The Corner House of Gifts has been open for over 20 years, since a house on Mears and Colby in Whitehall was converted into a gift shop. Today it truly is a unique shopping experience, said Owner Jean Corsi. Customers wander from room to room, enjoying nooks and crannies filled with items from local Michigan artists and name brands collectibles, apparel, home decorations, linens, cookware, garden accents, whimsical ceramics and more. In addition to new collection pieces, customers can often spot "retired" collectibles as well. Christmas decorations may be available at the store year 'round, but this time of year the Corner House becomes an explosion of red, green, silver and gold.

Local artist Jill Barnes creates and sells her one of a kind art at Jilly's at 471 W. Western in downtown Muskegon. Her whimsical clay characters and quirky displays add a one of a kind charm to the store. Layered, fused dichroic glass jewelry reflects light, color and innovative style. Jilly's fused dune sand hearts and stars are gifts for those who want to send a piece of Muskegon. Driftwood is integrated with clay and glass. "Incorporting glass, clay and even driftwood has allowed my artwork to remain fresh and ever changing," she explained. Custom orders are welcome, said Jill, and she said she enjoys demonstating her clay, so don't hesitate to ask for a demonstration. Jilly's will participate in Wrap It Up November 7 and the Festival of Trees Craft Market November 21. "I feel we are all bless with a talent and when we share it with others it becomes a true gift. I'm very blessed to have such a talent and my gallery is a wonderful way to share it. Please stop in sometime, there is always something new to see."

Nationally-recognized artists Scott and Suzanne-Hiza Rosema have now brought their talent home at Temujin Studio in the Pointes Shopping Center. Stained glass Make It and Take It classes have begun there, with small class sizes, materials included in the price and a holiday memory to take home in just a couple of hours. Pins or Ornaments concentrates on something wonderful to wear or hang that includes a favorite photo. In the Picture Frames class, students make a frame from glass, charms and wire. Starflakes features sun catchers and Candle Votive classes combine the warmth of candles with the magic of glass. Live drawing demonstrations are also being held. Caricature Time features fun for all ages watching Scott create caricatures. In Cool Cartoons, attendees watch him draw their favorite cartoon character. There are many works ready to buy at the studio and both artists also accept commissions for drawing, painting and stained glass projects.

Lange Flooring Center Owners Scott and Sonia Gilbert took the business' reputation for helpful expertise and experienced installation and moved it to a large, customer-friendly showroom and value center in 2006. Scott, who had worked for previous owner Joe Strandberg since he was 14, bought the business 10 years previous to the move. Joe himself worked as an installer when he purchased the business from founder Bob Lange over 25 years ago. Lange Flooring Center's huge value center features in-stock inventory. The 5,000 square foot showroom is a comfortable, well lighted design area with a selection of carpet, laminate, vinyl and popular designs of tile installed on walls and floors. "That helps customers visualize what can be done." said Sonia.

Families considering a move for their senior members can contact Compassionate Moves, LLC. "Moving from one's home is not only physically challenging, but usually emotionally challenging as well," said Sue Wilson, Certified Relocation and Transition Specialist. "We’re here to make the transition as smooth as possible." Denise Forbes, Move Coordinator, and Sue become "project managers" for the move, available to handle the entire move or services clients select. Compassionate Moves can attend to personal needs, meet and direct movers, unpack and organize, stock the refrigerator, connect electronics and even make the beds. Many services are available, start to finish. Setting the new home up like the old is also a service.

Quigley Draperies has been in the Muskegon area nearly 80 years making beautiful window treatments, keeping up with trends in fashion and technology and pleasing generations of customers. Roy Kroeze (center) left downtown Muskegon's Hardy-Herpelsheimers store in 1960 to buy Quigley Draperies. His children Carol Beatty (left) and Greg Kroeze (right) assumed ownership of the company in 1992. Generations have shopped at the store and Carol said she often works with the children and grandchildren of customers her father assisted. Unlike box stores and corporate giants, Quigley's offers details that make their window coverings unique: a local workroom, a consistent staff that has devoted their lives to decorating, and experienced decorating and installing from the owners themselves.

Dale and Paul Vanderwall at Vanderwall Brothers Concrete Products are third generation owners. The company has been steadily growing and expanding since Bill Vanderwall started the company in 1949. When his two sons Bill Jr. and Jerry came into the business, Bill branched off to Ludington and Manistee. Meanwhile, Jerry continued to grow the Spring Lake business. Bill moved back, bought brother Jerry out and Bill's sons, Dale and Paul, own the business today. An expansive showroom is part of a long-term modernization plan that began when Dale and Paul took over in 1999. Making the store more comfortable and accessible to customers was a priority. "Where we stand apart from other stores," said Paul, "is we can direct customers and help them narrow down their choices for their house so they're leaving with something they're happy with and excited about."

A restaurant within a restaurant is evolving at the Finley's on Henry Street, as Thomas Space and Katherine Storrer introduce gourmet Italian on their Chef Tom's Little Italy menu insert. Tom has an agreement with River City Foods, who operate the Finley's Group, that allows him to offer the high end Italian food he has learned a passion for through 30 years of cooking at well known restaurants in Ann Arbor and San Francisco. Grilled fish, pan cooking, seafood, veal, salads and antipastos are now showing up on tables next to Finley's favorites. Fine Michigan wines are appearing beside that Finley's staple, the margarita. "I think there's a niche here for good Italian food," said Tom. "I do a lot of purely Italian cooking that's accessible to the average eater. I don't put anything on the plate that's not full of flavor."

Northshore Dental Associates has been a North Muskegon business for 11 years. During that time, Dr. Monica Lakatos and Dr. Michelle Matheson have expanded the staff to include five hygienists, four dental assistants, two administrative assistants and a lab tech. Each has an integral role in the success of the office and patient service. The mission of Northshore Dental Associates is to provide optimal care in a relaxed setting. The recent addition of a massaging dental chair and television in all the operatories help patients relax. A nervous patient has the option of using nitrous oxide along with headphones to help them through their dental visit. Not-so-nervous patients also like the option of watching the Food Network, Sports Center or Nickelodeon while they are visiting the office.

Emil Rousseau, owner and executive chef of the new Harbor View Grille in Whitehall said he's excited about interacting with the White Lake community and preparing delicious, fresh food. He and his wife, Alice, offer meals on the Harbor View Grille's large, outside deck, with fantastic views of White River, the surrounding town and the local wildlife, including swans on the river. The chef's parents own a home on Silver Creek Trail and he said he knows the area needs "a place people can come to on a regular basis and not have to worry about it being a special occasion." Emil said he's also planning ways to give back to the community. "My goal is to make sure the people who live here year 'round feel appreciated. We don't ever want to forget where we came from and who helped us get here."

When Louise Hopson began Art Cats Gallery at 1845 Lakeshore Drive in 1999, the Lakeside area was beginning to take shape as a unique shopping community, with a real downtown to encourage walking customers. Opened as a showroom for Louise's fanciful, bright clay pieces, Art Cats has grown to include the work of over 45 talented artists, with an ever-changing selection of jewelry, pottery, blown and kiln fired glass, sculpture, furniture, works on paper and accessories. The gallery has been nominated repeatedly by Niche magazine as one of the year's top 100 retailers of American Craft. "My studio space is small…and I work unassisted," wrote Louise in her Artist's Statement. "Mine is NOT a production studio. Each piece, from the smallest tile to the largest mosaic, is handmade. Retaining my artistic integrity is important to me. I want each piece I make to be unique and to carry my artistic handprint."

Many visitors to Seminole Shores Living Center in Norton Shores say walking in the front door, with the beautiful garden and hanging baskets, brings them the feeling of walking into a well tended home. Administrator Judi Delis said the staff in the assisted living center for seniors become like members of the family, with personal care, love and attention. The chef and his crew create and serve a taste-tempting variety of home prepared meals and snacks every day. Grandma is thrilled she doesn't have to do dishes, said Judi, or even make her bed if she doesn't feel like it. Now, her daughter says, instead of running around trying to take care grandma, she gets to sit and chat and enjoy lemonade and cookies when she visits – like when they were kids. Three home cooked meals daily, laundry and housekeeping, and expanded basic cable are among the reasons Seminole Shores Living Center is "the right choice for assisted living."

MuskegonFSBO.com is a locally owned and operated, for sale by owner, real estate website. "Our website is simple to use, cost effective, and provides homeowners with local and internet advertising needed to independently sell their home," explained owners Gary and Amy Niklasch. Services offered by MuskegonFSBO include unlimited photos of your property, an attractive, professionally designed yard sign, printable brochure, and national exposure from multiple websites. MuskegonFSBO.com's virtual slideshows are used to peak the interest of potential buyers and show them around properties. Listing is inexpensive and easy, said the Niklaschs, and they charge no commission cost. "We encourage homeowners to let MuskegonFSBO.com help them sell their homes and keep their money in their own pockets!"

Magical Moments Bridal Boutique, at 3108 Henry St., has been serving brides in the Muskegon area for 14 years. Owner Diane Lara said, "The bride's gown sets the tone for the entire wedding." Magical Moments carries designer gowns by Sophia Tolli as well as Alfred Angelo and many other well known brands. From bridal gowns and bridesmaid dresses to veils, jewelry, handbags and gifts, they can meet all your bridal needs. Jennifer, Diane's daughter, has a special talent for helping a bride find that perfect gown. Magical Moments also rents tuxedos. "Most retailers have one line of tuxes," Diane said. "Magical Moments has three lines, so we have triple the selection. Whatever your formal needs are, you can find it at Magical Moments."

Jeff Lemieux at Northland Collision said his auto body repair and painting business on Holton Rd. in Holton is based on customer service. Free estimates and free loaner car are offered, as well as a pickup and delivery service. And a 100 percent guarantee means they stand behind their work. "Drive a little and save a lot!" is the company's motto. "We treat our customers like we want to be treated," said Jeff, who has 33 years of experience working in the industry. "You see cars driving around every day smashed up and you feel for them." Northland Collision has been at the same location for 13 years, putting collision customers at ease about their repairs. "It's more personal here, more one on one. We want to help people and we take care of them."

With the move from direct sales into a store front, Jean Robert's Custom Clothiers is now Ceres Clothiers, located at 4543 Grand Haven Road in Muskegon. Customers receive personal service from John Lanoue, a wardrobe specialist whose business is to help people dress for success. John partners this with alterations for men and women by Laura Kowalski, who owned Pinpoint Tailors in Lansing and the Tailor Shop in Muskegon. Clients can still receive personal service, as they have for the last four years, in their home or office by making an appointment. 85% of the products carried by Ceres Clothiers are American made, fitting American men without spending a lot. John has custom clothing, as well as ready made fit any size. He also represents companies that make shirts, shoes and accessories to provide a full wardrobe service for men.

Sanborn's, "the jeweler your friends recommend," has been a family owned business since the Sanborn family bought Malvin's jewelry store in 1954. Don Sanborn recently handed ownership over to his daughter and son, Susan Poulin and Scott Sanborn. "When I came into the business there were 17 independent jewelers in town," said Don. "Now it's down to one, us. We're not part of a chain." Seven years ago the business moved to 2638 Henry St. Plans are to double the store size. "We're just running out of room. We carry a large inventory." That inventory includes Love Story Diamonds; Gabriel diamond jewelry; and several lines of quality watches. "We also have Pandora, the newest, hottest thing out in the jewelry business," said Don about the bracelet with changeable, collectible, metal bead jewelry. "It's just been phenomenal."