Dear Chamber Members,

The beauty of fall is upon us, and as we know, snow is just around the corner!

As you read through our newsletter, you'll find exciting networking opportunities, including our Wake Up Keweenaw Breakfast series, our Lunch and Learn sessions, and many family-friendly community events like Fall Fest and Treat Street. We invite you to join us for these engaging opportunities that are free as part of your membership.

With the Holidays approaching, we will be doing our Shop Small Business Saturday campaign and we want to promote YOU! The Chamber will create a FREE coupon with you providing content and imagery in the local coupon booklet. We will host a welcome station to promote your local shopping specials with free donuts and refreshments on Saturday, November 25th, from 9 AM to 11 AM. We recommend making your coupon valid through the shopping season ending December 31st, but of course, it's up to you and what works for your business. Stay tuned for more information coming out soon.

Looking ahead to 2024, our Board of Directors will have open seats. We are a collaborative group that works together to expand our membership and serve our community. Please consider joining us! The application and more details can be found on our website. Should you have any questions, please reach out to any current board member. We are all listed at the bottom of this newsletter.

Happy Fall!

Penny Milkey

Board President

Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce

Advance-Tec Body Repair

Barbara Kettle Gundlach Shelter

Bob Hager Agency

Border Grill

Brian Rendel

Community Action Agency

Copper World

Country Village Shops

D&L Janitorial Services

Down Wind Sports

Edward Jones | Brent Peterson

Frozen Farms Co

Hancock Bottling Company

Hancock Public Schools

Hannula Agency

Holiday Inn Express

IR Telemetrics

Joey's Seafood & Grill

Kaleidoscope

Keweenaw Gem & Gift

Keweenaw Young Professionals

League of Women Voters

Loading Zone II

Massie MFG

Mcdonald's

McGrath, Inc

Memorial Chapel & Plowe Funeral Home

Neuvokas Corporation

Northern Light Cottages

Pasty.net

Pat's Motorsports

The Neighbors of Houghton

Vic Pietila Insurance

Bosio Biscuit Company

35009 Tapiola Rd

Chassell, MI 49916

(906) 334-2442

OPENING SOON!

More information, menu, merch, and gift cards: https://www.bosiobiscuit.com/

Bosio Biscuit Company is Tapiola’s newest culinary institution coming soon, standing tall in the iconic location that has existed as a hub of the local community for generations, most recently the former Feedmill Cafe.

With a nod to classic American fare, Bosio's menu is passionately centered around the perfect buttermilk biscuit. Their mission is simple: serve food that’s familiar, high in quality, and affordable.

A note from Owner, Stephen Bosio; After escaping the corporate grind to return to my roots, I can’t wait to share my lifelong love of cooking and appreciation of the rich flavors of southern cuisine with everyone. This fourth generation Bosio to call Tapiola home, welcomes you all to relish in the nostalgia and savor the new at Bosio Biscuit Company, in Tapiola, MI, OPENING SOON!

Superior Land Improvements

https://superiorlandimprovements.com

superiorlandimprovements@gmail.com

906-231-6010

Superior Land Improvements offers a variety of services for projects at your home or business, including lawn care, landscaping, snow removal, retaining walls, excavation, and sewage system installation. Their commitment to customer satisfaction is a top priority. Choose Superior Land Improvements for all your property maintenance and excavation needs.



Contact Superior Land Improvement for all your needs at 906-231-6010 or visit their Facebook page.

Keweenaw CAPE

Community Alliance for Progressive Education

215 Vivian Street | Fourth Floor of Hirvonen Hall

Hancock, MI 49930

(800) 877-9558

keweenawcape@gmail.com

https://www.keweenawcape.com/

Community Alliance for Progressive Education (CAPE) got its start in the summer of 2012 when a group of local parents and educators recognized the need for a different model of education and learning; an opportunity to broaden education choices in our area. In their earliest meetings, they identified the ideal learning environment for children which included aspects such as hands-on learning, no testing or grades, a whole-child approach, self-driven learning, a supportive atmosphere, and a challenging curriculum.

CAPE partners with CLK Virtual Academy to provide a virtual curriculum to homeschooled students. They organize an Indoor Soccer program in the winter and Flag Football in the summer for local youth. They have a large, well-equipped Make It UP! Makerspace, where they offer arts, crafts, and tools for both adults and youth in both classroom and DIY formats. CAPE enjoys partnering with other local organizations to provide services for youth and adults.

CAPE recently purchased Drive America, LLC to ensure driver education courses remain available to the local community. Call TODAY for more details.

Keweenaw C.A.P.E is located on the fourth floor of Hirvonen Hall in Hancock, MI.

Q: Please provide some background on yourself and the business

A: I was born and raised in Calumet and have lived here for over 37 years. I left in August of 2020 and back in May of 2004 where I received a Bachelors in Management at Northern Michigan University.

I’ve managed Bucko’s Party Store since January of 2006, and have owned it since April of 2009. The business was “Dianda’s Party Store” until 2009, and the buildings business started in 1903.

Bucko’s carries Keweenaw Alpaca Gear, liquor, wine, beer, food, snacks, lotto, and more. We aren’t a balloons and streamers kind of party store as people think.

Q: What is one thing you're proud of so far?

A: A proud moment is bringing the store out of debt from previous management and going from having no inventory to a fully stocked, busy store.

Q: Do you have any advice for new business owners?

A: Anyone who buys, starts, or wants to run a business must be fully committed and dedicated to it if you want it to be successful.

Q: What brought you to the area, and what keeps you here?

A: I was born and raised in Calumet, and I’m right where I’m supposed to be. I don’t like 90-degree weather. I love fishing, hunting, winter, and summer sports up here. The U.P. is “heaven” to me, shoveling sucks, but it’s better than hurricanes, snakes, and tornados. 

Q: How can people keep up to date on what's happening at your business?

A: Bucko’s Party Store has a Facebook page that we put promos and other random information on. We also advertise with local radio and TV stations

1st Place

Copper Country Ford

2nd Place

Great Lakes Sound & Vibration

3rd Place

Bills B&B Bar

Best Dressed

City of Houghton DPW

The Tervo Agency $10,000 Hole-In-One

Ryan DeForge

25th Annual Keweenaw Premier Golf Outing

September 13, 2023

Our Annual Keweenaw Premier Golf Outing had a HOLE IN ONE WINNER of $10,000 CASH on Hole #15, and 3X Playoff Rounds for First & Second Place! It was a great day to be on the course!

On behalf of the Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce, THANK YOU to the 36 teams that came out, and had a great day of networking and golfing. THANK YOU to Erik, and the staff of the Portage Lake Golf Course for hosting and making this outing a successful Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce event.

Lunch and Learn Series: Creating an Online Presence

September 21, 2023

Thank you, Amanda Makela, owner of 2nd Sandbar Productions for your incredible presentation! This session focused on businesses that have created a presence online but aren't sure what to do with it. Amanda pointed efforts on how to create, market, posting methods and most importantly how to connect users to your business with Instagram and Facebook platforms.

Thank you to Keweenaw Co+op Market & Deli for the delicious array of sandwiches, soup, and dessert.



Thank you to the Finnish American Heritage Center for hosting us in your beautiful space

Wake Up Keweenaw Breakfast

September 28, 2023

Thank you to everyone who attended our first Wake Up Keweenaw Breakfast + Speaker series. We had the pleasure of having the 63rd Lieutenant Governor of Michigan, Brian Calley, President and CEO of Small Business Association of Michigan join us for a discussion on legislative issues, the current small business climate in Michigan, advocacy efforts, and how SBAM can help our members with products and services.

Thank you Bonfire for hosting us with a delicious breakfast and venue.

Our next Breakfast + Speaker series will be on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, with The Nature Conservancy in Michigan joining our discussion.

Congratulations, Nisu Bakery & Cafe on the official Grand Opening of your Authentic Finnish Bakery and Café, in downtown Hancock. What a great asset to the community, and the addition of Finnish and Swedish Bakery items, also serving sandwiches, salads & gifts, as well as conversational language classes!

Nisu Bakery & Cafe

208 Quincy Street

Hancock, MI

Monday-Friday: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM

Saturday: 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM

Sunday: CLOSED

Congratulations to our latest Do Good Volunteer of the Month - Jen Shaud. Read her nomination below!

 "When it comes to ELK, Jen does just about everything: funding, paperwork, marketing, organizing and participating. Jen has dedicated hours and hours of her life to the cause of bringing adaptive sports opportunities to the Copper Country. She has secured tens of thousands of dollars over the past 9 months in grants and fundraising to purchase the needed equipment to make this happen. She is tireless in her passion, talking to anyone who will listen about the benefits and joys of adaptive recreation. She has participated in activities she didn't think she'd like (like sled hockey!) because she thought it was important to be a good role model for others - and then discovered that she loved it. She has given rides to people without transportation, loaned her house out as lodging to visiting experts, organized bake sales, cold-called businesses, and just generally dedicated her life to this cause as both organizer and participant. The good she has brought into people's lives is immeasurable."

Congratulations to our first Superior Educator of the 2023-24 academic year! Terra Parks brings a level of energy that is contagious! She models greatness in and out of her classroom. When she enters the building, there is a ray of sunshine that follows her in.

Learn more about Terra and nominate an incredible educator you know at coppershores.org/superioreducators. 

Embrace the opportunity to ignite your professional path at our 7th annual event - Return North!

This dynamic careers fair is your gateway to connecting exceptional job seekers with top-tier employers nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Whether you're a seasoned professional seeking new horizons or an innovative company in search of remarkable talent, Return North 2023 is your moment. Don't miss out!

Secure your spot as a job seeker or employer today by visiting our vibrant hub at return-north.com. Your next career adventure begins here.

Schedule of Classes and Events

Bring your pet by in costume to Barkin' Mad Coffee between October 1st-31st for a change to win a prize!

​

Kerredge Gallery Exhibition: Studies

Drawings & Paintings by John Arnold

October 5-31, 2023

Opening reception & gallery talk:

Thursday, October 5 from 6-7:30 pm

Copper Country Community Arts Center

126 Quincy Street Hancock, MI 49930

www.coppercountryarts.com

Mont Ripley Fall Color Chairlift Rides

Come see the spectacular fall colors and overlook the Michigan Tech campus from the top of Mont Ripley.

Saturday, October 7: 12 pm-6:30 pm

Sunday, October 8: 12 pm-6:30 pm

Saturday, October 14: 12 pm-6:30 pm

Sunday, October 15: 12 pm-6:30 pm

Dates and times subject to change due to weather and colors

Buy Advanced Tickets

$10 Adults

$8 Michigan Tech Student (with ID)

Children 10 and under free with an adult

CASH ONLY if paying at the lift.

The Calumet Players are excited to announce the upcoming fall production of The Addams Family Musical, directed by Stephanie Booth. The show will run from Thursday, September 28th to Sunday, October 8th at The Calumet Theatre.

Tickets are available for purchase online at https://calumettheatre.csstix.com/ or by phone at 906-337-2610 as well as in-person at the box office window. Seating will be general admission. Tickets are $18 for adults and $15 for students.

Friday, October 6th from 6:30-8:30

Calumet Floral & Gifts

The cost is only $60, all supplies are included with light refreshments!

Please call NOW to sign up, spots are limited! 906-337-1711

Keweenaw ATV Club Fall Ride

October 7, 2023 | 9:30 AM

Our fall ride will start at the Drift Inn in Copper City, MI. There is trailer parking there. We will start at approximately 9:30 a.m. route is still in planning. Please bring your own lunch to eat on the trail. Please join us for the fun!

Join the Keweenaw Young Professionals on October 7th, 2023 at 9:30am for a fun, untimed walk/run event for the whole office and family. This year, the Color Run will kick-off the Downtown Houghton Fall Fest starting at the end of the race, 11am-2pm at the Waterfront Pier.

Join us for a fun-filled second Fall Fest on October 7, 2023 from 11AM - 2PM. All are welcome to enjoy autumn themed activities and goodies for the whole family.

• Take a tractor ride along the Portage waterfront

• Press your own apple cider from fresh apples (bring a 5-gallon pail of apples and get a gallon jug of your own cider, from 1-2 PM)

• Pick out a pumpkin for the season

• Grab a cup of apple cider & have a donut

• Listen to live music

• And many more fun autumn themed activities!

Fall Fest is a city-wide event, so make sure to take a stroll and also visit all of the downtown Houghton businesses. Fall Fest is sponsored by the City of Houghton, Visit Keweenaw, and The Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce

BEST HAT EVER SUNSET BOAT CRUISE 2023

Sunday, October 8th from 6-8pm

Tickets: $40 each or 2/$75

It's that time of year to bust out your best hat for this beautiful sunset cruise down the Portage Canal. Prizes for the "best" hats will be awarded during the evening. No hat, no problem! Just come along and enjoy good company during this annual Copper Country Community Arts Center fundraiser. New this year! Brownie Bake-off and Beer Tasting for adult attendees! Coffee and tea will also be provided.

​Boat docks near the Portage Lift Bridge in Houghton and goes to North Entry and back. Boarding begins at 5:45pm and the boat departs at 6pm!

Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance by 2pm on Saturday, October 7th. Stop by the Arts Center during open hours: Tuesday-Friday 11am-6pm and Saturday 10am-2pm to purchase tickets in-person or call to purchase tickets over the phone at 906-482-2333. Tickets may also be purchased online on our website.

School's Out? Come to Kaleidoscope Hancock!

We're trying something new at Kaleidoscope Hancock and offering activities on days when local schools have off. The available dates have been scheduled based on the Houghton and Hancock school calendars:

• Friday, October 13th (all day)
• Wednesday, November 1st (afternoon)
• Thursday, November 9th (afternoon)
• Friday, November 10th (afternoon)
• Wednesday, December 6th (afternoon)

Students will have access to a variety of activities, art materials, games, and books. Staff will also provide optional indoor and outdoor structured activities. The cost for each half day is $40. School's Out! Days are geared towards ages 5-13.

PRESENTER | Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts

VENUE | Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts

DURATION | 75 minutes, including intermission

TICKETS | Pay As You're Able ($30 Full Ticket Fee)  

SEATING | General Admission

Upper Peninsula Annual Halloweenie Race

Saturday, October 14, 2023 at 4 PM

Lock in the date—October 14, 2023—for a race that's taking over the Upper Peninsula in the cutest way possible! Whether you've got a dachshund or a Dane, this is one Halloween bash you won't want to miss. And the best part? You're supporting a fantastic cause—The Copper Country Humane Society.

Each year in October, UP Health System – Portage increases awareness of Breast Cancer and the importance of annual screenings. However, it is more than just a month – it is all year round. Did you know one hour, once a year, an annual mammogram could save a life?

Join us and listen to Dr. Goodwin, Oncologist and Hematologist as he talks about the basic biology of breast cancer and treatment options, along with the importance of annual mammogram screenings, diagnosis, and nutrition.

Dinner will be provided, but participants must register in advance.



Tuesday, October 17 , 5 p.m. at the Bonfire. The presentation will begin promptly at 5:30 p.m.

Stop by Breakwater Federal Credit Union between 10 am - 2 pm on Thursday, October 19 to try your luck on the prize wheel and enjoy some sweet treats.

Fall harvests, crafted goods, and tastes to inspire late autumn joy! Find your favorite local Keweenaw growers, culinary masters, and creators Saturdays in Calumet.

Located inside the historic Copper Country Curling Club.

Spooky Stories with Jeff Doyle

Sat, October 21, 2013 - 5:00 PM

Keweenaw Storytelling Center

Michigan Tech Winter Carnival

February 7-10, 2024

The Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce is pleased to offer Keweenaw Cash: a gift certificate program that can be used at more than 400 Chamber member businesses. Since its launch, the Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce has issued over $507,000.00 worth of Keweenaw Cash. That money goes right back into local businesses!

Keweenaw Cash can be purchased in any denomination, allowing the recipient more flexibility and enabling them to use the certificates at numerous businesses.

In addition to making great gifts, businesses can purchase Keweenaw Cash as bonuses, prizes, at fundraising events, as employee incentives or awards, retirement gifts, to mark a milestone, or as part of a welcome package for new hires.

Certificates come with an envelope and a list of all the participating businesses.

Please note we require at least a 24-hour notice when placing orders. We are not responsible for any lost or stolen certificates.

If you are a business and would be interested in being able to redeem Keweenaw Cash, please look into becoming a member of the Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce.

For additional information about Keweenaw Cash, to purchase certificates, or how you can accept Keweenaw Cash, call 906-482-5240 or email info@keweenaw.org

Penny Milkey - President

Owner

Northern Specialty Health

Shannon Vairo - Vice President

Faculty Support and Partner Engagement

Michigan Technological University

Jill Passanisi - Secretary

Owner

Nitro Consulting

Morgan Impola - Treasurer

Regional Engineer

UPPCO

Todd Gast

Community Development - DDA

City of Hancock

Mary Myers

Account Executive

WLUC TV6 & FoxUP

Amy Roberts

VP/Branch Manager

Superior National Bank - Calumet

Deb Paver

Marketing Assistant/Freelance Designer

Rozsa Center

Eric Coon

Business Manager

Superior Land Improvements

Lexie Jacques

Growth and Outreach Liaison

UP Health System - Portage

Barb Cormier

Account Executive/Owner

Transition Title Agency

Brad Barnett

Visit Keweenaw Representative