Total Michigan

It was 150 years ago that Star of the West started up in Frankenmuth.  During that time, the company has seen and been through many events in our country.  From supplying the ingredients to make breakfast cereals, bread flour and other essential items we need every day.  In this interview, Jim takes us down memory lane to share with us his insights on lessons they learned from the past as well as the impact Covid-19 had on their current business.  Enjoy!

Show Notes:

Star of the West Milling Company Website (Click Here)

Star of the West Milling Facebook (Click Here)

Star of the West Milling Twitter (Click Here)

Star of the West Milling Instagram (Click Here)

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Zak and Korina created Prost Wine Bar and Charcuterie which quickly became a Frankenmuth hotspot. One of my favorite places. What makes Prost so different? Why do people keep coming back? I hope you're hungry because this is a foodie paradise!

Show Notes:

Prost Wine Bar and Charcuterie Website (Click here)

Prost Wine Bar and Charcuterie Facebook (Click here)

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For most of us, Christmas is something we think about for a month. For Wayne Bronner and his staff, it's a year-round event in Frankenmuth. In this episode, Wayne shares with us the history of Bronners, the future of Bronners, and what they are doing to keep you safe while you visit this Christmas Wonderland!

Show Notes:

Bronners Christmas Wonderland Website (Click Here)

Bronners of Frankenmuth Facebook Page (Click here)

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Highlights:

[5:06] What attracts people to Christmas year-round?

[6:31] Which countries have surprised you that have shown up at Bronners?

[20:23] How do they decide which Christmas decorations to showcase that year?

Everyone has a story. Meet the man who collects the stories of Michigan's heroes. Those men and women who served in the military and the space programs.

Show Notes:

Michigan Heroes Museum Website (Click here)

Michigan Heroes Facebook Page (Cliff Here)

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[5:12] History of the Michigan Hero Museum

[10:10] Why Pick Frankenmuth for the Museum

[11:23] US Military Invades Russian in World War I

[20:18] Michigan Hero Museum salutes Space Pioneers

[22:38] Michigan Astronaut goes to the moon

As Frankenmuth reopens for business, meet the man who worked diligently with local businesses to help them prepare to mitigate the risks of Covid-19. Greg Rummel, third-generation business owner, and fifth-generation Frankenmuth resident shares with us things to think about in the COVID world.  We also talk about beer.

Show Notes:

Rummel Insurance Website (Click here)

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[10:15] The Rummel Family Influence on Frankenmuth Beer

[17:16] What are three things to keep in mind around Covid?

The world is in transition. Pastor Joe Berkobien, from Frankenmuth Bible Church, has experienced this before in his career. How did he help his church through such a transition? And how did they thrive? And what lessons can we learn going into this new world?

Show Notes:

Frankenmuth Bible Church Website

Frankenmuth Bible Church Facebook Page

Frankenmuth Bible Church iPhone App

Key Points

[24:45] Picking the Right People to Build a Culture

[27:34] Why is Vision so Important to a Group

[29:56] Does Culture Support Vision?

[33:11] Converting From Church to YouTube and Facebook Live

[35:44] Difficult times: Liability or Opportunity?

The Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn was hit, like many other restaurants, by Covid-19. Learn how they made tough decisions by adhering to their family creed. Also how to keep yourself safe while still having fun and dining out.

Show Notes:

Bavarian Inn Website (Click here)

Bavarian Inn Facebook Page (Click Here)

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Quick Links

[3:31] Impact of Good Role Models

[11:20] The Value of a Family Creed

[18:51] Keeping Your Family Safe while at Restaurants

Like many cities, Frankenmuth weathered the Covid-19 storm.  Virtually overnight, Frankenmuth went from a tourist destination to a ghost town.  Now the town is open and Mayor Ackerman has empowered people to lead to help this vibrant community reopen its doors.

City of Frankenmuth Facebook Page (Click here)

Mayor Ackerman's Facebook Page (Click here)

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[10:19] Cultivate Leadership In Others

[17:33] Toughest Challenge as Mayor of Frankenmuth

[20:36] Vision for Frankenmuth

Frankenmuth is open for business!  Jamie Furbush, President of the Frankenmuth Convention and Visitor's Bureau, shares with us how her team is working hand-in-hand with Frankenmuth's businesses to keep visitors safe while creating new memories in Michigan's Little Bavaria.

Topics:

[14:56] Keeping Your Family Safe in Frankenmuth

[19:24] 'Muth' means Courage

[21:09] Frankenmuth Rallies Behind First Responders

[25:27] Upcoming Festivals in Frankenmuth

Each year, hundreds of thousands of people create wonderful, lasting memories of Mackinac Island.  And each year, Shepler’s Ferry’s transports those people to this beautiful island.  For over 40 years, the Shepler family has worked hard to ensure that people have a pleasant experience.  Chris Shepler, President and CEO, shares with us the history of his family’s business as well as their plans to keep people safe with Covid-19.