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.
- Oil Paintings by Karen Rolfes
- Frederick Hackl of FAH Architecture
- Mary Ann Archer Fine Jewelry and Paintings
- Laura Swem of Last Chance Resale
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Karen Rolfes of Oil Paintings by Karen Rolfes:
"Keeping a positive attitude with a smile seems to make others feel content. Making the best of the situation seems to work"
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What have you had to do differently since the pandemic began?
I have tried to make sure the people coming in the gallery feel comfortable by providing hand sanitizer and keeping all surfaces sanitized as well. I also wear a mask.
What has worked?
Keeping a positive attitude with a smile seems to make others feel content. We can only do so much, so making the best of the situation seems to work.
We are all so fortunate to be here in beautiful Harbor Springs.
What has NOT worked?
It does not work to be somber about Covid.
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What is the most important thing you have learned during the past 4 months?
Most people are nice, supportive and happy to be here which makes going to the gallery every day a pleasure.
Anything else you would like to share?
I would be happy to welcome you to Oil Paintings by Karen Rolfes, located next to The Cottage Company on East Bay Street (across from the park). If you feel uncomfortable coming to the gallery during open hours, I will gladly meet you by appointment. My cell is 513-315-5491.
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Frederick Hackl of FAH Architecture, PLLC:
"We have been blessed. Our health and our business have not been impacted by COVID-19"
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What have you had to do differently since the pandemic began?
We wear masks and practice social distancing.
What has worked?
So far so good.
What is the most important thing you have learned during the past 4 months?
Faith in God.
Anything else you would like to share?
We have been blessed. Our health and our business have not been impacted by COVID-19.
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Mary Ann Archer Fine Jewelry and Paintings:
"Most people don't want to infect others with the virus, but at the same time, hate wearing a mask and want their life back"
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What have you had to do differently since the pandemic began?
I clean each piece of jewelry that anyone touches so that it is sanitized for the next customer without worry. This takes extra time on my part. Wear the mask when someone walks in the door. Hand sanitizer is available.
What has worked?
Don't know if any of it works really. I have no proof. Just doing what our governor and city officials ask us to do.
What has NOT worked?
Normal and returning customers coming into town.
What is the most important thing you have learned during the past 4 months?
I have learned that my freedom is the most precious thing in my life.
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I have learned that people want to control others more than I originally thought.
I have learned that small business is not respected or valued by the leadership in our state (excluding you folks at the chamber).
I have learned that the virus has caused people to take sides and caused divisive tactics amongst peoples, and in Harbor Springs, for the sake of wanting people to think as they do.
I have learned there is little tolerance and appreciation for individualism.
I have learned that knowing what is true is a thing of the past and that the media feeds lies to the American people and incites them with fear to make them comply with their way of thinking.
I have learned that people are very willing to give up their freedom mindlessly, follow rules without knowing all the facts.
I have learned that most people don't want to infect others with the virus, but at the same time, hate wearing a mask and want their life back.
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Laura Swem, Last Chance Resale:
"Can't imagine having to shut down again - hoping that doesn't happen"
What have you had to do differently since the pandemic began?
Wearing a mask is very uncomfortable but we do it to be safe. We have to limit how many customers we can have in the store, have to maintain social distancing. Extra cleaning takes time and money.
What has worked?
Being open again. Can't imagine having to shut down again - hoping that doesn't happen. My loyal customers and the support from the community.
What has NOT worked?
Have had to shorten hours to do cleaning every day.
What is the most important thing you have learned?
The way the community showed support when we reopened was very reassuring.
Anything you'd like to add?
We are accepting gently used donations. As always thank you for your support.. proceeds benefit our veterans. Great finds, great prices, great cause.
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The Member Spotlight features above were included in our August 13th Harbor Happenings newsletter.
Here are some highlights from the rest of that newsletter:
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Street Musique features “Blues, Tunes and More”
“Blues, Tunes and More” is the theme of this Thursday’s Street Musique in Downtown Harbor Springs. Musicians perform at four outdoor locations. New this year, State Street is closed from Bay to Main Streets for strolling and enjoying the music.
The musicians performing from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday are:
A. Peacemeal String Band at Johan’s Pastry Shop
B. Lara Fullford at Mary Ann Archer Gallery
C. Holly Keller-Thompson at Pierson's Grille & Spirits
D. Keith Scott at the Waterfront
Street Musique takes place each Thursday evening from July 2-August 20 and is a program of the Harbor Springs Chamber Foundation and the Blissfest Music Organization. Street Musique is funded solely by contributions and includes sponsorship support from many organizations and individuals including the Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau and the City of Harbor Springs.
> The Street Musique Finale for this summer will be next Thursday, August 20th, with music from Kevin Johnson, The Hype, Kevin B. Klein and a surprise guest.
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DONATIONS WELCOME! Street Musique is funded solely by contributions. Please consider supporting this long-standing program that brings music and joy to downtown Harbor Springs. Donations are tax deductible and much appreciated! You can make your donation online or mail a check to the Harbor Springs Chamber Foundation, 368 E. Main St., Harbor Springs MI 49740.
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Chamber Gazebo now 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 and window clings available
Our original order of Safe Harbor face masks sold out quickly, and more are now available 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.
Additional masks are available for $10 and Safe Harbor window clings are $3, including sales tax. If you missed out or would like to order more, you can purchase masks online, or just stop in and purchase them at our office. |
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Thanks again to Kate Conlon of Walstrom Marine for coming up with the Safe Harbor concept, and to Mark Carter of Carter’s Imagewear and Awards for creating the masks for us.
HARBOR SPRINGS T-SHIRTS - A few of our popular shirts designed by local artist Mary Hramiec Hoffman of Hramiec Hoffman Gallery. are still available for $25. Call or stop by the Chamber to see if we have your size. We have 2 Women's Large shirts and 3 Men's Medium shirts remaining. T-shirt illustration.
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Newsworthy...
Emmet COVID-19 cases remain on rise; exposure sites identified - Story
5 lasting changes businesses need to plan for now - Story
Michigan ballot proposals for November election - Story
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City of Harbor Springs news
City Council, 7 p.m. Aug. 17.
Downtown Development Agency (DDA), 8 a.m. August 13.
Planning Commission, 5:30 p.m. Aug. 20.
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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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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 every weekend throughout August and September. 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.
- August 15 brings “Broadway’s Last Leading Baritone” Brian Stokes Mitchell to Center Stage. The Tony Award-winning singer’s career covers Broadway, television, film, and concert appearances.
- 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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Online Dart for Art runs from now through Aug. 20 |
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This summer, Crooked Tree Arts Center is celebrating its 23rd annual arts fundraiser, DART for ART, in a new way. Join us as we celebrate the sunset on half a century of inspiring and enriching lives through the arts in Northern Michigan - ONLINE from August 13-20. While we may not be celebrating and fundraising in person, this reimagined event will feature all of your favorite DART highlights, plus a live-stream culmination to a week of festivities. |
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This summer, Crooked Tree Arts Center is celebrating its 23rd annual arts fundraiser, DART for ART, in a new way. Join us as we celebrate the sunset on half a century of inspiring and enriching lives through the arts in Northern Michigan - ONLINE from August 13-20. While we may not be celebrating and fundraising in person, this reimagined event will feature all of your favorite DART highlights, plus a live-stream culmination to a week of festivities.
VIRTUAL DART RESERVATIONS INCLUDE:
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Dinner and drinks for you and your guest(s) at your choice of Dart for Art partner restaurant - use within one year
- Live-stream events, artist demos, and performances from the CTAC School of Music, CTAC School of Ballet, Trisha Witty, and more
- Free entry into daily “virtual door prizes”
- A $250 credit for artwork from the DART for ART online art gallery
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Host an in-home viewing party for the live-stream finale and we’ll deliver wine and a complimentary cheese and charcuterie tray from Petoskey Cheese to your door! (Bronze level & above)
DART FEATURED ARTIST - TRISHA WITTY
The 2020 Virtual DART for ART Featured Artist is Harbor Springs’ own Trisha Witty. The featured artwork, entitled Ethereal, is an original palette knife oil painting created by Witty, which will be auctioned off online during the event. More about Trisha.
THE DART GALLERY
The DART for ART gallery features original works of art, including paintings, watercolor, photography, sculpture, jewelry, pottery, and more! View the gallery in person at CTAC-Petoskey or view the VIRTUAL CATALOG.
HOW WILL "DARTING" WORK THIS YEAR?
Virtual DART ticket holders will receive a $250 credit (per couple) to apply to their choice of artwork from the online DART for ARt Gallery auction. All artwork will begin at $250, you may bid additional funds on any artwork available - or use your credit with no additional costs to you. Details and registration.
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Knights of Columbus present $30k for scholarships
Harbor Springs Knights of Columbus Council 15021 presents $30,000 in scholarship funds to local Catholic schools (from left) Andrew Martin, Grand Knight; James Hatch, St. Michael Foundation President; Fr. James Bearss, Catholic Communities of L'Arbre Croche (CCLC) Pastor; Adam Dobrowolski, St. Francis Xavier School Principal; and Matthew Pater, Deputy Grand Knight. Photo Credit: Nick Modelski, CCLC Communications.
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Katherine Bourdon is the featured artist from 5-7 p.m. Friday
Tvedten Fine Art gallery's final artist opening is Friday
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Harbor Springs gallery Tvedten Fine Art has milestones to mark this year not only for its history in business, but also for the building in which it operates.
It was 25 years ago, in 1995, when Margaret Tvedten acquired the building at 284 E. Third St. in order to put it to gallery use. In celebration of the milestones, Tvedten Fine Art has a fresh coat of exterior paint and a new outdoor sculpture, and is hosting a series of openings this summer for seven of its artists.
Openings have already taken place for Rick Ford, DeeAnne Watner, Margaret Tvedten, Margo Burian, Sarah Sedwick and Jack Flynn. The final featured artist of the summer will be Katherine Bourdon this Friday, Aug. 14. The events run 5-7 p.m., with wine and lemonade served. News-Review story.
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Foundation’s COVID-19 Relief Grants surpass $250,000
Thanks to the generosity of our community, the Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation has disbursed more than $250,000 in COVID-19 relief grants to local nonprofit organizations. Broadly, these relief dollars have provided critical support to our nonprofit partners including general support for lost revenue, increased demand for services, and for the purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE) for staff or clients.
In addition to this general support, the Community Foundation has also supported two proactive projects. In June, the City of Petoskey’s Downtown Management Board received a $16,000 grant toward its cost-share program to create street-side dining platforms to help downtown restaurants expand their outdoor seating.
In July, the foundation established a utility/housing relief fund for Emmet County residents through new partner, TrueNorth Community Services, with a grant of $57,500. This fund will provide financial assistance to individuals who are having difficulty with utility or housing costs.
“As our community has begun to open up and find new ways of doing things, we know the road ahead is still long,” said David (DJ) Jones, executive director. “The Community Foundation is uniquely positioned to continue supporting our nonprofit sector and our community as needs change.”
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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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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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United Way asks for school supply donations
Char-Em United Way is asking for your help to make sure that the students in our community have the supplies they need to succeed. There will be a UPS trailer open during business hours for drop-off in the United Way parking lot at 480 W Mitchell St, Petoskey. We will be at Walmart in Petoskey on Saturday, August 15th and Saturday, August 22nd collecting donations. There are also drop-off locations at businesses in Charlevoix and Petoskey.
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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 now 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.
- 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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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!
- Visions of Harbor Springs
- 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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