Welcome, new chamber member! |
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Michigan Community Capital
Michigan Bankers Bldg.
507 S. Grand Ave.,
Lansing, MI 48933
(517) 626-1861
Local contact: Abbey Neerken
ABOUT US: Michigan Community Capital is a non-profit diversified public-private partnership that supports the missions of the MEDC and MSHDA by aggregating capital and facilitating the financing and development of low income and attainable housing. This includes the redevelopment of complex brownfield sites. Over its 15-year history, MCC has successfully attracted $255M in federal New Market Tax Credits, supported over $740M in project financing, helped to create over 750 housing units, and over 950,000 square feet of commercial, retail and industrial space to facilitate job creation and expansion throughout the State of Michigan.
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Congratulations to our Safe Harbor Heroes!
Online voting by 177 people picked our top 5 Safe Harbor Heroes from among 34 worthy nominations. Gift cards and certificates of acknowledgement are being presented over the next few days. Top vote-getter School Superintendent Michael Behrmann will receive his award at Monday night’s school board meeting.
With our annual in-person Harbor Stars dinner cancelled, the project was organized by the Harbor Springs Chamber of Commerce as a way to honor locals who kept our world running smoothly during the coronavirus pandemic.
Online voting was open to the public for several days. Each of the top 5 is receiving a $100 Visa Gift Certificate and lots of recognition, including a certificate of acknowledgement. The winners, nominators, 34 nominees and project sponsors were all recognized and thanked in a full page ad in this week’s Harbor Light newspaper.
Here are the Safe Harbor Heroes final vote leaders with the top 5 in bold:
- Harbor Springs School Supt. Michael Behrmann - 56
- Bree Borowicz, Boyne Highlands Guest Services - 53
- Karen DenBesten, MD, McLaren Northern Michigan Director of Infection Prevention & colleagues - 48
- Lyric Theatre Management Team - 46
- Emily Robin, Boyne Highlands Guest Services - 40
- Stafford's Pier Team - 34
- Sharon Mihalik, Harbor Springs Area Historical Society volunteer - 33
- Eric Whalen, Boyne Highlands Security - 31
- Ellen Beatty, organizer of Hospitality & Service Providers Fund - 30
- Jim Masta, Boyne Highlands Security - 29
- BC Pizza Team - 26
- Scott Brown, Harbor Springs IGA manager -17
- ... and 22 other nominees with less than 8 votes each.
Thanks to our Event Sponsors:
Thanks to our Safe Harbor Heroes Recipient Sponsors:
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26 SKELETONS ARISE!
Let's celebrate and decorate for Halloween
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More than two dozen local businesses have signed up to participate in Harbor Springs' first Skeletons Arise project, which continues through the month of October. And it's not too late to join them!
Let's have a Humerus October and make this a Joint effort to enjoy our Harbor Springs community!
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The Loft asks: "Does working from home have you climbing the walls? |
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"Would you like a drink with your popcorn," this skeleton asks a movie-goer in the lobby of the Lyric Theatre. |
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This skeleton enjoys a cup of coffee while relaxing in front of Cochon Gourmet Market and Coffee House. |
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Harbor Springs Restaurant Week includes at least 12 choices from October 16-25 |
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The Chamber's Fall Restaurant Week now has 12 eateries signed up, and more may be added by the time it starts next week. We traditionally hold Restaurant Week in the spring, but this year we added a fall version from Friday, October 16th, through Sunday, October 25th. Instead of pre-set price points as we’ve had in the past, participating restaurants have the flexibility to offer whatever specials work best for them. Here are the participating restaurants so far. We will be adding more menus as they come in:
- Bar Harbor
- BC Pizza - Menu
- Mim's Mediterranean Grill - Menu
- Northern Lights Recreation Center - Menu
- Paper Station Bistro
- Pierson’s Grille & Spirits
- Rodrigo’s - Menu
- Small Batch
- State Road Provisions
- The New York Restaurant - Menu
- Turkey’s Cafe & Pizzeria - Menu
- Vernales - Menu
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As soon as you sign up, we will begin promoting you.
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Restaurant Week includes two “date night” weekends, since the promotion runs from Friday, October 16th through Sunday, October 25th. Popular discounts include two-for-one price entrees, a free appetizer or dessert with entree, or just a great price on certain meals. We encouraged take-out for those who may not be comfortable dining out. It is up to each restaurant to design their own deals and provide the chamber (and potential customers) a Restaurant Week Menu or flyer, preferably a PDF document. We also encourage you to send us a picture to go with your specials. Then we will link to your flyer in our newsletters, website and social media.
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Alliance supports keeping businesses safe |
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In response to the Michigan Supreme Court's recent ruling, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Director Robert Gordon issued an Emergency Order restricting gathering |
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sizes, requiring face coverings in public spaces, and placing limitations on bars and other venues. This is a fluid situation, and we continue to work to provide the most up-to-date information for businesses.
As the Governor and Legislature work to put in place safeguards to protect Michiganders from COVID-19, the Harbor Springs Chamber and the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance continue to help businesses navigate this challenging environment. Regardless of where the authority to implement safety protocol is derived, the Alliance has agreed to a framework to advocate for businesses from a regional perspective. Moving forward, the Alliance wants to:
- Continue to wear masks to keep our local business open, keep our friends and neighbors employed, and keep our communities safe;
- Support keeping places of employment safe with required screening protocols for employees;
- Base capacity decisions for businesses on the ability to socially distance and keep customers six feet apart; and,
- Empower our local governments to loosen and tighten safeguards as necessary, depending on the local health landscape.
> Confusion reigns over masks, business rules after COVID ruling - Story
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Here's how local businesses are coping, and there's still time for you to be featured here
We asked our members how they are doing these days, when many of us have had to change how we conduct business. If you’d like to be featured in our Member Spotlight and share some of your ideas and coping strategies, please take this short survey. Then we will share them with our newsletter readers and social media followers.
We've received some great answers! Here are 32 in recent weeks and one more this week (below):
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Dr. Jane Millar, Northern Community Mediation:
"Surprisingly enough, the transition to our new way of doing business is going quite well. In fact, the mediations seem to be less contentious."
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What have you had to do differently since the pandemic began?
Since March, staff has been working remotely from home as much as possible. Secondly, all mediations and meetings are being done via Zoom.
What has worked?
Surprisingly enough, the transition to our new way of doing business is going quite well. In fact, the mediations seem to be less contentious. Agreement rates have remained at the same level, and evaluations completed by participants indicate a high level of satisfaction.
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We recently completed an eight-hour advanced mediator training via Zoom. Again, there was a high level of satisfaction. A common remark was: "I did not see how a non face-to-face training could be effective, but doing it via Zoom was great."
What has NOT worked?
There are certain things that simply cannot be done remotely. This makes for an inconvenience of staff trying to coordinate when they will go into the office so that we maintain social distancing as much as possible. Obviously, we always wear masks, which means that glasses often fog up.
What is the most important thing you have learned?
When there is a will, there is a way. We simply adapt.
Anything else you would like to share?
Like most companies and organizations, Northern Community Mediation is seeing a financial pinch. The year 2020 is not as much of a challenge, however, as will be 2021 and perhaps, even 2022. Funding that has in the past been dependable, we already know is being significantly reduced.
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Peak fall color coming soon to Emmet County
The Harbor Springs Chamber and 9 and 10 News fall color experts advise that the next three weekends will be our peak color this season – Oct. 10-11 and Oct. 17-18, and Oct. 24-25 for the Tunnel of Trees along the Lake Michigan coast. The map above is courtesy of 9 and 10 News and is updated each Tuesday on their website.
9 and 10 News also recommends these color tours in Emmet County:
- Mitchell Road from Fletcher Road to Cheboygan County line
- Pleasantview Road from M-119 to Robinson Road
- Robinson Road from State Road to Pleasantview Road
- State Road from Harbor Springs to Cross Village
- Stutsmanville Road from Pleasantview to W. Townline, then W. Townline Road north
- Brutus Road from Pleasantville Road to US-31
- Tunnel of Trees – M-119
- Williams Road from US-131 to Resort Pike Road
- Resort Pike Road from Williams Road to Indian Garden Road
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Get to know our 6 City Council candidates
Each one sent us a short statement about themselves
The Harbor Springs Chamber of Commerce asked each of the six city council and mayor candidates to send us a short statement about their background and reasons for running in the November 3rd election. Click here to read their statements.
Four candidates are on the ballot for two City Council positions now held by Mike Naturkas and Cece Johnston, who are both seeking reelection. The challengers are former Mayor Al Dika and former A.J. Pontius Flower Shop owner Nancy Rondel.
Bill Mulder is running for mayor against incumbent Matt Bugera, who owns The New York Restaurant. Mulder is a retired senior manager for AT&T and is currently a board member of Harbor, Inc.
The chamber also organized a City Candidates Forum that was held online via Zoom on September 28th. Click here to watch a recording of the forum, which lasts 57 minutes. All of the candidates participated except Mike Naturkas, who was out of town at the time.
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Chamber seeks nominees for board of directors |
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The Harbor Springs Area Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for open seats on the chamber’s Board of Directors to serve three-year terms. Nominees must come from businesses or organizations that are members in good standing with the Harbor Springs Chamber.
Ideal candidates serve in leadership roles in their organization and/or bring specific skills, talents, or experiences that can benefit the mission of the chamber, which is "To promote, enhance and contribute to the success of the business community and visitor experience."
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To nominate yourself or another individual, please send an email to Executive Director Bonnie Kulp ( director@harborspringschamber.com), writing BOARD NOMINATION in the subject line. The email should include a brief message of why the candidate would be interested in serving on the chamber’s board of directors, and the skills and talents they can bring to the board. Nominations must be received by Friday, October 9th.
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Chamber Gazebo open weekends; Masks, window clings, T-shirts available
The Chamber’s Visitor Information Gazebo on the Waterfront near Stafford’s Pier restaurant is staffed from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays through October. Our “Gazebo Guys” - Fred Tabor, Dave McSherry and Larry Richey - are there to answer questions and give out brochures, maps and information to visitors.
The Chamber office at 368 Main Street is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. We ask that you wear a mask if you come visit us, and we'll be following social distancing guidelines. You're also welcome to call us at 231-526-7999.
Safe Harbor face masks and window clings are still available at the Chamber Gazebo and Chamber office. Masks are $10, and window clings are $3, including sales tax.
Harbor Springs T-shirts - A few of the popular shirts designed by local artist Mary Hramiec Hoffman of Hramiec Hoffman Gallery are available for $10 (regular price $25). We have one women's large shirt and 3 men's medium shirts remaining. T-shirt illustration.
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Newsworthy...
City of Harbor Springs moves forward with solar project - Story
Area health dept. supports state health department's emergency order - Story
Judge criticizes state police investigation of fatal crash - Story
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City of Harbor Springs news
Fall leaf and brush pick-up continues through Friday, November 13th - Details
City Manager's October 5th report: Election sign rules, beach bathrooms have closed for the season, and more.
- Planning Commission, 5:30 p.m. Oct. 15. The city has scheduled a public hearing on sidewalk signs and outdoor displays for this meeting.
- City Council, 7 p.m. Oct.19
- Downtown Development Agency (DDA), 8 a.m. Nov. 5.
- Full calendar.
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Business resources and COVID-19 updates
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MEMBER NEWS
Promote yourself... send us your news.
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SCORE newsletter filled with timely business tips
- Simple steps for starting your business
- Dealing with the new “normal”
- Marketing your business in the midst of Covid-19: 5 tips to stay afloat
- NCMC partners to offer more than 100 online classes
- Connecting Women in Business on Oct. 27
- SCORE webinars to help your business
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Pond Hill Fall Fest weekends are ticketed events
For this season, Fall Fest weekends at Pond Hill Farm will be a ticketed event in which all tickets are sold for $10 per person online ahead of time. This includes 5 activity tickets, admission to the fest for 2 1/2 hours and free parking. Fall Fest weekends are Saturdays and Sundays from now through October 25th. Time slots are 10am-12:30pm, 1-3:30pm, and 4-6:30pm.
We will also be open from 11am-6pm on weekdays with no admission charge. We intend to make cider and donuts, pumpkin bowling, pumpkin smashing and pumpkin skee ball available to guests at times during the weekdays. Activity tickets will be available each day for these games.
Friend us on Facebook for updates as they become available. This system will allow us to be able to control the number of people on property, give us the ability to contact trace in the event of a Covid case and also to provide a safe and enjoyable time for guests. Tickets are not refundable or transferable. The Health Department is requiring all people to be accounted for, therefore guests of all ages must have a ticket.
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Who are you?
Historical Society offers genealogy appointments
Who are you? The Harbor Springs Area Historical Society is now offering genealogy appointments to help you answer that question! Staff will work one-on-one with you to search Ancestry.com and uncover the history of your family.
Appointments are required and will be held every 20 minutes between 5 and 7 pm. at the Harbor Springs History Museum, 349 E Main Street. If guests would like to stay after their session to use Ancestry.com on their own, they are welcome to do so. Face masks are required and guests are encouraged to bring their own laptops.
Call 231-526-9771 to schedule your appointment.
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Artists invited to submit work for new hospital wing |
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McLaren Northern Michigan is on schedule to open the new wing on the Petoskey campus next summer, 2021. The new construction and renovations have been designed to enhance the patient experience, making McLaren Northern Michigan the best place for physicians to practice, employees to work, and most importantly for patients to receive care. Artwork is one of many features that will provide an optimal healing environment for all who visit the facility.
Distinctive Art Source (DAS), an art consultant specializing in health care facility installations, is managing the procurement of over 300 pieces of art for public and patient areas within the new wing. DAS has released a detailed Call for Artists with a deadline of October 26, to submit images representing the artists work. Many art mediums will be considered, and priority will be given to purchasing artwork from Northern Michigan artists.
McLaren Northern Michigan Foundation is grateful for generous contributions to this art program and for the opportunity to partner with the vibrant art community in Northern
Michigan. A very special thank you to Crooked Tree Arts Center and Northwest Michigan Arts & Culture Network for helping to reach Northern Michigan artists.
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DDA can reimburse downtown businesses for PPE supplies
The Harbor Springs Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has received grant funds from the Petoskey-Harbor Springs Community Foundation to help with the cost of personal protection equipment (PPE) for supplies related to COVID 19 safety in businesses. If you are a downtown business, the DDA can reimburse you up to $200. Funds are limited, first come, first served, and all that is needed to apply is to send receipts to the DDA Director. Thank you, Community Foundation for letting the DDA help our businesses!
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Donations are down; Salvation Army needs your help to “Rescue Christmas”
Due to store closings, reduced foot traffic at local stores and less people carrying cash, the Salvation Army of Petoskey could see a significant decrease of funds raised at Red Kettles this year - yet the need has increased. We have already provided an increase of over $175,000 in emergency assistance through August and expect to see an increase in our Holiday Assistance as well. Please click here or call (231) 347-3531 to start helping now. |
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Canadian Brass to perform at Center for the Arts
The Great Lakes Center for the Arts is thrilled to be open and presenting limited capacity, socially distanced, live events. Attend with confidence and your mask. The Center has worked hard to create a responsible space for staff, volunteers, artists, and patrons. Each show will be socially distanced and limited to 132 patrons.
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Sunday, Oct. 18 – Canadian Brass, 7:30 p.m.
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Saturday, Nov. 7 – Etienne Charles & Creole Soul, 8 p.m.
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This weekend at the Lyric Theatre
Last chance for Tenet, Kajillionaire, The Keeper & Vinyl Nation. A Call To Spy, The Walrus & the Whistleblower, Meeting The Beatles in India open 10/9
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Our Restaurant Guide is updated online
Harbor Happenings is moving our Restaurant Guide online. We will continue to update it and provide any restaurant news here in our newsletter with a link to the online guide. It includes info on 24 restaurants offering both dine-in and take-out service. The latest update:
The Compass Room restaurant at True North Golf Club is closing for the season on Sunday, October 11th.
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Chamber members: help us promote you!
Let us know about your business news, promotions and events - it’s a free benefit of membership.
> REACH 750+ WITH YOUR AD or press release in Harbor Happenings. You’ll get great local exposure - our newsletter goes out to nearly 1,800 people and is opened by more than 750 each week. Here are your advertising options:
- Display ad and web link at the top of the newsletter - $60.
- Exclusive e-blast featuring your business - $125
We can create your ad or give you the specs to have your people do it. We invoice you after your ad runs. To send us your news, reserve your ad or ask questions, contact jim@harborspringschamber.com.
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One post lists your jobs on chamber website and North Central Michigan College |
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NEW... when you send us your job posting, North Central Michigan College will automatically post it on their jobs board!
> We have jobs listed below from 12 employers. Check our Jobs Page for new listings. |
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CUTLER'S, INC - Full time/ part time Sales Associates, Shipping and Receiving. Details.
ACE HARDWARE - Freight Room Manager and Sales Representatives. Details.
BIRCHWOOD INN - Front desk receptionist. Details.
HIGHLAND HIDEAWAY BED & BREAKFAST - Housekeepers, $13/hour. Details.
CARPENTER, Experience preferred - Adelaine Construction, Inc., 8555 Commerce Court Harbor Springs, Experience Preferred. Details.
DELI CLERK, NIGHT STOCK, STARBUCKS BARISTA AND SERVICE CLERK - D&W Fresh Market, 1163 US 31 North Petoskey. We offer competitive wages (most positions beginning at $12) and flexible scheduling. Anyone interested can apply at Spartannash.com/careers.
CAREGIVER - Angel Heart Home Care, Petoskey. Details.
CLINIC ATTENDANT/MEDICAL ASSISTANTS and other positions - Bay Street Orthopaedics & Spine, Petoskey. Details.
RADIOLOGY TECHNICIAN - Bay Street Orthopaedics & Spine, Petoskey. Details.
PINEVIEW COTTAGE Assisted Living and Memory Care is looking to hire full and part-time caregivers - second and third shift. $500 sign-on bonus for full-time, $250 bonus for part-time. Our luxury assisted living/memory care community is looking for caring, compassionate, detail-oriented and dependable caregivers. Position includes assisting our residents with bathing, dressing, grooming, medications, activities and meal service in our fine dining room. Premium wages, and comprehensive benefits, paid time off & paid holidays. Call Dean at 810-516-8928.
PINEVIEW COTTAGE - We are looking for a beautician one or two days a week. Call us if you love working with our elderly. Ask to speak with Brooke, 231-412-6069.
PIERSON’S GRILLE & SPIRITS is hiring year-round staff. Looking for positive, high-energy, outgoing, friendly professionals to join our team! Call 231-526-2967 or fill out an application online at www.piersonsgrille.com.
TURKEY'S RESTAURANT is now hiring for all positions. Come in to 250 E. Main Street and pick up an application or call Jeff or Sara at 231-526-6041.
BC PIZZA of Harbor Springs is now hiring delivery drivers. Please call 231-526-2424 or email lorilwathen@gmail.com to inquire. 930 State Street, 231-526-2424.
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Thank you, new Chamber members!
These local businesses and organizations have joined the Harbor Springs Chamber in recent weeks. We'd love to have you join them - and us!
- Michigan Community Capital
- Cochon Gourmet Market & Coffee House
- Cutler's
- Law Offices of Daniel J. Harris
- Bank of Ann Arbor
- HUZZA
- Admired in Harbor
- Emmet Brick & Block
- Thomas & Milliken Millwork
- Highland Hideaway Bed & Breakfast
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SPREAD THE NEWS - We'd love to send you the weekly Harbor Happenings newsletter. To subscribe, unsubscribe, advertise or submit your news, email info@harborspringschamber.com.
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Disclaimer: Information presented in the HSACC Newsletter does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Harbor Springs Area Chamber of Commerce or its membership. It is provided here as information only, as provided by member businesses & local organizations.
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