Twice a year in our area we get a rush of students that would rather build equity in a house than pay rent. While that is some great thinking it's not for everyone and not as easy as one would think. First there are the University rules. You should always start there and see if you qualify to live off campus. If you do, the next step is chat with a lender. Actually that should read "chat with several lenders". There are so many programs out there when house hunting to get the most up to date info try two or three different banks and see what options you have. Now we have an idea of how much house to look for we need to find a great Realtor®. Couple things to watch for when picking an agent. First, make sure they are FULL TIME. Nothing is more frustrating than waiting for your agent to g... 06/26/2010

Another "To Do" if you are in the Big Rapids Area is to try some golf at Katke Golf Course right behind the Holiday Inn on Perry St in Big Rapids, MI. They have an awesome driving range for those just wanting to hit a bucket of balls and I can tell you from experience if you want to take your game to the next level chat with the golf Pro Aaron Waltz. There are very few people I meet that will ever make into a blog but Aaron is one of a kind. I had a Realtor Golf outing coming up and having never played golf before I thought I would try the range. After scaring everyone in the immediate area I decided a golf lesson might help. I contacted Aaron and we agreed to meet next morning. He set up his video recorders and just watched for a few while I hacked a few golf balls and then told me how... 06/25/2010

June 24th at 7:30am will be this months Rise and Shine, and this month we will be at Holiday Inn right on Perry St in Big Rapids, MI. The Holiday Inn always puts on a great rise and shine. For those who don't know the Big Rapids Holiday Inn Hotel and Conference Center recently purchased luxurious beds, bedding and Showers,we provide all of our guests with the comforts of home as well as the necessary services for successful business meetings. They also provide "Pick up and Go" catering through the sales office for any home or business office meetings or parties! Bennigan's Grill & Tavern is our on-site restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner in a relaxed and fun atmosphere, as well as room service to all of their guests. The Holiday Inn Hotel & Conference Center has an indoor he... 06/22/2010

The Mecosta County Medical Center Auxiliary has invited everyone to the 52nd Annual Ice Cream Social, at Centennial Triangle Park at 605 Oak St here in Big Rapids, MI this Thursday, June 24th from 6pm to 9pm. The MCMC Auxiliary will present their Health Career Scholarship recipients. This event funds the scholarships so area students can carry on the great tradition of advanced care with a personal touch. There also will be a concert by the FSU Community Band and STAGE M mini presentation from their production of 'Annie'. No cost to attend just buy lots of ice cream. Thursday looks to be good to go weather wise so it sounds like the place to be, see you there. 06/21/2010

The 7th annual WCAR Golf Outing will be at at Falcon Head in Big Rapids, MI and promises to be a great event. The golf outing is open to anyone... $50 to play 18 hole scramble. Sack lunch and steak dinner provided. Hole prizes, door prizes and raffle. All proceeds go to the scholarship given away in October. While I have tried the driving range at Falcon Head, I have never played the course so this will be my opportunity to give it a shot. This will be my second time golfing ever so it should prove to be interesting at least. Sounds like a great time for a great cause. See you there. 10am sign in/ 11am Shotgun start.   06/14/2010

Another great "To Do" when in Big Rapids is the Big Country Colgate Showdown to be held at the Big Rapids Band Shell Saturday June 12th starting at 4pm. WWBR Big Country 100.9 is putting on this event and so far there are over 15 entrants so if you like Country Music this is a "Must Do" for you. The Band Shell is located behind the Middle School which is on the North end of Michigan Ave. You can also access it from Hemlock Park by just walking across the footbridge. This is a totally FREE event! For more information on this event Jacob Schwind with WWBR Big Country at (231) 796-7000 06/08/2010

Saturday June 12, 2010 is the date for the 5th annual Catch-A-Fish, Grant-A-Wish Fishing Tournament at Hemlock Park in Big Rapids, MI This fishing tournament is another area "To Do" here in Big Rapids. The tournament is held during the DNR's Free Fishing Weekend, so no licenses are required! Bring your own pole & tackle and get set for a day of great outdoor fun! The first 50 registered participants will receive FREE tournament t-shirts and fishing bait. Starts at 9am and runs until noon. All children must be accompanied and supervised by an adult. Pre-registered anglers are  $8 each and those registering the day of the event will be $10 each. All proceeds will be going to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan. For more information on how to sign up call 231-796-7640 Prizes will be awa... 06/08/2010

This months Business after hours will be hosted by Silvernail Realty right here in Big Rapids. Owner Sue Glatz is having a riverfront BBQ for all Chamber Members and their employees. Silvernail Realty has relocated and the new office is at 17810 205th ave which is just North of the airport in Big Rapids. Business After Hours will be from 5pm to 6:30pm. BAH is another great event offered to Chamber Members by the Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce. You can RSVP directly by calling the Chamber at (231) 796-7649. Hope to see you there. 06/07/2010

Another great "To Do" to add to your list. Saturday and Sunday June 5th and 6th from 10am to 10pm at beautiful Mitchell Creek Park in Downtown Big Rapids, Artworks in Big Rapids is proud to present the 2nd Annual Clay, Art and Fire Fest and the good news is: You are invited! This is a free event open to the public and will include live demonstrations from nationally known potters who will be coming to Big Rapids from all over the United States. In addition to learning all about pottery there will be lots of other activities going on. This is a must do event for not just Mom and Dad, but the kids too as there will be something for everyone. Local bands will be playing starting around noon both days and if your get hungry vendors will be there with your food fix. This is your chance to fi... 06/03/2010

Snyder's Market in Big Rapids As part of a localism campaign to help people become acquainted with Big Rapids we have to include Snyder's Market. You will find the owner, Kraig Snyder, there most everyday working on what's for dinner. They have an all star line up on the lunch with some of my favorites being the Pulled Pork, BBQ brisket, Philly Cheese Steak and Prime Rib sandwiches or you can order by the pound for that family event or picnic. They smoke their own pork and beef and make their own sausages along with Potato salad, Macaroni salad, Loaded Potato salad, Cole Slaw, Smokey Baked Beans, Spinach Dip, Salsas, and Hummus. They also offer smoked fish and have a great selection of sliced cheeses. Another service of Snyder's Market is their catering service which I have had the plea... 05/28/2010

Another Bob Evans Rise and Shine!   Seems like just a couple months ago we the members of the business world her in Big Rapids were treated to a Rise and Shine by Bob Evans restaurant. Probably because it was March when we last had the opportunity to learn about this business.  Ride and Shine Events are something the Mecosta County Chamber of Commerce put together to help area businesses learn about each other and how we can work together to help each other grow. Bob Evans is not only one of my favorite spots for a Rise and Shine but for the most part my wife and I's daily routine. We stop in most everyday and enjoy the family feeling you get when you first walk through the door and who know's maybe Deborah will sing for you. I am off to the Rise and Shine. Hope to see you there. 05/26/2010

Wheatlake Wellness and Cancer Walk   I have posted a few times on the River Walk here in Big Rapids, MI. Covering over 2 Miles of scenic splendor along the Muskegon River and just a great way to spend a few hours relaxing. Well if you have been tempted but looking for a reason, HERE IT IS! Saturday May 22, 2010 from 9am until around lunch the Susan P Wheatlake Cancer and Wellness Center is having a Walk/Run to raise support for the Center. What a great cause and a even better way to show support. Registration is at 9am at the Comstock House which is at 414 Maple St just East of the Post Office. All proceeds from the walk/fun run will support the Susan P. Wheatlake Cancer and Wellness Center in its efforts to provide comprehensive assistance to those seeking cancer and wellness informati... 05/20/2010

Check out The Rock Cafe on campus at Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan. It is open to the public!  This is a great place to eat - or have a meeting or group dinner in the private dining room.  This huge restaurant has several different buffet-style areas, including international dishes, a Mongolian BBQ grill where you custom pick your ingredients, wood-fired pizza grill, morning breakfast buffet and all for one price, including beverages!                                We had breakfast at $5.50.  Dinners are $7 as of 5-4-2010.  No tipping either! Summer 2010 hours are 7am to 8pm, seven days a week! Campus dining areas map: http://www.ferris.edu/dining/MealPlans/Map.html   Request to reserve the free private dining room area: http://www.ferris.edu/dining/contact/dining_priv... 05/06/2010

Ribbon Cutting at Michigan Works in Big Rapids Tuesday May 4th, 2010 at 4pm there was a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Michigan Works building just South of Ferris in Big Rapids, MI. Along with the Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce Members and Ambassadors the were representatives from several business people who will be sharing the building with Michigan Works. Here is a link to the Michigan Works website and once there if you click on Big Rapids it will take you to the Workforce Connection. The remodel turned out amazing. The only remnants of BRB (the bowling alley that used to be there) are a couple of bowling lanes used for wainscoting and the gutters which were cut in have and used as moldings at the ceiling. The building is huge and there is ample space for everyone with... 05/04/2010

Big Rapids Welcomes Vern's Wooden Nickel There's a new store in town and it's name is Vern's Wooden Nickel. Located in the Plaza just South of Ferris, it is convenient to both local traffic and people coming in off the expressway. Anyone who is familiar with Sand Lake can tell you Vern's Wooden Nickel is the place to go when looking for a deal on groceries and tools. The Big Rapids location is going to be primarily half off groceries which should be a huge hit with the Ferris students always looking for a bargain. With a quick walk through I picked up numerous items that amazed me how cheap they were. Same great quality brand names just cheaper to buy. While today was their opening I expect a Grand Opening in the near future and will keep you posted. Stop by and who knows...I might see ... 05/01/2010

Big Rapids Homes For Rent   One of the most frequent calls I get are for rentals in the Big Rapids area. While I do not personally have any to rent out I quite often can point you in the right direction. I have even thought about contacting the local landlords and compiling a list for my website for those who would rather rent than own. Why would you pay another person thousands of dollars a year building no equity escapes me but there are those that renting is a better fit and to be a true housing specialist we have to also have basic knowledge of the rentals in our area. There are three main players in the rental business here in Big Rapids. Harry's Rentals, Chapman Housing and Dawghouses,com , All three have student rentals as well as for families. Pioneer Newspaper and Craig's List ... 04/25/2010

Big Rapids Student Housing Specialist   If you are attending or planning to attend Ferris State University and looking to get away from the rental scenery we can help. There are many issues surrounding students living off campus that you will need an experienced agent to help guide you through including Zoning, Parking, and even renting extra rooms to friends requires a different approach. Located in downtown Big Rapids we are familiar with the area and can guide you through the process of finding the right home, negotiating the contracts and finally helping you to close on your new home. The time to find out about issues that will affect you is BEFORE you purchase and we are here to help. If you are in the area and would like to discuss how easy it is to be the landlord instead of payi... 04/21/2010

Ten Must Do's When in Big Rapids   Located about 50 miles North of Grand Rapids, Mi just off Exit 139 on US131 lies a great place to live. You call it Big Rapids, I call it home. If you ever are in the Big Rapids area there are a number of ways to spend a day. One of my favorites is looking at houses with me. lol. Ok for some that may not be on your agenda, so here is a list of 10 things you must do when visiting Big Rapids: Check out our Riverwalk. You can spend a few minutes or pretty much an entire afternoon walking Riverwalk. Starts at Maple Street Bridge and goes over 2 1/2 miles of paved walk paths along the Muskegon River. Ends at Northend Riverside Park which is our number #2 of must do's. Find a hidden treasure. Way out to the end of Fourth Street lies Northend Riverside Park. ... 04/11/2010

Schuberg's Bar Downtown Big Rapids Having an office in downtown Big Rapids has certain advantages. One of them is I am next door to Schuberg's Bar where my favorite Flat Iron Steak is served medium rare and ready in about ten minutes. My wife loves the fries and the Philly Dip and I have to admit she has something there. Another favorite of mine is a huge bowl of chili with cheese and onions on top. The only think better than the food there is the service. The minute you walk in you feel like you have always went there and everyone from the owner down treat you like a long lost friend. Whether it is a Schuburger and a beer or a Flat Iron Steak and a Coke they have it ready for you in less time than it takes to get through a drive through lane. Schuberg's Bar is a must stop if you are ev... 02/25/2010

Artworks in Downtown Big Rapids   Next stop in sharing of the businesses in Big Rapids, MI should be ArtWorks which is so popular that even just putting artworks into Google even they have them number One. My wife and I have been followers of ArtWorks for a while now and they just keep finding new ways to impress us. Whenever you get feeling like you know everything there is to know about an area you learn something new. ArtWorks is one of those places. The local talent we have here in Big Rapids will amaze you as you walk through the gallery. When we attended the Grand Re-Opening we knew they were on to something when all three floors were filled with people enjoying the art. There is a dance studio in the lower level that was teaching ball room dancing when we stopped by. Who knew rig... 02/21/2010