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McDonalds, Happy Cows, Nonprofit Camp and Shelley Irwin

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I gotta tell ya, I love cramming Shelley Irwin’s WGVU studio with guests every month for Your Biz, Your Town. This month was no different, lots of exciting guests – all with a unique story to tell.

Listen here.

Michael Rodewald, whose family owns several local McDonalds was able to educate listeners on the many misconceptions the community has about the restaurant. Did you know that Michigan is a test market for new menu items? If the new product is approved here, it is then rolled out nationally. Wonder what that says about us? Rodewald also informed listeners that ingredients come from local growers and that the majority of the money spent in the community, stays within the community – I believe 80% – 85%. I think that is pretty fantastic, feel free to disagree with me.

We then chatted with Ryan Cappelletti who is one of several employees at Bartertown Diner, which focuses on vegi/vegan/raw and is worker owned and operated. Ryan explained that being worker owned and operated means that all employees are part of the decision making process, make the same wage and all tips are shared. How great is that? I am thinking of applying, hopefully it isn’t necessary for me to have any skill in the kitchen. Oh and did I mention they only work with happy cows.

Shelley and I were also excited to welcome GR GiveCamp board members – Adam Bird and Jonathan Tower. I happen to think that GR GiveCamp is one of the coolest services out there for nonprofits. And the best part? It’s free! GiveCamp is a weekend-long event where technology professionals – from designers, developers and database administrators to marketers and web strategists – donate their time to provide solutions for non-profit organizations. The guys mentioned that they are in need of lots more VOLUNTEERS – programmers, designers and those that just want to hang out and assist. Yep, it is on a weekend, but think how much you are giving back…get it…GIVEcamp.

Tune in next month on the 4th Friday as we chat all things business, nonprofits and Grand Rapids. Shelley is a rock star and I tag along.

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