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.
|
|
Kate Manthei, The Loft Coworking Space:
"The MSU stay-at-home decision spurred us to offer a discounted College Student Punch Pass"
|
|
What have you had to do differently since the pandemic began?
The Loft coworking space has had to approach operations very carefully since the pandemic began, as most of our summer business comes from summer residents and visitors to our area. All of our work spaces are 6 feet apart, masks are required while entering and exiting the building, as well as in the common spaces, and we are continuously cleaning, as well as providing hand sanitizer and Clorox wipes for our members to use.
What has worked?
We have signs everywhere stating our guidelines and expectations. We've had an increase of phone call inquiries, which has been helpful in getting everyone on the same page prior to new members showing up. The Loft, even in "normal" times, relies heavily on members respecting the space and the other members, and it's been uplifting in these tough times to watch that respect foster a healthy environment.
What has NOT worked?
The Loft is the workspace for entrepreneurs, business workers, college students, and, now more than ever, remote workers. There's a tenacity of can-do attitude, so the new guidelines are a molehill instead of a mountain. Without that approach, The Loft could not function as smoothly as it has. Many, many thanks to our members who have made this summer work!
What is the most important thing you have learned during the past few months?
It's been fascinating to watch The Loft adapt to this new normal of remote working this summer. The relief and thanks that people share with us has cemented the fact that The Loft offers a tremendous value to Harbor Springs.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
As we adapt into the unknown school year, The Loft is constantly searching for ways to
|
|
Kate Manthei at The Loft. |
help our local population as well. The MSU stay-at-home decision spurred us to offer a College Student Punch Pass, which is a discounted daily membership, as well as a discounted monthly membership, for students with a current student email address.
The Loft is open 8am-5pm, and 24/7 for monthly and annual members. We have strong, consistent internet, printing capabilities, a monitor on every desk, and complimentary coffee. Memberships range from daily, weekly, monthly, and annual options. A popular membership this summer was the Monthly Dedicated Desk - which means that desk is your guaranteed spot for the entire month, letting you settle in without worrying about playing musical desks with other members. Just because you have to work remotely does not mean you have to work alone! The Loft coworking space is your solution.
|
|
Wendy Fought, Emmet County DPW:
“Besides implementing masks and gloves, we have built barriers, increased our disinfection routine, and modified our curbside recycling”
|
|
What have you had to do differently since the pandemic began?
We have had to make considerable changes to most of our operations for recycling and our transfer station operation. Besides implementing masks and gloves before they were required (April implementation), we have built barriers, increased our disinfection routine, and modified our curbside recycling service - we no longer will service bins with medical waste such as gloves and masks or with disinfectant wipes, and changed operations to maintain 6 ft. physical distancing.
What has worked?
At this point, we believe all of it has worked. We work in essential services, however, our work is in an environment that would be considered high risk of contracting Covid-19. We have been able to mitigate any employees contracting the virus since implementation of safety protocols.
What is the most important thing you have learned?
We have learned to stay diligent as time has progressed.
|
|
ABOVE: DPW recycling worker Mike Williams
|
|
26th Annual Taste of Harbor postponed until 2021 |
|
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.
“We waited as long as possible to call it off in the hopes that our community would have flattened the covid 19 pandemic curve to a degree that would have made it safe to proceed, but unfortunately, that just hasn’t happened yet,” Brower said. The event is held on the third Saturday in
September each year at the waterfront in charming downtown Harbor Springs,
typically with more than 25 local restaurants and food establishments
participating.
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, “and I really wanted to still find a way to make it happen, 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.”
|
|
Safe Harbor masks & shirts on sale until Sept. 4 |
|
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.
|
|
|
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 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.
|
|
Newsworthy...
Crow’s Nest - the hidden Harbor Springs hideaway locals flock to - Story
County nixes EMGO bus service at end of year - Story
Young entrepreneurs make their mark at Farmers Market - Story
District adds air ionization equipment in all schools - Story
|
|
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. Sept. 3 and 17.
|
|
Business resources and COVID-19 updates
|
|
MEMBER NEWS
Promote yourself... send us your news.
|
|
TOPOnexus launches Learn Local Academy |
|
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. |
|
|
Back Safety and Covid Best Practices classes offered
North Central Michigan College is offering free Ergonomic and Back Safety Training for area construction and accommodations industries. We have been offering this training for over five years, and we are able to offer it for free as it is funded and approved through a grant from MIOSHA. The training takes about 45-50 minutes and fits in well with regular staff meetings. Helping your employees stay safe and appreciated is the goal of the training. The training is interactive, as we want participants to start practicing new techniques right away. For those who have had it in the past, a refresher course helps to remind them of the importance of good practices. We will schedule training at your convenience and will come on-site to your location. We follow all Covid protocols. Details.
We also are offering a training on Covid and Best Practices for Small Businesses. This training is open to all industries. And we would be happy to train Chamber of Commerce staff as well. We have four free trainings left for Covid. Details.
If you have any questions or would like to register, please contact Martje Nolan at 231-348-6705 or mnolan@ncmich.edu.
> LIFELONG LEARNING CLUB - The Corporate and Community Education Department at NCMC is launching its Lifelong Learning Club with a diverse schedule of online classes from qualified instructors from across the country. NCMC is partnering with the University of Utah to offer over 100 classes over the next 3 months. Sample classes include: History of the Roaring Twenties and the Great Depression and Live Free of Clutter and Get Organized at Last! In 2021, we will be expanding this program with in-person classes, events, and expos. We hope you will take advantage of this unique opportunity to participate in this stellar online learning program from the comfort of your own home. Registration is now open and classes begin on August 31st. See the full class list here.
|
|
Citizens National Bank promotes Stephen Daly |
|
Stephen J. Daly has joined the Citizens National Bank (CNB) Business Banking Team. President and CEO Matthew E. Keene said, “We are fortunate to have Stephen on our team. He is a talented professional with a business banking background and roots in northern Michigan.”
In 2012, Daly earned his Bachelor of Science from Michigan State University majoring in finance. Since graduating he has worked in the financial field, joining Citizens National Bank in 2018. Daly will operate from the bank’s Petoskey branch and is available to meet business clients where needed. His objective is to work closely with customers to ensure their financing needs are fully met. .
Daly can be reached directly at 231-627-8302 or dalys@cnbismybank.com.
|
|
|
Virtual Howl at the Moon fundraiser is tonight at 7
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. |
|
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.
- 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.
|
|
|
|
This weekend at the Lyric Theatre
The Personal History of David Copperfield, Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World, & Fatima open this Friday. TENET Advance Screening tickets on sale now.
|
|
Shay House and ferry exhibits continue all summer |
|
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. |
|
|
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.
|
|
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. |
|
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:
Reduced fall hours Turkey’s
Turkey’s Cafe & Pizzeria will be open for take-out only this fall, although they will be open for dine-in and patio dining Friday through Sunday, Sept. 4-6 on Labor Day Weekend. Early fall hours will be 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 to 9 p.m., closed Wednesdays. Come by or call 231-526-6041 to place your order.
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
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 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.
|
|
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!
- Admired in Harbor
- Emmet Brick & Block
- Thomas & Milliken Millwork
- Highland Hideaway Bed & Breakfast
- Pleasantview Winery
- Bar Harbor
- Zen Business
- Two Glass Gents
- TOPOnexus, LLC
- Cottage Interiors
- Luxury Bath & Spa
|
|
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.
|
|
Follow us on social media! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
