The SBSH Scoop | SMART Workshop #2 Was a Hit — and #3 Is Coming Up Fast!
The last SMART Workshop, An Employee Handbook without the Headache, lived up to its name — no headaches, just progress. Participants got real work done and walked away with solid next steps.
- “Robin was easy to understand and very knowledgeable. I’m grateful this workshop was available!”
- “Any size business would have benefited. Great stuff.”
- “Everyone felt comfortable sharing experiences — super helpful!”
That’s the point of SMART Workshops: get practical work done in a short, focused session designed for busy business owners.
Next up: SMART Workshop #3 | Hands-On Strategy and Playbook in a Day with operations expert Tyler Sharette. You’ll define your vision, set measurable goals, and map key processes — walking out with a working playbook you can use right away.
Not sure if this one’s for you? Miche can help you figure out the best fit.
Business Spotlight | Mountain Stone LLC
What this SBSH grant funding truly represents is an opportunity for a more sustainable business.
When it comes to protecting our beautiful Eastern UP shoreline, Mountain Stone LLC is literally doing the heavy lifting. Led by Ray Kaunisto, this crew specializes in building durable, environmentally friendly breakwalls and retaining walls — crafted from massive 2–4 foot boulders sourced right from the Cedarville quarry.
Right now, they’re hard at work on a wall in Paradise, saving a lakeside home from sliding into the water. It’s tough, essential work — and there’s not much competition in the region, which makes Mountain Stone an even bigger local gem.
Through the Small Business Support Hub (SBSH) grant, Mountain Stone has been able to stock up on stone inventory and upgrade to a new Mac for in-house design and marketing. That boost has improved efficiency and made it easier to focus on what matters most: keeping projects moving and the shoreline safe.
Ray shared that one of the biggest challenges in this business is navigating the complex permitting and certification process — especially since the company’s original credentials didn’t transfer with the ownership change. Still, the team pushes through, driven by a strong work ethic and a genuine care for doing things right.
What’s more, their approach to breakwalls is ecologically minded — designed to let small critters move safely in and out of the water while stabilizing the shore.
In a region where so much life and livelihood depend on the water, Mountain Stone’s work stands as both protection and progress.
Learn more or get in touch at mountainstonellc.com or call 906-635-9191.
SMART Sessions | Let us know what you are thinking
We couldn’t do what we do without our amazing business experts—but this winter, we want your brain power too! What’s keeping you up at night?
Starting January 13 through March 17, we’ll host 1-hour SMART Sessions every Tuesday morning from 9–10 a.m. on Zoom. These sessions are small but mighty—packed with real-world insights from approachable experts who actually get what it’s like to run a business in the U.P. You’ll learn, ask questions, and maybe even laugh a little. (Bonus: they’re all recorded for later, in case you need a replay during your next snow day.)
We’ve got ideas cooking—QuickBooks basics and roadblock-busting, how to become an employer everyone wants to work for, and a few more surprises—but we want to hear from you.
What’s the next topic that’ll make your business life easier, smarter, or less “I’ll figure it out later”?
Send your brilliant ideas (or even your weird ones) to Miche@HeadwatersNorth.org.
And don’t worry—if we can’t fit your topic into the winter lineup, we’ve got another 10 SMART Sessions coming next summer. Because there’s always more to learn, even when the snow melts.
Your Turn | How Are We Doing?
We try to deliver practical programming that helps your business—not pile more stuff on your to-do list.
If you’ve got a few seconds, tell us how we’re doing! It’s completely anonymous, and we promise not to take it personally—unless you say something nice, then we totally will.
Your feedback helps us get even better at helping you.
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