As a Michigan Seasonal Employer, You Could Be Exempt From Unenjoyment

Are you aware that under Obama's Emergency Unemployment Compensation program, out of work Americans are now eligible for up to 99 weeks of benefits?

That's nearly two years of social assistance for those out of work.

There may be critical information of which business owners in Michigan are not aware.

Tourism is our state's third largest industry. Because of tourism, a good deal of businesses operating in the state are seasonal. The state of Michigan has established a clearly outlined definition for what is considered a "seasonal business" here in the Great Lakes state. As a "seasonal employer", you are entitled to great benefits, most significantly being potentially omitted from paying one dime of to unemployment to your employees.

The information below is taken directly from the State of Michigan's Unemployment Insurance Agency website.

Seasonal Employer Status for Unemployment Insurance
Michigan employers who operate a business in an industry that customarily employs at least 50% of its employees for regularly recurring periods of 26 weeks or less within a period of 52 consecutive weeks and the industry customarily operates during regularly recurring periods of 26 weeks or less in any 52 consecutive week period can apply for seasonal employer status.


Designation as a seasonal employer means that workers may be denied unemployment benefits based on work with you during the period between your seasons if they are given ‘reasonable assurance' at the end of a season that there will be similar work available for them next season. Complete Form UIA 1155, Application for Designation as Seasonal Employer, to apply for designation as a seasonal employer. This form is available at www.michigan.gov/uia.

While there is no guarantee that you will not pay any unemployment, my experience with this law has been completely positive and it forced entry level and/or laborer type seasonal folks to seek additional positions during the company off-season.

If more seasonal businesses were aware of this provision, the possibility greatly exists that unemployment in our state would be greatly reduced. I hope this information has been helpful! Cheers to a great new year here in the Great State of Michigan!

Pure Michigan Logowear: Pure Expensiveness

Dear Pure Michigan folks,
Your new line of logo merchandise is super cool and long awaited, but tragically overpriced.

Further, with an award winning state tourism campaign floundering due to low funding, why is only 85%-90% of the proceeds going to the actual campaign?  Where's the rest of that cash going?

The organic tees and even the cammo hat are fabulous, but I just worry that in this economy and this market, your prices are off the charts for some.

Perhaps I am wrong and perhaps that 85%-90% will not be questioned by many.  However as a marketing consultant and family business owner living and working in one of the state's premier tourist areas, I don't find this announcement all that pure.  Hopefully I am wrong.

Visit the Pure Michigan online store at www.puremichiganstore.org.

Fired Up For Kids Fun Run August 8 In Petoskey, Michigan

Join Petoskey-Harbor Springs trainer Scott Conti and local pilates guru, Lynn Descamp, on Sunday, August 8th, 2010 for the first annual Fired Up for Kids Fun Run, benefitting Resort Bear Creek Fire Department and Foster Children of Northern Michigan. 


The event begins at 7am and registration is discounted now through the end of the month.  Entrance is just $55 for the half marathon and $25 for the 5K run/walk now through July 31.  Register today online.


Enjoy a wonderful day of exercise in the great outdoors while supporting two great Northern Michigan charity organizations.


Details and a race registration form are available at www.firedupforkids.com.  Do it now.

Good Hart Pot Pies Voted #1 Cheap Eat In The Emmet County Graphic

Store employees Kylie and Deanna
proudly display one of the famous
pot pies they bake daily at the
Good Hart General Store.

Each summer, the readers of Emmet County's The Graphic newspaper vote for their "Best of the Northwest" picks.  I'm excited to announce that for the first time ever the Good Hart General Store has received the number one spot in one of the food & dining categories - CHEAP EATS!!  

Our world famous pot pies were voted #1 CHEAP EATS by the readers!!  Special thanks to all who voted for our amazing pot pies.

Also for the first time, The Tunnel of Trees was voted #1 MUST-SEE-FOR-TOURISTS.  So get in the car, drive the tunnel of trees and buy a pot pie! 

See you soon here in downtown Good Hart, Michigan!

Visit The Graphic's full results here, 2010 Best of the North West.  Or visit the Good Hart General Store online at www.goodhartstore.com and order your pies today (delivered locally every Friday and shipped across the country weekly).

Robison Murder Book Signing This Saturday: "DEAD END" By James Pecora

“Dead End” Book Signing

This Saturday, July 17

Join author James Pecora as he discusses his book, “Dead End”, 

a fictional story based on the 1968 Robison Murders - 

his only 2010 signing in Northern Michigan. 

Mr. Pecora has been studying the Robison case for several years and is

regarded as an expert on Michigan’s most infamous unsolved mass murder. 

Also discuss the upcoming, “One Way, The Road To Mass Murder”, 

his follow-up novel.

Saturday, July 17 @ 2:30pm

Good Hart General Store during

Good Hart Market Days

Good Hart Market Days Begins Saturday June 26

Saturday, June 26 marks the beginning of the 2010 Good Hart Market Days, held each Saturday throughout color season in downtown Good Hart.  This Saturday will feature Dave Menefee on guitar.

Market Days began in 2009 and was the idea of Good Hart General Store owner, Carolyn Sutherland, as a tribute to her childhood memories of the Royal Oak Farmers Market.  The event is held in Sutherland’s yard next to the Good Hart General Store every Saturday rain or shine, 2-5:30 pm.  There is no cost to participate or to attend.

This year’s event has already confirmed several area vendors including local produce from Dan Truman, Native American quill work by Allie Maldonado, hand blown glass by Lynn Dinning, original pottery by Lisa Nicol, heirloom produce and organic yarns by Thimbleberry Farm, photography by Dark Pony Productions, and local produce by Bliss Gardens Farm & Kitchen. For a complete listing of participating vendors and special events, please visit the Good Hart General Store website. 

Guests of the event can expect the best in local farmers, artists, producers, and artisans paired with hot dogs on the grill, occasional live music, book signings and workshops.

Music this summer includes the John Driscoll Ensemble, Dr. Good Hart’s Home Remedy, and Dave Menefeee. 

Good Hart is located along the famous Tunnel of Trees (M-119), 14 miles north of Harbor Springs and 7 miles south of Cross Village.

For additional information on Good Hart Market Days, please visit www.goodhartstore.com or call 231-526-7661.  

5th Annual Waterfront Wine Festival Tickets On Sale Today

Call, click or visit today for tickets to the 5th Annual Waterfront Wine Festival in Harbor Springs.

June 25th is the date and advance tickets are now on sale, beginning today, at the following locations:

• Symons General Store in Petoskey
• Stafford's Pier Restaurant in Harbor Springs
• The Harbor Springs Area Chamber of Commerce in Harbor Springs

Tickets are also available by phone at 231.347.4929 and via the web at www.waterfrontwine.org.

Purchase advance tickets and save!  Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the festival.  See you June 25 on the waterfront in downtown Harbor Springs!

The 5th Annual Waterfront Wine Festival is an event to benefit the mission of Scenic Michigan.