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Finances – Michigan Tax Credit set to expire!

Written by SpringfieldDecember 6, 2011

The Michigan Tax Code Credits for Charitable Gifts, in place since December 1988, will expire December 31, 2011, eliminating a 50% tax credit for taxpayers who donate to homeless shelters and food banks, public institutions and endowed funds of community organizations, and foundations. 

Hurry and make that charitable contribution before the end of the year!  For more information visit http://cfsem.org/michigan-charitable-tax-credit

(info for this BLOG from CORP! magazine, November/December 2011)

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November – – A Month of Gratitude

Written by SpringfieldNovember 28, 2011

On the Sunday after Thanksgiving, our pastor spoke of Attitudes of Gratitude and how this can affect every aspect of our lives.  With that in mind, we would like to sincerely say “THANK YOU and WE APPRECIATE YOU” to the hard working men and woman of Springfield Commercial Roofing.  We have so much to be thankful for and having a terrific team of safety-minded employees with fantastic attitudes is an incredible blessing.  We enjoy each and every one of you so very much and admire your hard work and dedication to the Springfield team.   We have enjoyed getting to know your families as well.  We are truly blessed! 

Terry and Terri Jo Umlor

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Fall Protection & Liability

Written by SpringfieldNovember 9, 2011

We have recently been focusing on our fall protection procedures and equipment.  This article is a good resource to get started and to reference when reviewing your procedures.  Below is a summary for each of the points they discussed.   The article in it's complete entirety can be found at  written by Mark Robins, Senior Editor of Metal Construction News.

10 Things you need to know about fall protections & liability…..

  1. Falls happen – each year falls consistently account for the highest number of fatalities in the construction industry….
  2. Plan for it – engineering to eliminate the fall hazard, have fall protection equipment, personal fall protection, emergency rescue plan….
  3. Use lifesaving equipment – anchorage, body support, connectors, & descent/rescue…
  4. Select correct equipment – an anchorage must support 5000 pounds for a single tie-off point for one individual….
  5. New technologies – companies are constantly developing products to keep workers safe from fall hazards….
  6. Get trained – be sure your training program is comprehensive & well documented….
  7. Liablility & enforcement – compliance with rules in effect at a project location may vary from state to state….
  8. Violations – penalties vary according to the severity of the violations…
  9. New regulations – OSHA requires employers to follow the original fall protection guidelines from 1995…
  10. Monitor your fall protection – inspect your employees' use of safety equipment & safety procedures to see if they are working safely…

Best Regards.

Springfield Roofing

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Hints and Tips for Selecting a Roofing Contractor

Written by SpringfieldNovember 4, 2011
  • Ask for a referral from a colleague or friend – Questions such as:  Who did your roof?  Did they show up on time?  How was their clean up?  Were there any unexpected or hidden costs?  Is your new roof performing well and is it leak free?  Did you have to call the roofing contractor back to get them to finish the job?  Did they provide “before” and “after” photos of your project?
  • Since most building owners do not go up on their roofs, it’s relatively easy for a roofing contractor to be dishonest.  Therefore, ask the following question:  “Can you repair my roof?”  Many times a small repair can make a big difference.  Also, a well maintained roof will last many times longer than one that is ignored.  A reputable contractor will first try to repair your existing roof and extend its life.  However,  you should get at least 3 opinions.  If a re-roof is recommended, compare the bids to make sure there is consistency in what the roofing contractor is proposing.  Often times, roofing materials vary in price due to their strength and the reputation of the supplier.    
  • Thoroughly check out the roofing contractor.  You want to make sure the contractor you select does quality work.   Ask to see a certificate of their liability, automobile, and workers compensation insurances.  Ask them how long they have been in business and ask to speak with references who have had at least 10 years of success with a roof installed by that roofing contractor.   Check to see that the roofing contractor is a member of professional organizations, such as the Better Business Bureau.  Ask the contractor what awards they have won for quality, if any, and what other awards or recognitions they have achieved.  You want a contractor who strives for high quality installations.
  • Ideally, you will want to make a lasting relationship with your roofing contractor.  That way, they can return periodically for routine maintenance and inspections which will save you time, money, and headaches in the future.
  • Think of maintaining your roof in the same way that you maintain your body – – with periodic check-ups and reviews.

Best Regards!

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3 Stress Management Techniques

Written by SpringfieldOctober 25, 2011

American Express Open Forum had a helpful article suggesting a few techniques that may be helpful during stressful times in the job place.

1. Create a procedure – having a procedure can eliminate the chance of making rash decisions under pressure.

2. Stay open to the resources around you – don’t feel you are alone in your crisis, lean on your co-workers to get suggestions/opinions you can choose from.

3. Don’t regress when you stress – face the issue head on and don’t procrastinate resloving the issue.

To read the complete article please visit http://www.openforum.com/articles/3-stress-management-techniques?extlink=em-openf-SBdaily.

In the roofing business, especially with the Michigan climate, we face many challenges to keep our clients happy and obviously, when their roof is leaking, their business assets could get damaged which causes them justifiable stress.  These techniques could help us both through the process stress free.

Best Regards!

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Expos! Expos! Expos!

Written by SpringfieldOctober 13, 2011

Yesterday Gaylord Chamber of Commerce hosted their Business Expo at Treetops Resort and Manistee Chamber of Commerce also hosted their Business Expo at Little River Casino!  Busy time!  Today we are at the Wexford Civic Center where the Cadillac Chamber of Commerce is hosting their Business Expo.    We are so excited to participate in these events and network with our local businesses and friends.

Congratulations to Heather Warmbier from Northsport Physical Therapy who won our Springfield fleece jacket yesterday and to Kim Heumann from Crossroads Industries that won one of our Springfield measuring tapes at the Gaylord Expo. Congratulations to Steve Jobes Jr. owner of Grand River Graffix on winning the Springfield fleece jacket at the Manistee Expo and the winners that received the measuring tapes were Walt Carrier, Jo Benson, Diane Kott, & Barb Stiker.  Thanks for visiting our booth and hope to see you in the future at other events.

I wonder who our lucky winners will be today at the Cadillac Business Expo!  Come back tomorrow and visit our blog or our facebook page http://www.facebook.com/SpringfieldRoofing and find out!

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Leading Through Uncertainty

Written by SpringfieldOctober 5, 2011

Leading Through Uncertainty: Lessons in Managing From the U.S. Military

Lessons small business owners can learn from the Military:   Seize every opportunity – even when things don’t go as planned – – focus and adapt.

 http://www.inc.com/articles/201109/chad-storlie-on-managing-with-commanders-intent.html

 In times of uncertainty or crisis, does your leadership style step up to the challenge?  What strategies do you use in your company when you encounter times of uncertainty?  We would like to hear from you!

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