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
Business After Hours
January 21, 2020
5-7pm
Lake Charlevoix Brewing Company
2020 Annual Meeting & Awards
February 20, 2020
5:30-8pm
Castle Farms

SAVE THE DATE
Charlevoix Business Expo
March 18, 2020
4-7pm
Castle Farms
Greenstone Farm Credit Services
3491 Hartman Rd
Traverse City, MI 49685
(231) 446-5710
Charlevoix Area Chamber of Commerce Community Videos

Our community videos highlighting our areas amenities and businesses are now available for viewing on our website. Go to Charlevoix.org and scroll down on our home page to the Resources for Area Information section. Once clicking on the video make sure you look for a darkened play button next to business logos- those are business specific videos! Enjoy learning about what we offer here in the Charlevoix area.
New Year's Reboot Cooking Class
January 15
6-8pm

Munson Charlevoix Wellness Workshop: It’s not too late to make that New Year’s Resolution to be healthier in 2020! Come to our plant-based “New Year’s Reboot” cooking class on January 15 th from 6pm-8pm and take steps towards healthier eating. Please call the Munson Charlevoix Wellness Workshop (231) 437-3482 to register.

Luncheon Lectures: The Chemistry of Cannabis
January 17
11:30am

Lake Superior State University’s new cannabis chemistry program is the first academic degree program in the nation focusing on the quantitative analysis of cannabis-related compounds, including THC and CBD. Professors Benjamin Southwell and Steven Johnson will explain their program, the career potential for graduates, and the possible positive impact their program could have on the economy of the eastern Upper Peninsula.

Live from Charlevoix: Three Men and A Tenor
January 18
8pm

Great pop vocal music, quick-witted humor and overall likeability make THREE MEN and a TENOR a unique show experience for audiences that cannot be matched. The group has a national touring schedule and has opened shows for national legends like Jay Leno and The Beach Boys; performed the national anthem to start the NASCAR Fire Keepers 400 on FS1, and had its own national PBS-TV special ("Three Men and a Tenor- In Concert") that was shown across the country from Los Angeles to Nashville. 3MT was voted "Michigan's Best Entertainment" 4-times in 2017, 2016, 2011, and 2006, and twice toured Germany to perform at the US Military Bases for our troops and their families. THREE MEN and a TENOR has regularly sold-out shows at performing arts centers, theaters, and festivals and fairs for over 25 years with a powerful blend of vocal harmonies and feel-good music for all ages.

Broadway's Next Hit Musical
January 18
7:30pm

In an evening of plot twists galore, master improvisers gather hit song suggestions from the audience and create a spontaneous evening of music, humor, and laughter. If you love the Center’s musical theater, improv and sketch comedy offerings, Broadway’s Next Hit Musical combines it all!

Dress for Winter Success | Free
January 22
6:30-7:30pm

Outdoor recreation doesn’t have to start with spring flowers or end with fall foliage. Winter Recreation is both fun and exciting.  But fear of the cold keeps a lot of us locked up inside all winter. This hands-on workshop will assist you in preparing for your next (or maybe first) winter adventure. This class will help you to dress for winter success and touch on basics of staying safe in the cold and snow. Overcoming freezing temperatures means learning basic techniques for staying comfortable and warm. You’ll gain tips of layering, keeping your feet warm, your hands warmer, and ensure that you discover the fun of Winter recreation.  Annie and Cole from Clothing Company will be sharing advice and insight. Please pre-register so we are prepared with hand outs and examples.

$3 Casa Tuesdays at Red Mesa Grill
$3 Casa Margaritas, $3 Premium Drafts, $3 Food Features
Live Music every Tuesday night, 7-10pm

January 21 | Buddha Sweet
January 28 | Lou Thumser
Boyne City Taproom Live Music
8-11pm

January 31 | Yankee Station
Cafe Sante Live Music
8-11pm - Friday & Saturday

January 17 | Under the Moon
January 24 | Chris Koury
January 25 | Pete Kehoe
January 31 | Brett Michell
NCMC Luncheon Lectures:
2020 Census
North Central Michigan College
January 24, 2020
Snowshoeing Basics | Free
Mt. McSauba Lodge
January 25, 2020
Voices Without Boarders Presents: A Time To Shine
Great Lakes Center for the Arts
February 8, 2020
Challenge Fitness January Specials!
3 month membership......$105 save $15!
6 month membership......$210 save $20!
1 year membership...........$365 best deal $1/ day!

No start up fees, ever. No key fees, ever. Specials end January 31st.

New Class Alert! Now offering Barre with Jaq Mailloux. Wednesday's at 5:00pm. $10 drop in.

McLaren Northern Michigan Visitor Restriction Due to Significant Rise in Cases of Influenza
The northern Michigan community is experiencing an increase in influenza cases. McLaren Northern Michigan hospital is limiting visitor access to those over 12 years of age and patient’s immediate family only. If you or a household member is exhibiting flu-like symptoms, we ask that you do not visit the hospital. Individuals are contagious 24 hours before symptoms appear.

All visitors are required to use quality hand-hygiene when entering the hospital and masks are available. We are monitoring the influenza cases and are being proactive to keep patients and employees healthy and to contain the spread of influenza.

Free Winter Recreation Workshops Announced
The City of Charlevoix Recreation Department presents Winter Recreation Workshops. These are a great way to learn about and get involved some new winter activities. These classes take place at Mt. McSauba Lodge.

Dress for Winter Success - January 22 | 6:30-7:30pm
Snowshoeing Basics - January 25 | 10-11:30am
Snowshoeing Basics - February 5 | 6-7:30pm
Winter Flat Tire Biking - date TBA
Introduction to Cross County Skiing - date TBA
Introduction to Cross County Skiing- date TBA

Pre-registration is required and can be done HERE or by calling 231-547-3253.

That French Place Announces Cooking Classes
That French Place is bringing back their cooking classes! All classes are Thursdays from 6-9pm. Cost is $50.00/ person and you must reserve in advance, call 231.437.6037. Private classes available by request 4 guest minimum.

Classes offered are: Instant Pot 101 - Jan. 23rd, Macaron - Jan. 30th, Pasta & Sauces- Feb. 6th, Fench Hors d'oeuvres - Feb. 13, Macaron - Feb. 27th, Advanced Instant Pot - March 5th, Ice Cream - March 12th, and Macaron - April 30th.

Andy Kempf named 4Front CEO
4Front Credit Union’s board of directors has named Andy Kempf the northern Michigan financial solutions provider’s new CEO. The announcement follows the planned December 31, 2019 retirement of David Leusink, who led the northern Michigan-based financial solutions provider since its launch in January 2015. Kempf has served the previous five years as 4Front’s president.

Kempf found his way to the credit union industry via traditional banking, beginning his career in commercial lending with a mid-regional bank. He served as CEO of Preferred Credit Union (Grand Rapids) prior to leading the former Traverse City-headquartered Members Credit Union. Members Credit Union welcomed the membership of Charlevoix-based Bay Winds Federal Credit Union following the 2015 merger that produced 4Front.

A longtime industry advocate and thought leader, Leusink dedicated more than 30 years to the credit union industry up to his retirement. As CEO of Charlevoix’s Bay Winds Federal Credit Union in 2014, Leusink helped guide one of the largest successful Michigan credit union mergers in recent memory when the membership of the former BWFCU voted overwhelmingly to merge with Traverse City-based Members Credit Union, producing 4Front, now among Michigan’s 30 largest credit unions.

The New Aish ke bug Nature Preserve
One of the last undeveloped parcels of its size on the northeast end of Charlevoix has become a Little Traverse Conservancy (LTC) nature preserve thanks to a bargain sale and significant donations. The nearly 50-acre, triangle-shaped property sits between US-31/Martin/Waller roads, at the “north gateway” into Charlevoix.

The land will be known as the Andrew and Mary Aish ke bug Nature Preserve in honor of the first owners of the land by patent from the United States on August 19, 1875. Longtime Charlevoix conservationist Betty Hoffmann, who donated her half interest in the land to LTC, has the original abstract showing this ownership. The remaining funds for purchasing the other half of the land came from the Charles M. & Joan R. Taylor Foundation, Mike and Rhea Dow, and Sandy Dauch. The Aish ke bugs sold 40 acres (more or less) of the original 56 acres and for many years, the land was part of a family farm. The wetlands that now exist were created when US-31 was re-routed, resulting in a damming of the creek on the land. Future plans for this preserve may include a public trail.
The Charlevoix Insurance Agency is please to introduce our newest team member, Julie Meadows
Julie is a Class of 2000 graduate of Ellsworth High School and a Class of 2006 graduate of Lake Superior State University with a bachelor's degree in business administration.  Julie has been married to her husband, Casey, since May of 2006. They have three children; Emma (12), Grant (10), and Charlotte (5). Julie enjoys doing photography on the side and spending time with her family. She also serves on the Charlevoix Pop Warner Board and loves watching her kids play sports. 

Charlevoix Circle of Arts
Sign up for workshops, ballet, tap, Highland dance, barre and yoga! Our new exhibit begins January 24th:  "Best of the Charlevoix Photography Club" . Join us for the   opening reception on Friday, Jan. 24th from 5-7pm: enjoy local fare by John Cross & Cherry Republic.Visit CharlevoixCircle.org

Did you Know?
COMFORT KEEPERS IS NOW OFFERING FRESH MEALS, DELIVERED TO YOUR FRONT DOOR! Meals are prepared using quality ingredients to meet a variety of dietary needs. All meals are Chef prepared on North Central Michigan College’s campus. Meals are delivered on Tuesdays and Fridays by Caregivers that check the refrigerator for expired food and performs visual safety checks. Caregivers also provides assistance with ordering each week. Call Tonya Fegan today 231-929-9044 to help you choose the meal plan that’s best for you.

Camp Daggett's 11th Annual Father/ Son Weekend
It's time to start thinking about Camp Daggett's 11th Annual Father/ Son Weekend. This year's event will be Friday to Sunday, February 7-9, 2020. The price will be $200/ father & Son plus $50 for each additional son. The son needs to be 7-14 yrs. old but the father, grandfather, stepfather, divorce dad, or big brother can be any age. The theme for the meals will again be wild game and we will be keeping everyone busy with a variety of activities- see flyer HERE .

Fathers & Sons, if you want to spend some quality time together and have lots of fun, please contact Ed Leverenz at Camp Daggett to register (231) 347-9741 ext. 112. Space is limited and registration is on a first come first serve basis.

The Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign Breaks Local Record
The Salvation Army of Petoskey’s 2019 Red Kettle Campaign raised an unprecedented $125,000.00 which broke 2018’s record high of $115,000.00 which exceeded their campaign goal. Although the initial goal was surpassed, the money comes during a critical time as funding for emergency assistance programs has become more and more exhausted while the need for help continues to grow and the cost of utilities such as natural gas, propane and electricity continues to rise.

The Salvation Army provides year round programs and services to feed hungry neighbors, support those recovering from addiction, provide safe affordable after school care, send kids to summer camp, ensure family homes have heat and electricity, bring joy to lonely senior living facilities, make Christmas bright, or help families achieve financial independence. For the full article click HERE !

Char-Em United Way's 2020 Community Investment
Char-Em United Way's 2020 community investment process is underway with a call for letters of intent to apply. Letters of intent may be submitted online at: www.ceuw.org/loi . Letters of intent will be reviewed and invitations to apply for a grant will be emailed early February. Grant Applications will be reviewed by a Citizen's Review Panel in mid-April. If you are interested in participating as a panelist to help our board determine funding allocations, please contact Anora@Charemunitedway.org . 

McLaren Northern Michigan Named Top 50 Heart Hospital for 3rd Year in a Row

For a 3 rd year in a row, McLaren Northern Michigan was named one of the nation’s 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals by IBM Watson Health TM . McLaren Northern Michigan was one of only two Michigan hospitals to receive this award and is the only northern Michigan hospital recipient.
 
The Watson Health 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals™ study scores hospitals in key clinical and operational performance areas including mortality, complications, and re-admissions. McLaren Northern Michigan excelled in clinical outcomes for heart attack and heart failure treatments, as well as open heart and angioplasty surgeries, compared to hospitals nationwide. On average, patients spent less on procedures and had shorter hospital stays. This is the fourth time McLaren Northern Michigan has been recognized with this award since it began in 1998.

The highly-trained McLaren Northern Michigan team of cardiologists, surgeons, and staff can diagnose and treat complex cardiac conditions and provide the most comprehensive heart care available. Our cardiologists travel over 50,000 miles a year to provide award-winning heart care close to home. We have full cardiology practices in Gaylord, Petoskey, and Sault Ste. Marie, and an additional 6 outreach locations throughout northern Michigan and the eastern Upper Peninsula. The winning hospitals were announced in an IBM press release on November 19. mclaren.org/northern-michigan
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.  
The easiest way to find jobs in the Charlevoix Area! Click below for a list of jobs with our chamber members.
Please visit the below resources for other job opportunities in our area.

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call the Chamber at 231.547.2101 or chamber@charlevoix.org for more information