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!

This resulted in a contactless, Covid-smart experience for all. Moreover, we learned that families of three generations were going out to explore side-by-side and having a blast. The feedback was so positive we took this prototype self-guided “questing” and started scaling it to be used in different ways, in different places, and for adults, too. Ultimately, we tapped an arm of our business that can grow in many new directions. We are now offering three levels of place-based learning (Backyard Adventures, Local Labs, and A2A: Awareness To Action) with options to learn self-guided from home or in-person at our Covid-smart Basecamp.

Even though we’ve been nimble, the short timetable for a small business to redesign, beta test, and package a new service plus get the word out was tough, especially when what we do is non-traditional and does not readily fit in a box. So, looking short-term was not helpful. Instead, recognizing the positive customer feedback, building synergy and partnerships and remembering that we’re doing things better for the long haul has been key.

By “flipping the script” and coming at our services from entirely new angles, we were able to discover viable options that would not only get us through but become a new cornerstone of our services. Most importantly, we’ve found a format that meets a need. People want to get out and feel connected to community now more than ever before but with the flexibility to do it anytime, anywhere.

We appreciate the curiosity and warm welcome from the community since opening our new hub for experiential learning " Basecamp" in downtown Harbor Springs. TOPOnexus is honored and excited to be offering new programming that meets the needs of families, students, educators and organizations who are looking beyond their own doorstep and wanting to build their local literacy, become more connected to place, and ultimately make their community better. Team TOPO (see photo) is a group of lifelong learners who are passionate about rethinking and redoing how we do learning, how we create community, and how we empower people of all ages to follow their own path. Please stop by Basecamp, visit our website at toponexus.org or email molly@toponexus.org to learn more.

> TOPOnexus, 141 State St., 231-242-4600, www.toponexus.org.

The Harbor Springs Chamber and 9 and 10 News fall color experts advise that the next two weekends will be our peak color this season – Oct. 17-18, and Oct. 24-25 for the Tunnel of Trees along the Lake Michigan coast. The map above is courtesy of 9 and 10 News and is updated each Tuesday on their website. This week's update said, "The Tunnel of Trees is at least 50% changed with some areas at peak. I would say the next 2 weekends should be beautiful."

> Fall color guide from Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau.

9 and 10 News also recommends these color tours in Emmet County:

Each one sent us a short statement about themselves

The Harbor Springs Chamber of Commerce asked each of the six city council and mayor candidates to send us a short statement about their background and reasons for running in the November 3rd election. Click here to read their statements.

Four candidates are on the ballot for two City Council positions now held by Mike Naturkas and Cece Johnston, who are both seeking reelection. The challengers are former Mayor Al Dika and former A.J. Pontius Flower Shop owner Nancy Rondel.

Bill Mulder is running for mayor against incumbent Matt Bugera, who owns The New York Restaurant. Mulder is a retired senior manager for AT&T and is currently a board member of Harbor, Inc.

The chamber also organized a City Candidates Forum that was held online via Zoom on September 28th. Click here to watch a recording of the forum, which lasts 57 minutes. All of the candidates participated except Mike Naturkas, who was out of town at the time.

> Harbor Light city, school, township candidate profiles

> News-Review story. LWV to host Oct. 15 forum for state rep candidates - Story

A popular employee training fund in Michigan will offer $28.6 million dollars for businesses to train their workforce. The Going PRO Talent Fund makes awards to employers to assist in training, developing and retaining current and newly hired employees. Training funded by the Talent Fund must be short-term and fill a demonstrated talent need experienced by the employer. Training must lead to a credential for a skill that is transferable and recognized by industry. Training can be provided for existing employees, new hires, or registered DOL apprentices. The timeframe to submit an application opens Monday, November 2 and closes November 30.

Northwest Michigan Works! will be holding two virtual Employer Information Sessions via Zoom Meetings to help businesses learn about the Going PRO Talent Fund, the application process, and the assistance available through Northwest Michigan Works! The information sessions will be held Wednesday, October 21, at 2 pm and Thursday, October 22, at 9 am. If you have questions, contact business-services@networksnorthwest.org. Register for an Info Session and for more information.

This will be the final weekend for the Chamber’s Visitor Information Gazebo on the Waterfront near Stafford’s Pier restaurant. It is staffed from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. 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.

Safe Harbor face masks and window clings are still available at the Chamber Gazebo and Chamber office. Masks are $10, and window clings are $3, including sales tax.

Harbor Springs T-shirts - A few of the 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.

Peak fall colors boost tourism and business in Harbor Springs - Story

Two Harbor Springs Public Schools millages on November ballot - Story 

Emmet County to aid in wheelway reroute study - Story

Turkey's Cafe & Pizzeria: Cozy and classic small-town-America dining - Story

Fall leaf and brush pick-up continues through Friday, November 13th - Details

City Manager's October 5th report: Election sign rules, beach bathrooms closed for the season, and more.

Upcoming city meetings on Youtube:

City website has details, calendar and more information.

Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus. 

Covid-19 Resources from the NW Michigan Health Department

Template for a Preparedness and Response Plan for a lower risk business (MS Word)

Promote yourself... send us your news.

In assuming the role of chairman Rick Tromble possesses a business acumen that will serve both organizations well. He has been a director of Citizens National Bank since June 2012 and a director of CNB Corporation since May 2013. As a 40-year member of the Institute of Management and Accountants and an entrepreneur, Rick has owned and operated several successful businesses. He developed and served as President of a $100 million restaurant company and established Tromble Bay Farms, Inc. in Cheboygan. As the largest farm company in Cheboygan County, Tromble Bay Farms encompasses over 4,000 acres, raising beef cattle and crops and includes the Tromble Equestrian Center. Tromble graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in accounting and business administration and now serves as an advisory director to its School of Management.

Star Line Mackinac Island Hydro-Jet® Ferry held a ribbon cutting and dedication for their new 200 metric ton marine travel lift at Mackinac Marine Services Boat Yard in St. Ignace on Monday. Guests included Congressman Jack Bergmann and Harbor Springs Chamber Executive Director Bonnie Culp and other dignitaries. The new equipment is the largest marine travel lift in Michigan. www.mackinacferry.com

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast Cancer is the most common form of cancer for women. In fact, according to the American Cancer Society, nearly 300,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. Although death contributed to breast cancer has declined, it is still the second highest cancer death among women.

At McLaren Northern Michigan, we want to remind our community that early detection saves lives. Mammograms can help find breast cancer early, when treatments are more likely to be successful. For women with average risk of breast cancer, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN) recommends an annual mammogram for women age 40 and older.

However, if you have a family history of breast cancer it is important to talk to your primary care physician if you need to be screened sooner.

What are the risk factors for breast cancer?

Proven risk factors aside, a significant way to reduce the incidence of breast cancer is to lead a life of overall health and wellness. Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet of whole foods, limiting daily alcohol intake to 6 ounces of wine, or 1 ounce of liquor for women, and participating in a daily exercise routine all help. This, coupled with self-exams and yearly mammograms, will work toward reducing the rates of breast cancer cases and breast cancer deaths.

> Details about breast health services offered near you and other health-related information or call (800) 248-6777.

> McLaren welcomes new cardiologist

With social distancing guidelines and COVID safety still a priority – Dave Kring was unable to host the annual Car Seat Safety Check event this year. But the importance of safe transportation for children is always great. The free event provided valuable information for both parents and children through evaluation of proper fit, installation and recall check by certified car seat technicians. If a car seat was determined to be unsafe, the Sheriff’s office provided a replacement for free.

Dave Kring has been the exclusive sponsor of this effort for almost ten years – donating the funds needed to purchase car seats, and hosting an annual check event at the dealership. Ongoing education is required to maintain certification, so the check event provides an opportunity for technicians and deputies to meet the requirements.

Since 2011, over 350 car seats have been distributed to the community. The donation made by Dave Kring again this year will be used to purchase another 100 Evenflo car seats for the Sheriff’s department. www.davekring.com

> Pictured left to right: Corporal Cole Brady, Dave Kring, and Sheriff Pete Wallin.

Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry celebrated their first passenger voyage on the William Richard, the newest addition to the fleet, on October 9th. The new Michigan-made vessel was named after the patriarch of the Shepler family, William (Bill) Shepler, to honor his hard work and continued dedication to the Shepler name and the company he built.

“We have waited so long for this state-of-the-art vessel to make her way into the water,” Chris Shepler said, “as soon as she passed all trials and inspections, we were ready to put her into service, serving the community of Mackinac Island.”

As part of her debut, Bill Shepler was presented the bottle of champagne to be used at the official christening of the vessel prior to launch in the 2021 season. The official date is to be determined. In his speech, Bill paid tribute to everyone who helped build, and make this vessel sail smoothly across the Straits of Mackinac and blessed her long journey ahead.

> Visit sheplersferry.com for the most up-to-date information on our fleet and services.

Due to store closings, reduced foot traffic at local stores and less people carrying cash, the Salvation Army of Petoskey could see a significant decrease of funds raised at Red Kettles this year - yet the need has increased. We have already provided an increase of over $175,000 in emergency assistance through August and expect to see an increase in our Holiday Assistance as well. Please click here or call (231) 347-3531 to start helping now.

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.

> Tickets and details.

> REACH 700+ 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 an average of 700 each week. Here are your advertising options:

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.

> 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... when you send us your job posting, North Central Michigan College will automatically post it on their jobs board!

> We have jobs listed below from 12 employers. Check our Jobs Page for new listings.

> OCT. 28TH VIRTUAL JOB FAIR - Hundreds of jobs in a variety of industries will be featured at a Northwest Michigan Works! Virtual Job Fair Wednesday, October 28. The online event will include 27 employers and will run from 9 am to 12 pm. Participants can register in advance to learn about each employer’s job openings.

CUTLER'S, INC - Full time/ part time Sales Associates, Shipping and Receiving. Details.

ACE HARDWARE - Freight Room Manager and Sales Representatives. Details.

BIRCHWOOD INN - Front desk receptionist. Details.

CARPENTER, Experience preferred - Adelaine Construction, Inc., 8555 Commerce Court Harbor Springs, Experience Preferred. Details.

CAREGIVER - Angel Heart Home Care, Petoskey. Details.

CLINIC ATTENDANT/MEDICAL ASSISTANTS and other positions - Bay Street Orthopaedics & Spine, Petoskey. Details.

RADIOLOGY TECHNICIAN - Bay Street Orthopaedics & Spine, Petoskey. Details.

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 member benefits

> Member application

> Call 231-526-7999 or email us.

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.

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.