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. 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.
We've received some great answers! Here are 27 in recent weeks and two more this week (below):
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Scott Brown, Harbor Springs IGA:
"Covid has given us a greater sense of community support. We are touched daily with customer appreciation."
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What have you had to do differently since the pandemic began?
We have been challenged to go outside of the box and research new vendors that offer the same products as our grocery distributor. Paper products, canned goods, cleaning supplies to name a few. There has been a shortage of staff. Consequently our staff is working longer hours.
What has worked?
Our staff has been absolutely fantastic working together, helping in all departments while being short-handed.
What has NOT worked?
Negativity.
What is the most important thing you have learned?
Covid has given us a greater sense of community support. We are touched daily with customer appreciation.
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Anything else you would like to share?
Someone in a previous survey remarked that we all have to be patient. I must add empathy too!
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Brenda Bell, Voices Without Borders:
"Although we prefer to sing together in person, this alternative allows us to continue to sing and "see each other" on our virtual program"
What have you had to do differently since the pandemic began?
We are a non-profit which, among other activities, sponsors two youth choirs in Northern Michigan. Since the pandemic, our youth choir has missed a tour to Carnegie Hall, and we have not been able to meet in person to sing together.
What has worked?
We have explored alternate ways for us to continue to sing together since we are not able to meet live. We are planning to meet virtually this fall semester, using a program called My Choral Coach. We will be able to make music together and produce a Christmas concert in December. We invite all students between the ages of 7 and 19 to join us for this innovative approach to our choirs. We have also planned to go forward with our 2021 Children of the World in Harmony Festival, which will be our first Virtually Live/Globally Inclusive festival and our 25th festival. Our choir directors have received training in producing virtual as well as concurrent live/virtual performances during this quarantine time. Although we prefer to sing together in person, this alternative allows us to continue to sing and "see each other" on our virtual program for the fall semester. We are sincerely hoping to be live for our winter semester.
What has NOT worked?
Although we were very disappointed by our inability to sing at Carnegie, and by our inability to sing together at all, we discovered that dwelling on what we could not do for very long does not work. Thankfully, we have a great, creative board and choir directors and we have a new plan for the fall!
What is the most important thing you have learned?
We have learned to be flexible and willing to think "outside the box.”
Anything else you would like to share?
Again, our Treble and Youth choirs are meeting this fall using My Choral Coach. One of the interesting things about this program is that you can live anywhere and be part of our choir this fall. We have students from Ireland who were here for our 2019 festival who are making plans to join us virtually this fall. We will truly be Voices Without Borders, not only for our July festival, but also for our fall semester. We also are welcoming a new Artistic Director this fall. Dr. William Skoog will be assuming this role specifically for our choirs. He will be stepping into the full role of Artistic Director after the 2021 Festival when our founder, Jack Kukuk, will retire. You may find more information for our choirs on our Facebook page, Great Lakes Youth Choir, or on our website, www.greatlakesyouthchoir.org. Our Voices Without Borders website is vwbchoir.com, which will have more information about our festival. Feel free to contact me with any questions about the fall semester.
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Join us to welcome new member Admired on Monday |
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Monday, Sept. 14th, we welcome new member Admired in Harbor with a ribbon cutting at 4 p.m. at 930 State Street in Fairview Plaza, Harbor Springs.
Everyone is invited to support local businesses by attending chamber ribbon cuttings, especially if you know the business owner or if you're a neighbor. Please wear your mask. And when you open your business or join the chamber, we'll be glad to plan a ribbon cutting for you too!
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26th Annual Taste of Harbor postponed until 2021 |
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It is with deep regret that the Harbor Springs Chamber of Commerce and event organizers Mary Ellen Hughes and Jenny Brower have decided to postpone the Taste of Harbor Springs until 2021. The Taste raises funds for culinary scholarships for area students and also supports the Harbor Springs Chamber, which hosts and assists with the event. “It’s a real bummer,” Mary Ellen Hughes commented, “but we’ll just have to look forward to next year – so save this date, Sept. 18, 2020, for the 26th Annual Taste of Harbor Springs. Until then – everyone stay safe and please support our local restaurants.” |
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Safe Harbor masks and window clings available
Our original order of Safe Harbor face masks sold out quickly, and more are still available at the Harbor Springs Chamber office, 368 E. Main Street from 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Additional masks are available for $10, and 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 one women's large shirt and 3 men's medium shirts remaining. T-shirt illustration.
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Chamber Gazebo open Fridays and Saturdays
The Chamber’s Visitor Information Gazebo on the Waterfront near Stafford’s Pier restaurant is staffed from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday through Sunday this weekend. Our fall hours begin next week when we will be open on Fridays and Saturdays. Our “Gazebo Guys” - Fred Tabor, Dave McSherry and Larry Richey - are there to answer questions and give out brochures, maps and information to visitors.
The Chamber office at 368 Main Street is open weekdays 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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Campaign underway to ensure Northwest Michigan communities are counted in last month of Census |
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A new advertising campaign is underway in Northwest Lower Michigan in response to a new Census response deadline slated for September 30. Getting an accurate count is challenging under usual circumstances but it is even more difficult during all the disruptions related to COVID-19. The Northwest Counts campaign will focus on boosting responses in the parts of the region with the lowest Census response rates. |
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The ads will drive traffic to a new web page, NorthwestCounts.com, that will help make responding to the Census easy. The campaign is being coordinated by Networks Northwest, which is serving as the regional Census Hub Administrator for the statewide Be Counted Census 2020 Campaign.
A complete and accurate count is vital for communities and it is important for everyone to fill out the Census including permanent and seasonal residents, renters, college students, and immigrants. Census data is used to distribute funding for road repairs, school improvements, and social programs. Michigan stands to lose $1,800 per person per year of federal funding to support programs that use Census data. Without an accurate Census count of our entire community, the potential for leaving much needed resources on the table for our 10-county region is at risk. The nine question Census takes less than10 minutes to fill out and will help ensure that our region will receive its share of resources for the next 10 years.
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Newsworthy...
High school football reinstated; First varsity game Sept. 18 - Story
Social and safe: 10 places to explore this fall - Story
First Tee internship 'experience of a lifetime', says Lake State student - Story
Health Department reports COVID-19 death in Emmet County - Story
Health Department to conduct COVID-19 testing in Petoskey - Story
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City of Harbor Springs news
> City Master Plan Survey #1: Natural Character of Harbor Springs
A primary goal of the City of Harbor Springs elected and appointed officials is to incorporate the values and priorities of City residents in the administration of City government. The Master Plan is an important tool toward that end. It is the document that guides all future land use decisions for the next twenty years, or more. To that end, the City has created a series of surveys that gauges the community’s thoughts on several Master Plan goals. Your input is greatly appreciated.
Survey #1 is related to the current Master Plan’s Goal #1: “The City of Harbor Springs will retain its distinctive natural character defined by its waterfront setting, substantial bluffs and hillsides, and views of Little Traverse Bay.”
Additional surveys will be conducted on other aspects of the Master Plan in the future.
> High school juniors, seniors sought for 3 city commissions
If you are a junior or senior in high school and attend Harbor Springs High School or live within the city limits of Harbor Springs, then you have an opportunity to serve on one of the City’s boards or commissions as a non-voting member. This is an excellent opportunity to experience local government and serve your community by being involved in the decision-making process.
The City is making one position available on each of the following three boards: Downtown Development Authority; Planning Commission; and Tree Advisory Board. You may apply for all three positions, but no student will be allowed to serve on more than one board. Terms last from September 2020 through June 2021. Staff and board chairs will review the applications and make a recommendation to the Mayor for appointment.
City Council, 7 p.m. Sept. 21.
Downtown Development Agency (DDA), 7:30 a.m. Sept. 10 and Oct. 1.
Planning Commission, 5:30 p.m. Sept. 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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Wendy's Clean Team offering fall specials |
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Wendy's Cleaning & Services is offering some great Fall Sale specials for new customers. Wendy’s Clean Team will clean your house for $40 per room, with a three-room minimum, up to 10 rooms. They also have a floor-cleaning special of $105 to clean all the floors in your home (up to 2,000 sq. ft.). That includes vacuuming all carpet and rubs and mopping all hard-surface floors. Wendy can customize this offer for larger homes as well. Call 231-881-5208 or visit www.mywcscleanteam.com for more information.
Wendy's Cleaning & Services LLC. has been providing the best services to Harbor Springs, Bay Harbor, Petoskey and Charlevoix including the surrounding areas since 2014. Superior quality and exceptional customer service are guaranteed when you work with us.
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Free webinar will help businesses sell to the government
Tip of the Mitt SCORE and NCMC Corporate and Community Education are partnering to bring a free webinar to the business community on the basics of selling to the Federal Government and the State of Michigan.
The webinar will be held on Tuesday, September 22, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Register in advance for this meeting by going to the SCORE website, tipofthemitt.score.org and click on Take a Workshop. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Presenter Coury Carland is a procurement counselor at the Northwest Michigan Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC).
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TOPOnexus launches Learn Local Academy |
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Kids in the Little Traverse Bay area have an exciting opportunity to take their learning to the next level with a new and innovative program from TOPOnexus–Learn Local Academy. Families opting for full online schooling this fall can learn more at two “Get Oriented!” sessions. Learners get to go on a complimentary mini walking quest in Harbor Springs and return to Basecamp to discuss their findings and learn more about Learn Local Academy. To attend the Get Oriented! session, email molly@toponexus.com with a preferred time slot between 3 and 7 pm on Thursday, September 10 or Monday, September 14. |
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Comedian Mike Young to perform
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. Each show will be socially distanced and limited to 132 patrons.
- COMEDIAN MIKE YOUNG, Sept. 26 - Returning to Center Stage after opening for Bob Saget last September, eccentric comedian Mike Young brings his rated R-ish act home for a night of laughs. A native Detroiter, Mike Young is a comedian, writer, and director who got his start in stand up comedy. All seats $25.
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This weekend at the Lyric Theatre
TENET in 4K is an experience! Last chance for David Copperfield & Jazz On A Summer's Day. Coup 53 & I Am Women open this Friday, 9/11.
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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.
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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.
- 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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HIRING EVENT - Jarvis Property Restoration is holding a hiring event from 3-7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, at 5975 Charlevoix Road, Petoskey. Positions available include:
- Construction project managers
- Experienced sales
- Estimators
- Water/mold techs
- Carpenters
- Painters/drywallers
- Laborers
We will be conducting interviews at the event.
CARPENTER, Experience preferred - Adelaine Construction, Inc., 8555 Commerce Court Harbor Springs, Experience Preferred. Details.
DELI CLERK, NIGHT STOCK, STARBUCKS BARISTA AND SERVICE CLERK - D&W Fresh Market, 1163 US 31 North Petoskey. We offer competitive wages (most positions beginning at $12) and flexible scheduling. Anyone interested can apply at Spartannash.com/careers.
CAREGIVER - Angel Heart Home Care, Petoskey. Details.
CLINIC ATTENDANT/MEDICAL ASSISTANTS - Bay Street Orthopaedics & Spine, Petoskey. Details.
RADIOLOGY TECHNICIAN - Bay Street Orthopaedics & Spine, Petoskey. Details.
PART TIME SALES ASSOCIATE - New Beginnings Resale Store, 650 West Conway Road Harbor Springs. Details.
PERRY FARM VILLAGE - Resident Assistant Positions - We currently have 2 Full Time positions open. Twelve hour shifts, one Midnight ( 6:30pm – 7am ) Position and one Daytime position ( 6:30am – 7pm ). We will also consider Part-Time employees. I worked part-time at Perry when I was a Nursing Student at NCMC. It was a wonderful learning experience working in an Senior Independent Community and segued nicely with my class schedules. People can apply directly online at PVM.org by clicking on careers and then search for Harbor Springs.
HARBOR WEAR of Petoskey and Harbor Springs is seeking enthusiastic part-time sales associates for our casual family clothing stores. Experience is not necessary but we are looking for friendly people who will enjoy working with customers. Please apply in person at Harbor Wear at 161 State St, Harbor Springs (231-526-6922, contact Candace) or 319 E Lake St, Petoskey (347-2664 contact :Judith or Katie).
PINEVIEW COTTAGE Assisted Living and Memory Care is looking to hire full and part-time caregivers - second and third shift. $500 sign-on bonus for full-time, $250 bonus for part-time. Our luxury assisted living/memory care community is looking for caring, compassionate, detail-oriented and dependable caregivers. Position includes assisting our residents with bathing, dressing, grooming, medications, activities and meal service in our fine dining room. Premium wages, and comprehensive benefits, paid time off & paid holidays. Call Dean at 810-516-8928.
PINEVIEW COTTAGE - We are looking for a beautician one or two days a week. Call us if you love working with our elderly. Ask to speak with Brooke, 231-412-6069.
PIERSON’S GRILLE & SPIRITS is hiring year-round staff. Looking for positive, high-energy, outgoing, friendly professionals to join our team! Call 231-526-2967 or fill out an application online at www.piersonsgrille.com.
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 is now hiring delivery drivers. Please call 231-526-2424 or email lorilwathen@gmail.com to inquire. 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. NEW... send us your job posting and North Central Michigan College will automatically post it on their jobs board!
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300 jobs available at virtual hiring events
More than 300 jobs in healthcare, manufacturing, hospitality and services will be featured at Northwest Michigan Works! Virtual Hiring Events later this month. The online events will include more than 20 employers from around Northwest Michigan and will give job seekers the opportunity to learn about current job openings and connect directly to employers. The Manufacturing Virtual Hiring Event will be Tuesday, Sept. 22 from 9 am to 12:30 pm. The Health Care Hiring Event will be Thursday, Sept. 24 from 9 am to 1 pm. The Hospitality/Service Hiring Event will be Friday, Sept. 25 from 9 am to 12:30 pm. Different employers will present every half hour at each of the events. There is no charge to participate in the hiring events but participants must register for each day they plan to attend. Participants can attend any of the presentations on the days they register for.
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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!
- Law Offices of Daniel J. Harris
- Bank of Ann Arbor
- HUZZA
- Admired in Harbor
- Emmet Brick & Block
- Thomas & Milliken Millwork
- Highland Hideaway Bed & Breakfast
- Pleasantview Winery
- Bar Harbor
- Two Glass Gents
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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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