Welcome to The Business Beat - Presented by the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast will connect you to the leaders & issues shaping our community. Hosted by Janelle Best & Dianne Samples, this biweekly podcast explores business, economic development, housing, transportation, and much more. Stay on the beat the second Tuesday of every month!
42: Faith in Action: Building a Church and a Community
In this episode, Janelle and Dianne are joined by Brad Tate, lead pastor of Agape City Church, who shares how faith, innovation, and community trust fueled the church’s rapid growth and impact in Howell, Michigan. From blessing teachers and uniting churches at Balloon Fest to partnering with local organizations, Brad’s story highlights how a clear vision and purpose driven leadership can inspire generosity, challenge perceptions, and build lasting connections across an entire community.
00:00 Brad Tate’s Journey to Ministry
04:15 Agape City Church’s Community Focus
09:43 Funding and Living the Vision
13:39 Why Howell? A Community of Love
18:35 Challenging Misconceptions and Fear
22:24 Blessing the Balloon Fest Grounds
Thank you to the sponsors of this episode:
Bob Maxey Ford - https://www.bobmaxeyfordhowell.com/
Pepsi - https://www.pepsi.com/
Show Links
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/howellchamber
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/howellareachamber/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/howell-area-chamber-of-comm/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/HowellChamber
YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfP1T-4lCgHMu8ZhxtEOTyw
Website- https://howell.org/
Guest Links
Website: https://agapecity.church
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/agapecityonline/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agapecityonline/?hl=en
X: https://x.com/brad242
Email: brad@agapecity.church
11 Nov 2025
41: Rooted In Community: The Heart Of Junk Removal
In this episode, Janelle and Dianne are joined by Michael Mayernik, co-owner of Mitten Junk Removal, who shares how his business is making a difference in the community. Michael shares how prioritizing people over profit and partnering with local nonprofits have shaped his company’s mission. Together, they explore how entrepreneurship, innovation, and genuine connection can transform both a business and the community it serves.
00:00 Introducing Mitten Junk Removal
04:00 Entrepreneurship and Community Service
07:15 Livingston County’s Entrepreneurial Spirit
09:37 Compassionate Junk Removal and Partnerships
14:00 The Livingston Business Hub’s Impact
19:02 Future Growth: Demo, Resale, and More
23:49 Community Initiatives and Chamber’s Vision
Thank you to the sponsors of this episode:
Bank of Ann Arbor - https://www.bankofannarbor.com
Wayne Media Group - https://waynemedia.com
Show Links
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/howellchamber
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/howellareachamber/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/howell-area-chamber-of-comm/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/HowellChamber
YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfP1T-4lCgHMu8ZhxtEOTyw
Website- https://howell.org/
Guest Links
Website: https://mittenjunkremoval.com/about/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mittenjunkremoval/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mittenjunkremoval/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-mayernik-67379322/
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/mitten-junk-removal-howell
Next Door: https://nextdoor.com/pages/mitten-junk-removal-howell-mi/
Email: info@mittenjunkremoval.com
Phone: (734) 648-5865
14 Oct 2025
40: Small Business Marketing 101: Networking, Growth, and AI
In this episode, Janelle and Dianne are joined by Desiree Martinez, from The Kast Agency, who breaks down the marketing must haves for small businesses. Hear her tips on how to build a clear, consistent website to identifying your ideal customer and using past results to guide future efforts. Learn why networking groups are more than just business cards, how AI can streamline (but not replace) real human connection, and how Michigan's growing business climate offers fertile ground for entrepreneurs ready to turn purpose into profit.
Thank you to the sponsors of this episode:
NorthStar IT - https://northstarit.org/
Bob Maxey Ford - https://www.bobmaxeyfordhowell.com/
Show Links
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/howellchamber
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/howellareachamber/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/howell-area-chamber-of-comm/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/HowellChamber
YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfP1T-4lCgHMu8ZhxtEOTyw
Website- https://howell.org/
Guest Links
Website: https://thekastagency.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrsdesireerose
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrsdesireerose/
Who has been a guest on The Business Beat - by Howell Area COC
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Casey Jacobson
Phil Klinger
Sharla Horton
Reach and audience
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YouTube views
27,853
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 31 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
21
Social presence
0
YouTube
76
Engagement
27
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