Pictured: L to R: Herb Carlson, Margo Johnson, Bill Collins. 

SCORE Tip of the Mitt Chapter recently honored three outstanding volunteer mentors, retiring after a cumulative 55 years of service to the chapter and to entrepreneurs in the area. 

Margo Johnson (Charlevoix) , Herb Carlson (Petoskey)  and Bill Collins (Petoskey) have been a mainstay of the mentor base for SCORE in this area for more than 23 years.  Together, they have worked with more than 400 aspiring entrepreneurs, helping them to start their businesses in the Tip of the Mitt area. 

Since 1964, SCORE has helped more than 17 million

The term "artificial intelligence" (AI) can evoke a wide range of emotions, from excitement and curiosity to skepticism and even fear. However, amidst the debates and concerns surrounding AI, one thing is clear: the integration of AI into our lives is inevitable, and there's more reason to embrace it than to fear it.

First and foremost, AI is a tool created and controlled by humans. Despite its sophistication, AI systems are designed, developed, and deployed by teams of skilled professionals who adhere to ethical guidelines and regulatory standards. From programming algorithms to setting

By: Greg Bennett, CPA

Small business ownership is a continuous process of establishing and enforcing expectations. Expectations are critical to achieving goals. They are a framework for a company’s culture and a driver behind success. As the owner of a business, you are its primary leader and have a responsibility to implement expectations that will propel your business toward goals in a healthy and productive manner. You must begin with yourself. Let’s look at six elements of sound expectations:

1. Goals. Expectations serve no purpose without a target, and each target is a goal. The goals need to

The consumer price index measures key costs for food, energy, select services and select commodities and rose 3.5% for the 12 months from March 2023 to March of 2024 according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The index in 2010 was $218.05 and in 2024 is $312.33.

This means that the value of $100,000 worth of goods and services in 2010 now costs you $143,234.77.

Prices have risen significantly and continue to climb as government and consumer spending chase goods and services in the market.

Interest rates have also climbed to a prime rate of 8.5%. Prime rate is generally considered the

I’ve written before about all the great tools in your toolbox to start and grow a business.  Another important tool is access to a local college.  In addition to a strong economy, a thriving tourist base, a major hospital, a supportive city government, and a SCORE chapter, Petoskey also has North Central Michigan College.

Founded in 1958 and located just blocks from Downtown Petoskey, North Central strives to deliver exceptional, accessible, relevant higher education for all learners while serving as a community convener and trusted partner. With an enrollment of over 1,700 students, North

I have been involved for almost 10 years as a SCORE Volunteer helping entrepreneurs and small business owners with their business goals.  Reflecting on this time and the many entrepreneurs and small business owners I have worked with I believe there are several key reasons you should consider becoming a SCORE volunteer. 

One of the most compelling reasons to become a SCORE volunteer is the opportunity to share your area of business knowledge and judgment with others. All of us have accumulated a wealth of knowledge and expertise while working in a variety of occupations.  By serving as a mentor