The SBSH Scoop | Terminating Business Contracts the Smart Way
SMART Session #9: Tuesday, March 10 9-10 a.m.
Let’s be honest: saying goodbye to a contractor, vendor, or even a “difficult” customer can feel like a legal minefield. But ending a business relationship doesn’t have to be a messy breakup.
Join us on Zoom for SMART Session #9 with longtime legal expert Zach Meyer who will help you navigate the "fine print" of moving on. Whether you have a formal 20-page document or just a handshake deal, Zach will show you how to wrap things up cleanly and confidently.
The Practical Perks:
- No "Brief" Encounters: Learn how to exit agreements without the headaches (or the hefty legal fees).
- The "Hand-Shake" Protocol: Discover the smart way to end casual, hand-shake deals professionally.
Protect Your Assets: Get practical steps to ensure your business stays secure after the split.
Don't fret about a bad ending—come learn how to make a clean break so you can focus on your next big win. After all, a good business owner knows when to fortify their agreements!
Business Spotlight | Coffee that’s Superior Alright
What this SBSH grant funding truly represents is an opportunity for a more sustainable business.
If there’s one thing Superior Coffee Roasting Co. knows, it’s how to handle the heat—literally.
For years, this Sault Ste. Marie staple has been a gift to the area aromatically. But even seasoned pros face "trial by fire." During a past power outage, the team had to manually crank the roasting drum by chain to prevent a smoky disaster. To stay cool under pressure, they recently utilized a direct grant from the Small Business Support Hub (SBSH) to install a synchronized triple-battery backup system. Now, when the grid goes down, the beans keep spinning and the beans won't catch on fire! (Seriously, that hand cranking for hours sounded difficult and a bit harrowing!)
This resilient new infrastructure has been vital to save valuable product and lessen the workload in power outages. Between record-high commodity prices and navigating 50% tariffs in 2025, the market has been a tough one. Despite losing a big regional contract, Superior Coffee leaned into their local roots and stay strong. They’ve streamlined operations at their Considine Hall café (LSSU) and launched a sleek new website to better serve their neighbors. Whether you’re fueling your morning or finding the perfect partner for your post-dinner treat, their roasting expertise is a perk we can all get behind.
Your Daily Perk Awaits. Head to the Website.
SMART Workshop #7 | Marketing Bootcamp w/Matt Monte
Date: Wednesday, April 15, 2026 - 8:30 a.m. - noon
Place: Sault Ste Marie EDC Office.
Join our Marketing Bootcamp—a hands-on 3.5 hour in-person working session designed to help you segment the best from the rest. Whether you’re a "fresh-pressed" marketing beginner or a consummate "dark roast" marketer (sorry, the coffee metaphors just keep coming!), we’ll help you find a plan to approach your target market and get moving no matter what your business is.
Walk in with questions, walk out with:
- The Profit Map: Find your most loyal fans and focus your energy where it counts.
- Pricing & Ease: Learn how to make "buying" the easiest part of your customer's day.
- The Digital Edge: Simple ways to make Google work for you, not against you.
The Action Workbook: A custom blueprint of tasks ready for immediate "execution."
We’ll help you position your brand for success and build a feedback loop that keeps the conversation going. Don’t let your message get lost in the "funnel"—come get grounded with a plan that actually works.
Register Soon - It'll be April 15 Before You Know It!
Your Turn | How Are We Doing?
You’re out there running businesses, juggling everything from inventory to snowbanks — so you know better than anyone what works, what doesn’t, and what you wish we’d do next.
Help us make our programming and communications even better.
Totally anonymous. Zero pressure.
Got a minute? Share what you are thinking.
And yes, we appreciate compliments but would hear criticism with a humble and grateful heart too!
People in the Know | Your Local Economic Development Peeps
Here are more people you can connect with when you are looking for resources and connections.
- Bob Sawruk - Sault Tribe - RSawruk@saulttribe.net
- Chris Olson - Chippewa County - admin@chippewacountyedc.com
- Nikki Radke - City of Sault Ste Marie - nradke@saultcity.com
- Miche Rayment - EUP region at large (and Mackinac County) - Miche@HeadwatersNorth.org
- Tammy Henry - Luce County - director@lucecoedc.com
- Tara Parrish - Bay Mills Indian Community - tparrish@baymills.org