Here's how local businesses are coping
We asked our members how they are doing these days, when many of us have had to change how we conduct business. Is your business or organization doing something new, different, smart, and/or creative? Can your ideas help others? We'd like to feature you in this new Member Spotlight feature.
If you’d like to be featured in our Member Spotlight and share some of your ideas and coping strategies, please take this short survey. Then we will share them with our newsletter readers and social media followers.
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Hanni Yothers of HANNI Gallery:
"It's hard to fit in everything that we'd like to do, but this year taught us how important it is to create additional revenue streams"
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What have you had to do differently since the pandemic began?
We've required mask wearing since we first re-opened, and we sanitize often and offer hand sanitizer. We also limit the number of customers in the store and offer appointments for those who are unable to wear a mask. We've done a lot of curbside pick-up over the spring and summer, we're happy to deliver locally, and we ship anywhere. This year more than others, we've been texting/emailing a lot of photos so customers can see what's in stock without having to come into the shop.
This fall, we'll be working on being more active on social media, uploading merchandise to our website, and starting an email newsletter. As a small business, it's hard to fit in everything that we'd like to do, but this year taught us how important it is to create additional revenue streams.
What has worked?
We've been down throughout the summer on our in-store person count by 25-30%, yet our sales aren't off as much as we expected so I think our efforts to make our store a safe place to shop have paid off. Customers have also appreciated our ability to ship anything, and our local delivery/curbside pick-up options.
What has NOT worked?
Negativity!
What is the most important thing you have learned?
Kindness and empathy matter, and right now. There's not enough of it going around. Treat everyone you can with kindness and it will come back to you.
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Anything else you would like to share?
If we've had to tell you that you must wear a mask while in the gallery, please understand that this is the space that we are in every day and we need to keep it safe for ourselves and our customers. We WILL require you to cover your nose and mouth while you are inside our space. If you feel we've been too assertive, remember that we have been repeating ourselves countless times every day since we opened, and we can't afford exposure and losing part of our season. If you cannot wear a mask (or you don't want to be in the store with others!), we offer appointments in the morning or evening for socially distanced shopping.
The support and positive feedback we've received from our community this summer has blown us away. Our customers are wonderful, and have made it a point to shop with us and support our small business. Thank you - we are eternally grateful for you!
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Tim Knapp of Edward Jones Financial Advisors:
“Having a crucial conversation with each client makes people understand better and relieves some of the stress”
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What have you had to do differently since the pandemic began?
In the beginning we closed our office and did virtual appointments with WebEx, Zoom, or phone. When we did open our office up to clients we sanitize between each client and wear masks and have hand sanitizer available. The office space is large enough to keep social distancing practices in place.
What has worked?
The market has been very volatile. We are sure to review portfolios with each client or prospective client to look for opportunities. Each benchmark comparison proves useful in many ways.
What has NOT worked?
Doing nothing! Now is the time to be proactive and manage based on each client's risk tolerance.
What is the most important thing you have learned?
Having a crucial conversation with each client and my family makes people understand better and relieves some of the stress that comes from all the things going on in the world.
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Anything else you would like to share?
“Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.”
- Henry Ford
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Damon Whitfield of Harbor Springs Therapy & Wellness:
"I had just finished a competition where I completed 100 Telehealth visits, so being able to provide that service was great!"
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What have you had to do differently since the pandemic began?
Taking my temperature multiple times per day, wearing masks with my patients and clients, and pivoting to Telehealth to provide services in the beginning of the shutdown. I have also adjusted how I do some education to family members and facility staff to make sure my patients and clients stay safe and can stay in their own residences.
What has worked?
COMMUNICATION is key! Making sure that everyone knows the expectations when things are different. The Telehealth aspect of providing care became apparent and widespread as the shutdown started, and people were looking for different ways to stay in contact with their healthcare providers. Ironically, I had just finished a competition in Telehealth where I completed 100 Telehealth visits the beginning of March, so being able to provide that service and ease peoples’ minds that the system was already in place was great!
What has NOT worked?
Being that my business is mobile, it was business as usual.
What is the most important thing you have learned?
Everyone is going through something just a little bit different than you and experiencing the changes to “normal life” a little differently. If we all respect each other and realize that our situations are not exactly the same and kindness is key, we all can get through this.
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Anything else you would like to share?
Please make sure that as the summer winds down and family dynamics are changing, that the health and safety of family members remaining in the area (especially the older generation) are first and foremost on the minds of the rest of the family. Make sure that all resources are available and there are people checking in on them if things change and we need to shut down again.
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McKenzie Green of Luxury Bath & Spa:
"We are all going through this unprecedented time together, so we may as well be nice to each other while doing so"
What have you had to do differently since the pandemic began?
We have implemented a curbside hot tub chemical, accessories and parts pick-up option, we offer free hand sanitizer and masks to customers that walk in and we sanitize our office each night before we leave.
What has worked?
The curbside pick-up has been utilized quite a bit, especially in the beginning of this whole experience. And people have appreciated the offer of sanitizer and masks.
What is the most important thing you have learned during the past few months?
To be patient and kind, even under the most inconvenient of circumstances. We as a community, a country, a world… are all going through this unprecedented time together, so we may as well be nice to each other while doing so.
Anything else you would like to share?
We appreciate our local customers, our visiting customers and our fellow business owners!
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The Member Spotlight features above were included in our August 20th Harbor Happenings newsletter.
Here is the rest of our newsletter from that day:
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Chamber Gazebo open Thursday through Sunday
The Chamber’s Visitor Information Gazebo on the Waterfront near Stafford’s Pier restaurant has reopened and is staffed from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. from Thursday through Sunday. Our crew of “Gazebo Guys” - Fred Tabor, Dave McSherry and Larry Richey - are there to answer questions and give out brochures, maps and information to visitors.
Chamber members who have updated brochures and fliers are encouraged to drop them off for use at the Gazebo and at the Chamber office, 368 Main Street.
The Harbor Springs Chamber office at 368 Main Street is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. We ask that you wear a mask if you come visit us, and we'll be following social distancing guidelines. You're also welcome to call us at 231-526-7999.
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Safe Harbor masks & shirts on sale until Labor Day |
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Safe Harbor face masks are on sale at a reduced price from now until Sept. 4th at the Harbor Springs Chamber office, 368 E. Main Street. The office is open from 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
During the sale, the $10 masks are available 2 for $18, 4 for $32, or 10 for $70.
Safe Harbor window clings are $3, including sales tax.
HARBOR SPRINGS T-SHIRTS ON SALE! - A few of our popular shirts designed by local artist Mary Hramiec Hoffman of Hramiec Hoffman Gallery are available for $10 (regular price $25). We have 2 Women's Large shirts and 3 Men's Medium shirts remaining. T-shirt illustration.
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Newsworthy...
Work progresses on mixed-use development in downtown Harbor - Story
Updates coming to college student and community resource center - Story
Michigan ballot proposals for November election - Story
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City of Harbor Springs news
City Council, 7 p.m. Sept. 7 and 21.
Downtown Development Agency (DDA), 8 a.m. Sept. 10 and Oct. 1.
Planning Commission, 5:30 p.m. Aug. 20, Sept. 3 and 17.
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Business resources and COVID-19 updates
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MEMBER NEWS
Promote yourself... send us your news.
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Virtual Howl at the Moon raises funds for Humane Society
Little Traverse Bay Humane Society will host their largest annual fundraiser, Howl at the Moon, virtually on Thursday, August 27 from 7-7:45 p.m. Tickets are available to Howl at the Moon for $175 each, which includes a $25 gift card to one of the event’s participating restaurants. These include: Julienne Tomatoes, Paper Station Bistro, City Park Grill, Teddy Griffin’s Roadhouse, Bar Harbor, Sassy Loon at Northern Lights Recreation, Vernales, and Stafford’s Pier Restaurant. Raffle tickets can also be purchased for the chance to win a 15-year-old bottle of Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve Bourbon. The Silent/Premier Auctions will be hosted online and will be open for bidding starting Thursday, August 20 and close on Thursday, August 27 at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., respectively. Trisha Witty will serve as the premier artist this year, and her 2020 Howl at the Moon artwork will be available to bid on in the Premier Auction. There is no cost to view this livestream event or to participate in the online auction. To learn more about Howl at the Moon, purchase tickets, become a sponsor, or join the Pet Host Committee, click here or contact Teresa Chaney at 231-622-6356. |
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Arts center presents concerts through Labor Day
The Great Lakes Center for the Arts is thrilled to be open and presenting limited capacity, socially distanced, live events. Attend with confidence and your mask! The Center has worked hard to create a responsible space for staff, volunteers, artists, and patrons. Artists will perform one-hour shows at 5 and 8:30pm on their event date. Each show will be socially distanced and limited to 132 patrons.
- Punch Brothers and Nickel Creek member, Grammy Award-winner, and MacArthur Fellow, Chris Thile, takes the stage on August 22.
- The last Saturday of the month, August 29, features one of the longest-lived classical music ensembles with all of its original members and four decades of worldwide success, the Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson Trio.
- Heading into Labor Day, the Wheel rolls into town, Asleep at the Wheel that is, on September 6. This evening of “western swing” country features twin fiddles and boogie piano and promises to have you dancing in your seat.
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Shay House and ferry exhibits continue all summer |
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It’s a beautiful day to tour our new exhibit History Matters at the Shay House, pictured above! This community art display is open Fridays and Saturdays from 11am-3pm all summer, sponsored by the Harbor Springs Area Historical Society. The Historical Society also invites the public to step back in time to an era of steam whistles and fluttering flags at the group’s newest exhibit, “Don’t Miss the Boat.” It highlights the historic ferries of Little Traverse Bay and features original watercolors and giclees by local artist William Talmadge Hall. Exhibit hours are Tuesdays-Saturdays, 11am - 3pm. Appointments for private tours are encouraged. |
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Admission to the Harbor Springs History Museum is by donation. The Historical Society’s Museum Store will also be carrying limited edition ferry posters and postcards to celebrate the exhibit. For more information, or to inquire about group tours, contact the Historical Society at (231) 526-9771 or email beth@harborspringshistory.org.
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McLaren honored for commitment to quality stroke care |
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McLaren Northern Michigan has received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines®- Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award. The award recognizes the hospital’s commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines based on the latest scientific evidence.
McLaren earned the award by meeting specific quality achievement measures for the diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients at a set level for a designated period. These measures include evaluation of the proper use of medications and other stroke treatments aligned with the most up-to-date, evidence-based guidelines with the goal of speeding recovery and reducing death and disability for stroke patients. Before discharge, patients should also receive education on managing their health, get a follow-up visit scheduled, as well as other care transition interventions.
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Training costs may be covered if you’re hiring new staff
If you are planning to add new positions (not replacements) to your staff, and the hourly rate is at least $16.89 per hour, you may be eligible to have your training costs paid for via the Michigan New Jobs Training Program sponsored by North Central Michigan College. For more details, please watch this 4-minute video that explains how the program works. |
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Manna golf outing changed to an outdoor-only event
Manna Food Project’s September fundraiser, the “Golf Fore Manna” charity outing, is still planned to take place, with several significant modifications. While in the past participants have been invited inside the club for a post-event reception and sit-down dinner, this year’s event will be held entirely outdoors. Instead of a standard meal service, a “strolling dinner” will be provided, with chef stations and a cash bar on a tented patio. Additionally, the number of teams has been limited to 27, and there will be no silent or live auctions.
The outing takes place on Thursday, September 10, at the Country Club of Boyne’s Moor course. Tickets are $150 per golfer, or $600 per team, and includes a boxed lunch, 18 holes of golf, holes prizes, and awards. Sponsorships are available for anyone interested in supporting the event. Registration and details. |
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Our Restaurant Guide is updated online
Harbor Happenings is moving our Restaurant Guide online. We will continue to update it and provide any restaurant news here in our newsletter with a link to the online guide. It includes info on 24 restaurants offering both dine-in and take-out service.
Newly added updates include:
> Listing for new Chamber member Bar Harbor, 100 State St. Comfort food, quick bite, fast service. Great burgers and fries. Fantastic views of the Harbor Springs waterfront. Open 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. Monday - Saturday, Sunday from 12 - 8 p.m. (231) 526-2671.
> New hours at Legs Inn in Cross Village They are currently open Wednesday through Sunday from 12-8 p.m. > Updated menu and entertainment at the True North Golf Club & Compass Room.
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Chamber members: help us promote you!
Let us know about your business news, promotions and events - it’s a free benefit of membership.
> REACH 750+ WITH YOUR AD or press release in Harbor Happenings. You’ll get great local exposure - our newsletter goes out to nearly 1,800 people and is opened by more than 750 each week. Here are your advertising options:
- Display ad and web link at the top of the newsletter - $60.
- Display ad and web link after the third story in the newsletter - $35.
- Exclusive e-blast featuring your business - $125
We can create your ad or give you the specs to have your people do it. We invoice you after your ad runs. To send us your news, reserve your ad or ask questions, contact jim@harborspringschamber.com.
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TURKEY'S RESTAURANT is now hiring for all positions. Come in to 250 E. Main Street and pick up an application or call Jeff or Sara at 231-526-6041.
BC PIZZA of Harbor Springs seeking highly motivated, energetic individuals for nights, weekends and holidays. All positions available, full or part-time. Pick up an application at store, go online to bcpizza.net or call. Benefits include a fun, clean and well organized environment, fast pace, tips, summer bonus, meals and 401k. 930 State Street, 231-526-2424.
> Chamber members are invited to post their job openings on our Jobs Page. Log in to post, or email angie@harborspringschamber.com for assistance.
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Thank you, new Chamber members!
These local businesses and organizations have joined the Harbor Springs Chamber in recent weeks. We'd love to have you join them - and us!
- Thomas & Milliken Millwork
- Highland Hideaway Bed & Breakfast
- Pleasantview Winery
- Bar Harbor
- Zen Business
- Two Glass Gents
- TOPOnexus, LLC
- Cottage Interiors
- Luxury Bath & Spa
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SPREAD THE NEWS - We'd love to send you the weekly Harbor Happenings newsletter. To subscribe, unsubscribe, advertise or submit your news, email info@harborspringschamber.com.
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Disclaimer: Information presented in the HSACC Newsletter does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Harbor Springs Area Chamber of Commerce or its membership. It is provided here as information only, as provided by member businesses & local organizations.
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