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 Expo
March 18, 2020
4-7pm
Castle Farms
Business After Hours
SAVE THE DATES
2020

Paint and Sip at Cherry Republic
February 26
6:30-9:30pm

Join us for a fun night of painting! Your ticket includes one drink of choice. Choose from one of our 8 cherry sodas or 13 cherry wines! *Additional drinks available at discounted price. Cost is $35 per person with all materials included!

Cupids Dinner for Two
February 27
4:30-6:30pm

You are cordially invited to Cupids Dinner for Two at Independence Village. After a quick tour of our beautiful, upscale community, you will walk out with a tasty bottle of wine and a five-star dinner, along with the chef's personal instructions of how to properly warm and serve it. If interested, please RSVP by February 24 th at 231-348-8498.

Paint-Along with Paige O'Leary!
February 27
6-8pm

Join Paige tomorrow evening as she walks you through each step in creating your own completed 16 x 20" painting! No experience necessary at all!  Come join this fun painting class where all materials are included: aprons, acrylic paint, canvas and more! Paige is at the Circle of Arts on the 4th Thursdays each month! VISIT CharlevoixCircle.org or call 231-547-3554 to register!

Fish Fry
February 28
5pm

St. Mary is having the first of 3 fish frys on February 28th from 5-7 pm. The menu will include: fried or baked fish, french fries, cole slaw, mac and cheese, roll and homemade desserts.

Interlochen Arts Academy Dance Company's The Sleeping Beauty
February 28
7:30pm

Join the Interlochen Arts Academy Dance Company as they present the classic story of The Sleeping Beauty. One hundred years after Princess Aurora falls into an enchanted slumber, the daring Prince Florimund embarks on a quest to break Carabosse’s curse - encountering a familiar cast of fairy-tale characters along the way. Accompanied by Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's beloved score and beautifully costumed by the Academy’s professional designers, the company will delight you with a ballet featuring a fresh adaptation of Marius Petipa’s original choreography.

Toast to Literacy
February 29
6-9pm

Join Char-Em United Way for a night of food, drinks, and entertainment all in support of childhood literacy on Saturday, February 29 from 6-9 PM at Castle Farms in Charlevoix. All proceeds will go to support the Dolly Parton's Imagination Library (DPIL) in Charlevoix and Emmet Counties. The Imagination Library provides children up to 5 years old with one book a month mailed right to their door. Tickets are $30/advance, $40/door. Each ticket purchased helps support one child for one year of the program. PURCHASE TICKETS: https://char-em-united-way.square.site/

Connecting with Cultures Through Non-Governmental Organizations
March 4
11:45-1pm

North Central Michigan College will host an international lecture examining how volunteering with a non-governmental organization can connect individuals to the culture of a country.  Heather Lewis, a Northern Michigan native, will present her lecture, “Connecting with Cultures Through NGOs,” on Wednesday, March 4, at noon in the Library Conference Center on the Petoskey Campus.

In many countries, non-profit programs are critical to addressing social issues that otherwise do not get the attention of the local government.  Sarvahitey is an NGO in India that is building both learning centers for underprivileged children and libraries throughout the country to enhance the quality of education and literacy where government programs are lacking. Lewis will share how working with Sarvahitey has provided rewarding opportunities to connect with the culture and people of India. She will also discuss points to consider when looking for an organization to work with, either in India or another country.

North Central’s International Committee is sponsoring a free lunch of traditional Indian food. This lecture is free to attend, however RSVPs are required. Fifteen seats remain for lunch, which will be served at 11:45 a.m. Please call 231-348-6600 to reserve your seat.

MiCareer Quest Char-Em 2020- Kick-Off Meeting!
March 4
9-10am

Interested business participants, sponsors, volunteers, and other workforce & educational advocates are invited to attend the MiCareer Quest 2020 Planning Kick-Off Meeting. Learn about MiCareer Quest Char-Em, the region’s largest hands-on career exploration event for students. This unique experience exposes students to a broad range of exciting and rewarding career opportunities, and endless possibilities, as they prepare for their futures. Meeting takes place at Char-Em ISD Boyne District Office, 1313 Boyne Ave, Boyne City.

Should I Stay or Should I go?
March 5
6:30pm

St. Michael Academy welcomes Mary Rice Hasson as she comes to Petoskey to discuss her best-selling book Get Out Now, which addresses the difficulties that public schools are currently facing. Ms. Hasson is the Director of the Catholic Women’s Forum, which is an organization that prides itself in helping women spread their message of human dignity, authentic freedom, and Catholic social teaching. She is also an expert on topics at the intersection of faith, family, feminism, and human sexuality. Event is free and open to the public at Grand Unity Hall 1106 Charlevoix Ave, Petoskey.

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

March 3 | Check and Jamie
March 10 | The Real Ingredients
March 17 | Project 6
March 24 | Lou Thumser
March 31 | Erik Jakeway
2020 Winter/Spring Music
7-9pm

March 6 | Zeke Clemons
March 20 | Sean Miller
April 3 | Jakey Thomas
May 1 | Blair Miller
May 15 | Brett Mitchell
Friday & Saturday Live Music!
8-11pm

February 28 | Chris Koury
February 29 | Brett Michell
Great Lakes Cinema Series: Judy
Great Lakes Center for the Arts
March 8, 2020
Startup Fundamentals Workshop- Charlevoix
The Vault Co-Working Space
March 17, 2020
Charlevoix Performing Arts:
Mamma Mia!
Charlevoix Middle/ High School Auditorium
March 20-22, 2020
Sail Charlevoix Early Bird Discount
Early Bird Discount ends February 29. Register now for best choice of availability for Junior Learn-to-Sail, Junior Racing, and Junior Venetian Regatta at a discount. To learn more about the programs they offer click the link below to be directed to their website!

2020 Vendor Application Packers are Available!
The 2020 Vendor Application Packets are available! Applications are due on March 19 - which is also the date of our mandatory Vendor Meeting. Application can be viewed HERE!

The Vendor Meeting will be held on Thursday March 19 at noon in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Even if you have attended this meeting in the past, you, or a working representative must attend. There is a lot of new information to share with you. Additionally, if you are eligible to collect any of our food assistance program payments, I will have the proper forms for you to sign at the meeting. We also must have a current W-9 on file in order to pay you! W-9 form can be viewed HERE!

If you have any questions about the information contained in the packet, or the vendor meeting, please feel free to reach out to Beth Anzell 231-547-3253.

Consumers Energy Commits to Net Zero Carbon Emissions, Takes Stand for the Planet
On February 24, 2020 Consumers Energy today announced a goal to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2040, the next step in an industry-leading Clean Energy Plan that protects the planet for future generations.

Consumers Energy ushered in a new era with its 2019 Clean Energy Plan, a road map to meet Michigan’s energy needs through 2040. The energy provider committed to reduce 90 percent of the carbon emissions it generates by eliminating the use of coal and working with customers to use energy more efficiently. Consumers Energy expects to avoid the need to build three new power plants with customers’ help.

The new net zero goal means Consumers Energy will eliminate the impact of carbon emissions created by the electricity it generates or purchases for customers. The company’s Clean Energy Plan provides the foundation. Consumers Energy plans to eliminate coal, boost renewable fuel sources and help customers reduce energy use and waste. The company also may offset further emissions through strategies such as carbon sequestration, landfill methane capture or large-scale tree planting. And it will continue to explore new technology and policy solutions to reach the net zero goal.
 
Learn more about Consumers Energy’s Clean Energy Plan at MICleanEnergy.com . To view full News Release click HERE .

REAL ID Deadline is October 1, 2020
Your Michigan driver’s license or identification card may not get you through airport security later this year. Oct. 1 is when the federal government will fully enforce the post-9/11 REAL ID Act, and standard state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards will no longer be accepted to board domestic flights within the United States, or when entering certain federal facilities, such as military bases or nuclear power plants.
 
Many people already have a REAL ID document, such as a valid U.S. passport, a DHS Trusted Traveler Card or an Enhanced Driver’s License. A full list of acceptable REAL ID documents is available at TSA.gov . Those who don’t can make their Michigan license or identification REAL ID-compliant by visiting a Secretary of State branch office and presenting the required documents. And, if you make an appointment, you’ll be in and out in 30 minutes or less. There’s no additional fee to turn a license or state ID card into a standard REAL ID if it’s done during your normal renewal time; otherwise a duplicate card fee of $9 or $10 will be charged.
 
For information on what you need to do to get a REAL idea click HERE or visit Michigan.gov/RealID .
 
Pineview Cottage presents Alzheimer's Group
Join us as we empower those with forgetfulness-learning ways to enter into their world and not make them live in ours. This is an educational opportunity & support for those with Alzheimer's and Dementia.
 
The 1st Wednesday of the month at 4 pm at John and Marnie Demmer Wellness Pavilion 820 Arlington Ave, Petoskey. Upcoming dates ate March 4th, April 1st, May 6th and June 3rd.
 
Hosted by: Hilde Bonesteel RN and Pineview Cottage Assisted Living & Memory Care (231) 622-5017 or (810) 516-0405

Benchmarks Northwest: Regional/ County Data Guidebook Released
Networks Northwest has updated a citizen and policy makers' guide to assess and monitor community issues throughout the region. Benchmarks Northwest provides easy access to a diverse variety of indicators related to quality of life in northwest Lower Michigan.

Users of the new guidebook will have a snapshot of the region’s important economic indicators. Additionally, the guidebook provides county level snapshots. An electronic copy of the guide is available at nwm.org/benchmarks .

Benchmarks Northwest primarily sources data that are publicly available and are regularly updated. You can access the guidebook and all other Benchmarks Northwest data resources on the Networks Northwest website at benchmarksnorthwest.org . For more information, please contact Matt McCauley at Networks Northwest at 929-5000 or matt.mccauley@networksnorthwest.org .

It's all TAPPENING!
Get signed up for our new session of Dance & Movement Classes: Ballet, Tap, Dance Fusion, Yoga & Barre! Classes range for ages 2 to adults & seniors- It's all TAPPENING!  Visit CharlevoixCircle.org or call 231-547-3554 to register.

The Series Concert Dates Announced!
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.

2020 Release Dates | Season Passes: February 24 at Noon | Individual Show Tickets: April 3 at Noon.

Performers: The Insiders: Tom Petty Tribute Band | Westrin & Mowry | Sundae + Mr. Goessl | Dancing Dream: Abba Tribute Band | Horton Creek Bluegrass | Gaines & Wagoner | Joshua Davis | The Accidentals | Diamonds in the Rust

KorthaseFlinn Donates to Charities with Shared Purpose
KorthaseFlinn Insurance and Financial Services announced today that $5,000 was donated on behalf of its clients to various charitable organizations that assist and strengthen our northern Michigan communities. During a luncheon event held February 12 at Barrel Back Restaurant, KorthaseFlinn made the contributions to the following local organizations:

The Women’s Resource Center of Petoskey
The Care & Share Food Pantry of East Jordan
The Manna Food Project of Harbor Springs
Friendship Centers of Emmet County
The Nehemiah Project of Petoskey
Good Neighbor Food Pantry of Boyne City
Boyne Area Alano Club of Boyne City
Guardian Gals of Gaylord
The Father Fred Foundation or Traverse City

These donations were made on behalf of clients, who directed the contributions by voting for their favorite charity. For the fourth year in a row, to express gratitude for the relationships that have enabled the agency’s success for more than 90 years, KorthaseFlinn replaced holiday gifts to clients with a donation on the client’s behalf. Each non-profit supports KorthaseFlinn’s mission - providing peace of mind by preparing and protecting our clients from life’s uncertainties.

BLOOM Seasonal Bouquet Workshop Series
Join us for our seasonally inspired floral design workshop series highlighting the natural beauty of Northern Michigan's garden grown flowers. Each month May-October, we will create a different floral arrangement featuring locally grown flowers sourced from our own garden and from our friends at Spirit of Walloon. All workshops (with the exception of August) will be held at our Charlevoix studio 5-7pm. Visit our website link for all of the details.

2019 Community Impact Report

The Salvation Army of Petoskey's 2019 Community Impact Report on Emmet, Charlevoix and Antrim Counties is now available. Thank you to everyone who helped us to accomplish so many amazing things over the last year! Click HERE to a closer look at the report. You can also see more information about who they have partnered with and what they do by visiting their website! centralusa.salvationarmy.org/petoskey
Earl Young Mushroom House Tours
Receives 2020 Best of Charlevoix Award

Earl Young Mushroom House Tours has been selected for the 2020 Best of Charlevoix Award in the Tours category by the Charlevoix Award Program.Each year, the Charlevoix Award Program identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community. These exceptional companies help make the Charlevoix area a great place to live, work and play.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2020 Charlevoix Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the Charlevoix Award Program and data provided by third parties.

About Charlevoix Award Program
The Charlevoix Award Program is an annual awards program honoring the achievements and accomplishments of local businesses throughout the Charlevoix area. Recognition is given to those companies that have shown the ability to use their best practices and implemented programs to generate competitive advantages and long-term value.
The Charlevoix Award Program was established to recognize the best of local businesses in our community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to recognize the small business community's contributions to the U.S. economy. mushroomhousetours.com
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.

Part and Full Time Seasonal Retail Sales
2nd Shift Caregiver
Auto Painter
Marketing Coordinator/ Executive Assistant
Stylist
Customer Service- Project Coordinator
Designer
Baker
Camp Counselor/ Assistant Camp Director
Finance Clerk
Experienced Servers
Production: Full-Time, Year-Round

For more information on these openings view our Jobs page by clicking the link below!
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