About LinkedIn

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!

History of Red Roof Inn

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 60^th 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/

The Vail Veterans Program, founded by Cheryl Jenson and Major David Rozelle, is a unique rehabilitation program that has been proudly serving injured Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans and their families since 2004. The program pairs experienced ski or snowboard instructors with a veteran.  The instructors assist in modifying the equipment to fit each participants specific needs,  educate them how to use the equipment, and finally teach them how to ski or snowboard using the adaptive equipment.

The program initially started as a one-time event, but due to the overwhelming success, has grown to a semi-annual event.  Vail Veterans has assisted over 1,000 Wounded Warriors, many of whom come for the outdoor recreational therapy directly from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Brooke Army Medical Center, and the Naval Medical Center.

Funded by sponsors, the Vail Veterans Program is free of charge for participants and their families.  The program serves as a source of healing for veterans and their families.  It is a chance to spend quality time with loved ones, as well as to socialize and connect with other veterans.  For the veterans and instructors alike, the program is more than just a ski vacation, it is often life changing. Ski instructor and 7 year program volunteer, Josh Perkins (pictured above left) states that everyone involved is positively affected and everyone gets something different out of it.   For some, participating in the outdoor recreational activities restores hope, builds self esteem and boosts confidence.  For others, the program helps participants feel better about their future, and opens their minds to the possibilities that await them.

The Vail Veterans Program hosts several events throughout the year. There are two annual winter programs, one in January and the other in March, which teach adaptive skiing and snowboarding techniques.  There is also an annual summer program in July which allows participants to choose from several activities including whitewater rafting, horseback riding, fly fishing, golfing, mountain biking, and zip lining.

Although this year marks the 10^th anniversary of the Vail Veterans program, there are no big celebration plans.  The program is simply about sharing, and giving back to the veterans.  The ski instructors participating in the program did pitch in and purchase a pink firefighters helmet for the group’s founder Cheryl. The helmet is something she’s wanted, and the instructors had it personalized with her name and the #10 signifying the 10^th anniversary of the program.

If you would like more information on the Vail Veterans Program, would like to become a program sponsor, or make a donation please visit their website at http://vailveteransprogram.org

Join us in congratulating the Vail Veterans Program on their 10th anniversary!

MomsBloom promotes an extended family environment for today’s new moms. Sara Binkley-Tow, Angie Walters, and Alice Christensen founded MomsBloom 5 years ago. MomsBloom is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to helping parents of newborns in Grand Rapids and the surrounding communities. They assist approximately 250 families each year, free of charge. MomsBloom interviews, checks, recruits and trains volunteers. The volunteers are then matched with a family who needs assistance. 

The Flourishing Families program from MomsBloom provides support for new moms in three important ways. First, volunteers assist weekly with household tasks. Secondly, the program provides a way to connect with other parents. Lastly, access to education and resources is available to assist parents in raising their child. The Flourishing Families program is a support system from the very beginning and promotes a sense of community among new mothers.

The Cameron’s Garden program from MomsBloom gives support for families who are grieving the loss of their baby. This program provides a safe and understanding environment for parents during this very difficult time. Whether it’s by simply listening and providing a shoulder to cry on, or by reaching out and offering assistance, Cameron’s Garden is there to help parents begin the healing process.

MomsBloom wants to assist dads, too. The DadsGrow program is still being developed and the goal is to support new dads and provide a place they could turn to if needed.

MomsBloom is celebrating their 5th anniversary, BloomBash, at the Paul App
Gallery located at 910 Cherry St SE in Grand Rapids, Michigan. BloomBash is a celebration of accomplishments, and to give thanks and honor everyone who has helped to allow MomsBloom to continue to make a positive change in the community. Festivities will include entertainment, a silent auction, as well as food and drinks. BloomBash will take place on Thursday, March 7,
2013 from 6:30 -8:30 pm and tickets are $35 per person or $60 per couple.

Happy 5th Anniversary to MomsBloom!