April 30, 2020
Cheboygan Area Chamber of Commerce Weekly Newsletter
Special Message from the Staff
During this time of uncertainty, we would like you, our members to know that we are here for you. Although we are not in the office, both Scott and Polly are working remotely from home, and are still available to help you share your businesses story as always. If you would like us to include any information regarding your business please send it to us via email, scott@cheboygan.com or polly@cheboygan.com . We are monitoring as many Facebook pages as we possibly can to share your posts, and would love to help you celebrate any good news you share as well. Is your business celebrating an anniversary? New hires? Promotions? Awards? Let us know.... we're here to help get the word out. If you need assistance navigating any of the programs offered to small businesses during this time, let us know and we will do our best to walk you through it, or at least be able to connect you with someone who can! We're in this together, and will be stronger when it's done! #cheboyganstrong Stay well and we'll see you all soon!

Greetings!  

Welcome to this issue of the Cheboygan Area Chamber of Commerce Newsletter! This newsletter goes out to more than 2000 individual emails and is posted on our  facebook  page each week. It is designed to keep you informed of the latest info from your local Chamber of Commerce. Feel free to forward this newsletter to someone who should be a member or is interested in information about what is going on in the Cheboygan Area. We want our information to get to as many inboxes as possible! Be sure to also visit our website  and  community calendar  for more information.
 
Some things to not miss in this issue...

  • New Midweek Chamber Check continues
  • New COVID testing site in Cheboygan
  • Youth Art Show Moves On Line
  • In Special COVID Newsletter - Several New Business Support Programs Announced
  • and lots more great info from our members...


Have a great day!
 
Scott Herceg, CAE
Executive Director
Chamber News

Mid Week Member Check Ins - Virtual Meeting
The Cheboygan chamber is hosting 2 calls Wednesday May 6. The first will be at 11:00 am and the second at 5:30 pm. It is free! Join in and connect with others, this is a great networking opportunity. The Chamber continues working hard to provide the resources and information businesses need, and to help answer questions you have. This will be a Zoom Meeting. If you have not used zoom before, you will need to create a free account to access this. If you have questions feel free to contact us at info@cheboygan.com.
Please register in advance for this meeting. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Chamber Chat - Episode 9:
Jody Ginop of Woods & Water Wellness
MEMBER NEWS
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates
The Cheboygan Area Chamber is closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation as it applies to our state and our local area. We understand the potential impacts for our members and our community in each decision that is made.


New updates have been added since our last issue
Alcona Health Center Announces
COVID-19 Testing Site in Cheboygan
Press Release: 
Alcona Health Center Announces COVID-19 Testing Site in Cheboygan April 27, 2020 Alcona Health Center (AHC) is excited to announce they will be operating an appointment only, drivethru COVID-19 Testing Site in collaboration with District Health Department #4 and the Emergency Management Division of the Cheboygan County Sheriff’s Office. The testing site is located at the Cheboygan County Fairgrounds, 204 East Lincoln Avenue and will be open to community members 12 and older. During the week of April 27, testing appointments will be available on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 2-4pm. Beginning May 4, appointments will expand to Monday through Friday, daily. Testing requires a referral from a healthcare provider and is by appointment only. AHC patients and patients without a primary care provider can call 231-627-7118 extension 2186 to speak with medical staff. Other patients may call their primary care provider for testing referral. Alcona Health Center is committed to serving the citizens of northern Michigan, providing comprehensive medical, behavioral health, substance use disorder services in a safe and caring environment. AHC offers assistance for uninsured and underinsured patients. For general patient questions on COVID-19, please direct questions to the MDHHS hotline 1-888-535- 6135.
Automotive Suppliers
Manufacture and Donate Face Shields 
Due to the supply chain disruptions caused by COVID-19, many hospitals across the country began looking at local manufacturers to help fill the void. McLaren Northern Michigan quickly realized the need to explore alternative sources for critical supplies in the fight against COVID19.  
 
Many businesses have stepped up to produce important protective supplies that were not available through the normal manufacturers. Automotive industry companies, TDM (Troy Design and Manufacturing, Inc.) based in Detroit and the Boyne City division of LexaMar have shifted their production to manufacture face shields for health care organizations.  
First Round of $25,000 in Urgent Needs Fund Grants Announced
Alpena, Mich. - The first round of grants from the Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan’s new Urgent Needs Fund puts $25,000 directly into the hands of local nonprofits to help area residents with basic needs. A second round of grants is expected in the next two weeks.

First round grants include:
  • $1,500 to Cheboygan County Habitat for Humanity to provide basic needs to struggling community members in Cheboygan and Presque Isle Counties;
  • $1,550 to Church of the Straits to provide a basic needs food / supply pantry for Cheboygan County and Mackinaw City;



McLaren Northern Michigan
Expands Virtual Capabilities to Enhance Care
 for Patients in Respiratory Isolation 
McLaren Northern Michigan began implementing a virtual nurse platform in select inpatient units in 2018. The platform is based on Banyan Medical Systems technology and provides video interactions between hospital patients and nurses. At the time, McLaren Northern Michigan was one of the only hospitals in the country to offer virtual nursing services. Now the organization has expanded the technology to enhance care for patients in respiratory isolation, including COVID-19 patients.  
 
“Using Banyan’s audio and video technology, members of the care team can virtually round on patients, answer questions, and respond to patient needs without needing to enter the room,” said Jennifer Woods, MSN, Chief Nursing Officer at McLaren Northern Michigan. “This was originally intended to offer additional support for the bedside nurse, but during the COVID pandemic it has added an extra layer of protection for our patients, medical staff, and employees.”   click here for full press release


CONSUMERS ENERGY FOUNDATION
 COVID-19 SUPPORT SURPASSES $1 MILLION
The Consumers Energy Foundation Wednesday announced a second wave of grants totaling $600,000 to help the continuing battle against COVID-19. These grants, combined with $500,000 in donations announced last month, bring the foundation’s COVID-19 support to more than $1 million. Of the new funds, $300,000 will be distributed to 30 community foundations representing 45 counties across Consumers Energy’s service territory in Michigan. The Food Bank Council of Michigan is receiving $140,000 to support the production of 5,000 quarantine boxes for home-bound senior citizens. Another $100,000 is going to MSU Extension to develop an innovative process to decontaminate personal protection masks. Another $90,000 will be distributed to local nonprofits around Michigan addressing the crisis. 

Consumers Energy Foundation President Brandon Hofmeister said, “As our company continues to provide critical energy to Michigan’s homes and hospitals, our foundation is honored to support the front line of this war against COVID through providing additional protective equipment for doctors and nurses, helping our senior citizens stay safe in isolation, and ensuring everyone in Michigan has access to food.”  
District Health Department No. 4
Releases COVID-19 Business Toolkit
District Health Department No. 4 has developed a toolkit for local businesses and organizations who are considered essential services. The toolkit, attached and on our website, provides suggested guidelines for employers, a flowchart for potential COVID-19 exposure, and cleaning guidelines for facilities after a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 exposure (though many guidelines are relevant before any known exposure). These guidelines are also available on our website at  www.dhd4.org .

Bring It! Cheboygan Member, Joanne Cromley
Complies List of Human Services During Covid-19
Each of these organizations are in great need. Even the Humane Society has a food pantry for people in our community who can't afford to purchase food for their animals. Click on the image below to download this list. Click on the image below to download the list.
Member News
Visit www.cheboygan.com for carry out & delivery options from our food & beverage members
Audie's Restaurant Offering Gift Card Deal
Just in Time for Mother's Day
North Central Michigan College is expanding the opportunities for learning in our community.
We are asking for your input regarding topics you are interested in, platforms for learning, and how to best reach you with this information. We will use the data we collect from these surveys to structure our Lifelong Learning program. Thank you for sharing your interests with us. We look forward to offering you excellent programming for 2020-2021.

St. Ignace Rock and Run Goes Virtual!
(St. Ignace) – This year’s annual Rock and Run event has gone virtual! Instead of participants running and walking through downtown St. Ignace, they will be encouraged to participate virtually from anywhere. “Due to concerns surrounding COVID-19, we had to make several adjustments to allow this event to take place,” said Mike Grisdale, director of the Mackinac Straits Health (MSH) Foundation. “Unfortunately, we won’t have the tent set-up downtown, or have volunteers playing music along the route. But, we are excited to see the response of so many people who have registered, so far.” The 2020 Rock and Run includes a 10-K run and a 5-K run/walk. Registration is $25 per person for either distance. All levels are welcome.  Click here for full press release

Arts Council Announces
 Cheboygan Youth Art Show to be Moved Online
With threats of coronavirus keeping us all safe in our homes, the Cheboygan Area Arts Council is looking for new ways to connect the community and celebrate the arts in northern Michigan.

Instead of cancelling the Youth Art Show this year, CAAC will host the very first Virtual Cheboygan Youth Art Show.

All grades and all home scho0lers are invited to attend. To enter, send a photo of your artwork (3 submissions maximum per student) to Sean McNeil at  mcneils@chebschools.com . Please include your full name, grade, and written permission from a parent allowing us to publish your artwork online. The art show will not be judged this year.

The Virtual Youth Art Show will start on May 1st. Keep an eye on the Cheboygan Opera House Facebook page and website for the virtual gallery. The hope is that this art show will reach an even wider audience online - perfect to share with far away family and friends!
NORTH CENTRAL RESPONDS
TO STUDENT UNCERTAINTIES CAUSED BY
 COVID-19 PANDEMIC 
North Central Michigan College  recognizes the many uncertainties caused by the unprecedented Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic and has announced a new initiative,  NC  ADAPT  ( https://www.ncmich.edu/nc-adapt/ )  to provide students and parents with relevant information to make informed decisions about the next steps on their educational journey.
“We know that many students, and even their parents, are rethinking plans for summer and fall, and we understand,” said Dr. David Roland Finley, North Central president. “Our students deserve every assurance that a North Central degree is attainable and transferable, and our value proposition is stronger than ever, with nearly $40,000 in savings compared to the first two years at many four-year universities in Michigan. It’s our job to respond to this situation and communicate relevant information so that our students can feel confident about their choice to attend North Central Michigan College.”
NC  ADAPT , which is an acronym for Assurance of a Disruption-Free Academic Planning Timeline, outlines several measures aimed at ensuring a safe, seamless transition to summer and fall semesters, which begin in May and September, respectively.

Northern Michigan P.D.R.,LLC will be back at it business as usual May 4th. They will be offering a 10% discount across the board for services.
Top of Michigan Trails Council
has a new Executive Director
Top of Michigan Trails is pleased to announce the hiring of new Executive Director, Brent Bolin. A veteran non-profit leader, fundraiser, and community builder, Brent was most recently with national environmental organization Clean Water Action where he served as a Regional Director. 


McLaren Northern Michigan Urges Residents Do Not Wait To Seek Emergency Care
McLaren Northern Michigan is reminding individuals to continue to seek care for medical emergencies. Physicians are concerned that many individuals who should have sought medical care for non-COVID related concerns have put off treatment that may be endangering your health and life.
 
“One of the tragic aspects of the COVID-19 outbreak in New York is that people were afraid of going to the Emergency Department ... click here the read the full article.
Regional, State, and National News
Disclaimer:   Information presented in this section of the Chamber Newsletter does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Cheboygan Area Chamber of Commerce or its membership. It is provided here as information only from other regional organizations that the Chamber has a business relationship with. All decisions made by the Cheboygan Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and or Staff are done so locally and independently in accordance with our bylaws and policies and for the betterment of our membership.
Straits Area Community Foundation

Straits Area Community Foundation has been affiliated with the Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan (CFNEM) since 1998. We connect people who care about the future of Cheboygan County and Mackinaw City with the causes closest to their hearts. By encouraging individuals to create permanent charitable endowments to meet the ever-changing needs of our communities, we can match donors' charitable interests with worthwhile causes by giving grants and scholarships to area programs and students.
SACF believes that the people in our communities, and those who care most about them, can strengthen them most effectively.  We are helping donors make an investment in their community to improve the quality of life for present and future residents of Cheboygan County and Mackinaw City - one that will last for generations to come.
Cheboygan Economic Development Group

The Cheboygan Economic Development Group is a private sector organization of Cheboygan County business people, community leaders, and volunteers who care deeply about helping create economic growth and educational opportunities for our citizens in this unique and wonderful corner of northern Michigan.
Helping to build sustainable economic growth is our mission. A future of good paying jobs for residents of all ages is our passion.  Click here to visit their web site.
News from the Michigan Chamber of Commerce

Michigan Chamber members receive an exclusive weekly review of legislative & political news in its Michigan News & Capitol Report e-newsletter. This newsletter is FREE to Chamber members.
To Read This Week's Capitol Report Click On The Following Link (Or Load Into Your Web Browser Address Window):
Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance Update

 The Cheboygan Area Chamber of Commerce is an Associate Partner with the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance who advocates for our members to Michigan State Government as a collective Northern Michigan voice. If you would like to find out more about the Alliance and what it is doing for Northern Michigan please  go to their web site by clicking here .  
Cheboygan Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau
124 N Main Street | Cheboygan | 49721
231-627-7183 | 800-968-3302