JOIN THE CHAMBER        EVENTS CALENDAR        BIZ BLAST SUBMISSION   


Take advantage of this prime space
to promote your business, organization, club or event
by Sponsoring the Biz Blast

This offer is exclusive to Chamber members
 
For only $50/per week you can place a postcard size ad in this very spot.

The Biz Blast is emailed weekly to over 1200 people. 
 
For more information or to schedule dates for your Sponsorship,
call the Chamber office today, at 231.547.2101 or email [email protected]







BUSINESS EXPO & TASTE OF CHARLEVOIX
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
4-7pm at Castle Farms

Register Now
*Only 14 Booth Spaces Left
*Only 4 Taste of Charlevoix Booth Spaces Left

General Vendor Expo Contract, Click Here 
Taste of Charlevoix Contract, Click Here 
Vendor Booth Map, Click Here

  
Sponsorship Are Still Available 
Contact the Chamber office at 231.547.2101 for details. 

EVENT SPONSORS 
      
               
                
  
       
WOULD YOU LIKE A FREE MEMBERSHIP IN 2017?
We are starting to collect "baskets" for the Business Expo Basket Raffle where one Chamber member can win a FREE BASE LEVEL MEMBERSHIP for the 2017 year ($310 value).  Last year's winner was the Landings Restaurant, whose American Girl basket received the most "votes".

Baskets should be valued at a minimum of $150.  The more appealing your basket, the more votes you will receive.  Be creative and think outside the box.  Use a tote bag, wagon, cooler, anything you can fill.  Your basket does not need to contain items specific to your business. 
You do not need to be an Expo vendor to have a basket in the raffle.


Raffle tickets will be available to purchase at the Business Expo from 4-6:30pm.  At that time a winning ticket will be drawn for each basket and the tickets for each basket will be counted to determine the winner of the FREE Membership.  The Chamber will provide a "second chance" prize for all tickets not drawn.
You do not need to be present to win.

Please notify the Chamber if you would like to submit a basket for the raffle.  Baskets must be dropped off at the Chamber office by Wednesday, March 9th.

All proceeds from the Basket Raffle go to the Chamber High School Scholarship fund.  Last year, we awarded a $500 scholarship to Kourtney Putnam towards her education at Michigan State University.

For more information, please contact the Chamber office at 231.547.2101.



VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR BUSINESS EXPO 
Volunteers are needed to help with the Business Expo & Taste of Charlevoix on Wednesday, March 16, 2016.
The following opportunities and time slots are available.
Guest Registration
     *1 Volunteer for 5-6pm
     *1 Volunteer for 6-7pm
Raffle Basket Ticket Sales
     *2 Volunteers for 4-5pm
     *2 Volunteers for 5-6pm
     *2 Volunteers for 6-7pm - These two volunteers will also help with the drawing and the counting of tickets.
Drink Ticket Sales
     *2 Volunteers for 5-6pm
     *2 Volunteers for 6-7pm
To volunteer or for more information, please contact the Chamber office at 231.547.2101 or email [email protected].  Thank you in advance for your help with the Chamber's largest networking event of the year.



GOVERNOR SNYDER RELEASES PROPOSED 2016-17 BUDGET
Governor Rick Snyder last week released his proposed
budget for Michigan's 2016-17 fiscal year.  As expected the governor's proposed spending plan, totaling nearly $55 billion, includes significant resources for addressing the public water crisis in Flint and the ongoing debt of Detroit Public Schools among the priorities for the coming year.

Our partners at Acuitas, a government relations firm in Lansing that works with the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance, compiled a thorough overview of Gov. Snyder's budget plan to share with out members. Click Here to review the Acuitas report.

You can also review the various budget documents by Clicking Here.  There is also a link to Gov. Snyder's budget presentation and talking points.


CHAMBER SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS NOW AVAILABLE 
The Charlevoix Area Chamber of Commerce Scholarship is intended to provide financial support to a high school senior that deserves assistance covering tuition expenses associated with higher education. 
  
To be eligible for this scholarship, the student must be:
*A graduating high school senior who has been accepted to an accredited two or four year institution (college or vocational school). 
*Must have a 3.0 or better Grade Point Average 
*Must be either an employee of a company which is a member of the Charlevoix Area Chamber of Commerce or the child of an employee. 
*Immediate family members of the Chamber's Selection Committee are ineligible to apply for the Chamber Scholarship.

 
Scholarship applications can be picked up at the Chamber office or at the Charlevoix High School counseling office
  
Deadline for scholarship applications is Friday, April 29, 2016 by 5pm.
  
For more information contact the Chamber office at 231.547.2101.


CONGRATULATIONS TO

OUR FEBRURAY MEMBER OF THE MONTH


Pictured back row left to right:  Christie Ward-Strahan (chamber ambassador), David Leusink (CEO), Abbie Hart (Branch Manager), Doug Seaney (VP of Lending), Larry Levengood (chamber ambassador), Colin Texter (chamber ambassador).
Pictured front row left to right:  Kris Way (MSR), Kathy Bradley (Loan Clerk), Genevieve Michanowicz (Lead MSR), Alison Hubbard (chamber president), Peggy Kusina (chamber ambassador), Dennis Kusina (chamber ambassador), Hannah Sanderson (chamber ambassador), Cheryl Carey (chamber ambassador).  

Thank You For All You Do!

Click Here  to submit a nomination and review the guidelines.
Remember you can nominate any Chamber Member business/group/organization,
including your own! 
 

NLEA PRESIDENTS' REPORT
Click Here to read the Northern Lakes Economic Alliance February 2016 President's Report

OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT
Office space is available for lease on Mason Street, downtown Charlevoix.  
$850/month plus utilities.
For more information, call 231.675.0308.



BAKER COLLEGE TO MOVE FROM QUARTERS TO SEMESTERS FALL 2017
Baker College officials have announced that the college will transition from a quarter format to a semester format beginning fall 2017.  A traditional academic year is a nine-month period composed of either quarter or semester-based coursework.  As a quarter-based institution, Baker College currently offers three quarters of coursework, each typically 10 to 12 weeks in duration, along with a summer session.  The semester calendar consist will of two 16-week semesters of coursework and a 12-week summer session.

"The trend in higher education is certainly a semester schedule, especially in Michigan," said Bard Daig, Ph.D., Baker College System president and CEO.  "Our students will gain many benefits when our schedule aligns with the majority of higher education institutions." 
baker.edu 
 

REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR 2016 NORTHERN
MICHIGAN REGIONAL HOME SHOW
Registration for the 2016 Northern Michigan Regional Home show is now open!
This annual event features more than 100 display booths, is the official home show for the building industry in Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet and Otsego Counties and draws thousands of attendees from across the state of Michigan.  Any business that is involved in the building or housing industry is encouraged to participate.

This year's show will be on March 11 and 12 and will again be hosted by North Central Michigan College in Petoskey.  Registration information can be found by visiting the Home Builders Association of Northern Michigan web site at hbanorthernmichigan.org or by calling the HBA office at 231.348.9770.  
 

WINTER WONDERLAND OF NORTHERN MICHIGAN
If you missed my February 9th slide presentation at the Charlevoix Library on the Winter Wonderland of Northern Michigan, there is another opportunity to view some magnificent scenery.  On my website, www.schlitt.com click on the menu, recent photo shoots, and ice caves in Michigan.  Additionally, the different seasons can be seen on Mike's Native Michigan Gallery.

The following link, Click Here,  is a story about an exciting movie coming to theaters in 2016.  The MacGillivery Freeman team discovered the ice caves of Pictured Rocks and describes their experience as truly magical.
 

VOLUNTEER CONNECTIONS REACHES OVER 500 COMMUNITY MEMBERS
Char-Em United Way continues to match volunteers with local nonprofits through the use of Volunteer Connections.  Since the improved site went live on January 22, 2014, volunteers and agencies alike have found the site easy to use and appreciate the new platform.  Currently, there are 521 people, registered as volunteers and 88 agencies have 113 opportunities listed.  There were 697 people visiting the site seeking volunteer opportunities in the last month alone.  We would love to see the number of volunteers on the site grow.

Volunteer Connections is a free resource that benefits the entire community.  First introduced in 2009, Volunteer Connections, a virtual volunteer center, is a tool Char-Em United Way uses to match available volunteers with needs that meet their skills and interests in our region. More
charemunitedway.org/volunteer
 

BEACON DENTAL CENTER CELEBRATES
CHILDREN'S DENTAL MONTH
February is Children's Dental Month: Creating Healthy Smiles at an Early Age.  Free Fluoride (valued at $40) 18 years and under.

Beacon Dental Center Whitening Special: In Office Whitening $599 (Regularly $700).
beacondentalcenter.com

 
MACGREGOR CARES
MacGregor Cares - Monthly Community Giving Program congratulates
January's winner, Charlevoix Community Food Pantry!

February's participants are:  Pellston High School National Honor Society, SCORE Tip of the Mitt, Leadership Charlevoix County.  One of these fine groups will win $500 from MacGregor Plumbing & Heating.  To vote for this month's participants or to nominate Click Here.
macgregorplumbing.com


VOTE FOR LEADERSHIP CHARLEVOIX COUNTY IN
MACGREGOR CARES PROMOTIONS Leadership LCC Logo

Leadership Charlevoix County has been selected to participate in MacGregor Plumbing & Heating's MacGregor Cares Monthly Community Giving Program.  The organization with the most votes wins and receives a check for $500 from MacGregor.  If the leadership organization wins, the funds will be used for one of its "Learning Trail" community service projects.  Individuals can visit the MacGregor Website "Vote" Page and vote for Leadership Charlevoix County.  One vote per day.
 
 
 
SOMMERSET POINTE MARINA
NOW RENTING BOAT SLIPS  

Now renting boat slips at
Sommerset Pointe Marina. 
Contact Harbor Master, Dalton Looze at 231.373.8688 or [email protected].
sommersetpointeyachtclub.com


BEAVER ISLAND CULTURAL ARTS ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES 2016 SCHEDULE
The Beaver Island Cultural Arts Association announces a new season of exciting programming featuring more musicians, singers and variety - we can't wait to welcome audiences back to Beaver Island.
July 29 - August 7, Baroque on Beaver Festival of Classical Music.
August 19 - 21, 2nd Annual Jazz Weekend.
October 1 - Three Men and a Tenor.

Ferry/Festival Day Trip Dates (Baroque only) - Limited dates for under $100/pp.
*Round trip passage aboard Beaver Island Boat Company Ferry.
*Island Van Tour.
*Map and Festival Program.
*Restaurant Lunch.
*Reserved Festival Seating.
*Boxed Snack for return trip.
For more information, Click Here. 

  




7TH ANNUAL ARTSY SOUP COOK-OFF
Thursday, February 18th, 5-7pm at the Charlevoix Public Library in the
Community Room. This event is sponsored by Charlevoix Montessori Academy.

Suggested minimum donation is $3 per person
For more information, please call 231.547.9000.


   
 
 
HISTORICAL SOCIETY POTLUCK DINNER RESCHEDULED AT DEPOT
The Charlevoix Historical Society has rescheduled its previously announced Valentine Potluck and Vintage
Film showing at the Depot for Wednesday, February 24 at 6pm.  The event was originally scheduled for February 2 but had to be cancelled due to the snow storm that afternoon.  Please bring a dish to pass plus serving utensil and your own plates and tableware.  Coffee, tea, cups, napkins and microwave usage provided.  BYOB if something stronger if preferred.  After the meal, the 1920 classic adventure talkie (film) "The Silver Horde" will be shown, based upon a novel by Rex Beach, onetime hugely popular author born near Atwood.  For more information, please call 231.547.0373. 
chxhistory.com

EL NINO AND LA NINA
Why do changing water temperatures in the Pacific Ocean affect northern
Michigan weather.  Jim Keysor of the National Weather Service office in Gaylord will analyze El Nino cycles from a historical perspective and point out clues to our weather patterns in the months ahead.  Jim has been with the National Weather Service for almost 23 years, workiing at offices in Paducah, Kentucky, Cheyenne, Wyoming and Gaylord, Michigan. 

Cost is $10 and includes lunch Friday, February 26, 11:30am at the Library Conference Center on the Petoskey Campus of NCMC  Reservations are required.  Call 231.348.6600 or email [email protected].
ncmich.edu

  
DON'T JUST MAIL: GROW  

Every Door Direct Mail Lunch & Learn Seminar, Friday, February 26, 12noon - 1:30pm, at Mitchell
Graphics, 2363 Mitchell Park Drive, Petoskey.

Mitchell Graphics will host Don Hooker, Senior Mailing Sales Executive for the United States Post Office, at a seminar focused on the keys to successfully executing an Every Door Direct Mailing.  At the marketing seminar Hooker will touch on the benefits of Every Door Direct mail including substantial postage savings, free list procurement and the solid return businesses see on this message saturation mailing. 

Lunch will be provided.  Attendees are asked to RSVP by calling 231.347.4635 by Monday February 22.  

GALA TO BENEFIT JOPPA HOUSE  
A Mid-Winter's Gala Benefit for Joppa House Women's Transitional Home will take place on Saturday, February 27th at 6:00pm at Castle Farms in the West Garden Room.  Full Dinner Buffet catered by C & L Catering.  Music provided by the Pine River Jazz Band.  Silent and Live Auction with Auctioneer Scott Hankins.  Tickets are $25 per person.  For more information or to purchase tickets, call 231.547.8040. 
A Lovely Evening to Support a Wonderful Cause!
facebook/joppahouse

   
BRIDGE STREET TAP ROOM             
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE  
February 19, Ben Overbeek  8-11pm
February 20, Kellerville  8-11pm
February 21, Chris Calleja  6-9pm
February 23, Sean Bielby  7-10pm
bridgestreettaproom.com

MOLLY'S TRIVIA
Every Wednesday, 7pm at  
Lake Charlevoix Brewing Company.
lakecharlevoixbrewing.com 
 
 



For more information on how to apply for any of the following positions Click Here.



Castle Farms  
Administrative Assistant 

Chemical Bank 
Summer Teller

City of Charlevoix 
Mt. McSauba Camp Director
Municipal Golf Course Pro Shop Attendants  

Point Health Club 
Attendant, Part-Time 
 
 
Please visit the below resources for other job opportunities in our area.

 
 

   



To learn more about becoming a Premier Member call the Chamber at 231.547.2101