Playmakers scores new home

Playmakers, a performance footwear and apparel retailer located in Okemos, has moved from the Meridian Mall to a free-standing building over twice the size (15,747 square feet) of its mall store. Originally built as a grocery store in 1958, the new building holds historical significance as well as added sales floor.

Five Michigan jewelers have received sales and management professional certification through Jewelers of America, Inc.: Casey Brown and Kristie Eilers, of Reed’s Jewelers in Lansing; Mary Dunker, of Mary Dunker Jewelry in Okemos; and Elmyra Gates and Danielle Nicole Walton, of Simmons and Clark Inc. in Detroit.

A free tax-trimmer kit is available to help retailers reduce their federal tax bill. Published by the nonprofit National Association for the Exchange of Industrial Resources, the kit shows how to donate problem inventory to charity and claim a federal tax deduction.

Included in the kit are tips on spotting deductible merchandise, step-by-step instructions on the donation process, and a formula for estimating potential tax savings. To receive the free kit, call NAEIR at 1.800.562.0955.

The Michigan Festivals and Events Association (MFEA) and its Foundation have a new website, www.michiganfun.us. MFEA is dedicated to promoting interests of events, festivals, attractions, suppliers and related tourism by developing education programs, services and networking opportunities that contribute to business success.

MFEA is also currently establishing an E-mail Event Fan Club. Fan Club information will consist of dates and locations as well as other pertinent information to assist event-goers with their leisure planning. To receive this information, contact MFEA at 898.845.2080 or e-mail info@mfea.org.

Seventeen Michigan Gift Mart showrooms have added nearly 50 new products. The Michigan Gift Mart includes nearly 80 showrooms within a 100,000 square foot center boasting regular gift shows and exhibits.

Located in suburban Detroit, free parking, hotel specials, and promotions and events are available to all attendees. For more information call 800.886.6247.

Belladean “Susie” Berndt, wife of former MRA board member E.E. Berndt, died August 7, at their home in Pompano Beach, Florida. She was 83.

Mrs. Berndt, a nurse, married E.E. Berndt in 1940, and together they created Berndt’s Jewelry Store, a successful business in Adrian for more than 30 years.

A funeral service was held August 10, at the First Presbyterian Church of Pompano Beach. Donations may be made in Susie’s memory to the First Presbyterian Church of Pompano Beach, 2331 NE 26 Ave., Pompano Beach, FL 33062 or to Vitas Hospice Services, 3323 W. Commercial Blvd, Pompano Beach, FL 33308.

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