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
Effective at 12:01 am on March 24 for at least the next three weeks, Governor Whitmer issued a  “Stay Home, Stay Safe”  Executive Order (EO 2020-21), directing all Michigan businesses and operations to temporarily suspend in-person operations that are not necessary to sustain or protect life. The order also directs Michiganders to stay in their homes unless they’re a part of that critical infrastructure workforce, engaged in an outdoor activity, or performing tasks necessary to the health and safety of themselves or their family such as purchasing groceries, ordering take-out food, picking up medical supplies or getting equipment to maintain the operation of their home.  

The Executive Order prohibits all businesses and operations from requiring workers to leave their homes unless those workers are necessary to sustain or protect life or to conduct minimum basic operations. Sections 4b and 5a of the EO state that businesses and operations are to designate the workers that meet those criteria. Section 3 states that all individuals who leave their home or place of residence must adhere to social distancing measures recommended by the CDC.

Workers that are necessary to sustain or protect life include those in health care and public health, law enforcement and public safety, grocery store and restaurant (take-out service only) workers, and more (sections 8 & 9 of the EO). Further clarity for these critical workers is included in the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency guidance available  here . The State of Michigan is also building an FAQ page  here .

We are working to further clarify the order and collaborate on solutions for our community. Our  COVID-19 Resources and Support  page contains continually updated links and information to help businesses, employees, residents and the community.
Do you have further questions or feedback on this Executive Order? Please take our regional survey  here  so we may better know how to assist you.
COVID-19
Charlevoix County Transit
Charlevoix County Transit is making some changes to service hours. Effective immediately, transit’s 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.

There is no eligibility criteria for the free rides being offered. 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.

Health Department of Northwest Michigan Update
The Health Department is working to share updates and essential information through our website at   nwhealth.org/covid19  or at  the Health Department's Facebook Page . 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 .

Munson Healthcare Charlevoix Hospital
Munson Healthcare Hotline: 231-935-0951. Utilize this before going to your doctors office or ER.

McLaren Northern Michigan
At this time, McLaren Northern Michigan is only testing patients who are hospitalized.
 
McLaren Northern Michigan has instituted a COVID-19 hotline to help relieve the concerns of our community. The information outlines signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and steps to take if you are concerned. There is an option to speak to a McLaren care team member if there are further questions. HOTLINE: 231.487.5550

McLaren Northern Michigan Foundation Seeks Medical Supplies READ MORE HERE

McLaren Northern Michigan Accepting Donations of Homemade Masks

UIA, Michigan Works! Urge Residents to Avoid Offices and Use Online Resources
To mitigate the COVID-19 outbreak, the Unemployment Insurance Agency and Michigan Works! Agencies are strongly urging workers to avoid visiting their statewide offices and utilize user-friendly online resources for unemployment assistance. Eligible employees should apply for unemployment benefits at  Michigan.gov/UIA   or by calling 1-866-500-0017. A factsheet on how to apply for benefits can also be found  here . Michigan Works! resources can be found at  MichiganWorks.org  or by calling 1-800-285-WORKS. For more information regarding online resources and unemployment benefits executive order click HERE .

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan FAQ
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.

SBDC Expands Online Services to Support Businesses During
COVID-19 Outbreak
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.

For more information, contact the SBDC at  sbdc@networks northwest.org   or 231-929-5060.


Platinum Yacht Services
11428 US 31 S
Elk Rapids, MI
(231) 360-3325
Here is a list of Chamber restaurants that are offering take-out and delivery. Business logos have a link to Facebook or websites to keep yourself fully up to date.
Terry's Place
Take-out | 5-8pm | 231-547-6925
Scovie's
Take-out & delivery| 231-237-7827
The Villager Pub
Take-out & delivery within city limits | 11-8pm seven days a week| 231-547-6925
That French Place
Curbside pick-up | 4:30-6pm |all the usual available & will deliver to immune-compromised with possible | 231-437-6037 place order by 2pm
The Argonne House
Take-out | 5:30-8pm Thurs, Fri & Sat
senior delivery within city limits from 3:30-5:30pm | beer & wine | available take-out & delivery menu on website | 231-547-9331
Pigs Eatin' Ribs
Drive-thru, delivery, & call ahead take-out | 231-547-PIGS (7447)
BC Pizza
Take-out and delivery | 231-547-9999
Bridge Street Taproom
Take-out | 231-437-3466
Charlevoix Dairy Grille
Opening March 27th | 231-547-9771
Harwood Gold
Take-out | 231-437-3900 | special deals online
Bier's Inwood Brewery
Take-out | 5-6pm nightly | fill growlers/howlers of beer & cider take and bake pizza's available | salsa available | bottles of wine to go | call/text 231-675-7632 to arrange a time convenient for you to pick up your beer
Charlevoix Pizza Co.
Curbside pick-up |Sun, Mon & Tues 4-8pm Wed-Sat 11-8pm | student special Mon-Fri: personal 3 topping pizza & drink for $5 | 231-547-9771 or order online & include make, model & color of car
Friske Farm Market
10-4pm Tues-Sat | still open and have take home options such as made-to-order pizza, homemade soup & chili | pre-order baked goods etc. for a grab & go option | 231-599-2604
The Blue Pelican Inn & Restaurant
Take-out & delivery | 4-8pm Wed-Sat delivery orders will be subject to a 20% gratuity | 231-544-25283
Torch Lake Cafe
Take-out | 12-7pm everyday | using lunch menu + pizza as to go options | 231-599-1111
Red Mesa Grill
Curbside pick-up | 231-582-0049

Cafe Sante
Curbside pick-up & delivery | curbside 11-9pm | delivery 5-9pm all curbside pick-up will be given a 20% discount on orders over $20 | delivery with min order of $40 | beer & wine pick-up & delivery | accept credit card payments over the phone- no cash payments | call ahead 231-582-0049
Royal Farms
Curbside pick-up | continue to offer our pies and pasties from their freezer for pick-up, as well as cider, wine and any of our other products | 231-599-3222
‌
2020 NLEA Annual Lunch
Boyne Mountain- Matterhorn Room
April 24, 2020
BRIDGE Charlevoix Conference
Charlevoix Public Library
April 30, 2020
Radio Shack of Charlevoix
Now offering curbside pickup, shipping, and delivery options for mobile device and electronic needs. Call 231-547-2400.

Comfort Keepers
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.

Spring Tree Sale- Tree Orders Still Available
The Charlevoix Conservation District's annual tree and plant sale is still on, with orders taken until all items are sold out. Pick-up dates are planned for April 24th and 25th, those who place orders will be notified of specific pick up/ delivery times available as they may be spaced out to mitigate health concerns. For more information on available trees and ordering, contact Alison Adams, 231-582-6139, alison.adams@macd.org.

Consumers Energy Foundation Announces $500,000 in Grants in Response to COVID-19
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.

Andy Hayes to Retire at End of Year
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 .

Charlevoix County Commission on Aging
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.

Counterfeit Currency- Charlevoix
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

Salvation Army
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

Odawa Casino
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.

St. Michael Academy Student Wins Top Spot in State Oratorical Contest
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)

North Central Michigan College to Close Campus, Move to Virtual Learning, Postpone Commencement and Nurse Pinning
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.

Challenge Fitness Virtual Workout Class
Just because gyms are closed doesn't mean you can't still support them- look at Challenge Fitness adapting and still serving it's members and even non-members with live-stream classes on their Facebook page. Keep checking their Facebook for other scheduled classes!

Buday's Sound Advice
We are installing Live Streaming systems for churches, houses of worship and others that want to be able to have many users log on to a live and/or recorded event. Call 231-547-4822 or budayssoundadvice@gmail.com
Char-Em United Way & 211 Call Centers
The Board of Directors has closed our office to visitors, however the team will still be operating. You may reach us via email: info@ceuw.org or phone: 231-487-1006. During this time of need, 211 call centers are fully operational and able to work remotely, if needed. Anyone without internet access can call 211 and be given vetted information about COVID-19.

If you’re an agency and have additional available resources or offerings, please contact our office or 211 to update your listing.

Bergmann Center Closed
The Bergmann Center has closed its program’s until April 13 th . Staff will continue working until it is deemed unsafe to do so.
 
We have started moving into our new resale and plan on opening by April 1 st . Everyone at the Bergmann Center is looking forward to the move. It will allow us to employ more of our clients as well as provide an expanded service to the community.
 
Also take note of our new logo below our name. The Bergmann Center is moving forward with a new look and new opportunities.   

Charlevoix County Seeking Bid Proposals
Charlevoix County is seeking quotes to provide mowing services along the Little Traverse Wheelway and the Boyne City to Charlevoix Trail, Phase 1 and Phase 2. For more details regarding the quotes please click HERE!

Quotes must be submitted via email to whitingpark@charlevoixcounty.org or by U.S. Mail to: Charlevoix County Parks, 05820 Lake Shore Rd., Boyne City, MI 49712. If you have any questions, please contact Charlevoix County Parks at (231) 330-6227. Quotes will be accepted until April 17, 2020.

Wojan Window & Door Honored at Michigan Works!
Impact Awards Ceremony in Lansing

Wojan Window & Door of Charlevoix and employee Sandra Zeinog were honored with an Impact Award from the Michigan Works! Association on Wednesday March 4th at a ceremony in Lansing. The award is a result of the company’s involvement in the Business Resource Network established in 2018 by Northwest Michigan Works! with support from the Char-Em United Way. The BRN helps employers retain employees by giving them access to a Success Coach who helps them deal with challenges away from work that might be affecting their ability to do their job. Zeinog was individually recognized for having one of the most impactful and inspiring journeys of self-improvement with the help of the BRN and Success Coach Kate Stolarski.

With about 200 people in attendance, the Impact Awards reception was held Wednesday at the Anderson House Office Building in Lansing, home of the Michigan House of Representatives. The event kicked off with a video address from Governor Gretchen Whitmer and an in-person address by Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist, II, followed by award presentations to the 16 winners. On behalf of Wojan Window & Door, HR Administrator Jill Harrell gave a brief thank you, followed by Zeinog’s telling of her poignant story. With substantial guidance from success coach Kate Stolarski, Zeinog managed to overcome homelessness, as well as resolve legal and economic issues that were barriers to her success. State Representative Triston Cole was on hand to present the awards to Zeinog and Harrell.

“It’s an honor to be recognized for simply supporting our employees”, Harrell remarked. “So many companies are in the same boat as us, having difficulty attracting and retaining talent in this employment climate. We’re grateful to Northwest Michigan Works! and Char-Em United Way for giving us a ‘one-up’ by being able to offer the BRN.”

About the Impact Awards The Michigan Works! Association Impact Awards are presented annually and recognize significant accomplishments within Michigan communities through a variety of programs and actions taken by Michigan employers and agencies. Each of the sixteen Michigan Works! agencies throughout the state evaluate a number of nominees for the award before putting forth their choice for a winner for their area.
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.
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
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!
Please visit the below resources for other job opportunities in our area.

VIP Members
Platinum Members
 Would you like to become a Premier Investor?
call the Chamber at 231.547.2101 or chamber@charlevoix.org for more information