SPONSOR THE BIZ BLAST
IS YOUR BUSINESS OR ORGANIZATION IN NEED OF SOME GREAT EXPOSURE?
RESERVE YOUR SPOT AS A BIZ BLAST SPONSOR FOR ONLY $50/per wk.
THE COST IS AFFORDABLE AND THE EXPOSURE IS HIGH.
For more information, call the Chamber office at 231.547.2101 or email fratrick
@charlevoix.org
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Charlevoix County Transit
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Charlevoix County Transit service hours for the mainland will be Monday through Friday, 7am to 4pm and on Beaver Island, Monday through Friday, 11am to 2pm.
Transit will be providing free passenger rides to locations that are designed as essential service (medical, essential work locations, food/grocery locations). In addition to those passenger rides, transit will provide delivery service for the Commission on Aging Senior Meals Program. Residents who’d like to receive a senior meal should call the Commission on Aging office at 231.237.0103 by Thursday to reserve meals for next week.
If you need a ride, call us and we'll do our best to make it work for you. To request a ride or schedule delivery service, please call Transit at 231.582.6900 between the hours of 7am and 4pm. Please check our
Facebook Page
and the
county website
for updated information.
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Health Department of Northwest Michigan Update
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The Health Department of Northwest Michigan, in partnership with Emmet County, Northern Michigan Med Center, McLaren Northern Michigan, the Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, and the Petoskey Department of Public Safety will be offering appointment based, drive-through testing at the Emmet County Fairgrounds beginning Wednesday, April 1.
Testing will be scheduled from 12:00 – 4:00 pm Monday through Friday for patients 12 and older. This testing facility is for individuals who have seen their primary care provider, have been determined to meet the criteria for testing, and have a lab slip. The drive-through testing facility will utilize a recently approved FDA testing method with nasal swab.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has created a statewide hotline for COVID-19. The hotline will be open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1-888-535-6136. Additionally, the Health Department of Northwest Michigan has a Public Health Information Phone Line – 1-800-386-5959 and email
publichealthinfoline@nwhealth.org
.
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McLaren Northern Michigan
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MDHHS Information Hotline: 888-535-6136
McLaren Northern Michigan Foundation Seeks Medical Supplies
READ MORE HERE
We are no longer accepting donations of homemade masks. McLaren Northern Michigan Foundation has had an outpouring of support from community members making and donating handmade masks. THANK YOU! At this time, we have enough homemade masks, and we are asking that any donations be submitted to the Foundation by Wednesday, April 1. After this time, please donate your mask to another organization that may be in need. If homemade masks are needed in the future, we will let you know.
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Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan FAQ
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Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) has assembled a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) summary to address administrative/billing questions from your member companies that have BCBSM group health coverage (
See here)
. This FAQ addresses questions around temporary layoffs, or idling workers and premium bill payments in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This information applies to both Small Groups (2-50 covered employees) and Large Group (50+ covered employees) customers. If you have further questions, please contact your insurance agent.
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SBDC Expands Online Services to Support Businesses During
COVID-19 Outbreak
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Business owners who have questions about the challenges they are facing while operating during the COVID-19 outbreak can get help through expanded online services being offered by the Michigan Small Business Development Center (MI-SBDC). The expanded offerings will include daily online group counseling opportunities for small business owners.
The MI-SBDC has created a new web page,
sbdcmichigan.org/small-business-covid19
, specifically for topics related to COVID-19. That web page includes links to the daily webinars and an archive of past webinars. The archive is separate from the SBDC's regular On Demand Library of webinar training topics.
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Platinum Yacht Services
11428 US 31 S
Elk Rapids, MI
(231) 360-3325
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Charlevoix businesses are OPEN, in a different way!
Shops are moving online and can help you shop virtually, outdoor activities are abundant, and service businesses continue to handle your needs by phone and email.
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Nominate a Special Teacher in Petoskey News-Review's Amazing Teachers!
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Is there a teacher who has made a difference in your life or your child's life?
Recognize them for their accomplishments by entering a short essay about them and why they've made a difference.
Nominating is as easy as 1-2-3!
1. Register or login
2. Fill out the registration form
3. Fill out the submission form and submit it.
There will be a monthly winner chosen by our panel. Submission period is from now until June 8, 2020. Click
HERE
to go to voting page.
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Charlevoix Fitness Center Virtual Classes
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We are trying something new! Virtual fitness classes using Zoom will allow us to stay connected and continue to come together for some fun. Stay up to date with future classes on their
Facebook.
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Friske Annual Fruit Tree Sale us Here!
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Our Annual Fruit Tree Sale is here! If you’re looking to start your own mini orchard or if you just have an inevitable green thumb, we have a wonderful assortment of healthy 4'-6' bare root fruit trees available!
We are currently taking PRE-ORDERS for Apple, Sweet & Tart Cherry, Peach, Pear & Nectarine trees!
Click Here to order TODAY and be sure to get exactly what you want! Sale ends 5/2/2020!
You will be notified, sometime early May (exact date varies by season due to weather) that your trees are available for pick-up (Main Farm-Doctor Road). At that time you will receive information on how to plant and care for your new trees.
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High Five Spirits Distillery Halts Production to Produce Hand Sanitizer for McLaren Health Care
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High Five Spirits Distillery of Petoskey, which is widely known for its Gypsy Vodka, has halted production of vodka to focus on producing hand sanitizer for McLaren Northern Michigan.
Todd Burch, Chief Executive Officer of McLaren Northern Michigan, reached out to the distillery in mid-March. The pharmacy at McLaren Northern Michigan received sample ingredients from the distillery to compound the first bottles of the hand sanitizer and conducted lab tests to ensure that the resulting solution worked as effectively as the standard supply. When those tests came back successful, McLaren Northern Michigan gave the go ahead for production at the High Five Spirits facility.
High Five Spirits, which is known for its local involvement, has plans to produce 500 gallons of hand sanitizer for McLaren Health Care hospitals immediately and will work to ramp up production as the need arises. To read the full story click
HERE.
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Northern Michigan Sports Medicine Centers
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Northern Michigan Sports Medicine Centers have the technology to offer physical therapy services through Teleheatlh. Due to the Governor’s directive, we have closed our on-site therapy clinics but will continue to treat our current patients and accepting new patients through telecommunications. Physical therapy services offered Physical Therapy Telehealth, Physical Therapy E-Visits, Physical Therapy E-Consultations. Visit
www.nmsportsmed.com
to schedule your free E-Consultation, call 231 -347-9300, or email us your concerns or questions. nmsmc@nmsportsmed.com
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Manna Food Project suspends food donations and rescue, encourages financial support instead
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Like many other organizations during the COVID-19 health crisis, Manna Food Project (Manna) has been examining how to conduct safe operations and reduce further spread of the virus. To this end, Manna has decided to suspend all food donations from the public, including from over 20 businesses participating in its Food Rescue program.
This major change comes with other operational adjustments. Starting March 30, Manna’s facility will be open Monday through Thursday only, with staff working from home on Fridays. This, along with hiring a cleaning service and limiting access to the building, is just another way they hope to minimize exposure. Baker notes that emergency food boxes will still be available seven days a week, while the diaper pantry organized by Christ Child Society will move from Friday to Thursday mornings. The regular hours for Manna’s food pantry curbside service will not be affected. See
www.mannafoodproject.org
for further information and updates.
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Urgent Needs Fund Makes Grants to Help Neighbors Impacted by COVID-19
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There are lots of needs right now. They are likely to continue for some time. By supporting local nonprofit organizations, community members can help meet some of those needs for individuals and families who are experiencing loss of income caused by COVID-19. Food pantries and human services organizations that provide help with utilities and other necessities will see community needs increase in the weeks ahead. Donations to those organizations will ease the burdens faced by many who are unable to work due to necessary social distancing.
In response to this situation, the Charlevoix County Community Foundation (C3F) has made $25,000 in grants to partner organizations. To provide resources to nonprofits over the next weeks and months, and to help ensure funding will be available in the longer term, C3F encourages community members who want to help to make contributions to the Urgent Needs Fund at c3f.org.
Nonprofit partners who are providing critical services to individuals and families who are disproportionately impacted by the instability and economic consequences caused by COVID-19 are eligible for further support as well. To read the full article click
HERE.
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We’re so excited to begin offering the ability to purchase Kevin.Murphy, Goomee, and LiLash/LiBrow products online!!! Click
HERE
to shop!
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Radio Shack of Charlevoix
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Now offering curbside pickup, shipping, and delivery options for mobile device and electronic needs. Call 231-547-2400.
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Comfort Keepers Northwest Lower Michigan has been preparing for the growing challenges related to the Corona Virus for the past several weeks. We want families in the area to know that we have been deemed an essential business by the Governor and we are prepared to assist seniors in their homes at this time. Our employees are trained home health care workers, and we are following all guidelines created by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
To meet the nutritional needs of seniors in the Petoskey
, Boyne City & Charlevoix
area
s
, we are working with our partners at North Central Michigan College to ensure our meal delivery program is uninterrupted. We are now offering the meal plan on a weekly basis for people who may need this support short-term.
The health, safety and well-being of our clients and employees remains our utmost focus. We are closely monitoring the situation with the Coronavirus and have put in place necessary measures, in line with the guidance of the CDC and local authorities. We will continue to operate and provide uplifting care to our clients while ensuring we are taking necessary safety precautions. As always, our goal is to provide the highest quality care that enhances the lives of our clients and their families. Please contact Comfort Keepers at 231-929-9044 for more information.
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Tree Sale Pick Up Weekend & COVID-19 Changes
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Please note the following changes to our Tree Sale Pick-up weekend on Friday, April 24th & Saturday, April 25th. We have a new registration process, please contact us to schedule your pick up time slot, starting Monday, March 30th, or let us know if you have health restrictions & need your order delivered. As always, please do what you feel is necessary & wear preferred appropriate gear to further protect yourself. The plan is to keep everyone spaced out, avoid congregating in small spaces and strictly limit contact with others. Please feel free to pay in advance for your order if you haven't already. This is not required, but encouraged. Checks are also encouraged in lieu of cash if possible (to limit exchange). Thank you for your patience, understanding & support!
Stay well!
We still have trees & are accepting orders! We will accept orders until we run out. Any remaining trees will be available for discount- we will inform you of this process.
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Consumers Energy Foundation Announces $500,000 in Grants in Response to COVID-19
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The Consumers Energy Foundation is supporting two statewide organizations with a $500,000 contribution to help enhance critical services for Michigan children, seniors, and those who may need assistance in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The contribution will provide $250,000 each to the Food Bank Council of Michigan and the Michigan Association of United Ways.
The Food Bank Council of Michigan will distribute the funds to its regional food bank network to fill gaps where schools are unable to provide food for children, vulnerable seniors, and the anticipated growing need that will surface as more people cannot work due to COVID-19. The Michigan Association of United Ways will share the funding with United Way organizations located in Consumers Energy service areas that have set up or are deploying emergency response activities in their local communities.
In addition, Consumers Energy enhanced its Matching Gifts Program by matching employee contributions to local food banks/pantries, homeless shelters, community foundations, and their local United Way organizations.
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Andy Hayes to Retire at End of Year
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After serving 15-years at the helm of the Northern Lakes Economic Alliance (NLEA), Andy Hayes is retiring. He made the announcement Thursday at the regular meeting of the NLEA’s Board of Directors. Hayes told the board he will be stepping down at the end of 2020.
Hayes became NLEA President in 2005. Since that time, the organization has grown to be a well-known and widely respected economic development organization locally, regionally, and state-wide. Currently the NLEA serves the counties of Antrim, Charlevoix, and Cheboygan. They assist companies and communities on large and small projects that fulfill the organization’s mission of creating and retaining jobs in the region.
Hayes’ position with the NLEA was always held in partnership with Michigan State University Extension. Through that partnership, he helped to lead a state-wide MSU Extension entrepreneurship team that created the Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities Program, a program that has gained national exposure and currently there are seven states adopting the model.
The search process for a new NLEA President will begin immediately. The national search will be coordinated by the NLEA’s partner organization Michigan State University Extension. To view the full press release click
HERE
.
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Charlevoix County Commission on Aging
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Congregate Meals
– While able. These meals will be available for SCHEDULED DELIVERY ONLY on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesday. Seniors wishing to get meals should call the Commission on Aging Office at 231-237-0103 between 9a-2p on Thursdays to schedule the next weeks reserved meals. Seniors may order up to (7) frozen meals once a week.
Meals will only be delivered by Charlevoix County Transit for this 3-week time frame. *If you live in an apartment building the driver will call you when they are at your stop for you to pick up your meal at the main door.
Home Delivered Meals
– While able. These meals will be delivered once weekly. (7) frozen meals will be delivered on the following scheduled days by Charlevoix County Transit for this 3-week time frame.
In-Home Services
These services have been suspended at this time for the duration of the 3/23/2020 Executive Order as they are not defined as services essential “to sustain or protect life” for the limited 3-week timeframe.
For more details please click
HERE
to read the full document.
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Counterfeit Currency- Charlevoix
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Local Charlevoix businesses are being more frequently exposed to the passing of counterfeit currency. During these unprecedented times, it’s more important than ever that local businesses and their staff members are aware of the security features to look for when accepting cash payment for goods and services. The counterfeit notes that we have been presented with look very similar to their legitimate counterparts, they have been in various face values, and they all seem to be the newer series of bills.
Here are some tips for identifying counterfeit currency:
- Feel the bill—If you have a note that feels stiff like a new bill, but rough like an old bill at the same time; this may be a sign that the note is not legitimate and you should proceed with caution. This also describes the feel of the counterfeit notes that we have seen passed in the Charlevoix community.Check the security features—The counterfeit notes that have been presented to our banking center were caught because of their lack of present security features. US currency is equip with many features designed to indicate the legitimacy of a note. Visit the US currency website at www.uscurrency.gov to learn about those features, and help your team members become aware of what to look for.
- Compare it—If you question a bill, compare it to another one that you know is legitimate. This is a good, easy way to identify discrepancies in the note if it is counterfeit.
- WE CAN HELP—We are here to help any business or individual in our community fight against the passing of counterfeit currency, whether you’re a current customer of ours or not.
Please contact Jacob Duncan with Chemical Bank at (231)237-9179
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During this pandemic time the Salvation Army wants to let our communities know that we are still here to help in anyway we can, even if it looks different than the ways we normally help. Please keep up-to-date on how we can assist our communities and what we are doing on our website
sapetoskey.org
Food Pantry/Emergency Food boxes are also still available. Currently we are asking folks to contact us via phone to set up a time to come in and pick up the box. We will bring the food box out to you, as we are limiting the folks who are coming into the building to help protect our employees and staff. Call 231-347-3531 extension *1010
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Our Team Members have been working hard to help feed the community during recent closures related to COVID-19.
Thank you to Mark and Matthew, pictured here, who are some of our amazing team members that assisted in providing food to the Manna Food Project, Petoskey Schools lunch program, Villa Assisted Living, and LTBB Tribal elders yesterday. They will continue to do make donations throughout the closure.
We have been able to donate approximately 1,000 pounds of food so far, with a value around $10,000.
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St. Michael Academy Student Wins Top Spot in State Oratorical Contest
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St. Michael senior, Adam Paga surpassed students from around the state of Michigan, to win first place, in the American Legion Oratorical Contest.
St. Michael Academy is extremely proud of Adam's accomplishment. The American Legion contest began in 1938 and exists to give high school students a deeper knowledge and appreciation of the U.S. Constitution. Adam's speech entitled "Unique But United", argued the power of the national government, from Federalist, Alexander Hamilton's point of view. Adam advances to the national competition in Indianapolis, the weekend of April 17th, for a chance to win the top prize, $20,000. All of Northern Michigan is behind you Adam! Go get 'em!!
(Adam Paga (R) pictured with St. Michael Academy headmaster, Dr. Richard Brake (L)
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North Central Michigan College to Close Campus, Move to Virtual Learning, Postpone Commencement and Nurse Pinning
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North Central Michigan College
announced that its Petoskey campus and Cheboygan and Gaylord centers will be closed beginning March 20 through April 19. All classes, including online classes, labs and clinicals, at all campus locations (Petoskey, Gaylord and Cheboygan) will be delivered via remote instructional methods effective April 6 through the end of the semester.
Through May 8, all campus events are canceled. Commencement and Nurse Pinning, previously scheduled for May 8, are postponed. Students who fulfill degree requirements for the Winter 2020 semester will have the credential posted to their transcripts by May 22, which can be used as proof that a degree was earned. Diplomas will be distributed by mail at a date to be determined.
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Have a business or member success story? We want to hear it! Hitting a growth landmark, meeting a personal or financial business goal, being awarded industry certifications or recognition's… we want to share that accomplishment. Member Success is a new section in our Biz Blast where we will highlight stories of member businesses and employees. Submit your information for the newsletter on our
website submission form.
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The easiest way to find jobs in the Charlevoix Area! Click below for a list of jobs with our chamber members.
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Principle Architect
Race Set Up, Working Race Day & Tear Down
Economic & Community Development Communication Internship
Senior Center Cook
Part and Full Time Seasonal Retail Sales
2nd Shift Caregiver
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Auto Painter
Stylist
Customer Service- Project Coordinator
Designer
Full & Part-Time (Seasonal) Staff for All Positions
Mt. McSauba Camp Counselor
Golf Grounds Maintenance
Meter Officer
Charlevoix Beautification Crew
Seasonal Water Division Assistant
Experienced Servers
Production: Full-Time, Year-Round
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For more information on these openings view our Jobs page by clicking the link below! Is your business hiring? Send us the position information and we will post it!
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Please visit the below resources for other job opportunities in our area.
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Would you like to become a Premier Investor?
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