Your Downtown Connection October 2018

Contact Us: 517-647-5027 tinacw@portland-michigan.org

What is Portland Prime? It’s a gift certificate that

can be purchased 24/7 online and printed to gift, or emailed to the person you’re gifting almost instantly. It’s a way to support our local businesses, who themselves support everything we love about our community.

$5 * $10 * $20 * $25 purchase yours online at

Available instantly to print or email

It’s the perfect gift. Whoever you gift it to gets to choose where they spend it. Food, Fitness, Fun, Services, we’ve got it all.

Friends, Staff, Family, Clients, Neighbors

They’ll each appreciate your thoughtfulness!

Coming Soon: Business in a Box—

“Worlds most Trusted-Library of Business Templates”

Portland Downtown has partnered with the Portland District Library to offer a software program to business owners in the community. “Business in a Box” will give business owners up-to-date documents, templates, and standard business processes that will assist in moving their business forward. All documents are professionally formatted with

fill in the blank options. “Business in a Box” offers over 1,800 document templates focusing on Planning and Management, Sales and Marketing, Human Resource, Finances and Accounting, Internet and Technology, as well as Operations and Logistics. Having templates, some industry specific for forms, policies, & procedures can save a great deal of time, and better your business. The program can be utilized at the Library during open hours, or with the DDA office by appointment. Please contact us for more information and details.

We Hope to have All of These Local Businesses Participating

Gift Local. Delight. Delivered. You and the person you gift feel great about spending locally and supporting a local small business!

Portland Small Business Owners: Give to the programs & organizations you care about Employ your friends, family & neighbors Pay local taxes to support our community

When you spend local more of every dollar stays here, helping Portland thrive: (*national studies) $.68 spent locally stays in Portland $.26 spent in Lansing or Grand Rapids finds it’s way back $.01 spent online MIGHT benefit Portland

Portland Prime doesn’t expire until 5 years from date of purchase.

GRIDER-PORTLAND AGENCY submitted by Kurt Fedewa

Featured Business

Kathy Parsons is the proud owner of Grider—Portland Agency, an independent insurance agency located in downtown Portland.

Kathy has worked in the insurance industry for most of her life. She bought the present agency from Tom Grider in 2001, and she has chosen to keep the name of the business as Grider.

Grider is an independent agency. Kathy represents several companies, including Fremont, Progressive, Foremost, Bristol West, and Special Risks. Kathy’s independence allows her to match her clients with the best possible policy for them. Indeed, service such as this is why Kathy states that the most important thing that she has learned during the course of her insurance work is that service to her customers is the best way to serve her community.

“Insurance people help other people to get through the worst times of their lives, such as when a fire occurs or when a tornado strikes the community.” Said Kathy. “You need to care about other people in order to do insurance work well.” She added.

“I educate my clients on how they may protect their assets. It’s not my role to make decisions for my customers. It’s my role to provide them with accurate information so that they can make an informed decision that’s right for them.” She said.

In addition to selling insurance, Kathy is active in the community in other ways. She served on the city council for four years and she is currently on the board of directors for the Portland Area Fire Authority. Kathy is also a volunteer for the police department of Portland.

“I love Portland.” Said Kathy. “It’s a great city. Portland is very forward thinking and it has been very welcoming to me and to other people.” She said.

As for the future, Kathy hopes to continue contributing to the city’s success by serving the community as long as she can.

Grider-Portland Agency * 310 Kent Street * 517-647-4177 Hours: Monday-Friday 9-5 and by Appointment

For Businesses –Help Your Business Stand Out

Get ready to decorate your store for he big day! Email Tina for links to personalized marketing materials for your store-front, social media, and website. Check out some ways to help drive in even more foot traffic on Small Business Saturday.

Special one day only offers on Nov 25—publicize offers ahead of time with free posters, save the date cards, and your online sites. There’s lots of quick, simple ideas available for you, just get signed up!

For Shoppers—Start Your Giving Lists NOW, there’s more great gifts than you think,

right here, close to home!

Local businesses support our sports teams, area events, 4H, community churches & clubs, and more! Give them your support by shopping. Gift Certificates—salons, barbers, tanning, local flavors with eateries, oil changes, photography. For your fitness buff—gym/fitness/dance memberships or classes. Looking for something more personal—try local

retail shops. They’re all online at miportland.org!

HolidayFest December 8, 2018

COMING UP FIND MORE EVENTS, SHARE YOUR EVENTS MIPORTLAND.ORG!

Your Downtown Connection October 2018