Amish Reflections celebrating 30 years

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Amish Reflections will celebrate its 30th anniversary in business during its annual tent sale on Saturday, Sept. 28.

The sale will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. outside the furniture store, which is at 54 Ashman Circle. Special discounts will be offered that are only available during the tent sale.

Owners Lanis and George Swaney opened Amish Reflections in 1994 and offer furniture that’s handmade by Amish craftsmen. Their son Jeremy, who was 7 years old when the store opened, is now taking over the operation of the business.

“He goes and get the furniture, delivers the futnive, and sells the furniture,” Lanis Swaney said.

She said the main reasons for the success and longevity of Amish Reflections have been the quality of the furniture, the attentiveness of the staff and the reasonable prices.

“We have a really quality product,” Lanis said. “I think our customer service is really good. And the town’s been really good to us.

“Our prices are really competitive,” she continued. “With the economy the way it is, you look around a lot. We really work hard to keep our prices low so we are competitive with everybody.”

Amish Reflections was once the site of another furniture store, Miller Furniture, which operated until the 1960s.

“When we opened our business, one of the Miller daughters came in (to see the store),” Lanis recalled.

Hospitality Business Management courses free to first 2,000 who sign up

The Hospitality Training Institute of Michigan will launch its fourth round of Hospitality Business Management courses in Midland in October.

The 12-week comprehensive skills course has a $2,500 value but is offered at no cost to the first 2,000 program registrants. HTIM will also provide a $500 incentive to each graduate who successfully completes the course. 

October class offerings are still open for residents, so interested students are encouraged to apply at HTIM.com/stepup.

“To be a part of this program is truly amazing,” said Tyler Johnson, director of operations of Downtown Restaurant Investments and HTIM instructor. “This is a chance to improve your skills in so many areas of hospitality, become a more well-rounded employee and take that next step in your career. For a program like this to be free is an incredible opportunity and should not be missed.”

Upon completion of the course, participants will earn nationally recognized certifications, including ServSafe Manager certifications and national Hospitality Supervisor certifications, complete trainings related to unconscious bias, mental health, sexual harassment, and more to master the skills to be a leader in the industry.

HTIM first piloted this program to about 100 students and, with the support of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Development, has expanded the program to reach additional Michiganders looking for a rewarding and high-paying career.

“After going through the course, I am definitely better equipped to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship, make informed decisions, and contribute to the success and growth of our restaurant business,” said Jacinta Seals, a program graduate and 3rd-8th grade Math Instructor for Francis Reh Public School Academy. “This experience will not only help me succeed in current endeavors, but will also enhance the knowledge and experience I already possess in my field of expertise.”

Michigan’s hospitality industry creates nearly $44.6 billion in annual sales and is the state’s second-largest private employer of nearly half a million residents. As an integral part of Michigan’s economy, the HTIM program provides an avenue for employees to grow and develop, building a stronger workforce here in Michigan. 

The last day to register for the class is Friday, Sept. 20 at 5 p.m. Interested students and employers are encouraged to register for the class session of their choosing or find more information about the HTIM Hospitality Business Management course by visiting HTIM.com/stepup.

Kloha joins Wildfire Credit Union board

Wildfire Credit Union recently announced the addition of Rodney Kloha to its credit union board as an associate board member.

Kloha has been with Circle K Service Corporation since 1986. He started as a technician, and has worked his way up, serving as president of the company for the last 10 years.

Kloha’s experience as a business owner and his commitment to community development align perfectly with Wildfire’s mission, the credit union stated. Kloha also serves as the Vice Chairman of Governmental Affairs for the Midland Business Alliance and the Chairman of the Board for the National Federation of Independent Business Association. 

Ben Denay, President and CEO of Wildfire, commented, “On behalf of everyone at Wildfire Credit Union, I am delighted to welcome Rod to our Board of Directors. As a successful business owner, Rod brings a wealth of experience, insight, and a deep understanding of our community’s needs. We are confident that his perspective will be invaluable as we continue to grow and serve our members with integrity and innovation. We look forward to the positive impact Rod will undoubtedly bring to our board and Wildfire’s future.”

Managing Editor Dan Chalk writes about education, business, sports, the military, and interesting people and places in the Midland area. Email him at [email protected].