Elk Rapids Area

Chamber of Commerce

"Monday Minutes" Newsletter

March 11, 2024

Chain of Lakes Area

Acme * Alden * Atwood * Bellaire * Central Lake Eastport * Ellsworth * Elk Rapids * Kewadin * Rapid City * Torch River * Williamsburg

Guide to Newsletter

Chamber Events
Snapshot of Upcoming Events
Local Government Public Meetings
Business/Industry News
Job Listings
Events/Classes/Workshops
Member News/Specials/Information

(Members are listed alphabetically)

A successful Business After Hours at Art and Connection last Friday! A BIG thank you to Sheri Grant and the A&C team~ Veronica, Ash, and Kathryn! Business and Community Connections in Action.

UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS

Arts & Crafts

10 am - 4 pm

Downtown Elk Rapids

APPLICATIONS

Every Friday | June 7 - October 4

8 am - Noon

305 U 31 N Elk Rapids

APPLICATION

Applications are open for the upcoming Arts and Crafts Shows and the Farmer's Market. For any questions, please email

Mary Lakin or call the chamber office at (231) 264-8202.

2024 Chain of Lakes Area

Snapshot of Upcoming Events

Where to go, What to see, and What to do in the Chain of Lakes Area

(Scroll down for details on each event)

~ Weekly Recurring Events ~

Mondays

~ Mug Club Monday at Short's Pull Barn, 12 - 8 pm

~ Pretzels at Short's Pull Barn, 12- 8 pm

Tuesdays

~ Locals Night at the Foundry, drink, and food specials, 3 pm-close

~ Board Game Day/Night at Short's Pull Barn

~ Tech Help at the ER District Library, 10:30 am - 12 pm

~ Euchre at Cellar 152, 5 pm

~ Trivia Night at The DAM Shop, 6 pm

~ Pretzels at Short's Pull Barn, 12 - 8 pm

Wednesday

~ Locals Night at BOS Wine, until 8 pm

~ Euchre at Art & Connection, 1 - 4 pm

~ Community Cornhole Tournament at the DAM Shop, 6 pm

~ Pretzels at Short's Pull Barn, 12 - 8 pm

Thursdays

~ Storytime at the ER District Library, 1:30 pm

~ Tech Help at the ER District Library, 1 - 2:30 pm

~ Knitting at the ER District Library, 2-4 pm

~ Wine Tastings at Cellar 152

~ Happy Hour at Ethanology, 1-4 pm

~ Euchre at The Side Door Saloon, 6:30 pm

~ Live Music w/Nick Vasquez at Torch Lake Cafe', 7 pm

~ Thirsty Thursdays w/Darrell & His Homies at Johnny's Torch Riveria, 7 pm

~ Wine Tastings at the DAM Shop

Fridays

~ Storytime at the ER District Library, 10:30 am

~ Happy Hour at Ethanology, 1-4 pm

~ Live Music at Cellar 152

~ Friday Night Fish Frys at Town Club, 5 pm

~ Friday Night Game Night at Waterfire Vineyard, 5-8 pm

~ Live Music at Torch Lake Cafe w/Leanna Collins and Ivan Greilick, 7:30 pm

Saturdays

~ Disc Golf League at the DAM Shop, 3 pm (weather permitting)

~ Team Trivia at the Side Door Saloon, 7:30 pm

~ Live Music at Cellar 152

~ Winter Music Series at Ethanology, 7 pm

~ Live Music at Torch Lake Cafe w/Leanna Collins and Ivan Greilick, 7:30 pm

Sundays

~ Sunday Brunch Buffet at Torch Lake Cafe, 11 am-3 pm

~ Happy Hour all day with drink & plate specials at Ethanology, 1-6 pm

~ Trivia at Torch Lake Cafe, 5:30, Live Music w/Dominic Fortuna at 6:30 pm

~ Trivia Night at the Foundry Craft Grillery in Elk Rapids, 6 pm

--------------------------------------------------------------

Mar. 11, Project Graduation Sale Event at Swim to You, 4-8 pm.

Mar. 12, Homeschool Hangouts at the ER Library, 10:30-11:30 am.

Mar. 12, Community Cupboard Grocery Pick-up, 4:30-6:30 pm

Mar. 12, ERDL Books on Tap Book Club at Short's Pull Barn, 6-7 pm

Mar. 13, Brews and Bingo at Short's Pull Barn, 6 pm

Mar. 13, St. Patrick's Day Bingo at the Side Door/Blue Pelicanan, 6 pm

Mar. 14, River Otters & Other Elusive Animals at Grass River, 1-3:30 pm

Mar. 14, Norte Pi Day Trivia Night at Short's Pull Barn, 6-8 pm

Mar. 14-16, ER Drama, The Sound of Music at ERHS Peterman Auditorium

Mar. 15, Community Cupboard Grocery Pick-up, 8:30-9:30 am

Mar. 15, Family Game Night at Art and Connection, 5-8 pm

Mar. 15, AWW JEAH Dance Party @Short's Pull Barn, 6 pm

Mar. 15, Comedy Night at Ethanology, 7 pm

Mar. 16, Yoga Every Day: Workshop at ER Yoga Flow, 9 am-12:30 pm

Mar. 16, Pine Hill (Kewadin) Job Fair 10 am - 1 pm

Mar. 16, Maple Fest at Grass River 12-3 pm

Mar. 16, The Hey! Makers at Townline Ciderworks, 6-8 pm

Mar. 16, ER Players Community Trivia at HERTH, 7-9 pm

Mar. 17, 🍀Happy St. Patrick's Day

Mar. 17, St. Patty's Day Fun at the Pull Barn, 12-8 pm

Mar. 17 Minecraft at the ER District Library, 1:15 pm

Mar. 17, Spencer Hollenbeck at the Town Club, 4-7 pm

--------------------------------------------------------------

Mar. 18, Free Community Dinner at First Presbyterian Church, 5 pm

Mar. 19, ER Community Blood Drive at AMVETS Post 114, 12:45-6 pm

Mar. 21, Fly Tyin Thursdays at Ethanology, 6 pm

Mar. 23, Family Friendly Easter Crafts at Art & Connection, 11 am - 2 pm

Mar. 23, Frostbite Trail 12 Locations- Grandma's Cookbook, 12-6 pm

Mar. 23, Euchre at Sacred Heart Community Center, 6:30 pm

March 23-April 1, ER Schools Spring Break

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Mar. 26, Community Cupboard Grocery Pick-up, 4:30-6:30 pm

Mar. 27, S.T.E.A.M. Lego Party at the ER District Library, 1:30-3:00 pm

Mar. 27, Brews and Bingo at Short's Pull Barn, 6 pm

Mar. 28, S.T.E.A.M. Lego Party at the ER District Library, 1:30-3:00 pm

Mar. 29, Community Cupboard Grocery Pick-up, 8:30-9:30 am

Mar. 29, FS Roofing Monthly Networking Event, 6-8 pm

Mar. 30, Early Spring Bird Walk at Grass River Natural Area, 9-11 am

Mar. 30-31, 🍁Michigan Maple Syrup Weekend

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April 6, Andrew Rogers at Music House Museum, 2 and 5 pm

April 6, Euchre at Sacred Heart, 6:30 pm

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Please email Laura with any updated event dates.

Read News Releases

Visit Events Calendar

Visit our Website

Public Meetings about Our CommUNITY

Monday, Mar. 11, Milton Township Board Meeting, 7:00 pm

See website

Wednesday, Mar. 13, ER DDA Meeting, 6:00 pm

Agenda and Zoom Instructions

Thursday, Mar. 14, ER District Library Board Meeting, 5:00 pm

Antrim County Commission on Aging

The mission of the Antrim County Commission on Aging is to improve the quality of life and maintain the highest level of independence for those persons ages 60 and over who reside in Antrim County. Click HERE to find out more information on the services offered.

Village of Elk Rapids

News from Better Business Bureau of Western Michigan

BBB Business Tip: AI for small business. Where to start?

The use of artificial intelligence is on the rise, and consumers and businesses can experience the benefits of using the tool. BBB has tips and best practices for identifying AI and using AI wisely. >>Read More

March 2024 Training Newslette

Workforce Development Orientation

Date/Time: Tuesday, March 19 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Location: Washtenaw American Job Center

Cost: $120/members and non-members

Whether you are new to workforce development or just confused by the sheer volume of program and department acronyms, this custom-designed, workshop is for you! Gain insight into Michigan’s comprehensive workforce system and a better understanding of the key players, initiatives, programs, services, and funding sources.

Workforce & Career Development Certification Cohort #4

Dates/Times:

In-person (9 a.m. - 4 p.m.)
March 20th and 21st
Virtual (10 - 11 a.m.)
April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
May 7, 14, 21, 28
June 4, 11

Location: Michigan Works! Great Lakes Bay- Mount Pleasant Service Center

Cost: $1,500 for members/$1,600 for non-members

Workforce development is an important career, especially in today’s economic & workforce climate. How can you, as a workforce professional, show credibility as a case manager and career coach? The Workforce & Career Development Certification training will offer you the opportunity to get training and the opportunity to apply for THREE industry-recognized credentials.

2 CFR 200 Changes - What You Need to Know

Dates/Times: Monday, March 25 from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Location: Virtual

Cost: $40/members and non-members

This module will discuss both prior and the recently proposed changes to the Uniform Guidance that will become effective this Spring (date: TBD). Topics include the increases in dollar thresholds, new definitions and wording changes, reporting deadlines, and the expanded rate and usage of the De Minimis rate.

Second Wave media | March 6, 2024

Outdoor industry thought leader Luis Benitez sees economic potential in rural Michigan

WSJM-AM | March 4, 2024

Michigan Works receiving state funds for Young Professionals program

READ THE LATEST NEWSLETTER

Sam Bailey Leads Thrive 45’s March Cultivate event

Thrive 45 is excited to host its first quarter Cultivate event in partnership with the Northern Lakes Economic Alliance (NLEA) and MSU Extension! The event will be led by Sam Bailey who is the NLEA's Strategic Initiatives Manager and an MSU Extension educator.

The first part of the program will be an interactive presentation that will provide an overview of economic development, delve into regional economic trends, describe the NLEA, and explain what it takes for communities to be successful. Then, attendees will participate in an activity that places them in a hypothetical community struggling with a development project and challenges them to chart the best path forward. This session is ideal for anyone interested in local economics or learning how they can play a role in shaping their community.

This event will take place on Thursday, March 14^th from 9:00 to 11:00 am at the Odawa Hotel in Petoskey.

For recorded webinars and upcoming workshops: +

Score Workshops

LIVE EVENT

Social Media Marketing Strategies for Your Small Business

Tuesday, March 12, 2024, 1:00 pm EDT

In this webinar, you’ll learn the basics of social media marketing and the latest trends you should follow.

LIVE EVENT

Grant Writing 101 - How to Create a Grant Proposal

Thursday, March 14, 2024, 1:00 pm EDT

In this webinar, we'll teach you the grant writing skills you'll need to craft compelling grant proposals to help increase your chances of securing funding.

Read the Latest News

>> March 6, 2024 Edition

Traverse Connect released its 2023 Annual Report to its investors and partners today, offering a summary of the organization’s priorities and accomplishments in its fourth year as the lead economic development and business organization for the Grand Traverse region. In addition to a review of the organization’s accomplishments, the report shines a spotlight on area businesses, advancements to expand the Blue Economy, Michigan’s Creative Coast regional talent attraction efforts, and regional business growth and advocacy initiatives.

→ Please join us for the first Economic Strategy Session of the year on March 20 to garner recommendations for companies of all sizes on how to navigate the challenges of securing your data and protecting your business.

→ Michigan businesses impacted by the lack of snow this winter are urged to apply for Federal Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the Small Business Administration.

Visit Job Listings

ELK RAPIDS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE- EVENTS ASSISTANT

ANTRIM COUNTY: EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Antrim County Transportation-Driver
Commission on Aging - Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Commission on Aging - Homemaker
County Administrator - Food Service Coordinator
Sheriff's Department - Corrections Deputy
Sheriff's Department - Snow Patrol
Veteran Affairs - Director

BURNETTE FOODS Job Openings:

CHANG EXPRESS: Help Wanted, Part-time Part-time Waitstaff

ELK RAPIDS MARINA: Dock Hands

GRASS RIVER NATURAL AREA: Fund Development Assistant

INDULGE ELK RAPIDS DAY SPA, Seeking Licensed Cosmetologist

MICHIGAN LAKE PRODUCTS: Looking for:

Shop Supervisor and Shop Employees

TOWN CLUB: Hiring Front of House, Day & Night Servers/Bartenders. See Jess

URBAN DIVERSIONS: Looking for:Warehouse Supervisor

VILLAGE MARKET: HIRING FOR ALL POSITIONS!

WHITE BIRCH LODGE: OPERATIONS MANAGER

St. Patrick's Day Specials

St. Patrick's Day Bingo

Wednesday, March 13th at The Side Door at The Blue Pelican!

Family-friendly fun starting at 6:30 - don't miss out on the luck of the Irish!

2535 N. Main St.

Central Lake

(231) 544-2583

Guinness Pours Starting at $2/Pint @ 8 am going up by .50c every half hour

Food Specials & Kids Activities

118 Bridge St in Elk Rapids

Events/Classes/Workshops

Community Blood Drive at AMVETS

The Rotary Club of Elk Rapids, in partnership with Versiti Blood Centers, is hosting a Community Blood Drive on Tuesday, March 19 from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Elk Rapids AMVET Hall, 401 Bridge St., Elk Rapids. To sign up, call 1-866-Mi-Blood, or visit Versiti.org/Mi. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. It's advised that participants should eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of water before donating. Thank you in advance for your lifesaving gift.

Register for upcoming classes and workshops on our website! Check back often as we will be posting more classes and workshops

Art and Connection🎨965 Green Street 🎨Elk Rapids🎨 (231) 498-2522

Community Connections Concerts

Presented by Interlochen Arts Academy, Interlochen Presents, and Interlochen Public Radio.

Supporters and patrons of Art Rapids! can secure up to four (4) complimentary tickets to each of the following concerts in this special series. Follow the links below to learn more and reserve your tickets.

Enter discount code ARCCC during checkout.

Thursday, March 14 | 7:30 p.m. | Corson Auditorium

Wind Symphony: Sounds, Shapes, and Symbols

Friday, March 15 | 7:30 p.m. | Corson Auditorium

Orchestra: Stravinsky, Shuying Li, and the Concerto Competition Winners

Friday, April 12 | 7:30 p.m. | Corson Auditorium

Orchestra: Mary Watkins and Scheherazade

Thursday, April 18 | 7:30 p.m. | Corson Auditorium

Singer-Songwriter & Popular Music Ensemble: Songs That Matter

Friday, April 19 | 7:30 p.m. | Corson Auditorium

Wind Symphony: Guitar Magic

300 Isle of Pines

Elk Rapids, MI

(231) 264-9979

www.elkrapidslibrary.org

Library happenings, the newest of the new titles, upcoming events, Friends of the Library updates, and more!

Read the MARCH Newsletter

See their website calendar for schedules

Elk Rapids Library is hosting its' second hangout for homeschool families on March 12 at 10:30. Our last meet-up was so much fun we had to do it again! There will be two crafting stations set up with Ms. Kate, one for older kids and one for younger as well as a place for the adults to share ideas and resources.

Calling all boat enthusiasts! Come one, come all to Elk Rapids Marina and join us for a day filled with live music, great food, and a stunning display of boats. All boats will be at one location. All Proceeds from this event benefit Elk Rapids Harbor Days.

Become a Sponsor!

Your sponsorship will help bring to life a memorable and enjoyable event that will attract boat enthusiasts to our community. Our goal is to establish an annual event that people will anticipate with great excitement.

Download Sponsorship Information

Purchase tickets for The Sound of Music HERE

Elk Rapids Yoga Flow

212 River Street * Elk Rapids

elkrapidsyogaflow.com * 231-463-4556

Ethanology Distillation * 127 Ames Street * Elk Rapids (231) 498-2800

Grass River Natural Area

6500 Alden Hwy ~ Bellaire

(231) 533-8576

check online for events: www.grassriver.org

The Grass River Center is open Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 4 pm, November through April.

Summer Camp Registration Opens

Wed, March 13, 12 –1 pm

Camp registration opens at noon:

https://www.grassriver.org/summer-camp.html

NMC Signs of River Otters and Other Elusive Animals

Thursday, March 14, 2024 - 1:00 pm (2.5 hrs), Register through NMC Extended Education

River otters are active and healthy at Grass River Natural Area. Join a naturalist to learn the natural history of river otters and how to spot signs of these elusive and fun indicators of water quality. On the trail, we will look for signs of other elusive animals, like bobcat, mink, or black bear (dress to be outdoors). Register through NMC Extended Education.

MapleFest

Saturday, March 16 - 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm

Join us as we boil sap to syrup on the evaporator at the Pavilion at the Grass River Center. Stop by any time and see the process of making maple syrup. Ask staff questions and hike on the trail to see where we tap trees, hang buckets and lines, and collect the sap. The Center will be open indoors from 10 am to 4 pm. A limited supply of Grass River Maple Syrup may be available for sale.

SPA SAVINGS ~ ENTIRE MONTH OF MARCH

20% off All Spa Services

~ Facials

~ Massages

~ Spray Tan

Indulge - 404 Bridge St. - Elk Rapids - (231) 264-8184

Historic Elk Rapids Town Hall | 401 River Street | Elk Rapids

Sacred Heart Catholic Parish

Fish Fry Fridays

February 16 -March 22, 2024, from 5-7 pm

143 Charles Street, Elk Rapids, MI, 49629.

Euchre at Sacred Heart Catholic Church

143 Charles Street

Elk Rapids

(231) 676-4496

$5 per person, Everyone is Welcome

Saturdays ~

March 9, 23, April 6, 20, May 4, 18, 2024

Short's Pull Barn🍺 211 Industrial Park Dr🍺 Elk Rapids

BINGO at Short's

March 13 @ 6 pm

Spice up your Wednesday night with Bingo! Join us for a fun-filled evening of bingo, tasty brews, and prizes @ the Pull Barn!

Time to bust out those dancing shoes, Elk Rapids! The AWW JEAH release and dance party is where it's at, featuring beats by BOTALA and DJ Clark After Dark. Plus, fuel up with delicious eats from Coney Corner available for sale. Let's get this party started!

Norte Pi Day Trivia Night

March 14, 2024 6-8 pm

Short's Pull Barn

Norte is baking pies for a

delicious night of trivia!

Silly Sister’s Pottery Spring 2024

Class Announcement

Spring is almost here, and time to start thinking about spring pottery class for 2024. A new round of Pottery Classes (Round 14.0) for March-April, 2024 begins soon. As always, classes will be geared BOTH toward beginner potters, as well as continuing potters. Instruction and demos are geared toward multiple levels of ability, and there are plenty of challenges available for all! >>Read More

Member News and Specials

Two Members featured in Northern Michigan Woman Magazine!

Read the March 4, Newsletter

Acme Christian Thrift Store

Thrift Store Hours

Tuesday - Friday 10-5 pm * Saturday 10-3 pm

Thrift Store 231-938-2990 * Food Pantry 231-267-3002

ACTS * 8925 M-72 E. * WILLIAMSBURG

Space for Lease

Located in beautiful Elk Rapids, MI, this 1,947 SF standalone flex office building has a shop and retail/showroom area, which allows for a wide variety of uses. There is a centrally located kitchenette and bathroom which provides a nice separation of the retail space from the shop space. One street over from Ames St but visible from the main road providing good visibility.

https://www.threewest.com/property-listings/?ptype=CM_3&listingID=1911588#

David & Brothers

Need Interior Painting done?

Need help with moving?

David & Brothers are here to help you with moving or painting!

Give them a call today ~ (231) 499-8235

Accepting Donations Now!

Do you have necklaces and earrings you don't wear anymore?

Did you inherit or were you gifted jewelry that's not quite your style?

Would you like to support the Elk Rapids District Library and the work they do in and for the community?

Please consider donating your new and gently worn jewelry to the Friends for our 2024 Glamour, Glitter & Glitz sale! All funds earned support library programs and needs. Donations are accepted at the library during business hours. Please contact us if you have any questions!

Elk Rapids Harbor Days Button Contest

Download the Entry Form HERE

Copies are available at the Chamber office

We want to hear from you!!

Paddle Antrim is updating the Chain of Lakes Water Trail Plan and your input is vital. The survey is open until April 10th, and we aim to finalize the plan early this summer. Stay tuned for updates as we shape the future of the trail.

Bonus: Include your name and email in your survey response for a chance to be entered into a drawing to win Paddle Antrim Swag, including a Paddler Guide, 32 oz Paddle Antrim Insulated Water Bottle, and more!

Link to survey: https://www.paddleantrim.com/chain-of-lakes-water-trail/survey/

>>> READ PAGE 2 THE RAVEN HILL NEWSLETTER HERE

TINKER TAILOR "DRESS VAULT"

Tinker Tailor will be launching the Dress Vault. They have heard our community and their need for formalwear, and this is the perfect way to provide those beautiful outfits we only wear once. The current collection will be featured through June, so stop by anytime to shop.

Tinker Tailor * 125 River St. * Elk Rapids * (231) 409-7498

TRUE BLUE News

Do You Know?

The average household does 400 loads of laundry a year—

That’s a lot of laundry detergent!

Liquid laundry detergent is typically packaged in large plastic jugs.
Most are not recycled. The recycling rate for plastics in the United States is 5%.
Recently, laundry pods, sheets, and strips were introduced as alternatives to plastic bottles.

>>READ MORE

Torch Lake Vineyard Retreat

at Waterfire Vineyard

Do you dream of a vineyard vacation in a secluded setting? Sampling wines and connecting with how they are made? Touring wine country?

Take a Peek!

Elk Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce

info@elkrapidschamber.org | (231) 264-8202 | Website

~~ The End ~~