HELP WANTED! 

MABA is looking for our next administrator to help us remain the best business networking group in the tri-county area. 

After two years with MABA, Rita LaMoreaux is moving into a new postion as the Executive Director of the Lansing Area Safety Council. 

Keep a look out for a job posting and spread the word. The job of keeping MABA afloat is fun and fulfilling. Please contact Nate Kirk or Chaz Carrillo if you have someone who might be interested. 

JOB DESCRIPTION

^{Be Proud, Be You, Be Independent!}

Are you an experienced banking professional looking to take the next step in your career?

If so, we need you! At Independent Bank we promote a culture that encourages professional growth and embraces the collective sum of your individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, innovation, self-expression, unique capabilities and talent. We value diversity of thought, ideas, and background. Our inclusive and collaborative culture helps us find the best solutions to meet the needs of our clients and company.

At Independent Bank, we recognize the importance of career growth, which is why we are proud to offer an exciting and fulfilling Career Path for all of our Retail Branch employees. Whether you’re an experienced banking professional, or excited to begin a lucrative career in banking, our Career Path offers self-directed growth opportunities allowing for the freedom and flexibility to advance at your own pace. This Career Path covers everything from conducting financial transactions, to educating clients on products and services, building client rapport, and even originating client loans. Beginning as a Client Service Associate allows you to learn the basics about Independent Bank’s culture, policies and procedures. From there, you will be equipped with all of the materials necessary to advance through the Career Path, at the rate that suits you, with the potential to earn more as you learn more!

Why You Should Apply:

• Competitive hourly pay and great benefits.
• Accommodating and flexible paid time off.
• A knowledgeable, goal-driven, and exciting team of colleagues.
• Numerous advancement opportunities with structured, personalized career paths and mentoring.
• Exposure to different areas of banking and the ability to work with leaders within the industry.
• Extensive training on all areas and aspects of the banking field to help you reach your highest potential.
• Community-focused events and volunteer opportunities.

What We’re Looking For:

• High school diploma or equivalent education is required.
• Outstanding client service skills.
• Cash handling experience is preferred, but it is not required as we provide ample training.
• The ability to adapt and adjust to new ideas, processes, workflows, and systems.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and rapidly changing environment while maintaining a commitment to accuracy, timeliness, and client focus.
• Excellent interpersonal, presentation, and communication skills. This includes verbal and non-verbal forms of communication, email and phone etiquette, and the ability to work cohesively as part of a team.
• A strong desire to be a part of the Independent Bank family while contributing to our growth and success.

This is an exciting step in a journey to creating a fulfilling and rewarding career at Independent Bank. We are excited to have you join our team!

Please don’t hesitate to let me know if there’s anything else you need! We appreciate your support and partnership!

 

Samantha Gruber
AVP, Talent Acquisition Manager

Independent Bank
227 West Main St.
Ionia, MI. 48846
O: 616.523.9008 | IPT: 11119
E: SGruber@ibcp.com

 

COMMUNITY RESOURCE NIGHT

Join us at CADL Haslett to learn about the incredible organizations that serve Meridian Township--service clubs, community groups, nonprofits, Township boards and commissions, and more. Speak with representatives from the organizations to learn about the services they offer and gather information about volunteer opportunities. Presented in partnership with CADL Okemos and Meridian Township.

APRIL 13 | 6-7:30 P.M.

1590 Franklin St., Haslett

Participating Organizations Include:

• Braille and Talking Book Library

• Capital Area Literacy Coalition

• Disability Network Capital Region

• Ennis Center for Children

• Friends of the Haslett Library

• Friends of the Okemos Library

• Greater Lansing Food Bank

• Greater Lansing Islamic Center

• Harris Nature Center Foundation

• Haslett Beautification Association

• Haslett-Okemos Rotary Club

• Hospice of Lansing

• Kiwanis Club of Haslett-Okemos

• Meridian Garden Club

• Meridian Historic Village

• Meridian Senior Center

• Meridian Township

• Economic Development

• Human Resources

• Parks & Recreation

• Nokomis Cultural Heritage Center

• RSVP Lansing

• Tri-County Office on Aging

• Women's Center of Greater Lansing

Staycation Special coming up for Spring Break March 28th-April 1st, guest can get a unlimited jump and laser tag day pass for $24.99. https://launchtrampolinepark.com/lansing/

Solarize Meridian Kicks Off

Solarize Meridian is an educational program to help residents learn about solar electric systems and purchase solar panels at a discounted price. Short in-person and virtual meetings will be held starting in the spring. Tune in to a brief introduction at 9am, Wednesday March 2nd here on Zoom or click here to request a recording. LEARN MORE >

M-43 Project Information Grand River M-43 Construction Meeting Update

Upcoming virtual meeting conducted by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) regarding the major road construction project of M-43 Grand River Ave to commence this Spring 2022. This project will address the continuing flooding issues at the intersections of Grand River/Okemos road, Grand River and Nakoma Drive with a full mill and repaving (removal and restoration) of Grand River ave. from Oak Pointe Court to Nakoma drive. This portion of Grand River will be under construction for about 18 months with the majority of the construction period focusing on raising the intersection of Grand River/Okemos Road 18”. The raising of the road at a foot and a half will allow for updated drainage systems to be included to allow for proper water flow into the Red Cedar river.

The meeting will be conducted virtually by MDOT to review the construction phases of the project, proposed traffic detours, review the temporary access road for properties on the north block of Grand River/Okemos road, and Q&A. We acknowledge after 2 years of COVID-19 pandemic an major construction project will feel daunting. The educational meeting held by MDOT will address many concerns on how we collectively can best serve our businesses and residents. MDOT has tentatively set the meeting for March 22 or 23, upon clarification from MDOT we will submit additional reminders to the public. Please join our teams and community for this informational update regarding the reconstruction of Grand River Avenue.

For a quick review of the project as it currently stands, please visit: MDOT M-43 Road Reconstruction. 

Learn More

Here is a unique promotion that the Detroit Pistons have engaged in called SHOPIFY GO, an extension of the Shop 313 Technical Assistance Program – which is a partnership with Shopify, a national leader for small business e-commerce. SHOPIFY GO is geared toward micro and place-based businesses across the State of Michigan that are not currently selling their products online but desire to be.

The program will provide the following benefits:

1)     An extended free trial to Shopify and RingCentral

2)     The potential for free 1-1 technical assistance to create an online Shopify store within the next 3-6 weeks *Businesses will be selected on a first-come, first serve basis*

3)     Access to complimentary educational webinars

4)     The opportunity to apply to receive complimentary Pistons marketing assets and grant opportunities, and/or the opportunity to set up a pop-up shop at Pistons community events.

Not only would these benefits support a business’s digital presence but could also lead to significant promotion and increased awareness for the business itself.

MEDC will be amplifying the messaging to build awareness through our community and partner networks and we wanted to share this opportunity with you to pass on the your business community.  We are providing program details below as well as an email template and social media graphics to share.

What businesses would be the ideal fit for the program?

Businesses who…           

·          Sell physical and/or digital goods or services

·          Aren’t currently online and have a desire to be

·          Are online and have a desire to better maximize their online presence + online store functionality 

·          Want to spread awareness about themselves + their products/services

·          Have a need for monetary grants

·          Are interested in collaborating with the Detroit Pistons!

Where can businesses go to find more information?     

Shopify and the Detroit Pistons are hosting a Q&A to provide an overview of the program, insights on moving online and attracting customers to your online store, and to answer any questions business owners may have.
Click http://detroitpistonsxshopify.splashthat.com/ to Sign up for the Q&A on Thursday, February 24th at 5pm EST OR read more at shopify.com/building-shop-313.

OKEMOS — When he was younger Xavier DeGroat wanted to work at the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, but now the Delta Township man is opening his own museum in Meridian Mall.

DeGroat, founder and CEO of nonprofit Xavier DeGroat Autism Foundation, will host a ribbon-cutting event at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 4 for the foundation’s museum near Schuler Books.

"Not everything has to be about retail at malls," DeGroat said.

DeGroat, 31, was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome, a condition on the autism spectrum with generally higher functioning, when he was 4 years old.

He founded Xavier DeGroat Autism Foundation around 2018 with the mission to create and promote opportunities for people with autism through advocacy, education, economic opportunities and humanitarian efforts. 

Through the foundation, he has helped spark law enforcement changes where individuals on the autism spectrum or with other conditions can disclose their diagnoses to the Secretary of State for better interactions with officials.

"I would characterize myself as an autism awareness advocate," DeGroat said.

He had the idea to open his foundation in the mall around a year ago. He thought about how much the mall could transform life again if it became entertainment space and considered it an ideal location with its proximity to Michigan State University.

The museum will have a timeline of the history of autism from early in the 20th century to present day and will highlight prominent figures on the spectrum like Elon Musk, he said.

The museum will have a sensory friendly educational program and DeGroat will take inspiration from "Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood" as Mister Rogers was a role model growing up, he said.

LaFontaine Automotive Dealerships of Lansing will give back this Valentine’s Day!

Each February, U CAN-CER VIVE delivers hundreds of UR My Valentine Teddy Bear Packages to our local Michigan hospitals as a way of bringing love, support and a smile to those spending time in the hospital. These hospital deliveries consist of hundreds of teddy bear donations, and they deliver to 7 amazing hospitals here in Michigan, including Sparrow Hospital, Beaumont, Henry Ford Health System, McLaren Hospital, C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital and Children’s Hospital of Michigan.

How LaFontaine Automotive Plans To Help:

With the help of our staff here at LaFontaine Ford of Lansing, LaFontaine Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat of Lansing, LaFontaine Buick GMC of Lansing, our community in the Lansing area, and the eager students of Comfycozy for Chemo MSU, our goal is to raise $3,000 to support this cause. Will you join us!?

More Info is HERE

Looking for a professional to sublease office space in a medical complex due to using Telehealth modalities. It would be a shared room within a suite. Decorated, utility and more included. Wellness, medical or holistic recommend for suite usage. Contact information at www.mahabirwellness.com