Lapeer Co. Social aims to support local businesses

Monthly meetings give boost to business around the county

TRI-CITY AREA — What happens when community service and the entrepreneurial spirit meet? Lapeer Co. Social.

Lapeer Co. Social describes the itself as “a group of women, focused on collaboratively building, growing, and nurturing local community,” and they do just that by hosting meetings once a month.

What sets them apart is where they meet—which is at local businesses throughout the county, where they socialize, enjoy snacks and beverages, and try something new. They also spend their hard-earned money to support the business.

The brain child of entrepreneur Bridgette Becker, Lapeer Co. Social has been bringing women from across the county together each month doing just what their mission statement says: “building, growing and nurturing local community.”

Getting Social

Becker, who lives in Davison, operates several businesses in Lapeer County, including Accelerated Equines and Black Lotus Women’s Wellness.

Like other small businesses, Becker’s livelihood and entire life was greatly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. With mandated business closures and social distancing, she felt the effects of a shrinking social network.
Once the all clear was given to get out in public again, Becker longed to bring some normalcy back and thought others might feel the same. In May, 2023, she posted an invitation on social media for anyone who was interested to meet at the Metamora General Store in downtown Metamora. She didn’t know what to expect.

“I thought maybe five or six people would show up,” she says. “It turns out 15-17 people came. So then it was, well, let’s figure out what’s next and grow it from there.”

And grow it did.

Growing the Seed

Soon, local business owner Elena Hernandez stepped up to become a sponsor. She operates Happy Camper Ice Cream food truck which also appears at the U of M Flint pavilion.

Lapeer-based realtor Cherish Passeno and Almont business-owner Bettina Hough of Finds & Designs on M-53 joined the sponsorship team as well.

Each of them brings their unique talents to the group: Becker makes eye-popping charcuterie; Hough’s artistry appears on a custom made sign, and Passeno has a flair for creating engaging promotional videos for the group’s Facebook page.

Together, the four women have hosted meetings in North Branch, Lapeer, Imlay City, Almont and other Lapeer County locations.

“We think it’s important to go around the county,” Becker says. “We want to bring people together, support our community, and bring them into businesses they may never have visited or didn’t even know were there.”

Passeno and Hough add that supporting other female entrepreneurs and business owners is also an important part of the group’s intention.

“Women supporting women helps create strong connections,” Hough says. “It’s important that we help each other and lift each other up.”

Passeno says bringing new experiences to the group keeps things fun and interesting as well.

“We had about 30 women come out for our singing bowls event, and 50 women for our December meeting, which was our ‘ugly sweater party,’” Passeno adds.

New Year, New Experience

Lapeer Co. Social kicked off 2025 with a gentle yoga session at Peaceful Moon Yoga in Imlay City.

Like a well-oiled machine, Becker, Passeno and Hough set up their mouth-watering spread of charcuterie and sweets, along with beverages. Hernandez couldn’t make it that evening.

Some 35 women from across the county converged on the studio to enjoy the spread, along with some music, movement and socializing.

Next month, they’ll visit Brunch at Joe’s in Almont, and work their magic there.

Women from across Lapeer County are invited to join the group, and attend as many meetings as they’re interested in.

To learn more about Lapeer Co. Social find them on Facebook at
Facebook.com/LapeerCoSocial. Stop in Almont’s Finds & Designs during regular business hours to chat with Hough about the group.

Editor’s note: Catherine Minolli is the owner/instructor at Peaceful Moon Yoga.