The SBSH Scoop | Marketing Bootcamp Coming Right Up!
Only a few seats left for this fast‑moving, high‑impact workshop with marketing strategist Matt Monte.
In just 3.5 hours, you’ll cut through the noise and build a practical marketing plan that actually fits your business. Together, you’ll refine your audience, sharpen your message, and map out clear next steps for reaching customers—plus gain direct insight and connections with Matt himself.
Walk in with questions. Walk out with focus, direction, and a plan you can put to work immediately.
Wednesday, April 15, 8:30am-noon
2345 Meridian Road, Sault Ste Marie MI 48987
Business Spotlights | Belonga Plumbing, Heating and Excavation
Things are really flowing for Belonga Plumbing & Heating in St. Ignace!
With help from a Small Business Support Hub direct grant, the team invested in a high‑tech long throw press tool kit, making copper pipe connections faster and more efficient—an absolute game‑changer in a trade where, let’s face it, almost everything feels like an emergency.
They also upgraded their office setup with a brand‑new desktop computer for their project manager with the grant investment. Now estimates, quotes, and parts research move as smoothly as a fresh running water system.
Belonga’s 16‑member crew keeps things humming year‑round with plumbing, heating, and excavation projects across St. Ignace and on Mackinac Island. Spring brings their busiest season as they help open up vacation homes and prepare for the summer surge.
Remember, when it comes to service in the Eastern U.P., Belonga Plumbing & Heating really pipes up for its customers! (groaner of a pun… :/)
Need help keeping things running right?
Call (906) 643‑9595
Stop by at 115 Elliott Street in St. Ignace
SMART Session #6 | Get Your Team Working Smarter Together
Ready to put your heads together—literally? In this upbeat 3.5‑hour session, team expert Diane Ratigan‑Schmidt will guide you through a Whole‑Brain Framework that reveals your team’s hidden strengths and sneaky blind spots.
You’ll see how different thinking styles connect (and sometimes collide) and walk out with clear, doable ways to work in sync. Because when every brain’s in the game, teamwork really clicks!
Wednesday, May 6, 8:30am-Noon
Sault Ste Marie Economic Development Offices, 2345 Meridian, Sault Ste Marie
Your Turn | How Are We Doing?
You’re out there running businesses, juggling everything from inventory to snowbanks — so you know better than anyone what works, what doesn’t, and what you wish we’d do next.
Help us make our programming and communications even better.
Totally anonymous. Zero pressure.
Got a minute? Share what you are thinking.
And yes, we appreciate compliments but would hear criticism with a humble and grateful heart too!
People in the Know | Your Local Economic Development Peeps
Here are more people you can connect with when you are looking for resources and connections.
- Bob Sawruk - Sault Tribe - RSawruk@saulttribe.net
- Chris Olson - Chippewa County - admin@chippewacountyedc.com
- Nikki Radke - City of Sault Ste Marie - nradke@saultcity.com
- Miche Rayment - EUP region at large (and Mackinac County) - Miche@HeadwatersNorth.org
- Tammy Henry - Luce County - director@lucecoedc.com
- Tara Parrish - Bay Mills Indian Community - tparrish@baymills.org