Summer in Michigan usually means barbecues, get-togethers, and of course, golf. Every year we make it a point to combine all three as a way to say thank you to our terrific customers, vendors, and friends. This week was our third annual IT Resource golf outing and as usual, a good time was had by all. 

The weather cooperated beautifully (although it was incredibly hot), unlike the memorable monsoon we braved last year.

Our awesome IT consultant Andrew is ready to get the party started!

Molly and Hans chat with a few customers while they wait to tee off.

Carrie and Deidra are ready to head out!

Our event was once again held at the Meadows Golf Course at Grand Valley State University. They have a beautiful course and do a great job handling all the details of our event.

About 16 holes in, everyone was having a great time, and surviving the heat!

Gary and Gayla stop for a shot with their teammate Nicole

Here's Leo with his team of golfers

These ladies had a great time! Susan and Gina from Northern Physical Therapy, Peggy from Choice One Bank, and Pat from Raap Signs

Tim and the guys watch as one of their teammates tees off

No golf outing is complete without prizes and a barbecue. Here Leo does the honors of handing out our prizes to the best golf team of the day.

Thank you again to everyone who joined us! We had a record number of golfers this year and we're already looking forward to hitting the greens next year! You can see some additional photos from our outing on our IT Resource Facebook page.

According to WebMD, volunteering and helping others may be the most direct route to happiness. When we help others our brain is actually releasing endorphins, which in turn, makes us happier. Given that theory, volunteering is a win-win for everyone involved.

Supporting our community by donating our time, energy, and resources is something we have always felt strongly about at IT Resource. While we serve clients all over the Midwest, we feel it necessary to help build and support those in our own backyard.

We have been longstanding members of the Coopersville Area Chamber of Commerce, and after being a member of the Board of Directors for 3 years, our Director of Sales, Carrie, was nominated and elected to serve as President for 2012. As a part of running the Chamber, Carrie has worked hard to grow Chamber membership and make positive improvements in the organization and community.

Carrie is pictured at the Chamber Legislative Luncheon with the event's moderator, Shelley Irwin

In addition to serving the Chamber of Commerce, IT Resource has been an annual sponsor of the Del Shannon Car Show, which offers significant benefits to the city of Coopersville, its local businesses, and residents. Not only are we a financial sponsor, but we also donate countless hours of time to help out in any way we can. It takes a village and we're happy to play our part. If you stop by the Car Show this August, be sure to say hello!

Not only do we work while volunteering, we also play. This summer we sponsored and participated in the Coopersville Neo Forum Golf Outing, where proceeds went to helping at-risk youth by reducing drug, alcohol, and tobacco use as well as reducing violence within the PreK-12 population through education. 

Gary and his son Eric played in the Neo Forum outing this summer.

We also believe in supporting local schools and youth programs which is why we've donated both time and computer networking equipment to Trinity Lutheran Schools, local Boy Scout Troops, and the Spring Lake Band Boosters.

There are so many ways to give back and support others in your community. Whether you give your help seasonally like we did here, or help businesses grow by supporting them through local groups and events, every little bit helps. If you're wondering where to start, look in your own back yard.

As we mentioned here, we were so honored to have been included among this year's list of Michigan's Economic Bright Spots, presented by Corp! Magazine. This is the second time IT Resource has achieved this honor in the past 3 years. The awards ceremony was held June 7 at the MSU Management Education Center in Troy, MI.

Our Managing Partner, Gary Lutz, and Director of Sales, Carrie Borchers, attended the ceremony to accept the award.

Gary is pictured with a Corp executive and the 2012 award

Being labeled an Economic Bright Spot in our great state is a huge honor and we are always striving towards enhancing business, the economy, and well-being here. We always have, and continue to believe that Michigan is a great place to do business. We are proud to be recognized for the achievements we have made.