My Southwest Michigan Business Directory

Relax, Reflect, and Renew: Guided Morning Meditation
2021-04-23 11:00 - 11:45 (America/Toronto) | Online event
Fridays | 11am – 11:45am EASTERNwith Gen Kelsang Zamling, Resident Teacher | $6Info & Registration here: https://www.meditateinchicago.org/drop-in-classes-2/Friday-Morning-Drop-In-Class
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Enjoy a relaxing and inspiring morning guided meditation. A great way to start the day and a perfect preparation for the weekend ahead.
Everyone is welcome to attend this class, regardless of previous experience.
Buddhism | Buddhist

Online Lifeguarding Classes in Michigan
2021-04-23 09:00 - 17:00, 2021-04-22 09:00 - 17:00, 2021-04-21 09:00 - 17:00, 2021-04-20 09:00 - 17:00, 2021-04-19 09:00 - 17:00 | MI
Lifeguarding Classes LLC is offering an Online Lifeguard Course with Remote Skills Checks in Michigan.

Morning Guided Meditation - online livestream
2021-04-23 08:30 - 09:00, 2021-04-22 08:30 - 09:00, 2021-04-20 08:30 - 09:00, 2021-04-19 08:30 - 09:00 | Online event
Start your day by cultivating some peace of mind … and take it with you for the rest of the day!
Each session includes a brief introduction, a guided meditation, and concludes with practical ideas about how to stay connected to a positive mind during the day. No previous experience is necessary — absolutely everyone is welcome.
With various Kadampa Teachers.
For more information, or to register, visit our website: https://www.meditateinchicago.org/drop-in-classes-2/Morning-Guided-Meditation
Buddhism | Buddhist

A Meditation Roadmap for Living Wisely - online class (live & recorded)
2021-04-22 19:30 - 20:30 | Online event
Thursdays 7:30pm – 8:30pm EASTERN | with Kadampa teacher Dave MurphyStreamed live, and available for 72 hours after (must register before)$12 | Register here: https://www.meditateinchicago.org/drop-in-classes-2/Thursday-Evening-Drop-In-Class
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For generations, meditators have used Buddhist wisdom and meditation to guide their life in a meaningful direction. Discover a life less ordinary, full of purpose, altruism and personal freedom.
Each week we focus on a different meditation theme, and the class itself includes a practical teaching and guided meditation. No previous experience is necessary; absolutely everyone is welcome.
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April 1: A Life of Spiritual SuccessApril 8: Shattering the Painful Myths of our BodyApril 15: Special Talk & Meditation for Buddha’s Enlightenment Day, 6:30-7:15pmApril 22: Stopping Self-Defeating Thoughts with Wisdom 29: Letting Go of our Painful Identities with Wisdom
Buddhism | Buddhist

How to Achieve Small Business Success
2021-04-22 18:30 - 19:30 | MI
A virtual webinar geared toward Lansing entrepreneurs and small business owners to talk about financing opportunities & technical assistance

Questions this event will cover:

• What services & programs does Michigan Women Forward provide for entrepreneurs?

• What documents are needed to apply for a loan at Michigan Women Forward?

• What are the details of the MWF microloan? (terms and amounts)

• How can I access resources that will help me with creating a business plan?

• How can I gain an understanding of basic accounting and bookkeeping?

Michigan Real Estate Pre-Licensing Course: Live on Zoom!
2021-04-22 18:00 - 21:30, 2021-04-20 18:00 - 21:30 | MI
Michigan Real Estate Pre-Licensing Course: LIVE through Zoom

EARTH DAY with The Botanic Garden
2021-04-22 17:30 - 20:00 | MI
We’re celebrating Earth Day with a double event lineup! Learn about Refreshing Your Landscape and get a how-to on Earth Friendly Gardening.

In celebration of Earth Day 2021, we’re pleased to offer a double feature — 2 presentations for the price of 1! (Or both FREE for our Garden Members!) By reserving your ticket here, you will gain access to both events. Join us for one or both of these exciting Earth Day offerings. Read more about them below!

5:30 pm: Refreshing Your Landscape with Dr. Bob Schutzki
Along with the promise of warmer weather, spring marks the official beginning of gardening season. It’s the time to remove the impact of winter on our plants and get our gardens and landscape beds ready for the growing season. In this online webinar, Dr. Schutzki (Michigan State University Department of Horticulture) will review everything you’ll need for your springtime garden and landscape prep.

*30 minute break between sessions*

7:00 pm: Earth Friendly Gardening with Jeanine Rubert of Pine Hill Nursery
In this live Zoom event, Jeanine Rubert (co-owner of Pine Hill Nursery & Pine Hill Village Garden) will talk about the easy things we can all do to create an eco-friendly garden and how to practice sustainable gardening. Jeanine’s presentation will be followed by a Q&A session, so bring your questions!

Springdale. 5 00
2021-04-22 17:00 - 19:00 | Springdale Golf Course, 316 Strathmore Rd, Bloomfield Hills, MI, 48304, us
Springdale

VETERAN EMPLOYMENT SUCCESS ALLIED SUMMIT AND VIRTUAL JOB FAIR
2021-04-22 09:00 - 16:30 | MI
Veteran Job Fair and Employer Summit

Veterans Job Fair and Employer Success Summit
(The Event will be two parts. )
Veteran Job Fair
9:00-11:00 AM
The morning will begin be a Virtual Veteran Job Fair focus on Veterans.
Veterans would you like to connect with Employers in West Michigan for potential employment opportunities? Are you currently underemployed and looking for a career change? Register for the Virtual Veterans Job Fair that will be held from 9:00AM – 11:00AM online with over 20 employers that are currently seeking to fill open positions. Veterans will have an opportunity to meet privately with employers to discuss employment opportunities.”

Employer Summit
The afternoon session will focus on education for Employers about Veterans and how they can can increase successful employment for Veterans and transitioning military.
SHRM Professional Development
There will be four sessions during this event. Each session is worth one Professional Development Credit (PDC).
4 PDC for the event.
Agenda
12:00 pm – 12:05 pm Welcome
12:05 pm – 12:50 pm Veteran Employee Association Panel
The Veteran Employee Associations assist employers in creating a positive environment to better understand the military mind-set and help Veteran’s transitioning into the civilian workplace better understand their work environment. The panel will allow employers to establish collaboration between employers and Veteran employees.
Panelist – Brandi McBride, Talent Acquisition Consultant, SpartanNash
Brandi McBride is a Talent Acquisition Consultant for SpartanNash in Byron Center, recruiting for military distribution roles in a few different states. She also leads the company’s military outreach and hiring efforts and Chairs the company associate resource group for veterans. She has a diverse background in veteran employment initiatives, talent acquisition, food service, executive support, and event planning. Prior to her corporate role at SpartanNash, Brandi hired a manufacturing team and created an HR department for a start-up business in Grand Rapids, MOVE Systems. Brandi is also familiar with the non-profit world, as the Veteran Employment Manager at Goodwill Industries of Greater Grand Rapids and the Veteran Employment Project Manager at TALENT 2025 before that. Brandi is also a decorated combat veteran, winning Officer of the Year five times during her 8 years in the Air Force in North Carolina, Virginia, and Germany. She completed an overseas tour in the United Arab Emirates in 2004 and a combat tour as a Combat Support and Mortuary Commander in Iraq in 2005. She is originally from Texas and earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Baylor University where she was a Distinguished Graduate from the ROTC program. Brandi founded the Grand Rapids Chapter for Team Red, White and Blue (RWB) in 2014, where she was the Team Captain for 2 years. She was appointed by the Governor of Michigan and served on the Michigan Veteran Emergency Trust Fund Board from 2016-2018 and has served on the Armed Forces Thanksgiving Committee since its first year in 2016. Brandi has been involved with the West Michigan Veteran’s Coalition since 2012 and took over as Chairperson in 2019
Panelist – Jason Bos, Davenport University Representative
Jason Bos, speaking on behalf of our Veteran graduates entering into the workplace. Specifically, the challenges Veterans face (from a recent graduate perspective) when entering into the workforce.
Jason Bos served in the U.S. Army as a Military Police Officer and Canine Handler for more than 8 years. He served overseas for 3 years in both hostile and combat related countries. After retiring from the U.S. Army as a Staff Sergeant (E-6) due to a service related injury, he attended Davenport University and earned a BBA in Management. Jason is currently finishing a Master’s Degree in Management.
As a Partnership Manager of Military & College of Business at Davenport University, Jason supports all DU campuses to increase enrollment. In his role, Jason works with all military students and he assists with educational benefits and military service transcripts.
Other Presenters TBD
1:00 pm – 1:50 pm Understanding Culture to Promote Inclusion (including Veterans)
To get workplace diversity and inclusion right, you need to build a culture where everyone feels valued and heard. How can you make diversity and inclusion a personal priority? Being able to identify our differences and look for what unites us, equips individuals and leaders for more rich and dynamic interactions. When it comes to fostering diversity & inclusion (D&I) in the workplace, campaigns for hiring veterans are an absolute must-have. When employees who are different from their colleagues flourish, the company benefits from their ideas, skills and engagement. Learn to demonstrate a deeper curiosity for the culture around you.
Facilitator, Kinita Schripsema, CEO of Seema Global Consulting, LLC
Kinita is an experienced facilitator and coach with expertise in leadership development, cultural education, and transformational coaching both in the USA and overseas. Kinita’s desire to promote inclusion and encourage, equip, and empower individuals to grow and build diverse communities allows her to passionately teach and coach others. Kinita is Founder and CEO of Seema Global Consulting, LLC. In addition, she is a motivational speaker, cultural consultant, published author, and a Professional Facilitator for Davenport University Institute of Professional Excellence.
2:00 pm – 2:50 pm Supporting Veterans with Emotional Intelligence
Veterans’ transitions from the military to the civilian workforce is not always seamless. Learn more about Emotional intelligence (EQ) and why EQ is an important professional survival tool for a veteran to develop to relieve stress, communicate effectively, empathize with others, overcome challenges, and defuse conflict. Empower your veteran employees to make stable decisions and get results through effective communication by managing emotions.
Facilitator: Kevin Jurek, Owner, Organizational Improvement Solutions
Kevin Jurek is the owner of Organizational Improvement Solutions in Rockford, MI. He has been in the training/development field for more than 15 years. During that time, he has led large-scale projects to develop leadership competency models and the curriculum and programs to support them. His programs have been delivered throughout the U.S. and Canada. Kevin’s training specialties include communication skills, problem solving skills, change management, servant leadership, organizational culture identification/development, and team dynamics. Kevin is a nationally certified facilitator for many of the major training organizations in America.
3:00 pm – 3:50 pm Military Culture Awareness and Suicide Prevention
Veterans do not live, work, and serve in isolation. The issue of suicide in the U.S. also affects the Veteran population. Many Veterans don’t show any signs. In honoring the men and women who are America’s Veterans, we need to understand the military culture and learn more about potential experiences with suicidal thoughts and behaviors, treatment options, self-help tools, and resources to help Veterans reconnect and find hope.
Facilitators: Lindsey Cord, Suicide Prevention Coordinator, Battle Creek VA Medical Center & Leslie Elliott, Senior HR Business Partner, Davenport University
Lindsey Cord, LMSW, BCD
Lindsey Cord is Board Certified Clinical Social Worker and currently employed as a Suicide Prevention Coordinator with the Battle Creek VA Medical Center. She graduated with her Master’s in Social Work from Western Michigan University in 2008. She has a multitude of experience with providing clinical assessment, evidenced based mental health treatment and performing crisis interventions with individuals of all ages. She also has significant experience with providing clinical consultation and training for multi-disciplinary staff. Since 2015, Lindsey has been a part of the Suicide Prevention Team with the Battle Creek VA and works directly with Veterans who have been identified to be at an elevated risk for suicide. A large part of her role is to provide Suicide Prevention Gate Keeper training, while building and maintaining partnerships in the community. Lindsey also serves in the Michigan Army National Guard as a Behavioral Health Officer within the 177th Military Police Brigade in Taylor, Michigan.
Leslie Elliott, Sr. HR Business Partner – Davenport University
Leslie is a dynamic leader offering 20 years of extensive Human Resources leadership in logistics, manufacturing, service, automotive, electronics, and sales. She is an expert communicator and negotiator with strong conflict resolution and time management skills. Her skills in recruitment, retention, employee relations, labor relations, compensation, benefits, performance management, and leadership development bring expertise and compassion to all the team members she supports.
3:50 pm – 4:10 pm Closing Remarks

Unsurpassed Meditations for Harmony and Peace - online class (live & recorded)
2021-04-21 20:30 - 21:30 | Online event
Wednesdays | 8:30pm – 9:30pm EASTERN | with Gen Kelsang Zamling, Resident TeacherStreamed live, and available for 72 hours after (must register before)$12 | Info & Register here: https://www.meditateinchicago.org/drop-in-classes-2/Wednesday-Evening-Drop-In-Class
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“May everyone be happy,May everyone be free from misery,May no one ever be separated from their happiness,May everyone have equanimity, free from hatred and attachment.”
This brief Buddhist prayer is a profound meditation on the four immeasurables (pure love, joy, compassion, and equanimity) which is a direct and powerful method to heal your heart, empower your mind with joy and peace, and create the basis for authentic peace in our society. Each class in this series will include brief explanation and guided meditation on this prayer, which can be practiced by anyone, regardless of background and belief. Absolutely everyone is welcome; no previous meditation experience is needed.
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April 7: PUBLIC TALK: Conquering Sorrow with LoveApril 14: Healing Conflict with CompassionApril 21: Defeating Pain with JoyApril 28: Mending Differences with Equality
Buddhism | Buddhist

Lunchtime Guided Meditation - online livestream
2021-04-21 13:15 - 13:45, 2021-04-19 13:15 - 13:45 | Online event
Take a break at lunch to refresh your mind and renew yourself … and carry some peace into the rest of the day!
Each session includes a brief introduction, a guided meditation, and concludes with practical ideas about how to stay connected to a positive mind during the day. No previous experience is necessary — absolutely everyone is welcome.
With various Kadampa Teachers.
To learn more, or to register, visit our website: https://www.meditateinchicago.org/drop-in-classes-2/Lunchtime-Guided-Meditation

Monthly Networking
2021-04-21 12:00 - 13:00 | Online event
• Join us for our virtual networking lunch event.• Bring friends, colleagues, clients, vendors!• No mandatory attendance, no required referrals, no industry exclusivity.
We will be networking over zoom and sharing what everyone is doing.
The password to join is: MeetUp

Monthly Networking
2021-04-21 12:00 - 13:00 | Online event
• Join us for our virtual networking lunch event.• Bring friends, colleagues, clients, vendors!• No mandatory attendance, no required referrals, no industry exclusivity.
We will be networking over webex and sharing what everyone is doing.

Women in Defense Lunch & Leadership Series - April 2021 Event
2021-04-21 12:00 - 13:00 | MI
Join WID-MI for a monthly virtual program that includes esteemed speakers and topics aimed to educate, motivate and inspire.

April Featured Speaker: Angie Lommen, President, National Defense Industrial Organization – MI (BAE Systems)
Join WID-MI for a monthly virtual program that includes esteemed speakers and change-makers covering personal and professional development topics aimed to educate, motivate and inspire.

Angie Lommen is the Director of Bradley and Sustainment at BAE Systems, Inc. Having been with BAE Systems for over 20 years, she has served in leadership roles across the company, which include Supply Chain, Business Management, Finance, Protection Systems & Technical Support, and Logistics. Lommen represents BAE Systems on the Board of Directors for the National Defense Industrial Association’s Michigan Chapter, the Sterling Heights Regional Chamber of Commerce, and the Sterling Heights Community Foundation. She also serves as a mentor for the Women in Defense-Michigan Chapter.

Angie is a certified Project Management Professional and earned a Bachelor’s of Business Administration from the University of North Dakota and her MBA at the University of St. Thomas.

Thank you to our Strategic Partner

Thank to our Virtual Meeting Partner

VIDEO PREMIERE - Michigan Trees: an Opera in 11 Parts
2021-04-20 19:00 - 2021-04-27 22:00 | MI
The video premiere of Grey Grant’s “Michigan Trees: A Guide to the Trees of Michigan and the Great Lakes Region – an Opera in 11 Parts”!

Michigan Trees: A Guide to the Trees of Michigan and the Great Lakes Region – an Opera in 11 Parts has a libretto and music by Grey Grant, and is directed and conducted by Karl Ronneburg.
The production was staged and premiered at the Ypsilanti Freighthouse on August 28-29, 2019. This special streaming event is the official release of the videorecording from that premiere production! On April 20th starting at 7pm, we will host an “opening night” event where we will stream the full opera, followed by a talkback with the creative team and cast which will take place via Zoom. The production will then be available for viewing on-demand until April 27th.
About the show:
Michigan Trees: A Guide to the Trees of Michigan and the Great Lakes Region is a new folk opera for classical and folk vocalists, steeped in mythos and Michigan, all the while remaining relevant to the present-day experiences of trans folks. In the opera, we follow the journey of Orna, a trans-woman, as she grapples with self-acceptance. She travels to the north of Michigan, guided by the Mother of Trees, to transform into the white pine that sits upon Chapel Rock at the edge of Lake Superior, overlooking it all.
Creative Team:
Grey Grant – Composer, Librettist
Karl Ronneburg – Director, Music Director, Dramaturg
Peter Littlejohn – Sound Design
Emily Yang – Lighting Design
Maya Johnson – Crafts Design
Tanner Porter – Cover Art
Cast:
Allison Prost – Orna, As She Sees Herself
Grey Grant – Orna, As She Feels She is Seen
Kate Moss, Kara Huckabone, Samantha Kao – Mother of Trees
Musicians:
Converge New Music: Megan Rohrer, Malhar Kute – violins; Ryan McDonald – viola; Hanna Brooke Rumora – cello
Danielle Gonzalez, Sofia Carbonara – percussion
Produced by Fifth Wall Performing Arts, supported in part by the School of Music, Theater, and Dance Meta Weiser EXCEL Fund

Lincoln hills
2021-04-20 17:20 - 19:20 | Lincoln Hills Golf Course, 2666 West 14 Mile Road, Birmingham, MI, 48009, us
Lincoln hills 5 30

Taxes In Retirement Webinar - Michigan
2021-04-20 11:00 - 12:00 | MI
Taxes In Retirement Webinar for people in and around Michigan.

ATTENTION MICHIGAN: Did you know that strategically timing the withdrawals of your retirement income can potentially lead to thousands of dollars in savings over the course of your retirement?

Tune in for our next live webinar from the comfort of your own home on Tuesday, April 20, at 11 a.m. and learn about the latest strategies that may reduce taxes in retirement.

But that’s not all, you’ll also learn about:

• The official new tax reform rules and their impact on your retirement

• How lost deductions may affect your taxes in retirement

• And common misconceptions about taxes in retirement

Mahamudra: The Supreme Path of Blissful Wisdom - online meditation class
2021-04-19 18:00 - 19:30 | Online event
Mondays | 6pm – 7:30pm EASTERN | with Gen Kelsang Zamling, Resident TeacherStreamed live, and available for 72 hours after (must register before)$12 | Register here: https://www.meditateinchicago.org/drop-in-classes-2/Monday-Evening-Drop-In-Class
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Buddhist Mahamudra Tantra is a supreme, quick spiritual path which has been practiced according to Buddha’s clear and unmistaken step-by-step instructions, through which we can attain enlightenment very quickly. Whereas previously these instructions were available to a select few, they are now freely available to everyone worldwide.
This series of classes is based upon the authoritative texts, Modern Buddhism and Mahamudra Tantra. Although this is an in-depth series and presumes fundamental Buddhist understanding and Buddha’s Sutra and Tantra teachings, anyone with a sincere wish to receive the Tantric empowerments of Heruka and Vajrayogini in the future is welcome to attend. Each class will include clear, practical instruction and guided meditation.
This series is also an excellent preparation for the Highest Yoga Tantra empowerments of Heruka & Vajrayogini, which will be granted during this year’s International Kadampa Festivals (for more info: kadampafestivals.org).
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April 5: What is Mahamudra Tantra?April 12: What is the Great Bliss of Enlightenment?April 19: How to Accomplish the Great Bliss of Enlightenment, part 1April 26: How to Accomplish the Great Bliss of Enlightenment, part 2
Buddhism | Buddhist

Springdale. 5 20
2021-04-19 17:20 - 19:20 | Springdale Golf Course, 316 Strathmore Rd, Bloomfield Hills, MI, 48304, us

Parenting Through Separation and Divorce Virtual Workshop - Spring 2021
2021-04-19 12:00 - 13:00 | MI
The University Center for the Child and Family (UCCF) is offering the free Parenting Through Separation and Divorce Workshop on Zoom!
