Member Blog

Sen. Dale Zorn to honor Vietnam veterans during BBA’s Trade Fair’s veterans program

LANSING, Mich.Sen. Dale Zorn will be hosting a Vietnam veteran lapel-pinning ceremony on Sunday, March 12 during the Bedford Business Association’s 34th Annual Trade Fair’s veterans program.

“In commemoration of the 50-year anniversary of the Vietnam War, I have hosted several moving events to give long-overdue recognition to the Vietnam War era veterans and their families on behalf of a grateful nation,” said Zorn, R-Ida. “The response to previous ceremonies was overwhelming, and I am proud to be holding another event during the veterans program of the Bedford Business Association’s 2017 Trade Fair.”

The ceremony on Sunday, March 12 will start at 11 a.m. in the cafeteria of Bedford High School, located at 8285 Jackman Rd., Temperance, MI 48182.

“Michigan’s Vietnam veterans served our country with honor, yet they were often forgotten when they returned home and received little or no thanks for their service,” Zorn said. “I invite all interested residents and veterans to come out and join us as we recognize the service and sacrifice of our Vietnam veterans.”

A Vietnam War Commemorative Lapel Pin will be provided to any U.S. veteran who served on active duty at any time from Nov. 1, 1955 – May 15, 1975, regardless of location.

The ceremony is made possible by the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration. Information regarding the commemoration can be found at www.VietnamWar50th.com.

Your library is here to help!

The Monroe County Library System provides in-library as well as remote access to numerous business-related databases. From the library’s homepage at mymcls.com hover over the Research tab and then click Online Resources from the menu. Scroll down to the Business and Law category to find a list of business databases subscribed to by the library. Reference staff at the Bedford Branch Library are available to help users navigate the products.

Using these databases from home requires a password. All passwords are located in our Online Resources Brochure, which is available at any of our 16 branches.  You can also call your local library for more information.

March Business Spotlight

Business Decision Researchers and entrepreneurs are enabled to access comprehensive business-to-consumer market data using customizable search forms. Detailed company profiles, product and brand information combined with investment reports, rankings and market share data allow users to better penetrate the consumer marketplace. To get started, create an account using your email address and then click “Create Account.” A confirmation email will be sent to your email with directions for activating the account.

Am I covered for this?

By Jerry Barron – Owner, Barron Insurance 

This month’s information is going to cover a new subject in the insurance world:  Uber driving.  This subject is also very unclear to insureds on how their current auto policy covers or does not cover this exposure because most insureds either don’t think about or don’t want to hear the answer.  Let’s explore this further with a familiar story:  Times are tough and you are looking for ways to supplement your income.  You here about how being a Uber driver can really help you earn some extra cash.  You have also contacted a local pizzeria to deliver pizza’s in the evening.  Most would consider you quite the go getter!

Unfortunately, because of all the wear and tear your current vehicle has some engine problems and you take it in for servicing.  The shop will need it for a week to take care of the problem..how am I going to make my extra money?  You go to your local Enterprise rental car dealer and rent a replacement vehicle.  You even bite the bullet and pay an extra $20 per day for collision waiver just in case you have an accident and you don’t want to turn a claim into your current company or take a chance in having any gaps on your current auto policy for a rental car.

Three days into your rental you are in a hurry and you park the car to run a pizza delivery up to an apartment building.  For some reason you leave the car running because you will be right back.  You return to find the rental vehicle is missing..maybe you parked it somewhere else..you just can’t find it!!  Eventually you call the police and report the car stolen.  Your next call is to Enterprise to let them know there is a claim to turn in.  While you wait for the adjuster, the car is found the next day totally destroyed.  The vehicle is deemed totaled out and the value of the car was $15,000.  Thank goodness you have insurance!

Within 24 hours the adjuster for Enterprise calls to advise you there is no coverage for a vehicle stolen while leaving the car running and you are responsible for the entire damage..are you kidding me!  Your next call is to your insurance agency to turn in this claim because you had full coverage on your policy for the car in the garage.  Am I covered for this?

After answering all questions from your insurance adjuster explaining why you had a rental car and what you were doing with it you receive a letter denying the claim.  The reason?  The auto policy clearly excludes vehicles that are used for the hire of transporting passengers and deliveries..even most business activities are excluded without proper endorsement!

How many people do you know that are doing one if not both or all of these with their personal auto’s?  You must notify your agency and get special insurance to cover such exposures.  If your vehicle is being used for business purposes..a separate commercial auto policy may be the best solution.  Don’t take a chance that nothing will happen..this story is true and the young man was out $15,000 because he was NOT covered for this.

 

Soup Day Fundraiser set for February 16

Salvation Army of Monroe County will be having a SOUP DAY fundraiser on Thursday, February 16 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 202 W. Front St., Monroe.

Tickets are $7 each/pre-sale; $9 at the door. Contact: Mary Glover-Booher for pre-event tickets at (734) 224-7991, or the Salvation Army Office at 7200 Lewis Ave., Temperance (in the Bedford Plaza) on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Sample favorite and specialty soups from area restaurants. Vote for best soup and most creative soup!

Help the Salvation Army help those in need, throughout the Bedford Township community and beyond!

Governor highlights successes and priorities

From Senator Zorn’s office

I attended Gov. Rick Snyder’s 2017 State of the State address with invited guests, Monroe County Circuit Court Judge Mark Braunlich and his wife Cherie. Once again, the governor kicked off the address by talking about what we have achieved and what we need to focus on in 2017.

Gov. Snyder addressed many issues during the 45 minute address. He talked about several of my own priorities which includes:

  • Continuing to provide the tools to the medical field and individuals to fight opioid and heroin addiction;
  • Working toward a smart managed plan to that addresses the state’s infrastructure including roads, water and internet services;
  • Continuing to increase education funding, especially for career and technical education offers the skill sets needed for current and future business and industry jobs;
  • Empowering local schools to be flexible in educating our children and to provide options for students that will provide a pathway to success right here in Michigan; and
  • Meeting the needs of our veterans by providing updated facilities and access to high quality care.

It is still about jobs and educating our students to meet the demands of today’s jobs skills while providing a pathway to a lifetime of high wage employment. Expanding our economy and increasing trade will bring stability to our state and Michigan workers.

Am I covered for this?

By Jerry Barron – Owner, Barron Insurance 

We have been talking the past few months about water damage from frozen pipes and ice dams.  This month I would like to discuss our agencies most popular homeowners claim we see each year- Sump Pump Failure.  The scenario we see goes like this: It is spring time and we are so happy to see that all the snow and ice have finally melted.  We welcome the thunderstorms to turn everything green again.  With all of this rush of water, it seems like our sump pumps run almost 24 hours a day.  What happens if my sump pump stops running?  Does it matter whether it is a mechanical failure or a power outage and I get 12 inches of water in my basement which ruins everything down there..Am I covered for this?

ANY ONE that has ever experienced such a mess knows the feeling.  As I have mentioned in a previous article, Water damage is an exclusion in the homeowner policy, and back up of sewer and water is an exclusion.  The only way to have coverage is to have this endorsement added to your policy.  Most companies offer between $5,000 to $75,000 in coverage options.  However, the next problem you need to solve and understand is that there  are some insurance companies that will only cover certain items in your basement such as your furnace, hot water heater, washer, and dryer..that is it!!

WHAT???  What about your carpeting, drywall, furniture, pool tables, etc..so be VERY CAREFUL to find out exactly what your policy will cover.  Please call our agency for any help or information so that if you experience this type of claim you can have the assurance of being properly covered.

If you ever experience and need help with water restoration, please call our good friends at AAA Standard Services (419) 535-0274 and tell them Barron Insurance told us to call.  They are great to work with!

Best in Bedford Chili Cook-off

The second annual Best in Bedford Chili Cook-off is being sponsored by the Lambertville IOOF Lodge #467 and will be held Saturday, February 18, from 11 AM to 3 PM at the IOOF Hall, 8128 Summerfield Rd in Lambertville.  Chilies will be judged by a team of Celebrity Judges and a People’s Choice vote by those who attend.  A special plaque will be awarded to the “Best Restaurant” entry and the “Best Resident” entry.

The 2016 Cook-off Winners were Tony’s Country Market, Secor Rd, Lambertville, for the “Best Restaurant” Chili and Betty Teall, Temperance, for the “Best Resident” Chili.  They received their plaques and bragging rights for the year.  Now it’s time to again eat and judge the “Best Chili in Bedford”. You may register your chili entry by Feb. 11 with Karen at 734-847-2835 and possibly you may receive the bragging rights for 2017.

The public is welcome to come to sample the entries and vote for their favorite.  The IOOF Lodge is requesting a donation of $5 for adults and $2.50 for children 12 and under. Donations will be used to support their United Nations Pilgrimage for Youth, a special program to send area students on a trip to visit the UN and other sites.  The Eva Rebekah Lodge #299 will have baked goods available for purchase as well.

Mark your calendar for the Best in Bedford Chili Cook-off and enter your chili or just come to eat, judge and enjoy.

Understanding Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of aging.

This introductory program is designed to help people learn how to identify the differences between dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, recognize possible signs of Alzheimer’s, better understand how Alzheimer’s is diagnosed, recognize the effects of Alzheimer’s on the brain and gain access to community resources.

Thursday, February 23rd

5:30-6:30 p.m.

Aspen Grove

Assisted Living & Memory Care

7515 Secor Rd., Lambertville

This program is free, but a donation of $10 per person (or family) per session is appreciated. Advance registration is required. Please call 800-272-3900 to register. Programs with less than five registrants are subject to cancellation.

Your library is here to help!

The Monroe County Library System provides in-library as well as remote access to numerous business-related databases. From the library’s homepage at mymcls.com hover over the Research tab and then click Online Resources from the menu. Scroll down to the Business and Law category to find a list of business databases subscribed to by the library. Reference staff at the Bedford Branch Library are available to help users navigate the products.

Using these databases from home requires a password. All passwords are located in our Online Resources Brochure, which is available at any of our 16 branches.  You can also call your local library for more information.

February Business Spotlight

Reference USA is a premier database that provides an excellent source of business and residential information including business start-up and marketing, job searching, company directories and sales volumes, SIC codes. Data on millions of U.S. and Canadian households such as income and home value. Reverse phone directory.

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