a strong focus on conservation education. Conservation efforts take place at the zoo, within Minnesota, and around the world. At the zoo efforts include: the Tiger Species Survival Program (SSP), Zoo-Post, Captive Management, and Green Practices. Within Minnesota, efforts include: Prairie Butterfly, Moose, and Bison conservation, Florida Maneter Swan Restoration Project, a BioDiscovery Project, and Sustainable Seafood. Around the world efforts include: Namibia’s black rhinos and mountain zebras, the Tiger Conservation Campaign, Dhole Conservation in Thailand, Animals of the Russian Far East, Hyacinth macaw conservation, and African rainforest wildlife. The zoo and animal experiences connect visitors to the natural world which in turn motivates them to protect that world.
35 Year Weekend Celebration – May 18 & 19, 2013
To celebrate 35 years, the Minnesota Zoo invited the public to come out for a weekend filled with animals, family entertainment and a whole lot of fun! Activities included:
1st 1,000 kids each day receive a special 35-Year commemorative gift
Animal encounters
Live Music – Café Melange
Matt Dunn’s Magic Show – Lakeside Terrace (Rain – Target® Learning Center)
Special treats for the animals throughout both days
The zoo is also inviting visitors to like their Facebook page and share favorite memories of the Minnesota Zoo. By sharing a favorite memory, visitors can win exclusive zoo experiences throughout this season including a behind-the-scenes tour of the summer Africa! exhibit or scuba diving in the zoo’s Tropical Reef!
Future Plans
Future plans for the zoo include a carousel, renovating the Japanese macaque or snow monkey exhibit, and creating an Asian Highlands section, just to name a few.
Join us in congratulating the Minnesota Zoo on its 35th anniversary of connecting people, animals, and the natural world!
LinkedIn is a social networking website for professionals and is primarily used for professional networking. It was founded in December 2002 by Reid Hoffman and launched on May 5, 2003. The current CEO is Jeff Weiner. To date, LinkedIn has more than 200 million users worldwide and is used in more than 200 countries and territories.
How LinkedIn Works
The site allows registered users to create a personalized professional profile and maintain a list of contacts, called “Connections”. Connections can be friends, classmates, current or previous co-workers, supervisors or managers, teachers, colleagues, etc. By using the search feature you can locate and invite them to become your connection, which enables you to follow their profile, postings, and more. LinkedIn also allows you to follow companies and groups of interest.
Benefits of LinkedIn
Reconnect and stay in touch
Make lasting connections or networking contacts
Power your career
Upload your resume and design your profile to showcase your work or community experiences
Search for jobs and business opportunities or connections to the jobs you want
Review the profile of companies and/or managers
Upload photos or videos to customize your profile and get noticed
Follow companies or groups and can get important updates, read relevant articles, and receive notifications about offers available, etc
Save applications or the jobs that you are interested in applying for
Get answers from industry experts on questions you may have
Discover and make inside connections when looking for a business opportunity
Having a LinkedIn profile is an important tool that shows you are serious about building a career. Many employers “Google” job applicants. Set yourself apart from the competition by having a dynamic profile. A key feature of LinkedIn is the “Skills” section. Listing your job skills and getting professional endorsements is better than even a letter of recommendation. Highlight awards and professional achievements by creating an Honors and Awards category.
LinkedIn Milestones
LinkedIn has grown exponentially since its launch in 2003. It is the number one professional networking site in the world. It is also the second largest social networking site and growing.
May 2003- LinkedIn officially launched
March 2006- Reached profitability
February 2008- Mobile version of LinkedIn launched
October 2008- Enabled an applications platform to allow users to display blog postings etc.
2010- Opened a European headquarters in Dublin, Ireland
October 2010- Silicon Valley Insider ranked LinkedIn as #10 of the Top 100 List of most valuable start-ups
November 2010- Allowed businesses to list products and services on company profile pages and also allowed members to “recommend” products and services and write reviews
December 2010- LinkedIn valued at $1.575 billion
January 2011- LinkedIn acquired CardMunch which is a mobile app to scan business cards and convert them into contacts
May 19, 2011- Became publicly traded on NYSE, symbol LNKD. Opened at $45 share and closed at $94.25 share.
July 2011- Launched a feature to enable companies to add an “Apply with LinkedIn” button on job listing pages. Also enabled users to save job applications.
LinkedIn has become a crucial tool for professional networking. It is also very useful in building business relationships. According to Forbes magazine, “LinkedIn is, far and away, the most advantageous social networking tool available to job seekers and business professionals today.”
Join us in congratulating LinkedIn on their 10th anniversary!
Red Roof Inn was started in Columbus, Ohio in 1972 by a local builder James Trueman. Trueman wanted to create an economy hotel focused on value, where guests would be able to stay in a “nice place at a nice price.” This meant quality and comfort at a reasonable price. When the Red Roof Inn first opened in 1973, room rates were just $8.50 a night! Today, Red Roof is a leader among the economy hotel chains, and has over 350 inns in 36 states, employs over 6,000 people and serves millions of guests each year. Listed below are some of the milestones in the Red Roof Inn’s history.
1980 a toll-free 800 number was enacted for guests
1982 first computer reservations system installed
1984 first economy hotel chain to connect site computer systems to a corporate office
1986 James Trueman, founder of Red Roof Inn, passed away
1988 first television and radio advertising campaign for the Inn
1989 a satellite dish was installed at Red Roof Inn’s corporate office to transmit and receive communications between inns and corporate
1992 introduced a toll-free number for hearing impaired persons. TDD machines made available at all of the inns.
1996 the largest privately owned economy hotel chain in the U.S.
1996 the company became publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange
1999 Accor, an international leader in travel, tourism, and business services, purchased all outstanding shares of Red Roof Inn stock
2001 the first economy- brand, points based loyalty program, the RediCard® Preferred Member, was introduced
2001 online discount program Red Hot Deals® was created at redroof.com
2006 Red Roof Inn became the first economy lodging brand to offer an upgraded bedding package
2007 Westmont Hospitality Group purchased Red Roof Inn
2008 launched all-inclusive King Room aimed at business travelers- including free wifi, long distance calls within the U.S., and faxes
2010 made wifi,long distance calls within the U.S., and faxing up to 10 pages free for all guests
2011 launched mobile website
2012 Red Roof Inn launched its newly updated website
2012 Red Roof Inn promotes NextGen Renovations and Red Roof Luvs Pets
2012 expanded corporate office, launched new reservations system, doubled digital presence
About Red Roof Inn
Red Roof Inn is renovating properties with NextGen upgrades which focus on comfort, a home away from home feel, and a design concept that is simple, sleek, and modern. In addition, all locations are high tech, providing free in-room wi-fi, so you can keep in touch with family while away from home. Red Roof Inn also understands that pets are family too, so most locations are pet friendly, and even allow your pet to stay for free. We spoke with Bev Mapes, Secretary of the Grand Rapids Agility Club, about the pet friendly provision. “Many of our members stay at Red Roof Inn when travelling to trials in other cities. They’ve been very accommodating with our dogs, and my own dog Cosmo likes it there too.”
Many locations provide free continental breakfast, and for those pressed for time in the mornings, “Ready-Set-Go” breakfast bags are available. Red Roof Inn also respects the environment. Their “Staying Red, Going Green®” program proudly combines high standards with being environmentally conscious.
Accolades
Although having many industry “firsts,” the economy hotel chain has received the most recognition in recent years.
2006 Red Roof Inn was awarded first place in the economy hotel category by Best Travel News
2006 rated #1 in bedding comfort by J.D. Power
2009 Red Roof Inn received a Bronze Adrian Award from the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) for the Red Roof Loves Country PR Campaign
2009 World Franchising Network and USA Today® named Red Roof Inn as one of the “50 Top Franchises for Minorities”
2010 Red Roof Inn was ranked #1 in Reservation Service according to J.D. Powers
2010 Red Roof Inns earned the highest customer satisfaction score among all economy hotels according to the Market Metrix Global Satisfaction Index
2010 World Franchising Network and USA Today® named Red Roof Inn as one of the “50 Top Franchises for Minorities”
2010 Red Roof Inn received a Gold Adrian Award from the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI)
2011 Red Roof Inn received a Gold Adrian Award from the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) for “Red Roof Inn Pets Promotion”
2011 Red Roof Inn received a Gold Adrian Award from the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) for “Red Roof Inn Summer Coupon Book Press Kit”
2011 Red Roof Inn was ranked #1 in Reservation Services according to J.D. Powers
2011 Red roof Inn was ranked #1 by ReviewMetrix®
2012 Red Roof Inn received a Platinum Adrian Award from the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) for the “Rediscover America Press Kit.”
2012 #1 in 2012 Economy Hotel
Celebrating 40 years
Red Roof Inn is celebrating being 40 and fabulous with prizes each month in the 40 and Fabulous Sweepstakes. As a bonus, RediCard members are automatically entered in a monthly drawing to win a Tablet!
March (40) A free night at the Red Roof location of winner’s choice
April (40) 37” flat screen television
May (1) 7day/6night trip for a family of 4
June (40) NextGen flooring package
July (40) NextGen mattress set
August (1) A 1973 classic car
September (1) 40,000 RediCard points
October (1) Grand Prize of $40,000
In addition to the sweepstakes, Red Roof Inn has 40th anniversary specials including: stay at any Red Roof Inn on your 40th birthday in 2013 to receive a fixed room rate of $19.73 for that night, and travel with your pet in April and save 15%
Join us in congratulating the Red Roof Inn on its 40th anniversary of providing a “Nice Place, For a Nice Price!”
Standale Lumber and Supply was founded on March 1, 1952 by Ken Holtvluwer and John Koppenol. In just 2 short years, Ken had tripled the business and so he bought out his partner John’s share of the company, becoming the sole proprietor. It was Ken’s vision, determination, and faith that has kept Standale Lumber going ever since.
Overcoming adversities
The lumber company has had to overcome adversity on several occasions. On April 3, 1956 a tornado destroyed the buildings, and surprisingly it happened again on Palm Sunday in 1965. In the 1970’s, one building was lost to a fire and another building had a roof collapse due to heavy snowfall. Also in the 1970’s, the first chain lumber yard –Wickes Lumber- came to the area, causing many local lumber yards to close. In the 1980’s, Standale Lumber overcame the housing market challenges when the interest rates jumped and housing construction stalled. In recent years, they have overcome the housing market collapse and the rise in big box home improvement stores popping up all around the area.
Exponential growth
Despite a tumultuous history, Standale Lumber has grown exponentially and now embodies 3 locations. Standale Lumber Contractor’s Division is located on Franklin Ave. in Grandville, and both Standale Lumber Home Center and Standale Interiors are located on Lake Michigan Drive in Grand Rapids. The Standale Lumber group has everything you need from “concept to completion”. Their primary focus is on being extremely customer-centric, going above and beyond for their customers, and making sure each customer is 100% satisfied with their experience. The average employee has 14 years experience, so you can be assured you’ll be speaking with a friendly and knowledgeable professional. Locally, the Standale Lumber group services the Greater Grand Rapids area and all of West Michigan. What sets them apart from the big box stores is not only their professionalism and customer service, but the fact that they will gladly deliver anywhere within the state and even neighboring states.
Over the years, many obstacles were overcome, and many lessons were learned. Join us in congratulating the Standale Lumber group team on their 60th anniversary and in celebrating 60 years of devoted service!
This season marks the 60th Anniversary of the S.S. Badger! Celebrate this milestone and experience a piece of history by taking a ride on the S.S. Badger. It is the largest car ferry to ever sail in Lake Michigan and is the only coal-fired steamship remaining in operation in the U.S. today. Built in 1952, it began service on March 21, 1953 and was nicknamed the “Queen of the Lakes” because of its superior services. The “Badger” operated year round carrying primarily railroad freight cars until 1990, which is when the steamship docked in Ludington for what was thought to be the last time.
Remarkably, in 1991 the late Charles Conrad purchased the S.S. Badger. He successfully reinvented the steamship to carry leisure passengers and their vehicles. Amenities include: private guest staterooms, a museum, a gift shop, several lounge areas for relaxing; two dining options- the Upper Deck Café which is buffet style, and Badger Galley which offers deli-style snacks; two bars- the Upper Deck and the Port Side serving up cold drinks; and a couple of children areas which include a video arcade, and the KidsPort Play Area.
S.S. Badger accolades include:
1996 National Mechanical Engineering Landmark by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers
1997 Registered Historic Site by both the Michigan and Wisconsin Historical Commission
1997 Michigan Centennial Business by the Historical Society of Michigan
2002 Ship of the Year by the Steamship Historical Society of America
2009 National Register of Historic Places by the U.S. Department of the Interior
The S.S. Badger now sails daily from May to October, between the ports of Manitowoc, Wisconsin and Ludington, Michigan. The trip is 60 miles each way and takes approximately 4 hours. It has a capacity of up to 600 passengers and 180 vehicles.
The S.S. Badger offers travelers unique packages, which include the annual Shoreline Cruises for dining and sightseeing, and the Badger B&B, which is a unique autumn opportunity for travelers to stay overnight on the ship. For more information please visit their website: http://www.ssbadger.com/
How Long Have You Been In Business?
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