Chamber office is closed, but we're still working for our members and the community
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Dear Chamber Members,
In this very uncertain time, the Boyne Area Chamber of Commerce wants everyone to know that we are continually working to serve our members and the community. Although the office is not open, we are still available by phone and email.
Our main focus right now:
1. Spreading the word on economic relief available for our businesses. Information is coming so fast and changing so quickly, and we will keep you posted through Facebook, emails, and our newsletter. We have also added a Business Resource page to our website. I know everyone is getting so much information right now, and much of it can be difficult to dissect. We are no means experts on any of it, but PLEASE reach out to us with questions. If we can’t answer them, we will find someone who can.
2. Keeping our member services, specials, and changes updated. We are posting everything we can find on Facebook. Please remember to tag us in your posts; it’s a great way to make sure we SEE your updates. We have also added a list on our website with take-out information from our restaurants and eateries. Whatever your business is, keep us updated on anything you are doing.
3. Working together. We are in contact almost daily with the City of Boyne City, Boyne City Main Street, the NLEA, the Michigan Chamber, the SBA, and others to share ideas, learn about new programs, and work to support our community and businesses.
4. Promoting Boyne. We are highlighting anything and everything this wonderful community has done to step up and make a difference in this time of need. Whether it is sewing masks, delivering coffee to our medical professionals, or manufacturing items needed to give our hospitals what they need to fight this enemy, WE WANT TO SHARE IT!!!! Where there is bad there is also good, and the Boyne community has proven that so far. Let’s continue to showcase that.
As always, we are open to any ideas, questions, or advice you can give us on how we can better serve you. Please feel free to reach out, even if it’s just to engage in some human contact. If you are working from home, like I am, I know it’s pretty quiet.
The Boyne Community stands together even though we are apart right now.
Stay safe and healthy,
Kim Akin
Chamber Executive Director
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Health Departments: Influx from out of area poses risk to Northern Michigan residents
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The Health Department or Northwest Michigan, in collaboration with the Northern Michigan Public Health Alliance (NMPHA), issued the following advisory on March 31 to protect the health of the public in the 31-county NMPHA region:
Northern Michigan Counties are seeing an influx of individuals who are seeking shelter from areas with significant COVID-19 community spread or returning from travel outside of these counties. While we understand the desire to seek shelter in our communities with fewer COVID cases, this potentially poses an unnecessary risk to all residents of Northern Michigan.
The increased population to the northern Michigan area places a substantial strain on our communities as travelers seek supplies, such as groceries and toiletries, as well as potentially needing health care in the event they become sick. During this public health crisis, many rural communities may not be equipped with personnel, supplies or resources for a surge in population.
If you still choose to travel to your seasonal home or return home from travel, the Health Department of Northwest Michigan, in addition to the Northern Michigan Public Health Alliance, is advising that you abide by the following guidelines:
1. If you are sick, stay at home and do not leave your residence.
2. If you have symptoms suggestive of COVID-19, contact your healthcare provider for assistance.
3. All individuals traveling to seasonal homes or returning home from areas with community spread should self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival to your destination.
4. Following the 14-day self-quarantine period, please obey the Governor’s “Stay at Home” order and do not go out unless absolutely necessary.
5. All residents, whether full time or seasonal, should adhere to the Governor’s Stay at Home order and only venture out to obtain essential supplies and services when absolutely necessary. If you do need to go out, please adhere to social distancing protocols and limit the number of people going out for supplies or services.
By following these simple guidelines, the risk for spreading COVID-19 lowers significantly, thus protecting everyone who lives, works, and plays in beautiful northern Michigan.
Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet and Otsego County residents who need resources can call 211 or utilize the Health Department’s free Community Connections program by calling 1-800-432-4121.
>
NCMC professor dies - North Central Michigan College Professor Larry Cummings, a fixture in the Petoskey community and an icon on the college’s campus, passed away at McLaren Northern Michigan on March 31, 2020, due to complications of Covid-19. He was 76. Cummings taught history and geography at North Central for 51 years, spending his entire professional career teaching generations of students who will remember him fondly.
Full story.
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Drive-through COVID-19 testing starts in Petoskey
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 started offering appointment-based, drive-through testing at the Emmet County Fairgrounds beginning Wednesday, April 1.
Testing will be scheduled from 12-4 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.
5 CASES IN CHARLEVOIX COUNTY - As of 4pm April 1st, the Health Department of Northwest Michigan is reporting positive COVID-19 cases in the following counties: Antrim – 4; Charlevoix – 5; Emmet – 6; Otsego – 19. The State of Michigan has reported 9,334 cases and 337 deaths.
COVID-19 BUSINESS GUIDELINES from the Health Department, for essential service businesses.
Toolkit details.
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Survey gathers data to understand small business threats
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Main Street America is asking for your help in gathering data to help us understand the threats faced by our small businesses in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, we need to understand our business’ ability to withstand what may be several months of suppressed revenue and we need to understand what kinds of support programs will have the most impact.
In short, strong data will make us stronger advocates to Congress, to state legislators, and to our local elected officials in explaining the kind of resources needed by small businesses to weather the storm.
Note that we are looking for as wide of a geographic sample as we can obtain; we know that the impacts of COVID-19 are not felt evenly across the country, and so we urge all small businesses to participate, even if they are experiencing minimal impacts to date. Individual survey responses, including any personal information, will be confidential, and results will be presented in aggregated, summary form.
We’re asking for responses by 5 pm Friday, April 3rd. It should take each small business owner about five minutes to go through the questions.
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Dash and Dine Bingo - Easy as 1, 2, 3!
Weekly winners will get a $20 Chamber Check
2. Dash home = social distancing.
3. Comment with photos and/or video of you enjoying your purchase on the Boyne Area Chamber
Facebook page
.
Be sure to show your receipt as proof of purchase.
- Repeat until you have a BINGO on the card pictured above.
- A winner will be randomly chosen every Monday.
- Winner will receive a $20 Chamber Check.
- Contest will continue weekly until COVID-19 mandates are lifted.
- READY, SET, GOOOOOOOO!
> CONGRATULATIONS to this week's winner of Dash N Dine Bingo - Laura Brunmeier!
Keep playing, another winner will be announced next week.
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Welcome, new Chamber members!
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These local businesses and organizations have joined the Boyne Area Chamber in recent weeks. We'd love to have you join them - and us!
Northern Michigan Surgical Suites
Edward Jones - James Richman
Boyne City Little League
Jordan Valley Community Band
Wangeman & Associates
Northwest Garage Door LLC
Spuds
Kroondyk Construction Inc.
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The Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act
The programs and initiatives in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that was just passed by Congress are intended to assist business owners with whatever needs they have right now. When implemented, there will be many new resources available for small businesses, as well as certain non-profits and other employers. This guide provides information about the major programs and initiatives that will soon be available from the Small Business Administration (SBA) to address these needs, as well as some additional tax provisions that are outside the scope of SBA. Struggling to get started? This guide helps point you in the right direction.
Click here for the guide.
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Chamber, Main Street provide business resources
PAYCHECK PROTECTION LOANS - The U.S. Department of Treasury has a new Paycheck Protection Program. The program prioritizes millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $349 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses. The loans, which provide small businesses forgivable loans to cover payroll and other fixed costs, will be available through private lenders this Friday, April 3rd.
Details and application.
More helpful information:
Here are some additional resources from the Chamber and other sources:
Social distancing not enough; Shelter in place is critical -
Health Dept
.
Michigan Chamber Coronavirus Toolkit -
Details
.
Resources for Michigan Businesses During COVID-19 -
Details
State Guidance to Employers Contemplating Potential Layoffs -
Details
COVID-19 websites that are updated on a regular basis:
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Improve your storefront with a Main Street façade grant
$20,000 to be invested into rehab and improvement of downtown
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Applications for Boyne City Main Street's 2020 façade grant program are now available. The façade grant program provides matching funds for Main Street District property owners and tenants to improve the facades of their buildings, in order to maintain the architectural character and economic viability of downtown.
To begin the process, interested property owners or tenants must review the
Facade Grant Program Guidelines , and meet with representatives from Boyne City Main Street to discuss the scope of the project. An application must then be submitted by noon on April 30. After a competitive review process by the Design Committee and Boyne City Main Street Board, a decision will be made on which projects receive funding.
For every dollar awarded, the applicant must spend an equal amount. Individual grant amounts will be up to 50 percent of a project's cost. A total of $20,000 is available for the 2020-21 cycle.
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Food pantry still open weekly and accepting donations
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Good Neighbors Food Pantry continues to serve families in need every Tuesday using a "drive-up" service to keep clients and volunteers safe. The pantry is adhering to strict COVID-19 safety measures in all aspects of its operations. Donations are still being accepted. Please leave items on the table outside the door on Mondays from noon to 3:30 p.m. and Tuesdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Items currently most needed are: packs of individual string cheese and other non-sweet snacks for children; tuna fish; soups; diced tomatoes; and shelf-stable milk. During this time, only current volunteers are allowed in the pantry, since we are limiting the number of people inside the building as advised by the CDC. The pantry is located at 624 State St.
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How to get your favorite Farmers Market products
With the Boyne City Farmers Market closed right now, are you wondering how to be stocked with your favorite market products? Market Manager Jordan Peck has this to say: "We want you to know that good food and your familiar farmers and producers are only an e-mail or phone call away. So, find your vendors in the list provided, contact them, place your order and arrange a pick-up method that is safe for all concerned."
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Church has suggestions for the best ways to worship online
Church of the Nativity Online invites everyone to join them for worship by means of a Facebook live-stream. Just search for @EpiscopalBoyne and you will get to our
church Facebook page. We go live every Sunday morning at 10. Our building at 209 E. Main Street is closed until further notice, but the Church – the people of God in the world - is open and active.
Some general suggestions for making use of worship online:
SET UP A SACRED SPACE: Find a small table in your home and make it your central place for reflection and prayer. Put on an appropriate cloth, a cross, perhaps a candle; set a chair facing the table.
VIDEO: Find a way to connect the video facebook live-stream to the largest TV screen in your home. It will help you feel more connected and less likely to be distracted.
GET DRESSED: It does help to get dressed as you would normally to attend church.
JOIN IN: Read aloud, sing aloud, enter your prayer requests in the “Comments” section.
HYMNS: We will play recordings and lead singing. Yes, you can sing along. Even if only your spouse or your dog can hear you, they will love it!
DONATIONS: We encourage your donations in this time to Good Neighbors Food Pantry, PO Box 35, Boyne City, MI 49712.
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COVID-19 means more use of telehealth counseling services
Anxiety. Depression. Isolation. The loss of a loved one. Coping with intense emotions such as these does not have to be done alone. Bear River Health and affiliate Hidden Brook Counseling Services offer telehealth medicine services, an addition to traditional counseling that is conducted through video or phone from the privacy of your own home. Hidden Brook Counseling Services has offered telehealth for the past 4 years, assisting Bear River Health Outreach in perfecting this method of treatment. Amid the Coronavirus crisis, emergency response resources are limited, but those suffering from Substance Use Disorder can find help at Bear River Health, where the focus is on “Saving Lives and Fostering Growth.” Bear River Health offers medically assisted detox for comfortable withdrawal management, as well as residential services. Additional services offered include treatment plans for individuals or groups, non-methadone treatments, aftercare plans, and video conference AA meetings. Medically Assisted Treatment is available in Harbor Springs and Gaylord. The need is apparent now more than ever to maintain mental health in a convenient manner with a flexible schedule and in a HIPAA compliant and confidential method. Individuals without Medicaid who qualify can receive assistance obtaining Medicaid approval, and most insurances are accepted by Bear River Health. Bear River Health Outreach is a call away at 231-751-0070. For admission to residential or detox treatment, call 231-535-2822. For more information, visit
www.bearriverhealth.com.
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Centers offer physical therapy via telehealth
Northern Michigan Sports Medicine Centers have the technology to offer physical therapy services through Telehealth. Due to the Governor’s directive, we have closed our on-site therapy clinics but will continue to treat our current patients and accept new patients through telecommunications. Physical therapy services offered include: 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 nmsmc@nmsportsmed.com with concerns or questions.
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FRESHWATER ART GALLERY is featuring brilliant pieces available from Martha Sulfridge. Available by phone 231-675-7605 until further notice. Check out the virtual tour on our website.
http://freshwaterartgallery.com/
LAKE STREET MARKET - In an effort to help slow the spread of the Coronavirus, we have shifted to call-in/curbside service only. Our store is simply too small to maintain the proper social distance among customers and staff, so even though we will be "open" the door will be locked.
Curbside service is available on anything we have in the store - not just traditional lunch orders.
CONSUMERS ENERGY is working with customers who have concerns about their ability to pay their energy bills. We have empowered our customer service representatives to make arrangements for customers on a case-by-case basis who reach out to us, including flexible payment arrangements.
> Residential customers can contact us 24/7 at 800-477-5050.
> Business customers should call 800-805-0490.
BARDEN LUMBER NEW HOURS - Open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 12 noon, drive-through service only. (231) 582-9961.
MCLAREN HAND SANITIZER - 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. 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.
CHARLEVOIX CONSERVATION DISTRICT has made procedural changes to their Tree Sale Pick-up weekend on Friday, April 24th and Saturday, April 25th. We have a new registration process. Please contact us to schedule your pick-up time slot, or let us know if you have health restrictions and need your order delivered. As always, please do what you feel is necessary and 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).
>
Click here for details on the tree sale, including which trees are still available, and other district news and programs.
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In the News
City manager urges caution as Boyne City contemplates budget -
Details
School district's May 5 bond vote will take place as planned -
Details
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Send us your updates for this newsletter; Advertising is available
The Boyne Chamber/Main Street newsletter normally comes to your inbox each Thursday morning. In this time of rapid change, we will send newsletters whenever it seems most beneficial, and sometimes more than once a week. Send your news and business updates by Tuesday to info@boynechamber.com. You can also reach our readers with your advertising message and a link for as little as $50. Ad space is available for all future weeks. Your message will be seen by more than 1,500 readers who open our newsletter each week.
>
SPREAD THE NEWS - We'd love to send you and your friends the weekly Boyne Business News.
Click here to subscribe.
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Looking for staff? Make a job posting!
Chamber member businesses looking to hire staff are encouraged to post their jobs on the chamber website
job posting page
. You can do this with your member log-in with just a few simple steps. If you need assistance with your log-in, email lisa@boynechamber.com. These jobs are all listed on the Jobs page now:
Direct care worker
at Alternative Services Inc. -
Details
College Student Summer Interns
at Northern Lakes Economic Alliance -
Details
.
Part-time cook
, no weekends, at Charlevoix Senior Center -
Details
Park rangers and park maintenance staff
for Charlevoix County -
Details
Assistant Harbormaster
for the City of Boyne City -
Details
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Fun, Food, Arts & Entertainment
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You can print our updated list of eateries offering take-out, curbside pickup and meal delivery
Thirteen local restaurants and food providers are offering enhanced take-out, curbside pickup and delivery options. We update that list weekly and we've made it
available here as an easy to print PDF document
. Restaurant managers are asked to email info@boynechamber.com with any updates.
BOYNE CITY FARMERS MARKET
vendors are still offering fresh produce and other products, although the market is closed for awhile.
Here's how to contact them
.
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Expanded Gazebo concert season is announced
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The Boyne Area Chamber has announced its Evenings at the Gazebo schedule, and we are excited to offer an extended season with 10 concerts this summer. The 2020 series is presented by
Black Diamond Broadcasting
with concerts held in Old City Park on Wednesday evenings beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Concerts are made possible by additional support from local businesses and individual sponsors. Seven of the 10 concert sponsorships are still available. Band sponsors are featured on a logo banner displayed at all concerts and they get to introduce the band on concert nights. Sponsors also have their name or logo included on all promotional materials, listed on our website, listed in our weekly newsletter, and on Facebook.
> New this summer, concessions will be available each week! Challenge Mountain will begin the season on June 17. Sunnyside will then be there every Wednesday for the rest of the summer until August 19. Stay tuned for all the delicious details.
>
Here is the 2020 summer schedule
, sponsored by Black Diamond Broadcasting. Details on each band are online at
www.gazeboconcerts.com
:
June 17 - Full Moon Jam Band
June 24 - Calamity Jane
July 1 - 1000 Watt Prophets
July 15 - Wyatt & Shari Knapp
July 29 - Mike Dhaseleer
August 5 - Awesome Distraction
August 12 - Full Circle
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Individual concert tickets go on sale Friday for Lavender Hill series
Lavender Hill Farm has released its concert schedule for Summer 2020. Individual show tickets go on sale at noon Friday, April 3rd. The Series at Lavender Hill Farm is a live music concert series held in our beautifully renovated, multi-use barn starring some of the best talent from across the United States and beyond.
The bands are carefully selected to uniquely represent a wide array of music styles and bring unexpected variety to Northern Michigan. Guests arrive early and enjoy picnicking with friends on our lawn overlooking fields of lavender. Our venue, built in 1920, has been skillfully adapted with historical theater seating, lighting, sound and stage.
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EASTER EGG HUNTS
sponsored by First Presbyterian Church, Young State Park, Community Church of Christ and Boyne Mountain have been cancelled.
300 SF OFFICE SPACE
for lease for $300/month. Convenient location at the corner of Front & Main Streets in downtown Boyne City. First floor of the Atrium Inn with private exterior entrance. Includes heat, A/C, electricity and trash, shared restroom. Nearby public parking. Contact Lee at LE Design, cell phone: 317.258.1419 email: lsehrlich@ledesign.biz.
OFFICE SPACES AVAILABLE
- 800sf, 1,430sf, 1,440sf, or 3,670sf of office space available. Located in a beautiful building, center of town with lake views and natural light on One Water Street above Cafe Santé. $12/sf/yr includes common area maintenance (excluding utilities, internet, and trash). Call 989-732-9722 or
www.cattdevelopment.com
.
RETAIL AND/OR OFFICE SPACE
available on Lake Street in downtown Boyne City. Approximately 2000 sq.ft. Public parking lot adjacent. Call 517-230-0914.
VISITORS GUIDE
- The Boyne Area Chamber's Visitors Guide/Business Directory is available as a digital magazine as well as a beautiful 4-color printed magazine. It contains interactive content, including page-turning, links to websites and video, as well as a full search function. To view the digital publication,
click here
.
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