Members, Partners & Friends,
The last three months have been filled with great challenges, but through it all, we’ve seen the power of people coming together to persist, persevere and proceed to a new "normal."
We're moving forward with a multi-phased approach, offering both virtual and in-person events as we continue to serve and connect our members. Our Annual Golf Outing has been rescheduled to late August and of course we monitor the changing scenarios closely and will proceed accordingly with this event. Stay tuned for information on our State of the Lakes Address as we're working on creative options to "gather" and share information from our municipal leaders along with a way to give back to the community.
So many changes ... And these changes impact each of us in a variety of ways. We are thankful for the continued participation, support and commitment from our Board of Directors, Chamber Ambassadors, Referral Group Leaders, Committee Members, Community Partners and each of our Chamber Members as we work together and stay the course. For several years our office mantra has been "Everything will be OK". We remain positive and optimistic that this is true and we're doing everything we can to make it so.
Please stay safe, stay well and keep in touch...
For business and community,
Laura Bolyard
Executive Director
Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce
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Upcoming Chamber Events
Please join us ...
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Tuesday, July 14
YPG Virtual Game Night
Part Networking / Part Fibbage
5:00 - 7:00 pm
Limited to the first 16 RSVPs
Part networking and part game night. Fool your friends with your lies, avoid theirs and find the (usually outrageous) truth. Your phone or tablet is your controller.
Register in advance for this meeting:
Once you’ve registered, you’ll receive a confirmation email with the credentials and link to join the meeting.
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Thursday, July 16
Virtual 3rd Thursday Coffee Connect
8:30 - 9:30 am
Guest Speaker from Kindercare Learning Center
Stop in via Zoom for this fast, fun and free morning networking event. We'll hear from Kindercare Learning Center about new safety procedures, summer camps and what things might look like moving forward in the childcare industry.
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Register in advance for this meeting:
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
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Tuesday, July 21
Spotlight Lunch
Dickey's Barbeque Pit
11:30 am
4825 Carroll Lake Road, Commerce 48382
LACC members meet monthly at various chamber member eateries for this informal networking lunch. FREE soft drink provided with your meal purchase. No reservation required. We’ll follow social distancing protocol so stop by if you feel comfortable...
Or maybe you feel more comfortable picking up a carryout for lunch or grabbin dinner for you and your family! Either way we are hoping you might support this local member restaurant.
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Annual Golf Outing rescheduled - Save the Date
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Monday, August 31, 2020
Edgewood Country Club
8399 Commerce Road
Commerce, MI 48382
Check-in / Breakfast ~ 9 - 10 am
Chuck-A-Putt / Announcements ~ 10:15 am
Shotgun Start ~ 10:30 am
A day filled with laughter, 18 holes of golf (scramble style), networking, great food, fun games and cool prizes at a private country club! Don't miss it ...
Golf Package Includes:
Continental Breakfast
(provided by Tim Hortons of Walled Lake & Costco-Commerce)
18 Holes of Golf w/ cart
Lunch on the Turn and 1 Drink Ticket
Goody Bag, Games & Prizes
Buffet Dinner & Awards Ceremony
GREAT SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES STILL AVAILABLE ...
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THANKS TO OUR GOLD SPONSORS:
Anthology of Novi
CarePatrol of Oakland County
CoffeeTree Group
Community Financial Credit Union
Giffels Webster
THANKS TO OUR SILVER SPONSOR:
Allstar Alarm
ComForCare Home Care
LaFontaine Subaru of Commerce Township
Walled Lake Schools Federal Credit Union
Premium Hole Sponsor:
Independence Village of White Lake
Hole Sponsor:
Lake Michigan Insurance Agency
Snack Cart Sponsor:
Spillane & Reynolds Orthodontics
Breakfast Sponsor:
Costco of commerce
Tim Hortons of Walled Lake
Scorecard Sponsor:
American House Livonia
Lake Michigan Insurance Agency
Hole-in-One Sponsor:
LaFontaine Subaru of Commerce Township
Coupon Book Sponsor:
Lake Michigan Insurance Agency
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We remained mostly virtual during the month of June but have offered numerous opportunities to connect to network, educate and support one another both personally and professionally.
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JUNE 1 - HEALTHCARE NETWORK GROUP
Our thanks to John DeBona of Specialistic Construction for sharing his expertise and being our Featured Speaker at the Healthcare Network Group meeting. John's a third-generation contractor and has been in the business for 30+ years. He specializes in handicap accessible modifications and building accessibility and mobility for daily living. He also does new construction, remodeling and insurance restoration work.
Thanks to everyone who joined us via Zoom to hear from John and see the great presentation of his work.
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JUNE 5 - 1ST FRIDAY COFFEE CONNECT
Chamber members, business owners and area residents joined us to hear from our school district leadership who have been doing a wonderful job putting our students first in this constantly changing landscape. From going to virtual learning in a matter of days, to feeding area students who are in need, to finding new ways to celebrate our graduates and recognize their accomplishments while still distancing. Kudos for all you have done!
Of course, things are changing day-to-day and the future is uncertain. They remain steadfast in their task to put the students first.
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CHAMBER AMBASSADOR CONNECTION
My name is Joan Baert and I'm your newest Chamber Ambassador! I am the Executive Director of the
Lakes Area Community Coalition, a nonprofit focused on preventing underage substance use and addiction in the Lakes Area. You can learn more about our work at
https://www.lakesareacc.org/ As a mom of four, a former teacher, and Wixom resident, I have a passion for our families in our community and building on our strengths to make the Lakes Area the healthiest, best place to live and work.
Let me introduce you to longtime Chamber Member
St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Walled Lakel. With campuses in Walled Lake and Wixom, St. Matthew is deeply embedded in our community and has many outreach programs and ways to connect with them in worship. As we open back up in various ways, follow them at
http://st-matthew.org/ and on Facebook at @stmatthewlcms to see their most updated info and to learn more about their ministries. Call or email Pastor Paul Moldenhauer or Pastor Michael Hansen if you have any questions...and a very special welcome to Pastor Austen Wellhausen who will be serving as Wixom campus pastor starting next month!
If you are part of a nonprofit or faith community in the Lakes Area, give me a call to find out how being part of the Chamber can benefit your mission and those you serve!
Attached is the photo. Left to right: Pastor Michael Hansen, Pastor Austen Wellhausen, Pastor Paul Moldenhauer, Chamber Ambassador Joan Baert.
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JUNE 9 - CHAMBER'S GOT TALENT
Great time catching up, hearing some great stories and finding out some hidden talents. Thanks to everyone who joined in the fun ...
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JUNE 16 - AUTO INSURANCE REFORM
LACC thanks Shayna Levin of
Levin Insurance Agency for sharing information about the upcoming insurance reform in Michigan. Lots of changes in store ... make sure you have all the correct information.
Michigan Auto Insurance Reform - Watch Video
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JUNE 17 - SPOTLIGHT LUNCH
Enjoyed a carryout lunch from the fabulous
Haang's Bistro in the park with a couple chamber friends recently.
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JUNE 18 - 3RD THURSDAY COFFEE CONNECT
Guests learned more about the credit union from Branch Manager, Marjorie Rieckhoff who also took us on a virtual branch tour! Other speakers from the credit union shared information about mortgages, education events and their community involvement. Lastly, all our participants were able to introduce themselves, share some information and updates abouts about their business or organization and enjoy some virtual BINGO ... MSGCU style.
Congrats to our BINGO gift card winners and thanks to MSGCU for making it a fun way to start the day.
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JUNE 23 - FUTURE OF HEALTHCARE PRESENTATION
Our thanks to Gillian Anderson, BSN, RN - Director of Patient Care Services at
DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital for sharing information at our Future of Healthcare presentation.
During the past several months the hospital has worked swiftly and efficiently to keep staff and patients safe and well-cared for. Gillian discussed everything from new safety procedures and protocols, to tele-health, to PPE supplies, to ER visits and elective surgeries and how the hospital remains prepared to continue caring for area residents.
Our thanks to Holly Gerdom, Volunteer Services & Community Outreach Coordinator for helping to organize this education event and for her contiued participation and support. To Gillian, Holly and all the healthcare workers thanks for your dedication and hard work - we appreciate you!
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JUNE 24 - AMBASSADOR WOO-HOO WEDNESDAY
It's Woo-Hoo Wednesday and here's a shout out to the fabulous LACC Ambassadors!
The Ambassadors will be helping to deliver our membership directories so they'll be out and about (safely, of course) and making their way all around the Lakes Area with our brand new directory.
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JUNE 29 - NALOXONE TRAINING
Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce was happy to help co-sponsor the Free Community Naloxone Training hosted recently by the Lakes Area Community Coaltion and the Alliance of Coalitions for Healthy Communities.
Everyone who attended the virtual meeting was trained on the proper administration of the Intra-Nasal Narcan overdose reversal drug and will receive a Save Life kit which includes 2 doses of nasal narcan.
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JUNE 30 - NAVIGATING THE PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM
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Cara Gardner has been an active chamber member since 2010 and on the board since 2016. She is currently the board Treasurer and the Chairwoman of our Winter Wonder Bowl event.
When she is not supporting the community through her chamber efforts, she is improving the financial lives of community members as an independent financial advisor with Mark Epps Financial Advisory Services. With over 20 years of business experience in financial services, Cara provides a wealth of knowledge to her clients whether it is for retirement planning, college planning, or other savings and investing goals. She likes to say that “investment selection is only a small piece of a complete financial puzzle”, as there are many benefits a good financial advisor provides to her clients.
When she isn’t wearing her financial advisor hat, Cara also runs a non-profit called the Britt Perrotta Sommerfield Trust (another chamber member) that was created in memory of her sister who lost her battle with an eating disorder. The charity supports people actively seeking recovery from their eating disorders at several locations throughout Michigan.
Cara is also happily married to her husband, Brad, of 13 years and is the proud mother of Mason, her 8 year old son. Cara’s family lives, works, and plays in the Lakes Area community and they look forward to being a part of this place they call home for many years to come!
Britt Perrotta Sommerfield Trust - Member since 2016
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Our Newest Chamber Members
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JBD Law, PLLC
Joshua Bissoon-Dath / 734.666.0062
28345 Beck Road, Ste. 406, Wixom
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Allstar Alarm
Kevin Popp - 248.943.9715
Member Since 2019
American Plastic Toys
David Littleton - 248.624.4881
Member Since 1967
Autumn Insurance
Kyle Ingraham - 248.888.1822
Member Since 2017
CJ's Brewing Company
Anthony Asker - 248.366.7979
Member Since 2004
Campbell's Collision
Larry Campbell - 248.363.8004
Member Since 1980
Consumers Energy Company
Lauren Royston
- 248.433.5805
Member Since 1976
Creative Eldercare Consultants, LLC
Julie Haskins-White - 248.842.4980
Member Since 2018
Cutting Edge Countertops
Mark Williams - 248.926.8000
Member Since 2010
Diversified Members Credit Union
Kelly Horn - 248.344.2560
Member Since 2015
E-Tax Services
Brian Papo, CPA, P.C. - 248.896.0400
Member Since 2006
Elton Black & Son Funeral Home
William Wozniak - 248.363.7135
Member Since 1976
Family Chiropractic & Wellness
Dr. Jason Ellis - 248.880.8411
Member Since 2019
Family Funeral Care
Pamela Thurston - 248.821.5119
Member Since 2018
Formula For Fitness
Nancy McDaniel - 248.787.2853
Member Since 2019
General RV
Lynne Gibbons - 248.662.9920
Member Since 2019
Gilden Woods Early Care & Preschool - Commerce
Lauren Jaime - 248.859.2911
Member Since 2018
Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit
Jeff Ukrainec
- 248.859.5927
Member Since 2013
Graphik Concepts
Edward Rupp - 248.473.8990
Member Since 2007
Henry Ford OptimEyes
Cody Oselett - 586.322.5103
Member Since 2019
Indian Springs Metropark
Hilary Simmet - 248.625.6640
Member Since 2014
JEO Properties, LLC
George Buchanan - 248.245.8292
Member Since 2013
Jet's Pizza
Anthony Asker - 248.366.0312
Member Since 2005
Keller Williams Home Realty
Jolie Abreu - 248.973.7808
Member Since 2019
Kitchen Tune-Up Novi
Michele Sweeney - 248.309.0837
Member Since 2019
Lake Michigan Insurance Agency
Jon Retherford - 248.592.5508
Member Since 1963
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Knights of Columbus
St. Patrick Council #13319
Stan Politowicz - 248.568.1160
Member Since 2018
LaFontaine Cadillac Buick GMC
of Highland
Audrey Ryskamp - 248.887.4747
Member Since 2009
Lakes Area Rotary Club
Ken Gass - 248.390.8572
Member Since 2007
Lynch & Sons Funeral Home
Timothy Lynch Jr. - 248.624.2251
Member Since 1974
Milford Flatiron Center Condo Association
David Kaminski - 248.685.2685
Member Since 2014
Michigan Community Insurance Agency
Bill St. Charles - 248.926.1444
Member Since 2017
Oakland Vision
Dr. Fred Weiser - 248.624.1707
Member Since 1987
Professional Movers.com
Andrew Androff - 248.926.9999
Member Since 1998
Puppy Pirates Dog Camp
Kathryn Chipman - 248.618.3898
Member Since 2018
Revex, Inc.
Claudia Vargas - 248.669.8100
Member Since 2010
Robin Aire Heating & Cooling
Matthew Winnie - 248.380.1857
Member Since 2008
Skull Island Camp
Kathryn Chipman - 248.789.2223
Member Since 2017
Sort of Stephanie
Stephanie Ellerholtz - 248.979.8221
Member Since 2019
Spillane & Reynolds Orthodontics
Amy Berent - 248.344.8400
Member Since 2019
SpringHill Suites Wixom/Detroit
Ellie Beauchamp - 248.344.9319
Member Since 2019
Staples
William Talley - 248.926.1997
Member Since 2019
Sterling Home Services LLC
Ron Hanson - 248.881.3478
Member Since 2014
The Positive Shift
Stacie Zotkovich - 248.821.5119
Member Since 2017
Top Lawn
Amber Swain - 248.560.4727
Member Since 2015
Townehall Place of West Bloomfield
Jennifer Marentette - 248.683.1010
Member Since 2017
Walled Lake Schools Federal Credit Union
Cara Richards - 248.624.5222
Member Since 1981
Watkins Flowers
Cheryl Orman - 248.624.4507
Member Since 1976
White Lake Township
Supervisor Rik Kowall - 248.698.3300
Member Since 2000
X-Golf Novi
Chris Barlow - 248.513.4761
Member Since 2019
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The Crossing at Eagle Pond invites you to join them tonight,
Wednesday, July 1st, from 5:30 - 8:30 pm to enjoy Motor City Sweet Treats at their property. Who hears a milkshake calling their name ... ???
Christy Rose-Scott, Property Manager
The Crossing at Eagle Pond
300 Eagle Pond Drive
Walled Lake, MI 48390
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Reserve your bag now for pickup on
July 8th!
We aren't able to host as much summer fun as we usually do this year so we're taking the fun on the go! We are offering our “Summer in a Bag” kit that includes; bubbles, a flying disk, a kite you can decorate yourself and a beach ball. Each bag is $5/resident or $7/non-resident. Participants will be able to pick up their bag(s) curbside at the Recreation Activity Center Wednesday, July 8, 2020 between 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm. Quantities are limited so register quickly!
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Kill 99.9% of germs and harmful pathogens with the wave of a wand!
In today’s world, peace of mind is everything when it comes to the health and safety of ourselves and those around us. Disinfect objects of all shapes and sizes in 30 seconds or less with our personal, portable sanitizing wand. We are providing quantity discounts so you can keep your team safe. Independently lab-tested.
Use STAYSAFE to save $25.
#firebolthealth #stopthespread #takecontrol #COVIDsolutions
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Some awesome member news to share: ALL doctors and nurses get 3 months FREE services with AT&T!!
#SomeGoodNews.
When Doctors and Nurses visit
AT&T of Wixom or AT&T of Commerce and switch over to FirstNet, the only nationwide network for First Responders, from another provider, we will be hooking them up with an additional $200 credit!
Call or visit our locations for more details.
AT&T of Commerce
32960 N. Pontiac Trail
Commerce Twp., MI 48390
248-960-3737
Ashley Hollis – Store Manager
AT&T of Wixom
28870S. Wixom Road
Wixom, MI 48393
248-434-3399
Justin Mondoux – Store Manager
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Consumers Energy is providing two videos to make businesses aware of the many resources the utility is providing to assist them during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- In Video 1, Lauren Youngdahl Snyder, Vice President of Customer Experience for Consumers Energy discusses how the company is partnering with businesses on customized solutions on energy bills, energy cost savings, and how to operate safely during the pandemic, among other things. The video is 7:23 in length.
- In Video 2, Consumers Energy tries to help businesses break down the complexities of the economic stimulus programs and provide tools to manage your business or organization through the crisis. Jeff Mayes, Executive Director of Business Customer Care demonstrates how to access the Consumers Energy Tool Kit that has links to checklists and spreadsheets that you can adapt to your business, among other resources. This video runs 3:07.
Beyond watching the videos, assistance is readily available to Consumers Energy customers by calling their Business Customer Care line at 800-805-0490 or visiting
https://ConsumersEnergy.com/business.
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Regina Nock of Nock Accounting & Tax, PLC is now taking on new clients. If you're uncomfortable going out she also offers mobile and remote services.
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COFFEE WITH A BLONDE 4PKS
It’s back in cans and available to order online for Curbside Pick Up! This is an easy drinking blonde ale made with coffee from
Higher Grounds Trading Co.
located in Traverse City, MI. The coffee flavor is accompanied by a sweet finish and hints of honey & toasted malt.
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Please Note
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If you place an order for curbside pick up, you must pick the order up the same day as it’s placed. Any orders not picked up will be canceled and there will be no refunds/store credits. Check out all the details about curbside pick up by clicking here:
https://draftingtablebeer.com/home/curbside/
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Henry Ford Health System / Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital has recently launched a new Community Health COVID-19 webpage. This page was designed in response to demand from community partners for accessible resources and information around COVID-19. The simple, easy to read, and up to date COVID-19 related fact sheets and training modules were designed specifically with accessibility in mind. Explore these resources at
henryford.com/communityhealthcovid19 and feel free to share widely.
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Local First Responders, Connect Your Way!
Learn how to get 50% OFF Your New Unlimited Plan for 6 Months!
AT&T Commerce - 3290 N. Pontiac Trail, Suite 100, Commerce Phone: 248.960.3737
AT&T Wixom - 28870 S. Wixom Road, Wixom
Phone: 248.434.3399
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PIVOT. It’s what many companies are doing these days. As we know it, life has changed, and
Firebolt Group made the pivot to focus on today’s new goals - ensuring each other’s safety and helping get our country back to work.
Firebolt’s pivot started in March when we transformed our manufacturing plant to not only capitalize on our advanced technology to make signage that we are known for but to expand into new service lines that will focus on those two goals – our nation’s safety and our nation’s economy. We focused our efforts on producing PPE and ventilator parts. We also had our technical team focused on rolling out tech solutions to help businesses have solutions for bringing their employees and customers back.
Meet Firebolt Health’s newest product line:
PPE
Face Shields
Ear Saver Mask Accessories
Medical Gowns
Safety Screens for retail environments
And more…
Digital Solutions
Customer Virtual Line - Create a virtual line for customers using text
Contactless Check-In - Online screen, take a contactless temperature reading, and track results for employees returning to work
BookSafe - Allow customers to book a time to come into your location or schedule a pick-up
Virtual Events - A complete event management marketing system to create engaging online events
Let our pivot bring help your business get back to work. Contact me today to bring Firebolt Health solutions to your workplace.
Keith Tofan
Senior Business Development Manager
c: 1.734.521.7557
a: 28059 Center Oaks Ct., Wixom, MI 48393 USA
o: 1.248.624.8880
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CoffeeTree Group has a solution for the Lakes Area Chamber businesses to get them back up and running while providing some protection for their employees and customers. They have solutions for every company regardless of size or industry. They are able to quickly assess the needs of their customers and deliver a cost effective solution that will help them safely re-open their business, protect their employees and customers while restoring consumer confidence.
Solutions to be included in our customizable bundle:
1. Occupancy Counter for maintaining a percentage of Capacity
2. Occupancy Counter for maintaining a percentage of Capacity + Thermal Infrared camera for high temperature sensing
3. Occupancy Counter for maintaining a percentage of Capacity + Thermal Infrared camera for high temperature sensing + integrated with Video Management System
4. Occupancy Counter for maintaining a percentage of Capacity + Thermal Infrared camera for high temperature sensing + integrated with Video Management System + Wellness Check.
These packages all come with a managed service for the equipment and operations. CoffeeTree can also help customers integrate with other systems for additional business information and data analytics. For more information, contact James Sibel at 248.526.3315 or email [email protected]
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🌟 NOW OFFERING
🌟 Did you know approximately 400,000 bacteria live on the bottom of your shoes?
👟 At Sort of Stephanie, we are proudly offering Sanitization Mats to eliminate incoming germs. Infused with our CDC-approved solution, the Sanitation Mat will ensure a healthier work environment for your employees and visitors
🧼
Would you like to know more?
📞 Give us a call at (248) 979-8221
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Multi Lakes Conservation Association is offering Curbside Fishfry Friday Nights. Service will be from 5 pm to 7:30pm. The menu will consist of a 3 piece fish dinner or 4 piece chicken dinner. They will both include, french fries, dinner roll and coleslaw. The cost will be $10 per dinner. They will be accepting credit cards and cash.
Order at the clubhouse and they will bring your dinner out to your car. Stop by on Friday and support this local organization and enjoy a great meal at the same time!
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Skull Island Summer Camp is open ...Skull Island Camp is in its 15th year of operation. The camp is not designed to be the biggest in terms of accommodating numbers of campers but definitely strives to be the best.
Our hours of operation are very flexible for all types of working parents. Our normal hours of operation are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm with an option of many pick up and drop off times. Early drop off ($5/hour) begins at 8:00 am with late pick up ($5/hour) until 6:00 pm with a daily option of picking your child up at 3:00 pm and 4:00 pm also. Our boats begin running at 7:50 am and operate continuously every 15 minutes or so until approx 9:20 am every day to allow the parent an easy in/out procedure for their child on their route to work. Reversing the procedure in the afternoon parents have the flexibility of picking their child up at 3, 4, 5 or 6 each day as needed. For added flexibility parents can sign their child up for a full week or just a day or two each week.
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Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce
Back to Work Toolkit
The purpose of this toolkit is to help business owners get the information they need in order to open, what steps should be taken to put you on the best path of success, and how to assess your business needs.
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WHAT'S INSIDE:
- Get Prepared - Update Policies
- Planning a Safe Reopening
- Sample Re-opening Plans
- Online Checkup
- Signage Printable Posters
- Helpful Links
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Business Workshops
The Oakland County small business support team is offering a series of workshops this summer to help business during the COVID-19 pandemic. These virtual workshops are offered multiple times this summer and led by our business counseling team. Workshop topics include:
- Pivoting Your Business to Thrive in a New Environment
- Market Research Basis During the Coronavirus Crisis – Consumers Have Changed, Will You?
- How to Write a Business Plan in the New Economy
All workshops are free (unless otherwise noted).
Drive-Thru COVID-19 Testing – Free Resource
Testing allows the Oakland County Health Division to monitor the virus in our community and keep our county safe and open.
Testing is available for all residents age 18 and older with or without symptoms. We recommend residents who have a high degree of exposure to the public and those who have underlying health conditions get tested. The Health Division is happy to work with employers to develop a testing program for your staff. Make an appointment or talk to the Nurse on Call at 1-800-848-5533 or
[email protected]
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305 N. Pontiac Trail, Ste. A
Walled Lake 48390
Phone: 248.624.2826
Fax: 248.624.2892
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