BOYNE CITY - SAULT STE. MARIE COMMUNITY EXCHANGE - Thirteen Boyne City staff and elected officials traveled to Sault Ste. Marie Wednesday, August 8th, to complete a Community Exchange with officials from the City of Sault Ste. The Soo officials visited Boyne City all day on June 20th in the first part of the exchange. The first stop on Boyne’s tour Wednesday was the Soo Locks, where they came across U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenaw, who was also visiting the locks. 

Also joining the Community Exchange was State Senator John Damoose, who represents both Boyne City and Sault Ste. Marie. Here is the senator’s Facebook post, which gives a good rundown of the highlights of the day-long visit to the Soo:
“Thank you to the members of the Boyne City and City of Sault Ste. Marie governments for inviting me to join your collaboration tour today. The new Soo lock that is under construction by the Army Corps of Engineers is quite a feat… the City of Sault Ste. Marie Fire Department is doing unbelievable work… the River of History Museum is fascinating. The Center for Freshwater Research is an example of what we can accomplish up here… and of course, I am so proud to see the construction of the new Carbide Dock after securing $5 million in state funding!”

‘Our exchange with Sault Ste. Marie gave our elected officials and staff an opportunity to learn from and share with them on many issues we have in common. I’ve already heard of a number of takeaways from the exchange that should be valuable to us going forward.’ said Boyne City Manager Mike Cain.

On June 20th, Boyne City officials hosted the first half of a Community Exchange with officials from the City of Sault Ste. Marie. The Soo officials arrived at City Hall at 9:30 a.m. and stayed until 10 p.m. They visited various city and school facilities plus local businesses including Lake Street Pub, Boyne Provisions, Boyne Mountain (where they all walked across the Skybridge), Precision Edge, and Van Dam Boats before finishing with dinner at Red Mesa Grill and dessert at Alpine Chocolat Haus. 

Check the City Facebook Page for more pictures of the city tour. 

Thanks to City Clerk Treasurer Jessica Puroll for taking all of these photos.
Boyne City Officials Visit Sault Ste Marie
Boyne City and Sault Ste. Marie officials met up with U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow at the Soo Locks on Wednesday. She is pictured with Soo Mayor Don Gerrie at left, and Boyne City Mayor Hugh Conklin, at right.
Group photo of officials from Boyne City and Sault Ste. Marie at the Soo Locks.
A visit to the Sault Ste. Marie location of Precision Edge Surgical Products was part of the Community Exchange on Wednesday. This is Precision’s original location, and they expanded to Boyne City, opening another plant in 2012.
A tour of the River of History Museum was part of the Community Exchange between Boyne City and Sault Ste. Marie. The River of History Museum is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and presenting the history of Sault Ste. Marie, the St. Mary's River System, Eastern Upper Peninsula of Michigan and Northern Ontario.
Mayor Don Gerrie and Hugh Conklin took turns riding the Zamboni at the ice arena for the Lake Superior State University Lakers.
Boyne City Mayor Pro Tem Tim Nemecek, at right, got a chance to meet Matthew Shoemaker, the mayor of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, who was invited to meet with Boyne officials visiting the SS Marie in Michigan.
Group photo of officials from Boyne City and Sault Ste. Marie in front of Sault Ste. Marie City Hall.
Visiting the Coast Guard Station Sault Sainte Marie.
State Senator John Damoose, Boyne City Fire Chief Dennis Amesbury and others listen to Sault Ste. Marie Fire Chief Ed Miller while touring the fire station.
Sault Ste Marie Officials Visit Boyne City in June
Boyne and Soo officials pose for a photo under the marina flagpole, which is flying the American, Boyne City and Sault Ste. Marie flags.
Mike Cain explains how the Boyne City Clock was salvaged and placed in the new City Hall when it was built.
Boyne City Public School's Superintendent Pat Little addresses Boyne and Soo officials in the new Rambler Fieldhouse.
Boyne and Soo officials cross Boyne Mountain's SkyBridge.
Firefighter Dennis Looze gives Soo Mayor Don Gerrie a ride in the 106-year-old La France fire engine.
Ben Van Dam of Van Dam Custom Boats explains the growth of their family business and their connection to Boyne City.