News Release: 10/20/2025
Petoskey, MI – 10/20/2025 – Northland Area Federal Credit Union is pleased to announce that Keith Stevens has joined our team as Senior Business Development Officer. Stevens has 20+ years in financial service industries and has a wealth of experience lending throughout Michigan from consumer and mortgage loans, to all things business-related no matter the size of the business. Keith’s experience working in various facets of banking has afforded him the opportunity to not only work with top-tier lending
How Small Business Owners Can Stand Out in a Fast-Paced Consumer World
Small business owners often face a paradox: consumers are overwhelmed by choice but starved for time. Winning their attention — and keeping it — requires clarity, authenticity, and structured engagement. This guide breaks down the strategies that help new ventures stand out, connect meaningfully, and turn first-time buyers into lifelong fans. TL;DR To get noticed by time-poor consumers: Focus your message on a single, relatable problem. Make discovery frictionless with strong online presence
Where to Spend First: Smart Investments for New Entrepreneurs
Launching your first business is an exciting leap—but also one of the riskiest phases of entrepreneurship. The difference between thriving in year one and struggling often comes down to the investments you prioritize early. Choosing wisely sets the foundation for scalability, financial stability, and customer trust. Below we’ll walk through core areas every new business owner should consider, with practical tools and resources to get started. 1. Financial Systems That Scale With You When you’re
Stop the Swipe: How to Make Gen Z Look Twice
In the chaotic, finger-flicking scrollstream of modern social media, the only rule that matters is this: don’t be boring. Younger audiences—especially Gen Z—aren’t skimming content. They’re scanning for a visual rhythm, something that grabs their eye and earns a pause. They’re immune to old marketing tricks, fluent in aesthetic nuance, and completely unwilling to give attention unless it feels earned. Visually-driven marketing isn’t optional anymore; it’s the first language of younger consumers. But
Picture This: Using AI to Create Striking Promotional Images
In a world drowning in content, a sharp promotional image can cut through the noise better than a thousand clever words. Businesses no longer need to rely on expensive design agencies or cobble together visuals with stock photos and Canva templates. Thanks to powerful AI tools, the ability to produce eye-catching, high-converting visuals is not only accessible—it’s fast, affordable, and highly customizable. But not every AI-powered image is built equal, and knowing how to use these tools effectively can
Rebuilding Your Small Business: A Gritty Blueprint for Strength and Growth
Small business owners know the sting of setbacks. Whether it’s an economic downturn, a shift in consumer behavior, or an unexpected disaster, the road back to stability can feel like an uphill battle. But survival isn’t just about making it through—it’s about coming back stronger. Rebuilding is an art and a science, requiring patience, strategy, and a whole lot of resilience. If you’re staring at your balance sheets, wondering how to regain your footing, here’s a practical, no-nonsense approach to
Future-Proof Your Business with Smarter Workforce Development
In today’s competitive business landscape, the strength of an organization often hinges on the capabilities of its workforce. Investing in employee training is not merely a cost but a strategic asset that can propel your company forward. The right training initiatives can transform your team into a powerhouse of innovation and efficiency, aligning their skills with the evolving demands of the industry. By focusing on targeted skill development and leveraging modern technology, organizations can foster a
Petoskey, MI SBOs: The CTA, BOI and FinCEN Changed, So Now What?
The Corporate Transparency Act may require certain U.S. companies to disclose beneficial ownership information to FinCEN to combat financial crimes. While a Texas federal district court’s preliminary injunction puts this requirement on hold, many experts expect that to be overturned. In that event, failure to file could lead to fines of $500 per day, up to a maximum of $10,000, and possible criminal penalties. However, filing your Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report will help you avoid fines
Charting Bold Strategies for Lasting Business Growth
Businesses thrive by evolving alongside shifting market demands, finding ways to stay agile while ensuring long-term viability. Progress hinges on the ability to respond to change with creativity and foresight, staying ahead of trends and challenges. Prioritizing clear communication and diverse input fosters collaboration that sparks new ideas and shared purpose. Strategic planning paired with adaptability keeps efforts aligned with overarching objectives, even in uncertain conditions. Consistent
