Category: CPS

Businesses and organizations often find themselves relying heavily on spreadsheets for their data management needs. Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel have served as staples in data storage, analysis, and reporting. But is it time to break free from these traditional methods and move towards programming a custom database system? The answer might be a resounding “yes,” and here’s why.

Scalability

As your business grows, so does the data you need to manage. Spreadsheets like Google Sheets and Excel are not built to handle massive datasets. With a custom database, you can plan your architecture according to your growth rate, ensuring that your system is equipped to handle future needs efficiently.

Data Integrity

Spreadsheets are prone to errors. One wrong formula or accidental keystroke can result in inaccurate data, with the error propagating across multiple sheets or even files. Databases, especially those that are ACID-compliant (Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, Durability), ensure that your data stays reliable and accurate.

Security

Excel and Google Sheets offer basic security features, such as password protection and restricted sharing. However, these are no match for the robust security measures that can be implemented in a custom database, including data encryption, strict user roles, and advanced authentication methods.

Flexibility and Customization

A spreadsheet has a one-size-fits-all approach, which might not cater to your unique business requirements. A custom database system can be designed with your specific needs in mind, offering the flexibility that off-the-shelf software often can’t.

Complex Queries and Reports

If your data analysis requires more than basic filtering and sorting, spreadsheets will soon become a bottleneck. Custom databases enable you to perform complex queries with multiple joins, aggregations, and conditions. This feature is critical for producing comprehensive reports that can help in strategic decision-making.

Real-time Data Access

Modern database systems can support real-time data access and manipulation by multiple users. With spreadsheets, there’s often a need to lock files for editing, or risk running into version conflicts. Databases are designed for simultaneous use, making real-time collaboration easier and more effective.

Integration Capabilities

Custom databases can be integrated with other business systems like CRM, ERP, or custom APIs. This is something spreadsheets struggle with. Seamless integration means less manual data entry, thereby reducing errors and saving time.

Cost-Effectiveness

While the initial investment in creating a custom database might seem steep, it will save you precious time and money in the long run. Maintaining spreadsheets, managing errors, and dealing with data loss or corruption can be more costly than the initial investment in a robust, custom database.

Spreadsheets are great tools, but they have their limitations when managing large datasets, ensuring data integrity, and facilitating complex queries and reports. A custom database system addresses these challenges and offers benefits that can boost your business. While some may face sticker shock from the up-front cost, the long-term returns in terms of efficiency, reliability, and scalability make it a worthy consideration.

Is your organization at a stage where you’re starting to feel the limitations of spreadsheet software? It might be time to make a leap to a custom database system. Contact Creative Programs and Systems to schedule a consultation.

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Founded in 1994, Creative Programs and Systems provides professional results for all computer needs. We design, create, and code an array of custom software programs and websites; offer top-notch digital marketing services including enhanced Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and paid advertising; repair and provide support for computers of both residential and professional nature; build custom systems and servers, and offer secure data backups. Need assistance or want to learn more? Call us at 810-224-5252 or e-mail info@cpsmi.com.

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/

Digital marketing is essential to boost your brand and increase leads and sales. Online marketing consists of Pay-Per-Click (PPC) ads, social media posting, email marketing, and organic Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Embedded in all this includes optimized code with rich keywords and content for search engines to find the data they’re looking for, along with engaging design work.

The umbrella of services that fall under digital marketing is overwhelming for most businesses to do on their own properly. That’s why you’ll find so many companies specializing in the field. The problem is some often forget about reviewing, scrutinizing, tweaking, and making the necessary adjustments to optimize your online presence. This is done through a process called web analysis; without it, you may just be throwing your money out the window. 

Digital Marketing Strategies

Email Advertising

One of the best ways to market your business is by emailing customers and subscribers about your latest happenings. This low-cost, high-return-on-investment advertising method informs viewers about upcoming sales, promotions, and more. Also, it’s easy to determine who clicked to open the email, what links they searched, and if a purchase resulted. Setting up automatic emails welcoming new customers and announcing quarterly discounts or reminders for an abandoned cart are good ideas too!    

Paid Online Advertising

To boost your online presence and get on top of search results, paid ads are the fastest way to make that happen. When you advertise on either Google or Microsoft Bing, you pay when someone clicks on your ad, or you can pay per impression of your ad. Pricing is based on budgets, competition, and how well your webpage relates to the advertisement and keywords. It’s ideal for strategizing and using search terms and key phrases with high search volume and a low cost per click. Keep in mind, if you’re in a saturated market, such as the mortgage industry, you’ll have to spend more money to keep up with the other top competitors’ listings.

Social Media Marketing

Regularly posting to your social media platforms, such asFacebook, Instagram, Twitter (recently rebranded as “X”), LinkedIn, etc., are easy ways to stay “alive” virtually. You can target specific groups and locations with paid ads or post for free and enhance with paid boosts. A big factor in social media is to get more followers, fans, and likes to expand your reach. The greater your following, the greater your potential to generate more leads, thus sales. 

Search Engine Optimization

Content is king, along with proper coding and utilizing best practices to maximize your digital presence organically. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is an evolving strategy that requires some knowledge, dedication, and patience. Aged and secured websites will gain authority in organic rankings, and more so with strong, relevant descriptive content. It’s important to accurately use and assign keywords within titles and descriptions for Google and Microsoft Bing searches to scan and find your related content for viewers to read.

Advertise via Blogging

Blogging for your business functions like social media marketing; instead of posting graphics and reels, you publish articles with descriptive content such as this. It’s another method to keep your online presence active while sharing tips, resources, and such with viewers. When properly listed, using meta descriptions, titles, etc., blogging can help improve your rankings on search platforms. It’s another avenue to generate good content about your business or industry – and attract more followers and potential customers. 

Using Web Analytics to Measure Online Marketing Success 

Digital marketing is incredibly beneficial for small and medium-sized companies that wish to engage with their audience, reduce costs, and build consumer trust. With online marketing, businesses can suggest users to “shop,” “learn more,” “call now,” and more. Digital campaigns are more thorough than traditional marketing, thanks to modern technology.

By examining your analytical web data, we can learn how visitors behave while viewing your ads, newsletter, and website – something you can’t really gauge from television or radio ads. With proper tracking established within the code, online advertising gives us measurable information to determine the success of the particular strategy used. We can discover where your viewers are located, the device they visited your website from, how long they spent on it, how visitors found it, and the keywords they used to get there. Additionally, we know how many people see your ad, how many times it was displayed, and how many conversions it made.

Continuous monitoring of your website traffic and online advertisements allows us to make calculated decisions to manage and improve your rankings, user site sessions, and ROI (return on investment.) Digital marketing is an evolving practice that takes skill, organization, and time. What works for one business probably won’t work for another. Each company deserves its own unique marketing plan, and they should all start with an audit to learn the ins and outs of the current strategy and what’s been attempted before.

If you want to grow your online presence and increase sales, contact the Creative Programs and Systems experts today! We offer free, no-obligation consultations. 

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Founded in 1994, Creative Programs and Systems provides professional results for all computer needs. We design, create, and code an array of custom software programs and websites; offer top-notch digital marketing services including enhanced Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and paid advertising; repair and provide support for computers of both residential and professional nature; build custom systems and servers, and offer secure data backups. Need assistance or want to learn more? Call us at 810-224-5252 or e-mail info@cpsmi.com.

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/ 

Connecting with customers is key whether you own or operate an e-commerce or brick-and-mortar storefront. Getting your name out and announcing a new product can be challenging without a proper following. While gaining traction may be tricky, it isn’t impossible. Read on to learn some essential strategies for boosting your business and building product awareness. 

E-Mail Marketing
Newsletters are a great way to announce product changes, specials, and more. Your most loyal customers will likely be interested in hearing up-to-date news. Plus, it’s an easy and inexpensive way to stay relevant and top-of-mind with clients. 

Giveaways and Prizes
Generating buzz around new or best-selling products can really flourish by launching giveaways. Not only do prizes keep repeat customers engaged, but they are also a great way for new clients to swallow your hook, so to speak. 

Professional Media
Great photos or videos can make or break a product. With captivating visuals, brand awareness can gain traction. To showcase your items, choose high-resolution, bright, non-distracting photos or videos that clearly give you an idea of what you are offering.  

Story Time
Many customers genuinely want to connect with their favorite brands, and stories are one of the best ways to humanize your business. Leveling with clients in a real way ensures you pique their interest and keep them coming back for more.

Partnerships and Collaborations
When social media users are already loyal to one product, they tend to follow the parent company. When the business teams up with other like-minded companies, consumers trust that connection, which creates an immense – and swift – amount of engagement. 

Are you looking to boost your business? Contact the digital marketing experts at Creative Programs and Systems today.

Founded in 1994, Creative Programs and Systems provides professional results for all computer needs. We design, create, and code an array of custom software programs and websites; offer top-notch digital marketing services including enhanced Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and paid advertising; repair and provide support for computers of both residential and professional nature; build custom systems and servers, and offer secure data backups. Need assistance or want to learn more? Call us at 810-224-5252 or e-mail info@cpsmi.com.

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/ 

Google recently opened access to Bard, an experimental generative AI to bring experiences to individuals, companies, and neighborhoods. Google touts Bard as a way to improve productivity, satisfy curiosity, and bring ideas to the forefront. Bard can help people reach goals, explain quantum physics, or summarize articles. 

Research Large Language Models (LLMs) can learn from a wide range of data to output information. Bard, an LLM, uses Google as a database to predict responses to questions. Creativity is factored in to make it less predictable and stale. LLMs are known to give momentum to human efficiency, imagination, and curiosity. 

Bard will offer several options of responses at first to get a good feel for the user’s starting point. It helps the user to discover more relevant search results based on their query. 

Bard’s rival is a Microsoft-backed OpenAI called ChatGPT, which one study has found to “Outperform physicians in high-quality, empathetic answers to patient questions.” 

ChatGPT has even been studied for use in neurosurgery, based on medical and surgical implementation, clinical decision-making, and administrative assistance. 

Though Google’s Bard is a fresh addition to the LLM realm, some privacy concerns have caused countries such as Italy to ban the app, subsequently lifting the ban later. Apprehension for LLMs is rooted in their ability to create fake news articles or untrue social media posts. 

Bard is savvy in various genres, from music to organic chemistry, and beyond. The usefulness of LLMs is practically endless. Used properly, Bard is a valuable means to gain knowledge and understanding for humans across the planet. 

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Founded in 1994, Creative Programs and Systems provides professional results for all computer needs. We design, create, and code an array of custom software programs and websites; offer top-notch digital marketing services including enhanced Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and paid advertising; repair and provide support for computers of both residential and professional nature; build custom systems and servers, and offer secure data backups. Need assistance or want to learn more? Call us at 810-224-5252 or e-mail info@cpsmi.com.

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/ 

A basic rainwater collection system collects rainfall and channels it into a container for storage. Rainwater collection tanks are an excellent for harvesting and storing runoff water from rooftops, parks, roads, open ground, etc. 

The benefits of rainwater collection systems are vast. From reducing reliance on potable water, solving isolated flooding in backyards, reducing water bills for gardening, or simply wanting non-chlorinated and untreated water for yard use, rainwater collection is integral. Most homes already have gutters and downspouts, making a rainwater collection system easy to implement. 

Building a rainwater collection system is simple and typically involves a rain barrel that collects any runoff water. Water used for gardens or yard irrigation does not need to be potable and can be used as-is out of the barrel. If the water needs to be potable, stainless steel corrugated tanks are ideal since they are held outside, won’t fade, and are resistant to bacterial growth. 

Connecting a rain barrel to a downspout does involve some planning but usually includes a simple tube. Some rain gardens are equipped with a filtration system and trenching as well. 

Homeowners are increasingly gravitating toward sustainable living, and those equipped with rainwater collection systems meet that mark. If you are exploring the idea of selling your house in the near future, consider the value of your rainwater collection system and how well it was installed. Low-maintenance designs are best. 

If desired, contact a professional to install an underground system that is hidden from view. 

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Wolf Survival Gear is a hub for your prepping and survival needs. We are your trusted resource for concerned families, avid hunters, or serious preppers. Make us your one-stop-shop and prepare now, before you need it later. 

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/ 

Floods typically cause a range of issues, such as electrical failure, fires, property loss, injury, and even death. Electrical safety hazards resulting from floods are nothing to mess with, so it is important to know how to protect yourself and your loved ones during these emergencies. 

When flooding occurs, perform the following steps: 

• Do NOT turn off the breaker box power if you are standing on a wet floor
• Use a dry stick or rubber utensil to turn the breaker box off
• Do NOT step into a flooded area that contains electrical outlets, appliances, or cords
• Avoid all electrical devices, wires, switches, and fuses when wet
• Do NOT use anything electrical that has been exposed to water
• Stay at least 10 feet away from downed power lines and contact the electrical utility provider ASAP

To prevent electrical fires in your home, take the following actions: 

• Plug appliances into a wall outlet instead of power strips, which might cause overheating
• Never use generators in wet conditions
• Ensure light bulbs meet requirements printed on the appliance and are not too powerful
• Use Ground-Fault Circuit Interpreters (GFCIs) to protect yourself against shock hazards in areas where water might come in contact with outlets, such as kitchens and bathrooms

When flooding occurs, never enter a building by yourself. Flooded buildings are risky, dark, slippery, and potentially full of electrical voltage. If you can access the electrical meter, removing it is a good idea to avoid electrocution. Consider all outlets and switches to be decommissioned until a licensed electrician can analyze the situation.

After a flood, most electrical equipment should be replaced, as most appliances are not rated to withstand even a brief submersion in water. Items that typically need to be replaced include: 

• Plastic-sheathed building wire 
• Armored cable
• Circuit panels and breakers 
• Fuse boxes and fuses 
• Sub panels
• Switch disconnect boxes 
• Switches 
• Outlet receptacles
• Motors 
• Circuit boards 
• Non-submersible pumps
• Blowers and fans 
• Lights 
• Heaters 
• Air conditioners 
• Furnaces and boilers 

If you face an unfortunate flood incident, contact State Electric Company who can assess the damage and provide solutions to keep you and your family safe.  

State Electric Company is a leader in the electrification of the nation. Our highly educated and experienced team of professionals uses industry-leading software technology and has partnered with manufacturers to deliver affordable solutions for all your electrical needs. State Electric Co. is also an exclusive distributor for Enel X JuiceBox EV chargers for residential and commercial use. We are fully licensed, insured, and bonded to install charging stations for homes, offices, hotels, and more. With our extensive knowledge of renewable energy, our team provides customers – large or small – with efficient electrical solutions. Contact us today to learn how we can safely and affordably meet your energy needs. 

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew faces skeptical Washington lawmakers pertaining to the company’s ties to the Chinese government. Owned by Chinese company ByteDance, TikTok is under serious pressure as government officials in Washington, the United Kingdom, and Canada was forced to delete the application from their smartphones and tablets.

In the United States, President Joe Biden’s administration has set an ultimatum to TikTok saying they either forgo Chinese ownership or face a complete ban. 

The United States government has never banned a media company, let alone delete 150 million monthly users and the most viewed source of online entertainment following Netflix. 

According to Chew, “TikTok has never shared, or received a request to share, U.S. user data with the Chinese government. Nor would TikTok honor such a request if one were ever made.” 

Several pieces of legislation – including a White House-backed bill – suggests a ban is imminent. 

Cathy McMorris Rodgers, chair of the Energy and Commerce Committee said, “Americans deserve to know the extent to which their privacy is jeopardized, and their data is manipulated by ByteDance-owned TikTok’s relationship with China. What’s worse, we know Big Tech companies, like TikTok, use harmful algorithms to exploit children for profit and expose them to dangerous content online.” 

As teachers, teenagers, influencers, and business owners rallied at the U.S. Capitol to express their opposition to the ban, TikTok has been promoting their solution, dubbed “Project Texas.” The project is aimed at satisfying national security concerns and ensuring United States data will be run by a U.S. division. TikTok has already spent $1.5 billion on the project, hiring 1,500 staff to start. 

Despite these security concerns and a looming U.S. government ban, three in four marketers anticipate increasing spending over the next 12 months. The TikTok-committed marketing industry is fairly confident a ban would not happen, but a ban could force other social media companies such as Meta, YouTube, and Snap into the limelight. 

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Founded in 1994, Creative Programs and Systems provides professional results for all computer needs. We design, create, and code an array of custom software programs and websites; offer top-notch digital marketing services including enhanced Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and paid advertising; repair and provide support for computers of both residential and professional nature; build custom systems and servers, and offer secure data backups. Need assistance or want to learn more? Call us at 810-224-5252 or e-mail info@cpsmi.com.

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/ 

Another year has begun, which means there are inevitably new technological trends slated to release throughout time. This year, tech is trending at an exponential pace. Keep an eye on the developments below and watch them grow throughout 2023. 

Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI is everywhere, and it will advance even more in 2023. Between software, services, chips, and more, AI will be present in operational efficiencies, adaptive processes, higher performance, and stronger security. The implementation of AI has skyrocketed during the pandemic, especially since they aid in adaptivity and resilience. AI is only expected to grow throughout 2023, embracing effortless drag-and-drop interfaces, meaning no code will be necessary. In the early days of computers, users needed to understand DOS to interact with the machine, but now, everyone uses computers without understanding the technical jargon and background programming. Similarly, AI will soon become more user-friendly and functional without coding knowledge. 

Quantum Computing
Remember these words: quantum computing. They might seem inconspicuous today, but this technology which uses subatomic particles to form novel processing pathways and information storage is the future of computing. Even the best processors today cannot compete with quantum computers’ ability to solve complex problems swiftly. With government and industry investments poised for growth, hardware and software looks to be progressing upward. 

Cybersecurity
A huge aspect of technology in 2023 will be establishing trust between applications and end-users. Various ways exist to establish secure access depending on the program or instance. This year, a shift in managing trust will enable security mechanisms to function properly. With trust comes a huge responsibility of protecting vital information, so safety must be heightened to accommodate.  

Broadband
High-speed wireless broadband is adapting at lightning speed, with the ability to power augmented reality, whole-home video distribution, telemedicine, gaming, and more. Wi-fi 6E and 7 will use the 6 GHz band, complementing the emerging global 10G. 

Clouds
Cloud infrastructure is already a large part of today’s technology, but in 2023 it is expected to expand even more. Industries such as banking, healthcare, and manufacturing are shifting toward a responsive platform backed by precise options for their specific industry. With an even greater level of adaptability, functionality, and innovation, cloud-based data is edging its way to the top for many businesses. 

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Founded in 1994, Creative Programs and Systems provides professional results for all computer needs. We design, create, and code an array of custom software programs and websites; offer top-notch digital marketing services including enhanced Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and paid advertising; repair and provide support for computers of both residential and professional nature; build custom systems and servers, and offer secure data backups. Need assistance or want to learn more? Call us at 810-224-5252 or e-mail info@cpsmi.com.

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/ 

A lawsuit filed by the United States Justice Department targets Alphabet’s Google and its monopoly in the advertising space. If the case succeeds, rivals of Google Ads, such as Apple, Meta, Microsoft, and Amazon could find an advantage. However, advertisers would have an uncertain future in this scenario.

The Justice Department demanded in the complaint that Google divest its Ad Manager, a suite of tools that allows websites to distribute ads and find customers based on their interests, gender, location, and more.

Apple has been swiftly increasing its emerging advertising sector, endorsing its privacy features, and could be a budding contender if Google Ads loses its stronghold. Since Apple’s data is compiled through phone ownership, its Safari web browser, and the dispersal of applications through its app store, it will have the ability to swiftly diversify its focus into the ad realm.

If the lawsuit filed by the Justice Department succeeds, advertisers and publishers will both experience more leverage with multiple options and an entirely new roster of players. With that comes more competition, as the space will open up to many others.

Google’s advertising competitors are constantly developing new products for publishers (news websites) and advertisers buying those ads. If Google is forced to divest, competitors such as Microsoft’s Xandr will have an edge, as they will continue to work with both sides.

The gains will also come financially for publishers, as they will have more options, inevitably driving down the overall cost in the sector. As more competition emerges, Google Ads will predictably become less effective.

This is not the first time the government has filed lawsuits against dominant companies in an effort to break up monopolies. In 1974, a lawsuit broke up AT&T, which resulted in many advancements and innovations in the telephone industry. In 1998, the Justice Department filed a suit against Microsoft aimed at reining in the company by prohibiting them from extending its dominant operating system to the internet browser. Ironically, the Justice Department and Microsoft settlement paved the way for other internet innovators such as Google.

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Founded in 1994, Creative Programs and Systems provides professional results for all computer needs. We design, create, and code an array of custom software programs and websites; offer top-notch digital marketing services including enhanced Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and paid advertising; repair and provide support for computers of both residential and professional nature; build custom systems and servers, and offer secure data backups. Need assistance or want to learn more? Call us at 810-224-5252 or e-mail info@cpsmi.com.

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/ 

When purchasing an Electric Vehicle (EV), ensure you are well-read on the benefits and risks prior to signing the dotted line. One of the most common questions associated with EVs is their ability to tolerate cold weather. Lithium-ion batteries do not perform well in cold, frigid weather, and many EV batteries are lithium-ion equipped. However, don’t let a slight decrease in overall battery performance affect your judgement of EVs. We dive deeper and examine how winter weather affects driving range. 

Many EVs boast a driving range – the distance it can drive without being charged – some up to 500 miles, but the inconsistent presence of charging stations throughout the country makes the range a legitimate concern for many potential owners. Combine this with a decrease in range thanks to battery reduction in cold weather, and it could become an issue. 

All vehicles (gas-powered, hybrid, and electric) are taxed more during extreme temperatures and cannot function at their peak performance. At 20° F, conventional gasoline vehicles generally see a 20% reduction in fuel economy, according to FuelEconomy.gov. However, it’s often more noticeable with an all-electric vehicle where drivers depend on knowing their exact range in order to reach their travel destinations.

The colder the temperature, the more power is required to keep warm and function properly. EV batteries are susceptible to freezing temperatures due to the drop in warmth which affects the battery’s ability to produce essential chemical reactions. Research shows that while battery performance drops during frigid weather, it can lower the driving range by as much as 41 percent in some cases.

Gas-powered vehicles receive natural heat from combustible engines, which can be redirected to the cabin when necessary. No engine means EVs rely on energy-intensive resistance or heat-pump style heaters instead. Moreover, the darker winter months require headlights to run longer, defogging, de-icing, and more. All of these extra mechanics suck up power from the battery. 

To maximize your EV’s winter weather range, follow these tips: 

• Make sure your battery is above 20 percent before starting up
• Use heat efficiently and don’t warm the back cabin if there are no passengers
• Park in a garage whenever possible
• Inflate your tires to achieve the best efficiency
• Drive in eco- or conserve mode to limit energy consumption
• Install winter tires to improve snow, ice, and slush driving conditions
• Pre-heat your EV while it’s still plugged in 
• Utilize heated seats/steering wheels instead of heating the entire cabin with heat

Many EV owners enjoy running their EVs year-round, despite a slight drop in performance. If you are concerned about these factors, look for a plug-in hybrid EV that can use gasoline if necessary. 

State Electric Company is a leader in the electrification of the nation. Our highly educated and experienced team of professionals uses industry-leading software technology and has partnered with manufacturers to deliver affordable solutions for all your electrical needs. State Electric Co. is also an exclusive distributor for Enel X JuiceBox EV chargers for residential and commercial use. We are fully licensed, insured, and bonded to install charging stations for homes, offices, hotels, and more. With our extensive knowledge of renewable energy, our team provides customers – large or small – with efficient electrical solutions. Contact us today to learn how we can safely and affordably meet your energy needs. 

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/