20 Facebook Pages to Like in Lake Orion and Oakland Township

Who do you Like? Here's a list of 20 local businesses to follow on Facebook.

Lots of local businesses and organizations are on Facebook, posting deals and sharing their news. Here's a list of 20 to Like in Lake Orion and Oakland Township, in honor of Small Business Saturday, Nov. 26, 2012. And don't forget to like Lake Orion-Oakland Township Patch. Did we miss your favorite? Tell us in comments so we can share the Like love. Also, don't miss Downtown Lake Orion, Lake Orion DDA, and the Orion Area Chamber of Commerce. Here's the list, in no particular order:

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Around Town

Paint Creek Mill: It's Not Just Cider and Donuts Anymore

A former manager of downtown Rochester's Mind, Body & Spirits takes over the Oakland Township landmark, expanding the menu and staying open for business all year-round.

They hear it a lot at Paint Creek Cider Mill. "I didn't know you served food here!" Well-known for their fall fare of cider and donuts, Paint Creek Mill is under new ownership and making some changes: they are expanding their menu and staying open year-round. Owner Ed Granchi has a long history with Rochester and with food. The Rochester High School graduate managed both Mind Body & Spirits and Rochester Mills Beer Co. before purchasing Paint Creek Cider Mill. "It was a no-brainer when a local landmark came up to own and operate," Granchi said. "I have 15 years experience in the restaurant business but this was a great opportunity to have something of my own —and best of all, a place I used to enjoy as a child." Take a closer look at that …

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Christmas Tree Farm Business Offers Big Benefit to Owners

Small Business Saturday was a busy day at the Addison-Oaks Christmas Tree Farm.

When you think of small businesses, the first thing that comes to mind usually isn't 20 acres of pines and spruces begging for you to chop them down and take them home. Frank Rimi planted the first Christmas trees in his backyard at what is now known as the Addison-Oaks Christmas Tree Farm in 1988.  If Small Business Saturday was around back then, it would have just turned legal drinking age. Frank's wife, Cathy, and three sons have helped maintain the family business and witnessed it grow. “I like this kind of farming because it’s not dirty, other than the sap you get on your hands, and I get to work closely with the customers,” Rimi said. The farm on Lake George Road in Oakland Township is open on weekends from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. for families…

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5 Places to Shop Local on Small Business Saturday

The nationwide event is organized by American Express.

On Saturday, American Express is urging people to "shop small" and support local businesses on one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year. "We’re asking millions of Americans to 'shop small' at their favorite local stores and help fuel the economy," American Express explains online. "When we all shop small, it will be huge." Here are five Oakland Township businesses you can support on Small Business Saturday: To find businesses participating in Small Business Saturday, visit the group's Facebook page.

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'Shop Small' to Support Local Businesses on Small Business Saturday

Nov. 26 promotion features $25 incentive from American Express to 'shop small.'

This seasonal greeting comes from hometown merchants: Don't be in thrall to the mall. They're spreading the word via social media and window signs with help from American Express, organizer of the second annual Small Business Saturday on Nov. 26. The credit card issuer promotes a nationwide "day dedicated to supporting small businesses on one of the busiest shopping weekends," it explains online. "We’re asking millions of Americans to 'shop small' at their favorite local stores and help fuel the economy. When we all shop small, it will be huge." The firm puts money where its promotion is by offering a one-time $25 rebate to shoppers spending at least $25 at a small business after registering their credit card here. Any non-franchised …

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