The Business Beat - by Howell Area COC

34: Celebrating Small Business Week: Building Business and Community

Janelle and Dianne sit down with Stu Strahan of Fastest Labs and Beth Smith of Beth Smith Couture to celebrate Small Business Week. They share how personal connections, community support, and perseverance have shaped their entrepreneurial journeys, offering insights, advice, and encouragement to join your local chamber of commerce and tap into the valuable resources, networking, and support it provides for business growth.
 
01:08 Meet Beth Smith: The Fashion Innovator
04:21 Stu Strahan: From Construction to Drug Testing
08:00 Entrepreneurial Wins and Woes
12:18 The Power of Community and Networking
16:03 Finding Support in Entrepreneurship
22:12 Celebrating Wins and Building Relationships
30:30 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
 
Thank you to the sponsors of this episode:
Brighton Ford - https://www.brightonford.com 
Lake Trust Credit Union - https://laketrust.org
 
Show Links
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/howellchamber
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/howellareachamber/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/howell-area-chamber-of-comm/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/HowellChamber
YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfP1T-4lCgHMu8ZhxtEOTyw
Website- https://howell.org/
 
Guest Links
Get to know Beth's work!
Beth Smith Couture
Website: https://bethsmithcouture.com/
X: https://x.com/threesheeps
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/bethsmithcouture/_created/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeEeqkMiv3Doo4Ma8nmjfcQ
 
Get to know Stu’s work!
Brighton Website: https://www.fastestlabs.com/brighton/
Brighton Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FastestLabsBrighton
Brighton Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fastestlabs_brighton/
Brighton LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fastest-labs-of-brighton/
Brighton Yelp Reviews: https://www.yelp.com/biz/fastest-labs-of-brighton-howell
Brighton Email: brighton@fastestlabs.com 
Brighton Phone: (810) 255-0209 
Ann Arbor Website: https://www.fastestlabs.com/ann-arbor/
Ann Arbor Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FastestLabsAnnArbor
Ann Arbor Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fastestlabs_annarbor/
Ann Arbor LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fastest-labs-of-ann-arbor/
Ann Arbor Email: annarbor@fastestlabs.com 
Ann Arbor Phone: (734) 499-0539 
X: https://x.com/FastestLabs
Email: stu.strahan@fastestlabs.com 

33: Elevating Tourism and Economic Growth in Livingston County

Janelle and Dianne are joined by Mary Robinson, Executive Director of Explore Brighton Howell Area, who shares insights on how Livingston County is positioning itself as a top Michigan destination. From the Certified Tourism Ambassador program to data-driven marketing strategies, Mary discusses the efforts to enhance visitor experiences, attract new events, and boost the local economy. With a focus on both residents and visitors, the region is evolving to meet the changing tourism landscape and stay competitive in a value-conscious market.
 
Thank you to the sponsors of this episode:
Bob Maxey Ford - https://www.bobmaxeyfordhowell.com/
NorthStar IT - https://northstarit.org/
 
Show Links
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/howellchamber
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/howellareachamber/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/howell-area-chamber-of-comm/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/HowellChamber
YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfP1T-4lCgHMu8ZhxtEOTyw
Website- https://howell.org/
 
Guest Links
Website: https://edclivingston.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/explorebha
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explorebrightonhowellarea/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/explorebrightonhowellarea/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@explorebha?lang=en
Pintrest: https://www.pinterest.com/explorebha/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKHdyZPVc2UOFauDuyemoEg
Email: mary@explorebha.com

32: Building a Brighter Future for Livingston County

In this episode, Janelle and Dianne are joined by Marcia Gebaroski, Director of Business Development, for Livingston County's Economic Development Council (EDC), a public-private partnership driving sustainable growth. Learn as they discuss how the EDC collaborates with local organizations to attract suitable industries, support job creation, and plan for future generations. Tune in to hear about their evolving strategy to build a knowledge-based economy and their efforts to ensure the county thrives through innovative partnerships and regional funding opportunities.
 
Thank you to the sponsors of this episode:
Brighton Ford - https://www.brightonford.com
Lake Trust Credit Union - https://laketrust.org
 
Show Links
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/howellchamber
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/howellareachamber/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/howell-area-chamber-of-comm/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/HowellChamber
YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfP1T-4lCgHMu8ZhxtEOTyw
Website- https://howell.org/
 
Guest Links
Website: https://edclivingston.org 

31: The Importance Of Leadership Growth, Coaching and Community

Get ready for another episode of The Business Beat, where this time, Janelle and Dianne are joined by Caryn Bedford, of Caryn Bedford Consulting, to explore entrepreneurship, leadership, and career development. Karen shares her journey from university administration at Michigan State to founding her consulting firm, focusing on leadership coaching and professional growth. Learn about the power of coaching, the importance of self-awareness in leadership, and the impact of programs like Leadership Livingston, which fosters civic engagement and personal development. If you struggle with overcoming obstacles, building community, and embracing change in leadership, you do not want to miss this episode!
 
Thank you to the sponsors of this episode:
Bank of Ann Arbor - https://www.bankofannarbor.com
Wayne Media Group - https://waynemedia.com
 
Show Links
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/howellchamber
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/howellareachamber/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/howell-area-chamber-of-comm/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/HowellChamber
YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfP1T-4lCgHMu8ZhxtEOTyw
Website- https://howell.org/
 
Guest Links
Website: https://carynbedfordconsulting.com/
 
Helpful Resources
Leadership Livingston Application: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeOqV-zulzkEBY1GMyJo2j2Ha8r40zz3CD5evX9aaWxfygmeA/viewform?usp=dialog

30: Building Up Local Entrepreneurs, One Business At A Time

Join Janelle Smith and Dianne Samples as they sit down with Sharla Horton, coordinator at the Livingston Business Hub. She shares insights into the hub’s mission to empower entrepreneurs. From offering co-working spaces and specialized programs, to hosting networking events and business boot camps, the hub is a crucial resource for local startups. Sharla discusses how the hub encourages collaboration, combats the isolation of home working, and supports businesses as they navigate challenges and growth. Check out this episode for a look at Sharla’s exciting plans for 2025, including leadership programs and new resources for aspiring entrepreneurs! 
 
Thank you to the sponsors of this episode:
Cleary University: https://www.cleary.edu
Acrisure: https://www.acrisure.com/?utm_source=platform&utm_medium=greatlakes
 
Show Links
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/howellchamber
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/howellareachamber/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/howell-area-chamber-of-comm/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/HowellChamber
YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfP1T-4lCgHMu8ZhxtEOTyw
Website- https://howell.org/
 
Guest Links
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharla-horton
Email: shorton@howell.org
 
Helpful Resources
Website: https://mismallbusiness.org

29: Athena's Empowering Women Leaders, and Coming to Livingston

Join Janelle Smith and Dianne Samples as they sit down with Traci Costa, President and CEO of Athena International, for an inspiring conversation about leadership, mentorship, and empowerment. In this episode, you'll learn how Athena International is partnering with the Howell Chamber and Lake Trust Credit Union to launch its transformative programs as Livingston Athena. 
 
Discover Traci’s diverse career journey and how it led her to champion Athena’s mission of supporting women leaders and fostering youth development. Whether you're a seasoned leader or an emerging one, this episode offers valuable insights into the programs and resources that Athena brings to the table. Don’t miss this exciting look into how Livingston County will benefit from this empowering partnership!
 
Thank you to the sponsors of this episode:
Randall Residence: https://www.randallresidence.com/senior-living/mi/brighton/grand-river-rd/
LaFontaine Cadillac: https://www.lafontainecadillac.com/
Jonna’s Market: https://www.jonnasmarket.com/
 
Show Links
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/howellchamber
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/howellareachamber/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/howell-area-chamber-of-comm/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/HowellChamber
YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfP1T-4lCgHMu8ZhxtEOTyw
Website- https://howell.org/
 
Guest Links
Website: https://www.athenainternational.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ATHENAInternational
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athena_international/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/athena-international/

28: Reflection On The Election And Looking To The Future

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the 2024 election results through the lens of polling, voter trends and campaign strategies. Our guest, John Sellek, CEO of Harbor Strategic examines whether the polls accurately predicted the election’s outcome and what unexpected shifts emerged. Insights also include valuable takeaways for candidates, and how they could shape campaign strategies for the 2026 gubernatorial race and other key positions.
 
Thank you to the sponsors of this episode:
Jonna’s Market: https://www.jonnasmarket.com/
Randall Residence: https://www.randallresidence.com/senior-living/mi/brighton/grand-river-rd/
 
Show Links
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/howellchamber
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/howellareachamber/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/howell-area-chamber-of-comm/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/HowellChamber
YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfP1T-4lCgHMu8ZhxtEOTyw
Website- https://howell.org/
 
Guest Links
Website: https://www.harborstrategic.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarborStrategic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harborstrategic/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/harborstrategic/
X: https://x.com/HarborStrategic

27: Consulting with Impact

In this episode, Janelle and Dianne sit down with business consultant Jason Tracey to explore his journey into the world of consulting. Jason shares how the support of others propelled him forward and highlights the critical role of delegation in achieving success. Tune in to discover how his approach not only transforms businesses but also positively impacts those around him.
 
Thank you to the sponsors of this episode:
LaFontaine Cadillac: https://www.lafontainecadillac.com/
HUB International: https://www.hubinternational.com/
Bank of Ann Arbor: https://www.bankofannarbor.com/
 
Show Links
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/howellchamber
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/howellareachamber/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/howell-area-chamber-of-comm/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/HowellChamber
YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfP1T-4lCgHMu8ZhxtEOTyw
Website- https://howell.org/
 
Guest Links
Website: https://www.roar.consulting
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jtroarconsult
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/roarconsultinginc/
Tik Tok: tiktok.com/@coffeeandgritpodcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-tracey?trk=org-employees
Email: jasontracey@roar.consulting
Phone: (810) 522-8931