MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Gray's Furniture Celebrates 48 Years!

Gray’s Furniture was started in 1974 by Mike and Rosie Gray as a family-owned and operated business. Utilizing all four floors of the 1903 building located in the heart of downtown, Gray's carries a variety of furniture and bedding and hosts a boutique with clothing, jewelry, and gifts. Many of their products are made in the USA and their bedding is made in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Currently, Gray's employs a small team with experience equaling 101 years. Rosie has been there for 48 years and says that she loves the furniture business and seeing the changes throughout the years. Mike officially retired a few years ago. You may still see him hanging around the store in between running errands. Paul and Amy Fox, Mike and Rosie's son-in-law and daughter, have been at Gray’s for over 20 years. Lane Levine has been with Gray’s for over 7 years, and Barb (Gray) Schaedler has been with Gray’s for almost 2 years.

The Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce congratulates long-standing Chamber member, Gray's Furniture, on celebrating 48 years in business!
AMBASSADOR'S CORNER
Paul Scoby has lived in the Mt. Pleasant community his entire life and received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Degree from Central Michigan University. He is also a graduate of the Perry School of Banking, the Rollie Denison Leadership Institute, the Rollie Dennison Leadership Institute Capstone Program, and Leadership Mecosta.

He has worked for Isabella Bank for 21 years and currently serves as a Commercial Loan Officer.

Paul has been involved in the Mt. Pleasant community in a variety of ways. He has invested time coaching youth sports through Mt. Pleasant Parks and Recreation and Renaissance Public School Academy. He has also volunteered with Junior Achievement, Kids Hope USA, the Community Compassion Network Mobile Food Pantry, and Christmas Outreach. He is involved in a number of roles at First Baptist Church of Mt. Pleasant and was a past board member of Central Michigan Pregnancy Services.

In Paul’s spare time he enjoys spending time with his family, playing and listening to music, and coaching youth sports.

Paul has been an Ambassador to the Chamber for 11 years and he enjoys the opportunity to work with, meet and serve members of the local business community. His favorite thing about living in Mt. Pleasant is the variety of opportunities the community offers and the friendships he has gained.
Do you enjoy mentoring and meeting new people? Maybe you have the calling to become an Ambassador?

Our ambassadors play a crucial role to maintain contact with Chamber members and help them recognize and utilize the value of their membership. They also ensure you are getting what you want out of our membership.

Ambassadors serve in many ways, such as:

  • Greeting members at Chamber functions and performing other goodwill projects such as ribbon cuttings, etc.
  • Encouraging participation of current members at Chamber functions
  • Visiting members in their businesses, and subsequently providing feedback to the Chamber
  • Mentoring new members

If you would like to know more about being a Chamber Ambassador, contact Deena at deenakalb@mt-pleasant.net.
REFERRELS OVER BUSINESS
Meet Michael J. Barrett, DC, FIAMA
Michigan Spine and Pain

"As both a Chiropractor and Acupuncturist with Michigan Spine and Pain, I partner with patients to relieve pain and improve function quickly, safely, and effectively. We do this by employing qualified and compassionate staff, using evidence-based diagnostic and treatment plans, and using a patient-centered multidisciplinary approach to care. So, whether you are suffering from an acute injury or struggling with ongoing chronic pain, we have the tools and providers to get you back on the road to recovery!"
Imagine having a focus group working for you to find referrals for your business.
If this interests you, please reach out to deenakalb@mt-pleasant.net to learn more about the NEW Referrals Over Breakfast Group. Category suggestions for the new group:
  • Assisted Living
  • CPAs
  • Attorneys
  • Plumbing
  • Auto Dealers
  • Restaurants
  • Employment Agencies
  • Home Improvement
  • Physical Therapy
  • Home Health Care
  • Retail
  • Electricians
  • Heating
  • Auto Aftermarket Service
  • Non-Profits
  • Website Designers, technicians, etc.
  • Beauty Salons
*One business per category per group based on first come bases.

Once we have up to 8 committed members, all members of the group will be contacted and will meet at the chamber office to firm the meeting date and time. ALL group members must be a chamber member in good standing.
CHAMBER EVENTS
Corporate Cup Challenge REBOOT
September 14, 2022- 5pm

With a new look this year, the Corporate Cup Challenge is truly focused on teambuilding, fun, and wellness. This, now one-day event, encourages employees from Chamber member businesses to work together in teams of 4 as a way to build your team’s cohesion.

Save the Date: October 3, 2022- 11:30am
Economic Outlook Luncheon
State of the Community
AROUND MT. PLEASANT
Ground Breaking

July 27, 2022 - 4:00pm
The community is invited to attend a groundbreaking for the 51,200 square-foot surgical suite renovation and expansion project at MyMichigan Medical Center Alma.
Music in the Park

Music In The Park is a free community concert series brought to you by MMI thanks to support from the Michigan Arts & Culture Council and Art Reach of Mid Michigan. This is an opportunity for the whole community to enjoy wonderful music and atmosphere together.
Hometown Showdown 2022

July 25, 2022 - 7:00pm
Hometown Showdown 2022 is a free community event at the Isabella County Fairgrounds grandstands and brought to you by My104.3 and Buck 92. 

RISE and Shine Community Breakfast Fundraiser

August 27, 2022- 9:00am
R.I.S.E. Advocacy is hosting a community breakfast to bring together individuals, groups, and organizations from Clare, Gratiot, and Isabella counties.
Upcoming Shows & Events -
Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort
Chris Stapleton's All American Road Show

Thurs., July 21 at 8:00 pm
Zac Brown Band Out in the Middle Tour

Sat., July 30 at 8:00 pm
Journey

Fri.., August 5 at 8:00 pm


Click Below to View Ticket Information
Spectrum REACH
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
Valet Auto Care, Inc.
Black Diamond Broadcasting:
98.5 WUPS & 97.7 FM WMRX Sunny
Modern Woodman Fraternal Financial, Lisa A. Phelps


CALLING ALL PHOTOGRAPHERS
It's that time again and we will be working on our 2023 Membership Directory and Community Guide. If you are interested in submitting your area and community photos, please contact Deena at deenakalb@mt-pleasant.net for details.
Join us for your networking "POP- IN 4 LUNCH"
Join us for our August
"POP IN 4 LUNCH"
Wednesday, August 17th

This month our host will be
Ascend Bar and Grill
Located at the Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort
11:30am - 1:00pm
Join us for members-only networking and some great food and prizes!
Lunch is on you, but our host will provide complimentary soft drinks.
Limited to 35 Mt. Pleasant Chamber members,
so please register or contact the Chamber at 989-772-2396.
*Bring plenty of business cards and get ready
for the round table introductions!
Have you scheduled your ribbon cutting yet
Are you a new business member? Have an anniversary this year? New management? Ribbon cuttings add the pizazz while you promote your:

  • Large expansion or major remodel
  • Moved to a new location
  • New ownership
  • Groundbreakings
  • Commemorative/milestone anniversaries (10, 25, 50 years)
  • and more!
Email deenakalb@mt-pleasant.net to schedule now!
DID YOU KNOW?
Do you have a job vacancy that must be filled?
Looking for new employees?
Do you want to reach an employee pool from outside our area?  

It's free! It’s easy! It's included in your membership!

Log into your chamber member portal to list your employment opportunities!
Serious job seekers will take note of jobs posted on the Mt. Pleasant Chamber of Commerce website by active chamber members like you.
Check it out and contact us with additional questions or for more information.
Questions?
Do you know of any local businesses that would be interested in joining the
Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce?

For information and benefits about joining the Mt. Pleasant Chamber of Commerce, contact Deena at deenakalb@mt-pleasant.net.
MEMBER NEWS
Find Your Ballot at Vote411

Visit VOTE411.org for non-partisan information about candidates and proposals on your ballot and other election information.
 
MARK YOUR CALENDARS

JULY
25- Hometown Showdown

AUGUST

17- Pop In 4 Lunch- Ascend Bar and Grill*
27- RISE and Shine Breakfast Fundraiser
TBD- Business After Hours*


SEPTEMBER

13- Business Over Breakfast- Sam's Club*



*Denotes Chamber Events*