Oscoda-AuSable Chamber of Commerce - News to Use

Keeping You

Up To Date
Spring 2020
MEDC News & Updates
MEDC Resources for Small Business RE: COVID-19 Recommendations & Resources



How to Support Northern Michigan Businesses during COVID-19 response

Michigan Economic Development Corp.


Stay in Constant Contact with the Chamber for more Updates & News!

 
Wurtsmith Airport to Hold Virtual Meeting - Important Notice
USAF representatives encourage all community and business partners to register in advance for important information regarding PFAS.  This virtual meeting will be held via webinar, please visit the below link for more information and to save your spot!

This virtual (web based) Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) meeting for the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base is designed to provide agency updates on environmental response activities.

During this virtual meeting, Air Force officials will present findings and recommendations from a recently completed expanded site inspection and discuss plans to award a contract for the next phase of the environmental investigation.
Please send your questions, comments and feedback to: [email protected]
How To Join The Webinar
Wed, Apr 15, 2020 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM EDT


 
Iosco County Community Foundation - Grant Applications Open!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Christine Hitch
March 30, 2020
PHONE: 1-877-354-6881
 

Grant Money Available for Iosco County Community Projects

 
The Iosco County Community Foundation (ICCF) is accepting grant applications for its Community Improvement Grant. Nonprofit organizations with a 501(c)(3) designation, schools, churches (for non-religious purposes) and government agencies serving Iosco County are welcome to apply for up to $5,000 in funding.
 
A broad range of charitable projects are eligible for Community Improvement Grants. Of particular interest to ICCF are those addressing certain areas of education, mental health programs, child abuse prevention, workforce development projects, and environmental protection programs.
 
The deadline to submit completed applications is May 1, 2020.
 
Applications are available at iccf-online.org, where they may be completed online and submitted via email, or printed for completion. If applications are mailed, they must be postmarked by the grant deadline date and sent to the ICCF office at P.O. Box 495, Alpena, MI 49707. Applicants may also call the ICCF office for more information at 1-877-354-6881.
 
Funding for this grant cycle comes from the Iosco County Community Improvement Fund, as well as several other field of interest funds at the Iosco County Community Foundation including the Iosco County Health Care Initiative Fund, Iosco Spendable Tobacco Settlement Fund and Iosco County Lakes and Rivers Fund.

Mid Michigan Health Department - MDHHS News & Updates

 
MidMichigan Health
News Release
 
For Immediate Release - Read the most current data on the District 2 MDHHS Website

March 24, 2020
MIDLAND, Mich. - In an effort to reduce illness exposure and support the volume of community members seeking COVID-19 testing and direction, MidMichigan Health launched its first Virtual Health Clinic. The new program helps to provide on demand patient initiated virtual visits through a centralized location.
"This week, our Governor signed an executive order and asked our communities to 'Stay Home, Stay Safe.' With the implementation of telemedicine programs, such as our Virtual Health Clinic, we can meet our patients where they are," said Tom Wood, M.B.A., B.S.N., R.N., director of trauma and telemedicine. "Through the Virtual Health Clinic, patients can be referred for a virtual visit by their primary care doctor, specialty clinic, Urgent Care or Emergency Department. They can also get a virtual visit without a referral by calling the Virtual Health Clinic directly. Then, patients are sent a link to the virtual platform through text or email. They are able to connect from a variety of devices and do not need to download a new app or create an account. Next, they are connected to our primary care providers for a virtual visit. Their symptoms are assessed, questions are answered and instructions for further treatment are given."
The Virtual Health Clinic program launched on Thursday, March 19, at MidMichigan's East End Building in downtown Midland.
Wood added, "Our program has been extremely successful with more than 300virtual visits in our first three days. We are continuing to improve the Virtual Health Clinic and are also creating the ability to connect patients to their specialist or primary care for non-COVID-19 related visits. We are rapidly implementing virtual visit capability to three to five MidMichigan provider clinics every day."
In conjunction with the Virtual Health Clinic program implementation, MidMichigan launched its first Ambulatory Testing Center on the campus of MidMichigan Urgent Care - Midland last week. In following CDC and Health Department guidelines, primary care providers first refer patients to the Virtual Health Clinic for a virtual visit. If deemed necessary, patients are then given an appointment at the local Ambulatory Testing Center.
"During the brief appointment, patients remain in their car while a member of the MidMichigan Health care team meets them at the tent and tests for influenza and other illness at the physician's discretion. A nasal swab is also collected for COVID-19 testing. Those patients are then sent to their homes to remain in quarantine until their test results are reported to them," said Paul Berg, M.D., M.H.A., president, MidMichigan Physicians Group. "These measures are just another example of helping to distance those with possible COVID-19 exposure from the rest of our patient population and our staff and health care providers."
Additional Ambulatory Testing Centers have been or are slated to open later this week at the following MidMichigan Health locations:
  • Alma: MidMichigan Urgent Care - Gratiot, 321 E. Warwick Drive 
    (Opened Tuesday, March 24)
  • Alpena: Family Medicine Long Rapids, 211 Long Rapids
  • Clare: MidMichigan Medical Offices - Sixth and Maple, 212 West 6th Street
    (Opened Monday, March 23)
  • West Branch: MidMichigan Urgent Care - West Branch, 640 Court Street, M-30
For the safety of all, MidMichigan Health reminds its communities:
  • If you feel sick and have symptoms of a fever of 100.4 or greater, cough or shortness of breath, please call ahead before you go to a doctor's office or emergency room.
  • Please avoid contact with others and do not travel while sick.
  • Above all, the best way to prevent the spread of this virus is social distancing and proper hygiene, such as hand washing and not touching our faces. With these two measures we are all significantly less likely to get the illness.
Those wishing to make an appointment through the MidMichigan Virtual Health Clinic may call (888) 591-0500. In addition, as a service to the community, MidMichigan Health has also published a COVID-19 informational hotline with a reminder of CDC guidelines and recommendations.  Staff is also available to help answer community questions Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. The hotline can be reached toll-free at (800) 445-7356 or (989) 794-7600.
MidMichigan Health is a non-profit health system headquartered in Midland, Michigan, affiliated with Michigan Medicine, the health care division of the University of Michigan. MidMichigan Health covers a 23-county region with medical centers in Midland, Alpena, Alma, Clare, Gladwin, Mt. Pleasant and West Branch. In addition to its Medical Centers, MidMichigan Health also offers both home health care and physician services, and has a strong commitment to medical education. MidMichigan Physicians Group provides urgent care and medical offices in more than 30 specialties and subspecialties including cardiology, hematology/ oncology, orthopedics, vascular surgery, family medicine and more. Currently, MidMichigan has more than 8,700 employees, volunteers, physicians and other personnel, and provided more than $90 million in community benefits in fiscal year 2019.


for the Non-Profit Community Directory


MSU Extension Office 
**NOTE - Please visit the MSU Extension Facebook Page
and their Website for the latest information and offerings

Building Early Emotional Skills for Parents: Building Early Emotional Skills is a free eight-week course that helps parents and caregivers of children ages 0-3 to develop the skills needed to support the social and emotional development of their child. This course is online and run in a self-paced, cohort style class. It is expected to take approximately one hour per week to complete the course content. Spring course begins on March 29th. Registration will run from March 23rd - April 6th .  Registration information: https://www.canr.msu.edu/building_early_emotional_skills_in_young_children/online-program-for-parents
 
Shareable Social Media Post for BEES for Parents:
Trouble with tantrums? Not sure what to do to support your toddlers big emotions? Join MSU Extension's Building Early Emotional Skills eight-week online series starting March 29th! Registration will run from March 23rd - April 6th. For parents of children ages 0-3. Click here for information and to register: http://bit.ly/BEESParents
  
Building Early Emotional Skills for Early Childhood Professionals: Building Early Emotional Skills (BEES) for Early Childhood professionals is an opportunity to learn more about how children develop important social emotional skills, and how you can help them learn to understand and express their emotions appropriately. This course is online and run in a self-paced, cohort style class. It is expected to take approximately one hour per week to complete the course content. This training is approved in miRegistry for 8 hours. Spring course begins on March 29th. Registration will run from March 23rd - April 6th. Registration Information: https://www.canr.msu.edu/building_early_emotional_skills_in_young_children/online-program-for-professionals
 
            Shareable Social Media Post for BEES for Professionals:
Join other early childhood professionals for this free, eight-week, online self-paced, cohort training beginning March 29th. Registration will run from March 23rd - April 6th . BEES is approved in miRegistry for 8 hours of training. There is no charge. Click here for more information and to  register:  http://bit.ly/BEESProfessionals


Consumer's Energy - News & Resources

 
 
 
For a limited time only - Earn 1,000 points when you sign up for the new 
 
Use your Small Business Energy Portal to:
  • Access your personal billing history
  • Keep track of your energy use and cost
  • Gain personalized services
  • Gain exclusive savings
    and more
 

Hurry! Offer Expires

March 31, 2020.

You'll Also Receive 25% Off Your Next Business Marketplace Purchase When You Sign Up!

 
Register your account to access your business' energy use, start earning rewards to redeem for gift cards and more! Your Small Business Energy Portal is a dashboard where you can easily view savings opportunities and create an Energy Action Plan for your business. 
 

We're Here For You!

Choose the most convenient method to contact us.

From the Michigan Housing Authority & Crisis Response Resources

 

During the COVID-19 outbreak, MSHDA will not be terminating any vouchers due to failure to pay on repayment agreements.

For multifamily properties with MSHDA mortgages, any payments postmarked by the 15th of the month and received by the 20th will not be assessed late charges.

If you have any questions, please call to speak with a receptionist that can assist you or further direct your call.

Lansing: 517-335-9885

Detroit: 313-456-0710

 

Correspondence and payments may be mailed to:

 

     MSHDA, Rental Assistance & Homeless Solutions
     Attn: Delinquency Coordinator
     PO Box 30044 W
     Lansing,MI 48909


SBAM Updates
April 6, 2020
Small Business Weekly: News and Updates from the Small Business Association of Michigan
Insurance & Billing Assistance for PPP Loans
 
During these challenging times, SBAM and TGG Solutions are here to assist you through your insurance and billing questions and your need for important information. We know that many of you are exploring the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)...
Lt. Governor Gilchrist & former Lt. Governor Calley team up to announce coalition to support small businesses, improve access to federal loans
The Whitmer Administration announced that businesses across Michigan are now able to apply for $349 billion in Paycheck Protection Program forgivable loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration.
 
To watch previously recorded webinars, !
U.S. Department of Labor Announces New Paid Sick Leave and Expanded Family and Medical Leave Regulations
the Wage and Hour Division of the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued a temporary rule regarding the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act (EPSLA) and the Emergency Family Medical Leave Expansion Act (EFMLEA) of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA).
 
3 Tips to Help Navigate Your Business Through Tough Economic Times
Recent developments with COVID-19 have caused uncertainty for many businesses. But during this tough economic time, are you doing all you can to help your business thrive? Consider implementing the following items into your business strategy as you navigate the waters of uncertainty.
 
Retirement Plan Provisions in the CARES Act
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) was signed into law on March 27, 2020. It is a mammoth bill of over 880 pages, and contains many employee benefit-related items. This post, the second in the CARES Act series, deals with the qualified retirement plan provisions in the Act.
 

Special Resources


Links - Services & Resources
Oscoda AuSable Chamber of Commerce - New Facebook Address
OACC Latest News - Bookmark this Page!
American Red Cross - Blood Donation times and locations:
Department of Natural Resources
Michigan DNR Can I Burn Today? - Latest Map of Open Burn regulations by Michigan DNR by area - note: CHECK WITH YOUR TWP! Local ordinances always apply.
Small Business Development Corporation
US Small Business Administration - Disaster Loan & ELA Information:
Michigan Economic Development Corporation - Covid Response Information
DLEG & MEDC Press Releases
State Coronavirus Updates  & Links
National Conference of State Legislators
Legal Ramifications of Covid-19 for Businesses & Organizations
Michigan Chamber of Commerce: Coronavirus Toolkit
Oscoda Schools - Covid Update
NEMSCA - Food Distribution Lists
Alcona Community Schools - Grab & Go food program
Bay Athletic Club offers online virtual fitness classes
 
OACC Currrent Members - Dining & Restaurants at a Glance:
Burger King Oscoda                         989-739-1700
Camp Inn Lodge                                989-739-2021
Dairy Queen                                      989-739-0884
Desi's Taco Lounge                          989-739-7856                                    
G's Pizza & Deli                                  989-739-1133
KFC / Taco Bell                                   989-739-3339
Little Caesar's Pizza                         989-739-1487
Mama's Country Kitch                    989-739-4333
Mancino's Pizza & BBQ                  989-739-0100
McDonald's Oscoda                        989-739-3111
Office Lounge & Grill                       989-739-3388
Party & Food Center                       989-739-2091
Sunrise Kava Café                            989-569-6575
Twist Frozen Yogurt                        989-569-6800
Wiltse's Family Restaurant           989-739-2311
Tait's Bill of Fare Restaurant        989-739-1518
 
Sincerely,
 

Oscoda AuSable Chamber of Commerce
Oscoda-AuSable Chamber of Commerce
News from the Michigan Chamber of Commerce
The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division (WHD) announced guidance to provide information to workers and employers about how each will be able to take advantage of the protections and relief offered by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) when it takes effect on April 1, 2020.
 
The new guidance includes a new required poster for all employees that will fulfill notice requirements for employers obligated to inform employees about their rights under this new law. It also includes questions and answers about posting requirements, and a Field Assistance Bulletin describing WHD's 30-day non-enforcement policy. The new guidance addresses critical issues such as whether employers may post required notice electronically, whether employers must provide notice of this law to recently laid-off individuals, when FFCRA applies to federal workers and when enforcement of the new rules will begin.
 
The Michigan Chamber of Commerce is committed to being a trusted resource for its members and customers. For additional information and resources related to the COVID-19 crisis, visit https://www.michamber.com/coronavirus-toolkit.
 
Please contact us at [email protected] if you require additional information.


 
Michigan DNR Covid Updates - Closures & Guidelines
March 27, 2020
Contact:
Ron Olson , 517-243-1477

DNR reduces amenities at state parks, recreation areas and trails

To protect public health, violations of social distancing guidelines may result in misdemeanor fines, penalties

  • Michigan's State Emergency Operations Center coordinates release of all important news related to COVID-19, and the DNR and all state agencies are working closely with the SEOC. Sign up to receive news releases directly from the SEOC.
  • In accordance with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services' recommendations designed to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, we have closed public access to many facilities and have canceled all group events until further notice.
    Daily updates will be provided on this webpage. The state is taking proactive steps to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in Michigan. 
  • We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in reducing the coronavirus risk to Michigan residents.

"We are doing everything possible to protect the health and safety of visitors and staff at state parks 
Follow the DNR's COVID-19 response webpage for the latest closure information related to events, meetings and facilities, including campgrounds, harbors and other sites.

Executive order mandates social distancing; fines/penalties possible

To help uphold the "Stay Home, Stay Safe" Executive Order, individuals must maintain a minimum of 6 feet between themselves and other people. Anyone not following the social distancing requirement may face misdemeanor violation/arrest penalties, including up to 90 days in jail and/or a fine up to $500.
Social distancing practices are a top priority for any time spent outside an individual's home or place of residence. They include:
  • Go out only if you're feeling healthy.
  • Keep at least 6 feet between yourself and another person.
  • Long-distance travel is discouraged unless it is essential.
  • Wash hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. If those aren't available, use a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
  • When driving, keep windows slightly open to provide air flow.
  • If the parking is full when attempting to visit a park, recreation area, boating access site or trailhead, leave and choose a different location.
Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus .

 
Michigan UIA Unemployment Webinars

Some difficulties with streaming happened during UIA webinars hosted yesterday for small businesses regarding updates in regulations and requirements for both employers and employees from the State of Michigan.  All presentations and powerpoints can be accessed in full via the SBAM Facebook.  Also check the M I Chamber of Commerce for resources.

You can also check the ASE Webinar scheduled for March 23, and keep checking the Michigan.gov and our local MI Works Region 7B for the latest information.  We will do our best at the Chamber to continue to send along helpful links and updates as they become available.
 
Redistricting Commission Taking Applications
Redistricting Commission Update:
Applications will be accepted through June 1, 2020. As all applications must be signed in the presence of a notary, Secretary of State offices statewide continue to offer free notary services by appointment. 

Appointments can be made at Michigan.gov/SOS or by calling 888-SOS-MICH. Once notarized, applications can be submitted by mail or at Secretary of State offices.
 
For more information and to see the updated applicant profile, visit RedistrictingMichigan.org. Michiganders with questions should email [email protected].

Visit the SOS Website for more info about application and the redistricting effort and how you might apply..



Contact Us


Phone:
989-739-7322

website:
Quick Links

Michigan Chamber Coronavirus Toolkit

US Chamber Covid-19 Resources




Wurtsmith Air Museum

Wurtsmith Air Museum Updates!

Hello everybody,

The Wurtsmith Air Museum's Board is carefully monitoring the increasing public health threat from COVID-19 and evaluating how it could affect our May opening and scheduled summer events.
First and foremost, we are committed to providing a safe environment and minimizing the risk of exposure and transmission of this virus to our volunteers and visitors.
A decision based upon the latest information provided by Federal, State and local officials, will be posted on this website and our Facebook page in the coming weeks.

Thank you and stay safe,

Wurtsmith Air Museum Board



 
Quick Links









 
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-
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Visit MI DNR for latest closures & information


Quick Links


 Feeling Called to Do Some Service?

  We have had a few calls in to the Chamber office from seniors or other folks in need of errands ran or other basic needs while sheltering in place. 

If you have needs--or if    someone you know may need a helping hand,

 please contact us at 989-739-7322 and we will do what we can to assist. 

  If you would like to volunteer...

to meet the needs of a senior or family in need, please contact us via phone or email at the below and we will try to connect you with someone you can assist.

It Takes A Village!

Clover Terminal Services - Here to Help you during Covid-19
For businesses
Every one of our business customers is unique and we have a variety of tools to help those impacted by the coronavirus. These include payment deferrals, restructuring, access to short term working capital, and other financing options. Please call us at the phone number on your invoice or contact your relationship manager to discuss options that can help you and your business.

Small business economic injury disaster: The Small Business Administration is assisting businesses to apply for Economic Injury Disaster Program loans. Additional resources and information about disaster program loans in your state can be found at 
disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/

SBA guaranteed loans: Our bank is a SBA Preferred Lender, only granted to the most experienced banks with the highest level of expertise, which gives us the ability to quickly and efficiently approve and service most SBA loan requests in-house. We have a dedicated team of highly-experienced SBA specialists ready to help our business customers navigate the application process and quickly obtain the funding they need. Please contact your relationship manager to discuss options and to hear about special programs that may be available to help you and your business


We're deploying teams across Clover to put together resources, relief initiatives, and information to help you navigate these uncertain times. 
 
Tech Support in Oscoda
TIER4 Technical Support Helps Employers and Employees During COVID-19 Crisis
For Immediate Release.
Oscoda, MI. TIER4 Technical Support continues comprehensive support for employers and employees through the COVID-19 crisis with business continuity assistance and essential support services. For most businesses, it was immediately necessary to temporarily shut down or immediately reduce operations amidst State Executive Orders and Federal Guidelines in previous weeks. 

TIER4 Technical Support provides several services that allow for businesses and employees to still meet virtually "face to face" with each other and their customers at no cost during the current crisis. Currently our video conferencing suite through both Zoom and Cisco WebEx are free to get back to meeting and communicating almost instantly. This offer extends to municipalities that have been authorized to have electronic meetings through Michigan Executive Order 2020-15, to allow "temporary authorization of remote participation in public meetings and hearings..." The remote conferencing services also allow for immediate availability for students with Internet access to be able to participate in online learning with teachers or peer groups.
 
With many businesses in a state of confusion or uncertainty, TIER4 Technical Support has been enabling business to continue making, answering, and responding to customers through their phone systems and other communication mediums. Many businesses have telephone services that allow conditional call forwarding, simultaneous answer on a home phone and work phone, as well as busy call forward allowing for employees to take calls on devices in their home or through Voice Over Internet Phone services (VoIP) without exposing home telephone numbers. 

Our specialist team sets up and can provision temporary or permanent connections for employees needing to still take customer or partner telephone calls now and in the future.
 
Accessing work and client files securely has been a large focus for many businesses this past week. TIER4 Technical Support partners with many telecommunications providers to setup data connections via Fiber, Copper, and Wireless technologies for secure voice and data communications. Securely accessing client files across existing Internet connections for employers and employees are being setup with our service providers with 24 to 72-hour turnarounds to keep information flowing throughout a business.
 
Our home users are still able to receive technical support as well from the comfort of their home. With a robust remote support offering, many issues that a home user may experience can be solved quickly and securely through our programs where Internet is available. TIER4 Technical Support also has finance programs for purchasing technology through their "Buy Here Pay Here" program, allowing a customer to purchase equipment on payment plans that work with their budget to get their home offices up and running.
---
TIER4 Technical Support is a managed service provider that assists organizations in maintaining and improving business processes through guided integration of technology and best practices. Servicing both home and business customers throughout the state of Michigan. For more information about services, please email [email protected]or contact via telephone at 989-569-6655. The website is http://www.tier4ts.com.
 
Make Way Move All

 
AROUND THE TOWN - AROUND THE STATE - AROUND THE BLESSED USA - WE MOVE IT ALL!
Make Way Move All provides professional moving, packing and storage services. We are licensed, insured & registered with all required state and federal authorities. We do our best for you! We are "The Make It Easy Movers".
Call Today for your moving needs.
989-362-8383 or visit our website at www.makewaymoveall.com.

From Senator Jim Stamas
Serving you
Serving the people of the 36th Senate District is important to me, and I encourage you to contact me with any state issues. You may call toll-free at 1-855-347-8036 or email [email protected]. Also, please check out my Facebook page. Let me know if I can assist you in any way or if you have an idea to help move Michigan forward.

Updated COVID-19 figures
On Monday, Michigan health officials reported 1,503 new cases of COVID-19 and 110 additional deaths, which bring the state's total number of positive cases to 17,221 and total number of deaths to 727. In the 36th Senate District, there have been 61 cases and 3 deaths. There have been over 40,500 specimens tested in Michigan, as of April 4. This information and more is available at   www.Michigan.gov/coronavirus

COVID-19 news
Below is a release from the governor on statewide effort to encourage Michigan businesses to apply for $349 billion SBA Paycheck Protection Program and releases from the State Emergency Operations Center on state parks, trails and boating access sites remaining open and Michigan receiving additional federal dollars to help provide meals to older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read Senator Stamas Full Press Release, including updates on Meals for Seniors, State Park & DNR Notices, and the latest updates and executive directives from the Governor's Office.



 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
Join Our Mailing List!
NEMCOG - Regional Economic Development News & Updates for Small Biz
In conjunction with NEMCOG and the Target Alpena organization, the Charter Township of Oscoda's Economic Improvement Director and the Tawas Area Chamber Director have been heavily involved in the MEDC's Small Business Relief Program that was announced today.
Working through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), Target Alpena will be processing applications for grants for the following five counties -
Alcona, Alpena, Cheboygan, Iosco, and Presque Isle. 
We encourage businesses in Iosco County impacted by the Governor's Executive Order 2020-20 to review the grant qualifications and application process. While we would like to help all businesses impacted by this unforeseen pandemic, funds will simply not allow. 


Featured Article
For Immediate Release: April 1, 2020
Contact Person: Natalie Francis 989-356-2560 [email protected]g
Hope Shores Alliance Honors April as National Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Alpena, Michigan- Hope Shores Alliance is asking our community to share in honoring this April as the 19 th anniversary of the National Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This year's theme is "I Ask" which aims to empower everyone to put consent into practice. Conversations around consent have been growing, and the #MeToo movement has been instrumental in showing the world how prevalent sexual assault and coercion are in society. Nearly 1 in 5 women in the United States have experienced rape or attempted rape some time in their lives, and 1 in 67 American men have experienced rape or attempted rape (Smith et al., 2017).   Hope Shores Alliance worked with over 100 survivors of sexual assault, and responded to over 20 Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) calls in 2019. Overall, sexual assault services at Hope Shores Alliance were up 43% from last year. As upsetting as these numbers are, we can channel our hurt into change and make prevention possible in our communities.

Throughout April, Alpena will join communities across the country to honor the resiliency of survivors of sexual assault who humble us with their strength and tenacity. We will honor the victims who were lost to sexual violence and celebrate the continued progress advocates have made over the years and to unite our communities to end sexual violence. 

SAAM Events
We'll be expanding our use of technology this year and asking the community to help raise awareness for SAAM by doing the same. We will begin each week in April with an educational video surrounding consent. We'll also be asking the community to send us pictures with the #hopeshoressaam hashtag to join in the solidarity to end sexual violence. Please go to our Instagram page hopeshoresalliance and Face book page at Hope Shores Alliance to learn how you can participate this SAAM! Hope Shores Alliance
Please hang a teal ribbon or heart in your window to let your neighbors know that you will believe, support, and validate survivors of sexual assault.
Day of Action- Tuesday, April 7, 2020. We're asking everyone to wear teal, the color of sexual assault awareness and prevention. You can share those pictures on our Hope Shores Alliance's Facebook and Instragram with the hashtag #hopeshoressaam or #supportsurvivors #iask can be added as well.
Denim Day - April 29, 2020 Wear jeans with a purpose, support survivors, and educate yourself and others about all forms of sexual violence.

 
This weekly newsletter is brought to you by the Oscoda AuSable Chamber of Commerce and made possible thanks to the member businesses, organizations and individuals.  
The Oscoda AuSable Chamber is non-profit organization funded by memberships and events.  
 
 
 Submissions for the weekly Eblast are accepted by OACC members only and must be sent in by 3pm on Friday to be included in the Tuesday E'blast.  Submissions must be in Word, PDF or JPEG format. All submissions for the weekly E'blast must be sent via email.

The E'blast is delivered to over 1500 inboxes every week!  Share with your friends and family.  Spread the word about all of the great things happening in and around the Oscoda AuSable area.  Working together our communities succeed!