Our office location is CLOSED until further notice.
We apologize for the inconvenience.
Please call us at 906-482-5240 or
email info@keweenaw.org
April 2022 Newsletter
JUNE 16-19, 2022
Dear Chamber Supporters & Friends:

It may seem like Spring is finally on its way. And we're eager for summer just around the corner. Our kick-start to summer is Bridgefest. We want to share some information about Bridgefest 2022. 

We're excited to announce that we're welcoming back Houghton Rotary to the Ray Kestner Waterfront Park, and we're partnering with the City of Hancock and Hancock Rotary on adding NEW festivities in Hancock this year.

The partnerships and support are crucial to Bridgefest to keep the celebration going for years to come. We want to take this opportunity to extend an invitation to all non-profits, charities, and businesses to be involved, whether you are interested in being a sponsor of Bridgefest, food/non-food vendor, or having an event during Bridgefest weekend, the opportunities are endless. If you have any questions or want to find out more information on how to be involved, please contact the Chamber office at info@keweenaw.org.

Returning this year, we are pleased to announce Keweenaw Chevrolet BUICK GMC of Houghton as the Bridgefest 2022 Presenting Sponsor.

Stay tuned for all festivities happening during Bridgefest 2022!

Thank you for your continued support,

Tara Arens
Chamber Manager
Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce
Top Chamber Partners
Please support our Chamber Member Businesses!
Welcome NEW Members
Please support our Chamber Member Businesses!
Petcare services where they are treated as part of the family! Affordable options for cats and dogs in the Keweenaw and surrounding areas.

"We are all about the zen at Namastay Pet Sitting. I offer a free 30-minute Meet + Greet before your first booking so that we can get all of the sniffs out!

Namastay Pet Sitting also has insurance coverage and is certified by the Red Cross in Cat and Dog First Aid for extra precaution. I decided to start this business in August 2020 after pet sitting for two years while working full-time as a dental assistant. Within those two years, I got 40+ 5 star reviews! Within 1.5 years of being in business, I have received 50 5 star reviews on Google. I have cared for a wide range of animals including guinea pigs, hamsters, exotic fish, chickens, cats, and dogs."

906-281-9110
Sundae in the Park in Mohawk will be opening in the spring of 2022 after an extensive remodel of the former Mohawk Superior National Bank. Stores at McLain and Fort Wilkins State Parks will also remain open.
In Mohawk, not only will they be featuring 24 flavors of ice cream and soft serve. They will also offer boasted chicken, pizza, amazingly delicious subs, sloppy dogs, and coffee with more menu items to be added soon. They will also have a gift shop with local and Upper Peninsula themed items.

80 Mohawk Street
Mohawk MI 49950
(906) 370-6372
Thank you for RENEWING your Membership
Please support our Chamber Member Businesses!
Associate - Tom Bernard
Cafe Rosetta
CENTURY 21 North Country Agency
Copper Country Intermediate School District
Copper Country Veterinary Clinic
D & L Janitorial Services, Inc.
Designotype Printers, Inc
Down Wind Sports
Freeman Guns, LLC
GS Engineering, Inc
Hannula Agency
Houghton County Fair Association
Houghton Super 8
Keweenaw Chevrolet | BUICK | GMC
Keweenaw Gem & Gift, Inc.
Manninen’s Cabins
McDonald's Restaurant
Mission Point Nursing & Physical Rehabilitation Center of Hancock
New Beginnings Angel Mission
Northern Light Cottages
Northwinds Adventures
R. C. Mechanical, Inc.
Ramada Waterfront
Range Bank
Re/Max Douglass Real Estate
Rowe Oil Company, Inc.
Sarazin Dental, P.C.
Sherwin Williams Company
Siirtola Well Drilling, Inc.
State Wide Real Estate of Houghton
Suomi Restaurant
Superior Screed Service
Swift True Value Hardware
Tadych's Marketplace
Tanis, Inc.
Tervo Agency
The Miners State Bank
The Wickley Agency, Inc.
Torch Lake Federal Credit Union
Transnation Title Agency
U.P. Engineers & Architects, Inc.
U.P. Oil Company & Sharon Ave Convenience
April Member Spotlight
Give us some background on yourself/your business. 
I graduated from Michigan Tech in 2017 with a Bachelor's in Biology and a minor in Psychology. I dental assisted full time once I graduated college and started pet sitting on the side in 2018 because of how much I love animals and helping others. I decided to go full-time with pet sitting in August of 2020. I offer daycare, boarding, walking, and drop-ins. My schedule typically books out a month in advance, but I do my best to accommodate last-minute requests. I offer a 30-minute meet and greet for new clients; however, it is not always required, and I am able to book out-of-town guests, as well. 

How many years have you been in business?
Since August 2020.

What’s an interesting fact about your business most people don’t know? I can come to your home and do a drop-in visit on your pet if they are more comfortable staying home and not traveling to a new environment. 

What is one thing you're most proud of so far?
Establishing a clientele and relationship with the community.

Who are the people in the background of your organization?
I run my business all by myself. From marketing and bookkeeping to be hands-on with the animals. 

What brought you to the area?
Michigan Tech

What keeps you here?
I love to enjoy the outdoors with my dogs, Saturn and Athena, in my free time, and what better place to do that than in the Keweenaw?

How can people keep up to date on what's happening at your organization?
Instagram (@namastaypetsitting), Facebook (@namastaypetsitting) &

How does being in this community affect your business?
My business would not survive without the amazing support from the community that chooses to trust me with their beloved pets. 
Upcoming Chamber Events
The Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce announces
20% OFF on all NEW members in the month of April!

Contact us today to learn more!

906.482.5240
Dear Chamber and KEDA Members,

Our Keweenaw Alliance Breakfast meeting will be held next Wednesday, April 13th, at the Bonfire in Houghton. Doors open at 7:00 a.m. Breakfast is served by 7:15 a.m. The program starts at 7:30 a.m. 

Presentation: City + MDOT Updates
Panel Discussion by Eric Waara, Houghton City Manager; Mary Babcock, Hancock City Manager; and Robert Tervo, Manager, MDOT - Ishpeming Transportation Service Center.


Other information of interest:
Immediately following the breakfast, 1 Million Cups of Coffee will be held at the Bonfire starting at 8:30.

Presenters include:
High's Adventure Gear, Justin High

New Power Tour, Melissa Davis
Upper Peninsula Audiology Grand Opening!
801 W Memorial Road, Houghton, MI
SAVE THE DATE
MAY 4TH
CHAMBER LUNCH & LEARN
Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Instagram
We like to share news, updates, and events of our membership on Facebook.
If you have a post that you would like us to share please share it with us and we would love to help spread the word!
Chamber Member Highlight
PAUL HALONEN AGENCY- MEEMIC iNSURANCE

I was born and raised in Calumet. In 2021, I retired after twenty-seven years of teaching in the Calumet Public Schools. This year I am celebrating twenty-five years of operating the Paul Halonen Agency from my home in Calumet. It has been a great pleasure to meet and help thousands of people. We provide personal lines of insurance for auto, home, RVs, watercraft, ATVs, life, and roadside assistance. 
My goal is to provide members with peace of mind protection and the confidence that they and the items they own are adequately insured. My satisfaction is helping members meet their needs through the insurance process, and when needed, the claims process. 

906-337-1699
Keweenaw Community Spark Plug Awards
Photo Gallery
LOOKING FOR EMPLOYMENT?
ATTENTION BUSINESS OWNERS!
Join the Houghton and Hancock
Business Association Meetings
Houghton - First Wednesday of the Month
Hancock - Second Tuesday of the Month
Superior Educator
Portage Health Foundation
Jessica Hendrickson of Stanton Township Public Schools! Her nomination made a passionate case for her, “Jessica is the glue that keeps our school together! As secretary, she is in constant communication with the families in our district. Her cheerful energy can be felt through emails and heard over the phone and in person. She is quick to respond to questions or concerns from parents. She is very welcoming to all, and especially to new students who benefit from seeing her friendly face. She also volunteers her time to our PTO. We are so fortunate to have her on our team!” If you know an amazing educator like Jessica, nominate them at superioreducators.org
Sister Carolee Vanness from Sacred Heart Catholic School. Sister Carolee is a warm and generous person with 46 years of teaching experience. She is always the first person at school in the morning and many times the last to leave at night. Her hands are always ready to help if there is a need and many times she helps before a need is known. She pours her life and love into her vocation and work and is a true example of selfless devotion to others. Meet the rest of the Superior Educators and nominate an amazing educator you know at superioreducators.org.
Upcoming Area Events

The Michigan Tech Employees Federal Credit Union will hold its 2021 Annual Business Meeting on April 13, 2022, in the Michigan Tech MUB Ballroom. We are celebrating 70 years of low loan rates and excellent service, so come see what we have planned for this milestone year! All members are welcome to attend, but we strongly recommend you RSVP to ensure we are able to secure adequate seating.
A complimentary dinner will be provided to attendees.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
5:30 pm --- Doors open
6:00 pm --- Dinner is served
Meeting to follow dinner.
JUNE 16-19, 2022
PLEASE CHECK OUR
COMMUNITY CALENDAR!
Benefits Available to
your Business
Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce members
are eligible for these benefits below.

We encourage you to reach out and take advantage of these great benefits, or let us know if you have any questions, call 482-5240 or email info@keweenaw.org
Accident Fund Insurance Discount Program
Keweenaw Cash
The Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce is pleased to offer Keweenaw Cash: a gift certificate program that can be used at more than 300 Chamber member businesses. Since its launch, the Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce has issued over $341,000 worth of Keweenaw Cash. That money goes right back into local businesses!

Keweenaw Cash can be purchased in any denomination, allowing the recipient more flexibility and enabling them to use the certificates at numerous businesses.

In addition to making great gifts, businesses can purchase Keweenaw Cash as bonuses, prizes, at fundraising events, as employee incentives or awards, retirement gifts, to mark a milestone, or as part of a welcome package for new hires.

Certificates come with an envelope and a list of all the participating businesses.
Please note we require at least a 24-hour notice when placing orders. We are not responsible for any lost or stolen certificates.

If you are a business and would be interested in being able to redeem Keweenaw Cash, please look into becoming a member of the Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce.

For additional information about Keweenaw Cash, to purchase certificates, or how you can accept Keweenaw Cash, call 906-482-5240 or email info@keweenaw.org
We need your Business Cards/Brochures
Board of Directors
Mary Myers, President
Account Executive
WLUC TV6 & FoxUP

Jan Cole - Vice President
Owner
Crowheart, LLC 

James Desrochers - Treasurer
Director of Advancement
Michigan Technological University

Angela Luskin, Secretary
Health and Fitness Manager
UP Health System-Portage

Morgan Impola
Regional Engineer
UPPCO

Todd Gast
Marketing Manager
Keweenaw Co-op

Penny Milkey
Owner
Northern Specialty Health
Shannon Vairo
Faculty Support and Partner Engagement
Michigan Technological University

Betsy Smith
Owner
Baby E's BBQ

Jill Passanisi
Owner
Nitro Consulting

Mariah Summers
EMT
Mercy EMS

Sherry Wyeth
Health Science Enrollment
Finlandia University

Amy Roberts
VP/Branch Manager
Superior National Bank - Calumet

Brad Barnett, KCVB Representative
Your Lansing Contacts
Do you have questions, comments, or concerns? Contact your legislators! 
 
Governor 
 
U.S. Senators
 
U.S. Representative
 
State Senate District: 38
 
House of Representative District: 110 
Our roots run deep in the Keweenaw
Upper Peninsula Power Company was created in 1947 through a merger of three utilities. One of them, the Houghton County Electric Light Company, earlier acquired the interests of Peninsula Electric Light and Power, which began operating in the Keweenaw in 1884 – just five years after Edison invented the light bulb.
From the Edison bulb to high-tech electronics of today, you might say UPPCO has been providing “U.P. Power” for more than 130 years. 
Customer Service
(800-562-7680)
24-Hour Electric Emergencies/Outages
1-800-562-7809
Outage Updates
@uppco
Safe & Reliable Service
Renewable Hydroelectric Generation
With Public Recreational Opportunities
Proud Community Supporter



Learn more at
Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce
902 College Ave, Houghton, MI 49931