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 Time Sensitive Information on Payroll Protection Loans
- Chamber Staff Moving On
- Chamber Staff Promotion
- COVID-19, Corona Virus Update and safety precautions
- Carry Out & Delivery Options
- 2020 Census Information
- and lots more great info from our members...
Have a great day!
Scott Herceg, CAE
Executive Director
|
|
The Cheboygan Area Chamber of Commerce is Pleased to Announce the Nominees for Our 2020 Annual Awards
And the Nominees Are...
|
|
Frances & Gordon Spies Community Image
Tom Bishop, Bishop Automotive
Terry & Laurie Musclow,
Secrets on Main
Jerry Malloy, Cheboygan Title
|
|
Debbie Mesler Award
Lindsey Vork,
Lindsey Vork Photography
Anne LaBelle,
CNB Financial Services
Debbie Driscoll,
First Community Bank
|
|
Citizen of the Year
Scott Hancock
Jim Soubly
Jim Conboy
|
|
Educator of the Year
Jason Friday,
Cheboygan Area Public Schools
Michele Andrews,
North Central Michigan College
Katye Schryer,
Bishop Baraga Catholic School
|
|
Business Person
of the Year
Doris Pierce,
Dar's Hallmark
Roger Gaynor,
Encore Financial & Awards Plus
Marcella Costin,
Simply Marcella, The Queen's Head & Stormy Kromer Cap & Ale House
|
|
Organization of the Year
Cheboygan Jr. Chiefs
Rotary of Cheboygan
Cheboygan Area Public Library
|
|
Business of the Year
EF Wilkinson & Sons
The Queen's Head
Main St. Automotive
|
|
Entrepreneurial
Business of the Year
KatFisher Bait & Tackle
Ellie's Place
Urban Bird & Co.
|
|
Polly Schneider Promoted to
Assistant Director of Cheboygan Chamber
|
The Board of Directors and I would like to formally announce that Polly Schneider has been promoted to Assistant Director effective as of the Board of Directors Meeting this morning. Polly has been with us for almost three years and was originally hired on as Office Manager and Event Coordinator. She has done an outstanding job in that position and has consistently taken on more responsibilities and has grown her position into so much more than her original job description. This promotion is really more akin to appropriately matching the job title with the actual work that is already being done. Congratulations Polly, Thank you for all that you do and have done for our Chamber Members and our Community!
Scott A Herceg,CAE
Executive Director
|
|
Administrative Assistant Theresa Cole
Takes New Position at Bernard's
|
|
Our Administrative Assistant (and right arm) has taken a new position as Kitchen & Bath Designer at Bernard's Lumber Company right here in Cheboygan. Theresa was with us for just over a year when this new opportunity came her way. Although we will miss seeing her at the office daily, we are looking forward to her joining the Ambassador Team and wish her great success in her new role at Bernard's. Thank you Theresa for your dedication to the Chamber, and for being such a great co-worker. We're going to miss her!
Scott & Polly
|
|
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
|
|
Updates from District Health Department No. 4
|
|
New information that we have received on the Paycheck Protection Loans.
|
|
The
U.S. Department of Treasury
shared new information in the last couple days regarding the
Paycheck Protection Program
. The Paycheck Protection Program prioritizes millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $349 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses.
The loans, which provide small businesses
forgivable loans
to cover payroll and other fixed costs, will be available through private lenders this Friday, April 3rd.
Here are steps you can take now to prepare for the application when it goes live on Friday, April 3rd.
·
Contact your accountant if you have one or payroll specialist to gather the required documents.
·
Contact your preferred lender to complete the actual application.
·
If you do not have a preferred lender, let us know and we can help connect you.
· For a top-line overview of the program
CLICK HERE
· If you’re a lender, more information can be found
HERE
· If you’re a borrower, more information can be found
HERE
· The
SAMPLE
application for borrowers can be found
HERE
*Note this is a SAMPLE application and it is subject to change, use it as a tool, not a final document.
In addition SBAM (Small Business Administration of Michigan and DTE Energy will be providing resources and a dedicated website to help assist you in the process.
The website can be found below, and will go live by Friday, April 3
rd
|
|
Northern Michigan Sports Medicine
Offering Physical Therapy Telehealth
|
|
Northern Michigan Sports Medicine Centers have the technology to offer physical therapy services through Teleheatlh. Due to the Governor’s directive, we have closed our on-site therapy clinics but will continue to treat our current patients and accepting new patients through telecommunications. Physical therapy services offered Physical Therapy Telehealth, Physical Therapy E-Visits, Physical Therapy E-consultations. Visit
www.nmsportsmed.com
to schedule your free E-Consultation, call 231 -347-9300, or email us your concerns or questions.
nmsmc@nmsportsmed.com
|
|
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
.
|
|
McLaren Northern Michigan Prepares
for Influx of COVID-19 Patients
|
|
Over the past four weeks, the McLaren Northern Michigan team has collectively spent thousands of hours preparing for the COVID-19 pandemic to reach our northern Michigan community. Although the number of confirmed COVID-19 patients in northern Michigan remains low, the team at McLaren Northern Michigan is actively preparing for an influx of COVID-19 positive patients within the coming days and weeks.
click here to read full press release
|
|
STAKEHOLDER ANNOUNCEMENT:
USDA Implements Immediate Measures to Help Rural Residents, Businesses and Communities Affected by COVID-19
|
|
WASHINGTON, March 25, 2020 – USDA Rural Development has taken a number of immediate actions to help rural residents, businesses and communities affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Rural Development will keep our customers, partners, and stakeholders continuously updated as more actions are taken to better serve rural America.
Read the full announcement
to learn more about the opportunities USDA Rural Development is implementing to provide immediate relief to our customers, partners, and stakeholders.
|
|
Michigan Works!
Taking Calls Regarding Unemployment
and They Are Open By Appointment
|
|
Michigan Works! in Cheboygan is still taking calls for questions regarding unemployment and they are also open by appointment at this time. Call 231-627-4303 to schedule an appointment. Employers needing to hire temporary staff, or those with questions about Temporary Layoff vs Termination or the Work Share program can learn more by calling our Business Solutions Professional, Stephanie Weizer, at 989.306.7550.
|
|
|
Lord's Kitchen Fundraiser Postponed
|
|
Our friends at the Lord's Kitchen have announced that due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, their fundraiser which was scheduled for April 16th has been postponed until September. (details will be shared when available) In the meantime, if you would like to donate to the Lord's Kitchen, please visit their website at
www.cheboygancompassion.com
|
|
CONSUMERS ENERGY FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES $500,000 IN GRANTS IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19
|
The Consumers Energy Foundation is supporting two statewide organizations with a $500,000 contribution to help enhance critical services for Michigan children, seniors, and those who may need assistance in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The contribution will provide $250,000 each to the Food Bank Council of Michigan and the Michigan Association of United Ways.
The Food Bank Council of Michigan will distribute the funds to its regional food bank network to fill gaps where schools are unable to provide food for children, vulnerable seniors, and the anticipated growing need that will surface as more people cannot work due to COVID-19.
The Michigan Association of United Ways will share the funding with United Way organizations located in
Consumers Energy service areas that have set up or are deploying emergency response activities in their local communities.
In addition, Consumers Energy enhanced its Matching Gifts Program by matching employee contributions to local food banks/pantries, homeless shelters, community foundations, and their local United Way organizations.
|
|
MiCareerQuest Northeast Hands-On
Career Exploration Event for Students Canceled
|
We regret to inform that due to COVID-19 concerns, we have decided to cancel MiCareerQuest Northeast for 2020.
With the uncertainty of what the next weeks will bring, we feel this decision is in the best interests of the health of the community, the exhibitors, and the students. The event, scheduled for May 21, 2020, was to be held at the Industrial Arts Institute. Over 2,200 middle & high school students from over 24 schools in the region had registered to attend.
MiCareerQuest is a unique, hands-on career exploration event aimed at middle and high school students, where students can participate in interactive exhibits exploring careers in healthcare, technology, construction, and manufacturing. In 2019, over 1,000 northeast Michigan students participated. The purpose of the event is to inspire and direct young people to viable careers in high-demand occupations across the region and help address the need for future talent in these industries.
While it is unfortunate that we need to cancel the event this year, we know this is in the best interests of the community, as we continue to try to slow the spread of COVID-19 in the region.
The 2021 MiCareerQuest Northeast is scheduled for Thursday, May 20, 2021.
Alicia Wallace
Marketing & Communications Manager
20709 State, Box 711 | Onaway, MI 49765
p 989.733.8548 x1109 | f 989.733.8069
|
|
Bernard Building Center to Close Temporarily
During Stay Home Stay Safe Executive Order
|
|
COVID-19 CORONAVIRUS: A Message to Our Customers
3/31/20 UPDATE:
We want to reach out to our customers regarding COVID-19. We are concerned about the coronavirus and monitoring it closely. Information is changing rapidly, and we want to keep you informed.
As of April 1, 2020, our retail stores and lumberyards will be TEMPORARILY CLOSED to the public.
The earliest we will reopen is April 14th, after Executive Order 2020-21 expires. It may take longer if the order is extended.
We will still be able to help you with
ESSENTIAL, CRITICAL NEEDS
. For example:
If shingles blow off your roof and you have a leak.
If your water pump stops working or a pipe breaks.
If a tree falls through your window or roof and you must have lumber to protect your home from the elements.
For these types of URGENT needs, please call the store and leave a message. We will return your call as quickly as we can.
Please be aware that wanting items to finish a simple project is NOT an essential, critical need.
We have limited staff wearing many hats, and those types of calls will not be prioritized and may not be returned.
We are not scheduling new deliveries at this time, however we can provide curbside pickup for emergency needs.
We thank you all for your business and ask that you take care of yourselves! The health and well-being of our community is the important thing right now. Please stay home, stay safe and stay well!
|
|
Comfort Keepers Remains Open
|
|
Comfort Keepers Northwest Lower Michigan
has been preparing for the growing challenges related to the Corona Virus for the past several weeks. We want families in the area to know that we have been deemed an essential business by the Governor and we are prepared to assist seniors in their homes at this time. Our employees are trained home health care workers, and we are following all guidelines created by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
The health, safety and well-being of our clients and employees remains our utmost focus. We are closely monitoring the situation with the Coronavirus and have put in place necessary measures, in line with the guidance of the CDC and local authorities.
We will continue to operate and provide uplifting care to our clients while ensuring we are taking necessary safety precautions. As always, our goal is to provide the highest quality care that enhances the lives of our clients and their families.
Please contact Com
fort
Keepers at 231-929-9044 for more information
.
|
|
MACKINAW CITY, MICH. — Out of overwhelming safety concern for our visitors and staff, as well as in following state and federal guidelines, Mackinac State Historic Parks (MSHP) has made the decision to delay the opening of its historic sites on Mackinac Island and in Mackinaw City.
MSHP is now looking at the following
tentative
opening dates:
|
|
Visit
www.cheboygan.com
for carry out & delivery options from our food & beverage members
|
|
- Census is mandated by the United States Constitution; requires the country conduct a count of its population every 10 years.
- The 2020 Census marks is the 24th since 1790.
- A complete and accurate count is critical for you and your community because the results of the 2020 Census will affect community funding for roads, schools, hospitals and health care clinics, fire and emergency response services and hundreds of other projects and programs for years to come.
- Your civic duty to participate; the census is a cornerstone of democracy; data will determine how more than $675 billion in federal funds will be distributed each year over the next decade for; is critical that you and those in your household be counted.
- Census data determine the number of seats Michigan will have in the U.S. House of Representatives, and are used to draw congressional and state legislative districts. Michigan’s electoral votes are based on the number of Congressional seats, which are based on census data.
- Provides critical data that lawmakers, business owners, teachers, and many others use to provide daily services, products, and support for you and your community.
- Responding is easy. You answer a short questionnaire online, by phone, or by mail. By now, you should have received an invitation to respond.
|
|
The Packy Offield Trail Center may be closed right now, as Michigan is under order to Stay Home, Stay Safe, but our trails are OPEN. Outdoor activity is an exception under the order (
read no. 7 for details
) and a great way to get exercise - physically and mentally.
We've found a few great resources to help answer your questions:
|
|
LONGTIME NORTH CENTRAL PROFESSOR
PASSES AWAY
Professor Larry Cummings taught history and geography for 51 years
and will leave a lasting impact
|
|
North Central Michigan College
Professor Larry Cummings, a fixture in the Petoskey community and an icon on the college’s campus, passed away at McLaren Northern Michigan on March 31, 2020, due to complications of Covid-19. He was 76.
Cummings taught history and geography at North Central for 51 years, spending his entire professional career teaching generations of students who will remember him fondly.
“Our hearts are heavy with grief at the passing of our friend, mentor and colleague,” said Dr. David Roland Finley, North Central president. “The entire North Central community grieves with Larry’s wife, Shannon, and their family. We are holding them close in our thoughts and prayers.”
|
|
USDA Seeks Applications to
Spur Development in Rural Communities
|
Washington
- U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand announced that USDA is accepting Fiscal Year 2020 applications for grants to help strengthen the rural economy.
USDA is making grants available under the Rural Community Development Initiative program for qualified intermediaries to provide assistance to help improve housing and community facilities, and to implement community and economic development projects in rural areas.
|
|
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.
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
