Hannah Martin, the Farmers Market Manager at the City of Portage joins host Mary Ruple to discuss what to expect at the Portage Farmers Market in October, food assistance programs, the Holiday Market, and more! For more information on the Portage Farmers Market and the Holiday Market, visit https://www.portagemi.gov/643/Markets.  If you have a podcast idea, email [email protected]. 

Nick Haines, the Deputy Director of Streets and Parks at the City of Portage joins host Mary Ruple to discuss Brush Pickup, Fall Leaf Pickup, the Curbside Recycling Program, the Household Hazardous Waste Program, and more.   For more information on these programs, visit https://www.portagemi.gov/278/Public-Works.   If you have a podcast idea, email [email protected]. 

Annie Pryor, the Recreation Program Manager at the City of Portage joins host Mary Ruple to discuss City Hall Exhibitions, exhibition artwork, and Portage Parks & Recreation programs and events.  To see the artwork discussed in this podcast, visit the "Wild Wetlands: The Secret Life of Bogs" Exhibition at Portage City Hall, 7900 South Westnedge Avenue during normal business hours until September 5.  You can also view the artwork by visiting https://www.portagemi.gov/867/Native-Landscaping.  If you happen to have a podcast idea, email the Office of Public Information at [email protected]. 

Jonathon Hallberg, the Deputy Director of Economic Development at the City of Portage sits down with host Mary Ruple again to discuss how to start a small business and the resources that you will need.  Click on the links below for more information.  If you have a podcast idea, email [email protected]. 

 Starting Points:

·       US Small Business Administration: https://SBA.gov

·       Southwest Michigan SCORE Chapter: https://www.score.org/swmi 

·       Southwest Michigan APEX Accelerator: https://www.ptacsofmichigan.org, [email protected] or 269-491-6585.

·       Michigan Small Business Development Center: https://michigansbdc.org or contact Sarah Forrest, Business Consultant, at [email protected], 269-387-6209.

·       Southwest Michigan First Chamber: https://www.southwestmichiganfirst.com/chamber

For a complete list of resources discussed in the podcast, visit https://www.portagemi.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=899. 

Jonathon Hallberg, the Deputy Director of Economic Development at the City of Portage joins host Mary Ruple to discuss entrepreneurship, starting and owning your own business, and more.  Join Jonathon and Mary in late August for the second part of this podcast.  If you happen to have a podcast idea, email [email protected].

Visit the Small Business Association at https://michigansbdc.org for additional resources and South West Michigan First at https://www.southwestmichiganfirst.com/chamber for a list of available sites and buildings.  Jonathon can be reached at (269) 329-4474. 

Jereme Rowland, the Deputy Director of Fleet and Facilities at the City of Portage joins host Mary Ruple to discuss sustainability plans as well as sustainability and green technology updates at the City of Portage (fleet and facilities).  For more information on the Environmental Board, visit https://www.portagemi.gov/414/Environmental-Board.  For more information on the Department of Public Works, visit https://www.portagemi.gov/278/Public-Works.  Email [email protected] if you have a podcast idea.  

Captain Bill Graham of Portage Public Safety - Fire Division joins host Mary Ruple to discuss fire prevention tips for grilling, the Fourth of July, and more.  For more information on Portage Public Safety - Fire Division, visit portagemi.gov/311/Fire-Division.  You can also follow them on Facebook @PortageMIPublic Safety and on Twitter @PDPDPortageMI.  Fire prevention resources can be found at https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education.  If you have a podcast idea, email [email protected].