Broadband and Bagels Event

Marshall County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) is sponsoring an educational meeting to discuss the broadband wireless internet service being utilized by Culver Academies as well as others in our area.  The hope is that this is another way of getting broadband service throughout the county.  If you have a need for broadband internet, you should attend this event to see if it fits your needs.  It is being marketed as a co-op service so increased participation lowers costs!

If you’re interested in attending, contact Pam Davis at MCEDC.

The Cache – Range Hood

The Cache Range Hood by Zephyr provides some storage above the range in a sleek range hood.  A good choice for a kitchen with limited space.

I picture it as good place for utensils and small cooking items such as spices though you might want to consider which spices to put in here.  Some may be heat sensitive.

Linear Shower Drains

FreeStyle Linear Drain

 

One of the problems with tile showers is how to handle the drain.  The traditional drain which is centrally located functions well, but often causes problems with tile floors. The current trend towards larger tile has increased this problem.  In order to slope the floor to the center drain, the installer generally resorts to  multiple cuts creating an odd polygon pattern or worse, the shattered tile look.  Alternatively some installers avoid the issue and leave the floor level causing puddles and standing water.

A new solution has presented itself with the installation of linear drains such as the FreeStyle Linear Drain by Noble Company.  A linear drain is installed along one wall allowing an even cross slope to be installed draining the water to one side.  Linear drains have been common in Europe, but have not been easily adapted to U.S. plumbing.    Consider this solution when you’re looking at a tile shower.

My Visit with Alan Steele of SBDC

Alan Steel

Marshall County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) has made arrangements with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to have Alan Steele come to the MCEDC office in Plymouth once each month to council existing Marshall County businesses and future entrepreneurs.  The service has been offered for most of 2011 and has been reasonably well received with 16 businesses taking advantage of the service through September.

Earlier this month I decided to take advantage of the service myself regarding a business venture I am considering outside Easterday Construction Co., Inc.  While I had some ideas of what I wanted to do, I knew there were gaps in my knowledge, since this would be a move into a new arena for me.  I also felt that it was appropriate that I go through the experience with Mr. Steele since as Chair of MCEDC, I have been promoting the service to others.

The meeting was quite productive.  The questions he asked were pertinent and thought provoking.  At the end he explained several options for additional information he could obtain for me.  I received the additional information within about 10 days.  I would recommend the service for anyone that is considering a new business, expanding an existing business or just needing help with their current business.  I think this is a seriously underutilized resource.