May 18, 2020
Governor reopens retail, restaurants, and offices in Northern Michigan  
Businesses that reopen must adopt workplace safety measures to protect employees, customers 
Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-92 Monday, allowing for the Friday reopening, in two regions, of retail businesses, office work that cannot be done remotely, and restaurants and bars with limited seating. The two regions are both in the northern part of the state - specifically, MERC regions 6 and 8, as detailed in the governor’s MI Safe Start Plan to re-engage Michigan’s economy. 
 
The partial reopening will take effect on Friday, May 22. Cities, villages, and townships may choose to take a more cautious course if they wish: the order does not abridge their authority to restrict the operations of restaurants or bars, including limiting such establishments to outdoor seating.  
 
“This is a big step, but we must all remember to continue doing our part to protect ourselves and our families from the spread of COVID-19,” said Governor Whitmer. “It’s crucial that all businesses do everything in their power to protect their workers, customers, and their families. And as we approach Memorial Day weekend, I encourage everyone to be smart and be safe. My team and I will continue to work around the clock to protect the people of Michigan.” 
 
“The data shows that these regions in Michigan are seeing consistent encouraging trends when it comes to the number of cases, deaths, and the percent of tests that are positive for COVID-19,” said MDHHS Chief Deputy for Health and Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun. “It’s important to note that these businesses must take special precautions to protect Michiganders. I also encourage everyone to continue to wear a mask in public, maintain a 6-foot distance from others, and to remain vigilant in washing their hands often. This will help prevent a second surge in cases in our state.” 
 
All businesses that will reopen in regions 6 and 8 must adopt the safety measures outlined in Executive Order 2020-91. That means they must, among other things, provide COVID-19 training to workers that covers, at a minimum, workplace infection-control practices, the proper use of PPE, steps workers must take to notify the business or operation of any symptoms of COVID-19 or a suspected or confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19, and how to report unsafe working conditions. Restaurants and bars will also have to limit capacity to 50% of their normal seating, to keep groups at least six feet from one another, to require their servers to wear face coverings, and to follow rigorous disinfection protocols. 
 
“We are thankful to Governor Whitmer as today marks an important first step of reintegrating restaurants into the fabric of our daily lives,” said Justin Winslow, President and CEO of the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association. “Restaurants in the U.P. and northern Michigan understand that with their opportunity comes an extraordinary responsibility to operate in a manner that ensures the safety of their guests and their employees. I believe they are up to the challenge.” 

Resources for businesses




Chamber Alliance joins governor in reopening
The Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance joined Governor Whitmer today, Monday, in announcing the first phase of reopening by retail businesses, restaurants, and bars in the northern Lower Peninsula and Upper Peninsula. The Governor signed Executive Order 2020-92, allowing the May 22 reopening of businesses, specified as Michigan Economic Recovery Council regions 6 and 8. This news comes after weeks of advocacy from the Alliance and its member organizations. The Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance represents the Harbor Springs Chamber of Commerce and 15 other chambers and economic development organizations from across northern Michigan.  

Alliance chamber and economic development organizations have all been highly involved at the local level in response to the economic and health crises in their respective communities – and have joined forces to collectively advocate for northern Michigan at the state and federal levels. Rural northern Michigan communities are committed to partnering with public health and implementing clear guidelines for safe operating practices, including expanded health screening and testing, use of PPE, and employing modified social-distancing practices and comprehensive cleaning procedures to avoid future spikes. 

Joining the Governor on stage at her press conference to announce the Friday reopening, Stacie Bytwork, the chairperson of the Alliance and president of the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce, stated, “The Governor’s regional plan recognizes there is no one-size-fits-all approach and northern Michigan is ready to lead by example and open safely.” She went on to say, “Our businesses will take these protocols seriously. Their livelihood is on the line.” 

This announcement comes after the Alliance, advocating at the state and federal levels since the onset of the pandemic, sent formal communications to the Governor’s office. The Alliance offered several northern Michigan business leaders for inclusion in reopening discussions – and then followed up with a formal request last week that northern Michigan showcase how reopening can safely begin with regions 6 and 8. 

> The Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance continues to support the Harbor Springs Chamber of Commerce and 15 other chambers, economic development organizations, and their over 7,000 member businesses by providing timely information and advocating for rural business needs at the state and federal levels. More information on the Alliance’s latest work can be found at nmichiganbusiness.com
Chamber auction extended through Sunday after raising $23,000 for local businesses
The Shop & Support Harbor Springs Small Business online auction has been extended through Sunday, May 24, due to an overwhelming response that raised more than $23,000 for local businesses in two weeks.
 
Chamber members and any business with a Harbor Springs address may click here to add “Buy now” or auction items during this final week. You can support your favorite local business by purchasing a gift card, jewelry, pet items, or local services. Click here to see more than 160 items now available from more than 50 businesses.
 
The Harbor Springs Chamber launched the project to support businesses that have been closed or severely limited for the past two months due to the coronavirus pandemic. 
 
All of the auction proceeds will go to participating businesses because the Chamber and project sponsors Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, The Cottage Company, Dodson Payment Solutions and Kimble + Kimble Architecture and Interior Design are covering the costs of the auction service and credit card processing.
 
Also on the auction site is an option for area residents to simply make a donation to the Manna Food Project, Salvation Army or Little Traverse Bay Humane Society. More than $1,000 has been donated so far.
Thank you to our Auction Sponsors!
Support from these sponsors is covering all auction fees and credit card processing, so that 100% of all purchases are returned to participating businesses. Click the sponsor logos to visit their websites. If your business would like to help sponsor this effort, please email angie@harborspringschamber.com .