Livingston Reporting - page 18

Construction Bonds for Contractors

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Most construction projects require contractors to provide bonds, which protect the owner against non-payment, lack of performance, shuttered business, or warranty issues. Also known as contract bonds, construction bonds guarantee the bondholder will fulfill the contract terms.

Contractors generally purchase construction bonds to protect project owners from monetary loss. If an issue arises, the owner can file a claim with the surety company, which will intervene to guarantee the contract is fulfilled. After the bond claim is settled, the surety will recapture all expenses from the contractor who purchased the bond, according to the terms set by their agreement. 

Main Parties Involved in Construction Bonds:  

Principal
The person or company purchasing the bond, typically the general contractor or subcontractor. 

Surety
The company that provides the bond for the project, is generally responsible for arranging the completion of the contract if the contractor fails.

Obligee
The party protected by the bond, usually the property owner, public agency, or other party. 

Most contractors need a bond because they are used on construction projects whenever the owner needs additional monetary protection during a project. Construction contracts can provide a decent level of protection, but a breach of contract can be expensive, time-consuming, and often requires court.

Securing a construction bond should be done with a reputable surety broker, who will advise you on the best way to submit your program requirements to a surety company.  Surety brokers will also make sure you receive the best terms and conditions. 

If work does not get completed, the contractor defaults, or payments are not being made accordingly, a claim against the bond can be filed. After a claim is made, the company will investigate, and the principal will be contacted to verify facts and amounts. 

To settle a bond claim, the surety might hire a new general contractor to finish the job, pay the obligee for damages sustained, or issue a payment to a subcontractor who wasn’t paid according to the contract.

We have decades of surety bonding experience, from simple to complex; contact us to learn how we can assist you. 

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At Construction Bonding Specialists, we work with new and experienced contractors to find the most satisfactory bond solutions. As a distinct surety-bond-only agency with decades of bonding experience, we work to discover surety solutions for all types of cases ranging from ordinary to challenging. Call us at 248-349-6227 to learn more.

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/ 

Construction Bonding Specialists

What is Conductive Paint?

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Electrically conductive paint is created by mixing a conductive pigment into a non-conductive resin binder. Adhesion comes from the binder that holds the paint together, and conduction is formed from the filler pigment. Electrical charges move through the conductive fillers and work best when they are highly concentrated, shaped like flakes or tubes. Spheres are not ideal but can provide increased conductivity with flakes. 

Fillers used in electrical conductivity vary by corrosion resistance, morphology, and price. Some conductive paints are pigmented with the following:

Branched carbon powder: The most cost-effective filler, carbon is tiny enough for grounding and RFI shielding. 

Silver-coated-copper flake: Silver offers the highest conductivity and greatest shielding capabilities, particularly in high-frequency EMI applications. 

Nickel (coated copper) flake: Offers a broad range of EMI/RFI shielding. 

Silver (silver-coated copper) flake: Especially effective in higher frequencies but does not resist corrosion as well as the other pigments. 

The choice of filler can significantly impact the shielding effectiveness and coating conductivity. While binding systems can vary immensely, they determine adhesion, durability, and chemical resistance of the coating, along with application method, working time, and the number of components. 

Conductive paints are typically formulated with solvent-based acrylic, water-based epoxy, and urethane binding systems. 

Conductive Paint Applications: 

  • EMI/RFI Shielding
  • Prototyping and repairing circuits 
  • ESD protection
  • Grounding surfaces 
  • Galvanic corrosion resistance 
  • Electroplating plastics 

Types of conductive paint include acrylic, epoxy, water-based shielding, package and board-level shielding, ESD safe, spray paints, pens, and paint thinners. 

J&P Electrical uses only top-quality paints and sealers during our refurbishing process.

J&P Electrical is a full-service electrical supply company. At J&P, we source contractors, end-users, and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned, and obsolete electrical equipment. We also purchase a wide range of heavy industrial electrical equipment such as bus plugs, bus duct, transformers, circuit breakers, fuses, and switchboards. Call us at 877-844-5514 for assistance.  

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/ 

J & P Electrical Company

Late Summer Landscaping

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Summer might be almost over, but that doesn’t mean your landscaping should be. Late summer and early fall is an ideal time to rejuvenate your lawn. Obtaining a beautiful lawn takes time and effort. By taking the proper steps for lawn maintenance now, you’ll reap the benefits of having a fresh, lush landscape in the upcoming spring.  

Maintaining your landscape is a must year-round; don’t hold it off as a springtime task. Keeping up with your lawn and flower beds throughout the year is imperative to keep them healthy and reduce labor. Read on to learn the common end-of-summer landscaping needs that are often required. 

End-of-Summer Landscaping  

Seeding Your Lawn

Sowing seed is recommended if your lawn is damaged and the soil is exposed. New seeds germinate in the late summer or early fall if kept moist. The landscape determines the kind of seed you need.

Controlling Weeds

While annual weeds die in the first fall hard frost, perennials are best controlled during the fall months. Weeds can be removed by hand, but it’s often a short-term solution since they tend to regenerate quickly. Broadleaf herbicides offer the most effective control for nuisance weeds. 

Stimulate Growth with Fertilizer

Fertilizer promotes the growth of established turf and assists in thickening sparse patches. Healthy, thick lawns also combat weed growth. To ensure your lawn is vigorous, fertilizer applications in the late fall can help the yard develop a tougher root system with a vibrant green color in the spring. 

Aerating the Lawn to Help Seedlings

Removing core chunks of soil without disrupting the turf is important for circulation. Aeration is typically performed in the fall months to loosen dirt and prevent thatch expansion. When extensive seeding is required, lawn aerating is recommended to allow better germination of the seeds.

Keep Your Landscape Hydrated

Keeping your lawn hydrated throughout the summer is vital, as most plants are still growing their roots late in the season and preparing for the cooler months. Ensuring the roots stay watered means healthy root growth and more robust plants in the spring.

Prevent Fungal Growth

Avoid leaving grass clippings and thatch build-up on the lawn, as this fosters fungus growth. The combination of cooler temperatures along with blocked sunlight at the ground level creates a perfect environment for fungus to thrive. 

Pruning to Maintain Health and Tidiness

Anything that looks dead or dried out should be deadheaded or removed. Parts of trees, shrubs, bushes, and other plants should also be trimmed. All wilted flowers should be cut off to keep gardens tidy and encourage new growth.

Remember, even the most stunning lawns aren’t naturally so. Creating and nurturing a beautiful landscape demands dedication and hard work. Implementing these steps now can rejuvenate your property and prime it for the upcoming spring and summer.

Landscaping doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Contact the pros at T&T Property Maintenance to discover how we can help you create beautiful outdoor spaces for your business.  

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T&T Property Maintenance has been visualizing, creating, and maintaining commercial properties since 1997. We offer a vast number of services for our clients, including lawn and landscape maintenance, irrigation set up and repair, fertilization, weed and pest control, snow plowing and salting, and tree trimming and stump grinding. We are licensed with the Michigan Department of Agriculture, so you can rest assured we will do the job right – every time. We work with commercial businesses of any size and offer our services in seasonal or yearly packages, and a la carte. For over 20 years, we believe a satisfied customer is the only kind of customer. Call or e-mail us to learn more.

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/ 

T&T Property Maintenance

The Perks of Using a Mortgage Broker

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Mortgage brokers are intermediaries between real estate purchasers and loan agencies. They help borrowers find a lender with the best terms and rates based on their monetary requirements. Experienced mortgage brokers can save a borrower time, effort, and money. They also have access to more lenders. Working with a skilled and knowledgeable mortgage broker can help you obtain the appropriate loan for your needs at the best rates.

What is the Difference Between a Mortgage Broker, Lender, and a Loan Officer?

Mortgage Broker

Mortgage brokers are oriented toward completing real estate transactions as a third-party mediator between the borrower and the lender. They collect in-depth information from potential borrowers to pass along to potential lenders to find the best loan for their clients. Once a broker finds the perfect lender, they collect the necessary paperwork to secure the loan for both parties. 

Lender

A lender, which could be a bank, credit union, or another financial institution, provides funds for real estate transactions. The borrower repays these funds along with a predetermined interest over a set period. While home buyers can approach lenders directly for a loan, some lenders only work through mortgage brokers. Hence, if a borrower prefers a lender, they would need to engage a mortgage broker.

Loan Officer

A loan officer is an employee of a lender who assists borrowers with the loan process. They provide information about the lender’s loan offerings, answer queries, help borrowers get pre-qualified, and support the application process. They can also advocate for borrowers during the loan closing process.

How to Find a Mortgage Broker You Can Trust 

  • Ask friends, neighbors, and relatives for referrals 
  • Look at online reviews 
  • Meet with prospective brokers to see how they can help you 
  • Ask about their experience, fees, and how they are paid 
  • Find out whether they can help you with your specific financial circumstances

What Are the Advantages of Using a Mortgage Broker?  

A Broker Saves You Time

Mortgage brokers have deep connections with a variety of lenders nationwide. Essentially, they can find you a lender with the best rates and terms, and they can steer you away from lenders with challenging payment terms buried in their mortgage contracts. 

A Broker Has Better Access

Accessing some lenders directly for a retail mortgage may not be possible, as they may choose to work exclusively with mortgage brokers, depending on them to introduce suitable clients. Additionally, since brokers bring in a substantial number of borrowers, lenders are more apt to offer them lower rates in return.

A Broker May Reduce Fees

Remember to consider the small details, such as the additional fees associated with a new mortgage. These can include origination fees, application fees, and appraisal fees. Often, mortgage brokers can request lenders to eliminate some or all of these charges, potentially resulting in considerable savings for the borrower.

Working with a mortgage broker could be advantageous if you’re seeking a home loan, have less than ideal credit, operate your own business, or desire guidance through the mortgage process. Additionally, they can often assist in obtaining loans with lower interest rates compared to most commercial loans available to the general public.

For nationwide specialty lending, refinancing, or purchasing your first home, EB Mortgage is your source for low wholesale rates – call today to learn more!

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EB Mortgage is a locally owned mortgage company with experts in new home purchase, refinancing, and commercial loans. Our wholesale rates can’t be beaten. We offer more products, more options, and more solutions. Our “3C” Process is simple: complete our pre-approval request, consider options based on your requirements, and choose the offer that suits your needs best. Call us or e-mail us today!  

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/ 

EB Mortgage

The 3 R’s: Replastering, Resurfacing, or Replacing Your Pool

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Just like a house, pools are comprised of several components, which do not all need to be remodeled simultaneously. For example, a pool surface can be replastered while saving the tile, or the lights, fittings, plumbing, and equipment can be improved on their own. Pool renovations also include interior plastering, refinishing, tile work, coping, and updates to outdoor features. Water features can be added, along with benches, spas, rock rivers, etc. But what are the differences between resurfacing, replastering, or renovating/replacing your pool? Read on to learn more. 

When clients request a new pool surface, they typically look for pool resurfacing or replastering. The price can vary since the project focuses on the pool’s interior (walls and floor). There are two main factors when estimating a pool resurfacing project, including the size of the pool and the type of finish.

Replastering a Pool
This process involves removing the existing layer of plaster from the pool’s surface by chipping or sandblasting and applying a new layer. Replastering is typically executed when the old plaster is cracked, rough, or stained, so any damage to the pool’s surface is repaired before the new layer is applied. The new layer of plaster can last for roughly eight to 10 years and provides a smooth, durable finish. When replastering occurs, the pool must be completely drained, which could take several days and require more water to fill later.

Resurfacing a Pool
With resurfacing, aggregate, plaster, or tile can be used to add a new layer of material on top of the existing pool surface. Resurfacing is quite durable and can last up to 25 years. Resurfacing is intended to improve the durability of the pool’s surface and remedy cosmetic damage such as discoloration, staining, and chalking. This process can be done without draining the pool, but the durability will decrease if the pre-existing pool’s surface has significant damage.

Overall, the life span of a pool’s surface depends on water chemistry, weather, age, and more. Depending on the type of finish, size, and plumbing requirements, a pool remodeling job can range from $3,500 to $12,000, but a high-end, custom project can cost around $25,000. 

The choice between replastering and resurfacing depends on the condition of the pool, the expected outcome, and budgetary funds. The state of the pool can be assessed by a professional who will provide recommendations for the best course of action. Regular cleaning can help extend the life of the pool surface and postpone the need for either replastering or resurfacing.

Replacing a Pool

Regrettably, some aging pools may be beyond feasible restoration for swimming purposes. This likelihood increases the longer the pool remains neglected and unused. If you have a pool at your home that isn’t worth the restoration cost, you’re presented with two primary decisions: Should you fill in or replace your old inground pool? If you no longer want a pool, the answer is obvious; however, if your existing pool is not the right size, shape, depth, or material – or if it has too many costly repairs, it may be wise to replace it and start with a new one.

At Pound Pool Plastering, we specialize in replastering and refinishing pool surfaces. Contact our experts today to learn more. 

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Pound Pool Plastering services residential and commercial pools in applying a wide variety of pool plaster finishes and complete renovations. We offer Diamond Brite, Sunstone, Hydrazzo, and Marcite – and a great selection of tile choices and coping stones. Owner Dale Pound personally oversees each pool project to ensure the highest quality is delivered. Call or e-mail us for a free estimate. 

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/ 

Pound Pool Plastering

Fishing for Survival

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Fishing is one of the best ways for inexperienced hunters to gain momentum. While protein and fats are difficult to find in plants and lean mammals such as rabbits, they are rampant in fish. Fishing is great for beginners and possible in nearly every area worldwide. 

Modern fishing requires basic gear such as a spinning rod, reel, hooks, fishing line, worms, jig heads, single-tail grubs, and bobbers. In most areas, fishing licenses are also required, which are handled by the state. 

There are two types of fishing: active and passive fishing. Active fishing involves casting a rod and reeling in a fish or using a spear or bare hands to catch your meal. Passive fishing is when you set up a net, trotline, or trap to catch fish, enabling you to be elsewhere.  

The best solution to bait fish is obviously to use something they are enticed to eat, such as a worm or a shiny object that glimmers underwater. Other types of live bait include crawfish, tadpoles, small fish, or salamanders. Many of these slimy creatures can be found under rocks near the water’s edge or on moist ground that can be easily dug into. 

Almost all natural bodies of water have fish, but the challenges of catching them can arise based on weather patterns, water ecology, and time of day. The best times to fish are when they are most hungry, at dawn or dusk. Keep this in mind when feeling discouraged. Also, ensure the area chosen can provide cover, structure, and changes in the water.

Certain techniques can help you catch fish, such as jigging, which is where the bait skips along the bottom of the body of water and reels in. Let it sink again, and repeat. Twitching the bait is done by twitching the rod around in short bursts after the lure is in the water. This erratic movement makes noise and draws attention to your lure. Jerking the bait is similar; however, you use longer, slower movements and sweep the rod back and forth while reeling in.

When it comes to fishing, patience is imperative. The fish will spook and swim away if you yank on the rod too quickly. When you feel a nibble, wait a few moments, promptly jerk up, and steadily reel the fish in, allowing only brief breaks for rest without giving any slack to the fish to build momentum and break the line to swim away. Check the basket funnel trap, gill net, trotline, or fishing weir regularly for passive fishing. Be sure to reset your traps for ample opportunity.

The best way to enjoy fish is to cook it to 145°F to kill any parasites that might be present. If cooking isn’t available, it’s best to eat saltwater fish raw because the salt decreases the chance of parasites. Freshwater fish should not be eaten raw. If not eaten immediately after catching it, preserve the meat or use a holding tank to keep the fish alive until you are ready to eat. 

Some traditional methods of storing fish include freezing, canning, smoking, salting, and pickling. 

Looking for more survival tips and how-tos? Check out our blog at Wolf Survival Gear to find the information you need.

Wolf Survival Gear is a hub for your prepping and survival needs. We are your trusted resource for concerned families, avid hunters, or serious preppers. Make us your one-stop-shop and prepare now, before you need it later. 

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/ 

Wolf Survival Gear

Enhance Your Business with Digital Marketing

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Digital marketing is essential to boost your brand and increase leads and sales. Online marketing consists of Pay-Per-Click (PPC) ads, social media posting, email marketing, and organic Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Embedded in all this includes optimized code with rich keywords and content for search engines to find the data they’re looking for, along with engaging design work.

The umbrella of services that fall under digital marketing is overwhelming for most businesses to do on their own properly. That’s why you’ll find so many companies specializing in the field. The problem is some often forget about reviewing, scrutinizing, tweaking, and making the necessary adjustments to optimize your online presence. This is done through a process called web analysis; without it, you may just be throwing your money out the window. 

Digital Marketing Strategies

Email Advertising

One of the best ways to market your business is by emailing customers and subscribers about your latest happenings. This low-cost, high-return-on-investment advertising method informs viewers about upcoming sales, promotions, and more. Also, it’s easy to determine who clicked to open the email, what links they searched, and if a purchase resulted. Setting up automatic emails welcoming new customers and announcing quarterly discounts or reminders for an abandoned cart are good ideas too!    

Paid Online Advertising

To boost your online presence and get on top of search results, paid ads are the fastest way to make that happen. When you advertise on either Google or Microsoft Bing, you pay when someone clicks on your ad, or you can pay per impression of your ad. Pricing is based on budgets, competition, and how well your webpage relates to the advertisement and keywords. It’s ideal for strategizing and using search terms and key phrases with high search volume and a low cost per click. Keep in mind, if you’re in a saturated market, such as the mortgage industry, you’ll have to spend more money to keep up with the other top competitors’ listings.

Social Media Marketing

Regularly posting to your social media platforms, such asFacebook, Instagram, Twitter (recently rebranded as “X”), LinkedIn, etc., are easy ways to stay “alive” virtually. You can target specific groups and locations with paid ads or post for free and enhance with paid boosts. A big factor in social media is to get more followers, fans, and likes to expand your reach. The greater your following, the greater your potential to generate more leads, thus sales. 

Search Engine Optimization

Content is king, along with proper coding and utilizing best practices to maximize your digital presence organically. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is an evolving strategy that requires some knowledge, dedication, and patience. Aged and secured websites will gain authority in organic rankings, and more so with strong, relevant descriptive content. It’s important to accurately use and assign keywords within titles and descriptions for Google and Microsoft Bing searches to scan and find your related content for viewers to read.

Advertise via Blogging

Blogging for your business functions like social media marketing; instead of posting graphics and reels, you publish articles with descriptive content such as this. It’s another method to keep your online presence active while sharing tips, resources, and such with viewers. When properly listed, using meta descriptions, titles, etc., blogging can help improve your rankings on search platforms. It’s another avenue to generate good content about your business or industry – and attract more followers and potential customers. 

Using Web Analytics to Measure Online Marketing Success 

Digital marketing is incredibly beneficial for small and medium-sized companies that wish to engage with their audience, reduce costs, and build consumer trust. With online marketing, businesses can suggest users to “shop,” “learn more,” “call now,” and more. Digital campaigns are more thorough than traditional marketing, thanks to modern technology.

By examining your analytical web data, we can learn how visitors behave while viewing your ads, newsletter, and website – something you can’t really gauge from television or radio ads. With proper tracking established within the code, online advertising gives us measurable information to determine the success of the particular strategy used. We can discover where your viewers are located, the device they visited your website from, how long they spent on it, how visitors found it, and the keywords they used to get there. Additionally, we know how many people see your ad, how many times it was displayed, and how many conversions it made.

Continuous monitoring of your website traffic and online advertisements allows us to make calculated decisions to manage and improve your rankings, user site sessions, and ROI (return on investment.) Digital marketing is an evolving practice that takes skill, organization, and time. What works for one business probably won’t work for another. Each company deserves its own unique marketing plan, and they should all start with an audit to learn the ins and outs of the current strategy and what’s been attempted before.

If you want to grow your online presence and increase sales, contact the Creative Programs and Systems experts today! We offer free, no-obligation consultations. 

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Founded in 1994, Creative Programs and Systems provides professional results for all computer needs. We design, create, and code an array of custom software programs and websites; offer top-notch digital marketing services including enhanced Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and paid advertising; repair and provide support for computers of both residential and professional nature; build custom systems and servers, and offer secure data backups. Need assistance or want to learn more? Call us at 810-224-5252 or e-mail info@cpsmi.com.

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/ 

Creative Programs and Systems

Electrical Contractor Roles & Responsibilities

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Electrical contractors are essential to the construction and maintenance of both residential and commercial buildings, as they ensure the safe and efficient operation of electrical systems, ranging from basic lighting to complex network installations. Read on to discover more about this exciting career!

What is an Electrical Contractor?

Electrical contractors are responsible for the planning, installation, and upkeep of electrical systems in structures like homes, offices, and industrial buildings. This term not only refers to the companies offering these services but also to the individual workers who physically carry out the tasks.

Electrical contractors are broadly categorized into three main types:

Inside Electrical Contractors: Serve as the main contractor for all aspects of electrical systems, including cabling design, installation, and maintenance for industrial, commercial, and residential buildings. They deliver electrical services to any structure within the property’s boundary, which includes outdoor lighting and substations. 

Outside or “Line” Electrical Contractors: Service outdoor, high-voltage electrical needs, such as linemen who work on transporting electricity generated at a power plant through power lines and substations to power buildings and homes.  

Integrated Building Systems Contractors (IBS): Oversee the low-voltage electrical aspects of a building’s integrated systems, such as access and climate control, networking, energy-efficient lighting, telecommunications, security systems, and more.

What Does an Electrical Contractor Do?

Electrical contractors are essentially electricians, but not all electricians are electrical contractors because the term also refers to companies that employ them. While the day-to-day activities of electrical contractors vary depending on their specialty and the project at hand, some of their responsibilities include: 

  • Troubleshooting electrical systems 
  • Installing, maintaining, and upgrading electrical systems
  • Project management
  • Managing client relationships

Skills and abilities required for electrical contractors include: 

  • Color vision 
  • Endurance/strength 
  • Communication 
  • Attention to detail 
  • Business knowledge
  • Motor skills
  • Schematic comprehension 
  • Intermediate math level

How Much Does an Electrical Contractor Make?

Your salary as an electrical contractor is not solely determined by your training and experience but also by your geographical location within the U.S. On average, you can earn between $18.00 and $30.00 for electrical apprentices and between $37.00 and $52.00 for master electricians. Demand is another factor that may increase wages, and electricians are currently in high demand.

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics projects electrician opportunities will increase by eight percent between 2019 and 2029, which is faster than the projected growth for all U.S. jobs over the same time period, at half or four percent. 

If you’re interested in getting into the field, State Electric Company is hiring electrical apprentices and journeymen. Visit our careers page to learn more and apply online.

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State Electric Company is a leader in the electrification of the nation. Our highly educated and experienced team of professionals uses industry-leading software technology and has partnered with manufacturers to deliver affordable solutions for all your electrical needs. State Electric Co. is also an exclusive distributor for Enel X JuiceBox EV chargers for residential and commercial use. We are fully licensed, insured, and bonded to install charging stations for homes, offices, hotels, and more. With our extensive knowledge of renewable energy, our team provides customers – large or small – with efficient electrical solutions. Contact us today to learn how we can safely and affordably meet your energy needs. 

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/ 

State Electric Co.

Electronic Surety Bonds

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The establishment of electronic surety bonds is owed to the National Multistate Licensing System and Registry (NMLS), an organization that simplifies the process of obtaining and validating professional credentials, such as licenses, across different states. The creation and prevalence of electronic surety bonds are primarily due to NMLS’s advocacy for their adoption and their provision of secure technology to facilitate a smooth electronic filing process.

Before the advent of electronic surety bonds, bond processes were entirely paper-based, with inherent disadvantages. With the swift advancements in information technology at the onset of the 21st century, most industries, including those managing financial, legal, or other confidential data, began shifting toward digital systems. It was apparent that the bonding process could be more efficient. This prompted the NMLS to step forward and steer the revolution. And so, the digital transformation of surety bonds came into existence. Today, electronic surety bonds are rapidly gaining popularity and are on the verge of becoming the primary, if not the only, choice!

Advantages of Electronic Surety Bonds

The merits of electronic surety bonds are best appreciated when contrasting them with the drawbacks of traditional paper-based bonds. Paper bonds often took longer to process, were more challenging to initiate, and had a higher probability of errors. For those who needed bonds quickly, the process could be unnecessarily lengthy or prone to unexpected interruptions due to these paper-based systems.

The introduction of electronic bonds dramatically improves these issues, ensuring the bonding process is highly efficient, with many bonds being issued within 24 hours. The digital nature of this process also reduces the operational costs for bond providers, savings that are often passed down to those seeking bonds. Furthermore, the application for electronic bonds can be initiated instantaneously, eliminating the need to wait for physical paperwork to arrive. Thus, most individuals find electronic surety bonds superior in almost every aspect.

How and Where to Submit an Electronic Surety Bond?

Initially, when electronic surety bonds were launched in 2016, it was up to individual states to decide whether they would recognize these bonds submitted digitally. Only a handful of states agreed to do so in the beginning. However, as the program demonstrated its effectiveness, more states began to accept this new format. By the beginning of 2022, 43 states had consented to acknowledge electronic surety bonds. The states that have yet to adopt this process include:

  • Maine
  • New York
  • Pennsylvania
  • Alabama
  • Florida
  • New Mexico
  • Arizona

What is the Process for Submitting a Surety Bond Electronically?

The process for electronic filing may differ based on the type of bond, the issuing entity, and the bond amount. Generally, the individual seeking the bond is required to submit specific fundamental details via an online platform:

  • A completed bond application.
  • Consent to conduct a credit check.
  • Supplementary documentation (for instance, a financial statement or a copy of the bond requirements).

The surety agency that facilitates the connection between the bond seeker and the bond provider oversees the specifics to ensure that the electronic submission is conducted appropriately and complies with all relevant regulations. Many opt to utilize digital platforms such as DocuSign, which enable formal signing and document exchange between parties.

Fast track applications, we have the surety bond you are looking for, including online rapid bonds for jobs under 400,000!

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At Construction Bonding Specialists, we work with new and experienced contractors to find the most satisfactory bond solutions. As a distinct surety-bond-only agency with decades of bonding experience, we work to discover surety solutions for all types of cases ranging from ordinary to challenging. Call us at 248-349-6227 to learn more.

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/ 

Construction Bonding Specialists

Links Between Eye Health and Obesity

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Despite the risks of obesity, it is a nationwide epidemic. Causing chronic diseases such as hypertension, stroke, diabetes, and more, obesity can also affect vision and overall eye health.

Researchers at the Goldschleger Eye Institute at the Sheba Medical Center discovered a link between clinically obese individuals and serious eye diseases such as Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), Cataracts, stroke-related vision loss, Glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, floppy eyelid syndrome, retinal vein occlusions, and thyroid-related eye diseases.

Despite the evidence, many members of the public are unaware of the connection between eye health and obesity. 

Eye diseases in obesity are generally caused by peripheral artery disease, which happens when the blood vessels carrying oxygen to the feet, kidneys, and eyes become jeopardized. The tiny blood vessels in the eyes are easily compromised since they are extremely thin, about half the width of a human hair.

Obesity, poor nutrition, gout, diabetes, and high blood sugar levels are also related to forming cataracts. Cataracts is an eye disease evident by an inability to focus, with cloudy vision, and typically requires surgery.

Morbidly obese individuals are at risk for increased inner eye pressure, which might increase the chances of glaucoma and glaucomatous optic neuropathy, the leading cause of vision loss and blindness.

To mitigate eye damage, it is important to maintain an active lifestyle and eat a healthy diet. Vitamins A, C, E, zeaxanthin, omega-3, zinc, and lutein help delay or prevent eye diseases.

In addition to lowering one’s weight through a balanced diet and exercise, it is imperative to have regular eye exams to preserve eyesight. 

If you have been diagnosed with an eye disease, contact the experts at Zen Eye Institute to schedule a comprehensive eye exam today. We can help provide guidance, answer questions, and treat eye issues. 

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Zen Eye Institute, formally Rohr Eye & Laser Center, has served the greater Grand Blanc area for over twenty years. Now operating under Dr. Charles Zenzen, we offer comprehensive medical and surgical eye care treating various conditions and diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, dry eyes, and more. For exceptional eye care at our state-of-the-art practice, call (810) 579-0202 to make an appointment today! 

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/ 

Michigan Lasik