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Shorelines
October 23, 2012-Vol 2012 No. 9.4
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Greetings!

It is a Business After Hours kind of week, so get ready to enjoy an "It's 5 o'Clock Somewhere" themed networking event at Hilltop RV Superstore this Wednesday. The Grand Door Prize for this event will be a weekend motorhome rental that includes 500 free miles, valued at $995.

Lakestate Industries is opening its doors to the community on October 25th from 1-6 PM. Explore their Rustic Room filled with beautiful furniture, or pick up some of their famous fire starters for your fireplace. Better yet, tour the facility where all these amazing products get made by a great team.

The new Gladstone Baseball program is having their 5K walk/run, 10Kfundraiser to help with the starting cost. Don't let the cold slow you down. Head down to the Gladstone Sports Park on Oct. 27th at 10 AM and run for a good community cause.

And you have a second chance to try Dinner Theater "Mugsy Sent Me." The interactive play will allow you to go back in time to the period of prohibition and meet some colorful characters. Attendees are encouraged to dress up and have fun. October 26th, 2012. RSVP by Wed. October 24th.

Check for more events on our "This Week" Section

Our Shorelines is buzzing with information about events, businesses, and more. We want to hear more about what is happening in our community from you. Many of our organizations and businesses are already planning 2013 events so let us know about them on our online Calendar. Just follow the link and don't be shy; share with us so we can share with all!


Delta County Team Joins the Connected Community

Sept. 26th, 2012- The Delta County Technology Planning Team (DCTPT)has partnered with Connect Michigan by enrolling in the Connected community certification program, an initiative that offers a comprehensive way to bridge the digital divide impacting many communities, including Delta County.

With our tradition of collaboration and "can do," the Delta County Economic Development Alliance coordinated a meeting of community leaders to form a team to facilitate the expansion of broadband technology and increased usage by the community. The 'Delta County Technology Planning Team' will create a Community Action Plan under the Connect Michigan Community Engagement program. Eleven individuals representing the collaborating entities attended an introduction meeting in September.

According to EDA Director Vicki Schwab, "Broadband availability, accessibility, and affordability are vital for community and economic development. This group of volunteers are teaming together to build a foundation to differentiate our community."

Through this initiative, Connected Michigan works with the Michigan Public Service Commission and the Delta County Technology Planning Team to develop and implement effective strategies for technology access, adoption, and use in Michigan and Delta County in particular. Connect Michigan will accelerate the availability and use of technology toward creating a better business environment, more effective community and economic development, improved healthcare, enhanced education, and more efficient government. The team will work on building a comprehensive action plan to develop a technology-ready community by reviewing the technology landscape, developing regional partnerships, establishing local teams, and conducting a thorough community assessment. The team plans to meet again October 30th.

For more information on Connect Michigan visit www.connectmi.org

For more information on the Delta County Technology Planning Team please contact the Delta County Economic Development Alliance at 906-786-2192 or at [email protected]

5,700 New Residents Move to Delta County


Bays de Noc, the Walleye Capitol of the World, reports continued population growth for the third year in row. The increase in population is the result of local groups working together to supplement the current natural walleye population in the Bays de Noc. Through their efforts, 5,700 6-9 inch walleye will have a new home in Little Bay de Noc. These large fish are a welcome addition to the neighborhood and should be mature for spawning in about 3 years, much faster than the smaller fingerlings. This plant supplements a plant earlier this year conducted by the Michigan DNR in Big Bay de Noc.

Local residents and businesses in conjunction with Walleye Restoration Project, Hannahville Indian Community, the Bay de Noc Great Lakes Sports Fishermen, Inc., Bays de Noc Convention and Visitors Bureau, The Delta County Chamber of Commerce, and the Delta County Economic Development Alliance will introduce the walleye into Little Bay de Noc on Wednesday, October 23, 2012. This marks the third year the groups have collaborated in walleye restoration efforts.

With an eye towards the future and memories of the past, the organizations are committed to making this a long-term project for the health and the economic importance the fishery provides to Delta County. While the fish planted this year will be mature in about three years, the fish planted in 2010 are near maturity and will make a positive impact on the Bays.

Steve Masters, Director of the Bays de Noc Convention and Visitors Bureau and Vickie Micheau Director of the Delta County Chamber of Commerce in a recent conversation said, "The Bays continue to be a great place for local anglers, anglers from out of town, and tournament fishermen. During The National Guard FLW Walleye Tour co hosted by our organizations' this summer on the Bays, professional anglers praised the fishery and the local hospitality. Our area continues to be one of the best places in the Country for all types of anglers and all types of fishing. Our organizations want to make sure we maintain our elite fishery status for everyone and people will continue to get hooked on fishing the Bays for years to come."

The Walleye Restoration group was spearheaded by the Delta County Chamber of Commerce Legislative Committee and the Hannahville Indian Community. Walleye Restoration aims to put a positive face on the area fishery, which showed a decline from 2004 through 2010. This effort involves creating a coalition to raise money to restore, conserve and manage the fishery. The work includes educating the public to reduce illegal poaching, stream and river runoff, and sedimentation that negatively affect the walleye. The group is hoping to keep anecdotal records of the walleye fishery as one way of informally evaluating the efforts. Any anglers that would like to share their experiences fishing on the Bays de Noc should contact the Delta County Commerce Center at (906) 786-2192 or email reports to [email protected].
Lakes state Industries invites you to an open house happening on Thursday, October 25th from 1-6 PM. The open house includes a tour of the facility accompanied by light refreshments. The Rustic Room will also be open for visitors.

Lakestate Industries is a private, non-profit agency that serves people in our community with intellectual disabilities, to enhance their lives and the lives of the families who love them.

Founded in 1969, Lakestate began as an outgrowth of a parents group concerned with the lack of opportunities available for people with disabilities. Thus, Lakestate's focus has been giving persons with disabilities the opportunity to experience the rewards of working for "real pay" while removing barriers to employment and promoting community inclusion.

Lakestate Industries provides career exploration, job development, work training and job services to adult and student populations. We provide contracted services to business that make a significant impact on our community.
Gladstone: Oct. 31st
4:30-6:30 PM

Escanaba: Oct. 31st
5:00-7:00 PM

Bark River: Oct. 27th
2:00-4:00 PM
Carnival 4:00-6:00 PM

Rapid River: Oct. 31st
4:00-6:00 PM
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The Garden Wind Farm in Garden Township of Delta County, Michigan, is the first wind energy generating facility in the Upper Peninsula. It consists of 14 - 2 megawatt wind turbines resulting in an installed generation capacity of 28 megawatts (MW). The project will become fully operational in the fall of 2012. Over an annual period, the wind farm will generate in excess of 70,000 megawatt hours of renewable, clean electricity. This is equivalent to the amount of energy needed to power nearly 7,000 average households (45% of Delta County's).

Economic Impact

Heritage is making significant long term investments in Delta County and the Upper Peninsula. The increased spending, local contracts, and jobs benefit a broad spectrum of businesses and residents.

* Over $ 10 million is being injected to the local economy.
* Over 40 local and regional businesses in the Upper Peninsula are being utilized for site work, equipment rental, supplies, fuel, maintenance, fencing, materials, food and lodging.
* Over 75 local jobs have been generated for the construction of the wind farm.
* At least 4-6 full-time permanent jobs for wind technicians and management are required for maintenance and operations.
* Tax payments from the wind farm will help improve and maintain services to all residents of the County and the region.
* All leased landowners in the wind farm unit receive regular royalty revenue payments based on generation. That is an estimated $ 370,000 annually to landowners. Many of these dollars, in turn, move through the local economy.

Strengthening the Community

* The Heritage Garden Wind Farm is stimulating valuable community services. Tax payments from the wind farm could result in stabilized or even lower property taxes, stronger schools, along with enhanced fire, rescue, police and other community services.
* Under the current industrial personal property tax assessment formula, the Garden Wind Farm will generate in excess of $ 4.5 million in tax revenue over the next 20 years.
* Heritage believes it is also important to support the community in other ways through donations of cash, goods and/or services to community organizations and local units of government.

About Heritage Sustainable Energy

Heritage Sustainable Energy is the leading Michigan-based wind energy development company. We are composed of long-time Michigan residents, reinvesting Michigan capital to provide the Great Lakes state with clean, renewable energy. Our headquarters are located in Traverse City, Michigan. We also have offices at our operating wind farm projects including the Stoney Corners Wind Farm in McBain, Michigan, and at the Garden Wind Farm in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

At Heritage, we are committed to providing clean, reliable, homegrown energy to Michigan; we are committed to generating energy that is sustainable.
10/24/2012 Business After Hours Networking opportunity
@ Hilltop RV Superstore
SPONSORS Hilltop RV Superstore, Stewart Manufacturing
5:30 PM to 7:30 PM


10/25/2012 Lakestate Industries Open
HouseFacility tour and Refreshements
1 PM - 6 PM
Lakestate Industries ~ 1830 North 21st Street
Lakestate Industries 906-786-9212, www.lakestateindustries.org

10/26/2012 "Mugsy Sent Me" Gangsters! Molls! Speakeasis!
The William Bonifas Dinner Theate
7 PM
$40 - Ticket price includes your four course
www.bonifasarts.org - 906-786-3833

10/26/2012Styx
8 PM
$33
Island Resort & Casino
877-ISL-SHOW

10/26/2012Sena Ehrhardt Band Fundraiser for Northwoods AirLifeline
Blues For a Cause presents the Sena Ehrhardt Band. All profit will benefit Northwoods AirLifeline.
8 PM
$15
Terrace Bay Inn & Suites
Tickets at the Record Rack, or at the Door ~ Wendy Pepin

10/27/2012 Grand Slam Fall Classic
5K walk/run, 10K
10 AM
$25 for 5K, $35 for 10K
Gladstone Sports Park
Steve O'Driscoll 906-290-1895, [email protected]

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Dinner Theater: "Musgy Sent Me" October 26th, 2012 Day: Friday Night Time: 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM Member Price: $40.00 Non-Member Price: $40.00

Plan for an evening of mystery combined with good food and drink in support of the Arts--attend Mugsy Sent Me onFriday, October 26th. Social Time starts at 6:30 PM.

A capable cast of local actors brings the characters-and characters they are-to life, while you enjoy a 4-course meal. The featured play will be "Mugsy Sent Me", a comedy about the Gangster era. Guests are invited to enjoy the ambience by dressing in period costume for the evening.

"Dinner Theater at the Bonifas Arts Center is a celebration of all the arts," said Beth Ann Fudala, Center Special Events Director. "We have theater with members of Players de Noc & art in the Gallery.

It's dinner theater with a slightly sinister air, served with lots of laughter on the side.

Tickets to Mugsy Sent Me are just $40, available now online and at the Bonifas Ticket counter. As always, dinner theater seating is limited, so don't delay.
Vino

We are here to promote your business and our community.

Sincerely,


Vickie Micheau
Delta County Chamber of Commerce

phone: (906) 786-2192