Gun Lake Business Association

Susie’s Organizing Solutions

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Susie’s Organization Solutions LLC

Susie Marsh, LBSW 

(616) 554-3175

Wayland, MI 49348

SusiesOrganizationSolutions.com

When did you start your business? 

In 2007, I launched Susie’s Organization Solutions LLC (SOS) as a solo entrepreneur and ran the business until 2018. I had a 2-year jaunt as the co-owner of another professional organizing business. I relaunched SOS on 12/1/2020.

What is unique about your business?  

I am a veteran professional organizer and licensed social worker. I have transferred my mental health work experience to the organization field by specializing in working with clients who have chronic disorganization challenges such as ADD, Anxiety, Depression, Older Adults, Hoarding challenges, Chronic Physical Conditions, and more.

What products or services do you provide? 

  • Full Service Residential Decluttering, Downsizing & Organizing Services
  • Virtual Organizing Services
  • Personal Work Spaces/Productivity Services
  • Older Adults- Life Transitions, Downsizing, etc. 
  • Paper Management
  • Chronic Disorganization Decluttering & Organizing Services
  • Moving Assistance- Packing/Unpacking/Discard & Donate help
  • Storage Units- Downsizing, Consolidating, Organizing Services

Give us a little background history on your business? 

From 2007 to 2018, I was the owner of Susie’s Organization Solutions LLC (SOS) as a solo entrepreneur. 10/2018-11/2020 I co-owned Moxie Life Organizing LLC, but sold my half of the business recently to my former partner in 11/2020. I relaunched SOS on 12/1/2020 to get back to my roots, simplify and focus on the client base I am passionate to work with. I continue to work collaboratively with other professional organizers in the area on projects with clients and as a liaison to organizers on the West side of Michigan to the NAPO Michigan Board of Directors, which is the association for professional organizers and productivity consultants. I served a Vice President of NAPO Michigan from 2016-2020. I have served as a mentor to many professional organizers looking to get into the field and also introduced them to NAPO Michigan to ensure quality and ethical provision of services. I am a long-time member of the Caregiver Resource Network (Area Agency on Aging West Michigan) and The Institute for Challenging Disorganization. I was a past member of the Byron Center and Wayland Chambers of Commerce. 

Are you running any specials? If so, for how long?

I offer $5/per hour savings for clients who book 12-hour packages of hours.  Senior rate (lowest hourly rate) is offered to those 60 years of age and older.  These are ongoing rates. 

Do have any customer testimonials or quotes?

“I met Susie in 2011, when she began working with my family. All 4 of us have ADHD and Susie created systems that we have continued for 10 years. Miraculously, the organizational skills she taught my children have sustained and the have very tidy bedrooms. Aside from organizing our home, she assisted us in a move and help me begin a very successful business! I completely endorse Susie!”  ~  Kelly L 

“Susie was very creative and knowledgeable with her organizational ideas! Very easy to work with.” ~ Mary B 

“Susie is a rockstar! She’s professional, honest and hard-working. I had a big project I needed help with and she jumped right in. She was considerate and compassionate and experienced. She walked me through the steps of changing how I do things around the house emotionally and physically. I’m very grateful for her help!” ~ Julie Y 

What is the one thing everyone who hears about your business asks? Now’s your chance to answer.

Do you work with Hoarders? Is what you see on TV true?  

The answer is yes, with a small caveat. I have helped people with hoarding disorder for 14 years to find the resources and motivation to make changes in their lives. I don’t work actively in hoarding situations currently, but rather refer clients to professional organizers in the area to whom I know and trust to provide quality services. It is true what you see on the TV show Hoarders as being accurate in showing extreme conditions of hoarding disorder. There are many levels of hoarding and what is shown on TV is the highest level of hoarding. I saw the production of the show first hand when I worked on 2 episodes of the TV show “Hoarders: Family Secrets” in 2015 with a team of clean out specialists and professional organizers. It was a great experience!

Do you support a community charity? 

I am a former member of Woman’s Life Ch. 809 Grand Rapids and a new member of Woman’s Life Ch. 909 in the Gun Lake area. I am also a past leadership team member on the Relay for Life Byron Center to benefit the American Cancer Society from 2013-2017. I also encourage all of my clients to donate their unwanted items to local charities and I help facilitate those donations. 

Do you support any community events? 

My family and I have lived in the Gun Lake area on Cobb Lake for 3 years. I am getting to know the community members and neighbors each year that we live here. I am looking forward to becoming more involved in community events and volunteering my time and resources.  

Anything else you would like to add?

I am a new member to the GLBA and appreciate that everyone has been welcoming and friendly to me. I look forward to growing my relationships with other members and being a resource to the community.  

Be sure to give Susie Marsh a call for all of your organizing needs!!!

Bullseye Pest Defense

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 Steve Ainsworth 

Bullseye Pest Defense 

(517) 290-7391

BullseyePestDefense.com

When did you start your business?

2011

What is unique about your business?

Family owned and operated

What products or services do you provide?

All types of pest control. Residential Home Treatments, Mosquito and tick treatments, termite control, powder post beetle, just to name a few. Commercial treatments for restaurants, manufacturing plants, schools etc. Mice control, stinging insects. Loan Inspections. Animal or Bat Exclusions and clean ups.

Give us a little background history on your business?

I was a Regional Manager for MetLife Resources prior to starting Bullseye and learned early in my career that customer service was key to success. Today my team is always focused to bring the best service possible

Are you running any specials? If so, for how long?

Home treatments which include 3 treatments to the home preventing all basic insects from nesting or entering your home for $275.
Commercial treatments 10% discount over your current provider that charges $50 or more.

Do have any customer testimonials or quotes?

“Over many years I have had Bullseye handle my pest control needs for mosquitoes, protecting my house from hornets, and getting the bats out of my attic. This company always exceeded my expectations. Professional and dedicated to excellence I always highly recommend them.” -Dr. Dennis Craft

What is the one thing everyone who hears about your business asks? Now’s your chance to answer.

Everyone always has a personal story of some sort of a horrible pest problem, but most the common question is what pest is worst to live with. Bed Bugs is always my answer. A lot of times people don’t realize they have a problem until it becomes a bad infestation, and it’s not their fault. Most the time, people think that odd bites after sleeping are from a spider, or blood spots on sheets are attributed to an open sore, but many times it’s left from a bed bug after they feed. Bed Bugs can easily be taken care of if a company does it properly with heat and/or chemical

Do you support a community charity?

As many as I can. As one of the founding member of BIB group we support many charities and even run a home show at the Barry county fair grounds

Do you support any community events?

Member of the Barry County Chamber and the Businesses in Barry Group (BIB).

Be sure to give Steve Ainsworth a call for all of your pest defense needs!!!

SendOutCards

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Welcome to SendOutCards!

Lisa VanDerhoof

(269) 910-0600

www.SendOutCards.com/u/vanderhoof/send

Whether you are thanking someone for their business, telling someone you’re thinking of them, or sending holiday cards, there are endless opportunities to tangibly reach out to others with the SendOutCards system.

When did you start your business?

In 2019 as a way to organize my contacts, stay on top of special occasions, mail cards timely, and have access to a large selection of quality and customizable cards. I found everything and more with SendOutCards!

What is unique about your business?

Our user-friendly online design center lets you send cheer by designing your own heartfelt card with numerous features! When you click SEND…SendOutCards PRINT it, STUFF it, STAMP it & MAIL it! SendOutCards lets you add your own personal or business branding, too!

What products and or services do you provide?

The heartfelt card system with popular gift options is perfect to make someone’s day and capture life’s special moments. Our Relationship Manager lets you store contacts and their special occasions to receive reminders 3 weeks in advance of the upcoming event.

Give us a little background history on your business.

Since 2004, Kody Bateman’s relationship marketing systems have bridged the gap between high-tech and personal touch to bring massive business growth to the people who implement them. The key is to focus on relationship 80 percent of the time and marketing 20 percent of the time.

Are you running any specials?

First card is FREE on me through my website: SendOutCards.com/vanderhoof, if you have not previously tried SendOutCards!

Do you have any customer testimonials or quotes?

Heartfelt cards receive responses ranging from “thank you for being so thoughtful”, “loved it”, “you made my day”, “your card is like a gift”, and “your card was the best one I ever received!”

Do you support a community charity or event?

Yes, many organizations such as the GLBA, Gun Lake Winterfest, and the GFWC-Gun Lake Area, to name a few.

Be sure to check out the website at www.SendOutCards.com/u/vanderhoof/send to send your first card free and contact Lisa VanDerhoof for more information.

Bay Pointe

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Bay Pointe

(269) 672-8111

11456 Marsh Rd
Shelbyville, MI 49344

BayPointeInn.com

When did you start your business? 

2004 

What is unique about your business? 

Our company has the privilege of creating lifelong memories for our guests by providing genuine hospitality and entertainment in a unique picturesque setting.   

What products or services do you provide? 

We specialize in delivering all aspects of hospitality including exceptional lodging, dining, special event venues and entertainment experiences. 

Give us a little background history on your business. 

Mike & Patti Powers founded Bay Pointe in 2004, added the lakefront pavilion in 2008, Fireside Room in 2010, BoatHouse Villa in 2013 and the Bay Pointe Woods in 2019. Today the resort encompasses 13 acres of lakefront and wooded property

Are you running any specials? 

We are currently running a $199 a night special on our Bay Pointe Woods Cottages, 15% off Inn lodging, and $500 a night on our BoatHouse Villa. 

Do have any customer testimonials or quotes? 

Titled: Amazing Stay “We visited with our family this august and had a wonderful stay!! We stayed in the Bay Pointe Woods and it was incredible. The rooms were spacious, modern and clean. Our family of 4 had plenty of room to relax and enjoy. Loved the fire pits at night. We were able to enjoy Gun Lake Live from our boat on Wednesday, it was so much fun. We also dined at Terrace Grill a few times during our stay and had great food and service. All of the staff we encountered during our stay were so friendly and attentive. We can’t wait to come back!”

What is the one thing everyone who hears about your business asks? 

Now’s your chance to answer. The question we often get is “how do you host so many weddings, social and corporate events?” The reason we’ve successfully hosted thousands of events is because we have an excellent team of hospitality professionals who have the desire and experience to exceed our guest’s expectations!  

Do you support a community charity? 

Bay Pointe supports a variety of local charities.

Do you support any community events? 

Bay Pointe supports every local and many regional events to help strengthen Barry and Allegan County organizations and especially our Gun Lake community.

Anything else you would like to add? 

Bay Pointe and our team of professionals are honored to work, live and watch our families flourish in our beautiful, dynamic and thriving Gun Lake community!

Do you have any upcoming events happening that we may mention in our advertisement? 

Every summer, Bay Pointe hosts Gun Lake Live — West Michigan’s premiere concert series and beach style party. The lakefront concerts happen every Wednesday rain or shine from Memorial Day to Labor Day in Bay Pointe’s Lakefront Pavilion. Guests enjoy sunsets and the finest in music talent with dancing, mingling and boat hopping, all complemented by Bay Pointe’s celebrated food and beverage.

Be sure to visit Bay Pointe Inn on Gun Lake today!!!

Photographic Memory

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Rose Hendershot

(269) 948-7710

502 S Cass St
Hastings, MI 49058

www.PhotographicMemory.info

When did you start your business? 

December 17, 1997

What is unique about your business?  

I travel to my clients’ location. With a new baby, moms need to keep them out of the public for their health and it’s a great time to show off the nursery. For families, it’s best to add their own items in as part of their “set”.  Older people are much more comfortable in their own surroundings and it gives “place” for context of their lives. All these things make the portrait much more personal and memorable. I have many studio backgrounds and often take one along for a more traditional portrait for variety.

What products and or services do you provide? 

I am a portrait and event photographer for families and businesses. I personalize each session to the client. I offer printed portraits on traditional photographic paper as well as artistic papers and canvas. Clients can also have their images on wood, metal, acrylic and a host of novelty items. I have framed my work and things clients bring to me from 4×5 to over 30×40 inch pieces. I have photographed houses for realtors for their on-line listings. That is interesting work and it’s fun to see what features they want to bring out.

Give us a little background history on your business. 

I started my career as a way to preserve a family’s history and capture milestones. I travel to where a newborn first opens his/her eyes and go to nursing facilities before a loved one closes their eyes for the last time. I have worked with people from minutes old to over 103 years old.  

Are you running any specials? If so, for how long?  

I run specials for families in July and August, high school seniors in June, July and August. Children session specials are in March, October and November. 

Do have any customer testimonials or quotes? 

This one is my favorite. The client is taking care of her 3 special needs siblings and I photographed their mom’s birthday party about 2 years before she passed away.

“I just want to say ‘thank you’ for making the photo album of my mom’s 80th birthday party. It is Joe’s favorite. I keep it in his room because he looks at it so often. Carolyn helps him name the people. Lots of them have passed. But he gets so excited talking about them. Never think your work isn’t important!”  -Glora

What is the one thing everyone who hears about your business asks? What is your passion that keeps you fresh in your work?  

I take great pleasure in making people feel comfortable with me to show their true self. When a parent says that’s my child’s real smile or silly grin, I feel like I’ve done my job perfectly. I also enjoy working with the high school young people; they have new ideas and excitement and it stretches me keeps me looking at things like new.

Do you support a community charity? 

I support the work of Green Gables Haven in Hastings. The work they do is life changing and making a difference in the personal lives and the community.

Do you support any community events? 

I photograph events in Hastings through the Barry County Chamber of Commerce and City of Hastings to promote family activities and businesses in the area. Examples are Gus Macker, Jingle and Mingle, Memorial Day Parade, Veteran’s Day Ceremony at Tyden Park, St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Summerfest in Hastings, Thornapple Arts Council and others as called upon.

Anything else you would like to add? 

I really enjoy my work. I hope that my photographs enrich the lives of the people who receive them. I frequently hear how people visiting our area see my photographs, let me know how much they enjoy them when they’ve stayed at the Holiday Inn in Hastings.

Be sure to contact Rose Hendershot for your memorable photos today!

Deb Timmerman

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 Deb Timmerman RN, CSME, HMCT 

(616) 401-7199

deb@lessstressinlife.com

LessStressInLife.com

When did you start your business?

I have been teaching stress management solutions as an independent practitioner since 2015, prior to that I taught them in the nursing facilities I managed.

What is unique about your business? 

I teach about stress from the positive perspective. If you know what to do and how to do it, you can use stress to your advantage. 

What products and or services do you provide?

Stress assessments, stress education, evidence-based stress reduction training and coaching. I also hold certifications in TaiChi Easy practice, mindfulness, meditation and HeartMath. 

What is the one thing everyone who hears about your business asks? How did I get into this?

I fell down a flight of stairs and was severely injured. Learning how to relax my body helped me heal and have no lasting issues. 

Give us a little background history on your business? I’ve been

teaching about stress and self-care for nearly 15 years and am a member of National International Organizations that have the latest in stress science/tools. 

Be sure to give Deb Timmerman a call with all of your stress issues!!!

CSSI

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Lisa VanDerhoof
National Account Executive
Cost Segregation Services Incorporated (CSSI)

(269) 910-0600
lisav.costseg@gmail.com
vanderhoof.cssistudy.com

What is unique about your business?

The first rule of business is to stay in business, and businesses need cash to operate. Every successful business keeps a close eye on cash flow for this reason. There are many tax-saving advantages for those who own or have improved commercial properties through tax law. If you own or lease commercial or income producing property and you are not taking advantage of all that US Tax Code has to offer, you are actually diminishing cash flow.

What products and or services do you provide?

Let’s look at how your business can easily increase its cash flow by using the cost segregation method of depreciating your building.

Cost segregation is a way for commercial property owners to accelerate their building’s depreciation, saving significantly on income taxes. Within the first five years of building ownership, an owner can save up to $100,000 for every $1 million in building costs. To maximize cash flow, an owner or lessee who has paid for improvements can have a cost segregation study performed. 

At CSSI, we perform an engineering-based study to ensure you comply with U.S. Tax Code rules and regulations. Our team of specialists will segregate parts of your building that are deemed non-structural. Non-structural items include carpeting, flooring, cabinets, specialty lighting and electrical, etc. These and other non-structural items are placed in accelerated tax lives. After the analysis, your tax professional will adjust your depreciation schedule from the conventional 27.5-/39-year schedule to a 5-, 7-, 15-, and 27.5-/39-year schedule.

How does a cost segregation study on my commercial buildings help me?

A cost segregation study reduces your taxable income and results in lower taxes paid. Using this cash surplus to reinvest in your business or pay down debt is a great way of maximizing the time value of money.

At CSSI, our tax experts will help your business generate more cash flow through an engineering-based study. In some cases, the calculations from our study can be necessary to realize benefits from the 2014 Repair Regulations and the 2017 TCJA.

It’s your money, keep more of it.

How do I get more information?

Contact Lisa VanDerhoof today for a no-cost preliminary analysis, and we can facilitate a discussion with you and your CPA or tax professional.

Be sure to inquire today for a complimentary preliminary analysis. Lisa provides services across the U.S.

Union Bank

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Union Bank

(269) 945-9911

529 W State St

Hastings, MI 49058

ubmich.com

You have been selected to be one of our featured businesses on the Gun Lake Business Association Web Site, Newsletter and Facebook page. Please take a moment and answer the following questions.

When did you start your business?

Union Bank has served the communities of West and Central Michigan since 1934.  Over the years, Union Bank has slowly expanded its’ services into small neighboring communities including Hastings which opened in 2008.  Other locations include Ada, Dimondale, Lake Odessa, Mulliken, and Westphalia.

What is unique about your business?

For nearly a century, Union Bank has remained a proudly independent bank with roots deep in West and Central Michigan’s soil. Over the years, our name, leadership, staff, and locations may have changed, but one thing remains the same – our commitment to working hard for local businesses and the hard-working people who make, build, and grow for a living.

We’ve stood alongside generations of farmers through thick and thin.  We’ve equipped craftspeople with tools to make better products. And we’ve provided families with financing for homes and countless projects.   

We aren’t run by a distant corporation with artificial intelligence.  We’re local leaders with local knowledge who listen well, find common-sense solutions and care for our communities so they can thrive.

What products and or services do you provide?

Union Bank provides financial solutions for both businesses and consumers including checking, savings, loan products, investment solutions and more.   Over the past decade, Union Bank has put a strong focus on advancing its’ Online and Mobile Banking services and adapting to the ever-changing technological advancements to better service its’ current and potential customers.  In November 2019, Union Bank launched its’ Virtual Branch, allowing customers to speak with a live agent on their PC or mobile device as well as our In-Branch Kiosks.  Along with this addition was a redesign of the banks’ website moving to a new user-friendly format to ensure its’ customers have every tool they need to manage their finances on the go.

Give us a little background history on your business.

Union Bank was established in 1934 as a “union” of two Lake Odessa banks which were closed during the bank holiday. Since inception, we have served the banking needs of the Lake Odessa area and have slowly expanded our services into small, neighboring communities. For over 80 years, Union Bank has enjoyed the reputation of being a solid bank which supports our communities, the farming industry, and our customers’ commercial and consumer needs. This reputation has followed us into neighboring areas.

We make it a point to know our customers and their needs very well, which is why we maintain such a strong local focus. We look forward to furthering our reputation as a strong community bank serving small communities.

Our corporate family is made up of a number of individual companies: Union Financial Corporation, Union Bank and UB Financial Services. These companies work together to provide products and services to you.

Union Bank is an independent bank and management and the board of directors are fully committed to having it remain independent.

           

Do you support a community charity/events?

Union Bank is proud to support and give back to the communities we serve with volunteer time, donations and monetary support. It’s important to us and our employees to help develop business, educate our youth and uphold the safety and quality of life for local citizens.  Some of the non-profit organizations we support in the Hastings area include Barry County United Way, Meals on Wheels, the Barry County Chamber, and the Gun Lake Business Association.  Some of the Hastings area community events we participate in include Gun Lake Winterfest, Barry County United Way Day of Caring, Gus Macker, Barry County Brewfest and the Hastings Summerfest Parade.

In addition, for over 21 years Union Bank has proudly offered a scholarship to highlight and celebrate graduating high school seniors who have continuously shown dedication not only to their education but also to their community.   Union Bank believes in helping students, within its’ service area, achieve their dreams of higher education. The Union Bank Scholarship is open to high school seniors who plan to attend a private or public college, university, or trade school to further their skills and education in fields that make, build, and grow for a living.   For more information, go to www.ubmich.com/union-bank/scholarship.

Do you have any upcoming events happening that we may mention in our advertisement?

Looking for a checking account that gives you more?  You’ll find one at Union Bank!  We are thrilled to announce, Universal Checking, a new checking account line-up which includes accounts with personal protection benefits and tools to help you save on things you purchase every day with the new UB Perks app.   For more information on these new accounts, go to www.ubmich.com.

What is the one thing everyone who hears about your business asks? Now’s your chance to answer.

Q:  With the rollout of the new Universal Checking accounts on Monday, March 8th, several local business owners have heard Union Bank customers will now have access to local discounts and national retailer deals to save them money on shopping, dining, travel & more via the UB Perks app Powered by Bazing.  Are local businesses in the Hastings area able to participate in the BaZing Merchant Network to offer local discounts? 

A: We at Union Bank are so excited to tell you about a free advertising opportunity that we are sponsoring in an effort to support businesses in our area and promote shopping local.

Through this offer, your business can feature a customized discount on our mobile app and website that is powered by BaZing, a savings network available to BaZing checking account customers. There is no fee to participate, and no revenue sharing is required. We simply want to grow the discount network and bring customers to the best local businesses like yours!

The BaZing discount network will be available for Union Bank account holders, giving your business a tremendous amount of exposure to mutual customers. Customers will receive push notifications to their phone when they pass your location or can search for your business with keywords. To redeem the discount, customers would simply present either a printed coupon or a mobile coupon from their phone. Once your first offer is live, you can add, edit, or update your deals at any time!

For more information or to signup, please contact Kim Bedford, Hastings Branch Manager and Mortgage Lender at 269.945.9911 ext. 1122 or at kbedford@ubmich.com.   

Anything else you would like to add?

For more information on Union Banks’ products or services, please contact Kim Bedford, Hastings Branch Manager and Mortgage Lender at 269.945.9911 ext. 1122 or at kbedford@ubmich.com or visit our website www.ubmich.com. Union Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of Union Financial Corporation and operates full-service banking offices in Ada, Lake Odessa, Dimondale, Hastings, Mulliken, and Westphalia. Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender. (NMLS# 488568)      

Be sure to contact Union Bank for your banking needs!

Monte Baker at Five Star Real Estate

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Monte Baker
Five Star Real Estate
Michigan

montebaker@grar.com
(616) 299-8065
montebaker.fivestarmichigan.com

1. When did you start your business?

I started in Real Estate when my baby was 2 years old. She just turned 34! I have made many friends over the years. My experience over the years has definitely given me the tools to navigate through the ever-changing real estate market. There have been so many changes to the way people look and find their home. Let me help you sell or find your next home!

2. What is unique about your business? 

I actively work with you through the whole process. As a Buyer’s Agent, we will take all the data and break it down to find the home that is perfect for your needs. There are many sites that give information, but not all are accurate. I will make sure you have the knowledge and the tools to make a good buying decision. As a Seller Agent I will make sure you have all the knowledge needed to make a good decision when accepting an offer. I will make the process of getting to the closing table an easy and less stressful journey! 

3. What products and or services do you provide?

I provide knowledge to navigate the process of selling/buying a home. I will compare homes in the area to make sure the purchase/listing price is fair and reasonable. Make sure you understand the process involved in the transaction using all the tools available. 

4. Give us a little background history on your business?

I have been with Five Star Real Estate for about 20 years. I love their integrity and policies that keep their agents educated and respected in this industry. 

5. What is the one thing everyone who hears about your business asks? Now’s your chance to answer. 

What is the market like today? Is it a Sellers’ market or a Buyers? People want to know if the current events are staying or are we going to have a recession? I wish I had a crystal ball to answer these questions. Reading market reports do help to get an idea what will be happening in the market over the next year. There are so many variables that to make that prediction would be impossible. 

6. Do you support a community charity? 

Yes, as Vice President of Chapter 909 Woman’s Life, also as a Chairperson for Gun Lake Winterfest we support many local charities! 

7. Do you support any community events?

I am a Chairperson for Gun Lake Winterfest that happens the 3rd Saturday of February every year. This is an event that brings in over 3000 people each year, and has activities for young and old. Check us out on our Facebook Page.

Be sure to give Monte Baker a call with all of your real estate needs!!!