BIZ

February 2010 -- What’s The Biz -- Lake Orion 1

What’s the Inside This Month:

Looking for work? Need some tips to land the perfect job? Check
out the Career Expoo coming to Orion Township, Wednesday,

Orion Style Jan. 27. Story on page 3.

Feb. 2010 Vol. 3 #12

A monthly collaborative with the Orion Area Chamber of Commerce

Eat local John and Stephanie Kroell of Lake Orion,

pictured here with their twins, Ryan and Tyler, 13, as well as
8-year-old Troy, are new owners at Times Square Deli and Res-
taurant. See “What’s for Lunch” on page 4.
2 What’s The Biz -- Lake Orion -- February 2010
‘Kiddie Tax’ applies to college kids
The so-called “Kiddie Tax” was put
in place years ago to stop parents from
transferring invest children under age
13.
The child would
be in a lower tax
bracket which re-
duced the parent’s
tax on that invest-
ment income.
This was, in my
opinion, a great tax
planning tool.
Over time, the
age limit increased Anita Gates
to 14 then to 18 in Delventhal is owner
2005. In 2008 and of AG Consulting
beyond, the age is 18 Services in Orion
or a full-time student Township.
over the age of 18
but under age 24 at the end of the tax-
able year.
Parents, be very careful if you have
college age students who file their tax
returns on their own.
If your child is your dependent (you
provide more than 50 percent of their
support) and your child has investment
income (over $1,900 in 2009) I highly
Your QuickBooks, Tax &
Benefits Center
3 Divisions To Provide You
The Best Services In Our Areas Of Expertise
1. Your Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor
2. Your Tax Planning & Preparation Advisor
3. Your Benefits Counselor
AGCS
is Answers with Guidance while
Committed to providing winning Solutions
We will always return your call
248-393-0403
Tax & Financial Resource Center
248-393-0403
www.agconsultingservices.com
recommend you have your tax profes-
sional prepare both your returns and
your child’s returns.
In these situations your (the parent)
return must be completed first then your
child’s return can be completed.
The Kiddie Tax does not allow you
to shift investment income onto your
child’s return to get the lower capital
gains tax rate.
Your tax rate will be applied to your
child’s taxable income. This is done on
Form 8615 in your child’s return.
Did you know, in 2009, Congress en-
acted seven (7) Acts that affect our
pocketbooks through tax legislation?
And….. they are not done.
Anita Gates Delventhal is President &
CEO of A.G. Consulting Services Inc. She
has more than 25 years in the accounting,
tax and financial industries. She has re-
cently received an award from Biltmore
Who’s Who as an Honored VIP Member
for 2009-2010 because of her outstanding
leadership and achievement in her profes-
sion and industry. Do not hesitate to con-
tact Anita at 248-393-0403, by email at
anita@agconsultingservices.com or visit
her website and resource center at
www.agconsultingservices.com.
Your QuickBooks,
A message from
Lisa Sokol
Orion Township’s Director of
Community Programs
Orion Area Chamber of Commerce
Growing 2010 Chamber Leadership
Green President
Rosemary Rangi
Crittenton Medical Equipment
Earth Day Expo Vice President
April 22 Bill Kokoenos
It’s time to re-think, re-energize, Orion Senior Center
re-charge and re-educate ourselves.
We encourage you to partner with
Treasurer
Orion Township as we increase our Alice Young, CPA
efforts to forge ahead and take the
green community challenge. Secretary
We invite you to showcase your Loretta Spatafore
efforts at our Growing Green Earth uSellOnline
Day Expo 2010. Several thousand
people will be attending this exciting Directors
Expo on Thursday, April 22, at Kings Martha Bergquist
Court Castle-Olde World Canterbury Coffee News
Village, located at 2369 Joslyn Court.
Carl Cyrowski
Exhibits will consist of an array of
green products and services, reliable Michigan Global Solutions LLC
education resources, green organiza-
Theresa Fiorani
tions, energy efficiency and conserva-
tion incentives, green career opportu- Canoe Circle Graphics
nities, green growing resources, green
parks and trails leisure, green pantry
Elizabeth Meyer
and healthy living, organic closets and
homes, recycling incentives, and so
Genisys Credit Union
Dawn Neeley
much more.
We are putting together a “Green
Seniors Helping Seniors
Team” comprised of business repre- James Porritt
sentatives, property owners and non Attorney at Law
profit organizations that offer incen-
tives, products and services support- Neal Porter
ing green alternatives. Vette Products
If you are interested in becoming
a vendor at our Growing Green Earth Linda Sickles
Day Expo, contact Lisa Sokol, Direc- Orion Township Public Library
tor of Community Programs at the
Monica Squarcia
Parks and Recreation Office at
lsokol@oriontownship.org or call 248- National City Bank /PNC
391-0304, ext. 134.
Karen Ulrich
Queensland Marketing
Have some Lake Orion Craig Zmijewski
AAA Michigan
business news to share
with the community? Orion Area Chamber of Commerce
Send information and P.O. Box 484
Lake Orion, MI 48361
photos to 248-693-6300
info@lakeorionchamber.com
lakeorionreview@sbcglobal.net www.lakeorionchamber.com
 February 2010 -- What’s The Biz -- Lake Orion 3

Briefly Orion Area Chamber of Commerce

Free social
media seminar
Have you wondered how
Facebook and Twitter can help
your business?
Oakland Community College is
hosting a free two-part seminar on
Social Media Marketing for Small
Business in February and March
2010.
Kevin Outland of Pure Energy
Advertising will be conducting the
seminars at OCC Highland Lakes
campus.
Part 1 is scheduled for Tues-
day, Feb. 9 , from 7:30 a.m. to 9: 30
a.m. and part 2 to will be Tuesday,
March 16, from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30
a.m.
Chamber’s new president steps in
A message from Rosemary Rangi
A new year signals new beginnings. of ideas as to which direction we would our membership as well as our commu-
For the Orion Area Chamber of Com- like to see the Chamber move towards. nity to “SHOP LOCAL”.
merce, I am both honored and excited to We also have some new board mem- The benefits of doing so contribute
have been chosen as bers who bring with them many sugges- back directly to the success of the area
the next President. tions for improvement. in which we work and live and help pro-
I feel very privi- In an effort to “re-invent” ourselves, vide a solid foundation for continued
leged to have with we are soliciting feedback from our mem- growth.
me on the Board of bership. Lake Orion is a great place to live, to
Directors, some We will be utilizing this information work and enjoy.
very talented and as we plan our activities for the year. The Orion Area Chamber of Com-
gifted individuals We are also very enthusiastic about merce is here to serve the businesses and
whose experience developing a good working relationship the community and we look forward to
will help guide us Rosemary Rangi, between the Chamber, Orion Township doing so in 2010.
over the course of President and the Village of Lake Orion. Rosemary Rangi is the director of op-
the next year. Orion Area Chamber By cooperating with each other we erations for Crittenton Medical Equip-
The Chamber can certainly accomplish more. ment, overseeing facilities in both Lake
right now is at a crossroad. We have lots The Chamber strongly encourages Orion and Rochester Hills.

Hollywood Mkt. Job fair slated for Jan. 27 in Orion

helps in Haiti
Hollywood Market in Lake
Orion, as well as locations in Roch-
ester Hills, Madison Heights, Royal
Oak, Bloomfield, Utica and Troy,
have committed to matching the first
$10,000 in donations made at all
seven stores for relief efforts in
Haiti.
The funds will be sent to the
Salvation Army to help with its re-
lief work in Haiti. Hollywood Mar-
kets is asking all who can to come
in to help with this effort for those
in desperate need.
By Laura Colvin
Lake Orion Review editor
Looking for work-?
Mark the date; the Lake
Orion Chamber of Com-
merce, along with the
UAW 5960 and Hired on
the Spot, a Lake Orion
based company offering
innovative job placement
services, will host a Career
Expo Wednesday, Jan. 27.
The expo, which takes
place at the UAW Hall in
Orion Township, offers at-
tendees the opportunity to
meet and speak with a va-
riety of employers—em-
Weiler, Hired on the Spot
Who’s hiring at the expo? chief operating officer,
the company wants to
make sure people leave
Key Strata Magna Powertrain the expo feeling like they
(consulting jobs) (engineers and purchasing, all levels) got something valuable
Summer Impression New Horizons from the event.
(hiring camp counselors, daycare workers) (certification for job-seekers, all levels) “We’re not just a job
Waste Management (state-paid ) placement service,”
(hiring fleet managers, drivers, CSR, ASE) Advanced Technology Group Weiler said. “We treat
TAC Automotive (IT positions) people like they’re more
(engineers, IT, etc.... for Ford, GE, etc) Center for Professional Studies
than a piece of paper,
Homeland Security (assists laid-off engineers with certification)
(all customs and border patrol jobs) (state-paid ) and we want to make
Trialon Grupo Antolin sure they succeed.”
(accounting, engineering, general labor) (manufacturing jobs) But, he pointed out,
(over 120 positions) U.S.Army finding a job, especially
in today’s economy,
Check www.myfoxdetroit.com and click on The Job Shop for updates takes determination and

What’s the ployers who actually have

scoop?
Branching out? Expanding?
Moving to a bigger and better lo-
cation? Have some other business
news or photos to share with the
Lake Orion community? What are
you waiting for? Send them to
lakeorionreview@sbcglobal.net for
publication in the Biz.
jobs available.
“We’re only inviting companies who bage can.
noticed—and doesn’t end up in the gar-
creativity.
“With the scarcity of jobs, just hav-
ing a resume out there and waiting for
are looking to hire right away,” said Erinn Fox 2’s Murray Feldman will be on someone to call is not going to land you
O’Connor, Hired on the Spot chief com- site with a camera crew to webcast the a job,” he said. “If that’s all you’re do-
munications officer. “Some have a few event from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. The webcast ing, you’ll still be waiting 12 months from
jobs, others are looking to fill more than will feature a chat room, allowing job now. You have to be out there network-
100 positions.” hunters the chance to ask career experts ing.”
In addition, participants can also questions about where the jobs are and The event, he said, is a good oppor-
bring copies of their resume for a no- how to land one. tunity to do just that.
cost review from individuals—such as Job seekers can also listen as expert In fact, the expo—unprecedented by
staffing or HR experts—who are in- guest speakers talk about financial is- UAW participation—grew from one of
volved in hiring decisions and can ren- sues, how to dress for an interview and the company’s previous networking
der practical advice about what to do— other relevant topics. events.
or not do—to make sure a resume gets Like other events they host, said Wes
Continued on page 5
4 What’s The Biz -- Lake Orion -- February 2010

Job placement service What’s for lunch?

takes innovative approach
Hired on the Spot
now powers Fox 2
Detroit Job Shop
Hired on the Spot, a Lake Orion-
based placement service for job seek-
ers, employers and recruiters, has an-
nounced it has been chosen by Fox 2
Detroit to power the resume section
of the Job Shop on
myFoxDetroit.com.
Use of Hired on the Spot enables
Fox 2 Detroit to offer its users ac-
cess to more job opportunities and the
ability to take advantage of Hired on
the Spot’s unique approach to the job
search challenge, which incorporates
social networking, blogging, and viral
marketing to maximize visibility and
encourage differentiation from other
job seekers.
“Our mission is to help people find
employment and powering the Fox 2
Detroit Job Shop enables us to ex-
pand access for our users,” said Ben
Riggan, chief executive officer of
Hired on the Spot.
“When you post a resume on ei-
ther the Fox 2 Detroit Job Shop or at
Hired on the Spot, it will now appear
on both sites. You’ll be reaching more
potential employers and recruiters
than ever before.”
Hired on the Spot emphasizes use
of today’s technology to enhance the
job hunt experience.
Job seekers can create compre-
hensive employment profiles on the
Hired on the Spot website.
The company advocates a “Re-
sume Revolution,” emphasizing that
an individual’s uniqueness can’t be
reduced to a traditional resume alone.
Resumes are created using a pro-
prietary quick-search format highlight-
ing skills, employment history and edu-
cation.
Responses to open-ended ques-
tions such as “Why am I a great em-
ployee?” highlight additional charac-
teristics and attributes.
Candidates also create video re-
sumes and blogs. To enhance their
visibility, they order t-shirts imprinted
with their resume.
“The Job Shop on
MyFoxDetroit.com strives to provide
its website users with the best ser-
vices available,” said Dennis Kraniak,
senior web producer at Fox 2.
“Hired on the Spot goes beyond
the traditional but ineffective job board
strategies that focus on posting re-
John Kroll shows off a couple of his own favorite Times Square meals.
sumes and searching online data-
bases. We endorse the action-ori-
ented approach as an effective way
for people to market themselves in
New owners: same homemade
today’s ultra competitive job market.”
Hired on the Spot is available to
employers who can post opportuni-
taste, lower prices at Times Square
Same faces, same quality, same menu. Or try the bacon. Troy, the Kroell’s eight-
ties at a fraction of the cost of lead- Not much has changed at Times Square Deli year-old son, recommends it. He says it’s
ing job boards and access compre- and Restaurant other than the new lower his favorite Times Square food.
hensive job seeker information. prices, say incoming owners John and Troy, along with Ryan and Tyler, the
For additional information, check Stephanie Kroell. The two have worked at couple’s twin 13-year-old boys, join their
out www.hiredonthespot.com. the restaurant since it opened – John as a parents often in the restaurant. Ryan does
cook and Stephanie as a server – but re- dishes and Tyler buses tables and mingles
cently purchased it. with customers.
The Kroells say they’ve made their made- Troy says he helps his dad prep food,

Where’s the fire? from-scratch menu more affordable. Every-

The Orion Township Fire Depart-
ment is looking for individuals inter-
ested in becoming volunteer paid-on-
call firefighters.
Basic fire and EMS schooling and
equipment are provided; applicants
must be a citizen or legal resident of
the U.S., at least 18 years old, and
must possess a high school diploma or
GED equivalent.
In addition, candidates must also
undergo a criminal and driving record
check, pass the fire department agil-
ity test as well as a physical exam,
and meet other requirements set by
the department.
Paid-on-call personnel are paid
monthly for responding to emergency
calls and attending station drills. Cur-
rent pay rates range from $8-$15 per.
For more information or to request
an application, call the Fire Depart-
ment business office at 248-693-9701.
day there’s a different special for $4.99, and
nothing on the menu is over $8.95 – includ-
ing dinner items.
“The food’s always been good, but just a
little more expensive than other restaurants
near us,” said John.
Reuben sandwiches are a popular lunch
selection, but the new owners also recom-
mend trying an SSR -- or swiss, ‘slaw and
Russian dressing sandwich. Stephanie likes
one with turkey and John likes his grilled.
Not hungry for lunch? Stop in for break-
fast. Customers can get “the most impor-
tant meal of the day” for $1.99. It includes
two eggs, hashbrowns and toast.
like cutting pickles and making cheese sticks.
Each member of the family, who lives in
Lake Orion, has something different they like
about their restaurant, but all share an equal
passion.
“We put a lot of time into what we make,”
Stephanie said.
“We pride ourselves on the fact that ev-
erything is homemade – nothing comes out
of a can,” noted her husband. “You have to
love what you do when you’re working 90
hours a week.”
So stop into Times Square in the Kroger
plaza on M-24 and try a rueben, or a bowl
of homemade soup.
Or maybe some bacon.
 February 2010 -- What’s The Biz -- Lake Orion 5

Downtown authority decides on new director

whole we want to move forward and do through Main Street Oakland County. – it’s very exciting and I’ve learned a lot
Suzanne Perreault took the best we can. We don’t have any re- “She’s highly educated and has the right of lessons through that. I have a ton of
grets.” experience as a director, she comes highly ideas for ways to promote downtown even
the DDA reins Jan. 4. After 22 resumes, six interviews and recommended and had all the right an- when the street is missing,” said Perreault,
By Megan Collier two top contenders, Carlson said, “We se- swers to our questions,” Carlson said, add- noting promotion will be extremely impor-
Lake Orion Review Staff Writer lected Suzanne as our top pick. She came ing “she’s good with people, comfortable tant during the renovations as “people typi-
Suzanne Perreault signs on as the recommended to us by Main Street Oak- and has experience with streetscapes. cally avoid areas of construction.”
fourth Downtown Development Author- land County.” Take all those things and put them together, Carlson predicts the new director will
ity (DDA) director Perreault was hired in at $45,000 an- and she looks like the right person.” “step right in and take off” in managing
in Lake Orion nually, with benefits. Carlson said one of the most important the streetscape project.
since the entity Carlson noted Perreault’s education qualities Perreault has is the ability to “hit Long-term, Perreault says she wants
was created in and experience tipped the scales in her the ground running.” to get to know business owners, find out
2001. favor. The DDA says the new director will how they’re doing and figure out how the
Perreault took The new director has a bachelor’s de- focus on getting Main Street accredita- DDA can help, whether they’re struggling
over the position gree in political science with a concentra- tion back; something Perreault says she or expanding.
permanently for tion in public administration and is work- wants to work on, too. The DDA will look at vacancy rates
interim Director ing on her master’s in public administra- The board removed Golden, the previ- as well as business recruiting and reten-
Cindy Czubko, tion with a state and local government con- ous director, from her position after fail- tion, according to Perreault.
who was hired in Suzanne Perreault centration. ing to be accredited. “We need to make sure we have thriv-
September to fill is Lake Orion’s Beginning in 2007, Perreault served as The failure, Carlson said earlier this ing businesses,” she said. “With that, we’ll
in after Lois new DDA director. Holly’s DDA Director. Her employment year, was something the board took into be able to do more events and try to at-
Golden was re- began in Lake Orion Jan. 4. consideration when dismissing her. tract people downtown.”
moved. In November 2009, Main Street Oak- In looking to the future, both Carlson Perreault also noted her enthusiasm for
“I think the DDA board has done the land County gave Perreault a “Guts and and Perreault have their sights set on the the new position.
right thing in making this move to hiring Determination” award, according to large streetscape project slated to begin “I think there’s a really great group of
this new director,” said Board President Carlson. Main Street is a national pro- this spring. people leading the DDA and village – I’m
Gene Carlson. “I think it’s going to be a gram focused on revitalizing historic com- “Holly was right in the middle of a really excited to get over there and get
great improvement for the DDA. As a munities. Lake Orion’s DDA participates streetscape project [when I started there] started,” she said.

Over Expo offers several avenues

45 Menu Items of assistance for job-seekers
To Choose From! Continued from page 3 can do to get my face on TV and
Of Lake Orion sell this community, I’m all for it,”
Try Our “I thought, ‘Wow, this is great,’” he said.
8 SnackPack Meals said Bill Kokones, a GM retiree who
attended a Hired on the Spot func-
Gibb said the township will set
up a booth to provide information to
5 Daily
under $ 4 tion at a local restaurant last year. businesses who may be looking to
Soups “At the time we didn’t know whether
the (Orion Township GM) plant was
going to stay open or not, and I
locate in the community.
Orion Township recently ap-
proved zoning for two industrial de-
thought ‘We have to find a way to velopment districts, and also offers
get the UAW involved in the com- tax incentives to incoming busi-
munity.” nesses in order to create a stronger
For a So Kokones, who also serves on tax base.And, hopefully, to bring jobs
Lim ited the Orion area Chamber of Com- to the community.
Time Only The Career Expo takes place
merce Board of Directors, and will
serve as the organization’s expo Wednesday, Jan. 27, from noon-5
We Specialize in Kids’ Birthday Parties in our Private Party Room for $5 per Child chair, started asking around. p.m. at the at the UAW Hall—Lo-
It wasn’t long before he had the cal 5960, located at 180 E. Silverbell
$ 00 $ 00 $ 00
1 Off Our New!
1 Off Our New!
1 Off
Our New!
support of Orion Township Supervi-
sor Matt Gibb.
Road in Orion Township. Admittance
is free.
Gibb, who’s scheduled to be at a For more information and an up-
Prime Rib Bleu Cheese & Prime Rib &
Bacon Salad Mushroom Sandwich conference during the event, said he’s dated list of employers attending, or
Sandwich
Based on purchase at regular menu price. Please Based on purchase at regular menu price. Please Based on purchase at regular menu price. Please making a special trip back to attend. for information for employers who
no substitutions. Not valid with any other offer. no substitutions. Not valid with any other offer.
no substitutions. Not valid with any other offer.
Limit one coupon per person per visit. Valid only Limit one coupon per person per visit. Valid only
at Lake Orion Culvers. Expires 2-28-10
Limit one coupon per person per visit. Valid only
at Lake Orion Culvers. Expires 2-28-10
“Anything I can do to get Orion would like to participate in the event,
at Lake Orion Culvers. Expires 2-28-10
back in the national news, anything I visit www.myfoxdetroit.com. Also
Located on Lapeer Road & Dutton (1/2 Mile N of the Palace) • 248-276-2222 visit www.hiredonthespot.com.
6 What’s The Biz -- Lake Orion -- February 2010

February business workshops offered by Oakland County Adopt a Park

Business owners and entrepreneurs
who need assistance are invited to at-
tend seminars in February, 2010 offered
by the Oakland County Business Cen-
ter. Business Basics workshops are
now offered in the evenings on alter-
nating months.
Pre-Business Research, Tues-
day, February 9, from 6:00 p.m. to
9:30 p.m. - Are you thinking of start-
ing your own business and want to re-
search your business idea?
Are you a business owner who
wants to understand which research
sources to use for your business plan
and where to find the information you
need?
Presented by The Oakland County
Business Center, The Entrepreneur’s
Source, Oakland County Market Re-
search Department, and a Business
Reference Librarian.
This workshop is free, but pre-reg-
istration is required.
Fundamentals of Starting a
Business, February 16, 2010 from
6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. is a seminar
for anyone thinking about going into
business.
Participants examine their entre-
preneurial skills, learn how to imple-
ment their ideas and receive a list of
pitfalls to avoid when starting a busi-
ness. The fee is $30. No refunds.
Fundamentals of Writing a
Business Plan Tuesday, February
23, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. is a
workshop for small business owners
who are developing a plan to serve as
their road map to success.
The fee is $40, which includes all
materials. No refunds.
Women’s Business Certifica-
tion (WBE) Orientation, Wednes-
day, February 24, 2010, 9:00 a.m.
to 11:00 a.m.- Learn about the ben-
efits and process of becoming a
Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE.)
Benefits include certification
to private sector WBE’s and access to
procurement opportunities with major
national companies.
For additional information visit
www.miceed.org. Presented by the
Michigan Women’s Business Council.
The fee is $25 (Please make checks
payable to C.E.E.D.). No refunds.
Small Business Loan Workshop
, Thursday, February 25, 2010, 9
a.m. to Noon- Getting a small busi-
ness loan can be a challenging process.
Learn the “5 C’s of Credit”, how
to develop a winning loan proposal and
what you need to know to position your
business to be “bankable” before you
meet with a lender.
Presented by The Service Corps
of Retired Executives (SCORE), U.S.
Small Business Administration (SBA)
and the Oakland County Business Cen-
ter.
The fee is $20 per person (Please
make checks payable to S.C.O.R.E.).
Includes: Handouts and SBA Source
Book. No refunds.
All classes held at the Oakland
County Executive Office Building Con-
ference Center, 2100 Pontiac Lake
Road, west of Telegraph, Waterford.
For pre-registration and location
specifics, visit our website at
oakgov.com/peds/calendar, or call
(248) 858-0783.
The Orion Township Parks and
Recreation Adopt a Park Program is
designed to encourage the community
to work hands-on to help keep Orion’s
Parks clean, safe, and attractive. Parks
and Recreation provides exceptional
programs and events for residents and
their families.
This is an opportunity to get in-
volved in the community in a way
that promotes civic pride, apprecia-
tion for park assets and provides an
awareness of programs, events and
special projects in our parks. Projects
and Programs include:
· Adopt a Garden
· Adopt a Tree
· Adopt a Trail
· Adopt a Bench
· Adopt a Camp or Program
· Adopt an Event
· Adopt a Concert
· Park Beautification Days
· Trail Days
· Adopt a Park
· Adopt a Playground
For more information, contact the
park office at 248-391-0304 or visit
www.oriontownship.org

James R. Porritt, Jr. Tenants of foreclosed property

ATTORNEY When a landlord defaults on the in- those instances where the mortgage is
30 Years Real Estate Experience stallment payments of a rental property, government sponsored.
the lender may foreclose The foreclosure sale purchasers of
Licensed Broker • Chairperson of County Bar R.E. Comm on its mortgage and, at such properties are required to give the
Member American & State Bar R.E. Sections the expiration of the re- tenants a minimum of 90 days notice to
248-693-6245 demption period, claim
possession of the prop-
vacate.
The pervious notice requirement way
erty. 30 days.
SIMPLE WILLS e Fr Tenants of the prop- The tenants are then still entitled to
• Self directed disposition of assets Con e Init erty may of may not be the protections of due process provided
sul ia
• Your choice of administrator tati l aware of the foreclosure by Michigan’s summary proceedings for
• Your choice of Guardian for minors on proceedings and sud- possession.
• Your choice of Trust for minors to be set up after your passing. denly find themselves Attorney James Tenants of foreclosed properties may
“Avoiding Probate” does not justify the cost or inconvenience of setting up a Living Trust and maintaining it for the facing eviction from R. Porritt, Jr. find themselves being threatened with
rest of your life. Michigan’s unsupervised probate procedure is inexpensive, uses preprinted forms, avoids formal their home despite having kept current expulsion by agents of the lender or fore-
accountings, court appearances, or approval of asset disposition. on their rents. closure sale purchaser.
In 2009, federal legislation was en- They should be aware of the legal pro-
acted to provide protection to tenants in tections available.
For Sale By Owner
TRANSACTION Short Sales
Procedures & Negotiations
• Advice, preparation of Purchase Agreement,
Mandatory Disclosures & related documents. If You Must Sell Your Home
Grow your business! Tell the
• Coordination of financing, inspections, surveys, And Cannot Without A community who you are and why they are the best .
appraisals, title work & closing Reduction In Your Mortgage . . make sure you’re in The Lake Orion Review’s
Cash To New Mortgage Transaction 1/2of 1% Balance, Call For An
Seller Financed Sales 1% annual business review, Progress 2010. Call Eric
Appointment.
(Land contracts, private mortgages, lease with option) at 248-628-4801 before it’s too late.
436 S. Broadway (M-24) , Suite C • Lake Orion

Presented by Loran S. Coffman CPhD, RFC
The value of life insurance trusts
An estate planning option more
families ought to know about
You may think of life insurance in very
simple terms: you buy a policy so that your
loved ones will have some financial assis-
tance when you die.
But if you
have assets of
$1 million or
more, you
should view life
insurance as a
tool – kind of a
Swiss army
knife, in fact.
Life insur-
ance has many
potential uses in
estate planning, Loran S. Coffman
and a life insur- WPS Investments
ance trust can
certainly help a family.
What does a life insurance trust
do? It enables you and your family to do
three things in particular.
One, it provides you, your spouse and
your heirs with life insurance coverage
after it is implemented.
Two, it allows a trustee to distribute
death benefits from a life insurance policy
as that trustee sees fit.
Three, it gives you the chance to re-
duce your estate taxes.
When you create a life insurance trust,
you are creating an entity (the trust) to
buy life insurance policies for you and your
loved ones.
You don’t own the policies, the trust
does. So the insurance proceeds go into
the trust when someone passes away. Be-
cause the trust owns the insurance poli-
cies instead of a person, the insurance pro-
ceeds aren’t subject to probate, income
taxes or estate taxes.
The trustee can distribute those pro-
ceeds to one or more parties as stipulated
in the language of the trust.
Also, if your estate ends up really large,
the trust can buy additional life insurance
to provide additional cash to pay additional
estate taxes.
Sometimes these trusts establish in-
vestment policies for life insurance pro-
ceeds, and even timelines for who receives
what when (families may want to delay
an heir from legally receiving an inherit-
ance until age 18 or 21, for example).
Why not just have someone else
February 2010 -- What’s The Biz -- Lake Orion 7
own my insurance policy? That scenario
can lead to major financial and familial
headaches. If that person dies before you
die, the cash value of the policy will be
included in their taxable estate. So the heirs
(and relatives) of that person will have
higher estate taxes to pay as a result. Also,
if you do this, you surrender control of
your policy; the loved one you trust could POH Regional Medical Center Lake Orion office is now located at 1240 South
end up naming another beneficiary or even Lapeer in Orion Township.
cashing your policy out.
A decision for life. Almost all life in-
surance trusts are irrevocable trusts. That
is, they are legally “set in stone” once cre-
Just across town...
POH Regional Medical Center Lake Township. On hand to cut the ribbon was
ated, unlike a revocable trust which can
Orion office held a ribbon cutting cer- Orion Township Supervisor Matthew
be amended or revoked after creation.
emony Monday, Dec. 7 to celebrate the Gibb.
You can make these trusts revocable,
but if you do, you lose the tax benefit: the move into their new office. Also in attendance was the local
insurance proceeds will be included in your After 12 years in the Village of Lake cable television company, ONTV, who
taxable estate when you die, which could Orion, Dr. Richard Cohen, Dr. Gary will feature the ribbon cutting ceremony
increase the estate tax bill for your heirs. Holloway and Dr. Diana Cohen are now on their monthly Lake Orion Living pro-
However, some irrevocable life insur- located at 1240 South Lapeer in Orion gram.
ance trusts purchase survivorship life in-
surance in a profit sharing plan to permit
the ability to change beneficiaries.
If you’d like to know more about life
insurance trusts or the potentially signifi-
cant changes in estate taxes over the next
few years, talk to a qualified legal, finan-
cial or insurance professional today.
Loran S. Coffman representativename
is a Representative with H. Beck, Inc. and
may be reached on the web at
www.WPSinvestments.com, by phone
(248) 693-5599, or by email
advisor@WPSinvestments.com. See
“The Science of Financial Health”,
Coffman’s exclusive weekly financial
column on the web every Wednesday
at www.LakeOrionReview.com.
Loran S. Coffman, CPhD, RFC
These views are those of the author and WPS-Investments Inc.
should not be construed as investment, tax or
legal advice. Past performance is no guarantee Stone Pine Complex
of future results. All information is believed to 189 W. Clarkston Rd.
be from reliable sources; however we make no Lake Orion, MI 48362
representation as to its completeness or accu-
racy. Please consult your Investment, Tax and/
or Legal Advisor for further information and
248-693-5599
advice about application to your specific cir- www.WPSinvestments.com
cumstances. Researched and authored by Lo-
ran S. Coffman & Peter Montoya, Incorporated.
Securities offered through H. Beck, Inc.
Member FINRA, SIPC. Investment advisory
services offered through M.R.Spencer Advisory
Services, LLC. WPS-Investments, Inc. is unaf-
filiated with H. Beck, Inc. Branch address of
WPS is 189 W. Clarkston Rd., Bldg. A, Lake
Orion, MI 48362
8 What’s The Biz -- Lake Orion -- February 2010
Celebrate the new year with
some extra cash in your pocket
Get 1 percent cash back, when you
transfer a balance of $500 - $10,000 from
another credit card to a Michigan Catholic
Credit Union VISA® Credit Card.
Personal finance publications and fi-
nancial advisers, like Suze Orman, are
touting the benefits of using a credit card
issued by a credit union over credit cards
issued by major banks.
If you don’t already have an MCCU
VISA, start the New Year by enjoying these
benefits right away. In addition to the on-
going 1 percent cash rebate, the MCCU
VISA has: Low Fixed Rates • No Balance
Transfer Fees • No Annual Fee No Cash
Advance Fees • A Generous 10 Day Grace
Period • A Great Bonus Point Program.
Plus, if you use your card at least five
times before February 28, 2010, you will
automatically be entered into a fantastic
drawing!*
Two winners will have 100,000
ScoreCard Bonus Points added to their
card. Redeem the points for as many as
four (4) round trip airline tickets, travel
packages or name brand merchandise.
Just think what you could do with
100,000 bonus points.
Get your own MCCU VISA and re-
ward yourself in 2010. For more infor-
mation, call Diane Leier, Lake Orion
Branch Manager, at 248.693.3400, ext.
1500, stop by the Lake Orion branch at
845 South Lapeer Road, or visit online at
www.michcathcu.org today.
*Rules for 2009/2010 VISA Holiday ScoreCard Bonus
Points Drawing: You will be automatically entered
into the drawing when you use your MCCU VISA Credit
Card to make purchases, transfers or cash advances
between January 1, 2010 and February 28, 2010.
Cardholder(s) must have made at least five transac-
tions with their MCCU Credit Card during this period
Landfill gas created at Eagle Valley is
under one VISA credit card account Number. The trans- converted into green energy to heat
actions may be a combination of purchases and cash homes or power local businesses.
advances. MCCU employees, Board of Directors, and
relatives are unable to participate in the drawing. Must
be at least 18 years old to qualify for the drawing.
Prize: The two winners receive 100,000 VISA
ScoreCard Bonus Points issued to their VISA Credit
Card. No cash redemptions, substitutions, transfers of
prizes allowed. Limit one prize per MCCU Member
Eagle Valley: Employer, recycler,
Number. Winners may appear in future Michigan
Catholic Credit Union’s marketing campaigns. Draw-
ing Date: Two winners will be drawn at random and will
take place March 1, 2010. Winners will be notified by
and green energy producer
phone or mail on or before March 2, 2010. Waste Management is the nation’s helps power the General Motors Lake
leading environmental services provider, Orion Manufacturing Facility and plays
company officials say, with a local pres- an important role in the company’s
ence in Orion Township at the Eagle Val- “green” effort.
ley Recycling and Disposal Facility. By utilizing landfill gas from Eagle
Eagle Valley is more than a landfill. Valley, General Motors is able to offset
Eagle Valley is a the burning of 60,000
local employer, recy- tons of coal a year, a
cler and green en- silent but important
ergy producer. component in bring-
The Eagle Valley ing the production of
Recycling and Dis- the Chevy Volt to
posal facility is an in- Orion Township and
tegral part of the preserving thou-
“green” effort in sands of local jobs.
Orion Township. In 2010 Eagle
Eagle Valley Valley representa-
helps the community tives will be working
recycle by taking with community
electronic waste and members to develop
h o u s e h o l d a Wildlife Manage-
recyclables six days a week during nor- ment Team and apply for certification
mal business hours. as a Wildlife Habitat through the Wild-
The landfill’s state-of-the-art design life Habitat Council.
uses the industry’s best available tech- Across the nation, Waste Manage-
nology to protect the environment and ment has committed over 24,000 acres
produce energy. of wildlife habitat at 73 of our landfill
As solid waste naturally decom- facilities throughout the United States
poses in landfills, it produces landfill gas. through the Wildlife Habitat Council’s
Modern landfills, such as Eagle Val- certification program.
ley, capture the gas and convert it into The Eagle Valley Recycling and Dis-
green energy to heat homes or power posal Facility staff offers onsite tours
local businesses. and offsite presentations on the 5 Rs –
Green energy from Eagle Valley Continued on page 11

Is the economy improving?
You hear it on the radio and see
it on the news – “the economy is im-
proving.”
Yet you look around and see
housing foreclo-
sures in your neigh-
borhood. The news
reports record un-
employment levels
continue to be “the
norm” in Michigan.
There is evi-
dence that the
economy is show- Carolyn Chevrier
ing signs of im- is president of
provement, but the Lakes Community
changes, unfortu- Credit Union.
nately, won’t turn
the economy around overnight.
While we wait for the positive
changes to take effect, many people
continue to face the challenge of liv-
ing on a tight budget. Monthly bill pay-
ments start getting paid late, or not at
all.
Loss of employment is a common
reason why individuals and families
fall behind in their mortgage and credit
card payments.
But unemployment isn’t the only
thing that can cause financial hard-
ships - unexpected family changes in-
cluding divorce and death, unex-
pected medical bills and even car and
house repairs could end up causing a
lot of pressure to your “bottom line.”
Some people start paying their
bills by charging their credit cards up
to their limit, only to end up with
higher monthly payments and poten-
tial fees.
Credit card rate hikes only add
Waste Management
Continued from page 10
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Respect and
Recover the Resource — to help edu-
cate the community on how to be more
sustainable.
From environmental protection to
green energy production to partnering
with communities, our work is not just
about garbage.
When you “think green,” think
Waste Management and the Eagle Val-
ley Recycling and Disposal Facility.
Eagle Valley Recycling and Dis-
posal Facility is located at 600 W. Silver
February 2010 -- What’s The Biz -- Lake Orion 9
COOL WINTER
Specials
more misery to the situation.
You may even feel the cash
crunch yourself – what can you do
to help avoid financial distress?
If you realize that you are going
to start falling behind on your mort- Help jumpstart the
gage payments, the first thing you
should do is call your lender.
Start Saving auto industry with a
with our
Don’t ignore the problem or ig- New/Used
nore letters from your lender – this 18 month CD
will often make the situation worse. Special as Car Loan
Be careful to avoid foreclosure
prevention companies that charge 1.5% APY * low
as 4.5% APR*
fees to help you avoid foreclosure – (2008, 2009 & 2010)
fees you could be using to make a *Limited time
mortgage payment. offer - restrictions
Beware of firms that claim they apply, stop in or
can stop your foreclosure by signing call today for more
information
the title to your house over to them –
you could end up being a renter in
your own home. 350 N. Park Blvd. (Lapeer Rd.)
Never sign any legal documents
without reading and understanding the Lake Orion
terms and getting professional advice
from an attorney.
248-814-4000
There are also many credit coun-
seling services that can help you cre-
ate a budget to help you get a better www.LakesCommunityCU.org
understanding of where your income
is going and how you can survive
Mark Your
Your
4
through these times with the re-
sources you have.
Again – be careful to work with
a reputable firm, find out what fees
they charge and get more than one
opinion.
Calendars
Lakes Community Credit Union
offers our membership free financial
3 Great Special Sections
counseling services through
“ACCEL.”
That Will Be Sure To
Looking forward to positive Increase Your Business
changes in 2010!
Bell Road and is open from 8 a.m. to 4
p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m.
4 The Big Deal February 2010
Inserted In The Ad-Vertiser
to noon on Saturday.
To schedule an educational presen-
tation or landfill tour, or if you have ques-
tions about the recycling services of-
4 Progress March
2010
The Lake Orion Review & Oxford Leader
fered at the facility., contact Eagle Val-
ley at 248-391-0990 .
Waste Management was the Lake
Orion area Chamber of Commerce
January luncheon winner for this
4 Spring April
Section
The Lake Orion Review & Oxford Leader
free feature in the Orion Review's
What's the Biz. If you're a Chamber
Call Your Ad Representative Today
member, be sure to enter our monthly
drawing at the next luncheon meet- For More Details
ing so you can tell the community
about your business. 248-628-4801
10 What’s The Biz -- Lake Orion -- February 2010

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