Staff Post by Jennifer Quillan

I am the controller here at <a href="http://www.visbeen.biz/">Visbeen Associates</a>. One of the many job duties that fall under that umbrella is human resources. Since we have a large number of employers who read our blog, I thought I’d devote my blog to what makes a good employer-employee relationship.<br /><br />1. Communication. Proper communication is critical to any interpersonal relationship & the employer-employee one is no exception. Do your employees know what’s expected of them? If they have questions or concerns do they know whom they can talk to?<br /><br />2. Respect. Tina Turner sang about it, we all need it. Respect their personal space & time, respect their opinions, respect that they might have insight that you don’t – that they can see things that you as the boss can’t. Treat all employees with the same amount of respect – whether they are the CFO or the janitor. “If you want to know what a man’s like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals” (Rowling, J.K. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. New York: Levine-Scholastic, 2000.Print.)<br /><br />3. Integrity/trust. This is a biggie. Do you mean what you say? All the rest of the points can be in place, but if your employees doubt your integrity, if they don’t trust you, you’ve got a big problem. If a situation arises, do you give your employees the benefit of the doubt (at least the first time)? Do you trust your employees enough not to micro-manage them? “What you do speaks so loudly that I cannot hear what you say” (Ralph Waldo Emerson)<br /><br />4. Fairness. Pay them a fair wage. Give them time off (and make sure they take it!). Don’t tell them at 4:30 on a Friday that they’re going to need to work until 8:30. Give them tasks that they enjoy (when possible). Are they expected to answer e-mail or phone calls off hours? If so, are they compensated them for that?<br /><br />5. Flexibility. Today’s work is much less geographically dependent. Do all of your employees need to work a “typical work week” of M-F, 8-5? Can employees choose to work noon-8? Or from 6 to 2? Work from home? Can they work 30 hours a week instead of 40? With remote access, conference calls & smart phones consider if there is room to offer some flexibility to your employees. This doesn’t work for all jobs obviously – but is generally highly valued by employees.<br /><br />6. Providing them with the proper tools & support. Have you trained your management staff? Do people have the proper computer software, computer hardware, printers, etc. to complete their tasks effectively?<br /><br />But really, why do we care? The economy is starting to make a comeback. Shouldn’t employees still just be happy they have a job? Shouldn’t their continued paycheck be enough of a thank-you? Obviously no. In short, the difference in your workforce will be the difference between employees who are engaged & invested with your company versus employees who are merely “phoning it in” and waiting for the weekend. Of course every relationship is a two-way street. Employees need to communicate, respect, have integrity and be flexible as well. But as the employer, you set the tone for the relationship and hold the most power as to how this relationship will play out.

Staff Post by Jennifer Quillan

I am the controller here at Visbeen Associates. One of the many job duties that fall under that umbrella is human resources. Since we have a large number of employers who read our blog, I thought I’d devote my blog to what makes a good employer-employee relationship.1. Communication. Proper commu…

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Late Autumn 2011 Cosmopolitan Home Magazine

We're very excited to be featured in the Late Autumn 2011 Cosmopolitan Home Magazine! Be sure to pick up your copy to see what we've been up to!<div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCqh81WyEQ7gLTy9LbtEg4eyAWwaqpysiGTnL3yOcDRdkawifL5-Ool4eQm4xPMHASfHx8YUvXzHQDaDdEgmG-cypIY88QhIsciXVFFE-BfnfxtMMtFStUsPAdhgoWbZaKgK84Z9oVQjsi/s1600/Late+Autumn+2011Cover.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677925755526102978" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCqh81WyEQ7gLTy9LbtEg4eyAWwaqpysiGTnL3yOcDRdkawifL5-Ool4eQm4xPMHASfHx8YUvXzHQDaDdEgmG-cypIY88QhIsciXVFFE-BfnfxtMMtFStUsPAdhgoWbZaKgK84Z9oVQjsi/s320/Late+Autumn+2011Cover.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 248px; height: 320px;" /></a><br /></div><div>Inside, you'll find articles on each of these:</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz4dOwOo36slDFyOvrK7XOw2WgP8dt8nx4-svusQAPNXQqoewB8znxih93f9JJ6VghBqG1EC3fRB2ylO5AJRGXhQrTO6pcXm9Urni4SfzYb6z_flihjVSyMYSBrvQchOhsxRpkw88-GIQz/s1600/BoyerExt_3.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678291883938312178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz4dOwOo36slDFyOvrK7XOw2WgP8dt8nx4-svusQAPNXQqoewB8znxih93f9JJ6VghBqG1EC3fRB2ylO5AJRGXhQrTO6pcXm9Urni4SfzYb6z_flihjVSyMYSBrvQchOhsxRpkw88-GIQz/s320/BoyerExt_3.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 143px;" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Duneside</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOuec1Yd6KK4cNMKCYJRtDhakOML8ZiCKyRRP7GOnvJmGDfFeuPp-MGksdScEsoV1GFVe2bsRnTrkrbqsXNgl3iNmQ5IdY5UNO-cXoKpyfWa7LfCJ4lQbOWi8ZS2CYufiQDba80pjnNk9L/s1600/ParadeExt_5.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678291885449316770" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOuec1Yd6KK4cNMKCYJRtDhakOML8ZiCKyRRP7GOnvJmGDfFeuPp-MGksdScEsoV1GFVe2bsRnTrkrbqsXNgl3iNmQ5IdY5UNO-cXoKpyfWa7LfCJ4lQbOWi8ZS2CYufiQDba80pjnNk9L/s320/ParadeExt_5.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 142px;" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Sunsweet Hill</span></i></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Here is a link to get a taste:</div><div><a href="http://issuu.com/cosmopolitanhome/docs/distinctive_1_?mode=window&printButtonEnabled=false&backgroundColor=%23222222">Autumn 2011 Cosmopolitan Home Magazine</a></div>

Late Autumn 2011 Cosmopolitan Home Magazine

We're very excited to be featured in the Late Autumn 2011 Cosmopolitan Home Magazine! Be sure to pick up your copy to see what we've been up to!Inside, you'll find articles on each of these:DunesideSunsweet HillHere is a link to get a taste:Autumn 2011 Cosmopolitan Home Magazine…

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Staff Post by Ryan La Haie

As I made my way into work this morning, I quickly realized the warm summer weather has faded fast. Today, the frost on the windshield was heavy and I could see my breath for the first few miles of my drive. As my vehicle and being began to warm up, I quickly realized we are beginning to enter into what I believe is the greatest time of year - “FALL”. The leaves are starting to change and all of nature’s beauty is beginning to shift.<br /><br />My blog entry is for all the Visbeen blog outdoorsmen out there. This is a season of harvest, a season of outdoor beauty, a season of male comradery, and a time where the “Man Cave” is open! Yes I said it. “Man Cave”. This is the place to showcase our prized possessions and our life’s work, no matter how insignificant the lady of the home feels about these items. Hey, we're proud of this stuff!<br /><br />Here at <a href="http://www.visbeen.biz/">Visbeen Associates</a>, we have found many creative ways to handle this eclectic space. What if we could design a space that even the lady of the home could be proud of? Is this possible? We believe it is. So let me show you a few examples of what I think are great Visbeen designed “Man caves”.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQLqEyWSXAKew2PusWe-wWfT-wE4uSMk6IC6hRMi2hCraKoSRCX1DvWJj7Op892qbL33bHyx6dWx76goEfoHbkkutsdEvSgqjBG2GQyD1br7-GIFYGnf52MnTSUxfCXITzp3eaSFttdIW/s1600/Billiards+IMG_0105.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675988239453543970" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQLqEyWSXAKew2PusWe-wWfT-wE4uSMk6IC6hRMi2hCraKoSRCX1DvWJj7Op892qbL33bHyx6dWx76goEfoHbkkutsdEvSgqjBG2GQyD1br7-GIFYGnf52MnTSUxfCXITzp3eaSFttdIW/s320/Billiards+IMG_0105.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6KlrjuWN-lEmPqT4ZgNqxopdFTFavLRLHbsnSeeNuiWPgPWyYSlDFfU-Zj6OchiUyplQjlDErUZukWrLkhsNDS95VqmNC7FJgKYkatMXNXsy_86u3zzPuBCB5xJT9i7y2tjotSXz9BeJq/s1600/DH2008-9076_small.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675988237248062354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6KlrjuWN-lEmPqT4ZgNqxopdFTFavLRLHbsnSeeNuiWPgPWyYSlDFfU-Zj6OchiUyplQjlDErUZukWrLkhsNDS95VqmNC7FJgKYkatMXNXsy_86u3zzPuBCB5xJT9i7y2tjotSXz9BeJq/s320/DH2008-9076_small.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-5UpXui-BMPDL2iautkiEiVFVSAqKbM3vnsBX2fa8NcL8nxlSFhM61zgE8uXuPWF2ZETEYrZroyHE1nW-BfQAqYbE2OZ6YUjsnHfRkT69jKFjbt5mcR2e95VHz7zKDGrqrhyzXkSO06LB/s1600/Gear+Room+LegWoodSlikk52307No5516aaMxr.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675988230517965858" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-5UpXui-BMPDL2iautkiEiVFVSAqKbM3vnsBX2fa8NcL8nxlSFhM61zgE8uXuPWF2ZETEYrZroyHE1nW-BfQAqYbE2OZ6YUjsnHfRkT69jKFjbt5mcR2e95VHz7zKDGrqrhyzXkSO06LB/s320/Gear+Room+LegWoodSlikk52307No5516aaMxr.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIrhv874kr9H0uPUnlj5iguOlUylIngMOHlEQgGaE7loJN8J9DqNeolSVZgFcQt4_BLM8cYCwX3jtiyG2BkkNfwCGCkEvK8OmFHNdmWA_srSF0M2ZRqQ8sYf0Ts0FPyeOl3jOV5kKVFhd_/s1600/wild+game+room+-+194.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675988227029590226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIrhv874kr9H0uPUnlj5iguOlUylIngMOHlEQgGaE7loJN8J9DqNeolSVZgFcQt4_BLM8cYCwX3jtiyG2BkkNfwCGCkEvK8OmFHNdmWA_srSF0M2ZRqQ8sYf0Ts0FPyeOl3jOV5kKVFhd_/s320/wild+game+room+-+194.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" /></a>

Staff Post by Ryan La Haie

As I made my way into work this morning, I quickly realized the warm summer weather has faded fast. Today, the frost on the windshield was heavy and I could see my breath for the first few miles of my drive. As my vehicle and being began to warm up, I quickly realized we are beginning to enter int…

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Music Lovers Dream of a Landmark's Transformation

<div>While we wait in Grand Rapids for the 2 East Fulton building to undergo transformation and have new life breathed into it, music lovers are pushing for something similar to happen to a musical landmark in Chicago.</div><div><br /></div><div>A South Michigan Avenue building had been dubbed the "home of the blues" and rock and roll. The building had housed a studio, which birthed the careers of blues artists such as Buddy Guy, Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Little Walter, and Chuck Berry, which in turn inspired rock and roll artists such as Beatles, Eric Clapton, and Mick Jagger.</div><div><br /></div><div>Currently, this building and the surrounding area, called "Motor Row," where life and inspiration had been flowing has been silent and isn't acknowledged or known by many locals, let alone out-of-towners. But music lovers who know and appreciate the musical history of the area are pushing for it to become a "bright spot" and regain vibrant activity. </div><div><br /></div><div>While much more planning needs to be done before the area can really be transformed, a great start to bringing back some life has been the installment of Cheap Trick, "a one-of-a-kind eatery, unique musical instrument museum, radio station, and performance space." This lively place just so happens to be our wall neighbors at the <a href="http://www.visbeen.biz">Visbeen Associates</a> Chicago office! We have a front row seat to watch Motor Row's transformation, and have the opportunity to infuse our inspiration and creativity into the area. You can be sure when you visit, you'll be able to experience the growth, too.</div><div><br /></div>Check out the <a href="http://www.myfoxchicago.com/dpp/news/special_report/chicago-music-row-chess-vee-jay-blues-willie-dixon-buddy-guy-cheap-trick-20111110">full article</a> and news clip about the dreams and beginnings of development for Motor Row.

Music Lovers Dream of a Landmark's Transformation

While we wait in Grand Rapids for the 2 East Fulton building to undergo transformation and have new life breathed into it, music lovers are pushing for something similar to happen to a musical landmark in Chicago.A South Michigan Avenue building had been dubbed the "home of the blues" and rock and r…

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Staff Post by Lori Potter

My Dream Home<br /><br />I grew up in a small 70's ranch. I'm sure you've all seen them. A basic rectangle with a center front door and a picture window on one side and several bedroom windows on the other side. My sister and I shared a room and we all shared a single bathroom. I remember many fights and screaming matches that always ended in tears. I also remember sitting up way past bedtime sharing dreams and secrets with my sister. She was my playmate, conspirator, fellow dreamer, and best friend. I remember dreaming of living in one of those large houses where every child has their own room. Especially their own bathroom.<br /><br />I went on to college and internships. I started working for <a href="http://www.visbeen.biz/">Visbeen Associates, Inc.</a> in 2000 One of the benefits and downfalls of my job is that you are constantly "building your dream home" in your mind. At that time I was engaged and dreaming up the house I would like to raise our future children in. I dreamed of a large home with a bedroom for each child, at least three bathrooms, plenty of room (out of sight) for their toys, an office for myself where I could work from home while they quietly played. Similar to these plans -<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhBonsmcDpU1URFprQxqp3fRaV_cAHwxDL5G-i4TBYwjRtZkEzZwbU6yEH3Sm5dIrZ702pV5UwgdE8CKbGQP35TUJrGogRXU_OJFa4ps-C6GyFVKR1P0nG5HCi3PwnTE5GuVPAtAQp497v/s1600/1PV.1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673386587740583890" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhBonsmcDpU1URFprQxqp3fRaV_cAHwxDL5G-i4TBYwjRtZkEzZwbU6yEH3Sm5dIrZ702pV5UwgdE8CKbGQP35TUJrGogRXU_OJFa4ps-C6GyFVKR1P0nG5HCi3PwnTE5GuVPAtAQp497v/s320/1PV.1.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYEnZdP7wYcQJGvqfMpZCng6xUQ0bgD9Is8RcvyXLs-9-b0fcjNkqxqj1wbxCAEUECWnSpe0k521GIf7KRzuUtiNYKf70AvbDhfIHKZe7yn7ZhZN2NfmzteRFjI_mTSgdq8uSrLwTox2nN/s1600/2PV.1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673386578963169698" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYEnZdP7wYcQJGvqfMpZCng6xUQ0bgD9Is8RcvyXLs-9-b0fcjNkqxqj1wbxCAEUECWnSpe0k521GIf7KRzuUtiNYKf70AvbDhfIHKZe7yn7ZhZN2NfmzteRFjI_mTSgdq8uSrLwTox2nN/s320/2PV.1.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHIftvoM-jeudnLzXLUjiAKagdC1XjapJm9Nl5F8IhIDm8yWGa7niB26lv0qB2z9Gh3myU2FcYfo-blnnCMrKumQ__9IDUCNaPopASybIzaZsVjMuFn2ye2V1gvMmbE6KroIqJIfaiDHVu/s1600/3PV.1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673386572115688722" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHIftvoM-jeudnLzXLUjiAKagdC1XjapJm9Nl5F8IhIDm8yWGa7niB26lv0qB2z9Gh3myU2FcYfo-blnnCMrKumQ__9IDUCNaPopASybIzaZsVjMuFn2ye2V1gvMmbE6KroIqJIfaiDHVu/s320/3PV.1.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" /></a><br />During the last eleven years, I have gotten married, had several children, and lost several loved ones. My values have changed dramatically. I want to be a presence in my children's lives not just present. I want to hear them playing, laughing, telling secrets, and sometimes fighting. I want to trip over the toys at three am when I am walking them back to bed. I want them to learn to be courteous, forgiving, loving, and God fearing. I want to know without a doubt that whatever life throws at them, their family and faith will always be there. They don't need their own bedroom or bathroom. They need a roof over their head and a pillow underneath it. More square footage doesn't make a better house. It is the quality of that square footage that makes a home. Now my dream home looks more like this -<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRZnB76fNjyNP1oIvXPXtkp9v6Dl5KD-LLORX9ccpkQ0xSeQjKZeKclgjbtUKZgQkEcEDXKlhqD1CJq1Bdhm0BI9WRV4gtEsdHjMy6JJw54Tv72cb4wlTBaSoDmyDw__CEnJJFXHbTZkJu/s1600/4PV.1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673386563720390226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRZnB76fNjyNP1oIvXPXtkp9v6Dl5KD-LLORX9ccpkQ0xSeQjKZeKclgjbtUKZgQkEcEDXKlhqD1CJq1Bdhm0BI9WRV4gtEsdHjMy6JJw54Tv72cb4wlTBaSoDmyDw__CEnJJFXHbTZkJu/s320/4PV.1.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDOgbGe-B1LmJsQlbkHMjSNuxBw_VkptRQiEGLqtB_n9yHilw4OIha8X8V1MGIlO3RlLQE-VhjaSZNn8FS7UyPjEFfRlceZxB-yqYNg4Fz7GPHG2YThNx3jk9Y7yD1Z4JBXRLcKdx_bzYW/s1600/5PV.1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673386561863426114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDOgbGe-B1LmJsQlbkHMjSNuxBw_VkptRQiEGLqtB_n9yHilw4OIha8X8V1MGIlO3RlLQE-VhjaSZNn8FS7UyPjEFfRlceZxB-yqYNg4Fz7GPHG2YThNx3jk9Y7yD1Z4JBXRLcKdx_bzYW/s320/5PV.1.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" /></a><br />I wonder what my dream home will look like in another 10 years.

Staff Post by Lori Potter

My Dream HomeI grew up in a small 70's ranch. I'm sure you've all seen them. A basic rectangle with a center front door and a picture window on one side and several bedroom windows on the other side. My sister and I shared a room and we all shared a single bathroom. I remember many fights and scream…

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Staff Post by Paul Fikse

Barns serve numerous functions and their design often reflects their intended use. Whether used to store agricultural produce, livestock or equipment - a good barn comes in handy.<br /><br />The historic two-barn combination barn shown below 150 foot in length and was the main building for a dairy creamery business.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_M5w2RzNFRVa3qQzCMsjWwCG3bf-dkvhA0_pG1VGvIDGht-CjzxP6KONpECBrsBhnY6VOZCrqRky_Mu6oxO8EGZfysG31zdTmsYTomBdmVUe9vSu4FANn1dfAksYxfLG7C3hv6jGUWWZZ/s1600/2186237.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672331769682437010" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_M5w2RzNFRVa3qQzCMsjWwCG3bf-dkvhA0_pG1VGvIDGht-CjzxP6KONpECBrsBhnY6VOZCrqRky_Mu6oxO8EGZfysG31zdTmsYTomBdmVUe9vSu4FANn1dfAksYxfLG7C3hv6jGUWWZZ/s320/2186237.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 196px;" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Image provided by the </span><a href="http://eatonrapidshistory.weebly.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Eaton Rapids Area Historical Society</span></a></i></span></div><br />This image shows that the most important part of a barn is the roof.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCZh_yanDKdd04lYTNbhj9QycQWwP61bI58M9yW88qMzeUcZ7LHviN53wB-7e_YYj1spHCIP1F1eviJMC0r9JJHPU2fOlJE6lW02oivMVFHVYlVFTKS-NovfLqfVMCTO_xhHkLVUa3wNVG/s1600/va-barn-2-adjusted.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672331342097375314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCZh_yanDKdd04lYTNbhj9QycQWwP61bI58M9yW88qMzeUcZ7LHviN53wB-7e_YYj1spHCIP1F1eviJMC0r9JJHPU2fOlJE6lW02oivMVFHVYlVFTKS-NovfLqfVMCTO_xhHkLVUa3wNVG/s320/va-barn-2-adjusted.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" /></a><br />One of the finest example of architecturally spectacular barns is right here in Michigan. Many of you may have seen this barn near Sleeping Bear Dunes:<div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfLGxArPOXWiunVYN4yMqSg1D_1T9RgXjwbsfwcLRWs0rysjPN6cQ4asyZsPvAcPO42jG4AkaznzAGnlleRl2EtV6EWK9jHMgeInCK440yg8qLj_kFw4_zKP3Z4eVY4_iSubx_tSjCwELO/s1600/3994132484_6509c5115c_b.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672331333495499154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfLGxArPOXWiunVYN4yMqSg1D_1T9RgXjwbsfwcLRWs0rysjPN6cQ4asyZsPvAcPO42jG4AkaznzAGnlleRl2EtV6EWK9jHMgeInCK440yg8qLj_kFw4_zKP3Z4eVY4_iSubx_tSjCwELO/s320/3994132484_6509c5115c_b.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">photo of the D.H. Day Barn - Glen Harbor, MI</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">by John H. Bowman</span></i></span></div><p>I’ve had an appreciation for barns, but as a horse owner and rider, I have a special appreciation of a good horse barn. The image below is one of the barns at the Michigan State facility. In spring they hold a horse expo.</p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSD-ZSAUzEsD4jAYoNWJhVJk11Wdu1yQLxVal5nJtpaOxqvReqtv1uvl7HGh0GfoOdn9IW4Z3GwlT6mEVyv7B-vlId7gK1DX9u3yM36Au4entuZZkf1V4SfEX1S8iO57Q-LgT5Tx8h29Ov/s1600/Picture+1.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672331326065996898" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSD-ZSAUzEsD4jAYoNWJhVJk11Wdu1yQLxVal5nJtpaOxqvReqtv1uvl7HGh0GfoOdn9IW4Z3GwlT6mEVyv7B-vlId7gK1DX9u3yM36Au4entuZZkf1V4SfEX1S8iO57Q-LgT5Tx8h29Ov/s320/Picture+1.png" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 241px;" /></a><br />This illustration once again exhibits the talents of <a href="http://www.visbeen.biz/">Visbeen Associates, Inc.</a> and casts a wonderful vision of an elegant equestrian facility.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA_1jhqCCr3-9pQ_mmdIb-0hJvBU61jK48tX_UpFCAQIPvPgAKO8xnYqlclJzmZQgbl_HrnPdB5Bp27bvg_OKgZvPMvJwor5-9sUDbFw3SaZ8XHd9a-s7-SBLS2KnpgUuzZtIVx2VZUfk2/s1600/S1.2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672331319278221010" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA_1jhqCCr3-9pQ_mmdIb-0hJvBU61jK48tX_UpFCAQIPvPgAKO8xnYqlclJzmZQgbl_HrnPdB5Bp27bvg_OKgZvPMvJwor5-9sUDbFw3SaZ8XHd9a-s7-SBLS2KnpgUuzZtIVx2VZUfk2/s320/S1.2.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 146px;" /></a><p><br /></p><p>The image below is of our family on a recent trail ride. The month of October is my favorite - as the cooler temperatures and autumn colors provide the backdrop for some wonder rides and time with my wife and children.</p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjNVMuvZJxvWDwFxjoiBOWe-W0YfrtBSPskm72seqRjIfSmCMH8J8F0fwlo_cTGglmzGxe-UAhMN7TtgOiTcEW_Sr48hukHuVpdCPB-rXjGNXOUyET_zVGN1cM6HgqFRJwiKyc-HSI5XxY/s1600/IMG_4008.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672331318194650194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjNVMuvZJxvWDwFxjoiBOWe-W0YfrtBSPskm72seqRjIfSmCMH8J8F0fwlo_cTGglmzGxe-UAhMN7TtgOiTcEW_Sr48hukHuVpdCPB-rXjGNXOUyET_zVGN1cM6HgqFRJwiKyc-HSI5XxY/s320/IMG_4008.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" /></a><br /></div><br />Although not about barns in particular - the quote below is one of my favorites on a somewhat related subject.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4cI1S4-IUlmVgPK-FCd72ORRykeX2tQzC9xFQ38Rpq9Tbd2xzc6r_dYWNo9v7ynah0Hxujoh8ZZJruLQFFop85odW9TboWS5j1zt974UM0VnVoorPQ3mFodyRmkhrjis1lk_p2opLgpF0/s1600/Picture+2.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672333776958160514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4cI1S4-IUlmVgPK-FCd72ORRykeX2tQzC9xFQ38Rpq9Tbd2xzc6r_dYWNo9v7ynah0Hxujoh8ZZJruLQFFop85odW9TboWS5j1zt974UM0VnVoorPQ3mFodyRmkhrjis1lk_p2opLgpF0/s320/Picture+2.png" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 90px;" /></a>

Staff Post by Paul Fikse

Barns serve numerous functions and their design often reflects their intended use. Whether used to store agricultural produce, livestock or equipment - a good barn comes in handy.The historic two-barn combination barn shown below 150 foot in length and was the main building for a dairy creamery busi…

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Cornerstone University Gets A New Stadium

<div style="text-align: left;">Yesterday, Cornerstone University broke ground for their new baseball stadium, designed by <a href="http://www.visbeen.biz/">Visbeen Associates</a>. Here's the article CU released yesterday for the ceremony:</div><div><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">CORNERSTONE UNIVERSITY</div><div style="text-align: center;">BREAKS GROUND ON NEW BASEBALL STADIUM</div><div style="text-align: center;">Announces New Baseball Staff</div><br />Grand Rapids, Mich. – Cornerstone University broke ground today on its $8 million dollar one-of-its-kind baseball stadium and new residence hall combination.<div><br />Construction on the new baseball complex will begin April 1 with the first pitch being thrown out in the fall of 2012.<br /><br />“We need a new dorm and a baseball field so it will save us a footprint on campus,” said Dr. Joe Stowell, president of Cornerstone University, during chapel Nov. 2 held prior to the outdoor groundbreaking. “We needed both so we combined the two and solved the dorm issue.”</div><div><br />The new stadium will have 500 stadium seats, artificial turf, lighting, a concession stand, locker rooms for both men’s baseball and women’s softball, a training center, weight room, indoor pitching machines and indoor batting cages.<br /><br />Above the training center will be a 100 bed residence hall needed to accommodate increasing enrollment.<br /><br />Jack and Mary DeWitt of Holland, Mich., provided a gift of $5 million two months ago that will fully fund the baseball facility and provide $3 million in seed money for a new chapel and fine arts center.<div><br /><div>“Without God’s goodness and grace we wouldn’t be here,” said Jack DeWitt, owner of Request Foods. “We believe every Christian college in West Michigan should have a chapel building. Glory be to God.”</div><div><br />After the chapel service a ceremonial ground breaking took place on the field where the stadium will be located. A starting line-up of nine people wore CU jerseys and hard hats before putting their shovels in the ground.<br /><br />Head Coach David Mitroff and his team of assistants were introduced. His coaching staff includes: Ron Engle, senior assistant coach of Wyoming, Mich.; Chuck Lowitski, assistant coach of Chicago, Ill., and volunteer assistant coach Doug Smith of Sparta, Mich.<br /><br />“We’re very excited to bring baseball back to CU along with a brand new facility for the program,” said Dave Grube, athletic director for Cornerstone University. “Our goal is to provide a first class program that will honor God and represent our university with strong character and class.”</div><div><br />The DeWitts were presented with a framed home plate signed by the Cornerstone president and other staff members and a shovel with a bat handle. </div><div><br />“Mary and I share a mutual interest in and enthusiasm for the mission and vision of Cornerstone University. We are delighted to partner with the university’s leadership in the enterprise of graduating students who will influence West Michigan and our world for Christ.”</div><div><br /></div><div>The new facility will host high school tournaments, summer leagues and youth programs. The vision for the facility also includes major league baseball players conducting clinics for West Michigan coaches and players.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Congratulations, Cornerstone! Here's a <a href="http://www.mlive.com/smallcolleges/grandrapids/index.ssf/2011/11/cornerstone_breaks_ground_on_b.html">link</a> to another article about the new stadium, released by the Grand Rapids Press.</div><div><br /></div></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9mNBfVRKoHC4P0im0EG6dzkSRDiF-WtWNPMeplraZR3EjLd8JBog3HMB-YvYH6L0CzrzgPu7HXfz0xZiykSf6KGMckb318szsx7fCNrmgKTXOD8GI-wivrHEeXiZHmjpO38gYab4DZ5DH/s1600/CU+Baseball+Stadium.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672284405081122018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9mNBfVRKoHC4P0im0EG6dzkSRDiF-WtWNPMeplraZR3EjLd8JBog3HMB-YvYH6L0CzrzgPu7HXfz0xZiykSf6KGMckb318szsx7fCNrmgKTXOD8GI-wivrHEeXiZHmjpO38gYab4DZ5DH/s320/CU+Baseball+Stadium.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 94px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIRImATxBCgV2Mh4KlzAadySIvwPpmVgvXpZTqmt-36CUJgAU40RK9DdyORsMcYeB266vfEjVxUYzPjyXQgIqfQ91vuWs96AWBXtxlF7sWGuW-qDY9TXybpg15fQr5AqHwCN9xR2AHGeSY/s1600/R1.2+v1+-+Rendering" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672260624037604498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIRImATxBCgV2Mh4KlzAadySIvwPpmVgvXpZTqmt-36CUJgAU40RK9DdyORsMcYeB266vfEjVxUYzPjyXQgIqfQ91vuWs96AWBXtxlF7sWGuW-qDY9TXybpg15fQr5AqHwCN9xR2AHGeSY/s320/R1.2+v1+-+Rendering" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" /></a></div>

Cornerstone University Gets A New Stadium

Yesterday, Cornerstone University broke ground for their new baseball stadium, designed by Visbeen Associates. Here's the article CU released yesterday for the ceremony:CORNERSTONE UNIVERSITYBREAKS GROUND ON NEW BASEBALL STADIUMAnnounces New Baseball StaffGrand Rapids, Mich. – Cornerstone University…

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