Can't view this email? Click here

Elk Rapids Area

Chamber of Commerce

"Monday Minutes" Newsletter

February 26, 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)

🎀Elk Rapids Ribbon Cutting is at 11:00 a.m.

Celebrating new ownership and name (formerly Samaritas)

Our community is invited to attend between 11 am - 3pm

Tours are available and there will be finger foods

The Chamber is accepting applications for the upcoming Arts and Crafts Shows and the Farmer's Market. For any questions, please contact Mary Lakin at mary@elkrapidschamber.org or call the chamber office at (231) 264-8202.

 ​--Elk Rapids Township--

Elk Rapids Township, Antrim County, Michigan 49629

Jurisdiction - Elk Rapids Township, Precinct 1 ​

2024 Primary & General Election Information

Voter Information

​

​Presidential Primary Election

Tuesday, ​February 27, 2024

Poll times: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., 

at the Government Center, 315 Bridge St., Elk Rapids

​Elk Rapids Township Voter Reminders

Michigan now permits early voting during the 9 days before a State or Federal Election

Elk Rapids Township Polls will be open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm beginning Saturday, February 17th through Sunday, February 25, 2024.

Polls are located at the Governmental Center at 315 Bridge Street, Elk Rapids

• Absentee/mail voting deadline(s) received by 8pm Feb 27th (sooner would be better)
• Voter ID: Photo ID (affidavit option for those without ID)

​ELECTIONS: For information on matters relating to elections, contact your county, city, or township clerk. Information can also be obtained from the Michigan Department of State, Bureau of Elections, P.O. Box 20126, Lansing, MI 48901-0726. Phone: (517) 335-3234. Fax: (517) 335-3235. Email: Elections@Michigan.gov. Web site: Michigan.gov/Elections State of Michigan

Public Meetings about Our CommUNITY

Wednesday, February 28, 6-7:30 pm

• Board & Commission Recruitment Event at BOS Wine Garden

Thursday, Feb. 29, Special ER Beautification Meeting, 10 am.

• Agenda

Monday, March 4, Harbor Visioning Workshop, 6 pm

Monday, March 4, ER School Board Meeting, 5:30 pm

Tuesday, March 5, ER Village Council, 6:30 pm

Village of Elk Rapids: www.elkrapids.org

Elk Rapids Township: https://www.elkrapids.com/

Milton Township: https://miltontownship.org/

Torch Lake Township:www.torchlaketownship.org/

Antrim County: antrimcounty.org

Acme Township: acmetownship.org/

Whitewater Township: whitewatertownship.org/

Helena Township: https://www.helenatownship.com/

News from Better Business Bureau of Western Michigan

Included in NEWSLETTER

BBB BUSINESS TIPS:

• Top Scams Targeting Small Businesses
• How to Handle Negative Reviews
• 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Building your Company Culture

The MiBiz360: Talent & HR Summit in Lansing is the place to be on March 6. Leading experts will help you and your business or organization tackle some of the biggest HR, employment law, and talent attraction and retention issues, trends, and best practices. Check out this quick video overview and make sure to save your seat today https://bit.ly/4aunINk

Roadmap to Rural Prosperity Released to Equip Michigan’s Rural Communities with Strategies to Build Long-Term Prosperity

Michigan’s Office of Rural Prosperity releases the State’s first-ever report focused on the challenges rural communities face and how to overcome them

The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s (LEO) Office of Rural Prosperity released the Michigan Roadmap to Rural Prosperity, a first-ever report from the State of Michigan that focuses on the challenges rural communities face and strategies to collectively build long-term prosperity in rural areas across the state.  

The Roadmap’s vision for rural prosperity centers on a future of resilient, connected rural residents, businesses, communities, and natural environments. This vision hinges on the close and continuous collaboration between state agencies, decision-makers, and rural communities and leaders to address the complex, structural, and long-term challenges that our communities face.  >>Read More

Career Connect Newsletter: February 2024

Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity

Click HERE to read the Newsletter, includes:

• It's Career & Technical Education (CTE) Month!
• Short-term training available
• Want more from your career? Visit Michigan Works!
• Get your degree, tuition-free .....and more

Employers, schools, and volunteers from throughout northwest Lower Michigan can still sign up for MiCareerQuest™ Northwest 2024.

The region's largest career exploration event for students will be held May 9 in Traverse City.



nwm.org/MICQNW

Michigan Public | February 26, 2024

Report: Michigan's high school graduation rate improved in 2023

The state also saw a decline in high school dropouts.

WPBN | February 23, 2024

Michigan's blight program invests $29 million in community revitalization

Underutilized properties in Michigan are getting a boost of support through the state's Blight Elimination Program

Second Wave Media | February 22, 2024

The Great Lakes Bay Small Business Hub receives federal entrepreneurial hub grantGovernor Whitmer designation unleashes vital resources for

Registration is open for the 2024 Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities (CEC) state-wide conference being held May 30-31 in Cadillac. CEC is a one-of-a-kind conference designed to share ideas from entrepreneurial communities, learn about helpful resources, and empower each other to support local entrepreneurs. Participants will also learn best practices from state and local entrepreneurial professionals. https://events.anr.msu.edu/event.cfm..."

2024 Career & Employment Fair

NMC's 18th annual Career and Employment Fair is presented in partnership with Northwest Michigan Works and Networks Northwest.

MARCH 7, 2024

HAGERTY CENTER, NMC'S GREAT LAKES CAMPUS ( SEE MAP)

2–6 P.M.* Free and open to the public >>>Read More

Small business manufacturers—are you prepared for a cyberattack?   Attend this upcoming webinar on March 6 to get your free cybersecurity risk assessment score.

The live panel discussion will feature cybersecurity experts from the Michigan SBDC, Automation Alley, and SensCy. Experts will delve into the steps small business manufacturers can take to prepare for cyber threats and the importance of having an action plan for when a cybersecurity incident occurs.

Register today at bit.ly/CyberReadinessMarch6.

On-Demand Webinar: Create a Strong Brand Identity

In a follow-up to her first presentation on budget-friendly marketing strategies, in this on-demand webinar presentation from Q Line Media founder Ayesha Qureshi, you’ll learn branding basics and fundamentals that can be implemented to create a strong brand identity and set your business apart from competitors. >>>>Read More

For recorded webinars and upcoming workshops: +

https://www.score.org/traversecity/local-workshops

ONLINE LIVE EVENT

Technology for Small Nonprofit Businesses

Monday, February 26, 2024, 12:00 pm EST

Technology makes it possible to expand a nonprofit's reach in the products and services it provides, thereby increasing its capacity to serve its intended population.

ONLINE LIVE EVENT

Business Insurance Basics - What You Need to Know

Tuesday, February 27, 2024, 1:00 pm EST

In this webinar, our expert presenter will guide you through the various kinds of business insurance and what you need and don't need for your business.

ONLINE LIVE EVENT

Surge Ahead with AI. 5 Strategies for Business Success

Thursday, February 29, 2024, 6:00 pm CST

New A tools and techniques are sweeping through the business landscape. This webinar offers 5 practical strategies to help grow your business

ONLINE LIVE EVENT

Defining The Role Of NonProfit Board Members For Fundraising

Monday, March 4, 2024, 10:00 am C

Defining The Role Of NonProfit Board Members For Fund Raising

Read the Latest News

>> February 21, 2024 Edition

Business Sentiment from the

Q4 Growth Barometer

Traverse Connect conducted its fourth quarter Business Growth Barometer Survey of investor and member businesses, aimed at providing a snapshot of our regional business sentiment, outlook, and current challenges. Traverse Connect’s accomplishments for the fourth quarter of 2023 are summarized to its six focus areas that are aligned to the strategic priorities of enhancing the competitiveness of the Grand Traverse regional economy, driving the growth of second-stage businesses, and developing and attracting a talented workforce. 

Read more about how respondents perceive the Grand Traverse Region as a place to grow their business, as well as the main barriers and opportunities for business in the Q4 Growth Barometer survey results.  >>READ THE REPORT

→ United Airlines will add seasonal flight service between Traverse City and Houston starting June 29 as Cherry Capital Airport continues to expand its direct connections around the country. The new route aims to strengthen economic ties and provide more travel options for passengers. 

READ ABOUT THE BLUE ECONOMY

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:

• Forklift Driver
• General Labor
• Maintenance Processor
• Sanitation Worker

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

ELK RAPIDS MARINA: Dock Hands

GRASS RIVER NATURAL AREA: Education Outreach Coordinator

INDULGE ELK RAPIDS DAY SPA, Seeking Licensed Cosmetologist

MICHIGAN LAKE PRODUCTS: Looking for:

Shop Supervisor and Shop Employees

URBAN DIVERSIONS: Looking for: Warehouse Supervisor

VILLAGE MARKET: HIRING FOR ALL POSITIONS!

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



https://www.artandconnection.org/register-draft

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 7, 2024 | 7:30 p.m. | Corson Auditorium 

Popular Music Ensemble: Rise Up - Songs of struggle and resistance

Friday, March 8, 2024 | 7:30 p.m. | Corson Auditorium

Jazz Combos: Celebrate Bud Powell Centennial

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 FEBRUARY Newsletter

See their website calendar for schedules

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.

Free Ideal Protein 

Weight Loss Seminar

February 27, 2024 -5:30 p.m. in Elk Rapids

Come learn about the doctor supervised Ideal Protein Weight Loss Program proven to promote fat loss, naturally suppresses appetite, and provides nutrition education and support to maintain weight loss. Sample foods available on the program.

Presented by Dr. Ann Kuenker

Elk Rapids Medical Clinic * 516 Bridge Street, ER Admission is free, please RSVP - call 231-264-0700

www.youridealyouweightloss.com

(Mon. Feb. 26, in Traverse City ~ Thurs. Feb. 29, in Petoskey)

Elk Rapids Yoga Flow

212 River Street * Elk Rapids

elkrapidsyogaflow.com * 231-463-4556

Book your Next Yoga Class today at

www.elkrapidsyogaflow.com/schedule

For our March DIG we will have Eugene's Record Co-op out to the distillery! For collectors looking for a more modern, yet eclectic mix of records.

Crate Dig Sundays is a vinyl record store pop-up event at the distillery, scheduled on the first Sunday of the month, January-April.

We are elated to bring you Eugene’s Record Co-Op for the month of March. They will be bringing a mix of vintage and modern vinyl. We will also have the finest audio companies on the planet, and a local design + build company to properly store your prized records.

Vinyl Records:

- Eugene’s Record Co-op (March DIG only)

- Vintage and Modern LPs & 45s

- Every music genre

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.

Spring Camp Registration Opens

Wed, February 28, 12 – 1 pm

Register at: https://www.grassriver.org/spring-camp.html

NMC The Science of Making Maple Syrup

Thursday, February 29 (In Person at GRNA), 1:00 pm (2 hrs.)

Discover the art of tapping maple trees by learning both traditional and modern methods. Tap into the science of maple syrup production, tree identification, and equipment needs, and get instruction for small-scale DIY projects. Registration through NMC Extended Education.

Harbor Antiques Mall

201 River Street in Elk Rapids

BIG Sale

Up to 50% off through March 1, 2024

(231) 264-6850

The Historic Elk Rapids Town Hall is located at 401 River Street in Elk Rapids

For National Cherry Month in February, King Orchards is offering free shipping on orders of Montmorency Tart Cherry Concentrate over $25. Use code FREESHIP25.

Stock up on delicious Montmorency Tart Cherry Concentrate products from our family-owned and operated business based in northern Michigan.

Get your taste of delectable tart cherry concentrate!

Save now through Thursday, 2/29/24.

✔️ Delicious, All Natural, Full of Health Benefits

✔️ Unique gift! Even those "impossible to buy for" could benefit from extra ZZZ's

✔️ Support a family farm and local small business

✔️ Great time to ship directly to friends and family during this savings event

USE CODE FREESHIP25

Music House Museum

"The Cummings Quartet in Concert"

Saturday, March 2 at 7:00 pm



The Cummings Quartet is a northern Michigan-based ensemble of professionals who perform with the Traverse Symphony Orchestra and the Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra. Named after the benefactors of the Dorothy Gerber Strings Program, the quartet serves as teachers and artistic representatives of the Gerber program throughout the region. Along with their concert program, they will be performing one short piece with the Elk Rapids Junior Ensemble and a single-movement piece by Puccini with Eeva Rintala, the GLCO Young Artist winner.

We hope to see you there. Tickets are available at MyNorthTickets or by going to musichouse.org

Music House Museum*7377 U.S. 31 North*Williamsburg*(231) 938-9300

Pearl's New Orleans Kitchen🟣617 Ames Street🟡 Elk Rapids 🟢(231) 264-0530

Sacred Heart Catholic Parish

Fish Fry Fridays

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

143 Charles Street, Elk Rapids, MI, 49629.

All are welcome to join the parish community for a delicious meal of either fried cod with chips for $13 or baked salmon with chips for $14.  The dinners will be provided by Sacred Heart's Outreach Committee, which focuses on building community at the parish.

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

Feb. 28 @ 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!

Wine and Vines: Basics of Colored Pencil ~ WaterFire Vineyards

Sunday, March 3, 2024, from 1 - 4 pm

Spend an easygoing afternoon at WaterFire Vineyards learning how to draw and blend colored pencils with artist Samantha Hall. Everyone starts at the entry-level, and she will begin by guiding you through some of the basic techniques. As you hone your skills, you will work your way up to drawing a vineyard-themed piece of art that is unique to you!

Waterfire Vineyard🍷12180 Sutter Rd🍫Kewadin (231) 498-2753

Read the February 26, Newsletter

Acme Christian Thrift Store

❄️WINTER SALE❄️

50% OFF

🧥Coats, 👒Hats, 🧣Scarfs, 🧤Gloves, and 🥾Boots

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

The Elk Rapids Robotics Roboherd is working hard to get its robot ready by the first competition on March 8 in Lake City.

• Would you or your company be interested in sponsoring the team?
• We also need mentors who could help guide team members in fundraising, PR, marketing, business administration, and especially programming.

Questions? Contact Tim Hibbard, thibb@mac.com or call (650) 743-7027

February Special🩷

Spa Package - Book any (2) Facials or Massages, Get 20% Off

40% Off Large Selection of Retail ~ While Supplies Last

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

The most effective navigational tool is that which allows you to find your way on land, sea, or in cyberspace at any given time and place! 

>>> READ PAGE 2 & 3 OF 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

As part of an organization with strong local community leaders, we invite you to apply for GLE Next. GLE Next provides an opportunity for those interested in learning more about Great Lakes Energy and the impacts the electric cooperative has in the communities we serve. We also encourage you to share this opportunity with fellow community leaders.

GLE Next will be held on March 7, 2024, at Great Lakes Energy, 1323 Boyne Ave. Boyne City MI, from 9:30 A.M. – 2:30 P.M. with lunch provided.

 The GLE Next program covers topics such as: 

• The structure of GLE
• Distribution / Production
• Metering and reliability
• New technology – solar, wind, fuel cells
• Electric vehicles
• Truestream fiber internet
• Board of Director roles and responsibilities
• Impact on the community
• Inner workings of a cooperative
• The people behind the process

Ideal participants would have Great Lakes Energy as their provider, but it is not necessary. Space is limited. Interested in participating? Please apply by Feb. 29.

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

https://bit.ly/41yPmVr

Elk Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce

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