Originally uploaded September 12th re-edited October 7th.

Chris Holman welcomes back Kim Bode, Dog rescuer (hoarder), community advocate (vigilante), and proud (obsessed) Michigan business owner, 8THIRTYFOUR Marketing, Grand Rapids, MI.

Welcome back, Kim, remind the Michigan business community about 8ThirtyFour Integrated Communications?
 
Tell us about common mistakes companies make when facing a PR crisis?

What's the Importance of having a crisis communications plan prepared BEFORE the crisis happens/essential parts of a crisis communications plan?

Michigan is home to many small businesses and large corporations alike.
What factors should these different types of Michigan companies consider when creating their crisis communications plan? 

Please share with us, ... Balancing the need for transparency with protecting sensitive information during a crisis?

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Michigan Business Beat | Kim Bode, 8THIRTYFOUR Integrated Communications - Crisis Management

lyrics//
----------
Back, on attack, that’s a fact, & if you don’t like that.. then just best get to movin’..
Know i spent too much time, just soothin’..
Same time, see how all my problems got rooted..
Feelin’ like a nuisance.. so i got a new sense..
Feel that Imma be great.. now i gotta prove it..
I don’t need a soul around that’s only on some bullshitt..
Heart got heavy.. blood start poolin’..
But bet now I’m ready.. scope hold steady..
It’s a steady bet that things’ll get a bit heavy..
It’s a steady bet that i won’t let you in my head & if I said it more than once I’m prolly over it already..
Pack this blunt like I stash that fetty..
Tell the works done, by the way the sun settin’..
& if you aint wit the gang, get a little unleaded..
Only truth on my tongue, so i hope you don’t forget it..
Bet it’s.. not the first time that you heard this either..
Signals gettin' mixed in the ether..
All times, Imma grind till my teeth hurt..
Till i truthfully can say i wanna be here..
Yea.. cause I’ll be damned like beaver..
Couldn’t never understand how I could leave her..
But i aint never need no plan, I just need worth..
Can’t let it turn me to a creature..
So baby can you make it worthwhile..
Time flows, fast as the Nile..
Said you left it in the past, that’s denial..
Hell, maybe - just be here, now..
Maybe go deeper, how..
Could you really ever think that, think back..
Know every toe i got been touchin’ on the ground..
So i just hope i don’t get caught up in a springtrap..
....

Sïgnäls [prod. santana x young mooski]

ambient ## (starting wizard)

## fire, fire in the sky!!
prod the goat jundanxer shoutout ##dewsquad ##wemadeit

melodia ## (jundanxer)

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Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
Developer: Respawn Entertainment
Publishers: Electronic Arts & Lucasfilm Games

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Star Wars Jedi: Survivor

lyrics//
----------
Stand on big business.. the rift spinnin’, all around us..
(round us, around us..)
It’s so primitive.. i build it up, to watch it turn to dust..
(watch it turn to du$t..)
So as I carve the path, i bring this sword to greet you..
Just know if my will is met, then night would fall ‘fore I could reach through..
('fore i could reach thru..)
I’m above all who are beneath truth..
I just want it all & I’m gon’ get it, y’all gon’ see soon.. this is just the prequel..
& if I fall, do not fray at all.. just see me soar back..
Hard to deal with all that I don’t know, i can’t ignore that..
Not sorry, I’m just spittin' pure fact.. (pure, fact..)
Mix it wit this molten flow as I prepare this floor trap.. (prepare this floor trap..)
They could shout, “look out below..” but you’d just think it’s more cap..
& if its true.. i’m not sure bout you, but I’d be more mad..
..
But I mean, well.. really who’s to say if things are as they seem..
(as they seem..)
If there not, promise not to pull & break me out this dream.. (break me out this dream..)
Or crawl inside, just to share a moment that was meant for me..
Really, what could all this mean.. hope it don’t end up tragically..
..
Even if it do, been makin’ moves, know I’m gon’ persevere..
Steady glisten through the sky that hide a message crystal clear.. (clear..)
High key, watch it disappear.. watch you, watch me try to find it..
I reach out to help my brothers up, while you reach out still blinded..
Then I waltz in, awfully absent-minded..
Obstacles gon’ stack up if I let em' go & keep on slidin’..
Ask myself, what else inside it?..
This i fear, for all that i hold dear, I’ve lost just like an island.. 
I seek peace, beneath my eyelids.. 
Save my soul, on perfect timing..
(timing.. timing..) x2

-_-Kristalbawll_-_ ((prod. heaven boy))

tearful mahjong table ## (2heaven)

soba noodles ## (jundanxer)

lyrics//
----------
Ohh this way I’ve bended.. backward toward the break..
From all this time, I’m spendin’.. buryin’ my mistakes..
As if i’m forged of gold.. well then, my god, I wish I’d known..
Cause every time i try, it seems.. my path strays far from home..
& i don’t know if imma make it back.. enter the fold..
Cause i been here once, now i been here twice.. these shoulders grown so cold..
..
Watch the sand.. thru my hands.. what’s the plan now?..
Understand.. i’m the man.. & so its so..
Secret soul.. contraband that i can’t hand out..
The time i took, i’m cursed to always look.. like where’d it go?..
(For what, who knows?..)
[X2]
..
If i can’t find the light, I’ll be the light.. who needs the night?..
So many seasons kept a cover on my afterglow..
I feel the flicker deep inside consuming all my mind..
The way i trust its guidance, nothing short of masterful..
I fear its grasp & pull..
I wear its warmth when near it..
Control that i withhold, these locks are disappearing..
I know I’m becoming great.. this fate has redirected..
Keep my sight, this guiding light.. the glory comes when least expected..
Anything for you my darling, lose it all for your protection..
Some things you jus shouldn’t mess with..
Tribute all of my investment..
Until the era I’m undone.. deep in the dirt, I’m good & rested..
I’m always gon’ try my hardest - tear my heart from where my chest is..
..
I cherish this connection.. & whatever it brings..
I been uncovering methods.. life aint whatever it seems..
What’s left, discoverin’ themes.. jus don’t get too obsessed with..
Dots & collectin’ their links..
Hope’s an incredible thing..
..
The buttons I been pressin’.. don’t leave much room to grow..
I graft a new perspective, fresher than evening snow..
Now if i let it slip, it’s forces’ diabolical..
& even so, imma make my way thru on my knees & toes..
..
Yea.. know it gon’ take an awful lot to stop me..
I used to scorch myself but now I let it to soothe me softly..
& when I’m feeling cornered.. box’d in, got no other options..
In my core, it resonates.. snared with forever toxins..
..
Watch the sand.. thru my hands.. what’s the plan now?..
Understand.. i’m the man.. & so its so..
Secret soul.. contraband that i can’t hand out..
The time i took, i’m cursed to always look.. like where’d it go?..
(For what, who know?..)
[x2]


//SNAIRD// {prod. McX}

lyrics//
----------
Oh well, i cry as i fall down the well again..
Lashing in or lashing out, its all irrelevant..
Could never settle bitch.. till then i’m celibate..
I’m all bout me & mine, & that go to the sky or crypt..
I’ve wasted many days, arranging all these skeletons..
I think its time i choose to give some time to time alone..
Just a kid who sent a wish into the dark abyss..
Smash the windows, bust the doors that line this broken home..
Now its close.. heart get heavy as it turn to stone..
Take it slow.. watch it turn again & burn anew..
Senses lack when all this time been spent extracting traps..
Reminders hidden leave me left with jus the scent of you..
Maybe I’ve yet to bloom.. & when i do is my choice..
I jus keep pushin' on, bump & groove through all this damn noise..
I stress to be my best, clear as day I’m not no damn toy..
I lost the plot again..
Promise, this aint no damn ploy..
Still if I gotta to crawl, make my way up out this black hole..
Feel it grow deep in my cells, crevices of my soul..
Latent power begging jus to claim a space of its own..
& I could grant it.. i jus pray it lands, don’t go up in smoke..
No more playin' the joke..
Over being the jester, now its my joy to revoke..
Can’t let the feeling jus fester.. cause I’m the man, I’m the bloke..
It seem the grander the image, the more we’re lost in the scope..
I jus hope..
I jus hope..

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

OhhWëLLツ [prod. Frail Whale]

BODE DAS DANADAS [ DJ GL7 DE NITERÓI ]

BONDE DAS DANADAS [ DJ GL7 DE NITERÓI ]

[Kim Bode / 8ThirtyFour Integrated Communications' spotlight, participant in SBAM's Women’s Entrepreneurial Fellowship] 
Chris Holman welcomes Christy Howden; owner of Wolverine Pickleball, Ann Arbor, MI.
This is the third of four interviews in a series.
There were several questions Chris wanted to find out from Christy:

Welcome Christy, tell us about your business?

Pickleball is a growing industry and community, what have you faced in trying to introduce not only your business, but the sport itself, to audiences?

What are the biggest things you’ve learned as a woman business owner?

How did you learn about the fellowship?

Why did you decide to apply?

How did you feel when you heard you were accepted?

What would you say to women business owners who are considering applying for future cohorts?

Small Business Association of Michigan Foundation Announces Inaugural Women's Entrepreneurial Fellowship New Program Addresses Multiple Challenges for Second-Stage, Women-Owned Businesses

LANSING, Mich. – The SBAM Foundation (SBAMF), supported by its parent organization, the Small Business Association of Michigan, has launched its Women's Entrepreneurial Fellowship (WEF) program and chosen 11 businesses for the first cohort. The eight-month initiative will equip these second-stage, women-owned businesses with resources to overcome diverse challenges and scale their operations. Women-owned businesses are a vital part of Michigan's economy, representing 43.2% of the state's 902,131 small businesses—higher than the national average. Detroit, in particular, was ranked as the top U.S. metropolitan area for growth in women-owned businesses.

“The launch of the Women’s Entrepreneurial Fellowship is an exciting step toward ensuring that second-stage, women-owned businesses receive the targeted support they need to thrive, said Brian Calley, SBAM President & CEO. “This program will provide invaluable resources, from mentorship and business certifications to networking opportunities and access to capital, helping these entrepreneurs overcome the unique challenges they face.”

Qualifying businesses have more than one employee in addition to the owner, have been in operation for at least two years, and generate a minimum of $500,000 in annual revenue. Here are the businesses that were selected for the inaugural cohort: ● Eagle Specialties, LLC ● Elderly Instruments ● Fido & Stitch ● Groovy Donuts ● Jungle Jane Promotions ● Marshall Holding ● Neuco Furniture & Upholstery ● Pioneer Machine and Technology, Inc ● The Betty Brigade ● Winsome Travel Design ● Wolverine Pickleball

Recent data underscores the need for the support provided by this new program. Only 10% of women business owners report securing a small business loan, and women-owned businesses receive just 2.2% of all venture capital funding in the U.S. Operationally, 59% struggle with hiring and retaining qualified staff, while 80% face difficulties dealing with increased costs.

"Women-owned businesses in Michigan confront a multitude of challenges that hinder their growth potential," said Kim Bode, Program Director. "From financial constraints to operational difficulties, our fellowship is designed to address these issues comprehensively."

To address these issues, the Women's Entrepreneurial Fellowship offers:

● One-on-one mentorship with established business leaders

● Monthly learning sessions on critical business topics

● Networking opportunities with investors and industry leaders

● Guidance on accessing capital and growth resources

● Support in obtaining relevant business certifications

● Specialized courses on financial management, marketing, and operational efficiency

Michigan Business Beat | Christy Howden a member of SBAM's First Women’s Entrepreneurial Fellowship!

[Kim Bode / 8ThirtyFour Integrated Communications' spotlight, participant in SBAM's Women’s Entrepreneurial Fellowship] 
Chris Holman welcomes Lillian Werbin, CEO/Co-Owner, Elderly Instruments, East Lansing, MI.
This is the fourth of five interviews in a series.
There were several questions Chris wanted to find out from Lillian:

About Your Business 
● Welcome back Lillian, remind the Michigan business community about your business? 
● What is the importance of engaging and strengthening the community along with your business? 
● How have your past experiences helped you grow your company? 

Inaugural Women’s Entrepreneurial Fellowship 
● How did you learn about the fellowship? 
● How did you feel when you heard you were accepted?

Impact 
● What are the biggest things you learned from the fellowship? 
● How has being a part of the fellowship impacted you and your business? 
● What would you say to women business owners who are considering applying for future cohorts?

Small Business Association of Michigan Foundation Announces Inaugural Women's Entrepreneurial Fellowship New Program Addresses Multiple Challenges for Second-Stage, Women-Owned Businesses

LANSING, Mich. – The SBAM Foundation (SBAMF), supported by its parent organization, the Small Business Association of Michigan, has launched its Women's Entrepreneurial Fellowship (WEF) program and chosen 11 businesses for the first cohort. The eight-month initiative will equip these second-stage, women-owned businesses with resources to overcome diverse challenges and scale their operations. Women-owned businesses are a vital part of Michigan's economy, representing 43.2% of the state's 902,131 small businesses—higher than the national average. Detroit, in particular, was ranked as the top U.S. metropolitan area for growth in women-owned businesses.

“The launch of the Women’s Entrepreneurial Fellowship is an exciting step toward ensuring that second-stage, women-owned businesses receive the targeted support they need to thrive, said Brian Calley, SBAM President & CEO. “This program will provide invaluable resources, from mentorship and business certifications to networking opportunities and access to capital, helping these entrepreneurs overcome the unique challenges they face.”

Qualifying businesses have more than one employee in addition to the owner, have been in operation for at least two years, and generate a minimum of $500,000 in annual revenue. Here are the businesses that were selected for the inaugural cohort: ● Eagle Specialties, LLC ● Elderly Instruments ● Fido & Stitch ● Groovy Donuts ● Jungle Jane Promotions ● Marshall Holding ● Neuco Furniture & Upholstery ● Pioneer Machine and Technology, Inc ● The Betty Brigade ● Winsome Travel Design ● Wolverine Pickleball

Recent data underscores the need for the support provided by this new program. Only 10% of women business owners report securing a small business loan, and women-owned businesses receive just 2.2% of all venture capital funding in the U.S. Operationally, 59% struggle with hiring and retaining qualified staff, while 80% face difficulties dealing with increased costs.

"Women-owned businesses in Michigan confront a multitude of challenges that hinder their growth potential," said Kim Bode, Program Director. "From financial constraints to operational difficulties, our fellowship is designed to address these issues comprehensively."

To address these issues, the Women's Entrepreneurial Fellowship offers:

● One-on-one mentorship with established business leaders

● Monthly learning sessions on critical business topics

● Networking opportunities with investors and industry leaders

● Guidance on accessing capital and growth resources

● Support in obtaining relevant business certifications

● Specialized courses on financial management, marketing, and operational efficiency

Michigan Business Beat | Lillian Werbin a member of SBAM's First Women’s Entrepreneurial Fellowship!

[Kim Bode / 8ThirtyFour Integrated Communications' spotlight, participant in SBAM's Women’s Entrepreneurial Fellowship] 
Chris Holman welcomes back Jane Mitchell, MAS, CEO/Owner Jungle Jane Promotions, Lansing, MI.

This is the fifth of five interviews in a series.
There were several questions Chris wanted to find out from Jane:

● What makes your business unique?
● What are the biggest things you’ve learned as a woman business owner?
● What have been some successes/challenges you’ve faced in your business? 
● Speak about being part of the Inaugural Women’s Entrepreneurial Fellowship 

Small Business Association of Michigan Foundation Announces Inaugural Women's Entrepreneurial Fellowship New Program Addresses Multiple Challenges for Second-Stage, Women-Owned Businesses

LANSING, Mich. – The SBAM Foundation (SBAMF), supported by its parent organization, the Small Business Association of Michigan, has launched its Women's Entrepreneurial Fellowship (WEF) program and chosen 11 businesses for the first cohort. The eight-month initiative will equip these second-stage, women-owned businesses with resources to overcome diverse challenges and scale their operations. Women-owned businesses are a vital part of Michigan's economy, representing 43.2% of the state's 902,131 small businesses—higher than the national average. Detroit, in particular, was ranked as the top U.S. metropolitan area for growth in women-owned businesses.

“The launch of the Women’s Entrepreneurial Fellowship is an exciting step toward ensuring that second-stage, women-owned businesses receive the targeted support they need to thrive, said Brian Calley, SBAM President & CEO. “This program will provide invaluable resources, from mentorship and business certifications to networking opportunities and access to capital, helping these entrepreneurs overcome the unique challenges they face.”

Qualifying businesses have more than one employee in addition to the owner, have been in operation for at least two years, and generate a minimum of $500,000 in annual revenue. Here are the businesses that were selected for the inaugural cohort: ● Eagle Specialties, LLC ● Elderly Instruments ● Fido & Stitch ● Groovy Donuts ● Jungle Jane Promotions ● Marshall Holding ● Neuco Furniture & Upholstery ● Pioneer Machine and Technology, Inc ● The Betty Brigade ● Winsome Travel Design ● Wolverine Pickleball

Recent data underscores the need for the support provided by this new program. Only 10% of women business owners report securing a small business loan, and women-owned businesses receive just 2.2% of all venture capital funding in the U.S. Operationally, 59% struggle with hiring and retaining qualified staff, while 80% face difficulties dealing with increased costs.

"Women-owned businesses in Michigan confront a multitude of challenges that hinder their growth potential," said Kim Bode, Program Director. "From financial constraints to operational difficulties, our fellowship is designed to address these issues comprehensively."

To address these issues, the Women's Entrepreneurial Fellowship offers:

● One-on-one mentorship with established business leaders

● Monthly learning sessions on critical business topics

● Networking opportunities with investors and industry leaders

● Guidance on accessing capital and growth resources

● Support in obtaining relevant business certifications

● Specialized courses on financial management, marketing, and operational efficiency

"The Women's Entrepreneurial Fellowship addresses the unique challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in Michigan,” said Amy Rencher, Senior Vice President of Small Business Services at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). “Through its targeted $73 million investment, the Small Business Support Hubs program exemplifies our economic development strategy's commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive business ecosystem across the state.

Michigan Business Beat | Jungle Jane Mitchell, Three Decade Evolving Entrepreneur SBAM Women Cohort

Chris Holman welcomes back Kim Bode, Dog rescuer, community advocate, and proud Michigan business owner, 8THIRTY FOUR Integrated Communications, Grand Rapids, MI.

Welcome back Kim, the fellowship you shared about a couple times in the past year is back for a second, tell us about it?

SBAM designed the Women’s Entrepreneurial Fellowship specifically for second-stage businesses—why is this growth stage such a critical point for women entrepreneurs?

Access to capital remains a major barrier, with women receiving significantly smaller loans and less venture funding—how does the fellowship help bridge that gap?

The program emphasizes customized mentorship and peer networking. What measurable impacts did you see from the first cohort, and how will those lessons shape this next one?

Michigan women own over 44% of small businesses—how does the fellowship leverage SBAM’s statewide network to amplify their economic impact?

For companies generating $500,000–$1 million in revenue, what key challenges are you seeing most often, and how does the fellowship address them differently than traditional programs?

How can they apply?

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The Small Business Association of Michigan Expands Statewide Program for Second-stage Women-owned Businesses

The Women’s Entrepreneurial Fellowship opens applications for a fall cohort to address resources, support, and funding gaps for Michigan women entrepreneurs.

The Small Business Association of Michigan, through the SBAM Foundation, is accepting applications for the second cohort of the Women's Entrepreneurial Fellowship (WEF), the state's only comprehensive program designed specifically for women-owned businesses that have moved beyond the startup phase. Following the success of its inaugural class,
the program will expand to serve 15 participants, with applications due mid-September and programming beginning late fall.

"Michigan women entrepreneurs bring bold ideas and unstoppable determination, but too often they lack access to the mentorship and networks that can accelerate their success," said Amy Rencher, Senior Vice President, Small Business & Talent at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). "This unique fellowship program closes that gap, fueling connections with experienced leaders who can open doors,
share hard-earned wisdom, and help turn vision into thriving businesses that strengthen our communities and our economy."

The fellowship addresses documented disparities that create significant economic opportunity gaps. According to the Wells Fargo 2025 Impact of Women-Owned Businesses Report, if women-owned businesses achieved the same average revenue as men-owned businesses, the U.S. economy would see an additional $10.2 trillion in revenue annually. In Michigan, women own 44.2% of small businesses—902,131 enterprises—yet they receive loans 50% smaller than their male counterparts. Only 2.3%
of venture capital reaches women-led firms, while nearly 1 in 3 female entrepreneurs report experiencing sexism as business owners.

Michigan Business Beat | Kim Bode, Year 2 -Statewide Program for Second-Stage Women-Owned Businesses

lyrics//
----------
Fell again, do you think you could help pick up the pieces?..
I been tryin' hard but lately it feel out of reach, when..
I’m so far gone, its fuck’d.. i’m up at night, no peace to sleep with..
This well I’m in has deepened..
My sense of safety cheapened..
Yet even if I’m lost, i feel that pull to where I’m needed..
I’ll grow this magic lil' life I’ve craved, i’m busy seeding..
Like royalty, the tables round surrounding where i’m seated..
I know there’s knights abound, this town is filled with heightened reason..
I work to learn my purpose..
I’ll put in every last percent I have till I deserve it..
& if I fall or falter.. no regrets, i’ll jus rework it..
Its progress over perfect..
This energy beneath my feet I leave forever surging..
The air i breathe into me deep, i’ve simplified to greed..
Elevate my mind & heart, i’m way up with the trees..
I’m swaying with the breeze.. no time for moment missin'..
I catch my footing even when it looks the sands are shiftin'..
Until i feel for real & see for me that veil has lifted..
Over wasting peace of mind & askin' for permission..
Or askin' for forgiveness.. i move with truth to witness..
The strength of which could kill my faults or conquer any sickness..
At times this power gained has left my brain so overwhelmed..
I met the mirror, i met my maker.. now I hold the helm..
The shaper of my realm.. the mold is what i make it..
I am the shield & sword, the chances forged are mine for takin'..

GR33D (prod. OkayKoda x Jkei)

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##bode 
##midnightklan
*pure caster
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