 Our Mission The Sault Area Chamber of Commerce serves to promote, advance and contribute to the economic well-being of the business community and visitor experience, while preserving the character, history, and traditions of the greater Sault Ste. Marie area. Its mission is to exhibit positive community leadership by supporting activities to improve the education and economic development of the business community and serving members with valuable support to improve business activity and collaboration in the community. |
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Calendar of Events...
Every Wednesday
August 24-26
2012 Cabela's Masters Walleye Circuit Tournament
August 26
River of History Museum presents the St. Mary's River Boat Cruise
August 27-Sept 3
Chippewa County Fair at Kinross Fairgrounds
August 29 - Sept 2
Sault Salmon Slam, Aune Osborn Park
August 30
Local author, Janet Beasley, at Bayliss Library 6:30 pm
The Great American Songbook, Mike Dempsey and Friends at Soo Theatre 7:30 pm
Chris Young in concert at Kewadin Casino, 7:00 pm
September 2
Monarch Madness at Seney Wildlife Refuge, 9:00 am
September 7
The Ragbirds in concert at LSSU, 8:00 pm
Sault Riverview Music Festival, City Hall, 5:00 pm
September 8
Sault Riverview Music Festival, City Hall, 1:00 pm
Visit
www.saultstemarie.org
for more details
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Board of Directors
Shelley-White Thomas
President, The White-Thomas Law Firm, PLLC
Bill Goldenbogen
President-Elect, Superior Insurance
Jeremy Gagnon
Past-President, U.P. Engineers & Architects
Beverly Slayter Vice President, Superior Travel Allison Brawley Treasurer, Northern Life Yoga/Studio David Jahn Director, War Memorial Hospital Heather Atkinson Director, Allstar Graphics Sherry Brooks Director, Lake Superior State University Tom Ewing Director, Sovereign Communications Janice Frye Director, Kewadin Casino Shawn Oborne Director, Bay Mills Resort & Casino Christopher Szabo Director, The Antlers Restaurant Chamber Staff
Al Case, Executive Director Joann Bartunek, Office Manager  
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The 3rd Annual Sault Area Chamber Chase is less than one month away! Runners, don't miss this opportunity to cross the International Bridge as part of the Marathon, Half-Marathon, or Bridge Run (10K) events. Not a runner? Consider coming out to the course to support the Chase runners as they take on the Bridge and a flat and fast route that runs parallel to the St. Mary's River on what will hopefully be a beautiful autumn day. Whether your preference is being in the action or spectating from the sidelines, please help support this positive event for our community that celebrates two of our most important landmarks, one man-made and the other natural: The International Bridge and the St. Mary's River.
Chase events in 2010 and 2011 brought in nearly 300 runners each with many coming from out-of-town. This event serves as an economic stimulus for our area hotels and restaurants and provides a unique opportunity for our community to showcase itself during what is usually a quiet time of year for tourism in Sault Ste Marie. Encourage your family and friends from all around to participate and please consider volunteering your services as well; volunteers are needed for Course Marshals, Water Stations, Registration, and more! Please contact the Chamber at 906-632-3301 or office@saultstemarie.org to learn more on how to participate - whether as a runner or a volunteer!
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"Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth" ~ Muhammad Ali
If you are a frequent reader of the Chamber Editorial, you've no doubt noted my use of epigraphs to guide and shape my columns. The epigraph is a wonderful tool that allows a writer to set a tone for their work by simply borrowing words from another person. Often times these words are inspirational or offer some profound or axiomatic insight. My use of the epigraph is not uncommon, but those that I have used have often come from favorite authors, noted philosophers, or brilliant lyricists. My choice for this month's column breaks that trend in the selection of a man more noted for use of his fists rather than his mind.
In choosing Mr. Ali as the facilitator of my monthly epigraph, I've selected a person whose persona was, in his prime, seemingly larger than life. Ali was not only the face of boxing during a time when the sport was arguably at its peak in popularity, but he was also an ambassador to the world, a charming and verbose man who was filled with as much bravado as controversy. He was simultaneously an inspiration and the subject of contentious discussion in homes and public places across America. It was his ability to inspire, even at the risk of condemnation and marginalization, that I chose his words to borrow for this month's Chamber Editorial.
I will not be as presumptuous as Ali to believe that my audience is one that is captive and in eager anticipation of my column. To the contrary, I imagine that the reader is a friend, perhaps an acquaintance, or simply a inquisitive member of our community that perchance wishes to learn more about community activities from the perspective of the Chamber Director. I appreciate the readership that I have and am grateful for those that take time out of their day to consider what I've written as being of even moderate significance. It is within this context, once again, that I ask for your assistance, your "service," to help our community prosper.
If you are reading this column, you are likely familiar with the myriad activities for which the Chamber was involved this summer. From The Great Race to the Fourth of July Parade to Sault Ships & Sailabration, the Chamber has played an active role in helping our community be an active and vibrant place this summer. The Chamber has done this in partnership with various groups and organizations in our community, from the CVB and DDA to LSSU and City Officials. Perhaps most importantly, however, we've relied on the efforts of individual community volunteers. These volunteers put their faith and good intentions into action and have helped make each of these events a success. Rather than the too common refrain of referencing an abstract "they" in proclamations such as "they should do X or Y," these individuals have asked how they, as individuals, could help with such activities. "What can I do to help?" "How can I get involved?" "What can we do to make this better?"
The change in language is subtle, but the change in meaning is dramatic. Rather than suggesting "they" - the implication that someone or some other group do the work - these individuals made the decision to be part of the world they wanted to change. "You must be the change you want to see in the world," the words of Mahatma Gandhi, apply to your world, the community that you live in as much as they do the greater world at large.
It is within this context that I implore you to volunteer and take part in the events you want to see happen in our community. To those of you that already do so, it is wonderful seeing you with such frequency; for those that have not, please consider carving out some time to "be the change" that you want to see in our community. Please expect less of the other and more of yourself. Please make the next event that you feel needs to be improved one that you shape. Our community deserves it and there are lots of organizations that would love to see you help. Rent is due and it is time to pay in kind.
Sincerely,
Al Case
Executive Director
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Chamber News
Sault Area Chamber of Commerce hours: Monday-Friday 9 am to 5 pm or by appointment.
Ambassador's meet on the 1st Tuesday at noon at the Sault Chamber of Commerce. Learn more about Ambassadors or "Red Coats" by visiting our website.
Board of Director's meet at 7:30 a.m. on the 2nd Friday of each Month at the Sault Area Chamber of Commerce. The next scheduled meeting is Friday, September 14. All Chamber members are welcome to attend.
Welcome New Members!
Goetz Lockview Restaurant
Doreen Goetz,Owner
329 West Portage Avenue
Sault Ste Marie, MI 49783
906-632-2772
E-mail: lockview@lighthouse.net
Find them on Facebook!
Long Ships Motel
Tammy Cook, Manager
427 West Portage Avenue
Sault Ste Marie, MI 49783
906-632-2422
E-mail: palace@lighthouse.net
Web: www.longshipsmotel.net
The Palace Restaurant and Saloon
Tammy Cook, Manager
200 West Portage Avenue
Sault Ste Marie, MI 49783
906-632-7721
E-mail: palace@lighthouse.net
Find them on Facebook!
 Join The Sault Events, Inc. as it hosts the first Sault Riverview Music Festival. The festival will be filled with Sault Ste. Marie's local talent playing all genres of music. Come and take part in Music Workshops presented by Grooves Music. The festival will host a free family activities event Saturday from 11am-3pm and from 4-8pm Hospice of the EUP will have a fish fry; cost will be posted at a later date. Please see the Riverview Music Festival homepage for a full list of activities.
Save the Date: Saturday, October 20th. Join us for Storage Wars - Sault Area - The Game as part of the 2012 Annual "Dash for the Cash" Raffle at Bay Mills Resort and Casinos.
Upon arrival, all guests 21 and over will be entered into a drawing to become one of 10 contestants to enter into a bidding war with Bidding Bucks provided. The fun begins when the lights dim and the dinner show begins when an auctioneer shouts out the rules and reminds the contestants to "Pay the Lady!" Five storage units will hold, among other things, gift certificates for rooms, food, and golf.
The Grand Prize will once again be $10,000 in cash with second place receiving $1,000 and third place $500. Fourth through tenth place finishers will receive prizes valued at least $100. Additional prizes will also be rewarded throughout the evening.
Tickets can be purchased at the Sault Area Chamber of Commerce for $50 each or 5 for $200. Each ticket includes entry into the event, dinner, and an opportunity at the Grand Prize of $10,000. Only 500 tickets will be sold for this event; Grand Prize through tenth place winners need not be present to win. For more information, please call 906-632-3301 or e-mail office@saultstemarie.org.
 
Business After Five for August Hosted by Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society This month's BA5 was held at the Weather Bureau Building in the Soo Locks Park, home to the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society's office. Complimentary snacks and an opportunity to tour the facilty were in store for all in attendance as well as wonderful prizes donated by the hosts and the Sault Country Club and Golf Course. Best Small Museum - The Shipwreck Society's "Best Small Museum in the U.S." as proclaimed by Money Magazine is located in the Weather Bureau Building in the Soo Locks Park.
Business After Five or BA5 is a great opportunity to network with fellow Chamber members while supporting a local Chamber business in the process. BA5 takes place the third Thursday of each month and includes fun, food, and prizes. The September BA5 will be hosted by Island Books and Crafts on Thursday, September 13th, one week early due to planning for the Chamber Chase which will take place on the 22nd. Visit our calendar for a list of all the BA5 locations in 2012. The Chamber Ambassadors or "Red Coats" Enjoy a Busy Summer Schedule The Chamber Ambassadors kept up a busy schedule this past month, participating in various community events, including 3 Grand Opening events with Hospice of the EUP, Second Childhood & Adults, Too!, State Farm - Mansfield Agency, and a Water Street Dedication Ceremony. Although the summer is quickly passing us by, the Red Coats still have one final event in store with the LSSU Quarterdeck Grand Opening on Thursday, August 30. Check out details on all Red Coat events by visiting our Ribbon Cutting homepage. Open for Business - Leisa Mansfield, along with family, staff, and the Good Neighbear is joined by the Chamber Ambassadors or "Red Coats" as she cuts the ceremonial ribbon to officially open her new State Farm Agency. Located at 1514 Ashmun next to Neville's Superette, the Mansfield State Farm Agency's mission is to help people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected and realize their dreams. Chamber Young Professionals Social on Thursday, August 23 at Tower of History The Young Professionals, the Chamber's newest group, will be hosting a social event at the Tower of History this Thursday, August 23 from 5:30 - 7:30 pm. The event will be a potluck and with participants encouraged to bring a tasty dish and their own beverage.
The Young Professionals, or YP, is a group created to engage working professionals between the ages of 21 - 40 and introduce them to the area's business community and help them expand their networking opportunities.
Whether your goal is to develop your professional network, increase your social circle, better connect to civic and philanthropic activities in the community or just have fun, they have several goals in store for Young Professionals in the Sault area.
The YP seeks to address the three main priorities young professionals have identified as most important to them when choosing a place to live and work:
- Social and recreational opportunities
- Personal and professional development
- Connection and engagement with the community
Know of someone that fits the description of a YP that might be interested in learning more? Please refer them to Al Case, Executive Director, for more information.
Celebrating the 50th - The Young Professionals celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the International Bridge by hosting a Roof Top BBQ to view the Bridge Lighting Ceremony and Fireworks on June 28th. Music, tents, and the wonderful cake pictured above were all provided courtesy of Simply Unforgettable Wedding & Events.
2012 Calendar of Events - Interested in being on our events calendar? Contact our office at 906-632-3301 or e-mail office@saultstemarie.org |
Chamber Member News
 Oaklawn Chapel Gardens invites you to be their guest at a special event honoring those lost on 9-11-2001 and also to honor those serving in our local communities today. The event will be held September 11, 2012 at 8:30 am in the Chap at Oaklawn Chapel Gardens. The public is cordially invited to honor them at this special commemorative event.
Please RSVP for this event by contacting Oaklawn Chapel Gardens at 906-647-2407.
Wild Bluff Golf Course is pleased to announce that their 2013 Wild Bluff Season Passes are now available. Their entire staff is excited to make this offering and hope you will consider this opportunity. Probably the most intriguing part of their offer is the "Deposit Program", which gives players the opportunity to pay a portion ($500 non-refundable) of the 2013 season pass before Labor Day 2012, and enjoy the benefits of Wild Bluff from Labor Day through the remainder of this season. Read more...
 Bayliss Public Library presents "Hospitalite"
(2010, Japan, Comedy) on Thurs., Aug. 23, 7 p.m. (not change of time). For adult audiences. From the Film Movement Subscription Series.
The United Way of the EUP would really appreciate input to help them increase their impact in the community. It is critical that they be as careful and strategic as possible in the investments they make and the work they do. They believe they are making positive changes to better meet their mission to improve the lives of people in Chippewa, Luce, and Mackinac Counties. They would like feedback from you, their supporters, volunteers, partners, and neighbors on how they are doing and where you think they should concentrate their efforts. Please take a few minutes to complete the following survey. The survey will be open until October 31, 2012. You do not need to make a donation to participate in this survey. www.surveymonkey.com/s/uweup2012
Sault Ste. Marie Bridge Authority to Dial Back Bridge Fares to 1962 Rates for 24 Hours to Observe 50th
Anniversary
At its quarterly meeting in July, the Sault Ste. Marie Bridge Authority (SSMBA) voted to roll back passenger vehicle tolls this Oct. 31 to $1.25, the same rate motorists paid when the bridge opened 50 years ago. Read more...
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Community Notes
The Summer Sault Ste. Marie Farmers Market continues their summer activity at their old location under the canopy at the corner of Ashmun St. and Portage Ave, and they're excited about another successful summer of helping local farmers and crafters share the fruits of their labor with the public. Stop by every Wednesday starting at 4 pm to browse your local farmers and merchants food and wares.
 Sister Cities - Sault Ste Marie, MI Mayor, Tony Bosbous, poses with Sault Ste Marie, ON Mayor, Debbie Amaroso as part of the Sister City Signing Agreement on Thursday, August 16 at the Ontario Civic Centre. The Twin Saults have made history by becoming the first Canada/U.S. border communities to sign a formal Sister City Agreement. The partnership not only enhances the relationship between the two municipalities, it is also expected to pave the way for increased
economic development initiatives, educational and cultural exchanges, and other cooperative ventures.
NRC Approves Antlerless Deer License Quotas
The Department of Natural Resources will offer a total of 708,650 antlerless deer licenses for the upcoming season after the Natural Resources Commission (NRC) adopted quotas at its regular monthly meeting in July. The NRC approved a total of 70,750 public-land antlerless deer licenses and a total of 637,900 private-land antlerless deer licenses. The changes result in a decrease of 47,550 licenses from 2011. Read more...
Tribes Stock 760,000 Walleye Fingerlings in Great Lakes Waters; Analysis Shows Substantial Contribution to Walleye Fishery
SAULT STE. MARIE - Despite low water conditions in some of its walleye rearing ponds, the Inter-tribal Fisheries and Assessment Program (ITFAP) was able to raise over 760,000 walleye fingerlings for stocking in local waters. Overall, ITFAP's analysis shows a significant contribution of stocked walleye in ITFAP's traditional stocking areas, from 33 percent in St. Mary's River to 90 percent in Grand Traverse Bay of Lake Michigan. Read more...
Hunters: Pure Michigan Hunt Winner's Story Could be Yours in 2013
The Department of Natural Resources reminds hunters that there is still plenty of time to apply for the 2013 Pure Michigan Hunt, which will give three lucky winners the opportunity to participate in every limited-license hunt in Michigan. The winners receive elk, bear, antlerless deer, and spring and fall turkey hunting licenses, as well as first choice in the daily drawings at one of the DNR's managed waterfowl areas.
Interested in having your community news or event published in the Chamber Newsletter? Please send prepared and edited releases to director@saultstemarie.org. Any additional items must be provided in a pdf format. The Sault Area Chamber of Commerce reserves final right of publication with all submissions for Community Notes.
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Economic & State News
MI Chamber Provides Guidelines for Businesses and Health Care Reform
As the dust settles after the U.S. Supreme Court's historic 5-4 decision to uphold the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA or "Act"), employers face many questions about the law and how its implementation will affect their operations and bottom line.
While the ruling is clearly not the end of the debate over health care reform, there is no question that employers should begin planning for full implementation of the 2,800-page Act, since the major provisions of the Act take effect in January 2014 and other provisions take effect later this year and next.
Here are the top 10 things every employer needs to do to prepare for implementation of the ACA:
- Now: Ensure you are in compliance with the ACA's current requirements.
- August 2012: Prepare to share Medical Loss Ratio (MLR) rebates with employees.
- Before September 23, 2012: Prepare to provide employees a summary of benefits and coverage.
- Before January 1, 2013: Prepare for new Medicare taxes on high earners.
- Before January 1, 2013: Prepare to implement limitations on medical flexible spending accounts.
- Before January 1, 2013: Prepare for new W-2 reporting requirements.
- Before March 1, 2013: Prepare for more employer notifications.
- January 2013 and Beyond: Cover women's preventive services without cost-sharing.
- Before 2014: Examine current plan in light of employer penalties, exchange options and the individual mandate.
- Before January 2014: Prepare for changes to "grandfathered" plans.
For the full article, please visit the Michigan Chamber Insurance Services FAQs & Latest News page.
Engage National Venture Investors and Move your Company to the Next Level
The Accelerate Michigan Innovation Competition is an international business competition designed to bring together later stage entrepreneurial companies with local, national and international investors.
It showcases the best and brightest new business concepts to investment capital to help foster their growth within Michigan. Targeting entrepreneurs with mid-to-late seed-entrepreneurial businesses - the competition has an immediate and positive impact on Michigan's economy.
Expose your business to top local and national VC firms. More than one million dollars in prize money. Top prize $500,000 for companies,
$25,000 for students. Applications are now open for the competition.
Company Competitors, Apply Here (August 1 Deadline)
Student Competitors, Apply Here (September 27 Deadline)
Want to become a government contractor? If your company has been considering the field of government contracting, consider a free class to give you the skills and knowledge you need to have success. Learn more... Michigan's Unemployment Insurance Agency is hosting a series of free educational seminars for Michigan businesses from April 12th thru October 16th of 2012 to answer questions regarding the state's unemployment insurance program (UI). If you are interested in dates and locations, please read more... Legislative Activity It was a quiet month in Lansing... |
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Educational Happenings
We Are Here - The Rowe-Buktinck family arrives in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., after a five-hour drive from Coldwater for Lake Superior State University's freshman move-in day on Aug 22. Graham Rowe-Buktinck, who will be majoring in fisheries and wildlife management, joins more than 700 incoming students who comprise the Class of 2016. Classes begin Monday, Aug. 27. (LSSU/John Shibley)
Lakerpalooza! Celebrating 10 years on Friday, August 24 from 12:30 - 3 p.m.
Lakerpalooza is LSSU's annual celebration to welcome new and returning students to the campus and community!
It's a fair with a carnival atmosphere for area businesses, non-profit groups, campus departments, student clubs/organizations and more!
- Need to recruit volunteers?
- Are you an organization looking for members?
- Are you looking for employees?
- Do you have a service to offer?
Annual Campus Walk this Saturday, August 25 -Hundreds of walkers take a morning stroll around Lake Superior State University's campus during last year's Women's Walk. This year's fourth annual Lake Superior State University Women's Walk, which has become the primary fund-raiser for LSSU women's athletics, begins at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 25, at the Norris Center. Walkers donate $25 to participate in the 30-minute walk and earn a chance to win prizes. Got to www.lssu.edu/wwalk for full information. (LSSU/John Shibley)
Chef Herman to Cook Meals for LSSU Students in Remodeled Dining Hall
Lake Superior State University students and staff will get a look at an extensive remodeling of the campus Quarterdeck dining hall during a grand opening at 11 a.m. on Aug. 30 that will feature a meal cooked by northern Michigan's famed Chef Hermann Suhs. Suhs, who has been regularly featured on northern Michigan television for many years, is owner of the 3-star European Café in Cadillac, Mich. Read more...
The Ragbirds Bring Their Travelin Machine to LSSU on Sept. 7
The Ragbirds, a southern Michigan-based band with folk-rock roots known for its multi-cultural rhythms, will bring its unique sound to the Lake Superior State University Arts Center for a performance at 8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 7. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for senior citizens and $5 for students and children, and available at lssu.edu/artscenter or from the Norris Center box office from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday. The concert is suitable for all ages. Read more....
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