Livingston Reporting - page 34

Why Your Business Needs Holiday Mail Campaigns

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

The holidays are right around the corner, which means many of our to-do lists are piling up. Between dealing with the busy holiday rush and feverishly working to meet the new year’s goals, there’s no time to waste. Due to the already-busy season looming ahead, where does marketing your business fit in? 

Holiday cards are a great way to connect with potential customers and serve as a subtle reminder to previous clients. One of the most effective tools for marketing to consumers, direct mail produces higher responses than all digital channels combined. By offering your customers an incentive with holiday discounts or expressing gratitude, holiday cards are a win-win. 

Capture your audience’s attention by following three tips below: 

Personalized Mail
An effortless way to stand out above the rest is to create your document in a non-standard size, fold in a unique way, magnetize, and more. Personalized mailers see higher response rates – as much as 50 percent – than non-personalized. When you add a name to a mailer, the response is increased by more than 135 percent. With personalization, acquisition costs can be lowered by half, revenue can be raised by 15 percent, and marketing spend efficiency by 30 percent. 

Start Early, Timing is Everything
Start advertising early to ensure your materials are seen before the others. By being one of the first holiday cards, consumers are less likely to toss your card in the bin. Being first also gives customers time to reflect on any deals you are offering and make holiday purchases from your company versus the competition. 

Combine Marketing Strategies To maximize efficiency and your Return on Investment, combine your direct mail campaign with online outreach. E-mail newsletters, social media campaigns, and other online marketing strategies can help boost the efficacy of your direct mail.

Don’t get distracted and overlook holiday mail during the busy season. These mailers are crucial for audience reach and to gain momentum into the new year. 

Are you looking to deliver powerful print marketing campaigns? Contact Econo Print to learn more about our design and mailing services. Get ahead of the holiday rush today. 

At Econo Print, we strive to deliver the highest-quality printed products possible. We produce top-rated goods in a timely fashion at a competitive price. Listening to our clients and helping them achieve their business goals is our top priority. We are proud of the strong roots we’ve built in the community and pride ourselves on using cutting-edge technology. Our products, commitment to service, and level of expertise exceed our clients’ expectations. Contact us today or visit www.econoprintusa.com to learn how we can help launch your business to the next level. 

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

Econoprint

Electrical Grid Repair Stalled by Supply Chain Issues

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Florida’s power grid was recently demolished by Category 4 Hurricane Ian, and crews are furiously rebuilding using poles, generators, and wire. 

Hurricane Ian was one of the strongest storms ever to hit the United States and the deadliest to hit Florida since 1935. The catastrophic losses totaled tens of billions of dollars, killing more than 150 people. Millions of people were left without power in the storm’s wake.

Industry officials were initially concerned about future storms causing more damage before relief efforts could finish. They also warned that the nation’s supply chain issues could slow the recovery as well. 

A shortage of distribution transformers is plaguing the United States. These are essential for lowering electricity from high-voltage lines and reducing them to levels adequate for home and business. 

Joy Ditto, president and CEO of the American Public Power Association said, “It’s a critical component to the electrical grid that has been in scarce supply for a number of months now. We started to recognize it as a national concern in late winter, early spring, and the situation is getting worse.” 

Ditto explained that transformers are now taking over a year to arrive after being ordered, when it used to take roughly three months. This issue is causing electrical component companies to swap boxes with utilities seeing a shortage. 

About six transformer manufacturers throughout the United States are suffering through labor and raw-material shortages, mostly because the steel used in transformers is made by a single manufacturer. The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association questioned the Energy Department about suspending a 2016 efficiency standard which they believe is responsible for the steel shortage. 

Though the shortages plague many companies, the efforts being made are ensuring materials can be shared with those who need them most. Hurricane and other natural-disaster relief are prioritized in terms of supply, crewmembers, and more. 

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

Radiotherapy Equipment to Last a Lifetime

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Medical equipment professionals often debate whether machines are useful past their “expiration” date. Newer radiation therapy equipment is touted to last seven or eight years, noting that it took roughly seven years to design and program before its release, doubling its age instantaneously. Therefore, the technology, software, and knowledge associated with a 14-year-old device is severely outdated. 

However, this thinking is not necessarily true, as there are machines over 20 years old that are operating safely and reliably. In Latin America, a Varian 6X linear accelerator has been treating patients for more than 40 years.

Since 1953, a GE MaximaR 100 X-Ray Device (also known as a Superficial Unit) has been working at a hospital in the United States. For almost 70 years, this unit has helped treat skin cancer patients by producing mild doses of radiation to destroy cancer cells while preserving the surrounding healthy tissue. This machine is still being manufactured for use in dermatology and radiation oncology clinics.

In the Caribbean, a physician at a radiation oncology center said, “Our 2003 Varian 21EX linear accelerator treats over 50 patients per day. It has all the features we want including RapidArc. The 21EX has successfully treated thousands of patients.”

These machines are well-built and are fully capable of lasting longer than seven or eight years. Certain companies purposefully underestimate the life of their linear accelerators to drive sales and increase new model usage. Also, many refurbished linear accelerators use the exact same technology as the current market models. 

Acceletronics is an industry leader in delivering the best equipment performance and service reliability from CT Scanners and Linear Accelerators across all major brands and models. Call 610-524-3300 to learn more.

Are you looking to purchase a refurbished linear accelerator or have yours repaired? Contact Acceletronics today.

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

Acceletronics

AI On the Horizon for Radiologists

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been poised to improve the radiological process for some time, yet despite hundreds of conferences, hype, and promises, AI hasn’t made a huge impact yet. 

Part of the issue with AI’s slow integration for radiologists lies within the application. Algorithms can be applied to specific situations and places, but radiologists need to look beyond these narrow views. True workflow integration is the key to fully utilizing AI. 

Though other areas of our lives already rely on AI, radiology has not caught up with the trend. Today’s viewing software cannot suggest relevant prior imaging exams based on the current image being studied. Two strategies already exist which can help facilitate the AI process. 

Activity Pattern Identification
By recording a radiologist’s habits, AI can look for clusters of repeated actions to automate. Specifically, viewing particular images and reading aloud numbers on a corresponding screen could be achieved by AI. Or AI could monitor click patterns from radiologists to offer the most appropriate measurement tool. Personal patterns for handling protocols can also be improved by AI, which can shave valuable time and improve radiologists’ mental load. 

Information Integration
A large number of radiology algorithms accept images and output a diagnosis or prediction; however, after receiving images, the AI could include extra information with the output which would be of use to the radiologist. With this information at their fingertips, radiologists could make better clinical decisions. For example, if a radiologist is examining a specific body part where surgery had been performed, AI could display the most recent pre-operative images to allow the radiologist to compare the two more easily.  

Considered some of the most technologically forward physicians, radiologists should harness the power of AI and tap into the potential capabilities. By using pattern detection and information integration, AI can simplify tasks, clarify figures, and help to boost maximum productivity.  

RadParts is the world’s largest independent distributor of OEM replacement parts. We specialize in low-cost parts for repairing linear accelerators and radiation equipment. Our mission is to provide high-quality, user-friendly, low-cost parts and support for linear accelerators and radiation equipment. Contact RadParts at 877-704-3838 to learn more.

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

RadParts

Smoking: Connection to Macular Degeneration & Cataracts

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

A novel study in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, and the University of Newcastle found that smokers develop age-related macular degeneration five-and-a-half years earlier than non-smokers. Moreover, people who suffer from second-hand smoke are twice as likely to develop age-related macular degeneration. 

Jude Stern, head of Knowledge Management from the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness said, “Smoking increases your risk of developing serious eye conditions and permanent sight loss. Quitting smoking and having regular eye tests can help improve eye health and prevent avoidable sight loss.” 

The only way to restore vision after a cataract diagnosis is to surgically remove and replace the cloudy lens. Annually, roughly 94 million people have significant or extreme distance vision impairment or blindness due to undiagnosed cataracts. 

Cataracts are the world’s leading cause of blindness and can develop slowly without pain. 

People who use e-cigarettes are not safe, either: these devices can produce free radicals, damaging DNA and leading to cataracts or poor vision. Also, retinal function might be diminished by the use of e-cigarettes since they can reduce blood flow to the eyes, leading to an increased risk of eye cancer. 

Vinayak Prasad, head of the No Tobacco Unit at the World Health Organization said, “WHO urges everyone not to use tobacco and e-cigarettes to protect their overall health, including eye health.” 

There are several other tactics people can try to limit their risk of cataracts, including the following lifestyle changes: 

  • Quit smoking
  • Reduce alcohol consumption
  • Limit UV exposure
  • Get routine eye exams
  • Control related conditions (hypertension, obesity, chronic kidney disease, diabetes)
  • Reduce your weight
  • Ingest antioxidants (omega-3, lutein, zeaxanthin, flaxseed, bilberry, turmeric, walnuts)

Cataracts might seem inevitable, but cutting your risk can be an easy way to mitigate a diagnosis. 

Are you suffering from cataracts? Contact the experts at Zen Eye Institute to schedule a consultation today. 

Rohr Eye & Laser Center is now Zen Eye Institute! We offer the most advanced technology available to provide personalized and extraordinary care to our patients. Whether your goal is to maintain or improve your natural vision, we are here to help you. Call us at 877-579-0202 to learn more.

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

Rohr Eye and Laser Center

Pool Cracks: Normal or Bad?

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

With proper maintenance, swimming pools are immensely strong and can last for several years. Pool cracks can usually be found on the surface of the pool in the plaster and generally do not run through the entire pool. These cracks can be normal or unusual, but can you tell if the pool itself is in danger of leaking? Keep reading to learn how to manage pool cracks. 

Shrinkage cracks are normal and shallow, typically found on the surface. They usually develop after the curing process and can be easily repaired. Structural cracks, however, run through the entire pool and can be a sign that the pool is leaking or will soon leak. 

There are three main reasons for pool cracks. They include: 

Faulty Design or Structure
Structural cracks are serious and should not be overlooked. They are usually evident in uneven pools, which directly result from improper engineering. If a pool is incorrectly created, the likelihood of a crack increases tenfold. Retaining walls, water weight, concrete or tile areas, and more are all susceptible to failure if the engineering is not up to par. 

Soil Testing
One of the first flaws of pool engineering coincides with structural issues such as loose soil, soil movement, earthquakes, clay, and more. Testing the soil for soil-bearing capacity and stability prior to pool installation is imperative to avoid future cracks. 

Poor Craftsmanship
Following a blueprint is essential; otherwise, a pool will inevitably crack. Adding too much water, failing to tie rebar correctly, dry concrete, taking shortcuts, etc., can all cause immense cracking and bigger issues down the road. 

Pool owners concerned about any type of crack within the structure should consider scheduling an inspection with a qualified pool contractor. If further work is needed, a pool inspector can refer a civil engineer, a structural engineer, or a geotechnical engineer. 

Generally, pools hold up well through the years. The cause of many cracks can be mysterious to homeowners, but pool specialists can identify the culprit before suggesting a solution. While some cracks are normal, pool owners should check with a maintenance specialist to ensure the cracks do not cause permanent damage. 

Are you in need of a pool renovation? Contact Pound Pool Plastering today to learn more about our pool resurfacing options. 

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

The SBA Works to Break Down Barriers as the White House Disperses $60 Billion to States

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

The Small Business Administration (SBA) is advocating for more small businesses to partner with federal contractors, particularly with the latest advancement to update critical infrastructure throughout the U.S. With the passing of the $1 trillion infrastructure law, the Biden administration made available about $60 billion to the states earlier this month. These funds are earmarked for rebuilding critical infrastructure within all 50 states, including Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico.

The SBA has teamed up with the U.S. Dept. of Transportation to offer additional opportunities and access to capital while removing common obstacles small businesses often face. A new avenue was created for small and disadvantaged businesses to help connect companies with contracting opportunities and be able to access some of these funds. This includes actions such as direct introductions and educating small business owners on how to be competitive in securing contracts.

The much-needed critical infrastructure work ranges from rebuilding roads and bridges to buildings and public transit. SBA administrator Isabel Guzman reports, “That technical assistance is going to give them the how-to in terms of going after, successfully bidding on, and winning contracts in the federal space.”  

In 2021, the U.S. infrastructure was given a C- by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), which is up from a D+ in 2017. Seventeen categories were assessed in 2021, with grades ranging from a B for railroads to a D- for transit.

Small businesses have a difficult time obtaining federal contracts compared to larger entities, in part due to contract bundling. Bundling occurs when multiple tasks are entered into contracts that balloon, causing the contracts to become so large that small and medium-sized businesses can’t take them on.

Another barrier is the lack of history. If a business cannot prove its historical performance, then they fail to compete, making it much more difficult to secure future jobs. This is what the SBA hopes to assist with; connecting businesses with subcontracting opportunities that, in turn, help build up their portfolio and give them a better edge to go after prime contracts.

“It comes down to expanding the number of opportunities and ensuring that small businesses are entering the contracting space, getting certified, and able to know the how-to’s of who to connect to, how to present yourself, and how to get money,” Guzman says.

The SBA is also assisting small businesses within the transportation sector to get bonds, which guarantee agreements. Most federal contracts require businesses to be bonded. Surety bonds are a type of insurance with a three-party contract in which the surety guarantees a contract’s completion, i.e., with the federal government. If a contractor is unable to complete a project, the responsibility falls on the surety company to find a replacement contractor.

It’s estimated that about sixty-five thousand contracts were received by small businesses in 2021, down by almost 40% over the past decade. While the SBA and the U.S. Dept. of Transportation have not enumerated a goal, this partnership aligns with the current administration’s objective to advance the equity in government procurement. The federal administration has set an 11% federal contracting goal for small, disadvantaged businesses, with an increase to 15% by 2025.

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

Problems with Mice in Campers, Boats, or Other Recreational Vehicles?

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Northern Michigan is prone to pests seeking shelter during the harsh winter. When temperatures dip near freezing, residents may notice an uptick in pest activity within the premises. For those who own an RV or camper, keeping mice at bay when the vehicle is not in use is especially difficult. Mice are small enough to squeeze through a hole the size of a dime, so cracks and holes you didn’t know existed can be found and infiltrated by these tiny yet destructive creatures.

Tips to Keep Mice Out of Your Home on Wheels:

  • Inspect for Entry Points: Examine your camper and detect potential entry points. Look underneath the camper and search for any holes that mice may enter, focusing on areas where pipes and electrical wires egress. Inspect the exterior, including windows and doors, under the hood, and check the “basement” storage area. Finally, check the interior, closely inspecting dark, hidden areas such as the back of cabinets and drawers.
  • Prevent Entry: Seal all cracks and gaps with expanding spray foam or caulk. Once you locate entry points, fill them with foam spray, caulk, or wire mesh. Pay special attention to any access panels, the dumping compartment, and your camper’s pop-out or pull-out sections.
  • Keep it Squeaky Clean: After your trip, properly clean your camper. When storing your trailer, even for a short period, all food and condiments should be removed, apart from canned goods. Don’t trust a plastic bin to prevent mice from chewing through, either! Thoroughly clean up crumbs, spills, and sticky messes, including the refrigerator, microwave, countertops, cushions, and floors. If you have children, double-check and clean areas such as the pull-out couch, bed, and play areas.   
  • Storing Your Camper: If able, it’s ideal to keep your camper on a hard, paved surface. Parking your wheels on grassy or wooded areas is where mice are more likely to roam. A solid surface acts like a buffer to further protect your trailer. Also, regularly check your camper so that if there is a problem, you can act quickly to remedy it.
  • Use Natural Mouse Repellent: Consider using DIY remedies such as placing moth balls, dryer sheets, or Irish Spring soap in openings around the camper. Cotton balls soaked in peppermint oil may work, too, as rodents dislike strong smells. Cats are also great at keeping the mice away!
  • Set Up Mouse Traps: Kill traps are another option. You can preemptively set up mouse traps to eliminate those who may wander inside. You will need to periodically check the traps, dispose of any carcasses, and reset new traps.
  • Set Up Recurring Rodent Services: When all else fails, or if you want to go the easy route, Northern Pest can set up a rodent program that will protect your home and property!

Keeping up on recreational vehicles doesn’t have to be a lot of work, and there’s really no way to seal those things up. Take a load off and relax a bit by calling Northern Pest. Our techs will assess your situation, inspect your premises, and recommend solutions. Our reoccurring rodent program includes strategically setting up tamper-resistant devices which hold rodenticide bait blocks. These attract pesky rodents who will eat the bait and leave as they normally would and die outside within a day or two in search of hydration. Our team will regularly come out as scheduled to check and refill the stations with bait. For hassle-free pest control, call Northern Pest today!

Northern Pest: Our family serving yours! We are licensed and insured to provide insect and wildlife pest control. Our crew has the expertise to track wildlife entry points and remove pests of all kinds, including our licensed builders, who can make any of the necessary repairs caused by wildlife. Northern Pest is a member of the MDAT and the NWCOA. We are certified by the IICRC to offer professional mold mitigation services caused by animal damage. At Northern Pest, we do it all!

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

Northern Pest

Industrial Electrification Opportunities

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

The global energy transition is shifting toward a key trend: electrification. Because of recent geopolitical news, an upward economy, and the overwhelming call for reducing carbon footprints, the electrical revolution of the 21st century is only beginning. 

Industrial businesses across the globe can take advantage of the multitude of opportunities associated with electrification but should focus on timely actions and smart investments. 

Demand is surging for specific electrical modalities, including utilizing wind and solar systems to supply green power, heat pumps to decarbonize space and water heating in buildings, recharge batteries in energy storage systems, produce green hydrogen with electrolyzers, and support the charging infrastructure for EVs. 

Electricity requirements will continue to surge as the demand skyrockets. By 2050, the electricity demand could be triple what it was in 2020, rising from 83 million terajoules (TJ) to over 252 million TJ. 

The rise in electrification is driven by the critical need to replace fossil fuels and minimize climate change. Many countries have focused on achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Moreover, a positive swing in economics is causing technology to become more cost-efficient and competitively priced. 

Some of the more popular electrification sectors already seeing a rise in demand include: 

  • Wind Power
  • Solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems
  • Heat Pumps
  • Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) 
  • Electrolyzers
  • Electric-Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (EVCI)

Wind power might be the largest revenue source, as the years between 2021 and 2030 could average roughly $1.8 trillion in sales of wind power hardware. Solar PV is the second-largest revenue source, followed by residential and commercial heat pumps. 

Europe has especially grasped onto electrification and employed technology related to wind, solar PV, heat pumps, and EVCI. Over the upcoming decade, the demand is expected to increase as decarbonization efforts and economic improvements grow. 

The true opportunity lies in BESS and electrolyzers, which have not yet been in the spotlight but are gaining momentum in annual hardware revenue growth. From 2021 to 2030, these two categories are expected to exceed 20 percent globally, surpassing wind, solar PV, heat pumps, and EVCI.

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 in 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.

Price of Lumber Plummets

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Since the onset of the global Covid-19 pandemic, lumber prices have been tumultuous. As the world came to a screeching halt, wood prices collapsed. However, home sales and remodels skyrocketed by summer, as did lumber prices. From supply chain issues to labor shortages, lumber has been bundled with a hefty price tag these past few years.

The Wall Street Journal reported lumber prices are at their lowest level in over two years, down over 70 percent from the peak price only six months ago. The demand for lumber has lowered due to a decrease in home sales and housing starts, which are down 13 percent from their decade-high peak in April.

Back to where the price was before the pandemic, the collapse of lumber prices is viewed by some as an indicator of a sharp slowdown in construction and a decrease in inflation. 

Michael Goodman, director of Melville, NY-based lumber wholesaler Sherwood Lumber Corporation, said, “All of the urgency over the past two years – ‘give me everything you can’ – that’s basically over. Lumberyards are not scared of the price going up.”

As the housing and remodeling market boomed in 2021, supply-chain disruptions caused lumber prices to soar to a record of roughly $1,700 per 1K board feet. 

The government recently delivered a crimp on inflation, a 75-bps rate increase, which has also affected the price of lumber. 

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell said, “We’ve had a time of a red-hot housing market all over the country. The deceleration in housing prices that we’re seeing should help bring prices more in line with rents and other housing-market fundamentals, and that’s a good thing. For the longer term, what we need is supply and demand to get better aligned, so that housing prices go up at a reasonable level, at a reasonable pace, and people can afford houses again. So, we probably in the housing market have to go through a correction to get back to that place.”

JFC Remodeling is committed to providing top-quality home reconstruction services to clients throughout Livingston County. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, our licensed contractors create unique, individualized, and polished renovations. Whether the site requires an improvement, repair, or is a new construction, you can trust our experts to deliver remarkable results. Call or email us to learn more.

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

Jason Foldenauer Construction