FinditLocal411 Blog
July 5th, 2010 at 12:19 pm
Let’s face it, the type of aggressive shopping that results in dinner for a family of four under a dollar per person isn’t always possible in areas like Michiana. Sure, there are nearby cities like Chicago, Indianapolis, Detroit and Lansing that offer the best of urban shopping. But, to execute the tips found throughout the “Save Money” media, one must frequent these retailers often on a daily basis. Doing so with the urban shopping tactics that many tipsters advise will only result in a loss of money due to gas and vehicle wear and tear.
Fortunately, there is a way to shop savvy during this recession, using local—Michiana—grocery chains. Just try these five easy tips.
Forget about samples sales
Urban shoppers swear by sample sales as a way to buy good career clothing at a low price, but this option isn’t available in our area. What we do have, however, are outlet malls that work just as well. Visit the mall’s or individual store’s sites online to find coupons, discounts and a heads up on sales.
Use those coupons wisely
Stores like Martin’s Supermarket chain, located throughout the Michiana area, encourage the use of manufacturer coupons. They do not double and triple the coupon savings like those savvy television shoppers suggest, but they do allow you to use manufacturer coupons in conjunction with instant coupons and $mart Values items (specially priced items) to maximize savings in this economy.
Coordinate your shopping list around the store discounts and coupons
 Using the $mart Values for example, create a list using the items found on Martin’s Supermarket’s Online circular’s $mart Value section. Cross reference these with the coupons in your arsenal. Depending on the Martin’s Store, you may be able to use more than one coupon per purchase (if you purchase more than one item per coupon). You may find yourself buying foods and nonfoods for up to 70 percent off the retail price!!
Stock up
When the coupon, instant savings, and specials come together in a perfect trifecta of saving, stock up! This is where you usually see women pushing shopping carts full of cake mix or toilet paper. Don’t buy more foods than you can use in a year, because the excess will just become a waste. As you build a healthy stock of goods and foods, you’ll see your investment in long-term cost-cutting. You’ll find yourself going to the grocery store less and less.
Co-Op
Many urban areas do have co-op shopping facilities that allow communal purchasing. However, you can have the same experience by forming a co-op with family and friends. Buy in bulk and then split it up to spread the savings. Many area farms allow individuals the opportunity to buy livestock for the meat. These thousands of pounds bought at a discount can be easily shared—both meat and cost—amongst your little co-op.
Taking the urban shopping guerrilla tactics to your local retailer is possible with a few adjustments. Just look the ways in which your retailer accommodates through their coupon policy, special values and in store savings. You may find that it doesn’t take an urban setting to save.
June 9th, 2010 at 9:15 am
 Losing your job is frustrating enough, going through it without the proper information only adds to the frustration. The pink slip from your boss doesn’t come with a “How To” guide for finding your next job. Your former company does not offer “exit counseling” to those newly relieved of their positions. Fortunately, each state, including Indiana and Michigan, offer resources to help those during their foray into the realm of the unemployed.
Indiana
Job Seeker Services
- WorkOne Seek To Provide Professional, Efficient Services
 Work One, Indiana’s employment security agency gathered its resources to create a guide for unemployed Hoosiers. In addition to a step-by-step guide on filing an unemployment claim, the Job Seeker Services section also has explains the latest in federal and state unemployment laws. There’s also a link to a Frequently Asked Questions page and the Indiana Workforce Development site, where you actually file the claim.
- Indiana WorkForce Development
Indiana Department of Workforce Development allows unemployed workers to complete their unemployment claims online. The site also provides a link to the list of requirements needed to receive unemployment benefits. This page also displays updates to important laws governing benefits and payouts.
- Indiana Department of Workforce Development
To answer any question that you may have about filing for, receiving and extending unemployment benefits, the Indiana Department of Workforce Development has compiled a list of links to the information that a newly unemployed person needs or wants to know. You can find everything from claim information, the debit card system and reporting income to appeals and other resources.
Other Assistance Programs
The state of Indiana has many other programs to help those who finds themselves without an income or a sudden income decrease. The Indiana Department of Workforce Development has compiled a list of resources from child support enforcement to legal advice, food programs and insurance assistance.
Michigan
- Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency
Michigan also allows residents to file their unemployment claims online. This site offers information on claim filing and eligibility. It also provides a link to the online claims service.
- Tips for Contacting the Agency
It can be very difficult to find the appropriate information about a claim. Fortunately, The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency has compiled a list of frequently asked questions and used them to create tips on contacting their agency for information. It includes the appropriate times, numbers and circumstances under which you would call the numbers as well. There are even tips on avoiding busy signals.
- Resources to Assist the Unemployed – Public Libraries of Saginaw
 Like Indiana, the state of Michigan has many resources available to unemployed individuals in addition to the weekly benefits. You can find these and job search database listings in the Saginaw Michigan library’s Resources to Assist the Unemployed.
Having the resources to feed and shelter your family while you are out of a job is the primary concern of Michiana residents when they receive that pink slip. With the right resources, you can remove this concern and begin your journey toward another job or even a new career.
May 4th, 2010 at 11:40 am
Tis the season for tourism in Michiana. The boating, fishing and family vacation seasons kickoff each spring and last through the fall. The area offers many things for families, couples and people just looking for a getaway—from festivals and amusement parks to tournaments and natural landscapes, Michiana offers several options for tourists and opportunities to business owners with strong marketing campaigns.
Reaching Tourists
In a slow or recession-like economy, it is difficult to take time away from the business for some marketing. However, marketing is necessary during such an economy because the field is narrowed, making it is easier to reach consumers. Fortunately, there is a way to market your business without being at the office 24/7. To do so requires partnerships, materials and a faith in your business service offering (which shouldn’t be to hard to imagine, right?).
Using your Partnerships
Your partnerships with the local Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitor’s Bureau (CVB) can offer you an opportunity market your business across the local area. While your materials are traveling around the city or displayed next to festival booths, you can tend to your business, cutting the payroll costs.
The local CVB takes brochures, postcards, and even banners from local businesses display in their booths. The organization makes appearances at fairs, festivals, and gatherings all over your county. Your materials help the CVB attract tourists to the area. Meanwhile, you are connecting with the tourist industry in your area. The Chamber in many areas works in much the same way.
Getting Promotional Materials
Something as a small as a coupon or rack card can do wonders in advertising in your absence. A rack card is the size of a brochure, but is a two-sided flyer printed on glossy, heavy paper similar to that of a postcard. It has enough space to list your services, products, and even a menu. Depending on the type of graphics, colors and printer used, you can create rack cards inexpensively. You will need about a thousand to hand out yourself and through your partners and place at hotels in their “Tourism” rack.
Coupons, like those for Michiana Golf shown to the right, can be printed and mailed, or placed in the local newspaper or on your website. They can also be distributed during parades and festivals near your business.
Logo Exposure
Combine efforts with other businesses to create ads using your logos. This way, you are advertising at a third of a cost. Place such ads in event programs, special advertising flyers and on promotional products that can be distributed during large events.
A Little Bit of Marketing Each Day
Focus on nurturing your business, but do not stop the marketing. Put your business’s message and even your logo to work without leaving your business unattended. Tourist season in Michiana provides excellent opportunities for many businesses to get ahead with a little absentee marketing.
March 30th, 2010 at 2:16 pm
We’d like to take this opportunity to welcome one of our newest clients, MutualBank to the FindItLocal411 community. If you’d like a feature written on your local business, please email us at info@fil411.com.
The credit crunch has left many small businesses in the dust over the past year and a half. Many reports coming out show that funds have been hard to come by whether businesses are seeking startup financing, seed money, construction & development loans, etc. As more of the national banks have tightened their loan policies, it’s important for our local banks to step up. Michiana’s own MutualBank is a great example of a bank looking to help the small business community.
Business Perspective
When looking for your next business loan, it’s important to find a bank with experience and a history of full service offerings. Business lending is a very technical field wherein a history of working with businesses can help owners overcome financial and business obstacles. MutualBank offers a full line of business lending options to provide clients and companies with a complete business perspective.
Here are some services you should look for in your business-lending bank:
- Lines of Credit – Working capital to properly manage your cash.
- Equipment Financing – Flexible loan options working with your cash flow to finance equipment, machinery or other capital needs.
- Commercial Real Estate Loans – Flexibility in interest rate options or terms that provide your business with the necessary capital to expand current locations.
- Lease Options – Leasing allows business owners to keep pace with the ever-changing technology without straining their everyday cash flow. And depending on your tax adviser, these lease may be fully tax deductible.
- Construction and Development Loans – These options serve construction companies and those looking to build additions to their current structures.
- Online Banking – As any small business owner knows, the work never stops. There’s always something more to do, so make sure your business has online banking options.
Small Business Loans
Small businesses are intertwined with their communities unlike the national chains. Money spent at local small businesses stays within the community. It is for this reason that regional or citywide banks like MutualBank specialize in small business financing and loans.
MutualBank counsels clients on the best SBA loan for each individual business. They are also an approved Small Business Association (SBA) Express lender, allowing quick and timely loans. Community banks like MutualBank help local economies grow and develop by meeting the goals and needs of businesses.
Getting Started
If you are in the Michiana area and looking for more information regarding a small business loan, check out the MutualBank “Getting Started” page. If you are outside the Michigan/Indiana region, make sure to find a hometown bank in your area. Remember, your small business is the backbone of America’s recovery!
November 17th, 2009 at 11:17 am
Beachwalk Resorts is a new community in Michigan City, Indiana, just one hour from Chicago. It features a family atmosphere with cottages for rent or purchases of family vacation homes. The streets are lined with white picket fences and the kids can run and play safely.
The goal of Beachwalk is to remember the simpler times when children ran in the streets, rode their bikes, played hopscotch and enjoyed the sun. However, if this is not enough there are numerous amenities to keep your family and your children happy and busy all summer.
Beachwalk Amenities
- Fishing Pier
- Basket Ball Court: a full court with adjustable backboards. The Resort even offers an annual 3-on-3 Memorial Day tournament.
- Tennis Courts: not a pro yet, you can rent rackets and balls at the office
- Central Park: having a reunion or family get together, come to the park
- Putting Green
- Getaway Fountain Park: a natural shaded habitat for relaxation
- The Dunes: a natural sand habitat
- Waterfall Park: take a romantic walk
- Lake Kai Grasses: another park area that offers movies in the park during the summer
- Beach volleyball: play some volleyball on Lake Kai, free volleyball available at office
- Sandcastle Playground: for the kids
- Treehouse Café
Along with all these great things to do, you can swim in Lake Kai. The Lake is 5 miles from Michigan City to New Buffalo. The Lake offers swimming, kayaking, paddle boats and an alligator trampoline for the kids.
Don’t like swimming in the Lake, right next to it is a swimming pool. While the children are swimming, adults can enjoy the sand volleyball courts and the café, all within the same area.
Rental Properties
Looking for a vacation, this is the place to be. Choose exactly what you need: offering a two night rental, weekly rental or a monthly rental. Choose your size. You can bring the kids or you can bring the whole extended family.
Here is just one example of the cottages you can experience. The Sun Spot is a one bedroom, one bathroom guesthouse with full kitchen. It has a deck for grilling and enjoying the sun. It has an exquisite bathroom with heated floors, heated towel bars and tub. It is fully furnished with a grill, TV, VCR and an outside shower to wash off that sand after the day at the beach.
For the bigger families, rent Alice’s Wonderland that sleeps up to 10 people. This vacation home offers 4 bedrooms and 3.5 baths, along with a golf cart to tour the Beachwalk area during your stay.
Events
Planning a wedding, bring the whole family. You can rent some cottages and rent The Clubhouse and have an entire weekend wedding event. The Beachwalk offers weddings on the sandy beach. The Clubhouse is used for the reception. They provide the space. You can provide outside catering, alcohol and a band of your choosing.
The Clubhouse can also be used for corporate meetings and events. They have all the amenities a business needs, including meeting rooms, internet access and catering.
If you find that you love the area, you can purchase your own home here. You can also purchase property and build your own home. There are numerous properties available all immersed within this beautiful community.
November 3rd, 2009 at 10:21 am
Harbor Country is the place to live if you enjoy the lake atmosphere. Harbor Country is located in the Southwestern part of Berrien County, Michigan. It includes the cities of Michiana, Grand Beach, New Buffalo, Union Pier, Lakeside, Harbert, Sawyer and Three Oaks. This area virtually covers 15 miles along Lake Michigan.
There are many things to do in Harbor Country from the Lake Michigan beaches, both public and private, to wine tours, to the Four Winds Casino. This area is perfect for a romantic trip or a family vacation.
Places to Stay:
There are a wide range of accommodations offered to include area bed and breakfasts, hotels, resorts and rental cottages. Here are just some of the options:
- Bluefish Vacation Rentals: With a wide variety of homes for rental, to fit all types of budgets. You can look for a one-bedroom cottage or up to 2- to 5-bedroom properties.
- Grand Beach Motel: is a family-owned-and-operated motel. It may only have 14 comfortable motel rooms, but it also has authentic log cabins to enjoy that outdoor atmosphere.
- Treasure House Bed and Breakfast: A small Victorian home that has been divided into a bed and breakfast. It is located in downtown Three Oaks, which is full of other activities, such as restaurants, galleries, local shops and markets.
- Four Winds Casino Resort: a hotel within the Casino, you can have a luxury room, suite or celebrity suite. For example, the Celebrity Suite offers a 60 inch high definition television with surround sound, private waterfalls in your room and a master bathroom with a luxury, soaking tub with spa luxury items, such as bath salts.
Things to Do:
Wineries:
Harbor Country is known for its wineries. In fact, it has a ‘wine trail.’ It has been noted that with the Lake Michigan climate and terrain, wine production is quite successful in this area. Some of the wineries in the area are:
If you are a wine aficionado, you can get a map and travel along the wine trail to over 20 wineries. This trail is even lined with Michigan Lake Shore Wine Trail signs to guide the way.
Beaches:
And a visit to Lake Michigan would not be complete without the beach. You can enjoy just about any type of water adventure you want. There are three main beaches:
- New Buffalo City Beach
- Road End Beaches
- Warren Dunes State Park
New Buffalo City is the best beach for swimming and sand dunes. There are showers and bathrooms and a snack bar.
Warren Dunes State Park has it all from swimming in the summer to cross-country skiing in the winter. It has 3 miles of shoreline and 6 miles of trials for walking, hiking and skiing.
Road End Beaches are used by walkers or bikers to visit the beach. There are no lifeguards or facilities. There is a bicycle path available and street access to the beaches.
If you are a lake person, Harbor Country may be the place for you to visit, vacation or even live.
October 22nd, 2009 at 8:23 am
The South Bend Chocolate Company was founded in 1991 and incorporated in August 1994. To date, they have 10 company owned stores in Northern Indiana and 10 franchises throughout Indiana and Michigan. As the name suggests, The South Bend Chocolate Factory is located in South Bend, Indiana. The store provides chocolates to stores, gift shops, gourmet food stores, coffee shops and gift basket companies throughout the United States.
Specialties
- Licensing: One of the company’s first delicacies was licensed chocolates for the University of Notre Dame. To date, they make licensed chocolates for Indiana University, Purdue and the University of Michigan.
- Company promotions: You can purchase their chocolate in specialized logo bags with your company logo on it. South Bend Chocolate Factory also prepares gift baskets for company events.
- Seasonal Items: Give your family a gift box of chocolates for Easter, Christmas or just to celebrate the changing of the seasons.
- Cherries: For cherry lovers, there are many varieties available at South Bend Chocolate, such as Michigan Cherries, Cherry Cordial Truffles and Cherry Blossoms.
- Crunches: If you like to mix your popcorn with your chocolate, this is the perfect mix. You can get caramel corn drizzled with chocolate, mixed with cherries or with chunks of peanut butter.
- Fudge and Nuts: Enjoy a mix of fudge or nuts. There are specialty flavors such as peanut butter fudge, pumpkin fudge and maple walnut fudge. You can also try mixed nuts and cashews.
- Creams: What is better than chocolate? Chocolate with cream in the middle in a number of flavors, lemon, chocolate, orange, coconut and raspberry creams.
- Sugar Free: Love the chocolate, but don’t want the calories or the sugar. South bend Chocolate offers some of their favorites in a sugar-free variety.
Giving the gift of Chocolate
There are many ways you can share South Bend Chocolate. Aside from buying an individual bag for yourself, you can buy gift bags, gold boxes, corporate gifts, chocolate by the pound and even wedding favors.
- Wedding favors: Have the individualized chocolate pieces wrapped in mini gift boxes to provide individually to your wedding guests.
- Chocolates by the Pound: For party, buy a pound of chocolate to serve to your guests. A large variety of flavors are offered. Gift Baskets: A perfect gift for a friend in need of some cheer. You can purchase a small to large gift basket with a variety of chocolates.
- Moving away from the chocolates the South Bend Chocolate Company makes a variety of coffees and condiments. Enjoy specialty coffees, some choices are: Winterblend, Pumpkin Spice, Chocolate Cherry, Amaretto and Irish Cream. As for condiments, there are a variety of dressings and side items, including:
- Raspberry Walnut Dressing
- Sesame Soy Ginger
- Garlic Stuffed Olives
- Jalapeno Stuffed Olives
- Spicy Honey
- Sweet Balsamic
For anyone who loves chocolate, The South Bend Chocolate Company is the place to go. It is essentially Michiana’s chocolate maker.
October 15th, 2009 at 12:05 pm
The Blue Chip Casino in Michigan City, Indiana is the place to be for resting and relaxation. Spa Blu is a new 10,000 square foot spa, salon and fitness center. The spa features nine treatment rooms, individual lounges, steam rooms, whirlpools and water walls complete with all the treatments you could ever need.
Customizable Health and Beauty Regiment
At Spa Blue, you can control your and design your own routine.
- Relax: For the ultimate in relaxation, you can enjoy the whirlpool, hot stones and steam rooms.
- Massages: You can have a relaxing massage, complete with hot or cold stones to relieve muscle tightness. There are many kinds of massages targeting an area or with various techniques.
- Get pampered at the Salon:
- Hair: For your beauty pampering, there is a men’s and women’s salon offering haircuts, styling, coloring or highlights.
- Facials: For your face, there are numerous types of facials, including age defying, deep cleansing, an enzyme facial and a special gentleman’s facial.
- Make-Up: Have make-up applied if you are going out for a night on the town or you can receive a make-up lesson if you are looking to update your style.
- Wax: Receive a wax for your legs, eyebrows or bikini line.
- Manicure or Pedicure: Comes complete with treatments and polishing.
- Getting Married: The spa offers a private makeover room that can be used for big groups. Your entire wedding party can be pampered, have their hair styled and their nails done in preparation for the big day.
Fitness Center
Can’t bear to stop your fitness routine, you don’t have to. The fitness center at the Blue Chip is state of the art with:
- Weight training stations
- Treadmills
- Stationary bikes
- Elliptical machines
The fitness center is in the second floor of the spa with glass walls that offer natural light and have a great view of the grounds surrounding the casino.
Additional Packages
A spa wouldn’t be complete without a variety of packages that you can purchase. While expensive, they are comprehensive and can cap off your trip with some relaxation and rejuvenation.
My favorite is the Something Borrowed, Something Blue Package. This includes two and a half hours of wedding pampering. You will receive a formal hairstyle, make-up application and a bridal pedicure.
The other spa packages range from 6 hours with all of the amenities to 2.5 hours with various other great treatments. Each package has a specific focus. For example, you can experience the Blu Moon, a 6 hour treat. The Blu Moon includes a signature facial, signature blu massage, deluxe manicure and pedicure, hair wash and hairstyle, make-up application and a selection of your choice. There is also a special for the man in your life called His Time. This package is 2.5 hours and includes a 25 minute sugar and salt scrub, a signature blu facial and a 50 minute Signature Blu massage.
Along with these packages, the Blue Chip Casino Hotel offers a package that includes an overnight stay and a choice of two 50 minute spa services. What a great break from your busy life!
October 13th, 2009 at 10:49 am
Michiana has become a golf haven for enthusiasts around the world. And now there’s a whole website dedicated to golfing in the Michiana area. Visit Michiana Golf. This website contains everything you need to know about golfing in the area, including the courses, golf tips, special golf downloads and even golf jokes.
The website features up to date golf news and even a golf course pick of the day with recommendations and details for this specific course. MichianaGolf.com even offers a Golf Michiana Coupon Book, which has specials and discounts for the local courses. There are 44 golf courses offering special deals within this book and it can only be ordered through the website.
Let’s review a private and public golf course named on the Michiana Golf Website.
Private Golf Course – Michigan City
Pottawattomie Country Club is a private golf course, located in Michigan City, Indiana. It has an 18 hole course with a 72 par. The country club itself has the following features:
- 18 hole golf course
- Swimming pool with lifeguard and snack bar
- Clubhouse providing all meals, including weekend brunch
- Banquet facilities
- Pro shop
The Pro Shop is managed by PGA Golf Professional Mike Nygren. He has been a member of PGA of America since 1993. Nygren provides the club with professional golf lessons, along with running the shop. The pro shop provides the top brands in golf equipment and clothing for men and women.
The Club has ongoing golf leagues and tournaments throughout the season. There are leagues for men, women and juniors. To use the golf course, you must become a member of the club. There are various classes of membership, so you can join as a family, an individual or a senior.
Public Golf Course – Michigan City
For public golfing, try the Michigan City Municipal Golf Course. For being a public course, it is certainly not lacking. This course has two courses, the north and the south, along with a practice green, an additional golf practice area, a fully-stocked pro shop, and trained golf professionals.
Both courses are in a beautiful wooded area. The North Course is 3,531 total yards with a par of 60. It has a mixture of par 3 and par 4 holes. This is a great course for a beginner. The South Course, on the other hand, is a little bit more challenging. It also is 18 holes, but with a 72 par and a total of 6,169 yards.
Some other things to enjoy at the course:
- Take lessons: Lessons are provided in 1 hour increments and can be given 7 days a week, prior registration is required.
- Sign your children up for Junior Camp: An instructional camp is offered for ages 8 to 17, where the kids will learn the basics of golf, including putting, chipping, driving and sand play.
- Join a club: There are men’s and women’s leagues which play on a weekly basis.
The golf course also provides various tournaments and can be used for scheduling company outings.
If you are looking for golf, public or private, Michigan City is the place to be.
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Beginning in the 1997 season, the stadium underwent improvements, modifications and growth. Currently, there is a seating capacity of 80,795 people, the 15th biggest in nationally. The majority of the ticket holders are season tickets (about 20,000) and alumni (more than 30,000). And as a tribute to how much fun the games are, over 10,000 students attend the games every week.