Weekly Biz Blast

SPONSOR THE BIZ BLAST

IS YOUR BUSINESS OR ORGANIZATION IN NEED OF SOME GREAT EXPOSURE?

RESERVE YOUR SPOT AS A BIZ BLAST SPONSOR FOR ONLY $50/per wk.

THE COST IS AFFORDABLE AND THE EXPOSURE IS HIGH.

For more information, call the Chamber office at 231.547.2101 or email info@charlevoix.org

BCBSM An Exploration of Whole Health for Employers Webinar

October 9th

Speakers from BCBSM will discuss the importance of the whole health care journey for your employees.

The webinar will focus on how the benefits and condition management programs included in your medical plan, along with dental, vision, and financial protection, impact overall health and outcomes. Additionally, we will share information and resources that are available to help employers make open enrollment an easy and informative experience for employees.

Fall Wine Dinner

October 9th & 10th

Kick off Apple Fest with Lost Cellars at our Fall Wine Dinner!

TWO nights in a row for those of you who missed the last one. Join us October 9th and October 10th at 6:30pm.

Menu:

- 1st course: Harvest Appetizer

- 2nd course: Butternut Squash Soup

- 3rd course: Orchard Salad

- 4th course: Wellington Style Cornish Hen

- 5th course: Bourbon Apple Pastry.

All dishes will be paired with Rebar distilled spirits and Lost Cellars wine. Cost is $70/per person.

Interested in joining us? Call or text 231.499.4755 for details and reservations.

lostvino.com

COLOR PENCIL DRAWING: Blue Skies & Fall Color

October 10th

THURSDAY

Time: 6 - 8pm

CLASS FEE: $60, or $54 for members

FORMAT: IN-PERSON

This class is perfect for adults and even ages 12 and up!

With northern Michigan artist Sarah Tule May.

More class details coming soon!

All materials included.

Sarah is a watercolor and colored pencil artist from Northern Michigan. She is self taught and has been working professionally for over a decade. Sarah draws her inspiration from the endless beauty around her and can often be found snapping photos on a trail or along the waterfront. Her studio is located in Cedarville, Michigan where she shares a space with other creatives.

More details coming soon.

Space is limited & Pre-Registration is required.

Minimum # of Participants to hold class = 3

Maximum # of Participants = 10

charlevoixcircle.org

VUE Fallfest & 45th Annual Apple Fest

October 11th-13th

Experience Fall alongside the Pine River Channel in beautiful downtown Charlevoix during the 45th Annual Charlevoix Apple Fest October 11th through 13th.

Join the festivities and support local businesses while celebrating the season with an Apple Whiskey Mule, Apple Mimosa, or Caramel Appletini. VUE Wine Bar is much more than a "wine bar" and will have ciders, cocktails, and all kinds of Applefest drink specials to delight your taste buds; stop in to see us!

vuecharlevoix.com

Friends of the Charlevoix Public Library Apple Fest Extravaganza Book Sale

October 11th-13th

Hard cover fiction starting at $1!

Hundreds of children's books, audiobooks, cd's, dvd's and more!

Come see us at the Charlevoix Public Library located on 220 Clinton Street!

The Wizard of Oz-Free Applefest Movie

October 12th

Join us for THE WIZARD OF OZ ☆ Applefest Weekend in partnership with CHARLEVOIX STATE BANK on Saturday, OCTOBER 12. Doors open at 10:00am. Concessions available for purchase.

Bring a canned or dry good to donate to the Rayder Den

charlevoixcinema.com

Petoskey Sports Card Show

October 12th

The sports card show is this Saturday!

Open to the public, including kids, this show will bring you all sorts of cards, memorabilia, collectables, toys, and more! Doors open at 10AM!

odawacasino.com

Fall Fest at Gypsy Distillery!

October 12th

Celebrate the season in style at Gypsy Distillery's Fall Fest! We’ve got a full day of autumn fun planned, so gather your friends and family and join us for a day you won’t forget.

What’s Happening:

Live Music: Enjoy live performances throughout the day, setting the perfect vibe for your fall celebration.

Pie Eating Contest: Think you have what it takes? Join our pie-eating contest and compete for bragging rights and prizes!

Bounce Castle: Fun for the kids (and the young at heart)! Let loose and bounce the day away.

Line Dancing at 8 PM: Put on your boots and hit the dance floor! We’ll be kicking off some line dancing at 8 PM—no experience required! Instructed by Natasha Rosenthal! $10 Cover and 18+

Fall Cocktails: Warm up with our specially crafted fall cocktails, featuring the best flavors of the season—think apple cider, pumpkin spice, and more!

Food Specials: Savor delicious seasonal dishes and festive treats, perfect for pairing with our signature spirits.

This is the ultimate fall celebration—don’t miss out! We can’t wait to see you at Gypsy Distillery for a day filled with autumn flavors, fun, and festivities!

gypsydistillery.com

Sip & See: Charlevoix Applefest

October 12th

Sip & See with Walstrom Marine: Boats, Drinks, Sweets & More at Charlevoix Applefest!

Join us October 12th from 2-4pm in Downtown Charlevoix at City Marina, B Dock to see some of our latest models in-water.

Model Lineup Coming Soon!

walstrom.com

Applefest Fun Run 2024

October 12th

Have you registered yet?? Register now to take advantage of the discount codes to save $10 per team, or $5 per individual!! Go to Active.com or scan the QR Code on the image below!!

There is still time to become a sponsor as well!! All funds stay local to help kids in our community!! A few of the programs that we support are several reading programs at Charlevoix Elementary, Maternity Literacy Baskets for newborns at Munson Healthcare Charlevoix Hospital, and the newest program, Dolly Parton Imagination Library for the kids of Charlevoix County!! If you would like to help with a sponsorship, please send your check to Charlevoix Kiwanis Youth Foundation, P.O. Box 275, Charlevoix, 49720!

charlevoixkiwanis.com

Camp Daggett Fall Fest

October 13th

Join us on Sunday, October 13th, 2024, from 12 PM to 5 PM for a fantastic day celebrating the beauty of autumn at Camp Daggett!

$10 suggested cash donation per carload for admission—so gather your family and friends for an afternoon filled with fun and seasonal delights.

Enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities that may include:

Pontoon Fall Color Tours

Arts & Crafts

Classic Camp Activities

Wagon Rides

Live Music

Festive Fall Treats

Don’t miss out on this autumn celebration—come make lasting memories with us at Camp Daggett!

campdaggett.org

Halloween Crafting with CRA

October 17th, 24th, 31st

Come Join CRA in October for morning Craft time!

October 17th

October 24th

October 31st

No need to Register! Just come and have fun!

At the Community Recovery Alliance Community Center

322 Bay St. Unit 3

Petoskey Mi 49770

crami.org

Polymer Clay Jewelry Making

October 19th

EVENT INFORMATION

E.T.- Free Community Movie

October 19th

EVENT INFORMATION

Charlevoix Elks Club Blood Drive

October 21st

EVENT INFORMATION

Northern Community Mediation 6th Annual Charlevoix Theatre Party

October 21st

EVENT INFORMATION

North Country Opera- 40th Anniversary Revival

October 22nd

EVENT INFORMATION

Boozy Book Fair

October 27th

EVENT INFORMATION

International Lecture: The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict — A Short History

October 28th

EVENT INFORMATION

Friday Trivia Night

November 1st

EVENT INFORMATION

Trunk or Treat

November 1st

EVENT INFORMATION

Grand Wedding Expo

November 3rd

EVENT INFORMATION

Joppa House Fall Gala

November 7th

EVENT INFORMATION

Charlevoix Conservation District Annual Meeting

November 14th

EVENT INFORMATION

PETOSKEY SALVATION ARMY EMERGENCY DISASTER SERVICES (EDS) NEEDS ON-CALL VOLUNTEERS TO SUPPORT LOCAL FIRST RESPONDERS

The Salvation Army of Petoskey is excited to announce the enhancement of its Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) program. The first official EDS volunteer training for Canteen Operations will be held at their Community Center on Saturday, October 19th, from 9AM-3PM with lunch provided. Anyone interested in volunteering to be part of an EDS Team that will support first responders such as fire-fighters, police and other emergency crews must register for the training by Friday, October 11th by calling the main office at (231) 347-3531. The goal is to expand The Salvation Army’s EDS services by enlisting a minimum of 9 volunteers to create at least 3 dedicated teams of 3 that will rotate being on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to support local first responders.

https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/petoskey/news/petoskey-salvation-army-emergency-disaster-services-eds-needs-on-call-volunteers/

Pet of The Week-Diego!

This happy little meatball is Diego!

You can always find this chunky monkey with a big smile on his face. Diego came to us as a surrender after his owner unfortunately passed away, and he is ready to bounce out of here. The shelter is not the best of places for an old man like him, as he'd like to live out his retirement in his own loving home.

Diego seems to be good with other dogs, and shelter staff thinks that he would likely do just fine in a household with cats. Don't let his size fool you, this little man loves to go on walks just as much as he loves his naps.

If you're interested in welcoming Diego into your family, fill out an application or stop by the shelter to say hi!

charlevoixhumane.org

Crafters- Don't forget to join us on Fridays at 10AM at the Charlevoix Center for crafting fun!

This is a fun group that supports each other while working on their individual crafting projects. Bring your craft project that you are currently working on. All are welcome.

For more information please call Vikki at 231-547-5361

charlevoixcounty.org

Blue Cross Virtual Well-Being Webinars

Open to the public, 30-minute live webinars provide a different topic each week in a discussion-based format with supporting research and downloadable content to help individuals improve their well-being. Weekly guided meditations are also available and last between two and 20 minutes. All webinars and meditations are available on demand.

mibluedaily.com

Book your Holiday Party at Folklor!

Host a holiday celebration for your family, book club or employees at Folklor Wine & Cider. Rent their cozy winery space and host a unique and authentic holiday gathering.

E-mail hello@folklorwinecider.com or call 231-758-4740 to inquire about rates and dates.

NLEA Strategic Planning Survey

To deliver the most effective services and ensure an economically resilient region, the NLEA must continue finding ways as your economic development organization to improve, grow, and innovate. This is where we need your help. We're in the midst of a six-month strategic planning process that will result in a 3-Year Strategic Plan for the organization. We've conducted community feedback sessions, business roundtables with business leaders spanning industries, staff and board planning sessions, stakeholder interviews, and surveys. If you haven't had the chance yet to engage, but would like to, please fill out the stakeholder survey! The NLEA strategic planning efforts have been generously supported by the Fund for the Community of the Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation and the Cheboygan County Community Foundation.

NLEA Strategic Planning Survey (jotform.com)

Prost to fall flavors!

JAX NORTHSIDE presents German Fest, now thru October 20! 🍺🥨 Dive into scrumptious German specials and seasonal sips—perfect timing with Charlevoix Apple Fest in full swing. Cheers to the best of both worlds!

· Potato Skins | andouille sausage, apple fennel sauerkraut, cheddar beer cheese

· Bavarian Pretzel Sticks | beer cheese and whole grain mustard

· Plath’s Smoked Pork Chop | apple fennel sauerkraut, homemade apple sauce, vegetable of the day

· Gluten-free Roasted Apple Flatbread | roasted apple puree, swiss cheese, grilled bratwurst

Pair them with featured drinks: 2 Lads – Late Harvest Riesling 2022, Ormanni Di Toscana – Sangiovese 2020, Bell’s Octoberfest, and Caramel Apple Spritzer. Jax’s German Fest is perfect grabbing lunch or ending the day during Charlevoix’s Apple Fest this weekend! Open daily 11:30am – 9pm with Happy Hour 3 – 5:30pm. JAXCHX.com | 231.437.6400

Consumers Energy Sending Electric Lineworkers to Virginia to Restore Power After Hurricane Helene

About 60 Coworkers to Leave Michigan on Wednesday

Consumers Energy is sending about 60 coworkers to Virginia on Wednesday to help those states recover from historic damage caused by Hurricane Helene.

“This hurricane has caused catastrophic damage that has leveled entire communities. Consumers Energy hopes we can contribute and make a difference for so many people in need,” said Chris Laird, Consumers Energy’s vice president of electric operations. “Our lineworkers have trained for conditions like these, and they will work around the clock to help get the lights back on.”

Consumers Energy will send 48 lineworkers – 15 three-person crews three individual service lineworkers, field leaders and others, as well as equipment. They could remain out of state for as long as two weeks.

As of Tuesday afternoon, about 65,000 homes and businesses in Virginia remained without power from the hurricane. Over 1.5 million customers in five states were still affected.

Southern energy providers made the crew request via a collection of regional mutual assistance networks. Consumers Energy has accepted help from neighboring states during major storms and has sent help to other states, most recently dispatching crews to Northern Indiana after storms caused outages there in July.

“The strength of our industry is that energy providers like Consumers Energy are willing to help each other in times of need,” Laird said. “We will be thinking of our Michigan lineworkers when they’re helping restore power in these states and look forward to their safe return.”

Consumers Energy is Michigan’s largest energy provider, providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.8 million of the state’s 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties. Consumers Energy knows job number one is to keep the lights on for customers. We are committed to delivering reliable, clean, and affordable energy to our customers 24/7.

consumersenergy.com

Sail Charlevoix + Sea Bags + Aloha Collection + Online Auction

Sail Charlevoix is excited to announce our upcoming online auction featuring a variety of bags and totes from Sea Bags and from the ALOHA Collection. We have kept old sails out of the landfill by trading the sailing school’s worn sails for merchandise from Sea Bags, Charlevoix. We are also thrilled to have received a variety of new ALOHA Collection bags from a generous donor. From October 7 through October 21, you can bid on these unique bags made out of recycled sails and from splash-proof tech material. Top bids for each item will go directly towards furthering our mission of sailing education and offering our community access to sailing opportunities.

HOW TO BID • Scan the QR Code in the flyer. • Visit our website or social media pages on October 7 to begin placing your bids. HAPPY BIDDING!

https://sailcharlevoix.betterworld.org/auctions/2024-online-auction-sail-charlev

Stay Healthy During Respiratory Virus Season

Receive your flu and updated COVID-19 vaccines at the same appointment

Fall is upon us and as the weather cools down, it’s important to keep our health a top priority. Like the annual flu vaccine, the COVID-19 vaccine has been updated with a more recent strain of the virus. As viruses evolve, so do the vaccines to provide the best protection for those who receive it. The Health Department of Northwest Michigan (HDNW) is offering flu and updated COVID-19 vaccines during clinic hours onsite and at community based-flu clinics.

“We ask everyone to consider their own and others’ health. Getting vaccinated is the easiest and best way to reduce the risk of getting sick from the flu or COVID-19,” says Dr. Joshua Meyerson, HDNW Medical Director. “These vaccines reduce the risk of developing severe complications and hospitalization. It is safe and easy to get the flu and updated COVID-19 vaccine at the same appointment.”

It is recommended that everyone ages 6 months and older receive a flu and updated COVID-19 vaccination. People at greatest risk of developing severe COVID-19 and flu complications remain adults 65 years or older, children under 6 months old, residents in long-term care facilities, pregnant women, and those with underlying illnesses.

Stay Healthy

Here are some ways to prevent the spread of germs:

· Stay up to date with vaccinations,

· Practice good hygiene (ex: hand washing for a full 20 seconds)

If you are feeling sick, here are things you can do to help keep others around you healthy:

· Stay home, except to seek medical care,

· Get tested, if you have a fever of 100 degrees or higher,

· Take care of yourself, drink lots of fluids and get plenty of rest,

· Get vaccinated, the best form of prevention.

Vaccine clinics are scheduled in Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet, and Otsego counties with appointments for children and adults. The clinics are running now, through the end of October. Visit our website to view the clinic dates in your county: https://nwhealth.org/adult-immunizations/ and call our local staff at 800-432-4121 to schedule an appointment. For more information on respiratory virus season, visit https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/keep-mi-healthy/chronicdiseases/seasonal-respiratory-viruses.

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NCMC SEES NEARLY 5% INCREASE IN FALL 2024 ENROLLMENT

New degree programs, transfer pathways, and student support initiatives help drive enrollment growth

North Central Michigan College's Fall 2024 enrollment has increased by 4.83% compared to Fall 2023, marking two consecutive years of growth in credit and contact hours and reflecting positive momentum in the college's ongoing student success initiatives. Both new and returning students contributed to this growth, with notable gains in key student demographics.

Among the highlights of Fall 2024 enrollment:

A 5.57% increase in dual-enrolled students, as more high school students in North Central’s service area choose to get a head start on their college education
A 7% increase in students aged 22 and older, highlighting the college’s appeal to adult learners
A 12.28% increase in full-time students, signaling stronger persistence and engagement

Additionally, the college saw significant increases in male student enrollment, up 17.39%, and in out-of-state contact hours, which grew by 16.29%.

North Central has seen consistent enrollment growth from Fall 2022 to Fall 2024, with headcount increasing by 4%, credit hours by 8%, and contact hours by 8% during that period.

Associate Dean of Institutional Research and Assessment Erin Sonneveldt noted that such increases are a key driver of student success.

"The increase in credit and contact hours is a strong indicator that our students are building momentum toward degree completion," Sonneveldt said. "When students take more credit hours each semester, they’re not only accelerating their path to graduation but also staying more engaged with their studies, which significantly boosts their chances of successfully completing their degree."

Research indicates that students enrolled full-time — 12 or more credit hours per semester for NCMC students — are significantly more likely to persist in their studies and continue their enrollment year after year. According to data from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, full-time students starting in Fall 2022 had a retention rate of 74.5% and a persistence rate of 82.9%, compared to part-time students, whose rates were significantly lower at 45.7% and 52.3%, respectively.