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This Women In Business feature was made possible by the Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce; in an attempt to provide members with an opportunity to celebrate the efforts of women in business in the Greater Cadillac Area. This special publication features 20 local business women, focusing on their professional achievements, dedication to building community and overall personal contributions to the organizations they own or work on behalf of.

Womenworking in our community.

the contributions ofRecognizing

02 May & June 2014 Women in business

.................................................................4................................................................. 5................................................................. 6................................................................. 7................................................................. 8................................................................. 9...............................................................10................................................................11...............................................................12............................................................... 13...............................................................14................................................................15............................................................... 16............................................................... 17............................................................... 18............................................................... 19..............................................................20...............................................................21..............................................................22.............................................................. 23

Nicole Schultz Toy Town

Mary Jo OHagan Coldwell Banker Schmidt Realtors

Andrea McSwain, DO Mercy OB/GYN Partners

Chris Beydown Piranha Hose Products, Inc.

Mollie Osborn Curry House Assisted Living, Memory Care

Jennifer White, DDS Brite White Dental

Esther Nederhood Belle Oakes Living Center

Emily Klotz Resurrection Life Church Cadillac

Joann Spry Cadillac Area Public Schools

Deb Ballard Chemical Bank

Sharon Jenema Highpoint Cadillac GMC

Kelly Cater Rec Boat Holdings, LLC

Wendy Divozzo McCurdy, Wotila & Porteous

Tara Hall Cadillac News

Mary Gadbaw Davis, CNM, MSN Mercy OB/GYN Partners

Kelly Smith Baker College of Cadillac

Julie Rushing Wexford Community Credit Union

Sindy Huver Orrin A. Sprague Agency, Inc.

Donna Weaver FirstMerit Bank

Jessica Cushman-Dunlop Cherry Grove Event Center

Women May & June 2014 03 in business

Womenin business2014

04 May & June 2014 Women in businessNicole Schultz

231.775.TOYS (8697) 122 S. Mitchell St. (Elks Bldg.), Downtown CadillacMon.-Wed. & Sat. 10 AM-5:30 PM, Th/Fri 10 AM-7 PM Open Sundays Memorial DayNew YearsShop local in-store and now on-line too! www.toytowncadillac.com

Ride-Ons Puzzles Games Outdoor Fun Stuffed Animals

Trains & Trucks Dress Up Playmobil

New Tech Kites Science Kits Dolls & Accessories

Educational Toys Art & Craft Kits Melissa & Doug Classic Toys Hobby Too!

TOy TOwn,Business Owner

Nicole has quite literally a hands-on approach to owning a toy store: We have our products out on the shelf, open and waiting to be played with, she says, If someone is thinking about purchasing something, but doesnt know what it is, we will open one up and play it with you. Then we will even gift wrap it for free. At Toy Town, she brings the same zest for

helping kids learn and making them smile as she did when she started out as a preschool teacher. On top of all the fun that

Toy Town exemplifies, Nicole makes sure her business is doing its part for the community by organizing

events and collaborating with other service agencies such as the Canine Counselors, who brought in Therapy Dogs to celebrate reading month, and the Child Protection Council, who helped celebrate Parenting Awareness Month with a Family Game Night.

Nicole also works with families and children through her involvement with Great Start Collaborative, an organization comprised of community leaders, business owners, area organizations, educators, and parents committed to developing comprehensive early childhood systems. She is currently finishing a masters degree in leadership administration and would like to expand her work to be a team-building and leadership consultant.

If shes not out running, Nicole is at her kids school. Whether its helping in the classroom, serving on the PTL board, or working a book fair, she loves being there.

Women May & June 2014 05 in businessMary Jo OHaganMary Jo loves her job. As an agent with Coldwell Banker

Schmidt Realtors, she has found a vibrant and enjoyable career that underpins her fervor to enjoy all of life. She prides herself on offering the current market conditions that update on a daily basis for the Cadillac area, as well as specializing in finding the right price of homes for sale and giving listings her top-notch professional presentation. Through this devotion, she looks forward to building her solid clientele by helping buyers of all ages to choose a sound real estate investment or sell their real estate with a good return.

In 2011, Mary Jo served as Director at Large for the Paul Bunyan Board of Realtors, and she currently serves as President of Meadview Condo Homeowners Association. These positions have allowed her to showcase the same strengths she exhibits at work: dedication, honesty, communication, and time management.

Athletics are her other passion, and she actively involves herself in her childrens sports as a coach and, of course, their #1 fan. She has previously been the YMCA swim teams assistant coach and has coached CASA volleyball, basketball, soccer, baseball, and softball too. But dont let this coaching experience fool you: she doesnt sit on the sidelines! In fact, she still plays hockey in Cadillacs Womens League!

Coldwell Banker SChmidt realtorS, realtor, aBr

SCHMIDT REALTORS2721 Sunnyside Dr.

775-1737

Mon.-Sat. 8:30 AM-5:30 PM, Sun. Noon-3 PM

Mary Jo OHagan, ABRRealtor

(231) 775-1737 Office (231) 775-1798 Fax(231) 920-8222 Cell

mohagan@coldwellbanker.com

TRUSTThe Real Estate Professional

Buying or selling a home can be overwhelming.Mary Jo OHagan will guide you through the process from beginning to end. All you have to think about

is how much youll love your new home!

06 May & June 2014 Women in businessAndrea McSwain,DO

Andrea McSwain, DO | Sarah Helm, DO 7985 Mackinaw Trail, Cadillac, MI 49601 (231) 876-6100

Providing Innovative and Compassionate Patient Care.

Mercy ob/gyn partners

Dr. McSwain came to the Cadillac area after graduating from Midwestern University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Glendale, Arizona and then completing her residency at Ingham Regional Medical Center in Lansing. She recognizes northern Michigans unique beauty and seclusion and enjoys the challenges that practicing healthcare in a rural setting can offer.

Having achieved a significant professional goal when she became a physician, Dr. McSwain now looks forward to offering medical care for women and the

community through Mercy OB/GYN Partners. She believes that a career is made up of many different professional interest areas coming together, and shes always willing to listen and learn, especially from her patients. As she explains, In medicine, ones career is called a practice. The salient point is that every day is a learning experience. My patients are also very important teachers. When asked to share something people may not know about her, Andrea said, I was born on New Years Day. Born at 12:03am, I was the second baby born in the entire state.

Personally, Andrea hopes to be the best mom she can be. She enjoys exercising, learning the piano, and taking in the great outdoors of Michigan.

Women May & June 2014 07 in businessChris Beydoun

2500 Weigel, Cadillac, MI 49601Toll Free (800) 250-5132 (231) 779-4390

With backgrounds in business administration and accounting, Chris soon worked her way up from entry-level positions to her current role as Finance Manager at Piranha Hose Products, Inc. Chris enjoys the constant variety in her employment and looks forward to learning from the new opportunities she gets involved in. She uses her reliable, friendly personality to be the person at work who can always be counted on and who is always willing to help, even if it means going out of her way to get the job done.

Guided by the mottos do what you love and dont sweat the small stuff you cant change or control, Chris finds great satisfaction in her job and wants to better herself and her coworkers through it all. She hopes to start working toward her CMA certification in the near future and bring this new skill set into her workplace.

Chris loves to spend time with her husband, Jay, and their two daughters Anastacia (12) and Adriana (8). Along with her professional goals, Chris continues to act as an involved and supportive parent through her roles as Treasurer of the school PTO, Girl Scout troop helper, and sports fan.

Piranha hose Products, inc. Finance Manager

08 May & June 2014 Women in businessMollie Osborn

Licensed by the State of Michigan

Assisted Living Allows for more independence

Personalized care plans to fit your needs

Spacious rooms with 4 different room size options

Outdoor patio rooms available Kitchenettes complete with

microwave, sink & refrigerator Pet friendly

Memory Care Secure neighborhood Outdoor courtyard &

screened-in porch Assistance with all activities of

daily living Dedicated, trained memory care

staff Activities developed for those with

memory impairments Consistent daily schedules

5858 S. 47 Rd., Cadillac(231) 876-0611

www.curryhousecadillac.com

2 Separate Neighborhoods

To Choose From!

Assisted Living & Memory Care

Curry House, Director of Business Development

Curry Houses commitment to personalized care encourages residents to live independently with dignity and respect, and Mollie feels that Curry House owes it to their residents and families to provide exceptional customer service. Because of this emphasis, Mollie gives 110% to everything she does, bringing a persistent resolve to make a difference every day.

In her position, Mollie promotes Curry Houses three residential neighborhoods to the Cadillac areas community and professional organization while organizing marketing events for various referral sourceskeeping the residents needs at the forefront at all times. She is also a certified trainer for Second Wind Dreams Virtual Dementia Tour and has served as a community representative for the American Cancer Society. She returned to school and graduated with a BS in Public and Nonprofit Administration from Grand Valley State University in 2008.

She considers relationship building to be the key to success and hopes to continue learning: these qualities work together to open doors, enabling her to provide better service to her residents, their families, and the wider community.

Women May & June 2014 09 in businessJennifer White, DDS

Brite White DentalDentistry by Dr. Jennifer White

CALL US TODAY! 231-824-3711113 East 7th Street Manton, Michigan

www.mybritewhitedental.comAccepting New Patients Find Us On Facebook

Brite White Dental, Dentist and Owner

In the fifth grade, Jennifer decided she wanted to be a dentist, and she has been on track ever since. After growing up in Valparaiso, IN and attending dental school at Indiana University, she worked at several practices before jumping at the chance to purchase her own practice. Jennifers lifelong dream became a reality when Brite White Dental opened its doors to Manton and the Cadillac area.

Though Jennifer acknowledges that many people dread visiting their dentist, she counters that apprehension by making her office a different kind of dental experience. The patient is in charge of the music, the atmosphere is light and fun, and everyone knows they are getting the highest quality of care where each patient is treated as family. On top of all that, Jennifer says, Our patients are also educated so thoroughly that, at times, they are able to create treatment plans themselves. In the future, Jennifer would like to add implant placement and full mouth rehabilitations to Brite Whites already lengthy service list.

A golfer and a skier, Jennifer loves to exercise, as well as cook fresh and healthy dinners for her husband (Dr. Ben Seymour of Northern Quality Dental) and her son (Zach). She looks forward to building relationships with Manton and the Cadillac area community.

10 May & June 2014 Women in business

231-775-3081www.bellarosetherapy.com

Belle Oakes Living Center

231-779-4671www.belleoakes.com

Esther NederhoodBelle Oakes living Center

registered nurse & OwnerEsther seeks to bring out the very best in people in her

work as a nurse for over 35 years. This is especially true for her 130+ staff at her four businesses, who she considers and treats as family. Her mentorship is infectious, and she sees opportunities for learning and encouragement every day. As she trains her staff to care for her clients as she does, Esther

develops her business into a true community built on nurturing compassion.

She built Belle Oakes with a vision to give elderly people the best care and comfort in a beautiful residence.

Numerous awards and honors reflect her mission and spirit, includingmost recentlythe Ethel Mitty Nurse of the Year Award from the American Assisted Living Nurses Association. She currently serves on the Citizens Committee for the United Way of Wexford/Missaukee, and she is also a Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP), a Certified

Assisted Living Nurse (C-AL), and an RN. With her leadership, Belle Oakes has garnered its own recognition, including a national Bronze Award from the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) and multiple years of Level 1, 2, and 3 Quality seals from the Michigan Center for Assisted Living (MCAL).

Of all the roles she fills, two of the dearest to her are mother and grandmother, and she is excitedly awaiting the arrival of her fourth grandchild this spring.

Women May & June 2014 11 in businessEmily Klotz

CONNECT WITH GODfor inspirational worship and teachings that will transform your life!

wednesday night @ 6:30pmsunday mornings @ 9:30 & 11:15am

KIDS & TEENS

9127 E. 441/2 Rd. Cadillac | 231.876.1885

www.getreslife.org

OUR KIDS ARE THE CHURCH OF TODAY AND THE LEADERS OF

TOMORROW. IT IS OUR GOAL THAT THEY WOULD BE ABLE TO CONNECT

WITH GOD AT ANY AGE.

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As Director of Womens Ministry and pastors wife at Resurrection Life Church, Emily wields her impassioned leadership skills to encourage and empower both her church and the Cadillac area. Besides ministering at Res Life with her husband, Dan, Emily leads the ministry Real Women, which aims to heal and encourage women of every background as they discover who God created them to beconfident and free, loved and loving.

One of the main reasons Emily is passionate about loving God and loving people in ministry is due to a serious tragedy that happened to her in 1993, which ended in forgiveness and a forever changed life. The video of her story can be found here: www.cbn.com/tv/1400677309001.

Having served in full-time ministry for fifteen years has kept her busy, but outside of work she enjoys family time with her husband, her children (Analynne and Levi), their two cats, and a dog. An avid reader and coffee aficionado, she welcomes the company of friends and anyone ready for conversationespecially if theyre up for a walk!

Emily considers herself blessed that her professional and personal goals commingle in an effort to grow closer to the Lord and to help others do the same. I want everyone to know the joy and love that Jesus has given me, she says, I want to pour out to others what God has freely and generously poured into me! Building Gods Kingdom and bringing him glory is my highest goal.

ResuRRection Life chuRch cadiLLac, director of Womens Ministry

12 May & June 2014 Women in businessJoann (Jo) Spry

ExcellenceIn Academics, Fine Arts,

and Athletics

Students in Fine Artsconsistently achievehigh marks incompetition and qualifyfor prestigious programs.

Preparing Our Students For The Future

A robustathleticsprogram continually produces scholar athletes and successful teams.

Cadillac High School, ranked 17thin Michigan by US News

CADILLAC AREA PUBLIC SCHOOLS,Superintendent

Jo believes she has the perfect career for her. She has a love for learning, children, schools, and community, and her work fuels these passions as she serves the area.

As superintendent, Jo works on supporting the entire school district, which includes academic instruction, but also finance, buildings and grounds, technology, food

service, transportation, and communications. Obviously, it helps to possess a few must-have skills to keep

everything running smoothly, and Jo points to a crucial strength: her ability to look at multiple perspectives and analyze situations before making decisions.

Theres a lot on her plate, but through all things she tries to bring care, enthusiasm, and integrity. She acknowledges that her commitment to integrity doesnt always mean such choices will be easy or received well by everyone, but her adventurous spirit spurs her on to the next challenge.

Jo plans to stay a superintendent in education until she retires, all the while continuing to be an active member of the community and doting on her grandchildren, Amelia and Elliott.

Women May & June 2014 13 in business

Chemical Bank has a variety of small business banking options to help you follow your passion and pursue your biggest dreams. Visit a location near you or ChemicalBankMI.com for more information.

SELF MADE IN MICHIGAN.

Deb BallardAt Chemical Bank, Deb aims to be known as

approachable, fair, and committed. She identifies her strengths as her goal to provide great customer service and her passion to make a difference in the lives of those in need through her community involvement.

Deb supports many community events and organizations, and she encourages others to get involved as a volunteer in an organization they are passionate about. She values Chemical Banks dedication to the communities in which we live. The company urges all employees to get involved and regularly supports many outreach organizations through both monetary support and staffing events with Chemical Bank employees.

Outside of work, Deb enjoys spending time with friends and family, especially her husband who, she says, puts up with me when I take on too many things at once! She also loves to shop and is always on the lookout for bargains to put together donation baskets for various fundraisers.

She hopes to follow Chemical Banks motto of Hire to Retire, giving her ten or more years as a company employee. Throughout this time, as always, she strives for a balance between work and home life, taking care to appreciate the little things.

ChemiCal Bank, Branch manager/assistant Vice-President

14 May & June 2014 Women in businessSharon Jenema

South End Business US-131 Exit 177, Cadillac (231) 775-1222 1-800-828-9852

SALES HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 8:30 AM-6 PM, Sat. 9 AM-1 PMSERVICE DEPARTMENT: Mon.-Fri. 7:30 AM-5 PM,

Sat. 8 AM-NOON FOR YOUR CONVENIENCESEE OUR INVENTORY AT www.HighpointAuto.com Jason CoppiCkJaCk pedlaral pierCeJerry koop, sr. Jerry koop, Jr.

STEP UP TO PROFESSIONAL GRADE

A twenty-year member of the Highpoint team, Sharon continues to find reasons to get excited about her job. She believes there is nothing better than going to work every day at a place that she enjoys going to, and she looks

forward to the future of her career while working to help make Highpoint successful.

Her position poses a distinctive challenge that guarantees she never sees a dull day. As

she oversees vehicle dealership accounting, she is in a sense accounting for six different small businesses: New Sales, Used Sales, Service, Parts, Collision Center, and Lease-Rental. With all of this on her plate, its a good thing she has the organizational strengths and math problem solving skills to handle it all!

Life outside of work doesnt settle down much for Sharon. A mom of three, she strives to raise her kids to be happy, educated, independent adults. Sharon is

thankful that Highpoint is such a family-oriented place, because she has the freedom

to take care of her kids and pick them up from school, practices, and sports games.

HigHpoint CadillaC gMC, Office Manager

Women May & June 2014 15 in businessKelly Cater

Fun enjoyed around the world Built in our community!

Many people in Human Resources readily acknowledge that life can take many paths, and Kelly Cater uses her own experience as evidence! After majoring in psychology and starting as a teacher, she couldnt shake her passion for working with people and helping them develop their own paths, so she returned to school to train in human resources and business. Now, as director of human resources at Rec Boat Holdings, Kelly continues to find many teaching opportunities while she serves her company as a valuable resource herself.

Kelly attributes her success not only to her collaborative team building and insights but also to the forward-thinking atmosphere of Rec Boat Holdings and their enthusiasm for promoting women to leadership positions. Of course, her excitement for boating and recreation, with work or with family, doesnt hurt either!

As people step into Kellys office, they may notice the cornucopia of toys on her desk: a Magic 8 Ball, a dinosaur with biting jaws, a Danish Hoptimist, and an Easy Button. What you may not realize, however, is the function that Kelly finds for each toy. As she explains, You can easily determine the mood of the person coming into the office by the toy they choose At the end, it usually can bring a smile to their face. My hope is they slap the Easy Button at the end of the conversation. That tells me we are doing the job right.

Rec Boat Holdings, llc, director of Human Resources

16 May & June 2014 Women in businessWendy Divozzo

Attorneys and CounselorsLEGAL EXPERTS ~ LOCAL PEOPLE

Family Law Civil Litigation Municipal Law Criminal Law & Estate Planning & Probate

120 W. Harris St., Cadillac231-775-1391

4393 220th Ave., Reed City231-832-3231

McCurdy Wotila & Porteous, P.C., Partner

Wendys persistent, detail-oriented attitude and her ability to listen to and understand her clients needs have made her a force to be reckoned with. Since joining McCurdy, Wotila & Porteous in 2000, she has worked hard to offer Cadillac quality, affordable legal counsel and servicesa commitment that led to her being named the firms first female partner in 2002. She is proud to be a part of a small-town firm with big-

city expertise. As she continues to serve the Cadillac area, she hopes to continue building her estate planning practice

and her reputation as the best family law attorney in northern Michigan!

Outside of work, Wendy has served on the boards of the Wexford-Missaukee Bar Association, Cadillac Area Community Health Clinic, and the Wexford County Council on Aging. In her free time, she enjoys skiing with her family and cheering on her two daughters at their numerous sporting events, activities that reinforce her conviction that everything in her life is oriented toward her family.

To young women entering their careers, she would offer the advice, Dont let anyone tell you how to work through your priorities. You have to do it your own way, not someone elses or it doesnt work. This doesnt mean you cant take input and be mentored, but you have to execute your life plan your way. At the same time, be credible, be honest, be direct and be reliable.

Women May & June 2014 17 in businessTara Hall

The Cadillac News provides information that enhances the lives of the people, businesses and communities we serve. We are the areas #1 source of local news and advertising information and we are YOUR trusted, local and connected community resource. From hard news to feature stories to recipes and the latest coupons, find it in only one place...The Cadillac News.

Have we enhanced your life lately?

NewsC A D I L L A CTrusted. Local. Connected.

231-775-6565130 N. Mitchell St., Cadillacwww.cadillacnews.com

CadillaC News, Business department leader

A self-proclaimed eternal optimist, Tara always hopes to see the best in people and situations. She embraces change and challenges because it all keeps her on her toes, which suites her fast-paced position with the business department at Cadillac News. Tara knows the value of choosing a career to love and enjoy doing every day.

While putting herself through college with a toddler and a full-time job, Tara worked hard towards one goalto get an education and find a career she could be proud of, one her family could be proud of, and one that could sup-port her family. Ive found that here at Cadillac News, she says. She picked up formative experiences along the way, especially her opportunities to work for women managers who led by example with confidence and compassion, characteristics she strives to emulate.

Tara currently serves as clerk for the village of Harrietta and proudly obtained grant funding for a new village playground while organizing commu-nity volunteers to install it. She loves being at home with her husband and three kids (ages 16, 9, and 2) and enjoys working on home improvement proj-ects and outdoors in her flower gardens. Those that know her know shes a simple country girl with a passion for trucks, mud bogs, and NASCAR. She and her husband actually worked together years ago as pit crew for close friends who had a monster truck running in the Monster Jam series, which Tara describes as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

18 May & June 2014 Women in businessMary Gadbaw Davis, CNM, MSN

Mary Gadbaw Davis, CNM, MSN Certified Nurse Midwife

7985 Mackinaw Trail, Cadillac, MI 49601 (231) 876-6100

When Youre Expecting, Expect the Best.

Mercy OB/GyN PartNers,Nurse Midwife

As one of the only nurse midwives in the area, Mary offers a wide range of experience in nurse midwifery and has a special interest in lactation support. She graduated from Case Western Reserve University with her Masters of Nursing and went on to become a Certified Nurse Midwife from Frontier School of Midwifery and Family Nursing.

With Mercy OB/GYN Partners, Mary is one of four providers who bring different interests and experiences to their patients. They all care about each

other, their patients, and their staff in a healthy work environment. In 2013, Mary received the Peoples Choice Nightingale Award for Nursing Excellence following a nomination from one of her patients.

Mary plans on having a long career working as long as she can. In her spare time she enjoys knitting, cooking, writing, and sending snail mail. She also maintains an Ashtanga Yoga practice, and it is one of her longstanding dreams to travel to India someday to deepen her knowledge of yoga.

Women May & June 2014 19 in businessKelly Smith6412PR_A

An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Institution.

SUMOTEXT InfoAlerts (8msg/mth), T/Cs & Privacy Policy at www.74700.mobi, reply STOP to opt-out or HELP for help; Msg & Data rates may apply.

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Before becoming president of Baker College of Cadillac, Kelly was already accustomed to responsibility. She was the oldest of five children raised on a farm, and she spent a good deal of time helping out with chores and keeping an eye on her siblings. She has been in education for over thirty years, loving every minute and every learning opportunity that came her way.

Since taking over the role of campus president in 2011, Kelly has leveraged what Baker College of Cadillac can do to make a difference for its students and the community. She believes that Baker is unique from state-funded universities and community colleges in that it is a not-for-profit, four-year degree bearing career college. She and her colleagues advocate for continuous improvement, adaptability, and community orientation for their day-to-day decisions. Kelly finds endless cause for motivation in Bakers ability to change students lives each day by empowering them with knowledge.

Kelly hopes to finish her dissertation, she says, so that my PhD can be complete before I die! In between her career and completing her doctoral degree in educational leadership, she makes time for her daughters and grandson downstate and enjoys socializing with friends, staying healthy, and being outdoors.

She thanks her many great mentors who helped her to use lifes hard knocks as opportunities that pay off in the end.

Baker College of CadillaC,President

20 May & June 2014 Women in businessJulie Rushing

Looking For A Better Way to Save Your Money?

Serving all residents of Wexford, Missaukee & Osceola Counties

www.wexccu.com www.facebook.com/WexccuCadillac 775-2081 Lake City 839-2081

Wexford Community Credit union,Ceo

Since Julie stepped into her current roles as president and CEO of Wexford Community Credit Union, she has been an inspiring and empowering presence for her staff. She encourages her employees of all levels to own their roles. With a background in teaching, she faithfully strives to help her staff discover their best professional selves through strong training programs and an environment of teamwork

and respect.Julies vision for Wexford Community Credit Union is

to provide excellent service to individual members while maintaining what is in the best interest of the member-owners as a whole. WCCU, as its name implies, is here

for the community, and Julie sees service to and support of the community members and events as essential to their vision.

As wife and mother of three, Julie loves to laugh often. She enjoys a long relationship with Christ and

is part of a local church. Surprisingly, she is also a certified childbirth instructor and has coached over fifty births. She describes these experiences as the single most fascinating moments on this earth.

A visionary who values grace and balance in life, Julie likes to see the bigger picture. She understands that work and home life will have their fluctuations, but she is mindful to prevent

one role from consuming any others. She sees that women in business constantly spin the plates of

life and are often hardest on themselves, so being clear on priorities and responsibilities is essential to success

in any area. She plans to finish her career with WCCU and will keep working toward a self-sustaining staff.

Women May & June 2014 21 in businessSindy Huver

6631 E. M-115, Suite A., P.O. Box 248 Cadillac(231) 775-4671 (231) 775-3871 Fax

Specializing in a full spectrum of benefits for health, life, disability, dental & vision for group

or individuals on and off the marketplace.

As a health and life insurance agent with Sprague Agency, Sindys work is always fast-paced and people-oriented, which is just how she likes it. A motivated agent who welcomes a good challenge, Sindy strives for excellence every day. Her clients have even called her a bulldog because of her relentless aim to get them the best results imaginable while looking out for their best interests.

Currently, Sindy is planning to build an unrivalled health department with Sprague Agency. She wants to reach the Cadillac area businesses to guarantee their knowledge of the marketplace (SHOP) options by educating them and providing them with resources necessary to save more on health insurance. It is her goal to work with all local businesses in developing a solid game plan for their bottom-line cost control for employee benefits.

Sindy is an artist in her spare time. She enjoys painting, crafting, and construction. Her latest project has let her try her hand as a clothes designer.

When it comes to getting the most out of the company-employee relationship, Sindy cannot stress enough how important it is to know your employers and what work ethics they have. She has learned that she can only be as good as an employer allows her to be; for that reason, she is very grateful to work for Sprague Agency.

Orrin A. SprAgue Agency, inc. insurance Agent

22 May & June 2014 Women in businessDonna Weaver

Donna WeaverBranch Manager

231-779-4236Fax: 231-775-5454Cell: 231-878-8583Branch: 231-779-4252donna.weaver@firstmerit.comNMLS#: 707441

Downtown Cadillac103 N. Mitchell St., Cadillac, MI 49601 www.firstmerit.com

FirstMerit Bank, Branch Manager

Donna brings a passion to her job as branch manager of FirstMerit Bank and holds a two-fold mission: to help clients with their personal/business finances with one local banker and to be the best business partner that she can be for her clients. Certified in business banking, she uses her training, experience, and expertise to meet her clients needs every day.

Donna has held a number of community-oriented positions including president of the Cadillac Zonta Club, secretary for the Wexford County Habit for Humanity, and acting board member for West Michigan Home Builders Association. She currently serves as a member of the Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce 2013-2014 Ambassador Club. She strives to involve herself in the area through her community- and church-involvements while bringing character and integrity to each of her efforts.

She would like to pass on four guiding principles to other businesswomen starting out their careers: Smile. Work hard. Stay positive. Integrity matters.

Women May & June 2014 23 in businessJessica Cushman-Dunlop

Introducing Cadillacs Newest Event Center!We are pleased to announce Cadillacs newest

event center, Cherry Grove. Here at Cherry Grove we aim to make any of your special

occasions, wonderful. We offer a variety of beautiful spaces, accommodating all sizes of events and newly designed interiors meeting

the most modern of expectations.

231-499-5338jessica@cgecmi.com

www.cherrygroveeventcenter.com

As events manager of the newly opened Cherry Grove Event Center, Jessica has big dreams for her business. She works toward booking the Center every night and offering all of her customers the best experience they can have, and she wont stop until she sees Cherry Grove become one of the best in Northern Michigan. She cites the Centers multipurpose setting as what makes her business unique. With the ability to cater to so many different types of events, Cherry Grove hosts anything and everything from everyday business meetings to elegant special occasions.

Jessica stresses the importance of determination in all areas of life. She views each experience, win or lose, as a learning opportunity and doesnt let failure faze her: Its how you pick yourself up that shows your true determination. She also knows that a little creativity can go a long way, professionally and personally. She loves arts and crafts, baking cupcakes, and playing with Addie, her dog.

For someone known for having a smile on her face at all times, Jessica shares a very fitting quote: Wherever you go, no matter the weather, always bring your own sunshine (Anthony J. DAngelo).

Cherry Grove event Center, events Manager

Womenin businessA program of the Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce

The Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce designed the Women in Business Series with the goal of assisting women in developing business opportunities and facilitating business-to-business interaction. The Women in Business Series focuses on relevant business, personal, and health topics. WIB is held quarterly and is a highly popular and well attended program of the Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce.

The Chamber encourages area women to join us at a future Women in Business luncheon. For more information on the Women in Business Series, please contact Doreen Lanc at 231-775-9776 or membership@cadillac.org.