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The Helpers Part One

Share the goods.

An image of a blue paper heart with hands surrounding it, also forming a heart.

We used to know what a “normal” day would look like. Now, after the start of social distancing, the closing of restaurants, and everything else that’s happened, we’re not so sure anyone really knows what “normal” is. The communications industry is interesting, because it means that we touch base with people from a lot of different areas. That means we know people in a million different industries. As our team talked about our clients this week, we realized that we have a bunch of them who can help out with the COVID-19 crisis. So here’s what will probably be the first of many blogs about our great clients, how much we love them, and how they can help. Share this blog with everyone you know.

Alliant Healthcare

Alliant Healthcare is a Service-Disabled, Veteran-Owned, Small Business (SDVOSB) that specializes in federal government sales, contracting, and distribution. Have we mentioned that they’re based right here in Michigan? It’s another win. Alliant works with the Department of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and other government organizations to connect companies in need to contractors who can get devices made. If you know anyone in the healthcare industry or government who could use some help with devices during the COVID-19 outbreak, contact Alliant Healthcare…like, right now.

MediSurge

Speaking of veteran-owned businesses, MediSurge is a Grand Rapids company that specializes in designing, prototyping, and manufacturing medical devices. They’ve got an ISO Class 7 Cleanroom, which essentially means everything they make is ready for surgery. MediSurge can use a bunch of different manufacturing methods, including 3D printing and injection molding. That means they’re equipped to help out with manufacturing a huge variety of devices, medical or otherwise. MediSurge specializes in cardiovascular devices, which helps address the number one underlying condition in COVID-19 fatalities. Contact MediSurge right now if you need a partner to help manufacture life-saving medical devices.

Michigan Manufacturing and Technology Association (MMTA)

The Michigan Manufacturing and Technology Association (MMTA) is a resource for manufacturers in all stages of business to find resources and get help. Their membership base is a great way to network with other manufacturers across the state. MMTA is a wonderful resource for any manufacturing business that is struggling during COVID-19 conditions. It can also help connect these businesses with other manufacturers, factories, suppliers, and more. If you need help as a manufacturer in Michigan, check out MMTA. You’ll be glad you did.

STEWART Industries

STEWART Industries has a bunch of resources that can be essential during the COVID-19 situation. They boast a Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) Division, which can help manufacturing businesses of all sizes. What’s an FTZ? We’re about to blow your mind. It’s an area on U.S. soil that’s counted as if it’s outside of the U.S. for customs reasons. That means businesses can ship their supplies to the FTZ, where they can be sub-assembled into parts and then imported. This saves businesses a ton of money on tariff and duty reduction and elimination. But it also means that STEWART can help assemble for factories that aren’t functioning at full capacity because of the virus. The FTZ is a contained space, so STEWART Industries can sub-assemble, manufacture, quality check, and more, all while their clients don’t have a full staff. If you’re curious about FTZs, you need to reach out to STEWART right now. It could be a game changer.

TOC Logistics International, Inc.

If you’ve been a long-time reader of our blogs, you’ve probably heard us mention TOC Logistics International, Inc. The TOC team specializes in helping businesses optimize their supply chains and save money while they do it.
Right now, the TOC team is working around the clock to keep up with the latest updates from around the world. That means they know what ports are open or closed, they can figure out what delays a company might expect, they can reroute cargo, and more.

Plus, they have customs brokers on staff, which means they can help your business manage any supply chain issues you have, whether they’re overseas or here in the U.S.
If you need help navigating the crazy global supply chain and keeping a steady flow of goods. You know who to call. That’s right. TOC Logistics (not Ghostbusters). We have a lot of clients who can help businesses and the economy throughout this pandemic. Pass this blog along and spread the resources.

While you’re at it, if you haven’t written a statement on COVID-19 yet, you need to. Check out our blog on how to write a crisis statement. If there’s anything we can to do to help your business, too, get in touch with Kim directly at ki*@*******gn.com. We’re all in this together, and there will be a light at the end of the tunnel.

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FUN FACT FRIDAY: It’s only fitting for us to own a building where a trailblazing female operated her businesses in 1906. The Phillips family represented one of the longest-running retail tenures in Grand Rapids history; L.E. Phillips Jewelry in the 1365 Plainfield Ave. building from 1906 until 1973.
Dr. Eva Phillips, a certified and licensed optometrist ran her practice out of the jewelry store’s secondary parlor and was an equal partner in the jewelry store.

Together, they offered a unique one-stop shot which expanded to include appliances, record players, and more. The couple operated the shop through two World Wars and the Great Depression, acting as the neighborhood matriarch and patriarch.

@crestongr @crestoncorridor @crestongrandrapids @citygrandrapids @grandrapidspubliclibrary

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Open post by 8thirtyfour with ID 17898983202545176
FUN FACT FRIDAY: It’s only fitting for us to own a building where a trailblazing female operated her businesses in 1906. The Phillips family represented one of the longest-running retail tenures in Grand Rapids history; L.E. Phillips Jewelry in the 1365 Plainfield Ave. building from 1906 until 1973. Dr. Eva Phillips, a certified and licensed optometrist ran her practice out of the jewelry store’s secondary parlor and was an equal partner in the jewelry store. Together, they offered a unique one-stop shot which expanded to include appliances, record players, and more. The couple operated the shop through two World Wars and the Great Depression, acting as the neighborhood matriarch and patriarch. @crestongr @crestoncorridor @crestongrandrapids @citygrandrapids @grandrapidspubliclibrary

Have you tuned into The Happy Hour Hustle Podcast yet?
If not, a) you’re missing out and b) you need to follow immediately. Hosted by @bodespeaks, episodes drop every other week, and feature some pretty bada$$ guests if we do say so ourselves.

This week, Kim sits down with @kelsey_orchard , VP of Marketing and Communications at @fifthwheelfreight to chat building a personal brand, Gen Z entering the workforce, misconceptions about logistics, spotting fake LinkedIn profiles – oh and why your GPA doesn’t matter anymore.

Grab a watermelon margarita, sit back and enjoy for lots of laughs and real talk.

Listen now at the link in bio.

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Open post by 8thirtyfour with ID 18112263326023209
Have you tuned into The Happy Hour Hustle Podcast yet? If not, a) you’re missing out and b) you need to follow immediately. Hosted by @bodespeaks, episodes drop every other week, and feature some pretty bada$$ guests if we do say so ourselves. This week, Kim sits down with @kelsey_orchard , VP of Marketing and Communications at @fifthwheelfreight to chat building a personal brand, Gen Z entering the workforce, misconceptions about logistics, spotting fake LinkedIn profiles – oh and why your GPA doesn’t matter anymore. Grab a watermelon margarita, sit back and enjoy for lots of laughs and real talk. Listen now at the link in bio.

National Perimenopause Month starts today. We have a LOT to say, and we’re not going to be quiet about it, especially this month, so buckle up.

We were not prepared for perimenopause, much like our periods, sex, or anything else to do with our bodies. God forbid we talk about it openly.

We were taught to be ashamed, keep quiet, and to accept that it is just part of being a woman. We reject that narrative. In fact, like @bodespeaks, we want to bring it up in every conversation.

When we normalize perimenopause and the conversation around it, we stop isolating, and we’re all more prepared.
Join us for Uncomfortable Conversations: The Pause on September 24th — a powerful conversation hosted alongside the @smallbusinessassocofmichigan
Women’s Business Council, featuring some kicka$$ experts who will give you the real talk on perimenopause (more to come on them later).

Register at the link in bio.

3 0
Open post by 8thirtyfour with ID 18132641716644887
National Perimenopause Month starts today. We have a LOT to say, and we’re not going to be quiet about it, especially this month, so buckle up. We were not prepared for perimenopause, much like our periods, sex, or anything else to do with our bodies. God forbid we talk about it openly. We were taught to be ashamed, keep quiet, and to accept that it is just part of being a woman. We reject that narrative. In fact, like @bodespeaks, we want to bring it up in every conversation. When we normalize perimenopause and the conversation around it, we stop isolating, and we’re all more prepared. Join us for Uncomfortable Conversations: The Pause on September 24th — a powerful conversation hosted alongside the @smallbusinessassocofmichigan Women’s Business Council, featuring some kicka$$ experts who will give you the real talk on perimenopause (more to come on them later). Register at the link in bio.

You asked, we delivered.

Introducing the Women`s Owners Network - a new program built for what comes first, joining our proven Fellowship model to support Michigan women at every stage of business ownership.

Whether you`ve got a team of 10 or it`s just you and your laptop, you deserve a room full of women who get it.

Six months of leadership, finance, operations, capital access, paired with real support for the isolation, emotional volatility, and decision fatigue that come with owning your own business.

You`ll have your own board of directors in your corner, including @bodespeaks plus a group of mentors, instructors, and coaches who`ve been exactly where you are.

Applications due October 1. Apply now at the link in bio.

10 3
Open post by 8thirtyfour with ID 18089775152664042
You asked, we delivered. Introducing the Women's Owners Network - a new program built for what comes first, joining our proven Fellowship model to support Michigan women at every stage of business ownership. Whether you've got a team of 10 or it's just you and your laptop, you deserve a room full of women who get it. Six months of leadership, finance, operations, capital access, paired with real support for the isolation, emotional volatility, and decision fatigue that come with owning your own business. You'll have your own board of directors in your corner, including @bodespeaks plus a group of mentors, instructors, and coaches who've been exactly where you are. Applications due October 1. Apply now at the link in bio.
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