Goodwill Offers Computer Help

I knew that Goodwill offered a free computer recycling program, but this was news to me. Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit is now offering computer repair and diagnostic services through GoodTechs Computer Service. All of the employees have gone through an intensive certification process just like any of the big box stores. The difference that I am willing to bet on is that you will receive better customer service at GoodTechs than one of the big chain stores. One of the big selling points is that they offer to look over the machine and diagnose the problem at no charge. Good luck finding a deal anywhere else that is as sweet as that.

Better than getting your computer fixed at a decent rate is the fact that you are helping Goodwill train workers that need a break. Some of the workers Goodwill has trained through the program are homeless, at-risk youth, physically disabled people, and many other folks from all walks of life.

Their common purpose - to improve their situation in life by taking advantage of Goodwill's various programs and working hard to better themselves. Last year Goodwill was able to help about 1,000 people get jobs in many different areas thanks to programs like this one. You can not argue with the results.

Check out GoodTechs Computer Service for more information. Their hours are 8am to 6pm M-F.

Read the entire Free Press article - MIKE WENDLAND: Goodwill's got tech help

Rockford Shoe Company Hits the $1 Billion Sales Mark

Did you know that Hush Puppies, Merrell, Harley-Davidson, and Caterpillar shoes are manufactured by Wolverine World Wide, Inc. based in Rockford, Michigan? I have to admit that I didn't know that. Anyway, they had a record sales year this year by going over the $1 billion sales mark for 2005. It's nice to be able to share the news of a Michigan based company that is doing well when the overall state economy is not.

For more information -

ROCKFORD SHOEMAKER STRIDES TO RECORD: Wolverine hits $1-billion mark

Breathing New Life Into an Old Lansing Factory

DJV Properties has turned the old Melling Forging Co. north of Old Town into a business center. The formerly shuttered building was deemed an eyesore by many, but Dan VanAcker had a plan and a vision. VanAcker's company, DJV Properties, purchased the site in June 2005 and has invested about $1.5 million into renovating the property. There are currently 11 tenants employing about 125 people. Some of the tenants are new companies and some just relocated there to enjoy advantages such as shared amenities. Some of the amenities include - shared loading docks, restrooms, and a cafeteria. The building is nearly 100 percent occupied.

These are the types of entrepreneurs and businesses that will drive the future of Michigan's economy. Our state needs to figure out how to get folks interested and able to start projects like these and generate new jobs. I don't care who the Governor is or whether they are a Democrat or Republican. Our state is broke - Just Fix It!

Read the article - Lansing State Journal: Old factory gets new life in Lansing

Power Potential is Just Blowing in the Wind

It is taking a company from New York, but Michigan's thumb area is going to be home to the nation's fifth largest wind-generated power plant. By 2008, 180 turbines are expected to be installed in Michigan's thumb area. The company, Noble Environmental Power, plans to sell the energy to the utilities that already supply electricity throughout the state. Read more - mlive.com: NewsFlash - Wind-generated power coming to Michigan's Thumb region

Deerskin Crafts Sold Worldwide From the U.P.

Who knew that folks from around the globe would be interested in deerskin products made individually by a "retired" couple from Michigan's Upper Peninsula? Through their website www.deerskindesigns.com Connie and Jim Thatcher are able to reach a global market. Their products range from handbags to full outfits for adults and children. Read the full article from The Mining Journal -

Couple creates deerskin crafts for worldwide market - The Mining Journal

BS General Store in Kenton, MI

There is a new general store in the Upper Peninsula town of Kenton. BS General Store has a new 1700 square foot facility and a catchy name that folks won't forget. The store will be mainly for hunters, campers, and fishermen. The name 'BS General Store' comes from Don "Birdeye" and Shirley Wittingen. The retired couple from Grand Rapids wanted a name that "nobody could forget." I don't think that will be a problem :).

You can read the full article from the Ironwood Daily Globe below.

The BS General Store is the real deal.