Press Release from MI-SBTDC: Continuity Programs, Inc. Wins 2012 Best Small Business Award from the Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center
March 20, 2013 WALLED LAKE, Mich. – Twelve companies from around the state of Michigan have been selected to receive the Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center’s (MI-SBTDC) Best Small Business Award. These companies were chosen from over 13,000 small businesses that the MI-SBTDC provided with confidential counseling and training in 2012. The Best Small Business award recipients were identified based on their success in creating jobs, increasing sales, improving their business strategy and their involvement with the MI-SBTDC. These recipients will be honored at the Michigan Celebrates Small Business awards ceremony on May 2, 2013.
“The Best Small Business Award provides the MI-SBTDC network with an opportunity to acknowledge exceptional small businesses that we’ve worked with the previous year,” says Carol Lopucki, State Director of the MI-SBTDC. “We are excited to celebrate their successes.”
Kirk King purchased Continuity Programs, Inc. in 2010 in the wake of the 2008 recession. Based in Walled Lake, Continuity sets itself apart as being the pioneer customer retention and lead generating marketing provider, originally working with customers in the real estate and mortgage industry. King knew that in order to keep Continuity competitive, he needed to restructure and expand their market.
Shortly after taking over Continuity, a relative suggested that King should connect with the Southeast Michigan SBTDC. He began to meet regularly with Lola Are, who helped Continuity Programs redevelop their branding, utilize market research to identify potential clients and launch a new website with lead generation and SEO. Continuity Programs has become a leader of intelligent database marketing. King attended Oakland County’s Venture Forward program and was nominated by Lola Are to be part of the Pure Michigan Business Connect Economic Gardening Pilot Program.
Since working with the MI-SBTDC, Continuity’s sales have increased by 60%. When King originally purchased the company he was able to retain eight full-time employees. Through diversification and growth Continuity has been able to add five additional fulltime employees and is looking to hire at least five more this year. Continuity Programs Inc. has found a new, larger building and plans to move in the middle of 2013, expanding for exponential growth in the future.
To learn more about Continuity Programs, Inc. visit www.continuityprograms.com.
About MI-SBTDC
The Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center provides counseling,business education, information based planning and technology commercialization to new and existing businesses throughout Michigan’s 83 counties. The MI-SBTDC is located at the Grand Valley State University, Seidman College of Business in Grand Rapids, Michigan. As host of the MI-SBTDC State Headquarters, the Seidman College of Business oversees the eleven-region MI-SBTDC network. Entrepreneurs and small business owners may access the services of their nearest MISBTDC by calling 616.331.7480 or visiting www.misbtdc.org.