WTVB Business Beat

Maple Lawn recently held their annual Employee Recognition Banquet to honor all the spotlight and awards employees for their hard work and dedication to the long-term care and rehabilitation facility.  Retirees, those with perfect attendance, years of employment, and staff of the year were recognized during the banquet.

Named 2011 employee of the year was Ashley Hurt, support staff of the year for the facility was Josh Cornish and supervisor of the year was Marianne Jackson.  Phil Shidler was recognized for his retirement. 

Nine people were recognized for perfect attendance including Sandra Blouin, Sue Failing, Lorrie Kessler, Kim McCarty, Kathy Moler, Linda Moraniec, Sara Roper, Doris Wigent, and Krista Wood.

Recognition was also given for those that have reached one, five, and ten years, as well as those that have worked at the facility 15 years including Tammy Combs, Mailinda Layne, Shirley Marsh, and Gerald Poe.  25 year recognition went to Lisa Cornwell, 30 years to Kathy Moler, and 35 years to Vicki Null.

Maple Lawn Administrator, Jayne Sabaitis said, “Your dedication, determination, hard work, high standards, and values have guided us in our growth and has maintained our superior reputation in the community.  Thank you for your commitment to excellence and integrity.”

Maple Lawn Medical Care Facility has been recognized by the governor and other agencies for providing quality care through extended-stay nursing care to seniors with varying levels of disabilities.  Rehabilitation services are also available for physical, occupational, and speech and language therapy for short or long term care. 

Attention golfers! Get ready for Tibbits 2012 Golf Tournament to be held Monday, June 18, 2012 at the Golf Club of Coldwater, 270 Narrows Road, Coldwater. Registration begins at 8:00 am with a shotgun start at 9:00 am. It is one of Tibbits’ important annual fundraisers with all proceeds to benefit programming and general operations for the opera house.

The format is a handicapped, 18-hole scramble, consisting of four person teams with men's, women's and mixed divisions. If you don't have a foursome, Tibbits will be happy to place you on a team. The day's events include many fun activities such as door prizes, games, a raffle with a chance to win a set of Adam irons, and hole events including a chance to win a $10,000 Hole-in-One prize! Breakfast, lunch, golf cart, and a special golfer gift are included. Awards are given following the tournament.

Individuals and teams may register for the tournament by calling Tibbits at 517-278-6029 between 9:00 am-5:00 pm Monday-Friday for only $100 per golfer. Entries are tax deductible as defined in the Internal Revenue Code.

Tibbits would like to thank these major sponsors for their generous support: Monarch Community Bank (title sponsor); Foundation Golf Center (raffle sponsor); Century Bank and Trust (player’s gift sponsor); Clubhouse Italian Grille (lunch sponsor); Community Health Center of Branch County (golf ball sponsor); Royal Chevrolet Auto Group (scoreboard sponsor); J.R. Colbeck, Attorney (hole-in-one sponsor); Dean’s Insurance Agency (breakfast sponsor); PNC Bank (beverage cart sponsor); and Gordon's Culligan Water Conditioning (watering hole sponsor).

Hole Sponsorship slots are still available which promote your business during our event at the Golf Club of Coldwater.  Your companies name and contact information will appear on signage at the course.  There are further opportunities to market your business by providing door prizes or donating fillers for golfer goodie bags. 

Please contact Lori Gunthorp at Tibbits, 517-278-6029, for more information about becoming a sponsor or to register as a golfer. Visit the website at www.Tibbits.org for program information.

A model Employee of the Month is made up of team work, customer service, and leadership. Lindsey Everline exemplifies all those parts and more, which is why she was presented the March Employee of the Month Award at CHC.

Lindsey was hired in May 2007 as a nursing assistant.  She is currently a registered nurse on the Medical Unit.  According to hear nominator, “Lindsey is always willing to help other members of her team; pulling knowledge from all of the areas where she has worked.  No job seems too big or too small for Lindsey, whether it is putting in orders, taking new admissions or assisting with unfamiliar procedures.  Lindsey has made an amazingly smooth adjustment into her new RN role.  She delivers exceptional patient care, following the nursing process from assessment through discharge.  She never fails to provide kind, compassionate care with a smile on her face and a willing attitude.”

Lindsey graduated from Kellogg Community College with an Associates Degree in Nursing while working part time at CHC as a nursing assistant and then as an LPN.  She is currently attending Spring Arbor University for her Bachelor of Science in Nursing.  Lindsey lives in Coldwater with her boyfriend of nine years George and their daughter Morgan, 15 months old.  Lindsey enjoys spending time with family, reading, and finishing school.

The Acute Medical Unit provides care to adult patients experiencing an acute/potentially acute illness, injury, or an exacerbation of a chronic condition affecting one or more body systems requiring therapeutic intervention.  The Medical Unit is located on the third floor above the Surgical-Pediatric Unit and adjacent to the Critical Care Unit. Occupancy for the unit is 23 patients.

The Acute Medical Unit provides care twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week. Staffing is adjusted for census changes based on increased or decreased levels.  Access to emergency and routine laboratory, diagnostic radiology, and blood bank services as well as Respiratory Care staff is available readily on a twenty-four hour basis.

The Community Health Center of Branch County is a non-profit acute care hospital providing access to safe, comprehensive, high quality healthcare services and accredited by The Joint Commission.  For more information about CHC, please call the CHC Marketing Department at 517-279-50282 or visit the CHC website at www.chcbc.com or health website at myhealth.chcbc.com.  

Safe Kids Coalition of Branch County will be providing free car seat safety check for parents, grandparents and caregivers on Friday, May 18^th from 11 a.m. till 3 p.m. at the CHC Community Care andConferenceCenter (old K-Mart building) at370 E. Chicago St. in Coldwater.  No appointments are needed.

Children must be present for the check.  All car seats are checked by certified child passenger safety technicians.  New seats are available for those determined to need a new or different seat.  To receive a replacement you must live inBranchCounty.

This free community event is sponsored by Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning, Safe Kids Coalition Committee of Branch County, Community Health Center of Branch County, Branch County Sheriff’s Department, and the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency.

For more information, call the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency at 1800-544-7395 ext. 137.

Safe Kids Coalition is a nationwide network of organizations working to prevent unintentional childhood injury, the leading cause of death and disability for children ages 1 to 14.  The Branch County Coalition is based out of the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Department of Human Services.

Get a team of 15 people to play a 5 inning coed slow pitched softball game at Heritage Park on June 2^nd from 9am to 8pm.   The cost to play is only 50 dollars per team and it goes to a great cause!!  All Proceeds Go To The Relay For Life And The American Cancer Society

Get a team together and register by the 25^th of May to be entered into the tournament!!  For questions and to register your All Star team contact:

Katie Eyre: 517 617 9019

Cailen Speaker: 517 677 7748

Destiny Back: 517 499 8040

Please leave a call back number or email so we can tell you what time your team will  play.   A concession stand will be available!!!   

The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency joins other local public health departments across the state in celebrating Michigan’s Public Health Week, April 22 to April 28, 2012.  This year’s theme is “A Healthier America Begins Today: Join the Movement."

This year, the health department has much to celebrate, being fully accredited with commendations through the Michigan Local Public Health Accreditation Program.  Full accreditation with commendation assures residents of the three counties access to high quality public health programs geared to help protect their health, prevent disease and promote wellness. 

Century Bank and Trust will be hosting their 1^st Annual 5K Walk/Run Relay for Life Fundraiser on June 2, 2012.  The 5K will begin at 8:30 AM on Saturday, June 2^nd at the Heritage Park Pavilion in Coldwater (across from the Recreation Center). 100% of the funds raised go to the Branch County Relay for Life Organization and medals will be awarded to 1^st-3^rd place in each category.

Adults aged 18 or better will have a registration fee of $20 which includes race admission, a t-shirt, goodie bag, and refreshments.  The registration fee for students (ages 13-18) is $15 and includes race admission, a t-shirt, goodie bag, and refreshments. The registration fee for families is $35 and includes race admission, 2 t-shirts, goodie bags for each participant, and refreshments. Additional shirts can be ordered for an additional cost of $8. 

In addition to the race entries, Century is looking for sponsors to help make the race a successful event.  A sponsorship of $50 includes a name/business name on the 5k t-shirt, signage at the event and mention in public announcements. All sponsors must commit by May 18^th to receive sponsorship recognition on the t-shirt. 

For more information, to register or to become a sponsor, please contact Valerie Haylett at (517) 278-1500 or by e-mail atValerieHaylett@centurybt.com.

About Century Bank and Trust
Century Bank and Trust was founded in 1890, as an independent community bank. As an independent community bank, Century Bank and Trust makes its business decisions locally for the continued success of its customers.   Century's goal is to keep the local area's communities financially strong and growing and Century uses deposits to make loans to local businesses and retail customers so money stays within the community.

Specializing in building relationships with its customers and communities, Century focuses on long-term, multiple account relationships and customized products that fit customer needs.

Within the community, Century is proud to support over 250 local charities, events and organizations. To learn more about Century Bank and Trust visitCenturyBankandTrust.com or call Toll Free (866) 680-2265.  

 “Since Earth Day 2011, our staff, administration and board of directors have made a commitment to become more environmentally friendly, instituting new policies to produce less waste,” said Greg Burns, President and CEO.  “We’re proud that this has been such a positive initiative for us and we’re pleased to celebrate the event.”

Cameron contracted with Iron Mountain, the world’s leader in information destruction, to assist with secure shredding and recycling.  In just one month of recycling, Cameron saved 8,724 pounds of recycled paper, 4 tons of paper material, 30,533 gallons of water, 74 trees, 2,006 gallons of oil, 17,884 kilowatts of electricity, and reduced landfill usage by 13 cubic yards.  Additionally, all styrofoam products previously used in the Cameron Café have been replaced with biodegradable, cups, silver ware and to-go boxes.

Hospital staff will celebrate Earth Day by enjoying a special “picnic for the planet,” wearing green on Monday, April 23, honoring Earth Day coloring contest winners and learning more about going “Green” through educational pieces.   The first Earth Day, on April 22, 1970, activated 20 million Americans to speak out against the deterioration of the environment and demand change. As a result, the Environmental Protection Agency was created, the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts were passed, and the modern environmental movement was born. 

Today, more than 1 billion people in 192 countries participate in Earth Day activities each year, making it the largest civic observance in the world.  Beginning in 2012, Cameron Memorial Community Hospital will also be participating in this global observation.

For more information on Cameron’s Earth Day activities, call 260.665.2141 ext. 2337.

Vic Hainline, franchise owner of Orkin Pest Control in Coldwater recently announced the purchase of Evergreen Pest Control, also located in Coldwater.  Orkin located at66 E. Chicago St., eastof Meijer, will employ the six employees at Evergreen, so there will be no loss of jobs.

Orkin Pest Control has been a locally owned franchise in Coldwater since 2002 and Evergreen Pest Control was purchased in 2004 by Pat and Kim Dunno.  Dunno’s were interested in retiring and contacted Hainline about the possibility of the purchase.  “I was interested to talk to the Dunno’s and I’m excited about growing Orkin Pest Control in Coldwater,” said Hainline.

The purchase took place on March 14^th and the change will take place immediately, with the addition of the six staff from Evergreen Pest Control being employed now by Orkin there will be a total of 12 employees.  Letters will be mailed to customers of Evergreen Pest Control to inform them of the change.  “We offer the same services that Evergreen did and similar pricing,” said Hainline, “We look forward to servicing all of Evergreen’s customers with top-notch service in a timely manner.”

Hainline’s franchise area will continue to cover south central Michigan including Branch, Hillsdale, Lenawee and St. Joseph counties, as well as areas covered by Evergreen which includes northernIndiana.

Orkin Pest Control’s mission is to be the pest control and termite expert in the nation and in your neighborhood.  Because effective pest management is a process, not a one-time event.  Orkin’s approach is an ongoing cycle of three critical activities that help keep pests in their place.  Orkin has over 100 years of experience, the industry’s best training, and environmentally responsible methods, as well as training on the latest technology and responsible treatments.

For more information about Orkin Pest Control, call 279-1214.

On Friday, April 20, 2012 the hardware store that has served Bronson, Branch County, and surrounding areas for over 127 years will celebrate a Grand Opening as Miller Do it center will become Barone Hardware and Auto. To celebrate, Barone Hardware and Auto will feature pizza catered by another local business, Bronson Strike Zone, door prizes, and even a special Grand Opening Day coupon for customers.

Dave Barone and his wife Kathy purchased the Miller Do it center 13 years ago from Jerry and Gretchen Hollister, and have been running the business as Miller Do it center ever since. “We enjoy being a part of this community,” said Dave. “While we strive to maintain the traditional hardware store service and feel, we also know we need to continue to meet our customers’ changing needs.”

In addition to hardware, the store is now an AutoValue dealer carrying a complete line of automotive parts and accessories. Along with the automotive department, Barone Hardware and Auto will continue to offer an extensive inventory of building supplies, paint and supplies, lawn and gardening materials, electrical and plumbing solutions, farm and ranch supplies, power tools, and much more. Barone Hardware and Auto will also continue with the Do It Best rental center, mower repair, and same great customer service people have come to know and expect. 

April is Community Banking Month, and Century Bank and Trust and the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) are encouraging consumers and small business owners to Go Local by banking locally with a community bank.  Because community banks put local deposits back to work in the community, and are financial first responders both in good times and in bad, consumers will be reinvesting in their neighborhood and making it a better place to live and work for generations to come. 

States, local governments, and community banks recognize Community Banking Month. Some community banks partner with local charities to host special events, while others promote economic development initiatives. Many community banks traditionally mark the month by highlighting their community service or financial education programs.

“Community banks proudly embody the American spirit of Main Street by lending to local small business owners, helping area families achieve financial stability and enabling their local economy and community to thrive.  And this isn’t a new phenomenon. Many community banks have been around for over a hundred years, and like mine, many are still family owned and operated,” said JeffGerhart, ICBA chairman and chairman of Bank of Newman Grove, Neb.  “I’m so proud to be a community banker and I’m thrilled to celebrate Community Banking Month by encouraging consumers and small business owners to Go Local so they too can realize the benefits of banking locally, and make a real difference in their community and local economy.”  

“We at Century Bank and Trust are relationship lenders that only thrive when our customers and communities do the same, so taking care of our customers and looking out for the best interest of our community is the way we do business,” said Ron Reed, President and CEO of Century Bank and Trust.  

Century Bank and Trust was founded in 1890, as an independent community bank. As an independent community bank, Century Bank and Trust makes its business decisions locally for the continued success of its customers.   Century's goal is to keep the local area's communities financially strong and growing and Century uses its deposits to make loans to local businesses and retail customers so the money stays within the community.

Specializing in building relationships with its customers and communities, Century focuses on long-term, multiple account relationships and customized products that fit customer needs.

Within the community, Century Bank and Trust, is proud to support over 250 local charities, events and organizations.  

Earning the Employee of the Month award at CHC is a great accomplishment. The award exemplifies a positive work ethic and great customer service. For the month of January, CHC recognized a perfect candidate for the award, naming Wendy Schaaf as the January 2012 CHC Employee of the Month.

Wendy was hired January 11, 2010 as an Office Assistant at the CHC Cancer Center. Currently she still holds that position and does patient registration, billing, scheduling, and insurance verification. According to her nominator, “It is not one single thing that Wendy has done, but rather everything that she does. She is such a positive happy person, exactly the type of person theCancerCenterneeds. She comes to work with a smile, says good morning to everyone, and the patients love her. Her role at theCancerCenteris perfect; she greets each patient with a smile and signs them in. Wendy is a role model for the CHC Value Statements; she respects every individual, she is committed to excellence, and she maintains integrity in all that she does. She is an awesome person on our team.”

Wendy graduated from Linden High School and attended Ivy Tech College in Ft. Wayne Indiana earning an associates degree in insurance coding. During her time in school, she worked part time atParkviewHospitalinColumbia City,Indiana. Originally fromFenton,Michigan, Wendy and her 14 year old son Dakota now live in Coldwater. She enjoys golfing, fishing, biking, and cooking. Wendy and her son love to travel all overMichiganandIndianadiscovering new places and enjoying time with their family.

The CHC Cancer Center is committed to serving the patients, families, and residents of Branch County and the surrounding areas through multiple programs. With the mission of caring for patients with cancer and blood disorders, the CHCCancerCenteris challenged on a daily basis to keep abreast of the latest treatments and research to provide proper treatment methods. The on-site ability to provide individualized care to patients and their families is successfully impacting the lives of patients through local access to care, continuing quality and process improvement efforts, and the multidisciplinary team approach of CHC’s physicians, pharmacists, nurses, home health programs, spiritual care, support groups, and clinical support services.

The CHC Cancer Center staff includes registered nurses who have received advanced training and/or are certified in oncology nursing and bring several years of specialized cancer nursing to the center. They, as well as the physicians and other staff members, have continuously expanded their knowledge and skills to be experts in the field of cancer care. Other staff members include a registered full-time pharmacist, a pharmacy technician, secretary, and tumor registrar. Financial personnel and other CHC staff members are called upon as needed to serve the center’s patients.

The Community Health Center of Branch County is a non-profit acute care hospital providing access to safe, comprehensive, high quality healthcare services and accredited by The Joint Commission. For more information about CHC, please call the CHC Marketing Department at 517-279-5282 or visit the CHC website at www.chcbc.com or health website at myhealth.chcbc.com. Join us on Facebook, Google Plus, and LinkedIn.